Cufflinks and Quiffed Hair // L.S.

*30*

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*Harry's POV*

Three miles away from Doncaster.

My legs were starting to cramp. We had been in the car for more than three hours.

I was tucked in Louis' black Armani suit, white shirt, black tie and my cufflinks. Louis said that since I was going home as Louis' 'business partner', I should dress accordingly. And I had agreed because I didn't want to cause Louis any troubles there. It was snug inside the car and I swear, I didn't want to move an inch, which would ruin my comfy pose.

Louis sat on the driver's seat, one hand on the steering wheel and the other on my thigh. Stevie Nicks filled the atmosphere, making the environment much warmer.

Louis suddenly spoke, "Haz?"

"Lou." "We need to-we can't act like we're together at my house, okay?" Louis said, choosing his words carefully. "Why?"

Louis licked his lips nervously. He breathed in and out and said, "My dad is homophobic like I said. He uhm-that night when I told you I was not straight, I lied. I've, uhm, lied about everything. I didn't mean to, but it wasn't easy opening up to you. I've never opened up to anyone so it was uhm hard for me."

A beat of silence. I didn't know what to say. Should I be angry that he had lied or not? Because it clearly wasn't an easy task for Louis to open up. There was something big, I could smell it.

"I know you're upset, and I'm sorry. I really am, sorry. I-I'm ready to trust you H, I want to just break free and be who I am. With you." He said, his hand suddenly leaving my thigh.

I sat up straight, leaving the comfy pose, but Louis was more important. I said, "Why did you take your hand off?" He looked at me and said, "I know you wouldn't want me-" "No, Louis, stop. Don't think so, please. I love you, okay? For all of you, all about you. Please don't let your past create a barrier in our relationship or in my love for you." I said immediately.

"I know, Harry. But after you hear about my past...You-I'm unlovable, baby, can't you see?" He said, chuckling sadly.

"No I can't see, and I don't want to see. You are so so lovable. Why can't you see that?" I pressed. It was hurting to hear Louis speak so lowly about himself.

"Because...No one has ever loved me." He said, quietly. A big pause. "Lou...I don't know what or who made you say this but trust me, this is not true." I said, softly.

He chuckled and said, "Anyways, so I think I should tell you everything. So you can see for yourself how lovable I am. How about a cup of tea?"

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*Louis' POV*

We stopped at Beachwood Cafe to have some tea.

Harry was yawning; he had slept for a while in the car. He looked so cute in his Rudolph the Reindeer cap. The cold had tainted his cheeks pink and I wondered if he was only human or some angel from heaven. My angel.

He took a sip of his tea and looked at me earnestly, his eyes expressing his eagerness and curiosity to know more about me and my dark past.

I cleared my throat, "So, uh, where do we start...Oh, yeah, how about the from time when I came out to my family?"

He was already gaping at me, "You came out to them? B-But you s-said-"

"I know, H. But I lied. I couldn't tell you the truth then but now I will. So, anyways, I came out to them during the last year of high school. Guess what? My mum was proud of me. I was beside myself with relief."