Hands On Learning

36. only you

H

That evening Marcel called Mr. Styles to give an update on the interview he'd had with Louis that afternoon.

"One of the top candidates?" Mr. Styles repeated warmly, feeling a surge of pride. "That's wonderful. He really is deserving of the opportunity. Thanks for making this happen."

The cousins chatted a bit longer about busy schedules and the latest audiobook that Marcel was listening to on the migratory patterns of birds before wishing one another a good night and ending the call.

Mr. Styles wished that he could call or text Louis right now to give him the good news but of course, that wasn't an option. Soon enough they could re-evaluate. The grounding was over on Monday but he would let Louis take the lead on reaching out, in case anything changed.

He missed his boy more than words could say. He wandered the house looking for anything belonging to the boy and settled on the pink blanket that still smelled of him. He draped the soft fabric over his shoulders and nuzzled his nose into it, inhaling deeply. He was so glad there was no one here to witness this display of fondness.

L

Louis danced through the door when he returned home, quietly singing and feeling himself more than usual. His Mom was waiting at the kitchen table reading a magazine and chuckled at his antics.

"I take it the interview went well?" She asked with a bemused expression.

"Oh for sure!" Louis replied, bending to untie his dress shoes and leave them on the shoe rack. "Marcel - that's the dean - was really nice and let me ask some questions too. His resemblance to Mr. Styles was uncanny, they could've been twins." Louis in his excitement probably shouldn't have let that detail slip. It would be best if his Mom didn't even know that Mr. Styles existed but it was too late now.

"Mr. Styles? Who's that?" She asked.

Louis did his best to feign nonchalance. "Oh, that's our chemistry teacher for the rest of the semester. Our usual one Ms. Donovan is out. He's really good but kind of a hardass."

"Ah I see. Did you eat yet? I made Sheperds pie."

"Ooh I'd love some, thanks."

After she'd warmed a plate for Louis and he'd had a few bites she brought up something she'd been thinking about all evening.

"I want to end your grounding early. You've been working so hard at your schoolwork and helping around the house... and it doesn't feel right to punish you when much of the fight was based on your sexuality. I'm sorry for how I spoke to you and if it isn't obvious by now, I accept you for who you are and love you very much."

Louis set down his fork and wiped his mouth with a napkin, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Really? Thanks Mom, I love you too. It was nice to spend more time with you, even if your taste in movies is questionable at best."

"Hey! They're classics." She gently smacked his arm and the two laughed.

Louis was lit up with excitement, tapping his foot and already mentally drafting his text to Mr. Styles. He couldn't wait to hangout with Liam and Lexie too.

When he was done eating he loaded the dishwasher, gave his mom a quick kiss on the cheek and ran upstairs, changing into some comfy clothes and tossing himself on his bed. Louis was surprised to find he was a bit nervous to text Mr. Styles, still bothered by the mystery of that whole weird encounter with the angry brunette man in the parking lot. He would have to ask Mr. Styles for clarification for sure when he saw him next.

Louis - hey, my grounding is over early :) was hoping I could see you soon x

H - that's great, how about you come to my place tomorrow after your game? x