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Chapter Text

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I do NOT allow changes to my stories/adaptations

“This is ridiculous,” Louis mumbled looking into the vending machine. The bag of cheesy Dorito goodness stared back at him, probably grinning if it could. He peeked over his shoulder at a fellow student who had headphones on his ears and an annoyed expression on his face.

Louis growled at the machine, punching it. “I’ll break you.” His voice fell to a hissed whisper, “I’ll fucking break you right now. You hear me?” Louis only had one dollar –only one dollar! He’d luckily found a twenty five cent coin on the floor when he exited the train this morning. Louis didn’t have money to just eat when he wanted. He was a struggling college student trying to get a Bachelor’s degree in Education. This wasn’t fair and this wasn’t right!

He knocked on the glass softly, at first, hoping it would have some affect –when it didn’t, he kicked it. “Come on!” He kicked the machine once more. “I hate you!”

“Um, excuse me.” The boy behind him touched his shoulder.

Louis cringed and turned around slowly. “May I help you?”

“I need to get to class.” The boy, whose hair was tied in a loose bun, looked extremely –bored. “I’ve been waiting like ten minutes.”

Louis smiled, hands clasped together, nodding. “Oh.” His eyes dropped into a squint, “That’s nice.” He shrugged, “I’ve been waiting almost ten minutes too.” He slammed his hand against the machine making the few people passing by stare. “And guess what, curly top?” Louis’s teeth clenched. “You will wait another ten minutes if it takes that long –to get my fucking chips!” Louis spun around shaking the heavy metal contraption. “I don’t care how long you wait! There are four other fucking vending machines on this goddamn floor! I am hungry and tired!” Louis panted against the machine, staring at the bag that haunted him. His sweaty forehead smudged against the glass as he took a peek back at the man.

“Do you have something to say?”

“Yeah.” The man took off his headphones, leaving them around his neck. “You’re insane.”

Louis laughed, using the vending machine as a crutch. “If I bother you so much go to another vending machine or be a good citizen and help me out.” He stood up straight, adjusting the bag around his body. “Your choice.”

“Can I please just get what I want?” The boy was tall and, if it came down to it, he could probably kill Louis. But that was alright because Louis was on two energy drinks, a soda and two waffles from this morning. He could take him.

“You’re not getting anything from this vending machine. Not unless you help me.”

“Oh my God.” The man groaned, walking around the side of the machine. “I knew I shouldn’t have transferred here.”

Louis made a gagging face. “No one is around to care. Can you help me or not?”

“Shake that side.”  The man rolled his eyes. “And I’ll shake this side.”

Louis smiled, hugging the machine from the side. “Hm, what if this falls on me?”

“Then I get to buy what I want and go to class.” The curly bun man, which Louis thought was a perfect name, began rocking the vending machine from side to side. He looked over at Louis, “you aren’t doing anything.”

“Oh, we rock now?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, where you moving it?”

“Yes.” Curly bun man glared at him.

Louis shrugged, “didn’t feel like you were doing much.”  Louis tried shaking the machine, using very little effort. He looked back over to the guy, “You know, I think this was a bad idea.”

“Oh my God.” Curly bun man hit the side of the machine. “Did it move?”

“I don’t know.” Louis peered into the glass. “Nope. Again.”

So curly bun man hit it again. “Did it move?”

“Yes! –no wait. No.” Louis looked over at him. “Sorry, didn’t move.”

“Ugh.” He scooted Louis from in front of the machine. “What is it? –The Doritos?”

“Yeah.” Louis bent down to the last row, pointing at it. “It’s the last one.”

The man chuckled dryly. “That’s what I was coming to get.”

“Hm?” Louis looked up at him, “Seriously?”

“There is none in the other machines. I guess we can share it.” He sighed and took out his dollar twenty-five from his pocket. Curly bun man put it into the machine. “What number is it?”

“F 13.”

He pressed the buttons and pulled his hand away quickly. “Wait, did you say F 15?”

“No!” Louis screamed in horror watching the protein bar fall into the pit of the machine. His jaw fell while his hands slid against the dirty glass. “Why would you do that? We could have shared it!”

“I thought you said F 15! You like –like mumbled!”

“I said F 13! F 13!” Louis reached into the metal door and held up the bar with a gruesome frown. “This is gross!”

“Dammit.” Curly bun man kicked the machine. “Stupid bag.”

Louis’ eyes didn’t move from the bag as he held up the bar. “Bye. Thanks for trying to help.”

“I’m sorry, man.” He grabbed it and sighed. “You’re welcome.”

“It was sarcasm! Go away!” Louis was on his knees unable to look away from the bright red bag.

“Asshole.” A hard something hit the bag of his head. He looked down at the protein bar as the man walked away.

“Oh! So mature!” Louis threw the bar back, missing by far. “Your bun looks like shit!” He watched the man walk away, headphones back on, middle fingers up.

“And you smell like lavender! Lavender smells like shit!” Louis dropped his head against the vending machine hearing something fall. He looked inside not seeing the red bag that had once been stuck there.

“Oh my God.” He stuck his hands inside the door and pulled out the beautiful bag. “Oh my God!” He shot up and looked around excitedly, “Curly bun man, look!” Louis was alone in an empty hallway. “Damn.” He smiled brightly at the bag but stopped before opening it. He actually did it, he got it out! All while using his head!

Louis stuck the bag into his bag. He had to hold onto it until he saw curly bun man again. Louis smiled proudly –smugly, this Dorito bag would be his trophy.

Chapter Text

“Oh why me!” Louis shouted gripping the tree branch tightly. “Cats are simultaneously the most evil and good creatures on the planet earth.”

Louis had heard something while studying for his test on Friday. It was a small recognizable sound, a very small annoying recognizable sound. He looked up from the tree he was sitting under to find a black and white cat staring back at him. When Louis looked around no one looked the least bit concerned for the poor animal. Louis was to be the hero.

Here was Louis. Stuck up in the tree in which the cat had been stuck but was no longer stuck. The cat was gone because the cat was never stuck, the cat had just been sitting and meowing to possibly annoy the shit out of Louis. –And it had. But now Louis was stuck –in a tree –with no one around because everyone was in class where he should be.

“Hello!” Louis groaned rolling his head in circles, “I am stuck!” He sighed looking down at his bag and books. “So far away. –Wahh!”

“Are you okay?”

“Hm?” Louis looked around, “Hello! Help!”

The man walked around to the front of the tree. Their faces contorted at the same time. Louis looked off into the distance, “you’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

“What the hell are you even doing up there?”

“Nothing!” Louis shouted, almost falling but quickly held on. “I am just sitting here, enjoying the breeze.” He spread out one hand, “you know, enjoying the scenery.”

“Really?”

“Yeah really –no, you idiot! I’m stuck!” Louis glared at him.

“Do you need help?”

“No.” Louis smiled, “leave me here to die, please.”

“Okay.” Curly bun man began walking while placing his head phones back on his head. “See ya.”

“No!” Louis reached out a hand. “I was kidding! Help me, please! I have to go to class!”

The man turned around, looking back up. “Oh, do you?”

“Yes!”

The man chuckled, covering his eyes from the sun, “how ironic.”

“Oh, really?” Louis put a hand on his hip. “If this is about the Doritos –oh!” He pointed a sharp finger at him. “Speaking of Doritos! I was able to get the bag out, ha!”

He crossed his arms, “did you now?”

“Yes, I did.” Louis stuck out his tongue. “It is in that bag right there! Look! I’ve brought it every day this week to show it off when I finally saw you!”

The man bent down and opened Louis’ school bag. He tossed the bag up and down, “they’re all crushed.”

“So!” Louis laughed manically, “Now I can eat them!”

“Not really.” Curly bun man smirked, “but I can.” He opened the bag and peeked inside, “yum.”

“What!” Louis shook the branch making some leaves fall. “That is stealing! You’re stealing!”

“That’s nice.” The guy put some chips in his mouth and chewed away. “Still fresh.”

"Fuck you! Fuck you! This isn’t funny! Just wait curly bun man! When you get me down from here, I’m going to kick you in the neck!”

Curly bun man hunched over laughing, “When I get you down? Who said I was going to get you down?”

Louis’ eye twitched, “You better.”

“I really don’t have to.” He shrugged, “Because you aren’t inconveniencing me this time so –oh well. Have a nice fall.”

“Please!” Louis begged. “Okay –just! Ugh –I need to go to class, please help me down.”

The tall male sighed loudly but shrugged off his bag, placing his headphones on top. He put the chip bag on Louis’ bag and stood under the branch he was on. “Okay, jump!”

“Are you fucking crazy!”

“Just jump! I’m gunna catch you!”

“This is worse than your idea to shake the vending machine! What are you majoring in –stupidity?”

Curly bun man crossed his arms. “I will leave you here.”

“Ugh,” Louis shook his sweaty hands. “Please catch me, curly bun man.”

“What? Just jump!”

Louis took two deep breaths before carefully sliding off the branch, squealing until he hit the ground –the student's arms.

Louis opened his eyes seeing that him and the man were on the grass. He smiled, arms raised, “Yay! I’m alive!”

“Ugh, get off," The man groaned underneath him.

Louis quickly scurried off of him. “Sorry.”

“You’re so heavy.” Curly bun man clutched his stomach, “Jesus Christ.”

“Hey! You can’t say that to someone you don’t know! You’re rude!”

The man stood up, rubbing his stomach, “Why were you even up there?”

“A cat was stuck in the tree and I was the only decent citizen who was willing to help.” Louis wiped himself off. “I am a good human being.”

“You’re an idiot. Where’s the cat?”

“It wasn’t actually stuck.” Louis blushed, shaking his head. “Asshole cat. He left as soon as I got up there.”

“Whatever. I’m leaving.”

Louis ran over to his bag of opened Doritos. “How dare you open what isn’t yours! You thief!”

"You said to look in your bag.” The man put his headphones around his neck and bag on his back. “It’s just Doritos.”

“It’s just Doritos,” Louis mimicked, using more facial expressions than necessary.

“I don’t sound like that.”

“Yeah, whatever.” He shook the bag in his face, spilling chips, “I was able to get them without your help!”

“I don’t care.”

“Yeah, I bet you do!”

“I really don’t.” Curly bun man pointed to the tree. “Try not to get stuck up in trees anymore.”

Louis turned his feet inward, voice small, “yeah, whatever.” The man smiled at him, making a hot blush creep up against Louis’ cheeks. “Thanks.” He looked at the grass, “For helping me get down.”

“You’re welcome.” The man chuckled, “Have a nice day.”

Louis watched him walk away. The man’s bun was still all messy and he smelled more like lavender than before. Louis rubbed his eye, “What’s your name!”

“What?” The man turned around, “my name?’

“What is it!”

“Harry.”

Louis cringed, “eh, I like curly bun man.”

“Stop calling me that,” Harry laughed, turning away from him.

“I’m Louis!”

Harry held up a thumb but didn’t stop walking. Louis picked up his stuff slowly and stuck his hand into the Dorito bag. He pulled out a broken chip and chewed it. It didn’t taste very fresh at all. It was stale –awful. Louis growled at the sky, “You lied to me, curly bun man!”

Chapter Text

“Help!” Louis banged on the elevator doors weakly, “I am suffocating.”

“Shut up,” Harry panted out, wiggling his shirt for air. “You’re making the air run out.”

“Help!”

“I will kill you to give myself more air.”

“Help!” Louis banged harder, “I’m with a murderer!”

“Louis!” Harry groaned with his head against the wall, “Please, shut up and sit down.”

Louis fell to the floor next to Harry in the small metal box. He brought his knees close to his body. “It’s so hot.”

“Blame yourself.”

“It wasn’t me!” He laid his head against the cool walls, “I didn’t do anything.”

Harry covered his mouth with a sweaty hand, wiping down. “Shut up.”

Louis was about to head home. If he would have just left when he was supposed to. But Louis, being a good citizen, helped his teacher take papers up to his room.  On his way back down, he bumped into his new friend. Not friend, per se, but Louis had been bumping into him a lot.

They said hi to each other, it was awkward, and went in the elevator. Everything was fine until Louis leaned on the buttons. He hadn’t realized it until the elevator made an awful sound and came to a screeching stop. It had been ten minutes since then and he was freaking out.

“Please,” Harry had sweat coming down the side of his face. “Just stop talking.”

“I’m freaking out.” Louis rubbed up and down his arms. “I should have just gone home! What if we stay in here for weeks? I have no food! What’s going to happen?”

“We’d probably die after two days.” Harry pointed lazily at Louis. “You’d die first.”

Louis’ lip wobbled, trying not to cry. “I should have gone home!”

“Relax. Class ends in like twenty minutes. We’ll start making noise then.” Harry wiped the sweat off his forehead. “Talk to me –distract yourself.”

“I thought you said not to talk!” Louis covered his mouth, “now we’re both talking! We’re going to die!”

“Ugh,” He grabbed the back of Louis’ shirt, pulling him across the dirty elevator floor. Harry reached into his bag and handed his water bottle to the distressed college student. “Drink some –sip it.”

Louis grabbed the bottle with shaky fingers, “thank you.” He opened it carefully and took a slow swig. “That’s nice.”

Harry pulled off the arms of his shirt before taking all the material off. “Jesus Christ.”

“What are you doing?” Louis scooted away, cheeks going redder.

“It’s hot, man.” Harry fanned himself, “Trying to sweat the least possible. –Damn, and I have work soon.”

“Wh –where do you work?”

“Hm?”

Louis glanced over Harry’s body. He probably wasn’t gay, Louis didn’t have a chance, but the guy was really cute. Cute with a really nice body and a messy bun that fit his face kind of nice. His body looked even nicer sweaty.

“Um, where do you work?” Louis shrugged softly, “You said you have work soon.”

Harry nodded, closing his eyes, “At a bar.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-five. How old are you?”

“Oh, I’m twenty-three.”

“What are you majoring in?”

“Going for my bachelor’s in education.”

“Which?”

Louis licked his lips. “Early childhood.”

Harry smiled, “nice, you like kids?”

“Not really but I get along with them.” Louis smiled, “what about you? What’s your major?”

“I just got my bachelor’s in social psychology.” Harry wiped his sweat with his shirt, “doing my Masters.”

“That’s nice.” Louis looked around. Their breathing was becoming a bit rougher –louder. Louis sighed and set down the water bottle. He slowly stripped off his shirt catching Harry’s eyes. His face felt warmer –nothing to do with the lack of air, “it is really hot.”

Harry nodded, looking at his phone. “You don’t have a phone, right?”

“No.” Louis huffed, “I’m really broke.”

Harry chuckled, “I believe you.” He stretched his arm up to the ceiling. “Aren’t we all?”

“You lied.” Louis smiled, “About the Doritos being fresh.”

Harry smirked, “just to bug you.”

“Why?” Louis played with his shirt.

“Thought it’d be funny.”

“Ass,” Louis mumbled to himself. “Curly bun man.”

“Why?” Harry laughed, sweat coming down the side of his face. “Why do you keep calling me that?”

“You have curlies.” Louis leaned over to touch his hair, “Wow, it’s soft.”

“What did you expect?”

“I don’t know.” Louis retracted his hand, wiping his face, “and well, your hair is in a bun –and the man thing, well you know.”

“I see.” Harry groaned standing up, “Well, don’t. My name is Harry.”

“I prefer curly bun man.”

“That’s a really stupid name.” Harry put his shirt on and bent down to pick up his book.

Louis quickly put his shirt back on feeling weird being the only one with his shirt off. “What are you doing?”

“Just stay.” Harry slammed his book against the door scaring Louis. The student jumped back against the wall.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Harry slammed the book against the door again. “So, what’s your nickname going to be?”

Louis stared at the man with big eyes, “Hello! What are you doing?”

“I’m asking you something. What can I call you?”

“I don’t fucking know!” Louis grabbed his arm, “Stop it!”

“Liam!” Harry hit the door, “I think,” he panted. “I’ll call you Chip.”

“What!” Louis put both hands on his hips, forgetting about Harry beating the door down. “Chip, what the fuck. Do I look like a damn chip?”

Harry laughed, “No, but every time I see you, I think about chips.” He hit the door again. “Or maybe I should call you tree.”

“Oh, fuck you.”

“Liam!”

“Haz!”

“A person!” Louis slapped his hands against the elevator doors, “we’re in here!”

“Get someone to open the elevator!”

“They are here! Just hold on!”

“You didn’t tell me you called for help?” Louis frowned, “I thought your phone died.”

“I wanted you to relax. Telling you someone was coming would make you think about it too much.”

“Oh.” Louis quietly twisted his toes in his shoes. That was kind of sweet. “I have a friend named Liam.” Louis collected his things. “He’s my roommate.” Louis wanted to hug Harry but he didn’t. “You’re sweaty.”

“Yeah, I’m the only sweaty person in this elevator.” Harry picked up his stuff and stuck his book back in his bag. “So, Chip?”

“No!” Louis smacked his own forehead. “Louis.”

“Okay,” Harry smiled, staring down at him. “Harry.”

“No.” Louis looked away, chewing away a smile. “Curly bun man.”

“Curly?”

Louis pursed his lips and shrugged, “maybe.”

Harry laughed as the door was slowly pried open. Louis gawked at the firemen and Liam. Harry helped him out of the elevated elevator first before jumping out himself.

“Liam! You know Curly bun man!”

“Louis?” Liam pointed at Harry, “You know Louis?”

“I guess.”

Liam crossed his arms, “I didn’t know you were the one stuck in the elevator with him?”

“Are you two alright?”

Louis looked at the firemen and smiled, “yeah, we’re good.” He looked back at Harry, wiping his wet face, “what a coincidence.”

“Harry is our neighbor.”

“No, he’s not.” Louis pointed at Harry, “You’re our neighbor? No, you aren’t.”

“Well, I didn’t know I was til now.” Harry yawned, “I have to get to fucking work.”

“I am mind blown!” Louis grabbed onto Harry’s arm, shaking it, “you’re my neighbor!”

“Yeah, I should have known though.” Harry adjusted his bag, snatching his arm away. “There is someone next door who’s always screaming.”

Louis looked away from him, pouting, “Jerk.”

“Well, this was fun, but I really have to go.” Harry shook Liam’s hand, “Thank you, man. I thought my message didn’t go through cause my phone died.”

“Wait.” Louis grabbed Harry’s elbow, “Thanks –really.”

“You’re welcome, Chip.” Harry winked at him, backing away. “I really have to go.”

“Fuck you.” Louis stuck out his tongue, “Curly bun man!”

Chapter Text

“What,” Harry grumbled, leaning against the door frame, “are you doing here –again?”

Louis had both hands behind his back. He rocked back and forth on his heel with a cheesy smile, “just bored.” He shrugged softly, “came by to see what you’re doing.”

The older man rubbed his eye, “you’ve come over four times already. Don’t come over unless you need something, I told you. It’s getting annoying.”

“I know!” Louis pulled a jar from behind his back. “I remember you saying that I was annoying the second time and I remember that I couldn’t come without a reason.” Louis nodded, “that was the third time.”

“Then what?”

He shoved a jar at him, “I can’t open this jar!” He smiled, “open it.”

“Seriously?” Harry got closer to his face. “Stop knocking on my door.”

“But –but you said to come if I needed something!” Louis shook the empty jar, “and I do!”

“It’s an empty jar!” Harry grabbed it, “there’s nothing in it! What the hell do you need from it?” He twisted it open and thrust it back at Louis.

Louis looked at it then closed it again. “Nothing,” he shrugged, “just wanted to come and see you.” Louis tightened the jar closed. He looked backed up, holding the jar out. “Wanna help me out again?”

“If you come back, I will call the police.” Harry slammed the door in his face and Louis dragged himself to the apartment next door.

Since finding out Harry lived next door, Louis wanted to constantly see him. Unfortunately, Louis was the type to become attached quickly. Harry was a cool guy and, although Louis had no plans on dating him, he really wanted to try to be his friend.

Harry had the stupidest bun, the deepest dimples, and the lavender odor on him smelled just awful. The first time passing by the apartment gave him an understanding on why the curly haired man smelled so –bad. When Harry had opened the door, a huge whiff had almost knocked Louis unconscious and, after complaining for five minutes, Harry shut the door in his face.

He just wanted to talk to the guy more. He felt a special connection between them. He had been hounding Liam for information on him, but he wouldn’t tell him anything. Liam said that Louis should find out on his own and he was trying! But Harry wouldn’t let him in his apartment, wouldn’t let him even talk for five minutes without kicking him away.

Harry was nice even though his hairstyle was always the same and even though he smelled terrible. He was kind of funny, mostly laughing at him and not with him. Harry was so-not Louis’ type, but it didn’t matter because he was thoroughly obsessed with him. The guy was rude, uncaring and aggravating –Harry was like a scab that you couldn’t help but pick at.

“Liam!” The student stomped his bare feet stubbornly, throwing the jar on the couch. “He kicked me out again!”

“Well, he’s never let you in.” His roommate was in the kitchen, stirring a pot of mac and cheese. “So technically, he hasn’t kicked you out. –Anyway, what do you expect? You brought an empty jar.”

Louis sat at their two seated dining table, gloomy. “Is he gay?”

“No, Louis, I already told you.” Liam set down the pot and pulled two plates from the cabinet. “He has a girlfriend, I told you that too.”

Louis played with the fork in front of him. “Is she ugly?”

“No Louis.” Liam served both plates before throwing the pot in the sink. “She’s not ugly.”

The upset male watched the steam from his plate of food. “Why does he always smell like lavender?”

“What?” Liam paused before eating, “You’re so weird –lavender? He doesn’t smell like –how do you even know what he smells like?”

Louis poked the food with his fork, sighing. “He smells like that gross flower.”

“He smells gross?” His friend chuckled, “then why do you like him?”

“He smells and his bun is ugly,” Louis muttered. “That’s why like him.”

“Since when do people like people because they stink?”

“Liam,” Louis put down his fork. “Can you wrap up my food?” He stood up, running to his bedroom.

“Why! What are you doing?”

He ran back, large book in hand. “Maybe he’ll want to study together.”

“You’re going to annoy him.”

“He said I’m already annoying him.” Louis smiled brightly, “so, how much worse can I do?” He ran to the front door, “If I don’t come back it is because I’ve seduced him –wish me luck!” Louis stood outside Harry apartment, exposed toes wiggling, lips puckered cutely.

“Hey,” Liam stuck his head outside. “Close the door when you leave.”

“Sorry.” He flinched when Liam slammed the door, taking a deep breath before knocking. It took three and a half knocks before Harry opened it. To Louis’ surprise, the man was smiling.

“What do you want?”

“Hi, curly bun man!” Louis lifted his text book to cover his blushing face, unsure why Harry was smiling so wide. “I was wondering if maybe you’d want to study together.”

“No.” Harry was still smiling. He folded his arms, “I am trying to study though.”

“Oh,” Louis’ brow perked up. “Well, study groups usually go better than studying alone.”

“Why are you here?” Harry snickered, “why do you keep coming here even though I obviously don’t want you to?”

Louis turned his bare feet inward, biting the corner of his bottom lip. “I don’t know, I just want to talk.” He tried peeking over the much taller man, “Maybe come inside.”

Harry moved the door so Louis couldn’t see inside. “Do you do this to all your neighbors?”

“Just the ones with that are smelly with messy hair.”

“You’re crazy. Stop saying that I smell.”

“But you do!” Louis leaned closer, sniffing the air, “You smell like lavender.”

“Yes, because I burn lavender.”

“Why?”

“Because it smells good and it helps relax the body.”

Louis held his nose, “it stinks.” He let go, “but I like it.”

“What is wrong with you?” Harry licked his lips, “Stop knocking on my door.”

“But I need something!”

“What?”

Louis squeezed his heavy text book, “a study buddy.”

“Chip,” Harry began.

“My name’s not Chip! My name is Louis! Learn, curly bun man!”

“My name’s not that –that stupid name!” Harry laughed hard, “It’s Harry!”

“Well,” Louis grimaced, “I don’t like that name.”

“I don’t care! It’s my name, you loser!” He shoved Louis, and the man felt the gentle touch down to his knees. “What you like and don’t like about me has absolutely no effect on me –loser.”

“Well,” Louis stood up straight. “If it has no effect, why do you react?”

Harry opened his mouth then closed it, green eyes tight and burning into Louis’ own. Louis scratched the cover of his book, stomach in small knots. “Um…”

The psychology major pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek. “I have never met anyone like you in my life.” Harry squinted at him, as if trying to place him. “So strange. I don’t even know why I’m still talking to you, I should ignore you and close this door in your face.” He licked his lips, pulling on the bottom one, “but I want to see what happens next.” Louis inwardly groaned, face burning up. “You’re like a book or –like a movie, you’re so entertaining.”

Louis shifted, rocking from one foot to the other. His breath shook softly as he breathed, “so, do you think we can maybe hang out now?” His lips pulled into a soft smile, “and maybe I can come inside, and we can talk some more –be friends?”

“Hell no, go home.” Harry slammed the door shut in his face –again.

“Asshole!” Louis kicked the door, “You rude, curly hair, bad smelling…” His voice fell gradually, “Cute, sweet, okay bun man.” Louis stood outside for almost ten minutes before trotting back to his door.

“What the hell are you still doing out here?”

“Hm!” Louis spun around, almost falling over, “You changed your mind!”

“No,” Harry locked his door. “I’m going to work.”

Louis looked him up and down, he was still dressed in all black but now had an apron over his shoulder, “Oh.”

“Tell Liam, when he comes by tonight, to go to booth three if he can.”

“Liam,” Louis slid closer. “Is going to your job?”

“Yes, are you gunna let him know or not?”

“Yeah.” Louis grinned evilly, “I’ll let him know.”

“You’re so weird.” Harry backed away from him to the stairs, “go put some shoes on!”

Louis leaned over the banister. “And if I don’t!”

“I don’t care!”

“I bet you do!”

“No!” Harry laughed, walking to his car. “I really don’t!”

Chapter Text

“Don’t be a creep, Louis.” Liam shoved his friend, “I didn’t bring you here to stock the guy.”

Louis nodded off his roommate’s comment, looking around the bar. He couldn’t see Harry well with the crowd, but he did see him. The man looked a lot happier while serving drinks. He laughed with his co-workers, even took shots with customers. Louis hadn’t stopped smiling, cheeks sore from it.

“Louis!” Niall laughed, squeezing his knee. “I’m asking you a question!

“Hm? Yes? What?”

“How did you meet Harry?”

“You know Harry too?”

“Yes,” Niall took a swig of his beer. “We’re in a mutual friend group.”

“Tell me about him! What does he like!”

Niall looked at Liam, “you were right.”

“I know.” Liam rolled his eyes, drinking his own beer. “Don’t tell him anything.”

“I’m not.”

“Hey!” Louis crossed his arms, almost knocking over his water. “Why are you doing that, Liam?”

“Doing what?”

“Going against me! I like him and you aren’t helping me! You’re not letting anyone else help me! Rude bastard.”

Liam wiped off his shoulder from when Louis spit while screaming, “Louis, if you want to know these things just ask him.”

He peeked back over at the bar. The bar tender was shaking a silver container, pulling a glass from underneath the bar. Louis squealed, “oh, his face is so nice.”

“How the fuck did you even meet him?”

“How did you meet him?” Louis countered. “He’s new here.”

“Yeah.” Niall smirked, “I met him cause of Liam.”

“And how did you meet him, Liam?”

“Because he is our fucking neighbor.”

“How did I not know that?” Louis shook his head, deep in thought. “You would think I’d see him or something.”

“And how did you meet him, Louis?”

“Buying Doritos.” He sat up on his knees, trying to get a better view of his new favorite person.

“Doritos?” Niall finished off his beer. “I don’t even wanna ask.”

“I think I should order a drink.” Louis looked at both of them, “right?”

“You don’t drink, Louis.” Liam put down his beer, “And if you want a drink, just order one from the table.”

“Yeah, but then I won’t see him.” Louis stood up, fixing his shirt quickly, “I’ll order anything.”

“Do you even know any drink names?”

“No.” Louis swallowed his spit, “I’ll just get a beer.” He took a deep breath before taking a step over to the bar. He turned around and ran back, “what beer are you drinking?”

Liam laughed, “Shock Top.”

“Shock Top, got it.” Louis smiled, two thumbs up, “wish me luck.”

“Good luck!” Niall called from behind him.

          Louis toed over to one empty seat. It was a tight fit but he was small and was a perfect fit. He rocked back and forth, hands between his thighs, waiting. Almost ten minutes passed until Louis called over someone. “Hi!”

The man grinned, “Hey, what are you having?”

“Um, curly –Harry?”

“Harry?’ The guy laughed, “we don’t serve that here.”

“Oh.” Louis blushed, “I mean, I’m looking for Harry.”

The man smiled, licking his lips and Louis’ heart fluttered. This, this was Louis’ type but instead he was stuck with pale, stinky weirdo.

“I’ll get him.” He held out his hand, “Zayn, by the way.”

“Louis.” The student kicked his feet softly after Zayn left. His stomach was flipping and flopping, it made him feel sick.

“Oh my God.” Harry leaned on the bar in awe, “Chip.”

“It’s Louis.” He clawed his pants excitedly. “Hi.”

“What are you doing here, Chip?”

“Wh –why else am I here?” Harry looked so professional, dressed in all black, hair pulled back tight in a bun. There were stranglers falling from different sides but it added flavor –added butterflies to Louis’ belly. “A drink, of course.”

“Okay,” Harry grinned, “What can I get you?”

“Um,” Louis couldn’t remember the name of the fucking beer. “Top –bottle?” He bit on his top lip, his voice getting lower. “Shake –stop.”

“What?” Harry leaned closer, “You gotta speak up, man.”

Louis pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth. His hands were really sweaty. “Stop –Top… Top.”

“Shock Top?” Harry laughed, “Do you even drink beer? You don’t look like the type.”

“I don’t.” Louis tried swallowing away his nervousness.

“It’s Shock Top, just so you know,” Harry laughed, and his teeth were perfect. “How about I make you something special?”

“Special?” Louis couldn’t hear his voice over the music.

“Something that matches your personality.” Harry stood up straight, “sound good?”

“Yes.” Louis nodded happily, “yes!”

“Okay,” Harry tapped his knuckles on the bar, “you like margaritas?”

“No.” Louis shook his head. He had tried one once and he really didn’t like it.

“No?” Harry pulled on his lip, thinking, “You don’t drink much, do you?”

“I don’t.”

The bartender nodded, “do you like orange juice?”

“Yes!” He sat up a little straighter, “I love orange juice!”

“Cool.” Harry was really fast with his hands. The man’s fingers were really long too, Louis’ eyes were fixated on them. He filled the glass with ice first, then pulled out a bottle of orange and last, alchol.

“What is that?”

“Huh?”

“What is that!”

      “Vodka!” Harry poured the alcohol into a small metal cup before pouring it into the long glass. He did that twice then filled the glass to the top with orange juice. Harry put an orange slice on the rim, sliding a small napkin to him with his drink. “Try it, if you don’t like it I’ll make something else.”

Louis picked up the glasses apprehensively. He could feel his friends staring at him, laughing at him. And, when he took his first time, he found himself laughing. “It’s really good!”

“Yeah? You don’t have to lie.”

Louis drank some more, “I wouldn’t drink it if I didn’t like it.” It was simple, he liked it.

Harry shrugged, “I can believe that.” He put at the bottles away, “This one is on the house.”

“Wait,” Louis stopped him before he walked away, “why is this like me?”

“Huh?”

“You said that you’d make a drink off my personality. Why is this like me?”

“Oh,” Harry smirked, “it’s called a Screwdriver, the drink. And well you’re all screwed in your head. You’re a weirdo, is what I’m trying to say.”

Louis closed his eyes, smile ripping his face, “Thanks.” He really liked him.

“No problem.”

-

“Another screwdriver, please.”

“Another?” Niall blew fart kisses on Louis’ neck making him giggle. “How many have you had? Five, right?”

         “This will be six, they are so good.” Louis had been sitting in the same spot for a while. He peed six times and almost fell over four times. Liam and Niall came over by his second drink and proved Louis right –they had been laughing at him. Harry had made his second drink but it was getting busier so he couldn’t keep calling him over.

“I hope you’re on a tab,” Liam drawled. They were all drunk, Louis was just really drunk because Louis couldn’t hold liquor. It wasn’t his first time drinking but he just never did it. Alcohol wasn’t something he enjoyed, until right now.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you!” Before Louis could grabbed the drink, a familiar hand did.

Harry shook a finger at his fellow bartender. “No, he’s done.” He took the drink away, “Hey, I’m sorry but I gotta cut him off.”

“Why?” Louis protested, “What the fuck! I’m a paying customer! I’m am of age!”

Liam put Louis’ flailing hands down. “I agree. We’re going home.”

“What the fuck!”

“Hey,” Harry got right in Louis’ red face. “I’ve been watching you for a bit and you can’t even sit up straight. Go home, okay?”

“This is bullshit.” Louis got up with Liam’s help, almost falling if Niall hadn’t caught him. “Fuck this place! Fuck you, curly bun man! You smell like lavender shit poop!”

“I’ll make you a drink some other time, idiot! You’re wasted!”

“Yeah, yeah!” Louis shoved Liam and Niall off of him, swaying against the air. “Go –go buy a fucking mirror! Yo –your bun looks like shit!”

People were laughing at him, including his friends, including Harry. “Curly bun man stinks!” He pointed drunkenly, “The only good thing about him is his drink making skills! –And his nice face and his vo-”

Liam covered his mouth. “Let’s go –I’ll be back, Harry! Close the tab!”

“I can walk! I’m not a chip!”

“You’re embarrassing yourself, Louis.”

“I am a Louis!”

Chapter Text

“Stay here, Louis!” Liam pinned the man down for the third time. “Go to sleep, we have to go pay for all your fucking drinks.”

“One is free.” Louis sang, “Curly bun man said so.”

“Ugh,” Liam covered him up. “Go to sleep you drunk.”

Louis laughed himself into a fit after Liam left. He fell onto the carpeted ground holding his stomach. “I’m not a drunk!” Louis helped himself off the ground and looked around.

“Liam!” Louis called, “Why’d you leave me?” He spun in circles until his stomach was spinning too, “no more spinning.” The dizzy man lifted his head slowly, “I need help.” He chuckled, opening the front door. Louis looked outside, it was raining.

He closed his front door softly, toeing over to over to Harry’s apartment. “Curly bun man?” Louis knocked on the door. “It’s Louis –I need help!” Louis almost knocked again but instead burst into a fit of giggles. “Curly bun man is working!” He shook his head, tip toeing to look inside the window. “Harry’s girlfriend, are you there?”

He tried shaking the doorknob, each time it was locked. Louis groaned, attempting to push the door in. “Open! Open! Open!”

Louis had a better idea.

He clumsily pulled the film off the window. There was a 72% chance the window was open. Louis set the screen down, pushing the window up. He grinned when it rose, jumping up to slide inside.

His ass got stuck, and he probably broke something in Harry’s kitchen, but he was in. Louis slid the window closed.

Before the light was even on, Louis knew he had the right apartment. Lavender, lavender and more lavender. Luckily, he didn’t feel sick anymore.

Louis bounced around Harry’s small kitchen eagerly, making his way to the rest of the apartment. Harry’s place was smaller than Liam’s and his, because it was a one bedroom, but Harry’s was much tidier.

It had a very Zen atmosphere, very calm, very lavender –very Harry. Louis touched the frames on the walls, he touched the couch and the TV. Louis touched the floor and side table. He played with the remote control and laid on the floor for fifteen minutes.

No sooner was Louis fast asleep in Harry’s bed, lavender over filing his nose, was Harry home. Louis hadn’t realized the time that had flown by nor that his name was being called over and over again. He hadn’t realized how long they had been looking for him until –right about now.

“Louis!” It was Harry. “What the fuck are you doing in my house!”

Louis sat up groggily, “Curly bun man?”

“You broke into my house you psychopath! I thought someone broke into my house –you did!”

“I –ugh.” Louis’ world was spiraling. He didn’t break into anyone’s house. Louis looked around the unfamiliar environment, quickly covering his nose. “Where am I?”

“My fucking house!” Harry grabbed him roughly by the shirt, fist raised. “What the hell is wrong with you? Liam and Niall have been going crazy looking for you!”

Louis groaned, “Let me go –I’m gunna –I’m gunna-”

“No!” Harry lifted him with no effort but didn’t make it to the bathroom.

Louis tossed and turned in his arms, warm tears on his cheeks. “I feel so sick…”

“You just threw up on me.” Harry was livid.  “You just threw up me. Oh my God. This is fucking disgusting.” He made a slow trot to his front door, “I cannot believe this shit.”

“I’m sorry.” Louis was panting, his mouth was so dry. “I need water.”

“Open the door, Louis.”

Louis’ hand loosely tried the doorknob. “Harry.” He pulled a face, “I’m gunna throw up again.” The man dropped him hard on the floor.

“Go to the bathroom!”

Louis tripped, running to Harry’s room before finding the bathroom.

-

Louis’ eyes were hazy, very hazy. He stretched his toes before capturing his surroundings. His body was aching like if someone had dropped him –someone had. He moved his sore arm, whining at the pressure against it. Beside him was a recognizable face, and on the other side was not.

The girl had brown skin and a beautiful face. Her hair was brown except for the tips that turned blonde. The person on his right had a bundle of curls, not bunned-up, his face was beautiful but he was snoring.

Louis was not only in Harry’s home, he was in Harry’s bed –inside of Harry’s home. Louis was in Harry’s home, in his bed, in his clothing, next to him (in a bed) and next to a girl, who was probably Harry’s girlfriend. Well, at least Louis hadn’t cried up until now.

The girl shifted slightly before rubbing her eyes, looking at him. He flinched, her eyes matched Harry’s green ones only slightly darker. Louis was expecting a lot; he was expecting screaming, anger, a beating –more screaming. But he wasn’t expecting a smile.

“Hi.” Her voice was soft, “I’m Amethyst.” Louis felt nauseous, praying this wasn’t Harry’s girlfriend. “I’m Harry’s girlfriend. How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay.” Louis had no chance. “May I –get up, please?”

“Sure.”

She moved aside and he shimmied off the bed. Louis swallowed hard, fingers pulling at the end of the large shirt. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble yesterday.”

Amethyst held out a hand, “come.” She walked him into the living room, allowing him to vaguely remember the night before. His mouth felt gross, his arm hurt, and he was starving.

She sat on the couch without making a dent in the fabric. The woman was small, smaller than him. “Sit,” Amethyst smiled tenderly. “Do you remember last night?”

“No.” Louis was unsure if her kindness was a blessing or a curse. “Well, a little.”

“What do you remember?”

“Coming in through Harry’s window.” He pressed his lips together, “I don’t remember falling asleep.”

“Your friends were worried about you. Niall, he was crying –a lot.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, I’m so sorry –Amethyst?”

“Yes.” She smiled, “That’s my name.”

“What does it mean?”

“It is a stone, the gem stone?” She shrugged, “my father liked the name.”

“It’s nice.” Louis smiled, “I’m sorry, this is weird. Why are you being so nice to me? I broke into your-your um, boyfriend’s house.”

“I’m very passive.” She shrugged casually, “It’s okay, people have their reasons.” Amethyst smiled, “Harry speaks about you a lot.”

“Really?” Louis leaned forward, his brain was going to rip through his skull. “Um, like wha –what does he say?”

“That you’re very funny.” Amethyst closed her eyes, “That you’re very kind and loud –very, very loud.”

“Yeah,” he scratched the back of his head. “Is he mad at me?”

“He was, especially when you threw up on him, but don’t worry. He’ll be fine.” She played with her bracelets. “Harry talks about you a lot, and I mean a lot.”

“It’s because I bother him a lot.”

Amethyst nodded slowly, “Hm, I don’t think so. Harry is a psychology major, he likes people like you.”

“You think?” Louis lowered his voice, trying not to sound so excited. “I mean,” He shrugged, crossing his arms. “He’s a nice guy.”

“He is, and I’ve always wanted the best for him.” She stopped playing with the bangles, “He loves surprises.”       

“No,” Louis shook his head. “I’ve tried.”

Amethyst laughed, “I see why he talks about you so much. I’m glad I got to meet you.” She looked at the hallway leading to Harry’s bedroom. “You should go see your friends, they were very worried.”

“I will, thanks.” He smiled, “about not hating me.”

“I don’t hate, or I at least try not to.” She was probably the perfect human being and Louis felt stupid. He not only felt stupid, Louis felt bad for not knowing when to stop. He broke into a man’s house –he needed to reevaluate his life.

“I guess I will be seeing you around?”

“Yeah, perhaps.” Amethyst hugged him softly before walking him to the door. “Get some more rest, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” Louis turned around, “thanks again, Amethyst? Right?”

“Yeah, bye Louis.”

Louis stood in front of the closed door for a while. Harry was a lucky guy, and she was a lucky girl and Louis was a rock. Louis was an annoying rock that got stuck in your shoe.

Chapter Text

“You son of a bitch!” Liam launched at him. “We were so worried about you!”

Louis quickly ran behind their couch, “Liam, Liam, hear me out.” He paused, twisting his lips, “I actually have no excuse.”

“Good, because I’m going to fucking choke you.”

“Wait!” The smaller male jumped over the couch when his friend ran at him. “I don’t even remember last night –barely!”

Liam ran the other way, “You are never drinking again, you asshole!”

Louis jumped back over the couch, “It was just a mistake!”

“You threw up all over Harry, and we almost called the cops! We thought someone broke into his house, Louis!

“It’s not like I caused any harm.”

“I hate you, you made Niall cry too.”

“And so then I will apologize when I see him.”

Liam huffed, walking away from him. “I can’t believe they were nice enough to leave you in their bed. I would have left you outside!”

Louis pulled on his fingers, “I’m really surprised too actually.” He frowned, “I met Amethyst, and she’s really nice –pretty too.”

“She must be, because you’re still alive.”

He closed his eyes tightly, feeling his head thump, “yeah.”

“Here,” Liam poured him a hot cup of coffee. His friend add sugar and some milk before sliding it over. “Coffee helps.”

Louis graciously took the steaming cup in both hands before sitting on a chair. “I feel really bad, I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.” He took a slow sip, “I have to talk to Harry.” Liam sighed, shaking his head. The student rolled his eyes, “Yeah, I know.” Louis inhaled, “She’s so pretty.”

“I already told you he wasn’t gay, I told you he had a girlfriend. You get way too attached, Lou.”

“I know, but I kind of hoped it would be like a movie or like a story –or something, you know? One is gay, one isn’t gay. The gay one makes the not-gay one, gay.” Louis sipped his drink, “The girlfriend seems nice but is actually a bitch and the not gay one realizes and falls in love with the gay-”

“Louis.” Liam stared blankly at him, “This is real life, buddy. Not a movie, not a story –real. You really broke into someone’s house because you’re crazy.”

“I didn’t break in!”

“Well then, what do you call someone who crawls through someone’s window while the person isn’t home?”

Louis rubbed his eyes with a pout, “A drunk person that made a mistake because he has a crush.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“I’m sorry, Liam!” He pushed the cup away, “she’s really pretty.”

“Go to sleep.” His roommate passed by, ruffling his hair. “I believe Niall is tucked away somewhere deep in your sheets, so don’t get too surprised.” Liam scratched his hip, “I have work –and hey.”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t ever do that again.”

Louis smiled softly, “okay.” He laid his head on the table, enjoying the coolness.

He messed up big time.

Louis stood, dragging his heavy feet, stopping when he touched his pocket. He blinked quickly, looking down at a remote control –and it wasn’t theirs. He slowly turned to the front door, “one more time.”

-

Louis didn’t want to face Harry anytime soon, he couldn’t. He decided to formulate a tiny plan; sneak back in, leave the remote and walk out. Louis would be unheard, unseen, and un-cared for –simple. Unfortunately, Louis was the loudest, and probably most uncoordinated human being ever born, so unseen and unheard were far from his talents.

Louis may have knocked over some stuff, but it shouldn’t have been loud enough to bother. He adjusted all the things back on the window, making sure it looked like it wasn’t tampered with.

Louis toed his way into the living room, seeing that the bedroom door was closed. He looked around, unsure of where to leave the remote, but decided that on the couch would be good. It would look very natural, very normal.

“What the fuck are you doing back in my apartment?”

“Holy shit!” He spun around, holding his chest, “Holy shit.” Louis took a deep breath, fist tight, “hello.” The student offered a large smile at the half-naked man. “Hi.” He waved his hands around slowly, “you’re dreaming.”

Harry punched him in the face –not hard enough to break his nose, but hard enough to make his eyes water.

“Ow! What the fuck!”

“If you ever break into my house again, I’ll break your nose next time.”

Louis cradled his face, “oh my God, am I bleeding?”

“I don’t care.”

“Jesus Christ, I have never been punched in the face before.” Louis shook his head, feeling wobbly, “I feel weird.”

“Never? I would have assumed you get punched often –everywhere.”

Louis wiggled his nose, “I can’t believe you punched me.”

“What are you doing back in my apartment, Louis?”

“I just,” He rubbed his face, “I was just returning your remote.”

“You took my remote?”

“I guess, last night –possibly?”

Harry finally broke into a smile, a chuckle. He stared at Louis long enough to make him blush. “You’re strange, Chip, very strange.” He curled his finger, beckoning him to follow. “You want coffee? It’ll take a minute.”

“Um, no thank you. Liam gave me some.” Louis watched Harry’s back muscles work, “are you, uh, going to punch me again?”

“No.” Harry put a kettle on the burner, “It’s out of my system.”

“Oh,” Louis rubbed his nose, “that’s good to hear. Are you still angry at me?”

“I feel like I should be.” The psychology major grabbed two cups from the top shelf. “You did throw up on me.” He shrugged, “but, I think I’m over that too.”

Louis smiled fondly, “good.” He looked around the kitchen, “Um, Amethyst –she’s really nice.”

Harry grinned, “Yeah, she is.” He looked at his window, “Did you leave the screen on the floor again –after breaking in –again?”

Louis’ crossed his small feet, “yes.”

The tall man laughed, “So entertaining –so strange.”

“Uh, she says that you talk about me a lot.” Louis chewed his lip, “your girlfriend.”

“I do.” Harry smiled, “I got an ‘A’ on a paper I wrote about you –don’t worry, I didn’t use your name.”

His stomach tightened, in a very bad way. “A paper?”

“Yeah,” Harry faced him as the kettle boiled water. “You are the strangest person I have ever met and most interesting. I wrote about you and I tell her about you, how you won’t stop bothering me. How you’re annoying, but never fail to surprise me.” He shrugged, “so I let you stick around.”

“So,” Louis’ brows scrunched tight, “I am an experiment or something?”

“Kinda.” Harry took the boiling water off the stove. “More like a spontaneous movie –like a suspense. No one knows what’s going to happen next.”

“Spontaneous movie?” Louis looked to the floor, feeling his eyes water. “I –I’m not a toy.”

“I didn’t call you a toy.” Harry corrected, “I was nice enough not to.”

“What?” Louis took a step back as Harry poured the water. “Excuse you?”

“I was going to say test dummy, but I used movie instead. You’re just –entertainment at its best.”

“Fuck you.” Louis’ lip wobbled and Harry’s expression changed. He rubbed his eyes harshly, “I’m not a fucking toy you get to wind up to see what happens.”

Harry’s eyes fell soft, sympathetic, “I wasn’t trying to hurt you, Louis.”

“No, you weren’t.” Louis sniffled, “but you did. I fucking hate you psychology majors. You all fucking suck and think you’re better than everyone else when you’re the ones that need fucking help.”

The man stepped closer, “Louis, seriously, I’m sorry.” Harry put a hand on his shoulder, warm and overwhelming. “You’re not a toy –I shouldn’t have said anything, I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, me too.” Louis moved away, “Bastard.” He turned towards the window but then backed out of the kitchen. “I’m leaving through the door –asshole.”

Chapter Text

Louis hadn’t wanted to. He didn’t want to go to Curly bun man’s house. He didn’t want to ask for his help.

Louis had been hurt –Harry had made him feel stupid. He had talked to Liam about it and Liam, for once, was on his side. And although he was, Liam still pressured Louis to talk to Harry. The smelly man kept coming by to try and talk to him. For once, Louis was thankful he had to go to school.

But right now something else was happening, something… serious. There was a creature among him. An eight legged demon in his domain –and it needed to go. Liam was gone and so were his other neighbors. Louis wasn’t even sure if he wanted to ask them, they hated him.

He couldn’t be late to school, but the bathroom was the only room with a mirror and his hair needed to be done. The spider was sitting on the mirror, doing absolutely nothing. Just sitting there, taunting him –Louis needed Curly bun man.

-

“Louis?”

“There is a spider, kill it!” Louis grabbed the man’s hand, tugging, “I’m allergic to them! If it bites me, I will die!”

“What?”

“Look, I know that I very much dislike you right now, but there is a spider!” Louis spread his arms dramatically. “Like this big, in my bathroom!” He screeched, “And I am so scared! You have to kill it for me!”

“I’ve been trying to get in contact with you for days.” Harry grabbed Louis’ forearm, “I wanted to talk and apologize to you, Louis.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Louis pointed at his door, “I got it, now can you please!” He pulled on Harry’s shirt and shoved him into the spider infested apartment. “Just kill it, I can’t be late to my class! We’re having a quiz!”

“Louis, I’m sorry about saying those things. I don’t think that of you at all.”

“Uh-huh, uh-huh. Kill it.”

“I don’t see you as a toy. Yes, you are weird but you’re really interesting. You are funny and you make me –holy shit!” Harry stumbled backwards, “It’s huge!”

“Ah! –God help me.” Louis ran, slamming into the wall behind him.

Harry pulled off his shoe, holding it up at the spider who sat contently on the mirror. He paused, “wait, we shouldn’t kill it, we should take it outside.”

“Are you fucking crazy?” Louis stood up awkwardly, rubbing his head, “I think I have a concussion.” He grabbed onto Harry’s shoulder, “What are you doing? Kill him!”

“Get a bowl and paper.”

“Kill it!” Louis snatched the shoe, screaming to the ceiling before chucking it at the mirror causing it to crack. He stared at the damaged glass, mouth agape. “Oh my God, Liam’s gunna kill me.”

Harry looked around, “where’s the spider?”

“Forget this.” Louis retrieved the shoe and ran to his bedroom with Harry following.

“Where are you going? What about the spider?”

“I’m moving.” Louis pulled out clothes from his drawers. “Do you have extra space at your place?” The student swatted the air, tingles up his spine. “Jesus, it feels like it’s on me!” Harry was grinning at him. “I’m serious!”

Harry tried wiping the smirk off his mouth with the palm of his hand. “Go to class, I’ll find it.”

“I can’t do that!” He grabbed a bag from under his bed and began stuffing clothes inside. “I need to go, you can’t stay here.”

“You broke into my house.”

Louis pursed his lips, “true.”

“Go. I’ll have him gone by the time you come back –and I’ll make sure to use the door.”

Louis lowered his eyes darkly, short finger poking Harry’s chest. “Don’t think I forgot about being mad at you.” He poked him again, harder, “curly bun man.”

“I haven’t forgot.” Harry chewed his lip, “Do you –want a ride to school?”

“You have a car?”

“Yeah, you know I do.” Harry chuckled, “Is that a problem?”

“No.” Louis stopped putting clothes in his bag. “Are you busy?”

“If I’m offering then I’m obviously not.”

Louis shrugged softly, “yeah, you can take me.” He turned away from Harry with a deep red tint on his face. “Now leave –wait! Does my hair look bad?”

Harry ran his fingers through Louis’ hair, messing it up, “looks good –No,” He moved Louis’ hands away. “It looks fine like that.”

“Hmph!” The shorter man shooed him, “go wait at your place. You’re making my room stink.”

-

“Did you kill it?”

“You’re sweating.” Harry grimaced, “Like a lot. Did you take the bus home?”

Louis wiped the sweat off his brow, “Did you kill it or not, curly bun man?”

Harry leaned on the door frame. “It is dead.”

He smiled brightly, hugging the text books close to his chest, “Lovely, thank you.” He wiggled his finger in Harry’s face. “But don’t think that I forgot about it!”

“I hope you didn’t.” Harry motioned his thumb inside, “Can we talk?”

“Inside?” Louis perked up. “Without me coming through the window?”

“Yeah.”

“Like as a guest? Like you won’t punch me in the face?”

“Yeah and no.”

Louis cleared his throat, “no, thank you. You said very mean things to me. –Even if I broke –entered –your apartment uninvited.”

“I know.” Harry sighed, “And that’s why I want to apologize properly.”

“Hmph.”

“Louis, Lou. –Come on Chip.”

“My name’s not Chip! It’s Louis! Get it right, curly bun man!”

Harry laughed softly, “I said Louis the first time. Chip seems to get a reaction.”

The student growled, closing his eyes. “You stink! Close your door, your nasty air is going to kill all the plants out here!” He moved away, “We should have just burned your lavender in my house! It would have killed any living thing in there!” Louis stuck out his tongue. “Smelly, ugly bun hair!”

“Are you done insulting me?”

“No!” Louis pouted, “Your house made my bed stink!”

“Your bed?”

“After sleeping in your bed, I slept in mine! Now it stinks!”

“Wash the sheets.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.”

Harry smiled, “so, are you coming in?”

Louis took a few steps towards his apartment. “Take me for lunch.” He lowered his voice, covering his mouth with his books. “Then maybe –and only maybe –will we talk.”

-

“He’s so cute!” Louis squealed, trying to figure out a way to fix his bathroom mirror before Liam got home. “Stop it, Louis!” He glared at his reflection, “He is straight and his girlfriend is sweet. You leave him alone!” Louis sighed, slouching against the sink. He closed his eyes for a moment before yawning.

“Man, I’m tired.” He stared at the crack before backing away.

There it was, still alive. Harry lied. The spider was here, alive, on his mirror.

“Curly bun man!”

Chapter Text

“I shouldn’t go anywhere with you –you heathen!” Louis adjusted his cardigan as he marched into the bakery, nose in the air. “Lying to me about something so harmful!”

“What did you want me to do?” Harry stuffed his hands into his jean pockets. “It’s a spider, how was I supposed to find it?”

“It was huge! How could you not have!” Louis poked his chest, “What would have happened if I got bit, curly bun man?” He flicked his wrist into the air dramatically. “And it would have been your fault but no one would have known it was your fault because I’d be dead and not able to tell them!” He curled his fingers, “and you wouldn’t go to jail because no one would have suspected it was you!” Louis crossed his arms with a huff, “I hope you could face Liam after killing me.”

“Do you have fun making up conspiracies in your head?”

“They aren’t conspiracies, they are scenarios!”

“Okay, Chip.”

“My name’s not-”

“I’ll have a side Caesar salad and a tomato and basil soup.” Harry ignored him, his attention on the cashier instead, “and a sweet ice tea.” He looked to Louis, “are you ready to order?”

Louis was much smaller than him, having to look up at Harry in order to glare. “I am.” Louis made a little noise, turning to the cashier, “A pork sandwich and a fountain drink.”

“Oh, how healthy.”

“Shut it!”

“Chips?” The cashier spoke.

Louis lifted an eyebrow at him, “pardon you? My name isn’t Chip, it’s Louis. Don’t listen to this fool!”

“Uh,” The man, name tag; James, made a face. “I was asking what chips you wanted with your meal.”

“Good job, Chip, attacking the poor cashier.”

“I never asked for chips.”

“It comes with the sandwich, fool.” Harry pushed Louis away, “That’s fine, just give him barbecue chips.”

“I don’t want those!”

“Then choose. –You know, you’re very similar to a child.”

Louis pinched him before tapping his chin in thought. “Hm, I want salt and vinegar.”

“No, those stink. The barbeque-”

“Hey!” He swatted Harry’s hands before he swiped his card. “I deal with your stink all the time! I’m surprised anyone in here is still breathing! I want salt and vinegar!” Louis frowned deeply, “thank you very much.”

-

“Ugh,” The psychology major snorted. “How can you eat those?”

“‘How can you eat those?’” Louis mimicked childishly. “Oh hush, they are delicious.”

“But it’s vinegar.”

“But it’s you -you stink like garbage!”

When Harry had picked him up from school, Louis had almost came face to face with death itself. Harry had smelled so strongly of lavender, it was nauseating. He had just been burning lavender to ‘cleanse’ his apartment. Despite Louis saying that he felt like vomiting, Harry laughed and messed up his hair before calling him a chip. And, despite, wanting to vomit, Louis wanted to smell more of him –he couldn’t understand the logic himself. Harry was a walking garbage can and he couldn’t help but want to follow him around.

“Anyway,” Louis coughed into his shirt. “Aren’t you supposed to be apologizing?”           

“Oh,” Harry rolled his eyes. “Must have forgot.”

“You didn’t forget!”

“I’m sorry-”

“For?”

“Can I finish?”

Louis sipped his drink, “proceed.”

“I’m sorry for making it seem like you were some sort of toy. You aren’t.” Harry sighed, “you’re funny, sometimes, and nice and really interesting. You are so spontaneous, like watching a movie for the first time. You never know what is going to happen next, I have never met anyone like you.” Harry shrugged, “the things you say and do are so unreal that I can’t help but be interested by you, Louis.”

“I interest you?” Louis played with his straw nervously, “how?”

“You’re strange, yes, but you are different and you hear that all the time. People are always saying that they are different and unique but you’re like –really different. Maybe even a little crazy.” Harry smiled, “That’s why I wrote my paper about your behavior. It’s like everything you do is so important to document.”

“And I’m a test dummy? That’s what you said, right?”

“I didn’t mean test dummy –well yes, I did, but not in the way you’re thinking. I meant like, I sometimes say things just to see how you’ll react. For example, I told you to leave me alone so many times and no matter what you came back. You came back like seven times. Any normal human being would catch the hint but not you.” Harry rubbed his chin. “You have similar qualities of a stalker-slash-serial killer actually.”

Louis nodded, unaffected by the comment. “I’ve been told.”

Harry laughed, picking up his tea, “I don’t doubt that you have.”

Louis played with the chip on his plate. “I was really sad but thank you for saying sorry. I accept your apology. It made me feel special and a lot better.”

Harry smiled, “thanks for accepting.”

“It’s cool.” Louis scratched his shoulder, “So, are we friends?”

“Eh, not really, no.”

“Not really? We’re having lunch!”

“Yeah, but we don’t know each other.”

“Hi!” Louis beamed. “I’m Louis Tomlinson! I have a short attention span and I like mac and cheese. My hobbies are eating and singing in the shower. I go to school and I am studying to be a teacher. I lost my first tooth when I was three because I ran into a shopping cart.”

Harry grinned from across the table. “This is exactly what I’m talking about.”

Louis blushed, looking at his thighs. “Well, now you know about me.” He looked up shyly, “what about you?”

Harry sat back, “Harry Styles-”

“Curly bun man.”

Harry closed his eyes, “Harry Styles. I am a psychology major and a bartender by night. I have a girlfriend and I like good food.”

Louis waited for him to continue but he didn’t. He rolled his eyes, “that is such a psychology major answer.”

“Is it?”

“Uh, yeah.” Louis picked up his sandwich, “how long have you been with Amethyst?”

“About a year now.”

Louis nodded, “she’s cool. She lives with you, right?”

“No.” Harry picked up his soup spoon, “She has her own place and I have mine. We never wanted to rush into anything.”

Louis nodded, “that’s good.”

“What about you? Do you have a girlfriend?”

Louis cleared his throat, “Uh, nope.”

Harry nodded, “are you looking or like, no?”

Louis was caught between telling Harry he wasn’t interested in woman and telling Harry he was interested in him. He wasn’t in the closet what so ever but something told him that he should keep his sexuality to himself.

“No, I’m not looking.” Louis brushed it off. “I, uh, don’t wanna rush into anything either, you know.” He pressed his lips together, “I do like someone though, a lot.”

“Yeah?” Harry yawned, “Do you bother her like you bother me?”

Louis smiled, showing his teeth, “I would say so.”

Harry chuckled, leaning over to wipe something off Louis’ lip, “she must love you cause –damn.”

Louis rubbed his forearm, lip warm, avoiding eye contact with the man across from him, “Yeah… damn.”

Chapter Text

Louis sniffled into his palm. “It’s so cold.” He rubbed up and down his arms, “I’m sleepy.”

 “Chip?” Harry adjusted the bag on his shoulder. “Are you alright?”

Louis quickly wiped his wet eyes, bringing his knees closer to his chest. “I’m not Chip.”

Louis could hear Harry’s sigh. “Louis.”

“I’m not Louis.” Louis felt embarrassment often but this might be too much. “I’m not anyone –I’m not even here.”

“Are you crying?”

Louis looked up with puppy eyes, “yes!” The bartender lifted an eyebrow at him before sliding down to sit beside him.  Louis scooted away, “I’m not crying!”

“Louis,” Harry rubbed his eyes. “I’m tired, I just got off of work.” He patted Louis’ head, “anyway, you just said you were crying.” Harry smirked, “nice spotted pajamas.”

“There is no need for bullying at such a detrimental time in my life!” Louis shivered. “I’m cold!”

“Then go inside.” Harry laughed, lifting Louis’ textbook from his lap. “Education.” He smirked, “I keep forgetting you actually go to school.”

“Yes, I go to school!” Louis sobbed, “I’m getting my bachelors in Education!”

“Yeah, I know.” Harry smiled, “I would love to have a class with you just to see what you do half the time.”

Louis blushed, mumbling, “I learn…” He frowned, “this is so unfair. Why do I –such a beautiful, sweet and charismatic human child –deserve such anguish and pain?”

“Well,” Harry shook his head. “That is a bit much –human child.”

“It’s symbolism!”

Harry rolled his eyes, “so are you going to tell me why you’re crying or not? Cause I’m tired and I have school in the morning.”

“I did tell you! It’s because I’m cold!”

 “And I told you to go inside.”

Louis covered his face with both hands, voice muffled, “I cant. It’s locked.”

“Say that again?”

“I can’t go inside because I locked myself out!” Louis groaned, pulling his knees close to his body. “Liam isn’t home.”

“Crawl through the window.” Harry snorted, “You seem to have no problem crawling through other people’s.”

Louis nodded, “yes. That was the first thing I thought of but Liam locked all the windows because of that time I broke in –entered –your apartment.” He sighed, “He said we should keep them locked because it shows how easy it is for someone to break in.” Louis wailed into his open palms, “And now I’m out here in polka dot pajamas, study and crying –at the same time!”

“At the same time?”

“Yes!”

Harry yawned loudly, “Well, I’m glad that everyone is preparing themselves in case of an invasion of Chip’s breaking in to their homes.”

“I didn’t break in!”

“Oh, yes.” Harry air quoted, “‘Entered.’ So silly of me.”

“Thanks.”

“Get up.” Harry stood up with the help of the wall, “You can sleep over.”

“But –but I have school tomorrow. I –I need new clothes and a shower –and a mirror!”

“I have clothes –and a shower –and a mirror.” Harry stretched, “At the end of the day, I can’t just leave you out here crying –although I should be a good neighbor and just mind my business.”

Louis sat up quickly, “You’re gunna leave me here to die! I thought you’d never leave me to die!”

Harry lifted an eyebrow, “Pardon?”

“In the elevator –when we got stuck.” Louis’ voice spewed dramatics but his face held a solid truth. “You saved my life.”

“We were stuck in there for like twenty minutes.”

“Twenty minutes is a life time in elevator years.”

Harry chuckled, holding out a hand, “Chip-”

“Louis.”

“Chip –you’re so weird.”

-

“Your shirts are too big.”

“My shirts?”

“Yes.” Louis looked himself up and down in the mirror by the entrance. “Why do you wear over-sized T-shirts?”

“Cause they’re my size.”

“No, they aren’t.” Louis tried looking at the tag, “This is a large.” He pointed at Harry, “I don’t think you’re a large –You’re tall but skinny.”

“Are you going to talk about my clothes and get kicked out into the cold or are you going to go to sleep?”

Louis pouted, sitting with both knees in the cushions of the couch. “I can’t sleep yet.”

“Why not?” Harry lifted his arms, “What is it now? The shower was too big, my clothes are too big –my apartment stinks!”

“I’m glad you agree.” Louis smiled contently, “I have to study.”

“It’s three in the morning. You have to go to school tomorrow.”

“I have to be in top of my class –mom!” Louis silently watched Harry walk around the couch and onto his side. He patted Harry’s arm before nestling into the couch with his book. “Thank you for your support.”

Harry slammed the book shut. “Sleep or go.” He smiled, picking up the book with a wink, “Thanks for the support.”

“Ugh, rude –Curly bun man!” Louis stomped his foot, following Harry to his bedroom. “And where do you expect me to sleep?”

Harry tossed the book onto his bed. “Uh, where you were just so happily sat.”

“The couch!” Louis crossed his arms tightly, “Are you insane?”

“No, but you are if you believe that you are sleeping in this bed –cause you aren’t.” Harry rubbed his temple, “Actually, I think I might be going insane.”

“I have never –ever –slept on a couch!” Louis spat the word like it was a nasty taste.

Harry nodded, patting Louis’ back before shoving him out of the bedroom. “First time for everything.” Harry closed the door, leaving Louis alone in the night-lighted hallway.

“Your house stinks!”

“Oh.” Harry poked his head out of the room. “That reminds me.” He walked past Louis to the living room, “I have to burn some lavender today.”

“You absolute butt!” Louis pulled on the much larger man’s arm, “No! Please!”

“Yes, just to bug you.” Harry flicked Louis’ fingers off his arm. He opened a box with two elephants on it. The smell was suffocating and he hadn’t even lit it yet. “Mm, lavender –such a lovely smell.”

“Stop it or I’m leaving!”

Harry grabbed a lighter, “bye.”

“Please!” Louis begged, “I won’t talk anymore! I promise!”

Harry looked like he was thinking about it. He motioned Louis to the front door, “come here.”

“Don’t kick me out!”

“Shh.” Harry stuck the tied up flowers in a small bowl of sand beside the entrance of the apartment. He handed the lighter to Louis, “light it.”

“No way!” Louis shoved the lighter back. “It smells bad as it is!”

“Do it.”

Louis glared at the purple flowers, slowly taking the lighter. “Fine…” He lit the small bunch, eyes growing as they began burning, “why-do you burn it? It’s a flower…”

“For the smell.”

Louis took a deep breath but quickly covered his nose, “Smells so bad!”

Harry laughed, ruffling Louis’ damp hair. “Goodnight.”

“Wait! What if it catches on fire?”

“It’s already on fire.” Harry picked something off his floor, “Don’t worry, the sand will stop it.”

Louis stared at the flower that slowly burned away. He could understand why Harry liked the flower but it was too odd for him. The good but bad smell was extremely confusing to Louis’ senses. He’d gotten pretty used to it –sort of, but this was right in his face.

“Curly bun man?”

“Hm?”

“Why do you do this –aside from the smell?”

“For stress relief. It calms me.” Harry shrugged, “It’s nice to do nice things for yourself.”

Louis kept a hold on his nose. “Why this way?” His shut his eyes, feeling queasy, “Oh Jesus, I think I’m dying.”          

“Go to sleep, you’ll see.” Harry laughed before disappearing behind the bedroom door and leaving Louis alone on the couch.

Louis pulled the blanket up to his chest, snuggling as much as he could into the couch. He frowned, annoyed by the smell and also because he couldn’t stop looking at the smoke that filled the air.

Harry was kind –was kind to him despite making him sleep on the couch. Louis had knocked on his other neighbor’s door and, even though they were there –and Louis knew there were –they hadn’t opened the door for him.

Even with both of them being busy, and Louis not getting to see Harry as much as he did before, he was still happy. Louis was even happier that he was here –legally and with Harry’s okay.

He grinned, wiggling his toes under the blanket, thinking about what the morning would be like. Louis eventually closed his eyes, trying to ignore the smell that unknowingly rocked him to sleep.

Chapter Text

“Louis.”

“A little more…”

“Louis!”

“Just,” He sat up groggily. “Just a little more, please.”

“Dude, it is not my problem that you locked yourself out of your apartment. Get up.” Harry walked away from him, “I’m not being late cause of you.”

Louis rubbed his eye with the palm of his hand. “Sleepy… sleepy.” He yawned, standing up, “So sleepy…”

“I made grilled cheese.”

Louis dragged himself to the island counter top. “You grilled cheese?”

“The sandwich, nit wit.”

“Oh.” Louis tried sliding onto the high bar stool, struggling. It took two tries before Harry walked around to help him onto it. “Thank you.” His voice was still fresh, scratchy from just waking up. “Can I have it?”

“Here.” The plate was placed in front of him with a small clank.

Louis stared at the sandwich for a few seconds before reaching for it. He looked at the blinds in Harry’s kitchen, seeing thin orange light come through, “What time is it?”

“Seven twenty.” Harry chewed on his own sandwich. The psychology major was fully dressed, shoes and all. “I have to be there by eight.”

Louis scratched under his wrist before biting into his food. “But –but my class is at nine thirty.”

“That sucks for you.”

Louis nodded slowly, still disorientated, and Harry liked it. He liked when Louis was loud and active, but this was cool too because he was intriguing. How someone could go from screaming to barely forming words.

Louis was… soft.

“Hey.” Harry tapped his arm sympathetically, “Wake up, finish eating.”

Louis nodded once more, taking another bite. He laid his head on the counter, continuing to chew. “You’re a great cook.” Harry pressed his lips together to hold back his laugh. “Harry?”

“Hm?”

“Can I sleep in your bed just a little more?” Louis closed his eyes, “I don’t feel good, the couch wasn’t good.”

Harry licked his lips, finishing off his sandwich.

It would be the first time he ever missed this class.

He wiped his hands before speaking. “Why?”

Louis shrugged softly, lifting his head. “I’m sleepy.” He yawned into his sandwich “And I like your bed.”

“It’s a spring mattress.”

Louis smiled gently, “yes, and I like it.”

Harry lifted a brow, waiting for Louis to keep speaking when their eyes met. Louis lifted his sandwich back to his lips, nibbling on the crust. His eyes were a soft blue, rimmed red around the iris, tired tears forming in the inner corners of his eyes.

“Are your eyes only blue in the morning?”

Louis actually took a moment to think, then shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.”

Harry hummed softly, tilting his head. He found himself surprised –Louis’ eyes could never have been that blue.

-

“Wipe the crumbs off your shirt before you lay down –ugh.” Harry groaned, covering his eyes as Louis flopped down flat on the unmade bed. The small man curled awkwardly this way and that, quickly reaching for the comforter.

“Thank you.” His voice was only just heard in the small quiet apartment. Harry sat beside him, staring at Louis’ face contorting along with his body until both reached the perfect position. Louis bustled with the blanket tucked under his chin and both knees curled towards his stomach. He patted the bed, “Sleep.”

“No.” Harry chuckled, “anyway you have to wake up in like ten minutes. There’s no point.”

Louis smiled to himself, eyes crinkling, “There’s always a point.” He rubbed his face against the thick pillow, “sleep with me.”

Harry looked from his phone to Louis and back to his phone. He couldn’t help the stupid grin that floated onto his face as he set the alarm clock for eight thirty. Harry kicked off his sneakers, laying face to face with Louis. The man had a clean face, long lashes, with lips thin and pink. His hair probably could use a trim, or a brush, but it didn’t seem to bother Louis at all. His hair was a golden brown, very golden brown –Harry wondered if he’d dyed it.

Louis’ fingers reached out from under the blanket to cover Harry eyes. “Sleep.” Harry smiled, closing his eyes but re-opened them. He pulled the blanket away from Louis to cover himself, hoping for a reaction of some kind, but didn’t get one. Louis simply sat up, apologized, and carefully placed the blanket over both of them. “Goodnight.”

“It’s morning.”

“Sweet dreams.”

Harry finally closed his eyes, “sweet dreams, Louis.”

-

“Hey.” Harry poked Louis’ face with a loud yawn. “Come on, it’s time.”

“Okay.” Louis sat up quietly, stretching so far back even Harry’s large shirt rode up on his stomach. He slithered off the bed, drowning in the clothes, fixing the wrinkled shirt before sitting on the floor.

Harry looked over the bed, “Louis, please get up.”

The small man nodded, looking very fold-able on the floor. “Yeah, okay.” He looked around before grabbing the comforter and dragged it to the bathroom.

Harry quickly ran after him, “what are you doing?”

“I have to pee.”

“Not with my blanket -Louis!” Louis closed the door on his face, getting a corner of the blanket stuck on the door. “Louis.” Harry jiggled the handle, finding it was locked. “Louis, come on!” The steady stream coming from inside the bathroom made him angrier, “don’t piss on my blanket!”

Harry stood there until the shower was turned on.

“Come on! You don’t even have clothes!”

-

“Hey.”

Harry rolled his eyes, “I hate you.”

Liam chuckled, “Louis?”       

“You have no idea.”

“Oh, I think I might.”

Harry leaned on the wall outside his door, “he sleeps over, complains half the time and is the worst morning person ever. I missed my morning class to let him sleep in, then I take him to school and he has nothing but his book. I had to give him money for lunch or he was going to ‘starve’, and in two hours I have to pick him up because he doesn’t have bus money.” Harry squeezed the bridge of his nose, “and then I have to also pick up Amethyst. I didn’t sign up for this.”

Liam stopped laughing about a minute after Harry finished his rant. He sighed loudly, “oh God. Its fine, I’ll pick him up.”

“Nah,” Harry shrugged, “I’ll get him.”

“No.” Liam shook his head, “I’ll get him, no worries.” He chuckled, “you got to experience bad morning Louis.”

Harry exhaled, “He wasn’t bad or anything. I don’t know, he was quiet and nice just –tired.”

“Yeah, that’s a bad morning.”

“Bad morning?”

“When he’s loud, it’s a good morning. Did he sleep badly?”

“Yeah, he slept on the couch.”

“Oof, how’d that go?” Liam rolled his eyes, “The ‘princess’ never sleeps on the couch.”

“Not good for him. He locked me out of the bathroom and I had to break the lock because he wouldn’t get out.”

Liam tisked at him, “you need practice.”

“Practice?”

“Yeah, dealing with Louis.” Liam lifted a finger, “turn on the TV, it helps and he loves cartoons.” He lifted another finger, “he’s gunna ask you to go back to sleep but say no. Even if he makes you feel bad, you have to say no.”

“Well fuck.”       

“Help him to the bathroom, very important, he’ll lock you out. –Oh and never ever –ever let him take the blanket to the bathroom, he’ll try.”

“Oh my god.” Harry groaned, “He took it.”

“Yeah, huge no. Once he’s out of your grip, you won’t get him back. Go with him to the bathroom, let him do his thing, and leave the door opened. After that he should be awake. Remind him that he has stuff to do.”

“Jesus Christ. How the fuck will he ever survive on his own?”

Liam fixed the bag on his shoulder. “I have no idea. I do it because I love him –you get used to it.”

“So,” Harry chewed on his cheek, “Blanket bad?”

“Blanket is the worst.”

Harry nodded, tossing his keys up, “Okay.” He turned away but turned back, “are his eyes always blue, like really light blue?”

“Hm, yeah. I mean I guess mornings could be different because like –I don’t know, he’s tired or something.”

“Hm,” Harry hummed, moving backwards. “Alright, Liam, I’ll see you.”

“Bye,” he smiled, “and thanks.”

“Yeah, no problem.”

-

“Hey –oh.” Louis stepped back, blushing at Amethyst who stood beautifully in the doorway. “Hi.”

She smiled, “hi Louis.”

“I’m sorry, I thought Harry was here.”

“He is, would you like to come in?”

“No!” Louis shook his head quickly, lowering his voice. “I just wanted to say sorry for this morning.”

“Oh.” She plucked something off his shoulder, “This is Harry’s shirt –and shorts, right?”

“Oh… yeah.” He looked away, “sorry.”

Amethyst shook her head, “there is no need to be. He told me about your –‘sleepover’ this morning.” She smiled, “you’re very different in the mornings.”

“Oh.” Louis chuckled nervously, “I guess.”

“Very ‘soft and light’… like a ‘feather’.”

 “I’m sorry?”

She stared hard at him, “very ‘quiet and sleepy’.”

“Uh,” Louis smiled awkwardly. “I guess.”

Amethyst looked back, closing the door a little more, “you’re a good person.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“Harry really enjoys your company.”

Louis sighed, blushing, “I actually wanted to come and say sorry. I know I bother him.”

“I don’t think so.” She put a fingers under her chin, “Harry is very fond of you.”

“Really?”

“Yes…” Amethyst pushed the door open slightly, “Harry!” It took two more calls for the man to come to the door.

Harry glared at him, but with a smile on his lips, “I missed my morning class.”

“I know.” Louis crossed his fingers together tightly, “You told me this morning –I baked muffins but they came out flat so it’s just me.” He shrugged, “coming to apologize.”

Harry smirked, “You’re a strange one, Chip.”

“Hmph.” Louis rolled his eyes, “curly bun man –change your hair style for once!”

“Chip.”

“Curly.”

“Chip.”

“Curly!”

“Chip.”

“Curly!”

“You always have to have the last word, don’t you?”

“I take back my apology!” Louis backed away, sticking out his tongue. “You stink! Everyone at school said I stunk too!”

“No they didn’t –idiot.”

”So!” He pointed at Amethyst, “Leave before you suffocate.”

Amethyst nodded, leaning against the door frame.

“Mean curly bun man!”

“Did you even pass your test?”

Louis looked at his feet, pouting, “Yeah.”

“What percentage?”

“Ninety-four.”

“Hm, not bad.”

“Ugh!” Louis covered his red cheeks, stomping, “I need to go –bye!”

Harry poked his head outside the door when Louis went inside his own apartment. “He’s funny, huh?”

Amethyst nodded, tilting her head, “yeah –beautiful too.”

Harry went inside, “beautiful?”

Amethyst closed the front door behind her. “You don’t think so?”

Harry shrugged awkwardly, “well, no, not really –because he’s a guy.” Harry grabbed his girlfriend’s waist, “and I have someone beautiful right here.”

Amethyst half-smiled, “and what about his eyes?” The dark skinned girl pressed her face against her boyfriend’s chest, “Don’t you think they’re beautiful? You couldn’t stop talking about them.”

“Chip’s eyes?”

“Yeah.” She bit her lip, putting her hands on Harry’s chest. “They are really blue.”

“Right? It’s crazy how blue –I never noticed til this morning.”

“Beautiful?” She questioned.

Harry thought for a moment before nodding, “Yeah, they’re beautiful.”

Chapter Text

Louis kicked his feet back and forth, keeping his eyes on the ground. Liam and him got in a fight and now he was stuck at school until night time. Although he was tired, and more than ready to be in his bed, the time alone did give him some quiet time to think.

Harry had taken him to school in the morning; it had become a routine. He would sometimes even knock on Louis’ door to see if he needed a ride. The morning ride was always quiet but by the end of he would be shouting profanities. Louis didn’t mind it, the comfortable silence or the yelling, he wasn’t sure whether Harry did. Louis just assumed, if he did, he wouldn’t offer.

Curly bun man stopped smelling –bad, it bothered Louis a lot because he still smelled but he couldn’t actually smell it anymore. Louis was sure that his nose hairs just burned away. Liam had commented that he smelled like Harry and he had brushed it off until more people had mentioned it. Mentioned that he smelled really nice –which made no sense.

Harry was nice –really nice. He was kind, funny –annoying. Louis felt good around him, felt special every time Harry waited for him in the car. His crush for the man was dragging him hard. The worst part was trying to hold back from showing it. If it was noticeable that Louis was obsessed with him, Harry hadn’t said anything about it. He didn’t want to scare him away, specifically because Harry thought he liked girls. Harry was nice, but that doesn’t mean he’s nice no matter the situation. He just wanted to keep being friends even if it meant that he ‘liked’ girls.

 “Oh look,” Harry spoke coming out of his classroom. “It’s Chip.”

Louis looked up from his feet, “Hi Curly.” He smiled, blushing, “what a coincidence.”

“Yeah,” Harry took off one of his headphones, “seeing as you’re sitting in front of my class.”

Louis chuckled nervously, “Oh –yeah.”

“You need a ride?”               

“Yes.” Louis stood up quickly with the wall’s help. “Liam and I got in a little fight and –well I have no money.”

Harry smirked, putting his headphone back on. “Come on, my car is over here.”

Louis followed quietly, keeping his mouth shut. He really didn’t feel like getting in anymore arguments for the day.

He kicked a small stone that rolled under his foot. It entertained him until he bumped into Harry’s back. “Oof.” Louis rubbed his nose, “sorry.”

Harry opened the trunk, sticking his headphones in his bag. He motioned Louis to do the same, “go ahead.”

Louis nodded, “thanks.” He walked around the side to the passenger door, sighing. He leaned on the car, head throbbing, “I’m tired.” Louis opened the door, looking over the roof at Harry.

“You alright?” Harry opened his own door, “you look whiter than usual.”

“I’m fine, asshole.” Louis rolled his eyes, “Thanks.” He slid inside the familiar car, laying his head against the seat. Louis pushed the chair back, covering his eyes with his arm, “I’m just sleepy.” He moaned at a pinch against his nose, “hey!”

Harry smiled, turning on the car before buckling in. “Put your seat belt on, Mr. Sleepy.” The man looked back while backing up, “what are you doing tonight?”

Louis looked over quickly, opening his mouth then closing it to swallow. “Um –uh, nothing?” He sat up slowly, “why?”

“I have somewhere to go after I drop you off but,” Harry looked both ways before leaving the school. “I found something yesterday at school.”

Louis chewed on his lip, “mmhm.”

“It’s a cat, and I was wondering if you want it.”

“A cat?”

“Yeah.” Harry laughed, “As I recall a cat was involved in our second meeting.”   

Louis sucked his teeth, looking out the window, shedding a fake tear for what could have been. He sighed loudly, looking back at Harry, “Yeah, how could I forget?” He couldn’t forget. “You caught me –kind of.”

Harry snorted, “I fucking caught you.”

Louis giggled when Harry shoved him, “Yeah, you did. You saved me twice.”

“You’re so weird. You wouldn’t have died in the elevator and you wouldn’t have died jumping out of a tree.”

“What if I would have fell on my head?”

“Eh, I’m no doctor but I think you would have been fine.”

“Ugh,” Louis rubbed his temples, “could you just take a compliment, Psychology Major.”

“Of course I can, Education Major.” Harry was lively today. “So you want the cat or not?”

“I don’t know.” Louis shrugged, folding his arms, “Depends.”

“On?”

“If it’s ugly.”

“Seriously?” Harry laughed, “Jesus Christ, humans are awful.”

“I’m sorry!” Louis hugged himself, “I don’t want an ugly cat.”

“Okay, Louis.” Harry turned down the air and opened the window. “Well, I get out at around three so, if you’re awake, come by and see her.”

Louis nodded, “okay, sure,” He pulled one knee to his chest, “I like cats.”

“Yeah? You look like a small animal type of person.”

“Small animal?”

“Yeah.” Harry stopped at a red light, looking at him. “Like a ferret or hedgehog.”

 “Oh, my ex bo –girlfriend –girlfriend had a hedgehog.”

“Yeah?” Harry shook his head, “I’d love to meet your ex-girlfriend. She broke up with you, didn’t she?”                        

“Eh,” Louis shrugged, “it was kind of mutual.”

“Say no more.” Harry pulled into the apartment complex. “Just come by if you wanna see her.”

“Who?”

Harry put the car in park, “the cat, dummy.”

“Oh.” Louis smiled, “Yeah, I’ll come by. Thanks for bringing me home.”

Harry saluted him, “no problem.” He opened the trunk, “hope you and Liam stop fighting.”

“So do I.” Louis sighed, “Could I stay at your place if we don’t?”

“Ha! You wish.” Harry snapped at him, “I’m getting laid tonight, buddy.”

Louis’ jaw fell along with his little heart. He quickly shut his mouth, laughing slightly, “yeah –oh yeah, man!” He smiled, eyes crinkling, “I forgot you have a girlfriend. Sex –you know –with your girlfriend.” Louis waved his hand around, “banging all night and stuff.”

“Huh…” Harry gave him an odd look, “yeah… So, I guess I’ll see you when you come by for the cat.”

“Yes –yeah! Of course! I’ll be there!” Louis tripped getting out of the car. He poked his head inside, “uh, could you open the trunk?”

“I already did.”

“Oh.” Louis looked towards the trunk. He stuck his head back inside, “I see.” He winked, “well, thanks. Hope you have great girlfriend and boyfriend sex.”

“Aye.” Louis paused before closing the door. “Your eyes look really nice today.”

“What?”

“Sounds kind of gay when I say it but I had talked about it with Amethyst and you have really nice eyes.” Harry shrugged with one hand on the wheel. “I never noticed how beautiful they were.”

Louis stared wide eyed at the man. He swallowed thickly, “beautiful?”

Harry rolled his eyes, “whatever. I can say a guy is beautiful, it’s just a compliment.”

“No!” Louis crawled back inside quickly, making Harry back up. “It’s not gay at all.” Louis’ eyes fluttered sweetly, “thank you for the compliment. Your eyes are beautiful too.” Even though Louis couldn’t read Harry’s expression, he didn’t move until Harry pushed his face away.

“Thanks man. I guess I’ll see you later.”

“Yeah.” Louis smiled brightly, “Later.”

-

“Hey babe.” Harry sat on the edge of his bed, putting on his shoes. “You still coming over?”

“Yes,” Amethyst yawned. “Sorry, I just woke up.”

“No, I’m sorry. I was just asking because I was going to pick you up.”

“Okay.” She hummed, “how was your day?”

“Good.” He slipped on the other boot. “I woke up, mediated a little.” He sat up, “I took Louis to school today.” Harry laughed, “He was quiet. I swear he’s so feathery in the morning, you know? Just so soft -sweet, like marshmallows. It’s weird how different he is from the morning to the day.”

“Mmhm.”

“He was outside of my classroom today. He got in a fight with Liam so I took him home.” Harry walked to his bathroom to put up his hair. “His eyes looked real nice. They were blue and kind of grey. He was kind of quiet in the afternoon too.”

“Mm.”

“He has his moments. I wanna learn a little more about him. I’m gunna try and see if he wants the cat I found at school.” Harry laughed to himself, “The second time we met he was stuck in a tree cause he was trying to save a cat. Isn’t that something?”

Amethyst smiled into the phone, “he’s sweet.”

“Yeah, a weird one too.” Harry looked in his fridge for some water. “-Told me his ex-girlfriend had a hedgehog.”

“Ex-girlfriend?”

“Yeah, I wanna meet her. I wanna know what type of person she would be.”

“How’d they break up?”

“He said it was mutual but I didn’t want to pry.”

“Oh.”

“He wanted to sleep over actually but I said no cause you’re coming.” Harry smiled, “and you’re all mine tonight.”

Amethyst coughed softly, “Um, maybe I could come by tomorrow instead.”

“What?” Harry pouted. “Why?”

“I feel really tired and I kind of feel feverish –I’ll be fine tomorrow. I’ll see you then.”

“Aw, come on. We don’t have to do anything –I’ll go over there and take care of you, babe.”

“No, Harry. I love you for it, but I’ll drive over there around lunch time, okay?”

Harry groaned, flopping onto the couch. “Alright –lunch time?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tell Louis I said hello, okay?”

“I will.” Harry smiled, “I guess he can sleep over tonight then. He’s gunna be ecstatic and this time I’ll be ready for him.” He opened his water bottle, “No blanket –I’ll make sure the TV is on.”

She hummed to herself, “okay Harry… I love you.”

-

Louis stood in nothing but pajama pants and a pout. “I’m here to see the animal.”

Harry laughed, motioning him inside the warm apartment. The bartender was still dressed in his work clothes, “she’s in the cage.”

Louis trotted over then bent down, “How was work?”

“Good, I’m tired.”

“That’s good.” He squinted, “hmph, I knew it.”

“Hey,” Harry warned, “she’s not ugly.”

“No,” Louis shook his head. “This is the cat I was trying to save that one time.” He glared at her, “I don’t want this dumb animal.”

Harry kicked him, “you’re a dumb animal.”

“Hey!” Louis kicked back, “you’re wearing shoes!”

Harry kept on pushing Louis around with his shoe. “Don’t call her a dumb animal.”

“Meh!” Louis slapped Harry’s shoe away from his bare torso. “I took a shower!”

“‘Meh, meh, meh’,” Harry mocked, continuing to shove him. “You make such stupid noises.”

Louis laid on the cold floor ignoring Harry until he stopped. “Are you done being a child?”

The man bent down, “maybe –do you want her or not?”

“I don’t know.” Louis stuck his finger in the cage. When the cat made no movement he shrugged. “Well, I give up.” Louis stood, “she hates me.”

“What? She didn’t even do anything.”

“Exactly.” Louis made a bored face, “which means I’m hated so no, I don’t want it.”

“She.”

“She, he, it –no thank you.”

 “Come on. I’m not here enough to take care of her.”

“Well, I’ll feed her and stuff, but she’s not coming in my apartment. Anyway, Liam said no and then punched me in the back.”

“In the back?”

“Yeah.” Louis frowned showing Harry the back of his shoulder. “You see it?”

“No.”

“Well it hurts.”

“Would you come feed her and clean her litter box?”

“The shit box? Ew.” Louis crossed his arms before shrugging, “I guess.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes!” He groaned. “Are you gunna give me the key to your apartment?”

“I don’t know yet.” Harry crossed his arms, “maybe I’ll just let you crawl through the window like a dumb animal.”

Louis puckered his lips, “rude.”

“Hm, maybe I should ask Liam.”

“Liam hates cats.”

“Of course.” Harry rubbed his chin, “For a month. I think Zayn might take her.”

 “Who?”

“A friend –my boss.”

“Well then!” Louis marched over to the door, throwing his arms up. “This was pointless and now I am going to sleep!”

Harry chewed away at his cheek, taking a deep breath, “Want to sleep over?”

Louis turned on his heel slowly, wide grin on his face. “Is this real?”       

“No, never mind –get out.”

“Ooh! Ooh! I will, I will.”

“I regret it already.”

“But what about Amethyst?”

“She’s feeling kind of sick so she’s gunna come tomorrow.”

“Oh,” Louis rubbed his arm, “I hope she feels better.”

“She says hi.”

Louis nodded shyly, “hi.”

Harry stared him up and down, “you got a tummy on you, huh?”

Louis looked down at his small belly. “Why yes I do.”

Harry smirked, “that’s nice.” He turned around, “you can sleep over if you want.”

“Yay!” He bounced around for a few seconds. “I’ll go bring my stuff!”

“Why’d you and Liam fight anyway?”

Louis stopped bouncing, smiling, “no reason.”

-

“You destroyed the kitchen and spent forty dollars on garbage!”

“I’m sorry! I felt bad about Harry and I wanted to bake him homemade muffins because the ones I made last time were all flat!”

“Just buy a two dollar box, you bastard! That forty was for groceries!”

“I wanted them to be from here!” Louis pointed at his chest roughly, “Isn’t that what’s important?”

“I’m going to drop kick you.”

Chapter Text

“How did this happen?”

Louis giggled quietly, “How did it not?”

Harry stared at the dark ceiling, “I feel like I’ve been tricked somehow.”

“Well,” Louis curled deeper into the thick blankets. “Nothing we can do about it now.”

“Yeah.” Harry rolled on his side, “You’re infuriating.”

Louis rolled on his side to face Harry. “I know.” He snickered into the comforter, “but I’m also going to be taking care of that dumb animal.” Louis shook with joy, “So I win this round.”

“Shut up.” Harry closed his eyes, “and look the other way.”

“Why!”

“Cause you’re ugly.”

“Hey!” Louis slapped him under the blanket. “Don’t say rude things! Mean ass! I thought you said I was beautiful!”

“I said your eyes were beautiful.”

“Same thing.”

“Very different actually.”

Louis frowned, “you think I’m ugly, for real?”

Harry covered Louis’ eyes with his large hand. “It doesn’t matter what I think, go to sleep.”

“Fine.” Louis pressed his lips together before rolling onto his other side, scooting away. “Night.”

“Stop being dramatic.”

“I’m not.” Louis bit his knuckle when his voice cracked.

Harry scooted closer to him, “relax, sleep is supposed to feel good. Don't go to sleep bothered.”

Louis took a deep breath. “Okay…”

“There you go.” Harry’s voice was way too low, way too gentle for Louis’ bottom half. The psychology major took a deep breath of his own, “goodnight.”

Louis kept his eyes closed tight, stomaching tightening in the best of ways –he didn’t want it to stop.

-

“Hey beautiful.” Harry yawned before picking up his tooth brush, “good morning.”

“Good morning, Harry.” Amethyst spoke, “how did you sleep?”

“Really good actually.” He set the phone on speaker, putting it on his bathroom counter. “How about you, how are you feeling?”

“Good, I’m better.”

“I’m so happy to hear, beautiful.”

“So,” She yawned, “Louis slept over?”

“Yeah.” Harry smiled, putting tooth paste on his brush. “He’s still asleep. He sleeps like a baby.” Harry went to brushing, mumbling, “Bastard.” He brushed for a moment, spiting into the sink, “he said he’d only take care of the cat if I let him sleep in my bed.” Harry chuckled, tooth brush hanging in his mouth, “and there he is, sleeping his life away.”

“No morning wake up routine?”

“Nope,” Harry spit. “He’s just living the life. –You know, he’s a really quiet sleeper. He doesn’t make a sound, doesn’t even move from his position; which is –weird.” Harry smiled, “but it felt like no one was even there, so it was cool.”

“That’s beautiful, Harry.”

“Yeah-” Harry rinsed his mouth, “So, when are you coming by my pretty flower?”

“Mm, that’s why I called.”

“Oh no.”

“Uh, yeah –I’m sorry. I have to go into work today and you know how awful my shifts are.”

“Why do you do nursing again?”

She laughed, “The same reason you took on psychology.”

“To help people.” Harry rolled his eyes, “yeah, yeah.”

“Tomorrow, okay?”

Harry picked up the phone, taking it off speaker. “Fine. Have a good day.”

“Don’t be upset with me. What are you doing to do?”

“Chores I guess.” Harry shrugged, “have to run errands.”

“You should take Louis with you.”

“Ha!” Harry walked out of the bathroom, “he’s a lot to handle.”

“Yeah,” her voice was soft, “but you’ll make him happy. He likes being with you.”

-

“Good morning, Mr. Sleeps-a-lot.”

Louis stretched, kicking the blankets away, “shut up, ass face.” He looked the man up and down, “Your hair is down.” Louis shot up on his knees, squinting, “your hair is actually really long.”

“Yes. Mr. observant.”

“And you stink,” Louis glared, “and you are sweaty.”

“I went for a morning jog.”

“A what?”

“A jog? J-O-G. Jog.” Harry crossed his arms, “I thought you were trying to be a teacher?”

“I know what a jog is –rude! I am asking why! Who in the hell goes jogging in the morning? That’s evil.”

“Try it sometime.” Harry rolled his eyes, pulling his shirt over his head. “It makes your body feel good.”

Louis looked away quickly, focusing on playing with the sheets. “Showing off your ‘body’?” He swallowed, biting hard on his cheek, Harry’s body was beautiful –strong, firm –healthy-

“That’s what eating right and exercising does for you.” Harry poked Louis’ pudge tummy while waking by. “You wouldn’t know anything about that.”

“Hey!” Louis lifted his shirt, squeezing his stomach with both hands. “This is beauty at its finest!”

Harry laughed, walking towards his bathroom. “I never said it wasn’t.” Louis clammed up. “I’m going to shower. I bought you breakfast when I jogged to the store.” Harry threw his shirt over his shoulder, “It’s a pizza hot pocket. –Oh, and I bought cat food so you can feed the ‘dumb animal’. Thanks.”

-

“Amethyst thinks I should let you run errands with me.” Harry sipped on a green smoothie. “What do you think?”

“Yes!” Louis screamed with stuffed cheeks. “Yes! Yes!”

“Ew!” Harry moved away, “you’re spitting red shit everywhere! Finish eating!”

Louis nodded vigorously before swallowing. “I want to! I have to study but that can wait!”

“Eh,” Harry leaned on the counter. “I don’t know, you’re annoying sometimes.”

“But I can be quiet!”

“It’s not about being quiet.”

“Then I can be not annoying! I promise! –I fed your dumb animal!”

Harry hit him almost making Louis fall off the high stool. “Stop saying that.”

“You called it one!”

“I was just mimicking you!”

“Fine, I won’t call her that. –Pluto!”

“Pardon.”

“Her name is Pluto, okay?” Louis blinked gently at Harry, “Please, I’ll be good.”

Harry ran his teeth over his bottom lip before pushing Louis’ face away. “Your eyes look really nice today too.”

Louis grinned smugly, “Yeah?”

Harry attempted to cover his smile with his palm. “Yeah, idiot.” He licked the corner of his mouth, “they look really different when you wake up –nice.” The man came closer, “like the sky when there’s no clouds.”

Louis bounced softly in his stool, “yours look like grass.” He grinned cutely, “green is my favorite color.”

“Is it?”

“Mmhm.” Louis hummed, “it is.”

“Hm.” Harry pushed him away again, “I like purple.”

“We were having a moment!”

Harry laughed, picking up his drink, “come on, get ready.”

“I can come?!”

“No, forget it, I changed my mind.”

-

“Cocoa Puffs!” Louis moved his eyebrows up and down. “Eh? Eh?”

“Put that down.”

“Come on!”

“It’s for my house and I don’t eat Cocoa Puffs.” Harry removed the box from his fingers and put it back on the shelf. “So no, if you touch something else you’re gunna buy it.”

“But I have no money.”

“So then don’t touch anything else.”

“Ugh!” Louis groaned, “this is boring!”

“Not my problem. The walk back to the apartment is about twenty minutes, have fun.”

“It’s raining!”

“Walk fast.”

“Can I sit in the shopping cart at least?”

“No!” Harry turned around, “what are you –five?”

“No,” Louis pouted. “But I am small and compact. Liam lets me ride in the shopping cart all the time.”

“Ugh.”

-

“Ooh, what about that?”

“I hate you.”

“Why? I’m not touching anything.”

“Yeah, but now you won’t shut the fuck up.” Harry pushed the shopping cart past people who stared. “And I have the whole store’s attention on me so that’s just peachy.”

“Liam doesn’t mind it.” Louis smiled, “you should be more like Liam, just don’t punch me.”

“I should punch you.” Harry considered two different types of bacon, reading the back of the packages.

“Smoked is really good.”

“Sh.”

Louis crossed his arms, “so, maybe this is a good time to get to know each other.” He chewed on his cheek in thought, “what’s your favorite TV show?”

“The cooking channel.” Harry set the smoked pack into the cart, between Louis legs, before pushing the cart into the next aisle.

“Ooh, mine is any cartoon –I love cartoons, I can watch any.”

“Mmhm.”

“Hm, what’s your last name?”

“Styles.”

“That’s stupid.”

“Oh, and what’s yours?”

Louis smiled brightly, “Tomlinson.”

“Yeah, not going to even touch on that.”

-

“Get –get your foot off my dashboard, Chip!”

“Calm down, Curly –sheesh.” Louis counted on his fingers, “Harry Edward Styles. Loves the cooking channel, working out and humans. Born in February, has one sister. Am I right?”

“Yeah.” Harry slapped Louis’ knee, “wow get your foot off my dash before I purposely crash.”

“And what would that do? You’d destroy your car.”

“No, it would break your knee just before it slams into your mouth.”

Louis slowly put down his foot, “meanie.”

“Thank you.” Harry rubbed his eyes, “Jesus, this traffic is awful.”

“What are we going to do when we get home?”

“What is this ‘we’ stuff?” Harry laughed, “I’m going to clean my house and you’re going back to yours.”

“But I like yours.”

“Oh, do you now? Cause for the past three months you’ve said nothing but bad things.”

“Like what!”

“That my apartment stinks!”

“Yeah, but…” Louis played with his nails, pouting. “I can’t smell it anymore.”

“Smell what?”

“The bad smell.” Louis shrugged, “I think I got used to it and now it’s not bad anymore. –I hate it but it’s nice.”

“Louis,” Harry looked at him. “Why did you and your ex break up?”

“What?”

“Just tell me.”

“Um, different goals… different views.”

“What did she look like? Do you have a picture?”

“Um,” Louis coughed, unsure why he was being asked a flood of questions so suddenly. “She was really good looking. Very –dark hair. Uh –short hair -she was tall.”

“Hm.” Harry tapped on the stirring wheel, “I wanna meet her.”

-

“Use the wood cleaner for the coffee table.”

“I am!”

“That’s Windex! Have you ever cleaned in your life?”

“I use Windex for everything! It says multi-surface!”

“Just go make the fucking bed.”

Louis grumbled past Harry, “at least be nice while I’m cleaning your apartment.”

“I never asked you to, you freak!” Harry rinsed the sink, “I said to go home!”

“Hush!”

“Go put the cat on the balcony.”

“Why!”

“Cause she shouldn’t be breathing in this stuff.”

Louis stomped back to the living room. “You’re so needy.”

“Ha, you must be talking to a mirror.” Harry wiped down the counter tops, “ I am ‘needy’ and you’re crazy.”

“I’m taking the cat onto the balcony!” Louis opened the door then closed it. “It’s raining –idiot.”

“Then just leave the door open!”

“Here you go, Pluto –dumb animal.” Louis patted the cage, and again the cat did not move. “Enjoy the fresh air.” Louis skipped back to the bedroom, looking around. “Where to start, where to start?” He tilted his head at the picture of Amethyst and Harry on the dresser top. They looked happy together.

 Louis groaned, falling onto the bed with a huff. She was such a nice girl and Louis was an asshole. He really liked Harry, more than he should. It wasn’t right, it wasn’t fair. Life wasn’t fair, but this crush really wasn’t fair. Harry was nothing he wanted. Louis wanted dark skinned, dark hair –a beard! He didn’t want a pale, long haired, bun having, hippie psychologist.

But maybe he did.

-

“Hey, are you done-” Harry closed his eyes briefly at Louis fast asleep. “Seriously?” Harry carefully picked him up and wow, he was still as heavy as the last time he had to carry him. He laid the man against the pillow he had woken up from this morning.

“Sweet dreams, Chip.”

Harry pulled the blanket up to his chin just as Louis had it while he slept earlier. Harry sat on the edge of the bed, wondering what crazy dreams Louis could possibly be having.

He stood up, rubbing his eyes lazily. This kid was way more than he could handle but Harry didn’t mind –not too much.

-

“I am here to pick up my idiot.”

Harry smirked, “Louis! Your father!”

Louis ran to the door, peeking over Harry’s shoulder, “Liam!” He pouted, “Liam…”

“Are you coming home?”

“Yes,” Louis crawled under Harry’s arm and hugged his friend. “Are you still angry at me?”

“Yes.” Liam pinched his arm, “but Niall is over and he wants to see you.”

“Okay.” Louis turned to Harry, “I’m on my way, curly bun man.”

Harry motioned his thumb inside, “go get your shit.” Louis ran back under his arm and out of sight.

“How was your day with Louis?”

“Uh,” Harry scratched his head, “tough but it was fine.”

“He grows on you, huh?”

Harry shrugged as Louis came back, “Somewhat.”

“I’m ready!”

“You live right there.”

Louis shoved him, “thanks for letting me help you today.”

Liam grabbed Louis’ things, “I’ll be inside, my feet are getting wet.”

Louis smiled, “thank you!” He slowly turned towards Harry, “well, I’ll see you around. Tell Amethyst I said hi…”

“I will.” Harry crossed his arms, “Louis William Tomlinson. Loves cartoons and mac and cheese –and hot pockets. Loves sweets and not working out; hates spiders and loves the color green.”

Louis grinned, “and your favorite color is purple!”

“Have a good night, Louis. Have fun studying.”

“I’ll try,” Louis grinned, “night, curly.”

-

“So, it went well?”

“Yeah.” Harry laid on top his sheets, on the side Louis hadn’t slept on. “I learned more about him and him about me.”

“That’s good.”

“He says hi.”

“I send my love.”

Harry sighed, “I feel exhausted and I still have to go to work.”

“Louis is one tough cookie then.”

“Yeah.”

“What’s something you learned about him?”

Harry turned on his side, facing the other pillow. “His favorite color is green.”

“Oh, and did you tell him yours?”

“Yeah… I told him it was purple.”

“Is it not?”

“I don’t know.” Harry covered the pillow with his hand, “I kind of like blue now.”

Chapter Text

“Ame –Ameth –hey! Let me fucking talk!” Harry slammed a hand on his couch. “I do want to see you, are you crazy!”

“You need to calm down, and try screaming at someone else. Now, I can definitely say, that I don’t want to see you.”

“Amethyst, come on! I said I was just taking him to his internship! I can get you right after!”

“And I said that it was fine and that I would see you some other time! I never said you didn’t wanna see me! I said that you’ve been too busy with Louis to see me!”

“I haven’t been too busy with anyone, babe!” Harry stood up, “please, I want to see you. I miss you.”

“Harry, you’re helping out Louis, it’s okay. We have so many chances to see each other, alright? Just take him where he needs to go and we’ll talk later.”

“Ame-”

“Harry, I’m done.”

 “A-“

“I’m done, Harry. He needs to go to his internship, take him. It’s important.” She sighed, “and later tonight we’ll talk.”

“About what?”

 “We’ll just talk.”

“Talk about what, Amethyst!”

 “About you and Louis!”

“What about Louis and I?” Harry made a face, “what about us?”

“Nothing, can we just talk later? I’m tired, I just got home from a fourteen hour shift.”

“Just tell me.”

“Harry,” she pleaded. “Leave it alone, we’ll talk later.”

“Louis hasn’t done anything wrong, Amethyst.”

The girl groaned, “You’re defending him when I haven’t accused him of anything. –Have a good day, Harry.”

-

Louis fidgeted uneasily in the passenger seat. “Um –Harry?”

“What.”

“Uh.” Louis played with his fingers, “did I do something wrong?”

“No.” Harry drove with his brows furrowed and one hand gripping the wheel too tight.

“Oh.” Louis brought one knee to his chest. “I’m sorry if I bothered you, I won’t ask you to take me any-”

“What are you doing tonight?”

“Uh –I-”

“You go to school tomorrow?”

“No.”

“Wanna have a drink with me?”

“Oh, like water?”

“No,” Harry squinted at the road. “Like alcohol. –You liked the screwdriver, right?”

“Yes.” Louis blushed, frowning when he looked at the tense man. “Harry, what happened?”

“Drink with me tonight. Just you and me.”

Louis shuddered, smiling to himself, “I’d love to.”

-

“Liam!” Louis gorilla-walked into his roommate’s room. “Liam!”

“Calm down before I call the zoo.” Liam flipped a page in his book. “What is it?”

“I’m sleeping over Harry’s again!” Louis jumped onto the soft bed, “and we’re drinking.”

“Oh cool.” Liam sat up, “can I come?”

 “No!” Louis growled. “He said it was going to just be ‘him and I’.”

“You sure that’s what he said?”

“I’m positive.” Louis got up, jumping around, “Oh my goodness!” He twirled, “I can’t believe this is happening, Liam!”

“And you don’t think that it’s weird that all of a sudden he wants to hang out?”

“Nope!” Louis’ mouth opened wide to form a smile. “I think he’s fallen for my devilish charm and good looks.”

Liam stood up, “so much for two of those things.”

“Butthole!”

“Well, have fun. I can fuck someone again since you’re not going to be here.”

“That’s a great way of seeing things!” Louis patted his back, “good job, Liam.”

“Idiot. Make sure you take your tooth brush this time.”

“Maybe he’ll kiss me tonight.”

“He still has a girlfriend, Louis.”

Louis snapped his fingers, “Dammit, that’s right.”

Liam smiled at him, “idiot.”

-

“Add orange juice.”

“This much?”

Harry smiled, “a little more.”

“Okay –oh no.” Louis stared big eyed at the drink that only just spilled over. “How am I going to stir it?”

Harry laughed, pulling the long spoon from Louis’ fingers. “Well, if you were a bartender you would just stir it and let it spill.” He got behind Louis and pushed him closer to the drink. “We get to just sip from the top.” And Louis did. He laughed a little, spilling some anyway, slurping from the top of the long glass.

“And now I stir.” He took the spoon back, stirring, spilling the drink. “Ugh.”

Harry put a hand over Louis’, “just stick it in and out of the glass, don’t actually stir it.” Louis pressed his lips together, blushing, but not nervous. He felt good, comfortable and relaxed. He was doing everything to not bother Harry today.

Harry was laughing a lot, smiling too much –he was being really nice to him. He even changed the sheets to new ones because he wanted Louis to sleep on ‘nice clean sheets’.

They played with Pluto for about five seconds until the cat was bored of them. Louis helped him burn incenses, and Harry ordered them pizza for dinner. They hadn’t fought once and Louis wasn’t sure if it was a joke or a miracle but he also didn’t really care.

“Cheers.” Harry lifted his drink to the air and clanked it against Louis’.

“Cheers…” Louis chewed his lip before taking a sip from his cup. He couldn’t let himself get too drunk and not remember anything. He had to remember everything tonight. “So,” he coughed, moving his way over to Harry’s couch. “How was your day?”

“Not great.” Harry sat beside him, gin and tonic in hand. He sighed loudly, “Amethyst seemed annoyed today because I was taking you to your internship.”

Louis’s stomach fell.

“Don’t worry.” Harry shook his a hand, “Don’t even think anything of it. I haven’t seen her in like a month. It sucks. I think we’re just frustrated. It happens.”

“Yeah.” Louis tapped his nails against his glass, “does she hate me?”

“Naw,” Harry smiled. “She talks about you a lot.”

“Oh.” Louis smiled, “that’s good.”

“So,” Harry sipped on his drink. “Tell me about you –more about you.”

“Like?”

Harry shoved his knee, “come on, man. You always have something to say.”

Louis smiled, “I feel happy here.”

“Where?”

“In your house.” Louis scratched his leg, “we haven’t fought all day and I’m really happy.”

Harry just stared, it looked like he wanted to speak but wasn’t sure of what to say. “You’re right, we haven’t.” He rolled his neck, “it’s just been a long day and I’m sure you’re tired, I am. I’m sorry for even asking you to come over.”

“No!” Louis reached out for him. “No! I was so happy when you freaking asked me, you have no idea.” Louis’ toes curled, “you just seemed off in the morning so I was a little worried.”

Harry chuckled, “I don’t know, relationships are tough.”

“Yep.” Louis nodded, “they are.”

“What about that girl you like?” Harry sat up, “what’s she like?”

“Uh,” Louis cleared his throat. “Nice, funny, she smells nice.”

Harry laughed, “oh, great explanation. Do you have a picture?”

“No…” Louis smiled awkwardly. “I don’t.”

“That’s alright, you guys aren’t dating right?”

“No, not at all. She’s just,” he shrugged, “she’s really cool, I like her a lot.”

“That’s awesome. When you find someone you like, you just gotta run with it. Amethyst is just fucking amazing. Understanding, sweet –smart as hell.” Harry stared into his drink, chewing his cheek, “I just feel like she doesn’t wanna be with me sometimes.”

“Why?” Louis shook his head, frowning, “she loves you, Harry.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes.” Louis squirmed, “she really does.”

“Thanks.” Harry smiled, “so what else should I know about you?”

“What do you wanna know?”

“I don’t know, depends on what my friend wants to tell me.”

“F –friend?” Louis screamed at the ceiling and Harry choked on his drink. “You are my friend!”

Harry laughed, wiping the liquid from his chin, “yeah.” He smiled, “do you wanna be?”

“Oh,” Louis purred, “you know I wanna be.” He took a long drink before setting down his cup. He cracked his knuckles, “oh, you’re never getting rid of me now, Mr. Styles.”

Harry rolled his eyes, smirking slightly, “I didn’t plan on it.”

-

“And then Liam kicked me down a hill and I rolled onto a rock and that is how I ended up in the hospital the first time.”

Harry pressed his lips together, “Liam hits you a lot, huh?”

“Yeah,” Louis smiled. “Kinda like it.”

“You what?” Harry kicked him, laughing loud. “You like it?”

“Kind of, I got used to it.” Louis kicked him back, “well, that’s how I didn’t die.”

“Yeah, but you broke your arm.”

Louis lifted a finger, “yes, but I could have been bitten by a spider and died.” He lifted up his second drink, “thanks to my friend for kicking me down a hill, I survived.”

“That’s the best story I have ever heard.”

Louis grinned, “why, thank you.”

Harry stood up with a small wobble in his step. “I’m making myself another one. Do you want one?”

Louis held up his drink, “I’m not done.”

Harry smirked, “stop babysitting your drink, asshole.”

“Babysitting?”

“Yeah, when you just hold onto it.”

“Oh. No! I love it, I just don’t want to get too drunk like last time.”

“Go ahead.” Harry picked up his bottle of gin, “go fucking crazy. Tonight we are free to do as we please.” Harry poured it over ice, “I’ll take care of you in the morning.”

-

“Do –do you think that I could ever –ever be a real teacher?”

“Of course, Louis.” Harry put a warm hand on his shoulder. “You’re becoming a teacher.”

“I know, I know.” Louis leaned into the touch, “I’m –I just –my ex said that I shouldn’t be one.”

“Why?” Harry’s hand fell onto Louis’ leg. “You’d,” He burped softly. “You’d be a great teacher.”

“He said that he’d take care of me instead.”

“He?” Harry lifted Louis’ drooping face. “Don’t you mean ‘she’?”

“Yeah, yeah –she.” Louis nodded, “sorry.”

Harry smiled, patting Louis’ head. “You’re wasted.” He put down his drink, almost falling in the process. “Let’s go to bed.”

Louis blinked slowly, “no, I’m fine.”

“Yes, come on.”

Louis placed his empty cup on the floor. “I’ll stay here, you can sleep on your bed.” He curled into a ball on the couch, closing his eyes. “Sweet dreams.”

Harry swayed before kneeling next to him. “Goodnight.” A comforting arm wrapped over Louis’ waist. “You’re going to be a great teacher.” Harry laid his head onto his side, “sweet dreams.”

-

“Jesus.” Harry blinked quickly before lifting his head. He looked around slowly. “Hey.” His voice was hoarse, “you okay?”

Louis was sleeping soundly. Not a sound coming from him, like before. Harry stood up slowly, checking his pockets, “time, time.” He fell over twice before catching himself the third time.

He stumbled into his bedroom reaching for his phone. 4:13 AM. He sat on the bed, looking through his messages and missed calls.

His head hurt but he remembered the night before. It was fun, something he hadn’t gotten to do in a long time. He couldn’t remember the last time he got drunk. You would think, with him being a bartender, it would happened more often.

Sleep came easy even if he was kneeling on the floor –even if his legs were numb. Louis was the type of comfort that made you feel warm and cold at the same time. When they weren’t fighting, Louis was a great pillow –soft.

“Amethyst.” He read aloud, “Amethyst, Amethyst, Amethyst… Damn.” She had called about ten times.

Harry groaned, closing his eyes before re-opening them. He put the phone to his ear letting it ring away. Once, then twice, and a third time until it went to voice mail. Harry laid back on the bed, lowering the light, scrolling through his messages.

Hey, you alright?

Tried calling again, checking up on you.

You’re probably with Louis. I wanted you to talk to about something. Call me ASAP.

I called as much as I am allowing myself to.

Harry, Louis likes you, I know he does. You don’t know, obviously, maybe you do. It’s cool, he’s great. Everything was okay at first but, it’s different now. I am really trying but I can feel us pulling away.

I don’t know if you know where I’m getting at, hopefully you do. I’m coming over tonight. We have to talk in person. I hope you’re safe, Louis too. Love you.

Harry read over the message a few times, a few hundred it felt like. He carefully put the phone on the bed and sat up. Harry was confused, a little nauseous, finding himself looking for stability.

Louis was possibly bisexual but –he didn’t like him, Harry was sure. He would have noticed if –

Harry sat back down, staring at the floor for twenty minutes before going back to the living room. He stared at Louis from afar, mind running high on different thoughts –finding it hard to think about his relationship with Louis laying there. Instead Harry let himself think about what Louis could be dreaming about. Dropping down beside him, laying his head back on Louis’ side, uncertain of himself.

Harry wanted to wake him up, beg for answers. But Louis was asleep, soundly asleep, and Harry didn’t have the heart to.

So, instead, he shut his eyes, breathing out, before going back to sleep.

-

“Mm.” Louis groaned softly, mouth dry. He looked down at Harry who started moving. The man sat up slowly, hair flattened on one side. Harry had slept on him all night. Louis smiled softly, “good morning.”

Harry wiped his mouth, blinking, “Louis.” He swayed slightly, “are you gay?”

Chapter Text

“It’s not that I don’t want you to work, or get an education, baby.” Jeffery grabbed Louis’ face, “I just don’t see why you would need to when I can take care of you.”

Louis moved his boyfriend’s hands away, “I know that you can take care of me.” He sighed, “I want to be a teacher.”

“See, and then you want to go for something you don’t even like.”

“I love teaching! I love learning!”

“Children?” Jeffery sat him down on the couch, “you don’t like kids, Louis.”

“I don’t care, Jeffery!” Louis spat, “Jesus Christ, can’t you just back me up?”

“Relax.” The older man ran a hand over Louis’ hair, “If you want to work or go to school or whatever, I will support you –I guess.”

“See,” Louis stood up. “This is the problem. I need full support or none.”

“I’m not going to give you all my support, Louis. If I needed you to work, I would let you know.”

“So now what?” Louis shrugged angrily, “I just wait until you need me to work and then I start my life?”

“It’s not that, babe.” Jeffery rubbed his eyes, “I’m tired. Look, do it, go to school and I’ll pay for everything, alright?”

“No.” Louis shook his head, arms crossed, “I don’t want that from you. I just want you to say you support me!”

“I can’t do that because I don’t fully support it.” Jeffery pressed his lips together. “I’m sorry, baby, I just don’t.”

Louis nodded, tears brimming his eyes. “I’m sorry too.”

-

“What?”

“Dude,” Harry rubbed his head. “Just tell me, honestly.”

Louis’ chest was tight. “Who told you?”

Harry looked away from him, “do you like me?”

“Not all gay people like people just because-”

“Do you like me, Louis, seriously?”

Louis’ eyes were stuck on the coffee table. “Yeah.”

“Oh.”

“I’m sorry, did –what –I’m so sorry.”

“No. It’s –its fine.” Harry stood up slowly. “You have no reason to apologize.” He paced slowly, “Um, okay. Since when?”

“This isn’t okay.” Louis stood up, “who told you?”

“Amethyst.”

“Oh God.” Louis closed his eyes, “I knew it.”

“You knew?”

“I kind of knew she knew.” Louis turned his feet inward. “I’m gunna go home.”

“How long did you like me for?”

“Since after we got stuck in the elevator.”

“Jesus.”

“Harry, I’m so fucking sorry.”

“No, no. It’s okay.” The man looked so distraught. “I’m just really surprised.”

“I’m leaving.” Louis quickly scurried to Harry’s room in search for his things. Louis hoped, in some cosmic sort of way, that Harry would chase after him. That Harry would confess his love, say that he wanted to be with him –wanted them to try. But then Louis was by the door and Harry was sitting, head in his hands.

Liam was right, this wasn’t a story or a movie –this was real and, in real life, the gay boy does not get the straight one.

“Thank you.” Louis was going to cry. “I had fun.”

“I don’t hate you.”

Louis nodded, “okay.”

Harry was silent for a while. “What about the ‘girl’ you liked?”

“It was you.”

Harry didn’t say anything after that and that was Louis’ cue to leave.

-

“Liam.” Louis dragged his feet to his roommate’s bedroom.

“Sh, my show’s on.” Liam sat warmly in his bed, his TV playing low.

“Liam.” Louis tried again, this time with a crack in his throat. “Liam, I’m sad.”

The man looked up with a tilt in his head. “Louis.” His eyes fell softly, “Oh, Louis, what happened?”

Louis’ lips wobbled and were probably purple. He rocked back and forth on his heel. “Li –Liam. My body hurts and I’m so sad.” Louis didn’t let his tears fall just yet.

“Come here, Lou.” Liam opened up his blanket but Louis didn’t move. He sat on the floor and covered his face.

A small whine fell from his lips, “Liam, he hates me.” He looked up at the ceiling. “Oh, God, why.”

Liam carefully got off the bed to comfort his friend. He knelt beside him, holding Louis’ head against his chest. “Hurts real bad?”

“Yeah,” Louis sobbed, “so bad…”

-

“You look awful.”

Harry opened the door wider for his girlfriend to enter. He nodded, “yeah.”

“You never messaged me or called back. Did you get my message?”

Harry didn’t look at her for too long. “Yeah, I got it.”

Amethyst sat on the couch, “and?”

“I asked him.”

She crossed a leg over the other, “Harry, did you do something stupid?”

“I think so.”

Amethyst pinched the bridge of her nose, “did you say something rude?”

“I didn’t –I didn’t.” Harry’s voice was low, “I didn’t, I just asked him but –but I couldn’t talk.”

Amethyst licked her lips, setting her purse beside her. “Harry, let’s break up.”

Harry looked at her through his lashes. “Excuse me?”

“Break up.” She sniffled, crossing her arms over her chest, “I cried all night and all morning, so I’m not going to cry now. Let’s break up.”

Harry dragged his feet closer to her. “Why in the fuck are you breaking up with me?”

Amethyst sighed, swallowing, “I love you and I want the bes –best-” She cleared her throat, “I want the best for you always. We’ve always said –said we wanted the best for each other and I think Louis is your best.”

Harry’s eyes grew, mouth falling open. “I’m not gay, Amethyst. I don’t like Louis.”

“Yes you do.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Amethyst!” He grabbed onto the couch arm, squeezing it hard. “I don’t fucking like him! Are you fucking kidding me? You’re breaking up with me cause of Louis, when I feel nothing for him!”

She stared at her lap, “Harry, I’m not stupid.”

“No, you aren’t, but you are fucking wrong!” He threw both hands down, startling his girlfriend. “How can you even say that? You’re breaking up with me over something that only I would know! Fuck! Come on!” Harry stood up, tugging at his strands, “I fucking love you!”

“Harry-”

“I love you!”

“Was I wrong about him being gay?”

Harry didn’t respond.

“Was I wrong about him liking you –did you ask him that?” Harry looked away, pacing. “Okay, so I was right.” She wiped a stray tear. “Why would I be wrong about this?”

“Because you are fucking wrong.” The man clenched his teeth, “I don’t like Louis! I’m not gay!”

“I guess, Harry, sure. You’re not gay but you like him. You just don’t want to admit it, because you can’t yet.” She smiled, looking up so she wouldn’t cry. “You talk about him, constantly –all the time, more than you talk about anything anymore. When you both interact, it’s actually really –beautiful.” Amethyst bit her lip, “and I have come to accept it. It doesn’t change that I love you, Harry. I adore you and I know you love me. And –it’s okay that you love two people.” She stood, taking his hands in hers, “it’s also okay if you don’t know it yet.”

Harry’s mouth was open, small shocked sounds escaping.

“I done hate you for liking someone else, but I also don’t want to be second to someone. Feelings are unstable, Harry, you know this more than anyone. My little psychology major,” she smiled. “But anyone can use a push in the right direction.”

“Baby,” Harry rasped, “I love you. Don’t do this to me.”

“I know you do, Harry. I do too, so let’s help each other, like we always have. This is me wanting only good things for you, Haz.”

“I don’t want this, Amethyst. This is ridiculous- you know it is.”

“Harry.” She pressed her lips together, “tell me, what color are my eyes?”

“What?”

“My eyes, what color are they?”

“Brown. I don’t understand-”

“What do they look like?”

“Am, what the fuck-”

“Tell me what they look like, Harry.”

He groaned, squeezing her, “Like wood, like chocolate –they’re beautiful.”

“And Louis’ –what color are they?”

Harry sucked his teeth, “this isn’t about him.”

“Tell me.”

“Amethyst, this isn’t about Louis!”

“What color are his eyes?”

“They’re fucking blue –he has blue eyes! What the fuck does it matter?”

“They are,” She bit her wobbling lip, “what do they look like?”

“Like the fucking sky –like the ocean in one of those stupid ass magazine photos –they are soft in morning –I don’t fucking know, I don’t care!”

“Oh baby,” Amethyst cooed, “Do you hear yourself?” She shook her head, covering Harry’s mouth, “I’ll always be here for you, Harry. I just can’t be here like he can. But I’ll always be here.”

-

“Is, uh, Louis here?”

“Nope.” Liam shook his head, “He’s, um, visiting his aunt.”

“Didn’t he see her last weekend?”

Liam smiled weakly, shrugging. “He loves his aunt.”

“Alright,” Harry licked his lips, rubbing his hands together. “Let him know I came by, please.”

“Will do.” Liam saluted him, “We should drink some time –ow.”

“What?”

“Nothing.” He grinned, “I’ll let him know.”

“Thanks.”

Liam closed the door softly, slapping Louis all the way to the couch. “Hey asshole, don’t kick me when I’m helping you!”

“Don’t ask him to have a drink,” Louis hissed.

“Louis,” Liam huffed, taking a deep breath. “It’s been two months, man. Two fucking months. I’m pretty sure he thinks you don’t even live here anymore –which would be a better fucking lie!”

“It’s been a month and eighteen days actually,” Louis mumbled. He frowned, “you promised to be there for me.”

“Yeah, and I am ‘being there’. But how can I ‘be there’ if you’re not giving me any good lies? One day it’s your aunt’s the next is also your aunt’s.” Liam made a face, “you don’t even have an aunt. Anyway, he’s coming to see you. He obviously doesn’t hate you, he probably never did.”

“I just don’t want to face him…” Louis shrugged, running his hand over the couch, “I like to watch him from afar.”

“Yeah, stalker. He’s going to see you one day and then you’re gunna be embarrassed.”

“Never, because I hide really good.”

“Creep.” Liam stretched, “you need to talk to him soon cause this is ridiculous and I’m tired of lying.”

“Meh.”

“Ugh, Louis.” Liam grabbed his shoes from the floor. “Annoying ass.”

-

“Uh, can I help you?”

The man at Harry’s door peeked his head in a little. “Uh, do I have the wrong house?”

Harry lifted an eyebrow, “depends on who you’re looking for.”

“Louis –Louis Tomlinson.”

Harry opened the door wider, “yeah, this is the wrong place. It’s the one right there.” Harry pointed to the door beside his, “but he’s not there right now.”

“You sure?” The man questioned looking at his phone. “He just texted me that he was? It’s cool, I’ll knock –thanks.”

“Yeah, no problem.” Harry stepped out of his apartment slowly.

Louis wasn’t supposed to be home, unless Liam lied.

“Aye, Liam!” The man hugged him, “Louis’ here, right?”

“Yeah, of course. Come in, come in.”

Harry wanted to smile but he found his mouth curling in annoyance. He unlocked in door before slamming it shut. Harry took slow steps to the door, anger flying up his spine.

He took a deep breath before knocking, cracking his neck when he heard Louis’ laugh.

“Ha, I know, I know –hell –oh shit.” Liam sighed, closing his eyes, “what’s up?”

“Not here, huh?”

“Not my fault.”

Harry smiled tightly, “Oh, I see.” He looked down at his feet, “can I come in?”

“Sure.”

Harry touched the wall on his way in, eyes glued to Louis. “Louis.”

“Harry,” Louis got up slowly. His hair was shorter, it looked good. All in all, he looked the same, petite and tan. His eyes were darker blue than usual. “Hi…”

“I came to see you earlier –several times before that.” Harry looked around, “I thought you were at your aunt’s.”

“Uh,” Louis cupped his hands together, “I don’t really know what to say.”

“Maybe not lie this time? That would be a great fucking start.”

“Your bathroom smells like peaches.” The man that had just been at Harry’s, came walking out of the hallways. He waved at Harry, “hi, again?”

Harry gave him a small salute, “hey. –I just wanted to come by and check that you were here. Good to know.”

Louis looked from the man to Harry, “can we talk outside?”

“Yeah, that’d be great.”

“Um,” Louis frowned, looking at the man, “I’ll be right back.”

-

“Why the hell are you hiding from me?”

“I’m not hiding.”

“Dude, you disappeared off the face of the fucking earth without a word. Seriously?”

Louis pouted, wiggling his toes, “I’m sorry. I was having a tough time and it happened so fast. I could face you and I was really sad, okay? I didn’t want to bother you anymore and I was just trying to move on.”

“Oh,” Harry threw up his arm, turning away, “that’s not fucked up or anything.”

“I know,” Louis reached out, pulling back. “Liam said I should talk to you but, I am a wuss. I was scared.” He leaned against the wall, “But I’m happy now, seeing you up close. I’m just trying not to smile too much, I know you’re made, but I’m really happy.” Louis wiped under his eyes quickly, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry that you caught me in a lie, lies –multiple lies.”

“I don’t accept your apology.” Harry turned to look at him, leaning against the banister, “I won’t.”

“I understand.”

“Unless you take me out for lunch.”

Louis’ breathe coughed, “okay.” He breathed, blushing, “I’ll take you anywhere you want, name it.”

“Give me time to think about it.”

Louis smiled softly, rubbing his ear, “okay.” He twisted his mouth, “can you please apologize to Amethyst for me? Tell her that I’ll leave you alone.”

Harry breathed out of his mouth, licking the corner of his mouth. “She –uh –she broke up with me.”

“What?” Louis frowned, brows creasing, “what? No –because of me?”

“No, no, it was here. She just –she wants the best for me, don’t worry about it.”

“Why –it can’t just be all of a sudden? I can talk to her!”

“It’s okay, trust me –drop it.”

“Okay but,” Louis shook his head, “I’m so sorry, Harry.”

Harry shoved him gently, “it’s cool, just don’t bring it up anymore.” He moved away, “you can go back inside.”

“Uh,” Louis looked back, “do you want to come in?”

“No, you have a friend over, it’s fine.”

“I know but,” Louis played with his jean pocket. “Do you still want to meet my ‘ex-girlfriend’?”

“Hm?”

“Cause that guy in there is ‘her’.”

-

“-on the toilet for three days!”

“Idiot.” Louis covered his grin, “no one told you to eat four pieces of cake.”

Jeffery grabbed Louis by the waist, bringing him down to his lap. “Well, no one told you to make such delicious cake.” He tickled him softly, “best cake ever.”

“Meh!”

“Meh! Meh!” Jeffery laughed, kissing up and down Louis’ arm. “You haven’t changed one bit.”

Harry was sat in the lounge chair across from the couch, annoyed, disgusted –pissed off.

This, person, was Louis’ ex-boyfriend. He was nothing like what Harry had thought. He was good with Louis, they got alone for the most part but –but.

Harry assumed the guy would be weird, flamboyant –loud (he wasn’t wrong about that). He didn’t expect him to be tall, dark, built and handsome. Yes, Jeffery was probably a panty-dropper, but he looked like an asshole too –probably was/ Louis wouldn’t have dated an asshole, but they weren’t dating anymore either.

 Harry could psychoanalyze this guy easy. He could do it with his eyes closed, all he had to do was listen to his loud mouth. Self-centered, probably spoiled; a rich boy that walked over people to get where he is. Jeffery was in suit and tie, as if he came from court –a total douchebag.

“Where do you work?”

Jeffery stopped messing with Louis, finally, and smiled, “I’m a lawyer.”

Oh, of course.

“Why did you guys break up again?” Harry was on thin ice and he was ready to skate.

Louis cleared his throat, scooting off of Jeffery’s lap and onto the couch. “He didn’t want me to be a teacher.”

“It wasn’t that, Lou. I said you didn’t need to be one because I would take care of you.”

He was possessive and probably insecure.

Louis rolled his eyes, “oh God. I wanted to do it!”

“And I told you to and that I would pay for it.”

Jeffery wanted to play macho man and was definitely a manipulator. The guy’s motivation for the day was probably brushing his hair while flexing in a mirror.

“And I told you that I didn’t need your help and that all I wanted was support.”

Jeffery closed eyes, “are we going here?”

Self-centered was right. Harry was pretty sure he had a troubled childhood. He didn’t know how to listen, or was taught that he didn’t need to listen, only be heard.

“It’s your fault.” Louis stood up, “I wasn’t going to be a ‘stay at home mom’. I am a free spirit, Jeff. And, this free spirit, is getting his bachelors in teaching.”

“And I completely commend you.”

Absolute douchebag.

“And,” Louis added loudly, “I did it with support from my friends!”

Jeffery smirked, “Loubear, Loubear. Feisty as ever.”

What had Louis seen in this guy?

Louis smiled smugly, standing beside Harry’s chair. “And I’m smart too.”

And, out of the whole forty minutes Harry had been sitting in the chair, this was the only time he smiled. Harry could have been wrong about the guy, because he was annoyed (he probably wasn’t wrong though). But, he was right about one thing; Louis was one of the most interesting people he’d ever met in his life.

Chapter Text

“Chip.” Harry wanted it to pose as a question but it slid out as more of a surprise.

“I’m here to pick you up.” Louis rolled on the heels of his shoes, “and I’m a little nervous if I’m honest.”

Harry lifted an eyebrow at him. “Where are we going?”

Louis cleared his throat, glancing at his hand. “Um, the bakery place we went last time? Unless you wanna go somewhere else!”

“No… no.” Harry leaned on the door frame, “that’s fine.” He rubbed his chin, “is there a reason you’re wearing a suit?”

Louis looked down at his attire, he gulped softly. “I wanna look good for our date.”

Harry smirked slightly, “Uh, okay.” He chuckled, “okay, Louis. I don’t know why I expected anything less if I’m honest.”

“Are you ready?”

“I mean, no? I didn’t even know we were going out anywhere.”

“Oh God!” Louis grabbed his chest, “you’re busy? Jesus, I knew I should have called.”

“Chill, chill.” Harry smiled, “I’m not, but yeah, you should have.”

“I know but I was so busy trying to make a reservation.”

“A what?”

“Reservation? It’s when you reserve a table somewhere or-”

Harry pressed his tongue against his cheek, “I know what it is, thank you, but why would you make one for a bakery?”

“Well, I kind of just asked them to make sure there’s a table available by the window.” Louis shrugged, “The guy said he couldn’t promise anything.” Louis wiped his forehead, “God, it’s hot in this thing.”

“There –uh, there’s black stuff on your forehead.” Harry carefully reached out to wipe it. “Looks like ink?”

“Oh God.” Louis looked at his hand, “my notes.”

“You should probably write your notes on paper, not your hand.”

“No, it was notes for our date.” Louis rubbed his forehead with his clean hand. “I didn’t know what to say and now it’s all gone and now I just told you everything and I’m embarrassed.” Louis stared at the floor, pouting, “it’s really hot.”

Harry pressed his lips together. “I don’t even know what to say so just come in. I’ll –uh, I’ll get ready.”

-

“Hi, I’m the one who reserved the table here.”

The man nodded slowly, “uh, yeah. We don’t really hold tables but you can just grab which ever you like.”

“Yeah,” Louis nodded slowly. “Sorry. I’ll just let my friend order first.” He scooted away from the register, motioning Harry to go first. “Go on.”

Harry smiled awkwardly, “hi.”

“Hey, what can I get you?”

“Uh, let me just have the side Caesar, with chicken, and a tomato basil soup.” Harry glanced at Louis fanning himself with a ripped menu. “Uh, and a sweet iced tea –please.”

“Would you like chips with your meal?”

“No, thank you.”

“Is that all?”

Harry cleared his throat at Louis who squinted at the menu above. “Louis, you can order.”

The man quickly stopped fanning himself and shuffled in front of him. “I will have something new.” Louis rubbed his chin, “Actually, I take that back. I will have a pork sandwich with a really big drink –biggest one you have. –Jesus, is no one else hot?”

“We have a large?” The man lifted a plastic cup. “That’s good?”

“Yes, it’s perfect.” Louis took it. “How much is that?”

“Do you want chips?”

“Salt and vinegar.”

Harry groaned, “Ugh, gross.”

“Shut it, salad boy.” Louis pulled out his card, “I’m paying so I get to get whatever I want.”

“Alright, it’s going to be 18.97. Are you paying card or cash?”

“Card.” Louis swiped his card on the small machine in front of him.

“Uh, could you swipe it again?”

“Sure.” Louis did once more, hearing a small error sound.

“Hm,” The cashier asked for the card. “I’ll try typing it in.”

“Thanks.” Louis looked back at the small line forming. “Oh God, we’re ‘those people’.”

Harry shrugged, “You’re ‘those people’. I’m gunna use the bathroom.” The curly haired man walked away from the line and to the restroom.

“Oh, thank you!” Louis rolled his eyes, looking back at the cashier. “How’s it going?”

“Unfortunately it says your card is declined.”

Louis chuckled into his hand, letting his head drop. “This isn’t happening –but no, of course it is. I probably have like six dollars.” He puckered his lips, “what do I do?”

The man handed him back his card, standing awkwardly.

Louis looked back at the line then at the cashier, “just –one sec, one second.” He ran to the boy’s bathroom, bumping into Harry just before he opened the door. “Harry, I know you’re gunna hate me.”

“You have no money.”

“I don’t.”

Harry walked passed him to the line, pulling out his wallet “How much?”

“18.97.”

                “Here’s twenty.” Harry grinned, “keep the change.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Harry.”

“Oh.” Harry leaned over the counter, “take out the salt and vinegar chips, please.”

“What!”

“You know, I’m paying so.” He shrugged smugly, “I get what I want.”

-

“So,” Harry stuck a fork full of salad in his mouth. “You gunna pout the whole time or talk?”

“I’m not sure.” Louis frowned, mumbling, “wanted my chips.”

“They’re gross and unhealthy.” Harry pointed his fork at him, “helping you in two ways.”

“I hate you.”

“Weren’t you supposed to be apologizing or something like that?”

Louis rolled his eyes, “I’m sorry.” He put down his drink, “I –where do I start?”

“Where ever you want to.”

“I like you.” Louis played with his napkin. “I liked you after we got stuck in the elevator.” He sighed, “I didn’t want to tell you I was gay because I thought you’d immediately think that I like you.”

“But you do like me.”

“I know.” Louis groaned loud, catching people’s attention, “ugh, shut up.”

“Go on.”

“I didn’t want you to run away.” He licked his lips, “you were nice and I had fun with you. I didn’t want to get too close to you either cause of Amethyst. She is so nice. Even though there was nothing between us –I didn’t want to get too close.” Harry’s silence was annoying. “I don’t know what else to say, Harry. I was ignoring you because I was scared that you were mad.” Louis rubbed his eye, “I don’t want things to be different and so I just avoided you and I’m so sorry.”

“Apology accepted and nothing has to change.” Harry sucked his teeth. “So, I’m gunna tell you something, alright?”

“Alright.” Louis’ leg shook violently under the table

“I prefer you don’t avoid me and, if you are going to, I’d rather you just tell me to fuck off and stay away from you. I hate being ignored, it’s rude.”

“Okay.”

“Your ex-boyfriend.” Harry pressed his lips together, “what’s with you two?”

“Nothing.” Louis calmed. “Nothing at all. He’s so full of himself.” He smiled, shaking his head, “Jeff’s a great guy though, just not what I want or really need.”

Harry crossed his fingers under his chin, staring at Louis for too long. “Jesus, I think I’m as nervous as you.”

Louis’ calmness level was lowering and twisting into fear.

Harry leaned back in his chair, “Amethyst thinks I –like you.”

Oh this was not actually happening.

“Not hundred percent sure why, but that’s why she broke up with me. She wants the best for me and she thinks that it’s –you.” Harry shrugged, “I have no idea because I’m not gay, and I really don’t think I like you in any emotional way, but she really thinks I do.”

Louis shot up, hand over his mouth. “I’m going to throw up.”

-

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Harry brought him water. “I didn’t know that what I said was going to make you throw up.”

“I just get really anxious.”

“You should probably talk to someone about that.”

Louis closed his eyes, “so –oh my God –I just –I feel bad?”

“Why?”

“Amethyst.” Louis sipped his water, “she must be hurt and hate me.”

“We believe in helping one another find what is best for one another. If that means separating then that is what we will do. If she saw it was best for me to be with you then I guess it is.” Harry sat beside him, “I don’t agree but, I loved her and I still do. She’s also never put me in the wrong direction. I trust her.”

Louis nodded, “I just feel like this is fake or something. It feels like a dream.” Louis frowned, “and I still feel terrible.”

“Don’t throw up again but,” Harry chewed on his bottom lip. “Do you want to try to date or something? I don’t know, to see if she was right or to see if it’s true?”

“Harry-”

“I mean, honestly, it would be like a little experiment. I’m not going to lie, this is really weird for me. I do like experiments though, I want to see what happens.

Louis stared at his cup of trembling water. “Are you asking me to be your boyfriend, Harry?”

“Yeah, man.” Harry squeezed his bun, groaning. “It might go kinda slow though.”

Louis couldn’t take his eyes off his water. “You have an awful way of asking people out.”

“Well, I don’t normally ask men out, sorry.

Louis nodded, “yes, I want to go out with you –as an experiment?”

“Kind of.” Harry crossed his arms, “I’m not going to lie to you. I don’t know if it’s going to work out or if it’s just going to blow up. I’m not trying to play with your emotions or anything. I know you have a life ahead of you so, if you don’t want this, just let me know.”

“If we don’t work out –we’re still cool?”

“Of course.”

“I wanna date you.” Louis swallowed hard, “even if it’s for a little bit.”

-

“How was your date?” Niall sat crossed legged on Louis’ couch, phone in hand.

Louis plopped quietly next to him, “I threw up.”

“Ew.” Niall grimaced, “Where’d you go?”

“Where’s Liam?”

“In the room.”

“I need to only say this once.”

“Oh God –Liam! Louis’s being an idiot!”

Liam came out, mid-way through putting on deodorant, “trying to get ready. How’d your date go?”

“He fucking threw up, the punk.”

“Yuck, Louis.” Liam frowned, “that’s fucking nasty. Did you throw up in the bathroom?”

“No, on our food.”

“Oh, come on!” Niall stood up, “you need to control yourself.”

Louis squeezed thighs, pressing his lips together, “holy shit.”

“Did you get high with him or something?”

“Oh my God.” Louis rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands. “He –he asked me out.”

“He did what!” Niall jumped around the room, screaming, “he asked you the fuck out!”

Liam quickly went around the couch, crouching in front of Louis. “What happened, from the beginning?”

“I don’t know, he said –I don’t know.” Louis hugged himself, “he said he wants to see where we go. Amethyst thinks that I’m the best thing for him and he wants to see if she’s right.”

“What the fuck.” Niall stopped jumping, “don’t be someone’s test subject.”

“I kind of want to.” Louis looked Liam in the eye, “I’m actually really interested and I want to see where we go because –I don’t even feel like I’m really here.”

“You’re here.” Liam stood up, “don’t come crying to me if it blows up in your face.”

“Liam.”

“I am your friend, Louis, and I love you. This can go very wrong, but you are an adult. This is your choice.”

Louis brought his knees to his chest, pressing his lips against his knee. “Oh my God…” He shut his eyes, “I’m dating curly bun man.”

Chapter Text

“Uh, hi.”

“Hi.”

“So, what’s up?”

“Oh God,” Harry rolled his eyes. “You’re making this awkward for no reason.”

Louis covered his face, one foot stomping the floor. “I’m not trying to!” He pouted, “I’m just nervous.”

“Nervous about what?” Harry groaned, “Come in.”

Harry and Louis had been dating for five days. Louis had seen Harry once in those five days, today, and he’d texted him twice. It was kind of Louis’ fault. He was scared –nervous, Louis didn’t want to mess up. He also understood that Harry could be nervous too. It was his first time with a guy, especially a guy like Louis.

“I am nervous because what if you just break up with me one day and not give me the chance I deserve?”

“The chance you deserve?” Harry’s brow raised, “for what?”

“To be a good first boyfriend! What if you just stand up and walk away and say, ‘Louis, you suck and I hate you.’ Boom, queue break up.”

“You thought that through, huh?”

“So mean.” Louis sat on the couch in a flop. He stared down at the cat that crawled over his feet. “Is there a reason this thing is out of its cage?”

“Cause she needs to walk and you never even tried to take care of her, Zayn has.”

“I don’t even know who that is.” Louis shooed that cat from him, “and I don’t care.”

“You should care because he’s my friend, and my boss, and we’re hanging out with him today.”

“Excuse me?”

“We’re,” Harry paused. “…dating and since we’re –dating, you have to meet the important people in my life and Zayn is one of them.”

“Oh, and what about my important people?”

“Liam and Niall are your ‘important people’.” Harry crossed his arms, “Deal with it. This could be a good way to see if we get along with each other and other people –at the same time.”

Louis pulled one knee to his chest and laid his head on it. “What if I don’t feel comfortable?”

“That isn’t fair.” Harry let his hair fall out of its bun, leaving the ponytail holder in his mouth. “Anyway, you’ve avoided me since we started this, not very nice.”

“I haven’t avoided you!”

“Define.”

“Ugh!”

“Go on, define.”

Louis clicked his tongue, “avoided; to keep away from or to stop yourself –from doing something.”

“Hm,” Harry put his bun back up. “Sounds about right.”

“Yeah, whatever.”

“Come on, Louis.” He shoved his shoulder, sitting next to him, “go put some shoes on –actually, stop coming here without shoes.”

“My feet like to roam free.”

“It’s not good, you pick up all the gross outdoor stuff and bring it here.”

“I like when my feet get dirty.”

“Why?”

Louis grinned, “Cause then I make foot prints in the shower.”

Harry licked his lips, biting back a smile. “You’re so weird.” He pulled on one of Louis’ toes, “start wearing shoes, Louis.” Harry stood up, “I’m gunna put the cat away and,” He looked around, “maybe clean up a little. I should cleanse the apartment.”

Louis played with the toe Harry had touched. “Can I do it?”

“Yeah, but I want the apartment to be a little cleaner.” Harry scratched his chin, “we’ll do it after if you still want to. –Go get some shoes.”

Louis pouted, “Kay.”

-

“Oh!” Louis laughed, “I have met you before! At the bar!” He nudged Harry with his elbow. “I know Zayn, no need to hang out!”

Harry shook his head, ignoring him, “hey, man. How are you?”

Zayn was grinning, laughing, “I’m good.” He bit into a chip, “I am very, very surprised –a little interested.”

Harry nodded, “so am I.” He sat up on the high stool, “did you order?”

“Nah,” Zayn scooted the bowl of chips and salsa to the middle of the table. “I was waiting for you guys.” He smirked at Louis, “you gunna have a seat, boss?”

Louis looked from the chair to Zayn, “could you look away?”

“Look away?”

“I have a hard time getting up on high chairs.”

Zayn bit into his bottom lip then at Harry. “He’s adorable.”

Harry slid off his chair to help Louis onto the stool. “There.”

“Thank you.” Louis smiled contently, patting his thighs. “So, Zayn, how’d you meet Harry?”

“I am Harry’s manager.”

“That you are.” He winked playfully, “I should be careful with what I say.”

Zayn snickered, shaking his head, “No, not at all.” He folded his fingers under his chin, “I’m not even sure what to ask because I think I know all about you.”

“What’s my favorite color?”

“I don’t know.”

“Mm, thought so.” Louis smiled, “Harry said you were his friend.”

“We are. When you get older, you lose them. He hasn’t been here too long, but he’s a great worker and we get along really well.”

Louis made a noise, “Hm.” He looked at Harry, “now what?”

“Just be yourself, Louis.” Harry handed him a chip, “how’s your internship?”

“Good, very good. The kids are starting to see me as a teacher. Lesson planning sucks, a lot, stressful but I’m learning. It’s good.”

“You want kids?”

“My own kids? No. I prefer animals.”

“Oh, please.” Harry handed him another chip. “You won’t even take care of the one we have.”

Louis nodded, chest tight. We. Harry was acknowledging them as a ‘we’.

“Well,” Louis kicked his feet back and forth. “I don’t really like that cat, it’s the reason I got stuck up in the tree.”

Zayn snapped his fingers, “ah, I remember you had told me about that. Do you normally just climb up trees?”

“Well, I was trying to save that cat.” Louis frowned, “but it wasn’t stuck and then Harry came and he caught me, kind of.”

“I did catch you.”

Louis covered one side of his mouth for only Zayn to see. “Kind of.”

“Well, if it wouldn’t have gotten ‘stuck’ or ‘not stuck’, then you wouldn’t have seen Harry again so I guess that’s a good thing.”

“Hmph.” Louis put a hand on Harry’s shoulder, “that’s true. Thank you, Curly bun man.”

“No problem, Chip.” Harry picked up another chip. “Is it weird to eat your own kind?”

“Jerk.”

Harry laid the chip on his tongue with a smug grin, “let’s order.”

-

“Zayn’s nice.”

“He is.” Harry removed the duvet off of his comforter. “Grab that part.”

Louis helped him pull the blanket out. “He laughs at everything though and he kept calling me ‘boss’.”

Harry nodded, “it’s a nickname and he thinks you’re funny.”

Louis coughed, “are you jealous?”

“Of?”

“That your friend likes me?” Louis blinked charmingly, “you wanna fight for my love?”

Harry pressed his lips together, “not even a little.”

“Not even a tiny bit?”

“Not even microscopic.”

“Don’t worry.” Louis sat on the mattress, “the day you fight for my love will be the day you realize you’re in love with me.”

“You watch a lot of TV, don’t you?”

“Cartoons.” Louis touched his heart. “The reality of a fake world. End quote, Louis Tomlinson.”

“How do I even deal? You’re like,” Harry laughed. “One of the best or worst people I’ve ever met and I’m trying to still figure it out.”

“You’re so good looking, Harry.”

“Oh God.” Harry ripped the blanket from under Louis. “I can’t.”

“Why! We’re dating! Didn’t Amethyst ever say you were handsome?” Louis went silent. He pinched himself for mentioning her. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Harry sighed, “Amethyst and I aren’t dating anymore so stop making it weird.”

“Okay, I’m sorry.”

“She said I was handsome all the time.”

“I take back what I said.” Louis blinked at Harry’s bare pillow, playing with it. “Sorry, let’s change the subject.”

“This isn’t supposed to be awkward, Louis.” Harry leaned against the opposite wall. “Because then it’s just going to get worse and it’s not going be fun anymore and we aren’t going to make it past stage one.”

“I don’t know what to say, Harry.”

“Be normal.”

“Yeah,” Louis shrugged softly. “But I’ve had a boyfriend before and I want it to feel like we’re boyfriends.”

Harry closed his eyes, head faced to the ceiling. “What’s going to make it feel like we’re dating?”

“I’m not trying to rush or anything! I respect that this is new for you and-”

“And I thank you for that.”

“But,” Louis started. “I want like pet names and maybe we can cuddle.”

Harry looked like he twitched –possibly did. He opened his mouth but closed it right after. “Uh,” He took a deep breath. “I can’t.”

Louis nodded, “I know.”

“I’m sorry, man. It’s just –what do I even call you?”

“It’s okay.”

“You want me to say like, baby and stuff?”

“Well, yeah.” Louis sighed, squeezing the pillow to his chest. “But you don’t have to.”

“Okay –baby?”

“It sounds stupid!”

“Well, I’m sorry!”

“I know! I know!” Louis covered his face, “whatever. We’re moving slowly, its fine.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

Harry sighed, “Do you still want to clean the apartment.”

“Yes.”

-

“We aren’t using lavender?”

“Not for cleansing. We’re using sage.” Harry stood in a corner, “come here.”

Louis quickly shuffled over, “what are we doing?”

“We’re going to take all negative energy out of the house.”

“Oh, is something going to happen?”

Harry laughed, “hold it.” He lit the wrapped up sage and blew on it softly. “We’re going to walk to all the corners of the room.” He took a deep breath, “I cleanse this room of all impurities, evils or any negativity that do not support the people that live or are in here.”

 Louis felt a small shiver hit his spine.

“Walk this way and repeat what I said.”

“Oh, okay.” Louis followed, “I clean-”

“Cleanse.”

“Cleanse this room of all im –impurities? Impurities, evils, or any negative things that don’t help the people here.”

Harry smiled, “close enough.”

Louis watched the thin smoke float around the room. “Why’d we open the windows?”

“So that bad things leave.” Harry went behind Louis, helping him wave the sticks of sage around the room. “We move it around to make sure we get everything bad out.”

Louis waved the stick up and down. “Bad spirits be gone and don’t come back.”

Harry slowed his hand down “softly…” He moved it around, hand over Louis’, “I cleanse this room of all impurities, evils or any negativity that do not support the people that live or are in here…”

After a while of going around the apartment Harry took the stick away. “Open up.” Louis opened his mouth and Harry groaned, “Your arms and legs. Jesus.”

“You know, most people say; ‘open your arms and legs’ when they want someone to.” Louis spread his arms and legs, “are you going to burn me?”

Harry ran the sage around him. “Take all darkness from him.” Harry handed it over. “Okay, do it to me.”

Louis copied, “take all darkness from him –because Harry’s a good person.” The small man held the sage cupped between his hands after he ran it over Harry. “And because I like him a lot.”

Harry took the stick from him and burned it out in a cup of water. “Thanks.”

Louis smiled, “that was fun.” He tilted his head, “it smelled like barbeque, very different from the lavender, but it was nice.”

Harry rubbed under Louis’ eye quickly. “Why are you crying?”

“I’m not crying.” Louis touched his face, “oh shit, I am.” He blinked the tears away, “I think it’s all the smoke.”

“You’re eyes look crazy.”

“Crazy?”

“Yeah, they’re so fucking pretty.”

Chapter Text

“You –you say that a lot.” Louis blushed, “it bothers me.”

“Cause your eyes are ridiculous?”

“Yeah,” He rubbed his elbow. “You make it sound so pretty.”

Harry thought Louis eyes were beautiful because they were. He didn’t see how it could really bother someone, it was compliment.

Since Amethyst and him had broken up he had the opportunity to ponder what she’d told him. They were still friends, still close. It was difficult to talk to her as if they weren’t together because Harry still saw her as much more than just a friend. She would give him advice on how to handle certain situations and then he’d realize how stupid everything was because he was dating a guy.

Louis was fun. He was interesting, he was funny, kind but he was also a man and Harry didn’t want to date a man. He was patient though, just like she told him to be. Their conversations usually ended in an argument with Harry just feeling bad for the rest of the day. He was trying to like Louis –he did like him, just not romantically and he didn’t see any problem with that. If Harry knew anything, it was that you can’t force yourself to like someone –but he was damn sure trying to.

“It’s not something to get worked up over. I like your eyes. They’re my favorite color.”

Louis pointed a sharp finger at him, “you said your favorite color was purple!”

Harry shrugged, turning away from Louis, “it’s my new favorite color.”

Louis touched his chest, mouth falling open, “that is beautiful. That! When you say those things!”

Harry sat on the arm of his couch, “What?”

Louis grinned, twisting his foot, “it makes it sound like you really like me. You changed your favorite color to the color of my eyes!”

“I don’t like you, not yet I guess.” Harry picked at the dirt under his nail, “we’re just testing this out, Louis.”

Louis kicked his foot softly, “well, I like you a lot so it feels really nice for me.”

“You said it bothers you.”

“Because you don’t feel what I feel.”

“Because I can’t.”

“No but,” Louis smiled, “but I hope you do soon.”

-

“Where are we going?”

Harry squinted at Louis who hid behind the door. He stepped closer, pressing his face to the crack, “why are you hiding?”

“I’m not.”

“Could you come outside?”

“Why?”

“Because –come out side.”

“Why do I have to come outside?”

Harry rubbed his temples, “I have a headache. I am asking you to come out with me and you’re hiding behind a fucking door. I don’t have time for your games today, Louis.”

“Why are you so angry?”

“Because I don’t feel good!” Harry snapped. ”Are you coming out or not?”

“Not!” Louis frowned, “I don’t go anywhere with angry people.” He slammed the door in the man’s face.

Harry stood dumbfounded and angrier than what he had been. His day had been all over the place. Harry had been writing a paper all morning and decided to go for some food. He hit his car on his way to pick up the food. He forgot to lock the cat cage so Pluto was out and about, scratching and peeing on all of his things. Harry was a naturally calm person, but today was really pushing it and Louis wasn’t helping.

“Hey!” He banged on the wood door, mouth pinched tight. “You will not close this door on me! I did not stop what I was doing today for this!” Harry used the knocker, making a bigger commotion. “This is why I don’t date men!”

“I don’t like angry people!” Louis flung the door open, “you’re being rude when I haven’t done anything to you! I don’t want to see you right now!”

“I had to write a ten page paper today!”

“I don’t have any shoes!”

“What?” Harry stared down at Louis’ feet. One tucked into a sneaker and the other open in a sandal. Harry closed his eyes, head tilted up, “I wanna ask but I don’t know.”

Louis huffed, crossing his arms, “when you said yesterday that today we were going out I got excited and I washed all my stuff –including my shoes.” He pouted, “I dried them and then they didn’t fit. I was shocked!” Louis pulled on his own cheeks, “I couldn’t find any shoes at all! So, I looked under my bed and I found these!” Louis lifted his sneaker covered foot. “I was really excited but guess what happened?”

“That scratch on your face happened?”

“Yes!” Louis pointed at the red mark along his nose. “The spider was in my shoe! I freaked out and scratched my nose but, in my rage and adrenaline rush, I smashed my shoe with a hammer Liam bought from the dollar store and set it on fire in my bathroom.” Louis smiled proudly, face drooping soon after, “I then realized my mistake seeing as it was the only shoes I had left. Now all I have is a right sneaker and a right sandal.” He sighed, “I was embarrassed.”

Harry’s laughter started off small but soon turned into full-fledged hysterics. He held onto the wall for support, deep laugh echoing in the hallway. Louis joined in slowly, realizing how ridiculous his story sounded. Harry was soon on the ground, his voice falling away with the soft thunder that shook the clouds.

He sat against the cold wall, patting the cement floor beside him. Louis sat slowly, wiggling his different covered feet once he was sitting. Harry coughed, smiling, “oh man.” He wiped away a tear, “I hit my car today.”

“Oh.” Louis covered his mouth, “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Harry licked his lips, some laughter still left on them. “I forgot to close the cat cage too and, Jesus, she messed up my couch.”

Louis tisked, “told you to get rid of her.”

“She’s a kitten, it was my fault.” He laid both legs out, “what a stupid day.”

“How’d you get into an accident?”

“Didn’t see a pole when I was going into the bagel place down the street.” He sighed, “Can’t even use my insurance for it. I’m such an idiot.”

“Oh.” Louis crossed his legs, “did you get hurt?”

“Nah, just busted my tail light.”

“That’s good.” Louis played with his lip, “I’m happy you didn’t get hurt.”

“Thanks, Louis. Sorry for screaming at you.”

“It’s okay. Liam screams at me all the time.” He smiled contently, “I’m used to it.”

Harry smirked, “it’s raining.”

“I see that.” Louis thought for a moment. “Can I hold your hand?”

Harry rolled his head to the side, “for what?”

“I don’t know. Couples do it.” Louis chewed on the inside of his mouth. “People do it so that the other person feels like they always have a hand.” Louis wiggled his fingers in front of his face, “literally.”

“Sure.” Harry smiled, “give me your hand.”

“Wait!” Louis groaned, shaking out the nerves. “This needs to be special. –Okay.” He put out his hand, “I am here for you.”

“What is this?” Harry clasped his hand weakly in Louis’. “A TV show? Why are you being dramatic?”

Louis took a deep breath, “your hand is warm.”

“It’s not.”

“I’m pretending!”

“Okay.”

Louis smiled, “It’s warm and I feel happy.”

“That’s nice.” Harry yawned, hand entangled with his boyfriend’s. “You still want to go out?”

Louis rested his head on Harry’s shoulder, “I’ll go to the end of the earth with you.”

“Oh God.”

“I’ll cross three seas to see your smile.”

“Please stop.”

“I’ll die for you… my love.”

Harry wiggled his hand out of Louis’ firm gasp. “You’re so weird.”

Louis hugged himself, “oh boy, I like you so much. What do I do, what do I do.”

Harry glanced from Louis’ closed eyes to his small smile then down to his mismatched shoes. Louis wasn’t ugly. That was probably a good thing. He may be dating a guy, but he could be dating an ugly guy. Amethyst said he had to ‘try and fall in love with one thing at a time’. Harry already loved Louis’ eyes, one. His nose was button-like.

Harry looked at Louis’ wiggling fingers for a moment before slithering his hand over them. He closed his eyes, “don’t.”

“I-“

“Don’t.” Harry shook his head, “just don’t do it.”

It was nice. Sitting beside the thundering sky and the cloud’s rain, hand in hand –not thinking about much while thinking about everything. It wasn’t a familiar feeling but a new form of calm and happiness instead. Louis’ hands were warm and clammy, as if they had been sitting in warm water.

Harry started trying to fall in love with them; they were kind of too warm not to.

Chapter Text

“Stop moving so much,” Harry complained. “You’re getting us both wet.”

“This umbrella’s too small!” Louis moved from under it, “there’s no point to even sharing it if you’re going to hog it!”

“I’m not hogging it!” Harry shuffled over to Louis, making sure he wasn’t getting wet. “Just stay under it, you keep moving.”

“Because I’m getting wet!”

“So am I!”

Louis lowered his voice, “I don’t wanna get sick.”

“You’re not gunna get sick.”

“I hate the doctor!”

“Ugh! I’m never going anywhere with you anymore!”

“Fine!” Louis crossed his arms. “Wait,” he lifted a finger. “I have an idea.”

“Oh no.”

Louis wrapped his arms around Harry, laying his head against the taller man’s chest. “There.” He grinned, looking up at him through his wet lashes, “now we’re both staying dry.”

Harry shivered, “this is weird.”

“Oh shut up! Everything is weird! I’m your boyfriend, get over it!”

It was quiet for a while until Harry started wiggling.

“What now?”

“I don’t know!” Harry moved away, “my hugs don’t last this long.”

Louis scurried back to his spot, “get used to it.”

Harry shoved him, “no!”

“Yes!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“No!”

Louis grabbed onto Harry tight, face being pushed away, “please!”

“Louis, you’re getting us wet!”

“Accept me!”

“You’re crazy!” Harry tried pulling him off, groaning extremely loud when Louis wasn’t moving. “God, you’re like a sloth! Just let go!”

Louis hummed happily, “thank you.”

“We’re soaked and the bus still isn’t here.”

“We can go back to your house.”

“I didn’t just stand here, with you –in the rain, to go back home.” Harry sighed, looking out to see if the bus was coming. “This is so ridiculous. How do you do this all the time?”

“It’s nice to take the bus sometimes. Gives you time to think.”

“Are you thinking now?”

“Mm-hm.”

“About?”

“How nice it feels to hold you and you not push me away.”

“I’m not pushing you away because you won’t let go.”

“Thanks for letting me use your giant shoes.”

Harry had allowed Louis to borrow a pair of his shoes and it was actually hilarious. Louis’ feet were so small compared to Harry’s. Louis had been livid about it too. He ran around in them shouting profanities about how he wasn’t tiny, that Harry was a giant. Louis had an extra hard time getting down the stairs, needing Harry’s help. The shoes flopped around on his small feet, probably gathering loads of rain water.

“You’re welcome.” Harry looked down at them, “and I’m not a giant.”

“You aren’t.” Louis wrapped his body around Harry’s arm. “You’re my curly bun man.”

“And you’re chip.”

“Your chip?”

“Just chip.”

“So, if someone called me theirs you’d be totally okay with it?”

“A human cannot own another human.”

“But you wouldn’t be jealous? You wouldn’t fight to the death for my love?”

“I fight when I need to and not to the death.”

“Oh,” Louis snuggled closer. “So you can fight?”

“I guess.” Harry adjusted the umbrella, “I got into a few fights in high school.”

“That’s hot.”

“Oh no.”

“What?”

“You’re making it weird again.”

“I’m being nice and complimenting you. Would you rather I compliment other men!”

“You do as you please.”

“What is wrong with you? What if I had sex with someone else?”

Harry shrugged, “I don’t know, Louis. It doesn’t really affect me.”

“Are we not dating?”

“We are.”

“Then sheesh! Could you pretend? Ugh!” Louis moved away, upset, “we need to talk about our relationship.”

Harry didn’t respond, looking for the bus. He stared at Louis, biting his lip at the man getting wet. “Come back under the umbrella.”

“Why should I?”

“I’ll tell you if you come back.”

Louis hurried back under, “what.”

“I got comfortable.”

“With?”

“You holding me.” Harry lifted his arm toward Louis. “Could you hold my arm again?”

Louis quickly latched onto the limb, “yay!” He rubbed his nose against Harry’s wet shirt. “Yay, ow, yay.”

“Be careful with your scratch.”

“Describe me in one word!”

“Sociopath.”

“Didn’t miss a beat.”

“I’ve been in school for five years. I’m pretty on point.”

Louis hummed, “if I tell you something, you have to promise –promise, that you won’t get mad!”

“It depends.”

“You have to or I won’t tell you!”

“Fine.” Harry yawned, “tell me.”

“The bus stopped running at seven.”

Harry didn’t speak, staring at nothing.

“I just wanted to be with you.”

“Louis…” Harry gripped the umbrella tightly, “we could have been together in a fucking apartment not the fucking rain.”

“I thought you might not want to hang out anymore.”

“I’m so mad.” Harry chuckled dryly, “we’ve been fucking standing here like idiots.”

Louis moved away, frowning, “you said you wouldn’t get mad, Harry…”

“I’m really trying not to.”

“I just wanted to be with you, seriously.”

Harry shoved the umbrella into one of Louis’ hands, grabbing his other, “come on.”

“You’re gunna get wet.”

“Just walk.” Harry pulled him along, “don’t ever do this again.”

“Okay.” Louis watched his big shoes splash small puddles. He looked at the back of Harry’s head, not happy that he was becoming completely drenched. “If you get wet and sick,” he took a deep breath, closing the umbrella. “Then so do I.”

“Why are you doing that?”

“Cause I like you.” Louis smiled, snuggling under Harry’s arm. “I like how it feels when I’m holding you.”

Harry squeezed him closer, “you’re an idiot, Chip.”

Louis grinned into Harry’s side, “your idiot?”

“Yeah, unfortunately.”

Chapter Text

It was a special day. It was the day that Harry would be coming over for their first ‘sleep over’ at his apartment. He’d spent the whole morning cleaning, making sure everything looked –decent. Liam and him weren’t dirty but they weren’t organized either.

Unfortunately, the only time Harry had been in their apartment was when meeting his ex and Louis wanted him to have a better memory than just that.

Liam had helped cleaning but stopped helping once Louis said he couldn’t stay.

“I don’t see why I have to leave?” Liam licked his ice cream cone, “Harry’s my friend too.”

Louis rolled his eyes, “how did you even meet him?”

“He’s our neighbor. Our neighbors actually like me and talk to me.”

Louis pursed his lips, putting a hand on his hip, “our neighbors like me –kind of.”

“Our neighbors refuse to acknowledge you. You broke their doorknob!”

“That was an accident! It wouldn't open when I tried opening it!”

“Because it was locked, asshole.” Liam slid off the chair, “you’re lucky I’m leaving the car for you for the next few days.”

“Thank you!” Louis smiled, hugging his roommate, “thank you, thank you! Harry’s car is broken.”

“Yeah, I know. He told me.”

“When do you guys even have the time to talk?”

“When you arent hogging him.”

“I don’t hog him,” Louis blushed. “I just like him lots and lots.”

Liam snorted, “yeah, and does he like you?”

Louis shrugged, “yeah, I think –a little.”

His friend sighed softly, “Louis, how long do you expect this to last? This isn’t really healthy.”

Louis turned away from Liam, going back to the kitchen, “however long it takes for him to fall in love with me.”

“And when will that be?”

He chewed on his lip, grabbing the broom, “I don’t know. Probably never, but a guy can hope, right?”

-

“Hey beautiful. How are you?

“I’m good, tired. How are you, Haz?”

“I’m alright. Headed over to Louis’ for a ‘sleepover’, or so he calls it.”

“That sounds like fun.”

It was quiet.

“I miss you.”

Amethyst let out a shallow breath, “I miss you so much.”

Harry looked up, rubbing his face, “Amethyst, why are we doing this?”

“Because Louis is good for you, Harry, that’s why.”

“And now you’re bad for me?”

“No, not bad, just not as good. She chuckled sadly into he receiver, “remember when we decided to move states and my mom was pissed because she said that we weren’t ready, that it was going to blow up in our faces?”

Harry nodded, “yeah, I remember.”

“But, we insisted. We were doing good, Harry. No, we didn’t move in together but it worked for us and it was great. Louis,” she paused. “When you told me about a random guy and the chip machine, I thought it was just a funny story but then he was in the elevator and the tree and suddenly your neighbor. I mean, you wrote a report about him, Harry.” Amethyst sniffled, “When I was a teenager my boyfriend broke up with me and my mom told me; ‘Amethyst, things change. People change. Change hurts but it won’t kill you.’ I can’t keep feeling bad for something that’s not meant for me. Haz, I was so happy for you –I am. I wanted you to be with him because the way you look at him is the same fucking way you looked at me at that damn food place we met at by my house.” She swallowed, clearing her throat when Harry didn’t respond. “Give him a chance –give yourself a chance. I miss you like hell, and I would love to move back to Boston with you but nothing’s going to change because Louis’ eyes will always be the color of the sky, and the ocean –and mines will just be brown.”

“Yeah, brown. The beautiful brown that got me through school, and work, and the stress of my fucking life. The brown I fell so fucking in love with, Amethyst. The warm brown that comforted me.” Harry licked his lips, covering his mouth, “the perfect fucking brown, Amethyst.”

“Yeah,” She smiled into the phone, “but they’ll always just be brown to you, Harry.”

-

“Welcome, welcome, to my humble domain.”

“Uh, hey.”

“Hi!” Louis beamed, “please ignore the pests on the couch.”

“Hey, Harry!” Niall stood up, wiping his crumb covered shirt on Louis’ clean floor. “Haven’t seen you in a while, man.” They hugged briefly and Louis made a face. “How you been?”

“I’m doing well.” Harry smiled, adjusting the bag on his shoulder, “working, school, same old.”

“How’s Louis? Tough as nails, huh?” Niall nudged Louis with his elbow, “like trying to tame a lion.”

“Hey!” Louis crossed his arms, mouth pinched, “you guys aren’t even supposed to be here, leave already!”

Liam hushed him, finally getting off the couch. “So, Harry, what’s the plan for tonight?”

Louis stepped in between them, “there is no plan. It’s just Harry and I! Leave!”

“We should make some drinks!” Niall clapped his hands, rubbing them together. “Harry’s a bartender.”

“Ugh!”

“That’d be cool. I have a lot of alcohol at my house.” Harry lifted his bag and looked around, “can I put my stuff down?”

“Yes…” Louis grumbled to himself. “Follow me.” Harry followed the short man to his bedroom, jumping when Louis threw the door open, “Jesus.”

“Ta-da!”

Harry poked his head inside before stepping in, “it’s very –you.”

Louis winked, “you think so?” He shuffled over to his bed, putting his foot on it, “I washed everything! This is where we’ll sleep!”

“I can take the couch.”

“What? Why? We always sleep together.”

“Okay,” Harry raised his brows, walking over to the closet, “We’ll sleep together.”

Louis squealed, “Please, say it slower.”

“Okay, no.” Harry looked around the soft blue room once more. If collage of random printed cartoons taped to Louis’ wall didn’t represent the man, than the bright yellow sheets did. “Where can I put my stuff?”

“Closet!” Louis took it from him, throwing his bag into the closet before slamming it closed. He turned around, leaning back on it, “sorry about Niall and Liam, they’re so annoying. Niall was supposed to pick up that asshole and leave.”

“It’s cool. I’ll invite Zayn, it’ll be fun. The more the merrier.”

Louis tried to hide his eye roll, “I don’t feel merrier.” He looked down at his toes, wiggling them, “Um, Harry, do you remember that thing we talked about? The thing we would do when we saw each other?”

Harry suddenly looked comfortable, “oh, yeah.”

“Can we?”

“Sure?”

“Well that doesn’t sound very convincing!”

“I’m sorry, it’s weird!”

“Never mind.” Louis kicked his foot up with a sigh, “it’s okay.”

“Ugh.” Harry quickly walked over to him, hugging Louis before kissing his cheek. “There.”

Louis touched his face, cheeks feeling hot, “wow.” He smiled brightly, “yay!” He tip toed, kissing Harry’s cheek back, “there!”

“Oh God, I need alcohol.”

“That’s not nice!”

“I’m sorry, it’s just weird and it’s hard getting used to it.” Harry closed his eyes momentarily, “God, I don’t know how we’re ever going to get to first base.”

“What’s your first base?” Louis questioned curiously. “You know, cause everyone is different.”

“Uh, kissing?”

“Oh.” Louis nodded slowly, “I see.”

“What’s yours?”

“Same.” Louis quickly walked away from him, “exactly the same –new topic! What would you like for dinner?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Great, because I made macaroni and cheese.” Louis leaned over, whispering, “it’s the only thing I know how to make.” He motioned Harry to follow him out of the room, “I guess you can watch football with these bunch of assholes. Honestly, I can’t ever have any privacy.”

“You don’t need privacy when only one of you are gay.”

“Liam, shut up. You never know.”

Harry shook his head, sticking his hands in his pockets, “I know and it’s no.”

“Nice play on words.”

“Thanks.”

“Niall, you dick!” Louis frowned, “Harry, beat him up –he’s being mean to me.” 

“No, and no he’s not.”

Louis sucked his cheeks in, “what is the point of having a boyfriend?”

Liam chuckled, wrapping his arms around Louis, “you know we love you, Louis.” He kissed his cheek hard, “now, where’s that macaroni you made?”

“You only want me for my food and,” Louis shoved him, “you show me more affection than my fucking boyfriend!”

Niall grinned, “sounds like a sad love life.”

“You guys are so mean.” Louis took a deep breath, wiping away his frown. “No, tonight is a special night because it’s Harry’s first night sleeping over. Nothing’s going to ruin this.” He went to the kitchen, “who’s hungry?”

“Me,” Liam poked his side before grabbing a beer from the fridge, “Niall has been asking for food since he got here.”

Harry walked into the kitchen as Liam left, hip on the counter, “need help?”

“No, no.” Louis smiled, hopping up on the counter. “Please, you’re a guest.”

“What are you doing?” Harry got behind him, arms out, “you’re going to fall.”

Liam shook his finger in the air, pulling the beer from his lips, “he does it all the time.”

Louis handed down five plates, “are you still inviting Zayn?”

“Yeah, I’ll call him once you get down.”

The small man jumped off the counter. “I am a mountain lion!” He took the plates from Harry, shooing him, “go on.”

Harry wiped something off Louis’ shirt, “you should be more careful. You could have fell.”

Louis pinched Harry’s cheek, “I’ll be fine.”

Harry pinched his cheek back, “it doesn’t matter. One slip and you could get really hurt.”

Louis pressed his lips together, “are you worried about me because you’re my boyfriend or because you’re my friend?”

The man paused before answering, “both.”

-

Louis was irritated.

“And –and he tripped! He looks up and goes –and he says, ‘I think I broke my ass.’”

Louis was extremely irritated, irrationally irritated.

“And so of course we’re dying! Harry goes around the guy, helps him up and puts him back on the chair. He tells him he’s cut off.” Zayn laughed, “and the guy gets up and just eats it again.”

Zayn’s story wasn’t even fucking funny but everyone was laughing and Louis still couldn’t understand what the fuck everyone was doing here –nor what the fuck he was doing sitting at the goddamn dining table playing with a cold piece of macaroni while everyone was laughing on the fucking couch.

“It was hilarious!” Zayn took a swig of his beer, “oh man, we should do this more often. You guys are great.”

Liam wiped away a tear, “definitely.”

Harry smiled, looking behind at Louis. “Louis, what are you doing? Come here.”

Louis pouted, ripping himself away from the table. He kept telling himself to just relax, to calm down. Harry was having fun and that’s what mattered. His new boyfriend was making healthy, wholesome, nice memories in his apartment and he should be grateful.

Louis stood in the middle of the living room, clasping his hands together. “We should watch a movie.”

“That’s a good idea.” Liam patted his knee, “wanna sit, Lou?”

Louis glanced over at Harry who seemed completely unaffected by his boyfriend being asked such a question. Louis let it go. “I’m good. I’ll take the floor.”

“You sure?” Zayn winked playfully, “you can sit on me.”

Louis looked at Harry once more, clenching his teeth at him on the phone. “Yes, I am sure. Thank you.”

“Whatever you say, boss.”

Louis breathed out, “any more ideas?”

“Scary,” Harry spoke, “I like scary movies –or thriller.”

“I agree. If this is a ‘sleepover’, we have to have one.” Zayn chuckled, “God, I’m almost thirty saying ‘sleepover’.” He shook his head, pointing his beer at Louis, “what movies you have, boss?”

And Zayn was starting again with the ‘boss’ thing. Louis smiled, aggravated, “scary –really?”

“Louis hates scary movies. He gets nightmares.”

“I fucking love scary movies, Liam!” Louis pulled on his cardigan, “what a liar –this guy! Scary movie it is!”

-

“Liam!” Louis whispered harshly, “Liam!”

“Mm?”

Louis pouted deeply, almost whining, “I’m so scared. Can I sleep with you?”

“Louis, fuck.” Liam sat up, groggy, “I already got Zayn and Niall in my bed, dude. No. Aren’t you sleeping with Harry?’

“Yeah,” Louis looked behind himself quickly, “dammit! I feel like someone’s watching me!”

“Sh.” Liam groaned, “Please go to sleep. No one else can fit in the bed, Lou.”

“Liam, I’m seriously scared!”

“Louis?” Harry pushed open Liam’s door until light came in from the hallway. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing.” Louis squeezed Liam’s wrist, “just, uh, checking on Liam.”

Harry scratched his side, “are you gunna go to sleep?”

“Yes.”

“Louis’ scared.” Liam yawned, “I told you he gets nightmares.”

“We didn’t have to watch that movie.”

“Liam!” Louis slapped him before running out of the bedroom and flopping onto the couch. He was there less than two minutes before Harry was knelt beside him. Louis kept his face in the couch cushion, “I’m embarrassed.”

“It’s okay.” Harry rubbed his shoulder, “you don’t have to be, dude.”

Louis kept his eyes shut, “you can go back to sleep.”

“It’s kind of awkward to sleep in someone’s bed without that person.”

“I’m not going to be able to sleep.”

“Then why’d you go to Liam?”

“Cause Liam cuddles with me til I fall asleep.” Louis turned his head to finally look at Harry. “I’m not trying to bother you.”

Harry nodded, “well, I’m not going back to sleep without my boyfriend. You need to come back to bed or I am going to be bothered.”

Louis stuck his tongue out, “don’t tease me.”

Harry smirked, nudging Louis softly, “come on.” He looked around, “this feels familiar.”

“When we got drunk and then things went kind of bad.”

“Yeah.” Harry laid his head on Louis’ hip. “I want to like you, you know.”

“You do?”

“Yeah.” Harry blinked, “But I don’t think I’m ever going to like you the way you like me. I don’t even know when I’m going to know that I like you?”

“I think when it happens, you’ll know.”

“How’d you know?”

Louis shrugged, “when my heart went through different levels of scared and really happy and safe in only a few minutes. That’s when.”

“When did you know you liked that other guy?”

“Jeffery?” Louis thought for a moment, “right after we had sex in the back seat of his Porsche.”

“You had sex with him before you knew him?”

“Uh, yeah.” Louis rubbed his eye, “he was nice, hot, and he said he wanted me so I let him have me.”

Harry was still on his knees, eyes low. “I don’t think this means that I like you but, I really hate what you just said. It made my stomach knot up real ugly.”

“Said what?”

“I think anytime you mention him. I don’t like it.”

“Are you jealous?”

“No.”

“You sure?”

“Define.”

“Ugh.”

“Define.”

“Jealous; to envy someone or their achievements.”

“And I do not envy him at all. That guy’s a prick but,” Harry tisked. “But, I don’t like when you talk about him.”

“Okay, then I won’t.” Louis squirmed, “I feel happy.”

Harry pressed his nose back into Louis’ hip, “I guess we’ll sleep here then.”

“No. We can sleep on the bed, I don’t sleep on couches.” Louis sat up, “maybe you can cuddle me.”

“Cuddle?”

“Yeah. We can make it our first base?”

“Sure, chip, we can try.” Harry helped him off the couch, “what do you want to do tomorrow?” He followed Louis back to the bedroom. “You wanna go for breakfast somewhere, my treat?”

Louis sat on the edge of the bed before laying down, “yeah, everyone can come.”

“I was thinking just you and me.” Harry laid beside him, “but everyone can come if you want.”

“I don’t want. Please.”

Harry put a hand on Louis’ shoulder, “how does this work?”

“You’ve never cuddled before?”

“Yes but I don’t know –do you want me to like –touch your waist or, I don’t know?”

Louis scooted closer, “don’t do anything.” He wrapped one arm over Harry’s waist and wrapped his leg around the man’s longer ones. Louis yawned softly, “perfect.”

Harry slowly slithered his hand over Louis’ side, “this isn’t too bad. You’re soft.”

Louis closed his eyes, “you smell like you.”

“What does that even mean?”

“You smell perfect.”

Harry laid his head right above Louis’ soft hair, “lift your head.” He gave a kiss to his forehead then nose when Louis lifted his head. “Goodnight, boyfriend.”

Louis screeched into Harry’s chest, “oh no!”

“Calm down.”

“You’re making me so happy!”

“Okay, okay, relax.”

Louis pulled away, “it’s crazy…” He smiled, “I’ve always had a boyfriend. If they just did this, it would never be enough but with you, it’s more than enough. It’s just perfect. I don’t need anymore. I never felt this way with Jeffery, it always had to be se-”

Harry grunted, squeezing Louis close, “don’t talk about him. Not when you’re in bed with me.”

Louis snickered, tugging gently on Harry’s shirt, “we’re such a good couple.”

“You’re an idiot, Louis.”

“I want to stay up all night and talk to you.”

“Well, I’ve had a few beers and I’d like to sleep.”

“If I had sex with another guy, would you be upset?”

Harry bit his hair and pulled, “shut up.”

“Ow!” Louis scratched his head, “that hurt, curly!”

“Don’t says shit like that to your boyfriend.”

“Don’t bite your boyfriend’s hair!”

Harry bit it again, pulling the hair with his teeth, “how’s that?”

“Ow!” Louis tried pulling away, “that hurts!”

Harry laughed, pulling the worming teaching major back into his grip. “Look who’s trying to run away for once.”

“Because,” Louis laughed, slipping through Harry’s fingers every time the man tried pulling him. “You’re hurting me and I don’t like it.”

“I’ll stop if you stop saying stupid things to try to annoy me.”

Louis pouted, “didn’t annoy you before.”

“Before I wasn’t cuddling with you, so deal.” Harry yawned, “I’m going to sleep. Stop talking.”

“Okay, curly bun man.” Louis chewed on his lip, “one more thing.”

“What.”

“Please.”

“I said ‘what’.”

Louis smiled, “is your heart beating as fast as mine is? It’s so loud.”

Harry pushed Louis’ head against his chest, “you tell me.”

Louis smiled because he never heard something so loud –it was deafening.

Chapter Text

“Louis… Louis… Louis, come on.” Harry shook his sleeping boyfriend softly, “wake up, Chip.”

“Mmm…” Louis groaned, rolling over to face Harry. “Name’s not Chip… I’m sleeping.”

“I thought you wanted to have breakfast.”

“Mm, no.”

“Fine, well I’m going for my run.” Harry sat on the bed, tying his laces, “do you wanna come jogging?”

Louis covered his face with the comforter, “running is evil.”

“It’s not running, it’s jogging.”

“Never.”

“Come on.” Harry touched over the blanket, looking for Louis, “we’ll get breakfast right after.”

“I’m not running.”

“Okay, then we’ll walk.” Harry laid beside him, hand under his head, “I’m trying to do,” he snatched the blanket off Louis’ pale face. “Couple things, dude, work with me.”

“Couples don’t run at seven in the morning.” Louis’ eyes were a darker shade this morning. The under part of his eye cast a tiny shadow. He had woken up twice more in the middle of the night, it hadn’t bothered Harry. Louis was very quiet when he slept. He simply wrapped his body back around Harry then fell back asleep.

It was reassuring to have someone sleep beside you. Harry had Amethyst for the most part and, luckily, Louis was just as comforting. Harry had woken up almost thinking Louis left the bed again. He was so quiet and small, it looked like he wasn’t even there. He had watched him sleep, trying to find one more thing to fall in love with and he did. Louis’ eyelashes were thin and feathery. They fell against his cheeks so delicately. It was strange but also funny how his big personality was able to fit in such a tiny, gentle looking body –but Louis managed.

“They do. I’d always run with Amethyst.” Harry shrugged, “it’s fun.”

“Ugh! Why are you making me feel bad?” Louis sat up, sitting against the head board, running a hand through his messy bed head. He yawned, “this is ridiculous. The sun isn’t even awake.”

Harry smirked, “of course it is.” He got off the bed, pulling up the blinds, “the sun is very awake.”

Louis hissed dramatically, fingers bent, “it burns.”

“You’re ridiculous. Get up, you’re practically already awake.”

Louis rolled off the bed, comforter tightly in hand. “I’m going to pee.”

“Oh no, no, no.” Harry quickly pulled him back, trying to remove the thick blanket from his grip. “Let go, you cannot take that in there.”

“I just have to pee.”

Harry snatched it away in one quick motion and bawled it up. “No. You do that and you won’t leave the bathroom.”

Louis swooned, “aw, you know me so well already.” He toed up to Harry, putting a light hand on his boyfriend’s chest. “Who told you, was it Liam?”

Harry chewed on his lip, “and if it was?”

“Did he tell you that I’m fast?” Louis tickled his fingers over Harry’s chest and down his arm, swiftly snatching away the blanket. The smaller man ran out of the bedroom only to hit the wall on the opposite side. Harry tried grabbing him but missed in his efforts seeing that Louis was really fast.

“Come on, you can run!”

Louis slammed the bathroom door, “No!”

“Fine.” Harry laughed, leaning on the door, “I give up.”

The door creaked softly, Louis peered out with one eye. “We can go back to sleep?”

Harry sighed, defeated, “yes, we can.”

Louis grinned, opening the bathroom door before running into Harry’s body. “Mm, yay! Carry me, my prince!”

“Oh, you fucking wish.” Harry let Louis stumble while walking back to the bedroom. Louis took it as an opportunity to jump on his much larger boyfriend’s back. “Louis!”

“Piggy back ride!”

“Jesus Christ.” Harry held up Louis’ thighs, “you’re heavy.”

Louis kicked his feet, “stop complaining, my prince, and take me to my castle!”

Harry dropped Louis onto the bed without hesitation. He massaged his shoulder, “you may be tiny but you’re heavy as hell.”

“Of course!” Louis grinned into the pillow he now held, “I’m full of love and food and intelligence.”

Harry kicked off his shoes before laying down, “yeah, that’s all? You sure?”

Louis sat up on his knees, staring down at Harry, “I could be full of something else?”

“What?”

Louis shook his head shyly, “nothing…”

“Oh fuck.” Harry covered his eyes, “really?”

“It was in the moment!”

“It really wasn’t.”

“We have to talk about it sometime!”

“We just started dating!”

Louis twisted his fingers in knots, “yeah but, things like that have to be talked about eventually, right?”

“Didn’t you want to sleep?”

“Yes.” Louis pouted, laying back down. He blinked at the ceiling, “I’m not tired anymore.”

“You wish.”

“Really, I’m not.” He turned over, “we can go for breakfast now?”

Harry huffed, “I just took off my shoes.”

“I’ll put em back on for you.” Louis leaned over Harry’s face, “I’ll buy breakfast too.”

“No, and last time you offered to pay for something your card was declined.” Harry pushed Louis’ face away with a yawn, “and, you’re too close.”

“Oh come on! We cuddled last night!”

“And?”

“And…” Louis slowly crawled over Harry and settled on top of him. “We should cuddle again and be sweet with each other.”

Harry opened one eye, “you are squishing me, this is not cuddling and you’re still too close –way too close.”

Louis sat up high on Harry’s lap, “this feels pretty nice to me!”

Harry pinched Louis’ side, “not for me.”

Louis pinched Harry’s nipple through his shirt, “I think I like it up here.”

Harry poked his side, “I don’t think so.”

Louis giggled, “Don’t poke me.” He poked Harry’s face, “I’m ticklish.”

“Hm.” Harry dug two fingers into Louis’ sides causing him to erupt in laughter. Louis tried squirming away with no hope. Harry soon had him pinned to the bed, fingers deep in his sides, tickling away at Louis’ sensitive nerves. Louis’ smile was nice too, his laugh was pretty sweet also. It was high but soft. Louis’ laugh was genuine and Harry kind of didn’t want him to stop.

“I give!” Louis rasped out, “Please!”

“Nah, I think I like tickling you.” Harry stopped for only what seemed to be a second before attacking Louis’ underarms and neck. His hands covered from Louis’ thighs to his toes, stopping only to let the man breath. Louis kicked for his life, knowing that any second his morning bladder was bound to burst.

Louis’ smile reached his eyes and Harry could feel his toes curl in his hand. Louis’ hands reached up to cover his hiccups in between his giggles and Harry could only simply admire the beauty of human emotions. He had always found it interesting why people felt certain ways. Why some people just felt angry and why some could not stop laughing. It all had to do with nerves and the brain and endorphins and so many ‘smart’ things.

Laughing made people beautiful. It made Louis beautiful. Harry had decided a while ago, with Amethyst, that Louis was beautiful and he kind of wished she was here to see him now. Because right now, Louis was brighter than the sun coming through his window. Louis was a ray of light and Harry didn’t know if he was just lucky or crazy for analyzing the situation so much. He had seen Louis laugh plenty of times before but never in such a sensitive setting with such soft emotions.

“Jesus, your face is red.”

Louis groaned in euphoric pain, reaching up for Harry who lent him a hand. “Ow, ow,” Louis laughed, sitting up, “you suck.”

Harry smiled, rubbing Louis’ sides. “That was great,” Harry flicked a tear off Louis’ cheek, “laughter is very important in a human’s life.”

“Yeah?” Louis giggled, “Good to know.” He pouted, rubbing his stomach, “that hurt so good.”

Harry lifted an eyebrow, “are you a masochist?”

Louis wiped his eyes of small tears that were left behind from their tickle party. “Um, I don’t know –maybe.” He grinned playfully, dropping back down on the mattress, lifting both hands above his head provocatively. He scrunched up his nose cutely, sticking his tongue out from his bright pink-tinted lips, “wanna find out?”

He hadn’t felt it at first. It had almost felt distant and surprisingly too real. Louis hadn’t seen it coming, nor had he expected it –not anytime soon. He sort of thought it would feel like his pillow but he also thought it would feel like when Liam says that they were having pizza for dinner.

Louis wasn’t hundred percent sure but, Harry’s lips on his, felt like somewhat in between.

Chapter Text

“Hey.”

“Hi, how are you? I called you earlier.”

“Yeah,” Harry scratched the back of his head. “I, uh, I slept over Louis’.”

“I know.” Amethyst paused, “how’d it go?”

“Great… yeah, it went great.” Harry chuckled, “he didn’t wanna come running with me. He says ‘couples don’t do that’.”

She laughed, “we always ran together but I can somehow imagine him saying that.”

Harry chewed on his thumb, “so-”

“Are you in a bathroom?”

“Yeah –Louis, the guys and I went for lunch. –Zayn’s even here.”

“Oh, that’s fun.”

“Um, I wanna tell you something but I don’t want to bother you with my problems. It’s just so easy to talk to you.”

“What happened? Did you do something wrong?

“Eh, I don’t think so.”

“What then?”

“I kissed Louis?”

“You kissed Louis?”

“Uh yeah, I guess.”

“You guess?” Amethyst didn’t say anything and Harry didn’t dare to speak.

“Well, how’d it go?”

“Good, I guess. I’ve never kissed a guy before. It was… alright?”

“And what did Louis say?”

“Oh, he –he threw up on me… again.”

“Yuck, what?”

Harry ran his fingers over his scalp while pacing the handicap stall. “When he gets really excited or nervous he tends to throw up… it’s gross.”

“Oh God.”

“I mean he cried for like ten minutes.”

“Did you console him and tell him it was okay?”

“Yeah, even though it wasn’t.” Harry shrugged, leaning on the cold tiled wall, “after that, we kissed… again.”

“Ew!”

“No! He brushed his teeth and then we kinda made out…”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.” Harry sighed, “Am, I’m sorry I’m telling you this I just don’t know who else to talk to about it. This is something crazy and different for me and you’re the only one who will understand. You’re my rock and my best friend and I’m so scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“Cause I got hard and this wasn’t supposed to happen like this and Jesus.”

“Harry, what did you expect?”

“We were just dating, Amethyst! I didn’t like Louis –I still don’t and I’m trying to but I don’t know if I want to!”

“Well people don’t normally get boners for people they don’t like.”

“Dammit! I, fuck, Louis is good looking and yes, maybe I got hard but it doesn’t change that I miss you and that I don’t see myself with a man!”

“No, but it is eye opening for you.” Amethyst took a deep breath, “Harry we aren’t together anymore. I broke up with you and it’s time to move forward. I miss you, I miss you like you cannot imagine and you telling me these things hurt but I can’t help but also feel excited and happy for you. Louis is a good person and he’s good for you. Try.” Amethyst smiled into the receiver, “Anyway,” She sighed. “What happened after all that mess?”

Harry rubbed under his eye, “he tried to do something but I shoved him off the bed.” He squeezed his face, shocked despite knowing what happened. “He ended up cutting his arm on the side table, I felt like a dick.”

“Why would you do that?”

“I don’t know! I choked up and he tried to grab my junk and it was weird!”

“There isn’t any need for violence.”

“I wasn’t trying to be!” Harry lowered his voice when someone came in the bathroom. “I just got nervous. I’m sorry for calling you to just talk about me. How are you, beautiful?”

“Fine, I’m doing well. You should, uh, get back to them. Don’t hurt him, okay? Louis’s soft, remember? Be kind to him, send my love.”

-

“Y –you,” Louis’ lurched forward, throwing up his stomach fluids on Harry. The taller man quickly got up, pacing in circles.

“Yuck, yuck! Fuck, this is so gross!”

Louis covered his mouth, quickly racing to the bathroom. Harry stayed in the room for a few minutes, slowly removing the soiled shirt. He shook his head all the way to the bathroom, knocking. “Louis?”

“I’m sorry!”

Harry opened the door with a grimace, “ugh, you’re gross.”

“I get nervous!” Louis violently brushed his teeth whilst crying into the sink. He dropped his tooth brush on the counter and placed his head in his hands, “I didn’t mean to vomit on you!”

Harry closed his eyes briefly before grabbing Louis’ tooth brush. He picked up the crying man’s face and pressed the brush to his lips until he opened up. Louis used both hands to wipe away his tears while Harry brushed his teeth. He eventually sat on the lid of the toilet so Harry had better view of his teeth.

 “Dude, stop crying –enough.” Harry looked over Louis’ mouth, “alright, go spit.”

Louis sniffled a couple of times before standing up to rinse his mouth. “I’m so embarrassed.”

“You should be, this is the third time.” Harry wiped Louis’ face with the bath towel he had used the night before. “You gotta control that, it’s nasty.”

“I know…” Louis frowned, “I was just too happy.” Harry rolled his eyes, wiping an eye booger from the corner of Louis’ eye. He dragged the boy back towards the bedroom and back onto the bed.

“I guess that’s a compliment.”

Louis grabbed onto Harry’s new shirt, “Harry, why’d you kiss me?”

“I don’t know.” Harry tried fixing Louis’ bed head with no success, “you just looked kissable and so I did it, I didn’t mean for you to barf everywhere.”

“I’m sorry.” Louis touched his lips, “that was amazing.”

“Thanks.” Harry pinched the tip of Louis’ nose, “you’d think you’ve never been kissed before.”

“I have, a lot!” Louis’ toes curled into the blanket at his feet, “you’re just special.”

Harry kissed him once more, quickly moving away, “don’t throw up on me!”

Louis stared at Harry’s chest for a moment before blinking. “Again.”

“Why?”

Louis looked up, lips parted an eyes wide, “because you look kissable and so want it again.”

Harry glanced down at Louis’ lips, one hand cupping Louis’ face and the other around his side. “Don’t use my lines.”

Louis pressed his lips together in a tight smile. “I’m excited. You’re so cool.”

Harry smiled before pressing his lips against Louis’. Louis’ mouth was cold from just brushing his teeth. It tasted of mint, luckily, and Harry found that he was pretty skilled. His tongue licked over Harry’s lips twice before the man crawled on top of him.

Louis was happy that the gap of air had closed but shortly realized that he was running out of air.

Their teeth clicked together a few times and it almost felt rushed. Louis didn’t want to rush anything though. He wanted them to have all the time in the world and Louis felt like he did. Harry fingers dug deep into his sides but Louis wasn’t ticklish right now –he was hard though and Harry was hard and he didn’t know what to do.

Harry lips were going over different areas of his mouth and cheeks. He went lower, peppering Louis’ throat in kisses and tender mistreatment of his teeth. Harry was moaning when Louis started panting, his perfect teeth pulling hard on Louis’ bottom lip, sucking the blood to the surface. The shorter man ran his small fingers through Harry’s hair, removing the bun that had been tied so skillfully.

Louis tugged on Harry’s soft curly hair, exposing his neck and giving Louis access to his Adams apple. Harry was moaning low when Louis started sucking on his skin, leaving fading marks as he had.

Harry swiftly rolled them so that Louis was not on top, their hard-ons clearly touching but Louis refused to move for fear of vomiting again. He really wished he had a flag so he could stick it on top Harry and claim him.

Harry’s face was too beautiful for words. As much as Louis had cursed the man out about his hair, Harry’s hair was gorgeous. It was soft, not a knot to run through and it smelled heavenly. His lips were rosy and bright; Louis was sure that Harry could give the best blowjobs. He liked that Harry was losing himself in their moans. He liked how he held Louis in place, hands moving as if to learn his body shape. His loss of composure was also nice, just like the deep sounds stuck in his throat.

It wasn’t long before their tongues intertwined again and it took an even shorter amount of time for Harry’s hands to find his ass. It was surprising but Louis didn’t want it to stop there. If Harry wanted to play and test the waters, Louis would join him.

Harry had shoved him off fairly quickly. Louis squinted at his arm, biting back the pain, “ow.”

“Oh shit!” Harry quickly knelt beside him, “shit, shit! I’m so sorry!”

“It’s okay.”

“No, I’m sorry. You just scared me and damn! I’m so sorry! Let me get you a band aid!” Harry ran out of the room and then Louis was alone. He stared at the bleeding cut, glaring at it.

Louis made a mental note then; ‘don’t try to suck a straight man’s dick’.

-

“Are you gunna ignore me all day because, if so, I’m going to go home and work on homework?”

“You first say that you wanna go out just you and I, but you invite everyone and then after you invite everyone you spend half the time in the fucking bathroom and then you sit the farthest from me even though there was an empty seat beside me.” Louis was genuinely angry, “you were ignoring me so don’t even start.”

“One, you wanted to sleep in and, because we did, we couldn’t leave before anyone woke up. It would have been rude not to invite them. Two, I sat where I felt comfortable.”

“Oh, and being in the bathroom the whole time?”

Harry shrugged, “I was on the phone.”

Louis closed his eyes, “on the phone?” He ate a big spoon of leftover mac and cheese.

“Yeah.”

“Thanks.” Louis shook his head, “our week is going to be super busy and we had the opportunity to hang out and you were on the phone with who knows who!”

“Well we have the time to hang out now but you’re fucking screaming even though we could be watching TV or chilling.”

“I’m not screaming!” Louis slapped his thighs, “who were you even talking to?”

“Amethyst.” Harry sat beside Louis on the bed, “I haven’t talked to her in a while.”

Louis blushed, embarrassed, looking away, “sorry.”

“It’s cool.”

“I just wanted to be alone with you.” Louis dug into his bowl of macaroni. He stuffed his mouth, “and I wanted to talk about this morning.”

“I’m sorry for pushing you.”

“It’s okay. I wanted to apologize for making you feel weird.”

“I mean it wasn’t bad or anything, I just didn’t expect you to, you know.”

“I don’t know, I thought that maybe –since you were grabbing me and stuff.” Louis pouted, “maybe-” He hiccuped. “Ow,” Louis touched his chest. “That one hurt.”

“Stop eating so fast, your food isn’t going anywhere.”

“I’m not-” He hiccuped once more. “Ugh!” And again. “Ahh! I just want to be alone with you!”

“Louis!” Liam called.

Harry grabbed Louis’ food and set it on the side table. He pulled Louis into the closet and shushed him.

“Louis!” Liam knocked once before opening the door. “You here?”

Louis covered his mouth as small hiccups tried escaping him. Harry laughed silently, hand over Louis’ hand. He whispered into his ear; “this wouldn’t have happened if you slowed down while eating. Now we’re gunna get caught.”

“Jesus, Louis, at least pick up your food.” Liam walked around, picking up Louis’ bowl.

Harry put a finger to his lips as Louis’ hiccups only seemed to get louder. The small man punched his stomach, trying to make it stop. Harry grabbed Louis’ face with one hand, kissing him to try and silence the noises. Louis wanted it to last but his body failed him and he hiccuped into Harry’s mouth which made a very strange sound that created an even louder sound that had both of them dying of laughter.

Liam swung the closet door open, scaring the pair to the floor. “What the fuck are you guys doing?”

Louis laughed, now sitting on top of Harry, “Liam!” He held his stomach, giggling, “You found us!”

Harry was laughing hard, so hard Louis could only hear squeaking. He dug his faces into Louis’ shoulder, eyes wet from pure joy. He shook his head, wrapping his arms around Louis’ stomach, “my boyfriend seems to have a case of the hiccups.”

Louis gasped, touching his chest, “They’re gone! You scared them away –hic!” Louis jumped, smiling, “oh, never mind.”

Liam blinked, small smile on his lips, “you both are so weird –practically made for each other.” He closed the door, shaking his head, “goodness.”

Louis had to pee and Harry said Louis was so heavy he couldn’t feel his legs which made Louis laugh more and didn’t help his bladder situation. Harry also said that the numbness was actually growing on him and that he also had to pee. But, instead of reliving themselves, the couple fell asleep awkwardly in a closet full of junk. Louis woke up momentarily, neck tight and uncomfortable but it was okay. For the time being, curly bun man and chip were finally alone, and it had never felt so comfortable.

Chapter Text

“Harry.”

“Hey, Am, I haven’t talked to you in a while.”

 “You’re busy I’m sure. How are you?”

“I’m actually really well.”

“Louis?”

Harry chuckled fondly, hands squeezing the steering wheel slightly, “yeah, Louis.”

Amethyst smiled, “you like him yet?”

“Um, I think I might.”

“I’m glad you’re admitting it to yourself.”

“The class went to prison a few days ago and we each took like ten minutes to talk to some people.” Harry laughed, “one man was clearly unwell and when I asked him how he got caught he said he didn’t. He turned himself in. So, of course, I asked him why he would just turn himself in.” Harry shook his head, “he started laughing and said; ‘how long could I have really kept it up?’ He smiled, “I mean, it’s a drastic comparison but it reminded me of him. Louis has been great –really fucking great. It’s hard to not eventually start liking him.”

“That’s –that’s amazing, Harry.”

“I’m going to go pick him up from the other side of the school.”

“The other side?”

“He doesn’t like walking.”

The ex-couple laughed loudly into both ends of the phone. “That sounds about right.”

“It’s so fucking stupid.” Harry let his laugh die and dropped his head on the steering wheel, “man, but I don’t mind, not even a little.”

-

“Louis, it’s motor skills.” Harry sighed, “this was supposed to be forty five minutes.” He looked at the watch on his wrist, “It’s been three hours and I have to go.”

“But Harry!” Louis groaned loudly, “I need your help studying!”

The psychology major tossed the heavy teaching book on his coffee table. He picked up his cat, laying her over his lap, “I have to get my light fixed on my car, Louis.”

“You were supposed to get it fixed more than two weeks ago! You said you’d help me.”

“And I have helped you!” Harry stood up, setting Pluto back down, “you know this, and you’re just pretending not to.”

“No I’m not!” Louis dug his fingers into his thighs, “I’m just nervous. My test is tomorrow, Harry. This is important! Liam is paying for it!” Louis chewed on the side of his nail, “if I don’t pass, that is two hundred dollars –gone.”

“You’re going to pass, you need to mediate or something.”

“Meh!”

Harry stood in front of him, smiling at how perfectly Louis fit into the couch cushion. He was so small. Harry ran a light hand through his short hair, "‘meh, meh’. You’re such a loser.” He walked to the kitchen, opening the fridge, “burn an incense for me, Lou, the lavender one.” He looked around for a bottle of water, “I need to go, I need to go.”

Louis frowned deeply, sliding off the couch slowly, stepping over Pluto. She seemed to take over the whole apartment now that she was allowed out of the cage –Louis still wasn’t sure whether he liked it or not. He always found her laying on his books, she slept where ever she pleased –including beside Harry while he was trying to get into bed. The worst of all had to be when she used her litter box then decided to use his papers as a chair.

“My Harry?” Louis scooped up all of his papers, hugging them.

“My Louis,” Harry walked out of the kitchen with a bottle of water in hand.

“Can I go with you to the car place?”

“Says the guy who has to study.” Harry took a swig of water, “I’ll go by myself. You make too much noise anyway. You swear you know everything.”

“I won’t make noise.” Louis shrugged, “I’ll study quietly.”

“I’ll see you when I get back, Louis.”

“Whatever,” he took a few tries before the incense lit.

 They slowly but surely fought less. Their relationship was stable, with only some evolving but, luckily, nothing had gotten worse. They’d greet each other with a kiss and leave with a kiss. Both parties cooperated which meant Louis got a key. He tried not to abuse it, so he’d only come over when Harry was home.

Things had actually been really great. Louis had a few complaints that he preferred to keep to himself. Some of those complaints included; lack of sex and lack of public affection. Louis was the embodiment of public affection. He loved holding hands, laughing loud, and kissing for every miserable, bitter, lonely person to see –and he didn’t feel bad about it. But, Louis was slowly becoming that miserable, bitter, lonely person.

“Fine. When will you come home?”

Harry fixed his shoe before walking up to him, “you can stay here if you want.” He pulled softly on Louis’ ear, “I’ll be back quickly, hopefully.”

Louis adjusted the disheveled papers in his hands, “I’ll do some cleansing before I leave.” He shrugged, “Liam probably made mac and cheese.”

Harry smiled pulling the papers from Louis’s arms, setting them back down. He rubbed under Louis’ eye, cupping his cheek, “you look so tired.”

“I am.” Louis was tired, tired and a bother too. Harry was just as tired as him, they were both doing their internships and going to class but Harry worked. Louis hated psychology majors, just as most people did, but they were tough. Some of the things Harry would learn about was absolutely terrifying. The thought process of some people, they reason for their behavior –it was just awful and Louis was a little more scared of people than he once was.

Louis puckered his lips, receiving a loud kiss to his dry lips. Louis smiled when the kiss against his lips dripped down to his neck. He bit his lip, just looking for a little more –for a mark, tongue –anything. Louis held in a sigh when Harry hugged him, kissing his cheek softly, “hurry up, okay?”

Harry smirked, rubbing Louis’ lower back, “I will.”

-

“I just want him to fuck me!”

“Oh,” Liam flipped the channel on the TV, “great conversation starter.”

“Liam, every day I clean myself out, every fucking day!” Louis tossed his head back, “I have a small hope, very small, that he’ll have his way with me. Then I will spread my legs and-”

“Get fucked.”

“Exactly.”

“Why don’t you just have sex with someone else and be with Harry for the emotional aspect. He obviously isn’t in this for the sexual part.”

“I can’t do that!” Louis nibbled on his thumb, thinking, “can I?”

Liam laughed, “Idiot.” He turned the TV off, starting to think as well, “I mean, you can but I guess you’d have to talk to him about it first. If I were him, I’d break up with you.”

“You’re fucking awful.”

“Well, I don’t know. Masturbating is also on the table.”

“Liam, I do not masturbate when I am dating someone.” Louis lifted his nose to the air, “I deserved to be sexually satisfied.”

“Spoiled.”

“And if I am then I probably deserve it.”

Liam pulled Louis to the bed, laying on top of him, “oh, Louis, this is why you’re my best friend.”

“You’re crushing me!” Louis frowned, slapping Liam’s back weakly. “I’m just horny all the time, dude.”

“Call Jeffery.”

Louis slapped his roommate harder, “asshole. Harry would kill me.”

“Maybe, in his rage, he’ll fuck you.”

“Ooh.” Louis shuddered, “that actually sounds good.”

“Or he’ll break up with you and realize that dating you was a mistake and then you’ll cry for ever and ever and fail your test and then I get to kill you.”

“Those scenarios are really far apart.”

“Yep. Good luck choosing.”

-

“Hey Liam.” Harry stepped into Louis’ apartment, “is Louis here?”

“Nope.”

“Oh.” Harry tilted his head to the side, “uh, you know where he went?”

Liam grinned, patting Harry’s chest, “I’m just messing. He’s sleeping but you can go wake him. He said you’d be coming by.”

Liam had been doing things like that lately and Harry knew what his intentions were, because he wasn’t stupid, but it was a little annoying because it was working. He would say things like; ‘Louis went out with some boy’ or ‘Louis went out drinking’. Harry would react, obviously, because what boy and who would he go drinking with –without telling him? Harry wasn’t jealous, he wasn’t into the jealously thing, he didn’t think it was cute or flattering –he didn’t even like using the word. Amethyst got compliments all the time, she received looks and was asked out plenty but it never made him feel anything but flattered. Unfortunately for him, Louis brought a stupid little green monster out of him that Harry wasn’t very familiar with.

“My Louis?” The lights were on. Harry smiled at the small movement under the yellow covers. He closed the door behind him, trying not to scare the sleepy student. “My Louis.”

“Mm.” Louis’ bed head popped up from the covers. He yawned, sitting up, his eyebrows in a small fit, “my Harry?”

It was Harry’s fault for the ridiculous nicknames. Louis kept begging to be ‘claimed’ although Harry reminded him that a human couldn’t ‘claim’ another human. Louis said it wasn’t an actual ‘claim’, just a way of saying that they liked each other. The day that the words; ‘my Louis’ came out of his mouth, Louis had the best and worst possible reaction. He had laughed nervously for a while, cutely, before cuddling with him, then he threw up.

“You slept.”

“Yes.” Louis rubbed his eyes with the palm of his hand, pointing at the bag in Harry’s hand, “what’s that?”

Harry pressed his lips together, trying not to smile so wide. “What do you think it is?”

Louis smiled tiredly, eyes growing slightly, “food for me.”

Harry grinned, removing his shoes before getting onto the bed. “Of course it is, brat.” He pressed a soft kiss to the corner of Louis’ mouth, something that had been a lot easier to do. He didn’t feel as awkward or uncomfortable with the display of affection. Louis definitely seemed to enjoy it.

“Why are you always hungry, hm?” Harry dug his face into Louis’ neck, planting cold kisses across his warm skin. “Why can’t you ever not be hungry?”

“Then stop buying me food.” Louis shoved Harry’s face away, taking the bag, “yay, Japanese!”

“It’s Chinese.”

“Just as good!” Louis opened the box slowly, moaning, “Yum, and it’s so much. I can save some for school tomorrow.”

Harry crawled behind him, scooting forward until Louis could lean comfortably against him. Harry had his touchy-feely days sometimes, Louis had them much more, but today was one of them for him. “I got my light fixed. It wasn’t too expensive.”

Louis stuck a piece of chicken in his mouth, smiling at the taste, “that’s good, Harry.” He put his head on his shoulder, offering the man a piece. Harry accepted it with his mouth, licking the tip of Louis’ finger before nibbling at it.

He caressed Louis’ sides, “you want me to take you tomorrow morning?”

“Yes please.” Louis poked around the food, feeding Harry another piece of chicken. Harry denied the next piece, instead pushing it against Louis’ lips.

“Eat.” Harry rubbed Louis’ belly, “please.”

Louis kissed his chin, “I am. Wanna share with you.” He picked up a string of noodle, sticking half in his mouth and the other end in Harry’s mouth. Their lips touched in the middle, and Louis internally groaned when Harry gripped his chin, licking across his lips.

“Very sweet of you.” Harry’s fingers found a carrot. He let Louis bite half, pulling the other half away from Louis’ mouth before he could eat it. He smiled when Louis glared at him, kissing the annoyed man before putting the vegetable on his tongue. “I should know not to play with your food.”

“You should.”

Louis let Harry feed him a few more vegetables before turning his face away. Harry shook his head, licking off his fingers, “I’m not going to be able to pick you up.”

“Why?” Louis picked the water chestnuts out of his noodles.

“Don’t do that.”

“Harry, you know I don’t like them.”

“I know, I know.” Harry ate the small circles Louis didn’t want, “I bother them enough with asking for as little as possible.”

“Meh. Why can’t you pick me up?”

“Meh.” Harry pinched Louis’ cheek, “because I’m going to Amethyst’s for three days.”

“Three days!” Louis quickly shut his food and scooted off the bed with some difficultly. “What the hell are you gunna do at your ex’s house for three days?”

“She’s moving and I said I’d help.”

Louis stared him up and down. Harry had been teaching him how to tell when someone was lying using body language. He didn’t think he was lying –but he probably was. “Harry, that’s not okay.”

“It’s not like something’s gunna happen. I’m helping her move.”

Louis tapped his foot against the floor, “what if you get back together?”

“Louis, I’m stuck with you.” Harry rubbed the back of his head, “Amethyst and I aren’t dating anymore. I promise, there’s nothing going on.”

“And what if feelings resurface? Then what happens?”

“Then it happens. I can’t stop my life worrying about what if’s.”

“Fine.” Louis chewed hard on the inside of his cheek, “I’m gunna fuck Jeffery.”

“What the fuck.”

Louis turned away, swallowing thickly. He flinched when he received a pillow to the back of the head, “hey!”

“Are you fucking crazy?” Harry was standing, “you’re gunna fuck who?”

“Well you’re going to see your ex and you don’t wanna have sex so I might as well!”

“There’s a huge fucking difference between helping my ex, who is amazing, and fucking your ex who is a piece of shit!”

“I don’t want you to go to her house for three days.”

“Oh my God.” Harry shook his head in awe, “I am so mad that you would even say that. Like, really?” Louis reached out for him but Harry moved away, "no, no! Don’t touch me! What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“It’s Liam’s fault! He gave me the idea!”

Harry stared at Louis’s bedroom door, “I’m contemplating fighting Liam.”

“I don’t want you to go. You’re gunna get back together with her!”

“You’re so dumb. Your lack of attention to detail annoys the shit out of me. I have done nothing but be nice to you, treat you with respect, and make sure you are happy. Amethyst has helped me so much but every time I bring her up you have a fucking problem.”

“Well, what do you expect? She’s beautiful and perfect for you! You guys went running in the morning!” Louis squeezed his tummy, “I don’t run! Not even after the bus!”

Harry sat on the edge of the bed, “Louis, sit down.”

“No!”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m upset –and hesitant!”

“Can you sit down, please?”

Louis toed over, sitting beside Harry, “what?”

“If you throw up, I’m leaving.”

“What are you gunna do? It depends!”

Harry rubbed his eyes, “tell me how this ‘gay sex’ works, so we can have it already.”

Chapter Text

“What?”

“Have sex. I’m sexually deprived and so are you. Having sex with a guy can’t be that bad.”

“You wanna –you wanna…” Louis stood up quickly, going to his dresser for support. “Oh, someone help.”

Harry rose, going to Louis to rub his stomach, “don’t vomit. God please.”

-

“Have you ever had anal sex?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Well, it’s the same thing.” Louis peeled off his shirt, chuckling nervously, “I feel kind of self-conscious all of a sudden.”

“Why? You’re a guy, we have the same parts.”

Louis nodded, “yeah, yeah, you’re right.” He unbuttoned his jeans slowly, “is this really happening?”

Harry rubbed a hand over his face, “I guess. Hopefully this will satisfy your stupidity for a while.”

“Okay, okay.” Louis slid the jeans down to his feet before pulling quietly at his boxers, “okay.”

“Okay, what?”

“I don’t know –just okay.” He squirmed, unsure how to read Harry’s face. “What now?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be telling me what to do?”

“It’s just like what you did with a girl.”

“Okay then.” Harry patted his thighs, “lay down.”

“On your lap?”

“Yeah.” Harry unzipped his pants, “and take off your boxers.” He reached behind him to grab the lube Louis had tossed earlier, “I’m going to open you up.”

“Oh God, oh God.” Louis blushed deep red, shuffling over, “you say things so casually.” He pushed Harry back a little, “I’ll lay on the bed instead.”

“Why?” Harry grabbed his forearm with one hand and Louis’ boxers with the other, “lay down.” He brought his boyfriend over his knees, rubbing his back, “just relax and enjoy it or –whatever.”

“This is insane!” Louis squirmed, “are you seriously gunna finger my ass, Harry?”

Harry was struggling to get Louis’ boxers off but eventually got them down to his knees. “Yes, Louis. There’s no reason to say it like that.” He rubbed a warm hand over his butt and Louis shivered a trail of goose bumps. “I’m so glad you’re good looking. You have a really nice body.”

“Mm!” Louis’ toes cracked as they curled, “I’m gunna cum on your leg!”

“Please don’t.” Harry rubbed his free hand through Louis’ hair, “let me know if it hurts.” The psychology major poured a heavy amount of clear lubricant onto his hands, rubbing them together. He used one slippery hand to pull Louis’ ass apart, “your asshole is pink.”

“Please stop talking.”

Harry laughed, rubbing a cool finger around his rim. He pressed a gentle finger into him, relaxing the tight ring of muscles. It didn’t take long for Louis to open up for him, “how’s that feel?”

“Cold but hot.” Louis wiggled his hips, “your fingers are long.” He groaned softly, gripping the bed sheet, “you can put in more.”

“Do you do this often?” Harry pulled out his soaked fingers, rubbing around Louis’ hole before pushing in two fingers, “you feel tight but you seem way too used to this.”

Louis bit his lip, moaning low, “I’ve had enough guys fuck me.”

“Yuck.” Harry pinched under Louis’ ass, “don’t fucking say that shit while my fingers are in you.” Harry rolled his fingers in slow deep strokes, head tilted to the side to get a better view, “you have a great ass. Looks really nice.”

Louis groaned, dropping his head, “fuck.” He had small tears in his eyes. Harry had no idea what he was doing to him, how bad he wanted to skip everything and ride Harry until he passed out. Louis didn’t need to be opened up and he didn’t need slow but this was Harry’s first time with a man and he wasn’t going to let his gluttony get the better of him. “More…” Louis tried to not rut against Harry’s thigh, not wanting to stain his jeans. “More please…”

“Hm, one more?” Harry massaged the back of Louis’ thighs, “I can try to make you cum if you want.”

“Fuck.” Louis hissed into the back of his hand as Harry added a third finger. His fingers were long, able to reach further inside Louis than his own. They were also big and stretched him with the slightest burn. Louis flinched when Harry’s finger hit a certain spot, and Harry noticed because he did it again. “Oh, fuck –baby,” Louis was moaning –talking and moaning and he wanted to feel embarrassed, he really did. “Baby, baby,” He panted, “want your cock –fuck.”

Harry removed his fingers so quickly it scared him. He slid off Harry’s lap, cock hard between his legs. Louis touched it, looking up at Harry’s big green eyes, “sorry…” He gulped, blushing, looking away from his boyfriend’s heavy gaze, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Harry licked his lips, “this might actually be really fun.”

Louis looked up, hand leisurely stroking his dick. He quickly looked down when Harry started removing his pants. He helped, wanting them to come off even faster than he had wanted his own to come off. Louis shut his eyes, calling a prayer because Harry didn’t have a small dick and his sex life was about to get so much better. For Harry, he would have worked with a small dick, but he didn’t have to –it was perfect. His cock was a soft color, uncut, clean and Louis was about to turn into the biggest slut.

“I like the sounds you make.” Harry pulled his foreskin down, thumbing of the head of his dick, “you sound nice.”

Louis was wheezing, swallowing down any dryness in his throat before speaking. “Thank you.” He blinked, trying not to only stare at Harry’s length, “I can suck you off if you want?”

“Yeah,” Harry gave a small nod, motioning Louis closer. “I want.”

Louis muffle screamed, bouncing closer on his knees, “you’re so fucking hot.” He grabbed the base with a light hand, “if you don’t fuck me after this, I’m going to be pissed.”

Harry pulled the bun from his hair, relaxing back on his elbows, “we’ll see.”

That is exactly what Louis wanted to hear.

Louis only had Harry’s cock in his mouth for maybe ten seconds and it took that long for it to find his throat. It was fine because he wanted to show Harry just what he was capable of, and he was capable of a lot.

Louis licked around the head, licking down the sides, pulling at the thin skin. He covered Harry’s dick with his mouth, squeezing hard on the base while bobbing his head up and down. He was mindful of his teeth, keeping his tongue flat the whole way down. He used his left hand to cup Harry’s balls, rolling them gently in his hand.

“Go deeper.”

Louis moaned around him, forcing his head down until his nose was pressed against the small hairs above Harry’s dick. He closed his eyes, tongue moving even when he wasn't, focusing on his breathing. He came up a few second later, gasping, greedy for the dribbles of thin liquid that escaped Harry’s dick. “You taste so good, Harry.” Louis pressed his nose against Harry’s hips, kissing him, “I think my body wants to taste you somewhere else…” He kissed up the stiff cock, stroking him with his mouth to the head. He rubbed his lips against the wet flesh, Amethyst had been one lucky girl.

Louis focused on Harry’s balls, moaning when Harry’s hand caught his hair. His hips jerked at the grip on his hair, moving him around carelessly, “your mouth is fucking ridiculous.” Harry pulled on Louis’ bottom lip before pushing his head down, “shit.” He threw his head back, his abdominals were straining from the position but it only made Louis hornier. Harry eyes fluttered, “wanna cum on your eyelashes.”

Louis looked up at him innocently, chin covered in spit and eyes coated in tears. “I want you to cum on my face.” He stuck out his tongue, “or in here.” He licked his bright red lips, eyes soft and low, “or somewhere else.”

Harry closed his eyes, “I can’t fuck you without a condom.”

Louis pouted, nudging Harry’s dick with his nose, “why not?”

“I don’t know if you have something.”

“I don’t,” Louis stood up quickly, catching himself before he fell, “that’s not fair.”

“Neither is an STD. I have condoms. I’ll run-”

Louis crossed his arms, “did you fuck Amethyst with a condom?”

“Can we not talk about my ex right now?”

“Did you?”

“No.”

Louis smiled, “well.” He pushed Harry down slowly, crawling on top of him, “how much better would it be to fuck me without one? I can’t get pregnant.”

“As tempting as you are, you could have an STD.”

“I don’t!”

Harry put two hands behind his head, “and what about your ‘plenty of guys’?”

“Curly!” Louis kissed his collar bones, “baby, I’m clean.”

“Chip,” Harry rubbed his thumb across Louis’ wet lips, “you’re so lucky your mouth is fucking amazing.”

Louis grinned, “yay.” He sat up, bouncing, “yay! Fuck me, fuck me!”

Harry groaned, chuckling, grabbing Louis’ hips, “hey, stop doing that.” He rubbed his hands down Louis’ thighs, “I’m gunna nut and it’s not going to go where you want it to.”

Louis giggled into his hands, “this is going to feel so good.” He looked around, “do you want to do me from behind or I can ride you?”

“Your blowjob was really good and I would love some more but,” Harry sat up, picking Louis up. “I will let you find out why they call me Harry the Horny.” He laid Louis down on the bed, kissing him, “ready?”

Louis covered his face, “Amethyst warned me about your shitty jokes.”

“Did she?” Harry laughed, lifting one of Louis’ legs, “did she tell you that I can fuck for days?” Harry kissed Louis’ calf, running his finger over his stomach, pressing them into his soft belly, “hm?”

“Mm,” Louis mewled. “No, but I think it’s better if I find out for myself.”

“Yeah, me too.” Harry stroked his cock, “fuck. You give you good head. Kind of bugs me.” He bit his lip, looking down to find Louis’ hole, “you’re too much.”

Louis grabbed onto Harry’s forearm in one swift motion, “yes, yes, yes.” He shut his eyes, enjoying the feeling of being filled, “this is gunna be so good.”

Harry pulled back slowly, quickly replacing the emptiness so Louis couldn’t even miss it. Louis wrapped his short legs around Harry’s waist, eyes rolling back when Harry finally removed his shirt. He was so grateful that Harry went running, one of them had to look good.

Harry ran a hand through his hair, moving it from in front of his face. Louis spread his legs wider, whimpering when Harry’s hot mouth covered his. Harry put both hands under him, getting Louis at just the right angle. He moaned at the positon, his lower back was a little stiff but he couldn’t care because Harry wasn’t giving him anytime to adjust.

He drove into the smaller man ruthlessly, fingers pressing bruises into Louis’ clean skin.  Louis had never looked smaller. The force at which Harry was fucking him made his legs bend to his chest, his dimpled back was barely touching the bed. Louis didn’t try touching himself, couldn’t, not that he really needed to anyway.

“Fuck, you feel so good.”

Harry wasn’t sure whether it was Louis or that he hadn’t had sex in a while but it was physically refreshing. Louis was soft, wet –tight as fuck and Harry didn’t want to stop. He was comfortable and Louis’ mouth was opening, releasing soft ‘ah’s’ and Harry couldn’t stop his hips from moving. If he could stop, he could just stay inside Louis and that would be totally fine too.

He didn’t want to leave bruises, he didn’t want to leave hickies or anything that would look like a ‘claim’ but Harry was going to. His grip was way harder than when he would have sex with a girl, and it made him feel bad. Harry had rough sex, just not this rough, but Louis was screaming –begging and Harry was fucking him so fast the bed was creaking. (He forgot Liam was home.)

Harry finally let Louis’ legs fall, wanting to get his lips on Louis pink, puffy ones. Then Harry noticed that Louis’ nipples looked the same and he promised himself to fall in love with those next. His mouth was already trying to, right after his teeth.

“Oh,” Louis arched his back, legs wrapped tight around Harry’s waist, one hand in his long hair and one on Harry’s back. “Fuck, yeah –bite them –mm!”

The room got so hot, so fast. Louis was sucking up most of the air while Harry fucked him numb. He couldn’t feel his ass and he was sure he came already but there was no sign of any cum. He was happy that they were compatible, that they fit so well. Harry’s mouth soon covered his, taking any air left in Louis’ lungs.

“Fuck,” Harry wheezed, hips slapping Louis’ skin erratically, “fuck, gunna cum. I’m gunna cum.”

Louis dug his nails into Harry’s back, eyes rolling back somewhere deep until he saw spotting. He saw spots and stars and his notes –and he saw his test. But mostly, he saw Harry’s green eyes connecting with his blue ones. It made a gorgeous ocean color, following the pinks of their lips and tongues merging as well.

Louis forgot how to tell time because by the third time Harry came, the sun looked like it was rising. And, when Louis woke up the second time, the sun was definitely in the sky and Harry was definitely sleeping next to him and Louis was definitely late for his exam.

Chapter Text

“I literally fucked him.” Harry sat down on the corner of his bed, “I fucked him again, and again, and again with no condom and I don’t even know how to feel.”

“Wow.” Zayn sat on the floor, “was it –bad?”

“Oh my God,” Harry shook his head, “I’m not into men, Zayn. Please tell me you know that.”

“I know.”

“But Louis is fucking hot.”

Zayn laughed loudly, “oh fuck, man. That’s hilarious.”

“Zayn, I fucking wish you could have sex with him. You don’t even understand!”

Zayn sucked his teeth, “I can have sex with him. I can get who ever the hell I want.”

Harry cracked his jaw, folding a shirt, “yeah, and I’ll kick your ass.”

“And I will fire you.”

“And I will burn down your fucking bar.”

Zayn smirked, wiggling a finger at him, “alright, he’s all yours.” He threw a shirt at him, “did he enjoy it?”

“Yeah. He woke up in such a good mood but for such a short time. His ass looked so plump and oh my God, why!” Harry fell to the floor in a messy heap, “why a man?”

“Since when did you become a homophobe?”

“Shut the fuck up. I’m not.” Harry bit his lip, “I just had a girlfriend who left me because she thought I liked a boy and let me tell you, I did not like Louis at all.” He huffed, “and now I cant stop thinking about him. I don’t know if it was the sex or because I love being around him.” Harry groaned, rubbing his face, “what’s happening right now. I’m so confused.”

Zayn patted his shoulder, “it’s called liking someone, buddy. It only goes to hell from here.”

“Fuck, I don’t even wanna date him anymore!”

“Okay, I’ll take him.”

“I swear to God, I’m going to fucking quit. Your best bartender is going to fucking quit. Stop playing with me.”

“EH, Ax is pretty good.”

“Asshole.”

“Honestly, Harry, why hurt him? He’s smart, good looking for a dude –his eyes are fucking beautiful.”

“I know.”

“I would do him and you know I am not into that.” Zayn lifted three fingers, “pussy, money, pussy –that’s it. That’s all I want.” Zayn smiled, “he’s a good guy with a good heart. He’s clumsy but really funny and he really likes you.” He patted Harry’s knee, “you fucked a dude. That’s it. Anyway, you’re happy all the time. It sounds gay but I’m serious. You always have this stupid ass grin on your face when you guys talk and you’re jealous as hell.”

“No, I’m not.” Harry picked at the skin on his nail, “I could be but I’m not. It’s not gunna do shit for him.” He sighed, “You can’t stop it –it’s instinctive, everyone has to deal with it.”

“You threatened to burn down my bar.”

“Because you fucking wish you could get Louis from me.”

“You jealous asshole.” Zayn stretched, “I packed your shit so you can’t shout at me.”

“You helped.” Harry waved his hands around, “you’re bringing bad vibes into my house.”

“Bad vibes my ass.” Zayn stood, leaving the room with Pluto on his trail, “I just bought you those ‘bad vibes’ candles, dick!”

Harry laughed under his breath, “fuck.” He licked his lips, practically hearing Louis screaming in his ear the night before –feeling his teeth on Harry’s shoulder –Harry’s cock in him- “Dammit –I want to see him!”

“You just dropped him off at school, idiot!”

Harry mumbled to himself, standing, going to his mattress.

It was a bad morning. Louis was late for his test and he had been crying and shaking the whole ride to school. Harry almost wanted to cry with him because Louis had been studying his ass off but was too tired to wake up. Harry assumed they let him in because he didn’t get a phone call but Louis also didn’t have a phone so-

Louis had been panicking and Harry tried everything to calm him down but he wouldn’t. Harry wanted to pay someone to take the test for Louis because he felt extremely uncomfortable leaving him in front of the testing center in tears. Harry couldn’t even say ‘good luck or ‘goodbye. He hadn’t gotten a kiss, not a hug –nothing. It was selfish but he was gone for three days to help Amethyst. He hadn’t seen her in too long, but after dropping off Louis all he wanted to do was pick him up.

 “Yo, your cat’s out of food.”

“Her name is Pluto.” Harry sat up, “her food’s in the cabinet next to the sink.” Harry pressed his lips together, “I wanna pick Louis up. I feel like a stalker.”

“Nah,” Zayn picked up the animal at his feet, “you guys had a bad morning. It’s normal.”

Harry nodded, laying back down again, “fuck –I want to see him.”

-

“How’d your test go?”

Louis plopped onto the couch face first. “I passed.”

“Hey!” Liam kneeled beside him, “that’s awesome!” He helped Louis roll onto his bed, “you look like hell but I’m so fucking proud of you!”

“I got zero wrong.” Louis blinked at the ceiling, “Im getting an award.”

“You got a hundred?”

“Yeah. I cant feel my head.”

His best friend hugged him, “fuck, Louis. That’s amazing,” Liam smiled. “You’re so smart, man. I’m so damn proud of you.”

“Liam,” Louis was smiling, “I didn’t get one wrong. Not one.” Louis couldn’t believe it himself and neither could his proctor. They went over his test results three times just to make sure. I cried the whole test.” He shook his head, “I have cum in my ass.”

Liam moved away, “that is –uh, I’m not sure what to say about that.”

“I didn’t shower.” Louis rubbed his red eyes, “it was so hard to see my computer screen. I was crying so much. It gave me such a bad migraine. I feel like pulling my eyes out.”

Liam rubbed his thigh, “I think you should shower –because gross.”

Louis clapped, “one hundred percent!” He sat up with Liam’s help, “I didn’t even get to say bye to Harry. He already left.”

“How do you know?”

“I knocked –his car isn’t here either.” Louis rubbed his back, “can’t feel my spine.”

“Alright, shower then we drink the night away.” Liam pushed him towards the bathroom, “we’ll call Niall and we could also go by Amethyst’s place. If you want.”

“Oh, Liam. Please don’t tell me you know where she lives.”

“I don’t, but Zayn does.” He hugged Louis close, “you did so good, Lou.”

-

Zayn laughed at his phone for long enough so Harry threw a sock at him, “something funny?”

“Nope.”

Amethyst pulled a box from her closet, “I barely have anything and I still have too many things.” She slid it over to her bed, “thank you guys for helping me, even though no is helping me.”

They laughed, “I’m so sorry.”

Harry stood up strolling over to his ex. He kissed her cheek, “I’m sorry, princess.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Amethyst pulled her curly hair into a bun, “go take out the garbage.” The trio looked to the bedroom door. She tilted her head, “who’d be knocking right now?”

Zayn shrugged, “who knows?”

“Zayn, you bastard.” Amethyst threw an old teddy bear at him, “who did you invite over?”

“No one we all don’t love.”

-

“I don’t wanna make anything weird,” Louis fixed his shirt. He dressed as nice as he could because he was seeing Amethyst and he wanted to show her that he was altogether and good enough for her ex. Louis respected Amethyst so much.

“Oh my God!” Zayn was too fake. “Look who it is!”

Liam punched Zayn in the stomach playfully, “dick.”

Louis toed in slowly and he couldn’t help but want to vomit. Amethyst’s home felt very familiar. The smell was familiar, the look was familiar. Amethyst was the girl version of Harry and it made Louis sick to his stomach.

It didn’t take long to see the lovely ex-couple exit the bedroom. If Niall hadn’t wrapped his arms around Louis’ stomach, he would have absolutely vomited.

“Louis?” Harry ran through the small group and straight into Louis’ arms. “Holy shit.” He breathed loudly, “Oh my God, I was so worried about you.”

“I passed.” Louis kept his eyes shut because he had no balls to look around.

“You passed!” Harry pulled away, shaking him, “that’s amazing!”

“Thank you.”

Harry looked behind Louis at Niall who never let go him. He lifted an eyebrow, “everything alright?”

“Hm?” Niall nodded, “yeah, Louis’s just warm.” The blonde smiled, “we’ve also been drinking so I’m a little touchy.”

Harry’s mouth twitched, glancing down at the hands around his boyfriend, “okay.”

Liam caught on quickly, pulling Niall away from Louis and to the couch. He looked at Amethyst, “hi. How are you? I’m sorry for coming so late.”

“It –it is totally fine,” She smiled. Amethyst walked around them, going straight to Louis. She hugged him, “I haven’t seen you in so long. How are you? You look amazing.”

“I’m great, thank you.” Louis found his thoughts crowded. How did she smell so good? Why was her voice so much softer than his? She was so kind. “How are you?”

“I’m good. Moving, as you can see.” Louis nodded, trying to smile when he had to. “I’m sorry you couldn’t see my home before. Now it’s all messy.”

This poor girl had never seen messy in her life if she thought this was messy.

“Come everyone, come.” She led Harry and Louis to the couch beside a drunk Niall, a laughing Zayn, and an amused Liam. “Is anyone thirsty?”

“Me!” Niall raised his hand, “I drove here.”

“Did he really?”

“No –well, yeah but then we stopped half way and he didn’t.”

“I’ll bring water.” Amethyst smiled tenderly, walking away to her kitchen.

Harry pulled Louis to his lap, surprising him. “I’m so happy you came. I was freaking out.”

Louis smiled, blushing, “I did really well.” He sat up proudly, “I got one hundred percent.”

“What?” Harry pressed their forehead’s together, “holy shit.”

“I’m going to get an award.” He put his lips to Harry’s ear, whispering, “I did it crying, with cum coming out of my ass.”

“Oh, oh shit.” Harry made a face, “you’re crazy. I totally forgot about that.”

“Here, water.” Amethyst suddenly seemed out of place. She was smiling at all of them, all stuffed on her small couch. “So, I guess we’ll finish packing tomorrow since we have company.” She smiled at Harry, “even though no one was helping.”

Harry blew a kiss at her and Louis stiffened, “I love you. I promise I will do whatever you want me to tomorrow.”

She dipped her head, “I accept that offer and I love you more.”

Harry patted Louis’ leg, rubbing it lovingly, “we should play a game.”

She looked right at Louis, her smile too genuine to do any harm, “that sounds good.”

-

Louis drummed his fingers against the large square coffee table. He was upset but he wasn’t going to admit it, everyone could probably tell anyway and, if they couldn’t, then fuck them.

It was Liam and him, his best friend, his confidant, his Liam. Liam and him were the team of all teams, no one beat them at cards –no one –no one but Amethyst and Harry, obviously. They played three games of squares. It was the most simple card game in the world. Get four of the same cards. Louis couldn’t be losing, he just couldn’t be.

There was only one explanation; they were cheating and Louis knew it.

Amethyst caught Liam’s eye, grinning, “how you holding up?”

Liam shrugged, looking at his card, “I think this round is going to be-”

“Squares!” Louis shot up from the floor, throwing his cards at the girl who sat across from him. “Squares! Squares! Squares! You have squares!”

Amethyst blinked a few times before slowly laying down her cards. A queen, a queen, a queen and a two of hearts. Louis was so stupid.

“Oh my God.” Liam groaned, looking up to the ceiling, “why, Louis. Why.”

“Ha!” Harry high fived his ex-girlfriend, “what’s that now? Four in a row?”

Zayn tossed his cards onto the table, “I’m not even playing,” He pointed a finger at Niall. “My partner’s practically asleep.”

“Louis, we’re supposed to signal each other!” Liam threw his cards down, “you didn’t signal!”

“You both are cheating!”

They stopped laughed. Harry smirked, “how are we cheating?” He squeezed Amethyst’s cheek, “we’re just good. We used to play cards all the time.”

Louis’ blood was no longer blood. It was lava that flowed from his fingers to his toes. They were definitely cheating but more importantly than the fact that they were cheating; Harry was just so happy. Louis was so bitter. They were literally the perfect couple. Amethyst and him were like Bonnie and Clyde. They finished each other’s sentences, they laughed at the same things, and they liked the same foods. Amethyst brought out granola and no one even touched it, no one acknowledged it. Louis couldn’t understand who would, it was granola. But, Harry did –Bonnie and Clyde.

Louis couldn’t stand it. He was so jealous, it was eating him alive. He had dragged Liam into the bathroom two games ago, begging him to flirt with him –anything to put Harry’s attention on him. It hadn’t worked because Harry was so focused on his ex, it was disgustingly sweet. Louis had one cavity in his mouth and it was really hurting.

“Liam and I always play cards!” Louis counted on his fingers, “Black Jack, Squares, Go Fish, Poker! Name it and we play it! We always win, you both are cheating!”

“Louis,” Amethyst’s voice was so soft, it was irritating. “It’s just a game, darling, you can win if you like.”

Liam nudged his foot and Louis should have listened to his friend. Liam had a tendency to save him from embarrassing himself but all Louis could think about was the ex-couple playing catch with the granola earlier. Louis was about to snap-

“It is just a game, Chip, chill.”

“It’s not just a game! You’re both cheating! You fucking liars!” His hands slapped over his mouth, “oh my God. I’m so sorry.”

Liam covered his face in shame, or embarrassment, or both. “Oh, Louis.”

“Um,” Amethyst slowly picked up the cards. “I think that is enough of that.”

“No, I’m sorry!” Louis dropped to his knees, taking the cards back, “it’s just a game. You’re right. I’m so sorry.”

She smiled awkwardly, “it’s okay. I have movies.”

“Louis.” Harry sighed, “let’s take a breather.”

-

“What was that, Chip?”

“Harry,” Louis reached out for him. “I –that was a ridiculous outburst. I’m just tired and that was a big mistake.”

Harry chuckled, “‘you fucking liars.’” He pressed his lips together, “that’s a lot.”

“I know, I know, Harry.” Louis rubbed his eyes, “you weren’t cheating. Honestly, I’m just jealous and crazy-“

“Jealous of who?” Harry raised a brow, “of Amethyst?”

“You guys have such a great relationship. You’re meant to be with her.”

“Okay.” Harry crossed his arms, “let’s break up so I can be with her.”

Louis’ whole body ran cold. The words had come out of Harry’s mouth and there was no humor behind them. They had just had sex, their relationship had just started developing. Louis felt like crying but he had cried so hard today he just couldn’t.

At Louis’ internship there had been a question on one of the student’s assignments that had asked; ‘if you had one super power what would it be?’ Everyone had answered differently, some kids said they wanted to fly, others said they wanted to talk to animals. One child, Brian, said he wanted to have the power to go back in time. He said it would be a good power if you did something bad and wanted to take it all back. Louis could relate.

“I-I-” Louis looked around, “I don’t want to –I don’t –no.” Louis rubbed the inner corner of his eyes, “I don’t want to. I don’t.”

“Do you know what I did all day?”

“No.”

“All day,” Harry spread his arms. “All day damn day I thought about you.” He laughed to himself, “I couldn’t stop. I meditated for maybe ten minutes. How long do I normally meditate, Louis?”

“Thirty minutes.”

“I couldn’t. I kept thinking about you. I didn’t even wanna come here because I wanted to pick you up from school, I wanted to see you and make sure you were okay.” Harry slapped his hands to his sides, “you have no reason to be jealous of Amethyst and if you say things like that I should be with her, how do you think I feel? I’m not with her because I’m with you.”

“That wasn’t your choice.”

“Excuse me?’

Louis cleared his throat, “that wasn’t your choice, it was hers.”

“Oh,” Harry looked livid. “Really? Was it her choice for me to kiss you, to laugh with you, to fuck you? That was all Amethyst, right?”

“No.”

“Okay, I choose to do what I want. Did Amethyst push me in your direction? Yeah. Was I annoyed? Hell yeah. But, Louis, I’m with you because I want to be and if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be.”

Louis pouted, “you guys laugh all the time.”

“She’s my best friend, Louis.” Harry smiled, “I love her, and that won’t change. Yes, seeing her makes me happy but when I saw you –my stomach flipped. I felt like a kid.” He pulled Louis closer by the hem of his shirt, “I almost wanted to –vomit.”

Louis’ frown turned up into a small smile, “really?”

“Really.” Harry bumped their noses together, “stop being an idiot. I like you –I guess.”

“You guess?”

“I like you –ugh!” Harry laughed, “give me a break!”

“So, you don’t want to be with Amethyst and you don’t want to break up?”

“Eh, I don’t mind being single.”

Louis shoved his elbow into Harry’s stomach, “prick.”

“Calm down.” Harry grabbed him, “you fucking liars.”

“Oh, stop it!” Louis pulled away, “I’m going home!”

“You’re cheating!”

“I want to break up with you. I’m going to date Zayn now.”

Harry stopped laughing, wiggling a finger at him, “try me.”

“Meh, meh!”

“What?” Harry pressed his boyfriend to the wall, “I can’t seem to understand.”

“Meh!”

“Meh,” Harry mimicked. “Sounds kinda stupid.”

Louis laughed, “You sound kinda stupid!”

Harry grinned, rubbing Louis’ sides, “you look really nice, by the way.”

Louis blushed, hiding his face in Harry’s shoulder, “mm.”

“Mm, you fucking passed.”

“I fucking passed. I got zero wrong.”

“Zero wrong!”

Louis kissed him, “zero wrong.”

“Oh, God.” Harry was smiling wide, looking from eye to eye, “I’m dating a guy.”

“You’re dating the coolest guy in the world.”

“You think?”

“I know.”

Harry kissed Louis’ puckered lips softly, “you know?”

“I know.”

Harry kissed the tip of his nose, “I know too.” He smirked, “you fucking liars.”

“Oh my God, I hate you.”

Chapter Text

“Liam.” Louis was running all over the place. “Liam, I need your laptop.” His friend lazily pointed at the computer laying on his dresser top.

“Bring it back when you’re done. I tend to find my stuff in the bathroom.” Liam got off his bed, “even though that shouldn’t make any sense cause a bathroom is no place for a laptop.”

Louis brushed off the slick comment, quickly running out with the electronic in hand. “Thanks, asshole.” He sat snuggly on the couch, computer fitted in his lap, “I sometimes have to do my work and poop, thank you very much.”

“The computer already has germs, Louis, that’s fucking nasty.”

“You say tomato,” Louis logged into his video account. “I say potato.”

“What?”

“I said it wrong, get off my back.” The teacher stuck his tongue out of the corner of his mouth, waiting. “Come on, come on –yay!” He squealed into his fingers, “and call Harry.” Louis waited patiently; it was a little difficult with Liam complaining about the over piling dishes in the background.

“My Louis.”

Louis’ stomach flipped, more of a somersault than a back flip. He pressed his lips together, taking a deep breath, “my Harry.” Harry had probably been awake for hours, while Louis had just woken up. He looked so beautiful, even on a small screen. He could see Harry’s bright green eyes, his deep dimples and his hair in that ridiculously beautiful bun –he also seemed to be in running clothes. Louis sighed contently; he was so lucky.

“What are you doing?”

“Thanking God for making you so beautiful.”

Harry covered his face with one hand, obviously flustered, “I guess I’d better do the same then.”

Louis groaned, blushing all the way down to his chest, “Harry! You can’t smooth talk me from so far away.” He pouted, “When are you coming home? You said three days and it’s been four already.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry. I’m coming back soon. Am has a lot of stuff that needs to go in storage. She can’t fully move out for a while because of the lease.” He sat down on something, “soon.”

Louis nodded, “okay.”

“Louis-”

“No,” He shook his head. “It’s okay, really, I understand.”

“What are you doing, Louis?”

“Going to start getting ready.”

“For what?”

“Nothing important.” Louis shrugged, “just going out with Liam.” He glanced up at his friend who stared at him with one eyebrow raised.

“Alright, well I’m going to go on a jog with Amethyst and I’ll call Liam’s phone to talk to you later.”

“Kay.”

“I love you.”

Louis smiled into the back of his hand, “I love you.”

“I’ll see you soon, Chip.”

“I’m hanging up.”

Harry laughed once more before the screen shut off. Louis closed the computer, putting it aside before pulling his legs off the floor. He had to feed Pluto soon.

“Really?”

He shook his head, “it’s okay. It’s not important.”

“Louis.” Liam sat beside him, “It is important. Why didn’t you just remind him?”

“I did, Liam. There’s no reason to bring it up again.” Louis stood up, chewing on his nail, “he likes her so much. I can’t win.”

“It’s not about winning.” Liam sighed, “Just remind him again.”

“No, and I don’t want you reminding him either. It’s my business.” And Liam walked away because Louis was right, and he respected his decision. End of it.

Louis made sure to remind Harry before he left Amethyst’s house. Today was the day he would receive an award for getting a perfect score on testing. It wasn’t a big deal. He wasn’t graduating, the president wasn’t going to be there, but Harry said he would be there.

Louis didn’t want to bother him; Harry was obviously too busy. They talked and things were okay. He trusted Harry. His boyfriend was a good man who did good things for good people.

“Aye.”

“Hm?”

“Jeffery’s on the phone.” Liam tossed it at him and Louis almost missed.

“Jefferies?”

“Loubear, hi, how are you?”

“Eh, pretty good.” Louis grabbed Harry’s keys from the key holder, going outside. “How are you?”

“Great, as usual.”

Louis rolled his eyes, going to Harry’s apartment. He unlocked the door, looking down at the animal that ran to his feet. “What’s up?”

“I wanted to know if you wanted to carpool today?”

“I’m a little busy today.”

“Aren’t you going to your award ceremony? You told me about it when I called the other day?”

Louis leaned on the counter, biting his cheek, “oh, I did.”

“You were so damn happy. It’s at three, right?” Louis swallowed. “I can’t forget anything you tell me, Loubear.”

“Um,” Louis rubbed his eye, “wow, thank you. I can’t believe you remembered.”

“Lou, what happened? Why are you crying?”

“Just –it’s okay.” Louis was crying harder now, slumping onto the floor, “it’s okay.”

“I’m heading over, okay? Just wait for me.”

“Don’t hang up.”

Jeffery chuckled, “every night we spoke, who always hung up first?”

Louis wiped away some tears, petting Pluto with a sniffle, “I did.”

-

“I’m nervous.”

Jeffery held his ex’s hand tight, “don’t be. You got me, Liam and Niall –all here.”

Louis smiled to himself, “what if I trip?”

Liam nudged him, “no worries, Niall will catch you.”

Louis rolled his eyes, “oh, please, Niall better hold onto that camera with his life.”

“Why do you guys always think I’m gunna break something?” He nudged Jeffery, “I am like the most coordinated person in the world. Louis’s always the person breaking something and falling.”

“Louis Tomlinson! Is Louis Tomlinson here?”

“Oh my God!” Louis shot up from his seat, “yes, I’m here. Oh my God!” Louis quickly went through the rows of chairs, running up on stage. Of course he wouldn’t hear his name being called.

Louis tripped up the stairs, hoping it wasn’t too noticeable –probably not. He smiled brightly, “hello, sorry.”

“That’s fine. It’s nice to see you, Louis.”

“Yeah.”

His teacher smiled, “For not only scoring the highest in the Education department but for academic excellence in all of his classes. We award this student, Louis Tomlinson, for his hard work and dedication to teaching and striving for only the highest possible percentages. Thank you, and congratulations, Louis Tomlinson.”

Louis smiled wide, holding up his medal to take a photo before facing the very small audience. He looked at the loudest group of idiots, his idiots, then to the very back. He squinted at an all too familiar figure who was standing –clapping with a stupid grin on his face. And, in that small moment, nothing else really mattered.

-

Louis shoved him once they were alone. “You came!”

“Of course I came,” Harry laughed, shoving him back. “You didn’t tell me you got the highest percentage in your class.”

“I didn’t know!” Louis pushed him, “I thought you forgot about me!”

Harry scrunched up his nose, “how could I? You told me a million fucking times.” He laughed, pulling Louis into a hug, “you missed them calling your name.”

“Oh God.” Louis rubbed his nose against Harry’s jacket, “it was embarrassing.”

“And you tripped.”

“You saw that?” Louis moved away, “I thought I played it off.”

“You couldn’t have if you tried.” Harry pulled him closer, looking Louis up and down, “you look really good though.”

Louis looked down at his suit, smiling, “thanks. Jeffery bought it for me.”

“Eh,” Harry’s eye twitched. “He bought you a suit?”

Louis shrugged awkwardly, “he’s rich.”

“So you like rich guys?”

“Hm,” Louis grinned, leaning into Harry’s space. “I like guys, they don’t have to be rich.”

“No?” Harry licked his lips, “you like all guys?”

Louis blinked playfully, running a finger over Harry’s chest in figure eights. “I like this guy and I like,” he grinned, “want to have sex with this guy.”

“Louis, where’d you go?” Liam, Niall, and Jeffery were walking towards them. “You just left!”

“Sorry.” He leaned on Harry, clasping their hands together, “he came!”

Jeffery was smiling at them, “it’s weird.” He tilted his head, “to see you both together. A little awkward.”

“Wow,” Harry nodded in awe. “That’s a great fucking way to start a conversation.” He lifted a thumb, “your manners are great.”

Jeffery folded his arms, “do you like Louis’ suit? I bought it for him.”

“Oh, let’s not,” Louis raised both hands.

“I love the suit, looks great on him.” Harry shrugged, “you like Louis? Because I’m dating him.”

“No, no and no.” Liam shimmed over to Louis, pulling him away. “We are going to have a good dinner and go home.”

“I have to head back.” Harry pressed his tongue against his cheek, “So, unfortunately, I can’t make it to dinner.”

“What?” Louis frowned, “My Harry!”

“It’s okay, Loubear, I’ll be staying for dinner.”

“You know what,” Harry stepped in front of Jeffery, “I hardly know who you are but I also don’t care who you are. You’re trying to pick a fight with me, right? Can you even fight? No, better yet, have you ever done anything for yourself or do you just feed off everyone around you? Are you really that full of yourself that you think that buying Louis a suit is going to get him back in yours?” Harry made a face, “do you think that you even being here, acting like a pretentious piece of shit, is going to get him back?” Harry smiled, “you have a fucking complex and I know that because, a normal person, doesn’t start conversations like that. So, do me a favor, and stay the fuck away from my boyfriend while I’m gone.”

-

“Are you ignoring him?”

“I am.”

“Why? Didn’t you want this?”

“No.” Louis crossed one leg over the other, “Harry just showed me he doesn’t know how to act. He had no right to speak to Jeffery like that.”

“Well, yeah, but don’t you always want people to fight for you?”

“Okay, right after Harry said that he doesn’t need to fuck people in the back of a car to get them, kind of kicked that out of the window.”

“He went too far, but Jeffery has a dumb mouth. You know that.”

“Harry proved his is just a tad bit dumber. I don’t need people talking about what I tell them in privacy.” Louis shook his head, “he needs to come apologize but he’s too busy to even notice that I’m mad.” Louis smiled bitterly, “too busy with his ex; now isn’t that a bitch?” He stood, “but that’s just groovy, because Jeffery invited me for lunch.”

“Why are you going to do that to yourself?” Liam stopped washing dishes, “you’re gunna piss Harry off.”

“Good, he should feel pissed off.”

“Dude,” Liam turned off the running water. “Harry is a psychology major. He doesn’t just get angry, he gets even. You are literally running into a bad situation.”

Harry could probably do serious damage to Louis’ heart but he was trying not to care. Harry wasn’t in the right and neither was Jeffery, but Jeffery apologized –Harry hadn’t. Harry refused to admit that he had did anything wrong. Louis hated psychology majors for that exact reason. They were never wrong in their own eyes. Everything they did had to come with an excuse, which meant they didn’t take responsibility for their actions. Last night had ended badly –something Louis didn’t feel like talking to Liam about.

+

“Why are you even hanging out with that trash bag?”

“Why are you hanging out with Amethyst?”

“You cannot keep comparing Amethyst to him! That guy has his head so far up his own ass!”

“No, you have your head up your ass!”

“I drove an hour to fucking get here! Are you kidding me!”

“Then have fun driving an hour back and do me a goddamn favor –don’t ever, ever talk about me like I am some type of item. I am not something that anyone can just get and I am not something that you got!”

“No, you’re right, I didn’t get you because you threw yourself at me. That’s how it went, right? Desperate, just like your garbage ex-boyfriend!”

“Stay the hell away from me.” Louis stuck a finger in Harry’s face, “you’re an asshole. Not only are you an asshole, but you don’t know when to ever admit to being wrong.” He snorted, “And you call me desperate? You’re constantly on and on about your ex, you want her back so fucking bad it kills you. But she left you all alone with me, a man, and you can’t fucking stand that. She left you! You desperate self-absorbed dick!”

“I’ll make sure to send you photos of me fucking the shit out of my ex then. How’s that?”

Louis crossed his legs cutely, shrugging, “that’s so great because I just got a new camera.” He winked, “I guess we’ll both be able to exchange pictures.” Louis smiled sweetly, “and I’ll make sure to get really nice pictures of him fucking me in the back seat of his Porsche.”

+

“Yo, where is he?”

“He’s probably crying.”

“Louis!” Harry looked around the apartment, finding Louis hiding under a blanket. “Get up, let’s go.”

“Get out.”

“Get up, we’re going to IKEA.”

“Harry,” Louis sat up, throwing his blankets off, face completely red. “We fought three days ago! You haven’t spoken to me for three days!”

“You never tried contacting me.”

“You started this!” Louis sat up on his knees, “you said terrible things to me!”

“Oh, yeah.” Harry tossed a packet on the bed, “there, my photos.”

“Oh my God!” Louis screamed, throwing the packet of photos to the ground. “You’re horrible! You fucked her!” He clutched his stomach, tear coming down his face his clumps. “Why did you –you fucked her! Get out of my house!”

“Get up, so we can go to IKEA.”

“Get out! You fucked your ex-girlfriend and brought me pictures!” Louis got off the bed, charging at Harry with all the force left in his body. Instead of moving him, Harry just hugged him. “You jackass!” Louis’ voice was hoarse and dry, “you did this!”

“Stop crying. Come with me to IKEA.”

“Stop saying that!” Louis went to the floor, pulling the photos out, crushing them in his hands. “You fucking prick! I could have fucked him but I didn’t!”

“How about you look at them before you rip them.”

“I don’t want to!” Louis fell on his side, face to face with himself. He wiped his nose, picking up the wrinkled photo, “it’s –me.” He sat up slowly, wiping his cheek with the back of his hand, “it’s my ceremony.” He looked at Harry, “you bought my photos?”

“Yeah, they were like seventy dollars and you just destroyed them.”

Louis stared at him for a while, then the photo, laughing –and crying. He hugged the pictures to his chest, “you –you-”

 “Come to IKEA with me, Louis.”

“Okay.” Louis tried fixing the wrinkled pictures, lip wobbling. “I look horrible.”

“Nah,” Harry squatted down in front of him. “You look pretty good to me.” He wiped the tears away from Louis’ cheek, “I don’t want to apologize to you.”

“Don’t.” Louis shook his head, “I’m not apologizing.”

“Is that bad? If we don’t?”

“No.” Louis reached for Harry’s hand, “I think we’re crazy.”

“Eh, I think we like each other a lot.” Harry nudged his nose against his boyfriend’s, “I think that I don’t like your ex and I think that I don’t want you around him.” He kissed Louis’ dry lips, “I think that you don’t like me around Amethyst and I also think that we’re not going to stop seeing our ex’s so we should get used to it. They made us who were are and we can’t ignore that.”

Louis nodded, “okay.”

“I know that we need to trust each other.” Harry thought for a moment, “I take back one thing and only one thing.”

“What?”

“I drove an hour and a half, not an hour.”

Louis laughed into Harry’s shoulder, closing his eyes, “I hate you.”

“I also don’t think I really like you.” Harry kissed his shoulder, “I know I do because I haven’t stopped thinking about you and I even shed a tear one of those days.”

“You cried?”

“It was a tear.”

“So you cried?”

“Define.”

“Oh, come on.”

“Define.”

“Uh, to shed tears –to be sad or distressed.”

“Exactly.”

“Yes, shed tears!”

“There was no tears, there was a tear. Big difference.”

Louis frowned, looking at the pictures in his hands. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s cool.” Harry pulled out his wallet and opened it, “this one is the only one that matters.” There was a wallet sized photo of Louis in his wallet, smiling with his award in hand.

“You like me a lot.”

“I really do. I don’t normally put pictures of men in my wallet.”

Louis ran his finger over the wallet plastic, “I don’t want to have sex with Jeffery.”

“Ha!” Harry pressed their foreheads together, “have sex with me one more time and you will never think about him again.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh yeah.” Harry slowly laid Louis onto the floor, “and I’m sure, if you let me, I won’t ever think of Amethyst again.”

Louis wrapped his arms securely around Harry’s neck, “the first time should have been more than enough.”

“Oh,” Harry pressed his lips to Louis’ neck. “It might have been. You think you can run the first time by me again?”

“I think I’d love to.”

“I think I’d love if you did, Mr. Top in his class.”

-

“Top in your class and now on top of me.” Harry kneaded Louis’ hips in his hands, “like you’re on top of the world.”

Louis moaned into the air, clawing weakly at Harry’s chest, “don’t say that while I’m riding you, please.” He let his head fall back, “fuck.” Louis rolled his hips in small circles, one hand going straight to his leaking cock, “oh my God.”

“Keep moving so slow and I’m gunna throw puns out left and right.” Harry pushed his hips off the cold floor, holding them there as Louis bounced.

“Your –you’re hitting such a good spot though.” Louis shuddered, thighs burning from moving, “I wanna come on your face. It’s so bad.”

Harry groaned deep, “I guess.” He closed his eyes, “I kind of –ugh –kinda wanna come in your ass again.”

“Fuck.” Louis’ movement was vigorous until his cock stared hurting from it slapping his stomach. He moved slightly when Harry’s hands supported his lower back, “your cock is so fucking big –feels so good.” Louis put both hands on Harry’s beautiful stomach, trying not to leave anymore scratches on his skin.

“Don’t stop, don’t stop!” He screamed when Harry started pushing up, meeting his ass in the middle. Louis’ muscles clenched, stomach extremely tight, “I want it, please!”

“Fuck, you feel so soft.” Harry slapped his ass lightly, “get on your front for me.”

Louis climbed off quickly, lying flat against the ground. The cold from the floor helped cool down his burning skin. He used his strength to push up his ass but it didn’t matter because harry was maneuvering him.

Harry massaged his legs, helping the blood flow, “that was amazing, Louis.” He pulled his ass apart, diving for the center. Harry’s tongue reached as deep as it could, wet and warm against his insides. Louis was trembling, face pressed to the floor, happy that Harry wasn’t scared to get messy.

His lips kissed Louis’ tight skin, sucking on the bundle of nerves until Louis was squirming. Louis stuck his knuckle against his teeth, panting when Harry sucked at the sensitive skin on his balls.

Harry’s mouth was perfect and, if he had three dicks, Louis would be a hoe for all three of them.

Harry left little marks across Louis’ ass, thumbs pressing into the back of his thighs. Every once in a while he would flick his tongue against the skin of Louis’ balls, causing an embarrassing twitch to rattle his body. Louis jerked forward, not expecting four fingers to press inside him. “Just wanna feel you for a second, baby, just give me a second.”

Louis whimpered, hole closing around the long fingers. Harry could take as long as he needed.

The fingers moved energetically, exploring his insides –learning his prostate. Louis looked at his hanging cock, seeing Harry jerking off his own dick between his legs.

“Gunna fuck you. Stay still.”

Harry pulled Louis’ worn out hips down a little, quickly entering him with a long sigh. “Taste so nice, feels so nice.” He thrusted slowly, lazily, “perfect around me.” Harry leaned over him, using one hand to hold Louis in place and his other to touch his chest. “You’re so soft everywhere.” He rubbed Louis’ left nipple, pinching it between his thumb and index finger, “damn, I want to cum inside you so bad. Just –paint your ass with my cum, baby.”

If Harry would shut the fuck up for five seconds Louis could catch his breath and his mind. He came a few seconds ago, but Harry hadn’t realized because Louis hadn’t stopped shaking. He could see a small white puddle right under his dick, whining every time it smeared across the hard floor.

Harry’s movements eventually became erratic and messy. Louis wanted to ask if he could take it in his mouth but he didn’t want to move. Instead Louis took all the grunts, and smacks of Harry’s stunningly large hand.

He hissed when nails pinched his skin, knowing Harry was close. Louis’ knees hurt so much but it was worth it. He just never wanted it to happen on hard floor again.

Louis pressed his sweaty forehead to the ground when Harry called out that he was cumming. Louis worked him through it, wiggling when his body started feeling a little fuller –thicker. It was hot, and he did his best to keep it where it was.

“Fuck, that was good.” Harry rubbed a flat hand across his ass, breathing hard from behind him. “You okay? Did you cum, baby?”

“Yes,” Louis wanted to clean up the saliva on the floor before he had to face Harry. “I did.”

Harry pulled out slowly, covering Louis’ twitching hole with his thumb, “you want me to let it out?”

“No, no,” Louis was falling asleep. “In my mouth.”

“You should have said it earlier. I can’t get it out now.”

“Eat me out.”

“You fucking wish.”

Louis rolled his eyes, remembering that Harry was a straight boy. He turned over on his back, sticking two fingers inside himself. He pulled them out, licking over his cum covered fingers, rubbing them across his pink lips. Louis did it again, groaning slightly at the stimulation, but his fingers didn’t make it to his mouth. Harry caught them, making a face before licking the mess away. Louis moaned loudly, pushing up against Harry when he kissed him.

“More,” Louis moaned, “come in my mouth and kiss me.”

Harry’s hips jerked, teeth biting at Louis’ lips, “you’re so sexy. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten my own cum.”

“You should,” Louis licked his lips, “you taste delicious.” His eyes were low, tired, “Harry, if I fall asleep, you can still fuck me.”

Harry chuckled tiredly, moving Louis’ sweaty hair from his forehead, “but then I won’t get to see those beautiful blue eyes. There’s no point.”

Louis smiled, cupping Harry’s cheek, “your mouth can be really dirty but also really sweet.” He closed his eyes, “IKEA?”

“Yep. Every couple goes to IKEA.”

“Hm. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Harry covered Louis’ eyes, whispering in his ear, “I am so sorry, my Louis.”

Louis swallowed, comfortable with Harry’s hand over his eyes, “I am so sorry too, my Harry.”

Chapter Text

“You still tired?”

“Yeah.” Louis made sure he was as close to Harry as possible. He had been to IKEA once with Liam and was lost for at least thirty minutes. “What are we going to even buy?”

“Let’s buy,” Harry looked around, “new pillows.”

“Why? I like my pillows.”

“Not for the bed, for the couch. It’s important to bring new things into your home so you can bring new things into your life.” Harry held Louis’ fingers tightly, “It’s all about energy, Louis.”

“Hm, okay.” Louis swung their hands, “let’s make sure we stay close so we don’t get lost.”

“I feel like you’d be the one to get lost.”

“Exactly.” Louis looked around, “we are currently in the bathroom section.”

“While we walk, may I ask you a question?”

“You may.”

“Why does Jeffery call you Loubear?”

Louis groaned, “his mom started it. It just grew on him, and me.”

“I don’t like it.”

“Neither do I.”

“What do you call him?”

“Jefferies.”

“That’s stupid.”

“He’s stupid, it fits.”

“Then why’d you snap on me for calling him stupid?”

“I didn’t snap on you for calling him stupid. I snapped because you made it seem like I was an item. Also, you shouldn’t say peoples business out loud, especially your boyfriend’s –about his ex-boyfriend.”

“It doesn’t change that your ex is fucking crazy and obsessed with the thought of you.”

“He’s nice but yes, he’s also a jerk.” Louis loosened his grip on Harry’s hand, “that’s why I’m not dating him.”

“You’re dating me.”

“Yeah, a crazier guy.”

“I’m not crazy. I help crazy people.”

“Well, to help crazy people you kind of have to think like one.” Louis picked up a small vase, “So, if you aren’t crazy now, you will be later.”

“That is the most untrue statement ever.”

Louis shrugged, “I don’t know. I’m a teacher you know.”

“I am about to get my Masters in mental health.”

“That’s all you majors know how to say. That doesn’t mean anything to me.” Louis put the glass down, “when you can teach a class of rambunctious children, then we’ll talk.”

“This conversation ends here.”

Louis grabbed back onto Harry’s hand, “that’s fine by me.” He puckered his lips, “what does Amethyst call you?”

“Haz.”

“Hmph. That’s normal. What do you call her?”

“Am.”

“Boring. Did you guys have vanilla sex?”

Harry laughed, “I’m not gunna answer that.”

“No, come on. Did you?”

“You really wanna know?”

“Yes!”

“We had the best sex.” Harry looked off into the distance, being dramatic, “our bodies fit pretty well together. I could pick her up and fuck her in the shower. I’d fuck her outside in the grass, which was her favorite.” Harry smiled, “we got her nipples pierced –it was great.”

Louis snatched his hand away, stomping away from his boyfriend who chased after him. Harry grabbed him, laughing, “what the hell! You told me to tell you!”

“Shut up, just shut up.” Louis’ nostrils flared, “I can’t –let’s just get the pillows and go.” He rubbed his eyes, “dammit! Where are we!”

Harry was still laughing and it made Louis’ blood boil. “Calm down. You told me to tell you, Louis. Don’t get made at me.”

“At least Jeffery could pick me up! Weak ass! He fucked me in his car, the shower, in restaurant bathrooms! He tied me up –we used toys!”

“Yo,” Harry stepped back, disgusted. “I didn’t fucking ask.”

“You told me all of your shit!”

“Cause you fucking asked!” Harry glared at him, “I don’t wanna fucking hear what you did with him. I didn’t want to know!” Louis frowned when he realized that Harry was walking away from him. He had a tendency to ask things that he really didn’t want to know the answers to.

Louis looked around, walking slowly when he saw Harry was gone. “Harry?” He hugged himself, walking a little faster, “Harry!”

-

Louis had no phone which meant he didn’t know how much time had passed. He felt awkward walking around by himself, especially because he kept walking around the bathroom section. Workers had passed by but Louis didn’t want to ask for help because that was embarrassing. He considered taking a nap on the toilets until Harry, hopefully, returned.

He wanted to apologize because after walking around for the fifteenth time, Louis wanted to take everything back. He just wanted to give Harry kisses, and receive kisses, and have sex. Louis was just tired of being alone.

“I’m lost,” Louis spoke aloud. “Harry!” The few people around him ignored him. Louis’ scream was extremely harsh because of the screaming he’d done a few days before.

He remembered watching a documentary about a lost whale and Louis could relate. The whale has been playing, scared when it couldn’t find it’s mother. In the end, the mom found him.

“Hey idiot.”

Louis turned around, “Harry?” He wobbled over to the IKEA cart that Harry was sat on. He looked from the man driving to Harry, “you found me.”

“Just get on.” Harry looked at the man, “thanks.”

“No problem.” The IKEA worker smiled, “we found you talking to yourself on the camera.”

Louis covered his face, blushing, “thank you…” He looked at the bags beside Harry, “you bought the pillows?”

“We were supposed to do it together but you only know how to act like a fool so I got it myself.”

“I want to say sorry.” Louis tapped his feet together once he was sitting. “I shouldn’t have said what you didn’t ask for.”

“Okay.”

“Are you mad at me?’

“No shit, Louis. What type of fucking question is that?” Louis stood up but Harry shoved him back down, “are you crazy?”

“Yes,” Louis mumbled to himself. “I thought we weren’t going to fight.”

Harry rolled his eyes, “I didn’t need the image of that absolute prick fucking my boyfriend.”

“You were jealous.”

“Uh, yeah.”

“I was jealous of Amethyst.”

“Louis this isn’t funny.”

“I’m not laughing!”

“You’re fucking smiling!”

Louis was really trying not to, “I’m sorry, I just like that you get mad over me.” He grabbed onto Harry’s arm, “please forgive me.”

“Jesus, we shouldn’t be dating.”

“But we should.” Louis looked around at the people they passed, “everyone is so ugly and we’re a really hot, compatible, understanding, loving couple.”

“Yeah, everyone else is ugly?”

“So ugly.” Louis kissed Harry’s hand, “I get over things quickly. Are you gunna hold it against me even though I really am sorry?”

“I should push you off this cart.”

“If you think that’s best, okay –holy shit!” Louis grabbed onto Harry’s shirt, “what the fuck!”

The worker turned around, “are you okay?

Louis held his chest, looking at his boyfriend, “you actually shoved me!”

Harry jumped off the cart, “you said it was okay.” He smiled, “I think I do forgive you.”

“I almost threw up, Harry!”

“Ew,” Harry waved at the worker, “we’ll walk from here, thank you.”

“I could have died!”

“Stop being dramatic.”

“I would have sued you!”

“Oh my god, a spider!”

“What!” Louis stumbled over himself, falling in the middle of the store. “Where is it!”

Harry hunched over, wheezing out his laughter, “oh my God!” He dropped the pillows, holding his stomach, “fuck, fuck.”

“You fucking liar!” Louis threw the bag of pillows at him, “how dare you!”

“It was a joke!” Harry covered his head when Louis started hitting him with them, “calm down!”

They were pillowing fighting in the middle of IKEA. Everyone was watching them pillow fight in the middle of IKEA. Goodness. They were both such idiots.

Chapter Text

“Hey, get up, it’s time for school.” Harry scratched his side as he walked around the bed. “Louis.”

“Nnhn.” Louis cleared his throat but failed to actually get up.

“Louis, you’re just gunna scream at me later because I didn’t wake you up, babe.” Harry sat beside his boyfriend’s covered body. “Come on,” he shook him. “Up and at em’.”

“Sh…”

“Why do you hate the world so much? The world loves you.” Harry covered him with his body, “I love you and I want to see you awake.”

Louis managed a small cough, rubbing his wet eyes with two fists. He shook his head slowly, trying to shake away the pressure. He was sick, every sign in his body was yelling the word ‘sick’. Louis rubbed his throat, leaning into the hand that patted down his hair. His mouth was so dry and his eyes were burning –he hated being sick.

“Mm, look at those eyes.” Harry lifted Louis’ head, looking from one eye to the other, “they got some eye boogies.” Harry rubbed them away tenderly, smiling, “you look so pretty in the morning, Louis.” He tilted Louis’ head to kiss his throat, “so pretty and soft in the morning.” Harry kissed the hot skin, leaving his lips there, “love when you’re like this.”

“Mm,” Louis pushed his head away, coughing hard into his wrist.

“Oof,” Harry shook his head. “You are sick as hell.” He touched Louis’ forehead, “a little warm. Can you talk?”

“Yeah, just hurts.” Louis swallowed, rubbing his throat. It felt like nails against a chalk board.

“My Louis,” Harry cooed, crawling behind his boyfriend. Louis turned his body sideways, laying his hand in the crook of Harry’s neck.

“What time is it?”

“Almost eight.”

Louis groaned, “Damn.” He needed more sleep but he also really needed to go to the meeting with his adviser. Louis moved away from Harry, getting off the bed. It was a bad idea because vertigo was hitting him hard. He rubbed at his temples, “where’s my bag?”

“You aren’t going to school, baby.”

“I have to. I have a meeting.”

“You can hardly talk, babe.” Harry watched him walk around like a lost baby deer. Louis was standing by the dresser, feet turned in, rubbing actively at his itchy eyes. He was in Harry’s clothes, his old clothes from high school. Louis looked so good in his clothes, clothes Harry no longer cared for until Louis went digging through his drawers. They both liked the clothes for different reasons; Louis thought they were comfortable and Harry just enjoyed watching him walk around in them before he took them off. He looked like a rag-doll, and it was perfect.

Harry should have noticed Louis was getting sick. When they had sex the night before he had kind of pushed it away because Louis’ voice sounded so good with the added rasp.

“How long is it going to take?”

Louis licked over his dry lips, “I don’t know…” He walked out of Harry’s room, bumping into a wall as he went. “Baby?”

Harry shivered at how soft Louis’ normally loud voice was. He quickly went to him, “yes, baby?”

“Can you make me tea?”

“Of course,” Harry wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, “you sound so terrible.”

“Wow, thanks.”

“No.” Harry rolled his eyes, “I feel bad.” He helped Louis pull off his shirt, “you do sound kind of nice though.”

Louis shook his head at his reflection, “I’ll have Liam take me to the doctor.”

“Why can’t I?”

“Cause Liam can handle me at the-” Louis coughed. “The doctor.”

“And I can’t?”

“Eh,” Louis slowly climbed in the shower. “You can tag along.”

Harry stood there for a minute before walking away to the kitchen. Pluto followed quietly, hopping onto the counter top. Harry grabbed a tea bag from his shelf and put water to boil. He leaned against the opposite counter, crossing his arms, “I can tag along? Can you believe that?”

Pluto meowed.

“Louis!” Harry went straight to the bathroom.

“Y –yes?” Louis poked his head out of the shower, “yes baby?”

“I don’t want Liam taking you to the doctor. I am your boyfriend and I want to take you.”

Louis smiled with a short sigh, “okay, my Harry.”

“Okay.”

“I’m going to shower now.”

“Okay.” Harry looked at the foggy mirror, “I’m your boyfriend and I should be able to take you to the doctor.”

“O –okay, Harry.”

“Hm.” Harry nodded at himself, “I’m taking you to school then I’m picking you up. After that we can go to the doctor and I’ll make you soup after.”

Louis stuck his head out of the shower once more, “Harry.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” Harry picked at the skin around his nail. “I just-”

“I love you,” Louis smiled tiredly. “I love you a lot.”

Harry pulled on his bottom lip with a an embarrassed smile, “me –me too. Put your head back inside. You’re going to get sicker.”

-

“You shouldn’t have went to school.”

Louis didn’t respond. His day had been so terrible and his head was thumping in the worst type of way. He couldn’t even respond to Harry if he wanted to.

“Louis.”

“Nhn.” Louis kept his eyes shut. He rested his head against his boyfriend’s shoulder as a response. Louis just assumed he was sick because of the change in weather. It didn’t get cold but it had been raining a lot lately.

He nuzzled his dry nose against Harry’s arm until he lifted the limb for Louis to cuddle under. The sick teacher rubbed his peeling nose with a tissue from the small pack in his hand. Harry had come to pick him up fully equipped with small packets of tissues, Gatorade, and cough drops.

Harry hummed softly in the empty waiting room. He scratched gently at Louis’ scalp, “remember when we met at the vending machine?”

Louis hummed in response.

“I hated you so much.” Harry got a couple of slaps to his stomach. He laughed, “Relax, relax.” He patted Louis’ cheek. “When I found you up a tree I was one hundred percent sure that I was gunna see you again.” He cradled Louis closer as someone came in. “You were so annoying.”

“Hmph.” Louis punched his boyfriend in the knee. “Jerk.”

“But, I’m really glad I got used to it.”

“Louis Tomlinson.” The nurse came into the waiting room. “The doctor will see you now.”

-

“Please stop crying.”

“It –it –it’s gunna hurt –its gunna hurt so much.” Louis whined loud into his shirt, “I hate shots. Fuck –fuck.”

Harry stood in front of the crying teacher, attempting to calm his nerves. “It hurts for two seconds, babe.”

“I don’t want a shot!” Louis coughed into his boyfriends shoulder. This crying wasn’t helping his throat.

“Sh, sh… breathe.” Harry used his finger tips to rub around Louis’ throat. “You are over working yourself.” He took a couple of deep breaths with Louis. “My Louis, my Louis. –I’m right here.”

“Hello?” The nurse came in with a big smile.

Louis quickly began fidgeting. “I’m sorry –I’m sorry. I hate needles.”

“Aw, baby.” She patted his leg, putting down the small needles. “Everyone hates needles.” She shrugged carelessly, “It’s nothing, sweetie, promise. Just a little pinch.”

Louis kicked his feet back and forth, swallowing when Harry pulled his sweaty hair off his forehead. “Look at me.” And so Louis did. “Think of good things.”

Louis squeezed his eyes shut as the small alcohol cloth wiped against his arm. He gripped Harry’s shirt tightly while whispering to himself. “I cleanse this room of all impurities, evil or negativity that do not support Harry or I.” It had become something they’d say to each other before they parted ways at school or when Harry would say bye before going to work.

He flinched as the nurse gave him the shot.

“I cleanse this room of all impurities, evil or negativity that do not support Harry or I.” It came out too quickly, but that was fine.

“That’s it!” She laughed, “see, no biggie.” She gathered her things before saying that the doctor would be back.

“You did perfect.”

Louis’ shaky hand wiped away his fearful tears. “That hurt.” He looked at his arm, “I got a band aid.”

Harry laughed, using his shirt to help Louis wipe his face. “Yes you did.” He helped Louis off the high table and sat him on the small couch. “It wasn’t that bad.”

“It wasn’t.” Louis rubbed his throat. “I’m just scared of things.”

“That’s alright.” Harry nudged him softly, “everyone is.”

“What are you scared of?”

“Nothing.”

Louis slapped his thigh, having a small cough attack. “You –you just said everyone is!”

“Eh yeah, but not me.”

“What if I died?”

“That’s not scary.” Harry pinched his nose, “that’s awful.”

“Hm,” Louis blew his nose loudly. “What about bugs?”

“Hm, no.”

“Are you scared to lose me?”

Harry opened his mouth but paused. “Hm, I don’t know.” Harry crossed one leg over his knee. “That’s a good question.”

“Okay, I’ll give you time to think about it.”

“Thanks.”

Louis smiled to himself. Staring at his band-aid, “you’re welcome.”

-

“Say ‘ah’.” Harry smiled as Louis swallowed his soup. “Good. After this I’ll give you your pill.”

“Meh! I am not a child.” Louis pushed the spoon away, “I wanna feed myself.”

Harry tutted at him, “You almost spilled the soup, Louis, that’s pretty childish.”

“Ugh –ow.” Louis coughed, turning away from Harry. “I don’t need you to feed me, I don’t need you to bathe me.” Louis crawled under the thick blanket, “I want to sleep.”

“That’s not nice.” Harry carefully set the soup aside. He wrapped his arms around Louis’ body and squeezed, “I made that soup just for you.”

“Hn.”

Harry made loud kisses along Louis’ jaw, “anyone else would love to have homemade soup.”

“Meh.”

“Oh,” Harry chuckled. “Oh no.”

“Meh.”

“What stupid noises are you making now?” Harry plucked the blanket from over his curled up boyfriend. “Where does that sound come from?”

Louis giggled as Harry tickled his stomach. His giggles soon turned into a long coughing fit. He waved his hands around, “look what you did!”

“I can barely hear you.” Harry’s face looked so sympathetic, “I hate it.”

“I thought it was ‘nice’.”

“It was.” Harry ran a hand through Louis’ hair. “But it hurts when you talk, right?”

Louis nodded silently.

“If I had one super power, you know what it’d be?”

Louis rolled his eyes, “something weird?”

“I’d take away pain.” Harry pressed his head against Louis’, “all pain; physical, emotional, mental. I’d take it away.” He closed his eyes, “I don’t think I ever want to see you cry like you did again.”

“Why?”

“Because it was so terrible.” Harry opened his eyes, “You’re human and we try so hard to feel brave, it’s sad. Every time you started panicking you would cry to try and balance out your fear but you were in pain and you just felt more pain, and pain and –ugh.” Harry sighed, “I don’t like to see you hurt. It really sucks.”

Louis nodded, “I love you.”

“Oh God.” Harry smirked. “You’re gunna use this against me.”

Louis chewed on his lower lip, “I might.”

“Thanks.” Harry looked down briefly. “I know this isn’t the time but, she called me while they were taking your weight. Am is moving –pretty far. I thought she was just moving but she’s going back home.”

“Oh.” Louis sat up, “Harry-”

“I don’t even know why I brought it up. I’m sorry. I mean, she –I just wanted to say bye.”

“Why is she leaving?”

“Not happy here anymore.” Harry shrugged, “she said she’ll visit.”

“We’ll both see her –tomorrow, okay?”

“Babe, you’re sick.”

“Sh.” Louis closed his eyes, “tomorrow… I wanna see her.”

Chapter Text

“Hey guys.” Amethyst moved aside, welcoming the couple into her almost empty apartment.

“Hi…” Louis unlinked arms with Harry before hugging the girl. “Thank you for having us…”

“Ooh.” She pulled away with a soft pout, “You sound so bad.” Amethyst rubbed Louis’ ear lobe with a gentle hand. “I am very honored that you wanted to see me even though you’re sick.”

Louis pressed his lips together, “I’m sorry you’re leaving.”

“Don’t be.” She shook her head, bringing them further into her home. She looked around, “I’m sorry, I don’t have any furniture.”

“It’s fine.” Harry chuckled, “You didn’t have furniture when you first moved in.”

Amethyst giggled, “You remember that?” She turned her attention to Louis. “When I first moved in, the furniture I ordered went to like Austria or something.” She sighed, “It wasn’t bad eating on the floor.”

Harry set both of his hands on Louis’ hips, “well, Louis wanted to see you.” He kissed the side of his boyfriend’s face, “I am going to run and get some food while you both have a nice chat.”

“You’re leaving?” Louis gripped the end of Harry’s sweater. “Why?”

“You wanted to come talk to her, did you not?”

Louis glanced over at the girl who began picking up some loose papers on the floor. He chewed on the side on his mouth, “yeah.” Louis licked his dry lips, “do you have my chapstick?”

Harry touched over his pockets, pulling out the small stick that smelled of peppermint. Harry had offered to buy one from the gas station on their way over. Louis couldn’t say no to a gift.

“Thanks.” He pouted, “be safe.”

Harry smiled, “relax, she’s harmless.” Harry hugged Louis quickly before going over to Amethyst. He said a few words that made the girl laughed before pinching her nose with his knuckles. His goodbye was a quiet wave.

Louis took a deep breath, “hi…”

“Don’t be afraid.” Her voice was so welcoming. “Please,” she sat slowly on her knees. “Sit.” And so Louis sat. “When Harry called me, I was very surprised that you wanted to see me.” Louis stayed quiet. “I thought you didn’t like me… I mean,” She shrugged, “I understand if you don’t.”

“No.” Louis shook his head, continuously repeating the words. “No, no, no. I don’t dislike you one bit.” He sighed, “I’m just –bitter.” He smiled sadly. “Jealous? Yeah, definitely jealous.”

“Why?” Her eyes cut softly and the question seemed so genuine. She really didn’t understand.

“You’re beautiful.” Louis’ body finally fit into the floor. “Like, inside and out and sometimes I don’t even believe you’re real because it’s almost fake.” He rubbed his itchy eyes. “You are Harry’s twin.” He laughed with a cough behind his words. “You are perfect, just perfect for each other.” Louis palmed his thighs, “what in the hell was going through your mind when you gave him up?”

Amethyst turned her head down then up to the ceiling then back down. “What was going through my mind? Hm.” She pulled at her bottom lip, a very familiar tendency Harry had. Had she gotten it from him, had he gotten it from her? Did they create it together? “Harry’s happiness.” She bit her thumb with a wavering smile, “yeah, Harry’s happiness.” Amethyst smiled sadly, "you make him so happy. You know that, right?”

“Yes.”

“Like, really happy.” She crossed her legs. “The Dorito boy.” Amethyst laughed, “Mr. Blue eyes.”

Louis was confused.

“Harry had so many nicknames for you.” She smiled, shoving Louis softly, “Mr. Vomit.” Louis shook his head at the memory of breaking into Harry’s home. “Soon the nicknames became more –more, loving?” She thought. “Sky, Mr. Peach –he’d always compare your smell to peaches –tiny, baby blue.” She tapped her fingers along the floor. “It was irritating in all honestly but I loved it –I don’t know how to explain it.”

“I’m so sorry.” Louis was in tears because what the fuck did he do.

“No, no, my love.” She reached out for his warm hand. “We don’t chose who comes into our life and we don’t chose who we love.”

“You aren’t real.” Louis laughed sadly, “No one thinks this way, no one would allow this.”

“Then I don’t mind being no one.” Amethyst never let his hand go. “I am leaving and I want you to absorb all my kindness and patience. I want you to take good care of Harry. He is so good –and stubborn.” She leaned against Louis, “I’m sure you know that.”

Louis giggled, “Yeah…”

“But is was amazing and so pure. He loved trying to understand the human emotion -empathy. He wanted to understand things like anger -sadness -jealously." She smiled, winking, "I know why, but you cant ever tell Harry. Okay?"

“…Okay.”

“Because we are human.”

Louis nodded slowly, “why can’t I tell him that?”

“Because he already knows the answer to this ridiculous question." Amethyst shrugged, “Harry says it's because of our brains and all the neurons and all this psychology stuff but that is the way he chooses understands. That is the way that makes him happy.” She put both of her hands in Louis, “why are you jealous of me?”

Louis pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth. “Because I am human.”

Amethyst closed her eyes, "purely human. If you ever ask him, he'll probably just return the question. But, remember, don't tell him why?" Louis made a face. "Trust me. You'll love his answer way more."

-

Louis had fallen asleep. He was woken by Harry's soft hands, the same hands that put him to sleep. Harry was rushing him but Louis made sure to hug her tight and say enough goodbyes.

Louis was in the car for some time while Harry was upstairs. His stomach was tossing a little from the food Harry had brought, and he was ready to go home. He sniffed his shirt, smiling at the smell of Amethyst's apartment.

Louis tapped his foot to the small drips that a bush let go of beside him.

He sat up when he saw Harry leave the apartment. He was walking slow to the car, rubbing his face. Louis frowned, looking at him once he was sitting.

"You okay?"

"Uh," Harry swallowed, eyes shut, "yeah."

Louis leaned on his arm, kissing Harry's arm. He looked up, puckering his lips, waiting. "Harry?"

"Sorry."

"It's okay." Louis felt bad, his boyfriend was sad -Louis would be sad too. "I'm sorry she's leaving." No respond. "I know you're going to miss her. I love you and I'm here for you, baby." Louis bit his lip, unsure if he was saying the right things but he was trying. "You can cry, it's okay."

"Louis, please stop." Harry moved away, starting the car. "Just stop." The man's eyes were tearing once he hit the road.

Louis kept his head down, quiet. He put his chapstick on a few times and blew his nose more than a few times. Louis bobbed his head to the soft music playing. He didn't know the song but it sounded nice."

"Um," Louis cleared his throat. "Can I ask you something?"

Harry sniffled, wiping at his eyes. "What?"

Louis looked at him, then away, "never mind."

"Louis." Louis kept his eyes on his fingers. “Louis, look at me, baby.”

His head snapped up at the tender endearment, "yes?” He wanted to reach out for him. Harry’s eyes were so red and his lips were turning a light shade of purple. His whole face was flushed and oh my God, Louis was about to beg Amethyst to never leave.

“I –“

“You don’t need to tell me.” Louis smiled, “it’s okay, I understand. I am going to be here for you an-“

“Stop, fuck!” Harry stopped the car at a red light. He hit his head against the steering wheel a few times. “Stop.” Louis could barely hear the last stop because Harry’s voice sounded worse than his.

“I –we –“ Harry simply stared at the red light that turned to green. “I took so long upstairs, Louis…”

Louis’ chest pulled.

“Why do you think,” Harry was crying again and there were so many cars honking at them. “Why do you think I took so long, Louis?”

Louis made a small sound in his throat before putting his head in his hands. “No…”

“I’m so fucking sorry.”

“No… no…no!” Louis hit his legs. “What the fuck! What the fuck did you do!"

“No!” Harry quickly moved the car to the side. “No!” He put his car in park and ripped off his seat belt. “I just –it was just –It was supposed to be a last kiss and it got heated and I had –Louis!” Harry grabbed him before he could leave the car. “Louis, no!”

“Let me go now.”

“It was just a kiss!”

“Let me go!” Louis’ voice was so un-intimidating with him being sick.

“I’m sorry!”

“I was actually worried! I was worried that you were hurt! I –just, I just spoke to her! I don’t understand, Harry!”

“Please, please get in the car!”

Louis began thrashing to get away from him. “Let me go!”

“Please let me take you home! You don’t ever have to talk to me again, just-” Harry was in tears all over again, "just let me bring you home.”

-

“Louis isn’t here.” Harry tried looking inside the apartment with no avail. “I just said he isn’t here.”

“Liam, please –I need to talk to him.”

“He isn’t here and he will never be here again.” Liam got into Harry’s personal space. “And you if you come back while I am here, I'll kick your ass.” Liam stepped back into his home. “Stay the fuck away from my house.” He shut the door with a deep breath. He walked back to the kitchen, finishing Louis’ food before bringing it to his room. “Hey.”

Louis sniffled from his bed, “was that him?”

“Yeah…” Liam put the food beside his teary eyed friend. “I sent him away.” The room was so thick with smoke from the burning lavender beside Louis. Liam had went crazy trying to find some and was about to just ask Harry for some. Louis said he just needed it. If Liam bought it, Louis said he would make an attempt to get out of bed, and so of course Liam drove two hours to buy the damn plant.

“Thanks.” Louis sat up. “Oh my God.” He blew his nose, “I’m so sad.” Louis rubbed his temples, “I am so fucking sad, Liam.”

“I know.” Liam rubbed his back comfortingly. “It’s okay, you’re going to get through this.”

“If he did that, whatever -whatever heated bullshit." Louis rubbed his eyes, "I was sitting in the fucking ca -could you imagine what they’ve done while I wasn’t there?”

“You think they have?”

Louis shrugged, a thick wad was developing in his throat again. “Why wouldn’t he? She’s beautiful and I’m not even angry that he did it. I just feel stupid… I feel so stupid.”

“Don’t, it happens, Louis.”

“She was telling me how he loved me and how-” Louis rubbed his eyes hard, “how I made him so happy.” He tossed his head back, “oh my God, I’m stupid as fuck!” He blew his nose into his used tissues, “and I miss him so much.”

“I know.” Liam moved the food off the bed before scooting underneath the blanket. “You love him.”

“I do.” Louis shook his head. “What the hell do I do?” Louis peeled at the skin on his nail. “It’s been a month, Liam, I’m still sad… I’m still crying.”

“Well hopefully he doesn’t come back and it won’t be a constant reminder.” Liam rolled his eyes while mumbling under his breath, “...he’s come every fucking day.”

“He lives next door for God sake! He can probably hear me! –Fuck you!” Louis closed his eyes, head throbbing, “I’m sad.”

Liam pulled Louis under his arm, “let’s watch movies all night.” He kissed the top of his best friend’s head. “We’ll have some drinks, play cards.”

Louis smiled, “Liam, you fucking amazing person.” He blinked away a few tears. “I was so worried about him while I was in the car. I wanted to beg Amethyst to stay forever if it was going to make him stop crying.” He played with his blanket, “It didn’t –I didn’t think -not for a second that anything happened upstairs. Not for a second, Liam.”

Chapter Text

Louis looked up from his books. “Him?”

“Yep,” Liam huffed, dropping the bundle of daisies onto Louis’ bed. “Too many flowers. I think you should talk to him –at least tell him to back off.”

“No,” Louis picked up the new flowers.

Although his room was covered in flowers, each one still felt more special than the last. Every flower was different, not the classic roses that you could find around the corner. The flowers were thought out. There were sunflowers, snapdragons, hydrangeas -some Louis had to look up. He didn’t know how Harry was finding these flowers -didn’t know how he could afford these many flowers.

Louis’ head darted to the wall, where a small knocking sound came. He quickly set the flowers down, going straight to the book on his nightstand. “I…” He shook his head. “Again,” he whispered to himself. “Knock again…”

And, as usual, the knocking started over.

“I, L… L-O…” Louis groaned, “again, Harry… one more time.” Louis tapped on the book as Harry tapped on the other side of his wall. “I, L, O, V… E…” He slammed his book shut and sobbed into the cover.

Liam quietly kneeled beside his friend. “Lou, you’re torturing yourself.”

This had been going on for too many days. At first, they weren’t sure where the hell the sounds were coming from. Louis would simply knock back, unsure of who he was knocking for. The sound came before and after every flower delivery.

It quickly became obvious that Harry was leaving little noises for him but he still didn’t understand why the knocking was so persistent, it wasn’t just tapping; it was like Harry was trying to speak to him. Louis figured that it had to be Morse code. He forced Liam to buy him a book on the subject and Liam did. He had to know what Harry was saying.

Louis never replied, but it was a comforting sound.

“He doesn’t love me, Liam. He just feels bad for what he did.” Louis frowned deeply, wiping away his tears. “Since he loves her so much, he can get back with her.” Louis grabbed his new flowers, laying on the floor with the flowers close to his chest. “I’m going to sleep.”

“Louis, this isn’t healthy. You run home every day because you think he’s going to see you. You aren’t eating and, when are home, you stay up lesson planning.”

Louis stared at the flowers, thinking. “How does he look?”

“Louis!”

“Please,” He whispered into the bunch. “I won’t ask again.”

“His hair is stupid and long. He looks skinnier than he did before and he’s whiter than ever.”

“I miss him.”

“Then talk to him.” Liam stood up, “life is too short to be miserable over something like this. Harry could either end up being everything to you in five years or just a memory. I cannot keep doing this and neither can you. You are trying to be a good teacher, not a sad one.” Liam walked towards the door, “you can’t keep doing this, I’m telling you as a friend.”

“I know.”

Louis played with the plastic that held his daises together, now alone. He was so grateful for his friend, Liam was being nothing but kind. Louis was just a brat. He just wanted closure, he wanted to know exactly what happened. He wanted to know why. Louis wanted to forgive Harry, he wanted to see him, he wanted to kiss him and hold him again. Louis didn’t want to be alone anymore.

The teacher sat up, grabbing his coding book and dragged his feet to the wall that held Harry’s conversations. He tapped lightly at first. “Da, de, det, do…” He hummed out softly. He pressed his ear against the wall and, after a few seconds, a response came.

Louis read over his chart, scribbling sounds and letters as they came. “Please…?” Louis chewed on his lip. “Please what?” He knocked on the wall. Again, the word ‘please’ came through. “Please what?”

He shook his head, Harry’s tapping becoming louder and louder.

Please... Please… please!

He dropped the book, bringing both hands up to slap the white wall. “Please what! Please fucking what!” Louis’ head slid against the divider. “Please what, Harry?”

And it was faint, but Louis was sure he could hear small echoes of ‘forgive me’ through the wall that kept them so far apart. The loudest echoes in the world.

-

“You look fine, Louis.”

They were finally going out -to a bar -Harry’s bar.

Louis checked himself in the mirror for the fifth time. He had gotten skinny, annoyingly skinny. Louis hugged himself, wanting to laugh. Harry always said he was heavy when Louis would demand to be carried around. He wondered what Harry would think now.

Liam was really trying, and Louis appreciated it. He had bought him a new outfit as a pick-me-up. It was nice, amazing, but it didn’t make him feel better. He didn’t want to go out, especially not to the only bar near by -Harry’s bar.

Liam threw his head back, hearing the knocks coming from the door. “It’s him -I know it is. Stay here.”

Louis swallowed hard, fixing his shirt in the mirror.

Harry had already delivered the flowers for the day and all knocks were accounted for. He wanted to peek outside, try to see Harry from the door way. But, Louis knew that seeing him, -seeing those welcoming arms was not an option. There would be no questions, Louis would run right into them. Hiding seemed like the best option.

“Louis!”

Louis immediately stuck his head out of the bathroom. Going into the living room with furrowed brows. His eyes grew, stomach cramping with the nothingness he ate for lunch.

“She wants to talk to you.”

Louis stared at Amethyst, unable to do anything else.

“Louis.”

“I,” Louis held up a hand, “I can’t. I don’t want to deal with this right now.”

“I know,” Amethyst bit her lip. “And I, out of all people, have no right to be here. I just had to apologize before I left.” She cupped her hands together, “I am so sorry.”

Louis groaned, rubbing his face, feeling a wave of tears that hadn’t hit him in a while.

“I started it, I did. I asked for a kiss. Harry said no but I kept asking. I was just -so upset.” She licked her lips, “you were right. People like me don’t exist. I tried so hard, but I was so lonely.” Louis could relate. “If I would have just moved in with him like he asked, this -wouldn’t have happened. I didn’t know if I made the right decision but then,” she swallowed. “I did. I know did and I am so sorry.”

Louis blinked, eyes drying up.

“It was just a kiss, but I should have asked. We had just talked. I am sure Harry made it out like it was his fault.” She rolled her eyes, blowing out a wet breath. Harry hadn’t made anything seem like anything because Louis couldn’t even look at him. “Never wants to blame anyone.” She wiped her eyes, “we kissed, and he hugged me, and I missed it so much. You just,” she looked up, “God, to have something that you were never supposed to give away.” Her hands fell to her sides, “he wouldn’t -kiss me back. I wouldn’t stop and then he did, and it was all wrong.” Amethyst face fell ill, “it was terrible and rushed and it was all wrong because he didn’t want me. He just wanted to leave.”

“You’re evil.” Louis shook his head, “you knew exactly what you were doing.”

“I guess.” Amethyst shrugged weakly, “he won’t talk to me. I can’t even apologize. I just need closure.” Louis was finding too many similarities. “He’s never put his hands on me but that night -he looked like he wanted to. He was so angry at himself and I wanted to tell him not to be.” She smiled sadly, lips wobbling, “he called me evil too.”

Louis shivered.

“I don’t know how many evil people would give up their own happiness. I never took him back no matter how many times he begged me. I could have but I liked you so much and you both were too good for each other. Please,” she shook her head. “Don’t tell him I came by. I’m leaving. I didn’t come to upset you. I ruined something I helped build because I was bitter. I am not excusing what I did. I am not expecting forgiveness. I just want to apologize.” She took a deep breath, “if I could take it back, I would, but I can’t.” Amethyst stepped back towards the door, “just remember, nothing -no one is worth your happiness, Louis. Not even you.”

-

Louis was happy Liam offered to pay because this was his fifth shot of top shelf alcohol. It was Saturday, it was loud, and there was a DJ. It helped him drown out his feelings.

Louis wanted to run after Amethyst but instead ran to his room to cry. He banged on the wall, praying for a response but found none. He was angry -bitter -disgusted by himself. Louis was drinking for him and her. She was a miserable mess while Louis was fucking her boyfriend and he didn’t think twice about it.

He spun his shot glass in small circles, “what have I done?”

“Nothing. You didn’t do anything. You know what happened. That’s it.”

Harry did something bad, but he didn’t do something bad -while still doing something bad.

“He kissed her.” Louis was slurring. “He didn’t want to kiss her. Does that mean something?” Louis played with his bitten piece of lime. “Shit, I would have asked for a kiss too. I mean -they weren’t even supposed to break up!” Louis stopped playing with the lime. “They should have been fucking living together with a bunch of fucking kids but here I come and ruin it!”

“Harry chose you because he loves you, idiot. He told you that.”

“That’s what he told me but,” Louis put his cup down. “She loved him so much she gave him to me and I didn’t even think about her feelings. She was just so fucking happy all the damn time -like what the fuck! I didn’t know but I should have known!”

“Relax…” Liam held Louis’ hands down. “You’re drawing attention to us and your little friend is right over there so unless you want him to see us you need to calm down.”

Louis grazed over at the tall bartender. He was skinnier, just like Louis. His hair was still there, full and messy as ever. Harry was moving fast, eyes focused on each task due to the amount of people. He was a bartending angel.

He had to stop staring at him because Liam said Harry was going to notice them. Louis wasn’t stupid, Liam wanted Harry to see them. He knew exactly what his best friend was doing.

“I’m going to order a drink from the bar.”

Liam lifted an eye brow, “you sure?”

Louis shrugged, “I want him to see me.” He struggled to get off the high-top chair. “I want -him to see me. Just a drink.” Liam didn’t respond, and Louis licked his lips. He patted down his pockets, feeling his ID before going to the bar.

Louis regretted most of his decisions, and this was just another one to add to the book. There were zero seats available until one spot opened.

The man was good looking, and not hiding his interest. Louis used to be an absolute slut, so he knew when someone wanted him. This guy wanted him. Only problem was that Harry was on the other side of the large bar and he needed him on this side.

But, Louis took the seat because Louis was stupid and because Louis had thousands of regrets and one more would not break the camel’s back.

“Thanks!” He shouted over the music. He had a very difficult time getting onto the bar stool which made the man beside him laugh. Louis caught his breath as he finally settled on the chair. “Thanks…”

“No problem. I’m Robert!”

“Louis!”

A bartender, Louis assumed was new because he’d never seen him before, asked for his ID. The man smiled, handing it back, “I’m Peter! What can I get you?” Louis pondered on the question. “A Screwdriver, please! Start a tab for me!”

Robert interrupted, “no worries. Put it on mine.” The bartender gave him a nod before walking away.

Louis blushed, “thanks.”

“Is that all you know how to say?”

Louis laughed, “sorry, I didn’t bring a dictionary. Hi!” He elongated the ‘I’. “I’m Louis!”

“And I am Robert, again.” He smirked, “and what are you doing here tonight?”

“I’m here with my best friend, were having a few drinks.” Louis needed to stop drinking because one more and he was about to become a mess.

A few short words and smiles later and his drink arrived.

“There you go, let me know if you need anything else.” The bartender slid his drink to him before disappearing. Louis carefully picked up his drink, sipping it slowly. It was good, not like Harry’s, but it was alright.

“How is it?”

Louis smiled, “It’s good, thank you. You’re going to drink?”

“I will…” He shrugged, “you have plans after this?”

Oh, this guy was fast and stupid as hell if he thought he was getting anywhere near Louis. “No plans.”

“Do you want to have plans?”

Louis raised a brow, “you use this line on everyone you offer a seat to at the bar?”

Robert laughed, looking up. “Ooh, a fight!”

Louis turned around, and yes, there was a fight on TV. He laughed, turning back around, “really?”

“TV fighting is real too.”

Louis smirked, Robert wasn’t too bad.

-

“Aye!” Harry patted his manger’s shoulder with the back of his hand. “Start kicking these drunk fucks out, they keep breaking shit!”

Zayn came over, handling the situation. Harry sighed, trying to shake away his building headache. If he wasn’t crying, then he was working, and if he wasn’t working then he was sleeping so he wouldn’t cry.

Today was emotional though. Louis responded to his knocking with his own. Amethyst called him a lot and he made sure to ignore her. Harry was just ready to go home and down a bottle to feel better. His life was in shambles.

“Haz,” Zayn slapped his butt lightly. “Take a thirty, Jenny just got here.”

Harry rolled his eyes, “only an hour late, right?” He removed his apron as Peter ran up to the pair.

“Yo, I just saw this guy slip something into someone’s drink.”

“Well what the fuck did you come over here for? Tell the fucking guy, idiot!” Zayn groaned, “I work with fucking idiots.” Zayn followed the new hire to the other side of the bar.

Harry took a deep breath, wanting to back up Zayn but he didn’t want to deal with that right now.

Harry went to the register to break out. He stuck his apron under the counter before redoing his bun. He nodded at a fellow co-worker who always shared cigarettes. Harry could use one right now.

He grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler before going to find Zayn.

“There’s nothing in there!”

“I fucking saw you, dude!”

“Look,” Zayn waved his hand. “Go and I won’t call the fucking cops. My worker isn’t going to sit here and lie to me.”

“No, what the fuck. I didn’t drug him!”

Peter threw his head back, “yes, you did! I’m not blind!”

Harry sighed loudly, looking at the guy trying to defend himself. He was sweaty and being extremely loud even over the music. Harry was sure he tried drugging whatever idiot was dumb enough to talk to him. He peeked over at the idiot -his idiot.

Harry shoved through Peter and Zayn, looking Louis dead in the eye. “Oh no -no, no.”

Louis took a shit or looked like he did.

Harry slammed both hands against the bar counter. “What the fuck! You are not here right now -no!” He could feel blood rushing to his eyes. “You aren’t here!”

The music was lowered, and Zayn grabbed his shoulder. “Harry, outside.”

Harry was on a different planet. “You tried -you tried drugging my fucking boyfriend? Are you fucking kidding me?”

“I didn’t know he was your boyfriend!”

“Why are you here, Louis!”

Liam came up behind Louis, grabbing him. “Zayn, charge me after.”

When the man stood, daring to follow them, Harry chucked a full glass at him. He hopped over the bar, ignoring Zayn’s screaming. This would be a perfect anger outlet. The gym wasn’t doing enough.

He charged at the guy, swinging at the man until he got a hit to his jaw. The man drove Harry into the edge of the bar, elbowing his face. Surprisingly, Harry would only hear Louis’ voice in the row of screams and drunken cheers.

He kneed the man in the groin, hitting his back four times. “Fucking-piece-of-shit.” Harry kicked the man to the floor, spitting on him before getting on top of him. “Bitch!” Harry wasn’t stopping, and his adrenaline was too high for the two people trying to stop him. “You fucking rapist! What the fuck is wrong with you! Fuckin-disgusting-piece-”

Harry screamed when Zayn got help from a very large regular. Harry thrashed, bellowing, “If I ever fucking see you again –I’ll do worse!” He kicked, “You can’t drug people! You ever -ever get near my boyfriend again -I swear to God! You stay away from him!”

Zayn huffed once Harry was outside and on the dirt floor. “Go home now!”

Harry rubbed his bleeding nose.

“Now!”

Harry stood up when he heard cop sirens. He grabbed the hand that helped him, Liam’s hand. Harry stared at Louis’ terrified face for a few seconds.

He breathed, trying to catch his breath. “How are you guys getting home?”

“Taxi.”

“I’ll -drive you.” Harry spat the blood out of his mouth, limping towards his car.

-

“What were you even thinking? Why were you with him?” The two stood outside of the apartment building. Harry hadn’t said a word the whole drive. Louis had sat right in the front seat, staring at Harry the whole entire time. Liam had just gone upstairs, and Harry went into a full fit. “You can’t be drunk and be out!”

Louis cleared his throat weakly, “We aren’t even dating…”

“We are dating!”

Louis suddenly laughed so loud it probably woke someone up. “No, we aren’t!”

“We never broke up!”

“We aren’t together!”

“Then break up with me because the last time I checked I am still dating you!”

Louis opened his mouth, but nothing came out. So, Harry threw another fit instead. He kicked the grass and pulled on his clothes. “What the fuck were you doing! Why were you drinking! Louis, you don’t drink! You’re fucking drunk! Why are you drunk? You are never allowed in that bar again!”

“You’re crazy!”

“I don’t care!” Harry almost grabbed him, hands clenched into tight bloody fists. “I don’t ever –ever want to see you there again!” His voice was sharp, raspy, and Louis was sure that Harry wasn’t going to have a voice tomorrow. “You could have gotten so hurt!” The bartender was in tears. “You could have gotten so hurt, baby. My baby, he could have done so many horrible things to you.” Harry sniffled, wiping his face, “God, I work with so many fucking people who -fuck.”

Harry’s words dug deep into Louis’ sides. They ripped open the flesh and laid eggs in his stomach. Louis felt sick and could feel vomit at the base of his throat. “Why do you care… why do care!” He wrapped both arms around his stomach. “You did this! We were fine!” Louis was throwing the tantrum now. “Why do you care, you fucker!”

“Oh, Louis.” Harry breathed, “I will always care.” Harry was bleeding a lot. “I didn’t want to be with you at first. You know that.” Harry’s eyes were planting flowers in Louis’. Eye contact, Louis needed it. “I saw the beauty in you. You’re small and sweet and so fucking precious. You’re you.” Harry looked like he was desperate to reach out for him. “I fell in love slowly, one thing at a time, just like she said. I shouldn’t have kissed her. I should have left with you that night, baby. I shouldn’t have left you in the fucking car! Fuck!” Harry shook his hands desperately, “It wasn’t you! It wasn’t you and I didn’t love her like I did before. -I couldn’t even fucking look at you and I’m so sorry! I fucked up, and I can’t take it back, but I will do anything to gain your trust back. If you want to break up, okay but -I just want your trust back.”

Louis kept a tight grip on the hem of his shirt. “We are still dating.” Louis sniffled, “I was so insecure about you two and that’s why it hurt so much.” Louis whined, dropping his head, “it hurt, baby.”

“No.” Harry was on his knees, “no, not that.” Harry grabbed his hands, kissing over them. “I don’t want you to cry like that.”

Louis choked on his sob, “you -looked at me the whole time.”

“Yes, of course, Lou.”

“If -if you would have looked away.” Louis growled, “Ugh!” Harry’s hands were trembling. “Keep -keep talking to me through the wall.”

“Okay. Anything.”

“Keep,” Louis cracked. “Keep sending me flowers.” And then he found himself on the floor beside the man that hurt him.

Harry smelled just like the last time they held each other. He smelled like lavender and it smelled so good.

“The daises,” Louis cried into Harry’s shoulder, gripping his shirt, “the daisies were my favorite.”

Harry kept his nose pressed into Louis’ hair, rubbing his back comfortingly. In a way that only Harry knew how. “Yeah, sweetheart? Why those, hm?”

“They’re my favorite flower.”

Harry covered his mouth, unable to hold back his cries because -why the fuck didn’t he know that?

Chapter Text

It was stupid, but then again, so was Louis. He had brought it up to Liam who had also agreed that Louis’ stupidity seemed to be escalating in the last three days. Besides that, it had brought him interesting out comes while still being completely ridiculous.

It started with a coin -a special coin. He had found it outside of Harry’s driver seat door, so he assumed the man had dropped it. Louis picked it up and ran home as fast as he could but not before bumping into said man.

-

“Oof, careful.” Harry grabbed him swiftly. It was dumb, but Louis felt like he was in some teen romance novel. “You okay?”

“Yes.” Louis wiped his forehead. He took the bus because, although he had leveled out with Harry, he wasn’t trying to rush into this. Louis no longer accepted rides from the man and Harry accepted that.

Their relationship had taken a weird turn, but they managed to steer the vehicle. Louis wasn’t having a bad time. The bond they grew over the last two months was stronger than the past months. Louis learned a lot about Harry in two months. About his family and what he really liked. Harry had learned a lot about him and his family. It was exciting, as if they had started over.

He caught himself slipping often, because he really wanted to be all of Harry’s again. Then Louis would go home and water his flowers -see the ridiculous number of flowers and everything hit him again. There was a reason they were in his home, a heart aching reason.

But those flowers healed Louis’ aches. They patched up all the little scratches and soothed his pain. He finally asked where the flowers were coming from -how Harry found them. His mother owned a flower garden and Harry would drive over there to pick the flowers, wrap them and then they were Louis’.

Harry’s mother knew about their situation. She wanted him to come by the farm, so she could meet him. Not now, Louis couldn’t.

Louis clutched his nickel tight. “Hi Harry.”

“Hi Lou.” The psychology major looked tired. “You just coming home?”

“Yeah.” Louis chewed at his tongue, “yeah…”

“You’re sweaty,” Harry smiled. He set down his bag, pulling out a cloth, “just.” He tentatively dabbed at Louis’ face. “Is this okay?”

Louis breath softly, “yes.” He closed his eyes while Harry wiped around them. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Harry put the cloth back in his bag. “What do you have there?”

Louis opened his palm, revealing his small secret. “It’s a nickel.”

“It is.”

Louis’ toes curled behind his shoes. “I found it.” Louis didn’t want to lie to him. Their motto had become all about honesty. He wanted to show Harry everything, even a nickel.

Sometimes he went over, and they sat in silence; Louis graded while Harry wrote. Harry removed the lock off his phone for no reason. Louis didn’t see a point until he found himself looking through it often. He didn’t want to, but Harry let him -wanted him to, so Louis did.

“Cool, but money is dirty. Make sure you wash your hands.” Harry picked up his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. “I left you something with Liam. I have to go, but I’ll be back later.”

Louis had no right to ask, he had no right to pry or question, but he always did. “Where are you going?”

And Harry always answered.

“To the gym then to Zayn’s.”

“To Zayn’s,” Louis echoed. “Okay.”

Harry tilted his head downward, running his nose over Louis’. “To Zayn’s.” He planted soft kisses against Louis’s lips. “I promise.”

Louis wanted to rip his own face off. Harry was chewing on some peppermint gum like a goddamn cow and the feeling left some cold sparks tap dancing along his lips.

It took some time for Louis to let Harry kiss him. Although they had made progress in the last two weeks, the last two months had been a damn roller coaster. It was already winter time, even though the weather missed the memo. Harry and Louis had continued their Morse code even now. It normally turned into a mess of bloody knuckles and Harry banging on Louis’ front door.

Louis was grateful that Harry put in effort. He changed his number, bought new sheets. Harry removed pictures of him and Amethyst and put plenty of him and Louis. Harry was really trying, and Louis accepted it all. It was a strange shift, the way Harry chased after him when it had been the complete opposite. Louis always swore that he liked Harry more than Harry liked him. But he was wrong.

In the words of Zayn; Harry was ‘whipped’.

“Promise, my Louis.”

“When are you coming back?”

“Maybe around eight.” Harry kissed him once more before adjusting his bag. “You have your phone, right? You didn’t leave it somewhere?”

Louis had almost forgot, again, that he bought a cell phone. He always forgot about it. Harry and him had went to buy it and Harry made sure he got the best and most expensive one even though Louis couldn’t even figure out how to use it.

Louis dug into his pocket with difficultly, pulling out his cell phone. “Yes, I have it.” He stared at it, pressing on something that said he had a voicemail. “Jeffery left me a voicemail.” He tried opening it. “How do I hear it?”

Harry snatched the phone from him. Louis stayed quiet as Harry clicked around for a bit before giving it back. He kissed his boyfriend’s cheek before jogging down the stairs. “I’ll be back later.” He left Louis confused and still unable to hear the voicemail.

“Hey! You didn’t do anything! I still can’t hear it!”

“You don’t need to.”

Louis tapped down the stairs after Harry who kept walking. “Hello! It’s my first voicemail!”

Harry opened his car. “I deleted it.”

“What!” Louis stomped his foot. “This is my phone.”

Harry sat inside, one leg out, “I deleted his number too.”

“Harry Styles!” Harry closed the door. Louis smacked both hands against the window. “Put it back!”

Harry rolled down the window, “you can’t.” He pulled Louis’ collar, leaning up for a kiss. “I love you.” The man smiled before backing out of his spot, waving, “Have a great day!”

-

Louis was obsessed with his nickel.

It started off simple. Liam and him would flip it to see who was going to do dishes or take the trash. It soon changed to; ‘heads, I eat mac and cheese’ or ‘tails, I eat steak’. The coin was running Louis’ life. Heads, he saw Harry or tails, he spoke to him through their wall. Louis’ favorite side had become heads.

-

“Fuck,” Louis tapped around the floor with his hands. “No!” He shooed Pluto away from his nickel. “That’s mine, you dumb animal!” Louis swatted the air and sighed in relief at the coin that fell on heads.

He got to sleep over Harry’s today. The man had asked him, begged was a better word, to sleep over and Louis simply said ‘he’d see’. He really meant he would have to consult his nickel and then he’d give his answer.

Heads, yes. Tails, no.

Louis stuck the coin in his pocket. He was excited, he couldn’t say he wasn’t. He hadn’t slept over in so long. Harry asked him two days ago and, because the president landed on tails, it was a no.

The young teacher draped himself over Harry’s cold bed. His bedroom was newly done, Louis even helped him paint it.

Louis dug his face into the pillow, moaning at the smell of his boyfriend. Today had been a bad day and Louis said things he should have. It made Harry mad, but he still forgave Louis.

Louis patted the bed, asking Pluto to join him. Harry told him to stop letting her on the bed and Louis pretended to listen.

He pet the calm animal. “I’m sleeping over, Pluto.” He sighed, “I’m so happy, I want to commit.”

The cat purred, running its tail over Louis’ face before finding a comfortable position on Harry’s pillow. “Harry’s gunna be so happy.” He rolled onto his back, lifting his arms, “can’t wait til he comes home.”

Louis covered his face. “Favorite color is blue… used to be purple. Favorite number is a million.” He smiled, “favorite food is chips –ugh.” Louis started his usual lonely conversations with himself. “‘Why chips, Harry?’” Louis rolled his wrists softly, “‘Why chips?’” He rolled on his side, staring at the picture of him and Harry on the dresser.

They weren’t smiling in the photo, Louis was in his lap, but it was probably their most endearing photo. Liam has taken it a while back. Harry and him had just come back from IKEA that day.

Louis scratched his inner thigh.

“Why chips?” Louis closed his eyes. “‘Chips are important to me. -all because of you.’” He grabbed the photo, hugging it close. “‘Chips taste so much better, all because of you.’”

-

“Baby?” Harry sounded surprised. Louis had his face in between a book. He glanced up before sticking the bookmark in between his pages.

“My Harry.”

Harry dropped his bag. He was sweaty -gym life that Louis knew nothing about.

Harry squatted beside the couch, grabbing his hand to kiss Louis’ knuckles. “You’ve been here since this morning, baby?”

“Eh,” Louis shrugged. He waited patiently for his kiss, trying not to insinuate it.

“Come here.” Harry wiggled his finger, bringing Louis closer. He kissed him a few times, leaving open pauses for his marks of affection to linger across Louis’ face.

He ran his fingers through Harry’s pulled back hair. “Where were you?”

“At a police station, talking to some mentally ill people. I went for lunch with a peer.” Harry caressed Louis’ face, “I went back to work then I stopped by my mom’s.” He nibbled on the side of Louis’ finger. “But she wasn’t there so I couldn’t get you flowers today.” Harry sighed, “I would have waited for her to come back but I knew you were waiting, and I still had to go to the gym with Z. –Well, anyway, here I am.”

“Okay.” Louis kissed him. “Thank you.”

“I love you.”

Louis didn’t say it back. He hadn’t been saying it back and Harry cried twice about it.

Right now wasn’t the time to say it. Louis adored Harry. Harry was his everything and made him the happiest man on the planet. He was more obsessed with Harry than when they first started talking. He knew that he was waiting for him to say it back. Louis just didn’t feel like it.

He tucked one foot under his butt, “don’t scream.”

Harry rolled his eyes, standing, “sure it won’t surprise me.”

“I saw Jeffery today.”

“Yeah.” Harry’s voice was so thin, it felt like a million paper cuts. “I’m sure you fucking did.”

Louis played with the string hanging from his bookmark. “I took a nap with him -we didn’t touch at all.” They had been taking honesty to another level.

Harry stayed silent, going to his kitchen to get a water bottle.

“I got his number back into my phone and we had lunch.” Louis held out his hand for the bottle. He was getting thirsty or he was about to because he was sure this was going to get loud.

“Oh, did you now?” Harry was so sarcastic it was gross.

Louis put the bottle to his lips, “he thinks we should break up. Called our relationship a joke.” Louis closed the bottle, “wants me to move in with him.”

“Ha!” Harry was fuming. “Get the fuck out of here. That fucking prick.” He held onto the counter, “yeah, that’s what you wanna do? That’s what you’re going to do?”

Louis stood up, setting the bottle down. “No. I’m faithful.” He patted Harry’s face, “I told him to fuck off and now I don’t have his number -again.”

Harry grabbed him before he could walk away. “Thank you.”

“It wasn’t for you.”

“It was.” Harry pulled Louis to his chest, “cause if it wasn’t you wouldn’t have told me.”

Louis sucked his teeth, “my nickel says I can sleep over.”

“Why are you still using that thing?”

“Cause I found it!”

“Stop.” Harry dug his face into the crook of Louis’ neck, “please stop, babe. Stop trying to pick a fight.”

“Then don’t comment on my choices.”

“Fine, fine. I don’t care. That’s it.”

“Hmph.” Louis pouted, “what are you feeding me?”

“Why do you even ask me, Louis?” Harry slid away, picking up his bag. “You’re going to ask Jefferson anyway.”

Louis flicked the nickel in his pocket. “Haz.”

“Hm?”

“Answer her calls, please.”

Harry stopped, “Louis, before I go through your damn phone could you maybe let me know if you’re fucking talking to Amethyst?”

“Harry-”

“Louis! Seriously?” Harry spun around. “Stop texting her!”

“Why!”

“Are you serious?” Harry’s voice cracked. He laughed, “how many times have we went over this? Stop texting my ex! I don’t text Jeffery!”

“She’s not okay, Harry! Don’t be the reason for it!” Louis groaned, “I already accepted her apology because I don’t want her being miserable.”

“Who cares? She’s part of the reason I’m miserable!”

“No, you are miserable because you fucked up.”

“Yeah well, she didn’t help in my fucking up!” Harry gripped the wall, “Louis, I swear to God if you keep texting her I am going to call her and it’s going to get ten times worse.”

“That isn’t fair! She was my friend! She’s not a bad person -She made a freaking mistake, Jesus!”

“Oh, and so did I? And you won’t let me fucking forget it!”

“It’s different, Harry! She didn’t cheat on me!”

“Oh my God. I’m not dealing with this.” Harry picked up his bag again. “Stop fucking texting her!”

“I don’t have to! You are not my father!” Louis crossed his arms tight. “You don’t get to tell me what to do!” Harry disappeared behind his bedroom door for a while. Louis stomped his feet. “Harry Styles!”

“Stop already!” Harry came out, missing his shirt. “Stop texting her! Stop screaming! That’s it!”

“You’re screaming too!”

Harry took a deep breath, “I am so stressed right now. Oh my God.”

“Fine, then get rid of me!”

“I never said anything about that!” Harry pulled the towel from his shoulder. “Stop saying stupid shit, Louis!”

Louis knotted his eyebrows together while taking his nickel from his pocket. “Should I stop talking to Harry?”

“Oh my goodness.”

“Heads, no. Tails, yes.”

Harry crossed his arms, “you’re ridiculous.” Louis tossed the nickel and watched it fall to the ground. His fingers cramped when it landed on tails. Harry threw his head back, “Louis, I dare you.”

“I’m not sleeping over.”

Harry snatched the nickel from the ground and marched towards the door. “No!” Louis screamed, jumping onto his back. “Harry! No!”

Harry flung the door open, wiggling Louis off him. “I hate this fucking coin!” He chucked it as hard as he could onto the other side of the fence. He spun around, slamming the door, “It’s been a more than a week! You’ve let that stupid thing run your life!” Harry shook his head, “I needed a nickel the other day and you wouldn’t even give it to me!”

“It was special!” Louis frowned. “And now it’s gone because you’re a bully!”

“A bu –a bully? Louis, you wouldn’t give me a nickel to pay for my pack of gum! I had to pay 95 cents on my card!”

“Don’t talk to me! The nickel already said it anyway!”

“Oh my God, come here.” Harry snatched his boyfriend up from the floor and placed him over his shoulder.

“Put me down this instant!”

“Stop moving. You’re going to hit your head.” Harry carefully entered the bathroom, placing Louis on the toilet seat. “Shower with me.”

“No.”

Harry sighed, squatting down to be eye level with his boyfriend. “Please, baby. Shower with me.”

“That nickel was important.”

“I will give you a million nickels.”

“But it’s not that nickel.” Louis pouted, lifting his arms as Harry removed his shirt. “My nickel.”

“I know.” Harry smiled, “be kind to me.”

“I try.”

“I know you do.” He pulled him against his body. He curled up on the cold floor with Louis sulking in his lap. “Thank you for trying with me.” Louis kept quiet. “I’m sorry, baby.” The bathroom felt like it was gathering itself. “I’m so sorry.” Louis stared hard at the large hands that covered his own. “I’m so sorry…” Harry kissed his ear. “I love you… Louis, I am so sorry.”

“What’s your favorite color, Harry?”

“You know what it is.”

“It used to be purple, now it’s blue.” Louis closed his eyes. “Harry… my Harry.”

“Yes.”

“Why,” Louis’ lip trembled. “Why do we get so angry?”

Harry laid his head on the wall, “it’s an emotion. We all have them, and we feel every single one at some point, even when we can’t describe it. I don’t fucking know, Louis.”

“You do know.” Harry knew because Louis constantly asked him.

“I don’t know. Anger is endless. It’s when -you just fuck up so bad and you try to make it better but then -you’re alone and you can’t forget what you’ve done.” Harry closed his eyes, voice echoing off the bathroom walls. “It’s natural. The most natural and least complex. No emotion is justifiable -it’s what it is.” He sighed, thinking, “The amygdala controls that. It goes crazy and wants something to happen -so it happens. Fuck -what the fuck, I don’t know. I can’t explain this shit.”

Louis settled into Harry’s lap, laying his head against his chest. “Thanks.”

Harry pressed his face into Louis’ scalp. “Why do we get angry, Louis? Hm? You tell me now.”

Humans.

Louis scrunched up his nose, “whatever you said.”

“Seriously? I didn’t say anything.”

“You’re right, Harry. You answer was perfect.”

Being human was the most complicated thing in the world. To explain to someone that you are sad or angry because you’re human is a never-ending questionnaire.

Instead, Harry’s odd explanation was easier to understand than to say; “because we’re human.’

It answered questions beyond just ‘being human’. Because then everyone should feel the same thing at the same time because we are the same, but they aren’t-

“My Harry.”

“Ugh…”

“I love you.”

-

“Oh, no.” Harry kissed Louis’ pink cheeks. “Why are you crying?” He pulled out slowly, “am I hurting you, baby? Tell me.”

“No.” Louis mumbled under his breath as he wiped away his tears. “I just feel weird.”

“We don’t have to have sex, Lou.” Harry sat back on his heels. He closed Louis’ legs and rubbed his lips over the shaking boy’s knees. “Talk to me.”

“I just feel emotional, Harry.” Louis huffed, “I want to have sex.”

“Why do you feel emotional?” Harry massaged the sides of Louis’ thighs. “I can’t have sex with you while you’re crying, baby.”

“Because of us.”

“Hm?”

“I don’t know.” Louis groaned, rubbing at his erection. “Finish.”

“I can’t, Lou, you gotta talk to me.”

“Harry!” Louis continued touching himself. “I want it, I just feel weird!”

“Relax…” Harry blew on his face to cool him down. “Breathe.”

“Not unless you put it back.”

Harry spread Louis’ knees apart, sliding back inside with a groan. “What, you’re going to hold your breath until I put it in?” He sighed softly, “shit –‘so good.”

Louis’ hips lifted off the mattress, “yes.” He hissed quietly, feeling tears welling up again. “More…”

“Oh, no no. Babe, you’re crying again.”

“It doesn’t hurt!”

“Then please!” Harry leaned over him, desperate. “Talk to me, please.”

Harry had given him the greatest finger fucking a few minutes ago. Louis was begging for it too -aching inside and out. He even sat on Harry’s face and Harry said a small prayer of thanks before digging in.

Harry was unsure of when it turned into tears.

“I just feel a little happy.” Louis wrapped his arms around Harry’s neck. “I like when we have sex.”

“That’s why you’re crying?” He kissed Louis’ ear. “Cause your happy? Please tell me that’s it.”

“It is, bully.” Louis kissed under Harry’s chin. He sucked on the skin for a bit before nibbling on it. “You’re clean and you smell good… I love that you’re with me.”

“I love that you let me be with you.”

“You could have gotten back with her.”

“Lou.” Harry stopped moving. “Why are you doing this?”

Louis wrapped both legs behind Harry. “Just listen, baby. You loved her and you could have gotten back with her but you loved me more and that sounds selfish but I don’t care.”

“Louis.” Harry sat up, still deep inside his boyfriend. He rubbed a thumb across Louis’ belly button, “I love you more than anything at this point.” His other hand squeezed Louis’ calf, “I messed up and I’m sorry.”

Louis grinded down against Harry, moaning low, “I love you.”

“Oh please,” Harry whispered, “let me hear you. Even screaming -anything.” Harry kissed Louis’ nose, “let me hear it.”

“Why did you fucking kiss her?” Louis cried out, “should have been with me…”

“I know.” Harry covered him, embracing his boyfriend. “I fucked up.”

“And you hated it…” Louis hugged Harry closed, “you didn’t even want to, but you did and it makes me so mad.” Harry wasn’t responding, going soft inside him. Louis suddenly felt bad. “Baby-”

“Daises. Your favorite flowers are daises because your sister’s name is Daisy.” Harry was crying. “You’re allergic to spiders and you don’t want kids.” Harry sat up, “anything. Ask me anything about you -about us. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll learn. I want to know everything.”

Louis sat up, “why am I still with you?”

“You tell me.”

“I can’t, Harry, cause I don’t know.”

Harry snorted, “you fucking know.”

He did know.

Harry was human, and humans fucked up a lot but other humans forgave them because of the most awful, horrifically beautiful thing in the world.

Love.

Chapter Text

“She’s going to love you. She loves everything -she’s a hippie.”

“What does that even mean?” Louis continuously checked his teeth in the mirror. “Did she like Amethyst?”

Harry shrugged, “yeah.”

“Yeah? Just yeah?”

“She fucking loved her -what do you want me to say?”

“Jesus.” Louis tapped on his knee, “Harry, if you’ve ever lied to me before, let it not be now –do you think she’ll think I’m ugly?”

“Ha!” Harry leaned forward, turning onto a large property of land. “You’re so damn beautiful. Impossible.”

“Amethyst is beautiful.”

“Why are we still talking about her?”

“Because it’s kind of weird going from a chick to a man.”

“My mom doesn’t care.” Harry parked in front of the small house. “She’s gunna love you cause you like getting dirty.” Harry looked over at his boyfriend, “you aren’t afraid to get sweaty.”

“What? She’s gunna make me garden?”

“Of course, Louis.”

“Oh my God. I’m going to kill all of her plants.”

Harry laughed, “trust me, there are way too many.”

“Baby,” Louis sighed. “Please tell me that she’s gunna love me.”

“She is going to adore you.” Harry brought his forehead to Louis’. “Just like I have.”

“Are there spiders here?”

“Yes, don’t worry. You’re panicking, calm down.”

“Yes, I am! I don’t wanna die!”

“You aren’t gunna die. I told you to wear long clothes for a reason. You’re going to wear gloves and boots. Relax –I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

“You allowed a child to stick his finger in my ice cream, Harry.”

“That,” he snickered, “I didn’t think he was going to do it –he was a baby, Lou!”

“He was five!” Louis opened his door. He stuck a finger in Harry’s face, “and he had a damn pacifier!”

-

“Hello!” Anne smiled at the couple. “My name is Anne.”

“Hello.” Louis wanted to bow, kiss her cheek, and shake her hand so it turned into a really awkward encounter. “Sorry,” he brushed himself off. “I’m Louis.”

“Hi Louis.” She stared him up and down. “You’re beautiful.”

“Oh wow.” Louis touched his chest. “Thank you.”

“I guess my son and I have the same taste, huh?” She nudged him, welcoming both inside. “Are you hungry?”

“We had food before we came here, mom, thank you.”

“Dessert maybe? I made vegan cupcakes.”

“No-”

“That sounds amazing.” Louis pinched Harry’s arm. “My dessert was spoiled before I could eat it.”

Anne smiled, “It’s so strange to see you with a man, Harry.”

Louis’ eyes grew with his smile.

“Mom. What the hell?”

“What?” She threw her hands up. “Oh, please! If you came home and I was dating a woman, it would be weird!”

Harry rolled his eyes, “okay mom.”

Louis shook his head, “it is totally fine.”

“Were not really dating right now. It’s confusing.”

“That’s right.” Anne nodded, pulling the un-frosted cupcakes from the pan. “Do you plan on getting back together?”

“Jesus Christ, mom.”

“We don’t know.” Louis smiled, “but we seem to be doing alright, thank you.”

“I’m sorry for my son.”

“I am probably never bringing you here again. I’m sorry, Louis.”

“Harry, hello! Relax, my peach. You made a mistake, love.” She huffed, “I am apologizing for my son. He isn’t a bad person.”

“I know.” Louis spoke before Harry could. “He’s been great. Thank you.”

“Amethyst called me actually, about three days ago.”

“Why are we still talking about her?” Harry sat on the nearest chair.

“You should probably call her, Harry. She’s a bit of a mess.” Anne licked a bit of frosting off her finger. “I told her to come back down so I could give her a massage or something.”

“Hmph.”

Louis stood quietly. He had kept in touch with the girl. She was a mess. She just wanted some closure with Harry but now that he’d changed his number she couldn’t get it. Louis had been pushing the subject and Harry was having none of it. It always ended in them fighting so he tried his best to not bring it up.

Louis forgave her because there was no point in not doing it. To leave her miserable while he continued being with her ex. No, Louis couldn’t do it.

“Just call her, peach.”

“Wow, mom, I didn’t realize that you dated her?”

“Watch it, boy.” She flicked her wrist, “go show Louis the garden, then.”

Harry stood, “gladly.” He entwined fingers with the displaced man. Louis followed him through the mostly wooden home. Before getting to the door, Harry stopped. He opened a small closet, pulling out boots, gloves, and a hat.

“Come here, baby.”

Harry helped his boyfriend remove his shoes and replace them with boots. He put long gloves on Louis’ hands before dressing himself. “Good?”

“Mmhm.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t.” Louis shrugged, “You know I agree with her.”

“Yep.” Harry opened the back-door, beckoning Louis out. “Don’t panic.”

“Why?” Louis began panicking. “What is it?”

“There are a lot of bees.”

“What!”

“Shh. I come here every day to pick your flowers and I’ve never been stung.”

“I am a sweet flower, Harry! I could get stung!”

Harry smiled, grabbing Louis’ hand. “Animals are kind.”

“And bugs are the devil.”

“Breathe and look around, it’s beautiful.”

Louis tried his best to catch his breath before taking a long look around. There were bees alright, but he understood. The whole back yard was filled with rows and rows of flowers. So many colors, some were so tall, others were in abundance. Louis took careful steps through the path way.

“Oh my goodness.”

“It’s beautiful, huh?” Harry couldn’t take his eyes off Louis. The way he reflected against the different colors was making him swoon. The boy looked lost almost, unsure of what to look at first. His blue eyes just flicked around the whole yard. Louis looked like he wanted to reach out and grab every flower there.

“So beautiful.” Louis smiled, bending down next to the small pool of white daises. “These are the ones you picked?”

“Yep.” Harry sat down on the rock path. “They aren’t easy to pick because they’re so small.”

“How do you pick them?”

“You grab the end,” As Harry did. “And pluck.” He smiled, “It’s cool that you’re here, now I can make you a crown.”

“A crown?”

“Daises have long stems, they’re good for tying.” He began doing just so. “You’re gunna look so beautiful.”

Louis blushed, looking away as Harry fixed his eyes on making the crown of daises. Louis stood, “I’m gunna walk around.”

“Kay.” Harry stuck his tongue out of the side of his mouth in concentration. Louis toed over through different small path ways. He recognized many of these flowers. He had them scattered all over his apartment; much to Liam’s annoyance.

“Harry!” Louis grinned, “lavender!”

“Yep!” Harry shouted from somewhere on the floor.

Louis kneeled beside the plant. He sniffed at it softly, laughing at the thought. He used to hate the smell. It had such a strong essence but now it’s the only ‘perfume’ he wore. Louis plucked a small piece and placed it in his pocket. He laid beside the swaying purple plant and stared up at the sky. Louis was never a ‘country side’ boy. He liked being indoors; but this was nice.

“Louis, come so I can measure your head!”

Louis tried reaching for the clouds. He wondered if Amethyst every came here to pick flowers.

Louis sat up, “coming!” He stared at a small bee that fell upon a tiny single pink flower. There were hundreds upon hundreds of flowers and that bee wanted that one.

-

“The vegan cupcakes were gross.”

“That’s why I said no. Now you’re stuck eating it.”

Louis rolled his eyes at it. “Maybe if I stick it in the ground it’ll grow.”

“Probably maybe from grass or something.” Harry was so focused on making Louis’ crown perfect.

“Have you made this before?”

“No, but when you told me daisies were your favorite flower I read up on them. –Did you know they’re leaves are eatable?”

“I did.” Louis smiled wide. “Did you know you can’t find them-“

“You can find they everywhere except Antarctica.” Harry never took his eyes off the crown. “I knew.”

“Why do you love me so much?”

“You’re perfect.” And Harry finally took his eyes off the small flowers. “Honestly, I don’t wanna be with anyone but you.”

“I’m not the best thing ever, Curly.”

“You are honestly the best thing ever, Chip.” Harry went right back to weaving. “The bluest eyes, most beautiful body, softest voice. –Perfection at its best.”

“Keep saying those things and I’m gunna fall in love.”

“I’ll keep saying them even if you don’t.” Louis watched Harry weave. His fingers were big, so it was hard and, every once in a while, a bee would come for the honey in the flower.

“Are we going for this? I’m already meeting your mom.”

“I’m waiting for you, baby. Whenever you’re ready, you know I’m going to be here.”

“What if I take two years?”

“I’ll be done with school and I’ll be rich.” Harry winked at him, “Jeffery can suck my dick too.”

“Idiot.” Louis smiled, looking around. “It’s so beautiful.” He felt something on his head.

Harry smiled brightly at his work. “It is so beautiful.”

Louis blushed a deep tint, “Stop staring at me.”

“Please let me.”

“Ugh! You’re going to make me vomit!”

“Please don’t.” Harry laughed, “I did pretty well. Just had to watch like five tutorials.”

“You need a crown too. Your stupid long hair would look good in it.”

“I think I should trim it.”

“Don’t.” Louis played with Harry’s loose strands. “I like your stupid hair, it suits its idiot.”

Harry tickled Louis to the ground. “At least I don’t eat salt and vinegar chips.”

“They taste amazing!”

“Meh!”

Louis’ mouth formed an ‘o’. “Don’t use my word!”

“I thought you were a teacher, ‘meh’ isn’t a word.”

“You clearly aren’t one!” Louis laughed as his sides experienced mistreatment. “It is an interjection!”

“I didn’t ask for a definition.”

Louis stuck out his tongue, “well you got one anyway, Curly. Deal!”

Harry brought his lips against Louis’. “I don’t wanna deal. I don’t ever wanna deal.”

-

“Oh! You look lovely, Louis!”

“Thank you.” Louis touched his head. The crown had taken Harry thirty minutes to make. “Harry did a good job.”

She sat beside him in the dirt, “are you planting?”

“Yeah.” Louis held up the tiny seeds in his hands. “It’s just normal flowers.”

“What is a normal flower?” She smiled warmly, “I’ve never heard of one.”

“Well, I guess they’re just common.”

“Hm, well you will love them more than any other.”

“Um, I don’t know. I like the roses and daises a lot.”

“Yeah, but you’re going to plant these. That’s what makes them uncommon.”

“Hm.” Louis sprinkled them in the ground. “Where’s Harry?”

“On the phone.” She sprinkled a little bit of dirt over the seeds. “You don’t ever want to put them too deep. They’re going to be babies. They aren’t strong enough to come so far out of the ground.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Anne looked around, “Amethyst came here often. On her days off, sometimes with Harry.” Anne patted the ground. “She planted the lavender.”

Louis nodded, “it’s beautiful.”

“Yeah, it is.” Anne took off her gloves, “it died like forty times.”

“Forty?”

“Yep, but she kept planting the damn things.” Anne giggled, “she gave up and they would just take from the lavender plant I kept inside.”

“How’d it grow then?”

“Um, Harry came by one day and told me that he wanted to plant it. I said sure and it grew.”

“Sounds like a fairy tale. –Harry and the beanstalk.”

“He said that this boy hated the smell.” She laid out her legs, “and he wanted him to love it, I assume that was you. –One day he came by and the freaking things were over growing.” Anne rested her head on Louis’ shoulder. “I believe plants need four things to survive; soil, water, sun, and love.”

-

“I don’t even know what to say to you. It’s been so long.”

“I’m calling you for one reason; stop calling Louis and stop calling my mother.”

“I know.” Her voice was so flat. “I don’t feel bad anymore. I did what I did, and I shouldn’t feel bad anymore. –Neither should you.” She made some noise. “Because we were in love and we shouldn’t feel bad for it.”

“Am, I fucked up and I don’t want it staying with me. I am trying to gain Louis’ trust and I can’t with you still around, being a constant reminder of what I did wrong.”

“I know. When you get the time… forgive yourself. Louis isn’t the only sad one. Feel better, Harry.”

“Even now,” He laid his head against the tiled bathroom wall. “You haven’t changed. You’re so kind and –Jesus.”

“You guys are at the farm.”

“We are.”

“Did you show him the rose bush?”

“He likes daises.”

She chuckled, “I’m sure.”

“I made him a crown.” Harry smiled, “he looks beautiful.”

“Do they complement his eyes?”

“Like the damn moon against the sky.”

Chapter Text

“I don’t see why I need to come grocery shopping with you.” Louis ate one of his many free samples from inside the shopping cart.

“You have nonstop asked to come with me everywhere for the last week, Louis.” Harry read the date on a bag of bread. “Why are you even bugging? You got your free samples; you’re happy.”

“Hmph, I won’t deny that I am.” Louis had a large assortment of free samples from every small cart they saw. He picked up a small ball that looked somewhat like granola. “Yuck.”

“Give it here.” Harry held out his hand while sticking the bread in his cart. “I don’t want you throwing it like you did with the fruit.”

“That fruit was gross.”

“It was dragon fruit.”

“It looked gross too, I should have known.”

“You’re so picky, it’s frustrating.” Harry continued his journey. “I still don’t understand how you aren’t embarrassed to be sitting in there. You are a teacher, what if your students see you?”

“Then they’ll probably be jealous.” Louis nibbled on a piece of bread before stuffing it in his mouth. “Because I have a cool ass adult that drives me around.”

Harry laughed, tossing the granola in his mouth. “Lord. -Hm, that’s pretty good.” He peeked into the cart, “what else do you got in there?”

“No!” Louis covered his tiny cups samples. “Mine.”

“You’re so greedy.”

“Am not.” Louis lifted one of the cups. “Here!”

“Thank you.” Harry handed the empty plastic back. “It’s like a cookie.”

“You’re welcome.” Louis pouted as he saw that his assortment was shrinking, and they had more errands to run before being able to get lunch. “Harry let’s go around once more. I’m running out of samples.”

“Are you crazy?” Harry stopped at the meat section. “Louis, you made me go around the whole store already? We’ve been here for thirty minutes and I’ve just started shopping.”

“Yeah, but now I know which ones I like so it won’t take as long.” Louis snapped his thumb up and grinned. “Come on.”

“No, get the hell out.” Harry walked around the cart to help Louis out. “If you want samples, get them yourself.”

“That’s so rude.” Louis, with much difficulty, removed himself with Harry’s help. He quickly reached into the cart, grabbing his last four samples. “Rude, rude, rude.”

“That’s lovely –if you aren’t busy, do me a favor, and go pick out some cereal.”

“Boring cereal or not-boring cereal?”

Harry sighed, “Boring cereal, Louis.”

“God dammit.”

-

“I’m gunna starve.” Louis stared at his last sample. He hadn’t realized that he got two granola's rather than one. His mind told him to toss it across the store, but his heart told him to do the same damn thing. He didn’t though because his hand told him that if he threw it, Harry was not going to be happy. So, he ate it.

It seemed too good to be true sometimes.

Harry was literally perfect, and Louis was hopelessly in love with perfect. If he wasn’t laughing, he was crying, and if he wasn’t crying he was just emotional, but it felt normal again. Normal tears, and normal emotions. Harry understood him, helped Louis understand himself. Louis didn’t feel crazy anymore -didn’t feel paranoid -didn’t need Harry’s phone to feel like they were okay.

They became one another’s emotional support, mental as well. Everything felt okay again. Better than before and better than ever.

Harry sometimes let Louis drive them around. They went to his mom’s house every Sunday (and made sure to eat before going).

It was becoming an oddly comfortable routine.

Louis did everything he could for Harry. He didn’t fight about what Harry asked him to do, which wasn’t much. Take out the garbage, stop leaving his shoes on the chair; wash the dishes –‘wear shoes, Louis’. Louis found himself staying over Harry’s for days at a time. Liam didn’t seem bothered by it too much, not very surprised either. Liam wasn’t bothered because Louis was finally paying rent with his pay checks.

“Cereal, cereal, cereal.” Louis loved cereal. He swore that in another life he was a cereal enthusiast or something. “Boring cereal, where are you?”

Louis peeked down the aisle finally finding the section that hid from him. He shook his head; with the time it took to find this he could have went around to get some free stuff. Harry said he needed to grow up and take things more seriously, and that was the only reason Louis did not take from the two free sample carts he saw while walking over to the damn aisle.

“I have found you.”

-

Louis wasn’t going to lie, he felt his phone buzzing, but he paid it no mind. He understood the concept of why they put children cereal at the bottom and ‘adults’ cereal at the top, it made sense. Kids can reach the bottom, got it. But what they really needed to think about were short adults. Short adults who have boyfriends that ask them to grab boring ass ‘valley grain cereal’ that’s so special’ it’s in a bag, not a box.

They needed to think about people like Louis.

The top shelf was a fucking understatement. The cereal was above the top shelf. Louis could see it, it was right there. He tried everything a normal person would do. Nothing. Wait for some tall person to come by. Clearly no one wanted cereal today.

He ran and jumped, normal.

He waited again, this time sitting; hoping a worker would come by –no one did.

He ran and jumped again, got tired so he sat –again.

Louis came to his last idea. Climb the damn thing, and he did. He got up on the ground step then on the second, hearing a small crack but that wasn’t going to stop him.

He used one hand to hold onto the metal and the other to stretch his finger and try to knock it over. His efforts were not in vain because he knocked over quite a few small boxes at the top, but Louis was going for gold. With his stomach ready to engulf itself and Harry’s nonstop calling to his cellphone, Louis had enough. This cereal was his.

“Louis!”

“What!” It happened fast, and it was loud. Louis was on the floor and so were some familiar cereal boxes he had gotten to know. A whole entire row of cereal boxes. And, in that moment, he was no longer alone. Harry was there, a very tall women had come running, and a worker –all at the same time.

Louis would have cared more if he wouldn’t have looked up and saw the cereal bag. The cereal bad he had tried for was staring down at him, intact.

-

“Did you not count how many fucking boxes of cereal we had to pick up?”

Louis made figure 8’s with his fingers on the counter. “Twenty?”

“Fifty-four!”

“Psh. It wasn’t that much.”

“It was fifty-four, Louis!”

“I’m sorry!” Louis groaned, “I was just trying to get the cereal -like you told me to.”

“Babe.” Harry slammed the refrigerator door shut. “Do you realize what could have happened?”

“The boxes could have broken… and we would have had to pay for them.”

“No!” Harry approached his pouting boyfriend. “Baby, that fucking aisle could have fell you! Do you realize that?” He grabbed Louis’ face, “babe, what happened the first time we met?”

“Um,” Louis wanted to cry. “I –I got some Doritos stuck in the machine.”

“And how’d you get them out?”

“With your help.”

“Exactly. I am always here to help you but if I don’t know you need it then I can’t. Please, I am here.” Harry kissed him, “I need to know that you know that I am always here to help you, Louis.”

“I know.”

“Even with something so small as cereal. If you can’t then that’s okay, baby. I won’t make you feel bad because you can’t.”

“You’re going to make me cry, Harry.”

“I was gunna cry.” Harry rubbed his nose against Louis’. “When I saw you, I panicked. I shouldn’t have screamed. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t ever do some stupid shit like that again.”

“I won’t…” Louis rubbed his eyes. “I don’t wanna do any more errands.”

“Well, I have to, but you can stay home.”

“Okay.” Louis slid off his chair, “I’m going to sleep.”

Harry smiled at him, “hey.”

“Hm?”

“Believe it or not, I looked at your butt when we were at the vending machine.”

Louis’ face slowly pulled up into a grin. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

Louis rolled his eyes, “I like you a lot.”

“I like you a lot too.”

Louis chewed on his lip, “I heard you this morning, by the way.”

Harry looked like he saw a ghost. “You heard me?”

“I heard you.” Louis tried not to smile but he did. “Thank you.”

“Louis-”

“Thank you, my Curly bun man.” Louis stretched on his way to the room. “She told me anyway.”

“Louis!”

“Relax, relax.” He turned around, “I overheard you talking to Liam about it anyway. If I had my nickel, it’d be easier to say yes or no.”

Harry covered his grin. “You don’t have to say either, I’m not rushing you.”

“I know. It’s a yes though.”

-

“Does he know you’re talking to me?”

“No, but I’m going to tell him. I just haven’t really thought about it.”

“Hm.”

“I need to ask you something.”

“Ask.”

“…How do I ask him to move in with me?”

She laughed, “Just ask. He’ll say yes.”

“What if he doesn’t?”

“He will. Don’t let it be like us, Harry. Ask him, make it happen.”

Chapter Text

Louis didn’t understand why he was angry.

“Louis!”

It really wasn’t that bad.

“You broke a hole in the wall!”

Louis shrugged meekly. Yes, he had, but Harry was getting a little too angry. It really wasn’t that bad.

“There is a gaping hole in my wall! I can see your room!”

Eh.

“Speak!”

Louis sat, leg crossed over the other. He had his palms clasped together with a thoughtful look on his face. “I think –” He sucked on his teeth. “It’s not that bad.”

“What!” Harry was clearly enraged. “Not that bad! Are you fucking kidding me?” He walked up to the hole and stuck his arm through it. “There is a goddamn hole the size of my arm in the wall! What are you talking about?” He picked up an apple out of the fruit bowl and threw it through the hole. “Look! Look! If you go to your room, there will be an apple!”

Louis nodded briefly. “I understand.” He looked down at his lap, “I just –I don’t think it’s that bad.”

“Get out, and don’t come back.”

“Come now, Harry.” Louis patted his thighs. “It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine!” Harry’s eyes flicked back and forth from Louis to the hole and back to Louis. “It’s huge!”

“It’s a speck on the wall.”

“Listen to me.” Harry bent down. “I am never, ever drinking with you again.”

Louis wiped his mouth, “I’ll just drink with Liam.”

“No, you won’t; with anyone –ever. You are insane. You broke a fucking hole in my wall and I still –I still don’t know how!”

“I don’t remember.”

“You’d not remember –ha.” Harry was livid. “That’s great, so which one of us is going to tell the landlord that there’s a hole in the wall? Which one of us is going to pay for the damage to the said hole?”

“Mmm.” Louis moaned. “I like when you say hole.”

“Louis, get out.”

“Do you hate me?”

“I hate you.”

Louis grinned, “I love you so much.”

“You put a hole in my wall, Louis.”

“Well,” Louis wobbled, standing up. “Now we can always see each other.” Harry caught him before he fell although he should have just let him fall. “Come to bed… I’ll show you a real hole.”

-

“Holy shit!”

Liam stared at Louis through his bedroom wall. “What is this?”

“I put a hole in the wall!” Louis covered his mouth. “You think Harry’s gunna notice?”

“Oh God.” Liam put his hand through. “I don’t know, maybe you can cover it up.”

“Really?”

“You are a fucking idiot. How did you manage to do this?”

“Maybe it wasn’t me?” Louis smiled, “maybe it was him and I’m just assuming it was me? Eh –eh, Liam?”

“I am hundred percent sure this was you.” Liam shook his head. “Jesus.”

“I don’t think he’ll notice, honestly.” Louis smiled. “It’s not that bad.”

-

“Harry won’t talk to me, Liam.” He sniffled, “He says he’s mad about the wall.”

“Oh, really now? I don’t see why he’d be angry.”

“Me either.” Louis played with his fingers. “Amethyst told me he answered her call and he won’t answer mine. He told her everything and she said that Harry would get over it.” He pouted at his wiggling toes, “I don’t even know what he needs to get over, there’s no proof it was me.”

“You idiot. Your leg is all banged up.” Liam sighed, “he’ll talk to you eventually.”

Louis trudged over to his bedroom where the hole took up most of his room. He slumped next to it before knocking on the wall.

“Are you fucking serious?”

Louis cautiously poked his head inside, staring at Harry. “Hey.”

“Louis, why do you even –ugh. I can’t.” Harry got to back to his book. Louis knocked again.

“Hello?”

“Louis!”

“But don’t be so angry at me!” Louis stuck his head through the hole. “I don’t even know how it happened!”

“Easy, you kicked a hole in my wall!”

“Stop screaming at me, Harry.” Louis sat back down, putting one hand through the wall. “Read and hold my hand since you don’t want to see me.”

Louis heard a heavy sigh before he heard shuffling. His hand was grabbed with tender touches and he wished he could see Harry, but he knew Harry didn’t want to see him right now; so this was more than enough.

“Are we still going to your mom’s house tomorrow?”

Harry held Louis’ hand tighter, “we’ve gone every Sunday, Louis, obviously we are.”

“I thought you wouldn’t want to take me anymore.”

Louis heard a page flip. “You look too beautiful when you garden.” Harry cleared his throat. “I’m not going to deny nature the opportunity for you to love it.”

Louis wanted to look at him. “Thank you, my Harry.”

“And we have to get more lavender anyway. My mom wants to give us some pillows she sowed too.”

The teacher smiled softly before humming with his head pressed to the wall. “What’s your favorite color, Harry?”

“You know my favorite color.”

Louis smiled, “blue. It was purple, now it’s blue.” He played with a ripped string on his jeans. “Why is it blue?”

“You know why.”

“Because blue is the color of the sky, and the ocean, and it’s eye catching.” Louis bit his lip, peeking onto Harry’s side. “And because it’s the same color as my eyes.” Harry was staring right at him, linking Louis’ eyes and his. “You mean a lot to me.”

Harry rolled his eyes.

“I love you more than I have loved anyone.” Louis squeezed Harry’s fingers, “do you remember when we first met?”

“Obviously, Louis.”

“I know how we first met.” Louis snuggled against the cold wall. “Everyone knows how we first met but I want you to tell me how we first met.”

“No.”

“Please, my Harry.” Louis’ voice was small. “Please.”

Harry closed his book, cuddling up against the wall that brought them so close but kept them so far.

“It was Monday and I wanted Doritos…”

-*-

“Are you kidding me?” Harry groaned, walking away from the third machine without Doritos. He huffed, picking up his phone. “Hey baby.”

“Haz.” Amethyst yawned, “Good morning.”

“Morning, beautiful. How’d you sleep?”

“Lovely. How’s your day been?”

“Awful, honestly. I have gone to three vending machines looking for Doritos and literally none have them.” Harry huffed, “I’m walking all the way to Building 1 just to find some chips.”

She laughed, “Babe, just get a different bag of chips.”

“When you’re craving something, you are craving it. I need these chips.” Harry climbed up the stairs. “And when I get them I am going to send you a picture in all my victory.”

“But, if you don’t, that’s okay too.”

“Oh, I will.”

“But if you don’t-”

“That will be okay too?” Harry raised an eyebrow at a short man who seemed to be assaulting the vending machine, but Harry didn’t really care because he could see his chips from here. “Alright, my love. I found them.”

“Good for you, darling. I love you, I’m going to have something to eat.”

“Eat well, Am. I love you.” Harry hung up the phone with a smile. She was so good to him, always trying to make him better. Harry tapped out a text to a friend before approaching the vending machine.

This was taking way too long.

The man was taking too long, and Harry had class. He didn’t say anything though, Amethyst said he should work on his patience and oh, he was. The guy had been here for at least four minutes screaming and shoving the machine. The only benefit to all this was that the guy had a body like a god. His ass was ridiculously plump, and his hair had to be dyed or something.

Harry knew how to appreciate other genders.

“This is ridiculous!” The man was mumbling to himself. Harry raised an eyebrow as he looked back at him.

Harry crossed his arms while the man whispered vulgarly at the machine. He started knocking his life away on the glass –clearly that didn’t work so he kicked it, again and again until Harry couldn’t take it.

“Come on! I hate you!”

“Um, excuse me?” Harry touched the man’s shoulder.

The man reminded him of Sméagol from Lord of the Rings. “May I help you?”

“I need to get to class.” Why did he get all the fucking idiots? “I’ve been waiting like ten minutes.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” The man had the audacity to shrug at him. “I’ve been waiting almost ten minutes too.” He slammed his hand against the side of the machine, almost making Harry reach out for him. Oh my God, this guy was on fucking drugs.

“And guess what, curly top?” Curly top? “You will wait another ten minutes if it takes that long –to get my fucking chips!” He spun around, shaking the machine. “I don’t care how long you wait! There are four other fucking vending machines on this goddamn floor! I am hungry and tired!”

He couldn’t even understand what the man was babbling about, and he really didn’t care but the guy was amusing. Harry could have cried if he didn’t want to laugh so hard. This was the strangest and loudest human being he’d ever met in his life. He did everything to hold back a smile at the convulsing man.

“Do you have something to say?”

“Yeah.” Harry took off his headphones. “You’re insane.” He had to be. Harry studied so many types of insanity and this man had one he’d never heard of.

“If I bother you so much go to another vending machine or be a good citizen and help me out. –Your choice.”

Why? Why? Harry had to call Amethyst after all this because she was going to be so proud of him. He hadn’t hit the guy once.

“Can I please just get what I want?”

“You’re not getting anything from this vending machine. Not unless you help me.”

“Oh my God.” Harry groaned, walking to the side of the large metal machine. “I knew I shouldn’t have transferred here.” And he did. Because if he would have just moved in with Amethyst he wouldn’t have had to go here and why was Harry’s life one mistake after the other.

The man pretended to vomit making Harry grimace. “No one is around to care. Can you help me or not?” Oh, this man was very lucky he meditated this morning.

“Shake that side and I’ll shake this side.”

“What if it falls on me?”

“Then I get to buy what I want and go to class.” Harry began rocking the vending machine, but it was so damn heavy, as if the other party wasn’t doing their damn job. Harry peeked over at the man. “You aren’t doing anything.”

“Oh, we rock now?”

Deep breath, deep breath.

“Yes.”

“Oh, were you moving it?”

Harry cut his eyes at the short toddler looking man. “Yes.”

The guy shrugged, “didn’t feel like you were doing much.” Harry pressed his face against the machine and laughed to himself. What events in Harry’s life brought him to this moment in time?

The man looked over at him. “You know, I think this was a bad idea.” Harry didn’t want to agree but he did.

“Oh my God.” Harry hit his head against the machine. “Did it move?” It had to have moved, even a little?

“I don’t know.” The guy investigated the glass. “Nope. Again.”

So, Harry hit it again. “Did it move?”

“Yes! –”

Yes!

“No wait. No.” The guy stared at him. “Sorry, didn’t move.”

Harry looked up, praying. Someone help him but, of course, everyone was in class where they belonged while Harry was indulging in this idiots’ antics, bringing out his own stupidity.

“Ugh.” He shoved the man away. “What is it?” Oh. Oh. Oh. Of course. “The Doritos?”

“Yeah.” The guy bent down and pointed at the bag. “It’s the last one.”

Harry laughed, he had to. Of course, the only thing he wanted would be the thing that’s stuck. “That’s what I was coming to get.”

“Hm? Seriously?”

“There are none in the other machines. I guess we can share it.” Harry sighed and reached into his pocket for his only bit of cash. He stared down at the guy. “What number is it?” The guy looked back up at him and Harry finally got a decent view of his features. He had a body to match his face.

“F 13.”

The guy was handsome and didn’t look insane, but no insane people really looked insane. Harry pressed on the buttons thoughtfully but paused. “Wait, did you say F 15?”

“No!” Fuck. Harry was distracted. He closed his eyes as the protein bar fell with the loudest thump in the world. “Why would you do that? We could have shared it!” The man’s scream actually made his heart twinge a little.

“I thought you said F 15! You like –like mumbled!” The guy hadn’t mumbled, Harry had just been rolling over thoughts in his head.

“I said F 13! F 13!” He grabbed the bar with a large frown. Harry almost felt bad –eh, he felt bad. “This is gross!”

“Dammit.” Harry kicked the machine. “Stupid bag.”

The guy held up the protein bar. “Bye. Thanks for trying to help.”

“I’m sorry, man.” Harry was sorry. He wanted to hug the frail man. He looked so upset. “You’re welcome.” Harry reached out to pat his shoulder.

“It was sarcasm! Go away!”

And, with that, Harry was done for the day –for the week.

“Asshole.” Harry tossed the bar at the back of the man’s head before walking away. After all that.

Harry understood why he was mad, but really? Harry swore to never do this again. He wasn’t going to help anyone. Not to pay for something, not to study, not when they’re hungry, not even to help them out of a fucking tree! Harry was just not going to do it.

“Oh! So mature!” Harry heard the protein bar completely miss him and it took everything in his body not to pick it up and chuck it back. He simply put on his head phones, stress free.

“Your bun looks like shit!”

Harry chuckled to himself, lifting two middle fingers high. What a dick. He laughed all the way down the stairs. The man was screaming about something and Harry didn’t care what. All Harry knew was that he was late for class and that he was never –ever going to see that man again.