Quid Pro Quo

s i x t e e n: a caring christmas

Hi everyone! So clearly this chapter is past due but hey, why not spread some late Christmas joy? :)

i don't know if you guys have noticed but in my bio, i put two spotify links. these lead to the playlists i listen to when writing! they're full of amazing songs so i hope you guys will give them a listen and send me any recommendations for new music to add!

anyways, happy new year!

love you and hope you guys enjoyed! remember to vote, comment, and share!

bye!

~

Finals week. A grueling 5 days where students are tested on the knowledge shoveled into their brains all year. Louis had a whole lot riding on each exam but now that they were over, his mind was in tangles.

Which is the reason he and Clem were sat in a quaint little coffee shop after their last final. She had confidence that through their tireless studying, his grades would end up significantly better than they had been previously.

There hadn't been any pursuit of their relationship. Even after the 'funeral' they had for Clem and Oliver's relationship, nothing had come of it. Louis would obviously like for something to happen, but he enjoyed their moments together nonetheless. Oliver, on the other hand, wasn't too keen that Louis had helped her set fire to his belongings and had roughed him up a bit. But to him, few bruises and a busted lip were a small price to pay for Clem's happiness.

"So Lou," She sipped from her mug topped with foam. "What're you gonna do for winter break?"

"Ah, I don't know. I'll probably just get drunk or baked and play video games."

"What about Christmas?"

"Those are my Christmas plans, Clemmy."

"Your dad won't be there?" His brows furrowed as he took a drink from his iced coffee.

"No. He won't. He hasn't been here for the holidays in a few years."

There was no further discussion of the topic. But even after they had each gone their separate ways awhile later, Clem couldn't get it out of her head.

Louis had helped her through so much lately with her breakup and here he was, about to be alone on Christmas. She could picture it, his slim figure slumped on his couch, eyes red and glazed over as a tv program or movie played aimlessly in the background. That's not what she wanted for him.

She couldn't let it happen.

"Dad!" She shouted upon entering her house. She threw down her bag and jacket, storming into the kitchen where her father was likely stationed.

"Sweetpea, what's all the yelling about?" He asked, taking off his reading glasses and putting down his newspaper.

"Do you remember Louis?"

"Of course, he's a nice boy, much better than that Oliver. Why?"

"He told me today that his dad won't be in town for Christmas. He's gonna be on his own."

"That's just not right." Lee shook his head, rubbing his temple.

"My thoughts exactly. Which is why we have to do something."

~

A series of sputtering raps on his front door is what awoke Louis the next morning. He had allowed himself to crack open the liquor cabinet again the night before which clearly rendered him hungover.

"Louis! Let me in!" He heard Clem's voice faintly, inspiring him to get up. He passed briefly by a mirror, caught off guard by his appearance. He was bleary, unkempt, and in pain. But it was only Clem, so no harm done.