Larry one shots/AUs

Let the light shine (Christmas one shot)

"These lights won't put themselves up, you know that right?" Harry said, dropping the tangled fairy lights in a heap next to where his boyfriend was sat.

"You said we'd do it together! I was waiting for you!"

"Oh, of course you were," Harry smirked, a charming glint in his eye. "Were you waiting for us to untangle them together as well?"

"That is most definitely the reason, yes," Louis smiled brightly.

"You're unbelievable," Harry scoffed, fondness all too clear in his eyes . That fond look may just be the death of Louis one day.  Harry walked off, Louis' eyes following him as he left.

Traces of autumn still remained, crisp brown leaves gracing the floor in the biting breeze. Inside, warmth surrounded the two of them. A double wick candle stood glowing on the mantle piece, the fluffy winter blankets replacing the usual lighter ones on the back of the sofa.

Louis picked up the bundle of Christmas lights and began to untangle them, picking at the intricate knots. Then the door opened and warm arms followed, wrapping around him, hands sliding down and wrapping around his own softly.

"I love you," The low hum of his voice danced into Louis' ear.

"Are you just saying that because you don't have to do this?" He held up the tangled bunch of wire to Harry's face.

"I am thankful of that, yes, but I was just telling you that out of the kindness of my heart."

"Oh. Then I guess I love you too," Louis grinned up at Harry, leaning in to kiss him as Harry's head lowered to bury in Louis' neck.

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other's warmth, the smell of home close and comforting to both of them.

Eventually, the lights were unraveled, laying on the living room floor in a trail of tiny bulbs and thin cables. They both took them outside, one carrying out a step ladder and the other carrying hooks for the lights.

"Don't die," Harry said as Louis stepped higher on the ladder.

"Oh you're too helpful," Louis smirked as he took a hook and one end of the lights, turning to place the hook on the gutter on the roof above the front door.

The sky was a dusky blue now, wintery darkness beginning to close in. Harry hoped the stars would come out soon, and they could watch the sky together, watch the world silently pass by.

They loved to do that during the winter, they both found it so fascinating. It made them feel like the only ones on earth, and the stars would arrange themselves in such a way it seemed to reflect their love in an abstract way. Open, bright, free. Forever present.

Half the lights were up, one side of the house illuminated and the other waiting to shine in the same way.

"My arms are starting to hurt a little," Louis commented after a while.

"You wanna swap places?"

"Yes please," He sighed, stepping down from the ladder and accepting the hooks from Harry.

They continued to place the lights on the front of the house, the bulbs draping elegantly between hooks.

"A bit to the left," Louis instructed when Harry asked how the placement looked.

"Here?"

"Try an extra bulb on that side,"

"Ah, that looks better."

"Much better."

Once the last bulb was placed right, Harry stepped down and they both took a step back to admire their work.

"Looks so beautiful," Louis stated.

"You look beautiful," Harry replied, and it came out as a reflex, but it was especially true in this moment. The yellow glow lit up his face enough to see his bright smile and glistening eyes, but the darkness created shadows on his cheekbones and jaw. He really did look gorgeous.

Louis smiled wider, pulling him closer and wrapping his arms around his waist.

"I'm so lucky to have you."

"I couldn't be more happy that you do," Harry grinned, kissing him for a slow beat.
"Are you not gonna tell me I look beautiful too?" He pouted, head tilting downwards but eyes locked.

"I cant even begin to tell you how beautiful you are. I've stopped trying to find words for it, they don't come close."

"Can you show me instead?" Harry raised a curious eyebrow, and Louis nodded.

He pulled him in closer, pressing their lips together, his thumb rubbing the back of Harry's neck slowly, the other hand cradling his lower back.

They've kissed a million times, but it always feels exciting and new each time. It feels safe, and so, so right. There is no other way either of them would rather be spending their evening right now. This is exactly what they've both dreamed of.

"I will try for eternity to show you just how beautiful you are, how incredible and amazing you are. I'll make it my mission if I have to," Louis smiled softly, eyes softly set on Harry.

"If you haven't already made it your mission, you're two steps behind me."

"You can't just take this one thing, can you?" Louis pulled away with a small laugh, shoving his shoulder gently.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Harry giggled, pulling Louis back in by the waist. "I will forever be trying to show you how much you mean to me. Forever."