True Lies (Larry Stylinson)

Chapter 21

HARRY:

     I got up from the table, putting all of the papers and photos back in Louis’ box and taping it closed again when I couldn’t bear to look at the items any more. I wiped the tears from my cheeks and put the box back in the closet where I found it. I debated calling Louis again, but decided against it. He would come back when he was ready. If he was ever ready. He needed time. I called Liam and Zayn and Niall all again to see if they had seen him anywhere. They hadn’t. And I would be lying if I said it didn’t feel like a kick in the gut to not know where he was.

***

     “What’s your name?” he asked, playing with the buttons on his shirt.

“Harry.” I answered, turning away to hide the blush that dusted across my cheeks and smoothing my shirt with my palms.

“Louis.” He smiled and held it his hand out to me. I enclosed it in mine and shook it lightly.

“Nice to meet you.” I said smiling.

“You too.” He laughed and poked his finger at my dimples, causing a giggle to rumble through my chest. “You’re cute.” He whispered in my ear and I felt my face heat up more than it already was while my head got light.

“I- Thanks…” I rubbed my hands on my jeans nervously.

     In the days that followed, I discovered that that was just Louis. He was sweet and affectionate. He wasn’t afraid of people mistaking his complements and gestures for being gay. I guess he just didn’t care at that point. He was always flamboyant and energetic. He was always Louis.

***

     “I, I didn’t get it.” I whispered.

“Oh Harry. I’m so sorry. I know how bad you wanted this.” He said, wrapping his arms around me, causing me to sink into him, burying my face in his neck.

“Lou?” I asked softly, lifting my head.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.” I breathed.

“For what?” he chuckled.

“For being here.” I smiled. No one was ever there for me like Louis. I never knew what it was like to have someone until him.

“Don’t thank me. I want to be here.” He assured me with a firm nod of his head.

“I know. I just don’t have a lot of people who care about me. You’re really important to me.” I said, inhaling his scent. “You’re everything to me.”