For The Love Of Niall: Niam

Chapter 13: Slow And Steady

Author's Note: Thank you for helping this story reach 7,000 views and over 300 votes! :) There's some sexual content in this chapter and Bettycharmz will be receiving the dedication. I hope you all enjoy x

Louis stood in the mirror, holding a white, buttoned-up shirt close to the top half of his figure. He sighed, not feeling entirely too ready and sure about what was going to take place. He got in touch with Daniel, the moment he got home, out of generosity; one topic led to another and soon Daniel had asked him out on a date. Louis couldn't turn him down simply because he was an appealing guy and he had nothing better to do. There were still moments when his heart continuously beat for Harry, wanting to march into the room and make amends with him. He didn't trust him, he was still upset with him, he hated his face and curls, especially those green eyes - but he was still in love with him and that wasn't going to vanish in the blink of an eye. Even with that being said, Louis had too much pride and he was very stubborn, not allowing himself to crumble and go pleading for another chance with his former lover. After all, it wasn't him who had messed things up. Harry's eyes wandered, though not too far, and had to lie in his own bed that he made. Louis figured he could see how things went with Daniel for the evening. Why should he sit around, stressed out and crying, while Harry is constantly waiting by his phone for Zayn? Louis knew he had lost a portion of his life that he wasn't going to get back. There was just no competing with Zayn and he was starting to realize that maybe it just wasn't worth it.

"Do you think he'll like this?" Louis turned around, showcasing his shirt to Niall, who was on Louis' bed, occupying his time with a magazine or two.

"When you try so hard, that's when things go wrong, Lou." Niall explained, giving him a weak smile. Louis nodded, turning back to the mirror. His face wore a look of uncertainty. He certainly didn't want to come off as desperate and he definitely didn't want to be that broken guy in search of someone to fix all of his problems and take away all of his insecurities. He placed the white shirt on the chair nearby, stripping himself of the plain tee that already occupied his chest and torso. He then placed on the new shirt, buttoning it up, starting from the bottom. It wasn't really like him to appear all fancy; he had more an edge look - a little rock and dark. Sometimes, he would go with the more cleanly, preppy look; but that was just one of the styles he had picked up once he got in the band. Maybe it was time for him to have a bit of a change up and stop following the same pattern. If he was going to be around someone new, getting to know someone new, then a little change was exactly what he needed. Niall climbed off of the bed, then made his way over to the older lad; he stood behind him, reached his arm around, and began to fix Louis' collar, making sure it was folded properly. Louis looked at their reflections and smiled, placing his hand over Niall's and giving him a pat. He felt slightly overwhelmed with all of the sudden changes, but maybe they were meant to happen. Maybe it was for the better. Maybe he and Harry did need to explore other people and sort of live separate lives, for once.

"You look great, Lou. You'll do fine, promise." Niall assured him. Louis turned around and gave Niall and gentle hug.

"Thanks for everything, Ni. I know I've been a hand-full with you and Liam - "

"Don't. Let's not worry about that tonight. You just go out and enjoy yourself. Liam and I would never hold that against you." Louis nodded, giving Niall another hug. He happily returned it and the sound of the doorbell caused them to pull apart.

"I think that's him." Louis stated, feeling slightly nervous.

Having already been in the living room, Harry made his way towards the door. Upon opening it, Daniel stood there, slim tuxedo showing off his great figure - blue eyes shining with some sort of joy and hope, hair freshly curled, and a rose. Harry was a little confused by his presence, not understanding who he was or why he was there. "Hi. May I help you?" Harry asked, still looking puzzled.