Young & Beautiful

filled, Louis dumps the paper balls into the bin, appearing nonchalant and keeping one eye on
Niall.
“I’ve already told you everything I know. Why?”
“Because I want to know why he’s so evil. Tell me anything—about his family, his life…just
anything.” Louis sits back down and stares across at Niall expectantly, hands folded, refusing to
acknowledge any stirrings that feel suspiciously like concern for the boy in question.
Niall chews his grapes. “I literally told you everything. Dad’s Des, he’s a fuckin legend—he’s just
been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, you know?”
“Of course he was,” Louis mumbles.
“Erm. He’s still mental. He’s—“
“Is he at home?” Louis interrupts, eyes serious.
“Huh?”
“Is he at home? Does he live with Harry? Or is he in hospital…?”
“I dunno, I can’t keep track. Probably at home? Why does it matter?” Niall asks, refastening his
Rolex and glancing up at Louis.
“It doesn’t, I guess. He’s just…” Louis sighs, sinking his tired head into his hands. He really needs
some sleep. “Forget it. I’m too tired for this. Wake me in an hour.”
“What’s in an hour?”
“I want to go to Zayn’s.”
And no, this has nothing to do with wanting to see Harry. Because he doesn’t, really.
But even if he did want to, it would only be to confirm that nothing has changed between them
after last night’s random act of kindness. That’s all. Just so they’re on the same page. He just
wants to confirm that.
“All right. Go to sleep. I’ll see you in an hour,” Niall smiles, ruffling Louis’ hair before walking
away.
“DO NOT TOUCH THE PIANO,” Louis warns, and Niall stops mid-step.
“I’ll play you to sleep?” he offers, an eyebrow raised.
Louis ponders, slowly trudging to his room. “Lullabies?”
“I can do lullabies.”
“With filthy lyrics?”
“I can do that as well.”
“All right, then. But play softly,” Louis warns, and slides into his room just as Niall takes a seat at
the grand piece of shit, fingers lowering onto the waiting keys as he serenades Louis to sleep with
“Lick My Love Pump.”