Chapter Text
Three years later.
Louis is typing away on his computer, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose with the tip of his finger, when he hears a knock on the front door, “Lou?” He hears his mother’s voice coming from the other side of it.
“Come in, it’s open!” He hollers from his desk in their living room, while he is putting the final touches on his first book after reading the last suggestions his editor had sent.
The door opens, then shuts, and he can immediately smell his mother’s sunny, lavender scent tickling his nostrils.
“Hello, my love,” Jay greets him, walking up to him, kissing the top of his hair and squeezing his right shoulder, “Did you get to finish?” She asks, now sitting comfortably in the armchair next to Louis’ desk.
“Hi Mum,” Louis replies with a big smile, his gaze leaving his computer screen for a moment, “Almost. I’m excited for it to be finished, but at the same time I kind of don’t want to be done with it,” He cringes, “I know it must sound ridiculous, but it’s like my child is going away for college or something.” He chuckles, making his mother do the same.
“Oh Boo, it’s not ridiculous at all!” She comforts him, “You’ve been working on this for almost two years now. It’s your story and it’s Harry’s, so it’s normal that it makes you a bit emotional to let it go in a way,” His mother always has the right words to sooth him, “And besides, it’s not really done yet, you still have the other two books left to come out after this one. It’s only the first one of the Invisible String trilogy. It’s just the beginning honey.”
Her smile is so reassuring and soft that Louis kind of wants to crawl in her lap like he used to do when he was a young pup, and just take a nap there.
“Yeah, I know, you’re right,” He admits, “As always.”
She smiles again, “Did you get any trouble with the um… What is it called again? I don’t think I'll ever learn the name.” She rolls her eyes, frustrated at herself.
Louis laughs gently, “The wifi, Mum, and no it’s getting better now, you know? I barely have any connection problems anymore. It’s not the fastest one out there, but it’s enough.”
Since Louis came back to the pack three years ago, he travelled back and forth between the village and London for a while during the first year, until he got everything figured out and eventually moved back to where he belonged. Niall still has his shop and he has hired a new colleague, Lisa, but he still keeps a special spot for Louis anytime he and Harry come to visit them.
During the last three years, modern life has also scratched its way bit by bit into the village. Not too much of course, as the way of life they always had is what they want and all the pack needs, but just little things. Like the internet for example, a bit of cell phone service, sometimes a ride in Louis’ car that stays in a small town not too far from the village in case of emergencies. Who knows, maybe in the next few years some other things will make their way through the pack. Louis and Harry have also intervened from time to time at the school, to talk about London and the different things they have that are not here, and the ones Harry discovered during his time there.
Thanks to the internet, Louis was, and still is able to communicate with his editor in London. When he got the idea to put on paper what happened to Harry and him, pursuing his passion of writing that he picked up when he ended up in London and started working at the bookshop, Niall immediately directed him to one of his acquaintances, who was obviously very interested in his story. Of course, Zayn volunteered to design the covers of the books, offering to make a few illustrations here and there in the novels as well. Louis was over the moon and the project flourished over the last two years to finally ascend the first step.
Louis decided to change some of the locations and names, as to keep some kind of privacy and safety for his pack and friends. Not that he thinks this trilogy will be a big hit or anything, but if it does somehow, he wants to protect them all.
“Okay, well that’s good. Is Harry coming back soon?” Jay wonders.
Louis hums, “He shouldn’t be long now. But you know how it is with their hunting sessions. We never know how long it can actually take with them.” Louis rolls his eyes.
Jay chuckles, “Oh don’t be petty, Lou.”
“I'm not petty.” Louis denies, pushing his chair away from his desk a bit and turning slightly to face his mum. He takes his glasses off and puts them on his desk next to his computer, and crosses his arms across his chest.
His mother gives him an incredulous look, which earns her another roll of Louis’ eyes and a sigh.
“You know how stubborn he can get sometimes. Both of you.” She tells him, patting Louis’ hand gently.
“Ugh don’t remind me. But I can assure you that I’ll manage to go hunting even if I have to hide.”
Jay shakes her head, her eyes amused, “He just wants to protect you, and well… You can’t really hide from him.”
Louis groans again, frustrated, “I know!! Stupid soulbond,” He grumbles, making Jay laugh a bit more, “And I’m fine!”
“I’m sure you are, honey. But like I said, he is just protecting you. He is your mate, and you are the pack Omega.”
“Yeah.” Louis wants to be grumpy again, though he can’t help reaching out to his bond mark, his fingertips brushing over it and sending shivers down his spine.
“So in the meantime… and maybe until you have managed to change his mind,” Jay chuckles, “Lottie is more than happy to step in for you with Emma in your Fighting Omega Group. She has been enjoying it so much.”
“Oh I'll change his mind, you’ll see.” Louis is determined and trying to convince himself, even though he knows that changing his soulmate's mind is kind of a tough task, but Louis has never said no to a challenge.
He is about to say something else, when a heavy yawn takes over him, his mum looking at him with knowing eyes.
“I’m not going to keep you much longer, I just wanted to check up on you. You seem tired honey, you should take a nap.”
“I’m not tired. I'm fine!” Louis insists stubbornly, and this time it’s his mother’s turn to roll her eyes.
“If you say so,” She sighs, standing up from the armchair, before taking the few steps separating her from her son and kissing his hair once again, “Holler if you need anything.” She murmurs in his hair.
Louis leans into the touch, her fingers scratching his scalp for a moment, and Louis thinks he can fall asleep right there in his chair, his head against her chest, “I will.” He mumbles, his eyelids drooping, and his mother is right. He needs a nap.
When she is out of the house, Louis wastes no time in saving his document, closing the tabs and turning his laptop off. He stands up and stretches in the middle of the living room, yawning and groaning contently as his aching muscles relax with the movements.
He makes his way to their bedroom, where a huge nest has taken over. Louis takes off his clothes, laying them on the back of the chair next to their dresser, then slowly and effortlessly shifts into his cinnamon coloured wolf. He stretches a bit more, before stepping into the nest. He makes a few turns on himself to flatten the bottom of it, then lies down, sighing heavily and dreamily as his body finally relaxes completely.
These last few weeks, Louis has been feeling the need to nest and sleep in his wolf form a lot more than usual. He embraces it completely though, and lets his mind listen to his body and what it is asking from him.
He burrows his muzzle into the pillows and blankets, all scented with Harry’s perfect scent, soothing and calming Louis like nothing else. He closes his blue eyes, letting his safe bubble guide him to sleep.
—-------------
The omega feels something nuzzling the fur on his neck, and suddenly, orange blossom and almond are even stronger than they were when Louis fell asleep a couple of hours ago. He doesn’t have to open his eyes to know who is lying next to him in his nest, so he just enjoys the feeling of Harry’s muzzle in his fur.
“Hey baby, are you feeling okay?” Harry asks a bit concerned, or rather thinks, as they both are in their wolf form.
Louis wants to roll his eyes at him but he can’t find the energy to do so when his alpha is so sweet and attentive and kind, “I’m okay. Just felt a bit tired. Nothing to worry about.” He reassures him, nuzzling the chocolate fur in return.
“Okay.” Harry licks behind Louis’ ear.
“Did the hunting go well?” Louis asks, his pettiness now almost faded away.
“It was good, Thomas caught his first deer so it was a nice moment.” Louis can feel the pride in the alpha’s voice, and that makes the omega’s hearts swell.
“That’s amazing.”
“Are you still mad at me?” If Harry was in his human form, he would be pouting at this moment, and really, Louis is too weak to resist it.
Louis sighs, nuzzling even more into Harry’s warm fur, “I’m not mad, I’m just frustrated because I feel completely fine,” He explains, “But I understand your point of view.”
"Thank you.” Another lick behind Louis’ ear.
“Though I do understand, it doesn't mean the conversation is over and that I won’t fight you.” The omega states, and the laugh from Harry that he hears in his mind makes him want to bite his alpha’s ear off.
“Oh my feisty omega, I wouldn’t love you any other way,” Louis’ heart is melting, and Harry being this sweet isn't fair really, “Maybe we can find some common ground later.” Louis doesn’t reply and just licks Harry temple in response.
“God, you smell so good, it’s incredible,” Harry is in awe, “I never thought it would be like that. I mean, it is the same scent, but there is a hint of ginger that you didn’t have before. I love it so much. I can’t get enough of it.”
Louis is purring under the praise, his alpha licking him all over his face and making him feel so loved and safe.
“Are you excited for later?” Harry questions, his nose back into Louis’ neck.
“So much. I can’t wait for them to be here.” Louis confesses, his purrs resonating through their bedroom.
"Not long now. Do you want to go get the guest house ready?”
Louis whines, earning him a mental laugh from Harry, “Can we stay here a bit longer?” He pleads, hoping that his alpha will cave. And of course he does.
“Whatever you want, my love.”
Harry’s scent is once again wrapping Louis up in a perfect bubble, luring him back to sleep for a bit longer, and Louis has never felt better in his life.
—-------------
“Are they here yet?!” Phoebe is jumping up and down next to Louis, him and his sisters waiting impatiently by the entrance of the village.
“They should be here soon, I can feel that Harry is close.” Louis replies, his eyes stuck on the thick walls of trees in front of them, his arms crossed over his chest as he doesn’t really know what to do with them right now.
“Did they park their car where yours is?” Daisy questions, on Louis’ other side.
“Yeah, that way they don’t have to walk too much. You remember they don’t shift like we do?”
“I do remember,” She nods, “I don’t really understand why though.” She looks up at him, her brows furrowed.
Louis shrugs, “It’s just how it is there,” He brushes her hair behind her ear sweetly, “But it doesn’t mean that they can never do it. Maybe one day it’ll change.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Her shimmering alpha eyes are full with questions that are still not answered, and Louis wishes he could.
Phoebe gasps loudly, making them jump a bit in surprise, “They’re here!” The young omega points to the woods, and before Louis can say anything, she is gone, running away from them, Daisy mirroring her twin.
“Be careful girls!” Louis hollers after them.
Yes, they are here. Louis feels Harry before he sees him, his alpha surrounded by his three friends. The group walking slowly towards the village before being attacked by two young twins. The girls jumping into their arms and squeaking excitedly.
Louis stays where he is, letting his sisters have their moment, biting the tip of his thumb while a wide grin spreads on his face. But when his friends are finally a few feet away from him, he has to run as well. He wraps his arms around Zayn and Niall’s shoulders, pulling his two best friends in the tightest hug. His heart is pounding in his chest with how happy he is to see them again. His love for them, stronger than ever, even with the long distance. That kind of bond can never break either.
“God, I’ve missed you guys so much.” Their hold tightens even more around each other.
“We missed you too.” They reply back.
It has been almost six months since they saw each other, after Harry and Louis’ last visit to London. Everyone’s schedule being a bit tight, and Harry and Louis not really being able to visit London again either, but here they are finally. They pull away after a while, his two best friends looking at him weirdly for a moment, their nose scrunched cutely, but Louis doesn’t dwell on it. All in good time.
Louis then turns to Liam who has been watching the scene with joyful eyes. He hugs his friend tightly as well, the omega taking advantage of the fact that he is now able to touch other alphas again. Everything slowly went back to normal throughout the last three years, and Louis couldn’t be happier.
“Alright let’s get you settled!” Harry exclaims after all the greeting, the twins yelling excitedly and leading the group to the guest house next to Harry and Louis’, where their friends always stay when they come to visit.
Louis’ sisters go back to his parents’ house, letting Louis’ friends have a bit of alone time with him and Harry. They enter the guest house, Niall dropping his bags in one of the rooms - his boyfriend Shawn couldn’t make it so he is alone in there - Zayn and Liam putting theirs in the other one as usual.
When they are done, they all settle in the living room, the huge couch big enough to welcome half of the village, steaming mugs of coffee and tea in the center on the coffee table.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how it is here!” Niall declares in awe, his eyes roaming over the pack Alpha and Omega’s house.
“You know it’s so their wolf can walk around easily?” Zayn tells him, snuggled up against Liam.
“I know. But it’s just always hard to wrap my head around it, it is so different in London.”
“How is everything going over there anyway?” Harry asks, voicing Louis’ question, the omega curled up in his alpha’s lap.
The five of them just talk about life in London, life here in the village, how everything is going well for Niall’s shop and that he will be the first one to welcome Louis’ book on his shelf. (It was one of Niall’s conditions before he directed Louis to his editor friend, and really, who was Louis to say no?)
Niall talks about Shawn, and a bit more about Shawn after that, but no one blames him, as he seems to be so in love, and it’s beautiful to witness. Zayn’s gallery is doing better than ever and Liam was even able to work a bit less at the station and be more present at home with his mate. Because yes, they mated last year, and Louis doesn’t think he had ever screamed as much as he did after being told the exciting news.
Maybe that’s not entirely true… Maybe there was another piece of news that made him scream and cry like never before.
“Well…” Louis starts, “We um…” He begins to play with Harry's blouse nervously, “We also have some news…” His friends’ gazes are all on him and Harry, expectant and excited. Louis’ heart starts to pick up, rabbiting in his chest. He is just going to say it. Here we go, “I’m pregnant.”
Harry's arms tighten around him as he says the words, his nose nuzzling the omega’s temple and kissing it softly. His friends are speechless and flabbergasted, their eyes wide and shimmering, their mouths agape. Louis becomes a little anxious when the silence persists, but it fades away quickly when Niall exclaims, “I fucking knew it!”
“What?!” Harry and Louis both say in unison.
“Your scent is so different, I knew something was up! God I’m so good at this!” He flatters himself, in a completely Niall way and Louis loves him just the way he is.
“Oh my god that’s what it was?!” Zayn is stunned, “I noticed it, but I thought that maybe it was something else, I don't know.”
“Pff, what else could it have been?” The blond omega interjects.
“I don’t know, Niall! Oh for God’s sake leave me alone, Louis and Harry are having a baby!” Zayn squeaks, detangling himself from Liam, jumping and clapping his hands like a toddler. Louis’ heart is melting, “Aaaaah come here!!”
The raven-haired omega stands up and launches himself at the couple, embracing them fiercely, and earning him a surprised ‘oof’ from the two of them. Harry and Louis laughing softly at his reaction.
He sits back to his previous spot, Liam finally talking, “I didn’t smell anything.” He is almost sad and bummed about it, which is kind of cute to Louis.
Zayn scoffs, “Of course you didn’t. He is not your mate and you don’t have the connection we have between us omegas.”
“Still, I feel kind of left out.” He pouts.
“Awww babe, I’m sure you’ll sense it when it’s me.” Zayn reassures him, kissing his cheeks softly.
“I hope so.” Liam says a bit defeated, making everyone chuckle.
“So, with Louis being the pack Omega now after you two bonded two years ago, does that mean you’re carrying the heir of the pack?” Niall questions, his eyes wide, the excitement in his voice making Harry laugh a bit more.
Louis nods, and looks at his alpha, letting him answer, “He is, yes.” The pride in his voice makes Louis’ tummy flutter, as Harry’s hand comes to lay on it, his thumb caressing it over Louis’ robe delicately.
“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” Zayn's eyes are shining.
Louis shakes his head, “No, it’s a little too early for that, and besides, I think we want to wait,” He looks at Harry again, the alpha nodding in agreement, “It doesn’t really matter, as long as they are healthy.” Louis beams, his friends doing the same.
“This is amazing! I’m so happy for you.” Zayn’s voice cracks, and Louis blows him a kiss.
“We all are.” Liam adds, wrapping an arm around Zayn’s waist and pulling him closer, kissing his temple softly.
“I CALL GODMOTHER!” Niall cries out, making everyone gasp in shock, before making them all burst into laughter.
Except for one person.
“WHAT?! You can’t call godmother!” Zayn is affronted.
“Sure I can.” Niall shrugs, completely unbothered.
“Wh-” Zayn’s eyes are going to jump out of his head, “NO! You can’t do that! It doesn’t work that way!”
“Why not?” Niall sips from his mug, totally smug, and driving Zayn crazy, Louis knows it.
Him and Harry are laughing behind their hands, as Liam’s eyes are as wide as saucers, probably on high alert to intervene at any moment in case his mate decides to attack.
“Why- WHY NOT ?! What if I want to be the godmother?! What then?!”
Niall shrugs again, “Well, you had to call it first I guess.” He takes another sip of his mug and Liam has to wrap his arm around Zayn’s shoulders from behind, keeping him close to his chest to avoid any catastrophe.
Harry and Louis are still overly amused by the scene, the omega’s tummy hurting with how much he is laughing. He really missed them so much. Their stay at the village is going to be amazing. All the people he loves so dearly are in the same place, and with a new life growing inside of him that will only make everything so much better and brighter.
Louis sighs contently, his laughter finally calming, and rests his head on Harry’s shoulder, the alpha’s hand still on his tummy, his fingers drawing random patterns over the soft material of his robe, the voices of his two best friends resonating through his house, and Louis is at peace.