Time for some air cleaning and a bit of work ;)

I decided to give you this chapter today because I don't know when I'm able to update tomorrow but the update will come. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Standing here, Louis was asking himself why he even ate today. His food wanted to say hello again, he could clearly feel it. But those were only nerves but Louis was happier with being sick than nervous. He was too tough to be nervous but lately, that's all he ever was. A nervous wreck not knowing what to do.

"Hi, Louis" greeted Sean him, being wet from top to bottom.

"Hi" replied Louis tensely, gazing out of the café window.

Originally, they had planned to meet outside in the park because it was less crowded but the British weather had other plans. It was raining non-stop. Nothing untypical but Louis still hated it. Rain meant cold and cold meant a freezing Louis and that came hand in hand with moody Louis. He hated the cold. Harry had always called him a freeze baby and Louis had just accepted that with a bit of quiet grumbling to himself. He wasn't a freeze baby. No way.

"The weather is horrible. My umbrella broke on the way here" sat Sean down with a shudder and his coffee in his hand.

"That's why you look like you just took a shower in the rain" noted Louis sassily.

"Put I can pull that look off" countered Sean amused.

"Whatever lets you sleep at night" grinned Louis cheekily.

"I should be highly offended but I feel honoured to get sassed by you, Tommo. I have to admit that" laughed Sean unbothered.

"How sweet. Thank you" fluttered Louis his eyelashes at him.

"Just like you, Tommo. So, any specific reason you wanted to meet up alone? Don't get me wrong but that never happened before and I was kinda surprised about your message" took Sean a sip from his coffee.

"Straight to the point, huh?" chuckled Louis forcedly. Inwardly, he was getting nervous again and could feel his heart beating in his stomach. He had no idea how to word this and how to get to the bottom of what he wanted to say. Probably, just straight to the point like Sean, right?

When Sean just looked at him waiting, Louis decided not to talk around the bush and just say it. "Actually, I wanted to apologise, Sean. For everything I put you through. Since we met years ago I was never really fair to you and didn't give you a chance. I was simply rude and snappy all the time and sometimes really treated you like shit when I didn't ignore you completely. I probably made you feel like shit and I feel so bad because of this. I never meant to make you feel marginalized, if I'm being honest with myself. You're a really cool dude and I was just irrationally jealous of you for nothing and there is no way I can ever make up for this. So yeah, I'm really sorry, Sean".

Anxiously, Louis stared at this tea and didn't dare to look up. He had let it all out, even though different than planned, and could now only hope for the best. But if he was being honest he didn't know if he would forgive himself because Louis definitely still felt guilty about everything.

"Louis, we left this behind months ago. You don't need to apologise to me. I was never mad at you. I will admit that it didn't always feel nice to be at the other end of your snappy comebacks but I knew where they were coming from and I understood. I didn't take them to heart and just shrugged it off. But we're good now, Louis. We get along quite good" spoke Sean up softly, surprising Louis with his words.

"Maybe. But even if we get along by now it still feels like you're more a friend of the others than mine and I wanna change that. I wanna make it up to you, Sean" insisted Louis stubbornly.

"You don't have to. No need to be sorry. Forgive and forget but if it's so important to you then I'm gonna accept your apology, Tommo. All good between us" sent Sean him a beaming smile.

"I can't believe that you're real. How can you not be mad at me? Damn, you're too good for this world" broke a grin across Louis' face.

"I'm really not, but thanks. I just think one shouldn't be unforgiving and live in the past. Not everything bad that happens to you is supposed to be taken to heart, it's not personal. I always knew you never had a problem with me as a person, just the fact that I was close to Harry. I understand that" reasoned Sean his behaviour light-heartedly.

"I noticed that when we had this talk with Liam and Zayn. Your words really took me by surprise and you left me speechless. I never thought you could ever think something like that" remembered Louis their talk on moving day.

"But I do. I always thought you and Harry would end up married with three kids living in a big house outside of town being the sappiest and most disgusting couple on this planet but it looks like I was wrong. And I see why Liam and Zayn keep asking about it but I don't think this is good for you. It won't help you with the situation and they need to give it a rest. Time and space is what you need and a little bit of trust and happiness. Without questions about a certain someone" told Sean him surely.

"I definitely agree with you on this one. I need time to get over everything because I can admit that I'm still not completely over Harry and it will take a while until I am but the constant questioning only makes it harder for me. I really wanna let go of the past for good, so Harry and I can go back to being the best of friends without it being awkward and thousand of topics we should avoid. Because that's how it is right now" agreed Louis perplexed with Sean.

"I noticed that but it will get better someday" smiled Sean encouragingly at him. "How are things with Luke?".

"Good, really good. He is great. Just amazing" answered Louis way too quickly.

"There is something, right? Something you wanna get off your chest" saw Sean right through him.

"Yeah, there is. I don't know how to explain this because everything is good between Luke and me. He is literally the best person I've ever known but it's ...".

"Not enough?" guessed Sean carefully.

"I'm not sure. I mean, I really like Luke and when he is around I feel really good but it feels like I'm forcing myself into this at times. It feels like I can't give myself wholey to him although he deserves it. It feels like I'm not being completely honest with him, which is technically true, because he doesn't know about Harry and my inner struggles. I feel like a liar; like I'm using him even though I'm not doing that and he deserves more" admitted Louis sadly.

"Maybe you should tell him about Harry and everything that happened. Like this, he could understand what you're going through and help you better. There will be difficult situations and if he knows the truth he will be able to handle them. If he doesn't know anything it will just confuse him over time and make things harder on the both of you" advised Seanhim wisely.

"I ... I think you're right. This won't be easy but he deserves to know everything" nodded Louis hesitantly, afraid that the truth will scare Luke off and make him think Louis was only using him even though he wasn't.

"Don't stress yourself over this. Time will tell. The right moment will come around the corner and you'll know it" assured Sean him calmly.

"I hope you're right" sighed Louis out. "Anyway, how are your studies going?".

"Good, I think. It's definitely a lot of stress sometimes but I love architecture. If you love what you do it's a lot easier and makes up for the bad parts" reported Sean passionately.

"That's very true. I don't know what I would do if I hated my courses. Choosing drama and music was the best decision of my entire life, that's for sure" chuckled Louis carefree.

"It's what you love. Always a good way, in the end" took Sean another sip of his coffee.

"Stop sounding wise every two seconds. The therapy session is over" joked Louis heartfelt.

"No can do. It's second nature" winked Sean at him when his phone beeped. "Aye, Hazza needs to stop sending me pictures with Josh. I feel like some fangirl with all the pictures on my phone".

A frown made its way onto Louis' face and his heart felt heavy. Harry was again spending time with Josh like literally ever day in every free second. They were attached by the hip and it was annoying. But it shouldn't be. They were boyfriends and it was normal to act like this. Honeymoon phase and everything. But instead of wondering why he wasn't acting like this, Louis was asking himself if Harry would have sent Sean pictures of the two of them as well, in an alternative universe where they ended up together.

Shaking that inappropriate thought away, Louis glanced at this phone and when he read the time his eyes grew big. "Shit, I'm late. I really need to run now or my boss will have my head and not in a good way".

"I should make a dirty comment about that but you need to hurry the fuck up. C'mon" stood Sean up as well and cleared their cups away.

"Thank you, Sean. Damn, I really lost track of time. I need to stop doing that" cursed Louis when he put on his coat and grabbed for his umbrella.

"Someday you will" put Sean his coat on as well. "Is there space left under your umbrella?".

"Sorry, but I'm taken" joked Louis on their way to the door. "Don't worry, you fit underneath as well".

"Great because I'm coming with you" let Sean him know when they stepped outside into the rain.

"From one drink to another? Damn it, you're hardcore, Sean" laughed Louis contently.

Quickly, they made their way over to Louis' workplace. He had started working in this café close the uni right before the start of the first semester. He had wanted to find a job and earn his own money so he could move out. And his work behind the counter was okay, most of the time. It could get stressful and his boss was a pain in the ass but his co-workers were fine and the pay-check was decent. So, not much to complain about at the end of the day.

Like always, Zayn and Liam showed up ten minutes into his shift and ordered their usual coffees. When they spotted Sean sitting by the window they raised a surprised eyebrow at Louis, who only waved them off. Sean could explain this. Louis had no time for this. He was working. Another ten minutes later, Àmber and Aria came in and joined their friends by the window. Already knowing their orders, Louis prepared the two hot chocolates and walked over to his friends.

"Hey, Am, Ari. Here are your drinks" placed Louis them down on their table. "On the house".

"Again? Lew, I can't accept this" protested Àmber appalled.

"Just take it. Use the opportunity of knowing the handsome guy behind the counter" nudged Louis her shoulder.

"Fine" gave Àmber in with a tiny smile.

"Hey, what about us? Why do we have to pay?" huffed Zayn sniffy.

"Because you're weird, Javy" winked Louis at him before he turned around and went back to work.

After an hour of making drinks and serving customers, Louis' boss showed up. Louis already knew what he would say at one point and Louis was dreading that moment. He just went on with his work and let his boss do his thing. While wiping the counter Louis heard the door open and giggles filled the room. Rolling his eyes because he knew what was coming, Louis looked up and was met with a group of four girls entering the café. Immediately, his boss came over to him. Again.

"You see them, right? Now put on your charming smile and make yourself look good. Show what you have" whispered his boss Aidan to him.

"I'm selling coffee and not myself, Aidan" groaned Louis just like every time.

"Maybe but people often come back to places that they remembered in a good way. Where they have something to look forward to and I don't mean the coffee. Your friends come here every time because of you. Those girls could come back because of you as well" justified Aidan himself and Louis knew what he meant but he didn't get why he needed to present himself for that.

"I'm gay, Aidan. You know that. My boyfriend was here a few times" reminded Louis him in an annoyed voice.

"But they don't know that. Now smile and be charming" said Aidan strongly and left Louis standing there.

"Unbelievable" muttered Louis under his breath.

Bracing himself, Louis looked up to face the girls and a wide grin spread across his face while his heartbeat picked up. He could feel Aidan watching him with a satisfied look on his face but Louis could only stare at the boy with the curls leaning by the counter, talking to his hungry-looking friend. The four girls were still discussing what they would get when Harry and Niall stepped closer to the counter and faced Louis now, who couldn't stop smiling.

"Hi, Louis" greeted Harry him cheerfully.

"Harry, Hi. What are you doing her?" asked Louis stunned.

"Ordering my drink, what else?" answered Harry cockily.

"You know what I mean" whined Louis but started preparing Harry's drink, knowing his order by heart.

"I do, yeah" grinned Harry amused. "Sean texted us and asked if we would want to join the rest of you while you're at work. I was a bit surprised, to say the least. I didn't know you are working here".

And yeah. Of course, Harry didn't know that. How could he? Louis had gotten the job during a period of time where they didn't talk to each other and since then it never came up because they only talked about unimportant non-sense. But now he knew and Louis was happy about it.

"It wasn't important but now you know. Here, your tea" handed Louis Harry his fruit tea.

"I didn't even order anything" blinked Harry shocked.

"I know you by heart, Harry. Your order is saved in my brain. No biggie" shrugged Louis but felt his cheeks heating up under Harry's intense gaze.

"Means I can order now" piped Niall in and started to order his drink and a lot of food. This boy was crazy.

Waiting for his friends, Harry watched Louis' every move and that made Louis a bit nervous and giddy. He tried to block his friend out of his sight and focus on his work. A bit shaken, Louis gave Niall his orders and watched Harry and Niall walking over to their friends. Louis smiled brightly when Harry looked back over at him and sent him a dimply smile. He could definitely work like this.

With Harry being here, Louis had no problem to put on a charming smile and be his best to every single customer. The smile wasn't faked for the very first time and didn't want to go away but Louis didn't question it. What did go away though was his boss after another hour and Louis felt so much lighter without Aidan watching his every move, wanting him to sell the coffee with flirting and his body. That was just weird.

One after the other went home the later it got until the only people left were two girls in the back and Harry and Zayn. Louis knew Zayn was still here because of Harry. Otherwise Zayn would have gone home an hour ago but he seemed hesitant to leave Louis alone with him. Making eye-contact across the room, Louis assured him it was okay to go home. Louis could handle Harry alone.

As soon as Zayn had left, Harry stood up from his table and walked over to Louis, who was cleaning up. He put his cup on the counter and just watched Louis working. A quick glance over his shoulder told Louis that the two girls were about to leave, so he faced Harry and waited for him to say something but he stayed silent. Luckily, before it could get awkward the girls came over and handed Louis their empty cups with friendly smiles.

"The coffee was delicious. You're definitely the best" praised one of the girls him.

"I'm not but thanks" waved Louis the praise off. It was only coffee and nothing special.

"Believe us. We came here every day and can testify that your coffee is the best. When Patrick is in I know I should go for tea instead, if you know what I mean" told the brunette girl him with a chuckle.

"Nope, no idea" grinned Louis cheekily. He knew Patrick was not the best at making coffee but he was learning.

"Looks like you're a good friend. Anyway, we should head out. And again, great coffee. From now I only ask for coffee made by ...?" was the blonde one definitely asking for his name.

"Louis. I'm Louis" couldn't Louis help himself but smile at the situation.

"I'm Cat and this is Sabrina" introduced the blonde girl herself and then her friend.

"Well, it was nice to meet you, Cat and Sabrina, and maybe you'll even come back once more and find me right here" chuckled Louis lightly.

"Now definitely, Louis" sent Sabrina him a cute smile.

With that, the girls left the café and Louis could only shake his head in wonderment. That was a situation he definitely never had before and he wasn't sure if he liked it or not. At least, someone appreciated his coffee. Ironically, coffee. He hated coffee by a passion.

"You will definitely see them again, you charmer" commented Harry on the scene.

"I was just being nice. It's my job" shrugged Louis unbothered.

"You mean just like putting on a flirty smile and be charming while presenting yourself to sell coffee? Yeah, your boss will be happy" snorted Harry sarcastically.

At those words, Louis' head snapped into his direction. "You heard that?".

"I did. He really wants you to act interested in every female customer so they'd come back for you? He wants to sell coffee like this?" asked Harry concerned.

"I guess so. I don't understand that either and I'm not really doing it anyway. He's barely in when I'm working and for the short amount of time he is it's not that bad to be a bit more charming and yeah ..." trailed Louis off uncomfortably.

"Presenting you and your body? I noticed that. It should be about simply selling coffee. This is not a strip club where you're working at the bar" completed Harry his sentence, sounding the tiniest bit upset.

"You're right with that but I can't change it. I'm already looking for something else but until then this job pays the bills and it's not the end of the world. Putting on a smile is not the worst and I have a lot of good days" assured Louis him.

"Well, you were smiling a lot today and it looked genuine to me, most of the time" mused Harry observingly.

"Wasn't hard with having you around" said Louis before he could think about his words. He tried not to let the shock be seen on his face. What the hell was he thinking and what did he even mean with that?

"You know, having my friends here really helps. So, thank you for being here today" added Louis hastily.

"No problem. I'm always there when you need me" smiled Harry at him before looking down at his phone.

His words let Louis smile again and he even ignored the fact that Harry was obviously texting Josh. Louis had read the name on the screen. Normally, that still bothered him in some way but right now Louis didn't care. It seemed like they were on a good way to being friends again and maybe that's why he was so happy. He left the café with Harry and hugged him goodbye, ignoring that this still wasn't normal for them again. With a smile on his face, he made his way home and even fell asleep with that special smile plastered on his face.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Louis is smiling his sunhisne Louis smile again. A good thing, mh? But why?

He also made up with Sean completely now and his boss is a bit weird. Saw that coming?