Above the Crimson Sky (Sequel to Beneath the Midnight Sky)

I. Turtle Shells

There was a familiar sound echoing in the hollow dorm room walls as Harry reluctantly twisted the doorknob. He hoped that maybe the moaning was simply a heated make-out session. He understood he'd be a bad roommate for interrupting such passion considering Niall hadn't had anyone over since Chelsea left him months earlier but he really needed his sheet music for his next class.

He realized his hopes didn't come true when he witnessed his unclothed roommate thrusting his hips rhythmically.

"Jesus Harry, can't you learn to knock?" Niall scolded, startled by the door swinging open. His cheeks turned a bright red shade, quickly throwing his blanket over himself and the woman under him.

Harry shielded his face with his hands. "Help, it burns!"

Niall chucked a pillow at him but he missed Harry entirely and knocked over a lamp.

"I'll just grab my music and...go..." Harry awkwardly said as he reached for his folder and turned around to exit the room.

Before he could even shut the door, he could hear Niall saying the cliche "Now where were we" followed by a seductive giggle.

(iMessage)

Hazbear 💚: Do u have any eye drops

Loubear 💙: Zayn does. Y?

Hazbear💚: jjust saw Niall in a compromised position

Loubear 💙: Should I be jealous, concerned, or ready to murder someone?

Hazbear 💚: he was with some blonde....on my bed....🙄

Loubear 💙: Maybe it's karma for all the times we've used his bed?

Hazbear 💚: I️ won't tell if you won't 😜

Hazbear 💚: Well class is starting. See you at 5?

Loubead 💙: XoXo

He quickly put his phone away as Professor Corden entered the room and began his lecture. Though he tried to stay focused, he couldn't help but let his undiagnosed but suspected ADD have other plans for his mind.

If I were a turtle, I'd hope someone would paint my shell a nice turquoise color. Maybe paisley, that's always been a nice color. A nice floral design will do. Then again, kiwi has a nice lime green hue. I hope if I was a turtle, Louis would be a turtle too and we'd have matching shells so everyone knew we belonged together.

"Mr. Styles? Harry..." Professor Corden said walking over to his desk. "Daydreaming again, are we? If you want to win that scholarship, I'd suggest you try and pay attention...care to share what was so important?" Professor Corden was usually more laid back and comedic but he had his heart set on Harry winning the scholarship this year.

"Well, how do you feel about plaid on a turtle shell?" Harry asked with a strong thinking face. The class let out a roaring sound of laughter, even Professor Corden shook his head in amusement.

________

In another section of the campus, Louis and Zayn focused on painting their scenery for an upcoming play.

"I can't believe I let you sign me up for another class. You know I have social anxiety. Theatre, really Z? Reading my poetry in creative writing was enough," Louis complained

"Exactly. The more you engage in uncomfortable situations, the more comfortable you'll become. It's simple really," he shrugged. "Like exposure therapy. Besides, it gives us some bonding time since you've replaced me with Romeo." Zayn teased.

Louis dipped his brush in the grey paint and colored in a boulder, which was really a large piece of styrofoam.

"We hangout all the time, Z. We're roommates for crying out loud," he playfully replied shoving Zayn. "Do I have to try out for any roles or can I just...be backstage?"

Zayn sighed heavily. "Oh, Lou. It won't work if you don't participate. We can try out together," he suggested.

Louis licked his lips as he focused intensely at shading the scenery. "I guess..." he hesitantly agreed as Zayn's eyes lit up.

"You know what? We should hangout tonight. Tonight is Liam's gym time and..."

"Can't," Louis interrupted him. "Meeting Harry at 5. We have a date tonight." He smiled widely.

Zayn scoffed and rolled his eyes. "On a Tuesday?"

Louis nodded as he noticed Zayn's sudden mood change. It bothered him to see his friend disappointed so he did what any Louis Tomlinson would do: he dipped his brush in blue paint and smears it on the bridge of his friends nose.

Zayn closed his eyes tightly and tensed his muscles at the sudden goop on his face.

"Oh, you're going to get it now, Tommo!" Zayn warned as he chased Louis around the theatre with a paintbrush in hand.

****

Authors Note: Hey guys <3 love you. Hope you enjoy this dramedy. Nobody can prepare you for this roller coaster full of laughs, tears, and thriller moments!

P.S if you haven't read the first one, you may be highly confused. You've been warned. Hehe.