"I promise I'm okay." Louis told his mum, folding one of his shirts before setting in his holdall.

He hadn't told Jay specifically the reason why he decided to come stay for the weekend. Not because he didn't want to say, but he's been so busy catching up with his family. Spending time with the girls and listening to their boy problems. Being well fed by his mother who decided to have a warm meal on the table when he'd arrived. Who also brought up that Kathy (he fellow colleague) has a son and he's a dental assistant. And yet, Louis had successfully dodged another of Jay's date set up by saying he was happily single before changing the subject onto something else.

As much as he loved his mother to death and appreciate her help, but sometimes she was a bit overbearing.

But nonetheless, Louis had enjoyed his stay where he didn't have to think too much about Sean or Harry.

Except now that Johannah wanted to ask questions an hour before he heads to the train station. Not that Louis could blame her, after all, he doesn't just come home on a whim unless it was holidays or needed something.

So, he'd been waiting for that moment all through the weekend, and apparently now was the right time.

"Did something happen at work?" Jay proceeded to figure out Louis' motives, sitting on his bed watching him pack.

"Other then the fact I hate working there, things are fine, mum." Louis commented as he continued to pack his clothes away, doing his best not stare at the questionable look on his mother's face.

"Did you get into a disagreement with Niall or Harry?"

"No."

"Does this have to do anything with a guy?" Jay asked carefully.

Louis nearly froze up at those words when he was in the middle of folding his trousers because this wasa boy problem. Two of the most stressful issues of his life that were tearing him apart.

"Umm," Louis glanced at his mum, swallowing. Trying to find his words because what the fuck does he even say?

That he was devastated over the fact Harry was taking a big step with Ellie? That he wished he could get rid of these feelings for his friend? That Sean wants back into his life?

He was at a loss for words. Louis wanted to spill his heart out to his mum, don't get him wrong. It was just... he couldn't tell her everything. The downfall of it all was the fact she was longtime best friends with Harry's mum, and they talked all the time. Louis trusted him mum, he did, but sometimes she could get carried away and slip up some of Louis' private matters. Because the last thing Louis needs right now is for Harry to catch any wind of it.

Jay looked at him for a second before starting up again. "What happened, sweetheart?"

Louis gnawed on his lip, dropping his jeans from his hands and took a calming breath. He just hoped his mum would keep this to herself.

"I went to dinner with Sean, Wednesday." Louis murmured, his fingers fiddling with the edge of his long sleeved top, trying to pull them down as far as he could to cover his hands.

Jay raised her brows, probably not expecting that to leave her son's mouth after everything he'd went through.

"And how did that go?"

Louis thought back to the dinner, and his heart panged at the bittersweet memory. "He said he missed me and wanted to be in touch again."

"Have you been talking to him since?"

"Only a few times when he's texted, but I just... I don't know if I'm making a mistake."

Jay frowned, thinking for a moment. "Do you miss him?"

Louis blinked, stuck and stumped at his mother's question because, did he miss his ex-boyfriend?

Sean was his first love and meant the world to him. But since they'd been separated, he tried to forget those tattered memories they had together. It was when Harry started to have a soft spot in his heart that Louis had pushed Sean out of his mind for good.

Until he reached out to Louis weeks ago and ever since then, he's been looming around his mind. Wondering what was it his past lover wanted, and when they'd went to dinner, it was an emotional roller coaster. In a perfect world, Louis would say no indeed, but unfortunately, life wasn't fair.

"A little." It had come out in more so a whisper because he felt ashamed, he shouldn't feel a slight longing for that man.

"Do you still care for him?"

"Uh..." His mum was going to be the death of him, wasn't she? "I don't... I don't think I do."

Jay sighed. "I think whatever path you choose with Sean, whether he's a friend or more, please don't ever feel like you made a mistake."

His mum always knew the right things to say to make him feel better about himself.

"You have a big heart that tends to forgive easily, just like your dear old mother." Jay chuckled. "But in all seriousness, whatever happens just know you can always talk to me ."

"Thanks, mum." Louis murmured, feeling a bit better now that he actually told someone. "But uh... can you not tell Anne about this?"

Louis knew when it came to his mum and Anne, the news was bound to reach Harry in a matter of hours. He couldn't have that happen now, could he? Because the last thing he needed was to open that can of worms.

"I just don't want any of my mates to know about this yet, and I'm worried she'll ask Harry about it." Louis continued reason his anxieties, starting to almost feel nervous about even telling his mum. What if his sisters find out? What if they go off and tell Gemma, Niall, and Harry themselves?

Fucking hell maybe this was a bad idea...

But then Jay finally spoke up, and Louis could feel his heart thumping in his chest. "I won't say anything you don't want me to share, sweetheart."

Louis had hoped his mum would keep her word. God, he'd hoped so.

"Anne may be my best friend, but your my son, and your secrets will always be safe with me."

Maybe one day Louis could tell his mum he had gotten feelings for Harry.

"Not even the girls?"

"Not even them."

In a way, Louis felt comforted to know Jay would keep his skeletons in the cupboard. It was almost soothing, honestly. Yet, Louis wasn't finished, he needed to get more off his chest because he couldn't go back to Liverpool with a heavy heart.

"Um.. there is another thing that's been weighing on my mind."

Jay looked at him curiously, " What is it, sweetheart?"

Louis gnawed on his lip for a moment, trying to think of a way to tell his mum about possibly moving back home. Not that he wants her to worry, of course, assuming he lost his job or kicked out of his home.

Eventually finding his words, "Harry's moving out at the end of March, and I'm just a bit worried that me and Niall can't save the flat."

The corners of Jay's lips slid downward, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Have you and Niall got a backup plan?"

Louis shook his head. Honestly, they hadn't even really discussed it.

"Actually, I've been considering coming back if things don't work out." Louis confessed, his stomach hard as a rock.

"Well, wherever life takes you, just know you've always got a place here." Jay commented reassuringly, it did make Louis feel better to know he'd be welcomed back home.

Louis took a calming breath. "And mum promise you won't tell-"

"I won't say a word."

The corners of Louis' lips quirked upward, it felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He knew coming home was the right decision, sometimes Louis would kick himself for not coming to visit more often.

Then again... soon enough that wouldn't even be a problem.

Later, Louis' was on the train heading back to Liverpool and with his ear pressed against the phone, listening to the sound of Sean's voice.

It's not like he wanted to spend his ride back talking on the phone, especially to his ex boyfriend no less. Yet, sitting here looking out the window only held his interest for so long and he didn't want to think about Ellie and Harry. Louis really tried, but in the end, he couldn't help but think of them. Thankfully, Sean swooped in to save him.

Yeah, surprising right?

"Do you need me to pick you from the station when you arrive, babe?" Sean asked, sounding awfully hopeful. "It's raining pretty bad."

Right, of course, it is. So much for walking back and enjoying the silence, looks like he had no choice.

"You don't have to do that for me, Sean," Louis muttered into the line, squeezing his free arm against his waist.

Louis could hear the man sigh before insisting, "But I want to, and besides wouldn't you rather keep dry and not fighting off a cold for a week straight?"

"Do you honestly believe there's any truth to that?"

"Are you calling my parents liars?"

The corner of Louis' lip twitched as he glanced out the window and watched the moving panorama of bare trees and desolate sky. Burying his fingers into his coat when he thinks of seeing Sean's face when he steps off the train. Promising himself, he won't relive the past when his ex-boyfriend keeps hanging around.

"I mean I'm not saying they're fibbers, but... I'm pretty certain germs are the culprit here."

Sean let out a chuckle. "You made a point I'll give you that but, you can still be affected by hypothermia, Lou."

"Good thing we don't live in Antarctica, right?" Louis quipped hearing the man laugh into the line, noticing droplets of rain started to pour down the window pane.

The line went silent, and Louis waited.

"I can't wait to see you," Sean finally breathed out, making Louis' heart freeze over. "I bet you look beautiful."

Its things like that, that leave Sean's mouth so easily are going to make the whole potential friendship a dangerous game. At one point Louis had a feeling those compliments may affect him, and so he makes a note in his mind to talk his ex-boyfriend about it later.

"I think you meant to say uncomely, actually." Louis corrected as his eyes fluttered closed, he wasn't dressed his best, but his joggers were comfortable.

"Don't say that you've always looked stunning to me."

Hmm, this was going to be a problem, wasn't it?

"But anyway, as much as I don't want to stop talking, I do need to finish up some business before I come get you." Sean brought up, thank god. "Maybe if you're up for it, we can go grab something to eat."

Oh no...

Louis planned to say no, he really did because he didn't want to spend too much time with that man. Especially since they've already been talking on the phone for nearly twenty minutes now, Louis didn't need to be physically with him longer than necessary.

Shit, maybe Louis should just sucked it up and walk in the rain, getting drenched head to toe. Avoiding being with Sean because he didn't want this to turn into an outing, but the downfall of it was: it was the tail end of winter.

Which fucking hinged those plans because Louis knew he'll just end up calling someone to come get him once his whole bodies on the verge of turning into an icicle. He could take the bus or the tube, yes. However, the whole being crowded thing wasn't something he wanted to do again. Not only that, but all his mate were busy doing their own things today.

So, of course, Louis didn't go with his thoughts, fucking typical.

"Maybe, as long as you're willing to pay my way." Louis felt his phone buzz against his ear, flickering his eyes open.

Sean was probably smiling ear to ear, Louis could just see it "Well what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't take the bill?"

Louis took a deep, calming breath. They were once again, meeting up and Louis wonders if things are happening too fast.

He fucking saw Sean not even a week ago, and they were already making plans for supper.

What happened to the agreement back at Panoramic 34? Where Louis said them being okay wasn't going to happen overnight? To give him time?

Apparently, he couldn't even follow his own words, which was unfortunate.

When he'd gotten off the phone after they said their goodbyes Louis didn't hesitate to see who tried to reach him. Not even sparing a second when he pushed the message icon and his stomach dropped when seen the text.

'Harry: So is next weekend okay to have dinner with Niall and Ellie? '

Louis whimpered, completely ignoring the text as he pulled up safari.

No, it wasn't fucking okay, Louis didn't want to be there. He didn't want to be in the same room with that vile person Harry called a companion. Witnessing her getting something Louis wanted desperately. Honestly, Louis felt like after that night what would even be the point anymore? Ellie will eventually just screw Louis out of a friendship he's had since he was practically a child. Louis wouldn't feel very welcome to come over to their flat nor would he want to anyway. Lastly, she'd always be there.

It was a sad state of affairs, but what choice did Louis have?

The only thing Louis could do now was search for a new flat for the remainder of the train ride.

There was no other way about it, he'll be moving back to Doncaster with a blue heart.

*****

It had been one hell of a day for Louis.

He'd been cooped up in his room trying to avoid the reality of the situation. It was the night Harry would ask Ellie to move in with him.

And Louis wanted nothing more than to have an onset cold to get out of this dreadful dinner that is a mere hour and a half away. Louis should have told Harry he couldn't do it, as he had plans with his sisters. Trying to come up with the cleverest of lies that would be realistic enough; however, that never happened. Louis was stuck going whether he liked it or not. Even if it made him out of sorts, he'd have some guilt riding with him. Because he knows Harry would do the same for him in a heartbeat.

He felt like the world's worst best mate.

Louis was currently killing time on his laptop on Tumblr, answering questions from some curious followers. Carding his fingers through his damp fringe that was still air drying, and sitting cross-legged on his bed. It was a nice distraction from the chaos ensuring outside his bedroom door. Niall reassuring Harry that everything will be fine and she'll definitely say yes. Louis wanted nothing to do with that, best friend or not.

It was selfish he knew, but he just needed to be alone right now.

Most of the questions Louis had gotten were wondering how he was feeling and giving him encouraging advice. Ranging from it'll be easier to move on, you deserve better and keep your head up. It was nice to know his followers had his back. At least that M anon wasn't pestering him tonight, thank fuck. Louis just didn't need that negativity on top of everything else.

But apparently, he had a curious anon.

   So what's the story with H? I'm new to your blog, and I'm curious!  Pretty please :)

Louis had told them that Harry was his best mate that he'd fallen in love with because of one stupid decision. It made Louis' mind rewind back to that night they had hooked up for the first time. He hadn't expected it when Harry kissed him, but he liked it. He loved the way Harry's hands ran along his body, and his lips coated his skin with burning kisses. Louis felt like he took it all for granted.

It was never a nice feeling thinking about the past of Harry and him sleeping together, especially thinking about how things ended. It was the worst feeling in the world, his heart getting broken by the one guy he trusted the most.

But of course, the anon wanted more juicy details and was quick to ask what was the problem. Louis swallowed as he typed out that they had hooked up for over a year. H suddenly gotten a girlfriend he had no idea about, but his mates knew.

It was sad when Louis reads over what he typed before posting, because any person in their right mind would've dropped Harry as a friend. It's easier said than done because he was Louis best mate, their mums have been close since their teenage years. It was not like he could erase Harry from his life and Niall take his place. Because it wouldn't feel right.

Louis sighed when he sees he had another ask from the mysterious anon, wondering how it happened.

So, Louis told them about Sean and what had happened, why Harry and him wound up in bed together in the first place. At least it was a safe place to share these innermost secrets. Louis wouldn't know what he'd do if he'd never joined Tumblr years ago.

A moment later there was a small knock on his door and Niall letting himself in the room, Louis quickly shutting his laptop. Totally not suspicious at all.

Niall looked at him questioningly, his eyes on the tablet that Louis thankfully had a passcode to, last thing he needed was to be nosey.

"So..." Niall said idly, flicking his gaze to Louis. "What's up?"

Louis scratched the back of his neck, trying to think for a moment. Hopefully, Niall wasn't going to keep pressing for answers.

"Just some boy talk with Lottie is all," Louis knew it wasn't a very good lie. Normally his sister would ring him then reach him on messenger. So Louis had to come up with a reason quick. "Apparently this guy she's into lied about having a girlfriend."

Louis should just smack himself round the head already, issuing his own life trouble to make a lie about his sister. What was his world coming to?

Niall lifted an eyebrow, "Interesting."

Louis gave a little nod. "Yeah she's pretty upset." he prayed to he wants about that Niall did not talk to Lottie at all recently. Oh god, Louis should have thought this through!

But what left Niall mouth next wasn't what he was expecting: "Anyway, I wanted to know if  after the dinner with H, do you want to binge watch old seasons of Jersey Shore and order a pizza?"

Honestly, Louis could go for something like that because he would definitely need some sort of distraction. Hopefully, Harry and Ellie don't decide to intrude because Louis doesn't want to be around them after everything goes down.

"Not like I have better things to do," Louis hoped dinner would end quickly so he can hang with Niall. "So count me in, Nialler."

Niall's face lit up. "Great!"

Louis had a feeling at some point during their reality show marathon Donovan will be brought up. It's inevitable. However, Louis would rather hear Niall moaning about Donovan than about the other events on the night. Besides, maybe he could talk some sense into the poor boy and get him to stop lying about having a boyfriend that doesn't even exist.

If only Niall doesn't keep misconstruing his words of advice, then things might go the way Louis had hoped.

"But anyway I got some free time before dinner, do you wanna come play some FIFA?" Niall asked, sounding hopeful.

As much as Louis loved his blog, playing video games with Niall sounded even better.

"Your arse is mine, Horan." Louis challenged with a smirk as he got off his bed and sauntered past his friends.

"Just keep on dreaming, Lou!" Niall shouted after him, following Louis out the bedroom door.

For the rest of the time until they left, Louis spent it playing video games with Niall. Mostly playing FIFA before indulging into some Super Mario World on Niall's ancient NES console. It was fun, and Louis actually didn't think about Harry or Ellie, too busy bantering back and forth with Niall to give a damn. Laughing and having the best time, it was honestly refreshing.

Needless to say, that was what Louis needed the most.

Eventually, all good thing come to an end and Louis' at Bacaro with Niall, waiting for Ellie and Harry to show up. Swallowing down some sparkling water with lemon as Niall's going on about how he's been contemplating about going back to school when autumn hits. Wanting to take get a degree in business managent because he'd like to open his own pub someday. Which was nice for Niall to have a goal in life, even after getting his degree in Communication in Media which didn't work out as he kept with his job at the pub. Louis just hoped Niall would have better luck this time around.

Niall then changed the subject onto how it blows that Easter falls on April fools day as it was his day. Louis was kind of glad he didn't have to deal with his friend's tricks this time around, he can take joke usually, but sometimes it got old real quick.

Louis downed most of his water, nearly choking when Harry and Ellie suddenly show up. Louis felt so fucking ill all of a sudden watching Harry help his girlfriend with her coat.

"Sorry, we'd gotten a bit stuck in traffic, lads." Harry apologized, sitting down in the seat across Niall, Ellie beside him, unfortunately across from Louis. Fucking hell. Now Louis was definitely sure this evening was going to break him.

"That's alright, Lou's been good company." Niall beamed, taking a sip of his coke. "Haven't ya, mate?" he slapped Louis against the back of his shoulder making him jolt forward a bit.

Louis sighed, giving Niall a passing glance. "Yeah, whatever you say." he then jabbed his elbow into Niall's side, smirking at grimace on his mates face. "but anywho, since everyone here that's supposed to be, I'm ready to order food."

Truthfully, Louis hadn't had an appetite. But the faster this meal could end, the better.

Thankfully their waitress had come back with some menus, and surprisingly Ellie's been quite so far, not that Louis complained. He actually might be able to tolerate her if things keep going the way they do.

By the time the waitress had come back over and took their orders, Louis had prayed the food would get done soon enough, because it's about to be a rough one for Louis.

"So, Louis seeing any men lately?" Ellie casually brought up out of fucking nowhere. "I mean I think I saw you with a handsome fellow just the other day."

Oh no....

He was with Sean Tuesday because the man stopped by his work and begged Louis to spend his lunch break with him waltzing around the city. It wasn't anything incriminating nor was it planned, his ex-boyfriend showed up unexpectedly and promised a free red velvet cupcake. They talked, mostly about trivia bullshit, mostly Sean did the chattering. Still, it doesn't mean he had to be put on fucking blast.

"Uh-" Louis was a loss for words because in the hell does he even say?

There's no denying it, but he can't say who he was with.

Harry furrowed his brows and Louis didn't appreciate that look he was receiving. Not at all. Because he knew his friend was trying to figure it out, not that Louis had blamed him because any person would be curious after someone revealing something like that.

"Got you a secret boyfriend we don't know about, Lou?" Niall teasingly asked, ruffling Louis' hair with fingers fondly.

Louis swatted away his mates hand and shook his head, "No- uh, it's not that serious."

"If it wasn't serious then why did he look at you like he wanted to marry you?"

First of all, where in the hell did Ellie even see them? And secondly, she can go to hell. That was a sensitive spot she poked, and Louis was not about to let her ruin his night any more.

"He's a good friend, that's it." Louis snapped, his fingers squeezing against his glass.

"Louis," Harry warned, but fuck it. He'll be damned if he lets Ellie make him feel bad about the past even though she never met Sean, it was like in a way she just knew it'd do some damage.

"I mean, you don't have be rude about it, but I know what I saw. He's cute though, don't let him get away."

Louis insides were on fire, already just wanting to say fuck it and leave. They haven't even gotten to the worst part yet!

Well, there goes that... Ellie was once again insufferable.

"Who is it, Lou?" Niall asked, oh for fuck sakes.

Louis shook his head, "He's an old mate from uni, you don't know him." It was a terrible lie, and he knew it. He didn't have many friends back in uni, mostly hung around, Harry, Niall, Sean, and his boyfriends closest companions. Hopefully, it's believable enough that they'd just leave it alone. "And it wasn't a date if your wondering, we were just hanging out."

"No need to get so defensive about it, love," Ellie commented, looking awfully smug brushing her hair off her shoulder. " I mean... unless deep down you do want to wed him someday."

Oh, Louis was livid. So fucking enraged that he had to get up and excuse himself for a moment, making his way towards the toilets. He was sick and tired of Ellie's intrusive questions that didn't concern her or anyone else. It not a big fucking deal that he met up with some guy and walked. Like ya, it's his ex-boyfriend that his friends don't like, but none of them know that. They think it's just some guy he met at uni ages ago, but she just kept poking and prodding, probably so fucking proud to get a reaction of out him.

He spent about two minutes in the bathroom stall trying to calm his nerves before re-emerging back into the dreadful reality. Thankfully the topics changed onto Harry complaining about the veterinary hospital he worked for not having enough morning staff.

Louis just hoped all the attention was finally off him for the remainder of the night.

Thankfully so, everyone was too busy on the food that was finally delivered, oh thank god. As much as Louis' stomach churned at the plate of pea & mint tortellini sitting in front of him, he would try to stomach it.

For the most part, Louis just listened in on his mates talking, with Ellie adding in her comments here and there. Louis, for the most part, kept to himself, not really in a wonderful mood, and yeah he did nod his head when Harry had asked him if his pasta was any good. Trying to not read too much into that hint of a frown dancing on his mates lips.

If this night couldn't have gotten any more distasteful, Harry cleared his throat and turned in his seat towards Ellie.

Louis could feel his heart crying as it broke into a million pieces because he knew what was about to come next. It hurt... it hurts so fucking much.

"El?" Harry asked, his hands on her bare arm, Louis' eyes flicked down to his half gone plate. "I've been doing some thinking these past few months, and I want to ask you something." Louis' not sure if he can do this. "I can't imagine it not being any other way, but I hope you'll say yes." Louis' going to be sick, already starting to push his seat back because it's too much for him. "Do you wanna move in together?"

Louis had never gotten up quick enough and scurried off to the bathroom, holding his hand over his mouth. Pushing himself back into a stall and leaning against the door with his face in his hands, taking a deep, shaky breath. It's not fair that he'd been put through this, witnessing someone so undeserving given everything Louis had dreamt of.

It was as if he were being punished for loving Harry too much.

"I wanna go home." Louis whispered under his breath so no one could hear him, needing some alone time once again from this city. Maybe he'd take the early train first thing in the morning and call into work sick for a day or two.

After taking a deep breath, he decided he couldn't hide forever, not only that, but he left kind of suddenly and suspiciously. But he was sure he covered himself good like he was gonna throw up, Which was a half lie, because Louis had felt like it. As much as Louis would like to grab his coat and get the hell out of here. He didn't want to cause an even bigger scene, Harry, his best mate and he wouldn't want to ruin this for him. Even if it pained him to do it.

Louis was startled when a fist thudded against the stall door, hands dropping from his face, nearly making him jump when Harry asked, "Everything okay, Lou?"

"Yeah, uh-," Louis paused trying to sound too broken as he thought of how to tell his mate he wasn't feeling good. "I don't think my food agreed with my stomach."

It was quiet for a moment, Louis smoothed out his top and hoped maybe now that Ellie had what she wanted, he could leave and just decompress with Niall. Hopefully, Harry had plans that didn't involve staying in the flat tonight, Louis wasn't sure if he could be around them anymore especially if they start talking about potential flats to live in.

Ellie would so do it, knowing it'd eat away at Louis because she's a blood sucking leach that wanted to make him miserable.

"Oh...  Do you think you'll be alright to go to Liam and Zayn's they want us to come over for drinks."

Of course, they wanted to make Louis' life turn into even more of a nightmare.

"Yeah, I think I'll be okay." Louis honestly didn't want to, but his guilty conscious was screaming at him to just go. At the end of the day, Harry's his best friend and last thing he wanted to do was create even more of a void between them. No matter how painful this would be, hopefully it wouldn't completely break him.

He eventually opened the stall door, and Harry gave him a small smile, but there was no warmth in his eyes.

"Promise your fine?"

"Yes, Harold, I swear I won't die of stomach pains."

Harry chuckled a little, shaking his head, and then wrapped his arm around Louis' shoulder.  There's the Lou I know and love.

Love, but not in the way Louis felt.

"You've been quiet all night, it's weird, " Harry commented, pulling Louis a little closer for a moment. " I don't like it."

Louis chortled, pushing Harry away playfully, maybe if he started to distance himself physically, this may be easier.  "Can't always get what you want, sadly. But I'll try to appease you with my bantering, that sound okay?"

Harry rolled his eyes, but the corners of his lips that were curved upward meant it was nothing but playful.

"You're already making me happy by being here, but I do love to hear you talk shit."

Louis smirked, starting to feel a smidge better, but he knew the feeling would only be temporary.

"But we should go back to the table and finish up dinner so we can head to Zayn's for a bit."

And it was gone...

"Right." was all Louis had murmured out before he left the bathroom.

For the rest of dinner, Louis attempted to be his lively self, but Ellie was making it hard. She'd brought up Louis seeing Sean again. Explaining that now since Harry and her were going to get a place together soon, maybe he could be the new flatmate. As apparently it'd help get things moving between them. Louis didn't hesitate to tell her to fuck off, not caring if it bothered Harry he bitted back at her attempts. Louis wasn't dumb, he knew what she was doing, and it just rubbed him the wrong way.

Thankfully at one point, she'd gotten distracted by Niall asking her what part of the city would be ideal to live in.

Her answer wasn't one Louis had liked.

"Actually, I think I may want to get out of Liverpool, maybe Glasgow_?" She glanced to Harry, a pout on her lips. "Can we?"

Harry looked flabbergasted, blinking at his girlfriend and Louis had a feeling this would've happened. Of course, Ellie wanted to move away hours away because she knew Louis wouldn't be around.

It was her dream, wasn't it? To push Louis out of his best friend's life?

"El, that's very far from here, and I'd have get a new job," Harry explained, not sounding too thrilled, but not exactly denying her request. He ran his fingers through his curls and gave Louis a passing glance before he was back on his girl. " Let me think it over, okay?"

"Thank you, darling." Ellie beamed, practically almost out of her seat to give Harry a peck on the lips.

Louis was going to try and hold onto the idea everything will be alright.

Because that was all he could do.

Later, Louis was following his mates and Ellie down the corridor of Liam and Zayn's building. Louis had hoped Zayn had actually supplied the lite beer this time, because Louis was going to need a bit of a buzz.

After a few moments they had reached the lovebird's door, and Niall wasted no time to give a knock, Louis just kept his hands stuffed into his pocket. His phone buzzing against his bum, he could only guess who that could've been, but he doesn't get a chance to answer because Liam's answering the door and suddenly he is very aware this is more than having a drink with his closest mates.

Right across the wall is a banner that reads "Congratulations!" and a room full of people.  Louis suddenly wished he really did regurgitate.

"Come in, come in!" Liam gestured for the lot to get in, Louis reluctantly followed in behind Niall. So it looked like hanging with Niall wasn't going to happen then. Just Louis' fucking luck.

"What's this?" Harry asked, sounding awfully confused. Ellie's gotten her arm around Harry's leaning a little too close for Louis' liking.

"It's a congratulation party on moving in together, it was Zayn's idea." Liam beamed, wrapping his arm around Zayn's waist, giving him a peck on the cheek.

"Felt bad that we couldn't make it to dinner, so we thought why not throw a party," Zayn added, and Louis thought they really shouldn't have. "We invited all of yours and Liam's colleagues."

"Oh, how wonderful! Thank you, boys." Ellie chirped, before looking up at Harry with a warm smile.

Louis bit back his frown as he ventured off towards the guest room where everyone put their coats, needing a moment to himself. Especially if he has to endure this stupid party that is another slap in his face that things are changing.

But unfortunately, Louis isn't alone for very long as he tosses his parka onto the pile, in come Niall looking like he'd just seen a ghost.

"Everything alright?"

"No, Donovan's coming soon, and my boyfriend's not here." Niall fretted about that musclebound dreamboat.

"You mean your fake boyfriend?" Louis still thinks Niall needed to just end that stupid lie already. It's all just a big headache honestly. "Just tell him you guys broke up."

Niall sighed. "Same thing." Actually, it isn't. "I can't lie to him, Lou."

"You're already knee deep in lies, Niall." Louis pointed out because clearly, his mate hadn't kept track of all the fibs he's told. At this rate, Donovan will never want to date Niall, as sad as it sounded. Because once all those lies come to light it won't be a good ending, but Louis hoped for the best.

Niall deserved a good man.

"Yeah, but if I keep up with the boyfriend thing it'll keep him jealous and trust me, I can see it on his face when John sends me stuff."

Louis couldn't've rolled his eyes hard enough. "You know, if you ever get tired of having a fake relationship I could always go talk to him myself< like I've suggested before since you think I'm this hot thing that could get any guy I want."

"Louis we've been over this, I want him to come to me," Niall explained, and Louis had a feeling Niall was in fantasyland. "One day he'll just gain the courage and ask me out for drinks."

"Whatever you say, Niall." Louis knew it was nothing but a losing battle with his friend. Niall's stubborn and maybe too determined for his own good. He just didn't have enough energy to deal with it right now.

"But do I look alright?" Niall pulled down his button up a bit with his free hand.

"I mean if he truly liked you he'd think you'd look beautiful no matter what." Louis had hoped Niall would take his words and run with it. "But yes, you look fit. Happy?"

"Certainly." Niall grinned, tossing his jacket he was holding onto the pile carelessly. "So since our plans got squashed, do you wanna go grab a few beers?"

Well, at least Niall keep him somewhat busy until the man of his dreams shows up.

"Sounds like a plan, my friend." Louis said amusedly, sauntering out of the room, and Niall following after him.

As much as Louis wanted to leave, he kept Niall company while they strayed in the kitchen. Slurping down a lite beer and leaned against the wall, with Niall whose going on how they should go on a road trip soon. Just the two of them for a day, just to escape reality. It was nice in theory, but Louis knew it'd be unlikely now that their finance will be even more fucked. Yet, he didn't shoot down his mates hopes because he would never do that.

Louis briefly wondered at some point why hadn't Niall brought it up. Them having to figure out their living situation. Like, obviously they can't afford this lifestyle when Harry was gone, and surely enough he had to be freaking out too?

They didn't have a plan. Well, Louis knew what he wants to do, but not Niall.

It was a very stressful thought.

But Louis never got to bring it up once Donovan had arrived, abandoned to survive this party himself.

And Louis tried to make friendly conversation with some of the people, trying to make this somewhat bearable. But he couldn't seem to care about Elizabeth's fiance not getting the promotion or Dillon's sister shaving off her hair. He couldn't focus because everything his eyes would scout the crowd for the curly haired boy. Everytime he found him, his heart panged because Ellie was stuck to him like glue, his hand on the small of her back, and her hand in his back pocket. Resting her head on his shoulder and sending Louis a glare whenever she looked over her shoulder and caught him staring. The same routine he seemed to fall into every single time he went to these parties, and it was getting old real quick.

After sometime Louis is just on his way to the snack table when he bumped into Liam who spilt his vodka cranberry all over Louis' top.

"Really Liam?" Louis glowered, great now he had laundry to do tomorrow.

"Excuse me? You were in my way." Liam sounded awfully defensive for placing the blame on Louis. "It's not a big deal, you won't even notice once it's washed."

"That's not the point, you weren't paying attention," Louis argued, flapping his top to uncling it from his body. It was cold and wet, not exactly something he was too fond of. "I'm not mad, but I'm certainly not going to let you think this was my fault."

Liam scoffed. "How am I not surprised that you're putting all the blame on me when you're the one who stepped in front of me in the first place."

"Well, you're certainly getting very defensive about it..." Louis muttered under his breath, smirking when Liam rolled his eyes.

"Because-" Liam was soon interrupted by a body sliding up into his personal space. It's Zayn.

"It was both of your faults, actually." Zayn added his own two cents, handing Louis a was of napkins. "Now stop bickering like children for once. I love you both but can't you guys go one night without picking at each other?"

"Louis' the one who started it." Liam complained, sounding like a child.

"Well, maybe you should have got in my way." Louis knew he was being kind of a dick, but there was no malice in his words. "But now my top is soiled, thanks for that."

"For the last time-"

"Enough, no more about this, okay?" Zayn decided to sound like both their mums were scolding them like they did something wrong. "You're going to create a scene and ruin the party." Okay, maybe Zayn had a point. "And, if you want Louis you can wear one of my shirts if it makes you feel better."

Louis sighed. "Thanks."

Well, it's better than having to endure the rest of the party with a dirty top. Thankfully Zayn's build was small like himself, so that worked out just fine.

Still didn't mean he'd give Liam shit about it later.

When Louis shuts the door behind him when he goes into Liam and Zayn's room, he heads straight for the wardrobe. Hopefully, he could find something decent. Not that he wouldn't, Zayn's stylish, but sometimes his tastes were a bit over the top for himself.  Like the mesh top, his mate likes to wear in broad daylight and those tight leather trousers he wore on special occasions.

Louis was definitely not going to wear either of those.

Thankfully, he was able to find just a plain v-neck and quickly changed into it, rustling his fingers through his fringe, and decided now was a good time to check his phone.

And it was a text from his ex-boyfriend.

'Sean:  Maybe one of these days I can convince you to come over for dinner. '

Hmm, Sean really must be dreaming, isn't he?

Louis decided he'd get back to that later because he can't deal with him tonight, his mood is the foulest it's ever been, and he just wanted to be alone. So this was nice, having this oasis from the chaos outside the bedroom. Away from it all for a minute.

But he wasn't entirely alone, Zayn's cat Jinx decided to come out from hiding and rubbed up against Louis' leg.

"What, huh?" Louis cooed, bending down to scratch him behind the ear. "I don't have anything for you."

Jinx was about four years old and loveable little fellow. Spoiled rotten with all the toys and treats Zayn bought for him.

But he got it.

You see, a few years ago  Zayn had been devastated when his other cat, Oakley, had passed on due to kidney failure. Liam being the wonderful soul he is, had surprised his boyfriend with a new cat to cheer him up that he'd adopted. It was so sweet and heartwarming, that Louis almost teared up himself when Zayn cried.

Jinx was Zayn's baby and has been ever since.

Louis continued to pet the cat until the bedroom door abruptly swung open and Jinx sped off to hid under the bed. Then when Louis moved to stand straight, he could feel himself almost choking on air. Ellie was right there with the door shut behind her, arms crossed and her expression steely.

This couldn't be good.

"I've been meaning to get you alone all night," Ellie said frigidly, taking steps closer toward Louis. "Now that I do, you're going to listen to what I have to say."

Louis stands there quietly when Ellie slowed to a stop mere inches away, her demeanor is nothing but hostile. Something in his gut was telling him to leave before it gets worse, but he can't seem to move. Not only that but he was sick and tired of being pushed around, whatever she spit at him, he could take it.

"You know, Harry had always wanted us to be friends and pretend that things are fine," Ellie griped. "But I'd rather drive my car off the cliff than be mates with someone whose pathetically in love with my boyfriend. "

"You don't-" Louis was about to snap back, but Ellie started to talk again.

"You're a mess, Louis. First, you have feelings for my boyfriend, and then you go off and meet up with Sean." Ellie sneered. Louis was baffled, how does she know about that? "But then again maybe you deserve to be with that cheating scumbag because let's face it, no one will ever truly love you."

Louis frowned, those words affected him no matter how much he didn't want them too.  Seeping right into his heart and it was awful. Because maybe she's right, that no one will ever fall in love with him because something's wrong with him. He's already lost love twice, and he's almost afraid to give his heart to someone else.

"I bet the only reason he wants you around is because you're easy." Ellie knew nothing about his ex-boyfriend, nothing!  It was starting to make Louis feel so fucking livid, it was one thing to get bothered that Louis had feelings for Harry, but it's another when it had to do with something she had no business putting her nose in. "I still can't believe he wasted five years of his life being with you, no wonder he whored around."

He didn't understand... how does she know? Louis hadn't told anyone he'd been with Sean other than his mum. Who obviously didn't say anything to Anne because Harry would have raised hell. Not only that but he's sure none of his friends told Ellie about Sean either because it was such a taboo topic after they'd broken up.

"What a lucky bastard he was for never getting the chance to ask you to marry him or that would've been a huge mess in the end."

That crossed the fucking line, Louis didn't want to hear any more of this bullshit coming out of her mouth. He was so angry that his insides were just boiling and quivering, he was done. So fucking over her malicious words because she needed to be put in her damn place.

"Fuck off, you know nothing about him!" Louis snapped, finally finding his voice.

Ellie's mouth pursed into a smirk, her gaze was searing, and proved she knew too much. "Bluevelvet told me more than enough."

Louis stiffened and felt like his heart stopped beating, she knew. Ellie found his blog and seen everything, his ex boyfriend hanging around and his unrequited feelings for Harry. That he had revealed Harry and him used to hook up... oh fuck

He was screwed, so fucking screwed.

"What's the matter, Louis? You look a little pale." Ellie sounded so proud of herself it was sickening. "Was I not supposed to know about your Tumblr blog?"

"No." Louis whispered, his lip bottom lip trembling.

"Maybe you should've been more careful if you didn't want me to find out, which unfortunately for you I did, months ago," Ellie explained, squinting her eyes. "I'm sure you've seen my little messages I've sent you."

So that's whose M was.

How come he never picked up on that correlation? It was blatantly there in his face everytime M- Ellie had sent him hate. He almost mad at himself for never figuring this out.

Never in a million years had he thought it'd been her though... he thought it was a safe space.

Apparently, he'd gotten it all wrong.

"But I promise I won't tell Harry about your dirty little secret on two conditions," Ellie threatened, Louis could feel his heart in his stomach already. "One, " Ellie said pausing to hold up her index finger "You are to stay away from my boyfriend." Then she held up her middle finger. " Secondly, you're to move back to Doncaster by the end of the week and never come back."

No. Absolutely not.

Ellie may have the upper hand, but Louis was sick of her beligernt commands. At this point fuck it, if Harry thinks for a moment anything she tells him is real, then he's not a true friend.

And you know what?

Ellie can go fuck herself.

"No." Louis wasn't going to back down, no matter how much she kicked and screamed about it. "You're not going to stand there, and fucking blackmail me because you're insecure."

Ellie snarled. "Take it back."

Louis shook his head, never. "Go to hell."

"You think you can defy me? When I have all the power in my hands to break that precious friendship of yours." Ellie seethed, taking a step closer. "I can make him resent you, just like that." she snapped her fingers. "All  I've got to do is lie to him and say you'd stolen from my purse or better yet, put a hand on me."

Louis would never! It just goes to show how low she'd go to get what she wanted and it was disturbing.

"He'd never believe you," Louis argued back, hearing a light thump against the door. But paying no mind to that because Ellie was standing much closer than he'd like and it made him want to shrink back into the corner of the wall. "He knows me better than that."

"You wanna make a bet? Harry always listens to me because he knows I'm always right." Ellie barked back at him, her nostrils flaring. "I can't wait for the day he realizes just how much he hates you."

That was vile, absolutely sick.

"You're a horrible person," Louis shot back. "I don't know what he sees in you, you're so fucking toxic."

"If I'm so terrible then why didn't he say no to me when I asked if we could move away from here? Away from you?" Ellie shouted, "The moment you're gone out of our lives it'll be the best day ever, and I can't wait for that."

Louis snarled, how can she be so malevolent and not feel bad about it?

Seriously?

"Because I can't stand you and-" Ellie was mid-yell when the bedroom door abruptly swung open, hitting against the door roughly. Not even finishing what she had to say because Harry came storming in.

In that moment Louis had wondered what all did his mate hear because he looked furious.

"Louis, can you give me and Ellie a moment, please?" His eyes never left his girlfriend, and you could hear the vexation in his voice.

Ellie had long softened her expression on her face, but Louis didn't stick around for whatever else she'd tried to do to make things seem different. Stepping out of the room and shutting the door behind him. Heat inched to his cheeks when he noticed a few people staring, but he couldn't focus on that when he hears Harry and Ellie arguing all of a sudden.

Louis shouldn't eavesdrop, it's not his place anyway, but fuck it. This night couldn't get any worse, could it?

"Louis' my best mate, Ellie!" Harry shouted. "How can you say those terrible things to him?"

"Because everything I said was true" She snapped back, Louis flicked his gaze down to his feet. "I only put up with him for you."

"Why?" Harry asked sharply.

"Because I love you."

"No, I wanna know why you thought it was okay to yell those horrid things to him."

Then there was a brief silence, and Louis could feel like he almost couldn't breathe. Ellie better not tell him or else Louis would run for the hills.

"I hate him."

That was such a strongword, not even himself would say he felt that way towards her. Maybe a strong dislike, but never anything more than that.

It honestly stung a little bit.

"I don't think this going to work," Harry responded, and Louis gnawed on his lip, his heart palpitating because he has no idea what this means.

"What do you mean this won't work?" Ellie question, sounding very bemused.

"This... us, if you're going to treat my mates like shit behind my back, then I don't wanna be with you."

Louis' breath hitched, well that certainly wasn't what he'd expected.

Ellie had to be seething on the inside and Louis could just see her face now. Her eyes narrowed and arms crossed. He's just glad he' not in the middle of the Harry and Ellie rift that's happening on the other side of this door.

"You can't be serious, you wanna break up with me because of him?"

Karma was finally kicking her in the arse, and it was sweet.

"I've known Louis my whole life, and I'm not going to stand around and let you belittle him anymore. He's important to me."

Ellie scoffed, probably seeing red right about now. "Should've guess you'd say something like that, after what happened on Valentine's day."

Actually, what even happened? Louis would love to know.

"You're still holding that over my head? Really?" Harry snarked. "I already said I was sorry."

"Like that means anything, because I should have always known you'd choose him over me any day."

There was a brief pause of silence and Louis wasn't sure what was going to happen, but something in his mind was yelling at him to step away. Telling him to stop listening to something that wasn't meant to be shared. But Louis fought it off for now because he wanted to know what was happening.

Fuck his moral conscience.

"I don't know why though, he isn't anything worth fighting for."

"We're done." Harry snapped, making Louis' heart stall because this was tense and he wasn't even in the room. You could just feel it seeping through the crack at the bottom of the door, and it was hefty.  "You can forget about us living together because I don't wanna be with you anymore."

Ellie let out this bellow of a growl and Louis didn't want any part of that, taking a few steps away. Almost afraid she'll push him out of the way if she had to.

It was then the door swooshed open, and Ellie decided right now was a good time to cause a scene when she glared at Louis and hissed: "I hope you're happy with yourself."

Louis felt heat inch up to his cheeks when he felt all eyes on him, and the party suddenly had gotten very quiet. Ellie then stomped away and all Louis heard in a matter of a seconds was the door slamming almost off the hinges.

Oh, that was... that was something.

"Who's up for some karaoke?" Liam broke the quietness, looking panicked as he motioned towards his couch. "Person with the most applause gets a tenner!"

"And an extra piece of cake." Zayn added with a promising smile.

"Now who's up for it?"

Eventually, Liam managed to coax everyone's attention away from the break up that just happened, thank god.

Suddenly, Louis felt fingers curl around his wrist, glancing beside him, and noticing Harry had this unreadable expression across his face. Then before Louis knew it he was being led into the bedroom, his stomach was a fluttery mess because he had no idea what he was walking into.

But then they're in the center of the room, and Louis' wrist was let go.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Harry asked cautiously, his eyes looked sadden. Louis wondered if this had to do with losing his girlfriend or if this was about him.

Louis gnawed on his lip when he glanced down to his feet for a moment, his heartfelt guilt-ridden because he never had it in him to say it to Harry.

But, now that it was over, he wasn't chary of it.

He steadily glanced back up at his friend and muttered, "Because she made you happy."

The corners of Harry's lips slid downward. " I'm sorry I never noticed it before, I would've ended it a lot sooner."

And Harry sounded sincere about that, and it made a flicker of warmth in his heart.

"Everything she said about you from the moment I heard her yelling, I feel so bad. None of what she said was true, I'd never hate you." Harry admitted, sounding absolutely remorseful. "I don't know what I'd do if you weren't in my life anymore."

Louis wished he could tell Harry everything, but he couldn't.

"I just hope you don't feel like any of this was your fault, because it wasn't. No matter what she said about it, it was on her." Harry solaced, his hand back on Louis' wrist gently. "I just hope you find it in your heart to forgive me for putting you through all that."

Of course, Louis didn't blame Harry for any of that chaos, it's not like he knew and turned a blind eye on it for the past few years. It wasn't blameworthy.

"Harry... It's fine, we're fine." Louis crooned, trying to muster up a smile to show they were fine.

"Okay." Harry whispered, the dolefulness in his eyes slowly faded away.

They lapsed into a silence for a moment, and Louis felt for once maybe thing will start to feel okay.

Then Harry's pulling him into hug and Louis wrapped his arms tightly around him, nestling his face into the crook of his neck. Burying his smile against his skin when Harry gives him a squeeze and a gentle kiss pressed to the side of the head.

It's moments like these that Louis wanted to stay here forever in his arms.

The hug seemed to linger for a moment before Harry pulled away and asked, "I know I can't make it up to you after everything, but I'll do whatever it takes to make things better again."

Louis had a glimmer of hope that Harry would keep his vow.

"Don't let me down, Harold." Louis said with a hint of lightheartedness in it.

"I won't."

"Good."

Harry licked his lips, "So I guess that means you're stuck with me for the rest of the night then?"

"I mean if you want." Louis tried to suppress the grin wanting to show through, but he just felt so content. He was going to have his best mate back.

Harry beamed, moving to wrap his arm around Louis' shoulder. "I do," He avowed, already leading Louis towards the bedroom door. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Louis couldn't help but let his heart flutter at those words because they meant so much to him.

And you know what?

Maybe the future won't be so bad after all.

_________________________

Sean isn't going away anytime soon, he plays a significant role in this fic...