Young & Beautiful

all he can do is sit beside him, reliving the events of the night over and over and picking apart
everything he did wrong. Because Louis doesn’t fucking know what he’s doing and he has no
idea how to treat this situation or Harry, not really, but he can’t stop trying, won’t ever stop, and
it’s terrifying because…
Can he handle what he’s taking on? Is he doing damage to the boy?
Louis doesn’t know.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, tired. He doesn’t look at Harry. He can’t.
From his peripherals, he sees Harry shaking his head. “Don’t be.”
And those two words strike Louis. They strike him out of his reverie and his self-doubt and they
spur him to look at Harry who turns to look at him. There’s something communicated in their
stare, and Louis doesn’t know what but it’s important. Important enough for Louis to never leave
Harry’s side for the rest of the night.
And, slowly, the tension leaves Harry’s shoulders.
**
It’s nearly the weekend. Thank fuck.
Louis is exhausted—not so much from schoolwork (as the term is still fairly fresh and the
coursework is still manageable)—but because he spends his nights stuck to the sides of his lads
and can’t be bothered to be mindful of his bedtime when his courses disinterest him so. He’s
taking a bunch of shit he cares little for—requirements for his degree—and it’s all fairly simple,
leaving him tragically uninspired.
But, oh well. He’s not too fussed. How can he be when he’s got the four best mates in the school?
This is what he asks himself as he receives a text from Liam.
‘”Certain Things” hit number one on the charts! Zayn and Harry want to celebrate. Dinner and
cocktails? Please wear crimson. :)’
Louis smiles as he tucks his phone into his pocket, mentally assembling an appropriate uniform as
he walks back to his flat, the cold winds sharpening the rays of the sun as it falls atop the peaks of
the towers around him.
**
The celebratory dinner is at Niall’s favorite restaurant—isn’t it always?—and Harry buys them all
rounds and rounds of drinks (Louis is drunk, yes), his smile brighter than Louis’ ever seen it,
mingling perfectly with his crimson suit and bow tie, lily pinned to his lapel. Several of the other
lads in their wide circle of friends stop by, coincidentally and purposely, shaking Harry and Niall’s
hands and smiling out congratulatory greetings. Edward shares a briefly intimate word with Harry,
whispers something in his ear which has Harry actually flush, smiling so widely his dimple almost
pops, before moving along with his date, sending warm smiles to all the boys.
After that, Harry’s aura is even brighter, searing through the dimly lit room. He’s the center of
attention—whenever Niall isn’t, that is—and everybody stares at him, watches him, admires him.
Liam giggles like a schoolchild at his quirks and Niall fist bumps him when he utters a bold
statement and…and often Louis will catch Zayn watching him, fond and quiet and with so much,
well…love.