Louis' eyes follow the green scenery as the tour bus flies down the highway. He doesn't know why Niall and Liam were so adamant that they all sat together and talked on their way to their last tour spot in Europe. 

They've spent the last month ignoring each other, which has seemed to work out fine for the four of them. Of course, by ignoring each other Louis means that Zayn and him have ignored Liam and Liam has ignored both of them while Niall plays somewhere in between. 

"What is the point of this? Why can't we all sit in our own rooms and watch telly like we've done for the past month already? Sittin' here pretending we like each other obviously isn't doing anything," Zayn snaps. Louis watches out of the corner of his eye as his friend jumps out of his seat and runs a hand through his hair. 

Honestly, Louis never thought he'd want Zayn in his life again. If you told him 20 years ago that Louis would consider Zayn one of his best friends now, he probably would've laughed in your face. There's no way in hell that Louis ever thought things would've gone the way they did. Of course, the end result he got wasn't ideal, but it's manageable. Having Zayn in his life is nice. He didn't know how much he really missed Zayn until he had the lad back in his life again. 

He won't say it was an easy process getting to where they are. It started when Harry left and Louis was pissed at Liam and Liam was trying to kiss his ass to make up for what he did. Zayn sent him a quick text apologizing to Louis for everything that went down. Louis could tell that it was all bullshit, but it started the conversation. They cleared the air and got everything off of their chests. Over the years, they've grown closer and the stuff of the past stayed in the past. 

"Because you three haven't been talking and it's driving me mad. We're a band. We're practically brothers and you three are acting like complete strangers. I'm not going to go through the next year walking on eggshells," Niall snaps, his Irish accent thicker than normal. 

After Zayn, Louis' kept the most in contact with Niall. He lives down the road and tries his best to come over for the important holidays. Eleanor and Niall's wife, Abby, get along great together and the kids enjoy each other's company well enough. 

"We haven't been talking because Liam's an ass and ruined Louis' life! Why the fuck would we act normal about all that," Zayn snaps. Louis turns his head and catches Niall's gaze. Niall tries to send him a look as if saying to control Zayn, but Louis had no intention of doing that. Zayn knows how Louis feels and Louis doesn't feel like talking about it. 

"It was years ago and it was a mistake. We've all done fucked up shit in the past. Jesus, Zayn, you fucking outed him to Simon and started all the bullshit to begin with so don't give me all this shit about how I ruined his life. You were sober when you did that," Liam curses. He leans back in his chair, refusing to stand or raise his voice to meet Zayn's. 

He hasn't spoken to Liam privately in years. From what Louis knows, he married Cheryl after fathering her child, Bear. If Louis were to guess, Bear would be around eighteen now, but it's only a guess. Over the years Liam's tried to make contact with Louis, but Louis doesn't want Liam in his life again. Not after what happened. 

"I outed them to one person. You outed them to the world. That's the difference, Liam," Zayn snaps. He runs a hand through his hair and stomps out of the room, slamming the door to the room he enters as he does so. 

Louis' blue eyes land on the door and he's tempted to get up and leave to make sure Zayn's okay but knows the lad needs time to cool down. Now is not the time to try and comfort Zayn. Besides, Niall wanted them together, so Louis will participate for Niall's sake. He's never had bad blood with Niall after all. 

"Louis, you can't seriously still be mad at me for all of that. I understand that I fucked up and I apologize for that. It's the worst mistake I've ever made but befriending Zayn? After everything he did to you and Harry? You'd take him over me," Liam questions. His tone has gone gentler as if he's scared to break Louis somehow. Louis keeps his eyes trained on the door, refusing to look at Liam. 

"Why don't we talk about something else. How're the kids," Niall diffuses. He turns to Louis as if he expects an answer. 

Louis loves his kids. Of course, having children wasn't in the plan and especially not with Eleanor, but plans change. Now he had three beautiful children to love and care for. As much as he loves them, now isn't the time. Not when he's doing everything he can to keep himself from imagining his ex-boyfriend in his head. Not now. 

"Fine," He answers curtly. Niall's taken aback for a moment but catches himself quickly. 

"Sorry, I didn't know it was a touchy subject," Niall responds. Louis' eyes unglue themselves from the wooden door and meet Niall's. 

"Normally it isn't, Niall," Louis snaps. "But right now I don't want to think about the children I was forced to have. Not when I'm trying so fucking hard not to think about Harry. I fucking loved him!" He's standing now and turning to face Liam. "I fucking loved Harry with all of my fucking heart and you ruined that! You couldn't keep your god damn mouth shut about it, could you? I was finally happy, Liam and you ripped him away from me! Maybe being Simon's bitch would've been worth it if I had my boy with me, but I don't! That's why I fucking hate you! So, yeah, Liam, I did befriend Zayn because at least he didn't take him away from me. We survived Zayn, but we didn't survive you," Louis screams. 

He turns his back on Liam just as the tears start to fall. 

~_~_~ 

Hey guys! This isn't that great, but whatever. Hope this has given you a little more insight into how Louis' feeling. I'm sorry for the short hiatus I took, but I didn't want to write about Larry when Fizzy's death was so fresh on everyone's mind. Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed! ~B