My Habit from This Town

21) FRIENDS

Song for this chapter is FRIENDS by Marshmello and Anne Marie

**Harry's P.O.V**

I woke up with someone in my arms. I smile as I breathe in Louis' scent and remember the conversation that had happened just hours previously. Before I can wake up properly, I hear a familiar cough from the doorway. Shit. I reply without even opening my eyes.

"Hey Niall. Hey Liam." I feel Louis stir awake in my arms. I whisper into Louis' hair, hoping the boys don't hear. "Morning gorgeous. We have visitors." He groans as he gently opens his eyes.

"Haha. Liam, you owe me fifty quid and a foot rub. I told you this would happen before the baby arrives." Niall announces. I roll my eyes. They really made a bet? Classic Niall.

"Couldn't you have text us you were visiting? It would have made things less.... awkward. This isn't how I imagined telling you guys." Louis mutters. We sit up and signal for the boys to sit on the end of the bed, as one of them is almost 8 months pregnant.

"We did! We wanted to come for Harry's birthday yesterday but we had a doctors appointment, and then decided to visit family and ended up staying there longer than expected. Anyway, happy late birthday Harry." Liam says as he attempts to throw a gift at me, but hits Louis in the forehead instead. The three of us start laughing as Lou just looks grumpy.

"Thanks lads. Yeah, cheers." He sarcastically responds to our fit of giggles. "Guess it's mine now." He jokes, sticking his tongue out.

"You wish." I reply as I start play fighting to get the present off of him. He starts to tickle me. "That's cheating!" I exclaim through fits of giggles. I grab the present off him eventually and sit back up properly. I notice the way Niall is looking at us and just roll my eyes.

"You two are so cute." He states. Louis just nudges him with his foot. "So how long have you guys been "you two" then?" He asks as he hits Louis' foot.

"Funny story about that. We are not going to tell you." Louis states, which confuses me until I noticed Louis has checked his phone at this point and I see a mischievous grin on his face. He is plotting something.

"Why not?" Niall whines. "Are we not your best friends anymore?"

"Of course you are. But we won't tell you until you tell us." Louis replies. Tell us what? Was I missing something? I check my phone and see what Louis is on about.

*to Bro's Group-Chat*

From Nialler:
We've decided on our Godfather. Hint, it's one of you two ;-)

I agree with what Louis is doing, and I am about to state this until Niall interrupts. "About that. We haven't decided 100% yet. We will when we get both your reactions to the next situation. We spoke to Ethan. Well, he text us. I don't know how he got my number but he was begging for us to talk to you Harry. He understands that you don't want to date him anymore but he wants to be friends. Just friends. I think he was being sincere. What do you think?" He blurts. I just stare at him with eyes, and mouth, open wide. He spoke to Ethan? I had so much to take in. I turn to Louis, who has a similar reaction.

"I'm gonna need some time to take in this information Nialler. And then I will need to make a decision. This isn't going to be easy Niall." I respond after a while.

"I understand. But remember we are on a deadline." He motions towards his stomach.

Louis finally says something. "When are you due? I'll make sure he has his answer by then." He blurts.

"9th of March. Well, how do you respond to it Louis? You also should have a say in this situation, being Harry's boyfriend." Liam states. This scares me, but I know it will evidently influence my situation.

"Well, personally, I wouldn't feel all that comfortable with it, knowing what happened between you. But I also know that if you decide you want to be friends with him, you will be. And I would prefer to know this instead of you saying you aren't, and then sneaking behind my back. It's completely up to you Harry, but I don't want to do anything that could damage us. We've been through enough already. I don't know how much more we can handle. So you pick whatever you want Harry. Just tell me. Okay?" He responds. He was way more reasonable than I expected, which made my decision easier.

"Okay then. I think I want to try to be friends. Is that okay babe?" I turn to Louis to see his reaction. He nods so I kiss him on the forehead and give him a hug. So much has happened already and it's only 9.30 in the morning.

---------------

I spend the next month slowly becoming friends with Ethan over text. I don't think I'm ready to meet up yet, and I know Louis isn't ready. He is my main priority. I don't want to risk losing him.

It was all going smoothly until Ethan asked to meet. I didn't know what to do, if I should even ask Louis. I know what he would say. He would say no. But I think I want to meet him now. I think I'm ready.

To Ethan:
Ok. Let's meet. But I don't want Louis to know. Meet me here on March 7th. Louis is going out with his mum. And I want to stay here. No offence, but I'm not ready to go out places with you.

There. We would talk here and catch up for a little while. What's the worst that could happen? After all, we are just friends.