Right Where You Left Me | Larry Stylinson

44

Louis rested his head on Harry's lap as Harry gently ran his fingers through his hair. It had been an exciting yet exhausting day. They were sitting on a quiet hill, watching the sun slowly set, its golden light spreading across the sky. Their conversation was soft and relaxed, a tender murmur as they shared the peaceful moment.

Earlier that morning, they had woken up early and told Anne they were heading out for the day and would return later. Anne had been delighted and even packed them a small basket full of food for the trip. Louis had suggested they take the train instead of driving, wanting to experience the charm of touring Holmes Chapel properly. So, hand in hand, they walked to the train station and boarded. Louis was grateful that there weren’t many people around, allowing him to stay relatively unnoticed. After all, it wasn’t like he was a rockstar, at least, not in his eyes.

Harry, on the other hand, was used to his small town. The locals didn’t treat him like a God, they treated him like one of their own. Their first stop was the bakery where Harry had once worked.
They dropped off the basket there and enjoyed a small breakfast before continuing their day. As they left the bakery, still holding hands, Harry led Louis to a little market, telling him how that’s where the locals bought fresh produce.

The market was small but bustling, with every stall well-organized and clean. It felt like the heart of the community. Harry then took Louis to his old school, where they watched children play on the playground during their break. Louis noticed how Harry’s face lit up with a wide grin as he watched them.

Later, Harry guided them to a park where he had spent many afternoons as a child, watching his friends play football while he sat on the sidelines, too clumsy to join in. Louis laughed, calling him cute, and Harry blushed, leaning in to kiss the tip of Louis’ nose.

As the afternoon turned into evening, they returned to the bakery to collect their basket. Harry had been eager to show Louis a special place in his hometown, a spot filled with memories that he now wanted to share with him.
They said goodbye to the kind ladies at the bakery and made their way to the arch, where a breathtaking green landscape unfolded before them. The setting sun bathed the scene in a soft, golden light.

Now, as Harry continued to run his fingers through Louis’ hair, Louis shifted, turning his body to face Harry. His gaze was intense, his voice soft but serious.

"Before we talk about the past, I need to ask you something," Louis said, his voice almost a whisper. "You can say no, but I want to ask you now, so whatever we talk about won’t influence your decision."

Harry leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Louis’ forehead and then to his nose. "You can ask me anything, babe. And I need you to know that nothing we talk about will change how I feel about you. I love you, and that’s not going to change."

Louis closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in the comfort of Harry’s presence. "Okay," he whispered, moving closer until his face was pressed against Harry’s stomach, his arms wrapping tightly around him. Harry held him close, his own arms wrapped protectively around Louis’ shoulders and waist.

After a long moment, Louis sat up, reaching for his phone. He hesitated, then opened a folder and handed it to Harry, unable to meet his eyes.

"I need you to sing this song," Louis said, his fingers nervously twisting together. "I mean, you can take it, put it on your album, whatever you want, but I need you to have it."

Harry gasped as he read the lyrics on the screen, his eyes wide with surprise. "Lou... this song... Oh, baby, come here." Harry pulled Louis into his arms, holding him tightly. "I’m so, so proud of you. I didn’t even know you wrote songs. Are you sure you want this out there? Your dad will definitely hear it, especially if I sing it."

"That’s why I want you to sing it," Louis murmured, his voice trembling. "It’s the only way I can apologize to him. I don’t think I can ever face him again, Harry. I caused him too much pain. He lost the person he loved most because of me, and I couldn’t even be a good son."

Tears welled up in Harry’s eyes as he shook his head. "No, baby, no. You didn’t do anything wrong. Lou, you’re one of the kindest people I know. You love your family so deeply. Whatever happened, I’m sure it wasn’t your fault. I’m so sorry, love."

Louis wiped at his eyes, sniffling softly. "It doesn’t matter anymore. I just hope he finds the happiness he deserves. He’s a good man, Harry. He’s always been a good father to Max. He even paid for my education, made me a shareholder in his business…"

Harry cut him off, his voice firm but tender. "Fuck the material things, Lou. You deserved more than just tuition or a name on some business. You deserved more. Don’t make excuses for him."

Louis, wanting to change the subject, quietly asked, "So… about the song?"

"I’ll do it, Lou," Harry said softly, brushing a tear from Louis’ cheek. "It’s a beautiful song, and I’m so proud of you."

Louis shifted, moving out of Harry’s arms to sit across from him. "Thank you," he whispered. "You can change a few things if you want and use your own melody."

"No," Harry replied, shaking his head. "The words are perfect. I’ll just create the melody. But… the more I read it, the more it feels familiar. Like I’ve seen these lyrics somewhere before."

Louis swallowed hard, his voice barely audible.

"The Rogue."

Harry's head whipped around so fast he almost gave himself whiplash. "What? Baby, no. We can’t steal someone’s song! Oh my God, Lou, did you ask for permission?"

"Harry," Louis said softly, reaching out to hold Harry’s hand, grounding him. When Harry looked at him, something in Louis' expression shifted. In that moment, Harry knew.

"It’s you," Harry whispered, the realization hitting him like a wave. "The Rogue is you." It wasn’t a question. It was the truth.