The day started off quite nicely, thought the curly haired boy as he put on his jacket, fixed the cast on his leg and was limping out the door. He quickly turned around remembering that he forgot his keys, took them off the counter, pet Molly, his kitty cat, and left.
Exiting the house, he did't feel like taking his car so he just decided to stroll down the familiar streets of London. The air chilled his lungs taking him back to the time when he had his first kiss. Louis. That cheeky boy. Though it was a just a pointless kiss between two kids, he never forgot the feeling of his thin, almost chapped lips. Of course everything is different now. Louis is somewhere in America trying to start off his singing career. Harry found the idea very bizarre, but still supported his friend. Yes, friend. Nothing more. The thought of that made Harry upset. Louis never a saw Harry as anything more than a friend. Not even a best friend, just a friend. The two boys were never that close, sure they had a few play dates when they were younger, but only because their mothers were best friends.
Harry decided to brush off the memories that saddened him. Just as he entered his bakery, he was greeted with smile and a warm embrace from Liam, his best friend. The hug lasted mere seconds. Harry pulled back and said with a raspy chuckle, "What's going on, I was only gone for one week, and you're all acting as if I died."
"We all missed you, the bakery was really lonely without you and your cheesy jokes." Liam replied with a light hearted laugh.
"Yeah, well I'm back now, and happened to make up more cheesy jokes while being away from work." He laughed then turned around and went straight to his mini office at the back of the bakery.
He was so focused reading the papers on his desk that when he felt a hand on his back he practically jumped up, "Woah! Didn't mean to scare you there Harry, just decided to stop by, see how your leg is after you slipped on that black ice."
The old man sat down slowly beside his grandson. "Hello grandpa, you gave me quite a fright." They both chuckled. "My leg is alright, but how are you, you seem much weaker since last week."
"I am alright Harry. You really should really stop caring about me so much. I'm really okay, I'm just an old and tired man, nothing more." Kieth replied with a gentle smile. Harry nodded trying to hide his concern for his grandpa, who seemed to be up to fifty times worse since the last time he has seen him, which was only a week go.
The truth is, Keith was not well, but Harry couldn't know. He already has enough stress because of his leg, thought Keith. He was waiting and hoping to find a good time to tell him he has Parkinson disease. He himself only found out about this very recently and didn't want to have anything change between him and Harry.
~~~~~~{-•-•-•-}~~~~~
In the afternoon, when everyone has already left the bakery, Harry decided to redecorate for the holidays. He took out his record player and put on his favorite Christmas disc. "Walking in a winter wonderland" he sang along.
"Excuse me?" A soft voice whispered.
"A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight walking in a winter wonderland!" The boy hasn't heard anything and continued singing with even more passion.
"Excuse me?" The voice said louder.
Harry still didn't hear and continued decorating the Christmas Tree. It was not long till one of the ornaments fell off the tree and rolled up to the one who was trying to get Harry's attention. He turned around and stood still for a moment.
"Oops." He finally spoke up.
"Hi."
This can't be happening, thought Harry. No matter how many times he blinked in hopes of waking up, the petite boy was still there standing.
"You're back?" Harry was confused because he was sure Louis was in America.
"I came back for Christmas, to celebrate it with everyone I love."
Harry was sure that Louis hated him after that kiss, but apparently not. So without a doubt Harry put down all the ornaments he was holding and walked up to Louis and hugged him so tight, it was as if his life was on the line. Louis was a little taken back, but quickly hugged him back. This is what they both needed, and they both knew it, but neither was going to say anything. At least not now.
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~~~~~~{-•-•-•-}~~~~~
"Everyone missed you so much Louis!" Harry didn't actually know that, he just wanted to start a conversation somehow. "Do you want anything to eat?"
"Yes please!" Louis replied exasperated. "I hadn't had solid food for more that 8 hours and my stomach has been making weird whale noises everywhere I went."
As their laughter quieted down all what was heard was the soft Christmas music playing. "Have yourself a Merry little Christmas" Harry started singing along again as he stood up to make tea.
"You have a lovely voice Harry."
"You really think so?"
"I do, you would be able to make great career off of it."
"I don't think so." Harry didn't like thinking of having any other job but this bakery.
