"Louis!" A voice called out, accompanied by a gentle tap on his face. He groaned, slowly opening his eyes, only to raise a hand to shield them from the harsh sunlight streaming in. Blinking against the brightness, he straightened up with a wince, his neck and back protesting in sharp, stiff aches. It hit him then-he had fallen asleep in the chair.

"Ouch," Louis muttered, wincing as he forced himself upright.

"That's what you get for falling asleep on a dining chair," Harry, standing right beside him, said, his frown deepening as he looked at him.

Louis simply groaned in response.

"What time is it?" he mumbled groggily.

"It's five. Go sleep in your room; your back must be killing you," Harry replied, concern lacing his voice.

Louis nodded and stood up from the chair, his gaze falling on Harry, who was standing right in front of him in a black suit. Harry was always in a black suit. How many did the guy even own? Louis wondered.

Just as he turned to leave, his stomach growled loudly. Harry's hand shot out, stopping him in his tracks.

"You should eat something first," Harry insisted.

"No, I'm alright. I'm not hungry," Louis replied nervously, shifting on his feet. The last thing he needed right now was to throw up.

"Not hungry?" Harry raised an eyebrow. "Your stomach just growled."

"I mean, I'll sleep first, then I'll eat," Louis answered quickly.

Harry raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Alright. You've got weird eating habits, you know?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Louis muttered, waving him off as he walked away.

"Why were you sleeping here, anyway?" Harry called out as Louis made his way toward his room.

"My choice!" Louis shouted over his shoulder before stumbling into his room and practically collapsing onto the bed.

Louis woke to the unwelcome sound of his phone ringing at 10 AM. He let out a disgruntled sigh as he reached for it, having desperately wanted to sleep in. The thing was that his semester had ended just a few days ago-and with it, the grueling exam period that had consumed his every waking moment-Louis craved nothing more than to sleep in for a few days before the next and final semester would start. But as he lay there, rudely awakened, he couldn't help but wonder if he was somehow doomed to forever forfeit a peaceful morning's rest.

Louis answered with a whine, "What is it, Niall?"

"Harry's, Louis. You went back, didn't you?" Niall asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

Louis reluctantly admitted, "I did."

"Did you have the talk with him like we discussed?" Niall asked, hopeful.

Louis's flat "No" spoke volumes.

Niall's disappointment was clear. "You just went back, same old, same old? No progress?"

Louis's casual "Yup" only added to Niall's frustration.

Niall exhaled heavily. "I'm on my way over."

Louis, still lounging on his bed, lifted his head. "Bring a spicy chicken sandwich, please? I'm dying over here."

Niall's tone was wry. "Because food is clearly the answer to all your woes."

Louis pressed on, undeterred. "And, Niall? Pray to every god that I don't throw it up. I desperately need to keep something down. I'm running on fumes."

Niall shot back, "Maybe a doctor's visit would be more effective than divine intervention."

Louis started to retort, "Why can't you just-" but Niall hung up, cutting him off mid-sentence.

Thirty excruciating minutes passed, each one ticking away like an eternity for Louis. Convinced his starvation would soon turn fatal, he was rescued by the sound of the doorbell. He flung open the door, revealing Niall standing in the hallway, a telltale paper bag in hand.

Without a word, Louis ushered Niall into the living room, collapsing onto the couch beside him. Niall handed over the bag, and Louis ripped it open, revealing the coveted spicy chicken sandwich.

In mere seconds, the sandwich vanished, devoured with ravenous intensity. Louis leaned back, his eyes closed, savoring the fleeting satisfaction of a craving finally satiated.

Niall watched, amused. "That was... impressive."

Louis opened one eye, a hint of embarrassment flickering across his face. "I was starving."

The brief respite of satisfaction from the sandwich wore off, and Niall's expression turned somber. "Why did you come back, Louis?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Louis's gaze drifted downward, his voice barely above a whisper. "I had to, eventually. Couldn't avoid it forever. I made a deal. I signed a contract. I had to come back."

Niall's eyes narrowed. "You should've talked it out with Harry first. Cleared the air."

Louis's sigh was heavy with resignation. "It wouldn't have changed anything, Niall. Harry wouldn't have cared. He never does."

Niall's voice held a glimmer of hope. "Maybe Harry would listen now, considering... everything." He gestured subtly toward Louis's abdomen.

Louis's eyes snapped shut, his face contorted in desperation. "I'm not even sure yet, Niall."

Niall's tone turned urgent. "Then go to the doctor, for goodness' sake! What are you waiting for? You're jeopardizing your health, Louis. Your omega is already compromised. Being with your family helped temporarily, but that was just a Band-Aid. You need to confront the root of the issue."

Louis's eyes remained closed, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths. Niall's words struck a chord, but Louis's fear and uncertainty kept him paralyzed.

Niall's voice softened, infused with concern. "Louis, you can't keep avoiding this. Your health, your relationship with Harry... it's all interconnected. You need to face the truth, and get help."

Louis's voice cracked, his words tumbling out in a desperate rush. "I know, I know, but how can I say anything when Harry...?"

Niall's brow furrowed, concern etched on his face. "When Harry what, Louis?"

Louis's eyes welled up, his voice barely audible. "Wants to divorce me."

Niall's eyes widened in shock. "The divorce clause?" he whispered.

Louis nodded, defeated. "It's there. But it's only for two years. After that, he'll leave me, I'm sure of it."

Niall's expression rejected the idea. "Don't be ridiculous, Louis. He won't divorce you, especially if you're pregnant. That would complicate everything."

Louis's laugh was laced with bitterness. "You don't know Harry. He has a heart of stone. He can do anything, no matter how cruel."

Niall's face softened, his voice gentle. "Louis, that's not true. Harry may be flawed, but he's not heartless. And if you're carrying his child, he'll come around."

Louis's eyes filled with tears, his voice barely above a whisper. "You don't understand, Niall. He's already made up his mind. I can feel it."

Niall's sigh was followed by a gentle gesture, his hand covering Louis's. "Please, Louis, talk to Harry about this. Or his parents. But first, you need to see a doctor."

Louis nodded reluctantly. "I know I should."

Niall's expression turned resolute. "Then let's go."

Louis's eyes widened in alarm. "Now?"

"Yes, when else?" Niall stood up, his movements decisive. "You can't go alone, and I'm not letting you put it off anymore. Come on."

Louis protested weakly, "Niall..." but his friend's determination was unwavering.

"No arguments, Louis. Get up." Niall's tone was firm but gentle.

Louis recognized the futility of resistance. Deep down, he knew Niall was right; he desperately needed medical attention. His body was screaming for it.

With a resigned sigh, Louis stood up, earning a reassuring pat on the back from Niall.

"Let's get you sorted out," Niall said, guiding Louis toward the door.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

As they arrived at the hospital, Louis's nervousness escalated, his hands trembling visibly. The phone call en route had secured an appointment with a gynecologist, a small mercy amidst his growing anxiety.

At the reception desk, Niall offered a reassuring smile before taking a seat in the waiting area, leaving Louis to face the unknown alone.

With a deep breath, Louis pushed open the door to the examination room. A kind-faced nurse greeted him, handing over a clipboard with a comprehensive form.

"Please fill this out, Mr. Louis," she instructed, her voice soothing. "We need your height, weight, blood type, and relationship status, among other details."

Louis's hand hesitated over the relationship status section, his mind flashing to Harry and the uncertain fate of their bond. He scribbled down "Mated" with a sense of trepidation.

Next, the nurse requested a urine sample, which Louis provided with a mix of embarrassment and relief.

As he handed over the sample, the nurse offered a warm smile. "The doctor will be with you shortly. Please, take a seat."

Louis sat down, his eyes drifting around the sterile room, the sound of his own heartbeat echoing in his ears.

Louis perched on the examination bed, his anxiety spiraling out of control. Twenty agonizing minutes ticked by, each second an eternity.

The door swung open, and Dr. Amelia, a warm-smiling beta, entered. Her eyes sparkled as she extended a gentle hand. "Hello, Mr. Styles. Congratulations! You're pregnant!"

Louis's heart skidded to a halt. The room seemed to tilt, his vision blurring. That smile, those words - they confirmed his worst fears.

He forced a weak smile, his voice barely audible. "Thank you."

Panic set in, his mind reeling. This couldn't be happening. Not now. Why did these instant result urine tests even exist? A few more seconds of blissful ignorance would have been welcome.

Dr. Amelia's voice pulled Louis back to reality. "Now, let's discuss your health. You're showing signs of exhaustion and an unbalanced diet. We need to address these issues to ensure a healthy pregnancy."

Louis's thoughts swirled, his world crashing down around him. How would Harry react? Would he still want to divorce, or would the pregnancy change everything?

Dr. Amelia's words continued, but Louis's mind wandered, lost in a sea of uncertainty and dread.

Dr. Amelia's expression turned serious, her eyes locked on Louis's. "As an omega, your health and well-being are crucial during this pregnancy. I must stress that you require proper care and support."

Louis's gaze dropped, his shoulders sagging under the weight of her words.

"Your mate needs to understand the importance of nurturing you during this time," Dr. Amelia continued. "He must provide emotional support, ensure you're eating well, and help manage your stress levels."

Louis's eyes flashed with skepticism, but Dr. Amelia pressed on.

"Omega pregnancies can be delicate. It's essential your alpha takes an active role in caring for you. I want to see him at your next appointment, understood?"

Louis nodded reluctantly, his mind racing with the likelihood of Harry's cooperation.

"Now, let's discuss your treatment plan and schedule follow-up appointments," Dr. Amelia said, her professionalism reassuring.

As she outlined the details, Louis's thoughts drifted to Harry, wondering how he would react to the news - and the doctor's stern instructions.

Louis exited the examination room, his emotions in turmoil. Niall stood up from his seat in the waiting area, concern etched on his face.

"Hey, how did it go?" Niall asked, falling into step beside Louis.

Louis took a deep breath before delivering the news. "I'm pregnant."

Niall's expression changed from concern to happy. He grasped Louis's arm, pulling him into a gentle hug. "Congratulations, mate."

Louis's laugh was tinged with anxiety. "Thanks, Niall. I'm freaking out."

Niall guided Louis to the hospital cafeteria, where they found a quiet corner to sit.

"What did the doctor say?" Niall asked, his eyes locked on Louis's.

Louis relayed Dr. Amelia's words, including her emphasis on Harry's role in his care.

Niall's face darkened. "Harry needs to step up, Louis. This isn't just about him anymore."

Louis's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "What if he doesn't, Niall? What if he still wants out?"

Niall's grip on Louis's hand tightened. "Then he's an idiot, Louis. You deserve better. We'll get through this together."

The promise in Niall's words offered a fragile sense of comfort, but Louis's uncertainty lingered.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Louis arrived home, bidding farewell to Niall before heading up to the penthouse. He wasn't surprised to find the place empty-Harry often came home late. But for some reason, the emptiness stung more than usual tonight. Maybe it was because Harry had just brought him back yesterday; Louis had hoped he'd be home on time today.

Louis sprawled out on the couch in the living room, lost in thought. He knew he needed to tell Harry; that much was clear. But he wasn't ready-not yet. He had to plan the conversation carefully, go over every detail in his mind before he could bring himself to say it.

Time ticked by, the silence punctuated only by the soft hum of the city outside.

Louis hadn't noticed the time slipping by-an hour passed, then another-while he remained deep in thought. His mind was consumed with thoughts of Harry, the doctor's endless instructions, and when to tell his parents. He resolved to follow the doctor's advice to the letter. Normally, he was careless about his health, but this wasn't just about him anymore. It was about his child.

He decided he'd tell his parents after he had told Harry. It was just easier that way.

But when it came to Harry, Louis still hadn't reached a conclusion. Just as he was grappling with his indecision, the sound of keys turning in the door went unnoticed. Harry entered the penthouse to find Louis lying on the couch, staring up at the ceiling, oblivious to his arrival. There were tears in Louis' eyes, a reflection of the overwhelming thoughts swirling in his mind

"Louis?" Harry called softly.

Louis jolted, his eyes snapping to Harry, wide with surprise. He quickly wiped away his tears and sat up.

Harry, standing in front of him with his coat draped over his arm, frowned, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "What's with you and falling asleep everywhere but your room?" he asked.

Louis glanced down at the floor, shrugging. "It feels too lonely in there," he muttered.

Harry pursed his lips slightly, then let out a quiet breath and, to Louis' surprise, sat down beside him.

"What's wrong?" he asked gently, his eyes on Louis, who was still staring at the floor.

Louis shook his head. "Nothing."

"You sure?" Harry pressed, his tone soft but insistent.

Louis blinked, caught off guard. Why did Harry care?

"Yeah," Louis replied with a nod, though the unease in his voice betrayed him.

Harry sighed and leaned back on the couch, his gaze now fixed straight ahead. They sat in silence for a few moments before Harry finally spoke.

"I wanted to apologize," he said quietly.

Louis glanced at him, surprised. What had gotten into him today?

"For what?" Louis asked, unsure of where this was going.

"The whole aftercare thing," Harry admitted. "I asked a few people and realized that, with mated couples, aftercare is important. I didn't think it applied to us. But I should've provided it. I'm really sorry."

Louis raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yeah. I mean it. I should've known better," Harry said, his tone sincere.

Louis shrugged slightly. "It's okay, I guess. I've moved past it." And it was true. He had bigger things to worry about now.

"Thank you," Harry murmured.

Louis simply nodded, his eyes drifting away again, lost in thoughts he wasn't ready to share.

Harry straightened up, giving Louis a gentle pat on the back before rising to his feet.

"You should get some sleep," he said.

"I will," Louis replied quietly.

"Well, goodnight," Harry said, though there was a hint of hesitation in his voice. He knew something was off.

"Goodnight," Louis responded, standing abruptly and walking away before Harry could say more.

Harry's eyes lingered on Louis as he made his way to his room. He stood there for a few moments, uncertainty etched on his face, before finally sighing and heading to his own room.