With Lips Like Fire He Burns Me

11. Nothing Comes Close To The Way That I Need You

The holidays were right around the corner. In the midst of taking finals and buying last-minute bus tickets to Harry's hometown, Harry didn't have time to sit Louis down and talk to him about his meltdown last week. Louis' careful words, I'll get there. I'll get there too. I just need some time, were still fresh inside Harry's mind. He didn't want to rush Louis into a relationship if his heart wasn't in it. Still, Louis unknowingly gave Harry a seed of hope that was blooming at a feverish speed.

Harry would wait for Louis in a million lifetimes.

Harry had other important matters to attend to. His mum had texted him the other day, a simple: Hi, sweet pea. Hope you haven't forgotten about us back home. Just wondering if you already bought your bust ticket. Looking forward to seeing you home. Love you. Harry had felt a bubble of guilt swell inside his throat. He felt awful. He couldn't recall the last time he phoned his mum, let alone texted her to remind her he was alive and doing fine.

Harry's socked feet slid against the kitchen tiled floor. He moved the wireless mouse to the right and double-clicked on the tiny, green Facetime icon. He tapped his fingers on the mahogany table as he waited for the call to connect.

Louis walked into the kitchen with pillow-mussed hair and pink dotted cheeks. He rubbed a fist to his tired eyes, stifling a yawn. He looked soft.

"Morning," Louis murmured, stretching his limbs languidly.

"Good morning," Harry replied sweetly. He pointed to the cup settled on the kitchen island. "I made you some tea."

"Thanks." Louis gripped the cup of tea with both small hands, inhaling through his nose. He licked his lips. "What are you doing up so early?"

Harry didn't point out that Louis was awake at this early hour as well.

"Facetiming mum."

As if Harry's mum had a sixth sense, her smiling face came into view.

"Hi, honey!"

"Hi, mum." Harry's eyes softened. His mum provided him a blanket of comfort no one else could bestow. Louis was a close second. "I'm so sorry I didn't call sooner." Harry played with his lips absentmindedly, sounding apologetic, "I've been bombarded with finals and the like."

Anne brushed Harry off with a nonchalant wave.

"Don't worry about it sweetie. I'm just happy you called. Have you got your bus ticket?"

Harry waved the bus ticket in front of the screen as proof.

"Yup."

"Good."

Anne pressed the tips of her fingers to her trembling lips, her twinkling eyes shining in mirth.

"Harry?"

Harry rested his cheek on his fist, blinking slowly at the screen.

"Hmm?"

"Who's your friend hiding back there?"

Harry's eyes slightly rounded in surprise. He looked behind himself, biting on his lips from giggling in the weak morning light. Louis was quietly walking backwards, unsuccessfully sliding away from the laptop's screen from being seen. At being caught, he squeaked out, "Oh!" his eyes going wide like two large saucers. His cheeks pinked.

Louis gave the laptop screen a little wave.

"It's just Louis," Harry said softly, fondness lacing his voice. He patted his legs with both hands. "Come here, love."

"I'm not a dog, you know," Louis mumbled, but he still obliged, trepidly walking over and peering at the tiny Anne on Harry's laptop screen.

"No, you're my puppy."