Rivals - L.S.

Thirty Two - Difference of Experience

Months had passed and Louis was thriving in New York, he truly had never felt better. His athletic career transformed before his own eyes. He was on the cover of every sports magazine, being praised on every sports channel and being given multiple endorsement deals. Everyone loved him. It was incredible and insane at the same time. It was everything he wanted.

Plus, New York was just so different from London. Yes, the stereotypical angry guys with loud voices and thick accents actually existed. But there were so many people who were passionate about so many things that everywhere Louis turned, he felt inspired.

Naturally, he missed Simon and he missed Zayn and he really really missed Harry.

It was hard, he didn't get to talk to any of them much, especially Harry. They FaceTimed and called and texted whenever they could, but it wasn't enough. His plan of visiting every week didn't quite play out, he had games all over the country and events and not much time for seven hour flights to London. It sucked. Louis wanted to hug Harry and hold him and kiss him and he just couldn't do that.

Luckily, Louis would be on holiday in a week and he had big plans to head to London. Then, everything would be perfect.

Harry was definitely struggling more than Louis had been.

Sure, his coincidental talent for baseball had turned into a hard earned skill. Without distractions at practice (a.k.a his hot boyfriend in tight pants) he had gotten drastically better. He was the top player in the league and had the new home run record.

But that didn't really matter to Harry as much as he thought it would.

He didn't really sleep anymore. Harry had special ordered all of the American sports channels so he could watch Louis' games, which due to the unfortunate time difference, he never got to watch until the middle of the night when he could catch the highlights or review the recordings. Plus that was really the only time they'd get to talk on the phone or text. So Harry sacrificed his rest for his love.

He felt painfully lonely. Harry always was too dependent on others. He had Luke and Liam and now Zayn, but that just wasn't the same. And it was really hard for Harry.

That's why he came to the decision that he was quitting baseball.

The Great Britain season was almost over, they were about to go on holiday and Harry's contract was about to expire. He was going to leave and never look back. Well, he'd look back for his family. And Niall, Luke and Liam. And maybe even Zayn since the brooding lad had been surprisingly kind to him. But other than that, he wasn't.

-

9:13 pm New York time. 2:13 am London time.

"Haz, you wouldn't believe the day I've had. We won our game this morning and afterwards I had a meeting with Nike. They want to sponsor me! And afterwards Adidas called me, and you know how I love Adidas. Then tonight there's a huge party at this crazy club in New York City, I'm actually on my way there! You would love it, H, I wish you were here. I miss you," Louis rambled excitedly, the sounds of honking and traffic echoing in the background.

Harry smiled a little to himself, downing the rest of his coffee. "I miss you too, Louis. I'm happy for you," he said sadly.

"What about you, angel? How's your day?" Louis asked, sounding genuinely interested.

Harry yawned and pulled a blanket around his shoulders with his free hand. "We had our last practice before holiday today, our new pitcher hit me in the hip with a ball. I think it was on purpose because I make him look like he sucks since I hit homers off everything he throws, but Simon said it was because the ball had some water on it or some bullshit like that. Now I'm in my flat. Just watching Oprah and turning my veins into black coffee. Can't say London is as exciting as New York," he shrugged, even though Louis couldn't see him.

"I'm sorry, darling. I wish things were going better. But hey, at least now you've got time off, right?" the blue eyed boy tried to cheer him up.

"I'm quitting," Harry said suddenly.

"What? Did I hear you right, Harry?"

"Yeah. My contract is about up and I'm not renewing it," he continued on, curious as to Louis' reaction.

The line was quiet for a moment.

"But baseball was your dream-"

"-You're my dream, Louis. I don't want to be here anymore without you. If that means quitting baseball then so be it," Harry said softly, green eyes fluttering slightly. He climbed out of bed and moved to the kitchen, topping his mug off with more coffee.

It got quiet again.

"H, I'm sorry. I didn't want to make you quit. I... I love you and miss you so much and if you quitting means I get to see you more than I'm all for it. Are you sure that's what you want, though? You want to quit?" Louis asked calmly, the muffled sound of his driver opening the door in the back.

"I'm sure."

Louis let out a quiet laugh. "Well then. Looks like I'll be seeing you soon then?" he continued.

Harry smiled to himself and set the pot down. "Yeah. Yeah you will. Next week," he assured Louis, "I'm coming to New York."

"I can't wait! You're going to love it! Oh, Har, I'm so ready to see you and kiss you and hug you and spin you around and show you the city and show you my place! Our place!" Louis exclaimed, music becoming louder behind him.

Harry grinned, glad that Louis was so happy. "I'm sure it's amazing. I'm ready to see you. Are you at the club now?" he asked, sitting up on the counter.

"Yeah, just got here. Get some sleep, babe, you sound tired. I'll try and call tomorrow. If not, I'll see you soon. Fuck, it feels good to say that!"

Harry laughed and kicked his legs back and forth. "I love you, prince. Forever and always," he leaned his head against the counters behind him.

"I love you with all my heart. Forever and always."

"See you next week," he hummed as he pushed a curly hair behind his ear.

"Bye Hazza! See you next week!"

As Harry hung up the phone and drank his coffee, he couldn't erase his grin. For the first time since Louis left he really felt happy. He felt like he was going to be okay.

And for Louis, he had already been on top of the world. But now? Now he felt like he owned the entire fucking solar system.

Alright guys! Shorter chapter, mostly it was just a filler! I hope you enjoy it and are ready for the next one, it should be up by the end of this week! There's probably gonna be two chapters left and then an epilogue! Thanks for all of the support. I love you all! Xx.