The man on the end of the line // L.T

"I need him as much as he needs me"

                     Harry's POV

"Stop, it's fine. Don't worry about it" I assure Ella for the tenth time about me coming to collect her. Louis won't be happy I've closed the business early but he's got plenty more clubs that will earn him his money.

"I just feel bad you're either saving me or helping me and I don't give back anything in return" she looks down at her hands nervously.

"I don't want anything in return, if I didn't want to help you I definitely wouldn't be here right now" I concentrate on the road ahead.

"Well thank you again" She smiles up at me.

We sit in silence for a few minutes before she lets out a long sigh, "We haven't really spoken about what you said the other night"

"And what was that?" I question knowing full well what she's talking about.

"Don't play dumb Harry, you talking about my relationship with Louis and nearly kissing me" She sternly says without looking at me.

"Well I stand by what I say about Louis, you're too good for him. He'll continue to hurt you but if that's what you want then who am I to say anything"

She snaps her head to look at me, "exactly who are you to interfere with my relationship. Louis is changing he is trying to make himself better and the likes of you don't help his case"

I laugh "That's because I know him more than anyone else ever will"

"People change, when they find someone worth changing for" She looks down at her hands again and I watch as she picks the skin around her fingers.

"Well then you are definitely worth changing for, let's hope he thinks that too" I sigh.

I would love Louis to be happy but I can't help my feelings towards Ella. Maybe it's the fact it's Louis or the fact I really do care about her, I'm not sure which one that is right now.

We pull up to the station and I park up, we walk up the steps to the London police station and walk in. We stand by the glass window and I ring the bell, waiting for someone to greet us.

"How can I help?" A lady appears.

"I'm here to see Louis Tomlinson" I say for me and Ella, who is standing just behind me. I get the feeling she hasn't been in a police station before.

"Two moments, please take a seat" she gestures towards the row of plastic chairs against the grubby white wall.

We take a seat never speaking before the large door to my left swings open.

"Well well, Harry Styles I thought that was you on the cctv" Steve holds his hand out to me.

I stand up and share a handshake, "Hello Steve, how is he?"

Steve laughs, "Pissed I've beaten him twice at cards"

I laugh and follow Steve back to the offices and gesture for Ella to follow.

We walk into a small room and Louis is sitting behind a table with another officer with a deck of cards in his hands.

"Alright Tommo" I enter the room.

"What the fuck are you doing here? It's not a bloody reunion!" Louis rolls his eyes.

"I called him" Ella steps out from behind me and Louis instantly stands.

"Ella" Louis looks towards me and then back to Ella.

"Are you ok?" She asks.

"Yeah" Louis sighs "apart from loosing three games to these jerks" he gestures towards Steve and another policeman who I've never met before.

"Watch your mouth Tommo or I will throw you in a cell over night" Steve walks towards him.

With a hand resting on his shoulder he calmly speaks, "Now you've got a warning, there was a time I thought you were done visiting me. Let's not start making it a regular occurrence" he squeezes Louis shoulder and gives him a small smile.

We've come along way from spending every week here, I know Louis has come along way and I don't want to see him here again.

"It won't be" Louis lowers in head.

I look to the side and see Ella's confused face, I wonder what she's thinking.

"Good. I'm glad to hear it son, remember I'm a phone call away if you need a chat" Steve pats Louis on the back as he walks towards us.

"I've changed a lot since then Steve. But thank you for the offer" Louis grabs hold of Ella's hand and starts walking out the room.

I turn to follow when Steve calls me back, "Harry" I turn to him and close the door.

"How is he now? I must admit I've been busy over the years but he never slips my mind. He seems happier?" Steve sits down at the desk.

"Yes he is happier, obviously Ella has a big part to play in that. Things kicked up with Leah recently" I sit down with him.

"Yes I was working away but when I came back I saw her name pop up on the records. Has he been to see his father?"

I shake my head, "No he will never visit him. He will never forgive him for what he done"

"That's understandable but it could offer some closure and his mother?" Steve leans back in his chair.

"No he's not been to seen her since he was arrested. He hasn't forgiven her either and he's not planning too" I reply.

"I see. You've been a good friend Harry. Not many people would of stood by Louis through these years and I know you've had your ups and downs. But promise me you'll stick around because whether you believe it or not you are all Louis has and you are the only one who truly knows what he's been through" Steve lowers his head and I can only imagine he's bringing up memories of the early years of Louis.

"I have his back every day and I need him just as much as he needs me even though neither of us would ever admit it to each other" I stand as to cut the conversation short before Louis storms in here.

"That's good to hear, he's a good lad beneath it all. He's come along way from the angry and upset child years ago, I want him to have a good life" Steve stands to shake my hand. I return the handshake and leave the room and join Louis in the reception as he fills out the last of the paperwork for his release.

"Where have you been?" Louis looks up from signing the letter.

"Steve wanted a catch up" I honestly answer.

"Mhm and what the fuck is going on with my business?" Louis slides the paperwork through the gap in the glass window to the lady.

"I closed early. Kick up a fuss if you want but it needed to be done" I turn around and start walking out the door.

"I'll be in the car" Ella calls out rubbing her arms since she has no coat I can only assume she's cold on this December night.

"Lou" I call to him.

"What Harry?" Louis snaps.

"Nothing" I sigh.

What's the point in bringing anything up, he will only brush it off or start an argument. Maybe tonight isn't the best time but I will bring up Louis' past at some point. He will never truly move on if he doesn't face his demons once and for all.

"Good. I don't want to hear any shit that's threatening to come out of your mouth" he storms off to the car.

I smile at his usual way of conversing with me, "I love you Tommo" I run and jump on him.

"Yeah? Well I guess I love you Hazza" he squeezes his arm around my waist, "Now get the fuck off me you moron"
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(Sorry short chapter but I wanted to update! 😬 and we will dive into Louis past soon!)