I Want What You Have - l.s

Chapter 7 - Harry

Harry hears the sound of the steady beat of a drum reverberating from a few blocks down before he even catches a glimpse of Michael's house. His shift at the bakery today had felt longer than usual, probably since it's Friday so most of the customers had been excited kids in for a treat rather than his easy usuals. He also didn't have much homework to do which meant actually having to clean. Still, it hadn't been so bad and ever since he and Louis have started getting along again, Harry's mood has pepped up quite a bit.

Ever since Monday, Louis' pretty much been back to his old self. Maybe a little closed off but it probably just has to do with making team captain (which he has been focused on all week during tryouts after school) or his family or something like that. Usually Louis talks to Harry about that stuff, only Harry about that stuff, --sometimes not even Tessa-- but... whatever, it's okay. He can barely even notice the stinging by now.

Damn. Who knew Louis could have such a big effect on him...

The corners of Harry's mouth turn up when he reaches Michael's house and catches his friends goofing off in the garage. Michael's Dad soundproofed it a few years back and now it's 5SOS's main practice space. They go at least three times a week (tends to be more like everyday) and usually just keep their instruments there.

"Sounds good!" Harry yells over the wailing coming from Luke and Michael's guitars combined with the deafening crash of Ashton's drums.

"HELLOOO???" Harry tries to get their attention but they're too focused on playing and the sound is too great for them to even notice Harry's arrival.

Harry rolls his eyes and goes over towards where his keyboard is set up. On the way he waves his hands in front of Michael's face, finally causing him to look up and stop playing.

"Oh hey Harry. When'd you get here?"

"Nice of you to notice." Ashton's eyes shift back and forth between the boys while Michael and Luke look down slightly embarrassed. "Nah, it's all good I just got here. That sounded amazing by the way. Who wrote it?"

"Ashton did! He's been on a roll lately! Cranked that one out in a week." Luke grins at Ashton. Harry thinks he looks sort of like a proud parent despite Ashton being older and definitely the more parent-like of the two.

"Thanks man. Means a lot." Ashton turns away from Luke, who is still beaming, and back to Harry. "It's not done yet though. I'm still working on the melodies for the verses and I haven't even done the bridge yet." Ashton shakes his head like it's no big deal but Harry's sure he's just being humble.

"You've been working on some new stuff too yeah?" Ashton asks, effectively taking the attention off of him.

Harry nods his head as he starts to fiddle with some random melodies on his keyboard that he's been playing around with. "Yeah, a little. My lyrics need some help though."

"Awwah don't say that! You just need some inspiration is all!" Ashton says reassuringly.

"Inspiration? Who needs inspiration when I'm right here?!" Michael motions to himself and does a little spin to really emphasize his presence.

"You're right Mikey. What am I even doing not using you as my muse?"

"Oh I know! Your lyrics have been seriously suffering, but finally your two brain cells are working together to come to your senses." Michael teases.

Harry scoffs but his smile still manages to poke through his annoyed facade all the same. He shakes his head as he continues to play. "Hey, where's Cal at?"

"He should be here soon. He texted a little bit ago and said that their tryouts are running a little late." Luke explains.

"Gotchu. Well we can at least work on some new stuff while we wait."