I really loved writing this one. It has over 9K words and I hope you guys love it too.

I have been writing this for days now, so I'm really excited to be finally publishing it.

I'll be back soon with a newchapter of Butterflies too, so don't panic.

Love you.

Mag 🦋

CLIFFORD
[Harry's POV]

Mornings were easy.

A simple routine that I've been following for at least six years now.

Alarm set right before sunrise, coffee pre-made the night before that I only needed to heat up, a comfy chair on the terrace of my penthouse and the best view in all L.A right where I could see the sun rising and the sea on the horizon.

Calm, peace and a brand new day to enjoy.

Inhaling clean and fresh air mixed to the smell of coffee and vanilla coming from my mug.

It was just the most perfect combination to face the day.
Which is something I really needed in my regular busy and hustled life.

Once the sun was up and two cups of coffee later, I usually went to change into my running clothes and some sunglasses to protect my sensitive eyes from the radiant summer sun.

Nothing was different today, just like any other morning, I found myself running my usual thirty blocks from my building, around the city, and back.

I never forced myself to do more, even if I knew I could push myself harder, because I never ran professionally, it was just a way to keep in shape and help my lung capacity.

For me, this was the best time of the day to go for a run, because few little people were up and none of them were completely awake or attentive enough to actually care to look at me. Even less, recognize me.

No fans stopping me in every corner, no paps taking pictures, no work calls, just time for me.

And that was something I didn't usually have.
That's why I call this time of the day, lucky hours.

These are the couple of hours where I could get to see my surroundings as a free, non famous, person, where I could observe people in their bubbles without paying attention to me, where I could get inspiration from the outside without having security around me, where I could experience things on my own without limits.

Because this early, there were only two kinds of people outside: those who were preparing to go to work, and those who were too drunk to even remember where they were.

I was just a few blocks away from my building, already on my way back, enjoying my last seconds of the lucky hour, when I started feeling like someone was following me.

But the truth was that nobody was around. The whole block was clear, and so were the blocks before that one too.

I resumed running, shrugging the feeling off, and looking ahead.

But then I felt something hitting my calves from behind and I immediately turned around, finding a dog running in between my legs and playfully biting my ankles to make me stop.

I snorted and crouched down to stroke his snout.

"Hey buddy, where's your owner?" - I said,

caressing the dog in between his ears.

He barked in response and hit the palm of my hand with his snout in search of my touch.

I took a look around to see that I was still completely alone in the whole block and I didn't exactly hear anyone coming closer either.

The dog was wearing a collar, but no leash.

When I tugged on the little tag, I could see a phone number right above the name Clifford.

"So, you're Clifford, huh?" - I mumbled, still caressing his fur. - "Let's call your owner."

He barked again, leaning down and playfully biting my ankle again, backing out and leaning again as if it was a new game.

I quickly took my phone out and copied the number on the collar on the screen of my phone, pressing the call button and waiting while keeping Clifford next to me.

If he was lost, the last thing I wanted was him to run away again.

"Tomlinson speaking." - A beautiful voice responded.

"Uhm.. hello, my name is Harry?"

"Harry what?"

"I found a dog and he has this number on the plaque." - I said, deciding to ignore his question. - "Clifford, I believe."

"Oh my God! Really? You found him? Where?"

"Uhm... I'm near Mulholland drive now."

"Mulholland drive? What the fuck is he doing there? That's... shit. Okay. Is it possible that you can wait for me, I'm like an hour away."

"Uh... sure. I mean, I can take him to my place in the meantime, it's... I don't want to wait here in the streets, but I'll send you the address of my building, would that work?"

"Yes, anything, thank you. Harry was your name, right?"

"Yes."

"Great. Mine is Louis. I'll be there in an hour more or less, please send me the exact address."

"Alright. Clifford, do you want to say something to Louis?" - I said, still stroking his fur and the dog, now knowing I was addressing him, barked in response.

Louis laughed on the other side.

"Yep, that's my boy. Thank you again, Harry."

"Goodbye."

Without much thought, I took Clifford by his collar and guided him the rest of the way to my building.

🐾

Just as Louis said, an hour or so later, the doorman of my building, Gael, called me through the intercom, letting me know I had visits.

I didn't tell him to send them up, instead, I took Clifford again, who was now really comfortable resting on top of my leather couch, and guided him towards the lift so we both got to the lobby of the building to meet his owner.

Standing waiting by the glass door with two security guards by his side, there was a really handsome guy dressed in a tailored suit.

I was... impressed to say the least.

This guy irradiated power and money, also, beauty and elegance.

It didn't seem to me like the kind of guy who would own a dog like this, a playful, fluffy and cute dog, it was somehow out of place.

He just didn't give me that vibe.

But he was the owner.

Because the second Clifford spotted Louis, he ran happily and jumped on him, almost making him trip backwards.

So, I had no doubts.

"Oh my God! Cliff, buddy, I missed you!" - Louis exclaimed, trying to hug the excited dog that was jumping and waving his tail to him.

Louis crouched down and Clifford started licking his face in content, barking happily and wriggling in between Louis' arms.

Louis had a really beautiful smile plastered on his face, mixed with relief and surprise.

He hugged his dog against his chest and finally, looked up at me with a grin.

"You must be Harry, then."

"Hello." - I extended my hand to him and he shook it. - "Yes, that's me. Assuming you're Louis?"

"Indeed." - He nodded, standing up again. Louis took out a leash from one of his pockets and secured it on Clifford's collar. - "I swear I won't take him out of the house ever again, he just keeps disappearing. It's the third time this month."

"Really?"

"Yes! He always ends up in this area somehow. I don't even know why." - He sighed but smiled nevertheless.

"Maybe he has a girlfriend or something around here." - I joked.

"God, can you imagine? My baby leaving me for a girl?" - He gasped, offended and I laughed. - "Anyways, he seems to be fine, so thanks for keeping him safe."

"It's not a problem, he behaved." - I smiled.

"Yeah... I trained him well. He receives plenty of compliments."

"I can see why, he's a great dog."

Louis looked up at me again and nodded, staring at my face, thoughtful.

"Do I know you?"

"Me? I don't know, do you?" - I smirked.

Louis frowned and then shook his head.

"I guess not. I have a really good memory. Anyways, I owe you so much, Harry. Thank you for calling me this morning. Look, I was offering a good reward for whoever found him." - He explained. - "I don't have cash here, but please give me a number where I can send you the money."

"No, Louis. It's alright. I don't need the money, I didn't do it for the money."

"Oh c'mon, let me pay you. Please."

"I really don't need it." - I smiled again, showing him I was being honest. - "I really loved helping and as I said, he didn't have me much work, so, it's completely fine."

"I still feel like I owe you."

"If you want to give money away, just donate it or something, that would make me really happy too."

Louis frowned but the corners of his lips started to twist upwards.

"Who are you?" - He snorted.

I shrugged and grinned.

"Someone that just loves to help."

"Are you sure we haven't met before?"

"I don't think so, I would surely remember someone as elegant as yourself, Louis." - I said and he laughed.

"God, no. This..." - He said, pointing at his suit. - "It's just work, really. I actually hate dressing up."

"More of a shirt and jeans kind of guy?"

"More like a sweats and no shirt kind of guy." - He smirked. - "Okay, well. I guess that I'll just leave now. You sure you don't want money or something? I can get you anything in return for your help and your disposition."

"It's all good, Louis. Just, don't let him escape again, he might not have the same luck." - I shrugged, stroking Clifford's head one last time before Louis turned around.

"Thank you again, Harry. I mean it."

"I know." - I nodded.

Louis shook my hand as a goodbye and he got out, followed by his security guards.

"Who's that guy?" - Gael asked from his desk, catching my attention.

"What did I tell you about listening to other people's conversations?"

"You guys were in my lobby." - He shrugged. - "So, who is he?"

"Uhm... Louis something."

"Tomlinson?"

"I don't remember. Maybe? Why?"

"Because Louis Tomlinson owns Tomlinson enterprises and is like one of the richest men in the country?"

"I guess we'll never know." - I smiled.

"We can Google him and we'll know."

"You do that, I'll be upstairs, having a life."

"That's mean, Mr. Styles." - He said and I laughed.

"Just focus on your work, Gael. Stop butting in other people's lives."

"Can't promise I will. I'm sure you'll appreciate the information in a few days."

"Yeah? Why's that?"

"Because you're all lovey dovey over him already."

"Sure." - I rolled my eyes and walked towards the elevator. - "See you later, Gael."

"See you later, Mr. Styles."

🐾

Exactly four hours after lunch, Gael called me again through the intercom.

I growled, standing from the piano, leaving a melody half written and with the words still forming in my mind, inspiration twisting and molding into a new song that was being surprisingly quickly composed.

"Yes, Gael?"

"You have a package."

"From whom?"

"Louis Tomlinson."

I bit my tongue and breathed deeply.

"What is it?"

"You should come downstairs and check it out yourself."

"I'm working."

"Fine, I'll send it up on the lift, pick it up."

"Thanks."

I sighed, running to the notebook I've been writing in and hurrying to write the new words flowing in my mind before they vanish.

At this pace, I would have a new song before dinner.

I heard the elevator door opening at the entrance of the penthouse so I ran to get whatever package Louis had sent.

The second I saw it, I started laughing.

This guy was really something else.

The "gift" was a real height, Clifford shaped, dark and white chocolate sculpture.

It also had a big thank you note hanging from its edible collar.

Luckily, the sculpture was over a wooden board with little wheels, making it easier to move.

I pushed it out of the lift in between laughs.

It was built perfectly, looking exactly like the dog itself, even his tongue slipping out of its mouth.

Which I noticed, was made of jelly.

The eyes were made of candy and the nails too.

All of it had a lot of details, and everytime I took a glance closer, it got better.

The fur was incredibly carved in the chocolate, making it look even more realistic and definitely harder for me to actually want to eat it.

I mean, how weird is this?

Apart from the fact that it's huge and it'll probably melt before I even start eating it.

I settled the sculpture in the middle of my kitchen and ran back to my studio to pick the phone and search for Louis' number.

[To Louis, owner of the dog] Am I supposed to eat all of that on my own?

[From Louis, owner of the dog] If you don't have anyone to share it with.

I laughed, feeling my cheeks flushing a little.

[To Louis, owner of the dog] No, unfortunately there's nobody to share this piece of art with me.

[From Louis, owner of the dog] That's a pity. Hopefully you can freeze it so it won't melt.

[To Louis, owner of the dog] I'll try. Thank you for the present.

[From Louis, owner of the dog] Don't thank me, it was fun. I'll donate some money in your honor too. Any association you may like?

I bit my lip and forbid myself from smiling.

[To Louis, owner of the dog] Are you for real?

[From Louis, owner of the dog] Yeah.

[To Louis, owner of the dog] Anything with kids, you can choose.

[From Louis, owner of the dog] You got it.

I giggled and let the phone fall on the armchair, not wanting to be tempted to keep texting him, and instead I could focus back on my music.

In the kitchen, I turned the AC on, preventing the chocolate sculpture from melting while I worked.

Before locking myself up in the studio, I broke Clifford's chocolate ear and brought it with me as a snack.

🐾

It was a miracle that after five days the sculpture hadn't melted yet.

Of course, I was practically freezing every time I tried to get into the kitchen to cook anything, but I just couldn't eat the whole thing on my own.

I even cut a few pieces to give it to Gael too, but still, it was enormous and impossible to finish.

So far, it wasn't a good sight either.

Chocolate Clifford no longer had a ears or snout, front paws or tail.

But its torso remained intact.

This morning, after my cups of coffee and watching the sun rising at the terrace of my penthouse, I decided to go for a run again.

I was in an incredible mood today. I had finished two songs in the past five days and I was starting rehearsals for the tour in a week or so.

Inspiration was flowing like water in my mind and it didn't seem to stop anytime soon.

I hadn't given myself a break from writing in the past mornings, so today I needed to make up for it.

Taking my usual path, thirty blocks around the area, I got distracted watching the normal cars getting out of their front lawns and heading to work, crossing with some early runners from time to time too, and then running behind me as a shadow Clifford?

Again?

I stopped in my tracks, crouching down and grabbing him by his collar.

"Hey buddy, what are you doing around here again? Where's Louis, huh?"

Clifford barked in response and I scoffed.

"You keep escaping, don't you? Let's call him again to let him know you're alright."

Clifford sniffed on my wrist and the underside of my arm until he gave a tug on his collar, getting himself free from my grip, running past me, and making me fall on my bum on the sidewalk.

"Clifford!" - I shouted as I started running behind him. - "Buddy, come back!"

The dog kept running down the street until he took a turn to the right, continuing running and magically avoiding the passing cars from hitting him but earning a few honks from them in the process.

To keep Clifford's track, I almost pushed a guy out of the way and had to shout a quick apology at him, so I could follow Clifford right until he stopped at the front of a large building where a black limousine was currently parking.

"Clifford!" - I breathed out, kneeling down, grabbing his collar and tightening my grip so he wouldn't run away again. But, oddly, Clifford stayed completely still, looking back at the limousine which now had the backdoor opened and a man was getting out of it.

"Clifford!" - Louis' voice rumbled around us and I lifted my head to meet his eyes. - "Harry! Wow, you found him again!"

"He..." - I panted. - "He actually found me and I..." - I breathed heavily. - "Just followed him."

"Here?" - He looked down at me.

"What?"

"He brought you here?" - Louis looked surprised.

"I... I wanted to call you and tell you he was with me again, but he... started running away and yeah... ended up here." - I said, still holding onto Clifford's collar and not moving from my kneeling position.

"He disappeared last night and..." - Louis ran a hand on his face. - "I tried looking out for him... I should put him a chip or something to find him everytime he decides to do this."

Louis moved to grab Clifford and I let him, finally standing up.

"Yeah, you probably should."

"Thank you again, Harry. For following him here and you know, keep an eye on him."

"No problem, Louis." - I smiled. - "Guess, I'll see you around."

Louis doubted for a second but then nodded, tugging on Clifford's collar and pushing him to the entrance of the building, before he started barking at me and freeing himself from Louis' grip and jumping on me.

"Clifford! Don't do that!" - Louis came running again, separating him from me. - "God, I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with him today. I'll lock him in the office and we'll be out of your hair, I'm sorry for all the trouble."

"It wasn't really a problem, I swear. I'm happy he'd return to you." - I smiled, ruffling the top of Clifford's head.

"I guess I'll have to send you another present soon." - Louis smirked.

"No. Please." - I laughed. - "I still have the last one in my kitchen."

Louis smiled and nodded.

"Then I'll send something more useful and not edible." - He shrugged.

"I don't need anything, I'm fine." - I smiled, letting Clifford's snout search for my hand and more cuddles.

"Okay, maybe I can invite you in?" - He asked, signalling the building.

"You work here?" - I asked, finally giving the big building a look.

"Yeah, own it actually."

"Impressive."

"Is that a yes?" - He smirked.

"Sorry, but I need to return, I have work to do."

"Sure, of course, it's a weekday. Sorry to keep you."

I bit my lip to suppress a smile and nodded.

"I don't have a very strict work schedule. I'm more of a freelancer? Kind of. Anyways... I can't stay today, but maybe next time?"

"So, next time? That confident?" - He smirked.

"You could say that."

He laughed and shook his head, now pulling Clifford back with him and towards the building.

"See you around, Harry."

I waved at them and I could hear Clifford barking and whining to go back outside, but it was too late, they had already disappeared inside.

🐾

"You have another package from Mr. Tomlinson." - Gael told me as soon as I crossed the lobby of my building.

"How?" - I breathed out.

It had been literally twenty minutes since I left the entrance of Louis' building.

Gael shrugged and pointed to a basket on the corner of his desk.

I rolled my eyes and leaned over to take a look.

Inside it had some scented candles, some bathing salts, perfumed soaps of different types and shapes, and some other products.

But what really caught my attention was the little note on the side.

I picked it up and opened it.

I promised not edible things. Hope this works.

I shook my head and laughed, picking the basket - after leaving behind some products for Gael - and getting into the lift, up to my penthouse.

As soon as I was home, I placed the basket on the couch and searched for Louis' number in my phone.

[To Louis, owner of the dog] I really didn't need any of this. But thank you, I guess.

[From Louis, owner of the dog] You're welcome. I might even promote you to my dogsitter.

[To Louis, owner of the dog] And I'd gladly accept.

I let go of the phone and headed to the studio, needing to drop all my ideas into notes, melodies and lyrics.

🐾

A week passed and I was already deep into my rehearsals for the upcoming tour.

Louis and I texted back and forth a little, but I didn't see him or Clifford at all.

The chocolate sculpture was half eaten by some of my band mates and the rest of it finally fitted inside the fridge, so my kitchen temperature was back to normal.

My mornings continued to be the same, early wakening, coffee at the terrace and watching the sun rise.

That's something I never gave up doing.

But since work got hectic and I wasn't getting much free time lately due to the rehearsals and the recording of my new songs, I didn't exactly have the extra time to go for a run after the sunrise.

And if that morning, I decided I had had enough of staying in and wanted to go outside to free some endorphins, and if for some unknown reason I took another way, which happened to be right in front of Louis' building, it was purely coincidental.

What was also coincidental, was that Louis just happened to be walking Clifford around his block, the dog's leash on his wrist, a phone against his ear in the other hand and his black, shiney, neat suit that almost sparkled under the sun rays.

I gradually stopped running until I got in front of him and Clifford recognized me, jumping on me.

I smiled and gave him a sloppy kiss in his head.

Louis, who was still on the phone, looked startled for a second and the smiled.

"I need to take care of something, Paul. I'll call you later." - He said into the phone and quickly hung up. - "Harry! I didn't think I'll see you again to be honest."

"I've been quite busy." - I shrugged.

"Yeah..." - He smiled softly. - "Me too. It's been a hard week. But, the good news is that Clifford hadn't escaped once."

"Really? That's good. What did you do?"

"I'm keeping him with me at all times." - He sighed. - "It's been crazy too. Bringing him to work, to meetings, even to bed with me to keep an eye on him during the night. But if he's not with me, he just finds a way to escape, you know? I can't have anyone else watching over him either, he's restless."

I looked down at Clifford who was now seated at my feet with his tongue out.

"He seems fine to me."

"That's because you're a dog whisperer, or something." - He joked.

I snorted and smiled widely at him.

"I'm a man of many talents."

"Oh my goodness, is that Harry Styles?" - A femenine voice said from behind me.

"Fuck, it's him." - Another voice spoke.

I turned around slowly, showing the girls a smile and their eyes widened, running the remaining distance to me and smiling widely at me.

"Can we ask you for a picture?"

"Would you take a picture with me?" - They said at the same time.

"Sure." - I nodded.

One of them took the picture with me first, then the other, and eventually they both hugged me and we took a group selfie too.

"Thank you so much, Harry. We love you." - One of them said as I signed her phone case.

"I love you guys too." - I smiled, giving her the phone back and waving at them as they walked away.

I turned back to search for Louis who I found resting by a building, giving me my space with the fans but staring at me amusedly.

"So that's where your confidence is coming from. Celebrity, huh?"

"Musician." - I shrugged and smiled at him, getting closer.

"I should have known. With that face, it would have been a waste if you were a lawyer or an accountant."

I laughed loudly and shook my head.

"Guess now you're just busting my confidence a little more."

He smirked and took some steps closer to me, pulling Clifford by his side.

"You're that guy my sisters always talk about."

"Am I?"

"That's why your face seemed so familiar." - He hummed. - "Guess my memory is failing me."

"Maybe you never paid much attention to your sisters."

"Yeah, that too." - He laughed. - "They would go nuts if they find out I know you personally."

"I usually have that effect on people." - I smirked.

He nodded and looked down, watching how Clifford just moved around my legs, hitting softly on my hands with his snout as if he knew I would give in and stroke his head.

"You know, he really likes you." - Louis smiled.

"I guess he does."

"And now I'm hating the fact that I have to be upstairs soon for a meeting, but he probably wants to stay here with you."

"Only him?"

Louis finally looked up and our eyes locked with so much intensity that I believe my breathing stopped for a millisecond.

"I would love to stay too, talk to you, and maybe ask you out." - He shrugged. - "Only if you want that as much as I do."

"So? What is it going to be? Are you staying and asking me out? Or are you going back to work?" - I said and he laughed.

"Unfortunately, I really need to go back to work." - He chuckled. - "But, would you like to have dinner with me tonight?"

"Yes." - I smiled. - "Also, I can dogsit Clifford today, so you don't have to keep him in that important meeting of yours."

"What? No, it's really ok. I can keep him with me."

"Louis, I'm offering. You can come to my place after work to get him and we'll go to dinner."

"What if he escapes?"

"He behaved perfectly the last time he was at my place. Besides, he can't escape from a penthouse."

"Okay... if you want to. It would be a relief actually." - He smiled. - "Call me if anything happens, please."

"Nothing will happen. Go to work." - I said, taking Clifford's leash and nudging Louis on the shoulder. - "I'll see you tonight."

Louis nodded and walked slowly back to his building, and surprisedly, Clifford didn't complain or barked once.

He was comfortable with me now.

So I tangled the end of his leash to my wrist and started running back to my place with Clifford on the side.

And it was good to finally have some company.

🐾

As predicted, Clifford was completely calm once we returned to my building.

I ordered some dog food from the supermarket and Gael sent it up in the lift minutes later.

I set everything up for Clifford in the living room, giving him some worn out blanket I had in a closet and plates with food and water.

When I finally freed him from his leash, he accommodated himself on the blanket and watched me wander around as I took a shower, changed my clothes into comfy ones, started preparing lunch, and tidied up the kitchen.

Then, he even followed me to my studio, holding his blanket in between his teeth and settling himself to sleep below my piano bench while I played.

In between improvising melodies at the piano, I somehow got rid of my shoes and, with my bare feet, I stroked Clifford's tummy underneath the bench.

He was really well behaved and also an incredible companion.

He wasn't a problematic dog, he barely even barked while being with me.

I'm quite used to being a loner when I'm on a break from touring. I like the quietness and the simple things.

But I never realized that maybe having a pet was something that I needed.

And as the hours went by, I started getting more excited by the idea of owning a dog myself.

I didn't notice that it was almost six thirty in the evening until Gael called me through the intercom saying that Louis was here and he was sending him up.

I quickly ran to the bathroom to freshen up and hopefully arrange a little to look decent.

I haven't even changed into my going out clothes yet and Louis was already there, standing by the glass door of the penthouse.

I sighed and went to the door, followed by Clifford who was stepping on my still bare feet.

Louis had a huge smile plastered on his face.

"Hey there." - He said to Clifford who was now standing on two legs and licking Louis' face. - "Missed me, buddy?"

"I'm sure he did. I probably bored him a lot today. He spent the whole afternoon sleeping."

Louis looked at me in surprise.

"Sleeping? This dog never sleeps. It's like he has a rocket in his ass or something. He never calms down."

"Well, maybe the piano calmed him." - I shrugged, stepping aside and letting Louis get in. - "I haven't realized the time, I'm sorry, I'll go change and be back in a bit."

Louis nodded and moved to the living room, sitting down while waiting for me to return.

I did my best to be ready in the shortest amount of time possible.

But even so, it took me like forty minutes to settle on an outfit.

By the time I returned, Louis had fallen asleep on my couch and Clifford was running from my bedroom door to the couch as if he wanted to let me know Louis was out.

I snorted and carefully walked to the side of the couch, placing a soft hand on his shoulder to shake him slightly.

"Louis?" - I whispered and Louis whined in his sleep. - "Hey, if you're tired I can prepare the guests room, you don't have to sleep here."

"Huh?" - He mumbled, still with his eyes closed.

"Lou... you fell asleep. Do you want to cancel our dinner and just stay here? you look tired." - I whispered again and Louis slowly opened his tired eyes.

"Hey, sorry." - He said, trying to sit up.

"Don't be. You worked all day." - I smiled. - "We can stay here if you want. I don't mind."

Louis yawned and covered his mouth, humming.

"This is not what I expected tonight to be." - He mumbled, still a sleepy smile on his face.

I smiled back and shook my head.

"Me neither, but we can cook something here and not move from the couch. It'll be good this way too. What do you say?"

"I had reservations. What time is it?"

"Uhm... seven thirty? More or less."

But when I turned to check on the clock of my wall, Clifford jumped behind me, bumping into me with so much force that caused me to fall on Louis' lap in a very gracious way.

I suddenly was face to face with Louis, and inches apart from each other.

"Sorry." - I murmured, wriggling in his lap to move away, but he stopped me.

Louis put his hands on my hips and shifted me a little so I could be in a comfortable position over his lap.

He didn't say anything, he just stared at me intensely, his fingers moving slowly on my hip bones over the fabric of my pants, and his tongue slipped out of his mouth, brushing over his lips to get them slightly shiny.

"I have never wanted to kiss someone as much as I want to kiss you."

I know I blushed, and I know he noticed it, because his stare changed from wanting to a fond look, and I couldn't be more embarrassed.

"Then why haven't you kissed me yet?"

"Because I'm still waiting for you to back off and leave me with the desire."

"Why would I do that?" - I frowned.

"Because." - He shrugged.

"I believe you should totally kiss me now." - I said. - "And if you don't do it, I will."

Louis laughed and Clifford barked happily at us, catching our attention and jumping on the couch next to Louis.

"Hey, get down of Harry's couch."

"Leave him. It's okay." - I said and Clifford barked again.

"I swear it's like he understands everything you say." - Louis said, frowning at his dog.

I took Louis' chin and made him look back at me, leaning over him and placing my lips as close as possible without actually touching.

"So? Who's going to start it?"

Louis snorted and with one swift movement he pushed me backwards on the couch and hovered over me, capturing my lips and kissing me with urgency.

Louis' hands were carefully placed one at the side of my head and the other one in my neck to guide and control the kiss, but apart from that he wasn't touching me much, just as if he was afraid of something.

So, I took the initiative and my hands moved his back, roaming and exploring, under his blazer, up and down, pulling him towards me even closer, tugging on his belt and lifting the end of his shirt just a little over his belly button.

My legs immediately went up to wrap around his waist and the kiss turned into a full make out in a matter of seconds.

Louis saw this as my full permission to touch, so he relaxed above me, moving his hands and fingers with ease wherever he wanted.

I felt hot all over, I felt my body asking for more, wanting more.

I was delighted.

Louis' hands, Louis' soft lips pressing against every part of me that he could have, his tongue making wonders inside my mouth, his body weight holding me down and keeping me at his mercy.

And don't get me started on his hoarse voice against my skin.

It was ecstasy.

"Why the fuck you took so long to do that?" - I breathed out, dropping my head back and letting him form a bruise on my collarbone.

"Because I wanted to be a gentleman."

I chuckled and tangled my fingers in his hair, pushing his head further into my neck.

"Idiot." - I huffed, pulling him back to my lips again and kissing him desperately.

"Uhmm... Harry..." - He separated from me for a second, looking down into my eyes. - "I need... I need to know where are we leading this."

"My room. Of course." - I answered and he laughed.

"God, you're so eager, I love it." - He leaned down and kissed my lips harshly again. - "So, I'm staying?"

"Yeah."

He smirked and backed off, extending his hand at me and pulling me to sit up.

"Lead the way."

🐾

That following morning, nothing was easy.

It wasn't usual for me to share a bed with anyone, let alone wake up next to another body.

Another body who was complaining - in between snores - of my alarm.

The sun hadn't come up yet and for the first time in a while, I kinda wanted to stay in bed, turn off the alarm and continue sleeping.

The night before I had completely forgotten to prepare my coffee for the morning and now, at the mere ring of my alarm there were some strong barks coming from Clifford on the other side of the door.

It wasn't my usual and pleasant morning.

So, I followed my instincts and turned around, buried my face on my pillow and continued to sleep, feeling the heat of another body shifting closer and spooning me from behind.

🐾

"Harry?"

"Huh?"

"I need to head to work."

"What time is it?" - I mumbled against the pillow, trying to force my eyes to open, but the light was just too bright already.

"Almost ten. Sorry to wake you."

"Ten? Fuck." - I growled, finally finding the strength to sit up and look at the beautiful guy sitting at the edge of my bed.

"Yeah... I should go back to my place and change, and you know... go to work. I'm already late."

"Sorry." - I yawned, throwing my legs out of bed and standing up, trying to search for something to wear. - "I'll open the door for you. You sure you don't want to stay and I can prepare a quick breakfast or something?"

"No, Harry. I'm alright. I'll get a coffee at the office." - He said, taking Clifford's leash and pulling him to the door.

"He can stay, you know? You don't have to take him to the office with you."

"Are you trying to steal my dog from me?" - He joked.

"No. Sorry. That's not..."

"I know." - He smiled, stepping closer to me and stealing a kiss from my lips. - "I'll leave him at my place today."

"But if he stays here, you'll have an excuse to come back tonight." - I smirked and Louis snorted.

"Do I need an excuse?"

"No, you probably don't. But I liked his company yesterday." - I pouted.

Louis smiled fondly at me and nodded.

"What do you say, buddy? You want to stay with Harry today too?" - Louis asked Clifford and he tilted his head up, looking at him in interest. - "Yeah? Do you want to stay?" - He asked again and the dog barked.

"That sounds like a yes to me." - I said and Louis grinned.

"Fine. But I'll be back tonight and we'll have dinner this time, you hear me? No distractions." - He said, leaning towards me and pecking my lips.

"Can't promise anything."

🐾

Two more weeks went by with Louis and Clifford coming and going to my house and spending time on little sneaky dates so we could stay out of the eye of the press.

Louis spent more nights at my place than at his own house, and everytime, that included Clifford.

Since that started happening, I had to change my morning routine a little, but still, I wasn't going to give it up.

Louis didn't wake up with my alarm, he was actually a heavy sleeper. So, moving slowly out of his embrace every morning wasn't a big deal.

Except for the fact that staying in his arms always seemed more tempting than actually going to sit outside and watch the sunrise.

But I managed.

Once outside my room, now I had Clifford's presence greeting me and following me around from the kitchen to the terrace.

With my coffee mug in hand and Clifford at my feet, watching the sunrise was now even more peaceful than before somehow.

So I smiled to myself and waited until the first sun rays shone over us.

When it got time for Louis to wake up, I was already changed into my running clothes and with Clifford on toe, moving his tail in excitement for getting out and going for a run.

Louis was getting accustomed to the idea of me being that close to his dog. He let me take care of him most of the week while he was at work and he was surprised that he hasn't escaped once since this new routine started.

But maybe it'll all end today, because even if we were on a good stage and everything was flowing with ease in between us, I still hadn't let him know that I would be leaving the country tonight, and that was actually scaring me.

So, when Clifford and I finished our morning run together, I decided to stop at Louis' building to give him the news.

Hopefully he won't be too busy.

His secretary let me in and Clifford practically dragged me to Louis' office as if he knew the way by heart.

I knocked on his door twice before hearing his permission to come inside.

When he saw me, his whole face lightened up and my heart started to beat faster.

"Hey, what are my boys doing here?" - Louis said as I let go of Clifford's leash and he jumped on his owners lap, licking his face and making Louis giggle.

I moved to take a seat on the other side of his desk and took a deep breath.

"I kinda needed to talk to you."

"What happened?" - Louis asked, pushing Clifford down and giving him the instruction to sit.

"I'm leaving tonight. I'm going on tour for the next four months." - I bit my lip.

"Oh."

"Sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

"Uhm... it's fine, I guess. Thank you for letting me know now."

"I don't want you to be mad or anything. I really enjoy spending time with you. You know that. And I was wondering if we can just press pause to whatever we're doing right now, and maybe wait until I come back? I mean, it's not like I'll ask you to be exclusive to me for four months, we're not officially together, so I can't ask you that. But maybe we can, you know... keep in touch and see if we can get things back then?"

"Yeah, sure, we'll keep in touch. Why not?" - He smiled sadly. - "And... to be honest, I would be loyal to you... I mean, if you want to be exclusive."

I looked up at him and nodded.

"Please."

Louis took my hand over the desk and kissed softly on my knuckles.

"What time do you leave tonight?"

"Eight or nine?"

"I'll try to be at your place before that to say goodbye, yeah?"

"Okay." - I smiled. - "I'll prepare dinner."

"Great, now I really need to get something done, darling. I'm sorry, I don't want you to go, but you'll only be a distraction, you know?" - He smiled sadly and stood up from the desk, walking around it and getting to my side. - "I'll keep Clifford here so you can get ready for your tour." - He whispered into my mouth and then cut the distance between us with a soft kiss. - "See you in a few hours, yeah?"

"Yeah." - I whispered, standing up and leaving the room, hearing Clifford's whines even after I entered the elevator.

🐾

Preparing for the tour wasn't that hard at all, because most of the things that I needed to get on the plane were prepared beforehand by my whole team.

Me? The truth is I don't carry many things on my own besides the daily use things like toothbrush, phone charger, my IDs and credit cards.

So, there wasn't much to do while I waited for Louis besides preparing some meal that could be easy to clean after and leave the penthouse in conditions for when I return from the tour.

I was nervous about tonight.

So when Gael called me through the intercom, announcing Louis was here, I almost dropped all the plates with food on the floor and ran to open the door.

Louis was standing there with a huge flower bouquet and Clifford on his side with a single rose in between his teeth.

"Is there room for two more in your bus tour?"

"What?"

Louis smiled, pointing at himself and Clifford.

"We want to go with you."

"Come again?"

Louis closed his eyes and sighed.

"I don't want to miss you for four months. And I arranged everything at my company today to take a few months off. I can still do things from my computer if I must, but apart from that I'm free for at least three months. I thought..." - He extended the bouquet towards me, expecting me to take it. When I didn't, he looked down at the floor, dopping his arms at his sides. - "I thought wrong, didn't I? God, I'm an idiot. I'm sorry."

The truth is that I was in shock.

Nobody. Ever. Had done something like that for me before.

And there he was, wanting to be with me, wanting to go on tour just because he didn't want to miss me?

Did I hear it right?

"Lou..."

"It's okay. We were supposed to say goodbye tonight. And that was it. I'm sorry for thinking that this would be a great idea when it clearly isn't." - He huffed. - "I was moving too fast."

"No. No, no, no. It is a great idea, it is. I swear. I'm just processing it. But yes, I mean, you both can come on tour with me. I'll have to call my team, and you'll probably need some suitcases with clothes and stuff. But of course, yes. I'd love to share my world with you. I'd love you to see it." - I smiled.

"Are you serious?" - He looked up, hope reappearing in his eyes.

"Yeah. Of course."

He sighed in relief and threw his head back, looking up at the ceiling.

"God, thank you." - He grinned, stepping inside and now handing the bouquet to me once again.

This time, I took it.

"So, are we having dinner?" - I smirked, leaning towards him a little and kissing his cheek.

"Actually I think I need to go to my place to pack." - He laughed. - "When are we leaving?"

I laughed.

"In three hours."

"I'll be back before you've even noticed I'm gone."

"Wait. Before leaving. I need to know something."

"Yeah?"

"Why did you think coming to tour with me would be a great idea?"

"Uhm, because I want to spend time with you?"

"Spend time with me as...?"

"As...?"

"Friends with benefits? Summer fling? Boyfriends?"

"Isn't it a bit too soon to put a label on us?"

"I'm twenty eight years old. I'm not getting any younger." - I said and Louis laughed.

"You will never let me be a gentleman, Will you?"

"Not if you are that slow." - I smirked.

"I was just being traditional and cautious! I wanted to plan a date or something to ask you properly."

"You were being slow as a turtle."

"And you're being mean. I'm already regretting asking to go on tour with you." - He huffed and I grinned widely.

I took a grip on his waist and brought him to me, kissing gently on his lips and then peppering kisses all over his face too.

"Fine." - He sighed. - "I'm your boyfriend. Happy?"

Clifford barked at us, waving his tail happily as if he was understanding every word, causing us to laugh.

I shook my head and stole another kiss from Louis' lips, smiling into it.

"Yes."

🐾🐾🐾

Mornings were easy.

A simple routine that I've been following for at least eight years now.

Alarm set right before sunrise, Yorkshire tea pre-made the night before that I only needed to heat up, two comfy chairs with fluffy blankets on the backyard of my new house, and the best view in all of London right where I could watch the sun rising and warming the cold England mornings.

Calm, peace and a brand new day to enjoy.

Inhaling clean and fresh air mixed to the smell of tea coming from my mug and the wonderful scent of my barely awake boyfriend on the chair right next to mine.

It was just the most perfect combination to face the day.

Louis wasn't a morning person.

But he had started to enjoy spending the mornings with me and sharing this time of watching the sun together.

Not talking much, just having a cuppa and cuddling under our blankets was enough.

With our hectic lives, we barely got to have time to relax and just enjoy being together.

So mornings were now our lucky hours.

Those beautiful hours where we could just breathe, enjoy, relax and love each other without limits.

"What are you doing today?" - I asked him, while softly caressing his knuckles under the blanket.

"I have a meeting at ten, then the rest of the day off. You?" - He said, almost in a whisper while his mouth pecked gently on the side of my jaw.

In the morning, Louis was more careful and tender than usual with me.

And I loved that.

I loved how he always knew what I needed.

How his feet traveled up and down in my calves, how his hands always found the sensible parts of my body to make me feel warm and pleased, and how much his different types of kisses told me.

How he could express his feelings through his kisses and the way his eyes looked, is something that will always be a mystery for me.

Just like right now.

His closed eyes as he pecked on my jaw with that much sweetness, was his way of telling me he was going to miss me all day today, without words.

"I'll go for a run with Clifford in an hour or so." - I answered. - "Then I have to meet with my band at lunch at the studio. Probably be back here at four."

"Alright." - He whispered. Louis slowly opened his eyes and placed a hand right where my heart was. - "I just remembered that yesterday I bought something for you."

"What?"

"We've both been really busy last week, and I noticed we missed our second anniversary. So I bought you a gift."

"Our anniversary was last week? How? Oh my God, I'm sorry Lou. Happy anniversary." - I pouted, pressing my forehead against his'.

"I forgot too." - He shrugged, cupping my cheek and kissing me lightly. - "Happy anniversary to you too. Do you want to see your gift?"

"Yeah."

Louis untangled himself from under the blankets.

"Stay here."

I hummed in response and stayed there, sipping on my tea and watching the pretty colors changing on the horizon.

Louis returned minutes later and crawled under the blankets again, snuggling closer to me.

"Hope you like it." - He smiled, handing me a white jewelry box.

"Uhmm... it looks expensive."

"We can afford it. Now shut up and open the box." - He said and I laughed.

"Fine." - I rolled my eyes and nudged his shoulder playfully.

When I opened it, I could see a rose gold ring, a rose gold locket necklace, and a rose gold dog collar?

I burst into laughter when I saw Clifford's little plaque on the golden collar.

"You're insane. We can't put this on the dog."

"Of course we can. And you'll use the necklace and I'll use the ring. Just in case we get lost too." - He shrugged, with an amused smile plastered on his face.

"What?" - I laughed.

"Look at the ring."

I took the ring in the palm of my hand and I could see that on the underside of it there were some engraved words.

It said: If I'm lost, please return to Harry.

I laughed and took the necklace, seeing it also had some words craved on the underside of the locket.

If I'm lost, please return to Louis.

"You're insane." - I laughed.

"Yeah, but you love me."

"And I love the gift too." - I said, pecking his lips. - "Thank you."

"Also, have you seen whose number is on Clifford's collar now?"

I frowned and looked down at the box in my lap, taking the collar and examining the plaque.

It had engraved my phone number instead of Louis'.

"You're the one that spends more time with him anyways. So if he gets lost it's probably your fault now." - He said and I laughed.

"Idiot."

"I'm kidding." - He laughed. - "I decided to put your number because I know you still call him my dog and he's ours, you know. He's your dog too. I wanted to do something significant to show that to you." - I shrugged. - "And maybe you can finally change my name on your phone." - He rolled his eyes.

"What? Never. I love Louis, owner of the dog. It suits you."

"I'm your boyfriend! You should have me under "love of my life" or something like that."

"Maybe I can change it to Louis, the other owner of my dog."

Louis sighed and shook his head.

"I can't with you."

I grinned and threw my arms around his neck, pulling him on a kiss.

"Loved the gift. I'll buy you something today, yeah? Sorry for forgetting our anniversary."

"I told you it's fine. I'm glad you liked the present." - He said, bumping my nose with his'.

I tangled my fingers on his nape, sweetly running them on his baby hair at the back of his neck.

"Which name would you like?"

"For what?"

"For my phone." - I rolled my eyes.

"I don't know... just something more loving?"

"Like?"

Louis huffed and laid back on the backrest of the chair.

"I don't know. It has to come from you. I can't tell you how to name me."

I internally laughed at how easily he got annoyed about this.

"How about Sun ray?"

"Huh?"

"Can I name you Sun ray?"

"Why?"

"Because you make my day brighter." - I said, making him laugh.

"Fine. It's better than what you have."

I smiled widely and grabbed my phone from the side table, quickly changing his name on my contacts.

"Done."

"Give me my ring, please." - He said, turning on his side and resting his head on my chest.

I took the ring out again and slid it on the finger Louis was holding up.

"Now you'll always return to me." - I said softly against his ear.

"I will."

I placed the necklace on my neck too and we both fell into a beautiful and comfortable silence where nothing bothered us.

The sun was now up and bright in the sky, waiting for us to start our day.

But the day could wait a few more hours.

Because being in that chair, cuddling with my boyfriend and enjoying our time together, was way more important than anything else that the day held for us.

🐾 The End 🐾