CHANGE

TWENTY THREE

LOUIS

"Louissss, come on" Niall shouts over the loud music, tugging on Louis' arm. "Danceee, don't be a buzz kill lad!".

Louis chuckles nervously, tugging his arm away from Nialls grip. "I'm good thanks mate, go on though, you carry on".

Niall rolls his eyes and goes to walk always, but trips in the process. This movement causes him to pull on Louis' arm quickly in an attempt to steady himself, his fingers pressing into Louis' scarred wrist firmly.

Louis yelps and pulls his arm away, wincing. This action results in Niall, on the floor, flat on his arse. Guilt instantly fills Louis when he notices Niall's position, and he holds out a hand to help him up as he blinks back the tears caused by his stinging wrist.

Niall accepts the gesture, not mad as he realises the reason for Louis' hostility. But the two don't even notice Harry and Liam rushing over to them.

The first thing they notice is Niall on the floor, and Liam rushes to his side. "For fucks sake Louis, the one thing i ask, no spectacle". He shakes his head angrily. "And you manage to fuck up in the first hour, seriously! What the fuck is wrong with you?!".

Louis' breath hitches and he stumbles back, his breathing shaky as he tries to keep himself together.

"Woah Liam, chill out" Harry states, looking at Louis concerned.

Niall, now more aware of the situation stands up, quick to defend Louis. "It's wasn't his fault Li" he says gently, looking at Louis with guilt. "I tripped and grabbed his arm...it wasn't his fault".

He gives Liam a knowing look, glancing at Louis' arms and Liam nods, realising what must have happened.

"Louis- I'm so sorry".

All the while though, Louis stands there, looking at Liam with a hurt look and Simons words echo in his head. "Y-You...you thought I hurt him?" he says, sounding as if he's in pain. "You actually thought....".

Louis loves Niall to bits, he can't even imagine hurting the boy. The fact that Liam would even think that...

Liams face softens. "Louis" he says, but Louis turns around, walking away. "Louis I'm sorry!".

He hears Liam shouting after him and his eyes prick with tears as he goes into the bathroom of the club and he leans over the sink, exhaling.

Is that what the boys really think of him, that he would hurt them? He would never. How could they even think that?

He's in the small bathroom for around 15 minutes before he hears the door swing open and he steps backwards, quickly running a hand over his tear stained face.

His heart skips a beat when he sees Zayn, and he sighs. "What?".

Zayn doesn't notice Louis' upset state and enters the bathroom.

"Don't take it to heart, Liams just had a bit too much to drink is all Lou" Zayn says softly, walking over to him.

"We know you wouldn't hurt Niall".

Louis sighs, slumping against the wall. "You do though" he whispers.

"Hey, hey" Zayn says, surprised. "Never, Louis, we're brothers".

A tear slips down Louis' cheek, the alcohol making him more open. "Lou" Zayn says pitifully, putting a hand on his stubble covered cheek. "Where's all this coming from".

Louis doesn't reply, Simons words over the years still ringing in his head.

"Lou?".

Louis sniffs, and looks up at Zayn. It's then that Zayn notices the tear tracks down Louis' face.