Harry had said goodbye to Zayn and the cats and now he and Louis were walking down to the harbour.

Louis had insisted on coming with him to 'help carry his bags', but of course it was just so they didn't have to separate so soon.

The walk down was quiet, neither of them feeling much like talking. Fog had drawn in around the village, creating a misty haze which matched the mood.

It pained Louis to see that the ferry was already pulling up as they arrived, and by the look on Harry's face he felt the same.

They both placed the bags down, turning to face eachother. Harry avoided eye contact, looking down at Louis's feet with watery eyes and trembling lips.

"See you later Curly." Louis's voice cracked halfway through causing Harry to finally look up.

He stepped forwards and into Louis's embrace, resting his head on Louis's shoulder. "See you later Lou."

"Text me when you get home so I know you're safe. And text me if you need to talk to someone."

"I will." Harry nodded, his voice coming out as a whisper. "Yeah, I will."

Louis held the back of Harry's head gently, playing with his curls for s minute before the ferry honked- signalling the fact that it had docked.

"Well, um, see you later Lou." Harry repeated.

"Travel safe love." Was all Louis could get out.

Harry picked up his bags, looking back at Louis as he boarded. Once he was settled he gave another wave to Louis, trying to ignore the pit in his tummy.

And then he was off.

//

Louis could barely keep his tears in as he trudged home, letting go completely as soon as he stepped into his house.

Zayn, who was sat on the sofa, immediately stood up to comfort him. He hugged him tightly, rocking the pair from side to side.

"Everything is gonna be alright Lou. This isn't the end."

"He lives fucking hours away Zayn-" Louis cried.

"You're gonna see him again. You can facetime him, you can visit him, he can visit you. It's okay. Look, I'll get someone to look after the pub today, we'll just sit in here with blankets and ice cream and watch TV, okay?"

Louis nodded, sniffling against Zayn's chest.

"Lou," Zayn spoke softly, "he left you this. He said he will definitely come back but he wants you to have something to remember him by whilst he's at home."

"That's not his home." Louis murmured hoarsely, "he said it doesn't feel like home."

Zayn just gave him a small smile, handing him a little box. Louis moved to the sofa, curling up as he opened the box. A little message fluttered out and Louis reached for it.

Lou, I know you don't wear rings (I really think you should) but I want you to have this. It fits my pinky so it should fit you and your tiny hands. I'll miss you but I'll see you soon- H xx

Louis lifted up the small piece of foam, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It was his gold ring with a red stone encased in it.

He immediately pulled out his phone, texting Harry.

Lou: thank you so much, you're the sweetest. I miss you. How's the journey fairing?

Curly: I miss you too. I'm glad you like it though :)

Curly: it's all misty and I'm the only one on the boat. I don't like it. It's okay though, not long on here left.

Lou: do you wanna call?

Curly: I can't :( the signal is going in and out

Lou: you excited to get home?

Curly: I don't know. I'm excited to see Ni and Liam but I'm still crying because I miss you

Lou:

Louis sent a photo of him holding up a peace sign with a pout on his face and Zayn laughed at him from across the room.

Within a few seconds he got one of Harry doing the same pose.

Lou: look at us, goals, also Zayn is laughing at me

Curly: that's not very nice, I THINK I JUST SAW A DOLPHIN

Lou: OMG REALLY

Curly: I DONT KNOW

Lou: I miss youuuu

Curly:

The two texted for the rest of Harry's ferry ride, Louis keeping a smile on his face despite the tears.

//

Harry took a few deep breaths as he stood outside his apartment. Before he could even think about it he knocked. Shit, oh shit.

The door flew open and within a second Harry was embraced in a tight hug from Niall and Liam.

"Oh, hello." Harry squeaked.

"Harry!" Niall yelled.

"Hi." He repeated, smiling shyly.

"Let's get your stuff in and then we can catch up." Liam smiled warmly.

Harry nodded, standing awkwardly.

Liam slipped past him, picking up Harry bags and ushering him in.

"Where do I, um, where do you want me to sit?"

"It's your house too Haz." Niall frowned, "sit wherever you want."

"Sorry. I know I'm being weird...just a lot has happened you know."

Liam just nudged him and nodded to the sofa. Harry sat down, Liam sitting next to him and Niall sitting opposite.

"You look happier Harry." Liam observed.

"Really? I thought I looked like I'd been crying." Harry frowned, standing up to look in the mirror.

"Have you been crying?"

"No, a little bit, yes, maybe." Harry winced.

"Are we that bad?" Niall feigned hurt.

"Not you. I just miss Louis and the island. And I don't like it much here." He admitted, he may as well be honest.

"You don't?" Liam looked surprised.

"Fucking hate it." Harry laughed a little. "I just don't like the city. I think Eroda made me realise that."

"Is that the island you went to?

"Yeah." Harry realised he hadn't actually told them that, only that he was down south. "It's off the coast of Cornwall."

"You'll have to take us there someday maybe?" Liam tilted his head.

"Yeah." Harry nodded, "Louis's friend Zayn is really nice, I think you two would get along with him. And Louis, you'd like Louis. He's really sweet and funny. He bought me this necklace." Harry showed them the gold locket with a smile.

Niall and Liam exchanged glances, smiling at how happy Harry got when he talked about Louis.

"It's really pretty." Niall grinned. "We need to meet this Louis and thank him for taking care of our Harry."

"You sound like you're my parents talking about meeting a new boyfriend." Harry groaned.

"Well we are, aren't we?"

"Louis is not my boyfriend." Harry pouted.

"Leave him be." Liam nudged Niall with a smirk, "he's just had a long journey. We can ask about his boyfriend later."

"You're mean." Harry pouted. "But how've you been?"

"Worried sick." Liam gave him a pointed look.

"Sorry dad." Harry muttered, "but look, I'm fine. All in tact."

"And what about up here," Niall tapped his head, "is that all in tact?"

"Getting there. I no longer really want to jump off a cliff." He gave them a smile.

"Is that why you went there?" Niall asked and Liam nudged him. Bless him and his lack of filter.

"Ow! What d'ya do that for?" He scowled.

"It's fine Liam." Harry mumbled, "I may as well talk about it. You're gonna find out at some point. I, um, I almost did it but Lou read the letter and he came after me and stopped me before I could jump."

"Oh god Haz." Liam's puppy dog eyes seemed to tear up.

"Please don't like, tell anyone. Or don't talk about it too much, I don't really like thinking about it."

"Course not." Niall nodded, "I hope you know how much we love you. Come here, let's have a group hug."