Sorry that it took me so long to update. I had a lot of privat struggle to deal with and had no time to work on this story. I also needed some time to figure out what should happen next and what I want to do with the story. 

Now I'm back but my updates will probably be a little slower now. Not every two days. I have work now and can't write almost the whole day any more....:/ But I will try my best to update as soon as possible for me. 

I also want to thank the two girls that read my story constantly and make me smile with their comments. They are my best readers and I do this partly for them :)

definegirlfriends11 -  P-0050 - this is for you two :) :* <3 

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With a throbbing heart, Louis and Harry stood in front of a white door and stared at the bell that bore the name Twist. Louis laid his hands reassuringly on Harry's shoulders, which made him relax directly. Carefully he pressed the bell and then took a step back. Behind the door, they heard soft sounds and how someone came closer to the door.

When the door opened, a middle-aged, very pretty woman with brown hair appeared. Immediately, Louis looked at her eyes. Harry and she had the same eyes, that was unmistakable. Smiling, she stood there but when she saw the two boys, her face fell and she looked like she had seen a ghost.

"Harry?" she breathed out cautiously. She had a warm friendly voice.

"Hi Mom" ​smiled Harry weakly and pitiful.

That seemed to take her out of her trance. She took a few steps back into the house and opened the door. "Um, come in" she cleared her throat.

Somewhat awkwardly, the two entered and she closed the door behind them. Then they followed her into a large open space. It seemed to be the living room. In other circumstances, Louis would have looked around, but now his attention was focused exclusively on Harry, who had the nervousness written on his face. Both sat down on the sofa next to each other and Harry's mother sat down opposite them. A very unpleasant silence arose in the room, because nobody knew what to say. Louis looked from Harry to his mother. She seemed to be searching for the right words and looked at Harry so wistfully.

"By the way, I'm Louis, Miss" Louis tried to break the silence and held out his hand.

"Pleased to meet you, Louis" she shook his hand.

"Me also Mrs. Twist" smiled Louis friendly.

"Love, call me Anne" she asked him. 

"Okay Anne, thanks for allowing us to be here" Louis said as he didn't know what else to say. Harry still didn't say anything.

"Of course, but forgive me if I ask why are you here?" Anne wanted to know interested.

"I happened to find your address when browsing through the house and then I just without a second thought came here and kinda dragged him along" Harry finally spoke up.

"So your dad doesn't know you're here?" Anne concluded.

"No, he would never have let me go, but he will not notice it anyway" Harry shook his head.

"And why did you come?" Anne checked.

"I just have to know the truth. Why did you just disappear then without saying a word? And why does father pretend that you never existed?" Harry finally came to the core of the visit.

"That's difficult to explain, but you deserve the truth, um ... where to start" Anne stammered nervously, her gaze sweeping over and over to Louis.

"I can go and leave you alone. Talk without me" said Louis.

"No, you stay. No matter what it is, she should tell us both. I'll tell you anyway and besides I wouldn't be here without you" Harry grabbed his hand and pulled him back onto the sofa. Even closer than before.

"You don't have to go Louis. I just don't know where to start" Anne assured him.

"Maybe with the reason you left with Gemma" Harry suggested impatiently. Out of reflex, Louis put his hand on Harry's knee and drew little circles with his finger on it. That seemed to reassure Harry.

"That's difficult to explain. First of all, your father and I didn't have a normal relationship at the time. When we first met, he was nice and charming, but after a short time, traits of character of his true nature came through but I ignored it. Love, as we all know, makes blind. He became more and more successful in his job every day, but always colder to me. I wanted to leave him, but then I learned that I was pregnant with Gemma. Alone I would have gone then but now there was a kid I had to take care of. Gemma was such a sweet baby. She was worth all the other problems. For a while it seemed like we could fix the problems and be like we were in the past. But he just put on a show so that he was well in the media. With Gemma your father had never made a connection. He was not interested in it. He never wanted a daughter. There was a moment of weakness and hope that I would get the Man back that I fell in love with, but that was quickly over again". 

"Then you were on the way. I was so happy, but I was so scared about your dad. When he found out it was a boy, he suddenly became interested. I knew it could only be bad. I wanted to run away, but your father is powerful. He didn't let me leave because he wanted you. From day one he preferred you to us. He has indicated to you as if you were an object or something. He presented you as his successor when you were only a week old. That was disgusting. You know the influence of your father and all his oh so important relationships. He can control everything perfectly. As the years passed, I became more and more aware that it was a mistake to stay that long, even though I knew what he was capable of. Already as a child you were so similar to him and no matter what I did I couldn't prevent it. When his new partners with their son Shawn came into the picture, everything was lost. Any connection that you had to other people was suddenly forgotten and you two were always together. The future leaders of family companies. I couldn't watch that any more. I finally decided to leave him and take Gemma and you with me since he didn't care about kids anyway. But it didn't work. When he understood what I was doing he threatened me. He threatened to destroy my life if only I thought about taking you with me. About Gemma he didn't care, but you were his new project. I didn't want to leave you there, but I had no choice. He was ruthless and brutal. I agreed for Gemma's well-being and left with her overnight. My heart broke when I left you behind, but there was no other way. We couldn't stay with him any longer ... We ... you ..." Anne told them what had happened then. In the end, her voice broke and tears started to form in her eyes.

"Did he ... Did he ever hit you?" Harry asked in a trembling voice.

Anne just looked at him briefly and then lowered her head, tears dripping on the floor, "I'm so sorry Harry. I should never have given in to the threats" she sobbed heartbreakingly.

"You must not be sorry. You only did what was necessary to protect Gemma and what was good for you" Harry said sympathetically.

"It would have been good if I didn't let you stay with him" she said, crying.

"You couldn't have changed it. You have done the right thing. I probably wouldn't have gone with you anyway if I had the choice and you know that" Harry clarified to her.

"How can it be that you're not mad?" she looked questioningly at him.

"I have no reason to be mad. If your disappearance had negatively impacted my life, it might be different, but it didn't. To be honest, it didn't really matter to me until a few weeks ago. We didn't have a deep connection before. I was ruthless, ice cold, arrogant and obnoxious and you can't deny that. I didn't care that you were gone. It didn't affect me in any way. I was just fixated on Father" Harry explained honestly.

"I've heard that. That explains why you never answered my letters. I .. ".

"I didn't get any letters" Harry interrupted his mother.

"I could have guessed that. Probably your father threw them all away" Anne mused.

"I suppose I wouldn't have answered anyway. I was too busy living out my power and throwing money around" Harry joked, ashamed.

"You don't have a good role model. You can't help it. Since I was away, I've always tried to learn how you're doing. About old acquaintances and good friends, I have learned what you do and what has become of you. It has sometimes shocked me pretty much how similar you've become to your father. I've read about all the parties and the business trips and all the girls. The press may be ugly, but apparently your dad paid them well so only the right thing was written. The more I read the more I became aware that you will probably never contact me. But I was wrong about that " she told him.

"Two months ago, I didn't waste a single thought on you or ever thought I would sit here today, but now I'm here" Harry confessed.

"What has changed? What's different then two months ago?" Anne wondered.

"Louis" Harry said shortly.

This answer not only surprised Louis but apparently Anne as well. Slightly overstrained Louis looked between Harry, Anne and the floor back and forth.

"I don't quiet understand" said Anne.

"Louis is the reason why I am here today. Without him I would probably never have noticed that my father is keeeping something from me and the whole thing was strange" Harry replied and smiled at Louis.

"Then I have to thank you Louis. It looks like you've had a big impact on my son" Anne gratefully addressed Louis.

"Oh, I didn't do anything special. He exaggerates" Louis waved the matter off.

"Humble as always" Harry grinned, causing Louis to look at the floor again. 

"Louis asked me about you at some point and my answer made him think. Apparently it didn't fit with Zayns description and well ... Then he asked me if the whole thing didn't seem weird to me. But stupid as I was I didn't understand what he means. In the end, I started doubting and looking for old things with Sarah, a maid of mine, but there was nothing to be found. Then I happened to find your address in the PC and decided to come here. But without Louis, I would never have even started to think about it. That's all his merit. He changed me" Harry proudly said.

"That sounds all so great, but I just said something. No big deal" Louis said sheepishly.

"You made me use my head in more ways than one. Without you, I would still be an arrogant ass, who believes that power and money are the most important things and it would be great to sleep randomly with a lot of girls. Since you've been there, something has changed in my life, even if I didn't want to believe it at first. Your mere presence makes me want to be better, Louis" Harry revealed to him, and for a moment both forgot that Anne was still sitting in the room, watching them with a grin.

"You've really changed a lot" Anne cleared her throat as no one spoke. "From my old acquaintances, I've always heard how similar you are to your father, but I don't see anything of that now. If so, you wouldn't be here.

"As I said, I suddenly had a good influence in my life that wasn't there before. Before, there was only Shawn. Now I have real friends who don't care about money and power. They would do anything for each other and I really screwed it up a couple of times but for some reason I don't know they forgave me. No idea how I deserve this" Harry mused.

"You have proven to us many times that you've changed and you don't want to be a ruthless idiot any more. Don't forget how often you helped me or Niall or Zayn" Louis reminded him.

"I'm lucky to have you" Harry mumbled.

"Wait ... Zayn? The Zayn?" Anne wondered.

"Yes, the Zayn. We are friends again. That took a lot of time, but now we are inseparable" Harry smiled happily.

"I'm glad. Zayn was a nice kid" Anne reminded herself.

"He's still nice, if sometimes problematic" Harry grinned.

"Ey, Zayn is my crime buddy" poked Louis Harry in the side.

"I thought you were engaged" Harry countered.

"He left me for Liam" Louis replied grinning.

"I almost forgot that" Harry laughed.

"Didn't you say you'd use your head, Harold?" Louis said sarcastically.

"Our little sassy King is back" Harry smirked.

"Hey, I'm not little" pouted Louis.

"Oh please. I could put you in my pocket, Shorty" Harry once again mentioned his old nickname for Louis to annoy him.

"You'd like that, Haz" he winked at Harry.

"I dream of nothing else, Lou" Harry exaggerated.

"I knew it. And what does Nialler say about that?" gasped Louis dramatically.

"He'll challenge you to a duel for my heart" Harry grinned.

"I thought you were all fighting for my love? I'm not going to strain myself" Louis said with crossed arms.

"Then I'll have to defeat Niall to get the King" Harry tried not to laugh.

"Now it sounds more realistic" chuckled Louis amused.

"So self-loving, Boobear" Harry cackled.

"I learned that from you, Hazzabear" Louis countered, trying not to show the shock on his face that he had just called Harry Hazzabear.

"I don't want to disturb you, but I'd be interested to know how long you want to stay" Anne, grinning broadly, drew attention to herself.

"I haven't thought about it yet. We can go right back if we disturb you" Harry confessed.

"Oh god no, you don't bother me. You can stay as long as you want. Gemma comes to visit tomorrow. She would be happy to see you" she let him know.

"She doesn't live here?" Harry hooked in astonishment.

"No. She moved out at the beginning of the year. Robin and I have been living here alone since. We're thinking about moving again. Nothing keeps us here" Anne said thoughtfully.

"Robin?" Harry frowned.

"Robin has been my new boyfriend for a few years. He was a good father for Gemma" Anne said quietly.

"I'd like to meet him as well" Harry told her what made Anne smile.

"You're probably tired from the ride. I'll show you the guest rooms. Then you can unpack your things. Later, maybe we could have dinner together. I'll have to leave shortly, but tonight I'll be back" Anne rambled and got up.

Harry and Louis followed her up the stairs to the end of the hallway, where she pointed to two doors.

"Thank you, Anne" Louis said and went to one of the rooms.

He looked around and saw there was a bed and a wardrobe. The walls were white and the curtains kept the sunlight outside. Louis put down his bag and threw himself on the bed. That was a revealing day. He wondered what he should do now. Really tired of the ride he wasn't. After all, it was just under two hours. Maybe he should call his mother and tell her that everything was alright. Or he could annoy Liam and Niall.

Before he could decide for one, his door opened and Harry came in. He looked pretty done and thoughtful. Louis patted the spot next to him on the bed and Harry sat down next to him without a word. For a while they said nothing and only enjoyed the silence and their closeness. Sighing heavily, Harry dropped back onto his back and Louis did the same. He turned his head to Louis and looked at him gratefully.

"That was an interesting day" Harry laughed in disbelief.

Louis brushed a strand of hair from his face and quickly pulled his hand away. Stunned, he turned his head away from Harry and stared at the ceiling. 

"You can say that again".

He tossed around wildly in bed. His hands clawed into the sheets. He was surrounded. There was no escape. Countless hands and fingertips touched him and burned his skin. Miserable pain dragged through his body. Someone pulled him by the waist and pressed himself against his bum. He struggled and tried to pull himself out of the grip but only a scowl sounded. Perspiration beads formed on his forehead. He grimaced and turned from side to side. He broke free and started to run. But he didn't move. He was stuck. His legs ran as fast as he could, but he didn't move one bit. Behind him, a dark shadow approached.

Suddenly he felt two big strong hands on his shoulder, which didn't drag him to them. No, those hands were gentle and soothing and gave him goosebumps. He wanted to turn around but couldn't.

"Louis? Louis wake up" Harry's voice sounded in his head.

Panting heavily, he opened his eyes and sat up in bed. His eyes had to first get used to the darkness in the room.

"Everything OK?" Harry asked worriedly.

"Yeah, all right. Just a nightmare" mumbled Louis dizzy.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Harry listened.

Louis shook his head and closed his eyes. He tried to suppress these pictures in his head. Tired, he rubbed his hands over his face and dropped back onto his back.

"Why are you even awake?" Louis turned to Harry in astonishment.

"I couldn't sleep" Harry confessed, pulling his legs to his chest.

"Oh why not? Did something happen?" Louis asked worriedly.

"I've got so much in my head. It was a revealing day. I have to deal with that first" Harry explained thoughtfully.

"I understand that well. You've learned so much that it's understandable that not everything is perfect right away" Louis encouraged Harry, suppressing his yawn.

"It's so much at once. I've got my mother back, but I'm so far away from my father like I was never before. To find out he's even worse than I thought is not easy to digest. After all, I know what really happened" Harry shared his thoughts with him.

"Your mother really seems to be very nice" Louis noted to lift the mood.

"She has always been like that. Kind and cordially. I used to be disgusted by it, but now I'm very happy to have her. Part of my family has a heart" smiled Harry happily.

"And she cooks great, you probably inherited that from her" Louis grinned.

"It was clear that you like that" said Harry, amused.

"Eating is the most important thing in the world. After all, I know now that I will not starve to death" said Louis.

"You sound exactly like Niall" Harry laughed.

"I miss the little gnome and it's only been one day" sighed Louis.

"I feel the same way" Harry agreed.

"What do you think Liam is doing without Zayn?" Louis mused.

"He probably misses him terribly and whines Niall up. At least that's how it would be for me" Harry answered honestly.

"But you don't have a relationship, that's a different story. As soon as they're together, one of them has to leave. I don't want to swap" Louis countered.

"Two weeks can be quite long if you miss someone. We should call Liam tomorrow and ask how he's doing" Harry suggested.

"Good idea, Mr. Sensitive" chuckled Louis.

"Hey, I also have a heart. I know what it's like to miss someone you love" Harry pouted playfully.

"Oh, and who?" Louis raised an eyebrow.

"You" Harry blurted out.

"What?" Louis asked confused.

"Um, I mean the one weekend I was away, the one where we didn't perform because Liam and I were away, I missed you and the others a lot and it was only two days and a couple of hours. That's why I'm very glad you are here now. Just the thought of being without you again makes me miss you" Harry explained what he meant.

"But I'm here now, nobody has to miss anyone" Louis put his hand on Harry's.

As a result, Harry lay down next to him under the blanket and just looked at him. Louis warned himself that he shouldn't interpret too much in Harry's words. He meant that purely friendly. No more. But again he felt this stupid urge to kiss him on the spot.

"We should sleep" Louis muttered, staring at the ceiling.

"You're right. I'll go, see you tomorrow and then... ".

"You can stay. You couldn't sleep, I had bad dreams. Maybe it's better if we stay together" Louis said, embarrassed. His choice of words came out differently than he had planned.

"Gladly" Harry smiled and lay down again.

"Good night, Lou" Harry yawned, looking at him.

"Night, Hazza" answered Louis tiredly and fell asleep after a few minutes

Clinking and rattling could be heard in the kitchen. Harry rummaged through the cabinets in search of plates. Louis sat on the kitchen counter, watching Harry with a grin. The two had got up early because they couldn't sleep any more and decided to make pancakes for breakfast. In other words, Harry made them and Louis watched and commented on the process.

As Louis sat there watching each of Harry's movements, he unintentionally imagined what the morning would look like if they were more than friends. At one point, he imagined Harry approaching him after Louis once again said something naughty and stopped directly in front of him. Louis would then put his legs around Harry's waist and pull him closer. Then Harry would smear dough on his nose with his finger, which would cause them to kiss, sooner or later. He could clearly see the images in his head and feel that warmth in his stomach. He had to forget that very quickly. They were friends and nothing more. That Louis wouldn't destroy by such stupid fantasies.

Because Louis was so fixated on Harry, he didn't even notice how someone suddenly stood next to him. Slightly frightened, he turned aside and saw Anne beside him, who seemed to be watching the two. She put a finger to her lips. Louis understood immediately.

"Lou, can you put the plates on the table, please you lazy bitch" Harry chuckled dirty, his back turned to him.

"Of course Harold, master of the kitchen. Your wish is my command" jumped Louis amused from the kitchen counter.

"So much Sass doesn't do you any good" Harry remarked.

"You mean rather you. Can little Harold not handle it?" Louis replied cheekily and picked up the plates.

"I'm definitely not little" Harry smirked, winking at Louis.

"Oh, I know" Louis countered and saw Harry turn slightly red.

"I think my Sass makes me sexy" Louis continued.

"Oh yes, it does" Harry muttered to himself.

"What was that?" Louis was listening now.

"I said move your lazy bum to the table" laughed Harry. Louis could see out of the corner of his eye how Harry wanted to playfully slam his hand on Louis' ass but before he did it he took his hand back and his face changed. Louis decided not to talk to Harry about it right now. For something like this it was definitely too early in the morning.

"What is it that smells so good?" Anne now pretended that she hadn't been around for half an eternity.

"Pancakes. I hope that's okay" Harry replied.

"That's awesome, but you don't have to do that. You're a guest here" she smiled at him.

"We were awake anyway, and I'm making some amazing pancakes" Harry said.

"I could have helped you" Anne replied helpfully.

"That' snice, but I like to do it all alone".

"Yeah, you know he's crazy about doing things all by himself" Louis chuckled in amusement.

"Ai Louis. Are you serious? Right over my food?" Harry snorted in surprise.

"What?" Louis asked innocently.

"That sounded so wrong" Harry said.

"Only in your head. I just talked about food" said Louis clearly with a suppressed grin.

"Oh yeah, of course. You love to eat" Harry rolled his eyes.

"There is almost nothing better. Mostly I like the dessert" Louis came closer to him and stopped directly in front of him.

Harry had dropped the spatula and turned to Louis. Their eyes met and Louis swore to realize Harry's breathing was becoming faster, but that couldn't be. With a wink and a sassy shrug, Louis reached past Harry, grazing his hip slightly, reaching for the plate of pancakes. With a hop in his step, he sauntered to the table and sat down. 

Anne sat down opposite him and had that certain expression that Louis had already seen in her eyes. Something seemed to please her a lot because she seemed to be amused and at the same time overjoyed.

With a slight murmur Harry came to the table and sat next to Louis. Louis was satisfied with himself at the moment. This morning routine, they had really good in it. They were a well-rehearsed team. Just as they started eating, footsteps came down the stairs and a man joined them in the kitchen.

"Oh, Harry, Louis, this is Robin" Anne cleared her throat.

Louis looked up to see a friendly-looking man with dark hair that was already turning slightly grey.

"Hello, good morning. You have to be Harry. Glad to meet you" Robin shook Harry's hand.

"I'm glad too, but how do you know he is not Harry?" Harry wondered, pointing to Louis.

"The similarity to your mother is easy to spot" said Robin.

"True, you have the same smile and the same eyes" Louis agreed softly.

Immediately, Louis felt Harry's eyes on him, but he didn't look up. Instead he focused on his pancake. Anne also looked at him, but in contrast to Harry not shocked and confused but with pure gratitude. Robin sat down next to Anne and grabbed one of the pancakes.

"Are you there tonight when Gemma comes over?" Robin asked.

"Yeah, I haven't seen her in such a long time" Harry answered lightly absent.

"That's great. And what are you up to today?" Robin was very interested.

"We were thinking about looking around and going into town while you're at work" Harry told them.

"That sounds like a good idea. You should check out the beach" Robin suggested.

"Mh, maybe" Harry muttered.

"It doesn't have to be. They have a beach in front of the front door at home" chuckled Anne.

"Oh right" Robin recalled.

"Do you know how long you stay?" Anne wanted to know.

"Maybe a few days. Louis must definitely be home next week" Harry replied.

"Wait what? Why?" Louis didn't understand.

"The Football Holiday Program? You wanted to help Steve, remember?" Harry reminded him.

"Oh right. I totally forgot that" Louis hit his forehead.

"Well, luckily you have me. What would you do without me?" Harry boasted.

"I would finally meet all the interesting people you are chasing away with your weirdness and then I would grab Zayn, Liam and Niall and travel the world with them. We would have a lot of fun and Niall would get all the privileges over certain body parts, he always wanted to, because you're not around to tell him how strange it is. We would have much fun without you, mister weirdo" countered Louis sassy.

Harry inhaled sharply and put his hand over his heart. "I just can't believe that. This hit me very deep. You hurt me very much. You crushed my beastly weird heart and trampled on it. Right here you hurt me" Harry pointed theatrically to his heart.

"Oh, I am so sorry that I have smashed your lump of ice" smirked Louis.

"My lump of ice and I feel badly offended" pouted Harry.

"Aww Hazza. Should I kiss it better?" cooed Louis.

"No! No one wants your kisses" Harry crossed his arms over his chest.

"You're really cute when you pout, Hazzabear" Louis remarked.

"Sweet Talk doesn't save you now, Boobear. Kiss a tree" Harry turned his head away from him.

"The tree is sure to be happy about that, but you wouldn't want that, right Haz?" Louis turned to Harry, who was still looking away.

"Do whatever you want, Lou. I don't care. Have fun with the tree" snorted Harry.

"Naww, you're jealous. But don't worry the tree means nothing to me. I only like you" Louis clarified, and in the heat of the moment he kissed Harry on the cheek. Then he gave a brief shrug and turned back to his breakfast, grinning.

Harry touched his cheek and looked at Louis with his mouth open, a bit confused. After a short while he continued to eat. Louis didn't understand the shock. They were just kidding, as usual. Well, the kiss wasn't planned, but something overcame Louis at that moment. He played it down so Harry didn't notice how much it really meant to him and how he much he wished it would be more.

Anne and Robin had watched it all with a smug smirk. This was the third time the two had had such conversations and forgot everything around them.

"Did you mean that? "Robin whispered with a broad grin.

"Yes. That's exactly what I meant" she whispered back with a smug smirk on her face. 

Unseen, Harry and Louis dived into the water and swam farther out to the sea. They swam far away from people and boats to a small bay with rocks. There they reappeared and sat down on the rocks. The sun was shining in their faces and the wind was blowing through their hair.

Louis looked next to him and saw a closed eyed Harry enjoying the sun. With his tail and so bare-chested Louis couldn't deny that he was making him nervous. Harry was so fit and just perfect. At the same time, Louis felt almost fat. His little tummy was uncomfortable for him. Sure, he had built muscles through training, but somehow only in his arms and legs. His tummy didn't seem to like him.

Self-consciously, he wrapped his arms around his body and tried to be as relaxed as possible. As he stroked the sides and reached his hips, his hand wandered over the marks and bruises he still had. They were like constant reminders of his failure. Will a guy ever treat him, who wasn't friends with him, with respect and not abuse him as a toy?

"What are you thinking about?" Harry tore him from his thoughts.

"Nothing special" Louis replied, wiping his fingers over one of the bruises.

"May I?" Harry asked carefully.

Louis knew immediately what he meant. He hesitantly took his hand off the bruise and laid it open. He still had his arms wrapped around his body. But instead of feeling Harry's finger as expected, nothing happened. Harry just looked at the prints with a worried expression, but didn't touch him. Louis didn't know what he should think about it.

"I feel like ice cream. Are you coming with me?" Louis changed the subject and jumped back into the water without waiting for an answer.

After a few seconds Harry was beside him and together they swam back to the mainland. After they were dry, they strolled through the streets. They talked, but Louis noticed how absent Harry was. As if his thoughts were on Mars. When they arrived at the ice cream shop they both ordered their ice cream and then strolled through the city.

Harry stopped in front of a Second Hand shop and stared at the shop window. Frowning, Louis stepped closer and followed Harry's gaze. There was a silver and turquoise signet ring. At the sight of it Harry's eyes were shinning. After a few minutes, Harry turned his eyes away and walked on. Louis followed, but couldn't forget the radiance in Harry's eyes.

His cell phone beeped and he quickly got it out with one hand without dropping the ice. It was a message from Zayn.

From Zaynie:

"What's up Tommo, are you still with Harry's mother? How is it going? How arey ou? All right with you or do I have to kill someone? 

Sydney is very nice, but my family always wants to go to the beach and surf. So gradually I'm out of excuses and I miss Liam so much. He told me he spends every free minute with Niall. Just imagine that".

"Harry, can you hold my ice cream for a moment?" Louis asked.

"Sure, but can you entrust it to me without me eating it?" Harry smirked and took the ice cream.

"I'll probably have to trust you, but be aware that if I don't see my ice cream again I'll have to punish you" Louis grinned, tapping his cell phone.

"Kinky" Harry laughed.

From Tommo:

"Everything's fine here. Anne is really nice and Harry seems to be doing fine and he seems so liberated. Also you don't have to worry about me. Harry is here and is already overprotective. Can you behave normally? 

Liam has written me that he misses you too. As far as I know, he and Niall are with El and Soph today. And Zayn, you've only been there for two days ;) ".

"Zayn misses Liam, Liam misses Zayn. He asks about you and his family only wants to go to the beach" Louis summed it all up when he saw Harry's questioning face.

"So everything as always" he said amused.

"Exactly and now give me my ice cream" demanded Louis.

"Get it" Harry held the ice up. Louis grabbed for it but didn't get it.

"Oh, are you too small for the big world of ice?" Harry mocked him.

"I may be small, but I have my methods to get what I want, Harold" Louis clarified and was barely an inch away from him.

He reached up his arm, tapping his fingers over Harry's forearm, and then, at the moment of confusion, stood on his tippy-toes and reached for the ice. Harry stumbled back slightly and reflexively tried to reach for Louis, but immediately pulled back his arm and tried to regain his balance. Louis frowned. Again such a reaction. He didn't like that.

"Stop that" Louis demanded.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"You know exactly what I mean. Stop acting like I'm going to break any second" Louis got angry.

"Louis, I ..".

"No, Harry, let me finish. I know you mean well, but that doesn't help me. I just feel terrible about that, like I'm a burden everyone should take care of. Yes, it did happen. Yes, I feel dirty and shitty thinking about it. Yes, it will probably haunt me forever, but stop pitying me. I want to live normally and just forget that. I want to be like I once was and I don't want to be afraid of everything and everybody. Well, maybe I'll never be able to trust somebody again but please just be there for me. I need you and I'm glad to have you. If I feel the need to talk about it then I know I can come to you, but I don't want to talk it over all the time. Just treat me normally, as always" Louis tried to make clear to him what he felt like inside.

"I just don't want to hurt you even more. You have enough marks. I don't want to make it any worse" Harry swallowed hard and looked down.

"I know, but Harry. I'm not made out of glass or porcelain, you can touch me" Louis assured him, lifting Harry's chin up with his finger.

"Okay" Harry muttered, smiling weakly.

"And you should really probably do that. Best right now" smirked Louis.

"What?". Before Harry understood what was happening, Louis smeared his ice over his nose. When he saw Harry's shocked expression, he started to laugh aloud and instantly ran away. After a few seconds, Harry ran after him and tried to catch up with him. Luckily, the city was almost empty at this time. This way they didn't run anyone over.

When Louis was about to run around a post he was grabbed by the wrist and pulled back. Louis half-turned and then crashed into Harry's chest, accidentally crushing the rest of his ice between the two. Grinning, he looked up at Harry and winked at him. From one second to the other, Louis changed their positions so that Harry dropped his back against the post and Louis stood triumphantly in front of him.

"Pretty dominant for your height" Harry said breathlessly.

"Domination has nothing to do with height. You have a Toplinson in front of you, mister. I know how to do it" Louis grinned cheekily.

"Oh yes?" Harry smirked. The next moment he put a hand on Louis' back and pulled him closer. He threateningly held his ice cream in his face.

"We have an open issue" Harry said, leading the ice closer and closer to Louis's face.

"Oh God No! Spare my beautiful face" Louis wailed dramatically.

"You mean your cute hedgehog face with the little button nose" Harry chuckled and smeared ice on the tip of his nose.

"Ewww, that's cold and sticky" said Louis.

"Just like our clothes" Harry remarked.

"You're disgusting" Louis grimaced.

"You started smearing your sticky stuff in my face" Harry reminded him.

"It wasn't that bad. Eww, it's dripping down" Louis wanted to free himself from Harry's grip.

"I can help" Harry said and pressed a small kiss on Louis' nose. He sucked off the ice and then backed away.

Completely overwhelmed, Louis looked at Harry who surprisingly looked shocked by himself. Louis' nose was tingling from that kiss like crazy. Just when Louis wanted to say something, his cell phone vibrated. Immediately, Harry released him and Louis took it out. An answer from Zayn. Thank you Zayn.

From Zaynie:

"Uhh you can call her by her first name ... and how is it to meet your mother-in-law and live in her house? Is she planning the wedding already? 

Hopefully the four of them will not do anything stupid. My parents have been planning the full two weeks and every second day is called the beach, so I can already go crazy".

From Tommo:

"You mean like you're with Liam's mother, Romeo?! Are you talking about our wedding? That's the only one I know. 

We're talking about Niall and El ... they're doing something stupid. Oh well, we think of something for your parents, promise".

From Zaynie:

"I call her Mrs. Payne for your information !!! Sorry, Liam is more important to me, but Harry is sure happy about our divorce. He really wanted to have you with him and I'm sure he's with you right now, am I right?".

From Tommo:

"How many times should I say it, Harry is straight. Forget your funny fantasies, it never will be more ...".

From Zaynie:

"That's what I said once and now look at us".

From Tommo:

"Harry is not Liam. Liam was never only into girls. Harry loves women, vaginas, breasts !!! I don't have those and I don't want to ....... STRAIGHT, Zayn !!!

From Zaynie:

"Ugh, what nasty words. Now, I'm getting nightmares ... All right, I stop. I just don't want to see you down because he doesn't return your feelings".

From Tommo:

"That's nice of you Zayn, but I'm fine. Sure, that's shit, but better friends than nothing. I will not risk breaking that, so he will never know".

From Zaynie:

"I'm not saying a word, and when I'm back we'll have a Zouis evening against shitty feelings".

From Tommo:

"Sounds good, we'll write later".

Louis put the phone away and saw that Harry had sat down on a bench and was deep in thought. Slowly he went to him and drew attention to himself. Harry looked as if he wanted to say something about the incident, but Louis didn't want to hear any logical explanation. He never wanted to forget that moment and leave it as surreal as it was.

"That was Zayn. He's bored. Do we want to go back?" Louis suggested, trying to be as normal as possible.

"Of course" Harry answered. And together they made their way back to the home of Harry's mother. 

"Louis, what on earth are you looking for all the time?" Harry asked amused as Louis threw all his belongings out of his bag behind him all across the floor.

"I'm looking for a cozy sweater but I can't find one" huffed Louis.

"What for?" Harry cocked his head.

"We're going to watch a movie with your family, remember?" Louis replied as he continued to search.

"What does that have to do with a sweater?" Harry didn't quiet understand.

"Couch, movie, food, cozy sweater" groaned Louis as if it were obvious.

"Oh I see. Shouldn't you have packed one?" Harry sat down on the bed and watched Louis.

"I thought so, but apparently not. That's what happens when you rush out and have only one hour to pack" Louis gave up and leaned against the bed.

"That sounds like an accusation" snorted Harry.

"It's your fault after all" Louis replied.

"That's not true" pouted Harry.

"Oh, but it is" Louis emphasized.

Snorting, Harry stood up and stomped away toward the door. Quickly, Louis jumped up to stop him. He was just kidding and didn't want to upset Harry.

"Harry, wait, I ...".

"Here" Harry interrupted Louis, throwing something at him.

Louis awkwardly catched it. The soft fabric felt comfortable in Louis' hands. He took a closer look and recognized one of Harry's jumpers. It was a black sweater with the lettering Loved in red. Since he had looked at the sweater for so long, he had not noticed how close Harry was to him. When he noticed it, he tried not to back daway but pretend it was normal. Totally normal.

"Thanks Harry" Louis breathed out.

"No problem. Put it on, we should go downstairs" said Harry, taking a step back.

Louis just nodded. Quickly he took off his T-shirt, threw it on the floor and pulled the sweater over. It was a bit big, but it felt good. His hands disappeared almost completely in the sleeves of the pullover. Louis had to grin. There are supposed to be people who find sweater paws adorable. But certainly not on him.

As Louis stroked the sweater, his eyes fell on Harry. He seemed absent minded and stared in his direction. Did he look that bad?

"Harry? Earth to Harry" he waved his hand in front of Harry's face. Harry blinked a few times quickly, then looked at Louis.

"Everything OK?" Louis asked.

"Yeah yeah. You just look cute with your sweater paws, that's all" Harry muttered, then left the room.

Louis stood speechless in the same place trying to process Harry's words. Again and again he told himself that Harry meant that only friendly and didn't find him really cute. But the more often he did something like that the harder it was for Louis to not take the words to heart and wish it all would be different.

Just as Louis had sat down on the sofa Gemma came into the room. Harry was in the kitchen with his mother and Robin for snacks.

"Movie night with my little brother and his boyfriend. Oops I mean friend. What could be better" Gemma sighed as she sat down on the sofa.

Before Louis could speak, she raised her hand and Louis closed his mouth again.

"Before you say anything, I know you're not together. It was just a joke. But as defensive as you react, I think I'm right, assuming there's something going on between you" Gemma said.

"Believe me, there is nothing between us" Louis replied and the disappointment of this fact was clearly written on his face.

"Every stupid person can see that you are not normal friends. As an outsider, I can tell you, you can see the sparks. And you can't deny that you care about him a lot" she told him.

Louis shifted nervously in his seat. "Of course. We are best friends".

"You act like a married couple, not friends" Gemma rolled her eyes. Louis didn't know what to say.

"Listen, we've only known each other since today and I don't know what may have happened, but what I've found out so far is that you're kind, helpful, selfless, caring and incredibly important to Harry. In other words, he's damn stupid if he doesn't want you" she smiled encouragingly.

"It may be, but he is straight. There is nothing to do about it" Louis wanted to say certainly, but sounded rather uncertain.

"That's what my ex said, too, and now he has a boyfriend. I know it's hard when you're friends, but don't fight it. I've never seen anyone look at each other like you two do" she said, being sure.

At that moment, Anne, Robin and Harry came to them with the snacks. Harry sat down next to Louis and beamed more than ever. Gemma glanced at Louis with an all knowing look and Louis just sighed.

"Okay, who wants to watch Friday the 13th?" Robin clapped happily into his hands.

At these words, Harry stiffened slightly beside Louis.

"Harry, do you feel like it?" Anne checked.

"Um, is it harmless?" Harry stammered.

"Harmless? Rather not. A lot of action and scary moments. After that you shouldn't go out if you're easily scared" Gemma said happily. Every colour rushed off Harry's face.

"We can also watch something else" said Anne.

"What? Why? Don't you tell me you're scared?".

"Gemma" Anne admonished her.

"It's alright. Gemma is so excited about the movie" Harry said uncertainly.

"You sure?" Anne checked after which Harry merely nodded.

"Great" Gemma jumped up and put the film in.

Harry dropped back into the sofa and played with his fingers and the straps on his arm. Louis knew that tick. Harry was nervous. Louis leaned forward, grabbed a blanket, spread it over them, and put an arm around Harry, pulling him closer to him.

"Don't worry. I'll protect you, Hazza" Louis assured him.

At these words, Harry snuggled closer to Louis, which made his heart beat faster. Hopefully, Harry didn't notice that.

The longer the movie went on, the less Louis watched. He himself wasn't a big horror movie fan, but he didn't get scared. His attention was on Harry, who sat crouched by his side, or rather lay there, barely looking. In the course of the film, Louis' hand had slipped further and further down Harry's back and was now at his waist as Harry's head lay on Louis' chest.

At one point, Harry jumped up scared and buried his face into Louis' chest. He curled up closer and lay almost completely on Louis' lap. To calm him down, Louis ran his hand through Harry's hair, whispering that everything was going to be okay. Since Harry wasn't responsive in this condition, Louis pressed a light kiss on Harry's head.

Harry's grip on Louis' shirt softened and his other hand somehow found Louis' hand, which he had just put back under the covers. Louis squeezed Harry's hand and smiled in love. Jap, he was definitely in love with Harry. You didn't have such feelings with a simple crush. Louis was fucked.

As lost in thought as the two were at the moment, they didn't notice that since Harry's twitching, Gemma, Anne, and Robin's attention was no longer on the movie, but on Harry and Louis, who were completely lost in their own world. A happy smile graced their faces and they all looked at each other before they continued to watch the movie.

By the end of the film, Harry had fallen asleep in Louis' arms and Louis had his head on Harry's head. Again and again he closed his eyes and just enjoyed the moment. Beside him, he heard light movements, whereupon he opened his eyes slightly. Anne had a phone in her hand and Louis knew immediately what she had in mind. With a slight grin, he closed his eyes again and pretended to be asleep. He could see the light of the camera flash and he knew she had taken a picture.

"Is it good?" Louis asked.

"You're awake?" frightened Anne.

"No, I'm just talking in my sleep" Louis grinned, opening his eyes.

"Sorry, you just looked so cute" Anne sat down again.

"No problem, but send me the photo" said Louis.

"I'll go then. See you tomorrow for dinner as agreed?" Gemma was ready to leave.

"Yeah, early in the evening" Anne confirmed.

"Okay. Until then" Gemma said goodbye to Anne and Robin.

As she passed Louis, she stopped again. "This is genuinely seriously something totally normal. Only two friends, Bros, Pals, Lads who are in each others arms with no space in between because they are obviously not gay" Gemma laughed amused.

"Shush it, Gem. Straight, remember?" Louis pointed to Harry.

"Yes, as straight as his hair" Gemma rolled her eyes and left.

Louis didn't know if he should laugh or worry. If she noticed that so quickly, did Harry know that too? Louis hoped Harry really fell asleep and didn't hear that.

Slowly, Louis got tired too and could no longer suppress his yawn. He decided to wake Harry, because they couldn't sleep like that. He gently turned aside and tightened his grip on Harry's waist. He gently stroked Harry's cheek with his other hand. Harry wrinkled his nose slightly and ran a hand over his face. He looked like a cute kitten.

"Haz, wake up. We should go to bed" Louis whispered softly to him.

"Okay, sunshine. I'm coming" Harry mumbled sleepily. The nickname warmed Louis' heart.

"Come on, babycakes" Louis helped Harry up and hoped he had not heard that. But Harry was just a cute little cupcake princess. Unbelievable that this kitten have been a totally aroused macho heartbreaker.

"Good night you two" Anne said smiling.

"Good night, Anne" Louis answered and walked up the stairs with Harry.

Anne looked at them shaking her head with the biggest grin ever and became a shipper.

Once at the top, the boys made their way to their rooms. A faint clinking startled Harry and he jumped to the side. At that moment, Louis knew that Harry could never sleep like this. Maybe he shouldn't have awakened him. That thought gave him an idea.

"Harry, wait. I have an idea" Louis stopped him before he could go to his room.

Louis approached him, taking his hand and pulling Harry towards him. Harry looked at him in confusion, but Louis just hugged him tightly. After a few seconds, Harry returned the hug and buried his face in Louis's neck. Carefully, Louis took a few steps backwards and fumbled behind his back for the door. He opened it and stumbled with Harry into the guest room where he slept.

When Louis realized that Harry was about to break out of his hug because he was probably confused, Louis wrapped his arms even tighter around him. He shut the door with his foot and then pulled Harry to the bed with him in his arms.

As they stood in front of it, Louis let go of him and cupped Harry's face with his hands. "You will not sleep alone today".

Gratefully, Harry smiled at him and Louis wanted nothing more than to kiss him. To avoid that, he bit his lip and released his hands from Harry's face. He smiled lightly at Harry and then went to his side of the bed. He took off the sweater and his pants and put on a t-shirt. With Harry in one bed he would rather wear more than his boxers. Nobody needed to see his tummy more than necessary.

When Louis lay down in bed, Harry was already there looking at him. "Thank you Louis" Harry thanked.

"Not for that. You have already done that for me" Louis smiled at him.

"But that was for better reasons and not so pathetic" Harry avoided Louis' eyes.

"Everyone is scared of something. A lot of people are scared of horror movies" Louis assured him.

"You were not afraid" Harry remarked.

"I didn't really watch the movie" Louis said before he could stop himself.

"How so?" Harry frowned.

"Um, I was often distracted" Louis stammered nervously.

Harry seemed deep in thought. After half an eternity, Harry looked resolutely at Louis and Louis was afraid of what was coming. 

"What did Gemma mean before she left?" Harry asked him.

Oh shit. He had somehow heard Gemma's remark half asleep. He couldn't tell Harry that his sister thought he was gay and that she thought they were more than friends. Right?

"Nothing. She just messed around" Louis finally said.

With an empty look, Harry looked at him. Like he was looking for something. Louis was pretty sure you could see clearly when he lied.

Sighing, Harry turned his gaze to the ceiling. How much would Louis love to know what he was thinking. But instead of thinking about it Louis tried to sleep. Unsuccessful.

Next to him, Harry turned on his side and slid closer to him. Louis' breathing became faster and his heart was beating like crazy. He had to learn to control this reaction otherwise this friendship wouldn't work out.

"Babycakes, huh?" Harry smirked.

"Don't look at me like that. It's late and I'm tired" Louis protested sheepishly. Great also this slip up had Harry heard. Does he have his ears everywhere even when he was sleeping?

"You're cute when you're embarrassed. Thanks for protecting me" cooed Harry.

"Always" replied Louis.

"Even now?" Harry hooked.

Amazed, Louis turned his head to Harry, who stretched out his arms like the cute kitten he was.

"Come here, you weirdo" chuckled Louis, opening his arms.

Harry snuggled up to him and closed his eyes. Falling asleep with Harry in his arms was one of the most beautiful feelings in the world. He got it bad.

After a while, Louis felt Harry's breathing slow down, which meant he was almost asleep. Louis, too, closed his eyes and was close to sleep.

"Good night, sweetcheeks" Harry mumbled before falling asleep.

Louis smiled happily. "Good night, babycakes" he whispered.

He pulled Harry even closer and Harry wrapped his arm around Louis' stomach as he slept. His head was resting on Louis' chest and Louis was playing sleepily with Harry's hair. He pressed a soft kiss on Harry's forehead and finally fell asleep with the love of his life in his arms, which didn't return his feelings. But he was happy with it. 

---------------A/N-----------------------------------------------

Wow, it felt good to finally update again after over two weeks. 

The chapter was suppose to be one week, the whole they're there, but this would have been too long so I split it up in half. This way I could update today. So next chapter will be the rest of their visit at Anne's. Sorry that it's just Larry but maybe you like it that way :)

So, what do you think? Was Anne's story sad?

Is Harry noticing Louis' feelings or is he completely oblivious? 

Does Harry have feelings for Louis or is it just friendly ?

Everybody around them sees it....:DD

Love you sweeties <3 :*