Pretty in Plastic (l.s)

viii

"I don't think you should go." Louis says for the tenth time. He's been watching Harry get ready for his date, and the doll feels an odd feeling the whole time. His stomach keeps churning, his chest feels heavy, and he feels a small sense of frustration. He's never felt this before.

"We haven't gone out in a long time, Louis. I owe her a dinner." Harry buckles his belt, and looks in the mirror.

"You look great." Louis says, and Harry smiles at him. "Is she your extra special friend?"

Harry assumes he means girlfriend. "Yes, she is."

Louis looks away with a frown. The feeling intensifies. He rubs the spot over his heart, and takes a deep breath. "When will you be home?"

"Probably 11." Harry walks over to him, and grabs his watch off the night stand. "Don't wait up for me, alright?"

"Okay." Louis most definitely will stay up for him. Harry ruffles his hair, and Louis looks up.

"Don't open the door at all, okay?" Louis nods. "Alright, I'm leaving now."

"Wait." Louis holds his hand when he tries to walk away. "What if I need you?"

Harry gives a confused look. "You've been alone for eight hours before. What would you need in three hours?"

Louis opens his mouth to answer, but he can't. "Uhm.."

Harry smiles softly, and boops his nose quickly. Louis blinks, and squeaks in surprise. "You're probably used to being with me every night."

Is that what this feeling is? Louis being scared to be alone at night for the first time?

"Don't worry. I promise to be home by 11." Harry leans down so they're eye level. "Okay?"

Louis nods, trusting him. "Okay."

—————

Silence. That's all there is between them. Tables are full of chatting, laughing, and forks clinking against plates. Between Harry and Kala, though, is nothing but tension. Not the good kind, either.

Kala is watching her plate as she cuts her meat roughly, and Harry notices her freshly done acrylics, curled and tightly done hair, and light makeup. She's stunning, he'll admit, and he knows he found an aesthetically pleasing woman. However, her personality was one that drained people's energy, forced others to cave, and downright frustrated even the most peaceful of humans.

So why can't he leave her?

"The foods good." Harry mumbles as he eats. Kala hums, and looks up. Her eyes aren't icy like usual. Instead, they're tender yet firmly expecting something. An apology? An explanation? Neither Harry can give.

"It is. You picked a good spot." She compliments, and takes a bite. He smiles softly. "We need to talk."

His smiles falls in an instant, and he sighs. "Kala, let's not do this."

"Harry—"

"This morning was extremely draining for me. I did not expect to wake up to an argument, especially when I asked you to leave me be for a while." Kala looks out the window, and gently places her fork and knife down.

"Harry, that's not—"

"I just want a peaceful evening. No fighting. I want us to enjoy our food, our date, and to leave here relaxed."

Kala looks at him, simmering. "Will you let me speak?"

Harry stops talking, and watches her. He takes the napkin in his lap, and wipes the corners of his mouth while clearing his throat. "Fine."