Glitter & Crimson [COMPLETED]

19

Liam stepped into the room where Louis sat in front of a mirror, his younger sister Lottie deftly applying the finishing touches to his makeup. Her hands moved with precision, the kind of skill honed from years of practice before she turned her passion into a profession during the band's whirlwind years of touring. The room smelled faintly of hairspray and perfume, the scene calm compared to the chaos that had engulfed the morning.

"How you feeling, Lou-bear?" Liam asked, his tone light as he set the box of decorations on a nearby chair.

Louis didn't turn from the mirror, his lips pursed in annoyance as Lottie dabbed at a spot of highlighter on his cheekbone. "I'm waiting for the next disaster," he muttered.

Liam raised an eyebrow, stepping closer and finally taking in the full picture. His gaze trailed down to Louis's outfit, and that's when he noticed it: the dress. The wedding dress.

"Wait... I—uh—when did you—" Liam stuttered, gesturing vaguely at the lace and tulle masterpiece Louis was wearing. "When did you change into a dress? And more importantly, when did you get a dress?"

Louis grumbled, his hand coming up to tug at the fitted bodice before Lottie slapped it away with a warning look. "I lost a bet with the twins," he sighed, exhaling dramatically. "Phoebe and Daisy thought it'd be hilarious to make me wear this if I lost. And clearly, I underestimated just how ruthless they can be."

Liam couldn't help it; he burst into laughter. "Mate, you look like the lead in a rom-com where the groom gets left at the altar and decides to marry himself."

"Don't push it, Payne," Louis shot back, though a small smirk tugged at his lips despite his annoyance.

Lottie, who had been silently working, finally chimed in with a grin. "Honestly, you're pulling it off, Lou. Zayn's gonna lose his mind when he sees you in this."

"Oh, I bet he will," Louis muttered. "But for entirely different reasons."

Liam crouched down in front of him, resting a hand on the armrest of the chair. "Hey, all jokes aside, you're gonna be fine. Dress or no dress, bet or no bet, today's about you and Zayn. And nothing—not even the twins' sabotage—can ruin that."

Louis glanced at Liam, his expression softening as the reassurance settled over him. "Thanks, Li. You're not wrong, but if this day goes sideways again, I swear I'm eloping next time."

Lottie smirked as she stepped back to admire her work. "Done! Now you're all set, Lou. Just... try not to trip on the skirt, alright?"

Louis groaned as he stood, the layers of the dress rustling with every movement. "If I trip, I'm blaming all of you."

"Fair enough," Liam said, holding back another laugh as he opened the door for him. "Now, let's get you married, Bridezilla"

"Watch it, Payne," Louis warned, but the grin on his face betrayed the warmth in his heart. No matter how chaotic the day had been—or how ridiculous he felt in the dress—it was all worth it for the moment he'd finally get to say "I do" to the love of his life.

***

As the noise of the bustling venue softened, leaving only the faint hum of laughter and conversation drifting through the air, Liam stayed back with Louis in the quiet dressing room. Louis stood by the mirror, tugging nervously at the lace hem of the wedding dress and muttering to himself. Liam, ever the calming presence, stepped closer and placed a reassuring hand on his back, rubbing slow, soothing circles.

"This is going to ruin my reputation," Louis muttered, his tone halfway between frustration and resignation. His fingers fidgeted with the intricate beading along the bodice, as if he could will the situation into something less absurd.