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

XXIII. Love Me Like You Do

With sweat beading down his chest, Harry let out a breath of relief as he put the weights back on top of the chair.

"Oh, come on, I know you can bench more than that!" Liam encouraged him.

"I can't. I feel so exhausted still. Between detoxing and all of this, I just...can't even think." Harry said grabbing his water bottle.

As he tilted his head back to drink, he exposed his neck to the fluorescent lights. Liam looked in disgust at the hickeys scattered over his neck.

"Why'd you do that, Harry?" Liam asked trying to stay calm. Harry shot him a do what look. "I know you love, Lou, I'm one of your best-friends. Why kiss Zayn...and risk it all?"

Wishing he had the answers, Harry sat down on the bench and patted it to signal Liam sit down beside of him.

"Honestly, I have no idea and I'm so sorry, Liam. I know how you felt about him. In that moment, I honestly mean it when I say I wasn't thinking. I wanted to go to Ed's, relax, sleep. I didn't mean to fool around with Zayn, believe me...." Harry begged.

Liam winched before regaining his composure. "I've known you for a long time. I believe you, Harry. I confronted him at play practice. Did you know you snorted Escasty?" He questioned as Harry looked baffled. "Yeah, don't go around stealing people's straws. So...how are things with Lou?"

"Don't know," Harry replied with unsure voice. "He's still clinging to Zayn it seems. Avoiding me."

Liam looked away from Harry. He could no longer see the constant reminder of his accidental betrayal. "We all know Louis hasn't been well for awhile...and he has trust issues, right? When he found out about your and Zayn's rendezvous, I believe he decided to shut you out. In his eyes now, Zayn saved him twice by conducting two interventions. He's been here for him since day. He has shown his love over and over again..." Liam continued.

"I tried to be there for him, Liam!" Harry defended himself.

"I know, and you have been! Listen, he's been trying to shut you out for awhile, Harry. I think he's pushing you away so he can self-destruct without a conscience. Why else would he turn you down when you asked him to move in with you and cite the reason as drug use but then run to your dealer?"

Harry shook his head in an I don't know form.

"I don't have the answers. Only he knows them. Talk to him, Harry. You're stubborn, prideful, and completely insane but you're also one of the best people I know. Louis makes you a better person," Liam patted him on the back.

"He's my weakness," Harry shyly admitted. "Do you forgive me, Liam? Can't help but notice you keep eyeing my neck..."

Liam thought before he answered. "I do, Harry. I know you never would've done if you weren't under the influence. Zayn, on the other hand...he would have. Niall noticed for awhile that he was trying to get with you."

Harry recalled Niall's warnings and wished he would've listened. "How do you feel about him now?"

"He's MY weakness," Liam admitted. "He has his good qualities too, you know. He's dedicated. Strong....do anything to protect the one he loves."

Harry agreed. "He must have for Louis to keep him as a best friend all these years. Maybe we'll see them one day."

"Maybe. Let's get out of here and find Niall. Mario Kart calls our name." Liam laughed.

"Call dibs on Peach...Louis says...used to say I was his Princess," Harry blushed.

Seeing Harry get depressed, Liam had to think quick on his feet.