relief next to me (by dolce_piccante on ao3)

12

"I can't believe you kept that secret from me for so long!"

Louis giggled and squirmed out of Liam's grabby handed, peppermint lotion scented hug. His bum bumped into the side of his desk, Liam's fingers prodding his sides.

"I was sworn to secrecy!"

Liam planted his lips on the side of Louis' neck. He released him and sighed, his hands on his hips.

"Such sneaky friends."

Louis stepped around him to grab a pile of papers. He stacked them in his hands and placed them in the center of his desk.

"Did you have fun?"

"Of course," Liam said, sinking into the chair across from Louis' desk. He crossed his leg. "We got to snowboard and relax for three days straight in the mountains. When the spa called and said they didn't have anyone for me for Valentine's weekend, and all my house calls told me they would be out of town, I almost had a heart attack, but now I know Zayn planned this whole thing."

Zayn came into Louis' office with his laptop and sat on the red sofa against the wall. He opened the screen and balanced it on his knees.

"Louis did a lot of the calling and arranging."

Liam raised his eyebrows and looked to Louis, who smiled while clicking around his computer.

"I just made a few helpful calls. Some rescheduling of clients." He clicked his mouse once. "Nothing huge."

"You consolidated all of my clients from that entire weekend into my free time this week, while still leaving me generous lunch breaks every day," Liam said, rolling his eyes. "My clients have all been raving about my new receptionist named Louis." Louis smiled wider at that bit of information. "You are a scheduling wonder."

"I do love my iCal."

"Do you wanna just order lunch in?" Zayn asked, rubbing his stomach. "I'm actually in the mood for Chinese for once. Or maybe Thai. I want some noodles or something."

"We could do either and I'd be happy," Liam said, spinning in his chair to face Zayn. "I don't have a client until three, so whatever is easiest for you two."

Louis said, "I'd be down for Chinese. Or, we could go to--"

"Louis?"

All three looked towards the open glass door. Suzi's eyes could barely be seen over a mound of fluffy white peonies, her hands clasped around a water filled glass vase holding the bright green stems.

"Um," Louis blinked at the flowers, the swerving feeling of deja vu swirling in his stomach, "yeah?"

"Sorry to interrupt, but these," she placed them on an empty corner of his desk, "are for you."

"Me?" he laughed, his voice going higher. He stood up and leaned forward, sniffing the bouquet. "You're sure?"

"Yup, all yours. Just arrived." She brushed her hands together, smiling wide. She stroked the top of the blossoms. "They're gorgeous."

Zayn and Liam reached for the card envelope, but Louis snatched it away just before Liam's fingers made contact.

"Thanks, Suze," Louis said, sitting back in his chair. She stood at the door, her arms crossed over her chest. "What?"

"Aren't you going to read the card?"

Liam propped his elbows on the desk and folded his hands together, balancing his chin on his fists.

"Yeah, Lou," he said in a sing-song voice. Zayn's chin nudged its way on top of his shoulder, their faces side by side. "Aren't you going to read us the card?"