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Chapter 3

I'm back!! Thank you guys so much for commenting. I never thought so many people would like this!

I'm thinking of continuing this story for a while, mainly because I just don't want it to end. Also, I really like how this is going! I know that Harry is going to be taking care of Louis, but would you guys like some contagion too?

Okay, here's part 3:

PART THREE:

Harry watched as Louis doubled over with another sneeze. It was strange to see Louis lose control, and yet it somehow made him seem... real. More approachable.

Huh-ESHoo

"We should probably just leave him alone," Liam said finally, slipping on his coat. Harry made as if to leave, but Liam motioned for him to sit down. Louis would want you to stay, he mouthed. Harry nodded and sat back down.

Once the other boys had left, Louis let out a groan and collapsed face down onto the couch.

"Lou? What is it?" Harry asked anxiously. He could not help but feel worried for the older boy.

"That was so humiliating," Louis muttered, his voice muffled by the cushions.

Harry almost laughed. "Hey, Lou, it's fine. You're sick. It's not like anyone could blame you for sneezing like ten times."

Louis sat up and glared at Harry. His face was flushed. "Let's not talk about it. Het-schiew!" He sneezed into the crook of his arm and turned away. Harry could tell he just wanted to pretend that nothing had happened.

Why would Louis hate sneezing so much? Harry mused. It's not like his sneeze is embarrassing or anything. Harry blushed as he realized that he thought Louis' sneezes might actually be just the opposite. It was kind of hot to see Louis lose control over something so small, after such a long time of acting tough and strong.

"Haschew! Huh-ishoo!" Louis' sneezing broke Harry's train of thought. He looked over to see Louis bent over with his hands on his knees. "Huh-eshoo! Het-choo!... Hah-ISHoo!" Louis sniffed and slowly stood up.

Harry rushed over. "Lou? You okay?"

Louis sat down, looking tired. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine," he replied unconvincingly.

"Whatever you say," Harry responded. "How does some hot tea with honey sound?" When Louis didn't object, he headed into the kitchen.

Harry was just bringing the tea out to Louis when he remembered something. "Oh no," he moaned, almost spilling the tea all over himself. It was almost 3:00, and he had an interview then.

Quickly, he hurried over to Louis and handed him the tea. "Lou, I'm really sorry I can't take care of you for longer. I have an interview and I really have to go! I promise I'll be back as soon as possible."

Louis reached out and grabbed Harry's coat, which Harry took to mean that Louis didn't want him to leave. He smiled. "I told you I'll be back soon, Lou. Okay, how about I call Niall to take care of you while I'm gone."

He turned away and dialed Niall's number. "Hey, Niall? Yeah, it's me. I need you to take care of Louis for a little while during my interview. I'll be back around 6:00." He slipped his phone back into his pocket and opened the front door. "Louis, I'll be back soon."

Fifteen minutes later, Niall opened the door. "Louis?"

"Hat-schiew!" Louis said in response.

"Oh, there you are," Niall said, spotting the lump of blankets and pillows on the couch. He sat down next to Louis. "So. How sick are you?"

"M'not sick. Just a cold," Louis mumbled. "I'll be ... Huh-ISHoo! I'll be better soon."

"...Maybe," Louis said.

Niall sighed. "Okay, I'd better make some soup for you. Or for both of us!" he said, brightening. "I could always do with some food."

A few minutes later, Niall walked carefully back into the room, carrying a steaming bowl of soup in each hand. He handed one to Louis and sat down next to him, immediately starting to eat.

After a moment, Louis sniffed. His breath hitched.

"Bless you," Niall said automatically, not looking up from his soup.

"Heht-chew! Huh-ishoo! Thanks." Louis sniffed again.

Niall looked up in surprise. "Whoa. Was that a 'thanks' I hear? All that sneezing really must be messing up your brain."

"Yeah, don't get used to it," Louis said under his breath. "Heh-kshhh!"

Niall laughed. "It's okay, I won't. And bless you." He looked at Louis expectantly.

Louis blushed and turned away. "Thanks."

~~~~~

Yes, I know this part was shorter. The next one will be longer, I promise! Hope you enjoy!!

~Madeleine