London Bridges

Chapter 13: It's Not Love, Yet

"Hey Bax," Louis calls, knocking on the open office door to get the older man's attention.  "I'm heading out, gotta catch a meeting with Zayn and I wanna try to make it before the weather turns to shit again.  I finished the Jenkins truck, just need you to sign off and it should be ready for pick up first thing."

"Good work Tommo," Bax says.  "I expected another day on that.  Before you go, you lads have plans for Sunday?  Linda wants you over for dinner."

"Gotta check with Li, but I'm pretty sure we can make it.  Her cooking beats whatever takeout we'd be ordering.  We'll have one more with us, though, if you guys don't mind."

"Another rehab buddy?"

"Yeah, but he's a good lad," Louis assures.  "He was in for ADHD treatment, not drugs."

"Since when do you go to rehab for being hyper?" Bax asks, skeptical.

"Since your senior prank causes 75k in damages to your school, but your dad knows the judge on your case so you get a year of inpatient treatment to learn impulse control instead of prison time."

"75k?!" Bax exclaims.  "Is he gonna fuck up my house if I let him through the door?"

Louis laughs.  "No, he'll be fine Bax.  Like I said, he's a good kid."

"Alright, the more the merrier I suppose." Bax says, still looking a little nervous.  "Lord knows Linda would have my head if I turn one of you strays away."

Louis laughs again, knowing deep down Bax really cares about them all as well. 

"Thanks mate, I'll see ya tomorrow."

Its actually a little cold when he gets outside, and Louis curses the dreary London weather before rushing off to the church where their meetings are held.  Zayn is supposed to meet him there, and he's sure the lad is having a rough day with Niall coming into town, so he doesn't want to keep him waiting. 

Zayn's tall, lanky figure is standing outside the church as Louis approaches.  His small frame is huddled against the cold wind, a lit cigarette between his lips, his dark hair falling over his eyes. 

"Oi, can I bum a smoke?" Louis calls out when he's close enough.  "I ran out over lunch, haven't had a chance to stop for more."

Zayn passes one over wordlessly, and Louis lights it quickly, allowing the first drag of nicotine to fill his lungs and warm his body. 

"Alright?" Louis asks after a few moments of silence have passed.

"Shitty weather, shitty day," Zayn answers. 

"Thats why we're here, innit? So tomorrow can be a little less shitty, or some crap like that, anyway."

Zayn can't help the grin that pulls at his lips.  "You're a prince of the 12 steps, mate."

Louis just laughs, flicking away his cigarette and heading inside.

The two lads spend the next hour listening to various recovering addicts share their stories and feelings.  Zayn feels antsy, his leg bouncing uncontrollably, aching for the end of the meeting.  Louis feels exhausted as he dozes off in the back of the room, vaguely realizing maybe today wasn't the best day for a meeting.

"That was brutal," Zayn says when they're finally back outside.

He lights another cigarette, shoving Louis playfully when the older lad steals it from his lips.  Louis takes a deep drag, chuckling as he exhales the smoke.

"It's almost not the same without Arrigo bitching about something.  Kind of miss the old bat."

"I'm sure she misses you every day too," Zayn smirks.