It's Getting Cold These Days [Larry Stylinson AU]

Five

Louis was an insistent nuisance.

When Harry finally managed to drag his ass into work, dressed in ripped sweatpants because he couldn't give a damn to find anything else, Louis had already arrived. He was perched on a bar stool, chatting to Niall, who was mopping the floor. Nick was working cash all by himself, looking frantic, but Harry was too tired to go and help him.

He slid onto a stool beside Louis and said to Niall, "Can you make me a coffee?"

"Sure," he replied. Only Louis caught his eye roll.

Niall leaned the mop against the counter and stepped behind it to make Harry a chocolate flavoured latte. He eyed the dark purple bags under Harry's eyes and chose a large cup. He would need the caffeine.

"Thanks," Harry said when Niall placed the cup down in front him. He took a sip and shivered at the bitterness.

"I put a shot of expresso in there," Niall said, giggling at Harry's sour expression. "I figured you could use the pick me up."

"Long night?" Louis asked.

"You could say that."

Niall picked up the mop up and went back to cleaning the floor. He swept away boot prints and cookie crumbs. Across the café, a coffee cup spilt all over the floor, and Niall groaned.

He thrust the mop at Nick.

"Can you clean that?" he asked. "I'll take over cash."

Nick rolled his eyes. "You always make me clean."

"That's what you get being on the bottom here," Niall bit back. He turned back to Harry and Louis. "He's almost lazier than you, H, I swear."

Harry didn't smile.

"Who has plans tonight?" Louis asked.

Harry merely shrugged. He took a sip of his coffee and held the liquid in his mouth for a few seconds. It burned his tongue, but the pain felt good.

"Not me," Niall replied.

"I never have plans," Harry said bitterly. Louis shot Niall a look, but he shook his head.

"Well, how about the two of you come over?" Louis suggested. "My flatmate and I have awesome alcohol, and he has the best taste in music. It'll be a good time."

"I'm sold," Niall said. Louis high fived him.

Harry shrugged. "Why not? It's not like I have anything better to do."

"You don't have to act like you're too cool for friends, you know," Louis said. He patted Harry's shoulder. "It's okay to have a good time."

Harry smiled, although his lips were pressed tightly together.

"All right," he said, partially to get Louis off his back and partially because it had been too long since he'd had any new friends. "I'll take you up on the offer."

Louis grinned and clapped his hands together.

"Great. Be over at seven," he said. He hopped off the bar stool and grabbed his coat. "Unfortunately, I'm needed at work. I'll see you boys tonight."

He pointed finger guns at them and walked backwards out the door. Niall chuckled and waved goodbye to him.

"See you later, Louis," he called.

Bell dinging signalled his exit.

"He's here way too often," Harry said. He propped his head on his fist.

"Louis' cool," Niall said. "Stop overthinking things. You do that too much."

"We really need to start charging him for all the coffee he drinks."