➳ claude // l.s.

XXXVI - final

trigger warning: character death

    Today Harry got a tattoo. And not an ordinary one. No. It was a very special tattoo to him with a meaningful story behind the writing. Claude was what the tattoo read. Harry got it in honor of his beloved boyfriend.

He has been thinking about getting it for some time and today was the day he decided he will get it, once and for all. So, instead of going to school, he went to the tattoo parlor. He couldn't care less to be honest, especially since we're talking about Louis here.

The moment the ink was imprinted on his rib cage, his eyes couldn't leave the spot for one second. He was absolutely obsessed with the tattoo. He loved it so very much. It was related to Louis after all. So he waited for Louis to come home and see it. He was really excited for his reaction.

But the reaction he expected wasn't the reaction he was offered.

When Louis arrived home, Harry jumped excitedly in his arms, wrapping his strong arms around his petite figure. Louis hugged back lovingly, snuggling his head into Harry's chest before Harry pulled away. " Lou, I got a surprise for you. " He murmured into his boyfriend's ear, hot air hitting his flesh and causing the smaller boy to shiver.

" Mhmm, what is it, baby? " Louis asked, genuine curiosity dominating his timbre.

" I got a new tattoo. " Harry didn't hesitate in lifting up his t-shirt, showing off his tattoo proudly.

He believed Louis would smile a really big happy smile, but his face just... dropped?

" What is it? Don't you like it? " Harry's whole demeanor changed within a second, his pink lips jutted out and his green eyes rounded, resembling the ones of a puppy.

" I- " Louis was at a loss of words as he stared at the ink before him. " I don't know what to say. Why exactly this? " Louis' hands reached for the skin to caress it, the younger boy winching slightly at the remaining pain.

" Because it's your name. " Harry answered as if it was obvious.

" It's not my name. " Louis could feel sadness try and drown him as that name that haunted him for years bounced around the walls of the clearing. " My name's Louis. "

" Lou, baby... " Harry tried to comfort his boyfriend.

" I don't like that name. It reminds me of the worst times of my life. " Louis could feel tears brim his eyes, his light blue hues morphing into darker ones, resembling a deadly ocean. " It makes me feel weak... " his voice cracked just like glass under pressure as he finished the sentence.

" It's exactly the opposite. Claude is literally the strongest person I've ever known, and bravest. Trust me, I wish I had your strength in some situations. I wouldn't have lasted if it was me... " Harry grabbed Louis' shoulders, locking their beautifully eyelash framed eyes as the most sincere emotions came to the surface.

" Don't say that. " Louis turned away, trying to avoid the conversation.

" You're an inspiration to me. You inspire me to be stronger and braver every single day. I promise I'm not lying to you when I say you're the strongest person I know. I've only read about this in books... " The curly haired boy brought Louis closer for reassurance, his heart melting when he felt his boy lean into his touch.

" Do you really mean that? That I'm... strong? " The unsure small voice echoed into Harry's ears.

" Why would I lie to you, Lou? " He could feel Harry smile against him as he held him tighter and tighter, scared that if he'll let him go, he'll disappear forever.