Chasing Empty Spaces

Chapter 2

"Twenty-two."

Harry's eyes widened, "Really?"

Louis put the truck into park and looked over at Harry, "Is that a problem?"

"Should it be?" Harry cheekily countered.

"I don't think so."

"Me neither."

Louis rolled his eyes, "Come on, Stud." He opened the driver's door and jumped out, "We're here."

Harry slowly climbed out of the truck, eyes wide as he looked over their destination. The dirt road ended at a barricade made up of billowing willow trees. A small path peeked through two of thick trunks, the subtle breeze lolling the limp branches into a gentle sway. Moss crept along the base of the willows, painting them in lush green until it melded into the bark. Blackbirds swooped between the trees, singing melodies that resonated like a lullaby. Every intertwined note urged Harry closer to the path as if he was in a trance.

"Louis," Harry quietly said, scared that he would disrupt the almost ethereal setting if he was too loud. He shook his head in disbelief and looked at the other man, "This is amazing."

"You haven't even seen the best bit," Louis took three steps towards the path.

Harry traipsed after Louis as they walked along the dirt path. He extended his hands by his side and danced his fingers between the swooping branches. Louis glanced over his shoulder, the skin by his eyes wrinkling from the smile that bloomed over his expression.

Louis abruptly turned around and Harry nearly knocked into him, his hands wildly flailing out to keep his balance. A blush flushed along his neck as Louis tilted his head back and laughed.

"Close your eyes," Louis told him once he had finished laughing at Harry's misfortune.

Harry's nose scrunched, "Why?"

"It'll be better, okay?" Louis urged. He carefully rested his hands on Harry's biceps, "I'll make sure ya don't fall."

Harry's suspiciously narrowed his eyes, "Is this a trick?"

Louis frowned at that, "Why would I trick you?"

"I dunno," Harry mumbled, taking a quick look around.

"You don't have to if you don't want," Louis told him. He looked over his shoulder and turned back to Harry with a small smile, "I just think it is better when you see it all at once."

Harry looked over Louis' expression for any trace of dishonesty, but all he saw was earnestness and a touch of giddiness. He carefully nodded and closed his eyes, choosing to rely on someone he barely knew. Louis' hands trialed down and gripped the crooks of Harry's elbows.

"Okay, just hold on to me," Louis instructed.

"Don't, um," Harry cleared his throat. He pinched his eyes shut, "Don't tell anyone 'bout this."

Louis was quiet for a moment before he murmured, "I won't."

Harry felt a bit of tension leave his body as he blindly gripped onto Louis' arms. Louis slowly led him forwards, telling him when to lift his feet higher because of downed branches. He followed every direction, finding himself trusting Louis more and more with each assured step. When the bottom of his shoes touched a firm surface, his mouth turned downwards in confusion.

"I'm gonna let you go, but don't open your eyes yet."

"Okay," Harry slowly released his grip as he felt Louis step back.

He could hear Louis shuffle around him, the soles of his shoes scuffing against whatever they were stood upon. Harry's bottom lip was trapped between his teeth and he hesitantly lowered his hands to his side. Louis gripped his shoulders and slowly angled his body to the left.