Chasing Empty Spaces

Chapter 8

The month of October was welcomed by crisp autumn leaves and an improbable romance that rivaled the intensity of a hurricane. Whispered kisses were exchanged underneath the sanctuary of willow trees. A forgotten lake became a home for two young men, harboring their secrets and hushed adorations. Hands fumbled underneath the security of wool blankets, no longer unsure, but deliberate with each caress. October was the month that Harry fell in love.

****

"What about Thanksgiving?"

It was a Sunday afternoon and Harry was at a golf match with Niall.

That's what Harry had told his parents, anyways.

Truly, he was sprawled on Louis' couch with his head nestled in the other man's lap. Using Niall as a scapegoat had become an unfortunate, yet helpful, tactic for Harry. He didn't raise suspicion because he used to spend all of his spare time with Niall so his parents never batted an eye. Since their falling out, Harry knew that Niall wouldn't come by the plantation to contradict any of the lies.

"What about it?" Harry lazily said as Louis continued to card his fingers through his hair.

Louis lightly tugged on the tresses, "To visit New York."

Harry opened his eyes and blinked up at Louis, "You'd wanna go during a holiday?"

"We would get to see the parade," Louis shrugged, but his voice let on that there was something else.

Harry narrowed his eyes, "That's all?"

"Well," Louis huffed, already becoming defensive, "We would know your sister and husband would be home. Could spend it with them. Or somethin'."

"Louis Tomlinson," A smug grin worked its way onto Harry's face, "Is this your way of saying you want to spend a family holiday with me?"

The blush on Louis' face contracted his snipped answer of, "I didn't say that."

Harry pushed himself upright, toothily grinning as he drawled out, "You think of me as family, hmm?"

Louis groaned and covered his face with his hands, "Stop overthinkin' so much."

"You do!" Harry crowed. He started to messily smatter Louis' cheeks with kisses, "C'mon, just admit it."

"You're a child," Louis deadpanned. When Harry only jutted out his bottom lip, Louis rolled his eyes, "You're my family." He cocked an eyebrow, "Happy?"

I love you.

He contently nodded, "Yes."

Harry resumed his previous position and looked up at Louis who was watching him with a softness that he only had when they were alone. He brought Louis' hand to his mouth and pursed his lips, eyelashes fluttering shut as he kissed the supple skin. Louis brought his other hand back to Harry's scalp and lightly scratched.

"You're my family, too."

Louis breathlessly laughed, ministrations faltering for just a moment. Harry opened his eyes and felt the weight of the words inside his chest. There was a different admission he wanted to tell Louis, but he was too anxious to say it. Until then, this would be enough.

Harry cleared his throat, "I'll phone Gemma and check with her before asking my parents."

Louis hummed and then carefully asked, "What're you gonna tell them?"

"No idea," Harry honestly said.

****

"You wanna go to New York City...During Thanksgiving...With Louis Tomlinson?"