Rivals - L.S.

Ten - A Perfect Picnic

*Hi! This chapter is pretty long so I split it up into two to make it a smoother read! You get to see more background on both characters and they both let their guards down, it gets heavy but I think it helps show how their relationship has developed. Point is, enjoy the new insight and the very first Larry date!!!

All Harry could think about was his upcoming date with Louis. The shorter boy refused to give up anything about what their plans were going to be. But, based on Louis' constant winking and smirking all throughout their morning practice, Harry could guess that it would be something good. He was anxious and excited and ready to go, something he had never really felt before.

The two boys walked awkwardly down the stadium halls as they both headed towards the car park. "So, Har, ready for our date tonight?" Louis asked with a smirk, adjusting the way he balanced his heavy baseball bag on his shoulder. His blue eyes were locked on Harry's.

"I think I would be more ready if you actually told me what we were doing, Lou," Harry replied with a smile, "But in all seriousness, I'm excited. And really nervous. I've kind of had butterflies since yesterday." Harry shrugged awkwardly, figuring he might as well be honest.

"But, Popstar, if I told you what we were doing then it wouldn't be a surprise anymore. And I love surprises! Especially ones that are for dorky, curly haired boys with dimples," Louis winked, "And trust me, underneath this cool and cocky exterior lies a nervous little man child who can barely even function. You're not the only one."

Harry let out a soft laugh, covering his mouth with his hand. "Little man child, huh? Maybe I shouldn't have trusted you to plan the date," Harry teased, nudging Louis gently with his arm. He didn't really know how touchy he was allowed to be with Louis so he just stuck to his tiny little exchanges, even if it felt awkward.

"Don't be fooled, Har, even as a man child I can still plan a fantastic date. Just you wait and see," Louis announced proudly, sounding like a child telling his parents about his accomplishments at school.

Harry looked down at Louis fondly, smiling like a fool because the boy was just too adorable. Fuck, I'm whipped and we aren't even a couple, he thought to himself. "I guess I'll be the judge of that, Captain," Harry said, nonchalantly, even though he was dying a little. Louis just rolled his eyes in response, Harry knew it was playful from the boy's lingering smile.

The blue eyed pitcher yanked open the large metal front doors, stepping aside for Harry to exit first. Louis did a little bow before following the taller boy outside.

"What a gentleman you are, Tomlinson," Harry hummed teasingly as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Glad that you noticed," the boy smirked, a hint of attitude hidden in his words.

Not the smirk! I'm gonna pass out! Harry screamed inside his head.

Louis scanned over their surroundings with narrowed blue eyes. He turned his attention back to Harry, his whole expression softening once blue met green. "So, I guess this is where we part ways, Mr. Styles. I'll pick you up at six, okay? Dress cute tonight," he said cheerfully, his fond smile growing with every word.

"Excuse me," Harry said in mock offense, "I always dress cute. Except for right now. But still." Harry glanced down at his sweaty tee shirt, running shorts and Nike shoes. He mentally noted not to brag about how good he looked when dressed like this, it definitely wasn't one of his best looks.

"You still look lovely to me, even if you are a sweaty mess," Louis teased, "Just be ready by six, Dimple Boy." He grinned and shot Harry a wink, running his fingers through his hair.