you're cold and I burn (on hold)

Four
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Louis doesn’t even want to comment on the sheer amount of purely overblown decorations he’s
scooped up <strong>and</strong> is now struggling to carry through the threshold of his flat. He might have just
gone a touch overboard with this particular theme, but no matter, he’s going to make it work <strong>and</strong> it
shall be especially eloquent. He’s actually pretty confident in the fact that this color will be his
new obsession, <strong>and</strong> he’s even gotten a stylish <strong>and</strong> chic phone case to match, because he absolutely
had to. It was there, essentially screaming his name as he walked by <strong>and</strong> how could he possibly
say no? And Louis might have absolutely no self control when it comes to his personal
indulgence, but anyway.
It’s quite possibly going to take an impressive <strong>and</strong> bustling few hours to get all these up before he
needs a cup of tea <strong>and</strong> maybe a power nap. He’s got pretty much everything he could get his
grimy little h<strong>and</strong>s on, with no shame whatsoever as he proudly strolled out of the store with a
brilliant glow <strong>and</strong> his expression matching the bright fuchsia in his cart, probably. Without a
second thought he’s heaving the bags (that are much too full <strong>and</strong> could plausibly burst open at any
moment now) onto the counter tops <strong>and</strong> then running out of space, using the kitchen table as well.
Before he’s registered the magnitude of his quantity, the whole kitchen is filled with bags <strong>and</strong> no
he doesn’t regret a single purchase. He’s used up most of his ‘flat-decoration’ savings account,
<strong>and</strong> unabashedly, at that.
In the moment, he’s pretty aware that the flat is missing a particular tenant, a curly one with an
annoying tendency to get under Louis’ skin without even trying. Oh, darn.
On that note, he’s pulling out his cell, not at all surprised that no notifications are brimming on the
screen, <strong>and</strong> making way to the dock to plug in the auxiliary cord. Song after song, album after
album, are passed by with a quick swipe of his thumb, searching high <strong>and</strong> low for the perfect tune
to fill the flat with. He wants the musical notes to dance, to bounce off the walls <strong>and</strong> shuffle along
the floorboards, he want’s to hear only the lyrics <strong>and</strong> no thoughts, disconnect <strong>and</strong> lose himself in
the feel, in the vivd ambiance. The most important part of this whole experience is making sure
that its thoroughly enjoyable <strong>and</strong> not at all tedious or forced. It should flow with the easiness of an
immaculate <strong>and</strong> unstirred creek, time shouldn’t be a concept, minutes melting into one another. He
avoids any music that’s just too uppity or maybe too slow <strong>and</strong> depressing, finally deciding on a
classic ‘House of the Rising Sun,’ by The Animals, figuring that it will be superb for the task at
h<strong>and</strong>.
So, he’s got quite the impressive list. A new rubbage bin, new curtains, new dish sets, new h<strong>and</strong>
soaps, bath towels, a shower curtain, a new toothbrush. Adding also; a new bed set, bathrobe,
slippers, lotions, door mats, decorative pillows, lampshades, potted plants, picture frames, even a
new loofa.
His most abundant? C<strong>and</strong>les, so, so many c<strong>and</strong>les. They’re all of similar color (of course) but they
come in a few different scents. There is one that smells of dragonfruit <strong>and</strong> makes his insides giddy
<strong>and</strong> another that’s labelled “daydreams” but actually just smells like roses <strong>and</strong> a mere hint of
cherry blossom. He may or may not have a c<strong>and</strong>le obsession, but it’s not like it’s hurting anyone
<strong>and</strong> if he wants his flat to smell like a fruit garden then he will, anyhoo.
As lavender accessories are removed, getting a well deserved appreciation, <strong>and</strong> the new color is
taking it’s place, Louis can’t help but wonder what the hell Harry will think. He’s well aware that
this isn’t considered normal -he hates that word- behavior, <strong>and</strong> not everyone is so perceptive in