The Animator (Larry Stylinson)

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE - THE ESCAPE

It seemed Louis was tired because he'd managed to fall asleep relatively easily while Harry lay drifting in and out of a light sleep. He kept his hand running gently up and down Louis' back feeling the warm solid body below his hand.

He lay staring at the ceiling, going through everything in his head. The way to the station through the wood, the trip down to the port. Going back into Louis' shop but this time alone and he felt miserable. But as he let his mind wonder to the ship, he felt even more so. Even if he was with Niall, he had no prospect of a life at all there.

It eased his nerves and feeling Louis' breath on his skin was helping him too. He now knew Louis liked him back and that was enough for now. Maybe, if he wasn't killed by Zaphior, when all this was over he'd find Louis again and that would be their time.

He needed to leave and soon, but he was keeping the moment going as long as possible. He looked down at Louis, able to see him a little clearer as the sun was starting to rise. His heart pulled in his chest and he kissed the top of Louis' head softly, breathing him in for the last time. He held his breath as Louis made a small noise and nosed into his chest and he couldn't help but smile.

He looked at the clock and saw it was now going on for six in the morning and he sighed knowing it was now or never.

Carefully as to not disturb him and wake him up, he pulled his hand from under Louis, and gently pulled himself out from under him, keeping his head from hitting the bed.

He turned and stood up from the bed feeling cold immediately, and he stood up from the bed looking down at Louis asleep on the bed breathing steadily.

He looked as beautiful as ever and Harry hated himself for doing this, for leaving him but it was the safest thing to do. He wasn't going to ask Louis to risk his life for him.

He walked to the door of the caravan and opened it walking out into the freshness of the morning. He closed the door as quietly as possible and made his way over to his own caravan.

His heart was pounding, the blood sounding in his ears and he gulped as he walked up the steps to his own caravan and opened the door quietly.

He was hit with snores immediately and he closed the door behind him carefully. He looked around the room and moved towards his bunk pulling on his clothes before he slipped on his boots and grabbed the blanket.

He put his coat on, listening to the snores around him and he looked down at his bunk where Ferdinand appeared to be watching him. Harry smiled and held his hand out for the teapot who moved closer to him.

At least with Ferdinand he wouldn't be completely alone, not that Ferdinand could talk to him or anything but at least he was company.

He stood up from the floor, giving Nialls bunk a fleeting look before he walked to the door of the caravan and made a swift exit before he could stop himself.

He'd need food, and he knew where to grab some, so he walked down the remaining steps and as quietly as possible made his way out of the small clearing into the shadows of the other caravans. He walked to the caravan he knew Betty was in and saw, thankfully, there was a little bit of food still left outside by the fire.

He looped his blanket carefully filled it with some food, keeping hold of Ferdinand who struggled assuming Harry was about to put him in it.

"Quiet down," Harry whispered to him tying up the blanket so nothing would fall out and draped it over his shoulder. He stood up and moved back through the caravans. The only thing that felt good was knowing that for once in his life he was taking control of the events, and it felt good to.