Let's Roll- Larry Stylinson

Chapter VII

Tension is evident. Louis can feel Harry's killer gaze, even when it's not directed at him.

"Didn't know you were in town." Harry grits, fist balling at his sides. Malik levels Harry with the same ferocity, tugging his arm out of Harry's hold. The hard boiled man rubs at his arm and smirks at Harry.

"Short notice invitation. Had some stuff to take care of." It's the only explanation he gives, settling back toward Louis. Harry doesn't let him get to close, pulling a more than willing Louis close to him. He wraps an arm around his waist, pressing him into his side. Louis goes willingly, if it keeps Malik from touching him. The solid weight of Harry against him eases his previous nerves. "Heard he was yours." Zayn chides. Harry sneers, tightening his hold on Louis.

"He is." Malik quirks a brow as he attempts to get closer. His hand tries to make contact with Louis shoulder, but Harry already thought ahead, one of his men steeping in to prevent the touch.

"Brought them along, did you?"

"Always." Malik finally regained some of his common sense as he moves backward. Knowing not to mess with a man with an army, he retreats to the garage, calling out for Greg.

"The keys?" Greg hands them over, not missing a beat for fear of getting yelled at. Malik tosses the man some dough before climbs in, the blue door closing behind him. "Always a pleasure, Styles." His eyes jump over to Louis. "Until we meet again." He blows a kiss Louis' way. The car roars to life and then Malik is driving down the road and out of sight. Harry releases his deathly grip to inspect Louis, hands at his shoulder to turn him this way and that.

"He didn't touch you wrong, did he?" Louis shakes his head, letting Harry move him from side to side. Harry gently let's go so his hands can trace the inside of Louis arms. Louis shiver as Harry steps into his space, once again wrapping an arm around his waist. "Working here's out of the question."

Louis nods. The possibility of ever seeing Malik again has him worried. Malik was too forward, much more forward than Harry was. Harry at least knew about personal space. Malik didn't seem to understand the concept, having always been in Louis' way. "Who was that man?" Harry guides Louis away from Greg so he couldn't ease drop on their conversation.

"That man is Zayn Malik. We're in the same business, though he's much cockier about his success. Bet he was telling you stories left and right of his endeavors." Harry was obviously familiar with the man to a tee, since that was exactly what he had been doing. As Louis was working, Zayn had been on and on about places he's traveled and people he's met. Louis wasn't really paying attention, much too concentrated on not messing up his car. "How about we got going? I'll talk to Greg. Wait in the car." Louis gladly jump in, Harry's men making way for the young boy. Harry drops down to whisper in one of his men's ear. "Keep an eye on him."

Once he's sure Louis is safe in the car, he enters the garage again to find Greg. The man in question appears from behind the cabinet, tilting this head toward the car. "Thinking I ain't getting a new hire?"

"Not with Malik around. If that bimbo thinks he can mess with what's mine, he's got another thing coming." Greg chuckles, hand coming down to his hips.

"That boy seems to be causing some trouble, sure you want to keep him?" Harry doesn't even pause.

"Absolutely." Greg laughs again, patting Harry on the shoulder.

"See you next time, Styles. Hope you'll be bringing that car around for some fixing." Harry tips his hat in reply, easing his way back into the barren streets. Louis is sitting right where he left him and Harry climbs in next to him. His arm goes around the Louis' smaller frame before the car is speeding down the highway, back toward the city.

"I suppose another job search is in order?" Harry doesn't reply and Louis remains silent the rest of the ride back. They arrive at a smaller hotel than the night before, the gang getting dropped off at the front. The driver calls for Harry before he can go inside.

"You needs me to drive you to the train station tomorrow?" Harry almost forgot today was his last night here. He tells the man to show up at early morning so they can catch the seven o'clock train. He salutes Harry before going on his merry way.

His men guide Louis inside, Louis not bothered by the men as he was before. Something about his encounter with Zayn has changed his perspective on these men. After all, one of them came to his rescue when Zayn tried to touch him again. Harry joins the group as they begin to climb the stairs, leading the way as the natural leader he is. They don't go as far up as before, stopping at the second floor. Harry gives his men their keys and then has Louis follow him to the end of the corridor.

"Our room awaits." Inside, Louis falls onto the nearest bed, exhausted from his first day of work. Harry takes the other bed, slipping off his shoes and tossing his hat onto the bedside table. Moments of silence pass as both parties think about tomorrow. Finally, Harry stands. He goes to the window, taking in the street view from their floor. People are out and about with the hope of finding a good time. Harry knows the drill, everyone looking to hit the scene at this time of night. It's only the beginning. They'll spend their entire night cruising the streets, fleeting from one party to another. Same old story, a different day.

"So, I leave back to Chicago tomorrow." Harry starts, still fascinated by the scene below him. He's not sure what he's going to do about Louis. He never really thought the kid would stick around so long- though he had wished it- or that he'd want to take him wherever he went.

Louis just stays silent, not sure what he should say. A promise was made where he would stick with Harry until he snagged a gig. It never came up what would happen when Harry had to return. Now, that time has come and he's unsure of what he wants. He stills wants a job, no doubt about it. Only difference from a few days ago is that he'd rather stay with Harry then leave his side. He did the honorable thing and helped Louis find his first gig. Even if it didn't go so well, Harry had been the one to hook him up. Connections really are a part of his deal.

Staying here would mean having to fend for himself now, no big bad wolf to scare away the scary people- like Malik. The possibility of having to see him again has Louis shuddering. He'd rather it not come to that anytime in the near future. As handsome as the devil he was, Louis knew better than to play his game. That man was only looking for some fun, not something Louis wants at the moment.

"Do you have to go back?" Louis finds himself saying. Harry turns his attention to the small boy on the bed. Louis has his knees pulled to his chest, appearing smaller than before on the large bed. Harry cautiously walks toward him. He sits down on the edge, keeping the distance between them.

"Do you not want me to go?" Louis ducks his head away from Harry's intense gaze. Louis hates to admit that he'd rather not see Harry go. He's the only friend he's made in this large town and the only one who knows how to get around. Louis would surely end up as a hoodlum before the man even left. Harry was his only lifeline at this point. He shakes his head. "I'd stay if I could, doll, but I've got my practice to run. Chicago is my home base."

Chicago was the place Louis wanted to get away from. Going back would be worse than leaving. Yet, thinking about Harry leaving has him wanting to go back to the town he wishes he could forget.

"Could I join you?" Louis mumbles, fingers playing with the linen on the bed. Harry's face softens at the vulnerability, knowing this boy is still scared of being alone.

"Absolutely."