Chapter Text
It’s raining again. Just like it has been every day for the past week. Louis has his feet tucked under his bum as he sits on the nook of his window; merely watching as the rain keeps splattering. The drops are making patterns before they slide away—out of sight. Louis can’t help but sigh as the heavens decide to continue to flood the city of London. A tiny whine escapes from the back of his throat.
It’s been a long month since the incident. A very painful four weeks, three days, two hours, and eighteen minutes, to be exact. Louis is here now though, in London. Even with him sitting in this new flat, Louis still can’t believe he’s actually here. Mainly because four weeks ago, Louis was convinced he was going to die. In fact, he was determined never to retake another breath. He was fully committed to surrounding himself with pity, guilt, and loathing.
Yet here he is—alive and as well as he can be considering what happened. Louis is a male Omega in a strange new city, living in a flat with unknown roommates, and he’s semi-okay. Then again, it’s hard to truly be okay after losing your Alpha.
Truth is, Louis hasn't been okay this past month. A month ago, Louis, and his alpha, Brad, were on the way home to their shared flat. They were going to complete the mating bite and forever tie their lives together; however, on the way home, Brad was shot and killed. The two never made it home; never did the bite. Louis has been grieving ever since. That's why Louis wanted a fresh start; somewhere new that wasn't swarming with painful memories. He needs this.
Honestly, it's not like Louis doesn't have a support system. He has great mates and a lovely family back home. In fact, his mum tried so much to help him move on but at the end of the day, she just can't comprehend what it's like for an Omega to lose an Alpha. She's a Beta and an unbonded one at that. There's a certain connection Louis had to Brad that simply doesn't go away so easily. Louis tried to explain this, but in return, she went with tough love. She dragged Louis out of the flat and into the middle of the road and left him there until a truck came speeding by.
She had him pinned down and claimed she would allow the truck to end both of their lives if he wanted to die this bad because she wouldn’t be able to live if he slowly killed himself from grief. So, Louis cried as he pushed both himself and his mother out of the way of the oncoming vehicle and locked himself in the bathroom until his skin looked like prunes from the pouring water of his shower.
He was trying to wash his past away but nothing worked. His body still ached and his heart still longed for his Alpha—truly nothing worked. That’s why when he was offered a job in London working at a local newspaper, he jumped at the completely random opportunity. He found this flat and now here he is all moved in, awaiting his new flatmates, and watching as the rain continues to pour down.
⸟⸹⸟
The first flatmate Louis meets is Harry—who happens to be an Alpha. Harry is fairly tall, with curly brown hair, and emerald green eyes, and has a personality that only fits an Alpha. He’s cocky and walks into the flat as if he’s already a King. He walks into the flat with four Betas following after him—carrying various objects to help the Alpha move into his room. Unsurprisingly, Harry doesn’t even help them move his belongings, just stands around smirking. It irritates Louis' soul.
Harry decided his time could be best spent getting to know the place he would call home. So, instead of helping move his objects, he wanders around just taking in the new scenery. It’s when he comes back from the kitchen, does he notice Louis. Harry’s gaze quickly turns from an inquisitive stare to one of determination.
“Hmm,” the alpha hums as he looks the omega up and down. Louis looks at the curly-haired guy and sees him trying to talk. “You’re cute. Who are you?” The Alpha questions; taking a few steps towards Louis, who takes a few steps back in response.
“I was here first, mate.” Louis raises a brow. “So, I should be asking you the same question.” Louis rolls his eyes at the dimples showing on the stranger’s face.
“’M Harry Styles, your new flatmate.” Harry introduces first; clearly amused. Louis nods and goes to shake Harry’s hand; who decides to kiss the back of Louis' hand as he emits a low growl of approval.
“I can see you’re a right charmer Harry, but there’s no need to waste your charm on me because it won’t work.” Louis takes his hand back. “It would be best to use that skill in convincing more Beta’s to be your slaves.” Louis tilts his head to the side to evaluate Harry before he turns around and heads back to his room.
“Hey wait…” Louis hears Harry call out; his voice slightly lower.
Louis turns around and catches green eyes fixated on his bum.
“I never got your name.” Harry continues, his eyes still roaming over Louis with nothing but lust contained in them. Louis merely rolls his eyes in response and walks up the stairs where he meets three young Beta's are eagerly awaiting the Alpha downstairs.
“That’s because I never gave it.” Louis deadpans. “Oh, and Styles, you’ve got puppies up here awaiting their master.” Louis can vaguely hear a low murmur of curses being given at his retreated back but chooses to laugh and shrug it off.
Living with Harry is definitely going to be a challenge.
⸟⸹⸟
Meeting Zayn is a lot more interesting than meeting Harry. Louis instantly picks up on the fact that Zayn seems to have this small problem involving privacy—or personal space of any kind. Louis learns this fact as he’s taking a shower, due to him feeling disgusted just by being in Harry’s presence.
Coming out of the shower, Louis walks into his bedroom and makes a startled cry, from the back of his throat, as he sees a random Alpha standing in his bedroom. It’s not that the Alpha is bad-looking—in fact, he’s quite attractive. He’s a bit taller than Louis with a nice brown beard—shaved—and a short buzz-cut hair style. He has brown eyes that border on Hazel, but he’s still standing in Louis’ bedroom.
Simply standing. Not talking, just standing.
Louis’ towel drops from his hands and his nipples instantly harden from the cool air. The strange Alpha tilts his head to the side and Louis notices that there’s a pencil and a pad in the lad’s hands. He’s drawing. Louis. Who is naked. Louis blames this on being an Omega and nothing else as a screeching whine escapes the back of his throat—calling out for Harry.
“Harry….” Louis shouts and his brain is too frazzled to have enough sense to pick up the towel before the green-eyed Alpha comes bounding in wearing only briefs and has flushed cheeks. Harry pushes past the strange Alpha, in the doorway, and immediately freezes upon looking at Louis.
The smaller boy sighs and rolls his eyes quickly picking up his towel to wrap around his hips as he points a thin finger at the Alpha in question.
“Get that stranger out of my room,” Louis demands and Harry probably would respond if all the blood wasn’t flowing down south.
“For fucks sake Harry, stop staring at me and go all Alpha on that freak!” Louis shouts and pushes Harry’s head toward the stranger who is steadily drawing away; almost as if he is completely tuning out his surroundings.
“You have a belly piercing.” Harry, finally, croaks out instead. His voice comes out shaky and Louis can’t help but groan. This is pointless.
“Yes, I have my naval pierced. Thank you for noticing.” Louis replies in a very sarcastic tone, and all Harry can do is growl and fight his every instinct to pounce on the Omega.
“Why…why are you in his room?” Harry finally questions, his voice slightly more demanding and this startles the Alpha at the door. He looks up with brown eyes and frowns briefly.
“Sorry, I’m Zayn your new flatmate.” The Alpha explains. “I saw the door cracked and peeked inside to see who was there and I saw him naked and couldn’t help myself. I’m an artist and when I see something fascinating, I can’t help but draw it; it’s like the ultimate high.”
Zayn speaks with such confidence and pride that Louis might be drawn into him if not for the fact that Alpha is currently drawing Louis naked. Sweet words be damned.
“I appreciate you finding my naked arse fascinating, but I would really appreciate it if you would kindly fuck off now. You too Harry.” Louis commands. Louis sighs as he watches Harry frown at him in return. Probably upset about having to leave with Louis being naked.
“It’s okay.” Zayn shrugs. “I don’t mind leaving, I already have you memorized so I can finish the drawing later.” And honestly, Louis doesn’t even know what to do with that information.
“Really?” Harry sounds hopeful. “Because I don’t have him memorized, can I have that drawing once you’re done…” Harry continues to talk as he and Zayn walk out the door. Louis makes sure to slam his door shut—and lock it—after hearing Zayn murmur ‘sure’ in response to Harry.
Feeling tired, Louis is definitely done with meeting flatmates. And now that Louis knows of Zayn’s tendency to be a peeping tom, Louis is going to have to lock every door and remain clothed at all times.
⸟⸹⸟
Meeting Liam is a lot more interesting, yet less invasive than meeting his other two flatmates. It is just half past seven at night and Louis is rising from a much-needed nap. So, he descends to the kitchen to look for a takeaway menu his mum had provided for him on move-in day. Upon reaching the kitchen, Louis gets startled.
There is a wheel on the wall that is color-coated and has five names labeled on it. Under the wheel is a list of chores; each labeled with a different color as well and to the left of the kitchen is a fortress of toilet paper and batteries. Louis isn’t sure what is going on but the mystery bearded Beta packing the fourth pair of rubber gloves into a random drawer is sure to be the culprit.
“I’m sorry but who are you?” Louis questions and startles the doe-eyed boy.
“I’m Liam Payne another flatmate. I presume you must Louis only because I met Zayn and Harry already, and well you don’t look Irish to me so…” Liam trails off and begins to shove another pack of rubber gloves under the sink while Louis silently judges.
“Right I get it another flatmate, but now my question is what is with all the stuff?” Louis questions while he gestures wildly to all the crap that is piled at nearby rooms. Liam ducks his head to hide his blush.
“I saw a documentary when I was eight about the world ending due to global warming and ever since then I’ve dedicated my life to being prepared for the sun exploding.” Liam explains. Louis has so much to comment on but he’s not sure where to start first.
Maybe he can start with laughing, because that’s exactly what he does. Completely ignoring the hurt look that flashes the Beta’s eyes.
“It’s not nice to laugh at people,” Liam frowns. “You’ll be sorry when the world goes up in flames and you aren’t proper prepared.” Liam defends and Louis holds his sides as he wills his body to stop laughing.
“Yeah, that is totally rude of me mate.” Louis admits. “I shouldn’t have laughed but seriously Liam? Global warming? If the sun does explode do you really think 100 packs of toilet paper is going to stop it??” Louis asks while pointing to the items in question.
“In case we survive we’ll need supplies.” Liam responds like a mother hen defending her babies.
“And we’ll need toilet paper?” Louis fires off more questions. “What are we going to do? All of a sudden gain diarrhea? And what’s with all the batteries?” Liam frowns at Louis’ choice of words.
“You can never not need toilet paper.” Liam starts to go on a tangent. “Besides, you’re an Omega so if you decided to go into heat, and your batteries ran out of your toys, there would be plenty extra…” Louis gapes at the admission and is about to tell Liam where he can shove a dildo when a pair of green eyes pops up from around the corner.
“Trust me Liam, if Louis goes into heat, he won’t need any damn toy.” Harry grabs at his own dick. “My body is at your disposal, Louis. Just use me as you wish.” Harry’s voice is so low that it might have been slightly seductive if Louis is being honest.
But Louis is a fan of denial and refuses to allow his Omega body to betray him and respond to the cheeky Alpha, so instead of giving a response Louis presents his middle finger to Harry and grabs his wallet and keys. Going out for dinner sounds like a much better idea anyways.
⸟⸹⸟
It is upon arriving back from dinner does Louis meet Niall, the final flatmate. Niall is a bundle of Irish energy and is walking around the living area holding two beers in each hand before sitting on the couch. The telly is set up with a game system and FIFA is currently being played.
“Oi mate, I’m Niall Horan nice to meet you.” Niall states while taking the largest sip of beer Louis has ever witnessed.
“Yeah you too.” Louis greets. “Hey, mind if I watch?” Louis asks the room and all make room for him on the couch, but Louis decides to sit on the floor after Harry’s hand keeps accidentally ‘roaming’ onto Louis’ lap.
“While you were gone Niall moved in.” Zayn explains. “The crazy lad only brought with him three suitcases and ten packs of beer.” Louis nearly got whiplash at how quick he turns to face Niall. Niall merely shrugs at Zayn’s words.
“I’m but a simple man in need of nothing in life but me liquor and food.” Niall grins. Louis grunts at the Beta and envies his simplistic mind.
“That’s not very smart, one should always be prepared.” Liam states with a frown etched onto his face. Niall merely shrugs again and finishes his fifth beer.
“Eh life’s too short to think too far a….” And that is it. Niall simply trails off and snores can be heard instantly.
“Ahead…I think he was definitely going to say ahead.” Louis states, not at all concerned about the sleeping Beta. Maybe the guy has narcolepsy.
“Should we wake him?” Liam questions.
“Maybe he died.” Harry suggests.
“Of course, he’s not dead Harold, he’s snoring.” Louis can’t help but state.
“I heard that once you die you snore and shit yourself.” Liam adds in and Louis groans at the ignorance filling the room.
“Fart Liam…once you die your body contains gas and sometimes bodies fart.” Zayn responds for Louis and Louis would hug the Alpha if he hadn’t remembered the whole naked situation earlier.
“No need to be so rude.” Liam grunts in response and turns back to watching Zayn play FIFA.
“My Omega isn’t rude…” Harry tries to say but Louis makes a scoffing noise to cut him off.
“I am not your…” Before the word Omega can be spoken Niall stirs in his sleeps and then shouts out….
“Ahead…” As if nothing happened. The other’s just stare at him for a brief moment before bursting out into conjoined laughter.
Louis is now convinced this new chapter in his life is going to be anything but dull and he just prays that everything will work out for the best. And maybe, just maybe he’ll find some closure and move on. If only Zayn learns privacy, Liam stops being weird, Niall stops falling asleep mid-sentence, and Harry bloody Styles stops trying to fuck him.
Yeah, Louis’ life will never be the same again not with having the flatmates.