High School Lovers ~L.S.

81

Niall curled up in Zayn's chest. They laid down on the couch after Louis left and Zayn just held the shaking blonde.

"I hurt him bad, Zayn. I'm gonna be in so much trouble"

"Shh, baby, it'll be alright"

"They can charge me as an adult if he files for it" 

"He won't. It was a dumb high school fight at a party. He was drinking and he's underage, he won't get the police involved, Ni" Zayn tried to soothe the boy

"I wouldn't have stopped.." Niall whispered, broken and angry with himself, "I really wouldn't have, Zayn.. at the moment, in that moment I didn't care what happened.." 

"But you care now. You were just mad- and I know you're glad we got you away from him"

"Yeah but.. I just.. fuck, i'm sorry"

"Sorry? For hitting him?"

"n-no.. for bringing you into my bullshit"

"Hey, hey, it's not yours, it's Harry's.. and it isn't even bullshit. we're a friend group- we're family. We all deal with each other's problems and trauma. We support each other."

* * *

Louis parked at the hospital and sprinted inside. He didn't even stop at the desk, he went straight to room 18A

Harry wasn't outside of it, he was in the room. The only person waiting outside was a middle aged woman. She was pretty- very pretty. Marshal's mother, Jess.

"Are you looking for Harry? He told me he was waiting on a short boy with blue eyes and brown hair. Is that you, dear?" she asked politely

"Yeah, I'm his boyfriend, Louis."

"Oh.. he'll be out in a moment, I'm sure"

Louis awkwardly sat in the second chair against the wall, right next to Jess, and cleared his throat.

"I'm Jess, by the way. Marshal's mom. Little Harry has always been one of my favorite kids, ya know." she smiled warmly

"You've... known him, then?"

"Yes, he used to come 'round everyday after school and stay on the weekends. Him and my son used to be best mates.. until Harry almost died and... well, I'm sure you know."

"Almost d-died? I'm sorry, could you.. could you repeat that?"

"You don't know?"

"I never.. heard the full story"

"Harry's little blonde mate found him bleeding bad.. called an ambulance and carried the boy into the street, screaming for help.. it was terrible. Of course, Marshal and Harry weren't friends at that point.."

"Blonde.. Niall. Niall found him.."

"Yes, Niall. Those boys were always close.."

"Do you.. Do you know what exactly happened to Harry, Jess?"

"Oh, yes.. he.. well, he tried to-"

The door opened and Harry stepped out. He had tears streaming down his cheek and he was in the middle of rolling one sleeve back down.

"Louis, Hi. You're here." he smiled a little, glad to see a familiar face that didn't bring along 101 bad memories.

"Ye-yeah.. I was just talking to Jess. How's Marshal?"

"Fine. He's fine. Wants you, Jess."

Jess stood and pulled Harry into a tight hug

"I know what happened was rough... but don't be a stranger, love" she whispered

"A-alright.. take care"

"You too, son" she kissed his cheek and smoothed his hair then stepped into the room

"Are you okay?" Louis asked immediately as he stood and stepped closer to Harry

"I told him I was only hear because I knew him and I knew his mum's number and he told me he l-loved me and missed me and I told him I was finally happy and didn't need him ruining everything again and I sh-showed him.." Harry rushed out, tears falling faster than ever

Louis moved forward faster than he thought possible and pushed his lips onto Harry's. The crying boy kissed back to the best o fhis ability until Louis pulled back and pressed their foreheads together.

"This was very brave of you, baby. I'm so proud"