Another shot of love (Harry or Louis love story) [AU]

Chapter 16

-CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THE DATE (Louis)-
"I love you because I just do. It doesn't need an explanation."

It was late in the afternoon and the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard in the deep part of the forest. It echoed at a steady rhythm, tap-tap-tap.

"Louis!" a girl's voice said aloud.

No answer.

The boy Louis just held the girl's hand tightly as they ran together. It was as if he hadn't heard anything. He was just so excited. He didn't remember being that thrilled and anxious about anything at the same time. The really heavy backpack he'd brought with him wasn't even a problem. He was just so glad he'd won that rock-paper-scissors match against Harry the day before. It gave him the right to be the first to date Shira. This date could determine the kind of life he'd have with her.

Well, it pretty much does. He thought. A life with Shira, huh?

He'd never really thought about getting married just yet. He was, after all, still in his late teens. He had a long way to go before he'd earn the right to actually get married. But what if he was old enough? What if he'd done everything he wanted to do?

Louis smiled at the thought.

"Louis, slow down!" Shira begged, panting. "You're going too fast! Where in the world are you taking me anyway?"

"Just you wait, Shira! There's a really great spot just up ahead." He said, very sure of himself.

Shira, on the other hand, could not see where the 'really great spot' was. They have been running for about ten minutes and her legs were shaking, she was panting and she was sweaty. If she wanted to go on a date, she should at least be comfortable. Then again, a date with Louis has never been normal.

"We're really, really close now." Louis said reassuringly.

"We are?" Shira's voice doubted. She glanced up ahead where there was a bright, orange light and smiled.

Finally! We're close!

Still running fast, Shira anticipated the view that would greet her. As they neared the light, she squinted her eyes because it was very blinding and only opened them when she and Louis finally stopped running.

"What's with that expression?" Louis said, smirking. He was the first thing Shira saw when she regained her sight. "You're not even the least bit impressed with my discovery?"

The girl looked around her and her eyes widened.

The two of them were on a really high cliff which ended with a very scenic view of the glassy, open sea. The sun's rays on the water and the gentle crashing of waves were very inviting. The bright orange light that gleamed and the purple, orange and white clouds made the scene even more dramatic. Jumping above the water, Shira could see different types of sea creatures, harmless and practically begging her to swim with them. Near the cliff they were on stood giant trees which provided them shade. They were very tall and wide, and Shira imagined that she could already make a room inside them had they been hollow.

"Well, I guess you are impressed after all!" Louis said, smiling proudly at himself.

"Who wouldn't be?" the girl replied, still in awe. "It's like this is a whole new place. It's—perfect!"

She smiled widely.

"Perfect? Like perfect for a date?" Louis said and the girl was suddenly taken aback.

She felt very awkward at that moment. If only he hadn't said that. Now, she was very conscious about herself and how she looked. She fidgeted and her cheeks grew warmer. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, as if ready to explode!