Two Degrees of Separation

Chapter 19: Friends

Author's Note: Enjoy some Louis being Louis, and Mitch being Mitch :)

Chapter 19: Friends

The next day, Scott pulled the door open to the small, secluded restaurant that Louis had recommended. He intended to save a table for them, but was surprised to find that Louis was already seated at a small table in the back, browsing through his phone.

"Hey," Scott's loud voice boomed over Louis' shoulder, and Louis yelped.

"Jesus fooking Christ," Louis breathed, allowing a smile to slip out. He stood up, slipping his phone in his pocket before reaching out to embrace the taller man.

"Sorry, had to get you back, somehow," Scott replied, smiling as he squeezed Louis' frame before taking a seat across from him.

"Before we get to it, let me apologize," Louis said, softly. Scott was surprised. He had imagined that Louis would simply pretend that the conflict at the party had never happened, and Scott was fine with that.

Scott began to shake his head, but Louis spoke again before he could reply. "From what I'm told, what I said to you was completely out of line, and I'm sorry for... physically making you uncomfortable as well. I shouldn't have sat on your lap and played with your hair... which, again, I don't remember doing." Louis was rambling and Scott found it endearing.

"I'll stop you right there," Scott laughed a little, holding his hands up. "Forget it, okay? Harry just got a bit protective. It wasn't a big deal. We just have to get used to each other's sense of humor."

"I'm afraid to even look at you, with how insane Harry is when it comes to you, if I'm being honest." Louis laughed and pretended that he couldn't make eye contact.

"He's just trying to protect you."

"Me? What do I need protection from?" Louis asked, confused.

"I'm actually a distant relative of Medusa. Look at me too long, and you'll turn to stone." Scott's voice was low and serious. Louis looked up to lock eyes with him, and they sat in silence, trying not to be the first to break down in laughter.

Louis lost.

They spoke about their careers, their hometowns, their friends. The conversation flowed easily, and their stomachs hurt from laughing.

"In all seriousness, though. I was very nervous to meet you the other night." Scott confessed after the laughter died down.

"Why's that?" Louis' look of confusion had returned.

"Harry and I haven't discussed, you know... Larry Stylinson." Scott smirked.

"Ugh. Forget that rubbish." Louis replied as two beers were set in front of them. They lifted their glasses and knocked them together in a silent 'cheers'. Louis took a sip before continuing, "Two guys being as close as Harry and I are, the fans go nuts, you know?"

"Was there ever any truth to it?" Scott asked, sounding coy.

"Maybe at the very beginning, you know? Little crush on one another. Then you know, you're with each other every second of every day and the sexiness sort of wears off... particularly when you notice that he doesn't even lift the seat to take a piss..."

Scott nearly choked on his beer as he snorted with laughter.

"What? Haven't noticed that one, yet?" Louis asked, grinning. "Anyway... for a while it took a toll on us. Our label was very... strict about us being in proximity to one another in interviews, it was kind of sad. Over time, we stopped listening to the noise and just focused on our friendship."