the school of extraordinary lovers

XXV

In the early morning, they leave Louis' car parked at Harry's mum's home and get a lift with Lucia and Perry heading back to Edinburgh. Standing outside departures at Heathrow, Lucia hugs and kisses them both. "Let us know when you land," she says.

"Will do," Louis says, and she squeezes him again. He shakes hands with Perry only to be drawn into a hug beneath Perry's umbrella. After lots of back-patting and a bit of laughter, he adds, "We'll pay you both a visit soon."

"Yes, bring Anne," Lucia says. "And make sure Lots brings the baby."

"Maybe for Christmas," Perry suggests.

"Not sure we'll be back in time for Christmas," Louis says.

"That's alright." Lucia takes their hands. "Things might be tense in Ravenoir, but just know you have a home in Edinburgh too. Both of you."

Harry smiles. "We know."

Then, with a third and final round of hugs, they're off. He feels drowsiness clinging to him — a consequence of disrupting a very nice sleep — and even after a cup of coffee while they wait for boarding, he still drifts off soon after takeoff. Louis must not be far behind him; whenever Harry wakes again, he finds him snoozing too. They're both draped in blankets thanks to him. There's an eye mask on Harry's lap. He pulls it on and moves in as close to Louis as their seats will allow.

They sleep in stops and starts for most of the flight. But as the time winds down, the overexcitement kicks in. They eat as Harry gives Louis a rundown of all the museums and restaurants he made a note to visit.

"As long as we go to the water park, the rest of the itinerary is yours," Louis says.

Harry scribbles 'water park' in his notebook. "Done."

Two hours later, they touch down. After a pass through immigration and baggage claim, they find a driver waiting with a name card reading 'Tomlinson'. Harry expects a classic black car like the one Charles drives. He's stunned to step onto the pavement and see the driver opening the passenger door of a limo. Louis grins when he sees the look on Harry's face.

"Close your mouth, love. They've got massive bees in Rio. Might fly in—"

"That's very helpful. Thank you."

"Anytime," Louis says, still grinning. "After you."

Inside, Harry peers around the sleek leather interior. "I actually don't think I've ever been in a limo. This is sick."

Louis pops the bottle of champagne waiting in an ice bucket with ease, needing only to flick the cork off with his thumb. "How about a helicopter?"

Harry's brows crease. "No?"

"We'll have to cross that off your list too," Louis says, handing Harry a glass, tapping his own glass against Harry's. "To a long, luxurious life."

Harry laughs. "Together," he says.

"Definitely that," Louis says and they tip their champagne back. They roll the windows down. They refill their glasses. With the wind in their hair and their sunnies donned, they watch the city and its surrounding mountains zip by. Their hotel is away from all the commotion, but close enough that they'll get their shopping, eating and sightseeing done without trouble. It's rare that they have time or space entirely to themselves. A penthouse suite surrounded by rainforest is exactly what they need.

After a secluded drive into the hills, past the odd villa hidden behind trees here and there, they pull up to a modern white building with gleaming windows and palm trees, lining the drive. They check in at the front desk. Harry helps himself to a glass of citrus-infused water while they wait.