Louis shared a look with Niall for a moment, unsure what to make of that. Harry had never acted that way before whenever Louis would joke around about sleeping with thirsty men. In fact, usually, Harry just laughed along and added to the humor of it all. But, maybe Harry wasn't in the mood for jokes tonight?

Whatever the case, it didn't sit well in Louis' stomach.

"Sheesh, what's his problem?" Niall muttered as he shook his head and then tending to another customer.

Louis let out a breath as he took another drink, wondering if maybe he should go after Harry. Ask him what the hell was that all about and what did he mean by do whatever the hell you want. Louis took one more sip of his beer and was about to walk off until he felt his phone buzzing against his thigh. Shoving his hand in his pocket to retrieve the damn thing because Louis was sure this had to be work-related asking him to cover pick up an extra shift this weekend.

Ugh, Louis had hoped not...

But the thing was, when he had his phone in front of his face Louis felt like chucking his phone against the wall. This was definitely didn't have anything to do with picking up a shift. He recognized this number from anyway after spending years of memorizing it back when he was the happiest.

It was Sean, and Louis never felt more nauseous in his life.

Given, Louis had deleted his number long time ago when Sean started dating his secret lover. Not wanting to stare at his name everytime he scrolled through his contacts or his messages in his phone. Louis deleted everything, but apparently, Sean still kept his.

And Louis was unsure whether or not he should just ignore it, because maybe it was a fluke? Maybe Sean thought he saved another Louis' number that he pulled at some club? It had to of been because Sean should have gotten the hint when Louis never messaged him back.

So, Louis lets it run its course. But once it ended, Sean was ringing again, and Louis bit his lip.

Niall was back over and asked, "You look a little pale, mate. Seen a ghost or something?" Louis would definitely had preferred a ghost, actually. But sadly, that wasn't the case.

"Um... I'll be right back. Gotta take a call." He told Niall before finding himself striding across the pub, trying to make his way outside.

Louis' heart was beating erratically when the frosty air hit him, and he leant against the building, pressing the answer button. Bringing it to his ear and all Louis asks himself is why was he doing this to himself?

"Hello?" Louis answered softly, feeling his stomach begin to roll as he stuffed one of his hands in the pockets of his trousers. Nearly cursing at himself for forgetting his coat because it was still winter and he already was feeling the cold seep through his jumper.

"Louis... It's Sean." His voice husky just like Louis had remembered. "I know you probably still don't wanna talk to me, but I was hoping you'd give me a chance."

A chance? Did Sean mean another chance at getting back together?

Because hell no, Louis didn't want to fall back in love with Sean thinking all the trust would be re-built, only to find out Sean would have fucked someone else behind his back. Louis can't do that to himself.

"What do you mean?" Louis asked, closing his eyes for a moment and taking a calming breath.

There was a pause on the line for a moment, and the air sent a shiver down Louis' spine. Half tempted to head off back inside to grab his parka, but he felt as if he couldn't move. Feet cemented to the ground, almost afraid of what was going to leave his ex-boyfriend's mouth.

"I wanna have dinner with you so we can talk," Sean said carefully, probably hopeful Louis would agree. "I know I don't deserve it, but please, babe. Just, let me have this."

Louis wanted to scream into the phone and tell Sean to go to hell. To block his number and forget him like yesterday's news. But, he couldn't find it in himself to do that, not when he caught sight of Harry stepping outside the pub in his coat with Louis' on his arm.

Shit, Harry couldn't know who he was on the phone with right now.

"I'm a changed man," Sean added and Louis wondered how true that was. " I swear I only want to talk, nothing else."

Louis' mouth felt dry with Harry standing beside him, and Sean on the other end of the phone, waiting for an answer. Fuck, Louis wanted to curl into a ball and die! Everything felt like it was closing on him.

" Yeah... we can meet for dinner." Louis wanted to smack himself round the head because it was such a stupid idea, he already knew it. But, maybe Sean had a reason to beg Louis for it, as he been quite desperate for Louis' attention for days now.

Harry's brows furrowed and Louis couldn't look Harry in the eyes, crossing his arm against his waist. Feeling the air getting chillier and staring at his damp shoes on the snow covered pavement.

"I promise you won't regret it. I'll take us to the nicest restaurant in Liverpool, and you don't even have to worry about the bill. It's on me." Sean sounded happy, and Louis hoped this wasn't like a date or anything. "But I'll text you when I'm available, and then I'll tell you where to meet me, Lou."

"Okay." Louis almost said in a whisper, trying to give too much of his nerves away to the man beside him.

And then Sean hung up, and Louis could feel Harry's eyes burning straight through him. Louis swallowed and pocketed his phone and had carded his fingers through his hair. Louis couldn't believe he was going to dinner with his ex-boyfriend, what the fuck was he thinking?

"Who was that?" Harry questioned when Louis finally glanced at his mate who handed Louis his coat. "Niall told me you seemed nervous about something."

Damn it, Niall.

Louis couldn't even come up with a cover story because it just wouldn't feel right. Harry would figure out he was lying and press for the truth. Which Louis did not want to happen because the moment Harry figures out it was Sean, oh how Louis would never hear the end of it.

"Um... It's nothing... not important anyway." Could Louis sound anymore keyed up? "It's so fucking cold out here, do you wanna go inside?"

Harry lifted a single brow and Louis really wanted Harry to go with it. Head back inside and pretend none of this ever happened.

"Really?" Harry inquired, and Louis nodded, squeezing his coat against his body. "I guess we can keep Niall company a little longer, but seriously... you're okay?"

"Yes." Louis breathed out. He watched Harry's lips twitched downward a little, and it made him feel a bit guilty. After all, they were supposed to be best mates that tell each other everything, maybe Harry was expecting Louis to be open with him.

Then again, Harry had kept so much from Louis, so this one little thing shouldn't make Louis feel like shit for being secretive.

They ended up heading back into the pub and chatting with Niall a little longer. Louis tried not to give himself away and switched from beer to ice water, not wanting to have more than a buzz. He knew sometimes he hadn't had a filter, and it had been ages since he had been properly drunk, because he was almost too afraid of what would leave his mouth when he was next to Harry.

Other than that, it was nice just hang out and actually spend time with Harry. Trying his best not to think too much of Sean when Harry asked him again if he was alright. Louis plastered on a false smile and told Harry to stop worrying about him so much.

They didn't make it back to the flat until it was one in the morning and Louis felt giddy. Wanting to hop on Tumblr and just put it all out there, but that never happened because Harry mentioned that he was still up for a movie. Which, fuck yes, Louis wanted that. To finally be alone with him where they could lounge in his nice warm bed. Where Louis didn't have to fight for Harry's attention.

Louis didn't care if Harry choose Jurassic Park or that Harry didn't feel like making popcorn. Louis just wanted this. Them together just like old times.

When the light was shut off, and the movie started to play, Louis tried his best to pay attention. Lying there beside Harry who was awfully close from him. Louis did his best halfway through the movie until Harry broke the silence between them.

"Are you cold?"

Louis swallowed and whispered out, "Yeah," because it was freezing in the bedroom and his blanket may had been warm, but the body that pressed up against him and arm that went around his waist was even warmer.

It had been a while since Louis had gotten to be in these arms. A genuine smile came to his lips when he felt Harry's fingers caressing against him.

When Louis woke that morning the spot was empty beside him and a hazy memory of what happened before he fell asleep came back to him.

Louis pulled the blanket over his head and tried to forget about everything that was happening in his life. That he was going to dinner with an ex-lover and he had Harry's party tonight that he was dreading. Louis just wanted to sleep this day away and pretend it never happened.

Unfortunately, Louis had to work which just wasn't even fair. Louis had contemplated calling in sick, but he never did that and ended up going and enduring his shift. Not appreciating the impatient customers that got snippy with him if their order took too long. But overall it was an average day, and Louis' stomach was in knots when he walked home. He had too much on his mind and couldn't wait to make it back home and just express himself. Maybe he wouldn't feel so on edge later on in the evening.

But from the moment he stepped inside his flat Louis wanted to turn on his heels and run. Ellie and Niall were setting up for the party. Niall was working on hanging up the black streamers and sort of ceiling decoration. From black lanterns to that obnoxiously giant black and white Happy Birthday banner across the living room wall. Ellie was just fussing with the folding table that apparently was going to fit somewhere in this rinky-dink living room. Honestly, Louis thought this was going to look more like a funeral because where was all the colors?

Wasn't birthday parties supposed to be lively and fun?

All Louis knew was that he wouldn't be cleaning that shit up no matter how much Ellie whines about it.

Niall had hopped down from the step stool, and that was when he finally noticed Louis and his lips curled into a smile. "'Bout time you came home, Lou. Grab some streamers because we're running way behind." Niall stressed as he tossed Louis a wheel of black crepe paper. "Everyone's supposed to show in an hour, and we're so fucked already."

"And where exactly am I supposed to hang streamers on when it's already like party central in here?" Louis questioned eyeing the living room and his eyes landing on Ellie whose putting a white tablecloth over the table. "Isn't it a bit gloomy though?"
"It's called aesthetic, Louis." Ellie spoke up, and Louis could just see her rolling those cold green eyes. "Besides don't even worry about the labor part, me and Niall have the covered. You just go get spiffed up for your date."

Louis internally cringed and wanted to go over there to pull off that tablecloth and ruin her tablescape she was working on. It had glitter and confetti all over, and Louis knew it was going to be a nightmare to get out of the carpet. So he didn't obviously do that, but he'd loved to. God, he so would.

"Wait, you have a date? And actual fucking date?" Niall sounded way too surprised and excited about it. Honestly, Louis wishes he could tell Niall it's nothing to get hyped over because it's barely a romantic encounter. But, Niall being, well, Niall probably is just so over the moon Louis' found someone.

"Yes, Niall. I do." Louis said carelessly as he watched the way Ellie looked over her shoulder and there was a forbidding look in her eye. "It's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal. Fuck, Lou. You're always telling everyone you love being single. You haven't been with anyone else in what? Three years or so, I'm just so stunned."

"Which is why you should probably go shower I'm sure Trav' doesn't want to smell coffee all night." Ellie added in her own two cents as she finally turned on her heels and came over to them. Taking the streamer from Louis' hand with a knowing look on her face. "Which by the way he'll be here in like half an hour, go on." Ellie's hand motioned towards the bathroom.

Rude, so fucking rude.

"Wait, what?" Niall asked sounding ever more shocked as he scratched at his scalp. "I thought you weren't into him like that?"

Louis was about to open his mouth until Ellie decided to speak up and Louis wasn't sure to be happy or annoyed.

"I set them up, actually. Told Louis to just give him a chance because Travis is a really good man once you get to know him. Luckily he eventually agreed, right Louis?" Ellie glanced at Louis with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Louis wanted to expose her for the liar she was, but all that left Louis' mouth was: "Yeah, why not."

Niall was just speechless, and Louis couldn't handle that right now, so he just legged it towards his room. Needing to get away from them two for right now and out of this stupid uniform. As much as Louis didn't want to put effort into his outfit for the night, he didn't want to look like he hadn't had his life together. So he'll go with someone a little more dressier than a loose jumper. A nice black henley should be sufficient enough, and besides, it'll fit the theme.

After Louis had gotten cleaned up, he pulled out his gifts he had gotten Harry. Signed the card and tucked it into a large gift bag. Feeling a bit excited to see Harry's face later when he opens it, hopeful Ellie wouldn't try to steal that look away from Louis. He almost didn't even want to know what she had even gotten Harry herself, afraid it may be bedroom related and Louis just can't handle that.

Louis was about to gather his gifts and bring them out into the living room when he heard a knock against his door which cracked open.

It was Travis, oh goodie.

"Hey, baby." Travis greeted as he closed the door behind him making his way towards Louis. "Couldn't stay away from me, could you?" Travis sat on Louis' bed and lingered his desperate eyes on Louis. "I mean I can't blame you because you and I both know, I could rock your world."

"You're so full of yourself, aren't you?" Louis questioned as he watched the way Travis' eyes trail down his body.

The boy let out a chortle as he gestured for Louis to come closer with his two fingers. At first, Louis was hesitant because with Travis you never know what would happen. Then again, he technically was Louis' date for tonight, and he had a feeling if he fucked this up, Ellie would never forgive him and purposely ruin Harry and Louis' friendship completely out of spite.

So, Louis moved to stand between Travis' spread legs, feeling hands on his hips, Travis already licking his lips.

"You look so sexy," Travis purred, rubbing his hands along Louis' sides. "So fucking fit, baby." He breathed out. "Happy you've finally given me a chance... been waiting for this."

This was the part where a flush was suppose to inch to Louis' cheek and flirt with Travis back. However, all Louis could think about was how Travis probably thought he was going to get lucky after this party. That Louis was going to stay the night with him and let him do whatever he desired. Mark Louis' neck up and kiss his body all over, Louis knew this was what Travis wanted. Just by the way he was already squeezing at Louis' sides with his fingers twitching against him. Aching to run his hands over the curve of Louis' ass and cup all of Louis in his hands.

All of Travis's intentions were written across his face.

"You've spent nearly two years chasing me, don't you ever get tired?" Louis questioned because he didn't understand how the hell Travis hasn't given up yet. Louis' actions weren't exactly screaming I wanna sleep with you too.

"Of you? Never."

"But you can have anyone you want and trust me, I'm not special."

Travis slid his tongue across his bottom lip and crooned, "Don't say that... you're fucking amazing." If only Louis were nineteen and naive again, he'd be so fucking swooned. "Besides, any man would be lucky to have you as theirs."

Louis wanted to roll his eyes because it wasn't the first time he heard someone say that. But if he was so damn wonderful then why was every guy he'd been involved with never stuck around long enough? That's an answer Louis would love to know.

"Not only that but you're gorgeous." Travis added, one of his hands falling off Louis' body, and patted his thigh. "Come down here, baby."

Louis shouldn't. It was a bad, very terrible idea that would send all the wrong messages. Travis may have wandering hands, and they'd be so close. Louis wouldn't be surprised if Ellie's step-brother would try to kiss him.

Thankfully before he was about to open his mouth, Niall came. It was one of the very few times where Louis actually wasn't annoyed someone let themselves into his space. Not even that stupid smirk on Niall's face when eyes them for a moment could make Louis upset.

"Guys, people are showing up in a few minutes, get your arses out here and hide!" Niall warned them before he left, closing the door behind him. Louis didn't appreciate that wink Niall sent his way or the way Travis just sighed. Probably wanting to keep Louis to himself for the night, and forget the rest.

Whatever though, Louis just wanted to get on with this night regardless.

Louis pulled away from Travis' clutches as smoothed out his top, feeling a bit nervous already about being out there. That the rest of his mates will make a big fucking deal that he'd brought a date to Harry's party. Harry will figure it out, and Louis was almost afraid to see how he'll react when he notices the way Travis touches him.

It was making Louis' top feel itchy and tight, he hated this.

"We should go out there now... find a spot, I guess." Louis muttered out, watching Travis move off the bed and was now in front of Louis. God, Louis knew it was a mistake to ask Travis to be his date. This guy was clingy as hell and all up in Louis' personal space. If it couldn't be anymore obvious that they were together... Oh god.

"I suppose we have to go out there, even though I'd rather stay in here with you, baby." Travis grabbed Louis' hand and gestured towards the door. "Come on."

Louis' heart could feel his heart in his throat.

It wasn't like Louis wasn't expecting it. The flabbergasted looks on Zayn and Liam's faces when Louis found them in the small crowd of people. After all, Louis wasn't trotting around with some boy toy on a daily basis. Shit, the last time they had even seen Louis with anyone was with Sean, and that was three years ago.

So Louis got it.

Not even bothering to make conversation with his mates when Ellie told everyone Harry would be here in less than two minutes. Her fingers on the lightswitch and Travis was leading Louis off into an empty corner where it was a little more secluded. Where Travis ended up behind Louis with his arms around his waist.

The lights were suddenly shut off, and Louis hoped the tightness in his chest would go away. Trying to convince himself it won't be so bad and maybe Harry wouldn't even notice Travis shadowing Louis through the evening.

What the fuck was Louis even thinking? Of course, Harry would notice. Obviously, their flat wasn't that packed, the crowd was decently sized. Ranging from Harry's closest friends to his colleagues. Not only that, but Travis had been awfully touchy so far, and Louis had a feeling this wasn't gonna be the last of it either.

This was going to be fun...

From the moment the door opened and light pouring in from the corridor, Louis could feel Travis' arms squeezing a little tighter. Then the light flipped on, and everyone yelled surprise as they came out from hiding, Louis noticed the way Travis hadn't let go yet. Not when everyone else was crowding around the birthday boy because apparently, he wanted to be greedy. Not that it came to any surprise.

Louis found it hard to look Harry's way when Ellie pressed her red lips against his cheek and Harry was smiling like he had the fucking world right there beside him. It made Louis feel sick to his stomach and already wanting to toss in the towel. But what was an even worse feeling was when Harry's eyes finally found Louis and that once dimpled smile soon faltered. Harry knew Louis wasn't alone. There wasn't any denying it, and Louis could see it all over Harry's face that he was not happy. His smile no longer reaching his eyes. Talking with Zayn and Liam, Louis could see it. He wanted to find an exit and pretend this night ever happened. Go back home to his family and go ghost for a week or two. Louis needed anything right now, but he couldn't even move. Not when Travis wasn't letting go, and Harry gave a passing glance towards the pair.

Then Travis was in his ear whispering, "If you were mine, I'd hold you like this everyday, baby." then he's nuzzling his face against Louis' neck.

Louis fluttered his eyes closed for a moment, feeling the warm breath fanning across his skin. As much as Louis didn't want to admit it, it felt nice to hear someone say those words to him. Louis knows with Travis his tender words are fleeting and not sincere. That he just wanted to tell Louis all the right things so he could have him for the night.

And Louis knew if he ever caved at some point and let Travis fuck him, he'd want more. Falling back into the same routine he did with Harry and ending up finding out that Travis wanted him to be nothing more than a notch in his bed. That was why Louis didn't want Travis to be his date or be affectionate with him, because it was not fair. It was like Ellie knew Louis got attached easily and did it to have Louis' heart preoccupied with someone else.

She was such a terrible human being, and Lou just wished Harry would eventually realize that.

Louis at some point ended up turning in Travis' arms, pressing his hands against his dates chest. Feeling being pulled impossibly closer and Louis could see Travis' eyes are on his lips.

"You have no idea how badly I wanna-" Travis started to say, but suddenly Harry was there and talking over him.

"What the hell's this?"

Louis reluctantly peered at Harry who had his arms crossed and brows furrowed. Louis knew there wasn't any way to downplay this: him and Travis. Because he was all up in Travis' space and he's gotten strong arms around himself. It probably screamed we're more than friends, and Louis wanted to tell Harry the truth. But, he couldn't find his words because he didn't know what to say.

But Travis apparently could, thank heavens.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't be an idiot, Travis. You know what I mean." Harry said sharply.

And here we go... just what Louis had expected to happen.

Louis swallowed the lump forming in his throat as he broke his gaze from Harry. Fallen onto Travis' chest because he's almost too afraid to see the look on Harry's face when Travis would tell him they were here together. To see his disappointed eyes that'll tear Louis' heart into shreds.

"I don't know why you're getting cross with me, mate. All we're doing is standing here." Travis replied, his arms moving off Louis' waist, sliding his hands to rest on his sides instead. Louis' fingers slightly curled into the fabric of Travis' shirt.

"Clearly." Harry sneered, probably scowling. "You've gotten your hands all over him, so obviously it's more than that."

"Listen, Harry, I don't know why you're getting so pressed for. It's not like he doesn't want it, he's the one who asked me to come."

Fuck.

Louis almost wished he had onset spontaneous combustion. It'd be better than being here in this moment where it made him out be the biggest liar of the century.

It was too silent between the three of them for Louis' liking. Not even the background music that started playing minutes ago and the chatter amongst the party goers could be loud enough to cover the quietness in the air.

And what makes it even worse is when Louis finally flicked his gaze back to Harry and Ellie's striding towards them.

Then Harry finally broken the silence. "I thought you said... why did you lie to me, Louis?"

Louis frowned, it wasn't fair that Harry thought he got this secret life he was keeping from everyone. It was not like Travis and him were actually dating, and besides, it was only a one time thing.

"I-" Louis said, pausing to gnaw on his bottom lip. "I just didn't want to be alone." Louis hated the way it made him sound desperate for someone. It makes him out to be a damn hypocrite, and he knows it.

If Louis couldn't feel any worse, Ellie's right beside Harry, and grabbing at his arm. She had her lip jutted out, trying to pull Harry away.

"Darling, I wanna show you something in the kitchen." It was one of the very, very rare times when he was thankful for Ellie's clinginess. Louis just couldn't keep standing here and lie to Harry's face to cover another lie. It was just one big mess he wanted to get rid of.

Ellie's eyes went to Louis for a brief moment, and there was nothing but hostility there. It was mutual most definitely. But he knew the only reason she came over to pull Harry away was because of him.

Whatever though, Louis wasn't going to mind her much tonight. She may have threatened him into this stupid date, but Louis was going to try and ignore her.

Ellie's attempting to pull at him again, and Harry seemed hesitant to leave. That he didn't trust the whole Louis and Travis thing. Probably almost afraid Louis might make a regrettable decision if he wasn't there to play chaperone. But eventually, Harry must have given in at the relentless pulls and was slowly being led away. Hearing Harry had muttered out, "Okay."

Before he faded into the crowd, Louis met his eyes once more when Harry glanced over his shoulder.

After that, Louis spent majority of his time trying to at least have a nice time. Which was easier said than done because Travis was constantly on him, touching his waits to his hands. Standing awfully close and saying how he'd be a good boyfriend to Louis. Just showering him with all these promises of something that seemed so far fetched. Louis tried not to fall for any of it whenever he was in Louis' ear or had a hand on the small of his back. Ignoring the comments from Zayn and Liam about how it's nice to see them together.. Even the double thumbs up he'd gotten from Niall at one point with a shit eating grin, Louis had brushed it off. Some of Harry & Liam's colleagues had asked Louis how he'd met Travis and how long they've been together. It was like everyone was being nosey when there wasn't anything worth finding out. Not that they knew that, but still.

However, not everyone was happy with the whole Louis bringing a date thing.

Harry wasn't particularly welcoming of the idea. Louis noticed through most of the evening that he catch Harry staring at them on a few occasions. He always had this sullen pout and his arms crossed, eventually breaking his gaze when they lock eyes. Louis more times than he could count wanted to ditch Travis and go see his mate. But those threatening words Ellie told him kept looming in the back of his mind every waking second. It sucked he couldn't even go be friendly with his best friend all because of one person that gotoff on making Louis' life a living fucking hell.

One of these days though, karma will bite back, and Louis couldn't wait for that.

At one point Louis was in the kitchen getting himself a drink and surprisingly alone. Travis and went to the toilet and Louis was just so happy to have a moment to himself.

But sadly, not even that lasts long because in comes Harry alone and Louis' felt a bit faint. Especially when Harry was standing close and staring right at Louis, it was almost terrifying. Louis had a feeling Harry had been waiting to get him alone and ask about things, but Louis didn't want that. He needed to be in control of this situation, so hopefully, he could do enough talking until Ellie or Travis came showing up.

"So, what do you think of your party so far, Harold?" Louis asked, bringing his beer to his lips. "I mean I would have gone with something a little more lively, but that's just me."

Harry stared at Louis for a moment before he opened his mouth, "Louis, what's going-" but his words ended up dying on his lips when Louis felt hands on his sides, and someone pressed up behind him.

"Miss me, baby?" Travis cooed, and Louis could feel him resting his chin on his shoulder. His fingers squeezing against Louis' sides.

"You've only went to the loo, of course he doesn't." Harry snarked. Louis knew this conversation or whatever it was going on right now wasn't going to lead to anything good. "I don't know why you're even wasting your time. Mine and his."

Louis could hear Travis let out a scoff into his ear before he retorted, "Do you got a problem with me or something?" Oh god, Travis no. Please, no. "You've been giving me slack all night."

"Boys-" Louis tried to abolish this tense encounter, but unfortunately neither one of them must've not heard Louis. Probably didn't help when Liam and Zayn came stumbling into kitchen all giggly. Laughing over something that involved Jinx and Zayn's sister, Waliyha's being his arch nemesis.

But that wasn't an important matter at hand when Louis' got his back up against a wall.

"I just don't want you breaking his heart, that's what my problem is." Harry jeered, his brows furrowing. "He's already had one shitty boyfriend, and I'll be damned if I let you take advantage of him."

Louis frowned. If only Harry knew that his heart couldn't be saved and belonged to him already. That it hurt to love his best mate.

Travis scoffed. "You're acting as if I'm not good enough for him. Which clearly I am, he choose me."

Louis felt so fucking helpless listening to them bicker about his love life like it was their business. Because either way someone was bound to be upset and Louis was almost afraid it'd end in disaster.

Zayn and Liam had gone silent staring at them as they lingered by the fridge. No longer being touchy and giggly, because Harry was off his hinges instead of having a nice time. Too worried about Travis having his way with Louis and sticking around to lead Louis on.

And Louis needed to get these two away from one another fast. Quickly coming up an excuse once he realized he never brought out Harry's presents.

"Travis! You know what I just realized? I never brought out Harry's presents, and I need some help." Louis spoke up as he broke free of Travis's grip and grabbed his hand. Louis pulled Travis away without any reluctance thank god. Louis just ignored Harry as he led his date out of the kitchen and maneuvered swiftly towards his bedroom, and closed the door behind them.

Okay, Louis could do this. He could totally get through the rest of this shitty party if he kept Harry and Travis apart. Which may be difficult considering Harry was playing the protective mother hen role.

But maybe if he kept Travis preoccupied and more sequestered in his room, then everything may end up okay.

Louis had let go of Travis's hand as he went towards his bed, already grabbing the biggest one that had been wrapped. Of course, though, Travis took the whole present thing differently and had his hand on Louis' arm.

"Baby... c' mere."

Louis let out a breath as he dropped the present because apparently, Harry wasn't going to open his gifts tonight at this rate. Turning to face Travis who's already got his hands on Louis' waist and pulling him in closer. A little too close for Louis' liking to be honest. The hands on him are strong and clingy. Louis wanted to know if Travis ever actually had been serious with anyone? Not like it matters or anything, but he wonders if he's been burned in the past too?

If he's ever been in love with someone and spent many nights in tears because five years of his life were a lie. If he's ever thought it was his own fault for how things turned out. That if he'd never let his heart get the best of him. If he would have his heart torn apart for a second time because he messed around with his best mate too.

Louis wanted to know if Travis ever felt like running away.

"You want me, don't you?" Travis asked wantonly as his fingers squeezed against Louis' waist.

"I-" Louis started to say softly, but then one of Travis' hands is ghosting up his arm and slides it to the side of Louis' face. Making his heart feel sluggish the longer those hungry eyes were on him.

Travis smirked and then cooed, " Maybe this will help you out." Then Travis was leaning in, and his bedroom door swung open. Travis's lips were on his and Louis' quickly pushing hands on the hard chest in front of him as he tried to get away.

And then suddenly Louis heard a heavy thump and Travis was pushed up against the wall, and Harry was there holding him against it. Louis wiped at his mouth when he heard Harry bark at Travis.

"You need to back the hell off."

Never had Louis ever seen Harry act like that. Usually, he was so kind and may have a bit of mischievous streak in him. But, Louis just stood there because what the hell does he do? Or even say?

What was even stranger was Harry mumbling, "I've gotta go." And here go of Travis. Skittering out of the bedroom and Louis was just so... so dumbfounded.

"I don't know why he's angry for." Travis muttered out, but all Louis could do is blink. Trying to comprehend whatever that was and wondering if maybe he should go find him. Especially before his date got any more ideas and thinks about trying again.

So Louis told Travis he'd be back and left his room, searching every room in their flat but Harry was nowhere. He wasn't with Ellie who was too busy chatting with Liam. He definitely wasn't with Niall and Zayn devouring most of What's left of Harry's cake. Louis just didn't even worry about his coat and slipped on his shoes, thinking maybe Harry may have been out in his car or something.

And that's what Louis did and low and behold, there he was leaning against his car in the car park. Under the puddle of yellow light from the lamppost. His face in his hands and Louis felt a bit hesitant to go over there. However, it was so damn cold, and maybe he sort of regretted not slipping on his coat, but whatever. He had more important matters to tend to and carefully treads through the thin layer of snow covering the concrete.

"Hey." Louis breathed out, watching it cloud in the crisp air. Crossing his arms tight against his body because he's a fucking imbecile that out here in nothing but tight trousers and a jumper. At least Harry was nestled in his pea coat looking warm in the dead of winter.

They stood there for a while quietly as Louis stared at his mate. Wondering if it'd be okay to step closer and nestle up to Harry. But, Louis didn't even get to entertain that thought for much longer because Harry dropped his hands and let out a deep breath.

"Why him?"

Louis gnawed on his lips as he stared at his friend for a second before he answered, "I already told you why, Harry."

Harry let out this heavy sigh as pushed himself off his car, taking a step closer. "It's like you're being naive on purpose," Harry stressed, and Louis didn't appreciate that leaving his mouth. "Are you seriously even into him?"

"No." And that was the truth, it's always been.

"Be honest with me, Louis. You were all over him back there, and you expect me to believe you don't want to be with him?" Harry snapped and Louis flinched, okay so maybe thanking Harry for swooping in to save him wasn't going to happen then. "Not to mention you agreed to have dinner with him."

Louis stood there blinking and his heart sinking lower into the depths of his stomach. Starting to feel so fucking small because he hated this so much and the way Harry's berating him in the car park in the middle of the night. Louis didn't deserve this because it was all Ellie's fault.

And truthfully Louis never disliked someone so much in his life.

"I just," Harry said, pausing to run his fingers through his hair. "I don't want to be the one to pick up the pieces again when he leaves you because you can't see how fucking terrible of an idea this is. It's like you don't even get it."

"I don't want to be with him." Louis could feel wetness pricking his eyes.

This whole fucked up situation wasn't working how Louis had thought. He knew, he fucking knew Ellie would be so proud of herself after this. It's what she's wanted, after all, to get rid of Louis. Just any sort of friction to pull them apart because she the queen of hell. Louis wanted to say fuck it all and just let it all go, but he's almost too afraid if he does he may lose the best thing in his life.

Because why would Harry leave Ellie for him? Especially since he's been with her all this time and wants to move in together. Not to mention he thinks she's some angel that's so perfect and wonderful.

Louis wanted nothing more to tell him, sure. But in theory, it wasn't logical.

"How can I believe you when Travis is waiting back there for you, thinking you're going to be just another meaningless fuck." Harry shouted when a cold gust of wind had Louis shivering down his spine. "It's like you can't even understand that he's going to be another Sean that's gonna fuck you over in the end."

And that hit Louis where it hurt...

"You could've picked anyone, but him." Harry glowered at him and shook his head.

Louis just stood there and watched Harry walk away, disappearing into the building when a tear rolled down his cheek.

In that moment, Louis realized he was never going to let anyone tyrannize him again.

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I guess this chapter was too long I needed to break it up! lol

But Sean will be introduced in the next chapter... 😐