Chapter Text
6 years ago
Harry’s date is late. He has been waiting for the last thirty minutes, sitting in this posh Italian diner, all dressed up in his favourite black floral blouse. This was a blind date set up by Liam. Well, Liam is about to hear an earful about his supposedly perfect person for Harry.
The waiter has already stopped by three times and Harry is feeling so embarrassed. He has to call it a night and go home for cuddles with Blue and shitty TV. Just when he was about to leave, he saw the host guiding a handsome man to his table. My oh my, that man! That sculpted face and toned body! Those cheekbones! His blue eyes freezed Harry to the spot. Shaking himself from his daydream, he extended his arm ,”Hey, I’m Harry, nice to meet you”.
Louis could not believe this is Harry Stiles. The client he spoke to via email was nothing like this in his imagination. He thought of a middle aged man in his forties reaching out for rebranding his shoe business. Never thought he would be this young, with curls and sparkly eyes. Maybe a successor for the old shoe line? He doesn’t know and his brain isn’t functioning with that prettiest man looking like he wants to kiss Louis. For fuck’s sake, is floral blouse a business attire? He doesn’t think so but he ain’t complaining. Fuck, this man is gorgeous. “The pleasure is mine! Thanks for waiting up, traffic’s been hell. Oh sorry, I’m Louis. Er - Louis Tomlinson! The one you reached out via mail”
Mail? What mail? Harry is confused but he lets it slide. Maybe Liam contacted him via mail? Ha how millennial of him. “Liam contacted you via mail?”
Now Louis is confused. Liam? Who’s Liam? Maybe his assistant talked through the company mail? Yeah maybe. “Yeah I think so. We talked about your needs and requirements from us”
‘What the fuck?! Needs and requirements? What the hell has Liam been talking about him? What even is this? Oh God, this is embarrassing’ Harry started to feel self - conscious as he whispers “Needs?”
Oh my god why is he blushing? It’s making Louis lose his professionalism. “Yeah, the need to be bold and refreshing. You are doing this after a long while yeah?”
“Yes, I haven’t done one in so long. Been busy with work” Harry said ducking his head. Actually, Harry has never gone on a blind date before. Is this protocol? Also what does bold and refreshing mean ? Is Liam playing with him??
Louis gets a bit confused and suspicious. Why is this beautiful guy blushing so much, wearing sheer blouse? It doesn’t even make sense. He looks young, might be in the business for only a few years right? “How long have you been working?” Louis enquires.
Work? Harry feels weird. Louis looks like he IS attracted to Harry but he is very professional in his body language. Is this handsome man very bad at flirting? Harry thinks he has to stop being mortified and take the reins in his own hands. Maybe a workaholic? Should not let him talk about work. “Only a few years. Well, let’s get started, what do you wanna order?”
They ordered spaghetti with meatballs because it was Stiles’ favourite. The food has arrived and the guy is yet to talk about business. He has asked questions about blind dating, Louis’ hobbies and his passion. Every time Louis tries to direct them to business talk, to understand the guy’s needs, Harry makes a face and asks some silly question. He wondered if it was a business tactic. Harry was definitely flirting, complimenting his suit and enquiring about his favourite things. After a while, Louis forgot about it and discussed his passion for football. They found they had similar values and passion. Harry seemed like a kind, genuine man. Suddenly Louis’ phone rings and it was his assistant. “Sir, Mr.Harry Stiles called and told me that you never reached the restaurant?”
“What, I’m talking to him!”
“But.. sir, he called me. He was angry when he said he waited for so long and you didn’t turn up. I told him to wait up and call you.”
“No, you … I… one second. Harry, what is your name?”
“Harry Styles” Harry replies bewildered.
“Are you the CEO for Stiles Shoes?”
“Um..what? Harry chuckles nervously. “Louis no. Why..?”
“Shit ” Louis is now sure he is sitting at the wrong table. “I’ll figure this out. Ask him to wait or better yet, send his number.” Oh no, Louis should have googled about the man at the least. The meeting was a rushed one and he thought he would just go through their products. Then who is this guy?
“Um, what did you think we were doing Harry?”
“Are we not on a blind date?” Harry asks, face pale and worried.
“Oh no. No, no no no” Louis shakes his head vigorously.” I was supposed to meet this guy. Harry Stiles. My client. I asked for your name and the waiter led me here. Oh God, no”
Louis’ phone pings with his assistant’s message.
Meanwhile Harry feels so weird and sad. This beautiful man with good humor and compassion is not his date? So, he got stood up then? His real date never arrived. But Harry couldn’t focus on that. He just KNOWS he has to ask this man out. Once Louis calls someone and sees someone across the room, Harry knows he has to ask for his number. He can’t let this gorgeous man go. It has been a while since he enjoyed a first date.
When Louis gets ready to leave, he thinks about Harry. Even though he was not his date, he knows he has to ask the man out. When he opens his mouth to ask the question, Harry enquires earnestly ,“I know it is a huge misunderstanding but would you like to go on a real date with me? With Harry Styles, a man that really likes you?”
Louis smiles like he couldn’t believe his luck. He nods yes thinking it might lead to something better.
The rest is history.