Crushin' and a Blushin'

Chapter 3 - fool('s gold)

Harry's POV
     Just like before I can feel people's intense stares but this time I'm not alone. I would tell them to mind their own fucking business but I don't really mind the stares right now. Louis is walking extremely close to me like way closer than necessary and I think that's clouding my brain. Besides they're probably not even staring at me. They're probably staring at Louis.

I glance down at Louis only to find that he's already looking at me. I quickly look away and I feel my face heat up again. Am I seriously blushing? Out of embarrassment or... I take another peek at Louis but this time subtly and I can see him smirking to himself. Fucking hell.

"So where did you move here from? I mean your accent is somewhat telling but I can't exactly place it," I say without any complications which I mentally pat myself on the back for that.

"Doncaster," Louis beams.

"Ah that explains it than," I look over to him and he catches my eye and nods. He's still smirking which is why I say, "is everyone in Doncaster short? I've never been."

I just wanted to knock him down a peg. You know, let him know I'm not usually a stuttering and blushing fool. It's embarrassment blush I've decided and not something else. What am I embarrassed about though? That thought creeps up but I choose to ignore it.

Louis had stopped walking and so I turn to face him with a smirk of my own.

"What're you on about mate?"

"Oh come on lad you must know you're quite small," I've got a playful tone and I put my pointer finger and thumb together with a little space just to emphasize my point.

"Give me a break I'm big!" Louis dramatizes and flexes his muscles to prove his point.

I chuckle a bit, "Sure you are Lou," I step forward and put my hands on his biceps to push his arms back down.

He looks up at me with a soft expression, "Lou?" he smiles.

"Um ya, it's a, it's a nickname," I give him a sheepish smile.

I let go of his biceps becoming very aware that I was still holding on to him and I think my hands linger by his. I swear it wasn't on purpose though.

"I know Harold," Louis rolls his eyes playfully, "so cheeky," he says pinching my cheeks and starting to walk away.

I'm more than relieved he didn't get to see my cheeks heat up again. Okay maybe I am a blushing and stuttering fool. But it's just because he's new and I'm not used to talking to random people like I've said. It's nothing more than that. I turn and rush to catch up to him but not before checking out his bum. Damn. I'd kill to have that ass. I mean on me. Wait, no not like that. Dammit Harry get it together.

"To answer your question, no, not everyone in Donny is short," Louis says once I've caught up to him, "not saying I'm short or anything," he quickly adds with a smile and I just nod returning the smile.

I'm not really used to pulling out genuine smiles for random people but I guess Louis' not a random person anymore. Honestly, I do feel weirdly comfortable with him which is nice, I think.

"So why'd you move to Holmes Chapel then?" I ask.

"My mum wanted a change I guess, or at least that's what she told me but I think that's code for she met a guy," he winks at me and I laugh.

We stop in front of his class, 28A and I turn to him, "Well maybe I could show you around than," I offer really hoping he'll say yes, "I mean I'm already showing you to your classes," I add as if to convince him.

He squeezes the straps on his backpack and smiles a wide smile. Woah, I think my heart just stopped. Can a smile cause a heart attack? Am I dying?!

"I'd love that Harry."

Oh god what have I done? I'm practically melting at his words. Then the bell rings and students start filing out of the classrooms. They avoid me but start swallowing Louis up. I pull him towards me and hold him close. I'm telling myself it's just because he was getting pushed around but maybe I'm being a little self indulgent. If my rapid heart beat is any indication of that.

He smiles a brilliant smile looking up at me, "Thanks."

I merely nod his touch burning my skin. He backs away and I pretend that I don't miss him being close to me.

"I better get going then," his smile seems to fall a bit, "thanks again for your help mate."

"Sure thing, and thank you for helping me wake up," I smile.

"I could help wake you up in other ways," I think I hear him mumble looking down but I can't be certain.

My eyes widen and I blush, "W-what?"

He looks up, "I just asked if you could show me around to my other classes as well," he smiles innocently, "I think it's been established I have no sense of direction."

No fucking way that's what he said. At least I don't think it is. Maybe I'm just imagining stuff now. Maybe that's what I wanted him to say, is that a thing? Nah, I'm just being weird.

I clear my throat, "Sure. Ya of course," I decide to distract myself by taking a look at his schedule, "actually all your morning classes are in this area so I think you should be good."

I was trying to be helpful but what the hell that didn't help me at all.

Louis looks a little sad by my words so I quickly say, "but I'll meet you after 4th and we can get lunch," it sounded more like a hopeful question than a statement.

Louis' face brightens, "Great! I can't wait!" he exclaims and I can't help but smile at his excitement, "I'll see you then, bye Harry," and with that he leaves me walking into the classroom.

"Bye Lou!" I call out.

He looks back with such a soft expression and I swear I see a faint blush on his cheeks. I feel my heart melting again. This can't be healthy. He winks and looks away. Fuck. Calm down.

I stare after him for a bit, some could say it was in a longing way but I would say it was in a mutually respectful way.

I look at the time and fucking hell I have to get to class. I start booking it back in the direction where we came from. My class is right next to my locker but I wanted to show Louis where to go. I mean I was just being nice and now I'm gonna be late. Shit.