I've always been taught to hold my head high, to look presentable- to look better; to be better. I've always been told that to win, I have to be better than the others; turn everything into a competition worth winning. I've always been forced to be polite. But how can I compete? How can I rise above when I'm caught up in being nice to everyone I meet? ************************************************* Harry comes from a very rich family. His father is a powerful business owner and a very controlling man. Louis is a carefree guy who was dragged into going to the fancy dinner party by his equally careless friend.

"I love him, and yet I just dumped a dish of tapioca on him." [or where Louis loves Harry but doesn't know how to show it. Harry thinks Louis is an asshole for picking on him.]

Louis moves into a flat while he’s at university, his next-door neighbour, Harry, who he’s never seen is rather loud at night. Louis confronts him about said noise and the two start to chat through the rather thin wall between their bedrooms. Will they ever meet, and if they do… what could ensue for the both of them?

Louis and Harry grew up together, and were best friends even in their earliest memories. They are 12 years old when Louis has to move to Australia, and they never expect anything to be the same again. They make a pact, a promise to one another, put it in a bottle and throw it out to sea. They promise to get back in touch if any of them ever find the bottle again. A silly, childish pact that isn't so silly when you're only twelve years old. Seven years later, fate turns in their favour. Louis stumbles upon an old, green bottle and Harry just happens to be in Australia as an exchange student. They spend time together catching up, but no amount of time can make up for the seven years they spent apart. It's almost cruel when you realise the one thing most important to you has been in front of you all the while, yet you never realise.

Harry has been pining for eight years over one Louis Tomlinson who just so happens to be one of the group heading off to Spain for a two week holiday.

Losing his mind in the middle of first year was not how Louis intended to make his mark in the performing arts programme. Rather, he intended to break out of his shell, to get lost in his art and never want out, to fulfill the life he once thought was out of reach-but, intentions are easily forgotten when running from a past that seems all too present. As second year begins, Louis is determined to make it through the year unscathed. On the first of October, Louis meets a boy who might change that. Harry believes in all things Louis doesn't. Maybe Louis begins to believe him. "I've tried everything to help rebuild you, and as much as I wanted to be the one to do it--it's him." Or, the university AU in which Louis directs the Christmas musical, Zayn works at a record store, Niall makes a great classmate, and Harry makes a great soulmate. (Liam tags along for the ride, too).

harry likes pretty pink flowers and louis enjoys ink and piercings. **This story contains possible triggers. Read at your own risk.** started in 2015, finished in 2017. slowly editing.