I Hate You ~ Louis Tomlinson

QUITE THE GENTLEMAN

Natalie wakes up the next morning and she doesn't really know what to do with herself. She and Louis are together of sorts, they had a small talk last night, but things are still kind of strange. They want to get to know each other more, but they didn't discuss the topic of adding a label to what they are. They did make sure to make it clear to each other that neither of them would see other people though.

Not that they really even go out enough to see other people at this point, but she's glad they were clear on about what they want.

They talked about going on dates, none of them will be public, seeing as Natalie is not too keen on sharing her identity with the public just yet. They will have to get creative, but overall Natalie just doesn't want to rush things. It's hard though because they only have 2 months left in the house. Shortly after that the tour will start and the boys will be gone and she doesn't know where she'll be.

So, instead of trying to address all that, they're taking things one day at a time. Today is just today, tomorrow will come when it's ready. That's what Louis told her when she started to get a little worried about the future. She told him she thought that was quite wise. To which he told her he has many layers, try to keep up. She rolled her eyes. 

She walks into the kitchen to see all the boys sitting or getting stuff ready for work. She reaches Harry first and he gives her a big hug, rubbing her back and holding her tightly.

"Morning Nat."

"Morning Hazzy."

"Awwww little Hazzy," Niall says making fun of him and ruffling his hair.

She chuckles at the two of them and walks away from their bickering, going to get herself some cereal. Louis is by the counter, filling up the tea kettle. She smiles at him and he opens his arms to her. She's shy as she moves into his arms, laying her cheek flat against his chest. His arms cross around her shoulders and her hands rest gently on his sides.

"Good morning love," Louis says and Natalie feels a thousand little butterflies in her stomach.

"Good morning Louis," she says looking up at him.

He leans his forehead down and presses it to hers.

"Would you like some tea?" He asks and she nods against him.

"Yes, please."

He turns around to grab her thermos, "Mint?" He asks.

"Yes. Thank you," she says and she notices her voice sounds very small.

It's not that she's feeling awkward per say, it's just she can feel things shifting. Normally when things change, you look back on it and notice how different things are, but it's stranger to feel it as it changes.

"You can go sit down, I got it." He says sweetly, noticing her standing there with her hands clasped behind her back.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me, it's no trouble." He says smiling at her. 

She sits down with her breakfast and watches him as he continues getting ready, he his back turned to her so she feels it's safe enough to stare at him. He must feel her eyes on him because he turns around and smirks at her. She shyly looks down, a blush covering her cheeks.

The rest of the day goes by normally, they all eat lunch together. The only notable difference is there is less fighting from Natalie and Louis. Still some playful banter and teasing, but it's all light hearted.

The other difference is Louis comes to her office around 5 o'clock to "pick her up" so to speak.

"Ready to go?" He says leaning against the doorframe, waiting for her. If he stood there a few minutes before he said anything, just watching her, nobody has to know.

"Oh, uh yeah. I just uh, well I guess I can do it tomorrow." She says clearly flustered.

"S'alright love. Take your time." He says stepping into her office.

"Are you sure?" She asks, turning around to look at him. She's met with his big smile and shining eyes.

"Of course, do what you need." He says and she nods, turning back to her emails.

It doesn't take her long, Louis scrolls on his phone to pass the time. He also lets the boys know to go ahead and head home, they will be back shortly. 

"Thank you for waiting with me." She says sweetly, meeting him at the door. 

"Of course love." He says and grabs her bag for her and then her hand.

"You're quite the gentleman aren't you?"

"Always have been." He says back with a knowing smirk.

"Oh really," she says rolling her eyes, "Stealing all my soap from the shower and hiding it is not very gentlemanly, Tomlinson."

"Oh yeah, that was a good one." He says like he's remembering a fond memory.

"It was not," she shrieks, moving to bump her hip into his.

"But I liked that you smelled like me," he says opening the door to their house for her and then holding her from behind. "Might just have to do it again." He sticks his head into her neck, tickling her with his nose.

"Oh that's weird," Niall says looking at the two of them all wrapped up in each other.

Liam thwacks him on the arm, "Ow." Niall yells. "I just forgot their friendly now is all."

"Well you don't have to be rude," Liam mumbles quietly.

"It's okay Li, I know it's strange."

"I'm not strange," Louis says mocking hurt, sounding like some deranged high pitched animal. Natalie pushes him off of her.

"Yes you are, you're the strangest." She says going to sit down at the table with Niall and Liam.

"Well you like me so that makes you stranger," he says and sticks his tongue out at her.

"Keep pushing it and maybe I'll change my mind," she jokes.

"No backsies," he says and skips out of the room.

She smiles happily and shakes her head.

"What have I gotten myself into?"