search party [sequel to hr108]

hymn for reunions

chapter seven

N.J.H.
"You think that once you're married, we'll hang out?" Louis asks quietly, tracing my stomach as we lay on my bed. The wedding is tomorrow; which is still kind of sinking in for the both of us. I haven't seen Harry in twenty four hours, and I've been stuck to Louis' side ever since. I can't physically handle not being near Harry if I'm able to. I'd say it's our strong love, but I can't say it's that either, honestly.

"Of course," I say, repeating what I said on the night of his engagement, "I thought we talked about this already?"

"I know that wasn't your real answer," he mumbles, "please...promise me things won't change."

"They never were, why would you even think that?"

"Niall this is like, scene two," Louis continues, "scene one is coming to an end. Another part of our lives is going to be starting, and I just can't stand it."

"Stand what?"

"Change."

"Change is a good thing though Lou. We don't want to get too comfortable. Then things start getting boring."

"But what if it changes too much?" He sits up out of my hold frantically, rubbing his eyes, "What if we end up losing touch, or we never speak again--what if I'm not even invited to your funeral--"

I grab his wrist, pulling him and pressing our lips together faintly. His eyes widen as we disconnect, his voice coming out in a harsh whisper.

"Why did you kiss me."

"It didn't mean anything Louis, you know that," I stress, "we used to kiss all the time; as friends. While I was dating Tiffany, remember?"

"Yeah that's when you were straight," he stresses, "when kissing boys didn't make you feel something."

"That doesn't change anything!"

"Yes--"

"Me falling in love with a boy; if anyone at that, Harry, does not change the fact that you are my best friend. That includes the way we interacted before."

"I..." he sighs, running his hand over his face, "you're right you're right, I'm sorry I just...God you see what I mean? Everything has already changed since we met Harry and Zayn! We aren't like how we used to be!"

"But Louis aren't we better versions of ourselves?"

He chuckles, falling back onto the sheets next to me and curling into my side again.

"You know what else has changed?"

"What?"

"The fact that you're so much deeper since you met Harry," he sighs, "he got into your head."

"And I'm staying there; I'm gonna get married tomorrow Louis."

"Yeah I know...but your best friend loves you anyway."

"I love you too."

H.E.S.
"Morning sunshine..."

"What the--who the fuck..." I groan, opening my eyes slowly as I look up at the two people who find it okay to smile down at me this early in the morning. Liam and Zayn; how typical of them to wake up a sleeping beast.

"What?" I whine, falling back in my bed. It's just too bloody early for them to be around.

"Oh well," Zayn shrugs, shoving me over, "I guess you don't want to get married, or whatever."