nothing worsens, nothing grows (l.s)

0.8

new york --> home

Harry

On the ride back to the hotel, Harry's frantic. He's been with many other people before, but not Louis - no one even comes close. There isn't any time to do this the right way, he can't find any flower shops that are still open this late, and they can't have a nice dinner before, but Louis seems just as impatient as he is so he doesn't worry about the specifics too much.

What he does worry about, however, is getting them a hotel room. If Liam and Zayn and Niall want to spend their last night together that's fine, but he'd much rather spend his last few hours with Louis.

He sends Liam a text on the way back, asking if he can distract the rest of them while he asks for another room. It won't really matter later, when it's obvious that they aren't there, but he's trying to save the last bits of his dignity before tonight. Liam is most likely to handle it the best and Harry trusts him, so he pockets his phone after the message is delivered and puts his arm around the back of Louis' shoulders.

He'd missed most of Times Square in Louis' request, but he doesn't even care.

He's buzzing with nervous energy but he's calm all the same, struck with the reality of the situation. Louis is perfectly composed next to him, smiling up at him when he glances down and leaning his forehead against Harry's shoulder. Harry thinks Louis should probably be a bit more nervous, but he's glad he isn't.

When he'd ask him earlier, if they could be together tonight, Harry had nearly fallen over in the street. The implication had taken him a minute to process, but Louis seemed so sure of himself that Harry wouldn't have dreamed of telling him no. It's just a lot of pressure. He's so happy that Louis trusts him enough to do this for him, but Harry knows if it isn't perfect he'll never forgive himself.

Louis seems to have enough faith for the both of them though, so Harry sighs and tries to relax as they park in front of the hotel. Everything before now has fallen perfectly into place, so there isn't any reason tonight wouldn't be the same.

He knows the exact moment Liam reads his text, head snapping up from his phone to meet his eyes with a blush.

Liam clears his throat when they get into the lobby.

"Hey, H, would you mind checking the shop to see if they have those candy bars I was telling you about?" He gestures vaguely to the front desk, "You can just bring it up whenever if they do."

Harry loves him so much. He nods and sends him a grateful look at the same moment Liam glances between him and Louis in a way that Harry thinks means be careful with him. With a determined smile, he grabs Louis' hand just as the rest of them are stepping onto the lift.

There aren't any questions asked when he requests another room, the woman just runs his card and hands him a new key and then they're headed up. It's not awkward, the silence, when Louis turns his face into Harry's chest and breathes in and out. The lift doors slide open to an empty hallway where Harry wraps his arms around Louis from behind and leads him to their door.

When the latch clicks shut behind them, Harry decides he can't wait any longer. He's on Louis in seconds, pushing their lips together and tugging uselessly at his clothes. Louis' trembling against him, and he holds him close as he runs a hand through his hair, kissing the corner of his mouth and his forehead.

"Harry," He's breathless as he whispers his name, clinging to the front of Harry's shirt like he's not sure what would happen if he let go.

Harry just kisses him harder, cradling Louis' face in his hands as he walks them backward toward the bed. He feels Louis' knees hit the corner, and eases his body down onto the sheets, following him down.