Chapter Text
"Louis."
It didn't matter how many times he heard it, the sound of Harry's voice saying his name always gave Louis a little jolt of happiness, like he was being given a gift. Louis smiled as he swivelled his head to look at where Harry stood at the threshold of the lounge.
How does it look? Harry gestured to the suit he was wearing, a quizzical look on his face. It was the first suit Harry had ever had tailored just for him. Zayn and Louis had insisted, and after a little argument, Harry had relented and agreed. It was a beautiful charcoal grey pinstriped affair, and he cut a gorgeous figure in it. He'd accessorised it with a tie of lavender, the colour of the day.
"It looks amazing," Louis returned."You look amazing."
A blush crept up Harry's cheeks. "Thanks."
Louis stood from his seat on the couch. "I guess I should get dressed, too." He walked over to Harry and offered a quick kiss. "I'll be right back."
Back in their bedroom, Louis made quick work of changing into a suit which matched Harry's, right down to the lavender tie. He tamed his hair, then headed back out to the lounge.
Harry was sitting on a stool at the breakfast bar checking his phone. Louis walked over to rest his head on Harry's shoulder and peer down at his mobile, where it looked like he was texting Niall.
When Harry felt Louis' chin touch his shoulder, he turned his head to give him a kiss. When they parted, Louis stepped back and Harry appraised him from head to toe. You look amazing, too.
"Thank you."
Harry hopped off the stool and stuck his phone in his jacket pocket before deliberately setting about straightening Louis' tie.
"What would I do without you?" Louis wondered aloud with a wide grin once Harry was done.
Go out in crooked ties, Harry opined wryly. Changing the subject, he asked, You still nervous?
Louis shrugged. This outing would be the first Louis went to where there would be more than two or three deaf people to keep up with in conversation. Harry had warned Louis that he might need to spend a lot of his time asking for people to repeat things because they were signing too fast.
Though he was a little anxious about it--hoping that his signing was up to the task--Louis figured that it was only fair that he take a turn at being the one who struggled a little to keep up. Harry had been doing that at events Louis dragged him to for almost a year. "I'll be fine. You'll be there to help me, yeah?"
Yes. Absolutely.
Louis pointed to the pocket where Harry had just stowed his mobile. "Did Niall decide whether he wants to go with us or take the tube?"
He wants us to pick him up, if that's still okay.
Louis nodded. "That's fine. You set?"
It was Harry's turn to nod.
Louis grabbed his keys from where he'd tossed them on the bar. "Let's go, then."
They were in Louis' Range Rover not five minutes later, heading to Niall's flat.
They could only exchange conversation when Louis stopped at a light, but the rest of the drive was spent just enjoying being in each other's company, the only sound in the car the music coming from the radio.
Niall was waiting for them in front of his building. He was dressed in a suit that went with Harry and Louis' and looked dapper indeed. As he climbed in, he said, "Thanks for the lift."
No problem, Harry assured him.
The church was in Greenwich, and it didn't take very long at all to arrive. They parked in a back lot, just as they'd been directed to, and located the small building where their party was being allowed to get ready.
Niall and Harry went off in search of Perrie, while Louis went to find Zayn. He found him in a room way in the back, best man Liam helping to fix his tie.
"Hello, lads!" Louis greeted his bandmates. "How's it going?"
Zayn looked a little pale as he turned to regard Louis. "Why did I decide this was a good idea, again?
Louis grinned. "Because you were lucky enough to meet a girl willing to live with your ugly mug."
Zayn scowled at the same time as Liam chuckled.
When Liam finished laughing he finished fixing Zayn's tie. "There. You're gorgeous!"
"Thanks, bro," Zayn replied.
Liam turned to Louis. "Harry and Niall here?"
Louis nodded. "They went to check on Perrie. They should be here soon."
"Excellent," Liam commented.
"So, you ready to walk down the aisle, Zaynie?" Louis inquired.
Zayn was still pretty pale, but his smile was unwavering as he nodded.
Louis smiled back. Glancing down at his watch, he noted, "Just forty-five minutes more."
A knock on the door preceded the entry of Harry and Niall, along with Jonnie, Perrie's brother.
Harry greeted Louis with a quick kiss before Louis asked the trio, "How's Perrie?"
Nervous, Jonnie replied. He looked Zayn up and down, stopping at length to take in the look on his face, and grinned. Just like the groom.
"I'm fine," Zayn insisted, though his continued pallor belied his words.
At this point, Niall produced four small bottles of vodka from his jacket pocket. He handed one to Zayn, one to Louis, one to Jonnie and kept the other for himself. "Liquid courage," he explained, signing one handed.
Louis shared his with Harry, and Zayn shared his with Liam, and by the time the wedding planner stuck her head in the door ten minutes later to check if the ushers were ready, they were all a little more relaxed.
Zayn was led to the front of the church while Liam, Louis, Harry, Niall, and Jonnie all went to the back to help see the guests to a seat. Unlike the usual bride's guests on the left, groom's guests on the right, the bride's guests were seated in the front and the groom's in the back, since many of the bride's guests would be taking advantage of the interpreter who had been hired for the event.
Once all the guests had arrived and had been shown to their seats, Liam, Louis, Harry, Niall, and Jonnie took their spots up by Zayn, and the wedding march signalled Perrie's entrance.
Louis watched Zayn as Perrie walked down the aisle on her father Alexander's arm. Zayn wore the warm smile and heart eyes of a man truly in love. When Perrie glided up and stopped right in front of Zayn, Louis could tell that she was looking back at Zayn with equal adoration.
As the ceremony started, Louis switched his focus to Harry.
Harry was paying rapt attention to the service, gaze squarely on whoever was signing, clearly not wanting to miss anything. This gave Louis the opportunity to stare at Harry unabashedly.
They'd been together nearly a year, just shy of ten months, to be exact. Louis had never in his life loved anyone more. Harry was sweet and kind, not to mention incredibly handsome. Louis could have stared at the long, dark curls, green eyes, and kissable lips for days on end and not gotten tired of staring. He still couldn't believe how lucky they were to have found each other, especially considering the obstacles they'd had to face due to Louis' fame and Harry's deafness.
Here they were, though, at a wedding that wouldn't even be happening if he and Harry hadn't met. Since they were, after all, in a church, Louis sent up a little prayer that the roll they were on would continue.
Once Zayn and Perrie had been introduced to the room at large as Mr. and Mrs. Zayn Malik, the wedding party was shuttled to the lawn outside for the official photographer to get some group shots while the rest of the guests got into their cars to head for the reception being held at a nearby hotel.
Louis' cheeks were tired from smiling by the time the photographer said he had enough shots and they could climb into the limos reserved for them to go enjoy the reception. Harry and Louis shared a ride with Liam and Niall--Sophia having gone ahead to the hotel.
Niall produced a flask from within his jacket, so they all shared a quick drink before walking into the hotel with the bride and groom. Their entrance into the ballroom was met with thunderous applause.
Louis and Harry were sat with Liam, Sophia, Niall, and Jonnie and his girlfriend Katie up near where Zayn and Perrie had their own little table for two. They were all of a similar age, and they talked--and signed--about multiple pop culture-y topics until the food was brought out.
Liam and Sophia had--as had Zayn--over the past year, become quite proficient at signing due to Harry and Niall's inclusion in their inner circle, and it turned out Katie was deaf, too. Louis loved that no one was left out of the conversation, and Harry, Niall, Jonnie, and Katie were all very understanding when Liam and Sophia--and to a lesser extent Louis--needed some of their signs repeated.
Once their plates were cleared from their delicious dinners, it was time for the speeches, the champagne, and the cake. After Perrie's maid of honour, her best friend Jesy, gave a sweet speech about how wonderful Perrie was and how lucky Zayn was to have her as his bride, it was Liam's turn.
Like Jesy had, Liam both signed and spoke his speech. "I've known Zayn for five years now. When we met, he was a pretty content lad. We had amazing times recording albums and travelling the world. Life was pretty sweet. Last summer, though, when Zayn met Perrie, he was suddenly the happiest guy in any room. It was clear right from the start that Zayn and Perrie were meant to be together."
Perrie was smiling when Liam met her gaze. "It isn't going to be easy, Perrie, to be married to Zayn. Our lives can get pretty crazy. But we're so excited to have you in our family, and I wish you both all the luck there is as you set out on this adventure together. To Zayn and Perrie!" He reached for the glass of champagne flute at his place and lifted it.
"To Zayn and Perrie!" Everyone in the room drank to Zayn and Perrie's happiness.
After Zayn and Perrie had sipped from their own champagne flutes, they got up to cut the cake, feeding bits of it to each other first, per tradition. Waiters arrived on the scene, then, to pass out slices to all the guests.
Once all the guests had been served, the DJ opened the dance floor for the bride and groom. Zayn and Perrie looked as happy as could be as they swayed to an oldie called "Everlasting Love." As the song faded out, the DJ invited the rest of the room to the floor.
The music was extra loud in deference to the large number of hearing-impaired people present, and there weren't many of the younger guests who didn't accept the invitation, including Liam and Sophia and Jonnie and Katie. Niall immediately went in search of a bridesmaid to dance with, leaving Louis and Harry alone at the table.
Louis gobbled down his last bite of cake before standing and holding his hand out to Harry.
What? Harry gave him a dubious look.
Dance with me.
Harry shook his head. I don't dance.
It occurred to Louis at that moment that this was, in actuality, the first event they'd ever been to where there was dancing. They'd been to clubs and stuff, but they never went out on the floor because they were always busy talking with whoever it was they were out with. Now that he thought of it, he'd never had the opportunity to formally ask Harry to dance.
Louis frowned. That's a lie.
Harry opened his eyes wide with surprise at the accusation.
Quirking his lips in a smile, Louis said, I've seen you dance at our shows. And he had. Harry was a cute little dancer, all hips and arms flailing.
Harry had the grace to blush at the memory. But that's not in front of an audience like this, he protested.
No one is going to be watching you. They're going to be too busy with their own moves. I promise. Please? Louis mock-pouted and made his saddest face for his boyfriend.
Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head. You have to promise not to laugh.
I would never, Louis told him in all seriousness.
Okay, fine. He held out his hand so Louis could take it to pull him out onto the dance floor.
A fast song--one Louis loved by Imagine Dragons--was playing when Louis found a corner for them to dance in. He immediately began to dance, but nothing too crazy, just bopping along to the song.
At first, Harry just watched Louis in between glances to his left and right to check out the crowd around them. Louis could tell the instant Harry became convinced that no one was watching him, because he started to move a bit to the beat.
By the end of the song, Harry was actually smiling, and Louis beamed right back at him. See? Not too bad, right?
Harry shook his head. No, not too bad.
The next song was a slower one--Sam Smith's "Stay With Me"--and Louis used the opportunity to loop his arms over Harry's head and pull him in for a slow dance. If they fit in a couple kisses, who was anyone to blame them? It was a wedding, for goodness' sake.
The couple stayed out on the dance floor for three or four more songs, then, wiped and breathless, they retired to their table. They found the bride and groom there, chatting with Jonnie and Liam.
"How's married life treating you two?" Louis asked before reaching for his water glass.
"So far, so good," Perrie reported with a grin."You two looked great out on the dance floor."
Thank you, Harry returned.
"I'm not sure I've ever seen you dance in public before, Harry," Perrie remarked.
Harry blushed as he said, I usually don't, but Louis talked me into it.
"Good for you, Louis," Perrie congratulated him.
Louis grinned. "It was good for me." He paused a moment to let his words sink in, then after everyone dutifully laughed--save Harry, who rolled his eyes instead--he changed the subject. "This is a great party, you two."
"Thanks. It was mostly Pez who planned it." Zayn gave credit where it was due. "Right, babe?"
Perrie didn't answer. Her gaze was focused a couple tables over, where several members of her family were sitting. She turned to Zayn. "I'm gonna go visit with Mum and Dad for a few, okay?"
Zayn leaned in to kiss his new bride. "Of course."
I'll come with you, Harry offered. I haven't seen them in a while.
"They'd love that," Perrie accepted.
Come on, Lou, Harry entreated. You only got to talk to them for a minute last night.
Sure. Louis stood when Harry did, and they trailed Perrie over to where her parents sat, animatedly signing with Perrie's aunt and uncle who, if Louis' memory served him well, were also deaf. Time to put his signing skill to the test.
Perrie greeted her mother with a kiss, and Debbie immediately looked up to smile at her daughter, Harry, and Louis. Hi, baby. Are you enjoying the reception?
Perrie nodded. "Are you?"
Debbie nodded also. It's wonderful. She shifted her gaze to take in Harry. You look like you're having fun.
I am, Harry confirmed. Turning to smile at his boyfriend, he asked, Do you remember Louis?
Of course, Debbie replied. Zayn's bandmate and your boyfriend.
Yes, Harry said.
So, when will you two be making the leap? Debbie wanted to know.
Louis didn't even have to look at Harry to know he was blushing furiously, but he looked over anyhow, since Harry blushing was just about one of the cutest things ever. He turned to face Debbie again to answer her query. "At some point, I'm sure. Right now we're just enjoying being together."
Of course, Debbie said. You are a darling couple.
Thanks, Harry told her.
Besides, Zayn and Perrie got married more quickly than most, Debbie pointed out, referring, of course, to Zayn and Perrie's whirlwind romance. One minute they were just getting to know each other, the next they were engaged to be married. No need to rush.
Right, Harry concurred.
Thing was, Louis would have married Harry months ago if he'd thought Harry would go for it. He was head over heels for Harry in a way he'd never been for anyone else he'd ever dated. Harry was more cautious than Louis, though, and wanted to make sure they could work through all their challenges before making a big commitment to each other. Louis thought, though, that Harry was more ready by the day and might even say yes if Louis popped the question.
When Louis refocused on the conversation, Perrie was telling her mum that she still didn't know where Zayn was taking her on their honeymoon. Louis knew. He'd helped Zayn plan the whole trip to Fiji. All Perrie knew was that she had to pack for somewhere it was warm. It would have driven Louis mad not to know where he was being taken, but Perrie seemed delighted by the idea of a surprise.
Perrie's dad joined in the conversation when he was done talking to Perrie's aunt. It was he who reminded Perrie that wherever it was she was going, she had to keep in touch. Perrie agreed with a warm smile.
Alexander looked up at Louis. He signed something so fast, Louis only caught Zayn's name sign. Louis shook his head. Slower, please. It was not the first time that day he had needed to make that request.
Sorry. Alexander slowed his signs and repeated his question. So, you and Zayn are off on a big tour soon, right?
That time Louis got it. "Yes. We leave in two weeks for Australia."
Very exciting, Alexander enthused. You've been before, yes?
Louis nodded. A few times. It's a lot of fun there. Though I'll miss Harry, of course. Harry was finishing up his internship and wouldn't be able to join the tour until later, if at all.
I'll miss you, too, Harry put in.
At that moment, the DJ announced that it was time for the throwing of the bouquet and the garter.
Perrie kissed first her mother, then her father on the cheek as Zayn came over to walk her onto the cleared dance floor.
"All the single ladies to the edge of the dance floor, please!" the DJ announced.
Slowly, but surely, all of the single women in the hall worked their way to one end of the dance floor. Perrie had to go into the crowd to grab a couple of her shier cousins, but it wasn't long before she was satisfied with the assembled group waiting to catch some flowers.
Perrie wished them all luck, then turned her back to the anxious ladies. After a "1…2…3…" that Zayn helpfully interpreted, Perrie threw her bouquet over her shoulder.
A small passel of young women lunged for the flowers, but the victor was one of Perrie's bridesmaids, Jade, who squealed loudly as she clutched the bouquet to her chest. She had spent much of her time at the reception dancing with Niall, and Louis watched her find him in the crowd watching the time-honoured tradition. When she did, she smiled wide, and he winked at her, a wolfish look on his face.
Liam was in charge of bringing out a chair for Perrie to sit in, which she did. Once she was settled, Zayn made a show of lifting the bottom of her dress up to get at the garter wrapped around her thigh. Once he'd secured it, he slid it temporarily over his wrist so he could sign while he made his announcement that all single men should work their way to the opposite end of the dance floor from their female counterparts.
Harry didn't make a move at first, but then Louis gently rested a hand on Harry's back and pushed him in the direction of the gathering group of unmarried men.
Harry turned to protest, We're not single, Lou, remember? Or do you have something to tell me?
Louis grinned. "It's for unmarried people. And we are currently unmarried, yeah?"
Though his face still featured a sceptical look, Harry went ahead and moved into the group of men, allowing Louis to push him toward the front for an optimum garter-catching position, stationing himself at Harry's right.
Zayn scanned the group of men, clearly making sure everyone he thought should be there was. He gave a satisfied nod before turning around, holding the garter high in the air. He started to throw it backwards, then appeared to change his mind.
With a shit-eating grin on his face, Zayn strode directly over to where Louis and Harry stood and thrust the garter right at Harry, leaving Harry no choice but to take it.
Harry couldn't hear the whistles and catcalls, of course, but he did blush furiously as everyone regarded him with knowing smiles. Zayn dragged him out onto the dance floor to have his picture taken with Jade.
Harry's cheeks were still pink when he returned to Louis' side. Louis' grin was as big as Zayn's had been when he'd presented Harry with the garter. What? Harry questioned the size of Louis' smile.
Louis shrugged and continued to grin widely. Nothing, he insisted, not really able to express the little thrill he'd gotten at the intimation that Harry would be the next unmarried man in the room to get hitched. Impulsively, he reached a hand up to snake under Harry's curls to grab the back of Harry's neck and pull him down for a quick kiss. You're just the cutest person in the room is all.
You're sure that's all? Harry asked, eyes narrowed.
Are you questioning my motives? Louis countered, aiming for Pure Innocence, figuring he'd land somewhere below that, but not right at Guilty as Charged.
Harry rolled his eyes. He'd grown to know Louis way too well.
Louis was saved from having to explain himself further when the DJ announced that Mr. and Mrs. Malik were about to leave the party. Louis and Harry quickly joined the line of people wanting to wish them goodbye and happy honeymoon.
When it was their turn, Harry hugged Perrie tight. Have a wonderful time.
I shall try, she vowed. She squealed as she remembered, In just a little while I'll get to know where we're going.
You are going to love it, Harry predicted.
Still can't believe everyone knows but me, Perrie lamented.
Oh, come off it. You love a good surprise, Harry said knowingly.
Her face split in a wide smile. You're right. I do.
Louis hugged first Perrie, then Zayn, before telling the groom, "Don't forget, Z, the best of everything for your new wife."
Zayn grinned. "Of course."
"And come back ready to get to work," Louis added, knowing that the happy couple would be returning from Fiji just two days before they were due to leave for Australia.
"Of course," Zayn repeated. "I'll be ready."
Harry hugged Zayn. Congratulations. You really do make a wonderful couple.
"That's all down to you," Zayn reminded him. "We wouldn't have met if it wasn't for you, so thank you."
Harry dipped his head and smiled. You're welcome. He paused for just a moment before schooling his features into a serious look and making a promise. Hurt her, and I will hurt you.
Zayn regarded him with an equally serious look. "I won't. I swear."
The smile returned to Harry's face as he wished, Have a great time on your honeymoon.
Zayn and Perrie finished up all their goodbyes, then departed for their hotel room to change so they could head to the airport. No one left behind was ready, quite yet, for the party to end, so the DJ cranked up the music and opened the dance floor again.
By this point, Harry had had enough wine and champagne that Louis did not have to work particularly hard to get him back out to dance. Harry happily allowed Louis to lead him to the floor, and they danced for more than an hour after the newlyweds left, only stopping to sip at their drinks.
It was quite late when Liam, Niall, Louis, and Harry were among the final guests at the reception, along with some of Perrie and Zayn's cousins and siblings.
All four boys decided they'd consumed too much alcohol to drive their cars home, so they agreed to share a cab and return to the hotel for their vehicles the following day.
They had no problem finding a taxi outside the lobby, and the driver dropped first Liam, then Niall off before pulling up in front of Louis and Harry's place.
Louis paid the driver, then ushered Harry out of the car.
The doorman on duty, a guy Louis particularly liked called Connor, greeted the boys using the small amount of sign language he'd learned since Harry had moved in. "Good evening, lads."
"Good evening, Connor," Louis returned, as Harry likewise offered the same greeting with a smile.
Connor held the door for them, and in no time at all, they were entering their flat and toeing off their shoes.
Louis made a beeline for the kitchen and a kettle, and Harry trailed him there to keep him company while the water boiled; he jumped up on the counter to watch while Louis worked.
Once the burner was on underneath the kettle, Louis turned to face Harry. "Was a nice wedding, wasn't it?"
Harry nodded and smiled warmly. Very nice. Perrie seems really, really happy.
"Zayn, too. I don't know when I've seen him happier."
Louis took a moment to really appraise Harry. "You look so amazing in that suit."
Harry blushed. Thank you. You, too. He paused for a second. Now that you mention it, though, maybe I should get out of it before I get tea on it. He hopped off the counter.
"Good idea."
Louis was done slipping out of his suit and into a pair of plaid pyjama bottoms and a white long-sleeved t-shirt before Harry was done changing, so he went to tend to the tea.
The kettle was whistling when Louis got back to the kitchen, and he prepared two cups of tea. He carried them into the lounge, then left Harry's in his customary spot on the coffee table, taking his own out onto the balcony, wanting a little fresh air after the long day indoors.
Louis turned on the space heater they kept out there for cold nights and the battery-operated lanterns on the small table in the corner before leaning his elbows on the railing to look out at the city surrounding him. It was a clear midwinter's night, and the stars were beautiful. He slowly sipped at his tea as the heater blew warm air onto his feat.
Harry appeared as Louis was trying to figure out just which celestial body was Venus. He was dressed much as Louis was, in a pair of flannel pyjama bottoms and a t-shirt, though Harry had gone for a black shirt. Harry had his own tea in hand and sipped at it a couple times before setting it down next to the one of the lanterns on the table.
Louis set his own mug down to ask, "Tea okay?" He was grateful the lanterns illuminated the balcony enough for them to converse.
Harry nodded, his face quite handsome in the soft light. It's perfect. Just like you.
I'm nowhere near perfect, Louis protested, blushing.
You're perfect for me, Harry insisted, leaning forward to kiss Louis soundly.
When they parted, Louis switched topics. "You're still keeping next weekend open, right?"
"Yes." Harry's twenty-first birthday was the Sunday of the following weekend, falling just six days before Up All Night was due in Australia for the first date of their On the Road Again tour. You still won't tell me what you're planning?
Louis shook his head firmly. "It's a surprise."
You've told Mum and Gemma, right? Harry checked--although he'd asked this once before--just to be sure.
Louis nodded this time. "They know what's going on." Off a glint in Harry's eye, he added, "You are not to pump them for information."
Harry sighed exaggeratedly. "Fine."
They were quiet then, for a moment, simply enjoying each other's company and the gorgeous view.
After a short while, Harry had a question, tapping Louis' forearm to get his attention. Zayn will be good to Perrie, won't he?
Louis frowned a little at Harry's words. "Of course. He'll treat her like a queen."
I hope so. I will feel so guilty if it doesn't work out, Harry confessed.
"Guilty?" Louis asked, completely surprised. "Why on Earth would you feel guilty?"
They only met because of me.
Louis gasped and reached out to pull Harry into a hug. It surprised Harry, but he went with it. When Louis let him go--still holding his upper arms--he made sure Harry was looking right at him when he said, "No."
"No what?"
Louis removed his hands from Harry to explain, "I think they're going to be very happy together, but if they end up not, it will not be your fault."
Harry shrugged. I think I'd still feel guilty.
Shaking his head fondly, Louis said, "Only you would feel guilty about such a thing."
Harry shrugged. "Can't help it."
Louis shook his head again, smiling softly. "I don't know what I did to get so lucky."
Harry took a turn at shaking his head, clearly not understanding.
"I must have done something truly amazing to have got you," Louis told him.
The blush colouring Harry's cheeks looked so beautiful in the moonlight, and the sight made Louis even more impulsive than usual.
Wait right here, he ordered Harry.
Harry blinked owlishly back at him, but nodded. Okay.
Louis raced through the flat to get to their bedroom where he retrieved a small black box from the pocket of his suit jacket. He silently thanked whoever had decided to put pockets on his pyjama bottoms as he shoved the box inside the right pocket. He hightailed it back to the balcony.
Harry was sitting in the seat closest to the heater, sipping at his tea when Louis reappeared. Louis absently thought the drink couldn't possibly be warm anymore before he refocused on what he was about to do.
Harry looked up as Louis came back onto the balcony and set his cup down. What's up, Louis?
Louis rubbed his sweaty hands together and pulled in a deep breath before answering Harry. "I was going to do this next weekend, on your birthday, but I can't wait."
Okay, Harry allowed carefully.
"I meant what I said just a few minutes ago. I feel so lucky to have met you."
I'm lucky, too.
"I know it was a little rough at the beginning, but I think we're in a great place now."
Harry nodded. Me, too.
Louis paused for just a moment before continuing. "I love coming home every day to your gorgeous smile, your incredible energy, and your unbelievable warmth. And, also, your cooking."
Harry chuckled.
"I miss you like crazy when I have to go away, and I count the minutes, hours, and days until I get to come home and see you."
That made Harry smile.
"I can't imagine my life without you in it. In fact, I don't want to." At this point, Louis dropped to one knee, barely even noticing how cold the floor of the balcony was, so concentrated was his attention on Harry. As Louis balanced himself, Harry clapped a hand over his mouth, obviously having figured out what was going on. "Harry Styles, will you marry me?" Louis pulled the small black box from his pocket and opened it to reveal the simple engagement band he'd bought weeks and weeks ago for this very purpose.
Harry stood frozen for a moment, clearly stunned by Louis' proposal.
Louis held his breath and signed one handed. Say something.
Harry slowly lifted his hand from his mouth, then nodded. "Yes." For good measure, he signed it, too.
"You will?" Louis had imagined this scene in his head many times, with many different responses from his boyfriend. This was a replication of the very best scenario he'd thought of, the one he'd hoped and prayed for.
Harry nodded, his grin as wide as it could be. I will.
Overcome with the most utter happiness he'd ever felt in his life, Louis shakily stood up and reached for the back of Harry's neck to pull him in for a sweet kiss. When they parted, Louis took the ring from the small black box and slipped it on the ring finger of Harry's left hand.
Harry held his newly bejewelled hand out to admire it. It's beautiful.
"And it looks beautiful on you," Louis returned. After a beat, he asked, "Are you cold?"
I'm freezing, Harry admitted.
Louis tilted his head toward the balcony door. "Shall we?"
Harry answered the question by opening the door wide and ushering Louis inside. As Louis entered the flat, he grabbed Harry's hand. With Louis pulling him inside, Harry hastily shut and locked the balcony door before Louis dragged him through their home and directly into their bedroom.
The second they were inside the room, Louis used his grip on Harry's hand to pull him in close for a fervent kiss, a kiss that very quickly turned hungrily passionate.
When they both needed to catch their breath, they each used the break to shed their night clothes, creating two small, messy piles Harry would insist later they needed to pick up, but which were ignored in favour of attaching their lips once again.
The next time they parted for air, Louis urged Harry onto the bed. Harry dutifully lay right in the centre of their bed, his head resting on the mound of pillows stacked at the head of the bed. Louis immediately straddled Harry's hips and leaned in to capture Harry's mouth in his yet again.
After he'd thoroughly plundered the depths of Harry's mouth, tangling with Harry's tongue the whole time, Louis sat his bum down on Harry's groin, instantly feeling Harry's burgeoning hard-on underneath him.
"So--," Louis stopped in the middle of his thought. "Hey, how do you sign 'f-i-a-n-c-é'?"
Harry demonstrated the sign for Louis--it looked like he was taking an imaginary gemstone in between his thumb and index finger and placing it on his engagement ring. Louis immediately repeated it and raised his eyebrows by way of checking on his performance. Harry nodded.
Louis began again. "So…fiancé…how do you want to do this tonight?" He was prepared to give Harry just about anything he asked for.
Well…fiancé…with you inside me, Harry responded definitively.
"Your wish is my command." Louis reached over to his nightstand and yanked the drawer open to retrieve a tube of lube. He turned back to Harry. "Condom or no condom?"
"No," was Harry's reply.
Louis felt his own erection growing stronger at the thought of being inside Harry, nothing in between them. He shivered in anticipation as he resituated himself on his knees between Harry's legs and squeezed a liberal amount of lube on his right index and middle fingers.
He ran a teasing finger down the length of Harry's cock and briefly fondled Harry's balls before venturing a finger down to gently circle a fingertip around the edge of Harry's entrance. Harry generously opened his legs further to offer Louis better access.
Louis slowly pressed his index finger into Harry's hole, giving Harry plenty of time to adjust to the intrusion. It hadn't been all that long since they'd last done this, so he was able to add a second finger with relative ease. He knew exactly where to press the tip of his middle finger to make Harry moan and buck his hips off the bed. When Louis added a third finger, he was able to hit Harry's prostate every time.
"Inside me. Now," Harry finally demanded after yet another pass over that spot.
Louis grinned and made sure Harry was looking right at him when he commented, "Impatient."
Harry shook his head, but Louis wasn't sure whether that meant he was disagreeing or that he hadn't gotten what Louis said. It didn't really matter which when Harry repeated, "Now."
Louis scissored his fingers a couple more times before withdrawing and grabbing the bottle of lube from where he'd abandoned it on the nightstand. He coated his throbbing erection and threw the lube back to the side. "Ready?" he asked Harry.
Eyes blown wide with lust, Harry nodded.
Louis lined the tip of his cock up with Harry's entrance. He began by pushing in slowly, but when Harry wrapped his legs around Louis' waist, heels against Louis' lower back, and reached down to place one large hand on each of Louis' hips with an aim to pull him in closer, Louis moved in with greater speed. In no time, he was almost balls deep inside Harry.
The rhythm Louis set was steady; he loved how tight Harry was, how responsive.
It was clear right away that Louis was not getting quite as deep as Harry wanted. On one outstroke, Harry pressed his hands to Louis' chest to keep him out. Harry then grabbed Louis' upper arms and flipped Louis over onto his back. Harry wasted no time in straddling Louis' torso. He took Louis' cock in his hand, pumping it once, twice, then guided it back to his entrance. With what was practically a pornographic moan, Harry took Louis' entire length in, bottoming out in mere seconds.
Harry looked down at Louis and raised his eyebrows. Louis knew he was asking permission to ride. Louis nodded emphatically. "Go." Harry wasted exactly zero seconds in beginning to ride Louis at a punishing pace, throwing his hand back wantonly, long, curly hair bouncing off his shoulders. Harry made a noise from deep in his throat each time he managed to hit his own prostate with Louis' cock. Louis had never seen--or heard--anything hotter.
In order to give himself another focus--so as not to come too soon--Louis reached out with his still slick hand to take Harry's erection in hand, pumping it slowly at first, then moving faster and faster.
Louis was able to pinpoint the exact moment Harry was ready to come. Louis was buried wholly within Harry when Harry stopped moving, audibly holding his breath. Louis stroked Harry's dick firmly from root to tip just once, and Harry came in long, white stripes all over Louis' hand and stomach.
In the throes of his orgasm, Harry tightened around Louis' length, and that was all it took for Louis to empty himself deep within Harry.
After Louis softened, still sheathed inside Harry, Harry gingerly climbed off Louis and off the bed, padding into the washroom. He returned less than a minute later with a damp flannel he used to gently clean Louis' stomach and his own bum.
Once he was done, Harry balled the flannel and tossed it to the floor to tend to later, then he crawled back into bed and under the covers Louis had retrieved in Harry's absence. Harry angled himself so he and Louis could talk.
That was amazing, Louis, Harry enthused, a contented look on his face.
"It was," Louis agreed. "Love when you ride me."
I can't believe you proposed, Harry went on.
"I'm so happy you said yes," Louis returned, pressing a quick kiss to Harry's lips.
Harry paused for a moment before hesitantly saying, Can we keep it just ours for now?
Louis was surprised, but he nodded nonetheless. "Sure. We can announce it whenever you want."
Maybe next weekend? On my birthday? You said that was when you were going to propose.
"Works for me," Louis said. "It can just be our little secret until then."
Harry smiled, but his smile was disturbed by a huge yawn.
Louis chuckled. Long day. He leaned forward to kiss Harry again. Sleep well, babe.
You, too. Love you.
Love you back.
Harry offered a final goodnight kiss to Louis before turning himself over to, as always, be the little spoon. Louis obligingly wrapped his arms around Harry, pulling him in tight to his chest. He couldn't quite believe that the man he held had agreed to marry him. Just as he'd told Harry, he really didn't know what he'd done to deserve all this good fortune, but he was grateful all the same.
Harry fell asleep quickly, relaxing in Louis' embrace. Louis closed his eyes, imagining their wedding now that it was official they would have one, but he only got as far as picturing how handsome Harry would look in his tux before the long day caught up with him, too, and he followed Harry into sleep.
* * *
The weekend of Harry's birthday was frigidly cold, though he was used to that being the case. On Saturday, Harry's birthday eve, Louis told Harry the whole of Sunday was planned, but that Saturday was all about whatever Harry wanted to do.
After getting some assurances that he'd get to see his family and friends in some way on his actual birthday, Harry voted for just staying home, building a fire, and watching movies on TV. Louis would be leaving to go on tour in just five days, and Harry wanted to soak up a little alone together time before Louis left.
Louis did con Harry into doing a fry-up for brunch--since Louis' signature chicken wrapped in parma ham wasn't a great morning food--but after they ate, Louis built a fire and then let Harry choose a movie.
Harry chose The Notebook, and the two boys snuggled up together on the couch under a blanket to watch. By the end of the movie, however, neither boy was paying attention to the story playing out on the television. Instead, they were lazily making out, tongues twisting in a familiar dance.
When the credits had finished rolling and the repetitive pictures of the DVD menu began to make a circuit, Louis reluctantly pulled away from Harry to ask, "What next? Another movie?"
Sure. Harry got up and plucked Love Actually from the pile, holding the case up for Louis' approval.
"On the last day of January?"
"Yes," Harry replied firmly. It was a fantastic movie no matter the time of year.
"Okay, then."
It didn't really matter which movie he picked, though, because by the time Keira Knightly was getting married, Harry and Louis were connected at the lips once again.
And so the day passed with movies the boys didn't pay attention to and Chinese food delivery for dinner. By the time it was evening, they gave up on the movies and retired to bed where Louis gifted Harry with some birthday sex that was pretty damn incredible.
They stopped only to sleep, and in the morning, Harry woke up to Louis giving him his first gift of the day: a blow job. He was more than happy to lie back on his pillow and allow Louis to demonstrate just how very talented he was with his mouth.
Once Harry's morning wood had been attended to, Louis sat back on his haunches to wish his fiancé, "Happy birthday."
Harry grinned. Thank you. That was a pretty awesome present.
"There's more!" Louis exclaimed, grinning right back.
What do you have planned? Harry asked, not for the first time.
"I already told you, it's a surprise," Louis replied. "Now, get up and get dressed."
Harry kicked off the sheets still covering his legs. I'll cook breakfast after I'm dressed.
Louis nodded, though Harry detected some mischief-making he couldn't quite suss out. "See you in the kitchen in a bit," was all he said, however, and that seemed innocuous enough, so Harry shook off his suspicions.
Harry collected clothes from the pile of clean laundry sitting in the basket in the corner, then retired to the washroom for a hot shower.
About twenty-five minutes later, Harry arrived in the kitchen dressed in his favourite pair of black skinny jeans and a new cream-coloured jumper, his hair in damp ringlets around his neck--he was way too lazy for the hair dryer this morning. "Good--," Harry cut himself off as he noticed the table laid out with a basket of bagels, a basket of croissants, a platter of cheeses, peanut butter, cream cheese, and two steaming cups of tea. He looked back up at Louis incredulously. "You did all this?"
"I did," Louis answered proudly.
Where did you store all of this? I didn't see anything in the refrigerator yesterday.
"In case you missed it, it's winter outside. Liam helped by buying stuff for me Friday when you were at work. We stuck the stuff that needed to stay cold on the balcony and put the rest in my office. I just brought it in this morning and heated up the stuff that needed to be warm," Louis divulged his plan, smiling all the while.
Harry marched over to Louis, threw his arms around his neck, and plundered his mouth thoroughly. When he let Louis go, Harry said, Thank you. This looks wonderful.
"Good. Let's eat."
They sat down to their continental breakfast and ate more than enough to carry them through until it was lunch time. Harry tried to insist on cleaning up, since Louis prepared the meal, but Louis insisted right back that it was Harry's birthday, and he shouldn't have to work. To break the stalemate, they agreed to do the clean-up together.
When the kitchen was spotless, Harry leaned back against a sparkling counter. So, what next? I know you have something planned.
"I do," Louis concurred."You told me once that you and your sister used to go ice skating at a lake near your house, but that you hadn't been in a very long time."
We're going ice skating? Harry couldn't believe Louis recalled the conversation they'd had about he and Gemma skating. It had been months earlier and only once. He loved that Louis remembered those little details Harry shared about his past.
Louis nodded. "I thought we'd go down to the rink at Canary Wharf, skate for a bit, then find a late lunch before coming back here to get ready for tonight."
What's tonight again? Harry inquired, schooling his features into a deeply quizzical look.
Louis wagged his finger toward Harry. "Nope. Those pretty green eyes didn't work last time you tried that. They aren't going to work now."
Harry mock-pouted.
"You need some warm socks, and I need a jumper, then we can get going," Louis said. He began to head for the bedroom, turning to urge Harry to follow him.
Once there, Harry pulled out some warm woollen socks while Louis donned a lavender jumper that had once belonged to Harry, but that Louis had long since co-opted. They both slipped on boots, and they declared themselves ready to head out into the cold.
Louis drove them to a car park not too far from the rink. Bundled in long winter coats, scarves, and gloves, they walked hand-in-hand the three blocks to Canary Wharf from where they parked the car. The beanies they wore on their heads prevented anyone from recognising them right up until the girl they rented skates from got a good look. The couple took a photo with her in exchange for her not announcing on any social media platform that Harry and Louis were there.
They pulled on skates, then together took their first steps onto the ice. Louis grabbed at Harry's hand before Harry was really steady, and they immediately took their first fall, both of them landing on their arses, giggling like idiots.
I'll get up first, Harry told Louis. Then I can help you.
Louis nodded, and Harry used the railing to haul himself up. He took a second to get grounded, then he reached down for Louis' hand.
Once Louis was steady, he leaned back against the railing to keep from falling again and remarked, "I thought you were supposed to be good at this."
Likewise steadied, his hip on the railing, Harry smirked. I never said I was any good. My balance is for shit. He pointed to his ears. Being deaf messes with the equilibrium. He had to spell the last word twice for Louis to get it. Gemma will be happy to tell you one day about the amount of time I spent on my bum when we went skating.
Louis looked slightly horrified. "Yikes. Maybe I should have picked something else."
Harry shook his head firmly. Just because I suck at it doesn't mean it isn't fun. I'm so excited you thought of this. I can't think of anything I want to do more.
"You sure?"
Louis beamed and held out a hand. Harry beamed right back at him and took it. "Shall we?" Louis inquired.
Harry nodded, taking Louis' hand and holding on tight.
Their first lap around the rink was slow as each of them got used to being on the ice on narrow blades. Harry skated not too far off the railing, just in case.
By the second time around, they were both feeling a little more confident, remembering how to handle themselves on the ice, though they continued to hold hands, even if it was slowly becoming less for safety and more just for romance.
On the third pass, Louis grew comfortable enough to squeeze Harry's hand, let go, and try a couple moves he used to be able to complete with ease. First up was trying to skate backwards, which he did, a little shaky to begin with, but soon without hesitation, and he grinned at Harry widely.
What do you think? he asked Harry with a proud smile.
Looking good. Maybe the Olympics will call. Harry returned Louis' smile. You can be internationally famous for singing and skating.
That's what I'm talking about! At this point, Louis stopped his backward motion to try for a spin. He missed his mark and fell right on his arse.
Harry's eyes widened in horror as he ground to a halt to scan Louis up and down, looking for injuries. "Are you okay?"
Louis was still grinning when he answered, Maybe I shouldn't quit my day job.
Harry was chuckling as he reached a hand out to Louis to help him up.
Thanks, Louis said once he was upright again. He let go of Harry's hand and held up his finger to indicate he wanted Harry to take note. Harry nodded, giving Louis his full attention. This time, Louis executed his turn cleanly, though without much in the way of finesse. Harry held his hands up and shook them in sign language applause.
The boys did several more laps around the rink before Harry begged for a break. Louis obliged, and they slipped off the ice and walked to a nearby food counter. Louis purchased hot chocolate for them both, and they sat at a vacant table to sip at the warm drinks.
"Are you having fun?" Louis inquired.
Harry nodded. A lot. This was a really good idea. I'd forgotten how fun it was to go skating.
Louis appeared to be on the verge of saying something else when a young teenage girl approached them. Harry recognised the look of admiration and awe on her face and knew she was an Up All Night fan.
Harry sipped at his cocoa during the first part of the conversation Louis had with the fan, not really paying much attention. He happily took her mobile, though, when she asked for a photo with Louis, standing up to get the best shot he could. She was polite enough to not just thank Louis, but Harry, too.
As they sat down again, Harry questioned, How long do we have before she announces to Twitter that you're here?
"A long time," Louis answered. "I asked her to wait a day before posting it."
Harry couldn't help but smile fondly at his fiancé. Thanks.
"Not a problem. Should we finish up and go another few rounds?"
They skated for another hour before they called it a day. They returned their skates before beginning to wander around the nearby area for someplace that looked good to have lunch.
Down a small alley they explored, they found a café that looked nice and intimate. Harry watched as Louis charmed the waitress into giving them a corner table where they would be hidden from view, able to enjoy their meal without interruption. Harry didn't have to be able to hear the words Louis used--the charm radiated off him.
The menu featured a wide variety of specialty sandwiches, and they picked two things they wanted to try and agreed to share, ordering glasses of wine, since it was a special occasion.
When their waitress had taken their order and filled their wine glasses, Louis touched the top of his glass and announced, "To you being twenty-one." He then raised his glass in a toast.
Harry raised his own and bumped it against Louis'. Thank you.
Louis took a sip and then set down his glass. "So, how does twenty-one feel?"
Harry shrugged. Not much different from twenty. Although it's nice to know that the next time I'm in America I can legally step into a bar.
"But sneaking you in was so much fun!" Louis protested with a grin.
It was, Harry concurred, matching Louis' grin.
"Speaking of touring," Louis went on. "Are you still thinking you might be able to come over for part of the U.S. leg of the tour?"
I hope so, Harry replied. It was a lot of fun last year. But I may need to spend a lot of the summer job hunting or, if I get lucky, I'll be at my new job. But I might be able to sneak away for a few dates.
"Right. I still think someone's going to snap you up right away," Louis said confidently.
Harry sighed. Just thinking about the job hunt he had to embark on as soon as his internship was over made him feel just a little bit nauseated.
"The internship's still going well, isn't it?" Louis checked. "You haven't said anything…."
It's great. Really great, Harry was quick to assure him. He'd landed an internship in the rehabilitation unit of a well-respected hospital not all that far from where they lived. He had only been there a month, but it was, as Louis had presumed, going well. He had been worried that his being deaf would be an issue, but so far, everyone had been very understanding and had worked with him on developing workarounds when needed.
"Then you shouldn't worry," Louis advised. "I'm sure they'll write you a terrific recommendation."
I hope so. He knew that in his particular situation, a good recommendation was only a small piece of what he needed to land a job once he'd graduated, but he would, of course, take what he could get.
"I'm so glad I'll be here for your graduation," Louis stated. "I would have been gutted to miss it."
Something else to thank your management for.
The waitress brought out their sandwiches just then, and they paused their conversation.
Boy, that was fast, Louis commented as she placed their plates in front of them with a flourish.
The second the waitress left, the boys immediately traded one half of each of the sandwiches she'd delivered. Then they took a few moments to stave off the hunger they'd worked up out on the ice.
When their plates were partially clean, Louis said, "You know what we probably should discuss before the evening's festivities?"
What? Harry asked after a sip of wine.
"Our wedding." Louis also sipped at his drink. "If we're going to announce that we're engaged, people are going to ask us when."
Harry smiled softly. I still can't believe you proposed.
"I'm still so happy you said yes." Louis returned Harry's smile.
Harry paused for a moment of thought, then commented, We really need to decide based on your schedule, not mine. Yours is much more complicated.
Louis didn't say anything straight away. He took a couple bites of sandwich while he was clearly contemplating Harry's assertion. Harry could tell the moment he came up with an idea. His eyes lit up and he sent a smug grin in Harry's direction.
What? Harry asked.
"How do you feel about a Christmas time wedding?" Louis inquired.
Harry nodded. That could work.
"Our winter break is always pretty long, so we should have plenty of time for a wedding and a honeymoon," Louis went on.
Harry nodded once more in agreement.
"Besides, December is the best month of the year," Louis concluded.
Then December it is, Harry stated. That gives us..., he paused to do a mental count, …ten months to plan.
"Plenty of time," Louis said confidently.
Thus settled on a time frame, they set about finishing up their lunch and paying their check. Once they'd finished the last of their wine, they decided to take a walk around the wharf before returning to the car. Louis said he wanted to be sure the alcohol wasn't going to affect his driving.
Louis grabbed Harry's hand the second they were outside, and they began a leisurely stroll through the area.
It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun was shining, and the air was crisp, but not uncomfortably freezing. Harry could not have asked for more perfect weather; Mother Nature had seen to that gift all on her own.
They walked back past the ice rink, stopping to watch a pair of little kids skating around the rink with more skill than had either Harry or Louis.
"I'm glad I didn't see them before we went skating," Louis noted.
They're lower to the ground, Harry pointed out. Lower centre of gravity. Makes it much easier for them to stay up.
"Excellent rationalisation," Louis complimented, spelling out the second word. "Is there a sign for that?"
I'd have just said 'thinking', Harry answered. But what you did is fine, too.
"Good," Louis said. He added a query, "Is that true, that centre of gravity thing?"
Think so, though I wouldn't swear to it.
After another few minutes of watching the skaters, Louis reached for Harry's hand again, tugging it to get Harry's attention. When Harry looked at him, Louis urged, "Come on. Let's keep walking."
Harry was happy to oblige.
They walked down to the railing overlooking the Thames. The O2 Arena was across the way.
You've played there, right? Harry wondered, trying to remember things he'd read about places Up All Night had performed.
Louis nodded. "Our second tour. It was amazing."
But bigger and better now, yeah?
This time, Louis shrugged. "It's really cool to play in stadiums, but sometimes I miss the feel of a smaller venue. Also, you know, a covered one."
Harry chuckled. You don't love playing in the pouring rain?
"It's not my favourite, no."
It was Harry who urged them to keep walking at this point, and they did a little window shopping and, in one case, a little actual shopping. Harry spotted a hat he loved in the window of a tiny boutique, and since it was Harry's birthday, Louis declared that the hat would be his. Harry was so delighted, he immediately switched out his beanie for the wide-brimmed fedora.
They had walked over much of the area by mid-afternoon, and Louis stopped them by a cart selling hot coffee.
"We should probably get going so we can get ready for this evening's festivities," he suggested. "Have you had enough time here to see everything you wanted?"
Harry nodded. I'm ready to go.
They made good time back to the car and, given it was a Sunday, they got home without having to sit in any traffic.
After they hung up their coats and assorted winter accessories, Harry inquired, I need a shower. After that, how should I dress?
"Jacket and tie. Maybe not jeans," Louis responded.
Okay. Harry offered Louis a quick kiss. Thanks for the skating and lunch. I had a great time,
Louis beamed with pride. "You're very welcome." He reached out and lightly slapped Harry's bum. "Get going now."
"Yes, sir." Harry shook his arse just a little as he made his way toward their bedroom. As he looked back, he was happy to see he'd made Louis laugh.
Harry allowed himself to stay in the shower a little longer than usual to warm up from spending so many hours out in the freezing cold. Then he made quick work of picking out an outfit he hoped would be suited to whatever it was his fiancé had planned. He chose the newest pair of skinny black jeans he had, a simple white silk shirt he had bought at a street fair, and a black jacket he'd just recently acquired. He added a thin black tie and his favourite black boots before walking out to the lounge to present himself to Louis.
Louis must have been listening for his approach because he turned around on the couch to watch as Harry entered the room.
Wow! Louis exclaimed.
Smiling hesitantly, Harry asked, You like it? This will work?
Louis nodded vigorously. "It's perfect."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "Good."
"I look forward to taking you out of it much later on, too." Louis raised his eyebrows suggestively, a wolfish grin on his face.
Harry rolled his eyes, but grinned back at Louis all the same.
Louis glanced down at his mobile to check the time. "Shit. I need to shower and dress, too."
While Louis went to do just that, Harry got out his laptop and replied to both some birthday e-mails and some birthday tweets, though there were more of them than he was expecting. Some enterprising (read: nosy) fans of Louis had discovered it was Harry's birthday, so he had many tweets from complete strangers wishing him a great day.
A shadow looming over his laptop alerted Harry to the fact that Louis had reappeared. He wore a sharp navy blue suit Harry thought he recalled from one of several awards shows he'd accompanied Louis to in the past ten months. The suit was complemented by a simple white shirt. Like Harry, he sported a thin tie, though his was red. Black patent leather dress shoes completed his look.
Louis opened his arms wide and spun once. "What do you think?"
I think we're going to have a fight later about who gets to strip who first.
"It's your birthday. You can have at me first," Louis offered magnanimously.
What a trauma for you, Harry remarked with a smirk.
"Car should be here in fifteen," Louis went on to announce. "You ready?"
"Excellent."
Harry finished off the e-mail he was sending in reply to a message from an old school friend. He was clicking the send button when Louis tapped his shoulder to let him know the car was there to take them wherever it was Louis had planned the evening's festivities.
After donning cold weather gear for the second time that day, they headed out to the car.
The drive was not too long, and Harry paid vigilant attention to the route they were taking. About ten minutes into the drive, he thought he'd figured out where they were going, and by the time the driver pulled the car over to let Harry and Louis out, Harry knew his guess was right on target. They were going to the Chiltern Firehouse, a place which had become a favourite of Harry's ever since Louis introduced him to it.
There were, thankfully, no paparazzi around as Louis guided Harry into the restaurant, a gentle hand on the small of his back. He spoke to the maître d, and then they were led through the main part of the restaurant and into a private area in the back.
Where virtually every single close friend and family member Harry had were gathered, signing (and, Harry presumed, shouting), "Surprise!"
Harry took in the room. There was a long table set for everyone to eat around, complete with fancy china and name cards. Streamers and balloons hung from the ceiling, and over to one side was a table with what appeared to be a champagne fountain on it. Everything looked so elegant and lovely.
He turned to Louis, beaming. You arranged all this?
Louis smiled. "Most of it. Gemma helped, too." He gestured to where Gemma stood, and she waved.
Harry waved back, then threw his arms around Louis. "Thank you," he said as he hugged Louis tightly. When they separated, he added, This looks completely amazing.
"You deserve it. Happy birthday, my love." Louis pressed a chaste kiss to Harry's lips, then pushed Harry in the direction of his mother, who waited patiently just a few feet away.
Hi, baby. Happy birthday! She proceeded to wrap him in a tight warm hug. When she let him go, she went on. I can't believe you're twenty-one. It seems like just yesterday you were born.
I'm so happy you could be here, Harry told her.
I wouldn't have missed it for the world, Anne assured him.
Gemma nudged their mother over. Let me at the birthday boy! She offered Harry his third hug in the last five minutes. Happy birthday, baby brother.
Not a baby anymore, Harry reminded her, adopting a mock stern look. All grown up now. Legal everywhere.
Gemma grinned widely as Niall bound over to clap a hand to Harry's back. They, too, shared a hug before Niall said, Happy birthday, H.
Thanks. And thanks for coming.
Louis sidled up beside Harry at this point, so was there when Niall echoed Anne. Wouldn't have missed it.
The little group collected took on two more members as Liam and Sophia joined the circle. "Happy birthday, Harry,” Liam wished him.
Thanks, Harry was beginning to feel like he was being repetitive, but what other response could he give? And thanks for coming. Both of you.
"We're happy to be here," Liam told him. "And Zayn told me to pass along his birthday wishes."
Harry nodded in acceptance. Zayn and Perrie were still on their honeymoon, but Perrie had texted him at 12:01 a.m. (his time) to wish him "the very happiest of birthdays," promising that as soon as she was back, she wanted to take him out for a belated celebratory dinner.
Harry and Louis spent the next little while chatting with the other guests--though there weren't all that many; Louis had clearly and deliberately kept the party small so Harry would be able to have quality time with each person there. Harry appreciated the gesture. Huge events often proved to be very overwhelming.
Eventually, they were urged to have a seat at the table. Harry was sat at the head of the table, Louis on his right, Gemma on his left. The rest of his family and friends filled in the sides. They were served a lovely dinner of salmon or chicken, and Harry was able to use the opportunity to catch up with his mum and sister, neither of whom he got to spend enough time with.
When everyone was almost full, a beautiful cake was wheeled in on a cart. It took Harry's breath away. It was a large, 3-layered affair, each layer a shade of orange--Harry's favourite colour. The top was ringed with tiny little sugar bananas, and, in the centre, a candle that read "21," lit with a soft yellow flame that complemented the cake.
It's gorgeous, Harry told Louis. I love it.
Louis beamed. "Wait until you see the inside."
Harry instantly went to blow out the candle, but Louis stopped him with a hand on his arm. "We haven't sung yet."
Harry backed away from the cake with a smile on his face, hands up. What was I thinking?
Louis counted, "1, 2, 3," then led the collected group in both singing and signing "Happy Birthday" to Harry. Harry didn't always like being the centre of attention, but standing there with all his favourite people serenading him, he felt like he was on top of the world.
When they finished their song, Louis pointed to the candle and nodded.
Now? Harry double-checked.
Harry tried to think of something to wish for, but his life was going just about as perfectly as he could ever have imagined, so all he could do was wish for it to continue just as it was. Then he blew out the candle.
Before Louis allowed Harry to take a knife in hand, he looked deep into Harry's eyes and raised his eyebrows in question. It took Harry a moment, but he finally realised Louis was asking if Harry was ready to share their big news. Harry nodded.
He watched as Louis tapped his wine glass, presumably to get the attention of the hearing people in the room, who, in turn, got the attention of the deaf people. Soon everyone was looking with interest at where Harry and Louis stood at the end of the table.
Louis looked over at Harry with a look that Harry interpreted as another question--which one of them should share their news. You go, Harry directed.
Okay. Louis turned to face the waiting crowd. "Tonight we're not just celebrating Harry turning twenty-one. There's something else we're celebrating."
All eyes in the room were fixed on Louis, but Louis turned his own gaze on Harry, sharing the sweet smile Harry loved so much, the smile he'd come to learn was for him and him alone.
Louis returned his focus to the party guests. "Last weekend, I got down on one knee and asked Harry to marry me."
Gasps echoed throughout the room.
Louis pointed to Harry. You finish.
Harry nodded his agreement and looked over at all his friends and family as they watched back, waiting to hear what Harry's answer had been. I said yes!
Half of the audience offered sign language applause, while the other offered the more traditional type of applause.
Harry's mum was the first to move to speak to the boys individually. She walked up to her son with a smile on her face. Congratulations, baby. Both for your birthday and your engagement.
Thanks, Mum. He enveloped her in a fierce hug.
When he released her, she moved to Louis. "You'd better make him happy,” she warned him, Harry recognising her serious look.
"I promise," Louis assured her. "Like it was my occupation."
Harry grinned at the same moment his mother did, and he kept right on grinning as Anne hugged Louis close.
Gemma was next to come up to them. "Congratulations, you two. I'm so happy for you." She squeezed Harry tightly, then looked right at Louis. "Hurt him, and you die."
To Louis' credit, he didn't flinch. Harry knew, then, that his sister and his fiancé had spent enough time together. Louis just nodded. "Understood."
Pacified by his response, Gemma gave Louis a hug, too.
After all the other party guests had given their personal best wishes, Harry finally got to cut the cake. He laughed uproariously when he cut the first slice and revealed a rainbow cake with chocolate mousse between each of the layers. He dropped the first slice onto a plate before he handed the knife over to the waiter standing nearby. Then he caught Louis' eye. A rainbow?
I couldn't resist.
It's awesome. Thank you.
They ate cake--which was delicious--then Harry made his rounds, going around the table to chat for a short time with each of his guests. While he did that, Louis stayed at the end of the table talking with Liam, who he hadn't seen a whole lot of during this break barring the special occasions of Zayn's birthday, Zayn and Perrie's wedding, and this event. Every time Harry would move to a new group of people, he would look down at the end of the table and stare until he met Louis' gaze. They would share a smile, and then Harry would continue with his own catching up.
It was late in the evening by the time the dinner party began to wind down.
Anne told Harry she was staying in London two extra days, so they made plans to meet up with Gemma for dinner the following evening. They hadn't had any real quality family time since Christmas, so Harry was very happy his mum wasn't going right back up to Cheshire.
Niall and Liam both hung back to wish Harry a happy birthday one more time and also to share, again, how thrilled they were that Harry and Louis were engaged now.
"You almost beat Zayn to it!" Liam remarked.
"So, you're getting hitched in December?" Niall confirmed.
Harry and Louis nodded in tandem."We'll have to be doing a lot of planning during our break in the spring, then the rest while we're on tour."
"Be sure to let me know what I can do to help," Niall offered generously.
Well, you are going to be my best man, of course, right? Harry requested with a huge grin.
"And you mine," Louis was quick to say to Liam. "You and Zayn both."
"I'd be honoured," Niall answered, his grin just as big as Harry's.
"Me, too," Liam said. "And I know Zayn will be, too."
"Don't you lads worry," Niall insisted. "We will throw you the best stag night ever." He raised his eyebrows at Liam meaningfully and Liam raised his eyebrows right back, a mischievous look taking over his features.
Harry yawned widely just then, clapping a hand over his mouth and signing Sorry with his other hand.
Louis regarded him fondly. "It's been a long day. We should get home."
Thanks so much for coming tonight, Harry told both Niall and Liam. It meant so much to me to have you here.
"Wouldn't have missed it," Niall assured him, pulling him close for a goodbye hug.
"Me, neither," Liam was quick to add, also giving the birthday boy a tight hug. "I had a lot of fun."
Niall addressed Liam next. "Share a cab?"
"Sounds good."
With a final wave goodbye, Niall, Liam, and Sophia made their way out of the restaurant in search of a cab ride home, leaving Harry and Louis the only ones left in the private room.
Louis went to fetch their coats from the hanger standing in one corner of the room, placing them on the back of the chair he'd been sitting at for dinner. His eyes were as weary as Harry felt when he asked, "Ready to go?"
Yes. Harry reached for his coat and shrugged it on. After zipping it up to ward against the chill sure to hit once they left the restaurant, he said, Thanks so much for the party. It was absolutely perfect.
Louis pulled on his own coat and smiled. "Really? You wouldn't have preferred to do something else?"
This time, Harry shook his head. No. It was the perfect weekend. I could not have asked for more.
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it." He stepped forward to plant a kiss on Harry's lips. When he started to pull away, Harry threw his arms around Louis' neck and deepened the kiss for just a moment.
Once Harry let him go, Louis inquired, "Any decorations you want to keep?"
Harry reached up to grab the string attached to one of the black balloons emblazoned with a simple gold "H" on it. Just this.
The restaurant manager approached them just then with a cake box and said something Harry didn't quite get.
Car's here, Louis interpreted. All set?
Harry led the way as Louis took the cake box in hand and followed him through the restaurant's main room and out to the car waiting right in front. Just as when they'd arrived, there weren't any paparazzi there, leading Harry to believe the restaurant staff had done an excellent job of keeping their presence a secret all evening.
It was too dark in the car to comfortably converse, so Harry settled for resting his head on Louis' shoulder. Louis immediately wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulder and reached a hand up to card his fingers through Harry's curls.
Harry closed his eyes and relived every part of what he decided had been the best birthday he'd ever had. Bar none.