The Epiphany of Us (Larry AU)

Chapter Twelve

~H~

It had been weeks since he confessed his love, days had come and gone, weather changed from falling leaves to shivering winds. Yet, there was not a single moment he had regretted saying those words.

With winter came the little changes in the town. People preferred to spend the days from early December to late March in warmer cities, Sicily being the prime choice. Jay and Elliot did the same, moving to their other house for the next four months.

Harry did not have a single complain in regard to that, was more than happy upon learning that Louis would be staying with him. The boy had decided to take classes in these four months, studying Literature and Art, and Elliot had asked Harry to mentor him, to take care of him in their absence.

The man was adamant to do just that.

He traced the curve of the boy's neck, watching the skin under his finger break into cold shivers. Taking pleasure in the serene beauty of the sweet boy. His eyes swept over the pristine features presented before him, reminding himself to hold back from devouring this unearthly creature; his sweet creature.

"Stop staring at me like that," Louis whispered, shy and breathy.

"Like what?"

"Like you would tie me to your bed if I even dare to step out of this door," the boy voiced what Harry had been musing at the back of his mind.

"Maybe I would." He raised himself on his elbow, other hand still mapping the soft skin of the boy, gliding down his torso to settle at his waist. "Would you mind?"

Louis shook his head, eyes wide and innocent, lips slightly parted, portraying what could only be someone's wild fantasy. Harry's, to be specific.

Harry closed the space separating them, pressing his lips lightly to the boy's and marvelling the way nimble fingers tangled into his hair.

"You have an early class tomorrow. Sleep."

"I am not a child," Louis frowned, clearly upset at the way his words were framed.

"I did not insinuate that you are one," he clarified, "Wanted to remind you to rest well."

Louis tightened the grip in his hair as he made to pull away. "Stay. Work after I have fallen asleep. Don't like to sleep without you." His words were spoken quietly, as if the boy was wary of showing his vulnerability.

It was not usual that he let Louis sleep alone, but some nights he had to work till late, making him move to his study to let the boy sleep peacefully. He should have known, though. They were too dependent on each other, too much in need of other's constant presence.

"Okay," he kissed under the boy's left eye, and then on his nose, "You should have told me sooner, love."

"Didn't want to come across as desperate."

"Even after I have told you that I would die without you."

Louis' face dimmed at the reminder, as if the thought was physically hurting him. And, it wouldn't be an exaggeration if it did.

"Stop saying that," the boy's words held a plead, his fingers grasping the front of Harry's t-shirt in a firm grip.

Harry kissed him again, laying back at Louis' side to pull him closer.

He watched as the boy's eyes started to droop with passing moments, lips parting in soft breaths as sleep overtook him. He was entranced with everything Louis did. Sometimes his actions were borderline stalkerish due to how obsessed he was. Watching someone while they slept was unusual after all.