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Chapter Text

It was the last Monday in the month of May and just a few minutes to nine. And since he had to be in the office at nine am sharp, it was safe to say he was late.

To be honest, the day and month weren’t all that important except for the fact that it made a great pun. It was mayhem! And he admitted, it wasn’t one of his best puns but he did his best as he ran past the suit-clad crowd who were headed to their own offices. His shoulder bag had been jostled in the run, swinging over so it was uncomfortably bouncing on his hip. And he couldn’t even move it in place, since in his hands he was cradling two cups of coffee while hoping nothing sloshed out of the cups. Harry should have invested more time in gym since he had been running for around ten minutes now and he was already out of breath. He allowed himself a small smile at the sight of the familiar glass building, before twisting his hand away and halting to avoid crashing into someone. The man had the audacity to scowl when he was the one who had come in Harry’s way but there was no time for argument, hence he slowed down to a jog and kept going on. Harry smiled at the security guards, who gave him a small, pitying smile and then he was in, sliding in the elevator just before the doors closed. The people behind him grumbled and he apologised while wiping his forehead on his sleeve. Harry was completely winded up, shirt displaying pit stains while his hair was no doubt sweaty and messy. But hey, at least he had managed to make it to the elevator with his coffee intact, which he counted as a win.

The few minutes that it took to reach his floor, Harry rested his forehead against the cool steel and waited for his breathing to go back to normal. He had forgotten to set his alarm for today but lucky for him, he woke up due to force of habit. His schedule was pushed back by an hour so he took the unwise decision of skipping breakfast and taken a shower instead, ignoring the growls of his stomach. His hair had been wet when he left the house but no doubt the wind had dried his hair into a curlier, messier state. Luckily, he had long made himself the habit of laying out his clothes the night before. So he saved time on that, buttoning his shirt and slung his jacket over his messenger bag before he left. Jeannie, the usual barista, who sympathised with him (and probably fancied him as well), had already made his order. She had winked at him as she held up the cups and Harry had given her, and everyone else, a bright smile as he skipped the queue and paid for the coffees. He managed to leave with only a few curses directed at him and had been sprinting to work ever since. So as the doors opened to this floor, Harry took in a deep breath as he stepped out. Finally, he thought.

Jade gave him an amused smile with a cautionary raise of eyebrows and Harry shrugged at her. He started to walk past her and only then remembered that he had something to discuss with her. As he turned to tell her that they needed to talk later, it marked the end of his (slightly) lucky streak.

The next set of events happened in a matter of seconds.

Someone was walking behind him, and as Harry turned, they crashed into him and jostled his arm. It led to the Styrofoam cup in that hand being squeezed too hard in response and Harry watched as the hot coffee splashed down the front of his shirt. He stared at it in horror, barely realising how his chest felt as if it was on fire. The first thing he realised was that, to his misfortune, the cup that had spilt was his boss’. Well fuck.

“I am so sorry,” the guy was saying, his hand clasped over his mouth as he apologised furiously. He was watching Harry with wide, guilt filled eyes as he slowly backed away, hands moving uselessly. No coffee had spilt on him, but Harry’s white shirt was now soaked and stained brown. It was his favourite white shirt too, with ruffled collars and cuffs and now it was all ruined. The stains would not go that easy, or at all really, and he was in grief. Of course, went without saying that his chest was stinging due to the hot coffee and his heart pounding in his chest. He was so screwed.

“Fucking hell,” Harry muttered under his breath, trying his best to keep his voice low as he sighed heavily. He could hear the silence that had overtaken the floor and weighed on him. He could feel the eyes of his nosy colleagues on him as they waited for his reaction and pitied him too. The boss would be mad, they knew it, but also probably loved the drama of it. So Harry sighed and accidentally relinquished the grip on the almost empty cup, which fell to the floor and splashed the remnant coffee on his trousers. He didn’t care one bit, even if this action would be cared by him later. Right now, he was preoccupied with cussing at everyone and everything. Especially his fate. “Oh fucking hell, this can’t be happening now. Not today.”

“I am so sorry, Mr. Styles,” the man repeated as he returned with some tissues, waving in front of Harry’s face awkwardly. Harry glanced up and recognised him as Earl, the new intern who was just as clumsy as Harry was. He could feel the fear and indecision in his eyes, no doubt waiting to be yelled at. As if Harry would. He had been in Earl’s situation plenty of times so he knew better. But he couldn’t help but sigh, tightening his grip around the other cup of coffee. He pinched the material of his formerly white shirt with his free hand and pulled it away from his chest. The coffee was already drying, settling into the cloth and he would have to throw it away. But the shirt wasn’t his biggest concern right now, even though it is up there in his priority list. The most worrying thing was the spilt coffee, meaning his boss.

Harry had started working at Colden Books three years ago. He had walked in the building with hopeful eyes and a dream of helping in the editorial and publishing business, probably getting the chance of getting to publish something of his own one day. Harry had got into this due to his hobby of writing and the few people who had read it told him it was good. But his dreams got crushed along the way and stomped on due to a certain Louis Tomlinson, and to Harry’s misfortune, his boss. Louis was the kind of guy who would draw you in with his eyes before berating you with his mouth for a job which wasn’t to the best of your capability. Sure, he wasn’t the worst person in the world but he was certainly the worst person in Harry’s life. He was the best at what he did, was one of the most reputed editors as well and Harry envied how good he was at it. He was also in awe of him but mostly, he resented the guy. It was everything about Louis, especially the way he was also known to be, to put it mildly, a mean asshole. He was very particular about some things, which included his nine am coffee. He had been toeing the line a lot lately and was let off with warning glances. But not today, since Harry was late and with no coffee in his hand, which was a reason for some major concern.

For a coffee hating, tea-loving Englishman, Louis certainly was very particular about coffee runs.

“I got you some tissues,” Earl said redundantly waving the wad of tissues, since Harry was yet to react.“I didn’t mean to run into you like that.”

“Thanks, man,” Harry finally said with a pained smile as he accepted the tissues. He dabbed them uselessly on his stained shirt, knowing that the coffee had already seeped in enough. He sighed for what would be the millionth time and closed his eyes as he tightened his grip slightly around the other cup. There was not enough time to run back and get Jeannie to make him another quick order and rush back. Harry took his coffee too sweet for Louis’ preference so that would certainly be a no go. When he opened his eyes again, he found Earl hovering still, as if still expecting to be yelled at. Harry chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh it’s alright, Earl, don’t you worry. I know it wasn’t your fault. It’s just my luck that’s cursed. It’s alright.”

Harry forced out a harsh laugh as he threw the used tissues in the nearby bin and headed towards his cubicle. He wanted to take a nap and forget the day ever happened even if it had just begun. Everything was great, just fucking great.

But on second thoughts, Harry wasn’t really at fault for being late today. He had been up until one doing something that Louis had given him to do and it wasn’t even in his job description. Yet, he had ruined his Sunday evening where he had planned to relax and catch up on the latest episodes of Stranger Things. Peace and freedom from Louis Tomlinson was not in his cards, apparently, and hadn’t been ever since he had submitted his resume three years ago. He wondered sometimes if switching his phone off during weekends would be a good idea but he didn’t dare doing it. But the point remained that today was not Harry’s fault and he shouldn’t have to listen from his boss. He wished he was gutsy enough to say it to his face rather grumble it to his sister later. He bloody fucking wished.

Harry walked up to his cubicle, free hand twisting the strap of his bag so it rested on his hip again. He caught the eyes of his colleagues who were shooting him sympathetic looks and refrained from rolling his eyes. As much as they felt sorry for him, they would be the first to press their ears against the glass doors to hear what was being said. They were just a bunch of gossips and had befriended Harry just because of that. On the second day, a few of his colleagues had come up to him in the pretence of ‘welcoming him’ before asking him what Louis was like with him. Harry was the first assistant Louis had since he was promoted just one year prior to when he had joined. They wanted to know if Louis was just as harsh and mean as he was with everyone and since then, Harry refrained from sharing too much with them. It just didn’t sit right to talk about someone like that, even if the person was someone he disliked. It reminded him a lot of people back home, and he had to refrain from yelling at nothing in the middle of the day.

“He arrived about half an hour ago,” Darren whispered, nodding his head towards Louis’ door. The blinds were pulled shut hence it was impossible for anyone to tell if anyone was in there but Darren had probably seen him come in. Louis specially had the blinds put in, as he told Harry one day, mainly because he hated prying eyes as well. Harry snorted in lieu of a response as he placed the cup on his desk before taking out his bag. He removed his jacket from where it draped over his bag and leisurely put it on. He was already late by, what the clock told him, ten minutes so what was another minute right? “He seemed to be in a good mood, well for him. So he wouldn’t yell at you as much, I think.”

“I doubt it, but thank you Darren,” Harry said as he gave him a half smile and pushed his hair away from his forehead. He picked up the cup of coffee and marched towards the door with determination, very unsure of his decision. As he was left with no other option, so he took in a deep breath and knocked before pushing the door in. Louis always told him to walk right in and he barely responded to Harry’s knocks, but his mom had taught him to be polite and he was. So knocking on the door was a habit more than anything. “Sir?” he asked in a low, meek voice.

Louis swivelled his chair to face him, sharp blue eyes lingering on him for a few seconds before he nodded and hitched his legs up on the table. He leaned back in his chair and looked out the window, as Harry assumed he was doing earlier. He refrained from rolling his eyes the second time in the past few minutes as he walked further in, cradling the cup in his hand and waited. Louis looked impeccable as always in a pressed, dark blue suit with his hair pushed up in a perfect, unmovable quiff. The quiff never ever wilted, even if they were walking through a windy plain. Harry knew because while the wind had blown his hair into knots, Louis’ hair had stayed put. He was clean shaved as always and Harry knew that Louis had made himself the habit of shaving daily ever since he was twenty-three. Louis had been the one to tell him that, of course, and in the same sentence he had told Harry to practise the same. Little did he know that Harry couldn’t even grow a proper stubble. There was this one day that he grew something that vaguely resembled a stubble and cut himself in a hurry to shave. Louis had made a remark about it before suggesting the best solution for healing the cut, weirdly enough. Louis also presumably disproved of his wild curls, often casting distrustful looks at it. And at the beginning, Harry was sure he hated them, even though he never said anything. Then one day he had offhandedly praised his hair and Harry had realised he just didn’t like that they were messy, which yeah he understood. He still loved his hair, messy and all.

Everything in his life regarding Louis in the past three years always confused him. In the first year of working he was sure that Louis hated him or didn’t care. Everyone led him to believe the same since Louis was slightly cold hearted and detached. But slowly he realised it wasn’t the case. When it came to Harry, Louis was hot and cold and confusing. Hence Harry kept on his toes, knowing Louis would always do something unexpected. Like now, hopefully.

Harry shifted his weight from feet to feet, absently touching his ruined shirt as he listened to the familiar tapping sound. Louis had this strange habit of tapping his fingers in a tune whenever he was anxious or happy. It was the same damn tune that was stuck in Harry’s head by this point and it was unshakable. Hearing that tapped tune made him shriek sometimes but he couldn’t, since Louis would shriek louder. Harry was trying not to look as pained as he felt and that was the exact moment that Louis looked at him. The moment was short but when Louis’ eyes darted down to his shirt, his eyes did linger a little longer on him. The corner of his lips turned down as he stared at Harry’s torso, no wonder displeased at the brown stains. It made Harry anxious, heat rising to his cheeks as he self-consciously pushed his fingers through his hair and held in a sigh. Their eyes met for a brief few seconds that stretched before Louis looked away, laughing at something the person on the other end had said. It was his fake, business laughter of course, since it was too perfected to be the real one. He had heard his real laugh only a few times and it was more of giggling and snorting than the practised ‘haha’, which he was doing right now. Why was he so goddamn poised and practised.

Louis Tomlinson had recently turned thirty yet he held the topmost position in the company. Or at least in the publishing sector since Harry was clueless about everything else. He worked twice as hard as anyone else did and wearing himself out. So Harry guessed that granted him twice as much as arrogance as well. There were already grey hairs by his ears and signs of crow’s feet by his eyes, which was the result of working himself to dead and isolation. Yet he showed no sign of stopping. Louis ran on three cups of coffee which was served to him at a three hour interval and very little food. He slept less than five hours each night, lesser when swamped with work. Harry knew it all. Louis was what one would call a workaholic – married to his job and barely having a social life. Harry knew he stayed awake at nights since he was more often than not roused by Louis’ messages about notes for the next day. And he was ninety percent sure Louis talked to only three people about something that didn’t concern work, and one of them was Harry. His life was pretty sad, if it wasn’t annoying Harry. He listened to Louis’ little rambles, usually when they were out somewhere either going to parties to socialise and gain clients or to a book festival for, again, socialising and finding potential clients.

Louis barely had a life outside of work hence Harry’s social life had suffered a lot as well over the years. He would randomly call Harry to assign him some minor research work, again completely unrelated to his actual job. And then there were few calls when Louis had a slight tremble in his voice and Harry just knew. He was too stubborn to ask for help and Harry knew a thing or two about stubbornness. So he pulled himself out of social things, decreased contact with people from his hometown and helped Louis instead, like he had last night without getting any gratitude.

When Louis wasn’t working, he was a slightly different person. The moment he swapped his expensive suits for expensive sportswear, the rigidity in his posture caved in to be replaced by a softer look. His hair would be often let down and mussed, without any product. And he managed to look young somehow, ten times more approachable when he didn’t hold a stiff posture and a permanent grimace. Weirdly enough, that was his more difficult side, Harry thought. He usually got a little sarcastic and a lot giggly, which confused Harry the next day when he walked in the office to find a prim, sharp person with gleaming eyes and a voice that was always cold and unwelcoming. In the process of figuring him out, Harry had managed to master every one of his frowns and twitches of his eyebrow. And Louis had made it apparent that he could read him as well. Strange.

Despite that, they were not friends or even acquaintances for that matter. Louis still acted impassively and Harry still resented him and rolled his eyes.

But if he was to be really, really honest with himself, Harry found himself stuck somewhere between admiring and disliking the man behind the desk. He disliked his smug, winning smile and the humourless laughter but admired the success he had managed to acclaim at such young age. Well he also found himself admiring Louis a little too much but he didn’t focus on that part.

“That’s absolutely great, Frank,” Louis was saying, lips twitching into resemblance of a smile but devoid of the actual emotion. He kept his gaze outside the window and Harry had grown impatient. Five minutes had passed since Harry was standing there and there was no response from Louis. So as quietly as he could, Harry placed the Styrofoam cup on the coaster and tried to sneak out. He would prefer to not be there when Louis took the first sip and realised that the coffee was sweeter than usual. But of course, his boss’ head snapped towards him the minute he took a step sideways and towards the door. He was given a sharp look that pinned him to the spot and a quick movement of hands telling him to stay. Hence he did, unfreezing and taking a step back into place as he nodded, feeling chagrined. He clasped his hands behind his back and waited. “I knew I was right to trust you for this job, Frank. Yes definitely. I’ll call you again later. Goodbye.”

And as soon as Louis took the phone away from his ear, the half smile slid off his face and turned into a slight grimace. Harry squared his shoulders the moment Louis’ fell on him and his nose itched self-consciously. Louis’ eyes were fixated on his shirt, eyebrows rising up when he looked at his face. He kept his phone on the desk without breaking eye contact and took his feet off the desk. He did it with grace and practised precision, not knocking off even one thing like Harry surely would have. Louis then leaned forward in his chair, face impassive as always as he entwined his fingers in front of him. He looked like his usual business self right now, with his face giving nothing away and his lips pressed into a thin, displeased line.

“So, Harry.”

“Yes, Mr. Tomlinson?”

“What time is it now?” he asked, tilting his head to a side. His eyebrows rose higher on his forehead and so did Harry’s heartbeats, went higher that is. Even if he was too used to Louis’ various faces, his ‘threatening face’ always seemed to do its job. Louis managed to look threatening even though no person that height should be able to. Louis’ quiff didn’t move even a little as he moved his head. Even the circles under his eyes looked like a sign of power than of exhaustion. Wow that guy needed to take care of himself. But also, he wondered how Louis had managed to turn into this person. How he could be so off-putting and rude while being powerful and fascinating at the same time. He also wondered why he felt the urge to berate him while tucking him under a blanket and telling him to rest. It was strange. Harry spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to figure out what made Louis Tomlinson the way he was and he should be embarrassed about it, but wasn’t. He justified it as a psychological survey. He had, after all, taken two classes of psychology 101.

“Um twenty minutes past nine?” Harry said, lifting the end of the sentence as he widened his eyes and blinked. It was his ‘innocent and endearing’ look which worked ninety percent of the time but never on Louis, to his misfortune. He seemed to be immune to everything and displeased by everything. It also made Harry wonder how he would react to a puppy, or cute things. (Yeah he did spend a lot of time thinking about his boss. He should stop doing that.) “I’m sorry that I’m late, sir. But in my defence, I knocked into someone on my way in.”

“As I can see,” Louis intoned, eyes flitting down pointedly to Harry’s shirt and then back up. His fingers pinched the bridge of his nose, covering his mouth while his eyes sparkled with stifled amusement. So Darren had been right when he said Louis was in a good mood. His voice was upbeat and not ice cold and his posture wasn’t stiff. Harry was lucky today after all, stained shirt and scorched chest aside. “According to what I see, you’ve spilt one cup of coffee today while you have the other one. So which cup did you spill?”

“Uh um m-mine?” he stammered, watching as Louis’ eyebrows rose even higher, if it was possible. He didn’t trust Harry one bit, but not in a malicious way. Yet Harry’s heart hammered loudly as Louis reached for the cup. Without breaking eye contact, Louis pressed his lips against the cup as he took a sip and his face scrunched up immediately in distaste. Harry winced and closed his eyes, letting a soft sigh fall off his lips. He was screwed.

“ Styles, I think you’ve forgotten that I don’t prefer sugar in my coffee,” Louis remarked coolly, amusement colouring his words. Harry opened one eye to see that Louis’ face was blank as ever but his eyes were gleaming with delight. Maybe it was the sugar that had sweetened the mood, but he didn’t look mad in the least. Louis pursed his lips to stop smiling and raised his eyebrows, as Harry opened his second eye as well. “Someone named Jeannie wants you to call her. So do you need the cup?”

Harry snorted, unable to stop himself and Louis smiled just a little before slipping back into impassive. “I’m gay, Louis, you know that.”

“I do.” Louis nodded, eyebrows raised as he took another sip of the coffee and made a face. “But it’s nice to know that you add an insane amount of sugar to your coffee. It’s making me sick but it’s not that bad. So this time, Styles, I’ll let you get away with it. But just this once, alright. If you get my order wrong another time, keep in mind that I will be the one to throw this liquid on your favourite shirt. Get me?”

“Yes sir,” Harry said through clenched teeth, biting back his remark. There were so many things he would say if they weren’t at office. For one thing, he would call Louis out on his bluff since he would never be that harsh. Secondly, he would ask how he knew it was Harry’s favourite shirt. And thirdly, he would tell Louis that it wasn’t his fault that he was late. But he couldn’t say any of it so he nodded. He was feeling as if he was thrown back into his first year at this job (when he was unsure). He had been nervous, new to New York City and far, so far away from home. He had managed to snag the assistant job with a little assistance from his stepfather and it was something that was far more than what he deserved. But he had thought if he did his best and pleased his boss then he would look like he deserved it. Maybe he would get a quick promotion and an even better post. He felt lucky, knowing he was one step closer to changing the world with his words or something. He was also unlucky. To his misfortune, his boss was the hard to please Englishman, Louis Tomlinson, who had wiggled up his way far more quickly up the ranks with a lot of effort. It was tough for a non-American, but then he was the youngest editor in chief at Colden Books, a company that owed a lot to him at this point. Louis had a big hand in giving the company the prestige it had since he had brought in a lot of clients with his easy charm and sexy accent before he turned into this ice queen. Harry had admired him then, felt like it would be an honour to work under him but then he, well, met him.

Louis’ cold and snappish behaviour had made Harry realise why everyone had been giving him pitying looks on the first day. And then in a year he realised why everyone hated him while fearing him that much, when Harry was barely given free weekends but endless meaningless tasks. And due to that man, Harry had taken to evade people from his old life and not make stronger acquaintances in his current life. Or so he told everyone, when the truth was he avoided them due to another reason. “So may I leave?”

Louis hummed, taking a sip of his too sweet coffee out of habit before he frowned. He raised his index finger to halt Harry and kept the cup on the coaster. Louis then rummaged in one of the drawers, eyebrows drawn in concentration before he found whatever he was looking for. It was Harry’s turn to frown as something blurry was flying towards him, hitting him softly on the face. He caught it before it fell, turning the soft material over in his fingers. It was a sweater. And not just any sweater, it was a lilac, Burberry cashmere sweater. Harry looked up at the other man in surprise, blinking blankly for a good few seconds.

“You’re very prone to spilling something on yourself so I bought this already and kept it handy for you to wear over your shirt or something,” he said flippantly as he picked up a bundle of paper from his desk and flipping through it. Harry frowned further, unused to Louis being so nice at the workplace. It wasn’t that he was always rude but this was a type of caring and it was an unexpected gesture. Harry stared from his boss to his sweater then back. It was a big surprise and he wanted to pinch himself. It was the moment when Harry started to feel as if something was going to go terribly wrong and he didn’t know why. He was overreacting, surely and he was prone to. Louis did not look up but he made a ‘tsk’ sound that startled Harry. “I can hear you thinking, you know. We have to leave for a meeting in an hour, Styles and I don’t want you to stand beside me in a coffee stained shirt is all. Don’t overthink it. Wear this on top of your shirt until lunch and then you can go buy yourself something nice.”

“Um.” Harry blinked at him in surprise before smiling a little. “Of course. Thank you Lo – Mr. Tomlinson.”

Louis didn’t look up from his papers as he waved his hand, dismissing him. But Harry was pretty sure he was smiling. “You can go now. I have this very important manuscript to read and you have calls to attend. Oh and also, whenever Winston is free just alert me, I need to talk to him so tell his assistant the same. Don’t forget.”

“I won’t,” Harry mumbled before nodding to himself. He watched his boss warily as he made his way out of the room, fingers tightening around the sweater. He caught the worried, curious eyes of his colleagues and smiled at them distractedly before sitting down at his cubicle. He sighed deeply, feeling a little out of place. And this, this was why Harry disliked Louis currently.

See, Louis hadn’t really been an asshole to Harry at the very start, despite what everyone else thought and he made it out to be. The first month, he had been sweet before turning into a nightmare and then settling somewhere in the middle, like now. He would tell him off whenever Harry fucked up his coffee or tea order, which to be fair was a complicated thing then. Harry would blink away his tears and could see the slight crack in Louis’ shields but he wouldn’t stop. Louis had changed into this confusing person a year ago, and it still fucked with Harry’s brain. He reasoned the positive change might be since his sister had moved to New York and could have knocked some sense into him. So as Harry saw it, Louis was rude to everyone but a little less rude to him. At work, that is. It was as if Louis was still a mean boss along with being a caring person, like reprimanding him (lightly) and then giving him a sweater. These small, miniscule acts of kindness just annoyed him, since he couldn’t just be a better person or anything. He had to put on a show of being a rude person. Harry couldn’t even completely hate him due to that. And he definitely didn’t understand him.

Still, Louis had ruined his social life and essentially refused to promote him. Not like Harry had explicitly asked him or something, but he wanted to be an editor maybe or a writer, preferentially. He didn’t have a professional opinion on his chances as an author and it wasn’t due to lack of trying. He had slipped a manuscript of his own sometimes, bettering himself each time but Louis would barely glance at it before discarding it. Harry knew it because he saw but he couldn’t call him on it, since it would be unprofessional so he bit his lip and picked up his disapproved manuscript and left. Maybe it was just terrible, who knew.

Harry let his head fall into his palms and revelled in his bad fate for a few seconds before he decided he had pitied himself enough. He made his way to the bathroom with his sweater and thankfully found it empty. He took off his ruined shirt and used it to dab water on his chest, wincing when he felt the slight sting. The area had gone red and itchy and he bit his lip as he looked at it.There was no ointment with him so he decided to take care of it once he got home. He stared at the sweater for a good few seconds and smiled. And as he pulled it on, his skin was irritated for just a few seconds but after, the material felt like figurative heaven on him. Lilac was really his colour, as he always thought and probably Louis did too else he wouldn’t have gifted it. But he didn’t let himself think that, instead assumed Louis had just picked a random thing since it was a size too big. He pulled up the sleeves a little and smiled at his reflection. He revealed in the softness of his sweater, before pulling on his suit jacket. The sweater was a little casual for an office setting but hopefully the blazer would make it seem more business casual. He tried not to smile as he walked out of the bathroom with his ruined shirt balled up by his side and relayed Louis’ message to Ben’s assistant before finally making his way to his cubicle. There were about two people on the way who had asked about and complimented the sweater and Harry blushed as he explained he was wearing it due to the spilt coffee. He deliberately omitted the fact that Louis had gifted him it since it would spread rumours that he didn’t want to hear. He slumped down in his chair, sighing as he rubbed his eyes, feeling tired already. It was almost ten now, he realised. So as always, he called his sister. She picked up on the second ring and greeted him with a cheery hello, even though it was seven am on her side. And Harry groaned in response, making her chuckle.

“Aw something got you down again, baby brother?” she asked even though she knew the answer and laughed at him. There was only one person who would get him frustrated, mainly because lately everything revolved around him. So Harry groaned again in lieu of a response, rubbing his face with his free hand. It was just like any other day. “Come on, now tell me. I’m listening. What did he do?”

“It’s more like.” Harry sighed, pursing his lips before launching into the start of his disastrous day. “Woke up late today then stubbed my toe on the way out. Almost missed my bus then ran the way to my office, completely out of breath and spilled coffee on my favourite shirt. Since I was late, I got reprimanded by Louis and here I am. My shirt is ruined, my day is ruined and I’m pretty sure Louis’ is too, so my day will be further ruined. Everything is just so – Hey can you not laugh, Gemma?”

“Then what do you want me to do?” she asked before laughing again, and the phone most likely slipped from her grasp since her voice was more faraway, still laughing. Harry harrumphed, drumming his fingers on the desk. Gemma always found amusement in Harry’s pain ever since they were kids. But she also loved him so Harry supposed he could forgive her. Gemma was the only one from his hometown that he was in constant touch with, mainly because she was persistent. Granted it had been only three years since he was away but it was a surprise they had almost daily conversation. Most of his old friends had gotten tired of his excuses and complains about his boss, which might be intentional on his part. There were two of his friends he sometimes talked to but even their schedule was too busy to let them have longer conversations. Still, his official excuse was that it was Louis’ fault for taking up most of his time, which was true and the rest was that he didn’t try enough. Although on good days he wondered if he should deny doing something for Louis, just to know his reaction. Louis was one scary person when angry so no one wanted to risk that. But the more Gemma laughed, the more Harry gave in to her and smiled, shaking his head. “Only you would have so many problems before ten. And all of them self-made. No, don’t interrupt. But really, I’ve told you a lot of times over the past few years to quit. You moan about your job so much, hate your boss and you aren’t doing what you love. What's holding you back?”

“Well it’s not that bad,” Harry lied as he fiddled with the hem of his sweater. Sure it was tiring just managing Louis’ schedule, taking his calls and being so polite with him all the time. It was annoying having to tag along with him everywhere because Louis insisted, for some reason. It was exhausting biting his tongue as he listened to Louis’ (often unnecessarily rude) conversations with other people while he stood in the back, sighing internally. He had forgotten how to make jokes or be sarcastic or even sleep. He might be exaggerating about everything in his life, but it wasn’t that bad. Sure he would love to do something more than this, something he had studied for. He wanted to edit and publish and everything like a few of his colleagues did. But he always reasoned it could get worse and it hadn’t yet. “Like I could go to Germany and sightsee just last month. And Louis isn’t that bad, really. He gave me a sweater just today to cover my ruined shirt. Said he had kept it aside because he expected me to trip. That's nice of him, right?”

“Okay now he confuses me,” Gemma mused and Harry snorted in reply. Harry knew that since he was the one who suffered the most due to Louis’ mood swings. “But you confuse me more. You say you hate him but whenever adds anything against him, you defend him.”

“He’s...” Harry started before sighing. She wasn’t wrong. He had a problem with that. “I don’t know.”

“Yeah alright let it be.” Harry sighed in relief, making his sister snort. “Yeah Harry you talk about your boss every day that's why I let it go. You’re lucky I have another topic to discuss.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. So the most important thing to do this week is to go home for the weekend. You’ve booked your ticket, right? When is the flight? Wait, you’re coming home right?”

Harry hummed in question as he switched the phone receiver to his other ear. He squinted at the calendar on his desk before his eyes fell on the picture beside it and realisation dawned on him. “Oh shit, it’s Gammy’s birthday! Oh yeah I remember that now. I can’t believe it’s almost June already, although I just made a joke about it being mayhem today. Get it? Anyway. I completely forgot about Gammy’s birthday, if I’m being honest due to the late nights I’ve pulled for Louis lately. He has been a little more insane this month, you know and I’ve been dragged in, of course.”

“You really need to take a break from that guy, H,” she remarked casually. “It’s like you’re in a clingy relationship even though you have a love hate thing going on with him clearly.”

“There’s no love,” Harry insisted petulantly. She said the same thing each time without fail. Usually she would insist that he needed a break before teasing how much Harry liked him but she had let it go recently. It was easy for her to say that he needed to deny his boss since she held a high editorial position on the other side of the country. Her work environment was relaxed, less stressing and surely she didn’t have Louis as her boss. Or she’d know.

“If you say. But it’s Gammy’s ninetieth birthday. She’s been waiting for this day since her eightieth.” Gemma paused to laugh but Harry didn’t join in. Mainly because he was worried. “You know how she is about birthdays and since it is ten year less than a century, she has gone a little extra. If you don’t come home, everyone will hold it against you. Especially Gammy and you know how dramatic she can get.”

“But Gems, you know I can’t!”

“Then make time somehow,” she insisted. “She’s invited everyone for the big day. And by that I do mean everyone .”

“Oh no,” he groaned, rubbing his eyes. He mentally surveyed the list of meetings he had for the week, checking if there was at least one person worthy enough for Louis. If that was the case then there was fat chance that Louis would give Harry the weekend off. “I really can’t promise you anything right now. He seems to be in a good mood today so I’ll ask later but you know how he is, so it might be a no from the little devil. I didn’t even get a free weekend yesterday, since he has that major client who’s being a bitch. I have to be there for him all the time, you know. Sometimes I feel more of a wife who takes care of everything for him than a work assistant. It’s exhausting.”

“Well, he is your work husband,” she teased. “But remember, Harry that you got yourself into that mess. You know two years ago when I told you not to go to his house to give him soup and medicine? It was a personal gesture, which you didn’t have to do hence now you’re in his personal life. Blame yourself.”

“But Gemma,” he whined, lips forming a pout that she wouldn’t be able to see. He stared resolutely at the desk, especially since he felt eyes on him and lowered his voice. “He was very sick that day yet he was insisting he would come to work that day and I would just have to drive. You know I couldn’t let him that's why I stopped him with soup. So drop it.”

“I’m just telling you, H.”

Harry snorted, lifting his head to catch Jesy’s worried eyes. She had a panicked look on her face as she nodded her head towards her right. He frowned at her before looking to left and finding, well, the little devil himself and Harry gasped. Louis was leaning against his cubicle wall, legs crossed at his ankle while looking a picture of ease. There was a furrow between his eyebrows but also a wide sugary smile on hips, which he was trying to hide. He didn’t look scary in the least, yet it made Harry want to scream and scamper at being caught. But he didn’t do that. More like he couldn’t, since he was frozen in his chair. Technically, Harry wasn’t allowed to make to take personal calls at work even if everyone did that. And he definitely wasn’t allowed to badmouth his boss, and from the looks of it was pretty clear Mr. Tomlinson had heard it all. He looked calm and collected on the outside but in the inside he might as well be fuming. Harry was once again the centre of attention and everyone knew Louis’ smile was a facade. Harry cleared his throat noisily once he came down the shock of it all, hearing Gemma blabber on the other end. He smiled politely at his boss, biting his lower lip. “Sorry ma’am, I can’t possible book your appointment for this weekend.

“Louis is there?”

“Yes, alright goodbye.”

There were more pressing questions from Gemma on the other end which he ignored and kept down the receiver. He kept smiling at Louis, while the other man was still leaning against the wall and smiling back. Louis’ eyes were devoid of emotions though, jaw clenching as the smile quickly slid off his face. Harry hadn’t noticed earlier but Louis was wearing a navy blue fitted suit, paired with a red tie. It was an outfit that he had seen a few times over the years and he had assumed it was Louis’ favourite suit. Well, it did fit too well and colour brought out the colour of his eyes. But Harry didn’t think that. “So is that what everyone around here calls me then?” he asked in a levelled, low voice that was sure to not carry over for anyone else to hear. “The Little Devil?”

“N-no absolutely not,” Harry squeaked as he shook his head furiously. Louis cocked an unconvinced brow, making Harry more flustered than before. He stood up hurriedly, feeling small even if he towered over the other man. He flattened the creases of his trousers nervously and pulled his suit jacket closer around him. Louis gave him an appraising onceover, looking at his grey suit jacket and sweater but didn’t react. He pushed himself off the wall and uncrossed his ankles, pulling on his suit jacket. Without another word he took off towards Ben Winston’s office, and Harry was quick to follow him, grateful that he didn’t pursue the topic.

Ben was another editor at Colden Books who could be called a senior, but was a level beneath Louis and his archrival. He had a good couple of years on Louis and had spent more years in the publishing business than Louis, but was at a lower rank. It was probably why he resented Louis as much as he did and Harry had picked up on it early on. Ben was hated by a lot of people, had brought in some questionable clients as well so it wasn’t surprising that he wasn’t at a higher rank. In fact it was surprising that he was there at all. Even Harry’s colleagues sided with Louis than Ben since the former was very skilled. They agreed that Louis’ temper would be better any day than Ben’s arrogance and incompetence.

Ben was also the only one who would risk making Louis angry. He left no opportunities to belittle Louis while the latter always had cold insults ready. When Louis went extra silent, that's when he was the angriest. Everyone knew that, not just Harry, but only he knew how to calm him down. Honestly, Harry could write a book on this guy but sadly, Louis would still reject it claiming it to be inauthentic.

Anyway, Harry had planned to stay out of the whole thing just like everyone else did. But then Ben had to go and start flirting with him while Louis was present in the room hence dragging him in. It was an unwanted advance and Harry had turned him down as well since Ben was too old for him and also married. It had led to Ben insulting him at every opportunity he got, while Louis was in the room. Louis’ rage towards him had intensified after that and he began defending Harry, which he was glad for. And yet, unfortunately, Louis insisted Harry accompany him to Ben’s office. Honestly, Harry would never understand why Louis did the things he did.

Louis pushed the door of Ben’s office in without knocking and Harry grabbed the door before it slammed him in the face. Honestly.

“Louis, welcome,” Ben greeted with false cheer as he looked at them. His arms were crossed over his chest as he leaned back in his chair. He completely ignored Harry’s presence, which no one complained about really. He rather be ignored than addressed, actually. Ben was smiling at them but his eyes remained cold and unwelcoming. Louis didn’t even bother with the reluctant pleasantries or smiles, keeping his face politely blank as he crossed his arms over his chest as well. Harry took his place a few steps behind Louis, acting as his shadow while wanting to drown himself in the resulting tension that was filling up the room. “To what do I owe this pleasure today?”

“Well Mr. Winston like I’ve said a thousand times, it’s still Mr. Tomlinson to you,” Louis said in a practised steady voice even as his shoulders stiffened and hands balled into fists by his side. Harry did not have a good view of his face, but he knew that Louis was grimacing by the back of his head. Well, like that and due to the fact that the glass window beside them was partially reflective, showing Louis’ grimacing face. Harry still didn’t know why his presence was required since he wasn’t supposed to speak or interrupt them. It might be that Louis brought him along to dilute the icy temperature... as if that would help. “But that's not the point here. Do you remember how I had been telling you to get to Frank and secure the Ellen book deal?”

Ben rolled his eyes, (unprofessionally Harry might add) and absently scratched his beard. “See I tell you this every time but it's impossible for me to get to Frank, he’s a busy man. And secondly, it’s impossible for me to get them to switch publishing houses with us.”

“Well then you can guess whom I just got off the phone with?” Louis rather stated with fake cheer before letting out a fake, mocking laugh. He had guessed Louis’ purpose the moment he had asked Ben that question which the latter had clearly not. But still he didn’t have to be so uncivil about it, Harry thought and gritted his teeth. Ben was an annoying asshole, yes but sometimes, Louis prompted him to act like one as well. Someone had to be the mature one and Harry always found himself to be that person. It irked him to be level-headed but he still was since he believed that kindness did wonders to rude people and changed them. But then again, Harry’s kindness hadn’t thawed Louis’ cold heart so there was that. Also, Harry wanted to throttle Louis. “That’s right, Winston, I got to Frank and I got him to agree. Sure it took a little convincing but we have a deal, just the signing remains which will happen by next week. But I guess you never tried, or did you?” He paused dramatically and walked closer, placing his palms on Ben’s desk and leaned closer to him. Harry mentally face palmed. “Never could do the extra work, could you? Never had the talent to rise up the ranks either. Am I right?”

Ben rose to his full height, face stormy as he towered over Louis. To be honest, almost any man could tower over Louis since he was just average heighted. But it never stopped him from doing anything. Harry cleared his throat pointedly to remind them that they were still in their workplace and had to keep it down. It was not his job, Harry thought as he watched Louis’ shoulders hunch slightly as he took a step back. The tension was still running high.

Ben gave him a wary glance before glaring at Louis, almost sneering. “I’m sorry, Mr. Tomlinson that I have a life. I’m not married to my job and I do have a wife and daughter to spend time with, unlike you. I don’t have the time to grovel and persuade people to sign a book deal with us. And maybe, just maybe I was the one to work my way up the ranks rather than you, who just got promoted due to a stroke of luck.”

“How is that any relevant?” Louis hissed, voice rising in volume as he crossed his arms over his chest. Harry knew that it was partially Louis’ fault but then, what could he do. He just knew that Ben’s windows didn’t have blinds on them so anyone could glance and peek in. And right now, almost everyone on the floor was looking in as they waited for a fight to break out. It wasn’t an unusual occurrence even though Ben and Louis rarely spoke to each other directly. It was apparent that Ben was after Louis’ job and thought that he deserved it more while Louis just hated him. Their co-workers were giving Harry questioning looks, wanting to know more and it just made him uncomfortable. He cleared his throat again in warning, effectively cutting off whatever Louis was about to say. (He guessed it wasn’t something pleasant.) Louis took another step back and Harry sighed in relief since Louis had heeded to his warning. “You know what, Mr. Winston, this is a professional environment. And since I’m a professional person and see you’re straying into an inappropriate territory, I’m going to cut you off right there and cut to the chase. If you don’t give this job your all, then it would give me a chance to fire you. Believe me, I won’t let go of that one. I have been waiting for an opportunity for years so better keep on your toes. Do we understand each other?”

Ben took in a deep breath and closed his eyes before nodding. Harry was holding in his breath as well since he didn’t want to jinx anything right now that they had contained their rage. He had not been looking forward to grab his boss around the waist and drag him out if things got worse. Again. It had been humiliating the past two times. “I will remember that, Mr. Tomlinson.”

“Great, that’s all I wanted to hear,” Louis said in a levelled, smug voice. He had succeeded in pulling one over Winston so his posture deflated and the venom left his voice. Harry finally let out the breath he was holding in as he nodded politely at a seething Ben before quickly following Louis out the door. He kept his head high and didn’t take his gaze off Louis’ back since he could feel everyone’s questioning stare on his skin. They were just that nosy and Harry did not want to give them much content, even though Ben was sure to talk it out later. He sighed when he was finally in Louis’ office, at ease now that he wasn’t being looked at. He was getting really tired of the stares and wasn’t looking forward to being crowded at lunch as they demanded details from him. “Well Harold, that went well.”

Yeah that had improved Louis’ mood, which was why he was back to addressing Harry by his name. When he looked at him, he found Louis smiling back smugly and his eyes twinkled like they did after every successful argument/meeting they had. When he wasn’t frowning, he looked ten years younger and more radiant. It made him look less of a robot and more of a human. But right now, Harry wasn’t affected positively by it.

“Yeah,” Harry agreed robotically, clasping his hands behind his back as he eyed the closed door. “So do you have something to tell me or should I leave?”

Louis laughed quietly, to Harry’s surprise and not in a mocking way. He was in a really good mood today, Harry thought as he stared at him in puzzlement. But why? “Why are you always in a hurry to leave? Do you have something to do right now?”

“Do I have anything to do?”

“Not really, no,” Louis replied with a smile, eyebrows rising with his words. Yup it was certain that Louis was in his rare, merry moods. It might have been the extra sugar that added the sweetness to his face or it was making Ben look like a fool. Louis brushed a strand of hair from his forehead that had escaped his quiff while the other kept watching with narrowed eyes. He was so bloody unpredictable. There was a reason Harry held his distance from Louis and that was due to his unpredictability. He would be certain to lose his shit and talk back to him in the office and Louis would not like that. Harry didn’t let himself get used to these rare spurts of happiness and the crinkly eyes. “Don’t be so skittish around me. I’m not going to yell at you. You’ve helped me a lot yesterday and I’m not always the devil, you know.”

“Yeah,” Harry agreed, huffing out a short, nervous laugh. It explained why he was being so nice. He wanted to contradict the ‘little devil’ comment. Of course.

“You don’t –” he started, eyebrows drawing together before being interrupted by the ring of the phone on his desk. Louis blinked at it in confusion before picked it up, shooting an apologetic look at Harry. “Yes? Oh James it’s you! Yeah I do have free time right now, about an hour before a meeting. But can’t we... all right. We’ll be there.”

Harry’s eyebrows shot up as he clasped his hands behind his back, knowing they were back to business. He waited patiently for further instruction. Meanwhile Louis brushed the imaginary lint off his suit as he stood up, pursing his lips before nodding at Harry and taking off in a quick flurry. Harry sighed, knowing that this brush off was to be expected and followed Louis out the door like a quiet shadow. The man couldn’t talk and explain things like a normal person, no. He has to run off and explain Harry everything right before they had to enter a room.

When the two of them exited the room, the chatter immediately died out as everyone’s eyes followed them as they walked past them. Louis merely lifted his chin and ignored them and kept walking while Harry shot everyone smiles before sliding into the elevator. It was empty apart from them and the older man leaned against the wall and whistled rather than give an explanation. Harry stared at him expectantly while wondering why he seemed so out of character in the past few minutes. Had the overheard Harry’s conversation really affected that much or... well, Harry would never know. He ran his fingers through his hair and focused on the door. Louis spoke nothing, yet Harry had deduced that they were headed to Mr. Corden’s office. Harry never had a proper conversation with the man but he did know Mr. Corden was a short, plump English man and the publisher of Colden Books. He seemed to be friendly with Louis, as if the two of them knew each other from a long time. And Harry could contend to this. Rumours were that Corden helped Louis get so further and get the executive editor in chief post. It could be true, which explained the friendliness but it also could be due to both of them being British which... uh. Who knew what was the truth actually, except for the two of them.

Louis walked swiftly past James’ assistant and knocked on the door to Mr. Corden’s office. And since Harry wasn’t a dick, he smiled as he passed her. It cost nothing to smile at people and yet.

“James!” Louis greeted jovially with a genuine smile as he pushed in the door. He held it open until Harry walked in, once again making him wonder what was up with him.

The suited man behind the desk grinned as he stood up. “Ah Louis, my lad. Come in, sit. Oh and I see Harry has come along as well? You know it wasn’t really necessary or about business.”

Harry smiled politely at him and waved, knowing he wasn’t needed. He glanced at Louis, asking him if he should leave but Louis’ eyes said stay so he did, taking his position a few steps behind Louis. He felt like a lanky, uncoordinated bodyguard on most days. Honestly, what even was his job? He just felt as if Louis asked him to tail him rather than do any actual work. It was awkward and frustrating, especially since Louis never appreciated him and refused to promote him. Harry wanted to do work in the field he studied for. Maybe Gemma was right, maybe he should start looking for jobs in other publishing houses.

“See Louis, lad, I would love to have a chat with you and catch up but I’m afraid this isn’t one of those talks,” he said as soon as he had sat back down. He pressed his palms together in front of him, his face taking an unnaturally grim look. Harry suspected Louis’ did too and he mirrored the mood. “Do you remember two weeks ago when you were insistent about going to Frankfurt Book Festival? Remember how I advised to sit out this one since your visa renewal process was going on?”

“Oh yeah I do remember that,” Louis said with an accompanying chuckle as he shifted uneasily in his chair. Harry remembered it clearly as well because Louis had taken Harry along with him to Frankfurt to stand alongside him and do absolutely nothing. There wasn’t much work for him, since Louis told him to stroll around if he wanted to. He spent a good week in Germany, if he didn’t count the resultant jetlag. (He didn’t.) “I told you we shouldn’t let go of such a great opportunity for representation. I told that to Harry too when he protested. I got about five prospective authors and –”

“Louis,” James said a little loudly, making Louis stop talking. Harry frowned as he took an involuntary step closer to listen. James’ lips were pressed in a thin line and he looked pained as he sighed. Something told Harry it wasn’t good news. “Your visa application got denied. I just got a call from your officer. I’m sorry, Louis.”

Harry couldn’t help it when he gasped softly. It was noticed since that was the moment Louis exclaimed loudly. “What? That can’t be!”

“Well Louis, I would love it if it was a rumour but it’s true.” Harry frowned intently at the back of Louis’ head. James made a sympathetic sound as he reached across the desk as if to grab Louis’ hand but drew back quickly. Louis’ fingers were fidgeting and he looked intently at them, uncharacteristically quiet. “You have two more weeks of stay here. You can pack up in that time and finished up with your clients. After that you will have to leave the country.”

“But I,” Louis mumbled, fingers reaching out to tousle his hair before he drew them back. Harry felt the strangest need to confront him as he could feel the distress radiate off him. He clenched his hands into fists to stop himself from doing something like hugging him. No that would be wrong. Surely he didn’t like working for the man but it still upset him. Deep down, buried under all that resentment and lies was the attachment that he had to Louis. He was a hard working guy and never did he think he would be deported due to his workaholic behaviour. It was strangely upsetting. “I can file for another application right? To stay?”

“You can, but it would take up to a year to be granted, Louis. Again, I’m sorry I can’t be much of help to you this time.”

“But – but you can’t do that, James.” Louis pushed back his chair, making a scraping sound as he stood up. His shoulders were hunched due to stress and James looked apologetic as he explained that his hands were tied. “Okay okay. Alright let’s see. I can work from London as well no problem. I can pull all nighters and nothing that a few Skype conferences and emails won’t help right? I can still –”

“No Louis, you don’t understand,” James interrupted him once again, cutting off Louis’ ramble which Harry was pretty sure would get more embarrassing. He never thought he would see the day when Louis would be stuttering and losing his footing. He thought it would be a pleasurable thing but it just looked sad really, despite everything. Harry was feeling bad for the guy, just a little bit but it was his stubbornness and arrogance that had brought him down. He had advised Louis not to go but he had just brushed off his advice and told him book a room anyway. Oh well. “If you’re deported then you can’t work for an American company. I’m sorry.”

“Oh. Then who will be the editor in chief?”

“Mr. Winston would be,” James said slowly and Louis threw his head back in a groan. James winced and Harry did too.

“But that guy has half arsed his entire life. How will he do a good job and bring in new clients and... How.”

“He has the most experience in this place right now.” His face looked pained, probably agreeing with Louis on Ben being bad news. “Unless you find a way to stay, I don’t think I have any other option. Do you?”

Louis turned around to exchange a worried glance with Harry and the latter immediately schooled his face into something less pitying. Louis’ eyes were searching his face intensely with his left eyebrow raised slightly as he blinked slower than usual. Harry knew he was brainstorming since that was the expression his face took and Harry raised his eyebrows questioningly. He wasn’t proud of it but he had mastered the art of nonverbal conversation with Louis, after spending way too much time with him. Okay who was he kidding, he was proud of it. But each time he bragged about it to Gemma, she would laugh and say he needed a break from Louis. He groaned and agreed with her usually.

Louis’ eyes brightened a little as he stood up and Harry knew he had a plan he was expecting him to go with. Logic and preceding experience had taught him that this would not turn out great, but well, he did work for Louis so he had no other option. “James, I actually do have an option.” He cleared his throat, looking hesitant. “I didn’t want to tell you before since well, it could be called unethical.”

James’ eyebrows rose warily as he leaned forward. “You can tell me anything Louis, you know that.”

Somewhere in Harry’s heart, some treacherous thing called hope told him that Louis was about to recommend him for the post. It was difficult to say and unethical for him, after all. But his mind was telling to stop reaching for the sky and also that it wouldn’t benefit Louis. Yet, he took a step closer to Louis involuntarily, giving the reins to his heart as his lips twitched into a small smile.

“I know but,” Louis started, looking at James before glancing at Harry. He sighed heavily, eyes closing for a few seconds before he looked at Harry again and his eyes were glinting. Uh oh. “I was planning to keep it under wraps for a while but here we go.” Harry’s smile turned into a frown as he watched Louis draw closer and loop his arm around Harry’s waist to pull him closer. He stumbled into Louis’ side, clutching to the latter’s waist to balance himself. Louis was grinning brightly at James and it was making Harry anxious. And confused. Did he mention that he was confused about the day before? Well he was, since now because Louis was actively touching him. “We’re engaged.”

“What?” James asked at the same time that Harry did. Harry widened his eyes as he kept staring at his boss while James had started to smile. Logic had never betrayed him but Louis sure had. Because what? What was happening? Was he still asleep? “You and... Harry”

Louis was nodding while Harry gaped at his side profile. Or rather his head, since Louis was a few inches shorter and was currently resting his head against Harry’s shoulder. Harry belatedly realised that they had their arms wrapped around each other’s waist and were leaning into one another, a picture of a couple. This was making him so uncomfortable – the situation not Louis because somehow it felt natural... which made him anxious. He was feeling too many things at once and whenever he felt that way, it made him descend into a muddled state of existence. Like a fog taking over. Louis squeezed his hip harshly to silence him and remind him to not say a word. As if he was going to. “Yeah I proposed to him two weeks ago, in Frankfurt. That's why it was so important for us to go, you know because I had it all planned.”

Harry kept blinking at him while trying to process the whole situation and his own take on it. Louis was talking at his usual pace, just a hint of nerves kicking in his voice. He could hear James’ laughter although it was a little distant. He was amazed at how easy it was for Louis to mould their business trip, which was spent mostly apart, into something romantic. But also, there was a loop of ‘what the fuck’ going on in his head. Louis’ fingers dug into his hip, making him flinch as he turned to look at James and tried not to grimace too much.

“I knew there was something here!” James exclaimed finally and clasped his hands, a big grin on his face. It helped shake Harry a little out of his daze. “I was always wondering why Louis took you everywhere since I know he’s not a people’s person but that explains it. It also explains why Harry is wearing that baggy sweater instead of his colourful shirts. You’ve given him that, haven’t you, Louis?”

“What?” Harry and Louis chorused in surprise before looking at each other in bewilderment. Now Harry had two major, pressing questions. Firstly, what was Louis doing and seconds, what did James mean? Did the sweater have a ‘Louis’ monogrammed on it that gave him away since he hadn’t seen anything. Or was it Louis’ usual style? Although, Louis liked Gucci more than Burberry, just like Harry did. He also had a third, louder part of him that wondered if this was a dream. He wanted to pinch himself discreetly but Louis had his hands trapped and also it would draw attention to him so.

“You’re not as subtle as you think, Louis,” James teased and the grim look from earlier had washed away completely. He was back to laughing good-naturedly while Louis’ fingers kept digging in. Harry was trying his hardest not to flinch and squirm and hop away from his confusing boss. “The two of you have become a package deal of sorts, not one without the other and it’s a dead giveaway. Young love, I guess. Don’t looked panicked Louis, it’s all fine.”

“Not panicked,” Louis said levelly but when Harry looked at him, the furrow of his eyebrows said otherwise. He met Harry’s eyes and a strange look passed over him, vanishing before it could be decoded.

“See I know that generally boss employee relationships are forbidden and unethical but what the hell it’s my damn company right?”  He winked and Louis chuckled half heartedly, his fingers going slack. “Plus you’re my good friend slash prized employee. I can always tell them that you’re vital, which you are. So it’s forgiven.”

“That easy?” Harry blurted, the carefree nature of James’ statement taking him by surprise. His voice was still barely above a whisper but it was a wonder he could speak at all, despite everything. “Isn’t it illegal too?”

“He just told us it’s forgiven, honey,” Louis said in a soft but pointed voice, pinching Harry at the last word. He was smiling his practised smile while looking at him, eyebrows raised.

Louis was a good actor as Harry had come to know. He had the ability to fool anyone, convince anyone and persuade anyone to do anything. If he wanted to, that is. He had a great poker face, a well-practised smile and an even better control over his voice. It worked on anyone... except for Harry. After having seen every shift of his expression and tone, knowing how his real smiles looked like... he knew better than to trust. So no, he wasn’t fooled by Louis’ smile. He could see right through the man, could see the panic nestled in the blue of his eyes and how his fingers were tapping restlessly against his hip. That goddamn tune too, which irritated him a lot. He nudged him with his hip, making Louis stop the tapping. “It’s alright, baby,” he added, voice like honey. “We can be more open about what we are now. And we can act like fiancés in love, which we are. No need to worry anymore.”

“We don’t have to worry huh?” Harry asked, feeling his brain finally catch up with what was happening as he raised his eyebrows sardonically. It was weird that he was taking it so well, but looking back he realised it was due to the shock of it all. Harry acted very calm when in shock, before he had a meltdown. Louis’ gaze glided over him swiftly as if signalling him to get over it and end the conversation there.

“Just make sure that you head down to the immigration office as soon as you can, alright?” James reminded them, making them look towards the man and nod in unison. Harry still found it strange how easily James had been convinced of their romantic affiliation, since he shouldn’t be. He had even rightly guessed that the sweater was given by Louis. And do they look like a couple? Harry tried his best to look professional but do they look romantic? Was it because he had thought Louis was hot in the first week? No certainly no one would know about that. Yet, Harry was close to having a minor anxiety attack over everything and Louis, as if sensing it, began rubbing circles on his back. “Remember Louis, you have only two weeks. So make it legal quickly so you don’t get deported.”

“I’ll be sure to remind my assistant to schedule our appointment,” Louis joked and laughed. Harry tried to give him another smile (keyword tried) and James nodded solemnly even as his eyes twinkled. “So we’ll be leaving now, alright? Work to do and all that.”

Without waiting for a reply Louis steered Harry towards the door with his arm still wrapped around him. He opened the door, this time allowing Harry to head out first and followed, sliding down his hand so that it rested against the small of Harry’s back. James’ assistant, whose name he couldn’t remember for the life of him, was staring at them curiously. Harry tried his best to ignore and not look back. Louis let his hand drop only when they were inside the elevator, on the opposite sides too and the door closed. It was loud enough to jolt Harry out of his daze.

“What the fuck?” he exclaimed loudly, startling Louis and himself. The man visibly flinched and looked at him worriedly, his eyes assessing him but not speaking. Harry looked at him with wide imploring eyes. “What the actual fuck happened in there!”

“I had to save my job somehow, Styles,” Louis replied, his voice high pitched and frustrated. He suddenly seemed frantic, blue eyes wide and wild as he threw his hands up in the air. A strand of hair fell out of his quiff and curled over his forehead which Louis didn’t bother brush off. “Didn’t you hear what James was saying in there? I was going to get deported.”

“So you decided to tell him we’re engaged?” Harry asked slowly, raising his eyebrows. “We don’t even like each other. We can’t be engaged.”

And as he said those words he was hit with the extent of what Louis had exactly implied. They had to pretend to be engaged and then marry for the sake of Louis’ green card. It meant that they had to act like a couple in office and... He let out a small squeak when the doors opened suddenly. He looked outside with panicked eyes, knowing for sure that everyone was aware of exactly what had transpired in James’ office. He picked up the excited chatter of new gossip but silence fell quickly over the floor as soon as they realised just who had arrived. Harry pressed his lips together as he followed Louis out as per usual, keeping his eyes strictly on the back of Louis’ head. He could see curious eyes following him as well as the knowing glances being thrown at them. Some winked and smirked and he realised they actually knew. Information and gossip travelled quickly in the building. It was something he knew before. But it was just now that he realised how quick since each and every person was looking at them, knowingly. Suddenly the distance between the elevator and Louis’ office felt too long. But worst of all, Ben Winston was out of his office today and leering at them. Oh fuck no.

“Well well well,” he said, looking absolutely delighted when Louis faltered in his step. Harry could feel the multiple pairs of eyes lingering on him, noticing his lilac sweater and arriving to the conclusion that it was a gift from Louis, just like James had. Or something. Maybe they weren’t guessing at all. Still Harry pulled his jacket securely around himself, feeling self-consciously and hoping the floor would swallow him up. Why had Louis stopped? And more importantly, why was Harry quiet instead of screaming? “I suspected something was up when I saw that oversized jumper on him before. And rumour carried that it was not what he was wearing to work today and was seen carrying it out of your office. I should have known, Tomlinson that you would be the type to sleep with the people you work with. Oh wait, I already knew.”

Harry absently reached to clutch Louis’ arm to stop him from advancing, feeling everyone’s gaze shift to where their arms touched. He didn’t move away, since Louis had told him to stop him before he punched Ben someday. Today was that day and it didn’t matter what everyone was thinking about it all. So he reasoned that this was part of his job hence he had to.

“Mind your language, Winston,” Louis bristled as he took a step closer to Harry. His arm escaped Harry’s grasp only to rest around his waist effortlessly. Ben’s eyes darted down and his smirk deepened. Harry could almost feel the entire floor holding their breath as they waited for the next move. They were a bunch of gossips and Harry and Louis provided a lot of it every day somehow. And today’s was the biggest and shocking news of them all, since their stoic boss was hooking up with his nice, humane assistant. Or something. They surely hadn’t gotten the whole news, just a little something from James’ assistant on what she had seen. He didn’t know if it was better or worse this way. Honestly Harry wanted to announce that he was quitting then and there but he was feeling drained and didn’t want to move or speak. He leaned into Louis’ touch without meaning to, heart jumping when Louis leaned back. “This is a highly inappropriate conversation you’re trying to initiate right now. We are at work.”

Ben scoffed. “It’s rich coming from you, Louis? Please. You’re the one sleeping with your assistant for god knows how long so don’t even go there. For two years you’ve been telling me to back away from him and I think now that you were just trying to keep him for yourself.”

Harry snapped his head towards Louis in surprise, eyes wide. He wasn’t aware that Louis had specifically told Winston to back off. He always assumed Ben backed away by himself due to Louis’ menacing glares. Also, Harry voluntarily chose to ignore the rest of Ben’s implication. He was watching Louis, watching the agitation creeping on to his features, eyes darkening as he clenched his jaw. As Harry had expected, when he spoke next his voice was dangerously low and cold.

“I can’t believe you’re dumb enough to tell the entire office that you were planning to cheat on your wife.” Ben’s smirk dropped quickly and looking panicked as he took a step back. As he should. Harry could hear the quiet murmurs but he couldn’t be bothered by them. “And I told you to back off because you’re a creep and what ten years older? And did I mention you’re married? Oh well.” Harry snorted in spite of himself, eliciting a small smile from Louis which vanished just as quick. “Also Winston, for your information we’re actually engaged, not just sleeping together or whatever idea you have in your head. I actually like him, as a person.”

The murmurs turned louder and there were a few loud gasps as well. Ben’s jaw was slack, eyes wide and he went completely silent. Harry could feel the smugness radiate off Louis as his fingers tapped on Harry’s back. A different pattern this time, maybe the happy one. And well, he was surprised by Louis. He was a great liar, especially on that last sentence. “So if you’ll excuse us, we have better things to do that don’t involve looking at your sour face. Good day.”

Saying so, once again, Louis led him towards him office with his arm wrapped protectively around Harry’s waist. He knocked his shoulder with Ben on the way, taming his smirk until they were in. The shutting of the door behind them started Harry out of his daze and he watched Louis walk to his chair and sit down, at ease. The silence in the room was deafening for Harry, but not for the other man who was now casually reading. Harry could almost hear the laughter outside, could feel them pointing fingers and making fun of him. Usually Harry was in their midst, sharing a little and laughing a lot about ‘the little devil’ and his antics. It wasn’t so fun when he was on the opposite side of the door (literally) and knew they were gossiping about him. His reputation would be tarnished too, which was shockingly, an afterthought.

Okay so he was back to hating one man.

“So Mr. Tomlinson,” he called, being louder than usual and slightly sarcastic. Louis looked up slowly, eyebrows raised and looking surprised by Harry’s tone. Harry crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his hip. “I think we need to have a little talk.”

“What do you want to talk about, Harry?” he asked, looking resigned as if Harry was the one being difficult. The mood swings, he swore. Harry tapped his foot in response, purposely letting the silence stretch between them until Louis would give in. And he did. “Is this about Winston? Don’t mind his words, love. He’s a douche and hates me for being better at my job that he is. You know that. God knows he was looking for  something on me for ages and he’s bound to take it too far, since it’s his only chance. I’ll tell him to back off again, don’t worry. Won’t let anyone talk shit about you or tarnish your reputation or anything.”

“That’s not what we should talk about but I’m fairly certain it’s already ruined.” He rolled his eyes as he pushed his fingers through his hair, gathering himself. “I know you’re my boss but you bloody need to talk to me before making any big decisions, especially if it involves me. I work for you, yes but only for what I get paid. I can’t get engaged to you, or marry you for pretence. And don’t make that face. I know I can get fired but I don’t care anymore. Plus, Louis, we do talk casually after work, remember? But after three years of working for you all the time, being stuck at this job which involves following you around like a shadow, I’m pissed. Engaged? Really?”

“What did you want me to do, then?” he hissed, leaning forward in his chair. His eyebrows were drawn together and his tone was not calm anymore. Harry frowned, not saying a word and watching as Louis got more frustrated, rubbing the back of his neck. It did nothing but make Harry more agitated with the situation. Gemma would be proud of him right now, honestly, for protesting. Even if it was too late. “I put six years in this company, have being living in this country for over ten years now. It’s my only home but they’re about to deport me! To a country that holds no one anymore. Not to mention, but I’ll have to leave an incredible job that I love. I made this publication house into what it is and they were about to remove me. I panicked, alright?”

Harry pursed his lips, refusing to give in to the man. Louis was still the man who yelled at him two years ago for accidentally spilling drinks on him. When he was the one to startle Harry and they were out of the country for some book festival.

“Alright,” Louis huffed, rolling his eyes. His posture changed as he leaned back, face steeling. “But in my defence, I’m helping you out here as well.”

“Pray tell me how, Louis. How are you helping me out?”

“Um let’s see.” He tapped his chin, eyebrows raised sardonically. He cleared his throat, shifting back into his icy, calm demeanour once he realised pleading wouldn’t help. Harry wasn’t scared, he told himself, as he waited. “If I get deported and lose my job then, as you heard, Ben takes over. You know the first thing he’d do? Fire you. That's right. So all those extra unpaid shifts and spilled coffee orders and scheduling you did for me? Completely in vain. The past three years of your life go down the drain. So you’ll be jobless, friendless and alone. Because even I know you don’t have friends anymore. So what will you do next? Huh?”

“No,” Harry muttered under his breath, paling at the thought of it. Louis was right about that. His deportation would lead to Harry’s efforts being in vain and he’ll have to start all over, climbing the ladders slowly in another publication house he doesn’t know. That would be terrible but it couldn’t get worse than this right? Oh god that was his only reassurance since years and look at where he was! “But why should we announce our fake engagement to everyone in the office? It means we’ll have to pretend to be a couple and oh no, get married too. I can’t possibly get married to... you.”

“Hey I’m a perfect catch,” Louis protested, looking affronted as he clutched his chest. His lips formed into a perfect ‘o’ of surprise, actually looking offended. This was why Harry called him a skilled actor. Louis’ fingers reached up to touch his hair but lowered them quickly when he realised he’d ruin the quiff. If he was being honest, Harry liked it better when his hair was soft and without product. Not that he’d say it out loud. “Don’t deny. You saw I had to shut Ben, for both our sakes. Also, it’s not as if you’re dating someone or saving yourself for marriage to someone else. Right?”

“I could be,” Harry protested weakly as he pouted. Louis’ eyes were twinkling now and both of them knew Harry was fighting a losing battle there. The alternative for him would be losing his job or... well, losing his job. And he was losing it, all right. The corner of Louis’ mouth lifted in a semi smirk even if tried subduing it. “Can’t believe I have to resort to marrying my boss to keep my job. The boss I don’t even like.”

He stiffened at his confession while Louis laughed, as if he found genuine delight in the statement. Or he was laughing at Harry, and how easy it was to convince him. So, the same thing. “No one actually likes me, Harry, so don’t worry.”

It was a self-deprecating statement but Louis’ eyes were gleaming with happiness so Harry didn’t know what to say. So he didn’t speak, spinning on his heel as he headed towards the door. He mentally prepared himself for questions and a slew of jokes at his expense. This was the worst morning he ever had, no doubt.

“Harry wait,” Louis whispered softly just as he had placed his hand on the handle. Harry turned to look at him, finding him leaning back in his chair with his eyes shut. “Alright I’m aware I fucked up big time okay, but in my defence I didn’t know they’d deny my application for going due to work related purposes. Yes you warned me but I couldn’t miss it. And I completely flipped in my mind in James’ office and you were the first person I saw and thought well here’s a chance. It’s depressing to go back to a place that isn’t home anymore, to go to strangers. My accent has dampened and I’ve almost forgotten the English rains. And Lottie is here as well. I’ve put my entire life into this job and I don’t have to tell you. I’m scared of the prospect of losing it all, never to get it back.” He chuckled as he opened his eyes, looking at Harry with a strange expression. “I know I am a dick almost every day but this wasn’t my intention to make you sound like someone who sleeps with their boss. That's an awful reputation and I didn’t think of that until after.”

Harry snorted as he shook his head, smiling in spite of himself. It was the closest Louis would come to apologise and he could tell it was genuine. So maybe someday Harry could forgive him but not right now. “I guess I’ll schedule for us to drive to the immigration office tomorrow? But let me tell you, I’m not good with lies. I freak out too much so you’ll need to calm me down somehow. And one question. I’m allowed to be unfaithful to you, right?”

He whispered the last sentence on purpose, wiggling his eyebrows and it did its purpose of making Louis burst into laughter. Louis laughing was a rare sight but every time he did laugh, it was beautiful. The carefully constructed walls around him broke, the sharpness of his face turning soft as his eyes almost squinted shut. Sometimes he could see Louis’ shoulders shaking as he folded into himself and it made Harry feel proud he could make that happen. And watching him laugh made Harry feel warm inside and it almost made him forget he was supposed to hate that man. But when the corners of his eyes were crinkling, he looked a lot less intimidating. “Suppose we’ll be stuck in a loveless marriage i.e. a hetero one eh?”

Harry chuckled, shaking his head before pushing back his hair. He stepped out and his smile dropped immediately. It was like a splash of cold water as he was reminded of the fact that Louis had announced they were engaged and every person was looking at him. They were gaping, pointing at his sweater which clearly was a gift from his boss. Most of it was in Harry’s head but apprehension was crawling up his neck as he avoided looking at anyone. He sunk down into his chair and dropped his head into his hands and sighed. Well this is fucked up.

This will die down soon, he told himself. He hoped, rather. It would be talked about for at most a week he guessed. A week spent with no added benefits but a little addition of stress. Maybe he needed to march back in and renegotiate his terms. He needed to ask for compensation in the form of an increase. Better yet, promotion. But he didn’t know how to initiate that conversation.

Louis called him in later in the day to tell him to cancel the meeting. Harry was relieved for that since he wasn’t sure how to act around Louis anymore. He didn’t have a chance to process his feelings hence he kept them buried under a lot of rubble. He went about the rest of his day trying to ignore how blatantly everyone was staring and talking about him. He was cornered at lunch though, right before he was to slip away. He had been a little lost in thoughts, unfortunately, when Jesy snapped her fingers in front of his face and grinned.

“I didn’t take you as sly,” she teased and winked. Harry frowned, finding all of his friendliest co-workers standing beside her with matching smirks. “But congratulations.”

“For what?” he asked, pulling on the hem of his sweater self-consciously. He had taken off his jacket an hour ago, feeling a little too hot under his collar. According to Louis’ instruction he would have to change out of it during lunch, which was now. But he didn’t want to. So he wouldn’t.

“On your engagement, duh,” she continued, laughing as if Harry had said the silliest thing. Oh right. Engagement to the boss whom everyone disliked. But they did seem rather excited about the prospect for some reason. He tried not to grimace at them. “I can’t wait to see you wearing your ring, since I’m assuming he proposed? I bet it’s a big rock. You have to wear the ring tomorrow, please.”

It was rude of her to assume Louis would propose but well, not entirely off base there. Louis had proposed... the idea. “Yeah.”

“I didn’t take him for the type to be able to love,” Darren whispered, wiggling his eyebrows conspiringly before looking at Louis’ office and sighing. Harry gave him a wry smile as everyone burst into loud laughter. But honestly, Harry thought the same. “But I do get the appeal of him. I mean British accent, sharp cheekbones, tight ass... he’s very hot, isn’t he?”

“Oi you’re talking to his fiancé,” Jesy reprimanded before winking at Harry again. He tried to smile. “Don’t be that crude. And I hope Harry you wouldn’t rat us out.”

“Never,” he answered even if he probably might. And had already done that a few times randomly in an attempt to start a conversation with Louis. A bad attempt, really.

“He looks like an angel,” someone was saying as Harry was trying to zone out of the whole thing. He couldn’t deal with them really. He, himself, was still processing the fake engagement thing and they hadn’t even discussed anything. Sure he could probably get out of giving details by saying Louis hadn’t allowed him to, blaming it on him but he didn’t know how long. He mentally planned to schedule in ‘the talk’ with him, preferably in the next two days. “But he’s probably a devil under the sheets. Am I right, Styles?”

Harry half-heartedly joined in the laugh that followed but wanted to die on the inside. He didn’t want to imagine Louis under the sheets, if he wanted to meet his eyes, that is. He could imagine Louis was rather fit since he went to the gym regularly and he was good on the eyes as well. There was no doubt a time he fantasised about his boss but that was long, long ago and he rather not visit that. It would get uncomfortable to think about him sexually when they would be in physical contact over the next year, possibly. So he zoned out when someone said they’d have to mind their words around the fiancé or he might tattle. He wanted to be left alone. And not think about Louis and the whole crisis he brought upon Harry.

Harry couldn’t wait for the weekend, to get away from everyone and relax. But sadly, it was still Monday today and he wouldn’t get any peace.

He retracted his statement from earlier in the morning. Turns out, his day could get worse.

***