Above the Crimson Sky (Sequel to Beneath the Midnight Sky)

XXIX.I Bonfire Nights

Cedar and smoke filled their nostrils as they sat down on a damp log, beer cans in their hands.

Ed began to pluck the strings of his acoustic; too tipsy to keep the rhythm smooth. A lot of fucks were yelled followed by him requesting more alcohol. When the tune became butchered, Niall swiftly took the guitar out of his hand and showed him to properly jam while intoxicated. Though to everyone else, there was no difference between the two really. Both sounded like nails on a chalkboard.

Liam gathered sticks for everyone to roast marshmallows and other assorted foods for everyone, taking on his usual caretaker role. Though tonight, he was most concerned for the woman who was clinging to his arm like Velcro. It was nice when he noticed her smiling at him at the gym. He learned her name was Camilla as she wrote her name and in the palm of his hand with lipstick. Her fierceness is what captured his heart.

Harry sat on a blanket near the lakeshore with his legs stretched out in front of him, his toes tapping freely with the wind. The landscape ahead took his breath away. The sky showed off its brilliance of majestic reds, oranges, and blue hues.

He felt a slight breeze caress the dimples on the small of his back sending shivers all over his spine. He raked his fingers along the grains of sand, picking some up to only have it trickle through his fingers. He repeated the motion several times, finding it quite anxiety reducing.

He realized his relationship with Louis was like trying to hold onto sand. The more tightly he grasp it, it would seep through his fingers. When he held loosely, letting Louis have breathing room and make mistakes, he'd open his hand to find the pieces that mattered sitting right in his palm.

As if guided by a connecting force, Louis woke up suddenly and unzipped his tent. He rubbed the sleep out of his eye and stretched, making his way toward the bonfire.

"Well if it isn't Little Lou!" Ed slurred. "Come here, Mate. I'm going to write you a song!" He piped. grabbing onto Louis' arm. He snatched his guitar back away from Niall and began to strum loudly. Giggling, Louis shook his hand fondly and began to walk toward the lakeshore.

His eyes were focused on long ringlets raking his fingers through the sand. He noticed how the sunset looked as if it was ablaze, the red and orange deepening. Yet, all he could think about was how it didn't hold a torch to Harry's beauty.

He walked toward Harry, sneakily, quietly. When he became within arm's length, he pounced on him, clinging to his back like a monkey.

"Lou, I was just thinking about you." Harry said maneuvering Louis off his back and into his lap.

"Well isn't that odd that I woke up and began thinking about you too...." Louis blushed. He planted a gentle kiss on Harry' lips.

"You want to know what I was thinking?" Harry asked Louis, shifting his eyes to look at him through his peripheral vision. "I was thinking how proud of you I am. You've came so far, all on your own."

"I've been thinking how I've been narcissistic. That's what my therapist calls it. It's always been about me and my drama." Harry tried to interrupt him but Louis continued. "I know there's been times that you needed me, and even though I was there for you, it always turned into you being there for me. You're the most patient, kind, and protective person I ever met. Your physique is but a mere bonus, and trust me, I could look at you all day; but your soul, the person you are...is nothing short of perfection." Louis cupped Harry's face between his hands. "I want you to always be by Princess."

"Even on your worst days, Lou, I couldn't imagine taking care of anyone else." Harry whispered, closing the gap between them.

Louis looked around the scenery nervously, a lump growing in his throat making it hard to swallow. He was filled with nerves, apprehension, and fear of rejection in this moment. Yet, as he stared into the jade irises that held his entire world, he felt all his worry melt away.