When the Clock Strikes 12:00 // L.S.

Chapter Ten: Baby Steps

Louis's POV...again

The next morning drug on until eight. I walked through the doors of the café and spotted Niall with a girl hanging off of him, the two of them talking to Harry who was already behind the counter wrapping up a sandwich.

"Hi, Louis," Harry said cheerfully. "This is Niall's girlfriend Ashley."

"Nice to meet you," I said and held out my hand.

"Pleased to meet you too." She said warmly.

"Ash here is the reason I am physically attached to the role as the third wheel," Harry said happily giving the two of them a peck on the cheek and then disappearing into the back for some for sandwich bags.

"He won't be a third wheel for long," Niall smirked after Harry left and nudged my shoulder.

"Niall!" I exclaimed hitting him back, "And it might be a bit longer because I want to make sure he's comfortable before labeling it." I said.

Gigi appeared behind me, "That's so sweet of you." She said sighing but then her gaze darkened, "Harry is a pure soul so watch your back. If you fuck him over, you'll have me to deal with!"

I grimaced as Ashely laughed, "When you two finally get together, we are going to be one powerful friend group."

"Poor Liam." Was all I said, and Niall and Gigi started to laugh.

"What, what am I missing?" Ashley asked confused.

"Liam will be seventh wheeling," Niall explains but grows silent as harry reappears looking at the group of us all huddled by the counter.

"What's going on?" He asked, "There are three people waiting to be served, and Louis your shift started thirty minutes ago."

"Oh shit." I say looking at the clock, "See you guys later." I say rushing into the back.

"Bye guys." Niall and Ashley call as they head out and Gigi follows them.

"It's just the two of us now," Harry said smiling shyly and looking around the empty coffee shop. The three people had all ordered out and the sun was long since gone leaving the outside glowing with Christmas lights.

"Just the two of us," I said returning his smile. "What do you say you teach me how to bake your famous chocolate chip cookies?"

Harry beams, "Ok." He agrees and I follow him into the kitchen,

"Here's the ingredients list," Harry says handing me a piece of paper and his hand lightly touching mine as I take it from him.

"Why don't you get half of the list and I'll get the other half," I suggest looking down at the recipe.

The two of us dance around each other in the kitchen as we look for the ingredients and me every now and then lightly brushing against Harry's shoulder.

"What next?" I ask setting down the bottle of vanilla down on the table.

"Now I'll get two bowls and we'll mix the wet ingredients in one and the dry in the other."

We worked silently, Harry let me do the mixing while he measured cups of flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt into the bowl.

"Harry careful-" I tried to warn him but was too late. Harry's clumsy, too-long-for-him arms knocked over the bag of flour which exploded into a white cloud under his face. He looked up at me and I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

"Ugh, I'm so clumsy." He huffed frustratedly.

"You look so damn adorable right now," I said leaning over and brushing some of the white powder off his shoulders. Surprisingly not much had landed on his face and instead left a dusting on his shoulders and hair.