London Bridges

Chapter 3: A Chance

When Louis wakes the next day, he already knows what he has to do.  He had been trying to make it on his own, to prove that he didn't need help.  It's time to swallow his pride, though, Louis acknowledges, and maybe asking for help when he needs it is more of a win than being stubborn and failing without trying everything possible.  So, after a shower and a cup of tea, Louis picks up his phone.

"Hello?" the voice answers.

"Hi," Louis says nervously.  "It's Louis." 

Theres a moment of silence, Louis thinks he can hear the person on the other end shuffling about, perhaps moving to a quieter atmosphere.

"Tomlinson," Louis adds as an afterthought, just to clarify.

The other man chuckles.  "Yeah, Tommo, you're the only Louis I know.  How's it going mate?"

"It's good," Louis says, a small grin beginning to tug at his lips.  "We're in London."

He doesn't need to explain who we refers to.

"Thats ace, congratulations!"

"Thanks, Dylan.  Listen, theres something I was hoping you might be able to help me with, if it's not too much trouble," Louis says.

"Sure," Dylan agrees good-naturedly.  "Whatever you need."

"I'll understand if you can't, its a lot to ask-."  Louis begins rambling before Dylan can cut him off.

"Lou," Dylan interrupts.  "Just ask, mate."

Louis lets out a heavy sigh.

"It's been a bit, Dyl," Louis says.  "I've gone on about a hundred interviews, no one is offering me a job and things are getting tight.  I don't want Liam getting distracted from his studies because I cant hold up my end and he has to stress about money."

"No worries," Dylan says.  "How much do you need to get by?"

Louis pauses, unsure he heard correctly.

"Will two thousand help?" Dylan continues.

"No," Louis says, adamantly shaking his head even though Dylan can't see it.

"Four?" Dylan offers, unbothered.

"I'm not asking for money, Dylan," Louis says.  "Fuck, that's awfully generous of you, but thats not what I'm looking for."

Dylan's voice goes firm, then.

"Listen, Tomlinson, theres no shame in needing a little extra cash to make ends meet sometimes.  Being stubborn about it, though, is stupid.  Especially when stress can lead to relapse."

"Honestly mate, I appreciate it, but I'm good on money for now," Louis chuckles.  "I still have a bit saved up but not enough to be comfortable without a job for much longer.  I was calling to see if you knew anyone in London who might be willing to take a chance on me.  I'm willing to do anything mate, sweep floors, flip burgers, I'm not fussed."

"Oh," Dylan says, cheerful again.  "Let me call you back."

The line goes dead before Louis has a chance to respond.  He frowns at the phone in his hand, hoping that he didn't put Dylan off and that the man would come through.  The only thing he can do now is wait, though, so he slips on some joggers and one of Liam's too large t-shirts and decides to go for a run. 

A half hour later, the music blaring through his headphones is interrupted by a familiar tone.

"Hello?" Louis answers.

"So, I've got a mate with a shop a few blocks away from Kings College who needs an extra set of hands.  He says to go by and meet him."

Louis almost drops his phone in excitement.