Stick Your Heart Inside My Chest, Keep It Warm Here While We Rest | Part 1 of 2 | Harry/Louis
Title: Stick Your Heart Inside My Chest, Keep It Warm Here While We Rest
Author: dorkle_07
Rating: NC-17
Words: 13,892
Pairing: Harry/Louis
Summary: Prince Harry Styles knows trouble when he sees it, and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction has trouble written all over him. Alternately: Harry is a prince and Louis is a pop star. They meet and fall in love.
Disclaimer: Not mine sadly.
Author Notes: This is a continuation of the snippet I posted a little bit ago. It started because of a tag on tumblr that really got my obsessing about the idea of it. After writing that little bit for fun and snowballed and is now this giant monster of a story. I hope you all enjoy this! I had such a blast writing it! (Title and cut text taken from I Know, I Know, I Know by Tegan and Sara!)
Harry and Louis meet on a talk show. Louis is there with One Direction to do some single promo, and Harry is there because he’s Prince fucking Harry of the royal family and why the fuck not?
*
Louis first sees him walking down the hall from the opposite direction. He’s surrounded by security of course, but is smiley and seems pretty happy. When Louis gets closer he bites his lip, winks flirtatiously, and works his ass as he walks away like no one’s business.
He doesn’t see, but Harry’s head follows him as he walks away. Prince Harry Styles knows trouble when he sees it, and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction has trouble written all over him.
*
Louis has never been more grateful that Graham Norton has all of his guests on the couch at the same time as he is right now. He and Harry have been flirting and making eyes since the One D boys walked on stage and Harry held his hand a bit longer than normal when they shook. Louis looked up at him through his lashes and murmured
“It’s a pleasure to meet you your highness.”
Harry sucked in a breath and from then on out he knew without a doubt that he was screwed.
*
Harry asks for his number after the show ends. Louis gives it to him without hesitation as his bandmates all stand behind him watching unabashedly. Niall is practically vibrating with excitement, Zayn is smirking uncontrollably, and Liam looks like he is in the midst of an existential crisis over the whole thing.
*
The boys all go to Louis’ after the taping. Louis is currently staring hard at Harry’s number on his phone accompanied by Niall, who looks just as wistful as Louis does. Liam is pacing back and forth.
“Louis.” He says “Louis do you know what this means?”
Louis looks up, brows furrowed.
“It means that a hotass openly gay prince thinks I’m awesome?”
“Exactly!” Liam cries “That’s what that means. What if you two date?! Do you know how high profile your relationship would be?”
“I mean.” Louis said “I hadn’t really thought about that. I was more than a little distracted by his face and his curls and man he smells so good. Did you smell him, Niall? He smelled so good.”
“That he did, Tommo.” Niall confirms “He really was lovely.”
Liam cries out in frustration and flops down next to Zayn, who rubs his knee sympathetically.
“Don’t worry, Li.” He says “Harry’s an important figure. I’m sure if he and Louis started dating his security would be careful with Lou.”
Liam nods.
“It’s not just that. It’s just that…you’ll be all over the place. The spotlight’ll really be on you. I know how hard it was on you when you came out.”
Louis smiles softly at him.
“Oh, Liam.” He whispers softly.
He sits up and moves closer to his friend.
“While that was a very nasty and rough time, I’m glad it happened. I learned a lot from it. My skin is thicker now. Whatever happens with Harry happens. It’s early days yet”
“Of course.” Liam says “That’s very true. It’s early.”
*
A little bit later in the evening Harry texts Louis. Louis sees his name on the screen of his phone, squeals like a teenage girl, and rolls around the couch kicking his feet.
“What the fuck?” Zayn asks.
“Harry!” Louis sqeals “He texted me!”
Niall scrambles over to him and looks over his shoulder.
“What does it say what does it say?!”
Louis bats him away and reads the message, giggling and squealing more when he’s finished.
“HE WANTS TO GO OUT WITH ME!”
Niall crows excitedly and hugs Louis fiercely while Zayn and Liam share a look that says ‘oh god here we go.
For their first date, Harry invites Louis to the palace. Louis’ eyes widen comically when he reads the text from Harry inviting him. “Oh my god.” He says, hand going over his mouth.
“What?” Liam asks
“It’s Harry.” Louis says.
It’s been a few days since Harry’s initial text asking him out. The two have been texting about silly things including the press coverage of them flirting shamelessly on Graham Norton. Neither had really brought up going out since the first text. Louis mainly because he wasn’t sure what Harry what Harry would actually be allowed to do. He’s sure that the boy is surrounded by security everywhere he goes.
He’s also not so sure what Harry would actually want to do. If Louis is going to be totally honest with himself, he’s not quite so sure that anything he would suggest would impress Harry. He is a prince after all. Louis can’t imagine Harry being impressed by his small home in Doncaster all packed with pink and princesses and giggling girls.
“What does Harry want?” Liam asks
“He wants me to go to his…uh..house? palace? Castle?”
“Palace.” Zayn supplies.
Niall crowds his space and reads the text.
“He’s serious too.” He says, reading over Louis’ shoulder “He’s talking about security and everything.”
“Wow.” Liam says “that’s a big deal.”
Louis takes a deep breath and nods.
“I kind of didn’t think about that part of it.”
Zayn bites his lip.
“Not at all?”
“Not really.” Louis says “To be honest I didn’t think he’d actually ask me out. What with his being a prince and everything.”
“I, for one, am not surprised.” Niall says “You’re a catch, Louis. Anyone would be lucky to have you. Prince or not.”
“Thanks, Ni.” Louis says, giving Niall a backwards hug.
Niall kisses his cheek softly and Louis smiles softly, looking over the message on his phone.
Louis eventually accepts his invitation and tells Harry when he has free time.
*
A few days later, a very non-descript car picks Louis up. The driver nods a greeting in his direction from the front seat and Louis smiles nervously at him.
The drive to Harry’s is quiet. Louis looks out the window at the passing scenery, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth absently.
Louis takes in every detail once they drive up to the palace. (God. Palace. Louis is never going to get used to that. His date lives in a palace. He feels foolish saying it.) They drive in from some hidden back way that Louis didn’t even know existed, and to what Louis presumes is the entrance to the residence. When he looks out the window he sees Harry, looking very attractive in a pair of well fitting jeans, a Ralph Lauren button down, and a blazer with a fancy looking monogram on it, waving with a happy smile on his face.
“Louis!” he says happily as he opens the door for Louis when the car stops.
“Hi, Harry.” Louis says with a big smile.
“I’m so glad you could come.” Harry says, pulling Louis into a hug.
Louis hugs Harry back, arms going around Harry’s waist. He takes a deep breath. Harry smells like Chanel cologne, peppermints, and something else Louis can’t put a finger on. It’s quite a pleasant smell he finds. When Harry pulls away Louis smiles up at him.
“What a welcome.”
“I’m glad to see you.” Harry says with a smile.
“I’m glad to see you too.” Louis says.
Harry smiles down at him fondly for a few seconds before one of his big hands comes to rest on the small of Louis’ back.
“Come on in, I’ll give you an abbreviated tour.”
Louis nods and takes a deep breath, letting Harry lead him into his domain.
*
After Harry’s tour of the residence, Louis is thoroughly overwhelmed. The scope of how different their lives actually are hadn’t hit him until he walked in and saw all the lavish decorations and plush carpeting. It’s just like he’s seen in pictures. Louis feels like he’s in a museum, not someone’s house.
“And that’s where we spend our time!” Harry says with a flourish of his arms as they finish up the last room on his abbreviated tour. His smile drops when he sees Louis’ face.
“Lou? Are you okay?”
“Huh? Oh yes.” Louis says “I’m fine. I just…who you are and where you live is all hitting me and I’m a little overwhelmed.”
“Come and sit down.” Harry says, pulling Louis by a hand over to a couch that looks like it’s there for decoration more than comfort.
Louis plops down on the rock hard sofa and sighs.
“I’m sorry.” He says softly. “I’m having a wonderful time. I just…feel very ordinary in comparison to all of this.”
“Oh Louis.” Harry murmurs. “You are far from ordinary.”
Louis blushes.
“Hardly.” He says “I’m just some guy from Doncaster who got lucky. Harry, you’re a prince.”
“And you’re a famous singer in one of the biggest bands in the world.” Harry says simply. “I watched you on X-factor. Hell, I voted for you guys. I can’t help that I was born into this but you? You’ve earned every bit of success and admiration you get.”
Louis’ eyes widen at that.
“You voted for us?” He asks.
“Of course I did.” Harry says “I was right pissed when you got voted off but it seems to be working out for you anyway.” He winks at Louis playfully and the tension is broken.
Louis laughs softly.
“I also may have thought that kid in the stripes had a cute ass.”
Louis laughs out loud at that, playfully smacking Harry’s chest.
“I was going through such an awkward phase.” Louis says “I look back at my hair and I positively cringe.”
“I thought you were very cute.” Harry says.
He looks straight into Louis’ eyes and rubs a thumb over Louis’ cheekbone.
“You’re still very cute.” He says softly.
“Harry.” Louis half whispers.
“Yes, Lou?” Harry asks.
“Harry I want to try and understand your life. I want to be not so overwhelmed by all of this.”
“Okay.” Harry says with a nod “I’d like to understand yours too.” He says finally.
Louis takes a shaky breath and nods.
“Okay.” He says “It’s not as amazing as growing up in a palace or anything.”
“I’m sure it’s more amazing than growing up in a palace.”
Louis snorts.
“I doubt it.”
“How about I reserve judgment. Will that make you happy?”
Louis nods.
“Very much so.”
Harry bites his lip awkwardly, not sure what to say next.
“I’m sorry if I’ve made our first date terribly awkward.”
“It’s not you.” Louis says softly. “You’re wonderful. I just…experienced some culture shock. But that’s okay. All this means is that I’ll have to spend more time with you so I can understand all this more. Become more comfortable.”
Harry smiles at that.
“So there’s hope for a second date?”
“More than hope.” Louis says with a smile.
Harry smiles brightly at him, clearly very pleased with that information.
“Are you up for some mischief?” Harry asks, his eyes twinkling.
“Darling, mischief is my middle name.” Louis says with a smirk.
*
Harry shows Louis all of his favorite play spots from when he was younger. Takes him through secret passages and into cubby holes where he stashed toys and his silly rock collection. He shows Louis his room, which has pictures of Harry and his siblings and interesting people he’s met over the years. While the decorations are traditional and probably haven’t been changed in years upon years, there are still touches that make the room less sterile. A record player and a shelf full of records in one corner, a guitar collection in the other, a book and a glass of water on his night table, a sweater thrown over the back of a chair in the corner.
Louis smiles as he looks around.
“Your room is lovely.” He says “it suits you.”
Harry smiles.
“Thanks.”
Louis puts an arm around Harry’s waist and smiles up at him. He knows that Harry is doing his best to meet Louis half way by showing him his own space. Showing him where he goes to escape everything. It means the world to Louis that Harry wants him to feel comfortable.
*
A little bit after seeing Harry’s room finds the two of them running around corridors and making a huge ruckus. Louis is laughing unabashedly as Harry slides down one of the hard wood corridors in socked feet. When he rounds the corner he pauses, listening for Louis. Louis waits until he shrugs and starts walking to yell and dive-bomb him from behind. Harry yelps as Louis jumps on him, his arms going around Harry’s neck and his legs going around the taller boys’ waist.
“You absolute monster!” Harry cries when he catches his breath.
“Monster maybe.” Louis says “But I’m your monster.”
“Mmm.” Harry says “My monster indeed.”
*
The rest of their date follows in the same carefree fashion. Harry sneaks Louis into the kitchens for a snack, and then takes him for a walk around the gardens. The two of them swing their joined hands as they talk more about their lives growing up, and what is going on in their lives currently.
Harry is working towards a doctorate in political science, while Louis is working hard with One Direction. They quickly find out that their lives are on very different time schedules, but vow to do their best to make it work.
Harry pouts when it comes time for Louis to leave.
“You have my number, babe.” Louis says “You can text me whenever you like. And we can skype too.”
Harry nods and smiles softly.
“Of course.” He says. “I just. I had a great time today. I’m so glad you came over.”
“Me too.” Louis says, nodding.
Harry puts his hands on Louis’ arms.
“Can I kiss you?”
Louis smiles up at him and answers Harry’s questions by cupping his cheek and pressing his lips softly to Harry’s, applying light pressure. Harry kisses him back and lets out a breath when they part. He smiles happily and kisses Louis’ cheek before saying.
“I’ll text you.”
“Can’t wait.” Louis says, hugging Harry quickly before following the driver out to the car.
*
Louis smiles stupidly all the way home, leaning his head against the window as he sighs periodically and giggles a few times as well. When he gets into his flat, he floats all the way to his bedroom and sleeps peacefully the whole night.
*
The next day, the boys all have to be up early for some promo. Louis is still floating on cloud nine, checking his phone every two seconds in case Harry texts him.
Midway through the day, while scrolling his twitter, he sees a tweet from Harry and squeals when he reads it.
Was attacked by a monster in a corridor yesterday. Quite scary.
Louis’ hands shake when he registers what Harry is talking about, and then squeals loudly again.
“What what?” Niall asks excitedly.
“Harry! He tweeted about our date!”
Niall gasps and pastes himself to Louis’ side.
“I dive-bombed him in a corridor and then he called me a monster.” Louis explains as Niall reads the tweet.
The two of them spend some time in between interviews shrieking over it and all the details of their date the previous day. Zayn and Liam listen intently, but aren’t nearly as enthusiastic as Niall is. (The two of them still have their reservations about Harry.)
*
Over the next few weeks Harry and Louis go on a few more dates. Due to both of their high profiles, they don’t go out in public, opting instead to go to each other’s houses. Their second date consists of take out and video games at Louis’ place, and for their third, Harry makes use of the palace’s huge kitchen and cooks dinner for Louis, who confessed he was complete crap at cooking on their second date.
It’s all a whirlwind, but as they get to know and understand each other more, they realize that their attraction to one another is so much more than the initial superficial pull.
*
Harry and Louis date for a month before deciding to make it official Harry asks Louis to officially be his boyfriend over Lo Mein on Louis’ couch while Pride and Prejudice plays in the background. (It was Harry’s turn to choose a movie). Louis kisses him with greasy lips and mumbles a happy ‘yes.’
*
Of course Louis has to talk to their PR team about the whole thing. They ask him if he has a plan of attack for coming out with their relationship and he bites his lip, realizing that he and Harry have not had that conversation yet.
“Mostly we’ve just been making sure that we’re actually serious about each other. We’ve been official for a week or two now but we’ve been dating for a month already.”
Their team nods and listens as Louis explains, and tells him to talk with Harry and then get back to them. For as much control as they have over their lives, the PR team isn’t actually that bad. They were supportive of Louis when he came out, and seem equally supportive now.
*
Louis calls Harry when he gets out of his meeting.
“Hey, Monster.” Harry greets, sounding happy.
“Hi, Hazza.” Louis says, a silly grin on his face at Harry’s nickname for him.
Louis is in the car on the way back to his apartment, Harry’s voice coming through his car speakers courtesy of blue tooth.
“What’s up, love?” Harry asks.
“Just had a meeting with PR about us.” He says “Wanted to let them know what was going on. I, um. I figured we should maybe talk about going public.” He pauses and then rushes his next few sentences “Not that we have to rush it! When we’re ready! But we should still have a plan of attack.”
“Of course.” Harry says on the other end. “I think we’ve been together long enough that I’m comfortable going public. Not all at once, of course. Maybe we can be seen out together a few times before we release an official statement.”
“That’s what I was thinking.” Louis says “Great minds, huh?”
“Indeed.” Harry says.
There’s an awkward pause as Louis turns onto a side street, taking a short cut to his place.
“I um. I have backstage passes for the Ed Sheeran show this weekend. Would you want to maybe come with me?” Louis asks.
He hears Harry fumble with something on the other line before going.
“For real?”
“Uh uh.” Louis says “he’s a friend of the band. I know you like him and all.”
“Louis I LOVE him. Oh my god really?”
“Of course.” Louis says. “I was saving the pass for you.”
“Wow.” Harry says “Thank you so much, babe.”
“It’s nothing.” Louis says “I’ll talk to you later, okay? I’m just about home.”
“Okay, love.” Harry says. “I’ll see you this weekend.”
“Can’t wait.” Louis says softly.
*
Louis texts Ed with a heads up.
JSYK I’ve invited Prince Harry to come to your show on Friday.
All he gets back from Ed are two words.
Explain, Tomlinson.
So Louis calls him up and tells him the whole story. It feels good to finally tell someone other than the boys.
(Louis comes to the very belated reaction that he hasn’t really spoken to his mother too much about it yet. He’s not sure how he managed to go this long without giving her details, but he’s been so wrapped up in promo and Harry and the whirlwind that is dating a prince in secret that he’s been remiss in talking to his family. He calls his mom up after he’s done talking to Ed and gives her the whole story. He spares no details and the two of them are on the phone almost all night discussing it. She’s quite happy for him. Perhaps a little too happy.)
*
Friday takes too long to arrive in Louis’ opinion. When it finally rolls around, he’s excited all day. Harry and his security detail arrive a few hours before the show so they can go down to the venue and discuss where they will be with the staff. Harry and Louis hang out at Louis’ place for a while with the boys before all driving together in a van. Paul is present to make sure that they all get in discreetly, Harry especially.
*
Louis introduces Harry and Ed when they get in and settled. Harry and Ed seem to hit it off right away and soon all the boys are hanging out in Ed’s dressing room, playing video games and laughing wildly as if they’ve known each other forever.
When it’s finally time for Ed to go on, Harry and Louis grab a prime spot on the side of the stage. Harry’s eyes widen when the lights go up and Ed starts his set.
“This is amazing.” He whispers into Louis’ ear.
Louis nods.
“He can perform the shit out of any venue you put him in. Just wait.”
Harry smiles at that and kisses Louis’ temple.
“You’re the best monster a prince could ask for.”
Louis laughs at that before turning his attention back to Ed.
*
Harry fits himself behind Louis, arms around the smaller boy’s waist during Kiss Me. The two of them sway back and forth and Harry sings softly into his ear. Louis leans back into him happily and is pretty positive that his life can’t get any better than this moment.
Harry keeps his arms around Louis for the rest of the show, the two not caring who sees.
*
Twitter explodes the next day. There’s speculation all over the internet about the nature of Harry and Louis’ relationship. Louis’ twitter is blowing up with mentions and replies. He doesn’t respond to any. Harry doesn’t either. The two just giggle about it over the phone in between wisps of conversations about how perfect Ed’s show was last night.
“You know.” Louis says “We have a show coming up soon. I’d like very much if you came.”
“I’d love to.” Harry says without hesitation.
“Great.” Louis says with a grin. “I’ll put you on the list.”
“Ooh.” Harry says “I’m on the list. How official.”
“Yeah well.” Louis says “I’m kind of a big deal.”
Harry laughs happily into the phone at that.
“You are.” He says finally.
*
A week before Harry is spotted at the One Direction show; Harry and Louis go out for lunch together. Harry’s security is peppered around the area, making sure no one gets too close. Photographers still get pictures of course, and Harry and Louis grin manically as they talk over their table. It’s pretty liberating for the two of them to be able to go out to lunch like a normal couple. Sure, they have to have security all over the place and there are about a million photographers, but it feels so freeing after months of sneaking around and only seeing each other’s homes.
*
Harry being at the One Direction show amps up the suspicion just that much more, and after their fifth time spotted out together they finally confirm their relationship to the public.
Louis and Harry decide that twitter is the quick and painless way to get the word out. They don’t want to do some big crazy high profile magazine cover story just yet. They’d rather rip the band-aid off quickly.
Sooo happy with my prince charming! Swoon! Louis tweets, biting his lip and grinning as he sends it.
Harry smirks when he reads it and releases his own statement, which offers more information than
Louis’ adorably giddy tweet.
Truth is finally out! Louis and I are indeed dating and are very happy. We ask that everyone please respect us as we are not quite ready to talk about it in depth yet.
He breathes a sigh of relief as he hits send and then settles in to do some homework, trying to ignore the inevitable firestorm.
* * *
[ Part Two]
Author: dorkle_07
Rating: NC-17
Words: 13,892
Pairing: Harry/Louis
Summary: Prince Harry Styles knows trouble when he sees it, and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction has trouble written all over him. Alternately: Harry is a prince and Louis is a pop star. They meet and fall in love.
Disclaimer: Not mine sadly.
Author Notes: This is a continuation of the snippet I posted a little bit ago. It started because of a tag on tumblr that really got my obsessing about the idea of it. After writing that little bit for fun and snowballed and is now this giant monster of a story. I hope you all enjoy this! I had such a blast writing it! (Title and cut text taken from I Know, I Know, I Know by Tegan and Sara!)
Harry and Louis meet on a talk show. Louis is there with One Direction to do some single promo, and Harry is there because he’s Prince fucking Harry of the royal family and why the fuck not?
*
Louis first sees him walking down the hall from the opposite direction. He’s surrounded by security of course, but is smiley and seems pretty happy. When Louis gets closer he bites his lip, winks flirtatiously, and works his ass as he walks away like no one’s business.
He doesn’t see, but Harry’s head follows him as he walks away. Prince Harry Styles knows trouble when he sees it, and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction has trouble written all over him.
*
Louis has never been more grateful that Graham Norton has all of his guests on the couch at the same time as he is right now. He and Harry have been flirting and making eyes since the One D boys walked on stage and Harry held his hand a bit longer than normal when they shook. Louis looked up at him through his lashes and murmured
“It’s a pleasure to meet you your highness.”
Harry sucked in a breath and from then on out he knew without a doubt that he was screwed.
*
Harry asks for his number after the show ends. Louis gives it to him without hesitation as his bandmates all stand behind him watching unabashedly. Niall is practically vibrating with excitement, Zayn is smirking uncontrollably, and Liam looks like he is in the midst of an existential crisis over the whole thing.
*
The boys all go to Louis’ after the taping. Louis is currently staring hard at Harry’s number on his phone accompanied by Niall, who looks just as wistful as Louis does. Liam is pacing back and forth.
“Louis.” He says “Louis do you know what this means?”
Louis looks up, brows furrowed.
“It means that a hotass openly gay prince thinks I’m awesome?”
“Exactly!” Liam cries “That’s what that means. What if you two date?! Do you know how high profile your relationship would be?”
“I mean.” Louis said “I hadn’t really thought about that. I was more than a little distracted by his face and his curls and man he smells so good. Did you smell him, Niall? He smelled so good.”
“That he did, Tommo.” Niall confirms “He really was lovely.”
Liam cries out in frustration and flops down next to Zayn, who rubs his knee sympathetically.
“Don’t worry, Li.” He says “Harry’s an important figure. I’m sure if he and Louis started dating his security would be careful with Lou.”
Liam nods.
“It’s not just that. It’s just that…you’ll be all over the place. The spotlight’ll really be on you. I know how hard it was on you when you came out.”
Louis smiles softly at him.
“Oh, Liam.” He whispers softly.
He sits up and moves closer to his friend.
“While that was a very nasty and rough time, I’m glad it happened. I learned a lot from it. My skin is thicker now. Whatever happens with Harry happens. It’s early days yet”
“Of course.” Liam says “That’s very true. It’s early.”
*
A little bit later in the evening Harry texts Louis. Louis sees his name on the screen of his phone, squeals like a teenage girl, and rolls around the couch kicking his feet.
“What the fuck?” Zayn asks.
“Harry!” Louis sqeals “He texted me!”
Niall scrambles over to him and looks over his shoulder.
“What does it say what does it say?!”
Louis bats him away and reads the message, giggling and squealing more when he’s finished.
“HE WANTS TO GO OUT WITH ME!”
Niall crows excitedly and hugs Louis fiercely while Zayn and Liam share a look that says ‘oh god here we go.
For their first date, Harry invites Louis to the palace. Louis’ eyes widen comically when he reads the text from Harry inviting him. “Oh my god.” He says, hand going over his mouth.
“What?” Liam asks
“It’s Harry.” Louis says.
It’s been a few days since Harry’s initial text asking him out. The two have been texting about silly things including the press coverage of them flirting shamelessly on Graham Norton. Neither had really brought up going out since the first text. Louis mainly because he wasn’t sure what Harry what Harry would actually be allowed to do. He’s sure that the boy is surrounded by security everywhere he goes.
He’s also not so sure what Harry would actually want to do. If Louis is going to be totally honest with himself, he’s not quite so sure that anything he would suggest would impress Harry. He is a prince after all. Louis can’t imagine Harry being impressed by his small home in Doncaster all packed with pink and princesses and giggling girls.
“What does Harry want?” Liam asks
“He wants me to go to his…uh..house? palace? Castle?”
“Palace.” Zayn supplies.
Niall crowds his space and reads the text.
“He’s serious too.” He says, reading over Louis’ shoulder “He’s talking about security and everything.”
“Wow.” Liam says “that’s a big deal.”
Louis takes a deep breath and nods.
“I kind of didn’t think about that part of it.”
Zayn bites his lip.
“Not at all?”
“Not really.” Louis says “To be honest I didn’t think he’d actually ask me out. What with his being a prince and everything.”
“I, for one, am not surprised.” Niall says “You’re a catch, Louis. Anyone would be lucky to have you. Prince or not.”
“Thanks, Ni.” Louis says, giving Niall a backwards hug.
Niall kisses his cheek softly and Louis smiles softly, looking over the message on his phone.
Louis eventually accepts his invitation and tells Harry when he has free time.
*
A few days later, a very non-descript car picks Louis up. The driver nods a greeting in his direction from the front seat and Louis smiles nervously at him.
The drive to Harry’s is quiet. Louis looks out the window at the passing scenery, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth absently.
Louis takes in every detail once they drive up to the palace. (God. Palace. Louis is never going to get used to that. His date lives in a palace. He feels foolish saying it.) They drive in from some hidden back way that Louis didn’t even know existed, and to what Louis presumes is the entrance to the residence. When he looks out the window he sees Harry, looking very attractive in a pair of well fitting jeans, a Ralph Lauren button down, and a blazer with a fancy looking monogram on it, waving with a happy smile on his face.
“Louis!” he says happily as he opens the door for Louis when the car stops.
“Hi, Harry.” Louis says with a big smile.
“I’m so glad you could come.” Harry says, pulling Louis into a hug.
Louis hugs Harry back, arms going around Harry’s waist. He takes a deep breath. Harry smells like Chanel cologne, peppermints, and something else Louis can’t put a finger on. It’s quite a pleasant smell he finds. When Harry pulls away Louis smiles up at him.
“What a welcome.”
“I’m glad to see you.” Harry says with a smile.
“I’m glad to see you too.” Louis says.
Harry smiles down at him fondly for a few seconds before one of his big hands comes to rest on the small of Louis’ back.
“Come on in, I’ll give you an abbreviated tour.”
Louis nods and takes a deep breath, letting Harry lead him into his domain.
*
After Harry’s tour of the residence, Louis is thoroughly overwhelmed. The scope of how different their lives actually are hadn’t hit him until he walked in and saw all the lavish decorations and plush carpeting. It’s just like he’s seen in pictures. Louis feels like he’s in a museum, not someone’s house.
“And that’s where we spend our time!” Harry says with a flourish of his arms as they finish up the last room on his abbreviated tour. His smile drops when he sees Louis’ face.
“Lou? Are you okay?”
“Huh? Oh yes.” Louis says “I’m fine. I just…who you are and where you live is all hitting me and I’m a little overwhelmed.”
“Come and sit down.” Harry says, pulling Louis by a hand over to a couch that looks like it’s there for decoration more than comfort.
Louis plops down on the rock hard sofa and sighs.
“I’m sorry.” He says softly. “I’m having a wonderful time. I just…feel very ordinary in comparison to all of this.”
“Oh Louis.” Harry murmurs. “You are far from ordinary.”
Louis blushes.
“Hardly.” He says “I’m just some guy from Doncaster who got lucky. Harry, you’re a prince.”
“And you’re a famous singer in one of the biggest bands in the world.” Harry says simply. “I watched you on X-factor. Hell, I voted for you guys. I can’t help that I was born into this but you? You’ve earned every bit of success and admiration you get.”
Louis’ eyes widen at that.
“You voted for us?” He asks.
“Of course I did.” Harry says “I was right pissed when you got voted off but it seems to be working out for you anyway.” He winks at Louis playfully and the tension is broken.
Louis laughs softly.
“I also may have thought that kid in the stripes had a cute ass.”
Louis laughs out loud at that, playfully smacking Harry’s chest.
“I was going through such an awkward phase.” Louis says “I look back at my hair and I positively cringe.”
“I thought you were very cute.” Harry says.
He looks straight into Louis’ eyes and rubs a thumb over Louis’ cheekbone.
“You’re still very cute.” He says softly.
“Harry.” Louis half whispers.
“Yes, Lou?” Harry asks.
“Harry I want to try and understand your life. I want to be not so overwhelmed by all of this.”
“Okay.” Harry says with a nod “I’d like to understand yours too.” He says finally.
Louis takes a shaky breath and nods.
“Okay.” He says “It’s not as amazing as growing up in a palace or anything.”
“I’m sure it’s more amazing than growing up in a palace.”
Louis snorts.
“I doubt it.”
“How about I reserve judgment. Will that make you happy?”
Louis nods.
“Very much so.”
Harry bites his lip awkwardly, not sure what to say next.
“I’m sorry if I’ve made our first date terribly awkward.”
“It’s not you.” Louis says softly. “You’re wonderful. I just…experienced some culture shock. But that’s okay. All this means is that I’ll have to spend more time with you so I can understand all this more. Become more comfortable.”
Harry smiles at that.
“So there’s hope for a second date?”
“More than hope.” Louis says with a smile.
Harry smiles brightly at him, clearly very pleased with that information.
“Are you up for some mischief?” Harry asks, his eyes twinkling.
“Darling, mischief is my middle name.” Louis says with a smirk.
*
Harry shows Louis all of his favorite play spots from when he was younger. Takes him through secret passages and into cubby holes where he stashed toys and his silly rock collection. He shows Louis his room, which has pictures of Harry and his siblings and interesting people he’s met over the years. While the decorations are traditional and probably haven’t been changed in years upon years, there are still touches that make the room less sterile. A record player and a shelf full of records in one corner, a guitar collection in the other, a book and a glass of water on his night table, a sweater thrown over the back of a chair in the corner.
Louis smiles as he looks around.
“Your room is lovely.” He says “it suits you.”
Harry smiles.
“Thanks.”
Louis puts an arm around Harry’s waist and smiles up at him. He knows that Harry is doing his best to meet Louis half way by showing him his own space. Showing him where he goes to escape everything. It means the world to Louis that Harry wants him to feel comfortable.
*
A little bit after seeing Harry’s room finds the two of them running around corridors and making a huge ruckus. Louis is laughing unabashedly as Harry slides down one of the hard wood corridors in socked feet. When he rounds the corner he pauses, listening for Louis. Louis waits until he shrugs and starts walking to yell and dive-bomb him from behind. Harry yelps as Louis jumps on him, his arms going around Harry’s neck and his legs going around the taller boys’ waist.
“You absolute monster!” Harry cries when he catches his breath.
“Monster maybe.” Louis says “But I’m your monster.”
“Mmm.” Harry says “My monster indeed.”
*
The rest of their date follows in the same carefree fashion. Harry sneaks Louis into the kitchens for a snack, and then takes him for a walk around the gardens. The two of them swing their joined hands as they talk more about their lives growing up, and what is going on in their lives currently.
Harry is working towards a doctorate in political science, while Louis is working hard with One Direction. They quickly find out that their lives are on very different time schedules, but vow to do their best to make it work.
Harry pouts when it comes time for Louis to leave.
“You have my number, babe.” Louis says “You can text me whenever you like. And we can skype too.”
Harry nods and smiles softly.
“Of course.” He says. “I just. I had a great time today. I’m so glad you came over.”
“Me too.” Louis says, nodding.
Harry puts his hands on Louis’ arms.
“Can I kiss you?”
Louis smiles up at him and answers Harry’s questions by cupping his cheek and pressing his lips softly to Harry’s, applying light pressure. Harry kisses him back and lets out a breath when they part. He smiles happily and kisses Louis’ cheek before saying.
“I’ll text you.”
“Can’t wait.” Louis says, hugging Harry quickly before following the driver out to the car.
*
Louis smiles stupidly all the way home, leaning his head against the window as he sighs periodically and giggles a few times as well. When he gets into his flat, he floats all the way to his bedroom and sleeps peacefully the whole night.
*
The next day, the boys all have to be up early for some promo. Louis is still floating on cloud nine, checking his phone every two seconds in case Harry texts him.
Midway through the day, while scrolling his twitter, he sees a tweet from Harry and squeals when he reads it.
Was attacked by a monster in a corridor yesterday. Quite scary.
Louis’ hands shake when he registers what Harry is talking about, and then squeals loudly again.
“What what?” Niall asks excitedly.
“Harry! He tweeted about our date!”
Niall gasps and pastes himself to Louis’ side.
“I dive-bombed him in a corridor and then he called me a monster.” Louis explains as Niall reads the tweet.
The two of them spend some time in between interviews shrieking over it and all the details of their date the previous day. Zayn and Liam listen intently, but aren’t nearly as enthusiastic as Niall is. (The two of them still have their reservations about Harry.)
*
Over the next few weeks Harry and Louis go on a few more dates. Due to both of their high profiles, they don’t go out in public, opting instead to go to each other’s houses. Their second date consists of take out and video games at Louis’ place, and for their third, Harry makes use of the palace’s huge kitchen and cooks dinner for Louis, who confessed he was complete crap at cooking on their second date.
It’s all a whirlwind, but as they get to know and understand each other more, they realize that their attraction to one another is so much more than the initial superficial pull.
*
Harry and Louis date for a month before deciding to make it official Harry asks Louis to officially be his boyfriend over Lo Mein on Louis’ couch while Pride and Prejudice plays in the background. (It was Harry’s turn to choose a movie). Louis kisses him with greasy lips and mumbles a happy ‘yes.’
*
Of course Louis has to talk to their PR team about the whole thing. They ask him if he has a plan of attack for coming out with their relationship and he bites his lip, realizing that he and Harry have not had that conversation yet.
“Mostly we’ve just been making sure that we’re actually serious about each other. We’ve been official for a week or two now but we’ve been dating for a month already.”
Their team nods and listens as Louis explains, and tells him to talk with Harry and then get back to them. For as much control as they have over their lives, the PR team isn’t actually that bad. They were supportive of Louis when he came out, and seem equally supportive now.
*
Louis calls Harry when he gets out of his meeting.
“Hey, Monster.” Harry greets, sounding happy.
“Hi, Hazza.” Louis says, a silly grin on his face at Harry’s nickname for him.
Louis is in the car on the way back to his apartment, Harry’s voice coming through his car speakers courtesy of blue tooth.
“What’s up, love?” Harry asks.
“Just had a meeting with PR about us.” He says “Wanted to let them know what was going on. I, um. I figured we should maybe talk about going public.” He pauses and then rushes his next few sentences “Not that we have to rush it! When we’re ready! But we should still have a plan of attack.”
“Of course.” Harry says on the other end. “I think we’ve been together long enough that I’m comfortable going public. Not all at once, of course. Maybe we can be seen out together a few times before we release an official statement.”
“That’s what I was thinking.” Louis says “Great minds, huh?”
“Indeed.” Harry says.
There’s an awkward pause as Louis turns onto a side street, taking a short cut to his place.
“I um. I have backstage passes for the Ed Sheeran show this weekend. Would you want to maybe come with me?” Louis asks.
He hears Harry fumble with something on the other line before going.
“For real?”
“Uh uh.” Louis says “he’s a friend of the band. I know you like him and all.”
“Louis I LOVE him. Oh my god really?”
“Of course.” Louis says. “I was saving the pass for you.”
“Wow.” Harry says “Thank you so much, babe.”
“It’s nothing.” Louis says “I’ll talk to you later, okay? I’m just about home.”
“Okay, love.” Harry says. “I’ll see you this weekend.”
“Can’t wait.” Louis says softly.
*
Louis texts Ed with a heads up.
JSYK I’ve invited Prince Harry to come to your show on Friday.
All he gets back from Ed are two words.
Explain, Tomlinson.
So Louis calls him up and tells him the whole story. It feels good to finally tell someone other than the boys.
(Louis comes to the very belated reaction that he hasn’t really spoken to his mother too much about it yet. He’s not sure how he managed to go this long without giving her details, but he’s been so wrapped up in promo and Harry and the whirlwind that is dating a prince in secret that he’s been remiss in talking to his family. He calls his mom up after he’s done talking to Ed and gives her the whole story. He spares no details and the two of them are on the phone almost all night discussing it. She’s quite happy for him. Perhaps a little too happy.)
*
Friday takes too long to arrive in Louis’ opinion. When it finally rolls around, he’s excited all day. Harry and his security detail arrive a few hours before the show so they can go down to the venue and discuss where they will be with the staff. Harry and Louis hang out at Louis’ place for a while with the boys before all driving together in a van. Paul is present to make sure that they all get in discreetly, Harry especially.
*
Louis introduces Harry and Ed when they get in and settled. Harry and Ed seem to hit it off right away and soon all the boys are hanging out in Ed’s dressing room, playing video games and laughing wildly as if they’ve known each other forever.
When it’s finally time for Ed to go on, Harry and Louis grab a prime spot on the side of the stage. Harry’s eyes widen when the lights go up and Ed starts his set.
“This is amazing.” He whispers into Louis’ ear.
Louis nods.
“He can perform the shit out of any venue you put him in. Just wait.”
Harry smiles at that and kisses Louis’ temple.
“You’re the best monster a prince could ask for.”
Louis laughs at that before turning his attention back to Ed.
*
Harry fits himself behind Louis, arms around the smaller boy’s waist during Kiss Me. The two of them sway back and forth and Harry sings softly into his ear. Louis leans back into him happily and is pretty positive that his life can’t get any better than this moment.
Harry keeps his arms around Louis for the rest of the show, the two not caring who sees.
*
Twitter explodes the next day. There’s speculation all over the internet about the nature of Harry and Louis’ relationship. Louis’ twitter is blowing up with mentions and replies. He doesn’t respond to any. Harry doesn’t either. The two just giggle about it over the phone in between wisps of conversations about how perfect Ed’s show was last night.
“You know.” Louis says “We have a show coming up soon. I’d like very much if you came.”
“I’d love to.” Harry says without hesitation.
“Great.” Louis says with a grin. “I’ll put you on the list.”
“Ooh.” Harry says “I’m on the list. How official.”
“Yeah well.” Louis says “I’m kind of a big deal.”
Harry laughs happily into the phone at that.
“You are.” He says finally.
*
A week before Harry is spotted at the One Direction show; Harry and Louis go out for lunch together. Harry’s security is peppered around the area, making sure no one gets too close. Photographers still get pictures of course, and Harry and Louis grin manically as they talk over their table. It’s pretty liberating for the two of them to be able to go out to lunch like a normal couple. Sure, they have to have security all over the place and there are about a million photographers, but it feels so freeing after months of sneaking around and only seeing each other’s homes.
*
Harry being at the One Direction show amps up the suspicion just that much more, and after their fifth time spotted out together they finally confirm their relationship to the public.
Louis and Harry decide that twitter is the quick and painless way to get the word out. They don’t want to do some big crazy high profile magazine cover story just yet. They’d rather rip the band-aid off quickly.
Sooo happy with my prince charming! Swoon! Louis tweets, biting his lip and grinning as he sends it.
Harry smirks when he reads it and releases his own statement, which offers more information than
Louis’ adorably giddy tweet.
Truth is finally out! Louis and I are indeed dating and are very happy. We ask that everyone please respect us as we are not quite ready to talk about it in depth yet.
He breathes a sigh of relief as he hits send and then settles in to do some homework, trying to ignore the inevitable firestorm.
* * *
[ Part Two]