Liam had his arms wrapped around Louis' waist, face nuzzled into his neck, breathing softly. This was a norm for them. They always cuddled when they went to sleep and although it was completely platonic for Liam, it drove Louis crazy.

He imagined waking up in the morning to Liam kissing his neck, to breakfast and sunny days. He might also imagine the morning sex that would ensue.

He shut his eyes and tried to fall asleep; it was well past midnight and he couldn't make his hectic mind quiet down enough for him to sleep. He sighed and shifted in the bed, trying to get comfortable. Liam grunted in his sleep, arms tightening around him in an iron grip.

"Lou, what're you doing?" He slurs, eyes still shut.

"I can't fall asleep," Louis whispers. Liam stays silent for a moment before sighing and opening his eyes to look straight at Louis.

"Why not, babes?" He asks, voice thick with lethargy.

"Can't stop thinking," Louis replies. Liam gives him a worried glance.

"If this is about school, I already told you—"

"No, no. It's not school," He answers, heart racing.

"Then what is it? You know you can tell me anything right? I'm your best friend," Liam says, sitting up. Louis sighs, sitting up with him. He fiddles with his fingers, taking a deep breath.

"I uh like someone," He whispers hesitantly.

"Lou, that's great! Who? Eleanor from Physics? You know she likes you—"

"It's a guy," Louis blurts out, cheeks turning rosy. It's quiet for a fraction of a second.

"Oh," Liam says, "Well...who is it?"

Okay, this has gotten awkward. He should have never said anything.

"Uh, never mind. It was stupid. We should probably go back to sleep—"

"Lou, don't shut me out. Come on, we're best friends," He says with a small smile.

I want to be more than that, Louis thinks, "I know," is what he says.

It goes silent again.

"You're not...disgusted?" Louis asks, not daring to look up at Liam. His friend scoffs.

"It's the twenty-first century. Of course I'm not disgusted. I'm glad you told me. Is that what's been stressing you out?" He asks. Louis nods.

"So. Go on. Tell about this lucky lad that stole your heart," Liam smiles. Louis laughs, looking down.

"He uh...he's really nice, one of the nicest people I ever met. He makes me feel special and—"

"Do I know him?"

"I guess," Louis retorts.

"What's his name?"

"That's not important. It doesn't matter anyway. He will need never return the feelings," Louis says.

"How do you know? Maybe he's head over heels for you too," His best friend replies.

"Not likely," The smaller boy whispers, looking down. Liam scoffs, bringing a hand up to Louis' chin, pushing his head up so he's looking at him.

"Now, listen to me. Don't think so low of yourself. Whoever that boy is, is bound to like you. You're an amazing person, babes," He says, hazel eyes staring into Louis' cerulean ones. Louis blushes, biting his lip softly.

"You really think so?" He squeaks, voice timid.

"I know so," Liam smiles widely. Louis takes a deep breath.

"Liam, I..."

"Yeah, Lou?"

He wants to tell him. Right here. Right now. He just wants the words to slip from his lips. For a second he doesn't care about the consequences. Then he thinks about all the what ifs. And his bravery deteriorates.

"I'm really glad you're my friend," He says instead. Liam smiles at him, wrapping his arms around Louis' waist and hugging him tightly.

"I'm glad you're my friend too," Liam replies sincerely. He lies back down, pulling Louis down with him, letting the smaller boy to lay his head on his chest.

He kisses the top of his head quickly, running a hand over his bare shoulder.

"Get some sleep, babes. Maybe on Monday you can show me the lucky lad," Liam says. Louis hums, blushing.

I wish you could see what you mean to me, he thinks, closing his eyes and praying for sleep that might never come.

"I don't want you to keep something like that from me, okay? I'm here to listen to you. I love you, Lou. You're my best friend," Liam whispers softly.

Minutes pass in silence. He thinks Liam is finally asleep, from the way his chest falls and rises softly. He shifts from his position and sits up, looking at his best friend with painful eyes.

Liam looked so peaceful, beautiful even. He looked angelic, lips slightly parted, bare chest on display.

Louis sighs sadly, looking away. Why can't Liam see how much he's pining over him? Why can't he just feel the same way?

"Why can't you see how much I love you?" Louis whispers, voice barely audible. He lies back down, shifting away from him, curling into himself.

He was so caught up in his own saddening bubble that he missed Liam's sharp intake of breath and furrowed brows.

-----

lilo is happening