Stockholm Syndrome (Larry Stylinson)

Love and Letting Go

Chapter 21:

HARRY

Everything was super quiet as I woke up. I have never felt so at peace before, but for some reason I felt that way today. I have no idea what day of the week it even is anymore, but strangely the lack of time telling was like a blessing.

I wiggled around in the bed, pulling the sheets up higher around my chin because they were just so warm. Everything felt warm, and I decided that I just wanted to lay here all day and snuggle up with Louis. That sounded like it would be absolutely amazing!

I turned around to face him and snuggle myself into his chest, but I was met with nothing but cold sheets and an empty bed. I was so confused for a second, but then I realized that he was probably already up and just eating breakfast. I turned to look at the clock on his nightstand and my eyes widened a bit, seeing that it read 2:40 pm. I slept through most of the day!

I groaned, not wanting to get up but knowing that I had to. Niall was probably bored without me, and Louis was probably just waiting until I did get up. I find it cute that he didn't just wake me up and let me sleep instead.

I took the covers off, deciding to get up, but I immediately regretted it when the cold air washed over my skin. I felt a shiver crawl up my back, and I quickly pulled the covers back over me. I'll just take it with me. I got out of bed, draping the covers over my body, and got dressed quickly, decided to dress comfty in a pair of Louis's sweats and a t-shirt. I also pulled socks onto my feet, feeling absolutely warm right this second.

I pulled the blanket tight around my shoulders and then walked out of the room, making my way down the hall. I was halfway down when I heard Louis's voice. "NO! That goes over there, Liam! Please lads, everything had to be perfect!" I heard him say.

What was going on? Were they setting something up? I shook it off and continued walking towards them, curious at to what was going on, but I was even more shocked when Niall spoke up. "Calm down, control freak. I'm sure Harry will love anything coming from you." He spoke in a bit of a bitter tone, but just the fact that he was interacting with them made me even more confused and curious.

I walked nesr the end of the hall, the blanket making soft swishing noises on the floor, and then I heard Louis again. "SHH! You hear that? He's coming. Get ready!" He said. He seemed really excited right now.

I turned the corner into the living room and froze in shock and joy as they all yelled "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARRY!" I saw a sign hanging across the entry way that read 'Happy Birthday', a few balloons scattered around the room, some flower vases set up for the atmosphere, and Louis was holding a cake with the same message on it that they yelled out to me.

"Wha-" I was about to ask, but Liam spoke up then.

"Louis decided that it would be fun to have a birthday party for you. We woke up early to make the cake and set stuff up." He says, and only then did I notice how tired Zayn looked. He wasn't much of a morning person, but it meant a lot that he still got up to help everyone out.

"Thank you so much everyone. Um, how did you know it was my birthday? Niall, did you...?" I asked, but he shook his head, so I trailed off, listening to what he had to say instead.

"Wish I did, but Louis was the one who found everything out." He said. I could tell he tried to sound like he was okay with everything, but there was a bit of sadness laced in his voice that I think I only picked up on because I know him so well.

I turned to Louis and he sent me a small smile, passing the cake to Liam and then walking up to me. "Happy birthday, baby." He said, leaning in and pressing a small kiss to my lips. It was much too quick for my liking, and before I knew it, I was pulling him back in for a deeper kiss. He chuckled and pulled back from me.