Some things change. | l.s.

25

Today was Louis' first day back at work and because Niall knew him so well and knew he was terribly nervous he suggested to meet up in the cafe one block from the company and going to work together.

"How are you feeling?" Niall asked once they both got their coffees and exited the cafe.

"I don't know." Louis sighed, knowing there was no point in lying to his best friend anyway. "There are so many things that are going through my head and I don't know what to expect when I get up there now." He muttered and glanced up the building a few feet in front of them where their office was located.

"Do you mean because of Harry?" Niall wondered. Of course Louis told him about last Friday, the conversation and the kiss. He wasn't happy about it, but he always supported Louis just like this time- he was glad he stood his ground and put himself first for once though.

"No, yes...I don't know. It's everything. What if I won't be able to stand the pressure?" Louis asked worried.

"Lou." Niall turned around so he stood in front of him and looked at him pointedly. "If anyone will manage, then it's you. You proved that more than once already and I just know now won't be any different. Don't be so hard on yourself and try to take it easy. David did a good job of representing you and I'm sure he won't leave you with a stack of paperwork and no clue what is going on. As for the rest don't let it get to you. I'm sure Harry got the hint and leaves you alone now and if not I'm gonna kick his ass. Don't worry so much, you're doing so great these past few weeks."

"Am I?" Louis asked doubtfully.

"Yes you are." Niall huffed and grabbed his arm, pushing him to get him to continue walking. "I hate when you're always putting yourself down."

"I know, sorry." Louis muttered.

"Yeah, whatever." Niall said with an eye roll. "Now straighten up and put that charming smile on your face. You're not looking like a badass CEO at the moment."

Louis chuckled at that with a shake of his head and they stepped into the elevator when they entered the building, letting Niall sort out his cream coloured suit as he picked on the jacket to flatten it and readjusted it so it was in its right place and the closed button was centric.

"I like that colour on you. You should wear something like that more often instead of those dark ones." Niall mentioned as he pulled on Louis' tie almost making him choke and he glared at him.

"The hell is going on with you?" He grumbled.

"I'm just giving you a confidence boost." Niall shrugged and continued with his hair pulling on the strands to loosen up his quiff. "Look at that. So fluffy yet cool, amazing. Fits your beard. I like that it's longer now." He babbled as he poked his cheek.

"Stop it." Louis hissed and swatted his hand away just as the elevator doors opened and he turned around to face what he dreaded- work.

"Don't forget to smile." Niall grinned and stepped out, greeting Naomi first whose face immediately lit up when she saw Louis.

"Louis! You're back, finally!" She said enthusiastically. Since she witnessed the phone call between Louis and Mallory, her and Niall's panicked reactions and how they left without any explanation Niall told her everything after Louis gave him permission, so she knew where he actually was the last seven weeks instead of everyone else here who thought he was on vacation.

"I'm happy to be back, thank you." Louis smiled.

"I'm not sure if you still think like that after your talk with Mr. Evans." Naomi smiled sympathetically and Louis sighed deeply. "He's in your office."