If you'd like to spend the rest of your life with me too?

Louis' heart was torn and throbbing, he never had in his life ever came to a point where he'd have to make such a decision that intensified his pain. Choosing between two boys that want nothing more than to have Louis' love. Who longed to be his other half.

Who would've thought he'd be thrown into this heart-wrenching love triangle?

He surely didn't.

On one hand, he could finally have that fairy tale ending he always dreamed of, the idea of marriage was something he yearned for. To know someone wanted to spend their life with him and Sean wanted to. He was on his knee asking for another chance, a risky move Louis would say. Especially after everything they went through. They have a history that's bittersweet, and a part of him adores the idea of commitment.

Yet... something in his heart was telling him that if he went through with an engagement and eventually married, he'd be unhappy. Trapped into a relationship where he couldn't give himself away one hundred percent and love Sean unconditionally.

That he only liked the idea of having someone to call his husband.

Louis could've had this years ago, and at the time he would already be saying yes, crying tears of joy, and already had the ring on his finger. Young and in love. Excited for the new chapter in his life.

But that was then, and this is now... and Louis can't find it himself to do it.

He didn't feel the same way he did years ago...

"Sean..." Louis' voice was soft, and his gaze fell back down to his ex-boyfriend. "I can't."

His ex-boyfriend's face fell into a grimace, the small black box snapped shut, and he's on his feet towering over Louis.

"Why not?" Sean asked as he let out an irritated sigh. "I could give you everything you want, and I've proven myself to you that I've changed."

"Just because you're not the same man I knew years ago doesn't mean I should marry you." Louis explained, hoping that Sean would understand and not be so reactive and yet... he had a feeling this may not go over too well. "I don't need your money to be happy, Sean. I just-"

"But I've been so good to you, and I made up for what I did," Sean sounded outright angry, the ring box in his hand clenched in his grip. "You're going to throw away all that progress we've made because you wanna be with him?"

"And I appreciate you for that, I do, "Louis' hands were trembling, and all he wanted to do was Sean to leave. Stop trying to argue his points to win his fight. "But... I don't love you."

Sean's jaw was clenched, and Louis watched his shove the ring back into his pocket and just glared at him. It made Louis feel so small, and he hated every second of it, never had he been on the end of his past loves anger like this. Not once had he received such a look and Louis hated it.

"Can't believe I wasted my time trying to get you back when I clearly never had a chance," Sean said sharply. "I always had a feeling at some point you'd go off and fuck him."

Louis furrowed his brows, Sean was being a dick. Throwing a tantrum because he wasn't getting what he wanted. It was one thing that Sean was upset, but it was another now that he was practically insulting him.

"Wouldn't be shocked if you did when we were together." Sean sneered and that hurt Louis, speared right through his heart.

How could Sean say such a thing?

Louis wasn't the one who ran off every night to be in someone's else's bed while they were together.

"That's not true, and you know it," Louis was getting upset, he never liked to argue or be picked on. Especially not with someone who you thought loved you was now accusing you of something you never did. "How could you even say that?"

"Because I have eyes, I've seen the way he stared at you and touched you." Sean snapped, taking a step closer and Louis felt suffocate: "Do you really think I'm that dense, Louis?"

Louis swallowed and shook his head, he didn't know what to tell Sean. It's not his fault that Harry was infatuated with him at the time, he had no control over that. So he doesn't get why Sean's holding that against him. It was like he wanted to intentionally hurt Louis.

And before Louis opened his mouth to defend himself Sean spoke up once again.

"Don't play me for a fool," Sean shook his head, and Louis didn't understand why all of a sudden it felt as if he were the one who ruined their relationship. What he didn't get was the fact Sean was bringing this all up now when he never said anything about it in the past. "I dated you for five years, and I almost feel like I wasted my time."

"You're the one whose time got wasted? Excuse you?" Louis was offended by that, how dare Sean say that. Louis was the one who spent half a decade with the man who he thought was the love of his life. Clearly, someone had a memory like a sieve.

"And you tossed it away again, making me think for a moment that you might actually care for me," Sean retorted, his nostrils flaring and skin flush. "But I was wrong; clearly you'd rather get on your knees for him then give me your hand."

Louis frowned, that was quite the low blow coming from his ex-boyfriend who was far from perfect. He didn't want Sean to keep degrading him for the choice he made because he's unhappy with the outcome, Louis didn't want to hear it.

He was about to open up his mouth when Harry stepped in front of him, his back in Louis' face, standing between them.

"Out," Harry hissed, and Louis swallowed, crossing his arms against his chest, feeling a little happy inside that he was being shielded from the negativity. Guarded and protected. "Get out."

"Oh piss off will you, I'm not done talking with Louis," Sean spat, and Louis didn't want to hear whatever else his ex-boyfriend wanted to throw his way. "Move."

"No," Harry countered, being stubborn and it was one of those moments where Louis loved that about him. "You've said more than enough so you can find yourself to the door."

"That's not for you to decide."

"I'm not going to let you keep talking to him like that, Louis was nothing but sweet to you, and gave you another chance. Yet here you are being an ungrateful prick to him because he told you no."

Sean huffed, and Louis hoped that was enough for his ex-boyfriend to leave already, he already made Louis feel bad. No need to make it worse. Even if the feelings weren't there, it still didn't mean it didn't hurt to hear such things leave Sean's mouth. He never liked to be accused of something he didn't do or berated. Especially with someone who he gave his heart to in the past.

"Because I'm better for him than you, I could give him everything," Sean wasn't giving up, and Louis could feel the anger just oozing from the body in front of him, "He's just being unreasonable and not understanding of anything."

"He doesn't want to marry you, so leave!" Harry demanded, his body was shaking and all Louis wanted to do was put a soothing hand on him. He had never seen his mate this angry before, it wasn't like that night Harry found out Travis was his date or when he found out about Sean. No. It was different, and Louis was almost sure at some point his mate my snap completely.

There's a thick silence in the air that follows, and Louis waned coil in on himself. It was unbearable and nerving because tense feeling made him feel not so good. Anxious at whatever was about to happen next.

"Lou-"

"Please go," Louis spoke up this time, he didn't want to hear any more of what Sean was about to say or ask. He was done with it.

And then next thing Louis knows is he heard quick footsteps and a door slamming the distance.

Harry turned around, his face now soft and his eyes on Louis are gentle. Such a contrast from earlier. "He was in the wrong and don't you think for a moment any of what he said was true."

His mate's words were sweet and eased the hostility out of the room slowly, at least now he was alone with Harry. Everything out in the open and no more hiding behind false facades because now they had to talk. No running back to Doncaster or being in relationships that made you unhappy. Just them and no one else. They needed this.

Because Louis wanted to be with Harry. He loved him.

"I'm not normally a violent person, but I was so close to throwing a punch," Harry said, and Louis' not going to lie the thought of Harry going to that length to protect him had his heart already starting to swell. "I just hope you're okay?"

Louis nodded, the corners of his lips slowly starting to quirk upward. The first time he's felt a little bit of peace in days.

"You're so sweet to me," Louis cooed, he wanted to reach out and touch him. Rest his hand on Harry's arm or waist, wanting to tell him that he wanted to be with him. "Wished I would have realized that sooner."

"It's okay," Harry murmured, and Louis had a feeling his mate would say something like that.

Another silence falls over them, and Louis doesn't know what to say, he wanted to tell Harry he was sorry too. For running off and making him go through the years of constant heartache. Louis thought he had it bad, but clearly, Harry had it even worse. He should've realized it years ago, and he's almost angry at himself for being so oblivious. Thinking Harry was only being a good mate to him.

It's sad how he never could see it.

But the one thing Louis could do was show him his gratitude and affection.

Without any hesitation, Louis brought one of his hands up and slid it around the back of Harry's neck, leaning up, and pressed his lips against Harry. His other hand cradled against his mate's cheek. The kiss sweet and slow.

It was fleeting, but just enough to send the message to Harry.

When Louis pulled back his face a little, Harry stolen another kiss from him and he smiled. Staring him in the eyes and whispered, "Thank you."

Louis doesn't want to pull away, but he does. Reluctantly pulling his hands off his mate knowing they needed to talk. Have a serious heart to heart before anything else could happen.

"I don't hate you, and I don't think I could ever feel such a way about you, it's foolish for you to even think that way," Louis said lightly, he could never apprehend the thought of such a thing. Sure he may have been upset thinking Harry had gotten back with Ellie, but that was far from despising his best mate. "Everything you said to me broke my heart more than when you left the first time."

Harry had this empty stare and Louis wanted nothing more than to bring the shine back to his gorgeous green eyes.

" And I was only at Sean's because I had nowhere else to go and thought that he'd make me feel better. I was an idiot for thinking that going to his for a few days would do anything," Louis wanted Harry to understand that he didn't choose Sean over him, that this time there wasn't someone else. "When he kissed me I wanted it so badly to be you... but it wasn't."

He didn't want to hurt Harry any more and surely didn't want to tell him anything about what happened last night. Louis knows that would break his friend's heart even more and he can't have that. Louis just wanted to forget everything that happened the night before, and it was better that way.

" I can't see myself with anyone else, and I understand if you don't want it anymore." Louis said woefully, at least this time he wasn't crying. It pained him to say it. "But I-

"I still want to be with you, very much," Harry crooned, Louis felt a hand on his waist and a little squeeze that followed. "Always have and always will."

Heat started to inch up to Louis' cheeks at that admittance, even after everything Harry still wanted him. Louis felt as if he didn't deserve it, but he was happy. So fucking ecstatic that it turned out to be mutual between them because this was a rarity, especially reading all those stories regarding friends with benefits. That it was a risky move because you could catch feelings that wouldn't be returned. In a way, Louis was glad that Harry kissed him that night when he was sad over Sean moving on or else who knows where they'd be at. Would he have fallen for Harry over time? Or would he be dating again? Single?

Louis wondered if Harry would've had the courage to tell him how he felt.

"This may not be extravagant or me asking for your hand in marriage, but I wanna know... if you'd like to go to dinner with me?" Harry asked, his eyes brimming with warmth and hope. Like he spent his whole life waiting for this moment.

Louis flicked his eyes to the ground, trying to bite back the grin wanting burst through before he snapped his gaze back up to Harry and uttered, "How could I say no to that?"

Harry slid his tongue across his nether lip, and Louis felt as if the space between them suddenly gotten smaller. The hand on him still there and Louis loved it so much. He adored Harry and everything about him, and was looking forward to tonight.

Louis was in heaven.

"I promise it won't be the worst date of your life." Harry teased, letting out a small chuckle. Louis wanted to melt into a pile of goo, he missed his laugh.

Louis' heart was already shaking with anticipation for what's to come later. Where they would have a nice meal and maybe a drink or two. Talking about things and testing the waters. Louis was excited, and he hadn't ever thought he'd been this ecstatic about a date before.

"I'm sure you'll pass the test, Harold. No worries." Louis reassured, reaching up to tuck some of the frazzled curls behind his friend's ear. "I'm easy to please."

"So if I take you hiking to go see the stars for an overnight camping trip then you won't complain?"

"Eh-"

Harry shook his head, even more laughter falls from his lips before he pressed a gentle kiss to Louis' forehead. " I'm only teasing, Lou."

"I knew that." Louis breathed out, feeling happy and actually in a good mood. They still needed to talk about things, and Louis wanted to know more. Everything and all the moment Harry longed for him the most. They have all day to do so, and Louis intended to get it all out in the open before dinner.

Harry staring at him openly for a moment, he looked to be thinking before he said, " I think I'm gonna hit the showers, Lou. I stink."

"Can I come to?" Louis wanted to be in their small shower with him. Body to body. Hands everywhere and lips on his skin. Louis wanted nothing more than to feel close to Harry in this moment. Sex or no sex, Louis needed him. Ached to feel that intimacy between them now there weren't no restrictions or worries he'd be pushed away afterward. Louis just wanted to be near the boy he loved.

He had hoped Harry would want that too.

Harry's face breaks into a grin and Louis felt another pulse of pressure against his side. It warmed him up inside at the affirming gesture. Glad that he could have this after all this time. It would be there time.

When Harry's hand fallen off his body Louis wanted nothing more than to have it back on him. No, both hands on him, holding him impossibly close, and embracing each other. Louis yearned to have that so much at this moment as its been far too long and now it'd be more intimate than before. More meaning behind it all instead of a lingering hug in the car park.

"Come on, babe," Harry cooed, already veering off towards the loo, and Louis didn't waste a second as he followed behind him. Locking the door the door behind him.

The last time they had been in buff together was back at the hotel and filled with lust. Not taking the time to appreciate each other's naked bodies as it'd been years. No searing yet soft kisses pressed along Louis' skin or words of endearment that eventually turned into filth. It was the heat of the moment.

But now as Louis slipped off his pants down his legs as Harry already naked and indulging himself under the showerhead. Louis was going to enjoy this, take in everything because he finally could without feeling like he was exposing too much. Now he could stare Harry in the eyes and tell him that he thinks his body was picturesque. Love every dip and curve of his hard and firm muscles, from his strong thighs to carved biceps, relish him in compliments. Kiss every bit of his skin and tell him how beautiful he was to Louis.

Worship everything about Harry because he could.

And he wanted Harry to know everything.

The water was warm as splashed onto Louis skin as he stepped into the eensy shower, in front of Harry because that was the only space for him. Okay, so maybe Harry moved away from the jets so Louis could soak under the warmth and that was sweet of him. It was compacted for sure, and Louis could feel the weight of Harry's body pressed into him from behind. It was marvelous, and the tender palm that slid onto the center of his belly had Louis' heart fluttering and sweet pair of lips pressed against his shoulder. Louis preened under the attention. Leaning back into him, not to arouse his mate, but to feel even closer to him in a way. Louis wanted nothing more than to make up for lost time.

To give and take all the affection in the world with this beautiful boy.

"I missed you, so much," Harry crooned, his warm breath fanned along Louis' ear. He felt another gentle peck against his skin. "I thought I had lost you."

"Me too." Louis whispered, knowing Harry couldn't hear him over the water pressure. But he's sure Harry already knew that.

They stay like that for some time, not cleaning their scalps or washing away at their bodies. Just standing there enjoying the moment of intimacy.

But at some point, Louis did turn to face Harry and wanted to melt against him. He's gotten hands on his hips, and the body in front of him still close. Louis rested a hand on Harry's bicep and the other on his cheek. Cradling it. Harry had this shadow of a smile on his lips. His skin glistening from the water and his hair slicked. He looked beautiful to Louis and maybe... just maybe he couldn't help himself when he leaned up and captured Harry's lips with his own.

Sighing into gentleness of the kiss as Harry reciprocated easily. Light and tender, moving their lips languidly like they wanted this to last a lifetime. It was wonderful.

It's still pretty fucking surreal that this was even happening.

Louis coaxed his tongue into Harry's mouth, eager for a little more intimacy, and not wanting to stop. Snog until the water runs cold and then continue where they left off in bed Their lips on each other and nothing on their bodies, just them. Louis wanted nothing more.

And to be honest, this was new to them. The way they moved their mouths so leisurely without rushing to undress or hands everywhere. It was just them appreciating and lavishing in the moment, indulging in each other. Louis' heart was hammering in his chest because he loved this boy so much.

He felt one of the hands on his hip slid over the curve of his arse. Not moving or giving Louis a little grope. Just resting there as they painted each other's mouths.

When they had their special relationship they never took the time to savour anything. Their kisses were dirty and rough, hands fondling below the belt even before the searing kisses would start. Even when they made love, it was never something they took their time with. Not even with the fourplay. It was hot and animalistic, sex sometimes twice over wherever deemed fit in their flat. It wasn't passionate or romantic, it had meant nothing. Just two guys with a mutual agreement of trying to get each other off.

And Louis will admit, it was sexy then. Hot and steamy because nothing they ever did was disappointing. Harry knew what he was doing and could make Louis feel all sorts of things that he had never before.

Harry brought back the confidence Louis had lost.

Louis whined into the kiss, already starting to feel a little needy as he gives his mates arm a squeeze. Leaning into Harry as much as he could, shivering when he feels the weight of his friend's other palms slide down to his bum. All of himself in Harry's hands and god, he loved it.

He loved the way his insides were starting to grow fluttery and feverish. How Harry gently nipped and dragged his teeth along his bottom lip. When he felt a shudder run down his spine when Harry started to kiss him again and deeping it when he gave Louis a gentle stroke of his tongue on his. The fingers on his skin squeezed, firm and probably aching for more. Louis shivered at the thought.

The kiss broke once more, and Louis stared at Harry when he drops the hand from his cheek to his wet chest. Caressed his fingers against his firm muscle and knew that Harry could see the desire in his eyes. The want and need for him.

Harry crowds Louis' space once again, his breath hot against Louis' ear as he purred out, "You have no idea the things you do to me, baby."

Louis gasped, his eyes fallen shut when he felt lips touching his neck, nibbling and sucking. A trail of burning open mouth kisses somewhere between those. Louis' body was starting to react, Pleasure aching through his body and growing sensitive all over. Jolting more into his friend's body and his fingers scratched at Harry's chest at the brief stinging pleasurable pain against his neck. Moaning at the feeling and thought of wearing a badge of Harry's love on his skin.

"Fuck." Louis whimpered out, the hand he had on Harry's arm slid up his shoulder to the back of his neck, and into his damp hair. Tugged at the wet curls when he felt another lovebite color his skin and the way Harry gently kissed at it.

"You've always had me wrapped around your finger," Harry groaned into Louis' ear once again. Louis mewled at the way his arse was squeezed following those words, he was aching for more. Yet, Harry wasn't finished. "Always got off to the thought of you, no one else."

Louis' body was in flames, to know Harry had fantasized about him even when he shouldn't have had his heart speed up dangerously. Thinking back to that time he oogled at his mate from the landing outside his bedroom and watched the way he pleasured himself had Louis' body flooding with pleasure aches. Harry had been thinking of him. It's always been him.

Fuck.

"You've gotten me in trouble... a lot," Harry whispered, and Louis throbbed at that. He was about to open his mouth when Harry continued on with his tantalizing words. "No matter how hard I tried to stop, I couldn't."

Louis' knees were about to give out at this confession, he was hazy and shaky. Dying for something, anything at this moment for more.

"Everything about you is so fucking sexy." Harry groaned out, giving Louis' ass another desperate squeeze.

Louis couldn't take it anymore, he was harder than a rock. Throbbing against his mate's body waiting for attention. Whimpering to slip the hand on Harry's chest between their bodies to grab ahold of his friend's dick. In need of something at this point because it was starting to become far too much for him to bear without any sort of pleasurable friction. Lips and fingers in places they haven't been in ages and kiss marks littered along each other skin.

As tough as it was to pull back from Harry's embrace to the point his back his body hit the cold tile wall, he was gagging for this. The way Harry was staring at him suggestively was enough for Louis to sink down to his knees, careful not to slip. Resting a hand on Harry's glistening thigh, his eyes on his love.

" You're not the only one, you know," Louis started to say as his other hand wrapped around Harry's thick cock. Whimpering at the way his mates face contorts every so slightly when he gives him a little squeeze. Louis wanted to make him feel good. "Thought of you too, many times."

Louis could see Harry swallow hard at that, smirking at how much he could affect the beautiful boy towering over him. It made him feel good and eager to please, show him what he'd been missing. That he no longer had to play out an erotic fantasy in his head to have a part of Louis, that he was right here. That he wasn't going anywhere.

"You and your big cock," Louis tried to sound as seducing and filthy as possible in this moment, he wanted to stroke his friend ego. To feel his dick pulse in his hand, aching for Louis to get on with it. He needed Harry to know how badly he's wanted it all along. "Doing things to me..."

Harry's eyes fluttered closed and he tilted his head back, from where Louis was at he could see him silently mouth out a profanity. Louis dug his fingertips into his leg when his own hard-on throbbed at the sight before him. Not wasting any more time and pressed a kiss to the underside of his cock before he wrapped his lips around him.

It's been forever and a day since Louis had properly given head. To have all of Harry in his mouth until his nose brushed against his belly. Using his hands and lips to make him feel good. Moving his tongue in ways that he knew felt wonderful, taking it slow and sometimes fast to be a tease. To watch the way Harry would come undone whenever he was on him long enough and his fingers caressed along his balls. Giving an ever so gentle squeeze to add more to the feeling.

"Lou... shit." Harry groaned out, he's gotten a hand in Louis' wet strands. The water was already starting to run cold against Louis' body. But he didn't care, he wanted to finish this.

Louis moaned around the width when Harry briefly thrusted into his mouth, nearly gagging at the feeling, and yet steadied himself when he beared down his mates hips against the shower wall. His other hand slowly pumping away as he bobbed his head along, pressing his tongue up against it. Doing what he thought about felt best.

The sounds leaving Harry's mouth were music to Louis' ear. Intoxicating and sinful. Louis wanted him even more in this moment. Wanted to taste him on his tongue and then some.

Louis' loved every moment of this even if his own pulsing hard-on was ignored. His knees starting to get sore and he was freezing under the stream of water. Yet, his inside were still sizzling with desire, aching to finish.

It took a few more strokes and swallowing around his mate when he hears that delicious mewl left his lips. The warm bitterness spurting in his mouth and Harry fingers taut in his hair. He swallowed when he pulled off of his mate's cock. His throat was going to be sore in the morning.

And that was okay.

Harry snapped his eyes open and peered down at Louis, he looked so fucking wrecked and spent. Yet still had hints of lust sparking in them. It made Louis shiver and stroke at his mates cock a little. Wanting to keep him hard as he was, not wanting to end this so soon. Louis was still aroused as ever and needing more of him.

"Get up here," Harry husked out, untangling his fingers from Louis' hair.

Louis licked his lips and carefully got off his knees, they hurt, and he used Harry's slippery body to hold on. The corners of his lips sliding upward at the hands on him, helping him steady his ground and pulling him close. Lips back on his and shivering at the coolness of Harry's skin.

They snogged a little longer until Harry pulled away and reached around Louis. The water was cut off, and the next thing Louis knew was Harry was stepping out of the shower, grabbing Louis by the hand and leading him out into the chilly bathroom gingerly. Not even giving Louis a chance to grab a warm towel to wrap around his body to shield himself from the chill when all of a sudden he was picked up bridal style, Louis instantly wrapped his arms around his friend's neck, and as Harry walked out of the loo in haste.

They had gone into Harry's room, dropped onto the bed, still wet and dripping all over. Yet, he's got Harry between his legs, on top of him, nipping at his neck. Louis whined and squirmed at the feeling, already feeling extra sensitive to the touch. His hands everywhere along Harry's body, just wanting to feel him still because he could.

"I wanna show you how much I love you," Harry whispered in between his kisses, their hips snug rolled together. "How I should've done it all along."

Louis' heart swells at those sweet words, to know Harry wanted to express to him with his body how much he cared. With his kisses and touches. Not flat out meaningless sex, but to actually make love to him. Louis was already shaking in anticipation.

"Go ahead." Louis needed it. Wanted it and craved it all very much.

A small noise fell from Louis' lips at the gentle press of lips against the side of his throat and hated it when the body on him was gone. Beside him digging through the nightstand beside the bed. It wasn't long before he was back between Louis' legs and a small bottle sat beside them. Louis' flushed cock throbbed against belly at he knew what was coming next.

"It's my turn to make you feel good, baby." Harry cooed out, Louis felt warm palms on the underside of his thigh pushed them up, so he was slightly lifted. Harry went down between his legs, most of his face gone, and the hands holding him slid down a little more. Holding him in place.

Louis' back arched up when he felt Harry's tongue slide against his hole. His fingers tangled into the sheets at the feeling, toes curling, and nearly losing his breath. It had been far too long since he'd gotten to experience this and he never forgot how incredible it felt. How he could go so docile against his tongue and be in fits of velvety moans. Desperate for more and shaking out of pleasure. Louis had always been so spent afterwards and just in a haze. Content and satisfied.

And you know what? He always felt that for them this was as intimate as it gets. Besides the cuddling and the kissing when they were just friends with benefits. This was much more than purse sex. Louis trusted Harry a lot and couldn't imagine doing this with someone else.

"You're amazing" Louis whimpered out, tilting his head back into the plush mattress when Harry dips his tongue and works it in the right way. One of his legs had spasmed, and the hands on him slid up his under-thigh slowly, sending a series of shivers down his spine.

Louis' heart was pounding in his chest when he felt the touch of one his mates hands disappear. Hearing the sound of a cap flip pen, Louis could already feel himself starting to tremble with anticipation.

Nearly whining at the loss of the delightful tongue against him, his eyes snapped open, gnawed on his lips when he watched the way Harry lubed his fingers.

He sent Louis a fond smile before he slid his fingers over Louis' already sensitive hole teasingly. Louis groaned when he felt himself start to stretch and the fingers starting to work inside him.

"I love you," Harry cooed out, his fingers working slowly inside of Louis, already discovering that sweet spot. His pressure firm and yet slow against it, making Louis even more hot. His eyes were sparkling with desire. "Love you so much."

Louis' heart swelled, every time he heard those sweet, lovely words he had yearned for, for so long it was euphoric. Even in his lustful haze of mind right now, he felt as if he finally had everything he wanted. Everything he longed to have and no longer wondering when the next blow to his chest would happen. To his feelings. It was marvelous.

Low whines fell from Louis' lips as he started to dissolve in pleasure, the way Harry could make him feel was divine. The way he worked his fingers and that tongue... god, that tongue was sinful. He wanted it back on him and yet, here Harry was knuckle deep in him and staring down at Louis with glowing cheeks. His hair still slightly damp, messy, and Louis wanted nothing more than to sift his fingers through those wet locks. Yet, all he could do was fist at the sheets when burning trails start to shoot up his legs to his groin when Harry fingered him, even more firmer.

Eventually Louis felt the loss of the fingers and he was aching all over. His eyes on Harry who poured more lube onto his palm and Louis couldn't take it. Watching him stroke his cock had Louis' toes curling at the delicious sight.

"Like what you see?" Harry teasingly asked, sending Louis a wink as he pumped his hand.

Louis smirked, ripping his gaze away from what he wanted and up to those heavenly green eyes. "What do you think?"

Harry just beamed until his face contorted in ecstasy for a moment as he continued to wank himself off. Making this harder for Louis to just lay here and watch. The longer he just stared the more impatient he became, the more his cock started to become painfully hard. Twitching against his belly and oozing. He didn't even want to touch himself knowing that if he did, he'd probably come right then and there.

And Louis couldn't take it anymore, he sat up just enough to grab his mate by the shoulder and pulled him down swiftly, flipping them over, so he was straddling Harry. Not sitting on him, but hovering a little. Harry just let him do it, biting at his nether lip, and there was a warm palm resting on his thigh.

"So eager, baby." Harry cooed out as Louis reached behind him and grabbed ahold of his friend's hard-on, adjusting himself until he felt the pressure of the tip against his rim.

"You were making it difficult for me." Louis let out this breathy whimper when he sunk down on Harry's cock. Splaying both of his hand into the bedding on either side of him as he was hovering above his friend. Taking a moment to recollect himself before he even dared to move.

The hand that rubbed at his thigh was tender and sweet, it made Louis pulse start to race even more.

After sometime of just sitting there adoring the sweet attention he was getting, Louis started to move his hips. Not fast or hard, slow and steady. Taking his time with it and moving them in the way he knew that Harry liked. Loving it when he felt another hand on him, yet this time it was on his hip.

Louis let our these soft sounds as he rolled his hips, every time he pushed back onto Harry's thick cock the more it started to feel good. Hitting that sweet spot in right way had Louis' arms already starting to shake, wanting to collapse from the growing overwhelming sensation.

"You feel amazing." Harry groaned out, his fingertips pressing into Louis skin.

The bed already started to make noise, and Louis was already shaking. Nothing but breathy moans and whimpers came out of him as his fingernails began to claw at the hard and firm chest beneath him. Almost aching to reach for his own cock that was begging for attention, but too afraid he'd lose his balance. Worried he'd ruin the moment.

And as Louis worked his body in a way that he knew drove Harry mad, the air around them felt hot. His body was on fire, and his mind was focused on how wonderful it felt to feel so filled. To have this beautiful boy beneath him, that loved Louis probably more than he could ever know. The gentle yet possessive hands on him were intoxicating and the throaty moans coming from those sinful yet so kissable lips beneath him was just everything. A dream come true.

A warm palm that was once on his thigh slid to his bum, giving Louis a little squeeze. It was enough for Louis' arms to give out, Falling flat on Harry's chest and pressing his face into the crook of his neck. Nearly melting against his friend when he feels another hand on his arse, pressing a sweet kiss to Harry's neck. Clenching around him when Harry let out a titter of laughter. Tangling his fingers through his mate's sweaty locks, loving the way his own dick rubbed against their bellies. Louis knew eventually he wouldn't be able to last much longer, even at this languid pace.

When he pushed down a certain way made his leg want to quiver. Already feeling breathless and on the verge of convulsing as surges of ecstasy ran through him. He was throbbing against Harry as clawed and tugged at his hair.

It was when Harry decided to thrust up into Louis, not fast or hard, but the same pace. He had all of Louis in his hands as he peppered kisses along his shoulder. A love bite here and there.

"Oh fuck." Louis moaned into his mate's neck. His body twitched as he came, curling his toes when Harry kept pummeling up into him, trembles just coursed through him as he relaxed against his friend. Trying to come down as he feels Harry's body go into spasms, groaning, and pulsing inside him.

They lay there for a moment trying to catch their breaths, Louis felt wonderful. His heart still thundering in his chest, nuzzling his face into the crook of Harry's neck. Wanting to soak in the post-sex haze before he had to move. Not wanting to let go or pull off him, just needing to feel close. Wanting to stay here for a while. Not even minding the mess they've made or the fact they never actually showered, not giving a damn at all.

At some point Louis did untangle his fingers from Harry's hair and rested his hand against his mate's shoulder. His skin was warm and tacky. Velvety smooth and Louis couldn't believe that he got to feel him again. To have Harry again in such a way because he thought for sure that he'd never get to experience such intimate moments with him again.

When Louis pulled back enough to stare down at Harry fondly, the coolness of the air that brushed against his skin felt nice against his sweltering body. Heat rising to his cheeks when one of Harry's hands came up and cradled his cheek, sliding his thumb along his skin tenderly.

"You have no idea how stunning you are," Harry cooed out, his touch still delicate as ever, and his eyes were soft. A ghost of a smile on his lips and Louis heart was already swelling in his chest. "Always been jealous of all the boys that got kiss you and be on the end of your smiles. That got to hold you and make you laugh. Always."

Louis felt the corners of his lips start to slide upward at those loving words. To hear these sweet things from Harry had Louis' eyes start to water, he doesn't think he could ever grow tired of hearing these sweet admissions.

"You know... I've wanted to tell you in the past how I felt, but I chickened out, " Harry explained as Louis felt a gentle squeeze against his bum. "Afraid you'd laugh at me thinking it was some joke or I'd scare you off."

Louis didn't say a word, just let his mate speak, nearly pouting when the hand on his cheek fell off his face and Harry pulling out of him. But loving the way he suddenly felt the weight of a warm palm on his waist. Just happy that they were still touching.

"When?" Louis asked, wanting to know when there were times where he almost admitted his feelings.

Harry stared at him for a moment, looked to be thinking before he said, "That first night we moved into our flat after Niall passed out."

Louis remembered they had been in Harry's room lounging on his bed as Niall was already in a booze-induced coma on the sofa. Not wanting to wake him with their shenanigans and drunkenness. They didn't do anything extravagant, but mostly just jabbered away about how exciting the new chapter of their life was and what was to come. He remembers at some point Harry had caressed at his wrist and told Louis that No matter what happens I'll always be here for you. At the time Louis just thought it was something Harry said because he was supposed to because that what best mates are supposed to do. Never crossed his mind at other implications behind his words.

"You were nervous about starting uni and being away from your family. I tried my best to reassure you it'd be okay," Harry explained, as Louis moved to sit up because his arms were growing tired. Loving it when Harry rested a hand on his thigh. "You were also single and saying how it'd be nice to have someone to support you. To talk with and make it easier for you to be here."

Louis remembers feeling a little bit scared at being away from his mum, not having her to fall back on when things got tough. For her help and advice, being hours away when back home he could see her whenever she wasn't at work or out visiting with Anne. Telling Harry that he may be a year older than him and Niall, that by default he should be the leader. The one to reassure them all it'll be fine. Yet... Harry was always the one to look out for them.

"I wanted to be that person for you. Wanted to tell you so badly how I felt that night, to kiss you and hold you. Tell you that I've got you no matter what happens," Harry was truly the greatest man he'd ever known and Louis wished he would've realized it back then. "But I freaked out, worried I'd make things weird and scare you away."

Would Louis had been freaked out if Harry confessed his love to him?

At the time it was platonic for Louis and hadn't thought anything of it. Thought Harry would find himself a girlfriend or boyfriend while Louis dated too, going on double dates together. Being the best man in each other's weddings as life goes on and staying in each others lives just like their mothers had done. If they had families of their own one day that their kids would be lifelong mates too.

Yet... Louis thinks that maybe if Harry would've made a move on him that night, he wouldn't have rejected him. Naturally, he would've been stunned like any other pair lifelong mates where you just found out your best friend had fancied you for years. That they think the world of you and would do anything for you.

Louis probably would've tested the waters and kissed him. To taste what it'd be like and if he felt anything at all.

"I wouldn't have run for the hills if you did," Louis murmured out, starting to feel rather chilly, so he reluctantly pulled off of Harry. Dipping down into the spot beside him in need of some warmth. Not only that, but a cuddle sounded wonderful. "Would've ended up falling for you no matter what."

Harry had this yearningness etched across his features, strong eyes, and staring at Louis. Eventually leaning over and pressing his lips against Louis' forehead before he got off the bed and went to his wardrobe. Louis watched the way his back muscles would ripple and stretch as he opened the doors and his eyes trailed down to that beautifully carved bum. Not having too much time to appreciate such a beddable backside when Harry turned on his heels with a blanket in his arms as he headed back to bed.

Louis loved it when came back and covered up their bottom half with that black fuzzy blanket he had for the colder months. They never did clean up their messes, but that was okay... It wouldn't be the first time they had dried come on their skin. Louis was nestled against his friend, hand on the center of his belly, and head rested on his arm comfortably. Content and relaxed.

They lay there in silence for a while just enjoying each other's company and the caresses of their gentle fingers. The sweet kisses against their skin and the quietness in the air surrounding them. It was peaceful.

However, Louis needed some more things brought to light if they're going to be doing any more of this. Wanted Harry to open up to him on some issues in the past that really bothered Louis. Answers he'd never gotten because they were sore spots he wanted nothing to do with and yet, now that they're okay. Everything had been out in the open, well most of it, and Louis didn't want to leave anything left unsaid.

"Why didn't you ever tell me about Ellie?" It was the very first thing that came to Louis' mind that he needed to know. It hurt him the most, and he never understood why it had happened in the first place.

Harry shifted in Louis' arms, moving to his side to prop himself on his elbow facing him, a hand rested on Louis' waist. They were still close together, and Louis could almost feel Harry's warm breath fan along the bottom of his lips.

"That was foolish of me, wasn't it?" Harry sighed, giving Louis a little bit of a squeeze. "I guess I was just too stubborn to let you go."

"Everyone else knew about her, but me, H," Louis explained, not loving to think about that night whatsoever. "It hurt me that you didn't say anything about seeing anyone at all and then to show up out of the blue with a girlfriend. You wouldn't even look at me."

The corners of Harry's lips slid downward, his eyes were shining with guilt. Louis didn't mean to make his mate feel bad or remorseful, he just wanted answers. Ones that he deserved.

"The only reason I got with Ellie was because I needed to get over you. We were sleeping together a lot and had been for a year. I loved every moment of it and being able to kiss you every night was the best thing that had ever happened to me. But I started to get scared those last few months that you'd find someone and leave. That you'd only want to be mates, never anything more. So I panicked and started chatting up Ellie.

"This makes me sound terrible for making her out to be a rebound, but it's the truth. I didn't even ask her to be my girlfriend until the day before you met her. " Harry explained, he sounded sincere. But he wasn't finished. "And you know the reason I didn't tell you was because a part of me didn't want to leave you. I was worried you'd be mad or disappointed, that you still needed me. That you were still hurting over Sean. But I couldn't keep doing it to myself. I wish I would've done it differently and just told you how I felt. Maybe then we would have avoided all this mess."

Louis felt better knowing the reasons behind that awful time in his life. He understood that Harry had to do what was best for him and his feelings. He too wishes they would've just had a heart to heart and put it all out there. Wished that himself would've just told Harry.

"That's why I left for a while... not because I was homesick." Louis admitted. He had went ghost for a week after that dreadful night, telling his mates a lie that was believable enough. "I couldn't be around her knowing she had everything I didn't."

"I'm sorry," Harry crooned, the hand on Louis' waist ghosted up his arm until it cupped the side of his face. "I never meant to make you sad."

Louis relaxed against his friend's touch, loving it when he started to feel the pad of Harry's thumb start to stroke his cheek. It was tender and attentive.

"And what about when you were going to move out to be with her?" Louis asked, this was another thing he needed a better understanding of. "Niall told me before you did and I was hurt that you didn't tell me until later. Thought we always told each other everything... always the first to know before anyone else. At least that's what I thought."

Harry gnawed on his lip, no longer caressing at Louis skin and dropped his hand between them. Louis felt heat slowly inch to his cheeks when he felt a hand on his.

"I thought we were growing apart."

"Suppose I've been a terrible mate haven't I?" Harry asked with a hint of playfulness laced in there.

"I wouldn't say you were awful... rather negligent than anything. But you've compensated for that since." Louis was glad that they could openly talk about this. Bringing things to light that should've been ages ago. "But you know, I haven't been good either."

"Don't say that, Lou," Harry reprimanded lightly, the hand that was on Louis' no longer there as it came up and pushed his fringe back that fallen out of his eyes. "I should've never dated Ellie in the first place. I only wanted to move out because I thought it'd help me move on and my relationship at the time wasn't doing so well, so I thought if I left she'd be happy."

Wait, what?

Ellie was unhappy in their relationship? That was a first.

"She hated me," Louis still couldn't stand that girl whatsoever. Just a nasty woman that thinks she could get away with her degrading words. It still boggled Louis' mind to this day that Harry had never once picked up on her behaviour toward him. At all. "Wanted me out of your life."

Harry sighed heavily, and Louis loved the weight of the hand that was back on his waist. Giving him a little squeeze as if he was reassuring Louis or at least soothing him. It was nice.

"We'd gotten into a few fights over you, " Harry admitted, and Louis blinked at him because what? "Always threw it my face that I put you before her, and that we spent too much time together. She even accused me of giving you a little more attention than her."

Louis was still flabbergasted at this revelation because never had he thought Harry and Ellie would get into an argument because of him.

And Louis can't help himself... He really can't. This had been bugging him since that night he ran into Ellie storming down the corridor, blaming him for whatever it was that happened. Never had his chance to ask, but now seemed like a good time to bring it up.

"You know on Valentine's day when I came back to the flat after Sean dropped me off, I ran into her in the hall. She looked so angry," Louis was just that he had gotten to spend some time with Harry that night even if it was bittersweet. "Saying it was all my fault and left."

Harry's mouth twisted up into a wry smile as he rolled his. Seemingly not too impressed or shocked by Ellie's outburst.

"It was more my fault than anything, and every time we'd argue or disagreed she'd throw it in my face. Even when I wanted to spend some time with you," Harry didn't sound too pleased saying all that. "I mean I get it... who'd want to hear their boyfriend say another persons name when intimate."

Louis saw the way a flush crept across Harry's cheeks at that. Feeling him own self heat up at the fact Harry had done such a thing, no wonder Ellie made matters even worse. Harry literally moaned or groaned out Louis' name in the heat of passion. It was one thing that Harry felt a certain way toward Louis but to go through that and on Valentine's day?

It all made sense now of who that text was about that Ellie had sent Harry.

"You didn't?"

Harry shamelessly nodded, and Louis just snickered a little, sure he should feel bad, but after everything, it was just rather ridiculous.

"Were you thinking of me by chance, Harold?" Louis decided to question his own hand that was between their bodies now caressed his fingers along the naked chest in front of him. Wanting to feel a little closer to his mate even as small as it was.

"Well, duh." Harry quipped, letting out a soft sound against Louis' touch. "When am I not thinking about you?"

Louis' heart warmed at those sweet words, still dumbfounded after everything that happened all in the span of the early morning hours. Yet, he was happy that he was here and getting to have this, to be near the boy he loved so much. To not be scared or put up his walls around Harry. Sure, they have loads to work on, and things aren't going to happen overnight, yet, he was willing to do whatever it took

And even if that meant taking days or months to make everything okay, then that's all Louis could ask for.

They spent the rest of the day pretty much in bed, mostly cuddling. Kissing here and there, falling in and out of sleep because neither of them had slept good in days. Mumbling out I love you's and Harry asking Louis where he wanted to go for dinner. Eventually getting a text from Niall asking if Harry was up for a road trip to Doncaster to steal Louis away for the night, as apparently Zayn and Liam wanted a lad's night out. Harry ended up texting him that Louis was with him and they could go for drinks later. Louis just sat there nuzzled up to his best friend, both still naked under the covers, watching as a series of excited messages flood into Harry's inbox in a matter of seconds.

But even after staying in bed for majority of the day they did end up making it back to the shower. Rinsing away the morning activities and enjoying the warmth. Each other.

It wasn't until later when they found themselves at a small cafe on the outskirts of the city, one that Harry had brought him to before. It wasn't anything highfalutin or luxurious. Outrageously expensive or top of the line gourmet food. No amount of money could make or break this dinner with Harry.

Just sitting here at a table, watching the rain start to patter against the window pane was more than he could ever ask for.

And when Harry's hand slid across the table and laced their fingers together Louis' stomach fluttered. Even when Harry brought Louis' hand to his lips and gently pressed a featherlight kiss against his knuckles. Louis was in heaven.

Who knew Harry could be such a sap?

Ugh, Louis could already feel himself starting to feel spoiled with affection and admiration. At least this time it was with a boy he genuinely wanted to be with.

"You know we're doing this backwards, right?" Louis teased, noticing the warm glow in Harry's eyes as he peered at him after looking away from the menu. "I don't usually put out on the first date."

Harry tittered with laughter, shaking his head, his hand still holding Louis'. "I think we are well past getting to know one another, Lou."

"Isn't this what first dates are supposed to be about, though?" Louis smirked, satisfied that he managed to make his mate giggle. He could never get tired of that. "Trying to woo me and lie about your job."

Harry just beamed at Louis, shaking his head. His eyes fell back down to the menu in front of him, and Louis hummed in delight. Returning back to deciding what to eat as his heart fluttered when he felt the pad of Harry's thumb slide against his hand.

After their waiter came and took their orders they had gone in and out of conversation. Mostly on about what Louis had been doing while he was away. Informing Harry that he'd been home, spending time with the girls and Jay. A lot of time spent on his computer and eventually making his way back up to that rickety old tree house he hadn't been in ages. Mentioning Gemma had popped in for a visit unannounced to drag him back to Liverpool for the night.

Harry had admitted that Gemma had been worried and upset that Louis had been missing. Not loving the fact she didn't have her favorite person there to banter with and noticed the flat was too quiet. It wasn't the same. Not only that but he thinks Gemma knew that he missed Louis a lot and decided to do what an older sister should do. Fix things.

"She wouldn't buzz off until I told her I'd come, " Louis told Harry, popping a chip into his mouth. "But 'm glad she pestered me into going or else I don't know when I would've come back. "

"I didn't know she was going to get you, thought she got wrapped up in something. If I would've known I would've gone with her. Maybe this all could've been done a whole lot easier." Harry divulged, taking a sip of water. "But then again... after what Ellie showed me and the fact you had been ignoring me, I felt as if I needed to give you space. That you'd eventually come around and talk to me when you're ready. "

Louis doesn't think he would've ever been ready to face Harry if Gemma didn't have her hands in it.

"But at the party and how you stormed out after the lads wanted us to have a night out, you got defensive and said you were going home. I was worried you were going to leave again before I got to say goodbye. Unsure when you'd be back, so I thought it was now or never and I may not get the chance again."

Louis gnawed on his nether lip, his ears still felt hot at the thought of Harry knowing about his Tumblr blog. Which he hadn't been on since that reveal, almost deleted it actually.

But the thing is, Louis still hadn't even responded to all his texts and Facebook messages.

"I never thought she'd go to those lengths and expose me like that, she was never meant to see it," Louis explained, taking a sip of his own water. "Somehow she found me and pretty much attempted to blackmail me because of it. None of it was ever meant to be shared." It still bothered Louis greatly that he couldn't even feel comfortable on his own damn blog anymore. "Wouldn't be shocked if all the lads knew by now."

"They don't. I didn't tell them," Harry said simply, taking a bite of his fish. Wiping his mouth with the napkin he grabbed and added, "Wanted to protect you and keep this between us."

The corners of Louis' lips started to quirk upward at that. Harry was just too good to be true, even when Louis had outright ignored him for days, Harry still looked out for him.

"But you know I don't care if you have a blog or a journal to express yourself. That's your space to do as you like, and I'll never pressure you to share that with me. I won't even go looking for it because it's for your eyes only." Harry stressed, it made Louis feel good to know that Harry didn't snoop around on Tumblr searching for his blog. Reading even more incriminating things. "And I'll have you know I already threw out all those papers Ellie gave me because it wasn't right. "

Louis yearnfully stared at his mate, wondering how he got so damn lucky to have someone that actually cared. That had from the start and never had malicious intentions to hurt him. Always there for him even if that meant giving Louis space for a while.

This boy was going to make Louis fall even more.

And you know what?

He's not even scared if it happens.

When they had finished their meals they still lingered around their small table, mostly wanting to buy a little more time before they head on down to the pub. Their fingers interlaced with one another as they sipped away at their drinks, Harry murmuring or more so cooing out sweet nothings. Mentioning something about a second date somewhere in the midst of all the adoring words.

Louis didn't oppose to that, because he would be honored to go out with Harry again.

By the time they left the cafe a little while later after they chatted a little more and Harry pressed another delicate kiss against Louis' knuckles, they headed off to the pub. Louis had been feeling a little anxious to see his mates now that things were all said and done. He truly did miss talking shit with them and having good times. He did feel a bit bad of how he reacted after Niall's party so he looked forward to apologizing to them and hoped they wouldn't give him hell for it. Not only that, but it'd feel incredible to just to sit down and have a pint with his closest friends.

It was long overdue.

The moment Louis stepped foot into the overcrowded pub, he felt elated. At home and eager to have a drink to unwind a little. To actually have a decent time even if he was a little bit nervous whatever they were about to walk into.

Because what will their mates say?

Like Louis knows they missed him and would be ecstatic to see him, but what will they think when they see the way Harry put his hands on Louis' body a little more affectionate than normal sometime through the evening?

It's bound to happen, especially with alcohol in their systems. Yet, Louis wasn't scared or terrified if his mates found out. In fact, he was quite curious to know what they would think and if they'd approve. Zayn probably already knew the moment Niall had told them Louis was with Harry. Thinking Louis finally had dropped the bombshell onto Harry after all that pestering he did with Louis these past few months to find things out. That boy was too smart for his own good sometimes.

But the one person Louis had hoped wouldn't care was Niall. That he'd be fine with sharing a flat with two people that are your best mates who are dating-testing the waters after all this time. They haven't put a label onto what they were yet, but Louis had his fingers crossed Niall would be okay with it.

Louis could already feel his heart start to swell when he felt a light weight against the small of his back as Harry led him through the slew of intoxicated revelers. Successfully dodging any sort of spilt drinks on his clothes or bumping into people. Eventually finding their mates crowded around a table toward the back with a round of drinks.

They couldn't even wait to get pissed until Harry and Louis had arrived. Figures.

And Harry's hand never left him as they approached the scene at hand. Zayn sat beside Liam, and they both looked like they were chit-chatting amongst one another, looking quite serious. Then there was Niall typing away at his mobile, his drink half gone, and two empty seats that were meant for them.

"Hey lads," Louis decided to announce his return, beaming at his mates, feeling heat inch up to his cheeks when Liam, Zayn, and Niall's heads shot up instantly, and their eyes were shining joy. "Miss me?"

He was expecting a playful retort or remark like: , Of course, we missed you, you knobhead. But it never comes, and they all seem rather speechless as Louis pops down into the chair closes to Niall and Harry in the one beside him. His arm instantly going around the back of the ledge of Louis' chair, his fingers sliding against his arm ever so gently.

"Suppose my return got you all by surprise," Louis decided to lighten the mood as he snickered, feeling at ease now. "See you already started to drink without us, pricks."

Louis noticed the way Zayn and Liam shared a glance with one another and then with Niall before they were back on Louis. Their eyes shifting and Louis could feel it burning on the hand caressing him.

"Something wrong?" Harry inquired, pulling Louis a touch closer.

Zayn was the first to break the quietness lingering in the air, thank fuck.

"So I take it you two finally made up?"

Louis nodded. "Yeah this morning, actually," Louis gave a passing glance to Harry, trying to stifle back a smile wanting to spread across his face. "We had a nice talk."

And it fell silent once again, and it was kind of shocking how quiet it was. Normally his mate would be chatting his ear off, trying to fill Louis in on everything he missed. Asking him how he'd been and that they missed him even if they just saw him days ago. You know the usual hubbub whenever they had a lads night out whenever Louis had come back from a small holiday.

Liam cleared his throat before he said, " So what's this about?" he gestured between the pair with his finger.

Louis could already start to feel heat coloring his cheeks knowing what Liam was trying to fish around for. Just the way him and Zayn stared at them with raised brows and unmoving Louis could tell.

"Oh for fuck sakes, Liam!" Niall cursed aloud letting out a huff. "Quit trying to play it safe the suspense is killing me over here," Niall took a sip of his drink, and then he shifted in his seat and stared right at Louis. "Have you both finally gotten your head out of your arses and started dating or what?"

So they must've all known that something happened, given how Harry was being with Louis since they arrived.

"No need to be so hostile Nialler," Louis quipped, his own hand slipped under the table and found Harry's thigh, resting it there because he could. "And yes we've discussed it if you must know and yeah, make of that what you will."

Louis heart was already stuttering at the reveal, the thoughts of finally getting to be openly with Harry among their closest mates was everything. No more sneaking around or hiding that they were intimate or into one another. This time there will be no more secrets or lies.

"We're still figuring things out, but as of right now we're good."

Liam and Zayn beamed at them, Niall too.

"We're happy for you." Zayn chimed in, he sounded sincere.

That they all had an inkling that Harry and Louis had a thing for one another and the whole reason Louis left was because of his own feelings. They wanted nothing but the best for them. It was reassuring.

"So now that, that's all out there I'm gonna go grab me and Lou some drinks. " Harry stated already pulling away from Louis and getting to his feet. Louis had already started to miss his touch, but he'd survive. It wouldn't be last time he'd ever get to feel Harry's hands on him.

After Harry disappeared into the crowd, Niall was already up out of his seat, and grabbed at Louis' hand. Not even giving Louis any time to protest as he was leading him away from the lovebirds and through the masses. Eventually making their way outside where it was much quieter and rather chilly. Desolate compared to inside and the streets just as vacant.

But Louis knew there was a reason he was dragged out here.

"I'm going to be honest with you right now Lou, I've been keeping this in for the past few years, and I just can't hold it any longer," Niall's words were rushed, and he had both of his hands on Louis' shoulders. "But I knew... I fucking knew. "

Louis blinked.

Niall knew about what?

"I tried everything in my power to make you happy and get your mind off whenever something bad happened. I couldn't stand to see you so sad, and it was rough for me not to tell you that I knew you loved him," Niall admitted, and Louis was once again bamboozled for the hundredth time today. "I mean I had a feeling you did, and I always did whatever I could without overstepping my bounds."

So this whole time whenever Louis be hurting or upset, Niall swooped in to try to withdraw him from the situation. Not pressure Louis to admit things he didn't want to share and yet be there for him even if it were in the most subtle of ways.

It was heartwarming.

Eventually, Louis did find his voice and spoke up before Niall went on some more.

"How did you know?"

Niall's hands slipped off his shoulders and arms slack at his sides, letting out a breath. "You're one of my best mates, how could I not know?"

He did make a fair point, Louis would give him that.

"You know, you both were really terrible at hiding that you were hooking up, I pretty much knew the entire time," Niall divulged, and Louis almost choked at that because he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Niall knew about them the whole time? And he had never confronted them about it? Add that to the long list of things that took Louis by surprise today. "But that was your guy's thing, and I tried to keep at a distance. Not wanting to make things weird and just let you two do your thing. Never told anyone, either."

Louis wondered if Liam and Zayn had ever picked up on it or anyone else.

" I thought Harry had told you about Ellie and had decided to go back to being just mates. However, that night when we met her and you went outside with Harry, not even coming back in with him I had a feeling that wasn't the case. I knew I should've went after you and made things a little bit better. I should've protected you."

"That wasn't your fault though, I needed a reality check that what we had was fleeting." Louis didn't want Niall to feel like shit because he felt as if he failed at being an overprotective mate. "And besides you did what you thought was best. I'm a stubborn bastard that bottled up my feeling so you wouldn't have gotten far."

"Probably would've ripped me a new one if tried." Niall said effervescently along with a chortle of laughter that followed. "But you know at the end of the day it's none of my business if you two are dating or hooking up because you both will always be my best mates. Together or not."

The corners of Louis' lips slid upward, and he murmured our, "Thanks, Nialler."

Niall had brought his hand up and ruffled Louis' hair, but Louis wasn't quick enough to swat his hand away. Niall smirked like a menace he was, and Louis just huffed, rearranging his fringe. Not appreciating the fact Niall thought it was okay to tousle his soft locks.

They gave each other long look at one another as some people filtered out of the pub, slurring and stumbling. Laughing boisterously about some guy named Chad all the while being aided down the pavement with their sober whatever they were.

Louis didn't miss the old days when he'd get inebriated at some seedy house party or pub. Spending his night leaning over a toilet or hungover mornings But he always did like the part where Harry would be there by his side through those nights.

"But hopefully this means you're not running for the hills for god knows how long because I can't take it any longer. " Niall lightly chastised, and Louis shook his head. He didn't plan on it anytime soon now that things seemed to have worked out.

And that glowing smile that spreads across his best mates face made Louis' feel loved. He really did have the world's greatest friends.

"Missed you too, Nialler." Louis cooed out, already starting to feel the coolness of the autumn air settle around them. Almost wanting to scold himself for not bringing a jacket or wearing a warm and fuzzy jumper.

He never got to whine about the chilliness when he saw Harry walk out of the pub, his face lighted up when he met with Louis' eyes. Louis could already feel himself start to smile when Niall looked over his shoulder and then took a step back.

"I'm gonna go see my boy now, sure he could use a little encouragement tending the bar tonight," Niall commented when Harry joined them. "Cheers!"

And then Niall was gone, leaving Louis with Harry who's already up in his personal space, thumbing at Louis' wrist.

"So that went much better than I thought, glad they're not against it," Harry's voice was gentle and his face was soft. God, he was so damn beautiful Louis truly felt like the luckiest man alive. "Would've fought tooth and nail for you if I had too."

Louis beamed up at his mate stepping a little closer as the gap between them disappeared. Wrapped his arms around Harry's waist and nestled his head against his shoulder. Pressing his face into his love when he felt a gentle press of a kiss on the side of his head. Loving the fact that Harry would do whatever it took to make this work. Even if that meant trying to change their friends' opinions about them or trivial matters. He'd never been with someone that would safeguard him no matter what it was. It was quite refreshing, honestly.

Then again, out of all the boys Louis had dated Harry was one of the good ones.

Louis was going to spend the rest of his days reassuring Harry that no matter what happened in the past or how they got to where they were today, he would always be the best thing that had ever happened to him.

And nothing would ever change that.

They may need some more time to ease themselves into a relationship, going on dates, and learning to be a little bit more vulnerable with each other.

Louis wasn't going anywhere because for once he actually, truly felt that this may be it. That he finally found the one guy that would be everything he needed. The one person that would love him unconditionally and not take him for granted.

Harry was sweet, kind, dependant on him, and was always there for Louis. Sure they both made some bad decisions and had major miscommunication issues regarding their feelings. Yet, they got all the time in the world to make up for all that.

And you know what else?

It felt as if this had been the plan all along, that Harry would be the one for him.

He couldn't imagine it any other way.

_____
One chapter left... and yes I changed Harry's age to 25 because it made more sense to me lol just a minor thing.