Saving Larry [A Larry Stylinson + One Direction Story]

Ch. 12 - Our Sanctuary

Zayn’s POV

When Lexi said, “This is your sanctuary. Nothing and no one can harm you or those you love here.” I saw a weight had been lifted off Harry’s shoulders and for the first time in the past 48 hours the tension and stress seemed to leave his body. No longer was he worried about what or who was hiding around the next corner.

Even the hallway that we are now in has a calming effect, cool tones in a pale Wedgewood blue grace the walls with white trim, silver accents and gleaming hardwood floors. A display of grey scale architectural framed photos grace the far end of the hall, as we reach the end, we turn to the right and climb the flight of stairs to the next level, which Lexi reminds us holds her office and a few other rooms, and we head to the right down the hall and up the next flight of stairs, which are situated directly above the ones we just walked up. As we reached the top of the stairs, I saw an open seating area and a kitchen that seemed to have come out of a page from a recent home design magazine.

White cabinetry with brushed nickel draw pulls and door knobs, marble countertops and backsplash, professional grade stainless steel appliances graced this masterpiece of culinary design. The stove area was enclosed in an archway design and has a vent that would allow for us to grill in doors, let alone that it had eight gas burners, a warming oven and an extra-wide baking oven too. A double door refrigerator with a freezer unit located right beside it, a wine cooler underneath the counter top, and one of my most favorite things to see a dishwasher. Trust me, if you ever grew up in a house that didn’t have a dishwasher and a large family, you will most certainly appreciate this modern convenience. The countertops were also graced with a top of the line Keurig K-Cup maker, the one that also allows you to make specialty coffees, a selection of cookbooks, canisters and other elements, that were in pops of lime and lemon colors, that made it welcoming and inviting.

What was the most interesting aspect of our arrival to this area was that Harry’s bag dropped out of his hand with a loud thud as he slowly walked to the kitchen island countertop. All of us heard him breath out an appreciated sigh as his hand gently caressed the white marble countertop, with various shades of grey veins running through the elongated piece. A double stainless steel sink with a goose neck faucet graced one end of the island peninsula.  I know that Harry has found a new love; the kid is just a natural when it comes to cooking and other domesticated aspects of life. Whenever we do get a chance to go shopping, if there is an Ikea, William Sonoma, a Stonewall Kitchen or another store that has a gourmet food preparation area, cookbooks or kitchen bake ware to look at - Harry will stay there until Paul or one of us lads have to almost carry him out. Granted most of us benefit from Harry’s cooking skills, and he has at least taught most of us how to make some simple quick and easy meals. Though for the most part, Lou is still a lost cause in the kitchen, unless Harry is right next to him offering instructions and coming to the rescue to avoid setting of the smoke detectors in their flat.

 “Louis, it looks like Hazza has found something that he thinks is far more desirable than your body mate”, Niall quipped with a teasing grin. “Not as desirable Nialler, just a beautifully designed and laid out masterpiece of culinary par excellence”, Hazza responded with a voice filled with adoration.

I glanced over a Lou who just rolled his eyes at his lover’s remark, but there was a smile filled with warmth gracing his face as he spat out, “Oi, Harry quit showing off your Holmes Chapel education and toss out the dictionary! Though you have hurt my feelings, you haven’t looked at me like you are looking at this kitchen in I don’t know how long.” As Hazza turned, Louis’ lower lip began to quiver and pout and he is hugging his arms around his middle.

I thought to myself, I hope the walls are sound proofed, as I know from past experiences that Louis is angling to have his boyfriend make him feel appreciated and lovingly adored tonight. Plus, with the glances being exchanged from the other couple as well, I will most likely get no sleep tonight. Can this night get any more depressing?! I closed my eyes and rubbed a hand down my face, as this was the last thing I needed to hear.