Harry found himself sitting at the kitchen table as Gemma and his mum were talking about their plans for the next day, as in, Christmas day. Of course, Harry wasn't really listening, not to the details, at least, as Harry found himself more captivated by his phone.

It just so happened that Louis had been messaging Harry all day, causing Harry to force himself to keep holding back smiles so that no one would think something was up. It was hard, as Louis wasn't just keeping up a conversation, but also sending Harry emojis, something Harry didn't really expect since Louis never seemed to be so taken by emojis, but Harry knew that when it came to Louis, anything was possible.

"What are you smirking about?" Gemma asked Harry suddenly. Harry slowly looked up and realized that his mum wasn't in the room anymore. "Is it a boy?" Gemma continued teasingly, wiggling her brows and giving him a bemused smile. Since when was Gemma this nosy, and also amazingly correct? Not that Harry would tell Gemma that.

Harry scoffed as he shook his head and put his phone away. "You never been more wrong; it' was just something Niall posted." Harry lied, feeling his words come out slightly more rushed than usual, but it was the best he could do in a moment like that.

"Oh, really?" Gemma questioned in a serious tone that was also somewhat playful sounding. "The funny thing is that I know you better than that. Besides, you're not a good liar Harry, like, at all." Gemma continued to glare at Harry, not letting up. "What's his name?" Yeah, like Gemma needed to know his name and as if Harry was stupid enough to tell her.

Harry frowned and crossed his arms, no longer in such a good mood. If Gemma found out, why, she'd tease him to the rest of their lives, because the whole thing was so... cliché. Not only that but it'd prove a decrease in Harry's self control, because then she'd know that Harry's weakness was bad boys.

"It's none of your business." Was all Harry replied sharply as he got up and headed into the kitchen. As Harry grabbed some water from the sink, Gemma appeared at the doorframe into looking at Harry with her arms crossed.

"Did you met him at Uni? I bet you met him at Uni. Is he your age?"

"Why are you asking so many questions?"

"I just want to know who my brother likes. What, is that a crime or something?" Gemma questioned, tilting her head. Gemma was getting rather defensive and Harry didn't remember Gemma being this annoying ever before.

"You know, I always have the best advice when it comes to guys, H." Gemma reasoned, still trying to make Harry talk.

"Yeah, if I'm looking to get laid, but like, I'm not." Harry rolled his eyes, not sure why this had to be a big deal, and why Gemma just couldn't leave him alone. Harry turned around and crossed his arms; leaning against the counter and sighed. "Also, you don't have to know every guy I like, especially because you tend to give it away by your terrible acting when they're around."

Gemma scoffed and moved to stand in front of Harry. "I'm just excited for you, that's all, because you've said for a while now you're too busy to date and stuff. But if you don't want to tell me then fine, just can I at least know what he looks like?" Harry shook his head vigorously. "Oh come on, I want to know how hot he is and if you're in his league."

Harry narrowed his eyes and sighed heavily, as this was sort of tempting. "Fine, since you just have to know, and you certainly won't be satisfied since you do." Harry mumbled digging his phone out and pulling up a picture of Louis Harry was sent the night before. It was a picture of Louis looking so damn adorable in his black hoodie, black joggers, and beanie with his fringe poking out. Harry, of course, saved it, because why the hell not? Louis wasn't wearing anything under the hoodie, and more importantly, the chest piece tattoos were visible.

Harry showed Gemma, and before Harry even knew it, the phone was out of his hands and locked into Gemma's.

"Woah, he's a babe!" Gemma exclaimed excitedly, and also sounding rather surprised. Before Harry could do anything, Gemma started scrolling through Harry's pictures, and Harry was horrified.

"Give me my phone back." Harry exclaimed reaching for it, but Gemma shook her head and turned her back. "Gemma please," Harry pleaded, trying to retrieve it because he really didn't want Gemma to read his texts from Louis or anything related to Louis, and with Harry's phone in her hand certainly all that was possible.

"Oooh, a scandalous topless picture of this hot mystery guy." Gemma cooed, scrolling through more pictures before Harry finally snatched it roughly from her hands.

"I want to meet him."

Harry narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, that's just not happening, ever. And I only have that picture on my phone because I accidentally saved it."

"Yeah, okay, and yet somehow it magically never got deleted." Gemma laughed, "Explain that?"

"It saved by mistake and I forgot about it, until now, so like-"

"What's on earth is going on out here?" Anne suddenly reappeared back into the room eyeing the two of them suspiciously. Harry hoped she didn't hear anything.

"Nothing mum." Harry replied, shooting Gemma a glare to follow his lead and keep quiet. No one needed to know about this, and Gemma finding out was bad enough, especially since nothing was happening yet, and Harry was thinking that nothing ever would. If Harry's mum did find out, there'd just be more pressure, and Harry didn't need that (getting it from Gemma was bad enough).

"We were just talking if we should switch spots this year and I guess it got a little loud." Gemma lied, as she was a high quality liar, which wasn't a good thing, of course, but in this situation it was perfect. "Harry wants to do kitchen duty instead of taking down the tree tomorrow night."

Anne looked between them for a second and Harry could only hope she'd buy it. Gemma was a good liar, but Anne was even better at picking out the weak lies, which was easy to do if Harry was involved because he was hopeless at lying.

"It's like your first day here and you two are already trying to cover something up."

Gemma opened her mouth and then shut it, not sure what she could say back to that. Then Gemma looked over at Harry, offering him a sympathetic look as if she felt bad that there was not much more she could do for Harry. Then Gemma looked back at Anne. "I have nothing to cover up, it's not about me."

Harry rolled his eyes. Of course, Gemma would put it all on him.

"I'll be off to my room, I guess. Maybe then you'll say what it is, you know, because I won't be around." Gemma exclaimed with a smirk as she started to leave the room, but Harry knew she would try and linger around in order to listen, as she wouldn't dare miss out on this.

Gemma was no longer in the kitchen, but Harry knew she wasn't too far. Harry signaled to Anne to come closer, so that Harry wouldn't have to talk so loud. Anne made her way over with a confused look on her face, as she was totally clueless.

"You don't have to tell me, but I was just wondering, because maybe I could help, yeah?" Anne whispered.

"Yeah," Harry sighed, "I guess. But it's nothing, it really is."

Anne looked at Harry for a minute before starting up again, continuing to whisper. "Gemma certainly thinks it's something."

"Yeah but like, she thinks everything's something, especially when it comes to me."

Anne nodded. "That's true, but I think she's just excited to see you, and to be home as well. Just know that you don't have to tell her and you don't have to tell me, but if you want to tell either of us or both of us, that's fine too."

Harry thought for a minute. Gemma, being the little shit that she was, would probably go ask Anne later when Harry wasn't around what Harry told her. If Gemma hears that Harry didn't tell Anne, she'd go and tell Anne herself what she knew. This meant that Anne would still find out about Louis (or at least, what Gemma knew about him), so either way, Harry was screwed.

"Well, basically, it's about a guy..." Harry started in the lowest and quietest voice he could manage. "And, uh, I didn't want Gemma to find out but she did, not everything but..." Harry's voice trailed off as his eyes made his way to peer over at the doorway. Harry could see some of Gemma (but not her face) resting against it not moving.

"Yeah, and?" Anne asked, paying less attention to Gemma standing there than Harry was.

"Uh..."

"You like him? I mean, what else could it be, right?"

Harry felt his cheeks start to feel the slightest bit warm as his gaze fell back on his mum. "I mean like, possibly but it doesn't matter because he doesn't like me back and-"

"Well you don't know that for a fact."

"Yeah but like, with how much I do know him I'm pretty sure nothing's going to happen."

"If nothing happens you have to make the first move!" Gemma hollered from her post where she was listening.

Harry didn't know how she could hear what they were talking about, since him and Anne were speaking softly and Gemma wasn't that close to them. "I thought you were supposed to be upstairs by now." Harry exclaimed in a louder voice back at Gemma.

Gemma laughed and finally pulled herself away from her spot, turning around to face Harry and Anne.

"I was just on my way upstairs actually."

Harry rolled his eyes.

"But like really, you should ask him out if he doesn't."

Harry scoffed and was about to retort back, but by then, Gemma was up the stairs, and Harry heard a door close, so Harry looked back at Anne.

"We're not dating, and we won't be. It's just a stupid crush so don't get excited. Please tell Gemma she doesn't need to get her hopes up."

Anne laughed. "Harry, it's literally fine, you don't have to ask him out or anything like that, you're not obligated to do anything. Just tell me this though; what's his name?"

This was a question Harry could answer. This was an easy one. "Louis. But Gemma doesn't know that yet, I don't think."

"You should have him over for New Years."

Oh yeah. New Years. Hm. About that...

"He actually wants me to go to his mum's for a party."

Anne frowned, as she was thinking for a minute. "Well, any other day would be fine, but I think I want you here with us. Not only is it tradition and stuff, but if you weren't here, it'd just be the two of us, and Gemma will probably find a way to sneak out mid party anyway."

Harry knew it would be a no go. He could have told Louis that the day Louis invited Harry.

"But, if he wants, he can come here for the party."

Harry crossed his arms. "Oh so it's ok if he comes here and is away from his family, and yet if I want to go over there then there's problems."

"I just suggested it as an option if that's something either of you would like, and I'd like to meet him. But hey, maybe his mum will be like me and not want him away from family either."

Harry nodded, finally feeling the embarrassment set in and kicking himself for not only talking about Louis, but also for saying too much about him. Luckily the nod was enough for now.

A little later, Harry found himself back in his old bedroom practically ready to head to bed. He'd been messaging Louis off and on throughout the day but finally glad he was alone so that it was no longer weird that he was on his phone so much. Harry being alone didn't last that long, as soon there was a knock on his door, and when Harry looked up, Gemma was peering in at him.

Harry knew that Gemma would come in even if Harry didn't want her to, so he said nothing as she let herself in and closed the door behind her. Harry didn't want another repeat of what happened earlier that day in the kitchen, so Harry put his phone away, but Gemma got a good glimpse of Harry on it when she first came in, so there was no point in trying to deny it even existed now.

"Hey." Gemma began, eyeing where Harry stashed the phone away. "You still talking to that Louis guy?" Harry nodded. "Cute, so when's the wedding?"

Harry sighed, too tired to address that question and decided to just ignore it. "He likes someone else, Gems."

"So? That doesn't mean you should stop flirting with him." She expressed. "Especially if he's still single. If anything, you should be flirting even more."

Harry shook his head, because that wasn't happening. "He also sleeps around with this girl like, all the time. It so annoying and I wish she would just go away, honestly." Harry sighed. "Apparently, he was supposed to dump her because he likes this guy, but they shagged the night before I left, so like, there goes that." Harry didn't like thinking about all this and when he remembered seeing Louis with a love bite on his neck it kinda annoyed him.

Harry felt a hand on his arm and Gemma gave him a few quick pats before pulling away. "He sounds... complicated..."

Harry didn't know if he wanted to agree with that or rebel against the idea that Louis was a piece of work. So Harry said nothing. What could he say? Harry didn't care that Louis complicated because Louis was so much more than that.

Gemma ran her fingers through her hair and smiled. "You know, I think you should have him come over and sleep with him."

Now that was something that was surely not going to happen, like, at all.

"Um, how about no."

"Why not?" Gemma asked sharply, "You get to have sex with him, and not to mention that it opens up a can of intimacy." Yeah, like that makes the situation any better, especially if it wasn't mutual. "Friends with benefits is the next best thing."

Harry sighed. Maybe Gemma was right (because she would be the one to know), but still, it was something so foreign and so...unlikely to happen that Gemma really shouldn't have even brought it up. "I hope you know I'm still a virgin," Harry admitted sounding slightly disappointed that a statement like this was true. "I thought I already told you this?" Harry thought that he told Gemma before. Not that she needed to know, but it was one of those deep dark secret things, where they both shared something they wouldn't dare tell anyone else (like Anne*, for example) just for the hell of it, and it was the first thing Harry could think of.

"Okay, so, maybe I forgot you're still one, but that doesn't mean you can't do other things." Gemma explained playfully, nudging him in the shoulder with her elbow. "Like, it's a pretty damn great idea, actually. Take it from an expert."

Harry bit the inside of his cheek and shook his head "Gemma," Harry began slowly, "I've never done things with other guys before. Just kissed." This made Harry sad and upset at himself for being so inexperienced. What was Harry thinking? Here Louis was living off sex for who knows how long. Harry, on the other hand, has done next to nothing, and, for the shortest bit of time, thought he had a chance with Louis. Why was Harry forgetting the most basic and important fact that Louis didn't care for relationships? If Harry did want something with Louis, he'd have to do it Louis' way, which was completely unknown territory for him. Not only that, but Harry wasn't even the guy Louis likes, so frankly, nothing was going to happen. End of story.

Gemma sighed and tapped her fingers against her cheek. "Well then I don't know what else to tell you, other than just to kiss him, I mean, it's better than nothing." Harry knew he wouldn't even dare because it wasn't worth the embarrassment and it also wasn't worth it to have to be rejected. "But by that look on your face that says otherwise, it sounds like you're staying in the friend zone. Sorry H." Gemma reached over and patted Harry on the shoulder before getting up from her seat on the bed and heading to the door.

"I just hope you figure out whatever it is with him soon." Gemma commented in a gentle tone before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

Finally alone, Harry let out a groan as he fell back on the bed. He was stuck and stumped. Stuck in the sense that Harry felt no better about his feelings for Louis despite talking to Gemma and Anne about it, and stumped because he wasn't sure what to do next about it. Also, Harry was very well aware of how fast news spread, and despite only two people knowing, Harry was sure that Ed and Niall, even Zayn and Nick, could know in less than a week's time, and of course, worst of all, Louis would know. All because Harry fell short keeping it a secret. Harry wasn't sure there was a way to get out of this one.

A few hours later, Harry was still up, and yes, also still talking to Louis, but this time on the phone. Louis initiated it. Apparently, Louis couldn't sleep or something, so he was bored. What was the solution? To call Harry. Sure, it hadn't yet been days since they actually talked, but it felt like, to Harry at least, it had been ages.

Harry was lounging on his bed fiddling with a loose string on one of the blankets while Louis had been talking about what he did that day. Then, Louis started going on about how he always gets short changed for his birthday since it's right around Christmas (and Louis added that he certainly didn't appreciate that). None of Louis' sisters got him anything, but Jay gave him a card (with some money in it, and that Louis appreciated), so that was nice.

"But enough about my crap-tastic birthday. Have you found out what your plans are for New Years yet?"

"Unfortunately, it's a no; mum won't let me come." Harry didn't think Louis should have been surprised by this, because Harry knew he wouldn't be able to go the minute Louis asked him, and Harry told him this. "But, my mum said you could come over instead."

The line went silent, and Harry didn't know if that was a good sign or a bad one. Harry waited, wondering what the response would be.

"Sure, I can do that." Louis breathed easily, and Harry couldn't help but smile a little. "So it's a date then."

It most certainly was not. Luckily Louis was joking, and Harry knew this because then Louis laughed.

"But anyway, about this get to together at your mums, do I need to show up with a dish or come as my handsome self in a suit or what?" Louis asked, and Harry swallowed. What did Louis think this was?

"Um, it's up to you." Harry answered stumbling over his words a bit. "But skip the suit, this isn't some extravagant ball or something. It's just my mum."

Harry heard a dawdling sigh on the other end, because of course, Louis wanted to be somewhat dramatic about not getting his way.

"Hey, I was only asking because you never know, and besides, I think I look quite handsome in a suit...what do you think? If you had to guess, of course."

Harry closed his eyes. At that moment, Harry thought about doing it. For some reason, it seemed like the right moment, but that feeling that that was the right time only lasted for two seconds, because tons of doubts started filling up his mind. Harry reasoned it was better to play it safe, for now, at least.

"I'm sure you do." Harry finally muttered, instantly feeling better knowing he went with saying the safer option.

"You know what, when I get off the phone with you I'm sending you a picture of me in a suit to prove it."

"Why?"

"Because I want too, and there's nothing better to do and I'm bored. Also maybe you would appreciate seeing me looking cleaned up."

Well, Louis wasn't wrong with that per se...

"Okay alright, fine, whatever makes you happy." Harry paused, trying to think of what to say next to keep not only the conversation going but to keep Harry from revealing too much, if they were to keep talking about how good looking Louis was. "What are you doing right now?"

"Laying in bed, talking to you, and wondering if I should shave before I meet your family," Louis mentioned sounding slightly preoccupied. "Considering you're so into clean cut guys, I need to impress your family, since they might be like you were at first glimpse: I'm 'public enemy number one'." Louis teased, but at the same time sounded rather serious.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Louis, Gemma's already seen your picture, and she thinks you're hot, by the way, probably just like any other girl and or guy you've slept with."

"Gemma? Your sister?"

"Yeah, my older sister. She's kind of like you in a way, not afraid to speak her mind and can be brutally honest when it comes to certain things, but she's great." Harry explained, trying his best to make Gemma sound good. Not that that was hard, as she was a good sister, she could just be annoying at times.

"We're going to get along great then, oh and I promise not to flirt with your sister." Louis bantered with a snicker that followed, but he did sound like me meant it.

"Well yeah, I hope not." Oh man, that would be bad. Gemma would tease Harry for infinity if she ended up with Louis when Harry liked his first and yet was too shy and unsure to do anything about it.

As their conversation went on, Louis continued to ask Harry about his family, before it turned to what they'd all be doing before Louis was invited. Harry knew they weren't really going to be doing anything spectacular, watching the ball drop, having some drinks (not so much Harry), eat a ton of food and then just hang out, real low key. Harry was kind of hoping that Louis could stay over, as it'd make the night a little bit more lively. Plus, it'd been plenty of time since they last saw each other, and Harry missed Louis slightly.

Alright so Harry missed Louis a lot.

Harry couldn't help but wonder if Louis broke it off with Edith yet. Hopefully so, because then Harry could just focus on finding out who this guy was that Louis like without worrying about Edith showing up.

It wasn't until his phone started to beep from low battery when Harry noticed the time; they'd been on the phone for two hours. Usually, the most they'd spend on the phone with each other was an hour, but even that as rare. Two hours, however, was a massive amount of time that Harry couldn't even believe, and at that time of night, he couldn't even comprehend it. Of course, Harry's phone low on battery gave Harry the perfect excuse to hang up, because he was so tired and so sleepy Harry was sure he'd fall asleep on Louis if they remained talking any longer.

"So, my phones about to die," Harry began, turning to his side to grab his charger. "I might have to end our wonderful chat, sorry Lou."

"Awe, hanging up already? You do know you can charge your phone and make calls at the same time, right?" Louis teased, but Harry was still thinking of a proper response when Louis started up again. "Can't handle our long in depth conversations anymore tonight?"

"I guess so, but feel free to text me if you want, I'll still be up...maybe...I mean, unless you've run out of things to talk about." Harry yawned, moving over to the side of the bed where the plug was.

"I'll come up with something, I always do." Louis answered smugly, as if he couldn't believe Harry ever doubted Louis abilities to create captivating conversations.

"Anyways, happy birthday Lou."

Louis let out an easy sigh. "You're the best Harold, the second birthday wish in one night. Good thing I have a friend like you in my life because my supposed best friend that goes by the name of Zayn only wished me once."

"Just how many birthday wishes did you expect to get?" Harry asked, not sure why Louis had to be so spoiled.

"Multiple. I don't think someone can ever have too many birthday wishes, actually."

"Well, I guess you would know."

"Of course I would. Now I'm going to let you go before you hang up on me." Louis remarked in a tone that was a little playful yet sharp at the same time.

"Who said I was going to hang up on you?"

"I never said you were, but I've heard it before, 'My phone's gonna die, I have to go now!' Oh please, the classic excuse."

Harry laughed, he just couldn't help it. It was funny, Louis mocking Harry, or at least others he's talked to that have used the 'my phone's on low battery' line just so that they could hang up. "Louis," Harry began, trying to sound like Louis wasn't be absolutely ridiculous. "My phone really is gonna die, I'm serious. If anything, my phone will hang up for the both of us if I don't get it charging."

"You need one of those portable chargers. Too bad I didn't think of it sooner when I got you a Christmas present."

Harry sighed. "You're gonna really wish you thought of it when we get cut off, that's for sure."

Now it was Louis' turn to laugh. "Man, you're getting feisty, huh?"

"Louis."

"Ok, ok. We'll talk later. But I'm still going to text you."

"Of course." Harry yawned, knowing he was not at all skilled in the sport of staying up very late. For now though, it was ok, because soon they hung up Harry had enough energy to get up and turn the light off, waking up a little bit to do so.

Harry made himself stay awake just in case Louis did text, but a few minutes later there was nothing. Harry wasn't going to initiate anything, of course, because he would have rather gone to sleep than spend his night texting, but he wondered when Louis could send him a message. Hopefully not for the rest of the night so that they both could get some sleep.

Harry just turned off his lamp and rolled to his side under the covers. Soon after his phone lit up the room and he smiled, reaching over and seen he had a message from Louis. Without hesitation, Harry was quick to open it, and he wanted to faint.

It just so happened that Louis really did feel the need to send Harry a picture of himself in a suit with a text that read, 'On my way to steal your man.' Yeah, it made Harry smile, of course it did; Louis knew how to do that, that bastard.

Harry couldn't help but reply, he just had to say something, as he knew that Louis would call him rather shortly if Harry didn't reply, demanding some sort of feedback on the picture, because Louis was like that.

But Harry didn't really know what his reply was and didn't really think it through until it was already sent.

' Harry: Too bad I don't have a man. '

It was the text that was one hundred percent honest and also one hundred percent risky. What would Louis think? At first, Harry didn't think that text could be so bad, but when Louis didn't reply right away like he normally did it made Harry rather anxious about it. Course, Harry was also thinking about it too much, as Louis was clearly joking, so he would think much of it, right?

When Harry finally got a text back he was relieved, as he could finally allow himself to stop freaking out over a text.

'Louis: Well then...On my way to steal you. '

Uhh... was Louis still joking? Harry wasn't sure, but either way, it made Harry's stomach all fluttery and he felt instantly ten times more awake.

'Harry: I feel insulted....Are you saying I'm not worth even a tenner? Just worth a five finger discount? '

Harry didn't want to keep pushing it, but he just couldn't help it, as it was too easy to do so. Plus, wasn't Louis also pushing it? Seeing how flirty he could be without Harry picking up on something? Problem was, Harry didn't know if it was just a bunch of jokes, as he had no way of knowing how sincere Louis really was.

'Louis: You're worth more than money can buy, quit whining before I actually do come steal you ;) '

Maybe Louis was just practicing pickup lines and flirty texts on Harry, trying them out to pick what he'll do to win over that guy he likes.

Even if that's what Louis was doing, Harry couldn't help smiling like a fool because it was just that unreal and somewhat wonderful, all at once, something that had never really happened before to Harry. Sure it would kinda hurt if Louis was just trying out lines and testing things on Harry to eventually use on someone else, but in that moment, that didn't matter, because it just seemed like Louis really meant what he was saying.

It was tough.

'Harry: Too bad because I won't let you; I'll stand my ground on that one, Lou .'

Harry read that over for another minute before pressing send, suddenly worried that the whole conversation could all go wrong with one text either going too far or making things awkward, and Harry didn't want to ruin anything at all.

It took Louis a solid ten minutes to respond, each time Harry waited for a response it seemed to take longer and longer for one to come. Was that a bad sign?

'Louis: Who said I was going to ask? Hmmm? If I want you, I want you. Also, maybe my intentions are to in fact steal you away because I miss you. '

Oh so that's what it was.

At this point, Harry could think of nothing else to say, not sure for how much longer this was going to go on and feeling even more confused, because he still had no clue about what Louis really felt, like beyond the texts, and for a minute Harry didn't even know if he ever would. Harry just stared at the message trying to think of what to say. His mind is blank, and he wants to say he misses him too if that's what Louis is implying. He can't do it, though, he can't find a way to word it without giving himself away.

Harry just put his phone away and tried to fall asleep, as his mind needed a break from thinking too much about their last few texts back and forth, torn between thinking Louis felt something towards Harry and the other extreme where all Harry was just a friend.

Thankfully, sleep came in no time.

*****

The next few days were rather uneventful, and Harry was used to living back at home again. He'd been texting Louis about their plans for term two. When it came to Louis, the attention fell on the band. Apparently, they were taking a break, not playing over the holiday vacation. Louis explained that shortly after the band began again, they had a massive gig lined up. This was all news to Harry, as Louis hadn't been talking about the band for a few months, so of course, Harry didn't really know what to ask and what to think, until Louis told him.

Louis told Harry this big gig was also a big deal, and that Harry should come. Harry wasn't against it, because it'd been ages since he last saw Louis and the band play, which was really reason enough to go. Course, Harry said he'd have to think about it, buying Harry enough time to make it seem like Harry wasn't really that excited about it, despite the fact that he was.

With Anne out running errands, Gemma was with Harry planted in the living room. Currently, Gemma wasn't allowing Harry to leave and take a shower because she apparently had something so important to tell Harry.

"Gemma, please just tell what you want so I can go," Harry sighed, crossing his arms and flicking his gaze towards her.

Gemma grinned slowly like she had all the time in the world, looking at Harry."I wanted to ask you what your plans are for New Year's Eve."

"I don't have a plan, for one, and secondly, I only have two days until New Year's Eve, which isn't really enough time to figure something out, Gemma."

"Two days is more than enough time then, honestly," Gemma replied flatly.

"Two days for what? Gem, what are you talking about?"

Harry hoped Gemma didn't have any ideas, and certainly hoped she didn't have any aspirations, because nothing would become of them, and that was for sure.

And if Gemma thought that Harry was actually contemplating making the first move, she could go and rethink things, because no way was that going to happen either.

"You know, two days to plan out how you're going to make out with Louis." Gemma huffed and rolled her eyes, as if disappointed and alarmed that Harry didn't get her hint.

"Gemma," Harry sighed, not sure how many times he'd have to tell her this, or something along these lines. "I already told you I'm not kissing him or doing anything sexual with him. Period."

Gemma frowned and for a second looked defeated.

"Don't give me that look." Harry replied, because that was what Gemma did when she didn't get her way, and somehow was always able to use it to turn things around and get her way.

"Then how about I read some of your messages to him... please?" Gemma began not giving up her pout. "I promise I won't go through your pictures."

Harry shook his head and pushed her already grabby hands away. "Hell no, you just want to snoop or send Louis a text to instigate things, I know you."

Gemma scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Do you want me to decode his messages or not? Plus, I promise I won't go through your top secret shirtless photos of him this time, and I know you have more." Gemma added smugly.

Harry looked away, thinking. If he denied that bit about having more pictures of shirtless Louis it would make him look defensive, causing him to show Gemma all his pictures just to prove himself right. If Harry didn't say anything it'd seem like his silence was an embarrassed way of saying yes. The only way to get around all that was to just hand her the damn phone. Maybe one day Harry would learn to stop being so pushed around by Gemma, but today was not that day.

"Okay, fine. I'll let you read a few messages, just a couple, though." Harry muttered, glancing towards Gemma again who now had a huge smile on her face. She held out her hand again as Harry chewed on the inside of his cheek, giving him one last minute to change his mind before the phone totally left his hands. "Please don't send him a reply back, just read them. I know you want to but please don't."

Gemma nodding, taking the phone gently as if it were a living creature. The smile on her face turned focused and serious, then puzzled, and Harry had no idea what it all meant.

"Man, oh man," Gemma finally remarked quietly with a smile. "He's such a flirt!" She squealed, glancing over towards Harry before looking back down at the phone again, her smile still growing.

Still, Harry was quiet, waiting for the final verdict on all of this. It seemed like a lot of hot air, but since Gemma was clearly impressed and pleased, Harry thought maybe, just maybe, there was something going on. Course Harry realized Gemma could have also been playing him, overreacting to get Harry to think there was something going on to get Harry to go through with having Louis over and possibly doing was Gemma suggested. So Harry knew he had to be careful and not gullible at all.

"I kind of maybe miss you and I can't wait to come over and see you, aww." Gemma pressed her hand to her chest, for extra dramatic flair. "I'm going to get you a gift card to a coffee house one of these days because I know how much of addiction you have to iced coffee." Harry didn't want Gemma to read them out loud, but there was no stopping her at this point; she just wouldn't listen. The fact that Gemma was enjoying it made it even more annoying, and Harry maybe would have liked to grab the phone back and make her stop, it was just too awkward and amazing, all at once.

"Oh and, I'll ring you in a bit. Hm, there's a lot of those. It seems to be a nightly thing for you both." She smirked, glancing over towards Harry. "You two sure have a lot to talk about."

Before Harry knew it, Harry's phone was back in his hands, but she continued to beam. "God, I can't believe you've been so blatantly ignorant all this time." she began before reaching over and putting her hand on Harry's shoulder. "He likes you, H."

Instantly Harry thought of a million reasons why Louis did not, in fact, like him, but all he could manage to do was to look back up and Gemma and swallow. There was no way Gemma could know what Louis really felt from just a few texts, because that (besides some pictures) were all Gemma knew of Louis, whereas Harry knew him a lot more. If anyone was misinformed it was Gemma, for sure.

"You're wrong, Gems," Harry replied, shaking his head and starting to sit up. "If he did then he'd make the move, but Louis likes someone else, just like I told you before."

Gemma glared at Harry. sighed and stared at him. "Are you being serious right now? Harry, he calls you Harold even though no one else calls you that, tells you he misses you like, three times per night and is even offering to buy you things when he's probably way more broke than you are. Plus, he sent you pictures of himself that he'd never send to any other 'friend.'

These were all things Harry thought about, but they still didn't really convince him. After all, why was Harry going to get his hopes up? Harry didn't know why Gemma didn't understand that.

Gemma got up and started moving away from Harry, walking over to the door. "He wants you." Gemma announced confidently before turning and walking out of the room, leaving Harry alone.

No, Harry was sure that Louis didn't want him, right?

Louis' whole philosophy about dating and relationships was different from anything Harry wanted, and if someone gave in to what the other person wanted, they'd be unhappy, making things miserable and not worth it.

Harry got up and made his way out of the living room, unsure of what to think. All the information Harry was getting from Gemma and what his own mind was thinking about the whole situation sent conflicting messages about what Louis really thought, and since Harry had no clue he didn't know what side to believe in.

All Harry wanted was to stop thinking about Louis and what Gemma told him, because it was all starting to feel like nothing was really happening but just the concept of it all overwhelming at the same time.

*****

Nine in the morning of New Year's Eve and Harry was nothing but nerves, as Louis was going to be showing up later that day. Even though Louis wasn't arriving until later, Harry was ready; hair styled, perfect outfit, things like that, and basically all set... basically. All Harry really had to do was chill out, but unlike other things that needed to be done, there was no guarantee that Harry could actually relax.

"What if he gets bored." Harry mumbled as he walked back into his room. He crashed down on his bed and groaned, not really sure why he even told Louis he could come in the first place. Course, the whole thing wasn't that a big of a deal, but to Harry, there was a lot possibly riding on it. Not only that, but Harry would have to answer to Gemma about what happened, if anything. That put so much more pressure on it, because Harry didn't really want to let Gemma down, but then again, it was none of her business.

Harry was planning on languishing in his room the whole day, but then Anne came stomping in with other plans.

"I need you to go with your sister to the market to grab a few things I forgot." And before Harry could say anything else, Anne left, closing the door behind her.

Harry took a deep breath before getting up, not sure why Anne couldn't just go back herself (and take Gemma with her). For some reason Anne wanted Harry to go, and to make Gemma go with him.

Eventually, Harry grabbed his coat and made his way into the kitchen, where both Gemma and Anne were. Gemma had her coat on and was twirling the keys in her hands, looking bored, and maybe slightly annoyed that Harry had to tag along. Well, Harry was pretty annoyed that he had to go in the first place, with or without Gemma.

"You guys gotta be back before four." Anne handed some money to Gemma as they started out of the kitchen.

"Yeah, before we have company. You gotta be home for your guest, right H?" Gemma sneered with a smirk, and all Harry could do was roll his eyes.

Gemma did most of the shopping, Harry just really followed her around, letting her do most of the work, which was fine, as Harry wasn't really putting much care to it. Was he much help to Gemma? No, and yet Gemma didn't see to need him at all.

At the moment, Harry was preoccupied with the worry that Louis would lose interest in him. With no party going on in the background, Harry was sure Louis would get bored, and bored quickly. But Harry didn't want Louis to get bored, because if there was any possible way that Harry actually had a shot for anything between them, this was it, this was the chance, and Harry didn't want to ruin it.

"What are you going to do if Louis gets bored?" Gemma asked, as if reading Harry's exact thoughts, and honestly, Harry was thinking the same thing.

"What makes you think he'll get bored?" Harry asked, playing it off as if that wasn't even a thought that graced Harry's mind.

Gemma shrugged. "I mean, he's hanging with you."

"Gemma!"

"What?" Gemma replied, as if stunned by Harry's response.

"You were the one that agreed with mum that he should come."

"Yeah, on the promise that you weren't gonna be boring, or I'll have to come in and save him from you, or maybe I should just steal him anyway, he seems pretty chill."

Harry didn't want to scream, 'Gemma, he's mine,' but Louis really wasn't, so there was really nothing Harry could do.

"Anyway," Gemma began again after Harry didn't bother to reply.

"You need to learn to have fun and, while you're at it, a little sexual teasing never hurt either." Gemma announced as she grabbed a box of yellow cake mix and put it into the basket.

"Gemma, what does that have to do with anything?" Harry hissed once again and glared at her to stop. "Louis and I are just friends, so there will be no sexual tension, and just for the record, I'm not even sure if your claims of him wanting me are even true, because like, how do you even know?"

Gemma rolled her eyes as they strolled down the aisle. Harry didn't want to keep talking about it and didn't like what Gemma was doing at all. It was none of Gemma's business, and Harry maybe even suggested she was jealous of him for having plans like this on New Years. Speaking of, Harry had no idea if Gemma had any plans, but he hoped she did, as it would get her out of the house and no longer able to annoy Harry.

They meandered around the isles a little bit more, before winding up in the family planning aisle. Before Harry could protest, Gemma said she needed something, but Harry was still unsure about what she was getting.

As Gemma looked around, Harry followed her aimlessly, starting to get impatient. When Gemma pulled a box of condoms from the shelf, Harry ripped them from her hands and put them back. No no no no no, Harry was not doing anything with Louis, not that night, not ever. Why couldn't Gemma just stop trying to make it happen?

"Hey, no need to be rude." Gemma scolded grabbing the box back and carelessly throwing it into the basket. "Don't worry, they're not for you." Harry just groaned. If those weren't Gemma's New Year's plans Harry didn't know what were.

As they were making their way to checkout, Harry checked his phone. Louis texted Harry saying he'd get there early, so Louis was checking to make sure that was ok. Course it was, but it made Harry feel all nervous again, because that meant he'd see Louis even sooner, and yet they were still in that damn store.

When they both got back home Anne was rushing around cleaning everything.

"I can't believe you kids make me do all the work around here, especially when your guests are coming over."

"Mum," Gemma began placing some bags onto the kitchen table. "You wanted us both to go. How were we supposed to clean and go buy your stuff at the same time?"

Anne rolled her eyes as she opened a new pack of Clorox wipes. "You know what I meant. Just come help me before I make the two of you do all of this yourself."

They left the bags of food on the kitchen table, but Harry saw Gemma take out the box of condoms and hide them in her purse. On the drive back home, Gemma explained that she had plans with some guy after she sneaks out, and yes, Harry was right when he suspected they had to do with her New Year's plans.

The house was cleaned up in no time, and soon Harry was back in his room, still nervous. Louis would be arriving soon and then the night would begin. What Gemma told him was supposed to make Harry more certain about what Louis felt, but it didn't. If anything, it made Harry more nervous because if Harry did start to believe any of it but in reality, such was not true, all Harry would be in the end was hurt, if Harry's hopes went up.

A text from Louis two minutes later announcing the fact that he was there, and Harry wasted no time as he grabbed his coat and boots before heading out of his room.

Once outside Harry saw Louis in his car messing with his hair in the mirror. Harry had snowflakes caught in his hair making it slightly damp as he carefully made his over. The last thing he needs is to slip and fall on his bum especially in front of Louis.

As Harry was standing by the driver side door, he noticed something; Louis shaved (which Harry wished he didn't). Great, now Harry has to deal with this too on top of everything else.

How the hell is even going to do this?

Harry crossed his arms as he watched Louis climb out of his car. "Hey," Louis said with a smile as his bag hit the ground once the car door slammed shut.

Before Harry could mutter out a word he was pulled close. Arms locking around his waist and holding him close and Harry just smiled. He nestled his face in the crook of Louis' neck as shuffled a tad closer for warmth. Also maybe Harry kind of missed being in Louis' arms.

Harry could smell the notes of his cologne, and he forgot just how good Louis smelled. Something's off about it, though; there were no traces of marijuana. Harry doesn't mind though.

The hug lingered for a minute too long before Harry finally pulled away. Glad the nippy air was making up for his flushed cheeks because the last thing he needs to do is make things obvious.

Still standing quite close to Louis, Harry's not sure to do now. His mind has gone fuzzy, and all he can do is look at the way Louis' lips were trembling. He snapped his eyes up to when Louis spoke up.

"Sorry, I came a bit early," Louis apologized as he rubbed his hands together. "I couldn't wait to see you."

Louis couldn't wait to see him, and that makes Harry feel a tad bit warmer inside.

"It's fine, even though you infringed on my alone time, which you're really good at doing." Harry teased, as he shivered when the bitter wind blew. Snow falling obliquely and slightly heavier now.

"Well I could drive back home now and you'd have all the time to yourself since you're making a huge deal about it."

Harry rolled his eyes, "I am not. You're the one who's making a massive deal about it. I mean I'm not the one who showed up early."

Louis sighed languidly, "I'm not making anything thing a massive deal, I just wanted to see you. So sue me for missing you."

The corners of Harry's lips quirked up as he glanced down to the snow covered pavement. Feeling his cheeks warm up once again because Louis words of missing him. Louis hasn't even been here for twenty minutes and he already has Harry even more nervous than before.

Harry wished he had the house to himself tonight. He'd much rather be alone with Louis instead of having to deal with his family. Gemma could say something embarrassing or his mum could be overbearing. Knowing Harry likes Louis and god, this could be a disaster now that he's thinking about it.

Maybe he's overthinking it all and this cold is just messing with his head. Hopefully, that's the case because the last thing he needs is for this night to be a disaster.

"So... are you going to show me in or are we just going to stand here all night?" Louis asked as finally picked his bag off the ground.

Harry was about to open his mouth to retort back at him, but he just kept his mouth shut. Gave Louis a nod and feeling unsettled about what could happen once they walk through these doors. Gemma could blurt out the fact Harry's been saying so much about Louis like how Lottie exposed Zayn. Anne could just be overbearing and ask too many questions because Harry's never brought a guy he's liked over before that's just a friend. He has no idea what they're walking into, but he's hoping for the best.

Right as Harry stepped back inside Anne and Gemma could be heard from the kitchen (laughing and in the middle of fussing with dinner) and Harry was thankful. Last thing he needs is for Louis to be greeted the moment he walks through the door. Harry kicked off his damp boots as he glanced to Louis. Harry noticed that Louis already hung up his coat on one of the empty hooks and his shoes tucked into the corner. He's actually kind of impressed, to be honest, because that's one way to win points with his mum. No one's allowed to walk on her floors with wet shoes, no one.

"Your mum's place looks cozy" Louis commented as his eyes glanced around the room before they landed back on Harry.

"Well aren't mum's homes suppose to be cozy? It's home, Lou."

Louis just smiled, Harry was about to show Louis to his room before meeting his family. Unfortunately, things never go according to plan and out came Gemma from the kitchen with a knowing smile.

"You must be Louis, right?" Gemma asked as she crossed her arms. Her eyes darting between Harry and Louis.

"Yeah, I mean since I' the only one Harry's invited, shouldn't it be obvious, love?"

Gemma smirked, "Smug one, aren't you? I think I'm going to like you. No wonder Harry always talks about you." Harry wanted to scream. That was a lie, what happened to not making this into a huge deal? What happened to Gemma saying she wasn't going to make it obvious? Thanks a lot, Gemma.

Harry felt heat inch up to his cheeks and wanting to go outside and freeze to death because that would be much kinder than this right now.

"Oh he does, does he?" Louis asked impishly as he flicked his gaze towards Harry.

"No I do not!" Harry countered back at his sister and glared at her, hoping she'd get the hint to tone it down. "I only just told her about you not even that long ago. She's just blowing things way out of proportion which she tends to do, a lot."

"No I don't, I'm just truthful to the guest of honor, I mean your guest of honor" Gemma laughed, and Harry was already done. The idea of hypothermia sounded better every time Gemma opened her mouth to say something.

"I mean I can't blame him, I am quite awesome." Louis beamed, and Harry knew he was screwed. Gemma and Louis are obviously getting on well already and yet they barely know each other. Harry can just tell this was going to be one long night. Harry's hoping Gemma sneaks out earlier on so that way in case of her being drunk on wine she would blurt out Harry's crush on Louis.

If life couldn't get any worse for Harry right now, out came Anne with a glass of wine. Great, this should be interesting. Hopefully, she'll be less embarrassing.

"Hello, darling." Anne greeted Louis with a warm smile as she stood next to Gemma. Her wine glass full and Harry hopes to heavens that his mum won't be drunk before it's midnight. He doesn't need to have double the embarrassment, not today. Louis could tease him about it later on and if he figures things out well the new year could start off on a very awkward note.

"Hello, Ms.-" Louis started to say but Anne already cut him off.

"Please, just call me Anne, hun. I'm Harry's mum and I'm pleased to finally meet one of his new friends he's made at uni." Anne said tenderly before she took a sip of her wine.

"You know I would have mistaken you for one of Harry's sisters he's never told me about." Louis commented and Harry rolled his eyes. Louis just had to play that sneaky 'you look good for your age' card just right and Harry's honestly not surprised by this.

Anne grinned, "You're so sweet, Louis. Well I'd love to talk more but I should finish up dinner, so I'll see you boys in an hour." Harry was glad to see Gemma had disappeared along with Anne into the kitchen because he's not sure if he can handle anything more from them right now.

Once they were in Harry's room with the door shut he was thankful for the privacy. There are no chances of getting embarrassed or Louis being asked a million questions. Harry's knows Gemma and Anne are curious about Louis and they both know Harry likes Louis. They're going to ask questions through the night, and lots of them .

Harry sat on his bed as he watched Louis set his bag on the empty desk and strip off his coat. Harry wanted to self-immolate right about now because it sounded better than this, sounded better than hypothermia because it's quicker. Louis' wearing a navy blue henley and Harry wants to tell him to go change into something else. It's like Louis always knows what will send Harry over the edge and does it out of spite because that's who he is.

"Your room's nice," Louis commented as he glanced around the room. Harry just bit his tongue and didn't say anything because he couldn't. Not with Louis standing there and definitely when Louis pushed up his sleeves. Harry doesn't even know what to do with himself right now because it's like his mind has gone fuzzy. It shouldn't be this hard; they're just friends, nothing more.

It was silent, and Harry still couldn't think of anything to say, his mind is still in a haze. Harry could hear Anne and Gemma talking in the kitchen, but it was very faint. At least they weren't arguing or being loud and obnoxious. The last thing Harry needs to deal with right now is drunk Anne and Gemma.

Louis moved to sit next to Harry, their arms brushing, and Harry wished they weren't so close. Louis' cologne is more potent than it was when they were outside, and it's smothering him. Harry hopes Louis doesn't have anymore surprises up his sleeve tonight.

"So," Louis started, "Do I clean up nice or what? Because you haven't even said anything and I thought you'd at least notice that I shaved. I mean since you used to be so good at picking me apart."

Well Louis certainly hasn't cleaned up his smug attitude.

"I did, but I didn't want to stroke your massive ego, and yes I think you look nice." That was a safe answer Harry always seemed to go back to when in times like these. It's not too revealing of what he actually thinks and Louis never seems to push the boundaries. Except for now of course.

"Just nice? Not ruggedly handsome? Or even a little hot? " Louis pressed further as ran his fingers through his hair. Harry did not appreciate these questions at all because he does think Louis is both of those things and he almost feels mocked as if Louis knows what Harry really thinks.

"I just don't want your ego to grow, so nice try."

"Jerk," Louis mumbled with a smile. "Anyway, what's on the agenda tonight?" Louis asked as he flicked his gaze towards Harry.

This was the moment Harry realized that this could make or break for a decent night. It could either entertain Louis enough that he doesn't want to leave or it will be that bad and he will. Harry hopes it's not like that at all and Louis won't regret skipping out on spending time with his family tonight.

"Well," Harry started as he looked Louis in his eyes, swallowing hard. "Um, My mum's famous new year's dinner with some cake after, a bit of Jenga with some wine, and then I guess watch the ball drop on Gemma's laptop if she sticks around long enough."

Louis hasn't said anything, and Harry already knows he's thinking of many excuses to leave. This was what Harry was worried about this morning, and he was aware that this would happen. Louis' a free spirit and Harry's not. They're opposites, and it's just expected Louis would much rather be surrounded by a slew of people immersed into music and vices. Not sitting here on holiday doing nothing but drink wine and playing games. No, of course not, what was Harry even thinking about inviting him over?

"Sounds fun," Louis finally commented, and Harry never thought those two little words would make him feel better. "Anyone else coming over beside me?"

Harry shook his head, "Not that I know of like I said, Gemma might sneak off with her special friend, so it's just us." Harry explained and Louis raised his brow at that.

"Special friend? Like a friend with benefits or is it just someone she fancies?" Louis asked, of course he would. Louis' always quite nosy about Harry's life and thoughts.

Harry wasn't exactly sure if he'd consider this guy was on Gemma's terms as she hasn't said much about him. To his knowledge, they are going to sleep together, and that's about it. He just shrugged his shoulder, "I don't know, honestly. She bought contraceptives, so I guess she plans on doing things with this guy."

Louis smirked, "So friends with benefits then," Harry just shrugged, again, he's not sure. "What do you think about that kind of relationship? Coming from a virgin's point of view, of course." Did Louis have to point out how inexperienced he was? Was it really necessary?

Harry gnawed on his lip as he looked Louis In his eyes trying his hardest not to glance down to his lips. He felt even more nervous now that they're on the topic of intimacy and Harry wishes they weren't. His mind keeps going to scenarios that involve Louis in his naked glory and that's something Harry shouldn't have on his mind.

"Um.. I mean.. if it's for you then that's fine, but I don't know." Harry answered diffidently, because what would he know?

The corner of Louis' mouth quirked up; he leaned in and Harry wished he didn't. They're too close, and Harry' held himself back from just leaning forward and kissing Louis. Harry really wants to, but he's not going to take any chances. Not tonight, not when Louis is leaning more in that their lips are only a few inches apart. Harry's body gone numb and he's not sure what's happening or why Louis needs to be so close. Harry swore he saw Louis' eyes flick down to his lip, but then again it could be his mind messing with him once again. Yep, that's it, because why would Louis look at Harry's lips anyway? And Harry's going to stick with hallucination to make himself feel better.

"What about friends who just kiss and hang out? What're your thoughts on that?" Louis questioned as he licked his lips.

Harry was taken by surprise because why would Louis need to know about that. It's not even like a thing, is it? Friends who kiss on a regular basis and hang out? Isn't that like dating? Harry's not sure how to answer that question because he doesn't know if he can. The question made him feel itchy, hot and wanting to flee the area. Harry wishes Louis never asked and went on with their night, but no, of course not.

It was silent between them still, his eyes not leaving Louis', and Harry is fighting everything in his being not to lunge forward or blurt out he fancies Louis. Even if it seems like something like that is suppose to happen right now. No matter how perfect the scenario plays out in his head or the fact his mind keeps going back to his previous thoughts.

"I-" Louis started to say breaking the silence between them, but Gemma opened the door, causing Harry to look away, and heat inching to his cheeks. Gemma is definitely going to tease him about this, he just knows it because of how close they were, and she's just too smart for her own good. Also, Harry's going to remind her about knocking because how would she like it he barged into her room while she had a guy over?

When Harry's eyes fell on Gemma, he saw that knowing look on her face and Harry wanted to wipe that look off her face.

"Mum wanted me to tell you both dinner's done," Gemma said cheerily, a smile coming to her face, "Also Harry can you come help me pick out an outfit tonight?"

Harry just stared at Gemma wondering what her motives were. She has never once asked him for clothing advice or ever really asked for help, period.

"Uh, sure I guess," Harry muddled as he got to his feet, his eyes back on Louis. "You can go eat, Lou. I'll meet you out in a few minutes." Louis just gave a nod and Harry doesn't know why he'd even agreed to go along with Gemma's plans in the first place.

Once across the hall, Harry noticed Gemma had shut the door behind them and was standing in front of him with her arms crossed. He knew she didn't help with anything because she'd be at her wardrobe pulling many dresses out and her room would be a retail nightmare.

"Did you really need help picking out an outfit or did you make up a lie to get me in here and laugh at me?" Harry crossed his arms, clenching his jaw.

Gemma sighed, "Okay I lied, but I have my reasons."

"What reasons?"

"The fact I'm the best big sister in the world, and you're going to love me just a little more tonight." she grinned, and Harry doesn't even want to know what she is planning, nope. He already told her that he isn't doing anything with Louis so why can't she respect that?

Harry looked at her with a glare before he turned on his feet and headed to the door, about to reach for the knob when she spoke up again.

"Oh come on, Harry. I promise it has nothing to with getting in Louis' trousers. I swear," Harry doesn't know how honest she is right now. "If it makes you feel better it has to do with the four of us tonight."

Harry wished he had the willpower just to leave, but he was curious as to what Gemma was getting at now that he knows it doesn't revolve around his and Louis' friendship.

Turning in his spot, he looked at Gemma, bored, and waiting for her to get on with it so he can go eat.

"I might have persuaded mum to let us all go to Manchester tonight to see the fireworks this year."

That was certainly something Harry was not expecting, ever. Usually, they stay home on this day and celebrate together, just the three of them. Harry doesn't get how she did it, but in all honesty, he's kind of glad she persuaded Anne. Maybe less alone time with Louis will keep him from trying to make moves that don't need to happen and keep Louis entertained. Also, it'd be nice to have his mum go out and have a lovely time. She works most of the time, so she deserves a fun night out too.

"Are you being serious right now?"

Gemma smiled with a nod, looking satisfied with herself. "Yeah, I mean it took some convincing, but she warmed up to the idea. Also since my friend lives out there, it's perfect, and maybe I had this crazy idea that you could kiss Louis at midnight. You know the fireworks bringing that dramatic effects for that long overdue kiss." and there it was, exactly what Harry thought. There was a mischievous motive to it and know he knows exactly why Gemma did what she did.

"Gemma," Harry sighed, shaking his head. "What did I say a few days ago? Nothing is happening. End of discussion" this conversation was getting tired and old real quick.

"Oh come on, I mean it's a brilliant idea and besides, he obviously likes you." Gemma explained, moving to go to her old wardrobe and opening the doors, and skimming through her clothes that she kept at when she visited.

"He likes someone else." Harry already told Gemma this not even a week ago, so why can't she get it through her head that there will never be anything between them?

"That someone being you," Gemma said pointedly, her eyes back on Harry. "He hugged you the moment he saw you after he set his bag down. That was the longest hug I've ever seen between two platonic friends.".

Harry narrowed his eyes, annoyed that Gemma had been lurking. "Why were you spying on us? No- Just because he hugged me that long doesn't mean he likes me. He just hasn't seen me in a while; it's not that big of a deal." Harry stressed to make himself feel better about this because he knows it's a huge deal. A massive deal actually because no other friends of his have ever hugged him like that. He knows there could be a huge possibility that Louis could be into him, but it's still a crazy thought.

"Right, not a big deal, okay." She didn't sound convinced, and this is why he never tells her about anything when it comes to guys. Gemma's back to her wardrobe, pulling out an olive green top, and not saying anything else.

When Harry was seated at the dining room table, he just wanted to get this over with already. Harry wanted just to have a nice quiet dinner and then head off to Manchester for the night. Get away from Gemma and her observations and his mum's possible embarrassing stories. Maybe he and Louis could drive separately because that sounded better than be cramped in a small car with his family.

As dinner began Harry mainly kept to himself. Only commented when it was necessary and let Louis get to know his family. Hearing Anne ask Louis about where he lives if he likes uni, what he does for fun, and a whole bunch of questions. Harry's interests were more on his plate of spaghetti and looking at Louis when no one seemed to notice.

Things seemed to go okay so far, and Harry's glad Gemma hasn't even uttered out anything that they've both discussed over the past week. Gemma mainly talked about how she dislikes being a nail tech and is thinking about going back to uni or something. Dinner was going smoothly and even when Anne started up on the whole trip to Manchester in a few hours Harry noticed Gemma didn't give him any looks.

When dinner was long over they had a bit of desert before breaking out some hot cocoa and played a game of Jenga before they headed out. Harry paired up with Louis of course, and Louis got a little too competitive through the first few rounds. Harry honestly just thinks it's funny when Louis would go on a tirade of claiming Gemma is playing dirty, saying she's doing the squeeze and shift move. Honestly, Harry had no idea what Louis means, but he knows not to even ask. That boy takes games very seriously, and Harry doesn't need to hear him go off about a silly game, let alone have a repeat of the costume contest.

Maybe that's another reason why Harry's so endeared when it comes to Louis. Louis gets along with most people (when he's not a smart ass) and he's not afraid to voice his opinions. Which Harry likes even if sometimes the opinions are unwanted and unnecessary because that's not something Harry would do. They just mesh well together, and Harry's not going to lie, he never thought he'd be here today thinking about Louis Tomlinson being more than a friend.

It's so crazy, and Harry still doesn't understand why of all the other guys he's met over the years, why Louis has stuck out to him. Why he's the only one Harry has liked in a long time.

By the time Harry was sitting in Louis' car on the way to Manchester he felt nervous. It could be because they're alone finally after his mum agreed to take separate vehicle so Gemma could take off afterward. Also, Harry's mind is back on what happened in his room before dinner, thinking about what Louis had asked him. Wondering why Louis needed to ask it in the first place, is that what he wants with that mystery guy he likes?

Louis did say he didn't want to sleep with the guy, so maybe he plans to kiss him instead?

Harry's just leaves the thought alone and looked out the window, not looking forward to standing in the cold, but it beats sitting at home doing nothing.

They were a little less than halfway there when Louis cracked the window and lit himself up a cigarette. Harry shivered from the wind blowing in and crossed his arms, squeezing his coat shut, and his eyes falling on Louis.

"So... I broke it off with Edith." Louis finally broke the silence between them, and Harry was having a party in his head. Confetti is flying everywhere, party horns going off, and balloons everywhere. It's a New Year's miracle!

"When did you do that?" Harry asked trying not to sound too excited as he watched Louis exhale the smoke from his lips.

Louis looked to be thinking quickly with that brooding expression on his face before he took another drag. "I think a few days ago, she's not too happy with me right now, but oh well it was bound to end anyways. Got a bit bored honestly."

"Well at least you don't gotta worry about her anymore, but what about that guy you like?" as much as Harry didn't want to bring this up, he was still curious about this guy. Louis hasn't ever given him a name or even really brings the guy up, so he's curious because this guy must be something special.

At first, Louis didn't say anything as he took a few drags from his cigarette before putting it out in his travel ashtray. Harry looked at him curiously, waiting for him just to say something, and give him some details.

"What about him?" Louis finally asked, his eyes still on the road.

"Have you figured out what you want with him yet? Or have you at least seen him since we've been on holiday?"

From where Harry was sitting here could see Louis messing with his hair as they passed the lampposts that lit up the car. He takes a while to answer the question and Harry wonder what's gotten into Louis. Usually, he's quick to speak up, but right now he's acting quite coyly.

"Lou?" Harry questioned again; maybe he didn't hear Harry?

"Yeah?" Louis answered calmly.

"Did something happen with that guy?"

Louis shook his head as the car came to a stop at a red light, his eyes on Harry for a second. "Not yet, but I'll make a move soon." Louis had smiled before he focused on the road again, taking off when the light turns green.

Harry just nodded and didn't say anything else for the rest of the trip there. He tried his hardest not to think about when they get back to uni and seeing Louis and this guy together. Louis' 'soon' either means in a few days or weeks. Harry just hopes and prays he'll be over this stupid crush he has in no time once he see's Louis with someone else. He can get over Louis like all the other crushes he had, it'll be easy.

Eventually, Harry was being led through the masses of people by Louis' hand. Louis was dragging him along, bumping into people along the way, and Harry doesn't even know where Gemma and Anne are. They had arrived before them thanks to Louis' lead foot had Harry hopes they made it safely. Thankfully after Louis stopped tugging him along he checked his phone, and there was text from his mum telling him to be safe and message her when they were ready to leave.

Harry pocketed his phone and looked down to his hand that Louis was still holding and blushed a little. He didn't understand why Louis still held onto his, but he kind of liked it and wasn't going to say anything. Even if their fingers weren't intertwined, Harry didn't care. If anything it made them look like a couple and the idea of people seeing them like this was exciting. Not to mention their mates weren't around here to tease them and no family members pestering them. It's just perfect.

"Would you like something to drink?" Louis shouted over the people talking and laughing. Harry nodded as he stood there shivering. Maybe a hot drink would warm him up some more because he's not even sure if he'll be able to make it to midnight without getting frost bit.

Louis then lets go of Harry's hand and disappeared into the crowd. Leaving Harry alone and stranded so that's just great. It's too damn cold to mess around on his phone and secondly, there's literally nothing to do and no one to talk to. He could chat with the people around him but they all look older than him or younger. So Harry just stands there with his hands in his pockets, shivering.

Standing in the street around a slew of people was not something Harry pictured doing on his New Year's Eve. Sitting in front of his sister's laptop and drinking hot cocoa sounded more like it, but that's not what happened. Louis came into his life, and Gemma somehow convinced Anne otherwise, and now here he is waiting on some guy that's getting him something to drink. A guy that always offers him things and talks to on a nightly basis on the phone.

Harry knows it's a long shot, but maybe what Gemma said about Louis wanting him was true. It's not a totally crazy idea that he's ruling out now that he's thinking about it. He's been friend with Louis for a little over three months now, and he's noticed that Louis doesn't act the same with Zayn or Nick. Louis' walked Harry to his door and gave him a Christmas present which from his knowledge he never gave Zayn one and that Louis' best friend. Maybe Harry's looked too much into those 'Ten signs he likes you' articles online and he's paying too much attention to the details. It's still a possibility to not rule it totally out.

Still, there's the factor of Louis not being one for relationships and that contradicts everything else. That's why Harry's been trying to ignore his crush or at least act on anything because he's not brave enough or confident in the fact Louis could potentially like him back. He's not willing to take that risk.

Harry snapped out of his thought when he felt something nudge him in the back, and he was quick on to turn around, only to smile and grab one of the cups from Louis' hand. "Took you long enough, thought you ditched me there." Harry teased as he took a sip of his drink. Tasting hot cocoa and Harry just smiled against the rim of the lid.

"Of course you would," Louis shook his head as he smiled up at Harry. "Anyways... so tell me what your new year's resolutions are by chance? You never told me."

Harry looked at Louis and thought he joking because to had to be. Making resolutions was the dumbest idea ever because no one sticks to them unless they had incredible willpower. Harry did try one year to eat less sugar and that only last two days, so it proved his theory more right. Especially when all his friends and families resolutions failed not long behind him.

"I don't make resolutions; it's all just a made up concept to make you feel better about yourself." Harry explained as he took another sip. Spitting out some of his drink on the ground because it burnt his tongue and Harry blushed a little when he saw Louis just smile at him. Harry just wiped his mouth with his sleeve and decided to let his drink cool off a bit more.

"Oh come on, Harold. Everyone has at least one thing they want to accomplish in a year. Just because you're a negative Nancy about the whole resolution things doesn't mean it's any less important to me." Louis went on, and Harry just lets him talk. Not really up for arguing his points on this because he's cold and his tongue is burnt.

"I get that it's important to you, but I'm not going to make one. You can tell me yours though." Harry offered and Louis nodded, not looking totally pleased.

Louis licked his lips and seemed to be thinking for a moment before he shook his head. "Nah, you probably don't want to hear it anyway. Since you know, you don't believe in such a thing and besides, you might jinx it." Louis laughed, and Harry just rolled his eyes.

As time had went on and time winded down with two hot cocoas later. Harry's shuffling in his spot trying to keep warm on top of not panicking every time Louis steps a little closer to him. It's like he doesn't know boundaries and wants to be right next to Harry, not that he minds of course. He likes being close to Louis; he loves it when Louis touches his arm or his shoulder. He likes Louis in general, but right now after everything else he hates it.

Harry noticed that they have five minutes until midnight when he checked his phone and couldn't wait, to be honest. He was already thinking about Louis' nice warm car on the ride back. Hopefully, a quiet one and his mum isn't asking too many questions again. All Harry wants is a nice warm ride back and sleep in his warm bed.

Waiting for the countdown to begin was quite irritating, to say the least, because Harry was antsy and his skin was itchy his toes were starting to go slightly numb. He probably should have worn two pairs of socks, but who would have known that they'd be outside the whole time.

The snow picked up and Harry shivered, standing a little closer to Louis, hopefully, to get some warmth. He jumped, and his breath caught in his throat when he felt an arm wrap around his waist and pulled him close. Harry blushed and glanced down at Louis' hand on his side, thinking about how nice it feels, and back to those stupid articles online of signs he likes you.

His mind back on that and he starts to think of everything that happened tonight and the past couple of days. He thinks about the keychain Louis had given him and the goodbye hug before holiday. He remembers when Louis teased him for the beer spilled on his top and pestered him, and now they're here. Now all Harry wants to do is to run off into the sunset with this boy.

Harry was pulled out of his thoughts when he started people chanting numbers, and he hadn't realized just how long he'd been staring at Louis' hand. His eyes snapped back up and noticed Louis was already looking at him with a smile on his face. Harry doesn't know why Louis' looking at him like that, but he likes it, he likes it a lot.

"What?" Harry mouthed to him, wanting to know why he keeps looking at him like he's won the fucking lottery.

Louis licked his lips again, and Harry wants to tell him to stop doing that because he's going to get chapped lips and because it's distracting. Of course, he's not going to that because why would tell Louis he'd been staring at his lips?

Louis' looked down for a moment before they snapped back up to Harry and it didn't process in Harry's head at first, but when it did he almost wanted to faint. Louis' looking at him like how Zayn looks Niall. How Nick looks at all the hot guys, how Ed stared at Laken, and how his mum used to stare at his dad.

Louis likes him; Louis Tomlinson likes Harry, he...

When Louis erased the distance between their bodies and pressed their lips together, Harry almost got the wind knocked out of him. Fireworks going off in the background as everyone yelled 'Happy New Year,' Harry was shaking, and unsure of what just happened. Gemma was right about the fireworks to add dramatic effects; their first kiss had fireworks... and not just in the background.

The kiss didn't last long because Louis slowly pulled away from him, his gaze half lidded, and hand on Harry's arm. Harry wanted more; he wanted to kiss Louis again because he might never have this moment again. So he went back in and crashed their lips together, their lips moved in sync and soon enough Louis' tongue was shoved into his mouth.

Louis moved his hands to Harry's waist, keeping his close. Kissing him like he was never going to see him again and Harry felt like his knees were going weak. He just felt tingly all over and didn't want Louis to stop; he didn't want to stop kissing him.

The kiss is just everything he imagined, maybe even more amazing than he expected. It was so sudden, and he didn't even expect it to happen. Not ever because he was so convinced Louis had other plans with someone else when it's been him this whole time.

It went on like this for a while. Time just slipped away until Louis finally stepped back and was breathing heavily. Fireworks still cracking in the background and lighting up the sky. Staring into each other's eyes and Harry's not sure what to think because they just kissed. It wasn't any old kiss, though... it felt weird, in a good way.

Harry's heart is racing one hundred miles a minute and they're not saying anything. They're just standing there looking into each other's eyes. Harry can't even move because he doesn't want to, he doesn't want to be apart from Louis, like at all.

Harry doesn't care if he's missing the firework show or missed texts from his mum and friends telling him happy New Year. He doesn't care about anything else, but this.

So what now?