Sleepless Nights

5th

The fifth time Louis calls Harry, it's five in the morning, yet Harry sounds suspiciously awake.

"Harry, have you been sleeping at all?"

"Yeah, yeah- of course I have."

It has always been painfully obvious when Harry was keeping something from him, and even through the phone Louis could distinguish the blatant lie.

"Uh huh, and I'm Zayn Malik from One Direction."

"Look I don't know why you're accusing me, you're the one who called."

Louis takes a deep breath and tries not to snap at Harry. Defensiveness means that he is definitely hiding something, and fighting won't help either of them.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?"

There is obvious hesitation on the other end of the line, but Louis welcomes the uncomfortable silence. He has learned throughout the years that when it comes to getting Harry to talk, you cannot force it. While he always eventually confides with Louis, it never happens automatically.

"I'm okay."

Louis sighs.

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?"

"I'm fine."

Louis can sense Harry's growing aggravation, and he can tell that he won't get anywhere with him in the moment. He decides to drop it at least for tonight.

Louis had originally called to listen to Harry talk, a routine that the two of them were much too familiar with at this point. However, after hearing the slightest of wavers in Harry's own voice tonight, he decides to handle the rambling, saying whatever thought comes to his mind and keeping his voice in a soft timbre with the hopes that Harry can relax to it.

He continues to talk until he hears Harry's breaths even out, and once he is certain that he is finally sound asleep, he whispers a goodnight and attempts to doze off himself.