Chapter 59: Missing

Present

“If you are alright for me to weigh you, Louis, I can get a more accurate idea of what I need to do,” the doctor says to the trembling boy, who has Harry’s hand squeezed between his own, stopping the circulation and turning it white. Harry does not complain, just does his best to give Louis comfort in any way he can.

“Uh… Okay,” his voice cracks, but he stands and walks over to the scale. He kicks off his shoes, like the doctor says to do and is told he won’t be told the number unless requested. Louis is about to get on after telling the doctor he does not want to know, and he turns to Harry. “Please don’t look.”

“I won’t,” Harry smiles warmly at him. “I promise.” Louis sighs in relief, his whole body relaxing with Harry’s words. He then easily steps on and looks to the ceiling, gnawing on his lip. Once he gets off, he quickly makes his way back to Harry and slips on his shoes, before leaning against the much buffer man. 

“I am going to write up a dietary form… It will be a guideline of what you will need to eat in a day to become a healthy body weight and be able to get the nutrients you need. As well as this, I will write a prescription for some vitamins for you to take, just so you are getting extra benefits that food alone may not be supplying.” Louis nods along, and when given the paper with the dietary needs on it, he passes it to Harry, not even sparing a glance to it.

“I think seeing a therapist would also be extremely beneficial for you…” 

“Harry will get me one,” Louis rushes to whisper to the man and grabs Harry’s arm. “Won’t you?”

“I will, love,” Harry replies and turns his attention to the young-ish, brown-haired doctor. “My company has access to these types of things for employees, so I can get Louis into one of those easily.”

“Alright, great! Well, I think we can finish up here today, unless you have any other questions?…" Louis shakes his head. "I will get another appointment made, but you can always come back earlier if you have any concerns.” Louis nods along, staring at the ground while Harry thanks the doctor and helps Louis to his feet so they can walk out.

-*-

“Are you okay?” Harry questions Louis who is staring mindlessly out of the window of the car as Harry drives them to Niall’s. When he receives no response, Harry places his hand on Louis’ thigh. “Lou?” he tries again.

“It isn’t my fault,” Louis croaks and turns to look at Harry, who averts his eyes to the boy quickly while still trying to watch the road. His heart drops at the tears on Louis’ face. “I did not want to be like this—I love food, I just never had much when I was younger and then… And then he made me,” Louis whimpers and covers his face, not realising Harry had pulled the car over.

“It is okay, baby,” Harry speaks softly, unclipping Louis’ and his own seat belt to be able to hold him as best as possible. “I got you. You will get through this, okay?” He presses his lips to Louis’ forehead and nuzzles at his hair as the boy cries. “Everything will be okay.”

“How do you know?” Louis whispers.

Harry pulls back a little, heart swelling at the sight of the vulnerable, beautiful boy. “I don’t know. Not for sure. But I have a feeling everything will fall into place. You deserve happiness.”

No. I hurt yo—” Louis begins to object, wiping his tears away. 

“You deserve happiness,” Harry says sternly and sinks back into his own seat. “And you will get it.”

-*-

"Louis!" Niall wraps his arms tightly around Louis, almost crushing the boy with the force of their hug as soon as Louis walks into the apartment. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Louis chuckles and goes on to squeeze Niall just as tight. "Alright, alright, lad. I didn't die."

"You could have," Niall pulls away. "If it wasn't for Harry and the one text from you, I wouldn't know what was happening." Niall frowns and grabs both of Louis' hands, eyes flickering to Harry's own, and then back to Louis. "I love you, Louis. I'm glad you are okay…" 

Louis smiles softly. "I love you too." He goes to sit on the couch, and pats the spot next to him for Harry, but Harry shakes his phone in the air. 

"I still haven't heard from Arthur. I might try and call him again. I'm getting a little worried…" 

"Okay," Louis replies, staring fondly as Harry gives him a smile and walks away to the kitchen. Niall then sits beside Louis, wrapping his arm around Louis' shoulders. 

"What is going on Louis?"

"Ni… I have an—I've been struggling with some things lately. Like, eating," Louis' voice lowers towards the end of the confession. His eyes drop to the floor and he instinctively begins to chew his nails.

"Oh, Lou," Niall breathes out. "I am so sorry. I thought you were getting better after… Stan. I should have looked after you better."

Louis straightens his posture and grips onto Niall's hands, staring deeply into his eyes. "It isn't your fault. It isn't your fault at all," Louis tells him honestly. "This is my problem. I could have—I don't know. All I know, is that it isn't your job to care for me. You are the best friend in the world, and nothing will ever change that."

-*-

"Arth, I am getting really scared. Please text me and let me know if you are okay…" Harry speaks into his phone, pacing the kitchen. "I really hope you are okay." He lets out a shaky sigh and hangs up his call. 

"Harry," Louis peaks his head around the door, giving Harry a gleaming grin. "I am able to stay with you longer, yeah?" Louis slowly steps towards Harry, who opens his arms for Louis to fall into. "Cause I need to grab more clothes, but if you'd prefer me to stay here, that's okay."

"I want you to come home with me…"

"Yeah?" Louis looks up at him, eyes sparkling. 

"Yes, babe."

A/N: Hi guys! I hope you enjoyed it. 

I have a new account ChelseaCloudWrites which I am writing stories with original characters! I am rewriting and improving a version of this book with my own made-up characters, so if you want to read that, (Shades of Blue) and give me a follow, that would be amazing! 

- Did you enjoy this chapter? 

- Where do you think Arthur is? 

- Do you think Harry is becoming more comfortable around Louis? 

- Do you think things will stay good between them?

- What do you think will happen next?

- Are you ready to see most of the 'Mean to Me' gang in one setting?...

Please leave some comments and have a great day/night! X