Chapter 5

Saturday 6

The soft notes floated through the air, prancing over to Louis' ears before bounding into his mind with harsh clunks of the keys. The simple tune turned heavy and slack, lapsing in smooth texture to a rough structure of stammering sounds. As stuttered and messy as it sounded, the song was nothing less than a masterpiece, it evidently only being able to work by the hands of an experienced player with formidable talent.Louis' eyes widened comically as he stumbled over to Harry in a daze, the boy stuck in a trance of music where he played the familiar piece fluently. Louis stood bewildered by the piano, watching Harry play the instrument until the song ended delicately. His jaw had dropped and his eyebrows had shot up under his feathered fringe. He choked a bemused chuckle out when Harry looked up at him, wide green eyes staring up at his being, but not directly into his eyes."What the- how the hell did you just do that?!" Louis said astounded.Harry blushed, a pink dusting speckling his cheeks and lighting up his face. Louis couldn't think of anything cuter in that moment, because Harry looked so adorable he thought his heart was going to burst out of his chest. Harry's shoulders raised into a small humble shrug, his teeth bearing over his bottom lip to scrape his face into the most innocent expression Louis had ever seen. 'I actually think I'm going to cry from his cuteness,' Louis thought as his eyes roamed Harry's sweet expression."You don't even have the sheet music in front of you! What even- I can't- wow!" Louis babbled, his mouth forming a surprised smile which curved at the side of his lips.Harry budged up on the stool without thought, offering the space to Louis who took it immediately, still staring incredulously at Harry."Are you some kind of musical genius or something?!" Louis asked, grinning.Harry looked down to hide the ever growing blush on his face, but Louis caught it nonetheless. Harry shrugged once more to seem nonchalant, but Louis knew he'd struck a chord by the twinkle in Harry's eye he spotted whilst Harry lowered his head."You're amazing Harry, seriously," Louis said softly, hesitantly placing his hand on Harry 's shoulder, bypassing the thought of lifting the boy's face up by his chin as that might've been too far. "It's taken me so long just to learn the basics of that song. I haven't, and I don't think I ever will be able to, put that amount of emotion and flow in it as you have. You've got a serious talent there Harry, really, it's incredible."Harry shook his head sharply, a taught unbelieving expression threaded through his features. His expression showed nothing but the words 'I really don't'."You do Harry, believe me. And don't say I'm lying because my ego is too big for me to say that someone's more talented than me, and I usually never say anything if I think that, so it isn't something light for me to say," Louis chuckled. "So believe me, Harry, when I say you've got a gift."Moments passed of Harry staring just to the right of Louis' head, before those bright greens connected with Louis' for a split second to somewhat gage whether he was telling the truth or not. Once Harry had gotten the answer that yes Louis was telling the truth, a small pull at the corner of his lips determined to Louis that Harry had accepted the compliment."Can we...maybe play it together?" Louis asked apprehensively. Harry nodded surely, strong emotion behind his action. "This is going to sound so stupid...but do you by any chance have the music with you?"Harry's lips pursed a little into a smirk, seeing Louis blush fiercely at the irony that he was the one to teach it to Harry and he needed the sheet music. Harry pointed over to the brown satchel that lay carelessly on the floor, indicating the location of the sheet. Louis scuttled over and searched through the bag, his hands coming across two pieces of paper.Pulling them both out, he recognised one to be the sheet music, but the other looked much more interesting. Pausing in his crouched position, Louis' eyes skimmed over the flyer covered in bright flamboyant colours, picking up the main gist of the advertisement."Hey, is this for your school talent show?" Louis swivelled on the balls of his feet, successfully not toppling over.Harry's eyes darted to the flyer, widening slightly with a glare, before his body stumbled from the stool over to Louis, his hands ripping the paper from Louis' fingers. Louis watched as his trembling hands folded the paper up, storing it away in the back pocket of his jeans.Louis stood up slowly, becoming level with Harry's fidgeting frame. "Are you alright, babe?"Harry's eyelids flickered and his head shook to bring him out of his daze. He stared blankly at Louis, a wavering glance to his eyes, then focussed on his face in general before nodding curtly and returning to his seat by the piano."You should just go for it, y'know, the talent show," Louis suggested, sidling up to the silent boy. Harry scoffed quietly, shaking his head in amusement."I'm serious! You should enter it, show off your talent! You're amazing Harry, I'll keep telling you until you realise!"Harry shook his head sternly, the ferociousness in his actions obvious to Louis that he wasn't going to budge."Is-is it because you're worried what people will think? The other students?" Louis asked softly.Harry's body stiffened; Louis could tell, as much as he tried to hide it."What's school like for you Harry?" Louis wasn't sure whether his question was that of a too forward one for their situation, but he wanted to get to know Harry as much as possible, and to do that he had to be straight to the point. He did, however, ensure his voice was soft and calm as not to alarm the boy."Tell me about you, Harry; I want to know you, please," Louis pleaded. Harry kept staring down at the black and white keys of the piano, eyes locked on them intensely but his body softening into a more relaxed state. "If-if I gave you something to write on, would you tell me that way?"Louis watched with baited breath as Harry contemplated his offer. He took the side of his bottom lip in between his teeth, chewing on his lip out of habit whilst he thought deeply. It took a while for his definitive answer, an obvious mental war displaying on his face as he debated it. Finally, Harry's wide-eyed expression turned to Louis and he nodded simply.Louis had to restrain the wide grin that was about to pull on his lips. He felt like his heart had doubled in size out of pride. Scuttling over to the messy pile of papers in the corner, Louis picked up an old, empty music sheet and the bunch of pens lying aimlessly on the floor. Judging the paper to be decent to write on by the only thing covering it being the lines of staves, Louis brought the stationary over to Harry and sat himself on the stool again. Pulling the piano lid down to create a flat surface, Louis placed the paper on the shiny black lid and held the bunch of pens in his hand, the different colours and shapes fanning out from his fingers. Talking through each pen in his classic game-show host voice, Louis offered each pen to the boy animatedly. Harry cracked a tug at the lips, amusement on his features, before plucking out a simple black biro from the tanned fingers.Taking a pen himself, Louis scribbled the blue ink onto the page;How's school then for you, Harry?

Harry sat thoughtfully for a small while, mulling over his answer. Eventually, he raised the black pen to the sheet and scratched his thoughts down onto the page:It's okay, I guess.

Louis realised from that one sentence that, not only did Harry have extremely neat handwriting that was to die for, but he wasn't going to get much out of the boy easily.You guess?

Louis' simple question seemed to stump Harry, his pen tapping on the surface in deep thought as he tried to answer.Well it isn't great, but it could be worse.

How is it not great?

It just isn't...it's school, right? Nobody in their right mind likes school.

I used to like school. Sometimes I wish I could go back just to experience it again.

But you aren't exactly in the right mind though are you?

Louis saw Harry's smirk through his peripheral vision, spotting the cheeky glint in his eyes which stared to the floor. He let out an overdramatic gasp, holding his hand over his heart as if he was offended. Regardless of the mild offence, Louis felt like he'd had a minor breakthrough with the lad; the fact that he was joking around with him showed that he was at least a little comfortable with him.I'm just going to bypass that cheeky comment you slipped in there and ask you why you don't like it so much?

It's not like I'm dumb or anything, I'm actually pretty clever - even if I do say so myself - so I get good grades in exams and stuff. I just...it's complicated.

I envy your cleverness. How complicated can it be? Things are only complicated if you make them that way.

Louis noted Harry's visible hesitation and how his immediate reaction wasn't to write. He stopped still, his pen hovering above the page. Louis thought maybe he had taken it too far, delved too deep.You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I don't want you to say anything that makes you uncomfortable.

I just...I don't know how to phrase it, I feel stupid saying it

Harry's head was facing downwards, watching as his fingers twiddled together with an awkward flare.

Don't. Don't feel stupid. You know I'm never going to judge you, right?

Sure...

I just want to get to know you, Harry.

Finally, Harry gained the courage to put his pen to the paper, setting off into a waterfall of words.First off, don't think I get bullied. Because I don't. Kinda far off it, really. They don't come close enough to be able to bully me. It's like I've got some kind of contaminating disease that doesn't let people come in a five metre radius of me. Like a force field or something that pushes them away. Nobody's spoken a word to me in years; it's like I'm invisible or something. Not even the teachers talk to me, how stupid is that? I mean obviously, I'm not going to answer their questions but someone who talked to me would be nice, y'know? It's just a bit tiring, the same silence every single day. Nobody really cares.

Louis slowly read the paragraph in which Harry had poured his heart out into. He took in the words, registering them and finding sadness wash through him. He didn't realise school could be so bad for someone. He could feel the emotion through every word, the regret, fear and sorrow filling each word.Tentatively, Louis lifted his pen over to the paper:Harry, I don't know what to say.

You don't have to say anything, it's just life; you can't change it.

Louis nibbled on his lip as he thought of a reply. He didn't want to come across needy or too forward, but he didn't want Harry to think he didn't care. It hit home hard, the, somewhat, suffering that Harry had been through.

But I want to change it Harry.

So I don't have any friends, big deal.

You don't not have any. You have one friend at least.

Harry sent Louis an incredulous look, baffled and confused. His eyebrows were furrowed together as he wrote his reply.

What are you going on about? You're mad, Louis.

Am I mad in thinking that I'm your friend?

Louis saw Harry's emerald eyes grow in size, his eyes darting around the page in shock. His pen scribbled quickly on the sheet.

You are?

I'd like to think so...do you want me to be?

I...I think I'd like that...maybe...yeh, I'd like that.

Louis smiled too when Harry let the corners of his lips upturn sweetly. Scarlet sprinkled all over Harry's cheeks, and he bit his lip - which looked rather enticing to Louis, he had to admit - in hidden joy.

Do you think that, maybe, as friends would, we could make use of the sunshine and go to the park for an ice cream?

Really? You want to go out with me?I don't mean like that, obviously, but like, you want to go somewhere with me?

Yeh I do, what's so surprising about that?

I don't know, just nobody has asked me to go somewhere before...

Never?

Not as far as I can remember anyway, and I have a pretty good memory, I'll have you know.

Woah. Erm- so are you okay with the offer then?

Yeh, I'd love to.

Cool, should we head off now then?

Can I tell my Mum first though?

Of course, can't leave Anne in the dark can we?! Do you want me to bring some more paper for you to write on?We don't have to if you don't like, you've said a lot today already. I don't want to pressure you or anything.

I don't know...I don't want you to get sick of me...

What?! I could never get sick of you Harry!

It's quite an easy task to be honest.

Seriously Harry, I want to get to know you. It's not like I'm being asked to, I'm choosing to myself, okay?

Sure?

100%

Okay...well maybe we can bring some just in case, I'm not promising anything though.

Ooh hard to get, I like it!

Shut up.

Louis broke the everlasting silence with a brash laugh, the happy sound vibrating around the room. "Come on, babe; let's go find your Mum."

The pair left the safety of the piano room, trundling through the building in search of the familiar head of dark hair. Louis ignored the shooting inquisitive glances from his fellow students about the unknown boy by his side, the boy who was slumping his shoulders and trailing behind in shyness.If Louis had seen someone else walking around confidently with a younger boy who obviously didn't express the same confidence, he probably would have sent them a querying look too; but being in the situation himself, he didn't see the difference between walking with Harry than with anyone else.The two found Anne by the stage fussing around with two other women with the microphone stands. Louis informed her of their plans, ensuring her that the pair would be back by the time she would leave the University. The look on Anne's face was priceless; she looked truly overjoyed. Her grin was extremely wide, and if the prolonged tight hug of both of them at once was much to go by, Louis was sure he had her approval of their newfangled friendship.As they walked the short distance to the park, Louis threw his arm over Harry's grey jumper clad shoulders, his hand curling around the end into a light grip. Harry tensed under the touch, and Louis wasn't sure whether to remove the casual arm or not. He did it without thinking; it was just a normal action for him. But Harry's awkward stiffness made him reconsider his actions, and whole outlook.He realised that with Harry, things were going to be different. He wouldn't be able to do the normal casual motions of scuffling his hair, or something like he just did. Surprisingly, Louis didn't dislike that thought too much. Yes it would be tricky for him to change his habits, but for some reason he knew he could do it, for Harry.It seemed that Harry had a change in his normal facade suddenly. His shoulders relaxed and his tensed structure fell through, his body actually leaning into Louis' slim frame. Louis had a secret grin on the inside as he felt the boy's body close to his, the proximity new and exciting in his mind.As they turned into the ice cream store, Louis felt his stomach growling in appreciation at the sight of all the types of treats. The different flavours were cast across the counter, ranging from ordinary to extraordinary."What can I get for you, dears?" the old woman behind the desk asked in her friendly tone."Ermm-" Louis' eyes wandered over the flavours, mentally setting aside some of the overly obscure tastes. "Can I just have the...toffee ice cream please?""Sure thing, darl," the woman gathered the scooper and delved into the tub, scooping out the deliciously golden ball of sweetness onto a light cone. "What about you, hun?" she directed to Harry as she handed Louis' order over into the tanned hands.Harry looked up in shock at her, eyes wide and alarmed. Louis could almost see the thoughts running through his mind. Not only was Harry shocked at the verbal contact, but he didn't know what to do. Louis suspected that he was usually with Anne or his other family members the majority of the time, and when he was alone that he was in a place that knew about his 'problem'. Sweeping in to somewhat save the boy, Louis swiftly moved over next to Harry and wrapped his arm around his shoulders."Point to me which you want Haz," Louis whispered in his ear - or more like mass of curls.Harry's head spun around to face Louis', his eyes expressing shock but amusement. Harry smirked."What? What did I do?" Louis said in confusion. "C'mon Haz, tell me what I said," Louis moaned.Harry shot him another amused look, making it click in his mind what he said. "Oh right- sorry, Haz just kinda...slipped out," Louis smiled sheepishly. "Is that okay?"Harry nodded brightly, before turning to face the array of ice creams. His stance was no longer anxious and was fairly relaxed as he pointed to the Raspberry Ripple ice cream, looking at Louis for approval childishly."Good choice," Louis nodded, a smile on his lips. "One scoop of Raspberry Ripple please."The woman sent the pair an odd look, but kept the grin on her face as she scooped up the swirled colour onto the cone and handed it over to Harry. Harry instantly licked at it, smiling a closed-lipped smile in pleasure."That's £3.90 please." Louis' hand shot down to his front pocket, rummaging around to find the correct change. As he handed over the full amount, his hand knocked with another.Looking at Harry curiously, Louis protested, "What are you doing? It's my treat!"Harry shot him a look, pushing his hand over Louis' to move it away."No, I'm paying. I insist!" Louis said, pushing Harry's hand away and plopping the money in the woman's outstretched cupped hand before Harry could react."Now come on, I want to go up the hill!" Louis clutched Harry's wrist and pulled him out the shop. As they were engulfed by the sunshine, Louis suddenly exclaimed, "Race you!"He was off like a shot, running off in front of Harry in the direction of the hill. Harry caught up rather quickly when Louis lapsed in energy, surprisingly soon for the dancing boy, and they ended up collapsing at the top of the hill with a stumble, panting heavily but happy nonetheless.And that was when Louis heard something that made his heart burst in his chest. His eyes actually clouded over when he heard it, a feeling he couldn't really put his finger on. He knew that one of the emotions rushing through his body was most definitely bliss. The sound was like music to his ears.What he saw was a sight for sore eyes, that's for sure. It was wide and gorgeous, stunning and bright. He saw a side to Harry he didn't expect to see, let alone so early. He felt pride. Pride because he had caused that look upon Harry's face. Louis didn't want to get into the fact that, god, those teeth were so perfectly straight he wanted to run his tongue over them and feel- wait, what? Anyway... It was such a happy, joyous and euphoric look that Louis would never forget.It was beautiful. That was the only way to describe it.Harry Styles had just laughed, loudly so and sending out nothing but happiness and Louis couldn't think of anything more beautiful.