Chapter Text
Louis woke up to the sound of clothes rustling, his cheek pressed against the coarse fabric of the pillow case, scratching lightly against his morning scruff. He let out a small groan as he began to hear the dull roar of the cars whizzing by on the street below them, the busy rush of traffic that happened this time of day. One of his eyes decided to open, carefully straining against the bright rays of sunshine that hit his bed.
He blinked as his sight adjusted to the light, a soft headache growing as his mind protested with pounding fists against his temple. With a low moan, he turned towards the noise that woke him.
He blinked again to see a dark haired man standing by the foot of the bed, looking as if he just taken a shower and was now getting dressed. “Good morning, sunshine,” the man smiled, buttoning his shirt up as his wet hair was slicked back, some strands falling over his face.
Louis glanced at the clock on the nightstand. At almost seven in the morning, the sun was already peeking through the blinds by the large windows, hoping to brighten the dim room.
“Morning, Tom,” he muttered as he rolled onto his back. He felt his spine creak a bit as he tried to stretch against the hard mattress. He really missed his own comfortable one at home.
“Last night was fun,” the other man said, turning around to fix his tie in the mirror by one of the dressers. “Do you want to meet again tonight?” he asked.
Louis shook his head as he sat up on his elbows. “I’m busy all day, and I know it’s going to be a long night. And I’m meeting with my manager for breakfast so that’s out of the question,” he yawned as he turned to face the window. “I’ll give you a ring next week?”
Tom nodded as he turned back around, gathering the rest of his things. “Don’t forget then, Louis,” he said with a smile before he walked towards the door and left.
Louis groaned as he turned to see the time again and started to remind himself of all the things he needed to do today. Meet Niall, go to Paramount, meet his co-star, go to the table read, get acquainted with the rest of the cast.
“Right,” he murmured to himself. “One task at a time then.” The first thing to do was to meet Niall downstairs for breakfast, and to do that he had to get out of bed to at least shower.
He didn’t even expect to spend the night with Tom, and he certainly wouldn’t have agreed to an early breakfast with his manager had he known beforehand. But what’s done is done, and he has duties to fulfill. With one final look at the clock ticking away, he threw off the covers and marched over to the bathroom.
About half an hour later, he emerged freshly shaven with a towel around his waist, combing his wet hair into a quiff. Leaving the large bathroom, he walked across the room to pull out a navy shirt from the closet and grab a pair of tan khakis. Just as he was about to take off his towel, the loud ring of the landline filled the quietness of the hotel room.
He quickly ran over and answered it, his towel dropping on the carpet in the process. “Hello?”
“Mr. Tomlinson?” a cheery voice said, too merry for the morning. “This is your wakeup call requested by your manager, Mr. Horan. He also wanted you to know he is waiting in our restaurant right now.”
Louis rolled his eyes as he looked towards the clock again. The smaller hand was inching closer to the eight as he squinted at it. “Thank you, Miss. Please inform him I’ll be down in about five minutes,” he said before hanging up the phone.
After picking up the towel, he quickly changed into his clothes for the day and caught a glimpse of himself before heading out the door. Decent enough without putting much effort, he thought to himself, and that’s how he liked to be.
Even though he was on the 12th floor of the building, he decided to take the stairs down instead of waiting for the sluggish elevator to make its way up to him. He passed by some people who were clearly doing their walk of shame, even though he did not find much shame to it. Women wearing their dancing dresses from the night before, men still wearing their evening suits with their ties slung around their necks, trying to avoid any and all eye contact. But some did meet his eyes, and he smiled at them as he made his way down, hoping to brighten their morning with a bit of kindness. He remembers his own walks when he was younger, and he would have preferred that strangers smiled at him rather than frown once they saw him still wearing the suit he wore to an awards ceremony the night before. He wasn’t ashamed for his outings, but he didn’t like to see people act as if he should have been.
Soon he found himself in front of the restaurant in the lobby, a brightly lit place that was already bustling with people and said his name to the hostess.
“Mr. Horan is in one of the private booths with a view of the pool,” she smiled. “Would you like me to show you, Mr. Tomlinson?”
Louis thanked her as he shook his head. “I can find my way easily. Thank you, love.”
He shuffled along the tables, each with a crisp white cloth over their surface as the people ate their morning meals, catching casual conversations of the patrons as he went along.
“Have you seen Gene Kelly’s new movie? It’s spectacular! The man dances like no other.”
“I saw Carole and Clark walking around here the other day. What an adorable couple.”
“Hopefully I’ll be cast as an extra in Jimmy Stewart’s new film! Been waiting forever to get an autograph from him.”
“I heard there’s a new movie starting to film today with Louis Tomlinson in the lead! He’s going to play a Roman emperor!”
Louis smirked at the last one. The general public didn’t know about it yet, but it was nice to know there was some buzz about it going around Los Angeles. He liked knowing his movies were at least a little anticipated. It stroked his ego well enough.
He spotted Niall already digging into his food, reading the morning paper as he ate. The Irishman was wearing one of his signature tweed brown suits, clearly ready for the day with round shaped glasses on his nose.
Niall waved him over as he made his way to him. “Louis!” he greeted as he continued to cut his pancakes. “You’ll have to excuse me for starting without you, but a man has to eat, and I had no idea when you would get your bum down here.”
Niall was one of his oldest friends in town, thankfully becoming his manager once he moved to Paramount from MGM. Given that Niall was related to one of the founders of the studio, he was able to negotiate a better contract for Louis once he moved there, and they’ve had a wonderful partnership ever since.
“The day you wait for me to eat is the day I’ll be worried,” Louis laughed as he sat across from him, already seeing his favorite morning dish in front of him: a typical English breakfast. Well, as close to what Americans could come to with an English breakfast.
“I ordered your usual, so we could get going to the studio on time,” Niall said through a mouthful.
“Very kind of you,” Louis answered as he started to fork through his eggs. He had to admit he was a bit nervous about the first day but having Niall there would ease his fears. It wasn’t like this was his first time being the star of a feature film. He’s starred as the leading man at various times in his career, but there was something about this film that made the butterflies in his stomach stretch out of their dormant state from all those years ago. Maybe it was the fact it was his first period piece, but something felt different.
“So,” Niall said after a few seconds, not looking up from his plate. “I heard you spent the night with Tom again.”
Louis looked up before reaching over to grab the salt shaker. “How is it that you think you know my private doings so well?”
“I’ve got my spies everywhere,” Niall said with a shrug. “So how true were my sources?”
“I was,” he answered simply, not wanting to drag this out. “Just for a quick fuck. He invited me out to drinks last night and we ended up in my suite.”
“And you’re never one to turn down his charms,” he smirked as he pointed his fork at him. “How long have you been seeing each other again?” As if Louis has ever mentioned it, which he hasn’t.
“We’re not ‘seeing’ each other.” Louis frowned as he thought for a moment. It should have embarrassed him a bit not knowing all the times of his casual encounters with Tom, but he had better things to worry about. “We’ve only slept a couple of times together. It’s not serious in the slightest.” And he didn’t want it to be.
Niall only had an eyebrow raised in response.
“What?” Louis scowled harder, forking at his eggs.
The Irishman blinked back at him. “As your manager it’s my job to know what’s actually happening in your private life,” he shrugged in response. “So I know what to keep hidden.”
“I can very easily keep my life hidden without your help,” Louis said with an eye roll. “The public knows I’m gay, and that’s as far as they need to know. Who I’m fucking is none of their business.”
“If you say so,” Niall murmured as he bit into his toast with strawberry jam. “Just tell me if it ever gets serious so I know how to go forward with that.”
“I don’t do serious and you know that.” If there was one conversation he didn’t feel like having, it was this. Especially at this time in the morning. Luckily, he knew how to steer the conversation into something much more favorable. “Speaking of which, how’s Richard?” he asked, noticing how easily Niall’s face softened at the mention of his husband.
“He’s doing well. He’s supposed to be home with Judy right now, claiming she has a fever but I know they both went to Disneyland together. Our housekeeper called me to tattletale, but I can’t really blame him. I’d spoil her rotten too, if I was home,” he said with a grin. “And she’s becoming a sarcastic little shit, and we really can’t get enough of it. He claims she gets it from me,” his nose wrinkled as he smiled. “And I don’t really blame her.”
“As if having a miniature version of you running around is good for society,” Louis giggled as he drank his orange juice. “Tell her I’ll come visit her one of these days. She still owes me a drawing of that new turtle you have in your backyard.”
“I’ll be sure to tell her when I get home,” Niall beamed as he poured some more sugar into his coffee. “Now about today, are you ready for it?”
Louis nodded. “I’ve read through the script about a hundred times now, and I think it’s going to be a smash. Both making it and in the box office,” he took a bite of sausage before continuing, “but about my co-star. Have you met him?”
As excited as he was to start filming, he still had yet to meet the person who was going to play his love interest in his new film. He was so excited to be cast he forgot to even ask who the directors were even going to cast in the other roles. It wasn’t like he had to know, but he would at least like to know if he’s someone he could get along with. Being in the dark of things wasn’t his favorite feeling.
“I met him a few days ago. Nice chap. Last name is Styles,” Niall said as he called the waiter over for the check. “A newcomer, formerly a stage actor before a studio head grabbed him to be a star after seeing him on Broadway last year. He just landed in Los Angeles last week, actually. And now he’s going to be your love interest for Julius.”
Julius. Louis had fallen in love with the script once Niall sent it to him months ago, promising he was in talks with the casting directors to get him the lead role. He went in and auditioned a few days later, in between shooting days from a movie he was filming in San Francisco. He almost cried from joy once Niall called him to say he nabbed the role. After being known for his dramatic roles in this era, he liked the change of pace a period piece might give him.
And as a bonus, the script was as romantic as it could get. It was based on a book that was written a few years ago, and the studio had bought the rights for it immediately so they could turn it into a picture. Julius was a Roman Emperor that lived long ago, and he fell in love with a commoner in his life, Cassius. Passionately in love. So much so that they lived together in Rome as a couple. By all accounts they were fantastic lovers, but Louis assumed the script wasn’t that historically accurate with how their interactions would go. But it sounded well enough on paper, and that’s what the studios cared about.
“So, they’re sure he’s the perfect Cassius?” he asked, an eyebrow raised.
Niall shrugged. “From what I’ve heard he’s a pretty good actor. I guess we’ll have to see after this table reading if everyone was cast right,” he said as he called over a waiter and looked at his watch. “Which means we should probably be heading out now.”
Louis noticed the time as well and nodded. “Let’s get going then. I drive, or you drive?”
“Of course I’m driving,” Niall huffed as he stood from his seat, leaving more than enough bills on the table for the bill. “As if I’d ever let you drive my baby.”
Louis chuckled as they walked out of the restaurant together.
***
Despite it being late October, there was a nice warm breeze around them as they drove along the busy streets to the studio. It had taken Louis a few years to get accustomed to the California weather; a big difference from the cold of northern England. He liked Hollywood, with its flashy signs and tolerable climate, but he found himself at peace at his permanent home in Palm Springs. Far enough from the bustle of show business yet surrounded by others who worked like him and wanted to get away from it all.
After Niall parked his car in the company lot, they made their way under the big sign at the entrance that Louis had grown to consider his working home. “Paramount Studios” is read in big letters, glittering in the morning sun. They passed by some familiar faces, waving to Rosemary Clooney before she walked into another building.
“I thought she finished filming already?” Louis asked as he saw her walk away. “At least that’s what she told me last week when I ran into her.”
“They need a couple more scenes for the film,” Niall shrugged. “Some Christmas movie due out next year.”
“Ah,” Louis nodded. Rosemary had a lovely singing voice, so he already made a mental note to see the film once it opened. They had just walked into the main studio when they heard someone shout Louis’ name.
“Louis!” the stout man gasped as he almost ran over to hug him, his shoes clipping against the tile floor. “My shining star! So happy you arrived already.”
“Happy to see you as well, James,” Louis answered as he returned the hug. James Corden was one of his favorite directors to work with, so he couldn’t have been more elated when he found out he was directing this piece. “How are the wife and kids?”
“Doing fine as usual,” James said with a big grin, a huge chocolate chip cookie in hand. “Be sure to thank your mum for these cookies she had sent over for us on our big day. She always was a sweetheart.”
“I’ll be sure to tell her on my next phone call with her,” Louis laughed. His mum had known James before he became a successful director, and once Louis went to Hollywood on his own, she asked James to look out for him. The man kept his promise, and Louis couldn’t thank him enough for all the guidance he’s given him over the years, especially when MGM wouldn’t put him in films during his contract.
He was just about to remark on a crumb that was on his shirt when James began to speak again.
“Before I forget!” the director remarked with his finger in the air. “I need you in one of our green rooms right now. We need to do a final screen test before we start.”
Louis frowned as he turned towards his manager. “I thought I was already cast for sure?” He was even flown in for a few screen tests in between filming his last film. And being the first choice for James would have surely made him the confident lead.
“You are, my boy,” James said as he took his arm and led him down a hallway. “But the president of this fine studio would like to see if our casting for Cassius was the right choice. So, we need a screen test with both of you to ease his worries. After all, they are spending a record amount of money on this film.”
Cassius. The commoner Julius falls for. Niall had said he had met him earlier, and that put enough confidence from his standpoint in their casting call. Especially if he was pulled off Broadway. He had to be a decent actor, right?
“Is it really necessary?” he asked as he was being led towards some open doors, noticing Niall was trailing along as well. “I can act well enough to have chemistry with anyone.”
And he knew it was true, since tabloids always assumed he must have been fucking his co-star, no matter the picture he was in. “The way he looks at him,” they would write, “there is no way they aren’t an item!” In one way, it was flattering how believable his acting was, but that’s all it was: acting. Nothing else. And it didn’t matter if his new co-star was a toadstool; he’d manage to have chemistry with him no matter what.
“We know that, darling,” James said as he knocked on the closed door. “But Mr. Balaban wants to make sure everything is perfect about this film. This is the most expensive project they’re making this year, and they want to know it’s in good hands with their stars.”
Louis tried not to roll his eyes as the door suddenly opened, and a slim, blonde woman gave them an empty smile as she stepped aside to let them through. There was a camera set up with a basic screen in front of it, probably to record their test.
James stopped them from moving forward, telling them to wait as he went over to the group of men in suits that were standing at the other end of the room.
“Did you know about this?” Louis whispered to Niall, who was now standing beside him.
“I would have told you if I did,” Niall murmured. “They usually schedule these tests before they cast, but it clearly wasn’t necessary when they were first casting,” he angled his head to look more closely at the crowd. “Ah, James was right. Mr. Balaban is here.”
Louis turned to look and spotted him, a rather bald man at the center of the horde. Mr. Balaban was the president of Paramount, and the one who had given him a new work home once he expressed desire to end his MGM contract. Not the friendliest of men, but he was responsible for keeping Paramount in the running with the other major film companies, and Louis was more than happy to stay with a studio that treated him well. And he liked how they didn’t enforce his contract too strictly, allowing him to a majority of the movies that he wanted to audition for. Besides, they had to be nice to their star that won two Academy Awards under their studio.
“He doesn’t really come to these screen tests,” Louis murmured in response. “Usually it’s his assistant or another executive.” He didn’t know whether to be excited or worried about this.
Niall shrugged. “Well let’s just get this over with. I want to see how this script is going to play out, and we need the table reading for that.”
Finally, the group of men made their way over to them, Louis shaking their hands in greeting.
“Hello, Louis,” Mr. Balaban said with a small smile. “Glad to see you made it.”
“If you think this is necessary,” Louis said as he let go of his hand, “I’m more than willing to do it.”
“Wonderful.” he said as he stepped aside, his large frame apparently blocking someone behind him. “Now I would like to introduce you to your new co-star. I do believe you haven’t met yet?”
Louis forgot how to breathe for a second as Mr. Balaban stepped aside and he saw who was standing there. The man was a beauty, blinking his green eyes back at him as he quickly studied him. He had long, auburn hair, an uncommon hairstyle, yet still looked lovely on him. His lips were a deep shade of pink, plump enough to rival the starlets of the day. Long limbs and a slim figure, he admired the way his clothes hung on him. He looked dashing, with a hint of loveliness attached to it. The ends of his curls lay against a crisp burgundy button shirt, the name “Styles” embroidered over the shirt pocket.
This beauty was his co-star? Someone up there really didn’t like him.
“We haven’t met yet, Mr. Balaban,” Louis said with a smile, hoping he looked welcoming enough.
“Hello Mr. Tomlinson. I’m Harry. Harry Styles,” the man greeted in a deep voice that seemed soft at the same time, his hand out for Louis to shake.
An inexplicable heat lingered on the back of Louis’ neck as they shook hands, rising up his arm as he felt his palm firm against his own. He hoped he wouldn’t sweat, not wanting to embarrass himself so early on in their work careers.
“I can tell by your lettering,” Louis said with a nod towards the pocket, “Think you’ll forget your name that easy?”
Harry followed his eyesight to the gold letters and gave a shy smile. “A friend of mine gave me this shirt for my first show on Broadway,” he giggled. “so I keep it as a good luck charm of sorts. Especially on a day like this.”
Louis couldn’t help but find it endearing. “Well nice to meet you, Styles. I’m Louis Tomlinson. You can call me Louis if you like.”
“Oh, I already know all about you,” the other man said as he looked over at James. “You’ve got two Oscars under your belt for two different roles, my favorite being your leading role in A Place in the Sun, but I do have a soft spot for your supporting role in Key Largo so I’d say you’re very well known. Even my mother back in England sent me a telegram asking me to get an autograph of yours. I even went-” he suddenly stopped himself and blushed slightly. “Sorry. I tend to ramble if no one stops me.”
Louis smiled, impressed with his apparent knowledge of him and even more endeared with his apparent shyness. “Well remind me to make one out to her, alright? Wouldn’t want to disappoint the people at home,” he said with a wink, hoping to put him at ease. “What part of England are you from? Your accent seems familiar.”
“Cheshire,” he said with a grin, cheeks still rosy. “Not many people around but I consider it home.”
“Oh? I’m afraid to say I haven’t been there,” Louis replied, popping a hip out slightly as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m from Doncaster, and I’d say the population isn’t enough to rival London of sorts. And I’m glad I haven’t lost my accent as much with all my time spent here. Everyone expects me to have an American accent at this point.”
“But then who would want to speak like an American,” they said at the same time, Louis’ eyes widening as a flush crept on Harry’s cheeks again. Did they really just say the same thing?
“It’s truly wonderful to see my actors already in sync!” James exclaimed as he clapped his hands together, looking between them as neither said a word. “This is going to make shooting much easier. Now just read off these,” he said as he handed them each a sheet of paper that his assistant had just brought over, “after you get in front of the camera.”
Louis glanced down at the script, trying to determine which part of the story the few lines were from. After a quick read, he determined it was a meeting between Julius and Cassius, in the courtship phase of their relationship. The scene notes stated they were in one of the gardens of the palace, and they were sitting on a bench under a tree as they spoke.
A makeshift bench was brought in for them to sit on, and soon the camera was rolling as they started to say their lines.
“Just read what you have,” they heard James say off camera. Louis glanced around the room, seeing all the eyes that were on them. With a small smile and a final glance at Harry, he started.
“I would love to get to know you better,” Louis said, trying to meet Harry’s downcast eyes. He knew it must not have been from Harry’s own shyness since the notes said Cassius must appear shy at first. “Are you afraid of me?”
“No,” Harry glanced up, meeting his eyes. “I don’t fear you. But I do wonder what you want with me, Your Grace.”
Louis was impressed the younger man didn’t need to read off his paper for that, like he saw many young actors do despite them having no time to rehearse for this.
“I want whatever you are willing to give,” Louis said softly, “You’re beautiful, and your mind matches it. I only seek your companionship.”
Harry’s eyes widened. “I’m not beautiful,” he replied, his eyes shifting away. “And you have your scholars if you need like-minded individuals. What makes me so special?”
Even if it wasn’t in the script, Louis gently reached over a hand and brought a finger under the other man’s chin, turning him to meet his eyes. “Because you stood out to me in a way that no other person has, and when I look into your eyes, I feel myself come alive.”
Louis realized how hooded his eyes had become in the process, and how supple Harry looked as he gazed back at him, his eyes fixing on his mouth. He imagined they looked like a couple from one of those Italian paintings Zayn had hanging in his house, so enthralled in each other they ignored the others around. He almost forgot there was a camera in front of them, and really wanted to lean in and kiss him. Damn the script.
“Fantastic!” they heard a man bellow, cutting the tender moment in half. They both looked over to see Mr. Balaban standing from his seat, starting to clap as they rest of the small group followed. “That’s exactly the type of chemistry I wanted to see,” he said with a small nod towards the director. “I trust you will utilize this to your full advantage, Mr. Corden.”
“Of course I will,” James said as he shook some hands. “Turn off that camera, send the film to Mr. Balaban’s office, and I’ll see you boys in the large meeting room in no less than ten minutes!” he said before walking out of the room, the men chattering as they walked away.
Louis still found himself frozen, watching as the room emptied. Even Niall walked out with them, and only a few crew members were left to clean the room. He realized that meant Harry was still with him, and he slowly turned to face him.
He thought he would have been watching the same scene he just saw, but instead he found him staring back at him, eyes wide as if he was a rabbit that was about to scurry away. And Louis already felt the need to calm him down.
“You did great,” he said softly. “I’m going to enjoy these months together.”
“Really?” He watched as Harry’s shoulders visibly relax, taking a deep breath in the process. “Sorry. I didn’t know we were going to do a screen test.”
“I wasn’t prepared either,” he chuckled, hoping it would break the tension, “and I’m the lead. So don’t worry about it,” he glanced at the door. “Mr. Balaban was clearly satisfied with it. We’re going to do fine.”
He watched Harry crack a smile, a dimple appeared on one cheek, as he pushed some curls behind his ear. The man looked young, but he couldn’t really guess what age he was. 23? He didn’t look more than 25. He’ll have to ask Niall later to give him the complete background of his fascinating new co-star.
Harry must have realized how long they had been staring at each other, though, and quickly turned his head and fumbled with the paper in his hand.
“I should um-” Harry squeaked out as he attempted to point his finger in the general direction that James left. “I’ll see you soon?”
“Yeah I have to um-” Louis nodded as he stood up from his bench and suddenly thought about Niall, “talk to my manager about something. See you soon, Styles.”
As they walked out of the room and Harry hurried away, Louis could frown as he watched him. Something felt so familiar about him, yet they only just met. Maybe this would make the filming go easier, since getting along with your co-stars was always a plus. He didn’t expect to look forward to filming so much, but now he was. And he didn’t know how to feel about that.
***
After finding Niall having a vivid discussion with one of the producers which quieted once Louis got close enough, already making the actor suspicious, they found their way into the meeting room for the table read.
He greeted some of the other actors, surprised to see some familiar faces from his other films. One in particular was Thomas Hardy, a lad who also came from England and made a name for himself in Tinseltown. He was usually cast as a villain in the crime dramas Louis would star in, but he knew the man was nothing like his character. This was Thomas’ first period piece as well, and this time he would be playing one of Louis’ generals. Even though he was mostly used to the action and noir genre of films, it was nice to know there were other actors that were as versatile as him and could adapt to other settings.
The tables were arranged in a circle, so everyone could see each other from where they were sitting. Niall pointed out where Louis’ name tag was, indicating that he would be standing behind him with the rest of the managers and agents that were there for their clients.
As he was about to sit, he noticed Harry walking over. It was obvious that they were supposed to sit together, so Louis pulled the seat out next to him, moving away so Harry could sit in it.
“Thank you,” the younger man said softly as he sat down.
Once he saw that Harry was situated, he poured them each a glass of water from the pitcher that was conveniently in front of them. His experience with table reads always called for water given how much they had to speak throughout it.
“Scripts are being handed!” a crew member announced to the actors as everyone was starting to fill their seats. “Please take one and pass it down.”
Louis smiled as he handed Harry his, noticing how quick the younger man’s cheeks were to flush as they made eye contact again. He noted that for later. Taking a pencil from the tray in front of them, he quickly skimmed the first few pages and marked his own lines.
“Shall we begin, gentlemen?” James asked as he took his seat, looking around to see all the actors ready with their scripts open.
They went through the dialogue, carefully reading their lines as the rustling of pages was heard in unison with every page turn.
Louis smiled to himself as they went through the scenes, noting the ones he was eager to film, his scenes with Harry in particular. Their scenes included their first meeting in a small village, their meeting again in Italy, a small scuffle between them that included swords (which Harry had tried not to giggle as he read them aloud, Louis smirking next to him as he followed along and tried to appear angry), and ultimately, the scenes were filled with some kisses here and there. Louis felt himself flush at the thought of kissing those pink plump lips.
By the end of the reading, they all applauded themselves as James had champagne brought out to make a toast.
“To the next few months,” he said as he raised his glass, Louis looking over at Harry as their director spoke. “I can say with certainty now that Mr. Aoki did a marvelous job in casting this film, and we are officially set to start production on Monday. To Julius!”
“To Julius!” they cheered, Louis clinking his glass with Thomas, who was sitting next to him, as they smiled at each other. He turned to find Harry clinking his glass with Peter Ustinov, who was playing another of his generals. He waited until Harry turned back to him, raising his glass to him.
“To Cassius?” Louis offered, tilting his head. “For being the apple in Julius' eye?”
Harry gave him a wide grin, enough for his dimples to appear, which made Louis momentarily lose his composure at how adorable he looked.
“To Cassius and Julius,” he responded, clinking his glass with Louis’ before tilting his head back to down it. Louis couldn’t help but stare as the younger man’s bottom lip looked delectable against the rim of the glass.
“To Julius and Cassius,” he replied softly, downing his drink as well.
This was going to be one hell of a shoot.
***
“A love scene? Will the studio allow it?”
Instead of getting into costume, Louis found himself in James’ office bright and early Monday morning, still in his regular clothes. Niall had told him to meet him there to discuss something important, and this was the last thing he ever thought they would be discussing. His manager wasn’t even there yet, but James had told him enough already.
“Scenes, my boy. As in more than one. You see, times are a changin', Louis.” He said before taking another shot of whiskey, which Louis thought was too early for something that strong. “Last month the council approved of a plan to show intimate scenes on screen, and that includes the male on male ones. This movie is actually going to be the first of its kind.”
Needless to say, Louis was proud to be one of the first to do so, but it was still a shock that they were even going to be filmed in the first place.
“So I’m going to have to do that with Harry?”
James nodded. “It’s not like I’m asking you to fuck a lady, Louis. We all know how you swing.”
“Of course you’re not,” Louis rolled his eyes. Having to do that with Harry was no problem, theoretically. “But you know what I’m talking about. I’ve never…” he worried his lower lip, “done that in front of a camera before. And I don’t remember such scenes during the reading day. Did you leave them out on purpose?”
“You just have to hump a gorgeous man in front of a camera for one or two scenes,” James waved him off. “And yes, there’s a reason we left them out of the initial reading. They’re going to be so quick and easy to shoot you won’t even remember you’re doing them. You pretend to fool around with that walking Greek statue for a bit, and then you’re done,” he said as he tapped his fingers on the desk. “And you’re aware the final weeks of filming will be in Italy to get the large-scale scenes? So your intimate scenes will be shot there as well.”
“And why wouldn’t we do them here in the studio?” He couldn’t find the logic of flying half across the world to film something they could easily do here.
“Because, dear Louis,” James smiled. “I want you both more comfortable with each other when we do such scenes. By the end of the shoot, I hope you both will be close enough that it won’t be awkward at all. Besides,” he smiled, “I’m sure the Italian air will make them very steamy.”
Louis tried to stop himself from rolling his eyes for the second time in a span of two minutes. He’s been to Italy, and the only thing that made the sex more hot was the weather.
“And you’re going to date him for a few months,” Niall announced as he walked into the room.
Louis turned to see his manager walking in, a briefcase in hand as he walked towards James’ desk. Did he hear him right?
“I’m going to what?” he shouted, sitting up in his chair as he frowned deeper.
“You heard me, Lou,” Niall sighed as he opened his briefcase and started to bring out large stacks of paper. Contracts, he realized.
“Not only am I going to have a love scene with him,” Louis said uneasily, “but I’m going to date him for publicity as well? I haven’t had one of those in ages, Niall. That’s the entire reason why I came to Paramount.”
Niall shook his head. “You weren’t totally free from them, Lou. They put a clause in your contract that they are allowed to put you in one of these relationships once every ten films. You’re actually on your fifteenth with them, but they respected your wish to stay single. Now they want to use it.”
Based on the expression of his face, he could tell Niall tried all he could to get him out of doing it. His hands must have truly been tied.
“But I don’t even know the man that well,” Louis groaned as he got up from his seat and walked over to the window, peering through the strands of sunshine that the blinds let in. Outside, he could see the people bustling around as they rolled carts of costumes through the sets, writers leaning towards each other as they discussed scripts and walked to other stages “Has he agreed?”
“He doesn’t have a choice,” Niall shrugged. “It’s his first movie with them, so they make him do what they want.”
“Poor kid,” Louis murmured.
“Kid?” James scoffed. “You’re not that much older than him, Louis.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he jeered. “Even though I started earlier than him I still would have been terrified at his age if I would have to be dating my first ever co-star in a feature film.”
He remembers how MGM would make him go on dates with their leading or up and coming men instead of putting him in movie roles. He wouldn’t have minded doing so if he got to work at the same time, but it’s almost as if they only hired him for publicity instead of actually acting. That was one of the main reasons he sought to end his contract there. He came to Hollywood to act, not be used as a prop.
“If he wants to stay in the industry,” James said as he leaned back in his desk chair, clasping his hands over his belly, “he’ll learn these are things he needs to do. And it does you no harm, Louis. It’s not like anyone around here is going to suspect you’re really dating.”
“But we shouldn’t have to do this either way!” he shouted. “No one should care about my private life, and we shouldn’t have to put this sham for some publicity. Let the film speak for itself!”
Niall leaned over the desk as he sighed. “You’ve got two, you hear that, two Oscars under your name, Louis. The public wants to see you as an,” he paused in thought, “all around man. Dating someone will spruce up your image and it will give the movie some more promotion. It really doesn’t hurt anyone and gives you both good publicity for the future.”
Louis thought for a moment, brows furrowing on his temple. He always hated doing these relationships, more for the annoyance than his image. He had been out his entire career, so being paired up with random men wasn’t that bad, but he made sure to never make it personal. Harry seemed like someone he could come to consider a friend, and he doesn’t know how the younger man would treat him if he was forced to be around him for a while.
“Can you at least bring him in here, so I know he’ll be okay with this?” he sighed as he turned around, rubbing his head in the process.
“That can be done,” James said with a nod as he leaned over his desk and pressed one of the buttons on the board. “Marge? Please find Mr. Styles and bring him in as soon as possible.”
“Will do, Mr. Corden,” a muffled voice replied through the speaker. Louis took one of the empty chairs in front of James’ desk, assuming Harry would take the other one across from him when he got there.
A few minutes later a wide-eyed Harry came knocking, his curls dangling in the air as he popped his head in through the open door. “You called for me, Mr. Corden?”
“Yes! Do sit down, my boy,” he said nodding towards the chair. “We wanted to discuss something with you.”
“And get your signature on some papers,” Niall said as he spread the contracts out in front of them.
Louis watched as Harry took the seat in front of him, greeting him a small smile. “Are you speaking about the love scene and the,” he looked down as his hands in his lap, “publicity relationship, Mr. Corden?”
“Yes,” James firmly. “The love scene will be tastefully done, and I will try to make sure you are both as comfortable as possible. The studio, especially Mr. Balaban after seeing your screen test, believes this to be an excellent match for promotion. You are just starting out in the business and this will give you a great introduction to the public. And Louis finally gets some of his ‘private’ life in the press, appeasing his fans, so it’s a win for all.”
Win for all. Now their sudden screen test made sense. Louis tried not to hide his annoyance as he gritted his teeth. They didn’t need to do this. There was absolutely no need to put them in a relationship for the sake of publicity, but no matter how many times you stood in front of the heads of Paramount or MGM they never listened.
“So Harry,” Louis said as he tried to meet his eyes. “You’re okay with this? The love scene and the… relationship?” he looked around. “Wait. Isn’t your manager supposed to be here?” They couldn't be springing this on him just like that.
“I already went over these contracts with Jeff,” Niall interjected. “We had a lunch over the weekend and sorted things out once Mr. Balaban's office called me. Sorry, Louis.”
Louis sighed, knowing Niall did his best. But now what mattered most is Harry, and he had to know what he had to say. He turned to see if Harry had a reply.
The younger man gave a small nod as he met his eyes. “I don’t have much choice in the matter, but I’m not totally against it.”
“You see,” James said as he got up from his chair. “The boy understands. Just a few paparazzi pictures here and there, some outings to get people to see you, even some while we’re filming the movie, and we’re all set.”
“Now if you both don’t mind signing,” Niall said as he nodded towards the stacks of paper.
Louis looked over at Harry, who was staring back at him with those soft green eyes he found himself wanting to get lost in. “I’m ready if you are,” the pretty man replied softly.
Well then. It was settled.
“Do hand me a pen, Mr. Corden,” he asked as he held his hand out. Once he felt the cold metal in his hand, he signed near all the “x” marks Niall had made over the papers. He handed the pen off to Harry and the other man followed suit.
“Glad to have this settled, gentlemen,” James said with a smile as Niall collected the contracts. “Tomorrow we’re going to start shooting the first scenes, so for the rest of the day I want you and the cast seeing that your costumes are fitted perfectly so we can start shooting bright and early tomorrow. Chop chop!” he said as he nodded towards the door.
As they walked out from the room, Louis pulled Harry aside as Niall waited for him at the end of the hall. His hand lightly gripped his bicep as he looked around to make sure no one would hear them.
“Okay I want you to tell me straight,” he said softly as he looked over his face. “Are you really okay with doing this? I was a mess in the head the first time I did this, so I need to know if you’re okay.”
“To be honest,” Harry said without meeting his eyes. “It is a little nerve wracking having to pretend like this, but I’ll just treat it like another acting gig? Besides,” he finally looked into his eyes. “I do feel a little easier doing this with you.”
“Really?”
“I’ve only known you for a few days, but you seem nice enough, Mr. Tomlinson.”
“Oh please,” he chuckled, “Call me Louis. We’re going to be close enough to be on a first name basis.”
Louis loved the smile that bloomed on the other man’s face when he said that, clearly content with their new familiarity.
“Louis,” he grinned. “I like that.”
“Well,” Louis gave him a wide smile, “I like your name as well. Hey um-“ he looked over at Niall, who was standing by the doorway waiting for Louis to finish and acting as if he wasn’t eavesdropping. “Don’t hesitate to ask me for anything, okay? I would have liked more experienced actors teaching me a thing or two on my time on set when I was just starting, so if you need anything I’m here.”
A gentle smile settled on Harry’s lips as he replied. “Thank you, Louis. I’ll be sure to ask if anything comes up.”
“Okay,” Louis let out a deep breath he didn’t realize he was holding in. “I’ll see you in costuming later? I look forward to seeing whatever skimpy robe they decide to put you in.”
“No skimpy robe for you?” Harry asked with a tilt to his head, a slight pout on his lips. That shouldn’t be adorable, Louis thought to himself.
“No,” he chuckled. “I’m an emperor remember? Heavy and elaborate fabrics are going to be draped over me instead. Maybe even some armor later on. I’ll just have to ogle your bare chest for the time being,” he said before he realized what was coming out of his mouth, eyes widening. Shit. “Oh no I don’t mean-”
Harry giggled as his dimples reappeared on his smooth cheeks. “You can ogle me all you want, Louis. Besides, we’re supposed to be ‘dating’. Nobody is going to think ill of it,” he said with a laugh. He walked away before Louis could reply, his cheeks still flamed in embarrassment. Harry looked over his shoulder with a slight smirk before turning the corner and disappearing.
“What in God’s name,” Louis whispered to himself as Niall walked towards him.
“You alright?” he asked, eyeing him over with a cocked brow. “Think you’ll be able to get along?”
Louis looked down the hallway as he replayed Harry’s walk away in his head. This was the first time he blushed in public in ages, and all because his head to mind filter decided to malfunction and somehow brought out a flirty side of Harry. But Harry didn’t even seem to mind; he actually liked what he said. The next few months are going to be anything but boring if he’s around Harry this much. Hopefully he wouldn’t embarrass himself into a frenzy.
“I think we’ll do just fine, Niall. Just fine.”