And Then A Bit

Chapter 8

CHAPTER VIII:

Tour rehearsals start in the middle of November and are set to run until the 22nd of December, leaving the boys with a small break until the tour begins on the 7th of January in London. December has already been hectic, filled with rehearsal after rehearsal and the premiere of their third single on the finale of The X Factor, which had gotten a reception beyond Louis' wildest dreams. Now they've got three days of rehearsals left, they've got the songs down, got the intro and intermediate videos filmed, got pretty much everything else down, except for a brief run-through with the choreographer. Which is ridiculous, yes, Louis is perfectly aware of that. Like, three days left? They've been doing mock gigs on the stage for ages now, but it had been decided that since there wasn't really any actual choreography involved, the boys would work out most of their onstage movements by themselves – three tours behind them has left them with some understanding of how to move on stage, how to avoid blocking, etc – and then a choreographer would be hired for the last few days to tweak any minor details he felt he needed to.

So here they are, running through the show with a choreographer they've never worked with before watching them, ready to give them pointers and directions on how to improve.

Louis is having so much fun, so much. It's just...it's everything performing and being on stage ought to be, it's careless, and fun, and the fact that he doesn't have to stay a constant three metres from Harry means the fucking world. There's a calm and a sort of relaxation in performing that hasn't actually been there since the Up All Night tour. And it's better than then too, because they're older, and better, and more familiar with performing, more safe in it. It's brilliant, really.

Once they've run through their set, Louis is sweaty, and happy, and exhausted too. They gather on the edge of the stage when the choreographer – Martin, Louis recalls – beckons them closer, and Louis leans into Harry side, sitting close on the edge of the stage, thighs pressed together, and Harry's arm draped over his shoulder, holding him close. Harry drops a kiss on the top of his hair, and Louis smiles before snuggling further into his neck.

It's been two months since they casually started sleeping together, and things have been better than Louis could ever have wished for. If there is one word to describe how they've been for the past two months, it would be content. And not in the negative 'we're-alright-but-only-just-things-could-be-so-so-much-better' way, but in the way where things are just so... settled. Louis couldn't wish for more really, like the only way it could actually be better would be if they were actually in love with each other. Would uncomplicate a lot of things, that's for sure.

Being best mates who are living together, and kissing, and shagging isn't all that bad either though, all things considered. It works. It's totally illogical and it shouldn't work, but it does. Louis is really very much not going to question it. What's that saying? 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth'? That might take the biscuit for weirdest epithet ever, but Louis agrees with the sentiment nonetheless.

This whole thing is a lot easier, a lot less complicated, if he just doesn't think too much about it, Louis has learned.

"Well," Martin-the-choreographer says, breaking Louis out of his thoughts. "That's great lads, really. It's very clear this isn't your first time doing a show like this. There's not much to say, really, I'm just going to give you each a few pointers. Zayn-"

Louis zones out again as Martin addresses Zayn, then Niall, and at last Liam, giving them each pointers and corrections.

"Harry, Louis," Martin says finally, after what feels a bit like hours. Louis is tired, okay? Kind of hungry too. Wouldn't mind getting to go home and have Harry make him a sandwich. Possibly throw in a blowjob or something, that'd be ace. "Where's the love, boys? There's going to be people who have come to see you two being in love, and like, it's there, of course it is, but it's too subtle. Give the fans a few kisses, a cheeky smack on the bum, anything really. It's okay to show that you're together. Not too much, but something, yeah? Find the balance, do what's comfortable for you. Whenever it feels natural. And, oh, Something Great, yeah? That must be an emotional song for you two, right? Written by Harry back when he was in love with you, no? Wishing you would just love him back. With the piano ensemble, it's going to go straight to all the girls' hearts. I want you, Harry, to go to Louis after the song and give him a kiss, every time, right? A sort of 'yes, it's sucked, but I've got you now'. Louis, you look at Harry during your song, make sure people get he's the one you're singing to. That goes for all the love songs, don't leave any doubt you're singing about each other. But don't turn it into a cheesy rom com, be cheeky too, be fun. Show people how happy you are together. But we don't want you to be getting off with each other 24/7 either, we're not making soft core porn," Louis snorts. "Keep it fairly PG, yeah? A little filthy at times is okay, though. Again, find the balance you're comfortable with and with what is appropriate."