Fall (One Direction) [Sequel To Run]

Chapter Two

Callin

“Callin, this is Uncle Simon. I mean . . . um . . . Simon Cowell.”

Louis flushes bright red, and lets out a little cough.

“Uncle Simon” Simon says, offering a hand. I take it; we shake.

“Callin” I say. “It's really fantastic to meet you, Louis talks about you a lot.” Simon grins.

“He talks about you as well” he tells me.

“Now that we've got that over with” Louis says quickly. I laugh, and so does Simon. Louis' so adorably nervous.

I've heard of Simon Cowell, and his reputation, but the man in front of me doesn't seem anything like that. He seems almost fatherly. And the lads certainly care about him.

“I suppose I owe you a 'thank-you'” Simon says. “For saving Louis, that is. He's like a son to me, I can't even imagine losing him. So thank you, Callin.”

I didn't think it was possible for anyone's face to be as red as Louis' is.

“No problem” I say. “It was worth it.”

Simon grins.

“I'd say it was” he says, laughing slightly.

Louis falls backwards, onto one of the couches in the dressing room.

Also, incidentally, onto Liam, who shouts something that rhymes with 'flight'.

Zayn starts laughing hysterically, which sets Harry off.

Niall's off with Lou Teasdale, but I'd bet five quid he can hear us. I'd bet five more quid that he's not listening, as he don't seem the least bit curious.

I sit down on the floor next to Harry, as Louis and Liam are making sure to take up as much of the couch as possible, and Zayn's in the chair. And I don't think I'm mean enough to make them move.

Simon, however, is definitely mean enough. He glares at Louis, until my boyfriend slides off the couch onto Harry's lap.

“Hello, lovely” Harry says, as Simon takes Louis' seat.

“Sorry, Haz” Louis says. “I'm taken.”

“You sat in my lap” Harry reminds him, grinning. Louis rolls his eyes, but doesn't move.

“We've only got twenty minutes” Liam reminds the room in general.

“Stuff your twenty minutes up your – uhm – shirt” Louis says. “Yeah, shirt.” Zayn laughs.

“You could've finished the sentence” Harry grumbles.

“Simon's here!” Louis protests.

“And Simon's never heard a bloody bad word before” Liam says.

“He sure as shite hasn't!” Harry replies. Zayn's practically in tears, he's laughing so hard.

“Bloody hell” Louis says, looking pleased with himself.

“You ruined it” Harry tells him.

“Did not” Louis grumbles. Harry hugs him 'round the middle.

“I know, Boobear” he says softly.

“Get a room!” Zayn groans.

“If you stand up, Louis Tomlinson, so help me . . .” I say, and Louis blushes.

“Right” Harry says. “Taken. Okay.”

“And don't you forget it” I say, fake-angry.

“Well, if Larry over here ends up together, I'll be your boyfriend” Zayn tells me.