Burning Skies » larry

Chapter 7

Louis was a constant part of Harry's life lately, and if he was honest, he didn't know if what his more dominant emotion was because of this: happiness or fear.

Getting close to someone again was quite a big deal to him, especially since Niall had been the only person Harry had trusted to even be alone with in the past year. Even then, it had taken a lot of coaxing on Niall's part to make Harry believe that he really was his friend. With Louis, it was different. Louis just quite literally popped up out of nowhere and refused to leave his side. At first, Harry thought that Louis would eventually get sick of him and just stop texting him or stop joining them during lunch, but it had nearly been a month since everything, and unbelievably, Louis was still here.

Harry had no doubt that Louis was the loyal type of friend. The kind of person who held onto their promises and would bend over backwards just to make sure he fulfilled them. The issue here, of course, was Harry himself. Harry with his stupid gloves and social anxiety. Harry who cried over the littlest things. Harry, who was dull and plain and practically hollow when compared to Louis' bright, energetic presence and charisma.

Of course, there was also the fact that Harry wasn't a normal boy like Louis was.

Whenever his thoughts went down this road, he avoided dwelling on it too long. He was dreading the day when he'd actually have to face the fact that their friendship wouldn't last forever, because the second Louis found out the truth about him, Harry was certain he would never be able to see his face again.

Which was why he didn't think about it. He didn't care. For now. All he knew was that he enjoyed Louis' company and that he had a handsome smile and was beautiful all over. Harry would take whatever he could get, even if it was temporary.

As Louis had promised, he didn't stop being friends with Harry the second their Statistics project was over. If anything, Louis came over to their table during lunch more frequently now. They texted twice as much and went out to visit cafés to do their homework just like before. Still, Harry couldn't help feeling nervous whenever he and Niall sat down for lunch, quietly wondering if yesterday was the last time Louis would share a meal with them again.

Today was Tuesday, and Harry's worries hadn't changed one bit. He and Niall were already seated at their usual table, Niall busy wolfing down his food while Harry subtly scanned the cafeteria. Then, he kept an eye on the cafeteria entrance in case Louis came through.

"Mate, you should start eating before your food gets cold." Niall said.

"I thought I'd wait for Louis first. Well, if he comes." Harry mumbled, eyes still busy roaming around the room.

Niall sighed. "Haz. I know you have this fear that Louis will suddenly ditch you and pretend you guys never knew each other, but give Louis some credit, man. He's a genuinely nice guy and he's told you multiple times that he loves your company and that he's serious about being your friend. Just, I don't know, maybe have a bit more faith in him, you know?"

"You're right." Harry said guiltily. "I'm a really shitty friend. I just—I don't really know how to make friends, much less keep them."

"Well, I for one am a solid proof of how you can keep friends." Niall pointed out.

Harry gave him a soft smile. "It's different for you, though. You're like family."

Niall's gaze softened. "Jesus, don't make me cry in the middle of the cafeteria."

Harry laughed. "But I'm serious. I'm glad I have you."

Niall sniffed dramatically, patting away his non-existent tears. "Damn it, Haz. I fucking love you too, alright?"