Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

'You WHAT?'

'You heard.'

'Yeah but I don't get it..'

'What's not to get? I'm going to hire a professional, a hot professional to go to Charlotte's wedding with me.'

'When you say professional..'

'I've looked into it all, you can hire... Like people...'

'Like prostitutes..'

I give him the evil eye. 'ZAYN.'

'What? That's what they are. Escorts, high class call umm boys.' His arm flings out dramatically.

'I dunno if they provide sex but I am going to choose well, so that might be a nice distraction and less trouble than picking someone up in a club for a shag or a blow job.'

'Fucks sake Lou, you can't turn up at your sisters wedding with this total stranger you pillock.'

'Zayn, I am not sitting there with Dylan and his family watching poor old single Louis. Can't keep a man, can't get it right.I I will turn up with a babe on my arm, attending to my every need.' 

I can tell he's not impressed at all, eye rolling and clicking his tongue.

'I can see you, you twat, you're supposed to be my best mate. Its going to be hard enough watching my sister marry my ex's brother, seeing him all smug with his boyfriend.'

'He's got a stupid name though, remember that, every day of his life he has to say, this is my boyfriend Tarquin.' I know he is trying to lighten the mood and its working.

'Good point! When I look, I want someone with a none ridiculous name, cheers man. Any other thing you can think of?'

He sighs.

'You really gonna do this?'

'Yup.'

'Can I help weed out the dickheads?'

I grab him, pull him down into my lap and hug him.

'Yeah, of course, I need to get it right.'

He ruffles my hair.

'I don't even know where to begin to find you a professional though.' he frowns.

'It worries me they won't be, you know, discreet.'

'I'm already on with it, I've joined a professional site, they have to sign disclaimers, they can't be googled or traced back to the escort company. They all have cover stories ready for the people they come into contact with, they are all police checked and background checked. They are total pro's.'

'Is it going to be that difficult for you to see Dylan again?' He strokes my hair.

'I just feel like...Dunno... I can write songs that win grammy's, oscars, make millions writing songs for so many people, have everything I would ever want but... I am 26 and can't keep a man Zayn, what the hell is wrong with me?'

He hugs me closer.

'You chose very specific arseholes to fall in love with, that is your main problem.'

'Thank fuck I have you and Li in my life, I'm a committed bachelor now, not going to have the stress of a broken heart ever again.'

I spend a few hours in my studio but my mind is on the other task, to find the perfect escort. I keep looking at the website, contemplating, in the end I dial the number, hands shaking, make an appointment for someone to come and see me.

I shout Zayn.

'Oh shit I've done it, just phoned, someone's coming out to see me tomorrow.'

'Ok I'll be here with you mate, if you are sure?'

'I'm sure bud.'

I can't settle, go for a walk on the beach, the joys of having a house in Malibu. I sit and watch the sunset, think about my life, how a little lad from Doncaster is sat watching the sun set over the Pacific ocean, with enough money in the bank to never do a days work again. How one chance meeting brought a girl into my life, both of us had broken hearts, both wanted to express it in songs. Two albums with worldwide appeal, relatable, a common bond, love and heartbreak and the singer having a killer voice, that singer was Adele. I now write for many other artists, have had many more worldwide hits. I have everything I need, home here, one in London, the best friends and family you could ever wish for but there is no one special in my life. No one person who I share my secrets and fears and heart with. It used to depress me, used to be all I thought about but I am ok with that now. Sharing my heart has been nothing but trouble in the past so keep it business, keep it safe. My beautiful sister is marrying her fiance in February, he just happens to be my ex boyfriends' brother. Charlotte will marry Ethan and of course Dylan is best man and will be there with Tarquin, his new fella and I will not be there alone, I just won't.

~

'All our employees have undergone police disclosures, all have plausible background stories, none can be googled back to any kind of companion work.' Mrs Chapman explains to Zayn and I the next afternoon as we sit and listen to her talk.

'Discretion is our forte, we have many many high profile clients Mr Tomlinson, you can be guaranteed absolutely no trace back to us can be found.'

I nod.

'I have a few public events to attend, the Grammys, the Sony winter ball in Vegas and my sisters wedding in the UK. I will need this person to be exclusive to me for the duration. I need them to be seen with me just out shopping and having dinner so I will pay for their time for the whole period but they cannot be hired by anyone else.'

She nods.

'That's absolutely fine.' She assures us.

'How do we know this person won't run to the tabloids and sell their story?' Zayn asks.

She calms our fears by explaining the legal side of their contracts. How they are so tied up in legalities that it would never ever be beneficial.

'Now for the hardest part, lets look at the options.'

She opens her laptop. logs into her website and slides the laptop over to me.

'Use the arrows, scroll through and find your match Mr Tomlinson, all these men are happy to be in a same sex contract.'

Scared and excited I begin to look. Each has a page with photographs and a small introducing part to read about them. I flick through, too old, not my type, not bad, faces drift by.

'James, 29, from Tucson Arizona.' I mutter. 'He isn't bad, a maybe.'

Philip, 27 from Manchester England. 'Oh you have British guys?'

'Yes Mr Tomlinson, lots of different nationalities, all willing to travel.'

Mark, 21 from Toronto. quite cute I think but something makes me click on, keep going.

'Harry, 23 from London England.'

A pair of beautiful green eyes stare back at me.  Wide open smile, perfect teeth, full mouth, dark springy curls. A picture of him dressed up in a black jacket, shirt open at the neck and a casual picture, hair in a bandana, he's stunning.

'Umm, this guy?'

She smiles 'Ahh Harry, yes, he is a lovely guy, very warm, very likable, funny, charming.'

'Could we maybe chat or something with him? Get a feel for his personality or something?'

She smiles, 'He will adapt and be whatever it is you need him to be, but yes, we could Skype him or arrange a pre contract meet up. Its all done under safe conditions.'

Time is not on my side so decide on Skype. She messages him and he is available now, my stomach is in knots, his face appears on the screen.

'Hi, sorry, I have just got back in from a run so look a bit of a mess, its only 7am here in the UK please excuse me. I'm Harry.'

The deepest, rugged voice comes out of this man with the face of an angel, his hair in a tiny ponytail on top of his head, damp curls around his face.

He swigs hard from a water bottle and my balls disappear into my body, running for cover. Still getting his breath back and mine seems to be laboured too.

'Harry, Mr Tomlinson is interested in hiring you for an extended period of time, he has events and personal commitments he would like you to be hired for.'

Harry smiles and nods into the camera.

'What time frame are we talking?' he quizzes.

'Umm, kind of now until the end of February. But you would be staying with me, going out together, being seen.  Dinner, movies, parties, holidays maybe..'

He nods and then suddenly remembers something.

'I umm, I have a prior commitment that I am already contracted for.' He frowns slightly, 'Mrs Chapman, New York, last two days of the month, remember?'

'Oh yes of course Harry, yes oh sorry Mr Tomlinson, Harry has a contract to fulfill in New York on the 30th Jan through to the 31st.'

'Ah, that's probably a deal breaker then. See I need someone who is not going to be...'

'Can we just talk in the other room Mr Tomlinson, just away from the camera?'

'Of course.'

I lead her into the lounge, close the door.

'Harry has a once a month rolling contract with a very high profile client. He goes to the clients home, spends the day and night with him, they don't go out or be seen by anyone else. The client is married so Harry is strictly unseen so there is no way his cover will be blown as your partner.'

'Oh..' I nod, think it over, I like him, I really do.

'Or you choose again maybe?'

I do like Harry. I felt an attraction straight away, one night won't matter, no one will see him.

'Ok yeah it should be ok if that's alright with Harry.'

We go back in and Harry and I chat a little more, he is engaging, funny, articulate, charming and damned hot too.

'You a keep fit nut then?' I pull a face at the camera.

'Nahh I just have too much energy, need to release it somehow.' He looks into the camera and I swear he winked at me!

'I do yoga too, I have a bad back and need to keep it flexible, bendy you know.'

Oh the little shit, his banter and flirting hits the spot, I really like him.

'You going to come over then?' I flirt a little, cheeky smile, looking right into the camera.

'Absolutely, just say the word I will hop on a plane.' He pulls on the water bottle again, tongue coming out licking his lips, he so knows what he is doing.

'This weekend?'

'Sure.' his whole face lighting up.

'I will get my assistant to book you a flight, will email you the details, would you rather stay in a hotel for the first few nights until you feel more comfortable around us or are you happy to stay with us at the beach straight away?'

'Us?' He asks.

'Oh my best friend and personal assistant spends most of his week with me but he does go and stay with his partner too.'

He nods, 'I really don't mind, I would love to stay with you at the beach but its completely your call.'

'Ok, its fine we have plenty of room here.'

He smiles, 'sounds lovely, see you very soon.'

'You sure will.'

We disconnect, discuss the finer details and fee and Mrs Chapman leaves. 

'You're a massive flirt Tommo, you were practically shagging on skype.' Zayn shakes his head, punching me playfully in the arm.

'Did you fucking see him? My god he is so my type. Thank god I chose that agency, he's hot, it will be great fun, can't wait.'  I squint my eyes at him.

'You're actually doing this then yeah?'

'Yeah I am Zayn, I have been dreading turning up at that wedding alone. I can stop worrying now and just enjoy it. He seems cool, think we will hit it off and if he's used to this kind of thing then I'm sure he will be a true professional and ace his role.'

'Mmmh, I just worry Lou that all. Me and Liam, we just want you to be happy.'

'I know love, I know and I'm sure Prince Charming is just around the corner.' I eye roll at him.  'But until then, I'll act it out with a hot dude.'

He grabs me in a hug. 'Just want you to be happy.'

'I have the best friends in the world, how can I not be happy with you two by my side.'

~~

'Check again Zayn.' I natter him to death.

'Ummm yeah, Its landed, VS007 right?'

'Yup.' Oh shit, here goes.

We have a driver waiting to bring Harry straight here. 

I stand up from the terrace and go inside, it's a beautiful clear day with just a hint of breeze rolling in from the ocean, I have cut offs and a thin cotton sweater on, panic about what I should be wearing to meet him in person for the first time and wander upstairs to stress over my wardrobe.

I shower. Dress in black skinny jeans and red scoop neck t shirt, mess about with my hair and hate but love the butterflies I have right now in my stomach. Splash of cologne and I'm downstairs pacing the rooms waiting for the car to buzz for entry.

'Sit down you're making me nervous.'

'I can't, I feel sick, I need this to work out, what if he's a smarmy dickhead what do I do?'

'He seemed very nice, I'm sure he will be just fine, stop worrying!'

'Yeah but if we hate each other or he hates me and I'm running out of time, the winter ball is in one week and I've rsvp'd with a plus one so I need someone to go with me that isn't you or Liam.'
'yeah but..'
'bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz'
We both jump a mile.

'You get it please.' I grimace, stomach rolling.
Zayn buzzes the gates open and the limousine sweeps into the driveway. A uniformed man jumps out to open the door but Harry beats him to it, sleek long, long legs swoop out, clad in smart black jeans, fitted everywhere, black belt around his narrow hips, white button up tucked in with a smart black blazer over.
Dark curls springing around his face flattened down on top by his sunglasses pushed on top of his head.
'Ugh he's too perfect, I bet he's a dick.' I hiss through my teeth, smile remaining on my face.

Zayn digs me 'Louis shurrup. He was dead nice on that Skype chat and look, beggars can't be choosers and all that so just shut up and be nice.'

'Mr Tomlinson.' he strides over.
'Please, call me Louis.'
'Louis.' he drawls
'Very nice to meet you properly.'
His voice so deep and slow, nice tone to it, the musician in me thinks.
His huge hand grips mine, firm but warm handshake, looking right into my eyes. My stomach flips, his eyes then flitting to Zayn, same warm smile.
'Hey, I'm Zayn, Louis' best friend and personal assistant.'

They shake hands and by now the driver has delivered his suitcase to the door.
Harry turns and shakes the drivers hand almost bows to him. 'Thank you very much for my ride Sir.'
Zayn nudges me and I dig him back, knowing he is impressed with Harry's impeccable manners, as am I.
'Come in.' I gesture, opening the door wide for us to pass through.
The local caterers had delivered us lunch earlier, bagels, wraps, muffins and fruit platters.
'Coffee?' I ask.
His nose crinkles ever so slightly.
'You don't have tea do you?'
'YES.' I punch out.
'See Zayn, it's not only me that likes tea and he's not a Granny from Cleckheaton'
Harry laughs, a warm belly laugh.
'I much prefer tea.'

We carry the food out to the terrace, Harry sits across the table from me, Zayn just grabs some food and wanders back inside to take a phone call and I suspect to leave us in private.

'You have a beautiful home.'
'Thank you, I love the sound of the ocean and just love laying listening to the waves at night.'
He nods, 'Me too, love the sound of the sea.'
'So.' I venture 'tell me about you Harry.'
'Ok I'm 23, will be 24 very soon, single, originally from Cheshire but live in London now. I umm went to Uni in Leeds, studied Drama, graduated with a 2:1 a huge student debt and no job.' He jaw clenches, darkness fills his eyes briefly but then it's gone.

'My sister was already living and working down in London and offered me her sofa so I could go for auditions, got a couple of adverts, a small part in a play and a bit of modelling and whilst I was at a modelling assignment I was asked if I would escort a lady to the opera that night, she was the daughter of a politician and wanted a no strings date. I did it, was paid so well and looked into it a bit more.' he smiles nervously.

'Found Mrs Chapman's site and was entered onto her books the next week.' he sips his tea.
'I still do a bit of modelling but I'm too ungainly for catwalk and my features too pudgy for editorial.'
I laugh
'Pudgy? Hardly.'
'If only I had your cheekbones and nose. In fact you have a very beautiful face.'
He holds my gaze, I have to look away, slightly flustered.
'But as it is, I resemble a 12 year old boy with curls and dimples and a pudgy nose so there you go, not quite fitting any particular brief.' 

He takes a sip of tea. 'My claim to fame is that my legs were used in a Burberry catalogue for trousers and my torso was used in a shirt for Topshop.' he smiles, reaches for a slice if pineapple.
'My cover is that I'm a part time model and budding singer.'
'You sing?' I raise my eyebrows.
'Again not with any kind of talent. I just love singing and do a few pub gigs around the borough where I live, it pays for a pint or two and gets me out.'
I smile, wondering what his reaction will be to my profession.

'I have been doing this for a year and a half, work mainly in London but do travel. I have that regular client in New York who I visit once a month and a client in Milan who I accompany to fashion shows, the opera and awards ceremonies and events over there and a couple more regulars.
I am honest, discreet and attentive, I will give my all to fulfill whatever it is you need from me.' he stops, turns his hands over and clears his throat.
'I umm I do sleep with some clients but only ever if there is a connection, I aren't umm a prostitute, I don't sleep with just anyone, I say no much much more than I say yes, but I do say yes sometimes.' he bites his lip.

'If there's a mutual attraction it's no different from picking up someone in a bar but I'm safer and come with a full clean bill of health.' he swallows.

'Tell me what you want to get out of this.' he asks.
'Umm well I want to stop the whispers about my sexuality within the industry I work in. I'm going turn up hand in hand, umm is that ok?'
He nods.
'With a guy and the rumours can be fact then. I won't make the press, no one really knows me to be interested in reading about me but my peers wonder about me I know they do, well, It will answer their questions. But ultimately I have a very important wedding, my eldest sister marries next month and as petty as it sounds, the groom is the brother of my ex.'

He smiles but there is empathy in his eyes.

'I don't want to be single at the wedding, I want to just turn up with you, watch their heads turn and leave with my head held high.'
He nods
'Sure we can do that.' he grins.

'I haven't got time to sort anything else out Harry, I need to make this work.'
'Then we'll do everything to make it work.' he smiles.

'Ok the dates I need you for are the Sony winter ball in Vegas next weekend. The Grammys the Sunday after which is the 26th. The wedding which is 22nd Feb but if possible I'd like you around permanently until the wedding at least, like for Valentines day and maybe a holiday I'll pay all your time and expenses and obviously provide all travel and accommodation and any clothing or personal items you would need.'
He's smiling, looks almost excited.
'I've never been to Vegas.' he chatters, realises he might look too unprofessional and calms his face, looks embarrassed.
It's endearing, seeing his enthusiasm.
'Hmmm we could cause mayhem in Vegas then, I think we should go early, make a decent trip of it.'
He smiles.
'Can't wait.'

'We will go shopping this week for anything you might need, clothes, personal items, so we are all ready to go in Vegas.'

He nods but a slight frown just passes over his face.

'You not comfortable with this Harry?'
'No no. Sorry if I came across like that I just, well, I sometimes feel like a fraud in a world I don't belong in.'
'Harry, I'm from Doncaster, grew up with nothing. I had 4 little sisters to take care of, shopped in markets and thrift shops and I still feel like an intruder in the big leagueWe are very similar.' I assure him.

He relaxes a little
'You're from Donny?' He teases.
'Nah shurrup It's not that bad.'
'No no my sister went to Sheffield Uni, had many nights out in Donny, Barnsley, Sheffield.' he bites his lip smiling.
'A reight gud naaaight aht.' he mocks the heavy South Yorkshire accent.

'Terrible effort Harry terrible.' genuine laughter, feels nice.
His eyes meet mine
'Am I hired then?'
'You're hired.'
He reaches over, shakes my hand, his thumb lightly strokes the top of my hand. Boom! That feeling, that spark, my jaw tightens, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and a heat spreads out from my groin. That was instant. He's watching me, lips slightly parted, his chest rises and falls, shoulders slump down but still he holds my hand, my eyes fall to our hands, back up to his face, he's not moving, stone still. Then as if he's been punched he jumps and pulls his hand away.

'Sorry, bit spaced out from the travelling, sorry.'

Zayn comes back out.
'Sorry, Liams just called, the contract is fine, he's happy for you to sign.'
I nod, look at Harry
'My lawyer, Liam, he looked over the paperwork for me.'
He smiles. 'Better to be safe but you have my absolute word on privacy and discretion.'

His face open, honest and true, I believe him.
We sit chatting for the rest of the afternoon. He asks about my work and I see his joy when I mention the songwriting.
'Wow Louis, how amazing, what songs have you written?'
'Ummm...' For some reason I omit the Oscar winning Bond theme and the multiple Grammy winning world wide record breaking albums and singles. I leave those for another day. 'I umm co write with boybands and like X factor winners, had a few hits. I totally downplay my success.

'Anyone who works in the music industry has my respect, you must be very talented Louis.'

'Thank you.' Embarrassed at his praise but not ready for him to be scared off by the names I really write with.

We both reach for our drinks at the same time, I end up knocking mine over and have iced tea all over my lap.

I jump up, brush at the wet patch on my hip and groin with a napkin, not realising he has jumped up and come around the table.

'Sorry Louis, that was my stupid clumsy fault.' He dabs at the damp patch with me.'

'I umm its ok Harry, its...Harry...Its ok Harry.' He's in a world of his own, jumps back when my voice is almost a squeal.

'Fuck sorry.' His face flashes deep red, eyes wide, total embarrassment.

'It's ok, no worries.' He picks up the fallen glass on the table and mops the damp patch on there too.

'I'll umm just go change my jeans and umm boxers.'

I notice him stifle a yawn and realise its midnight at home, he will be shattered.
'You ready to crash out now, I bet you are shattered aren't you?'

He smiles, 'I'm a bit tired but no it would be rude to crash out now, I will power through until bed time.'

'Nonsense, go have a nap, take a shower, do whatever you want to do, go relax in your room if you want and later if you feel up to it we'll go out for food with Liam and Zayn.'
He nods, 'A nap and a shower sound blissful.'

'Come on I'll show you up to your room.'
'You absolutely sure you don't mind me staying here?'
'100%' I assure him.
'Ok, thank you for having me.'

I show him up to the spare room, give him the one next to mine with an ocean view. His face lights up, a small balcony overlooking the beach, all white room with a contemporary feel, his huge frame seems to fill the space.
I show him the bathroom, how to work the shower, get him towels and a bathrobe out.
Thanks Louis, If it's ok I'll set my alarm for 6pm just have a power nap.'
'Of course, just come downstairs when you're ready no rush, just make yourself at home.'
He nods.
'Thank you.'

Zayns waiting in the kitchen for me.
'Well, I take it it's all gone ok?'
'Yeah, he's nice, I like him and he even took the piss out of the Yorkshire accent.'
He laughs.
'He sounds fun, you think you'll feel comfortable with him?'
'Yeah I think so, he's hot don't you think?'
'I knew he'd be your type as soon as I saw him, quirky, different.'
I agree
'Hmmm nice.'

He comes over squashes my cheeks together and kisses my forehead.
'Be careful, remember this is his job.'
'I know I know it's just nice to have a hot guy to flirt a little with I miss that, miss the zing of it.'
'I know Lou but I worry that's all.'
I grab him in for a hug,
'love you man.'
'love you too.'
'Is Li coming over later?'
'Yeah said I'd let him know any dinner plans but yeah he's just finishing off and driving out.'
The fondness shines out of his eyes as he talks about his boy and I brought them together, Zayn is my childhood friend, Liam a Uni friend but I just knew the minute I met Liam in dorms, that Zayn would love him and I was right.

Mr sensible, unflappable, steady, dependable, meets Mr cool, edgy, thoughtful, beautiful and what a great partnership it is, Liam is based in LA now and comes out to the beach when he can, to stay. If I go home to London to my house in Hampstead, Zayn goes and stays with Liam in LA or Liam comes back to the UK too and works out of their London office. He's my lawyer and my financial advisor, Zayn is my assistant, making sure planes are booked, hotels sorted, shopping ordered for home. I couldn't exist without these two boys.

I reply to some emails and tweet a bit and then hear Harry up and about upstairs, I feel weirdly excited to see him.
'Jesus you sad ballsack sort yourself out.' I mutter to myself.
15 minutes later he's padding down the stairs, hair damp in ringlet curls, dark blue sprayed on jeans, white V neck t shirt, bare feet.
Cheeky grin on his face.
'Hey.' he smiles, lightly touches my arm as he passes me, sits himself up at the counter in the kitchen next to me.
'Good nap?'
He stretches impossibly long arms, littered with tattoos.
'I umm I couldn't go off but had a rest so that was nice.'
'Juice, tea?' I offer.
'I'll make it.'

He jumps down and fills the kettle, he's watching me for directions where the tea bags are, where the mugs are, I watch him, long legs, lean torso, defined arms, not too muscly, just right, wonder when the sex part of it can start? I'm daydreaming to myself when I realise he's said something and I'm just staring at his body.

'ehhm sorry Harry what was that?' He grins, fucking dimples popping out, such a beautiful face.
'I was just asking if you take milk and sugar?'
'Just milk thanks'
'Yeah sweet enough.' He quips, biting his bottom lip and winking.

Zayn wanders in
'Tea?' Harry offers.
'No thanks mate I'm ok.'
He turns to me and raises his eyebrow at Harry looking right at home In my kitchen.
I smile, push my tongue into my cheek and give him the thumbs up.

'Liam is just leaving, he says do you fancy beer and burgers tonight?'
I look at Harry
'Anything I'm cool with whatever.'
I nod
'Yeah let's do that.'
'Is it just a bar?' Harry asks pointing to what he is wearing questioningly.
'Yeah you'll be fine mate, its just a bar.'

We drink our tea and Harry goes and puts his boots on, he comes down with a checked shirt on over his tee but left open and a flowered scarf around his curls, it should look ridiculous, it doesn't, he looks so hot, so cool. Zayn is mocking my looks at him, tutting and wagging his finger at me, I mouth swear words at him as Harry checks his phone.

We hear Liam come through the gates and Zayn goes to the door to meet him.
'Hey babe.' he croons
I hear Liams muttered reply all warm and affectionate, they walk in arm in arm.
'Oh hello, you must be Harry.' he smiles that warm open smile.
'I'm Liam, the sensible one.'
Harry hops up and offers his hand
'Hi Liam lovely to meet you.'

He dashes upstairs, changes out of his suit and is back down in no time in loose pale blue jeans, his boxers all on show, white Henley and tan caterpillar boots.

'Ready.'

I call the cab company, grab my phone and wallet and off we go.
We have such a great night, we eat burgers, drink far too much beer,
Harry's hand lightly on my back as we sit chatting.
'Need to get into practice looking like a couple.'
He whispers in my ear, It feels nice!

We play pool, badly. But Harry is terrible at it, his stance all wrong, I end up trying to lean over, help with his cue action but of course it just looks crude me curled over against his bum trying to help him and Zayn points this out in the loudest possible way.

'Harry, watch it he's after your stick, he'll knock your balls..' and so it went on, crude references that has us sniggering like 12 yr olds.

I stand behind him again, steadying his cue, getting his elbow in the right position and tapping his feet out with my foot so he can bend lower, oggle his arse as his jeans pull tight over it.

'Think I need a stiff ummm drink.' I tease.

He turns slowly, eyes narrowed, gorgeous grin on his face.

'Snap.' is all he says.

'Don't know what you are insinuating but I really did mean a drink.' I lie, mock horror on my face but can't keep it up and laugh.

He shakes his head, turns to take his shot, misjudges how close he is to the table and stumbles into it and ends up on the floor.

'Oh jesus.' he groans.

I offer him my hand, pull him up, he keeps hold of it and brings my palm up to his lips, kisses it and lets it go.

'Think I need to swap to orange juice.' he blushes.
'Can't take my ale like a real man.' He winks and cocks his hip out, tongue poking through his teeth, Jesus but he's hot.

We drink up, catch a cab home, Liam Zayn and Harry jump in the back and I take the front seat, I feel fingers reaching over the seat, playing with my shirt, it's nice, personal.

Three boys chattering in the back but one holding on to me.
I reach up, tentatively touch his fingers, he laces them through his, light strokes, too nice.

We arrive home, he squeezes and let's go, swings his long legs out of the car, helps me out, arm around my shoulders as we walk to the house.

Liam and Zayn wrapped around each other, Zayn reaching up, kissing along Liam's jaw.
'Nightcap?'
Liam enquires.
'Yup.' We all agree.

I grab a bottle of Jack and 4 glasses and head out to the terrace.
Zayn is lighting the heater and Harry is hanging over the rail trying to see the ocean.
My eyes flick to his neat little arse, long legs, broad shoulders.
I pour us all a decent slug of bourbon.

'To us.' I toast.
'And all who sail in us.' Liam adds.
Zayn pokes him in the ribs 'No ones sailing in you babe 'cept me.'
Harry watches them, smile on his lips, thoughtful look in his eyes.
'I had a great day thank you.' he raises his glass.

'Any plans for tomorrow?' Liam asks us all.

'Umm not really. Lazy Sunday, maybe book some stuff for Vegas like ohh I dunno a hotel is important really isn't it?'

'Anything you fancy doing tomorrow Harry?' I ask.

'Erm maybe go for a run in the morning.' a collective groan from the other three people present.

'What? What did I say?' He pouts cheekily.

'You and your clean living, going for a run making us all feel lazy and chubby.' I sigh.

He looks me straight in the eye 'Never.' he breathes sincerely.

'OK so shall we pop out for brunch about 11?' I ask.

'Umm I could cook, I love cooking.' Harry offers.

'Cook? You cook?' I raise my eyebrows to him.

'I do and I make a mean full English if you have the ingredients or a store I could pop to?'

I get up and get the spare set of all the keys he'll need from the drawer.

'House, range rover, garage, terrace door, code for the main gate is 2202, the nearest store is left out of the gates, down to the end of the street, right at the bottom and then half a mile you will see the signs for the store its called Ralphs.'

His eyes are soft. 'You trust me with your keys? Thank you it means a lot.' He coughs nervously.

'Thank you, I usually have to earn respect and trust from umm people I come into contact with because of the profession I'm in. People are usually very wary of me, I am seen as something to be cautious of, it means a lot..' his voice tails off, catching, emotion in his words.

I take a couple of 50's out of my wallet, hand them over with the keys.

'Go buy food in the morning and surprise us with your skills.' I smile softly at him.

He nods 'Can't wait, you all like the usually stuff yeah?'

'Yeah sure.' we all reply.

'Cool.' he nods, the smile on his face saying it all.

'But we can go out to eat if you want Harry? You don't have to go to all this trouble.'

'Its no trouble, I love it.'

Liam stands and pulls Zayn up.

'Come on I'm knackered babe.'

'Night you two, see you in the morning.'

'Not too early with that brekkie Haz.' Liam adds softly, using a nickname for him, making Harry smile.

'Nah not too early Li.' He winks.

We are left alone, I shiver slightly, the breeze off of the sea just beating the heat from the heater.

'You're cold.' He stands up, pulls me up and wraps his arms around me, his body heat enveloping me, he is so tactile I can't help but hug him back, loving the feeling of his arms around me.

'How are you single?' he whispers.

A shudder whips through me, he takes this as a shiver of cold and hugs me tighter.

'I umm I make shit decisions.' I sigh.

'Why are you single?'

I feel him tense up, his hand strokes my back, feel his breath in my hair.

'Who would want me in the job that I do?'

I have no answer, he is right, who would want a partner in his line of work?

'We should start a single forever, lonely sad bastards club.' I quip.

'Mmm.' he agrees, I feel him yawn.

'Come on Cheshire, lets get you to bed.'

He squeezes me tight and lets his arms drop.

I lead the way upstairs.

'Nice view.' he murmurs.

'Oi eyes up.'

'The window, I was looking out of the window.' he lies, laughing.

I turn at his door.

'I had fun tonight Harry, I think we might just pull this off.'

'I had fun too.' He smiles 'And yes we're gonna ace this task.

'Night Louis.'

'Night Love.'

I close my door and punch the air, I did good, I chose well, six weeks of Harry bloody Styles, bring it on.

I quickly shower and fall into bed. Thoughts of the boy next door invade my head, curls and lips and green green eyes, I chose really well, he will turn heads, he will stand out. I can't wait to show him off and I love how he has just settled in. He was great fun tonight, I wonder would he ever look at me in the real world? Insecurity cripple me, wishing I was just that bit taller, just that bit more... I stop myself, self hatred is one of my favourite hobbies, it had to stop.

I hide behind humour and bravado but in reality I feel inferior, feel not worthy but for now, I am going to enjoy the attention from a hot guy.

I grin, sit up, turn my pillow over to the cold side and pick my phone up.

Tweet. 'Loving life..' and for once I actually mean it.

The noise makes me jump, its still dark outside but I definitely heard a door open, I grab my phone, 5:12am. I hear shuffling about and realise either Harry is on the balcony or we have intruders, I pull my boxers on and creep to the door, peep out and see Harry next door looking out into the dark, the light from his room illuminating him, tiny black boxers on and nothing else.

The expanse of his broad back to the tiny span of his hips is ridiculous, lean long legs, his hair a mass of destruction.

I slide my door open too, he jumps a mile.

'Louis!' Sorry, so sorry did I wake you?'

'S'ok Harry, no worries I can go back to sleep, you ok though?'

Doubt creeping in, is he having second thoughts, me monopolising his life like this.

'Stupid jetlag. I am an early riser at home so my body is screaming at me to get up, I wanna go for a run but best wait a bit.'

'Go make tea if you want?'

'No its fine, I'll read or something, don't wanna disturb the others as well as you.'

'Well I fancy tea now I am awake, so..'

He smiles.

'Allow me. Am I ok in..'

He points to his boxers.

'Of course.' I smile.

We come out of our rooms together, I flick the light on and follow him down the stairs.

'Nice view.' I cough, admiring his shoulders.

'Heyyyy, I really was looking out of the window.' He blinks at me really slowly.

'Oh was you?' I pout.

'Yyyyyyyyy Nope.' He sniggers.

'Child.'

'I know.'

He makes tea and I carry mine back upstairs.

'You coming?'

'Umm yeah. I'll read in my room.'

'Come and talk for a while if you want?'

'Mmmm ok, if you're sure?'

'Harry I need to learn all this stuff about you so talk to me.'

I sit up, back against the headboard, he lays belly down, hands under his chin.

'Ok, home is now a flat in Islington with my best friend Niall who is a music teacher and my sister, Gemma who is older than me. She works at an art gallery as an assistant, setting up shows and organising collections. I moved down after uni and crashed on her sofa for 6 months until my back really couldn't take any more. I was earning some money by then so we moved into a place where I at least could have a single bed to sleep in It's tiny but it's home.' He thinks for a moment, worry seems to pass over his face, a very definite frown.

'Grew up in Holmes Chapel, a tiny place in Cheshire. Mum and dad divorced when I was young, oh you best know this too, mums name is Anne, dads name is Des but mum has remarried Robin now.'

'Anne, Des, Robin, Gemma, Niall, got it.'

'I was a show off at school, loved the school productions but had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and ended up doing drama for A level. Got an A and that made me do a performing arts degree, absolute waste of time but I needed to do something.' he sighs.

'Not a waste of time Harry, you could go into lots of different roles with a performing arts degree.' Trying to encourage him as he seems to have gone a bit quiet, a bit into himself.

'Best friend in the whole world is Niall, he is actually Irish but every school holiday his mum would send him over to his Gran who lived next door to us. So every Easter, Spring and summer was spent with Niall, exploring the fields on our bikes, blackberry picking, making dens, jumping streams, making rope swings and just generally having the best time.' He smiles remembering, shuffling about, bringing his legs up mermaid style.

'I missed him loads when he went back home for school at the end of every holiday but as soon as he was 16 he moved over. Came and lived with his gran but mostly stayed with us. He worked at the local shop to earn his keep and went to college with me and then uni together and as I said we live together now but he has a girlfriend and spends a lot of time at her place now.' His face quite sad but a rueful smile.

'I miss him, but I'm really happy for him, I think he will move in with her very soon.' His face creases into a frown, I pat his shoulder, he reached his hand across and covers my hand.

'Thanks Lou, I miss him loads.' he swallows, tears most definitely in his eyes.

He jumps up, turns away.

'Sorry.' he sniffs, I get up and get him a tissue.

'Don't be silly, it must be hard. I would hate to lose Zayn, I see more of him than Liam does and I do feel a bit guilty about that so no, don't be sorry Harry.'

He grabs me in a hug, feel his chest thumping, him holding back sobs, taking a huge breath to try and calm himself.

'Feel such a tool now.' he hiccups.

'Shall I go pack my bag and you can look for someone with a backbone?'

'Nah I think we'll keep you Harry.'

He shifts, hugs me tighter, I hug him back, arms around his waist, his smooth skin under my fingers, head in his shoulder, his around my shoulders, head in my hair, I breathe him in, he smells of man and soap and sleep and pineapple and faded cologne. Delicious infact.

'Your hair smells so good.' he runs his fingers through it, up my neck, over my scalp, fuck, I feel myself getting aroused, I jump away.

'Umm our tea is getting cold.' I utter, jumping onto the bed and pulling the duvet over my growing crotch.

'I'm so sorry I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, sorry, I...I'm too much sometimes, I know, I won't do it again..'

'Harry, you didn't make me feel uncomfortable, really..'

'I...its ok, honestly just tell me, I know I am a daft twat...I'm too touchy feely'

'Harry, I was getting aroused by you, I was getting a boner, you was playing with my hair and you smell so good and I...yeah...I got hard and didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable.'

His eyes go wide, the frown is replaced with a cheeky smile.

'I turned you on?'

'Shhhhhhh don't, I feel like a 13 yr old, dick popping up at the most embarrassing moment, I was trying to comfort you and instead my dick took over.'

'I could take care of that for you.' He whispers.

FUCK.

'Harry I didn't-I don't expect you to...'

'Like I said, I would love to take care of that.'

I suck in air, this gorgeous specimen offering, well, sexual favours. Would it be so wrong?

'Harry, I don't want to make us feel weird, I would love to just ummm. You are very very gorgeous and jesus christ I am so tempted but I need this to look real and if we throw sex into the mix and it ummm goes wrong then will it affect how we react to each other?'

He nods, bites his lip.

'You are the type of man I am attracted to, I chose you for your looks, I saw your photo and felt instantly attracted to you.'

He smiles.

'Don't smile at me like that because all my reasoning will be out of that window..'

I touch his arm, 'Do you have sex with most of your clients?' My stomach clenches.

'Can I explain?' he takes a deep breath.

'I have sex with some of the clients, but I choose. I have to find them attractive, I don't have sex with the men that I don't umm feel attracted to. I find you really attractive and if you want that side of things then I can do that. I won't bring emotions into it, you are stunning Louis, mutual satisfaction, we all have needs, why look elsewhere when we could..?'

He finds me attractive, my groin explodes with want.

'Its been a while.' I groan, lust overtaking me, I pull him onto me, head is screaming NO NO NO, but when did I ever do anything considered?

He looks into my eyes, soft lips on mine, closed mouth, gentle, testing. He pulls back, watches my reaction, leans forward again, same kiss at first but then deepens it. Slightly parting his lips, pulls back and looks into my eyes, needy, wanton eyes look back at me.

Back in he goes I part my lips for him and he kisses me deeply, I sigh, so good, so nice, slow and burning. His tongue gentle on my bottom lip, tasting, sensual, his turn to sigh, my turn to taste him, my tongue finding his mouth. He pulls me in tighter, can feel his erection on my leg, hot and hard, fuck, so good.

He moves his mouth down, litters kisses along my jaw, on my neck, my shoulders, my nipples. Teeth scraping, sucking, I lose myself, head thrown back he devours me. Tongue, lips, eyes, he looks at me for reassurance, permission, my eyes speak to him.

Lower he goes, his mouth breathing through my boxers, the heat searing my erection, fingers inside the waistband, pulling it down, lifting my bum, freeing me. Hungry eyes, taking me in, touching, seeing and then tasting, he hums around me. Fuck, so good, so hot, those lips that mouth stretched over me, hollow cheeks, his hand, his mouth, his eyes, it doesn't take long.

I warn him, desperately trying to tame my hips from slamming upwards, he has one hand under me, cupping my arse, the other around the base, he keeps me deep, his moan vibrates around my already throbbing cock, I come, hard, he sucks me dry, panting as he comes up, his mouth obscene, red and swollen, cheeks pink, he kisses me, I taste him, taste me.

'You are so fucking hot Louis.' he breathes.

I see him palm himself though his boxers, his erection clear to see.

'Here I could take care of that for you.' I smile.

'No its fine really, its ok, I was needy, wanted you, you don't have..'

I don't take no for an answer, straddle him and grind my hips down, he cries out.

'Loooouis.' His voice so wrecked.

Searching for friction, I roll again.

'Your arse.' he rasps, 'It's...fuck its just a dream'

Is he for real?

Kissing him, his tongue doing amazing things in my mouth, I pull away, move down sucking his nipples, my hand wraps around him and I work him, he gasps, eyes on me, mouth open, pupils blown his hand stroking and squeezing my arse.

'So gorgeous.' he groans as he comes all up his belly and chest.

I hold him though his orgasm, kiss him. I get up to get a cloth to clean him up with, he holds his hand out but I do it for him, he watches me.

'Thank you.' he whispers.

'My pleasure.'

'You think you can sleep now?' I ask.

'Maybe, I do feel a bit tired now.'

He goes to leave and I pull him back.

'Stay.'

He nods, curls up on his side facing me.

'It will work Louis, It won't be awkward, I promise.'

I cuddle into him, breath him in, hold him close, so nice to have someone to hold, someone to snuggle with, feel my eyes drifting closed as his hand sweeps down my back and settles on my bum.