Just Another Prank (A One Direction/Larry Stylinson Fan Fic)

Chapter Nine

A/N Okay, so #$@% writes most of the Larry Stylinson chapters, and she wrote the last one and this one. Hope you like it!

-Challen

Louis

            It’s curious how time slows down in horrible situations—everything around me seemed to be happening in slow motion, and I was aware of every little detail, from the sweat on Piper’s face to the shimmer of the tiles in the floor. I sat glued to my chair, my eyes fixed straight ahead, my mind reeling with the image of Harry lying in a pool of blood. I wondered if this was what it felt like to be in shock.

            I jumped as Liam’s hand came down on my shoulder, but I soon after leaned into the contact. I was used to Liam taking care of me, even though he was younger—there was just something about him that reminded me so much of my own parents. I turned my face up to him, wondering if it looked as bleak as it felt.

            He cleared his throat. “Louis….is something going on between you and Harry? Something you’re not telling us about?”

            “What?”

            “Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about.” The words were harsh, but his tone was gentle. “Are you two….?”

            I simply nodded. I didn’t trust myself to speak.

            Liam gasped. “Really? That’s great! So you’re….and he’s told you he’s…right. Okay.” He looked over at Niall, Piper, and Zayn. “Do you want me to tell the rest of them, or is that something you and Harry wanted to do together?”

            “Well, seeing as you’ve found out and Piper already knows, it seems kind of pointless for us to tell them. Will you please do it?” I asked, more than a little relieved. I had been dreading this moment ever since I found out I was gay—now, all I had to do was sit back and watch. I felt myself being glad all over again that we had Liam to take care of us.

            He squeezed my shoulder. “Sure thing. You just stay over here and relax. I’ll be right back.”

            No sooner had he walked away than a nurse appeared in front of me, her shoes tapping on the linoleum floor. She looked down at me. “Are you Louis?”

            “Yes, ma’am.” I stood up, willing my eyes to look less panicked. I had to look like I had it together, or they’d never let me see him.

            “Mr. Styles is asking for you. Normally we wouldn’t let anyone see him until morning, but as he’s asked for you a number of times—“

            “Is he going to be alright?” I interrupted. Dammit, Louis, I thought. Way to be cool.

            She smiled. “He’ll be fine. We’ve given him three blood transfusions and seventeen stitches, so he won’t be back on his feet straight away, but there will be no permanent damage. You’ll have your Harry back soon.” She checked her clipboard. “Now, as I was saying, I am going to break protocol and let you in to see him, as long as you promise to behave. You’re not to overexcite him, understand?” I nodded. “Good. Now, the rest of your friends won’t be allowed in to see him until tomorrow. I’ll send Dr. Ashbaum out to tell them to go home and get some rest. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure they know that Mr. Styles is going to be just fine.” She smiled at me again. “Very well, then. Follow me.”

            Door after door passed as we walked down a seemingly endless hallway, and I grew more agitated with each step. What if Harry spontaneously started bleeding again and lost too much blood? What if he died and they were just lying to me so I wouldn’t flip out? What if he was in pain, in need, and no one was there?