Bravery. || larry stylinson boyxboy

Chapter 2

A/N: Sorry for the wait! I meant to update a few days ago but then school happened. Apparently you can't just write fanfiction all day and expect to ace your classes. Oh well.

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Harry was still in shock. He hadn't even seen the men behind him until they had slammed him up against the wall. The feeling of their fists against his face was still fresh in his mind, and he couldn't ignore the throbbing in his jaw. He had hoped that they would leave him be when he fell to the ground, but they were relentless. Kicking sharply against his side and stomping down on his stomach, he could feel the footprints aching in his lungs.

Now he was leaning on a man with stunning eyes and sharp cheekbones, trying desperately not to cry out when he inhaled deeply and felt the throbbing in his side increase. He took a slow breath and clung tighter to the man supporting him, praying that he would numb the pain somehow.

He glanced around fearfully as they walk down dark streets, and thought maybe this man could sense his nerves, because he tightened his grip on his shoulder and whispered "You're okay. They can't hurt you anymore."

Harry allowed himself to be guided around the block and into a building, feeling the safe rush of warmth wash over him as they walk through the doors. Without thinking too much about their location, he followed the man into the lift and sighed as they waited for the doors to reopen.

Louis guided the boy out of the lift and down a long hall, stopping in front of his door. He dropped his arm from around the boy's shoulders to grab at his keys, but heard the boy whine in his throat and lean closer. "Sweetheart, I've go to unlock the door," Louis laughed. The boy seemed unsatisfied with his answer though, clinging to Louis' waist tighter and pressing himself to Louis' side closely.

"Okay, love. C'mon." Louis urged him forward gently, chuckling when the boy stumbled and tightened his grip fearfully. "You're okay. Just come in and sit. I'll take care of you."

Harry was a little apprehensive. He wasn't sure how to feel about being led into a stranger's home, and even less sure how to act towards the beautiful boy beside him.

Louis led the nervous boy to the couch, sitting on the table in front of him and smiling sadly. He reached out to brush the boy's curls aside, inspecting the bruising along his jaw. He paused, stunned by the glassy emerald eyes staring back him. He could feel the fear in this boy's eyes trembling through his knees and he sighed. "You're safe now, darling. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Harry just stared, in awe of the lovely boy so close to him. He could reach out and touch him, hold him close and kiss him... if he wanted to. But why would this stunning man want anything like that with Harry? Harry, the boy who just got beaten to a pulp for even attempting to make himself feel pretty... He knew he wasn't good enough for this guy.

Louis rose to go fetch a first aid kit and some tea for the boy, hoping it will help him calm down. As he turned to walk around the couch, he heard the boy let out a frightened whine. "Sweetheart, I'm just going to make you some tea and find something for your bruises. I'll be right back."

Harry's eyes widened, embarrassed that he had literally whined at the momentary absence of the man. He nodded though, letting him know he was okay, that he could leave him, even if Harry didn't want him to.

Louis paused, watching the back of the curly boy's head for a moment, then grabbed a blanket off a chair and walked up behind him, wrapping it gently around the boy's shoulders and hugging him tightly. "I'll be right back, princess." He whispered softly, his hands rubbing the boy's arms as he pulled away.

Harry closed his eyes, feeling a chill where the man's touch had been. "Come back in here and hold me.." he pleaded silently, afraid to voice his vulnerability.