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Chapter Text

Louis sighed as he pulled the blanket a little higher and shivered. He knew it wasn’t cold in the room, but his fever was making it feel like it was freezing. Even though he was burning up, he thought with a huff as his teeth chattered. The fever thermometer, that was on his nightstand, had told him that he had a fever of 40°, which he knew was pretty high. He needed some medicine, something to lower the fever and get rid of the horrible pains in his body and the headache that was pounding in his head.

He screwed his eyes shut as he shivered again. He couldn’t call his mum or any of his sisters though, since none of them lived in London. Besides, he didn’t want to worry them, he knew how his mum could get when he was poorly, she would probably get in a car immediately and drive the three and a half hours down to take care of him. But Louis didn’t want to do that to her, he knew she was busy with the kids at home, besides, he was 28 years old, he could take care of himself.

He swallowed and screwed his eyes shut at the pain in his throat before sniffing. Stupid summer flu, he didn’t even know where he had caught it.

He thought of calling his best friend Liam for a moment, asking him to get him some medicine from the pharmacy, but frowned at the thought shortly after. He knew Liam would jump if he called him, leave whatever he was in the middle of and get Louis anything he needed. But Louis didn’t want that, he thought as he slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position, shivering again as the blanket fell down to his hips and his bare arms were exposed. He waited for the pounding in his head to subside a bit and the spinning to stop. No, Louis didn’t need any help, he was perfectly capable of getting the medicine himself. He slowly swung his legs over the bed frame and took a few deep breaths when he felt dizzy for a moment. He hated being dependent on people, being weak and needing help. He couldn’t do anything against the fact, that he was born an omega, but he sure as hell didn’t have to act like one.

He slowly stood up on shaky legs and walked over to his closet with chattering teeth. He pulled out his North face down jacket and shrugged it on over his T-shirt and joggers, zipping it all the way up.

He knew it wasn’t actually cold outside, it was a mild summer evening and he would look ridiculous in his warm winter jacket, but he didn’t care. He felt poorly and he was cold and he couldn’t care less about what people thought of him.

He shuffled to the front door of his flat slowly, slipping on his sneakers and grabbing his wallet and keys, before walking outside.

The warm air hit his face but Louis immediately shivered again, his teeth chattering. He cursed himself for not having any medicine at home, he would definitely need to change that.

He walked down the street slowly, usually the pharmacy was only a five minute walk away, but at this speed it would probably take him at least double, he thought.

He caught people staring at him on the way, he didn’t know if they were alphas or betas or omegas, but honestly he didn’t care. He knew Liam wouldn’t approve of this, of Louis, a weak omega, going out by himself while ill, when any alpha could easily take advantage of him, if they wanted to.

Louis huffed, he was not weak, he could handle himself. If an alpha approached him, he would tell him to fuck off, he had no problem doing that.

He spotted an obvious alpha walking his way shortly after, he could tell by the man’s build even from far away. It was a tall, broad man with short dark hair, even darker eyes and a beard. He was staring at Louis intently and his nostrils flared as he walked closer, he could probably smell that Louis was weakened. Louis could feel his eyes drifting down to the ground automatically but quickly frowned and looked back up, meeting the man’s eyes challengingly as he walked past him. Louis let out a relieved exhale when the man simply passed him without saying anything.

He could see the pharmacy at the end of the street and hurried up as best as he could. He really needed those medicines.

He sighed relieved as he walked inside and saw that there was no line, just one man standing behind the register, looking down at something on the counter.

Louis groaned as he walked closer and realised that he was an alpha as well. He could tell by his looks, before he smelled him. He was tall, not as tall as the man outside, but definitely taller than Louis. He was built bigger as well, with wide shoulders and muscular arms that were visible even underneath his white lab coat.

Louis squared his shoulders as he walked up to the counter and stared at the man’s light brown curly hair, clearing his throat when he still didn’t look up.

The alpha’s head shot up and he smiled at Louis with beautiful green eyes, and full red lips, before he took in his appearance. A moment later his nostrils flared and the smile dropped off of his face, as he must have smelled that Louis was in distress. Louis rolled his eyes, stupid alphas and their stupid urge to protect omegas.

“Hi, can I help you?” The alpha schooled his expression back into a strained smile and finally asked after a beat. Louis’ eyes dropped down to his name tag and he read that he was called Harry.

“Yes, hi, I need some medicine please. Something to lower a fever?” He asked and tried his best to smile at the alpha.

The alpha, Harry, studied him for a moment before he spoke up again “How high is the fever?” He asked with a neutral expression.

Louis sighed “Not that it’s any of your business, but it’s about 40°.” He replied annoyed.

“40°?” The alpha asked loudly and concerned and Louis could feel a wave of his scent hitting him. He smelled like black leather and patchouli and distinctly alpha, but it was intense as he seemed to be agitated.

Louis stumbled backwards as the scent engulfed him, it was hard for him to keep himself up on his legs, so he clutched the counter. “Calm down.” He hissed “So, are you going to give me something or not?”

Harry studied him for a moment longer before nodding and turning around, grabbing a box from a shelf behind him “Paracetamol.” He explained “Take two when you get home and check your fever every hour. If it doesn’t go down, you should definitely see a doctor.”

“Great.” Louis said, not really listening. He just wanted to get back home into his bed and sleep as quickly as possible. He tried to grab the package but Harry was faster and placed his hand on it, so Louis couldn’t take it. He looked up at him quizzically.

“Do you have any other symptoms?” The alpha asked.

Louis sniffed “Nose is a bit stuffy.” He said after a beat “And got a sore throat.” He continued.

Harry hummed before turning around and getting a bottle of nose spray and some throat lozenges, placing both on the counter. “That’s it?” He asked.

“Yup, that’s it. Just a good old summer flu.” Louis said with a strained smile, this was taking longer than he had anticipated.

Harry hummed again, as he rang up the items and told Louis the total. He handed the alpha the money and received his change. Harry placed the items into a small bag and continued watching Louis closely. Louis squirmed under his watchful gaze and wobbled again, leaning his elbows on the counter for a moment, slightly out of breath.

Harry was frowning now “How far do you live from here?” He asked, still holding onto the bag.

Louis shivered “Not far, five minute walk.” He said as he leaned more heavily onto the counter. He really needed to get back, this was too exhausting for him, he should have called Liam.

Harry was still frowning “And do you have someone to take care of you back home?”

Louis closed his eyes as he was beginning to feel dizzy “Just myself.” He got out.

Harry hummed and continued frowning “Let me walk you home?” He asked quietly “You really don’t look like you’re going to make it by yourself. Besides, it’s getting dark out, who knows what will happen if you run into the wrong alpha.”

Louis was repulsed at the suggestion, he wanted to protest but was too weak to do so. And being walked home sounded pretty appealing to him right now, having someone to lean on. He wasn’t sure he would make it by himself to be quite honest. He nodded once “Okay.” He said slumping even more on the counter and Harry’s eyes widened in surprise for a moment. He had probably expected Louis to protest as well.

“Let me just get my colleague, wait here.“ He said and placed the bag on the counter. Louis couldn’t do much else but nod and just as he was thinking of sliding down to the ground and closing his eyes for a moment, Harry returned without his lab coat, wearing only a white T-shirt, muscular arms on display.

Louis didn’t even care, he was just glad when Harry offered him his arm and he could hold on to it, lean his weight on him as he was being led home.

“How long have you been this ill?” Harry asked as they made their way to Louis’ flat.

Louis was out of breath, panting “Not long.” He replied “Just since this morning.”

Harry hummed in reply and when they reached Louis’ building and he fumbled with the keys, Harry helped him to unlock the door. Louis didn’t even protest, when the alpha practically carried him up to the second floor and let them into the flat.

“Where’s your bedroom?” Harry asked after he had shut the door behind them.

Louis was so exhausted he couldn’t even speak anymore, so he simply pointed his head into the direction. Harry led him inside and sat him down on the bed, stripping him of his jacket and shoes, before he lay down and the alpha covered him with a blanket.

Louis couldn’t even think of the absurdity of a strange alpha in his flat right now, his bedroom nonetheless, when he was so weak and vulnerable. Of him placing him in bed and taking care of him. Louis was too exhausted and tired to even think of that.

Harry left the room and returned a moment later with a glass of water and got the Paracetamol out of the bag, handing two pills to Louis. “Can you swallow these for me?” He asked as he sat down on the bed next to him.

Louis nodded and sat up a little, taking the Paracetamol and swallowing them with some water, before lying down again.

He could feel Harry watching him as he kept his eyes closed and slowly opened them a little “What?” He asked quietly.

“I was just wondering-“ Harry started and bit his lip. Louis blinked his eyes open all the way as he looked at him questioningly. “Um, I was just wondering, if you would like some chicken soup?” He finally asked.

Louis blinked a few times, typical protective alpha behaviour, he thought. “I’ll just order some later, once I feel better.” His voice was scratchy and shaky and he was pretty sure he wouldn’t be able to order anything today, or answer the door, as he was not planning on getting out of bed again.

Harry frowned again “It’s just,” he started slowly “homemade chicken soup is the best, it actually helps you to recover quicker.” Harry continued.

Louis’ eyes drifted shut again, it was too hard to keep them open “Yeah okay.” He whispered as he closed them once more.

“I can make you some?” Harry’s voice sounded hopeful and surprised.

Louis only hummed his agreement as he drifted off to sleep.

*

Louis was woken by a hand on his forehead and he frowned as he slowly blinked his eyes open. The first thing he noticed, was that his headache was gone and he smiled relieved. The second thing he noticed, was the intense alpha smell in his room and his eyes shot open concerned.

They landed on Harry, who watched him with wide eyes “Sorry.” He said pulling his hand back quickly “Didn’t mean to wake you, just wanted to make sure your fever has gone down.” He explained “You’ve slept for three hours.”

Louis relaxed a little as he recognised the alpha from the pharmacy “What are you still doing here?” He croaked out.

“You said-“ Harry started uncertain “Um, I asked if I could make you some chicken soup and you said okay.” He finished quietly.

Louis vaguely remembered agreeing to something before drifting off to sleep. “Okay,” he said skeptically “that was three hours ago. What are you still doing here?” He repeated his question with raised brows.

Harry frowned and looked down at his hands before speaking again “I had to go shopping for all the ingredients. And I realised that you don’t have any herbal teas either. Not that I was going through your things.” He added the last part quickly “I just wanted to make sure you have some tea but couldn’t find any.” He shrugged “Also, um couldn’t find any honey, which is very soothing for your throat. So I got that too.” He pointed to Louis’ nightstand where a steaming cup of tea was standing.

“Thanks I guess?” Louis said as he sat up gingerly, noticing he was feeling a bit better. The pain in his body was mostly gone and the fever must have gone down as well.

Harry nodded “I’ll get you some soup then?” He asked and Louis simply nodded in agreement, blowing on his cup of tea as he watched the alpha leave the room.

He wasn’t sure he could ever tell Liam about this, about a strange alpha in his apartment, while he was ill and vulnerable, taking care of him. It sounded weird to his own ears. But for some reason he didn’t feel uneasy around Harry, he was respectful and keeping his distance and he was kind of a doctor, what with being a chemist and all. And he also smelled really good, Louis thought as Harry walked back into the room, holding a bowl of soup.

“There you go.” He said as he placed it carefully on the nightstand and stood next to the bed awkwardly. Louis glanced at the bowl, it looked delicious, the fresh vegetables and the broth glistening.

“Aren’t you having any?” He asked when he noticed Harry simply standing next to the bed, biting his lip.

Harry’s eyes widened again “I wasn’t sure if -“

Louis rolled his eyes “Go get yourself a bowl.” He interrupted him.

Harry nodded and walked out of the room, returning with a bowl shortly after and carefully sitting down on the bed by Louis’ feet.

Louis placed the cup back on the nightstand and took the bowl instead, slowly eating the soup. “ ‘s really good.” He said after a moment.

Harry smiled happily “It’s my mum’s recipe.“ He said proudly and they continued eating in comfortable silence.

Louis watched him while they ate, really this wasn’t that different from when he brought random alphas home from the club to hook up with them. It wasn’t like Harry was the first alpha in his bedroom.

Louis placed the bowl on his nightstand after finishing most of it.

“Are you finished? Can I bring it back to the kitchen?” Harry asked.

Louis nodded as he slowly slid down in bed again, the body aches were returning. He whimpered with his eyes closed just as Harry came back into the bedroom and heard him inhale a sharp breath “Are you okay?” He asked concerned.

Louis glanced at him “Everything hurts, is all.” He explained.

Harry nodded and cleared his throat before speaking up “You know, there might be a way to make you feel better, help you recover faster.” The alpha cleared his throat again as he glanced anywhere but at Louis.

Louis looked at him with narrowed eyes “Are you suggesting to scent me?” he asked incredulously.

Harry shrugged “It’s been proven to help. There are studies.” He said quietly.

And usually Louis would protest, would tell the alpha to fuck off, to get the hell out of his flat. That he wasn’t some weak omega who needed some alpha’s help. But as it was, he was tired and exhausted and in pain. Being scented actually sounded kind of nice right now.

“Fine, but don’t make it weird.” Louis said as he turned on his right side, silently asking Harry to lie behind him.

“Really?“ Harry asked once again surprised but with a hopeful tone in his voice.

“Better get in before I change my mind.”

Harry nodded and quickly walked around the bed, carefully getting in it on the other side and scooting up close to Louis’ back.

Louis could smell the leather and the patchouli as he got closer, feeling himself relax already as he closed his eyes.

Harry hesitantly placed his hand on Louis’ hip “Is this okay?” He asked quietly.

Louis hummed in agreement and they got comfortable. “Why are you doing this?” He asked before Harry started scenting him.

“Because.” Harry started “I want you to feel better and you don’t have anyone to take care of you.”

“But you don’t even know me.” Louis whispered.

He could feel Harry shrugging behind himself “I guess it’s in our nature, you know? I can’t just let an ill omega be by himself.”

Louis frowned, he didn’t need anyone to take care of him. He was perfectly capable of doing that himself. He wasn’t weak and he definitely didn’t need an alpha.

“Shhh.” Harry whispered into his neck, before pressing his face into it and the scents of leather and patchouli engulfed Louis, helping him relax and sinking down into the mattress. He drifted off to sleep immediately.

*

When Louis woke up again, the sun was shining and birds were chirping. His headache was gone, as were his body aches. His throat was barely sore anymore and his nose wasn’t stuffy either. He smiled as he sighed relieved.

“How are you feeling?” A deep, sleepy voice came from behind Louis and the omega jumped in surprise, before remembering Harry and the night before.

“You’re still here?” He asked surprised and turned around to look at him.

“Yeah, I fell asleep, ‘m sorry. It was late and I was exhausted. Is that okay?” He asked sheepishly, biting his bottom lip.

Louis watched the alpha in his bed and smelled his now familiar scent, that had lured him to sleep the night before. He nodded “It’s okay.” He said “Thanks for helping me yesterday.”

Harry hummed and raised himself on one elbow, looking down at Louis and bringing a hand up to his forehead “Are you feeling any better?” He asked “I think your fever is gone.” He said happily.

Louis licked his lips as he watched him, before coughing into his hand “Yeah but my throat is still really scratchy.” He said with a rough voice, clearing his throat over exaggeratedly “Also still kind of in pain.” He added, bringing the blanket up to his face.

Harry frowned down at him concerned “ ’m gonna make you another tea.” He said before getting up and leaving the room.

Louis would never admit it, but he immediately missed the alpha’s presence. That was probably part of the reason why he had just lied to him. His throat was barely scratchy anymore and he wasn’t in any kind of pain whatsoever. But, he thought back to the night before, the scenting and how relaxed it had made him feel, since he had an alpha with such a delicious scent in his flat already, he might as well take advantage of it.

He sat up and checked his phone, quickly replying to a text from a concerned Liam, before promptly dropping the phone back on the nightstand and moving underneath the blanket, as Harry came back into the bedroom with two cups of tea.

“I made myself some breakfast tea, is that okay?” He asked as he handed Louis his cup of herbal tea with honey.

“Of course.” Louis replied and sat up in bed to blow on his hot tea.

They drank in comfortable silence for a moment, before Harry cleared his throat “I haven’t asked for your name yet.” He said “Mine’s Harry.” He said with a small smile.

“Louis.” He replied with a smile as well.

“Nice to meet you, Louis.” Harry said before sipping his tea again.

It was quite for another moment, before Harry spoke up again “I really like your nest, looks cozy.” He said and Louis’ eyes drifted over to where Harry was looking at the nest on the other side of his bedroom, made up of blankets and pillows and fairy lights. Louis loved going into it after a long day at work and to simply relax. Even though he despised being an omega and what his nature made him do, he loved his nest.

“Thank you, it really is.” He said quietly.

They finished their teas in comfortable silence and after placing his now empty cup on the nightstand, Louis lay down and turned on his right side silently asking Harry to scent him again.

Louis could hear Harry placing his own cup down a moment later, before moving underneath the blanket and feeling his hand on his hip. “You want me to scent you again?” Harry asked quietly and Louis hummed his agreement, closing his eyes in anticipation.

Harry scooted up close to him and buried his face in the crook of Louis’ neck. Soon after, Louis was engulfed by leather and patchouli and drifted off to sleep with a smile on his face, as he felt himself relax.

*

Louis slowly blinked his eyes open and knew immediately that he was alone. The intense smell of the alpha was gone, only traces left hanging in the air around him. He turned around to confirm his suspicion and only found a note on the pillow that Harry had slept on.

Had to go to work, hope you feel better :)

Louis bit his lip as he stared at the note. It was fine, he didn’t miss Harry or anything, he barely knew him anyways, it would be ridiculous to miss him. He just liked his scent and the way it made him feel. But he didn’t need it anymore, he noticed as he sat up. His fever was gone, he wasn’t in any pain whatsoever and his nose wasn’t stuffy anymore. He was still a little weak though, he realised when he slowly got out of bed and stretched his arms over his head. He hoped there was some of that delicious soup left, Louis would really like some.

But first, he needed to pee and wanted to take a shower to get rid of the last traces of Harry on him. He went to the bathroom and did quick work of using the toilet and showering, scrubbing extra good to get rid of the smell. He put on fresh clothes and walked towards the kitchen.

A key was turned in the lock of his front door suddenly, before it was slowly pushed open.

Louis could feel a wave of excitement washing over him, did Harry come back after all? Is he going to scent him again? Make him some tea and take care of him?

His excitement vanished when a concerned looking Liam entered the apartment instead and closed the door behind himself.

“Oh, it’s you.” Louis said sounding more disappointed than he meant to.

Liam frowned as he turned to look at the omega “Who else has a key to your flat?” He asked confused and Louis glanced at the small table next to his front door, where his keys were neatly placed into the bowl.

“No one.” He mumbled before turning around to go to the kitchen. Liam followed closely behind him.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, placing a hand on his forehead. Louis ignored the way he wished it was Harry touching him, the way he missed his touch already. “You don’t look so bad. When you texted me this morning I thought you were dying.”

“I was!” Louis defended himself “Last night, I’m better now.” He moved to the stove and opened the lid of the pot there, smiling when he saw there was plenty of soup left still. “Want some soup?” He asked Liam as he put on the stove to warm the soup up.

Liam’s forehead wrinkled confused “You made soup?” He asked.

Louis grabbed two bowls from a cabinet “Ordered it.” He lied.

Liam opened the lid and sniffed it “Well it smells delicious. Sure I’ll have a bowl.”

At times like these, Louis was incredibly thankful, that his best friend was a beta. He knew he couldn’t smell Harry’s scent that was lingering everywhere, surrounding them. That way, he didn’t have to answer any questions he didn’t know the answers to.

Liam glanced at the counter where an array of different herbal teas was neatly lined up “Since when do you have all this tea?” He asked confused, picking up one box.

“Went to the pharmacy yesterday.” Louis explained, which was the truth. He didn’t mention that he didn’t buy the tea there, that a strange alpha had spent the night at his place and took care of him.

“You went to the pharmacy?” Liam placed the tea back down and looked at Louis with a concerned look “When you were feeling poorly?”

Louis rolled his eyes, he shouldn’t have said anything. “Yes Liam, I went while I was poorly. Needed some medicine. “

“So why didn’t you call me then?” Liam sounded upset “Do you know what could have happened if you had run into the wrong alpha? How easy it would have been for them to take advantage of you?”

Louis huffed as he scooped some soup into the bowls “Not all alphas are assholes you know.” He mumbled.

“I know that, Louis. Some of my best friends are alphas.” He said annoyed and crossed his arms “But you know there are assholes out there, who are looking for vulnerable omegas to take advantage of.”

Louis sighed as he handed Liam a bowl, he knew his friend meant well “I know Liam, but I can take care of myself, okay?”

Liam sighed “I know that too, Louis. I know you’re not some weak omega who needs protection as you keep making sure I don’t forget.” Louis nodded affirmatively “Just, promise me you’ll call me next time you’re poorly and need something? You shouldn’t go out when you’re ill nonetheless.”

Louis took a spoonful of the soup and enjoyed it when the warmth spread through him, smiling as he remembered Harry making it for him the night before. The way he took care of him. Louis had never wanted an alpha to take care of him, but he could admit that he had enjoyed it and that it had made him feel better.

“I promise.” He finally said and Liam smiled contently.

“This is really good.” He said, pointing at the soup “You gotta tell me where you ordered it from.”

Louis only hummed in response.

*

Louis entered his flat after his first day back at work. He was exhausted and he was looking forward to simply relax. He dropped his keys into the bowl on the small table next to the front door and toed of his shoes. As he further walked into the flat, he could smell the faint scent of Harry that was still lingering there. It was so faint though, not enough to calm Louis down after the day he had, he needed more. He walked into his bedroom and grabbed the pillow that Harry had slept on the day before, placing it into his nest, before getting comfortable in it himself and laying his head on the pillow. He sighed as he closed his eyes and buried his nose in the pillow, inhaling the alpha’s scent. He wasn’t proud of this, he didn’t want to be a needy omega, but the fact was, that Harry’s scent relaxed him immensely, as he sank into his nest further, smiling to himself with his eyes closed. He imagined Harry being with him, scenting him, touching him, and rubbed his head on the pillow.

He sighed when the scent just wasn’t strong enough anymore to really relax him and blinked his eyes open again. Would it be weird if he went to the pharmacy and asked the alpha for something of his? Like a well worn shirt? Yes, he decided, that would definitely be weird, since they barely knew each other.

He lay back in his nest and stared at the ceiling, maybe he could get to know him better though? He could go to the pharmacy and thank Harry for helping him and maybe invite him over as a thank you. That way they could get to know each other and if he gets to enjoy some more of Harry’s scent in the meantime, even better, he thought as he buried his face back into the pillow, breathing in the calming scent.

*

After work the next day, Louis headed straight to the pharmacy. It was late in the afternoon, he didn’t know Harry’s work schedule, so he hoped he would be there. When he walked inside he immediately looked over to the counter and was disappointed when he didn’t see Harry, but a shorter, brunette man standing behind the counter.

He walked up to the counter with a tentative smile “Hello.” He said as friendly as possible.

“Hello.” The brunette man replied with friendly smile, Louis glanced down at the name sign, his name was Niall “How can I help you today?” Louis realised that the man didn’t have a scent, so a beta, he concluded as he relaxed a bit.

“I was wondering if Harry was in?”

The man narrowed his eyes and looked Louis up and down, probably figuring out that he was an omega and wondering why he was looking for the alpha “Why do you want to know?” He asked skeptically.

“He just helped me out with something, I wanted to thank him.”

The beta nodded “Well, I don’t know where he is at the moment, so.“

Louis narrowed his eyes as well, the beta obviously didn’t want to give out any more information “That’s fine, I’ll just wait for him then.“ Louis said and turned to walk around the pharmacy, looking at the shelves filled with lotions, teas and lozenges.

“Louis?“ The voice sounded from behind him a moment later, before Louis smelled the familiar scent and smiled, taking in a deep breath before turning around.

“Harry, hi.“ He said with a smile.

Harry smiled back at him before glancing down at the packet of lozenges in Louis’ hand and a concerned frown formed in between his brows “Are you okay? What are you doing here?“

Louis looked down at the packet as well “Oh, yes I-“ he stopped talking and placed the packet back on the shelf, when he got an idea “Actually,“ he coughed into his hand “My throat is still really scratchy and,“ he sniffed “I feel like I’m not quite well yet, you know?“

Harry continued looked at him concerned “That doesn’t sound good.“ He said “You should be better by now. Do you-“ He glanced over at where the beta was just helping a customer at the register and whispered the next part “Do you need me to come to your flat tonight? Scent you again?“

A corner of Louis’ mouth twitched and he quickly coughed into his hand to hide it “Would you? It really helped the last time.“ He looked up at Harry with wide eyes, trying to put on his neediest omega look he knew no alpha could resist.

Harry quickly nodded “I just have to work for another hour but I could come over after?“

Louis beamed “Great!“ He clapped his hands once “I’ll order us some food, yeah? Chinese or Thai?“

“Um,“ Harry blinked confused at the sudden change of topic “Chinese?“

Louis nodded and walked past Harry “Chinese it is, see you in an hour Harry.“

He walked home with a spring in his step, happy at the fact that his plan had worked.

Back at home he made quick work of cleaning up the flat a bit, before ordering food and placing drinks on the table. Wine, beer, water, coke, he wanted Harry to have a choice. He couldn’t remember ever making such an effort for any alpha, or beta or omega for that matter, but he didn’t dwell on that thought.

One minute before Harry was supposed to show up, Louis even found a dusty candle in the back of a cabinet and lit it, placing it on the coffee table, before quickly blowing it out again and putting it away. He didn’t want Harry to get the wrong impression, this wasn’t a date after all. Harry was only coming over to scent him, so that he’d feel better, that was all.

The doorbell rang a moment later and Louis buzzed Harry in, opening the front door to his flat and waiting for him to come up.

Harry walked up the stairs shortly after and beamed at Louis “Hi.“ He said as Louis stepped aside and let him in.

“Hey.“ Louis replied with a smile.

Harry toed of his shoes and followed Louis into the living room. “Is something burning?“ He asked suddenly, sniffing the air and Louis remembered the candle he had just blown out.

“Um no, I was just cooking some water and it spilled on the stove.“ He lied.

“Oh, I didn’t know you were cooking, I could have brought something.“ Harry said apologetic.

“No, no I’m not, I ordered Chinese for us.“

Harry frowned “Why were you cooking water then?“ He asked confused.

Louis glanced to the side, shit. “I was, um going to make some tea? You know, for my throat.“ He coughed to emphasise his point.

Harry nodded in understanding and looked concerned for a moment, before it changed to a confused expression again “But, you have an electric kettle?“

“It broke?“ Louis said, desperately hoping Harry would just drop it. The doorbell rang at that moment and he sighed in relief as he let the delivery person in. He paid them and quickly returned with the bags, placing them on the coffee table. “Food’s here!“ He announced clapping his hands and sitting down on the couch.

Harry sat down next to him and pulled his wallet out his jeans pocket “How much was the food?“ He asked, already pulling out a few bills.

Louis looked down at Harry’s wallet and felt a surge of anger go through him suddenly. He didn’t need the alpha to pay for him, he was perfectly capable pf paying himself. But he knew Harry only meant well and it was in his nature, so Louis took a deep breath and forced a smile before replying. “It’s fine, it’s on me.“ He said and took the different containers out of the bags, placing them on the table.

He could feel Harry’s eyes on him “But,“ he started, biting his lower lip “It’s so much food, you ordered a lot. Let me at least pay for half of it?“

Louis rolled his eyes “Harry.“ He said, pausing the unpacking of the bags “I said it’s fine, okay? You got all those things for me last weekend and took care of me, let me pay for this, yeah?“ He gave Harry a hopeful smile and the alpha deflated.

“Fine.“ He mumbled, putting his wallet away again “But I’ll pay next time.“

Next time. Louis smiled to himself and hummed in agreement.

They ate and drank some beer while they happily chatted about work, family and friends.

“So why was your colleague at the pharmacy so weird when I asked for you earlier?“

“Oh, you mean Niall!” Harry laughed “Yeah I think he is a bit protective of me. I had some bad experiences with omegas in the past, you know?”

Louis raised his eyebrows as he took another bite of his fried rice “Bad experiences with omegas?” He asked curious.

Harry hummed and took a sip of his beer, before leaning back on the couch “Yeah, just a couple times where omegas just, you know, used me, when I thought they were actually interested or wanted more.” He shrugged “Guess I wanted too much too soon.” He bit his lip and played with his beer bottle, not looking at Louis.

Louis swallowed his bite and placed the fork down before licking his lips. He didn’t know that omegas could be assholes as well, he’d only had experiences with asshole alphas but of course it could go both ways.

“I’m sorry.” He said quietly because he didn’t know what else to say. Did Harry think that this was like his past experiences? That Louis invited him over for a quick shag and then kick him out after? “You know this is not like that, right?” He asked out loud suddenly, biting his lip.

Harry’s brows formed a frown “What do you mean?”

Louis licked his lips once more “I mean,” he started “That I didn’t invite you here for that and to just kick you out after again.” He said feeling a little shy suddenly.

Harry’s eyes became wide “Oh no, no, no!” He said leaning forward on the couch “That’s not what I meant, I didn’t mean that you - ”

“Relax Harry.” Louis chuckled as he interrupted him and leaned forward on the couch as well, patting his leg. Harry was so close to him suddenly, he could smell his scent clearly and he took in a deep breath, smiling as it relaxed him and made him feel content. He had never come across an alpha’s smell before that was so inviting and mellow and just simply attractive. Most alpha’s scents were harsh or strong, they smelled like a stormy sea or a roaring fire. But Harry’s scent was so calming, so inviting, he had never felt attracted to an alpha the way he did to Harry. And he realised he didn’t mind. “I didn’t think you were talking about me, I just wanted to make sure you know that I’m not just after some good sex.” Even though he wouldn’t mind sleeping with Harry, at all. But he didn’t say that part out loud.

Harry smirked as he rested his chin on his right hand “What are you after then?” He asked and was he flirting?

Louis huffed out a laugh “Your scent.”

“What?”

“What?” Oh my god, did he just say that out loud? He just meant to think it.

“Did you say my scent?” Harry said with a chuckle. And okay, he didn’t seem to mind.

“Yeah I just meant because, um…“ He coughed into his hand a few times “Because I’m ill, you know? And it helps when you scent me.“

“Oh.“ Louis couldn’t be sure, but it seemed like Harry sounded disappointed, maybe Louis was just imagining it though “Right.“ He nodded and the frown between his brows reappeared “We should get to bed then, no? Unless you want to do it here?“

Louis looked down at the couch, it would work, it could fit two people, who were snuggling close. But the bed was definitely more comfortable “Let’s go to the bedroom.“ Louis decided and Harry nodded before they began bringing the leftovers into the kitchen and cleaning up.

Louis quickly went to the bathroom after to get ready for bed, since he knew that he was probably going to fall asleep again. When he returned to the bedroom in his T-shirt and joggers, Harry was already lying in the bed, typing on his phone and Louis’ stomach flipped for a moment at the sight and the fresh smell of the alpha in his bedroom.

He coughed a few times as he walked over to the bed, just to make sure, and Harry glanced up, looking concerned “Are you okay?“ He asked as Louis sat down in bed next to him.

Louis nodded “Yeah, ‘m okay.“ He said as he cleared his throat loudly.

“Come here.“ Harry mumbled, lying down on his side and opening his arms for Louis.

Louis smiled thankful at him and lay down on his right side, scooting back into Harry’s embrace. Harry placed his hand on Louis’ hip and Louis smiled as he closed his eyes just before the alpha pressed his face into the omega’s neck. Louis sighed as the alpha’s scent engulfed him and he felt himself relax immediately.

Harry pulled back a little a moment later “Is it okay if I sleep on your pillow?“ He asked quietly “There’s just one in the bed, the other one is gone, but if you’re uncomfortable I can just sleep on the mattress.“ Harry explained.

Louis’ eyes shot open and a surge of panic went through his body, as he remembered that the pillow Harry had slept on, was still in his nest. He really hoped that Harry hadn’t seen it, that would be so embarrassing. “Oh, yeah.“ Louis stuttered “Had to wash it, because of the bacterias you know?“ He made up on the spot. Harry simply hummed in response and pressed his face back into Louis’ neck “But yeah sure, you can sleep on this one.“ Louis mumbled, before relaxing again.

He drifted off to sleep shortly after and when his alarm woke him up too early the next morning, Harry was gone.

*

“No Liam you don’t understand!“

“No, Louis, I understand perfectly fine. You let a strange man, an alpha nonetheless, into your flat when you were poorly and barely conscious! And let him stay with you!“ Liam exclaimed. He was pacing up and down Louis’ living room with wild eyes.

Why Louis thought it would be a good idea to tell him right now, he wasn’t sure. Maybe because it was Friday night and they had had a few beers and Louis was hoping that his best friend wouldn’t react the way he did right now.

He had really needed to tell him finally, to talk to him about it, because he couldn’t think of anything else anymore, except Harry. Harry and his wonderful scent and he really needed his best friend’s opinion on this.

Louis sighed “I know it was stupid okay? I know that now, but nothing happened Li.“

Liam fell back down on the couch next to him “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?“

“Because I knew you would react like this.“ Louis said with raised brows and gestured at him before taking a swig of his beer.

“Because I’m worried about you, because you’re my best friend, is that wrong?“ Liam asked, sounding hurt.

“No, it’s not wrong. You just tend to be a bit over protective is all.“

Liam huffed and crossed his arms, leaning back against the couch and staring at the TV where a football game was playing.

They were both quiet for a moment before Liam spoke up again “So what were you going to tell me?“ He asked quietly still staring at the TV “Except for that you let a strange alpha spend the weekend with you when you were ill.“

“He took care of me.“ Louis said quietly, eyes on the TV “He made me tea and chicken soup.“

Now Liam turned his head to look at Louis “The soup that I had on Sunday.“

Louis bit his lip as he nodded “Yeah, sorry.“

Liam sighed “Okay, what else?“

“Well.“ Louis cleared his throat “I was really ill on Saturday right? And when I wasn’t feeling much better in the evening, he suggested something to make me feel better.“

Liam’s eyes grew wide “Please don’t tell me he suggested sex, Louis.“

Louis snorted “No he didn’t. But he um, he suggested to scent me.“

Liam stared at Louis for a moment without blinking “To scent you? Louis that’s almost the same!“ Liam exclaimed.

“It’s not almost the same Liam.“ Louis said annoyed “Yes, scenting can be very intimate, but it doesn’t have to be if you don’t want it to be. It can also just be very calming or in my case help me recover.“

Liam nodded as he swallowed “Did it help then?“ Liam asked.

Louis nodded quickly “It did, I was as good as new the next day, you saw me.“ Louis smiled.

“Okay,“ Liam hesitated “But there’s something else?“ he narrowed his eyes.

His best friend knew him too well, Louis thought “I really love his scent Li.“ Louis whined, sinking further down into the cushions “And I kind of lied to him on Sunday? Told him I still felt sick, so he would scent me again.“ Liam raised his eyebrows at Louis disapprovingly “I know!“ Louis exclaimed “But it just relaxes me so much and makes me feel so good. I have never felt this way about an alpha’s scent before, Li.“

“Do you like him maybe? Could that have something to do with it?“

Louis bit his lip, he had thought the same thing already, but on Saturday night he had barely known Harry. Unless there was an instant attraction between them? He shrugged “Maybe, I don’t know. But there’s more.“

Liam groaned “What else?“

Louis licked his lips “I have asked him over twice this week to scent me. I told him I’m still not feeling too well.“ He said quietly, feeling guilty now that he said it out loud.

“Louis.“ Liam said disapprovingly “That’s not okay.“

“I know!“ Louis whined again “It’s just, I miss his scent when he’s not around. I’m so desperate, god I hate it.“

Liam didn’t say anything and when Louis looked up at him, he saw him smirking “What?“ he asked with narrowed eyes.

Liam shrugged and took a sip of his beer “Who would have thought, that strong, independent omega Louis would ever be desperate for an alpha’s scent?“

Louis tipped his head back and sighed “I know and I hate it. But I can’t do anything against it, I just need to see him again. I am already thinking of the next excuse to ask him to come over again.“

“How about you just tell him the truth?“

“I can’t do that Liam! What if he doesn’t like me like that? What if he’s just feeling sorry for me?“ Louis whined again.

Liam raised his eyebrows again “You said he came over twice this week?“ Louis nodded “And spent Saturday and Sunday here last weekend?“ Louis nodded again “I don’t know Louis, it doesn’t sound to me like he’s just feeling sorry for you, it sounds like he wants to spend time with you as well.“

Louis hummed as he thought about the possibility, he needed to see Harry again to figure things out, he thought as he took another swig of his beer. “Do you think it’s possible to be addicted to a person’s scent?“ He asked thinking out loud.

Liam hummed “I know that mates crave their partner’s scent.“ The beta stated.

Louis sighed “I know that, but we’re not mated, we don’t even date, we just met! How can I be so addicted to his scent when I barely know him?“ Louis asked exasperated.

“Well,“ Liam started and Louis turned his head to look at him “There’s this article that I read the other day. It said something along the lines of, if an alpha and an omega are very compatible, they will feel an instant attraction to the other’s scent. It’s nature’s way of trying to bring together what belongs together.“ Liam explained and Louis gulped. “But I don’t know, just something I read.“ The beta said shrugging and divided his attention back to the football game.

Louis stared at the TV without seeing anything. Could it really be? Was this nature’s way of making fun of Louis, who wasn’t looking for an alpha, who didn’t even want to mate with one? And now he was so desperate to see Harry again, to be around him, to be scented by him.

He sighed as he sank further down into the couch.

*

Louis entered the pharmacy on the following Monday with a beating heart. He licked his dry lips as he glanced around and groaned when he spotted Niall first, who was already watching him with narrowed eyes.

“You again.“ He said as Louis stepped closer.

“Yes, me again.“ Louis bit back and rested one hand on the counter “Is Harry in by any chance?“ He asked fake friendly.

Niall was just opening his mouth, probably to make up an excuse, when Harry stuck his head around the corner all of a sudden “Louis?“ He asked smiling brightly and Louis’ heart beat faster when he saw his face “Hiiii!“ He said stretching out the ‘i' and walking up, stopping next to Niall.

“Hi.“ Louis said and was embarrassed at how breathless he sounded. He cleared his throat “How are you?“

“I’m good.“ Harry nodded, still smiling “What about you?“

“Good, good, yeah.“ Louis nodded, licking his lips. He glanced at Niall, who pretended to be busy staring at a receipt, before looking back at Harry “I was wondering, um, if you had any plans tonight?“ He asked quickly and with a beating heart.

Harry’s eyes widened “Are you feeling okay?“ He asked worried and Niall looked up as well.

Louis glanced to the beta again, he really wished he would just leave, before looking back at Harry “Just had a really stressful day at work, you know? Have a bad headache and all that.“ He mumbled, feeling Niall’s skeptical eyes boring into him.

Harry nodded in understanding “I have plans with my sister tonight.“ He said sadly.

“Oh.“ Louis said, of course Harry had plans, he couldn’t expect him to just be available every single day “Yeah, no, of course, that’s fine. Have fun then!“ He said with a strained smile, feeling embarrassed and turned around to leave the pharmacy. He was by the door when Harry finally caught up with him.

“Louis, wait.“ He said and touched the omega’s arm, causing a spark to go through his body. Louis turned to look at Harry expectantly.

“I’m just going out to get dinner with my sister after work, we do that once a month.“ He smiled “I can come over after?“ He asked sounding hopeful.

Louis’ breath hitched, did Harry want to see him as well? “Yeah?“ he asked quietly.

Harry nodded “If it’s not too late for you. I could probably be there around nine?“

Louis nodded immediately “That’s fine, not too late.“ He said quickly.

Harry smiled at him and squeezed his arm before dropping his hand again “I’ll see you later then?“

“See you later.“ Louis smiled back before leaving the pharmacy. On the one hand, he hated what Harry did to him, reduce him to this shy, nervous little omega, who was desperate for an alpha’s scent. On the other hand, Louis loved the feeling of having the alpha’s attention, of having him around him and of the way his scent affected him. He felt torn.

*

Louis had placed the pillow back into the bed from his nest, so Harry wouldn’t notice it missing again, and went back to the bedroom to check one more time, just to make sure. The doorbell rang at that moment and Louis checked the time, it was just past 9. He smiled to himself as he buzzed Harry in and waited at the door of his flat for him.

“Hi!“ Harry beamed at him as he walked closer, holding a bag in his right hand.

Louis eyed the bag curiously before closing the door behind them. “Hey!“ he replied.

“Oh, I hope it’s okay?“ Harry asked, raising the bag in his hand “I thought since it’s so late I’ll probably fall asleep and I have to get to work in the morning and since you live so close -“

Louis cut his rambling off by raising a hand “It’s fine Harry, you can stay the night.“

Harry deflated a little and smiled at him “Thanks.“

Louis took in a deep breath, ready to enjoy the alpha’s scent when he smelled something else and  furrowed his brows. The smell was unmistakable, he knew the scent “Why do you smell like omega?“ He bit out a little harsher than he meant to.

Harry halted his movement of placing the bag on the ground and looked at Louis with wide eyes. “What?“ He asked surprised.

Louis narrowed his eyes and walked closer to the alpha, sniffing him “You smell like omega, it’s all over you!“ Louis said accusatorially.

A corner of Harry’s lip twitched and it made Louis that much angrier as he growled in the back of his throat.

Harry held up his hands and let out a surprised chuckle “Okay, calm down.“ He said with a smile.

How he could smile in this situation, Louis didn’t know. Here he was, sitting at home in his flat, waiting for the alpha, while Harry was apparently with another omega.

“I told you I went out with my sister, yeah?“ He asked smiling at Louis appeasingly.

Louis only nodded and crossed his arms, waiting for Harry to continue.

“Well, she’s an omega.“ Harry explained with raised brows, as if it wasn’t clear already.

Louis’ mouth fell open and his eyes became wide as he gaped at Harry, suddenly feeling embarrassed. “Oh.“ He only said, licking his lips.

“Yeah.“ Harry said still smiling “Why do you care anyways? If I’m with another omega or not?“ He asked him.

Louis gulped, why did he care? This reaction was completely uncalled for. Harry wasn’t his mate, they weren’t even dating. They were simply friends, helping each other out.

“Don’t want another omega’s scent all over me when you’re scenting me.“ He mumbled and walked past him to the bedroom. He didn’t miss the curious glance Harry shot him.

“So how’s your headache?“ Harry asked as he walked after him.

Louis frowned “My wha- Oh! My headache! Yes, of course.“ He brought a hand up to his forehead and wrinkled it “It hurts, you know.“

Harry nodded concerned “Why don’t you lie down already and I’ll go get you a glass of water, yeah?“

“Sounds good.“ Louis smiled and disappeared into the bedroom quickly. He sank down on the bed and hid his face in his hands. He was embarrassed by his jealous, possessive reaction he just had in front of Harry. He had no right, he reminded himself, he hoped he didn’t scare him off. And then he had almost messed this up, almost forgotten the lie he had told Harry about his headache. He sighed as he rubbed his hands over his face, he really needed to tell Harry the truth soon. He couldn’t keep going like this much longer.

“Is it that bad?“

Louis’ head shot up as he noticed Harry standing next to him all of a sudden “Yeah, it’s pretty bad.“ He lied and hated himself for it.

“Come on then.“ Harry said and gestured for Louis to lie down after placing the glass on the nightstand “Let’s get you better.“

Louis shot him a grateful smile and lay down on his side, pulling the blanket up to his hips. He could feel Harry getting into the bed behind him, moving underneath the blanket before scooting closer to Louis and placing his hand on his hip. He nuzzled his face into his neck a moment later and Louis’ eyes fluttered closed as he let out a content sigh.

“Feels so good already.“ He muttered feeling relaxed.

“Yeah?“ Harry mumbled into his neck and Louis shivered at the feeling of the alpha’s breath against his skin “Good, I’m glad.“ He said as he presumed scenting him and wrapped his arm more tightly around Louis’ waist.

Louis smiled and moved further back into Harry’s embrace, until their bodies were flush. It felt good, being close to him like this, feeling his touch, smelling his scent. It was addicting, Louis didn’t want to miss it anymore. He would tell Harry the truth soon, but for now, he just wanted to enjoy the moment.

*

“I get off early this afternoon.“ Harry said the next morning when they were standing by Louis’ flat door, dressed and ready to go “So if your headache returns or anything, you can just let me know.“ He smiled at him.

“Oh I don’t get off until 5, I don’t know if I’ll see you at the pharmacy then.“

“You could text me.“ Harry suggested and bit his bottom lip.

“I don’t have your number.“ Louis stated and Harry only raised his eyebrows in response.

“I could give it to you, you know.“

Louis’ heart skipped a beat “That would be - yes of course, why didn’t I think of that.“ He chuckled at his own stupidity and handed Harry his phone so he could enter his number.

“There you go.“ He handed Louis his phone back “Text me if you need anything.“ He beamed at him before opening the door to leave the flat.

“Thanks! I will.“ Louis called after him as he left.

Louis let himself fall against the door after closing it and sighed. He wasn’t proud to admit it, but he already missed Harry and his scent. He took a deep breath in to inhale the lingering smell, before pushing himself off the door and walking to the bedroom. He grabbed the pillow of the bed and buried his face in it, closing his eyes as he inhaled deeply. He wished he could take something of Harry’s with him to work, a T-shirt or something. He placed the pillow back into his nest and already looked forward to returning in the afternoon to lie down in it.

*

Having Harry’s phone number didn’t make things easier for Louis, or more like made things much easier.

He had decided not to lie to the alpha anymore to get him to come over, but saying he had a stressful day at work, or that his colleagues were giving him a headache were barely lies. He texted Harry every day, during work, during his lunch break and when he was on his way home, to make sure he’ll meet him there.

Some days Harry was already standing in front of the door when Louis arrived, smiling at him as he walked closer. Others, he arrived shortly after. On Tuesday Louis ordered food for them again but on Wednesday Harry waited in front of his building with a bag full of groceries and cooked them dinner. He brought enough so he could cook on Thursday again, but on Friday Louis announced he would order pizza for them.

Harry agreed and they ate the pizza in the living room while watching a movie. Louis got tired after they had finished eating and they lay down, snuggling on the couch as the movie played in the background. When it was over, neither of them felt like moving, so they let the credits play and after some time the TV turned off by itself.

Louis sighed and cuddled closer back into Harry’s embrace, who sighed as well and tightened his hold around Louis.

This week with Harry had felt so natural, Louis thought. They got along so well and Louis never felt like Harry pressured him into doing anything he didn’t want, in fact he didn’t pressure him into anything, always waited for Louis to make the first step, always asked Louis if he was okay with it.

Harry had become a friend over the past couple of weeks, a close friend. They were spending a lot of time together and Louis could admit, that, even though it went against his plans, he had developed feelings for the alpha. And yet Louis just kept lying to him, he blinked his eyes open, frowning in the darkness. He kept lying to Harry, who was nothing but nice to him, who helped him, who came over whenever Louis asked him to. Louis finally had to tell him the truth, it couldn’t go on like this any longer.

“Harry?“ Louis whispered when they were snuggled up on the couch and he was drifting in and out of sleep.

“Hmm?“ Harry hummed sleepy from where his face was pressed against Louis’ neck.

“I have to admit something.“ He continued whispering as his heart picked up speed and he swallowed.

“What is it?“ Harry whispered back.

Louis wasn’t sure why they were whispering but it felt right in this moment, in the darkness that surrounded them.

Louis swallowed again “I - I have been asking you to come over under false pretences.“ He finally got out “I actually haven’t been feeling sick at all. I wasn’t even feeling sick on that first Sunday anymore. I just wanted you to keep scenting me.“ He whispered with a beating heart.

Harry was quiet for a moment and Louis’ heart continued racing as he waited for a reaction from him, but the alpha stayed completely still behind him, he was probably shocked at Louis’ admission, his constant lies.

Louis sighed and turned around so he could face the alpha “Harry?“ He whispered “Say something. I’m sorry.“ He could barely make out his face in the dark.

“Louis,“ Harry said with a deep voice “I know.“ There was a smirk in his voice.

Louis raised himself on his elbow as he blinked rapidly “What?“ He exclaimed “What do you mean you know?“

Harry raised himself on his elbow as well and chuckled quietly “I kind of knew that Sunday already. I wasn’t sure, because you were really ill on Saturday, but your scent was completely back to normal on Sunday. But I thought you might still feel weak, so I didn’t think too much of it, when you wanted me to scent you again.“

Louis swallowed, he thought he might get sick.

“Then when you kept returning to the pharmacy with excuses, asking me to come over and scent you, I knew you weren’t actually ill.“

“Why didn’t you say anything?“ Louis asked mortified.

Harry shrugged one shoulder “I figured you needed some time and you’d tell me when you’re ready. Which you just did.“ He said with a smile and Louis could see his white teeth flashing in the darkness. “And I didn’t really mind scenting you.“ He added quietly.

Louis fell back on the couch, covering his face with his hands “God, this is so embarrassing.“ He groaned.

Harry chuckled “It really isn’t.“ He tried to soothe Louis.

“It really is.“ Louis said into his hands “I was making up all these stupid excuses this whole time and you just knew I was lying to your face to get you to scent me.“ Louis rubbed his hands down his face “I’m sorry.“ He said glancing up at Harry “For lying to you.“

Harry shrugged his shoulder again “ ’s okay.“ He said looking down at Louis “But since we’re admitting things, I have a confession myself.“

Louis blinked “You do?“ Maybe he wasn’t going to be the only one embarrassed tonight.

Harry nodded and licked his lips “Yeah.“ He cleared his throat and Louis could feel that he was nervous all of a sudden, so he raised himself back onto his elbow, intrigued.

“What is it?“ He asked curious.

Harry huffed out a laugh “God, now this is embarrassing. You’re gonna laugh at me.“ He took a shaky breath in and Louis watched him intently, curious as to what this admission might be.

“Okay, so, um -“ He took another deep breath in and sat further up on the couch “You know that Saturday when you came into the pharmacy?“

Louis nodded “When I was ill, yeah.“

“Yeah.“ Harry agreed “Well, that wasn’t the first time I’ve seen you.“ The alpha mumbled.

Louis frowned confused and sat up as well “What do you mean?“

“You’ve been to the pharmacy before, twice at least in the past year since I’ve worked there.“

Louis thought back, he didn’t really go to pharmacies often, hence why he didn’t have any medicine at home. But Harry was right, he did go once a couple of months ago when his sisters were visiting and Daisy got a stomachache one day. And then he went probably about half a year ago to get Liam some pain killers when he had a bad hangover.

“Yeah, you’re right.“ Louis said after a moment, stunned “How did you know?“

Harry glanced down at the couch “Because I saw you.“ He said quietly.

Louis blinked at him “I didn’t see you.“ He almost whispered.

Harry shook his head slowly “One of my colleagues helped you both times, I was always busy with another customer. Except for that Saturday.“ He said with a crooked smile.

“You saw me.“ Louis stated again and Harry nodded “And did you recognise me again that Saturday?“

“Of course, immediately.“ Harry said “I - god this is so embarrassing.“ He glanced up to the ceiling now “I thought you were really beautiful when I saw you for the first time, so I hoped you’d come in again.“ He mumbled quickly.

Louis’ mouth fell open as he stared at Harry in disbelief “You thought that I was beautiful?“ he asked stunned.

Harry looked back at Louis “I still think you’re beautiful. Like, really beautiful. And I love your scent, so much.“

Louis felt dizzy, he didn’t see this coming at all “I absolutely love your scent.“ He whispered.

“You don’t say.“ Harry said with a smirk and Louis shoved his shoulder.

“Shut up, don’t ruin the moment.“ Louis huffed “As I was saying, your scent is okay.“

Harry made an indignant sound “Is that why you lure me here with lies all the time?“ He asked laughing.

Louis snorted, he felt giddy with excitement, knowing now that Harry liked him back “Fine, your scent is nice, more than nice actually and I can’t get enough of it. Also you’re not bad on the eyes.“ Louis mumbled and they were both quiet for a moment, turning serious again. Louis swallowed, since they were being honest, he might as well be completely honest. “And I - I think I might be in love with you.“ He breathed out.

Harry’s lips parted and he looked at Louis with wide eyes “I am in love with you.“ Harry said amazed.

Louis let out a surprised laugh and Harry joined him as they both continued staring at each other.

“So if I am in love with you and you are in love with me,“ Louis started slowly “then what are we doing still talking?“ He asked only half joking.

“What are you waiting for?” Harry asked with another smirk and a low voice. “Come and get what you want.” He said determined.

Louis didn’t hesitate another second after the invitation and crawled into Harry’s lap slowly, placing his knees on the sides of his thighs. He bit his lip and glanced down at Harry’s face with a racing heart. The smirk on the alpha’s face was gone and had been replaced by an amazed and wanting look.

Louis stayed in place and they simply stared at each other for a moment. His eyes dropped down to Harry’s lips, before he licked his own.

“Can I?” He asked quietly and when Harry only nodded in reply, Louis immediately leaned forward, and pressed his face into the side of Harry’s neck, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath in. He shivered when the scent engulfed and relaxed him as he sank further into Harry’s body with a smile. He continued rubbing his face on Harry’s neck, scenting him, while his hands grabbed his shirt. He could hear Harry breathing shakily somewhere in the distance and then he brought his own hands up to Louis’ back, pressing him closer to his chest.

Louis sighed as he continued nuzzling Harry’s neck, feeling completely at peace.

Harry’s face was suddenly on Louis’ neck and the omega’s eyes snapped open at the sensation as his lips parted and he silently gasped.

The air was filled with a mixture of their scents, leather mixing with citrus and patchouli with vanilla. It smelled perfect and like it belonged together, like their scents were made for each other. Louis couldn’t help but nibble lightly on Harry’s neck, trying to get as much of his scent as possible, before carefully licking over the spot, making sure he didn’t actually hurt the alpha.

“Louis.” Harry whispered and Louis was so lost in the moment that he missed it the first time “Louis.” Harry repeated, squeezing his back and Louis blinked his eyes open, before pulling his head back a bit to look down at Harry’s face. He looked truly ruined and Louis knew he must have looked the same, at least he felt that way.

“Let’s go to the bedroom, yeah? More comfortable?”

Louis slowly blinked down at him, licking his lips as his eyes were drawn back to the neck, before he looked back at Harry’s face. “Bedroom, yeah.” He slowly drawled “Let me just-” he started as he slowly tried to untangle himself from Harry to get up. But Harry simply tightened his hold on Louis and smiled up at him.

“I got you.” He said quietly as he slid his hands down to Louis’ bum, before rising from the couch, picking Louis up in the process.

Louis knew he shouldn’t like this, he should protest and be asked to be put down, tell Harry he’s capable of walking himself. But he didn’t find it in himself to protest, he was perfectly content staying in Harry’s arms and pressing his face back to his neck. He wrapped his legs around Harry’s waist and his arms around his neck and let himself be carried to the bedroom.

He could feel Harry pushing the door to the bedroom open, before closing it again and a moment later, he was softly placed on the bed, while Harry continued standing next to the bed, nervously biting his lip.

“What are you doing?” Louis asked impatiently, already missing Harry’s touch and scent.

“I just- I didn’t want to assume.” Harry stuttered and Louis rolled his eyes lovingly, he had never met such a respectful alpha in his life.

“Come here right now, Harold.” Louis demanded, stretching out his arms and smiling happily when Harry complied instantly, settling in between Louis’ legs, both of their faces finding their necks immediately.

Louis whined as Harry began scenting him again and the alpha suddenly pulled his face back and stared down at Louis, who looked up at him quizzically.

“Why did you stop?“

“I really want to kiss you.” He said with wide eyes.

Instead of a reply, Louis raised his head and connected their lips in a kiss. The kiss was heated from the start, both of them licking each other’s lips before parting them for the other and moaning into their mouths. Louis could feel himself getting wet and knew that Harry had to be able to smell it by now, so he wrapped his legs around the alpha’s hips and pulled him down fully on top of himself. He could feel Harry’s hard dick through his jeans and moaned against his cheek.

“Fuck, Harry.” He gasped against the side of his neck.

Harry began rutting against Louis “You smell so good.” He muttered before softly biting Louis’ jaw “Can smell you’re so wet for me already.” He grumbled and Louis couldn’t help another moan from escaping him, before pushing his hips up and meeting Harry’s.

Louis’ own dick twitched and his hole became even wetter at the feeling and at Harry’s deep guttural moans.

“Want you.” He muttered in between passionate kisses against Harry’s lips.

“What do you want?” Harry mumbled back.

“You. Your dick, fuck!” He screamed when Harry sucked on his neck harshly “Inside me.”

Harry growled against his neck and Louis felt the slick run down between his legs as his eyes fluttered closed.

“Fuck me alpha.” He whispered and Harry growled again, causing more slick to run down between Louis’ legs.

“Gonna take good care of you.” Harry said against Louis’ neck as he kissed and licked down it and to the omega’s chest. He slowly lifted the hem of Louis’ T-shirt and pulled it up over his head as Louis stretched his arms up for him.

Harry’s hungry eyes immediately roamed over Louis’ naked torso and he licked his lips “So beautiful.” He whispered as he pressed a kiss to Louis’ left nipple “Gorgeous.” He said and pressed another kiss to his right nipple “The most beautiful omega.” He said and pressed soft kisses to Louis’ belly.

Louis sighed happily at the compliments and writhed underneath Harry’s touch as his hands and lips roamed over his naked chest. He was so wet, he wanted the alpha inside him now.

“Take this off.” He growled and pulled on Harry’s shirt, pulling it up over his head.

Harry quickly rid himself of his T-shirt, before pulling on Louis’ joggers and briefs, taking them off and his own followed right after.

Louis gasped as he saw Harry’s hard, throbbing cock for the first time, his mouth watering and his hole getting slicker by the moment as he whimpered.

Harry glanced down between Louis’ legs and bit his lips, probably seeing the wet spot between them on the mattress, where the slick was running down.

“Please alpha,“ Louis whispered, spreading his legs wider, feeling desperate “I need you inside me.“

Harry breathed harshly as he looked back up at Louis’ face with dark eyes, full of lust and want. He leaned forward and captured his lips in a hungry kiss, running his hands up Louis’ thighs and stomach.

“Are you sure you want this?“ Harry asked quietly.

“Never wanted anything more.“ Louis replied quickly. It wasn’t a lie, he had never in his life felt this desperate to sleep with an alpha, to feel them inside himself.

Harry nodded and pressed a last soft kiss to Louis’ lips before leaning back and aligning his cock with Louis’ hole. Louis spread his legs impossibly wider for Harry and then the alpha pushed inside slowly, making both of them gasp. Harry’s dick slid in easily, as Louis was so wet for him.

“Fuck, Louis, you feel so good, so tight.“ Harry groaned, screwing his eyes shut when he bottomed out and simply stayed still inside him for a moment.

Louis was panting already, as the emotions overcame him. The feeling of Harry finally inside him, it felt like it was meant to be. Harry slowly began thrusting in and out of Louis, both of them gasping, moaning and panting.

He could smell their mixed scents filling the room around them. It smelled like lust and passion, the scent was addicting.

Louis thought of turning them around for a moment, of riding Harry, the way he usually did with other alphas. He liked to show them, that even though he was an omega, he could still be in control, that he wasn’t weak. But with Harry it felt different. He enjoyed feeling the alpha’s bigger, stronger body covering his own completely, the way he licked and bit at Louis’ neck, almost like he was ready to mark him. And Louis happily baring his neck for Harry, asking him silently to scent him, bite him, lick him.

“Yes, alpha!” Louis moaned when Harry thrust particularly hard into him and nibbled on his mating spot.

Harry growled on top of him and continued his thrusts, licking over the mating spot.

“You feel so good.” Harry mumbled against his neck “Such a good omega.” Harry praised and Louis keened at the compliments, as his body produced a new amount of slick. This was exactly what his omega wanted, no, needed to hear, praises from his alpha.

“Yes, alpha? Am I good for you?” He whispered breathlessly.

“Never met such a good omega. The best.” Harry gritted out as his thrusts became more erratic and Louis threw his head back as he moaned loudly. “Yes,” Harry praised him, his thumbs digging into Louis’ hips as he scented Louis once more “So pretty omega, the most beautiful.” Louis keened again “Mine.” Harry suddenly added with a low voice and bent down to bite at Louis’ mating spot again, not quite hard enough to actually mate him, but hard enough to send a shiver, the feeling of a rush, through his body.

“Yes.” Louis whispered back, baring his neck impossibly more for Harry “Yours, alpha.”

He knew alphas tended to become possessive during sex and honestly, he didn’t mind, that was nothing new. However what was new, was the feeling he had of actually wanting Harry to be his alpha, of actually wanting him to mate him right at that moment.

He knew rationally that it was too early for that, that they still barely knew each other and that you didn’t mate someone after such a short period of time. But the irrational part of him, the emotional part, bared his neck to Harry as best as he could and wanted him to mate him, was ready to beg for it.

“Please, alpha.” He whimpered and Harry’s face came up from his neck to look down at Louis’ face. Louis was a little disappointed at the loss of the touch, but when he opened his eyes, Harry looked down at him with such an intense, caring look, that he didn’t want him to look anywhere else anymore. Louis whimpered as he stretched his chin up “Kiss me alpha” he whispered and Harry obeyed immediately, crashing their lips together in a passionate kiss. He licked into Louis’ mouth and the omega moaned at the feeling of their tongues meeting, it sent a spark through his body.

Harry pulled his head back a little “Say you’re mine.” He whispered in the small space between their lips, before nibbling on Louis’ bottom lip.

“Yours.” Louis gasped as Harry thrust into him.

“Louder.” The alpha ordered. 

“Yours.” Louis moaned as Harry’s thrust became harder and faster.

“Who is mine, omega?” Harry growled.

“Me, alpha. I’m yours. I’m your omega.” He said and when Harry’s thrusts suddenly became erratic he repeated himself, head thrown back as it felt so good, he was close “You’re my alpha!” He screamed and when Harry bent down to bite on his mating spot again, he came immediately.

He could feel the slick running down his legs as he slowly came down and blinked his eyes open again. Harry was still thrusting into him hard.

“I’m gonna-“ he suddenly said, and was about to pull out of Louis, when the omega stopped him.

“No don’t.” He said, hand on Harry’s where he was pulling himself out of Louis. The knot on his dick was beginning to swell “Want you to knot me.” He whispered looking directly at Harry and the alpha actually shivered at Louis’ words.

“Are you sure?” He asked staying completely still inside Louis.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Louis said “Alpha.” He added with a whisper and Harry shivered again as he pulled his hand away from his cock and his growing knot, slowly thrusting into Louis again.

“You can still change your mind, I can still pull out. But not for much longer.” He panted on top of Louis.

Louis rolled his eyes. He knew knotting was something intimate, to be connected to another alpha for that long, while they spurted their come into you. It was an intimate moment for every mated couple and Louis didn’t usually do this with other alphas. But with Harry he wanted to. He kind of wanted everything with him.

“I’m sure.” He soothed the alpha and rubbed his face in his neck, scenting him. “Now fuck me like you mean it, alpha.” He whispered into the alpha’s ear and another shiver went through Harry’s body before he picked up speed again. His knot began swelling inside Louis and the omega gasped at the feeling, his eyes shooting open. He felt full, he felt complete “Alpha.” He whimpered one more time and then Harry let out a guttural moan as the first load of his come shot into Louis.

“Omega!” Harry shouted and came inside Louis.

Louis marvelled at the feeling of Harry’s come filling him up and caught himself for a moment wishing he wasn’t on birth control. Since his heat was approaching, there could be a small chance of him getting pregnant. It was probably just the hormones talking, but he wouldn’t mind having a baby from Harry.

Harry collapsed on top of Louis panting, while his knot stayed securely inside him. Louis closed his eyes and smiled as he slowly ran his fingers up and down Harry’s back and they both came down.

Harry hummed appreciatively after a moment before mumbling into Louis’ neck “Do you do this often?”

Louis blinked his eyes open and wasn’t sure what Harry meant, having sex? “What do you mean?“

“I mean-“ Harry shuffled a little until he was able to rest his head on his hand, so he could look down at Louis. His knot not allowing them to move much “I mean the knotting.” Harry explained.

“Ooh.” Louis understood, he shrugged “Not really to be honest. I mean I’ve tried it before obviously, to know what it feels like, but I haven’t really found an alpha yet, that I feel comfortable being stuck to for 30 minutes.” He smirked “It can get awkward when you’ve just met at a club.”

Harry chuckled as well “Yeah that’s true.” He licked his lips and glanced down at Louis’ chest “Me either.” He mumbled before glancing up at Louis’ face again “I mean I haven’t knotted that many people either. For the same reason as you said. I feel like it’s something special that you share with another person that you feel comfortable with.

“Really?” Louis asked surprised. He had just always assumed that most alphas knotted every omega they could get their hands on “How do you do that during your rut then?”

Harry shrugged a shoulder and one corner of his mouth twitched “They make toys for that.”

Louis laughed loudly “I believe it. They have nice knots too, I’ve got them in all different colours and shapes.” He said with a wink.

“Really?” Harry said interested and he could feel his knot twitching inside himself.

Louis smirked “Really, but that’s for another time.”

*

After about thirty minutes, Harry’s knot had gone down so he could pull out of Louis and they decided to take a shower together, washing each other’s hair and bodies and sharing sweet, wet kisses.

They dried off and put on comfortable clothes before shuffling to Louis’ kitchen to have some water.

“I’m kind of hungry, what about you?“ Louis asked after they had each finished a glass of water.

Harry nodded “Me too.“

Louis got two bowls out of a cabinet “Cereal?“ He asked, handing Harry a bowl.

Harry nodded and accepted the bowl from Louis, watching him as he got different kinds of cereals and a carton of milk out and placed them on the table. They each filled their bowls with cereal and milk and sat down to eat it.

Louis could feel Harry’s eyes on him so he smiled and looked up at him “What?“

Harry shook his head and took another spoonful of his cereal, chewing it slowly “You’re so far away is all.“

Louis rolled his eyes affectionately. He kind of missed Harry’s touch as well, even though he was sitting right next to him, it was ridiculous really “Do you want me to sit on your lap, would that make you feel better?“ He pretended it was a joke but secretly hoped that Harry would say yes.

Harry swallowed his cereal before nodding slowly “I think I’d quite like that, yes.“

Louis huffed and rolled his eyes, pretending that he thought Harry was being ridiculous, but couldn’t hide a smile as he climbed on Harry’s lap, sitting on it sideways so they could both continue eating. “Hi.“ He said when he was seated comfortably and one of Harry’s hands wrapped around his waist.

“Hi.“ Harry said with a small smile and placed a soft kiss to the corner of Louis’ lips.

Louis felt incredibly happy at that exact moment, he felt like he was where he was meant to be. He would have never done this with any other alpha, sat on their lap, being clingy or needy, but everything was different with Harry.

“We’re gonna be one of those disgusting couples aren’t we?“ He asked with a smile “The ones that are constantly on top of each other?“

Harry’s eyes became wide as he looked up at Louis “We are a couple?“ He asked stunned.

The smile fell off Louis’ face as a surge of panic went through him. Did he misunderstand everything? Did Harry just want something casual? “I thought, since we, you know, established that we both fell in love…“ He trailed off, his voice becoming weak.

Harry brought his other arm around Louis’ waist as well and smiled at him “I would like that very much.“ He said with a soft smile.

Louis felt relief wash over him “Yeah?“

Harry nodded “Only been waiting for this day since the first time you walked into the pharmacy.“

Louis tipped his head back and laughed before cupping Harry’s cheeks in his hands, connecting their lips in a gentle kiss.

As much as Louis sometimes hated being born an omega, the weak and needy gender, he wouldn’t want it any other way in this moment with his strong alpha in his arms, smiling against his lips.