Careless Whisper

XIX

On the morning of December 25th, Harry is in full Christmas spirit. Louis is sitting on the sofa, only in his shorts and a sweater, and still tired and grumpy watches Harry twirl around the apartment, already dressed. Wearing his red Christmas jumper with rudolph printed on it and a big smile, he turns on the Christmas tree lights, snaps a photo of the tree and presents (and of course one of a disheveled Louis sitting on the sofa with his arms crossed), fetches Cookies with milk that he drapes on the table in the living room, lights a candle for Jay which is standing next to the picture of her and finally turns up ‚All I want for Christmas is you' at full volume. Harry starts singing along loudly and dances towards Louis. Half fascinated and half annoyed, Louis watches his Christmas whirlwind.

How can you be in such a mood early in the morning? Louis thinks, but Harry is already standing in front of him, shaking his hips to the beat of the music. He stretches his arms out to him and makes grabby hands, telling Louis to get up while singing along with „All I want for Christmas is youuuuuu" with a big grin. Louis rolls his eyes jokingly, but Harry pulls him up and pushes himself right up against him. Harry takes the lead and dances around the apartment with Louis. One hand on Louis' bottom, the other on his back. Louis himself has wrapped his arms around Harry's neck and Harry's good mood is slowly spilling over to him.When Mariah Carey sings her last notes, Harry turns the music down a little and claps his hands.

"Let's open our presents baby," he says and Louis looks at him fondly shaking his head, Harry is like watching a 21 year old kid.

"May I have a coffee first?" Louis asks, still tired.

"No! Presents first then you can have your coffee!" Harry insists and Louis sighs but of course he can't deny Harry's wish.

They settle down in front of the Christmas tree and Harry reaches for his present for Louis. His eyes shine as he hands it to him and Louis looks at the small oblong present in his hands. Harry put so much effort into packing, everything is taped so neatly and even has a little bow on top. Harry smiles at him, "Go ahead and open it."

Louis nods and carefully unpacks it, it's actually a shame to tear it open. It's a small box with Santa Clauses on it and Louis lifts the lid. Inside is only a folded piece of paper and Louis looks at Harry questioningly, but he nods to encourage him to open it and so Louis pulls out the note. It's a voucher from one of London's finest tattoo artists, Louis has heard of his work and seen a few. "I want us to get a couple tattoo." Harry breathes and Louis looks up at him. He starts grinning widely and throws himself into Harry's arms to kiss him in thanks. "That's a beautiful idea darling. Thanks!" he says, gently stroking Harry's cheek.

"Now it's your turn." Louis murmurs, leaning forward to grab Harry's present. As always, Harry takes every chance and slaps Louis on his ass. "Behave Styles or there won't be a gift!" he teases but of course hands Harry his present. He also looks at the gift and starts to laugh. "You definitely put more emphasis on quantity than quality. How many rolls of tape did you need for this?" and Louis blushes slightly. "To be honest...a whole one. But it depends on the content. Go on, open it."

Harry has to work hard until he opens it, but then stares at his gift. It's a vinyl from George Michael's album Faith, but it's autographed. Louis bought this for a lot of money because it's a rarity. "Wow...baby, thanks!" Harry stammers and quickly pulls Louis to him. "It must have been so expensive..." he murmurs with Louis on his lap and looking at his vinyl.

"You're worth it!" Louis says, kissing his cheek.

They spend the rest of the day snacking on cookies, calling their friends and family, and Harry cooks a celebratory meal for them in the evening. It's a quiet Christmas and Harry in particular is so happy about it, after all the stressful weeks that have passed because of their career. They enjoy the quiet moments between them, caresses and tender words that are whispered softly between kisses. For Louis, it's the best Christmas in a long time, even though he misses Jay so much.