Forbidden Desires {Ziall AU}

Chapter 34: love you like oxygen

chapter title from Habit by Genevieve Strokes

Hello lovely people!
I hope you have all had a good week, as I have. I'm so excited to show this chapter to you all! I'm hoping that this chapter will give you a little bit of insight into Harry and Louis' relationship, and it's given me an opportunity to explore what Harry and Louis' story could play out like!
Enjoy!

LOUIS POV

I don't know how long it's been since I watched Harry get dragged away from me. The pain in my cheek has long subsided, leaving only the dull ache from the core of my soul. The tears are starting to dry on my face. I'm probably dehydrated, but something in me can't bring me to move. Moving means it's real. Moving means that this wasn't some horrible dream that I'll wake up from.

Memories wash over me in waves, crashing against my skull in sharp blows.

I pulled into the gravel driveway, crunching loudly under the tires. The tall house came into view. Beautiful green vines twisted their way up sandy bricks. Elegant white windows carved holes into the bricks, letting the midday light flow in. It was all centralised by small steps leading to a simple white door.

"Lou..." Harry gasped, clamping a hand around my arm. I took his hand in mine, bringing it to my lips before turning off the engine.

Harry was out of the car in a flash, grinning ear to ear while he took it all in. A gentle smile crept its way onto my face. It was so nice seeing him so happy. I wondered for a long time about what he would look like once he was free of the demons dragging him down. I wondered what he would look like when he was finally allowed to be himself. Yet, he looked so much more beautiful than I ever imagined.

An excited squeal burst into my hearing, "Lou, look at it!" He bounced on his heels, eyes wide like a child.

I nod, leaning my side against the car, "I know, sweetheart."

He skipped, yes, actually skipped to the front door. He studied the door for a moment, looking up and down the white knots. Grabbing the handle, he pouted once he realised that it was locked.

"Hang on angel, I've got the keys," I walk up the drive towards the door, pulling a set of keys from my pocket. There were three keys on the ring, all unlabelled. I chose one, placing it in the lock. Unsurprisingly, the door didn't unlock.

Harry tugged on my arm, looking all too much like an excited puppy, "Hurry up!"

I laughed, cracking the door open with the second key. He races in before I have the chance to take it out of the lock, the door banging against the wall. I took the key out, padding my way down the hallway.

The room came into view, the sight of Harry twirling around in the space with his arms spread wide. An empty fireplace sat on one of the walls. I made a mental note to buy firewood (which Harry will no doubt want as soon as possible, despite it being summer). The light from the tall windows flooded his figure, the sun dancing on his cheekbones.

I stepped up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. My thumb slipped under his shirt, caressing his hipbone. Rocking us, I murmured into his neck, "Are you happy?"

He nodded, leaning his body against mine, "So happy."

"Good," I smiled, leaning my face against his neck.

He giggled, "Never wanna leave here." He clasped my hands in his, intertwining our fingers together.

I placed a lingering kiss on his neck, "Don't have to."