It's been almost week since Zayn and I had that fight. We haven't looked at each other since. We've had separate practices since. First one hour with me, Harry, Josh, Liam and Niall and the other hour Zayn, Liam, Niall and Josh. Harry still doesn't sing and I can tell everyone is fast running out of patience.

I don't know what to do because I can't force him to sing and we can't do it without him, not only is it inconsiderate but it's his music and he's our friend. He's trying. I know he is. We've practiced multiple times at his place and he does it perfectly. He just can't do it in front of the lads. I've noticed him joining in with Niall or in the chorus at times keeping his mouth away from the mic so no one notices. And I know he'll do it eventually.

Hi Lou. Was wondering if v cud talk.

Is it bc u wanna

Yes. Bring h w/u?

I'll c u @ practice

I sigh. Let's see how this goes.

-x-x-x-

"Hi." Zayn says.

"Get on with it Malik."

"Fine. Harry?" He turns around from where he was pulling out his guitar. "I wanna talk to you." He leaves his guitar and comes over. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry and that I don't know what you've been through and how hard life has been for you and it was very wrong of me to assume and to get mad at you. Take your time but make it quick alright? The performance is in a week. Try your best and well if Louis trusts you then I think I can too. I trust him and if he thinks you can do it then I'm sure you can. I'm sorry."

He takes a deep breath and I wrap an arm around his shoulder. "You okay?" He nods and murmurs in my ear to tell Zayn that it's alright.

"He says it's okay and that you're forgiven and that he'll try his best." Harry smiles at Zayn who smiles back and thanks him. Harry leaves and I turn to follow him.

"Lou?"

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry man. I shouldn't have said all that. Truth is I miss my best friend and I think I got very jealous. Don't be a stranger yeah?" He pats my shoulder and walks past me.

"Z?"

He turns. "Yeah?"

"I'm sorry too. For implying that our friendship only existed because of weed and for not hanging out with you as much."

He laughs and hugs me tightly. "Asshole."

"Right back at you milky boy." I pat his back.

We practice repeatedly trying to encourage Harry to sing but it's easier said than done.

"Harry man listen. We've only got one week left and we can't afford to waste much time lad. You gotta try." Josh bangs the drums angrily and Harry winces.

"Hey!" I wrap my arms protectively around Harry. "Fuck you man. He's trying alright. You don't have to sing alright? You don't know how hard it is. You got a problem then fucking leave. We can make it work without drums or get a new drummer. You're on your own if you leave." That shuts him up. "That's right. Anyone else got a problem with Harry?" I call out and they all shake their heads. "Good. Let's wrap this up for today." They all silently pack up still scared with my outburst. I kneel by him. "Hi." I whisper softly.

"Hi."

"Okay there, love?" He nods.

"You're doing very well, love. Don't listen to them, okay? I know you'll sing. Let them say whatever."

"They're all pissed at me." He whimpers.

"Naw. No baby. Nobody's pissed at you okay? And even if they are remember you did most of the writing, alright? Nobody can say anything to you." I take his hands in mine.

"Harry?" We both look up at Josh and I get up.

"What do you want?"

"I- uhm- I came to apologise. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I've been having a shitty day and I guess I just took it out on you. I shouldn't have."

"Josh man listen, come with me. I'll be right back Harry, stay here okay?."

"I'm sorry man seriously."

"Just listen dude. Harry is very different from all of us okay? He's been through a lot of crap. And none of us know what it is so just please have patience with him. He's trying to get comfortable with us but he won't be able to if you all keep screaming at him. Just try to understand him yeah? Work with me."

"I'll try man. I'm nervous about my grade alright."

"All of us are. Now go home. Chill out, have a nice wank or something. Clear your head." He laughs.

"Bye!" He slings his bag over his shoulder. I smile and walk back in to find Harry ready to leave.

"Ready Harold?"

"Yup."

"Anyhow." I drag out the syllables. "Do you wanna come over tonight? We can watch movies and annoy my sisters."

"Okay. Except for the annoying sisters part."

"But that's the fun part." I whine.

"It's not nice to annoy people."

"But I like annoying people."

"Louis!!!" I laugh.

"Come on. Let's go."

"Hey Harry?" I call out turning left.

"Yeah?" He asks playing fruit ninja on his phone.

"I was wondering something."

"What?" He pauses the game and looks up at me.

"Will I ever even find out what happened to you. What's so bad that you're scared to even speak to people."

"Louis-"

"I'm never gonna pressurise you Hazza. I was just wondering."

He takes in a shaky breath. "Fine. I'll tell you. But please don't hate me."

"I never would Harry. You know that right?"

"Just tell me to leave and I will. We can go back to being classmates who barely acknowledge each other but please just don't hate me. I wouldn't be able to take it."

"Harry. I couldn't hate you. Even if I tried. I care about you okay? Even if you were to murder someone today, my response would probably be 'do you need help hiding the body?' and not 'I don't want to see a murderer's face' so you've got nothing to worry about, okay?"

"Okay." He smiles softly and I pat his hand comfortingly.