red stone heart {l.s} • needs editing

chapter six

"Eli?" Louis voice was loud in the silent diner. He looked around, dazed and confused with his surroundings. Last he was at Eli's. Now he's at the Three Coins.

He slowly walked out of the work room and into the kitchen. No one was there. He peaked around the corner, not seeing anyone once again and sneaking away towards the door.

"Louis?"

Louis froze, turned on his heel and stared at the blonde boy.

"Louis, you're awake."

"I'm sorry! I don't know how I got here but I'm so sorry. I know you were upset with me this morning but I really need this job so-"

"Lou, it's okay. I talked to Eli. He informed us that you needed to speak with Liam and me. Why don't you make a cuppa and we can talk." Niall stated and walked away.

Louis looked down at his feet. Maybe Eli had told them about Harry. What if Louis lost his job? Would he be able to find another job without an address? Maybe he'd go back to being homeless?

Louis didn't know what was to come and he didn't want to. His biggest fear was rejection and abandonment, which is what he's gotten from everyone except Niall, Liam, and Eli; Louis wasn't sure Eli even counted. But whatever happens, happens. And Louis must be okay with it. It is what it is.

"Hi Lou. Did you sleep well?" Liam's voice brought Louis out of his thoughts.

"Yes, Liam. I'm sorry for whatever I said this morning that upset you and Niall. I really didn't mean to hurt anyone or their feelings I was just answering your questions with honest answers and I don't know if that's what upset you but I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention. I apologize." Louis quickly said. His tone was completely shy and submissive, something that seemed so unfamiliar coming from a boy Liam and Niall had seen act so...flamboyant.

"No, no, love. You didn't hurt us. I was just quite emotional obviously. Don't say sorry, everything is alright. What did you need to talk to us about Lou?" Liam asked gently.

"Well, I was wondering if you guys had any friends you knew that I could stay with for just a couple days until I can start working with Eli. If you don't that's alright but I just wondering..."

"Well, no we don't. Because you're coming back with us." Niall demanded.

"No, I can't accept that. Har- Mr.Styles wouldn't really like me to be there. I know that. He doesn't like me. I don't want to disturb his own home."

"You're not going to. We've talked to Harry and he agreed to let up a little bit. You're not 5, you're 19. You have authority as well, LouLou. It's alright."

Louis eyes filled with tears. "You sure? I don't want to upset him."

"Yes. Now c'mere" Liam and Niall pulled Louis into a. hug and held him as he let out tiny whimpers and "thank you so much" repetitively.

"Alright. Eli also said you wanted to tell Harry something. Do you wanna go home and talk to him or we can talk to you first and help you decide how you would like to tell him." Niall suggested, pulling away from the hug and gripping onto Liam's hand nervously.

"I have a crush on him." Louis breathed out. He'd never admitted it out loud other than Eli.

"Holy shitballs.." Niall muttered. "I need a beer." He let go of Liam's hand and walked away.

Louis looked down, ashamed. "I'm sorry.."

"No don't be. Harry is just his best friend. His brother. He just needs a minute." Liam explained.

Niall returned, his hair disheveled like his fingers had gone through it so many times. "Alright, we have to tell Harry."

"Niall, that's stupid. Harry just now got used to Louis. What the hell kind of suggestion is that shit?" Liam snapped, and Louis had never heard him curse before.

"Im not keeping that from my best friend! Are you asking me to lie to him?" Niall retaliated.

"No, Ni. You know I wouldn't ask that of you. Calm the hell down and let's think about this." Liam stated as calmly as possible.

"Louis likes Harry. Niall wants to tell Harry. Liam does not. What does Louis want?" Louis evaluated in third person to emphasize his opinion still needed to be stated.

"Right, right. Louis what do you want to do?" Niall asked, still a slight scowl on his pale face.

"I don't want to tell." Louis hesitated. "Yet. I want Harry to know eventually, yeah. But not right now. It's uncalled for. Plus I'm positive Harry hates me." Louis explained.

"Not hate." Liam retaliated but agreed.

"We'll give it a month. See what happens and then Louis can tell him if everything is running smoothly." Niall suggested.

"Yeah." Louis agreed.

They all had a plan. It was going to work. Harry needed to fall in love with Louis or at least like him a little bit. They all needed it.