what about us | l.s.

seven

February 12, 2011

"Harry, is that you?"

Harry sent his signature grin towards Louis and returned his attention to his phone, ignoring his friend's exasperated sigh. The pain in Louis' side had returned from late-night rehearsals and immediately collapsed onto his bed, not caring that the other boy was trying to sleep.

At times like these, Louis regretted the night in the park, the moment he opened up and told Harry everything. He told him about his hatred of love, something that took Harry by surprise, and his skepticism around getting romantically attached to people. Louis was sure that would be what drove Harry away, the final test before they became proper friends, but Harry just pulled him down into the snow with him and let out a content sigh. He promised he would never leave Louis, and he would always be there for him. Even when he didn't want him to be. Reliving the memory made Louis internally groan at the thought of being stuck with Harry forever.

"What's wrong, Lou?"

Louis looked up at the boy residing in his bed with confusion. Harry sat up and tossed his phone onto his own bed, nearly missing and hitting his nightstand.

"You just sounded like someone interrupted your sleep."

Louis' eyes widened as he realized that he groaned out loud. He then slapped Harry's arm for waking him up, still regretting his life choices. Harry yanked Louis out of the single bed before taking his spot. A frown began to take over Louis' face, the boy slowly growing more frustrated. As he was about to have a go at Harry, the older boy grabbed his waist and pulled him into his chest. Louis yelped but soon relaxed as Harry began to play with his hair.

One year into their friendship, Harry discovered that Louis became very calm when someone was running their hands through his hair. Similarly, Harry found peace in messing with someone's hair. It was perfect and became a method of relaxation for both boys.

"Niall texted. He's moving to America."

Louis' eyes shot open as he peered up at his best friend. He knew how close the two boys were and how much Niall meant to Harry. Niall had been Harry's rock after everyone had left him.

Green soon met blue as Harry looked down into Louis' eyes. It was impossible to miss the tears forming. The smaller of the two turned to face the other and wrapped his arms around his torso. Louis was never one for affection, but he was half asleep, and Harry seemed to need one.

Louis shivered as Harry hugged him back, his face now buried in Louis' hair. The two sat in silence with the only sound being Harry's ragged breathing. Louis' grip around his waist loosened as his eyes grew heavy. He attempted to stay awake for Harry who was beginning to wipe his tears away.

"I'm sorry for bothering you tonight. I know you were trying to sleep, and I woke you up."

The boy with the now tender voice waited for a response but instead, Louis turned back around and leaned into Harry's chest. He put the latter's hands in his hair and shut his eyes. Harry opened his mouth to speak but was met with a weary sigh, "Goodnight, Haz."

Harry furrowed his brows in confusion but soon relaxed as Louis fell asleep, Harry's hands still working through his hair. He slipped unconscious shortly after with raw eyes and a tender smile on his face.