A Handcuffed Christmas

18

"No." Harry said out of nowhere.

After a frosty day between them, they were heading back to Doncaster. Their management had called Louis earlier and since they were stuck together Harry had heard the call. It made him see red. This was what Louis had to deal with? It was shocking and upsetting but it shouldn't really be a surprise.

"No?" Louis questioned.

"They don't own us. My personal life is mine. My choice. They have nothing to do with who I see or not. I won't stand it. Screw them." Harry said.

"They can't decide what you do behind closed doors, Harry. Your public persona, on the other hand? They kind of own us there." Louis sighed.

"Well, they can't decide who I love or who I'm with. Speaking of, you haven't called your girlfriend even once. Are you guys okay?" Harry said and glanced at Louis.

Louis burst out laughing. Harry looked confused.
"What?"

"Eleanor isn't actually me girlfriend, Harry! I thought you knew that. Geez." Louis managed to get out.

Harry just stared at him with his mouth open.
"Eyes on the road, mate. Public stunt. They can't decide who you see in private, but they sure as hell can make it look like you're seeing someone publically." Louis explained.

Harry hit the brakes and stopped the car at the side of the road. He turned to look at Louis.
"Are you telling me that our management has forced you to date someone for this long?"

"Uhm, yeah. You can't be this naive Harry. Come on. It's pretty obvious that I'm gay, innit?" Louis smiled.

Louis just came out to him? Harry had trouble breathing.
"I'm so dumb. Totally blind. Oh my God." He leaned his head forward and wrapped his hands around his head, taking Louis' hand with him.

He looked up just to find Louis eyeing him. He seemed nervous. Concerned. Harry got it.
"I have no problem with your sexuality, Louis. I can't believe I've missed how you've been treated by our management and label and honestly? It scares me. I've never felt the need to label myself, but I'm not straight, Lou. Far from."

Louis smiled. A mixture of happiness and relief was displayed on his face.
"Thanks for telling me. You don't have to tell them that. I made that mistake early on and it backfired. Maybe later if you find someone. For now? They have no business knowing that. Just an advice."

"An advice I will take." Harry answered.

He started driving again. He could feel Louis glancing at him often but he didn't meet his eyes. His mind was swirling. He just had his suspicions confirmed. Gay. He felt anxious and excited at the same time. That didn't change anything between them. Just because Louis was attracted to men, that doesn't mean that he was attracted to him. Harry wondered what Louis' preferences were. What kind of men did he find attractive? He couldn't ask him without making it painfully obvious.