KINGS & QUEENS - LARRY STYLINSON FANFICTION

WHAT'S WRONG ABOUT BEING FRIENDS?

For the short soundcheck in the afternoon the band practices some parts of the show on their own and then the boys sing three full songs. When Louis sings his part in "Little things" he can hear Harry clapping and yelling something from his seat close to the stage but he can't understand what exactly. After the soundcheck, Harry walks towards the band in the hallway. "Guys, you were great! Amazing . . . really. I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to hear you that often!" He gives everyone high five and Zayn puts his arm around Harry's shoulders.

"Thanks," Zayn smiles. "I'm happy that you've discovered new horizons!"

"Obviously."

"Have you ever listened to our songs before?" Liam asks.

"Just your first one but I didn't really pay attention, I don't know. I'm more into the 70ties and 80ties vibes, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Metallica and stuff but as I've already said, I love your music and I'm glad that I discovered it this way."

"That's true," Liam says. "Are you going to attend the whole concert tonight?"

"Sure! Why not?"

"Because last time you left early, you missed the final song and the atmosphere there was breath taking."

"Oh yeah, I had to catch my flight because of a photo shooting. Today I'll stay."

"Cool." Liam pauses as they walk down the hallway. "By the way, who wants to get on the sag ways again? Niall? Zayn?" he proposes excitedly. "Mike told me we could do it again, he fixed the broken one."

"Oh, I want to come with you," Niall answers.

"I'd rather just be on my own before the show," Zayn says and walks over to his and Liam's dressing room. "Maybe next time."

Liam nods. "Alright. Bye guys, see you later!" And then Liam, Niall and Zayn are gone. Louis and Harry walk into the other dressing room that's very cosy. In Paris, the band and the musicians have separate rooms. Louis flops down on one of the sofas and Harry too. They sit opposite of each other and Harry puts his arm onto the backrest. "Your voice is unique. It's just . . . wonderful I mean – you sing that one song so beautifully, Louis. I love your part the most. The others are good singers too but you carry something special within your voice. Just wow. It's great that I could listen to you and that I'm going to see your show again."

Louis can feel his cheeks flush for the second time that day. Nobody has ever said something so beautiful about his voice. "Oh . . . thank you," he says quietly.

"Don't you believe me?"

"I do but . . . you've said many nice things about me and I don't know what to think of that."

"You shouldn't doubt every word I say or overthink everything. I really mean it."

"You're my stunt partner, not my friend. It's like you're trying to be friends with me or something . . . that's weird," Louis answers and picks at the hem of his pullover. He doesn't look up.

"What's wrong about being friends?" Harry asks. "Being stunt partners doesn't exclude being friends at the same time." Louis shrugs but stays quiet. He doesn't look up. "I'm not trying anything, Louis. I just love your voice and honestly, at first, I didn't like being around you because you were nothing but in a bad mood but lately, we've been getting on well together, haven't we?"

Louis presses his lips together and nods. "A little bit, I guess."

"I feel like you have built a wall between you and me but I don't understand why."

"The situation is just exhausting. I want this stunt to be over and I want my life back."

"I'm sorry that you feel this way."

"I know you can't relate since for you the situation doesn't seem to be a burden at all."

"It's just the way I handle it, I guess." Harry fixes his curls.

"Whatever it is."

"Are you hungry?"

"No."

"I am." Harry gets up from the sofa while Louis takes the blanket from the armrest and covers himself with it. He adjusts the decorative pillow under his head.

"I want to nap," Louis mumbles.

"Okay. I can't wait for the show to start," Harry says and walks out of the room. After the door has been shut, Louis closes his eyes.