Chapter Text
“Please stand with your back against the wall.”
Louis followed the Nurses’ order silently.
“5 foot 7.”
“5’9 my arse.” Zayn laughed.
Louis shot him daggers before going to stand on the scale.
“Okay. Perfect Louis. We’ve just got a few more vitals to check and then we will get a doctor in to see you.”
Louis nodded and let the Nurse check his blood pressure and oxygen levels.
“Right, you’ve lost around a stone very quickly Louis. Now you are strictly speaking still overweight but losing that much weight that fast is concerning so I’m going to take your blood and check your electrolyte level.”
He could feel Zayn and the Nurses’ eyes on him but he refused to look up, understanding he wasn’t going to respond the Nurse drew his blood and then left the room.
“Louis-“
“What?” He snapped before Zayn could finish.
“You know what Louis. I’m not playing soft anymore. You’ve lost a stone in a little over a month. This is serious.”
“It wasn’t on purpose, I’m just never hungry anymore.”
“Well you need to try harder. Because I swear to god I will force feed you if -“ Zayn was cut off again from the door opening.
“Hi Mr Tomlinson. I’m Doctor Rollins. You’ve met my Nurse Sarah.” Louis nods. “I’m afraid I want to keep you in for a couple of days. Could you give us a moment please?” He asked Zayn.
“It’s fine. He can stay.”
“Very well Louis. Your electrolytes are low. Your blood pressure also seems unsteady and you’re at an increased risk of heart failure. Have you any idea how you lost that much weight so fast?”
Louis shrugged, his head down looking at his feet. God those shoes used to be white, he supposes they’re quite old and probably needs new ones.
“He hasn’t been eating. Maybe an apple and a few spoonfuls of dinner. He’s had a rough month.”
“Thanks Zayn.” Louis sneered. Zayn rolled his eyes in response.
“I basically had to drag him here today, I’m sorry he’s not being responsive.”
“Well, let me show you to your room Louis.”
****
“Hey Zayn, everything okay?” Harry chucked his keys on the counter and began to undo his laces.
“Yeah sorry to bother you, I’m sure you’re at work. But Louis has been admitted into hospital and-“
“What? What happened?” Harry swore he could hear his heart beating. He picked up the shoe he just took off and began to relace it.
“No no, don't worry. I took him for a physical and they’re concerned about his weight loss. His vitals didn’t come back great and neither did his blood work. They want to keep him in for a couple of nights and watch him eat, make sure his vitals pick up again. Anyway I know he would appreciate a visit so I’ve just texted you his room number. I’ll be here for a couple more hours.”
“Okay, I’ve got a couple of errands to do first then I’ll be right there.”
******
“Hey you.” Harry took in his surroundings of the room and little Louis in the middle of the hospital bed, he looked miserable. Hair disheveled, tear tracks down his round cheeks. His double chin had made an appearance as he had his head bent down looking intently at his fingers.
His head snapped up and he met Harry’s eyes.
“Coffee mate? I’ll give you both some space.” Zayn got off his chair and walked out the room.
“Take it Zayn’s filled you in.”
“He’s just worried, love. We all really are.” Harry sat down in Zayn’s place and gave Louis the Yorkshire tea he had made him in a travel mug.
“You shouldn’t be. There’s nothing wrong.”
“Then why are you in hospital with an IV attached to your hand hm?”
He looked at Louis with fond eyes and reached out for his hand. The corners of Louis’ mouth twitched a little at the movement. Almost smiling, but not quite.
“Seem to think I need it. Which I don’t. I’m fine.” Louis used his other hand to wipe away a stray tear.
“Babes, if nothing is wrong then eat a little more for us and you’ll be out in no time.”
“The doctor said I’m still overweight so surely it’s good I’ve lost some. Honestly I don’t see the big deal.”
He said the word overweight with so much disgust it tugged at Harry’s heartstrings.
“Look babe. Here’s the thing. If you want to lose weight there are healthy ways of doing that. Starving yourself is not the-“
“Woah, Jesus Harold that’s not what I’m doing. It just happened. I’m just not hungry.” Louis snatched his hand out Harry’s and tucked himself under the covers.
“I’m tired. Thanks for coming and all but I need some sleep so..” Louis shut his eyes and curled up in himself.
“Right. Well I’ll be off then. I’ll come see you tomorrow?” Louis didn’t respond so Harry let himself out.
He can’t really bear to look back so just spins on his heel and walks out the door. Thankfully he bumps into Zayn.
“What happened mate?”
“I told him if he wants to lose weight there are healthy ways of doing so, and he just flipped. I hate seeing a friend like that.” Harry sighed and took the coffee Zayn was offering him.
“I know. Look, there are definitely things you don’t know about Louis’ last relationship. There’s probably stuff he’s not even told me. But I’ve learnt his immediate reaction to his vulnerability is to push people away. Just don’t let him, yeah?”
Harry nodded, thanked Zayn and went back to his flat to mope.
He started to look through Louis’ Facebook, his old photos were so sweet. Pudgy cheeked 15 year old Louis laughing with a friend, crinkly eyes and sweet freckles dusting his cheek.
His tagged photos were definitely ones that louis’ wouldn’t have posted himself.
Louis shirtless on a beach, sitting down on a towel. His tummy rolls and thick arms on full display. Holding a 99 ice cream and his other arm wrapped around a young looking Zayn. The photo must be at least ten years old. Louis looked so happy.
Harry decided then that he wouldn’t rest till he saw Louis that confident and happy again.