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

Chapter Five

*Louis' POV*

I heard Liam's voice through the door, and Harry's moaned reply. It didn't matter that I couldn't hear their words. Their tones were enough. Harry sounded crushed. Absolutely crushed.

"I just don't understand why he's avoiding me!" Harry burst out, sobbing, by the sound of it.

"Shh.." Liam soothed

I couldn't take this. I was the reason for Harry's pain. I had to get out. To escape and gather my thoughts.

I slipped on my shoes and hurried out the door.

A blast of warm air greeted me. It wouldn't last long. It was nearing seven, and, even though it was the end of summer, it would be dark in little over an hour or two.

I walked down our driveway, pausing only to wave to a little bird in front of me.

We were far out of town on purpose. No crazed fans would search way out here.

I went and sat on a log to think.

I had to get over this crush I had on Harry. Had to. Not only could it ruin our close friendship, but also the band.

And, if it really was a crush, it wasn't worth breaking anything off for. That's why I needed to stay away from him.

It killed me to hurt the lad, but, it had to be done. I had to push him away. Before he got too close and I did something stupid, like pin him against a wall and snog him, which, honestly, sounded really quite hot.

Hot? Where'd that come from? I shook my head. Time to get over this crush. And fast.

*Harry's POV*

I sobbed onto Liam's shoulder, letting him hug me and whisper soft reassurances. I told Liam everything, and made him swear not to tell. I was beginning to act like a fourteen year old girl with her first heartbreak.

Liam nodded, completely understanding and calm through my whole story. He wasn't judgemental, and I loved him for it. He was my brother, in everything but blood, and I loved him, Niall, and Zayn more than basically anyone, not including my mum, Gemma -who was maybe even slightly less loved, with her being an actual sibling and all, and.. Louis. Louis, the stunningly beautiful man who held my heart in his hand. But instead of caring for it, like I'd hoped, he'd unintentionally crushed it.

I hugged Liam tighter, my tears soaking his shirt and neck, but he didn't seem to mind, actually pulling me closer.

"It'll be okay, mate. You'll be fine." He soothed, rubbing my back in a calming way

"Will I? Will I really? He's not only my best mate, he's my band mate, and the person I love." I whispered

As I said it aloud, I realized that I was right. I did love Louis.

"Here. Let's run you a bath, and then after you're done, we can watch any film of your choice." Liam offered a gentle smile and I nodded, grateful he was so understanding and kind.

He got up and started to run me a bath.

"I'll be back up in two hours with movies and sweets, okay?" He kissed my temple, as if to tell me, it was okay, that he was here for me.

I nodded and pulled him into a quick hug.

He left, and I closed the bathroom door, locking myself in. I waited until the bath was full of bubbling steamy water, before I got in.

I had my phone (luckily), so I set it on the counter and put on music, humming along.

Eventually, the water got cold and I got out. Wrapping a towel low around my waist, as I usually did, I stepped into my room.

Looking through my dresser, I realized I didn't have any clean pajamas.

"Damn." I muttered

Shrugging, I went downstairs and into the laundry room. As I was grabbing clothes from the dryer, Louis walked in.

At the sight of me, he looked scared. He turned and went to another room as fast as he could. I bit back tears and stood up.

I took my new load of laundry up to my room and got dressed, before going downstairs to the living room. Louis was curled up on the couch, talking on the phone to one of his friends from Doncaster. He was trading gossip, and it took all I had to not go over there and playfully nip his neck or snuggle next to him and listen like I usually would.

I walked into the kitchen, needing to find something to ease the pain over Louis' seeming irritation with me. I had no idea why he was so.. ignoring.

I grabbed a shot glass. I was a grown man. I needed to get over this, and drinking was the fastest way to mental unawareness.Pouring myself some whiskey, I threw it back, glad for the burning feeling that reminded me I was alive. He never ignored me. I took two more shots before the world tipped and I decided it was enough. I put the booze and the shot glass away. Walking back into the living room, I vaguely noted that I was already slightly tipsy. I stumbled over to the stairs.

Giggling weakly, I looked up them.

"Woahh. Its like a mouuntaiin." I laughed, holding onto the handrail to keep from falling

"I'll call you back." I heard a familiar voice say softly in the background

I turned around too quickly and stumbled into a hard chest.

"Easy, Harry."

Warm arms held me upright. I tilted my head back to look up at the owner of the very toned biceps, who's arms were currently the only thing keeping me up.

"Heyy. Louiiss." I giggled, smiling at him.

"I can't do this." He said quickly, letting go of me abruptly. I stumbled sharply, grabbing a chair to keep myself upright.

"Hey. Louis." I said hotly, remembering how he was ignoring me, "Whazzap witth you igghorink me?" I slurred

"What?" Louis asked

"Whai ah you ignori-hic-ng me?" I hiccuped

Holding my breath, I willed the hiccups away, while waiting for an answer.

"Whatevvver." I said, turning back to the stairs.

I made it almost to the top, when Louis decided to help. He reached for me, and I jerked away. Slightly too hard. Falling down the stairs, my vision blurred drastically, making the last thing I saw was the floor and some brilliantly red blood, before the world faded to black.