Your Addictive Heart || l.s

Kicking Myself For This

Louis had to wipe his hands multiple times on his athletic shorts. He still wasn't used to all the responsibility of being captain. He knew he was fit for the job, but if things didn't go perfectly he had a habit of taking it personally.

They were a few practices in but he still felt nervous whenever practice was about to start. He knew the team was apprehensive about him adding three after school practices in addition to their morning practices. He just felt it was the right call. The team was all over the place.

He had a problem with one kid in particular. A new kid named Collin. He was a sophomore hotshot that thought he was so special for making the team.

As some of the boys gathered on the field, Louis listened in on their murmurs. He was sure they were already bitching about him.

Liam, his second in command, was already having a talk with Collin. He knew Louis well enough to not let problems get to him without going through Liam first.

"You're doing good. Just remember to reign it in. You got lots of time to shine. Right now connecting with the other boys is more important. You gotta learn how to read them. Start by making friends. We're all on the same team." Liam gave him a pat on the back.

At that moment, Louis was a little jealous of Liam's communication skills. Louis has good intentions for his team. He really does. Sometimes his big mouth just gets the better of them.

He realized they were still talking so he tried to make himself look busy by filling the water containers.

"Yeah no, they seem great. I haven't made many friends yet." Collin told Liam.

"Yeah well, they're mostly here for Louis." Liam was candid and a small smile started forming.

"That's Olivia and that's Anna. The blonde one just wants to ogle Zayn. Anna's pretty cool. She watches all our plays and gives us really good feedback. We considered paying her for her work honestly." Liam complimented Anna.

"They seem great."

"Yeah. Oh, and the two lads there are really nice. We're good friends. The blonde one's name is Niall. He's sort of the class clown but he's a big softie. He'll help you out with anything you need."

Louis rolled his eyes. Niall wasn't that funny. He forgot to pay attention to the water he was filling while he was eavesdropping and it started to spillover. "Shit." He mumbled softly to not draw attention to himself.

"Woah. Who is that guy?" Louis didn't have to turn around to know who Collin must be staring at.

"That's Harry. Also very sweet, but if you like all your body parts where they are I'd keep your distance." Liam whispered to the boy but Louis could still hear.

"What's wrong with him?" Collin asked and Louis realized he was pressing his fingertips into his palms fairly aggressively.

"Nothing." Liam chuckled. "Except that he's Louis' ex-boyfriend. Poor bloke." Liam sighed. "Probably going to be single till college with that one around."

Louis was biting his tongue and rolling his eyes. He knew Liam was light-hearted about the matter, but Louis found it aggravating that he couldn't offer up his side of the story.

"That's a shame. He's sort of...beautiful." He could hear the admiration in his voice. Louis wanted to cut him from the team right there and then.

"Yeah. Well, think of it this way. He's sort of like the sun. Stare too long and you'll end up blind." Liam gave him another reassuring pat and parted ways.

Louis couldn't help but be proud of that comment. He had a positive impact on that one.

"Alright, boys. Shall we?" Louis asked the team as they all settled in.

They all slumped their shoulders and followed him as he started their laps around the field.

Louis is usually in the lead while Zayn gives him a hard time by trying to beat him. It's aggravating at first, but Louis' grateful for the push. It's not like he'd fall behind with Harry watching.

***

Louis knew it was a good practice by the heavy breathing and red faces. Everyone shuffled off to their rides before Louis could change his mind about dismissing them.

Liam and Zayn immediately collapsed on the field just for the drama of it. He stood over them with an amused look. "C'mon babies. You'll live." He smiled at them knowing this was their weird way of complimenting his tough practice.

His other friends ran out to the field now that practice was over. "Your boys are sleepin' on you, Lou!" Anna shouted at Louis as she kicked the ball around. She was better than she knew.

Louis could only focus on the curly-haired boy concerned about his boots getting muddy as they walked through the field.

"Guys! Guys!" Niall shouted. "Who am I?" His head darted back and forth left to right while he held his arms out like he was about to pounce. He was clearly imitating Liam's contemplative look on the field. He does it when he gets flustered and can't make a split decision.

Everyone burst out into laughter at the impression. "Wait! Wait! Who's this?" He switched up his impression to Zayn. He started to run in slow motion while running his hands through his hair repeatedly.

Even Louis found the impression spot on.

The boys gave each other a knowing look before deciding to get up together and chase Niall around the field.

Louis started packing up the equipment as the children amused themselves.

"Nice practice today." He heard a low voice coming from behind him. He felt the pound of his heart quicken as he suddenly felt the presence of the younger boy.

He hadn't talked to Harry at all this week. Unless you count the many love letters and texts he sent the boy just to get under his skin. "Thank you, Harold. I try." His arrogance was a facade when it came to Harry, but all he could do was hope he didn't notice.

"Having a good first week?" He stuck his hands in his pockets. Louis could tell he was making an effort to be friends again, but that's not what Louis wanted. He still had hope the younger boy would forgive him.

"Yeah. Yeah. Great. Team's doing good. Got the freshmans doing my coursework." He tested the waters with humor and was delighted to see Harry's dimple peeking through at the joke.

"Good. Well, Niall and the girls are going to stop for shakes. You guys want to join us?" He was shyer than Louis was used to him being around him.

"I shouldn't. I'm watching my figure." He pursed his lips playfully at the boy. Then he let his eyes fall over Harry. "And yours."

Harry's eyes widened at the forward comment, but Louis could tell by his red cheeks he appreciated the line.

"Watch all you'd like." He gave Louis a mischievous smile he wasn't expecting, and suddenly Louis felt dizzy.

His emotions were running high under the heat of Harry's gaze. He wanted him more than anything and it was right about now he was kicking himself for ruining what they had.

***
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