CHANGE

TWELVE

LOUIS

Louis wakes up in the morning, his head pounding and feeling like utter shit.

He peels himself off the bed he was laid on and to his surprise he finds nobody next to him for a change, it's a relief really. He's really been craving some space. He knows his band mates are just concerned about him but he feels smothered, it's as though they think he's some kind of invalid.

The events of last night come flooding back to him and he groans, cheeks hot and he leans his head back before splashing some water over his face to wake himself up.

His phone buzzes from his bedroom and he rushes to answer it, leaning it between his ear and shoulder as he flicks through his wardrobe, trying to find an outfit for the day.

"Louis!" He hears Simons oddly cheerful voice and physically flinches, his heart sinking.

"Simon" he sighs, rolling his eyes.

"Louis my boy! How are you son?!" Louis shakes his head, rolling his eyes once again before answering him, sickness filling his stomach. "What do you want Simon?".

Simon sighs on the other end of the line and Louis feels his body tensing.

"We need to have another meeting" Simon eventually says. "Things between you all aren't great and we need it sorted. The band reunites in 2 and a half weeks Louis, we cant have so much tension".

Louis scoffs as he picks out a black hoodie from his wardrobe and flings it onto the bed.

"And who's fault is all this Simon?" He says, a hint of anger in his tone. "We don't need a stupid fucking meeting, or a reunion actually, You're just making our lives ten times harder".

Simon sighs and tries to soften him up. "Think of the fans Louis, they want a reunion. Do you really want to let them down?"

Louis sighs and rubs his forehead stressfully. Simon really knows what strings to tug on.

'Alright, alright. What time?".

"Eleven o'clock" Simon replies. "Tell the rest of the lads would you? I've got a meeting in ten".

Louis agrees reluctantly before hanging up the phone. and getting himself ready.

He wears the black hoodie accompanied by a pair of black jeans and lets his peaky blinders haircut flop over his forehead.

Louis jumps in fright as he exits his bedroom, and is met by four pairs of eyes looking at him.

He just looks down, avoiding everyone.

Especially Harry. After letting his walls down last night he can't make the same mistake again.

"Meeting with Simon at eleven" Louis mutters.

"You had better fuck off and get ready for it then". He snaps when nobody makes a move.

Liam stays whilst the three other boys move carefully, as if walking on eggshells.

"'What?" Louis says impatiently, watching Liam look at him uncomfortably.

"Are you alright Lou?" He questions. "You know, after last night?".

Louis let's out a dry laugh, his eyes creasing at the corners.

"As if I'm going to tell you anything ever again Liam" he says violently, his face filled with
betrayal.

"I trusted you...I trusted you" he repeats, shaking his head. "More fool me".

He then licks his bottom lip before continuing.

"Let me make this clear, Judas, I will no longer come to you, confide in you or even talk to you. We're bandmates, there's no getting out of that one" his head tilts. "But we're not friends, Liam, not anymore".

"But Louis-".

"Ah ah" Louis tuts, wagging his finger. "No, as you said to Harry. Friends don't do this shit to each other".

He then leans in, mouth close to Liam's ear. "I will never, forgive you".

With that he walks away, heading to the kitchen and leaving a shocked Liam behind.

He grabs an apple, taking a bite out of it before pulling his hood over his head and heading out of his flat.

"One of you lock the door before you leave" he calls out coldly, not even bothering to say where he's going. He doesn't think they deserve it.

Louis trusted Liam, he let him in. And he betrayed him. He doesn't get to care anymore.

Everyone leaves in the end anyways, what's the harm in speeding up the process a bit.

After a thirty minute walk Louis heads back to his flat, hoping that the other lads have left.

It's half ten so he needs to get ready for the meeting with Simon.

As he enters the flat he hears clattering, and he quickly grabs an umbrella from the stand.

He stands deathly still, weapon poised above his shoulder, his legs in an open defensive stance so that he can whack the possible intruder straight over the head without hesitation.

He tiptoes into the living room, hunching over next to the corner of the wall.

However it's lucky he does end up hesitating, as he lets out an almighty scream before he notices a familiar curly haired lad popping out in front of him, giving him the fright of his life.

"Holy shit!" He yells, dropping the his weapon, causing a large crash to sound.

"You dickhead!" He sighs, pinching his nose tightly. "What are you even still doing here?" He inquires. "I thought you would all be gone by now".

Harry shuffles on his feet nervously, biting his lip. "I forgot my phone" he says quietly, barely audible. "So I nipped back. Sorry".

Louis sighs and shakes his head, walking away from Harry quickly. "'It's fine" he mutters. "Just got a shock is all".

Harry chuckles slightly under his breath and offers a nervous smile to Louis.

Louis, still feeling embarrassed from last night returns the smile shakily, shaking his head once more. Grateful someone's treating him somewhat normal.

"You always were forgetful" he says softly, almost hoping Harry didn't hear him.

Unfortunately for him though, Harry did hear, and a surprised look crosses his face. "Yeah." he says, voice just as soft as Louis'.

He then shakes his head quickly, his unruly curls flying about his face. "Well, I'll um, get out of your way then" he says nervously.

Louis waits a second before nodding. "Okay" he says softly.

Harry nods stiffly, before getting hold of the door handle and exiting the apartment.

"Stay". Louis whispers, just as the door closes.