The Boy in the Bookstore | l.s ✔

Twelve

Once Harry had calmed down, Louis stood up and walked out of the small room. Harry looked up at his boyfriend, scared.

'W-where are you g-going, Lou?' Harry said, a weight on his chest.

'Harry, as much as you know I'd love to, we can't cuddle on the floor of your bathroom all day, baby. What do you want to do today?' Louis was trying to distract himself and Harry from what had just happened. He knew he couldn't tell Harry how upset seeing his beautiful boyfriend so vulnerable had made him. He knew he'd need to confront him about the cuts at some point, but he gathered that neither of the boys were ready for that conversation. He made a quick mental note to try to subtly check Harry's arms every week, and to make sure he was always eating something when it was mealtimes to try to remind Harry to eat.

'L-liam texted me earlier. Him, Z-zayn and Niall want t-to see me, a-at the b-bookstore you work at? 'M not going without you, Lou.' Harry whispered. Louis' heart melted, Harry was the cutest.

'Of course I'll come with you, love. I'm proud of you.' Harry blushed, not wanting to look at Louis. The older boy made Harry feel things he'd never felt before. He loved how Louis' little compliments and small smiles made his whole body feel warm and fuzzy. He loved when Louis looked at him with nothing but love in his blue eyes. He felt so safe with the older boy, yet always on edge. He didn't want to mess up and ruin what they had. He knew he would one day, but he didn't want to think of what it would be like to lose Louis.

'What do you wanna wear, H?' Louis asked, trying to distract the younger, curly haired boy.

'C-can you get me my pink hoodie? A-and my jeans?' Harry asked shyly. Louis pulled them out of Harry's wardrobe, before realising he had nothing to wear. He shrugged, and changed into his clothes from last night. He saw Harry watching him change, which made both boys blush.

'I can lend you some clothes, i-if you want?' Harry mumbled, looking down. He stood up, hands shaking and reached into his draw and pulled out some grey joggers and a green polo shirt. He didn't care that his friends would know that Louis was wearing his clothes. Something about Louis made Harry feel fearless.

The two boys headed downstairs. Anne was already awake, making herself tea. She was depressed in a pale pink tee shirt and black jeans, her dark hair pulled back into a ponytail.

'Morning, Anne.' Louis said politely.

'Morning Louis, lovely. Sleep well?' she asked, looking at him fondly. Harry walked in, looking down. Louis nodded in reply, before sitting down.

'Morning, mum.' he whispered, not looking at her.

'Morning baby. How are you doing? Sleep well?' Anne asked, looking at him with a subtle sadness in her eyes.

''M okay m-mum, you?' he whispered softly.

'Better now you're awkward.' she said, squeezing his shoulder comfortingly. Louis loved watching the two of them, he was so grateful that Harry had Anne. She was so patient, so kind and had so much love to give.

'Do you and Louis want cereal? Or toast and tea?' Anne asked, obviously enjoying being able to take care of both Louis as well as Harry. Harry suddenly looked nervous. He sat himself down next to Louis, pulling at the cuffs of his hoodie. He really didn't feel hungry, and he had a bad pain in his stomach - presumably from not eating enough in so long.

'Can I have some toast and tea please Anne?' Louis asked politely. Harry knew that now Louis had asked for something for breakfast, he'd also have to eat something.He felt so guilty, so ashamed. Louis gave his boyfriend a small nod, trying to tell Harry that it was going to be okay, that he could eat something.