Little Things // A Larry Stylinson Faniction

Seventeen

Rain pitter-patters against the roof calmly, kissing the gutters softly, trickling down windows and onto windowsills. A damp, stray feather settles on the pavement below, grey, and longing to be returned to its owner. Louis' head is in my lap. It's like the tables have turned. Normally, it would be me resting in his warm embrace, but no, not this time. The show we watch on the T.V is boring, and, to be honest, I couldn't care less, but Lou seems to be enjoying it, so I put up with it. I watch as cars drive past in slow motion. Umbrellas form a depressing kaleidoscope outside our window, blacks and greys and navy blues coming together. I want to do something, so it's not all so bleak. I want to drive somewhere, let the backroads take us where they want to.

"Lou," I say, nudging him out of my lap, "Lou-Bear, get up. Let's go somewhere." He gets off me slowly, confusion clear in his eyes. I turn off the T.V, gathering my jacket and Louis', and an umbrella.

"Where are we going?" Lou questions, standing at the kitchen table.

"Wherever today takes us."

We're face to face at the kitchen table, and he grins. So bright. Like he is Helios personified. I love him, I know it.

"Well, c'mon, get your shoes on. And dress warm." I throw him one of my hoodies, and he smushes it into his face.

He's standing at the front door, when I waddle towards him wrapped up in one of his hoodies and a thick scarf. He insisted I wore his football hoodie so that everyone knew I was his. It only just fits, but it's good enough. My hoodie, on the other hand, is huge on him. It's like a cute, baggy potato sack, yet he still pulls it off. He's got a beanie on, and I already know he's going to have the cutest hat hair when we get back. He's got his keys in one hand, and a thermos full of tea in the other.

"Hey, I'm running this expedition, I get to drive," I complain, giving him puppy eyes.

"My car. I dibs driving." I roll my eyes. Whatever. Louis grins at this, and musses up my hair and kisses my forehead, even though he's shorter than me. I pretend to grumble, but I can't be angry at him for too long. He holds open the door, elegantly gesturing me out of the apartment like a gentleman.

The car jumps alive, puttering to life, fumes exiting the exhaust pipe. I'm holding scolding hot tea, alternating hands so that they don't burn. Louis is grinning like a madman, hands gripping the steering wheel tight. He looks so happy, so free, it makes euphoria bubble up inside of me. I place my hand on his thigh, and I can feel him tense under the contact, until he looks it me, his grin subdued into a shy smile.

"Let's go, then," he says, before pressing a kiss to my jaw.

We stop at a cute little tea shop at the edge of the town, its pristine facade glimmering at us. Louis knows me too well. I had planned to go to a tea shop, yet I didn't know what one, and Louis ended up bringing us here. We walk inside, a small bell tinkling at our entrance. A small old lady stands at the counter, conversing with another worker, talking about god-knows-what. She looks up when we walk in, and smiles, beckoning us over. Louis takes my hand, leading me forwards.

"Welcome, m'boys. Here for tea, I hope?" She exclaims, and I let out a small laugh. Louis nods along jovially, squeezing my hand.

"We were wondering what your speciality teas are?" Louis questions, pointing at a sign on the menu that says 'Speciality'.

"Well, m'boy, we've got five, at the moment." She shows him the boxes, and I try to look, but Louis shoos me away.

"It's gotta be a surprise," Is all he says, still squeezing my hand tightly. I pretend to pout, but secretly glad Louis is doing this. It's so childlike, unlike yet so like Louis, and I'm suddenly happy the day has brought this out in him.

"This would be perfect for your special boy over there, it's very romantic," The old lady says, throwing a wink my way. I decide I like her. She's so open and welcoming, her aura very very jolly.

"Lou, I'mma go find a table, yeah?" I say, tugging at his hand. He nods my way, and smiles. There's that Sunshine Smile again. I walk off, finding a table right next to the window, watching the sleeting rain hit the windows furiously. Lou joins me at the table a few seconds later, having paid for the tea.

"What'd you get?" I press, giving him puppy dog eyes.

"Can't tell."

"Please?"

"Tea." I'm so surprised at his quick and witty remark that I let out a bark of laughter, a worker sending me a confused look. Louis smiles at me, eyes crinkling at the corners. I don't think I'll ever get tired of his Sunshine Smile, it brightens even the dullest of worlds wherever it goes. Louis grabs my hand from under the table, fond flicking over his eyes. I feel my cheeks burning for some reason-- traitors-- and I look down, his thumb tracing patterns on the knuckles. I can feel his fond gaze burning into my forehead, so I look back up, poking my tongue out at him for some unknown reason. He giggles-- Louis Tomlinson fucking giggles-- and then he lets go, the tea finally getting here.

"Enjoy," The jolly old lady says, sending us yet another wink.

"She's nice, I like her," I say while Louis pours the tea. He laughs in return.

"You do?" I nod, and he just grins.

"Now, try," He says, pushing one of the teacups towards me. It's liquid is slightly clear, a orange-y yellow tinge to it. It doesn't smell much, either, and I'm kind of skeptical about it. I take a sip, anyway, and blanch. It's horrible, truly horrible. It tastes like stale lemon piss and rotten orange peel and it's so sour, and I hate it so much that I laugh.

"That's horrible," I say between bursts of laughter, and Louis joins in.

"You should've seen your face, Haz, it was bloody hilarious." My smile makes the apples of my cheeks ache, too much laughter being shared between us. I love these moments. These happy, bright moments where we're just laughing and having a good time, and there's nothing stopping us except ourselves. Louis looks so happy. I never, ever want him to be sad again.