Chapter Text
“Lets go boys hurry it up, I have a family to get home to!” Louis yelled across the pitch.
The team finished picking up the football pitch, ridding it of the cones and many balls that were lying around.
“See you on Monday coach Tomlinson.” One of the players, Chris said as he walked past Louis and into the locker room.
“Yeah, bright and early Monday morning.” Louis said with a smile on his face.
Louis looked around the pitch to make sure everything was cleaned up. As he glanced around the massive stadium he considers a second home he never understood how he got there. How he got so lucky to have once played for Manchester United and being captain of the team until only 4 years ago when he retired and then was asked to coach the team.
He combed his fingers through his sweaty fringe and walked back to the bench where his bag laid and slung the strap over his shoulder.
Once he made his way to his black SUV he threw his bag in the passenger seat just as his phone started ringing. Seeing as it was Harry calling he picked up the phone with a wide smile plastered on his face.
“Hey babe.” He said into the phone.
“Hey Lou, did you leave the stadium yet?”
“Just got into my car, why, what’s up?”
“I was just wondering. I was going to start dinner but I didn’t want to unless I knew you were on your way home.”
“Yeah love I’ll be home in about 20 minutes.” Louis stated as he turned on the car and buckled his seat belt.
“Great, we also have someone coming for dinner, so there may be another car in the driveway.”
“Who’s coming for dinner?” Louis asked as he backed out of his parking spot.
“Well… Just wait until you get home.” Harry said uncertainly.
“Okay… I’ll be home soon. I love you.”
“Love you too. See you when you get home.” Louis could hear the smile on Harry’s face and that only made a smile appear on his own lips before he hung up the phone.
Louis made the drive to his and Harry’s home just outside of Manchester. They lived in a rather wealthy neighborhood and owned a fairly large house that had a gated driveway and security cameras outside the home. With Louis once being a star professional football player and now the coach of the best team in England they needed some security for them and the kids.
As Louis pulled up to the gated driveway and pushed the button in his car that allowed the gate to open and as it did so he pulled up in front of the house.
Like Harry had said there was in fact another car in their driveway that did not belong to them. The car was small and black with a tan interior. Looking closely at it he saw it was a Passat, but he didn’t know anyone who owned that type of car.
As he got to the front door and walked into the house he immediately kicked off his shoes and just before he could move further into the house two little forces knocked into him.
“Daddy!!” They said in unison.
Cameron and Rory his 4-year-old twins had grabbed onto his legs, hugging him. As Louis looked down at them he was always so amazed as to how they were basically him when he was younger. They had the same skin color, eye color, hair color, nose, and mouth. But personality wise they were a mixture of Harry and him, they had a lot of energy and plenty of attitude but when the time came for them to be sympathetic they were the nicest and most understanding kids.
“Oh my goodness look at these two monsters!” Louis said as he picked up both of his sons. Tickling them both in the process
Cameron and Rory latched onto Louis as they giggled into his neck.
“How was your day boys?” Louis asked as he moved further into the house.
Both of the 4 year olds had a hand on the back of Louis neck, gently playing with his hair as they walked.
“Good! Papa let us go to work with him!” Rory exclaimed excitedly.
“Yeah, and we cooked your favorite cookie!!” Cameron added in.
“You made me my favorite cookie?! I can’t wait to have some later.”
Louis made his way from the foyer to the kitchen where he saw his husband standing by the stove.
“Alright boys I need to put you down, and say hi to papa. Why don’t you go play until dinner is ready.”
Louis placed the twin boys down and they ran off, probably to their room.
Harry looked up and met Louis’ eyes as Louis moved closer to Harry, closing the distance between them as he wrapped his arms around his husband’s waist.
“Hi” Louis said looking up into Harry’s emerald eyes.
“Hey.” Harry smiled back at him.
Harry leaned down and kissed Louis tenderly, pulling him in impossibly closer to his chest.
“How was practice?” Harry asked after he pulled away from the kiss.
“It was good, I'm happy it’s Friday. It was so bloody hot out today. I didn’t want the team to do anything that would give them a heat stroke so it was an easier day. How about you, how was your day?”
“Yeah, you reek of sweat. My day was pretty good. Cameron, Rory and I went to the cafe for a bit. Rosie had a play date with that girl down the street. Cody just kind of hung around the house all day, reading, you know. And Alexis was out all day.”
“I heard you made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.” Louis said with a hopeful grin.
Harry chuckled and nodded his head. “Yeah the twins and I made some cookies while at the cafe.”
Louis gave Harry a quick peck on the lips as a thank you before speaking again. “Have you talked to Cody at all today?”
Harry ran a hand through his hair and gave a noncommittal shrug. “I mean I tried… He just…” As Harry was at a loss for words he huffed out a puff of air in small annoyance.
“It’s okay love, I’ll try to talk to him.” Louis said as he moved a curl away from Harry’s face. “You said Alexis was out all day?” He asked.
“Yeah.” Harry nodded. “She’s back now though.”
“Alright, good. So whose car is that in the drive way?” Louis asked as he shifted the bag that was still on his shoulder.
Harry let out a low chuckled before looking back at Louis. “Just go in the living room.”
Louis nodded, unsure of why Harry was acting kind of strange. He gave one last kiss to Harry before walking out of the kitchen and towards the living room. As he got closer he could hear Rosie rambling to someone. As he got to the doorway Rosie looked up and a wide grin came across her face as she saw her daddy.
“Daddy!!!” She screamed as she ran towards him.
Louis dropped his bag and got down to her height as she leapt into his arms. He picked her up and started kissing her dark curly hair as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Hi princess! Have a good day?” He asked looking at her.
“Yeah! I played with Lily down the street!!”
“That sounds like a lot of fun, I wish I was there.” Louis said as he chuckled at his daughter’s excitement.
“No daddy we played princess, and you can’t play that.” Rosie said sternly.
“I’ll have you know I am the queen.” Louis tried to reply sassily but a smile played at his lips as he saw his daughter’s expression.
“No. Daddy.” She said plainly.
Louis laughed at her angered expression and set her down on the ground with a final kiss to her forehead. He watched as she walked away and picked back up his duffle bag from he ground and slung it over his shoulder before walking fully into the living room.
When he stepped into the living room he saw his daughter Alexis with her hand on some guy’s knee as they talked in hushed tones, smiling at each other. Louis couldn’t form any words. He opened and closed his mouth as he watched the two that still hadn’t noticed his presence.
He said the first thing that came to his mind. “Who the hell are you?”
Both of their heads snapped up to see a confused looking Louis. Alexis looked at her father with wide eyes and brought her hands up to shield her face.
“Louis!” Harry screamed from the kitchen. “Be polite!”
Louis rolled his eyes as he looked over at the boy who stood up nervously, wiping his hands on his shorts and looking back at Louis.
“H-hello sir. I'm Hayden. It’s uh, it’s nice to meet you Mr. Tomlinson.” He said as he brought up his hand to shake Louis’.
Louis shook his hand and continued to eye him, even when their hands dropped.
“Dad…” Alexis said.
“Hmm?” He said as he kept his eyes locked on the boy in front of him.
“Can you just… Stop?” She asked as she got up from the couch and stood next to Hayden.
He took his eyes off of the boy and looked over to his daughter. “Stop what princess?” He asked innocently.
“You’re giving him a death glare, just stop.” She said, clearly embarrassed.
Hayden gulped as Louis looked back at him. “Alright I’ll stop…” He turned back to Alexis. “Al, you, Hayden and I are going to chat later then.”
Louis saw Hayden nod and Alexis rolled her eyes, annoyed at her father.
“Fine.” She said.
*~*
When Louis was finished showering he changed into black workout shorts and a powder blue t-shirt. He made his way down the stairs to see Harry setting the table with the twins and Rosie.
“Hey love, dinner almost ready?” He asked.
“Yeah in about 10 minutes. Would you mind talking to Cody, see how he’s doing? He’s not really talking to me…”
Louis could see how upset Harry was about it and he slowly nodded his head and kissed Harry on the cheek before walking through the living room, only to eye Alexis and Hayden sitting on the couch laughing about something. He rolled his eyes before he got to the stairs and jogged up them, taking a left at the top and walking down the hallway. When he got to Cody’s room he opened the door a little to see his son lying on his bed, just staring at the ceiling.
Louis looked at his son before him and all he saw was a spitting image of his husband. The dark chocolate brown curls, bright green eyes, and dimples that pop out when he laughs and smiles. Their personalities couldn’t be more different though. Cody likes jokes and pranks, and he's not really a fan of rules. Harry blames it on Louis but Louis was the same way and look how great he turned out.
Louis walked into the room and made his way to Cody’s bed and gently sat down on it, so he wouldn’t startle him. When Cody acknowledged his presence he offered his dad a shy smile and sat up against his headboard.
Hey buddy, how was your day? Louis asked, offering him a smile.
Fine. Didn’t do much. Cody looked at his lap, trying to avoid his father’s gaze.
What’s wrong? Your dad told me you weren’t talking much to him today.
Cody just shrugged and still refused to look his father in the eye.
Louis placed a hand on his son’s leg and squeezed gently, trying to get his attention.
Buddy you can tell me anything. I won’t get mad. Louis tried to reassure him.
But pop might…
Louis gave him a questioningly look, urging him to continue on.
Why would your father get mad? Louis asked when he saw that Cody wouldn’t continue.
Cody let out a deep breath before he started signing again.
Because I know how much he loves me, and I know he just wants to protect me but all he does is baby me. He thinks I can’t do anything by myself because I can’t hear. He does everything for me and when I try to do something by myself he quickly jumps in and just takes over before I have a chance to mess anything up. I know he’s just trying to help but I just feel stupid and useless.
Louis nodded in understandment because it was true. Harry had a habit of helping Cody with everything.
Cody you know you’re not stupid and useless… Don’t even think that. And well your dad is just being him, he can’t help it. It’s not because he thinks you’re going to mess something up, he’s just looking out for your safety.
I know but you don’t do that… You treat me like a normal person; you treat me like I can hear.
Louis felt a pang in his chest as he saw what his son was signing. Cody was definitely closer to Louis than Harry and he knew that.
If you haven’t noticed your dad and I are very different. Louis signed, trying to lighten the mood.
Cody chuckled and nodded his head before looking back at his father.
It’s just that he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it. He asked if I wanted to go to the cafe with him and the twins today but I wanted to finish my book. I asked if I could meet them there in 20 minutes and he said no because he didn’t want me walking alone. I'm 13 and the cafe is a 10-minute walk. He doesn’t even trust me to walk by myself.
Louis nodded before he started signing again. I’ll talk to your dad okay? Just please don’t hold a grudge with him. You know how upset he gets when one of you guys is mad at him.
Cody nodded and offered his dad a shy smile. Is dinner ready? He asked.
Yeah, your dad should be done by now. Ready to eat?
The two of them got up from the bed and Louis pulled his son into his chest for a hug, which was quickly accepted. Louis kissed the top of his head before moving towards the door.
Oh and your sister has a boy over. He’s staying for dinner. Louis signed as they walked down the hallway.
Cody chuckled before looking at his dad. You going to make his life a living hell? He asked with a wide smile.
Louis laughed as they made their way down the stairs and to the dining room. You know it champ.
Louis and Cody made their way to the table where everyone was sitting and chatting happily except for Harry who was probably in the kitchen. The twins were in their booster seats next to Cody and across from them sat Alexis who was in between Rosie and Hayden.
He eyed Hayden before tapping Cody on his shoulder to get his attention.
Want me to get your white board? He asked.
Cody nodded his head and Louis went into the kitchen to find Harry putting all the food onto serving plates.
“Hey love it smells delicious.” Louis said as he went over to the fridge to pull the white board and marker off of it.
“Thanks. Is Cody okay?” Harry asked nervously.
Louis nodded and looked over at Harry. “Yeah, he’s fine. It’s nothing to worry about, but we’ll talk after everyone goes to bed.”
Harry didn’t look convinced as he stared at the counter with his arms crossed over his chest. Louis walked over to him and wrapped his arms around the younger lad and kissed his neck as he rubbed his back gently.
“Haz really, it’s okay.” He tried to reassure him.
“Papa, daddy, what’s taking so long?! I'm Hungry!” Rosie yelled from the dining room.
Louis chuckled to himself as he quickly kissed Harry and picked up the whiteboard and marker before heading back into the dining room, followed by Harry who was carrying the food.
Louis gave Cody his whiteboard who was sitting just the right of him. Hayden on his other side. Cody gave a quiet thanks before looking at the stranger sitting across from him.
As Harry and Louis were serving food to everyone Cody uncapped his marker before writing.
Hi I'm Cody.
Hayden offered a shy smile before turning to Alexis to say something in a hushed tone. Cody could see them talking but they were talking too fast he couldn’t read their mouths.
When Hayden looked back at Cody he noticed Hayden was talking slow enough for his to read his mouth.
“Hey Cody, I'm Hayden. You’re sister told me a lot about you.”
Sorry if my dad tries to scare you out of the house.
Hayden laughed before speaking again. “It’s fine I totally get it.”
Cody just nodded, not really sure what else he could say to this stranger.
As Harry and Louis were finished serving they sat down. The twins and Rosie were talking amongst themselves.
“So.” Louis said as he clapped Hayden on the back, startling the younger boy. “What are your intentions with my daughter?” Louis asked as he shoved pasta into his mouth.
“Dad!!” “Louis!!”
Alexis and Harry said at the same time. Cody had a hand over his mouth to muffle his laughter as he saw a horrified look on his sister’s face and a beat red Hayden.
“What? It’s a reasonable question.” Louis said looking over at the boy next to him.
Louis noticed all of his features. His light brown hair that was styled in a messy fringe, tanned skin and green eyes. He was wearing powder blue shorts, and a grey graphic tee, overall not a bad looking kid.
“W-well Mr. Tomlinson-“
“Please call me Louis or Lou. I don’t want any of that mister stuff.”
Hayden nodded before he continued talking “I uh, I really like your daughter. I mean I don’t have any like intentions to do anything with her. Maybe just um like spend some more time together, and get to know each other a bit better.”
Louis looked at Hayden, searching his face for any type of sign that he may be lying, that he could just be using his daughter.
“Alright well you know that there was this application I saw online that parents can give out to their kids potential boyfriends or girlfriends and-“
“Louis, that’s enough, leave him alone.” Harry sent a warning glare. “Sorry about him Hayden…”
“No, it’s completely understandable.” Hayden said as he offered a smile.
As the kids and Harry talked with Alexis and Hayden, Louis turned to Cody and tapped him on the leg to get his attention.
What do you think of him? Louis asked.
Honestly, he seems like a cool guy. I'm only catching part of the conversation though.
Have any ideas as to how I could scare the crap out of him? Louis asked his son as a smirk found its way to his face.
I have a water gun that looks like a real pistol. You could threaten him with it and pull the trigger and a little squirt of water could come out. Maybe aim it at his trousers and make it looked like he peed himself if he hasn’t already.
Louis had to put his hand over his mouth as a loud laugh escaped him. He didn’t realize everyone had stopped their conversation and looked over at him and Cody who were lost in their own world.
My son is an evil mastermind! Louis laughed one more time before bringing up his fist so Cody could bump it.
The two of them laughed and joked some more before someone cleared their throat and Louis looked up to see all eyes on them.
We have an audience. Louis signed as he tried to keep the smile off of his face.
Cody looked up and tried to hide his laughter by shoving more food into his mouth.
“What were you guys talking about?” Alexis asked eyeing him suspiscously .
Louis looked at her as soft smile came across his face. “Guns.” He simply said.
Louis could hear Cody laughing beside him, but he saw a pink cheeked Hayden trying to avoid his gaze.
“Dad, seriously?” Alexis asked, clearly not amused.
“What Al, a father and son can’t discuss guns?” He asked through a smile.
She scoffed before speaking again. “Not when said father called himself a queen just 30-minutes ago.”
Everyone at the table started laughing at Louis’ embarrassment. Rosie especially because he said it to her when they were discussing princess’.
“Remember Lou, they’re all yours, that’s where they get it from.” Harry said with a smirk.
Once everyone was done eating Louis and Harry got up to do the dishes. Before they could though Hayden had stopped them and offered a helping hand. Before Louis could say anything Harry said ‘Thank you’ while offering him a kind smile and left the dishes to Hayden and Alexis.
“Cam, Rory let’s go bath time!” Harry said as he scooped them up from the sofa and threw them over his shoulder.
They were in a fit of giggles as the tried to hit his back to put them down. “Papa we don’t want to! We took one yesterday!” Cam complained.
“Yeah, and we didn’t go in dirt all day!” Rory chimed in.
“Hmm, let me see. What do you think Lou, any showers for these two monsters tonight?” Harry asked as he turned to face Louis.
“I think we can let this one slide.” Louis said as he grabbed Cam from Harry, only to tickle him.
“What about me daddy, do I have to take a shower?” Rosie asked from where she was still sitting on the couch.
“You miss Rosie bug have to take one. You’re getting to the age where you need to take one everyday.” Louis said as he placed a breathless Cameron on the sofa.
“Why don’t you go take your shower now and when you’re done we can have dessert?” Harry suggested.
“Okay!” She exclaimed before running towards the stairs.
“And you two monsters need to go get pajamas on. So go up to your rooms to change.” Harry said while placing Rory down.
The two boys took off running towards the stairs as Harry and Louis made their way to the couch.
Harry sat down and Louis laid down, putting his head in Harry’s lap so he could play with his hair.
“So what did Cody say?” Harry asked nervously as he ran his fingers through Louis’ soft caramel hair.
“He said that he doesn’t like how you’re always doing things for him. How you won’t let him be independent.”
“But… I just don’t want him to get hurt.” Harry said quietly.
“I know babe but you need to give him some independence. Like if he wants to walk to the cafe, let him. What do you think will happen when he goes out into the real world and no one is there to hold his hand? He needs to start learning now how to do things by himself.” Louis stated.
“You’re right… I just couldn’t live with myself if something bad happened to him.”
“I feel the same Haz but we need to give him some space… He told me today that he felt like he was stupid and useless.”
At that Harry stopped combing his fingers through Louis’ hair and brought his hands up to shield his face. Clearly mad at himself that he had been putting his own son down.
Louis sat up and took Harry’s wrists in his hand and pulled Harry’s hands away from his face to look at him. Tears were threatening to spill out and all Louis could do was hug him. He wrapped his arms around Harry’s neck and pulled him close to his chest.
“Harry, love that’s not your fault.” Louis stated as he cupped his hands around Harry’s face.
“But it is Louis. If I hadn’t babied him he wouldn’t feel like that.”
“No you were only trying to protect him. You were only being a parent.”
Harry nodded, still unsure of himself. Louis bent down and kissed him softly, while rubbing his thumb over Harry’s cheek softly.
Louis’ hands moved from Harry’s cheeks to around his neck as Harry grabbed Louis’ waist and pulled him in closer. Louis smiled into the kiss and parted his mouth open to allow Harry to deepen the kiss. Harry took this opportunity to lunge his tongue into Louis’ mouth. The once soft kiss had turned into one that was rough and needy. As Harry tightened his grip on Louis side Louis gently tugged at the curls on Harry’s neck making him moan softly into Louis’ mouth. Harry slowly shifted their bodies so Louis was lying on top of Harry, with Harry’s back lying against the plush sofa. As Harry moved his hands just under Louis shirt and squeezing his side Louis gripped Harry’s hair just a bit harder.
“Oh my God, shield your eyes!!” Alexis yelped.
Louis and Harry quickly broke their kiss and Louis sat up while fixing his hair. Harry doing the same and glancing over at their daughter who had her hand covering Hayden’s eyes while he was holding back a laugh.
“You guys are honestly the worst.” She complained.
“Oh, c’mon Al we’re not that bad. Would you rather have me just snogging your father on the couch or trying to take his clothes off on the couch” He asked with a smirk.
“Louis!!” Harry said embarrassed.
Louis winked at Harry before closing the distance between them and capturing Harry’s lips with his one last time.
“So Hayden, Al, take a seat.” Louis said.