Clifford-the Matchmaker

2-Stalking the jogger

Louis had been thinking about Harry the whole week. He wondered if jogging in Hyde Park was something he did every Sunday? It wouldn't hurt to find out. Clifford needed his walk anyhow.

He left the apartment at ten, an hour earlier than last Sunday. He didn't want to miss running into Harry. He walked to the park where he had met him. People were creatures of habit. If Harry was out running every Sunday there was a huge chance that he ran the same route. He walked back and forth for an hour. He was starting to feel ridiculous and was just about to head back home when Clifford let out a bark and started to pull on the lead to run to the man who came jogging towards them.

Harry smiled and removed his headphones as he came running up to them.
"Hi Louis, hi Clifford."

Clifford tried to jump at him but Harry took a step back and raised a hand.
"Down boy. Sit."

Clifford immediately sat down and looked up at Harry with pleading eyes. Harry scratched him behind the ear. Louis stared at his dog in surprise.
"I don't understand how you do that."

"I don't know. It's all about the voice I guess. I can try and teach you if you want?" Harry offered.

Louis almost died then and there.
"Really? That would be great! You don't have to do that. You're probably busy." Louis rambled nervously.

"I don't have any plans for today, other than my Sunday jog, and I'm almost done. Is it okay if I just go home and take a quick shower? I can be back in 30 minutes, I live close by."

"Of course. I live close by as well. I just go home and feed Clifford and then we'll meet you here?" Louis hurried to say.

"Great! See you in a while then." Harry smiled before he ran off.

Louis hurried home. He gave Clifford food and made sure that he smelled nice himself. He brushed his teeth an extra time and brought a bottle of water and a bowl for Clifford and a blanket in case they wanted to sit down before he took Clifford with him and hurried back to the Park.

They arrived at the same time and Harry waved at them. His hair was still wet and extra curly and he was dressed in some blue jeans shorts and a pink t-shirt. He looked good.
"Hi." Louis breathed out with a smile.

"Hi." Harry answered and they just stood there smiling goofy for a moment, gazing into each other's eyes.

"So, eh, where do you wanna do this?" Louis finally asked.

Harry looked around and pointed at a plot of grass.
"There?"

They walked over and Louis spread the blanket on the grass and filled the bowl with water. Clifford immediately drank half of it.
"So, have you tried any dog courses?" Harry asked.

"Two. He failed them both miserably." Louis snorted.

Harry laughed softly.
"That's too bad. Let's see if we can make him listen to you."

They tried to make him sit for a half-hour. Every time Harry told him to sit he immediately obeyed but as soon as Louis tried he just jumped around.
"Why am I so bad at this?" Louis whined.

"You have to be the dominant one." Harry answered.

"I usually am, ehm, I mean...never mind." Louis answered and blushed.

Harry giggled.
"Good to know. So, use that voice on Clifford. Come on, show me your dominant side."

Louis couldn't help but laugh. Well, he could try at least. He looked at Clifford and tried to look serious. Clifford was so damn cute.
"Sit!"

Clifford sat down. It actually worked. Louis looked over at Harry with a delighted smile and his breath hissed. Harry was looking at him with dilated pupils. That was a bit weird but at the same time fucking hot!

They tried the command a couple of more times and Clifford listened to him now. At least until they tried another one without a positive outcome.
"I think that's enough for one day." Harry laughed and sat down on the blanket.

Louis joined him. Clifford drank some water before he laid down on the grass and fell asleep.
"Thanks for the help, Harry." Louis smiled.

"You're welcome. It was fun." Harry answered.

"How old are you if I may ask?" Louis asked.

"24, you?" Harry retorted.

"26, you're just a baby." Louis smirked.

"Hey, don't call me that!" Harry protested and showed Louis shoulder playfully.

"Because you like it?" Louis smirked.

Harry laughed but he didn't deny it. Interesting. They small talked for a while, covering the basics, family, hometown, work, that they were both single. Louis had butterflies in his stomach. It had been so long since he met a nice guy.
"Do you have plans tonight or can I invite you over for dinner as a thank you?" That wasn't too blunt, was it? Louis held his breath while he waited for Harry to answer.

"You cook too? You're just a dream come through, aren't you?" Harry winked.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you but I can only cook one proper meal really." Louis chuckled.

"Well, then it must be a really special one. I'd love to come over for dinner. Seven?" Harry suggested with a smile.

"Perfect, Oh, and Harry? Just to make it clear,  I'm asking you out on a date. I don't want things to get awkward if I try to kiss you later on." Louis said.

Harry threw his head back with a loud cackle.
"No I got that, or I at least hoped it was a date. Can't wait. See you later."

Louis gave him his address before he took the blanket under his arm and woke up Clifford. He dropped him at home and headed straight to the store to buy the ingredients he needed. After he had arrived back home and put away his groceries he went to get the vacuum cleaner and swept over his place. He made the bed and tidied his apartment. He wanted to make a good impression. He glanced at the clock and realized that he had to jump in the shower. He was really looking forward to the dinner.