Niall's POV

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Maya. Happy birthday toyou".

Maya was sitting at the head of their table in the back of her favourite bar, her face only showing pure bliss. From the seat on her left side, Niall was watching her surrounded by all the lights of the place and he somehow felt far away even though he was right next to her. He couldn't explain it. This moment felt surreal.

Tearing his eyes away from his girlfriend for a moment, Niall looked around the table at all of her friends and their partners. Of course, Bailey was here with Sean and Harry was here with Josh but she had also invited Zayn and Liam because she had clicked with them immediately. Her friends from work were here as well, which meant Zayn's sister Zara and Louis' sister Emily were both here and apparently a couple. Her childhood best friend Chloe was here and some of her cousins.

Unsurprisingly, Louis had also been invited but he had work today, so he had to let her down but he promised to might stop by after work for a moment because the girls were with his mother. Niall really hoped he would make it later, although he wasn't sure if that was the best idea with Josh being here but he couldn't care less. Maya and Louis had hit off quite well when they met, so Josh would have to suck it up. Maya had even gone as far as admitting that Louis would have been a perfect boyfriend for Harry and that had felt like such satisfaction to Niall, he could barely describe it.

Of course, no one would mention this anymore but knowing that Maya agreed with him by now felt good. Especially right now when every time Niall saw Josh's face only briefly, he had to think back to the argument he had overheard a few days ago. He didn't think anyone knew he has been home but he has been there and had heard everything. He had heard Josh's outburst and the way he had treated Louis and the girls and how horrible it has been after Louis had left. And he had heard how the argument had ended. Niall wished he could forget about it but with Josh here, he couldn't.

Ignoring his best friend and boyfriend being overly touchy again, Niall focused back on his girlfriend, who was beaming under all the undivided attention. Watching her made him feel inexplicably wistful and he tried to shrug it off but the feeling grew stronger the longer he watched her, so he looked away and faced his friends.

"And then he was trying subtly to give me his number but he was doing such a horrible job with it that I started laughing" Zayn was telling Liam and Sean right now and Niall decided this was the conversation he wanted to partake in.

"Oh, the poor guy" Sean giggled into his drink.

"Yeah, A for effort but an F for execution. Fuck, it was hilarious" Zayn burst out laughing at the memory.

"Face it, Zayno. You're stupidly handsome and almost insultingly beautiful. Of course, people will hit on you all the time. He stood no chance" Niall piped in now. "His brain probably short-circuited".

"The man only speaks facts" Sean clinked their glasses together.

"You flatter me. Are you hitting on me right now?" Zayn fluttered his eyelashes exaggeratedly.

"I've been hitting on you for over two years and you're only getting this now? I'm deeply offended" Niall placed his hand on his chest for dramatic effect.

"Sorry. The girlfriend was a bit misleading" Zayn grunted sexily.

"I get that a lot" Niall took a sip from his drink.

"And did he leave you alone afterwards?" Liam asked squirmy.

"Oh, yeah. I think he felt humiliated and that wasn't my plan. He was pretty handsome, after all" Zayn pursed his lips thoughtfully.

"Tell us more" Niall made dreamy eyes at him.

"Fuck off" Zayn slapped his arm with a chuckle. "He was kinda attractive but I'm just not looking for a random hook-up. I'm too old for that shit and it was never really my thing".

"Never?".

"No".

"Is he telling the truth?".

"Yes".

"Wow".

"Why are you surprised? I'm literally the quietest person out of all of us. I couldn't even if I wanted to" Zayn sounded so perplexed.

"He has a point" Sean had to agree defeatedly.

"With your looks, you don't need to talk" Niall was baffled.

"Wow, thank you" Zayn pretended to be flattered. "Good to know people don't care for what's beneath my stunning face".

"That's so not what I said" Niall stared him down.

"And it's not true, Z" Liam placed his hand on the small of Zayn's back. "Everyone who has the privilege of knowing you knows you're so much more than 'just' your beautiful face. You're stunning inside out. Smart and funny and kind and absolutely amazing".

"You really think so?" Zayn turned crimson in mere seconds.

"I do" Liam smiled at him fondly.

"Should we tell him that we were only joking?" Sean whispered over to him but Zayn and Liam were lost in their own world.

"Nah, let them be" Niall found watching them highly interesting.

"Hopeless".

After a few minutes, watching them felt creepy, so he stood up with Bailey and Chloe and headed to the bar counter at the front. As agreed beforehand, the three of them procured and organised a birthday cake and some cupcakes for Maya, carrying them over to the table now while singing another birthday song.

"Oh, you guys. Wow, I'm out of words. Thank you" Maya teared up at that thoughtful gesture, blowing out her thirty-two candles.

"Hey, fetch me another drink, yeah? Sex on the beach" Josh tapped his arm, handing him his empty glass condescendingly.

"I'm n ...".

"Fast. We don't have all night and I'm thirsty" Josh shooed away.

"Unbelievable" Niall muttered under his breath, heading back to the counter to fetch him his stupid drink before he'd kill him.

"Forgot something?" one of the actual employees asked him irritatedly, checking the area for any missed items.

"Nope. I only need one more drink. A sex on the beach, if it's okay" Niall brought out through gritted teeth.

"Of course" the barkeeper immediately prepared the drink. "Who is it for? I mean, I can also ask ...".

"No, it's fine. I take care of this. I don't wanna do this to you" Niall took the drink with a tight-lipped smile.

"It's for that guy then. Well, thank you" he looked actually relieved.

"Nothing to thank me for, mate" Niall raised the glass in passing, grumbling to himself. "Because you don't know half of it".

Bracing himself to bite his tongue, he made his way over to Josh and slammed the drink down right in front of him, which only made Josh look up at him in an unspoken challenge. "Next time a bit more careful, yeah? Don't wanna waste the drink, do we?".

"Next time add a thanks, will ya?" Niall growled pissed off right when Harry joined them again, eyeing them in confusion.

"Niall, hey. What are you ...?".

"Just don't, H" Niall stepped away from the table, seeing Josh putting on an innocent mask. "Have fun with your boyfriend".

Leaving them to deal with themselves, Niall was about to claim his old seat when he spotted Louis in the entrance area of the bar. Happiness but also fear came over him and he approached him as quickly as possible, wanting to spare them a big scene.

"Hey, mate. What's up?".

"Hey, do you plan on staying, Tommo?" Niall must look crazy.

"Um ... no, not really. I'm only here to congratulate your girl and maybe have a quick chat with her. Why? You don't want me here, Horan?" Louis quirked an eyebrow suspiciously.

"I'd love to leave with you but sadly, I can't" Niall felt his whole body wanting to collapse. "Josh is being a disrespectful pain in my ass and I don't wanna know how he'd treat you if he's ... yeah ...".

"Avoid Josh. Got it. Didn't plan on talking to him anyway" Louis looked pretty tense, pinching his own arm with his fingers.

"Well, come on. Maya will be over the moon" Niall dragged him to where they were seated in the back.

"Louis!" Maya exclaimed as soon as she spotted him, gaining everyone's attention. Niall could see how Josh's face darkened.

"Hey, Maya. Happy birthday" Louis hugged her lovingly.

"I'm so happy you could make it ...".

"But only for a moment, M. Sorry. I can't stay" Louis had to let her down and Niall could see how sorry he felt.

"What? But why ...?" Maya frowned sadly but caught Louis and Niall glancing over at Josh, who was shooting daggers at them with his eyes. "Well, let's make the most out of it, shall we?".

"We shall".

And that's why Niall loved her. Considerately, she led Louis into a corner to talk to him and Niall felt himself smiling at the sight. The two of them becoming friends was the best thing that happened to him all year. He still remembered how they had talked about Louis with Harry and how much her view of him has changed since then. She loved him to pieces because how could you not?!

Ten minutes later, Louis left again after sharing a hug with Zayn, Liam and his sister Emily. After he was gone, Niall felt Josh still watching him and the guys but now also Emily and Zara and that wasn't sitting right with him. So, he managed to involve all of them in the same conversation circle for the rest of the evening until people started leaving. Thankfully, Josh and Harry were the first to leave and everyone seemed to exhale in utter relief.

At the end of the evening, it was only Sean, Bailey, Maya and him left to wrap up before going home. Seeing Sean and Bailey being utterly in love brought back his deeply buried doubts about his own relationship. But today has been great and he had felt his love for Maya all night long, so maybe that was his answer. Or maybe it meant nothing because he loved his friends as well and wanted them to be happy all the time. Somehow, he was even more confused now than he was before, which was unhelpful.

"Ready to go home?" Maya tilted her head aside, smiling at him in the way she had always done and making him smile back.

"Yes, let's go home, Love".

Louis' POV

In the blink of an eye, July was almost coming to an end and the summer holidays were knocking on his door. They had a vacation planned but during the first week of the school's summer holidays, Louis still had to work, which was fine because Maeva and Evelina wanted to spend most of their time with their friends anyway.

Like this, the first week passed by in a blur for him. Most of his waking time was spent working at the restaurant with Sam and Alec because Maria and Paul were in Italy for a few days to sort some things out. Louis and Sam were in charge for that period of time and it felt good. They were a perfect team together and it was the first time in over two years that Louis felt like he might actually be good at something, at this job and didn't need to be ashamed.

One day before Maria and Paul's return, Sean stopped by the restaurant to check on him and have a chat over some beer. Even though Louis had been so doubtful four months ago, Sean had become one of his closest friends and he never felt inferior in his presence. Although Sean was a highly-regarded doctor, he never made him feel like they were any different and like this, Louis kept forgetting that Sean was rich and successful and part of a totally different society because around Louis, he was simply Sean.

"Actually, I have been thinking about this but it feels weird to even consider doing it because I'm in my thirties now" Sean admitted over his second beer that he missed skateboarding. "Right?".

"To be honest, I know how you feel. I loved skateboarding when I was younger but my skateboard is collecting dust in my closet and it's a shame. Why can't adults do this without being judged for it? What is so wrong with doing something that you love? That just makes you feel free? Why are you only allowed to do this when you're young?" Louis scratched his forehead pensively.

"I don't have an answer to that" Sean sighed defeatedly.

"It's mostly because society made us all think adults have to act and be a certain way at a specific age" Sam joined their critical conversation. "Look at it. In our twenties, people expect us to find our place in society and live out our last bits of freedom and lose our craziness. In our thirties, we're supposed to build our family and secure our future, think ahead and be reasonable at all times".

"It sucks how right you are" Sean scowled at the truth. "People keep asking me if I settled down, married my woman and plan on finally having kids because my time's running out. How fucked up is that? Who says I want all that? Why are they dictating my life?".

"People love to interfere in other people's business. Nothing new" Louis remarked matter-of-factly. "But ... um ... do you not w ...?".

"I don't know" Sean groaned frustratedly. "I'm not sure if I want kids and get married but I should know, shouldn't I? Especially because Bailey definitely wants kids, preferably pretty soon and I know that. I want her to be happy and get everything she wants".

"But would this make you happy as well? If you marry her now and have kids even though you're not absolutely sure that's what you want, can you say for sure that you won't detest her for it in the long run? When you might realise you wanted something different for your life?" Louis regretted saying all of this out loud when it was already too late. He shouldn't project his own fears onto his friend.

You could hear a pin drop in the distance after his thoughtless words. Sam and Sean were both staring at him unblinkingly and Louis wanted to hide underneath the counter with his legs pulled into his chest. Clearing his throat to break their stare, Louis picked up a rag and started cleaning the already perfectly clean counter but stress cleaning was a thing for him, okay? He felt stupid.

"No ... um ... I mean, you're right. In a way" Sean brought out affectedly, not letting Louis out of his sight. "I should be sure of this before I do anything but ... I know this might sound stupidly and horribly superficial and sophisticated to you but ... As a doctor, it's expected of me to get married to her this year. It's probably kind of scandalous that I haven't married her yet although we've been a couple for so long. For six years and we're not married yet".

"That kind of explains why most doctors cheat on their wives behind closed doors. That's insane" Sam marked shocked, earning a punch to his ribs from Louis. "What? You know I'm right. Or am I wrong, Sean? Is that not common knowledge?".

"I hate to admit it but he is right. Most doctors I met during my time at the hospital were cheating assholes and they didn't even care one bit about their wives or husbands and I never understood that" Sean slid his fingers through his hair. "Even with that social pressure on you, you should never give in to that".

"That all sounds pretty heavy and complicated" Sam was so out of his element with this topic.

"It is. That's why I quit in the first place. I wanted to get away from all of this. At least, as far as I could" Sean opened up to them. "It's just ... I've worked there for something over four years and it ... It was too long to disappear out of that society completely. Look at Harry. He worked there for two years and people never leave him alone. They wanna know everything about his private life and with Josh being his boyfriend, they get to know everything. I'm not sure how I feel about that but it's none of my business. I only want him to be alright but when I see the grasp that society still has on him ... I don't know how he does it. The slight interest in me that still exists is already too much for me to handle. I can't trust anyone out of those circles because ... I'm just trying to say, I'm happy I left but I didn't expect to still feel that pressure on us so much".

"Do you think it's possible for you to get rid of that pressure and just live your life?" Louis felt stupid for that question but he didn't know to word it differently. "I mean ... um ...".

"I get what you mean, Louis" Sean smiled understandingly at him. "And I hope so. I guess that's up to me, in the end. The pressure will always be there but it's my decision how to deal with it. Not all doctors bend to the norms of our society and I don't wanna bend to them either. I shouldn't care about what these people think about me. What can they do? Glare at me at events? Atrocious".

That made Louis and Sam laugh, if a bit lugubriously. "That's the spirit, Sean. Don't let them steal your soul".

"Not sure they'd want it if they knew everything" Sean chuckled gloomily but obviously thankful for Sam's words.

"Their loss".

Right then, new customers came in and Sam excused himself to attend to them. Louis stayed back with Sean and felt the need to let him know how honoured he felt and how much Sean has changed his view on some things but he was lacking the right words.

"Sean, I ... Thank you for letting us in. This must have been very difficult for you and ... this all sounds convoluted and entangled and cursed even if you ... I didn't know it was like that".

"Because no one would say it out loud. They have to maintain their faces, convince themselves it's worth it and admitting it ...".

"Destroys the illusion" Louis understood perfectly and Sean only nodded at him in confirmation. "I've met my fair share of horrible doctors or surgeons or lawyers or whatever the hell they were and I've always felt like I could never be a part of that world and get along with someone like that ... someone ... but hearing your view of things ... maybe I misjudged the lot of you for ...".

"Maybe some of us" Sean put his head to the side. "But sadly, many doctors are the way you always thought they are. They are mean and conceited and full of themselves. They look down on other people and think they're the best and only want similar people around them. This lifestyle leads to horrible things, like lacking in their job and treating patients wrong. Oddly enough, that's mostly a big hospital phenomenon, so ... we decided to leave this world but it still won't leave us fully alone. It's kinda frustrating".

"But I don't understand why. Don't they have enough other doctors around to meddle with their lives? You quit" Louis didn't fully get it.

"Once in you never get out? I have no idea but I fear it's because Harry is such a genius. He's special even in those circles and he is one of the best, which makes him desirable in so many ways. He has been hit on by various kinds of people in those years. Nurses, other doctors, patients, visitors but strangely enough, never service people or cleaners or the likes of it" Sean let him in a bit more on their past, his eyes focusing on him intensely. "I wonder ... is that because yo ... they think he's too good for them? Out of their league and it could never work out between them because they're from two different worlds? Is that the reason?".

"Yes," Louis blurted out way too quickly, exposing how addressed he had felt by his words. "I mean, I guess that could be the reason".

"That's too bad because personally, I think he'd need someone like that by his side" Sean's eyes on him were a bit overpowering.

"Really? Why?" Louis' heart was hammering in his chest.

"Because all those people I listed only want him because of his status and his money and his influence around the hospital, even though he quit. Many people look up to him and those people want a piece of that cake. They're gold-diggers and attention-seekers and ... they only wanna use him for their own good, they wanna take advantage of him and his kind heart but they're not really interested in him as a person and that ...".

"But why are you so sure a normal person wouldn't do that to him? They have all the more reasons to be with him for his money, don't you think? Wouldn't he assume that? Wouldn't he get tired of them and their simple life and regret ever giving this a chance?" Louis couldn't stop himself from asking these burning questions.

"I see where those fears come from and there are definitely some bad eggs in those professions, people who are tired of their lives and want a sugar daddy or something but most of the people I met are not like that. They know how valuable all of his money is and would never take it for granted. They might even have a problem with it because the imbalance might be too much for them to handle and they don't wanna feel like he's buying their love. They probably don't wanna be dependent on him and still make their own money, right?" Sean's eyes were almost penetrating his soul.

"Um ..." Louis' throat was as dry as a desert.

"They might not believe me but I'd say that's what could make a relationship between them last, actually" Sean's eyes softened. "Harry is so down to earth and humble and generous. He needs someone who appreciates that and would treat him right. Someone whose love is the most precious thing they'd have to give".

"That's not enough. He deserves so much more" Louis frowned at his words. It couldn't be that simple.

"Oh, yeah? And what would that be?" Sean questioned almost challengingly. "What could be more and better than unconditional love? What could be more and better than someone who loves you for who you are and not for your money? Someone who doesn't want your money at all and would prefer it if you were poor".

"I didn't say I'd want him to be p ...".

"Because if you were poor this pure love would be all that you have and it would be enough. No money or doctor titles needed to be loved and cherished. Just the two of you and your love" Sean looked insistently at him, making Louis feel naked and exposed.

"I um ...".

"Wouldn't you want that for him, Louis?" Sean hooked softly.

"Of course, I'd want that for him. He only deserves the best" Louis croaked out hoarsely. "And Josh is ...".

"Not who I've been talking about and you know it, Louis" Sean didn't let him finish, standing up from his stool by the counter.

"But I ...".

"Think about this, Louis" Sean blew him a kiss before he left the restaurant as if he didn't turn Louis' entire world upside down.

Unblinkingly staring after Sean, Louis replayed his words in his head over and over again until Sam needed him for something. But for the rest of his shift, he couldn't stop thinking about this. Even at night in his bed, it never left his mind. Was Sean maybe right?

The next day, Maria and Paul were back and told Louis everything about their little trip to Maria's home country. "Even my mother came by because she couldn't wait to see me and I almost cried. I haven't seen them in ages. They barely have time to come and visit us here and through the restaurant, we can't always fly to them".

"This must be hard for you" Louis voiced his sympathy.

"Sometimes, yeah. But I left my country for the love of my life and never regretted it" Maria gazed dreamily at Paul.

"And I promised you we'll go back when we're older and live the rest of our lives there" Paul wrapped his arm around her waist. "I'm still holding onto that promise, Dear".

"I love you" Maria snuggled into his side.

"I love you, too" Paul kissed her head with a goofy smile.

"Stop, you two. You're making my insides melt" Louis cooed at their adorable interaction. They were so cute.

Letting each other go, Paul slapped him with a towel on his way to the kitchen, making Maria laugh. "Don't mind him. Tell me, how are you, Love? Did everything go well?".

"Everything went smoothly. Sam and I found a rhythm pretty fast and from then on, there were no issues. No need to worry" Louis assured her proudly, feeling good about himself and his work.

"I was never worried. I knew you two could run this place while we're gone. I always had faith in you but I know you're not good at having faith in yourself. So, it's nice to hear that you know you did a good job this week" Maria patted his cheek with a smile. "You are amazing and it's about time you see that for yourself".

Baffled, Louis blinked dumbly while she followed her husband's tracks into the kitchen. What even was this week? God, damn it.

Apparently, the worst of the worst and the most dramatic one of the year so far and Louis didn't know how to feel about it. Because right at that moment, Josh walked into the restaurant with a guy, who wasn't Harry and it didn't look like they were friends but maybe Louis was only jumping to conclusions prematurely. Maybe this was only a meal between friends and he wasn't a two-timing pig. Somehow that sounded fairly and highly unlikely.

"Sam? Can you take over the new guests?" Louis stopped Sam by the arm when he was about to head into the kitchen.

"Why? Is something wrong?" Sam immediately noticed his tense posture and probably pale face.

"That's Harry's boyfriend and he shouldn't see me yet. First, I need to know if that's a date or not and he will put on an entire act as soon as he sees me. I can't risk that" Louis hid in a corner.

Sam had a nonplussed expression on his face, stealing glances at the pair. "That's ... Shit, of course, Louis. You can count on me".

"Thank you, Sam" Louissneaked into the kitchen.

"You're welcome".

"Louis? Why are you hiding here? What's going on?" Maria raised an eyebrow at him befuddled.

"Josh can't see me. I have to find out if he's cheating on Harry before I go back out there" Louis told her as if she knew what he was talking about.

"Harry is the guy you fancy, right? And he has a boyfriend? Let me see" Maria crouched down behind the kitchen doors to sneak a look at the two men. "The two in the corner? That's a date".

"Are you sure?" Louis looked over her shoulder at the scene.

"A bit touchy for friends but let's ask Sam" Maria backed away from the door with him, letting Sam in. "Date or no date?".

"I'd say date but I don't wanna say something wrong. Friends can share a drink, right? Or blush when I hint at this being a date or ask for a lit candle, not very politely by the way" Sam let them in on what he had experienced with them.

"He isn't very polite. He's a dick and apparently, a cheating one. Fuck, what am I supposed to do? I can't just hide here the entire time but ... Should I text Harry? What if we're wrong and this isn't a date? He would absolutely hate me for trying to sabotage his relationship. Maybe that's what Josh wants. Maybe that's a p ...".

"Okay, calm down" Sam grabbed him by the shoulders. "Freaking out over this won't help anyone, least of all Harry. Don't panic. We got this, yeah? I'm gonna bring them their food now and ...".

"Let me do this" Louis made a rushed decision that he might regret later on. "I'll serve them".

"Why would you ...?".

"I need to see his reaction when he sees me" Louis explained himself tensely. "I need to see if he panics or not".

"If you're sure about this ...".

"I am".

Bracing himself for the upcoming drama, Louis took their plates and made his way over to their table in a cosy corner. Putting on his professional smile, he put the plates down. "Here you go, lads".

At the sound of his voice, Josh's head snapped up at him and all colour was drained out of his face. The sheer panic was written all over him and confirmed Louis' worst fears. This right here wasn't part of a plan. It was something no one was supposed to find out.

"Louis? You're ... you work here?" Josh stuttered out squeakily.

"I do, yeah. I told you that months ago, remember? When Harry introduced you to us officially" Louis feigned honest surprise and nonchalance. "Stupid of me to think you'd remember such an unimportant detail about your boyfriend's friend, huh?".

The former panic turned into furious anger and Louis was enjoying every tiny bit of it. "Listen here, Lewis".

"Louis, you prick" Louis corrected him, all politeness gone.

"A waiter with no manners. Why am I not surprised that you even suck at this?" Josh clicked with his tongue, his expression turning from angry to condescending and superior in a heartbeat. "Do us all a favour and fuck off, Lewis. You have no power here and better stay out of my business or I'll make you regret it".

"Is that supposed to be a threat?" Louis stared him down.

"A threat you should treat seriously. Better keep your mouth shut and do your fucking work, okay? Maybe it's not too late to learn how to be an average waiter" Josh glared at him warningly. "But then again, I think all hope is lost on you. You're a huge failure".

"Is that all or do you want anything else?" Louis ignored Josh in favour of attending to his date, who looked way too unbothered.

"I'd like for you to leave us alone and get a different job. You suck at this. A waiter is supposed to be seen but not heard" Josh's date looked him up and down pejoratively.

"You two deserve each other" Louis couldn't believe it, leaving them to themselves and getting out his phone to text Harry.

To Haz:

"Drop whatever you're doing and stop by the restaurant. There is something I need you to see. Please, trust me on this".

More than anything, Louis hoped Harry would read the message immediately and won't question it but the chances were very low. His text sounded so strange and kinda desperate but he hoped for the best. Harry deserved to know the truth but Louis wasn't sure if he'd have believed him if he had just told him. Maybe he needed to see this for himself, no matter how much it'd hurt.

"How did it go?" Sam checked worriedly.

"He insulted me like every time our paths cross and his date isn't an ounce better, so splendid" Louis tried to stay collected but he felt so bad for Harry and was so mad at Josh and his date.

"I assume you texted Harry" Sam studied his face closely.

"I did but I'm not sure ...".

"He's here" Maria breathed out tensely.

Instantly, Louis looked over at the door and saw Harry coming in, looking around in search of something. Their eyes met briefly but then Louis couldn't help himself and looked over at Josh and his date. Of course, Harry followed his gaze and his face fell faster than Louis could register it. He wanted to comfort him so badly.

"What's this?" Harry approached the table, his hands trembling. All laughter at the table fell silent and Josh stared up at Harry. "You're accusing me of cheating while you're the one cheating on me? That's messed up, Josh. Care to explain?".

"This is not what you think it is. I'm not cheating on you. We're only ...".

"Oh, come on. Who are you trying to kid here?" Harry didn't let him finish his poor attempt at an excuse. "You're cheating".

Josh's face hardened. "Louis texted you, didn't he?".

"Why does it matter? You're cheating on me and you're mad at him for exposing you? For telling me about this? Did you want him to lie? Was he supposed to cover for you, so you could keep using me?" Harry was getting riled up, gaining people's attention.

"You don't mean what you're saying, H. I never used you and you know that. This is on Louis and not on me. He put those doubts and thoughts into your head. He turned my friendly dinner into a date to break us apart. Can't you see it?" Josh stood up and faced Harry, trying to put all the blame on Louis and very clearly trying to gaslight Harry into thinking he was in the wrong.

"No, I can't see it because the only thing I see is you here with another man. This speaks for itself, don't you think?" Harry was not falling for his cheap tricks and mental games.

"No, it doesn't because we're only friends. I keep trying to make you see that I did nothing wrong. Louis wants to get in between us, Babe. He wants in your pants and needs me out of the way. That's why he made all this cheating bullshit up and ordered you here to catch us 'in the act'. He's a freaking gold-digger and only wants your money because he didn't achieve anything in his poor life, except being a horrible excuse of a waiter" Josh grew angrier by the second, his voice sounding strangled and harsh. "He wan ...".

"He wants me to be happy" Harry cut him off strongly. "He wants me to know when my boyfriend is cheating on me, so stop making this about him. This is about you ...".

"But he is poising your mind with all of these doubts" Josh didn't stop embarrassing himself in front of the whole restaurant. "Louis! Come out and be a man. Admit that you only painted me as a cheater because you wanna get fucked by my man to get his money! Come on! Show your ugly face and ...".

"Sir, this is enough" Paul stepped in now, having seen enough. "I have to ask you to leave our restaurant. We don't tolerate such behaviour towards our employees and guests".

"You're all gonna pay for this" Josh hissed at Paul and Harry before dragging his date out of the restaurant but not without throwing Louis the most murderous look he has ever seen.

"Come with me, Harry" Maria led him away from prying eyes.

"Did he actually leave without paying for their food?" Harry looked so small. "Here, let me ...".

"No need, Darling. This isn't your problem" Maria declined his money softly. "Sit down. You want something to drink?".

"Water, please. If that's not too much trouble" Harry sat down in a chair in a hidden corner where no one could see him.

"No trouble at all, Sweetheart" Maria smiled at him before coming over to where Louis was hiding behind the counter, unsure of what to do next. "Go over there, Love. He needs you".

"I ... Okay, fine. But only for a few minutes. I still have to work and Sam can't do everything al ...".

"You're done for the day, Louis. Comfort him and get him home" Maria pushed him forward, making him squeak and flinch.

"Go, for god's sake" Paul rolled his eyes at his antics.

"Fine" Louis hated all of them but he made his way over to Harry with his glass of water, his hands shaking for some stupid reason. "Haz? Can I ... Are you ... Do you want me to ...?".

"Please, Lou" Harry grabbed his hand for comfort, pulling him down into the seat next to him. "I ... thank you for ... you know".

"Don't thank me, Haz. I didn't do anything. I only thought you deserved to know and I wasn't sure if you had believed me ...".

"Of course, Lou" Harry touched his chin lightly to make him look up. "I'd always believe you. I know you. You're not someone to lie to get in between a couple. You would never hurt me purposely".

"Never" Louis' skin was tingling where Harry was still touching him. "And I'm sorry I couldn't stop him from hurting you".

"It's not your job to protect me from getting hurt, Lou. There is nothing you could have done" Harry dropped his hand slowly.

"But I think there was something" Louis didn't break their eye contact when he took a hold of the hand Harry had just dropped.

"What, Louis? What could you have possibly done to prevent this? You weren't in his head and couldn't have known ...".

"If I had trusted my instincts I could have warned you" Louis felt guilty for this entire mess. "But I was scared how you'd react".

"As I said, I'd always believe you, Lou. No matter what" Harry squeezed his hand to strengthen his point. "But we can't turn back time, so I have to deal with this now. A cheating boyfriend ... Wow, didn't have that yet ... At least his true colours are out in the open now and not in a few years' time or something equally as bad".

"I don't think you would have been a thing for so long, Haz" Louis blurted out before he could stop himself.

"Why so?" Harry didn't sound angry, only genuinely curious.

"He wasn't right for you. He had a tendency to be mean to the people around you behind your back and ... I just can't see how that would have worked out in the long run. You ... you deserve better than him, Haz" Louis got so lost in his emerald eyes.

A beautiful smile grew on Harry's face right in front of Louis' eyes and only for him to witness. It was blinding. "Look at you, Lou. You're such an amazing person. I ... You're literally the best thing that ever happened to me. I don't know what I'd do without you".

He could feel himself blush up to the tips of his ears, so he looked down to cover it up as good as possible. "Thanks, Haz. I um ... err ... How about we get you home, huh? Let's get you home, Haz".

"Only if you come with me, Lou" Harry stuck his bottom lip out in an adorable pout and how do you say no to that?

Throwing a quick glance over at the counter, Louis saw his three idiots watching them with curious eyes and fond smiles. Rolling his eyes and blushing a bit more, Louis stood up. "Always, Haz".

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Is Sean right? Did Louis get it?

Did Josh cheat on him? Was it really a date? What happens now?