Archive of Our Own ^beta

A sharp twang...there it was again, Harry groaned at the sharp creek in his back as he shuffled from one torturing metal chair to the next. He was only brought back by a sharp elbow unsympathetically jamming into his stomach and an incessant string of ‘Harry... Harry... Harry Edward Styles... five...four...’

‘Jesus, Gem’ Harry groaned, whilst Gemma just sat back on her chair, knee-high and black laced boots dangling in the air, looking effortlessly cool. Harry kind of wanted to cry. What the hell had he been thinking, he was wondering what had driven him to let his mum and sister convince him to sign up for this show anyway. He couldn’t be on tv he thought, just then he spared a look at his outfit suddenly feeling insecure at the loud patchwork design on the cardigan he was wearing, despite him still being quite pleased at his own knitting job.

Daring a look around the room he was slightly relieved to see a couple of other people milling around looking the same as he imagined himself, scared shitless; after letting out a shaky breath he glanced towards the ‘cool’ corner as he had so elegantly named it and once again, he was subjected to being a miserable mess.

A girl stood in the middle of the group, arms crossed and one of her legs propped up on the wall beside her, a packet of cigarettes just visible from inside a pocket of her leather jacket. He heard her light cackle dance off of the wall and that was what prompted him to finally inspect her face and notice the bright and neon pink hair that cascaded down her shoulders, filled with small plaits at the front to keep it out of her face. But he was startled to reality when a bright Irish voice hollered ‘Perrie’ loud enough for most of England to hear and elicited a little giggle from her plush lips.

‘You nervous H?’ Gemma whispered a little while later, prompting Harry to look in-front of him and towards where just two other hopefuls were waiting to go into the big interview to see if they would get through to the final part of the show. He nodded tightly in response to her question, and she reached over to squeeze his knee kindly.

‘You've got this far Haz, if they didn’t think you were good enough you wouldn’t be here, would you?’ she reminded him, and he really did try to believe her, but for the life of him he couldn’t stop his leg from bopping up and down and his hands nervously wringing together.

Much too quickly for his liking a voice rung around the large hall where the meetings were taking place ‘Harry, Harry Styles please’.’ And well if Harry took a moment or two admiring the Yorkshire twang and smooth voice of the person on the announcer, smiling at the way his name sounded then so be it. All too soon his mum was patting him on his back and Gemma was whispering good luck in his ear before he was shuffling towards the door that would decide his fate.

⚓

A blush was still situated high on his cheeks, but a permanent smile was etched onto his face. His Bambi legs were still shaking slightly as he made his way towards his mum and Gemma waiting in the corner of the still bustling room.

Gemma giddily snatched him up into a hug as soon as he was an arm's length away and his mum shone proudly to his side. He chuckled despite the still lingering and somewhat major point that he still had to wait a few days to find out if he had officially made it onto the show or not, but he was feeling quietly confident.

‘How’d it go darling?’ Anne asked, but it was pretty obvious if you looked at the sunshine smile which couldn’t be erased from his face.

‘I think I made it’ he blurted, too excited to act nonchalant. Gemma squealed, attracting a few looks from those loitering around the small family group but Harry really couldn’t bring himself to care; he was feeling on top of the world, and he could only hope he wouldn’t crash and fall.

He was just about to motion for his mum and sister to start walking towards the exit as he had no more forms to fill out or people to talk to, when his eyes caught the flash of a curtain surrounding the crews box.

A silhouette of a body lent forwards, inviting lips pressed onto the tannoy, and that same voice boomed around the room echoing the next hopefuls name around the large space. Harry's skin broke into shivers and as silly as it seemed he wanted to get onto the show that little bit more if the faceless individual with the velvety voice would also be there.

He vaguely registered his sisters arm wrap around him and drag him out of the door but for the ride home he could only try to invent what his mystery boy would look like.

⚓

It was six days later and there was still no word from the auditions, Harry was on the verge of turning into the Mad Hatter. He was constantly checking the post box but to no avail, it had happened so often that he had even got to know the postman on a personal level in just those six days. A clear tell that it was bad was that he was even too anxious to brainstorm what Christmas present he wanted to get the postman and his four rascals.

It was another deceivingly boring Tuesday and after slipping on one of his favourite jumpers, a blue fluffy material showing a chick hatching out of an egg and pairing it with a pair of brown corduroy trousers he made the small trek to the communal post-box and found his flat number.

Gearing himself up to find only junk mail or a bill or two, Harry shoved his hand into the cool metal box without looking, feeling around for a second or two until his hand gripped around a thin envelope. He yanked his hand out of the box quickly, wincing when he felt it graze in his haste, but after flipping the piece of paper around and reading the address of the television company his haste disappeared and his stomach filled with butterflies.

He took a deep breath and slid his finger under the sticky seal, un-peeling the letter in one clean swipe. Suddenly, feeling nostalgic about opening his college applications, Harry wiped his clammy hands on his trousers and went for it.

Scanning the letter, he paused as coincidentally the postman Paul walked past. In a completely irrational fashion Harry dragged him into a hug, tears pooling at the corners of his eyes.

‘Happy or sad tears?’ Paul asked him after Harry had pulled away from the hug, looking a little embarrassed at his surprise embrace.

That was all it took for Harry to break out into the biggest smile he was capable of ‘Happy, really happy’ he replied, biting his lip and voice hiccupping as the happy tears just kept coming.

‘I really shouldn’t tell you any of this, it's meant to be a secret and all, but I might be on your telly’ Harry whispered, looking up just before he was pulled into another hug.

‘So that’s why I've seen you so much, huh? I’m happy for you mate’ Paul whispered back into Harry neck, still hugging him. ‘But you’ve got someone else to run and tell I suppose’ he also reminded Harry.

He quickly jumped and before he ran up to his flat to go call his mum and sister, he called out a massive thank you to Paul, and for the rest of the night he hid under the covers on facetime to Gemma who was gushing over having a famous brother already whilst he tried to remind her, he hadn’t even started filming yet.

⚓

And that’s how he found himself in the predicament he was in now. Hands were brushing his curls and dashes of powder kept being applied to his face; which he found a little offensive, he was tired, and it was winter after all.

His sister was nattering in his ear, trying to calm him down but after weeks of waiting today was the first day on set of The Great British Bake-off so in his defence he thought he was allowed a dramatic meltdown or two.

But it wasn’t even ten minutes later before he was being whisked away onto the real production set with a million voices in his ear and interns applying one last bit of hairspray to his updo.

Harry took the one minute of peace that had struck around him to survey who he would be up against; right at the front was the same ‘cool’ girl that he had seen at the auditions, this time her hair was a beautiful platinum blonde dip dyed a striking pink at the bottom and Harry thought it suited the girl well. Next to her was the friend she had been with before, Neil he think he was called and already the fake blond seemed to have made friends with all the crew, his personality and smile infectious. A couple of the other contestants were all bundled together in the back corner, seemingly having a conversation between them and Harry skimmed over them until he reached the boy next to his bench.

The boy looked cuddly, he thought, but Harry was no match for the brunette's comforting persona; or when he seemingly started to walk towards Harry with a bright grin and a hand outstretched.

‘Hiya mate, I’m Joe’ he began, and Harry felt immediately at ease in his presence. ‘Joe Locke’.

‘Harry Styles’ he replied meekly, reaching forward to shake the boy's hand and shooting a pleasant smile at the ground as he hoped his hands weren’t too clammy.

‘A rockstar name Haha, are you nervous?’ Joe asked and after catching Harry’s small nod he seemed to understand.

‘Can’t believe I'm here’ Joe spoke out loud, ‘To be honest I never thought I would get this far, my mates Kit and Louis was the one to convince me to go, thought it would be a laugh.’ Harry chuckled at that, silently cursing Gemma and her persuasive ways.

‘Louis should be around here’ Joe seemed to add as an afterthought, but Harry was too preoccupied thinking that at least this topic of conversation was one he could emphasize with.

It was around ten minutes later that a member of the crew announced that everyone needed to get back to their stations as filming was meant to start any minute; but in that time, Harry had at last come out of his shell and as it turned out he and Joe actually had a lot in common.

After a quick goodbye between the two new friends Harry was back nervously wringing his hands together, that was until his interest peaked. That same smooth and thick accent wrung around the room, but this time Harry saw the angel that it belonged to. A small boy stood at the front of the room addressing the contestants, but Harry was mesmerized by the small curl of his hair as it lay flat thanks to the sweat that had gathered there in the tent's humid conditions. The caramel colour suited the boys' mesmerizing blue eyes perfectly, and his fringe which he flicked out of his eyes every couple of sentences melted Harry's heart. That was until he saw the stack of tattoos on his arm. The boys' tattoos were hot, very hot, Harry thought. And because the perfect angel couldn't seem to keep still Harry got a glimpse of a big chest tattoo that got him feeling all sorts of flushed. But what really got Harry were the boy's delicious thighs dressed in tight black denim and the dirty vans that clad the boy's tip-toed feet. And okay maybe he was dramatic, but he thought this was love.

Harry spent another minute hearing cherubs and maybe picturing his dream wedding with a certain person waiting at the other end of the aisle as he tried not to trip on his dress or blurt out an embarrassing love declaration before he was supposed to, but really, he didn’t mean to. This new blossoming love on Harrys part also meant that in the end he had absolutely no idea what the newly named hedgehog (what can he say Harry saw a lot of resemblance) had said.

This then left Harry to covertly look around to Joe’s bench to see him grabbing a couple of bowls and pans and tying up his apron, so Harry did the same. He took one big breath... and then the cameras were rolling.

⚓

‘Today’s signature bake will encompass cake week fully’ Harry’s favourite Judge, Mary Berry told the tents contestants pulling a few smiles. ‘I would like a two-tier cake with an extravagant flourish encompassing your chosen theme’ she informed. Whew Harry thought, he would be fine, after all he’d practiced this brief just the night before; in the end having to shovel it into his sister's mouth to taste test considering he’d been forcing her to try his creations ever since he found out about the show.

He’d chosen to draw on memories from his own childhood for this brief, hoping for something that would do his mum proud. He was going to spread a layer of pastel pink fondant; careful not to smooth it down too much, to create the aesthetic and imperfect look he was aiming for. To top it off he was handmaking delicate flowers ranging from pinks to oranges creating the illusion they were resting on a dainty bath of pink water, comforting and with the essence of a bath bomb after a hard day's work. However, for his second layer he was going for a pink and blue aesthetic with a playful and creative vibe that he remembered from the birthday cakes his mum had made him and Gemma throughout the years.

Yet, it seemed that since his internal monologue everything was ready to go and in one short burst the sweet stranger’s voice announced... ‘On your marks, get set...bake!’

And then he was off, sparing a short glance to Joe and straining his eyes for one last look of the mystery boy but he was nowhere to be found.

He cracked on, coincidentally cracking his eggs first then adding the rest of his cake mixture and pouring it into a tin, grabbing a spoon to scrape the gingerly clinging precious drops of mixture from the bottom. Then he made quick work of putting both tins into the oven, checking and then double checking that the oven was on, and the time was set; he’d had dreams ok, his paranoia was understandable. After a quick second organizing his thoughts, he decided to begin carefully rolling out the material for his delicate flowers, humming as he worked. That was until a feathery hand landed on his shoulder out of the blue and sent him into a panic; in only a second more than one fatal injury had occurred.

Harry’s unknowing future husband was crouched down, cradling his head and Harry himself was wide eyed looking from his crumpled and positively destroyed flowers to his throbbing hand which he’d whacked with the rolling pin in his somewhat dramatic frenzy. But suddenly the pain in his hand didn’t seem so bad when his cheeks felt like they were on fire, and he was sure every set of eyes was trained on him and the figure still crumpled on the floor.

And... oh right the angel that he had sent flying onto the floor…God he’d never wanted to be as invisible as much as he did right now. And as if he hadn’t embarrassed himself enough his legs seemed to have had enough of holding him up for one day and he was sent sprawling onto the floor facing the beautiful boy in front of him.

A few moments had passed by the time Harry meekly peeked out from the small alcove he had created with his chin tucked flush against his chest. He scanned the perfect strangers smooth and faultless cheeks, once and then twice to check he wasn’t imagining the crinkles by his eyes or the high pitch giggles flooding out the boy's mouth.

‘Hiya Bambi’ the stranger retorted in his perfect Yorkshire accent, but there was no real bite to his words considering the sunshine smile etched onto his face.

Harry flushed once again, his cheeks turning from rosy pink to tomato red once again, until his brain remembered how to function properly, and he realised he hadn't even apologized to the angel yet.

‘Sorry, I am so...so sorry’ Harry paused unsure as to the stranger's name.

‘Louis, or Lou...my family calls me Lou. I think I'd like it if you called me Lou’ the newly discovered Louis rambled until he suddenly cut himself off looking slightly offended at his own mouth at how much he had let slip.

Harry giggled cutely at that and after a moment too long gave Louis his name too.

‘Harry, I can work with that’ Louis pondered teasingly and God if he wasn't already smitten, he would be head over heels for him all over again.

‘I hope so’ Harry replied before he remembered where he had been before what shall be referred to as ‘the incident’. ‘I should get back’ Harry regretfully whispered, still on the floor.

‘Oh my god you should have said you're baking. Have I ruined everything? I would offer my help, but I'd probably be the opposite of helpful’ Louis panicked, slowly rising to his feet and resting in a squatting position that left Harry feeling spacey.

‘You’re fine, I don’t mind cute boys lying on the floor with me’

‘Well darling, luckily neither do I’ Louis bashfully stated, making Harry swoon when he offered his hand to help him up. ‘But chop chop these cakes won't make themself and I have other contestants to talk too, I'd lose my job if I got distracted by the pretty boy the whole time now wouldn’t I’.

And as Harry smiled and pondered getting back to his tasks, Louis walked away with a definite sway to his hip. Harry had never resonated with the phrase so much; hate to see you go but love to see you walk away...

⚓

For the rest of the allocated time Harry slaved away, remaking his crumpled flowers and assembling his towering cake. But not without stealing not so sneaky glances towards Louis, grinning when he the blue-eyed boy was already looking towards him.

Still…none of that eased his worry’s when Louis happy voice wrung around the tent ‘Your time is up, please step away from your station.’

Harry assessed his work after placing his utensils down and swivelling the cake around towards the front. Secretly he was pleased with his performance but was keen to not look too arrogant when so many competitive bakers surrounded him.

Time flew by as the first two rows were called up to the judge’s table and Harry held his breath as Mary Berry scolded a soggy bottom and Paul Hollywood reprimanded another contestant for an undercooked sponge, silently praying that he hadn’t fucked up the timer on his own bake.

It was Joe’s turn next and then Harry; so far Louis had been waiting patiently to the side shooting warm grins to those looking as though they were going to pass out from the stress already; Harry included, although he did feel as though Louis smile lingered on him just a little bit longer.

However, as Joe quietly traipsed towards the front of the tent Louis shuffled closer and closer to Harry’s bench, flashing him a guilty smile when Harry caught him slinking out of the corner of his eye.

And just as Joe was shuffling nervously waiting for the judges to take their first bite, Louis’ hand brushed Harry.

‘Hiya’ he whispered, causing a blush to spring to Harry cheeks.

‘Hiiii’ Harry drawled back, but even in his limited time knowing Harry, Louis picked up in the nervous edge to his voice and the slight tremble in his fingertips where they were resting on Louis outer forearm.

‘It looks amazing darling. My sisters would be so jealous, you should have seen the monstrosity the oldest lass got for her birthday last year’.

‘You sure?’ Harry whispered back, his shoe now scuffing the floor.

‘Yup… I don’t think lying to a cute boy on the first day I met him is the etiquette’ Louis teased, and Harry flushed.

‘I think you’re cute too’.

‘Thank you love’ Louis whispered sincerely, and Harry cursed himself when he realised it was his time to get judged seeing as Joe had returned to his bench looking thoroughly relieved.

Louis gave one last encouraging nudge to the dimples at the bottom of his spine before Harry carefully hoisted the cake into his arms and slowly walked towards the judge’s blank faces. He lowered it down onto the cloth covered bench and stood back, his hands clasped behind his back. Attempting one last look at Louis, he looked over his shoulder but frowned when the boy was no longer at his station.

Still, as his sister would tell him, he shouldn’t let a boy define his life and so he pulled his scrunched features into a neutral expression and faced the judges. Harry hoped that Mary’s first shallow gasp as she cut into the cake was positive, hoping the intricate rainbow pattern and rose petals weren’t too much as his anxiousness spiked.

And just like that it ebbed away, a secret smile gracing his face. Louis had positioned himself in Harry line of vision but just out of the cameras frame, a fake serious expression on his face as he acted out scrutinizing Harry cake, a good impression of Paul Harry mused.

He muffled a giggle into his shoulder as Louis gasped a little too loud when Paul put the fork down and stepped away from the cake, drawing a couple of pairs of eyes.

After a tense few moments Mary spoke, ‘Well done darling, your timing was very well managed, and your cake was a wonderful texture. I hope to see more of what you can do…’ she whispered the ending, even going as far as to throw in a small wink that made a Harry blush. Still, Harry waited until Paul offered his feedback (which was all praise) until he slinked back to his bench, hoping Louis would follow. He did.

⚓

Later that same night the first episode aired, and Harry and his family gathered around his mum’s sofa to show their support and, as his mum put it, see their pretty prince in action. And it wasn’t as though Harry didn’t want them there, it’s just he knew that his sister would spot his fond expression aimed behind the camera and his mum would try to trick him into agreeing to invite Louis round for dinner. Harry had always been a little cautious around his love life, preferring to observe from afar so his nerves were sky high.

And so, begrudgingly, he switched the Tv on and turned the volume up from his small perch on the floor; a cover curled around him, ready to swallow him whole.

20 minutes in and Harry wasn’t too embarrassed yet, he was constantly blushing, and he even started crying after his mum had begun to blubber about how her baby’s all grown up. But then it all went to shit.

Gemma gave him the first weird look of the night when the camera focused on a wide shot of all the bakers hard at work. But Harry knew what had happened next and God as much as he had wished the footage would never see the light of day even, he could agree it was comedy gold.

Though it would give him another opportunity to stare at Louis at a different angle, as creepy as it sounds, Harry just really wanted to see those cheekbones again. He was having withdrawal symptoms, he was sure.

But the moment of bliss where he could stare at Louis was over too soon. He watched as Louis approached him with a gentle smile and a hand outstretched and deciding not to relive the moment, he flopped to the ground just as Gemma’s laughter boomed around the room.

By the time Harry deemed it safe to raise his head Gemma was still wheezing and he could see his mum was trying so hard to keep her laughter at bay that tears were pooling in her eyes.

‘That poor boy, and he’s cute too’ Gemma got out between gasped breaths and Harry whined just a little, which in turn was a fatal mistake. ‘Oh my god Haz you like him don’t you’ she hissed, and she took his pout as an answer causing her to snort like a mad person once again. Then those giggles turned into full blown cackles when she rewinded the Tv to watch Harry whacking the rolling pin onto his own hand again…and again…and again.

⚓

After Harrys mortifying night, his mum took pity on him and offered him the guest bedroom instead of Gemma (meaning she was demoted the barely working inflatable mattress). HA, he thought and if he smirked when he saw her massage a twinge in her back the following morning nobody had to know.

Also, he had still been awake at the same time as his evil older sister late last night. Once Harry had washed his face, had a quick wee and snuggled into bed his phone rang. Moaning slightly, he had blindly flung his arm around attempting to put his phone on speaker, instead managing to fling it across his room grumbling when he heard the thump of it hitting his wardrobe.

Dragging himself across the room he had quickly pulled it up to his ear, an apology on the tip of his tongue but he was cut off.

‘Mr. styles?’ a gruff man's voice spoke, though it had nothing on Louis’. Harry nodded, smacked his head because God he was on the phone and meekly called out a yes long after he should have answered.

‘Hello, I'm inquiring about your presence tomorrow morning at 9am. I'm aware that your part of the Great British Bake off cast this year, yes?’

‘Yeah’ Harry had answered feeling slightly frazzled, the phone call had confused him to no end.

‘Great I'll see you tomorrow, the address is in an email just forwarded to you.’ And that was that.

Not a minute later an email pinged in his inbox listing the address and Harry’s mandatory attendance, God he really hoped he hadn’t done something wrong. He didn’t sleep a blink last night and that’s how he ended up in this position.

Making coffee, his sister beside him swiping through tinder.

‘Jesus H you’re so bloody jittery this morning’ Gemma grumbled after Harry had spilt another cup of tea onto his crotch, his jiggling leg knocking the dodgy tables leg back and forth.

‘Why me, Gem? What if they kick me off the show or worse what if I never see Louis again? I don’t even know his last name,’ Harry whined.

‘From what I've seen Harry, this meeting is probably to warn you and Louis that doing it on the counter is against the rules’ Gemma joked right as his mum walked in. Jesus his life could not get any worse.

After drinking the last half of his tea that he had miraculously not chucked over himself Harry slipped on his well-worn Chelsea boots, tugged his beige sweater over his hands and jumped into his car.

The drive to the production's headquarters wasn’t too far from his mum’s house, a relief because Harry could not live on edge like this any longer.

Taking a steadying breath Harry jumped out of his car, scuffled his foot and then went flying.

A body, not so much a big body or something that could actually take Harry down, instead a Louis sized body which had been on his back and was now crumpled on the floor coincidentally still on top of Harry.

Once the surprise had passed, he just couldn’t help it and turned his head to look towards Louis. He giggled and Louis giggled back, everything lighter in the small bubble they had created together as though no one else mattered. Harry didn’t even mind if this meeting was his death, he had made Louis giggle.

But Jesus that bloody meeting, that was due to start a minute ago, great.

‘Louis’ Harry gasped through laughter, and he seemed to get the message. Removing his legs from Harry and sadly taking the rest of him further back too.

‘I have a meeting, I think I did something wrong, but I don’t know what’ Harry whispered regretfully, yet he registered the surprised but pleased look on Louis face.

‘Did you get an obscure and slightly threatening phone call, and I might even say rude follow up email last night’ Louis questioned, and Harry nodded.

‘Well princess, it seems we have both been summoned’ Louis whispered a grin on his face ‘Up you get Curly, places to be and people to see.’

And if Harry dread had been replaced with a blossoming feeling in his heard and swarms of butterflies in his belly then maybe it was to do with Louis. Everything seemed a little less scary when he was there, it was almost as if he was a ray of pure sunshine.

Harry obliged, taking the hand Louis offered him as he was pulled back up; one handed he might say (and you couldn’t blame him for ogling Louis biceps whilst he did, they were Gods work alright).

⚓

Back on his feet, hands clasped between Louis’ curvy body and his lean figure, neither of the boys seemed keen to let go. Harry internally (at least he hoped so) squealed as they approached the looming management building hand in hand.

A cool breeze ruffled his hair as the automatic doors made way for the striking pair, Harry trailing after Louis as he made his way to the front desk.

‘We were called’ Louis gestured between them, using the hand that wasn’t still joined to his, and flashing a warm smile to the cheerful receptionist.

Her curly black hair bobbing as she inquired ‘Harry and Louis, right? I watched the show last night.’ Harry blushed; he still hadn't wrapped his head around the fact that he might be recognised. But his cheeks darkened even more when she staged whispered how she hoped he would win, paired with a cheeky wink that caused Louis' hand to squeeze his almost subconsciously.

After signing in and being directed to a set of chairs, Harry settled in a chair next to Louis, waiting for someone to usher them into a stern-looking room.

‘So, Curly any idea why we’re here?’ Louis asked and really the thought must have echoed around his mind a million times, but he couldn’t think of any reason, and he voiced as much to Louis.

‘Well at least I get to see my favourite clumsy giant’ Louis had countered.

‘And I get to see my favourite hedgehog’ Harry bashfully whispered back.

‘Oi who you calling a hedgehog darling?’

Harry's cheeks heated again; maybe he should see a doctor, this seems to be chronic.

‘You remind me of one s’all’ he responded.

‘What a pair we make, a hedgehog and Bambi or maybe Tarzan’ Louis pondered fondly. Giggling at Harrys delighted expression. What a pair indeed.

Sadly, that’s when the Gods decided Harry’s luck was going to good and a young intern shyly approached them asking if they would please follow her. Harry stood up quickly waiting as Louis clambered out of the seat, slipping his Vans back on after they had somehow come off his feet in the short time they had been sitting down. He held his hand out, palm in the air as Louis snuck his own back where Harry thought it belonged.

The intern left them outside of room 369 on the top floor, it had a dark wooden door and frosted glass walls that only allowed you to see the silhouettes of the three people spaced on one side of a long table.

Considering the glass both boys knew that whoever was inside was aware that they were stupidly staring at the door but making no move to come in. Embarrassingly that led to the woman closest to the door standing up and ushering them both inside, offering for them to take a seat.

After Harry and Louis had plopped down next to each other in the plush chairs, Louis drawing Harry’s closer when he had sat down, he decided to peek a look at the team who had set up this meeting.

The young woman who had let them in was adorned in tasteful jewellery that complimented her dark skin and hair which was in a tight low bun. She wore a black pant suit and high black boots that clicked along the floor as she walked, but what made him nervous was the professional clipboard and pen that she was intent on clicking every two seconds. Something that he whispered to Louis and was pleased to see made Louis splutter, feigning a poorly acted cough that made Harry snort.

However, on the other side of the woman was another lady, this time with short and curly blonde hair and a dramatic red lip. She was also dressed in a grey pant suit but instead of boots her brown brogues tapped against the leg of her chair. And to Harry’s horror this woman also had a clipboard with her company pen laying on top of it.

Lastly, Harry peered at the lady sitting in the middle of the table. Her long nails coloured in a deep blue were tapping on her thigh and her long black hair was tucked behind her ears and clipped back with gold clips on either side of her parting. She was a curvier woman, but Harry thought she was the prettiest of the three, her makeup and black liner rounding off her look. But suddenly her chocolate brown eyes settled on him, and Harry squirmed in his seat.

She spoke first, ‘Harry and Louis’ she acknowledged pausing to look at her notes. ‘As you know the first episode of the series aired not long ago and reviews have been fantastic. However, as a company motto we always want to achieve the most that we can and that is where you two come in.’

Harry and Louis paused to glance questioningly at each other at that, but she continued.

‘I’ll now introduce you to my colleague Violet, who is head of marketing.’

‘Morning gentlemen’ Violet's chipper voice sounded, ‘My role on the show is to boost popularity and viewership, however it seems that this year I don’t have much work to do’ she cryptically spoke.

‘I've asked members of the public what would keep them watching the show week after week and many had the same answer. You two.’

Now Harry was thoroughly confused, as was Louis going by the crease between his eyebrows and tilted head.

‘It’s not often the public will be so invested in someone or someone's in week one. However, the public loved the chemistry you two obviously have, not to mention the tension’ Violet giggled, eyebrows waggling before she continued. ‘As a production we would like to use this to our advantage as well as yours... Harry your popularity and exposure could land you a tv job even if you don’t end up winning and Louis your personality is exactly what casting directors look for, our proposal could give you both maximum exposure. We want to encourage you two to ramp up the flirting week after week, add hints onto your social media and basically give the public what they want...you two.’

Rounding off her short speech she gave both boys and reassuring smile before lowering herself back into her seat. But before Harry could even begin to process what had just happened the woman who was yet to speak rose from her seat sliding pieces of paper in front of both of the boys.

The first lady who Harry had noticed, gestured her hands as she began to talk. ‘Morning. My role at the company is to be in charge of contracts, for example I handle both of you already as you are part of the cast and crew. I would like to be upfront with both of you if you agree to this there will be a very loose contract involved but there is nothing to classify whether or not you two have or will ever date. This contract also allows us to dictate what goes into the media and what questions interviewers can ask about the two of you, I would like to reiterate that the contract is to protect both of you first and foremost.

Next, she chuckled at Harrys panicking face, he was sure you could see the clogs turning in his curly head ‘No need to be scared Harry, but if you would like you can have a lawyer look over your contracts if you decide to agree to our proposition. All I ask is for you to let us know before filming begins next week. Other than that, thank you for your time.’

And with that the meeting was wrapped up quite quickly, neither Harry nor Louis speaking or giving much away. Instead, Harry silently walked out of the room, fingers brushing Louis in a gesture of comfort as the tall door echoed shut behind them.

They waited in silence until the lift dinged open, but all the floodgates opened as the doors shut.

‘WhatareyougoingtodoimnotsureLouiswhatwouldyoudoLouis?’ Harry rambled out, huffing out a breath which he seemed to have lost in his hurry. Louis chuckled then, looking at the floor whilst tracing the 28 inked onto his skin- a nervous habit of his- before he regained his role as the leader out of the small group made up of the two of them.

‘Harry...I think we could meet up to discuss this if you want?’ Louis questioned, his eyes focusing on the numbers lit up behind Harry, ‘maybe’ he squeaked out after Harry didn’t respond.

‘Yes, I'd like that’ Harry whispered but this time he was looking straight into Louis eyes searching for any kind of regret of maybe...hopefully, excitement. He got the latter.

‘Okay, could I get your number so I can text you the time?’ Louis asked but this time giddily.

Harry just slid his phone over to Louis who typed in his number quickly before the lift dinged open and Louis stood on his tip toes, the material of his adidas trainers creasing as he pecked his lips for a brief second onto Harrys warm cheek. Then he was gone waving his hand and noisily shouting a goodbye Bambi.

Dazedly Harry walked out of the lift still feeling spacey from being in such close proximity to such an angel. It was then that he looked down to his phone and saw the contact Louis had created for himself; he had named himself hedgehog with the cutest rumpled up picture of him that he seemed to have taken without Harry noticing, his eyes crinkled, and thin lips pouted at the camera. Harry ended up smiling like a maniac as he drove home that night thinking of the boy in the green adidas hoodie who had captured his glowing heart. He fell asleep with questions whirling in his mind but also a smile on his face.

⚓

With a snuffle Harry groaned as he woke, perfectly toasty and completely sated after a dream about a blue-eyed boy. However, his eyes soon flew open when he remembered the decision he had to make today, and he groaned once again before flopping onto his back and promptly squeezing his eyes shut.

Sadly, his resolution to escape reality had a flaw, now that he was awake, he just couldn’t fall back asleep so groggily he pushed back the covers. Hissing as the cold floor shocked his bare toes, he pulled on a fluffy hoodie but didn’t bother with trousers instead opting for a long pair of Minnie Mouse fluffy socks and a cutesy headband to keep his hair out of his eyes whilst he went to the bathroom to wash his face.

After brushing his teeth, he settled in his own armchair (both he and Gemma had claimed their own in his mum's house leaving her with the worse for wear sofa) and reached for his cup of tea when he heard the recognizable creek of someone making their way down the stairs.

‘All right little bro’ Gemma greeted, pausing halfway to yawn. She smiled gratefully when she saw her own cuppa set in front of her chair and quickly sunk deep into the plush material, her purple sparkly dressing gown swishing as she sat.

‘What’s up H?’ Gemma panned ‘You have that midlife crisis expression again.’

Mock offended Harry pouted, crossing his arms and turning away until Gemma promised she would let him crack open the new bottle of wine tonight at dinner.

‘So, you know about Louis?’ Harry started.

‘Yeah, the idiot who can’t see how much of a curly haired twat you are.’

‘Yess him’ Harry hissed making her shrug her shoulders and smirk. ‘Well, we had a meeting. A meeting with the management team from the show.’

‘Okay…?’ Gemma drawled out.

‘They want us to basically date or like flirt and stuff, y’know for our careers and stuff’ Harry whispered, unsure of his sister’s reaction but certainly not expecting her to giggle. And because his sister has no filter it wasn’t long before tea snorted out her nose and Harry shrugged noncommittally as she choked on her tea as she cackled.

‘You’re telling me that you're going to get paid to flirt with a fit bloke you have a crush on and you're only thinking about it!’ Gemma screeched when she had regained her breath.

‘But what if he says no Gem, or what if I can't tell if he really likes me or if he’s faking and then I make a move and he rejects me, and I fall flat on my face and have to move to...’

‘Jesus, Haz love, if you think Louis doesn't already have a massive crush on you then just look at his fond face, we should start calling him Louis Fondlinson’ she muses until Harry shoots daggers her way. ‘Harry this boy would do anything to spend more time with you, and I hope I don’t have to remind you but if he wouldn't then he not worth it bub.’

‘You sure?’ Harry whispered, genuinely trying to keep his insecurities at bay in front of his sister but they were crashing against his defences viciously.

‘Haz’ Gemma murmured with a fixed stare ‘don't think I didn’t see you gazing at that picture of Louis around 100 times since you got home yesterday, I can tell something happened yesterday from your gooey eyes and if anything made you smile like that, I think you answered your own question.’

So, whilst Gemma scrambled to look over his shoulder Harry made his move (even if it was a small one and over messages).

Harry: Hiya Louis, was just wondering if you wanted to meet up to talk about the whole management situation? Maybe at the Beachwood café opposite the studio? Okay, that’s all, I would love to see you! X

‘Jesus was that too much? Gem stop smiling I’m freaking out’ Harry whined.

‘Too late Haz he’s typing’ Gemma whispered, lodging her chin onto Harry shoulder to get a better view of his phone screen.

Louis: Would love to see you too Bambi! The Beechwood cafés great, I've been there before, and they make a killer cuppa. Tomorrow at 12, okay? Ps, I’m still waiting for my own contact picture you have work to do tomorrow curly :( X

Harry: Tomorrows great! But I don’t appreciate your slander, you had an unfair advantage I didn’t get to put my number into your phone :(

Louis: Excuses, excuses Harold!

And if Gemma complained about how sappy they both were already, she still hadn't made any effort to move even when the two boys texted until Harry felt his thumbs couldn’t move any more.

⚓

Harry was freaking out. A pair of oversized beige trousers flew past his head, then a blue and white stripy T-shirt that ended up landing on the poor cat strolling past the open door.

‘Gem you're being a health and safety hazard’ Harry said motioning to the pile of clothes that had been stranded around his room and nodding when her eyes got stuck on a single sock hanging from the lampshade next to his childhood bed.

‘Well Harry this is what happens when I only have 3 suitcases to work with and you insist on your outfit being perfect’ she retorted.

‘I didn’t know mums' neighbourhood had cute boys I would want to impress’ Harry whined, he seemed to do that a lot around his sister.

‘How about this then?’ Gemma asked, holding up one of his favourite jumpers. It was a rusty orange complimented by green accents on the flowing sleeves and bottom. She then carefully pulled out a pair of green trousers that were lighter than the green on the jumper but still so perfectly him. He nodded gratefully at his sisters wonderful styling and rushed to get his slightly worn-out vans.

Finally letting himself get excited for seeing Louis once again, Harry picked out his rings as Gemma ran out of his room screaming about this new perfume she was had been waiting to give him for his birthday but felt now was too fitting a time to not bring it out early.

After letting Gemma dowse him in just the right side of too much perfume, he still had 20 minutes to kill. His foot tapped along to a random beat in his head and his finger was drawing smiley faces on his thigh as he stared absentmindedly at the tv until it was time to go. Butterflies swarmed his stomach and his tattoo seemed to lift its wings in time as he slipped his shoes on and hugged his sister before calling bye to the cat that watched him with bored eyes before re-attempting its nap.

Quickly Harry drove the way to the café, accompanied by Taylor Swift’s comforting voice and his own thoughts. By the time he reached the door of the café he realised that he was the first to arrive, although he wasn’t surprised considering at the shoot last week Louis had been rushing around screaming about how he was sorry for his tardiness. Harry didn’t mind though, he found it endearing really.

He tilted his head before deciding to claim the two sofas at the back of the café, they had a small window to their left and the bustle of the counter could still be heard but it wasn’t too loud either. Biting the bullet Harry took the sofa facing the door so he would be able to see Louis walk in, hopefully flushed from hurrying. He also decided to wait to order until Louis was here too, instead content to bob his head to the music playing quietly throughout the café and make silly faces to a baby across the room.

That was how Louis found him, despite his plan to see Louis bustle into the café, babies always had a knack for distracting him. When even the baby turned to watch Louis approach Harry’s table his eyes were averted, and God did he like what he saw. Louis’ shoes were silently gliding across the wooden floor, even his worn-out vans and cute white ankle socks doing something for Harry. But the rolled up and light wash jeans that made way for a beige, black and white checked shirt made Harry’s jaw drop. The red crewneck on top finished off the outfit perfectly, especially when Louis pushed up the sleeves and Harry caught a peek at his mouth watering tattoos. All of that didn’t even let him be embarrassed when Louis’ knowing smirk was directed at him.

‘My eyes are up here curly’ Louis teased.

‘I know I was just getting to it’ Harry shrugged making Louis smile, eye crinkling and all. He’d surprised himself too with that confidence, but he was determined to use it until the very last drop.

‘Cheeky’ Louis mused but he seemed pleased, nevertheless. ‘Have you ordered yet love?’ Louis asked, then he shoved his hand out and wiggled his fingers after watching Harry’s shake of the head.

Giddily Harry got up, entwining their fingers in the process and walking hand in hand to the counter. They waited whilst the person in front of them ordered, Harry looking at the menu above the coffee machines and Louis looking at Harry. It wasn’t long before Louis had to nudge Harry towards the counter, prompting him for his order ‘What would you like love?’

‘I'll have a flat white please’ Harry said, polite as ever.

‘Sure, you don’t want anything else Curly?’

‘And maybe a chocolate muffin’ Harry whispered, turning red when Louis squeezed their still entwined hands.

‘And I'll have a tea please luv’ Louis grinned, handing over his card before Harry could complain and shutting him up with a quick kiss to the cheek.

The barista behind the bar quickly turned around, her name tag shining from the lights and began making their orders, leaving the two boys to wait in comfortable silence.

‘Here you are,’ the girl smiled before asking if they would like any sugars to which they both declined. It seemed that’s all she was going to say until Louis sadly had to remove his hand from Harry to carry the tray, she caught onto Harry pout and happily asked ‘You two are so cute together, first date?’

Harry was a little stunned but when he saw Louis floppy hair bobbing as he nodded Harry smiled as brightly as he could. She whispered how lovely they both were before attending to the next customer and leaving Louis to carefully walk their tray to the table whilst Harry followed behind.

Harry sat back down in the spot he had before and to his delight Louis, much more graciously than Harry, manoeuvred himself into the spot to his left but still left a distance. Harry could almost feel the anxiousness piling off of Louis and he feared he had done something wrong until he spoke, ‘Shit that was alright yeah? That I said this was a date. I don’t want to assume or make you uncomfortable or anything’ Louis rambled whilst Harry’s heart fluttered at the role reversal, usually he was the one rambling.

‘Of course, Lou. I’d like it if it was a date,’ Harry mumbled quietly.

‘So, its mutual, we’ve discussed it. This is a date?’ Louis questioned, just as quiet.

Harry nodded, smiling shyly but quickly grinning when Louis shuffled closer to him until their knees were bumping together.

‘Back to business then?’ Harry said, turning to face Louis. ‘How do you feel about what management said because obviously I’ll agree with whatever you decide.’

‘Well now that we’ve decided that this is a date’ Louis blushed, ‘Things are a bit different because obviously if we pursue this, and I really want to, I don’t want it to all seem like it's for show.’

Harry pondered this for a minute, agreeing with what Louis said. ‘I get that, but management did say we would only have to ramp up the flirting and hopefully’ Harry bit his lip ‘we would do that anyway.’

‘You’ve could this all figured out haven’t you Bambi. I think we should do it, yeah? I spoke to my sister last night and she looked at the contract and it all seemed legit; it would really only help us both professionally as well as giving us excuses to meet up.’

‘Okay... we’re doing this’ Harry whispered, ‘Okay.’

From then on, the date lasted two more drinks and a lot more conversation as well as a picture for Louis to add to Harry's contact. And if Louis had typed his name in as Bambi along with a cute picture of a pouty Harry after Louis had swiped a small piece of his muffin, then Louis could stand his sister's teasing if he could see that picture pop up on his phone more and more often.

⚓

After their first date both boys had begun to expect their phone to light up with a notification from the other, usually cute pictures of hedgehogs from Harry and every single picture of Bambi Louis could find- even a real deer he had spotted in the woods near his house once.

But the show must go on (excuse the pun) and despite Harry wishing he could stay in bed every day looking at a grainy picture of Louis over facetime, today he would see him in real life. With the whirlwind of publicity he had got recently, other than the fact he had to turn his Instagram notifications off Harry almost forgot he was here to bake...but not today.

The plump corners of his lips turned up at that, after all he could still remember Louis joyous laughter from last night whilst Harry had called him to practice this week's theme, pastries. Louis had been more than happy to talk Harrys ear off whilst he was whisking and stirring like the professional he is (and if they had turned out a little more burned than he hoped since he got distracted by Louis bright eyes and endearing shy smile then so be it).

The dark circles he had in the morning were also worth it as well as the tired slug in his muscles as he padded towards his wardrobe. Pulling out his tight and ripped skinny jeans he shimmed them on, surveying his ass with an appreciative nod before skimming his hands over multiple pieces of fabric until he decided on a soft pink hoodie that matched his nails. Then he decided on a black jacket to put on top in case it was cold later on and just because he was feeling a little goofy, he rummaged through his suitcase until he cheered quietly and pulled out the white oval sunglasses he had packed on a whim.

Pleased with his outfit he wandered downstairs before glancing at the time and shooting out the door when the flashing time taunted his impending lateness. But just like that once he arrived Harry’s panicked grimace seemed to dissipate as soon as he caught Louis eye and his whole being felt sated when he was in the blue-eyed boy's arms.

The tent seemed to be blooming today, not a cloud was in sight and the daffodils shooting up seemed to lift everyone's spirits. The tent was loud as Harry and Louis walked in and Joe waved as he saw them; his comforting eyes glowed as another Irish lad chatted his ear off but stopped when he saw Louis, choosing instead to call them over.

‘Tommo’ the Irish boy called causing Harry to frown and the nickname, his brain wishing for the unpleasant knots in his stomach to settle. They did slightly when Louis took Harry’s bigger hand in his own and tugged him towards the pair.

‘Alright Neil?’ Louis hollered, even though the boy in question was only a couple of steps away.

Neil apparently, seemed to know something he didn’t though, seemingly randomly began a dramatic show of waterworks ... ‘Don't call me Neil, your boyfriend’ he dropped the act then to waggle his eyebrows ‘won't know my proper name. I’m Niall by the way.’

Harry, despite his reservations earlier couldn’t help but be charmed by the cute chattering lad and offered his name causing Niall to shoot a knowing smirk Louis way.

‘So, you’re Harry, Louis here has told me about you’ Niall teased, bringing a blush out of Harry. ‘All good things though. You make my mate here very happy.’

‘He makes me happy too’ Harry squirmed but smiled like the sun when he caught Louis radiant grin.

Just then a bright flash blinded both the boys and the snapping sound of a camera caused them to turn their heads but all they heard before the unknown photographer was off was a quick and unapologetic shrill that sounded like, ‘It’s for behind the scenes, honestly you two are so cute and you're not even trying’ that made all the boys chuckle.

It wasn’t the first time they had been photographed for the fans; since they signed the agreement both Harry and Louis had shared pictures on their stories and Louis even posted a cute screenshot of Harry asleep on FaceTime that had left the fans crazy. And even though nothing that they had posted hinted at anything other than a platonic friendship the shipping had continued to rise with every small clue.

Still, it seemed Louis didn’t want to disappoint the loyal fan base (or that’s why Harry told himself Louis did it) when he hooked his chin over Harry’s shoulder when the baking finally began.

‘And what are you doing now young Harold?’ Louis queried.

‘I Lewis’ Harry pointedly said but his bubbly voice betrayed his stern facade ‘am trying to whisk whilst a cuddly koala tries to distract me’.

Almost defensively Louis pulled back, ‘Do you mind?’ he asked quietly.

Harry shook his head so hard he thought it might fall off his shoulders, or at least give him whiplash. Louis’ tactile nature made Harry’s heart swell, it was something that made him so drawn towards the loud and energetic bundle of energy but also the ever loving and caring angel stood behind him.

Grabbing Louis wrist, he tugged it back towards the dip of his own waste before whispering, too low for the cameras and just for Louis ‘I don’t mind darling, makes me feel taken care of’. Louis hand tightened on his waist after that, and a petit hand splayed across his stomach.

Quietly they worked until a small voice reminded Louis of his job to interview the other contestants as well and Harry was left to finish the rest of his bake alone. Sadly, Louis hadn't been able to meander back around to Harry before the timers beeped and everyone gratefully put down their tools, but his gaze didn’t stray from him when Harry and the other contestants lined up for the judge's feedback.

Joe stood next to him was another comforting presence but really Harry was shaking like a wet dog after a storm. And because he was an anxious sole at heart the fact that this time Louis had made a show of asking for a bite of everyone's creation was daunting, after all what if Louis thought Harry was a fake, or that he wouldn't make it past week two...

It seemed Harry had nothing to worry about though, as in the time he had spent mentally worrying Louis had already shoved a great deal of his buttery pastry into his gob. And Louis' reaction was not what he expected, he’d imagined a playful jab or a packed compliment; instead, a loud and wholly unexpected moan sounded from the boy's sinful mouth.

And if Harry’s dick jumped at the sound and he painfully shuffled on his feet as Louis face went slack and his eyes shut nobody made a comment after all Louis was enthralling. Louis gasped a second time, quiet and wistfully before he swallowed and blinked innocently into the camera as if he hadn't made most of Great Britain a horny mess in front of their oblivious (or not so) families.

‘Safe to say I enjoyed that’ Louis calmly said but then he winked, and Harry almost came in his pants. It's safe to say that the rest of the day Harry took care to keep his front profile away from the camera's beady eyes.

⚓

The weeks following Louis’ and Harry’s easy chatter continued to flow, although the sexual innuendos seemed to increase in quantity. It was by week 5 when Harry shuffled into the tent, and he was excited after all today he was finally going to create his carrot and walnut fairy house themed cake. Plus, he was looking forward to seeing Louis' reaction considering he was the most genuine person he knew, and Harry had made this cake with the sweet-toothed boy in mind.

He quickly dashed left into the less notable tent where the waft of perfume left him spluttering. The hair and makeup crew of the show always left Harry astounded with the efficiency, even if he did have to stand teasing about Louis’ ‘fond’ and his stare. Plus, Louis sickeningly sweet habit to wait for Harry even after he had finished didn’t stop the not so quiet whispering of the interns.

‘Hiya’ Louis drawled, walking towards Harry from his leaning position on the wall. ‘Since I’m already done... I got you a cup of coffee from the cart they installed, and you know I’m not usually a coffee man, but this stuff is delicious. I’ll even hold it for you when the sweet but horribly enthusiastic interns have ago on your curls a little too harshly’. He even emphasized this with a sharp tug to a springy coil resting Infront of his eye that left Harry a little flushed and feeling scandalous as he hoped he covertly rested his locked fingers on top of his crotch.

‘Thank you, baby,’ Harry hummed out oblivious to the giggling girls on is right. It seemed Louis had noticed though when he took one last step towards Harry and leaned in... He moved his hands to rest next to his mouth and moved his lips to Harry’s ear.

‘Wanna go somewhere else? Im sure they can manage without chucking a million products into your beautiful hair and if all else fails I can put on some powder for you if you'd like’.

‘Are you saying I’m greasy?’ Harry frowned, dumbfounded although he had no idea why he said that; the distinctive waft of Louis was messing with his head. Maybe it was stronger because of the cold gush of wind drifting from the overhead air-conditioning unit or was it extra hefty today because of the intense heat unusual for this time of year.

‘What no, why would I do that you have insanely beautiful skin, radiant like the moon but warm as the sun. And your long lashes that cast stories with their shadows on your delicate under eyes that show you need more sleep but somehow make you look sweet like Cinderella’ Louis murmured sounding offended by the implication but mostly fond and whipped as the cream Harry adores on his coffee. Just like the one Louis had got him this morning, God he feels drunk and high on the clouds or maybe on the sweet, budding beginnings of something to come.

‘I don’t know why I said that’ Harry mumbled back but brought his eyes to the glistening blue ones the caramel boy possessed, ‘but thank you for the princess references and the halo of compliments; I'd like to put on the record that your eyes are large as life just like your heart, and my favourite princess used to be snow white but something about Belles blue eyes have drawn me in lately’.

A bubble seemed to surround them for a moment and Harry felt like he was in one of the romcoms he treasured, nights with his sister and swamping duvets flashed before his mind and he swore he heard the beginnings of a string quartet or even the opening burst of trumpets.

Moments only last so long though, after all that’s why they’re called moments. A loud distinctly Irish voice pierced through the bubble, popping it in one. ‘They even flirt through the magic of Disney... see Ivy, I told you they were sweeter than Crème brûlée’.

‘Even though I love my mate’ Louis began, ‘if you still want to get away its going to have to be now, I have to give it to him, his ability to drag out a conservation is better than even my mums’.

Nodding Harry smiled bashfully when he watched Louis hand fly out to steal a compact of powder and a large feathery brush that left his skin feeling fluttery and tingling even though it hadn't touched him yet. Then after he pocketed the powder and shoved the brush in his back pocket to the best of his ability, he nudged Harry towards the tent's secret escape route (maybe it was the fire escape but that sounds less interesting).

Weaving through the pathways and bustling tents, each for different sections, Harry felt like he was travelling further than meandering through one large field. One tent seemed to stock a lot of the ingredients, whiffs of India and Mexico stood out from the pack; another beheld a cloud of smoke from backstage staff and even Zayn, a lad he had caught another baker called Liam gushing about once or twice.

Louis stopped in front of a tent much smaller than the rest of the cluster, nervously scuffing his foot and coating the previously white sole of his vans in dark brown mush. A twinkle of lights caught Harry's eye when Louis’ hand extended to twitch open the fabric's ‘door’ and his eyes quickly darted around to see the messy inside.

‘So...This is my humble abode or better known as the small tent the management team gave me to persuade me that this was the job for me’ Louis exaggeratedly waved his hands around and spoke loud as ever.

‘Wow I guess you couldn’t say no’ Harry whispered enchanted, the decorations were a mess of dark blue, grey comforters and pillows that made Harry feel right at home. The rest of the tent was tightly packed but didn’t seem cluttered, the twinkling he saw earlier was courtesy of the woven fairy lights that ran along the top of the tent as well as framing the door. The ethereal golden glow they left in Louis tanned skin was also a bonus, Harry felt in awe.

‘Cat got your tongue darling?’ Louis whispered, careful not to break the comforting bubble they had created.

‘This is just wonderful, absolutely Alice in Wonderland out of this world’ Harry chuckled.

‘I’m glad you think so’ Louis said but his hands were nervously wrung together. He opened his mouth as if to say something else but shut it just as quickly.

‘Do you want me to do your powder now?’ Louis asked instead, and Harry, not sure how to approach the unasked question, nodded.

Harry’s curly hair was twisted into a bun expertly, even tied by a band on Louis’ wrist; when Harry asked how he’d got so good Louis chuckled whilst echoing sisters. After his hair was out of the way Louis took both the powder and the large-looking brush from his Jean pockets, placing them on the table parallel to the small sofa that Harry hadn’t yet seen. Louis gently nudged Harry towards the sofa directing him to sit cross legged in the middle of the sofa, waving off Harry’s confused smile and sliding in front of him.

Louis was nudging forward on his knees, socked feet behind him when his whole body severed forward straight into Harry’s. It was just a moment before Harry realized his eyes were no longer open and a warm set of lips were touching his own ever so slightly. Sadly, for Harry they were gone as quick as they came, and a pair of animated wide eyes replaced then, really hoping it wasn’t too soon or Louis would be weirded out Harry surged forward again…

For a second Louis thin lips stayed still against Harry’s, only a sharp intake of breath an inclination that Louis was awake; then Harry’s plump, rosy lips were prized apart by Louis tongue, strong and urgent in his mouth. Fireworks went off in Harry’s belly, his hands moving on their own accord to Louis curvy hips and the hilt of his strong jaw. Harry stroked the smooth highlight of Louis’ cheek, delighted with life and Louis’ quick mouth. Their kiss seemed to go on forever, as though Harry was following Dorothy’s yellow brick road. Somewhere along the road Louis had managed to manoeuvre himself into a cross-legged position mirror to Harry’s as his fingers slowly undid the tie he’d done not long before and let Harry’s curls tumble down to cascade over his shoulders.

Their heavy breaths were slowed when an accidental, but well-placed stroke behind Harry’s ear, sent him into a fit of breathy giggles- ones that Louis replicated immediately. The boys parted although not by much, just enough to look into the dilated eyes of each other and catch their breath.

‘Was that okay?’ Harry whispered although his wandering hand mapping underneath Louis’ shirt undermined what he said.

Louis exaggeratedly hummed for a moment before pecking Harry on the lips once, twice, three times in succession. ‘Does that answer your question love?’ Louis whispered.

‘Maybe if you did it again’ Harry giggled, high and squealed when Louis brushed his thumb over the same spot he had before.

‘Ask nicely love’ Louis chastised.

‘Pretty please’ Harry croaked still shaking from giggles.

‘Who am I to deny you that Princess’ Louis replied before his plumped lips met Harry’s once again, keeping it chaste. Louis pulled away not long after, but Harry was too happy to pout.

‘Considering we got a little distracted the first time, I think we should try that powder again’ Louis offered, and Harry nodded, content to be close to Louis.

‘Or maybe we could keep kissing’ Harry joked although he shuffled in position for Louis to angle the brush wherever he desired.

‘Or we could do that on a date?’ Louis spoke softly. ‘Another real one where I get to call you my boyfriend?’

‘Yes! Yes please’ Harry almost shouted, covering his red cheeks when Louis chuckled.

‘I take it you’re excited?’ Louis questioned.

‘Absolutely makeup artist’ Harry answered, and that was that.

After attempting to fix their dishevelled hair, Harry and Louis walked into the tent hand in hand, pinching their arms to check that it was all real. Unknown to them, only half of Harry’s face was matte, but nobody could bring themselves to break it to the two blushing boys, even if they thought they were subtle.

⚓

After that eventful day in the bake-off tent... Louis asking him on a date for one, but Harry also getting star baker (something he may have used to lure a kiss or two out of Louis) Harry was rightfully exhausted. Exhausted, but as excited as a kid on Christmas day when he ended up in Louis’ car, a warm and cute palm resting on his thigh- not high enough to be scandalous just a steadying presence.

He was buzzing in his seat however he was also a tad nervous since Louis insisted that the location of the mysterious date was to be kept a secret. Every time Harry asked the same question over and over again Louis smiled at him, teeth and all, his eyes crinkling and nose scrunching cute as a bunny. It was moments like that that Harry could see just how good a big brother Louis was, but it was also a hallway leading to thoughts of how good a father he would be one day...running around chasing after a football team of curly-headed kids, a mix of blue and green eyes sparkling as they looked at Louis with love.

‘Haz...we’re her love’ Louis sweet voice broke Harry out of his trance of babies and a big blue house with both his and the wonderful boy he’s on a first date with names on the lease, Jesus he was in deep already...

Harry stepped out of the car slowly, despite his eagerness looking forward to the date, all he wanted now was time to slow down so he could savour this day like he would a vintage wine or Birthday spent with his family. His ballet flats hit the ground slowly because of this, gravel spraying as his second foot landed on the ground seconds later; a few stones landing on his flowy white shirt and pink details whilst another few pooled on his wide legged jeans that’s drooped over his white shoes.

It took all he had in him for Harry not to gasp, Louis petit hand found his own as he watched Harry’s marvelled expression. A small cottage stood as delicately as Louis was Infront of Harry, it had small arches over the four windows and a wonderful blue painted door with rows of plants exploding from the small front garden and the boxes on the windows. The flowy curtains lining the bottom two windows allowed Harry to see the faint glow of some familiar fairy lights and he grinned quite gleefully.

‘Lou is this your house?’ Harry questioned, hoping he hadn't made a fool of himself by asking but already feeling a connection between the cosy house and lovely boy next to him.

‘Maybe, yeah...’ Louis answered causing Harry to chuckle but Louis’ hands to nervously wring together. ‘This isn't like a proposition or anything though, I don’t want you thinking that’s why I brought you here. I might have called my sisters the night I asked you out and they were all cooing over how cute you are and bugged me about making tonight proper romantic so I thought I might cook for you...even learnt a new recipe, chicken stuffed chicken stuffed with mozzarella wrapped in Parma ham with a side of homemade mash.’ After his short but informational monologue Louis was blushing delightfully in Harry’s opinion, not so much his own though.

‘Thank you, it never even crossed my mind that that was why you brought me here lovely. Can’t believe you’re attempting to make dinner for me though, I've heard horror stories. Should I have a firefighter on speed dial?’ And it seemed Harry’s bad jokes and infectious smile broke the tension as Louis fixed him an unimpressed glare but tugged on his arm, nonetheless.

L⚓

Louis’ home was just as warm on the inside as it was out, he could just about see into the living room where a large and hearty fireplace took pride place in the centre of the room and fluffy blankets lined every surface causing Harry’s heart to twinkle, because of the heat obviously... not the millions of pictures of his younger siblings littered on every available surface that reminded him of an earlier dream.

Quickly Harry passed the staircase and bypassed the hallway leading to the spacious but rustic and very Louis kitchen which he stopped outside of, not walking in until Louis had triple checked Harry couldn’t see anything as he blindly led the younger boy into the kitchen. And of course, Harry stubbed his toe and Louis hands flew away from their position in front of Harry’s unsuspecting eyes right before the big surprise but really none of that mattered.

Louis’ table was decorated perfectly, small and wonderfully caramel scented candles flickered along with the fairy lights strung along the back wall. The amber glow and romantic ambience they created allowed Harry to see the flower petals scattered over the table and perfectly laid table (something he knew Louis never did for himself).

‘Lou’ Harry began ‘You really didn’t have to; this is wow just….’

‘But I wanted to’ was Louis clipped but chipper reply.

Harry blushed as curls tumbled into his face but shuffled along towards the chair Louis dutifully pulled out for him. They made idle chit chat as the chicken cooked with Louis shooting paranoid looks towards the oven like a man who’s seen it go up in flames before, but it was nice, so so nice.

And at the end of the day if the chicken was a little dry and the mash had (more than a couple) lumps Harry didn’t notice after-all conversations with a lover are one thing but for a pair whose future is so evergreen it’s quite another.

⚓

Time went by far too quickly for Harry’s liking and even though his boyfriend teased him, he knew he felt the same. It was months ago now that Harry first heard his blue-eyed boys voice and still months when he saw his boy for the first time…and that’s how he got to pondering how his life had changed.

He’s got a wonderful boyfriend, the cutest new kitten but best of all, today was the day of the final- because of course he made it! Shaking didn’t do him justice as Harry rode in the car that morning only partially listening to Shania Twain, a clear sign something was up.

Surprisingly, he was in the car by himself on the day of the big final; he’d anticipated he would need the morning to sort out his reeling mind and go through his bakes for one last time.

Firstly, he was going to create a signature carrot cake then some hopefully technically perfect summer berry tarts, then it was time for his showstopper. He’d already been told the theme but still even the thought of it made him feel sick; a mad hatter tea party. Course Harry had laughed when they told him, but oh no they were being serious.

Anxiety buzzed like busy bees throughout his veins, from the soles of his feet to the one sticking up hair that he couldn’t flatten for the life of him. He hadn’t even been able to stomach any breakfast that morning and even though the large rumble his stomach sounded he wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep anything down.

From his house to the tent Harry’s thoughts never slowed but the waft of highly concentrated sugar and the vaguely grim smell of burnt cake made him smile. Breathing in and out, he turned the key from his car feeling a little more at peace as each step brought him further towards the tent he had spent more time in than his own home these past months.

‘Alright Harry?’ A few different voices called as he tried to slink into Louis “home away from home” on site, he'd become a small celebrity whilst on set even though he hated to admit it. Many said it was for his devishlly good looks (that always got a blazing blush) or because of his residency as comedic relief (he had fallen over quite a few more times since that first incident with Louis). Giving a small wave and a dimpled smile Harry continued on his way to the tent, desperate to light a candle that reminded him of Louis and bundle in some blankets before hair and makeup came and found him- considering after the first few times he'd started doing this, now every member of the crew is able to deduce where he will be in seconds.

⚓

Predictably Harry was found in a matter of seconds. Kicking and screaming- or maybe just pouting- and was dragged into hair and makeup where a powdered brush, feathery light was dragged under his eyes and over the freckle covered bridge of his nose.

‘I think you're camera-ready darling’ Louis exclaimed, and because his lovely boyfriend was incapable of keeping quiet everyone's eyes slid to the embracing couple.

‘Your one to talk’ Harry mused, lifting his hand to touch the small swirl in Louis’ hair that had not been there this morning. Sadly, his hand was swatted away instantly, and a warning (but still fond) scowl took over his boyfriend's face.

‘Watch it darling.’ Louis warningly whispered but Harry was too busy mourning the loss of his cute bedhead to take much notice. Amused, Louis noticed Harry’s distant expression and even though he would never admit it, felt his beating heart slow a little at Harry’s short lived yet content state. He knew just how important today was for Harry and despite how many times Louis reminded him just how proud of his boy he was, he knew what it was like to play a whole season of football but feel the weight on your shoulders if it all comes down to the final game. He’d once tried to explain to Harry how Liverpool had only just missed out on winning the season that year to dreadful Man City on the last and very tense day, but it had been a lost cause. But Harry had listened because he adored the way Louis sounded when he got passionate, and he felt the very same when Harry spoke about how much winning this competition would mean to him.

Dazedly Louis noticed the time ticking by, ‘Better get going sunshine, its time’.

⚓

Whisk. Pour in the batter. Set the timer. Harry was around three quarters of the way into his final showstopping bake and the last decider, running through the mental list he had created to stop any last-minute silly mistakes from ruining him.

Thank God he did. Harry forgot to shut the oven, the oven! Hoping this would be an event he could laugh about sooner rather than later he flew around his station checking and double checking his timers and the perfectly set-out ingredients he needed to decorate.

One. Two. Three. The timer buzzed and hell broke loose as he nearly dropped his bake, sidestepping a bowl that had fallen onto the floor and back heeling the oven door closed. Harry safely delivered the cake to the counter and worked tirelessly to stick the finishing touches to his masterpiece. Giggling as Louis attempted to cheer him up when he accidentally broke one of his cookies and it crumbled into a sad stack of crumbs much like a pile of sand and working through the tears and ache in his arms.

Three. Two. One. He was done.

‘Step away from your bakes’ Louis’ proud voice boomed around the tent but his eyes were only on Harry.

Grinning like a devil seemed to describe Harry in that moment and nothing seemed too much when Louis swept him up into his arms. This journey had come to an end but overall this experience was the best of his life. Harry had met Joe and his unlevelled sense of humour; Zayn and his witty chats; Liam and his puppy dog eyes; Niall’s unconditional laughter and love as well as Perrie and her still bright pink dip-dyed hair...friends for life he mused.

He also saw the knowing glint in managements eye, and he knew that they saw him and Louis for what they were, two head over heels in love boys who had forgotten that they started this whole charade on less than wholly truthful terms.

That devilish smile didn’t leave Harry's face as he chatted to everyone whilst waiting for the judge's decision to be made. He caught up with Gemma and stumbled over his words when he introduced Louis to his mum but quickly relaxing when she swept him into a hug that would have left most people gasping for breath.

Then an announcer called for everyone to make their way to the garden as the judges had made their decision. Mary Berry held a bundle of flowers and Paul Hollywood stood beside her with the prized glass winner's plate.

Harry and the other two remaining contestants clasped hands as the tension was built. Harry felt as though birds were flapping beside his ear as the sights and sounds of the day appeared muted until they returned in bursting clarity.

‘And the winner is Harry styles!’

With gleaming tears and a heart so full he felt it could burst Harry shakily walked towards the judges to collect his prize. He thanked his family with too many gushy words and a promise that Gemma would rinse him for later and then he definitely thanked Louis later in the form of passionate kisses and declarations under covers. But, despite most definitely breaking the lust filled mood with a quick altered rendition of Taylor swifts shake it off with far too many baking references, Harry had never felt as though the music in his mind had sounded quite so golden.

‘Harry Styles, Great British Bake-off winner has a nice ring to it don’t you think love?’ Louis had mused later that night, but really he was thankful that this show had brought the Bambi like darling that was currently in his arms to him- a simple but endlessly thankful boy to whoever brought them together in this universe and hopefully every other one as well.