London Bridges

Chapter 1: Kings College

There is something to be said about the tranquility of early morning, the time of the day when the sun is just starting to peek its way over the horizon, the birds singing their first wake up calls. Mostly the entire neighborhood is still sleeping, just a few early risers beginning their morning routines, moving quietly as not to wake their still slumbering companions.

One young man among them gently disentangles himself from his partner, careful not to disrupt the other lad's dreams as he swings his legs over the side of the bed, stretching as he silently makes his way to their bedroom door. His auburn hair is long and disheveled, becoming even more unruly as he runs a hand through it while he turns on the hob to start a kettle, all the while letting a sleepy yawn wrack through his body.

Its far earlier than the time he usually wakes. He has to resist the urge to crawl back into bed, the soft, warm embrace of his sleeping partner calling to him. He wants to surprise the other lad, though, start out their morning with a proper breakfast in bed. His first sip of strong Yorkshire wakes his still lethargic system, the caffeine rushing through his veins. Twenty minutes later, the greasy aroma of a fry up blankets the flat, and he carefully makes his way back to the bedroom. Somehow, he manages to get the tray of food settled on the bedside table without spilling any tea.

"Its time to wake up, love," he says softly, gently carding his fingers through the sleeping lad's hair. "Big day today."

The other man groans slightly, stretching his limbs out before even opening his eyes. He nuzzles his face into the pillow, inhaling sweet citrus, before blinking slowly. It takes a moment for him to register the man kneeling in front of him, but when he does he grins widely, his soft, brown eyes brightening.

"Morning, Lou," he says.

Louis absolutely melts in it. His heart skips a beat at the sound of his lover's deep, morning baritone. His blue eyes greedily take in every inch of the man across from him. The way his hair, longer at the top and shorter on the sides, lies flat across his fringe. The way his caramel skin contrasts against the blue-gray bedsheets. The slight stubble across his jaw, the birthmark on his neck, the protrusion of his collarbones, the way the small of his back dips in before curving into a firm mound, just barely covered by tight, black Calvin Klein's.

"Morning, Li," Louis grins in response.

"Something smells delicious," Liam says, sitting up and stretching his arms over his head.

Louis gets up, taking Liam by the hands and pressing a kiss to his plump, pink lips. Liam grunts in surprise, but when Louis pulls away the adoration is shinning brightly in his eyes.

"Its the first day of school," Louis says. "You need more than a bit of tea and toast."

"You made breakfast?" Liam asks, unable to keep the apprehension out of of his voice.

Louis chuckles softly. "Don't look so terrified, Batman. I may have picked up a few things from my Mum while we were in Donny."

"Really, like what?"

"Like how to not burn the flat down," Louis says, taking the tray off the bedside table and placing it across Liam's lap.

Liam tentatively takes a bite of eggs, his body preemptively grimacing. He relaxes after the first flavors awaken his tastebuds, his eyes widening in shock.

"These are really good, Lou," Liam says in awe.

Louis lets out an indignant huff, pretending to be put out by Liam's reaction.

"Of course they're good, Liam," he says, drawing out the other lad's name while climbing into bed next to him.

Louis pretends to pout until Liam pushes his breakfast aside and rolls on top of him.

"I'm sorry, Lou," Liam apologizes, nuzzling into Louis's neck.

Louis means to hold out longer, but Liam's scruff tickles and his giggles soon get the best of him.

"Oi, get off me, you ungrateful, overgrown puppy," Louis laughs.

Liam pulls back, his brow furrowed in confusion. Louis laughs again, pulling Liam into a kiss. He runs his tongue across Liam's lips, asking for entrance, and even though Liam isn't completely sure of what's happening, he enthusiastically grants Louis permission.

"Maybe I butchered a few pancakes," Louis says, grinning when he breaks the kiss. "Maybe I snuck out and got some takeaway."

"You're a menace," Liam says fondly.

"You love me," Louis replies.

The morning passes quicker than either lad had hoped, and far too soon its time for Liam to leave.

"I can walk with you," Louis offers, lingering while Liam pulls on his Converse trainers. "If you'd like."

"You don't have to," Liam says, unsure.

Louis grins softly at him. "I'd like to, if you don't mind."

Liam answering smile is more than enough, and Louis rolls his eyes fondly as he pulls on his own Vans. He grabs Liam's hand, entangling their fingers, and leads him out the door. They walk the London streets in a comfortable silence. Liam is lost in his nerves, and Louis is trying to find the words to make Liam feel better. It's ten minutes before they're standing in front of the main building of King's College.

"I-It's massive," Liam gulps, staring up at the edifice in awed apprehension.

"Wouldn't be the first time you've said that," Louis jokes, a smirk pulling at his lips.

Liam groans, his ears pinking at Louis's crude humor.

"You're gonna be fine, love," Louis continues, gently pulling Liam into an embrace. "You're brilliant, yeah?"

"Yeah," Liam mumbles. "But what if I'm not? I've never done anything but Payne Industries."

"Doesn't matter what you do, Li," Louis affirms. "You're Batman, you can handle anything, we can handle anything together."

Liam smiles at that, a calm settling in his bones. He's not alone in this.

"Yeah," he says. "I love you, Lou."

"I love you too, always."