the traveller // louis tomlinson

chapter seven // chipping away.

Mia's POV

I hold my sandals in my hands as I walk beside Louis on our way back to our tour bus. Or should I say their tour bus that I'm taking refuge in.

A frown forms on my face as I realize how in a matter of a day, how... comfortable I'm feeling. It gives me that uneasy feeling deep in the pit of my gut, making me question everything. I always do this when something feel right, I question the darkness lurking behind until I end up destroying everything myself. I could make a career out of it, that's how good I am at it.

I wince as my feet walk across the rough pavement, trying to avoid rocks and shards of glass on the way. You'd think walking a majority of my way across California, my feet would toughen up a bit, but apparently not...

"Let me carry you," Louis' soft voice appears out of nowhere, putting an arm out to stop me in my tracks.

Letting out a scoff, I roll my eyes and push his hand away. I definitely don't need someone carrying me as if I were some princess entitled to it. It's not that far of a walk; I can put my feet up once we get there.

But Louis doesn't give up that easy; he must be picking up on my stubborn tendencies. He grabs my arm to stop me, keeping me in place while the others all walk ahead. I sigh loudly as he crouches down in front of me, waiting for me to hop on his back.

"I'm fine," I grumble, walking around him.

I don't make it very far before he's jumping in front of me, but this time he grabs the back of my thighs and lifts me up onto his muscular back himself. I bite my tongue to keep a squeal from escaping my throat. My fingers wrap around his neck, holding on for dear life.

Walking with a new triumphant strut, he picks up the pace. I force a grumpy frown on my face as he catches up to the others. I'd squirm my way down if he didn't have such a tight grip on my legs wrapped around his waist. I pretend not to notice his toned arms and chest, much more muscular than I anticipated they'd be.

My cheeks grow hot as my mind starts to wander into the gutter. Luckily the dark night sky covers for me, leaving my strange thoughts to myself.

"You're an idiot," I tell him, giving the back of his head a slap.

The others all glance in our direction, giving us a smile. The mischief in Harry's eyes make me put a bit of distance between my chest and Louis' back. The entire evening, Harry has been looking at the two of us in such a peculiar way. It made me both irritated and confused.

"I never get a piggy back ride, no fair," Niall complains, giving both Louis and I a playful shove with his shoulder.

"Rain check, mate," Louis reaches over and pats his head, "Hold on tight, Mia," He then strains his neck so he's glancing back at me.

I only have time to crinkle my brow before he takes off running. This time the squeal leaves my throat involuntarily as I tighten my grip on him. The wind whips through my thick, curly hair, making it even harder to hold on. I press my face to the back of his neck, breathing heavily as my heart slows down to a normal pace.

Unable to help myself, I inhale his scent; sweat and an interesting cologne. Not at all the scent I'm used to smelling.

I pull away before it gets creepy...

"Took you long enough," I tease as I slide down his back and back on my own two feet. They ache in protest as I put all my weight on them, but I try my hardest not to let it show.

Louis rolls his eyes and playfully shoves me, placing his hands on my chilly bare shoulders.

"Look at you, just a regular ol' comedian, aren't you?" He chuckles as we wait for the others to catch up with us.