me, him, and the moon (larry au)

chapter ten: louis

Louis was reading poetry when the boys arrived to move Harry in. He had always been very fascinated with the Beat Generation, the newfound creatives that birthed their art in the 40s. Allen Ginsberg was one of his favorites, an openly gay writer who had spent his college days chasing after a closeted writer and making messes with Jack Kerouac. Although Ginsberg had his problematic moments, Louis still thoroughly enjoyed his writing. He had many books on poetry shelved in his room, all filled with notes and doodles. Louis also occasionally wrote his own poetry and songs from time to time. 

The door slammed from downstairs, signaling Louis that his assistance was needed. Louis had been camping out in his bedroom reading, pretending not to hear the commotion in the house. It wasn't that he didn't want to help, he just didn't want to see Harry. He had been doing such a good job keeping separate from the boy that he didn't want to jinx it. Deep down he knew that he wouldn't be able to hide forever, that eventually he would have to face the facts and decide what he felt about Harry. Louis just hoped that in the meantime, the problem may just disappear. 

He shut his book, sticking a slip of paper in to save his place and setting it carefully on his desk. Louis treated his books very nicely, trying to preserve them for as long as possible. God knows paperback books are fragile. 

Liam was carrying two boxes stacked on top of each other when Louis emerged, realizing that his help was quite necessary. 

"It's about time you showed up," Liam teased. "This is the last of it actually."

Louis couldn't help but feel a little bad. "Is Harry all settled then?"

"I think so," Liam said. "He is living separate from his mum now for the first time, so he's a little off." Louis knew how it felt to finally be independent from your parents. It was a freeing experience, but nonetheless difficult. "I'm going to take these boxes to him so he can unpack."

"What room did you settle him in?" Louis asked. 

"The empty one on the second floor," Liam continued walking to the stairs. "The one next to yours actually."

Louis' blood froze in his veins. How much more difficult could the situation get? It wasn't like Louis thought of Harry's green eyes and curly locks at night in bed, wishing he could explore his body freely. How could he repress his feelings with him being so near?

Zayn descended the stairs and grinned at Liam as they passed each other, not stopping to chat. "How's it going?" He asked Louis. 

"It could be better," Louis groaned. 

Zayn raised his eyebrows, "How so?"

He shook his head in reply, "It's nothing. How is Harry?"

"A bit nervous but he is settling in," he ran his fingers through his hair that seemed to always look perfect. "Maybe we should all go out tonight to celebrate." It wasn't a bad idea. There were a few hours left until sundown and that way Louis could keep track of everyone for the night. Nothing bad would happen that way, right? 

"That sounds like a great idea," he nodded. "You make the plans, all I ask is that we leave by seven at the latest."

Zayn looked shocked that he was finally getting the opportunity to lead such an important event. He excitedly went into the living room to find Gianna and Victoria. 

Everyone gathered in the foyer at five minutes to seven. Louis did not go out like this very often, so he wanted to enjoy the experience and have fun. He wore a black t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up and jeans. It wasn't an exceptionally special outfit, but he knew that it made him look good. As he waited at the bottom of the stairs, something pulled at him inside to make him anxious to see what Harry was wearing.