The Balloon Man (Larry Stylinson)

Chapter 18

"Daddy! Harry! Daddy! Daddy! Up! It's Christmas!" Arabella screamed at the top of her lungs as she barged into their bedroom.

Louis could barely open his eyes before a tiny body threw itself onto him and successfully kneed him in the crotch.

"Oh shit," Harry muttered, his boyfriend immediately letting out a loud pained groan and trying to roll Arabella off him, "sweetheart c'mere," he reached for her and pulled the 4 year old onto his lap.

"Harry it's Christmas!" she said excitedly as she jumped and crushed the older man in a hug.

"I know it is honey, but how about we start it off by not hurting your father," Harry chuckled as he glanced at Louis next to him.

The blue eyed man's face was stuffed into the pillow as he tried to control his breathing, his knees almost pulled into his chest as he curled in on himself. And Harry couldn't do anything but rub his back, wanting to do anything to help.

"I already see that Santa come, there so many presents!"

"You must've been really good this year," Harry smiled down at her, "are my mom and Gemma awake?" he asked, getting a happy nod in return, "okay, how about you get ready for presents with them and we'll be downstairs in a second."

Arabella didn't need to be told twice, quickly scampering off the bed and sprinting out of the room.

"Babe...?" Harry asked carefully as he tried to get the older man to face him.

Louis let out a few deep breaths, slowly opening his eyes and letting himself stretch out, "oh my God, I almost yelled," he muttered as he ran his hands over his face, "fuck that hurt."

Harry offered him a tight lined smile, letting his hand travel down Louis' bare chest to his stomach, "you can take a minute before we go down there," he said softly before dipping down and pecking his cheek, "oh, and Merry Christmas."

Louis turned his head, his own grin appearing before he leaned up just enough to connect their lips, "Merry Christmas."

"You feel okay about today?" Harry asked quietly as he looked down at him gently.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Louis nodded, his smile genuine, "the past few years were hard, just being reminded he was missing so much..." he bit his lip, for a moment focusing on his boyfriend's hand that rested on him, "but you and you're family are here and we get to make more than great memories together... Memories I thought I could never give Bells."

Harry's dimples were all too noticeable as he looked down at him and quickly pressed his lips against the older man's, "I love you," he mumbled against him, giving him a few more pecks, "we're gonna have a great day despite how it started for you."

Louis rolled his eyes as he laughed to himself, "it'll be great as soon as I get to see your face at your presents," he said, knowing his boyfriend's reaction will make up for the attack he got this morning.

Harry lit up, quickly hugging the older man before he shot out of bed, "here, we can match Arabella," he said, throwing the pajamas he got Louis yesterday at him.

The blue eyed man happily took them, knowing his daughter would be more than happy to have them all wearing the same thing again. And as soon as they were both dressed Louis was almost too quick to drag his boyfriend downstairs, maybe a bit too excited to see his face at all his gifts.

"Merry Christmas!" Louis said excitedly as soon as they got into the living room.

"Daddy look how many presents Santa bring!" Arabella said excitedly as she pointed to the mountain surrounding their tree.