It's the end of Louis' shift, on a Tuesday evening, and he was exhausted. Ready to go home and have a nice long soak in the shower to wash away the odious coffee stench that lingered on his skin. Then nestle under the covers and spend his night indulged with Tumblr, finally logging back on now that it was a week into May.

And boy, did he have a lot of shit to tell his followers, if they hadn't abandoned him, yet that is.

Louis will admit, having a bit of a hiatus from his top-secret online life was nice, and he actually had went out more. Not that he had a problem being a social butterfly, thank you very much. But, he'd been spending more time outside his bedroom walls, and that's saying something after these past few years.

But, he couldn't wait to cry about his life again to his most loyal followers.

When Louis steps out of the coffee house, normally he'd already be on his way down the pavement. Popping in his earbuds and enjoying the flow of the tunes in his ear as he'd meander home. Yet, he hadn't even made it past the first streetlight that was literally right outside the damn shop because apparently, Sean wanted to be the bane of his existence.

Leaning against his car, tapping away at his phone, and dressed in a snazzy navy blue suit. Louis insides were fucking scorching. He loved a man in his best dress, and it was like his ex-boyfriend was trying to make him weak in the knees on damn purpose. Fuck him, and stupidly handsome face. His fit body and those tattoos hidden under all those clothes. Louis thinks it's absurd that Sean thinks this was okay, being here.

And it's ridiculous that he was nearly drooling at the mouth over Sean.

Louis needs to know why in the hell he thinks it's okay to be here and not off somewhere else. Making someone else's life complicated because Sean aspired to be a classy bastard today. Because clearly Louis never recalled telling his ex-boyfriend when he'd gotten off his shift nor did they make any plans. Hey've texted off and on through the greater part of the morning and Louis only told Sean he was at work until midday. Mid fucking day and that could've been any time.

So it was a bit weird that he was here, honestly.

He made his way over and stood in front of Sean. Sean smelt like he doused himself in his cologne. Whatever happened to the use sparingly rule? Apparently, that didn't apply to barrister? He smelt good, don't get Louis wrong he appreciated the muskiness that had hints of amber and sycamore. It was just a bit overpowering.

"So either your stalking me or you suddenly have gotten psychic abilities and knew I was getting off work." Louis finally spoke up, crossing his arms.

The corners of Sean's lips slowly slid upward and pocketed his phone. His eyes on Louis as he pushes himself away from his car, taking a few steps closer. Standing awfully close... a little too close. Louis felt suffocated.

"Even after a day of dealing with entitled customers, you still manage to be a smartass." Sean tittered, his eyes searching Louis face for a moment. "You said you'd be off in a few hours, remember?"

But that still didn't explain why he was here now?

"And you decided to wait it out like a creeper hoping to see the person of choice?"

Sean smirked, "Well if you put it like that, you may want to call the police because I'm pretty sure I'm about to kidnap you for the rest of the night."

"Is that so?" Louis wondered in what world Sean thinks it's okay to swoop in and infringe on his off time. All he wanted to do was go home and relax, not surround himself with someone that makes have irrational decisions.

"I mean, I hope so," Sean licked his lips, reaching over to fix Louis' collar of his shirt, making him flinch a little at the contact. There's a shadow of a grin dancing on his lips, and Louis wanted to hate everything about it. "I wanna spend some time with you, babe."

Of course, he did. Fuck Louis' life.

"I thought we could go for a nice dinner and maybe head off to a pub afterwards for a few drinks."

"But I'm still in uniform," Louis wasn't sure if he was up for all that, especially with Sean. "And I reek of coffee."

Louis wasn't about to so somewhere nice and smell up the place. Nor did he want to even be caught dead in these duds since Sean mentioned something about a nice dinner. So that meant dressing up, and that Louis needed to change. If he went, that is.

Yet, Sean wasn't giving up so easily.

"I've gotten an extra shirt in my gym bag," Sean said nonchalantly, like it's no big deal that he's offering up a piece of his clothing. "I swear its clean, but it might be a bit loose."

"Are you sure about that?" Louis wasn't to set on the idea, it probably smelled like him. He's not too sure how he feels about parading around Liverpool in a shirt that belonged to the man in front of him. "I mean you wear it to work out, it probably has a permanent stench to it."

Sean laughed and shook his head, like he heard the funniest thing in the world. "Actually, it's my post workout shirt.."

Well, that still didn't make Louis feel any more hesitant to even put it on in the first place.

"I promise it smells good," Sean explained, but Louis just stared at him questioningly. The corners of Sean's lips slid upward and turned around, opening the door to the backseat.

Louis just stood there silently, wondering why his ex-boyfriend was trying so hard for this. Can't he get the feeling that maybe Louis wanted to spend his night doing things that didn't involve him? Or you know have a night on the town on a fucking Monday?

Hopefully, Sean didn't plan to keep him out until wee hours in the early morning.

Then Sean's back in front and handing him a black shirt, and Louis carefully took it and brought it to his nose. You know to inspect it. Ugh, of course, it smelled good, it was reminiscent of that fresh scented body wash Sean used when they were together, all through their relationship. Louis remembered it was the favorite part of his day whenever they had spent the night together, and Sean took his late night shower. Louis always loved the way he smelled.

What was Sean trying to do to him?

"Well, you're definitely not lying. but where am I supposed to change?"

"I was thinking I could drive and you could use the backseat to dress."

Louis just blinked, not entirely sure about how he felt about stripping down in the small cabin of the car. For one it'd be a pain in the arse trying to make himself look decent for the world. Lastly, he'd be almost naked for fuck sake. Anyone whizzing past them down the bustling street may get the wrong idea.

But Sean thought nothing of it, apparently.

"It's not a big deal, I've seen all of you before," Sean added like it'd help push Louis into doing it.

Louis sighed, his eyes drifted down to the soft shirt in his hand, would it seriously kill him to go out just this once with Sean? It wouldn't be a date just them hanging out. They were on the road to becoming friends anyway, and maybe this would get his ex-boyfriends fill and wouldn't pester him about it for a while.

He had hoped so.

"As long as I'm home by midnight, then you've got me for the night.

By the time they're on the road to whatever restaurant Sean had in mind ( he wouldn't tell Louis) it was a nightmare trying to change in the backseat. For starters, there wasn't much arm room, to begin with, and he tried to avoid the rearview mirror as best as he could, not wanting to give his ex-boyfriend a show. Not that he's been in the buff with Sean before, it's just been a long time. But on the bright side of things, the car was warm, and the shirt he slipped into was comfortably spacey.

Louis ended up folding his work shirt and setting it off to the side, hoping he wouldn't forget it later.

A little while later, Sean and Louis found themselves at San Carlo, where Sean had supposedly made a reservation for them. So, he banked on the fact Louis would've said yes about coming then. Louis simply said nothing on it though, just happy to get some food into his stomach.

When they were seated at their table, they ordered their drinks, and looked over the menu. Louis wasn't sure what he was up for, but everything sounded so delicious to him. Even the Risotto Lobster sounded good. He doesn't like seafood.

"You can get whatever you want, Lou," Sean casually mentioned like it was no big deal. "I've got the bill."

He wondered what sounded best, especially for free. A part of him felt the slightest bit guilty with all this money Sean had wasted on him ever since he'd came walking back into his life. He felt like he owed the man something, but he sure wasn't what to do. That's if Sean doesn't keep rejecting his offerings that is.

Sooner or later, he knows he'll give in and do something for him whether Sean liked it or not.

Louis skimmed through the menu, feeling eyes on him for a moment, and he swallowed. Deciding he'd get the Pollo Sorpresa because that sounded absolutely fucking amazing, and he didn't feel the slightest bit guilty about it when he told the waitress when she'd came back with their drinks. Sean ended up getting one of the more expensive things (Dolcelatte) and a bottle of Sassicaia. Louis was almost afraid to know the total... that wine just sounded expensive.

"I thought you wanted to go for drinks after dinner?" Louis questioned when they were finally alone, bringing his glass of ice water to his lips. "Are you having a pre-happy hour because I'm pretty sure that isn't a thing. "

Sean smirked, resting his elbows against the tabletop, leaning forward a little. "I mean, I'll only have one glass, and have it recorked for later."

Hopefully, that was the case because he wasn't sure how he felt about Sean being intoxicated from indulging too much.

"Save it for when you finally decide to come over and see my place." Sean added, sounding ever so hopeful about that. Louis wasn't sure if he'd ever be up to go over to his flat where it'd be just the two of them.

"Maybe." Louis muttered out, knowing it was bold face lie, but Sean wouldn't have known any better.

It fell silent between them, and Louis hoped their food would arrive sooner rather than later. He's not too sure how much more he could take of the quietness in the air they were sharing.

But then Sean had this warmth in his eyes and a trace of a smile on his lips, before he finally said thoughtfully, "Do you remember when we first met at that party back in uni, and you were kind of mad that you'd been ditched?"

Louis scoffed, "Of course I do, how could I forget about Niall and Harry leaving me high and dry because they got busy with the nights guest list."

"I still can't believe no one chatted you up before I got to you, you were the prettiest boy there."

Louis felt heat inching to his cheeks, he should've known Sean would've mentioned something like that. Him and his damn compliments. He was so fucked.

"Mm, I'm pretty sure Matty tried to get into my pants first." Louis cringed at the memory, it was unfortunate that man was mates with his boyfriend at the time. "And still tried, even after the fact."

Sean licked his lips, reaching to grab his glass of water, bringing to his lips to swallow some down. "Funny thing is, I haven't heard from Matt in years. Not since uni, didn't really like the fact that he'd stare at your bum whenever you were with us."

Louis was glad that Matty had gotten busy with his life post uni and never seen him again. Apparently packed his shit and went north, going to live with his girlfriend he met online. They had been together for a year, and Sean never asked Louis to move in together.

And they were together for five.

"But I'm happy I was the one who snagged you up instead and yet, I felt like the biggest tool for not realizing how good I had it," Sean commented, his expression soft. "You were the best thing that had ever happened to me, and I should've treated you better."

Louis gnawed on the inside of his cheek, trying his hardest not to think about the past. Not to bring up old memories of them, the good and the bad. He wasn't going to let Sean do this to him. Not this time.

"You deserved better," Sean crooned, he sounded sincere, and Louis believed him. "But you know, I can sit here and dwell on the fact on how much I messed up, but nothing will ever replace all those good times we had together."

Sean wasn't wrong, they had many wonderful moments together. From all those times Louis spent the night in his boyfriend's dorm before he dropped out, leaving his nearly vacant. To that little tradition, they had where Sean would accompany Louis back home on Christmas Eve to spend time with family every year to celebrate Louis' birthday. Catching up with family, having a hot meal and getting scolded by Jay because they wouldn't stop being disgustingly affectionate. Sean staying until Midnight and texting him when he got home to tell him he made it all in one piece.

Louis remembered that first Christmas holiday they had spent together, he knew he was slowly falling in love with Sean.

"I still think about that night after I had graduated uni with my law degree, you attempted to make a celebratory dinner," Sean started to tell, there's a hint of delight in his eyes. "You nearly burnt down the kitchen because you wanted to try some of those indoor grilling hacks you seen online."

"Hey, they made it look easy." Louis pouted, thinking back to that night, they'd been dating for well over a year. Thinking it was such a fucking brilliant idea to put a damn squash on the grates of the stovetop. It ended up being a charred, flaky mess. The tongs breaking into skin and juices were coming out. The smoke alarm went off, and squash was on fire. Louis never had been more stressed in his life!

Thankfully Sean stepped in and turned the burner off, telling Louis they could just get takeaway instead.

He had been banned from using the stove since.

Sean laughed, "But you nearly smoked us out, babe."

Louis crossed his arms, pouting. It wasn't his fault those hacks were shitty suggestions. At least he attempted to do something nice for his man. It was the thought that counts, right?

"But nonetheless I appreciated it, but I'm just glad you didn't you didn't burn yourself in the process. The thought of you being in hospital all night because of at home grilling experiment gone wrong wasn't exactly how I wanted that night to end up."

"Yeah... I haven't tried any of those life saving hacks again. Facebook videos are the worst."

Sean smiled, about to open his mouth until their dinner was served and Sean had been served his glass of that outrageously expensive wine. It probably costed more than his rent. He was sure of it.

It was a comfortable silence, where they dug into their food and sipped on their drinks for a bit. Fucking hell, his chicken was delicious, nearly moaning at the buttery garlic flavor. Even Sean's dish smelt amazing and wanted to sample it too. But they weren't dating, and they definitely don't do that anymore: stealing bites from each others plate.

Louis didn't want to admit it at first, but he was actually having a lovely time. Sitting here with Sean at dinner, reminiscing about old memories, and thinking about how good things used to be. It's heartbreaking at the same time, because even with those nice moments and sweet words, Sean still slept around. Gave Louis an STI near the end of their relationship, and slept with a good number of men. There's no forgetting any of that.

But, Louis wanted to forgive Sean, because he's been trying so hard to make things good between them. To be mates. The trust still needed to be built back, it'd never be one hundred percent again, but it's progress.

And it's not a lie that it makes him feel a little happy inside that Sean's doing his best.

"Do you remember that time when we stayed over at your mum's for a few days. It was summer, I believe. " Sean brought up suddenly, breaking the silence between them. Cutting a piece of his steak with his knife. "Jay kept getting after us because some mister someone wanted to be all over me during family films in the living room before bed."

Louis felt heat coloring his cheeks at the distant memory. He wanted affection, okay? Louis wanted to sit in his boyfriend lap, have hands on him, and share some sweet kisses. He was so damn in love with Sean then, but Jay wasn't up to see her son have his neck mauled. Telling them to behave or send them knowing looks. Giving them loose threats to keep their hands to themselves or else they'd have to sleep in separate rooms. Giving them a lecture after Lottie and Fizzy had gone to bed, that she knows their adults and could do as they please, but it was her house, and she didn't want to see it.

And they may have had a few good scoldings through the years for Sean's hand finding its way to his bum or whenever they'd start snogging when they weren't necessarily alone. (Louis liked to kiss his boyfriend during a cuddle on the couch, okay?) Then there were those stares Jay gave them that whenever there were fresh dark purple marks littered along Louis' throat the next morning that definitely weren't there last night. The no funny business rule Jay had made that rule that never had been enforced... oops?

Jay never said anything about it though, only just the stuff she witnessed with her own two eyes.

"I mean... you could've told me to hold off until bed." Louis smirked, popping a piece of chicken into his mouth and swallowed it down. "I wasn't that obsessed with you."

Sean wiped his mouth with the napkin before taking a sip of his wine. "I seem to remember differently, babe." He sounded so damn smug, and Louis felt like his insides were slowly incinerating. "The moment we had the sofa to ourselves after the girls and Jay went to bed, you were on my lap."

Louis' face felt hot, Sean needed to fucking stop right there. He knew where this was leading to, they both knew what happened, and they didn't need to retell the tale of it.

But Sean wanted to bring up those old intimate moments over dinner because he wanted to be an ass.

"You wouldn't stop nibbling and kissing at my neck, nearly begging me to take you there," Sean added, and Louis wanted to catch fire. Was it really necessary to share that? They were at dinner! Not in the comfort of being alone. It was like his ex-boyfriend was wanting people to know about their past sex life. "So, my opinion still stands."

"I did not." Louis lied, flicking his gaze down towards his plate, trying to bite back his grin.

Okay, so maybe Louis wanted to get a little frisky with his boyfriend at the time on his mother's couch, sue him. The living room was basically dark other than the telly screen illuminating their faces, and they were the only ones awake. Louis wanted kisses everywhere and fingers in certain places. But, they didn't do anything other than kiss passionately until Sean carried him back to Louis' childhood bedroom. Kicking the door shut, hitting the lock, and losing their clothes somewhere in the middle of all that.

Louis couldn't help but flush at the memory, he's not sure how he's going to make it through the rest of supper at this rate.

"But that was such a minuscule part of our past that we have many more of. Just like when we had our first anniversary, we started that indoor picnic tradition for the coming years. You were adamant for us to wear shorts in October."

Louis glanced back up at Sean from across the table, the corners of his mouth finally turned up at those faint recollections. They kept up with the picnic date night up until their very last one and even though it didn't fit the season they made it work. All they needed was a blanket, basket of finger foods, and candles to set the mood. It was simple and cosy. Top it off with a corny rom-com film and romantic bubble bath together in the end, it was their thing. Theirs. Something Louis thought they'd keep, something that would be forever.

A flicker of warmth diffused in his chest at the thought of it all.

He used to be so buoyant about the future and wondering where he'd end up. Knowing that no matter what, he wanted to spend his life with the man in front of him, he was Louis' everything.

Sean made him happy.

And it frightens him a little that he remembers this feeling, the increasing pulse and safeness he felt slowly latching onto every bit of his chest. Louis's mind was screaming at him to run as fast a he could and never look back, and yet, he didn't want to go.

For all one knows, he was starting to worry for nothing and reading too much into It. This. Whatever was happening here.

Because maybe this was a false alarm...

"We literally did a summer activity in autumn, don't blame me for following the rules." Louis said waggishly then taking a sip of his water. Watching Sean over the rim of his glass and noticing the fond written around his eyes and that dashing crooked smile. His heart was definitely not pounding up against his chest faster than usual. He was fine, they were fine.

None of this, whatever the hell was happening inside Louis had meant anything, and he certainly didn't need to explain himself.

Because it was all strictly platonic.

"And I always let you talk me into it, even though I'm pretty sure it was all an excuse to have a cuddle."

Okay, so maybe part ( a very small part) of the reason they wore shorts for the picnics was more than the theme itself. Don't blame Louis though, the flat was usually a bit chilly, and Sean's body was like a beacon of heat, so why the hell not?

"But I'd do anything for you." Sean added, more subdued. Hs expression soft and Louis' fighting away his grin, knowing his ex-boyfriend wasn't lying.

Sean had always been supportive and did whatever it took to make Louis smile. To show him he cared enough. They made Fridays their date nights and early Saturday mornings under the covers in each other arms, beating the coolness in the air because he knew Louis was cold. That Louis needed him there. Even when things started to get bad, when Sean would have other plans that night, or he was too busy to the point he'd tell Louis he couldn't make it. Where Louis was sitting around waiting with their takeaway, he ordered for dinner going cold and trying to get ahold of Sean through the night but never getting an answer. Sean's phone had been off or went straight to voice message. Louis was so naive then, but when Sean crawled into his bed at five in the morning most of those times it happened (because he had a spare key Louis gave him) and kissed Louis on the shoulder, muttering out that he'd loved him and that Saturday could be his.

Sean gave him everything, but loyalty.

Silence settled between them and Louis went back to finish off his dinner. Which was still absolutely fucking scrumptious even if it was nearly room-temp. His mind on all those good memories and how much he wanted to slide his chair next to Sean's and lean into him.

It's fucking alarming that he was almost yearning for it, to feel close to the man that once had his heart. To fill that phantom void in his heart that was suddenly there. Louis wanted to slap himself round the head for allowing these faint feelings of longing to feel Sean's touch. It almost makes him want to burst into tears because it's so damn frustrating he feels this way.

They needed to put the past in a grave and bury it. Move on and talk about things in the present because it was fucking with Louis' head.

He hoped these weird feelings playing tricks on his mind would fizzle away.

It was a sigh of relief when Sean had finally spoken up and decided to talk about his job. Which made Louis feel more at ease now that they'd dropped those nostalgic former times.

If Louis used his brain, after they left the restaurant, he would've told Sean he was too knackered to go off and drink. But of course, that stupidly charming smile his ex-boyfriend had and that twinkle of hope in his eyes when they were back in the warm cabin of the car, Louis couldn't deny him.

The pub they ended up going to was more on outskirts of the city by the seaside, one that Louis maybe had been to a handful of times since he'd lived here. It wasn't crowded given that it was a weeknight and the sun had went down minutes ago. So finding a spot at the bar that wasn't over pouring with drunks wanting another pint was nice. Ordering a lite beer and Sean telling him he's gotten the tab was another small bonus. Noticing Sean had gotten a Shirley temple and Louis wondered if he'd get pissed later with that bottle of wine he had, lounging on a chaise lounge in nothing but cashmere bottoms, wondering what to waste his money on next.

Louis tried to not let the thought soak too much into his brain when he swallows down the beer that was in front of him. Nor the look Sean was giving him when he's there so close to him, and he nearly twitched all over when there's a hand on the small of his back.

And it didn't move.

"So, you having a nice time so far?" Sean asked, bringing his glass to his lips with his free hand. "I promise, next time we'll do something a bit more exciting."

Next time?

"How so?" Louis was curious to know what in the hell Sean thought would be more interesting for them? It's supposed to be casual, right?

Sean had a hint of a smile on his lips, leaning in a little more, and Louis wanted to bury his nose into his neck. He smelled so fucking good and him just being even closer than he had been all night had Louis' wanting more.

But he didn't act on it, because he won't let himself.

"I could take you on the Floating Grace, it's a sight to see." Sean wanted to take him on a dinner cruise, of fucking course. " Maybe even go to a concert, VIP style."

Hmm, that all sounded very tempting and Louis had a feeling he'd be tagging along for free. Sean wasn't afraid to spend money on him, and Louis wondered if he did for anyone else?

"That'd be nice." Louis murmured out, already mentally preparing himself for that night in the coming future.

"Then maybe afterwards we could go to my place."

Oh no, no, no, no, no.

That can't happen, especially after doing stuff like that. He knew Sean had been trying his best to get him to come over for weeks, but that's for dinner. This implies something else, either a nightcap or having Louis over for the night. Which either one meant him leaving early in the morning being filled with shame on, wondering why he let himself stay.

And Louis knows if that happened, he may never want to leave Sean's bed.

"Yeah." Louis said in a near whisper, gulping down more of his beer, hoping his buzz would come sooner rather than later. He needed to stop thinking so much.

A breathy gasp fell from his lips when the hand on him started to slowly rub against his back. It was loud enough in the pub to cover it, but Louis was certain Sean knew how much it was affecting him. He wasn't stopping, his palm tender and tentative.

It'd been forever since Sean had touched him like this.

Louis stared at his ex-boyfriend, noticing the twinkle in his eyes, and his lips stretched to a smile. The way Sean looked at him was familiar, Louis knew what the man was thinking, it'd been years since he seen it. The way Sean leans in a little closer and his hand sliding down lower until it rests right above his arse. Louis' heart was banging up against his chest.

And then his face inches closer and Louis felt like he couldn't breathe. His eyes fluttering closed, he had so many mixed feelings about this... the-

But then there was warm breath fanning against his ear and scratchiness against his cheek. "Or we could go after here, you know... back to mine."

Louis' ears felt hot when Sean pulls his face away just enough to stare at him. Pupils blown wide and licking his lips. The hand on him felt possessive on him, he could feel fingers toying with the hem of his shirt. Like Sean was itching to slide his fingers under his trousers and feel him. It was one hundred percent mind numbing.

"If you want?" Sean inquired, with a crooked smile.

Louis opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. He can't seem to find his voice, not when Sean's eyes were intense and searching his face. Louis is confident they fell on his lips every so more often than not.

The moment hung between them, quiet and still. Like, Louis had been pushed up against a wall and forced to answer. But he can't even think properly, and he knows he's being uncharacteristically quiet, but, he doesn't know what to do.

One side of his mind is screaming at home to pull away from Sean's intimate touch and tell him whatever was going on here needed to stop ASAP. That maybe trying to be mates with an ex-boyfriend was a bad idea after all. But the other side of it, was nearly on its knees pleading Louis to go ahead. Begging him to give in and see where things go. He was stuck, and it 's so fucking arduous.

And this is when Louis realized he needed his mum's advice more than ever.

Sean looked at him expectantly, waiting for an answer, not even touching the rest of his drink that seemed to be long forgotten.

Why can't he say no? Why in the hell is it so hard to tell Sean they can't? Why?

Louis attempted to pry his mouth open once again, but the moment he felt fingers nudging their way under his top and on his skin, caressing ever so lightly along his backside, he was utterly speechless. Wordless. Just incapable of anything right now other than focusing on Sean's touch; Delicate and soft.

The way he used to-

"What in the hell is this!" A voice bellowed from behind, and Louis nearly fell off his fucking seat, the hand still there, and Louis' cheeks were coloring pink. He was sure Sean could feel him having a slight tremble that ran down his spine.

They were found out.

And by the sounds of that familiar husky voice behind him, this was going to be a mess.

Reluctantly, Louis turned a little in his spot, the hand finally fallen on his body, and his own resting against the bartop. Right there was Harry and Liam. Pints in their hands and shock written across their faces. This wasn't how he wanted to tell the or more less find out, but there's no more hiding it. He's having a beer with Sean. There was a hand on him, resting there like the old days, and he knows it looked bad. He knows what his mates were thinking, that Sean and him probably had gotten back together and he doesn't know where to start. How to even explain this sensitive situation carefully and not have them jumping to conclusions.

Louis felt like he was going to faint.

"I-" Louis tried to come up with something but fell short, he just sounded broken. Feeling scrutinized under Harry's hard green eyes and it was the worst feeling in the world.

Liam took a sip of his beer, and it was dead silent between the four of them, he could feel pressure against his knee, giving him a gentle squeeze. It did nothing for him, nothing. Because no matter how sweet of affection he was getting in this moment, it couldn't make up for the immense guilt he felt.

"Is this the reason why you been so secretive about the guy from uni? Because of him?" Harry sounded angry, rightfully so, after at all he was the one who spent days trying to bring the shine back into Louis' life.

Louis couldn't help but notice the disgust in his mates eyes when he snapped his gaze to Sean for a moment before fallen back in him. He felt so sick, he knew this was going to happen, the moment his mate found out. Harry hated Sean. That day Louis found Sean in bed with the other guy and went home in tears, after he hung up with his mum Harry had came home from a staff dinner, and he was there the moment he heard Louis sniveling from his bedroom. He held Louis close and wiped away his somber tears, murmuring sweet words to him. Saying that Sean doesn't deserve him. That he hated him for making Louis's heart hurt the way he did and never wanted to see his face again, or else he thinks he'd do something he'd regret.

And Harry's such a kind person, and when he gets like that, protective, he's gotten a bit of a cold streak. Especially when it came to family and friends.

So, Louis understands his frustrations.

"You didn't tell them, Lou?" Sean sounded a little disappointed, as if he expected Louis to tell the whole damn world.

His mouth just hung open, trying to get the words to spill from his mouth as his eyes darted between Harry and Sean. The room felt ten times hotter and stuffier, and Louis wanted to break free from this huddle and escape his problems. Ignore the questions and speculations, not having this gut wrenching feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Not even the encouraging smile Liam gave him before he took a sip of his beer could make him feel better.

Maybe he could use some fresh air, talk to Liam and Harry alone outside the pub for a bit and explain to them it's not what it seems. Hopeful that an argument doesn't ensure because Louis can't deal with that tonight.

He hated when Harry and him couldn't get along.

"Um... Can you give me a five minutes?" Louis asked Sean, hoping he understood the underlying reason as to why.

"Go ahead." Sean sounded like he granted Louis permission, and Louis wanted to burst into flames when he feels fingers sliding against his knee before they're gone. "I'll be here when you get back, Lou."

Harry glared at Sean, and it was hard, like he was waiting for the moment to strike.

Louis needed to get them separated, at a distance before one of them opens their mouth and makes this night into a chaotic mess.

He slid off his seat, grabbing the drink from his hand and setting it on the bar top, ignoring that confused expression etched across his face. Wrapping his fingers around Harry's wrist and leading him to the exit. Liam followed suit, at least he'd be the mediator of the situation, because god knows Harry won't.

Louis could just hear it already. I can't believe you're dating him again! He cheated on you!

And this was what he'd been dreading all along.

They eventually made it outside and stood next to the building where it was dimly lit, and vacant. Louis' heart was in his throat as he leaned against the wall, staring up at Harry, arms folded against his waist because he wasn't sure what to do with himself. Liam's just there, eyes flickering between them in the quiet moment.

Eventually finding his voice and hoping for the best.

"It's not what it looked like," Louis started, he's not entirely sure where to start, but it was a start. "We were just-"

"You were just what?" Harry spoke over him, not even letting Louis finish. He sounded angry. "On a date with Sean? Because it sure seemed like it."

Louis shook his head, no that was absolutely not what's going on here.

"Don't deny it, Louis. Clearly, you hid him for a reason."

"Harry, he's not... we're not together. I swear."

Harry scoffed, furrowing his brows. "He had his hands all over you back there, so I'm finding it very hard to believe you right now."

Louis swallowed the lump forming in the back of his throat, feeling a little helpless. Thumbing at the hem of his sleeves, not really sure what to say (the cat had really gotten his tongue tonight, huh?)

"Not to mention you smell like him," Harry added to his argument, and there was no denying any of this. Well, other than Sean and him being a couple, but he knows this looked very bad and making him out to be a massive liar. "I mean obviously that's his top you've gotten on."

Harry sounded so disgusted, and it made Louis' feel small, he hated this. He hated it so fucking much. This was why he didn't want to tell anyone, not until he felt ready.

But nothing ever goes right.

"Harry-" Liam started to intervene, thank fucking god. Maybe he could tell Louis felt defenseless, but Harry wasn't finished and continued to spout.

It's not like it wasn't expected...

"Of all the guys in the world, you go back to him. After everything he did and lied to you about, I can't fucking believe it." Harry shook his head, letting out a scoff. The corners of Louis' lips twitched downward, he really wished he'd been prepared for this. He wanted to tell Harry he's overreacting, but he just stayed silent. Maybe if Harry got whatever it was out of his system, then it'd be okay to tell him everything. "It just blows my mind that you're even with him when you know he would do it again."

Louis' heart throbbed at those biting words, it hurt. Harry knew how hard it was for him dealing with Sean's infidelities and was there when Louis cried over it. When Louis came back from his mum's after that hard few days, he told Harry everything Sean admitted to over of the phone. That the unfaithfulness was there from the beginning and there was someone else he kept around amongst the one night stands. Louis remembers telling Harry that his heart was even more broken.

Everything is silent between the trio, it lingers, and it's overwhelming. Louis wanted to push himself away from the tension and run home. Run back to Doncaster where he doesn't have to worry about ex-boyfriends or friends that were mad. Where he could go on with life peacefully with his family and maybe for once appreciate his mother trying to set him up, because even that sounded better than being scolded outside of a pub.

"We're just friends, that's it." Louis wanted Harry to believe him. " He lent me his shirt because mine was soiled, Harry." And that's the truth, he could even go ask Sean himself. "So please stop saying me and him are dating again when we aren't."

Harry sighed, seemingly not too pleased, but whatever. Louis wasn't going to stand here and let Harry keep spewing about things that aren't even remotely true.

"Still doesn't explain why he was touching you."

"It's obvious they're in a good place now, so maybe they're comfortable around one another?" Liam sounded unsure of himself as he darts his eyes to Louis who gave a small nod. Glad to have him here honestly, because he wouldn't have known what else to do. Harry's so up in arms over it, and he was sure at some point Harry would storm back into the pub and tell Sean off.

"I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want it to be a massive deal. H knows we're never getting back together." Louis told them, folding his arms against his waist. "Sean's changed, and he's proven that to me, he's not that sleazy party animal I used to be with. He's been good to me."

"See, they're mates now, water under the bridge." Liam declared, clasping Harry on the shoulder, offering him a smile. But that snarl written on Harry's face wasn't going away, and Louis' stomach had never felt so hollow.

"Whatever. " Harry griped, pulling away from Liam's touch and stormed off back into the pub, Liam and Louis stared at each other for a moment. Liam just shrugged, confused as Louis was about it, but they ended heading back inside and parting ways.

Liam had went to join Harry at one of the tables who looked perturbed, running his fingers through his curls. Louis almost wanted to go over there and keep explaining himself, but his feet lead him back to where was prior. Sean greeting him a fresh beer and offering Louis his blazer, well more so putting it around his shoulders, not really giving him a chance to protest. Feeling eyes burning on him and it made Louis so shaky, even when he glanced over his shoulder, and their Harry was alone glaring at them from across the room when Liam sets a beer down a beer in front of him.

Louis sighed as he turned back to the man beside him, it's not like he doesn't understand it. He does. Sean's been very attentive towards him lately and been sweet to him. But the thing is, back when they were together, that's how Sean was, always taking care of him. Not that he asked for it, but naturally Sean wanted to. So Harry needed to relax and have a drink of his beer, because maybe he was freaking out for no good reason.

For the rest of time at the pub, Louis had chatted with Sean and swallowed down his beer then trading it for water after the second. No way was he going to pissed tonight. He never would, not until he finally decides one day to give up and tell Harry how he feels. But that's so far fetched, and Louis was even sure if he told him, he'd be on the next train out of Liverpool.

But nonetheless, it was a decent time, despite the nervousness tingling in his bones when Sean's kept fucking touching him. Whether it was a brief hand on back or waist, the little squeeze on his thigh, and putting his hand on top of his whenever it rested on the bar. Louis could felt like they were being watched closely and he could feel it. Confirming his suspicious whenever he'd glance over his shoulder when it felt too much, lo and behold there was a steely look on Harry's face. Sipping on his third, fourth, or fifth beer (Louis' doesn't fucking know! He lost count a while ago) while Liam sat there texting beside him. What was even worse was when Harry stumbled between them at some point, making Sean pull his hand off Louis' thigh, and telling the barman he'd like another pint.

Looking down at Louis and giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze before his drink was served and he staggered off back to his table. Nearly spilling his drink all over some poor lad who bumped into him.

It was strange seeing his mate getting carried away with the alcohol. Watching the way he drains it down his throat like water. Quenching his thirst. Normally, Harry the designated driver or responsible friend making sure everyone got where they needed safely.

And you know what? The last time Louis had seen Harry even remotely intoxicated had been years. Not since that night they first moved to Liverpool. All three of them getting shit-faced drunk and ordering one too many pizzas that ended up being leftover for days. Giggling and laughing over stupid stuff. Excited about uni and officially being adults. Niall passed out by the toilet and Louis distinctly recalls falling asleep on top of Harry.

It's not what you think! They were just mates then, strictly platonic. So what if he was conked out while practically in Harry's lap that night on the sofa... nuzzling into him.. Shit, it wasn't even his fault! Louis was merely stumbling past the couch when Harry pulled him down by the waist and cuddled him. Saying stay with me and I love you so much, Lou. Smooshing a sloppy wet kiss on Louis' cheek and almost squeezing him to death. Louis remembers waking up that next morning in his bed, paracetamol and a glass of water on the nightstand.

Funny how things change over years, better or for worse. If Louis knew what was ahead of his future in Liverpool, he would've left. Stayed in Doncaster where he wouldn't be torn between two men that have so much baggage in his life. Probably still at home and working at some job that doesn't pay enough. He wouldn't have went through heartbreak twice and continuously have to deal with it.

Louis wished he could've been smarter.

When they decided to leave the pub, Louis was anxious to go home. Get away from the thick tension filled air and sleep off his weird thoughts pertaining to a particular person. But, the thing is, they never made it into the car because Sean caught him by the arm and stopped him.

Louis just stared up at him under the flickering puddle of yellow streetlight.

"So you never answered my question," Sean started, his voice velvety, and his grip gentle. Louis' heart was banging in against his chest, because he knew where this was leading to. "Did you wanna go back to mine?"

Louis felt like he had to choose, that a raincheck wouldn't be good enough.

But, he never got to dwell on his internal crisis because suddenly Harry and Liam were right there beside them.

"Hey Louis, mate, before you two head out, was wondering if you'd both want to go back to mine to have drinks? Niall and Zayn should be there." Liam offered, glancing at Louis and then to Sean. "Unless you've gotten other plans., we'd love to catch up with Sean."

Harry's brooding face said otherwise, but he was quiet. Hands stuffed into his jacket and just letting out little huffs. He smelt like alcohol.

Sean though, lighted up at invite and Louis was hesitant, not that he didn't want to hang out with his mates, it's just... he's not sure how Niall may react. Not only that, but Harry clearly isn't for the whole being friends things. So it was bound to be weird.

"Well I don't really have anything going on," Sean eyed Louis for a moment, before he stared at Liam. "I mean you don't have to feel obligated to invite me."

"Great! Then let's go." Harry finally piped up, pulling Liam by the arms, but his hand got swatted away. Pouting about it as he Giving Sean a hard stare, avoiding Louis' gaze altogether.

"You're more than welcome to come since you've seemed to redeem yourself with Lou, so why not." Liam replied, sounding almost hopeful that Louis' ex-boyfriend would tag along for even more drinks. Not that Louis had any suspicions about that, Liam and Sean always had gotten on quite well back in the day. In fact, Sean had been good with everyone, even Harry.

So, maybe if Sean does go, it won't be so bad, if Harry keeps his snarky comments and inebriation in order that is.

Sean's eyes were back on Louis and muttered, "If you want me to go, I'll go."

Louis nearly flinched when he felt abrupt pressure against the small of his back, almost shivering against the touch. It was Sean. He was going to make Louis fly to the moon if he keeps up with all these affectionate touches.

"Uh... Yeah," Louis murmurs, feeling the hand go slightly lower down his backside. Gulping at how suggestive it may look. "I don't mind."

A smile stretched across Sean's face. "So, I'll come then.." Louis was pretty sure Sean meant to say that to Liam, but his eyes were on him. Louis heart did not twitch when Sean's looked at his lips. Feeling like he was burning all over. Louis forced himself to break the gaze and focus on his mates who stared at them questioningly. Well more so Liam, Harry he was just scowling. Not that it came to any surprise.

"Thanks a lot, Liam." Harry mumbled, bitterly, turning on his heels and stalking away, well more so stumbling over his feet. Louis watched him go. Frown touching his lips because he knew this gathering at Zayn and Liam's flat was going to be a mix of emotions. Hopefully, Harry would be the only bad egg tonight.

And maybe his drinks would wear off toward the end so Louis could talk to him.

Liam sighed. "We'll see you, lads, there, drive safe!" Liam gave them both a little wave before he jogged off towards Harry, who was attempting to get into some strangers car that was similar to Liam's. Louis wanted to go over there and help Harry into Liam's vehicle, make sure he's fastened in and safe. But he's already being pulled away from the scene and the possessive hand on his back leading him towards Sean's shiny black car.

Louis hoped Liam would get there way before them and tell the news to Zayn and Niall. God, he'd hope so. He really didn't want to explain the entire situation again. It's tiring.

The drive to Liam and Zayn was pretty much a quiet one, other than when Louis told Sean the directions of course. Sean wanted to make sure they were still at the same flat, of course. Louis just mainly kept to himself, squeezing the blazer closer around him, feeling like he was wearing a months work of salary on his body. He wondered if Sean felt worried about it possibly getting stained or ruined.

Louis wondered if Sean let anyone else wear his designer clothes.

When they had gotten to Zayn and Liam's flat, Louis was sweating. He was so fucking nervous. Worried about what they were walking into, it could either go really bad or good.

But when they walk in and are greeted by a smiling Zayn, Louis felt a little better. A little cooler. Taking their jackets (Sean's blazer) and telling them to make themselves comfortable. Such a warming host. Niall also greeted them with the same affection, well he did for Louis. Sean was a whole different story, just gave him a curt nod before heading to the kitchen with a beer in his hand.

Louis tried not to like stare, but Harry was sitting on the loveseat, sternness written on his features, and scrolling through his phone. He looked so mad still, and it bothered Louis, especially when Harry finally glanced up for a beat of a second and shoots them a glare.

It stabbed into Louis' heart and was stuck there. Just a wound that won't be healed because Harry won't talk to him. He hadn't pulled Louis aside at all, not since he stormed off the first time, other than that little touch he gave him. It was bothering him. Feeling compelled to ditch Sean and slide down into the spot next to his mate, and resolve this. Kick everyone out of the flat and just let it all out, but unfortunately, that doesn't happen. Not when Louis finds himself sinking down into one of the recliners and Sean's on the arms, looking as if this were a casual thing.

Zayn and Liam pulled up some kitchen chairs and tossed Louis a can of beer, and asked Sean if he wanted to any, who shook his head. He's probably going to indulge in that liquid gold water on for all Louis knows. Or we just reached his limit, Louis wasn't sure.

Then Niall finally settled in the far end of the emptier side of the sofa and Louis feels all the attention on him. Them. The questions hanging in the air and curiosity.The snide remarks and the encouraging advice. The inevitable question: So are you dating?

Louis could just feel it.

"So... how've things been for you?" Liam broke the ice first, his hand on the back of Zayn's neck, probably nudging his fingers gently along his skin. "We haven't seen you in years."

Louis just let Sean tell them what he'd been up to, all the things Louis already knew, and going into the specifics of his career. Zayn asking him if he still lived in Liverpool and Niall wondering if he's gotten a significant other. Liam bringing up the fact Louis never said anything, questioning how long he'd been back in Louis' life.

Which made Louis feel very apprehensive... the way Harry's head snapped up at the interrogation wasn't a great feeling. Or the way his face falls when Sean says they'd been talking for months and had met up for Valentine's day, not really sparing the details why. Louis wanted to curl up into a ball and die! It sounded so damn bad, it sounded like a date more so, and Louis wanted to clarify, but nothing left his mouth when he shares a look with Harry for a moment.

Harry was just openly staring at him for a moment, sullen and his jaw clenched. Louis wished there was something he could do. But as soon as Sean brings up that he missed Louis, Harry was already on his feet, striding towards the sliding doors that led to the balcony, disappearing like that once he stepped outside.

Louis sighed. He needed to go talk to him, he wanted to to do this later when they were home, but that look he'd gotten. It crushed him. Like he had this heavy weight on his back that he needed to resolve. That he can't just sit here and dwell on it, Sean was busy chatting with Niall, Zayn, and Liam anyways. Not like they'd really miss him, since they'd been so engulfed with Sean. Trying to catch up on everything, which was surprising, as Louis thought he'd walk into a madhouse. Yet the only one who was throwing a tantrum over it all was Harry.

After a second of thinking it through, Louis made his way out to the balcony, closing the door behind him, and sliding up next to Harry. Leaning against the rail, glancing up at him. It was quite dark, other than the light from the living room faintly illuminating them.

Here goes nothing...

"So-" Louis started to say, but Harry interjected, not even giving Louis a chance to talk.

"Do you love him?"

Louis blinked, that was not what he'd been expecting at all, it was straight to the point, and it made him wonder why Harry wanted to know that.

"No..." Louis breathed out, feeling like all the air got sucked out of him when Harry flicked his gaze at him. There wasn't any warmth in his eyes, nothing more than bitterness. It made Louis' heart shrink.

"So the roses he gave you meant nothing then?" Harry chided, Louis was taken back, he'd honestly forgotten about those flowers Sean had given him. "Even though you went to dinner with him that same night, when you lied to me about them being from your mum."

"It wasn't a date, I promise you that," Louis stressed, it needed to be known what exactly happened that night. "All we did was meet up so he could apologize to me after all these years, and is it so bad that maybe there's a slight chance I've forgiven him?"

Harry sighed heavily, he still didn't seem on board. Louis wasn't sure how much more convincing he could do.

Silence lingered in the air and Louis didn't move, just watched the way Harry glanced down to the nearly full car park and gnawed at his bottom lip. Louis wondered what he was thinking.

Eventually, Harry slowly dragged his eyes back on him, and Louis sucked in a breath. Bracing himself for whatever was about to leave his mates mouth.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt again, because it killed me to see you heartbroken over him," Harry admitted, his voice much softer than it was a few minutes ago. "I was there for you, making sure you weren't thinking about him and crying over what he did. You didn't deserve any of that. That's why I kis-"

Harry words were cut off by the sliding door opening, and Zayn popping his head out and hollered, "Boys! Liam wants to play shot roulette, come on." Louis wasn't up to that, honestly. He's had more than enough to drink, and he did want to crash at Zayn and Liam's. He had work in the morning, and a hangover wasn't something he was up for.

Then the door shut and they were alone, Harry just lets out this subdued sort of laughter and shakes his head. Muttering out, "Just forget it." and then he turns on his heels and leaves Louis standing there picking apart his words.

Everything Harry had said to him sunk into his heart, it felt like he disappointed him. It hurts, it really does. He was the only person that was there for him the most when Louis was in a vulnerable state. He practically took care of Louis up until the very last night they had been together. Harry was the reason he'd gotten over Sean, and it was unfortunate that it came with a price. Not only that... But they're supposed to tell each other everything, and Louis marveled if that had a lot to do with it.

The secrets and lies.

But, it's not like Harry was the innocent one in all this, he made some pretty shitty decisions himself. From Not telling him about Ellie whatsoever for months up until the last minute when everyone else knew, that broke him. Just ripped his heart out and not even mentioning the whole Niall knowing Harry was going to ask Ellie to move in together fiasco. So, he shouldn't be filled with guilt over this.

But he does. Slouching down into the wicker chair and puts his face in his hands. Everything is so fucked up. It was bad enough that he has to deal with these shitty unrequited feelings that'll never be reciprocated and then he had to deal with Sean. Who may or may not been implying more than a friendship all night trying to take Louis home with him. It's all so frustrating and just tugging at his chest. Maybe he should go to see his family this weekend.

He'd ring his mum tomorrow morning.

The door slid open suddenly and closed, feet padding near him, and Louis dropped his hands. Niall was leaning against the railing staring at him, arms crossed, and a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Hey, Nialler." Louis murmured, resting his arms on the armrest of the chair, curling his fingers around the edge. "You're not mad at me too, are you?" it came out more like a light hearted joke than anything, because let's face it, he can't deal with more criticism right now.

"I wouldn't say mad, more so surprised, but it's not a huge deal. Kind of had a feeling at some point you'd talk with him." Niall said, which was a relief, honestly. "As long as you want him around and he's proven it to you that he knows what he did was wrong, then I'll support you on whatever choice you make. "

Niall was such a good friend. Louis made a mental note to gloat about that to Donovan later.

"I want to see you happy and if that means having an ex-boyfriend around to do that, then so be it," Niall explained, there's a twinkle of warmth in his eyes. "Whether anyone agrees or not."

"Thanks, Ni." Louis felt a bit better talking with his friend, happy Niall wasn't telling him off or lecturing him about what Sean could do. If only Harry would be like Niall... "I'm shocked you're not joining the game with the lads, you love to drink."

"And leave my best mate out here alone? I would never!"

Actually, Louis was sure if the man of Niall's desires were here, he'd be abandoned in a heartbeat. Okay, that sounds so fucking terrible, but it's true. Niall's trying to conquer a love story that he's been chasing for nearly three years now.

But Niall had always been there for him too.

"So, I think I might stage a breakup with John soon, I really think things are going places," Niall spoke so excitedly, and Louis wasn't sure whether to happy for him or worried. He wanted Niall to end up with the man of his dreams, of course, he did. "Did I tell you that Donovan touched my shoulder, we're finally getting somewhere, Lou!"

Yes, Louis had already heard all about that little touch Niall had the blessing of getting last night. It wasn't anything really worth fussing about in Louis opinion or anyone that didn't have a massively obsessive crush on someone. It wasn't necessarily screaming anything more than casual, but he let Niall talk. Brag and smile over it. It brought a little bit of happiness into Louis' heart seeing Niall be like this. Pushing away those negative emotions out of his head for a while. Of course, giving his own cheeky comments from time to time to razz Niall about his crush. But this was nice, and calmed him.

Even when they finally headed back inside to join everyone, he felt better. Also when he didn't really have a place to sit now that Niall took his spot. Weirdly, Sean and Harry were sharing a loveseat, but far enough away from one another. Going to resort sitting on the floor, until Harry patted the spot and Louis wondered if Harry were mad thinking there would be enough room. It was a two seater for crying out loud!

Not to mention sitting between the two men that he's had a past with...

Yet, he squeezed himself between them, nearly losing his breath when he felt Sean's hand on his thigh. What's even worse is the way Harry lays his arms along the edge of the couch behind his head, leaning in a little closer. Louis mind was bouncing all over the place and it ping-ponging ever harder when their fingers caressing against the little hairs on his nape.

Oh god, he's not sure if he can take this right now.

Unsure what to do with his hands or how to really even react to the situation, just watching all his mates get sloshed. Listening to them banter, joining in whenever he didn't feel so fucking overwhelmed. Talking with Sean whenever he wanted Louis' attention, but Harry would always intervene. Whether it was lightly scratching at Louis' scalp or resting his arm on Louis' shoulder at some point and pulling him a touch closer. But Louis couldn't help but notice the glares that were still there, the looks of stone Harry gave Sean. Even as Louis noticed Harry started to slowly become sober again, he was still acting out on it. Being overly protective of Louis.

It was nice, and at some point when Sean's hand slid down to cup his inner thigh to rest there, Harry pushed his hand off him, and Louis couldn't help but wonder if it's possible that Harry was feeling a little jealous?

Pff... what the hell is Louis even thinking, of course, he wasn't envious. Harry's just looking out for him in the end, and it was sweet.

Later, when they finished up a second round of Shot Roulette, Niall was already passed out on the floor. Liam was aiding a drunk, flirty Zayn to bed who kept wanting to kiss on him and nipping at his skin. Liam telling them they all could sleep over if they wanted, the guest room up for grabs and spare blankets and pillows in the wardrobe. It was well past midnight when Liam bidded them his goodnights before disappearing into the bedroom with his boyfriend.

So, that left Louis alone with Harry and Sean. It was awkward as fuck.

"If you'd like I can drive you home, Lou." Sean offered, pulling on his blazer that he hadn't worn since dinner. Louis was so glad it didn't get ruined.

Louis glanced to Harry who was on the couch glaring at Sean and melancholy etched across his features. It twisted Louis' insides.

"Actually I think I might stay, they don't live too far from my flat, I can swing by there before work tomorrow." Louis honestly just didn't even want to be stuck in a car with those two boys, he doesn't think he could handle any more of it.

So maybe it was for the best.

The corners of Sean's lips twitched downward as, and he seemed a little disappointed. It was a bit weird, but Louis doesn't speak up on it. Not when he's suddenly pulled into a tight embrace and scruff tickling his skin. Trying to supress the little tingle in his limbs when it lingers a bit too long before Sean pulls away and pushes his fringe away, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Then the guest bedroom door slammed shut, echoing in through the quiet room, and Louis' heart was pounding up against his chest.

"Sleep well, Lou." Sean cooed before he left, leaving Louis behind, standing in the middle of the living room with Niall snoozing away merely a few steps away.

He needed to talk to Harry.

Louis carefully padded his way towards the guest room, opening the door and watching Jinx tail it out of there before he even has a chance to step in the room.

Harry sitting there on the bed, huffing, and running a tired hand over his face. Cursing under his breath. He was probably sobering up.

Louis wanted to lay there with him and cuddle him, make him feel better. Yet, he had a gut feeling that something was wrong. And Louis had always learned you should never go against your instincts.

"Harry-" Louis started to say, but Harry was faster, making Louis flinch when he stands to his feet.

"Do you want to get back together with him?"

And Louis was so caught off guard by that, Harry's mood swings were like night and days, it's exhausting. One minute he's going off the deep end about how terrible of an idea it was and the next keeping to himself. Maybe Harry needed to stay the hell away from the alcohol for a while because this was getting to be so much for Louis to handle.

Yet, before he could even deny that he wanted to be with Sean, Harry wouldn't keep his mouth shut.

"You're such a wonderful and amazing person that always ends up with these dickheads that never seem to care enough. It fucking sucks for the ones that would do anything for you because they actually love you." Harry said vehemently, Louis felt frozen in place and his heart stalling."But they never got their chance to tell you how they feel because there's always been someone else."

Louis just blinked, dissecting Harry's words because they walloped him, like a ton of bricks right into his chest cavity. Speechless and wondering what to even say. How to put it into words, wanting to know what his best mate had meant by all that.

But the next thing he knows is Harry is at the wardrobe pulling out a blanket and pillow before muttering out, "I'll take the couch."

And then he brushed past Louis, shutting the door on his way out.