Just One Little Favour

Three

Louis got an earful from Lottie, resulting in Joey crying at them both to stop.

You're meant to love each other! he told them, cheeks turning red, tears in his eyes. I hate when you yell at each other. He rubbed a sweater paw fist across his damp eyes.

It stopped them, for a while anyway.

The pizza went down well. Louis peeled pineapple from Joe's pizza, tossing it onto the boy's cheek and down his grey cardigan.

He honest to God, cannot understand, how the fuck people enjoy eating a fruit on top of a pizza.

It's like having kiwi in a spaghetti dish, it just won't work.

He felt lonely when the pair left to go home. Left him alone in this massive house, with its six unnecessary bedrooms, pool, tennis court that he's never dared play on before, and gym out the back. Which also he has no point on having. The pool is the only thing he uses.

He should really get a dog or something, because the white noise gets too eery. Especially when Grace has finished and gone home to her own little family, consisting of her partner and two cats.

He drowns out the silence with music on full blast, dancing along the kitchen in just his socked feet and oversized top.

He gets a message pop through from Lottie, apologising for shouting at him earlier and that she loves him. He replies with a thumbs-up, a I love you, sis, being sent with it.

And then the message comes through.

Of course, of course she only apologises when she wants something.

Not a twin sister: can Joey stay round yours tomorrow until Monday? Gucci has gone through with the acceptance. I'm needed in Paris for a shoot.

Louis rolls his eyes, sighing. Well, he can, it'll give him something to do to fill this void.

Me: sure. He can come now if it'll be any easier for you.

Not a twin sister: omg, thanks so much. I'll see you in a few then x

He goes up into the room reserved for Joey. The deep blues of the walls glowing with the moon striping through the window, spotlighting the posters of fluffy adorable cats. He brings out the cream teddy bear, popping it onto the double bed, giving it a pat on the head.

He goes back downstairs, flipping the red chrome kettle on, grabbing his rainbow mug and the small mug with the cartoon toad onto the marble counter. He dumps a few heaps of hot chocolate powder inside each, adding a splash of milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

The house alarm comes to life, giving Louis a heads up that someone has entered the premises. The door's unlocked so he won't need to go answer it.

Pitter patter of feet runs behind him, arms thrown around his waist.

"Meow! I'm having a sleepover with you!" Joseph squeals.

Louis bends down, picking him up and popping him onto the counter, noticing Joe is already in his Toy Story pjs. Lottie only comes in to chuck Joe's shoes in the hallway and dump his night bag on the kitchen island, giving Joe and Louis a kiss on the cheek goodbye.

"You be good for Meow, now, Joe!" She calls from the door, waving and shutting it behind her.

Joey nods, looking at Louis, then to the cups beside them. Louis pours the now boiled water into the cups, stirring them, spoon tinkling on the side of the china.