One two three [Larry Stylinson]

Chapter 22 - Heavy

A new day, Sunday! When work doesn't let Louis slag on weekends, he's on his computer all morning and a big half of the afternoon. Then he decides to go for a run and have a quiet coffee after to calm his nerves. He should go to any of the boys but he's just not in the mood to see any of them, and wait, he lied to them about the trip to Italy.

He has breakfast for dinner at the nearest coffee shop. And decides to go home around seven thirty.

He fumbles to turn his keys and unlock the door when he's immediately met by a shocked Harry inside his apartment.

"I thought you were in Italy!" Harry exclaims as Louis asks: "What are you doing here?"

Shouldn't Louis be the one asking?

"Trip got cancelled." again at the same time with: "I didn't know you were here."

All of the boys are used to get into each other's houses if needed even without the host present but Louis is stunned nonetheless seeing Harry here after their last encounter.

"So if I was here, you wouldn't come?" Louis enters and takes off his shoes while waiting for Harry's excuse.

"I... I can go if you don't want me here." Harry turns around fast.

Louis now registers that Harry is in his pajamas and looks like he was about to go to bed. "No, Harry! I'm just surprised, of course, you can stay."

Harry stops right at the first step in Louis' room and turns around to face him with an angered face. "You lied about the Italy trip?"

Louis what! "What are you on about? I just told you it was cancelled, why on earth would I lie about that?" Louis' frustration is on high alert, seems like Harry knows exactly which button to press. Louis doesn't need this. Louis doesn't want Harry here but he cannot say that.

"So why you wouldn't tell us it was?" Harry accuses.

"Because!" Louis shouts unable to stop himself furthermore. "Because I didn't want to disturb your engagement week, Harry! Shouldn't you be busy planning your wedding?"

"There it is, you hate my wedding, don't you?"

Louis pulls his hair out of frustration. "Why would I, Harry? I told you multiple times I'm happy for you! What else do you want from me?"

"For you to mean it!" And tears suddenly flow on Harry's face.

"Why are you crying? Shit!... I mean it!"

No matter how much Louis is angry at Harry, tears are the limit. Louis softens with a sigh and comes closer to Harry. He takes Harry in his arms and soothes him with his touch and his words. "I mean it, Hazza!... I am happy for you,... you're on the right path, Chloe is perfect for you. It was about time you moved forward."

Harry sobs on his shoulder, unable to speak up, so Louis goes on. "I promise, Hazza baby, I wish nothing more than happiness for you..." Louis holds Harry harder. "Stop crying... all is well... I'm here and I share your happiness... I'm sorry if I made you feel otherwise but... I'll make time, for whatever you need... for the wedding."

Saying those words take every ounce of courage from Louis' body. He's convincing himself at the same time and keeping his own tears in.

Harry doesn't let go, if anything, he's gripping harder but in silence. They stay like that for a moment, then Louis brings Harry to the bed. He lets go and opens the duvet for Harry to climb in. Harry does and Louis follows even in his running clothes but have dried.

They quietly lie and Harry falls asleep on Louis' right arm after a while.

Louis stands carefully not to wake Harry and tiptoes to the bathroom for a shower. Of course, he spends the shower thinking. About how scared Harry must be with the decision, even in love, marriage is a big commitment. Maybe Harry is overwhelmed so he takes it out on Louis because Louis' been absent. Well, it was Harry's fault to take the distance in the first place. Yet, here Louis is, selflessly racking his brain on how to make Harry happier.