Waifs and Strays II - M.A.D. [Larry Stylinson]

Chapter Six

Even if you think, you might have read this chapter before, I urge you to read it again. The old version was a draft that I accidently published, months ago, without realizing. It wasn't finished or prove-read at all. So it really is worth reading again.

I will also start working on Chapter Eight right now, so watch out for that!

I hope, you enjoy!

Love, L.

I parked the car a good 60 yards away from Harry's house, so his parents wouldn't start to wonder who it might be. We've been sitting here, four eyes fixed on the big white house with a huge window facade on the upper two stories. Both of us haven't uttered a word in minutes. Haven't moved a muscle.

In fact, I'm scared to move. Scared what will happen as soon as he begins to say his goodbyes. Scared of watching his figure growing smaller and smaller until this mountain of a house has swallowed him, leaving me behind.

As soon as he's back with his family, he won't need me anymore. To him, this all will seem like a wicked dream or a nightmarish adventure even. Nothing more. Why would he waste another thought about a cranky stray kid that lives in a hole?

I wouldn't blame him. How could I, after all the things I've done to him. I'd be glad to be rid of me if I was him.

It's just that it will be entirely different for me. I will not be able to move on. Nor will I be able to forget about him. I can't just go on with my life as it was before. Two reasons. For one, I am out now. At least to myself. I can't and won't go back to lying to myself about that anymore. And secondly, who else could I possibly meet who could make me feel at least the tiniest bit the way Harry makes me feel?

As soon as Harry leaves this car, I'll be doomed. But I've made my decision and I couldn't live with myself if I held this beautiful man captive any longer.

Suddenly, Harry reaches over to take my hand.

I inhale. "This is it, then," I mumble without looking at him, "Nice knowing you, Haz."

Harry sighs. "Lou..." he says quietly.

I finally look at him. "What?" I say, trying to sound nonchalant, "I'm sure I'll see you around, right?" I force a smile.

But Harry seems to see right through me. "Babe, whether I live with my parents or with you guys, I want to be with you either way," he smiles softly. "A warm shower and a TV won't change any of that."

"Yeah, I know..." I huff. "But maybe your rich friends or the next foam party will."

Harry slightly tips his head to the side and looks at me funny.

"Or maybe your parents will make you see that I'm not fit for you and your lifestyle." I say as an afterthought.

Harry chuckles. "My parents would adore you if they met you," he says in amusement. "And while I love a good foam party..." he pauses to make sure I catch onto his sarcasm. "I have zero interest in hanging out with any of my old friends. Not now that I've seen what real friends look like."

Harry stops just to run his long fingers through the side of my hair. The feeling makes me shiver slightly.

"You won't get rid of me that easily, love," he whispers with a ghost of a smile.

I interlace my fingers with his, still holding his hand to my cheek.

Harry drops his gaze, furrowing his brows. "Especially when I think about everything that has happened these past couple of days," he says ponderingly. "And everything you guys are about to do. Everything that is to come... I'll be worried sick. Sitting in my room, not knowing what is happening out there. Or whether all of you are alright."