Nothing without you [L.S] AU

Chapter 7: Homework

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Louis's room, casting long shadows across the floor as he and Harry sat hunched over the kitchen table, working on their math project. It had been a long, tedious session, but they were making progress, albeit slowly. The project was due soon, and Louis had reluctantly agreed to work on it with Harry after school.

Louis was still grappling with the unease he'd felt recently, but he pushed it aside for the sake of the assignment. Harry, on the other hand, seemed focused but a bit more relaxed, his usual tension eased by the simple act of working on something together.

In the middle of their work, Fizzy and Lottie burst into the kitchen, their chatter and giggles filling the room. They had just gotten home from school and were full of energy, eager to see what Louis and Harry were up to.

"Louis, what are you doing?" Fizzy asked, peeking over the table. "Is this some sort of science experiment?"

"It's math," Louis said, trying to keep his voice steady as he flipped through the project sheets. "We're working on a project."

Lottie scampered over, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Can we help?"

Louis sighed. "I suppose. But you need to be quiet so we can concentrate."

The girls nodded enthusiastically and sat down, trying to be helpful by offering random suggestions and questions about the project. Their constant interruptions made focusing even harder, but Louis managed to push through, determined to finish the project.

Eventually, the hunger pangs began to set in, and Louis decided to make a quick snack for everyone. He pulled out some bread and cheese, planning to make grilled cheese sandwiches. Harry offered to help, but Louis insisted he could handle it.

As Louis got the sandwiches sizzling on the stove, he got distracted by the girls' incessant chatter. He wasn't paying attention, and before long, the smell of burnt cheese filled the kitchen. Louis pulled the charred remains from the pan, a frown on his face.

"Great," he muttered. "Now they're ruined."

Harry, seeing the disaster, quickly took over. "Let me help," he said, stepping in to salvage what he could. His hands moved deftly, and within minutes, he had new sandwiches cooking, the smell much more appetizing this time.

Louis watched, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. He didn't like admitting when he was out of his depth, but Harry's calm and efficient presence was a welcome contrast to the mess he'd made.

The girls were more than happy with the improved sandwiches, and after they finished eating, they went back to their room, leaving Louis and Harry alone once more.

"Thanks for saving the day," Louis said, trying to sound casual as they returned to the math project. "I guess I'm not much of a chef."

Harry chuckled, glancing up from the project. "It's alright. Everyone has their strengths."

They worked quietly for a while, the earlier chaos settling into a comfortable routine. Louis found himself relaxing, the project becoming less of a burden and more of a shared task. The awkwardness that had plagued him before seemed to fade, replaced by a sense of camaraderie.

As they reached a stopping point, Harry looked up, a small smile on his face. "We're almost done. This is turning out pretty well."

Louis nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He let his gaze linger on Harry for a moment, the smile still on Harry's lips, and something stirred inside him—a mixture of gratitude and something more confusing.

In a sudden, impulsive moment, Louis leaned in and kissed Harry. It was quick and unexpected, a clash of lips that left both of them stunned. The surprise was palpable, and as Louis pulled away, the realization of what he'd done hit him like a freight train.

Harry looked equally shocked, his eyes wide as he stared at Louis. The silence that followed was heavy and awkward. Louis's heart raced, and he felt a pang of panic. What had he just done?

Without a word, Louis jumped up, pacing the room. "I—I didn't mean to—" he stammered. "Forget it. Just... forget it happened."

Harry was still sitting there, stunned, but he slowly gathered his things. "I... I should go," he said quietly, his voice tinged with confusion.

Louis nodded, unable to look at him. "Yeah. Just—go."

Harry stood up, his expression a mix of hurt and bewilderment, and headed for the door. Louis watched him go, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. The kiss had been impulsive, but the reaction afterward—his own reaction—was what truly unsettled him.

As Harry left, Louis sat down hard on the edge of his bed, his thoughts a jumbled mess. He had no idea what was happening to him, why he had acted that way. All he knew was that the kiss had been a mistake—one he couldn't take back.

He buried his face in his hands, trying to calm the storm inside him. Whatever was going on, whatever feelings were bubbling up, it was clear that he had to sort them out. But for now, he was left alone with his confusion and regret, wondering how things had spiraled so out of control.