Signs of Light (l.s.)

Chapter xxii

March

So how was Paris? Niall asked across the table.

This was the first chance all of the boys had had to get together for brunch since Louis and Harry had gotten back from Paris a few weeks ago, and their brunch table was the fullest it had ever been.
Harry, Louis, Liam, and Zayn were squished into one side of the booth, while Niall, Andrew, Ed, and Cherry were fit snugly into the other side.

It was amazing. Harry grinned. The gallery opening went really well, and Louis is incredible with birthday surprises. Harry leaned his head against Louis' shoulder.

Louis smiled down at him fondly and kissed his forehead. Yeah, it was amazing. Paris is beautiful.

Have you sold any pieces? Liam asked Harry.

Yeah, I have actually. Laney emailed me last week saying two people were interested. The show comes down at the end of April, so anyone who buys one will just take it from the gallery.

That's great! Congrats mate! Everyone chimed in their congratulations.

Thanks. Harry smiled before taking another large bite of pancakes. How's your album coming, Andrew? Promo time soon?
Niall spoke aloud to Andrew as Harry signed, and then signed his response back to Harry.

"Yeah, definitely mate. Niall and I were just figuring out logistics about a release date, and then I had some ideas to run by you."

Sick. Harry nodded, watching Niall reply for him. Can't wait, mate.
Andrew nodded with a smile and took a sip of coffee as Niall spoke aloud for him.

How's living together going? Louis turned to Zayn and Liam.

Zayn grinned. It's going really well, good to wake up to this one everyday. He smirked at Liam and pecked his cheek.

Liam hummed as he leaned into Zayn's shoulder, whispering "I love you" in his ear.

Zayn scrunched his face fondly and turned back to Louis. How are things with work, Lou? Still wanting to open your own shop?

Louis nodded. Yeah, mate. Haz and I were going to walk down to the vacant space after this and check it out, see if I can negotiate on the price with the owner.

Sick! Happy for you, mate. I hope it works out.

It will. Harry chimed in, kissing Louis' cheek. Everything's been working out so well recently.

Louis smiled fondly at him. It has.

And you've got the game coming up, yeah? Niall chimed in excitedly.

Yeah. Louis grinned. On Tuesday, you've all got your tickets, yeah?

They all nodded in confirmation. Niall continued to badger Louis about the game and playing for the Rovers, which had all the others laughing and talking over them as they waffled on about football. The eight of them sat in their booth, surrounding a table full of breakfast food and half empty coffee mugs, chatting for another hour and a half before they all felt like they were mostly caught up with each other.
Liam and Zayn left so Liam could get home and work on his school work, and Zayn could work on a lesson plan for the coming week. Ed and Cherry were going to his parent's house for the rest of the weekend. Niall and Andrew were going to the studio to do more work on Andrew's album, and Harry and Louis were going to check out the vacant shop and play a bit of footie in the park. They all stood from the booth and shuffled outside and pulled each other into different hugs as they said goodbye. After their friends had all parted in their own ways, Louis and Harry walked hand in hand down the block to the vacant shop.