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Assistant: Title: What if we rewrite the stars
        Author: deepiinside deepiinside 
        Chapter: 5/18 
        Summary: Louis is a police detective with many, too many secrets and a dark past. Harry is a prostitute who pretends to be happy. Their destinies will inevitably intertwine.From the story:“Why should I listen to you? Why should I trust you? " Louis asked.Harry, sighing, swallowed a lump of saliva. "I-I don't know," he replied sincerely. “I'm asking myself the same question. Why should I tell you what I know? Why should I trust you? " he asked him. "I have no answer to those questions, Louis" he said. “But I decided I wanted to do it anyway. I think — I think it's the right choice. " English translation. Written by Larrylove95 on wattpad
        Contents: Chapter 5: Hercules pt.2
    

    


      
        
          
          (See the end of the chapter for  notes.)
          
      
  

  
  
    
    Louis.After that fateful discovery, the next two weeks had practically flown by.Louis had spent most of his time at the base, training his friends and, he had to admit, he hadn't felt so light and happy in a long time.Watching the others and especially Niall training was a lot of fun. They were extremely clumsy, not used to that kind of activity, Louis laughed most of the time.Harry was not really doing badly, sure he still had a long way to go but it was evident that the streets of Nightville had provided him with some sort of base for self-defense. His techniques weren't particularly refined, actually, Harry always had the reflex of hitting the lower parts first. Once, he had hit Liam like that. The poor boy had stopped breathing for several seconds.Liam , however, was the only one really good at hand-to-hand. They always trained together and, in fact, their challenges were always expected by everyone. Sure, he wasn't quite at his level yet (perhaps he never would have been, given the difference in - strength), but he was certainly on the right track.The only flaw was the non-progress of the investigation.The videos that Harry had managed to provide had not been very useful, a hooded man could be seen walking down the dock, but his features were completely unknown. The moment of the murder was not even recorded, there was a shot in the background and nothing more.The only thing they could come up with was the type of gun used for the execution. Niall had managed to steal the bullet extracted from the man's head for a few days and analyze it together with Harry, and then bring it back to its place.Louis had understood that the two were looking for a way to trace the owner of the gun and he knew that Harry had managed to write an algorithm that, surely, would have greatly reduced the range but still they needed time.In the Central, however, it was all flat. The captain had suddenly begun to entrust him with really useless cases, despite the fact that he was part of the homicide squad. But Louis knew that he had somehow been looking for it. He should have been a little more condescending in general and kept his enemies good.But for the first time, despite the investigation not progressing, Louis wasn't feeling too bad.He spent most of his time being surrounded by people, yet the situation almost never bothered him.Almost.At that moment, maybe yes, considering he was training using the punching bag and Niall and Zayn were staring at him very intently.He felt too watched. He was afraid, however, of losing control of his strength and hitting the sack too hard: Harry was already suspicious, he wanted to avoid adding more evidence."Okay, I have to say something!" Zayn exclaimed suddenly.Louis stopped the movements of his legs for a moment and turned his neck towards him. "Okay," he replied, only, before resuming hitting the sack."No, Louis, you have to listen to me and help me!" Zayn protested again. "This is serious!"“ Zayn , if it's about David I've already told you many times what I think about it,” Louis said, stopping hitting the punching bag and walking over to the table where he had placed his water bottle, so that he could take a generous sip. He was sweating a lot at the time, but despite having been training for a long time, he still didn't feel tired in the slightest."Louis is right, Zayn " Niall said , with a sigh. "You should definitely leave him.""I know that part," he hastened to say. “Well, I'm working on it. The other day I was ready to leave him, but he was in a hurry and we didn't have much time to talk. ""I guess you had the time to fuck, though," Louis said, approaching them and crossing his arms across his chest."He always finds the time for that," he shrugged. “But — we've been together for two years, he deserves an explanation. And, in short, I can't leave him with a message. "At that point, Louis frowned and "Are you really thinking about leaving him?" he asked, surprised. Until recently, Zayn kept justifying his every shitty behavior, giving Louis the impression that his friend would never leave that moron David.Yet, from his expression, from his displeasure, Louis sensed that Zayn meant it."Yes," he nodded. "I want to leave him but - I'm afraid it's for the wrong reasons.""There are no wrong reasons!" Niall exclaimed . “That man doesn't treat you like he should! He's violent, Zayn ! "Zayn snorted lightly, rolling his eyes. “It's not the monster you think, he doesn't really hit me. It has sometimes happened that, after too many drinks, he lost his temper. But we talk about pushing or punches on the table. ""You're stubborn," Louis scolded him severely. "I can perfectly distinguish the difference from a bruise because you fell and a bruise because someone slapped you," he pointed out. "Without considering the fact that he sells you to other men.""He's not selling me," he muttered. "He gets excited about seeing me subjugated by other people, but that's normal perversion.""In Nightville , maybe," Niall wrinkled his nose . "But here — not so much.""Where I'm from, it's common to have orgies, right Louis?" Zayn asked .Louis shrugged in response. “It's common, true. But I don't remember participating in many orgies when I was in a relationship, honestly. ""You had a relationship?" Niall asked ."That's the problem, though," Zayn said , sighing.” I-I am not leaving him for those reasons.""And why, then?" Louis asked, deliberately deciding not to answer Niall 's question ."I-I think — I think I got a crush on someone,  here," he stammered. "And I feel like a shit person."" Zayn , your boyfriend has cheated on you loads of times," Niall reminded him . “You can't feel guilty. Surely, you got tired of his behavior and you started looking around too. ""It's not David that I feel guilty about." He shook his head. "But because I know it's wrong to have feelings for this person, that's it."" Zayn ," Louis called him, confused and curious at the same time. "Who is this person?"The dark's cheeks turned red and his gaze fell down, extremely embarrassed by the answer he would soon give and " Liam " whispered, barely, so much so that Louis had to try hard to understand his name.It took several seconds to assimilate his answer, but when he fully understood the meaning of his words, Louis' eyes widened.Niall , on the other hand, opened his mouth wide, completely shocked by what Zayn had told him.Liam conquered everyone, it seemed. Louis understood that his friend was extremely handsome, but really?Why did everyone fall in love with him?"Guys, please say something," he pleaded.Niall started gasping, ranting random words, incomprehensible to each other."Oh" is the only thing Louis managed to say, unable to speak further."W-when?" Niall stammered . "How? In short, for how long? "Zayn sighed , still looking down in embarrassment. “I've always been attracted to him but lately we've gotten a lot closer. I sleep with them a lot and, um, since Liam and Harry fight so often, I spend a lot of time comforting him and stuff. He's so sweet, caring, kind. ” Zayn bit her lip. "Harry is the only friend I have and look what I'm doing to him," he sighed."Number one, thanks for including me on your friends list," Niall grumbled . "Number two, it's not your fault that you feel certain emotions, Zayn , " he tried to reassure him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Until you hit it up with Liam , you're not doing anything wrong.""Y-yeah, but - yesterday, Liam confided in me that they fight so often lately that they're thinking of breaking up," he explained. "And I couldn't help but be happy about it."Louis suddenly clenched his fists.Swallowing a lump of saliva, he tried to chase the little voice in his head that was finally telling him.Liam and Harry were too different to be together, they came from two opposite worlds. That story, in his humble opinion, had lasted a few months too long."If they ever break up, it's not your fault," he decided to say. “And anyway, I'm pretty sure Harry wouldn't be mad about that, he seems pretty romantic to me. One of those who believe that the heart cannot be controlled. ""I'm trying to give him the most selfless advice possible, Louis, but I don't think I'm capable of it." Zayn snorted again. "What are you saying to him?" he asked."It depends on who I'm talking to," Niall said . “I advise Harry to understand Liam 's point of view , given his parents. I tell Liam he's an idiot. ”He shrugged.Zayn laughed slightly. “ Liam isn't all wrong, though. From what he tells me, his parents are really annoying. In my opinion, he should give him a little more time before pushing him to tell him everything, ”he justified. “You, Louis? What do you tell him? ""About what?" he asked."About their relationship crisis," Zayn replied , obviously."Nothing," he replied. "I didn't even know, honestly.""How did you not know?" Niall asked . "Haven't you noticed their constant bickering?""Yes, slightly," he stated sincerely. "But it didn't seem like a real crisis.""Are you telling me that neither of us came to tell you about it?" Zayn asked , surprised."Exactly," he shrugged. "I don't know why they fight, I don't know why they want to leave each other.""Ah, so this whole conversation was in vain," Zayn snorted . "I could have avoided making a fool of myself.""Yes, you could have," Louis wrinkled his nose, deciding to hit his punching bag again. "I'm not a great advisor under any circumstances.""I wish I had known how you could advise Harry without — getting carried away, that's it," he explained.Louis, frowning, looked back at his friend. "What do you mean?" churches."Well, we're in the same situation," he continued.Louis began to blink, over and over, confused by what he was saying. "I still do not understand."Niall then rolled his eyes, a gesture that annoyed the older a lot: he seemed bored by his confusion."I just thought you would help me feel a little better, since we found ourselves having to face the same problem," said the dark-haired man."I'm not in love with Liam , Zayn , " Louis pointed out."I'm not talking about him," he snorted. "But about the situation, feelings for your friend's boyfriend."Louis let out a nervous laugh, shaking his head several times. He looked at the two more times, appalled by his statement. "Excuse me, what?" he asked, pretending to be hurt by what he was insinuating.Zayn stammered . “You have this strange relationship. He is the only one who always makes you smile and ... ""You stare at him in that strange way," Niall noticed . "And you are always very thoughtful towards him, you treat him differently during training ...""Bullshit," Louis interrupted, getting nervous. “You are talking nonsense. I don't stare at him in any strange way, I'm not considerate of anyone and I treat him the same way I treat you! " he exclaimed. “Now, if you don't mind, this absurd conversation ends here. I'm going to smoke, ”he finally snapped.Louis deliberately decided not to observe their expressions and, quickly, after taking the pack of cigarettes out of his duffel bag, he quickly went up the stairs to get some air.Tze . Feelings.Louis leaned against the outer wall of the building and, after lighting his cigarette, threw his head back.The conversation they just had was absurd to say the least.Zayn felt guilty about how he felt about Liam and so he had to get him in the way.He wondered, however, why neither Liam nor Harry had told him about their crisis. He felt a little guilty about it, because he realized he still couldn't care enough about their problems.Sure, he'd noticed several frictions between them (Louis was sure Harry's kicking Liam 's balls wasn't exactly random), but he'd never asked for an explanation. He had always thought it best not to push his friends too hard to talk about matters that did not concern him. He believed, in fact, that in case of need they would be the ones to go to him.Now, however, he wasn't so sure anymore.Emotions, feelings, human relationships. All unknown stuff for him.Louis, narrowing his eyes, took another generous drag from his cigarette, trying to relax his nerves, tense like violin strings.His intent, however, proved impossible because two voices, both very loud and well known, made him snort.Louis opened his eyes and, turning his head, saw at the end of the alley Harry and Liam , both walking towards him. They had just finished their shift at the station and, surprised, they looked like they were arguing."You promised me you wouldn't do that again, Liam !" Harry exclaimed. "You told me you were going to stop fighting with half the Central because of me!"“But how can you expect me not to lose patience, Harry! In short, he touched your ass! " he justified himself, trying to grab his arm in order to stop him.Harry, however, immediately freed himself from his grasp. "And I told him if he did it again, I would report him for harassment!" he pointed out."And do you think that's enough to make him stop?" he asked."Maybe not, but I'd report it anyway!" he said, raising his voice. "Instead, do you think the punch you gave him will stop him from behaving this way?" he asked in turn."He deserved a lesson!""Yes, but look, now the one who risks being reported is you, you idiot!" he yelled, before stopping in front of Louis and waving his hand at him. "See you downstairs," he said, only, before opening the door.Liam tried to stop him , but the boy had already disappeared into the building.Liam sighed deeply and, raising his head, narrowed his eyes in apparent weariness.Louis cocked his head as he observed his friend's sadness. Constantly arguing with your boyfriend was not pleasant, he knew it well despite having to dig a lot in his memory to bring those distant memories back to the surface.He really wanted to help him. He wanted to give him advice, but, after talking to Niall and Zayn , he was afraid that every word he could say might sound opportunistic.So "Are you okay?" he asked simply.Liam slowly turned his attention back to him. "Does everything seem okay to you?" he asked, with a sad smile."No," Louis shook his head. "Do you want to talk about it? Not necessarily with me "he specified immediately. "If you want, I'll go and call you Zayn or Niall , " he offered. “They say stupid things, but they are good listeners. Surely, better than me. "Liam gave a little laugh. "No, don't worry," he shook his head. "Actually, I've been wanting to talk to you for a while, actually.""Oh," Louis nodded nervously with his head. "About what?""Um." Liam rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, slightly embarrassed. “I would like some advice, here. Harry and I haven't been particularly in tune lately and ... "" Liam , I'm not really an expert in these matters," he stopped him. "Feelings and I don't get along very well.""Yes, I know. Your, uh, deficit is pretty obvious. ”Louis frowned at that expression. "I want some advice on Harry, that's it.""About Harry," he repeated."Yeah, well, you always manage to figure him out and this time — it seems like an unsolvable puzzle to me," he sighed.Louis felt a little uncomfortable. Did he think like Niall and Zayn too ?Suddenly, he was afraid that Liam might believe he had feelings for Harry. Maybe that was the reason he hadn't told him about it before, maybe he feared Louis would be happy about it.What judgment could he possibly have of him?The thought that Liam had changed his mind about him hurt him more than he expected. In short, Liam was the closest thing to a best friend he had, he didn't want to lose him in any way." Liam , I don't think I know him as well as you think" he decided to reply."Can you, at least, listen to me?" He pleaded. “If you can't give me answers, that's okay. But I have tried them all, we are no longer able to be in harmony. "In any other case, Louis would have immediately told him to stop that. Carrying on a relationship like that only made you miserable. But seeing the situation, he decided to just nod his head and "I'm listening to you," he said."Thanks," he smiled slightly. “Harry and I have always had different ideas about some matters. But lately we don't get along on anything ”he began to tell. "It all started two weeks ago," he explained. “When Harry found out that my parents weren't aware of our history. He made a tragedy of it! " he exclaimed. "I didn't think he cared that much.""So, tell him Liam , " he replied, with a shrug. "If Harry cares about such a thing, you should please him.""It's not that simple, Louis." He shook his head. "My parents would never approve."Louis dropped his cigarette on the floor, putting it out with his toe. Then, she crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him sternly. "So that's the real reason Harry got mad," he deduced. "Because, actually, you don't want to tell them."Liam , sighing, nodded his head. "Yes," he whispered. "I don't want to tell them""And are you surprised that Harry was upset?" he asked, laughing slightly."No, but — I mean, Louis, my parents are aristocrats" he explained. “They are unbearable most of the time, not forgetting the fact that they are quite racist. They would never set foot in Nightville and, of course, they wouldn't talk to anyone who lives there. For them, at most they can be our waiters! " he exclaimed. "How can I introduce such people to him?" he asked, exasperated.“Okay, they don't look like great people, actually. But sooner or later you'll have to tell them about it, ”he explained. "You can't hide your relationship any longer.""Yes, but we've been dating for a few months!" he exclaimed. “He told me he wanted to take it slow! I didn't think the problem would arise so soon! "" Liam ." Louis raised an eyebrow. "Live together," he pointed out. “Tell me when you ever took it slow. And no, waiting a couple of weeks to get laid is not taking it easy. ""You're telling me too that I'm an idiot and I need to talk to my parents, huh?" muttered Liam ."I didn't tell you that," he shook his head. "After all, it's not your fault that you don't feel ready to take such a step yet.""This is what I say!" Liam exclaimed . “And Harry just can't figure it out! I don't understand what's gotten into him, he really thinks I'm interested in his past and various bullshit "Louis rolled his eyes. And then it was he who had a deficit."You really can't figure it out?" he asked, trying not to make too much of his disappointment.Because, in fact, he was extremely upset. Liam had hurt Harry more than he realized."Really," Liam confirmed ."You don't think Harry is a whore," Louis said seriously. "But it's Harry himself."Liam frowned. "What do you mean?""Do you really believe that such an experience will be canceled in the blink of an eye?" churches. "Do you really think that just because Harry stopped doing that work, he also stopped feeling like one?""B-but - I mean, it looks so good to me and it's been months since ...""It's not that simple," she interrupted him. "My mother had stopped working for two years and yet she killed herself anyway."Liam 's face paled considerably, he was completely shocked by what Louis had just told him.The older didn't pay much attention to it, he was quite used to that kind of reaction by now.“Oh my god, Louis. I didn't know, I'm so sorry ”he was used to hearing that too.Louis was, however, quite surprised to find that Harry hadn't told him about it. He was delighted to know that all his secrets with that curly boy would be safe."It happened a long time ago, Liam , " the older specified. "But what I want you to understand is that you don't stop being something at any moment," he continued. “Harry is trying to stop feeling like a prostitute, he's trying hard. And the fact that you don't want to talk to your parents about it makes it seem like, in reality, he will never stop being one. Now, you made him believe he will be branded for life. "Liam 's expression saddened more and more, probably because he had just guessed why Harry was so mad at him.Louis had been very restrained from pointing out how much a piece of shit he was, honestly. Harry had moved to that neighborhood a few months ago and every person he met despised him for who he once was. Others, however, still encouraged him to practice his old profession with them and, for this reason, he was forced to suffer daily sexual harassment.The only ones with whom he could forget for a moment who he once was were they. Surely, discovering that even his boyfriend actually remembered him well hadn't pleased him much.Liam , after several moments of silence, began to nod his head. "I'm an idiot," he hissed, biting his lip."Maybe a little," Louis confirmed, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But I think you can still fix it.""Yes, I know. But… ” Liam sighed deeply. "I don't think I'm capable of it, Louis," he explained. “I-I am not ready to discuss this with my parents. I'm not saying I never will. Just — not for now. "Louis then clenched his fists hard, trying to suppress the urge to say to go fuck himself. How much did he want to make him suffer again?However, he kept his cool, trying to be a good friend. He knew perfectly well what to tell him, but, once again, he was afraid he might sound biased.He had to be a good friend and give him honest advice, he just hoped Liam didn't take it the wrong way."Your parents weren't happy to see you become a cop, were they?" churches.Liam , frowning, turned a confused look on him. “Um, no. At all.""I guess you were very afraid of their reaction," he continued."Obviously," he replied. “In fact, our relationships got particularly shaky after that moment,” he explained."And now? Do you regret it? " churches."Absolutely not," he stated. "It was the best choice I could have made," he said confidently. "But it wasn't too hard to push myself," he shrugged. "I was so keen to be part of the police that I cared little about their reaction."Louis nodded his head. "You cared so much it didn't seem difficult," he repeated, with a slight smile on his face. "Do you understand what I'm telling you?"Liam , at first, did not answer, perhaps because he did not fully understand what he was trying to explain.He still looked confused, but Louis wasn't sure it was because of what he had told him."I really like Harry," he said. "I really like him," Liam stated , as if he wanted to justify himself. "I-I - I think I love him, Louis.""Maybe not enough," he replied."No. It's not like that, I ... ""You're not a monster for that," she tried to reassure him immediately. "Well, I understand you. I had the same problem with my ex-boyfriend, you know? ""Did you have a boyfriend?"Louis deliberately decided to ignore that surprised tone that Liam had used .“Yes, and we've been together for several years. I loved him very much, ”he explained. "And he loved me very much.""And what happened?" churches.“Our lives, my life was very complicated. And to deal with some events, it took a lot more love than we had, ”he said with a shrug. "I am convinced that if we were born here, on this side of the city, now maybe we would still be together.""So, are you telling me that as much as I like Harry, given all of his past, it's not enough to be with him?" Liam asked . "B-but I especially like him for his past!" he exclaimed. "I mean, it made him the person he is today and he's fantastic!"Louis rolled his eyes, tired of speaking in various metaphors and analogies. " Liam , I guess you don't love him enough to deal with your parents, okay?" he decided to say in the end, running out of patience.Liam took a heavier breath and "Or maybe, he's the one who doesn't love me enough to have the patience to wait until I'm ready," he replied."Maybe, I don't know." Louis shook his head. "Maybe you are both.""Then" his tone of voice became lower and sadder. "Do you think I should leave him?" he asked.Yes.Yes.Absolutely yes.It was the only answer Louis could think of right now, he couldn't come up with any other kind of sentence, no matter how hard he was trying. But he understood that from an external point of view such an answer might seem exaggerated.It could be misunderstood with feelings that did not exist.After all, his was really selfless advice, he just wanted his friends to be okay. Louis stressed the word friends many times in his brain because, after all, it was just that.Friends."Um, I - I think you should think about it," he finally stammered. “B-maybe you can manage to meet together some other way and, um, what do you want me to know? You yourself said that I have a deficit! " he exclaimed."Louis, are you getting nervous or am I wrong?" Liam asked , confused."No! It's only late! We have to get off and start training, ”he muttered in confusion. "Come on" he then ordered, quickly entering the building.Louis, as he descended the stairs, simply hoped with all his heart that the complicated conversations would end there once and for all. Harry.Confusion.In Harry's head, at that moment, there was only confusion.He could not put his thoughts in order, understand what was best for him, what would make him happier.Harry hit the punching bag with some violence, swinging it backwards over and over again.He was angry with the world at the time because he realized how much more he could have in life. He knew that, if he wasn't born in that damned neighborhood, he would be someone, he wouldn't have to bear the burdens of his past, he wouldn't have to face those traumas that still weighed down his soul every day.Prostitute, whore, slut, sex object.All those applications returned to his head, the images of those men who had called him that way several times appeared before his eyes, instead of that sack and Harry, in response, hit it even harder.He was alone at the headquarters. Harry had woken up very early that morning when the sun hadn't quite risen in the sky yet.Liam was already at work, due to the night shift that day, and Harry had decided to move away from that house, suddenly too small for him. He had decided to go there, to the base, the only place where he was sure he was safe and even a little home.Of all the doubts that hovered in his head, Harry was sure of only one thing: the base was the only place he really wanted to be.He had always hated his homes. His childhood's caravan, the apartment at the brothel, and now, unfortunately, Liam 's home .In that moment, he had the realization. That houses wasn't his, he was just a guest in the house of a person who thought loved him, but Harry knew the feeling that bound them wasn't enough.He had been the deluded one, however. Believing that he could leave all his past behind and live the good life of Liam was truly a utopia. But Harry had come to the conclusion that he didn't want to live the good life of others, he wanted to live his good life.He was so tired of dealing with all his problems that sometimes he just wanted to stop doing it. There were times when all he wanted to do was lie in bed and let his life go by, without fighting back. But every morning, he kept getting up, rolling up his sleeves and trying to change his future, even though it seemed to be too scarred. Harry didn't even wonder why now. He just got up, convinced that sooner or later he would be able to find the reason to continue that endless battle with himself and with the whole world."What are you doing here?"A sudden voice startled him in fright and Harry, barely holding back a scream, turned immediately wide-eyed. He put a hand on his chest and took a sigh of relief when he found himself in front of Louis, with a bag on his shoulder and a surprised expression.In fact, it was just half past seven in the morning, early enough to train."Louis," he hinted at a smile. "Sorry, I didn't hear you coming."“It's dawn, Harry. What the hell are you doing here at this hour? " he asked again, placing the bag on the floor."I got up early," he explained, shrugging. “And I thought I'd train a little. But anyway, I could ask you the same question. ""I always come at this hour," he replied. “Before starting the shift to train a little. You know, this place has been a little crowded lately and I don't like being stared at while training. "Harry laughed a little. “Yes, Niall never takes his eyes off you while boxing. Anyway, I'm sorry for the intrusion. I think you'll have to share the gym with me this morning. I'm not going to leave. ""I thought so," Louis wrinkled his nose. “But it doesn't matter, quite the contrary. I arrived just in time, you risk hurting your shoulder if you keep hitting the punching bag like that, ”he said, approaching him. "You have to move your torso less, Harry," he explained, coming right in front of the sack. “In fact, you have to try to move your entire body as little as possible and just concentrate your strength in the arm,” he said, placing both fists close to his face and bending his legs slightly.Then, in slow motion, Louis showed Harry the movement of his arm, smacking the sack, then repeating the operation a couple of times."Try it now," he urged him immediately after."Okay." Harry repositioned himself in front of the bag and, trying to follow Louis' advice, hit him with a tight right."Wait." Louis shook his head slowly, stepping behind him and resting his hands on his shoulders. "Lower your shot a little," he said, moving his arms himself. "And try not to move your torso," he continued, immediately placing his hands on his hips. Harry felt a slight shiver at the contact, in fact it prevented him from moving. He remained motionless under Louis's touch, holding his breath from the nervousness his proximity caused him. "Relax your muscles," Louis hissed, his mouth close to his neck. "And just move your arm."Harry continued to stand still for several moments before deciding to lash the blow.Then, finally, he hit the sack. This time, the hit was much more precise and determined and Harry immediately noticed the differences, both shoulder and neck hurt much less."Much better," Louis smiled.Harry turned his neck slightly, meeting his eyes inches from his. They were extremely close and Louis winced almost immediately.Harry saw nervousness take hold of the older man's body and the same grip on his hips tightened a lot.Louis paused for a few seconds before taking a step back to increase the distance and let go of his hips.Then, he cleared his throat nervously. "You're improving visibly," he nodded frantically with his head. "In short, compared to Niall and Zayn , you are much better.""Thanks," said Harry, also a little tense. "I-I like to train.""Good." Louis scratched his head, aiming his eyes at the floor. "We better start training," he said later. "Before the shift and the invasion," he laughed a little."All right. I can stay here, right? ""Sure," he confirmed immediately. “Stay as long as you want. Everything okay, right? " he asked later."What do you mean?" Harry asked."Well, are you okay?""Yes, sure," he hinted a smile. "Why shouldn't I be okay?"Louis shrugged. "When I'm nervous or have a lot of thoughts, I can't sleep," he explained. "So, I come here to train to try and distract myself.""It's half past seven, Louis," he chuckled. “And you are here. Is the question for me or for you? " he asked ironically.Louis accompanied his laugh. "I can never sleep."Harry's smile gradually faded.Louis was always there, training, for who knows how many years.Harry wished he could help him so badly. He wanted to understand him, to be close to him, to know his story.Or maybe, he just wanted to hug him and tell him he wasn't alone in that shit-filled world.But Louis wasn't ready to fully open up yet, Harry had noticed he was trying but the older still needed time.So, he decided that the best way to make Louis trust him was to trust him himself.He would tell him about Liam , even though he had deliberately decided not to. Harry didn't know the reason, but the idea of talking to him about his boyfriend didn't put him completely at ease.“ Liam and I haven't been getting along very well lately,” he said, sighing.Louis nodded his head. "Yes, I've heard that.""I figured" he smiled a little. "I don't feel at home in that apartment anymore." Harry let out a bitter laugh. "Maybe I've never felt at home in there.""I know the feeling," he shrugged. "Maybe, you should look for an apartment of your own," he proposed. “Maybe, you are not yet ready for coexistence. You're not even twenty-three, after all. ""I wish that was just the problem." Harry sighed. “But Liam and I come from two different worlds. And I'm starting to feel the weight of it. ""Your worlds are different, but not irreconcilable," he said immediately. “It's never the world the problem came from, Harry. But the world you want to create, ”he explained."And maybe" Harry sat down on the weight bench with his head down. "Maybe we want to make two different ones," he hissed, biting his lip. "But at the same time, I don't think I want to accept this idea," he sighed, starting to play with his fingers, imagining turning the rings he usually wore but which, at that moment, for training, he had slipped off. “Because I know I need him. In short, after everything that has happened to me, I need someone by my side and this scares me. I'm afraid I'm with Liam not because he's special, but just because I need him. "Louis nodded his assent, remaining silent for a few moments. Harry slowly looked up at him and saw his thoughtful face, perhaps because he was undecided what to tell him."May I tell you something?" he asked later. "But I don't want you to misunderstand my words."Harry immediately nodded his head."I don't think you need anyone," he replied. “I don't think you'll ever need it. Not in that sense, at least. You are very strong, you don't need a boy by your side. "Harry managed an embarrassed smile. "Do you really believe that?" whisper."Sure," he nodded his head."Thanks, Louis." Harry sighed slightly. “I would like to believe so too, honestly. But the truth is that Liam 's presence reassures me a lot, ”he explained. “When I'm at the Central and all those people I've, um, worked with, look at me like that, I feel safer knowing he's there. Okay, he always pisses me off because he reacts and I really wish he didn't, I really wish he understood that his presence is enough for me to protect me, that I know that no one can hurt me with him around. This does not mean that I appreciate his way of behaving, mind you "he specified immediately after. "I know he does this to protect me, but he should avoid it anyway.""I tried to tell him too, honestly," Louis replied. "But he doesn't listen to me.""I guess it's just his instinct.""Instinct can be appeased," he said simply. "Do you really think I don't want to intrude too?" he asked. “I risk breaking someone's neck most of the time. But I don't do it, because I know that you don't need help and, on the contrary, you manage perfectly well on your own. "Harry blushed slightly, flattered by what he had said."Would you like to take me to a place?" he asked quickly, without even realizing it."A place?" Louis asked.“Um, yes. I've wanted to go there for a long time, but I didn't think I was strong enough, ”he said, standing up, a little uncomfortable. “But maybe you are right. Maybe, I can do it. ""Okay," he nodded his head. "Where do we go?""In Nightville, " he replied."Harry," he said immediately, crossing his arms over his chest. “Neither one of us is welcome in there. Me especially. "“Yes, I know, you are right. But that's something I have to do, ”he certainly stated. "Do you like it or not? I will go there even without you. "Louis snorted lightly. "I really hope it's not dealing with some bad old clients of yours," he muttered."Nothing like that," she reassured him. "Can we go?""Now?""Now," he confirmed."Okay," he relented. "Come on, but if I die you'll have me on your conscience," he warned him.Harry laughed out loud. Then, feeling strangely unbeatable, they walked out of headquarters together. Louis.It had been a horrible idea. Decidedly.How had Harry persuaded him?Without any kind of effort, by the way.Louis knew full well that Del Toro couldn't wait to find an excuse to kill him, especially after what was going on. And the Moreno’s who were looking for Hercules was certainly an excellent reason to definitively conclude their already shaky pact.But the alternative was to let Harry go alone and no, that option wasn't valid either.They were on the edge of town at the end of the Nightville neighborhood and Louis had no idea what they were doing. He hadn't even asked, after all he would find out for himself shortly.Harry looked troubled, but kept walking with a broad grin on his face. It was a force of nature at the time."You won't walk long" he reassured him at one point. Up to that point, they had traveled in complete silence, without Louis knowing why. “We're there,” he said, pointing to a field full of caravans in front of them."Your place is in the only decent neighborhood in Nightville , " Louis remarked. "At least, we're not in some brothel.""Do you really call this place decent?" Harry asked, laughing."Um, of course!" Louis exclaimed. “It's out of the center of the neighborhood, so far enough away from all those shitty places, a lot of families live there, and most of all, they don't fuck around every corner. As a child, it was my dream. "Harry stopped pacing momentarily, turning his neck towards him and looking sadly at him. Louis thought he really should stop saying those things out loud, he was a little tired of everyone's pity. "Sometimes I forget where you grew up, I'm sorry," he hissed."Okay anyway." Louis shrugged, resuming walking among the myriad caravans that were on that reservation. "In fact, I prefer it," he explained. "I don't want my past to define me too much.""You're right," Harry nodded, biting his lip. "That's what I'm trying to do too.""You will succeed, at the end," he reassured him. "Some wounds take longer to heal.""Yes, I know." Harry stopped again, in front of a trailer, as small as the others, but perhaps a little more dilapidated. Unlike the others, which were white, this caravan was brownish as if it wanted to remember the color of the wood, but it was definitely more faded. It seemed like no real maintenance had been done for years. “Maybe that's the reason I've waited so long to come back here. Maybe, I wanted to wait to heal a little. ""Where is it here?" he then asked. "What are we doing in this place?""You'll find out soon," he informed him. "But…" Harry took a deep breath. "In case it goes wrong, know that you will have to be ready to pick up the pieces.""Don't worry," he replied immediately. "I'm here for you."Harry smiled slightly but moments later Louis noticed how his face changed expression completely. His breathing quickened and his eyes became filled with concern. "Tell me again I can do it," he pleaded."You can do it.""Are you sure?" He pleaded. "I'm not sure.""Do you trust me, Harry?" he asked, reaching out and taking his hand. Harry immediately laced his fingers with hers."Yes" he nodded his head, his voice a little unsafe with obvious nervousness."So, you can do it," he confirmed, giving him a smile to try to reassure him.Harry stared at him for several seconds, biting his lip. Louis knew that the younger did not really believe his words, so he squeezed his hand even more and tried to widen his smile just to instill confidence.Harry began to nod his head shakily. "Okay," he hissed. "I can do it," he repeated to himself, before releasing Louis's hand and approaching the door of that small house they found themselves in front of.Then, after hesitating for a while, Harry made up his mind to ring the bell to the right of the door. He immediately returned to Louis's side, taking several steps back and waiting anxiously.Louis noticed how, in those several seconds of waiting, Harry held his breath, he could hear his heartbeat no matter how nervous he was.He wanted to do something to calm him down, but the older had the distinct feeling that nothing, at that moment, would calm his agitation.Then, finally, the door opened accompanied by a gruff "Who is it?"Louis saw a man, about fifty, come out of the small house. He didn't know who he was but he was sure the man was very tired. Large dark circles surrounded his eyes, his face was extremely worn and, despite possessing a well built build, Louis quickly realized that the man was not eating enough. He seemed weak, through and through.What struck him most, however, was his reaction to the sight of Harry.His seemingly menacing face melted within seconds and his eyes suddenly became bright.He didn't move, however. He didn't speak, he didn't breathe, maybe he wasn't even breathing. He just looked at him, her eyes wide. Louis had the impression that he couldn't believe that Harry was really there, in front of him.For this reason, Louis turned his neck towards the younger and saw him, also motionless to look at that mysterious man, with a slight smile on his face. His eyes were also bright and, again, he seemed to be very nervous.But then "Hi, Dad," Harry greeted him.Louis slowly blinked at that revelation (probably, he should have gotten there sooner). He had always wondered where Harry's parents were, but had always been convinced that they didn't have a good relationship. He believed it was his old condition to blame, considering he never mentioned it.The man, as soon as he heard his voice, jumped and, in an instant, recovered from his momentary immobility. Harry's father quickly walked into the house and, without even giving him time to wonder where he had gone, he went out immediately afterwards with a large cardboard box in his hand.Soon after, he dropped to his knees in front of him, opening the box and displaying its contents. It was full of money to belong to a man from Nightvile ( Liam made that amount in a couple of days, maybe)."These are yours," he said quickly, in a pleading tone. “I swear, Harry, I swear, I've been working since the first day they took you away, night and day. I never stop, ”he hissed, as a tear ran down the man's cheek. “I'm trying with all my heart to pick you up, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. It's all my fault."Harry knelt in front of him. At that point, his smile was genuine and all his nervousness was suddenly gone completely. "No, dad," he shook his head. "No, I don't need it anymore " he informed him, his cheeks now streaked with tears as well. "I'm free now," he continued, taking his hands."What?" whisper."I'm free," he repeated again. "We no longer have debts with Del Toro, it's all settled.""But how - how is this possible?" he asked, letting out a sob."It's not important," he shook his head. "I'm here now. I'm home, ”he said."Oh, son," the man flung himself into his son's arms, holding him so tightly that Louis wondered how Harry could breathe. Then, not caring about everything, he started sobbing on his shoulder, accompanied by Harry who, having made himself as small as possible on his chest, cried with him.Louis took several steps back so he could leave them to their privacy. Afterward, he smiled.Harry was crying, but they were tears of joy. Louis was right to envy that part of the neighborhood when he was little. Yes, of course, they weren't in a classy apartment, but the caravan had something of a welcoming feel to it. It was small, but basic.There was only one room, apart from the bathroom, in there and Louis assumed it was Harry's room. The door was half open and from what he could see it was made up almost entirely of the bed.Also, there was another fairly large and roomy sofa where he and Harry were sitting at the time, where in all likelihood Mr. Styles slept , seeing the tangled sheets at his feet.Harry's eyes were still red from crying, but a sincere smile still made his face shine like never before.The younger looked adoringly at the man in front of him, intent on making coffee for all three.Mr. Styles occasionally turned to make sure his son was still there, that he hadn't imagined anything at all.Louis was feeling very uncomfortable, but Harry had practically ordered him to come in with them because you absolutely must know my father!Mpuff .He was in shit. People's parents never liked him, and Harry's father didn't like him too much: suddenly, he was the nervous one."Dad, this place is a mess," Harry told him at one point. "How long have you not given a wash?"The man, still with a broad smile, approached them with a tray in his hand which he immediately placed on the coffee table in front of the sofa. "Don't ask, Harry," he shook his head, immediately sitting next to him. "I work many hours a day, I didn't have time to clean.""I cleaned a lot, even before I worked so hard" he teased, grabbing a cup of coffee. "Anyway, dad, I want to introduce you to someone," he said then.Fuck.Louis prayed that Harry would mention Liam 's name ."He's Louis," he informed him.Precisely."Nice to meet you, Mr. Styles ." Louis tried to smile, holding out his hand."Pleasure. Des Styles , ”the man, however, seemed to be scrutinizing him with some suspicion. Perfect, he had said three words and already hated him."Dad, he's just a friend," Harry reassured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Louis, don't worry," he smiled then, towards the older. “My father is very jealous, but he is harmless. I'm sorry for his future behavior. ""Everything is alright. I'm pretty used to people's parents not liking. ”He shrugged."Oh yes?" the man asked. "And why don't they ever like you?" he asked suspiciously."Er, I-I -I don't know," he stammered, scratching his head with one hand. "I'm not very sociable," he shrugged one shoulder."Dad," Harry said."I'm just having a conversation, son," he justified himself. "You have a bad taste in finding boys," he reminded him."I introduced you to a boy in eighteen years!" he exclaimed."I didn't like him, in fact," he replied, of course."He was the best in my class, in college, after me, of course," he reminded him. "And he came from a good family!""I didn't like him anyway," he said immediately.Harry rolled his eyes, but still his smile didn't go away. “Don't worry, anyway. Louis is just a friend. But I know you wish you had known him. He is the reason why we no longer owe Del Toro a cent. "Shit. Louis widened his eyes the same way Mr. Styles did . Slowly, he turned his neck towards the younger and looked at him in shock. He couldn't have said it seriously. He hated those situations, hated thanks and hated being the protagonist of a conversation.It was better if he didn't say anything, it was better if he helped him without anyone being aware of it."What?" whispered the man."I didn't do anything," Louis said instinctively."Don't listen to him !" Harry exclaimed. "He helped me get out of that bad situation.""Did - did you pay the full amount?" stammered Mr. Styles ."No, no," he immediately shook his head. "Believe me, Mr. Styles , I am unable to pay off any debt," he stated. "It's a complicated story.""And how did you do it?" he asked, shocked. "Boy, haven't you made some pact with that man?" he kept asking, suddenly worried. "It's like making a deal with the devil!" he exclaimed. "Believe me, I know," he said, immediately placing his hand on that of his son."I know that too, unfortunately," sighed Louis. “But don't worry, he and I had an unfinished business. Now, we're even, ”he explained."Del Toro is afraid of him," Harry grinned."It's not possible," the father shook his head. "Feeling fear is human, and that man is just a monster.""I agree," Louis wrinkled his nose."How did you meet, by the way?" the man asked. "You are - well, Harry, have you worked for ...""NO!" they agreed in chorus, both embarrassed by what he was assuming."Oh, thank goodness," he sighed."Louis is a police officer," Harry explained. "He worked on the Nightville killer case and we met.""His son got in the way," Louis continued. "He wanted to help us at all costs.""That doesn't surprise me," Des smiled , putting an arm around his son's shoulders and bringing him closer to him. "My little genius is very stubborn."Louis gave a laugh. "Yes, he is," he agreed, bringing his eyes to the curly boy and looking at him with tenderness. It was so good to see him happy, at ease.Harry seemed to have put aside all his problems and responsibilities and, suddenly, he was a child again.Louis wondered if that was the reaction a father, a good parent, had to provoke in everyone. He, personally, had never tried it but he was also aware that he had never really been a child. He had had to grow up too fast."How did you find yourself meeting Del Toro?" he asked."I was born here, sir," replied Louis."Call me Des ," he pleaded.Harry immediately turned his neck to Louis. "You have conquered it!" he exclaimed. "No one has ever given permission to call him by name!""Now let's not exaggerate" the father immediately specified. "You still have to keep those hands away from my son," he threatened, pointing a finger at him. Louis immediately raised his arms in the air and as a result Harry rolled his eyes at his father's melodramaticity. "Anyway, I said, are you from Nightville ?" He asked."Yes, I'm from here," he nodded his head. “Or rather, I was from here. I haven't lived in these parts for a few years. ""Are you telling me that you were born in Nightville , met and bumped into Del Toro and then moved, becoming a police officer as well?" he asked, a little shocked."He's a detective, Dad," Harry specified, resting his temple on his father's shoulder. "Not just an agent."“This is absurd. How did you do it? ""Um, is answering commitment enough as an answer?" he asked, shrugging his shoulders a little. He was starting to hate that conversation, he felt too much in awe. Had he already said he hated talking about himself? Did he hate getting compliments? Thanks?"No, but I'll let you through anyway," the man smiled. Louis was quite pleased to receive that reaction. Maybe Harry's father really wasn't hating him. “You have to be very smart, anyway. What did you say your name was? ""Louis," he repeated then. "Louis Tomlinson ."At that name, Des had a strange reaction.He stood motionless for a few moments, blinking over and over again, giving him a rather enigmatic look.Then "You are Johanna's son" he said.Louis instinctively clenched his fists. For a few seconds, he looked at Harry who was already watching him.Even his mother wasn't exactly his favorite subject."Yes, I'm his son," he replied, finally losing his smile. "Did you know her?""Yes, I knew her." Des said"I really hope not in the professional field," Louis joked, trying to lighten the too heavy and serious atmosphere that had been created.Des laughed a little, shaking his head, but at first he didn't answer his question so much that Louis began to regret what he had just said. We just needed that, honestly.Perhaps, he discovered that he had been her client thirty years ago and that he was his real father.As much as Louis wanted to understand what it meant to have a father, sharing that figure with Harry was the last thing he wanted.In short, he admitted that he had had several impure thoughts about him during those months. He didn't exactly see him as a brother."Dad," said Harry, with a slight hint of panic. "Can you please answer the question ?"Des laughed again. "Don't worry, Louis, nothing like that," he said then. “I've known her since school, Louis. We were in the same class and she was very good friends with my wife, ”he continued. "We've been in touch for years.""Oh" Louis nodded his head. "It's weird, I don't know many of my mom's friends outside of the workforce," he said. "In fact, I didn't know he had any.""We've lost contact lately," he explained. “But in the beginning, we used to hang out often. Several times Harry's mother and I have babysat you. ""What?!" Harry's eyes widened, rising from his father's shoulder in shock. "And what was Louis like as a kid?" he asked. “Don't tell me it was as dark as it is now! Dad, you have to tell me everything! "Louis rolled his eyes at Harry's enthusiasm, although his disappointment was just a way to mask his embarrassment. “My mom didn't talk much about her life other than her job, she never mentioned it to me. And, um, I don't remember ever having babysitters. ""Yes obviously. You were a few years old when we drifted apart, ”he explained. "Maybe five.""May I ask you why, Des ?" he asked."Anne and I didn't approve of some of her lifestyles," he said.Louis started nodding his head. "You mean drugs, right?"Des sighed slightly. "Exactly. Anne was very attached to Johanna and tried to help her, but in the end they quarreled heavily and ended relations. Johanna and I got closer after my wife disappeared, ”he continued. "We would talk to each other on the phone a few times, she gave me some advice on how to take care of an overly lively little child.""Did my mother give you advice?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "I hope you haven't followed them."Des sighed sadly. "You are very angry with her," he realized."I'm not," he immediately denied."You are," he said again. "She told me a lot about you," he said. "She always told me how she would never make it without you, taking care of the house, your education and Charlotte, your sister.""She said it to me too," he said seriously. “She said I was his guardian angel. Yet, it wasn't enough. "Des sighed slightly. “Yes, the news reached me. I am very sorry for your loss. ""It happened a long time ago," he replied, with a shrug."And your sister? Charlotte? Is fine?" He pleaded“Yes, she's finishing college, but she doesn't live in the city. In fact, she doesn't live in this country. I preferred to send her as far away from this place as possible, ”he explained. "She hates me for it," he grinned. "But she knows she's better off where she is.""I'm glad you're okay, despite everything," he smiled."Yes, we're not complaining," he nodded. “Now, I really have to go. I have the shift at the station in a little over twenty minutes, ”he explained, standing up. "Harry, do you think you can go back alone?" Louis asked. "Or do you need a ride?""No, my dad can give me a ride," he reassured him. "Thanks, Louis," Harry said, smiling at him gratefully."Whenever you want," he replied to the smile. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Des , " he continued shortly, holding out his hand. "I hope to see you soon."Des got up from the couch too returning the squeeze. "For me too," he replied."See you at the station, Harry," Louis greeted him, before exiting the small caravan that has become a bit too suffocating for his taste.Anyway, he was sure they needed some time to talk, alone, to explain why neither of them had visited the other during those three years. Even Louis had wondered about it, however, since he had immediately noticed their excellent relationship and, he was ashamed to think so, but he had been a little jealous.No one had ever looked after him like that, no one had ever been so protective of him. Harry was a child again, at that moment, because he knew he could, he knew that his father would take all his burdens and responsibilities with him. Harry was once again a child because with his father he had the possibility of being weak: he would be his strength.Louis tried to remember the last time he allowed himself to be weak and, despite himself, he couldn't."LOUIS!" a voice called from behind him.Louis turned and, to his surprise, saw Harry's father quickly exit the caravan and run towards him.The agent stopped to wait for him, surprised to see him again."I forgot something?" Louis asked."No, no" shook his head the man, who came in front of him. "I just wanted - how to say, I mean, you did ..." Des snorted lightly. "I'm not really good with thanks," he muttered."Don't worry," he laughed a little. "We are two. Besides, I hate being thanked. ""You don't understand, Louis," he stated. "You don't understand what you've done means to me."“I haven't done much, actually. I only have…"“No, Louis. For me, you worked a miracle. You were my miracle ”he explained immediately. “Harry is my everything. My only wealth. The only good thing I've ever done in my life. I've always tried to give him more, but that made me fail dramatically, ”he said. “Harry is a genius, I just wanted him to go to the best schools, to be someone, to get out of here. I didn't want to get into debt with Del Toro, on the contrary, it was he who came to me and proposed a deal. ""Did Del Toro come to you?" he asked surprised."Yeah, apparently he got word of Harry's college scholarship at just fourteen," he sighed. “But we had to refuse, because the bag was not complete and I couldn't allow it. I felt like shit all year for it. So I gave in when Del Toro showed up and offered to pay for my son's education. The day they came to get it was the worst time of my life. I thought I was going to be doing some dirty work for him, not Harry. I failed as a father, I didn't know how to protect him. "Louis smiled a little. “Believe me, from what I've seen, you don't look like a bad father at all. Harry is lucky to have you. "“Yes, and I'm lucky to have him back with me. And this is all thanks to you. I'm sorry not to be able to express myself better, but I'm really trying to thank you with all of myself. For this, whatever you need, I am available. For the rest of my life.""There's no need. I did it because I wanted to do it, ”he said. "I did it because Harry deserves more.""Anyway, I'm here," he repeated again. "Obviously, that doesn't mean I'm giving you approval, mind you," he threatened immediately after.Louis's smile suddenly turned into a confused expression. "Approval?"."Boy, did you see yourself in the mirror looking at him?" he asked, his eyes narrowed. "You know the fish look?"Louis began to gasp, completely dominated by panic. What the hell was wrong with his eyes lately?By the way, he felt like an idiot to be so intimidated by that man. He had dealt with serial killers, drug dealers, thieves, completely insane and outlawed men of the worst kinds, and he had never shivered. Instead, at that moment, he was afraid of Harry's father."I-I always have that look," he decided to say, even though he immediately realized the bullshit just said. "I mean, it's not what you think," he stated. “Harry is great, of course, but we don't have that kind of relationship. It is more superficial than he thinks. I'm not saying, of course, it's occasional! " he exclaimed. What was he saying? "Harry is beautiful, one of the most beautiful guys I've ever seen but we are very different and ...""Louis," Des stopped him . "I'm not sure you're improving your situation.""Fuck," he muttered later. "I'm not very good with words either," he explained, sighing. “What I'm trying to say is that I care a lot about him. But I'm not a person who tends to bond from a sentimental point of view. Harry and I are just friends. "Des nodded, smiling. "Yeah, I'm sure," he replied, but he gave Louis the impression that he was making fun of him. “Now I leave you. We will see each other soon!" he exclaimed."Wait," he stopped him. "Can I ask you a question?" churches."Of course.""You know…" Louis bit his lip. He wasn't sure he wanted to ask him that question, he wasn't sure he was ready to know the answer. "Do you know when my mother started working for Del Toro?" he asked."Oh" Des frowned. "Do you want to know the exact year?" churches."No" Louis shook his head, sighing. "Before or after my birth?" he asked, more precisely.Des blinked several times, as if surprised by what she had just asked him. "I'm not quite sure," he replied. “Your mother didn't confess it to Anne right away. When she found out, you had already been born for a couple of months. "Louis's heart began to beat faster, so much so that he found himself clenching his fists tightly. "But it's possible she hid it from him for more than a year, right?" he asked.The man shook his head slightly. "I highly doubt it," he said. “Your mother has been missing for several months since Nightville . And when she got back, she was pregnant. "Louis felt himself stabbed by a hundred swords, all behind his back. He felt betrayed by his own mother, who despite not having been with him for many years was still able to make him suffer.It was all a lie.She had lied to him all his life."Everything is fine?" the man asked, probably noticing the pallor of his face.Louis cleared his throat, nodding his head. "Sure. You know if… ”he swallowed a lump of saliva as he dug his nails into the flesh of his palms. "Do you know who he was dating at that time?" he asked, hoping to sound disinterested."Are you asking me if I know who your father is?" he asked in turn.Louis winced to hear that phrase. He wasn't used to a dad, he just never had one. The knowledge that not even his mother was aware of his identity had made him grow up with the idea that he could not have a biological father. But, in that moment, he realized that yes, he could really have it."Do you know who he is?" He pleaded."I'm sorry, boy," he shook his head. “I don't know his name, but I think Anne knew something more. I only know that there was a love fling with the one I believe is your father. But something went wrong, and when she came back, she was pregnant. ""So, he wasn't from here," she assumed.“I don't think so, but I can't be sure. A lot of people disappear in this country often, ”he pointed out. "It could be from around here, or it could not be.""Okay thanks.""If you want, I could look for something in my wife's diaries," he offered. "Maybe, she wrote something about it.""Oh, no," he immediately denied. "It's not important." Louis forced a smile. “I didn't need a father at the time, I don't need one now either. It was just curiosity."Des sighed slightly, placing a hand on his shoulder and "I'll check these days," he said anyway. "I will keep you informed."Louis wanted to persuade him not to do it, really. He wanted to tell him that he did not care, that he would not look for a man who had probably abounded him, that he did not need anything or anyone.But, in the end, he didn't. He was so tired of playing the part of the indifferent that he no longer had the strength."I really should go," he said at that point. "I'm late for the shift.""Call me if you need it," he repeated."Yes, thank you," he smiled, before waving his hand at him and turning around. Louis walked faster and faster to put as much distance as possible between him and Des . He ran, without even realizing it.He arrived at the car park in a few minutes and, angrily, got into the car and closed the door with such force that the window pane broke into a thousand pieces.Louis didn't care, however.He started hitting the handlebars with both hands and “Fuck, fuck, fuck” he repeated several times.Then, with heavy breathing and a familiar pain stretching into his chest, Louis threw his head back and squinted.He waited a couple of minutes still in that position, hoping to get rid of all that anger and frustration that was about to explode.Finally, when he realized that his heartbeat had returned to a normal rhythm, Louis opened his eyes and closed all his emotions inside his secret box.His expression returned to the apathetic it always had and, with a sigh, Louis started the engine ready to face another day of work. Harry.Harry inserted the keys into the lock on the door when the sun had long gone down. Despite the busy day, he was happy.He had spent hours with his father, telling each other everything that had happened in the recent years, crying because of the useless reasons they had been separated all that time. His father was convinced that Harry hated him for what had happened to him, that he blamed him for what he had to do every day. Harry, on the other hand, believed that his father could not bear the idea of having a whore as a son.He would have liked to sleep with his father that night, but Nightville had terrified him a little since he had "sealed" the deal with Del Toro. He preferred to keep away from that neighborhood as much as possible, especially at night.The last time he'd woken up there, the next morning he'd been forcibly dragged along by two of Joe 's men , robbing him of the freedom to decide what to do with his life. No, he preferred to sleep as far away from this infamous place as possible.Harry walked slowly into the house, almost on tiptoe, trying to make as little noise as possible but a "HARRY!" exclaimed made him jump immediately.The curly boy turned his neck and saw his boyfriend, standing by the sofa with his face anything but calm. He looked seriously worried, actually."Liam" greeted him, with a slight smile. "I know it's late, but it's been a tiring day.""Tiring day?" Liam asked , his tone was extremely irritated. "You didn't come to work," he said, walking around the sofa and approaching him."Yes, but I have good motivation," he said."I'm sure!" he exclaimed. "But did it cost you so much to warn me?" he asked. “I was worried, Harry. You weren't responding to my calls, nor to my messages. ""I'm sorry" Harry replied, approaching him in turn and taking both of his hands. "But I went to my father today," he explained, smiling a little. "And I was so happy to be with him that I forgot everything else."Liam 's angry face immediately turned into a surprised expression. "Have you seen your father?" churches.Harry nodded his head. "I went to him.""Oh, Harry" Liam hugged him tightly, wrapping his arms around his hips and bringing a hand through his hair, so that he rested his head in the hollow of his neck. "I'm so proud of you," he hissed, holding him tightly.Harry hugged him back. "It was beautiful, you know?" continuous. "My father continues to be the best person in the world.""So, is everything all right between you?" he asked, pulling away from him and placing a hand under his chin."Yes, we've been two fools in these three years," he explained, grinning. "Both us thought absurd things.""I'm glad" and Harry knew he really meant it, because his smile was more than sincere. "Forgive me if I attacked you, I was just worried.""Never mind, I would have had the same reaction if my boyfriend had been missing all day!" he exclaimed. "I should have warned you."Liam smiled again . "Just — next time you come back to Nightville , here — I'd rather go with you," he stated. “Don't take it wrong, but I don't like you walking around that neighborhood by yourself. Not after all that has happened. "“Obviously, Liam . But I wasn't alone, ”he replied, shrugging one shoulder. "Louis accompanied me."Liam 's face gradually darkened. Harry felt his mood change from one moment to the next and suddenly felt like he had betrayed him. The younger began to feel uneasy, because he saw it, he felt it, Liam was upset."Did you… did you ask Louis to accompany you and not me?" he asked, stepping back so he could get away from him."N-it's not what you think," he justified himself immediately. Harry's good humor was also gone in the blink of an eye. “It was a coincidence. We met at the base and I asked him to come with me. "Liam let out a bitter laugh. "Why am I not surprised?" he asked, shaking his head." Liam , it was a coincidence." He rolled his eyes."It was a coincidence that you suddenly wanted to go to your father, just when you met him."Harry frowned. "And what does that mean?""You tell me you want to go to him since we've been together, Harry!" Liam exclaimed , raising his voice a little. "I always encouraged you to do it, to go together and you said you weren't ready!" he stated. "Then, you meet Louis and, surprise, you find the strength to go there."Harry snorted, rolling his eyes. "If this is another jealousy scene, Liam , I'm going to bed.""Yes, Harry, it's a full-fledged jealousy scene," he snapped sternly. "But, tell me, am I wrong to be jealous of him?" he asked."What the hell are you asking me now?" he asked, exasperated. " Liam , believe me, at the moment we have many reasons why we are in crisis, but Louis is not one of them."“Isn't him one of them? Are you kidding me?""Absolutely no!" he said aloud. "Your outbursts of jealousy, on the other hand, are!"“Oh, damn, Harry! He is the main reason for our crisis! " he said angrily. "Do you really want to know why I don't want to risk introducing you to my parents?""To risk introducing me?" he asked, shocked by the use of his words."I don't want to do it because I know it's not worth it!" he exclaimed. "Because I know you don't look at me the way you look at him."Harry started gasping, hurt by what he was saying. He also felt a little guilty, actually, because he had just realized that his boyfriend had believed all along that he was not up to Louis and, indeed, that he was loved less.But his jealousy, to the end, would oppress him. Of course, he wasn't going to give up on Louis just because he was insecure.But, again, Harry wondered if, by any chance, he was right to be insecure."Louis and I are just friends, Liam , " Harry said, breathing heavily. “I've told you a thousand times. You shouldn't be jealous of him, he's your friend. "“I know Louis would never hurt me like that, Harry. But I'll ask you the question once again. Am I right or not to be jealous? " he asked again."I still don't understand what you want me to say!" he snapped, exasperated."Are you in love with Louis, yes or no?" he asked, direct, making his eyes widen.Harry opened his mouth, starting to shake his head, shocked by the question he had just asked him. His breathing began to increase, like his heartbeat, and Harry got the feeling that this would be the last fight between them."This question makes no sense," he decided to say."But it does, and I'm waiting for an answer," he said through gritted teeth."You're crazy," he snapped. "Louis is an important person to both of us, you should also understand why.""You still don't answer me!" he raised his voice. "Are you or aren't you in love with him?"" Liam , stop asking me, I ..."“ARE YOU OR NOT IN LOVE WITH LOUIS? Yes or no?" he yelled, almost with exasperation."I DO NOT KNOW!" Harry finally answered, raising his voice too, not even realizing what he had just said. His eyes were covered with a veil of tears and a not indifferent sense of guilt settled on his stomach as he saw the expression of pure pain that was painted on Liam 's face .It was making him suffer. He had been making him suffer for who knows how long.Liam whispered , head down, nodding his head. "You don't know because you never wanted to ask yourself, because you were with me and it didn't make sense to understand."" Liam , I ..." he stammered."Do you love me, Harry?" he interrupted him again, raising her face to him.A tear rolled down his cheek at the knowledge that it was over. It was really over this time.So, Harry decided to approach him and take his face in his hands, so as to cancel any kind of distance between their lips.Liam immediately returned his kiss, placing his hands on his hips and gently stroking Harry's palate with his tongue.That kiss, what they both knew was going to be their last kiss, was slow and exhausting. Neither of them allowed themselves to deepen that contact, neither of them touched their respective bodies in an intrusive way. They just kissed in a chaste and romantic way, to say goodbye one last time.Liam finally pulled away from him and then placed a hand on his cheek. His eyes were also tremendously bright but, nonetheless, a slight sad smile appeared on his face. "I really hope you can find yourself  someday," he hissed. "I really hope you can make him happy once and for all."" Liam ." Harry held back a sob at the last. "I never made fun of you," he swore. "Being with you was the best thing that could have happened to me."Liam sighed, lowering his head. “I want you to be happy, Harry. And I can't give you the happiness you deserve. ""I don't want to lose you," Harry whispered, hanging up behind him. "Please, Liam , I don't want to lose you," he repeated again, his cheeks now streaked with tears."You won't," he reassured him, his voice now shaking, before raising his head and placing his lips gently on his forehead.Harry squinted at the gesture, wondering if he should stop it. Asking himself what were the absurd reasons why he didn't love him. Liam was perfect, he knew he was going to let go of a great guy but a little voice inside him kept telling him that it was the only thing to do.Liam lingered for several seconds, still, next to him. But then, avoiding letting him see his too liquid eyes, he walked away and shut himself in his room.Harry stood still, wide-eyed and staring completely blank.It was over. Louis.Louis restarted the video from the surveillance camera on the dock for the umpteenth time, starting the slow-motion footage. Beside him, he had a notebook, on which he had jotted down every little detail he had noticed after watching the video more than thirty times.Not that the list was very long. He had simply noticed that the man walking along the dock, covered in a long black coat and a hat, was limping immediately after the sound of the shot.He had also tried to hear what they were saying, but aside from the whispers, the camera was too far from them to be able to pick up the words.Louis rubbed his neck with one hand, squinting and moving his head left and right in exhaustion. He knew it was all in vain, that video wouldn't lead to much else, but he desperately needed to get distracted. He didn't want to go home.He was still at headquarters and had finished his shift hours ago by now. But he had no intention of sleeping. Sleeping led to thinking and his thoughts, at that moment, were anything but pleasant.He snorted lightly when, once again, he noticed nothing strange and new. He had only managed to approximate the culprit's weight and height.Successful, then. It was Harry with some strange program written by him who could give him fairly accurate information about it.He had to look for information on the Moreno's henchmen, it was the only way to be able to find someone who matched the characteristics of the killer.As he mulled over what to do, Louis heard a thud from the iron stairs."Fuck" he heard then exclaim.Frowning, Louis got up from the swivel chair and walked to the headquarters entrance, first placing a hand on the waistband of his pants so he could check if his gun was in place.He was slightly perplexed when he saw Harry, at the top of the stairs, trying to drag a suitcase and a duffel bag that looked very heavy with him."Harry?" he called out, blinking several times.Harry jumped at the sound of his voice, immediately turning his gaze to him and his eyes widening as he stood there.Louis slowly opened his lids as soon as he had a chance to see his eyes, red and liquid. "What are you still doing here?" he asked at that point."I was working," he explained, quickly climbing the stairs and grabbing both the suitcase and the duffel bag without any difficulty. "What are you doing here?" he asked immediately afterwards, unloading his bags himself. "And these? What are these?" he asked again, pointing to his bags.Harry snorted, starting to mutter words Louis couldn't understand (he had a vague idea they were bad words). "I thought there was no one.""Harry," Louis said. "What happened?" he asked, seriously worried."Just ..." Harry bit his lip. Louis hated it when he did it because it wet his mouth and accentuated his reddish color. "I didn't feel like answering any questions," he sighed. "Otherwise, I would have asked Niall to host me.""Did you have a fight with Liam again ?" he asked softly. At least, he hoped he had used a sweet tone."No," he denied, shaking his head strongly. "We broke up.""Oh."Oh.Oh.Louis was silent for too long after that statement, unable to express what he was thinking. Also unable to understand what he was thinking.He knew he felt sorry for Harry and Liam , he knew he wanted to comfort him yet — there was a kind of little voice in his head that kept repeating finally."Louis," Harry's voice brought him back from his momentary mental confusion. "In these cases, you should say sorry, Harry or, I don't know, hug me and ask me if I need anything.""Ah, um, I'm sorry," Louis repeated, not sure if he really meant it. "Are you okay?"."My boyfriend and I just broke up, Louis," Harry said. "I think it's a superfluous question."Louis nodded his head. “You're right, I'm sorry. I'm not particularly good at all these sentimental conversations. You met the wrong person to be consoled. ""I don't need it, honestly," he shook his head. “I'm very tired of being consoled by everyone. I came here precisely because I didn't want to talk about it. ""Okay," Louis sighed. "I don't even have to ask why you broke up?"Harry looked up momentarily at him, reserving a completely indecipherable expression. "No, you don't have to," he replied, turning his neck to the left so he could stop looking at him."Okay," Louis agreed, nodding affirmatively. "Let's change the subject?""Let's change the subject," he confirmed immediately."How did it go with your father?" he asked then.A faint smile appeared on Harry's face. "Good. It was wonderful, thank you, Louis, for giving me the strength to go to him. ""Whenever you want," he hinted a smile. “Although I don't understand why you were so afraid of seeing him. I understand more why he was afraid to see you. I feel such love for yourself. "Harry put a hand behind his neck and looked somewhere on the floor, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I had some fame in Nightville , " he explained. "The rumors go around fast and, um, I was afraid my dad had heard them," he shrugged. "Well, he's always been very jealous," he continued. "he thought I was a virgin before they came for me!" he exclaimed, laughing nervously."But, Harry." Louis shook his head, almost amused. "Your father knew you had to do it!""Yeah, I know, but—" Harry sighed slightly. “I-I always pretended to like it, that's it. Virtually no one knew I was there because I was forced to. I've always preferred to be considered a real whore, rather than have no dignity. So, I was very, um, how to say, famous? " he said, starting to play with the rings he wore on his fingers. "I, like — won first prize for best blow job ever and ...""Okay, okay" Louis stopped him at that point, suddenly blushing. “I understand what you mean. You feared he was ashamed of you. "“Yes. Maybe it was stupid of me. ”he wrinkled his nose. “He is my father, after all, he would love me no matter what. Right?"Louis nodded his head softly. "I believe so" he replied. "I don't think I'm the right person who can answer this question, Harry."Harry sighed slightly, biting his lip (again, damn). "Right," he whispered."Okay." Louis smiled a little, just to ease the tension that had just built up. "Let's go?" he asked later.Harry looked at him puzzled. "Let's go where?" he asked."To sleep," he replied obvious, putting Harry's bag over his shoulder and grabbing the trolley from the handle."Where to sleep?" he asked once more."At my house," he shrugged. "But it's a temporary stay," he specified, starting to climb the stairs. "I don't want you around for more than two days.""Louis ..." Harry immediately followed, stopping him by the arm. "I-I don't think that's a good idea," she stammered, trying to get the trolley out of his hands, with poor results. "Well, I don't want to bother.""You've been doing this since we've known each other, Harry," Louis pointed out, raising an eyebrow. "Since when do you care?""B-but ... here - the sofa here is not bad and ...""I won't let you sleep here, Harry," he said quickly."I'm going to my father!" then proposed."In Nightville ?" Louis rolled his eyes, resuming climbing the stairs. “I'm not going to accompany you because, you know how it is, they want to kill me over there. And I certainly won't let you go there alone, at this time of night. "Louis heard Harry snort loudly before he resumed following him. "You are impossible.""Why don't you want to come to me?" Louis asked at that point. "Are you afraid of succumbing to my charm?" teased him."You're such an idiot," he rolled his eyes. "No, I just didn't want to burden you.""Too late. You've been a burden since… ”Louis turned his neck towards him and narrowed his eyes. "How long have you and I known each other?""Again, you're an idiot," Harry muttered. "And, please, can I carry at least one suitcase?" churches. "Look, I know they're heavy!" he exclaimed."You are weak if you consider them heavy"  he shrugged."And you're incredibly strong since you carry them like they are two pillows, you know?" he teased him, raising an eyebrow.Louis looked at him out of the corner of his eye, only to find that Harry was looking at him defiantly. That curly boy knew too much for his liking. He was anxiously awaiting his response, but Louis decided not to give him even remotely that satisfaction. In fact, he said nothing more, he just shrugged innocently.It didn't even make sense to constantly deny the evidence, he would simply have avoided giving him explanations.If he really cared, he had to discover his secrets for himself.He had no intention of letting that kid get under his skin, even more so than he had already done. But then, he realized he was taking him to his house and suddenly that wasn't a good idea anymore. Harry.Harry rolled over in bed for the twentieth time.Sleeping seemed impossible that night. Although the room Louis had given him was perfect, Harry was too agitated to be able to sleep.Harry, however, was pleasantly surprised to see Louis's apartment. For some reason, as soon as Harry walked through the door of that house, he immediately understood how the place was screaming Louis.The apartment was very bare, there were no photos, there weren't colors, but it was just as welcoming.It was very modern in decor, not overly large but very basic. In addition to the two bedrooms and the bathroom, the house consisted only of a single large room where the kitchen and the living room were completely communicating.Harry had noticed immediately that Louis didn't have a dining table, he just had a fairly large counter attached to the kitchen, and a low glass coffee table between the sofa and the television.That house was perfect for a bachelor, for someone like Louis who never invited people to his house, who lived purely alone.What Harry loved madly about that apartment, however, was the expansive terrace that surrounded the entire perimeter of the house. Louis lived on the top floor of a fairly tall building, so the view wasn't bad.Harry would have furnished that beautiful open space with tables, garden chairs, colorful plants.However, after trying in vain to fall asleep for far too long, he decided to sit on the bed and cross his arms over his chest, snorting from that damned sleep that didn't want to come.The truth was, he felt guilty about being there.What would Liam think ?Louis was one of the main reasons they broke up and, there he was, sleeping in his apartment. He didn't want to make him suffer, at least not again.He hated himself for letting him go. Loving Liam would have been so beautiful, so simple.Louis, on the other hand ...Harry shook his head nervously as he realized the association he was about to make.He wasn't in love with Louis. At all.He was just very fascinated by him, but it was a more than normal reaction after what he had done for him. "Everyone, but not him, Harry," he threatened himself, muttering. Still, he hadn't been able to answer Liam 's fateful question in negative. Why?In short, his head kept telling him to simply say no.But he hadn't succeeded. He hadn't been able to answer him.Harry snorted again, squinting and throwing his head back. To many thoughts. He had to find a way to stop thinking. So he decided to get out of bed and go to the kitchen to get some water. Barefoot, he walked as quietly as possible out of his room and slowly walked over to the kitchen fridge.Grabbing a glass, he poured some water and began taking generous sips.It was then that he saw him.Harry frowned as he caught a glimpse of Louis on the sofa at the back of the room, sprawled uncomfortably with several documents scattered across his chest and on the low table in front of him.He wasn't even wearing pajamas, he had fallen asleep with the clothes of the day.Harry, smiling slightly, shook his head a little, imagining that the idiot had fallen asleep while he worked. After putting his glass back on the counter, Harry decided to walk over to him so that he could wake him up and encourage him to go back to his room.But the closer he got, the more he sensed that something was wrong.Louis looked troubled, sore, haunted.His smile faded more and more until Harry felt a painful squeeze tighten his heart. Who knows how much he had suffered, who knows how much he was still suffering.Louis shifted on the sofa, letting out a slight moan of pain. He began muttering incomprehensible words in Harry's ears and, again, wiggled his neck, left and right, several times.Harry then knelt in front of the sofa, close to his face and, with a sad look, placed a hand on his cheek, caressing it gently. "Louis," he called softly.The older did not answer, at first, quite the contrary. At the sound of his voice, he let out yet another moan, this time slightly louder and a "No, please" which Harry could pick up very clearly."Oh, Louis," Harry sighed, stroking his cheek again. "What happened to you?" he asked him. To avoid seeing him so — troubled, Harry decided to start shaking him a little harder so that he could finally wake him up.The agent squinted hard, between complaints but, then, to the umpteenth "LOUIS!" Harry exclaimed loudly, he finally woke up.Louis blinked open his eyelids and, with a startled fright, sat up immediately. His forehead was beaded with sweat and, judging from his breath, he was still very scared of whatever he was dreaming of."Louis?" Harry called him, this time much more sweetly.Louis placed a hand on his chest and began to take deep breaths, perhaps to try to calm the excessively fast beating of his heart.Then, finally, he turned his neck to Harry and, as he rubbed one eye with some weariness with his fingertips, said "Why are you still awake at this hour?" in a voice deeper than usual, still thick with sleep.Harry sat down on the glass coffee table so as to face him and looked at him with some concern. "I was thirsty and I came to get some water, but then I saw you and ..." the curly haired boy bit his lip. "Are you okay?" he asked.Louis looked at him for a moment, before turning his eyes elsewhere, anywhere on the floor. "Yes, I'm fine," he nodded, settling himself on the sofa."You looked troubled," Harry continued undaunted."It was just a bad dream," he replied immediately.Harry nodded softly, slowly reaching out and placing a hand on Louis’s knee. "Do you often have them?" he asked softly.Louis sighed slightly. "Perhaps. But they are just nightmares, it happens to everyone. ""That's not true." Harry shook his head. "I suffer from nightmares too," he confessed to them. "But I have a valid reason for that."Only then, Louis slowly raised his head towards him and looked him straight in the eye. Harry got lost in analyzing those two ice-colored pupils who were scrutinizing him so closely and hiding who knows what secrets. But Harry, didn't know why, just felt so confident every time those eyes rested on his figure."Sometimes, my clients weren't particularly gentlemen," the curly boy explained again, shrugging. "There were a couple of them who ...""Harry," Louis stopped him. "If you are telling me this because you hope that later I will explain something to you, please don't," said the major. "I do not want to talk about it.""I'm telling you this because I want to tell you," Harry replied."Are you sure?" Louis asked. “Because I don't think I'm ready to talk about it yet. Don't make me do it, please. "Harry smiled slightly, reaching out both arms and grabbing Louis's hands. "I'll never, ever force you to do something you don't want," he promised, looking him straight in the eye. "Remember that well, Louis," he tried to calm him down. Then, taking a deep breath, his smile gradually faded. "I had a client for most of last year who never treated me very well," he began, lowering his head. “He was - violent. And authoritarian. He was a close friend of Joe 's , so he always had the green light on everything and… ”Harry sighed. "He was making me do things I didn't want to do." Louis' handshake tightened. “H-he didn't know the meaning of the word no. Or, perhaps, he knew it but didn't care. And even now, even now that it's been months since I last saw him, every time I close my eyes he comes back to haunt me. He is my monster in the closet. ""Harry, I promise you," Louis said seriously. "Nobody will ever touch you again, unless you want to.""Ha-ha," Harry warned him. "Do not make promises you can not keep. The world still sees me as a prostitute, remember? ""It doesn't matter," he reiterated. "Nobody will touch you, not as long as I'm around."Harry smiled slightly. “Maybe Liam was right. Maybe, you really are the white-armored knight, ”he teased.Louis gave a laugh. "I really wish I was, but I don't think it's that simple.""Well, for what it's worth," he said at that point, squeezing his hand tightly. "You are for me."Louis didn't answer. He looked at him straight in the eye for an indefinite time, without saying a word.Harry couldn't translate that exchange of glances, he couldn't understand what the older wanted to convey to him, but he immediately realized that he didn't need an answer. His eyes were enough for him.After several seconds of simply looking into each other's eyes, Louis withdrew his hand and stood up from the sofa, walking slowly towards the kitchen. "We'd better go to bed," he said at that point, turning his back to him. "We both have morning shift tomorrow," he reminded him, before taking a sip of water straight from the bottle.Harry nodded his head, also getting up from the coffee table and joining him. "Are you sure you're okay?" he then asked."Yes, Harry, don't worry," he assured him.Harry sighed slightly. "Will you ever let me help you?" he asked, with his neck down. "How are you always doing with me?"Louis stopped his every move at that question. He stood still, his eyes straight on him and a strange expression on his face. Harry noticed a certain disappointment in himself, as if no matter how hard he was trying, he still couldn't open up the way he wanted.Louis really wanted to show them all that he trusted them, that they were the closest thing to a family he had and yet, he always failed spectacularly.And, as much as it cost Harry to admit, yes, Louis failed.None of them really believed their boss really counted on them. Louis would always solve his problems and the problems of the world on his own, without their help.Louis, at that point, sighed deeply, looking down again. Harry slowly looked up at him and smiled slightly as he noticed him so uncomfortable.He opened and closed his mouth, over and over, probably because he wanted to try to talk to him, but he didn't quite know what to say to him, how to answer him."I'm not good with words," he said, at one point, shaking his head resignedly.Harry gave a slight laugh. "My father has the same problem as you," he replied. “He has always had a lot of difficulty expressing his feelings, usually he demonstrates them with gestures. I'm the only one with whom, every now and then, he opens up. "Louis nodded his head. "T - this whole situation ... well," he stammered. "You and Liam , the memories and ..." Louis snorted loudly when he realized he couldn't put together a meaningful sentence."Louis" Harry shook his head. "If you don't feel like it, you can not tell me about it," he assured him. "I told you, I would never make you talk.""No, I want to," he contradicted him. “I… I know it looks like you don't help me,” he said seriously, looking up at him. “But you do, damn it if you do. I have lived my whole life surrounded by danger, Harry, and my only job was to protect my mother and my sister, without thinking of myself. But since you are in my life, I feel safe in a way I didn't remember I could be, ”he stated. Harry smiled and a pleasant feeling warmed his heart. He was really helping him. "And if to show you how useful you are, I have to talk about myself from time to time, I'm willing to do it.""Louis, you should talk to us if it makes you feel better, not to please us," he explained softly."It does," he reiterated. "At least, I think it does." Louis snorted a little. “The shaky relationship between you and Liam reminded me of my shaky relationship,” he said, all in one breath. "Reminded me of my ex-boyfriend.""Oh," he exhaled, surprised. "Did you have a boyfriend?" He asked.Louis rolled his eyes. "Why are you all using that surprised tone ?!" he muttered, a little offended.Harry laughed. "Well, you just - you don't seem like someone who would want, um, a romantic relationship.""First of all, I can be in a relationship without being cloying," he pointed out. "Second, I haven't always been like this!" he exclaimed. “Life has transformed me into this cold and detached shell, allergic to all human emotions. But, you know how it is, I was a teenager too, ”he reminded him."Oh, I would love to see you as a teenager in a hormonal crisis," he teased.Louis raised an eyebrow. "I was still messed up, even then," he specified. "And then, never say never, we discover that we actually already knew each other" he smiled. "Isn't it strange that our parents knew each other?" churches.Harry, crossing his arms over his chest, began to nod his head frantically. "Yes," he confirmed immediately. “It was a shock to me. In short, we were closer than we thought, but we never crossed paths. "“In fact, especially considering you're pretty much Lottie 's age . I understand you didn't know me, despite everything, but there is only one school in Nighville ! " he exclaimed."How old is your sister?" He asked."Twenty," he replied. "You are practically the same age.""Yes, Louis, but I remind you that I was ahead of several years," he pointed out. "I skipped middle school and graduated at fifteen," he shrugged."Oh, right, I forgot that particular," he wrinkled his nose."Wait, we're seven years apart, right?" churches."Um, yes," he nodded."So when you were in the last year, I was in the first, at eleven."Louis shook his head. "The last two years I haven't spent that much time in that school," he immediately denied. "I took exams every two months, but I didn't attend classes.""Oh" Harry cocked his neck. "And why?" he asked."Long story," he shrugged. "But, at this point, I think you may have met my ex-boyfriend, you know?""Who is?"" Davon, " Louis replied. “ Davon Tate. He was a year younger than me. "Harry seemed to think about it for a few moments. “Yes, I guess so. I think we did advanced math together, ”he explained. "What happened between you?"Louis sighed. "Many things have happened," he hissed. “But in the last period, we no longer found harmony. We spent our time arguing and ... in the end, after four years of relationship, I left him. "Harry nodded his head quietly and "I think I already know the answer but…" he bit his lip uncomfortably "Where 's Davon now?"Louis bitterly raised a corner of his mouth. "Where do you think he is?" churches. "Is dead."The younger lowered his head, sighing. "I guess you think it's your fault.""It is," he confirmed, walking around the counter and approaching him slowly. “It's my curse, Harry. Every person who approaches me ends up getting hurt. ”Louis slowly raised Harry's head with one hand. “But, I swear to God,” he said, spelling out word for word, placing both of his palms on his cheeks. "I will not let anyone hurt you, Harry" the younher's breathing became heavier and heavier, due to the closeness of their faces and, above all, because of the seriousness of the tone Louis was using. "I'll protect you, Harry, even from myself, at the cost of my life."His heart started pounding constantly, Harry felt like he was having a heart attack.Are you in love with him, yes or no?That question, so simple yet so complicated, kept swirling in his head. He didn't want to give him an answer, he didn't want to make sense of it, but he knew that that sense of security, of home he was feeling at that moment was a more than obvious response.Harry bit his lip, refraining from asking him why he cared so much about him. He didn't really need any other reasons to mess with his brain.Louis followed that movement with his eyes, moving on to watch his wet lips incessantly.The older swallowed a lump of saliva and returned to look him in the eye, but this time his pupils were definitely more liquid, Harry read a strange spark of heat in his eyes, a spark he was sure he had too.The closeness, his words, Louis in general, had caused a strange familiar warmth to spread throughout his lower abdomen. Oh, how he wanted to cancel the distance, how he wanted Louis to take him right there, on that counter.No, he couldn't. It was too early.But Louis, perhaps, was not of the same idea because, slowly, he brought his face close to his. Harry could not move, he remained motionless waiting for that gesture that, in reality, he desired with all of himself.Louis came so close to his lips that Harry spontaneously narrowed his eyes.But, at the last moment, the older turned his face and placed his lips on his cheek, leaving him a slow, gentle kiss.Harry let out a slight sigh of relief (or perhaps, it was disappointment), but didn't comment further.Neither did, actually."Goodnight," Louis whispered, directly in his ear, before walking away from him, with his head strictly down and quickly making his way to his room.Harry stared after him, without saying a word.He stood still, observing the now closed door of Louis's room with his usual irrepressible heartbeat that dominated him every time he spent time with the major.And "Shit," Harry whispered, when he realized that yes, Liam had every reason in this world to be jealous of him. Harry had left the house early that morning. With the excuse of the shift, he had escaped as soon as possible from those walls, partly because he didn't want Liam to see them coming together, partly because the half-realization of the previous night had terrified him too much.But keeping busy hadn't done much, anyway.Harry had tried to tell himself over and over that what he felt for Louis was pure esteem, a strong affection stemming from the fact that he had saved him from that horrible life he had found himself in.Yet, he had noticed how his eyes hardly ever left the older's figure.While they were at the Central,  Harry was always checking where he was, what he was doing or who he was talking to.And, whenever he realized it, Harry mumbled shit because, well, he knew he was getting himself into a lot of trouble.The worst part?Trouble had never seemed more beautiful to him, because yes, Louis was a beautiful, attractive, charming and an exciting trouble.And he was especially so at that moment, as he trained at the headquarters in that damn wet white tank top and those gym shorts that, despite their width, still gave him a chance to see his full and somewhat inviting rear.Harry bit the back of the pencil he was using at the time and sighed slightly as Louis brushed his sweat-soaked hair back."You're staring" Niall 's voice beside him made him momentarily awaken from his unchaste thoughts.Harry nervously shook his head and turned his attention back to his friend. "N-no," he stammered. "I was just immersed in my thoughts!" he exclaimed."Yeah, deep in Louis's ass," he teased, raising an eyebrow.Harry's cheeks turned scarlet red with embarrassment. "I'm gay, Niall , " he decided to defend himself. "And it happens to drop the eye!" he muttered in a low voice.Niall , at that point, crossed his arms over his chest and began to study him with his eyes. "What exactly are you doing, Harry?" he asked sternly. "Do you go from one friend to another?"Harry's eyes suddenly widened. "W-what?" he stammered. "N-no! No! I mean, what are you saying?! ""I know you and Liam broke up last night," he informed him."You know it?" he asked immediately, swallowing a lump of saliva. "How?""He called me," he explained simply."Oh" Harry bit his lip and "Did he even tell you why?" he asked softly."Not really, but I have a suspicion or two," he said, shrugging."It's not what you think, Nì " he shook his head. "I didn't make fun of Liam , if you think that."Niall then sighed deeply and put a hand on his shoulder. "I don't judge you, Harry," he said, hinting at a smile. "The last three years have not been simple for you, I think it was quite legitimate to take refuge in the arms of a person who gave you security" he reassured him. "Even if you didn't love him as you should have.""I never said that" replied the curly boy. "I really care a lot about him.""You understand what I mean," he resumed. "Are you in love with Liam , Harry?"Harry lowered his head down and began to play with the rings on his fingers, frightened by the question his friend had just asked him. Then "No," he whispered, barely.Niall nodded softly with his head and, again, "And are you in love with Louis?"The boy's eyes widened, turning his shocked gaze to Niall . He held his breath as those words reached his ears and his heart began pounding incessantly inside his chest. Why was everyone asking him that question? How could something be obvious that even he still didn't know for sure?Harry couldn't answer. He remained silent, with his lips parted between them and his eyes fixed on the serious but sweet gaze of his friend.Again, he wondered why it was so difficult for him to say a simple no. In short, using the word love to express the feelings he felt towards Louis seemed exaggerated.He wasn't even sure he knew what love was!Fortunately, the sound of the door interrupted their far too uncomfortable speech.Harry looked up at the iron stairs and, in that moment, he saw Liam go down them with some slowness.Automatically, the minor stood up and followed his ex-boyfriend with his gaze, which, in turn, immediately made his eyes fall on him.Liam looked serious, angry perhaps, and the prospect of him being angry with him terrified Harry more than he wanted to admit.In short, he could accept the idea of losing him as a boyfriend, but never losing him as a person in his life."Guys," he greeted them summarily with a wave of his hand and a slight smile."Hi," he barely whispered. "How - um, how are you?" he asked awkwardly.Liam raised an eyebrow, perhaps a little irritated by the question. "Good," he just replied, before turning his gaze to Louis.Only then did Harry notice that the older had stopped training and, with a bottle of water in his hand, was obviously looking embarrassedly at the interactions between the two."Louis," Liam said , approaching him. "Can I talk to you?" He pleaded.Harry's eyes widened. What on earth would he want to tell him?"Yeah, sure," Louis nodded immediately, placing the water bottle next to his duffel bag and pulling out a pack of cigarettes. "I'll take this opportunity to smoke," he shrugged."You should seriously stop, Louis," the friend resumed, heading for the stairs to exit the headquarters. "That stuff hurts you.""We're all going to die anyway," he replied, with a simple shrug, following him with his usual resigned air.Harry took a step forward, ready to follow, but Niall immediately grabbed his arm and blocked his intent. "Don't move, Harry."Harry snapped his neck towards him. "What do you think he will tell him?" he asked, in complete panic."He's his friend, Harry," Niall reminded him. "Maybe he needs to tell him what happened between you."Harry's face paled. "Do you - I mean, do you think he is also telling him the reason we broke up?" he asked.Niall shook his head slowly. "He didn't tell me last night, he won't tell him either," he shrugged."B-but - I don't understand why he didn't just call him like he did to you yesterday!" he exclaimed. "I mean — why did he want a real confrontation?" he asked."He really wanted to," he informed him. "But he told me he assumed he was busy," he explained. "He said he knew you would go to him for comfort.""Oh, no, no, no." Harry dropped into his chair, dead weight, resting his elbows on the desk in front of him and covering his face with his hands. "No!" he muttered in a muffled voice. “I can't believe I'm making him suffer so much. I didn't go to him! " he said later, turning his gaze to Niall . “I came here, because I wanted to be alone and Louis was there too. It was a fortuitous case! "Niall laughed slightly. "Harry," he said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You know Louis' schedule, you know how much time he spent down here. Did it really seem so strange to you to find him at that hour? " he asked. “Are you sure it was a coincidence? Or, were you hoping to find him here? "Harry, once again, couldn't answer.He was so confused, he could no longer understand what was happening to his head.Going to headquarters the night before had been the first and only solution he'd thought of. All the other options had not been considered in the slightest.Still, a small part of him knew that, having never seen Louis's house before the previous evening, he associated the base with Louis's presence. At that moment, then, he wondered if he had gone there yesterday because he needed a place to sleep or because he knew there were many chances of finding him?Harry didn't know anything anymore.Niall smiled at him again, placing a hand on his cheek at that point. "You know, Harry," he began, softly. "Sometimes, silence is worth a thousand words."Harry swallowed a lump of saliva, nodding his head softly.He was in trouble. Louis.Louis leaned his back against the wall and, after turning the wheel of his lighter, lit his cigarette.He didn't know why, but he was nervous."I guess you know the reason I want to talk to you," Liam began , with his head down.Louis nodded, blowing smoke from his lips. "Yes, I think I know.""Harry and I broke up," his friend said, with a sigh. "He must have already told you.""Yes, he did," he confirmed. "Last night, he came here with some suitcases and I hadn't come home yet," he explained. "It was a coincidence" he felt strangely to point out. "He slept with me," he continued, trying to hold his gaze, trying not to sound frightened by the information she was giving him. "I didn't want him to sleep on the sofa and I told him he can stay for a couple of days at my house" Louis cleared his throat and "Is it a problem for you?" He asked.Liam looked at him for several moments, blinking over and over. Louis wondered what he was thinking, wondered what kind of thought he had about him. Could that invitation be a kind of stab in the back?Louis couldn't deal with feelings, he was sure of that."No," he replied, after a while. “It's not a problem, quite the contrary. You did the right thing. I don't hate him just because things didn't work out. ”He shook his head. "Did he - did he tell you the reason we broke up?""No," he denied. "He didn't really want to talk about it," he explained. "He was very shaken, Liam , I didn't want to force him.""I understand." Liam bit his lip. “I really want him to be happy, Louis. And letting him go seemed to me the only way. ""How are you?" he asked at that point."Fine" he replied, with a shrug. "I know it sounds absurd, but I think part of me always knew it would be over, sooner or later.""You know you can always take it back, right?" he asked. "If you really care, you should fight for him."Liam shook his head. "He doesn't love me, Louis," he stated. "And I don't think he ever will."Louis brought the cigarette between his lips again to be able to take yet another drag. "And you?" he asked. "You love him?""I firmly believed so," he replied. “But I can't get your words out of my head, Louis. Maybe, you were right. Maybe, I don't love him enough. And call me romantic or pathetic, but I want to love someone so all-encompassing that I'm willing to give up anything for them. And for Harry I don't think I would. ""One day, Liam , " he told him at that point. "One day you will meet the right person for you and that day you will really understand what it means to love" he tried to reassure him.Liam gave a slight smile, before tilting his neck and looking him straight in the eye. "And you?" churches."What?""Did you understand what it means to love?" he asked.Louis laughed slightly, shaking his head. "I don't want to understand it," he replied. "I can not afford it.""Everyone can afford it," he shook his head."Not me. I have more important things to think about, ”he explained. "Besides, feelings aren't for me.""Louis," Liam said , trying to keep the smile on his face. "I've seen your feelings," he pointed out. "You're less good than you think at hiding them, you know?"Louis paled slightly, and, strangely, his breathing became heavier. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," he stammered."You are my best friend, Louis," he stated again. "And I know I'm yours," he continued. “Certain things, I see them. Certain looks, certain attitudes and ... "" Liam ," Louis stopped him, his eyes wide. "You - you misunderstood everything," he said, in a spontaneous rush. "You are my best friend," he confirmed soon after. "And I would never disrespect you.""I know," she reassured him immediately. "And trust me, I'm not going to let a guy complicate our relationship.""Me neither!" he exclaimed then, putting out the cigarette on the wall next to him and throwing it directly into the nearby bin. “There are millions of fish in the sea! And of course, I don't pretend to have yours! "Liam smiled at him again, with a certain hint of sadness in his eyes. Then, he reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. "But he's not mine anymore, Louis," he hissed. "Actually, I don't think he ever was."Louis swallowed a lump of saliva, unable to say anything else.What was he telling him, exactly? Was he, perhaps, giving him permission to hit on Harry?Liam was completely out of his mind, the breakup with that damn tempting curly boy had upset him more than he thought.Damn.Had he already said he hated feelings?However, a faint "Boys" interrupted their profound exchange of glances.They both turned their heads and saw a little ahead of them Zayn , who was holding on to the wall with one hand.Louis' eyes widened when he could see Zayn 's swollen, bleeding face , who, battered as he was holding onto one side with the other arm." Zayn !" Liam exclaimed , going immediately to his rescue. "What happened to you?" he asked, wrapping his hips with one arm.The dark-haired leaned automatically against him, now without strength and, with half-closed eyes, he let himself fall into Liam 's arms .Louis immediately approached them, to be able to lend a hand to his friend."I have some news," he said, hinting at a smile.Liam ordered , before deciding to pick him up, given his complete lack of strength. "You will tell us later."Zayn barely stammered .Liam laughed wryly, walking towards the door.Zayn 's flushed cheeks who, embarrassed, had just wrapped his arms around Liams's neck.As soon as he saw his satisfied face, Zayn mimicked an oh, shut up that made him laugh even more. Harry.Harry gently placed the cotton ball on Zayn 's split, bloody lip. The friend, in response, gritted his teeth and gave a slight gasp of pain.Around him there were Niall , Liam and Louis, worried about Zayn’s condition. Harry himself had been surprised to find him in that state, but in the past he had gotten so used to having to care for him that, frankly, he wasn't surprised as much as the others.The concern about the bartender, however, made him forget the discomfort he felt in being close to Liam . His ex-boyfriend, on the other hand, looked genuinely frightened and distressed by Zayn 's swollen face ."We should take him to the hospital," Liam said , shaking his head in disappointment."I approve," Harry said, lifting his chin with one hand and carefully studying the deep scratch that lay on his cheek.Zayn complained, snorting slightly. "Don't make a lot of noise about nothing.""This isn't nothing," Liam protested sternly. "We should do a complaint."Zayn let out a bitter laugh. "Yes, of course. I'm from Nightville, stuff like that happens everyday. "" Zayn ," Louis spoke in an extremely stern tone. Harry let his eyes fall for a moment on the older's figure. God, he had just taken on the look all over that made him terribly sexy and arousing. "What happened?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "And I don't want omissions and lies," he ordered, peremptory.His gaze, his tone did not admit any kind of reply. Harry, in that moment, would truly be obeying any kind of order Louis would have uttered."It's a long story," Zayn said , wincing as Harry had just started disinfecting the cut on his cheek. "But I really bring news.""These novelties have changed your connotations," Niall pointed out ."Thanks, Niall , if you hadn't told me I wouldn't have noticed it" ironized the dark-haired man."He should rest now," Liam interjected . "As soon as Harry finishes treating him, Zayn should be asleep.""I'm fine, Liam ." Zayn rolled his eyes . "Oh, damn, Liam is just a stranger to the Nightville way of life, " he complained.Harry laughed slightly. "Yes, he is," he nodded his head. Liam raised an eyebrow at his probably inappropriate intervention, that Harry found himself blushing to notice his gaze on him. "Sorry," he barely whispered." Zayn, if you don't feel like it, you can tell us about it later," Louis said at that point. " Liam is right, you should really rest.""No, Louis, it's really important," said the bartender, suddenly very serious. "They're looking for you," he informed him.Harry's eyes widened immediately, slowly turning his gaze to the older who had strangely taken on a questioning expression."Who is looking for me?" he asked, confused."The Moreno’s," he replied seriously."What?" Liam asked, immediately worried. "Why? How - how did they get to him? "Harry swallowed a lump of saliva, suddenly his usually very firm fingers were shaking with fear."They've got David," Zayn explained , his eyes still extremely serious. “They questioned him for hours because they wanted information on this Hercules. But David doesn't know anything, he doesn't know who he is. In fact, I don't think anyone knows anything among Del Toro's employees, other than Del Toro himself. ""Yeah, well, I strongly believe that Del Toro killed everyone who came in contact with him," Louis said. "But what do I have to do with it.""David said you might know," Zayn said . "He told him there is a secret past between you two, and he also said that the only person in the world that Del Toro fears is you.""Oh," Louis snorted. "Great. Now, the Moreno’s will want to get to me at all costs, and Del Toro will want to kill me to keep me from talking. ”Louis rubbed his neck with one hand. "Great news, Zayn .""That doesn't explain why you are reduced to these conditions," Liam continued . "Did they use you to get him to talk?" churches."No," Zayn laughed lightly . "I highly doubt it would have worked," he wrinkled his nose. “David is running away from the city, he knows that Del Toro will not be happy with his betrayal. And, um, he wanted me to go with him. "Harry looked at him surprised. "Did you tell him no?" he asked, shocked. "Were you able for the first time in your life to say no to him?""Er, yes," he slowly nodded his head, smiling slightly. Harry, however, saw embarrassment in that smile. "We quarreled precisely because I, uhm, I left.""Did you really succeed?" Harry asked, smiling, proud of his friend, before gently placing a hand on his cheek."Yes," Zayn confirmed, the smile lingering on his face.Harry wondered why Zayn had managed to let David go in a matter of months. In short, he had always been so dominated by his boyfriend that Harry had lost hope long ago, yet within a few months he had noticed changes in his friend.At first, he had firmly believed that it was Louis and their new adventure that gave Zayn a little more courage, but lately he was no longer convinced. He had suspicions, indeed, but Harry had categorically decided not to investigate further."Did David hit you ?!" Liam snapped . "Was it he who brought you to this state?""We had a fight," Zayn only explained . "I hit him too.""Oh really?" Niall asked skeptically. "And is he reduced like you?""Well, let's say he won," he shrugged."This is harassment, Zayn !" Liam protested . "We should put him in jail for this."Zayn looked at him puzzled for several seconds, then, after moving his gaze to Harry, they both burst out laughing in amusement."There's nothing to laugh about!" Niall said indignantly. "We are serious here!"Zayn grinned again , holding up his belly as the laughter made him feel pain in the bruises that lay on his abdomen. "In Nightville 's laws, this is perfectly legal.""The fights? The mistreatment, you mean? " Liam asked ."Yes," said Harry, of course. "What do you believe? That none of my clients ever hit me just because they drank too much? " he asked.Liam 's body stiffened at his words, everyone noticed. In fact, his ex-boyfriend suddenly took on an expression of discomfort, as if his information made him feel bad. Harry couldn't understand the reason for his reaction. It seemed that, strangely, he felt guilty."This isn't funny," Liam said then . "This is not funny at all," he repeated again, so seriously it made both of them smile."I know," Harry said, looking him straight in the eye for the first time since they broke up the previous night. "I was there, Liam , I remember I never laughed""Okay" Louis decided to step in then, to try to calm the obvious tension that had arisen. " Zayn , I'll take you to rest, okay?" he said, walking up to him and gently pulling Harry away. " Niall , will you come with me?"Harry turned his neck to Louis, blinking several times. What was he trying to do?"I'm not done medicating him," Harry pointed out."I can do it without any problem, I have my fair share of experience" he shrugged, before picking up Zayn with no apparent effort."Why can't I continue?" Harry asked then, narrowing his eyes.Louis rolled his eyes and glared at him just as to say to talk to him.In response, the curly boy just shook his head, begging him not to leave him alone. He wasn't ready for another heavy talk. He really needed a break.But Louis seemed not to listen to him and, on the contrary, turned his back and walked away from them, with Zayn clinging to him and Niall following him with his head down.Harry, sighing, turned his neck towards Liam, biting his lip.His ex, however, was still intent on following the figure of Louis and Zayn with his eyes ." Liam ," Harry called timidly. "W-we can not talk, if you don't want to," he stammered uncomfortably.Liam turned his attention back to him, slowly moving his neck. His eyes were still dull and worried. Angry, perhaps. Harry didn't know for sure, but he was sure he feared any mood he might have.After all, Liam had every reason to be angry with him."I'm sorry," he said, unexpectedly.Harry looked confused. "For what?" he asked, hinting at a smile. "I should be the one apologizing.""No, that's not true," he shook his head. "I've been an idiot, Harry," he sighed slightly. "I had the stupid presumption of believing that you just had to stop doing that job to leave all your misadventures behind," he said, lowering his neck. “I never really understood how many scars you still carry inside of you. But you are always so cheerful that I thought you were fine. I'm an idiot."Harry's smile gradually faded and, out of nervousness, he swallowed a lump of saliva. "It's my fault too," he shook his head slowly, aiming his eyes at the floor. "I have this stupid penchant for letting everyone see that I'm fine, even when I'm not," he explained in a low voice. “It was normal that you didn't notice, I'm a good actor,” he said, hinting at a smile.“No, Harry, I've been an idiot. After everything you've been through, you couldn't get over a trauma like this in a few months. I should have understood better what you needed. "Harry sighed slightly, reaching out and grabbing his hand. “You were better than you think, Liam . There were many moments where you made me forget who I was. But I can't forget forever, you know? " he said then. "I will never forget," he specified immediately after. "I just want to - turn the page."Liam nodded his head. "I understand," he said, sighing. "And I want to help you do that, even if we're not now ..." Liam bit his lip. "We are no longer what we were.""You've helped me more than you think," he smiled at him. “I'm sorry about yesterday. I don't want you to believe that I made fun of you, because I didn't. You were everything I thought I needed. ""I know it. I thought the same thing too, ”he hissed, sadly. “I don't think you made fun of me, Harry. I am not angry with you. It had to go as it went. ""Maybe" Harry breathed faster and "Maybe we were wrong not to communicate our feelings better," he offered. "Maybe - we could try again ...""No," Liam stopped him , freeing himself from his hand and taking a step back. "Don't ask me that," he pleaded, his eyes slightly shining. "You don't love me," he said, his voice unsafe.Harry swallowed a lump of saliva. "I-I could learn how to do that," he said. "I'm afraid I'm letting go the only good thing I've ever had in my life and ..."Liam shook his head . "You can't learn to love someone. You just do it, without any explanation."“You are perfect, Liam . You're the man everyone would like, ”he said. "If I don't love you, who can I ever love?"Liam smiled at him, with a hint of sadness in his eyes. Then, taking a step forward, he wrapped him in his arms, hugging him tightly. "We both know the answer to that question, Harry," he whispered softly to him. "And the day you can really admit your feelings, trust me, you will be happy again," he assured him, before letting Liam kiss him on the forehead.Liam hesitated for a moment, continuing to hold him tightly in his arms. Then, slowly, with her head down, she walked away from him and, with a sigh, walked over to the sofa at the far end of the base where Louis was finishing treating Zayn .Harry stood there, unable to move. Unable to turn around and meet the eyes of others.Louis's eyes, especially.Harry was terrified, not quite knowing why. Louis.Louis carefully read the list of names that Harry had managed to give him, belonging to men who worked for the Moreno’s.He knew hardly any of them, apart from a couple from fame and criminal records. He knew that among them there was surely the man they were looking for. He gently rubbed his temple to try to find relief from that pounding headache that hadn't wanted to leave for days, and snorted lightly.He knew it was time to start taking risks, but he wasn't sure he was ready.How could he, after all?Endangering himself had always been very easy, but at the moment it was impossible for him. There were too many people he cared about that could get hurt.After a few moments, Louis began to feel observed and, annoyed by that uncomfortable feeling, he finally moved his gaze from the computer screen, where he had been reading the files of all possible suspects for hours.Frowning, he noticed his four friends who had been staring at him in silence for who knows how long."Well?" he asked, with a slight annoyance. "Do you need something?"Liam replied quickly . “We need orders. What do we have to do?""Give me time to think of a plan," he said, a little confused. "You don't mess with the Moreno’s, I have to figure out how to get close to them without killing anyone in the process.""Let's not talk about that." Zayn shook his head . "But about your situation.""My situation?" he repeated, more and more bewildered.Harry rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. "There are two Mafia gangs who want to take you out, Louis," he reminded him."So what?" He asked."Are you joking?" Harry snapped through gritted teeth.Louis shrugged one shoulder, blinking over and over. "I don't understand where this conversation is going.""We should protect you, right?" Niall said ."Of course we should!" Liam exclaimed . "We have to find a safe place where you can take refuge."Louis laughed lightly, shaking his head softly. At Harry's withering glance, however, his smile slowly faded. "What?" he asked, wrinkling his nose. "Wasn't that a joke?""NO!" Harry denied, raising his voice. "Do you realize what you are risking?" he asked, approaching him."Yes, but that's nothing new to me," he replied simply. “It's okay, now we have to think about the Moreno’s and everything else. My, um, situation isn't important. ""How can you say such a thing ?!" Harry said. "Isn't your life important?""It's going to be okay, Harry," he tried to reassure him, still confused by their behavior. Louis wasn't used to that kind of worry, he was always the one who protected and never the other way around. “Now, we must try to locate the man who killed the scientist and who, therefore, is in charge of finding Hercules. If we can find him, we can finally interrogate him and hand him over to the OCS. I'm pretty sure it could provide us with vital information. ""How can we do all this if you die in the meantime?" Niall asked , crossing his arms over his chest.Louis rolled his eyes, snorting slightly. “Okay, okay. Let me first find a way to locate this person and then I promise you we'll talk about it, ”he said then. "I'll inform the general and everything.""Do you promise?" Harry asked, narrowing his eyes and peering closely at him."I promise," he repeated."Great." Harry walked over to him and pushed him unkindly from that computer station. Then, without even sitting down, he started typing the keyboard quickly, moving his eyes left and right and opening many screens that, to Louis, made no sense."What are you doing?" he asked."Shut up," he muttered, continuing to fiddle with impressive speed.Louis looked up at his friends, staring at them confusedly, who shook their heads in resignation in response.Then, after a few minutes, Harry straightened his back and turned the computer screen towards him. "This is your man," he said then. "Now can we talk about your safety?"Louis parted his lips, directing his shocked gaze at him. "How - how - well, what the fuck ..."“You have your goddamn man now. The promise?" he continued, crossing his arms over his chest."Harry, how the hell did you do it?" Louis snapped at that point. "I've been reading Moreno's employee files for hours!"Harry rolled his eyes. "We know his weight and height," he said. “We know that he is limping and therefore most likely has a long-ruptured ligament. And we know what kind of gun he uses. ”He shrugged. “I wrote the algorithm with these characteristics and here is your man. Now, can we go back to talking about you? ""And why didn't you do it before ?!" Louis snapped, leaning his back towards the screen and reading the man's folder."You didn't ask me," he only replied."B-but ... well, my eyes burn for how long I've been in front of this damn screen and ...""You could have just asked us for a hand, you know?" Harry told him, smiling in an exaggeratedly inviting way. “I don't know if you know, Louis, but you have this bad habit of not wanting to ask for help for your stupid pride. But as I just showed you, sometimes we could make your life a lot easier. "Louis narrowed his eyes, looking at him with some anger. "I'm hating you, know that," he informed him."Harry's right, though," Liam interjected . “You said we are your team, but you still hesitate to ask us for help. Even now, Louis, you are in real danger and you don't seem to care. ""Actually, I don't care," he replied, with a shrug. "But a promise is a promise, so now I'm talking to the general."Harry let out an amused snort. "You're a jerk," he said, shrugging. Then, after glaring at him, he grabbed Louis's pack of cigarettes lying on the desk next to him and, having grabbed one, quickly headed for the stairs to be able to get out of there with extreme irritation.Louis didn't understand why he was so angry and was confused by it. He was sure it was his fault, he was sure Harry had a valid reason for reacting that way, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't understand it.Feelings. Tze ."You should follow him, Louis," Niall said , then. "You should reassure him."Louis looked at his friends for a few moments, also noticing an expression of disappointment in them.Again, he didn't understand why everyone was mad at him."No," Louis denied, moving his head. “I don't think I can say anything to improve my situation. I'm not very good with words. I prefer to do something where I am good at, at the moment.""That is to say?" Zayn asked . "Being an idiot?" proposed."You're not funny," Louis muttered. "Do you know a certain Horacio Santos?" He asked.Zayn nodded his head. “Everyone knows him. They call him the Mexican Terminator. "Louis rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. "I think I heard him too, but he's a mercenary from what I know.""Yes, a kind of ruthless bounty hunter who sells himself to the highest bidder," explained the dark-haired man again."Okay, then we need to study his habits," he said. "We should take him when he's alone, not on duty.""Easy," Zayn replied . "Santos is a frequent visitor to the Travelers club." He explained. “It's a private place, for the rich just outside Nightiville . It's very chic and luxurious, but it's still a brothel and a swingers club. ""And how do you know?" Liam asked .“I work as a bartender there from time to time. They pay you very well in there, ”he said."Can Harry know anyone who works in there, in your opinion?" Louis asked."Apart from himself?" he mocked.Louis looked at him slightly confused. "Didn't he work for Del Toro's brothel?""Yes, but that place doesn't belong to any clan, Louis," Zayn explained . “It's like neutral territory. And the people who work there are only strippers, not prostitutes. The rich pick their, um, employees from other brothels and bring them there, ”he said. “And then there are various exchanges between customers. Harry used to go there often. ""And ... this is pretty disgusting," Niall wrinkled his nose ."Can you find a way to get us in there?" Louis asked.Zayn nodded his head. "I can put you on the list," he replied immediately. "And I can ask to work at the bar that night.""Now, we just have to figure out when this guy might go," Liam said ."People book weeks in advance to get in," Zayn said . "The number of people who can enter in one evening is very limited," he explained. "I'll ask to work there for a few nights and see the list.""Oh, finally some action," Louis smiled, throwing his head back. "I was starting to get bored here!" he exclaimed."Louis," Liam 's voice called . "Now, shouldn't you do something?"The older, annoyed, rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay, now I'll call the general," he muttered, standing up."We're worried about you, Louis," Zayn said , with a sigh. "Why is it so hard for you to understand?"Louis cocked his neck, still intrigued by their expressions. They were worried, yes, but also angry at him. And he, still, could not understand the reason: what was he doing wrong?"Understanding is not the problem," he replied seriously. "But believing it," he explained. “No one has ever cared about me in the past. I'm the one who saves people, not the one who gets saved, ”he said, with a slight sigh."But now you have us, Louis," Liam replied , taking a step towards him. "We're kind of a dysfunctional family, aren't we?" he said with a hint of a smile. "And in a family, we protect each other."Louis smiled back, laughing slightly to try to hide the obvious embarrassment that came with his statement.Family.He hadn't had one in a while."Do you - do you want to come with me and call the general?" he proposed to Liam at that point. "You're my second, so — you should be in these extraordinary gatherings."Liam widened his smile even more and, at his reaction, Louis knew that for once he had finally said the right thing.The friend nodded his head and, without saying anything else, followed closely behind him.Yes, Liam would have followed him anywhere. Even in hell. Louis was slightly nervous.He didn't have a specific reason, but he was nervous.He kept waving his leg nervously as he sat on the sofa and absently watched the television in front of them.Beside him, there was Harry who still could not decide to look at him in a more "kind" way and, indeed, seemed to want to incinerate him every time he looked at him.They hadn't talked much after the previous discussion.Louis had simply advised him to go to sleep with Niall, given his current troubling situation but Harry just shook his head in disappointment and followed him anyway.For the rest of the evening, silence.Even then, Harry had limited himself to sit next to him on the sofa and swiping his finger on his cell phone to see who knows what (Louis was pretty sure that curly boy wasn't just looking at some social network)."Can you stop moving that damn leg?" he asked him, at one point, without even taking his attention away from his smartphone screen . "You're making the whole sofa shake.""Oh, um, sorry," Louis replied, deciding to cross his legs, seeing that strange sudden tic. "Do you want something to eat?" proposed. "I don't have much in the fridge, but we could order a pizza.""Yes, it's already coming," he said, with a shrug."For real?" he asked, surprised."Yeah, Louis, you don't have anything in your pantry," he said, finally looking up to point it at him."But anyway, tomorrow we are going to do a decent shopping."Louis frowned. "We are going?" he asked."Yes," he nodded his head. "I can't eat pizza forever.""Harry — I think you misunderstood the concept of a guest a little.""I know what guest means," he shrugged one shoulder. "I was just trying not to be one.""Excuse me, what?" asked the major, blinking over and over again."You have an extra room, your house is pretty nice and given your precarious situation, I thought a roommate wouldn't hurt you" he simply proposed."Roommate," Louis repeated."Yeah, we'd split the bills, eat something healthier from time to time and you wouldn't always be alone, which is good given the many people who want to kill you." Harry smiled in that annoying way that Louis wanted to cancel that expression from his face in any way. Violent and non-violent. “You should feel honored. I'm a fantastic roommate. ""I don't remember ever accepting such madness," Louis pointed out, standing up and turning off the TV very nervously. “I'm not a great partner, Harry. And I like to be alone, ”he said, with some severity. "We can't live together," he replied categorically."I'm not saying forever," he snorted a little, getting up. "At least — until the waters calm down!" he exclaimed. “Then, I'll find another apartment away from you, don't worry. But I don't think it's convenient for you to live alone now. "Louis laughed a little. "Why? Do you think your presence can make a lot of difference? " he asked, amused."Yes," he replied immediately. “I'm a great hacker, Louis. I can check every video camera around your house, if someone suspicious approach the apartment I would know in advance. What do you think I was doing now? ""You were protecting ... me?" he asked in a tone of voice utterly stunned."Yes Louis, I was doing it!" Harry exclaimed.Louis sat back on the sofa again, pulling his hair back in obvious nervousness. Again, he resumed tapping his leg on the floor and, still shocked, began to say no with his head."This is all a nightmare," he muttered, rubbing his temple with his fingertips from the growing headache that had suddenly presented itself."A nightmare," Harry repeated. "A nightmare because we don't want you to die" the younger let out a bitter laugh. "How big is your desire to die?" he asked.Louis leaned back on the sofa wearily, throwing his head back and snorting. "Believe me, that's not the point," he replied, his eyes half closed.Louis was really tired, actually. He had no desire to engage in yet another delicate discussion, digging up the bad memories of his past.He tried to keep going every day, yet there was always something that took him back to those horrible moments he so much wanted to erase from his memory.At that moment, he felt helpless. He felt useless. He felt weak.But the few times he had allowed himself to be weak, there had been unpleasant events that had made him swear to himself that he would never let himself go again. Never again."So, explain to me why, damn it, it always seems like you don't care about your life at all ?!" he snapped. "Sometimes, it seems you have no reason to live!"Louis slowly opened his eyes, looking at the red, angry face of the curly boy. "I just have other priorities," he replied calmly, hardening his gaze himself.Louis was fed up with having to explain to each and every one his behaviors. Explaining meant to give answers. Answering was about discovering his own feelings and he hated feelings."Other priorities?" Harry asked, raising his voice slightly. "More important than your own life?""Yes, Harry." Louis stood up, looking at him sternly. "There are so many more important things in my life.""Like which ones?" he asked. “This mission? This — absurd rebellion that will lead to yet another war? ""Or your lives," he replied.Harry began to nod his head slightly, snorting slightly. "Of course," he said, letting out a sound of disappointment. "You must always be the one who sacrifices himself for the others, isn't it?""It's like I've always been used to, yes.""Well, get not used to it!" he exclaimed then, his voice suddenly more unsafe. Louis's gaze widened as soon as he caught sight of his eyes that were shinier than normal. “Now we are here with you to help you! And none of us are going to let you die, am I making myself clear? ""I know it! But do you think I want this? " he asked again.“I don't care what do you want! It will be like that! " he stated. "Why is it so hard to accept this?""You really can't figure it out?"“No, Louis! I can't! ""Oh, well, let's see, what could have traumatized me so much in the past that I don't want to get close to anyone anymore?" he asked, ironically. “Maybe, because I have lost virtually every human being who has come close to me in my life! Maybe because I had to send my sister thousands of miles away, as she was in danger of dying because of me. Or maybe because my fucking boyfriend died in my arms because he was trying to protect me, ”he replied, very loudly. “And maybe, because you damn people got under my skin and now you are all in danger because of me. Looks like it's my fucking curse, this one! History is repeating itself once more and I have no idea how to behave! " he exclaimed. “So yeah Harry, I have other fucking priorities because I'd rather die right now than lose one of you! I really don't know how I could react if something bad happens to you! "As soon as Louis stopped talking, letting all his anger and fear go out through that stream of words, total silence fell inside the apartment.Harry, for the first time since he had known him, didn't replied. Harry, for the first time, was speechless.The younger remained silent, motionless, staring at him with wide eyes and strangely trembling eyelids for what seemed to Louis forever. Then, lowering his head, he sat down again on the sofa, at its edge, closing his arms to his chest as if he wanted to protect himself.Harry hunched his shoulders, giving Louis the impression that he wanted to make himself as small as possible, he wanted to disappear from there, away from him, from that conversation that was wearing both of them down.He looked so small and frail that Louis wanted to apologize immediately, he wanted to ask forgiveness for raising his voice because he knew Harry didn't deserve it at all. He was so pure and good, Louis wanted to protect him from everything, even himself.He wanted to take him away from that world full of death and evil, to take him to a safe place where no one would ever harm him again.After too many seconds of silence, Harry finally looked up at him, showing his pupils too red and shiny."I can't lose you, Louis," he said, in a damn shaking voice. That affirmation, though steeped in pain, made Louis's heart warm in a way he didn't think he could do yet. At that moment, even if only for a few moments, his heart, which had stopped for years, finally started beating again. “If you don't want to protect yourself, do it for me. I beg you."Louis's breathing became heavier. "Harry ...""Please," he interrupted. “Please, Louis. I need you, ”he pleaded, standing up and slowly approaching him. "I need you," he repeated, once again.Louis clenched his fists tightly, suppressing a feeling he couldn't quite identify this time. It wasn't affection, it wasn't gratitude, it wasn't pain.It was something he had never felt before, not even for Daniel.He couldn't answer for so much time, but then, finally, Louis smiled softly, losing himself in the sweet features of Harry's so close face.The older took another step forward and placed his hand on the curly boy's cheek, who automatically narrowed his eyes gently."I'll always be there, for you," he replied, then. "I promise you.""I know," he hissed. "But let me be there for you this time," he pleaded, placing his hands on his shoulders. "Let me be next to you.""You're already there, Harry, more than you know," he assured him. "Just - if something bad happens to you because of me, I may not be able to take it.""Nothing's going to happen to me," he immediately denied."You can't know for sure," he shook his head."Yes, Louis," he smiled. "You can be really protective, you know?" teased him.Louis laughed a little, nodding his head. "Guilty."Harry accompanied his laugh, before gradually becoming more serious and "I keep you safe, and you keep me safe," he said. "Okay?"And Louis, completely mesmerized by Harry's green and hopeful eyes, just managed to nod and say a whispered "Okay".Eventually, after that strange agreement that was almost unbreakable, Louis suddenly felt very safe.When their pizza arrived and they both spent the rest of the evening bickering and watching some stupid TV show, Louis thought that actually having him as a roommate wasn't much of a tragedy.Or maybe it was?
  
  

    
      
        
        
          Hope you are doing well, next week i'll be at the AFHF, i'm so happy.🥰'
User: Summarize the chapter based on the content provided, ensuring to follow the set format and emphasize key aspects within the specified length.
User: Summarize the chapter based on the content provided, ensuring to follow the set format and emphasize key aspects within the specified length.
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