Pretty in Plastic (l.s)

xxxii

It's Friday. As in, the Friday Louis goes out with Liam on their first date. The date Harry still has no idea about, and hopefully won't know about just incase it goes terrible. Louis's been avoiding the topic with the man since he planned it, and the reason is simple: if Harry's jealous of him simply being in Liam's presence, he'll definitely be envious if he finds out about a date between the two. Besides, Louis can't say that this date will end with him feeling something for Liam, and to worry Harry's pretty head about a highly unlikely situation is ridiculous. The doll's mainly doing it because Liam wants a shot, and Louis doesn't know anything outside of Harry really.

"What're you doing?" Louis jumps a little, and turns from the closet. Harry recently placed the doll's wardrobe back into there. Louis places his hands behind his back, and Harry raises an eyebrow. "Lou?"

"I'm getting dressed." He mumbles.

"For what?" Harry sits his water on the night stand. Louis purses, and twists his lips as nerves take over.

"I'm going out tonight." He finally says, and quickly turns back to the closet. He looks at one shirt after the other, but stops when he feels two firm hands hold his waist. Hot air is fanning across the side of his neck, ear, and cheek.

"With who?" Harry whispers. It's a simple question, really, but the context surrounding it has Louis weak in the knees. Harry can't possibly start these antics with an hour until Liam picks him up.

"That's not anything you need to worry about." The doll says coolly, and Harry squeezes his flesh. Louis takes a deep breath, and his mind races to those two naughty nights he had. Honestly, if Harry asks right now, the platonic agreement is out the window.

"I need to know just in case something turns dangerous." The man reasons, and Louis swallows.

"I'm going out with Liam." He finally admits, and Harry's hold slackens. "He asked me out, and I said yes."

Louis knows Harry's clenching his jaw, and flaring his nose. "Why would you do that?"

"Excuse me?" He turns his head to look at Harry.

"You don't like him like that. Why would you lead him on like this?" Harry's eyes are fierce.

"I am not leading him on." Louis shoves Harry's hands away, and the man steps back. "I haven't given myself the chance to experience anything outside of you, Harry. Since we're just friends—"

"Don't do that. Don't pull that card." Harry grinds his teeth. "That isn't fair."

"You said you wouldn't be mad if I moved on."

"You're right, but this isn't moving on." Harry shakes his head. "This is exploring with someone who thinks he has a chance, and didn't even agree with that. You're letting him think you like him—"

"Not at all."

"You are." Harry doubles down. "Liam has more than feelings invested into starting something with you. He wants to brush his ego, show me up—"

"Why is everything about you!?" Louis shoves him, but it's so light that Harry doesn't even budge. The shock of it, though, is enough to make Harry take another step back. "Why can't someone like me for me? Why does it have to make a full circle back to you? I get it: I'm your doll, your toy, your comfort thing. You want me to yourself because you're always selfish, and jealous."

"Louis—"

"What're you even jealous of? What do you hate so much about me giving Liam a chance?" Louis rips a shirt off a hanger, and tosses it on his shoulder. "Are you scared someone may actually see me as Louis, treat me right, and not let their insecurities bog down a possible relationship? Are you jealous of the fact that Liam, or any other guy, may be better?"