The Boy in the Bookstore | l.s ✔

Sixteen

'Wanna watch a Disney movie, Lou? You choose.' Harry said, sitting up from the bed that him and Louis were sharing. It was a bit later on in the day and Harry was getting bored of cuddling. He loved the feeling of being held by Louis, but wasn't too keen on being the one to hold Louis. He wasn't sure if he was doing a good job, and he only wanted the best for Louis. The older boy turned around and studied Harry, obviously thinking of what movie he wanted to watch.

'Can we watch the Lion King? Please, it's my favourite.' Louis said, his blue eyes almost shining. He looked beautiful in that moment, and Harry wanted to capture his boyfriend's happy expression in his head forever. 

'I'll find the DVD, you get some snacks. You know where mum keeps the junk food?' Louis nodded, heading downstairs. He came back with popcorn, haibo and crisps, looking proud of himself. Harry had found the DVD, and they both walked across the hallway to the lounge where they had watched The Notebook just a day ago, before Harry had passed out and Jay had been diagnosed with cancer. Harry put the disc in the DVD player and started the film, then he flopped down next to Louis, who had his arm around Harry's shoulders. He made himself into a small ball, and put his head onto Louis' chest. Hearing the sound of Louis' heartbeat he began to feel tired. He yawned, covering his mouth with his sweater paws. Louis laughed at Harry softly. When the music started, Louis began to hum the tune softly. Harry listened to Louis' soft, quiet version of the song rather than focusing on the one playing through the television speakers. Louis had a gorgeous voice, it was so soft and Harry loved how it sounded. One day when he had the confidence, he wanted to sing in front of people and he wanted Louis to sing with him. Whatever Harry did, he wanted Louis there beside him.The music to I Just Can't Wait to be King began to play, and Louis stood up, grabbing Harry's hand. The younger boy was shocked at first, but what Louis twirled him around and began to dance - very badly - along with the song, Harry couldn't help but laugh and join in. By the end of the song, they flopped down on the sofa beside each other. Louis leaned over and planted a quick kiss on Harry's red cheek.

'I love you, Harry.' Louis said, brushing Harry's curls out of his green eyes. Rather than saying 'I love you' back to his boyfriend, Harry nuzzled his way back into his favourite spot - his head in Louis' chest. The film played on, and the two boys sat in silence. Louis cried at Mufasa's death, and Harry wiped away the tears. The older boy felt so stupid for crying, but it was so sad. He was bad at crying in front of people - except those who he trusted - but movies could easily set him off. The small gesture of Harry reaching to wipe Louis' tears made the older boy feel like he could cry, like he could be vulnerable. Harry made Louis feel like he could let his guard down, and that should have been scary for him but the two of them were better together. The movie ended an hour or so later and it was slowly getting dark outside. Louis knew that he would have to leave soon, but he really didn't want to. He was so grateful for Harry for being so kind and helping him through the day, he couldn't have been so strong without him.

'Lou, you're so quiet.'

'I'm just thinking, Harry.' Louis wasn't used to spending so much time in his head with his thoughts. He was used to being the loud, class-clown who always made people laugh. He didn';t like this new, quiet, brooding person that he had found inside of himself. He knew he was valid for feeling the way he did, his life had just changed. But he just missed the happy person he was. He was trying so hard to be strong, but he was crumbling on the inside. He was brought out of his thoughts by Harry holding his hand.

'I know you're upset Lou, and that you're trying to act like you're strong enough to do this alone. I know you're not.' Harry's voice began to shake, he was awful at helping people. He tried to find the right words to say, but he never could. He didn't want to make everything worse, but he knew that he would.