Some things change. | l.s.

39

The end of the year was near and as every year the weather wasn't like everyone was hoping for. Instead of snow covered streets there was mostly black ice from the raindrops that fell from the sky instead of beautiful white snow flakes, freezing on the ground because of the low temperatures. The icy wind made everything ten times worse when it crawled under every layer of clothing and hit each inch of the skin like tiny needles.

Most stores were closed already on this day and for the following holidays and only a few poor souls working for 'Narrative Games' had the misfortune to come into work to finish their very last tasks for the deadline of the first milestone of their new project that was due in the afternoon.

"That's so unfair!" Harry complained when he snatched his mug and trudged out of the kitchen into the hallway.

"You're not the only person having to work today." Louis chuckled and sipped on his coffee. "If you would've gotten done with your tasks earlier instead of making plans on how to get rid of Sheila or lazing around on the couch in my office all the time you wouldn't have to work today."

"It's Christmas eve, Louis! No one should work today!" Harry whined and stopped once they reached the entrance area he had to cross while Louis had to take the other way to his office.

"Rather hurry up than complaining so you can leave earlier." Louis chuckled and looked around, leaning in and pecking his lips when he was sure no one was around and Harry returned the kiss with a pout.

"When will you be done?" He wondered.

"Probably not when you are. But it's fine. As I know you, you have yet to pack, right?" Louis smiled.

"No, I already did. Don't wanna leave though." Harry murmured. He was happy to drive back home and see his mother who moved back to his childhood home, but he wanted to spend time with Louis.

"It's just for a few days and...maybe we can see each other briefly tonight before you have to leave tomorrow?" Louis suggested and Harry nodded.

"Sounds like a plan. I text you, okay?" He asked and Louis agreed before they parted ways.

Louis should've been home seeing as it was the twenty fourth which was always reserved as family time with Madison and Mallory, partly because it was his birthday as well, but today he wasn't lucky and he apologised a dozen times before, throughout and after breakfast when Madison whined not wanting to let him go. He hoped he could get his things done quickly, but there was no end in sight yet and he contemplated to just not give a shit and shut down his laptop, but as long as Harry was at the office as well he had the chance to see him a few times and he wanted to take advantage of that for as long as he could until he wouldn't have the chance to see him for a week of Harry being with his family.

He didn't mind that Harry didn't congratulate him today because he never told him when his birthday was so Harry couldn't possibly know and he wouldn't suddenly come around the corner with that making Harry feel like a fool. He didn't care that much about it anyway, the only thing he was a little concerned about was how awkward it would be once Harry found out, but he guessed that was better than if he found out today.

When he almost reached his office his name got called and he halted perplexed at the voice. He turned around and looked at Laura with raised eyebrows when she hurried- she waddled more than anything- along the hallway which looked hilarious with her oversized pink coat that barely covered her bump and her arms hastily waving around in the air.

"Louis, wait! I-" She panted and held a finger up in the air. "Wait, please. Have to...get...air." She stopped and steadied herself against the wall taking a few deep breaths.