(shouldn't have) let you go

Untitled Part 1

Louis' head is spinning. He's sure there was something deadly in the shot he downed, and after splashing his face with cold water he only feels marginally better. He picks his head up from where it's resting against the dingy bathroom of the club and pulls himself to his feet. Something sticks to his calf. He'd rather not think about it.

He takes a look at himself in the mirror and cringes. His sweat-drenched hair makes it look like he's just gone swimming and sky-diving at the same time. Louis shakes his head. His stomach churns with the sudden movement, but he ignores it and leaves the bathroom. He figures that Danny must still be around here somewhere because even though they'd just started going out, he doubts he would have left without him. Liam's probably nearby too, and he would definitely not leave Louis stranded at a club. Not after the first time.

Louis opens the door to the bathroom and takes a step out.

He's met with a fist in his face.

His first reaction is to punch back.

He winces as his fist connects with a rock hard jaw, and his first thought is that the guy really should shave because he's got some mad stubble.

His second thought is that the guy is reasonably attractive. At least, from what he can see from his position on the ground. And, oh, yeah. A white-hot pain sears through his own jaw and his hand at the same time, and he makes a pathetic attempt to grab onto both before he realizes that that is not possible. He lets out a loud groan as he sees Liam rush to his side, kneeling on the floor next to him.

"Louis?" Liam asks, placing a hand on Louis' jaw. Louis looks up at him for a moment before he brings himself to his knees. He's decided that he is stronger than this, that a little (enormous) punch was not going to break him. He would defend his honor.

He pulls himself to his feet, Liam's hand still cupping his jaw. He brushes it away. Louis spins in a circle and looks around at the small crowd that's formed around them, and frowns. Then he sees him. There's a boy around his age standing halfway between him and the crowd. His milky skin is marked red, and he's staring at Louis. Louis stares back.

The boy walks up to Louis as the crowd disperses. Louis has no idea what to say, the last time he punched someone was far over five years ago-- but why was he feeling guilty? He blinks at the guy and frowns, his hand still hurting.

"I'm Harry."

"I'm Louis."

"I'm sorry for punching you."

"I'm not."

Harry nods. Louis blinks again, feeling completely out of his depth. He's saved when he feels an arm around his shoulder and a kiss on the top of his head. He doesn't miss the way Harry's eyes widen.

"Danny, where were you?" Louis asks, looking up at Danny.

"Louis, baby, are you okay? What happened?"

Louis ignores Danny's question and reaches up to press a kiss against his lips.

"I'm fine, love. Don't worry."

Danny's silent for a moment and Louis looks up at him. He's glaring at Harry.

"Babe?"

His boyfriend looks back down at him with a smile.

"I love you, Lou."

Louis doesn't get a chance to respond, because the next thing he knows his wrist in encompassed in Harry's hand, and he is being pulled outside of the club and into an alley. His heart races.

"Please don't hurt me, I'm sorry for pun-"

Harry cuts him off with a tug to his wrist. Louis' eyes go wide and he falls silent, staring up at the taller boy.