Chapter Text
Louis did not really have his life thought through as other people his age.
So when he called that long-blond-haired and smiley reality agent (she looked like that in her photo, at least) and booked the Donny flat with his insurance money as soon as he randomly saw the offer online, it was not because of dreams or goals.
In fact, he had no clue as of why he did it, actually. His hand must have slipped to circle a sign on the purchase contract. Yes.
Because there was absolutely no reason for him to ever buy a flat here when he could have stayed in London in Liam’s parents’ loft, paying a very ok rent of acquaintance and instead invest into his own fucking tattoo parlour only two streets far from his place.
Honestly, he must have gone crazy to give up all that. Because even if he claimed that he moved back for he missed home too much, it wasn’t exactly true.
He missed something, yes. But he called London his home, too.
He could only hope the thing he searched for was not connected to the first place he headed towards after he has carried his mattress and twenty paper boxes he stuffed into his car up to the third floor of a rather old apartment building with flats full of cracking parquet floors and screeching hinges. Because that would be really bad, wouldn’t it?
It would be insane.
...
“Oh my God! Lou! You came!” Anne pulled him into a hug.
“I...” Louis’ brow furrowed in confusion as he got free of her hold then. “You... you expected me?”
“Well. Harry wouldn’t admit it, of course, but he never had any better friend than you, honey. Of course I hoped you’d come!”
Louis squinted at the garlands decorating the staircase. “Um, Annie... what... what is the occasion?”
“What?” she smiled sweetly and he noticed that she was dressed in a golden robe with her hair done. Something was up and Louis suddenly felt like he didn't want to know that much.
“Those are nice,” he swallowed as he touched the flowers.
“Oh! Thanks!” she giggled. “If you’d be quick, you might catch Harry in his room before he comes down.”
“Um...”
“Up you go, love!” she directed him towards the stairs.
It was not like Louis could protest. And the next thing he knew, he had Harry’s wide eyes locked at him.
For a second, it felt as a blessing because to see those eyes again after so many years made Louis realize that what he missed that much when he was away was one shade of green. It felt like it finally clicked, the home thing that never really came with crossing the town border.
“What... what are you doing here?” Harry stuttered. It was only then that Louis noticed the omega's white dress. And it felt like a stab right in the heart for some reason.
“You’re getting married,” he let slip from his lips.
It was a sheer comment of realization. But Harry probably took it as an answer to what he asked.
“Did my mum invite you?”
Harry was fucking getting married. And it was very clear now that he wanted Louis gone.
Maybe it was what made the alpha feel like he must stay even if it’d cost him his life. So he forced up a fake smile and said: “She was very happy I made it.” Because the most secure way to lie is to always say the truth.
Harry curled his fingers into fists. The silence got heavier. But they never broke eye contact. Then, Louis asked: “Do I know him?” just as Harry spat a venomous: “Didn’t you at least have a suit in your wardrobe?”
They both stared at each other in another wave of heavy silence for thirty seconds more before Harry finally gave up, grabbed for his bouquet, scoffed and left the room, stomping downstairs.