Perfect now (Larry Stylinson AU)

Chapter 4

The days passed on, it had been a rough two weeks and detentions were becoming even more awkward everyday. This Monday, right after they got out of their History test, they sat at their usual sits, Harry at the top right corner next to the window and Louis at the top left one behind the computers, their usual seats. As Harry had plugged his earphones on and was retyping his notes so that they would be clearer, he startled and almost fell off his chair. Louis had thrown his pencil case against the library's door making echo a brutal slam. He turned to the angry lad, trying to figure out what had happened. Louis had buried his head into his fists, shaking his head repeatedly. His fists were so clutched that his nails were scratching his fair skin. Harry's eyes stopped at Louis' clenched jaw. His cheekbones were contracting in synchronization to his heavy breathing. He just shook his head and plugged his earphones back on. Whatever Louis' lost of control was for, it was nothing of Harry's business and he did not want to be part of it. He just wondered what went through that tiny lad's mind and why, while everything was so silent and calm, he had just gone completely and utterly crazy.

After a few weeks, Harry had noticed a shift in Louis' attitude. He would always be angrier than before, if that was possible. The tension emanating from his body could be felt by Harry from across the room. However, none of them talked about it. Louis was aware of Harry's eyes on him when he would storm out of the room unexpectedly but knew he would not ask any questions and, strangely enough, that was comforting. However, when the History tests were handed back, Louis, in front of the whole class, just teared his paper apart and left the room, under the worried eyes of the teacher. Zayn had followed him after Mr. Collins agreed to it but he did not come back until the bell rang to take both of Louis' belongings and his own. On the other hand, Harry had gotten a straight A and did not complain much. He had worked really hard and it had paid off. But, this day during detention, something changed. The atmosphere was not tensed. Louis was sad and desperate and Harry would feel his despair in his whole body, like it was sinking through his soul and running down his bones. He did not notice how broken Louis actually was until he came up next to him.

« I learnt all of your notes.
- When was Pearl Harbour ?
- I don't know. Why the fuck would you ask me that ?
- Then, you did not learn them. »

Harry left Louis speechless as he drowned back into his work without noticing Louis walking away. He knew he was supposed to help him get his grades up but that was out of his range. He would not talk nor look at Louis. However, the tiny lad did not give up so easily and, just a few minutes later, threw an airplane made out of paper at Harry.

« Would you just back off ? Harry angrily lashed out.
- I need this tutoring. Wether I like it or not, I need it. It'll serve you too.
- In what way ?
- The principal said ...
- He's not there, Harry cut him off. If you work on your own and get your grades up, he'll never know and we won't even have to talk.
- But I need this. You don't get it, I can not lose football.
- What ? Because you're just some selfish spoiled kid who can't give up on your little hobby ?
- You don't know anything about me, Styles. Watch your mouth.
- Or what ? You'll beat me ? Already did. Several times and, last time I checked, I was the one on top.
- Never mind, t'was a bad idea anyway. You're no better than I am. »

Harry thought about Louis' words. He did believe he was a way better person than Louis was and, for some reason, he felt the need to prove it but, that, Louis already knew. Through the years, they had learnt each other's weaknesses, what to say to make the other one react. And, right there, Louis had been simply right. That's why Harry turned around after a while and said :

« Fine.
- What ?
- Don't make me say it.
- I will.
- Why won't you ever stop arguing ?
- I like having the last word.
- So do I.
- Then, we're both stubborn. Never mind, shall we get started ? Louis suggested.
- Just take those notes and learn them. If you have any question, look it up on Internet. When you're finished, I'll test you with a few questions.
- That's going to take hours ! Louis complained.
- May I remember you that we're stuck here every evening after class. Might as well make it useful. »