Look After You

Flashing lights

Its been 7 years since the incident. 

Everything has passed by so fast, pictures on the walls, awards placed on shelves, the smell of Louis burning food in the oven..

Wait...

"Shit!" Louis jumps out of his thoughts and runs to the kitchen that is being blanketed by dark smoke. Quickly grabbing the fire extinguisher from under the sink, he takes a mit and opens the oven, spraying the white foam all over the oven. 

"Dad! Again?!" Michael runs into the kitchen, covering his nose from the horrible smell. 

The fire is put out, Louis turns around and sighs in relief, sliding down onto the floor. He tosses the extinguisher to the side and ruffles his hair, looking up at his disappointed son. 

"Don't tell Harry." Louis sternly warns, but ends with a chuckle. Michael shakes his head, but laughs and lends a hand to his father. 

Louis places the extinguisher back in its place and the mit on top of the counter. 

"Help?" Louis ask. Michael nods as he grabs a rag from the sink and wets it. They take a few minutes trying to clean what was the oven but is now the inside of a volcano. 

You should've just waited for Adrian, he's good at things like this." Michael smirks. 

"I know how to bake a cake," Louis growls.

"You just forgot this time?" Michael begins laughing again. Louis was never good at anything that involved food, only good for eating whatever is left over. Louis smiles at his son, knowing he's the same way. But he takes this moment to just look at Michael, at the person he's become. He's all grown up now, a bit taller than Louis, his hair kept in a fringe, he's even growing a bit of a beard. It's amazing just how fast the night changes. 

There's a knock at the door and Michael goes to answer it. 

"Sup little bro," Michael greets. 

"Hey," Adrian answers, giving him a quick handshake the two made up when they were younger. 

"Hi dad," he smiles, quickly analyzing the situation as Louis attempts to block the oven with his small body. 

"Hi Adrian! Um.. How was study group?" Louis tries to take his attention away from the oven by leading Adrian away from the kitchen. 

"Fine, helped a few people with their homework, nothing big since everyone had to leave early to be with their families."

It was currently December 31st, and both Louis and Harry's families were coming over to their place to celebrate, so Louis wanted to take matters into his own hands and attempt to bake a cake. That way all Harry had to do was cook the food, but apparently he now had to make a quick stop by the bakery and grab a cake. Only problem was Harry worked their and would know somethings up if Louis just randomly showed up to buy a cake. 

"Well, I have to make a quick run to the store, be right back!" Louis grabs his coat and keys and heads out the door. 

"Oh Louis! Dad asked if you can get him from work, so he doesn't have to take the bus." Adrian yells out. 

"Oh, uh okay." And there go Louis plans to surprise Harry with a cake, he slugs out the door, depressed look on his face. He should've followed the recipe. 

"Hey Adri! Come here." Michael yells from their room. Adrian locks the door as Louis walks out and heads to the room the two boys shared. 

"Whats up?" He ask as he sits down at his desk and places his bag on the floor, rummaging through the papers inside. 

"Davids throwing a New Year's party and invited everyone." Michael shows his brother the invite on his phone. 

"We can't go!" Adrian rushes the words out as if he was forced to. Michael found it odd but ignored it and asked, "Why not?"

"Umm, we're having family over and we should be here."

"I don't think they'll mind." Michael argues.

"Uhh, its usually dangerous going out New Year Eve."

"We'd be surrounded by people, and it's not like we're gonna drink, just dance and have fun." Michael refutes. Michael's always been good at doing that, he could be a defense attorney if he focused more on his school work. 

"Dad and Louis won't like it."

"They don't have to know! Come on Adri! Live a little, I can say we're going to Cameron's house." 

"Yes, because going to your secret crush's house is the perfect cover-up." 

Michael begins to blush, "he's not my crush!"

Adrian laughs, "don't worry, I won't tell. But I really think we should stay home. Its..."

Now Michaels suspicious. "Adrian Styles what the hell are you hiding!?" Michael moves closer and grabs Adrians shoulders. 

"N-Nothing, I swear!" Adrian pleads for his life. 

Michael looks closely at Adrian, he's wearing his typically nerdy glasses and his hair is formed into a bit of a quiff, not that much facial hair growing since he does have Harry's genes. 

"Okay, we'll stay, IF you tell me whats going on." Michael makes the deal and extends his hand. 

Adrian wasn't suppose to tell anyone, not even Michael. He only found out by accident when he opened the wrong drawer in Louis closet. 

"Okay, but you can't tell anyone..."

****

The sun sets and family are just beginning to walk in.

Harry finished the cooking and made sure Louis stayed away from anything that might cause a fire. Louis sat on top of the counter pouting the whole time.

Anne brought a few trays of food with Gemma and Lottie brought the kids. Louis mom had sadly passed away a few years ago and she's been taking care of the kids since with her boyfriend. Louis sends money to help her out whenever he can.

Harry's step dad also passed away a few months ago. A lot of tears were shed between the two families, but today was a day to rejoice on what this new year will bring to them.

Cheerful music playing, everyone dancing around in the living room. Although, two specific people were sitting in a corner, estatic for what was to come at midnight, which was only a few minutes away. 

The countdown on the t.v. became shorter and shorter, the time going to single digits. The two boys stand up, holding something behind their backs. They move closer to where Louis and Harry were standing. 

5...

Harry grips harder onto Louis hand. 

4...

Louis lets go of Harry's hand.

3...

Louis gets down on one knee.

2...

The two boys reveal the blue and green flowers they had hidden behind them.

1...

Harry turns around, tears cascading down his now red face. 

Everyone begins to cheer as the new year finally begins. But they soon turn their attention to the real new years miracle. 

"Will you marry me Ha-"

"YES!"