A World Without Augusts

6

Louis followed Niall into the inn that reminded him way too much of those Ghibli movies that Zayn made him watch when he was feeling under the weather. It was all so soft and colourful. But those colours didn't clash with the island's grey tones, it complimented them. Louis was busy examining a rather pillowy couch from afar when Niall broke his concentration for the second time that day.

"And that's Harry!" he exclaimed. Louis turned to look at him and was sort of stuck. Harry was, well, to be blunt, beautiful. All long legs in awfully tight pants and a shirt with undecipherable patterns unbuttoned to give a peek of the tattoos etched on milky skin was walking towards them.

"Hi, I'm Harry," he spoke in a slow yet enthusiastic voice, outstretching his hand. English.

"'m Louis," he smiled, taking the hand and definitely not missing how heavily tattooed his arm was.

"You're English too?"

"Guilty as charged," Louis smirked just a tad bit and was pretty sure he saw Harry's cheeks redden.

"Louis here needs a room," Niall broke in between and Louis couldn't help but feel a little annoyed.

"Of course he does, Nialler. I'm pretty sure he isn't on an English people hunt," he sassed, taking Louis' suitcase.

"Oh no, you don't have to!" Louis exclaimed, taking back the suitcase from Harry's hand.

"You're going to be paying me for this. Don't worry, darling," Harry winked, taking it back. And if Louis wasn't already bothered, he definitely was after that.

"Single room with a view out to the sea will do? You can see the lighthouse from there," Harry inquired, opening the register.

"Yeah, it'll do, mate," he sighed, leaning on the counter. His body hurt as if he had swum all the way to the place.

"Don't you look like you've been all up in the wars? How about you go up to your room and I'll bring your things up. We can discuss the duration and payment tomorrow," he suggested with eyes full of sympathy and Louis' heart skipped a beat.

"Thank you so much, Harry. Really. You're wonderful," he said, voice laced with tiredness.

"It's alright, Louis. Now up you go, second floor, room eleven. Dinner will be served in an hour, you take a kip. I'll send someone to bang at your door,"

"God bless your heart, you lamb," he said in a dramatic voice, walking towards the stairway. His ears picked up the slight chuckle that escaped Harry's lips.

Louis practically threw himself on the bed, sinking in the downy sheets. And for the first time in almost a week, his eyes crinkled as he smiled. He didn't feel as tired as he did in the hallway. The windows weren't closed and the cool breeze blew through the gauze curtains. He would complain like a bitch about them in the morning but in the evening, those airy curtains looked magical.

He noticed a little card on the nightstand and dragged himself to pick it up. Opening it, he would be lying if he said his heart didn't smile a little. It was all about the island, a little sweet attached and apparently handwritten by someone.

'Welcome to the Isle of Eden. A few things to start you off, we only have electricity for five hours a day so charge your phones and laptops between 6 am and 11 am. It also tends to get quite cold without the heating so jumpers are an absolute necessity to those who aren't used to the cold of the sea.
A word of advice, you won't get lost around here. Wander around all you like and if the place ever looks unfamiliar, just ask someone, they'll be more than willing to help you find your way. Look at the puffins all you like from afar, take care to not disturb the nesting grounds. They are very sensitive birds and remember, this is their home before ours.
Please find here the timings when food is served:
8 am-10 am: breakfast
1 pm-3 pm: lunch
7 pm-9 pm: dinner
If you need anything else, find Harry Styles at the registry, in the gardens or kitchen. Or you could just hear for the tinkle of Brie's bell, she's never far from him.
I hope you have an incredible and peaceful stay on our island and fall in love with it as much as I did.
Best wishes,
Harry Styles'