Against One's Wishes

Chapter 13

Harry lies still in bed beside Louis, running his finger up and down his bare side.

Louis only keeps his eyes on Harry's; he knows these moments are going to become more and more rare soon.

"Shouldn't you get ready for your show?" Louis asks softly.

Harry falls on his back and sighs, "yeah, forgot about that."

"I'll see you at least," Louis says while he watches Harry standing and putting his briefs on.

Harry's quickly lighting a joint and staring back at Louis, "do you and Alice have plans for after the play?"

Louis bites his lip, and that's enough for Harry to know. He blows out his smoke and looks away.

"Well, we can meet up later," Harry starts to say.

"Tonight?" Louis asks quickly.

Harry stares back at him, slowly nodding, "yeah... if you wanna come to my place for a bit."

"I'd love to, yeah," Louis nods and says softly, watching Harry dress quickly. "Harry... what is Ben to you really?"

Harry looks taken off guard by the question while he's putting his shirt on. He runs his fingers through his hair and says quietly, "he's the reason why I'm here, Lou. Do... do you think I could afford to just come to America and make it instantly on Broadway?"

"So, he basically gave you money," Louis nods a little, "I see."

"I couldn't ask for it from my mum, you know that," Harry says quieter. "He... he knew I could act because of school. He was my drama professor."

"Your drama professor?" Louis looks shocked for a moment, but quickly clears his throat, "so, your drama professor talked your mum into letting you fulfill your dream here."

Harry bites his lip and stares at his fingers. "Basically. I also went to Columbia... believe it or not I was smart enough to get in."

Louis smirks for a moment as he's studying Harry closely, "and yet, you quit classes."

Harry shrugs some, almost as if it's nothing to him; it really isn't honestly. He knows it's only school. The world will be his teacher, not something learned inside four walls.

"When I became a hit success, I didn't have time for classes really," Harry replies, "although I did graduate at home early and got accepted here."

"So, Columbia knew your real age?" Louis asks softly.

"They did," Harry hits the joint and looks out the window, "but... your dad and the people on Broadway didn't. I lied about it."

"So, basically, you moved here to go to school," Louis states.

"I did," Harry nods, "but... didn't last very long. I auditioned, they loved me. End of story."

"Wow," Louis whispers, "so, your mum knew Ben enough to send you over here with him?"

Harry bites his lip and keeps his eyes fixated outside the window, "she didn't know we had a relationship, Louis. I... I never told her."

Louis isn't surprised by Harry's confession at all. After all, he can see why Harry wouldn't want to mention it.

"But your mum knew you were gay," Louis pushes a little more while he's lighting a cigarette.

Harry glances back at him, "she did.... but she didn't need to know my professor from school was sleeping with me. That would break her heart."

"But... my dad is trying to get her moved here," Louis says and stares at Harry.

"Acting is a brilliant thing, Lou," Harry sort of smiles some before he's looking back at the streets. "Ben's always acted the part around my mum. I don't really feel like I'm lying to her because I'm of age now... and I run my own life."