Under The Willow Tree • Louis Tomlinson

xxv.

xxv. lose [low-s]

— • —

[Louis' POV]

"Ask her out already" Harry was sitting beside me. We were outside on the edge of the car park, soaking in the cool night air. For the past week Rose and I had been the main thing to talk about. It was annoying for both me and Rose because neither of us really knew what to class our relationship as.

"Michelle already beat you to asking me that." I chuckled.

"What?"

"I don't know how she found out but the other night she came up to me after the show and told me that I should ask her out."

"Why?" Harry sounded confused, "Michelle isn't exactly the nicest person to Rose. Rose isn't exactly the nicest person to Michelle either"

"Something must have changed in her mind because only a few days before that she was stopping Rose from coming into public with us."

"So do it Lou! If Michelle approves than you should definitely do it."

"But what if it's too much" I hesitate, "I mean we've been friends for a decade. If we change our relationship to Boyfriend/Girlfriend then maybe things will change between us."

"You two are close Louis. I don't think putting a tag on your relationship will change anything. Anyway, I ship Lose a hundred precent!"

"Lose?"

"Yeah!" Harry grinned, "Its Louis and Rose put together to form your shipping name. L-o-s-e pronounced low-s. The other name is Rouis but that looks weird."

"Well you might want to keep those shipping names to yourself mate. I don't plan on asking her out until I feel the moment is right." I then looked up at the clear summer sky. The stars shone brightly above us, dotting the inky black sky like diamonds on silk.

"Three things about her Louis. What are the three things that drew her to you?" Harry broke the silence.

"You're serious?"

"Yep. Go ahead and surprise me."

"I told you this one a few months ago. Her eyes draw you in. I've never seen anything like them. They are such a pale green, like melted mint ice-cream only warmer in tone. And then the dark green rim around the edges. They're pretty." I felt like an idiot saying them but I knew Harry would accept nothing but the truth.

"Two?"

"Her hair. The curls are interesting to play with and it looks different every day. The warm brown is a nice tone as well. She doesn't suit straight hair... she's straightened it a few times but the curls are her."

"Three..."

"Her advice helps me out heaps. When I lost contact with her I felt as if I couldn't make serious decisions because whenever I had to in the past I always had Rose. She always told me and still tells me to follow my heart."

"Sounds like someone caught the love bug." Harry winked.

 I glanced at Harry "It's not the 'love bug' it's the truth."

"Well whatever it is sounds really adorable and mushy. And speaking of things adorable and mushy, we should search for a pizza place and get some adorable and mushy cheesiness."

"It's the middle of the night Haz."

"There are always pizza places open."

"Alright." I stood up, "But you're paying."

"Sounds like a date!" Harry grinned.

— • —

[Rose's POV]

My feet dragged me to the door of the bus. I opened the door and walked inside, slamming it behind me. I walked up the stairs, ignoring the curious faces in the main living area. I headed to the very back of the bus and sat in the quite seating area. As soon as I sat down I noticed that I was not the only one seeking refuge in the dark.

"You seem upset." Liam's voice was soft.

I leaned back in my chair and sighed, "Remind me not to walk into a Larry conversation again."

"What did they do Rose?"

"I was in the crew's bus looking for some soft drinks. We ran out and I thought they would have some spares. Turns out that they all enjoy soft drink after each show so I walked back to our bus empty handed. For some reason I went the long way back to the bus and I almost walked right into the middle of Louis' and Harry's conversation."

"Well what did they say?"

"Harry was asking him what the three things Louis liked most about me were. Turns out my eyes, hair and advice were the top three."

"But why are you mad?" Liam shifted in his seat, he was trying to be a Dr Phil for me.

"I'm not mad Liam. I'm just surprised. The past week has been really in my face with everyone curious about what's happening in the 'Lose' world." I sighed and sunk further into my chair, "It's as if people can't stand it when two people don't have a specific label to their relationship. Louis and I are best friends. That will never change."

"Friends with benefits?"

"But we're not that. I just feel as if we are letting each other into the other part of our lives. That we can be more comfortable around each other if we hug for longer than friends do or if we kiss. It's not like they are benefits."

"How about we class you as plain old best friends? Nothing else until you two work out what you is."

"Liam." I smiled, "I'd like that. I'd like that a lot."