London Bridges

Chapter 18: 1 Question, 4 Words, 14 Letters

"I just don't understand why we have to leave tonight.  Its late and you've worked all day."

"Because, Batman," Louis answers his lover's protests while putting their bag in the boot of Bax's car.  "If we stay here tonight you'll spend it revising.  You can't read on the road when its dark out.  Besides, Mum told me the twins have a recital in the morning, they don't know we're coming and I'd like to surprise them."

Liam's pout diminishes a bit at the idea of an elated Phoebe and Daisy.

"Its late for a five hour drive," Liam says.  "Lets just get a little bit of rest first and we'll leave before sunrise.  We'll make it to Doncaster with plenty of time, and we won't be wrapped around a pole from you falling asleep behind the wheel."

Louis chuckles at that, grabbing Liam by the waist and pulling him into his chest. 

"You worry too much, babe," he says.  "You should know by now that I wouldn't let anything happen to you, and I wouldn't put you in danger if I thought I was too tired to drive."

"You could just let me drive," Liam suggests.  "I only had one afternoon class today, and I slept in."

"Yeah, I know," Louis grins.  "I checked your pulse to make sure you were still alive when my alarm went off for work and you were still in bed."

"So, then if you insist on leaving now, hand over the keys."

Louis laughs again.  "I love you, Li, you're my whole world and I believe you hung the moon.  You're a shit driver, though."

"I'm a safe driver," Liam corrects him with a huff, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Right, Grandpa.  Quit having a strop and get in the car, yeah?  The longer we argue about this the later it gets."

"Fine," Liam says, knowing Louis won't budge. 

Liam is still pouting as Louis clicks his seatbelt and starts the engine, though.  So, Louis has no choice but to lean across the center console and nuzzle into Liam's neck, tickling it with his scruffy beard until the other lad giggles and pushes him away.

"Seriously, Li," Louis says, still laughing.  "The entire point of this trip is for you to relax and be happy.  I promise I'm alright to drive and we'll make it to Donny in one piece."

"Alright," Liam finally agrees with a smile.  "But you also have to promise that you'll pull over and switch with me if you get too tired."

Louis hums in thought for a minute, pretending to ponder Liam's request.

"How about this," he says.  "I promise if I get too tired I'll let you give me some road head to wake me up."

Louis doesn't wait for a response.  Instead, he puts the car in gear and pulls out of the parking space, all the while enjoying the way Liam's flustered blush looks under the street lights. 

Theyre finally pulling into Mark Tomlinson's driveway well past two in the morning.  

"Li, come on babe, we're here."

Liam answers with a soft snore, and Louis would find it endearing if he wasn't so bloody tired.  He's considering just sleeping in the car, far too exhausted to attempt carrying Liam into the house, when the sleeping lad startles.

"Calm down," Louis says, placing a steadying hand on Liam's chest. 

"I dreamt you fell asleep and we crashed," Liam mumbles, still a little disoriented as he takes in his surroundings.

Louis rolls his eyes fondly.  "You fell asleep, I got us here safely."

"You're the best," Liam grins at him, bleary eyed and raspy.