They don't talk about what going back means. The last night in their hotel room is spent in near silence, actually; the only sound ever breaking the air little breathy moans as Louis lets Harry's fingers burn into his skin over and over. They don't talk about lunch, or Zayn, or the fact that tomorrow they'll be back at school, back to the life they had before this.
Louis thinks about what it might mean, going back, but he's so tired of talking. And besides, the way Harry's hands curl around him and make him see stars is enough to steal any words he might have thought to say straight from his head.
000
Louis mostly sleeps on the bus ride back to Essex, head lolling on Harry's shoulder. If anyone thinks anything of it, they don't say anything. Harry wakes him gently when they're at their stop.
"We're here." Louis acknowledges him with a hum and stands up slowly, stretches.
"You look knackered," Harry comments as they pile off the bus and grab their bags from the back.
Louis smiles tiredly, "Didn't get much sleep last night."
Harry bites back his response until the majority of the team has scattered back to their flats, until he and Louis are under the shadowy alcove by Harry's door. He bites into his cheek around a smile, "Sorry about that."
Louis' eyes flicker down Harry's body and then around them, checking for people. When he sees no one, he leans in until his mouth is next to Harry's ear.
"I'm not," he whispers and he thinks he can feel Harry shiver.
Louis pulls back and Harry clears his throat, smiling to himself, "Right. Well, I guess this is... I guess I'll see you later...maybe?"
Louis cocks his head to the side, smiling curiously, "Well, obviously."
Harry visibly relaxes and lets a breath go then, almost like he was maybe expecting for Louis to say something else. He nods and Louis frowns. Did Harry really think this thing between them would stop once they got back to school? That Louis wouldn't want it anymore? Louis tries to search his tired brain for anything he might have said or done to make the other boy think that. He comes up short.
The idea that this thing between them might only be temporary, the way that even the thought of it makes Louis' insides twist, startles him. Before he can think, he reaches out to gather Harry's hand in his. Harry looks around for anyone that might see because Louis apparently forgets he has to do that every time they touch like this.
He squeezes once before letting go, "Text me, okay? We'll figure something out."
Harry nods quickly and hikes his bag further up his shoulder, reaching back to turn the knob to his door. He pauses though, eyes darting around in every direction before coming back to Louis and before Louis can figure out what's happening, Harry is leaning forward to peck him quickly on the mouth. Louis sways, a little stunned but before he can even think to say anything, Harry has turned around and gone inside.
Louis tries to hold his smile in all the way back to his flat, keeping his head ducked down. When he's finally home, he leans against the inside of the door and grins from ear to ear.
"What are you smiling about?" Niall appears from out of nowhere, a half a ham sandwich hanging from his mouth.
Louis shakes his head, evens his expression out, "Nothing."
Niall shrugs, offering Louis a bite of his sandwich. Louis tries not to look too disgusted as he declines.
"Party in the city tonight. Wanna go?" Niall asks around a mouthful of food.
