Given A Chance (1D Version)

8.

May seventeenth. May seventeenth was one of the worst days of the year for Louis, only followed by the twenty-fifth of May and then maybe his own birthday. He always felt an inner turmoil and the entirety of the day was emotionally tiring and upsetting. On the very outside, he kept a calm demeanour but on the inside, he felt like crying his eyes out, which he couldn't do. He had to cook.

Because Maria and Paul were wonderful people, he had this day off each year. This year, Zayn and Liam weren't home though and he was left alone with his thoughts and memories while he was simply trying to cook a decent meal for his girls later but he kept messing up because he couldn't concentrate on anything.

So, when the doorbell rang out of nowhere he almost got a bloody heart attack. Abandoning the crippled remains of food, Louis went over to the door and opened it. "Harry? What's up?".

"I hope I'm not interrupting you but I've wanted to invite all of you to our barbecue party on Spring Break. I thought we could all celebrate together" Harry told him why he was at his door.

"Um ... sure. That'd be great. Thanks for thinking of us, Haz. It's definitely been a while since I've properly celebrated Spring Break" Louis' voice cracked towards the end of his sentence because he couldn't stop his mind from going back down memory lane.

"Lou? Is everything alright? You look a bit pale" Harry frowned when he looked Louis up and down. "Is something wrong?".

He didn't know what did the trick but something about the way Harry had worded his questions and voiced his genuine concern made Louis crack. His eyes welled up with unshed tears and he felt himself starting to tremble with too many emotions. Immediately, Harry was inside his apartment, closing the door and reaching out for him hesitantly. Louis was grateful for his presence.

"It's alright, Lou. Everything's gonna be alright. You'll be alright" Harry rested his hands gently on Louis' upper arms.

This touch broke the dam and the tears were falling down freely, completely out of control. Instantly, Harry pulled him into his arms for comfort and support, which only made Louis cry harder. Somehow, they managed to stumble over to the couch though.

"I'm here, Lou. Let it all out. I won't go anywhere".

And for a solid five minutes, Louis kept crying his heart out without explaining himself to Harry, who just held him close without any questions coming from him. When he felt like he was out of tears for now, he untangled himself from Harry and pulled his legs up on the couch and into his chest for something to hold onto that was not the beautiful man sitting on his couch, not leaving him today.

"I'm sorry about that. I think I ruined your shirt" Louis wiped his nose with his sleeve, not meeting Harry's eyes. "Normally, I'm not this emotional at such random times. I swear".

"It's okay, Lou. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Crying is totally normal and ...".

"I know, Haz" Louis interrupted him with a smile. "I'm not one of those guys, who acts like crying isn't manly. I'm a crier, in a way, but usually only in private. With friends or family. And not at my doorstep out of nowhere, for no reason".

"I'm positive there was a good reason for this. You don't look good, Lou" Harry's eyes grew comically huge. "Oh God, that's not what I meant. You always look good. I only meant, you look tired and sad and a bit pale, but still beautiful anyway".

Feeling himself starting to blush stupidly, Louis smiled to himself. That has been an unexpected compliment but he wasn't one to complain about flattery. Not today. "Thanks. I get it".

"Good" Harry breathed out in relief. "So, what's going on, Lou? If it's too personal, you don't have to tell me".

"You deserve an answer for your immediate comfort though, Haz. And we're friends, right? Why should I keep personal things from you?" Louis dared to catch Harry's eye for a second. His eyes were so darn beautiful and mesmerizing. They seemed endless.