You're the place my life begins. [l.s]

Part V.

One Direction does not exist anymore, they parted ways four years ago. Liam is now a soloist, and participates in every type of charity all around the globe, especially in third world countries. He has been dating Marisa -who happens to be his PR agent- for a year. Niall has opened his own record label, and is the judge of a new talent show along with Simon Cowell, ‘Who’s the Brightest Star?’ is its name. He is not dating anyone, but has been flirting with one of the judges, Kate and it seems to be promising. Zayn has been retired ever since because he is enjoying home life with Perrie and Liesel, their four year old daughter; they live in a cozy house in the suburbs of Bradford. Louis and Harry have stuck together, though, and are now a duo. That brought a little comfort to the broken-hearted fans, fans who are still as loyal as ever.

            Even though the band does not exist anymore, their friendship still does. Because there is nothing strong enough to break the bond these five boys –now men– have created over the years since they very first started in the stairs.

            Consequently, when Harry calls one morning, Liam does not hesitate to accept his invitation. They meet two days later, in a café that the five guys often visit. The place is comfy and small and is almost always empty. It is filled with a welcoming quietness that is only interrupted by the eventual whistle of the teapots and the clacking of cutlery against plates.

            As soon as Liam catches sight of Harry sitting in one of the tables, he knows that there is something bothering him or making him restless and anxious. The guy is biting his nails and the tea is untouched.

            “Hello, Harry,” when he greets him, the lad is a little taken aback. But then he breaks into a lovely smile and they hug for seconds that feel like hours. They sit and fill each other in on the latest news of their lives, and the other boys’ lives –because they still call themselves ‘the boys’- and some of their mutual acquaintances’.

            “So, Harry, what is it?” Liam says once he is tired of going in circles, “I’m sure you didn’t make me fly all the way from Albania to show me pictures of Daisy and Phoebe’s birthday party.”

            “I may have! Sharing them on social networks makes it less special.” Harry argues, pouting a little, and Liam fights the urge to roll his eyes.

            “And why is Louis not here? Since, you know, they’re his sisters.” And Harry’s open mouth is shut. His eyes travel around the place for a second, studying every corner of the store and Liam starts to worry.

            “I,” Harry opens his mouth again to speak, but he’s got no idea how to put his thoughts into words, even if it is supposed to be easier now because Liam is the second person he has decided to tell about his plan, “I may, I-I, will, maybe, um…”

            “Have you forgotten the ability to form complete sentences, Styles?”

            “When did you become so sarcastic, Payne?” Harry does roll his eyes and furrows his eyebrows, very nervous. He sighs and says, “I will propose to Louis.” He says it in a rushed flow of words that Liam almost does not catch any of it.

            “Woah, really?” His eyes go incredibly wide as surprise falls over his face, but then he breaks into a wide grin, feeling so proud that a few tears well in his eyes, “that is huge, mate, congratulations!” Liam smiles so widely and looks so genuinely happy that it melts Harry’s heart.

            “Thank you.” He thanks him, and it is somehow overwhelming because the more people know about it, the more real it becomes. And it makes him edgy, and his hands start to sweat and his breathing becomes uneven. He likes to compare the feeling to the moment he took his audition, the expectation and anxiety rising up in his throat and the adrenaline rushing through his veins as the seconds passed and his turn got closer. But it is a thousand times more wonderful, therefore, more nerve-wrecking. It’s a beautiful kind of nerve-wrecking, though.

            “What about, um, coming out?” Liam asks carefully, not wanting to hit a nerve.

            “That is actually why I need you and the guys to help me.” 

*

When I wrote this (a year ago, I think), I didn't have internet, so I didn't know about Sophia until a few weeks later, and honestly, I didn't want to change the story.. if you read this, thank you! Would you tell me what you think? Also, if I have grammar mistakes, let me know, please! English is not my native language and I'm still learning. Thanks a lot.