The Devil Wears Gucci - Larry Stylinson

12. Monster among men

Harry can't say he woke up in a good mood.

The night before, he had gone after Louis when he left him sitting confused in the fountain. But it was a maze, and Harry's mind was clouded, plus he didn't pay much attention to how they got to the middle of the maze. It was no surprise Louis had already left when Harry got out.

Then he had found Niall who was ready to leave as well, so Harry called the backup driver to take them back. He had to endure Niall's cheerful chit-chat and theories about why Louis left early without them all the way to the hotel.

When Harry got to their suite, Louis' bedroom door was closed. So he went ahead, striped himself from his clothes, and spent a restless night trying to get some sleep.

It wasn't a surprise for Harry when he saw Louis wasn't there next morning. Harry knew the day's schedule, and it broke his heart a little bit knowing that, that specific day, Louis could easily avoid him if he wanted to.

He knew Louis had a breakfast business date with Rita, then the Valentino show (they had to meet for that one), but then again Louis had planned lunch with Simon, and after that, Givenchy's show. They didn't have definite plans for dinner, but Harry could bet he wouldn't see Louis after Givenchy was over.

So Harry chose to not give it much thought for now. He took a long shower, fulfilled all his hair and skin care routine, and chose a cream satin shirt, rolling his sleeves and foregoing the first two buttons.

He grabbed the iPad and went to have breakfast on the hotel's terrace. He ordered just coffee, fruit, and some pieces of bread. He started to catch up on mails, responding to some and writing up others. With nervousness and excitement, he sent Mr. Baquet his resume and a couple of his works, with a "if it's meant to be, it'll be" set of mind.

Taking out his phone, he wrote Liam a long text wishing him well. Liam replied almost instantly, asking how things were and if he could be of any help back home (which was ridiculous, since he was still in bed all day recovering). Harry told him about the shows, about the people, the events, and honestly told him that he wished Liam was there with him.

After that, he called Gemma. She was so excited to be hearing from him, and he had to repeat almost everything he told Liam. He promised her they'd be meeting as soon as possible when he got back so Harry could tell her everything about the week.

Talking to his sister really lifted his spirits, so he called his mum too. She was more concerned about Harry's health than the actual trip. She wanted to know if he was eating right, sleeping well, and if he took the antacid pills with him, because she knew how easily Harry could get an upset stomach.

Harry asked her if she wanted him to get her anything special from Paris. She said all she wanted was her son safe and sound back in London, which drew a smile on Harry's face.

After her mother, Harry sent one last text to Ed, asking him how he was and giving him a quick update of his week so far. He chose not to give him any details from the night before.

After the nice chats with his loved ones, Harry spend some time on the terrace just observing other guests and enjoying the view. Until it was almost time to go to the first show.

When he returned to his suite, he saw Louis typing on his phone in the living room.

"Hi," Harry greeted as he walked in.

"Morning," was all Louis replied without looking up.

Harry went to the desk and plugged the iPad to the charger.