Stockholm Syndrome

Chapter 28

(Liam's POV)

I honestly can't believe what I'm seeing right now. Didn't I say no more Emma press? Didn't I pass on management's threat of us losing our job? Is Louis honestly this much of an idiot?

The picture was everywhere. Every social media site, with thousands of likes, comments, shares. There would be no taking it back. And the worst thing was that I had been asleep the entire time, unable to stop it.

"Louis William Tomlinson!" I call out. Louis rushes into the room, putting a hand over my mouth.

"Shut up Liam. They're still asleep and I Don't want to deal with Niall when he wakes up." He warns. I nod and he pulls his hand away.

"Fine, I'll be quiet. But only because I can only deal with me of you at a time." I warn him. He nods.

"Good. So what's up?" He sits down on Nialls bed. Harry is still asleep on the floor, but he was the only one still in the room.

"Louis, what is this?" I turn my phone so he can see the same picture he has posted in a million different places.

He shrugs. "Not Photoshop. Those two are actually asleep in the living room."

I was worried he would say that.

"I don't care how true it is." I tell him, "What kind of image does it give is that Niall is sleeping shirtless on a couch with a girl who supposedly tackled him in stage?"

Louis shrugs. "They'll think management are liars, and that Niall and Emma make an adorable couple, just like us."

I sigh. "Louis, not every thing is that easy. The press is going to have a field day with this."

Louis grins. "I know. That's why I posted it."

I shake my head. "I thought at the very least the threat of the basement would quiet you."

Louis shrugs. "Niall came out of it manic. Maybe they added a smoothie bar."

"Louis this is serious. Management might not be able to take it any more." I really don't know how management is going to react to this. Have my phone off and I'm not about to turn it on and face the wrath of management.

"We bring in a lot of money. They aren't about to fire us over a silly tweet." He argues and I shake my head.

"No they wouldn't. But you and Harry have always been on their last nerves, always testing the limits. This is just gonna be the last straw for them." I argue, my voice raising. Louis gives me a look.

"Me and Harry? Are you saying this is our fault?" His voice raises too.

I let my anger speak for me. "Yes you and Harry! You two are always in trouble! How many times have you two been sent to the basement? Before this week, zayn had been sent there one time and the rest if us had clear records! You two are the ones always breaking the rules!"

Louis scoffs. "At least we can think for ourselves. You and Niall hardly even try to be individual anymore!"

Things like that don't get to me. Louis says stuff like that enough that it doesn't bother me anymore. But the same can't be said for the blonde boy who walks in the room at that moment, the sleep still visible in his eyes. He looks hurt, deeply wounded by Louis words. But he isn't angry like Zayn or I get when Louis does something like that. Nialls face falls, the pure sadness obvious. He turns and storms away, and I hope either Zayn or Emma or Will or Maya can deal with him. I need to finish my conversation with Louis. I turn yo face him, and the look on his face makes it obvious that he feels guilty.

"I didn't mean it. I swear Liam. I didn't mean it." His breaths are shallow. Louis doesn't cry, not unless it has to do with Harry. And even then he is hesitant to break down. I know this isn't going to be an exception. Guilt won't cause Louis any tears.