9pm Bruises [Larry AU]

Chapter 2

Harry. It fits him. 

His curly hair allows the nerdy name to be... cuter. I smiled and decided to take the seat across from him. He looked shocked that I sat with him, but didn't ask me to leave, so I took that as a good sign.

"So Harry," I began with a friendly smile. "Are you from London?"

He looked up with a smile and spoke slowly, taking time to articulate everything with his deep voice. "No. I'm from Homes Chapel, Cheshire. What about you?"

"I'm from Doncaster. I don't want to sound intrusive, but why did you move?" I asked, wanting this conversation to continue.

He stiffened visibly, but sighed. "Erm, my mum died, so. I wanted a new start."

My emotions became sympathetic, and I gave him a sad smile, "M'sorry... I'm sure she was a nice lady."

He smiled softly, nodding, and said in a quiet voice, "Yeah. She was."

I felt bad for bringing it up but he soon asked, "Why'd you move?"

"Oh, let's just say I wasn't very happy where I was. Like you said, I wanted a fresh new start." I gave him a large grin, it appears he's enjoying our chat too, because he carried on asking questions.

"S'that why you own a tea shop?" He asked with a chuckle.

I smiled. His laugh is beautiful. I could listen to it all day, "Yeah. Well no, actually. I moved while in high school but didn't feel university was right for me. Guess that s'how this came to be!" I moved my arms, gesturing around the shop.

He chuckled. "Yeah, it's nice."

I grinned. "So, you seem young, are you still in high school?"

"No," he shook his head; "I'm in uni right now."

"Oh, I've got a genius here," I teased. He blushed, and I couldn't help but think of how cute he looked. "So what're you studying?"

"Law, sociology, philosophy, and business," He listed off.

My eyebrows shot up. "Well shit. You are an Einstein!"

"Nah," he grinned, blushing as his eyes shot to the ground.

"What are you hoping to become?" I asked, my thoughts would be a therapist.

"A lawyer," he said proudly.

"Oh, wow! Why's that, Curly?" I was genuinely curious.

"Well, I've seen a lot of shows involving law, like Law & Order," He started off and I immediately took interest, as he spoke in such a passionate way, "I saw how people were accused of so many things and they truly didn't believe them. As a kid my step-dad was wrongly accused of abusing his daughter and I saw all his trials and after seeing that I realized I wanted to help others. I wanted to be the one to make a persons life better, and bring justice. And of course, lawyers make quite a large bit of money."

I chuckled at his last statement. "Wow. Who new a boy with curly hair could be so insightful and intelligent."

I couldn't help but admire him. He seems like such a smart lad. He's well spoken, smart, has a quirky style, beautiful, sweet, and seems like a really nice guy.

"So why didn't you want to go to college?" he asked with furrowed eyebrows.

I shrugged, "To be honest, I was never good at school. In Doncaster, I practically failed every class. But in high school I just didn't understand. If I didn't like the subject, I just didn't try. It's not like I gave up, my brain just wouldn't process it."

He nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I sucked at science and history."

"I hated math," I laughed.

"Right?" He agreed in annoyance, "I never understood it! And I swear, my math teacher was some creepy pervert, because she'd always hit on me. I was only sixteen!"

I busted into hysterics, and he blushed. "How old was she?"

"Like thirty? Her name was Ms. Flack; I think her first name was Catherine? Maybe Carol? I don't know, but it was strange. She'd always touch my arm and rub my knee," He shivered and nose scrunched in disgust. He looked so cute.

"Louis! We need some help with the tables!" I heard Niall yell out.

I groaned, and turned to Harry, who seemed sad, "Sorry. Hey, can I get your number? You seem cool, maybe we can catch a movie or something."

He smiled, and nodded, "Yeah!"

I handed him my iPhone, and he typed in his number and took a selfie to save as the contact photo. He handed it back before turning and getting his phone out of the back pocket of his jeans. I gasped, seeing a large bruise on his neck as the collar of his shirt moved. That's why he was wearing his jacket while it's blazing hot in here!

"Harry," I breathed out, hesitant.

He turned, confused at my sudden mood change. "Yeah?"

"What. What happened to your neck?" I asked, he froze.

"Nothing, just rough housing with a friend, it got out of hand," He said, smiling weakly before he suddenly stood up. "Listen, I got to go. You can text me, and I'll save it. Bye, Lou. It was nice talking to you."

Before I could even say goodbye, he rushed out of the shop. I continued to sit there, instantly missing his presence. What the fuck? Why wouldn't he tell me what happened? There's no way that was just from rough housing! It looked like someone choked him. Who'd do that to the poor guy?

"Louis!"

I jumped and turned to a worried looking Niall asking, "Yeah?"

"What's up? Aren't you helping?" He asked motioning to the crowded shop.

I frowned, "Oh yeah, sorry."

"What's wrong?" He sat across from me, right where Harry was sitting moments before.

I sighed, "Have you noticed the bruises on Harry?"

"Who?" he questioned, eyebrows furred in confusion.

"It's the curly haired boy that always sits here. We chatted a bit, and for the past month I noticed small bruises, but there was one on his neck today. He said it was from rough housing. I can tell it wasn't, but he seemed a bit off, then he left. I got his number, though. But I'm really worried about him..." I trailed off and bit my lip, anxious.

Niall let all the information sink in before sighing, "Listen, Lou. You are a very... pushy person. And this Harry guy seems more closed in. I know you want to help, but he just met you. The bruises may be nothing, could've been a bar fight or something that got out of hand. Just don't get worked up over something that might be nothing, yeah?"

I nodded, and he smiled before walking off to help Josh. But as I thought of Harry and that bruise, I knew it wasn't a bar fight or simple rough housing. No, it was something more. I can tell by the fear that was in his eyes. I never want to see that fear in the poor boy's eyes ever again. I want to help him. Become his friend, and maybe more than that.

I got out my phone and went to my contacts, seeing Harry's number. I clicked it and saw the picture pop up. I grinned at the photo of him. He was smiling softly and I felt my heart flutter as I just noticed the two dimples that dented in each cheek. I never really had a thing for dimples. I barely acknowledged them. But, seeing them on him, I realized they're absolutely adorable. I was already falling for the boy. Not necessarily in love, but it was more than a crush.

I may have just met him, but I can tell by the way we got on so well that we were meant to be together. I won't push, I'll let it go as slow as he wants, because he already means so much to me.