Rivals with Benefits

Chapter 26 - he's mine!

Louis' POV
     "The boys wanted to have like a celebratory meeting in one of our rooms," I inform Harry, "Do you want to come?" I ask hoping he'll say yes.

Currently me and Harry are cuddled up in what is technically his bed watching whatever sappy rom com is on. We've been trading chaste kisses every so often and those sweet moments always make my heart burst. He's lying on top of me with his back pressed to my chest. My arms are wrapped around his waist while his hands are on top of mine with our fingers intertwined.

It all feels so perfect. We haven't talked more about what we are but I think it's just because we're in a state of shock and we're kind of high off of admitting our mutual feelings to each other.

"I'm sure my team is doing that too," Harry mumbles quietly.

"Oh, that's great. When are you going?" I ask.

"I'm not," he states and that's supposed to be the end of that but he must know I'll keep asking questions so he sighs and continues, "I wasn't invited."

I squeeze his hands gently, "No one has to invite you love, you're the captain."

Harry starts to squirm in my grip as if he's uncomfortable so I reluctantly let go of him. He shifts to sit up and look at me, "It's not like that Lou," he mutters not meeting my eyes, "They don't want me there."

I reach out and place my hands on his cheeks forcing him to look at me, "They're missing out Hazza. You're wonderful and beautiful and a fucking great captain," I assure him.

Harry gives me a small smile and leans into my touch, "Thank you Louis."

I smile back at him and press a kiss on his forehead. Harry falls forward into my arms holding me tightly. I giggle a bit muffled by his hair. I can feel him playing with his fingers and it makes me realize that he's still nervous.

"Hey Haz?" I say to which Harry hums in response, "Why didn't you like when I complimented your nails?" I ask since it's been on my mind the whole day.

Harry chokes on his breathe slightly as if he wasn't expecting that, "I-I did like it, it's just-" he cuts himself off to look me straight into my eyes, "My team wouldn't approve. They don't even know I like boys."

My mouth forms in a small 'o' shape but I did suspect something along those lines. That must be why Harry's nails are always scratched out and why they're always the softest shade of a color. They're pretty but they don't draw much attention unless you're really looking.

"Is that why you guys aren't close?" I press on.

Harry nods sadly, "They're not exactly supportive. I mentioned once that I thought David Beckham was attractive and they freaked out on me. Told me that that was weird to think and that I couldn't be on the team if I said things like that again."

I gasp at the audacity of Harry's shitty teammates. How could anyone say that to Harry? How could anyone treat Harry like that? And who the hell doesn't think David Beckham is attractive?! Gay or not I think it's universally agreed that Beckham is hot.

"Harry I'm so sorry. They should have never said those things. You deserve so much better I hope you know that," I kiss his cheek softly which makes Harry smile.

"I know Lou, and it wasn't exactly a problem to act straight around them since I've always had a preference of girls. But then one fateful September day I saw you on the pitch and all that went out the window," he giggles.

I smile fondly at him, "Thank god for that," I mumble against his lips before pressing a soft kiss to them.

Harry's smile breaks the kiss, "Yeah," he says breathlessly still so close.