you're cold and I burn (on hold)

esponding. “Well, it’ll get better, you just have to get to know each other first, it’s always
awkward in the beginning, give it a chance.”
Louis knows he’s right, it’s only the first morning, <strong>and</strong> Harry’s already almost seen him
completely naked, so there’s that. He’s never been quite so flustered, <strong>and</strong> plenty of men have seen
him in next to nothing. But Harry’s coming off as someone who knows what he does to people,
<strong>and</strong> Louis hoped he wouldn’t fall victim for that, but apparently he’s not immune. Either way, it
was one time, <strong>and</strong> it was because Louis isn’t used to other people being around, but it will never
happen again. There doesn’t need to be any awkward moments that could compromise the
flatmate relationship they’ll have to form. Which means being fully dressed all hours of the day, or
at least when he’s not in the privacy of his own room, or the shower, of course.
Niall doesn’t seem to mind Louis being deep in thought, more focused on the empty smoothie cup
<strong>and</strong> he looks pretty disgruntled about it.
He joins Louis to apply at every place within walking distance from his flat. Including some cafes,
some markets, retail stores <strong>and</strong> even a petrol station. So far everyone has seemed polite <strong>and</strong>
interested in Louis getting a prospective job there, <strong>and</strong> he’s hoping one of them will call him
sooner versus later for an interview. He’s not looking forward to the break from his art but he is
looking forward to a steady source of income, which is exactly what he needs right now. With the
rent being cut in half, it should be more than affordable with around twenty five hours a week,
which isn’t bad at all. And he refuses to say this flatmate thing was a good idea, but it is a little
helpful. He still needs to call Liam <strong>and</strong> bitch him out. He definitely has not forgotten about his
betrayal, <strong>and</strong> the <strong>burn</strong>ing shit bag is still a bold possibility.
The job at a museum or gallery still sounds amazing, but he’d have to take the tube everyday there
<strong>and</strong> back, <strong>and</strong> he needs to focus more on convenience than interest. It sucks, it really does, but it’s
life.
“I have no doubt you’ll be getting a job soon, mate, you’re very good with people, even though ya
hate them, really.” Niall assures him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder for a quick side-hug.
It’s as awkward as it is comforting. Niall can sense when Louis is tense or thinking too much into
something, <strong>and</strong> intervening is just what Louis needs. Sometimes Louis’ own mind has the
capability to drive him mad.
“Thanks, that’s what ‘M hoping for.”
Those three cups of coffee are starting to hit full devastating effect right about now, <strong>and</strong> his h<strong>and</strong>s
are shaking, he can barely hold his cell without almost dropping it. That’s the last time he
purposefully tries to overdose on caffeine, everything about that decision was wrong, <strong>and</strong> he’s
whole heartedly regretting it. He’s honestly looking forward to going home <strong>and</strong> crashing,
hopefully he’ll be dead asleep in a matter of seconds <strong>and</strong> avoid the “can we not talk about what
happened earlier” conversation.
People are jostling <strong>and</strong> laughing all around them, lost in their own worlds <strong>and</strong> enjoying the
weather while they can. It’ll be only a matter of time before the day feels like the night, freezing
<strong>and</strong> uncomfortable. Louis hates being <strong>cold</strong>, unless he’s sleeping, then he likes the air to be almost
frigid while he lies underneath thick blankets. It almost feels protective <strong>and</strong> disconnected. The
thought of sleeping makes him yawn almost instantly, because he’s shaky from the coffee but he’s
also starting to feel tired again. The effects never really last long, one minute you’re singing with a
coffee mug then the next your wanting to pass out on the concrete <strong>and</strong> take a full nap. It’s all very
annoying <strong>and</strong> it’s only because he didn’t get any fucking sleep last night. (cough, Harry, cough.)
“You still gonna paint, Lou?” Niall asks, his accent strong <strong>and</strong> snapping Louis from his mind.