Blood Red Lipstick [L.S.] ✓

Ch. 30; Harry.

- 8 Months Later -

Slowly but surely, his Harry came back to him. Whether it be in the snappy remark or the self-assured action. Louis himself got better too, and it's now something that barely affects him, the slight weak spots in his memory are just something he's learned to accept.

Now Harry's back to himself, albeit more willing to talk about his feelings (a good thing), wearing what he used to and less shy and awkward. Sometimes he retreats in on himself again, falling silent and upset, but it passes, and it's just something they have to work through together. He still has a knife with him everywhere, but that's just to be expected.

The last few months have been difficult for the both of them, but now they've finally reached a good place in their lives. Harry's managed to 'get over' (his words) the past, managed to learn how to cope. Louis' got a normal job now, his paranoia lessened. 

Life had changed for the better, and now they could truly appreciate one another. Now they could say 'I love you', now they could be happy with one another.

Louis had been planning to propose, buying a ring with a ruby on it, hiding it in his pocket at all times, Harry suspected nothing. They day he had planned Harry had pysched himself out of getting in the car, freaking out. Louis had cancelled the date, and while he didn't blame Harry at all, he was still disappointed. Harry had cried, apologising so many times the word 'sorry' didn't seem real, but Louis hadn't blamed him. He understood, really. Harry was still terrified of cars, a by-product of what had happened. Sometimes he was fine, other times he freaked out but still got in the car. Others, it was this.

But it was fine, truly it was. Louis didn't blame him in the slightest. But he'd been looking forward to proposing.

Now, he's rescheduled the date, planning it on one of Harry's better weeks, hoping that he'll be ok. 

The day comes, and Harry seems ok with getting in the car, just the usual fearful glance then clambering in.

Louis, sighing in relief, gets in after him. Louis was fine for driving once he was cleared to, he doesn't seem any point of being afraid. It's like being stabbed, you're not deathly afraid of knives. He just doesn't see the point in being afraid. It wasn't his driving, it was a freak accident because of a dumb fucker.

So, the car ride happens to be one of the easier ones, Harry not freaking out the entire time, rather sitting there rather peacefully and staring out the window, hand holding Louis'. 

The restaurant is nice, fancy. The decor is that of a modern place, sleek blacks and dark wood, a marble bar, plants dotted around, paintings dotting the walls. Candles sit on the tables, smiling waiters cruising swiftly and elegantly around.

Harry's back in what Louis loves him, the red dress and stilettos of the second day they met, lipstick the same colour it's always been. He's wearing a black leather jacket, nails painted red with his forefingers black.

"Very fancy, Lou." Harry remarks, swinging their arms between them. "You remembered this place?"

"...what?" Louis asks, he panics, thinking the place has some sentimental meaning. That is, until he sees Harry's face. "Not funny."

Harry giggles, shrugging. "Kinda funny."

"Not funny." Louis sighs. "You scared me there, baby."

"Sorry." Harry mumbles, looking down. "Didn't think-"

"No, babe." Louis says, lifting his chin with his forefinger and thumb. "It's fine, just-"

Harry nods, smiling devilishly before taking Louis' thumb into his mouth, earning an affronted glare and a hissed scolding. Harry smiles, dimples popping out. He loves this, having Harry like this, his usual self. The Harry after the accident wasn't his Harry.