SPACES [Editing]

The Most Wonderful Time

Louis Tomlinson

"Come on, it could be like a video diary or something." I put the camera down where it could capture the perfect angle. We were wearing Christmas sweaters and he was wearing fake antlers. I was actually expecting him to complain about it since I only forced him to do it. Surprisingly, he really really liked it.

"Just past a month of marriage and we're...."

"...setting up Holiday decorations around the house, wearing Christmas jumpers that match?" Harry finished my sentence as he put the lights up. The whole house is now literally surrounded by fairy lights. I actually like it.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." I turned the music on.

"Someone finally discovered the sound system." Harry said as he moved on from the lights to the tree.

"You've got some kickass speakers, might as well use 'em. I love Christmas songs!" I said enthusiastically while Harry just went on putting Christmas balls into the tree.

The tree was white and tall with black, red, and silver ornaments. Overall it looks nice since it matches the theme of our house.

Did I just say our?

I did just say our. It is what it is.

"Don't tell me you're one of those people who hate Christmas," I told him. I don't get how people could hate Christmas!

"'Hate' is a strong word. I prefer the term 'least like'. I don't hate it, I hate the things I have to do for it." He said which totally didn't make sense. He's here, filling his house with Christmas decorations, and now he's telling me that he doesn't like what he has to do for it?

"So tell me, Harold, why do we even bother embellishing your house with expensive ornaments when you claim to be hating the things you have to do?"

"I don't mean this, this is actually the best thing about Christmas. The decorations and the music. But I really, really hate shopping for gifts. Or shopping for anything at all. I also hate gatherings because then I'd have to buy me a beard. A fake girlfriend. My friends call it my winter syndrome. Every year I'd find me a perfect beard to bring during the family banquets." He explained.

"But your family knows, right?" I asked about his sexuality.

"They do, but the rest of the world doesn't. They told me they've accepted me, but they didn't want me to be found out. They said it's bad for their image and mine, as if my image ever mattered to me. The media only ever pays attention to me during important holidays like Christmas because that's the only time I get to 'spend time' with my parents." He didn't stop decorating the tree, but his movements are slower now. I can see that he's holding his tears back.

He's never really talked about his family before so I think it's the whole friendship thing that's working.

"Anyway, let's not talk about that. How about you? Why do you like Christmas so much?" He asked.

I didn't want to tell him about my birthday because then that would be insensitive of me. So I just thought of something else.

"I like the spirit. Just, the joy it brings. Good times." I answered and he looked at me with a curious face.

"I was waiting for you to say something with a 'Hannah' in it but you didn't. You're a changed man, Tomlinson." He nodded like he was actually proud of me. I don't know if it's something to be proud of but I'm definitely just relieved that I'm not miserable anymore.