Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Not sure who is more delighted but the Papa thing, doesn’t go away when they come back. Nate flies out of the front door running full speed down path to where Louis and Harry have only just stepped out of the car.

“Daddy! Papa!” Nate yells in excitement trying to hug both of them at the same time. So yeah, Harry cries a little bit, even Jay from the doorway tears up happy her boys have found their missing link.

That’s that than, Harry has earned the title of Papa from Nate, no one objects to it. Everyone in fact encourages it.

XXX

Sadly, Harry’s leaving practically as soon as he gets back, on tour for the last leg. To say it’s oddly easier this time around would be correct, maybe it’s because things seem just a bit more official of their small family becoming one. Whatever it is the goodbyes do not seem as hard, or as guilty for them. Harry with the lads take off to Australia, feeling lighter than air with new pictures of Nate and Louis littered on his phone. He posts a few from his time home with them when he lands down under. It’s noted that he captions a few with Papa and Nate, and Daddy, Nate and Papa. He makes it known to the world the honor he’s gotta from a three year old. It gets a bit challenging with the time difference now that it’s significant but they manage to make it work.  

It’s while he’s out in New Zealand Harry calls home, and is met with what sounds like a frantic Louis on the other end.

“Babe you alright?” Harry questions as he hears the commotion in the background and Nate crying about something.

“Not entirely. A pipe burst, I’m trying to grab things up of the floor before everything gets soaked, and Nate’s not understanding that he has to stay on the couch!” The last line is said sternly clearly at the boy mentioned. “Shit. I have to call you back H, sorry.” The line goes dead and Harry’s still concerned. Since he’s not there to actually help, Harry googles for help and calls the number listed to get them over to Louis place. Not bothering Louis again he sighs and gets up to head out with the boys to keep his mind off of things back home.  

An hour later he gets a call back.

“You didn’t have to call a plumber but thank you.” Louis voice finally seems a bit more at ease than earlier.

“Least I could do since I’m halfway across the world right now. What did the plumber say?” Humming Harry comments.

“Ugh. It’s not looking pretty, he’s got to take the sheet rock off three walls to replace the pips that blew. Not to mention the water damage on the carpet and base of the walls. It’s not going to pretty with that bill. The hallway, kitchen, bathroom area is all gutted basically to replace and change, they wanted to rip it all up now so it doesn’t mold. I had to pack everything I thought I would need for the next, how ever long the repairs are going to take. It’s just shit you know?” Groaning Louis says getting it all out clearly overwhelmed. Harry can hear the beeps of cars in the background, Louis must be driving.

“That is pretty shit. You know I’ll help out to pay for some of it, sounds pricey especially since you saved up to buy the place next door. I don’t want you spending that money, you worked entirely too hard to use that.” He’s gotten better with backing off financially with Louis, he knows Louis needs to do things on his own and figure it out. Which is why when the place next door to Happy Days went up for sale, Louis called the seller informing him he was very interested. He let Harry cover the down payment only because there were other buyers interested as well. But Harry told him he’d let Louis get the rest. So that’s what he’s been saving up for.

“Not even going to try and fight you on it cause you’re right. I’m already paying the bills for both sides and the house. I do need a little help, I’ll admit it.” Giving in Louis says stopping at the red light.

“As soon as the plumbers done, call a construction company to come and fix everything else. You have my back up bank card on you, I’ve already called and put your name on my account, there should be no problem to use it. Where are you staying till then?” For some reason the question only now pops into his mind, shit.

“Thanks Haz, I truly mean it. Um, my Mum’s. There’s going to be tools and crap all over the place, can’t keep Nate there. Mum came by before when it first happened to get him out of here, so I’ve got all our shit now.” He feels like he’s completely imposing on his Mum and siblings. It’s not forever only temp but still. There squished enough there as it is without him and his son.

“Why don’t you stay at mine? I mean, if you want to stay with your Mum of course you can, you know? But my house is empty right now, might as well put it to use.” Harry offers, he knows how Louis is about things like this and crowding an already crowded house.

“You don’t mind?” Louis question back quickly, and Harry already knows he wants to.

“Sweetheart, you know you can go there whenever you want right? Of course I don’t mind! You have keys for a reason, go stay there.” Chuckling a bit Harry gets out.

“Alright, thanks babe. Gonna be weird sleeping in your bed without you. Don’t think I’ve ever stayed over without you there.”

“I miss sharing a bed with you too. I’ll be home in a month, have a few things I have to do but after I get off till February. Which will be nice to be home for the holidays and all three of our birthdays.” Harry leaves to head to bed pulling back the covers to climb in.

“I’m happy about that, wouldn’t be the same without you home for Christmas and Boxing day. Which we do have to make plans for, our Mum’s have been in communication about getting everyone together. I put in we should do it at yours since you have the biggest kitchen. Oh and the plans for Nate’s birthday are going well, everyone can make it. He’s so excited that his friends from the center can come.” Louis rambles on happily now that the pressure is off him a bit.

“The lads said they can all come too. Not sure if Perrie is coming though, I’ll check with Zayn. I can’t believe he’s turning four. God this past year has been amazing. To think a year ago we had only just met. Now were making plans for a combined Christmas hols. I love it. You’ve made this the best year of my life.” His voice gets soft, one of those moments.

“You’ve made more dreams of mine come true than I could have ever done in ten years. It was the best year for me as well. I know for Nate it is too, you’ve give us so much Harry. Not just material things, you’ve give us all this love and Nate another Father. I know regardless of you and I, I know Nate will always be well taken care of. You’re not just in love with me, you’re in love with him. Thank you. You do know if God forbid we ever break up or whatever, you still and forever will be in his life. Don’t ever think you won’t be.” It’s a pretty serious conversation to have over the phone half way around the world from each other.

“Shit Lou, you’ve got me crying. I don’t think we’ll ever break up but thank you. I’d do anything for him, for you too. Thank you for letting him be in my life. I didn’t think I was ever going to meet someone that would love me like you do, with my career and whatnot. Now I’ve got two people who love me for being Harry. I don’t think you’ll ever understand what you’ve done for me, and given me. You don’t find people like you in the line of work I’m in. I never for a second thought you were with me for anything other than me. God I wish I was with you right now. Louis I love you so much.” Snuggling down into his pillow he says.

“I love you too, Harry. I don’t doubt what we’ve got going on. Thank you for picking us to share your love with. I’m going to let you go, I can hear the sleep creeping in. Goodnight baby.” Louis soothing says over the line as he pulls into his Mum’s driveway.

“Goodnight sweetheart, I’ll call you tomorrow to make sure everything's good at my place. I love you.”

“Sweet dreams honey, love you more.” Louis disconnect the Bluetooth and turns the car off to hop out, heading up to his Mum’s front door. He lets himself in using the key he has and is instantly met with chaos. The twins are chasing around Nate, the newest babies are laying on the floor playing while Fiz and Lottie watch over them. The dogs running away trying to join the chase game, Louis pauses to take it all in and, sighs. Thank goodness Harry’s letting them stay at his, he’d hate to have to add two more bodies to the mix. His Mum would never put him out but there's not enough space for anyone else in this house.

“Hi!” Louis makes his presence known as he steps inside closing the door behind him as he strolls into the crazy.

“Louis!” Daisy and Phoebe stop chasing Nate to rush over to their big brother.

“Hello my little loves! Are you driving Mum mad yet?” Louis drops to one knee to hug them both at the same time.

“Us?”

“Never!”

“Of course not. Not my two little angels!” He really does have the best little sister in the world, he misses them dearly. Once a week family day is not nearly enough.

“Pfft. Angels my arse.” Lottie comments from her spot on the floor where she’s now got Ernie on her lap.

“Language!” Louis shakes her head as he stands back up entering further into the room to sit down next to Fizzy.

“Please they hear and see more cusses on the internet than from me.” Lottie coos making faces at their younger brother.

“I don’t like to hear they’re on the internet, I’ll have to talk to Mum about that. Hello my Fizzle-Pop. How’s my truly favorite sister?” Louis leans over to pick up his youngest sister, Doris from her spot laying on her play mat.

“Meh, it’s dumb. Why do girls throw themselves at boys? I don’t get it, what’s so great about the inside of their mouths?” Fizzy turns to him in confusion and shit, she’s starting to get to that age when things happen.

“You don’t ever have to throw yourself at anyone, you hear me? If you’re not comfortable doing anything, you say no. You say no and walk away. You don’t owe anyone anything, regardless if you’re dating or not. You got it?” Louis looks at her even though she’s trying very hard to keep her focus on Doris in his lap. He sneaks his look back up to Lottie whose clued in on the conversation, she nods to him and mouths later.

“I got it, thanks Lou. Glad you’re here.” She rests her head on his shoulder and he grins down at her.

“Happy to be here. Now Lots how’s everything going for you?” He gets a giggle from Doris and that makes him smile.

“Going well. Got my permit and what not that’s pretty cool. Wish my job paid me more so I can save up for a car. Whatever happened to your old one? I woulda taken that over sharing the mini van. Also fall dance is coming up, hard to find the right dress for that. Trying to make sure Chelsea doesn’t dress like a slut and ruin the group picture. You know typically seventeen year old shit.” Lottie shrugs as Ernie finds his eyes to Louis and lights up as he tries to throw himself in his direction.

“One, stop cursing. Two, don’t call other girls sluts. Three, you’ll look absolutely gorgeous in any dress you end up wearing. Four, I have no idea where my old car is, Harry I think traded it in or scrapped it. Probably wrote a strongly worded essay to the makers about car safety.” Louis snorts while uses his free hand to scoop Ernie up and place him gently on his lap next to his twin.

“She literally comes to school half naked and sleeps around with like everyone! No one takes her seriously, I don’t even know why Chloe still brings her round us. I don’t like her, and not cause she you know, gives it up to anyone but she’s got a horrible personality. She’s awful to her younger sister who's in Fizzy’s class. I can’t stand her. Anyway, I’ve got it down to two dresses I’ve been looking at, depends on my next check and all.” Lottie shrugs grinning down to place kisses onto Erine's head.

“Hm well, for the girl maybe she’s creating a front to shield her from something that’s going on? Maybe she doesn’t have people who support her and can say hey maybe you shouldn’t hop on his penis. Maybe she needs someone who cares, you know? You don’t know her home situation. About the dress, buy the one you want I’ll pay for it.” Louis is meet with a squeal and Lottie's moving over to him pressing her lipstick kisses on his face.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are the best brother ever! I love you!” Lottie continues kissing him all over his face and he can do nothing but let the abuse happen since he’s got his six month old siblings in his lap.

“Gross, gross, gross.” Louis tries to fight it and eventually she stops settling down next to him.

“You love me!” Lottie gushes as she wipes off some of the lip marks on her brothers face.

“I tried returning you once in the department store.” He tells her in a serious voice as his Mum and Nate come into the room, Nate going for his father but stopping when he see the babies.

“You didn’t, don’t lie to me to protect your manly ego.” Lottie says as she tickles Ernie's stomach.

“Oh he’s not lying. He took you up to customer service asking for his money back.” Jay laughs as Nate settles into Lottie's lap instead wanting in on the family cuddle.

“Seriously?! Lou you’re the worst!” Lottie swats his shoulder.

“I told you! You ate the last cupcake, it was war.” Laughing he leans over to collect a kiss from his son. “Hello my favoritest Tomlinson of all Tomlinson's.”  

“Hi Daddy. House not broken no more?” Nate looks up to him in question as Daisy and Phoebe come back to join the snuggle party.

“Not quite. House is still broken but we’re going to stay at Papa’s, is that okay with you?” Louis asks his son not wanting to take him away from his Aunt’s.

“Papas home!” Nate jumps up from Lottie’s lap in excitement.

“No baby. Papa’s in New Zealand, remember we talked to him on the computer yesterday?” Louis feels bad having to ruin his son’s excitement thinking Harry was home.

“Oh. We sleep at Papa’s? But he’s not there. Daddy you can’t make Papa’s pancakes!” Nate shakes his head like it’s the end of the world, well maybe it is. He misses Harry’s pancakes too.

“I know I can’t make Papa’s pancakes but Papa wants us to stay there while our house gets fixed. Is that okay with you?” Trying to give his full attention to his son besides him he questions.

“I have toys there, it’s okay. Can we bake too? Like Papa?” Nate leans back against Lottie's chest resting while his head is turned in the direction Louis is.

“We can try to bake like Papa, can’t promise it’s going to taste the same.” Laughing at himself knowing Harry has a gift with the oven that he does not possess.

“O’tay. We Skype Papa for help!” Nate exclaims like its the greatest idea in all ideas.

“If we bake in the morning than we can do that. He’s already asleep right now. Remember he’s on a different watch? Do you have your Papa watch on?” Louis looks to his wrist to see that he does have his Harry watch on.

“Always Daddy! Only take off when you change it.” Nate plays with the ends of Lottie's bleach blonde hair.

“How could I be so silly? You are getting smarter every single day.” Louis bops him on the nose earning a giggle from it.

“I’m almost four Daddy. I very smart. I go to school soon.” He cuddles down into Lottie more.

“You are my little genius man. I can’t believe you’re turning four years old. What a big boy you’re going to be!” He may cry so he brings his itty bitty baby siblings closer to his chest. he can pretend for a few seconds that it’s Nate he’s holding not Ernie.

“Biggest boy Daddy. Papa gonna teach me yoga! Stretch limbs, I be super tall like him.” Nate personality comes out when he talks and Louis bites back his smile.

“The fact that you know what limbs means, tells me Papa has already been teaching you yoga. If you want you can be as tall as him.” Louis knows it’s a bit of bull but if Nate thinks of Harry as blood family than who is he to stop him.

“We kept secret. I have mat at Papa’s place. I show you when we sleep there.” Nate tells him as he waves him off turning to Doris to make faces at her.

“Alright you can show me when we get there. I’ve got all my sisters and finally a brother, no thanks to Mum,”

“I can still ground you young man!” Jay scoffs from the recliner she’s sitting in.

“My son’s older than his Aunt and Uncle, you can’t ground me. Anyway, after I finally have a brother and five beautiful sisters, along with the most bestest, amazingly awesome son, I would like to take this moment to say thank you to all of you in this room. I know putting up with me wasn’t always the easiest but I couldn’t imagine being where I am without each one of you. I truly have the greatest family in all of the world. And Mum’s simply the Queen of all Mothers. Can we get a family clap for this incredible women!” Everyone starts clapping, Louis helps Doris clap and Fizzy helps Ernie. Choruses of ‘yay Mum’ and ‘Mummy’s the best’ were cheered out while Jay blushed from her chair.

“And…...she delivered us all! What a women! Seven of the drop dead sexist kids on the planet.” Louis joked as Jay stood up to pull her phone out.

“Alright my seven sexiest kids, let’s take a nice family photo of all my children and my favorite grandbaby.” Holding up her phone she says.

“He’s your only grandchild, for a long time. Got it girls? No babies anytime soon.” Louis turns serious for a minute staring down Lottie and Fizzy.

“Trust us we know, condoms break. We have learned from your situation, don’t worry.” Lottie says it, not meanly but informing her brother that nothing like that is going to happen.

“Good. I’m glad now let’s take a nice photo for Mum.” Louis looks over to where Nate’s sitting up better in Lottie's lap, Daisy and Phoebe are laying on the couch behind them grinning over Lottie’s and Louis’ shoulders. Doris and Ernie still sat on his lap, with Fizzy pushed against his shoulder.

“Alright my children, smile pretty now.” Jay snaps the picture on her phone, bringing it over to Lottie to check, she’s like that.

“I love this! You can see Mum’s genes from Louis down to Ernie.” Lottie hands the phone over to her brother that’s waiting to see it.

“We are the best looking children out there!” Louis sends the photo to himself and grins as he hands it back.

“Yes you all are gorgeous, but I’m most proud of how you turned out, and the things you’ve accomplished.”

“Yes, Mum we know. Looks aren’t everything.”  Louis and the rest of the kids relay back to her.

“Good. Making sure that you all value yourself not just by your appearance.” Jay picks Doris up and leaves the room to change her diaper.

“I’m instagramming this.” Louis comments as he saves the picture before pulling the app up.

“Oh look at you trying to be all cool and hip, trying to keep up with the boyfriend.” Lottie laughs at him as he clicks past the filter option to write the caption instead.

“I’ll have you know that most twenty-four year olds have instagram, if Harry influenced me to make one that should make you happier to see my face on your feed.” Louis turns back to his phone to type a caption. Some of the most important people in my life, I have the best family anyone could ask for.

He tags Lottie and Fizzy in the picture, and grins down at Nate’s face tagging Harry as him. He hits post and brings his attention back to the room.

“I follow you so I can see my nephew not your ugly mug.” Leaning down to kiss the boy she’s talking about on the cheek.

“You love my face. You miss my face. Everyday you go to bed thinking, when’s the next time Louis will honor me with his presence?” Dropping his phone to the floor he ignores it as it immediately lights up with notifications from Harry’s fans.

“How ever did you find out about my secret shrine to you?” Lottie rolls her eyes as Nate leans over to give kisses to Ernie.

“I snuck into your room and looked under the mattress to find your stash of clipping of me face. Thanks for picking the good ones.” Louis jokes as Ernie starts screaming in his arms. “Alright lemme go change this nugget.” Standing up he heads to where his Mum disappeared into the twins room. When he gets up there his Mum is rocking Doris to sleep bottle already empty in her hand.

“Hey Mum.” Louis says not wanting to scare or sneak up on her as he enters the room.

“Right on schedule these two, not like you ever were.” Jay carefully places her daughter into the crib and turns to see Louis already with Ernie on the changing table, taking his little pants off.

“Oh please, I wasn’t as bad as you say. God, I can’t believe Nate’s not this little anymore.” Louis peals the tabs of the diaper of grabbing a wipe to cover his bits, he’s gotten peed on several times from Nate.

“Time flies by fast. My baby’s baby is turning four. I can’t get over that.” Jay watches on as her son changes her other son like it’s nothing.

“I can’t get over that either. He’s already talking about going to school next year. Asks me why he can’t come with me to my school, cause Daddy I smart. He’s so brilliant Mum. To think how scared I was when he was this little. This small, tiny, little human that relieved on me for everything, now is trying to get one foot out the door on me already.” Louis quickly grabs a clean diaper tucking it under Ernie’s little bum.

“It always seems that way my dear. Always seems like you blink and they’ve got a child of their own. I remember you couldn’t wait to go to school, but once you got to primary you decided that football was more important than your coursework. Gave me right hell trying to get you to sit down and do your work.” Jay laughs to herself remembering how much a pain he was.

“Yeah, I remember that. I hated school, only liked going to socialize with my mates. God only knows how I even made it to uni. Bless you for putting up with me. It’s so incredible how he has his own thoughts and opinions even this young. You know? Like some of the things he says I just want to, I don’t know, sit down and try to figure out how his mind works. You know what he told me the other day?” Louis buttons the white tshirt back up and pulls the little pants up his kicking legs.

“What did he say baby.” Jay watches as Louis cuddles Ernie's into his arms reaching for the bottle Jay is holding out to him.

“He goes; Daddy you stay home, gotta work, I go with Papa to kangaroos. I literally stood there in a mix between wanting to laugh and wanting to cry. He’s already trying to get rid of me.” Rocking himself gently with the baby he grins up at his Mum.

“He’s a little stinker isn’t he? He’ll never get rid of you, you tried getting rid of me thousands of times and look now where you're stood. Home with your Mummy. He’s brilliant tho, I’ll give you that. I still can’t get over his bond with Harry, that’s not something that just happens. Specially not so quickly.” Moving to put a few clean clothes away for the babies, Jay says.

“I can’t believe it either. I never thought I’d ever find someone, in the future maybe when Nate was old enough for me to start dating, let alone now but there was Harry. Harry who has done nothing but make my kid smile since the first time they met. Who does nothing but give him endless love, even from different countries. I honestly don’t know how I got his lucky, most amazing son anyone could ask for and an incredible boyfriend who never stops giving to both of us. I’ve never been more attracted to someone like I am with Harry, not only physically. Like every single way, does that make any sense? Probably not.” Louis shakes his head pulling the bottle from his brothers mouth which starts his screaming as Louis carefully brings him to rest over his shoulder patting his back gently.

“It makes sense Louis, I’m glad it’s not only physical. Nate wouldn’t be calling him Papa if it was just a physical thing. Which is precious in itself. Harry and yourself were made for each other, as were Harry and Nate. They do have a special bond between them, a unique one. Neither of them have to love one another, but they do, and that’s a hard thing to form. Specially when you’ve a four year old and nineteen year old.” Jay watches as he oldest quickly brings his brother back into his arms to feed the rest of the bottle.

“I think the best part of that is the fact that Nate decided that Harry was Papa to him. I know Harry has said multiple times that he’s happy with only being Harry to Nate, but I’ve never seen anyone’s face light up as much as his did on FaceTime, or when we came to pick him up and Nate shouted for him calling him Papa for the first time. He may only be nineteen but damn Mum I know he loves my kid more than anything.” Louis removes the bottle from his now slumbering brother placing it down on the changing table, he walks over to gently place him into his crib sound asleep.

“I have no doubt in my mind that he doesn’t love Nate or yourself with everything he’s got. I think for him it’s two people who didn’t see him how the rest of the world did, who love him for being himself and not what comes with his name. From the start you told me you both were completely in for this relationship because of the places in your lives you were and very fortunately it has worked out. I’m happy my baby is happy. You deserve it Louis.” Jay meets him halfway and engulfs him into a hug.

“I’ve been thinking, and I think, I want to ask him to marry me.” Louis whispers out as Jay pulls back arms still around him but now looking him in the face.

“I never thought I’d hear those words come from your mouth. I think that’s a wonderful love, have you been pondering this for a while?” Tucking him into her shoulder she asks as she stands in the middle of the nursery.

“Well, we’ve had these talks before right. The ones about how we can see this going the distance and how much our relationship has developed over the last few months. I’m completely okay with him being on tour, obviously I miss him but there’s no darkness in my mind trying to convince meself that he’s going to get over me and theres no way he wants Nate and me. It was hard the first few times he was away, always felt like I wasn’t good enough for him and his lifestyle. I don’t think that anymore. Even the days we don’t get to talk cause of scheduling and time zones, I’m not sitting there wondering if I’m holding him back.” Louis kisses his Mum’s check as he breaks off their embrace.

“I’m so proud of you baby. I think it’s wonderful and brilliant idea. Have you thought when?” Checking her youngest for their slumber, the two of them walk out of the room closing the door quietly.

“I was thinking his birthday. It gives me some time to get a ring, and like what can you give a man that has everything? Specially since I’ve already have his Christmas present picked out. And, he’ll be twenty rather than nineteen. Twenty and twenty-five seems like a good age to get engaged.” Louis pauses at the top of the stairs, he doesn’t want any of this traveling to his sisters.

“It sounds lovely and very well thought out. It gives you time to find the right ring and plenty of time to plan a special night out of it. I think he’ll love that as a birthday gift.” She pecks Louis cheek with a kiss and heads down the stairs, he grins as he follows her. His smile never leaving his face that day as they stay for dinner before heading to Harry’s.

XXX

To say Louis doesn’t make himself at home at Harry’s place would be an understatement. His and Nate’s things are everywhere, the once neatly kept living room has their belongings all over the place. His school books and notebooks are on the coffee table with his laptop, Nate’s toys and games covering the carpeting. It may be the messiest Harry has ever seen his place and that’s even throwing in that time they threw a party the first week Harry moved in. He’s standing before the entrance to said disaster room, he drops his luggage and stares at his boyfriends things. Everywhere. Shaking his head he slowly walks into the kitchen, his baby, to find it not the way he left it. Thankfully there isn’t food left out and crumbs but it’s definitely not in the usual order. He knows for sure he doesn’t own this many travel mugs. Taking a crack at the fridge he opens it to see it filled with things he wouldn’t ever buy, very clearly his boyfriend has a thing for less healthy things that he eats. There’s a few take away containers and juice that clearly is for Nate sitting next to a case of beer. He laughs as he shuts it and heads to his bedroom, to find it the same way as the rest of the room’s he’s looked at. Louis clothes are all over the floor and bed, one side completely not used, Harry grins at the fact that it’s not the side he usually sleeps on knowing Louis probably wanted to see how long the scent would linger, before it disappeared. He notices some of the clothes on the floor are his own which widens his grin to a full on smile picturing Louis wearing his things around. Harry drops his suitcase on the floor, he knows he should unpack and start a wash but he would much rather go surprise his man at work.

It doesn’t take him long to pull into Happy Days, parking his car in the marked reserved spots for employees, he hops out straighten out his jacket and his hair tucked away in a beanie, he should have showered. When he gets to the front door he punches in his code for the door and enters, a small smile on his lips when he hears the little chatter and giggle from the kids. It must be the bell, cause a confused Louis stands up from where he was helping Craig build a block tower, the blocks in his hands fall to the ground as he mouth opens.

“Hi baby.” Harry smiles stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets as Louis finally has movement in his legs to rush over weaving between children on the floor to the half wall door.

“You’re not supposed to be home till tomorrow!” Unlocking the door he steps out into the front area to grab Harry by the hips and pull them together, slotting their lips together immediately.

“Surprise!” Laughing against his boyfriend's lips he closes his eyes again to go back to kissing as Harry’s hands make there way to his hips.

“Please tell me you haven’t been home yet?” Louis dreadfully pulls away looking a tad bit worried.

“I love the new decor.” Wrapping his arms around Louis he holds him against his chest.

“Damn. I know it’s a disaster, sorry you had to see it.” Sighing as he listens to Harry’s heartbeat feeling calmer than he was twenty minutes ago when Nico decided to throw a fit.

“Hey now, none of that. I kinda liked see your things everywhere, and you didn’t ruin my kitchen so I don’t care about the rest.” He chuckles rumbles through him and Louis closes his eyes again breathing in Harry’ scent.

“Mmm. I love you, welcome home.” Tilting his head up he kisses his neck.

“I love you too, Lou. I’m extremely glad to be home.” Rubbing the small of his boyfriend’s back he leans down to seal their lips together one more time before breaking off of each other.

“Now where’s my little man?” Harry loudly questions gaining the attention of the soon to be four year who drops his toys to run full speed to the door.

“Papa!” Nate cheers out raising his hands to be picked up. Louis opens the door as Harry drops down squatting for Nate to run into his arms, standing up he spins him around.

“Man did I miss you!” Harry tells him littering his faces with kisses.

“I miss you more Papa! You tan! We go home now?” Nate lays his head down on Harry’s shoulder, looking as content as Louis did to be back in his arms.

“Uh, not-”

“Go Haz. I’ll see you when I get off , you two have some catching up to do.” Louis pushes Nate’s hair out of the way as he talks to Harry.

“You sure? I was going to go do the washing and tidy up a bit.” Harry frowns a bit not wanting to make Louis feel left out.

“Yeah go. You can make it up to me tonight.” Pressing up on his tip toes he kisses Harry again.

“Oh I will.” Leaving a few kisses on Louis lips he pulls away smiling.

“Alright Nate’s coat and beanie are behind my desk on his little hook. I’ll call for takeaway on my way home.”

“Can I cook tonight? I’ve been itching to get back in the kitchen and a home cooked meal sounds exactly what I need after being on tour.” Harry pouts in his direction holding onto Nate like he might disappear.

“I would never say no to your cooking babe. Make whatever you want, I should be home around seven fifteen.” Louis leans up to seal their lips together one last time till later, he gives Nate a kiss on his nose and heads back into the play area.

“I will have everything ready for your tasting, m’love.” Harry leans over the gate to press a kiss into Louis forehead, he closes his eyes and lets out a sigh. His boy’s back.

“Sounds perfect. Go now before I hold you hostage.” Louis shoos him with his hands watching as he places Nate back on the ground to put his coat and beanie on.

“Like I’d fight that.” Winking at his boyfriend, Harry slides Nate and his hands together, heading for the front door.

“Bye Daddy! Work hard!” Nate waves as they walk through the door as it chimes.

XXX

When they get home after picking up some groceries since he knows Louis wouldn’t have the things he needs, Nate helps him carry some of the bags and he places them on the very crowded counter.

“Alright Nate, your Daddy is a slob. We’ve got to clean this place up a bit. Would you like to take your nap while I clean?” Harry offers as he starts to put away the newly bought items.

“I help! Big boy now, I’m almost four! I’m not sleepy.” Nate tells him proudly doing a little jump to show just how not tired he is.

“Can you put all your toys and games away?” Giving him something he knows how to do.

“O’tay! We listen to Memories now?” Nate comes over to him wrapping his arms around Harry’s thighs. “Please, please, please!”

“Yes, we can put on Midnight Memories if that will help you clean.” He chuckles out as he grabs his phone out of his pocket and moving into the living room to dock it, clicking though his music he presses on his latest album that is weeks away from being released and lets it play through his wireless speakers that are placed around the house. When Harry had sent Louis a copy of his new album he played it for Nate who must listen to it all the time now. Harry can’t help smile as the intro to Best Song Ever rings through and Nate bounces off into the living room to begin cleaning his toys up.

Starting with the food he puts it away before starting to organize his kitchen back to how it should be. With ease he moves through the now clean kitchen going into his bedroom, walking around with the laundry basket picking clothes up off the floor, he goes to Nate’s room as well and collects the towels from each bathroom. Heading down to the laundry room he loads their clothes in, quickly getting his stuff from tour to add to the mix. On his way back to the kitchen to make a sandwich he spots Nate’s sleeping form on the floor curled up with a stuffed animal. He laughs as he walks over scooping him up to carry into his room. Shaking his head as he closes the door he goes into the living room to complete the job Nate fell asleep on.

XXX

With Harry being home, the days seem to fly by much faster than while he was on tour. Before they know it, their families are arriving early in the morning on Nate’s fourth birthday for his party. The one he has been bouncing around the house about all week. They’ve got the garden set up like a carnival, Harry going all out for his birthday, of course. They lucked out on the weather, it’s light sweater weather with long sleeves underneath. Nate made it very clear he wanted the three of them to have matching sweaters, so here they are moving the last rented picnic table in the garden wearing cream colored sweaters with maroon and gray design going across the chest, the only difference was the button downs each had underneath. Louis in white, Harry wore blue and Nate had a blue and white pinstripe. They look so sappy but adorable. Niall’s helping arrange the tables as Gemma’s working to put table clothes on them, Louis raises his eyebrow at them when he catches Niall “showing” her how to tape it underneath with his hand on hers. He wonders if Harry knows about this. It’s nearing ten am when all their family members are now through the house and yard helping with whatever list item Harry gives them, going around anyway to make sure it's properly done before checking it off his list.

Louis thinks it’s entirely too much, he’s four. But months ago when Harry skyped him from somewhere in America, telling him about the plans he had for Nate’s birthday party, he couldn’t say no to that smile. Nor could he now with his ridiculous checklist and fully turned carnival garden. If Louis wasn’t so secure with his and Nate’s relationship he might be worried Harry was going for top spot on the Dad list. He’s watching the madness as his Mum comes sweeping by pulling him into a hug.

“You alright bug?” She gives him a soft smile not looking at him but observing the organized Harry chaos around them.

“Yeah. Haz really has this in order.” Leaning into his Mum’s side he says.

“You’re okay with all this? Not really your thing, not on this scale anyway.” Jay comments wrapping an arm around him.

“I am. He wouldn’t have done all this if I wasn’t comfortable with it. He knows how I am. I also know how he is, and how he feels a little guilty about leaving Nate all the time. How he wants to be there more, how he seeks Nate’s approval from pancakes, to well this. It’s his way, you know? I don’t want to take that away from him.” Louis shrugs, it has taken him time and a lot of thinking late at night when he’s tucked alone in bed. Harry has money, he’s going to spend money on them, he can’t expect Harry not to when he’s sitting on millions. He’s not doing it to be showy or rub it in his face, he’s doing it to better their family. To show his love for them. Yeah maybe a carnival was a bit over the top, but really looking at Nate and Harry’s smiles doesn’t really compare to his morals. He’ll have that chat with Harry another day. Right now he’s going to be a proud father of a newly four year old and of a loving boyfriend.

“That’s something it takes years of marriage to understand Boobear. It’s a give and take, it works when both parties are doing each. You’re taking your love for Harry and giving him this opportunity to let him be himself. It’s very selfless you know. Putting aside your discomfort for spending a sum of money on a party for his fourth birthday. I know that’s not your thing nor something you want Nate to expect.” Passing him a fresh cup of tea she says.

“Thank you.” Accepting the tea he takes a few sips first collecting his answer. “I think Harry values the same teachings as I do. He’s not constantly out buying Nate things he doesn’t need. If he does it’s something like this or on tour he’ll pick him up something little and special from each place. It’s almost been a year since we got together, everyday I get over that I’m not a single parent anymore. It’s not just my money supporting us, as much as I still worry about my own income and bills, I know Harry will always be right behind me in case something goes sour. Like my freaking pipes bursting. If it wasn’t for Harry, I wouldn’t have been able to put the down payment on the new space for the preschool side. I may be a stubborn prick to him about spending too much on us, but I secretly love it. He doesn’t immediately step in, giving over a pile of cash. He lets me try and solve it first and if he knows it’s out of my hands he helps out. Never in an I-told-you-so kinda way, like I love you kinda way. Does that make sense?”  Turning to face her more he asks knowing he’s rambling all over the place.

“It makes perfect sense. He’s not asking you to forfeit over your job and income, he doesn’t want you to stop doing what you’re fantastic at. I believe it’s more so you don’t have to worry about bills and all that other things. We all know you’re not with him for the money. Harry offering isn’t about anyones pride or who makes more, it’s about taking a little stress away from you. In his mind the less you have to over work and stress about money the more time you have to spend with your son. That's what he wants, both Nate and yourself happy.” Jay leans in to kiss his cheek letting go of her oldest. The two of them are looking over at where Harry’s got Nate on his hip helping him carefully drink some apple juice.

“I want to make him as happy as he makes me, Mum. I can’t get over my life, I never thought I’d ever be this happy with every aspect of it. So if I have to pretend a bit to hate this idea to get Harry wearing the I know you’re enjoying yourself look, than I will.” Popping his foot out he stands hands on hips watching over as all his family and friends, start coming through the gate.

“The two of you are ridiculous. Go now. I’ll make sure the coats get put inside. I think someone's trying to get your attention.” Pushing him in the direction of where his boyfriend is, she smacks his bum as she floats across the grass to greet guest as if she lived here. Shaking his head he walks twenty-five feet over to where his heart is.

“My two boys!” Louis asks slipping an arm around Harry’s waist pressing himself against the side his son isn’t on.

“Hi Daddy! Want some juice?” Holding out his sippy cup, (He’s wearing cream Lou! Give him a lid!), to share.

“Ah thank you for offering but I will decline.” Leaning over he gets close to his son’s face. “But I will steal a kiss!” Louis gets out before he sneak attacks Nate’s lips for a kiss.

“Yucky! Daddy I big boy now. No mouth kissys.” Using the back of his free hand Nate wipes off the kiss.

“Stab a dagger right through my heart! My own flesh and blood denying me kissys? C’mon Harry we have to return this boy back to the birthday fairy. This is not my son.” Taking the sippy cup from Nate’s hand, he gives it to Harry to hold, in confusion of course. Quickly Louis plucks Nate from Harry’s hips and carefully throws him over his shoulder.

“Daddy no! I still yours. Me bigger now.” He pats at Louis lower back where his hands are gripped onto the hem of his sweater.

“I don’t think you’re allowed to turn four than. I need my daily Nate kissys.” Keeping a hand on Nate’s legs, he uses the other to playfully smack at Nate’s little bum.

“Too late! Papa throwed my party!” Nate tells him laughing from his Dad’s tickling that’s now taking place.

“Oh so it’s Papa’s fault my little boy is outgrown me! I see how it is, teamed up on me.” Cradling Nate back to the front of him, he holds him upside down.

“Big boy Daddy. Papa let me have two eggs this morning.” Nate giggles as he’s still upside down.

“Did he now? Two eggs, no mouth kissy. Sounds like a four year old to me.” Fixing Nate to be back on his own hip he leans in pressing a kiss to Nate’s nose.

“Nose kissey okay. Only nose kissys.” Nate tells him strictly.

“Well thank you for letting me give you nose kissys. I will still be oh so sad now that I don’t get mouth kissys.” Taking Harry’s hand his the tiny family start heading over toward where the party is beginning.

“No sad Daddy. Papa mouth kissys you.” Nate twists his body to pat Harry on the cheek.

“What a smart big boy you are, Papa does mouth kissy me. I’m still going to miss your mouth kissys.” Louis pouts at his son, who in turn takes his lips in between his fingers.

“Holidays and birthdays I give you mouth kissys.” Nate bargains with him. Harry turns his head to let his own laugh at.

“I feel so very lucky, thank you. Now let’s go say Hello to everyone.” With his hand still attached to Harry, he lowers Nate to the ground. `       

“He’s going to kill me one day.” Harry whispers for Louis to hear as Nate runs off when he see’s his friends from care enter the yard.

“You’re telling me. I can’t believe that he’s too old for my kisses. Least I have you my dear.” Pulling their intertwined hands towards his body he lets Harry softly thud into him, immediately rising up to connect their mouths. Smiling into it Harry follows his lead meeting his pace right away.

Pulling away Harry gives a little kiss to his boyfriend's lips before smiling. “You’re twenty-five next month, that’s when I cut you off to holidays and birthdays.” Imitation Nate he pulls his best child’s voice out.

“You’re such a pisser. God I hate you.” Shoving him away playfully Louis tries to fight the smile that forming.

“Nah you love me.” Linking their hands together again Harry leads them in the direction where Nate ran off to.

“Oh forgot to ask, how’s the checklist?” Louis questions as the approach some of the parents of the now six tiny humans in front of them.

“Gemma ripped it up! Told me it was my, um.” He stops hesitantly, peaking at Louis like he’s almost afraid.

“It was your what?” Stopping them from continuing to walk any further he questions in puzzlement.

“Um. She told me is was my son’s party and to get my head out of the list.” Looking anywhere but at Louis.

“Okay. What’s the part you’re not telling me?” Louis blinks looking as confused as Harry feels.

“That’s it. She called him my son.” Scrunching his face up he turns to now look at Louis to gage his reaction.

“That’s it? Love, he calls you Papa. Papa and son go hand in hand. Did you think I’d get mad if you refer to him as your son?” Stepping closer Louis slides his hands around Harry’s waist looking at him, he can see the emotion in Harry’s eyes.

“To be honest, yes? It’s not like you and I really talked about what Nate was to me. I know I’m Papa and you’re okay with that, but you never said how you felt about me calling him that.” Swallowing nervously Harry manages out as they keep their eye contact.

“Honey I thought it was obvious. He is yours. He has been yours since you let him pick out your applesauce. God, I wish I knew you were feeling like this about it. I would have told you to stop it. He’s your sons as much as mine. You’re family knows it, my family know it, hell Nate called you Papa months ago. I know this is what you want so no, I’m not mad at you for calling him your son.” The last syllable barely makes it out before Harry’s mouth is on his.

“Thank you Babe. God, I’ve been wondering how to bring it up to you. Not the easiest thing to just mention. It means a lot to me. Thank you, Louis.” Leaning down he kisses his man once again. They’re cut off by a tiny little big boy hugging the two of them around their legs.

“Daddy, Papa, not in public. Barrsing!” Hiding his face into their thighs.

“Oh, we embarrass you is that right?” Louis grins widely leaning his own head against Harry’s chest. He doesn’t ever think it will be fair that his boyfriend whose five years younger than him is much more taller than he is.

“Yes Daddy. Four now member?” Nate’s looking up at him like he’s stupid.

“You not letting me kiss you is cause you turned four. I can kiss your father whenever I want to. There are no rules for that, or age limits.” Louis tells his son, as he widens his stance to grip Harry as dip him, as his gangly limbs fly out while tries to grab onto Louis hoping not to fall. Louis smiles at Harry’s deer in headlights look before he’s kissing him hard.

“So barassing.” Nate covers his face in his hands as he walks away from the two of them. By this point Harry’s literally giggling into his mouth.

“I love you.” Harry tells him still being cradled in Louis strong arms.

“I too love you.” Kissing his words into his boyfriend's mouth before helping him back up.

“Love how strong you are.” Keeping his hand gripped on the muscle, Harry smirks at him.

“Yeah? Hmm, we’ll have to put that to use later.” Nibbling on Harry’s bottom lip.

“Hey! This is a G rated party. Harry, he was not on your lame checklist!” Gemma yells at the two of them breaking them apart.

“I wouldn’t know, you ripped my list up!” He shouts back leaning down one last time to steal a kiss. He strides away from his boyfriend to go pinch Gemma’s arm. Louis shakes his head shrugging his shoulder and walks away to go chat with some of the parents.

XXX

“Haz, can we stop at mine before we head to yours? I’ve misplaced that green jumper, could be in the wash pile.” Louis asks as he sits in the passenger seat typing away on his phone while Harry drives them through London.

“You haven’t done the wash in a month!” Harry turns his attention to his boyfriend shocked.

“I haven’t been allowed pass that way. What did you want me to do go in through the window for the laundry?” Tucking his phone into his jacket pocket.

“That make sense. Are you able to walk through? Is it safe?” Putting his right hand on the wheel, he moves his now free left one to find Louis’ without taking his eyes off the road.

“Yeah. I got a call the other day from the construction workers saying the wall was fixed. They cleaned up there things yesterday. Time to inspect the damage and what I’m going to do about painting. I don’t think I can find that color again.” Louis squeezes Harry’s hand, leaning on the window with his other to rest his face against his palm.

“The kitchen and hallway are different. Are you going to repaint both the same color or dual?” Driving the trio carefully through town after leaving a gathering that Niall had arranged, his claims of missing his band mates. Niall had Nate running around the yard kicking the footie about and generally entertaining him most of the night with a constant beer in his hands. He very quickly became his Uncle Nialler. Niall cried. The now snoozing four year old is tucked away in his booster seat happily cuddled up with Spiderman fast asleep with him as well.

“I have no idea. I’ll have to asses the situation when we get there figure out how much of the wall they took and what not. You’re going to get the charge to your account by the way, I paid them yesterday.” Looking back to see his son and cat snuggled up together he smiles, facing his boyfriend again.

“Well anything you need use the card for. In fact, why don’t we hire a painter?” Stating the obvious Harry says as he brings their intertwined hands to to the wheel turning left onto Louis road.

“We don’t need a painter. I can do it.” Louis tells him as he watches out the window as the houses pass.

“Babe. You have a full plate right now, Christmas is coming up. Let me hire a painter they can make everything match and be done in no time.” Shrugging as he carefully pulls into the drive shifting the car into park.

“You’ve done a significant amount as it is, I think I need to this for myself. Does that make sense?” Kissing the front of Harry’s hand he lets go, exiting the car. Both know there is a pause in the conversation as they meet by Nate’s door. Harry scoops Spiderman into his arms as Louis unbuckles Nate to gently move him so he’s laying his head against Louis’ shoulder. He doesn’t wake. Once they’ve tucked Nate into his bed, each leaning down to kiss his head.  They end up staring at the new drywall passing a bottle of wine between them.

“It makes sense, it’s just. Are you going to have the time to do it? I know you’re working longer to save up money for presents. I don’t mind hiring someone if that means we can spend time together. Not that we couldn’t paint this ourselves but, I have the money Lou. It will give someone else a job who might be trying to save up to by their loved one something.” Harry sits down on the floor against one of the walls, Louis follows him sliding down it reaching his hand out for the bottle.

“Fine. We can hire a painter. Now what fucking color are we going to do?” Titling his head back to lean he drinks a few gulps from the wine, passing it back to Harry.

“Since we’re hiring someone why don’t you have them repaint the whole two rooms? Probably look better in the end instead of matching it.” They’ve already decided to stay here for the night, not wanting to wake Nate up to bring him back to Harry’s. He’s been at his boyfriends for close to a month, it’s going to be weird being back here without him.

“Could do that, it would look nicer. How long you think that will take? I’ve gotten pretty used to crashing at yours.” Leaning his head on Harry’s shoulder he sighs.

“Mmm. I do love waking up to you every morning. Best way to start my day.” Moving slightly to angle his face pressing a kiss to Louis forehead.

“Oh I agree Mr. Styles. I love falling asleep next to you and getting watch those gorgeous eyes of yours open in the morning.” Placing the bottle on the ground at a safe distance, Louis turns to his boyfriend slipping his left leg over both of Harry’s and moving his head to lean up nibbling at his ear.

What happens next is probably a mixture;

A.) The wine.
B.) The sensation of Louis teeth on him
C.) The fact that Harry Styles has never been more in love with anyone ever.

“Move in with me.”

That gets the teeth away fast with a loud gasp following it.

“What?”

“Move in with me, please.”

“Are, are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Are we ready for that? What about Nate?”

“I thought we could leave him here to fend for himself.”

“Harold.”

“You already live with me now, would it really be any different?”

“S’its a lot different. We’ve been drinking. Are we being logical right now?” Crossing his legs Louis turns complete to face his boyfriend who just, fuck, asked him to move in.

“Maybe we haven’t been this whole time! Maybe the pipes were a sign. I think I would most definitely love having you live with me permanently. Aaannd, we’ve only had one bottle of wine. If it were two then I’d say I’ll ask you again tomorrow.” Harry points out skirting closer to Louis taking his face into his hands.

“It’s a lot to think about Harry. Nate’s lived here for the past three years, I know we’ve been at yours for over a month and he loves it but is that going to affect him? Is he ready to move in with his second parent?” He has to put his child’s needs before his own. Nate is the main component in this one.

“Why don’t we ask him? If he says that he wants to, will you accept my offer to move in?” Pulling his boyfriend into his chest he questions.

“I’ll consider it. Ask me again in the morning. Let’s go to bed babe.” Louis helps his boyfriend up off the floor and the two stagger down the hall near empty wine bottle between them .

XXX

Louis brings it up to Nate two days later, after he called and hired a painter.

“Nate can we have serious question time?” Louis address his son from where he’s practicing his letters.

“I finish letters first Daddy. Very important.” He’s on the Capital S, knowing he has six more plus the lower case.

“Sorry to disturb you. I’m going to make us some tea and milk, how’s that sound?” Waiting for his son to answer he leans against the wall.

“Biscuits please.” Nate doesn’t even look up as Louis nods to himself leaving the room to head into the kitchen.

He’s placing the tray of biscuits on the kitchen table when Nate trails in taking his seat as the kettle hisses.

“O’tay. We big boy talk now.” Reaching for a chocolate one he stuff in his gob.

“Alright, he’s your milk and my tea. Let the big boy meeting begin.” Seating himself he takes a sip of his tea going over his words in his head.

“Do you like living at Papa’s?” Louis starts off with an easy question.

“Yes, very much. Papa go away again?” Nate looks up at him.

“For a few days but, I’m asking if we got rid of our house and moved in to live with Papa all the time, would you want to do that?” He watches the excitement light up in his son's eyes as the words registered in his head.

“Yes! Please, please, please! I’ll be the bestest boy ever! I wanna live with Papa!” Dropping his half eaten biscuit he launches himself off his chair and scurries trying to climb into Louis lap.

“Are you sure? If you don’t really want to we can keep staying here.” This is a big deal. He wonders if Nate understand this step of their relationship. Waking up the last two mornings with Harry wrapped around him made him really think. This is the man he wants to spend eternity with. Fortunately for him, Harry seems to be on the same page.

“We go now? I go pack Daddy!” He exclaims bouncing in his father's lap in excitement.

“Yes. We can start packing if you want. I’m happy you love Papa.” Louis accepts the hug Nate’s giving him, talking into the boys head.

“I happy you love Papa. Thank you for my Papa.” Louis holds him a bit tighter after that one.

XXX

Louis wants to keep the whole thing as a surprise for Harry. He calls in his family and friends to help with the packing. Since Harry, and the rest of One Direction, are out promoting Midnight Memories over in The States he gathers practically everyone he knows to completely pack up his house. He told Harry he’d give him an answer upon his arrival, so in Louis Tomlinson fashion he’s going to have the whole place empty when he invites Harry over. The moving truck will be packed and ready to head to Harry’s awaiting hidden. He want’s nothing to give it away. As a team they work fast a quickly having it done in time for Louis to take everyone out for dinner as a Thank You. He drops off the donation boxes that he’s sorted knowing he won’t need a lot of this at his new place. All the kitchen things went to Lottie to save for when she goes off to Uni. He arrives back home to a completely empty property. Walking through the rooms his footsteps echo as he strolls through all the memories in this place. Nate had a lot of firsts here, as well as he at being a Dad. Harry came here for the first time they hung out, their first kiss, he’s had a shit ton of breakdowns here. The laughs he thinks were the most abundant and memorable.

XXX

Frowning Harry gets dropped off by Paul at Louis house, he figured Louis and Nate would be at his already. Staring at the porch lights he makes his way up the path passing Louis’ car in the drive, pulling a key out of his jacket pocket he twist it open to be met with complete darkness.

“Lou?” In confusion he shouts closing the door behind him to scale the wall for the light switch. His fingers finally find it and he scrunches his face up because for once he didn’t run into the table there.The light clicks on echoing through the hallway, turning to notice some things aren’t where they should be. Nate’s pictures on the walls are down, maybe he’s putting new ones up? Harry thinks as he walks through. “Babe!” Calling out once more before he turns into where the living room opens up, to nothing.

Nothing, except his boyfriend sitting on a box with their son in his lap who is holding up a sign that reads,  ‘ We Say Yes! ’  It’s sloppy traced with a picture of a house drawn in marker and Harry burst into tears knowing Nate’s been working on his letter. They made him a sign.

“It’s a yes!?” Dropping his duffle on the floor practically running over to his family.

“Look who can read?” Louis smirks pucker his lips for Harry to give him what he wants.

“Papa we’re all packed up!” Nate mimics Louis pushing his lips out as well.

“Seriously! When did you, God I love you.” Dropping to his knees he reaches his long limbs around both of them to pull them into a hug.

“Your son here decided on the spot that he would very much like to live with his Papa. I wanted to surprise you with my empty place and packed moving truck. Figured you’d want to do the honors of driving it.” Louis beams into his boyfriend's shoulder, taking in his signature Harry Styles smell.

“Thank you. Thank you both so much. I can’t wait for it to be our home. Can I take a picture?” Pushing himself up to his feet again he takes out his phone pulling up instagram. Nate holds the sign up smiling as Louis tells him to do. Attaching the caption, ‘I’m getting two new roommates! They’ve accepted my offer to move in!’ before he hits post.

“I can’t believe this! This is the best day ever! I’m so excited for the holidays, we can all be together!” Harry glances around the empty room smiling as he does.

“Babe, we were going to spend the holidays together anyway.” Louis laughs at him as he settles Nate down on the ground, standing up off the box he walks over to kiss his partner.

“I know but Christmas Eve and day are going to be marvelous! We won’t have to try and figure out who's going where. We can invite everyone here, finally I can actually use both leaves of the dining table! Plus your birthday, oh I can’t wait. You make me so unbelievably happy Louis Tomlinson.”

“Right back at you Styles.” They kiss again as Nate pushes the last box down the hallway.

“C’mon Daddies! Spiderman is lonely at home.” Nate grins moving to unlock the front door.

Harry doesn’t think his life could get any better.

XXX

Christmas goes off splendidly, with the amount of room in their mansion is large enough that they house both sets of families tucked away in extra bedrooms. Louis finds this a perk of moving into a huge home. His entire family all eight of them plus his Nan come to stay with them. Which gives them babies to play with and Nate running around with his Aunt’s and Uncle’s. Anne, Robin, Gemma and Harry’s half siblings are mixed in with Louis family. Harry can’t help squeezing Louis waist while his arms around it with a smile that takes up more than half his face. Jay and Anne are set in the kitchen mixing together their roast for Christmas Eve slash Louis Birthday dinner. Harry often leaves his boyfriend’s side to slip in helping his Mum and Jay cook, it’s always been there tradition and it’s even better having Louis’ Mum in there with them.

In the open layout kitchen Harry and Louis had set up a Christmas Drink Bar, it’s stocked with pitchers and punch bowls of various Christmas and Holiday drinks that Harry found online. It’s without a doubt over the top and too much but it’s there first Christmas under the same roof and in a committed relationship. Harry’s also put up random millstones around the house and with every opportunity he pulls Louis in close for a kiss.

“Oh Mr. Styles, not in front of the family!” Louis’ has a very red festive martini glass filled with Peppermint flavored cocktail. His cheeks match the glass, Harry watched him go down the line twice trying each one of the four different flavor drinks he mixed.  

“I believe we’re secluded enough for a bit of a snog. What do you say?” Grinning Harry leans down to kiss the peppermint stained lips.  

“What no mistletoe this time?” His arm snakes around Harry’s neck with the cocktail still settled in his right hand.

“I mean we can stop this and I can go get one if you really want.” Slipping both hands around his waist Harry says.

“Don’t you dare.” Louis mutters getting lost in the green of Harry’s eyes that are twinkling at him. “Kiss me.”

“With pleasure.” The lips move against each other, their soft pants and moans filling the room they’ve tucked into for a little personal time.

“Daddy! Papa! Location?” They can hear Nate screaming for them from the kitchen, they can’t help but laugh.

“He gets that from you. Location?” Louis voice gets soft as he pushes up to his tip toes for one last lingering kiss.

“He is going to outsmart us by the new year.” Harry says as he’s reaching for his boyfriend’s free hand they make themselves known to Nate who's yelling down the stairs to the theatre room.

“Oh location found. C’mon GrandJay and AnneMa are snearching for you Papa. Can’t work fancy oven thing!” Nate puts his hands on his hips standing in front of them looking much older than four. GrandJay and AnneMa were what Nate started calling them during his birthday party. Anne start tearing up as she hugged him tight with love.

“He gets that stance from you, popped hip and all.” Laughing Harry moves them to reach out for Nate’s hand, the trio heads out of the mudroom towards where the voices are loud and cheerful, happiness is swimming around the room.

“What are we ever going to do with him?” Louis follows as Nate leads them into the kitchen where a disheveled looking Anne stands.

“Harry, thank goodness! I can’t figure out how to change this to bake.” Pointing at the extremely high tech oven Anne says.

“Sorry Mum. Got a bit distracted, I’m yours now.” His lips find Louis’ one last time before he’s smirking as he pulls away to help his Mum load the oven with pies. Louis pouts at him as he tugs down the end of his sweater fixing himself knowing he probably he’s a bit of mess from Harry’s wandering hands.

“You are the worst Harold.” Swatting at his boyfriend bum he goes to leave the room with Nate.

“You won’t be saying that later.” Harry calls out to the retreating figure grinning like mad.

“We’re done. I’m calling the wedding off.” Louis gives him a bum wiggle and a smile than he’s out of the room leaving Harry with both their Mum’s a looks on their faces.

“Baby, I know your house is huge and all but please don’t let us hear you later.” Anne blankly says setting the timer for twenty minutes.

“Oh God. That’s not what I meant! His present, that’s what I was-Oh nevermind.” Leaving the room with a kiss on each of his cheeks he heads towards the bar to pour himself a drink.

Much to tradition everyone is allowed to open one gift before they head to bed, Nate and the twins are by far the most excited. They go in age order from the youngest up, it’s how Louis’ family have always done it and it seems the Styles/Twist clan are not against that. A bin is passed around to collect the wrapping paper that’s been discarded, more drinks are poured by the adults and pictures are being taken left and right. Harry and Louis are currently snapchatting Niall for best drinking face.

“Can you excuse me for a sec love?” Louis waits for his boyfriends nod before disappearing up the stairs towards their bedroom. Going into his walk in closet he stands on his tip toes reach for a box that’s hidden behind some of his crap. He was going to wait but now seems like the most perfect time ever. When he reappears Nate and Harry are dancing in the living room to Jingle Bell Rock as the rest of the kids are playing with their new toys or joining in. He pulls his Mum aside.

“Can you pour enough flutes of champagne for all of us? I’ve got a gift to give Harry that I want done right.” Louis pulls a few bottles of the liquor out of the fridge as his Mum moves to grab the flutes off the china shelf.

“Of course I can. I’ll get the tray.” Jay places the serving tray on the counter, as Louis starts to add the flutes onto it. Popping the champagne as quietly as they can they fill all but three, the empty ones he fills with sparkling cider for Nate, Phoebe and Daisy. Entering the room now with a full tray of glasses Jay and himself hand them out to everyone who are still gathered in the living room.

“Carefully baby don’t want to spill your fancy juice.” Handing his son the glassware with caution Louis says. Jay puts aside the tray handing the last glass to her son who mimes one minute, exiting the room. When he comes back in he’s carrying a box, looking more like the ones you get clothing in.

“Can I have everyone’s attention!” Calling out to his family, someone turns the volume of the music down as all eyes, including Harry’s confused ones, are brought to him. “First thank you all for coming to celebrate the holidays with us, I know it means quite a lot to meself and Harry.” Louis moves closer to the boy he mentioned taking a few breaths before looking up at his boyfriend. “Second I would like to thank you Harry, for becoming one of the most important people in the world to me. I don’t think you have clue how much I truly love you.”

“I love you too baby.” Harry smiles wanting to cuddle around him but he stays where he is with the champagne reflected from the Christmas Tree lights.

“Right, thank you for that. Well, I know we agreed only one gift per person tonight but I have a little something for you that I honestly can’t wait till morning to give.” Handing the neatly wrapped box over he grins as he takes hold of Harry’s glass so the lad can unwrap it.

“No one but Nate knows what’s inside that box.” Louis adds to the suspense around the room as Nate carefully walks away from Gemma to stand by his Dad trying his hardest not to spill.

Harry keeps flicking his eyes up to me Louis’ who's wearing his favorite I’m so stupidly in love smile as he watches him tear the paper off, tossing it to the ground. Finding the corner he lifts the top of the box open adding that to the pile at his feet, pushing around the tissue paper till he finds his gift. He freezes, mouth drops open as he already starts to cry, pushing the box against his chest he takes the two steps to bury his face into Louis neck making himself as small as he can considering their size difference. Louis tries to wrap his arms around his boyfriend but he’s holding there glasses in each. He starts whispering into Harry’s ear instead.

“I hope you don’t mind the ambush. We want this if you want this. I love you Harry Styles.” Pressing kisses to his hair as he continues to sob, moving his hands to Louis waist and up his back scrunch his Christmas sweater in his fists.

“Yes. Yes I want this. I can’t believe it, this is the best Christmas present anyone has ever given me.” Peeling back to look his boyfriend in the eye with tear’s making there way down his gorgeous face, red lining the rims of his eye and a smile that Louis will never get tired of seeing. Quickly sealing their lips together Harry at the moment doesn’t care that they're standing in the middle of the room with both families watching patiently. Releasing Louis, he bends down to collect Nate into his arms securing him on his hip as he grabs the gift, letting the box drop to the ground. He liters Nate’s face with kisses before taking his glass back from Louis to raise.

“I’ve just been given one of the most precious and beautiful gifts I have and will ever receive.” Glancing back at Louis who's now moving to stand by his side with an arm wrapped around him. Looking back down at the packet his mind letting the words sink in. “Louis and Nate have asked me through official papers of London, to become Nathan’s legal guardian.” He breaks back into tears smiling as he turns to Louis again needing his affection right now.

“Oh Harry!” Anne’s cheering out following by everyone else who are all immediately on their feet moving towards them.

“Papa happy tears.” Nate wipes the streaks off Harry’s face as he lets him grinning as he does.

“Of course my wonderful boy, all the tears are happy.” Pressing a kiss to Nate’s head.

“I would like to make a toast.” Harry smiles out feeling on top of the world. Everyone raises their glasses up.

“To you Louis, I don’t ever think I could thank you enough for allowing me to love you and your son. For now letting me take this next step as a parent, and for letting our family be a family not only with the love we share but  now through the eyes of the law. I honestly don’t think you’ll ever understand what this stack of papers means to me. I’ve always went about our relationship with an open mind of how this was going to turn out, always allowing you to set the pace, specially with Nate. Even in my wildest dreams I never imagined you asking me to become Nate’s legal parent. I would have settled with being his Arreh’, even though to me it was never a settling point. The only doubts I ever had about us were the ones where I wasn’t sure if I was the right figure for Nate to have in his life. You know I would do anything for him and you. This just put whatever doubts I still had in the trash. I love you Louis Tomlinson, thank you.” They clink their glasses together never taking their eyes off of each other.

“Harry you have done nothing but brought happiness, joy and love to us since the day we met in Tesco’s. I knew right away there was something about you that no media source or google search could explain. I would be truly honored if you signed those papers and started the process of adopting our son. I’ve never been as happy as I am when you're in the picture, even when we fight, I know you’ll kiss me to let me know that you love me anyway. You are one of the biggest influences in Nate’s life, and one of the best. It was never second thought when I talked with my lawyer for these papers. I already know what an amazing parent you are, this was one of the easiest decision I’ve ever made. Even easier than inviting you to Nate’s birthday party last year. This is only the beginning of celebrations for us as a family. I too love you Harry Styles.” Louis cheers everyone again taking another sip of the bubbly drink.

“I talk now?” Nate pats Harry’s shoulder looking to Louis.

“Yes you can talk now. Go ahead hold your drink up like Papa and I did.” Prodding him a little Louis raises his glass watching as Nate does the same.

“Papa I love you. Thank you for lovin’ mine Daddy. Oh and me. Yes love me bestest. Best Papa ever. Thank you.” Nate looks over to Harry’s whose fighting back tears once more. “We clink now silly Papa.” Nate moves his hand over allowing Harry to clink their glasses.

“Thank you for loving me Nate. I love you oh so much.” Harry holds him tighter giving him a kiss to his lips.

“And Daddy.” Nate pats his lips before patting Louis’.

“Yes I’m incredible and stupidly in love with your Daddy.” Bending down he captures Louis lips with his.

“Mine happy family.” From between them Nate lets himself snuggle against them.

“Mum, can you take a picture for us?” Harry asks Anne as the three of them turn facing more front.

“Lemme just wipe these away love.” Louis reaches up using his sleeve to dry Harry’s eyes leaving a small peck in place.

“Alright smile boys.” The three of them cheese it up although there not fake in the slightest. Harry pecks Nate on the cheek. Nate’s finished his juice, Louis takes the glass away placing it where it won’t break on the table. Handing the adoption pack to him, Louis takes his own phone out to line up a shot of the two of them with Nate beaming as he flashes the papers before them.

“We need one of the two of us!” Harry puts Nate down to take his love’s hand bringing them together to pose nicely while Anne takes the photo on Harry’s phone.

“Time to spread the love!” Harry sings out pulling instagram up. The first one he posts is the one of all three of them with the caption, ‘ Happy Holidays from our family to yours!’.  When it’s posted, his feed refreshes and the first post isn’t his but Louis’.

‘T here are moments in life where you feel as though you’re on top of the world, for me this is one of them. We’ve never loved anyone the way we love you Harry. A Very Merry Christmas to everyone, I hope yours is as loving as mine!’

The caption reads to the photo of himself and Nate, the words of adoption are bold on the white paper being known to the world now that Harry is going to be his legal guardian.

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop crying.” Harry wipes his own tears away clicking the like button immediately. He quickly post the picture of the two of them.

‘I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out. I love you for the part of my soul that you’ve etched your name into. I love you, because you are you.’

After he uploads it he finds Louis now able to fully hug the boy that means everything to him.

“We’re the sappiest people in the world. My God Harry.” Someone has turned the music back on as Baby It’s Cold Outside plays through.

“May I have this dance Sir Sappypants Tomlinson?” Biting his lip as he grins Harry holds his hands out.

“I was wondering when you’d ask.” The rest of the night flows on as more drinks are drank, more cheers are hollered and more love is spilled through the rooms as the Styles and Tomlinson have themselves the Merriest of all Christmas’.

XXX

Harry gets all his paperwork filled out and submitted before he takes them on a holiday to Fiji. Feeling lighter than ever they lounge out on their last day of their ten day vacation, soaking in the sun as Nate builds sand castles around them with Niall. Niall had joined them for their last three days wanting to get a little color as well as take Nate off their hands for a few hour letting them have some alone time. It’s been an incredible holiday, knowing Harry’s going to be back and forth the next month before leaving for his Stadium tour. Harry insisted they take a family vacation, Louis had no bone in his body to say no to this slice of paradise. He was very glad to get out of the snowy, rainy weather of the UK, very happy to have picked up a tan while he’s been here. Shirtless most of the time no less.

While Niall has Nate, Harry brings Louis to a local tattoo shop.

“We’re getting inked?” Louis grins knowing neither of them have had anything new done in a while.

“Yeah, I figured we could commemorate everything that’s happened since I’ve been home. Moving in together, filling out adoption papers, taking this trip as a family.  It’s been incredible, didn’t imagine all that happening so fast. Love it.” Walking up to the counter to meet the girl whose mending the front desk.

“Hello guys. Thinking of getting a tattoo today?” She offers friendly enough where Louis relaxes more. They’ve kept a low profile the last two weeks wanting time just with each other and not outside forces. They haven’t ran into any of Harry’s fans yet, Louis hoping this is one of those as well.

“We are. Not sure exactly what we want to get. Do we?” Louis turns to his boyfriend.

“Well I was going to get two. One with you and another one. We can figure out what we want as a couple tattoo while I get the first one.” Harry offers signing his name into the register book, followed by Louis.

“That sounds like a plan, if I knew we were coming here I could have thought ahead.” Louis sings out as Harry smiles down at him before kissing him to shut up.

“Effective Styles.” Louis mutters as he pulls away focusing back on the task at hand, couple tattoos.  

“I know, I have my ways.” He shrugs looking too smug for Louis liking.

“What are you getting done first?” The girl, Kheayh asks.

“I’m actually in the process of adopting my son so I wanted to get a little something for him right about here.” Harry informs here using his hand to point at his forearm. He tilts toward Louis wanting to make sure its okay.

“How sweet! Come to the back with me we can discuss and draw up what you want.” Harry nodded turning to leave but Louis stops him.

“You never stop amazing me.” He seals his words with a kiss before he pushes Harry toward where the girl went.

XXX

As they exit the terminal they get bombarded, word was out after Harry disappeared for ten days that he was in fact on holiday. Camera’s are flashing, things are being yelled. Nate’s actually shaking when Harry passes him to Louis.

“Take security with you and go to the car. I’ll be there in a few, I don’t want him getting hurt.” Harry leans to press kisses to each one of their foreheads and ushers them away with Paul and two other of their team. Niall stays with him as they sign a few autographs, wanting to make sure that Louis and Nate are safely in the car. They say goodbye to their fans and the two of them make their way to the van Niall following right behind him as they shut the door.

“I’m so sorry about that little man.” Harry apologizes feeling bad at the reaction of that many people mobbing them.

“S’kay Papa. Nice fans no booboos.” Wiggling off of his Dad’s lap he climbs into Harry’s snuggling against his chest.

“Well they thank you for letting me smile for them. How’d you get to be so kind?” Cuddling the four year older closer to him, the London air is definitely not as soothing as the warming sun back in Fiji.

“Daddy taught me manners matter. I have to share me Papa with others.” Nate nods as he dozes off feeling the jet lag set in his little body.

“Your Daddy is the best person I know.” Harry whispers it to him as he flicks his eyes up to look a Louis who's already looking at him.

“Love me Daddy. Love me Papa.” Letting out a little breaths Harry has had him fall asleep on him enough to know he’s out.

“I’m so gone for him.” Niall breaks their stare down grinning as he leans over from next to Harry to press a kiss into Nate’s hair.

“Join the club.” Harry grins as he blows a kiss to his boyfriend.

“I think the fans have their own fandom for Nate. I was on twitter the other day and I came across an account dedicated to him, instagram too. Fans are nuts about him. I see posts all the time saying how much they love Nate.” Niall shakes his head biting his nails while he pulls out his phone.

“Very grateful for that, quite odd bringing him into all of this. I understand the want to investigate who were dating and what not but I mean to go so in depth over a four year old. Who really knew what was going to happen when we took this step so publicly about the adoption.” Harry says keeping his voice down enough to not jostle Nate’s sleeping form.

“I think it was the best thing to have done, they do love knowing what’s going on in your personal life and this way they have an idea that it’s happening. Not randomly logging on to see your an official legal father. You know they have been more than accepting ever since myself and Nate popped into your life. I like that there still respectable with it, not crossing any lines.” Louis lowers his voice as well.

“Yeah, they all love him. Pretty damn hard not too.” Harry smiles before looking down at his son.

XXX

Rehearsals for the upcoming tour start up right away after Niall and Harry both touch down in London. Two days before Harry’s twentieth birthday Louis is folding the clean laundry to put away as he chats with Anne.

“I can’t believe in two days my baby is going to be engaged!” Anne cries over the phone.

“He has to say yes first.” Louis nervous folds Nate’s jeans adding them to his pile that’s mapped out on the couch.

“Oh please, we all know he’s going to say yes. I’d proper disown him if he doesn’t.” Anne scoffs, he can hear Robin calling him crazy in the back ground.

“A man has to be kept on his toes. I’m sure Robin was feeling rather queasy when he asked you.” Louis smiles a little as he folds Harry’s grey shirt. He can hear Anne switch to speakerphone, Robin’s voice fully coming across.

“You bet your arse I was! It helped that I had Harry and Gemma’s blessings.” Robin tells him.

“Well would you like at that, I’ve already gotten his parent’s blessing. Taped even, Stan is going to hook it up to play the video of me asking you both and Anne crying.” Louis laughs folding a pair of Harry’s black socks together.

“Make fun all you want. I’m sure Harry will cry when you ask him. I’m very excited for the surprise party the following day. Your Mum and I are going to the spa in the morning.” Anne cheers on taking the phone back off speaker.

“Could be worse fate having our Mum’s get along. Spa days sounds lovely.” He grins loving the fact that the two of them are so close that.

“It will be a marvelous time, we’ll have our own celebratory champagne drinking spa day once we get the call.” Anne hums out happily.

“Ah yes, of course of course. You’ll be the first call our dear Harold makes. I’ll have the tissue and chocolate strawberries ready on hand.” Louis puts the now folded clothes back into his basket to carry upstairs.

“What a romantic. He’s going to love it, I’m incredibly happy he’s found you Lou.” Anne voice gets tender and soft.

“I’m the luckiest man in the whole beautiful world. You have the most amazing son.” Louis climbs the stairs as he keeps his emotions in check.

“I can say the same for you darling. Thank you for bringing even more joy to us.” Anne gently says fighting back her own set of fresh tears.

“I know you weren’t expecting to be called Grandma anytime soon but I wouldn’t want anyone else being his AnneMa. You are the perfect Grandma, the one that makes me feel like when I was his age with my Nan, when I look at the two of you together. I honestly couldn’t pick a more loving and perfect family to marry into. I love your son and I love all of you as well.” Louis gives up on containing his emotions and allows a few tears to sneak out. Sue him.

“Oh Louis. It’s been a real blessing and pleasure getting to know you and your family. A true honor for me to be allowed that title in Nate’s life. Thank you. We all love you and Nate beyond infinity. Your Mum and I have already begun the wedding planning!” He hears her sniffle a bit probably feel the exact same thing he is right now.

“Oh boy! He hasn’t even said yes yet!” Laughing as he opens Harry’s sock drawer filling it back up with the freshly clean ones.

“No doubt in my mind he will. I’ll let you go dear, I know you have last minute things to get ready. Can’t wait to hear from you! Next time we speak you’ll be my almost son-in-law!” With kisses through the phone and finally goodbyes Louis hangs up. Harry’s not due for another hour and Nate’s over at Doug’s house for a play date. Finishing with putting the laundry away, he head back into his and Harry’s room towards his night stand. Pulling out his fake glasses box he pops it open to grab the small black velvet box. Staring down at it he rubs the top of it feeling the softness on his fingertips. Flipping it open he can’t help the smile on his face when he see’s the ring. The ring that is just so Harry. Grinning he rubs his finger along the three rows of shimmering channel-set diamonds that catch the eye, the ring itself is 10k rose gold band. At first he thought it might be weird since it’s going to be rose gold but after playing around with it, slipping it on and off his fourth finger he knew exactly that the odd color band was simply Harry. To compliment it he ordered himself one much simpler, he’s not so much a diamond man, he nixed the diamonds for a 14k white gold with a center ribbon or rose gold going around it. The were perfect. Grinning he gives Harry’s a kiss before he tucks it away smiling at the fact the their two rings sit hidden in his nightstand.

“Two days.” He says at himself putting everything back together and leaves his room to start on dinner.

XXX

It’s probably the best dream he’s had in a while, can feel the fire in his stomach as he envisions the blowjob he’s getting from dream Louis. He’s just as good as the real thing, he can feel the heat on his prick. Can’t help but moan out in his sleep, the pressures getting greater, he doesn’t think he’ll be able to stop. His subconscious is hollering at him with flashing warning signs that he’s about to cum, in his sleep no less. God, Louis’ going to make fun of him for that.

But fuck it feels so real.

Gulping for some air, he feels like he’s choking, can’t catch his breath the feeling for pleasure is too strong. He can feel himself slowly waking up and uses this to move his hand as much as he can towards his dick.

He realize when he tries wrapping a hand around himself that there is currently something attached to him. That wakes him up. Blinking his eyes open trying to gain sense of what’s going on, he looks down to find Louis going to town blowing him.

“Fuck baby!” Groaning out he twist his fist into his boyfriend's hair. Louis picks up the speed of his bob’s not missing a beat as he brings Harry closer and closer.

“Shit! My God! Imma cum! Lou! I can’t!” Pinching his toes into the sheets he closes his eyes knowing he’s seconds away from his orgasim. Louis’ only response is to flick his tongue around twisting as he slides his mouth all the way down Harry’s length.

“Babe, babe, babe, fu-ck. Louis!” Harry yells a little too loud but cums harder than he can remember. Reopening his eyes he watches as Louis grins at him crawling up his body to come face to face.

“I don’t think you’ve been this vocal since Liam watched Nate three weeks ago.” Louis comments dragging his lips up the side of Harry’s neck.

“I thought it was a dream. Fuck, that was the best morning blowie I’ve ever had.” Still trying to steady his breath Harry says wrapping his arms around Louis to tug down, pressing their naked chests together.

“I figure the birthday boy should wake up to something exciting.” Louis moves his head up from his boyfriend’s neck to find his lips.

“That’s up there on the best ways to wake up” Grinning he doesn’t let up going at Louis mouth with drive.

“Happy Birthday beautiful.” Louis breaks the snog off staring into those emerald green eyes.

“Thank you m’dear. Oh and thank you oh so much for that fantastic head. Seriously what an eye opener.” Harry giggles at Louis look of horror.

“That was the worst pun I’ve ever heard.” Saying in an appalled voice as he shakes his head. “There is no way you have turned twenty. Whose this teen below me?”  

“Heey! I’m no longer a teen! The age gap is back to five years.” Harry grins adjust his legs to flop on top of Louis’ calves.

“Right that whole month of six years was a bit odd. Good thing the cops didn’t come to arrest me.” Laying his head onto Harry’s chest he sighs, listening to his love’s heartbeat.

“One or two more years would have been right creepy. Five years isn’t so bad, it won’t even matter come twenty years.” Shrugging the best he can while he’s covering in a Louis’ Harry says.

“Right twenty years from now you’ll still be making absolutely horrid puns at me.” Pinching at Harry’s waist Louis comments pressing a kiss to his chest to show how much he actually loves his puns.

“Oh we’re going to play it that way? Well just think in twenty years, Nate will be a year younger than you are right now. Hows that for horrid.” Harry feels Louis’ body tense up, looking down he finds Louis eyes that look panicked.

“Don’t you even start! My baby turned four like yesterday, I don’t need this talk from you. C’mon let’s go wake the monster, he’s been dying to give you the card he made since last week.” Pushing himself up off Harry’s very attractive and very naked body he gets off the bed, walking over to grab briefs for both of them.

“He made me card!” Harry’s face lights up as Louis approaches him with the clean briefs.

“I think there's multiple. He was extremely excited to color for his Papa.” Picking the joggers up off the floor he throws it at Harry’s face that looks way too cute at this hour.

“What are we still doing in here than? I have cards to get!” Sliding the briefs on first he hops up stepping into each pant leg.

“Cause you’re a slow poke.” Louis’ already got his on grabbing for a t shirt to slip on.

“You’ve got one hell of a mouth on you Tomlinson.” Harry smacks his bum as he runs by to open the door.

“You haven’t seen anything yet.” He smirks walking through the now open door heading towards his son’s room.

XXX

“Alright my love I’ll see you in an hour or so.” Harry pressed his lips against Louis, gripping him by his hip.

“Have a good time with the lads. Be prepared for your present when you get back.” Biting at Harry’s bottom lip Louis says.

“If you don’t stop I’m not going to be able to leave. We haven’t exactly finished what you started this morning.” Harry moves his left hand to hold his boyfriends chin in place as he slowly licks into his mouth.

“I guess we’ll have to drag him out by his hair, yea?” Niall sneaks an arm between the two of them pulling Harry back with him.

“What a romantic Niall. To think you used to be my favorite.” Louis shrugs as Nate comes walking in dragging his feet a bit, still waking himself up from his nap.

“Hi Daddy.” Rubbing his eye with his fist he leans against Louis leg for support.

“Hello my love. Sleep well?” Louis’ voice gets tender as he smiles down at his son, pushing the frazzled hair away from his forehead.

“Oh yes. Relaxed.” Nate nods into Louis thigh.

“I’m very glad. We have a bunch of fun things planned for Papa, don’t we?” Questioning his boy he looks back up to give Harry a mischievous grin.

“Super prepared. Ready for fun.” Nate leaves his leg to head over to Harry who kneels down opening his arms for a hug, burying his head into Harry’s neck.

“I can’t wait to come home and celebrate with. Niall won’t tell me where I’m going but I’ll be home as soon as I can. Love you be good for Daddy.” Patting his little bum gently Harry waits for Nate to pull away from the hug first. He starts to but stops looking up to him.

“Happy Birthday Papa!” Nate smiles as he gives Harry a kiss on the mouth.

“Oh thank you little man. I get mouth kissey yay!” Harry attacked his face with kisses all over.

“Papa stop!” Nate laughs out stirring in his arms trying to get himself away.

“Nope it’s my day. I say kisses all day, all over!” Harry pulls him into his chest as he stands up off the floor, going for more kisses as he tickles him.

“Papa! Daddy help!” Nate squeals out kicking his feet at Harry’s stomach trying to get out of the tickles.

“I can’t interfere with the birthday boy. Sorry baby you’ll have to endure Papa’s magic fingers a bit longer.” Louis bits his lip as Harry’s head snaps up from the fingers comment. He stops his tickling not really wanting to think about the context of Louis words while holding his son.

“I’ll get you later.” Harry points to his boyfriend while place Nate back on the ground.

“Oh I’m sure you will. Go on now, you have people to see and Niall’s been waiting so patiently.” Niall simply shakes his head at the two of them.

“Can’t even turn it off for a few minutes.” He leans down to say goodbye to Nate at the same time Louis and Harry share their last kiss before leaving out the front door.

XXX

As he’s being lead into a room, he guessed since they’ve blindfolded him and he’s being dragged by Niall of all people to guide him, he tries his hardest to listen for any clues to where they might be. He feels himself being let go by Niall he immediately shoots his hands out trying to grasp onto anything that makes him feel a little bit better about the fact that he’s blinded and now his mate’s left him.

“Uh lads?” Harry’s hands go up to his head grabbing at the blindfold to peel off. He’s met with darkness but he can hear shuffling around since he’s senses are heightened. He’s still blinking at the dark trying to make out anything he can see moving forward and in circles to see if he can touch anything. The lights fly on and he’s met with screams.

“Surprise!” Is shouted at him while he stands in the new BBC Radio 1 studio.

Grabbing at his chest he takes a few moments to collect himself before he’s smiling at them running over to smack Niall before pulling him into a hug.

“I hate you! Gave me a right stroke you arse!” Pulling Liam and Zayn for hugs in next he turned to face his friends from the radio station. He knows it’s Greg James’ segment buy their entire team is there standing behind a cake and they’re in front of a handmade banner with Harry’s name on it. He goes down the line thanking them all with hugs and kisses to the check. When he gets to Grimmy, the man might hold on a bit tighter than the rest but Harry doesn’t think anything of except they haven’t hung out in a while.

“My face is on that cake.” Harry points out breaking contact to tug his phone out of his pocket and snap a picture instagramming it with a thank you message. He gets sung to, really, absolutely one hundred percent awfully. His own band mates purposely singing off key. A smile of embarrassment and joy is glued to his face as he closes his eyes to blow out his candles.

There cut off by Greg who pulls Harry with him towards the booth grabbing to sets of headphones by the mics. “I hope everyone’s having a tremendous day, I know I certain birthday boy popstar is and he gas dropped into the studio. Happy birthday Harry!” Greg cheers into the microphone.

“Hello people of England! It is incredible kind of you Sir Greg. I honestly love the cake with my face on it. I’m sure once I hit the fancy track button we’ll go grab a slice. Have a wonderful first of the month!” Pressing the next track after Greg announces the song the two of them join back with everyone else who have started handing out cake.

“Since it’s on company time and we’re getting paid for this, jello shots all around for dear Harry’s twentieth birthday!” Aimee pushes a chart out filled with various plastic shot glasses already filled, there has to be at least a hundred he thinks as he shakes his head.

“I can’t drink.” He turns it down as he passes it to Niall who gladly accepts it.

“I know you didn’t drive here, you were blindfolded.” Nick takes one as well, the rest of the crew tossing them back. Even Liam is grinning as he picks up a second one.

“It’s your birthday Haz! The hubby will understand if you a few jello shots.” Niall points out grabbing two blue ones handing them both to Harry.

“Only a couple.” He says sternly squeezing the plastic cup to squish the jello to get ready. “Lou and Nate said they has something planned. I can’t be tipsy for that.”

“Cheers to that!” Niall rises his shot along with everyone else downing it.

“To think we’ve known you since you were sixteen and a cheeky lad.” Liam grabs four in his hand to pass out to each of them.

“Those were the days.” Harry laughs eating down the delicious very potent jello shot. Looking around at everyone having a lovely chat while they eat their way through the jello shooters. He has amazing friends, grinning as Zayn slips an arm around him smiling back at him while they prepare the next shot.

XXX

Although he hasn’t heard anything from Harry yet, besides the instagram cake photo about five hours ago, he’s not bothered at all. Happy and pleased that Harry’s friends went out of their way to plan something for him. He’s pulling the baked sea bass from the oven setting it on to the cooling cork, stirring the green beans once he closes the oven door with his foot. The potatoes are mashed melting the butter and garlic sauce perfectly in the crock pot, one of Harry’s favorites recipes Louis can make perfectly. Inhaling the smell of the lemon pepper seasoning he added he grins taking a knife to the middle slicing it to check the inside. Nodding he turns the oven off and grabs the tin foil from the draw to cover over the fish till it’s ready to be served. Lowering the simmer on the green beans pan, he moves to his right opening up the cabinet to reach for Harry’s good china. Louis finishes up with setting the table when Nate comes down in his suit with the bow tie in his hand.

“Daddy, I can’t do. Help please.” Nate holds it out for him, Louis quickly crosses back over into the kitchen moving down to his knees to get to Nate’s level.

“Of course I can help.” Louis grins as he does up the bowtie quickly smiling once it’s finished he leans in pressing a kiss to Nate’s cheek. “You look very handsome.”

“Thanks Daddy. You get dressed now.” Nate pats his face as he walks away from Louis to where Spiderman is curled up on the windowsill.

“I’ll be a few minutes, if you see smoke coming from the stove yell as you come and get me, got it?” Louis turns the knob to a one instead not wanting to risk anything.

“I smart, I got it.” Nate waves him off as he picks up the string to mouse for Spiderman to chase him with.

Louis enters the kitchen now fully dressed in his suit fixing the cufflinks as he makes his way to the stove grabbing the wooden spoon to push them around getting all the sides coated. Nate’s running around the family room with the cat and that brings a smile to his face. Entering in the dining room he’s got the table set with candles, the china shining from the chandelier above them, two identical boxes and one a bit longer in length sitting next to a bouquet of white and red roses. Nate knows what’s going on, after Louis had asked Anne, Robin and Des for Harry’s hand he made sure to also ask Nate. Louis knows he’s not the only excited one right now, they had rehearsed after Harry left. How they would both kneel down on one knee before him, Nate had picked out a necklace for Harry with a ‘N’ on it to give to him as well, having his own ‘P’ hanging around his neck now. The Tomlinson boys were ready to ask Harry Styles to marry them.

Checking his phone he realized it was ten to seven, on nights they both didn’t work they always had dinner on the table by seven. Starting to get a little nervous he unlocked his phone, pulling up his favorite list and clicking Harry’s name. It rings, and rings, and rings till it hits voice mail.

“Hey Haz, um. I was wondering what time you’d be home. Call me back when you get this.” Louis bites his bottom lip playing with it between his teeth while he stares down at his phone.

“Dinner time?” Nate’s pulling at his thoughts from entering bad theories.

“Not yet baby. Papa’s running a little late tonight.” Louis plays with the phone in his hand trying to not show that he’s worried.

“He coming home soon?” Nate questions walking towards the dining room he asks.

“I’m not sure buddy. If he doesn’t come home in ten minutes we’ll eat, okay?” Louis figures he doesn’t want to hold back his son from getting his dinner. He starts to cut the fish, plating some on all three, following that he does the green beans and homemade mash. By the time he has everything brought to the table those ten minutes have gone by and nothing from Harry. Sighing he sits across from Nate at the table giving him the best grin he can.

“Papa’s stuck at work.” Louis manages to collect all his thoughts and emotions.

“No proposing?” Nate questions picking him his fork to dig into the mashed potatoes.

“Maybe when he gets home yeah? Something’s going on if he’s not by his phone.” He has no appetite anymore, can’t stomach not knowing what’s going on with Harry. If plans had changed he always sent Louis a text letting him now. The silence coming from his boyfriend is frightening him. Nate’s looking up to him so he lifts his fork to his mouth taking the bite.

“Do you think Papa will like his letter?” Nate asks as he plays with the hanging letter from his neck.

“I think he’ll love it, specially since you gave it to him. He loves you more than anything you know.” Louis says to make sure Nate knows.

“Thanks Daddy. I love you more, too.” Grinning around his green beans Nate says.

“I love you the mostest. You are the most important thing in the world to me.” His phone starts vibrating on the table, flashing with Harry’s name.

Abruptly he stands up from the table grabbing the phone to head into the kitchen. “Nate I’ll be right back.” Waiting for a nod he moves to swipe answering the phone heart racing as he raises it to his ear. “Are you okay?” He rushes out as soon as he answer heart pounding in his chest, closing his eyes to expect the worst.

“Louie! Baby!” He slurs out the endings making them rhyme as he laughs at himself.

It startles him a bit, hearing Harry’s words like this. He takes a few deep breaths first before answering back.

“Harry. You alright?” Calmly as he can he questions leaning against the island.

“I am wonderful! The wonderfullest! I think I lost Leemo. Liam!” Harry shouts into the phone and it hits Louis hard.

“Are you drunk?”

“Shhh! I think I might be. S’its my birthday!” Harry hiccuped through the birthday part but you can hear his smile.

“I know it is. I guess you’re not coming home for the dinner I worked on for hours? I’ll tell Nate that Papa’s not here for him to give you his gift because he’s out drunk.” There's no bite in his words, Harry knows that they had plans tonight.

“Baby turn that frown around! I’ll be home in, mm, fifteen minutes! I’ll find Li by the time the car comes! Can we have cake too? Nick made me one, ate half of it meself.” Giggling at himself Harry slurs out.

“You know what, don’t bother coming home. I don’t want you around my son.” Louis hangs up the phone dropping it on the counter heading back into the dining room where Nate’s plate is almost empty.

“Do you want more to eat?” He sits across from his son, reaching for the bottle of champagne.

“No, I’m full. Thank you.” Nate finishes the last strands of green beans on his plate. “Papa still working?” Nate questions between bites.

“Yeah. He said not to wait up, something about trying to find Uncle Liam. Rehearsal and what not.” He absolutely hates lying to Nate, but he thinks the alternative would kill Nate.

“Oh. We propose tomorrow?” Nate looks at him eagerly, he almost looks anxiously like that Harry’s not there because of him.

“Yeah. He sends his love to you, says he’ll see his big man in the morning. C’mon let’s get you in the tub.” Louis leaves the bottle of champagne on the table knowing he’ll come back to it.

XXX

Entering back into the kitchen he picks his phone up, it’s flooded with missed calls for Harry and texts, ignoring them all he stuffs it into his pocket. Picking up the plate of fish he walks over to the garbage dropping it in. He does it for everything he cooked anger building as each dishes he tosses out piles into the trash. Stomping into dining room, he grabs the bottle quickly popping it open and drinks from the lip. Bitterly he takes the dishes off the table, putting them into the dishwasher. When the tables cleaned he goes next to the flowers, a symbol of love roses are supposed to mean. He whacks them over the trash watching as the flower’s break off floating tragically down to the floor. Wipe his tears on his sleeve he chokes down a sob, grabbing for the next bouquet adding to the mess on the floor. Harry’s never done anything like this to him, he doesn’t know why he’s overreacting but it hurts. Knowing Harry was out getting drunk all day while he was cooking him dinner followed up by a proposal, it’s heartbreaking. Of all days for Harry to act his age, today was not supposed to be like this. Tears were expected, not like this matter. He leaves the ring boxes on the table, not even caring what happens to them. Taking the open bottle of champagne he walks over to the fridge grabbing a second one. He’d rather do this drunk if he is going to survive going to bed tonight, it was supposed to be romantic. He’s reminded of everything he planned for the two of them by the rose petal heart covering their bed. Snorting to himself he flops down on the bed still in his suit. It was supposed their night, he should have been engaged at this point. Why would Harry drink during the day like this? Louis get its, that he wants to go drinking with his friends, that’s not the problem. The problem is that he’s blown off the plans they had, Nate got built up with excitement and it’s been put to the side. Regardless if he was proposing or not, Harry knows better to make plans with Nate and break them. He’s not okay with that. Gulping down the champagne Louis places it on the nightstand and strips himself down to his briefs, the ones Harry bought him with the little heart candies reading ‘Be Mine’. It’s so ironic he thinks as he tucks himself in staring down at the rose petals now scattered over the comforter. Immediately he reaches for the bottle bringing it to him mouth. Wondering if Harry will come home anyway, he knows what time Nate goes to bed usually, will he come back even after Louis said not to? Sitting back he tilts his head back chugging down a few gulps of bubbly. Turning the TV he changes the channel to E!, he knows their eleven o’clock update is coming up. He’ll drink till than.

He’s about to pop the second bottle when he hears Harry’s name come from the interviewers mouth, his head whips up causing him to get a rush.

‘-spotted out and about today in London celebrating his twentieth birthday with band mates Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan plus Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw. The birthday boy was caught on camera stumbling out of BBC’s studio and spoke to paparazzi about how much he enjoyed jello shots. There was no sign of boyfriend Louis Tomlinson nor his son Nathan. Styles is currently in the process of legal adoption the four year old. You actually forget that he’s only twenty with the way he is with his boyfriend and son. Seems like every once in a while Harry shakes those curls out to have a little fun and get into some mischief. We wish him a very happy twentieth birthday!’

He gets the bottle opened finally after his hands shake a bit, he’s so pissed Grimshaw’s involved in this whole thing. He knows he’s the reason Harry got as plastered as he is. Now he wants to know where Harry is. Taking a gulp that fills his cheeks he swallows as he finds his phone in the sheets. Finally reading the texts Harry sent him.

Harold: BbAby! Whyd ya hang up???

Harold: M sorry!

Harold: I did nt men to be drink.

Harold: You wont pik up!!!

Harold:Lou! PLease!

Harold: Sorry! Baby im sooooo sorry.

Harold: cna i please come home?

Harold: no?

Harold: =[

Harold: I dnt fell good

Harold: k last try

Harold: honey!

Harold: i love youu

Harold: i guess ill cll you inda mornin

Harold: Im stayin at llamas incase of anything.

Harold: did I dunt rememember sayin I love you.

Harold: I do.

Harold: fck i dunt wanna go to sleep here. My head hurts.

Harold: okay. nite nite my love.

He starts crying on spot, he should be the one tucking a very drunk Harry into bed right now. Harry gets extra cuddly when he’s been drinking, always wants Louis to be the big spoon. Mumbling the sweetest things to him, about how much he loves him, and how Louis’ the best care taker, how much he’s grateful to be in the arms of someone so wonderful. He hates himself right now but hates Harry even more for making him feel like this is his fault. Least he knows he’s not hanging over that fucker right now, instead he’s at Liam’s or at least he thinks thats what llama meant. Louis’ not going to be the one to crack, Harry’s at fault. Bottle to face he drinks down the bottle getting through half before feeling like he’s about to puke. Placing it on the bedside table he lays down cuddled around his phone staring at the picture of Harry, Nate and himself that’s facing him. His phone beeps and he moves it in front of his face, vision blurred a bit. It’s from his Mum, in the group message between himself, Anne and Jay.

Group MMS

To: Mum-In-Law, Mummy

Mummy: Haven’t heard from you yet. I take it it went better than well?

He’s about to answer when there is the bubble with three dots, he’s waiting to see what else she’s written. Would they have seen the pictures of Harry drunk?

Mum-In-Law: I’m taking it as Harry couldn’t contain himself to give you a chance to text us! =D

Louis: Party’s off.

The response is immediate.

Mum-In-Law: What!!! There is no way he said no!

Mummy: What happened? I agree with Anne!

Louis: Didn’t even ask.

Mum-In-Law: Is he okay?! Louis love you’re scaring me…

Louis: He got drunk with the lads and fooking grimshaw. Called me after 7 pissed out of his mind. When he left to go with the lads to the studio it was half noon. Six hours of silence for a drunk phone call. Told him not to come home.

Mummy: I understand you’re upset but are you being too hard on him?

Louis: Too hard? How about having to lie to my son where his Papa was? I don’t lie to him. Ever. And today I did. Do you know what his face would have looked like if I told him that Harry blew him off to booze up? He was so excited to help me propose. I think I have every right to be hard on him. Did he expect to just stumble in drunk in front of Nate? I can’t have that around my kid.

Mummy: Louis take a few deep breaths. I’m not saying you’re wrong okay? I think you need to be considering about it coming from him. He’s 20. Yes, he's very mature for his age but he’s still 20. You aren’t perfect either love. He’s done the very best he can being there for you and Nate. You can’t forget that he’s still growing up himself. If this one incident is making you rethinking your relationship with Harry then I’ll tell you now you have much bigger problems ahead of you.

Louis: Seriously Mum? He knew about dinner, he knew we had plans. Nate told him he had gifts for him. He completely blew us off for what? To get drunk in the middle of the day. I see where we lay perfectly clear. I have every right to be pissed off at him. I may not be perfect but I have never gotten drunk and tried to be around Nate after. Maybe this whole thing is too much right now. I’m sure the agency is going to love the pictures of him splashed everywhere stumbling through public before dinner time.

Mum-In-Law: I think you need to listen to your Mum. You went through a lot of emotions today and I’m sure by your texting you’re not the soberist person either. I know for a fact Harry loves you and Nate more than anything in this world. I’m not using his age as an excuse but I agree also that he’s still growing. He had to grow up fast being in the position he is. You’re always the first update he gives me when he calls, you and Nate. He wasn’t in care for Nate taking him around to the pubs. He’s young, he’s going to make stupid mistakes. Don’t decided everything based on this one thing. Get some sleep and figure things out in the morning. It’s not as bad as it seems love.

Louis: He;s not the only one who grew up fast. I was his age already with a baby, but I did what I had to do to be there for him. If he doesn’t want this he should say something because I refuse to put Nate through this pain when he leaves. It was too much to ask a 19 to be a father. I fucked up. He’s going to resent me, and then he’ll leave and Nate will be the one who gets hurt the most. Like you’ve both said, he’s still young.

Mummy: Harry is not your father Louis. Is that what this is about?

Louis: Not everything is about that fucker.

Mummy: Do you need me to come over and wash your mouth out? Go to sleep. Before you start saying things you’re going to regret. If you need to call me and chat I’ll answer. We both know this is not about Harry missing dinner, don’t punish him and everything he’s done to show you how much you mean to him because of someone that doesn’t matter. He’s not Troy.

Mum-In-Law: He won’t leave you, Louis. I know my son. There will be no resentment, no ones getting hurt. You didn’t mess anything up and neither did he. He’s not going to abandoned Nate, even if something were to happen and you two split. He’s not leaving Nate, ever.

Louis: I want to believe you. Right now I can’t.

Mum-In-Law: Get some sleep my dear son in law. Tomorrow everything will be sorted, and he’ll be back with you.

Louis: I can’t. He’s not next to me. I’m always the big spoon when he’s drunk. Why did I tell him not to come home??

Mummy: I’ll call you in a few minutes, try and relax until I do.

Mum-In-Law: I’m sure he’s having the same problem as you right now. On tour he uses that giant stuffed bear you won him, has to sleep cuddled up with it. Try using his pillow.

Reaching for Harry’s pillow, he pulls it into his chest inhaling his boyfriend’s scent. It calms him a bit, still aching for the really thing but that’s sorta his fault.

Louis: I think I’m okay for tonight. Thank you for dealing with me, I’ll talk to you in the morning. I love you both so very much<3

With that he buries his face into the pillow and closes his eyes, hoping tomorrow will go over a lot better.

XXX

It’s like he’s sneaking into his own house, but he’s not. Closing the door silently he passes by the kitchen to head to the stairs but stops when he see’s the disassembles roses laying on the floor by the bin. That makes his heart hurt more than his head as he picks up one of the few unbroken ones, twirling it in his fingers while he climbs up the stairs heading towards their room. He’s not sure if he should knock or just enter, it’s his room but he was the one who was told not to come home. Pushing the door open his eyes automatically find Louis tiny sleeping form curled around his pillow. Taking in the room he sees the suit discarded on the ground and the bottles of champagne on the night stand. Shit. Creeping over he kicks off his shoes, pulling his jeans down quickly, the shirt joins the pile he’s created on the floor. Ignoring the entire right side of the bed he crawls over to where his boyfriend is clutching his pillow, removes is gently tucking himself where it had been. Obviously Louis stirs behind him, the shape of a pillow is much different than Harry himself but he holds his breath wanting a little time to be like this before the fighting starts, he knows it’s coming. He feels Louis lips on his bare shoulder, pressing kisses against it.

“Missed you.” Louis mumbles out still half asleep as he pulls Harry closer to him, snuggling him in with his arm around him, hand tucked into the band of Harry’s briefs. It’s completely normal for them.

“Missed you too. It was hell not sleeping with you.” Pressing back as far as he can closing his eyes again Harry says.

“Mmm. Let’s get another hour in before we start yeah?” Harry doesn’t answer giving him a silent one. The allow themselves to fall about asleep feeling much better than when they were separated.

XXX

Harry grunts a bit feeling himself being pulled from his sleep from something moving, trying to ignore it he tries burying his face into the pillow but when he does he’s met with hair in his mouth. Grumpily opening his eyes he looks down to see Nate pulling the blanket back up to where he’s tucked himself in to Harry’s chest. It makes him smile as he drapes an arm across Nate, pulling him in by his arm to lean down kissing his cheek.

“Hi Papa.” Nate smiles up at him, his hair is all over the place and his front tooth is missing.

“Morning baby. Did you sleep well?” Harry asks wondering what Louis told him about his absence the night before.

“Oh yes. No goodnight kisseys from you.” Nate turns in his arms to cuddle into his chest.

“I know, I’m very sorry about that. I’ll give you extra tonight, yeah? How about some right now?” He leans down to give Nate fish kisses against his lips.

“Thanks Papa. All better now. Love you.” Nate lets out a sigh like the weight has been lifted off his little shoulders.

“I love you too. I’m sorry I didn’t call you either. I love your goodnight love you’s.” Harry tells him hand on his little back.

“It’s otay. Daddy said you were workin’.” Nate starts to trace the line of Harry’s sparrow on his chest.

“Right. I’m here now and I’ll make up missing dinner and night time kisses, missed my boys.” The little finger is tickling more than it should but he stays still letting Nate follow the lines, Louis still asleep behind him.

“Papa why do you and Daddy have tons of toos?” He’s moved on to the black heart he’s go on his upper arm.

“They're like little memories. Each one has a story that when we look down we can remember them. The heart is one that matches Uncle Zayn, we got them together on tour.” Harry explains in the best way he can.

“Like books?” Nate questions moving down his arm to trace the newly inked anchor on his wrist.

“Yeah like books. Except all the pages are stored in my head.” Smiling down at Nate tracing one of the most important tattoos he has.

“Daddy has tons of books too.” Nate moves his little hand to outline the bird on Louis arm, that’s still draped across Harry.

“He does, that’s why we get along. We have all these little stories that make us who we are, Daddy and I loved finding out what the books are about. We got two together, to link our books.” Harry wraps his hand around Nate’s and helps him trace over the rope on Louis’ wrist. Nate grabs Harry’s arm to turn it a bit tracing over the golden airplane wings he had done on vacation.

“Mine.” Nate whispers bringing his lips down to kiss the tattoo.

“Yeah that’s for you. It’s going to be the first of many, I’ve already got the next one planned. You’re going to have like your own shelf right here.” He points to the blank space on his forearm.

“I love you Papa.” Nate smushes his face into Harry’s chest with a little force that he shifts back a bit, shaking Louis from his sleep.

“Whatsit?” Louis mumbles out trying to blink himself away.

“Daddy!” Nate lifts his head a bit to peek over Harry’s shoulder meeting Louis own matching blue eyes.

“Morning pumpkin butt.” Louis gives his son a lazy smile wiggling behind Harry to place his chin on his shoulder, giving Nate a kiss.

“Morning Daddy. I woke Papa up.” He giggles moving in his spot getting Harry to laugh.

“Did you now?” Louis brings his attention now to Harry who looks a little hesitant, they needed to talk but right now they had Nate.

“Oh yes! Climbed in bed too. Missin out.” Nate leans to kiss his nose plopping back down to cuddle into Harry’s chest again.

“Like your front tooth.” Louis adds getting a laugh from his son and Harry.

“Daddy don’t be sad tooth fairy can’t bring you moneys.” Nate seems to be full of laughs this morning, it’s music to Louis ears.

“I guess I’ll have to steal yours!” He uses his arm still around Harry to tickle at his son’s stomach.

“No Daddy! Mine moneys! Papa help!” Nate starts kicking his feet in the direction of Louis hands trying to stop the assault from happening. Even tho last night was right shit, it’s mornings like this that remind him what he really has.

“I’m not sure what Daddy’s kryptonite is.” Harry pretends to think hiding his smile behind his hand to ‘think’.

“Kiss him! Papa kiss Daddy! Kryptonite! Go!” Nate’s squealing at this point, whacking Harry in the stomach while he’s trying to defend off his Dad. At Nate’s words Harry turns to look at his boyfriend knowing full well he’s pissed off at him not entirely sure if he has permission to kiss him.

He gets a slight nod, Harry thinks he probably doesn’t want Nate to notice the tension. He turns his torso a little before Louis changes his mind, making eye contact the whole time to make sure this is without a doubt okay, honestly he’s never felt further away from Louis than he does right now. As their lips touch, Harry hears Nate’s laughter die knowing Louis stopped tickling him and is focused on moving his lips against Harry’s. He has so many things he wants to say right now, but two little ears are making that be put to the side. Harry cuts the kiss after a few seconds eyes flickering down to Nate whose smiling up at his two parents.

“Thanks for saving me Papa.” Nate wraps his arms around Harry’s neck hanging from him like a little monkey.

“I will always save you.” Harry tilts his head letting his hair brushes over Nate’s face as he leans down to kiss him.

“Hey Nate, why don’t you run downstairs and get Papa’s gifts from the table?” Louis grins at him as Nate unleashes Harry to quickly crawl down the bed, hopping off to run through the doorway.

“I don’t know if we should have this chat now.” Harry says from where he’s playing with the end of the blanket.

“Honestly, I don’t think we’ll have time till tonight. I’d rather talk this through now.” Louis moves leaning over his boyfriends shoulder to press a kiss against his throat.

“Well you’re not icing me out which is a good sign. I am so sorry about what happened. I never meant to miss dinner or get drunk like that. They had jello shots down at the studio I only had a few but those few got to me. I should have stopped and not drank but, I don’t know, I was in the moment with the lads. It all snowballed into that and next thing I know I couldn’t pick up your call cause my fingers wouldn’t work. I felt awful when you hung up on me, I deserved it all. I know that. As much as I hated sleeping without you it was the best call. We would have fought if I came home, drunk specially, that’s not the environment I want Nate around. You did the right thing telling me not to come home, as much as it hurt.” Lifting his arm up he wraps it around Louis neck pulling him against his chest so they fall into a comfortable position.

“Emotions got the best of me. I had this whole big dinner planned for your birthday, and everything was perfectly set but you weren’t there. I thought something was wrong with you, you never come late to dinner. When you finally called back drunk, I don’t know, I got so enraged. But I can’t fault you for one time when the seven trillion others you’ve never let me down. I let my mind wander to dangerous territories, the bottles of champagne didn't help and I just broke. If it wasn’t for your Mum and mine calming me down last night, I probably would have kept fighting you. It’s not worth it though.” Louis tucks his face into Harry’s neck breathing him in feeling as his boyfriends arms wrap around him, securing him.

“I hate not knowing if I could kiss you or not. I promise it won’t happen again.” Tracing his boyfriend’s hip bone with his finger Harry says.

“Harry, you’re allowed to go out drinking with your friends. That’s not why I was upset. You’re twenty for God’s sake, I want you to still do the things twenty year old's do. You can go grab some pints with Niall, and whatnot, just if you do drink let me know so I’m not worried sick why your not picking up. I was scared something bad happened. I’m not here to tell you what you can and cannot do with your time. I also know you’re not my father. Which apparently last night I freaked out to our Mum’s about you drinking cause you thought we were too much. Like you chose them over us.”

“Louis that’s not-”

“I know that now. It was the alcohol and my emotions were every which direction. It was a low moment which I thought, why would he ever want to stay with us when he’s got the world at his fingertips. My biological sperm donor left before I turned one. He resented my Mum ever getting pregnant and keeping it no less. He was your age when he left, I just. I could take care of myself if that ever happened, but Nate’s not a ten month old baby who won’t remember you in the end.” Harry wipes away his tears, they’ve never talked in full about his biological father. Yeah Anne and Des got divorced but they stayed mutually parents now back to friends. His Mum and Dad never had that, he left and never turned back.

“I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, or when it will ever really sink in that I’m not going anywhere. I have no intention of ever leaving your side. As your friend, boyfriend, lover, and co parent. Never ever. I’m so in love with you.” Harry kisses him, the two of them pushing every emotion they’ve had in the last twelve hours into each others mouths. Louis pulls back eye’s flicking over to the door, not being able to stop the smile from forming on his face.

“What about as my fiancé?” Louis beams over to his son standing in the doorway.

“Lou, what are you saying?” Harry shakes his head trying to get Louis to look back at him.

“I’m saying, will you, look at your son.” Harry’s face wrinkles up in confusion about to comment on how Nate’s not in the room when he hears him.

“Papa.” Nate giggles standing in front of the door when Harry looks over. He’s holding a sign up letter’s done by himself, Harry can tell. His eyes scan over the worlds and he gasps. Shaking his head like a bobble head he grips Louis tighter in his arms,  looking into his eyes.

“A hundred yes's. I love you so much.” Harry brings their lips together a bit roughly but Louis understands. Louis breaks it beaming from ear to ear, waving Nate over to him.

“He said yes Nate. Do you have the gifts?” Louis laughs as Nate runs over to him with a shopping bag he pick up off the floor. He’s a smart kid putting them in there to carry up the stairs.

“I get gifts? I don’t need anything but the two of you and this sign! My smart boy, how did you know the correct letters?” Nate pushes it towards him as he climbs up into their bed grinning as he sits on his knees handing Louis the bag. Written in marker Nate’s figured out how to correctly write out; Will You Marry Us?

“I steeled Daddy’s phone. Called Uncle Niall, very smart man.” Nate informs them as Louis hands him his present to Harry.

“Since this was supposed to happen last night it was going to be a birthday present.” Louis softly smiles at him as everything Harry now understands why Louis was upset over him missing dinner.

“It all makes sense now.” Harry tells him leaving to capture his lips.

“Papa! Attention on me now.” Nate demands holding out a slim red velvet box.

“You’ve got my full attention.” Harry tells him trying to tone down his smile.

“Wait, Nate where'd you leave my phone?” Louis eyes search the bed to see if he brought it.

“Opps! Downstairs.” Nate looks upset at himself.

“I’ll be right back. You can give Papa you’re gift now, it will be a nice father son moment.” Louis winks at Harry as he gets off the bed to run downstairs.

“Papa, I want you to be my Papa forever. Will you marry me?” Nate nervously uses his thumb to get the rectangular box open facing it to Harry.  His eyes are already starting to water as he ‘N’ pendant is reflecting from the sunlight beaming in. He traces of the letter, looking up at his son.

“Yes. I will marry you. I would be honored to be your Papa forever.” Harry reaches out to hug him, Nate pushes over the bed to tackle into him. “I love you very much Nate.”

“Papa I got a ‘P’ for you too!” Nate moves back to reach his little hand into his X-men shirt pulling out his letter to show Harry.

“I love them. Thank you.” Harry takes his necklace out of the box bringing it up to his neck to latch around, it hangs down perfectly between the sparrows.

Louis appears than coming through the door with his phone, he’s also has new bottle of champagne, two flutes and little juice box of apple juice. Grinning at the sight before him he hopes onto the bed handing Harry the bottle and flutes, he himself opens the juice box handing it to Nate. Kneeling on the bed much like Nate did Louis picks up a small black box drumming his fingers on it as Harry puts the bottle and glasses on the bed to give Louis his attention.

“From the first time we meet back in that aisle in Tesco’s I was infatuated with you, maybe even before when you were on the x-factor. I never thought that I’d ever find someone and fall for them who is as loving, caring, supportive, and wonderful as you are. You’ve opened my eyes and my world to not only me but our son. You’ve been so extremely selfless since we’ve started our journey over a year ago, and it’s been a hell of an amazing year. I have never wanted to be with anyone even in a fraction of the way I want to be with you. I ask myself every morning I wake up next to you what did I ever do to deserve a human being as incredible as you. You are the love of my life and I can’t wait to spend the rest of it with your quirky bum. I am a better man because of you, a better father because of you, and a better person because of you. Will you do me the honor of accepting this ring as a token of my love and dedication to you, and our future by answering this question; Will you Harry Edmund Styles marry me?” Louis laughs through the tears that have leaked out as he fumbles opening the box showing off the ring.

“That’s not my middle name.” Harry chokes out pulling Louis into his arms so fast.

“Yeah well, Harry Edward Styles I’m a very impatient man, whose put everything out on the line to not even get a sense of the answer you're going to-” Harry’s lips shut him up kissing him.

“Yes. Yes, yes, si, oui, ja and in every language ever spoken. My answer is yes. Also yes. I love you Louis Tomlinson.” Harry dips in again sealing their lips together, taking in all his emotions as they move their lips against one another.

“We get married now?” Nate jumps up and down on the bed before launching himself at his Dad’s.

“We’ve got a lot of planning to do but yes, we’re getting married.” Harry beams at his son leaning down to kiss his cheeks as he buried himself between them.

“Wait you’ve got to let me put the ring on!” Louis takes it out of the box, taking Harry’s hand with care sliding it down on his fourth finger. He bring Harry’s hand up to kiss the hand, and then trailing kisses up his arm to his mouth. “There, right where it belongs.”

“Is this what last night was supposed to be?” Harry quietly ask as they snuggle down together in a family cuddle.

“Yes. We had suits and everything but you know what, this seem a lot more us. I quite like to remember proposing to you in our bed all comfy and tucked in.” Louis places a kiss to his neck.

“I love it too, I would have last night at well. You could have done this anywhere and I would have loved it. I wish I had a ring for you, I want the world to know I’ve got your heart.” Harry comments bring Nate closer to him smiling as the P around his neck is still out.

“Oh! I have one. I forgot!” Laughing he breaks out of their embrace and grabs for the bag, taking the second ring box out of the bag. “I wanted them to match, I got them at the same time.” Louis opens the box to show Harry.

“It’s perfect. You’ve managed to nail our personalities in each one. Here lemme.” Sitting up he takes the ring out of the box holding it in front of Louis awaiting hand. “I feel truly honored that you’ve asked me to become your fiancé and future husband.” The word is full of love as he slips the ring down Louis hand. “I don’t even want to know how much these cost.” Harry shakes his head moving to kiss his fiancé.

“Those are all real baby. Diamonds are a Harry’s best friend too.” Louis laughs settling behind his new fiancé hugging him from behind as Nate turns in pressing his face against Harry’s chest.

“You are too good to me. I need to post this! Mum’s gonna flip!” Picking his phone up with his right hand that’s underneath Nate he angles the camera to get all three of them. When he looks down he immediately wants to print it out and frame it. “It’s going to be a circus if I post this.” He looks behind him meeting Louis eyes whose giving him a wicked grin.

“You can be the ring leader.” He gives him a kiss for bravery.

“You’re puns are awful.” Harry snickers against his lips.

“That’s rich coming from you. Go ahead, tell the world you are ours.” Louis bites at his shoulder leaving a kiss after.

Adjusting the picture on instagram he leaves it filterless not wanting to change anything about the moment. Clicking on the caption he types,   It seems I’m starting off my twenties surrounded by love and happiness. Every time I think I can’t love these two anymore they surprise me with more. Moments like this it’s so easy to picture forever, the forever we’ve proposed to one another on this very morning. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world Louis, I love you for eternity.

He tags Louis in it smiling one last time at the way the rings are displayed so tastefully, both Louis and Harry’s left hands holding Nate against Harry’s chest. It’s the perfect picture, they're smiling with pure happiness that the morning has brought.

XXX

“Lou you’re already falling asleep you old man.” Harry whispers trying not to wake the child in his arms.

“Shush you. We all can’t be twenty.” Batting Harry’s hand away from pinching his cheek.

“You can’t be falling asleep before eleven. Gosh c’mon you geezer. I’ll change your depends for you.” Laughing Harry catches Louis hand kissing it.

“Some of us had to work all day.”

“I worked all day.” Harry banters back.

“Oh yeah, from the pictures Nate took on the iPad it sure does look like you were hard at work.” Louis grins nibbling on Harry’s fingers.

“Rehersals are very hard work I’ll have you know. My voice is right fucked. Thanks for the tea and honey, honey.” Showing his teeth Harry smiles back holding the mug up.

“You are welcome my pain in the arse fiancé.” Louis leans back tilting his head all the way to kiss Harry from his upside down spot.

“Why are we staying up again?” Harry questions knowing their all dead on their feet tired yet their gather on the living room couch covered in blankets.

“Jason tweeted out that he had the Harry Styles Engagement scoop.” Louis shrugs moving himself up from leaning on Harry to wake up a bit.

“I can’t believe you still have a thing for him.”

“I do not have thing for him! He’s great at his job, and I like to keep up on what they say about us.” Louis says on the defense.

“You totally have a thing for him! Are you trying to trade up from me? Is that what gets you going? Older men?” Poking fun he leans over trying to kiss Louis who pushes him away.

“Thirty two is not old.” Louis huffs.

“You know how old he is?! Oh my god you’re cheeks are red. You’re blushing!”

“This is spousal abuse! I want a divorce!” He calls out changing seats to be further away from Harry as he reaches for the remote to flip the channel to E!

“We’re not married yet, you can’t divorce me. C’mon back and cuddle me, I’m needy.” Harry opens the arm not holding the mug of tea.

“Right, you do have your boyfriend to oogle at.” Pointing to the screen where the intro is starting.

“Fine, I’ll postpone our impending divorce till later. Now will you shut your trap so I can watch a very educational news program?” Louis does move back sliding against his man smiling to himself as he cuddles in.

“I hate you.”

“Love you too!”

Their attention is brought to the TV, where the intro ends, Jason and Giuliana are standing in front of their prop desk.

“We’re going to start off the show tonight by officially congratulating Harry Styles on his engagement! Early this month the twenty year old superstar posted a very interesting photo to his instagram, leaving it vague but not too vague with his caption, confusing fans and everyone else what exactly he meant by it. Not your typically engagement ring shot but then again there is nothing typical about Harry Styles.” Giuliana kicked off as the picture Harry posted to instagram the morning Louis proposed comes up. He’s already had it framed and added to the ones downstairs.

“I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to find out from the man himself what is going on in his love life. Take a look.” Jason points as a video plays from his interview at the Brits.

“Now that we’ve squared away all the typically award show questions. I’m sorry to do this to you man but I know all of us at E! are wondering about the photo you posted with your boyfriend. Did he propose?” Jason questions as Harry can’t help the smile that takes over his face.

“I don’t even think he has to answer look at him!” Niall points out laugh as Harry tries to cover his face with his hand, the ring one.

“Yes, he proposed.” Harry answers laughing as Niall hugs him.

“Congratulations man! How’s it feel, I’m getting ready to do the same thing too. Bit nervous.” Jason makes it easy for Harry to talk to him.

“Thank you. It feels wonderful, I love it. I would say don’t be nervous but to be honest I have no bloody idea, he kept it a secret. Which is pretty hard to do around a four year old but I was definitely surprised.” Harry relaxes as Niall and the boys laugh with him on it.

“Your son knew?” Jason questions.

“Yeah. He made me a sign with Niall’s help. They proposed together to me, like as a family. I wish I recorded it, best moment of my life.” Harry’s beaming as he answers.

“I know you’ve only just got engaged but is there any plans set for a wedding yet?” Liam and Zayn get pulled away for a separate interview.

“To be honest not one bit.” Harry laughs and Niall joins. “That sounds horrible but with the tour kicking off soon and we’re in the last step of the adoption, we’ve got our hands full right now. We actually haven’t talked about it but I’m sure our Mum’s have already started the planning.” He says as he rocks on his heels.

“Another congratulations than, for the adoption going through. You seem like you’re on top of the world. You’ll have a son legally, you just got engaged and a stadium tour starting next month. No one would ever know you were only twenty.” Jason compliments him.

“That makes me sound all put together and responsible. I’ll have to rub that in Lou’s face. People see the age and think it’s a joke or I don’t know what I’m doing. I always wanted a family young, once I started this amazing gig with the band I figured it would be years till anything like this happened but I’m so lucky I found that person I was meant to be with this early. Mum always said pick someone supportive and well I’ve got two of them.” Blushing a bit Harry puts out.

“I can’t get over how wonderful you are, everything about you is just fantastic. You are so polite, you could have given me the basic information so thank you for this interview.” Jason knows their time is up so he wraps it up.

“You have to give respect to get it and we love E!, my fiancé watches it all the time. Love your interviews and the way you all carry yourself. It’s nice and friendly.” Harry compliments him back, he’s not lying when interviewers are nice like this and do quality work it’s easier for them to talk to them as humans.

“That’s huge a compliment coming for you! I’m probably blushing right now. Thank you again. Best of luck to you guys tonight! I’ll have to buy you a drink inside for your engagement.” Jason concludes getting ready to let the two boys go.

“That would be lovely! Oh my fiancé is going to die, he’s a huge fan, fancy’s you big time. We’ll see you inside! Bye E! news!” Harry waves as he turns to head in with Niall, they lost Liam and Zayn already.

Louis is glaring at him from his spot on the couch but Harry is ignoring him with a smile watching the show still.

“Did he say his fiancé fancy’s you?” Giulianna questions happily.

“He did! I actually got to met his partner Louis Tomlinson, who also is one of the nicest, funniest people I’ve ever met. What a down to earth couple they are. I don’t think he knew Harry told me about his little crush but I definitely felt honored that he did.” Jasons gushes as a picture of the three of them comes on the screen, Jason in between Louis and Harry.

“I can’t get over how gorgeous they are, what a stunning couple. I wonder if they’ll decided to have another baby down the road, with those genes they should.” Giulianna comments as the back screen changes to the next topic.

“I can’t believe you told him that! Harry!” Louis swats his arm grumpily.

“She is right we’d make some beautiful children together.” Ignoring him he pulls Louis up so they can kiss.

“Do you want more?” Louis asks him gazing into his green eyes.

“Yeah, I think I do.” Harry hums as he presses his lips against Louis’.

“Good, we’re on the same page. Wedding first yeah?” Moving to close his eyes he asks from where he settles.

“Wedding first. I do want to be settled down a bit, maybe when we start slowing down with the tours. I don’t want to get married and never be home, or when Nate starts school I want to be there, helping him with his homework and things like that. I don’t want to be away all the time.” Harry confesses sitting up, Louis’ whines at the movement.

“I like the sound of that. You know I would never be upset if you were still touring and all that when we got married. You so good at what you do Haz.” Louis sits himself up and turns the TV off with the remote he throws to the side two seconds later.

“Thank you, and I appreciate it but I want to be there. I love my job and everything but in a couple years down the road maybe we can only do UK tours for a bit that way I’m not super far from you.” Harry snuggles Nate against his chest as he stands the blanket drops to the ground.

“I would love that. Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you. We’ve got the rest of our lives to annoy each other.” Louis walks in front of Harry turning the light for the stairs on, not wanting him to trip while he carries Nate.

“You couldn’t be more right. We have a bright future ahead of us.” They walk together into Nate’s room tucking him underneath his covers, he pulls his Harry doll and spiderman plushie into his chest as Louis and Harry lower to the ground to say goodnight.

“Goodnight my love.” Louis leans over the side of his bed kissing Nate on the forehead.

“Nighty Daddy. Love you.” Nate says back to him.

Harry moves forehead doing the same thing Louis did pressing a kiss to Nate’s forehead. “I love you little man. Sweet dreams.” He goes to move away but Nate’s arms come around his neck for a hug.

“I love you Papa.” Nate’s voice is muffled into Harry’s shoulder.

“So much.” Harry hugs back.

“Thank you for picking us.” Nate smiles as he lays back down. Harry can feel Louis arms circle around his waist as they stand.

“No, thank you for picking me. I’ll see you in the morning, get some sleep.” Harry blows him a kiss as his and Louis hands intertwin.

“Thanks for coming over that first day.”

“I’ll be thanking you for the rest of our lives for going to Tescos’ that day.” They walk hand in hand towards their bedroom.

When they lay together tangled up in their sheets, out of breath from making love to one another, Harry thinks the greatest thing he’s ever done was inviting Louis and Nate over that cold day in November.

And if he sneaks into Nate’s room the next morning with two cups of mango-peach applesauce, he’ll pretend not to see Louis tearing up from the doorway.

The End.