Illustrations [Larry Stylinson]

Chapter 2

"Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along." -Rumi

Harry's POV

Whipping out my iPhone, I call Liam. It's a tradition that we always get ice cream after the first day of school. We started it back in year seven when ice cream didn't seem as petty. Turning left onto East 7th street I walk over to Big Gay Ice Cream Shop, I ring Liam.

"Dude, hey!"

"Yeah, hey."

"Oh my God. I'm so sorry, my grandma's mailman's cat had a fever, and she's blind and can't drive, and the mailman was too hysterical to take the cat to the hospital, so she called me, and now I'm on my way to the pet hospital!"

"Liam, you and I both know that you're a terrible liar. Spill."

"Ok fine, I'm at Louis'. I'll meet you at the ice cream place in twenty?"

"Liam. We've been doing this since grade school. How could you just bail on me like that?"

"Yeah, I know. Sorry man, bye."

A small, silver bell rings as I step into the ice cream shop. The familiar aroma of homemade ice cream fills my nose and I walk over the glass pane separating me from the bins holding the glory.

"Welcome to Big Gay Ice Cream, can I help you?" A kid around my age asks.

"Umm. . .Not at the moment. Right now I'm just waiting for a friend," I reply.

He nods and continues wiping off the counter. I start checking him out-what can I say, he's hot! His skin looks tan, like he just got back from a vacation in Florida. He has dark brown hair, on the longer side, and it is styled into a quiff. I can tell he hasn't shaved in a few days, but he can make the stubble look extremely sexy. A small bell rings and he looks up at another customer, and his eyes are a chocolate brown. I mean, I'm not gay, but this guy is hot.

"Welcome to Big Gay Ice Cream, how may I help you?" He recites monotonously.

"Hi. We'll have two Salty Pimps." Liam's voice echos behind me.

"So you were at Louis'? How come I've never heard of him?" I turn to him.

"Cause I met him today," Liam shrugs.

"So you blew me off, your best friend of six years, to hang out with a guy you just met today?" I accuse.

"I'm sorry, okay! I forgot about today when he asked me to come over and it was early in the morning. I wasn't thinking clearly. Geez!" Liam explains.

"Whatever. See you tomorrow in class." I grab my ice cream and walk out.

Louis' POV

I pulled my black Mercedes convertible in between my Range Rover and Theo's blue Toyota and step out. I nod to the doorman, Orbert, as he holds open the glass doors. We walk across the large lobby and to the elevator. When we step inside, I press the button marked LOUIS TOMLINSON AND GUESTS ONLY. From the corner of my eye, I can see Liam raising his left eyebrow, impressed, and I chuckle. Niall's chill, as usual, he's used to this.

The elevator dings, signaling that we've reached my floor. Albert greets us as we step out and into my living area.

"Good afternoon Mr. Tomlinson, Mr. Horan, and-who might you be?"

I look over at Liam, who still seems in a state of shock at the size of my place. He finally snaps out of it and blushes slightly.

"Sorry, I was- yeah, um, I like your apartment Louis!" he bumbles awkwardly. I shake my head jokingly and introduce Theo.

"Liam, this is my butler, Theo. Theo, this is Liam, a freshie. Liam Payne."

Theo nods. "Hello, Mr. Payne. Can I get you guys anything to drink or eat?" I nod.

"Maybe some chips and soda?" I suggest, turning to Liam and Ni for approval. Both of them nod their heads in agreement. Theo rushes off to the kitchen to tell our cook, and the three of us head up the spiral staircase to my room. Liam seems in awe again, but this time I understand why. My room is about the size of a basketball court, and it is pretty cool. My king sized bed is in one corner, and it faces the flat-screen TV on the opposite wall. Along that wall are two glass doors that lead to the balcony overlooking the city. Look to the other corner, and you see a small hot tub, some plush chairs, and 2 doors (which lead into my walk-in closet and full-sized bathroom). Just to the right of the doors you see a mini fridge, a snow cone maker, and a popcorn machine. The whole room has a navy blue and white theme, and there are song lyrics lettered on the walls.

"Dude, I love your room," Liam exclaims, and I thank him. I hop onto my bed and Liam and Niall sit on the other chairs in the room. Theo knocks gently on the door, then hands me a tray with our chips and soda. After a moment of silence, I hear Green Day's 21 Guns start playing softly, and Liam apologizes before picking up his phone, and I can hear Liam's side of the conversation.

"Dude, hey!"

"Oh my God. I'm so sorry, my grandma's mailman's cat had a fever, and she's blind and can't drive, and the mailman was too hysterical to take the cat to the hospital, so she called me, and now I'm on my way to the pet hospital!"

"Okay, fine, I'm at Louis'. I'll meet you at the ice cream place in twenty?"

"Okay. Sorry man, bye."

Liam hangs up and turns back to me. "It was great meeting you guys, but I have to run. I'm supposed to meet Harry soon," We bid him goodbye and he steps into the elevator. I turn to my best friend, glancing in his clear blue eyes.

"Do you think he's cute?" I ask him.

"I mean, he is pretty damn attractive but I don't think he would ever go for me. He seems pretty straight from what I gathered. And my gaydar is pretty on point." Niall sighs.

Hi! We just wanted to say, if you are reading this, thank you. Please don't forget to vote and comment. Fun fact: Big Gay Ice Cream is a real place (125 East 7th street, New York, NY 10009). Neither of us have personally been but if you're around there, it has great reviews.

xxcoffeewithlarry