Undone, Undress (Larry Stylinson)

eighty-five

Harry finishes his sculpture inspired by ancient Greek art, and it's absolutely gorgeous.

There's a show night where all the art majors invite their friends for hors d'oeuvres and drinks, and network with professors and other professionals in the art realm. Louis attends, of course, with the rest of their friends in tow.

It's a magical night. The dress code requires them to dress up, which is more fun than it is annoying. It's worth it, too, to see Harry beaming so brilliantly, his smile to bright it's blinding. He's absolutely glowing, and Louis has never been more in love.

They've been putting it off for a while but Louis knows tonight is the night he wants to ask. He wants to make it special. more special than usual, because it feels like every moment they spend together is special, and Louis has no idea when he turned so sappy. He never knew he would feel like this.

So at the end of the night, Louis surprises Harry with roses and chocolates and a photo book he made of all their selfies together, with sappy romantic captions that make Harry blush. As he flips for the book for the first time, tears well up in his eyes until they spill over the edge and pour down his cheeks like a rainstorm in Spring. He sniffles, and he's so beautiful like this, even when he's overly emotional and crying because he's such a sap. Louis just loves him so much, it feels as though his heart could burst.

His lower lip wobbles as he looks up to meet Louis' eyes. "Louis did you really... Did you really do all of this for me?"

"Of course, baby," Louis whispers, capturing his lips in a soft kiss. "Of course I did."

His hands are trembling, and Louis can tell the waterworks are about to begin again. "But why?"

"Because you're really special to me and I want you to know that," Louis tells him honestly, openly, and kisses his nose for good measure, because how can he not when Harry's nose is just right there and so cute? "And I know sometimes it's hard when we're away, when I can't stay the night and you have nightmares... I wanted you to have something to look at that will remind you of me, and maybe keep the bad thoughts away. So you could see this and remember how much I want to be with you. How much I love you."

Harry flings his arms around Louis neck and collapses into him, sobbing. They're sitting in the car after Harry's art show ended, and Harry thinks Louis is just going to bring him back to his apartment but he still has other plans for them. Their night isn't over yet.

"Louuuuuiiiiiiis," he whines exasperatedly, squeezing him even tighter and squirming around helplessly. "How am I supposed to survive when you make me feel all warm and mushy inside?"

"You gotta stay alive for at least a little longer, because I have one more surprise for you," Louis teases. He coaxes Harry back into his own seat and helps him get his seatbelt on, before doing his own and starting the car.

Harry pesters him with hundreds of questions about where Louis is taking him and why he's taking him there. Louis recycles the same answers over and over: a place I love and because I love you. Harry pouts and continues acting as the menace he always is. It's too endearing.

The drive takes a little over an hour but mostly just because it's always difficult getting out of the city. He knows it'll be hell driving back but he also knows it'll be worth it. It is one of his favorite places and he's determined to make a memorable night for Harry.

When they get there, the park is empty, because it's nearly eleven o'clock at night on a Thursday. He grabs what he needs from the back of the car and then guides Harry down to the overlook. Harry gasps in awe when he takes in the view, which is admittedly a bit more difficult to see in the dark. Still, there's something about it, something innate about standing at the edge of a cliff and looking out over the valley... Feeling so insignificant but so infinite, all at the same time.