Imagine: You were new to Ericsson's boarding school for troubled youth- everyone you met had a different story as to how they ended up at the school. You were intrigued to learn about everybody— getting to know them better and befriending. However, one guy stood out amongst the crowd. He was often joking and goofing around- you couldn't help but notice when his presence was vacant. Sometimes you'd catch him wandering off, he'd be gone for a few hours and then return to either head to bed or to annoy his fellow classmates yet again.
You found yourself catching feelings for this boy. He was reserved when no one could see him, and that's when you met the real him.
His name is Louis.
**AU before the apocalyptic outbreak**
•••>>>>>>>>>>>>
• There you stood. In front of the large polished metal gates that reached high to the sky- the schools name moulded and evidently into the metal. Expertly and finished nicely.
• you peer through the gates, catching sight of well maintained gardens. You felt your hands shake, as you were nervous to be here, to be alone and clueless. Especially when you could make out a figure walking briskly towards the gate you were currently standing behind.
You clutched your luggage closer to yourself, biting the inside of your cheek once the person finally reached the gate.
• You watch as they walked politely and with such care. Their clothes fitting nicely and neat on their frame. A kind smile graced their lips as they greeted you, gaining your attention and shifting more interest- "hello, welcome. You must be Y/n?" The woman's voice smoothed over like warm silk honey.
• her eyes glinting with kindness while you stumbled to find your words to reply. "U-uh—yes! That's me" you finally let out, sweat already drowning your palms into one of miniature swimming pools.
• the woman covered her mouth to muffle a small giggle. "Come on in then. We've been expecting you, and everyone just can't wait to finally meet you!" Her small dainty hands unpatched the gate and swung it easily to open a passageway for you.
You duck your head with a shaky smile. "T-thanks" you stutter.
• why did I say thanks? Um...
The woman waves it off with a beaming smile, "follow me, dear" she beckoned. And soon, you trailed timidly behind, glancing around at your surroundings as you approached a large
castle-like building that immediately took your breath away. You stated in awe, pausing in your steps unconsciously to admire the old building.
• the woman opened the buildings door, turning around to see you frozen in a star-stuck trance. She hummed with delight, "beautiful, is it not?"
You nod nonchalantly, eyes sparkling with glee.
• "she's been around for quite awhile. But still keeps her breathtaking beauty as if she was built just yesterday."
You nod again, agreeing with the woman.
"Marvellous!" She claps her hands together. "You seem to love it here already."
• you take your eyes off the building reluctantly, your facial expression one of a child on Christmas Day after unwrapping a gift that they had most yearned for. "I do. It's wonderful.." you whisper audibly.
The woman only beams with delight, "I'm glad. And.. Oh! silly me, pardon my lack of manners" she begins, a little flustered. "I haven't properly introduced myself yet. I must apologise"
• you felt a little more comfortable that this woman didn't seem so strict after all, though you couldn't help but fear other adults here.
Are they all nice like this woman? No... surely not.
• "my name is Miss Hinkley. But.. I make an exception to all my students to call me by my first name. You may call me Gwen if you most prefer" she adds. Her eyes closing shut as she smiles widely at you.
"Whatever you pick is perfect." She assures warmly.
"Now! Time to get you settled in, yes?"
You nod, "yea, sounds great" you return a smile, walking up to her side and walking through the large doors, entering the building at last. A homey feeling already coursing through the atmosphere.
You already know that you'll like it here, even if this school is for fixing behavioural issues.
•••
"And here is the final room." Miss Hinkley pushes open large grand doors to reveal a vast and open room. Your mouth open in shock.
Everything was clean and newly polished— you could practically see your own reflection in the rich wooden floorboards.
You scan the room with interest, shyly smiling at a couple of students who stared at the two of you.
"Students here name this room preferably, 'the Piano room'." Miss Hinkley adjusted her glasses with a warm smile. "As you would notice- there is a Piano that resides here. It it most beloved by lots"
You nod thoughtfully, marvelling over the instruments beauty.
Miss Hinkley smiled, jolting slightly as sudden realisation washed over her— "come, come!" She excitedly breathed an eager breath as she beckoned the three present students in the room.
The students slowly made their way over, curiously staring at you. Though.. one student stayed behind.. still remaining seated at the Piano.
"Here is, Ruby" Miss Hinkley motioned you the red-haired teen. Ruby smiling with a nod, "Howdy" she greeted.
Her southern accent took you by surprise.. you hadn't expected it. But you instantly loved it.
You briskly wave back as Miss Hinkley moves onto the next student who stood timidly next to Ruby.
"And this is, Tennessee." She introduced the boy, a shaky small smile falling onto his face.
"He prefers to be called 'Tenn' however."
Tenn nodded lightly, his head turning to the side—
Your eyes widened slightly at the sight of a large scar that stretched across the side of his head.
You wondered what had happened to cause such a nasty scar, in fact you were just itching with curiosity to find out. But.. you decided it would be best to not ask about it though.
"H-hello.." Tenn stuttered.
You wave with a short 'hey'.
And then, Miss Hinkley's bright crystal blue eyes shifted over to the third student. A lopsided grin breaking onto her face as she shook her head, "and here.. is Louis" she sighed.
You followed her as she began walking over to the goofily grinning teen, "you're still as obsessed with this old thing since the day you first arrived. Hm?" Miss Hinkley chuckled softly, resting a hand on the grand Piano.
"How could I not?" Louis gazed at the old instrument with a smile.
You gulp.. feeling butterflies in your stomach all of a sudden. Your gaze flitting over to admire ever aspect of his face.
Wow...
You felt your heart thump.
-
Suddenly, Miss Hinkley nodded in agreement. Obviously still entranced by the Piano's beauty just as much. She clears her throat, intaking a breath as she turns toward you, your eyes forced themselves from staring too long at Louis. And they drifted back to hers- "now. Onto the next destination— your living quarters!" She announced with enthusiasm and clear excitement.
You giggle, nodding happily.
But just as you were about to turn away...
The teen.. Louis, locked his warm brown eyes with yours.
A light blush crept up onto your cheeks as you continued your way out of the room.
•••
Welp. Here you were.
Miss Hinkley was kind enough to give you a brief tour of the School— though, it was quick and after being given a long look at the 'Piano room', you were directed to your dorm. You still haven't been introduced to the other Students here yet. And that... kind of unsettled your nerves far more. You knew that you were signed up to have a roommate.. Miss Hinkley had waved off any concerns, promising that you would be completely fine and comfortable. So.. you guess you can overcome your fear of socialising and hopefully befriend this roommate of yours. Hopefully...
So now, after walking timidly into your new living space,
You sat on your bed, cautiously eyeing the blonde, who was chosen to be your roommate much to their dismay, sat on the bunk bed opposite to yours. You gripped your bag closer to yourself as you open you mouth to speak—
"Don't. I'm already pissed that we have to share my room." She hissed, icy blue eyes shooting towards you as if brewing a silent warning.
You close your mouth and advert your gaze to your lap, instantly dreading what the future holds for you. Is she always this grumpy?
She already seems to dislike me...
"O-oh.." you mumble quietly. Feeling her piercing stare still drawn to you.
"Do you have a name?" You find the courage to draw your gaze back to hers, the blondes expression soured as she looked away,
"Yea." She mutters, clutching her knees closer to her chest.
Oh?
After a few moments of chilling silence between the two of you, you suck in a breath, coaxing yourself to speak again even though it's most likely a bad idea and one you'll regret dearly. "Can you tell me it??" You ask carefully in the lightest tone possible. Though, your roommate was still ticked off. "Fuck off." She growled.
You bite your lip and nod subtly to yourself, thinking of ways to get on this girls good side- well.. that's if a good side existed with her.
You can only find out soon enough.
You sigh grimly. Maybe I can introduce myself to the others?
You were aware that the school had a decent amount of students enrolled, so it wouldn't hurt to try and get to know some of 'em.
After all, you'd rather have at least one friend instead of being completely alone in this new foreign place.. that you now, begrudgingly, call home.
'Hm.. good idea.' You think to yourself contently.
You stand up to your feet, swinging your bag onto your bed with ease and heading for the door. This erupted curiosity in the blonde as she watched you open the dorm door.
"Where do you think you're going?" She demands, also standing now with arms crossed expectedly. You flash a quick smile, "just going to meet the others" your answer short and simple, straight to the point.
She blinks, shifting her weight to her other foot whilst seemingly thinking deeply.
"You can keep me company if you'd like? I don't mind." You offer.
Honestly you were genuinely surprised by your sudden burst of confidence.
Your roommate seemed to double-take as well- mulling your words over as if you had spoken an indecipherable language to her.
"As if I'd willingly spend time with you." She finally snarls coldly, her short blonde locks swishing lightly while she looks to the side to glare at the old chipped wall.
You feel the need to roll your eyes at her immaturity. 'Why is she like this?'
You wonder as you watch her crystal blue eyes shift back over to you, taking in your disapproving expression.
Her glare hardens even more, "stop staring. It's fuckin' creepy" her words clipped.
You raise an eyebrow questioningly—
Seriously.. doesn't it get tiring to be so negative?
"Sorry.." you finally let out. Your sudden burst of confidence vanishing into thin air, as if you hadn't just offered your (so far) nightmare of a roommate to accompany you.
You don't bother looking back to the blonde. Your nerves picking up again as you advance to exit the dorm.
It wasn't until you got one foot out the doorway that the girl behind you finally caved and stomped toward you.
She let out a painful groan,
"Fine, whatever. But only because we're roommates.. I'm coming with" she declares boldly, staring at you with burning determination. Violet breaks her gaze and furrows her brows, seemingly in thought when you swear you heard her mumble words along the line of- "Stupid Miss Hinkley.. and her 'roommate' bonding crap..."
You decide to ignore her hushed statement, and instead—
You gulp, nodding curtly with a slightly forced smile- "um.. sure? If that's what you want—
"I'm Violet by the way." She interrupted.
Huh, unique name.
You stare blankly as Violet brisks past, walking into the corridors in confident strides.
"O-oh! That's a cool name" you awkwardly jest, closing the dorm door behind you as you catch up to Violet.
She only gives you a side glance, looking far from amused.
"What about you?" Violet eventually forced out, her expression filled with annoyance.
You look at her with surprise, quickly mulling over different answers to give her. "H-huh?" You let out confusedly.
The blonde glares pointedly, "your names 'huh'?" She almost snickers— But you quickly noticed she decided against it. Does she not like emotions? Apart from anger, of course..
Your face twists with horror, "no! God no" you blurt. "My names Y/n!"
Violet gives another glance, though she didn't look as grumpy as before. "Never heard that name before.." she mumbles aloud in thought.
You fiddle with your hands nervously as you walk side by side towards the doors leading into the vast and open courtyard.
Your eyes squinting as the bright sunlight shines over you, as if welcoming you outside. The warmth of the summer day only made you regret coming out, though you quickly forgot about that when a little boy came running up to you and Violet.
Your roommate disinterestedly stared down at him, awaiting his response.
"Hey Violet!" The kid enthusiastically chimed, smiling broadly.
Violet's expression turned grim as she sighed, "what do you want, Willy."
You felt like you needed to walk away— after all, it was none of your business what they were going to discuss. But just as you took a few careful steps away, you were stopped...
"Hey! who are you?" The boy 'Willy' called out distractedly. Completely breaking off the conversation he was about to have with Violet- his eyes shining with curiosity and mainly confusion.
You gulp, turning on your heel and meeting his stare. "I.. I'm Y/n" you timidly let out while adverting your gaze.
Willy stares hard for a second before opening his mouth to speak. "Hey—
"Willy." Violet cut him off briskly. Her monotone voice caught the boys attention as he turned to face her. "Yea?" He smiled warmly.
"Scram." The blonde huffs, her eyes narrowing.
Willy's smile instantly dropped, a pout forming on his face- "Aw but— Violet, can't I talk to this pretty lady a little longer~~" he whined pleadingly.
Oh shit. Uhh...
Willy's soft Brown eyes met yours.
Your whole body went rigid, a look of shock crossing over your expression.
Violet, help!
Thankfully.. your prayers were heard, The blonde makes a look of disgust. "Fuck off." She breathed out. "Don't you have a date with your hand?"
Willy scrunched up his face, "w-what?" He stuttered. "You know what I mean." Violet sang innocently, "come on Y/n, lets leave him so he can have his.. alone time." She snickered pointedly. You both begin to walk away.
Willy immediately blushed madly, stomping his foot onto the dirt ground. "Hey! I told you, that was years ago!!" He shrieked exasperatedly.
"Yea, but if you hadn't been so obsessed with your little fig-twig, you wouldn't be here right now. Now would you?" Violet jested with amusement, watching the boys face burst into flames of dark reds. He stayed silent however.
Obviously, Violet had just revealed a secret he'd rather keep untold. A secret that involved.. obsession with his... pfft, fig-twig?
You really wonder how he could be sent to a school for 'troubled youth' by that.
It must have been pretty bad to come to that—
"Chronic." Violet mused, pulling you from your thoughts. You jolt with surprise; "whuhh?" You manage out.
Your roommate sighed- "if he ever bothers you again, just bring up his chronic problem and he'll shut up immediately." She snickered. "Trust me, it's works everytime" her words drawl with a sly tone.
You nod, still half confused yet understanding fully at the same time.
"Oh Violet, have you ever learnt that you sound real annoying whenever you think you're smug?" A lower voice cooed. "Honestly.. it really is a wonder you haven't figured it out yet."
You whip around at the same time as Violet, who was definitely more than enraged. "Sorry, what did you say? Couldn't hear you over all that bullshit coming from your mouth." She (surprisingly) calmly sneered, crossing her arms with a pointed look.
Your eyes drift to the males haircut, immediately cringing.
Who has mullets nowadays?
"That's rich coming from you." The guy shot back. You recall being briefly introduced to this guy, but unfortunately you don't remember his name. Do you even want to know his name?
Your eyes met with his just as you were pondering, causing a wave of immediate shock and alert to rush over you- your stare now adverted to the dirt floor whilst you stood stiff.
"Oh yeah?" Violet took a step forward menacingly, completely ignoring anyone but the guy. "Do you really have a brain in that thick skull of yours? Or instead do you just a have a tumour there to replace the empty space??" She taunted.
"Either way Marlon. Both don't get you any smarter"
You swear after those words left Violets mouth, you could faintly hear air horns blasting in the background. Maybe even a broken flute cover of 'my heart will go on'.
The silence that now remained was very awkward...
Marlon only managed to glare, his teeth gritted. His mouth opened as he tried to find words; maybe even a comeback? "You're one to talk—
"Heyyy everybody~" a cheerful voice sang out. Eager footsteps trotting over to the three of you, where pretty soon, the floor might become a boxing ring.
Marlons comeback wasn't enough to hurt Violets feeling, but was enough to infuriate her further.
"How's my two favourite people in the whole wide world doing?" The same cheerful voice chirped, this time the owner to it coming into view as he wrapped each arm around Marlon and Violets shoulders, pulling them to his side against their will.
Your stomach became to feel queasy.
It's the same guy from before..
The Piano guy. What was his name again?
Hm...
Lou.. uhh, Louis?
"Ugh, fuck off." Violet grouched, trying to break free.
"Aw c'mon! Don't be like that!" The smiling teen chuckled, not even caring that Violet seemed to be contemplating his death,
"Seriously man— let go" Marlon finally grumbled, actually successful to pull away.
"We were in the middle of something—
"I'm going to hand his ass to him." Violet confirmed. "Don't try to stop me Louis, I swear if you do—
"Ah, ah, ah. See? This is what I mean." Louis unwrapped his arm from her shoulders.
"This, right here," he motioned between her and Marlon, "is a no-no."
"Ugh. God kill me already!" The blonde threw her arms in the air to empathise her total frustration.
"Please do—
Marlon briefly cuts in. Earning a cold glare from Violet before she continues her exasperated statement,
"You know we're never going to get along unless, he changes his bullshit attitude!!" She groans. Clearly tired of hearing anyone try to get her and Marlon to be a least a little civil.
"Here we go again! Twisting the blame onto me!!" Marlon growled. "You're so—
"Oookayy, easy now- I..." Louis trails off.
Huh? That's odd...
You decide to slowly look up to see him staring at you, completely frozen.
He tilted his head before a soft smile replaces his mildly quizzical expression, "hey, it's you" he gave a small awkward wave.
You could see Marlon and Violet also staring.
"U-uhh... yeah! Me, mhm- it's me.." you smile lopsidedly, cursing at yourself in your head.
Though he didn't seem to judge your nervousness.
Instead, his face lit up even more. (If that's even possible. He was already grinning ear to ear)
"Heh, as you can see-" Louis grabbed his two friends back to his side. "We're all great friends!" He grinned. Though, both Violet and Marlon had the worst death stares, currently drawing them to each other.
You shiver slightly at the sight, however butterflies filled your stomach as Louis beamed at you.
"Okay, enough of this shit." Violet hissed, twisting her way out of his grasp.
"I'm going to go on a walk or something" she dismissed herself rather quickly, hurrying away with steam still fusing from her.
Marlon however sighed heavily and broke away from Louis as well, a slightly annoyed look on his face now. "Can you stop pretending everyone likes each other?" Marlon groaned, rubbing his forehead frustratedly.
Louis shifted his weight onto his other foot while wearing an amused smirk, "now where's the fun in that?" He jested.
"Ugh seriously?" Marlon glared.
"I'm always serious." Louis replied smugly. Causing a person walking past to spit out the drink they were sipping. A snicker following right soon after as they strolled away to their friends.
"Okay, yeah. Whatever" Marlon dismissively waved Louis off with a tired grin.
"See you tomorrow when you make more sense" he finishes, walking away slowly.
It wasn't even a second after the leave of the mullet wearing teen that Louis was suddenly right in front of you, now staring directly into your eyes.
"So, what's your name? I don't believe you've told me" he asked. Even though you could fully tell that he was lying and that he did in fact know your name already after being first introduced in the Piano room.
Perhaps he wanted to properly meet you? When it was just to two of you— Y'know with the normal formalities and yada-yada.
You gulped, fighting off a blush that threatened to creep up onto your cheeks.
Was he purposely standing really close to you or what?
Is he really standing so called that you could practically smell his cologne, or is it just your misleading and cruel imagination.
"Uhm.. well..." you begin, already struggling not get lost in his.. beautiful, kind... brown, eyes— stop!!
Focus.
Louis leaned back a little bit, patiently waiting.
"My name is Y/n.." you finally force out, your heart racing.
Why am I even acting like this? I just met this guy!
Louis grins, "pleasure to meet you," he bows dramatically which caused a small giggle to escape from you.
He froze.
A spark of adoration and amusement flared up in Louis' eyes, his ears yearning to hear more of that melodic tune.
However, he curtly nodded. Brushing it off and clearing his throat- hoping that he didn't let too much awkwardness file into the brief silence. "I'm Louis." He introduces himself, still a little off-kilter.
You smile unconsciously, your heart fluttering.
"I—
*BANG*
"Oi, Louis! Dinners ready." Someone called out urgently yet demanding. Slamming a door to make a point, completely cutting Louis off from what he was about to say.
He sighed, deciding it was better off to say it later,
"Come on, let's go eat" he motioned for you to walk in front.
You smile, nodding. "Yeah... sounds great" you say whilst beginning to walk towards the building, where students were eagerly piling in through the big grand doors.
You don't blame them though.. food is really important. Also not to mention that it's delicious!
Louis strolled on beside you, making sure to shield you from anyone that might want to push you forwards or bump into you.
How sweet of him...
You thought to yourself in awe.
•••
Dinner was... interesting, to say the least.
You had witnessed multiple students scarf down food like they'd never eaten before in their entire lives- caught a couple smothering each other's faces with kisses, practically eating each other. Violet almost stabbing a fork into Marlon's hand as he briskly walked past, cursing as she missed by a mere inch.
Willy talking eagerly about.. bomb making? To an older teen seated next to him.
Ruby telling a kid off after they mocked her accent, and finally, last but not least— Louis who (to your much pleasant surprise) sat next to you, drilled jokes and punchlines into your head. Though you do admit that everything he said was funny or at the most a little confusing-yet somehow still managed amuse your taste of humour.
And then, just after you swallowed your last mouthful of rabbit stew- Miss Hinkley waltzed into the room with a pleasant smile, her crystal sky-blue eyes drifting over to you.
"Ah, so I see you've settled in well?" She mused, now standing right next to you.
You nod briskly, feeling some eyes staring at you, most definitely belonging potential eavesdroppers.
"Y-yes miss" you squeak. However that only gained Louis' attention next to be drawn to you.
Miss Hinkley covered her mouth as she quietly giggles, "how delightful." She claps her hands together with a sigh.
"And you've made some friends already, hm?" She insists, with a raised brow, nodding her head to Louis who eagerly put a thumbs up.
"Oh! Yea, I have" you nervously reply, unable to make eye contact.
"She's stuck with me now. She'll regret the day she met me" Louis snickers, leaning closer to you with a devious, definitely up-to-no-good smirk.
You don't know why... but at that moment.. you felt queasy again, but in a happy/nervous kind of way. You could feel your cheeks threatening to flare up-
Ugh stop Y/n! You can't catch feelings for a guy you just met.. and besides, Louis probably meant that in a 'friend' type of way.
Oh no, have I been rambling in my head too long? Have I made it awkward now??
Omg quick! Say something—
"Ah, c-cool" you manage out. Your hand twitching to facepalm yourself.
Louis' smirked broke into an amused grin, as if he weren't expecting that reaction from you.
"Oh really?" He drawls, "let's see if you'll be saying that when I talk your ears off." And once again, that smirk returned.
Damn him!
"Well.. that would be psychically impossible" you smile crookedly.
Louis couldn't help but snicker at your correct logic, "it's a figure of speech" he breathes in, obviously holding in more barks of laughter.
"Hey, I know that! I'm just stating general facts-
Miss Hinkley stops you there, clearing her throat with a highly amused grin. "Oh dear, arguing already are we?"
You both stare at her, completely stunned- obviously embarrassed for forgetting her presence for a second there.
Shit, uhh.. say something Y/n—
"I'm just teasing! Have a good afternoon you two" she winks, graciously stepping away and soon out of the room.
Oh no she didn't... she.. winked.
"Oh god.. I don't think I can survive much longer...." you grumble with great dismay.
Louis snickered, rubbing your back to "comfort" you.. when really you know it's just to poke some fun whilst you struggle with your peculiar demise.
"Oh please, you haven't seen what hell looks like until you've been forced to hear his terrible piano 'performances'." Violet groans, quoting the last word to prove she didn't believe they were indeed performances.
Louis put a hand over his heart, gasping with mock horror, "Violet, my best friend, unable to understand what real music sounds like?" He shakes his head indignantly.
"This is pure blasphemy!"
Violet rolls her eyes, scoffing in mild disbelief and annoyance. "Are you deaf? That shit sounds like claws being dragged down a chalkboard hours straight." She finishes her last spoonful of dinner. Pointedly glaring at Louis who smirked, leaning forwards just to get on her nerves. "Well if you actually stayed for the whole duration of my performances, then maybe it'll open your eyes to how much of a professional I am to playing a piano—
"Okay, I'm heading to bed." Violet interrupted, dismissing Louis' rather convincing speech.
"Yea me too"
"Ah I'm really tired.."
"Why don't you look at that? Time sure does fly by fast. Time to hit the hay"
-were some of the responses from everyone else. The sounds of chairs scrapping against the hardwood floor filled the room as the students took their leave, desperate to escape.
Louis slouches, leaning on his elbow and supporting his head up by resting a hand to his cheek. If he was bothered by Violets and everyone else's clear uninterested manner towards his piano playing, he was sure good at hiding it behind a broad smile.
Though, as you watched him, you noticed easily that his smile however did not meet up to his eyes.
A fake smile.
"Hey.. Louis?" You begin, shifting in your seat to face him more as his welcoming brown eyes met your gaze. "Hm?" He hummed, already showcasing a bigger grin for you.
"Could I...." you breathe in nervously. "Could I, see you p-play?" Cursing at yourself for being a stuttering mess.
Louis' eyes shone brighter, his body perking up from his previous slouched position. Obviously, you've peaked his interest. "Wait- really?" He asked eagerly, hands now bunched into tight fists, as hope and excitement rushed through him like a rollercoaster.
You nod with sheer amusement. "Mhm, I want to see what everyone is talking about. I doubt they are right about your performance being crap" you shrug, offering a gentle smile his way.
He was speechless. Which was an achievement by itself-
"Also.. I wouldn't mind spending some time with you. I'd really like to get to know you better..." you murmur. Freezing once you realise you had said that out loud.
SHIT—
"Is that so?" Louis hummed, breaking out of his shocked daze and now leaning closer to you with a devious smirk. "It's funny.." he began, reaching out a hand to grasp onto a lock of your hair that had fallen rom behind your now reddened ears to match your flaming cheeks.
His fingers delicately playing around with that specific strand of hair, "'cause I feel the same way..." his tone brisked out more gently.. a pitch of voice you didn't know Louis had. A new look of emotions flitting through his eyes as he gazed deeply into yours.
You could feel his breath fanning over your face now. You felt the urge o close the gap.. to take on an extremely bold move just this once.
But...
No...... what if he'll hate me afterwards?
I just can't.. risk it.
Louis seemed to be on the same page of thoughts, contemplating the same thing, because as fast as this moment had started, it was over. He sucked in a breath and pulled back sharply, looking away to hide his slightly flushed freckled cheeks.
You also look away.. ashamed that you had even tried to push that intimate situation further. Your eyes focused on the table which still adorned empty bowls and plates.
The air was thick.
Your heart still pounding in your chest so ferociously that you began to fear if Louis could hear it, or anyone for that matter.
It echoed in your ears as you swallowed the rising limp in your throat, your cheeks still burning just as stubborn. —
"I guess I'll have to teach you then."
You lift your head from staring at the mildly interesting patterns crafted into the tables wood. "Teach me?" You muse, fearing what he was meaning by that and what his intentions may turn out to be.
He let out a small hum, nodding his head.
"I'll teach you how to play the Piano."
You almost fell out of your chair.
"Wait! W-whAt!?" You hiss in disbelief and shock, along with the main part of overflowing joy.
'How did he know I wanted to learn?!'
Was it the obvious glint of happiness in your eyes whenever a Piano was mentioned?
Probably...
"As long as you'll listen to my performances..." he quietly followed up with.
He inhaled sharply, turning his head to look at you, "deal?"
And then.. that's when you saw it...
The look in his eyes held raw emotion.. of fear. A fear of being rejected by yet another person... a fear that he wields and carries with him whenever someone hates his Piano skills.
His hurting pride whenever he's shut down just for doing something he most enjoys spending his time with. His pleads for someone to see him for the real him.
His doubts that no one will ever like his music, or his jokes, or his optimistic attitude he seems to always have.
A fear that he has... he's afraid that someone may tell him one day, that he's simply not allowed to play the Piano anymore. A familiarity in the phrase for him indeed.. for as little as you know right now...
Louis' hurting came most from his dreadful father who too much cared about his own pride and wealth to even listen to what his son truely yearned for... piano lessons.
You felt tears well up in your eyes, your lip trembling while realisation hit you.
Louis just wants to be seen for the talent he holds.. his pride for it, and his true happiness for it. He wants to be able to do the things he loves without being judged or rejected.. he no longer wanted to be dismissed whenever he talk about his dreams... and he most definitely does not want to be criticised for something so harmless. The poor guy is afraid of being told "no."
For all he wants to do is ride out his dreams and true passion for playing the Piano.
You lunge forward, pulling Louis into a warm hug. "Deal! Of course..." you muffle into his shoulder. "I'd love to watch your performances... and I would gladly be taught by you, on how to play the Piano" you pull away slowly, gazing up at Louis who broke out of his 'happy facade', revealing his true emotions. He leaned forward, Arms snaking around your waist and roughly yet gently hoisted you up onto his lap.
Tears fell down in streams down his freckled cheeks, rivulets of singular tears coating his face.
"Thank you..." he murmured, playing a hand on each side of your face, gently closing the gap between the two of you.
Tears still drawing from his now closed eyes as his lips moved into motion with yours.
You broke apart to breathe for air, however still remaining closer to one another- resting your foreheads together and his fingers stroked your cheek. Your own hands wrapped loosely around his neck, a soft hum of content rising from your throat.
Louis grinned. The first true grin he's shown today. And you couldn't help but smile back. Your lips finding their way back to his yet again.
The constant reminder in the back of your mind that: you just met this guy! What are you doing?! You're moving way too fast—
Didn't matter anymore. You decide to throw it out the window and to forget about it. Because right now, you wouldn't rather be anywhere else than with Louis, in his arms and sharing needy yet passionate kisses.
And you could damn tell, that Louis felt the same way.
•
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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BONUS:
"You're doing great! Just keep your hand on the A key and follow through to the C key" Louis chimed happily, sitting next to you on the bench perched in front of the grand piano.
You grin widely, finally finishing the song that you had written together.
Louis applauds your achievement, cheering you on. "Good job, you did it~" he sang joyfully. You pause,
"Hey it wasn't just me. You helped out a bunch!" You pout, patting him on the back.
"Yes but you now partially know to play the Piano, and that's all your skill." Louis shrugged indignantly.
Your eyes narrow, "but you taught me." You remind him.
Louis sighs, giving in. "Fine fine. We both did it" he wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer to him as he lets out a content sigh, nuzzling the top of your head along with some kisses.
You cuddle closer, bring up your legs and pull them under you. "I love you.." you murmur, leaning your slightly to kiss his exposed neck due to having his trenchcoat tied around his waist at the moment. Louis chuckles melodically, "I love you more." He says, giving you a gentle squeeze.
You gasp and squirm- "no, I love you more!"
And there it went. Yet another argument about who love one another more.
Miss Hinkley who was passing by the Piano room at that second froze and shook her head, an amused smile stretching out onto her features. "Oh boy, here we go.. they're at it again" she couldn't help but let out an impolite snort, followed with a strewn snicker.
She continued to walk down the hallway with a skip in her step.
She just couldn't wait to find out what the future beholds for those two bickering young teens.
More arguments perhaps?
Hm...
Definitely.
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A/N: Hey guysss!
It's been way too long. :(
Sorry for having you guys wait so long, I had a pretty serious ouchie during the Christmas break and it's still angry to this day. It's getting better though so I should be back on my feet soon enough!
Anyway, how are y'all? I've missed youuu.
I hope this chapter was a good enough comeback for my return, I'm once again sorry for the huge ass break I've had from this book. :((
I haven't updated since last decade! ;)
Let me know if you enjoyed this chapter. I worked hard for it.. 🥺💕
Requests will be released soon, I've written them and now all they need is major editing so hang tight!
Take care, y'all~~ 👍