you're cold and I burn (on hold)

e because the dark is making him loopy or because it’s nice to have someone willing to have
your back in an almost- protective?- manner. But Louis’ not letting go <strong>and</strong> he’s not going to make
Harry go out alone.
“I’m going too, you fuck wad. You wanna add a shirt, though? It’s piss pouring out there right
now.”
There’s a brief silence, but right as Harry starts to speak they’re interrupted by another scraping
sound <strong>and</strong> Louis feels Harry tense up under his nails <strong>and</strong> he digs them in a little more, his breaths
speeding up substantially. “You sure you wanna come, you don’t have-“
“Yes, Harry, now c’mon.”
With no further argument, Harry shakes his head <strong>and</strong> begins for the door. Louis stays glued to his
shoulders, sort of petrified. The sounds of their feet on the hardwood is matched, walking in sync
<strong>and</strong> as much as Louis wants to slow down or stop completely, Harry just moves right along. He
may seem brave enough, but it’s clear in the knotting of his muscles that he’s insanely tense <strong>and</strong>
his breathing is just as uneven as Louis', he’s scared too. But, he stays in front, bat wielding as
they approach the front door. Louis eyes are as wide as they can possibly go, his body trembling.
It’s a combination between the lights suddenly going out <strong>and</strong> the possibility than an intruder could
be lurking around their flat <strong>and</strong> they’re going at them (one in just boxers <strong>and</strong> one in sweats <strong>and</strong> a
too-big t-shirt) with a fucking baseball ball. If he has a gun, its pretty much game over. Louis
prays whoever it is, they’re at least unarmed.
The door swings open <strong>and</strong> it feels like they’re about to venture into a monsoon. Rain is pouring
down hard, heavy <strong>and</strong> it’s almost impossible to see through.
“Harr-“
“Shh,” Harry cuts him off, “Its fine.”
Louis’ stomach is twisting around sickeningly as they push forward, getting soaked from head to
toe not seconds after leaving the comfort of the flat. The thunder ripples behind them <strong>and</strong> Louis
can feel the vibrations in his chest. He’s debating taking off <strong>and</strong> running back inside, crawling up
into his bed. But his h<strong>and</strong>s make no move to release from Harry. They have to round the corner of
the building before they make it by Louis’ bedroom window, <strong>and</strong> it might as well be another state
away, but then again it’s too close. The lightening lights up the sky, <strong>and</strong> Louis didn’t realize his
eyes have been locked on where Harry’s face would be if he could see, <strong>and</strong> he involuntarily
moves in closer. Harry must notice, because he stops there, putting his free h<strong>and</strong> on Louis’ <strong>and</strong>
looking back.
“Hey,” His voice is calm, but it’s not hiding how uneasy he feels, “Chill, Louis, it’ll be fine.”
“There could be anyone back there, how do you know we’ll-“
“Because I’m right here, okay? Nothings going to happen to you.” It sounds more sure than
anything Harry has said since they met, <strong>and</strong> Louis had no idea the protective instinct was so strong
in Harry, because they barely know each other, but Harry is willing to come out here armed with a
stick of wood just because Louis was scared. Suddenly the rain doesn’t feel so <strong>cold</strong>.
He just nods, unable to find his voice, seemingly trapped somewhere deep down in his throat.
Harry takes another moment before continuing on, Louis trailing directly behind him. There is
clanking around the corner, <strong>and</strong> if it wasn’t obvious before, something is definitely back there.
Louis’ hoping they aren’t trying to break into his window. They’re walking against the brick of
the building, Harry’s right h<strong>and</strong> gripping the bat, his left running along the wall as they approach