Cupcakes, Cuddles & Curls

Chapter 12

Louis wakes up the next morning to a cold and empty bedside him, taking a moment to get himself oriented he swings his legs off the bed pressing his sockless feet against the cold wood floor. He pads his way across the small bedroom and down the hall to his childhood bathroom that he shared with his four sisters. Flicking the light on he takes a moment for his eyes to adjust to the light as he enters the bathroom. 

Making quick work he relieves himself in the toilet before washing his hands and brushing his teeth. As he is brushing he observes himself in the mirror, the stickers his twins sisters put on the mirror's frame when they were 5 still lay suck in the bottom corner. They are rough and faded now from the steam and the water hitting them all these years. He can still see the faint image of some kind of Disney princesses... Belle and Aurora he thinks. 

He smiles at he childhood memories as he rinses his mouth and wipes out the sink. Once done he makes his way out of the bathroom and heads down the stairs, his floor boards creaking on each step he takes. He is about halfway down the stairs when he hears the sounds of giggles floating its way through the house from the kitchen. The sounds act as a guide pulling him in closer until he reaches the kitchen, as he he stands in the archway the sight before him making his heart melt. 

Harry is standing by the counter, Cassie on a stool next to him as she helps him make breakfast. He looks to his right of the archway to see Jay, Ernest and Doris sitting at the kitchen table joining in on the laughter and silliness. "Well good morning" Louis smiles leaning against the entryway. 

Cassie turns to face Louis a grin and what Louis assumes is flour all over her face. "Mowning Dadee!" She cheers. Harry had also turned at that time smiling over at Louis, he was wearing one of Jay's aprons her denim one with with pink and orange flowers sewn into it. "Morning Lou!" Harry cheers. "Want tea or coffee? wait never mind silly question." Harry adds turning to flick the kettle on for Louis tea. 

Louis smiles fondly a slight blush creeping on his face at how domestic this feels, they have only known each other for a short while and have only been on one date but it is nice Louis thinks. It's nice that someone is doing what seems like such a simple task to outsiders, but for Louis it means so much more. "Thanks Love" Louis says as he makes his way over to the kitchen table sliding into a seat next to his mother. 

"He is a sweet boy love, don't let him go." Jay whispers as he settles himself into his chair comfortably. He looks over to where Harry is standing gently telling Cassie what the next steps are. His heart clenches at the sight a longing for something that he felt he would never open himself up to. A longing for a chance at happiness with someone who could truly care for him and his daughter. "Yeah, he is pretty great." Louis whisper the fond smile never leaving his face.

"You like him a lot" Jay says its not a question more of an observation, or a matter of fact point. "Y-Yeah I do... he um he-" Before Louis can continue Harry is walking over and hands him is cup of tea. "Thanks Hazzie" Louis smiles the new nickname just rolling off of his tongue out of nowhere. 

Harry doesn't seem to notice the new nickname, or if he does he doesn't mind it. He doesn't say anything about it he just smiles at Louis letting him know it was no problem before heading back to Cassie who was eagerly waiting for her next instructions. 

Louis and his mom fall into easy whispered conversations about how their weeks have been. Jay going on about the things the girls have gotten up to with their friends. Louis shakes his head at his younger sisters antics but deep down he is a proud big brother at the fact that they are following in his trouble making ways. 

"Cassie, Ernie and Doris why don't the three of you help me go wake up the big kids?" Jay asks a few minutes later noticing that Harry and Cassie were finishing up on breakfast. This earns a squeak of excitement from the three young children and soon the patter of small feet are heard leaving the kitchen, Jay chuckling and shaking her head and leaving after them.