Brave.

Wandering Princess.

Louis POV...

I let the cold water drip down my face catching them before they settle on my pink jumper. The water conceals my tears. I look at my face in the mirror, seeing bags under my red eyes. Someone comes through the door pulling me out of my head. "Louis?" I hear Michael, "Louis, are you ok?" I wipe my face and put on a fake smile. "Yeah, sorry I had to make a call," He smiles back at me as I keep the smile evident on my face, hoping he believes me. "No worries. Let's get started on this album, shall we?" "Of course, let's go." We walk through the gelid building together as he tells me how he got into music and about himself. I smile and nod along.

"Ah, the wandering princess returns," Steve mocks, as I take my seat and flip him off. I look over to Hannah, who's sat mumbling to herself, writing her thoughts down. "Gather round children. I have a few things to share." Michael claps his hands together, picking up a guitar. He begins strumming and playing a few tunes for us. I mumble things, following along, thinking of lyrics. I'm sure a lot of the album is going to be my feelings about Harry. I need to get him off my chest, and music will be my course of action. 

Steve plays us a few runs on the drums. Everyone follows along with their instruments as Hannah and I sit, nodding, and mumbling things. Hannah is a songwriter, Simon must have put her in the team to make sure my lyrics aren't gay or obvious about my relationship with Harry. "I think you should release a single song, letting people know you're still making music and hinting a solo album before releasing it," Matt speaks for the first time, and I nod along, indicating I like the idea. Today has been everyone getting their ideas out and down. Nothing much has come from me. I am struggling with writer's block. My mind always wanders to Harry. We decide to call it a day and meet at the studio tomorrow. 

"Hannah," I call her as she's picking up her bags to leave. "I'd like to apologise for this morning." She looks up at me, "it's fine-" I cut her off. "No, it's not. I was rude, and that's not who I am. I'm truly sorry. We're going to be working together until the album is complete, and I want you to be comfortable around me. Are you busy?" I speak fast and sure of myself. "Um no, I was just going to go home and write," She tucks her hair behind her ear, "Great," I smile at her, "Would you let me take you for an apology coffee?" She laughs and agrees. We leave Satan's building as I lead her to my car.

She tells me about herself as we drive and sing along to the radio. I take her to the Beachwood Cafe. "Louis, good afternoon," Helen smiles at me, "Where's Harry today?" I feel a pang in my chest, my stomach drops, and I let my head hang. "Uh, we broke up last week," I wipe a falling tear. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't know" she pulls me close, "I'm here with a- friend, this is Hannah" Hannah smiles as her fair skin turns a slight shade of crimson, "Hi." I didn't think she'd be the shy type, but she speaks almost inaudibly. Helen gives us our drinks, and we make our way to a table. "I just want to apologise again for what happened this morning" My mind travels back to the conversation. "It's ok, Louis. I get it now" She smiles gently and places her hand on mine. "Let's start again?" A smile pulls against my lips.

"Hi, I'm Hannah Leeman." She's smiling and laughing as we have a do-over. "Hi Hannah Leeman, I'm Louis Tomlinson." She lets out a shy giggle as I say her full name back to her. "How come you don't go by Hannah?" I question her, and her smile falls, almost instantly. "I- uh, my mother was called Hannah too," I feel even worse now. "I'm so sorry, I'll call you by your nickname, it's ok." She gives a small smile and waves her hands through the air. "You don't have to, Louis. I get that Hanny sounds like-" She stops talking immediately unsure of whether she should say his name. "How about a new nickname, a special nickname for you" I smile at her kindness. "I'd like that, Miss Leeman." Her cheeks turn a familiar shade of pink as she laughs at the words tumbling from my lips. "Anything but that," She says in between laughs. "Ok, man," "No!" She almost squeaks out, making me laugh. "How about-" I think for a second looking at her. "Lee," She smiles in response and lets her head lean forward. "Lee, it is. Now for your name." She smirks at me. "I feel like everyone would call you Lou, so that's off-limits." I shake my head, "Surprisingly no, most people call me Lewis. I can see your clogs turning though," I tease, as she has a finger on her chin, pretending to be deep in thoughts. "Lou, it is then" She smiles.

We keep talking for an hour about random things before a dog came into the cafe, both Hannah and I were mesmerised by its shiny coat and cuteness. "Uh, I love dogs." She smiles, sitting back. I laugh and agree. "Do you have one?" I question her as she shakes her head. "I live with someone, and they are allergic, what about you?" I think of the times I've asked Harry if we can get a dog, but he said no. I shake my thoughts away before answering. "No, I've been on tour every year for the past five years, it wouldn't be looked after properly, and that wouldn't be fair." She agrees. 

I take Hannah home and go home myself to my empty apartment. except it isn't Empty. "Louis?" I stop dead in my tracks as my heart rate increases, and my breathing decreases. "Harry?" I take slow steps through to the kitchen. I see him sitting at the table with lots of paper in front of him. "Where have you been, I've been here for about 4 hours, I cleaned up too." I let my eyes dart around the room, "I've been busy." I say with confidence, "I've seen," He laughs dryly, showing me his phone, A picture of Hannah and me in the cafe. "You don't love me" He shakes his head. "Yes, I do. And I always will. That's Lee, shes my co-writer for my-" I stop myself unsure of whether I'm allowed to tell him. He looks up to me for the first time, "You seem happy and cozy there, Louis, co-writer, or not." I only notice now that his eyes are red and puffy. My heart shatters into tiny pieces, and I am unsure of how to deal with it. "Fuck you, Harry. You broke up with me! Don't tell me how I feel about you. get out!" He ignores me, staying sat. "I'm selling the apartment, Louis." My heart stops at that moment. My chest rises and falls, but no air is going into my lungs.

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Hi, 

Hannah Leeman is played by Julia Michaels. 

Hope everyone is enjoying the first two chapters, vote and comment :) 

- E x