Chapter Text
Harry follows the hostess to the table that’s been reserved for them, and then sits down gingerly in the wooden chair.
Embarrassingly he’d taken a cushion from home into work, for his radio show this morning. But he draws the line at doing that in a place as public as a restaurant.
Harry glances around, there’s only a few other diners scattered around the room. But that’s to be expected considering it’s only 10am. A little early for the lunch rush.
Harry lives on a different schedule then most, thanks to his early call time for work.
Luckily Zayn doesn’t mind. He also runs on his own schedule, but that’s mostly cause he marches to the beat of his own drum. Fuck society standards and all that.
Zayn smirks across the table as he watches Harry try to squirm in his seat in an attempt to find a more comfortable position.
“I was going to ask what’s new with you, but I guess I should be asking who’s new with you?”
Harry furrows his brows. “What are you on about mate?”
Zayn snorts. “Are you really going to act like you didn’t just limp across this restaurant? No offense love, but you look like you’ve been knotted within an inch of your life.”
Harry feels his cheeks heat, and he hisses. “Jesus Z, can you keep it down?”
Zayn just chuckles as he takes a sip of his water.
Even despite that fact that hardly anyone else is around, there’s not much to worry about anyway. This place is very discreet, that’s why they both like it so much.
Harry met Zayn in Uni. Back when Harry was still an awkward, lanky kid trying to break into entertainment. And Zayn was a starving artist trying to peddle his songs and sculptures.
Zayn was always graceful and beautiful though, even back then. It would be obnoxious if Harry didn’t love him so much.
Eventually though, Zayn’s music took off, and now he can afford to sit around and putter with his art on the side, at his whim.
Of course, because Zayn is an omega the media loves to hint that their friendship could be something more.
It’s not true of course, even though Zayn is incredible, and stupidly gorgeous. Harry sees him as a brother.
He’s tried to squash that rumor on his show. Multiple times.
Zayn doesn’t mind though. Just lets it roll off his back, like he does most things.
Harry makes Zayn wait until they’ve ordered their food before his gives him any details.
“We met at the gym. He’s proper fit. And I couldn’t help myself, so I asked him to spot me on the bench press.”
Zayn cackles. “You have the weirdest flirting techniques, I swear.”
Harry grins. “Maybe, but it worked.”
“Of course it did.” Zayn points at Harry. “No way he could resist those dimples.”
Harry laughs, but then sighs wistfully. “Seriously though Z, I really like him.” His voice drops to a whisper. “Love him even.”
Zayn’s face softens. “That’s great H. You look really happy, truly.” His face morphs into a mischievous smirk then. “You do also look well fucked though, just for the record.”
Harry groans, but he’s smiling. “Just spent his rut with him for the first time.”
Zayn raises a brow. He knows probably better than anyone, just how important that sort of thing is to Harry. “Wow, you must be serious about this guy.”
Harry nods. “It just sort of happened naturally. But yeah, I think I am.”
He frowns then. “The only thing is it isn’t public knowledge that he’s into alphas, so it’s on the down-low for now. Maybe indefinitely.”
“He’s in the business I take it?” Zayn asks with a raised brow.
Harry shrugs. “Sort of. He’s a footie player actually.” He chews on his lip. “A good one.”
Zayn hums. “How good are we talking here?”
Harry toys a little with the edge of the pristine white, cotton tablecloth. “Like, star captain of Chelsea good.”
Harry watches as the realization dawns across Zayn’s face, it’s almost comical. He slaps his palms on the table then, making the the vintage silver cutlery rattle a little. “You’re dating LOUIS FUCKING TOMLINSON?”
“Hush, keep it down will you?” Harry hisses. But once again, no one is paying them any mind.
Zayn is shaking his head a little incredulously now. “God, leave it to you to bury the damn lead H.”
Harry chuckles then. “Ok yeah, sorry. You should have seen your face though.”
Zayn rolls his eyes, but he’s smiling.
“You see though now, why he’s not exactly ready to run in front of the press and announce that he’s dating an alpha.”
Harry sighs then. “Besides that, his last relationship ended because his mate couldn’t handle all the scrutiny. So he’s sensitive to it, wants to protect his privacy.”
Zayn nods, knowingly. “I completely get that H.” He seems to pause then, as if he’s trying to gather the right words. “But I also know you, and when you care about someone as much as you seem to care about him, you want to shout it from the rooftops. Are you sure you’re prepared to hide that in public?”
Harry chews on his lip. “I know it won’t always be easy. But it’s his decision to make, and I made that clear to him. I know in my bones that I want to be with him. And this is the way it has to be for now, so I can find a way to live with that.”
Zayn nods. “Alright, well as long as you’re sure. And you know that if you ever need to vent, I’m always just a phone call away.”
Harry smiles, his heart swelling with fondness. “I know Z, and thank you.”
Zayn smiles back, before clapping his hands together. “Alright, enough sappy stuff. Let’s hear about his knot then.”
Harry groans out a laugh. “Nope, we’re done. That’s all you get.”
Zayn chuckles. “I’ll wear you down eventually.”
He probably will, but Harry ignores him anyway.
“Actually, his first match of this season is on Sunday. So please consider this lunch as your formal invitation to come with me as a buffer for the press.”
Zayn snorts. “God, he’s got you going to footie matches? I hate to be the one to tell you this mate, but you’re already whipped.”
Harry laughs. “Noted, but will you come with me please?” He gives him his best puppy dog pout.
Zayn rolls his eyes. “Alright, alright no need to bat those long lashes at me. Save it for your alpha.”
Harry grins triumphantly. “Thanks Z, you’re the best.”
Zayn just smirks. “Don’t I know it.”
***
Louis smiles up into the sunlight as he runs onto the pitch. Usually his first practice back after his rut is miserable. His bones always ache, and there’s this deep seated feeling of never being quite satisfied, buried in his gut. Almost like an ich that is impossible to scratch.
Not this time though. He is sore of course, but he’s also deeply satisfied. While normally he has to take it easy that first day, today he feels like he could run a million laps and do a hundred press ups.
Niall raises a brow as he hands Louis his water bottle. “Somebody had a good rut. You’re proper glowing mate.” He smirks. “What’s the lucky O’s name then?”
Louis rolls his eyes as he takes a swig of his water. He knew this was coming though. And he doesn’t mind, not really. He knows his friend means well.”
That doesn’t mean he’s going to answer though. “Oh get off it.”
Liam jogs over then from a few yards away, where he was doing sit-ups to warm-up before practice. “He’s right Lou. You are kind of glowing.”
Louis snorts. He’d expected the ribbing from Niall, but it’s unusual for Liam to chime in too. Although he’s known Liam about as long as he’s known Niall, they’ve been friends since practically the day they met of the pitch several years ago. Louis should’ve known that both men would be able to read him disturbingly well.
“For the record, you animals, he’s a person. Much more than just his gender. And I like him very much.” He tosses his bottle to the ground then and grins. “That’s all you’re getting for now.”
Niall raises both brows. “That’s great Lou!” He gives him a playful punch in the arm. “I think I like this new, more mature Tommo.”
Louis snorts as Liam pulls him into a one-armed side hug. “I’m really happy for you Lou, you deserve it.”
Louis feels himself melt into the hug. Liam doesn’t normally show this much physical affection. It’s nice.
Niall joins in then too, making it a proper group hug. “You know I was just playing around Lou. I’m really happy for you too. And of course he’s more than his gender. Can’t wait to meet him someday. When you’re ready.”
Louis smiles as they all fall gently out of the hug. “Thanks guys. I actually am really happy. And you will meet him. Someday. Just want to keep it to myself for a bit longer.”
He’s met immediately with two nods. They were both there for him when Owen left. And they clearly understand Louis’ need to protect this new relationship.
He’s suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude for them.
“I love you guys. But if you’ll please excuse me I need to go kick Payno’s arse at drills.”
Liam squawks indignantly while Niall cackles.
Louis just laughs as he runs out onto the field to join the rest of the team.
He has a feeling this is going to be a great practice.
***
Harry’s pretty sure the last time he was at a proper footie match was when he was still a kid. His mum had taken him and his sister Gemma to a Man United game when she’d been able to get the tickets cheap from someone she’d worked with.
Harry doesn’t really remember it all that well. Mostly that he had a bag of crisps and got bored halfway through.
Today though, the excitement is palpable. Harry reckons it being the season opener probably has something to do with that.
That isn’t why Harry feels anticipation buzzing in his veins though. Although he’s not necessarily an avid footie fan, he is looking forward to seeing Louis play. To see him in his element and doing the thing that he loves.
And besides, watching Louis get sweaty is one of Harry’s favorite past-times anyway.
Zayn whistles lowly as they settle into their seats. “Look at us in the skybox.” He leans over then and whispers in Harry’s ear. “You should have started fucking a player years ago.”
Harry sputters out a laugh. “Oh my god, shut up.”
Zayn smirks, but he doesn’t press it any further.
The truth is Harry didn’t really care where they’re sat, but Louis had insisted on arranging for them to sit in the skybox that is reserved for the player’s friends and family’s.
It’s more practical. The security here is better, and they’re at least somewhat shielded from the press and prying camera lenses.
But Harry thinks there was probably a little more to it than that. It was a way for Louis to show Harry off a bit, without actually announcing their relationship.
And it pleases Harry probably far more than it should.
Suddenly Harry is pulled out of his thoughts as the crowd around them, and the entire arena really, erupts into a frenzy as the team runs out onto the pitch.
Harry spots Louis almost immediately. Not that it’s hard, considering the giant 28 on the back of his jersey, and the fact that as captain he’s leading the team right behind their coach.
Harry’s not sure it matters though. He’s pretty sure he could find Louis, and his fantastic bum, in any crowd.
Once the team has made it to their side of the field, Louis turns around so that he’s facing the masses of people. Most of which go wild under his attention. Harry can’t blame them.
Louis looks up towards the skybox then with a wave, and a cheeky little wink that Harry can’t help but assume is for him.
Beside him Zayn is muttering under his breath. “Whipped, mate.”
Harry just ignores him, completely unable to wipe the goofy grin off his face.
Harry watches raptly as the coin is tossed and then eventually the game begins. And although he barely takes his eyes off the pitch from then on, he actually has zero idea what is going on with the game. If someone asked him for the score right this second, he’d be absolutely useless.
What he does know, is every little thing Louis has done. How many times his foot has come in contact with the ball, that cute little self-satisfied smirk he does anytime he makes a good play, even the number of times he’s flicked his hair out of his face. Thirteen.
None of the other players are even on the pitch as far as Harry is concerned. All he can see is Louis.
By the time both teams run off the field for halftime, Harry sort of feels like he’s been in a trance for the last hour.
The one thing he has noticed though, out of his peripheral, is the way that the cameras around them have been not so subtly trained on them at least more than once.
”Is Louis’ team winning?”
Zayn snorts as he continues scrolling through his phone. “How have you been watching so intently this entire time, and not know the answer to that?”
Harry just shrugs, with a little smirk. “I’ve been distracted.”
Zayn rolls his eyes, but it’s playful. “It’s a no score game so far.” He’s still looking down at his phone. “Everyone on Twitter is very distraught about it.”
Harry furrows his brows. “Isn’t it called X now?”
Zayn scoffs, “technically but I refuse to call it that. Anyways, spirits are low, but there are several people convinced Tommo will find a way to pull out the win.”
Harry feels the pride swirl in his chest at that, which is a little ridiculous, because they’re praising Louis not him. But still. Harry’s proud of his man.
“Well, I happen to agree with them.” Suddenly a thought occurs to him. “Is there anything about us being at the game on there?”
Harry watches as the playful expression suddenly drops off of Zayn’s face. “No, not really. Just mindless chatter. You know how it is?”
Harry frowns. “Oh come on Z, just tell me. I’m a big boy, I can take it.” He glances down at his outfit. “It’s my shirt, isn’t it? They hate it?”
Zayn huffs out a laugh. “No, no the shirt is fine. Your tits look great in that by the way.”
Harry snorts. “Obviously. Now out with it, what are they saying?”
Zayn sighs. “It’s nothing. It’s just a bunch of people assuming that I’m the one here for Louis. It’s not a big deal though.”
Harry frowns. Zayn is objectively more famous than him and also drop dead gorgeous, it kind of makes sense why people might jump to that conclusion.
But then suddenly it hits him like a ton of bricks. They think Louis’ dating Zayn because he’s an omega.
Even though it’s obviously not true, and Harry has long ago learned to ignore what people may say or think about his own sexual preferences, he still can’t ignore the ugly, jealous anger that twists in his gut.
Zayn must know exactly what he’s thinking, because he gently taps Harry’s knee. “Hey. It doesn’t matter. I’m not the one that he wanted in this sky box watching him today yeah? Louis wants you Harry. He loves you. And that’s what counts right?”
Harry still hates the idea of people thinking Louis is with someone else, but Zayn’s right. What they have is real, and that’s all that matters. He smiles tentatively, nodding. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks Z.”
Zayn grins. “Damn straight. Fuck ‘em.”
Harry chuckles as he stares, transfixed by Louis’ perfect arse as he jogs back onto the pitch for the second half of the match.
Indeed.
***
Louis is absolutely buzzing as he and his teammates all spill into the locker room after the game.
Not only was it the first win of the season, but it was an exhilarating finish with Louis scoring the winning goal right at the buzzer. Literally. There had only been seconds to spare when he’d finally found an opening and managed to squeak the ball just past the goalie’s fingertips.
Several of his teammates stop to high-five or congratulate him as they walk past his locker. And Louis can’t seem to keep the giant smile off his face. It’s not just the win or the atmosphere that has him pumped though.
It’s also the fact that he knows Harry is waiting for him on the other side of the door.
He knows that Harry is not normally an avid football fan or anything, but he had been so excited about coming to the match today to cheer Louis on. They’d been texting non-stop about right up until Louis had shown up to the stadium for pre-game warm-ups.
He’s pulled out of his though then by a hard clap on the back. “Nice work Lou, that was incredible.”
Louis grins at his best friend. “Thanks Li. But it really was a group effort.” He smirks playfully. “It did feel damn good to score that last goal though.”
Liam laughs. “You deserve to brag.” He glances around at the raucous surrounding them. “It would be a much different mood in here if you didn’t.” Liam smirks a little mischievously then. “Anyone in particular you going to go celebrate with?”
Louis rolls his eyes. “Maybe. But that’s for me to know innit.”
Liam chuckles. “Sure, but everyone’s talking about it.”
Louis furrows his brows. “They are?”
Liam nods. “Yeah, mate. Zayn Malik? He’s a major musician, and everyone thinks you make a cute couple.” He grins. “Me included.”
Louis can’t help but scowl as he slams his locker shut a little too forcefully. “I’m not dating Zayn Liam, I hardly even know him. He’s just a good friend of Harry’s, so he came with.”
Liam raises both brows. “Sorry Lou, I didn’t mean any offense.” Louis watches then as full realization dawns on Liam’s face. “Oh. He came with Harry. Harry is the one you invited?”
Louis raises a brow, suddenly feeling defensive. “Is that a problem?”
Liam lets out a little snort, shaking his head, before suddenly pulling Louis into a hug. “Of course not you idiot.” He squeezes a little tighter then. “I meant what I said the other day Lou, I can tell how happy he makes you. And that makes me really fucking happy.”
Finally, Liam breaks the hug, but he’s still grinning. “I can’t wait to meet him someday.” He smirks. “And to tell him all those embarrassing stories I have on you.”
Louis yelps in faux indignation. “Oi! Watch it Payno.” His face softens then. “But thank you, it means a lot.”
Liams just smiles, clapping him on the back again. “Of course, now go out there and get your boy.”
Louis smiles as he grabs his gym bag off the floor. “That’s exactly what I plan to do mate.”
Not surprisingly, there’s nearly a wall of press standing between him and where Harry and Zayn are waiting off to the side with team security as Louis had instructed.
Several reporters are shouting questions at him, most of them wildly invasive, as he tries not to blink against the bright flashes of the camera bulbs.
Louis gives them what he hopes is his best winning smile. “The team and I really appreciate you all coming out to support us today. But you’ll have to wait until the team press conference tomorrow, for my official statement.”
He glances over to where Harry is watching intently, and he gives a small little encouraging wave when he sees Louis looking.
Louis’ grin only widens. He knows exactly what he’s going to do now, and he doesn’t have a single doubt about it.
“I’m afraid that right now I have run. Got somebody very special that I’d like to go celebrate with now.”
There are more shouts then of Zayn’s name and other things that Louis can’t decipher amidst all the hubbub. But it doesn’t matter, because he’s on a mission.
Along with a few security guards, he manages to make it through the throng of reporters unscathed.
Harry looks a little surprised, but he smiles happily as Louis jogs up to him.
“Great game.” He breathes out.
Louis grins back at him. “Thanks love. Would it be alright if I kiss you now?”
Harry glances a little nervously at the reporters still aiming their cameras and shouts at them. “You sure?”
Louis nods, confidently. “Never been more sure of anything in my life.”
That gorgeous blush, that Louis loves so much, blooms on Harry’s cheeks at the same time that his dimples pop.
“Then kiss me you fool.”