The Worst Intentions (Larry)

14. Life's a Mess (pt. 1)

As expected, Matthew was lounging on Louis' bed, browsing mindlessly through his phone. He didn't bother looking up when he heard the window opening, but he did sneak a peak or five when a naked Louis, followed by a naked Harry, made their way inside.

"Lovely weather we're having, isn't it?" he commented, locking his phone then slipping it into his pocket.

"Why are you in my bloody bed, dude?" Louis retorted as him and Harry disappeared into the massive closet.

"Waiting on the lovebirds, of course," Matthew smiled, eyeing the closet door. A moment later the two shuffled back out, fully clothed despite still looking a right mess.

"But why on my bed? There's perfectly good furniture downstairs in the living room and the sitting room," Louis huffed. "You don't just violate a man's sanctuary like that!"

Matthew stood up, completely unfazed. "Dully noted, my friend. Now," he clapped his hands, "time for a walk!" He stepped over to the window, motioning to it. "Shall we use the front door? Or do you prefer this method instead?"

Louis grit his teeth while Harry felt his cheeks warming. "Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for all of your help, but I still won't hesitate to fight you."

"Maybe later." Matthew opened the window back up and perched himself on the window pane. "For now, we walk and talk." With that he jumped, calling for the two to get a move on a second later.

"Um, Lou?" Harry mumbled, lowering his voice even more (like it would make a difference) as he said, "I'm kinda scared to go back out there with him." The sound of Matthew's twinkly laugh bounced off the walls and into the room, effectively embarrassing Harry further. Louis merely rolled his eyes.

"Ignore him, he's harmless," the shorter assured, making his way out of the window and beckoning for the other to follow. "Come on, let's get this over with." The laughter got louder after Harry muttered a "doubtful" under his breath, halfway out the window. Spooky.

"What a mess you two made," Matthew remarked as they walked further into the woods, Louis and Harry trailing shortly behind with their hands intertwined.

Harry cleared his throat, eyes lowering to the ground and beyond embarrassed at this point while Louis scoffed. "I really doubt that's what you wanted to walk and talk about, Matty boy. Get on with it." Matthew abruptly stopped, turning to face them with his ever-present smirk.

"Let's, Lou boy." He took a few steps closer to the pair, eyes darting from one to the other repeatedly, then did a curtsy of sorts. "First, I'm glad to see you and your family alive." His penetrating stare dropped, eyes glazing over as he continued. "Though the same can't be said for my family, unfortunately..." Louis grimaced, genuinely sympathizing with the elder, but as he opened his mouth to say something along the lines of 'sorry your brother went bat-shit crazy and we had to kill all of them as a result but hey I'm glad you're still here' Matthew lifted his hand with his palm up, stopping him. "It's a shame, yes, but it had to be done." At the bewildered looks the pair sent him, he elaborated. "Nicholas has always been blinded by his past with Liam, as I've told you before." That last sentence was directed at Louis, who nodded his head in agreement. "Remember that visit from Lewi and Elijah? It was meant to be a warning and nothing more, but Lewi decided to use his power on poor Harry here knowing that Nicholas would be thrilled, and that, unfortunately, is what got the ball rolling faster than it should have."