Chapter Text
“So would you like to know where you’re spending New Years?” Niall asked over breakfast. Snow was still falling outside their window, the flakes dancing as they fell when Harry looked over. Niall’s husband and daughter were out snowboarding for the morning, so Louis thought it best to call a meeting before they got back. It was a few days after Christmas, after all, and 1954 was just around the corner.
Harry looked up from his tea as he considered what Niall asked, eyeing Louis. “We aren’t spending it in Hollywood?” He knew they were not going to stay in Aspen for the new year, but he expected to spend it with Louis somewhere in Los Angeles, with paparazzi around, no doubt, as they rang in the year.
“Frank is having a party at his home in Palm Springs,” Niall grinned before he sipped his tea. “And cordially invited you two to it.”
“Really?” Louis chuckled. “I haven’t been to one of his New Years bashes in years.”
Harry’s eyes shifted between the both of them, pursing his lips as he tried to come up with an answer. “I’m going to assume you both mean Sinatra, right?” He really needed to stop being starstruck at just mentions of names, but it was still hard.
“Yes, Styles,” the older man laughed. “Frank Sinatra is a nice man all around, and amazing host, and his parties are legendary. I think you’ll find them fun.”
“I loved seeing him in in On the Town,” Harry smiled. His memory went back to a cold day in December, the first winter Harry spent in the United States. He went with some roommates to go see the new musical in one of the local cinemas, and he still remembered how spectacular it was. The dancing, the music, the way those uniforms fit on the men. That definitely solidified his goal to become an actor. And he knew it worked, because he got his first job as an extra for a Broadway play the very next week. “He’s easy on the eyes, like Gene Kelly.”
He looked over to see Louis slightly frowning, but quickly turned his head to hear Niall talking again.
“That’s why you both are flying to Palm Springs directly from here while we go back to Los Angeles. I’m pretty sure the Malik-Paynes are going to spend their new years in Malibu, and you two will be at Frank’s party. Paps are going to be there, of course, so be sure to be seen when you can.”
“Great,” Louis smiled. “Ready for a wonderful New Years, Styles?”
“I hope so,” he grinned. He was really just looking forward to spending it with Louis, and make his first new years as a Hollywood actor as memorable as possible.
***
They flew into Palm Springs the next day, already reveling in the warm weather. Harry was excited to be back in Louis’ home, and enjoyed cooking for the older man every day. It felt very cozy to just worry about themselves for a few days with no paparazzi around, which only made Harry’s heart burst whenever he looked at Louis as he thought about their situation. Even though they never spoke about their closeness after the bed sharing in Aspen, Harry could still feel the tension radiating off the older man whenever they were around each other. Not the type of tension that made them want to go and hide, but the type that crept up their skin with tiny spikes until they were a tuning fork just waiting to be hit. Eye contact that lasted a little too long, lingering touches whenever hands were present, nothing more than that. But it still made Harry feel like there was a chance that Louis might feel something for him. Because after careful examination of his own heart, there was no doubt in his mind that he was in love with Louis.
At least they got to spend quality time together, and that’s what really mattered.
Louis even decided to take Harry golfing at one of the courses in town, and Harry was delighted at the thought of learning. He was more than happy to have something break the constant tension he had been having throughout the days at home. On any other day, he couldn’t stand to be away from Louis, but… the desert heat must have been getting to him. It was like his body flamed up whenever he was in his presence, and if Louis didn’t personally put out his flame he was going to combust on the spot.
The fact that Louis would stand behind him as he taught him how to golf didn’t help matters. Having Louis’ crotch snuggled up against his own bum was absolute torture.
“You know,” Harry said, already feeling the sweat on his forehead from the hot sun. “If we were actually dating, one might assume you were trying to tease me with how close you are. Because I’ll probably learn nothing this way.”
“I’m just teaching you how to golf, Styles,” Louis giggled against his ear, gripping Harry’s wrists a little tighter. “And this is the proper way.”
“As if I could believe that,” Harry replied, trying to sound airy.
“And there’s a pap behind that tree by the pond,” Louis continued. “So in case we are photographed, I already have the perfect pose.”
Harry didn’t even notice them, but at least Niall would be pleased they were getting more shots for the magazines. “Have you forgotten what movie we are making at the moment? The public will get enough of that once Julius hits theaters.”
“Don’t be cheeky,” Louis chuckled. “You know what I mean.”
Harry smiled to himself as he let Louis swing his arms and hit the golf ball, spending it flying towards what he assumed was a hole.
“Did I win?”
Louis rolled his eyes as he moved away. “That’s not how you win, love. I was just showing you how to properly hit it instead of whatever you were doing before.”
“Well excuse me for not being a golfer right out of the womb,” he huffed with a pout. He really liked to be good at things with little practice, so he assumed golf would be the same. He was wrong in that assumption. At least there was something fun he would be getting out of that.
“Which is why I’ve been teaching you this entire day,” Louis laughed. “You’ll be a pro once I’m done with you.”
Harry thought for a moment, leaning playfully on his club. “I might need another lesson then,” he smiled while batting his eyes, “with your hands-on approach.” If wasn’t going to learn in a day, he might as well enjoy Louis having his body up against him.
Louis smirked. “As you wish, Styles.”
And as he thought, he didn’t learn anything when his mind was just thrilled to be so close to Louis. He was absolutely gone for him.
***
“What do they even wear to these kinds of parties?” Harry asked as he walked into the living room.
Louis looked up from his newspaper, taking a drag from his cigar before putting it down. He smiled as he realized how exquisite Harry looked, with a black glittered suit that shimmered as he walked. His hair was up in a bun, and it looked like he added some blush to his cheeks. In all, he looked beautiful.
“As long as it’s a suit,” Louis said as he stood up. “You’ll be fine. And you look very fine.”
“You think so?” Harry giggled as he let Louis take his hand and twirl him around.
“Yeah,” Louis said softly, nodding as he traveled up the suit with his eyes until he met Harry’s green ones. “Ready?”
“Ready,” Harry smiled.
Since Frank’s house was only a few blocks away, Louis decided they were better off walking instead of taking a car. The night sky was clear as the sun was finished setting, with just purple streaks of light left in the distance. At some point Louis managed to casually hold Harry’s hand as they walked, simply shrugging with a “in case people see,” as Harry arched an eyebrow at him.
Once they reached Frank’s house, they told the guard who they were as he glanced at the list and let them in. “Have a nice night, fellas,” the gruff voice said, and they both nodded their thanks.
The beautifully lit mansion sat just over the lawn, gleaming with chatter from the inside as the noise got louder with every step towards.
“Just stay close to me, alright?” Louis said.
Harry squeezed his hand. “You’ll always have trouble getting rid of me.”
Louis grinned as he opened the door and guided Harry inside, the loud music hitting them first before they got a good look at any people. Cocktails, martinis, and shots flowed everywhere as the piano notes danced over the outdoor pool.
“Is that in the shape of a piano?” Harry asked once he stopped to look at it.
“It is,” Louis laughed, looking around. “You see those holes in the veranda? Once the sun hits them at a certain angle during the day, they look like piano keys next to the pool.”
“Really?” Harry laughed. “I like that.” There were people either lounging by the edges of pool, or dancing to the live band in other parts of the house as they walked along.
“Louis Tomlinson!”
He whirled around to see the host approaching them. “Frank!” he answered with a laughed. He was a bit shorter than Louis, and he had a personality that filled the room whenever he went. If there was one thing he liked about Frank after knowing him all these years, was how easy it was to get along with him.
“I didn’t think you’d accept my invitation this year,” Frank said as he hugged him, a martini in one hand, “but I’m glad your ass finally got here!” That’s when he seemed to notice that Harry was behind him. “Well don’t be rude, Louis,” he said. “Introduce us!”
“This is Harry Styles, co-star of our new film Julius,” Louis grinned as he reached behind to hold his hand. “Just arrived from New York a few months ago.”
“Well aren’t you just adorable,” Frank laughed. “Welcome to Twin Palms! You’re practically a baby on the scene but I know you’ll come to love this,” he said with a wink. “Welcome to the rest of your life, Harry.”
Harry’s dimples popped out as he smiled. “Thank you,” he chuckled. “I do hope I like it here.”
“Well I’d love to stay and chat, but a host needs to migrate around the house! The missus should be around here somewhere hopefully looking decent so do be sure to find her. Enjoy yourselves boys!”
As he walked away, Louis felt Harry lean over to his ear. “Missus?” Harry said in a low voice. “Wasn’t he getting divorced?”
“Ava announced they separated in October,” Louis explained. “But if you’ve known them long enough, one minute they’re throwing wine bottles at each other and the next they’re feeding each other strawberries. They’ll probably be on the brink of divorce again by February. Or tomorrow.”
“Wow,” Harry sighed. “That sounds sad, if I’m being honest. I wouldn’t want to marry someone I’d be fighting with all the time. My husband should be my friend and lover, not someone I’d resent half the time.”
There was a little part of Louis that wanted to think Harry might be thinking of him as a potential husband – since they got along so well – but he didn’t want to raise his hopes that much. “Not everything is hearts and rainbows in Hollywood, Styles. You’ll learn that soon enough. Anyway, Frank’s already proper sloshed and probably won’t even remember he talked to us,” Louis chuckled as he took Harry’s hand. “Let’s get some drinks, yeah?”
Harry nodded as he let himself be led away. They bumped shoulders with more people as they went along the crowded areas, but eventually made it to the open bar.
“White Russian for me,” Louis told the bartender. “You, Styles?”
“Pink squirrel,” he answered.
Louis wrinkled his nose. “What’s that?”
“I don’t really know,” Harry smiled sheepishly, “but my friends always ordered in New York and I like the taste.”
“That’s a good enough reason,” Louis laughed as he got both their drinks and made their way towards the floor to ceiling windows.
A man managed to bump into Harry, though, and almost made him spill his drink. Louis was about to say something but thankfully the man stopped to apologize. “Jesus, I’m so sorry,” he said with wide eyes. “I wasn’t looking where I was going! I hope it didn’t spill?”
Harry shook his head, smiling. “You’re forgiven,” he said. “Please don’t worry about it.”
The man visibly relaxed as he reached for Harry’s hand. “Thanks, man. I’m James Dean. And you have such a cute accent. Not from around here?”
Louis frowned as he looked him over. He was about his height, with his tawny brown hair that was combed back, making his blue eyes the most striking across his clean face. He wore a black suit, similar to the one Louis was wearing for himself, which only brought up annoyance on his part.
“Harry Styles,” Harry answered. “and I’m from England, like Louis here. He’s my co-star.”
“And boyfriend,” Louis said easily as James shook his hand.
“Nice,” James smiled. “I’ve only just finished my first film here. And good choice in drink, Harry,” he nodded towards his hand. They were each holding identical drinks, which only made Louis frown more.
“You like pink squirrels too?” Harry gasped.
“I love them!” James laughed. “They remind me of home so I end up ordering them wherever I go. And since Frank here has alcohol flowing, why not enjoy? But I think the best ones I had were when I lived in New York.”
“New York? I lived there for years until I had to come out here!”
Louis really wanted to know why he was forced to listen to a conversation with some random actor when he could’ve been enjoying his own drink with Harry. He already hated that bloody squirrel drink and he hadn’t even tasted it yet.
“What?” James gasped. “Well we could’ve-”
“We’d love to stay and chat, James,” Louis cut in, “but there’s someone I’d like Styles to meet and I wouldn’t want to put it off any longer.”
James shifted his eyes between the both of them, a small smile on his lips. “Of course,” he answered. “I’ll see you both later. Don’t be a stranger, Harry,” he said with a wink before walking away.
And that made Louis almost fly to grab Harry’s hand as they walked in the other direction, not even knowing where he was leading them but as long as it was far away from James.
“Isn’t he nice?” Harry smiled. “I wish we could’ve stayed to talk with him more. You know, he kind of looks like you doesn’t he? Damn! I didn’t even ask him what movie he just finished. Who are we seeing again, Louis?”
Hearing Harry say they looked similar was enough to make his jaw clench. He actually didn’t have anyone in mind to meet Harry, and really just wanted to get away from James, but he wasn’t about to admit that to Harry. No. He just needed to avoid seeing James. It was obvious he found Harry attractive, and while Louis was desperately falling in love with the younger man with no hope of his feelings being returned, he was still Harry’s public boyfriend and he’d be damned if he had to watch another man flirt with him. Especially on their first New Years Eve together.
Just as he was about to invent some story about an old friend, he heard someone behind them call his name. “Louis!” a woman with a sultry voice called out. “I knew you were around here somewhere.”
“Lauren!” he grinned as she pulled him into a hug. She was wearing a low cut green cocktail dress, complete with a pearl necklace. He was never more relieved to see someone who actually was an old friend, and could introduce to Harry easily. “Glad to see you here, love.”
“As if I can stay away from this rat pack when my husband is their unofficial leader,” she laughed. “And Palm Springs is so nice this time of year so we decided to come down.”
“Well it’s nice to see you,” Louis grinned. “Allow me to introduce you to Harry Styles, my co-star in Julius.”
“Oh you don’t have to tell me that! I read the papers and know all about your little off-screen romance. Meeting your soulmate on set?” she grinned as she looked between them. “Can’t say it doesn’t happen.” as she looked back to her husband approached the trio.
“Hello you two,” Humphrey said as he shook hands with the men. “I haven’t actually met Harry, but Baby here has told me all the gossip she’s heard and I think the only thing I’m missing is the time you were born.”
Louis looked over to see Harry blushing, but nonetheless laughing with his dimples popping. “Well I hope you both have only heard good things. When I went to see Key Largo in theaters back in England I didn’t think I’d be standing in front of the actors years later.”
“You went to see it?” Louis asked, still trying to grasp that Harry was at one point a movie fan before he actually became an actor.
“And that’s what got Louis his first Oscar!” Lauren remarked. “Even if we didn’t win anything I was still rooting for Louis once the Academy recognized his talent.”
“And I’m still thankful for your support,” Louis laughed. He remembered the days on set with them, literally watching them have only eyes for each other just two years into their marriage. It ended up the fourth and final film the couple filmed together, but their chemistry was still as strong as it was when they first met. Louis may have had hope for Hollywood marriages back then but spending time with other married couples quickly diminished that. Too many fights, infidelities, vices, that just left each miserable, no matter what the press liked to say. His husband would not be in show biz, he had told himself over and over.
And it made him nervous to think that Harry was going to be an exception for that rule.
“I’ll be seeing you all on set soon,” Humphrey stated. “I’ve got a new movie with Bill Holden and that new gal Audrey Hepburn. I had been hoping Baby would’ve gotten cast instead of her,” he said with a sigh.
“I know she’s new around here, but I think she’ll play the part splendidly,” Lauren replied with a smile. “I got my shot years ago and it’s time other girls got theirs too.”
They talked for a little longer until some other friends came to chat, and Louis ended up leading Harry towards the pool to get some air. Just as he was about to remark on the stars in the sky, he looked over to see Harry frowning towards the crowd.
“Harry? What’s wrong?”
“Your friend is here.”
“Friend?”
Louis scanned the room with narrowed eyes until he landed on one particular person, sighing once he recognized him. He should have remembered he was known to frequent these types of parties. “Tom. He won’t be any trouble. I promise.”
Tom had proved to be a sour spot between them before, so he knew it was best to avoid the subject all together. But he knew Harry was going to be at the very least annoyed. “Does he know Frank?”
“Most likely,” Louis shrugged. “Or maybe Ava does. He is a photographer after all.”
Harry made a sound before raising his glass to finish his drink.
Louis knew he was probably going to think about Tom for the rest of the night if he didn’t do something quick, so once he noticed a change of songs people were dancing to, he knew what he had to do.
“I love this song,” Louis said, leaning over to whisper is his ear. “Dance with me?”
A smile bloomed on his face. Harry eagerly took his hand as Louis lead them to the dance floor. He carefully put one hand on Harry’s waist while the other held his hand, and he leaned in close as they swayed together.
“You're here, that moment's near
I'm almost in your arms
Tonight, the mood is right
I'm almost in your arms”
Louis had heard the song over the radio before, but he never felt how deep it ran until he actually had someone in his arms. Getting lost in Harry’s eyes as they danced around the room was everything this song was about. “Eyes,” Louis whispered. He realized they had an entire night ahead of them and he had yet to feel Harry’s lips against his own.
“You don’t have to kiss me, Lou,” Harry whispered against his lips, eyes feeling heavy. “I think enough people know we’re together at this point.”
“I don’t want to take that chance,” Louis whispered back, leaning forward and planting a kiss on his lips. “I want people to talk.”
Harry hummed in response as he deepened the kiss, both of them still swaying to the beat of the music.
“Say that certain word
Sigh that certain sigh
And with all my heart
To your arms I'll fly”
They continued to dance around as Louis held him close. When the song ended, they simply stood there a while longer as the songs changed and they walked off to the side.
“How’s the night so far?” Louis asked, still holding Harry’s hand.
“It’s been per-”
“Louis?”
Harry was cut off by the man now standing in front of them, and Louis desperately wanted to roll his eyes.
“Hello, Tom,” he sighed. “What do you want?”
“Are you going to be that rude and not introduce us?”
“Styles,” Louis said curtly, “this is Tom. Tom, this is my co-star, Harry Styles.”
“Nice to meet you,” Tom said easily, shaking Harry’s hand.
“Likewise,” Harry said coolly. Louis noticed how he seemed to be leaning closer to him.
“Care to dance, Louis? I haven’t seen you in a long time and I’d like to catch up.”
He looked over at Harry. “Um?”
The younger man seemed to be slightly shaking his head, but before he could really answer, Tom took Louis’ hand and dragged him towards the dancefloor. He looked back to see Harry staring at both of them with wide eyes before he got lost in the crowd.
“I didn’t even agree,” Louis huffed as he put his hand on the other man’s waist. He could smell his cologne, noticing it changed since that night in September. Not that he actually cared, but it had a distinct smell that he had gotten used to back then. At least there was nothing familiar about him now.
“One dance with me won’t kill you,” Tom smiled, letting Louis lead as they swayed to whatever song was playing now. Louis couldn’t be damned to care what it was.
“Why are you even here?”
“Ava invited me,” he answered with a shrug. “Didn’t think you’d be here, though.”
“Or you wouldn’t have come?” he asked hopefully.
Tom laughed. “My life doesn’t revolve around you, Louis. But it is nice seeing you after all these months.”
And Louis had no interest in catching up with an old hook-up. So he thought of the next best thing to use him for until the end of the song. “Do you know anything about that James Dean fellow?”
“Jimmy? Yeah he’s a newbie. Can’t remember the title of the film, but it’s out this year and people are raving about it already.”
“And is he seeing anyone? I haven’t had the time to read any gossip columns lately.”
Tom laughed. “Actually, I heard he’s got something going on with Marlon Brando.”
“Marlon? With him?”
Tom nodded. “Some type of masochist relationship too. You know, when they hurt each other on purpose because they actually like it. Jimmy loves the pain, from what I’ve heard.”
“I only met the man about an hour ago and I already know too much of his personal life.”
“Well you did ask,” Tom chuckled as Louis dipped him. “And I happened to know.”
“So he technically isn’t looking to get laid tonight,” he said.
“If you think there’s some kind of fidelity going on between him and Brando, you know how that goes. People are barely faithful to their spouses around here, much less their lovers.”
So that meant James was definitely interested in Harry. Perfect. “I wonder if Brando will show up here,” he huffed. At least that was one way his thoughts would be taken off Harry. Louis knew Harry wasn’t his to actually claim, but he was his public boyfriend and James was absolutely not allowed near Harry if he was going to flirt with him like that.
“So what’s going on with you and Harry?” Tom asked suddenly.
“We’re dating,” Louis answered. As if that wasn’t clear enough.
“Everyone knows you don’t date your co-stars,” Tom snorted. “So don’t give me that bullshit.”
“You don’t think I actually like him?”
“I think you might like him enough to get in his pants,” Tom said. “But not enough to date him. You expect me to believe you suddenly want to date another actor just because he came along?”
“What I do on my own time is absolutely none of your concern, Tom,” Louis replied.
“Then I guess you don’t care that I just saw Harry walk by on Jimmy’s arm.”
“He what?” Louis almost shouted. There was some instinct within him that wanted to choke James, but then he remembered he would probably like that. Damn Tom for telling him that.
“James does kind of look like you, now that I think of it.”
“Fuck off. You’re not my date tonight.” He had no interest in hearing what else the man had to say, so he simply walked away as he went to go search for Harry. There was only thirty minutes until midnight, and he’d be damned if James Dean was going to be Harry’s new years kiss tonight.
He walked around the party as he tried to spot them, but Harry’s bun was no where to be found.
“Louis! I was wondering when you were going to appear around here.” He turned to find Ava Gardner walking towards him, drink in hand and waving like she was in the Easter Parade.
“Ava, darling,” he said as he kissed her cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m having a grand old time,” she laughed loudly. “How are you doing, sugar?”
“I’m currently looking for my boyfriend. You haven’t met him yet, but he’s the one in a sparkly black suit.”
“Oh do you mean Harry? Jimmy just introduced us!” She pointed her manicured hand towards the west wing of the house. “Somewhere over there.”
“I’m assuming you mean James Dean,” Louis said with a tense smile. “So you already met Harry then?”
“Yes! And he’s such a lovely man, Louis. You really do have wonderful taste in men. Wish I could say the same,” she laughed as she took another sip of her martini.
“I think you could say the same, love,” Louis laughed. “Frank is a wonderful guy.”
“Yeah,” Ava sighed. “Wonderful. Well I’m glad I caught up with you, honey, but I have to go find someone to kiss for midnight. I guess it should be my husband, right?”
“I think it should,” Louis smiled. “See you next year, love!” He knew Harry would’ve appreciated that joke.
“That’s right!” she laughed as she walked away. “To next year!”
Louis continued to walk around the party, greeting more familiar people as he did, and getting more desperate as it got closer to midnight. And that’s when he saw him. On someone’s lap. On James Dean’s lap. Who was holding Harry by the waist and using his other hand to caress his cheek. The absolute bastard.
Not wanting to make a scene, he slowly made his way over until he was standing in front of them.
“Hello, gentlemen. What do you think you’re doing, Styles?”
“I’m with my friend,” Harry smiled up at him. “Jimmy here is so lovely.”
“Can you get up? We need to go outside.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be with your friend,” Harry said with a wave of his hand.
Louis took a deep breath, noticing how James’ hand was still holding Harry’s waist.
“Hi again, Louis,” James smiled. “Your boyfriend is an absolute treat. I thought I would keep him company since you left him alone.”
Maybe James would enjoy being dismembered.
“Styles,” he said. “I need you to come with me.”
“Why?” he huffed, snuggling closer to James. “It’s comfortable here.”
“It’s five minutes until midnight, Styles,”
“It’s already past midnight in New York,” he grumbled. “Happy New Year.”
And that’s when Louis had enough. “Sorry, love,” he said as he grabbed his bicep and yanked him off. “But we need to get going. Thanks for keeping him company, James, but I’ve got it from here. Have a happy new year.”
He didn’t wait for the other man to answer as he led Harry to one of the secluded lounge chairs near the pool, taking two champagne glasses from a passing waiter. A few other couples were in their own chairs as well, looking up at the stars as they waited to start the new year together.
“What was that about?” Harry said with a deep frown. “I was just talking to him and you had to go there acting like that.”
“He clearly wanted to sleep with you!”
“And what if he did? It’s not like I’d let him.”
“Well I don’t want you being propositioned at a new years party, Styles. While I’m here.”
“Besides,” Harry continued. “I wouldn’t have found him again if you didn’t go dancing with Tom. Yet again he decided to make a mockery out of our relationship.”
“I didn’t even want to dance with him! He pulled me away before I could say no. We made a deal remember? Even if I did used to sleep with him I’m not going to while you and I are still publicly dating. And don’t you think you flirting with James won’t have a negative impact on how our relationship is viewed?”
“I only went with Jimmy because you left me alone! What else was I supposed to do? A nice man was willing to keep me company at a party where I know literally no one!”
Louis had to admit Harry really wasn’t comfortable being left alone like that, but he couldn’t act like it didn’t sting that he just had to find James again. And with what felt like minutes until midnight, Louis knew he wasn’t about to spend it fighting over nonsense with Harry. So he sat down in the lounge chair and pulled Harry down with him, setting their drinks on a side table.
“Styles,” he said as he gripped both of his biceps with gentle pressure, tight enough to not let him leave but not so much to leave a bruise. “I’m sorry I left you. That was my fault and I shouldn’t have let that happen. So please forgive me. But you’re my boyfriend in front of these people. You’re my date for the night. So unless you have any qualms, I’m going to kiss you senseless until you stop being a brat and we ring in the new year like we’re supposed to.”
He thought he was going to get a quick retort, but instead he saw the younger man’s eyes go wide as his lips parted. “Yes, sir,” Harry whispered, “I want that,” and Louis didn’t take any longer to press their lips together urgently. It started off simple, with lips just finding each other, but quickly got filthy with their tongues meeting and moans coming from one of them. Cheers went off in the background as bottles popped and fireworks went off in the distance, signaling midnight had indeed arrived. 1954 was officially alive, and Louis spent the first minutes of it with Harry in his arms.
“Happy New Year, Louis,” Harry said as he kissed him again, smiling.
“Happy New Year, Styles,” Louis replied against his lips, going for another deep kiss. He might as well make the most of kissing the person he loved on new years day. He didn’t think he’d ever get that chance ever again.
***
Despite their little mishap with James and Tom, Harry quite enjoyed his second visit to Palm Springs. Not only did he get to spend even more time with Louis, but he got to celebrate the new year with him, and it was just as amazing as he thought it would be. Once they got back to Louis’ home, Harry was about to go to his own room, but Louis asked him if he wanted to camp out together in the living room. When Harry asked why, Louis sheepishly told him it was an old tradition he kept from his boyhood, to sleep with the household in one room to start off the new year right.
And that’s how Harry got to spend the first hours of the year sleeping next to Louis, and loving every second of it. Combined with their heated kiss from earlier that night, Harry knew for sure he was in love with him.
Besides, Niall was very pleased with the pictures that came from the party, and even sent them a couple of magazines that printed them. And there on some of the pages was Harry and Louis’ photo along with the other guests, looking so in love. No wonder people would believe they were together.
By Monday they were back in Los Angeles, ready to film the remainder of the scenes needed for Julius. James Corden had reminded them they only had a few weeks left and he wanted to get the filming done in time before they were needed in Rome.
“So for this scene,” he explained one morning, “you’re going to make it look like you’re grabbing his crotch, Louis, even though you won’t actually do that. We’re just filming your hand going down. Just snog snog snog in front of the camera and we’ll take care of the rest. Look in love. Look passionate. Look like you’d die for each other. Got it?”
Louis eyed Harry, who looked back at him with a slight blush on his cheeks.
“Sounds good?” Louis asked him. “I promise I won’t touch you more than needed.”
“Fair enough,” Harry replied with a smile, even though he was fine with the other man touching him in any way. “Should we go wait in your trailer?”
Louis nodded as he led them both away from James’ office, Harry wrapped in his robe already in costume while Louis was still in his in his regular clothing. They talked about mundane things as they walked to the trailer, like what Harry discovered in his latest research about ancient times, until they stopped to find a letter sitting in front of the trailer door.
Louis frowned as he walked over to retrieve it. “Mr. Tomlinson” was printed on the cream envelope.
“You are cordially invited to Cary and Randolph’s birthday party this weekend in Palm Springs.” He read aloud once they were inside. Ah, an invitation.
“As in Cary Grant?” Harry gasped, sitting up from the couch. “You’re invited to his home?”
“And you as well, for that matter,” he said as he handed him the invitation, pointing to the plus one mention. “They must have heard I’m publicly dating someone.”
“They have the same birthday?” Harry asked, reading over the invitation again.
Louis shook his head. “No, they’re five days apart so there’s no point in doing two separate parties. Cary is turning 50 and Randy is turning 56. They are a lovely couple, though,” he smiled softly as he saw the photo of them on the cover, a simple picture of them sunbathing in Malibu. “They bring out the best in each other.”
“You’ve met them?” Harry asked as he looked up. It shouldn’t really come as a surprise to him that Louis might know legends of cinema, but it still took his breath away when he thought about it.
“A few times here and there,” Louis said as he went to sit in his chair, “and mostly Cary anyways. Randy sticks to Westerns or romantic comedies with his husband, so I don’t get to see him too often when I work,” Louis replied, sitting down beside him on the couch. “But I’ve seen them both at parties and such and they’re just fantastic. You can almost feel the love radiating off of them.”
“Wow,” Harry said softly, looking at their photograph one more time. “Must be wonderful to be in a relationship like that, you know? People just talk about how much you love each other. That’s the impressions I’d like to have.”
Louis adjusted himself in his seat, trying to face him fully. “Having people talk about your relationship over you as a person?” he asked. “That’s what you want?”
Harry shook his head. “That’s not how it is. You even noted Cary is a wonderful person in his own right, but when he’s with Randolph it sounds like they’re the couple everyone wants to envy, and that’s not even their goal. They just want to be happy and show everyone they love each other, and it leaves the impression of love. I don’t see any wrong in that.” He looked up to see a softness in Louis’ face instead of whatever reply he had on the edge of his tongue, and Harry didn’t know what to make of it.
“If you say so, love,” Louis said softly. He looked up at the clock hanging on the wall, his mouth dropping. “Shit, we’re going to be late. You go ahead, and I’ll see you later?” he called out over his shoulder as he walked towards the closet.
“Yeah I’ll see you later, Lou,” Harry murmured as he slowly opened the door.
***
As he walked back to the set, he couldn’t shake what Louis had said out of his head. He spoke with such fondness when he mentioned Cary, both him and about his relationship, yet he seemed to resent people talking about their relationship as well. Did he see something wrong with that? Given he never actually seen Cary and Randolph together, he assumed their relationship was something to be reckoned with. It’s almost as if Louis appreciates relationships and - he hopes - would like to be in one, yet hates the fact they would stop talking about him as an individual. As if the public would forget he had Oscars to his name and is well on the path to becoming a Hollywood legend.
“Hey Harry!” he heard a voice call out, shaking him from his thoughts. He turned to find Fionn running towards him, almost out of breath by the time he reached him.
“Hello, Fionn,” he smiled. “What happened?”
“Did you hear who is starting to film a movie next door?” Fionn asked, his eyebrows arched suggestively. “And currently touring our set?”
Harry shook his head. “Who?”
“The Rock Hudson.”
Harry’s jaw dropped open. “Is he really?” he said as he began to look around the studio. “Do you think there’s a chance we’ll get to see him?”
“You want to be seen by Rock, eh?”
Harry gave him a slight frown while nodding. He remembers watching Rock in Air Cadet, and was fascinated by him ever since. His adventure films were amazing. “Why not? I’d love to meet him if I have the chance.”
“Of course you would,” Fionn smirked as he started to walk beside him. “Well maybe if we go over to James’ area we might see him. They usually visit directors when they do these visits.”
“You know,” a deep voice came behind them. “I think I saw Rock Hudson in the cafeteria not too long ago.”
“Oh thanks mate we-” Fionn turned and gasped. Harry frowned as he followed his gaze, his jaw dropping once he saw.
Behind them was none other than Rock Hudson himself, serving as his own personal guide around the studio. He was dressed in a pair of tan slacks and a red shirt, hair slicked back as usual. Harry thought he looked like he stepped right out of one of the promotional posters.
“The lunch meat was outstanding,” his eyes twinkled as he smiled. “I think I’m going to like it here.”
“Mr. Hudson,” Fionn began, his voice straining.
“Please,” the tall man grinned. “Call me Rock.”
Harry was still staring up at him, amazed he was even in his presence.
“And who might you be?” he said as he looked Harry over.
“Harry,” he breathed out. “Harry Styles. I’m a massive fan of yours, Mr. Hudson. I’ve gone to see all your films. Well, almost all of them.”
“You have?” he laughed. “Well I’m glad to see fellow actors like my work. But I can’t stay to chat. I hope to see you later, boys,” he said with a wink before walking away, Harry not even noticing the breath he was holding in.
“Isn’t he dreamy?” Fionn sighed.
“Yeah,” Harry smiled. Still, nothing could beat Louis in his mind when it came to who he was really attracted to. At least he got to say he met Rock Hudson in person. That was enough for his inner fan boy.
***
“Why did you take me away from the celebration, Your Highness?” Harry said.
The cameras already started rolling, and they heard James’ call for action.
“I don’t like the way he was looking at you,” Louis whispered against his lips, eyes heavy as he stared at Harry’s lips before meeting his eyes. “All eyes were on you, and they ravished you with just their looks. As if they didn’t know who you belonged to.”
“But you know I’m only yours, Dulcissimus,” Harry murmured loudly enough for the mics above them to catch it. He licked his lips before Louis leaned in to press their lips together.
“And you always will be,” he grunted, and placed a hard kiss on his lips. He cradled Harry’s cheek with one hand, the other grazing his chest. He knew the camera was already on his hands, so he carefully made his way down his body, slightly aware this was getting him hot.
“Only yours,” the younger man said.
“All mine,” Louis replied back, panting. They hadn’t quite kissed for this long before since the new year, and while it was a bit awkward to have to do it in front of dozens of people, Louis found himself getting lost in the kiss as he pressed him against the wall they were standing by.
It was love, like Liam said, but he knew his body just ignited whenever he was this close to Harry, and now being able to roam his hands over him was just perfection.
He laid a hand on his bare chest, almost smiling as he felt how soft the skin was with all the oils they rubbed on him. He gently flicked his thumb over a nipple, feeling Harry gasp against his lips. Had he had the time, he would have pulled back to see if he had hurt him, but the way Harry deepened the kiss told him he had the opposite reaction.
He made his way down with ease, his hand stopping over the general crotch area, careful not to even touch the fabric. His hand probably left the frame already, leaving the rest to the imagination. But his fingertips accidently brushed against the thick cloth, and he thought Harry wouldn’t have felt that, yet he felt a slight moan against his lips after he did.
“I love you,” he heard Harry whisper as they pulled apart, Louis blinking back at him, his head swimming for a reaction as he kissed him again. Did he mean that in character? Was it something to slip in with an interaction between Julius and Cassius? But the microphones would not have been able to catch that. Had he meant it for him? His heart raced even faster at the thought.
Before he could reply, they heard James yell for the end of the scene, and they slowly peeled apart, panting. Louis tried to meet his eyes as Harry had his eyes cast down. He saw how much redder his lips were, and how badly he wanted to kiss them again.
“Was that alright for you?” Louis whispered.
“More than fine,” Harry answered as he looked up to meet his eyes, a small smile on his face.
“The chemistry you two have? Marvelous!” James yelled happily as he sprung out of his director’s chair. “Makes my job so much easier when my actors just ooze that spark on the screen. Great job, lads! See you tomorrow.” He waved to them as he walked away, the rest of the crew members packing things up for the day.
“I have to um-” Louis started to back away, not letting Harry touch him. He knew his cock was going to burst if he touched his skin one more time. “I’ll see you later, alright? I have to go now.” He felt a slight pang in his heart as he saw a quick shadow of hurt wash over Harry’s face, but he couldn’t ignore the problem in his pants. Damn James for making scenes like this. And once he was back in his trailer and crying Harry’s name into his fist as he came, was when he realized just how much those scenes were affecting him. Kissing the one you’re falling in love with on a daily basis does nothing to curve your passion for them, surprisingly.
***
“Sir?”
Harry was still wondering why Louis had left in such a hurry, since they usually spent this time together, especially after scenes where they had to get a bit physical. It brought them down from the awkwardness of it. But now he didn’t have a way to release his tension, and it made him uncomfortable sharing without him. With a sigh, he turned around to find a crewmember behind him. “Yes?”
“Would you please come with me? Mr. Hudson would like to see you.”
Harry frowned, wondering why as he pulled on his robe. “Rock Hudson? He wants to see me?”
The crew member nodded. “He specifically asked for you, sir.”
Curious, he was led to a trailer on the other side of the studio, where they were shooting the other films Paramount had. He caught a glimpse of Tab Hunter, who was playing Rock’s love interest in the film from what Fionn told him. He was lounging in a chair while the makeup crew was powering his face.
“Why exactly does he want to see me?” Harry asked the crewmember as they approached the trailer.
The crewmember frowned. “You don’t know?”
“No?” Harry was more confused than ever.
The assistant sighed. “Do you really not know, sir?”
“I wouldn’t be asking you if I didn’t.”
“Well here and there,” the man started. “Rock likes to invite men he likes over to his trailer.”
“That seems nice of him,” he mused.
“To sleep with.”
Harry’s eyes widened, feeling his stomach cave as if bricks were dropped in him. “Oh,” was all he could get out. Sleep with? Rock Hudson wanted to sleep with him? On one hand he was flattered that he would think of him in that way, but there was no way he was going to hook up with him in that manner. He did not do casual, not matter the man. For a lot of reasons; well, one in particular.
Before he could say anything else, the assistant opened the door of the trailer and pushed him in. “Have fun.” Harry froze as he looked around the large trailer, clothes neatly folding on some of the couches and a few pictures hung up in frames. There was a makeshift bed in one corner, which made Harry’s heart rate quicken even more.
“Hello there,” he heard a voice on the other side of the trailer, quickly whirling his head around to see Rock lounging in a chair. He wasn’t wearing the tan slacks anymore, instead trading them in for a robe like Harry was wearing.
“Hello,” he squeaked as he stared at him with wide eyes.
“Take a seat, will you?”
“Thank you,” Harry said as he went to sit down by a window, careful not to touch anything else.
“You know,” Rock began, “when I met you earlier, you could’ve mentioned that you’re currently co-staring in the one of the newest blockbusters. It’s actually one of the ones I’ll be looking forward to see when it hits theaters.”
Despite his current dilemma, it did put Harry at ease to know someone like Rock was eager to see one of his own movies. “I’m not one to tell strangers – or celebrities for that matter – what I do for a living, Mr. Hudson.”
“Oh please,” he laughed as he walked towards him. “Call me Rock, like I said earlier. We must allow some familiarity if we’re going to do that. You do know why I asked you here?”
Well he wasn’t about to lie and make things worse. “Actually, I was just informed but a few minutes ago and…” he gulped before continuing. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hudson, but I cannot sleep with you. My heart belongs… somewhere else. I’m taken.”
“Oh you take it with heart,” Rock said as he sat down on the opposite couch. “Nothing wrong with that.”
“Yes,” Harry said. “I’m terribly sorry, but as handsome as you are, I just couldn’t do it like this.”
“I understand completely,” Rock replied as he got up to the bar. “Would you like a drink?”
“Water would be nice,” Harry smiled up at him.
“Wow don’t go too strong there, Styles,” Rock laughed. “So whos the lucky man who has your heart?”
Seeing as though Harry had absolutely no one to discuss his feelings about Louis with, he might as well let it out to one of the most popular leading men in Hollywood. “I think it’s obvious? Well, to the public.”
Rock looked to be thinking for a moment as he handed Harry his glass. “Your co-star? Louis Tomlinson.”
“Yeah,” Harry sighed as he took a sip. “That’s him.”
“I thought that was for publicity? At least from what I can tell from the magazines. I know publicity stunts when I see them.”
“It is for publicity,” Harry said, looking down at his hands.
“Oh,” Rock smiled. “You want to be with him then. Does he want you back?”
Harry stayed silent, partly because this was the first time he was actually confronted with it and partly because he didn’t know how to react.
“I don’t-” Harry said softly. “I don’t know.”
Rock slowly looked him over with a tilted head. “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
Harry didn’t think the first person he’d ever talk about his feelings about Louis with would be Rock Hudson, but anything could happen in Hollywood at this point. “He’s not going to return my feelings.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“Because… he can have anyone. What would he see in me?”
“Well for starters, you’re a very lovely man. I clearly wanted you,” he chuckled.
“Thank you,” he blushed. Rock Hudson was one of the most handsome men he knew, besides Louis of course, so he had to take that as a compliment. “but… he said he doesn’t date actors. And, well, this is how we met. I’m just starting out as one.”
“There’s always an exception to everything,” Rock said as he handed him a glass. “I bet there’s someone out there for me, but I’ll spend my time cruising like this until the time comes to settle down.”
“Forgive me if I’m being presumptuous, Rock, but-” he paused as he tried to think of the right words, “If you want a relationship, why not go look for one?”
“Who says I won’t find him this way?” he winked. “Unlike your man, I have no scruples with dating another actor or someone in the industry. The man of my dreams could walk through that door any day now.”
“I guess,” Harry smiled.
“I say you should talk to Louis about your feelings eventually,” Rock replied. “If you love him so much you’d turn me down,” he laughed. “I’d say he’s pretty special. And from what I’ve heard, he’s a lovely man anyways. You picked well.”
“Thank you,” Harry giggled. “I’d like to think so.”
As he got up to leave, Rock tapped his elbow and he turned around. “Say, would you mind showing me your costume, though? I don’t do those historical films and I’ve always been itching to see them up close.”
“Oh sure,” Harry said quickly as he shrugged off his robe. He then realized this outfit left little the imagination, and he felt like covering up again. But Rock didn’t seem to be looking at him like a piece of meat he wanted to devour and was just staring at the arm bands he had on and the few jewels.
“Well I guess this is as close as I’m getting to undressing you,” Rock laughed as he watched him. “I love this craftsmanship, though. This costume department really goes all out.”
“That’s what I like to think,” Harry laughed. “I got lucky with this studio.”
Harry quickly put his robe on again once Rock rose from his seat and led him to the door.
“Thanks for a nice chat,” Rock said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “And I hope that means your man will come to his senses.”
“I hope so too,” Harry squeaked out, trying to tie his robe correctly. “See you around, Mr.- I mean, Rock?”
“Getting better, Harry,” he laughed, a twinkle in his eye. “I’ll be seeing you around. Goodbye.” And with that he closed the door.
Harry smiled to himself as he finally tied his robe, content with what happened. When he woke up this morning, he didn’t think he would’ve ended up in Rock Hudson’s trailer, and with said man wanting to sleep with him. He was handsome, and maybe in another version of reality where Harry liked to sleep around Harry would be willing, but now there was no way that was happening. Not when he cared for Louis like he did.
He was just about to turn to leave when a lady walked into him, dropping her handkerchief as he stepped back.
“Oh crap,” she huffed, bending over to pick it up. “I’m so sorry, sir. I wasn’t looking- Oh! Harry?”
Harry realized he was staring at Audrey Hepburn, with red eyes that clearly showed she had been crying.
“Ms. Hepburn?” he asked softly. “Are you okay?”
“What?” she sniffed, dabbing her eyes again. “No. No. Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”
“Are you sure, Audrey?”
“Yes,” she said as she attempted a smile. “I’m just on a break from filming and I thought I’d take a turn around the studio. Are you getting ready to film?” eyeing his wardrobe.
“Yeah,” Harry smiled. “We just finished a scene and had to break. I just met Rock Hudson and he seems really nice. I think I’m due on set soon, though.”
“Rock? I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him yet,” she sighed. “I’ll be sure to visit him later. But don’t let me keep you waiting! Go straight to your set if you must!”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” He really didn’t want to leave her, but then again maybe she just wanted to cry in peace. If someone found him crying, he knew he would want to be left alone.
She parted her lips, but she frowned before stopping whatever she was going to say. “A word of advice, Harry, since you’re new here: make sure you’re honest with who you end up loving. Building a relationship from lies just leads to broken hearts. And don’t get involved with married men,” she said with an eyeroll, “no matter what they do, they’ll always find a way to break your heart.”
Harry knew better than to ask how relevant that advice was to whatever was making her cry now, so he simply nodded and offered a simple. “I appreciate any advice you could ever give me, Audrey. Thank you.”
This time her smile reached her eyes and gave one more dab of her eyes before pocketing her handkerchief. “Thank you for listening, Harry,” she replied.
After she walked away, Harry started strolling back to his own set. Hopefully, Louis would be available now, and maybe he could tell him about what happened within the past hour. Or maybe, it was best just to keep it to himself. He didn’t need to bother Louis with everything that happened to him.
***
A few weeks past until it was time to go to Cary and Randolph’s party, and Louis was already dressed in the living room as he waited for Harry to appear. Spending more time with Harry really didn’t alleviate his love for him, and only proved that it was more than an infatuation. This was now the third time they were staying together in Palm Springs, and it just felt right to have Harry there. Louis was used to his morning coffee waking him up, but he didn’t truly feel like smiling until he saw Harry walk into the kitchen with his fluffy robe, looking like a rumpled kitten as he yawned. He wishes there was a way he would stop feeling like that around him, but he knew it was hopeless. If only he knew what Harry felt for him. Getting told he would never feel the same way would probably help him get over Harry, but he just didn’t want to deal with that yet. Their fantasy world of living as actual boyfriends was just too perfect to break.
“Do you think I look alright?” Harry asked as he walked into the room. “I wasn’t sure what to wear.”
Louis looked up from his newspaper and smiled. The younger man was wearing a yellow button down. With the white slacks and his curls looking angelic, he looked like a real dream.
“What did you wear to parties in New York?”
Harry shrugged. “We wore casual clothes since it was always cold. Besides the jumpers. No different from parties in England.”
“Then you look ravishing,” Louis said as he stood up. “The invitation said it was a casual get together just to celebrate their birthdays. You look more than amazing.”
“Thank you,” Harry answered with a blush on his cheeks.
“So are you ready to go?”
Harry nodded as he went to grab a bottle that had been sitting on the kitchen counter. “My one goal is to at least shake Cary’s hand, tell him how much of an influence he was on me growing up, and leave it at that before I embarrass myself. And give them this marvelous wine you picked out.”
Louis laughed as he led him to the door. “You’ll find that he’s one of the most gracious people out there, Styles. You have nothing to worry about.”
They arrived at the party hand in hand, paparazzi standing outside the gated house ready with their cameras already clicking once they saw them. Louis carefully placed himself behind him as they walked up to the house, which was built on the side of the mountain, giving an almost panoramic view of Palm Springs in the sunset light
The house was already roaring with excitement once they were inside. All the candles were lit, the chandelier glowed from above in the foyer, and waiters dressed as ballerinas that walked around the house. Music was playing from somewhere in the house, most likely a live band or their favorite records. Large paintings hung along the walls, which Louis knew were expensive art that Cary and Randolph loved to collect.
“Wow,” Harry breathed out, wide eyes staring around.
“Come on, love,” Louis said as he led him further inside the house.
They quickly found Zayn and Liam lounging on one of the many couches near the deck, smoking cigars as they talked with some people.
“Hey, lads,” Zayn smiled as the crowd left to make way for them. “How are you?”
“Ready to celebrate,” Harry smiled, pointing to the gift he carried. “How’s the party so far?”
“Amazing,” Liam grinned, pulling Zayn closer by the waist. “We’ve been filming a lot this week so it’s nice to come down here to relax for a weekend.”
“Have you seen Cary or Randy?”
“We saw them right when we got here,” Zayn explained, “but that was earlier in the night and I’m sure they’re all around the house at this point. You’ll find them eventually. Frank’s here. Carole and her husband are here. A lot of people are here.”
“Then I guess we’ll find them later,” Harry said as more people started to come up to them.
Louis planned on staying close to Harry initially, but some friends pulled him to play some pool and Harry – surprisingly - pushed him to go.
“I’m going to go leave this where they’re putting the gifts and I’ll come find you later,” Harry said in a whisper, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “Just remember I’m still your date.”
“As if I could forget that very important bit,” Louis laughed. Instead of giving him a goodbye peck, though, he got bold and gave him a firm kiss on the lips, in full view of everyone. He smirked when he saw how flushed Harry’s cheeks got, winking at him before he left with the men. He knew Harry would be thinking about that for a while.
***
It was late into the night when Harry found himself on one of the many balconies of the house, just looking out into the overlook as the lights twinkled over Palm Springs. Even though he was alone this time, he loved spending time in this house while a party was going along. People weren’t dressed in glamourous clothes like at Frank’s party, but he knew he could run into a famous person at any turn despite it not being black tie. And he did, like saying hello to Joan Crawford on his way to the bathroom or getting a smile from Sammy Davis Jr once he passed by Frank’s table of card playing.
He finally felt like he was getting used to being a Hollywood actor, and it felt good to think that. It was just nice to reminisce while looking at a beautiful moon above, which made him want to count his blessings the longer the stared.
“There you are, Styles,” he heard a familiar voice behind him, “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
He turned to find Louis closing the sliding door and walking towards him. “Do you mind?” he asked with a nod towards the open spot on the bench.
Harry quickly shook his head before responding. “Not at all. Make yourself comfortable.”
What he didn’t expect was for Louis to take his words literally, and instead of leaving enough room between them, he felt his own thigh sitting comfortably next to his thick ones. The same tan ones he got to see the other day and wouldn’t stop having fantasies about.
“What are you doing out here alone?” Louis asked softly. “Not enjoying the party?”
“No I’ve quite enjoyed it!” Harry chuckled. “I met Gregory Peck in the kitchen looking for some liquor glasses. He said his wife is excited to see Julius and… one thing led to another and now we’re both invited to his Malibu home the next time we’re in the area,” he laughed. “So be ready for that.”
Louis chuckled as he shook his head, still staring out into twinkling night. “Greg has always been a kind fellow. Good to know he took a liking to you as well.”
“And I met other people on my own as well,” Harry explained. “So I think it’s been a successful night. How was pool?”
“I won,” Louis grinned. “As usual. I didn’t want to keep beating their bums so I stepped out to go look for you. Can’t leave my date unattended on a night like this.”
“Yeah,” Harry giggled. “But the moon was keeping me company. Isn’t this beautiful?” He stared up to look at its fullness, just radiating the light and getting lose in its splendor.
After a few moments of silence, he turned his head to see why he didn’t respond, probably too entranced in the scenery. Instead, he found Louis staring at him with one of the softest looks he had ever seen on his face, his eyes meeting his before traveling down to his lips.
“Yeah it is,” Louis replied softly. And before Harry could think straight, the older man leaned over and kissed him tenderly.
“What if someone sees?” Harry murmured against his lips, going in for another kiss.
“And?” Louis chuckled. “Everyone knows you’re my boyfriend. Are they going to tell me not to kiss my own boyfriend privately?”
But why are we kissing? Harry wanted to ask, but he wasn’t about to deny himself the pleasure of having Louis’ lips on him yet again. So they continued to kiss for who knows how long, tasting the wine and smoke on Louis’ tongue as their kisses got deeper. He didn’t know whether he could touch Louis anywhere besides his arm, but he felt the other man’s hand come up to cradle his cheek while the other wrapped around his waist, and he couldn’t complain about that. So as he nipped at Louis’ lip, he went to grazed a hand over the older man’s thigh, smiling to himself once he felt Louis’ breath hitch.
“Well this looks- oh I’m dreadfully sorry!” they heard behind them, and broke apart quickly, moving away from each other as they rearranged their clothing. Harry knew his face must’ve resembled a tomato skin, so he was thankful that Louis was able to recover much faster and get up to greet whoever had walked in on them. He just didn’t expect to see the face of their host looking down on them, eyes wide as if he was still taking in the scene.
“Hello, Cary!” Louis said cheerfully as he stood up and took Harry’s hand in his, pulling him up with him. “Just enjoying the view with my man here, Harry Styles, also my co-star in our next film.” he said. “Styles, this is Cary Grant.”
“I can tell you were enjoying a lot,” he laughed as he shook hands with Harry. “Nice to meet you, Harry. I was just looking for a quiet place to smoke, so I’m very sorry to have interrupted that. I’ll just let you two finish and I’ll find you boys later.” And before Harry could get a word in, he watched Cary walk away.
“Oh, goodness,” he murmured. “He’s not mad, right?”
“Mad?” Louis scoffed. “Why would he be mad? He walked in on us kissing, that was it. Besides, he wasn’t mad at all. All I could see was amusement in his face.”
“I hope you’re right,” Harry said. “Do you want to go back down?”
Louis nodded. “Let’s go. I promised Frank I’d play at least two games with him and I wouldn’t want to disappoint.”
So Harry took his hand and descended down the staircase back to the party, with the music and voices getting loader as they approached.
“Go find Zayn or Liam and I’ll meet you later, yeah?” Louis said as he passed him a drink. “I’ll come find you soon.”
“Alright, boyfriend,” Harry giggled, this time leaning over to plant a kiss on his lips and walking away, looking over his shoulder as he did. He laughed as he saw Louis’ looking dumbfounded. It was nice to know he could still beat him at his own game, sometimes.
He did find the Malik-Paynes eventually, lounging by the pool with some other guests. But he felt like exploring more of the house again, so after asking for a pink squirrel from the bartender, he walked along until he found another empty balcony, shutting the glass door behind him.
Just as he was about to wax poetry about the moon again while he nursed his drink, he heard the door open and glanced back to see his host again. This time he could see he was wearing a form fitting stripped long sleeved shirt, accentuating his tan skin. With dark pants, he looked ever so fit, despite just turning fifty.
“Oh bollocks,” Cary said. “Is this one taken too? Hold on. You’re Harry Styles, correct? This might be my sixth or tenth drink of the night but I’m pretty sure we met out there on the balcony above this one.”
A deep blush flushed onto his cheeks as his eyes widened. “I’m so sorry we didn’t mean-“
Cary held his hand up which effectively shut him up.
“There’s no need to apologize,” he laughed. “I remember being young and in love as well. Randy and I couldn’t keep our hands off each other for the first five years – or was it ten? I’m sure there’s countless stories of sorry folk walking in on us in God knows what positions. I was just looking for a quiet place to smoke, that’s all.”
In love? Harry wanted to shout. They weren’t in love. Harry was in love, but he wasn’t sure what Louis felt for him in reality. They were… well not in love that’s for sure. But he didn’t know how to tell that to a man that clearly knew what it was like to be in love.
“Oh well um- before I forget,” he raised his glass towards him, quickly changing the subject. “I wish you and Randolph a very happy birthday.”
Cary gave him a wide smile as he raised his own glass with a nod, clinking them together.
“Thank you, lad. I’ll give your sentiments once I find him,” he said as he scanned the crowd below. “Loves to the be life of the party, so if you see a group of people laughing away, he’s probably at the center of it.”
Harry thought for a moment. “Do you not like the crowds?”
Cary shrugged. “There’s only so much I can stand. If I’m around Randy, then I always have an enjoyable time. But I need some quiet time once in a while. But I love having quiet with him and him alone.”
If there was one thing Harry enjoyed, was hearing people talk about their partners. Their faces usually had an expression only reserved for them, and he could tell Cary’s face was already doing it. “If you don’t mind me asking,” Harry started, “how long have you been together? I feel like I read it in a magazine somewhere, but I can’t tell you if that I’m correct.”
“Well I’ve been with Randolph for… twenty years now? I think it’s more. We met in 1932 so… twenty-two? Time does go by fast,” he smiled to himself.
“You met on a movie set, right?”
“Yes it was! Hot Saturday was the film. Just a lone boy from Northern England who fell for a Southern one. We moved in immediately, and we haven’t looked back since.”
“You must’ve been happy to have met him so early in your lives, then.”
“Oh trust me, Harry, there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t thank fate for putting us together,” he laughed. “I don’t know how I’d survive without him.”
Harry nodded, noticing how Cary’s eyes seemed to shine at the mention of his husband.
“You should come visit us some time,” Cary said brightly. “We have a house in Malibu besides the house here, and I think he goes out there sometimes? I know he likes to live here in Palm Springs when he’s not working. Are you planning to move here as well?”
“Oh we’re not-” he looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “We’re not actually dating.”
Cary frowned, not seeming to understand. “You’re not? I could have sworn you both look like you are, especially after your snog on the balcony? And the way you two-”
Harry shook his head, trying to cut him off. “Just dating for publicity. For the movie. We kiss sometimes to make it more believable.”
The older man’s eyebrows shot up in realization, nodding his head in understanding. “I see, I see. Well I was sold on it if I do say so myself. Did they force you into it?”
Harry tilted his head in a shrug. “We didn’t really have much of a choice, and the director and producers were very keen on making this happen. It’s not so bad though,” he said as he looked out into the crowd. “He’s a pleasure to be around.”
“Well at the very least you both get along well,” he chuckled. “I might even say more than well. But that’s what you get with this business. You would think who you’re seen with wouldn’t be as important as your art, but alas.”
A thought popped into Harry’s head as he realized something. “How did you and Randy avoid this?” He didn’t remember reading about any publicity relationships they were in.
Cary shrugged. “We got married. A valid marriage license breaks all their publicity relationship clauses. We didn’t want to pretend to be with others once we met, so we married a few months into our relationship. Kept the studio heads off our back and we get to live happy and out while we work.”
“A few months?” Harry repeated in wonder. “But- what if you didn’t like each other? Wouldn’t you have divorced?”
“Oh that’s not to say the people who use the marriage clause are all happily married,” he shook his head. “Just look at Ava and Frank. Passion without love does no good to the heart.”
“Oh,” Harry nodded, sipping his drink.
“I knew he was the one when I met him,” Cary explained. “We shared a few kisses before we went steady, and each one made me fall more in love with him. Hell, I asked him to move in within a month. I just knew I would spend the rest of my life with him, and twenty years later, turns out I wasn’t wrong. I fell for my best friend.”
“That sounds lovely, Mr. Grant,” he whispered in awe. He wishes he could have that. Meet the love of his life when he’s young, spending the rest of his life with him.
“Please, call me Cary,” he said as he opened the glass door and becked Harry to go inside. “It’s always nice to hear my name in an accent that reminds me of England.”
“Alright, Cary,” Harry giggled, following him inside. “Do you miss home?”
“Sometimes, mainly for my father. My mother was institutionalized when I was young. I took Randy with me to meet my father, and he approved of him. Randy was even a witness at my citizenship hearing,” he said with a soft smile. “I’ve all but lost my accent, so I guess it’s a good thing I’m American now.”
They walked along the hallway until they reached the deck overlooking the pool. Harry was about to ask about his life in England, but then a tall man came over and grabbed Cary by the waist. His blonde hair was brushed back, and he was wearing a similar striped shirt like Cary’s, except his was lined with light blue stripes. Clearly his husband by the way Cary blushed.
“Oh there you are,” Randolph smiled as he kissed his cheek. “They want to cut the cake now and sing us Happy Birthday.”
Harry gave a small wave. “Hello. I’ve been a fan of yours as well, Mr. Scott.”
“Are you now?” Randy laughed as he reached out to shake his hand. “Are you an actor as well?”
“I am,” Harry nodded. “We’re almost done filming my first film.”
“Wow,” Randy whistled, “that’s exciting! Remember when we were youngsters starting out, babe? Seems so long ago.”
“Because it was a long time ago,” Cary laughed.
“You know,” Randy said as he looked over at his husband while glancing at Harry. “Our legal names are actually Mr. and Mr. Grant-Scott”
“Really?” Harry asked. “You had them changed?”
Cary nodded. “On our tenth wedding anniversary. We marched over to city hall and got them changed just in time. We thought the hyphenations were better than just mashing them together.”
“Scant.”
“Grott?”
Harry tried not to giggle as he watched them share a laugh while fonding at each other. Louis wasn’t lying when he said they bring out the best in each other, and it was a pleasure to actually witness it.
“There you are, Styles!” Louis laughed as he appeared in the door frame. He took his place next to Harry, wrapping an arm around his waist. Cary cocked an eyebrow as he watched them, his eyes meeting Harry’s, who were growing wide.
“Louis they”- he started to whisper.
“We need to cut the cake!” Randy cut in, smiling as he looked at his husband. “Can’t have the crowds waiting.”
“Of course!” Louis said. “I was just watching them set up the candles in the kitchen. Ready to go, darling?”
Harry stared at Cary wide-eyed, who was holding back a smirk as he looked at the pair.
“Like I said,” Cary said with a nod. “You both make a lovely couple.”
“Thanks, Cary,” Harry said sheepishly, allowing Louis to lead him towards the large dining room. He didn’t even have time to tell Louis what he talked about with Cary, because everyone from the party was gathering to sing happy birthday to the couple. And once the couple was standing in front of two large cakes, Harry and Louis joined in the chorus of “Happy Birthday” as the crowd sang, watching the couple grin as they whispered to each other. Once the song ended, they all cheered as they blew out the candles and shared a quick kiss before cutting the cake. Harry liked that they Louis got a slice from Randy’s and he got one from Cary’s, so they got to eat off each other’s plates to enjoy both flavors.
It was probably one in the morning by the time the party was finally dwindling down, and Louis said it was time for them to head home. They thanked their hosts and said goodbye to as many people as possible, and then Harry hopped in the Cadillac while Louis got in the driver’s seat.
They drove in silence for a while, Harry not bothering to say anything as he basked in the moonlight, leaning his head back to fully appreciate the stars. But that’s when his conversations with Cary starting to pop back into his head.
“Cary thought we were actually dating,” Harry said. “Even though I admitted that were weren’t.”
“Does that bother you?” Louis asked carefully.
“No,” Harry said easily. “Does that bother you?”
“No.”
“Good.”
“We just sell it well, Styles,” Louis said after a few moments. “We are actors after all.”
“Yeah,” Harry sighed, looking up at the moon. “That’s all we are. Actors.”