Thought we'd surprise you guys in honor of all the Larry chaos today. The boys are halfway through their trip; both #HalfwayHome!!!!
We could not be more touched by all of the excitement our story is generating and hope you guys are loving it as much as we are!
WARNING: There's a *FADE TO BLACK* sex scene between Edward and Louis in this chapter.
**********
Harry woke up, dejectedly alone. It was Friday. Another long free day to himself before the rehearsal dinner he'd been invited to and then the wedding tomorrow afternoon.
What time is it in London?
It was half past noon here at the resort, which meant after six at the shoppe. It would be closed, but the FOH staff usually stayed after to prep and finalise orders for the next day.
He dialed, happy when only two rings went by before someone answered.
"Sweets with Style. This is Zayn."
"Zayn?" He asked, confused. Zayn was their delivery driver - and famous in the shop for clocking out the MOMENT his shift ended. "What are YOU doing there?"
"Oh we had a big random order for the Oreo truffle things tomorrow so Liam asked me to stay late and help."
"Zayn, you're a DRIVER. Fantastic driver and great with customers but I've never seen you decorate."
"It's sprinkles and chocolate drizzle! How hard could it be?"
Harry sat up, concern growing on his face.
"Certain sprinkles and certain drizzles identify the truffle itself. Every vanilla gets one star sprinkle-"
"Harry, Harry.... shut up. You're supposed to be on vacation. And worry not, Liam gave me your stupid binder regarding Confectionary Decor Theory."
"It's not a THEORY it's a proven system!"
"Will you calm down? Aren't you at some fancy gay resort? Like, go ride some dick and trust us."
"I'm your boss, Zayn, you can't tell me to go ride a dick."
"I'm the best delivery driver you've ever hired. I can do what I want."
"You're the only delivery driver we've ever hired."
"Exactly. I'm indispensable. And, as it turns out, I am... adequate at decorating truffles. Seriously though, are you doing anything fun or just hanging out in your room feeling sorry for yourself?"
"Actually.... I kind of met someone last night."
"Casually or in the Biblical sense?"
Harry couldn't help but chuckle.
"Oy shit! PAYNO! HARRY GOT SOME IN MEXICO!" Zayn yelled across the shop, Harry grateful they were already closed.
There was some echoed yelling.
"NO, HE'S ON THE PHONE!"
Liam picked up the front counter phone.
"YOU shagged someone? Who? What's his name?"
"I don't, erm, actually... I didn't get his name."
The two men back in London collectively lost their shit.
"You ran a BACKGROUND check on Jason before your first date!"
"That's different. That was a date in my home town, not meaningless sex halfway across the globe. It was fun but I'm never gonna see him again."
"You fucked someone and you don't even know his NAME?!"
"Actually, I wouldn't say I fucked him..."
"Harry Edward Styles!" Liam chided and he could hear Zayn just laughing. "Did you at least use a johnny?"
"Of course I did! I'm not a complete idiot, MOM. Besides," Harry decided he needed to make use of the infinity pool at his suite, rummaging through his suitcase and tossing his book - which he'd intended to read but hadn't yet touched - out onto the floor. Eventually, he found a different pair of trunks. Tiny and yellow. "You're the one who told me to have fun."
"Yes, and by that I meant ziplining."
"Mate, don't listen to Liam," Zayn chimed in. "He's just jealous."
"Look, it was an anonymous one night stand. I've been in a boring relationship for a long time. I gave a stranger the blow job of his life and let him rail me and I loved it. DON'T JUDGE ME! I needed it."
"Mate, we're not judging," Liam explained. "You did need it. Jason was one uptight prick. Sorry, he was."
"And that's Liam saying that."
"I'm about to come back there and smack you, Z," he threatened playfully. "I bet you'll finally be able to relax now. Good for you."
"Thank you, Liam. Zayn, you have anything to add?"
"Yeah, bring this new laidback Harry home. I like him."
Harry laughed.
"Look, I still have the dinner with my dad and his whole new family to get through tonight and the wedding tomorrow. I'm not out of the woods yet."
"We believe in you, H. Don't forget to enjoy it a little. Looks gorgeous there from their website. Take some pictures. Drink some fruity drinks. We've got things handled here. And for the record, Zayn is a natural at decorating. We may have to promote him."
Harry smiled.
"We'll see when I get back. If things get too weird here, I'll call. Bye lads."
The boys hung up on their end - well, one of them did. The front office phone was notoriously. glitchy. Harry smirked upon realizing he could still hear them talking.
He heard footsteps approaching
"Well, damn. Just spill your guts why don't you, Harry?" Liam joked and Zayn gave him a chuckle.
"Seems Harry found something to unwind him."
The world's longest pause.
"Shut up and decorate Z."
"I'm done with the truffles."
"Then box them up."
An annoyed sigh.
"Whatever you say, Li."
Harry hung onto his breath just a moment.
Footsteps leading away. A clank as the phone met the counter.
"Fine, but this is literally the last time. I mean it. And we're going to my car. I already sanitised the whole place and I'm not doing it again."
He hung up, laughing as he changed into his swim trunks. Being with His Stranger had made him feel lighter. His heart still hurt from knowing he'd never see his stranger again, but the evening had been exactly what he needed.
**********
Edward was sweet enough to allow Louis to sleep in for a good amount of the morning, arranging for the chaperone to take his future sisters-in-law to the beach. In fact, they were the sisters of his future husband, but since he'd met them, the girls had very much become like his daughters. He didn't mind taking care of them, already having chosen a car for Lottie's upcoming birthday. Private schools, birthday parties, clothes... the family had been struggling for so long when he'd met Louis, he didn't mind spoiling them all a bit. It was cathartic, watching the entire brood breathe a collective sigh of relief after so much hardship.
They'd never had a stable father figure in their lives - and he'd never been allowed a role in his children's lives. This seemed a happy compromise.
He was sat at the massive dining room table in their villa, finalising the arrangements regarding the rehearsal and dinner tonight as well as the actual wedding tomorrow when his phone finally dinged.
What time is that dinner tonight?
He tried not to overreact. He'd invited his son to the festivities, unsure if he would even come. He doubt Anne had raised him with the ability to RSVP to a wedding all expenses paid and not actually come, but he wanted to see him. He'd tried for over ten years only to be rebuffed or cancelled upon last minute.
And finally, maybe, he was actually coming.
We're sitting down to eat at half past six.
I'll be there.
A smile bloomed across his face.
"Yo bro who got you smilin' like that?" Louis suddenly barked with an American accent from the doorway and Edward's face contorted in confusion.
"Is that another TikTok reference I'm too old to understand?"
His beloved smiled. "Yes. But seriously, why so smiley? Y'know, aside from the fact that YOU"- he pointed, "get to marry THIS tomorrow?" He cascaded a hand over himself, striking a pose.
"You are truly beautiful, you know that?" Louis nodded. "And I'm happy because I just got a text from my son that he's gonna be coming to the post-rehearsal dinner tonight."
"Oh good! I know you've been stressing about that," he came up behind Edward, planting a kiss on his forehead. "Can't wait to meet him."
"Can I order you breakfast?"
"Do they make traditional English here? I'm famished. Could kill for some sausages and black pudding."
"Famished, huh?" He shut his laptop and turned around, shirt rolled up to expose his tattooed forearms as he watched Louis pour himself a glass of OJ from the fridge. "Did you get up to any mischief last night?"
"I did!" He spun around and winked, as if retelling the story to a raucous group of friends before returning the juice to the refrigerator.
"Any fun details you wanna share?" And Louis turned back around, shrugging.
"Just a boy. I mean, there is a bit of freedom in knowing you'll never see someone again, but nothing compared to you, love."
There was a heavy pause in the otherwise light conversation.
"He let you give... right?"
Louis did not want this free pass that he was graciously given to cause a problem. They'd had several discussions over what would or wouldn't be okay should that day ever come. He shut the fridge before returning to Edward's side.
"Love, brides that have their last hurrah don't kiss and tell. It was just sex, baby; nothing else. Please don't think another second about it because I won't." He placed his dainty hands firmly on Edward's thighs before kissing him gently. "But know our boundaries are just as precious to me as they are to you," and Edward pulled him in tight for a surprisingly wholesome hug.
"I love you, angel."
"I love you, too. I would never do anything to make you feel like you can't trust me."
"Tell you what," Edward sighed, standing up. "Why don't we go into town.... to the horrible monument to wealth that is the tourist village... And you can go shopping?" He looked up, surprised to see how far away Louis looked. Almost sad. Mournful.
Edward walked toward Louis and wrapped him up in a hug.
"We talked about this, my sweet boy. I just, it's just something I was never able to do, to let my stupid old limits down in that regard. I know I'm a rigid bastard when it comes to certain things but I hope you know how much it means to me every time we're together. I want it to be enough for you. Please, let what I have for you be enough."
Louis grabbed Edward's face and kissed him hard, attacking his fiancé's tongue with his own. He chuckled, surprised by his intensity.
"How much time do we have until we need to be at dinner?"
Louis' words were fevered as he worked his hands under Edward's shirt and roamed his taut, toned stomach.
"There's time."
"Make love to me. Show me how much you love me, Eddie. I need it. Please."
Louis needed to remember how wonderful Edward was. He was a very good lover; patient, thorough, generous. And the life Louis enjoyed with him outside the bedroom was a dream. They loved each other, this one thing was not going to diminish that. Louis needed to remember.
"Louis, stop," Edward caught his hands. "Talk to me. You seem preoccupied. Did something... bad happen last night?"
Louis shook his head.
"Oh God no... It's just nerves. I'm marrying you tomorrow. I'm allowed to be a little nervous, right?"
Louis pulled his shirt off over his head and made for his favourite spot on Edward's neck.
"Fuck me, honey. Fuck me good. I wanna feel you. I need it. Please."
Louis knew a little dirty talk would do the trick. Edward needed to have his mind seduced as much as his body. Louis loved that about him.
"Can I have your mouth, please? Louis... baby? Get me going so I can give you what you want. Please."
Edward picked Louis up, carrying him over to their bed. He sat down on the edge and ran his thumb around Louis' mouth.
"How did I get so lucky?"
Louis smiled.
"We're both lucky, baby. We found each other."
Louis kneeled on the plush carpet. He always took the lead. He unbuttoned Edward's linen pants, making sure to run the palm of his hand up his erection. Edward sighed.
"So hard for me, baby."
Louis yanked his trousers and briefs down in one go. He threw the clothes somewhere behind him.
He was grateful. Edward was older, but he was fit and his dick was nice and he knew how to use it. Louis looked into Edward's eyes, flattening his tongue for what was to come.
"Wanna watch you, Louis. Touch me, angel."
Louis grasped Edward's cock in his hand and smacked it in his own tongue. He quickly sucked him in and brought him to the back of his throat. His fiancé moaned.
As Louis bobbed up and down on Edward's cock, he leaned over and pulled the lube out of the side drawer.
"You going to be a good boy and show me how ready you are for me?"
Louis nodded, cock still buried in his mouth. Louis pulled off, working Eddie with the resulting spit and his fist.
"You love watching me open myself up. Love me being dirty for you."
"I do. Let Daddy do this."
Edward took over the stroking of his cock while Louis opened the lube and coated his own fingers. He remained on his knees, working himself open while his lover watched.
"Does it feel good?"
"Yes. Your dick is going to feel better."
Edward groaned for him at the thought. He watched as Louis pushed in another finger, scissoring himself open.
Louis was ready now. He crawled up on the bed, hovering over his fiancé.
"Take me. Make me yours, Edward."
In that moment, Louis knew he was making the right choice. He wanted to be happy and being with Edward would make that possible. He wouldn't think another thing about the stranger. He promised himself, sinking down as he split open and sighed with pleasure. He let Edward fuck him, praying that he would be able to free his mind from the grip last night still held over him.
Never again. Nothing was worth the risk.
**********
Louis lay on Edward's chest, spent. He felt bonded to him again. They felt solid.
"No more worries in that head, sweet boy?" He felt a warm, lazy kiss press into his hair.
"No more nerves, baby. I promise. I love you."
"Let's shower and then watch a movie, Louis. We can just cuddle. I can still feel you have a lot on your mind. It will be fine, honey. We're agreeing to love each other and take care of one another. For me, that's taking care of all of you. Marrying you isn't just about love... or the archaic notion of ownership. It's also about protecting you & the girls. I'm aware of all that means. I'm happy to have all of you. Please don't worry, love. You're my family now, too."
Edward's declaration touched Louis deeply. He unsuccessfully attempted to blink back tears, which immediately betrayed him and began to slide down his cheeks. Edward held him tight.
"Oh honey..." he kissed his young fiancé's cheek. "Let's take a long bath. That'll feel good. I love taking care of you, Louis."
Louis nuzzled into Edward's neck.
"I'm really being absurd. So emotional today."
"It's the day before your wedding, Louis. Your first wedding." Louis giggled. "I keep forgetting this is all new for you. It's expected. It will all be okay, love."
They took a long, languid bath. Edward was sweet and attentive.
"What was your first wedding like?" Louis asked in Edward's arms in the bath.
Edward smiled.
"Very small and spontaneous. I was nineteen, she was eighteen and we were pregnant. Our parents and a couple of friends, cake from Tesco, some candles and cheap flowers. Music from a CD-player in the corner," Louis chuckled. "My dad's vicar officiated as a favour. We just wanted to be married. Doing what was right and appropriate. What was proper."
Louis already knew the rest of the story, that Edward had loved her, thought that was what romantic love should be. It wasn't until the children were here and he fell hard for a male coworker that he realised he'd been mistaken all along. He definitely loved his wife - but only as a friend. He'd never cheated, instead divorcing amicably and quickly and he made sure to keep every other promise he'd made her. She'd been able to financially afford her dreams and her family. She'd dated. So had he - three serious relationships following his divorce before he'd met Louis.
Louis had made him feel young again. Spontaneous. Silly and even childish sometimes. A part of his life he thought he'd long since put away. For the first time since his children were born, Edward had found himself truly, unapologetically happy.
**********
[(I Can't Help) Falling in Love with You - UB40]
Harry walked towards the beautiful dining area of the event villa his father had rented just off the beach. A long dining table was set up underneath a pavilion that extended from the main building, a kitchen and wine room off to the side. Long, baby blue linens were swaying in the breeze as he could hear uplifting reggae Dad music.
He sucked in a breath. Everything was white and baby blue, even the tablecloth and china. His father and his future husband had good taste. Harry was looking around to see if he knew anyone. In truth he was stalling from seeing his father. As he was walking toward the cluster of people at the furthest end of the room, he noticed his one night stand.
Mr. Distraction was here. He was more dressed up than he had been last night - suspenders even - but he was just as beautiful. He was smiling, laughing and standing next to someone, hand in hand. He giggled, tossing his hand in the air, flamboyant wrist on display before placing it gently on someone's chest and looking upward at them. It almost looked like love.
And it was in that moment that Harry realised he recognized that someone. It was his father. He was obviously older and tanned, with a beard now, but it was him.
The young man who had spent the previous evening fucking Harry within an inch of his life was standing next to his father, holding his hand.
This cannot be happening. It can't. He felt dizzy again.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
Harry cleared his throat loudly, attempting to get the stranger's attention, but his father turned around instead.
"Harry! Hello. Please, come over and say hello!"
Harry couldn't believe he was actually walking as opposed to sinking into the floor. His father wrapped him up in a hug, while the stranger merely stared, face captured in shock for merely a second before he corrected himself, a giant fake smile consuming him.
"Thank you so much for coming," his father spoke into their embrace. "I cannot thank you enough. Really. It means the world."
Harry let himself be hugged as he tried to brace himself for the inevitable.
"Where are my manners?!" His father shouted, releasing him. "Harry, I'd like you to meet my fiancé, Louis. Louis, this is my son, Harry."
The two men stared at each other. Both completely stunned and trying so hard to hold it together. Edward was worried this was going to remain awkward. But then, Harry made a move.
"Louis, it's really nice to meet you."
Harry stuck his hand out to shake Louis' hand. Louis was in trance, his inner monologue was a nightmare. Just screaming and pots and pans banging together. He shook his head slightly and then remembered himself, meeting the handshake.
"Harry. I've heard quite a lot about you from your father. You've made the whole day because you came. Thank you so much."
Harry had to get Louis alone. They had to speak about this before Harry started screaming.
"The last picture he showed me of you... you had to be what? Fifteen? Sixteen? You look so much older now. With that long hair, you're almost unrecognisable," Louis offered, words loaded.
"Uh, Edward? Can I borrow Louis for just a few minutes? I want to discuss something with your soon to be husband."
Edward shrugged, seemingly agreeing with the hopes the young gentlemen would get along.
Harry drug the future newlywed over to the windows in an attempt to keep their voices at a reasonable volume.
Harry's teeth clenched.
"So your name is Louis... and you're marrying my father?!"
"Harry, lower your voice."
"Are you a slut and just want his money or were you SO GODDAMN DRUNK you forgot you were marrying the VERY RICH man who fathered me? Goddamn it, Louis!"
Louis knew this was going to get out of control. They needed to be away from everyone.
"Yes, Harry. It's absolutely gorgeous here. Let me show you the terrace."
Louis led his one time secret sex partner to a place where the others couldn't see, a patio on the second level overlooking the beach.
"Harry, look at me. Please."
Wet confused and angry green eyes met Louis' pleading blue ones.
"I ASKED YOU if you had a boyfriend."
"Edward is not my 'boyfriend."
"He's not your husband either!" Harry spat, so angry he was almost red.
"He's my fiancé."
"You lied to me. Using fucking semantics..."
"Harry, please listen. Edward told me to go out and get laid last night, my last hurrah before I was married forever. I had no idea what you looked like now. The last picture he has of you, you look like a KID! Big curly hair and bunny teeth... I swear to you, I am just as surprised and taken aback as you. But please, your father cannot know it was you."
Harry looked at Louis' mouth. That gorgeous mouth that sucked his dick and made him feel things he'd never felt in his life. His lips were so plump and despite the absolute shit show that was unfolding in front of him, Harry was horrified to find he wanted to kiss him, even now. Louis saw where he was staring. This suit cannot be happening.
"Curly, hey. Stop that shit! Look at me; my eyes are up here."
Harry snapped out of it.
"I fucked my stepdad. I'm a Jerry Springer guest."
Harry started to giggle - because what else can you do when you life is exploding around you?
"How old are you Harry?"
"I'm twenty one."
Louis wiped his face with his hand.
"I turned twenty two in December..." he sighed, "Fuck me."
"Already did that, Louis."
Suddenly the tension, the absolute fear built between them crumbled. The two men actually started to laugh.
"Holy shit, Harry. We're like those couples in terrible porn movies."
"This is the craziest shit that's ever happened to me."
"Same, H. Same. I need a drink. You?"
"God, yes."
Louis patted Harry on the shoulder.
"Beer? Wine? Arsenic?"
"A glass of wine will be fine. I'll save the arsenic for later."
Louis left Harry. He walked back into the main dining area. He caught Edward's attention, giving him a thumbs up. Louis grabbed a beer and a glass of wine for Harry. Walking back out to the terrace, he takes Harry in. He's so handsome. Looking at his profile now he can see shades of Edward in his nose and high cheekbones.
"Ok, H. Here."
Louis hands Harry his wine.
"Look, Harry. I love your father. We cannot say a word about this to him. It's something that dies right here between us."
Harry's brow furrowed. He looked absolutely livid.
"So I'm supposed to come to family get-togethers with you two and say nothing?"
Louis bit his lip.
"You literally never see him, Harry. Why are we now worried about family Christmases, Harry?"
"I was considering turning over a new leaf. I left my partner, slept with a stranger and then I was going to mend the relationship with my father. It's my era of self improvement. I was all about trying new things. Being a new person. YOU are not part of that plan, Louis."
Harry's voice was getting a bit too loud.
"I'm trying something new too, Harry. I'm marrying someone who loves me and my family. I'm finally in a place where I can breathe. My sisters are looked after and happy. Your father has been a blessing to my life in so many ways. Please, please don't ruin this for me or him. I'm begging you."
"You think he'd leave you if he knew?" Harry asked, Louis unsure if it were a threat or a curiosity.
Harry looked into Louis' eyes. He could see he was telling the truth.
"You're not a gold digger, are you? You really love him."
Louis gave Harry a tiny smile.
"I do. I do love him, Harry. He's a good man. I'm so sorry I'm the man you chose to have a wild night with. Please, let's leave last night in the past. We can be cordial, surely."
Louis couldn't help himself. He chuckled.
"I licked your asshole, surely we can have a civil dinner or three with one another. You can get to know your dad better. It will all work out."
Harry laughed.
"Sucked your dick too, Louis. I'm sure we can enjoy a friendly round of golf. Edward still likes golf, right?"
Louis smiled at this sweet person in front of him.
"Yes. He loves to play golf. He also likes sailing. He takes us all out on his boat. You'd love it. We can be mates, Harry. We can make this work. Promise me, Harry. Promise you won't tell him."
"I promise I won't tell him, Louis. But if you ever refer to me as your son or yourself as my step dad and all bets are off." They shook on it and the two looked up quickly at the sound of a knocking, seeing Lottie leaning on the terrace rail.
"Ed wanted me to let you guys know they're plating the first course."
"Let's go show your father we've made nice with one another, alright?"
Louis and Harry were about to walk back into the main space when Harry gently grabbed Louis' arm, stopping him and pulling him close.
"I'm not sorry it was you, Louis," He whispered. "You changed my life. Just wanted to say thank you."
Louis patted Harry on the shoulder to show his care.
"Stop fucking men who don't deserve you and don't give you what you need, Harry. You'll find him; I did."
"Oh, give me a break," Harry sighed, brushing past Louis as they entered the dining room of the rented villa.
He took a seat as far away from Louis and his father as possible, sandwiched between Lottie, who wouldn't stop staring at him and the twins, who seemed more interested in poking each other with the butter knives.
It was pleasant but insanely awkward, Edward asking what Harry did for a living and how he was doing since his breakup - and watched as Louis pretended to hear all this information for the first time. The dinner was fancier fare than he was used to, a seven course meal; which his father and Louis seemed completely used to. His father had been gone most of his life, never treating him to seven course meals and it turns out he was off shagging men half his age and giving them seven course meals like it was any other day. The same man who had fucked Harry's brains out last night. After the soup, the catering staff announced the seafood entrée was on its way and he just couldn't take it anymore.
"I'm gonna go grab us another bottle of wine," Harry coughed, abruptly standing up. His chair made a sour screeching noise on the floor and he practically ran out of the room into the wine cellar next door.
He struggled to catch his breath, bracing himself on a tasting table, eyes pinched shut.
"You are doing a terrible job!" He heard a voice spat and looked up to see Louis.
"I'm sorry! I have zero practice pretending I didn't have sex with somebody WHO IS GETTING MARRIED TO MY FATHER!" Harry angrily whispered, eyes intense and intimidating. "What are you even doing in here? Are you allergic to leaving me alone?"
"Your dad asked me to check on you. Luckily, he thinks you're just angry about our similar age."
"Wow, he must be sooo in tune with our emotions. What a catch."
"Stop it. You're not mad at him. You're mad at me and yourself and you're taking it out on him."
"Actually, I am mad at him for a lot of reasons that don't concern you at all. Despite what he's clearly pampered you into believing, LEWIS, not everything is about you."
He crossed his arms, staring daggers at Louis for a long while; Louis merely stared back, much like a parent waiting for a child to tire of their tantrum.
"Ok, look. I had NO idea who you were, Louis. I'm not mad at you or myself. I'm angry with... the world. For letting that happen. And I'm sorry. And you standing so close to me, looking and smelling like you do isn't helping."
"Don't be sorry, just... please be better about controlling your emotions this weekend. He's not a stupid man and he'll figure it out if you can't stop acting like a five year old who just got their lollipop taken away." Louis chided, looking down at the floor. His eyes moved up, taking Harry in until he met his face and sighed in matched frustration.
"Oh my God."
"What?"
"Your eyes.... those gorgeous green eyes."
"What about them?"
"...goddamn it. They're his! I am a complete fucking idiot. Truly."
"Louis, Look at me please."
Louis looked up, absolute despair painted on his face.
"I'll keep it together. No one has to know. It was one night. I'm not close with my father. You won't see me. It's not like you'll have to look at your mistake over Sunday roast once a week. I promise it will be alright."
Louis could feel Harry's shame radiating off of him.
"Harry.... Mate, you did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. I was sent out for a last dalliance and you were seeking comfort. I saw you and immediately wanted you. There was just something strangely familiar about you. Drawn to you because somehow I felt I already knew you and OF COURSE I FUCKIN' DID. Just as handsome and charming and... shamelessly self-assured as your father. You and I had no way of knowing. Even if we'd told each other our real names. I mean, do you know how many Harries there are in England?" He chuckled. "Please, you're not a bad son. It's just a wildly fucked up chain of events that brought us here. Please, it's alright."
"Need help, boys?!" They heard Edward's voice and Harry immediately froze as Louis plastered the world's drippiest smile on his face.
"Um, yes, love," Louis cooed as Edward came around the corner. "What goes with fish?"
"White." Edward kissed Louis' cheek. He then reached between them, grabbing a Sauvignon Blanc from the display and for a moment, Harry envisioned smacking him with the bottle. "Almost all seafood goes with white unless it's salmon, then you can get away with a good Pinot Noir."
"Ugh," Harry grimaced. "Hate Pinot Noir."
Edward snapped his head to face his son, smiling even bigger. "Me too, son." A deep chuckle filled his chest. "Keep finding out new things about you. More like me than I thought. Anything else we got in common?" He lightly nudged him with an elbow. "Come on, food's gonna get cold."
And Harry waited until he was out of earshot.
"It's official. My life is officially a Shakespearean tragedy."
"Harry..." Louis rolled his eyes.
"And in the final third act, I will now go throw myself off of one of those cliffs," Harry grunted, turning and Louis caught his arm.
"It's not THAT BAD. We just have to pretend tonight and tomorrow, okay? Then we only have to see each other a few times a year, surrounded by other people. Let's go finish dinner?"
"Fine," Harry snapped, "but I'm gonna drink too much wine."
"Deal."
**********
Two hours later, Louis was on his fourth beer, Harry on his fourth glass of wine after dessert. Not to mention all of the wine pairings the men had been allotted. Lottie has asked to drink the wine as well but both Edward and Lou were firm in their denial, despite her eye rolling ability. The girls took advantage of the massive infinity pool back at the villa Louis had been sharing with his future husband, splashing and playing loudly in the pool while Edward retired for the evening, having had his fill of wine and food.
"He always tap out early like that?"
"Sometimes," Louis shrugged. "He's no spring chicken." They laughed. "I don't mind. Gives me a little bit of time to myself at the end of the night. Play some FIFA. Go swimming. Watch footie way too loud."
"He doesn't watch footie?"
Louis laughed.
"No, Harry. Your father is not a footie man. Never seen him watch a whole game. Can't get into it. That's alright. I love to golf with him and sail. And we also scuba dive. Your dad is cool, H. And, he's a good man. He has boatloads of money he gives to charity. He's on a ton of charitable organisation boards. That's where I met him. I'm a volunteer football coach for Little Wonders."
"That's the group that works with kids with disabilities and life threatening illnesses, right?"
"Yeah. We work with kids who can't play with traditional footie teams and kids who need medical assistance due to illness. They're such great kids. Your father came to see one of the games and I met him... not gonna lie he looked so damn good in his suit. So well spoken and so sweet with the kids. He asked me if we could meet up and talk about the organisation. We had one business dinner where he found out how much work I was putting in for no pay. He arranged for me to actually get paid for my work. And eventually, he asked if he could take me on a date."
"And you said yes?"
"I said no," Louis laughed. "He's basically twice my age and life had been shitty. Had my guard up."
"Then what happened?"
"Came by the organisation a few more times. Made big donations. Trying to flex both his wallet and his heart. I mean, you're both very aesthetically pleasing, don't get me wrong. But I didn't want..." he sighed, taking a long sip. "I couldn't afford to get caught up in anything."
He stared at his siblings in the pool.
"My mom was a woman named Barbara. She was kind of... addicted to falling in love. But it never stuck. She had me at sixteen and all of us, aside from the twins obviously, had different dads. None of 'em stuck around. A few months after I turned nineteen, me mum died." He looked over to see Harry staring intently, hanging on his every word.
"Car crash," he stated so simply and matter-of-fact.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry."
"It could've been worse," he shrugged. "The doctors told us it was really fast. Instant. She was gone before she even noticed. But I had a choice to make because I could either take the girls and try to raise them meself-" He smiled at Harry. "Apparently nineteen is the magical age. Or I could decide that they get raised by their dads. Three different men they didn't know who were literally scattered across the UK.
"Obviously I left uni and got two jobs. Lottie babysat and she also got a job at a local flower shop, cash under the table since she was only thirteen at the time. Fuck, even Fizzy was skipping school to walk people's pets." He sighed, listening to his sisters laugh as the two youngest played chicken, riding atop their older sisters' shoulders. "If we didn't make it happen and their dads didn't want them... which, ya know, was quite possible seeing as they'd had their whole lives to give a fuck and didn't, they'd all go into care. That shit wasn't happenin' on my watch.
"We'd lived in a flat so it's not like I got left a house. Rent was always insane, even when it was a one bedroom and I slept on the couch. We applied to assisted housing, but every place we got assigned was a nightmare and I was just so.... fucking tired. How was I gonna have time to date anybody? So your dad asked me out a few times, kept blowing him off, and eventually he just asked me 'What's a man like me gotta do to get a date with you?'
"I just snapped and told him to 'buy me four MacBooks. Got four sisters, they need them for school.' Honestly never thinking he'd really do it. Three days later, a courier arrived with FIVE MacBook AirPros fully loaded with all the accessories. And Harry," his voice shook. "An invitation to go shopping at Harrod's. On him.
"I called ahead because I was sure it was bullshit. They told me it was legit, he'd just opened an account and we had no limit. Just bring my ID to prove I'm approved on the account and we can get whatever we want. I took my sisters out of school that day and I got to watch them run around and just shop and giggle and try on clothes - which they almost never got to do unless it was NECESSARY. They just got to be normal fuckin' kids, ya know? Just sisters shopping." He smiled at the memory. "I still remember the amount. My sisters spent £10,422. When we totaled out, they gave me a card and it read. Hope I made you happy. Hope you'll give me a chance. And your dad officially gave me his number.
"I was still suspicious. Thinking it'd just be cheaper for him to get a rent boy. I let him take me to dinner because I was hungry. I was honest with him, Harry. and then I laid all my cards out on the table. Said I got sisters. We're a package deal. And four little girls are a huge financial weight. He didn't care. Said all he cared for was my time. He liked me, said I was pretty and clearly had a good heart and reminded him that the world could still be a good place and for a while, yeah, I pretended to love him. It was all transactional. I slept with him and laughed at his jokes and played the role of the perfect little twink sugar baby and somewhere along the line.... it became real.
"I fell absolutely in love with him. He made my life... he helped me ENJOY it again. He is literally my breath of relief. I've travelled the world. I've been able to give my sisters anything they want without spoiling them. They remember how it was before and they're so fucking grateful. We dated for about eight months... and then, on a random Tuesday three months ago, he proposed. Our anniversary is next month and he said he didn't want to spend it without me as his husband. Said he was too old to have a boyfriend." And he giggled before smiling at Harry. "Sorry. That was a lot."
"Louis, I'm glad you two found each other. I'm glad he makes you happy. You deserve that. He does too."
Harry grinned and a low roll of thunder rumbled in over their conversation. Louis stood up to check the horizon.
"Girls! Out of the water..." he clapped and they listened, towelling off and rushing inside the villa, leaving the two men side by side on the patio. Harry couldn't help but think that this what exactly had led them into the bedroom together the previous evening.
"We know our age gap can be disarming for some people. Last night he literally told me to go find someone my own age. I believe his exact words were 'fuck him so hard he has to change religions."
Harry let out a huge laugh.
"Mission accomplished, Lou."
Louis patted Harry on the knee.
"Please, don't stop yourself from coming 'round more because of me. Your dad loves ya. Always says the biggest regret of his life was not getting to watch you and your sister grow up. We can be a big happy family."
"It wouldn't have been hard for him. Being around more."
"He said he stopped after your choir thing? When you were twelve... he said his presence seemed to really upset you. You told him to fuck off."
"I did..." Harry sighed. "I guess... I always felt like he betrayed my mom and I..." he shrugged, "I owed her my hatred of him. No matter how much she protested."
"He loves you, Harry. He only left you alone because it's what he felt you truly wanted."
They sat in a few seconds of loaded silence, the storm rolling in over the ocean.
"Can we keep it just major holidays and family events?" Harry chuckled. "Not that I don't want a relationship with him but last night... Louis.... holy God," Harry moaned, taking a long sip of his wine. The soon to be newlywed giggled. "I can swear to never bring it up. And never EVER let him know. But I will never be able to forget it and if I have to see you every few weekends..." he shook his head, looking off into the ocean.
Louis squeezed Harry's knee.
"H, it was the same for me. Please don't forget that. It was fuckin' special. That's not how one night stands are supposed to go, but that's the way it was. I get it. Distance will be good. I'll take care of your dad, Harry. I'll make him happy."
"I mean," Harry shrugged, "maybe it's the wine talking, but if you top him like you did me, I don't doubt it."
Louis looked off at the ocean.
"Yeah, that was the last hurrah for me on that, H. That's your dad's thing. He's the alpha in the bedroom. No exceptions. Shit, so many worse things in a relationship than not being able to fuck someone and having to be fucked. I'm crass. I'm sorry. We get on everywhere. It's a good life. I have no place to complain."
Harry's face fell. "Is that... like are you sure you're okay with that? I mean, it's one of those boundaries that works but only if both parties agree. Jason wasn't a huge fan of receiving but he did it occasionally."
"Harry, it's a deal breaker. Here's the thing, it took so much for your dad to admit that he was gay at all and he lost everything when he did. I think mentally, for him, this is him holding on to some part of his heterosexuality. Yeah he has sex with men, but he's the one who does the fucking. I get it. I'm taken care of. I'm not suffering in the bedroom. It's just been so long, and being inside you, it was heaven. Watching you fall apart for me because of what I did, it felt so good. But if that's what I have to give up to have the life I have now, it's nothing in the grand scheme of things. Sex is so small. Intimacy. Love. Joy. Sharing your life with another person, that's what really matters. And not to be too graphic, but I get mine. I'm not needy and left wanting."
Harry smiled softly. "I'm glad. I just want you to be happy." Louis smiled at him for what felt like almost too long. "Both of you. I mean. You and my father."
"Yeah," Louis smiled gently, finishing his beer as he watched lightning strike the ocean, closer than it had been, thunder rumbling in sooner than before. Tiny droplets of rain began to paint the balcony and he stood up. "Want me to walk you back to yours? I remember that walk back before the sun came up. There's almost no lights."
"Um, sure," he took a long sip of wine, finishing his glass.
The two walked to the glass balcony doors, Louis opening it. Lottie looked up from where the girls were settling in for a movie.
"Ed still asleep?" Louis asked and she nodded, eyes flashing back and forth between the two. "I'm gonna walk Harry back to his. You'll be alright?" And she stared a bit too long.
"Sure."
"Love you Lots." He winked.
"Louis..." She said, standing up and twisting her hands.
"What's up?"
"Just... just be careful, okay?"
"Umm... okay? Let's go to bed early tonight. Big day tomorrow."
Harry walked to his villa with Louis. They chatted about how beautiful the ceremony would be, the outfits, the music and what they might do the next day. They had one full day left at the resort, the wedding taking place in the late afternoon. Everyone's Sunday flights didn't depart until the evening.
"Maybe we could all go on a hike or just go relax," Louis suggested as the rain fell a bit harder, but still lightly enough to be tolerable. He hated how the rain in Harry's hair made him look. Sweaty. Untouchable. Forbidden.
"Cabana on the beach?" He asked, desperate to remind himself what was on the line. "The whole family. That could be fun."
"It could be," he smiled as they reached the door to his villa. "I might get there a little early tomorrow. See if my father needs any help."
Louis nodded. "That'd be great."
"Do you want to come in?" Harry offered, Louis arching an eyebrow. "Get you a towel?"
"Oh, um, sure."
He stood in the entryway as his future husband's son rushed out of his view to grab him a towel. The rain was coming down harder now, but he knew he shouldn't stay. In any other situation, he should stay. It was ridiculous to walk back in the deluge. But staying here? With Harry? He absolutely couldn't. Don't be fuckin' stupid, Lou.
"Here ya go," Harry tossed him the towel and Louis ruffled his hair.
"Seems a bit silly since I'm just gonna get back out there."
"I wish... I mean I know you can't stay, but-"
"Yeah," he handed him back the towels. "I'll see you in the morning."
Louis leaned in to hug him good night and then he smelled him, right there in the crook of his neck. He couldn't help it. He held him close; a little too long. Louis licked him. Harry clung into him and pulled him closer, suddenly feeling the wall on his back.
"Louis. God. What are you doing?" He asked as Louis pressed his chest hard against Harry's.
"Something very very stupid."
He hesitated for a moment and then pulled Harry's mouth to his.
"Why did it have to be you? Why did you have to be his?"
Louis licked across Harry's mouth.
"I'm sorry, baby. Truly."
Louis pushed his tongue inside Harry's mouth and tangled it with his own. He ran his hands up his torso, burying them in all his curls.
Louis moaned into Harry's mouth. Harry managed to pull back long enough to whine.
"Louis.... Fuck. I fucking want you. It was so good."
Louis trailed his hands back down Harry's neck, sliding them further until they were gripping on Harry's ass.
"I know, love. I do, too. But we can't.... I'm so sorry, baby." Their noses were barely touching as Louis begged, "Just shut your mouth and kiss me one more time. Make it good. It's the last time."
Harry flipped them so Louis was against the door. He moved one hand so he could hold Louis' chin. Keep him in place.
"Look at me, Louis."
Louis looked into Harry's eyes and saw how blown they were.
"I'm going to kiss you and then you're going to leave. I'll fuck my own hand to the thought of you one last time tonight. I fucking hate the universe." He spat angrily. "I pray there's someone else out there who makes me feel the way you do."
Before Louis could speak Harry buried his tongue in his mouth one more time. He drank in the feel of Louis clinging to his body, relishing in the noises he was making Louis make. His heart took a picture.
"You're really going to marry him?" He begged, Louis pulling away and grunting in frustration.
"It's not that simple."
"I left Jason."
"You left Jason because you needed your life to stay the same. Your livelihood... your future was at stake." he spat. "I'm marrying Edward for the same reason. I can't let my heart ruin my life," he sighed, blue eyes pinching themselves shut. "It's not just about me." His chin shook for a bare second, Louis forcing it still as he crushed another angry kiss into Harry.
Harry slowed his assault. Slowly pulling away from Louis' mouth. Harry kissed him on both cheeks and then licked the tip of his nose.
"It mattered to me, Louis - last night. More than I'll ever be able to explain."
"I really hope we see you again, H. Please. Your dad just got you back in his life. Come see us. Or just go see him. Promise me."
"I promise Louis. I have to kick you out now before I do something that's going to hurt us all."
Louis pulled away, only a single finger hanging in Harry's belt loop.
"Find someone who makes you feel incredible, Harry. You're worth that, love."
"I will. Be happy, Louis. You deserve that."
Louis let go of his last hold on Harry.
"Don't be a stranger." And with that, he was gone.
Tomorrow was going to suck.
**********
BUT NOT FOR YOU! Posting The Wedding Day chapter tomorrow! As always, votes make a smile but comments give us happy tears!
xoxo
C&E