Glitter & Crimson [COMPLETED]

14

Louis sat in the dressing room, tapping his foot anxiously as frustration knotted tighter in his chest. What should have been a fun, exciting day of suit shopping had spiraled into a nightmare. Everything he'd thought he wanted for his wedding day—the style, the cut, the colors—all of it felt wrong the moment he saw them in person. The fabrics felt heavy and uncomfortable, the color choices clashed horribly with the rest of the wedding's palette, and the patterns he'd envisioned felt stiff and uninspired. It was as if he were trying to mold himself into someone he wasn't.

It didn't help that he'd never been a fan of suits. Wearing one for his wedding felt restrictive, almost like it was swallowing up his free spirit. The wedding was supposed to be a celebration of the unique connection he and Zayn shared, but here he was, stuck in front of a mirror, feeling like he was trying to fit into a role that just didn't belong to him. The usually easy-going, confident Louis was on edge, his nerves twisting with every new suit he tried on.

Across the room, Liam—his best friend, bandmate, and best man—watched Louis with a knowing, gentle smile. "Look, mate," Liam said, noticing Louis's furrowed brow and sigh, "if the suit doesn't feel like you, it's not the right one. You don't need to force yourself into something you're uncomfortable in—especially not for your wedding."

Louis released a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced at the concerned faces of his mum, Jay, and his two sisters, Fizzy and Lottie, who'd come along for moral support. Jay reached out and squeezed his shoulder, her voice soft and soothing. "You're overthinking, love. This day is about you and Zayn, no one else. If this doesn't feel right, we'll find something that does. Whatever makes you feel comfortable and true to yourself."

Lottie chimed in, nodding in agreement. "Exactly! You don't have to do the traditional suit if it doesn't suit you. Pick something that reflects who you are—this is your day too."

Louis took a deep breath, a small smile beginning to creep onto his face as he took in their support. Fizzy suddenly perked up, snapping her fingers with a grin. "What about something a bit more casual? A custom jacket? Something with an edge that's really you—stylish, but laid-back."

Liam leaned forward, his tone enthusiastic. "Yes! Let's think outside the box. Something a little daring. Something that captures *you*."

As Louis absorbed their words, he felt a weight lift. He didn't have to follow anyone's rules, least of all on his wedding day. This was about him and Zayn, their story, and their connection. Tradition didn't matter so long as they felt authentic and true to each other. He looked at the supportive, familiar faces around him, each watching him with understanding and excitement, and felt the tension loosening in his chest.

"Alright then," he said, a slow grin spreading across his face. The spark returned to his eyes. "Let's find something that's a little more... me."

The next few hours were a whirlwind of unconventional choices. They laughed as they sifted through racks, trying on everything from vintage-inspired jackets to bold, modern patterns that pushed the boundaries of classic wedding wear. Liam inspected each piece with a critical eye, giving feedback on every seam and lapel, while his mum and sisters pulled options that ranged from trendy to outright outrageous, keeping him laughing the whole way.

Finally, after hours of searching, Louis stepped out of the fitting room in a tux that felt completely right. It was a rich, emerald green that shimmered subtly under the light, the fabric soft and comfortable against his skin. Paired with a crisp white button-up, it was both elegant and effortlessly casual. The tux was smart without feeling uptight, and instead of a tie, he left the top two buttons undone, revealing just a hint of his carefree, irreverent spirit. The look was bold without being over-the-top, stylish without losing his sense of ease. For the first time, he felt like himself.