May seventeenth. May seventeenth was one of the worst days of the year for Louis, only followed by the twenty-fifth of May and then maybe his own birthday. He always felt an inner turmoil and the entirety of the day was emotionally tiring and upsetting. On the very outside, he kept a calm demeanour but on the inside, he felt like crying his eyes out, which he couldn't do. He had to cook.

Because Maria and Paul were wonderful people, he had this day off each year. This year, Zayn and Liam weren't home though and he was left alone with his thoughts and memories while he was simply trying to cook a decent meal for his girls later but he kept messing up because he couldn't concentrate on anything.

So, when the doorbell rang out of nowhere he almost got a bloody heart attack. Abandoning the crippled remains of food, Louis went over to the door and opened it. "Harry? What's up?".

"I hope I'm not interrupting you but I've wanted to invite all of you to our barbecue party on Spring Break. I thought we could all celebrate together" Harry told him why he was at his door.

"Um ... sure. That'd be great. Thanks for thinking of us, Haz. It's definitely been a while since I've properly celebrated Spring Break" Louis' voice cracked towards the end of his sentence because he couldn't stop his mind from going back down memory lane.

"Lou? Is everything alright? You look a bit pale" Harry frowned when he looked Louis up and down. "Is something wrong?".

He didn't know what did the trick but something about the way Harry had worded his questions and voiced his genuine concern made Louis crack. His eyes welled up with unshed tears and he felt himself starting to tremble with too many emotions. Immediately, Harry was inside his apartment, closing the door and reaching out for him hesitantly. Louis was grateful for his presence.

"It's alright, Lou. Everything's gonna be alright. You'll be alright" Harry rested his hands gently on Louis' upper arms.

This touch broke the dam and the tears were falling down freely, completely out of control. Instantly, Harry pulled him into his arms for comfort and support, which only made Louis cry harder. Somehow, they managed to stumble over to the couch though.

"I'm here, Lou. Let it all out. I won't go anywhere".

And for a solid five minutes, Louis kept crying his heart out without explaining himself to Harry, who just held him close without any questions coming from him. When he felt like he was out of tears for now, he untangled himself from Harry and pulled his legs up on the couch and into his chest for something to hold onto that was not the beautiful man sitting on his couch, not leaving him today.

"I'm sorry about that. I think I ruined your shirt" Louis wiped his nose with his sleeve, not meeting Harry's eyes. "Normally, I'm not this emotional at such random times. I swear".

"It's okay, Lou. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Crying is totally normal and ...".

"I know, Haz" Louis interrupted him with a smile. "I'm not one of those guys, who acts like crying isn't manly. I'm a crier, in a way, but usually only in private. With friends or family. And not at my doorstep out of nowhere, for no reason".

"I'm positive there was a good reason for this. You don't look good, Lou" Harry's eyes grew comically huge. "Oh God, that's not what I meant. You always look good. I only meant, you look tired and sad and a bit pale, but still beautiful anyway".

Feeling himself starting to blush stupidly, Louis smiled to himself. That has been an unexpected compliment but he wasn't one to complain about flattery. Not today. "Thanks. I get it".

"Good" Harry breathed out in relief. "So, what's going on, Lou? If it's too personal, you don't have to tell me".

"You deserve an answer for your immediate comfort though, Haz. And we're friends, right? Why should I keep personal things from you?" Louis dared to catch Harry's eye for a second. His eyes were so darn beautiful and mesmerizing. They seemed endless.

Holding the eye contact, Harry's gaze intensified. "If you're sure, Lou".

Needing to look away, Louis pulled his legs closer to his chest and rested his chin on his knees. "Today is Violetta's death day".

"I'm so sorry, Louis" Harry's entire face showed sympathy.

"Thank you, Haz" Louis offered him a wobbly smile. "Most of the time, I'm handling it quite well but I have my moments when it's just too much and I break down. Especially now that the girls are older. They're asking questions and I'm not ready for the answers".

"About their mothers?" Harry hooked compassionately.

"Yeah, they do that a lot by now. Of course, they do. They miss them every day and today just brings everything back. I offered them to stay home but they wanted to go to school. Probably as a distraction. It's what I would do but I'm not allowed to work today".

"And that's a good thing. You have to feel whatever you're feeling. Otherwise, it will eat you up, Lou" Harry advised him worriedly.

"Look who's going all doctor on me now" Louis snorted teasingly.

"Sorry, sorry. I'll stop" Harry backtracked so quickly.

"I was only teasing, Haz. You are a doctor. It's an instinct to ... You did nothing wrong, okay?" Louis reassured Harry strongly. "And you are right. I need to stop bottling my emotions and feelings up but I don't know how. I'm so used to this. I don't wanna be this total mess in front of my daughters. They need me to be strong".

"They need you to be there. To be honest, to comfort them and listen. If that means crying together, then that's fine. Maybe all of you need that" Harry nudged his leg with his big toe.

"Maybe" Louis smiled crookedly at him. "It's just a lot to handle. All of these memories are coming over me in waves and everything can trigger them. I wanna be able to tell the girls about their mothers later without crying at every second word because I miss them so much. I mean, they do remember Violetta. They were eight when she died but with Nikki, it's different. They were four. They barely remember her. They only know pictures and stories. And I know I said it's Violetta's death day but of course, Nikki comes up in every conversation. And her death day is in eight days, so ... pure irony".

Inhaling and exhaling deeply after his unplanned rant, Louis stole a glance at Harry, who was listening attentively and not once stopped looking at him. It made him feel some kind of way but that wasn't appropriate for this depressing day, so he ignored it.

"It's only our second death day together like this. Alone. I don't know what to do or how to get through this. Vilu always tried to turn Nikki's death day into something positive. Make good and happy memories while being sad and grieving. She was a lot better at this than me. I feel so lost" Louis blurted out thoughtlessly.

"Louis, you are a great father. The best dad Mae and Eve could have and they love you. It's not about being as good at this as Vilu was. It's about being there for each other in any way possible".

"You sound like you know what you're talking about" Louis tilted his head aside in an unspoken question.

"Because I do. I lost my dad three years ago" Harry revealed to him shockingly, making Louis' heart ache for him.

"I'm so sorry, Haz".

"It is what it is, right? I can't change the past, no matter how much I wish I could. Not even being a bloody doctor gave me the ability to save him" Harry sounded a bit bitter now.

"As bad as it sounds but you can't save everyone, Haz. There are things that are out of your hands. I'm sure his doctors tried their best to save him ...".

"They did. I'm not saying they didn't" Harry cut him off harshly but then calmed down visibly. "It's just that ... When you're a doctor yourself and someone close to you dies, you instantly think that you could have done better. That you should have been able to save them. You automatically blame yourself irrationally".

"Can't relate to that" Louis murmured under his breath.

"I know I couldn't have done anything. He had an incurable heart disease before he got infected with corona. His body and heart couldn't handle it" Harry opened up to him a bit more but there was something in his eyes that told Louis he had heard his stupid and thoughtless comment. Way to be a dick.

"Bloody Corona" was all Louis could think of, feeling guilty now.

"Yeah, you're vaccinated then?" Harry seemed absent-minded.

"Course. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten my job at the hospital. They didn't take anyone, who wasn't vaccinated" Louis told him.

"You worked at the hospital?" Harry gaped at him in shock.

"Um ..." Louis wanted to slap himself for forgetting that he had told Sean about this but never Harry. His eyes fell on Harry's vibrating phone. That was his way out. "Don't you wanna answer?".

"What?" Harry was obviously caught off guard for a moment before glancing at his phone. "Oh, that. No, he's been trying to call me the entire time but I'm with you and this is more important".

Louis didn't know what to say, so he simply smiled at Harry, who seemed to understand everything Louis was unable to express or put into words. Knowing that right now he was more important to Harry than his boyfriend felt good and he wasn't ashamed of it.

"When the girls come home don't hide your emotions, okay? Let them out and own them. They will appreciate it. They're at an age, where it's important to show them their emotions are valid. Puberty is close and you never know how they'll change during that. Savour every emotional moment you have with them. No matter how sad, okay?" Harry grabbed his hand and engulfed it with his own.

"Okay".

"I should probably leave, mh? The girls should be home in a few minutes and ...".

"You don't have to" Louis made sure Harry's hand wasn't going anywhere. "You can stay, Haz".

"As much as I want to spend more time with you and your lovely family, I think I shouldn't be here when you're having your moment. It's a family thing and I'm not a part of that family. I feel honoured that you'd want me around but you need this time alone, Lou. Only you and your family" Harry declined the offer sympathetically.

Out of words, he just had to do it. He had to hug Harry. Taking him totally by surprise, Louis dropped their joined hands and threw himself at Harry, trapping him underneath his body. Realistically, Louis knew Harry was capable of manhandling him the way he'd want to but Louis was grateful that Harry wasn't doing it. He just let Louis hug him, wrapping his arms around Louis' waist safely.

"You are one of a kind, Haz" Louis mumbled into his neck.

"So are you, Lou" Harry pulled him even closer on top of him.

And for once, Louis just left that uncommented and accepted it. If Harry thought that about him, it had to be true. He was a bloody genius, after all. So, Louis simply relaxed in the position they were in and didn't question anything. He was just feeling it, for now.

But even this moment had to end. At some point, they broke apart and Harry got ready to leave. Walking him over to the front door, Louis hugged him yet another time without any overwhelming or depressing emotions as an excuse. Without a mental breakdown as his way out. He hugged him simply because he wanted to. And Harry let him. He even hugged him back as if he enjoyed it.

Only ten minutes later, Zayn and the girls came home and joined him on the couch immediately. After five more minutes, Liam came through the door and their quintet was complete. Somehow, they ended up on the floor in front of the couch in a massive pile.

"Tell us about her".

"Your mother was a wonderful person. She has been one of my best friends for ages. She was kind and helpful and funny and had a way with words. Did I ever tell you that she was an author? Her stories were amazing and sometimes the two of you would walk in on her working on her next book and she would drop everything to spend time with you" Louis told them about their mother wistfully.

"And she planned on writing both of you into her stories one day. When Corona hit, she had just started a new story about soulmates and love and friendship and family. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever read in my life. She had a gift. She was able to make people feel something with her words and I see that gift in both of you every day" Zayn continued melancholy.

"You have her kindness, too" Liam added dolefully. "Maybe you remember how kind she was but I can tell ...".

"I do remember it" Maeva spoke over him quietly. "At least, a bit. I see flashes of my memories of her. With her. I can see her sitting at her desk and writing something. I can see her smiling at me. I can distantly hear her voice but it's getting harder to actually hear it".

"Yeah, like it's disappearing into thin air" Evelina agreed with her.

"Do you wanna see videos of her? We filmed you a lot. Especially, after your other mum died so suddenly. We wanted to capture as many moments as possible" Zayn offered them heavyhearted.

"Please".

Quickly, Zayn stood up to get his laptop out of his bedroom. Both of his girls snuggled closer into him on both sides of him when his best friend reappeared with the laptop, sitting back down next to Maeva. He opened a file full of videos and pictures. Violetta was in every single one of them and Nikki was in half of them. It tore at Louis' heartstrings to scan over all of these memories.

First, they looked through all the pictures. They started all the way back in school and ended one day before Violetta died because of Corona not mixing well with her asthma. It was a lot to handle and they all had tears in their eyes. These tears started falling down as they clicked on the first video. It showed Violetta with Maeva and Evelina, just sitting on the couch and being in their own little world. Louis could remember that day. He had filmed this video. Back then, he had felt the urge to capture this pure moment of love.

Another video showed Violetta and Nikki at the airport with the two girls. It was the last time the girls would ever see Nikki alive. That plane would crash in a few hours but back then, they didn't know any of this. They were just happy to be in each other's presence before Nikki had to leave. She had been a flight attendant and that with a passion. Violetta had said it has been destiny that this big passion of hers had taken her away, at the end of the day.

They went on like this, video after video. From happy moments at home over Christmas and birthday videos to old videos from before the girls have even been born. Maeva and Evelina soaked every little bit of information in but not without crying, just like the adults. Louis felt like this moment, here on the living room floor, had brought them even closer together. All of them. As a family.

When they had seen every single video, it was time to go to bed because it was almost midnight, way past the girls' bedtime but it didn't matter. This has been way more important and Louis would just let them stay home tomorrow and call in sick at work. Maria and Paul would understand. He just knew it. They were like angels.

Instead of entering their own bedroom after getting ready for bed, the girls headed for Louis' room and he let them. Emotionally very overwhelmed, Louis shared an intense hug with Zayn and Liam before joining his daughters in bed. He crawled into his bed and felt how the girls curled up into his sides like little koala babies. With a smile on his face, Louis caressed both of their heads and felt at ease. This was where he belonged. This was his safe place.

"We love you, Daddy" Maeva mumbled into his chest tiredly.

"Thank you for always being there for us" Evelina yawned with her eyes closed, snuggling further into his chest.

"I love you too, my babies" Louis pressed a kiss to both of their heads. "And I will always be there".

Louis was regretting his decision to accept Harry's invitation right now. The barbecue was taking place at their penthouse with so many people Louis didn't know. Apparently, hosting a barbecue on a roof terrace was the new thing for doctors, charge nurses and other important people. Or maybe they all just admired Harry. In any case, the penthouse was full of people out of his league when he arrived with his daughters and his friends.

This was a nightmare. Luckily, Sean and Niall also didn't look too pleased with the crowd, which was odd because they should be used to these people, right? After all, Sean has been working at the hospital for two years longer than Harry before they quit together. But somehow, he looked out of place in between all these highly-important people. Maybe only to Louis because he knew him well.

"And have you talked to your friend about it yet? Were you able to convince him to give dating with k ...?" he heard a male voice ask Niall over face-time on his phone when they approached them.

Looking up at them, Niall's eyes grew big at those words and he cut the man off quickly. "No, not yet. The moment wasn't right".

"Well, then good luck with that. Remember, don't push it too much, yeah? Let things happen naturally. Only a little advice and a bit of encouragement" the guy on the other line reminded him oddly.

"Sure thing, Matteo. Now go and enjoy your time with your family, yeah?" Niall looked tense for a reason Louis didn't understand.

"Of course, little brother" Matteo assured him gently. "And say hi to Harry from me when you see him, yeah?".

"Definitely. Bye," Niall ended the call, his face a bit pale. "When I get him alone for a second".

"Hey, lads" Sean greeted them all with hugs before kneeling down to the girls. "Hey, lovelies. Are you hungry?".

"I'm starving. Dad didn't let us eat much for lunch because of this here" Evelina let him know whinny.

"I'm sure he only wanted to make sure you'd be able to enjoy all this food. Wanna take a look?" Sean tilted his head aside, slightly motioning towards the big table full of appetizers and snacks.

"Can we, Dad?" Evelina looked up at him with big eyes.

"Sure. Go with Sean. I'm right here" Louis could never say no to those eyes and he trusted Sean with his daughters.

"Yay. Come on, Mae" Evelina dragged her sister with her.

"Face-timing during this enormous barbecue? What has gotten into you, Horan? Scandalous" Zayn sat down next to Niall at the dining table, Louis and Liam following suit.

"He called me in hopes it wasn't too crowded yet and because he had a moment to himself. Thank you very much" Niall pouted only to make a point, making them coo at him. "Ey!".

"You're adorable, Nialler" Louis tried to stifle his giggles.

"Isn't he?" a brunette woman joined Niall's side. If Louis wasn't mistaken that had to be his girlfriend Maya. "He doesn't see it".

"We'll make sure to tell him more often then" Liam grinned at her in pure amusement, earning a glare from Niall in return.

"Thanks" Maya winked at him while pinching Niall's cheek but then she looked up and her entire face lit up. "Bay! We're here".

And that was something Louis hadn't considered and he was sure Liam and Zayn had forgotten about it as well, judging by their surprised faces. Turning around, Louis saw another brunette girl heading their way but her tips were dyed purple and pink. She had a nice smile and was definitely very pretty. She looked different from what he had pictured but in a good way. Like this, she made sense next to Sean in a way it only did when you knew him.

"I've been looking for you outside, M. I thought you were with H but he's surrounded by so many people. None of them was you" Bailey stopped at the head of the table.

"I was outside but Josh is plastered to his side. I don't need to see that longer than needed" Maya's face twisted at the thought.

"I know what you mean" Bailey didn't look like she liked Josh. "Oh, I don't think we met before. Hi, I'm Bailey, her best friend".

"I'm Louis and that's Zayn and ...".

"I'm Liam" he introduced himself hastily. "Payne".

"Your voice sounds familiar. Wait, are you from Martha's pharmacy? Sean mentioned that I know one of his new friends" Bailey really recognised his voice, Liam only nodded. "That's funny".

"Yeah, very funny" Zayn muttered under his breath.

"How are you? I'm so happy to finally meet you in person. It's strange only knowing a voice for so l ...".

"There is so much food" Evelina interrupted them by running to their table with her full plate. "I definitely need a second round".

"What did I tell you about running with food in your hands? Or a plate?" Louis raised an eyebrow at her sternly.

"Not to do it. I'm sorry, Dad" Evelina bowed her head chastened.

"Sorry, Louis. She was faster than I could react" Sean explained himself apologetically with Maeva by his side.

"It's fine. She knows how to behave by herself. Sometimes she just chooses not to because she is stubborn" Louis gave her a pointed look, seeing her roll her eyes and trying to be subtle.

"I wonder where she got that from" Zayn snorted amusedly.

"Oh, you wanna do this right now?" Louis challenged him with no heat behind his words. Zayn shook his head. "Thought so".

"So, these adorable girls are yours?" Bailey's eyes were sparkling and Louis feared she might faint any second.

"Yes, these are my little hurricanes. Also known as Evelina and Maeva" Louis bit down on his bottom lip to keep a grin in. "Girls, this is Bailey. Sean's girlfriend".

"Hello, you're very pretty and I like your hair" Evelina boldly complimented Bailey without any kind of hesitation.

"Well, thank you. I like yours as well. I've always wanted red hair and your bangs are top-notch, I must say" Bailey tried visibly not to squeal in excitement.

"Fan of kids?" Louis asked Sean while they talked about hair.

"Loves them. Wants a bunch of her own" Sean watched them with a fond look on his face.

"Just picture that. A bunch of little Seans and Baileys. That's so cute" Maya sighed out dreamily. "I'm gonna be their godmother".

"Of course, you will".

"No, my Mum had red hair but both of us have Dad's eyes. See? They're as blue as his" Evelina pointed at her sister and her father to prove a point, making them all laugh at her eagerness.

"I see. Very beautiful" Bailey couldn't stop smiling.

"Eve is really one of a kind. She can befriend everyone" Niall noted observingly, sounding so fond and proud.

"You're right about that. She has a lot of friends at school and does not shy away from talking to strangers, which isn't always a good thing but well. At least, I taught her only to talk to strangers when they are talking to me first" Louis smiled down at his daughter.

"When she's a teenager she will drive you mad" Niall concluded observingly, his tone the tiniest bit teasing.

"Oh, definitely and I can't wait for it" Louis agreed unfazed. He could already tell that Evelina would be one hell of a teenager.

"What about me? Will I drive you mad?" Maeva asked timidly.

"No, Love. I don't think so" Louis patted the chair next to him, signalling her to sit down and she did. "I feel like you're gonna be the harmless one out of you two. You will grow up and become a beautiful young woman without needing to test your limits in a way that will drive me nuts. Not everyone has a rebellious phase as a teenager and I don't see you having one".

"Because I'm shy?" Maeva put her head to the side in question.

"No, not because you're shy, Sweetheart" Louis took a hold of her hand. "You and your sister have totally different personalities and handle things differently. I can see Aunt Emily in you. She was just as quiet as you. Still is. And she never acted out as a teenager, unlike her Aunt Sophia. She was a pain in my bum but look at her now. And the same happened with Aunt Luna and Aunt Stella".

"So, I don't have to get weird when I get older?" Maeva checked and Louis was hardly able to contain his fondness.

"No, you don't have to be or do anything. Just be yourself, Mae. Do whatever feels right and if you're not sure whether it's right or wrong, just come to me. Keep talking to me, yeah?" Louis smiled at her, squeezing her hand lovingly.

"Always, Dad" Maeva squeezed back easily.

"My heart can't handle this" Niall commented on the scene.

"Same, Babe" Maya agreed with him totally affected.

"H, hey. Did you want anything?" Sean looked past them and made everyone aware of Harry's presence close by.

"I only wanted to check on you. Haven't seen you in a while and I didn't realise ... When did you get in, lads?" Harry sounded far away although he was standing right behind Liam by the table.

"Not that long ago" Liam reported vaguely.

"Did you have anything to drink or eat yet? We've just broiled some meat outside for everyone. Take whatever you want" Harry let them know but he sounded strangely tense and Louis wondered why. There was no reason for him not to fully enjoy this.

"Thanks. We'll get to that" Zayn smiled at him politely.

"Here you are, Babe. They've been asking where you disappeared to" Josh approached them as well and no one seemed to be happy about that but left it uncommented. "Hey, everyone. Is it okay if I steal him for a couple more minutes? Some old colleagues wanted to catch up and asked for him".

"No, it's fine. Go and mingle, H. We're not going anywhere" Niall brought out strained, making Louis feel a little bit better about not liking Josh. Now it didn't feel so much like jealousy anymore.

"Okay, but we'll talk later. Promise" and with that, he was gone.

But Josh was still there, mustering them weirdly and stopping on Louis and the girls. "Good to see you again, Lewis. And even with your daughters this time. What a delight".

"Yeah, Harry invited them as well" Louis replied for the lack of something better to say. He hated the way Josh looked at him.

"I bet" Josh clicked with his tongue. "Fancy a drink, anyone?".

"We live here, Josh. We know where everything is. Thanks" Niall declined the offer sharply, obviously wanting him to leave.

"Just wanted to be polite. Your guests don't live here, after all. And it's a big place and dozens of people. It can be quite a lot" Josh acted all kind but his words were clearly chosen to belittle them.

"You seem to handle it quite well" Sean's voice was laced with venom, only making Josh smirk. "I'm sure they'll be alright".

"If you say so. You'll know where to find me if you need me" Josh grinned at them in the ugliest way Louis has ever seen before he finally left and disappeared into the crowd of people.

"What the hell does he see in him? He's horrible" Niall grimaced as soon as Josh was out of sight.

"Atrocious, dear friend. We're surrounded by posh people. Talk like them" Zayn stuck his nose into the air faux-snooty.

"With your face, you at least look posh. The rest of us really do not" Bailey laughed at his antics.

"I'm not so sure about that. Look at little Lewis. His pretty face should be in portraits around the world. He looks like a prince" Niall cackled idiotically.

"Should I be worried you're gonna elope with Louis when I look away?" Maya gasped scandalized.

"That would be the scandal around here. Head chef of a famous restaurant elopes with waiter and father of two. Not sure my 'pretty face' is worth that much fuss in your social circle" Louis made fun of them but knew Zayn could hear the serious undertone anyway.

"First of all, you are so worth it. I would elope with you any day" Niall clarified strongly, apparently being able to see right through him. "And second, this here today is not my social circle".

"What does elope mean?" Maeva asked confusedly.

"It means that two people are running away to get married" Louis explained to his cute daughter.

"So, you wanna marry Niall now? I thought you liked Harry" Maeva furrowed her forehead, trying to catch up.

"No, and no, Darling" Louis avoided looking at Niall and Sean right now, knowing his face was crimson by now. "Niall was only joking and Harry is only a family friend, yeah?".

"Yeah, he is. That Josh guy is his boyfriend, remember?" Evelina joined their conversation now.

"But he is mean and Harry is so nice. How does that work? I thought he liked you because you're the kindest person in the world" Maeva suddenly sounded so much younger than she was.

"Aw, Baby" Louis cooed emotionally, heaving her off the chair and onto his lap. "I'm the kindest person in the world? A bit much, mh?".

"No? It's true. There is no one kinder than you, Dad. And you deserve someone as nice as Harry to see that" Maeva insisted on her opinion, being the cutest ever.

"She is right, Dad" Evelina agreed with her unusually quiet.

"Did I miss something? Why Harry?"Bailey hooked puzzled.

"You see, there ...".

"Because you are Sean's girlfriend and Niall has Maya, right?" Maeva talked over Niall and Bailey only nodded. "See? They can't love my dad. They love you two. And Zayn and Liam are my uncles. That would be weird".

After that statement, Louis dared to take a look around the table and saw everyone fonding over his daughter and her simple way of thinking this scenario through. Louis knew Maeva had more than that reason to think he liked Harry and the other way around but he was glad that she didn't mention it right now.

"That leaves only Harry available, I see" Bailey nodded in pure understanding. "And you're right. Harry is really nice but as your sister said, he has a boyfriend".

"A mean boyfriend. I don't like him" Maeva stated unbothered.

"He seems a bit mean, huh?" Bailey couldn't disagree.

"Yes and Harry needs a nice boyfriend like my dad. He would be a great boyfriend for Harry" Maeva was sure of this.

"You know what? I'm starving. Let's get something to eat, mh?" Louis set his daughter down and stood up from the table in a flash. "You want anything? I'll get it for you".

"We're fine, Tommy. Go" Zayn squeezed his hand understandingly.

Without looking at the others, Louis grabbed both of his girls by the hand and walked outside onto the roof terrace. This whole conversation has been a mess. He knew his daughter had only meant well and just wanted him to be loved but hearing her talk about him as Harry's boyfriend has been too much. Especially in front of Harry's best friends, who probably knew more than they led onto and knew how he had rejected Harry more than once.

Outside, he took a deep breath and then organised some food for himself and the girls. Out of the corner of his eye, Louis could see Harry talking to four other men, who looked pretty sophisticated. That sight alone reminded him why he had pushed Harry away and that it had been the right decision. Today alone proved that he had been right. This wasn't his world but Harry's apparently. Their worlds would never work together. He wasn't like Niall and Sean in that way and that was fine but sometimes seeing it that clearly still hurt. He would never admit that out loud though.

"And we meet again" Josh's voice tore him out of his thoughts. Turning towards him, Louis spotted Josh at the grill accompanied by two men, who eyed him curiously but condescendingly. "You found the meat collection. Great. We tried to make something for everyone, even vegetarian options".

"That's great, Josh" Louis didn't know why he was even talking to him without the other guys or Harry around.

"Gentlemen, this is Louis. He's a friend of Harry's flatmates. Or well, of Harry as well in a way. Louis, these are Jack and Mason. They work at the hospital as well but obviously, they're not nurses like me" Josh introduced them to each other.

"Pleasure to meet you" Louis shook their hands politely, his girls hiding behind him and watching the exchange.

"Jack's a surgeon and Mason's a neurologist. Highly regarded and the best in their fields" Josh introduced them further annoyingly.

"Stop the flattery, Josh" Jack waved him off but didn't sound as if he was actually serious. "How do you know Harry?".

"We're neighbours" Louis answered curtly.

"Oh, how exciting. Do you own the other penthouse then?" Jack checked thrilled and all Louis wanted to do was leave.

"No, we live one floor below them" Louis unnecessarily pointed to the ground but he felt so weird in this situation.

"Oh".

"Those are your daughters?" Mason noticed the girls suddenly.

"Yes".

"They're beautiful".

"Thanks".

"And as what do you work? As a friend of our wonderboy, I'm sure your job has to be fascinating" Jack asked to make conversation.

For a moment, Louis thought about lying and making something up but Josh knew the truth and answered for him before he could react anyway. "He works at a little restaurant in town. I don't think you know it but it's supposed to be charming".

"So, you're a chef like that Spanish friend of Harry?" Mason checked in a weird voice.

"No".

Realisation seemed to dawn on them and the disgust in their expressions intensified in a way Louis was way too used to but it hurt every time. Josh seemed to relish the tense mood he had created. Louis hated him with a passion but kept quiet.

"Before you came, we talked about Harry's work at the hospital and how there has been a seismic shift from the moment he had started working there. He changed all of our lives for the better and it was such a shame and a huge loss when he quit. He played such a pivotal role in so many surgeries and ... Oh, sorry. That means he played a central role in ...".

"I know what it means. Thanks" Louis cut him off, his jaw set tight.

"I wasn't sure you would. Was only trying to help" Josh grinned.

"I bet" Louis glared at him, trying not to snap in front of his girls.

"Anyway, I understand why Harry left. He is always so kind and magnanimous. Reducing that to a smaller place with his friend was probably the best idea in the long run" Josh made a show of using big words in every sentence. It was ludicrous. Yes, Louis knew big words too but he didn't strut around haughtily, showing everyone.

"It gave you the chance to snatch him away and make him yours. Almost as if it was serendipity" Jack clinked his glass with Mason's.

"And I'm pretty sure he isn't just generous at work" Mason smirked nastily at Josh, making Louis wanna throw up at their bluntness.

"You can bet on that" Josh grinned smugly.

"Hate to be that guy, but we better leave. Was nice and all" Louis cleared his throat, rushing his daughters back inside.

"Already? Stay, Lewis. Or are you not a gregarious lad? Seemed different to me" Josh held him back, his voice taunting.

"Afraid I'm not" Louis retorted before he walked back inside as well and headed back to his friends, plopping down in a seat.

"You look pissed" Zayn observed him closely.

"Ran into Josh and ...".

"He was very weird. I think he was mean but I didn't understand the words he used" Evelina frowned into her food.

"He said some strange words. What did they mean, Dad?" Maeva wanted to know curiously.

"Nothing worth mentioning. Just forget about it. Eat up" Louis put on a brave face but knew his friends saw right through that mask.

"So bad?" Zayn hooked quietly.

"Atrocious" Louis rolled his eyes, feeling all of this getting to him. "He was obnoxious and arrogant and condescending. Even worse than normal and his company wasn't any better but I didn't expect anything else. I mean, look around".

Not hungry anymore, Louis let his eyes travel around the room. It was full of doctors, surgeons, lawyers, attorneys, managers and other rich people, who looked down on people like him and his friends. For someone who claimed to be a normal person, Harry had a lot of not normal friends and obviously wanted them around, which is fine. But Louis didn't see how he could ever fit in his life, even as a friend. Why was he even here? He didn't belong.

"Louis" Zayn sighed out heavily, completely understanding where his thoughts were at.

"It's fine. Really. I just ... I think we're gonna leave when they're done. We don't ... This is not really a place for kids right now" Louis struggled to get words out without getting emotional over this.

"We can leave with you, if you want. We came together and ...".

"No, lads. Stay" Louis smiled at them tight-lipped. "Enjoy your afternoon with Sean and Niall. We're gonna be fine alone".

Avoiding Zayn's sympathetic eyes, Louis let his eyes travel around the people behind them and stopped on Josh and Harry. They were together again and touchy as ever in front of everyone. While Harry was at least blushing a little bit under all the close attention, Josh was showering in it. It looked like he was touching Harry more intensely the more people watched them but he was probably wrong about that. He was too far away to see much anyway. And he shouldn't watch them. That was creepy.

Clearing his throat, Louis looked away and saw Zayn watching him with concern written all over his face. "I'm good".

"You're not and that's alright. He is obnoxious and it's okay that it bothers you. It bothers all of us. He doesn't deserve him from what we can see ...".

"Harry is the only one, who decides that, okay? It's none of our business and we have no right to interfere just because we don't like him, okay?" Louis cut him off strained.

"Okay".

"Guys, I realised something today" Liam offered him the perfect opportunity to change the topic.

"What did you realise?" Louis jumped onto that opportunity.

"When I met Bailey for the first time, I realised my crush is gone. I like her a lot but only in a friend-like way" Liam told them happily. "Seeing her with Sean didn't make me sad and it didn't hurt. I was only happy for them".

"That's amazing, Lima. And you were worried it might get a bit awkward. I told you you have nothing to worry about" Louis was glad to hear his friend was alright.

"And you continue being right" Liam grinned at him brightly.

"He's not always right though but this time ...".

"Ey, I'm right quite a lot, Joey" Louis huffed offended.

"But not always, Tommy" Zayn shrugged unchanged.

"True. Only Zayn is always right" Liam sided with Zayn.

"I hate both of you" Louis glared at his friends like a child.

"Only because ...".

"Lads, Abby just arrived with Logan. Do you wanna meet her?" Niall hopped over to them after emptying the buffet.

"Sure".

"We pass. We wanted to go home" Louis wasn't keen on meeting Harry's sister and her husband right now. He didn't need to meet more people, who make him feel displaced in Harry's life.

"Already?" Niall cocked an eyebrow at him suspiciously.

"Not really a place for children but I'm sure there will be other chances for them to meet, mh? Where are they at?" Zayn stood up and drew all the attention on him, saving Louis from answering.

"Just went outside to greet Harry and meet the boyfriend. Come on" Niall was way too excited for it to be normal.

Tensely, Louis watched them head toward the roof terrace to meet Harry's family. Deciding this was enough, Louis focused back on his girls, who were both done eating. Seemingly as the only one, Louis brought his dirty dishes into the kitchen and told his daughters that they would leave now. And if he wasn't mistaken, they looked happy about that. Without saying goodbye to anyone, they stepped into the elevator and went home.

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I don't even know what to ask. Are you guys alright after this?

A second one for you today as an apology for not updating in over a week.