Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Saturday 13

From: Harry (19:02)I have some bad news :( xxx

From: Louis (19:03)What's up? :( xxxx

From: Harry (19:05)Supposedly my Mum thought it'd be totally fine to just spring an impromptu beach trip tomorrow on me. So now I can't go tomorrow :( xxx

From: Louis (19:07)Seriously? Damn, I was really looking forward to seeing you too :( xxxx

From: Louis (19:07)And btw, the fact you said 'impromptu' in a text is adorable xxxx

From: Harry (19:08)I know right? But I couldn't exactly say no because...well you know what she's like. xxx

From: Harry (19:08)And I really don't see how that was adorable either, just saying xxx

From: Louis (19:10)Well of course, it'll be nice anyway. You need to get some sun on that pale skin of yours! At least one of us will get a tan, I haven't had one in like forever. And it was adorable because you still use big words even texting and...well you're just adorable so shh xxxx

From: Harry (19:12)I don't tan, like at all, it's impossible. And I'm not adorable, I've told you this a million times! Xxx

From: Louis (19:13)Aw my little vampire boyfriend, so cute xxxx

From: Harry (19:15)Really, Lou? Really? Xxx

From: Harry (19:15)Hey! I've just had an idea! Xxx

From: Louis (19:18)No, Harry! For the last time, I don't want you to turn me into a vampire! Xxxx

From: Harry (19:20)Fuck off, I'm not even that pale! And what I was saying, was that I was going to suggest for you to come along with us xxx

From: Harry (19:21)Only if you want to of course xxx

From: Louis (19:23)....I don't want to impose....xxxx

From: Harry (19:24)You wouldn't be imposing! I'm inviting you out of my own free will! And Mum loves you so she'd love you to be there. Gemma's coming too, so it gives them time to gossip or whatever xxx

From: Louis (19:26)Well when you put it like that...but like, I have my ballet class tomorrow so I can't stay off with you :/ xxxx

From: Harry (19:27)Well Mum still has to go in for the charity thing so I could get ready beforehand, like ready for the beach, and still come in so we can all set off together? As long as you pack spare clothes and stuff it'll be fine :) xxx

From: Louis (19:29)Well, I mean, I'd really really like to but...are you sure Anne wouldn't mind? Xxxx

From: Harry (19:30)Of course she won't! Now answer me properly; are you coming to the beach with me or not? Xxx

From: Louis (19:32)Ask your Mum first and then I'll answer xxxx

From: Harry (19:33)God, so high maintenance! Fine, I will! Xxx

From: HarryTo: Mum (19:33)Can Lou come with us to the beach tomorrow? Pleeeease let him!

From: MumTo: Harry (19:35)You're a lazy bugger you, you couldn't have just walked downstairs to ask me, could you? But anyway, of course he can, you didn't even need to ask

From: HarryTo: Mum (19:36)Thank you thank you thank you!

From: MumTo: Harry (19:37)But I don't want any PDA, hear me?

From: HarryTo: Mum (19:38)Oh my God Mum shut up

From: MumTo: Harry (19:39)I'm just saying I don't want to see anything more than PG!

From: HarryTo: Mum (19:40)Just. Stop Mum. Just stop.

From: Harry (19:40)My Mum said yes! So now you have no excuse ;) xxx

From: Louis (19:41)Hey! It wasn't an excuse, I wanted to go! Xxxx

From: Harry (19:42)Well now you can go, although my Mum said - I quote - "But I don't want any PDA, hear me?". I think I died xxx

From: Louis (19:43)Omg your Mum is such a legend :L I'm glad that she's fine with us though, regardless of the fact she doesn't want any PDA :P xxxx

From: Harry (19:44)Me too, me too :) xxx

Harry had told Anne about the change in their relationship status the day after. It wasn't like he'd purposefully not told her on the day they got together, and normally he probably would've said straight away, but the time was never right and he was just too giddy to form proper words. His mind was just swirling with the fact that Louis was his boyfriend and he couldn't seem to bypass that big blockade. It wasn't like he wanted to forget about it, he probably couldn't even if he wanted to, but it had left him in such a blissful state that he wondered if he'd ever be able to form a coherent sentence in his head again. Not to mention when the kiss was added in there, everything just went straight to pot and he was riding on cloud nine every second he was awake.Well, it wasn't like the kiss hadn't decided to plague his dreams either though. Actually, 'plague' sounds too negative and harmful; his thoughts definitely weren't anything of the similar to those connotations. It wasn't as if he'd directly thought about the kiss in his dreams, just a gentle reminder as he floated through dreamland that he'd felt lips upon his for the first time ever.If he thought even lightly about the kiss, at any time, he could clearly feel those soft lips pressing against his. He could feel the tingle through each lip. It was like there was a feather dusting around the edges of his lips, tickling his pink plumps every time his mind caught wind of that heart bursting kiss.Anne had caught onto this surprising change in demeanour. Harry was constantly wearing a grin, a smile, or even just a tug at the corners of his lips. It was refreshing, seeing such a happy expression. The cheerful smile branded Harry's skin with a whole new type of glee. That's not saying that in recent months Harry hadn't smiled at all, that's far from the truth, but she'd never seen him as joyful as he was that Saturday afternoon. Especially when that smile was obviously powered by something else which Anne couldn't quite work out; it was quite boggling.She was going to leave it be, see if Harry's mood quivered a little and then maybe she'd be able to speak to him about that random mood increase. But that failed when Harry woke up the next morning, not even grumpy about being woken up by her having a shower. She'd expected at least a grunt from the boy as he passed her on his way downstairs, but instead she got a quiet smile. She'd looked behind, eyes trained on her son who was practically skipping down the stairs and off into the kitchen, and wondered how the hell he was still in such a good mood. But Anne wasn't about to complain any time soon; it was nice to have such a cheerful soul bounding around the house, even if it was for reasons unknown.She'd made a bet with herself to see how long she could go without slipping up and asking why Harry was so damn happy. She thought she could maybe last the full Sunday, maybe twelve or so hours, probably dying to find out by the time they settled down to watch Big Brother.She lasted two hours.But all credits due, this was her son; of course she was going to be curious. She had a right to be nosy.She'd blurted it out as she chopped up the carrots for the dinner that night, her mind not fully concentrated on the task in hand as her eyes were constantly flickering over to the table where Harry sat, phone in hand and grin on lips. She asked him why he was so happy, turning around and setting the knife on the chopping board stilly. Of course she babbled a little, saying she loved his mood and that she was only wondering, naturally.Harry just grinned at her, shooting her a cheeky wink, and confidently strutted into the living room, humming a nameless tune. Anne followed in suit, scuttling after him with more eager curiosity circulating her mind. Harry was lounged on the sofa when she approached him, a lazy smile caressing his lips.Anne quickly grabbed the whiteboard and pen from the coffee table and shoved them onto Harry's chest. He was a little startled by the keenness in her actions but the wall guarding the secret only between him and Louis and stopping everyone else from knowing crumbled down as her eyes expressed enthusiasm right through to his soul.

So...Louis may or may not have...kissed me...He was blushing furiously as he showed her it, his teeth caught over his bottom lip and a dimple prodding his cheek. This flush darkened as Anne read over the writing and in turn, found herself squealing. She quickly pulled Harry into an almost congratulatory hug, but pulled away soon after. Her hands were covering her huge grin as she rested them on her chin, her eyes sparkling with joy and pride."Oh, H! I'm so happy for you!" She beamed, pulling her hands from her own face and patting Harry's in a motherly fashion.

That's not allHarry wrote, showing it to Anne with a gentle smirk. Anne had gasped at the new revelation that his happiness had even more depth; it made her giddy inside at all the possibilities. Obviously it wouldn't have been any further sexually, because she knew Harry and she knew he'd never do that. But the prospect of it being something romantically related had her heart bouncing in anticipation.

He may or may not have asked me out...Clapping her hand over her mouth as not to let out another squeal which was ready to burst from her lips in excitement, Anne couldn't restrain the three little jumps she did when she read the writing. Harry's eyes weren't gleaming with embarrassment over his Mum's reaction, surprisingly; they were actually tinged with delight over the fact that she seemed so proud of him.She was just happy that her son had found someone who cared for him as much as he cared for the other. It was a rarity in itself. Harry deserved that special someone.But then it dawned on Anne that Harry hadn't specified that he'd accepted the offer. She was suddenly wishing to all Gods that he had done and he hadn't wasted such an amazing opportunity."Wait...you did say yes, didn't you?"Harry looked at her like she was mad.

Of course I said yes!She instantly let out a babble of words along the lines of 'oh my baby is all grown up' and 'I'm so happy for you, H' and 'you two are perfect together, aw Harry I'm so proud of you'.After an endless amount of gushing on Anne's part, Harry had retreated back up to his room with a sense of settlement and achievement sitting snug in his heart. He wasn't exactly worried about his mother's reaction, she'd already given their relationship the okay the week previous, but he was still a little way of the fact she might've thought it was too soon. After all, Harry had only just realised his true feelings towards the boy. But in the end, she was totally fine with it, maybe even better than fine, she was utterly ecstatic.He knew that she had gone straight to the house phone, dialling Gemma's number and pressing the phone hot to her ear to spill the new found knowledge she had received. No doubt Harry would receive an excited text, wanting to know every single little detail, from his beloved sister, and he was willing to freely provide them; after all, she was his sister and he told her practically everything. Of course his Mother was basically his best friend -bar Louis and Gemma herself-and he told her most things that he needed to, but it was different with Gem. She was younger; she understood small teenage emotions and he didn't mind letting all the words about the sparks of emotions he felt throughout the kiss flow out to her.So overall, his family's reaction was that of euphoria. The two boys were thoroughly pleased.

The two boys were bunched up on the piano stool, neither actually playing the piano just then. Louis had tried to show Harry the new piece he was learning, but failed soon into it when he messed up the notes. He hadn't been learning it for long at all, so he was still rusty in where to place his fingers. He was becoming frustrated with how long it was taking him to learn, after all, it wasn't even supposed to be an 'advanced' piece.He'd seen how Harry's eyes had washed over the staves approvingly, nodding at the tune he was playing in his head from the delicately placed notes. Those little black dots and lines sprung imagination of how it would be played immediately into Harry's mind. Louis knew that Harry would've been able to play it easily, but he wanted to at least be able to run through it once without having to look at Harry for help. It was as if the roles had been permanently reversed nowadays, with Harry the teacher and Louis the student.Once Louis had groaned for the billionth time in annoyance, Harry let of a sigh and snatched a piece of paper from the top.Stop getting agitated, alright? It's a hard piece; don't knock yourself down over it."I know, I know. But I should at least be able to get through the first section before the crescendo there," he pointed out. "And I can't even do that. What is wrong with my fingers today? They were fine yesterday afternoon!" he whined, bringing his fingers up to his face and looking at them with a pained expression.Well it depends where your fingers were last night...Harry was smirking. Full blown smirking. Louis didn't catch on until the third glance over the sentence paired with the dirty expression on Harry's face, and when he did, he gasped at the cheeky innuendo."You dirty bastard!" he slapped Harry lightly on the arm, astonished, but revelled in the dirty laugh that Harry was cackling.What?! I don't know what you get up to every night!"I- I...don't...I- just...shut up, Haz!" Louis was blushing bright scarlet and his words were crawling with embarrassment.I *was* going to offer to help you play..."Oh please, Harry!" the embarrassment seemed to have decreased, or maybe Louis was just doing a good job of trying to diffuse it and cover it up like it had never been there.But I don't know if I want to put my hands over yours anymore...The smirk had returned, along with a small burst of that dirty laugh, but it was hidden by Harry's hand which shot over his mouth to stop the both of them. That fucking smirk will be the death of me, Louis thought."Harry!" Louis whined. "Stop it!" He pouted childishly and crossed his arms, hands resting under his armpits.N'aw is Louis embarrassed?As Louis was reading, Harry went to pinch his cheeks as if he were a baby, which caused a strangled protest to scramble from Louis' lips as he pushed them away. Harry just laughed in response, shaking his head at Louis' antics.Harry then, once he'd calmed down, shuffled off the seat and stood behind Louis. Louis shot him a confused glance, but obeyed Harry when he tugged up his hips to make him stand up. Louis shuffled closer to the piano as Harry's gangly legs slotted in behind him, but no torso seemed to follow. Turning his head around confusedly, he got a quick glance at Harry who was seated himself in Louis' place, but before he knew it, his bottom had been yanked down and he collapsed onto Harry's lap."What are you doing?!" Louis' voice was full of surprise and definitely not anger. He had to admit, Harry's lap was rather comfy and it was terribly hard not to grind down on his crotch. Temptation was a bitch. But Louis prevailed and waited for Harry to answer, temptation of Harry's lips being his next devil as they were so close to his, and Louis had to stop himself from attacking those so soft plumps ferociously.Instead of answering directly, Harry plucked up his hands from around Louis' waist and moved them to hover high over Louis'. Louis hadn't even noticed that his hands had rested on the keys instinctively. As he slowly lowered them, he kept stopping and letting them raise a bit, before lowering them a bit more. It was like he was acting out hesitance and worry. His fingers were shaking over-exaggeratedly and his fingertips were curling in as he got closer.Suddenly, as his hands were centimetres away from Louis', the heat radiating onto the tanned skin, Harry retracted his hands back with a whine to state that he couldn't put his hands over Louis'.Louis caught on to what Harry was doing, the fake-disgusted expression being even more evidence. He jumped off of Harry's lap in frustration, causing Harry to start laughing -maybe it was at Louis' reaction, or maybe it was at his own joke- and turn to face him."For God's sake Harry! I didn't finger myself last night!"Louis exclaimed words weren't followed by anything except silence. Harry's eyes were wide and his face a mixture of mortified, shocked, and laughter. His green orbs were directed just over Louis' shoulder.Oh fuck no, please no, Louis thought."Someone's behind me, right?" Louis winced. Harry nodded, his lips tight in a line to stop himself bursting out into fits of laughter.Louis turned around tentatively on the balls of his feet to see -Oh, it just had to be her didn't it?-Anne standing by the door, eyes wide and mouth agape.Louis could feel the heat rising up his neck instantly, creeping up over his cheeks and burning in his temples. He stared in horror at her, mouth opening and closing as he tried to form a proper sentence, an apology, but all he kept doing was stumbling over words.Anne coughed awkwardly, blinking to bring her out of her shocked trance and shooting Harry an estranged look."D-do you want to get going now?" She said weakly, gesturing to the exit. Louis couldn't react; he was still standing burning hot, frozen in the middle of the room. Harry, however, scrambled up from his seat and Louis could see out the corner of his eye him collecting his satchel and sidling up to Louis.He pecked Louis on the cheek quickly, and Louis could feel his trance dissipating just from that one action. God, that sent so many tingles through Louis' body, he'd never be able to count them. It was such a simple form of affection, but it felt like an avalanche of feelings surged all the way to his toes all because of it. Harry's arm wrapped around his waist and started guiding him forward, following Anne who had rushed out of the room in a flurry, probably still as embarrassed as Louis.Louis curled into Harry's grip as they wandered through the building, nuzzling his face into Harry's neck. He whispered, probably too quietly, "that was so embarrassing, I think I'm going to die."Obviously it was loud enough for Harry to hear, as the vibrations as he chuckled ran straight through Louis. Harry tightened his grip around Louis as a way of comforting him, shaking his head slightly as if to help Louis get over the embarrassment.Louis made a noise of protest into Harry's neck, acting against Harry's dismissive head shake. It wouldn't be that easy to forget, but he made a pact in his head that he'd act like it never happened so hopefully it'd somehow just slip from Anne's mind. Harry's hot skin underneath his face was a distraction from the situation, the skin clinging together. He was tempted to pucker his lips and press them to the warm skin, but restrained himself.They wandered to the car, reluctantly parting as Louis walked around the car and slipped inside it. Anne was chatting to a woman by the door, probably telling her the things needing to be done as she left hours early, so it was only him and Harry in the car.The middle seat seemed to create such a barrier between the two of them, and all Louis wanted to do was slide over and snuggle into Harry's side. He just wanted to feel Harry's heat on him, wanted to use this new relationship status to be able to touch Harry as much as he wanted. Obviously Harry wasn't totally comfortable, but he was much more pliable to simple brushes and caresses."Do you mind if I...move along? To sit next to you?" Louis knew his voice was young and innocent, but he didn't really mind. He was cautious with his question, not sure on whether Harry would be okay with it.Harry's big green eyes stared over at him, and he nodded slowly. Louis unbuckled his seatbelt and slid over. He buckled himself back in, the feel of Harry's leg on his burning through the jeans that lined his skin. He shuffled around so his shoulder was hooked behind Harry, and rested his temple on the shirted shoulder. Harry had tensed a little from the close proximity, but he relaxed soon enough.Just as Anne was about to get in the car, loading things into the boot, hesitantly Harry's fingers edged over towards Louis' hand which lay on his lap. They twitched over the tips of Louis' before apprehensively skimming his soft skin over Louis'. The light touch made little goosebumps rise over Louis' arm, whether that was from it being ticklish or the fact it was Harry reaching out to him, he didn't know. Harry was silent, deep breaths through his nose being the only noise in the car. He picked up Louis' fingers and with trepidation, intertwining their hands together.Louis sighed happily, glancing up to Harry with a smile on his face and squeezing their hands. His eyes spoke 'thank you' to Harry, even though he wasn't sure what he was thanking the boy for in particular. For reaching out. For letting him in. For being there. For being him. Everything.Harry's eyes gleamed back at him, bright green pools of dissipating hesitance and growing comfort. He seemed happy with himself; happy that he'd had the courage to make the first move, happy that he was actually comfortable with someone sitting so close to him, regardless of the initial tension it sent through his body.The atmosphere wasn't so much as destroyed, when Anne slid into the front seat, but the embarrassment Louis had felt rose to the surface of his cheeks just at the memory. The mother said something along the lines of "right then, let's get going" in a bright and cheery voice, before turning on the engine and roaring off down the street. They were to pick up Gemma from back home -as she was home for a break from Uni- and then make the hour journey to the coast.

The thin, tartan blanket had just been lain out on the soft sand, the bags all piled up by the side and jumpers balled up into little make-shift cushions. Sunglasses boxes were left open by the side, no sunglasses filling the contents as they moved to perch on their respective owner's noses. Anne and Gemma were more of a big, round glasses type people, the type you'd see some celebrity wearing. Harry had on those stomach swirling Ray Bans, which Louis thoroughly enjoyed peeking at through his Aviator shades.Harry wasn't really dressed for the beach, neither was Louis really, unlike Gemma and Anne. Gemma was wearing a knee length, floaty dress covered in swishes and swirls of bright colours; Louis couldn't deny how utterly beautiful she looked. Anne was donned in similar attire; however she wore a long maxi dress which complimented her figure exceptionally well. Harry, on the other hand, was wearing tan chinos, a white t-shirt and an open, short sleeved, faded shirt over the top. It was a relatively cool outfit -temperature wise, but that's not saying it didn't look...ravishing- so he wasn't going to overheat too much. But if the worst comes to the worst, he can always take off the white t-shirt, leave that shirt on though in case he gets chilly, but he can keep it open, God, that'd be really hot- No Louis, don't think about it. Really, Louis shouldn't have been so perceptive about fashion, but his excuse always was that he was just fitting the gay stereotype.Anne and Gemma had already lain on the rug, taking up all the space, so Harry and Louis were left standing awkwardly, sun blaring down on their backs. Two extra towels were lying by the blanket, so with the suggestion that the two of them lie them out, they moved a long a little so they weren't right beside the mother and sister pair, and let them float to the ground.Harry immediately flopped onto the ground with a 'hmph' and sprawled himself over the large towel. His face was directed into the sun, and a little strip of pale skin showed where his t-shirt had ridden up. Louis found it hard to take his eyes off the relaxed figure, especially when the sun seemed to increase in brightness and every part of Harry seemed to radiate beauty.God, I'm so sappy, Louis thought.He collapsed in tail and lay down on the towel, letting his revealed skin soak up the rays of sunlight. It was nice, peaceful, lying there with just the sound of the sea, children playing, and seagulls squawking, playing around their heads. Louis' eyes searched out Harry from behind his sunglasses, his red lips being the first thing Louis saw.He hadn't noticed Harry biting them or anything to make them such a deep pink colour, almost red, but he was suddenly thankful for whatever made them look so lusciously coloured. It wasn't like Louis had a lipstick kink or anything, but seeing those lips looking so plump, smooth and -oh, now shiny from the tongue which just swiped over them, it was something which Louis found fascinating. It was probably because Louis actually had the permission to press his lips against the apple reds, that's what made them so enticing no matter how delicious they looked.Daringly, without much thought, Louis shuffled up the towel silently, so Harry didn't notice, and then suddenly rolled over and pounced onto him. His aim, though, wasn't as good as his silence as his lips didn't land on those juicy reds; they landed on the side of Harry's nose. Harry looked a little stunned when Louis pulled off to look at him once he realised he missed target."Sorry," Louis said. He looked around to see if he'd alerted Anne or Gemma, but neither seemed interested. "Your lips looked tasty and I wanted to kiss them," he whispered it like it was a secret never to be shared. A simple secret albeit.Harry blushed, a light twinge of pink dusting his cheeks. He held that rich bottom lip between his teeth, making Louis' lips almost jealous over the claim they had over the soft flesh. Louis watched intently, blue eyes trained solely on the darkened skin, as Harry slowly let his teeth ease away from his lip. The unbitten section became plumper as he pulled away, the colour deepening with every millisecond of prolonged loss. It wasn't long before the soft lip had sprung back into place, swollen and pinked. Louis wasn't sure if Harry was doing it on purpose, but fuck, it looked so hot Louis didn't think he could actually keep his insides -or outsides- in check."You're so hot," Louis growled unguardedly. He didn't give himself a chance to check out Harry's reaction as his lips dragged down to Harry's. It was tempting to separate his lips and part Harry's with his, but he knew not to take it too far. The thoughts of just licking them like he would a lolly were overwhelming, but he focussed solely on the feel and nothing more. He lost himself in just keeping those lips on his; that was all he needed.As he pulled away, and dipped in to press his lips on Harry's again to vary the length they were pressed together, he was vaguely away of Harry's arms raising above his curly-haired head, but took no notice. It was only when he felt a cold sprinkle of sand shimmy down his neck from above that he pulled away in shock, shaking his body violently to rid of the tickly feeling."Oh, it's on Styles."

After throwing sand around and kicking abandoned sandcastles towards each other, Louis was worn out. The sun on their backs made it even hotter as they scrambled around the sand. He was covered in grains of sand; no doubt he'd find them everywhere for at least a week, but seeing Harry in such a 'worky-ticket' mood, so mischievous and playful, was all worth it. He had a giant smirk-tainted grin on his face as he grabbed handfuls of sand, and he laughed loudly when it smashed off of Louis' sandy clothes.They'd fallen to the floor in a tumble, wrestling playfully with each other and trying to squash sand in the other's face, but soon enough they'd given up and surrendered. They turned to playing with the sand a little more eloquently, as such. They nabbed two neglected, empty plastic cups and filled them with sand. They made a little castle of five overturned cups, and scooped out a moat around the edge. The water wasn't going to flow close enough to fill the trench, but it gave the same effect regardless. Louis was pleased with the construction, but Harry scrambled for random shells and stones to decorate it up.They finished with a sigh, gazing at their masterpiece -it wasn't that good though- that stood strong in the breeze. Louis pulled out his phone and snapped a photo, aiming to print it off at some point to slip it in with everything else 'Harry'. After sliding his phone back into his pocket, he mirrored Harry's position and sat back, his arms supporting his body behind him as the palms of his hands dug into the grainy sand.Louis turned his head over to Harry, speaking after a few seconds of just admiration which were unavoidable, especially when it was a side portrait of the curly-haired boy: "Fancy going back for a sunbathe? I'm kinda tired out."Harry scoffed, looking at Louis pointedly, eyebrows raised. Louis replied to the look with a voiced out "What?!" Harry scanned the beach quickly before sticking his hand out to point somewhere. Louis' eyes followed the action and locked onto an old man, fast asleep on the deck chair whilst his -Louis guessed- grandkids played happily around him.Louis gasped dramatically, "I am not an old man!"Harry just laughed as he stood up, flicking his wrist as if to say, "Whatever you say, Grandad.""Bastard," Louis muttered under his breath, standing up to follow the younger boy. He dusted off his jeans and plodded back to the towel where Harry had situated himself in a lying down position, his elbows being used to hold his upper body up. His face wasn't that expressive, and Louis couldn't see his eyes as to whether he was thinking deeply or not, but he still looked a sight for sore eyes. "Fucking beautiful bastard though."Louis collapsed onto the hard ground beside Harry, sighing heavily. He fumbled for his jumper, balling it up and setting it underneath his head. He closed his eyes, ready to try and catch a little nap, but that seemed impossible. The jumper wasn't much help at all; it was hard and uncomfortable, especially on the third rearrangement of it when the zip dug into the back of his head. He was about to try and redo the cushioning once again, but he felt a hand clasp around his bicep.He looked over at Harry, who was tugging his arm closer towards himself. Louis shot him a confused look. Harry took this response with an eye roll, and shuffled closer so he lay in between both towels where they joined. Once he'd settled, he pulled harder on Louis to make the older boy lay next to him, so close their skin was touching. He let Louis' arm go and guided Louis' head onto his chest; and then Louis realised what he was doing.It was thrilling, as such, seeing Harry rearrange them so they were comfortable, together. He was openly letting Louis sleep on him, just so Louis could sleep well. Yes, they had already technically slept together -not in that way, obviously- but this was such a light action which would've been thought to be unimportant to anyone else, but to Louis it made his heart flutter.They'd found a position, Harry lying on his back with Louis snuggled into his side, his head resting on Harry's chest. Louis could hear Harry's fast-beating heart, it not being at a normal pace. The fact that Louis had caused that was somewhat astounding for the Doncaster-lad.It wasn't long though, when the heartbeat had slowed down to a reasonably normal rate. Louis took it that Harry was then comfortable with their bodies touching, and he let his eyes droop into sleep.

Louis stirred from his slumber, rolling around a little on the towel. His eyes creaked open but shut tight when the blinding sun was the first thing he saw, evidently his sunglasses had fallen off in his sleep. He knew he hadn't been asleep that long from the way his eyelids weren't stuck together with a film of sleep, but he'd definitely fallen into dreamland for a small while. His arm blindly struck out to the side, trying to search out the boy who he'd fallen asleep on. He presumed that he'd rolled off of the boy during his nap, but the cushioning under his head was place all too carefully, so his sleep-ridden mind was slightly confused.Slowly opening his eyes and sitting up, he shaded his eyes with his hand and glanced around. Harry was nowhere to be seen, not sitting next to him or Anne and Gemma."Hey Anne," Louis' coughed away his croaky voice. "D'you know where Harry is?"Anne pulled her face up from her book, and looked at Louis through her sunglasses. "He's just gone down to the sea, love. He only left ten minutes or so ago so he's probably still down there."Louis nodded appreciatively and stood up, stretching his muscles and bones with a crack. Running his hands down his jeans to smooth out the creases that gathered around his knees, Louis let his bare feet take him further down the beach. The closer he got, the easier it was to spot those infamous curls. Harry was swinging his foot back and forth in the shallow depths of the sea. His trousers were rolled up a little, the faded material of the insides on show along with the pale of Harry's skin. They weren't rolled that high up, so they'd probably get wet anyway if he went in any deeper or the waves crashed a little more forcefully, but being half way up his shin, Louis could imagine Harry taking his time to roll them up evenly and neatly. The thought was adorable in itself.As the soft, light sand turned darker and wetter, Louis could see Harry much clearer. He looked deep in thought -if that was able to be told from behind- by his, now aimless, swinging of his feet, more of a weak kick. His hands were hanging loosely by his side, his fingers dropping in lack of structure.Louis crept up behind him, the sand squelching, aiming to surprise the boy with the wrapping of his arms around Harry's waist. That, however, went to pot when his toes first came in contact with the coldness of the sea. He let out a girlish squeal and retracted backwards away from the incoming water. It bit at his toes and tingled through his veins in instant reaction, and he almost regretted coming down to the sea at all. It was only almost regret though, because seeing Harry front on, a genuine smile on his lips, was worth any amount of numbing."I want to come in and cuddle you but it's really fucking cold," Louis admitted, dipping his toe into the approaching water but pulling it out immediately with a hiss.Harry reached out to him, clenching his hands into a fist and then releasing them as if to lure Louis in. The younger boy jutted out his bottom lip and widened those eyes into big green saucers, and it seemed that Louis' mind was suddenly hypnotised. His feet walked into the cold without thought and his body collapsed into Harry's awaiting arms.Standing in the freezing water wasn't so bad when Harry's arms were wrapped around him. He'd momentarily forgotten about the coldness and just lost himself in Harry's warmth, the feeling of the taller boy engulfing his skinnier body. It turned out well, because his feet were no longer cold; they were numbed to the bone, meaning he couldn't feel the chill nipping at his skin."I want to go on holiday," Louis sighed into Harry's chest. Harry made a noise of approval and Louis could feel the shake as Harry nodded his head."I want to go somewhere warm," Louis said, and Harry once again nodded in agreement."But nowhere too far away, still stay in Europe," Harry shook his head to tell Louis that he thought the same, not wanting to have to travel so far away."Nowhere too hot though, like Spain, because I don't want to have to buy loads of new clothes," Harry squeezed Louis in acknowledgement of what he said."Maybe somewhere like France or Italy," Harry then nodded enthusiastically at Louis' words, more so than he had with his other rambles. Louis pulled his head from Harry's chest and looked up at him curiously. Harry had a small smile on his lips and wide eyes."Which one, France?" Harry shook his head."Oh, you want to go to Italy?" Harry nodded his head excitedly, even though there were no plans made or anything of the similar, just mindless chatter."Italy looks like a beautiful place," Louis sighed, burying his head in Harry's chest again. He could feel Harry nodding again, and a hand come up to stroke his hair. It felt so relaxing having the long fingers thread through his soft locks, the tips rubbing on his scalp. He had to suppress the whimper of satisfaction as Harry's short nails unknowingly scratched his skin."I want to take you away," Louis whispered. He felt Harry straighten up a little, but brushed it off as he continued to speak."I've thought about it, y'know? Taking you away somewhere, somewhere hot. Come to think about it, Italy is the kind of place I imagined. I thought about how we'd get a really luxurious hotel room, and we could wake up whenever we wanted. We wouldn't have to do anything; nobody would know us; nobody would want us to do anything; we could just be lazy every day. We'd stroll down the streets, hand in hand. Look at the markets where mountains of food were piled up and try some of the local delicacies. Then we'd have dinner, and we'd share dessert because we'd be so stuffed from eating a starter and a main course that we could only manage a tiny bit of sweetness. Maybe we'd go see a local band play or just walk along the beach at night. And we'd go back to the hotel room late at night, and we'd fall asleep together, in each other's arms. Then when we woke up, we'd do it all again."It was quiet. Just the sound of the waves crashing around them could be heard. Louis' arms were tight around Harry, his eyes fluttered shut as he rested on Harry's chest. The chest which had frozen underneath Louis' ear as he continued to talk about his little ideas. Louis could hear Harry's heart beating wildly; he could almost sense the thoughts in his mind were running around and around at a speedy pace.For some reason, although he could tell that Harry was freaking out mildly, he didn't regret what he'd said. Everything was the truth; he wasn't lying. He wanted to do that with Harry, so bad. Of course he knew that it wouldn't happen for quite a few years, but he wanted to show Harry that he had that side to him. That he wanted those things."Speak to me, baby, tell me what you're thinking," Louis said softly, his voice almost a whisper it was so light. He lifted his head to look at the boy's face, and was surprised by the lack of worry expressed on it. Of course there was a slight twinge of worry there, but there wasn't enough for it to be, well, worrying. Harry gestured for Louis' phone, presumably so that he could communicate his racing thoughts through it.I think I'd like that"You would?" Louis said in shock. His voice portrayed the surprise he felt; it was high and almost squeaky. "Y-you mean, like, soon? Not in a few years?"Soon, yeh, I'd like to go soon...if you'd want to, that is..."Of course I'd want to! Oh my God, Harry! I'd love to."But how soon...I mean, I'm ready to go, like ~mentally, but I don't know if my Mum thinks I am..."Maybe after the fundraiser? I mean, it's not set in stone; I'm not going to kidnap you and take you away if she says no, but it's a nice thought right?"It's a really nice thought...I'd really like to go away with you..."I don't want to force you into anything though, Haz. I never ever want you to feel pressured into doing something, so please tell me now if you're just saying this for the sake of it. It's a big step going away together; it's just you and me. You've got to be sure you're comfortable even with the idea of it."I'm sure, Lou. I've thought about it too, y'know? I want to do this with you. People don't realise that I can be independent; I can make my own choices and this is a choice I'm totally sure about. Yeh, sure, I'll be nervous, but I want to go with you so bad."You're incredible, do you know that?" Louis grinned. He pushed up onto his tiptoes and pressed a chaste kiss onto Harry's smiling lips. "We'll look into it, okay?"Harry nodded surely with a wide, toothy grin. Louis returned it effortlessly."C'mon, babe, let's walk up. M'getting kinda hungry," Louis took Harry's hand in his, sparing a look at Harry to check that it was okay. He was reassured by the gentle smile and squeeze of their hands together. Harry really was becoming a total different person, and Louis really liked it. Of course he liked both sides to Harry equally, but it was nice to see such a shy boy come out of his shell all because of his doings.They swung their hands together freely as they wandered back to their spot, Louis chattering away in Harry's ear, even though he knew Harry wasn't listening. The distant but blissful look in his eyes was evidence, and the pull at his lips just showed that he was definitely happy.Louis knew there were a few curious gazes from the older generation, but nothing too bad. They were just looking at the boyfriends, wondering, so it didn't bother Louis one bit. Harry was oblivious, and Louis wondered how Harry would react if he wasn't so unaware.They soon reached their spot, seeing Anne and Gemma conversing deeply between themselves. They looked up as the couple approached and Anne couldn't hide the smile prodding at her lips when she saw their locked hands and smiling faces. Gemma looked at them sweetly, but something was lingering behind her eyes which Louis couldn't quite place. He didn't know Gemma that well, but he thought she was lovely from the time they'd spent together. He hoped she felt the same way about him; after all, he was dating her brother of whom she felt an inordinate amount of need to protect over."I'm thinking of getting something to eat, do you guys want anything?" Louis asked, reluctantly letting his fingers untangle from Harry's."No thanks, darling," Anne said with a smile, returning back to her book."Haz, you want anything? A drink or something? I could pick you up a coke if you like?" Louis asked. Harry shook his head and plonked himself down on the towel by Anne."Gemma? Anything for you?""I might come along with you, if that's alright?" Gemma said, standing up. Harry shot her an expressive look, but she just waved it off with a flick of her wrist."Uh yeh, that's fine," Louis said.The two wandered up the beach in silence, making their way to the hut further along. Louis was waiting for Gemma to speak, knowing she was eager to say something. As Louis looked at the sandwiches on display, Gemma hovered by, wringing her hands together."You're not going to hurt him, right?" She blurted out.Louis' head shot around to look at her, his face appalled: "Wha- of course not! Do...do you think I will? Is that what you expect of me?""No, God no! I just...I'm worried about him, y'know?" Gemma winced.Louis picked up a sandwich and bottle of coke -cheese, ham and pickle sandwich if you were wondering, and no the coke wasn't just in case Harry wanted to share it. God, why on earth would you think that? - and placed them on the counter, fishing out some coins from his pocket and placing them on the counter for the cashier."I know, Gem. I'm the same with my sisters, except if one of them had Harry's...condition, then I'd probably be exactly like you," Louis said, collecting his change and food before turning to Gemma. They turned around and started to walk back, not having spoken again for a minute or so."Can we sit down? I just...I want to talk to you about it, I need reassurance about this whole thing," Gemma said, gesturing with her hands. They sat down on the sand, Louis leaving his food by his side so he could concentrate on Gemma's words. She was obviously going to give him the 'If you break his heart, I'll break your legs' speech. Louis expected it at some point, he was waiting for it."You yourself know how sensitive Harry is. He can break so easily, he doesn't realise how breakable he actually is. He thinks he's strong, and yeh, he is because he's been through a hell of a lot. But he's not that strong. I don't think he'd be able to cope with something as big as heartbreak, I really don't. -can I just speak before you say anything? Thanks, love- You've made him so happy, Louis, and I really don't think I can thank you enough. He's come out of his shell so much. Seeing him smile is one of my favourite things ever, and you have increased the chance of seeing him smile massively. He's so much more confident; I love what he's become. And that's all down to you, Louis; it's all down to you. So yeh, I want to thank you for that. I know you like him so much, and hearing him babble on about when you kissed him made my week, it really did.But there's always that chance that you'll hurt him, and I can't risk that happening to him. Like I said before, he's been through a lot and I don't want this on top of everything. I know it's cliché, but I swear to God, Louis, if you break his heart I will find you and I won't hesitate in ripping your dick off so you'll never be able to fuck with anyone again: got that?"Louis gulped and nodded mutely. He wouldn't admit it, but the fire in her voice messed with his nerves a little. She sounded so threatening, like she meant it with such passion."I-I won't hurt him, I swear," Louis coughed, his voice sounding thick with fear beforehand. "I really like him, Gemma. I seriously could spend days on end just being with him and I'd never get bored. I'm going to make sure that I'm with him for as long as he wants me, and when he gets sick of me I'll still keep trying because I like him so much. He means the world to me. I know it sounds so strong... I mean, I don't love him, I know I don't, but I do feel strongly about him. I wouldn't ever hurt him on purpose and I don't want to be the one who breaks him; I want to be the one who keeps him strong or the one to fix him.""You're a good lad, Louis; you mean well. I like you; you're good for him. Just...be careful with him, yeh?""Definitely," Louis said without doubt. "Hey, I was wondering, I mean, I'll ask Anne too but what would you say to me and Haz going on holiday for a few days in a couple of weeks?"Gemma's eyes widened comically, "holiday? You and H? Alone? Just you two?"Louis chuckled, "yes, just us two. He wanted to go to Italy; we've spoken about it. He wants to go; he says he's ready to.""He said that?""Yeh, he was totally for it. He thinks your Mum won't think he's ready, but if it comes from the horse's mouth then surely she'll be okay with it, right?""I...don't know. It'll be hard for her to say yes; he's never really been away from us, but I'm all for it. He'll love it, being away from the family and stuff. You've got me on side at least," she smiled, shrugging."Thanks Gemma, for everything," Louis said sincerely."My pleasure, Louis," she replied. She outstretched her arms and pulled him into a warm hug."It means a lot that you're okay with us," Louis muttered into her ear."I know," she said kindly. "But if something goes wrong, don't think I won't put your balls through a mincer."