Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As long as he can remember, Harry had always dreamt of being a singer. Crowded stadiums, singing love song to the world and even a few dreams about platinum albums to make it a full-time dream. Despite his failed attempt in X-Factor when he was 16. Harry never stopped dreaming and trying.

Harry had loved being a baker back in Holmes Chapel, pleasing people with a good pastry was something he loved very much but he never really put his dream away. Singing was his endgame. So, Harry wrote songs, he recorded himself singing them while playing a bit of piano or some guitar here and there.

He wasn’t very popular. Not many people were searching for a new star on internet anyway. Harry considered trying X-Factor again, but he was way older, and it felt a bit humiliating for his ego to go back there. But things changed when Harry turned 24, out of nowhere one of his old videos of him singing went viral and he finally got a chance.

It had been 3 years now, three years of singing, writing, touring, doing what he loved the most in life. His dream had been realised, and everyday Harry was thankful of what he managed to achieve on his own. Working hard to be recognised as a famous singer. He had never been really alone he had a wonderful team who was always there to help him but it’s his own talent that brought him to the Maddison Square Garden twice.

Harry was proud to say he achieved it alone, strong and proud of where he was now. Along the way and quite quickly, Harry found the love that so many people dreamt of. Jason was wonderful and their love was definitely perfect. They met at the studio on Harry’s first day and they never left each other.

Jason was one of the musicians in Harry’s team, but he had to find a job elsewhere when they established their relationship because it was better for Harry as his manager said. Jason always said it wasn’t a problem, and things were always so good between them. Maybe they were a couple of over workers but that’s probably why they worked so well together.

Zayn, Harry’s best friend of forever or practically so, didn’t like Jason, he said he seemed like a fake, but Zayn was a tattoo artist, and he wasn’t a big fan of famous people in general, he said they all seem fake, apart Harry of course.

Harry considered his opinion, but Jason was really sweet with him and after years together, he knew his boyfriend wasn’t a fake or a bad guy. He was the best in the world and Harry was extremely thankful for them, for their beautiful relationship.

Even if it was complicated at time, when Harry needed to tour the world and leave Jason behind because he worked there and couldn’t follow Harry. He tried to make his boyfriend come to one of his shows once and Jason didn’t like it, so he never came back but that didn’t mean anything. They were as strong as ever.

Harry made a point in trying to be honest in his relationship with the fans and with the rest of the world. He was how he was, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Lying, pretending, it wasn’t like him. Some called him weird for being exuberant or for loving nail polish or dressing in a particular way, but Harry didn’t care. He liked who he had become, and no one would ever make him doubt his tastes.

But lately, life was maybe a bit harsher. Harry had been finalising his third album for weeks with little to no sleep most nights and it was hard and exhausting but that was what he signed up for. The album launching was ready for two weeks from now and Harry was just glad that he would enjoy two weeks of rest before going on interviews everywhere to promote his work.

That wasn’t what he loved the most about his job but the happiness he was giving to people just thanks to his music, that’s what he loved the most. That’s why he was bearing all those stupid interviews with the vultures that were most of the journalists in the different countries. Sadly, it was the same everywhere.

Interviewers were always asking the same boring questions and too often about his private life and not about his music, but it was definitely part of the job, and it helped him become more famous, so Harry didn’t complain much, he knew how to keep some things private as to not be bothered by them.

And this particular night, when his manager finally said yes to final touches of the album, Harry considered falling asleep on the couch in the studio like he did every night the last few weeks, but he wanted his bed and Jason was probably waiting for him, after all, they didn’t see each other more than a few minutes the last few weeks. So, Harry big goodbye to everyone and left.

His driver made sure to drive him home safely. Harry was super tired, but he still managed to put the keys in the lock and opened the door of their house. Closing the door behind him, Harry put the keys in their bowl and saw that Jason was there, but Harry stopped when he saw a pair of shoes that didn’t belong to Jason.

Or to any of Jason’s friends, high heels were already highly improbable considering the vulnerability of Jason’s male friend and the size was too short for them to potentially belong to a man. Harry got rid of his coat and shoes before going to their bedroom.

He was hearing muffled voices and Harry froze there, unable to open the door. Of course, he knew what was going on. He felt like one of those people to who it happens in the TV series. Of course, Zayn had to be right, nobody’s perfect but Jason hid it so well that Harry had been fooled for years.

Inhaling deeply, Harry finally pushed the door open, and he felt the anger building in him when Jason and a girl he didn’t know stopped making out under the duvet and turned to him, both had their eyes wide in shock and mouth opening to mimic the shock they were feeling. What was Harry feeling? Wasn’t he the first one to be shocked to realise his boyfriend of years had cheated on him?

“Harry, baby, it’s not what you believe!” Jason tried to defend himself leaving the bed to approach Harry, thankfully he wasn’t naked, but it wasn’t making things easier. Harry wasn’t a fool. He knew if he had waited a bit, they would have taken their underwear off.

“Leave.” Harry commanded, he forced his voice to stay calm and poised, not showing his emotions but firm. “Now. Don’t ever come back and forget me.”

“Harry, let me…”

“Fucking leave already.” Harry repeated with gritted teeth. Jason sighed loudly but he nodded.

Jason and the girl got dressed hastily and Harry turned around, not wanting to see more of it. Knowing it would really make him cry. As they left the room, Jason tried to touch him, but Harry shot him a deathly glare, and he disappeared. Harry heard the door slamming, and he felt the tears running on his cheeks.

Three wonderful years only to discover Jason had been cheating for God knows how long. Harry grabbed his phone in his pocket to call Zayn. Zayn promised to arrive soon after and indeed, 17 minutes after, Zayn was standing in front of him with…

“A locksmith?” Harry questioned, rubbing his eyes to wipe away the tears. Feeling a bit ashamed to show himself in such a state in front of a third party.

“I already signed the papers, I never saw you tonight.” The locksmith said, bowing slightly and Harry felt like a member of the royal family, it made him chuckle slightly. Feeling a bit lighter now that he wasn’t alone with his thoughts anymore.

“I’m pretty sure Jason is so fake he just wanted your fame and money so change your lock and keep the money for you at least.” Zayn spoke with a slight shrug and Harry figured it couldn’t harm anyone to listen to Zayn for once.

They left the locksmith to work and went to the living room to drink a few beers watching an old game of football. Harry wasn’t a big fan, Zayn much more but they mainly put football when they wanted to talk but needed time to gather themselves.

It had always been some kind of tradition between themselves. Zayn hated the silence he always needed some kind of background noises to be comfortable. They learnt since the time that football worked pretty well so that’s what they did. Harry was snuggling against Zayn but after a while of silence, he sat up and turned to his friend.

“I’m sorry I never listened to you when you were telling me just how awful Jason was.” Harry commented, biting his lip in order not to cry again.

“Don’t be sorry H. You couldn’t know and you loved him. I just wish you’d have better tastes but well, next time, promise to listen to me?”

“Yes, I promise. Zayn, do you think I am meant to meet people who will only be interested by my fame and money?”

“Many will.” Zayn admitted, putting his hand on Harry’s thigh and squeezing it gently. “But there will also be people who won’t care about it. Let me tell you something. Someone who is ready to drop everything behind for you is the right person. I’m not telling you to try to test every people you meet but yeah. You have to be more important than anything else for them.”

“Come on Zee, I can’t ask someone to put me first when my career had always been first in my life.” Harry interjected with a deep sigh. He knew it would be a bit hypocritical of himself and selfish.

“Then. Find someone who can understand you. Someone who knows what it’s like to be devoted to his job and fans.”

“Good luck to me.”

When the locksmith came to tell them he was done, he gave two keys to Harry who paid him and bid him goodbye with a little smile. When he came back inside, he found Zayn trying to light a fire in the fireplace. Harry stood there a bit dumbfounded before stumbling into actions and trying to stop his friend.

“What even are you doing? We’re in March!” Harry groaned, trying to go to the fireplace to stop Zayn but Zayn didn’t stop. He pushed Harry away despite having a smaller stature, Zayn was strong enough to keep him at bay.

“Purification by fire.” Zayn muttered before going to the bedroom. He came back a few seconds later with the sheets.

“Put them in the trash, if you burn them, you’re gonna destroy the fireplace and lit the whole house on fire.” Harry commanded and Zayn gave in, sighing, he put the sheets in the garbage.

“Come on, let’s get some sleep.”

Harry nodded, it had been a long time since he last had a proper night and after all the things that happened to him tonight, he almost forgot how tired he was. He brushed his teeth and changed into only sweatpants before going to bed, Zayn joining him to cuddle him.

While drifting to sleep, Harry prayed that things would settle quickly because his album would launch soon and he didn’t have time to deal with the stupidity of Jason if he decided to blackmail Harry.

When Harry woke up the next morning, he was feeling a bit better, but he was sad. He knew deep down that Jason was only a moron and the fact that he was sad and not super sad meant he was already ready to move on and forget about the stupid cheater of a boyfriend he had for three years but it didn’t mean it wasn’t hard to wake up next to his best friend and not next to the boy he thought he would spend his whole life with.

Of course, Harry knew that it was a bit naïve to imagine that he would get to spend his whole life with Jason and despite having had several boyfriends and even a few girlfriends before meeting him and knowing how short a couple could be.

Harry had hoped this one would last longer. Jason felt like the kind of guy that was nice enough that you imagined your future with him. And now, lying here, looking at the ceiling and thinking about how this asshole played with him, God knows for how long, Harry wondered why he was always so naïve in love.

Sighing, Harry made sure not to wake Zayn while he exited the bed and his room to go to the kitchen. He turned the coffee machine on and decided it would be better to cook breakfast with a bit of music, so he turned on the small radio. Harry immediately stiffened hearing that voice he now despised.

“… He does good music but he’s not a really talented singer. I mean, we broke up yesterday so I may be biased but…” Jason spoke.

Of course, Harry had completely forgotten that Jason had that stupid interview at some stupid radio at stupid o’clock on a stupid day of a stupid week. Harry wanted to cut this shit, but he knew rationally that he had to listen, to know if Jason would attack now or later and it seemed now from what he heard already.

“Oh, you broke up?” The interviewer asked eagerly. Always so eager to hear about gossips, those fuckers. Harry groaned and grabbed a pan and some eggs.

“Yes, he’s not a loveable boyfriend, he’s distant, never at home.”

“Isn’t it normal for a singer?” Harry sighed, not knowing where this was going, he broke the eggs in the pan and let them cook while he continued to listen to whatever bullshit Jason was saying on a national radio, that fucker.

“Even when he was in the country, he wasn’t home.” Jason commented and Harry wanted to punch him. Harry tried to spend as much time as possible with him and that was how the little bitch was thanking him. “I never met his family.” Harry’s jaw clenched. Jason insisted that it was always too early for him to meet Harry’s family. That bastard. “You know, Harry Styles is not a perfect boyfriend.” The radio was turned off and Harry spun to see Zayn frowning.

“I didn’t do it on purpose.” Harry said, feeling tears falling. He heard Zayn moving the pan, the eggs were probably burning but he didn’t care. Zayn dragged him against his chest to hug him.

“I know you wouldn’t H but now, you’ve got a good reason to move on. Tonight is the quarter final of the Nations League. We can order some pizza, drink some beers and cheer for our mates fighting for a title for us in Italy.” Harry nodded, wiping away the tears falling again. Jason didn’t deserve his tears.

Honestly, the rest of the day went by in a blur for Harry, he spent the day moping around his couch with Zayn trying to cheer him up but ultimately failing. Harry was angry and he knew he had every reason to. Not only did Jason took advantage of his interview to insult him in front of everyone but he just boldly lied to everyone just to appear as the nice one and Harry couldn’t exactly tell the world the real story because things would go haywire.

People would call him a fake and an attention seeker. Two weeks before the release of his album. Harry was honestly worried about what impact would this scandal have on his album, and he wasn’t ready to see it, but he couldn’t escape it now. The rumours wouldn’t fade in just two weeks. Jason knew that. The ultimate fucker.

At the end of the day, after moping around for the whole day. They were once again in the couch and Zayn put the volume louder when the sports commentator began to explain everything there was to know about the game of tonight. Zayn loved football. Harry always supposed it was because he got to see handsome men all sweaty and working their muscles. The crowd cheered louder when three people entered the pitch.

“They’re here!” The commentator said, smiling widely. Her bright pink nails holding the mic. Harry was just a little bit jealous of them. They were quite wonderful. She spoke again and Harry concentrated on what she was saying. “I believe like everyone here tonight that Tomlinson, our captain will take the victory and finally lead us to the final of the Nations League.” Harry felt his knees weakening when one of the commentators got a microphone under their captain’s nose.

“Louis Tomlinson.” She almost squealed but Harry understood her struggle, the man was stunning, breathtaking and so popular that it had to be a bit intimidating to interview him. “How do you feel for tonight?”

“Great actually.” The captain answered with a smile, clapping his hands and sharing a knowing look with the two other players around him. They were nice but not as nice as the captain, Harry thought but he shook his head, now wasn’t the time to think about that. “We’ve trained a lot, and we’ll give everything to make you all proud for sure and maybe we can win this match and make it to the semi-final.” Harry smiled at that, but he froze hearing the commentator speaking again.

“Did you hear the recent news in England about Harry Styles?” The player frowned at that comment, but he nodded, a grimace playing on his lips.

“I did.” He confirmed but not saying anything more and the interviewer didn’t want to let go of that topic apparently.

“Well?”

“Well, I think this man, Jason, right? He’s quite right. Harry Styles is not a perfect boyfriend.” Harry’s heart sank at the words. “He’s the perfect husband.” Louis fucking Tomlinson continued and wait what? Zayn turned to him, and Harry was shocked, mouth hanging open. “I kind of hate people like this Jason who can’t keep their mouth to themselves, as for me, I’d be absolutely honoured to be Harry’s Styles’ trophy wife if he’d have me that is.”

“Who wouldn’t want you?” The commentator asked with a smile, but Louis shrugged, he sent a wink at the camera and Harry felt like it was aimed at him before turning to go back to the pitch after a final wave at the camera.

The match began soon after, but Harry barely remembered that they won because he was still too lost in his thoughts to pay really attention to the match. Could it really be possible that Louis Tomlinson, star of football and insanely handsome player was interested in him?

Harry shook his head. Tomlinson was probably just trying to make the rumours die by creating more rumours. Being a famous personality himself. He knew how everything worked, and he was just being supportive against a bastard. Still Harry would have to thank him if it worked out.

~°~

Harry barely remembered going to bed with Zayn until he woke up the next morning feeling a bit sore of staying so long in a shitty position the day before. He was 28, but he was feeling like his bones were 70 years old. This time, Harry made them a good breakfast, and he put his own personal playlist on his phone instead of the bad taste of the radio.

He was waiting for Zayn when he went outside on his front steps to grab the newspaper of the day, and he gasped at the enormous picture of Louis Tomlinson. Opening the newspaper, Harry gasped when he read the title.

“Star player and Captain, Tomlinson declares his love for pop star Harry Styles and dedicates their victory to him.”

Harry sighed and tried to massage his temple in vain. Things would only get worse from now on. Did the man know what he was stepping into or was he foolish? No, of course, he knew what he was doing. Harry still opened the articles to read it and see what he could learn about his life that he didn’t know already.

“Before the quarter final last night in Milan, star player of England’s team Captain’s Tomlinson declared to a journalist that he was quite irritated with the sayings of Jason Strait earlier that day. Claiming that pop star Harry Styles was lovely and that he would be glad to be his trophy wife.”

Harry stopped reading at that moment, remembering when Zayn told him to stay with someone who could put their own career behind, but this wasn’t just anyone. Fuck Louis Tomlinson was probably more important to this country than him. Harry continued to read.

“Now at age 30, maybe Tomlinson will retire soon to be able to live with his, we all hope, soon to be partner.”

Harry cringed at that they would definitely get in troubles for the mess they caused. His phone rang, startling him and Harry realised it was his manager, why was he calling? He was supposed to be on rest. Harry knew why he was calling, that was probably about the very newspaper he was holding on to. Sighing, he accepted the call.

“Hello?” He greeted with a hesitant voice.

“Ah Harry! I guess you heard the latest news?” His manager, John, asked and Harry considered lying but it wouldn’t change anything in the end, so he sighed some more and went for the truth.

“Yes.”

“Great, as you may know. Semi-finals aren’t before another three months so Tomlinson will be back from Milan tonight, I need you to go the airport.”

“What?” Harry’s brain short-circuited at that moment. Surely, he heard John wrong, or he was hallucinating, or he was having a dream, and he wasn’t actually awake.

“Go fetch him, distract the news with a blooming romance instead of a breakup.” John spoke ignoring all of Harry’s turmoil, and Harry was beginning to think he misheard again. “I spoke with him, he said he’d be glad to see you and spend time with you to help you with the whole rumours. It’s a great opportunity to promote your album and make people forget about the previous fiasco.” Harry nodded, still not believing what he just heard was real and not just a bad prank.

“Yeah okay.”

“Great, I’ll send you the details later.” Harry hung up and turned to see Zayn resting against the doorframe and looking at him curiously. How was it possible that Zayn always appeared without him realising?

“How is it that you always appear at the worse moments?” Harry asked, groaning and running a hand through his hair anxiously.

“Mate, there’s surely worse things in life than pretending to be dating Louis fucking Tomlinson.”

“Fuck off.”

Despite everything, Harry asked himself if it was really a good idea. Being involved with Louis Tomlinson could only do him good because Louis was known for being gentle apart when he was playing and something arranged could only end better than with Jason. No really, it wasn’t that bad of an idea, but Harry just hoped that he could be convincing enough.

Later that day, when it was almost time to go to the airport. Harry got showered and he dressed good. After all, Zayn joked telling him he was meeting his fiancé, so he put some effort into his clothes with a skinny jean and a flower blouse, but he didn’t undo the buttons. It was an airport, not a bar. He was driven to the airport by his driver and people who spotted him smirked, knowing why he was here, or they thought they knew.

Harry chuckled nervously while they were being said that the flight just landed. His manager made sure to give him a whole team of bodyguards whose roles were to make sure nobody would come too close. At least, nobody who hadn’t been invited to do so.

After another 15 minutes of anxiously waiting but trying to appear casual because there were fans and journalists around. Louis appeared, and Harry’s breath got stuck in his throat. He was quite handsome in casual clothes. When he noticed him, Louis’ smile widened, and he walked to him.

“Hi Harry, you’re absolutely stunning.” Louis blurted but in a low voice so only them could hear before blushing. Harry smiled and opened his arms and Louis got the hint, embracing him softly as if he was made of glass.

Harry could already image the headline tomorrow as he was feeling the flashes aimed at them just hugging each other. It could be completely platonic. Technically, it was absolutely platonic. There was nothing between them, but they didn’t need to know that yet.

“So are you.” Harry finally answered, still hearing and seeing the flash of the paparazzi’s camera aimed at them. Louis pulled away and Harry was about to say something, but his sentence died in his throat as Louis fell on one knee. He grabbed something in his pocket and revealed a red velvet box. Opening the box, Harry saw the golden ring with a huge emerald in the middle, and he gasped.

“Will you marry me, Harry?” Louis asked, looking at him so deeply with those big blue eyes and they looked so hopeful, and Harry was already so gone. It couldn’t hurt more to lie a bit more.

“Yes, I will.” Harry promised. Louis got up with a soft smile on his lips. Sliding the ring on Harry’s finger before they kissed softly. Really, it was only a press of lips. Harry was not willing to share more in front of those vultures who were ready to feed him to lions just yesterday.

“C’mon, take me home love.” Louis said with a wink and Harry chuckled, taking Louis’ hand in his and heading home with him.

Chapter Text

Louis always praised himself in being respectful. His mother raised him well and there was one thing that he hated about fame, it was the stupid gossip, and the need people had to lie outrageously to bring someone else down.

When he heard about the scandal surrounding Harry Styles. Louis had been angry because he believed Harry Styles was pretty much a beacon of light and he deserved so much better than a guy like that. It was obvious that the man was lying but every newspaper would sell the news, and Louis didn't think much about it when that journalist spoke about it because it was just the right opportunity to help him out. Maybe he went a bit ahead with engagement, but Louis knew fame, he knew what it took for the newspapers to forget about a shitty breakup.

Honestly when Liam and Niall looked at him with wide eyes before they were due to warm up. Louis just shrugged. He couldn't resist Harry Styles. Maybe that would happen to be a bad new later but for now, Louis was quite proud of him, he just hoped he didn't overstep.

Maybe dedicating their victory to Harry was a bit too much but Louis was passionate, and he didn't think before opening his mouth. His mother often told him it happened too much, but Harry Styles was just gorgeous and well. Louis knew he wasn't going to be punished when the manager of Styles called him later that day. Saying it would be good if they were seen together.

Louis had agreed eagerly because he was maybe already a bit gone for Harry Styles but that was his concern only, mind you. And it was really for the spectacle that Louis bought his dream man an engagement ring and proposed at the airport but at the back of his head. He knew a part of him wanted this to be real.

Every gay man had a dream goal in life that was to be married to Harry Styles and if that man was too stupid to achieve it. Louis wouldn’t do the same mistakes. Louis was having a hard time remembering himself that despite being engaged to Harry Styles now, they weren’t anything but strangers and dreaming about him was misplaced.

Wanting to break the tension. Louis decided that after exactly 7 minutes of driving, he could maybe speak.

“I’m sorry if I overstepped.” He excused himself. “But I know your album is due in two weeks and bad press wouldn’t help.”

“Dear Lord, you’ve been nothing but helping Louis, you didn’t overstep at all. You’re helping me.” Harry repeated with a soft smile aimed at Louis who smiled in return. “At the airport, I was thinking about something to feed the vultures outside of just a blooming romance, but you had the great idea that we needed. I feel sorry that you’re trapped with me now.”

“You’re probably the loveliest person to be trapped with.” Harry laughed at the comment, making Louis smile. “I’m sorry still, I know you’re rather a private person and because of me, we’ll have quite the public’s attention on us for a while.” Harry shrugged at Louis’ comment.

“It’s quite simple, we need to move together, you can come at my house if you want, I have a huge spare bedroom. It’s like having a roommate again. Like we’re 18 again.” Harry proposed with a ridiculous smile. Louis laughed again, he felt like he wouldn’t be bored with Harry. The man was definitely quite interesting.

“Okay, I can do that, having a roommate I mean.” Louis explained with a grimace. “I don’t wish to be 18 again, I love being 30.”

“But I bet you looked as good as you do now when you were younger.” Harry commented with a smirk, only freezing two seconds later, probably realising he said it out loud, but Louis just smiled.

“Don’t flatter me Harold, I’m sure you weren’t too bad yourself.” Harry bit his lips, and Louis was now sure of one thing, it could be hard to live with Harry. “I’ll call Liam, so he brings me some clothes and all. I have an interview tomorrow after the victory and all, I think it could be good as we’re both very busy if we put our agendas somewhere to know when we’ll be able to see each other and have some dates you know?” Harry’s eyes widened.

“Dates?”

“It’s not because we’re engaged that we have to stay at home all the time.” Louis teased with a smirk and Harry chuckled. “It’ll fuel the rumours if we go out every now and then.”

“True, I need to show off my future trophy wife.” Harry teased in return and Louis felt quite embarrassed hearing Harry saying that out loud, his cheeks were blushing.

“I have to make myself all pretty then?” Louis proposed, trying to sway his hips and Harry burst out laughing this time. Louis wanted to hear this sound every day for the rest of his life, but he was getting a bit carried away.

Harry parked himself in front of his house, there wasn’t any paparazzi too close at the moment thankfully. They walked to the door and Harry opened it, gesturing to Louis to come inside. He closed the door behind them and put his keys away, opening a drawer and giving a double to Louis.

“Consider yourself at home.” Harry said, voice more serious this time. “We don’t know how long we’ll have to play, and I want you to feel at ease with me. If there are things that make you uncomfortable or anything like that, just tell me?”

“Same goes for you.”

“Thanks Louis, now let me show you around.”

The house was huge. It was normal for an international singer of course but it wasn’t insanely huge. There were only four bedrooms, two on each side of the corridor and each side had a bathroom. Louis decided to take the opposite side of Harry’s room so he would have a personal bathroom and avoid awkward encounter early in the morning or late at night.

The kitchen was huge so was the living room, but it only had one couch, a very large L-shaped couch with a huge TV. Louis had been surprised to find a piano in the living room, Harry said he didn’t use it much. Using his guitar more. The garden was a reasonable size with high hedge to avoid prying eyes and flowers everywhere. Louis knew the pop star loved flowers.

All in all, Harry’s house was beautifully decorated, way more than Louis’ but he was a bit shitty at decorations. Rugs here and there, photos of his family and landscape he went to and lovely knick-knacks everywhere. Louis wouldn’t mind living here for a few months for their masquerade.

After the tour ended, they went back to the living room and Harry as if knowing him like a real fiancé proposed a tea and Louis agreed. He had been puzzled when Harry left without asking how he liked his tea but when he came back a few minutes later with a tea with no sugar but a splash of milk. Louis realised that maybe Harry had studied him a bit not to be clueless.

It felt almost domestic to be together in the living room, sipping tea and enjoying each other’s presence. For a moment, Louis wanted to close his eyes and believed that was his life, but he didn’t do it because it was only a masquerade. Harry broke the silence.

“Don’t you think we should talk a bit more about ourselves? To get to know each other better?”

“Are there really things we can ignore about public personalities?” Louis questioned, knowing full well that of course there could be if people were discreet enough and Harry Styles was a discreet singer. Harry giggled and nodded. “Right, so, I have a big family with 6 siblings.” Harry’s eyes widened again, and Louis laughed. “They’re all younger and I miss them a lot, now that I think of it, shouldn’t fiancés see each other’s family?”

“Yes, they should, we’ll schedule that.” Harry promised with a sad smile. “I only have a bigger sister and she’s a pain in my ass, I can’t imagine having 6 siblings.” Louis laughed.

“They can be painful, but I love them endlessly.”

“I wonder how people could say no to you. You really sound like the perfect man.” Harry commented dreamily before freezing but Louis was only blushing.

“Don’t boost my ego so much Harold, I won’t be able to pass the doors.” Harry laughed again, making the sheepish grimace disappear. “I’m a dog person, I’m sorry because I heard you’re more of a cat person and I know we won’t get along well about that…”

“Louis! You break my heart…” Harry commented, mischief evident in his eyes and his tone. “I don’t think we can continue our engagement if you don’t like cats.”

“I’ll let you know young Harold that the role of a trophy wife is to look pretty, not to like cats.” Louis interjected, a cheeky smile that made Harry laugh some more.

“And I’ll let you know that being barely two years older than me doesn’t mean I’m that young.”

They smiled at each other, and it seemed so intimate. They were both feeling how well they were getting along. Finally, maybe this masquerade could be the beginning of a great friendship. If it couldn’t turn out to be a real engagement because they both wanted this to be real despite knowing it would never be.

~°~

The first few days by Harry’s side were so easy for Louis. Harry was such an easy person to live with. Despite the first day’s embarrassment of finding Harry naked in the kitchen because Harry was apparently a nudist and he had forgotten he wasn’t living alone anymore. It had been great to live with him. He was an amazing cook, and he made more food for Louis when he wasn’t here to cook for him which was honestly so cute.

They hadn’t been able to see much the first few days because after going back to England, Louis had been busy with post quarter finals training and interview, and everyone wanted to know the details of their sudden affair and when another journalist asked Louis the BIG question.

He didn’t think much before saying he had always thought Harry was the perfect boyfriend material, of course, he said it in better terms. He added that if people were too dumb to see how good Harry was, he wasn’t going to make that mistakes and let him find somebody else. Everyone cooed and Louis didn’t even feel ashamed.

Not even when he came home to find Harry being all shy and the newspapers with his face on the counter of the kitchen. He didn’t admit it out loud to Harry, but he really thought every word he said.

But right now, three days later, facing a nervous Harry who was fidgeting and telling him they needed to talk. Louis felt nervous all of a sudden. He sat next to him, stroking his thigh to encourage him to speak and break the fear building in his stomach.

“I am the trophy wife.” Harry blurted. And what?

“What?”

“You said that you’d be glad to be my trophy wife.” Louis nodded, still holding Harry’s thigh and rubbing it while Harry was searching for the correct words to speak. “But I want it to be the other way around. I want to be your trophy wife.” Harry looked very nervous.

“Are you saying I’m not pretty enough to be the wife?” Louis asked in faux hurt and Harry bit his lips, shaking his head frantically.

“No, no, you’re handsome but you’re more like the sexy husband.”

“You’re right.” Louis approved and Harry’s head snapped up to meet his eyes. Blue met green. “I’m so lucky to have a trophy fiancé like you.” Harry beamed although a bit shyly and Louis chuckled. He leaned gently to kiss promptly his forehead. “I’ll show you off to everyone, cheering for you and saying, have you seen my wife? He’s so beautiful!” Harry blushed, hiding his face in Louis’ neck.

“Stop it.” Harry asked, blushing furiously but Louis chuckled, stroking Harry’s hair.

~°~

Louis had to be honest they were really getting along so well. Harry was just so easy to live with. Louis knew he was properly messy, but Harry never complained when he had to pick up sweaty footie socks on the bathroom floor because Harry had been getting tired of Louis complaining he didn't have any socks left for the training so after asking if he could come in Louis' bathroom when he was away. He was also doing his laundry.

Louis was afraid of the day he would be supposed to leave this house knowing he didn't want to. Harry was such a sweetheart to him, it was almost unbelievable to imagine someone could have cheated on such an awesome person. So, if Louis bribed someone to serve this asshole of Jason parading around with his conquest spicy food, knowing full well he hated it, that’s no one’s business.

He deserved it, Louis considered this a warning, don’t mess with Harry or cope with Louis’ bad-tempered tricks. Louis thought of a way to thank Harry for being so sweet with him despite being so busy lately with the approaching landing of his album and he only found one idea. He just hoped Harry would be happy about it.

Louis was holding the carrier in his arms when he came back home only to find a hoard of journalists waiting for them again. It was becoming a habit lately, but they decided to wait for Harry’s launching before asking them to leave for good. A journalist squealed.

“Is it a gift for Harry?” She asked with wide eyes and Louis nodded, gesturing for them to be silent and they all nodded after what felt like one thousands of pictures.

He entered the house and made sure Harry wasn’t in the living room but sounds were coming from the kitchen so he put the carrier on the ground just outside the kitchen so Harry wouldn’t see it before resting against the doorframe.

“Do you remember when you said that the day when you would get a cat, you would let me choose its name so it would maybe appease future tension between us?” Louis said, teasing and Harry laughed, turning to Louis and wiping his hands on a tea towel.

“Sure, why?” Louis smirked, he got back to the living room, opened the carrier, took the kitten in his arms before coming back to the kitchen to be met by Harry’s shocked expression.

“Meet T-Rex, our new baby boy.” Louis presented with a little smile which was more of a smirk really. But Harry wasn’t moving so Louis walked to Harry and put the purring kitten in his arms. “Technically, it’s ours but I hope I can count on you to take care of him like a good parent. I’m a shit cat parent.”

Harry began stroking the kitten’s fur between his ears, making the ball of fur purr quite loudly and Harry seemed on the verge of crying. If Louis was endeared, now he was growing a bit worried, did he do a bad choice? Was Harry unhappy about his choice? Maybe he would have preferred an orange cat?

But before Louis could torment himself some more. He was being pressed against the counter and soft lips were against his and what? Oh, Harry was kissing him, it was just a press of lips at first, but Harry opened his lips and soon enough their tongues were playing together in a heated ballet. Louis was sure he could have done that all day if that damned kitten didn’t mewl, attracting Harry’s attention and making him break the kiss.

“Sorry.” Harry excused himself, sounding a bit sheepish and stroking the kitten again. “It’s just that it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever had. Thank you so much Louis.”

“No problem.” Louis answered but the awkward tension was still lingering in the room and neither of them seemed to know what to say that could perturbate everything they had built for over a week and a half now.

“Louis?”

“Hum?”

“Why T-Rex although?” That’s when Louis lost it and burst out laughing.

“You said I could choose Harold, don’t criticise afterwards!” Louis teased, raising an eyebrow. Harry held his hands in the air in surrender.

“Rex it is.”

“No, it’s T-Rex H. Not Rex. Rex is the name of an old dog, T-Rex is the name of a big predator.”

“Extinct predator.” Harry corrected and Louis sent him a death glare, but it only made Harry chuckle, the awkwardness forgotten thankfully. Neither of them wanted to explain why they didn’t break the kiss earlier apparently.

~°~

They didn’t talk about the kiss afterwards, Harry left written explanation on the correct way to care for T-Rex as he was touring the Radios of England for a few weeks to promote the album that had been launched just a few days ago and Louis was bored. He didn’t have training for a week, so he called Liam and Niall to spend some time with him.

Louis was currently napping on the couch, T-Rex curled up on his chest, that thing was really small and Louis was just terrified of breaking him every time he held him, but Harry had assured Louis, he was doing progresses. When the bell rang, Louis stood up, still holding the sleepy kitten against him.

But the man behind the door wasn’t Liam nor Niall.

“I’m Zayn.” The man said, extending his hand and Louis shook it. “I’m Harry’s best friend.” He added and finally Louis remembered Harry talking about his best friend.

“Yes of course! I’m Louis. You want to enter?” Zayn nodded and Louis opened the door so he could enter. Once inside, Louis closed the door and Zayn turned to him.

“I texted Harry because I forgot a book in here a while ago and I need it back. Harry told me to come by, so I figured he’d be here…”

“Ah, no. Sorry mate, he’s touring England to promote his album. He won’t be here for another two weeks. But go on, go take your book.” Louis proposed with a soft smile and Zayn nodded.

Zayn disappeared upstairs and Louis felt like he had been holding his breath for a while. Harry had told him about Zayn of course, the best friend who hated famous personality. Louis knew how important it was to make a good impression on him, and he literally opened the door in tracksuits, holding a kitten.

Louis wanted to slam his head against the nearest surface but that wouldn’t be a good impression, so he went to the kitchen and put T-Rex on the ground, opening some cat food to fill his bowl. It was mid-day after all, why were Niall and Liam so late? Hearing steps, Louis turned around to see Zayn holding a book.

“Found it?”

“Yeah, can I ask you a question?” That’s it, Louis thought, straight to embarrassing question. That man had no pity at all. Still, Louis nodded. “Are you the one responsible for the fuss Jason made about messed up spicy food order lately?” Louis swallowed harder but he shrugged.

“Maybe? He’s a proper jerk that man so he got what he deserved.” Zayn’s lips curved into a smile this time, and Louis was surprised.

“I don’t like a lot of famous people, they’re often vain and think they’re better than normal people but you seem like a decent lad, I wouldn’t mind if Harry decided to keep you.” Zayn announced seriously, despite the smile he was displaying. Louis laughed.

“I wouldn’t mind either.” He announced. Zayn winked.

“I’ll get going.”

“Wait, Zayn! Some friends are supposed to meet me in some time, wanna stay with us for a drink or two and you know, learn about each other?” Louis proposed, he still quite hated how his voice sounded unsure. He could feel T-Rex rubbing himself against his ankle, but he stayed concentrated on Zayn.

“Next time maybe, I already have plans right now.”

“Alright.”

Zayn waved one last time and disappeared and Louis decided to serve himself a beer because Niall and Liam shouldn’t be late. As he was walking back to the living room, the bell rang again and really. Louis was thinking about changing his friends for better friends because as soon as he opened the door to reveal Liam and Niall for real this time, Liam kneeled and cooed at T-Rex.

“Aren’t you the cutest?” He said, rubbing the kitten’s fur.

“Hello to you Liam.” Louis said, barely keeping his sarcasm off his voice.

“Don’t sulk Tommo, I can rub your head if you want.” Niall proposed and Louis grimaced, inviting them inside.

They followed him inside, getting rid of their shoes and coats on the way to the giant couch, T-Rex on their steps. Niall and Liam sat, and Louis brought some beers for them, putting two pizzas in the oven. Louis went back to the living room, T-Rex still dutifully following him.

“It’s quite funny to see Rex following you everywhere you go knowing how much you hate cats.” Niall commented with a shit-eating grin, sipping his beer.

“It’s T-Rex.” Louis corrected, rolling his eyes. “And it’s because of Harry, he said that since that kitten belongs to both of us, he wanted us to bond so T-Rex wouldn’t be sad when he’d be away touring.”

“You sound like the perfect housewife waiting for your husband to return.” Niall added, making a disgusted face and Louis laughed.

“I wouldn’t mind being his housewife for sure, but we talked about it and apparently, I’m the sexy husband and he’s the trophy wife.”

“You’ve talked about it?” Liam asked in an incredulous tone. Louis nodded. Liam sighed and Louis knew where this was going.

“I’m fine.” He said, cutting Liam. “I have a mad crush on a pop star like millions of people across the world.”

“But you’re the only one with a crush actually living with Harry.” Liam interjected and Louis rolled his eyes again.

“Look, it’s so easy to live with Harry, he’s the best roommate I’ve ever had…”

“That’s the trouble!” Liam interrupted, groaning. “You won’t want to leave when it’ll be time for you to.”

“It’s not like I can leave early, and I won’t treat him like shit either so what can I do?” Louis asked, crossing his arms like a petulant child and Liam sighed.

“I’m just asking you to be careful Lou.” Louis shrugged and thankfully, they stopped talking about Harry.

Of course, the troubles of long-time friends are their knowledge. Louis remembered that time when he was alone or at least thinking he was alone in the locker room singing Harry’s last song of that time and Liam and Niall entered just at that moment and they found him singing with a hard on and things have never been the same ever since.

Louis knew that they were only worried for his feelings and maybe his sanity also and in a way, Louis was thankful to have such good friends but sometimes, he wished they could just shut their mouth because they were echoing his own inner questions he was so desperately trying to push away.

Such as the questions spiralling in his mind late at night when he was thinking of the kiss they shared a few days ago.

Not that Louis minded what happened but sometimes, he did ask himself why Harry didn’t break the kiss earlier. It was a bit irritating for him to imagine Harry French kissing everyone giving him great gifts. He just hoped it could mean Harry was at least a bit attracted to him.

~°~

And finally, after two weeks of promoting his album all across England and even in Berlin, Paris, Rome and Barcelona. Harry came back to stop Louis’ thoughts from spiralling even more because as soon as he entered the living room. Harry just straddled Louis and rested against him, confusing Louis.

Louis was trying very hard not to grow a boner, but it was quite hard being that close to a very beautiful man. Particularly when said man was using him as a hug provider. Harry whined and Louis decided it was maybe time to pay attention to what he could be saying.

“Louuuu.” He whined voice high-pitched but sounding quite low. “Cuddle me.”

“Rough weeks?” Louis said, hugging Harry’s middle and trying to ignore Harry’s content noises. Harry nodded from where his head was resting on Louis’ shoulders.

“Where’s my little boy?”

“Napping upstairs.” Louis explained with a chuckle. “Pretty sure he claimed a bedroom only for him.”

“Not like I’d lack of it.” Harry mumbled.

So yeah, apparently the nickname and the cuddling were new. Louis didn’t dislike it but if Harry was improving their relationship every time he was leaving the country, they’d be in bed quite soon. But of course, it didn’t mean that was what Louis wanted. Of course, no.

He wanted to get to know Harry better first but if Harry happened to drag him in his bedroom. Louis was only human, and he wouldn’t say no. Only a fool would say no to Harry Styles.

After a few minutes of comfortable cuddling. Harry pulled apart from Louis but was still straddling him when he looked down at him, Louis could see he seemed very serious and also very embarrassed, a blush was beginning to form on his cheeks.

“Lou. I want to get laid.” Harry announced matter-of-factly and Louis didn’t know what to answer to that.

“Yes?”

“It’s not weird you know, it’s been a while since I was last fucked and it’s only normal that I get horny a lot lately…” Harry was rambling.

“Yes.” Louis cut him. “That’s normal but why are you telling me that?”

“Well, since I can’t really be spotted outside hitting on someone, I figured you could, but only if you want to, fuck me?” Louis was pretty sure he’d stopped breathing at this point. It’s not because he thought about it just three minutes ago that he wanted it to happen now. “I’m sure you must be such a good lover.” Harry added and this conversion was only getting worse.

“Are you negotiating sex Hazza?” Louis joked, trying to let himself more time to think about the whole situation. Playing it cool seemed like the best option for him.

“I look pretty, you have to fuck me, that’s the rule of the wedding, I’ll let you know.”

“We’re only engaged.” Harry crossed his arms Louis raised his eyebrow and Harry stood up.

“Fine, I…” Harry began but Louis caught his wrist and made him fall back against him again. He was kissing Harry a few seconds later, breaking the kiss only to speak.

“I didn’t say no.”

“It’s just two friends helping each other out.” Harry commented with a smirk, but Louis was worried.

“Promise me things won’t be awkward between us after.”

“I promise.” Harry said with a genuine smile before leaning in gently to kiss Louis’ nose and after one last smile. Their lips were meeting again and Louis wondered why they didn’t do it again after the last time. They were clearly missing something.

Chapter Text

Deep down, Harry knew it could be a very bad idea. If Louis was bad in bed, he’d be disappointed but if he was great, Harry knew he’d have troubles letting go and for some reason, he was sure Louis would be good in bed.

Louis was a professional athlete. He had good stamina, good muscles that could do efforts for a long time and someone that handsome couldn’t not be a sex god. Harry had tried to ignore the fact that he had been waking up with a boner every day for two weeks straight, but it wasn’t easy to ignore something that hard.

But when he came home to find Louis, curled on the couch looking so cosy like he really belonged there. It was just too much. Harry was just a man after all, and a horny man apparently. At first, he just wanted to cuddle on the couch but before he could shut his mouth. He had already spoken and asked Louis to fuck him. He didn’t even feel bad about it.

So right now, as he was dragging Louis to his bedroom, their lips still attached together. Harry couldn’t find it in himself to feel guilty or something like that. He was already feeling his cock hardening but from the way he could feel Louis’ crotch against his when they collided with the door. He wasn’t doing much better.

That made Harry smirk, it was a good start if Louis was even a tad bit interested in his body. Harry opened the door with difficulty, breaking the kiss to enter and closing the door behind them. Before he even realised fully what he was doing. Harry was pulling Louis to the bed. He made him seat on the edge and kneeled between his legs.

Louis’ eyes widened but one of his hands found its way to Harry’s curls. He pulled them and Harry’s eyes went to meet Louis’. If that was possible, Harry got even harder, seeing the lust in Louis’ eyes, struggling to speak. Louis inhaled deeply before speaking.

“Never ever force yourself if you don’t want something.” Louis said, his voice soft but firm and Harry smiled, nodding almost shyly. “Tell me if something’s wrong.”

“I will.” Harry promised and Louis smiled, he leaned in and ghosted Harry’s lips with his. Almost making Harry whimper of want. The fact that Louis made sure to keep his desire at bay to tell Harry this was even more so a turn-on for Harry.

Louis kissed his nose and his forehead before releasing his grip and just carding his fingers slowly in Harry’s curls. Harry tried to get a grip of himself, stopping his daydreaming, he smirked and stood up, Louis’ eyes were curious, but he didn’t say anything, and he didn’t move.

When Harry wiggled out of his jacket, Louis bit his lips, still not moving but Harry could see the goosebumps beginning to form on his forearms. Harry quickly unbuttoned his shirt and threw it somewhere on the floor, not really caring. Painfully slowly, Harry unbuttoned his trousers and opened his fly, making Louis almost growl. Harry laughed and got rid of his trousers he only kept his briefs before kneeling again in front of Louis.

Harry wanted to wait, to make Louis beg for him eventually but in the end, he was so hard that he couldn’t play anymore, or he would come earlier than what he hoped. Quickly, Harry managed to open Louis’ trousers and put it down enough that he could have a good look at the bulge in Louis’ underwear. He grazed his fingers over the trapped cock, feeling how hard it was. Louis grunted and Harry decided he was really done teasing.

He pulled down Louis’ brief to see his cock springing free. He gave it a few experienced strokes that made Louis' head fall down as he moaned. When Harry's lips finally encircled Louis' slit, not moving, just staying there and teasing.

“Harry, please…” Harry preened at the attention he was getting and went back to work. Stroking Louis' length while just sucking the head.

Louis was tensed and with all the teasing, he wasn't happy, clearly wanting things to go faster but he didn’t intervene. He let Harry set the pace even if he could change it. He didn't. If Harry wasn't already in love, it would probably start now.

Hearing Louis' grunts, Harry came back from his daydream again to take the whole cock in his mouth this time, taking inch by inch until he was gagging. Harry wanted to gag on that cock every day of his life.

Harry's tongue dragged from the tip of Louis' cock down to his balls and back up, eliciting a new set of moans from Louis before taking the whole length in his mouth again, sucking hard on it.

“Love, I'm gonna come.” Louis said, voice weak of all his moaning and of all the pleasure.

While Harry kept Louis steady with one hand on his thigh, he used the other to caress his balls, making Louis groan louder this time. Harry bobbed again, licking a stripe under Louis' cock before going back to suck hard on his head and he felt Louis' toes curling and his body tensing as he was reaching his climax, coming in his mouth.

Harry happily swallowed before Louis was coming back to himself. Lifting Harry and pulling him on his lap, kissing the hell out of him.

“I'm sorry, love.” Louis said with the face of a kicked puppy. Harry laughed, earning himself a shocked glare.

“I enjoyed every second of it.” Harry assured before kissing Louis again, gently stroking his cheek and making him chuckle in return. Harry whined when he felt Louis' hand on his own cock, stroking expertly while kissing him senseless. After a few more strokes, Harry was coming in Louis' hands. Breathing heavily, Harry turned to Louis, biting his lips. “When will you be up for it again?” Louis seemed to smile before he leaned in.

“With your ass wiggling just above my cock, I'd say two minutes.” Louis slurred in his ear and Harry was feeling the heat coming back in his belly. He was still pretty much horny. He felt like he could have sex with Louis 8 times a day forever and that would still not be enough.

Louis moved them so they were resting against the headboard. Harry came back straddling him while they were making out sloppily and rubbing their crotches together. It took them 3 minutes to be hard again. Harry was having trouble breathing normally, he had never been this excited to sleep with anybody else before.

“Wreck me, Lou.” He whispered, whining at the current lack of action around them. Louis' pupils dilated even more if that was possible and he made Harry lay on the mattress, ass on display before taking his clothes off in a hurry.

He opened the bedside drawer and smirked when he got back next to Harry with a bottle of lube and a condom. Louis opened the bottle and poured some lube on his finger before pressing it to Harry's clenching hole. Harry moaned deeply and arched his back when a cold finger finally stretched him open. He missed the stretch for sure.

Louis' finger did a few back and forth before a second finger came too and Harry was melting in the touch. Louis' fingers were expertly scissoring him and Harry wanted more.

“More.” He whined, raising his ass in the air but Louis' other hand came on his hip to pin him to the mattress. Harry could come just to think about that strong hand and arm pining him here. It did things to his insides for sure.

“Be patient, love.” Louis said, tone a bit commanding but Harry didn't mind. And soon after, a third finger joined the other two in his ass.

“Fuck. Louis. Fuck me now!” Harry required, biting his lips to try to play it cool but his ass was too empty for Harry to be really cool.

It took Louis another 30 seconds to be satisfied and take his fingers off, making Harry whine, his hole clenching at the loss. Louis ripped open the package of the condom and put it on before slicking his length with lube and aligning himself with Harry's hole. They both moaned when Louis began to sink but still desperately slowly into Harry until he bottomed out.

“You feel amazing.” Harry commented. “I won't last long.”

“Me neither, fuck, you're so hot and tight and fuck...” Louis was getting carried away it seemed. Harry wiggled, desperate for some movement and it made Louis' cock rub against his prostate.

“Fuck Louis.”

“It's the other way around actually.” Louis joked and Harry whined again.

“Stop joking and start fucking me.” He complained.

The next thing Harry knew, Louis was pounding mercilessly into his ass, he grasped the sheets and cursed because he couldn't see what Louis looked like during sex. Harry let out a litany of broken moans as Louis was thrusting hard and fast and damn. Harry wasn't wrong about what those muscles could do in bed. He was finally being properly fucked, and he loved every second of it. Harry was trying to contain himself because every thrust had Louis' delicious cock rubbing against his prostate and Harry knew he was approaching his orgasm.

“Lou.” He groaned.

“Me too.” Louis answered, grunting.

He kissed Harry's curls and fucked him harder, thrusting deeper and Harry came, shouting Louis' name, against the mattress. It took Louis a few more thrusts before he was coming too. He pulled out and tied the condom, going to the ensuite bathroom to throw it away before coming back with a flannel to clean them both.

Once Louis was done, they snuggled under the cover together and before falling asleep, Harry really thought of how much he was screwed.

~°~

When Harry woke up at 10 AM, several things confused him. Louis was awake but he stayed in bed, he was currently sitting against the headboard reading the newspapers. There was an unhappy kitten on Harry's chest and a quick look at the clock let him know that Harry slept way later than usual. Barely containing a yawn, Harry scratched T-Rex ears.

“Hi pretty boy.” He said, straightening to sit next to Louis.

“Here I thought you'd think of me first.” Louis fakely pouted but it quickly turned into a smirk and Harry chuckled. Leaning in, he kissed Louis' cheek.

“You are my pretty boy too, don't be jealous.” Louis laughed loudly before kissing Harry's forehead. Harry bit his lips, he really needed to talk to Louis, but he didn’t know if it was the best moment. “I have to do a promotion abroad outside of Europe in a few days and it will last one month.” Louis nodded, still looking intensely at him. “If you want to go with me to one of these countries, it could be nice. I got used to having you around. Two weeks were painful but one month is going to be really hard.”

“Hard? Interesting choice of words Harold.” Louis commented with a teasing smirk and Harry groaned.

“That's not what I meant!”

"Sure, let me know your program and I'll take some days off to see you.” Harry smiled at Louis before dropping T-Rex on the mattress and going to the bathroom. It was probably good that he was only leaving in two days because he was sore everywhere.

Harry knew, of course he did that having another round had been another bad idea. But T-Rex woke them up at shit o'clock in the morning before running to the living room, so they had sex once more before going back to sleep and Harry knew it was the worst idea ever but sex with Louis felt so good.

When Harry left the bathroom, he stopped to look at Louis playing with T-Rex. They were so cute together. Harry couldn't imagine having to separate them. Just looking at them together, Harry wanted that to be his future.

“Not a cat person, huh?” Harry teased and Louis' only answer was a chuckle and a shrug.

“Where do you want to go for our honeymoon?” Louis asked, very seriously and Harry was taken aback.

“We won't marry.” He reminded Louis.

“But you're promoting your album, and everybody is curious of our life. It'd be best if we knew those things, more realist if you don’t take 2 minutes to think about it.”

“Capri.”

“Great.”

After that, Louis left the bed to get ready as well and true to their words. It was a bit as if nothing ever happened but at the same time it was different. But neither of them seemed disturbed by it. They were closer in a way. Touching each other more freely and Louis was often kissing Harry’s cheeks or forehead. Harry wasn’t disappointed even if those weren’t real kisses, he loved the fact that Louis’ full attention was on him, but he wouldn’t mind more.

It was two very agreeable days honestly they had a public date with photos for the world to see their very fake love. At least fake for Louis because Harry wasn’t so sure anymore of what he was feeling after what happened between them.

It bothered Harry, he was wondering if those butterflies in his stomach when Louis was around him were just because he loved the attention he was getting or because he really loved Louis. A bit before his career started, Harry’s mother told him it could be dangerous to be famous because you came to adore the attention you were getting.

And if the attention was to fade, it could be heartbreaking. The thing was, Harry was promoting his new album he was receiving a lot of attention already about it. Maybe Harry needed advice. Harry made sure that he packed everything before going downstairs where Louis and T-Rex were playing on the couch with a plushie mouse. They were so cute.

Louis still made sure to remind Harry that he wasn’t a cat person but those days, he was always found with T-Rex curled up against him and it became harder and harder to believe it. When Louis noticed him watching, he stood up and came to Harry, grabbing his bag and his suitcase to get them to the car while Harry was bidding goodbye to T-Rex. After showering the kitten with hugs and kisses, Louis was back, and Harry put T-Rex in his arms.

Louis smiled softly and tucked a curl behind Harry’s ear. Harry leaned into the embrace, letting Louis slide an arm around his waist as he rested his head against Louis’ shoulder. Harry was just slightly embarrassed to be that clingy, but he couldn’t escape it. He would be gone for a little while.

Louis kissed his curls and Harry stood up again, he kissed Louis’ cheeks and after a final wave, he left to go to the airport. He was almost late. Harry grabbed his phone to call Zayn. After all, he needed some advice. The phone rang for a while before Zayn picked up.

“What’s going on?”

“I had sex with Louis.” Harry blurted and he blushed as soon as the words were out of his mouth.

“Okay?” Zayn said, clearly unsure of the matter. “What’s the trouble?”

“I had two orgasms separated by only twenty minutes.” Harry added for precision and the line went silent for a while.

“Oh.” Zayn said after a while. “Well, now we know that the problem wasn’t you but Jason’s skills in bed.”

“That’s the trouble!” Harry complained. “I spent so many years having a shitty sex life that I’m not sure I can survive Louis. Every time he’s around, I’m on fire.”

“What’s the real matter?” Zayn asked and Harry inhaled deeply.

“Do you think I could be in love with him?”

“Of course you are Hazz.” Zayn admitted in a chuckle. “I know you’re worried but if you were just interested in his attention, you wouldn’t be so worried about everything.” Harry nodded it made sense.

“Do you think I should put some distances between us?” Harry asked, biting his bottom lips, afraid of the answer.

“Nope, listen I met him, and he seems like a proper guy, give him a chance and see if things can go further for real.” Zayn proposed and Harry nodded again, Zayn had a point. “Oh, and Harry, congrats. Sex gods aren’t that common. Keep yours.”

Harry hung up on Zayn, that really wasn’t helping.

~°~

Harry had landed in Montreal barely two days ago and he was tired. Touring the world wasn’t an easy task as it seemed. Harry had quickly felt overwhelmed, and Zayn was not being helpful at all. So, Harry called Ed, his old mate he met a while ago. Ed was a chill guy, he always knew how to calm Harry down, so Ed accepted to come over for a couple of days to meet Harry in Montreal as he was himself in Toronto.

Harry needed time to talk to Ed about the whole situation, so they were currently playing melodies with their guitars when John came into the hotel room without even knocking looking rather excited.

“Come on boys, turn on the TV on footie channel.” Harry rolled his eyes but obeyed and as soon as he did, he could only notice Louis talking to an interviewer. Damn how his man was handsome. Harry shook his head to remind himself that Louis was really his man. John pointed at the TV so Harry tried to pay attention at what Louis was saying.

“It was a great match for sure as we’ve already said.” The interviewer said. “But I think all our viewers are curious about your very recent relationship with Harry Styles, why is it that you don’t talk about it?”

“We try to keep our private life private.” Louis answered with a little annoyed sigh. “But if the world wants to know, we can’t let them in the unknown.” Harry giggled seeing the way Louis rolled his eyes, sassy Louis was one side he quite loved.

“Isn’t it weird that you got engaged as soon as Harry broke up with Jason Strait? Are you the reason of that breakup?”

“I always had this massive crush over Harry, I tried to court him and all, but he refused because he was faithful to Jason. So, when Harry discovered this girl in bed with Jason one evening, you can imagine his reaction.” Harry gasped at that, and John burst out laughing. “Jason Strait is a moron.” Louis continued to speak calmly as if he wasn’t insulting a public personality on a national channel. “But I’m not so I took my chance, and Harry didn’t say no.”

Louis was smiling proudly at the interviewer who was fish mouthing before she cleared her throat.

“Where will you go for your honeymoon?” She asked, clearly uncomfortable now.

“Capri.” Louis answered, still smiling. “I think both Harry and I had dreamt of visiting the island but it’s not the place where you often go to play a match or a gig or even on holiday with friends. So that’s a great opportunity.” John finally turned the TV off and spoke.

“Louis is really a good choice. He’s talking because he knows you can’t, and his fans don’t care about it but yours will. He’s a good one, keep him.” After that, John left and Harry groaned, trying to melt himself in the couch and disappear.

“Just know that nothings force you to talk about it to me.” Ed added, playing his guitar again.

“I’m in love with a man who is playing the fiancé role because of a stupid contract and I’m not sure I’ll be able to move on if he moves out of my house.” Harry explained, rubbing his tired face with his hands.

“Sounds complicated.”

“Love is complicated, Ed.”

“It shouldn’t be, what prevents you from dating Louis for real?”

“Nothing?”

“Then, go for it.”

“It’s more complicated than that.” Harry complained, sitting straight.

“No, it’s not.” Ed assured before going back to his melody, letting Harry alone with his thoughts of Louis.

Harry tried to play some music, but he kept getting distracted by his thoughts, after a while his team came to fetch him to prepare him for his next interview. Halfway through the makeup, Louis called so Harry hurried to pick up.

“Hi, Lou. How are you?”

“Hey, just called to let you know that I dropped our little T-Rex at Gemma’s.” Harry’s stomach twisted at the mention of T-Rex as their cat. “I’m heading to Scotland for my next match, and I wanted to let you know that your interview will go just fine, you’ll smash it and amaze them all like you already do every day of your life.” Louis said cheerfully and Harry chuckled.

“Thanks so much, I’m so glad to have someone like you by my side.” Harry commented while the makeup artist slapped his hand away of his face to avoid damaging the makeup.

“Always Harold. Talk to you later love.”

“Later Lou.”

When Harry hung up, he was feeling better. Maybe he didn’t really know where Louis and he stood in their relationship but for now, Louis’ presence was only helpful, and Harry was ready to take everything that Louis was ready to give. They could still talk about the details later.

~°~

Harry continued to travel the world to promote his album. It was apparently a massive success considering the massive number of listeners already and it had only been a month since the album had been released. Harry had already been there before, doing albums but it was different this time. There were more people listening to this one. And Harry noticed several people wearing footie jersey asking for an autograph.

Louis was definitely helping. Louis who went to Tokyo to spend some time with Harry and in fact, the more time Harry was spending in bed with Louis and that included being sexually involved together, the more Harry was getting attached to Louis. Not only because of his still incredible sex skills but a little part had to be due to that. But there was also the way Louis hugged him as if he was afraid to lose him.

Harry loved having Louis’ arms around his body and he didn’t want it to stop but things were quickly evolving and it was only a matter of time.

Harry had started programming his tour and London first night had already been sold out in a few hours. After the tour was launched, Harry was finally allowed to go back home and all he wanted was to rest a bit after weeks of promoting his work all around the world, traveling could be exhausting.

~°~

When he came back home, Louis made him rest for a whole week, taking good care of Harry and Harry was falling harder for the man sharing his house. After Harry finally felt rested enough, he proposed a game of laser tag to Louis who smiled devilishly and nodded. Harry regretted already.

Harry and Louis had reunited their friends to team with, and they entered the giant grey building. Walking to the front counter, Harry talked to the girl who nodded and called her coworker. The man arrived quickly, he turned to them and looked at them with a smile.

“Ever played?” He asked while walking away and gesturing to them to follow him. Louis, Liam and Niall nodded but Harry, Zayn and Ed shook their heads. And the man was speaking again. "Simple rules, you have half an hour to play, it's like a gun that shoots lasers. Your goal is to win as a team. We'll dispatch you in two teams and you're left alone in a dark labyrinth trying to shoot your enemies. Be careful because if you shoot your allies, you'll lose points. It's alright?”

Everyone nodded this time as they were finally entering a locker room. The man opened one locker to show them the plastic armour inside.

“One team is orange and the other is green. Make sure you put the right armour on and go to your entry following the colour spots on the ground. See you in half an hour. Don’t hurt yourself.” The men all laughed.

Liam, Niall and Louis grabbed the orange jackets while Harry, Zayn and Ed put on the greens. They all put their helmets, took their guns and after a final wave to each other, they all went to their own meeting point.

A man was waiting for them at the entrance. He handed them three pieces of clothing orange.

“The other team isn't ready, put this around your wrist to show your team.” He commanded.

“Is it obligated to have it around the wrist?” Louis asked with a smirk beginning to show on his face. The man laughed.

“No, you have to wear it, but you can wear it wherever you want. As long as it is visible.” The man explained.

“Put it at your ankle.” Louis ordered to Liam and Niall. “And shoot whoever wear it at their wrist.”

“You've always been a smartass.” Niall complained but obeyed.

“That's why I'm Captain.”

“They'll notice it quickly.” Liam interjected while adjusting the piece around his ankle.

“Maybe or maybe not, once we're inside, it's zero communication, if we stop by to talk. We're easy preys.” Louis explained, knowing full well he sounded like the captain before the big match of the season, but it was the big match of the season. “Be tricky, cheat, do whatever suits you. We win or I'll force you to train so much that your love life will disappear.”

“Mean.” Niall commented, slapping Louis' shoulders but Louis didn't move, stop or flinch.

“Understood?” Niall and Liam nodded in agreement and Louis smiled. He really had the best friends.

They waited a bit more until the man left the room and a 10 second countdown appeared in front of them, Louis gave a look at Niall and Liam, and they nodded. The door opened and they separated themselves,

Louis was walking around quietly he was a man on a mission after all. He could hear footsteps echoing all over the big labyrinthic room probably to prevent them from knowing where each was. Louis actually gave a look at the map of the labyrinth before entering and years of footie had done wonders with his brain and maps. Louis met one enemy that he shot in the back quietly before walking away.

After two more minutes of walking around. He found who he wanted. Louis grabbed Harry and dragged him to the nearest corner, kissing him a bit heatedly for a place where they weren't alone and banging their helmets against one another, making Harry giggle. Giggle that soon disappeared when Harry intensified the kiss, licking inside Louis' mouth. But footsteps were coming their way. Louis broke the kiss, looked at Harry's flushed face and smirking shot his laser right at Harry's heart before fleeing quickly.

“Louis!” He heard Harry shouting after him, but Louis only laughed. Competition was competition. Never trust your friends during a competition.

When the countdown was over. The too bright neon’s dazzled them for a bit and arrows appeared on the floor, they followed them.

“Congratulations to the orange team for winning with 800 points! The green team with 350 points, you'll do better next time.” A voice shouted in the room, and they all found themselves back in front of the door to leave the labyrinth. Everyone left but Louis grabbed Harry's hand. He didn't seem upset. Louis tried to do his best kitten eyes.

“Are you angry at me?” Louis asked innocently and Harry laughed.

“I am angry because I spent half an hour playing laser tag horny.” Harry groaned. Louis smirked before leaning in and kissing Harry again but chastely this time. “You're going to be the death of me, Louis.”

“Do you know what it is that the French call the little death?” Louis teased, the smirk appearing again on his face.

“Oi, stop that. That's disgusting.” Zayn shouted at them, and they separated themselves from one another.

“Yes, I know.” Harry whispered as they were going back to their friends. “I'll show you later.” He added a wink and Louis laughed. He loved when Harry was being confident.

~°~

Harry was so glad to be back from his promoting trip. Tokyo had been a while ago and he missed both Louis and their little T-Rex and just the mention of that kitten as theirs made his stomach flutter. He had spent a week in Holmes Chapel to see his family and was glad to go back home with Louis and Rex.

Harry opened the door and was surprised to find only T-Rex waiting for him by the door. Harry kneeled to scratch T-Rex's fur, closing the door behind him.

“Where's your Daddy, Rex?” Harry giggled, holding the purring kitten against his chest.

But after a whole tour of the house, Harry realized that Louis wasn't at home. Where could he be? Harry went back downstairs, cradling T-Rex when the door opened. Louis entered the house holding a white box. Making Harry curious. When Louis spotted Harry, he grimaced.

“I'm so sorry love, I thought I'd be back before you would be home.” Louis excused himself, going to the kitchen to put the box down. “Come on, open your gift.” Louis hurried him.

Harry was surprised. Louis often got him gifts, but this one felt special considering the proud smile on Louis' face. Harry opened the box to find a cake with an inscription saying, “Welcome Home to my Wife.” Harry laughed and turned to Louis.

“You're the best husband one could wish for.” Harry whispered, staring lovingly at Louis. Louis stared back but it was lust Harry was reading in his eyes and indeed. It didn't take long for Louis to surge forward, pining Harry against the wall to kiss him senseless.

Their tongues fought before Harry gave in. It sounded cliché but Harry was weak when Louis was turning dominant. It was a huge turn-on, and Louis seemed to know it too well as he kept fighting every time, they were kissing a bit heatedly. Harry pulled away finally.

“I want to eat my cake now.” Harry commanded.

“But what if I want to eat my baby cake?” Louis answered cheekily, grabbing Harry's ass.

“Be a nice husband first.”

“No promise here." Louis chuckled. “Seriously, you should see yourself, you're fuckable as hell.”

Harry slapped Louis' hands away before sitting down to get a piece of cake. Louis sat next to him, still smiling, stealing pieces here and there, not bothering to take a real plate. It was nice to sit here and live a little moment of domesticity with Louis as if they were a real couple.

“Do you want children?” Louis asked suddenly, he sounded very serious.

“I'm sorry what?”

“Children. Little humans.” Louis repeated, still very seriously and Harry was taken aback. He tried to clear his throat and answer.

“Oh, but if they're as awesome as you, I want a dozen of them.” Harry said, covering his mouth after he realised what he just said to Louis. Louis laughed. “Oh my god, I'm so sorry, this is so embarrassing.”

“Hey! No, none of that love. I love that you can be honest with me.” Louis rasped, leaning in and kissing Harry's forehead.

It was too much for Harry. He was already gone for Louis. There was no point in denying it anymore but talking about children and Louis in the same sentence. Harry's heart was too sensitive for that. Honestly, his heart was exploding with love thinking about having babies with Louis, but they weren't even a real couple and Harry really needed to stop thinking about it or he'd get horny again. That was a recurrent problem with Louis around.

Harry’s phone rang particularly loudly, which was the allowed ringtone for his producer. Harry sighed and got up to answer his phone in the living room for a bit more privacy even if Louis wasn’t one to eavesdrop.

“John?”

“Good evening, Harry, I’m sorry to call that late but I wanted to be the one to tell you the good news. You reached 20 sold out show of your tour and your album is platinum already. Congratulations, hard work always pay. I called Louis’ team before calling you and we both think it’s the right time for you two to break up.” His manager said and Harry dropped his phone and heard it falling on the rug.

Chapter Text

“What’s that weird face?” Liam asked first thing in the morning when Louis arrived for practice.

“Everything is perfectly alright in my life, thank you very much Liam.” Louis snapped.

“You act exactly like when something’s wrong and you’re frustrated.” Niall intervened and Louis wanted to punch both of them for being too curious for their own good.

“Harry got a call last night it must have been something important because he escaped the house and never came back ever since.” Louis told them grabbing his practice shirt with the captain mention in bright big letters on it.

“Come on Lou.” Niall said, patting Louis’ shoulder. “You two grew close of each other, give him time to accept what he learnt, and he’ll come back to you.”

“You’re like that.” Liam added, confirming Niall’s sentence.

“Like what?”

“Always coming back to each other, no matter what.” Liam explained.

“If it wasn’t for a stupid twist of fate, we wouldn’t know each other.”

“And now, you sleep together, fate is a funny thing really.” Niall chuckled before leaving the locker room.

Louis honestly felt a bit better after talking with Liam and Niall, but he wondered if what they said was really so true. Of course, Louis felt close to Harry and not just physically. Okay, maybe Louis was in love with his pop star of a wife, but he wouldn’t admit it and even less to Liam and Niall. He would never hear the end of it.

Harry was charming and he was coping very well with Louis despite his despisable behaviour as his friends were often saying. They spent too much time together now and Louis implicated himself too much. He knew since the beginning that their story wouldn’t last forever. It was written in their contract.

He was supposed to help Harry not be seen as a bad person after what happened with Jason but surely, he wasn’t needed anymore now that his pop star of a wife could sell sold out shows and have a platinum album.

Louis didn’t want to let go. Harry was everything he ever wanted in a boyfriend. Just the thought of letting him go made Louis sad. After practice which seemed endless, Louis grabbed his phone to call Zayn.

“Hey mate. Can I do something for you?” Zayn asked after he picked up.

“How much does Harry listen to his producer?” Louis asked as an answer, grabbing his things and throwing them in his bag, hurrying outside and barely waving to his friends.

“I won’t say every word but almost.” Zayn admitted.

“Did you talk with Harry lately?”

“Not since at least 4 days, I’d say. Is there a problem?”

“I’m not sure.” Louis was about to explain when his phone rang, his team was calling. “Talk to you later Zayn. Thanks.”

“No problem.” Zayn answered.

Louis contemplated the call. His team wasn’t often calling him because lately it was more practice and not social events or big matches. Louis feared the worst while picking up.

“Hello?”

“Louis! How are you?”

“Fine, why are you calling?” Louis asked, trying not to show his worries.

“We talked with Harry’s team yesterday. He’s being very popular and successful lately and Harry’s producer said we could officially stop the contract.”

Louis didn’t answer, he didn’t want that at all. That was the contrary of what he really wanted but now he knew why Harry didn’t stay home yesterday or Louis hoped he knew it. He didn’t want to think he didn’t know Harry after all they’ve been through those last months. Harry had been away to promote his album a lot, but Louis still knew him.

Harry was the kindest soul, he was caring, he loved T-Rex, he was a wonderful cook. He disliked football but said he liked it only to please Louis and despite not liking football, he went to every important match Louis had. Why would Harry flee him suddenly?

“I need to come and sign the end of the contract?” Louis asked, trying to even his breathing.

“Yes.”

“Did Harry sign already?”

“No.” His team answered. “But it shouldn’t take long for him to sign them anyway, don’t worry about that.”

“Be there in half an hour.”

~°~

Louis was stressing, completely stressing like he misbehaved. Of course, maybe he was wrong, and Harry would tell him to fuck off but according to his friends, that was highly unlikely. Louis just hoped they knew what they were talking about. Louis hoped he was right to believe in himself and his feelings.

Everything was ready and Louis was just waiting for Harry to come back home and praying that he would actually come back home as he didn’t the night before, but Louis assumed his producer would tell him he signed the papers, and Harry would want to talk about it or Louis hoped so.

The front door opened, and Louis tried not to play with his fingers to ease the stress coming back. Harry appeared soon after and he looked saddened.

“My producer told me you went in today to sign the resignation of the contract.” Harry said, it wasn’t a question, but his tone was questioning.

“Indeed.” Louis confirmed, grabbing the papers on the kitchen counter and showing them to Harry. “But!” Louis spoke a bit loudly. “Listen to me first or more like, come with me? Please?” Harry nodded, confusion written over his face.

He still followed Louis to the garden, and he gasped when he saw the garden. All decorated with fairy lights and red roses everywhere. A big banner displaying in red character “MARRY ME?” and Harry was smiling and already crying.

“I’m not sure I’m really talented at all that romantic shit you’re so fan of but I tried, I hope you like it. I broke the contract.” Louis confirmed again. “Because I want more Harry, much more than a contract. I want to be your real husband I want to get to have you cheering for me at every match and I want to sing along your songs at your concerts forever. I want kids with you and maybe even another cat.”

And Harry surged forward, cupping Louis’ cheeks to kiss him deeply but oh so passionately.

“Would you really get another cat?” Harry asked between two kisses.

“With me, I’d get everything you ask, anything for my wife.” Louis promised and Harry was kissing him again, but Louis pulled away.

“Can I show you your ring?” Harry laughed and nodded. Louis turned to the table of the garden where T-Rex was sitting patiently. “Rex?” T-Rex got up and walked to them. Louis kneeled and grabbed the box he had glued to Rex’s collar. Opening it and showing it the huge diamond inside to Harry who gasped loudly.

“For me?” Harry asked in disbelief.

“Anything for my wife.” Louis repeated, rubbing his nose against Harry’s jaws. “Will you marry me for real this time my love?”

“Of course, you moron.”

And then, they were kissing again while T-Rex was purring happily at their feet. Knowing their future would be brilliant.

~°~

Louis was woken up early, so he decided to go outside, he was curious, and it was only normal after you organise the wedding of your dream and probably of the century. Yesterday, he and Harry said yes for the rest of their lives and even T-Rex joined them in Capri to participate in the craziest wedding of the decade and Louis was sure maybe even century. He walked to the nearest press and bought the latest anglophone newspaper to read in bed waiting for Harry to wake up.

It's not Louis’ fault really that they partied until the sun was rising and after that, Harry got them all mixed in bedsheets. Louis laughed at the front page showing a photo of them he loved particularly. Taken a month ago or so when Harry came to see them at a match and when they won, Harry ran on the pitch to kiss Louis, surprising everyone.

“The wedding of the decade.

Yesterday, while the orange sun was going to sleep leaving some extraordinary pictures, Harry Styles, adored pop star and Louis Tomlinson, star Captain of England said yes to each other in Capri in front of thousands of guests. Congratulations to them and we wish them a life of happiness. Their wedding which can be described as the wedding of the decade was the perfect occasion to reunite everyone, they loved around themselves to share this wonderful day with.”

Louis stopped reading when he saw Harry moving in the bed and shifting towards him.

“What are you doing?” Harry mumbled, trying to bring Louis back in the bedsheets.

“Tasting your success my love.” Louis answered and Harry looked at him weirdly. Louis showed him the newspapers. “You won, you’re happy and Jason can go fuck himself.”

“You dared speak about him on our honeymoon or I am hallucinating?”

“Hallucination.” Louis answered, laughing and sending the newspaper away. “I love you my wife and true love.”

“Sap.” Louis’ shock made Harry laugh even more. “I love you more than that perfect husband.” Harry claimed, kissing his husband gently. “I couldn’t be any happier.”

“The man who sold the newspaper told me about a cat shelter not far from here.” Louis commented innocently and Harry raised an eyebrow.

“So you’re a cat person now, huh?”

“T-Rex needs a sibling. I was thinking of Tops short for Triceratops.” Louis continued.

“We’re not calling our cat Tops or Triceratops.” Harry refused.

“Love…” Louis complained, doing his best kitten eyes. But Harry shook his head firmly. “Alright.” Louis conceded. “Then Spin, for Spinosaurus.”

“I hate you.” Harry declared.

“Or Raptor.” Louis proposed, purposedly ignoring Harry’s sighs.
The End