Illusion

Chapter 18: Harsh Words, Old Habits and Confessions

The sun was barely up over the horizon and soft light was gently flowing into Louis and Harry's spacious bedroom. Louis was asleep in bed, cocooned in the duvet subconsciously trying to keep out the cold air, but stirred slowly awake when the light of a new day hit his face.

He stretched his arms lazily above his head with a yawn before bringing them down by his sides. His eyes opened a fraction when he was met by the cool sheets next to him, suddenly aware that Harry wasn't where he usually was so early in the morning. A small frown formed on his face, his lips pouting slightly as his sleep addled brain scrambled to work out why Harry wasn't in bed next to him. He thought hard for a moment before it dawned on him, and he let out a long suffering groan, covering his eyes with his arm.

It was Monday.

He'd been dreading it since Harry's revelation about his impromptu trip to LA on Saturday morning. It was only made worse by the fact that although Harry had forgiven Louis for his emotional outburst, had apologised for making Louis feel unwanted and the subsequent argument that had followed, things between them still weren't any better. They were worse now if Louis was being honest.

Louis had reasoned with himself that everything was fine between himself and Harry after they'd shared a shower together, Harry lovingly caring for him as he always did and had shared sweet, tender kisses in bed, Harry singing softly to him until they'd both fallen asleep tangled in each other's arms. But Louis hadn't been able to shake his feelings of anger and guilt at what had happened and had woken feeling even more insecure and broken than he had the night before and it was starting to take its toll on both of them.

Things had been strained between them since. Harry had been acting as though Louis was a ticking time bomb that may explode at a moment's notice, needing to be cared for like a child, and Louis was harbouring secret feelings of resentment towards Harry for it that he soon realised, maybe weren't so secret. That in turn made Harry sad, even though he’d never said as much to Louis. But Louis could tell that was how he felt by the way Harry got the look of a kicked puppy in his eyes whenever Louis snapped at him for treating him like a child.

Louis knew deep down that Harry reminding him to take his medication, forcing him to make his doctors appointments and in general just trying to take care of Louis was his way of showing him that he loved him. But to Louis it felt more like Harry thought he was incapable of doing these things for himself, and that had only resulted in more arguing.

It had also become apparent to Louis that Jay had heard some, if not all, of their argument, neither of them having tried to keep their heated exchange quiet. She'd also been witness to the bickering and petty fighting that had ensued since. By Sunday night, however, Jay had resorted to simply trying her best to act as though nothing was wrong, and that the tension in the room wasn't threatening to swallow them all whole. She'd tried her best to make small talk as was their norm, but the conversation had been strained. Harry and Louis exchanged clipped words and forced smiles before Harry had made excuses for them both, telling Jay that they were both still feeling the effects of what had transpired.

Lottie had continued to stay at Niall’s place. She'd come home on Sunday intending to return home, only to find Harry and Louis in the middle of a heated argument over Louis’ upcoming doctors appointment and Harry's trip to LA. She'd darted upstairs, returning quickly with a few more bags of her belongings in tow and had promptly walked back out the front door, shooting them both dirty looks as she passed, not having been heard from since.

And so this strained version of their relationship, that was beginning to engulf the entire household, had carried on through Sunday night. Louis had tried his best not to be frustrated with Harry for simply loving him, while Harry had continued to try and not be upset with Louis for becoming angry over the smallest things. Angry words were said out of frustration, apologetic and hurt looks were shared, repeat.