i'm here, i'm here! let's get this party starteddddddddd!

—-

it's been eating at him all night. he hasn't slept a wink, and knows if he goes back out into society after fleeing from a handful of cops that it might not end well, but he has to figure this out.

it makes no sense.

if the security system on not only the store but the shopping block itself was hacked into and shut down for hours, if there were no guaranteed patrols at that scheduled timing, and nobody could have known about the ordeal, how could the cops have arrived? how could they have known the getaway car?

granted, niall was speeding and he even decided to run while they had time. that was probably a dead giveaway right there.

the blue camaro didn't sit right with him either.

harry eased himself up, leaning over to press a soft kiss to sleeping louis' temple before sneaking out of bed. his alarm clock read 6:10am. he should be sleeping too, but he can't. unless he is overthinking things right now, there is no way he can get any shut eye while his mind is racing. he didn't want to keep louis awake with his jumbled speculations. it's too early for this shit right now.

he tries his best to keep louis out of clique business, out of respect and care for louis' mental wellbeing. he had enough on his plate already. he doesn't need to know the things mitch has done lately, like who he has affiliated himself with or what steps he has taken to make harry be the dirty work punching bag. he doesn't need to know that mitch hasn't attended a deal or heist since they pulled that hit on mylo. harry has been doing boss duties without the boss title for so long now that louis would probably piss himself if he saw how much money was in the safe beneath his work desk. there's more than a hundred grand in there. way, way more.

if the man had even known that they were planning on robbing a high end jewelry store, he would either ask to tag along or ask for harry not to go. harry had to do his job, just like any other time, so his wish wouldn't be granted. neither of them.

he grabs a shirt from his closet and slips it over his head. louis' favorite red hoodie with the hole in the left sleeve comes next. it smells like him. like black cherry, forehead kisses, and everything bunny. it's disgusting just how mushy louis has made him yet it's a blessing at the same time.

rustling emerges from the king sized bed. he looks over to see emma stretching out before jumping down onto the floor. he made eye contact with her, put a finger to his lips and stuffed his pockets with his necessities. he grabbed his shoes before opening the door. being the curious kid she was, emma followed him downstairs.

she's been nice lately. really she kisses his ass when he comes home. she loves on louis for a while, then decides to sleep behind her intended owner's head in the middle of the night. she is a mix of light and day. one hell of a wild card.

harry gives her a treat to keep her quiet before grabbing a redbull from the fridge. he'll get another one on the way home to replace it so louis doesn't have a fit. they're his new fixation lately and frankly, sometimes if he has more than one it makes harry want to ram his head into a wall. his boyfriend is hyper as is. fucking energy drinks? what good comes out of louis and energy drinks? absolutely nothing. it's a recipe for chaos. he blames zayn 100%.

"be good," he told the cat before sliding his shoes over his feet. "don't eat the fucking remote again, you dick."

emma mewed at his remark. just like louis. a backtalker. a brat. he can't help but love them.

he downed his redbull on the drive to the storage unit. he knows mitch's codes and the certain way to unlock the third lock. there's a number key, a padlock, and a flip switch that has to be turned horizontally, vertically, then diagonal southwest. he used to get the first two mixed up until he realized the meaning behind each numbers. mitch's parent's birthdays, oldest to youngest.

he wants to drive by the jewelry store to see what damage had been done. the vents are broken and he wore shoes that were a half size too small so he could only imagine what the metal warped into. did liam actually shoot the cop? did they arrest somebody that fit their profiles?

it's little shit like this that makes him want to leave the gang. he can't help but question everything. why this, why that. who, what, when, where, why and how. critical and analytical thinking are one thing, paranoia is another. never would he rat anyone out but parts of him wonder if those people have his back too.

niall and liam do. they have done too much sit together. if one of them go down, there's a high chance everyone else could as well. niall stands on silence most of the time. sometimes he likes to get drunk and tell embarrassing stories about everyone. liam, he's kind of the same.

louis would never betray him. not like that. he's been in the way of things before, he has witnessed and experienced it all firsthand. if anything he could see louis trying to take a rat for him. no way in hell would he let that happen though. in the case he ever got busted, louis would be the first person he tells to run and not come back until deemed clear. he loves that boy too much to see him go down for something he didn't do. harry would take charges and do time for him in a heartbeat just to keep him out of jail, but louis doesn't deserve to sit behind bars for someone else's wrongdoings. or even his own, really. he's too pretty for prison.

mitch shouldn't be a red flag. mitch has saved him from deep shit, yet thrown him in there and expected him not to drown at the same time. harry has saved his ass quite a few times as well, so it would honestly depend on the day or what mood he's in at that time if he found out his best friend ever turned his back on him. he can't help but wonder if he already has.

he needs to go to bed. this is starting to make his eyes hurt.

harry pulls into the lot of the storage garages and parks his car in front of unit 501. he made sure the coast was clear before exiting the vehicle, stuffing his keys into his pocket. he unlocked the triple locks and lifted the door, taking a look inside. everything from just a few hours ago still looked the same. the getaway car was parked in its same spot with the zl1 across from it. that's his focus right now. both vehicles.

he goes for the gt-r first. niall was right. there was no license plate on it, so they wouldn't have been able to try and track him if they could unless they successfully pull him over or issue an alert for armed robbers with very little detail on their physique.

he put on his gloves from his pocket and opened the driver's door and sat behind the wheel, slowly dragging his hand over the dash to make sure nothing was on it. he opened the glovebox, and the middle console, and even pulled the front two seats back to check beneath them.

he pulled the small lever to open the trunk and watched it raise from the rearview mirror before getting out of the vehicle. he inspected the minor scratches and cosmetic damage on the car. niall must have hit something on the drive because that scrape near the driver side taillight is gross. if that was his audi or his ferarri— fuck, his cadillac, even, harry would puke.

he shined his phone's flashlight inside of the boot of the car, scanning every corner top to bottom. just to be sure. he called niall while he was at it and apologized if he woke him up.

"nah, 'm still up. what's good?"

"did you use a bug sweeper by any chance when you got the car?"

"no. i thought mitch did. or whoever he got the car from."

"do you know who he got the car from?"

"some lad named ace, i think. couldn't give you a last name though."

"alright. just curious. i'm currently at the garage inspecting this fucking car at six in the morning. you know, the usual."

"the usual." niall hummed as if it were a common thing. "what are we thinking?"

"that we were snitched on."

"spies? you on meth, haz?"

"absolutely not. bunny would kill me." harry chuckled. "just curious as to how so many cops would show up out of nowhere if nobody but mitch knew where we were and what we were doing."

"plus liam hacking into security, nobody being around, and that one homeless guy getting pistol whipped."

nobody got pistol whipped. niall just likes to add fuel to fires sometimes. it made harry grin. "see my point?"

"i do. do you want me to come down there?"

harry closed the trunk and laid on the hard concrete floor, poking his head under the car as best as he could. "nah. i'm okay. i think-" he ran his hand under the driver's half of the car. "just a second."

he gets up and goes to the other side, still shining his light and patting different areas of the vehicle. he hit the wheel well on the rear passenger side and felt something move. he snapped it off, pulled it out from underneath the vehicle, and bit his cheek.

dead men walking.

"did you break my car?"

"we've been bugged."

"i'm on my way."

the underboss sits up and leans back against the black nissan with a heavy sigh after the call ended. now this really makes no sense — who was tracking them? if it were cops, why didn't they go to the garage to take the car or even them?

niall arrived in record timing, which was alarming, since the garage was nearly an hour away. the hour gave harry time to collect his thoughts, save his phone from destruction, and learn that mitch keeps a box of unused legos buried under four bricks of coke. weird.

he had gotten the opportunity to take a photo of the vehicle identification number and license plate on the back of the blue camaro as well. he needs liam to run a search on it.

"that's...definitely a bug," niall sighed when he saw the small black device laying on the concrete next to the getaway car. "jesus christ, h, your gut must hate you."

"no. it likes me enough to prove i'm not fucking stupid. i'm gonna have michael double check this for me. i need- do you think mitch knows?"

"if he did a bug sweep he would have found it," the older man shrugged. "i'm assuming he didn't, so i doubt it."

"he's gonna kill me if he finds out i was here."

"no he won't. i'll tell him i left something in it and needed you to unlock it for me since you were awake and he wasn't. he lets me do whatever i want, you know."

"except for marry liam."

"yeah, god forbid i marry the man i've been in love with for three years. sheesh. good luck putting a ring on lou's finger at this point."

"what he doesn't know won't hurt him," harry muttered. he's not sure if he's speaking on niall's situation or the one that the irish man imagined for him and louis. he'd be lying if he said he hasn't thought about making louis a styles. in due time. failure or success, at least he would know about it this round. "fuck him."

"a-greed."

"do you have any of your swab kits in your car?"

harry watched as niall spun on his heels and stepped out of the garage. he waited patiently until his friend returned with a small bag that had cotton swabs and clear tubes inside. every once in a while he would test certain products they recieved to make sure things were good. or he would take his meds and get in such a deep cleaning zone that he would literally swab corners of something until someone told him to stop. everyone knew he had a love-hate relationship with his adderall.

niall caught onto harry's thinking and swabbed the door handles of the camaro, dropping the sticks into four individual containers before sealing them back in the bag they came in.

"i'm gonna get this plate number to liam because i'm nosy."

"we know." niall smirked. "it's the biggest part of your face besides your forehead."

"fuck you."

niall put his hand on his chest. "i love you, too."

—-

"barkeep!"

"fuck off." louis threw his head back with a groan as harry's snickers bellowed from behind him. his boyfriend has been teasing him nonstop all night over little shit. his glasses were crooked, his butt looked good in his jeans (harry went on and on about how he wanted to touch it, and bite it, and even had niall come to the bar so they could stare at it together), told him his shoe was untied (his slip on shoes, by the way), it's a whole mess. harry's on one today.

louis turned around, huffing, and rose his eyebrows. "what?"

"you look really pretty today." harry grinned at him, bashful. "i know i'm getting on your nerves, but i just had to tell you."

louis' face flushed at the sudden compliment. he looked down at his outfit. his regular inferno uniform shirt, dark blue skinnies and white slip on vans. it was a bit cold behind the bar right now because they got a new air conditioning system specifically for the area, so he had one of harry's flannel shirts tied around his waist in case he got chilly. at this rate he won't get cold at all with the way his partner's sweet words made him feel hot and tingly all over. almost a year together and he still tries to woo him.

"thank you." the bartender peeked up at the club owner with a shy smile.

"never have to thank me, baby. it's the truth." harry sat his chin on his hands, admiring the man across from him. "what do you want to eat?"

"whatever you're wanting is fine." louis shrugged. he caught the growing smirk on his lover's face. "food, harry." sick fuck.

"i can't help it." harry bit his lip as he took another look at him. "think you can get away for a few?"

"don't make me kick you out."

harry put his hands up. "ooh, so scary. little ankle biter bartender against big bad boss man."

"twenty bucks on the ankle biter."

"i have fifty on him."

"where are we going, then?"

"my office. it's a no clothes fight, by the way."

"jesus fucking-" louis threw a straw at his partner. "get out."

"can i have a kiss first?"

"you can kiss my ass."

the pout from harry was too cute for his own good, if louis was being honest. how could he ever say no to that sweet face? he looked like someone just kicked his puppy.

"fine." louis sighed.

harry cheered softly, instantly beaming instead of looking like a a saddened toddler. he made grabby hands for the bartender and cupped his face before smacking a kiss to his lips.

"loves you loads."

"loves you," louis chuckled. "i have to work. go get me food."

"still didn't tell me what you want."

"pancakes. mixed berry."

"'kay. be back soon."

"you're the best."

harry finally departed when a customer came to get a drink. he promised that louis' pancakes would be bought, but there was no guarantee he wouldn't eat them before he got back to the club. asshole. one thing he should know by now is that louis takes his ihop very seriously.

once he got the small line of people out of the way, louis finished his half empty redbull and leaned against the bar with a sigh, tossing the now empty can into the trash bin. it's going to be a long night, he can already tell. mondays are a hit or miss.

"excuse me."

the bartender turned his head to the left. "hi. what can i get for you?"

"do you know if ace is here?" the customer asked. maybe they're a customer. they've paid to get into the club, so yes. louis will assume they are a customer, but who the fuck is ace? he doesn't know anyone here by that name if they're an employee.

"who?"

"ace. he's about-" the darker skinned man raised his hand to his eyebrows. he himself was roughly harry's height, give or take two inches. "yea tall, blonde, stupid looking eyebrows. said he would be here tonight."

"we have plenty of people here that fit your description but don't know anyone of that name, mate. check the balcony, maybe. lots of people go up there." louis tipped his head toward the upper floor and glanced back at the customer.

the man was eyeing him up and down. "thanks." he nodded. "louis, right?"

"who's asking?"

shaking his head, the customer reached into his pocket. he grabbed a ten dollar bill from his wallet. "can i get a boulevardier?"

"sure thing." louis' mouth dried as he took the money and cashed him out, giving him three dollars back in change before making his drink for him. maybe liam told him his name since there were supposed to be two bartenders tonight. speaking of which, where the fuck is dominic? he's supposed to be here by now.

"appreciate it." the mysterious bar man thanked him when he got his drink. louis nodded in response and made subtle glances up to the balcony for the next few minutes while prepping for the next group.

"here, here." the lid to the bar entry opened and clipped shut, signifying dominic's presence. it's about time. "sorry. got caught up with mitch."

"no worries," louis mumbled.

dominic checked the ice bin and closed it when he saw it was still mostly full. "been busy?"

"not really. there was a small rush from about nine to nine thirty, everyone wanted vodka sodas for some reason."

the blonde haired bartender scrunched his nose. louis snorted at his distaste for the beverage and returned to cleaning.

harry arrived back around eleven with an ihop bag in one hand, a white to-go cup cradled in the other. he waved at the smaller bartender when they made eye contact, and grinned when louis' face lit up at the sight of his delivery.

"cool if i take my thirty?" louis asked dominic.

"as long as you don't die while you're gone."

"try my best not to." louis clocked out for his break and skipped over to his partner, happily taking his items he requested.

"this is why i love you," he hummed. he stood on his tiptoes to kiss harry's cheek. "best ever. thank you."

"gotta make sure my boy is fed. c'mon." harry intertwined their free hands and dragged him to his office.

his break consisted of curling up on the couch, wiggling happily as he dug into his pancakes and mixed fruit medley. ihop always hit the spot no matter what time it was. he's thankful for harry's desire to keep him spoiled and happy. he loves him to bits. but these pancakes though, he might have some competition with them.

"hey." louis whined as harry plucked a blackberry out of his bowl. "get your own."

"i already ate it."

"well, then- go get some more."

"but yours tastes better."

louis quirked an eyebrow up. "mine tastes better."

"uh huh."

harry is a literal child. what the hell.

"whatever," louis huffed. he rolled his eyes as harry happily ate his piece of stolen fruit and continued to eat his rightfully paid for pancakes. when he was finished, he threw his trash away and climbed back onto the sofa, laying down on top of his partner.

"'m full. don't wanna go back to work. just wanna nap."

harry chuckled. "you'll be okay."

"no."

"swear."

"'m so sleepy now."

"did you eat any other time today?"

louis shook his head against the man's shoulder. "been busy."

"what were you busy doing earlier before work? where you had plenty of time to eat?"

"sleeping with the babies."

sighing, harry wrapped his arms around louis' middle. "you gotta eat more than once a day."

"'m sorry."

"do i need to tie you up-"

"yes."

"-and force feed you?" the underboss laughed while giving the boy a squeeze.

"what am i gonna be eating?"

"some greens, carrots, little bit of fruit, maybe some hay...what else can rabbits eat?" harry hissed when he felt himself being bitten on his arm. louis didn't let go after the warning nip, only bit down harder. harry used one hand and grabbed a tight fistful of the back of louis' head. he jerked the boy's head back, narrowing his eyes at him once they were face to face. he already knows there's going to be a gnarly mark on his arm within the next few hours.

"don't you have to get back to work?"

"this grip you have in my hair makes me want to attend that no clothes fight." louis licked his lips. "like, now."

"sounds personal," harry tuts. "you declined my offer earlier, so i'm going to have to decline yours."

"later, then?"

"maybe." the underboss pulled him down to give him a kiss. "go back to work, baby. i'm gonna be right here taking a really nice nap."

"you really want to get killed today, don't you?"

"rather be kissed, if i'm being honest."

"later."

"better keep your word."

louis puckered his lips for another kiss and said afterwards, "always do, love."

—-

two o'clock came sooner than expected but he was glad, because that meant he could clock out and finally go home. his back hurts from lifting soda boxes. four to be exact. not often do half of their sodas run out, but when they all go out at the same time, it can be a pain in the ass.

michael stepped in to let louis go. "has harry talked to you about anything lately?"

"context, mikey. i'm an idiot."

"club stuff."

"oh. um, no, not really," the shorter bartender shook his head. "why?"

michael pulled louis close to keep their voices low. "i just need you to keep an eye out when i'm not here, alright? i'll kick someone's ass for fucking with you. but just be on the lookout from now on."

"is everything alright?"

"so far, yes. i can't say much since harry hasn't said anything but there has been some sketchy shit going on in the club. we've been trying to keep it as lowkey as possible. someone's been fucking with the safes. the safe count was two grand less than it was supposed to be."

"oh fuck."

"yeah, so just make sure that your tills are perfect, please. have someone double count if you second guess your amount."

"got it." louis nodded. "thank you for letting me know."

"of course. have a good night bub." michael kissed the top of his head before watching him walk to the hall of offices.

"bye, guys!" louis called over his shoulder to the group of dancers huddled in the corner near the back hallway. usually if they smoke or watch, they hide from everyone else.

"later, lou!" cara blew him a kiss. louis blew one in return before slipping through the doorway.

harry rounded the back corner as soon as louis stepped in the hallway. "ready?"

"mhm."

"alright." harry tossed louis' car keys to him and locked his office. he kept a hand tucked in the back pocket of louis' jeans as they left the back exit, leaving the stress and worries from the club in the building.

"mikey said the safes were messed up," louis murmured.

"yeah. we're trying to figure it all out. it's the cash-in one."

the cash-in safe was what they used to trade ones into big bills for stage money. "oh shit?"

"it might just be a general mix up. bills stick together and whatnot. i'm coming back in the morning and counting every safe myself so i know for sure what's going on."

"i can help," louis said softly, pressing the unlock button on his keyfob so that his car is open. "was that why you left so early this morning?"

"no," harry sighed. "the shit from last night, with the heist. niall and i did some deep diving. we're getting that one figured out too."

louis put his backpack in the back seat and leaned against his lexus. "playing it safe, right? no explosions yet?"

"none yet." harry confirmed. he tipped louis' head back to press a kiss to his lips. "i love you. be safe. i'll see you at home."

"i will. i love you." louis accepted another kiss. "you coming?"

"gotta make one more run, then i'll be there." harry promised. "i just wanted to walk you out so i could see your ass in your jeans again before you took them off."

"how romantic."

laughing, harry made sure the older man was tucked in his car safely and watched him pull out of the lot. once louis was gone, he made a call to liam and told him to keep him updated on everything that comes his way. the license plate was a clean match to the one person he had that bad feeling about.

if his speculations are correct, harry's about to live too many nights all over again.

—-

ayoooooo waspoppinnnnnn??!!! how are you? how's your mom'n'em doing?

filler-ish chapter but LORD did we get a lot of shit stirring.

what's up with the car situation? who do you think bugged it?

who is ace?

thank you for 28k! ❤️‍🔥