"It's gonna be the biggest party of the year. Or so I've heard".

"Thank God, I have plans already".

"We're not invited anyway".

"Good for us".

"You wanna come with us to Zara's party? Forget about them".

"Love to".

So, that's how Niall and Sean accompanied the three of them to Zara's birthday party at the end of October instead of staying back home alone while Harry was throwing his boyfriend the biggest birthday party of the century. Their plans were far better. Her party was more of a gathering with family and friends, eating cake all day and listening to good music while relishing each other's company.

"That guy really didn't get the hint, so I had to be a bit more clear. Maybe I went a bit too far but he was hitting on my girl right in front of me. Like, come on. You had it coming, asshole" Zara told them about that one time some idiot was flirting with Emily.

"Exactly. Protect what's yours" Zayn agreed with his sister.

"That wasn't protecting. That was shameless claiming" Emily rolled her eyes but she ended up laughing.

"Well," Zara didn't look apologetic at all.

"Good job, little Z" Louis gave her a thumbs up.

"Louis!" Emily exclaimed scandalized.

"What? She did the right thing" Louis shrugged unfazed.

"You should know your brother loves that my sister is just like him. Both love to claim what's theirs. When your brother gets jealous or feels threatened, you better run" Zayn grinned naughtily.

"He's big on marking his territory when he really loves someone" Liam made matters worse. That bastard.

"That is so not true" Louis huffed offended.

"No? Oh, I forgot. You never really loved a man before. Shit, I don't wanna know how bad it gets when you're actually in love" Zayn was cackling like the little shit he was, taking the piss now.

"Same. I can still remember how you claimed Zayn in school".

"Or Luke later on".

"Or even...".

"Okay, we all get it" Louis raised his voice to shut them up. "You think I get territorial, which is untrue. I'm not an animal".

"You are literally a mother bear but turn into a lion when you have to protect them, so ... animal" the alcohol was affecting Zayn's brain by now. None of his words made any sense.

"He's also quite the mother hen when it comes to us" Emily noted teasingly. "Worse than our mother. I was lucky that he loved Zara".

"I hate all of you" Louis grumbled darkly, his arms crossed.

"Naw, Tommy. We're only teasing. We love you and your protective streak and your possessiveness and cute jealousy" Zayn pinched his cheek, cuddling into Liam's side tipsily.

"I really hate you, Joey".

Thankfully, the conversation was averted away from him and onto Zara and Emily again. Mostly silent, Louis watched them the entire time. He loved seeing his other sister so happy with her amazing girlfriend. Zara was fantastic like all Maliks' were. That family was a gift to the Tomlinson's and Louis thanked the heavens every single day of his life for sending them people like them as friends, partners and guardian angels. He didn't wanna miss them in his life.

Unsurprisingly, Niall was the centre of attention at one point. He was his usual loud self and everyone was loving it. He told stories and cracked jokes and made everyone laugh with him. Sean was always right by his side with a fond smile on his face and sparkling eyes, adding information to most of his crazy outbursts. Zayn and Liam were mostly in their own little bubble and Louis was so damn happy for them. They completed each other perfectly and Louis really hoped it would last a lifetime. They deserved it.

Even though he knew he shouldn't do it, Louis kept checking his Triplemage app every few minutes. He watched Harry's stories and followed the course of the party. Josh was in every single shot and it pained him to watch these but he couldn't stop. The party really looked enormous and extravagant and fancy and expensive and superficial and like everything Louis hated but Josh obviously loved and Harry was willing to give him. He spared no expense or effort. That much was clear as day. For his own sanity, Louis knew he should stop checking his phone but it was difficult.

"What are you doing, Louis?" Emily tore the phone out of his hand with an exaggerated sigh. "You can't keep doing this to yourself".

"I was only ...".

"I know" Emily put his phone down on the couch between them. "But I also know that you're disappointed in him and angry that he hurt your daughters. Rightfully so, Louis. Maybe you should stop".

"I know you're right, Em. It's just ... I'm not able to stop thinking about him" Louis buried his face in his hands, elbows resting on his knees. "As mad as I am at him, I'm also still worried because I just know Josh is a bad person and Harry's being played and used".

"That's because you're the best person I know. With the kindest heart and the deep wish for everyone to be happy and treated fairly. With the longing to make the world a better place every day somehow" Emily squeezed his thigh. "You can't save everyone".

"But I could have saved him from that ...".

"How?".

"I ..." Louis wasn't ready to admit that mistake out loud just yet or ever really but it looked like he had to. "I could have let him in before it was too late. I could have ... not kept him at a distance".

"No one knows if that would have saved him from Josh though and you know that. You said yourself many times that you don't think you could've worked out if you had given it a chance. Did you change your mind?" Emily tried to get to the bottom of this matter.

"A little bit, maybe, but not fully. I still don't see us working out but that's mostly on me. I can't see why he would have wanted me and maybe he didn't want me at all and Josh would have happened anyway but I can't help but feel guilty for kinda pushing him into Josh's arms in a way" Louis admitted with a heavy heart, realising that his four friends were now listening to what he was saying. At least, the birthday girl and her family were distracted. "I'm not ... I wasn't blind when we met, okay? I saw the attraction between us but I didn't act on it for so many reasons. It's ... we had more than one moment where he definitely wanted us to kiss and I felt the same but I couldn't do it. Not when ... I couldn't and can't see us as a working couple. I had moments where ... but not anymore".

"Why not?".

"Look at Josh and look at me. There's your answer. He might be an arse but Harry likes him for a reason and he fits into ...".

"His world, right?" Zayn knew what he was about to say. He had heard it a million times by now. "What does that even mean?".

"That we're not ... we could never be more than ... sexual tension isn't enough to cover up ... I just can't ..." Louis was wrestling for the right words but with Harry's friends here, he felt as naked as never before. "I'm not good enough to be with a highly-regarded doctor like him. I'm just a waiter".

"Fuck, now you're making me cry on my sister's birthday" Zayn wiped away a few tears, rubbing at his eyes to make them stop.

"Sorry" Louis hung his head low in shame.

"No, it's not ... Tommy".

"Can we move on now? You have your reason. Life goes on and I will get over this" Louis cleared his throat uncomfortably, regaining some much-needed composure. "Someday".

Granting him his wish, all of them joined the other conversation apart from Sean, who leaned closer to him, his voice not more than a whisper. "You are more than good enough for him, Louis".

Before Louis could come up with a reply, Sean left him alone with his thoughts and feelings. Louis felt bad for talking about this on Zara's birthday but he didn't bring it up. His family and friends just couldn't leave it alone because they wanted him to be alright. He loved them unconditionally but he needed a break from all this.

Another two hours later, he got that break. The party came to an end and everyone went home. Zayn and Liam disappeared into one of their rooms for some couple-time and Louis checked his phone for any texts from his mother, who was looking after the girls tonight. At first, they were supposed to join them as well but in the end, they didn't and it was for the better. But right now, Louis was missing them and it gave him too much time to think and drown in his insecurities and doubts and self-pity. So, he picked up his old notebook and read over the lyrics he has been working on for a few days. He was trying to express his hidden emotions.

I really wanna wake up. I'm tired of being tough.

After just another break-up, I'm ready to finally give up.

Will I ever be loved or am I simply not good enough?

I'm scared of being alone but it looks like I'm destined to be lonely

Still, I'm staring at my silent phone ... thinking of you

Fuck, and he was thinking about him. He was wondering how he was doing. If he was really okay. If Josh was treating him better now with all of them mostly out of the picture. He was wondering if he was missing him sometimes. Maybe only a little bit.

Broke inside. Don't wanna hide.

Always said no one could break my pride. Seems like I lied

To myself, trying to convince my mind that I was okay

With watching everyone I ever loved walking away,

always begged them to stay but they left me behind

When the world around me is dark and blurry I feel free

Trying to be anyone but me leaves its mark

Is first thing in the morning too early for emptying the bottle?

Maybe I should try and wait a little ...

His daughters were the only thing keeping him from giving in to the desire of getting drunk every night lately. He felt stuck in his life, his mind and his own ways. The sweetest and most painful sabotage was self-sabotage and he had mastered that art years ago.

Am I not worthy of love?

What did I ever do to upset the gods above?

I'm sorry for sounding pathetic. I'd also prefer poetic.

Don't worry. I'm taking care of the pain.

You never have to see me again

Is there someone where I can 100% be me

And not just pretend to be the person I know you wanna see?

Is there someone who would tell me to hold on?

Is there someone who would miss me when I'm gone?

Is there someone somewhere out there who would care?

Out of nowhere, his phone started ringing quietly. Wiping his own tears away, Louis grabbed his phone and froze. Harry was calling him in the middle of the night. He wasn't sure what was right. He shouldn't answer the call ... but he did it anyway.

"Louis?" Harry's broken voice sounded through the phone when Louis stayed silent, still frozen. "Are you there?".

"I'm here" Louis breathed out awfully quiet, not sure if he even heard him but he didn't trust his voice right now.

"Thank you" Harry started full-on crying now, worrying Louis shitless. "Thank you for picking up. I wasn't sure if you would".

"I ... I almost didn't. I ... We're not really on speaking terms, Haz. You told me you wanted space and ..." Louis' voice broke off.

"I'm so sorry, Louis. I'm endlessly sorry for everything I did. I was so wrong and I hurt you. I know I did and there is no excuse for it. I was blind and stupid and naïve ... I got so lost in all of this fake bullshit that I couldn't see that you only wanted what's best for me".

"What is going on, Harry? Why are you telling me this? Where are you? Shouldn't you be with Josh?" Louis was so confused.

"I'm in my car outside of the hall I rented for today. Fuck, I bloody rented him an entire hall for his stupid birthday. I'm so stupid. Why did I believe him? Why am I like this?" Harry started to ramble.

"I know I shouldn't ask this but what happened? What did he do? Did he hurt you?" Louis asked against his better judgement.

"He ..." Harry's sobs grew louder and he had a hard time getting words out at all. "There were so many people today and I barely knew anyone. He didn't invite Niall or Sean and ... I felt so out of place with all of his 'friends' and ... they all got drunk at one point and it loosened their tongues. I heard so many of them talking about Josh and me and our sex life like it was any of their business. He ... apparently, he talks about this quite openly to everyone who didn't ask and brags about ... Why would anyone do that?".

"I don't know but I'm not surprised," Louis thought back to that one day when he and Zayn had overheard Josh with his friends.

"Because you knew how shitty he was and I didn't listen. I pushed you away because he wanted me to kick you out of my life. He was so jealous and for what? I saw ... You were right with him, Louis. I caught him cheating just ten minutes ago and that wasn't the first time" Harry was hiccuping by now, stumbling over his words.

"Oh, Haz" Louis felt so sorry for him. Whatever went wrong between them didn't matter right now. Harry was in pain.

"I walked in on him getting down on Kyle in a bloody broom closet and they didn't even try to hide it this time. They ... they finished before Josh came after me. He tried to justify himself and push it on the alcohol but I had heard enough from his gossips. I knew it wasn't the first time and wouldn't be the last. He never cared about me, only about my money and my status in the doctor's society or whatever. He ... When he realised he couldn't fool me any longer, he started to insult me and put all the blame on me. He put me down, belittled me and that hurt the most. Not because of me but because I realised he has been doing this to you for so long and I let it happen. I let him debase and diminish you ..." Harry told him what had gone down, fuelling Louis' lust for murder.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that" Louis had to let him know that he still cared deep down. "You didn't deserve that".

"Maybe I did. I had a bad feeling about him on our first date but pushed it away and ignored it ever since only because ... Josh made me feel different. He saw me as that sophisticated doctor and I played into it. I enjoyed it even at times but I couldn't be myself without getting judged. I had to play a role and I turned into that character over time. It had gotten to my head and ...".

"You are a brilliant doctor, Harry" Louis cut him off, his throat feeling dry. "You can own that. You should. You're a genius".

"But also an idiot and you can't deny that" Harry pointed out matter-of-factly. "I let him turn me into something I'm not. Someone I never wanted to be. I let him treat my friends like garbage".

"Well, yeah. That wasn't always pleasant but we surv ...".

"No, Louis" Harry didn't let him finish his sentence. "Don't".

"Okay, fine. But what do you want me to do? Why did you call me, Harry? We're not ... we're not anything anymore" Louis tried to calm his racing heart down but it was in vain.

"Please, don't say that" Harry begged desperately. "I need you in my life, Louis. I regret pushing you so far away from me. I wish I could turn back time but I can't. I'm so sorry and I wish you could forgive me one day. I'll do anything. Whatever it takes".

Shutting his eyes close, Louis took a deep breath and tried to sort out his feelings. "I do forgive you, Haz".

"Really? Wow, thank you, Louis. This means so m ...".

"But that doesn't mean that we can go back to how we were before and pretend none of this ever happened" Louis had to get this off his chest. Harry fell silent. "The trust we shared is broken, Haz. I know you're sorry but sorry doesn't fix this. You hurt me when you chose him over our friendship but even worse, you hurt my girls. You let them down. You made Mae cry and don't even know it. We let you in and ... I let you in and I regretted it deeply. My family comes first, always, and you knew that. You knew and still bonded to my daughters only to disappoint them at the first given chance. That's not something I'll ever forget".

For a long moment, it was silent between them. Then Harry spoke up, his voice barely there. "What do you want me to do?".

"I don't know. I have no idea how to fix this but I have to protect my girls. I trusted you with them, Haz" Louis couldn't stop thinking about Maeva crying when Harry didn't show up to her concert.

"And I really made her cry?" Harry asked so damn broken.

"Yes, you did. You broke your promise and she was devastated. Eve as well but she hid it better. I can't let that happen again, Haz. It happened one too many times. You knew ...".

"I did, yeah" Harry understood the extent of this. "I'm sorry".

"I know you are" Louis felt the strange urge to comfort him but he suffocated that feeling. They weren't anything at the moment.

"I promise I'll make up for ..." Harry started but then apparently changed his mind. "Thank you for picking up, Louis".

Knowing this was the end, Louis let himself smile a little. "Always".

"Why can't you do that somewhere else?" Maeva's annoyed voice sounded through their bedroom door.

"This is my room too" Evelina retorted bugged.

"But it's not a bloody karate studio" Maeva pointed out peeved.

"It's also not a stupid library" Evelina shot back irritatedly.

"That doesn't make any sense" Maeva groaned fed up.

"Oh, now I'm stupid too?".

Drying his hands on a towel, Louis turned away from the sink with a heavy sigh. This was the fourth time this week alone that the girls were fighting and he didn't know what to do anymore. If he went in there now, it would only stop for five minutes and just start again. He knew they were getting older and arguments amongst siblings were normal but it wasn't easy as a parent to just stand by and listen.

"Again?" Zayn showed up in the door frame of the kitchen.

"Yeah".

"What's the issue this time?" Liam popped out behind Zayn.

"If I got it right, Eve is doing some karate moves in their room and Mae is annoyed by it for whatever reason. She's probably reading and can't concentrate" Louis ruffled a hand through his hair.

"We knew it would get to this eventually. They're getting older and want different things" Zayn came over to him with Liam in tow.

"It's just not easy to stand here and be unable to help them" Louis admitted helplessly. "I wish I could do something".

"You can't" Liam had to disappoint him.

"Be careful! God, damn it. Watch what you're doing, Eve!" Maeva was almost screaming at her sister by now.

"I have it under control. Relax, Mae".

"I doubt it".

"They need separate rooms" Louis said out loud what he has been thinking for a few months. "They're too different and too old now to still share a room. This could reduce their arguments".

"Maybe but you can't know that ...".

"No, but with separate rooms, they both would have a retreat and that could be crucial to all our peace at home" Louis shared his thoughts with his friends, leaving out his worries and fears for now.

"That does make a lot of sense. Everyone needs a safe haven to shut down completely" Liam mused out loud.

Zayn, on the other hand, studied him closely before speaking up. "Nice idea indeed but how do you plan on implementing your idea, mh? We don't have enough rooms for that solution and I won't ...".

"I don't know, okay?" Louis snapped slightly, his self-doubt and insecurities coming through now. "I know we don't have enough room but I need to separate them at some point. At the latest, when they're teenagers. My sisters had to share their room until I moved out. It was a mess most days and I don't want that for them".

"And I get that but how are we supposed to do that? I know you and I know you're plotting something that I won't agree on" Zayn looked almost afraid of his next response.

"I thought one of them could get my room. I only sleep in it anyway and I can just take the couch or something" Louis didn't even dare to look at them, knowing they would argue with him over this.

"The couch? Seriously? For good? No way, Louis" Liam raised an eyebrow at him totally unimpressed. "We can't let you do that".

"It would be fine" Louis insisted weakly.

"Because you're you but no. Definitely not, Tommy" Zayn wasn't about to let that happen. "Our couch might be comfy but not as a bed and not for a longer period of time. Think of your back".

"What else am I supposed to do?" Louis threw his hands in the air in total despair. "I can't ... I don't need much".

"Louis, no. I know you want what's best for the girls but you can't forget about yourself. Not again" Zayn stepped closer, caressing his upper arms softly. "I won't let that happen".

Close to tears due to his best friend's pure love, Louis gave up and melted into his touch. "But what can we do? The only other option would be to move again and ... No one says I would find a good flat again for a good price. I don't have enough money to ...".

"What if I give them my room for now until we come up with a final solution?" Zayn stopped his panicking carefully.

"But ...".

"We can share a room" Liam backed Zayn up. "We do that anyway most nights and if we need space, we'll manage".

"What about all of your paintings? You can't possibly store all of them in Liam's room" Louis couldn't see that working out.

"We will find a way. I could store some in your room, Tommy".

"Yeah, you could do that. Of course. But what if ...".

"No more what-ifs, okay?" Zayn covered Louis' mouth with his hand. "Let's try it out for a while, yeah? Then we'll see".

"Okay" Louis mumbled against Zayn's hand, causing Zayn to retreat his hand. "But it can't be a permanent thing. Even if you two are attached by the hip right now, this will change. Even couples need time alone, separate from each other every once in a while. I can't ask you to give up your ...".

"You're not asking us to do that. We're offering because that's what a family does" Liam cut him off determinedly. "We help each other out. We're sure of this, Louis".

"Now but what about in a year? They'll only get older. It won't get easier" Louis wasn't fully convinced. "We definitely have to move at one point. I hate moving. The housing market is horrible and rents are becoming more and more expensive. I'm not sure how I am supposed to pay for a good flat for the three of us with my job".

"You'll always have us".

"I know but we can't keep living together forever and you know that. Especially now with you two being a couple. You'll want your own family one day maybe. I know both of you love kids and I want you to get everything you always wanted but that means that our ways have to part at some point and then I'm on my own with two teenagers and mountains of bills and a shitty job and ...".

"Louis, sh. Hey, breathe for me, okay?" Zayn cupped his face, locking eyes with him to ground him and it was working. His rapid breathing was slowing down. "You're overthinking this once again and I see where your fears are coming from but don't paint ...".

"I'm not doing anything" Louis insisted stubbornly. "It's just the brutal truth. My job won't get better and the payment will mostly stay the same until the day I die but everything is becoming more expensive and the girls need things and deserve to see the world and I can't ... I won't be able to afford to show it to them and that only because I bloody failed at my own life".

"You did not fail, Louis" Liam contradicted him indignantly. "You have a good life and great daughters. Isn't that enough?".

"Yes, but ...".

"And you like your job, Tommy" Zayn went on unfazed. "You're only listening too much to what other snobby people think".

"Maybe".

"Don't listen to these people, Louis. They don't matter. They are not in charge of your life, okay?" Zayn was determined to make him see something. Whatever it was. "Answer these questions for me: Do you like your job most days?".

"Yes".

"Do you love your family?".

"Of course".

"Are you happy? Not all the time but in general. Overall".

"Yes".

"Then you are successful, Louis. Don't worry so much about the future. Enjoy the moment and let good things happen to you. Let them in and open your eyes" Zayn stroked over his jaw.

"To see what?" Louis dared to ask in a whisper.

"That you're loved and deserve to be loved. You don't have to make a certain amount of money or have a special place in society to be worthy of unconditional love, Tommy. You are a good person and deserve all the love you can get. Let yourself be loved" Zayn looked intensively at him and Louis felt like he was looking right into his soul, trying to burn his words into Louis' skull.

Unable to form words, Louis nodded with tears silently rolling down his cheeks. Gently, Zayn wiped them away and kissed Louis' forehead. Wordlessly, Liam pulled both of them into a hug, the angle being a bit awkward but it was the best hug he has ever received. Right now, he felt loved and maybe even worthy of it.

The ringing of their doorbell caused them to let go of each other. Giving Louis a moment to collect himself, Liam went to open the door. The moment they recognised the voice Zayn cocked an eyebrow at him a bit smugly and Louis only wanted the ground to swallow him whole. Instead, he glared at Zayn pointlessly.

"You're cute but this right here is fate trying to tell you something" Zayn walked past him, leaning closer to his ear. "Let yourself be loved, Tommy".

And he wanted to tell Zayn off big time but instead, he blushed deeply and let him leave to greet Harry at their door. Mentally scolding himself until he looked a bit more presentable, he finally left the kitchen as well and made eye contact with Harry almost immediately, which made him falter in his steps and freeze.

"Louis" Harry breathed out as if he couldn't believe he was actually seeing him right now. "... Hi".

"Hi" Louis croaked out, ignoring Zayn and Liam's painfully amused faces. He could deal with them later.

Clearing his throat randomly, Harry blinked a couple of times before facing Zayn and Liam. "I um ... Actually, I wanted to talk to you, Zayn. We um ... Sean and I were wondering if you'd like to ... if we could buy some of your paintings for the office? We would love to have some amazing pictures in the entrance and waiting area but we've never come around to actually ask y ...".

"Are you for real?" Zayn gaped at him in utter disbelief.

"Yes? I know no one who is better than you" Harry's cheek flushed a little bit under Zayn's unblinking stare.

"Fuck, yes. Of course. I'd love that. Shit, I can't believe this" Zayn snapped back to reality. "Um ... How ... What ... Yeah ...".

"We can talk details later with Sean but um ... you don't happen to have a card or something like that? We could place them at the register for people, who are interested in your Art and ...".

"Shut up! Oh my God! I think I have to marry you, man. Marry me, Harry. I mean it" Zayn totally lost it, making Liam frown.

"Ey!".

"I feel honoured but I think your boyfriend isn't too keen on that idea" Harry chuckled amused.

"Then Louis has to marry you. At least, you're somehow part of the family then. Shit, shit, shit. This is really happening, isn't it? You just made my day" Zayn was completely out of it, so Louis just ignored his marriage comment. He shouldn't picture it.

"It's really happening, Love" Liam cupped his face tenderly.

"Fuck".

"Is he alright?" Harry asked Louis when Zayn fell silent.

"I think his brain short-circuited. He's malfunctioning but he will be alright in a few minutes" Louis replied jokingly before he became serious. "But for real, thank you. You didn't just make his day with that. I think you made his year. He's not really used to people appreciating his art. At least not people willing to pay for it and ... I think what I'm trying to say again is thank you? You made him very happy today and a happy Zayn is absolutely precious".

"I really didn't do anything though. He's the artist" Harry pulled his lip in. "I only wanna ...".

"You're gonna showcase it to dozens of people, Haz" Louis really needed to make him see how big of a deal this was for Zayn. "He could get other offers through this and it would be your merit".

"No, his merit. I'm only showcasing his talent".

This stubbornness reminded Louis of himself, so he only shook his head with a small smile on his face, knowing this was a lost battle for now. Before he could come up with anything to say, he heard his daughters fighting yet again and it sounded nasty.

"Are you blind? I'm trying to read here, Eve".

"You've been reading for hours. Put the book aside and let me ...".

"Why should I stop doing what I love because you wanna destroy this room with your kicks and punches?" Maeva didn't back down.

"I'm not trying to destroy the room. I'm practising, Mae" Evelina groaned angrily. "Something you should do sometimes".

"I'm literally studying more than you ever did in one single day" Maeva shot back upset.

"That's probably why you don't have any friends" Evelina was getting personal now and Louis really wanted to step in.

"I have friends" Maeva countered peeved. "I have Aurelia".

"Wow, you have one friend. Congrats" Evelina mocked her sister.

"I don't need anyone else. She's a real friend and better than any of yours" Maeva sounded really mad by now.

"Keep telling yourself that. It won't change the fact that you only have her and no one else because you're w ...".

"At least, I know what real friendship is. I have a real friend. I found my Zayn. What about you?" Maeva put her sister in her place.

"I have ...".

"What? A new best friend every day of the week? That's organic".

"People like me. I'm popular unlike you".

"I don't wanna be popular".

"Only a loser would say that".

"Take that back".

"No".

"Eve".

"Okay, that's enough" Louis had heard enough. He marched over to their room and tore the door open, making them both fall silent. "Girls, stop it. In this family, we're not shaming each other for how many friends the other has, okay? You are sisters. You should be nice to each other. Do you wanna hurt each other?".

"No" both of them shook their heads guiltily.

"Thought so. What are you gonna do about it?" Louis looked expectantly at them, his expression staunch and severe.

Evelina was gnawing on her bottom lip when she faced Maeva. "I'm sorry, Mae. I didn't mean it. Aurelia is amazing and you are not a loser. You're great".

"I'm sorry, too. Of course, people like you. You're great too" Maeva opened her arms for her sister, who immediately hugged her.

"That's better" Louis smiled at them proudly. "And now please, tone it down, okay?".

"Promise, Dad".

With that, he closed the door and left them to themselves. "I think they're done fighting for the day. We can relax".

"And you were worried" Zayn rolled his eyes at him, launching on the couch with his boyfriend.

"What you just did was magic" Harry looked so impressed.

"I don't think so" Louis walked past him back into the kitchen.

"I told you that before but you're a great dad, Louis" Harry followed him hesitantly. "But um ... do they argue a lot?".

"Lately, yes. They're getting older and sharing a room is taking its toll on them. So, we're thinking about separating them. Giving each girl her own room ... somehow" Louis let him know vaguely.

"That's a good idea but how are you gonna do this? You don't have another room" Harry furrowed his eyebrows.

"For now, Zayn and Liam are gonna share a room but in the long run, we'll have to move. We knew we couldn't live like this forever, so ..." Louis trailed off, worry filling his mind again.

"But if Zayn and Liam are moving out at some point, can't you just stay here? You'd have enough room for everyone and you wouldn't have the stress of moving again" Harry considered an option that obviously made sense to him but was impossible in Louis' world. He just didn't know that. Of course, he didn't.

"That could be difficult" Louis muttered more to himself.

"Why?" Harry heard him anyway.

"You know, with work at the restaurant and without the two of them we could never ..." Louis bit down on his tongue to stop himself from talking. Harry didn't have to know about his usual money struggles. "Anyway, didn't you wanna talk to Zayn about ...?".

"In a second, yeah" Harry squinted his eyes at him, trying to read him but Louis kept his eyes on his feet. "Can I talk to the girls first? I think I owe them an apology".

"You wanna ...? I mean, ... Sure, come with me" Louis had not seen that one coming for some reason. With a racing mind, Louis knocked on their bedroom door and opened it again. "Girls, here is someone for you, who really wants to talk to you".

"Hi" Harry peaked out behind Louis' back obviously scared.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were so busy with your mean boyfriend" Evelina eyed him suspiciously.

"You can't say that" Maeva hissed at her quietly.

"She can because she's right. He was really mean, mh? And you knew that?" Harry stepped into the room hesitantly.

"Yes, of course," Evelina nodded in confirmation.

"He also wasn't nice to our dad" Maeva noted angrily.

"No, he wasn't" Harry sighed out guiltily. "Look, I really need to apologise to both of you. I let you down and hurt you without meaning to do so. No boyfriend should be more important than you two and I know that now. I'm sorry I missed your concert and your competition. I broke my promise and I will never do that again".

"I really missed you" Maeva snivelled emotionally.

"I missed you, too. Both of you" Harry sounded choked up.

"Promise to never leave us again" Evelina looked sternly at him.

"I promise," Harry said as fast as never before.

"Remember, you can't break this promise or our dad is gonna kill you" Evelina reminded him adorably strictly. Louis was so proud.

"I won't. I'm never breaking a promise again" Harry assured her determinedly. That was enough for her to drop the stern act and fall into his arms, Maeva joining their embrace a second later.

Watching them from the door, Louis' heart felt stupidly warm and he considered listening to Zayn's words. Letting himself be loved.  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See? I didn't let them be hurt for long and Josh is gone now ... 

Will Louis be able to really forgive Harry and forget that he hurt the girls?