That's Me In The Spotlight {The Jesus Fic}.

Chapter 26

Harry needed more than the fingers on both his hands to count the amount of times Louis had pushed him back against the doors of various hotel rooms, unable to wait one second longer. His lips would meet Harry's before his hand had even finished locking the door.

It had to be deliberate then, that tonight Louis simply turned his back and shut the door, leaving Harry untouched.

Harry saw Louis' hands trembling over the chain latch, then over his shoelaces. Harry took off his own shoes, thoughtfully nodding to himself.

It was reassuring to know that he'd be setting the pace tonight - even if Harry predicted he'd fumble through it, not entirely sure how these things were supposed to go. Part of him could die, he was so nervous and so embarrassed, but that was entirely preferable to being rushed – and Louis must agree with that, if he was letting Harry fumble.

Harry slowly nudged his shoes over to the corner of carpet where Louis' sat. He didn't know how to start, so he looked up to Louis with a nod, permitting him.

“Do you want to sit for a bit?” Louis offered, gesturing at the couch. Harry shook his head, then tilted it towards the bedroom. Wordlessly, Louis smiled in agreement.

Before they moved over to the bed, Harry stepped in closer and quickly kissed Louis. He felt just as daring-yet-clueless as he had the first time he'd kissed Louis - the first time he'd kissed anyone - that night they'd tried to stay quiet back in his parents' house. Just like that first kiss, Harry didn't really move his lips. He just pushed hard against Louis' for a split second and then pulled back, waiting in the doorway of the suite.

“Ça va?” Louis gently checked. “Now we're back here? Nothing will happen tonight if you don't want it to.”

“I'm nervous about what I do want to happen,” Harry admitted. “Not about anything I don't want. And I need to say something.”

Louis waited as Harry tried to find the right words. Louis was so sweet, and it definitely didn't hurt that he was French. He could be so romantic sometimes. Harry wished he could match it.

“Well? Say it,” Louis encouraged. Then he quickly added, “I mean, you don't have to, just because it's what you're supposed to say. I think I know what you mean, so it's okay. I've heard it before.”

“I'm not so good with words,” Harry mumbled. “And you've been so romantic all night. But I just need you to know how much I love you.”

“'Arry,” Louis lilted out, savouring the two syllables.

Harry loved hearing his name like that. It wasn't Louis' accent. He didn't sound like he was calling a friend over or scolding a child. He said it like he was blessed to be able to say it.

Louis said Harry's name like it was a prayer.

“I love you. I love you, and-” Louis cut himself off with a frustrated groan. "These things don't sound as trite in French! Je t'aimerai toujours. Je suis le tien,” he said with a sort of amused sarcasm, waving his delicate hand. “See? But... I think I'll actually love you forever. I will love you every single day.”

Harry hadn't realised he'd started grinning until Louis went on. “That smile! The only smile in the world that I could ever fall in love with, and...” Louis laughed, mostly at himself. "I swear it all sounds so much better in French,” he repeated.

“I'm sure it does,” Harry said encouragingly, only half-teasing.Louis had really said 'forever'.“I'll learn French. Like, all of it,” Harry added. “It might take a while, though.” “I don't care how long it takes. Then I can tell you all that again, in French.” “You're not just saying that?”