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The sun sinks over the horizon, setting the sky ablaze as Harry finally drives past the Ambleside sign. Lake District. 2,600 inhabitants. A picturesque little village surrounded by hills. The perfect starting point for hikes—and solitude. Alone time. Even though Harry is alone all the time, his weekly call with his mother doesn't count. Far from Manchester and its constant noise, jostling in the streets, and overly curious people. Just some fresh air and a quiet time to recharge. Just thinking about it makes Harry’s omega settle down, purring happily in his chest, with a hint of fresh bread scenting the car. Pushing his glasses up his nose with his index finger, he glances at his GPS to head to the B&B he booked in the town center.
Two minutes later, Harry parks his grey Ford in front of the Townhouse Ambleside B&B, grabs his bag and his coat, and hurries inside, snuggling into his hoodie to beat the autumn chill.
A young brunette standing behind the counter looks up as Harry walks through the door and, with a big smile and a high-pitched voice, says, "Welcome, sir. Did you have a good trip?"
Setting his bag carefully on the ground, Harry looks down and nods, "Yes, thank you."
There's no reassuring scent around him, probably due to the use of neutralizers, common in public places these days, just the scent of the potpourri in front of him, something floral with no distinct note, which upsets Harry and his omega. He'll have to make a nest tonight to soothe it.
"Do you have a reservation?"
Harry risks a glance in her direction, fidgeting with his car keys in his hands and trying to put a smile on his face. "Uh... yeah. Harry Styles?"
The girl looks at him kindly and turns to her computer, giving Harry a 2-minute break. Breathe.
Everything's fine.
"You're in room 28. Second floor. Breakfast is from 8 to 10 in the common room." She slides the key towards Harry, who grabs it quickly, avoiding any contact.
"Thanks," Harry mutters. "Hmm?"
"Anything else, sir?"
"Is there... somewhere I could get some tea nearby?"
"Of course," she beams, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, "at Hill’s Top Cafe. It's two streets from here. Don't wait too long; Louis closes at 7 p.m."
Her tone is soft and comforting, allowing Harry to breathe more deeply. He thanks her and heads towards the stairs further down the small entrance hall. The place is charming, light with pastel colors, still with no smell except those of the fresh flowers adorning each window.
Once in his room, he wastes no time, puts his bag on the bed, unpacks his things to put them in the wardrobe to the left of his white bed embellished with little blue cushions, freshens his face and leaves for a well-deserved tea, putting on his coat.
The journey is peaceful, with the sound of the river rushing by and the gentle wind ruffling his curls. Harry only crosses paths with three or four people, avoiding eye contact each time, his gaze fixed in the distance, only their faint scent tickling his nostrils. Sandalwood. Lilacs. Pine trees. Spearmint. All good. No bleach, oil or tar like in Manchester. It's not that Harry doesn't like his city because he adores it. But what he loves most is the ease of getting around, finding everything on the street corner or having it delivered without leaving his tiny apartment. Without the scents, touches, and looks of the people on the streets. Without Alphas getting too close at the checkout, on the bus, or at a bar. Without snarky comments or mean—
Harry halts suddenly, deep in thought, scanning the area for the famous café he must have passed. He spots a sign there, just around the corner. It’s old; the sea green paint is peeling, and the café's name, painted in pale blue, is beginning to fade, the H barely visible. There it is, Hill's Top Cafe, a large bay window set into an old stone house. The doorknob creaks as Harry enters, a small bell ringing, making the heads of the few customers sitting in armchairs and sofas turn. And that's when it happens. Harry's fate is sealed by the corner of a carpet and his left foot. He closes his eyes, anticipating the most spectacular and embarrassing fall of his life when two strong arms encircle his chest and catch him just in time. Harry breathes heavily, trying to calm his racing heart, not daring to open his eyes again. Gently, like a light breeze, the scent of pear with another imperceptible note embraces him, making its way to his omega. He inhales discreetly, letting it do its job. Alpha, no doubt.
“Oops!” Harry straightens his back and his glasses, lifting his gaze to the person who stopped him from falling. He’s fucked. Completely. He just embarrassed himself in front of one of the most beautiful people he’s ever met. And an alpha, nonetheless. With an enchanting scent, piercing blue eyes, a strong jawline, and an unfairly pretty face. He can never come back to this café.
“Hi! You’re lucky I was going by the door, or you’d be lying down on the floor. Are you ok? Do you want to sit?” The alpha smiles at Harry as if he were saving people from falling every day. Which he probably does, if you ask Harry. Because who could stay on their feet without stumbling when meeting this man? Not Harry, clearly.
“Yes. No. Thanks. I mean… I don’t need to sit down. Thanks for catching me. I’m sorry.” Harry cuts himself off before more nonsense spills out of his mouth. “I’m Harry and I just wanted tea, but now I’m too mortified, so I will just go back out and find another cafe for that. Bye!” He turns on his heels and starts going to the door, but the alpha grabs his coat to make him turn back.
“Hey, hey! None of that! I’m Louis. Nice to meet you, Harry! I own this café. And I solemnly declare that you haven’t embarrassed yourself enough to leave this place without a tea. I’ll even offer it to you.” Louis’ smile is so kind that Harry relaxes a bit. His omega is clearly unsettled by the situation, but the sweet scent of pear and something grassy, like hay, even if faint, emanating from the alpha is enough to soothe it a bit. Enough to clear his thoughts and actually not run away.
Louis releases Harry’s coat and holds his hand out in front of him. Harry takes it for a handshake. “Thanks, Louis! Nice to meet you! I won’t lie. Tea would be welcomed. But I won’t let you offer it to me.”
“Ok, if that’s what you want. What kind of tea will you have? We have pretty much everything,” Louis says with pride, while going back behind the counter, his scent of hay fading away. Harry has not met a lot of alphas who would have let him get away with the situation without extracoddling him. He smiles and checks around him.
The café is everything he could have imagined from a small-town coffee shop. Wooden tables and chairs are in the center of the room, a wood-framed counter sits on the back wall surrounded by bookshelves full of books seemingly very disparate in sizes, colors, and probably genres. Harry doesn’t doubt that he would find something he likes in the lot. On each side of the room, lining the walls, are little alcoves made of colorful cushions and bean bags set around coffee tables. The large bay window also offers a few tables with comfortable chairs too. Harry’s omega seems to love the sweet, subtle smell of pear floating in the place, almost purring in his chest. All in all, it looks very cosy and definitely a place where Harry would spend hours reading or working if he lived close by.
He heads to the counter and checks the menu. He opts for a mix called “Sweet Autumn Mix”, rooibos tea with touches of pumpkin and cinnamon. Perfect for this day of fall.
“Very good choice! One of my favorites too. Do you want to drink it here or to go? I also have some pastries from the local bakery if you want to eat something,” Louis says.
“Oh. I’ll take it to go. I want to go sit in the park I saw when walking towards here. And I won’t have a pastry today. But I’ll come back for sure. I’m here for the week. Staying at the Townhouse Ambleside B&B for my vacation. Do you know it? I guess you do since the receptionist recommended your café. She was a nice girl. I really like my room too. I have a nice view of the hills and -“ Louis clears his throat, and it definitely stops Harry in his ramblings. “I’m sorry, I talk too much, don’t I? It’s always the same when I’m nervous. Well, I’m not nervous, but I’m not not nervous. Ok, I’ll shut up.”
“Hey… don’t be nervous. You don’t talk too much, but you definitely talk a lot. But I don’t mind. I’ve not seen a lot of people today, so a bit of babbling is welcomed right now. I’m glad you’re staying at the B&B. It’s a really nice place. And I do know Abbie. She’s a sweet girl, you’re right. She sent you here, after all,” Louis says with a smile.
To make Harry’s tea, Louis turns around and grabs a kettle from a shelf, giving Harry the perfect view of his back, his muscles moving under the light shirt he’s wearing. He also has really nice legs, from what Harry can guess. They’re clad in jeans, not tight ones but just snug enough to let Harry imagine strong thighs and a really nice, firm bum. He gets lost in his thoughts and stops paying attention to anything and retreats into his own head. A cardboard cup suddenly appears in front of him on the countertop.
Louis teases gently, “You seemed to be a little lost in your thoughts. Thinking about the views the town offers?” and winks to make sure the double meaning doesn’t get lost. Harry feels the blood rush to his cheeks, and his scent starts turning a bit muddy because of the awkwardness. He clears his throat, trying to dissipate a bit of his agitation.
“Yes, I was thinking about that. Absolutely. Splendid views. Enthralling, even.” Louis giggles, clearly enjoying Harry’s misery (again!). Harry decides it’s enough for the day as his face becomes even more flushed.
”So, how much do I owe you for the tea, Louis?”
“It’s £4.50 for the tea. The view was free,” Louis says, his smile still way too cheeky for Harry’s liking. His cheeks burn, and he can’t lift his eyes to look at Louis anymore.
“Ok, here you go,” he says, taking his phone from his back pocket and swiping it on the terminal. “Have a good end of day, Louis! I’ll go and admire the views your town offers now. In the park. In front of those beautiful hills. Bye!” He takes his tea and all but flees the café, hearing Louis chuckle and send a goodbye while the door closes behind Harry.
Harry is completely enamoured, and it’s not what he had planned for his quiet and relaxing vacation week. He walks to the park nearby and sits on a bench facing the hills. Because these are the views he came to admire. And nothing else. Even if his omega is dancing in his chest. It means nothing. His omega is just dramatic.