The stop at the courthouse was quicker than Louis had expected it to be. He simply submitted the forms the detective had given them, let them photocopy his ID's and signed off on a background check, which upon return, he would be appointed Owen's temporary guardian for the duration of Lottie's disappearance. After that Harry suggested they stop at home to grab a few things for lunch and head to the park. Apparently Owen really liked staring at people so the park was one of his favourite places, and with the warm weather Louis was all for the idea.

When they returned to the apartment Harry took Owen to change his diaper and clothes while Louis himself changed into shorts and a t-shirt, which wasn't appropriate for the police station or court but was definitely needed in the near 30 degree temperatures of New York City in August, especially for a boy who had grown up in England.

Once dressed, Louis played with Owen for a bit as Harry put together some lunch for them, repacking some snacks and milk for Owen to replenish what he had eaten during their time out that day.

"Ready to go?" Harry asked, backpack and sunglasses on.

Louis nodded and picked up Owen, "Are we driving or..."

"There's a park nearby so I thought we could grab his stroller from the car and then walk," Harry explained.

Louis nodded in understanding before picking Owen up off the floor and slipping on his own sunglasses and shoes. He followed Harry to the car, careful with Owen down the stairs as he had never actually carried a baby down stairs and was very worried about dropping his nephew. Harry was quick to pull out the stroller and open it up. It was clear he had done it many times before. Louis buckled Owen in and they began walking in the direction of the park.

As they walked, Harry pointed out a pub just around the corner from the apartment.

"We usually meet up with the guys there on Friday nights so if you're up for it we can go tonight," Harry suggested.

"What about Owen?" Louis asked.

Harry chuckled, "It's kinda bad but he's been going to this pub since the day he was born. He can pretty much sleep through anything so the noise doesn't bother him and he absolutely adores the guys."

Louis thought for a moment before nodding, "I'd love to then."

Harry glanced at him with a smile just as they reached the park. Harry pushed the stroller over to a shaded area under a tree, about ten metres from the play structure. He parked the stroller before putting his backpack down and pulling out a blanket. He lay it down and put down a few toys before unbuckling the baby and sitting him down on the blanket. Owen immediately reached for a toy and stuck it in his mouth as Louis and Harry took a seat on either side of him.

"So I've got some sandwiches and some fruit," Harry explained as he pulled the food out and rested it on the blanket, "You can just take whatever you want... You don't have any allergies or anything right? Probably should've asked that before."

"No," Louis laughed, "We're all good."

Louis helped himself to the food, watching as Harry pulled out food for Owen as well and began to feed the baby with one hand while eating with the other. Louis couldn't help but notice that both Harry and Owen were people watching, while Louis watched the two of them. If he didn't know better and just walked by, he would definitely think that Harry was Owen's father. The thought made him smile.

Louis pulled out his phone to snap a picture of the two, making both of them look over at the same time at the sound of the click. Louis laughed and took another picture of the two boys looking at him because they were making the exact same face.

"You know he looks like Lottie but you two are basically twins," Louis commented, showing Harry the pictures on his phone.

Harry smiled and hummed before simply returning to feeding Owen and watching the people walk by.

After they were done eating, Harry packed up the food and suggested they take Owen over to the swings.

"Is he big enough for that?" Louis asked, concerned.

Harry nodded and picked up Owen off the blanket, handing him to Louis so he could pack it up as well. "He's been on it a few times now over the past couple weeks. At first he hated it but I knew if he tried a few more times he would get used to it and now it's his absolute favourite."

Louis smiled and looked down at his nephew in his arms, kissing the boy on the forehead before following Harry over to the swings. Louis carefully placed Owen in the swing and stepped back for Harry to push the little boy. And, of course, he was right. As soon as he started moving, Owen burst out into laughter that filled Louis' heart and made him laugh too. He quickly pulled out his phone and began to take a video, stopping after 30 seconds or so to take pictures as well, getting Harry with his wide smile and sunglasses in a few.

As he goes to put his phone back into his pocket, it vibrates with a text so Louis pushes his sunglasses up and opens it.

Dad: Hi son, I had no idea that Lottie was pregnant. Please call me so we can talk about everything.

Louis frowned, unsure whether or not to believe his father. He had assumed his parents shared everything. They had, at least, when he had come out to his mother ten years prior.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked as he slowed pushing Owen just the slightest bit, making the baby whine. Harry continued pushing him and glanced back up at Louis. Louis couldn't see his eyes behind his sunglasses but after the two days or so he had spent with the boy, he knew they were filled with concern.

"Uhm, my dad texted me... He said that he didn't know about Owen and wants to talk."

"Well that's good right?" Harry asked.

"I'm not sure I believe him," Louis explained.

"Oh," Harry said before glancing down at Owen for a moment, "Well maybe you should try talking to him anyway."

Louis frowned again.

"I don't want to tell you what to do," Harry continued, "But I think it would be nice for Owen to have his grandparents. My parents love him and everything but you can never have too many people looking out for him."

Louis thought for a moment, "I guess you're right."

Harry smiled and picked up Owen from the swing. The baby whined but forgot all about the swing and began to giggle as Harry peppered his cheeks with kisses. Louis picked up Harry's bag and carried it as Harry put Owen back in his stroller and began to push it back the way home.

"Normally I grab coffee on the way home from the park at that place there," Harry said, pointing to a cute little shop with a yellow awning, "But since we're going out tonight I figured we could skip it so you could get in some time to rest before we go."

Louis nodded in appreciation, he was still severely jet lagged. They walked back the rest of the way in relative silence and Harry handed Louis Owen and the house key when they reached the car, explaining that they could head up while Harry put the stroller away.

Louis took the baby and walked up the stairs, careful not to drop him as he maneuvered in the key into the lock. "Are you getting sleepy?" Louis asked as they walked in, peering down at the baby who had gotten progressively quieter during their walk. Louis smiled and kissed the boy's head, walking to the nursery and sitting down with the baby on the rocking chair. He cradled Owen and rocked slowly, humming a song he used to sing with Lottie.

He eventually heard Harry enter the apartment and about a minute later he appeared at Owen's door with a bottle and a soft smile.

"Lottie used to sing that song to 'im," Harry commented, walking over and handing Louis the bottle.

"Really?" Louis smiled, "I used to sing it with her when we were kids."

Louis gave Owen the bottle which he drank hungrily before he resumed humming, only for Harry, who was leaning against the wall, to join in. As Owen finished the bottle it was clear he was falling asleep so Harry carefully took him and lay him down in the crib before walking back over to Louis and taking the empty bottle from him.

"You gonna take a nap too?" Harry whispered and Louis nodded.

"Might just stay in here, I'm too comfy," Louis whispered back, snuggling into the chair already close to sleep.

Harry just nodded and patted Louis' shoulder before leaving the room, closing the door quietly behind him. Louis tried his best not to think about his dad's text sitting unanswered on his phone and just focused on falling asleep. He's out within minutes.

When Louis woke up a few hours later it was the setting sun peeking out behind the curtains, an empty crib and a soft, seemingly handmade throw blanket covering his torso. Louis stretched, reminded just how old he was getting by the ache in his back from sleeping on the chair. Back in college he used to be able to crash on anyone's floor with no problem, weekend after weekend, but now that he was closer to 30 than 20, he could feel everything.

Louis could hear Harry talking to Owen faintly in the living room so he stretched his back out once again before leaving the baby's nursery. Harry and Owen were sat on the couch, Owen on the older boy's lap as Harry held his phone in front of Owen.

"Hi Louis," Harry looked up and greeted him with a smile, "Sleep alright?"

Louis nodded and smiled at Owen who was now looking at him, "Whatchu guys doing?"

"Just taking some pictures, Owen loves to see himself on the camera," Harry explained with a laugh.

"Aww," Louis cooed, reaching a hand out to rub the baby's cheek.

"Can you take him for a bit while I start on dinner?"

"Of course," Louis replied, taking the baby from Harry and sitting him on his lap, "Do you want any help with that?"

"No, no it's okay," Harry shook his head, "Just watching Owen is such a big help."

"Course," Louis said, just as he heard a buzz from his phone. Harry grabbed it off the kitchen table and walked it to Louis, not even glancing at the screen which is a lot more self restraint than Louis was capable of.

Louis thanked the boy and waited for him to make his way to the kitchen and start taking ingredients out before he turned on his screen. His dad had texted him again but he had been having a pretty great day and he really didn't want to deal with him. So he tossed his phone on the couch, ignoring the look Harry had thrown his way, and picked up Owen, walking him over to the pile of toys on the floor and sitting them both down to play.