My Because || A Larry AU Story

7- Not So Quiet After All

Surprisingly, I manage to finish a rough draft of my essay, as well as completing a couple of other smaller assignments. With Louis next to me it was a struggle, but there were a couple of times where he stepped outside for a while to smoke, allowing me to have a breather and get myself together.

It's mid afternoon by the time we both decide we're finished and as we pack up our things, I find myself desperately trying to think of something to say yet again. Thankfully, Louis breaks the silence.

'Me and a couple mates are goin' out for a drink tonight if you fancy it?'

Oh god. The way I'm feeling right now, he may as well have asked me to go out with just him. I probably shouldn't go out drinking again, but how could I pass up this opportunity? The fact he even wants me to come is a big deal to me.

'Sure, why not?' I eventually reply, with a small shrug. 'Just as long as I can bring Niall. Don't wanna be awkwardly tagging along.'

'Is Niall the blonde lad who you came to the society with?' Louis asks. I nod. 'It won't be awkward anyway, me mates are proper nice, you'll fit in well! But yeah go on, bring 'im, the more the merrier!'

I almost want to believe that it's a good sign that he already wants to do something with me outside of university, but I can't escape that deep-rooted fear of being hurt. I remind myself to not get my hopes up too much, and to just enjoy tonight for what it is.

'What time should we meet you all and where?' I ask.

'Meet us down the bus station in town centre, around eight should be good,' Louis answers. 'We would meet ya both here somewhere but we don't live on campus anymore.'

'Alright, sounds good,' I smile. 'See you there.'

x

'Niall, we're going out tonight,' I simply state, while he's stood in the kitchen, halfway through eating a sandwich.

'Huh?' he asks, looking confused with his mouth full. 'What'd you mean?'

'Louis invited me out with him and his mates,' I begin, a smile forming as I say his name. 'And I said I'd be bringing you along. I don't know them, so I'd feel better having you there.'

'Wait, when did you see Louis?' Niall asks me, after finally swallowing his food. 'Something you're not telling me?'

He gives me a knowing look, and a smirk starts to spread across his face. I shake my head at him.

'No, nothing like that, don't give me that look!' I tell him. 'I just ran into him at the library, is all.'

'Whatever you say,' Niall laughs. 'What time are we going?'

'We're meeting at eight, so be ready to leave around half seven.'

x

After having some food, I go upstairs to take a shower before getting myself ready for the night. I opt for a heart print shirt and black skinny jeans, trying to style my hair as much as possible, but it still does not want to behave today. I don't want to use a bandana tonight, because knowing me, I'd end up losing it somehow.

'Fucks sake,' I mutter at the one curl that keeps falling onto my forehead, no matter how much I try to stop it. 'This will have to do.'

I leave my room, and head downstairs, setting off with Niall to the bus stop. It's at this point that the nerves start to kick in about how this night might go. Drunk me has no filter, so I feel extra worried about how I'll act around Louis tonight or if I'll end up saying or attempting anything stupid.

'Niall, please make sure I don't make a fool of myself tonight,' I plead. 'Physically pull me away from Louis if you have to. I don't wanna mess anything up this soon.'