My baby Larry_smilinson Drew the pic above of herself, she's so cute

~~~

"You're the reason I have nightmares, yet the reason I live to see tomorrow."

~~~

"We already have proof it was you," the officer said in exasperation, rubbing his temples. "Why don't you just tell us why?"

"It's none of your bloody business," Scott growled, sitting back in his chair.

"I'm a cop," Officer Carlton sneered. "Tell me what happened."

They've been to nearly every cop in London through the past week, some even threatening Scott's life, but he wouldn't tell a soul why he was after Ed.

"It's pretty obvious for the most part," Harry said after a moment of silence, making Louis look at his boyfriend. "You see, Scott was obviously jealous of the attention Alive was getting, so him and Avery teamed up, set Alive on fire, framed Avery's death, and moved on. Scott jumped at the chance of managing the new club but Ed was getting all of the credit so Scott aimed to kill. It backfired and he plate the innocent card."

Everyone stared at Harry before Scott said, "How'd ya do that!?"

Harry shrugged, emerald eyes wondering over from the gaping cop to a confused Louis, who wanted to know what the hell just happened.

"If you knew this, why didn't you speak up a week ago!?" Officer Carlton asked irritably.

"I didn't really put any thinking into it," Harry mumbled. "Until yesterday. Scott looked so familiar. And I think I've realized something but I was too scared to believe it."

Something flashed in Scott's eyes before he barked out a laugh. "So, ya figured it all out? Now that you're a big, smart boy."

Harry blinked before lunging across the table. The officer grasped Harry's arms as Louis jumped up and Scott laughed harder.

"Think it's funny!?" Harry yelled. "Think killing my mum and my sister was funny!?"

Louis let out a small gasp of surprise and Scott's laughs died down before he snarled.

"It was all your mother's fault! You and your sister thought she was so perfect!"

"My mum was-"

"A rotten, dirty cheater!" Scott snarled. "She cheated on your stepdad with me! I'd know who she really is."

The room went silence before Harry broke it. "You're a liar."

"Oh, no, pretty boy, I'm telling the truth. Robin was always gone and your poor mummy had no one, so I became someone she could confide in. But she was too sweet, not able to do that anymore and I killed her off. Your bratty sister just happened to be there as well, Harry, and I would've killed you if you were present! You were young, don't remember much, I see, or you just want to forget, but you're out of luck because I'm here to remind you of how horrible you were to them."

Hard closed his eyes and shook his head, obviously not wanting to listen or believe it but Louis had to admit that it all made sense and Harry clearly knew that.

"As soon as your mother was gone," Scott snapped, "I took off and came here. You just happened to follow and take up the same business in a different club. It was so ironic that we both do that after our past haunts us. We're so much alike-"

"You and Harry are nothing alike!" Louis hissed suddenly, daring Scott to make that statement. "And we're going to take you down in court."

"Anything else to say?" Officer Carlton said solemnly as he held his finger over the red button on the recorder.

No one spoke another word and the officer clicked the button, ending the session.

~~~

"Did you hear?" Louis asked as he entered the hospital two days later, a bounce in his step. "Scott's court case was yesterday and it didn't do so good. Carlton said they're thinking of sentencing him to death."

Ed shook his he's in shock. "No way! And you're happy he's going do die?"

"No," Louis admitted. "But he can't ever hurt Harry again and that makes me happy."

"Speaking of Harry... How is he?" Niall asked around a yawn from his seat beside Ed's bed.

"Not well," Louis said, face dropping into a frown. "But I'm sure he'll be well soon. He's got a therapy session tomorrow that I'm attending with him. I'm hoping it will help him. I think he's just in shock."

"He's strong," Ed said, watching Louis carefully. "You help him so much. He loves you."

Louis smiled softly, even blushing a bit. "I know. I just can't believe everything that's been happening. It's surprising and a lot to take in."

Ed agreed with a small nod. "I know, but you need to be there for Harry. He's struggling and he'd afraid to show it."

Louis sighed and sat down. "I just want to give him some space right now."

"Maybe that's not a good thing," Ed said after a moment. "Do you think he'll...?

"Cut?" Louis finished. "I don't know. I suppose it's stupid of me to just assume he won't but I don't think he will anymore. This isn't his fault-"

"Self harm isn't like that," Niall interrupted. "You feel like everything is your fault, no matter what it is."

Both Ed and Louis looked over at Niall, who shrugged. "Thought that part was obvious."

Louis let out a little sigh, changing the subject. "When do you leave the hospital, Ed?"

"Friday," Ed answered, scratching his wrist awkwardly. "Not gonna go straight back to dancing, though. I'll need you working long shifts, probably. You're one of our best."

"Harry's the best," Louis said with a blush.

"I said you're one of the best," Ed repeated. "You and Harry are both very good."

"Thank you," Louis mumbled, cheeks turning scarlet. "You're very good as well."

Ed shrugged, offering a small smile. "Yeah, I suppose I'm not too bad."

Louis chuckled and the three chatted for a while about different things until it grew late and visiting hours were up. No guests were allowed overnight since Ed was officially alright, so Niall and Louis left together.

They made it to the parking lot when Niall suddenly spoke up. "Louis?"

"Yes?"

"I love you, you know. And I'm really thankful for all that you've even through with me."

Louis blushed once again, shrugging. "That's what friends are for. Why are you saying this so suddenly?"

"A lot of shit is happening," Niall said slowly, obviously considering his words. "I just want to make sure you know this, just in case."

Louis pulled Niall into a hug, burying his face in the boy's neck. "I love you, too, mate."

~~~

Louis entered Harry's apartment, listening out for any sounds. He heard quiet snoring and made his way back to Harry's bedroom, finding the man sprawled across the mattress, asleep. The light was still on and Louis subtly, checked out Harry's thighs, relieved to not see any fresh scars although he couldn't see all of Harry's thighs anyways.

He yawned and pulled of his clothes, climbing into the bed and screeching when an arm engulfed him, pulling him closer.

"I know you checked," Harry mumbled. "I wouldn't do that to you."

"I didn't think so," Louis assured him. "It was to be safe."

"I'm fine," Harry promised. "I'm glad you're back, though. I missed you."

Louis hummed and wrapped himself around Harry like a koala. "I love you, Harry."

"I love you," Harry replies and Louis doesn't mention it, but he feels the wetness of tears on his neck and maybe the two just cry together that night, no words spoken, but it's okay because that's what love does to people.

It makes the vulnerable and weak, but neither boy would want any different.

~~~