Careless Whisper

III

After two weeks it has become routine for both of them to meet in the courtyard during the break and read a new issue of 'Smash Hit' or another magazine together. But they also often talk about whatever comes into their minds. Harry slowly opens up more and more with Louis, knowing he can trust him. On some days Niall comes along and always lightens the mood. Niall often gives the two interested looks and always makes sure that the two are sitting next to each other. Louis suspects that Niall has long checked that there is a certain tension between the two.

Or maybe Harry confided in Niall and told him about his feelings? Although Louis doesn't even know if he even has feelings for him. So far they're still on a friendly level, but Louis has decided to get a little braver and try the waters out.

It's so hard for him to not want to be constantly stroking Harry's curls or imagining what it would be like to put his lips on him. After the hand-holding on the first night of meeting or the tight hug after Harry came out, no further touches were exchanged.

Jay often asks how things are going and Louis can only reply that the two are friends. She often pats him on the shoulder afterwards and tells him reassuringly that everything will come to him at the right time and place.

They both arranged to meet up this afternoon, Harry invited him back over and Louis makes an extra effort when he's in the bathroom. He showers, brushes his teeth, pulls his hair back in a full wave and finishes off with some perfume on his wrists and neck.

He quickly goes to Jay in the kitchen and says goodbye to her. Jay looks him up and down and smiles at him. She says,

"You look great. I wish you the best of luck in what you plan to do."

Louis replies in astonishment "How do you know I'm up to something?"

Jay makes a head to toe gesture towards Louis and winks at him and says,

"Perfume and your clothes suggest you have big plans for today."

Louis looks down bashfully. Actually, these are not topics that he wants to discuss with his mother, but he answers anyway.

"I'm trying to get off the friendly level a bit, to be honest. I hope for a kiss, keep your fingers crossed."

Jay crosses both of her fingers and shows them to Louis, grinning.

"Everything will be fine, have fun with Harry."

ꨄ

Louis is on his way. He tries to get his nervousness under control during the walk, but his mind is racing.
What if Harry just wants friendship and he's misread all the looks exchanged over the past few days? What if it ends up like Oliver again? Louis couldn't take it a second time. Especially not with Harry.

Harry already means so much to him, even though nothing has happened between the two of them yet. But then Louis thinks that, even if Harry is going to reject him, Louis could only live with a friendship. Better than not having him in his life at all, because he already cares too much for him.

This time he doesn't have a chance to ring the bell, because Harry already opens the door for him, beaming with joy.

"There you are," he calls and Louis answers, "Have you been waiting for me?" and winks at him. Harry just nods in response and they both go upstairs to Harry's room. Since both were planning to listen to each other through Harry's vinyl collection, Harry already made it comfortable for both of them. At the desk there is a bottle of coke and even a six pack of beer. Louis has to ask Harry where he got these from and where he hid them under Anne's watchful eye. Sweets and popcorn are also available. Louis wonders if Harry wants to give him a sugar shock - although just the sight of Harry is one enough for Louis.