Give a man a mask and he'll show you himself || l.s

Chapter 24. (Dreamy.)

[Niall Horan's Flat. 2:11pm.]

door bell rings.

Louis : (shouts as he walks to answer the door)"about time you get here I'm starving!" (opens the door and gasps) "Ha- W-what are you-"

Harry : "can I come in?"

Louis : (puffs out chest and sucks in a breath) "What are you doing here?"

Harry : "I wanted to talk to you"

Louis : "about?"

Harry : "can I come in its freezing outside"

Louis : (chews on his lip, exhales) "fine" (moves aside so Harry can enter) "Tea?"

Harry : (takes out coat and drops it on the sofa and sits) "yes please. Plain thanks"

Louis : (goes to the kitchen and comes back with two cups, hands Harry one) "I forgive you"

Harry : (confused) "how are you so sure I'm here to apologize?"

Louis : "that's not what you're here for?"

Harry : "it is but I have so much else on my mind..why did you quit?"

Louis : (sighs) "Niall I knew he couldn't keep his mouth shut"

Harry : "it's not Niall's fault"

Louis : (mumbles) "I couldn't see him again"

Harry : "so you're running?"

Louis : "I think of it more as escaping"

Harry : "are you running from him or hiding from me?"

Louis : (head snaps up to look at Harry) "maybe it's both"

Harry : (rushed) "was it what I said the day at the field?"

Louis : "definitely"

Harry : "I'm sorry actually no I'm not sorry, I don't want to apologize for what I said because I'm not sure what I said you didn't even answer me"

Louis : (puts mug on table and passes hands over thighs) "nothing"

Harry : (takes sip from cup) "noth-"

Louis : "the answer to your question. It's nothing"

Harry : (swallows) "Oh Louis I didn't know wh-"

Louis : (dry laughs) "he gave up absolutely nothing for me while I gave up the world. It's funny isn't it? Now I'm left with nothing and he's left with the world"

Harry : "go out with me"

Louis : (stunned) "what?"

Harry : "you heard me. Let me take you out"

Louis : "Harry I don't think that will help"

Harry : "I know I just want to take you out. Let's have dinner"

Louis : (shakes head and stands) "you're crazy"

Harry : (stands and walks over stopping Louis from moving) "I know"

Louis : (ducks head to avoid Harry's gaze) "why are you doing this?"

Harry : "isn't it obvious by now?"