Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Louis!”

Louis glares at the bright light shining from his phone screen and groans, hiding his face under the warm covers. After putting it on speaker, he throws his phone somewhere behind him.

“Harry, love, it’s two o'clock in the bloody morning.”

“Louis, I, there’s a… Louis, just come over now, please!”

He groans, rolling onto his back before opening his eyes, letting them gloss over his dark walls. His bed is warm and his body is placed just right: there’s no heaviness in his legs. Heck—even his neck isn’t aching in this position. Louis groans again and clenches his eyes, listening to the static across the line.

“…Louis?”

“Hm?”

“Please come, I’m going to lose my mind.”

“What is this all about?”

Harry’s breathing stutters. Louis picks his head up at that, arching a brow. “Harry, what’s going on? Are you in heat? Need me to run out and grab you some stuff?”

“What?! No! Are you coming?”

“Well—”

“Great,” Harry sighs, relief evident in his voice. “I’ll see you soon.” 

The line ends; Louis is left in silence. He huffs and spends a few more minutes basking in the warmth before forcing himself out of there, rolling his eyes because really? He loves Harry but this had better be bloody good. Rubbing at the corner of his eyes, he lets his feet drag him to his bathroom. What stares back at him in the mirror is awful and he sighs, ruffling his hair into something suitable before gurgling some mouthwash, much too tired to brush his teeth. He spots a crumpled navy hoodie by the foot of his bed and picks it up, giving it a sniff. Good enough. 

Thankfully the drive to Harry’s house is only a few minutes. Soon enough, Louis is pulling up in front of a familiar, lovely, cream-coloured house with a dozen empty flower pots by the doors and under the windows because Harry loves flowers and can never bring himself to empty the pots when winter comes. And Louis… well maybe some of them had been gifted to Harry by himself so he can’t really complain—even if they take so much space on the driveway that he has to park elsewhere.

It’s fucking freezing when he steps out. Louis shoves his hands into his pocket and starts the jog to Harry’s. He doesn’t even make it to the door before it opens and Harry drags him inside, dressed in a light pink with green polka dots, silk set. Louis blinks. Harry’s clothes are slightly rumpled, most likely from sleeping, but it’s better than how Louis looks. His scent is a little off; the usual sweet strawberry has a bitter tang to it. And his hair is mussed up, fluffier than usual because he must have been touching it.

Louis frowns, “Harry, what really is the—”

He doesn’t get a word in before he’s being tugged inside. Harry’s house is dark, not even his living room lights are on. Instead, an old nightlight is plugged in by the corner, projecting yellow stars and a big moon at the ceiling. An odd source of light, Louis thinks until his eyes fall upon the small box in the middle of the room, filled with a huge bundle of tawny blankets. 

And a baby.

He stares aghast, jaw to his knees. Harry stands beside him, biting at his nails, looking at Louis hopelessly.

“What’s that?”

“She—”

“Who’s is that?” He exclaims. “Harry! You have—there’s a pup in your living room!”

“Louis!” Harry admonishes, pressing a finger to his lips and hissing, “Shut up, she’s sleeping.”

Surrounded by the dim yellow nightlight, his eyes are light like that soft green colour that has suddenly become trendy all over the internet. But they blaze fiercely at Louis, and Louis can feel his panic—he is panicking too.

“Well, I can see that.” He snaps, “But whose is it?”

Harry shrugs. “I don’t know, I—she was crying outside. I thought I was going crazy. Thought I was dreaming, but she wouldn’t stop and then I checked to see if anyone was passing by, taking their pup out and there she was. On the doorstep!”

Louis is certain his eyes have grown to become the size of his head, leaving no room for his gaping mouth. He looks between Harry and the baby, snapping his head back and forth like a machine. It’s not until Harry places firm hands on his shoulders and jostles him, does he blink. 

“Louis, what should I do?”

“What?”

“Let’s go to the kitchen,” Harry sighs.

He drags Louis along, sitting him down on a stool and turning on the kettle. Then, he joins him, slumping onto his seat with a sigh. 

“Was there a note?” 

“No, not even a name,” Harry frowns. “I set her inside, put on the light, and then called you. She fell asleep within minutes.” Silence. Harry looks at him with wide, worried eyes, “What do we do?”

Louis’ head falls into his hand and he groans, “Fuck, Harry. What the fuck?”

“I know.”

Tea is made and is clamped between palms, sipped at until the tense cogs in their mind loosen and they can think a little better. Harry can’t stop glancing over at the living room, anxiously biting at his lips. Louis has an idea. 

“I can call Mum. Maybe she knows what to do.”

“Oh, Louis, thank you.”

He shrugs. “Hopefully Mum picks up.”

Louis’ Mum does, in fact, not pick up (but in her defence, it’s nearly three o’clock in the morning). Head hung low in sleep, Harry grips his mug. So, Louis watches the Omega quietly: the curve of his back, the wrinkles under his eyes, the disarray of his curls. 

“Harry,” he calls softly, “why don’t you go to bed?”

Harry’s head pops up, blinking slowly from thick sleep, “N-no, the baby.” He looks down at his mug, quiet for a moment. “Take my bed, Lou, I’ll stay down with the pup.”

Louis is sceptical. “I don’t mind the couch, in fact—”

“No, I called you over. It’s only fair.”

In the end, he’s forced to sleep in Harry’s room whilst Harry stays downstairs with the baby.

Louis’ got to admit that he sleeps well—so well—that it’s like a dream. One where he’s floating on a cloud: back pain doesn’t exist, stray pups don’t pop out of nowhere, and Harry seems to be everywhere. His scent, his smile, his favourite songs.

He sleeps endlessly in a haze until a loud screech jolts him awake and has him flailing so near to the edge of the bed that he gasps and grasps onto the duvet, breathing heavily. He squints in Harry’s midnight blue-coated room; the November morning is dark and dreary and it’s so cold that the tip of his nose feels like ice. But he’s comforted by Harry’s scent, lingering thick all over the sheets and everywhere in his room. Also, the dreaded alarm is still blaring and forces Louis out of his covers to turn its racket off. 

Six o’clock.

The red letters burn holes into Louis’ eyes and he slumps back, still so tired. The room is dark enough that it could be mistaken as late evening, but Louis wouldn’t be able to sleep again even if he tried. Everything from early that morning comes back to him so he slides out of the warm covers and instead, drapes one of Harry’s throw’s over himself before he trudges out of the bedroom. 

The rest of the house is just as dark as Harry’s room, if Louis didn’t know Harry’s home so well he would’ve certainly tripped a few times, maybe even stumbled into a wall. Instead, he makes his way towards the living room where the dim gold nightlight still shines as he steps inside. 

To no one’s surprise, Harry is awake with the little baby in his arms. He looks like he hasn’t slept a wink and he’s whispering, muffled words reaching Louis’ ears.

“It’s strange, isn’t it? To not have your Mummy or Daddy but it’s okay. Don’t be scared... I’ll help you look for them.” 

The baby doesn’t say much, just stares at Harry with her big bambi eyes and shiny lips. It’s the first time Louis’ got a good look at her… she’s tiny. Her nose is the size of Louis’ pinky finger and almost seems to sink in between her round cheeks, barely even there. Her eyes, however, are big and round, bulbous like a doll as she blinks them repeatedly. Big and black, maybe in better lighting he'd would be able to tell what shade of brown they are. In the dim light, her tan skin shines like it's under the sun, so pretty. But in Harry’s arms, she looks so feeble, her entire length not even stretching far between his hands. She must only be a few months old. Louis remembers his sisters and how they were as babies. This new baby must be three or four months old. 

“You’re lovely, aren’t you? And so, so brave.”

Harry rocks her slightly against his chest, reaching out with a finger to tap her nose. The baby goes cross-eyed at that and then she looks at Harry rather confused before she shyly breaks out into a smile, tongue peeking out between thin lips. Harry mirrors her, beaming and running a finger under her chin; pulling out little peals of laughter. Something strikes Louis deep in his gut, he hesitates before he lets his presence be known. 

“Morning.”

“Oh,” Harry looks at him, startled.

“Sorry.” He takes a seat on the couch, facing Harry. “Get any sleep?”

“Not much,” Harry admits. “She woke up an hour and a half after we turned in. Did my alarm wake you?

“Gosh,” he sighs. “Yeah, it did. No worries, though.” 

He looks guilty, but Louis can tell Harry’s relieved to have him awake. “Sorry.” He apologises weakly before returning his attention to the little baby who has stopped laughing and now stares at him with that curiosity that all babies hold. Louis watches the two.

❀

It’s a silent morning. Louis and Harry often catch each other’s eyes, no words are exchanged, but they don’t need to talk to know what the other is thinking. At seven-thirty, the baby finally falls asleep and Harry can put her down. 

“It doesn’t seem right,” he frowns, “putting her in that box.”

“It’s just for the time being, she won’t be here long.”

Harry looks at him. “I don’t want her sleeping in that, though.” Louis can’t decipher the look on his face, nor determine what Harry is thinking about when he crouches down to carry the baby again before walking towards him. 

“Here.” He holds her out, carefully, looking at Louis expectantly. 

“What?” He arches a brow.

Harry deadpans. “Hold her.”

Louis sits up, “What?”

“What? You know what to do. Louis, you have six siblings.”

“And they’re all—well, nearly all of them are grown! Besides, this isn’t my sibling!” He splutters.

Harry glares at him. “A baby is a baby. I called you over to help me. It’ll only be for a few seconds. I promise.”

“Why? What are you doing?” He relents. Harry places the baby in his arms and gets to work. Louis doesn’t know where to look, Harry or the baby. 

She’s sleeping, which is a relief. Nonetheless, Louis can’t relax with such a small human in his arms. It’s been too long. He trembles, staring at the pup as wrinkles form around his brow. He’s a little in awe because her head is only a little bigger than his palm yet she can blink, and press her lips together. He knows how absurd this sounds coming from him but siblings aren’t babies, not really, they’re just bratty little tagalongs that are too clingy, and shortened any time Louis got with his mum. It wasn’t until his siblings had grown into toddlers and had gained any sort of personality did he show any interest in them. And siblings well… they’re blood. This little bundle in his arms isn’t his. She’s foreign which makes her more delicate. Because she’s not his mother’s, or his, or Harry’s... she’s someone else’s pup. What if he hurts her? And she’s so tiny—Louis still can’t wrap his head around it.

“Lou?”

Harry’s voice has never sounded more amazing; Louis pushes the baby into his waiting arms, relieved to be rid of it. Whilst he was stressing, the Omega had been busy. He'd folded a thick fleece blanket on the ground and had arranged pillows all around, leaving a bare centre to place the baby in. 

“You okay?”

Louis hums, “Fine.”

“Want tea?”

“No thanks.” He looks at Harry, features melting a little, “You should try to sleep, I’m here now.”

Harry is too tired to say no, he curls up on the armchair and closes his eyes. Louis watches him. The blanket wrapped around his shoulders finds a new home draped over Harry, protecting him from the world. Louis tucks it into the creases, under his arms, and sees the tired smile, a weak rise of his lips, before he hears the ‘thank you’.

The house is quiet until nine-thirty, even Louis got in an extra half-hour kip before he stayed sprawled on Harry’s couch, eyes on the new baby.

Harry’s living room is so bleak now that there's some light to it. His cream walls seem to have lost all their life and have faded away into wet greys; it has the same personality Louis thinks would belong to a bag of Earl Grey tea. He staggers up to make breakfast: tea and some toast. It’s all he can manage before Harry trots into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. 

“Hi,” he mumbles quietly.

Louis looks back at him, smiling. “Morning, again.” He places the mug and plate in front of Harry. Something inside of him twists at the sight of Harry peeking up at him with tired eyes and a sweet smile on his face. 

“Well,” he starts, “now that we’re thinking more logically, we should think about what to do.”

Harry nods, chewing on his toast. 

“I’ll try Mum again—”

Louis can’t get another word out because large, hearty wails pierce through the silence of the house. Harry drops his toast, dusting his hands on his silk trousers before rushing to the living room. Louis groans and follows behind wordlessly, blasted baby. He forgot what it was like.

“Baby,” Harry croons and gets to his knees. The little thing waves its hands frantically in the air whilst crying furiously. Harry cradles her carefully, smiling widely to ease her, “Good morning. You’re very angry today, aren’t you? What’s wrong? Are you hungry?” She doesn’t relent so Harry starts to release calming pheromones, it comes out so quick and heady that it clouds Louis’ judgement for a moment. But still, the baby cries and Harry looks to Louis for help. 

"I don’t know," he mouths, shrugging uselessly. 

“Can she have milk?”

“Probably.”

“Louis. Search it up, I don’t think she can but I don’t know. Don’t you remember?”

A quick Google search gives them the answers they need and it does little to help them. 

“What do we do?”

Harry walks around the living room, rocking her gently. She still cries, but not as absurdly as earlier. 

“I don’t know.” The Omega frowns. When he speaks again it’s to the baby, and his voice is much lower and softer. “What’s wrong, baby? You can tell me.”

Her little face crumples, lips trembling as she looks at Harry. Harry looks unbelievably sad, Louis wonders why the universe decided to give Harry, of all people, a baby.

“Louis, you try holding her.”

“What—?”

But Harry has already shoved the baby into his arms before he can protest. He looks down at her big brown eyes and raises a brow, trying to get her to smile but then she lets out another blood-curdling wail that makes them both wince and Louis shoves her back to Harry, screaming. “She hates me! Told you, I’m no good.”

“No, Lou, she's just scared of us.” 

But he’s lying because as soon as she’s with Harry, she quietens down and looks at him with her doll eyes—she doesn’t cry anymore. Harry looks overjoyed, holding her close. “Hello again, baby.”

“I’ll head out,” Louis grumbles. It’s not even ten yet. On a normal day, Louis wouldn’t even be out of bed. “Grab some essentials and give my Mum a ring.”

“Thanks, Lou.”

Louis nods before he heads out, a little relieved to be out of the house.

❀

“No, Mum, I haven’t knocked anyone up!” Louis hisses for the third time, eyes scanning the baby aisle. 

“You can never be sure, Lou,” he hears her hum. “You’re looking for a red label, a small blue elephant.”

Louis grimaces, his shoulder raised to his ear to keep his phone in place. He knew he should’ve picked up a bloody basket. There’s a large abundance of baby material in his arms, nappies, wipes, dummies (Louis doesn’t even know if she can use them yet), bottles, and now he’s looking for formula because apparently real milk isn’t good enough. He glances around at all the other mums and dads buying products and wonders, how? How do you do this? The baby isn’t even mine and I’m losing my mind over it.

“Lou?”

“Yeah, sorry,” he mumbles, “I got it. Thanks, Mum. Harry and I appreciate it.”

“Harry?”

“Yeah, Harry.” He frowns. “Wait? I didn’t tell you?”

“You got Harry pregnant?!” She shrieks. Louis winces, reaching up to pull his phone back from his ear. 

“Mum!” He hisses, scandalised. “No!”

“Harry’s pregnant then?”

“No!” He retorts. “He hasn’t got an Alpha, you know that.”

“Sorry, sorry.” She says, “So, he’s still single?”

“Yeah. Still single. But why does that matter? We need your help with the baby.”

“How did you guys get a baby?”

“Not me,” he clarifies. “Harry. Typical, isn’t it?”

He can hear his Mum laugh over the phone. The kids are chattering in the back and there’s water running. She must be in the kitchen. 

“Harry called me early this morning, someone dumped their kid on him.”

“What?” She’s stopped laughing now. “I thought you were babysitting, Boo.”

“No.” Louis heads towards the counter, eyeing some of the baby toys they’ve got displayed. “He called me over—God knows why. Ever since the twins, I’ve been useless with kids and I left for uni when Ernie and Doris were only a few months old.”

“You’re not useless with kids, you’re lovely with them. If you were that bad, you wouldn’t have called me to try to help Harry with the baby, would you?”

Louis hums, he supposes she does have a point. When he’s done placing the last of his items on the conveyor belt, he double-checks once more to be sure. The woman tending to him smiles. 

“First pup?”

He misses it, “Hm?”

“Is this your first? I remember mine, he’s all grown up now. Expecting one of his own, actually.”

Oh.

“Not mine,” he smiles, “just helping a friend.”

“Ah,” she nods, scanning away, “how nice of you.”

Louis presses his lips into an awkward smile and thanks her before heading towards the doors with two heavy bags in his hands. 

“Mum, what do you think we should do?”

“Have you called the social?”

“No…?”

“Lou, the baby needs a home.”

Louis stops, “What? In care?”

“Where else, hon?”

Louis gets into his car, placing the bags on the passenger seat before connecting his phone to the Bluetooth, all the while he mulls over this new information. 

“Lou?”

“Still here.”

“I’ve got to go, the kids want breakfast.”

“Alright. I’ll call soon, yeah?”

“‘Course.” 

“Love you, Mum.”

“Love you too, baby. Oh, and don’t fret over the pup’s new home for now, just help Harry out. You’re great at it.”

The line cuts off before Louis can argue against it. 

Right, he stares at the bags and then, rather helplessly, at himself through the front mirror and sighs. Best be getting back. Hopefully, the baby hasn’t eaten away at Harry’s sanity yet.

When he returns, it’s quite the opposite. 

The house is shockingly quiet when he opens the door, so he peers into the living room, a bag in each hand. The room is empty, the baby hasn’t even been set down to rest. Where is Harry? 

Louis calls for him, mindful to be a little quiet just in case the baby is sleeping, but there’s no reply. He places the bags down on the kitchen counter and looks around but it's to no avail, the whole bottom floor is empty. Louis creaks up the stairs, deciding to check the bathroom and spare room first. It's empty. 

Then, the sound of small shrills and god-awful singing fills his ears and he knows where to go. 

Harry has this small loft he had been adamant about building into a tiny hang-out spot. They couldn't do much, because of its size, but Louis had helped him out as much as he could and assured him the place was lovely. One wall was just a large window, which had a nice view of Harry’s garden. He had a nice fluffy rug in the middle of the floor, with shelves decorating the walls. Furniture-wise, there was a small side table and a little couch which when folded outwards, turned into a bed. Overall, it was a lovely little room which Harry had even adorned with fairy lights. 

Louis climbs up the little spiral stairs, and there they are. The baby is on the couch. Louis is only halfway up the stairs so all he can really see is Harry, but the baby’s kicking legs are hard to miss. Like earlier, Harry has created some kind of border around her with pillows, to keep her safe, and she’s laughing, full-on squealing and giggling. Even Louis can admit that the sound of her joy is adorable, contagious even, and takes him right back to when his siblings were at that prime age. 

But it’s Harry who has Louis stumped.

He’s got a ridiculous red bow tie clipped to his t-shirt, a set of wacky neon green glasses on his nose, a sparkly white feather boa resting around his neck and he’s singing baby rhymes, waving his hands side to side, or trailing them down to the baby to tickle at her stomach or hips, pulling out more wet shrieks from her small mouth. The darkness of the day has made Harry put on the fairy lights, and the place is transformed. 

Even though the day is cold, and the sky is dark, there’s warmth in this little room and light coming from Harry, drowning both Louis and the baby in his eternal golden glow—captivating them and refusing to let go. 

“Harry?”

“Louis! You’re here!” Harry rushes towards him, pushing the glasses into his hand and clumsily wrapping the feather boa around his neck. “Entertain her for a while? I’m dying to use the bathroom.”

Louis stammers, “B-but she hates me!”

“Pull out a dance, sing her a song, she’s a baby. She doesn’t even know what hate means.”

Louis huffs, sagging at the sight of the baby who stares at him with round eyes, her mouth shaped into an ‘o’. At least she’s not crying. But Louis worries she will start to, eventually. They stare at each other, lost without Harry. 

“Hi,” he mumbles, approaching her. She wiggles around but her tiny body doesn’t get far. Louis laughs. She seems to know he’s laughing at her and her face drops.

“No, no!” He waves his hands frantically, “Don’t cry! Silly Lou doesn’t know what he’s doing, does he?” Louis puts on the glasses, waving his hands in a silly jazz style. “Look… baby. Look at me.” Louis twirls and shimmies and even does the macarena and she looks aghast, judging him with her mere four-month-old brain.

“This isn’t working out, is it?” He sighs, getting down on his knees to look at her. “You want Harry, don’t you?”

She visibly perks up at the mention of him, hands and legs swaying above her. 

“Me too,” Louis grumbles, eyes dropping to the pillow by her feet, feeling lousy.

The baby lets out a little squeal, her little fist pressed against her mouth. Louis looks up. “What’s so funny, hm? You like seeing Louis sad?”

She kicks out her leg, rocking on her back with excitement. Louis squints at her, fingers nudging her little belly. “You little demon, you actually like me seeing me sad?” He pulls a face, pouting excessively, lips pushed out to his chin with downturned brows. And she laughs hard, eyes scrunching up at the sight of it. Louis can’t help but laugh: she’s tiny, adorable, so innocent yet cheeky. She’s awful. But Louis doesn’t mind her when she’s laughing.

He pokes at her, under her knees, her belly, her chin, the two round balls she has for cheeks, until his smile splits his cheeks into half and her laughter fills the air, all whilst he’s pouting, eyes screaming false agonies. 

“What would Harry think when he finds out you like me better when I’m sad?” He pinches her cheek lightly, drawing stars over her belly. “He’ll be very upset. Do you know why? Because he’s my best friend. Best friends don’t like seeing each other sad, or hurt. I know what you’re thinking, you think you’re Harry’s best friend. Well, you’re probably right. He probably likes you a lot more than me. Don’t you think so?”

Louis holds out his finger, staring at her quietly. She’s been listening this whole time, eyes never peeling away from him, lips parted in concentration. Louis’ lips curl by the corners. That is, until she reaches out for his finger and clasps it between her entire fist, gurgling quietly. The Alpha smiles grandly, heart galloping in his chest at the sudden acceptance. 

“Maybe,” he whispers, “you and I can get along.”

She doesn’t say much, she says nothing at all: no giggles, squeals, or cries. But the hand she’s got clasped around Louis’ finger tightens, and maybe Louis is imagining it, but he takes it as an agreement.

“Baby…!”

The both of them, Louis and the baby, look up at Harry who’s returned. 

“Oh,” Louis flushes, scratching his neck. Baby.

The baby.

“I’m back!” He’s climbed up the stairs now, smiling at the pair of them. The little girl laughs, kicking her feet and they bump against Louis’ wrist, catching his attention. 

“She's excited.” 

“She is, isn’t she?” Harry smiles, going to lift her. “Oh, I love her already, Lou. She’s the sweetest thing ever, how could they do that?”

“I dunno, Haz.”

Harry walks in circles, holding her on his waist. Louis can see the cogs in his head churning, noticing how the frown lines start to deepen. He begins, “Harry…”

“It’s not fair, Louis. How can people just… I mean, look at her,” Harry turns to her and she looks right back at him. Her big brown eyes are fixed on his face; they mirror each other. Louis sees something in Harry's face shift before he leans down to press a soft kiss to both her pink cheeks which makes her smile. The Omega smiles too, nudging their noses together and oh. 

Oh god, that’s not good.

Louis clears his throat, sitting up on the couch from where he was on his knees on the floor beside it. 

“H?”

“Louis, she’s a little angel.”

Louis sighs, “Harry, I was talking to my Mum.” 

Harry’s busy with his baby but he nods so Louis knows he’s listening. But that’s not enough. 

“Darling, come and sit down for this.” Louis pats the seat beside him with a gentle smile but it does nothing to alleviate the worried little frown on Harry’s face. He can smell the slight change in his scent and tries to be comforting, placing a soft hand on Harry’s knee once he’s joined him. 

Harry’s finger is gripped in the baby’s whole hand, and his eyes never seem to stray away. God. How is Louis supposed to tell him? 

“Mum will call later.”

“Is she alright? How are the kids?”

“They’re alright, yeah, they’re doin’ good. Listen, Harry. Mum said that we need to get in contact with the social.”

“The social?”

“Yeah,” he nods gently. “She could be missing.”

“What if she’s not? She was left at my door, Lou. She’s not missing, she’s been abandoned.”

“They’ll help her find a family.”

“But—” Harry bites his lips. 

“What is it?”

“Well…” Harry looks at Louis shyly. His eyes dart to the floor, shoulders slumping forward. 

“Harry…?” 

The Omega shrugs, pointedly not looking at him and Louis sighs again.

“Harry, we can’t keep her. We don’t know the first thing about babies—”

“Yes we do,” he interrupts. Louis raises his brows. “We used to look after the twins when they were babies, don’t you remember? After school?”

“Yeah, but they weren’t ours. And that was only for a few hours, Harry. This—this is a permanent thing. We wouldn’t even be allowed.”

“You want to put her in care?” He pouts, and seriously? Harry wants to look at him like that and paint him out to be the bad guy?

“No, Harry. I wish she could go home too, I wish she had one to go to.”

“Well… she can have one.”

“Harry.” Louis’ feet tap away on the carpet, incredulous. “You can’t be serious.”

The Omega shrugs again, fingers drawing little circles on the baby’s cheek. 

“Harry, we’re—” Louis rubs his face, “We can’t take a baby in.”

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I’ll do it myself.” Harry says. 

Louis groans. “Yeah? Like they’ll let you do it alone. Like I’ll let you do it alone. She’s only a pup, and you—you’re not even mated. What would your mate say when you find him?”

“What would he say?” Harry frowns, “She’s my pup. What can he say?”

Louis frowns. “Darling,” he starts gently, “she’s not your pup. She’s someone else’s.”

He tries not to unsettle Harry’s Omega because he can see the distress in his green eyes. And he can smell how upset Harry is getting. In an attempt to calm him down, Louis releases his pheromones slowly.

“I mean... she can’t be yours for long, Harry.”

Harry looks heartbroken, turning to face the little baby in his arms and he pulls her closer. He’s scenting her. Oh my god, Louis’ going to lose his mind.

“Love, that isn’t going to help. It’s going to confuse her, and only hurt you more.”

“I can’t give her away. I don’t want to.”

It makes Louis frown. “Harry, you’ll have your own pups one day.”

“What if I don’t? You hear all sorts of stories of Omega’s who can’t conceive. What if that happens to me?”

Louis shuffles closer, holding out his arm for Harry to lean into. “Where’d all this come from?”

“I don’t know,” Harry blubbers out. “It’s just… when I saw her there, out in the cold all alone, I could feel my Omega cry out for her like she was mine. What if it’s because I can’t have babies?"

“Don’t say that,” Louis frowns, rubbing his back. 

“But you don’t know that. I want children, Lou. And look, the world’s given me one of my own, she’s gorgeous and she’s so little. I want to give her a family, I want to love her. Wanna be her Mum.”

“Oh, love,” Louis sighs.

Harry’s scent has gone haywire, he’s trying to release calming pheromones for the baby but Louis can smell his anxiety; it pours out of him in waves, coating the entire room. Louis holds the Omega close, guiding his head to Louis’ neck so he can smell the Alpha and calm down. Slowly, it begins to work. Harry stops sniffing and his scent starts to subside. Louis starts to let his fill the room; the scent of lemongrass and forest wood finds its way to Harry who exhales heavily, body turning slack in Louis’ arm.

“You’ll be a Mum one day,” Louis whispers. “I can feel it.”

“You think so?” He asks hopefully.

“The best Mum ever,” Louis confirms. He takes in the sight of Harry and the baby in his arms and notices how the baby stares between them. 

“Think she likes your scent,” Harry mumbles, “Look at her. She’s reaching for you, oh Lou, take her.”

“I can’t,” he protests, eyes widening with terror, but then she’s on him and Louis holds her so she won't fall. “Take her, Harry, please—”

The baby reaches forward, little fingers pressed to Louis’ chin and he watches her warily as she drags them to his cheeks. He can hear Harry’s excited noises, he’s grinning wide ignoring the looks Louis sends his way: take her off me.

“Just let her sit on you.”

“No, Harry. Take her.”

The Omega pouts but listens. His hands reach for the baby but then she lets out a little cry, unwilling to go as she leans into Louis making both their eyes widen. 

“What’s she doing?” He hisses.

“Oh my god, Louis.” Harry melts, eyes latched onto them. “She’s—”

The little baby in his arms nuzzles deep into his neck, an arm on his chest, another on his shoulder and she stays there, peaceful and content. Harry turns to get a look at her face, eyes shiny as he whispers, “She’s still awake, I think she’s just resting on you. She likes your scent. Good taste.” He giggles.

“What?” 

It’s a mixture of disbelief, the baby is resting deep into the crook of his neck and, good taste?

What does that mean? Does Harry like Louis’ scent?

“Baby’s tired.” Harry coos, pulling him out of his thoughts. He reaches forward to swirl the small curls by her ears lightly. “You’re amazing, she’s amazing, oh she’s already so attached to us.”

“That’s not good,” Louis warns.

“It is.” Harry persists. “I’m going to try and keep her, no matter what you say.”

Louis sighs, hands working continuously at rubbing the baby’s back. “No matter what you do, you know I’ll always support you.”

Harry looks at him hopefully.

“Even though I think you’re bloody mad.” He points out, slowly standing up to walk in circles. The little girl in his arms makes soft noises, clearly liking the change. Despite the disapproval, Louis’ inner Alpha preens. 

What? 

“So, you’ll help me?” Harry asks, eyes shining with hope

Even if Louis thinks he has a chance of successfully standing up against Harry, he knows it won't last long. It’s been like that all their lives. (The warm little body clinging to him may have helped influence his decision too.) He looks back at Harry, half frowning, half hesitant. But Harry must see the reluctance in his eyes to accept because he gasps. 

“You’ll do it? We’re going to do it?! Oh, Louis!” 

His voice catches the attention of their baby, who peers up to look at him. Harry’s beaming like the sun—practically got it in his eyes and between his teeth with the way his smile lights up the gloomy room. 

The Omega stands up, reaching for the baby. He holds her tight in his hands and Louis swears he’s going to suffer from an aneurysm. Harry starts twirling slowly as he holds her little hand in his, high up in celebration. His smile is euphoric: so different to the stress Louis is feeling. Clearly, Harry hadn’t heard what he’d said.

Yet, still, Louis fights a little smile because how can he not? 

Harry’s spinning, moving his hips side to side; rocking the baby about and then they’re both laughing. The baby and Harry, sharing looks and squealing and—fuck me, Louis thinks as he sinks into the couch, covering his face with his hands. 

Harry’s going to have a baby.

He’s going to help Harry have a baby. 

Fuck, that means he’s going to have a baby too, then, isn’t he? 

Because he and Harry have always been glued to the hip, and fuck him if things start changing now. 

“I’m going to be your new Mummy.” He can hear Harry sing, his voice dancing softly through the air. He sounds so happy, Louis peeks through his fingers to look at the pair. They’re both looking at him, matching cheeky smiles on their faces. 

“Look, baby,” Harry whispers into her ear. “I told you he would look at you. That’s going to be your new Daddy.”

Daddy?

Fuckin’ hell. 

Louis' a Dad now. At the prime age of 24, Louis Tomlinson has been lumbered with a baby by his best friend, of course, who is only 23. They’re practically babies themselves. 

What’s worse? The little girl hears the word, ‘Daddy’ and starts giggling. 

“Lou!” Harry exclaims, “She wants you to be her Daddy!”

“Oh fuck me,” he mutters, covering his eyes again. 

❀

“Harry, darling, how have you been?”

Louis’ Mum had arrived, she’d not come empty-handed. He'd had to carry two boxes from her boot into Harry's house. 

Harry holds onto Johannah tightly, Louis can see the smile he sports from over her shoulder. Fondly, he rolls his eyes and carries on heaving the boxes into his living room. His Mum would never make Harry lift a finger. 

“Let me show you her!” Harry gushes, leading her by her hand to the living room. 

Something in Louis’ stomach twists. It’s almost like they’re a real family. He’d felt this before when they were younger, he’d somewhat successfully pushed it down. He can’t let it all come out now—the stakes are higher, they’ve got a baby to look after. Before, Louis didn’t want to lose their friendship but now, there’s another life depending on him. He can’t dare make a mess of it.

Though, he can’t help admitting that it feels nice. Seeing Harry with his mother. Seeing Harry with a baby; how Harry relies on him, making him Dad. Louis likes the ego boost, the way Harry makes him feel so important. If he focuses on that, he can forget the fact that he also likes the idea of being there for Harry, his number one.

Harry the Mum to his Dad.  

“Isn’t she the prettiest little girl?” The Omega coos, getting to his knees to carry her. She’s propped up on Harry’s lap, staring at Louis’ Mum curiously. He watches her, waiting to decipher what she’s thinking. 

“She’s very little,” his Mum mumbles, sitting beside Harry. The Omega looks worried now, bottom lip tucked between his top two teeth as he waits to listen to what Johannah has to say. 

Louis quickly retrieves the last box from her car, listening in as she talks but he doesn’t pick up much. When he returns to the room, Harry looks upset, his arms wrapped tighter around the baby. Louis approaches them, a frown slowly settling onto his face. 

“What’s wrong, H? Mum?”

“Your Mum thinks she might be a little smaller than she should be.”

“What do you mean?”

Harry shifts, looking at him. “She means that she’s way too small for what she thinks her age might be. She’s only a few months old so that can be dangerous.”

“What are you saying?” He frowns, looking to her.

His Mum speaks delicately, “If I am right, she might be very underweight.”

“But what does that mean? Will it affect her?”

“It may slow down the development of her body, her mind, and other cognitive functions.” 

Harry’s eyes have gone owlish, blinking up at his Mum sadly. Louis’ frown deepens.

“Have you boys had lunch?” She asks, rubbing the Omega's back softly.

“Um, no. Not yet.” Harry mutters.

“What about her?” Johannah looks at the little girl in Harry’s hands, smiling as she reaches to stroke her chubby cheeks. 

“Yeah. Just an hour ago.”

“Burped her?”

“Tried to,” Harry says quietly.

“That’s alright. Let me have a go, I’ll show you. Harry, have you got anything at home? Pasta, perhaps?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Go and put some on boil, Lou. We’ll join you shortly.”

“Alright,” he hums. He doesn’t appreciate being kicked out but it’s not like he’s going to learn how to burp a baby. 

Eventually, they join him. The baby’s still in Harry’s arms and his Mum pulls out a seat for Harry to take before pulling one out for herself. Louis leans against the counter, arms crossed as he stares at them. 

“After lunch, we’re going to the hospital.”

“We are?” He asks surprised, looking at Harry who’s pouting. Sad, of course. The baby’s looking at him, knuckles knocking against Harry’s lips. Harry looks at her, trying to smile. 

“Okay,” Louis smiles. “That’s good then, we can get her all checked up and safe.”

From the look his Mum’s giving him, he knows that it’s not going to be easy. He remembers their phone call, they’ve got to get the social involved. Harry might lose his baby. 

“H? Come on love, don’t frown. She’s watching you, what if she gets upset?”

Harry nods, straightening his back. He presses a soft kiss to her cheeks; her little squeal brings some happiness in the kitchen. 

“Go back to the living room,” his Mum coaxes. “Spend some time with her, go on Louis, you too. I’ll do lunch.”

“Thank you.” Harry mumbles. Louis shoots her a look of gratitude before he follows him out. 

“Harry, it’ll be alright.”

The Omega is upset though, Louis can smell his pain and he doesn’t like it. 

“Look, they won’t take her from you so soon. They’ll see how happy she is, how quickly she’s adapted, and how good you look after her. They’ll let her stay.”

Harry doesn’t say anything in response, he probably doesn’t believe it. Neither does Louis. Working alongside the socials is always complicated. Louis braces himself, for Harry.

The three of them spend time together until Louis’ Mum calls them in. She's happy to take the little girl from Harry so he can eat but he doesn’t relent, telling Jay kindly that he’s alright. Consequently, he doesn’t eat very much (but it’s also because he’s upset) so Louis doesn’t eat much either, worrying about Harry. His Mum’s got to push them until they’ve both eaten at least half of their plates before the time draws nearer to leave. Jay prepares a bag, filling Harry’s old uni satchel with things the baby might need and Harry listens attentively, following her to and from places like a little puppy. Louis takes the baby from him, happy that Harry’s okay with it. 

But it stings when Harry mutters under his breath to the girl, ‘Go to Daddy’ because Louis’ not sure if it’s a good idea to confuse her or himself. It’ll only be harder for when she eventually has to go. This is not going to be a permanent thing. 

They get into Louis’ car and for the first time, Harry doesn’t join him in the passenger seat. Every so often, Louis watches him from the front mirror. Harry’s in his own little world with the baby and by the time they arrive she’s asleep in his arms. Louis opens the back door, slinging the satchel over his shoulder before he helps Harry out, ushering him to the inside of the pavement as he locks his car. His Mum follows behind, smiling at them. 

Louis can’t help but keep the Omega close: watching his steps and clearing his path as he leads them to the busy waiting room. Harry’s occupied with the baby, eyes downcast, watching her sleep. There are only two seats. Louis offers them to his Mum and Harry before reaching into the bag for the small pink blanket his Mum had brought over. It used to be Doris’. He swaddles it over the baby and Harry smiles at him thankfully, adjusting his grip. 

“She’s so cute.” He mumbles, turning to the side to show Jay before he swaps to show Louis. Louis nods, hand on Harry’s shoulder as he watches his Mum get up to go to the counter.

“I’ll be back.” He mutters, glancing once more at Harry before leaving him. 

He slides in beside her, “Everything okay?”

“Should be. They’re going to take us to the children’s ward.”

“Now?”

“Yeah, they’re just getting someone.”

“Right, I’ll get Harry.”

“Lou?”

“Yeah.”

“Help him,” his Mum says softly. “He’s already so attached.”

“I know,” he sighs, peeking a sly glance at Harry. “You know how he gets… Mum?”

“Hm?”

“Do you… well, Harry was talking earlier. He thinks he might never have kids.”

“Why would he think that? Has something happened?” She asks, alarmed. 

“No, no, no, he was just overthinking. It just made me think about the future and all.”

“What about the future?”

“Well, I think we both know Harry’ll be a good Mum to his pups. I mean... just look at him.”

“He’s always been good with the children at home too.”

“But…” Louis hesitates, tapping his fingers on the counter. “What about me? Would I be a good Dad? Don’t say yes because I was good with my siblings.”

“I do.” She says simply.

“But why? Give me a real reason.”

“Well you’re kind, and you’re gentle, and I’ve seen you with the baby too. You’ve done a lot for her in a short time, look where you are now.”

Louis chews on his lips, “But…”

“And just because I’m your mother, it means more when I say that you’re brilliant with kids. You adore them, and they adore you back.”

Louis feels heat creep up his neck and he scratches his chin awkwardly, “Thanks, I guess.”

She laughs lightly, “Now, go call Harry, will you? Let me complete these last few forms.”

The three of them squeeze into the doctor's room. Harry and Jay take the seats whilst Louis hovers behind them, hand resting on Harry’s chair. 

They check her little heartbeat and weigh her. When the doctor pulls out the needles, she seems to know what’s going to happen because her lips curl into a pout, wobbly as she looks up at them with big, round, brown eyes.

“It’s okay, baby,” Harry drawls, stroking her hair, trying not to frown himself. She’s stretched out on the bed, looking up at Harry and Jay whilst the doctor is telling Louis how they’ll take blood first, before vaccinating her. Harry’s quietly singing to her, with Jay helping, but her little eyes are getting progressively sadder. 

“Is this necessary?” Louis frowns. “I mean, look at her, can’t we do this another time?”

“I’m afraid not.” The doctor shakes his head. “Her medical report is non-existent. We don’t know her age, her weight, her blood type. We can’t treat her without filing her into the system either, it won’t take too long.”

“Mum said she’s probably underweight.”

“Yes,” the doctor nods, busy preparing the needles. “She looks to be smaller than her age which is maybe 5-6 months We’ll take some scans.”

“Scans?” Louis echoes, looking back at Harry. “We can be with her though, right?”

“Yes. Usually, only two people are allowed. Preferably the mother and father, so I’m afraid someone will have to leave.”

Louis' Mum stands up straight away nodding, “I’ll call Jenny, tell her we’re here.”

The door closes after her and then Louis picks the little girl into his arms, smiling as she curls into his neck, whining quietly.

“S’okay, baby,” he coos, releasing the smallest bit of his pheromones. He apologises to the doctor, who doesn’t mind (probably used to it) as he crosses the room to stand by the window so his smell doesn’t drench them all. It quietens her down considerably and Louis smiles, rocking her slowly, hands patting her back.

Harry’s gone quiet and he tails after Louis, close by, fingers fiddling with the hem of his top.

“What is it, love?”

“Jenny,” he starts, “she’s…? Is she the social worker?”

Louis sighs, drawing Harry closer to his other free side so he’s got both of them curled up to him now. He knows Harry would probably love to have his face pressed into his neck, seeking comfort, but the doctor’s still here so Harry wouldn’t dare. To make up for it, Louis presses a fleeting kiss to his hairline in hopes of appeasing him.

“She is.” He confirms gently. “She can help us.”

“I don’t want them to take her away.” He pouts.

“They’ll do what they think is best.” Before Harry can start brooding, Louis soothes him. “That doesn’t mean they’ll take her. We’ll show them our best too, okay? Show them how important she’s become to us and that we can look after her, yeah?”

When he pulls back, Harry’s staring at him with wide eyes. "Really?” 

And how could Harry even ask that? Since they were kids, Louis has done everything Harry’s asked of him. At first, it was because he wanted to be a good friend. Harry had been the same, so how could Louis not complete the favour? But over the years, it became less about that and more about him. Louis just wanted to see Harry happy. It became easy to say yes to anything that would make the Omega smile... he soon realised that he wanted to do all the things that Harry wanted. It just became another part of him, this easy thing of sacrifice. It was second nature when it came to Harry. 

“Yes.” He laughs, “Of course, I will.”

He looks down at the little girl who’s blinking wide-eyed, listening in. “She’s very cute, how could I not?”

Overjoyed, Harry whispers a million ‘thank you’s’ into the material of Louis’ polo shirt as the Alpha holds him close. Louis’ Alpha is positively preening from the attention of both an Omega and a pup. He’s never realised his Alpha to be so… needy? When did he want an Omega? And when did bearing responsibility over a pup become something he wanted too? 

He pushes down his thoughts, not wanting to delve into that mindset when the doctor will need them soon. He’s got to stay level-headed for both of them now. 

“Mr Tomlinson?”

Louis cranes over and nods, leading the two over. Harry takes a seat on the plastic chair and Louis takes a seat on the patient’s bench, carefully holding the little girl on his lap so she can lean back on his belly. She whines, clearly unhappy that she can’t snuggle up into his neck. 

“Sorry, baby.”

Harry catches his eye so Louis flashes him a smile, trying to lift his spirits. "She’ll be okay," he mouths, "and so will you."

The Omega gives him a weak smile, shrugging his shoulders weakly, before reaching to stroke the baby’s hair back, fingers gently brushing strands away. 

The doctor starts with a blood test and Louis had thought he’d be okay with that but once the needle enters her skin and the doctor’s gripping her little arms firmly, so he can push the tube in to extract her blood, she’s crying and Louis and his Alpha hate it. He hates the way she’s crying and how Harry’s face crumples and he leans over her, cooing to get her attention but it doesn’t work. Louis’ strong arms tighten around her, rubbing her little feet protectively as he curls around her back, whispering that she’ll be okay.

“Nearly done, sweetie.” The doctor hums, and then it’s over, and he’s wiping her arm clean, sticking a plaster over the skin. As soon as it’s over, she thrashes in his arms and Louis cradles her to him, letting her hide into his neck with little wet cries. 

“You’re so, so brave, baby.” He rocks her gently around the room. Harry follows them with his eyes and when she’s quiet enough, he hands her over to Harry who looks miles better now that he’s got her in his hands. The doctors prepare her vaccinations.

“Is this necessary, too?”

“I’m afraid so, Mr Tomlinson.”

Nodding, he can't help but grimace at the needles on display on the desk. Harry eyes them as well, careful to keep their little girl away from it. 

“Just these, then?” Louis prods.

“We’ve got to run more tests.” The doctor repeats firmly, reminding him. “There’s no record logged in for her, Mr Tomlinson.”

“You’re upsetting her.”

“Louis,” Harry interferes, softly. “They need to do this.”

He nods reluctantly, not at all happy about it. 

Harry keeps her in his arms this time when she gets injected. She cries again, lips quivering as tears stream down her chubby cheeks. 

“Hey, hey, baby,” Louis drawls. He pinches her little nose, making her stop and blink. “Look at Lou-Lou. That’s it, good girl. Don’t cry, baby, it’s over.”

It’s done and Louis thinks that’s it, that they just wait for a few results and can go home. But it’s not. 

The three of them sit in the waiting room; then they’re moved to the children’s ward again. The little girl is beginning to doze on Harry, and Harry is completely enamoured with her. Jay’s with them, whilst Louis is at the reception wondering what’s taking so long. 

They take them into another room, for more testing. It all seems unnecessary to him and he can’t help himself from muttering distasteful comments which makes his Mum eye him—a move she hasn’t pulled out in a long time. 

“Are you quite done?” He growls when a nurse handles the little girl with hardly any patience or care. Louis knows that they’re busy and overworked, but every other nurse or doctor has been nice before so this sudden rough treatment puts him on edge. He marches to the little table, picking her up into his arms and only slowly starting to calm down when her cries quieten. “She’s just a baby, be careful with her.”

The nurse nods meekly, apologising before she leaves the room in haste.

“Lou, you can’t do that.”

“Did you not see the way she was with her, Mum?”

“Yes, darling. I would’ve intervened but you got there first. I’m not speaking about that, though. Didn’t you notice?”

Louis looks over with a frown, startled to see Harry so shaky; grasping onto the leg of his trousers as he sits with his head bowed. Louis’ Mum is comforting him, her hands trailing up and down the Omega's back. 

“Haz?”

“Your Alpha came out,” his Mum explains, shocking him. 

“What?”

“You didn’t do it intentionally?” She frowns.

He shakes his head, checking up on the little pup who seems alright. She looks up at him, making him smile a little before he joins Harry’s side, overcome when the Omega presses into him, head nuzzling into his neck. 

“Harry, love, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, shit. I scared the poor nurse too, then, didn’t I?”

“You can apologise later.” His Mum says, standing up. She holds her hands out for the baby, and Louis gives her away rather reluctantly. He blames it on his Alpha. 

She steps out of the room so Louis can deal with Harry. 

The Omega is drinking in his scent. He used to do that ages ago when they were younger and didn’t know how to control their secondary genders. It’s been a while since Harry’s had to seek comfort like this from him, and he’d be lying if he said it didn’t make him or his Alpha happy. Providing and helping an Omega like Harry? It goes straight to his head.

But still, Louis hasn’t forgotten the way he used to deal with it. How he’d cuddle Harry closer, and how their bodies were perfect to wrap around one another—even how their scents mingled perfectly into an alluring, tantalising combination that sent Louis’ entire body into a frenzy. 

He can feel Harry come to. His body isn’t as stiff and he’s finally responding to Louis’ scent. 

“You okay, lovely?”

He doesn’t get a response, but he can feel Harry’s nose trailing his skin, his mouth following close after. Instinctively, Louis pulls him closer waiting for Harry to speak. 

“Sorry.”

“What for? I’m sorry. I didn’t realise I did that, I’m not usually this… uninhibited.”

Harry chuckles, the soft sound gracing Louis’ ears before he peers out from where he’d been hiding. “You were made to be a Dad, you know?”

“Harry…”

“I mean it. Your Alpha came out so naturally and usually it doesn’t affect me and you know that, but look at me now.”

“Not made to be a Dad,” he grumbles. “Was just angry.”

“Exactly. And why’d you think that? You’re perfect. And this is embarrassing but it was kind of hot. Don’t say anything! Don’t laugh! I know—but it was. Any Beta or Omega would fall to their knees for you, you could have all the children you’d like. And you’d be a perfect father for them.”

See? Ego boost. 

Louis laughs to cut through the tension that's building up. Though, he’s certain he’s the only one that can feel it. 

“That’s a lot of compliments, you’re gettin’ to my head.”

“I mean it.” Harry sighs, resting his head on Louis’ shoulder now. “It’s so hard to find an Alpha who cares about family and pups and stuff like that.”

“Why? Have you been looking?” 

“Maybe,” Harry admits, surprising Louis.

“You never told me.” He says, as composed as possible.

“Because it’s a little embarrassing.”

“It isn’t.”

“It is,” Harry presses. “And none of them are serious anyway, they just want to sleep with me.”

Something in Louis’ tightens, and now that he’s thinking about his Alpha, he can feel him get rowdy and unsettled. Calm down. 

“Don’t need ‘em,” Louis says, stiffly. “You can find better.”

“I know, but it’s so hard. Maybe I don’t need an Alpha anymore.”

“Why’s that?” He asks, his heartbeat spiking. 

“Because I’ve got my little girl now, haven’t I? I don’t need an Alpha to give me pups.”

Louis is so horrible. He shouldn’t be thinking like this but god, he’d do anything to give Harry pups. It’s a thought that’s never crossed his mind before but for some dreaded reason, his Alpha is on edge, at the front lines, voicing every single one of Louis’ thoughts today—even the fleeting, embarrassing ones he’d never let himself indulge in. Because he’d been there when Harry’s first heat had started, and Harry had been there when his rut had hit. They didn’t spend it together, obviously, but Louis still remembers it. University had made them closer that way too. Louis would kip at Liam or Zayn’s dorm when Harry was in heat, and vice versa when he was in rut. Each time, their accommodation was shrouded in the sweet, tangy, alluring strawberry scent that’d make Louis’ mouth water, and put his Alpha on edge.

Occasionally, even now, years later, he catches whiffs of that smell and has to close his eyes and tamper down his thoughts. 

It’s only natural his mind goes back to their heat/rut cycles: it was the easiest way Alphas and Omegas planned to have pups after all. All this talk of wanting pups brings out an itch he never thought existed.

Pups.

With Harry.

Pups with Harry.

Wouldn’t that be nice? 

He pushes the thoughts aside.

“But… what if an Alpha did appear? Like, when the time is right and you meet someone perfect for you, I guess. Would you go for it?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Harry murmurs.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t think it’ll happen, you know? I don’t think I’ll meet anyone who could ever really get me and love me, especially now that I have a baby of my own. You know how it is, and what they’ll think.”

Louis nods, disappointed beyond words. “Well, you’ll always have me.” He declares, “You know how they say in movies, if we’re 50 and alone we’ll just stay together?”

Harry laughs, swatting Louis away. “Sworn off Omegas already?”

“It’s not that,” Louis says. “Just… just ‘cause.”

“Well, 50 is quite young, don’t you think?”

“Young? It’s quite old, I think.” Louis scorns. “You want me to wait till I'm 80?”

“No... but my Mum's neighbour went on a date last week, he’s got to be at least 60.”

“Well, I don’t want to be 60 and still going on first dates—no offence.”

Harry laughs again, nudging his shoulder before he tugs Louis up with him.

“You want to lower it?”

“30.”

“30?” Harry echoes. “That’s really young.”

“35?”

Harry rolls his eyes, crossing through the door Louis holds open for them, “That’s a little better, I guess.”

“Good,” the Alpha says, pleased. “So, you’ve got yourself 12 years to find the Alpha of your dreams.”

“And you, 11, so you better hurry up. With the way you’re going, Louis, you’ll never find someone. When’s the last time you went on a date?”

“That don’t matter, no one ever found their partner on a date.”

“Do you know how stupid that sounds?”

“Yeah,” he sighs, “but you know what I mean. I don’t think I’ll meet my ‘the one’ on a date where we feel like we’ve got to put on a persona just to attract one another.”

“Yes, yes, I know. Not a fan of dates… so go out more?”

“I dunno,” he shrugs. “If it happens, it’ll happen.”

“Okay, Lou,” Harry hums, used to hearing those words. 

They join Louis’ mother in the waiting room; not long later, they’re being led away to get their baby scanned. All the light that Louis had just restored to Harry’s visage drains when there’s a knock on the door of the scanning room. There’s no need for announcements, the woman’s smart sense of dress and her stern demeanour says it all. 

Harry reaches for Louis’ hand, grasping it tight for support. It’s unexpected, and Louis’ gaze falls to where they’re conjoined, swallowing hard.

“Hi, Jay.” She greets, reaching forward to shake Johannah’s hand. 

“Jenny,” she greets, with a smile. “This is my son, Louis, and this is Harry—he’s like my other son.”

“Louis, Harry." She nods, eyeing their hands. “Thank you for calling me, Jay.”

“It’s not a problem.”

“So, Harry? You found the baby?” 

“Yes,” he says simply, nodding. 

“Can you expand on that?”

“Yes. Well, I was sleeping it was quite late—”

“How late?” She asks, taking down notes. Harry watches uneasily. “Don’t mind me," she smiles. "I’ve got to relay this all to the police, that's why I'm writing it down.”

“Oh. Right,” he shifts on his feet, never letting go of Louis’ hand. “Sorry, I don’t remember what the time was. All I kept hearing was crying and the noise woke me up so I went to check.”

“It was sometime around two in the morning,” Louis adds. “Well, that was roughly the time Harry called me to come over.”

“And you didn’t notice anyone around?”

Harry shakes his head, eyes big with concern and regret. “No. Sorry,” he stutters, “I just saw her and took her in, it was so cold.”

“You don’t have to be sorry, Harry. You did the right thing.”

She steps away to pick up her ringing phone and Harry rushes over to Jay (Louis following along). She rubs his back comfortingly.

“Jay… I don’t want them to take her away, I can look after her—I want to Jay, please.”

“Harry,” she frowns at the sight of the Omega who's pleading with round eyes. Louis pulls him in closer, but he knows it won’t do anything. When Harry's in one of those states, where he’s so determined to have what he wants, Louis can never stop him.

“Where is she?” He asks. “Have the doctors got her? Have you—wait—you haven’t given her away already, have you? Jay?!”

“No, darling, I wouldn’t do that. Not without letting you say goodbye.”

“Harry, calm down, love.”

The door opens and the Omega whips his head towards the sound, exhaling loudly when he sees the little girl. She’s wailing softly and perhaps the smell of Louis and Harry so close settles her because she looks for them, little hands reaching in the air.

“Baby,” he coos, taking her carefully from the Doctor before cradling her to his chest. Harry lets her rest her head by his bond mark, calming them both down. Louis rubs her back soothingly, and the baby cranes her head to catch a glimpse of him, a little peal of laughter vibrates out of her when she sees Louis and the silly face he's pulling.

“She’s okay, Haz.”

He’s momentarily surprised when Harry offers the little girl to Louis.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, taking her easily. 

Harry’s eyes are wet and his lashes are clumpy. “I’m just going to go to the bathroom real quick. Look after her, Lou, don’t let her go.”

“‘Course not,” he assures, holding Harry’s wrist lightly to pull him close. Louis lowers his voice, gazing at his face intensely. “Don’t cry, Omega. She’ll be ours, I promise. They can’t keep her, and if they do it won’t be long.”

Harry latches onto his words.

Louis’ knows he’s promising big things but he hates that look on Harry’s face, and the little girl in his arms deserves better than a life in care when Harry could be the best mum to her and fuck if he’s scared, because he’s an Alpha and he should step up. He’d do anything for Harry, which he’s progressively learning is dangerous and quite worrying. Also, in only a few hours, the little baby has stolen his heart too (which is embarrassing) but he’d have to have a heart of steel to be unaffected by her shiny brown eyes, and little smile. Louis can see it right in front of him, a little family of three. Louis, Harry, and their baby. 

“Haz?” He mumbles, “We really need to give her a name if we’re keeping her.”

It’s a genuine question on Louis’ part, but it makes Harry laugh quietly. A smile finally on his gorgeous face. Louis smiles at him, tucking his curls back. The little girl reaches for Harry too, copying Louis, and it makes the two of them look at her in wonder before grinning widely.

“See? She doesn’t like seeing you sad too. Go freshen up in the bathroom, we’ll be waiting for you.”

Louis takes a seat with the little girl, talking to her quietly. “What shall we call you? Baby isn’t cutting it out anymore.”

He smooths down her hair; it sticks out in all directions, making him chuckle under his breath. “What’s happened here? They’ve messed up your hair. Harry’ll have to sort it out, he’s better at it than me. Looks like you’ve got a star on your head or summat.”

“Louis?”

“Yes?”

It’s Jenny. She’s smiling at him. “Jay always talks about her son, it’s lovely meeting you in person.”

“Thank you. Where is Mum, by the way?”

“She’s gone to get some coffee. The doctor should be back, right?”

“Yeah, should be."

She carries on the small talk, “Is Harry your Omega?”

Louis blanches, eyes widening. “No. No, we’re not courting or anything. He’s my best friend.”

“Oh. Well, you two are very good with her.”

Louis nods, not sure what to say.

His Mum returns with four cups of coffee, and the Doctor is with her. 

“Scanning room is free.”

Louis listens, narked by it all. If Harry were here, he’d tell Louis to stop frowning, that it’s rude when someone is speaking to him. (His Mum would too, but she’s talking to Jenny.)

“So, will you be coming with her?”

“Yeah. Just excuse me for a moment,” Louis walks over to his Mum. “Mum? When Harry comes, let him know where we’ve gone.”

He follows the doctor, with Jenny right behind. He didn’t know she’d be present, taking Harry’s spot. But he can’t really say anything about it.

They lie her down in the dark room and she’s okay until the light of the machine turns on and Louis winces. Her little body shakes and wriggles around.

“It’s okay, baby,” he hushes, hoping she’ll calm down.

“Jenny?”

“Yes.”

Louis flushes awkwardly, as he asks, “Would you mind if I scent the room a little? To calm her down.”

“Oh. Well, I’m alright with it but is that something that’ll help her?’

He shrugs, “It did before.”

“Alright.”

The scent does work on calming her down but she’s still so sad, reaching for him, and even Louis’ Alpha becomes restless. They’re both glad Harry isn’t here.

“It’ll be over, baby.”

He knows it’s finished when the room lights switch on—the abruptness of it startles the little girl and she bursts into tears, cheeks wet and shiny. Louis doesn’t waste a second more as he lunges for her, pressing soft kisses to her forehead. In only a few seconds, she quietens down, gurgling unhappily in his embrace. 

“Naughty doctors,” he patronises, stroking her hair again. “Lou will beat them all up for you, baby.”

She babbles, still unhappy, but Louis’ just glad she’s not crying anymore. He dries her cheeks with the sleeves of his sweater, tensing awkwardly when he notices Jenny. As a Beta, her lack of scent is probably why he keeps forgetting she’s there. 

“Can I take her back now?”

“Yes. Her doctor will consult you and her carer with the results and then you can be on your way.”

“That soon?”

“Yes.”

Louis frowns, “Does that mean there’s bad news?”

“She’ll be okay.” She assures, smiling at him. “She seems to be in good hands with Daddy, and we’ll do our best for her here.”

Louis flushes bright red but takes the compliment. Ignoring Jenny who’s no doubt listening. 

“Thank you, so we’ll be on our way…?”

“Yes, sure. You’re good to go.”

Louis nods, heading out with her. He keeps the door open for Jenny who thanks him and they walk back in silence. Well, for a while they do.

“You’re very good with her.” 

“Yes. I’ve had a lot of practice.”

“Your siblings, right?”

“Yes,” he laughs. “All menaces. She’s a little angel, aren’t you?”

She smiles, clapping her little hands together already forgetting the predicament she was in earlier. 

Louis smiles, pleased. His Alpha is chuffed too.

“Actually, there is something I want to say.”

“Yes?”

“Harry and I, well we were thinking. We would like to look after her. Permanently. We might be young, and we’re not together or anything, but we’d look after her well. We just… what’s the point of putting her in the system if we could look after her? You’re always looking for families, aren’t you? Well, we’re one. And we really want her to be in ours.”

“It’s not that easy, I’m afraid. Things could get complicated. Two unmated friends, Alpha and Omega. What happens when you find a mate one day? It’ll confuse the little darling.”

Louis never thought of it like that. 

“That wouldn’t come between us. It’s Harry who wants full custody of her—I’d like it too, but if it’s only Harry, would you let that? I’d still be in the picture, regardless, we’re best friends. What I’m trying to say is that she’d get a lot of love. Isn’t that what you want? Harry was born to be a mum and he’s perfect for it. He’s got his own little house, a job, good family and friends to support him. And I’d be there helping him. Please, consider us—him. Just look at her, look at them when they’re together, how happy they get—you can’t rip that away from either of them.”

“Louis.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to throw all that on you.”

“I could look into it. Perhaps, you could be a temporary placement until we find her a real family.”

Real family? He scorns. But bites his tongue.

“My other colleague should be here soon, maybe we can talk more then?”

Louis nods, annoyance written all over his face. He reigns it in as they return to the room. Harry murmurs at the sight of them, and the little girl raises her head at the sound, looking for Harry who waits with his arms outstretched. 

“Come here, darling,” the Omega coos. The little girl starts bouncing on Louis' hips reaching for Harry. Louis holds her little more firmly as they approach him. 

It happens without Louis realising, a simple phrase slips out from between his lips that his brain or his Alpha must have felt because Louis wouldn’t, well he would, but not so easily in front of everyone, say.

He passes her along. Careful, as he murmurs, “That’s it, good girl. Go to Mummy.”

Then, Louis burns. It wasn’t that long ago that he didn’t want Harry to say it—didn’t want to confuse the little girl. But now he’s just gone and done that, hasn’t he?

Harry holds her, but his eyes are fixed on Louis'. Big and gaping and Louis stares back, awkward and uneasy. 

The baby fiddles with Harry’s curls, not noticing their dilemma.

“Sorry,” Louis gets out, rubbing his neck.

Just as Harry whispers, “Mummy?”

He nods, looking away. “Well, if you want to keep her, she’s got to call you something, hasn't she?”

“Does that mean you’ll be Daddy, then? For real?”

Louis can’t help but sneak a glance to see who’s listening. Fuck’s sake they all are. His Mum and Jenny. Though, they’re making a point to act like they aren’t. 

“If that’s what the both of you want. Though, Harry,” he remembers what Jenny said earlier, “it might confuse her because we’re not together darling? Maybe we can stick with Uncle for now? Isn’t that right baby, you like Uncle Lou, don’t you?”

She chirps happily, though Harry doesn’t like it. Louis can tell. 

Later, he mouths. I'll tell you later.

Harry nods, but his brows are still knitted together unhappily, a little frown on his face. Louis hears him whisper, ‘Daddy’ to the girl before he props her head to rest on his shoulder. 

They wait for a few minutes. His Mum and Jenny chat amongst themselves and Louis watches Harry with the baby, he’s holding her and humming under his breath. 

When the results come, they’re not the best. 

She’s very underweight for her age. Even though she looks to be three or four months old, she’s not. She’s six months old. 

“What does that mean?” 

“We’ve got to keep an eye on her,” the doctor informs.

“But is she okay?” Louis cuts in.

“It’s not good, it could have effects on her growth and the rate of it. We’ll need to talk about her feeding—how often and what to eat. And we’ll track her development and height.”

“So, we can take her home?”

The doctor exhales and puts down his papers. “Well, yes. But I’ll schedule an appointment for next week.”

“Great.” Louis stands up, pushing for Harry to come along.

“Thank you.” He hears the Omega say.

But they don’t get to leave because Jenny, the blasted social worker, asks the doctor if they could have some privacy to talk. Once he’s left, she faces the three of them.

“The police will be sent all the details and then they’ll search for her parents.”

“You don’t want to send her back to them, do you?” Harry asks fearfully.

“No, not yet. Unless circumstances change, but no.” She says firmly. “We’re looking for a family to take her in. She’s very young, at an age where lots of couples would happily think of adoption.”

Louis frowns, glancing over at Harry’s stricken face. He can’t stop himself from asking, “Isn’t Harry eligible to adopt her?”

Jenny blinks. 

“Is that something you’re interested in, Harry? Adopting is serious, you can’t just change your mind. I know you mean well but it’s something lifelong and permanent. Have you ever thought about it before?”

The spotlight is on the Omega now and Louis shifts in his seat, worried that he’s put Harry in an uncomfortable position. The Omega pulls the baby in closer, carefully shifting her stubby little fingers from his hair to stop her tugging. 

“I am interested. I… I’ve never thought of adoption before.” He admits. “But I’ve always wanted children, I’ve been thinking a lot more about it these past few months.” His cheeks blaze into a dusty rose. “Even though I don’t have an Alpha, I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I wouldn’t change my mind about it—about her. I feel so much for her already, and I know it’ll not take long for me to love her. I could and would want to give her a home. Keep her safe and happy.”

Harry exhales, pushing his shoulders back and tilting his head up high. Louis sees the shift in him, pride swells deep in his chest at the sight of it. He’s known the Omega all his life. He knows that look. 

“I want to adopt her. I want a chance to be considered as her mother, you don’t have to look for anyone else.”

“I’m afraid that’s not how it works.” Jenny lets him down, slowly. 

“But you’re looking for someone to adopt her. You’ve found someone now.” Louis cuts in. 

“Yes, I know. But it’s not that simple. We’d have to—”

“What hasn’t Harry got?”

“Louis,” his Mum interrupts him with a soft but stern look. “Let Jenny speak, Boo.” 

He nods stiffly, muttering an apology.

“It’s alright, Louis. I can see how passionate you are about this. I just need to let Harry know that it’s not easy. There’ll be background checks and such, it’ll be a long process.”

Still narked, Louis nods, “So, are we done here?”

“I guess we are. The social will contact me once we find an emergency foster replacement for her.”

“Why can’t I keep her?” Harry asks quietly.

“Because you’re not a qualified foster keeper. We’ve got to do a lot of checks and assessments before you’re able to foster.”

“B-but…”

“She’ll be in safe hands, Harry.” Jenny smiles warmly, but it does little to appease Harry.

He’s holding the little girl tightly, refusing to hand her over. 

“Can I stay with her?” He asks. “Until you find someone to take her, then? Please.”

Louis’ Mum frowns, rubbing Harry’s back comfortingly. “That should be allowed, shouldn’t it, Jenny?” She asks. 

“I don’t see why not.”

Harry slumps with relief, hiding in the little girl's dark curls.”

“You guys don’t need to stay with me,” Harry says. “I can wait with her. Who knows how long it’ll take, I’ve already taken up so much of your time. I’m sorry.”

“Nothin’ to be sorry for," Louis instantly assures. “You’re never a nuisance.”

Harry breaks into a little smile, leaning his head back onto Louis’ stomach. Louis knows that’s his way of saying thanks.

The little girl laughs then, shrieking into laughter that surprises them all. Harry shifts in his seat and looks at her: entire galaxies in his eyes as he takes in the sight of her happy little face. His lips stretch into a damp smile. He wipes the drool off her chin gently, cooing, “What’s got you laughing, lovey?’

She giggles, slapping her starfish palms onto his chest. The skin by Louis’ eyes creases at the sight as he crouches to his knees, to look at her properly. “She just likes you, doesn’t she?” His fingers curl into her hair. “Don’t you, baby? You like Harry.”

She bounces, arms outstretched for Louis. It always surprises him when she reaches for him. It was only this morning when she cried at the touch of him.

“She’s a very happy girl,” Jenny comments. “You wouldn’t be able to tell she’s had a rough few months.”

Harry hums quietly.

Louis takes her from his arms, pressing his nose into her cheeks, a makeshift kiss. She burbles, gripping onto his shirt. Almost instantly, she melts into him, nuzzled back into his neck happily.

“She likes Lou’s scent,” Harry says, answering Jenny’s questioning eyes.

“My Lou’s always been so good with children,” Jay says, smiling softly. She preens at the sight of her son with the little girl. “He was always looking after the kids at home, even the ones we had temporarily.”

“Oh, right. You used to take kids in, didn’t you?”

“Yes, only for a night or two. I’m not qualified now to, it’s been far too long and I’ve got the twins. Otherwise, I would’ve, loves.” Her eyes sadden at the sight of Harry’s hopes diminishing in seconds.

The Omega nods miserably, “I know.”

“But what about Louis?”

“What about him?”

“Well, you said he used to help you.” She turns to examine Louis: now more professional than friendly. The Alpha rises at the sudden attention, pushing himself up from where he had been by Harry’s knees. He props the little girl by his hips, more comfortable for the both of them. “You know a lot?”

“Well, yeah,” he sweats. He can feel Harry watching him. “Mum taught me a few things, and it’s always different with the other kids but I know.”

“How old are you?”

“24.”

“Johannah, does he know first aid? The basic stuff? Have you gotten him qualified?”

“Think I did—yes. I did. Sometimes, I had to leave him with the kids, emergencies at the hospital or something.”

“So, you’re qualified in first aid assistance?”

“Y-yeah,” he stutters. “But that’s it. I’m not like a foster carer or anything. If I was, I’d have asked for her, obviously.”

“But he’s excellent with young kids. You know how many kids I’ve got, he’s a star with all of them.”

“He seems qualified enough,” she mumbles. “If I’m being honest, if I don’t usually get a call back within an hour about a temporary placement then that means it’ll be hard to come by. Let me just make a few more calls.”

“Wait—” Harry calls. “Does that mean…”

Jenny gives him a small smile. “Let me make this call, first.”

Harry nods, teeth clamped over his bottom lips. “Okay, thank you.”

She leaves the room and Harry turns to Louis with wide eyes.

“We might—”

“It’s all ‘cause of you, Lou.” Harry breathes out, standing to crowd him. Naturally, Louis extends his arms. His Alpha always seems to know when the Omega wants to be near; always knows when to make himself available. He wraps an arm around Harry’s waist. 

Jay looks at them, quietly. Louis doesn’t know what she’s thinking.

“Mum?”

“Yes?”

“If she…” he takes a breath. “Does that mean I’m her legal guardian, well for now?”

She nods. “It does.”

Louis lets out a long drawn-out breath. He leans down to look at the baby on his chest and then at Harry. “Look at what you’ve got me doing.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Harry whispers, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. It catches him off guard, he’s frozen for those few seconds, hot red heat flooding his cheeks when he sees the way his Mum stares at him. 

“What does that mean?” He asks when he’s eventually settled his bearings. Louis avoids looking at his Mum, though.

“You’ll have to keep her.”

“But I can’t,” Louis glances at the door, lowering his voice. “I’m not ready. Harry wants all this, not me. I just… I just wanted her here safe, for the both of them.”

“You wanted her as well, didn't you?” His Mum says. “You’ve got to make that sacrifice, make yourself ready for her.”

Louis’ freaking out.

“Can’t Louis stay with me?” Harry asks. “I’ll look after her, but he needs to be there too… so he can stay at mine?”

“We don’t know how long it’ll be, Harry. You wouldn’t want that.”

“Yes,” he frowns. “I want her and I want you there, you’re my best friend, if you’ve forgotten. It’s not even a bother, how often do we sleep over at each other’s, anyway? Stop being silly.”

“I’m not sure.” Johannah frowns. 

“Well, I can just stay at Louis’.” He amends. “Take time off work if I need to.”

Right. Because Harry’s family are filthy rich. They’re not exactly up to their eyeballs in cash, but if Harry wanted to never work again and stay happy and unbothered in his little house, he could do that with ease.

“That’s something you’ve got to ask Jenny.”

Harry nods, determined to work this out.

“Don’t worry, Lou,” the Omega smiles. “We’ll find a way. We can keep her and I’ll find a way to contact them about adopting and then the two of us will be out of your way. It’ll all go back to normal. Daddy or Uncle, whatever works for you. I know it’s a lot but thank you.” He looks at Louis earnestly; with his bright green eyes, his sweet little smile, and his dimples.

Dimples, dimples, dimples. Louis’ head spins.

He’d been ready to take her on for Harry. Together. He could do it together. But not alone, definitely not. He’s already attached to the little bundle in his arms but he’s not brave enough to take on full responsibility. This is another life, this is a child.

Christ, he’s only 24!

He’s rotating between two words. Daddy or Uncle? He could be the Daddy to Harry’s Mummy. Is that because it’s not as scary together? Is it because it’s Harry and he’s always known that he’d be ready to do anything for him? If someone else were to help him—become a new Mummy to his Daddy, would he want that? He thinks not.

It’s just Harry.

Just us, he thinks.

The realisation is frightening. Shredding at him from under the skin on his bones, even deeper into the grey marrow of them. He’d only ever want to be a father if it was with Harry (or for him, should he say?) Louis could love another child, could love any child, but he wouldn’t feel what he feels now, standing here with Harry. He wouldn’t want to father any if they weren’t his or Harry’s. Weren’t theirs.

He wants Harry’s children.

Cold flushes him out, gorging out every cell of his, leaving him empty and chilled. Louis hands the little girl over to Harry, sweat pooling on the back of his neck, under his arms and practically everywhere. 

“I need a moment,” he rushes out. “I’ll be back.” Louis stumbles through the sharp-smelling hospital corridor, gasping for breath.

How’s he supposed to play pretend now?

❀