Coming Out Of My Shell (And The Closet)~ Larry Stylinson

Chapter Four

*Harry's POV*

I stayed in the steamy bathroom longer than I needed to, thinking about the almost kiss. That was the second time it had happened. Crap. I really was going to be marked as horrid now. Crap, crap, crap.

I could play it off like a joke. That would do it. I grabbed some clothes and pulled them on, before running downstairs. I heard the gentle clink of silverware against dishes, and the shouts of my friends. I walked in and immediately stopped. Louis had traded places with Liam. I always sat next to Louis.

Why would he do this? Even when we bickered, we never truly fought, and we always sat next to each other. He had to be disgusted with me because I almost kissed him.

I was hurt. Even dismissing the crush I'd somehow gotten, it was a low blow knowing that Louis, my best mate, the one I turned to for advice and affection, didn't want to be near me.

The older boy was my partner in crime, and my main goal in life was to keep him happy. It killed me when he cried, or avoided me.

I quickly pasted on my bravest smile, starting a conversation with Liam, and refusing to look at Louis.

I snuck a glance at Louis and realized he didn't care. He wasn't looking my way. I didn't have any of his attention. I usually had all of it. I frowned and pushed my sweet corn in circles on my plate.

"You okay Harry? Usually you eat sweet corn like its vital to your survival. " Niall looked at me

"Just not hungry." I mumbled, staring at my plate

"You sure? You look ill, mate." Zayn looked at me with concern

"I'm fine.."

After we ate, I went to my room as quickly as possible, telling the boys I had to pass on playing the game tonight.

I closed and locked the door to the rest of the house, and the one to the balcony. I threw myself on my bed and just layed there, my anger and hurt making my head ache.

When I heard a knock, I looked up.

"Louis, leave me alone." I snapped

"Its Liam. "

"Fine. Liam, leave me alone. " I growled

"No. We need a chat."

"Now?" I grumbled

"Now."

*Liam's POV*

Something really odd was going on. Ever since the spat two weeks ago, things had been weird. Harry and Louis would avoid each other, cuddle like usual, and avoid each other again. I just didn't understand. Normally they lived in each others pockets - and when they were in one of their handsy moods, literally.

I thought back to my conversation with Simon almost three years ago.

It had been nearing the end of August when he had called me into his office. I had sat in the chair in front of his desk, nervously fidgeting while he finished a phone call.

He hung up and looked at me seriously. His constant gaze was making me even more nervous.

"Liam." Simon had nodded

"Y-yes?" I'd stammered back, thinking he was going to take me out of the band at this point.

"I'm going to offer you something serious. Before I do, would you like a cup of tea?"

"Er -No, thanks." I said, slightly more at ease.

"I have a job for you, Liam." Simon said a moment later, stirring sugar into his cup