A/N:

Hi! Sorry that this is late too! I know I promised I would update sooner but I had a tough time deciding where to take the story and how to take it there.

I apologise that this is very short. I'll be updating the next chapter on Saturday, probably. It was actually one long chapter, but I felt that it's better to have the break between the different parts. So, I divided it into two. This chapter only has around 14k words.

On top of that, I actually aimed for 25 chapters, but now I'm not sure whether the chapters will reach 25 or not. It's already too long so I feel like cutting it down. Let's see what happens.

I also don't really favour the thought of making a sequel once this ends, because I don't think I could afford to commit. But, if you want me to, I'll probably do like, a series of one shots as a sequel? That way, I don't really have to commit in the same way I have to for a chaptered story. What do you guys think? Let me know your thoughts! x

Thank you for your patience, and happy reading, babies! ❤️

---

Love is not "if" and "because"
Love is "anyway" and "even though" and "in spite of."

- Unknown

Louis rouses awake, the sunlight shining on his back pulling him out of his slumber. Oh, the sun is out. He rolls onto his back, rubbing at his eyes. The bed is empty. It's big, and empty, and cold.

He stares at the ceiling, breathing in and out, in and out. It's like trying to calm the storm before it comes, there's nothing you can really do about it.

When he's fully awake, he sits up and scoots towards the edge of the bed. He grabs his phone to look at the time, pressing his lips together when he sees that it's barely eight in the morning. The house feels so vacant, so quiet. Something that's never bothered him as much before.

Something doesn't feel right in his chest, and he has the strongest urge to cry. He pretends he doesn't know why; it already feels exhausting to try and suppress his emotions.

He tosses the phone onto the bed, grabbing the towel and disappearing into the toilet. He stares at his face in the mirror, and he can't even last a second before he's turning away, unable to look at himself when he thinks of what he's done.

His hands are shaking when he's trying to put toothpaste onto the toothbrush, and he huffs in annoyance, tears already pricking at his eyes from frustration. Why is it not getting on the bristles properly, why is everything so wrong this morning?

Louis drops them both just before he starts heaving, and then he's stumbling back onto his bum on the cold floor. Tears pour down his face, drenching his skin in a matter of seconds. His palms are still shaking when he brings them to his face, wiping the tears away. It's useless, but he does it anyway. His sobs crack the silence, and Louis has never felt so much guilt within his being all his life.

"Edward." He cries to no one, his fingers curling against his chest.

What did he do?

"Edward." His body tenses up from how much it hurts. "Edward."

What did he do?

The lump keeps growing and his tears don't feel like they're going to stop any time soon, so Louis wraps his arms around himself. He tries to soothe himself, tries to calm down.

But he keeps seeing Edward's face from last night, keeps hearing his pained voice, the betrayal, the hurt. He can't erase Edward's tears from his mind, knows that he's the reason behind them.

Louis doesn't know when or how it happened, but all of a sudden he's lying on the floor, cheek pressed to the cold tiles and his arms are still hugging his middle. He doesn't even bother with his tears anymore.

When they finally start to cease, it feels like hours later.

I don't know why I did the things I did
I don't know why I said the things I said

---

Louis slowly drags himself back into the room after putting on one of the triplets' jumpers and a pair of leggings. He feels like going back to sleep, just so he could forget about everything a little while longer. He can't handle this right now.

He reaches for his phone again, climbing back into bed and pulling his knees up to his chest. He stares at the screen, wondering what to say as his thumb toys with Edward's contact.

Louis inhales deeply, trying to work up the courage. He's hesitant, but eventually, he is pressing the dial button.

Louis' heartbeat doubles in speed every time it rings.

There is a pause before it ends abruptly, letting Louis know that Edward rejected the call. His heart drops.

The Omega whimpers as he tries again, desperately wishing that Edward would answer. The hope he has gets dimmer and dimmer with every ring until he has the same outcome. Louis still tries and tries and tries. It can't even register in his mind if Edward's having a meeting or anything, he's desperate and he needs to talk to Edward now.

He finally gets tired, exhausted from crying, from his negative reactions every time Edward ends the call, from everything.

I'm sorry. Please pick up your phone.

He closes his eyes, holding the phone tightly while he waits. There's nothing he wouldn't do for anything, just, something from his Alpha. He just needs to know that he'll get the chance to talk to him.

But nothing comes.

---

"Lou.." Marcel sighs, wrapping him up in his embrace. Louis had stayed in bed all day, refusing to eat, refusing to move. He won't even smile, barely spoke. He holds on to his Alphas' touches and kisses, but it can't get rid of the horrible feeling that's haunting him. Marcel is getting worried. "It'll be fine. He'll come home tonight, and you can talk to him then. Just please, have something to eat. Don't be like this."

The Omega shakes his head. "He won't even text me back.." He croaks out, pointing at his phone. "I fucked everything up, Marcel."

Harry stares at him from across the bed, not knowing what to say. He looks defeated, lost.

They can't tell him that he didn't fuck things up, because they'd be lying. But at the same time, they don't want him to lose hope. It's the only thing keeping them together at this point.

"Baby..." Harry finally speaks, scooting closer to the two of them.

"He was right there. I just had to kiss him and forgive him, but I didn't." Louis starts sobbing again. "I'm so stupid, Harry. I'm stupid."

Marcel and Harry sigh, sharing a concerned look.

Eyes can't shine
Unless there's something burning bright behind
Since you went away, there's nothing left in mine

---

Louis agrees to get out of bed and have dinner. He's trying at least. Hopefully, he can welcome Edward home with a kiss and a hug, and it'll make everything better.

His phone vibrates while he's walking along the hall, heading to the dining room. The soft echoes of his footsteps halt right when he does, standing unmoving in the middle of the hallway as he brings the phone up to see the notification.

His heartbeat stutters and he almost drops the device. After he reads the message that just came in, his heart tore itself out of his chest.

Edward: Lou, I won't be joining you for dinner this evening. Be back soon. Don't wait up for me. I love you. I'm sorry.

Louis' knees give out underneath him, his trembling hand rushing to dial his Alpha. He's already hysterical as he waits for Edward to answer the call, hoping he would.

But he doesn't.

"Please pick up." Louis begs to his phone, calling him again.

By the third time it goes to voicemail, Louis could only press the phone to his ear and sobs. "Edward, please." He pleads, silently praying Edward would listen to the voicemail later on. "Baby p-please, come home. I miss you. I love you. I'm, oh God, Edward, I'm so sorry. Please, just come home. Please.."

Marcel and Harry find him not long after, still stuttering pleas and apologies into the phone where he's slumped against the wall.

If I could turn back time
I'd take back those words that hurt you and you'd stay

---

Louis paces around in the room, occasionally pausing to look at the door in hopes that Edward would walk in and he'll get the chance to apologise. He's been doing that for the past hour, and there's still no sign of the Alpha.

Marcel shuts his book and looks at Louis. "He's not coming home tonight, Lou. Come to bed, please."

Louis pauses, glancing at the door with longing before he does as told, climbing on the bed and diving into Marcel's waiting arms. "When will he come home?" He asks, voice already breaking.

Marcel kisses the top of his head. "Usually after three days. I promise."

Louis still lies awake three hours later, unable to sleep a blink. He wonders where Edward went, if he's sad, if he's sleeping, if he's hurt. He misses Edward a lot.

Is Edward thinking about Louis as much as Louis thinks about him?

Why would Edward think of him? He hurt Edward.

Louis doesn't make a sound, but his tears refuse to give, running as they like down his flushed cheeks. His own sniffles lull him to sleep.

---

When Louis startles awake, Marcel and Harry are still in bed, arms slung over his body. He relaxes into the mattress, not wanting to recall whatever bad dream he had that woke him up. He glances at the window, and the sky is already bright. Louis is careful as he moves his Alphas' arms off of him before he climbs out of bed.

He doesn't have a clue when Edward would be coming back, and neither do Harry and Marcel. He knows that Marcel told him Edward would only be gone for three days, no matter how angry or frustrated he is. And yet something inside him doesn't agree. It doesn't feel like Edward is going to walk past the door anytime soon, and Louis is internally freaking out.

He makes his way to the bathroom, washing his face and brushing his teeth before he takes a long shower. By the time he gets out, Marcel and Harry are still in deep sleep.

The bed looks ginormous when it's only filled with two people. Hell, even when all four of them were there, there would still be room for them to roll over. Now that there's one less person, Louis feels like they're missing a puzzle piece and nothing feels right.

He can't do this. He can't sit here and bet on his relationship waiting for his Alpha to come back before he'd try to fix things again. No, he's better than that.

Instead of putting his usual, daily wear, he grabs a proper button up and a pair of slacks. He mutters a silent thank you to whoever is listening that his hair cooperates with him when he's styling it, so it doesn't take long before he's ready to go. Where, he has no idea.

He grabs a duffel bag and tries not to think too much about it as he starts filling it up with clothes and toiletries. It's like he's moving on autopilot when he grabs his stash of money and his passport, not knowing if or why he would even need those, but he wants to be prepared.

His Alphas haven't twitched in their sleep, and Louis stares at them with his bag resting beside him on the floor. He considers kissing them, because he doesn't know how long it would take him, but he doesn't want to risk waking them up. They might stop him, or want to come with him. But Louis wants to do this alone, has to.

It only occurs to him that he doesn't know where Edward's office is once he's past the gate. He curses to himself, then turns the corner.

The car isn't even parked properly when he reaches Niall's home, but he doesn't care. He hops out and starts screaming for Zayn, shaking the gate like a madman.

"What the fuck?" Zayn comes out with a confused look on his face. He's probably a bit scared too to see Louis screaming like this, but it doesn't show as the gate rolls open.

"I need to know where Edward's office is!" Louis shouts, running inside.

Zayn looks at him in disbelief. "You couldn't have just called?!"

Louis falls silent. Right. "Just tell me where it is!" He urges.

The Alpha couldn't help rolling his eyes. "I'll send you the location. Go get him." Zayn prompts, grabbing his arm and turning him around before pushing him out.

Louis digs his heels into the ground, halting them before Zayn could throw him out. "You know where he is."

"I don't. I just know that he left."

"I fucked up, Zayn."

"So did he. It's not too late to make things right." Zayn tells him. "Take care, yeah?"

Louis pecks his cheek after hugging him tight. "Thank you so much, Zayn."

---

Now I'm searching
Every lonely place
Every corner
Calling out your name
Trying to find you
But I just don't know

Louis looks back at the message Zayn sent him almost half an hour ago. It's probably the tenth time, and yet Louis can't stop looking at it. It's not like he's trying to remember the information or anything, he's just nervous.

Zayn: Here's the location. Tell them your name and request to be escorted. If he's not in his office, his assistant should know where he is. Good luck.

He's been standing at the entrance for five minutes now, uncertain.

He reads the message one last time, then takes a deep breath and tucks the device away. Louis straightens his shirt, then eyes the reception counter. There are three women behind it, ready to tend to any visitor who requires their help.

He steps in, hit with an air-conditioned breeze that takes away a bit of his nerves with it. Louis heads straight to the reception, attempting to exude confidence in his appearance, but he's pretty certain that he looks like a lost kitten.

"Good morning." One of the receptionists greets him with a smile the moment she notices him. "How may I help you?"

Louis clears his throat, hoping what comes out on his face is a smile instead of a grimace. "Hi, good morning." He responds. "I'm here to see Edward Styles. I was told that I could request for an escort up?"

"Of course, Sir." She nods, turning to her computer before addressing him again. "Do you have an appointment?"

Okay, shit. Zayn didn't say anything about that, so Louis shakes his head. "Uh, I'm afraid not."

Her smile disappears, and she gives him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Sir. Mr Styles strictly requests that no walk-in meeting is allowed. His schedule is really packed."

Louis' heart sinks, his brain working to come up with a solution. He has none. "I see." He replies when he realises that she's still staring at him.

"May I have your name? I'll inform him that you dropped by."

"Tomlinson. Louis Tomlinson. Thank you." He smiles, grateful for her help although it doesn't bring him any closer to Edward.

The girl starts coughing, and she holds a hand to her chest as she looks up at him. "Mr Tomlinson?" She gasps, almost in disbelief.

"Yeah..." Louis trails off, concerned if she's alright. "That's me."

She clears her throat, recollecting herself before she stands up, her smile returning. "I apologise, Sir. I wasn't aware of who you are. Please, allow me to show you the way."

Louis stares at her, dumbfounded. "I'm.. what?"

She chuckles at his reaction. "Mr Styles has your name in his special list. You're free to come by anytime you like."

"Oh..." Louis blinks.

"Should we?" She exits the counter, starting to head towards the lift.

Louis walks quietly behind her, unsure of what to do with his newfound information.

They don't have to wait too long for the lift, and Louis steps in after her. She scans a card that he didn't notice she's holding, then presses the button to the top floor.

"I'm sorry for the delay. We were only given a name." She explains as the lift starts to ascend.

"It's alright. I didn't know there's such a thing."

"Yes, he wants to make it easier for his close ones to have access."

"Right. What's your name again?" Louis wonders, not recalling if she's told him.

"It's Rina."

"Nice to meet you, Rina." Then he voices the question he's been asking himself ever since he left the house. "He's here, right?"

She purses her lips, and Louis worries about her answer. "We didn't really notice. Sometimes Mr Styles doesn't stop by, he always has meetings and discussions to attend, so I can't say for sure."

That means that Edward's presence is not guaranteed.

"Here we are." The lift slows to a stop, and the door opens. "Just go straight and take your second left. Mr Styles' office will be at the end of the hall."

"Thank you, Rina." Louis says as he steps off, then departs with a smile.

It's fairly easy to find the office, and Louis can see his Alpha's name engraved on the gold plate plastered on the door.

Edward Styles, Chief Executive Officer.

He takes a deep breath, his heart somehow telling him that Edward isn't here. He can't feel him anywhere nearby. He reaches for the door handle anyway.

Edward's scent hits him hard, and for a moment Louis is glad that he's wrong. But when he steps inside, no gorgeous Alpha with green eyes is waiting for him.

His heart shrinks, and Louis' knees threaten to give up on him. He walks in anyway, wants to bask in Edward's scent.

It's a big office, spacious. The windows are huge, and Louis can see the city of London laid out hundreds of metres below.

There are a few sofas and a coffee table, a small fridge pushed against the wall nearby. Edward's desk sits near the corner of the opposite side of the office, strong and sturdy and proper expensive. There are two shelves pressed together along the wall, holding files and books.

He steps further inside, walking up to the desk. Three frames are the only decorations on it other than Edward's nameplate and a stationery holder. One of the frames holds a picture of the triplets, smiling at the camera with their arms around each other. It makes Louis smile too.

The next one is Edward and Anne; she's laughing while he's grinning from ear to ear as he stares at her in adoration. Louis thinks it's sweet.

And then..

And then, there's a photo of Louis.

It's not one of Louis' best photos. His hair is all messy and he's wrapped with the duvet, clearly just woken up, but he's smiling and he looks so in love. Louis cannot recall when the photo was taken, or who took it, but he imagines Edward staring at it whenever he misses Louis, and his heart breaks.

"I miss you." He whispers as tears prick at his eyes, his fingers tracing Edward's smiling face on his photo with his brothers.

Where do broken hearts go?

Louis tells himself not to be too disappointed. After all, Rina did say that Edward always has a lot of meetings to attend to. He should work on that.

Louis makes his way to the door again, opening it but he's hesitant to cross the threshold, not wanting to part with Edward's scent yet. But he tells himself that he'll get the real deal if he manages to find out where his Alpha is.

As he steps out and let the door shut behind him, Louis recalls that Zayn had said something about an assistant. He looks around and checks the door nearest to Edward's office. Louis squints to see the words on the sign.

Sarah Jones, Executive Assistant.

He approaches the office, peeking inside and knocking on the open door. A brunette sits at the desk, typing away on her computer. She doesn't seem to hear him, so he knocks again, louder this time. Her fingers halt on the keyboard.

She turns to him, and her smile makes her look friendly. "Yes?"

"Hi." Louis doesn't enter, content to stay where he's standing. "Did Mr Styles come in today?"

She blinks, then makes a disappointed sound at herself. "Oh God, I'm so sorry. Where are my manners?" She clears her throat and grows to her feet, ready to welcome him as she steps away from her desk. "Do come in. It's a bit of a mess in here." She gestures towards the chairs in front of her desk.

Louis hesitates, not doing anything but stare at her. Eventually, he steps inside.

"I'm Sarah." She says, holding a hand out. "And you are?" The question is asked upon a brief handshake.

"I'm Louis." He tells her, quiet. "I'm here to see Edward. Do you know where he is?"

Sarah retracts her hand, recognition smoothing out her features. "Oh." There's also something else in her expression, though Louis can't exactly put a finger on what it is.

"Yeah." Louis squirms under her stare. "Did he come in?"

"Take a seat, Mr Tomlinson." She gestures again to the chairs, then proceeds to sink on her seat again.

Louis has no choice but to obey. "Um, please call me Louis." He mutters.

She smiles in response, warm. Once both of them are settled down, she leans forward with her hands clasped on the table. "Mr Styles didn't come in today."

Louis shuts his eyes, his instinct was right. When he opens them again, Sarah is looking at him with concern. Louis clears his throat, trying not to give up although his heart is already so heavy in his chest. "Do you know where he is?"

She looks down for a moment, then meets his eyes again. "I'm sorry, Louis. I'm afraid I can't tell you. Mr Styles had asked me not to disclose any information regarding his whereabouts to anyone." Sarah obviously regrets that she couldn't.

A lump grows in his throat. "Including me?" He breathes out.

Sarah doesn't answer right away. She has to take a sharp inhale before she shakes her head, dreading what she has to say. "Especially you."

Louis' eyes sting, and he's grateful that Sarah knows to act as if his eyes aren't brimming with tears, even when his voice cracks. "He's not in the country, is he?"

Another shake of her head.

Louis clasps his hands to his face, trying not to break down again. A part of him has been expecting that, but it's not easy having it confirmed to him out loud. When he looks at her again, his tears have rolled down his cheeks. "Please." He begs in a whisper. "I need to see him."

"Louis...." She trails off. "He made it clear that no one can know."

"I need to see him." He repeats, distressed. "Please, I can't lose him."

"I'm afraid I can't help you." Sarah gives him a sad look, reaching out and patting his hand. "I want to. But he won't be happy with me, and I can't risk that. I hope you understand."

Louis wants to nod, wants to tell her that he understands, but she's the only one who can help him now. Not even Harry nor Marcel knows where Edward is. "Sarah, I need you to help me, just this once. I know this is a personal matter, but if you don't help me do this, I'm going to lose my Alpha."

Sarah frowns as she stares at him, holding her breath. Louis can see that she's thinking about it in her head, and he hopes she would agree to help him. He's desperate, and he'd do anything.

"Please."

Don't know how I'm still breathing
I got this hole up in my heart, baby.

"Alright. I'll help you." She finally gives in, letting out a huff and leaning back in her seat. "If he's not happy, I would be in deep trouble."

Louis smiles through his tears, reaching out to grab her hands. "Thank you. I promise you won't regret it."

Sarah squeezes his hand, then releases him to look at her computer. She clicks at a few things, then turns back to him. "Mr Styles landed in Fiji six hours ago."

He's ready to pass out. "Fiji?" Louis echoes in shock, his eyes wide open and his jaws falling slack.

Sarah nods. "He was distraught. Said that he could use some place far away."

Louis is unable to speak, unable to think. "I'm..."

Sarah falls quiet too, letting him soak it up. And then she shifts, and she instantly has Louis' attention again. She's reluctant to open her mouth, but the words make their way out anyway. "Are you going to go and see him?"

The Omega doesn't even have to think twice about it. "Yes." He pauses. "Will you help me?"

Sarah shrugs. "Sure."

"Would you help me get a flight to Fiji?"

"On it."

---

When Louis looks back at his phone, it's already eleven in the morning. He has three missed calls from Marcel, and five from Harry, along with multiple messages asking him where he is and if he's okay.

He decides to call Marcel, knows that he would be more rational, calmer.

"Lou." Marcel sounds relieved, letting out a heavy breath. "Where are you?"

"Please don't be mad at me." Louis murmurs. When Marcel doesn't say anything else, he continues. "I'm going after Edward."

Silence fills their conversation, then Marcel stutters out. "Yo-You know where he is?"

"Yes." Louis whispers. "I can't... I can't wait for him to come back. I can't wait that long. If I do, I might lose him, Marcel."

Marcel sighs, dejected. "I understand." He huffs. "I thought I was the only one who felt that way."

"I'm sorry." Louis' voice breaks at the last syllable. "I never meant for this to happen."

"I know, baby." Marcel assures him. "Do you need any of us to go with you?"

"No. I.. I need to do this, alone."

"Okay."

"Sarah is helping me with everything."

That takes Marcel by surprise. "Sarah?"

Louis chuckles. "Yeah. She's being a big help, ought to give her a raise or something."

He can hear the grin when Marcel speaks. "I reckon."

"Louis?" Sarah appears at the door, but whatever she wants to say dies when she sees him on the phone.

Louis looks at her, nodding. "I have to go, Marcel. I'll call you later."

"Alright. Take care, darling. I love you."

"I love you too." Louis says, then cuts off the call and shoves his phone back into his pocket. He turns to Sarah and grows to his feet, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Sorry about that."

"It's fine." Sarah gives him a smile. "Your ride is here, are you ready?"

Louis gulps, shrugging. "I suppose."

"Good, let's go." She steps to the side, allowing him to walk off first. Once he does, she follows suit and walks by his side. "They'll take you straight to the airport. You've got everything, right?"

"Yeah."

Sarah has been a proper angel, helping him settle everything. She told him to leave his car, worried about him driving in his condition. So she arranged him a ride to the airport.

Louis is uncertain about everything, if he's honest. But come whatever, he would still go and get his Alpha home. Unless...

Unless Edward doesn't want to. And if that's the case, Louis probably would die from heartache. He could never live with himself if he was the one to tear the brothers apart and take away what they had with each other long before he even stepped into the picture. Not to mention how painful it'd be to accept that Edward doesn't want him anymore.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine." She says when she sees his face. They're heading to the lift, walking through the quiet, brightly lit hallways.

He tries to give her a smile, but fails.

She presses the button to go down when they reach the lift, and it arrives only a minute later. Louis lets her step in first.

"You know.." She clears her throat when the lift starts to move. "I've heard so much about you."

Louis raises an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Really?"

"He's always talking about you." Sarah chuckles at the thought. "There was a point where I thought I was seriously going to hate someone I've never met. I was so tired of hearing your name!"

When Sarah laughs, Louis joins her. But his heart aches for his Alpha.

"It's always, 'Sarah, do you reckon Louis would kill me if I bought him a car?' or 'Sarah, is it irresponsible if I cancel all meetings for today and go home? I miss Louis.'" She makes a frustrated groan that amuses Louis. "I was going bonkers."

"A cheesy twat, isn't he?" Louis replies, grinning.

"Absolutely insufferable! He could never stop talking about you!" Sarah laughs again. "He kept complaining whenever the day is going slow. Always wants to leave early, always wants to go back to you."

Louis' smile widens, but his eyes water. "I broke his heart, didn't I?"

Sarah falls quiet, and she looks down and away from him. "I don't really know what happened. But he did look a mess when he came in before he left for Fiji." She murmurs. After taking a breath, she turns back to him and offers a small smile. "I'm sorry."

"He was trying so hard." Louis croaks out, shutting his eyes when he feels his throat closing in on him. "And I couldn't even appreciate that." He takes a deep breath, and starts crying softly. "And now, I probably won't get to fix this." He can't even bring himself to feel embarrassed, regret overpowering him.

"Hey, don't say that." Sarah lifts a hand and places it on his shoulder. "You're trying now, don't give up yet." She pulls him gently into a comforting hug.

The lift slows to a stop and the doors slide open. She pats his back as they part, and Louis wipes his tears with an attempt at a small smile.

"Thank you, Sarah."

They walk out together, and by the time they get to the front entrance, there is a black Sedan waiting for him. The driver is standing by the car, and he opens the back door when he sees them approaching. Sarah leads him out, but she stops them once they get to the car.

"It's going to be a long flight. Get some rest, and don't think too much about it." She says, clasping a hand on his shoulder. "I've emailed you everything you need to know."

Louis nods, trying to retain what she just said. "Thank you so much. I don't know how I could ever pay you back."

"A raise would be good." She winks. "I'm kidding. Just have a safe flight. Good luck, Louis." With a beam, she pushes him into the car and closes the door.

Louis rolls down the window while the driver climbs in. "Bye." He waves, appreciating her smile as she watches the car drive away.

---

Louis sits up on the bed, still groggy from his little nap. Well, if he could still call it that. A six-hours-long nap isn't really a nap, is it?

He looks out the window, then sighs. It's been ten hours into the flight, and he still has more hours to bear before he'd even be in the same country as his Alpha.

When Louis arrived at the airport, his jaws dropped when the driver drove him straight to the heavy jet waiting for him instead of dropping him off at the terminal. The pilots greeted him as if he was an old friend, and they even helped carry his bag.

He was joined by two cabin crews and a chef. Louis only got over his shock an hour into the flight.

He never knew that there could be a bedroom on a plane. Yet here he was, sitting on the bed while he's flying to go and see his Alpha.

He's had some food a few hours before he had his kip, but he's pretty certain that he'd get hungry again soon.

After their departure, Louis had asked one of the cabin crews about their journey. She told him that they're going to make a fuel stop in Hong Kong before they reach Fiji. The total duration of their flight would take 21 hours altogether.

Louis had felt fine when she told him that. But now, staring at the clouds and thinking about how he has to endure several more hours of it without any sort of real entertainment and company, Louis is so going to throw his bag at Edward the moment he sees the Alpha.

He considers getting up and do something like watch a movie or two. But he's moping too much to do that alone.

Louis groans to himself, pulls the duvet up to his neck and goes back to sleep.

---

Louis has never felt more bored and more alone in his life. All of a sudden, he regrets not bringing his Alphas along, the moral support would've been nice. But Louis knows that he needs to do this by himself. He and Edward deserve their privacy if they are to fix this.

He's slept, ate, and stared out the windows long enough to last him a lifetime, and there are still hours before they'd arrive.

When the cabin crew finally announces to him that they're going to land soon, Louis is ready to start crying because he'd finally be liberated from the boredom.

He only shrieks happily for a second before he's glued to his seat, swallowed by silence. His eyes are unblinking, hands clasped on his lap and he doesn't look like he's even breathing.

Hannah, one of the crews, stares at him, a bit weirded out by his sudden silence. He was ready to jump off the plane in excitement minutes before. She is wary, but eventually makes her way towards the sofa he's on. "Louis?" She calls, soft. "Are you alright?"

Louis looks up, as white as a sheet of paper. "Yeah." He rasps, nodding. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks."

"Are you sure?" She stares at him with concern. "Could I get you anything?"

"I'm fine." Louis repeats, more to himself. "I'm just nervous to see him again."

Hannah smiles. "I'm sure he'd be ecstatic to see you."

The corner of his mouth twitches. "Well, I sure hope so."

---

He's hit with warmth and brightness of the sunlight the moment he steps off the plane. He's not even focused when he turns around to thank the pilots and the crews again. He's had it at the back of his mind to enquire about his return flight, but everything goes missing the moment he gets sun-kissed. All Louis can think of is how sunny Fiji is and nothing else but EdwardEdwardEdward.

There's a car waiting for him, and the driver greets him at the bottom of the stairs. He offers to carry Louis' bag, then Louis is escorted to the car.

The driver tells him that their journey won't take long, but Louis' soul isn't even present anymore. It's wherever Edward is.

All of a sudden, he allows regret and doubts to find space in his mind, wondering if Edward would even want him to be here. What if Edward yells at him the moment he sees Louis' face? What if he kicks Louis out?

Louis shakes his head to himself. It's inevitable to have these kinds of thoughts. But he will try his hardest. If Edward doesn't want him here, Louis deserves it. He doesn't know where it'd put them, but he doesn't want to think about it unless it comes to that.

It's harder for him that he doesn't know when they'll arrive, so it just makes him more and more anxious whenever the car slows down. His heart doubles in speed with every turn that they take, and they're still yet to arrive.

Finally, the car slows to a stop and the driver climbs out of his seat to open Louis' door.

The Omega almost starts hyperventilating, his knuckles turning white with how hard he's clenching his hands into fists. Louis looks up at the driver when the outside heat slowly seeps into the back seat, and he takes a deep breath before grabbing his bag and stepping out.

His knees are wobbly, and Louis already feels his heart failing on him.

He can feel Edward. He knows Edward is here.

In front of him stands a small cottage. From what he can see, the lawn is huge and flowers and plants of all sorts surround the compound as a natural gate. It's inconspicuous, but still more than average. Still a huge distinction from their oversized home back in England.

He hears the door close behind him, and only has half the mind to thank the driver.

He doesn't hear the car drive away, but all of a sudden he's left to stand there alone.

The breeze is lovely, and Louis can hear the sound of the sea from where he's standing. He looks around and notes that the nearest house is at least a few hundred metres away. It's probably a private neighbourhood.

He grips his bag, and the earth makes a soft, crunching noise beneath his shoes as he starts his walk towards the cottage.

It doesn't feel right when he's about to knock, his knuckles hanging in the air where they're inches from the door.

He takes a deep breath, then moves back a couple of steps.

A sound surprises him, and Louis freezes. He waits, wondering if it's just his imagination.

But then he hears it again.

Louis clutches his bag tighter, looking apprehensively around him. The main road is silent, no car passing by.

Louis takes a minute to gather his courage, then finally tiptoes his way along the lawn.

His heart jumps in his chest the moment he finds the source.

He sees Edward standing at the back of the house where a gazebo has been built in the corner, a white, iron table set arranged neatly beneath. The Alpha is stacking up some boxes, producing thuds that Louis heard.

He gasps with the sudden realisation that Edward is right there, standing in front of him. His Alpha is there.

The sound is quiet enough, but Edward's attentive ears pick it up instantly, and all of a sudden Louis gets all of the attention from the pair of intense green eyes he's missed.

His blood starts racing, and Louis has troubles breathing.

I'm knocking on your heart,
Tell me I'm the one and I've always been,
'Cause I don't wanna wonder if we'll ever meet again,
I'm knocking on your heart,
Could you let me in?

It's been two days. Only two days that they haven't seen each other, but Louis knows that it's probably as overwhelming for Edward as much as it is overwhelming for him.

Why do they never seem to be able to have good partings before distance separates them?

Edward stares at him in shock, and yet he looks at Louis as if he can see right through him. For a moment, Louis wonders if he's dreaming, if he's still back home, still asleep, and this is all just in his head. He wonders if he'd wake up and find Edward still gone, one less person in bed, and heart still empty.

The Alpha shakes his head to himself, a tiny smirk teasing his lips before he clutches his temple, then turns away.

"Edward?" Louis breathes out in desperation, ready to beg. He would kneel, he would do anything.

The Alpha winces, then he turns back around, his eyes widening. Shock overwhelms his expression, as if he's seeing Louis all over again.

But Louis has already dropped his bag, running across the short metres between them with tears gathered in his eyes.

Edward is still stunned, but not enough to let Louis fall when the Omega jumps onto him. He slams so hard against the Alpha that Edward staggers back as thick thighs and strong legs secure around his waist; Louis' hands are in his hair before their lips smash together.

Louis pulls back and gasps, but he quickly claims Edward's lips again, kissing him so intensely that the Alpha loses his breath. His palms grip Louis' hips, and he pulls Louis closer, dragging his hands up until his nails are clawing at the Omega's back.

Louis moves his lips passionately against his Alpha's, angry, frustrated. His fingers tug at the Alpha's locks, and Edward groans into his mouth, giving Louis the chance to slip his tongue past Edward's lips. He moans at the first brush of their tongues, tilting his head so that their mouths fit better.

Edward holds him tightly, until it almost hurts, and yet Louis still pushes against him, as if they're not close enough.

The Alpha manages just fine keeping up with Louis' intense kiss, but when the Omega calms down, he follows the flow and let their kiss turns into gentle presses of mouths and loving caresses of fingertips on each other's body.

Louis pants slightly when they part, his eyes clenched shut as he loosens the grip he has on Edward's torso. His eyes open the moment his feet touch the ground, and he finds Edward already looking at him.

"You're really here.." Edward whispers, his fingers cradling Louis' jaw.

Anger fills the Omega's eyes, and before Edward could ask why, Louis has both palms pressed to his chest, pushing him until he stumbles back.

"How dare you." Louis growls.

"Wha-"

"How could you leave again? Haven't you done enough leaving? Is that all you ever do? Leave me?" Louis asks, exasperated.

Edward stares at him, lost for words. Then he sighs. "I'm sorry, baby."

Louis takes a step closer just so he could push Edward back again. "Stop doing that. Stop apologising! Stop it!"

"Louis..."

"Stop acting like it's your fault when it's mine!" Louis shouts, his hands trembling. "Stop apologising, Edward! For fuck's sake!"

"Louis, please."

"You kept saying sorry, even when it's my fault, even when I'm wrong. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Edward doesn't reply, staring at Louis like he's not even trying to work out a response. He's just standing there, taking it, absorbing whatever Louis is yelling at him.

"Why would you do that?" Louis takes a deep breath, trying to hold himself together. But it all goes to waste, his emotions getting the best of him. His tears make their way through, and when he speaks up again, his cheeks are already wet, and his speech is flawed by his sobs. "Wh-Why would you let m-me hurt you? Why would y-you let me make you believe that, that whatever I felt for you, wasn-wasn't love?"

"Baby..."

"Why-" Louis is cut off by himself, unable to continue without breaking down. He spends a few seconds crying into his hands before he could recollect himself to speak. His red eyes meet Edward's, and Louis is still confused and angry. "Why would you take it? I treated you like shit!"

Edward watches him. "You let me hurt you."

"Doesn't mean you do the same thing!"

"I deserved it, Lou."

"That's bullshit, and you know that!" Louis protests. "You didn't deserve that. Nobody deserves that."

Louis falls quiet, slowly walking over to his Alpha. He stands in front of Edward, reaching down to grab one of Edward's hands. He brings it up to his face, kissing his Alpha's palm, letting his lips linger. His eyes fall shut, and more tears escape. Edward's palm feels warm when he presses it to his cheek, holding onto Edward's wrist.

"I'm sorry." Louis breathes out, looking up at Edward as he tries to hold back his tears. "Please don't ever leave me again. Please, I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He shuffles close until he's pressed to Edward's chest. "I know I wasn't the best Omega, but I could be better. I was wrong. Plea-"

I just wanna scream out 'til my voice breaks
Even if the tears fall and my heart hates me

Edward brings his other hand up, properly cupping the Omega's cheeks when Louis gets lost in his bawls again. He smiles, slightly amused as much as he's fond. "Baby, take a deep breath." He murmurs, watching Louis does as he's told.

It doesn't work, and Louis buries his face into Edward's shoulders and sobs his heart out. "You didn't deserve it." He tightens his arms around Edward. "I forgive you. And I'm, I'm sorry that I was blinded by revenge, that I, I abandoned you when you needed me."

Edward presses his face into Louis' neck. "And I forgive you."

"I don't deserve that."

"I forgive you." Edward repeats, trying to reaffirm himself.

The Omega nods, and he understands. He doesn't deserve that forgiveness yet, but he'll take it. He can't be apart from Edward any longer, he can't do it.

Edward smiles when he sees Louis' flushed face, his hands cupping the Omega's cheeks. "I still can't believe you're here."

"I'm here." Louis turns his head to kiss Edward's palm again, a small, sad smile on his lips. It's not enough, he wants to grovel, wants to kiss the Alpha's feet, but knows Edward would never let him do that. "I'm not going anywhere. Not without you."

"I know." Edward replies, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Louis is unwilling to let him go. "I know I abandoned you even when you were there. I left you to feel alone within your own family. I abandoned you even when I needed you." He reaches up to kiss him, and when he pulls back, his eyes are shining. "But not anymore. Wherever you go, you don't have to be alone. I'll be with you. And I'll make it feel like home."

Baby, I love you.

---

"I'm sorry."

"I don't even know how many times you've said that." Edward replies. He's right beside Louis, close enough for them to kiss with little effort. He can count Louis' eyelashes if he wants to, can pinpoint the exact location of the Omega's freckles.

Edward had invited him in after their reunion. While Louis appreciated the interior design, Edward had left him to make them tea. And now, they're snuggled on the beanbag in the living room, each with a mug in hand, and they're alright.

"I feel like the shittiest person, worst Omega to ever grace the Earth." Louis tells him, honest.

Edward shakes his head. "I'm the one who is supposed to feel like they're the worst partner." He takes one last sip and puts his mug away. Louis copies him, and when he settles back on his spot, Edward grabs his hands and stares into his eyes. "I'm sorry, Lou. It's my fault."

Tears well in his eyes again. "It wasn't, Edward. God, baby, it wasn't." He cries, his movement gentle as he cups the back of Edward's head to kiss him.

"I'm the reason your babies are gone, Lou." Edward's voice breaks, and Louis cries harder.

"Our babies, Edward." Louis corrects him, sobbing as he holds Edward tight. His heart breaks all over again. Louis got all the comfort he needed after his miscarriage. He comforted his Alphas, and they comforted him. But not Edward. He comforted Louis and his brothers, and had no one for comfort. Somehow the thought makes him hysterical.

"Lou, no." Edward hushes when Louis starts wailing loudly, repeating that he's sorry over and over again. "What are you sorry for?"

Louis shakes his head, unable to speak.

Edward continues holding him, allows him to take his time until he can get himself together again.

"I don't think you realise how bad I was to do that to you. I made you feel like it was your fault too when it wasn't."

"But it was."

"No, it wasn't." If Louis cries any harder, he'd shatter the whole house down.

Edward sighs, kissing his lips, tears and snot and all. "Lou.."

"It was my fault." Louis sobs. "I was the one who ran."

"Baby, if you want to blame anyone, blame me." Edward takes his hand. "I'd rather you do that than blame yourself."

Louis shakes his head, clearly disagreeing. But he says nothing, not wanting to drag it out. Instead he settles with, "I'm sorry."

"So am I." Edward replies, bringing his hand up and brushing his lips across Louis' knuckles.

Louis shifts closer, fitting himself to Edward's side. He rests his head on the Alpha's shoulder, their hands clasped together. He can feel Edward's cheek against his hair, and Louis closes his eyes.

---

When Louis wakes up, he's alone. He wasn't aware of the time he fell asleep, but he's certain Edward was asleep with him too.

He stretches his limbs out, a yawn taking over him. Once he's settled again, he's more awake. He startles up, anxious with the fact that Edward isn't here.

He's about to call for the Alpha when he hears the noises in the kitchen. A smile tickles his lips and he doesn't hesitate to head there.

He finds Edward by the stove, too focused on his cooking that he doesn't even notice Louis' presence.

Louis walks up behind him, his arms wrapping around the Alpha while he presses a kiss between Edward's shoulders. "Hi, I've missed you." He murmurs.

Edward laughs. "I've missed you too, clingy."

"What are you making?" He asks, loosening his hold so he could take a peek.

"Just some spaghetti."

"Smells delicious." Louis smiles when Edward looks at him, innocently stretching up on his tiptoes to steal a kiss.

Edward smirks, dipping down and kissing him again. "Thank you. Would you help me set the table?"

"Sure."

Soon enough, they're seated at the small table of four. Louis appreciates the food, especially because Edward made it. But he has a difficult time trying to take his eyes off of his Alpha.

He just..loves this man so much. He doesn't know why he's hit with the sudden epiphany, but Edward's sitting there in front of him, just eating, and Louis loves him so much. He doesn't know why he took Edward for granted. His heart could burst with so much love for him. He would die for Edward.

Edward looks up from his plate, surprised. "What?"

Louis' eyes widen. "I said that out loud, didn't I?"

"Yeah." Edward bites on his lower lip, amused. "What were you thinking about, Princess?"

Louis keens. He's missed the nicknames. "Always you, Alpha."

Edward smiles, reaching out to place his hand on top of Louis'. "I would die a thousand times for you."

"Shut up." The Omega blushes, his foot kicking at Edward's shin.

"I'm serious." Edward squeezes his hand.

"If you ever die for me, I would resurrect you just so I could kill you myself." Louis threatens. "Don't ever die and leave me."

The Alpha raises his eyebrow. "Speak for yourself."

Louis points out his tongue, a proper five-year-old, he is.

"How did you find me?" Edward asks, curious. As far as he knows, he didn't leave anything behind to clue anyone as to where he is.

Louis looks a little embarrassed, and Edward wonders what the Omega did. "Well, I had a little help."

"Oh?"

He squirms under Edward's stare, clearly pressing on the matter. "Sarah helped me."

Edward blinks, his face frowning. "My assistant?"

"Yeah, Zayn told me she should know where you are. So, technically, I had help from him too."

"I don't know whether to give her a raise or fire her."

Louis' eyes snap up. "She helped me find my way back to you."

"Also disclosed my privacy."

"I'm your Omega." Louis casts his eyes down again, upset.

Edward's serious demeanour dissipates, and he smirks. "Baby, I was kidding."

"Shove off."

"Baby, don't be upset." Edward coos.

Louis hesitates before looking at him. "Why make it specific that I wasn't supposed to know where you are?"

Edward sighs. "I suppose I needed a break, from you, from everything. Lou, what we were going through was toxic. It was exhausting."

Louis ducks his head, ashamed. "I know."

"I just, needed time and the certainty that none of you would appear and disturb the peace I'm trying to find. I wanted a clear head before I'd try to tackle our problems."

"What does my presence do to that, then?"

Edward smiles. "Well, I guess we could face the problems together now."

Louis's face mirrors his. "Together." He echoes.

---

Louis closes the toilet door behind him, flicking the switch off. Edward is already on the bed, the duvet pulled up to his stomach even though he's still on his phone.

He walks over and climbs on next to Edward, making him put his phone away. The Alpha turns to him with his arms opened.

Louis beams, diving forward until he's safely wrapped up in the Alpha's embrace. "I love you." His lips peck at the middle of Edward's chest. "I'm so sorry, Edward."

The Alpha kisses him, deep. "I love you too." He whispers, burying his face in Louis' hair.

Louis falls into a dreamless slumber, one that feels too short. It feels like only minutes have passed when Edward starts kissing his face hours later.

"Baby, wake up." Edward says, lips running over his cheeks before he finds Louis' mouth.

"Mmnggh." Lous complains. "'Time s'it."

"It's six thirty." Edward replies, kissing down Louis' jaws and neck.

Louis' arms pat away on the bed to find a pillow. Once he has one in his grasp, the Omega uses it to smack his Alpha in the face. "I travelled across the world for you. And you pay me by waking me up at the crack of dawn?" He grumbles, rolling over. "Fuck off."

Edward laughs, loud and happy. "Baby, come on." He nuzzles his face against Louis'. "Have breakfast with me."

Louis groans, digging his elbows into Edward's stomach. The Alpha isn't even affected. "For fuck's sake."

Edward smiles when Louis rolls onto his back again, trying to keep his eyes open to wake himself up. But his eyelids keep fluttering shut. "Louis..."

Louis startles, then whines. "Wake me up once you've showered."

"Lou, I already did." Edward chuckles.

The Omega sighs, sitting up. He glares at the Alpha with a huff. "The food better be good."

---

Despite his grumpy state before, Louis is perfectly happy the moment they leave the house. He is surprised but a bit delighted to know that they'd be walking to town.

His hand refuses to let go of Edward's the whole time, holding on tight. Occasionally, he'd bring their clasped hands up so he could kiss the back of Edward's hand. The way the Alpha smiles whenever he does that keeps him doing it over and over again.

It didn't take long for them to reach a small cafe, already filled with people and yet it's not too crowded. It's cute and cosy, giving off a comfortable vibe.

"You look happy." Edward teases at the permanent smile on his face. They're seated, their breakfast already served on the table.

"I am." He replies. "You make me happy, Edward."

The Alpha grins. "Do I now?"

Louis' face falls, and he recalls what Edward said to him before he left.

"I don't know if I can make you happy anymore."

"Yeah." He replies, hand reaching out to touch him, always wants a reason to touch him. "I know you felt like you didn't, but you make me happy without even trying, and I'm sorry I made you think otherwise."

Edward doesn't utter a word in response, but the way his face lights up says a lot.

By the time they're done with their breakfast, it's only eight.

"Do you want to go to the beach?" The Alpha asks on the way back.

Louis nods. It's been a while.

Serenity instantly washes over him the moment he hears the beautiful sound of the waves. And he's glad to be here with his Alpha, though a small part of him wishes Harry and Marcel could be here too.

"You know," Edward starts. They're standing on the sand, pressed against each other as they stare at the bubbles forming each time a wave crashes the shore. "When I first saw you yesterday, I thought I was hallucinating."

Louis bursts into laughter. "Why?"

"I just," he chuckles. "I didn't think you would ever be here."

Louis falls silent. "I had to come after you." He murmurs. "I can't wait. I couldn't take the risk. You might not come back."

Edward takes a deep breath, and exhales heavily. "I was considering that. Not going back."

Louis pouts. "You would really leave me?"

The Alpha smirks, pecking his lips. "You didn't want me."

Louis hits his arm. "I love you. I will still come after you, you know that, right?"

"Well, I know that now." Edward chuckles.

"I promise you.." Louis says, grabbing his hand and kissing his palm. He's been doing that a lot. His eyes shift up to meet Edward's, gentle and loving. "If you'd want me, we're forever. I'll always love you, and I promise to always be there for you, for the bad and for the good."

Edward leans down and pecks his mouth. "If I say my vows too, would we be married, then?"

The Omega's face flushes red, and he hits Edward's arm again. "You're always on about that!"

"Because I want to marry you someday. I want that between us." He simpers, his arms snaking around Louis' waist. "I know we've already bonded, but I'd love to make you mine in more ways than one."

"Edward.." Louis scolds, hiding his face at Edward's neck. "I hurt you. It's too soon to think of that."

"And I hurt you." He reminds Louis, pushing him back and cupping his chin. "So let's fix each other, and put this behind us."

"You're such a fool, Edward Styles." Louis murmurs. "And I'm so in love with you."

Edward chuckles, a little sadly. "Feels nice to hear you say that again."

"I'm in love with you." Louis repeats, whispering the words into his skin. "I'll always be with you."

Edward can't hold himself back, seeking Louis' mouth and kissing him so hard that the Omega's head starts to spin. He can feel Edward's frustration, his sadness, his yearning, his love. Everything. They are too strong that Louis confuses the feelings as his own.

And he holds Edward close, nails digging into skin as it overwhelms him. God, he treated Edward like shit, he threw the Alpha away when Edward had begged for forgiveness, and now here they are, Edward easily allowing himself to be held by the person that hurt him when Louis doesn't deserve it. Edward forgave him just like that, as if he didn't have to do everything for Louis' forgiveness. And Louis tells himself that it won't go to waste. He'll make sure they'll pick up their broken parts, put back the pieces until they're one again.

"Don't let me go." Edward mutters. "No matter what happens, don't let me go."

"Never." Louis promises.

---

After having lunch that Edward made while Louis attempted to help, the two snuggle up on the couch to watch the television. The Omega is seated on Edward's lap, eyes focused on the screen while he munches on a packet of snacks.

Edward must have been bored with the film playing, because all of a sudden he's pressing kisses onto the exposed skin of Louis' neck. Louis is certain that Edward isn't even watching anymore.

He bites his lower lip when he feels Edward pressing his nose to his scent gland, then his teeth gently bite down on the bond mark. It makes Louis shiver, but he enjoys the pleasure that courses through his body with every nip and lick.

Louis shifts a little to get more comfortable, then barks out a laugh when he feels something hard poking at his bum. "Well, hello." He turns around and grins, nudging back against Edward's bulge.

The Alpha's cheeks faintly flush in embarrassment. "We don't have to." He reassures. "I can wait until you're ready."

Louis gets up to put the snack away, then turns around and makes a disapproving sound before he straddles the Alpha properly. His fingers slide into Edward's hair, arms locked around his neck. "Make love to me." He whispers, pressing a close-mouthed kiss on the Alpha's lips.

"Okay." The Alpha mumbles back, a bit dazed.

Edward carries him up the stairs, their mouths glued to each other. Their kiss is not frantic and hot as usual, it's calm and slow and yet it still builds up the intensity of the situation.

By the time Edward gets them both on the bed, Louis is so hard that it hurts. He already has his trousers soaked with his slick, his scent reeking the whole room.

"Edward." He moans, soft but needy.

The Alpha hushes him, helping him out of his shirt before latching his mouth to Louis' collarbones. "I've got you, Kitten."

Louis lies back, letting Edward press open-mouthed kisses to his skin, making him burn with every contact and sending jolts of electricity across his body.

Louis sighs in contentment while Edward pulls back to rid of his top too. And then they're skin to skin and Louis gets restless.

"Alpha, please."

Edward chuckles, thumbs digging past the waistband of Louis' trousers. "Alright, alright."

The Alpha's heart beats faster the moment Louis is bare on the bed, not a single inch of strand covering him. He looks gorgeous, exquisite; his golden skin glowing with a thin layer of sweat, his hair matted to his forehead and chest heaving. His face is flushed, eyes hooded and lips parted open. Edward could never get over how lucky he is to have the chance for this again.

"You're beautiful." He murmurs, climbing on in between Louis' thighs. "I'm so lucky."

Louis suppresses a bashful smile. "Thank you. You aren't so bad yourself."

Edward chuckles in reply, claiming his lips. Then he does it again and again, until Louis slaps at his chest.

"Get on with it!"

Edward kisses him again, just to be a tease. Then he climbs down Louis' body, parting his legs. "I've missed this." He says as he makes himself comfortable in between Louis' thighs, kissing them out of habit.

"Me too."

Edward lifts Louis' hips up a little, then licks a wide stripe from his hole to the bottom of his balls.

The Omega yelps in surprise, then moans. "Give a man a warning, will you?"

The Alpha laughs, doing it again. Louis' whines make him smirk. His thumb presses at Louis' tight entrance, rubbing small circles to loosen the muscles. Then he pushes in, watching as the hole slowly gives way for the tip of his thumb. Edward pulls it back before it could catch on the rim, then he replaces it with his tongue.

Louis is already gripping the bedsheet even though Edward has barely started. He wants to scream at Edward to get on with it, or he'll do it himself, but at the same time he's loving how the Alpha is teasing him.

Edward nibbles on his entrance, then finally takes pity of him and slips his index finger in. Louis gasps, his hips jerking when Edward buries it up to his knuckles.

"Oh, yes. Fuck."

Edward uses his other hand to stroke Louis' neglected cock while his finger starts to pump inside the Omega, using the slick as lube. His tongue is unable to resist stealing a little bit of it, licking beside his finger to collect the slick and driving Louis mad.

It doesn't take too long before he's up to three fingers, and Louis is cursing his name.

"So impatient." Edward scolds, pulling his fingers out and licking them clean while he kneels up on the bed again.

"Edward, I swear to God.."

"Yes, fine, alright." The Alpha relents, pushing his own trousers down his legs until he's fully naked. "How do you want to do this?"

"We're fine like this. I want to look at you." Louis replies, making grabby hands at him.

Edward smothers his body again as he awards him with kisses. "I love you." He tells Louis, just in case he forgets.

"I love you too." Louis pinches his cheek, grinning. "Now get inside me."

Edward rolls his eyes, reaching down to grip himself and guides his cock to Louis' entrance. His eyes lock with the Omega's as he slowly pushes in.

Louis' mouth opens even wider, and he has to resist closing his eyes, wanting to hold Edward's gaze. "Edward." He moans, his body trembling from the effort to hold himself still.

The Alpha brushes his thumb across Louis' cheek, giving them time when he's balls deep inside the Omega. Then he pecks Louis' nose and starts moving.

"Oh God." Louis gasps, face scrunching up in pleasure.

Edward keeps his pace steady, yet he alternates his angles and thrusts, driving Louis mad either way. His palms find Louis', intertwining their fingers while he brings them closer and closer to their peaks.

"I love you." He reminds Louis again when the Omega clenches down on him, clearly close.

Louis whimpers in response, head thrown back and panting out loud.

"I love you." He says again, whispering it into Louis' shoulder.

"Edward." His hips push up to meet his Alpha's thrust. He's so close, so close.

The Alpha groans, his balls already tightening, his knot expanding. He fastens his thrusts, undeterred as he savours the way Louis' whimpers grow higher and higher in pitch. "I'm in love with you, baby. I love you so much." He presses his forehead to Louis', tightening his hold on Louis' hands as he slams inside particularly hard.

Louis bursts into a sob as he comes, more from the love declaration rather than the jab to his prostate. Tears leak from his eyes as he spurts in between their stomachs while Edward grunts above him and locks them together as one.

"Fuck." Edward buries his face in Louis' neck, his cock starting to dump its load.

"I love you too." Louis releases his hands so he could wrap Edward in his arms. "Fuck, I love you too, so much." He continues to sob, kissing at Edward's hair.

The Alpha showers him with kisses, whispering reassuring words to calm him down. But Louis just, can't, he can't stop crying. Can't get over the fact that he hurt Edward, and Edward still willingly give all of him.

And the worst thing is, they're locked together, and Louis has to face his Alpha. Has to go through Edward calming him down, touching him, loving him, when Louis doesn't deserve that. He doesn't.

"Baby, please. Please look at me." Edward says, desperate. He grabs Louis' face, a little restless at the way the Omega is bawling his eyes out. When wet blue eyes meet his green own, he searches the cerulean until Louis starts to breathe. "That's it, calm down, baby. It's alright."

Louis holds on to his voice, to his touch, and his warmth to keep himself grounded. Slowly his sobs start to cease, and the room quiets down until his sniffles are the only thing heard.

"It's okay." Edward murmurs, thumbs rubbing his cheek and pecking his mouth. "I love you. I forgive you. Of course I would."

Louis' lower lip trembles again, and he doesn't say anything. He can't think of a word, and even if he does have something to say, he'd burst into tears again before he could utter the words anyway.

"Don't dwell on it, yeah?" Edward tells him, still touching him and locking his gaze. He knows Louis will fall apart all over again if he doesn't. "Take a deep breath, stay with me, baby."

Louis follows his instructions, his eyes unblinking. Tension slowly starts seeping out of his body, and he grips Edward's hands on his face. "You shouldn't let me have it too easy." He says, voice sore.

"And make it harder for us? If I do that, I'd have to live with the burden, and I can't have all of you, can't give all of me." Edward kisses him. "I love you. I just want you. Let go, Lou. Let go of the hurt."

"Have you?"

"Still yet to get there, but I'm trying."

Louis relaxes, exhaling a heavy breath and his lids shutting. "Okay... Okay."

---

The next day, Louis wakes up to find himself alone on the bed. The spot next to him is still warm.

He brushes his teeth, then puts on one of Edward's shirts that is too large for him before going down to look for the Alpha.

The house is empty, so he decides to look for Edward outside.

Louis finds him near the pool, and if he was wearing pants, it would disappear.

Edward is drenched with sweat, his muscles contracting and relaxing as he does his work out. Louis is already half hard. He doesn't know why the sight of Edward all sweaty and doing push ups is hot, but his Alpha is hot and everything he does is hot and Louis really wants to be underneath him right now.

Edward suddenly stops, climbing to his feet before he turns to Louis. The Omega is ready to faint at the way Edward is looking at him.

And then Edward is crossing their distance like a predator chasing its prey, pushing him up against the wall. It digs into his back, but Louis doesn't care. He feels the Alpha's hands gripping his thighs, parting it open and pushing in between them until Edward and the wall are the only thing holding him up. Their lips mash together in a fiery kiss, one that burns them all over.

Louis is dragging his nails down Edward's back, clutching onto him for life, can't get enough of him.

He barely registers Edward reaching down to pull his cock out of his joggers until he feels the blunt head of it brushing at his cheek before finding his entrance and sliding all the way in.

Every thrust Edward delivers inside him punches a broken moan out of his already sore throat, and Louis comprehends that they're outside and he's only in Edward's t-shirt and they're fucking in public, but the way Edward is pounding him is sending his brain popping out of his ear.

None of them says a word, but Louis already feels his orgasm approaching without relent. His Alpha's fingers are gripping his arse, guiding his body to meet his hips every time he slams inside.

Louis whines high in his throat when he tenses up and comes beneath the shirt he's wearing, curling tighter around the Alpha. He didn't stand a chance at lasting.

Edward pulls him away from the wall before he could catch his breath, and Louis momentarily isn't present while Edward carries him inside. All of a sudden, his face is pressed onto the couch, arse up and Edward is back inside him.

It's a great start of the day.

It goes on for three days straight. If they didn't know better, they would've thought they're on their rut and heat.

It's almost funny how they could barely get through three hours without wanting to jump each other. Louis wants to scold Edward for getting so turned on at everything he does, but truthfully, Louis himself can't look at Edward without thinking of all the positions they were in and the way Edward would touch him.

When they're not too caught up with sexual thoughts about each other and are able to have a decent, proper conversation, Edward says that they're just catching up with the amount of sex they've missed out on. Louis cannot disagree.

---

Edward breathes out heavily, a little confused when he realises he's not lying on the pillow. There's a hand in his hair, toying with his strands while a soft voice hums a soft tune.

"Hi." Louis whispers when he notices that Edward is awake. "Good morning."

"Morning." Edward yawns, pressing a hand over his mouth while Louis stares at him fondly. "Did I keep you?"

"No." Louis shakes his head. He was hanging out on the bed after taking a shower when Edward gravitated towards him and laid his head on the Omega's thigh. He bends down, kissing Edward on the forehead.

"You look really pretty in the morning." Edward grins, hand reaching out to pinch at Louis' nose.

"Ow." Louis grumbles, slapping his hand away.

"I love you." Edward tells him, poking at his chin.

Louis turns soft. "I love you too." He replies, flushed and giddy.

Edward stares at him, thumb brushing across his lip and skin. And then he's slowly sitting up, eyes never leaving Louis' face. "Thank you, for coming after me."

Louis sighs, a soft sound. He leans forward and presses his face to Edward's neck, arms curling around him to hold him tight. "I'm sorry."

"Me too."

"I love you." Louis repeats, pulling back. "Always will. Forever."

"And I love you." Edward cups his cheek, pinching lightly and making Louis giggle. "You're cute, I suppose I can love you forever too."

Louis pouts. "What if I'm not cute anymore?"

"You will always be cute in my eyes."

The Omega laughs, kissing him softly. "I guess that could work."

---

"We should go home, soon." Louis says during lunch. He's been here for almost a week, and now that they've calmed down from their hunger for each other, Louis realises just how much he's missed Harry and Marcel. Just thinking about their absence makes him sad.

Edward looks up from his plate. "I'll arrange us a flight for tomorrow night."

"Okay."

"I've missed them too." Edward says, reaching out and touching Louis' hand when he sees his expression.

Louis pouts. "Yeah."

"Let's give them a call, later." He suggests, wanting to cheer Louis up.

Louis nods in response, knows it'll help even though it's nothing close to getting to hold his Alphas in real life.

"Marcel sent me a text this morning."

Louis perks up. "What did he say?"

"He was yelling at me about being too far away. He called me a dick, a twat, a knobhead, and he said he's never kissing me again, and he'll punch me in the face when I get home, all in one text." Edward smirks as he recalls. "I guess he missed me."

Louis bursts out laughing. "I wouldn't be surprised if he actually does punch you in the face."

"I know." Edward joins him. "I should be careful."

Louis' laughter dies down into a sigh. "We're going to be a proper family again."

"Yeah." Edward's eyes twinkle, happy.

---

Wherever I go, you bring me home.

"HARRYYYYY!" Louis screams the moment he walks past the threshold. "MARCEEEEL!"

He faintly registers Edward laughing behind him, but Louis could only focus on Harry when he appears.

"Louis!" The Alpha calls back.

Louis lets out an excited yelp, running across the hall into Harry's arms. He holds on to his Alpha tightly as their lips meet in a passionate kiss, and Louis doesn't allow them to part until he's kissed Harry enough.

Harry beams when Louis finally releases him, kissing him again just for the sake of it. "I've missed you." He says, pressing their foreheads together.

"I've missed you too." Louis replies. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was leaving."

Harry shakes his head, the smile disappearing. "I'm just glad you're back." He glances at Edward. "And you brought him back."

"I couldn't live with myself if he leaves and never comes back. I don't want to do that to you and Marcel." Louis kisses his nose, holding on to his cheek. "I'm sorry, Harry."

"I'm sorry, too." Harry murmurs. "Should've done something to help with the situation."

Louis smiles. "We're alright now. That's what matters."

Harry slowly places him on the floor, and then Louis is laughing because Harry is screaming excitedly and sprinting towards Edward.

"Hi." Edward chuckles when Harry slams against him, burying his face in Harry's neck and holding him tight.

"I thought you would never come back." Harry whispers into his shoulder.

"I'm sorry." Edward replies, and when he feels Harry's palms cupping his cheeks, he claims his brother's lips. Both of them melt into each other, getting lost in their kiss.

Marcel appears with an unreadable expression upon seeing his brothers, but when his eyes land on Louis, fond spreads on his face and he barely pauses before he's heading straight to him. The Omega can't stop smiling, and when Marcel tugs him close until they're kissing, his smile widens even more, too happy to be in his Alpha's arms again.

"You're tanner." Marcel notes, his arms warm around Louis' waist.

"Yeah." Louis buries his face at Marcel's neck to hide his blush. "Yeah, I've been out in the sun. We did a lot of outdoor activities."

Marcel smirks, certain that their activities didn't involve having a little picnic by the beach from how flushed Louis' face is. "Sounds fun. I'd love to do that too, sometimes."

"Well.." Louis kisses him again, closed-mouthed and grinning. "You just have to say the word. You know I'm really easy for you."

"Good to hear that."

The sound of Harry's giggles breaks them out of their little bubble, and they turn to see Edward and Harry in deep chatter. They're probably flirting with each other. Harry's grin is about to split his face into two, and Edward's palms are shamelessly groping his brother's arse. It reminds Marcel of his returning brother.

"Excuse me for a moment." Marcel drops a kiss on his forehead before making his way to Edward.

Harry sees him approaching, and quickly steps away to allow Marcel to have his moment with Edward. Even the eldest Alpha himself lights up with happiness, ready to hug him. "Hello, Mar-"

"Oh shit!" Louis gasps when an arm swings in the air. Guess Marcel had been serious about the punch, then.

Edward chuckles, holding a hand up to his cheek. He grins at Marcel. "I know, I know. I'm sorry, okay? I won't do it again."

Marcel's usually calm face has been replaced with a glare. "You have the nerve to set foot in this house again, with that face?!"

Edward approaches him, careful but insistent. "I'm here, aren't I? I said I'm sorry." He reaches for Marcel's arm, relaxing when his brother doesn't shake his hold off. "Marcy.."

"Don't make me punch you again, Edward."

"Okay, okay." Edward steps closer. "I'm sorry, babe. Don't be mad."

Harry nudges at Louis, then pulls him away. "Come on." They both giggle to themselves as they walk further into the house, leaving Edward and Marcel to sort things out between them.

"What were you even thinking? Fiji? If you didn't come back, I would've cursed you to Hell!"

Edward listens intently as Marcel starts his lecture, letting him say whatever he wants to say. He knows if he tries to cut in, even to respond, he'd have to face the consequences.

"Are you done?" He asks when Marcel quiets down.

"No." Marcel snaps. "But you weren't even listening."

Edward leans forward and kisses him. "Of course I was. But you were being too cute. I couldn't focus."

"You are insufferable!"

"I know, baby. I know."

"And keep your hands to yourself!"

"Sorry, can't resist."

Meanwhile, Harry and Louis are already in the lift, heading up. Harry has him trapped in the corner, lips coaxing Louis' mouth open and tongues tangled together while his hands roamed the Omega's back.

"Hmmm, missed you." Louis murmurs, clutching Harry tighter to him.

Harry echoes the sentiment, his palms sliding down until he can squeeze the ample flesh of Louis' bum.

The lift dings to signal that they've arrived at the top floor, making Harry pull back. He chuckles when Louis follows his mouth, allowing him one last peck before he tugs Louis out. "You should freshen up."

"Are you saying that I smell?" Louis gives him an unimpressed look, and Harry cackles.

"I'm not, Lou." He kisses Louis' cheek. "It'll make you feel better. I'm sure you're tired from the flight."

"You're right." Louis smiles, loves how thoughtful his Alpha is. "A bath would sound good."

Harry perks up at the mention of a bath. "Would you like a company?"

Louis huffs, nudging him. "No. We won't get out until the water turns cold."

The Alpha pouts.

Louis pushes the door open when they arrive at their room. He sucks in a deep breath, loving how much it feels like home to be able to drown in the scent of his Alphas.

"Do you think they're still fighting?" Louis voices his wonders as he sits on the bed, Harry stopping in the middle of the room and staring at him.

"No." Harry grins, cheeks dimpling. "Marcel and Edward always get like this whenever Edward leaves and things are too tensed. They're fine."

"What do you think they're doing?"

"Probably fucking."

"Oh, cool."

---

"Marcel?" Louis calls out as he walks into the library, curious when his Alpha isn't at his usual couch.

After his shower, Harry dragged him to the kitchen for something to eat. The Alpha was really making sure he's taken care of.

Harry's currently in the gaming room where Louis left him. The Omega had made the decision to find Marcel after he got bored watching Harry play on the Xbox.

The thing is, he's looked all over the house for Marcel, but he's nowhere to be found. Whenever that happens, Marcel would usually be in the library. Guess he's not, today.

He hears a thump, and sets out to find it. It must be Marcel.

But Louis' footsteps halt when he hears another thump, followed by a loud moan and harsh pants.

"Ed-Edward." Marcel is stuttering out, and Louis hears a deep grunt.

"How does it feel?" A slap.

Marcel moans. "Good, oh God, good. Please don't stop."

The Omega slaps his hand over his mouth, muffling his giggles as he quickly leaves, not wanting to disturb them.

Any other day and he'd join to watch, but they're probably making up and it wouldn't be nice for Louis to interrupt with that.

He goes to find Harry so they could have their own reunion sex too.

When Louis left to find Marcel, Harry expected him to come back with his brother in tow. He doesn't know how it ends up with Louis reappearing alone and the Omega's mouth on his cock and him riding Harry to oblivion afterwards. He's not about to ask.

---

Dinner takes Louis back to the time when everything was fine. All of them are smiling, and laughter fills the air, and he feels so happy that he's ready to burst.

"Oh, shut up. You loved that I bought the Gulfstream for you." Edward accuses his brother, laughing.

Harry blushes. "I didn't ask you to!"

The look on his face makes Marcel cackle. "And always talking about how Gwen's husband bought it for her and how amazing it would be to have your own jet wasn't one of your hints?"

Harry huffs, knows that nothing he says can help with his case. "Fine, I wanted it."

"Hey, I already bought it for you anyway." Edward teases. "Even had Louis help me re-christen the bed."

Marcel and Harry's eyes snap to the Omega who blushes under the attention. "What?" Louis pretends to snap.

"I missed that." Marcel groans.

"Let's visit Spain this weekend, Marcel." Harry suggests, wanting to renew his membership with the mile-high club too.

Louis snorts.

While Harry and Marcel entertain themselves with the idea of a date to Spain, Louis stares at the way Harry's face lights up when he tells Marcel what they should do for their date. Then his eyes goes to Marcel, admiring his smile and the twinkle in his eyes while he listens attentively to what Harry is saying. He can feel contentment spreading in his bloodstream at the sight of his Alphas' happy faces compared to the tension that surrounded them before.

When he looks at Edward, Louis is surprised to find him already staring. His lips stretch into a smile, and Edward mimics him.

---

A/N:

I couldn't find where the quote came from, so if any of you know, please let me know! x

The song lyrics I used are If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher, Where Do Broken Hearts Go and Infinity by 1D, Knocking On Your Heart by Maggie Lindeman, I Love You by LM, and ofc, Sweet Creature by Harry Styles. Wow, I'm on a roll.

I checked multiple times but please let me know if you find any mistakes! x

Thank you so much for reading! Do tell me what you think.

Have a nice day ahead, babes! Please leave a vote! It means the world to me! xx

Love, R.