Castaway Haven

EPILOGUE

Harry was engrossed in nervously playing with his fingers when Louis' hand found his.

Instantly, Harry's body relaxed on the sofa where he sat, with Louis by his side. He blinked, captivated by how perfectly their hands fit together. Above all, he couldn't tear his gaze away from their tattoos.

An anchor adorned Harry's wrist, while Louis sported a rope. The tattoos they had gotten together felt like a testament to their bond – an anchor symbolising steadfastness and unwavering support, and a rope intertwined with trust. These inked symbols encapsulated their shared experiences, as they had weathered the unpredictable tides of fate side by side.

"Nervous?" Louis inquired, breaking the silence.

Harry exhaled deeply, meeting Louis' gaze. His eyes were a vivid blue, reminiscent of the ocean–the only ocean Harry was willing to lose himself in now.

"A little," Harry admitted, attempting a smile that faltered under the weight of his nerves.

"I'm right here with you," Louis reassured, squeezing his hand. "And Haz, if you don't want to do this, we don't have to."

"No, I want to," Harry affirmed, squeezing Louis' hand in return. "With you, I can do anything."

Louis chuckled, "Such a sap," but his smile conveyed affection and love.

"Well," Harry began, huffing a laugh in an attempt to lighten the mood, "I managed to survive with you by my side for months. I think I can handle a silly interview, right?"

Three months had passed since they'd left the island. After returning to England, they had reunited with their family and friends. In the initial few days, Harry and Louis had found it impossible to be apart. Louis had moved into Harry's stepdad's bungalow, where they had been living for the past months.

Their codependency, while understandable, underwent several therapy sessions they desperately needed. The sessions were beneficial, as were the presence of their loved ones. Slowly, they had managed to spend time independently and reclaim their individual lives.

It was on a simple night, while lying together outside the bungalow, stargazing under the night sky, that the I love you's were exchanged. Oh, they had exchanged those words before, on the island. But here, back home in England, they were like the first words again.

Harry was gazing at Louis more than the stars. He held Louis' hand tightly, clutching the necklace that Louis had lovingly crafted for him during their time on the island. When Louis had handed the necklace to Harry, a profound realisation had washed over him. He had known back then the depths of his love for Harry. He had envisioned a future intertwined with him, regardless of their location—be it on the island or beyond.

Under the enchanting Cheshire night sky, Louis spoke softly, his voice filled with tenderness. "Haz, do you remember when we were at our lake, and you asked me about finding the right person?"

"Yeah?" Harry's grip on Louis' hand tightened. Louis couldn't help but wonder if Harry's reaction was deliberate or instinctual.

"You said that until I found the right person, you were right there, so we could..." Louis paused, the unspoken words hanging in the air, but Harry understood exactly what he meant.

"Yeah," Harry responded again.

"Well, you're the right person. The only person."

Harry tried to hide his tears by shaking his head before he looked at Louis, whispering, barely audible over the gentle rustle of leaves, "I love you."

Louis turned his head to face Harry, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I love you too, Haz. More than anything."

They had lay there, bathed in moonlight, a sense of tranquillity enveloping them. The wounds of their past had begun to heal, and they had started building a future together–one brimming with love, trust, and infinite possibilities.

Now, as they prepared for the interview, their hearts overflowed with gratitude for the unwavering support from their family and friends. With their love as their guiding light, they knew they could face anything that lay ahead.

Together, they took a deep breath, ready to step into the spotlight and share their love story with the world. They held onto each other tightly, knowing they had their anchor and their rope–symbols of strength and connection–to cling to, no matter what storms they may encounter.

The end.