It was the day before Harry's birthday, and Louis honestly thought he was going to lose his head.

Well, not literally.

However, spending his precious afternoon (which he had off by the way) with Harry and Ellie wasn't something he planned on. No, of fucking course not. Louis wanted to head off to the shops and get Harry one more gift. Maybe if they hurry along this Monopoly game they were playing Louis could leave sooner rather than later.

It wasn't like Louis needed to buy yet another present, he'd gotten Harry a record player with a few vinyl records to pair. Sure, it may seem excessive and overly expensive as Louis wasn't filthy rich or anything. But, ever since he could remember they'd always give each other decent gifts for their birthdays. One year for Louis' nineteenth birthday, Harry had gotten Louis all the seasons of the show Friends. Louis had given Harry a collection of tapes (mostly classic rock) with a tape player for his sixteenth birthday. So you get the idea, every gift was quite extraordinary.

Louis just wanted to top it off with a storage case for the records with a lovely birthday card, that's it. Hell, maybe Louis will also get Harry cake too since his mate never mentioned anything about a party.

"I want to buy Oxford Street, darling." Ellie announced towards Harry ( whose always the banker), she's got this half of a smile on her face. Like she thriving by taking a sweet victory away from Louis after finally getting that last green property. It's not like Louis hadn't had Bond Street and Regent Street for a fucking reason. "Sorry, Lou."

Louis bit his tongue when Harry handed her the deed card. It wasn't the first time she's done this either, Taking Mayfair away when Louis had Park lane. Then there's Old Kent road, and she took Whitechapel Road too. Yeah, it may be some silly game, but it was frustrating. They've been at this for over an hour now, and Louis already wanted to declare bankruptcy.

"On the bright side, Louis, you almost got all the train stations." Harry pointed out as he rolled the dice.

"I'm pretty sure you can't put houses on those," Louis replied, watching Harry move his top hat token twelve spots across the board. "And you owe me £28 for Bond street, Harold."

Harry counted out all his notes as he quipped, "Always so demanding, huh?" Then handed them over to Louis. "Try not to spend it all in one place, hon."

"Damn, well there goes my plan on buying the most expensive takeaway for dinner, I guess." Louis schooled his face into a faux-disappointment before he added, "I guess it's on you then, H?" Louis teased as he watched the way Harry rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips.

"In your dreams, Tomlinson."

Louis smirked as he pushed his soft fringe out of his eyes and trying his damn best to not pay mind to Ellie. Which was quite hard because she was right there next to Louis, tapping her nails against the grain of the table impatiently. But fuck that, Louis is having a moment of banter with Harry, and she can't take that away from him.

"I guess that means I have to return your birthday gift for being a dick, right?" Louis quipped, tossing the dice as it was his go, then moving his token six spots. Landing in free parking, thank fuck. "Which by the way, is pretty fucking amazing."

Harry's eyes lit up as and was about to open his mouth, that is until Ellie beat him to the punch first.

"You know this reminds me, I actually still have to get you one more gift, babe." No one fucking cares, Louis thought. "Maybe I should head out for a while to get you the present and have Louis come with me, if you don't mind?"

Did Louis' ears hear correctly? Was Ellie just implying that she wants him to go spend time with her? Oh hell no. No. Louis would rather cut off his own foot then be stuck alone with Ellie for a few hours. Louis didn't know what Ellie was doing, and he didn't like it.

"Actually, I was planning on going in a bit, by myself." Louis didn't want to be accompanied by her. Anyone else? Sure. Just not that evil demon.

Ellie jutted out her lip as she glanced at Harry batting her eyelashes. Trying to get her way as per usual. Louis rolled his eyes, not giving a shit if anyone noticed because he will not go with her.

"Lou, can you please just go with El? I know you always love to have company when you're out shopping." Harry pleaded "I'm sure you'd like to have someone to talk to."

Of course, Harry was making this hard for Louis to keep saying no. Giving bullshit reasons because Ellie just wanted to make Louis more irritated. He wouldn't be surprised if she had something up her sleeve and didn't actually need to go to the mall. One the reasons why Louis was already shaking his head, taking his token from the board because he was over this game.

"Come on Louis, I promise we won't be out forever. I just think you'd be great help since you're practically Harry's family. You know him better than anyone," Yeah, sure, family. If Ellie wanted to call it that, which Louis wanted to throw up. "Besides, who knows... maybe I can help find you a man while we're at it. I'm a wonderful matchmaker."

"I'm good, thanks," Louis replied sharply, not letting her get any ideas. "I just want to shop on my own, I don't need anyone there."

Harry furrowed his brows as he rubbed at his chin before he asked, "But you hate shopping alone, I thought?"

Louis opened and closed his mouth, unsure of how to even respond to that. Like, it sucked in a way that Harry and him had known each other pretty damn well. Harry knew too much about Louis' shopping habits. Sure, Louis preferred to have someone with him, but only for the sake of having someone to chat with. Not only that but to keep him from spending all his money that was very limited. So he understood Harry's confusion, but whatever. People change and Louis didn't want to be alone with Harry's girlfriend at all today.

"I'll buy you dinner, anything that your heart desires, Lou." Ellie sweetly proposed. "Please." Her face was shining as she clasped her hands under her chin.

One way or another, Louis felt as if this was a trap. That he was bound to get roped into this whether he liked it or not. It really fucking sucked.

"Okay, fine." Louis wanted to have sudden onset sickness, anything to get him out of this atrocious mess. But of course, that was not his luck as he sat there counting out his earnings.

Louis was one hundred percent dreading this outing with Ellie and hopeful it'd be a quick one.

An hour and a half later, they were about two minutes from the mall and Louis was ill at ease. It was quiet, no music in the background as Ellie drove down the busy street. No words were exchanged, and the tension was so thick, Louis felt like he couldn't even breath. It was like waiting for a ticking timer to go off and Louis was on the edge of his seat.

He watched every building they passed, clawing his nails into his denim laden thigh, and wishing he was the athletic type. Maybe that he would be at the gym where Liam and Harry were. They had always been the gym rats of the group, love to go at least four or five days (give or take) a week together later in the day and go for jogs on most early morning. Louis always thought they were both fucking mad because he'd rather sleep and relax on his time off. However, Harry had always been like that and tried to get Niall and Louis to jog with him in the past, but neither of them wanted to lose their precious time with their beds.

But, maybe Louis should have told Harry that he'd wanted to start getting in shape. Like, it'd be much better sweating profusely and trying to catch his breath then this. But it was too fucking late now when Ellie pulls onto the lane for Q-park Liverpool ONE. Louis hoped maybe it wouldn't be so bad... maybe Ellie would let him hop in peace. You know, go off do her own thing because come on, Louis knew she didn't need his help. She just wanted to pry Louis away from her boyfriend with any excuse she could muster up.

It was when she pulled into a spot and cut the engine, but not even letting Louis undo his belt before the silence cracked between them.

"So, before we head off to go to the shops I wanted to talk to you about something," Ellie announced, and Louis swallowed, reluctantly glanced over to her. Ellie had this stony expression on her face and Louis had a feeling this wasn't about to be good. "Don't think I invited you along because I wanted to actually be around you."

Louis scoffed, "And you think I willingly wanted to be here?" Finally undoing his seatbelt and crossing his arms, leaning back into the seat.

"Well, you sure as hell wasn't going to stay there with Harry. I don't trust you around him." Ellie snarked. Louis thought if she couldn't trust someone around Harry that maybe the problem was herself. "Besides, I need to make sure you've gotten a date tomorrow night."

"Excuse you?" Louis was lost, because why would he need a date?

"Because I'm throwing my boyfriend a surprise birthday party and unfortunately I have to invite you." Could she sound any more disgusted by Louis' presence? "And I think it'd be in your best interest to bring a man instead of sulking around sucking the life out of the party."

First of all, fuck that. Second, Louis didn't want to do that.

"No."

"Yes. You will." Ellie seethed, her eyes narrowing. "Or else I'll make your life a living hell."

In a sense, Louis should feel scared of what Ellie could do potentially, but he didn't want to be bullied once again. Not today. So he was going to stand up for himself because he was tired of it.

"Like you have any idea on how to threaten me properly. Oh, I'm so scared of you." Louis mocked fear, shaking his head.

Ellie's mouth pinched together, and Louis could tell it was getting to her, good. Two can play at that game.

"What're you going to do? Tell Harry I wouldn't agree with you about something stupid?"

Louis just wanted to get out of this damn car because it was starting to feel slightly chill in the small cabin. Ready to get away from such a toxic person.

"Don't underestimate me, Louis. I can fucking ruin your friendship." Ellie snapped as she moved to face Louis a little more. "Trust me, you don't want me to do that. Because Harry always listens to me. Always."

"You don't deserve him." Louis muttered out because that was the cold hard truth. But Ellie sure as hell didn't like it, and Louis could see the daggers in her eyes.

"But he chose me, so who's the real winner here?" She bragged, and Louis could feel his heart just throbbing at those hurtful words. "Just face it, he doesn't love you. He never will. So stop trying to come between us."

And those words hit Louis like a ton of bricks.

"Now, you will bring a date tomorrow, which I think Travis would love to go with you. You will keep your distance from my man, and I expect you to go with my step-brother back to his place when the party's done."

Louis tried to bite back his frown, but it was useless. She hit him where it hurt.

"I don't even want to see you until morning when you've got love bites on your neck. Do I make myself clear?"

Shit, Louis didn't want this. He felt trapped into something he didn't even want and that no matter what he chooses, Ellie got her way regardless. It was sickening for terrible of a person she was.

"Louis. Answer me or so help me god..." Ellie sneered, and Louis could feel tears wanting to brim his eyes. This was the worst she's ever been, and Louis just wonders how Harry still can't see that?

"Okay," Louis whispered out sadly, he felt like bursting into tears because he felt hopeless.

"Good, because if you would have said no... I would have uninvited you and told Harry you yelled at me. That you called me a bitch." Ellie sounded very fucking proud of herself with that revolting smug look on her face. "Just make sure to remember later on, to text Trav, he'll be happy to hear from you."

Louis thought for a moment if she'd actually do that, lie about something that Louis would never do. Like, Louis knew she was capable of terrible things and could sway Harry easily with her foolish lies. But, his friendship with Harry wasn't something Louis wanted Ellie to have her grimy fingers on and completely tear them apart. He couldn't imagine losing his best mate, sure Louis felt a little more than he should, but unfriend someone you've known all your life was not something Louis wanted. Because he knew it'd hurt more than being friend-zoned.

"The party starts at seven, so don't be late to avoid ruining his surprise." Ellie said cattily. Running her fingers through her hair for a moment before pulling the keys from the ignition before she added, "Now, I'm going to go shop, and you can do whatever the hell you want. Just stay out of my way."

Louis sighed as he got out the car, not wanting to be around that toxicity anymore. On the bright side, at least he was not stuck shopping with her. Because God knew she'd try to steal Louis' gift idea.

Twenty minutes later and Louis was sat on a bench looking at his phone screen. The blinking caret staring back him, not wanting to send Travis this message. Louis didn't need to bring a date. He didn't even want to really go to this stupid party at all, not when he was being pushed around and blackmailed. But, the thing was Ellie had all the power in her hands, and Louis was helpless.

So, Louis ended up texting Travis, asking him if he wanted to go together tomorrow night to Harry's party. Given, Louis knew it was a bad idea because of the argument Harry and him had gotten into last time. He knew there was that chance on Harry being upset that Louis had brought Ellie's step-brother. Probably going to assume something was going on between them, but Louis had no choice.

After sending the message, Louis decided to stop thinking about it and wandered off to look around in some shops. Hopeful he'd stumble across what he was looking for and not running into a certain someone while he was at it.

Louis strolled around for what seemed like hours, going from store to store. Ending up spending a little more than then he intended. He got Harry a sweet birthday card and himself a new laptop case. But other than that finding the vinyl record storage unit was unsuccessful. But it was what it was, not like it a deal breaker but it would have been nice to stumble across one. However, it was getting late, and Louis kind of wanted to start heading back home. Ellie hadn't given him a ring one and the only person that had contacted him was Travis who was a little too jubilant about their "date". As much as it pained Louis to sit in the car with her once more time, she was his ride.

But when Louis pulled out his phone and called her twice, he'd gotten no answer, even sending her a text because at one point it was getting awfully late. Also finding himself meandering his way back to the car park to see if maybe Ellie would already be there. Not even bothering to message Louis back because that's how she was.

The thing was though by the time Louis reached where her car should have been... it was gone. Louis could feel heat flushing through his body and his muscles quivering. Ellie left him. Stranded him at the fucking mall and didn't even give a thought that maybe Louis didn't have enough to take a damn cab. That it was too damn cold out to walk the distance back home. Louis should have known better, to even leave the car in the first place. It was like Ellie genuinely was trying to test Louis' patience.

He wanted to scream and shout. He was so angry.

Louis even tried to get ahold of Niall and Harry, but neither of them answered their phones.

Tears wanted to spill from his eyes because he didn't know what to do. He didn't want to wait for the bus or take the tube. Louis barely had enough money left, and he just didn't want to spend any more than he had. Louis just put his face in his hand and let out a noisy breath. Trying to calm himself down and wondering what else could possibly go wrong.

Eventually, Louis just sucked it up and waited out at the bus stop, not a happy camper the ride back to his flat. Not even wanting to even get on his phone anymore because it was almost dead.

By the time he dropped off and headed off inside the warm building, Louis was still quite pissed. Happy to see Ellie's car not in the car park though so that was a plus. However, that still didn't mean he was over it.

What Louis expected to see when he stepped foot into his flat was for it to be dark and quiet. But, Harry was coming out of his bedroom with a concerned look across his face.

Oh god, what now?

"Louis, why on earth didn't you text Ellie back?" Harry asked, crossing his arms as he stood in front of Louis. "She was worried sick about you and told me you'd been ignoring her calls." Louis felt as if he was being scolded because he snuck out in the middle of the night. Shit, last time he did that was ages ago. "Were you seriously that distracted?"

Fuck, Ellie and her lies. Louis should have known she'd pull a stunt like this, making him out to be the bad guy. Louis was tempted to pull out his phone and show Harry the clear evidence of her false accusations. However, before he could even entertain that thought any longer, Harry continued to chide Louis.

"I know you're a grown man and can handle your own, but next time please just message her back, okay?"

Louis wanted to tell Harry that Ellie could go fuck herself and get the hell out of Louis' life. However, he just bit his tongue on that and just wanted to go lay down for the night. Decompress and just try to convince himself that maybe tomorrow won't be so bad. Probably give Lottie a ring because at least she was someone Louis could talk to where it was safe. His sister may not know the details of Louis' messy situation, but she was a good listener. Not try to push for more than Louis wanted to share and tell him whatever advice she could give.

Hopefully, Lottie wasn't busy because Louis needed that more than anything right now.

"Fine, next time I won't even leave her side, how about that?" Louis knew he sounded kind of like a dick, but he was tired of being scolded for something he didn't even do. "Besides I did call her back, but she never picked up. So I just took the bus home instead."

Harry's eyebrows squished together as he tilted his head, pursing his lips. Looking to be thinking quickly before he said, "You could've called me, Lou. I would've picked you up."

Louis, did call him, but maybe Harry hadn't bothered to check his mobile?

"Actually I did try to reach you, but apparently you were too busy to check your damn phone." Louis commented as his gaze flicked upward. Not caring if Harry could tell he was annoyed by the entire situation. Whatever, what's done is done and Louis' tired.

"Oh... I didn't know." Harry's voice softened as his arms feel slack at his side. His thumbs hooking into his pockets and Louis tries his best to keep his eyes above the belt.

"It's alright, H. Not a big deal." Louis lied as he let out a deep breath. "I think, I'm going to go change into comfier clothes now, relax for a bit." Louis was ready to call his sister and lay in bed for a while. "If you want, you can come bug me later to hangout if you're not too busy."

The corners of Harry's lips slowly slid upward. "Yeah, I'd like that. It's been a while since we've gotten to um, you know, hang out." Louis could feel his heartbeat quicken at the idea of Harry and him finally being alone together. Actually being around one another without anyone else there and god, Louis couldn't wait. Maybe it'd help him feel better about that party tomorrow night.

"Maybe you could get some sweets?" Louis proposed, thinking that they could have a film marathon tonight. It'd been forever since they had one of those night where it was just the two of them. "I mean unless-"

Harry didn't even let Louis finish what he had to say, already speaking over him. "Actually I was about to head off to the store, haven't gotten to eat dinner yet. Not really in the mood for leftover pizza second day in a row." Harry chuckled, already making his way towards his boots and slipping them on. "I've got a figure to maintain, you know?"

Louis for the life of him couldn't come up with something to say as silence took over. Harry had a fucking unbelievable body that was without a doubt beddable. That Louis had touched and kissed all over once before, Louis had seen all of it. Naked and beautiful. All for Louis through the night for months on end and Louis missed feeling his skin beneath his hands.

What Louis would give to have one more time to touch Harry again...

When Harry finally left, Louis retreated back to his room. Stripping off his coat and tossing it to the floor. Making sure Harry's presents were tucked under his bed away from prying eyes and resituating his soft fringe. Okay, so maybe Louis was feeling quite excited about this little thing Harry and him were doing in a bit. Okay, maybe Louis was massively excited because it's been forever and a day since they've properly just lounged around together. Not where Harry had his hands on Louis' bum or Ellie was there trying to steal every bit of attention. Just them, sitting here and enjoying themselves. Talking, bantering, and just overall having fun.

Louis had missed tha, and he couldn't wait. Finally, something Louis could look forward too.

Later, Louis was sat on his bed surrounded by his pillows and warmer blankets waiting for Harry to come back any minute. Not even bothering with the thought of calling his sister anymore. As Harry had sent Louis a text a few minutes ago that he was leaving Tesco and would be back soon. Not to start any movies without him with a smiley face. Louis still thought Harry was a dork for not using emojis in this day in age, but whatever. Louis ran with it.

But before he could keep smiling over a silly little text, he had received a message from Niall.

'Niall: Come to pub! I need you ASAP!! '

Louis did not want to go to the pub. The one time in the past two fucking years Louis actually got to hang out with his best mate something got in the way. Of course, it was just his luck. But the thing was, Louis didn't want to head off to the pub and hear about Niall crying over Donovan for the millionth time. He sounded like a shit friend, he knew it. But, couldn't one thing went right for once?

'Louis: Got plans with, H. Can't.'

And sent. Louis hoped Niall wouldn't resent him for it, but he's already in his joggers and nestled under the covers. Comfortable and warm. But apparently, Niall wasn't having when he texted Louis back quickly.

'Niall: Then bring Harry too, plz. I'm begging here, Lou! '

For fuck sakes. Why couldn't Niall pester Liam or Zayn about this? Louis understood that they were like family and everything, but how many time had Louis told Niall to not ask him for relationship advice? Louis just felt as if this had Donovan's name written all over it.
Sadly, it looked like Harry and his film night wasn't happening.

'Louis: Fine, but you owe me a pint.'

Louis just hoped Harry wouldn't mind and still wanted to hang around even though he wasn't a drinker. Not that Louis had plans to get sloshed or anything, but he just wanted his mate around.

When Harry does finally make it back, Louis' already pulled back on his trousers and a beanie pulled over his hair. Harry had this grimace on his face as he set the bag of sweets onto Louis' messy bed when Louis was sleeping on his green anorak coat.

"Uh, where are you going?"

"Niall's freaking out, and apparently all hell has broken loose. He needs us."

Harry sighed, crossing his arms. "Let me guess, Donovan's there, and he's freaking out?"

"I mean what else could it be, right? As much as I don't want to spend my weeknight at some sleazy pub, I guess I can be a decent friend tonight." Louis snickered as he zipped up his coat. "You don't have to come if you don't want, H. I'll take one for the team."

"No, no, I'll go. We can just want a movie when we get back." Harry sounded chipper and Louis hoped this better not take all night. Shit, he sounds greedy, but whatever Louis had life problems too you know. "But I'll definitely drive us there, it's too damn cold to walk."

Oh thank god, Louis was hoping Harry would have said that.

"Now I'm definitely going to have to repay you back. May let you decide what film we can watch." Louis teased as he grabbed his wallet from his desk. "But no westerns, those are snoozefests. I'm sorry I can't do it."

"But those are the best ones, Lou." Harry snickered, obviously joking as started toward Louis' bedroom door.

"Best ones, my arse." Louis said waggishly, following after Harry.

When they arrived at the pub a little while later, Louis was at the bad trying down some of his lite beer as Niall was telling Louis he's fucked. That he told Donovan that "John" and him were going away for valentines day and promised pictures. Louis thought Niall was fucking mad and didn't even know what to tell him. Not even Harry, who was beside Louis, didn't have anything to say about it other than telling Niall he shouldn't have created such a big lie in the first place.

"I'm so screwed, now I have to find a guy to go with." Niall whined before he went to tend to a customer.

"And this is why you don't lie about dating an imaginary person," Louis commented, shaking his head before taking another sip of his drink. "Being single isn't all that bad."

"It's only taken you a few years to figure that out. You've always had boyfriends, Lou." Harry pointed out as Louis flicked his gaze towards Harry Sure, Louis had always been the type to be in a relationship or seeing someone, but things change. "I mean come on, you were pretty boy crazy back in the day." Harry chuckled, nudging Louis in the side.

"I was not," Louis said defensively, trying to bite back his smile coming to play. "They were all just so obsessed with me because I'm fucking amazing, that's why there was so many." Louis chuckled, bringing his beer to his lips once again. "It's a shame they all turned out to be a bunch of clowns."

Harry licked his lips and leaned against the bar, arms resting against the countertop. His eyes still focused on Louis. "You've just gotten bad taste in men, sorry, Lou."

Louis sighed. If only Harry could understand that Louis had a taste for him too and he wasn't one of the bad ones.

"Good thing is, I don't need a man to live my life. Despite what mum says about it, she wants a new son-in-law stat. But unfortunately, I don't see that in my cards" Louis loved his mother, she was wonderful and always been there for him. He got that Jay wanted him to be happy and to have someone that loved him unconditionally. But, Louis didn't want to have his heart broken again.

"Don't say that, Lou. You'll find a nice burly man that'll manhandle you and your heart." Harry laughed, and Louis just glared. Not in the least bit enthused with that joke. Harry had ended up reaching over and rested his hand on Louis' arm. "I'm kidding... I'm kidding. You'll meet Mr. Right when the time comes."

"One can only hope, but with my luck, it's more unlikely than you think." Louis added, and before he could say anything else on the matter, Niall had come back over. Already changing the subject because apparently he still can't figure his own life out.

Harry had dropped his hand from Louis' arm when Niall scrubbed his hands through his dark hair, "Lads, I don't know what to do... I can't not go on a trip or else he'll think I'm a liar."

"But you are a liar." Louis pointed out, earning an icy glare from Niall as he clutched his hands against the countertop, leaning in a little closer. "Don't give me that look, you've told this boy so many fibs, Nialler. I'm sure you'll come up with something to cover your ass."

"Louis' gotten a point, Ni. You did this yourself, and now you've gotten to figure this out, or else he'll never want to date you. No one likes liars."

Niall let out a sigh as he head hung low and Louis just shared a glance with Harry for a moment. In a way, Louis could sympathize with his mate. He wasn't exactly an honest man himself when it came to the beaus of their affections. Louis new Niall had been chasing this dude for nearly two and a half years, and it's sad. Just as sad as it was that Louis' in love with the person right beside him. Louis thought maybe Niall and him could use a holiday, sitting on a beach somewhere and sipping on cocktails. It sounded amazing, not having to worry about their tragic loves lives and treating themselves. But that was just building castles in the air, unfortunately.

"Who knows, maybe you'll come across a handsome boxer or something." Louis knew it wasn't the most encouraging of advice. It's just he felt like Niall needed to hear something to lift his mood off the ground. "Then he could go with you if you play your cards right."

Harry nodded, and Niall's head shot up so fast, just beaming. As in all his confidence, that'd gotten sucked out had went back in him.

"Louis, mate. Fucking brilliant as always! I'll find me a Johnathan and pay him to go with me and play pretend. I don't know what I'd do without you, man."

Oh, no.. not again.

"Niall that's not-" Louis tried to shoot down this yet again terrible idea, but Niall was just too excited as he leaned over the bar, grabbing Louis by his cheeks and planting a wet kiss to his forehead. Then bouncing off to a customer that came up to the bar a moment ago, and Louis could have sworn Niall started to sing along to whatever shitty song was playing throughout the pub in the background.

"You know that mouth's going to get you in trouble one of these days. If I were you, I'd stop giving him ideas." Harry suggested, moving a bit, so he was no longer leaning against the bar, and took a sip of his water. Adjusting himself, so he was facing Louis more before he added,"Which by the way once this all backfires, you do know Niall's going to be crushed."

It's not like Louis didn't want to protect Niall and just have him forget about Donovan. That he wasn't even worth it because if Don was interested, he would have already asked Niall out. But curse Louis for being such a good mate that didn't want to crush Niall's hopes and dreams. It sucks, really fucking sucks. Louis just didn't know how the hell Niall was going to out of this one.

"Hey, it's not my fault he's misconstrued everything I've suggested." Louis knew he was bound to be the one to pick up the pieces. "I told him, I'm not exactly relationship material anymore."

"Don't say that, Lou."

"But it's a cold hard fact, Harold. Niall thinks I'm this fantastic love guru, yet I 've had one too many failed relationships to even qualify. Sadly, he won't even listen to me." Louis explained to Harry as he downed more of his beer. "I get that he admires me and shit, but I'm not perfect."

Louis watched the way Harry wrinkled his nose and his brows pulling in. He looked as if he were gathering his thoughts and opinions, and Louis couldn't help but wonder what was going on in that head of his.

"But anyway," Louis said, pausing to swallow down more of his drink. "Excited about your birthday tomorrow?" Louis needed to get far away from the topic of his love life, not wanting to hear Harry telling him in more ways than one that he deserved someone to make him happy. It's going on the millionth time, and Louis didn't think he could listen to anymore of it. "I'm sure you're wanting to be nosey as ever and want to know what I've gotten you."

"It's just going to be like any other day, Lou. I've got work."

Louis didn't like to hear Harry say it was gonna feel like any old day. It was Harry's special day afterall, and he deserved an amazing time. Hopefully that party Ellie was hosting wouldn't be an absolute nightmare.

"You do know, just because you work on your birthday doesn't mean it still can't be a good one. You're turning twenty four! Finally have reached your mid-twenties, my friend." Louis snickered, clasping his hand around his almost gone beer. "I mean if anything, you should at least celebrate the fact you've got a wonderful best mate, which is me: obviously. That always gives the best gifts."

The corners of Harry's lips slowly slid upward, and Louis felt proud of himself. "You do know your birthday was like, five weeks ago, Lou. I'm pretty sure this celebration should be about me." Harry laughed. "But you're not wrong though, your gifts are pretty damn amazing."

"Just wait until you see what I gotten you this year. It's gonna blow your socks off." Louis gloated, about to drain the rest of his beer until there was suddenly a fresh cold one in front of him. Niall had this biggest smirk on his face, and Louis didn't appreciate that his mate was looking at him like that. "What, Niall?"

"Someone's got an admirer." Niall divulged as he pushed the beer towards Louis. "Who would've thought you'd score a free drink from sitting here looking pretty." Niall chuckled before he glanced to the left for a moment before his eyes were on Louis. "I mean he's actually really fucking hot, Lou. The one with that tattoos." Niall gestured towards where he glanced before going off to help with another customer.

It wasn't the first time Louis was ever given free drinks because of sketchy men. Louis knew this drink had intentions behind it, where Louis should go over there and sit with the guy. Hear all his shitty life stories that would have to be impressive and how attractive Louis was. Possibly at one point reaching to put his hand on Louis' body somewhere with hopes of taking Louis home with him.

Those were the kind of men Louis knew would get him into trouble.

"I don't know what the hell Niall's on about, that guy isn't even that cute." Harry commented, as Louis' eyes followed in the direction Niall had been looking. Leaning over the bar bit to get a better look and scanning the people. His eyes landing on a man with inked up arms and all muscle. Well, Niall wasn't wrong he was gorgeous. But, Louis wasn't interested.

"Are you blind, Harold? He's fit." Louis stated as the man smirked at Louis, giving him a wink. Louis didn't want this guy to get the wrong idea, so he went back to staring at Harry. Which by the way, he didn't seem to agree with what Louis said with that pinched expression on his face.

"He's an average joe, actually." Harry countered, crossing his arms. "Besides a guy like that scouting the pub for a one night stand, I wouldn't trust him."

"Obviously. Not like I'm going to waltz over and chat him, I'm not that desperate." Louis laughed, finally taking the last sip of his drink. "Unless I'm in for another free beer... possibly."

Harry seemed to not have been impressed with that idea when he rebuked, "But, would it even be worth it though? One way or another he's going to think you're going to go back to his for the night if anything."

"But I wouldn't go with him, that's the thing, H. It's called me getting a free pint." Louis didn't understand why Harry was getting so worked up over it. Not like Louis was going to actually go over there and schmooze his way to getting another drink. Or you know hook up with that man. Frankly, Louis could go off with anyone he wanted, whether Harry agreed or not.

"I could always buy you another, how about that?"

"Or if I wanted I could go get a free drink which is even better."

And before anything else was said, Niall was back lingering around them as he was filling glasses and mixing drinks. Eventually muttering out, "You should go over there, Lou. Maybe then you'd finally get laid after all this time." Niall laughed, clearly joking. "I mean, it's worth a shot, right?"

"Oh fuck off, Niall." Louis snapped, taking a drink of his other beer. "Just because I haven't properly been with a gentleman in what? A few years doesn't mean I need to go off and shag the first man that shows interest in me."

"I think it's a shit idea anyway, Niall. Who knows what that man's intentions are besides the obvious."

"I mean it'd be a whole different story if he was Chris Messina, then I'd probably would reconsider."

"He may not be a handsome actor or anything, but the mans really fucking sexy, Lou. Just go for it."

Louis was about to come up with a clever remark, but suddenly Harry's sneered, "You know what, just do whatever the hell you want, Louis." And then he stormed off into the crowd.

That was... strange.

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Pt.2 will be in next chapter!