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Louis saw the brown mop of curls a few steps in front of him, and it would be so easy to just reach out and intertwine their fingers. Except it wasn’t, because neither Harry nor he, himself were out to anyone at school, but their three friends. And Niall, Zayn and Liam actually just found out, because Harry couldn’t keep his mouth shut that one night, they had a few beers.
They were sitting on the couch in Liam’s house, since his parents never were home on Friday evenings. There was a movie playing quietly in the background, but no one really payed attention to it. If Louis is being honest, he didn’t even know what the movie was about in the first place. So instead they just enjoyed each other’s companies and having simple conversations. At one point, though, the topic changed to girls. As in ‚girls they liked and wouldn’t mind having something with ‘. Liam talked about a girl named Maya, how gorgeous she is and how much he liked talking to her. Zayn talked about Gigi, the girl he was going out with since a few weeks, and before it was Niall’s turn, he seemed to notice how Louis and Harry had a conversation between themselves, not even listening to the other three.
„Oi, what are ya on about?“
Liam and Zayn seemed to notice their disinterest too and looked at the pair, which were a bit taken aback by the sudden attention.
„Oh, eh-„ Harry started, but Louis cut him off, not wanting him to say something he shouldn’t. „We were just saying how great it would be for Liam to make a move on Maya, don’t you think?“
„You really think so?“ Liam sounded happy about what Louis just said, almost making him feel bad about lying; almost. „Yes Payno, you should ask her out.“ That made the lad just smile a bit more and Louis was about to turn back to Harry and continue their conversation about what movie they wanted to watch on their next date, but Niall didn’t let go so easily.
„What about you Harry, who do you like.“ He obviously asked Harry, because he knew he would get around this question with as much ease as Louis would. And he was right with that; Harry became a bit nervous, not wanting to lie to him. Harry always wanted to tell the other lads about his and Louis’ relationship, but Louis wasn’t sure. Not because he didn’t trust them, he did, but he just though it was nice to keep it between just the two of them till they were really sure about their feelings for each other.
„Oh, no one actually. There’s no person I like.“ Harry spoke slowly in his low voice. „Really? What about that Taylor girl, or Olivia?“ Both Harry and Louis cringed at the names of the two gurls that can’t seem to get the hint that the tall, green eyed boy isn’t interested in them in the slightest. „No, they’re nice but also a bit annoying.“
Louis let out a huff at that, because, yes, yes they were. He can remember that one time he and Harry were texting, when he suddenly didn’t get an answer anymore. He was getting worried and a bit pissed and the latter just intensified when Harry came to his house later that day, telling him how sorry he was and that it wasn’t him, but Olivia, who found it funny to steal his phone and run away like a fucking 8 year old. And that wasn’t the only story. So yeah, they were pretty annoying.
„Everything alright Lou?“ He looked up, looking at Niall, who had a weird, smug smile on his face, that he just wanted to slap off. He wanted to answer him, but the boy sat to his left was faster. „I’m sorry Lou, but we should tell them. Please?“
„What do you mean?“ Zayn, who was quiet for the last few minutes, asked.
Louis really wanted to say no, but he couldn’t. First, because his gorgeous boyfriend had that cute pout on his face that didn’t allow him to, and second, there was really no need to. They were their friends after all and would be fine with it. Hopefully.
So he sighed and gave Harry a nod; he knew Harry was the one who always wanted to tell them. So the boy smiled at him before turning to their friends „We’re dating“ he practically shouted, with pure excitement in his voice.
And probably as enthusiastic as Harry, Niall was the first to speak „Ha! I knew it, you tossers! You were so bad at keeping it a secret.“ And okay. What?
„What?“ Niall still had a grin on his face as if he just found out, that his favorite band released a new album. „Oh c’mon Tommo, really? How can someone not notice your touches and stares, Harry, man you do have a really creepy stare, I’m telling you.“ Harry blushed at that. His love stare, as Louis liked to call it, was really creeps sometimes when he caught him.
„I didn’t“ Liam said, getting confused looks. „Notice, I didn’t notice. But I’m happy for you both, you know you should’ve just told us, no big deal.“ He added with a genuine smile on his face.
Zayn agreed to that, with the same smile. And honestly, Louis wasn’t sure why he was nervous about it in the first place, but now he’s just glad they did it. They talked a bit more about it, before picking up the last topic, Niall telling them his crush.
And now he could finally follow the urge to take Harry’s hand in his.
But just when they were around their friends. Only their friends.
Because now, nearly four moths later, they were still the only ones that knew. Beside their families, which they told not long after.
And the other problem was, that in school, they weren’t really friends. Louis was in the football team with Liam and Niall and Harry and Zayn were mostly alone. They weren’t nerds or anything, Harry was just really interested in literature and Zayn had a passion for art. Not really what the most people consider as cool. But they were fine with it.
Louis and Harry knew each other since they were little, because their mothers were best friends. They didn’t go to the same school at first, but for 11th grade, Harry transferred to Louis’. He and Zayn became friends pretty quickly and he introduced him to the other three, well two, since he and Louis already knew each other. And that caused them to spend more time together, even without the other lads. It took them three whole months to admit it, but they developed feelings for each other and shared their first kiss in Harry’s bedroom.
That was about nine months ago, and they were pretty sure; they loved each other. But something still held them back to admit it.
+++
It was a regular Friday, and Louis was walking through school, when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.
Harry: You have practice today, right?
He was in fact, on the way to said practice. His team’s going to have a game in two weeks, which means they had practice, four, not three times a week. He was the captain of the team, which meant he always arrived at least half an hour before the rest of the players, just to be prepared.
Louis: Yeah babe, why? Something wrong?
Harry: No, I just miss you. Can I come over when you’re done?
Louis: Sure, haz. But I actually have a bit time till practice starts… You wanna come to the locker room?
Harry: Be there in a minute :)
And so, he made his way from the library, where he was going to wait for Louis, to the locker room. Not many people were in the hallway at that time; school was out.
When he got to the locker room, he rounded the corner calling out Louis’ name. He got a response immediately and followed the high, raspy voice of his boyfriend. And there he was, just in his shorts, holding his football shirt above his head, slipping his hands through the holes, but when he spotted Harry, staring, he let his arms sink back down, a smirk on his thin lips.
„Hi“ Louis said first after a whole minute. „You did that on purpose didn’t you.“
He was still staring, but he just couldn’t help it. How could he? Louis had a perfect, toned body and looked incredibly hot right now. But the smaller boy just laughed, pulling Harry out of his trance. „Did what, huh?“
He stepped closer to him, placing his hands on the curly haired boy’s hips. „You know what.“
„Yeah.“ He closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to Harry’s.
The kiss started sweet but became eager and heated after a few minutes. Harry’s hands finding Louis’ neck and playing with the short hair he could reach. Louis then moved his head back, breaking the kiss, and Harry chased his lips, which made him laugh. He leaned in again, this time to connect their foreheads. „Missed you.“ Harry nearly whispered, afraid to break the moment.
„Missed you too, babe. Haven’t seen your pretty face the whole day.“ Louis loved making Harry compliments, because he deserved them; and he loved the blush they caused on his cheeks.
„Can we make out a bit more?“ Louis chuckled, leaning in again as an answer to his question.
After god knows how long, Harry’s back was pressed against the wall of lockers, his hands back in Louis’ hair. The other boy was flush against him, still shirtless, and his hands were roaming up and down Harry’s back under his shirt, feeling the goosebumps arise under his touch. They were both out of breath from the kissing, so Louis kissed down the taller boy’s jaw to his neck, nibbling, kissing and biting at several spots; leaving marks. He knew Harry loved it, judging from the noises he made and the squirming under the touch. He moaned, whispered Louis’ name, encouraged him to keep going. The footballer pushed his leg between Harry’s, occasionally grinding up into him, feeling him half hard in his tight black jeans.
They were so caught up in each other that neither of them heard the doors open. They also didn’t hear the footsteps or the chatter coming from afar, made by the people that just entered the room.
They were hidden by two rows of lockers and Louis had just connected their lips again and moved his one hand up to tug on Harry’s curls when everything went still. Except for them, of course.
Louis’ teammates stood in front of them, taken aback by the sight, not sure what to think. But the couple must have felt eyes on them, because Louis suddenly stopped. His head turned into the direction he felt the stares from, and he heard a quiet whine coming from Harry before he opened his eyes, irritated. He seemed to register what was happening, but no one moved; Louis’ leg still between Harry’s, but the grip of his hands under his shirt and in his hair loosened.
„Um“ Was all Louis could come up with and he wanted to slap himself.
He saw the looks of his teammates. He was relieved when he couldn’t spot disgust. They just seemed… surprised. And confused. Then he saw Liam and Niall. Liam looked really uncomfortable with this kind of situation, but Niall had his hand over his mouth, as if he wanted to keep himself from laughing. Wanker.
The door opened again, this time everyone heard it; Louis and Harry too. But still, no one made a move. Just when they heard their coach’s loud voice everything seemed to work again. „Why are you standing there? Move your asses!“
The door shut and by now the couple let go of each other, Louis really pulled his shirt over his head this time.
„Lou, I’m- eh I’m gonna go. I’m waiting in the library.“ Harry rushed out quietly, only for Louis to hear, and after Louis nodded slightly and tried giving him a smile, which looked like a grimace, he rushed out with his head low.
„Mate that was-„ but Niall was cut off „Don’t. Just- don’t.“ And with that he also got out of the locker room, and onto the field.
+++
„Fuck!“
It was two hours later, and they were sitting in Louis’ car in the school parking lot. That was the first word coming out of his mouth. „Lou, don’t worry, it’s ok“ the green eyed boy put his hand on Louis’ thigh to try to calm him down a bit. Louis was actually always the one that was good at comforting Harry when he was upset, so Harry wasn’t quite sure what to do. He just tried thinking of what he would do.
„They probably don’t even care. Did they say something?“ Louis beside him took a deep breath, running his hands over his face. He then tool Harry’s larger hand in his and started playing with his fingers to distract himself from his thoughts. But that didn’t really work.
Harry gave him the time he needed, he knew that Louis was still scared to come out to the school and that was fine with him. But can he say that he is happy that it happened like this? That they didn’t actually have to say it?
„No, the whole practice was just so fucking awkward and it was so embarrassing. Shit.“ Harry lifted his other hand to cup Louis’ jaw and turn his head so he could look him in the eyes, but Louis had a pout on his beautiful face and furrowed eyebrows. „Hey,“ Harry moved his fingers to his forehead to rub circles on the creased skin „it’s alright, okay? You just got to show them that you don’t care what they say. If you give them the opportunity to say something, they will. But you’re strong, you know that. You can do it. We can do it, yeah?“
The blue eyed boy closed his eyes, taking another deep breath and nodding slightly, leaning into the touch more. „Yeah. Yeah, you’re right. Fuck, but what if-„
This time Harry pressed his lips firmly onto his, putting as much emotion into it as he can. When they pulled away, Louis had his eyes still closed. „If someone says something to you, you kid their ass, alright? You are Louis, my Louis. The sassy boy I learned to love and that can do everything he wants, because I believe in you. No ‚buts‘.“
Louis opened his eyes slowly and Harry saw how tears began to form in them. „You are fucking perfect, you know that, right?“ He let out a choked chuckle. „Fuck, yes, okay. I love you so much, haz.“
„I love you too.“
+++
The whole weekend was spent with them figuring out how to deal with everything that could happen. Niall, Liam and Zayn came along on saturday, giving them support and Niall even apologized for laughing, but both, Harry and Louis, didn’t think it was a big deal.
They came to the conclusion, that the best way is to be open, and more importantly, proud. They had something not everyone has; a love as strong as theirs. Together, and with the help of their friends, they could do it.
So, yeah, on monday Louis picked Harry up at his house, not able to stay calm. Harry put his hand on his thigh like he did on friday, trying to calm him down.
When Louis parked the car on his usual parking spot in front of the school, neither of them made a move to leave. „I’m here, okay? It’s going to be fine.“
Louis took Harry’s hand in his and kissed his knuckles saying a ‚thank you‘. He was so glad to have him.
When they got out of the car, the other three approached them soon after. Harry and Louis looked at each other and gave each other a small smile before Louis grabbed Harry’s hand in his.
He could finally do it.
As they thought, there were stares. A lot. And both of them tightened their grips around each other. Harry tried to be the calm one for this, but deep down, he was screaming. He was as scared as Louis, even if he never thought it would be a bad idea to come out, but this; this is scary. Why did they all have to stare?
Louis seemed to think the same as he did, because the next thing he said was „God, why are they all staring like that.“
„I have no idea.“ He answered under his breath, chuckling nervously. They both damn well knew why.
The day passed horribly slow, and when lunch time came around, the nervousness increased again. Their plan was, to walk through the cafeteria, hand in hand, and both sitting at the table the footballers always sat. Simple. Easier said than done, though.
But they did exactly that and when they arrived at the table, they sat down next to each other, still holding hands. Liam and Niall were already there, as well as Zayn, because they didn’t want him to sit alone at lunch. They all gave them reassuring smiles, which really eased something of the tension.
„Hey Louis.“ One of his teammates said, Ed. He was always nice to him and now he also had a smile on his face, as if you couldn’t cut the thick air with those plastic knifes.
„Hi, uh,“ he looked at Harry again „this is uh, Harry, my boyfriend. By the way.“ He didn’t dare look up now, but he was surprised when the whole table greeted him; even if it was a bit hesitant.
„As long as we don’t have to see you literally eating each other alive in the locker room again, it’s all good Lou.“ That came from one of his teammates that he would consider as a friend, Stan, and he was so grateful for it, because the joke earned a few chuckles from the others.
„Please, that’s nothing compared to what we’ve seen. One time we went in on them-„
„Ok Niall I think that’s enough, yeah?“ Again, a few people laughed; there were also a few girls at the table. With them Taylor and Olivia, who looked, well, disappointed? But both boys couldn’t care less about them right now; or ever, really.
„Wait, since when are you together then?“ Nick asked, with a confused expression. „Oh, nine months?“ Louis turned to Harry; he was pretty sure he was right, but he wanted Harry to take part in the conversation, and make him feel a bit more comfortable. He could still feel his tight grasp around his hand, which is why he started rubbing his thumb over the back of it.
„Yeah nine months.“ Harry turned to look at his boyfriend with a proud, but shy smile.
The rest of lunch was filled with a few more questions, which was ok, or good actually, because that means they are really interested in them as a couple. And when Louis thinks about it, then this isn’t as bad as he thought. He went over every possible scenario in his head, from them insulting them to them pretending nothing happened. But this was better than any of them, because they didn’t have a problem. At least no one was saying anything bad. And to be honest, Louis isn’t quite sure why he was this scared to just sit here, with his boyfriend next to him, and have lunch. And even if someone had something against them. What did it matter? He had Liam, Zayn and Niall and most important, Harry, to support him. He would’ve got this either way. But sure, this one is the better way after all.