instagram // l.s.

sixty seven

Louis fiddled with the band on his wrist as his foot tapped anxiously on the cab floor. He craned his neck, peering through the window down the street, watching the cab turn onto a side street, smiling softly as he recognized the name. Harry's street. Only a few more minutes until Harry was there in front of him. A few more minutes until ten days of pretending he wasn't head over heels for the curly-haired boy.

A short time later, the cab slowed to a stop, and Louis hurriedly gathered his things as the driver's deep voice let him know that he'd arrived.

Shoving the door open, Louis stepped out of the cramped cab, hauling his suitcase out behind him. He handed the driver his fare with a polite smile before turning to face the homey-looking house in front of him, his heart pounding. "You can do this," he mumbled, taking a deep breath. He started up the path, his suitcase thudding over the cracked stone of the footpath as he walked.

With a shaky hand, Louis reached out to ring the worn doorbell, stepping back quickly and twisting his fingers together nervously. Thankfully, it was only a few seconds before he heard a reaction.

"Mum! Holy shit, Mum, he's here!" Harry's voice echoed through the house, and Louis smiled fondly at his enthusiasm. Soon enough, he heard pounding footsteps, and the oak door was yanked open, revealing a very flustered Harry, dressed in worn skinny jeans and a polka dotted shirt buttoned barely above his navel. Louis inhaled sharply at the sight, but his attention quickly shifted to Harry's beaming face as he spoke again. "Hey, hi, oh my god, you're actually here. Fuck, I— can I hug you? I'm gonna hug you."

With that, Harry launched himself into Louis' arms, wrapping his arms tightly around him and burying his face in Louis' neck. Louis laughed loudly, holding him close, and he felt his stomach swoop as he registered just how near Harry was to him. They were really finally together, Louis was genuinely touching him right then.

Hesitantly, Harry pulled back, smiling shyly. "Hi," he whispered, his breath warming Louis' face.

"Hi," Louis mumbled, letting his eyes trace Harry's beaming face, carefully memorizing every detail, from his prominent dimples to his bright green eyes.

Harry bit his lip, tilting his head in bemusement. "What?"

Louis flushed, his cheeks burning, and he laughed awkwardly. "Nothing, sorry, you're just— wow."

Harry blushed lightly, ducking his head. "So are you."

Louis stepped back, taking in the appearance of the other boy, and wrinkled his nose at the realization Harry was taller than him. He sighed dramatically.

"What is it?" Harry asked amusedly.

"You're taller than I am," Louis grumbled.

Harry laughed loudly, his shoulders shaking. "It's not my fault you're short."

Louis narrowed his eyes, scoffing. "I am not short," he said, offended. "You're just a giant." Harry patted his shoulder, suppressing a smile.

"Whatever makes you feel better."

Louis opened his mouth to protest, but before he could respond, a voice called out from the doorway.

"Are you two going to stand out there all day, or would you like to come in? Louis, darling, I'm sure you're tired from the train ride, and have you had lunch yet? I'm just about done making some soup, and there's salad as well."

Louis grinned, looking over Harry's shoulder to Harry's mother. "That sounds wonderful, Ms. Styles, we'll be right in."

Anne tutted, waving her hand at him. "Call me Anne, 'Ms. Styles' is far too formal. And don't rush, lunch will be a bit. Harry, why don't you get Louis settled in the guest room while you wait?"