next to you ❀ l.s.

thirty five - merry christmas

"Lou. Louis, wake up."

Louis groaned, tucking his face into the crook of Harry's neck. "Shh. Sweetheart. Too early," he grumbled. He pulled Harry impossibly closer, anchoring the younger boy securely to his chest, not leaving Harry even an inch of space to breathe. "Try to go back to sleep, baby."

Harry giggled, trying and failing to push Louis off of him. "Tell that to your sister. She's been in here twice already. She tried to poke your face, but I didn't let her."

With another groan, Louis forced his eyes open. "Thanks, babe. I fucking hate Christmas."

"No, you don't," Harry told him, his tone scolding. "You're just a grump in the morning, love."

Louis sighed, because he couldn't argue with that. He settled for pressing his lips to Harry's neck, then trailed a few more kisses up his jaw, making the curly-haired boy squirm.

"Lou," he warned. "We have to get up. Your family's waiting, and if your sister doesn't get a present in her hand in the next ten minutes, I won't be able to protect you any longer."

Louis sighed again. "I hate Christmas. Never get what I want."

"You don't hate Christmas!" Harry said again, rolling his eyes as he laughed. The rumbling sound vibrated through Louis's body, and the older boy couldn't keep himself from smiling. "Come on, Lou. Please. We need to get up."

"Fine." He begrudgingly let Harry wriggle out of his hold, sitting up in bed as the younger boy dug in his bag for a sweater. He rubbed his eyes and watched Harry bend over, shamelessly eyeing his bum even through his sweatpants. "As long as I get what I want later tonight."

"Thought you already got what you wanted last night?" Harry tugged on his sweater, pulling the thick sleeves over his cold hands, and then leaned over the mattress to kiss Louis gently.

Louis hummed, smirking against Harry's lips, tucking his fingers up into the hem of his sweater in an attempt to pull the younger boy closer. "Wasn't enough. Can't ever get enough of you."

Harry blushed, butterflies coming to life inside of him. "Later," he chided shyly, pecking Louis's lips once more before starting to drag him out of bed. "Come on. It's time for Christmas."

The entire house was already awake when they emerged from Louis's bedroom. The sun was only just peeking up over the horizon, casting the street in shades of gray, but the Christmas lights had stayed on all night. Everything was bright and joyful and just dripping with warmth.

Louis's younger sister was bouncing off the walls, impatient to start opening her gifts, and his mother was in the kitchen putting the kettle on. They all exchanged quick greetings of "Merry Christmas," then they settled down in the living room to start tearing into some presents.

Louis and Harry had promised each other small gifts only, so Harry was over the moon when he opened his present from Louis to find a book and a fluffy-looking sweater. He watched nervously as Louis opened his own gift, unfolding a light-wash jean jacket with a soft white lining along the collar. The older boy couldn't contain his smile as he studied the coat, feeling experimentally in the pockets while Harry sat on, anxiously waiting for his reaction.

"Sort of an apology for always stealing your other ones all the time," he explained sheepishly.

Louis held the jacket to his chest, his eyes glowing with adoration as he looked at Harry. "I love it," he gushed. He leaned over his sister to peck Harry's cheek affectionately. "You're so sweet."

Harry blushed, mumbling a shy "you're welcome" that only Louis heard.

Louis's mum clasped her hands together suddenly, a twinkle in her eye to match Louis's classic mischievous look, which Harry had seen far too many times. "Harry, love. Time for my present to you."