Escape (Larry Stylinson AU)

Chapter 3

Louis hurried back to the Paris Inn with Zayn after meeting with Harry. He was looking forward to getting to know him better and couldn’t be more excited that he had found a place to live. He and Zayn had swapped numbers before Zayn had to go to his flat to get some much needed sleep on his part after working the night shift and so graciously helping Louis out. Louis cleaned the room up a bit for the maids before picking up his clothes off the floor and putting them in his bad and checking out of the hotels. At this point he just had to remember the correct route to get to he and Harry’s flat without getting utterly lost to the point that he had to use his GPS, which had happened on more than one occasion.

To be honest, Louis was shocked that he had been able to find a flat so quickly. He had planned on staying at the hotel for at least a week or two before finding a place to live. His bank account sure wasn’t concerned as his dad was constantly restocking it for him. Louis’ father was considered by most to be the best lawyer in the UK; he represented people who were willing to pay a lot of money for his services. Now, Louis wasn’t saying that his father was greedy, but he wouldn’t have himself of any of his attorneys that worked for him dare represent someone from the middle or lower class.

Despite the fact that his father was on the high end of the upper class, he lived in a middle class family growing up. His parents had divorced when he was 15, a year before his father’s business had really taken off. His mother had been supporting the family of 6 since then, working at the local hospital in town as a nurse. Louis only spent time with his father at Holidays where he and his sisters were shipped to his house for a few days to a week at a time, and then they would be back in the comfort of their own home.

So with that Louis set off to his new life as Harry’s roommate. As he walked he was constantly peering into the shop windows to look if any had a “Help Wanted” sign. He figured that as long as he would be in town he needed some source of income. He was also planning on going to the local art store soon to pick up a few canvases and a new set of paint brushes as well as some paint. Louis had decided that he would ask Harry if he knew any good scenery to paint, and if Harry knew of nothing he would have to do some exploring.

Louis noticed a sign across the street at a rather large tattoo parlor that read “Temporary Back-up Tattoo Artist Needed”. Now, Louis was quite good at designing as well as giving tattoos. He had a few tattoos that he had designed and given himself and had even given some of his friends back home tattoos in high school at his friend’s dad’s parlor. He decided that he would try his luck and walked across the crosswalk to the store.

The bell chimed as he walked in and a guy who looked to be in his early 30’s with dyed black hair and gauges looked up at him from behind the front desk. Louis apprehensively walked to it, nearly tripping over his shoes as he went. He had never been good at talking to people, which was probably the reason that he had decided to open an art studio – be his own boss.

“What are you looking for?” The man behind the counter growled at him. He didn’t appear to be too happy. His body was covered from neck to toe in various tattoos that ranged from flowers to knives and guns. Although Louis was beyond frightened and intimidated by the man, he really needed a job so he decided to suck it up and just ask before he stood there too long and made a fool of himself.

“Um yes, I was wondering if you were still looking for that backup tattoo artist?” The words spurted from his mouth as the man eyed him up and down. Louis wasn’t exactly dressed to fit the role of the job, as he was wearing a Columbia jacket and some plain jeans paired with a black pair of Vans. No tattoos visible either, which was most likely why the man was looking at him like he was crazy. “I have a few tattoos myself” he added, as the man hadn’t said anything yet. The man sighed and then stuck out his arm for a handshake.