XXIII

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Harry walked down the stairs and was met by the eyes of Zayn, Liam, and Niall.

"Ah, now there's the Harry I remember," Niall said taking in Harry's new but old look.

"Look good?" Harry questioned still feeling a little self conscious.

"Of course, wait till Louis sees," Zayn said reassuringly.

"Wait till Louis sees what?" Louis questioned right on time as he stepped through the door from the garden.

"How cute Harry is," Liam said with a chuckle.

"Harry is always cute what are you talking about?" Louis said still not taking notice of the younger boy. "Hey where exactly is Harry?"

"Right here Lou," he said causing him to turn around and his mouth to fall open in shock.

"Oh Haz," he stared simply stated while still starring at the boy.

"You don't like it do you?" Harry asked sadly.

"No no, I love it. You look great, I didn't know it was possible for your hair to get even curlier, but I love it," Louis said stepping closer and running his hands through Harry's now shorter locks. Harry stared into Louis' eyes and started to get lost in them as he continued to play with his hair.

The rest of the people in the room watched the exchange between the two boys before Desmond clapped his hands causing the two of them to remember they weren't alone. Harry embarrassingly stepped away from Louis as his cheeks already started to heat up with red blush.

"Dinner should be ready in about 10 minutes, why don't we all go to the lounge to catch up," Desmond suggested as he wrapped an arm around his son's shoulder. Despite being a rough mafia boss, the man missed his son.

The rest of the night was spent eating good food and conversing about the past three years apart from each other. Harry vaguely summarized the events that took place after he got to the states but not too much. Understandably, it was still hard for him to about Nick and his mother passing.

The group of reunited friends and family stayed up until dawn and as Desmond generously kept passing around more and more booze. Louis was quick to limit Harry still, which earned some complaints. 'I'm legal here in the UK' Harry whined in Louis ear only for Louis to remind him, that he was lucky to be drinking what he could because he was still only 19 and it's been proven that the brain doesn't fully develop until 25. This caused Zayn, Liam, and Niall to bust up laughing as Harry groaned even more.

The next morning was filled with a delicious breakfast and good conversations, albeit them being less due to everyone having a hangover from the night before. And despite wanting to stay longer, the boys had to get a move on if they wanted to see some sights and possibly visit Louis' family before they left tomorrow.

Harry said goodbye to his dad and sister and promised to call at least once a week if not more and made them promise to come and visit him soon in the US. It was bittersweet leaving them again so soon but part of Harry's heart pulled him to go back with Louis.

-

Harry and Louis now strolled together along the Thames, hands brushing hands. Zayn, Liam, and Niall has ditched the pair and headed off to go ride the London Eye.

"So, how are you enjoying the trip Haz?" Louis questioned as he finally took hold of Harry's hand. Harry glanced at their now entwined hands and smiled before answering.

"It's uh nice, seeing my sister was really good. Wish we could stay longer and see more, I've missed London," he said as he looked out over the river. "It's beautiful innit?"

"Yeah, it sure is," Louis said fondly except he wasn't looking over at the river but at Harry. Harry stopped and looked at the boy next to him and noticed that he wasn't looking at the river at all. "Something wrong love? Why'd you stop?"

"Lou, I need to ask you a question."

"Ask away H," Louis said and he noticed Harry glancing between their hands and his face before finally speaking up.

"Um, what is this? Us?" Harry asked quietly.

"Oh, well I'm sure you know I have feelings for you Harry as I've said before. But I want to take things at your pace, whatever you're comfortable with. I want to keep you safe and happy," Louis said looking into Harry's eyes.

"You were serious when you said you were starting to like me?" Harry asked hopefully.

"I was and I hope you feel the same."

"Louis, can I kiss you?" Harry said and instead of responding Louis quickly pulled Harry's face towards him and kissed him.

It wasn't the first time the two boys had kissed but something about this was different. It was the first time that Harry had been kissed by someone else and felt deeply cared about. It was a feeling he could get used to.

When they finally broke apart both of them had goofy smiles on their faces and Louis took hold of Harry's hand again as they continued to walk down the river.

"So is this a thing between us now?" Harry asked looking at a smiley Louis.

"It's whatever you want it to be love."

"I think I really like you Lou," Harry said causing him to laugh and smile at the boy next to him.

Unfortunately the happy mood wasn't long lived when a phone call rang loudly through their conversation. Seeing that it was his aunt Louis picked up, thinking she was just checking in on the boys.

"Hey Aunt K, what's up?"

"Louis, you need to come home now. Something has happened."

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Ahhh this is me, I'm so sorry I never edit anything

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Ahhh this is me, I'm so sorry I never edit anything. This is also low key a filler chapter but there is good stuff coming up I promise.

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