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It fits perfectly, and it makes Harry feel pretty; something Harry's never felt before. They feel wonderful, and exactly the way they've been searching for. This is what was missing the entire time. The smile on Harry's face and the goosebumps on their skin when they look in the mirror refuse to diminish the longer they admire the golden colour of smooth skin peeking out of the dress.
Harry wonders if they will ever find the courage to wear it out in public, but knows it will take some time before they're ready. It hasn't been long since Harry was cuddled up with Louis on the recliner, quiet for a long moment before whispering the few words that made their heart race.
Harry nosed at Louis' neck with a faint smile as Louis chucked at the telly, arms circling their waist and hugging tight.
"All right, love?"
Harry hummed, eyes closed and lips pursing against the warm skin beneath them. "Yes." Hugging back just as tight, Harry began leaving kisses along Louis' throat and jaw. The sound of the television faded as Louis lowered the volume and Harry shivered, knowing what was coming next. They knew Louis would be able to tell immediately that something was on their mind.
"Talk to me, darling. I know you better than you think, so don't tell me you're fine," Louis whispered, kissing the top of Harry's curls. "Something is bothering you. What is it?"
Soft, soothing fingertips connected the freckles on Harry's arm, and it was silent for a while. The only sound filling the room came from the whisper of the movie Louis had been watching. Louis waited patiently and didn't pressure Harry.
"I do have something to tell you. Just… Give me a moment."
"Take your time." Louis' warm breath fanned over Harry's face as he looked down. Harry bit their lip and nodded as they began playing with the hem of Louis' shirt.
After a few deep breaths and what felt like an eternity, Harry finally uttered the words that they were most afraid of. "Lou, I'm non-binary."
Harry stayed still, pressed up against Louis and eyes squinting shut. Their heart was pounding behind their ribs so fast, so loud, that it was impossible Louis couldn't tell that Harry's heart was trying to escape their chest.
Harry felt Louis' hand under their chin, lifting it until their eyes met. "I'm glad you told me, love. I'm proud of you and I love you. Don't be nervous."
Smiling, Harry tilted their head up to leave a sweet peck to Louis' lips. "I love you, too. Thank you."
"I accept you for who you are, and I'm so happy that you can finally be yourself with me. Is this why you've been so distant?"
Harry nodded. "I needed a bit of time to let everything sink in. I was scared. I still am, Lou. I knew you'd still love me, but it's always difficult to say out loud to someone else when you've just figured things out yourself."
Louis nodded, kissing Harry briefly. "Don't worry, take all the time you need and I'll support you along the way. I love you and only want what's best for you. Don't rush through things, and only open up to others when you're ready." Harry could feel Louis' hands travel to their hair, and they sigh happily as they relax against Louis. "So, tell me more. I need to know the best way to support you. What are your pronouns?"
Blush crept up on Harry's cheeks and neck, and they could feel sweat prickling on their skin. They were still slightly nervous despite the calming motions of Louis' hands. They never told anyone before, so it was hard to prepare for what might come. Harry should have known lots of questions would be involved, but they were happy that Louis was so supportive. Harry would gladly answer anything Louis asked.
"I prefer they, them." Harry's reply was hushed and muffled by Louis' neck.
"Got it," Louis confirmed. Harry could feel him nodding. "Why are you so afraid, darling? It's just me. Look at me."
Harry waited a few beats before tilting their head up once again to look at the gorgeous, kind blue eyes that were waiting. "I was afraid you wouldn't see me the same if I wasn't… me. I had no doubts about your love for me, but I also know it can be hard to adjust."
Louis tutted and kissed Harry gently. "The version of you from before wasn't the true you, and I know that. This is the real you, and I love you. Both versions of you - any version of you - but I prefer the Harry who is happy and true to themselves. It became obvious something was upsetting you, but I knew you weren't ready. I'm so happy you found your way."
"Finding my way."
"I'm proud of you either way."
Harry couldn't help the tears that began flowing down their cheeks, or the tiny sobs that pushed their way past Harry's lips. Louis only cooed, holding Harry close and kissing any part of their face he could reach. For a long while, Harry listened as Louis continuously whispered his love for them, until the tears stopped and the cries turned into soft mewls as Louis massaged their scalp.
"I love you, Lou. You're the best, and I should have known you'd see me as me, no matter what."
"You're still Harry," Louis replied, moving so that he and Harry were laying face to face. "Is it still Harry? I know sometimes people change their names too, or stick to a nickname. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
Harry smiled at Louis, giggling. They were so full of love knowing how much Louis cared. It bloomed from their chest, spreading to their fingers and toes, and now Harry felt warm all over. "It's still Harry," they confirmed.
"See, you're still my Harry. The only thing that changed is that you're my partner instead of my boyfriend. As long as you're mine."
"Always."
Although Harry wants to show the world who they are, even the memory of telling Louis has them sweating. Summer is fast approaching, and Harry wants to be able to wear the light and colourful clothes they have; they want to enjoy the week Louis booked at the campground for early August, without any fear of walking the beach in anything but swim trunks.
Harry smiles sadly, but reminds themselves that things take time, and that when they are ready, it will be worth everything. For now, having Louis on their side is all Harry needs. They wash their hands quickly and make sure the dress is wrinkle free before ending their short loo break.
After exiting the room, Harry heads to the bedroom they share with Louis and sits on the end of the bed, going through the rest of their clothes. They don't like spring cleaning very much, but it's satisfying to see the clutter disappear.
Moments later Louis walks in, greeting Harry cheerfully. "What are you doing, love?" He leaves a kiss on Harry's forehead before sitting across from them.
"I have too many clothes. While packing away the winter clothing I realised how much of this I don't wear anymore. You should do the same," Harry replies, holding up a tattered shirt that they'll never throw away. It holds too many precious memories. "We could get the decluttering done early."
Louis nods and pulls his legs up until he's cross-legged on the mattress. "You need to get rid of that one."
Harry is as offended as they look, holding the dark grey t-shirt to their chest. "I can't believe you said that. This is the first shirt I ever borrowed from you."
"Stole."
"What?" Harry asks, folding the flimsy shirt as neatly as they can.
"The first shirt you ever stole from me. I didn't see that in my own closet for years until we moved in together," Louis replies with a laugh, pointing at the shirt in Harry's lap.
"Whatever," Harry waves a dismissive hand before throwing a skirt they barely look at into the To donate! pile. "It's mine now, and I'll do whatever I want with it."
Louis shakes his head, but sports a massive grin. He holds up a pair of jeans and cocks his head, silently asking Harry what their thoughts are. Harry looks them over, humming as they think about it. "Keep those, they're quite nice."
" Keep pile it is!"
As they continue to sort through the large pile on the bed, Harry grows quieter and quieter. Seeing the skirts, shirts and heels they have yet to wear going to the keep pile makes Harry feel guilty, because they may never wear them. The complete silence that follows seems to alert Louis, and he asks what's wrong.
"Are you okay?"
"What if none of this ever sees the light of day?" Harry asks, folding up a pair of fishnet tights. "What if I'm just always afraid to show the world who I am?"
"Harry," Louis drops the garment in his hands and reaches for Harry's, squeezing gently. "If you continue to worry about the what if's, you will end up stressing yourself out, and I'm afraid you'll always think things won't get better. But they will, darling. Forget about everyone else and take things at your own pace. I'm always here whenever you need me, I promise."
Harry is silent, but they are listening to every word Louis has to say, enjoying the feeling of Louis' thumbs tracing circles on the back of their hands.
"I think your clothes would forgive you for not wearing them outside of the flat."
Harry laughs and shoves Louis playfully. "Stop being silly and help me organise."
Louis does, holding up articles he's unsure of to get Harry's opinion. "I'm serious, love. Trust your own process and be patient. You'll get there," he says after a long silence.
I will, Harry tells themselves.
※※※
The next person Harry tells is Liam. It's almost two months after telling Louis, and they're proud that they have a little more courage to tell someone else.
Liam is Harry's best friend and owns a small book store about twenty minutes from Harry. He opened his business a few years ago and it'd been doing really well. When Harry quit their job at the library, Liam hired them instantly, knowing Harry still wanted to spend their days surrounded by books.
One particular Friday, Harry decides to open up to Liam. They start by telling Liam they have a serious topic to discuss. Liam pulls up two chairs at the table in the back left corner that customers frequent when they need a place to sit and read their new books.
Liam is happy for Harry, and spends a long time telling Harry how proud he is. It's not an unusual reaction, and the way Liam engages in the conversation puts Harry at ease. Having heard that from two of the most important people in his life, Harry is on cloud nine. Liam asks the same questions Louis asked, but Harry doesn't mind answering them. They're glad they can do this with Liam.
"Nothing has changed, and I love you."
"Except my wardrobe," Harry jokes. "I know clothes don't define me, and I don't need to wear certain things to prove anything, but I am hoping to expand my wardrobe, especially after I cleaned out the closet the other day. Louis thinks I look good in anything, so I'm not sure if I should trust him."
Liam laughs. "I'll come over soon and you can test out a few outfits on me. I'll be honest, I promise. Though I'm sure you do look fantastic in anything you wear."
"Flattery will get you everywhere." Harry chuckles and stands from their seat, picking up a forgotten book to put it away.
"Good to know," Liam replies with a wink before standing as well. He hugs Harry for quite some time and Harry enjoys the warmth of their friend's embrace. Soon after the jingle of the bell above the door breaks the silence and they pull apart, looking towards the sound. "I've got a customer to greet. Don't forget to bring out the new series that arrived, they're in the back. I made room on the display shelf by the door."
Harry nods and gets back to work as Liam attends to the customer.
Telling Niall and Zayn isn't any easier than it was telling Liam, and having them both there at the same time is admittedly a bit nerve wracking for Harry. But Niall and Zayn respond in the best way possible, which instantly puts them at ease.
The kettle goes off and Harry fills all three of their mugs with a smile on their face. They're proud of themselves for having confidence. They now realise Louis was right. All it takes is a bit of time and patience, and a lot of trust in yourself. Maybe they can wear all their nice summer outfits by the time their vacation starts. It seems likely, and Harry's stomach flutters at the thought.
※※※
The days flew, with work becoming busier for both Louis Harry. Harry tells themselves every day that they can't wait to spend quality time with Louis - now more so than ever, since they find very little time to see each other with their schedules.
One day Louis comes home with a gift bag, sparkly white tissue paper neatly tucked in at the top and hiding what lies beneath. He places it on the coffee table in front of Harry before bending down to give his partner a kiss. "I got you something that I think you'll like. Open it." He sits next to Harry and rubs their back as they lean over.
"Thank you, Lou." Harry plucks the paper out carefully and Louis laughs. They know that Louis is aware they're going to keep the tissue paper and never use it again. Harry blushes.
Once each piece is neatly folded on the couch beside them, they peek into the bag to see that their surprise was further wrapped. After taking it out of the bag Harry could tell it was clothes. The paper gave way easily when their fingers sunk into the plushness of the fabric.
Harry reveals a sleeveless black turtleneck that is soft and exactly like the one they found online and showed Louis last week. Their smile grows as they hold it up to their chest, asking Louis how he thinks it will look.
"Gorgeous, darling," Louis replies, caressing Harry's cheek. "Keep going, there's something else. I got help picking something that would look nice with the top, so don't give me all the credit."
Harry laughs and unfolds the pink article, recognising immediately that it's a pretty skirt that comes mid thigh, with a faint checkered pattern. They think the outfit will be cute, and announce they want to try it on.
"I have the perfect accessories to put it together, wait here!" They say excitedly, hopping up from the couch.
"Of course. I can't wait to see." Louis smiles.
Harry hurries to the bedroom, heart racing in anticipation. The outfit is pretty, and even though Louis had help, Harry's still surprised he remembered the top Harry showed him.
After undressing and folding their clothes, Harry carefully slips into their new outfit. They're smiling the entire time, extremely happy that Louis went out of his way to do something this sweet. They already think they look good, but Harry knows a bracelet or two couldn't hurt.
The skirt is just the right length and hugs Harry's thighs in a way that will most definitely make Louis' eyes bulge, they think. Their bum is prominent too, but it's not too tight. Louis picked the perfect size. Harry loves it, and the shirt is just as they imagined and tucks nicely into the skirt.
When Harry is sat in the middle of a pile of shoes that they thought didn't go with the outfit, they realise how long they've been there. Slightly sweaty and frustrated, Harry groans and stretches their legs out, knees cracking.
"Babe, you've been gone for a while."
Harry looks over their shoulder at the sound of Louis' voice with a slight frown. "I can't find the right shoes," Harry tells him, gesturing to the mess. "I thought I had something I could wear."
Louis extends his arm and offers Harry his hand. "We will buy you some, then. For now I want to see how your outfit looks."
Harry grips Louis' hand and pulls themselves up, fixing their skirt and hair. "Well, how is it?"
"Beautiful, darling. Give me a little spin," Louis replies softly, pecking Harry on the lips.
Harry blushes as a huge smile spreads across their face uncontrollably. They giggle as they do what Louis asked, gracefully twirling once. "And now?"
Louis' hands rest on Harry's hips as he steps closer, pressing his lips to Harry's jaw, just below their ear. "Even more beautiful. You look amazing," Louis whispers.
Harry wraps their arms around Louis' shoulders, pulling him in. Louis seems to understand right away and snakes his arms around Harry's middle, hugging them tightly.
Harry can feel their eyes burning slightly as tears begin to form, despite how much they try to hold them back. "You're so good to me, Lou. I love you so much." Harry's voice cracks a bit, giving them away instantly.
Louis hugs tighter. "I love you more."
They hold each other for a while longer before Harry pulls away with a small smile. "Thank you. For this, and for everything." They kiss Louis slowly; eyes falling shut and lips moving in sync. Harry's heart picks up speed when Louis' fingers card through their long curls.
Soft noises fill the room as they kiss, mixed with Harry's light panting. Something about Louis always drives Harry crazy - turns them into jelly. The way Louis' fingertips play with their hair or lovingly explore their bare skin always makes Harry feel breathless.
"No need to thank me," Louis says when they pull apart. He rests his forehead on Harry's shoulder for a moment, before turning his head to nose at Harry's neck. "I really want to take you out on a date right now."
It's cute how quiet Louis got, Harry thinks. And the fact that he suddenly wants to take Harry out makes their heart swell. But one thing is unclear to Harry. "Like… this?" They ask nervously, pulling away from Louis and tugging on their skirt.
"I don't want to pressure you, or make you feel like you have to. It's your decision and I know you're not quite ready. I want to take you out on a date either way. I just…"
"Want to show me off?" Harry jokes. They know there's more to it than that of course, and they understand where Louis is coming from without him having to say much. Harry feels the same way. They want to create new outfits and share them with the world, to have Louis take them on dates wearing whatever they feel like, without it feeling like there's only one choice.
"Well, yes." Louis laughs.
"But it's more than that, I know."
Louis nods. "Whenever you're ready. You just look so cute right now and I kind of want to take you to walk through the gardens." He shrugs with a lopsided smile.
And how could Harry say no? That sounds wonderful. The weather is nice enough now with spring coming to an end, and it would be nice to get out of the house for something other than work. Today has already been a handful, but tomorrow Harry doesn't have to work and hopes that will be a good compromise.
"Is tomorrow okay?"
Louis' eyes light up. "Really?" He asks.
Harry hesitates for a moment. "Maybe not in this," they reply quietly, eyes glued to the floor in case there's any disappointment in Louis' eyes. "But a date tomorrow sounds lovely."
Louis cups Harry's face and waits patiently until Harry looks at him. "I'm not disappointed."
Of course, Louis always seems to be reading Harry's mind. Harry nods and smiles. "Okay." They will think about wearing this on their date tomorrow. They are still a bit unsure, but the thought no longer terrifies them. The support from Louis and their friends has really helped Harry, and their work friends have only ever shown support to others. It's easier now for Harry to imagine themselves the way they have always wanted.
"Would you like some lunch?" Harry asks.
"I would love that, I haven't eaten yet."
Harry doesn't change as they both head to the kitchen, where Louis watches Harry cook and sing to their playlist.
The next day, Louis drives them to the aquarium, and Harry is confused, but excited to be out with Louis all the same. "I thought we were going to see some flowers and foliage."
Louis laughs as he takes Harry's hand in his. "We will, but they open late today. I thought we could spend the whole day out, and the aquarium is close enough to enjoy our spare time at."
Harry does adore the water and all creatures that live there - they would love to be a marine biologist in another life - so it sounds like a great plan.
"That sounds fun," Harry replies. As they get closer to the door, Harry takes a deep breath and asks Louis to check them over.
"You look amazing, don't worry. Not a crease or stain in sight."
Their time at the aquarium was fantastic. Harry saw so many things they've never heard of before, and the couple spent more time there than they planned. Harry couldn't go a few minutes without stopping to learn about almost everything. They almost forgot they had on a soft pink lipstick to match the skirt they were wearing. Louis managed to find a few more shoe boxes, so Harry eventually found the right pair of shoes too. The best part, was that the only time their outfit became the topic of anyone's conversation, was when Harry received compliments.
"You were very adorable, doing your research."
Harry shoves Louis gently as they approach the car. "Shut up. Let's go look at some fancy bushes."
Louis shakes his head as he laughs, telling Harry they're ridiculous. "I love you, though."
Harry rolls their eyes playfully. "I love you too."
※※※
It's already summer, and it's a week before Harry and Louis' vacation. Time flew by so fast that Harry forgot they were going to go shopping with Louis. They both need new swimwear, and this summer is warmer than the last. Harry didn't have anything they wouldn't sweat in.
There isn't much time left and Louis doesn't work today, so they throw on a pair of jeans and a shirt and search the flat for Louis. He's found stretched across the couch with a bowl of popcorn resting on his belly, watching a movie.
"We should go shopping, Lou. We leave in a week and we don't have much done."
Louis chews the last of his bite and sits up. "Sure, we can go right now if you'd like. Just let me clean up a bit, it will take me a few minutes."
"I'll wait in the car then!" Harry says excitedly, grabbing the keys as they slip their shoes on. They turn the air on right away and they keep the music on low, humming along as they wait for Louis.
Just as Louis promised, it didn't take long to make his way down to the car. He buckes himself in and tells Harry about the elderly woman who pressed multiple buttons in the elevator, and that he would have been down sooner if not for the hold up. Harry giggles and backs out of their parking spot. They can't wait to do a bit of shopping.
Trying on clothes is Harry's least favourite thing to do. After so many articles it gets sweaty, and their hair sticks and clings to things with the static, leaving their hair a mess by the end.
But they both found a few things they like and had fun doing so. Harry found a few crop tops - something they've always wanted to wear but they thought it wouldn't look good on them. They were wrong, and may have gone overboard on how many they purchased.
They end their day with some ice cream before heading home to pack. Louis likes to get things ready early, so Harry agrees, although they can't stop thinking about how they can't wait a week to wear their new clothes.
※※※
Harry has a different crop top for every day of the week, and they're all calling for Harry to wear them. So Harry decides the next day that they aren't going to wait. They unzip their suitcase, plucking the blue floral crop top from the top of the stack. They replace the shirt they currently have on with the new one, dropping the other one to the floor. Their phone rings out then, displaying Liam's name in big white letters.
"Hey, Li."
"Harry! The shop is busy today, do you mind coming in to help for a few hours?"
Harry doesn't have plans for today, and they've been so busy this month that work is the only time they've seen Liam. So they agree right away, and it's a perfect way to spend some more time with their best friend.
Harry grabs their bag and heads to the front door in a rush, searching for the keys.
"Where are you going in such a hurry, looking all pretty?" Louis hands Harry the keys and kisses their cheek. Harry blushes at the compliment. "I thought you were saving those to wear at the beach."
"I thought so too, but I couldn't wait. Liam needs me for a bit. I will be leaving him for a week, it's the least I could do."
"Sounds good, love. Have a good time, and don't bring more books home. We have our own mini shop here, and frankly there's not much space left."
Harry rolls their eyes and waves their hand, smiling as they make a promise that they both know Harry can't keep. "See you in a bit. I love you."
"I love you too. You should ask Liam if he wants to close shop for a day and join us at the beach. The cabin will have lots of room," Louis replies.
"I think I will."
When Harry walks through the door of Liam's shop, Liam visibly relaxes. Harry laughs and makes their way behind the counter, putting their bag down and clipping their name tag on. "Where's Matthew?" Harry asks. Matthew is the only employee that Liam likes enough to keep. Other than Harry, of course.
"He called in sick and I've been swamped. Thank you for coming, I'm happy to see you."
"Me too." Harry gives Liam a quick hug then pulls away, clapping his hands together. "So, where do you want me?"
"You can stay here, I'll be on the floor." Liam squeezes Harry's shoulder and smiles, eyes crinkling. "You look really nice today."
Harry curses the fact that they blush easily. "Thank you, Li. Hey, Louis and I are going to go camping and hang out on the beach for our vacation. You're more than welcome to come relax for a day. Louis might ask Niall and Zayn to come."
"That sounds nice! I would love to come. Give me the details later." Liam smiles and leaves the keys for the register with Harry just as a customer walks up to the counter, struggling to see over their pile of books. "Let me help you with those!" Harry offers, grabbing a few and stacking them on the counter.
"It's a lot, I know. But this shop has so many books that I can't find anywhere else. I love it, it's so unique. Is it yours?"
"This place? No, it's my friends. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your visit. And he would be too." Harry smiles. "I'll let him know. Are you checking all of these out today?"
The woman nods, placing her books beside the others. "Yes I am. I'm sorry for clearing your friends' shelves."
"I'm sure he won't mind." Harry laughs, scanning each book and placing them neatly in a bag. They don't forget to give an extra bookmark or two when finishing up, and hands the receipt to the customer. "Thank you so much for your purchase. I hope you enjoy your reading."
"No, thank you. And, May I ask, where did you get your top? I think my daughter would love it and it's her birthday tomorrow."
The interaction gives Harry butterflies and they spend half an hour talking with the stranger before customers begin lining up.
"It was nice talking to you, love. Thanks again."
"You too," Harry replies. "Come again sometime."
For the rest of the day Harry feels warm and the wide smile never fades.
※※※
The cabin they rented is amazing and cozy, and not a far walk to the beach. It's still somewhat secluded though, which makes it feel even cozier in Harry's opinion.
They can't help but spend the first day napping and eating. No one would blame them after the early wake up and long drive they had.
After they nap they head to the nearest shop to find something for dinner. Harry insists on picking up a few snacks for rainy days or picnics and Louis agrees that it's a good idea, and doesn't stop Harry when they fill most of the basket with goodies.
"When did Liam say he could come?" Louis asks when they're putting things away.
"Thursday," Harry replies. "We have two days before then. Have you asked Niall and Zayn?"
"They're free to come all week, so Thursday should be fine. I'll let them know. Are you excited?"
"Very. There are so many outdoor games we can play. I don't know what I want to do first!"
"Anywhere. We have lots of time to do everything you've planned."
Waking up early yet well rested the day after feels wonderful. The sun is just warm enough, and the cabin is nice and quiet. It's a huge difference from the noise surrounding them in their flat from their neighbours bustling about. Harry feels relaxed already.
Today, Louis packs them a picnic to take to the beach. When they're ready to head out, Harry pulls on a pair of shorts and a purple tie dye crop top quickly, ignoring their tangled hair. They are on a mission to fill their belly under a large umbrella while watching the waves roll gently against the shore.
That's exactly what they do, chatting between bites with music playing quietly on their speaker. "It's nice and cool under here."
"It is," Louis agrees. "Such a pretty view, too."
"It is. The water is nice and calm." Harry looks over at Louis, who is already staring at them. "What?"
"You're my pretty view."
Harry throws amgrapemst Louis. "So cheesy. But I love it."
Louis smiles, then digs out another container. "I brought some cake. Do you want some?"
"Yes please!"
Louis cuts Harry a slice with extra strawberries, which Harry enjoys thoroughly. "It's delicious, thank you."
"You're welcome, darling." Louis leaves a sweet kiss to Harry's lips. "We have company tomorrow. Are you still up for it?"
"Of course, we haven't spent time together like this in a while, it will be fun."
So on Thursday Harry puts their hair up in a bun and puts on their navy crop top. They're swimming today, so it's paired with short swim trunks that Louis finds cute.
Harry gets to try their hand at volleyball, but moving in the sand is harder than they thought. They still have fun, and being on a team with Liam, against Louis and Zayn, Harry knows they'll win.
"Bring Niall in, I'm tired." Louis wipes sweat away with the back of his hand, although it's futile. He's already dripping down his forehead within seconds.
Harry notices that Louis is sweaty all over, and the way his bare chest looks right now drives Harry crazy. They miss the ball, but it's impossible to blame them for being distracted.
"Harry, drool later. We have a game to win," Liam says.
Niall does step in for Louis, and Harry laughs quietly. "Niall doesn't like volleyball that much. I don't think he will be putting much effort into it, we should be fine."
After a long, tiring game, Harry and Liam ended up winning, despite how distracted Harry was with Louis. Even as they all decide to go for a swim, all Harry can think about is how they haven't been intimate with Louis recently. Harry's only human, and it's hard to push their thoughts away.
They pull Louis aside, kissing him gently. "I'd really like to do something special tonight. You looked so good today." Harry blushes.
Louis chuckles. "I would love to." He kisses Harry back. "We should get out, or we will get a sunburn. Want to play board games when we get back? Something less physical so I can rest my arms a bit?"
"After dinner sounds fine." Harry smiles.
Back on the sand, Harry puts their shirt back on, finding it a bit chilly now that it's later in the day. They refuse to put something warmer on, loving the way their outfit looks too much to cover it up.
"You're freezing, love," Louis gets up from his chair, holding out a blanket he packed. "Put this around you."
Harry shakes their head.
"Then why don't we head back and get out of the breeze. I'm getting hungry too."
"I need food," Zayn chimes in, bending down to pick up a few of their belongings. "I'm ready when you are."
"Eager beaver," Liam laughs.
It's an eventful day and Harry is tired by ten. They excuse themselves for the night, and Louis joins them soon after.
"I'm so exhausted I might pass out the moment my head hits the pillow."
"I wouldn't blame you." Louis gets comfortable in his pajamas while Harry stands in front of the small closet mirror. "I could give you a good morning blow job instead."
"Ah, yes I forgot. But that doesn't sound half bad." Harry wiggles their eyebrows. "Is anyone staying the night?
All of them. They're almost out as well, though. We are all tired."
Harry hums, then it's silent for a moment. "I don't want to take it off." Harry tugs on the crop top a bit before letting go. They love how they look, and they're so proud of themselves, that they just want to keep it on forever.
Louis walks up behind Harry, wrapping his arms around them. "This is what, Your third or fourth one you've worn now? You really love them, hey? The one with the sun on it is my favourite. It reminds me of you."
Harry smiles and nods, admiring the strip of belly showing. They can't imagine wearing anything else right now. Crop tops are now Harry's favourite thing to wear, and they're so glad they made it this far. A few months ago they never thought they would have the confidence. In the end, Harry made the right decisions, no matter how long or how little time it took to get to where they are.
"Yeah, it's my favourite too."