Plants, Records & A Charity Event | larry Stylinson

Chapter 18

As soon as they enter the venue there are a lot of people trying to talk to Harry as if he was a celebrity.
Louis feels small next to Harry and unimportant. Sensing that Louis might feel uncomfortable, Harry puts an arm around his waist, securing him of that he's not alone.

Whenever someone is talking to Harry, his priority is still on Louis and making him feel welcome that's why he's always introducing him to everyone and saying that he's his date. Not giving them a clearer label is fine, because judged by the looks of everyone it's obvious that they are more than friends in the way they hold each other.
At some point Louis feels Harry's hand squishing his waist.

"Let's go to our table. It's over there."

Harry whispers in his ear and softly pushes him along from behind.

They are sitting on a table with Harry's supervisor, his wife and some other students and professors. Louis is sitting next to the supervisor's wife and they quickly started chatting about how surreal this whole experience is with her sharing that it never gets normal and there is no way in getting used to it.
He is totally catched up in their talk.

Harry on his end is just watching Louis interact with her and smiles proudly. He knew they would get along well. Only having eyes for Louis didn't stop him from noticing how Nick and his date are seated on the table slanting behind them.

There are waiters walking around, handing out champagne and Louis isn't one to say no to free booze. That was one of the reasons he initially agreed to come with. As the first spark of champagne hits his mouth his head turns to Harry, rhetorical and physical. He becomes aware of all his thoughts and all the guilt he feels so he decides to drown them in alcohol.

"Easy tiger, there are still the speeches taking place before dinner will be served. So maybe turn it a bit down, don't want to text Niall that he has to come and pick us up because you're drunk before I was able to share my glorious speech with the room."

Harry says with a smirk. As if he gave the signal with that Nick stand up, goes to the front of the room where a small stage is provided.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, I am Nick and I'm speaking for the students of the sports department...."

That was all Louis heard because after this he kept his ears shut and solely focuses on Harry and his reaction to seeing Nick.
It didn't get unnoticed that Harry's pupils dilated at the sight. Sending a knife right into Louis heart.

Louis was so lost in watching Harry that he didn't realize that Nick was already done and an other student of a different department was speaking.

"Are you alright? You're so quiet."

"Yeah, am just lost in my thoughts. I'm sorry Harry."

He gives Harry a smile and engages in conversations again. That is till Harry supervisor, Mark as they are suppose to call him tonight, gives Harry THE look. Harry is next.
Seeing Nick on stage looking that good made him feel sick. But he knows he has to perform now. No matter how much his heart is torn at the moment. So he gets up, earning an encouraging smile from Louis and walks towards the stage.

"Good evening dearest guests. My name is Harry Styles. I am so honoured to speak to you on behalf of the sociology department. I want to thank our donors for their generosity. Due to those funds we are able to fund our research project on emotions and the impact they have on our behaviour. I am also a part of that project, focussing on the emotions of love, loss and heartbreak."
As those words leave his lips his eyes find their way to Nick, giving him a meaningful look.
"I recently had the pleasure to experience all those in a short time."
A chuckle is going to the room, since Harry himself is laughing a bit.
"So thank you all for choosing us as your charity cause. Like my supervisor reminded me to tell. There are also other project we can realise now that we have the needed money. There is one about domestic violence and how it can be effected due changes outside of the home. But sadly I'm not that qualified to give more information, I'm sure Mark will do as so if you ask him about it. So thank you. If any of you have further questions or would like to chat, do not hesitate to find me. Have a great evening."

During his whole speech Louis eyes never leave him. He takes it all in. He can't believe how beautiful Harry is and how much he shines when talking about a subject so close to his heart.

Suddenly he can see clearly that Harry deserves someone that is perfect and not at all like him.
Seeing Harry interact with all these important people he just feels out of place, so he turns to the champagne searching for a way out of his skin.