Ten in the morning on a Sunday and Harry found himself with Louis at a cafe. It was accidental; they ran into each other in line and decided to catch up, as things got busy and they both hadn't really seen each other for a bit. Harry didn't mind, of course, as Louis seems to become less and less annoying every time they spent time together.

Soon they started talking about Christmas and the time off, both of them looking forward to the break. During the conversation, Louis invited Harry to Jay's New Year's Eve party, but Harry was hesitant, as it'd be quite a drive from Cheshire to Doncaster, and Harry's mum hoped Harry'd be home to start the new year off with his family.

Harry didn't even want to think about going to parties, as exam season was starting, so there was no slacking off allowed. Because of that, Harry made no promises.

"Can you please come?" Louis begged, "I need someone there to keep me from going mad..."

"I don't know, Louis. It just depends, and I have loads of time until then to figure out if I can come." Harry knew it wouldn't be smart to decide then and there, and he also knew he had to think about it.

Louis sighed and leaned back in his seat, tilted his head. "So you're going to let me suffer alone in this? I mean, my family's great and all, but by New Year's I know I'll just be aching to get away from them. I can only handle so much."

"I'm sorry, Lou," Harry replied, not sure if he really was sorry.

"Well, I suppose I can give you up until the day before to give me an answer, because I would love to have one of my mates there instead of being surrounded by my mum and sisters annoying friends." Louis remarked, and Harry was going to see what he can do.

Harry understood Louis' situation perfectly, as he too knew what it was like going to family and friend parties and events when everyone else in the world seemed to be able to show up, but his friends just couldn't, of course.

The mood in the cafe was light, and easy, and the place was half empty, probably because no one wanted to go out in the rain, unless of course they really had to. Because of this, it was more relaxing, and less noisy, a surprise to what Harry and the cafe were used to, since this spot was rather popular.

"So, what are you doing tonight?" Louis started taking Harry away from his thoughts about the fame of the cafe, "I hope you're free by chance." Louis grinned mischievously, suddenly sounding ready to propose a trip to the moon and back.

But oh great, what did Louis want now? Was grabbing coffee not enough? It was raining and chilly out, not the best night to hit the town or anything.

"Well, I have a date with a book in my nice warm bed," Harry explained, giving Louis a shy smile.

Louis kept grinning and shook his head. "You seriously don't surprise me." he laughed. "I was thinking that maybe-" Louis cut off by a chair screeching and Zayn popping down beside Louis.

"Hey, lads," Zayn announced, taking off his leather jacket and ruffling his damp hair. "I'm surprised you both are here together, never mind alone." Zayn commented.

"Oh it was coincidental, trust me." Harry breathed, never sounding more honest in his life, and not to mention the least enthusiastic about it.

"Hey," Louis frowned, not liking Harry's answer.

Harry shrugged and Zayn suddenly got busy again, pulling out his phone, but then he turned to Louis.

"What about you, Tommo? You're never up this early, even if it's for class."

Louis' eyes flicked up at Zayn, as if Zayn was thinking about this whole thing too much. "I can manage to get up early, thank you very much, and yes it may not happen every day but that does not mean it's not possible. Today was one of those days and this is where I ended up because of it."

"Damn, you just get so defensive about it." Zayn noted shaking his head.

"I'm not being defensive I'm being honest."

"Fair enough." Zayn remarked.

Soon Zayn put his phone away and thought for a minute. "Tommo, what are you doing tonight?"

"Nothing, why?" Louis asked, eyeing him.

Zayn licked his lips. "Well, I gotta go get N a two month anniversary gift for next week and I won't be able to get it later. Do you wanna come with me?"

"You gotta be shitting me, you're going to waste your time and money on a gift because you've been with him for two months...?"

"Uhh, yeah, you just think it's stupid because you can't even last in a relationship for two weeks, or even two days." Zayn crossed his arms and Harry didn't know (and certainly didn't want to know) where this was going.

"I can so last in a relationship longer than two weeks, and even if I was in one and in your shoes I'd still think it's stupid."

"It's not the amount of time," Zayn began in a remarkably calm voice, "it's the principle. If the fact that it's only been two months freaks you out, then fine, think of it as five fucking years or something."

"I just hope he's getting you something." Louis huffed, maybe sounding a little bit...jealous? To the fact that no one was buying Louis anything? Yeah, hooking up was great, but it seriously lacked fruit baskets and gift cards.

"Of course, I highly doubt he wouldn't, and as far as you going with me tonight my invitation still stands."

Louis thought for a moment, pondering his options. As much as he might not have wanted to go at first, he knew that Niall and Zayn spent almost every minute together, and this was the one chance where Louis could do something with Zayn and not also Niall. Not that Louis didn't like Niall, no, of course he liked Niall, but Louis had been trying to spend some time with Zayn for months, and was never able to.

"Fine, I guess I can sacrifice my time to go shopping with you. Just please don't spend hours in one store looking for the perfect outfit you'd only wear once and not even for an hour? It's so brutal."

After a quick laugh, Zayn agreed, and the two of them talked the details for that night.

As they spent more time in the cafe, Harry found out that Zayn was taking Niall out the next night for a fancy dinner, going to a movie, and then spending the rest of the evening in Zayn's dorm. After hearing all that, Harry was not surprised, as Niall was getting rather spoiled with all the fancy dates, and he rarely spent any nights in his own dorm. Lucky bastard, it would be dishonest of Harry to say he wasn't jealous of Niall at all..

Eventually, Zayn stole Louis away from Harry and headed out. Harry was ok with that, as Harry was planning on heading back to his dorm and taking a nap, or studying a bit, either one sounded good to him, and as Harry had no intention to stay out in that rainy cold day any longer.

After Louis and Zayn left, Harry quickly finished up his coffee and tossed it in the bin. He started walking away from his table, but then something told him to turn back. Sitting right on the chair Louis was sitting at was Louis' wallet, and Harry knew this because he'd seen it when Louis paid for coffee the day they picked out their Halloween costumes and then also saw it on Halloween on Louis' desk. Harry was thankful he saw it and not someone else, as that'd be ten times worse than Harry ending up finding it, as it made Harry risk spending his day in his dorm relaxing or studying, and if not that day, then it'd certainly mess up Harry's routine for the next day too.

Harry hoped Zayn and Louis didn't leave yet, but once he stepped outside, they were nowhere to be seen.

Harry sent Louis a quick text, just asking him where he was so that Harry could explain everything methodically and tell Louis the situation calmly, but he didn't get an immediate response.

By the time Harry got back to his dorm and despite his efforts to stay dry in the persistent rain, Harry was soaked. He put his hair up in a bun and checked his phone, again. Nothing. This was surprising as Louis wasn't one to take long to respond to texts, but Harry knew there was always a first for everything.

In the meantime, Harry decided to go over his notes from class the day before, spending about an hour working on that before taking a break. The fact that Louis hadn't replied to his texts was kinda driving Harry crazy, as Louis didn't really know what to do. The idea of going to Louis' dorm and dropping it off (if Louis was there) was tempting, as it would allow Harry to stop thinking about Louis' damn wallet.

If Louis didn't think Harry was a good friend before, he better think Harry was pretty great now.

It didn't take Harry long to get to Louis' building, and lucky the rain stopped, but waiting for the bus took ages. Harry saw Louis' car parked in the lot, so that was a good sign.

Harry went inside, but as he was walking through the halls and up stairs, he kind of forgot Louis' number, and tried to see if there were any hints of it's location from the last time he came with Louis.

But Harry's had better luck elsewhere and he ended up just drawing blanks, soon at a dead end. He checked his phone again, to see if Louis had replied while Harry was pacing round. Nothing.

Harry was not happy; he'd spent too much time trying to find Louis' room and looking like an idiot while doing so.

Just because he had nothing better to do and was too determined to leave just yet, Harry started walking down a corridor again, one that looked particularly familiar, as maybe this was where Louis' room was.

Eventually, Harry found a door that looked promising, granted that they all looked the same. Despite this, Harry was pretty sure this was Louis' room, and just as he was about to knock, he heard h a faint singing voice coming from the other side.

If that was who Harry thought it was, Louis had a breathtaking and raw sound, not bad at all, from what Harry could hear. Louis was singing a Nirvana song, and Harry looked around before pressing his ear to the door (like a fucking weirdo because he was curious).

"Come as you are," Louis sung, and a smile formed on Harry's lips. Louis was so talented, and Harry wished Louis wasn't so hard on himself and critical, because he really had no reason to be so critical.

Harry eventually pulled away from the door and felt a little hesitant to knock at first. He didn't really want to interrupt Louis, but he needed to give Louis back his wallet.

He sighed and made himself knock, hearing the soft music stop and the door in front of him promptly opening. Louis was shirtless. Louis should know that's not allowed, but he didn't, of fucking course.

"Harry? What are you doing here?" Louis asked, his cheeks were flushed and he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Um, you forgot your wallet." Harry said pulling his mind away from other thoughts, handing it to him, "I've been trying to get a hold of you, but you've haven't answered any of my messages."

"Oh, I didn't know you texted. I was busy, but I didn't mean to ignore you, love." Louis commented quickly, taking the wallet.

It fell silent between them for a second, while they both gathered their thoughts.

"Do you want to come in for a while?" Louis asked after stuffing his wallet into his pocket.

Harry shook his head, "Nah, I just came to drop off your wallet, because I think you'd probably go insane come later to find it missing." Harry laughed.

"True," Louis said with a nod. "Thank you, Harold."

Harry sighed, still contemplating that weighing question on his mind.

After taking a minute to think, Harry asked a question that had been on Harry's mind since he found Louis' door. "Were you singing before I knocked?"

Louis' face turned into a grimace and his eyes grew wide, before he shook his head "You probably heard things, you know I don't sing." Louis replied firmly.

"I'm sure I heard you singing to Nirvana, Louis," Harry remarked hoping Louis would at least kind of admit to it.

Louis sighed and crossed his arms. "Again, no. I was listening to music, and maybe that's what you heard, I was definitely not singing. I think you need to get your ears checked if you're still certain."

Harry knew that Louis' denial was enough to prove Harry's assumptions about Louis singing true, because he wouldn't get defensive if it wasn't.

"Alright, I believe you, I guess," Harry replied. "I should get going since you have that thing with Zayn tonight."

"Ugh, don't remind me." Louis complained, "I love Zayn and all, but this monthly anniversary bull shit is ridiculous, especially since Zayn's so picky when it comes to clothing, but really just his own, as he's fine with other people looking like shit, as long as it's not him."

Harry could agree on that, from what he's experienced from Zayn and heard about him, and Harry was glad Niall wasn't like that.

But then Harry remembered what the conversation was before Zayn showed up. "Why did you want to know if I was free tonight?"

Louis scraped his hands through his messy hair and bit his lip. "Eh, it's not important, not anymore at least because, clearly, it doesn't matter," Louis shrugged his shoulders, clearly over it.

Harry nodded and stood there for a little, staring at Louis before he decided he should probably just leave already, before Louis dubbed him as a weirdo.

"Alright, well, I'm going to head on out now, so you can get ready and stuff. See you around, yeah?"

Louis gave Harry a quick smile, before Harry turned and started walking off, hopefully in the direction of the door. Harry realized he could have asked Louis how to get out of such a confusing place, but he knew he'd just do something stupid if he had to face Louis shirtless again.

Harry was halfway back to his own dorm when he realized he had Louis' muscle definition engraved into his brain, and he didn't even think he stared that much.

*****

It was a Friday night and Harry was at his usual spot in the middle of it all at Liam's weekly extravaganza. Harry was in between Louis and Nick squashed on a tiny couch, and the two men besides Harry were drinking, per usual. Harry was just observing everything, pretty used to these kinds of parties by now.

Nostalgic nineties music rippled throughout the house; from No Doubt's song Underneath It All to Backstreet Boys' well-known tune, Everybody, and Harry could finally say that Liam picked a good playlist.

Harry hadn't seen Ed recently, and he knew Niall and Zayn were off somewhere, but Harry was ok with that, getting used to Louis' and Nick's company.

"Man, this party blows," Louis complained, taking a sip from his drink. "It's so dull tonight. Where's the life at in here, huh? It's snooze ville."

It was a little less swarmed than usual, and Harry suspected it was either because of the weather (cold and gloomy) or they were finally buckling down on their studies, as things were starting to get serious. The living area was more packed than the kitchen from what Harry could tell compared to what it was when Harry first arrived earlier. Despite this, the party was still quite hopping, but not as full as it had been in the past. Harry, unlike Louis, didn't really mind it being half empty, because Harry was sure a party like this would be jumping in just a few months as people started to come back, and then the whole scene would be ten times less enjoyable.

"No hot guys either; I haven't even seen one since I arrived, and that's just sad." Nick pouted, looking at them both. "How am I ever going to meet someone at this rate? This party is a complete joke tonight, a complete joke."

Louis shook his head and laughed. "Don't find a guy at a party like this, Nick, you can do so much better. I mean, you're handsome and smart, so like, why limit yourself, yeah? Also it's not the end of the world if you don't find anyone. For example, look at me. I've been single for years, and I don't give a shit if I ever find myself someone. "

"I'm not you, though, Louis. I actually want a relationship, instead of these one night stands every once in a blue moon. It's great that that works for you, but that's not my thought process, or my last choice if I don't find someone." Harry did understand where Nick was coming from because it made sense; Nick was tired of settling for the hooking up scene and wanted an actual relationship, a perfectly valid thing to want.

"Suit yourself," Louis remarked, taking another sip from his drink, as Louis knew he'd never be able to convince Nick to see things the way he did.

In the short moments after, Louis finished his drink and Nick's eyes were glued onto some guy that arrived to the party not too long ago, and Harry knew Nick had good reasons to appear to intrigued. This guy was rather handsome, tall, muscular and even looked to be around Harry's age. He had a good sense of fashion with an edgy appeal, and was very well groomed. With a badass pompadour haircut, Harry could tell by the look on Nick's face that Nick was interested.

"I think I'm in love." Nick moaned in awe, his eye contact not breaking away from the guy. "He's so, so hot, fuckin hell."

"Go chat him then," Louis suggested calmly.

Nick nodded. "I plan on it because I'm sure he won't want to pass me up. Do you think he will sleep with me though?" Nick questioned, and that was a sudden change from Nick's thinking five minutes ago.

"I thought you weren't looking for a one night stand. Maybe, maybe not." Louis replied apathetically.

"Fuck off, Louis." Nick snapped, "Besides, a little test run never hurt anyone, and I never said it would only be a one night deal."

Louis' eyes flicked over to Harry as they shot him a smirk before gazing towards Nick. "Go over there and talk to him then, because you just look like a weird stalker."

Nick snarled, "Shush it; you should be wishing me luck, not being annoying." And before Louis could say something back, Nick was up and off the couch.

Louis snickered and rubbed his eyes. "So, he's checked off for the night and now it looks like it's just you and me."

"I suppose so," Harry replied with a slight smile. "Even though I'm not very entertaining, especially at parties.

Louis shook his head and moved to rest his arm on the ledge behind Harry's head. "Quit talking nonsense. I happen to love your company."

Harry couldn't tell if Louis was being serious or joking, but it didn't matter, as Harry felt heat inching up to his cheeks and his smile grew a little.

"I need a smoke, come with me?" Louis asked, and sure enough Harry obliged.

Once outside, Louis smoked not one but two cigarettes while they chatted away and sat together on a wicker bench.

Louis stuffed his lighter and pack back into his jacket and crossed his arms. "Honestly, I'm so glad I met you," Louis remarked, looking over towards Harry.

"You are?" Harry asked, rather surprised.

"Yeah, you actually make these parties bearable when they're dead, believe it or not," Louis admitted. "Glad you gave me a second chance."

Actually, Harry was glad he gave Louis a second chance too, as they hung out more frequently than Harry expected. Often, Louis invited Harry to things like Louis' band gigs, and despite it slightly awkward that Harry really just knew Louis and not any other members, they were fun to go to. "I think you earned it fair and square, Lou," Harry replied with a smile. "That trip to London is what sealed the deal for me. Instead of the first time I met you with your foul attitude."

Louis snickered, and if Harry's eyes were correct, the space between them seemed to be closing in.

But maybe Harry's eyes were just playing tricks on him. Yeah, that's it.

"You intrigued me the moment I met you. I knew I wanted you to be my friend because you're sassy." Louis grinned.

Harry was not sure that word was the best way to describe himself when he's annoyed, and Louis had been in a constant state of acting impatient since the night of the beer spilling on Harry's shirt incident. Then Louis started being a complete smart ass, but as things have been getting better, Louis had refined his behavior.

"You're a great lad, Harold, even though you can be uptight sometimes."

"Always gotta throw those comments in there, huh?" Harry asked.

Louis just grinned but didn't say anything in response.

A moment later it fell silent between them, and Harry looked over to see there were only a few inches between them.

Did Louis move closer again?

In reality, Harry just needed to stop overanalyzing things because his mind was thinking too much. Harry didn't want a relationship with Louis and Louis didn't even want a relationship, with anyone, so nothing was going to happen between them, especially with Louis' mindset like that.

Just then, a cold breeze went through the air and Harry shivered a little. He realized he should have brought a jacket, but at the time he thought a jumper would be sufficient enough. Harry didn't want to get hot and have to worry about carrying it or it getting ruined, plus, Harry didn't plan on spending that much time outside.

Louis must have noticed Harry's reaction (as small as it might have been) because he stepped up. "Here," Louis said as he took off his own jacket and handed it to Harry, exposing his biceps which should have not been out in that freezing air like that.

Harry frowned, "You can't be serious, Lou. It's cold out here, and you're willing to let me wear your jacket. You're wearing a tank top, and you would much rather freeze? Are you insane?"

Louis smiled, showing no signs that he himself was cold. "I'm all right, Harold. I can handle it, but you're obviously cold. What kind of gentleman would I be to not offer you my jacket?" What Harry doesn't understand is why Louis would even do something like this? Wouldn't the better solution just be for the both of them to head inside?

"But-" Harry tried protesting, but Louis shook his head and brought his finger to Harry's lips unexpectedly, pressing his index finger against them and Harry felt little shock from the sudden contact.

"No buts, you can wear if you want," Louis explained quietly. "Plus, it's not like I've haven't worn a jacket in this weather before."

Harry thought for a moment, and soon Louis removed his finger. When he did, Harry swallowed and looked down at the jacket, not sure if he really should accept it or reject, it because he didn't want Louis to be cold no matter how many times Louis says it's ok.

A moment later Harry pushed the coat away. "I can't do that to you, Lou. I'd feel too guilty." Which was true. Now, maybe if Louis was wearing a bit more or something things could have been different, but he wasn't, so no, Harry would not take Louis up on his offer.

"Well, if you change your mind, the option is still here," Louis replied with a slight sigh, as if maybe he wanted Harry to wear his jacket for some strange reason. Regardless, Louis slipped the jacket back on.

As the night continued, Harry found himself upstairs with Louis and this time joined with Ed. Harry assumed that Nick either took off with that guy or left, because Nick was no where.
Louis and Ed were passing a joint back forth between one another sitting on the bed in a messy vacant room with spare mismatching furniture that seemed too big for just the three of them to be occupying. Harry was slouched down in the chair across the room with his legs crossed, doing his best to ignore the pungent stench and hoping he doesn't reek of it come morning.

"What are your plans after this, Louis?" Ed asked as he took a hit before he passed it back to Louis.

Harry saw Louis' eyes flick over towards him before replying. "I don't know, might go for a drive. This parties doing a shit job of getting me exhausted.

"What about you Harry?" Ed inquired, now looking at Harry.

Harry shrugged, and responded in a dull voice, "Might just go to bed since I should start preparing for exams tomorrow."

"Harold, you have time to cram all that knowledge into that pretty head of yours, live a little tonight." Harry didn't ask for advice and yet Louis was still trying to get Harry to step out of his comfort zone even more. "The night's still young."

Yes. Fine. The night was still young to Louis, who thought the night was young even at midnight, when, technically, the night was over at that point, but whatever.

"And what am I going to do instead of sleeping? Hmm? Because sleep sounds pretty good to me right now." Harry questioned, leaning forward and crossing his arms over his stomach, staring at Louis curiously.

"Come hang out with me and binge watch some movies on my laptop." Louis proposed that idea without even blinking, as if he'd just been waiting to do that with someone.

Harry reached his limit with people for the night and totally would have preferred spending the rest of the 'young' night by himself to clear his head a bit. Plus, what would Ed think if Harry said yes? Or at least, said yes too quickly and appeared too excited? "I don't know," Harry replied, gnawing on his lip conflicted.

"Oh come on, H. You know you want to." Ed teased with a grin, and Harry didn't appreciate that at all.

Louis kept trying, stubborn and determined little shit. "What if I have food there? Come on, it'll be ten times better than this party, I swear, with better food." Louis just grinned as he stared back at Harry before he moved to sit up, "I'll have snacks and drinks if that makes it more appealing." Louis mentioned,

"Shit Lou, why didn't you ever invite me to one of these things? Can I go if Harry says no?" Ed asked, slightly joking while also totally serious.

"No," Louis replied firmly, "and actually, I tried inviting you to one of these things before and you bailed last minute, so, no, sorry."

While Ed pouted and finished up the blunt, Louis tried again to convince Harry to come along. "Please?" Louis begged, not sure what else could entice Harry.

Harry sighed, thinking it over for a moment, trying to ignore Ed's stupid gaze while he weighed his options.

"Fine, I guess I'll go, but only one movie." Harry compromised, and Louis nodded.

"Well, you both better behave then." Ed jested as he got to his feet, "And I never wanted to join you anyway, I'm going to see my dad tomorrow bright and early."

"Tell John I said hi," Harry offered, and Ed said he would.

Soon Ed left the room, leaving Harry and Louis.Harry observed Louis as he got to his feet and stretched a bit, the hem of his top rising and showing a peak of his stomach. Not that Harry was looking, or anything, he totally wasn't...like, at all.

"Do you wanna go now, I mean, since we're not doing anything else and this party's been lousy." Louis proposed, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Harry, still sitting, gazed up at Louis and nodded, "Are you alright to drive, though? Like, you've smoked quite a bit tonight. Not to mention drinks."

"Harold, you worry way too much." Louis expressed sounding bored, "I'm fine, unless you want to drive."

Harry did have his license, of course, and he might not have his own car, but he knew how to work one.

"You can't be serious." Harry stated, getting to his feet.

"Oh I am, I trust you enough." Louis reasoned as he pulled out his keys and held them out to Harry. "Go on; you can drive since you're so worried."

Harry hesitated for a moment before he took them from Louis' hand, surprised Louis even offered it up so easily, as Louis was apparently done being stubborn for the night.
As soon as Harry grabbed the keys, Louis wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulder and led him out of the room into the mess of people, dragging him along. It looked ridiculous, because of the height difference, and Harry hoped everyone there was smashed enough not to notice them leave together, and like that.

Once outside, they located Louis' car and got in, and before Harry even started the car, Louis already had a cigarette in his lips. Harry didn't say anything as he started the car and starting driving down the empty streets.

The drive took a while, but eventually they reached Louis' building and Harry parked the car, allowing the both of them to stumble out and head inside.

Once inside, Harry took a seat on Louis' unmade bed while Louis tossed off his jacket and pulled his laptop off his desk.

Were they going to watch a film on that thing?

The screen was at least thirteen inches, was Louis insane?

"What movie sounds good, huh?" Louis sat down at his desk and turned on his laptop. Harry remained where he was sitting, watching Louis unplug his laptop from its charger and tried thinking of a movie.

"Come on, throw some movies out there, Harold," Louis continued, looking over at Harry.

"Uh," Harry was still thinking, as it was too late for his mind to be working.

"Chop, chop, love," Louis commented with a slight smile.

Harry swallowed, and replied, "Surprise me."

Louis nodded and turned away. Harry ran his fingers through his hair and looked at Louis' alarm clock, not happy with what he was seeing, two in the bloody morning. Harry was still not a fan of late nights and didn't know why he even agreed to all of this in the first place, as he knew that the next day would be nothing but a rough one.

"I hope you don't mind a classic Disney film," Louis said, and of course, why would Harry mind?.

Louis then stood up, placing his laptop back down onto the desk and just casually slipped off his top like it was no big deal. Harry, who was watching him right up until Louis took off his shirt, looked away, as he knew it was not appropriate to start staring, especially since he was feeling brain dead.
"Do you want to change into more comfortable clothes?" Louis asked, and Harry hesitantly looked back up. When Harry looked away, Louis put on a dark hoodie and zipped it up, but only halfway, leaving some of his tattoos and smooth hairless chest on display, like almost on purpose.

"I didn't bring anything," Harry mentioned, looking at Louis confused.

Louis smiled and shook his head before going into his wardrobe. "Don't worry, I have plenty of extra stuff."

Harry frowned, confused. "What do you mean, 'extra stuff?'"

"Oh you know," Louis began, now busily digging through a drawer and sitting on the floor, "Clothing you pick up here and there."

"Like, steal?"

Louis stopped searching and turned to look at Harry. "Now Harold, I know you think I'm literally evil personified, but I would never steal stuff." Louis turned back to the drawer he was currently ransacking. "Some of its clothing from parties that's no one's claimed a day later to 'oh I found this is my door like a week after I hooked up with some guy but he didn't come looking for it and is probably long gone by now so I guess I minus well keep it.'"

Harry was still rather weirded out. "But like, isn't that gross, to like, keep?"

Louis didn't look up at Harry but Harry could tell Louis rolled his eyes. "No, it's not gross, it's me being resourceful and not letting perfectly good clothing go to waste."

"But like, is it dirty?"

"Yes Harry, I'm going to have you wear something I'd keep in my drawers with all of my clean clothes that's dirty because getting able to use a washer and dryer for free in this bloody place just makes no logical sense." Louis stood up and handed some clothing to Harry. "Now go change, before you start questioning that I actually know how to use a washer and dryer." Louis went back to his desk and grabbed his laptop, leaving Harry to take a minute and escape to the bathroom to change.

Once alone, Harry looked over what Louis gave Harry to wear; a Nirvana band tee that was in pretty good condition except a bit of a ripped hem at the bottom and a pair of joggers that Harry knew would be too small, considering Harry's size. Of course, Louis probably didn't have anything better, and it didn't really matter. No one was trying to impress anyone, right? Right. Plus, it was kind of Louis to offer, and Harry didn't know if it was super rude of himself to be surprised every time Louis treated him with kindness; it was as if Harry couldn't get out his initial impression of Louis and thus would always be surprised when Louis acted differently.

The shirt was a bit of a snug fit and actually the joggers fit pretty well, so Harry was glad to see that. The only slightly unfortunate thing was that the clothing had a slight smell of pot mixed with cologne, but then again, Harry should have been used to that by now, but Louis was right, the clothing was clean, because despite the smell of pot and cologne, Harry could smell lovely laundry detergent.

When Harry came back into the room he stopped short, because what in the world was Louis doing?

Louis had blankets scattered throughout the floor with pillows placed on top. There were sheets thrown about and Louis' laptop on one of the blankets. While Harry walked back into the room, Louis was moving his desk chair by his bed headboard and grabbed one of the sheet's corners, making what looked like to be a roof over the blankets and pillows on the floor. Then Louis added sheets to the sides to cover it up and Harry had no idea why Louis was doing all this in the first place.

"How does the fort look?" Louis asked as he threw a few more pillows on some blankets.

"Good?" Harry answered, setting his clothes on the desk. "But why did you even build one, Lou?".

"Because why not? It's fun."

"More like it's a waste of time, and a pain to clean up," Harry stated as he crossed his arms.

"No, it's not," Louis commented sounding a little defensive, "You may think it's stupid and whatever, but you see, young Harold, I love sheet forts when I watch movies. They are not only worth it for the sake of the movie, but just make it all more special. Plus, I never asked for your help to clean it up, yeah?"

Harry didn't really know what to say to that because it still seemed rather pointless and unimportant, but good for Louis for being so entertained and enamored about it.

"Now are you just gonna to stand there or are you gonna come in this fort with me? I didn't put in all this effort and almost fall off that stupid desk chair while making this thing for nothing." Louis huffed, crouching down and crawling into his fort. "Oh, and flip the light switch off before you come."

Harry sighed, shutting off the lights and then seeing a bright glow illuminating up from the sheets. When Harry crawled in, he realized he'd have to lay next to Louis on his stomach to watch the movie. Luckily, the whole fort was padded with blankets and plenty of pillows, so it was rather comfortable.

"Come on; I don't bite. Come 'ere." Louis patted the spot to his left of him, as Harry initially left space in between the two.

Harry moved over a bit, closing the gap, but still left a few inches between them. Just as he did that, Louis got up and made his way out of the fort. "Gonna be right back, 'm gonna make popcorn."

"Why weren't you making it now all this time?" Harry asked, not sure anymore that Louis really knew what he was doing.

"I didn't know if we'd make it this far, or if you'd like, leave. You know, because maybe you didn't want to stay after all." Louis explained sounding extremely honest.

Harry felt bad for giving Louis that message, and Harry certainly didn't mean to. "Of course I'll stay, like you said, you didn't do all this work to make a fort and stuff for nothing, right?"

"Right," immediately Louis' smile was back and Harry felt ok again. "Ok, now I'm really going to make popcorn. I'll be back in a minute."

Eventually, Louis came back with a large purple bowl, and the aroma of buttered popcorn was strong and wonderful. Louis managed to get back into the fort without knocking it down and put the bowl between the two of them and water bottles for the both of them.

"Alright, I got the snack I promised, you ready?"

Harry nodded, he was as ready as he'd ever be.

It was quiet until the movie began and Harry's eyes were locked on the laptop screen, just waiting to see what in the world Louis picked. When the opening credits rolled, Harry knew exactly what movie it was due to the familiarity of it, as Harry had seen it quite often as a kid.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Harry was more pleased than he was surprised, surprised since the movie choice held no relation to Louis' demeanor, especially when they first met, but then again Louis was proving himself to be a lot more things that Harry expected, like nice, for example.

For the first half of the movie, Harry watched intently and chowed on the popcorn. Harry didn't paying much attention to Louis next to him, who had been moving around as if he couldn't get super comfortable and ended up lying close to Harry then either of them had initially planned. Of course, Harry didn't mind, not really, at least, because what did he expect them to do when watching something on a screen only 13 inches? Watch it miles apart? No.

At one point, Harry reached into the popcorn bowl without looking and bumped his hand into Louis. Harry quickly removed his hand as his cheeks started to feel hot but Harry made it seem like he didn't even flinch and kept watching. As Harry thought back on it a few moments later, Louis' hand almost practically grabbed his in the bowl, and that was just weird, unless, Harry was just overthinking things.

Whatever really happened, Harry realized he needed to pay more attention.

Both of them just ignored that whole little thing and pretended it didn't even happen, which was fine with Harry, of course. Nothing like that happened again.

As the movie dragged on, Harry felt his eyes start to get heavy, and naturally so, as it was probably past 3 am. Despite feeling so sleepy, Harry didn't want to sleep, as that would be nothing short of weird, so Harry tried his best to fight. A good compromise was trying to keep them focused on the movie for as long as they could, and then letting them close for a little bit and repeating the pattern. This worked for a little bit, but then all Harry wanted to do was just drift away. When Harry rolled onto his back, Louis was already asleep, and Harry knew this because Louis was lying on his left side and softly breathing heavily. Harry knew that would have been the perfect time to sneak out and leave, but the fort was really cozy and warm and his whole body just felt heavy.

Harry then decided to take a short little nap and then leave, snoozing a bit until he could pull himself up and away to go back to his own dorm.

Harry did just that and went into a deep slumber.

When Harry woke up, the first thing he noticed was that the air was a little chilly. Slowly sitting up, Harry rubbed his eyes and reached for his phone to check the time. Louis was still asleep but now facing Harry, and from what Harry could tell, it was still dark out; a good sign. Harry decided that he'd head over to his dorm and that he'd be there by 6 am at the latest, which made him happy.

Harry had to do a double take when he actually looked at the time, however, and his eyes looked over to the window because he could have sworn it was still dark out. It was noon. Harry spent the night at Louis' in a fort wearing clothing Louis kept from some guy and now it was noon.

What in hell was Harry thinking?

As quietly as Harry could (to not wake Louis), Harry got out of the fort and noticed thick blinds over the window, keeping out bright sunlight. The clock on Louis' desk read noon, so Harry knew he did not have the quick little nap he'd hoped, but rather slept for more time than Harry'd ever expected.

Grabbing his clothing and making his way into the bathroom to change, Harry hoped he'd be able to leave before Louis got up, but thought that that shouldn't be an issue, as Harry had a feeling that Louis was a deep sleeper. Harry changed rather quickly, as if to make up for the lost time and the morning he spent sleeping on the floor. Not one of Harry's finer moments, but when Harry walked back into the room and saw Louis still sleeping, Harry didn't regret spending the early morning hours to noon like that, as it, again, wasn't as bad as Harry initially thought.

Once Harry slipped on his shoes, he left quietly.

*****

At seven in the morning, Harry was getting ready for a nursing practice lecture at eight, something he stayed up late the night before doing the work for, a little last minute, yes, but it was almost exam season which meant there was a tons more work to do than normal.

His mind in ten other things, Harry was in the middle of changing into a forest green flannel to go with his black trousers when his phone buzzed. Not think it'd be anyone special or important, Harry didn't think of checking it right away, but his body started moving in the direction of his phone on the night table, as Harry knew he was nothing more than a creature of habit. Harry wasn't sure what he felt besides a little annoyed, and surprised he was even up this early when Harry saw it was a text from Louis. What did Louis want now, and why at seven a.m.?

Not wanting to get distracted or convinced into another adventure, Harry quickly replied that he had class, and put his phone in his pocket. Harry grabbed a text book off his bed, but once he did that, his phone rang. Immediately the book fell back on his bed, and Harry, a little bit more than slightly annoyed now, took his phone out and answered it.

"What Louis?" Harry asked as he mindlessly sat down on the bed next to the textbook that was supposed to be in his bag by now.

"Skip class."

Harry laughed, because he knew Louis was joking. Louis was joking, right? "Louis, I don't think you're exactly sure who you just called and suggested that to."

Harry heard Louis scoff on the other side. "No, of course I knew who I was calling. Besides, those who'd just do it don't need me to help them with it."

"Well then get one of those that 'do it,' because it's not a good idea."

Harry heard a sigh on the other end, as if Louis wished he didn't have to do this much convincing. "It is a good idea because I want to see you and well I'm bored."

"Ask Zayn to hang out then." Harry suggested knowing that Niall won't be with him since Harry and Niall have lecture together. It's one of the few instances where Zayn and Niall aren't (by the simple fact that they can't be) together.

"I hung out with Zayn last night; I want to spend time with you." Louis protested, "Besides, missing one class won't affect you that much. I've skipped a few and managed to make my way to year three." that still didn't make it any better.

"Do you realize just how much money you're wasting every time you skip class? A lot! And this place isn't cheap!

"Oh please," Louis huffed, breathing into the phone, "half the stuff you'll learn today you'll forget anyway, and there's google, so like, clearly the world will not end and you will not become dead ass broke if you skip with me."

But Harry was standing his ground. "Skipping class doesn't do anything for either of us. What do you think you're even supposed to do at university? Not learn? What's the point of even being here then?"

"Harry." Louis began sounding rather serious, "Just come over to my dorm, please? I have nothing to do all day."

"Then take a nap or something. We can hang out later, alright?" The clock was ticking, Harry needed to get off the phone and head to his lecture, or be late, which was also not an option. "I don't have a lot of time to keep talking, though; I have to get ready to leave in five minutes."

Louis sighed, "Well, if you change your mind I'll be here, being bored and lonely, wishing I had my friends here entertaining me."

Harry rolled his eyes, fighting back the urge to tell Louis that friends were not there to only entertain and amuse people. "Boo hoo, tell me your sob story later," Harry replied in a voice that had a slight mean hinge. " I have to go, Louis. I'll text you when I'm out." Harry hung up before Louis could say anything in reply and stood up, now grabbing the dang textbook that Harry suspected started it all, since as soon as Harry picked it up he was blessed with Louis' call and totally delightful idea. Not.

When Harry arrived at the bus stop, Niall wasn't there yet, and it worried Harry a little since he was always early for the bus (sometimes more so than Harry), despite his poor attitude about having to learn that Niall put on display pretty much all the time.

While Harry waited for Niall, Harry took his phone from his pocket and checked it, seeing that he had a text from Louis.

Louis sent Harry a selfie with a pained expression on his face, his fringe a mess, and Harry could tell he was shirtless, by multiple indications in the selfie that set up a red flag in Harry's brain alerting Harry that he was looking way too hard and for way too long. Oops? It also didn't help that Harry could tell that Louis was lying in bed, as Louis' head was resting on a pillow. Louis was just acting desperate and Harry didn't appreciate it at all.

When the bus arrived, both the selfie and Harry's phone went away but Harry couldn't get that damn picture out of his mind. Worried about what he'd do if he took out his phone again, Harry just sat down towards the back of the bus and looked out the window, watching others around him and trying to let all his thoughts about Louis leave his mind.

Initially, it worked, but then Harry's mind started drifting and Harry was horrified when he realized he was rethinking this whole skipping class thing. Despite being horrified, it was not enough to keep Harry's thoughts Louis free.

After the bus arrived and dropped Harry and a few others off, Harry walked to the building, going to make it to class right on time, just like Harry hoped and planned, and for a split second, it seemed like the right thing to do. Of course it was.

But once Harry reached the heavy double doors, a second thought dawned in his mind and a hand that once reached for one of the handles pulled back, causing what felt like time to stand still for a moment. Was Louis serious about wanting to see Harry or did he just say the most desperate thing that came to mind to help convince Harry to skip? Harry still had no idea how genuine Louis was, and couldn't read Louis at all. Was that a good thing? Possibly, as it prevented Harry from knowing too much but also kept him totally clueless as to Louis'-

"Harry!" a voice shouted, and Harry was taken out of his thoughts and looked up, seeing Niall walk right over to him.

"Hey, Niall," Harry replied, shoving his hands into his pockets feeling slightly unsure about everything suddenly, except for one thing.

"Ready to head in? I want to have a decent seat at least before more show up. You know how bad it is to sit in the back, it's like you can't hear anything!" Niall exclaimed reaching past Harry and for the door.

Harry really shouldn't do this, but what the hell.

"Actually," Harry started with a little bit more confidence than usual, especially when it came with a bad idea. "I'm skipping today." It was both a bad idea and three words he never expect to say in his career at university.

Niall had to do a double take, and then he started at Harry for five seconds, eyes wide and face stunned."Harry Styles, missing class?! What brought this on? Am I dreaming?" Niall asked surprised, crossing his arms.

Harry kinda didn't want to deal with questions (even the rhetorical ones) and knew he should have left before Niall showed up, because then he would have to explain himself to anyone, except maybe Louis, but that was...different.

When Harry said nothing, just looking back at Niall still trying to pick his words, Niall, scoffed with a stupid grin. "Oh. Nevermind. I think I know why."

Harry sighed, scratching the back of his neck letting his eyes drift away from Niall, as Niall's gaze was sharp and proved that Niall knew too much.

"Tell Louis I said 'hi'," Niall teased with a grin before vanishing inside and not giving Harry a chance to either deny spending time with Louis or agreeing that he'll do it.

But Harry was ok with that, because what did Niall know? And besides, this didn't mean anything. Nothing with Louis meant anything. After all, Harry knew that Louis was doing all that he could to 'corrupt' Harry, and other than that Louis had no other intentions or goals. Too bad Niall didn't know Louis' true motive.

Back at the bus stop, Harry knew it was stupid for him to come all the way to his class and then have to turn back around and leave again, but Harry realized that skipping this way felt more legit. If Harry just stayed in his dorm until he went Louis', it might have felt like it was a weekend or that it was a day without class. In doing it this way, it was much more authentic and bad, giving Harry a boost of energy, making him slightly jumpy as he felt excited and maybe even looking forward to this day where suddenly Harry could just break the cycle and breath.

He's so fucked.

As if the whole turning around and walking away from class wasn't daunting enough, standing outside Louis' door was somehow more nerve wracking. To make things slightly better, Harry had himself go through a script in his mind of what'd he say to keep Louis' questions at either a solid zero or at least a minimal few. When Harry came up with what he thought would be enough (he didn't know how much of an explanation Louis wanted), Harry knocked on Louis' door.

Then Harry waited. During that period of waiting Harry began thinking. What if Louis went out somewhere and or was off doing something? Louis didn't know Harry was going to skip (unless Niall texted Louis or something, but why would Niall do that since Harry didn't make it sound like Louis' didn't know. Granted, Harry didn't formally tell Niall that he was off to Louis', but he also didn't deny it either), so since Louis wasn't expecting him, Harry wasn't sure Louis would still be in his dorm. Unless he was a sleep? No, that couldn't be, as he didn't sound that sleepy on the phone, and Harry, who picked this up just from spending time with him, knew that once Louis was up and awake, he was up and awake.

Before Harry could think anymore 'what ifs,' the door in front of him swung open, and Louis was on the other side beaming, of course. But in the span of all that time since Louis sent Harry that picture, Louis hadn't managed to locate a shirt but was indeed wearing sweats that rode a little low on his hips. It's like Louis knew, like he just fucking knew what he was doing, while at the same being completely ignorant about it.

"Well, well, well," Louis began slowly, his arm leaning the door frame. "Look who decided to be a little bit rebellious today."

"It was a last minute decision," Harry replied, fixing his book bag strap because it was feeling rather heavy but Harry knew that it looked more like a nervous tick.

"Was it my selfie or my charm?"

The sarcastic, 'I have my guard up, so don't try me' Harry would have told Louis, 'neither,' taking some of Louis' constant cocky behavior and trying it out for a spin, but in that instance, the whole reality of the morning and what Harry just actually did (like, no, he was indeed not dreaming) was all coming to him, so his words suddenly got consumed by the sheer 'oh shit' of it all that was playing out in his head. To counter everything and at this point, it happened rather subconsciously, Harry's cheeks grew a little hot, and just as he managed a response (but not his mean and sarcastic one), it promptly left his head, somehow getting forgotten in the big mess of all the million other things that were going on in his mind, so Harry was not sure what to say back.

Louis was cool calm and collected during the whole thing, just laughing at it all and shook his head. "I'm only teasing; I'm happy you showed up."

"You were the one that told me I need to live a little, so here I am, proving to you that I can be less structure and also spontaneous." Harry's fingers started to slightly fiddle with the strap on his bag.

Louis smiled, "I'm impressed."

"You should be," Harry stated plainly, suddenly feeling very bored so far with this whole skipping class thing. He wanted to add that Louis should do his best to make this day worth missing class, but Harry never got a chance to say all that, because Louis laughed and then reached out and grabbed the strap of Harry's bag, slightly pulling him in a bit. With wide eyes Harry had no idea what was going on, but Louis did. .

"Don't be so cocky, love. Don't let this new found rebellion get to your head." Louis breathed, staring Harry in the eyes before abruptly letting go of the strap and stepping back a little. "Now, are you coming in or what?"

Harry nodded, following Louis inside letting the door close behind them.

Once inside Louis' room, Harry set his bag down while Louis went back to a drawer that was partly open, starting to look through it. Louis' back had a little definition to it, but Harry didn't get to observe it all too long, because Louis soon pulled out a black top and pushed the drawer closed, which wasn't really closed at all since there was clothing in the way, but Louis probably didn't want to spend so much time arranging his drawers.

Harry, who sat down on the corner of the bed while Louis grabbed a shirt remained there alone, until Louis turned around and flopped onto it with a sigh, leaning up against the headboard and bringing his knees up to his chest so that he rest his arms. Harry just watched Louis and for a minute they were both quiet.

"You look nice today." Louis started suddenly as he fiddled with his thumbs, "Do you always dress this nicely for class?"

Harry frowned, then subconsciously peered down at what he was wearing; casual clothing, nothing special.

"If you consider this nice then I don't even want to know what you wear to your classes." Harry replied, moving to face Louis more (so that he didn't have to keep turning his head) and crossed his legs to be more comfortable."I'm just glad I didn't have to wear that uniform today, you know, the nursing one, because then I'd be stuck in them."

"You could have gone back to your dorm and changed if you were wearing those, you know."

"True." Harry replied.

Louis nodded and started up again. "Well, from what I've seen you wear, this is an upgrade, so just take the compliment, Harold."

Harry didn't know where that one came from, because he knew he always dressed nicely and took care of his clothing.

"Thank you so much for that backhanded compliment, it was just the critique I needed," Harry huffed sarcastically.

"You're welcome" Louis smiled, "But whatever, you have nothing to worry about, you look good all the time."

So first Louis bashed Harry's outfits and general looks to now saying he always looked good? What? Talk about mixed messages, and Harry was about to say something, when he realized he heard a note of sincerity that he never really ever heard before, causing him to rethink his initial reaction to what Louis just said. Soon, Harry didn't even know what to say and between the two of them thing were quiet. Harry's eyes drifted down and his mindlessly started to fiddle with a button on his top, not sure if Louis was still watching him (why on Earth did Louis need to observe him so much) and also not sure as to what to do and or say next.

"Harry?" Louis asked breaking the silence, and Harry looked over at Louis, meeting his eyes.

"Yeah?"

"Can you come over here for a second?" Louis asked and of course, Harry nodded, because, like, what was Harry going to say? No? That word seemed to be forgotten in Louis' presence. Moving rather awkwardly, because Harry didn't exactly know what Louis had in mind, moving over was slow. But just as soon as Harry got there, Harry knew he shouldn't have agreed.

Just as Harry got two feet or so away from Louis, Louis lunged forward and tackled Harry down; that little shit started tickling Harry, and how did Louis even know Harry was ticklish on his sides and his side's only? It seemed as if Louis had been getting inside information about Harry from someone and Harry was not ok with that. Harry was even less ok with what was going on, as it caused him to thrash about and laugh, while Louis was laughing out of the sheer sensation of it all.

Louis laughed as he tickled along his side and even tried tickling his neck too but Harry caught that one before it started. Louis was between Harry's legs just ticking away as he laughed along with Harry.

"Louis, I can't." Harry managed in between laughs, "I'm going to wee." Harry announced laughing even harder.

At first, Louis didn't react to Harry's words, but a moment later Louis finally pulled away and sat on his knees looking down at Harry with a grin while Harry just laid there for a second before propping himself on his elbows breathing heavy.

Louis was so weird, but kind of in a good way. Kind of.

"That's honestly my favorite ways to break the ice. Now that the energy is in the room, how about we order some brunch, yeah?" Louis asked his eyes flicking over towards the clock. "How does pizza sound?"

Pizza sounded delightful.

A little later, they were in the kitchenette sitting with their pizza. Harry was satisfied with two slices, but Louis practically ate half of it, which stunned Harry (that Louis could eat that much). Despite having a morning empty of classes, they were rather daunting and filled Harry's thoughts.

"So, are you nervous about exams coming up?" Louis asked conversationally speaking.

Harry sighed and sat down his half-eaten piece of pizza on his plate. "Yeah, I just hope this day doesn't fuck me over," Harry commented.

"You'll be alright, babe," Louis said mindlessly. "You're intelligent and I have no doubts you'll pass. This day won't affect you that bad."

Harry knew he was smart and could get good markings, it was just that university was much harder, nail biting inducing and more stressful; deep down a small part of Harry knew he should have skipped.

"Don't worry about it; you have a few more weeks anyways." Louis replied, but that did nothing to make Harry feel better about anything.

They finished eating in silence and soon ended up back in Louis' dorm, holding small talk for a while. Then Louis started telling Harry about how Jay's been asking Louis on and on about the status of his romantic relationships and if he'd found someone yet. Louis told Harry that his mum doesn't understand very well how he been staying out of formal relationships and preferring it. Of course, Jay didn't know that Louis was hooking up and the loads of silly rumors fueled by his friends.

When it came to the rumors, Louis said they weren't very true and he didn't appreciate them. As much as it'd seemed like these rumors were true, Louis had only slept with a couple of people ever since he quit dating and was clean. Edith was still hanging around because she liked Louis, but Louis admitted that he was getting bored of her and she was also seeing other guys. After telling Harry that, Louis mentioned that he'd been thinking of no longer sleeping with Edith, telling her he no longer wanted to hook up with her.

"Is there someone else you want to take her place?" Harry asked curiously as they sat somewhat next to each other on Louis' bed.
Louis shrugged and looked at Harry, staring him in his eyes. "Yeah, but it's complicated," Louis sighed, and Harry felt a pulling sensation in his stomach. "I don't want to sleep with him; that's the thing." Louis added in a very honest voice.

"Then what do you want?" Harry crossed his arms and his eyes suddenly flicked around the room as he watched dim sunlight stream in through the blinds.

Louis shook his head with his response and looked away from Harry, whose own eyes were still drifting around Louis' room. "I honestly don't know."

Neither of them said anything for a little bit, but that was ok. There was an easiness to everything, even when talking about something like this. Plus, Harry himself was thinking, finding it very interesting what Louis had been saying. Harry assumed Louis had in mind the list of the top five people he'd plan on hooking up with when he'd had enough of who he was currently somewhat seeing. When Louis told Harry that there was someone, but not to hook up with, it cause Harry to think that maybe Louis was getting bored of it. Of course, Harry knew Louis would probably never say such a thing out loud because it'd hurt Louis' pride. But it wasn't Harry's place to bash Louis' pridefulness, as Harry knew he'd be rather hypocritical about it, as he was a creature with pride too. So Harry decided to not even bother and to certainly not pry.

"What about you?" Louis asked suddenly, breaking the silence. "I'm sure you have at least found a guy worth drooling over."

All Harry could do was shake his head. Anything else and he'd have to start lying, more than he'd like to.

"Come on, you have to have found someone hot at least since you've been here, or at least, slightly attractive." Louis continued, then pausing. But when Harry stayed quiet, Louis started up again. "Listen, I know you say no to dating, and that's where I've been for the past few months too, but really, be honest. It's ok."

Harry sighed and finally replied. "I don't know, Lou. I guess I haven't been looking at other guys that well. I've been so wrapped up in studies and hanging with friends more than anything." Harry admitted explained and none of that was incredibly false.

Louis smiled, and Harry felt an arm go around his shoulder. "You never seize to amaze me," Louis stated. "You have a good mindset, and I admire that, even if you did skip today. Granted, it's technically my fault, but you would have done it soon enough anyway." Louis teased, suddenly pulling his arm away.

Harry grinned and shrugged, because yeah, maybe one of these days he would have.

Louis sat up from leaning against some pillows and turned to face Harry. "How about we go for a walk? I don't think I can be cooped up in this room all day for much longer. Plus, I need a smoke, before my head explodes." Standing up, Louis took a few steps towards the door. "You coming?"

Of course Harry would go along, a walk didn't sound that bad.