“I haven’t had the opportunity. To explore. It’s been a while. Which is probably why… ” Louis stops to gauge his reaction, anything to let him know if he’s divulging too much too soon.
“Don’t feel pressured to tell me,” he murmurs gently, unwilling to push the subject further.
Louis feels safe. Cared for. “It’s probably why I'm in scent withdrawal. If I had an Alpha, I wouldn't need an inhaler.”
Worry clouds Harry’s expression. Without deliberation, he offers, “Let me help you.”
“Harry, no.” Eyes wide, Louis’ regretful to reject. Sincere and earnest as he sounds, he couldn’t burden Harry even though he desperately wants to say yes, please.
“It's not your responsibility to help me. I'm not,” he continues in a whisper, “I’m not your Omega.”
“No,” he concurs softly, an indecipherable expression on his face. “But we’re friends, aren’t we? Friends help each other.”
“We’ve known each other for a few days,” he retaliates weakly, walls crumbling.
“Two weeks and some days. It doesn’t mean I'm not more than willing. Especially if you’re in pain, Louis.” His voice lowers, serious, “I don’t want you to hurt. If you need time to think about it, I’ll be here.”
How does Louis tell Harry he doesn’t want to become more attached than he already is? How does he tell him it would be blurring a boundary already blurred in his heart? He doesn't voice any of what he's thinking. What he says, instead, is, “Okay.”
-from if you're feeling lonely by @lovehl / ifthat
[Larry, 12k, A/B/O au]
#may we lift each other up
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