Archive of Our Own ^beta

Saturday, December 1^st

“So, about Christmas,” Jay says after a little pause in which she tries to contain the little ones who most definitely have caused some havoc somewhere in the house.

Louis rolls his eyes, “Mum…”

“Yeah, I know you’re very busy with your incredible job and I am so so proud of you but I also want my baby boy back home for the holidays and we all can’t wait to see Jim again,” at that the omega has to close his eyes and suppress a loud sigh…well it’s time I guess.

“Mum, I uhm, Jim won’t come along –“

“What do you mean? Why?”, Jay asks nonplussed, “you boys work too much, this isn’t healthy and everyone deserves a break especially on Christmas.”

With his eyes closed, he flips himself around on his bed, facing the dark green wall and snuggling deeper into his fleecy blanket.

“No, it’s not that mum, I uhm I mean we broke up, I guess?”

“You guess you broke up?”, Jay answers jokingly but Louis knows his mother better than anyone else and can perfectly detect the sorrowful undertone in her voice.

“It just wasn’t working anymore…god, alphas are just so rude and annoying and all of them think they own the bloody world!”, Louis exclaims.

“Boo, not all alphas are like this –“, Jay replies –“well, the ones I have dated do not seem to have gotten the memo because all of them are dickheads,” Louis grumbled.

“Louis Tomlinson, language!”

The 28-year old sighs again, “sorry, mum, but it’s true. He started to be more and more controlling and tried to tell me what to do…he even wanted me to stop working because the stress in the company is apparently too heavy on my weak omega body, this fucking bitch I swear to God-“

“Okay, alright, what we are gonna do now is calm down for once and then we are going to breathe for a second and then you tell me everything,” Jay says with her problem-solving voice. She means business, sigh.

“Mum, I love you, I really really do but there isn’t much to tell and even if there was we weren’t together for long… it was nowhere near as serious as Liam or Lottie made it out to be and I’m sorry that you listened to them but I’m not even certain I would have brought him home if we were still together -,” Louis explains patiently, having been at this exact moment far too many times already.

“But Lou, if you ever want a family you need to start somewhere and the first step is finding an alpha-“

The omega pinches his nose with his free hand and breathes heavily.

He knows his mum means well but she just doesn’t get him in this regard. She knows him best but she has never been able to understand why he just doesn’t settle with an alpha.

Jay of all people should be able to see his reasons but despite the shit Louis’ father put her through, her second husband Dan changed her whole point of view. And Louis is happy that she has found a caring, warm, and loving alpha who is a great dad to his smaller siblings but he himself has been burned one too many times by alphas to really entertain the idea of getting serious with one.

“How many times do we have to have his conversation? At the moment I am just not interested in a serious relationship and we do not live in 1950 anymore, meaning I don’t have to be married and pregnant with my second child before I turn 30. My job and my friends have priority right now and you were the one raising me to stand up against any gender norm bullshit,” he rants while his naturally sweet vanilla and sweet pea scent bitters with annoyance.

“Louis!”, his mum shrieks.

“Don’t tell me I’m wrong.”

Jay sighs deeply and swallows while seemingly collecting her thoughts. “I can’t say I get it because you have always loved the idea of getting a mate but I guess I know where you coming from. This doesn’t mean I agree with you but I am also sorry to hear that Jim did not turn out to be your perfect match.”

“Thank you,” Louis mumbles, swallowing down tears that stupidly start to build in his eyes.

Goddamn stupid omega emotions, he was more than fine with being single again.

He broke up with this idiot after all. Doesn’t mean we do not already miss alpha touches; his inner omega states matter of factly. The itch to go cuddle up in his nest suddenly sky-rocketed. He needs to appease his mother and get a good afternoon nap in there, Louis decides. “Sorry, for my reaction, mum. It just sucks that yet another person was too good to be true and I fell for it –“

“Oh, boo bear, I’m so-“

“No, it’s fine honestly, I’m over it, I promise,” his mum snorts in disbelief, “I mean mostly. But in a few days I will be fine as a fiddle. And for Christmas, I’m coming home of course, I just don’t know when yet. The lads may have planned something for my birthday and Niall will eat me alive if I decline again this year. He’s still pouting because he couldn’t celebrate my 25^th properly. But I will be home definitely.”

His mum sighs again, “well alright, I can’t say I’m happy to hear that but I guess you have your own live now and we will take what we can get. As long as I get to hug you sometime during Christmas I can manage.”

“Don’t be like this mum, you know I love to come home and I will, I haven’t missed a full Christmas ever since I moved out –“

“Of course, I know, I’m just being dramatic. Just let me know when you’ll be here, as soon as you know, so we can plan.”

“Sure thing, but I really gotta run, mum!”

“Alright, yeah I gotta prep dinner soon anyway, love you, baby, call me soon, yeah?”

 “Will do! Love you too, mum. Bye!” With that the line goes dead and he breathes deeply willing away the sadness of yet another failed relationship. I really should stick to omegas or betas I would save myself so much trouble…

The omega gets up from his bed and makes his way over to his nest but ultimately decides he needs a cup of tea first to calm himself down.

Walking out of his bedroom, he traipses over to his kitchen and turns on the kettle. With his mind wandering and waiting for the water to boil, he starts walking around his open living space over to his big window panel that overlooks the street downstairs but also the beautiful park on the other side across which he loves dearly - for reading and playing footie alike.

What he sees in front of the house makes him stop in his tracks tho. There is a moving truck parked on the curb and someone is clearly moving in right now. Louis’ eyes light up excitedly he always loves when new people join the apartment complex, offering new chances of meeting people and possibly making new friends.

Forgotten is the plan of hiding in his nest for the rest of the day, curiosity getting the better of him.

He quickly puts on his worn yellow vans and tugs on a warm hoodie to fight off the cold wind and makes his way down and out of the house.

What he sees when he steps out the front door, makes him stop in his tracks for the second time in the past five minutes.

There, coming out of the moving truck is possibly the most gorgeous and beautiful person – statue speaking most definitely an alpha – Louis has ever seen. The chocolate brown curls are put up in small bun held together by a pink scrunchie – which cute – and their slim body is definitely big like an alpha’s but also incredibly soft looking with a small pudge that Louis is blessed enough to see because the oversized pastel yellow hoodie has ridden up due to their heavy lifting.

Thankfully, no one was in his close vicinity to hear the embarrassing little whine that comes out of his mouth at the beautiful sight. God, this alpha was a sight to behold…it must be so safe in this strong arms and yet so warm and comfortable because of the softness they exude. I would love to have these big hands on my a-

His daydreaming is interrupted by a little yelp and a small crash that is followed by a shocked gasp and Louis suddenly realises where he actually is. He swallows harshly and blushes when he notices how his scent has permeated the air and the heavy sweet vanilla wafts through the cold winter morning.

The omega shakes his head and tries to calm himself down when he looks over to the alpha to see whether they have noticed his display of omega.

Thankfully, the other is completely focused on something on the ground, kneeling down with hunched shoulders. Louis frowns and moves closer to them to see what is going on.

When he’s close enough to the alpha he notices two things at once.

One, the alpha omits no scent whatsoever which probably means he’s using neutralisers – which is incredible because usually when moving into a new unknown environment they have to make it their own first and this alpha doesn't seem to feel this way but it is also incredibly sad because Louis needs to know what they smell like.

And two, the other one is cradling a broken pink pot that once seemed to hold a small cactus with a blooming flower in it. Said cactus is lying on the ground and the alpha is currently trying to pick up the pieces while breathing shakily.

Louis is quite taken aback for a second because he probably never saw an alpha react like this over something as insignificant as a plant. He knows that something like plants or other “pretty” or “decorative” things are usually something alphas really do not give a fuck about unless they praise their omega for something well done or taken care of.

So, for the other to have such a strong reaction to the cactus makes Louis’ heart flutter strangely and he suddenly feels the urge to comfort the stranger.

He clears his throat quietly and asks, “Hey, you alright?”

The alpha startles and turns their head presenting Louis with a cherry flush high on their cheeks and an upset glint in their eyes. Their eyes – their beautiful beautiful green eyes oh god - go wide when they meet Louis‘ blue ones and their upset pout turns into a little oh before the alpha seems to find their ground, shakes their head quickly and clears their throat.

“I uhm what? Sorry,” the other mumbles with a deep but soft timbre, making Louis’ omega shiver pleasantly.

Louis smiles gently at them trying to pull back his omega which was about ready to jump in this person’s arms like what the fuck honestly. “I was just asking if you’re alright, you seem…upset?”

The alpha sighs and pouts cutely, “Oh, um yeah, one of my plants – Frank - didn’t survive the moving process after all and I uhm I am pretty clumsy and I dropped him,” – They have names for their plants? Who are they? – “and yeah basically I am the worst plant dad ever and I feel awful because Frank hasn’t been with us for long and he was just starting to really feel at home.”

Louis looks at him flabbergasted not knowing how to respond to an alpha that not only named his plants but also calls himself plant dad. Honestly who is this lad? And why was he so endeared?

“I uhm I’m sorry?” Louis replies.

The alpha hides his face in his hands, mortified . “Goodness me, I’m sorry you probably really don’t want a stranger going on about his plant problems on your Saturday afternoon when you were just a really nice person –“

“Louis, I’m Louis. And I live here, so I’m assuming we’re neighbours now?”, Louis interrupts the stuttering boy, wanting to make him feel comfortable in his presence.

“I’m Harry, it’s really nice to meet my first neighbour it’s always kinda stressful moving into a new place, especially moving my babies – Jesus, I’m starting again, I’m so-“

“Please don’t apologise, it’s obvious they’re important to you, so you should rant about them all you want,” Louis says with a smile.

He gets an even bigger smile and a pretty little blush in return. “Thank you, you’re really nice, if all the neighbours are like you this place is already a good decision.”

“Oh, the others are alright but I am the best,” the omega exclaims. At that Harry lets out a big, honking laugh out which has him slap his hand on his mouth.

Honestly, why was this guy so bloody cute? It’s been ten minutes, chill the fuck out, Louis  thinks to himself.

“I think I can believe that,” Harry replies and suddenly there is a dimple on his cheek, a real life dimple, Louis is going to die.

“Well, you better. Now do you need any help moving this stuff in?” There is something about the curly-haired boy that makes him want to make him happy which was kind of scary if Louis really thinks about it.

“Oh, that is so nice but you don’t have to really, Gemma should be here soon and she’ll help me. She’s strong enough for the both of us, she’s the best and my favourite person in the whole world!”, Harry exclaims with a twinkle in his eye.

And of course, of fucking course, an alpha like this has an omega or the very least a girlfriend. Louis sighs inwardly. I mean I would snatch him up too if i had the chance.

“No, of course, please don’t mind me, you must think I am the biggest creep coming on to you like this and then trying to invade your space and offering to get in your flat,” Louis cringes with an uncomfortable smile while trying his hardest to not let the bitter tinge of discomfort enter his scent as well.

Harry’s eyes widen once again, “No, no, please I don’t think that! Like I said I am really happy to have met someone nice on the first day of living here – so thank you for saying hi,” the alpha replies shyly.

No one is allowed to be cute and shy but also broad as fuck with arms and legs like this. What the fuck.

“Was my pleasure. I love meeting new people and if they are cool enough they will be my friends quite quickly,” the omega says cheekily which makes Harry blush a pretty pink.

“Sounds great,” he mumbles.

Louis beams at him, “it does because I’m awesome!” At that Harry giggles.

And well, Louis could stand here on the curb for the next good while and talk to Harry, get to know him and befriend him on the spot but he doesn’t think he’s ready to meet the girlfriend right now. Besides, it’s fucking freezing, Louis realised, as a burst of cold air hits him and he remembers that he’s only wearing a hoodie.

Apparently, Harry notices the shudder too because the blush makes space for a concerned frown, “you should really go inside, it’s freezing today and I really don’t want you to get sick, otherwise I would be a bad friend in training, wouldn’t I?”

Louis tries not to preen at that and nods in earnest, “oh, you are very right. You seem like a good candidate, consider me impressed already. But honestly, it’s cold as fuck today and I am really not dressed properly for the North Pole.”

“Most definitely not,” Harry agrees with a nod on his own and Louis gets the feeling that it not quite a joke on the alpha’s side. Suddenly he feels a lot warmer.

“Then I will leave you to fend for your own in the cold and will go back to my very heated apartment. I should get some work done anyway,” Louis says while starting to turn back to the front door.

Harry looks at him softly, “of course, it was a pleasure meeting you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, see you around, Harry.”

“See you soon,” the alpha replies while Louis walks towards the entrance.

Before he walks in, he swirls back around and catches Harry turning back to the moving truck and apparently remembering what was happening before Louis interrupted him. The sad sigh that’s leaving Harry and his hunched shoulders when he looks down to his broken cactus makes Louis want to hug the other boy tightly. He wishes he could take the sadness away despite not knowing the alpha at all.

His inner omega tries to make him do it but he pushes it back once more. Upon entering his flat, the urge to go cuddle up in his nest flares up even more than before which doesn’t surprise him at all, if he was being honest with himself.

He quickly decides that fighting his inner omega even more is a bad idea and makes a beeline to his bedroom after locking his front door. Upon walking into his bedroom, he closes his blinds and grabs a pair of fuzzy socks before opening the closet doors and crawling into the small space. Immediately, the feeling of safety and comfort enters his system and his scent turns soft and smooth – the sweet vanilla permeating the air.

Louis turns on the fairy lights, he had hung all around the walls and sinks down onto the blanket covered floor. Once again he was pleased as a punch that he ignored Liam and bought the expensive high thread duvet because he has never in his life felt anything softer than the base of his nest.

Liam could suck his dick just because Niall doesn’t really nest and is fine with their bed becoming his safe haven right before his heat hits, doesn’t mean that all omegas are like this. After he presented, he quickly learned that the safety, warmth and comfort a nest could bring was bloody amazing and after he started he simply never stopped.

Sadly, his nest only holds the smell of his own vanilla and sweet pea even though the positive effects would be much bigger if there was an alpha scent mixed in. And damn it’s been quite a while since an alpha even so much as entered his bedroom. With Jim it never even went as far as them staying in Louis’ flat, the few nights spent together exclusively happening at the alpha’s place.

And he misses the warmth and comfort of the darker, heavier tones of an alpha scent mixed in with his own flowery one.

His mind wanders to the alpha he met not an hour ago and he’s wondering yet again what his scent could be. It’s quite unusual for alphas to hide their scent especially when inhabiting a new space. Usually, alphas are all about marking the space and making it known they are here but Louis couldn’t even detect the slightest whiff of anything in the cold December air.

And he really really wishes he could. He imagines that Harry would smell like a warm fire in the cold night, all smokey and soothing. Possibly, with a hint of something sweet and heavy like caramel or dark chocolate…Louis sighs and closes his eyes for a second, envisioning what it would feel like to have the alpha close to him. It must feel amazing being the reason he smiles, the reason he’s happy and feels cherished and even better to be the reason for the dimple.

God, this bloody dimple. Louis is already obsessed with it.

But Harry wasn’t really happy when Louis met him, was he?

Louis frowns to himself remembering the sad hunch to the alpha’s shoulders when he saw him earlier and he feels the urge to take the sadness away.

So, while the omega is lying in his nest, he makes the decision to do just that. And with this thought, the 28-year old falls asleep.

✧ ✧ ✧

Tuesday, December 4^th

Louis locks his office door and puts on his scarf and beanie at the same time before he hurries towards the elevators, praying that no one would stop him on his way out. He had to work overtime due to a system crash in one of the labs and now it’s almost 5pm and the flower shop closes in an hour. And the one he picked is 20 minutes away so he really has to leave.

He successfully makes it down and steps out of the elevator walking towards the exit. When he rounds the corner he almost collides with another body and he squeals quietly while clutching his leather bag and the piece of paper in his hand.

“Shit, -“, he curses.

“Well, what a warm welcome,” a familiar voice with a thick Irish accent says with a laugh and Louis has to repress another whine. So much for not running into someone he knows. “We missed your shining presence at lunch today. Where’ve you been?”, Niall continues without a pause.

Louis sighs internally. It really is a curse that all his best friends work under the same roof as him.

Yes, he is aware that he usually loves this fact and that he is the reason this even happened but at times like this in which Louis really doesn’t want his best friends asking questions it really is more than inconvenient.

Sometimes he really hates himself for begging Liam and Zayn to join him for Uni in London where he met Niall in Bio Chem 01 in their first semester and introduced not only Liam to his future mate but also made sure all of them became besties. Now,  years after their graduation, all of them are working in their respective fields for one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the UK.

More times than not, he doesn’t even see the others during their workday except for lunch due to the sheer size of the firm but of course luck is not on his side today.

Usually, Louis is stuck on one of the top floors in his office overlooking all data transfer and communications as one of the head IT-analysts while Niall is placed all the way across the building in the engineering wing working on the machines. Liam and Zayn are somewhere in the new shiny ad-on building that holds the labs for the chemical technicians where both of them have their offices and workspaces to work on their products.

So, yeah, he could usually count on them being not around which makes it even more frustrating that today of all days Niall apparently decided to change his whole routine in order to find Louis at the other end of the firm.

“Sorry, Ni I really gotta run. I’ll give you a call but we’re still on for dinner and the game on Sunday?”, Louis rushes out and tries to leave the other omega behind but Niall steps in his way.

“Okay, now you’re officially being weird again”, Niall says to which Louis tries to protest. “Oh no no no, you’re not gonna object or get to talk yourself out of it. You were weird as hell during footie and now you missed lunch and you haven’t even checked your text messages all day. What’s up with you?”

Oh yeah, and Louis really hated how perceptive Niall can be if he wants to. Sometimes he forgets how good Niall can sense things with his carefree and fun nature.

“It’s nothing and I’m not weird. I was just busy during lunch you know with work,” Louis is just a bit ashamed of lying to his best friend but really he was busy working just not his actual job.

Yeah, you were working out what kind of plant to get for the strange alpha that just moved into your apartment complex and who may have been on your mind permanently. And this exactly is why he will absolutely not tell Niall anything about it.

“Nonsense, you never do your work during work hours why would you suddenly work during your break,” Niall accuses him and damn why does this Irish leprechaun know him so well?

“Niall, I really gotta go,” Louis whines with a look at his watch, knowing he will barely make it to the flower shop. He doesn’t even know why it is so important to him but his omega is getting restless. Once again he tries to move past the other omega but Niall grabs his wrist.

“Hey!”, Louis pulls his arm away and tries to hide the piece of paper.

“What you’ve got there? Why are you grabbing this piece of paper like your life depends on it?” Niall chuckles.

“It’s none of your business, Niall.” Louis’ scent spikes into bitter annoyance the tiniest bit.

Niall pulls away and puts his hands up placatingly. “Jeez, alright, I don’t know what got your knickers in a twist but fine. But wait till Zayn hears about this, he’ll get it out of you.”

“You know what, fuck you, I’m allowed to have secrets once in a while,” Louis snaps.

“Aha, so there is something going on you’re not telling us,” Niall smirks.

For fucks sake, he’s good. Louis feels his cheeks heat up slightly.

“Wait, is that a number or something on this paper? Is this a new crush?”

“It is absolutely not!” Louis screeches and his cheeks are burning by now, which makes Niall cackle even louder.

“Oh, I see.”

“Good bye, Niall,” Louis growls and just walks away without another word cringing inside knowing full well it will take like 2 and half minutes until his phone rings and either Zayn or Liam want to know everything.

Hell, Louis doesn’t even know what this was himself. He has spoken to Harry once and now he wants to do something nice for the alpha. That is not a crush. What a joke.

He rushes out of the main entrance and is met with the cold December air. The omega closes his eyes for a moment and breathes deeply in and out to calm his inner omega and his burning cheeks. When he opens his eyes again he sees  that London has seemingly welcomed the Christmas spirit over the day because the city was lit up with sparkling Christmas lights which illuminated the darkness that has already settled over the city.

For a moment he forgets what just happened and takes in the view. God, he has always loved the holiday season the most. Not only because December is his birthday month but also because the Christmas atmosphere makes everything softer and warmer despite the winter cold. As a child he always thought the lights were put up all over town just for him and his birthday and he never really stopped this special feeling entering his body when he sees the lights come to life in the beginning of the month.

He shakes off the weird feeling from before and lets the first signs of Christmas light up his mood. With a small burst of warmth and excitement of what’s to come, he starts walking in the direction of the flower shop gripping the piece of paper in his hand tighter not willing to lose it.

The shop he picked is only a ten minute walk away from his work so Louis is quite certain he can still make it in time. He picks up his pace and goes over his order in his head once again. The omega spent the better part of his work day looking for the perfect plant because he somehow feels that Harry wouldn’t want a simple replacement but rather a new addition to his little plant family.

He enters Heavy Petal (and yes that name makes him roll his eyes fondly and smile for some reason) a few minutes later and is met with a lovely but quite overpowering mix of sweet, flowery scents. It takes him a second to breathe freely again and he has to suppress a sneeze which makes his nose itch.

“Bless you,” a friendly voice says making him jump slightly. Louis swirls around and is met with a tall brunette with a gentle smile and soft brown eyes. Her scent was fresh yet sweet like spring air with a hint of cherry blossom, most definitely an omega.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m Sarah, can I help you?“

“No, no it’s fine, I was just a bit overwhelmed with all the scents,“ Louis answers with a chuckle.

“Believe me, that’s totally normal. Especially for people who come here for the first time or don’t really spend much time around plants,“ Sarah laughs.

“Well, I can’t say I do,“ Louis replies which makes the girl laugh even harder.

“Figures,“ Sarah winks at him, “so, what brings you here then?“

“Well, I am looking for plants,“ Louis points out the obvious, “and since I really do not have any idea about, well plants, I was looking for flower shops near my work and well your name intrigued me.“

Sarah nods in agreement, “yeah, we get that a lot. Our boss has an unhealthy obsession with bad puns and when he took over the shop he went all out with it,“ she shakes his head fondly.

“I see,“ Louis laughs, „well I can certainly appreciate a pun and your business model seems to work since it brought me here.“

“I will let H know,“ Sarah promises, „right then, can I help you with anything or do you know what you’re looking for? If it’s something for Christmas I have to write your order down and we’ll let you know when it’s ready for pick up, we’re already quite packed.“

“Oh no, no Christmas presents, that’s mostly settled already. But just in case I do need plants I get back to you. I’m actually here for a little something to make someone happy,“ Louis explains with a little blush creeping into his cheeks.

“Sweet! What does that someone like? Any favourite flowers or plants? What about colours or scents?“ Sarah seems suddenly very excited and her cherry blossom gets stronger with delight.

Yeah, I would like to know Harry’s own scent as well.

“Actually,“ his blush intensifies, “I have just met him on the weekend and he seemed upset before we started talking and I thought I could get him something to cheer him up and welcome him into our apartment complex.“

Sarah’s eyebrows shoot up and a wide grin takes over her face, “Oh, I see…well then let’s have a look at our options shall we?“

Louis nods in agreement, grateful that the other omega seems to understand him without him actually saying it out loud. She puts her hand gently on Louis‘ lower back and turns him away from the entrance which is next to the white and light wooden register.

For the first time, he really takes in the whole shop and his breath stopps for a second. He most definitely hasn’t been in many flower shops but he can’t remember that the ones in Doncaster, where he got his mum flowers for Mother’s Day, were anything like this. What he sees is probably the definition of cozy, warm and soft and he immediately feels comfortable almost like the whole room was enveloping him in a hug.

“Wow,” he breathes while taking a few steps further into the room.

The whole shop was painted in different shades of green, varying from soft sage to a beautiful deep forest green making the old shelves which have been painted white pop nicely. The fairy lights that have been strung all over the place bath the room in a soft, warm light. The old dark hardwood floors are partly covered by blush rugs in beige and green which lead to a cosy seating area. From where Louis is standing he can’t really see in the far back corner but he just knows that the couches and bean bags there invited customers to sit down despite the novelty of having something like this in a flower shop of all places. And the flowers and plants…Louis’ knowledge of plants is barely big enough to tell roses and tulips apart so the sheer diversity he sees is making his mouth gape.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” Sarah interrupts his thoughts. Louis only just hums too in awe to speak.

“Yeah, I know, H really outdid himself with the place and it’s not even finished yet. He took over the shop from our former boss Barbara and he took her old charme and levelled up quite a bit. He even plans to expand it into a little café but the building next door has to give the okay first. But for now it’s just this and I love it. You should see the place when it’s ready for Christmas too! H goes all out with the decoration and puts even more fairy lights up – can you believe!”, the omega shakes his head fondly, “but he hasn’t come around to do it yet because he was moving last week and it all got a bit stressful, bless him, he gets overwhelmed easily.”

Louis looks at her and tries to find something to say, wishing he could meet that H person, he seems pretty amazing by the look of this shop.

“I guess I have to come back then and see the place in its Christmas glory, don’t l?”, he says in the end which makes Sarah smile even bigger.

“Oh yes you definitely should! We all love Christmas around here, so you’ll definitely get something worth your while.”

“I can imagine,” he winks.

“Excellent, now onto the mission for today. You said you were looking for something to make someone happy you just met, correct.”

“Yup, I uhm I tried to read up on the meaning of flowers and plants but there is so much I couldn’t possibly get through it all. But I think I want something that lasts longer? My…friend seems to enjoy those more”, he explains uncertainly.

“Oh, you’re right, it’s a lot,” the girl laughs, “but how about we look at some of the plants then? Do you know what the guy’s favourite colour is? Or plants he might like?”

“No, I’m uhm I don’t,” Louis replies sheepishly.

“No, no that’s fine. Then how about we’re just gonna see what you like and since it’s a present from you I bet he loves it nonetheless.”

Louis blushes slightly and nods. The pair walks over to the shelves and Sarah shows him some of her favourites while she explains the meanings behind all of them.

“We could do a whole bouquet of different flowers each of them telling a little story – if your boy is familiar with plants he might appreciate that,” Sarah grins cheekily at him, “some of my faves are red and white Carnations, Gerbera Daisies in every colour possible – since they are the definition of cheerfulness, Lilly of The Valley, Peonies, -“ the other omega excitedly lists flowers Louis has never ever heard in his life and he tries to follow her gaze to find out which flowers she was looking at.

By doing so, he slowly turns around and lets his own gaze wander when he suddenly stops. In one of the shelves in the back of the shop, quite hidden actually, Louis spies some flower pots with different plants in it and one of them catches his eyes and also his breath – wow that’s pretty, he thinks to himself. He is so entranced by the sheer beauty of the dainty white flower and the nice contrast to thick dark green leaves.

“Hey, you’re alright?”, Sarah comes up behind him and interrupts his thoughts.

“Oh, uhm yeah, sorry, I just um I really like that one back there,” Louis says almost in trance.

Sarah follows his gaze and her breath stocks for the tiniest moment.

“We’re currently rearranging stuff to put the Christmas bouquets and gifts up front so these will be sorted out and are not up for sale —,” she explains.

“Why would you sort something this gorgeous out, please I uhm can I have a closer look at it?” Louis asks while already walking towards the back of the shop feeling weirdly drawn to plant of all things.

When he reaches the shelves on the far back wall of the shop, next to the seating area, he stops in front of the flower and softly touches the white petals, the softness making him gasp a bit. His inner omega lights up at the touch as well.

“I wanna get this one,” he murmurs, “I mean have you looked at it? It’s absolutely beautiful and the scent of it? Magnificent, so flowery and sweet and yet still fresh and zesty with a hint of creaminess…it’s perfect,” Louis says in wonder.

When Sarah doesn’t answer immediately, he rips his eyes away from the plant and turns around to look at the other omega who was looking at him with something Louis can’t decipher. A second later, the woman’s face lights up and her whole demeanour changes.

“Of course, if you’re interested in this one I can certainly make an exception. I basically make the calls here anyway,” oh another cheeky omega, I like it.

Louis laughs. “Lovely, then it’s decided. Thank you for your other suggestions but this is it.”

Sarah smiles gently at him, “of course, I’m glad I could help. You can just go and wait up front for me, I’ll get the little one ready for you and bring it along.”

“Great, thanks,” Louis replies and starts walking back to the front of the shop, still admiring the sheer comfort and beauty the whole thing exudes.

It almost makes him feel as drawn to as the plant he is about to buy. Something about this place is truly special even without the Christmas flair but Louis was certain as soon as the place was decorated it will be magical. Suddenly, he is quite happy over the fact that the accident with Harry’s plant brought him here.

A few moments later, Sarah returns with the plant now sitting in a pretty baby blue plant pot made out of ceramic which made the green of the leaves look even better. The lightness of the blue and the power of the green fit together so well.

“Sooo, here we go,” the female omega says while getting behind the register. She tapes something into the cash register, “that’ll be £18,99. Do you want me to wrap it up?”

Louis shakes his head while taking out his wallet, “oh no that’s fine, I’ll take it just like this.” He hands over the money and takes the plant pot.

“Thanks so much again and I’m sorry for coming in so late and making you stay overtime.”

“It’s fine, don’t worry. It was really nice meeting you,” Sarah smiles.

“Ditto.” He grabs the plant gently and starts making his way to the door.

“Don’t be a stranger, yeah? I really wanna know how your mans reacts to the plants,” Sarah teases.

Louis laughs, “of course, we’ll see. And after all I can’t miss the Christmas magic in here, can I?”

“Most definitely not! See you soon then?”

“Yes, I’ll be back for sure, goodbye and thanks again!”

“Have a good night!” With a last wave, Louis leaves the shop and makes his way back home. He can’t wait to see what Harry thinks of the new family member. And he can’t wait even less to come back here and see what this H has up his sleeve for the shop at Christmas.

✧ ✧ ✧

Wednesday, December 5^th

The next day after work, Louis rushes home to finally gift Harry his new plant. He hasn’t seen the alpha since the weekend with his busy working schedule and all but Mrs. Johnson from apartment 1a has told him that the alpha always comes back home around 5pm. Sometimes it was indeed handy to have such noisy neighbours.

It is now 6:30pm and the omega enters his flat to quickly change out of his work clothes. He walks into his bedroom and opens his drawers to pull out some soft grey joggers and an oversized red jumper which will hopefully fight off the cold.

God, he really could use a good cuddle to warm his inner omega up.

This is literally the only thing he really hates about the winter – omegas don’t really vibe with the cold and even less if they don’t have an alpha. Omegas in relationships can turn to their alphas who have higher body temperatures anyway but in Louis’ case he’s on his own this year.

He shakes off his thoughts and walks back out to his kitchen where he had placed the plant last night. Louis takes it and makes his way towards Harry’s flat, hoping the alpha is really at home.

Arriving at the alpha’s front door, he suddenly feels a little stupid and a lot nervous. What was he thinking? He imagines knocking at the door and the girlfriend – What was her name again? Jenna, Emma? Or something. – How is he supposed to react then? God, he’s so stupid.

He quickly dismisses his plan and turns around ready to flee back to his flat and hide in his nest for the rest of eternity or well at least tomorrow.

He’s already a few steps away from the door when it suddenly opens and the alpha appears, “Louis? What’s up? You’re alright?”, he asks worriedly.

Louis stops in his tracks feeling weirdly called out even though the alpha sounds genuinely worried.

He squeezes his eyes close for a second and tries to keep his scent down. He always struggles with his scent flaring up with a bitter note whenever he’s nervous, anxious or angry. And he hates it.

“Lou…I mean uh Louis?” The alpha murmurs and stumbled over the nickname that has fallen out of his mouth. Louis smiles despite his embarrassment. He was a sucker for a good pet name. “Hey, you okay? Did you want something from me?”

The omega turns his head and looks at the alpha – whose hair was falling freely down past his shoulders in soft curls, God he really was pretty – and smiles shyly at him.

“Oh, uhm no I –“ he stumbles over his words, rolling his eyes to himself and clears his throat slightly, “I mean, yes, I actually wanted to speak to you because I have something for you,” he continues softly, feeling a bit of warmth coming to his cheeks.

Harry’s eyes go wide, “for me?”

Louis nods with a smile and turns back towards the alpha, looking down at the plant in his hands. Upon seeing what is in Louis’ hands, the alpha gasps in surprise and Louis’ inner omega wishes he could sense what the alpha is thinking right now.

The blue-eyed omega looks up and sees Harry’s green ones shine in wonder while a small blush creeps up his cheeks.

When Harry doesn’t answer immediately, Louis feels himself blush as well, secretly fearing that the alpha would hate the present or thinks Louis is a weirdo.

He suddenly doubts himself, “I mean, uhm sorry if this is stupid I just, like, you know, you were so sad over uhm Frank on Saturday and I guess I just wanted to make you feel better and make you happy so I uhm got you this?” The omega holds the plant pot in Harry’s direction who takes a closer look at the plant.

The alpha’s eyes grows even bigger upon realising what Louis got for him. His mouth opens into a small O shape.

“You uhm you got me a replacement for Frank?”, Harry checks softly.

Louis shakes his head wildly and steps closer to Harry, “No, no, no, it’s not a replacement more uhm like a new addition. I’m sorry if this is stupid I shouldn’t ha-“

Harry interrupts him, “Please, don’t say that. It’s really considerate and sweet. Thanks, uhm thank you so much. You’re so kind but you really shouldn’t have,” the alpha stumbles over his words which makes Louis smile.

“It was my pleasure, believe me!”

He walks up to Harry’s front door and holds out the pot towards Harry when he breathes in one of the most alluring and gorgeous scents he has ever smelled.

“Oh,” he exhales at the same time Harry takes the plant and gasps quietly. Both of them stare at each other for a second while Louis tries to figure out what this scent could possibly be. Something sweet and kinda familiar? God, this is nice…

His thoughts are interrupted by Harry clearing his throat, “Can I, uhm I mean do you mind if I have a closer look?” The alpha asks unsurely.

Louis shakes his head, “What? No, no of course not. It’s for you after all. I’m sorry it was a long day and I’m mentally in bed already. Here you go,” he smiles and hands over the plant pot. “I hope you like it. I’m not really into plants or anything and I have no idea what I actually bought but this girl at the flower shop was so ni-“

“She’s perfect,” Harry breathes while cradling her gently, “thank you so much, Louis. You really didn’t have to but I appreciate it so much. She really is a beauty, what a great addition to our family,” the alpha says softly.

“I’m glad you like her. I was hoping you would and that you don’t have it already.”

“No, no I don’t and I’m really glad I get to count her to one of my own now. I just don’t really know what to say. I’m not really used to getting gifts. I’m…thank you,” the alpha mumbles and trying to hide his flaming cheeks behind his long curls.

And once again, Louis wants to hug Harry. The alpha seems so unsure especially of himself. Louis really isn’t used to an alpha being this insecure and he feels the need to make Harry stop worrying.

“Don’t mention it, really. And like I said my knowledge of plants goes as far as distinguishing a rose from a bush, so I’m happy I got you a good one. -”

Harry looks at him with something that could be fondness if Louis went this far. Yeah, he would really like to go this far.

Subconsciously, the alpha takes a deep breath and a small grumble erupts from his chest. Louis takes his own deep breath and steps closer to say more when he gets another whiff of that gorgeous smell and he stops in his movement.

This…this scent was coming out of the slightly opened front door of Harry’s flat and…no this…this scent…

Louis swallows.

This scent was far too sweet and floral for an alpha and suddenly Louis realises that it most certainly isn’t Harry’s scent he so desperately wants to get to know.

No.

This scent must belong to Harry’s omega. The one who helped him move. This means she lives here with him? Oh…

Louis ‘ stomach drops. How could he forget this? He’s so stupid. Jesus Christ.

“Louis?” Harry asks with a raised eyebrow and Louis flinches internally. His inner omega urges him to leave fearing that he would make even more of a tit of himself.

“Yeah, uhm, I gotta go,” the omega rushes out and Harry looks at him with a shocked expression before his face turns white.

“Oh, yeah of course. I uhm didn’t mean to keep you here. I uhm thank you again,” the curly-haired man exclaims with a furrowed brow.

“No problem at all! I uhm yeah bye,” Louis exclaims cringing internally. How fucking cringe can someone be, he thinks to himself while backing away quickly, not waiting for Harry’s response.

Back in his flat, the omega moves to his nest trying his best to forget this scent that has invaded his mind more than he’d like to admit.

✧ ✧ ✧

Sunday, December 9^th

The next few days the omega goes through the motions by default – trying to keep to himself, not letting the boys know that something was up and working through his stupid feelings by himself.

Yes, Louis is mature enough to disclose his crush to himself. And yes, he has a crush – a big crush – on the alpha he met just a week ago and his the most beautiful and gorgeous man Louis has ever seen in his life. The alpha who lives in his house now, who is really sweet and funny but also incredibly taken by the amount of omega wafting out of his flat.

And well, Louis isn’t surprised that another omega has bagged this wonder of an alpha because even though he hasn’t known the other man for long he knows Harry is not anything like other alphas –

His thoughts are interrupted by a loud knock on his front door. The omega frowns to himself.

“Who’s this?”, he mumbles, pausing Love Actually (yes it was one of his favourite Christmas movies – sue him) and sets his hot cocoa on the table before walking over to the door.

He opens it and looks into three expecting faces. “What are you doing here?”, the omega asks with furrowed brows.

Zayn snorts and Liam pouts, “It’s Sunday?”, the alpha asks in return.

“Yes, I am aware, hence why I wasn’t expecting to see anyone,” Louis replies sarcastically, “you all disturb my me time.”

Niall gasps, “What do you mean me time? It’s game day and it’s your turn for drinks and dinner.”

Louis looks at them expressionless.

“You forgot, didn’t you?”, Zayn says with a laugh, “oh that’s so typical.”

“No, it’s absolutely not. You never forget about game day. Seriously, what is up with you, Lou?”, Niall grumbles.

His starting rant is interrupted by a still pouting Liam, “can you at least let us in? The game starts soon and I don’t wanna miss it.”

“I-uhm,” Louis swallows and then sighs, “ugh fine.” He opens the door wider and lets his best friends in. “Don’t say anything,” he growls upon Niall snickering seeing what was playing on his TV.

“Aww, Loulou, are you getting yourself in the spirit?”

Louis flicks Niall’s ear, “yes, do you have a problem with it?”

“Ow, stop being rude to me!”

“Stop being rude to me in my house!”

“Children,” Liam sighs while plopping down on the plush loveseat, “be nice to each other.”

Zayn walks into the kitchen and starts rustling through the fridge. “Did you even forget to buy beer? Now, I’m honestly concerned.”

Louis groans. Shit, he knew he forgot something.

“I was…busy?”

“See, I told you he’s being weird!”, Niall exclaims with a huff and plops down on the sofa.

Liam looks at him with a calculating face, “yeah, something is up, indeed. Also, look around, it’s the second week of December and the only thing that reminds one of Christmas in here is the Christmas music coming from the flat upstairs. That is definitely a sign,” the alpha says conspirationally.

Oh, he’s right, Louis thinks to himself in a start. He hasn’t even realised he was so caught up with the Harry stuff that he hasn’t even began to decorate. God, this really wasn’t like him. Maybe Niall was right…Shit.

“I am not!” Louis tries to save his face. But to no avail. The others have turned off the TV and pulled him down onto the sofa, looking at him - once again - expectantly.

“Spill,” Zayn states.

Louis moans and crosses his arms, “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“Just tell us what got you so riled up all week,” Niall says matter of factly, “because it did not only annoy me but also Li and Z, right boys?”

The two alphas nodded in agreement.

“Hey!” Louis bristles.

Liam smiles gently and moves to sit close to Louis, pulling him into his arms, “You know you can talk to us about anything, especially when it occupies your mind like this. If you don’t want to that’s fine too but we’re here for you.”

God, Liam really was a sweetheart. Louis loves his friends.

The omega snuggles closer into the alpha’s warmth.

“Thanks, Li.”

“Oh, c’mon, we all know it’s a new guy,” Niall rolls his eyes. Zayn giggles so hard he almost falls off the loveseat.

Forget what he said. He hates his friends.

“Guys!”, Liam chastises, “leave him be, will you? You know we will totally support you if it’s a new guy but we will support you if it’s something else.”

Louis blushes and groans, “ugh, fine, there might be a new guy…”

Niall legit whoops while Liam grins into Louis’ hair.

“I’m sorry for you that the thing with Jim ended but thank fuck the dickhead is finally out of the picture. God, I’m so glad we never have to see his ugly mug again and I hope he will fall out of his office window,” Zayn growls with a hard look on his face.

The other omega claps in agreement while Liam nods his head wildly.

“Man, I agree. What a pretentious asshole!”, Niall calls out and ruffles Louis’ hair, “right, now that the cat’s out of the bag, tell us about the new love interest.”

“He’s not a love interest,” Louis screeches. Why are his friends like this?

He blushes harder and he can feel his scent turning sweeter with the thought of green eyes and dimples.

Zayn looks at him with a raised eyebrow, “of course he’s not.”

Liam just hugs him tighter.

Niall jumps up from his seat and plops down on Louis’ lap, “Jesus Christ, Horan! Get off of me, you big oaf! And why should I even bother to tell you about him when all you ever do is shit on me taste in men?”, the omega says with a huff and tries to push Niall off of him.

Liam takes pity on him and pulls his omega over onto his lap and kisses the brunette’s hair gently.

“We only shit on alphas who don’t treat you right, and I hate to say this but, darling, you didn’t have the best record in the past years. Like Jim was a wanker and before that you were dating Adam, who was an even bigger idiot and-“

Louis throws a pillow at Zayn, “alright, I get it. And fine, I know I wasn’t really successful with finding a partner like at all but its not my fault alphas are stupid…,” he whines.

His two alpha best friends do not even react to Louis’ words anymore because truth to be told most alphas were unbearable machos with a superior complex.

“But this alpha – Harry – is different…,” Louis starts with a sheepish shrug.

“Ohhhh, Harry,” Niall throws in.

Liam frowns, “wait I don’t know anyone working in the firm called Harry, where d’you know him from?”

“It’s because I don’t know him from work, he uhm he actually just moved here,” Louis says while biting his nails nervously. Why the fuck is he so nervous all of a sudden.

“Wait , you mean he lives here?”

“He’s your neighbour?”

“Oh, this is fucking brilliant!”

All three of the boys were yelling over each other.

“Yes, and if y’all scream a bit more he will be very aware of the fact we just talked about him,” the omega grumbles with a deep cherry blush heating up his cheeks.

“Ohhh, you really got it bad, don’t you?”, Zayn smiles cheekily.

“Well then what are we waiting for? Let’s go invite him, make a move, get the guy!”, Niall squeals delighted and jumps off Liam’s lap.

Louis  stops in his tracks with wide eyes, “What? No! Are you insane?? We can’t just ambush him like that! What would he think of us???”

The others look at him and exchange wide grins which makes the oldest scoff and get up from the couch as well. “Oh, shut up, will you?”, he grumbles.

“We haven’t said anything,” Liam laughs gently, “but for real, why don’t you ask him if he wants to join us? See how he is, get to know him better? In a group it’s much easier and I promise we’ll behave.”

The omega looks softly at his best friend and sighs, “You’re sweet but I uhm, Christ, he’s taken, alright? I don’t stand a bloody chance and I don’t know whether I can just be friends with him- I I don’t know…”

He paces around in front of his TV and looks out of the window sadly.

“Hey,” Zayn comes up to him and hugs him, “you want to tell us how you met him and then we see what we can do, alright?”

Louis looks at him, “okay,” he whispers.

After Louis has told them everything, came clean why he was so weird the past week and shared a few little tears he tried to hide, the others have flocked around him for a cuddle.

Of course, not after grilling him thoroughly for looking up plant meanings and spending hours in a flower shop just to make a stranger feel better about themselves.

But we’ll he deserves that, he guesses. It was a bit of a weird thing to do.

“But I mean if you haven’t actually seen his omega…maybe there isn’t one?”, Liam asks carefully.

Louis gives him a look, “well, if you listened to me you would know that all of his things and his flat reek of omega, that only happens if an omega lives somewhere…”

“Oh, c’mon you said you weren’t even in the flat, so how do you know everything smells of omega in there?”, Niall questions.

Louis just huffs in annoyance.

“You know what? I’m gonna make sure of that myself,” Niall says and makes his way towards the front door.

Louis jumps up alarmed, “Wait! Hold on, what the hell are you doing?”, the omega screeches and tries to stop the other omega.

“I’m gonna introduce myself to your new friend and see for myself what all the fuss is about and then I’ll be the judge of said new friend and his apparent omega,” the brunette explains while putting on his shoes.

“No! What the fuck, Niall, stop that!”, Louis yelps, his stress level rising quickly, his inner omega whining worriedly.

“Ni babe, c’mon don’t be like this. Don’t upset Lou,” Liam tries to calm down the situation and comes up to Niall to pat his shoulder.

“But I wanna see this Harry for myself, we also need to make sure he is good enough for Louis,” the youngest says petulantly.

“Niall, he’s taken. He doesn’t need to be good enough for me,” Louis sighs and crosses his arms.

“So what? You don’t even know for sure and besides he just moved here maybe he would also like having friends in his new home. What’s wrong with inviting the guy up for some beers and footie and see if you even like him?”

Louis looks at Niall calculatingly.

“Maybe, Niall’s right-“, Liam starts.

“I am always right!”

“- why don’t we just at least ask him if he wants to join us. It doesn’t have to mean anything and if he turns out to be just a mate then you haven’t lost anything.”

Louis thinks about it and makes a decision, “you know what, fine, let’s befriend him. Maybe he is incredibly good at FIFA and I can beat all of your asses tenfold.”

Niall cheers and high fives Zayn who has a smile on his face.

“Right then, off we go! Game starts soon!”, the other omega squeals.

“I’m going alone, Niall.”

“Oh uh-uh, I’m coming with you, it was my idea after all.”

Louis really hates his friends, “for fucks sake fine, but let me do the talking.”

On their way up to Harry’s apartment and with Niall’s outrage over him being perfectly capable of making conversation, Louis gets more and more nervous about seeing the alpha again.

When they stand in front of Harry’s door they can hear some soft music playing from inside and Louis instantly smiles, his nerves all forgotten.

“Is he playing the guitar?” Niall asks excited. Oh boy, Niall does love a guy who can play the guitar, that’s already a plus in his books.

Louis nods, “I think so. Should we bother him then? I don’t wanna be annoying.”

“You’re not getting out of this one, mister. If you’re too chicken shit to do it I will.”, the younger man whispers with a shake of his head.

And with that Niall knocks loudly on the wooden door. The music stops and they can hear soft taps coming towards them. Louis nerves skyrocket and he tries his best to keep the sourness out of his vanilla and sweet pea. Niall’s orange creamsicle scent was mellow and sweet as always. Louis was jealous.

The door opens slightly and Harry looks at Louis with a small smile that immediately turns strained when he realises the omega isn’t alone.

Louis can feel Niall breathing in not so subtly next to him and he rolls his eyes inwardly. Subtle as an ice block that moron.

Harry nervously puts a lose strand of hair behind his ear which must have fallen out of the bun that was sitting high on his head.

“Uhm, hi?”, the alpha says uncertain.

“Hi Harry,” Louis starts with a soft smile and subtly scents the air with some calming pheromones suddenly wanting to make sure Harry is fine – his own nerves forgotten.

“Hi Lou, it’s nice to see you,” he replies with a blooming smile of his own.

They smile at each other for a few seconds. Suddenly, Niall coughs loudly and startles them both.

“Hello! I’m Niall, one of Louis’ mates! It’s nice to meet ya!”, the omega exclaims loudly.

The alpha flinches the smallest bit and tries his hardest to hide it but Louis can see right through the act.

“I- uhm hi, yeah it’s really nice to meet you too. What are you both up to?”, Harry asks while focusing on Louis but Niall continues without a care in the world.

“We’re actually about to watch the ManU game at Louis’ flat and have some drinks and pizza!”, he blabbers on.

“Oh right, they’re playing tonight. That uhm sounds nice?”

“It does, doesn’t it? So that means you join us?”, the brunette omega exclaims excited.

“Uhm, pardon?”, the alpha says with wide eyes.

“Niall!”, Louis hisses and kicks his shin with a socked foot and a strained smile, “sorry, Harry, we don’t mean to ambush you like this, we were just wondering if you wanna watch the game with us but it’s of course not a must. I mean uhm we don’t even know if you like footie or i if you’re even free I uhm-“, the 28-year old explains quickly stumbling over his words slightly in a rush to not scare the alpha away.

Harry interrupts him gently, “I actually love footie, I’m not any good at playing but I’ve always been a ManU man, it must be in my DNA,” the alpha says with a shrug and laughs softly.”

“Perfect, so there’s nothing keeping you from watching with us!”, Niall adds and Louis throws him a warning glance again.

Harry swallows and rubs his nose shyly, “I mean if you sure I’m not like intruding? I wouldn’t want to crash your get together.”

“Nonsense! We’re inviting you, we’re happy to have you honestly,” Louis quickly says before Niall can even open his mouth. At that Harry’s cheeks turn a lovely rosé colour.

“Yes! C’mon on up! We have beer and snacks and we’ll order some pizza. And Lou’s TV is bloody amazing you’ll be able to see every single piece of grass!”, Niall claps in his hands and his scent gets brighter with excitement.

“Ni, I forgot to get beer I thought we settled that,” Louis said embarrassed. Niall’s pout suddenly turns into a devilish grin as he turns to Harry.

“Well, Harold can you help this beerless bachelor out?”

I’m gonna kill this Irish idiot in his sleep.

Harry’s eyes have once again turned wide and he bites his lip, “I uhm-“

“Please, don’t listen to this idiot, his mother dropped him too many times when he was a baby. You don’t have to-“

“No, no, it’s not that. I uh I just don’t like beer, so I don’t have any at home, I’m sorry? But I have wine if you’re up for that? I have white and rosé, it’s chilled even,” the curly-haired man rambles cutely.

“Wine would definitely work with the pizza!”, Louis chimes in again wanting to see that gorgeous smile on the alpha’s face, “don’t you think, Niall?”

He turns to his best friend who would rather drink bleach than rosé but has to deal with the situation now after forcing Louis to do it in the first place.

“Yeah, of course! Zayn will be so happy; he finally has someone to drink wine with.”

The smile that has bloomed on Harry’s face pauses, “uh how many people will be there?”

“Oh, it’s just me, Niall here, Niall’s mate Liam and Zayn, we all been friends since Uni and I couldn’t get rid of them fuckers after graduation so they tagged along to London and started working at the same place as me. Can you believe the audacity?? I have to put up with them at work five days a week and then they even mob me on the weekend, shaking my head,” Louis fake complains, winking at Harry making the alpha giggle lightly.

“Outrageous!”, Harry exclaims with a serious nod that is interrupted by the dimple finally appearing.

Louis beams at the alpha and his sweet pea comes out stronger with happiness, inner omega preening because he made the alpha smile.

“Oi, I’m still here you know,” Niall grumbles next to him, “also the game starts like now so can we get a move on?”

“Oh, right sor-”

“Please, don’t mind grumpy pants over here, he’s just hangry. But really we should head down so we don’t miss kick off, so you in?”

“I’d be happy to join you but uhm I actually need to uhm change quickly, wasn’t really expecting seeing anyone today,” Harry states with a blush.

And that’s when he realised, Harry has been hiding behind his door the whole time and is only poking his head out. Weird.

“Don’t worry we’re all in joggers and comfy clothes none of us will judge you,” Louis replies.

“No, that’s not what I wanted to say,” a deeper blush covers the alpha’s cheeks, “look, I’ll just put on something presentable, get the wine and I’ll be right behind you.”

“Splendid, we get the fancy glasses ready, see you in a bit!”, Niall rushed out having just seen a text from Liam asking them where the hell they were. And off he is.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you up here this long,” Harry says with a frown.

“Nonsense, that’s fine, like I said we ambushed you quite literally but I’m happy to wait for you to change.”

“No, no that’s fine, your flat was 2A, right?”

“Correct, I’ll leave the front door unlocked just come in and join us whenever you’re ready,” Louis smiles hoping they all would get along.

“Great, alright, see you in a bit,” Harry smiles back as Louis begins to turn around towards the stairs.

And when Harry takes a step back to close the door, Louis gets a glimpse into the flat that is laid out as his own. What he sees reminds him immediately that Harry could only be his friend.

Because next to the front door underneath a little sideboard stood three different pairs of high heels and a beautiful flowery night gown made out of what seemed to be silk and lace was hanging on the coat rack across from the door….

Louis sighs defeated and walks back to his own flat, more than ready for a glass of white…or three.

✧ ✧ ✧

Monday, December 10^th

If Louis was an honest man he would admit that he may be at work but work was also the last thing he was doing.

Alas, he isn’t one so he is happily pretending to work as he is actually replaying last night in his head again and again. He has been up all night doing just that as well, trying to figure out if the whole thing was a success or not.

Frankly, at the beginning Louis thought this would end absolutely terrible because when Harry entered the flat all of them had taken their usual seats (Liam and Niall on the loveseat cuddling and Louis leaning into Zayn’s side stealing the alpha’s warmth and sneakily soaking in some alpha pheromones from his gorgeous cedar wood and eucalyptus scent) which left Harry with the awkwardness of perching down on the other side of the couch with a stiff back and barely any words.

Louis immediately sensed how uncomfortable Harry was and how shy the alpha is. He could say with certainty that he has never encountered an alpha that was shy and even if it was hard to witness in the environment of his home it endeared him to no end.

However, this ever apparent urge to make the 26-year old comfortable and happy resurfaced as well and Louis wanted to make this night a success. That’s how he found himself being overly loud and joking more than usual, talking out of his ass and imitating the sports narrator. Which made Harry laugh just as much as the others rolled their eyes at Louis’ antics but the omega wanted his new friend to open up so badly.

Louis isn’t so sure if he only achieved the opposite. Because the thing about Harry is that he is not only shy but also painfully nice so he tried his best to laugh at everyone’s jokes and take part in their conversation but more often than not he was just listening and nodding along.

Liam, bless him, was working hard to include Harry but whenever Zayn chimed him from next to Louis the youngest alpha would stop talking again.

Maybe Harry doesn’t like Zayn but he was too polite to say anything so he said nothing at all – fuck.

How was he supposed to make this whole thing work when the person he wants to have close most cannot stand the person he has loved longest?

“Why is everything always so fucking complicated?”, he whines and puts his head onto his desks defeated.

“Hey, you ready for lunch?”, his door is pushed open and in stumbles Liam with a half full cup of coffee in his hand and his lab coat hanging over his arm, “everything alright, Lou? Did something happen?”, he continues worriedly.

The omega startles and looks up from his desk, “no nothing is fine, everything is bad and so bloody complicated. I hate my life,” he groans.

Liam sighs and pulls out his phone, quickly dialling a number, “hey, can you get Ni and come up to Lou’s office? Someone’s having a breakdown. Yeah, just bring whatever, I’m good with anything and he just has to deal with what you get him. Alright, see you in a bit, bye.”

With that he sits down on the sofa that is placed on the right side of the office and starts playing Candy Crush by the sounds of it. Louis looks at him and opens his mouth in offense but Liam just put his finger up to shush him.

“Nope, I’m not gonna sit here and listen to whatever crawled up your ass on my own and without lunch. The others are here any second and then you can spill the beans but right now I’m far too hungry to be able to deal with you,” the alpha says and focuses back on his game.

“Rude!”, Louis screeches and plops back down on his desk chair crossing his arms in a huff.

Liam really doesn’t say another word until the door opens again and in come Zayn and Niall with bags from their fave lunch spot.

“Oh heavens, I love you!”, Liam cries when Zayn unpacks a crispy chicken wrap and fries and hands it to the starving alpha.

“I would be offended if this wasn’t about food or Zayn but alas it is a lovely wrap and an even lovelier face,” Niall says and presses a wet kiss on the raven-haired alpha’s cheek.

“Ew, leave me alone, I don’t want your germs all over me,” the alpha complains and pats his cheek dry.

“You were so much cooler when you were single,” the omega shakes his had faux sadly.

“It’s not Meg who doesn’t like to smell like a melted creamsicle,” the older one answers cheekily while distributing the rest of the food.

“Uhm hello?”, Louis, who’s still pouting at his deks, interrupts their banter, “I have a crisis here!”

Niall and Zayn just look at Louis.

“See, I told you he’s being dramatic.”

“And whatever has put you in a crisis, Mylady,” Niall says faux posh and takes a bow.

“This is serious and I hate all of you,” he grumbles.

Zayn sighs, “okay out with it, what is it?”

“You know what forget it, it’s not that important,” Louis sighs as well and opens a bag of crisps just to put it it back down. His stomach too upset to eat anything.

Zayn gets up from his place on the couch and walks over to Louis kneeling down next to his desk chair, “has this, by any chance, anything to do with how yesterday went?”, he asks gently.

“You’ve noticed it too?”, Louis questions back, “so I didn’t imagine it and Harry really hated being with us? Fuck.” His omega whining sadly.

Niall and Liam look up from their lunch with furrowed eyebrows.

“What do you mean? I thought we all had a good time?”, Niall asks worriedly.

“He barely said anything and was sitting there all uncomfortable and stiff all night!”, Louis exclaims.

Liam and Zayn share a look.

“Stop doing your silent communication thing it’s weird and annoying and not helpful whatsoever.”

“Lou, babe, I don’t think Harry hated the evening I think he was more likely a bit overwhelmed,” the dark haired alpha states.

“What do you mean?”

 “He’s quite the shy one, isn’t he?”,  Zayn continues and waits for Louis to nod, “right, so just imagine yourself in a situation where you come into a established friend group and try to fit in while you’re more than aware that you are the outsider. To you, this might be fine because you’re this loud, confident and demanding personality – no don’t interrupt me, you know I’m right – but now imagine someone like Harry who is not only coming into this setting but is also shy and quite soft which nothing wrong with that but it’s still challenging to find your feet. And now add the fact that he’s an alpha and the whole thing gets ten times worse. Not only because it’s not the way alphas are supposed to be but also because he walked in here to two alphas which must have been a lot to process. So yeah, I really don’t think he hated anything, he was just trying to keep up a strong façade which quite frankly looked uncomfortable as fuck and I hope Li and me get to apologise for that.”

“Yeah, same, I felt really bad for him. New situations like this are horrible always but if you have this added hurdle it can get quite scary, I imagine,” Liam nods along in agreement.

Louis looks at them with wide eyes, “Oh.”

Fuck, fuck, fuck. How could he have been so blind?? Of course, it would be overwhelming and hard for Harry to be himself in this situation.

The omega hides his face and lets out a quite, stressed whine, not being able to control his inner omega.

He hears someone move and feels soothing pheromones fill the room – knowing it’s his alpha best friends’ attempt at making him feel better and of course comforted.

Someone starts playing with his hair and he feels a push of sweet cream in the air, “hey, don’t even think that this is your fault. It absolutely is not. You couldn’t have known this and Harry could have said no if he really didn’t want to come,” Niall soothes him.

“Yeah, I know but still. I wish we didn’t do it.”

“Nothing wrong with trying, and maybe he will come around. He seems like a great guy and he is lovely. All friendships have to start somehow,” Liam adds with a smile.

“You’re right, I guess. Thanks, lads, I love you all. I just hope we didn’t scare him away. I really wish we can override that whole first meeting,” Louis says with a strained smile and a lot of love for his best friends.

“Yeah, definitely. But for real I’m kinda really wanting to know how his omega looks because have you smelt that?”, Niall exclaims. Louis just gives him a look. Well, that wasn’t necessary, was it?

“Way to ruin the mood, babe,” Liam chides softly.

“What? It’s true! You haven’t smelled what was flooding out of his flat! Absolutely breathtaking! Very sweet and very flowery, incredibly pretty and soft, like no wonder someone is attracted to that,” the younger omega gushes.

Zayn nods, “yeah, I got some of it when he came in but I wonder why he hides his scent like this if the omega’s one is so forward?”, he muse.

“Been asking myself that, even when he moved in the whole truck was filled with that smell. But yes, it’s absolutely gorgeous and I’m kinda jealous that this omega not only has Harry but also smells fucking fantastic. What a life she has,” Louis grumbles.

The others chuckle in sympathy which really doesn’t help the situation at all but the omega is glad he has his boys on his side.

“God, this is far too depressing for holiday season! I haven’t even opened any boxes to decorate or had time to call my mum and beg her for a package of Christmas cookies. Haven’t done anything, this is a disaster!” The 28-year old complains.

Liam sighs and sits back down, picking up his discarded sandwich, “Lou, there’s still time. It’s only the 10^th. You have plenty time for everything and I’m sure Jay has already sent her package to you.”

“Yeah, she sure did, I got mine on Saturday! And they are fucking amazing as always, she tried a new one this year something with almonds and caramel and god it’s to die for,” Niall says happily while finishing his lunch.

“It’s forever weird that you and my mum are besties,” Louis grumbles, “and besides why have you gotten your box before me? I’m her son for God’s sake.”

“Calm down I’m sure they will get here soon enough and if not we always can try and make them ourselves,” Liam states.

A loud laugh bubbles out of Zayn and the omegas follow suit. Their knowledge of baking is just enough to slice a cake into pieces. So, definitely no Christmas baking on their part.

“Good one, Li. But I’d rather keep my kitchen and I bet you all do so too. No, I guess I will just wait then. Maybe get some ginger snaps on my way home and have them as dessert tonight,” Louis muses.

“Well, while you’re waiting for your Christmas cookies to arrive we could go to the Christmas market sometime this week. I missed it last year, remember when I had that nasty flu right before Christmas? So I would love to go and I bet Meg would also enjoy seeing it. She always roasts me about how much better the one in Edinburgh is and this simply won’t do,” Zayn says.

“Oh my god, yes!”, Louis screeches suddenly filled with excitement rather than the stress he was feeling before, “what a great idea! The one last year was so pretty, they really stepped up their game, so it’s a definite yes from me!”

“Yeah true, we really should go, maybe we can get some Christmas presents out of the way there. Mum really loved those orange and clove candles I got her last year and my sisters will go nuts over the jewellery they’ve got there,” Liam says excited.

“Alright, perfect, shall we say Wednesday or Thursday? When is your long shift, Liam?”, Zayn asks.

Liam and Niall share a look and grin widely at each other before Liam clears his voice, “uhm actually, I’ll be off after lunch on Thursday because –“

“I’ll start my heat on Friday and my man’s got some preparing to do, hehe,” Niall squeals excitedly.

Zayn and Louis cringe at the same time, “ew, Niall, tmi tm fucking i,” Louis replies, “I seriously have never met an omega who enjoys their heats as much as you do, it’s kind of offending.”

“It’s not my fault that you’re not going with the flow. And I told you a million times it’s so much better with your mate, the heat se-“, the other omega says matter of factly.

Liam jumps up and puts his hand over his omega’s mouth interrupting him mid-sentence, “alright, that’s enough out of you, baby. Haven’t we talked about things that should stay between us two?”, the alpha says with flaming cheeks.

Niall shakes off Liam’s hand and shakes his head, “Prudes, all of you, but anyways, back to topic. Li and I will not be available from Thursday afternoon until like Monday-ish, I guess? I called in heat leave till Tuesday, so we sneaked an extra day in but I’ll be out of it by Monday, for sure.”

Must be nice knowing exactly when your heat ends, Louis thinks. Mated omegas never go over four days and even that is long. Most of them are out of by day three. Unlike, unmated omegas who can never predict how long a heat cycle will last, Louis included. Usually, it’s 5 to 6 days of excruciating pain and insatiable lust.

“Right, so Wednesday would be the only chance, we could go?”, Zayn switches back to the prior topic smoothly.

Liam and Niall nod in unison.

“Lou?”

The omega nods as well, “works for me. We could go right after work, it’s much closer from here than going home first.”

“That’s true, okay it’s settled, then,” the dark haired alpha smiles before looking at his watch, “oh shoot, it’s already ten minutes past lunch, I need to get back to the lab, my calculations should be done by now. Liam, you coming with me?”

Liam nods and gets up, taking the empty food wrappers with him, “yeah I will, gotta talk to Sam about some orders I need to make,” he throws the trash away and goes back over to Niall kissing him quickly, “see you later, babe, I’ll wait for you in the garages. Love you.”

“See you later, love you too,” Niall replies and watches the others go back down to their workplace, “I’ll be off too then, if you’re good alone? I have a call in an hour and I need to make sure I have everything ready.”

“No, yeah, I’m alright. Don’t worry about me. It’s not the end of the world, the Harry thing. I’m a big boy, I’ll get over it.” He smiles weakly, his scent getting a burnt undertone with sadness.

Niall comes back to Louis and hugs him tightly. “Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll come around. He really seems like a great dude and even if he has an omega literally no one would deny the chance of being your friend.”

Louis hugs him back glad for the loving touch of a close friend but quietly wishing it was an alpha touch. Since Jim he didn’t have any closer contact to an alpha except for Zayn or Liam and even though they were soothing and familiar Louis and especially his inner omega misses the touch of a lover.

“Thanks Ni, love you.”

“Love you too, Loulou, see you later.” He adds and starts to leave the office.

“Yeah, bye,” Louis answers before the office door closes.

With a sigh and a cold feeling creeping into his chest, the omega turns back to his work, hoping it would take his mind off of the beautiful alpha with the enticing green eyes.

✧ ✧ ✧

Tuesday, December 11^th

Louis has been off all day to a point where his supervisor told him to take the afternoon off and get some rest because apparently he’s unfit for work in this state. His supervisor can suck himself. Even if Andrew is not wrong for saying this.

Louis hasn’t slept at all last night and he feels cold and feverish at the same time. He would be fearing he was falling into heat if he didn’t have one only last month. He had at least until late January to be thinking of heat again. So he really doesn’t know what the fuck was up with him.

But anyway, he got a half day out of this so he doesn’t mind too much.

On his way home, he decides to stop at his favourite bakery and get their orange and cranberry scones and a few gingerbread cookies because he needed the comfort of his favourite sweets. Weirdly enough he has the urge to get a vanilla latte as well even though he rarely drinks coffee and even less weird syrup stuff but right now it sounded like the best thing ever.

In this moment, he doesn’t even question the choice and makes his order.

The walk back to his apartment is more tiring than usual and the omega fears that he’s coming down with something since he was feeling progressively worse and all he wants is the safety and warmth of his nest.

When he finally arrives at the flat complex he quickly makes his way through the front door, struggling with the drink and bag in his hands but managing to close the door without any accidents.

He turns around swiftly to get to the stairs and almost crashes into another body that’s  carrying a box.

“Shit,” Louis and the other person curse at the same time.

“Louis?”, a deep but gentle and now familiar voice asks from behind the cardboard box.

“Harry?”, Louis answers despite knowing it could only be the curly-haired alpha on the other side.

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“We gotta stop meeting like that,” the omega chuckles.

Harry puts the box down on the floor and the omega’s breath stops for a second. Louis may or not may flatlines when he sees that the alpha was not only wearing a really cute purple sweater but also said sweater has ridden up and reveals soft skin and the outlines of tattoos that seem to go down his v line. Fucking hell, what a man.

“What do you mean?”, Harry asks with a little frown pulling the omega out of his not so PG thoughts.

Louis tries to fight the blush and grins at Harry instead.

“With you carrying stuff and almost dropping it when I’m around, it makes me feel like I’m at fault here even though it seems you are just a clumsy one,” he teases.

“Hey! Rude!”, the alpha cries.

“‘M just being serious. You have legs like a bambi of course you are clumsy. Here, lemme show you how to do it the right way,” Louis snickers and bends down to pick up the box – whatever it may be. He just hopes it isn’t heavy as fuck otherwise he will embarrass himself in t-5 seconds.

Harry bends down at the same time with a quiet, “wait!”, which makes Louis jump and of course bump his head against the curly-haired ones.

“Ow,” Louis winces and rubs his forehead while standing back up.

“Oops,” Harry giggles.

“Hi,” Louis says with a chuckle, “sorry I didn’t think you’d be so protective over a box. What’s in there? Gold? Diamonds? Uh! Weed?”, he winks with faux shock.

Harry’s eyes open wide, “no! I mean, no no nothing like that,” which makes the omega laugh harder, “it’s uhm just Christmas decoration for my flat?”

“Are you asking or telling me that?” Harry blushes again. God it was just so much fun teasing this boy. And his blush was so freaking pretty.

Louis feels his scent getting brighter.

Harry looks at him with something Louis cannot decipher, “…telling you. Uhm, yeah, usually I’m not that late but the moving process has pushed my plans back like a lot and now I have to kinda rush everything which is incredibly annoying because I love Christmas and it’s my favourite time of the year but this year I couldn’t prepare as I wanted to, so now I only get to decorating and it’s stupid because I can’t enjoy it as much. I –,” he rambles on and Louis has to suppress the fondest cackle ever because how the fuck is it fair that this alpha is not only the sweetest thing but also seems to love Christmas as much as Louis himself does?

Fate really has it out for him and his heart and not in a good way.

“-oh gosh, I’m sorry, I always blubber on about things you probably don’t even care about. I’m not usually this unorganised, I promise. The past few weeks have just been a bit much,” he continues embarrassed.

“No, it’s fine. Really. And same to be honest. Haven’t gotten around to do much at my place and it annoys me so much. Work has been awful lately so I didn’t have time to prepare either,” Louis shrugs nonchalant hoping to make Harry feel better about himself.

“So, you like Christmas too?”

“Are you kidding? I love Christmas! Best time of the whole year!”, the omega exclaims excitedly.

The alpha smiles at him widely, “oh good. That’s great! Don’t know that many people who share my excitement. My mum and Gemma always make fun of me for loving Christmas as much as I do,” he pouts a bit but shakes his head fondly as well.

His omega makes fun of something he loves? Louis dislikes this person more and more.

“Shame on them! Christmas slaps,” Louis says and nods seriously making Harry giggle cutely, “so, shall we get this party started then?”, he adds feeling brave enough to admit his desire to spend more time with the curly-haired boy.

Harry looks at him in surprise, “what do you mean?”, he asks.

“Well, if you love Christmas and I love Christmas and both of us didn’t have time to really kick off the holiday season yet, why don’t we work together and get the job done much faster and with loads more fun?”, Louis replies with a warm feeling in his stomach.

“You wanna decorate with me?”, Harry asks again almost as if he can’t believe it.

“Decorate, make Christmas cookies, watch Christmas films, go pick a tree, you name it you call it!”

His inner omega preens at the soft glimmer that appears in Harry’s eyes, “I’d like that,” he says shyly.

“Splendid! Then let’s go. Luckily, I am a mastermind and brought two of everything in here and lemme tell you these scones are to die for. I would also be willing to trade this sugarbomb of a drink for a cuppa and my labour,” he says while pointing to the drink and bakery bag in his hand.

“If these scones are orange cranberry you can get everything you want,” Harry says with a wink and bends down to pick the box back up.

That’s it, fate really hates me.

“Of course, they are. Do you take me for some kind of villain that would chose a plain scone or just chocolate? I have taste, darling,” he pokes his tongue out cheekily, not even realising the pet name stumbling out of his mouth.

Harry giggles harder and ah there it is the dimple.

“I don’t doubt that,” he says.

“You most definitely shouldn’t doubt me, mister alpha,” Louis teases back, “and now chop chop, we have stuff to do, places to be.” The omega makes a shooing motion towards the stairs.

“Your wish is my command,” Harry bows a bit and starts making his way up the stairs.

And thank god for that because Louis just cannot keep the stupid smile off his face any longer. He’s giving himself 10 seconds to preen and bite his knuckles to tamper down the punch of sweet vanilla that is permeating the air.

He calms himself down and quickly follows Harry up to his apartment.

Louis comes to a halt in front of Harry’s front door where the other boy’s standing in the entrance – this time minus the women’s clothes and shoes. The omega sighs internally, glad to not have to look at the other omega’s stuff even if the scent is already reaching his nose.

Louis really isn’t ready to admit that the scent was incredibly appealing to him but damn it smells amazing.

He shakes his head, fighting the thoughts off yet again.

Harry looks at him with a nervous smile, “you wanna come in?”, he asks.

“I’d love to,” Louis smiles back, “gotta check on the new family plant, don’t I?”

“It’s Betty,” Harry mumbles shyly.

“Oh, cute! Well, then let’s see how Betty is doing.” This earns him a blinding smile and he preens over making his boy this happy.

He follows Harry into the flat and looks around. It’s the same layout as his own flat, same open kitchen with it’s pretty cream coloured cabinets in the back left corner of the living space which is divided by the kitchen island with the sink on one side and bar stools on the other. The same light hardwood floors. The same windows. The same space. But also so so different.

Even though Louis has little to no idea about interior design he can see that Harry and probably his omega have done a marvellous job of putting their apartment together. Everything is decorated in soft colours that despite their lightness exude warmth and comfort. The huge, light grey sofa looks plush and comfy, even more so with the throw pillows and fuzzy blankets. A big fuzzy rug, pretty photos on the walls, loads of candles and of course Harry’s plants complete the living room and make the whole thing a beacon of comfort.

Louis’ omega is immediately soothed. It feels like a home.

“Nice place,” he says turning to Harry who was biting his knuckles and looks quite nervous for some reason.

“Yeah?”, he breathes.

“Yes, I love what you’ve done to the place. It’s very comfy and put together. You’ve seen my place. It’s like the polar opposite. So, good job!”, Louis smiles.

Harry just looks at him again with this indecipherable look which drives his omega the tiniest bit crazy; he just can’t figure out what it means.

“So, how are we gonna do this then? You have a battle plan?”, Louis says while taking off his dark red vans and hangs up his black coat.

“Oh, uhm, I don’t know, to be honest I’m always doing this part on my own so I’m not sure,” the alpha scratches his head and pulls some strands out of his bun by doing so.

“Right, then I’d say we first gonna have that snack and after we got out power up we will get to Christmas the hell out of this place,” Louis decides quickly and Harry seems happy to hand over the lead.

What an odd alpha this boy was, he thinks as they sat at the kitchen island to share the food Louis brought along.

 They fall into some mindless chitchat about their favourite Christmas foods and traditions they have adopted from their families while sitting close to each other – enjoying the warmth that’s coming off of the other, at least Louis does.

When they are done eating, Louis jumps up excitedly clapping his hands together and moves towards the tower of boxes filled to the brim with decoration.

“So, let’s see what you’ve got then, baby,” he exclaims with a shimmy making the alpha burst out in a fit of giggles. Louis’ omega sings.

“You can just pop the boxes open and have a look. I usually put lights and candle stuff in one, the Christmas tree stuff in another and the like wall decoration and random stuff in the last one. So as long as you can work with my system you can do as you please,” Harry replies lighting up with excitement.

“Oh, I will find my way around but not quite yet.”

Harry glances at him in worry, “is something wrong?”

Louis nods his head seriously, “most definitely, there is no music and this just won’t do!”

The worried look is exchanged for a happy shimmer, “oh my God, of course!”, Harry calls out and immediately turns on his TV and chooses Spotify where the most recent playlist is already a Christmas hits one. Louis feels incredibly soft at this moment.

Harry hits play and the first notes of Last Christmas starts which has both of them grinning excitedly at each other. The alpha starts to shimmy and sings along to the song – and of fucking course this ridiculous boy can sing too, Jesus Christ have mercy.

To not do something insane like professing his constantly growing crush on the alpha while said alpha is crooning along to Wham!, Louis turns towards the boxes and starts opening the first one.

It’s the one with the Christmas baubles and Louis is like three seconds away from melting because everything is rainbow coloured and sparkly and if that isn’t just the cutest thing he has ever seen. He imagines Harry decorating the tree, dressed in an ugly Christmas sweater and a cute bun, singing to himself while finding the perfect place for each and every single ornament.

“Hey Haz, you got a Christmas tre-,” he turns around not realising the nickname has slipped out but is interrupted by Harry barrelling into him singing the first lyrics of All I want for Christmas is you. The omega shrieks out a laugh and steadies the taller boy with his hands on his hips before the alpha takes his hands and starts twirling them around.

Louis is laughing so hard he can barely breathe but he feels so light and happy his omega yips excitedly.

“Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas, I won't even wish for snow and I, I'm just gonna keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe,” Harry sings with a huge smile lighting up his face, “c’mon Lou, sing with me!”, he laughs and Louis can’t help himself but join the curly-haired lad in singing to Mariah, “'Cause I just want you here tonight holding on to me so tight, what more can I do?Oh, baby, all I want for Christmas is you…”

They dance through the living room, lit up by the setting afternoon sun that casts a gorgeous rose gold light through the big living room windows.

Louis has possibly never felt better.

When the song comes to an end, Louis stops dancing panting slightly and leaning against the kitchen island, “water please, Jesus Christ when have I gotten out of shape like that?”, he said with a sigh.

The alpha giggles and twirls over to the fridge and getting out two waters. “Here you go, I’m sorry for forcing this workout on you,” he says with a wink.

Louis sips the water thankfully and shakes his head, “oh please, don’t apologise it was a great warm-up for the job we are about to do. Which reminds me, I wanted to ask – before I was so rudely interrupted – whether you already got a tree because I found the baubles?”

Harry looks over at the open box and nods with a pout, “yeah, no, sadly I haven’t gotten around to buying the tree yet. I usually do it around this time of the month but Christmas prep at work has been rough to say the least. But I’ll go to the Christmas tree farm on Monday or Tuesday the latest.”

The omega throws every caution to the wind, “I yet have to get mine too. Mind if I tag along, maybe?”, he asks bluntly..

Harry’s smile broadens, “yes of course! The art of picking out the right tree calls for a deeper understanding of Christmas and I feel like you are just the right guy for it,” he says wisely.

Louis nods seriously, “oh, most definitely. I will not disappoint you, I promise.”

“It’s a date then,” Harry exclaims before blushing furiously and clears his throat shyly, “uhm yeah, shall we get to work then?”, he adds with a chuckle.

Louis smiles at him, the butterflies in his tummy going mayhem with the thought of going on a date with the alpha. He is so gone, Christ.

“Yes, let’s do it,” he says and moves back over to them boxes humming along to the song that’s currently playing.

Harry joins him and so they start decorating.

Over the next half an hour the pair works in comfortable silence, occasionally singing along to the music playing in the background. Louis keeps sneaking glances at the alpha and if he catches a glimpse or two of soft hips that bulge over Harry’s tight black leggings as he stretches to hang something up no one had to know.

He watches the alpha and how happy and soft he looks at the moment and a sharp tug of something makes him stop. He wants this. He wants more. And he doesn’t know how to fucking cope. Never in his life has he experienced this level of attraction and such feelings after knowing someone for less than a month.

Who is he kidding, he never felt this much for anyone period. And it would scare him if it wasn’t making him feel so warm and settled right now.

The sudden urge to make sure Harry is as happy and comfortable as Louis is with him hits the omega while putting fairy lights up on the kitchen window. He turns around looking for the alpha who was busy putting lights and little figures between his beloved plants on the shelve next to the TV and the big windowsill in the living room.

He slowly walks towards the other man and clears his throat quietly, “hey, Harry?”

The alpha looks up with a smile and hums, “yeah?”

Louis twists his hands in his jumper suddenly feeling quite nervous.

“I wanted to apologise.”

Green eyes furrow in question, “Why? Did something happen?”

Louis swallows, “yeah uhm it’s about Sunday…”

Harry swallows thickly and Louis thinks he sees a badly suppressed cringe before the alpha puts down the little snow globe he’s holding and focuses his whole attention on the omega.

“You don’t have to-,” he starts but Louis shakes his head.

“No, please I really really do. I put you in this situation and you were clearly not having a good time and the last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable,” the omega stumbles over his words trying to make Harry see that he only has good intentions. His scent bitters the smallest bit and Louis rolls his eyes internally. His omega is all over the place, God.

Harry steps closer and puts a soft hand on Louis’ elbow to stop his rambling. His omega calms down at the gentle touch and Louis looks up through his eyelashes into soft green.

“Lou, you don’t make me uncomfortable, I promise. And I’m the one who’s sorry if it came across like that. I uhm I’m just,” Harry explains with a nervous chuckle, running a trembling hand through the hair that has fallen out of his bun, “I mean I’m just really bad with new people and really really awkward around strangers so uhm I tend to be weary and quiet and probably come across as rude and uninterested but I’m not!”

Louis wants to wrap the alpha up in his arms and fight off any bad encounter he ever had with anyone.

“Still it wasn’t my intention to put you in such an uncomfortable situation and you could’ve told us to fuck off.”

The alpha’s eyes widen and he shakes his head quickly, “No! No, please don’t say that. I’m glad you asked because uhm because I- uh really like spending time with you. And I promise you don’t make me feel uncomfortable. Quite the opposite if I’m honest… I felt immediately comfortable with you and yeah –“, he trails off with a sweet blush and Louis’ smile breaks out again.

He feels comfortable with me? He feels comfortable with me! He squeals internally full of this warm bubbly feeling once again. His scent turns back to normal and possibly even a notch sweeter with a punch of sweet pea.

“Oh! Oh, good! That’s good! I really like spending time with you too,” the omega smiles bashfully and Harry’s dimple breaks through.

They smile at each other before turning back to their work at the same time. The atmosphere being comfortable and warm once again.

Whenever their eyes meet they smile softly at each other and if Louis isn’t completely mistaken he feels Harry’s eyes on him from time to time. He bites back his smile when he feels Harry checking out his bum while he bent down to put a little wooden reindeer family next to the fire place. (Yes, his flat has a fire place, Louis is 100% jealous but also 100% flattered because he was a sucker for attention on the best of days.)

Time flies by and suddenly it’s pitch black outside and the whole place looks like winter wonderland.

Each and every single nook and cranny is now filled with something sparkly and christmassy and Louis could happily admit he never wants to leave (that the alpha inhabits that space too was an incredible bonus).

With an exhausted but happy sigh, Louis watches Harry put away the last empty box and looks around the place appreciating how beautiful it all looked.

The omega has quickly learned that the alpha must have an unhealthy obsession with fairy lights because even without the Christmas stuff the place has been warmed up by a million twinkling lights that light up the place soothingly. Add the Christmas decorations and the place was basically a dream. They really did an amazing job.

“We really did an amazing job,” Harry gushes while looking around slowly, looking cute and soft in his oversized purple jumper and that piece of red tinsel that has somehow ended up in his hair.

Louis’ stomach warms with a bubbly feeling, bis omega feeling light and happy. The sick and feverish feeling from earlier has faded more and more over the course of the afternoon. And Louis was sure it has to do with the warm glow coming off of the alpha that has come more and more out of his shell.

And now, they were apparently sharing thoughts as well.

“I would say so. Place looks even better now,” Louis agrees and feels a flash of belonging, his scent getting sweet like vanilla ice cream, “I think we could level up even more and put some Christmas in every room,” Louis continues and steps  towards the hallway that leads towards the bathroom and the two bedrooms making jazzy hands towards the closed doors. “How about some sparkles in the bedroom?”, the omega teases lightly turning towards the bedroom door.

The alpha makes a small, choked noise in the back of his throat and hurries over to Louis and slides between him and the door.

“No!”, he yelps with wide almost scared eyes, “I mean, uhm no please it’s fine… the the living area is plenty decorated! No need to go in there!”, he stutters and chuckles uncomfortably.

Louis furrows his brows for a moment fighting the urge to shrink back into himself and feeling rejected. Rationally, he knows it was far too forward to demand seeing Harry’s  bedroom but a not so small part of Louis wants to know Harry’s smell and he feels like the bedroom was the place where he would find it.

Also stealing one or two hoodies for his nest wouldn’t hurt either.

Louis blushes slightly and hopes he hasn’t ruined their blossoming whatever.

“Oh, okay. Yeah, no of course. I’m sorry if I overstepped,” he replies stepping back from the closed door and turns back to the kitchen island.

He can hear Harry clearing his throat and once again he wishes he could get a hang on the alpha’s emotional state via his scent.

A gentle hand on his shoulder turns him back around, “Lou? Can you look at me?”, the hand wanders up under his chin making him look up into soft green eyes that hold a shimmer of something Louis cannot read.

“Please, don’t apologise. You did nothing wrong, it’s just an absolute tip in there and I can’t have you see the real condition of my flat and uncover me as a fraud right before Christmas ,” he laughs sheepishly and Louis giggles along.

“You’re an idiot,” he sticks out his tongue and punches Harry’s chest softly.

“Sounds like me,” the alpha agrees taking Louis’ hand in his own, the air around them suddenly charged. Louis stops giggling and looks curiously at Harry trying to decipher what the younger boy is thinking right now.

“For real, thank you for your help, Lou. I couldn’t have done it like this on my own,” Harry mumbles with a bashful smile playing on his lips.

Louis feels a light blush settle on his cheeks again and he would definitely purr if he was in the safety of his nest. Something he barely does anyway but hasn’t felt comforted enough to do so in months. Honestly, what was the alpha doing to him?

“ ‘t was my pleasure. Happy to help again whenever you need a hand,” Louis winks with intend and the alpha’s breath hitches the tiniest bit, a cherry red suddenly painting his cheeks. Louis giggles delighted and pulls his hand free to poke the dimple – something he has wanted to do ever since he was first presented with the cutie.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, alpha,” he sing songs and shimmies away making Harry choke again.

“I uhm I didn’t,” he stutters. God he was just so adorable. Louis has never met an alpha like this. Usually, they would be all smug and shit but not Harry, never Harry.

Louis walks over to the alpha and tousles his curly hair, “hey, I was just joking. But if you wanna make it up to me, I was promised tea earlier and never actually got it,” he changes the topic smoothly and Harry’s smile turns less strained and more thankful.

“Oh right!  I’ll go make some tea, what would you like? I’ve got camomile, ginger and lemon, Yorkshire and my personal fave vanilla chai,” Harry counts while walking to the kitchen.

Louis huffs offended, “I’m gonna let the disgrace that is vanilla chai slide for the fact that you also carry the one and only Yorkshire in your house. And, of course I only drink it the right way which is no sugar and just a dash of milk.”

“Oh, of course, your highness, how could I have made this unforgivable mistake?”, the alpha says in a overly posh accent, and wait, was that teasing? God, Louis was so gone for this dimpled boy and his quirky little ways.

“I may consider forgiving you if you make my tea right,” the omega relents and plops down on the couch, immediately feeling safe and comforted by the soft fabric and the sweetness coming off of it in waves.

Harry starts humming a soft melody while preparing their drinks and Louis closes his eyes for a second, feeling his omega relax and a wave of calmness wash over him.

He could get used to this, he thinks to himself and ignores the little voice in the back of his mind that tells him off for it.

“Here you go, your majesty, a cup of pure gold,” the alpha startles him out of his way to a good nap with a gentle tone and the softest eyes Louis might have ever seen.

“Why, thank you, Harold,” he answers and taking the cup to try the tea while Harry was sitting next to him.

Louis quietly wishes there wasn’t such a big space between them.

He takes a sip without any hope that someone he has known for two weeks gets his tea right in any shape or form – he is quite particular when it comes to his favourite drink and Niall has refused to make him a cuppa for over three years at this point because nothing can ever please you, you prick – but to his utter surprise the first sip just tastes like coming home. It’s done the way he has known and loved for more than two decades and everything he wants from his comfort drink.

It’s safe to say the omega is positively shocked. He tries to mask his awe with a hum and smiles at the alpha, “well, seems like some forgiveness is due. You passed the test, soldier, well done,” he exclaims with a salute.

Harry’s face lights up in utter delight, a soft pink dusting his cheeks and if Louis was a lesser man he would kiss the blush on his cheeks until the dimple came to stay for good.

“Well, I’m glad,” the alpha whispers and unconsciously sways a little closer towards where Louis was sitting down. Once again the air feels loaded with something.

The omega’s breath hitches and once more he so badly wants to smell Harry, get to know his scent and make it his comfort. He draws the tiniest bit closer and looks into the alpha’s eyes who have gotten a soft and hazy look to them and seem to switch between Louis’ blue ones and his mouth.

Please, please, please, kiss me, the omega pleads in his head, letting his scent flood the room with sweetness trying to signal the alpha that yes, he wants this.

In this moment, nothing else matters than the alpha in front of him and the feelings that have been growing ever since he met Harry two weeks ago.

His inner omega is whining in agreement and Louis couldn’t contain it to safe his life. A small sound escapes his lips.

He closes his eyes and breathes softly waiting for Harry to take the final step…

…when a sudden shrill ring disrupts the charged atmosphere. Both men jump away from each other and Harry looks positively shocked before he pales and realises what just happened and a bright red blush works its way down his cheeks and chest.

Slightly disoriented, Louis watches the alpha jump off the sofa and rush over to the kitchen when he finally realises where the sound is coming from. His phone. Stupid fucking hell. His inner omega is now whining for a whole different reason.

And then Louis’ brain finally catches up with what just happened and his stomach drops to the fucking South Pole. He and Harry almost kissed. In Harry’s flat. Which he shared with his omega. His girlfriend. The person Harry belonged to. Fuck, everything was ruined now. How could they let it come so far? Why did he let himself and his scent this loose? What the fuck? And why the fuck did it feel so right?

“Lou?”, Harry asks hesitantly but Louis doesn’t react – cannot react. Everything feels too much right now and he just couldn’t bear to hear Harry’s apology and his regret and possibly even worse his anger because Louis couldn’t control his stupid omega pheromones and lulled the alpha in despite him being taken.

“No, I uhm,” he stumbles over his words and quickly gets up from the sofa almost spilling his still full cup of tea, “I forgot I need uhm to do something. I uhm I gotta go.”

Harry looks at him with wide eyes that quickly change to something Louis can’t decipher but then the alpha’s shoulders slump and he nods once in reply.

He probably realised that I’m not worth the trouble he will be in with his omega. Fuck, why am stupid.

“Yeah, I gotta go, uhm bye.”

With that he quickly grabs his shoes and coat and practically runs out of Harry’s flat feeling his omega cry out for comfort and warmth and wishing so badly the soft and sweet curly-haired alpha could be the one giving it to him.

✧ ✧ ✧

Wednesday, December 12^th

To say that Louis’ night has been awful is the understatement of the century. The omega had curled himself up in his nest upon entering his flat and if he cried more than sleep it was no one’s business but his own.

He feels awful. Really fucking awful. He just went and turned one of the best days he had in a long time into one of the worst in a blink of an eye because he couldn’t hide his feelings for the sake of befriending this wonderful person that entered his life less than a month ago. Who does that? And why are feelings so fucking stupid?

And his nest didn’t help. He tried scenting it but his scent was all bitter and wrong. He tried rearranging it but he couldn’t get it right which agitated his inner omega even more so he left it behind and settled for the sofa. There he somehow found the throw pillow Harry was playing with during footie and he thought back to soft hands holding his own. That set off a whole new wave of tears from which he eventually fell asleep but just an hour later his alarm was ringing for work.

So yeah, he’s feeling awful.

And the worst of it all is that he still only wants those soft hands back on his body comforting him, those gentle green eyes exploring his own and possibly no most certainly those plush rosy lips claiming his.

He pulls the sleeves of his cream knit jumper over his hands and rubs his eyes tiredly while trying to focus on the task on his screen wishing the day was over already so he could go home and get his nest right.

Unfortunately, it’s currently barely lunch time – even if Louis has no idea where the morning has gone – which means home time was half a day away.

He sighs and rests his head on his arms trying to calm himself down when his door flies open and eucalyptus and orange creamsicle fill the air.

“Who’s ready for Christmas market and mullet wine and spiked hot chocolate?”, Niall yells excitedly stumbling into the room.

Louis shuts his eyes tightly hoping his best friends wouldn’t notice that something is wrong.

The other omega sighs dramatically, “…no Lou, Harry still doesn’t hate you or hated the get together and I promise next time it’ll be much better. Are you still hung up on that? It’s been almost a week.”

Louis’ grimace is hidden by his arms but he couldn’t suppress the little flinch at his best friend’s words.

A wave of protective and comforting cedar wood surrounds Louis in an instant, “Lou, babe? What is it? Did something happen?”, the alpha asks worried and comes up behind Louis’ desk hugging him from behind.

His omega mellows out a bit from the touch of a familiar alpha and he slumps into the embrace.

“You wanna talk about it?”, Zayn presses gently.

Louis shakes his head, he’d rather not.

It’s embarrassing enough for himself and Harry to know what went down the night before and he’s good with keeping it between them two. He knows his friends would never laugh at him, no, would more likely hunt down the alpha and tell him off but Louis feels stupid and kind of really hurt and he just needs to lick his wounds in silence first.

Also, even if he was angry at Harry, he would never unleash the wrath of Zayn onto the alpha. He really is too soft to handle Louis’ protective best friend.

And still if Louis didn’t have acted the way he did and teased and flirted it wouldn’t have gone this far, he’s sure of that.

“Babe?” Zayn nudges him gently, “you sure you don’t want to get it off your chest? You might feel better?”

Louis looks up from hiding his face in the alpha’s neck, “yeah, I’m sure. It’s nothing big really. Just slept really badly and my omega isn’t feeling its best, maybe I’m coming down with something,” he lies and he knows fulwell his friend don’t buy it for a second.

Niall and Zayn exchange a look over Louis’ head and Zayn sighs but nods his head, “yeah alright, but are you still up for the Christmas market later?”, the alpha changes the topic smoothly which Louis is endlessly grateful for but fuck was that today?

The omega had counted on ditching work early and getting home asap to rebuild his nest and get it right.

“Yeah, you were so excited for it and it will take your mind off of things, I’m sure of it!” Niall says with a hopeful push of sugary sweetness entering his scent.

“I’m not sure,” Louis sighs.

“C’mon please Lou, we already lost Meg because she had to fly to Manchester for an emergency thing at their headquarters and she won’t be home for at least a week. And don’t tell Liam but he’s annoying as hell with those Christmas fair games and you’re the only person on earth who can manage him when he gets competitive and frustrated,” Zayn begs and Niall nods his head quickly agreeing with the alpha on his mate’s behaviour.

Louis sighs again. He was really excited to go see the market, it’s one of his most favourite things to do during the holiday season and he is itching to go see the lights, have some mullet wine and go ice skating. And he still needs some presents for his sisters…

“Yeah, alright fine, I’ll come with you. Can’t have you all trying to secure that damn teddy bear because Liam is so set on getting it for Niall when he himself can’t throw a basketball to save his life.”

Niall whoops and Zayn ruffles his hair, “that’s the spirit!”, the other omega laughs.

“Great!”, Zayn agrees, “we’ll get you after work and take the tube to the market. Sound good?”

Louis nods and smiles what hopefully is a convincing one, “yeah, sounds good.”

“Perfect, that’s settled then. You wanna come eat with us now?”, Niall adds.

“Nah, thanks. I’m not really hungry right now and I have like 5 different food trucks I wanna have something from tonight so I better just stick with some crackers and hummus for now. Got that in the fridge in the kitchen up here,” Louis says a small portion of excitement bubbling up in his stomach at the thought of all the deliciousness waiting for him.

“Fair point. Then we’ll see you later,” Zayn answers.

“Couldn’t be me,” Niall chuckles while getting up from the desk, “see you later, Lou! I’ll go find Liam and bully him into buying me mac and cheese from the place across the street! I’ll meet you at our table, Z!” And with that the omega is gone.

“You sure, you good?” Zayn checks once again and makes sure another heavy punch of eucalyptus and cedar wood fills the office.

Louis smiles to himself but also eyes the fur lined jeans jacket the alpha was wearing over his maroon sweater. The jacket is one of the cosiest and warmest things Louis has ever seen and he loves to steal it whenever he can. Right now, though it was he thought of being enclosed by his best friend’s scent that makes his omega whine in want.

Zayn chuckles and pulls off the jacket, gently placing it on Louis’ lap before moving towards the door.

“Thanks, Z,” Louis mumbles while fisting the fur material in his hands.

“No worries, babes, I’ll see you later,” he salutes and leaves to get lunch.

As soon as he was alone, the omega pulls on the jacket and sinks into the comfort of an alpha that he trusts and loves.

He doesn’t get any real work done for the rest of the day but at least the dreadful feeling in his stomach dissipates for the first time since the night before.

✧ ✧ ✧

When their workday is finally over and the others pick Louis up from his office, the omega can admit that he actually is quite excited to see the Christmas market and have a night of fun with his best mates.

On their way to the tube though, Louis realises how fucking cold it actually is and he shivers but bullies Zayn into handing over his black beanie which he pulls over his fringe. A pleased smile appears on Louis’ face and he pulls the jacket he’s still wearing tighter around his body.

Luckily, alphas run much hotter than omegas do because Zayn only rolls his eyes when Louis declares he was not handing back the jean jacket any time soon. Zayn replies with a huff that oozes of fondness and accepts his fate.

Upon arriving the omegas make a plan of action to get the most out of their evening. Louis is so in his element he will only later realise he completely stopped thinking about the night before. Did he mention that he loves his friends?

They decide to start with a round of spiked hot chocolate to warm everyone up, before doing the games and ride the ferris wheel as well as the little rides the fair of the Christmas market offers. They follow this up with the first round of food much to Louis’ delight.

After several rounds of mulled wine, winter beers and delicious holiday snacks, the boys decide to look for some presents at the sale booths before ending the night at the ice rink. Even Liam was tipsy enough to not see the safety hazard here.

The four of them walk over to the sellers and Louis tries to figure out if he wants to go to the candle stand first or rather check out the one with the cute jewellery or handmade mugs – all of which would make great gifts. For myself too, he muses.

He’s deeply in thought when he suddenly walks right into Liam’s broad back. He and Niall were walking a few steps ahead of them, holding hands and making heart eyes at each other due to another Christmas spent together – Louis would gag if he didn’t love their love so much.

“What the-,” Louis huffs when Niall points to somewhere and asks Louis, “hey, isn’t that Harry over there?”

“What?!”, the older omega screeches and looks up to where his best friend points.

And sure enough not 10 metres away stands the devastatingly gorgeous alpha seemingly looking at candles for fucks sake. What is he doing here? Louis’ omega is getting stressed. He wants to run away or run into Harry’s arms there’s no in between.

“Oh yes! It’s him! Shall we go say hi?” Liam exclaims excited, obviously not picking up on Louis’ demeanour because the omega is making himself as small as possible. He unconsciously moves closer to Zayn and the alpha puts his arm around Louis’ waist, squeezing his hip.

Even if Zayn doesn’t know what happened he knows something is up. He loves Zayn best of them all.

Niall and Liam continue walking and Zayn pulls him along.

Louis wishes he was a stronger man and put a stop to it or at least pull himself out of the situation but he’s also tipsy enough that the desire to see the lights sparkle in Harry’s pretty curls outweighs his bitterness, at least for now.

They make their way over to the candle stand and Louis tells himself that he wanted to check it out anyways.

“Harry! Long time no see!”, Niall calls out when they get close to the alpha, who looks like he’s been deep in thought, flinching harshly upon hearing his name yelled like that.

The curly-haired man turns around in confusion trying to make out if the call was meant for him. As soon as he‘s facing them completely, he sucks in a laboured breath, his eyes meeting Louis‘. He immediately looks away his eyes focusing on something on the omega’s middle and Louis is quite a bit offended at that. He can’t even look me in the eyes? Wow.

“Hiya Harry, nice to see you here,” Liam greets him as well.

“Uhm, hi, I’m, hey guys,” he says shyly, playing with his hair nervously, “nice to see you too,” he adds politely. Louis scoffs quietly and Zayn shoots him a questioning look.

“How are you liking the Christmas market then? You enjoying yourself?”, Liam continues, seemingly trying to include the other alpha as he did on Sunday. Honestly, bless him even if Louis wants to leave right this second.

“Oh, um I haven’t seen too much I popped over here from work and I just got here uhm looking for some presents,” Harry says.

“So, you’re alone here?”, Zayn asks bluntly to which Harry cringes quietly.

He nods and hums yes.

“Where’s the girlfriend then?”, Niall adds with a raised eyebrow.

Louis’ head whips from the floor to Harry and Niall. He cannot believe the other omega just did that.

Harry seems to do neither. He fiddles nervously with the dainty gold rings he was wearing and furrows his brows in confusion.

“What girlfriend?”, he asks bewildered, shooting  a look into Louis’ direction. Louis bites his lip tensely.

“The one that stinks up the whole place. It was quite the punch last weekend,” the omega remarks with a wink.

Harry fish mouths for a second before blushing furiously and drawing his shoulders in.

“Niall!”, Liam hisses outraged and Zayn chokes before punching the omega’s shoulder lightly.

“Um, I-I don’t have a girlfriend,” Harry says perplexed.

Louis swallows heavily. Fuck, this is mortifying. What the fuck does he mean he doesn’t have a girlfriend?

The omega is more than confused but he can see how small the alpha looks with all the attention lying on him like this and this need to protect and make comfortable comes back in full force.

 He steps away from Zayn and moves closer to Harry throwing Niall a disbelieving look over his shoulder.

“God, please excuse this idiot the blonde hair dye of his youth must have destroyed every single brain cell, we promise we raised him better than that,” Louis and Liam say at the same time making Harry chuckle lightly, however, with an air of discomfort.

Harry shuffles his feet and clears his throat and Louis doesn’t know what to make out of that.

“It’s fine. But really, I am uhm single, so I don’t really know where the scent comes from, I’m sorry,” he mumbles with a rising blush to his cheeks.

Oh. Harry doesn’t have a girlfriend. This means…this means Harry just didn’t want to kiss him. Doesn’t want him, period. Somehow this cuts deeper than the thought of the alpha just being unavailable. His heart pulls together painfully.

In an instant, Zayn is back next to him and draws him close.

Harry looks at the movement before quickly averting his eyes completely. He really can’t even look at me anymore? Jesus. It really is ruined now. How could he have been so stupid and think he ever stood a chance with the alpha?

Louis shuffles closer to Zayn and Harry clears his throat again, putting down the candle he has been holding the whole time and puts his hands into the pockets of his brown teddy coat.

“I uhm I mean it was really nice meeting you guys but I think I should head home it was a long day. Have a good rest of your night. I’ll see you around,” he mumbles and starts to leave.

Liam frowns but nods at him, “yeah, of course, thanks Harry. Have a good one,” he replies and with that Harry is gone.

“Uhm what the fuck was that?”, Niall exclaims as soon as the younger man was out of ear shot.

Three pairs of eyes turn to Louis’ own and he sighs deeply making himself smaller to fit better into Zayn’s side.

“Lou, does this by any chance have anything to do with your mood this morning?” Zayn asks gently.

Louis just shrugs again but his changing scent exposes him anyway.

Liam and Zayn exchange a charged look and pull the group away from the busiest parts of the stalls to not put unwanted attention on the omega.

“Wha-,” Liam starts but Louis interrupts him knowing fulwell they will not ease up until he spills.

“I almost kissed Harry,” he mumbles.

Niall curses under his breath and Zayn sighs quietly tightening the hug immediately.

“What happened?”, Liam repeats his question and Louis decides to just get it out with, they wouldn’t leave him alone anyway. So, he recounts everything that happened the day before trying his best not to cry again.

“I just feel so stupid and so angry because what the fuck…”, Louis mumbles while quietly cuddling closer to Zayn needing the alpha comfort more and more, “and I mean it was shitty because I thought he had an omega but apparently the problem is just me.”

“Don’t even think that, Lou. Every person who gets yout attention wins the jackpot and if he doesn’t want to win it’s his fucking loss,” Niall growls and the alphas nod in agreement.

“I just thought he was different but I was wrong, I guess,” Louis shrugs not ready to really believe what just happened. He still has this perception of the alpha and his omega wants to hold onto it so badly.

“I can’t shake the feeling that there is more to the story than we know though,” Liam muses looking into the direction where Harry left to.

Not anything besides that Harry doesn’t want me like that and was just too polite to say anything.

“Yeah, there’s still the scent thing that I don’t understand. If he doesn’t have an omega where does the sweet scent come from?”, Niall agrees with his mate.

Zayn keeps quiet on the matter but his scowl says it all.

And Louis. Louis wants to go home. Wants to leave the Christmas magic behind and go lie in his nest and not think about the alpha. Which reminds him that fuck he still has to rebuilt it.

He feels his omega getting restless.

“Well, as nice as this was, I’m afraid I have to call it a night. Can we rain check on Christmas shopping and ice skating?”, he requests with a strained smile.

His best friends share a worried look, Zayn turns fully towards him and gently touches his arm.

“You sure it’s a good idea to be on your own now?”, he asks with a frown.

Louis nods, “yeah, just tired and the buzz is gone and has been exchanged for a killer headache so I think I should head home and get some sleep. Have an important meeting first thing in the morning as well so yeah-,” Louis tries to find an excuse and he is 99% sure his friends look right through him.

“If you want you can come home with me too? Like I said Meg is away and we can play some FIFA before sleep,” Zayn offers and Louis heart softens infinitely because he knows what this is. Zayn wants him to be able to soak up his pheromones during the night to help soften the blow on his omega after the disguised rejection.

Louis smiles at him softly and quickly pecks his cheek but shakes his head, “that sounds lovely but I really just want my bed right now.”

Niall hums in understanding and the alphas seem to get it just a second later.

“Yeah, no, that’s fine love,” Zayn replies and quickly noses under the edge of the beanie making sure an extra load of eucalyptus envelopes the omega before pulling away.

Not a second later, Liam tugs off the dark blue wool scarf he was wearing and pulls it around Louis’ neck making the omega sniffle in appreciation. The warmth of sandalwood and black pepper flood his senses and he closes his eyes at the feeling of protection invading him.

He sends them a grateful nod and stepping out of Zayn’s embrace immediately missing the alpha warmth but the need to go home to his nest is outweighing the rest.

“Have a good night, okay? Li, call me when you’re back with us and Ni please don’t ruin him,” he tries to joke, “Z, text Meg and give her my love.”

“Will do,” Liam and Niall salute him.

“Of course, text me if you need anything as well, bye love,” Zayn exclaims before Louis starts walking away.

He knows fulwell the others won’t rest until he makes it home and texts them but he loves them so much for letting him leave on his own.

If he had stayed just a little longer and had looked for presents though he would have seen one wrongly placed candle that holds the scent of vanilla and sweet pea.

✧ ✧ ✧

Friday, December 14^th

The next two days, Louis feels progressively worse and everything he does is like a massive burden to the omega.

After he finally got home from the Christmas market, he just desperately wanted to go lie in his nest and wallow in self-pity. He was fully aware of the fact that he brought this on himself but he was selfish enough to blame it on Harry and not himself for the time being.

However, the thought of Harry made him stop in his tracks and lead him towards the door of the alpha’s flat where he tried to make out any sound coming from within the flat but he was met with deafening silence.

Louis almost wished the alpha had been home so he could tell him exactly what he was currently thinking of him but later he would be mature enough to admit that it was his wounded pride talking. Because really, he would never do anything to purposefully hurt Harry with his pretty green eyes, unbearable gentleness and all-encompassing softness.

When he finally reached his nest and arranges the items he got from his best friends around him, he had soon realised that it was doing absolutely fucking nothing to soothe his inner omega. Quite the contrary, really. It was getting more and more agitated and no matter how much he tried to fix it, it somehow just got worse.

He just couldn’t make it right which stressed his omega to the point where a bottle of sparkling white wine was the only thing that got him calm enough to at least sleep.

Too bad, that alcohol didn’t actually solve any of his problems. But it sure as hell, made him stop thinking about it. At least for now.

✧ ✧ ✧

Sunday, December 16^th

Louis wakes up disoriented and cold so very very cold.

He’s swaddled in at least four different blankets and still wears Zayn’s jean jacket over a hoodie he found that must have belonged to Liam due to the size as well as his favourite sage green knit sweater. But still he feels like he’s a second away from freezing to death.

He tries to make out his alarm clock on his nightstand all the way across the room from his place in his very askew nest but he cannot see shit because he had to take his contacts out after he didn’t remove them before falling into a wine induced coma.  But by the light spilling in from the window it must be late afternoon because his bedroom is tinged in light pink and peachy orange.

The light would make him smile if not every single muscle in his body was screaming in pain.

It’s Sunday, at least he thinks so. Which means it was day four without any human contact and without an alpha touch or a touch of a loved one in general. If he was in any right state of mind he would know this was most definitely what pushed him into the depth of depri but alas. All he knows is he is cold. And everything hurts. And he longs for soft brown curls and pretty green eyes.

He also technically knows that either Liam or Zayn could take some of the pain away but he reminds himself that Liam is with Niall and Zayn texted him on Friday that he would be away for a few days. Wasn’t he?

Louis frowns to himself and pulls his phone out of the jacket pocket and squints at the screen. God, his head hurts so much.

There are several notifications but the omega cannot focus on a single one of them.

With a huff he searches for his chat with Zayn, ignores the newest texts after he said he needed some time alone anyway and reads the message from Friday again.

Z ♥️ (10:38):

Hey babes, I know you’re probably busy but I just wanted to let you know that Meg called and asked me to come to Manc bc she’s had a little bit of a fall and her ankle is sprained badly meaning she cannot drive back on her own and she needs helps with her projects. Sry to leave you all by yourself while the love birds are making babies. If u need anything call me asap and I’ll be back. Love u xx

Louis (13:09):

Don’t worry about me, I’m peachy. Go take care of your mate and give her me love. Need a bit of time to meself anyway. See you soon, love u 2 <3

Right now, he’s not so sure why he said that he wanted to be alone but past Louis must have had a plan with that. Right now all he wants is a hug, preferably from a certain someone but Zayn would be a welcome alternative.

“Alpha,” Louis whispers to himself letting out a slow whine. The scent that’s still surrounding him is fading but still feels wrong.

An unpleasant shiver runs through him and goosebumps appear all over the omega’s body letting the feverish skin feel even colder. He so badly wants someone to hold him and fight off the sick feeling in his tummy.

And that someone is Harry.

Harry.

That’s who he wants. That who his inner omega wants. Right now.

He feels himself slipping away and this thought scares him enough to scramble on to his feet.

He doesn’t want to drop. Hasn‘t gone there in so long. That’s scary. Because he’s alone. He doesn’t want to be alone either.

He needs to find his alpha and get him to keep him safe.

A surge of determination blooms in him and he starts peeling off some of the layers to keep his balance as drops the blankets on the floor carelessly too focused on his alpha to try and save this sorry excuse of a nest.

He stumbles out of his bedroom and through his flat in his pink fuzzy socks and makes his way towards Harry’s flat. He subconsciously appreciates that he doesn’t meet anyone on his way because he’s in no state to fight off any possible danger.

When he arrives at the alpha’s door he can already feel this sweet, sweet scent coming through it and enveloping him. He immediately starts to calm down.

He knocks gently and prays the younger man is home.

A second later he can make out steps coming towards the door and then it’s pulled open. And there he is. Harry. He looks the epitome of comfort in big black sweat pants and a cosy pink knit jumper that hangs off of his shoulders. Louis’ heart stutters for a second.

The alpha looks confused for a second before he spots the omega leaning at the door frame and his eyes widen in something Louis can’t decipher. His omega is too busy screaming out for its alpha, his touch, his scent and his love.

“Lou?”, he asks surprised, “is everything alr-“

“Alpha,” he whispers brokenly and Harry’s whole demeanour changes in an instant.

“Lou,” Harry answers and opens the door wider and looks around the hallway, “where is Zayn?”

Louis’ brows furrow, “Zayn?”

“Yes honey, where is he? Is he waiting for you downstairs?”

And Louis is so confused. Why would Zayn wait in his flat?

“Why-,” he starts helplessly feeling slightly overwhelmed with the situation.

“Honey, where is your alpha?”, Harry presses gently and Louis really really doesn’t understand what he is on about.

“But you are here?”, he cocks his head in question and mumbles unsurely.

A choked noise comes out of Harry’s throat and Louis looks up into big green eyes.

Doesn’t he want to touch me? What’s wrong? Louis’ thoughts jumble.

“Alpha?”, he asks again and this seems to startle Harry out of his thoughts because his attention shifts fully on the omega.

“Baby,” he breathes and Louis preens at the petname, “what’s wrong, darling?”

Louis fumbles with the sleeve of the jacket, “I think I uhm I’m dropping?”, he says in question, his mind starting to slip again now that he was with someone he considers safe.

He can hear Harry curse under his breathe. The alpha steps closer slowly.

“Can I touch you, Lou?”, he asks slowly, “is it not too much?”

“Please.”

Slowly and gently the alpha takes Louis’ face in his hands and strokes his thumb over his burning cheek. The omega lets out a blissful sigh and pushes into the touch.

A rumble rushes out of Harry’s chest and Louis’ omega whines in response. Instantly, the hands move away from his face and strong arms envelop him in a tight, warm, safe hug.

Louis feels something settle in him. The alpha curls around him and shields Louis with his body. Louis’ nose finds his way to the scent gland on Harry’s neck and he huffs frustrated when he doesn’t find any scent.

Harry chuckles with a strange tone and rubs Louis’ back, “we’ll fix that, I promise. But first, I need to know where you wanna go? You wanna come in?”

Louis shakes his head.

“You wanna go back to your flat?”

Louis nods. “My nest.”

Harry breathes heavily and nods, “alright. We can do that. You want me to bring you back?”

Harry talks really slowly and quiet making the omega preen in appreciation, loud noises always overwhelm him in a state like this.

“Lemme just grab something real quick, okay?”, the alpha adds and disappears back into the flat after a second of contemplation.

Louis just has to wait a second before the alpha was back at his side now holding what looks like a grey hoodie, a shirt and is that his duvet? Louis might be melting away. A warm, giddy feeling rushes through his blood and he feels his scent sweeten infinitely.

Upon Louis’ reaction, Harry’s shoulders loosen and the alpha’s stance turns much more confident.

He pulls the door closed behind himself and gently grabs Louis’ waist, guiding him the way back to his flat.

When they enter the flat, Louis’ omega settles once more due to being back in his comfort space with his alpha now.

“Where’s your nest, baby? In your bedroom?”

Louis nods, grateful that he doesn’t have to use too many words.

They walk through the flat back to Louis’ bedroom but when they’re about to enter, Louis remembers in what state his nest is and he stops in his tracks.

Harry tumbles into him and has to steady himself on the doorframe, “what’s wrong, baby? Have you changed your mind?”, he questions tensely.

Louis shakes his head, “messy. It’s messy,” he huffs.

“I’m sure it’s perfect, sweetheart, but if you don’t want me to see I can just stay out here and be with you this way,” he offers.

Another shake with his head, “no, want you next to me,” he admits.

“Of course, if that’s what you want, I would love to see your nest if you want to show me.”

Louis grabs Harry’s free hand and pulls him inside, clearing is throat shyly.

When Harry takes in the nest that was spilling out of the closet all plush and pretty, the alpha’s breathe hitches.

“Oh, Lou. It’s perfect. So, so pretty and comfy. I love the fairy lights. Good job, baby,” he gushes and Louis could cry with happiness.

“Thank you, alpha,” he mumbles with a blush rising on his cheeks.

“You wanna lie down in it?”

“With you,” he says and Harry’s alpha rumbles happily.

Louis strips out of the jacket and places it on the end of the nest, suddenly not wanting Zayn’s scent on his body when his alpha is with him.

He steps close to Harry and touches the alpha’s neck, cocking his head, “want your scent,” he says and Harry swallows heavily.

Harry nods, “we can arrange that. How about you make yourself comfy in your nest and I’ll get us some water and then you can have my scent.”

Louis nods happily and crawls into his nest, re-arranging some of his things to make space for the alpha who returns just a minute later.

When Harry enters the room, the air instantly fills with this incredible creamy sweetness that is so similar to Louis’ own flowery vanilla but with so much more depth and a zesty undertone that makes it feel fresh and sweet at the same time.

Louis breathes in deeply and lets out an appreciative hum. He makes grabby hands at the alpha.

Harry is standing at the end of the nest and smiles bashfully before noticing the motion and his mouth drops in a little o.

“You want me in your nest? Are you I mean are you sure,” he asks with wide eyes.

Louis looks at him in confusion, “want your scent in my nest, want you, alpha,” he says matter of factly.

Harry’s scent grows stronger and the alpha nods to himself, slowly crawling into Louis’ space. As soon as his alpha is in his nest and starts scenting his things slowly but thoroughly, the tightness in the omega’s chest finally dissipates and the coldness vanishes.

“Can I lie down, omega?”, Harry addressing him by his gender tips Louis over the edge and he nods softly, a heavy feeling of safety clouding his senses as his limbs start to loosen up.

The alpha lies down and gestures to Louis to position himself however he wants. Before he joins him, Louis grabs the things Harry brought and pulls off his tops and tugs on the oversized hoodie with the rainbow embroidery and arranges the duvet on the other side of him to be enclosed by the alpha and his duvet.

Louis pushes Harry on his back and lies half on top of him, slinging a leg over the alpha’s thighs, trying to touch as much of the alpha as possible. Harry pulls him closer with his arm and offers his neck to the omega.

He pushes his nose in the scent gland once again, happily soaking in the now potent scent which makes him purr deep in his chest.

“You can sleep, baby. I’ll be here when you wake up,” the alpha mumbles in his hair and presses a sweet kiss on his head.

With a press of his own lips to the alpha’s neck, Louis falls asleep.

✧ ✧ ✧

Monday, December 17^th

Louis comes back to consciousness with a soft sound invading his mind. He tries to make out what the sound is and where it comes from but he still feels fuzzy yet so light, happy and well taken care of that he isn’t quite ready to open his eyes.

He tries to change position when he realises he‘s laying on something decidedly harder than his pillow and that something is rumbling under his ear.

And is there someone playing with his hair?

Before his mind catches up with the situation at hand, Louis remembers where exactly he is, what exactly happened last night, and who exactly he is with.

A blush is making its way on his cheeks and he hopes that the alpha hasn’t noticed that Louis was awake yet.

He has no recollection of how they have gotten here but Louis cannot say he minds when his omega hasn’t felt like this in possibly ever. He simply has no other word to describe how he feels other than loved. And the omega is fully aware of how ridiculous that sounds but it’s the truth and he would like to feel this way forever.

He subconsciously burrows closer to the alpha and his nose meets the skin of what must be Harry’s neck because the soft sweetness that surrounds him turns ten times stronger and the omega shudders in pleasure.

It’s safe to say he has never met an alpha that smelled this sweet – something that is usually exclusive to omegas, which no fucking wonder Louis thought Harry was taken – but he was quickly getting addicted to the scent.

The way it was so similar to his own scent makes Louis preen internally. It almost feels like it’s meant to be. And no, Louis has never been this hopelessly romantic but here he is.

He’s quite upset over the fact that the so called norm of scents and genders prevented them from being close to each other for an unnecessary amount of time because if the omega isn’t an absolute doofus he is quite certain Harry feels at least somewhat the same. Going by the way he is holding Louis oh so gently and nosing his hair softly, Louis is definitely not dumb.

He is about to face Harry and get him to spill what happened the past few hours when he recalls why he has been woken up. That sound.

He focuses more on what is nothing more than a soft hum and registers with a start that Harry must be singing to him.

He stills his breathe and listens closer until he can make out the actual words the alpha is singing.

The moment he is able to decipher the song his heart stops in his chest.

It’s All I want for Christmas is you.

Harry is singing All I want for Christmas is you to him – to his allegedly sleeping form.

His tummy clenches before the butterflies go haywire in there and he would be lying if he said he didn’t tear up – at least a little.

Louis knew he has never met an alpha like Harry but how vastly different he really is to all the other knotheads becomes more and more clear to the omega.

No one has ever been this soft with him and he doesn’t think anyone has ever wanted to be this soft. Because it doesn’t lie in the nature of alphas but Louis is so so glad he has found the exception.

And said exception was singing one of the cheesiest but also cutest love songs in the universe to him while cuddling him in his nest, shielding him from the world and keeping him safe and warm.

Louis might be in love.

The fact that they almost kissed after dancing to the song under the warm glow of Christmas lights might be right out of a romance novel but Louis will keep this memory close to his heart forever and always.

He sighs happily and the singing stops as Harry realises Louis isn’t asleep anymore. Louis wants to protest but he doesn’t want to embarrass the alpha before they didn’t have the chance to talk.

“Lou?”, Harry whispers softly while his thumb starts stroking Louis’ hipbone, “are you back with me?”

Louis swallows, once again he asks himself what the hell happened. He fears that he might have dropped but he doesn’t really feel this out of it. But it also has been at least five years since he last did, so what the fuck does he know.

He clears his throat, “yeah, I’m awake.”

A relieved sigh escapes the alpha and Louis starts sitting up even tho he really doesn’t want to leave his spot at Harry’s neck.

When he sits up and turns towards the alpha he notices that Harry is not wearing a shirt.

The alpha frowns at the look and looks down himself blushing furiously when he registers what Louis is looking at. Damn, those tattoos are beautiful and this fucker has a nipple ring. God, that’s hot.

Unfortunately, the alpha grabs his jumper and pulls it over his head, hiding the beautiful sight and leaving his hair askew.

“Y-you wanted skin contact, I uhm, yeah,” he mumbles with a sheepish shrug.

Louis licks his lips and looks up into Harry’s eyes, “can you tell me what happened?”

Harry’s brows rise, “you don’t remember?”, he asks with a weird tone to his voice.

“No, everything since the Christmas market is kind of fuzzy,” Harry flinches at that, “if I’m honest. I’m sorry for whatever I may did –“, Louis continues but Harry interrupts him.

“I am the one who has to be sorry. You have done nothing wrong, Lou. You were in a vulnerable state and I feel like I took advantage of it – of you. I just hope I could help you at least a little but I completely understand if you don’t want anything to do with me…after I behaved so disrespectful when we decorated and now this — I – yeah I’m sorry,” the alpha stumbles over his words while Louis wanted nothing more than to delete all those negative feelings.

Only Harry would feel sorry for flirting and taking care of people. Not for a second did it cross Louis’ mind that Harry had done something wrong and he needed the alpha to understand this as well.

“Haz, can you tell me what happened? I’d really like to get the whole picture before anything else,” Louis says gently, taking the alpha’s hand and rubbing soft circles over the back.

Harry swallows and nods before recounting everything that happened – at least the parts he had been present for.

After a lot of blushing and a tea break insisted by Harry, Louis has learned that no Harry most definitely did not take advantage of the situation but rather saved Louis from dropping all by himself. Apparently it took Harry the whole night to drive him back from the edge – his touch deprivation so severe that the omega was relying entirely on Harry’s pheromones and constant touch to stay in the present.

While Harry talks, some flashes of memory come back to the omega and he realises that without Harry he most definitely would have dropped and no one would have been here because Zayn is away and Liam and Niall are still holed up in their flat.

Louis rubs one of his eyes that have turned slightly wet before holding onto the alpha’s hand tighter.

“Thank you,” he breathes, “for everything. And please, don’t even think for a seond that you did anything wrong. If anything, I was the one who threw myself at you and you went and took care of me without any hesitation. That’s wonderful. You’re wonderful. Without you I would have dropped and God knows how that would have ended,” he chuckles self-depreciatingly.

Harry looks at him with wide, worried eyes that turned to a thoughtful frown, “but Lou, the level of depri you were in was bad, I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to get you out of it. Didn’t you call Zayn? Why wasn’t he with you at all?”

It’s Louis turn to frown, “Zayn? Why would I? He’s not even in London -,”

Harry’s frown intensifies, “wait, he left you here on your own after you must have been feeling bad for days now?”

What is Harry on about?

“Why would he take me with him?”, he chuckles confused.

“How can he leave his omega behind? How can he leave you behind?”

Louis’ confusion turns into realisation and he starts giggling so hard he hiccups.

Harry stares at him bewilderment, “wha-,”

“Oh my God!”, he wheezes, “you thought me and Zayn. Fuck me, that is the funniest thing I have ever heard.”

His breath hitches with how hard he giggles and he suddenly sees all the instances where Harry and Zayn were in the same room in a totally different light.

Getting Harry to come meet his friends after he hugged Zayn and smelled like him.

Watching footie together…Louis being cuddled up to Zayn.

The Christmas market where he was dressed in Zayn’s jacket and huddled close to him for comfort and warmth…Zayn holding his waist protectively which might seemed possessive to some.

Christ, Louis could see why the fuck Harry thought they were an item. Still, it was too fucking funny.

Does this mean Harry’s behaviour was jealousy all along? It all made so much sense all of a sudden. New hope blooms in Louis’ chest.

“Babe, Zayn is away because Meg – his mate – needed him up in Manchester for a work thingy and he had to leave unexpectedly. You would have met her at the Christmas market if there wouldn’t have been an emergency she had to attend to up there,” Louis says gently his chuckles having subdued into a twinkling smile and a wink.

Harry’s eyebrows shoot up again and his mouth turns into a little o shape.

“Oh,” he breathes before a sweetness fills the whole room that would be suffocating if it wasn’t also the best thing Louis ever smelled.

“So, you’re single?”, Harry checks with a sweet blush rising to his cheeks.

Louis simply nods his head. Not any longer hopefully, is what he thinks. The brightness of his sweet pea pairs nicely with Harry’s creamy vanilla.

“So are you,” Louis adds, praying he hasn’t read their conversation at the Christmas market wrong.

Harry nods as well. A smile blooming on his pretty face as something like determination enters his eyes.

He sits up too and matches the way Louis is kneeling, shifting closer until their knees are touching.

The alpha ruffles his hair and puts it out of his face before looking up through his eyelashes, making himself look even prettier. Little minx, Louis thinks before his omega registers what is hopefully about to happen and every single thought flies out of the window.

Louis cocks his head and smiles coyly to which Harry’s smile turns shy.

He clears his throat and takes Louis’ face in his hands – just as he did last night – and starts stroking his jaw gently.

“Does this mean I can-,” he starts but Louis interrupts him with an impatient but very fond huff.

“Shut up and kiss me you fool,”  the omega laughs and leans forward.

The alpha doesn’t have to be told twice and presses his lips gently but with a loving force onto Louis’ own. Both of them sigh at the same time and Louis is sure he hears a small “finally” hummed into the air between them.

With a little laugh and a happy yip from his inner omega, Louis puts more force into the kiss and puts his hands on the alpha’s chest pushing him gently back into a lying position and crawling on top of him.

Since neither of them were blessed with being graceful they end up in a bit of a jumble but despite their giggles Harry made instinctively sure Louis doesn’t hurt himself. His omega is glowing with love and happiness.

When they found a comfortable position, they resume their kiss smoothly and the new angle gives Louis control over the kiss which Harry grants easily. And well if that isn’t a nice new thing to discover.

This isn’t the first time Harry handed over the control and as unexpected as it is coming from an alpha, Louis can’t say he minds. Quite the contrary even.

He puts his all into the kiss and the way Harry’s hips rock up involuntarily it must be the right thing to do. He preens at the reaction he gets out of the alpha and he puts more pressure on his lower body, his omega starting to get attached and wanting to feel high.

On another upward push, the alpha moans when his hips meet the omega’s one and his mouth drops open wide enough for Louis to push his tongue into Harry’s mouth to explore. The alpha willingly lets him do as he pleases and Louis might have died and gone to heaven.

The hands on his waist burn nicely on his skin where his hoodie has ridden up and Louis is a second away from losing all of his clothes feeling the urge to have that skin on skin contact with a person he desires.

He rocks down again and whines quietly when too much fabric stops him from getting a real feeling of Harry.

A hot, protective rumble rushes through Harry’s chest and this is probably the most alpha Louis has ever seen him. Fuck.

He whines again and feels the first drops of slick wetting his boxers.

Not a second later, the alpha registers the sticky sweetness of hot caramel in the air and he growls before pulling away from the omega’s lips.

Louis makes an affronted noise in the back of his throat and looks at the alpha in offence before sitting up in his lap.

Harry licks his lips and looks up at Louis with apologetic eyes.

“As much as I would love to continue with this,” he gestures between them and lifts his hips the tiniest bit making sure Louis knows it has nothing to do with him not wanting to keep going, “I’m not sure if your omega is well enough to do so. I don’t want to overwhelm it and put you in danger of dropping after all. We should ease into this and get your touch levels up again before anything can happen,” he states with a worried glimmer to his eyes.

And well, what can Louis say? The alpha is actually completely right and it softens his heart to an unexplainable amount that he is looking out for Louis like that and not following through with what his alpha instincts are telling him to do – and what Louis’ omega is most definitely signalling.

This alone is proof enough how wonderful and different this boy is.

Still, Louis is very horny and very annoyed, and he likes to be very dramatic. But he can also be realistic if he wants to.

With a defeated huff he falls forward back on to Harry’s chest and hides his face in the other’s neck.

“You’re so reasonable, I hate it. But you’re also right which is even more annoying,” he whines with a pout and Harry chuckles softly pressing a kiss to Louis’ hair.

“Gemma once told me that omegas can react quite strongly to certain…intimate activities when their touch levels are low…I’m glad she did even though it was awkward as fuck but such thing you just don’t learn in gender studies which is quite the problem in my eyes but so are many other things in our society,” the alpha explains and Louis would jump his bones for being so considerate if there wasn’t this name again.

“If Gemma isn’t your omega, who is she then?”, he asks bluntly, done with beating around the bush.

It’s Harry’s turn to start giggling after almost choking on his spit, “wait you thought? Gemma? What gave you this impression, pup?” Harry looks so adorably confused he doesn’t seem to notice the slip of one of the most intimate pet names someone could use but Louis silly little heart entered a new record in racing.

He tries to focus back on the conversation at hand.

“Well, when we met you were saying she’s about to arrive and all of your things only smelled really sweet like an omega and then your flat…the scent is so strong in there and and I don’t know your place is so pretty I didn’t think it could belong to an alpha even though I knew immediately that you’re not anything like other alphas,” Louis rambles knowing fulwell how he must sound to others.

When he looks back up from where he was playing with the hem of Harry’s jumper he looked into soft and fond, fond, fond eyes.

“Baby,” Harry murmurs before pulling him closer, “Gemma is my sister.”

“Oh,” Louis answers much like Harry did earlier. God, they are a mess, aren’t they?

“And she came over to help unpack because she’s the only one who was free. Also she’s like three times stronger than me with her weightlifting and all, my yoga and running doesn’t stand a chance,” he chuckles lightly.

Louis starts smiling at that. Harry is just so unbearably cute he can’t stand it, almost.

And then Harry’s eyes darken with something decidedly less happy.

“Alpha?”, Louis touches his face not wanting anything standing between them that might make feel Harry bad.

The curly-haired man sighs and closes his eyes before staring at the ceiling.

“Uhm, the- the thing with my scent,” he starts before swallowing hard, Louis ‘ hands wanders to his scent gland subconsciously and the alpha relaxes at the soft press of warm fingertips.

“Well since last night you must know that the things you smelled on my stuff and in my flat is my scent. I-I uhm tend to mask it with neutralisers whenever I leave my flat but uhm last night your-your omega or y-you were begging to have my scent and I couldn’t decline so I washed them off when I got water and stuff,” Harry explains quietly.

Louis’ omega purrs at the admission that Harry showed him his scent so willingly while his stomach tightens painfully with the thought of why he was hiding such a gorgeous scent.

“Why-,”

“You wanna know why I mask my scent,” he interrupts softly and Louis nods, “well you may have noticed that I talk about my mum and sister all the time but never my dad – mainly because my mum thankfully left him and he’s mostly out of the picture but also not really even as much as I want him to be. If you haven’t noticed that tho, that’s fine, but uhm you must know that my dad is like kind of a big deal in politics and well uhm it’s well, according to him, it’s not already bad enough that I exclusively like male omegas but even worse I carry the smell of one. So yeah, since I couldn’t possibly tarnish the family name I had to use neutralisers ever since I hit puberty and my scent should have become alpha. So, yeah I uhm stuck with it even after moving half the country away from them because people in school and uni never really have taken a like to my scent when I decided to show them…” he trails off with a sad shrug.

And Louis is speechless, he absolutely cannot believe that Harry had to live through this, still does.

This gentle, soft, warm, beautiful boy with his plants and pastel colours and the contrasting deep black ink on his milky skin, this boy with his soft curls and even softer spoken words and his scent, his gorgeous, gorgeous scent.

What a fucking asshole his father and everyone who ever treated him badly over something like his scent or who he loves are. He’s aware how fucked up society is but seeing it happen to someone he cares for so deeply cuts worse.

“Oh darling, I’m so so so sorry you had to go through this and I would personally like to have some very strong choice words with everyone who treated you like shit especially your father, what the fuck?”, he seethes, “and let me tell you one thing, your scent is fucking gorgeous, i felt drawn to it the second I smelled it for the first time. I love how similar it is to my own scent and to me this is a sign of fate or some shit that we were meant to meet and I thank all the gods in heaven that you moved into my silly little building because my life was good but since you came into it it’s great,” he states matter of factly.

When he doesn’t get an answer he looks back up into Harry’s face and the alpha looks at him with an astonished expression on his face.

“Really?”

“Yes really, it makes me feel really safe and comforted. It makes me feel like coming home,” Louis mumbles with a shy blush rising on his cheeks but he wants Harry to understand. Needs him to understand.

“And I am incredibly honoured that you feel comfortable enough with me to show me your scent. And I am even more thankful that you helped my omega without any inhibitions not many people would do that after only a few weeks of knowing each other. And I’m fucking glad this dickhead is out of your family and if I ever met him he better prays for his life because I might be an omega but I can throw a mean punch,” Louis continues angry.

Harry chokes on a laugh that suspiciously sound like a sob and Louis leans down to soothingly lick over the alpha’s scent gland which makes him shiver pleasantly.

“I’m serious,” he adds before shifting up to hover over the alpha.

Harry looks up with soft eyes that are filled with emotion and Louis wants to give him the entire world.

“Thank you, that means more than you know,” Harry whispers before leaning up and kissing his cheeks meaningfully.

Louis nods in response, “it’s the truth,” he says and starts getting up.

Harry pouts, “I thought we were going back to cuddling.”

Louis’ heart jumps happily but his stomach and bladder have other ideas.

“As much as I want to do just that, my body does have worldly needs and I actually gotta call into work and tell them I won’t be in today. And I should also probably check my phone and let the boys know that I am still breathing,” he says with a laugh.

“Oh right, yes of course. I put your phone to charge when I went to the bathroom last night, it’s over there,” Harry gestures towards his nightstand and Louis really would like to know where they make alphas like Harry because the world would be a much better place if they could get more of him.

“Thank you.”

“Why don’t you go ahead and do your business and I’ll go make some breakfast?”, Harry offers while getting up. Louis’ stomach clenches happily when the alpha pulls off his knit jumper and places it over the pillows they were lying on.

“Sounds incredible, I’m starving,” Louis answers and waits for the alpha to nod and leave the room before he grabs the other hoodie Harry had brought and pulled it on. Then the decides to freshen up first, trying to psych himself up to conquer his phone and all the messages that are probably waiting for him because Zayn is a worrier at the best of times and he actually should have been at work like four hours ago.

Thankfully, they could do home office days easily and he was off for his two week Christmas break tomorrow anyway so his boss could suck his dick.

He makes quick business of it all and tells Zayn to stop worrying he would call and tell him everything later when the lovebirds are back from heat leave too because he doesn’t want to recount everything twice.

Thankfully, all of this doesn’t take long because as ridiculous as it sounds he already misses the alpha and he wants to be back in his close proximity.

When he enters his living area, he is met with a sight he desperately wants to see every morning for the rest of his life. There is Harry, standing at the stove flipping a pancake and wiggling his hips to a tune he is hummin under his breath while tea and coffee are in the making.

He throws all caution to the wind and taps over to the alpha, making sure he notices the fresh wave of his scent to announce him before wrapping his arms around Harry’s waist from behind.

“Smells incredible,” he mumbles into the other’s neck being fully aware of the double implication, he smiles to himself.

Harry leans into the embrace and hums, “it’s almost ready, I couldn’t find all the things for a full English so please keep me up on it until I will because I make the best,” he says cheekily.

Louis giggles, “oh, I can’t wait. I have high standards but if it’s anywhere near as good as your tea making skills we’re good.”

Harry blushes and brings over the plate with pancakes to the kitchen island where he had placed strawberries and whipped cream.

“Ohh, kinky, I like it,” Louis winks and the blush on Harry’s cheeks darkens.

“Jesus Christ, Lou. You can’t just say things like this,” he whines before handing Louis his tea – again perfectly made.

Louis pats his cheek before tugging into what must be the best pancakes he ever had.

“Oh my God! These are to die for! Fuck, I am so keeping you!”, Louis moans before

 he stops in his tracks with the meaning of what he just said.

Harry stands next to the barstool breathless.

“I- I uhm meant that I-“, he tries to backtrack but Harry interrupts him gently and turns the omega towards himself.

“Alright, before this gets weird, let’s just talk about it – not really talking but just assuming got us to a point where you almost dropped and I can’t stand the thought of that – sure, all of this is still brand new and no one knows where this might lead to but to me this isn’t just some random flirting, hasn’t been since the moment we met really, but so much more already. I like you, like a lot and I know we haven’t known each other long but it feels like I’ve known you forever and I really really don’t want to throw this away. Of course, this doesn’t mean we’re gonna get married tomorrow, hell, we don’t even have to label it yet, but I would really like to give this a chance and see where it leads us. Shit, sorry I talk too much when I’m nervous. What do you think?”, Harry rambles nervously.

Louis stares at him with a feeling he can’t even explain himself but everything the alpha said is what he wanted to hear since he saw the boy talking about his plants.

“I think that you are the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me and that I never want to let you go, that’s what I think-,”

“Okay, now you are talking way too much,” the alpha mumbles and smashes his lips against Louis’ own licking into his mouth with a new heat.

And if their pancakes won’t be eaten for another hour in favour of making out against the kitchen island, it’s no one’s business but their own.

✧ ✧ ✧

Wednesday, December 19^th

As soon as Louis gets up, a smile is painted on his face. Not only because he gets to wake up next to his alpha for the second time in two days but also because his birthday is soon, Christmas is only six days away, his touch levels are overflowing – yes, he quickly learned Harry is touchy and tactile after he gets the conformation that it’s welcomed, like really tactile and his omega is living for it – and their date yesterday might have been the best first date in history.

After Harry had to leave for work on Monday, the alpha had asked him out on a proper date for the following evening and Louis can honestly say he has never been pampered like this. The alpha went all out with dinner at the cosiest Italian restaurant Louis has ever seen and the night was filled with laughter, flirting, subtle touches and deep conversations about their families, friends, hobbies, pasts, jobs, everything.

Louis even learned that Harry owns the very same flower shop he got the flower for the alpha and all of a sudden the name, the decor, and the kindness of Sarah made so much sense. Honestly, how he hasn’t made the connection immediately after hearing Sarah call her boss H and Harry’s terrible sense of humour and love for puns it should have been crystal clear.

Heavy Petal, he sighs fondly. No wonder he was so taken by the name. It was Harry’s doing after all.

But it made his adoration for the alpha just grow so much more and he is so happy to know that he has people like Sarah and her mate Mitch in his life that had looked out for him until Louis stumbled into his life.

And today they are making cookies. Christmas cookies!

The alpha was outraged when he learned that Louis hasn’t made Christmas cookies ever since he moved away from home and he made it his mission to change that.

So, he took the day off work and planned out a whole master plan with times, recipes, decorations, and names of cookies Louis has never heard but Harry needs him to try regardless.

Apparently, they are going to make:

Gingerbread

Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti

Sugar Cookies (hell yes because decorating)

Candy Cane Snowballs

Hot Chocolate Cookies

Vanilla Crescents

Lemon Snowdrops

Louis is overwhelmed just thinking of all this stuff and how much times it’s gonna take but Harry assured him it’s gonna be fun and it was on his list for this week anyway so if Louis gets bored he can just watch or even leave. As if Louis would miss the opportunity to spend a whole day with Harry and watch the alpha work.

Right now, Louis is on his own though, waiting for Harry to come back from getting the last things they need for the cookies and bring breakfast. He was promised almond croissants and a big pack of Yorkshire since Harry’s package is empty.

And yes, Louis is currently alone in Harry’s flat. The alpha seemingly trusts Louis enough to do so because after they woke up in Louis’ nest (which was now dripping in their combined scent which Louis loves) he offered to do the whole baking thing in his flat because of the chaos that it will most definitely end in.

He has been patiently sitting on the sofa with a cup of coffee to warm himself up but he just can’t deal with the taste, has never taken to drinking coffee and sticking to his tea, but since Harry was out of tea, he offered the omega coffee instead.

He puts the cup of the table in front of him and rubs his arms. He really was cold and he really really wants a jumper of the alpha to cuddle up in.

If he can steal it and put it sneakily in his nest or take it with him for Christmas at his mum’s no one will know but him.

Louis looks around the living space trying to see if the alpha has a hoodie or jumper lying around but no such luck.

He tries the bathroom next but again nothing. He thinks about stealing the fuzzy peach coloured bathrobe but it smells freshly washed and not much of the alpha.

As he leaves the bathroom, he looks at the closed bedroom door contemplating.

He feels kinda bad for wanting to see his alpha’s bedroom without him being there but he is noisy and he really really wants a hoodie. His nest would be so much better ‚with more of the alpha’s clothes and he really needs to take something with him to Donny, not knowing how long he would have to go without seeing Harry.

In a split second he opens the door and steps into the room his breath hitching immediately upon the sight.

The whole room is dressed in shades of soft baby pinks and creams and everything is decorated with scented candles, fuzzy blankets and pillows and the way the bed looks it reminds Louis vastly of his very own nest.

His heart seizes with love for the alpha and clenches painfully at the same time because now he understands why he was so adamant for Louis not to come in here. Most definitely because of the shit he had to go through with his father and people in school because he should know Louis would never make fun of him. Especially not for something this pretty and cosy.

He walks further into the room and inspects everything feeling more and more connected to his boy.

Everything is placed so thoughtfully and Louis can picture exactly how much time and effort the alpha has put in looking for the right space for each and every single item.

He walks over to the dresser that is placed just like his own next to the closet doors trying to be quick, he actually really wants that hoodie.

As soon as he’s standing in front of the dresser he can make out the things that lie on top of it which have been hard to see with the dim light that spills through the heavy curtains.

What he finds makes him a hundred times more protective over the soft alpha because next to two bowls filled with jewellery is an assortment of varying shades of nail polish as well as body lotions, skin care stuff and a few make-up products Louis can’t even name. All of this looks placed delicately but also ready to be used to Harry’s liking.

He gets the sudden urge to see the alpha all dolled up with painted nails knowing exactly what an enigma his boy must be then. He is beautiful everyday but Louis knows this would be another level.

Suddenly, a memory of a gown and high heels strikes his mind and he finally realises that these weren’t the clothes of Harry’s omega but his very own things. Things he seems to hide for reasons Louis can guess without much of a try.

Another wave of burning rage runs through him at the thought that Harry feels like he had to hide this side of him and he makes it his mission to show the alpha that he can be himself in every shape or form especially when he’s with Louis.

Determination fills him and a plan grows in his mind.

With a smile he turns around and spots a discarded pastel yellow cardigan as well as a burgundy hoodie over the armchair in the corner by the window and makes the split decision to get exactly those two things. The hoodie is amazing to take to Donny and the soft yellow of the cardigan will look incredible in his nest.

He grabs the items quickly, his inner omega whining with joy as he presses his nose into the fabric and notices that they must have been worn recently due to the amount of scent that’s clinging to the pieces.

Louis wanders back out and closes the door softly behind him. He checks his phone and sees a text Harry has sent just five minutes ago.

Haz ♥️ (10:47):

Hi baby, I’ll be back in 10. You can put the kettle on and drain the coffee you didn’t even want in the sink ;) oh, and put the plates out, please. The croissants are warm and fresh xx

Louis giggles ridiculously at his phone. The alpha knows him so well already it’s kinda scary but also not at all.

Harry also has taken quite the liking to call him baby which was never one of his faves but with the alpha it’s different. Louis actually loves it and his inner omega is constantly preening because of it.

He puts his phone on the kitchen island and decides to go hide the stolen tops in his flat so he can be certain they will be with him for the holidays up north.

He makes it back in time before the alpha gets home and he puts the kettle on and gets the plates ready.

Just then the alpha opens the door arms filled with grocery bags and the warm scent of flaky almond croissants that underline his vanilla bean scent so nicely.

“Honey, I’m home!”, he calls out and makes eye contact with a giggling Louis.

“You’re such an idiot,” he laughs before walking towards him and makes grabby hands at the bakery bag, “here lemme help you with that,” he winks and takes it.

Harry shakes his head fondly and carries the rest over to the kitchen before crowding Louis against the counter and caging him in between the wood and his body.

“Hi,” he murmurs and Louis breathes in deeply.

“Hello yourself.”

“Missed you,” the alpha continues and presses his nose into Louis’ scent gland to which Louis is incredibly thankful because he needs a second to control his facial expression. Not only did he have the same thought earlier but hearing the alpha feels the same fills him with so much warmth.

He presses a kiss to Harry’s temple and mumbles a, “ditto”, in the air between them.

Harry looks up with shining eyes and kisses the smile off of Louis’ face.

The kiss turns heated pretty quickly but a small rumble of Louis’ tummy makes both of them laugh and break the kiss.

“Alright, enough of that I need to get some food in you and then we have a lot of baking to do!”, Harry exclaims excitedly.

And what can Louis say? The excitement doesn’t let up throughout the day. Watching Harry in the kitchen was always intriguing but when he’s baking Christmas cookies his little hips sway eagerly and he looks like an excited puppy with wild curls and lit up eyes. He’s quite the sight to behold.

The alpha’s excitement is truly infectious because even though Louis has no fucking idea of baking, Harry makes sure to include him in every step of the way, explaining all the things and gives him tasks he can easily do and help with the end product.

They work so well together as a team and Louis wants this forever.

He truly is gone, so so gone for this curly-haired boy he has to keep himself from spilling those three little words and they’ve only been a thing for three days, for fuck’s sake.

Much like the day they decorated Harry’s place, they soon turn on Christmas music and dance, sing, and laugh while they work in close proximity to each other.

The added bonus this time around are definitely the many many mindless touches to remind the other that someone is there and even more so the countless make out sessions whenever cookies are in the oven.

After all, the omega is really fucking glad they have so many types of cookies on Harry’s list.

✧ ✧ ✧

After hours of baking and a very intense flour fight that almost ended in a very different warm sweetness than cookies, Louis is exhausted.

He doesn’t understand how Harry can still dance along to the music blasting through the speakers and wiggle his hips while washing another of the 843 bowls they had used during baking. The alpha has been cleaning up for the better part of an hour now and Louis was willing to help, he really was, but as soon as the alpha sensed his boy what the fuck was tired, he made him sit on the sofa and sample the cookies.

A few minutes ago, he even presented Louis with a cup of hot chocolate that distinctly tastes of Irish cream which Louis was absolutely not mad about.

He starts feeling the warmth of the liqueur that adds up to the comfortable, happy bubble of warmth that has taken residency in his tummy.

Yes, he’s happy. So happy.

His eyes trail back to Harry after he takes another sip of the hot chocolate and watches the alpha in his element.

God, the amount of things I feel just by looking at this boy is bloody insane, he thinks to himself while playing with the string of the hoodie he’s wearing. Harry’s hoodie. Because Louis complained about being cold and instead of turning the heating up the alpha went a pulled of the light blue one he was wearing and pulled it over Louis’ head.

Louis gets the inkling that Harry has a kink for seeing him drown in his clothes and his scent. Not that he minds drowning in Harry’s scent, that is.

If he’s honest he wants to drown in more than just Harry’s scent but the alpha is still set on getting Louis’ touch levels up fully before anything can happen. Even though Louis is pretty sure his levels were never higher than they are right now but if it makes the alpha feel better he will wait. His omega might be going sheer crazy with want but he can sense Harry’s looks of desire too when he thinks Louis isn’t paying attention so he knows the alpha is three seconds away from giving in. He can wait a few days longer.

In the meantime, he will make sure Harry feels just as happy, loved and comfortable as he himself is.

His eyes wander through the living area that was so similar yet so different to his own.

His gaze gets stuck on the plants that are sitting on the windowsill and the familiar draw towards the flower he had gifted Harry comes back again. He stands up and walks over to the window, his mind focusing on the gorgeous white flower. With its gentle and pure beauty it reminds him of Harry in some way, the dark leaves complementing the soft white flower, just as Harry’s dark curls do with his skin.

He still doesn’t  understand why he feels this drawn to a flower but maybe that is a thing, what does he know?

He’s so focused on the soft petals of the flower that he doesn’t notice the alpha coming closer before he wraps his arms around Louis’ waist and hooks his chin gently over the omega’s shoulder.

He nuzzles into the omega’s neck and presses a soft kiss there before his mouth trails up to his ear.

A pleasant shiver runs through Louis and he leans back into the embrace.

“You really seem to like her,” he murmurs and Louis hums in agreement, “d’you know what kind of flower she is?”, he continues.

Louis shakes his head feeling Harry’s hands stroke up and down his sides sensually. Thinking is suddenly very very hard. Louis’ scent gets stronger and a whine tries to fight itself out of his throat.

“It’s a white gardenia, a very gentle but resilient flower. She symbolises purity of a relationship and gentleness as well as a secret love between two people and also joy. Gardenias in this colour convey peace and harmony but she is also associated with the power of attraction. And-,” he stops for a moment and Louis closes his eyes to collect himself, talking about fucking flowers should not be this hot, but here he is, Christ, “and she is also the counter part to the vanilla in my scent.”

At that, Louis’ mouth falls open, “Oh,” he breathes. And everything suddenly makes so much sense. It isn’t the flower itself Louis feels drawn to, it’s Harry. And he got it for the alpha because it reminded him of him without even knowing it was Harry’s scent.

He’s kind of mindblown and aroused at the same time.

“Well, now i know why she spoke to me like that,” he tries to joke but his voice came out high and breathy exposing his current state possibly even more than the force of his scent.

Harry rumbles deep in his chest and the air fills with a responding push of dark chocolate that marks Harry’s own arousal.

“And I think I never really thanked you for her, have I?”, he asks quietly.

“No, no, I don’t think you have,” Louis mumbles, sweet caramel complementing the dark chocolate in the air.

“Then I think I should redeem myself, right?”

“You better,” he teases back and spins around. A second later, Louis closes the last bit of distance and brushes his lips against Harrys before trailing his lips down towards the alpha’s scent gland, inhaling the heavy notes of arousal. Another shiver runs through his body. His inner omega waking up fully, wanting to be taken so badly.

He moves back to Harry’s sinful lips. They are soft, so soft and full yet firm. He hums in the back of his throat as he steps as close as possible, kissing Harry’s mouth again, teasing him, encouraging him to respond.

Harry remains still for a moment longer, a tease of his own, before his hands cup Louis’ jaw and tilts his face to the side, claiming the omega’s lips fully. Louis’ eyelashes flutter at the growing heat between them, his omega responding to the alpha, feeling safe enough to submit.

Harry’s lips move against his own urgent yet smooth as his arm bends around Louis’ waist to draw him as close as possible. Louis sighs into the kiss and Harry takes the chance to push his velvety tongue inside the omega’s mouth making him keen high in his throat.

His growing erection pushes against Harry’s own and both of them groan into the kiss. The omega curls his fingers into chocolate curls and tugs lightly making the alpha gasp and bite onto Louis’ lips.

Louis moves his head as he moans softly, feeling the first shy drops of slick wetting his boxers as their tongues coax each other. God, Harry tastes as good as he smells. Louis was absolutely intoxicated.

When Harry seems to register the new addition of pheromones in the air, his grip on Louis’ waist tightens infinitely. The alpha bends down to embrace the omega even more and in Louis’ mind flashes the words safe and protected. He lets himself fall completely.

Of course, Harry catches him. The alpha’s hands slide down to his are, squeezing him firmly yet gently trying to gauge what Louis likes.

Louis’ responding moan seems to be answer enough because Harry’s lips trail down his neck, sucking wet hot kisses into his throat on his way to the scent gland as he turns the omega slowly and backs him into the couch.

Harry’s alpha seems to be with him fully as he starts nibbling on the spot under the scent gland where Louis’ mating spot lies. His scent is strongest there and he feels drunk with how good it feels having Harry’s mouth claim it – even if it’s just the tiniest bit.

“Harry,” he keens while the alpha slides down his body slowly, pushing up his hoodie and leaving a trail of wet kisses down his stomach towards his dick which is tenting his joggers obscenely.

When he kneels on the floor in between Louis’ spread legs the alpha looks up with questioning but lust filled eyes.

“Can I?”, he fumbles with the edge of Louis’ bottoms. The omega nods wildly.

Harry doesn’t waist any time after this, pulling down the joggers, exposing Louis to the cool air and making him shiver.

The alpha takes in the sight and a small, “wow”, escapes his lips, making a bit of precum bubble out of Louis’ slit. None of his partners had such an reaction to Louis before and he would be lying if he said it didn’t boost his ego quite a bit.

“Can I suck you, baby?” Harry asks in awe and Louis can’t help the whine falling out of his mouth. He nods in response not being able to form any coherent words at the moment.

Harry’s eyes light up as he gets his hand around Louis’ dick and starts stroking it gently with a firm grip making Louis buck up into the fist.

He teases him for a bit before he leans down and presses a single sweet kiss to Louis’ tip smearing the precum on his lips making it look like he wears pearly lip gloss. Louis shortly thinks of the make-up he found earlier and smiles to himself.

His mind is brought back to present when Harry kitten licks over his slit making it wet with spit. He moans highly and tries his hardest to keep his hips still but he so badly wants to push into the tight heat of Harry’s mouth.

The alpha looks up from under his eyelashes a pretty cherry red staining his cheeks, a flush trailing down his still clothed chest and a hazy look to his eyes.

Oh, Louis realises with a start that Harry must be really into it by the state of him.

This time the push of his hips is more deliberate and the movement pushes his cock into Harry’s mouth. The alpha stills for a second before his whole demeanour changes and the alpha goes lax.

Another look and a nod signals Louis he can use him as he pleases and Louis might have entered heaven. Alphas don’t usually act like this during sex. This is all Harry. And Louis loves it.

He starts out slowly but he is so turned on he can’t contain himself and begins to rock forward making the alpha take it.

And Harry seems to enjoy it. No, loves it. A blissed out look washes over his face and his scent turns stronger by the second making Louis leak slick all over the couch.

Louis has never been more turned on and it’s just a blowjob but his omega doesn’t know how to deal with the onslaught of emotion.

His motions get sloppy and he loses himself in the heat until he accidentally pushes too far and touches the back of Harry’s throat making the alpha gag the tiniest bit.

Louis opens his eyes and wants to pull out, an apology on his lips already when he feels Harry’s hands grip his thighs. He looks into the alpha’s eyes and sees pure ecstasy in them. An almost shy nod makes it clear that this is exactly what the alpha wants.

He wants to be used. Louis has never felt this powerful and it was mindblowing.

He scoots forward and grabs Harry’s long curls tightly looking for leverage before he starts rocking his hips again. Harry’s hands fall from his thighs and the puts them behind his back, looking ever the picture of soft obedience.

“Fuck, Haz, you’re doing such a good job, baby,” he moans throwing his head back against the back of the sofa.

A high keening sound has him looking back at the alpha and he realises it was the pet name that got him this beauty of a sound.

He contemplates for a second before throwing any caution to the wind wanting to make this good for his boy too.

“Good boy,” he mumbles and Harry stills for a second before relaxing even more and opening his throat for Louis’ cock fully.

Harry’s eyes lose the last bit of focus and if he was an omega Louis would say he’s about to drop into sub space which he never heard was possible for alphas but Harry has shifted his whole world view already anyway.

The alpha tightens his mouth again and Louis’ dick drags rough yet smooth in between his lips and he feels himself tumbling towards an orgasm impossibly fast.

By now he lies in a puddle of slick and he so badly wishes Harry would fuck him right then and there but this is enough…for now.

His inner omega is singing and he knows he’s about to come when he takes a last look at the alpha on his knees just for him before he shouts, “fuck yes just like that, princess, just like that, I’m gonna come,” and spills right into the alpha’s mouth.

When he comes down he opens his eyes and focuses back on Harry who must have swallowed and was now panting softly against Louis’ thigh.

“Haz, baby?”, he calls the alpha quietly, stroking his hair, “you good?”

The alpha nods and lifts his head, pressing a kiss to Louis’ tummy.

“You want me to return the favour,” he asks ready to give Harry exactly the same gift he just received when the alpha blushes bright red and shakes his head.

Louis looks at him in confusion before he realises the other man gestures to his grey joggers which show a huge wet patch in the front and Louis feels another small jerk of his dick when he understands that Harry came untouched from simply giving head.

God, this boy will be the death of him.

He looks softly at the alpha and pulls at the shirt he’s wearing, “c’mere, sweetheart,” he says testing out what pet name put that lovely rosy pink on those cheeks.

His heart twinges a bit when he thinks about how Harry has possibly never been on the receiving end of most of these names and he makes it his mission to change that.

The alpha moves up on the couch and they lie down together with Harry’s head on Louis’ chest as the omega feels the other needs to be reassured right now.

He gets the confirmation when Harry starts playing with the drawstring of his hoodie and asks, “was that okay?”, he mumbles unsurely.

And Louis’ heart seizes again.

“More than okay,” he says with confidence, “it was perfect, what a lovely thank you that was, darling,” he adds trying to light the mood and succeeding when the alpha starts to giggle cutely. Louis presses a kiss into his hair and holds him closer.

They stay like this for a few quiet minutes, just enjoying the closeness and Louis could fall asleep right then and there.

But then Harry looks up at him, “hey Lou?”, he mumbles.

Louis hums in response.

“Do you want to know what your flower means?”, he asks and Louis is confused for a second before he realises that Harry refers to his gardenia that was lying in the air and he nods with a small smile playing on his lips.

“Well you must know that much like it’s name the flower itself is incredibly sweet and beautiful,” he starts with a smile making Louis giggle shyly tugging at his hair, “however, besides it’s stunning outward appearance the flower has loads of different symbolic meanings attached to it. Usually, it symbolises the fond memories of a loved one, encourages good luck, and means gratitude as well as loyalty. But most importantly the sweet pea symbolises beauty and blissful pleasure,” the alpha murmurs into Louis’ neck before pressing a soft kiss there.

“If that isn’t flattery I don’t know what is. More of that will get you everywhere,” Louis laughs making Harry giggle too.

“Well, everything I said is true, you are lovely, incredibly so,” Harry says.

“Why, thank you, handsome,” Louis answers and preens internally and presses a kiss into the crown of Harry’s head.

“Of course, always,” the alpha says softly.

Louis tightens his hold around the alpha, “now, how about a nap, you tired me out quite a bit,” he laughs.

Harry keens in the back of his throat before nodding, “sounds good yeah.”

Louis looks softly at him, his omega feeling happy and sated.

Harry looks back up shyly and blushes.

“What is it, sweetheart,” Louis coaxes.

“I uhm c-can you hold me maybe,” he mumbles and Louis’ smile lights up.

Without saying anything, he shuffles them around until Harry’s back is to his chest and his arm is slung snug around the alpha’s waist.

Harry cuddles back into his body and with a blissful sigh the alpha falls asleep. Louis squeezes his hip softly and follow suit.

✧ ✧ ✧

Thursday, December 20^th

The next day, Harry has to work open til close since it’s the last day of orders for Christmas which means he wouldn’t get to see the alpha until tomorrow.

While this is an annoying fact it also plays into his cards quite well. Mainly because he can carry out the plan that has formed the day before without having to think of an explanation why he goes shopping four days prior to Christmas.

Because Harry knows by now that Louis gets all the presents in November already because he fucking hates the stress and crowds so close to the holidays.

What Harry doesn’t know is that Louis is on a mission. To make him the happiest he could be. To make him see that he doesn’t have to hide anything about himself when it comes to Louis. That Louis is already all in despite the novelty of their relationship.

The omega is currently on Oxford Street deciding where the best places to shop at  would be and he thanks every god out there for having five sisters who have taught him all about shopping.

He’s already done at Sephora where he picked out a few soft pastel colours of nail polish and some some nice smelling hand creams as well as a nail oil -  courtesy of the sweet girl helping him out.

Right now, he’s on his way to Lush because Louis has the feeling that Harry also loves a good bubble bath. He himself is quite obsessed with the fizzy, sparkling  and sweet smelling bath bombs ever since he stole a Snow Fairy one from Lottie a few years ago.

As he walks into the shop he has to hold back a sneeze due to the sheer amount of pheromones and different scents that are welcoming him.

That’s why I usually get my shit online, Louis thinks to himself. He would have done that this time as well if Christmas wasn’t literally five days away and he was worried the stuff wouldn’t arrive in time. This was a serious matter after all.

Thankfully, he knows exactly what he wants after using their stuff for years so all he has to do is locate the products and grab them.

While he walks through the shop images of shared bubble baths and sweet smelling cuddles rush through his mind and Louis can’t wait to go there and do exactly that.

In the end, the omega has bagged two Snow Fairy bath bombs, two Butterballs, a Galaxy one and Sleepy Bear one. He also grabs his favourite moisturiser and body lotion happy to not run out of them this time.

With two heavy bags under his arm, Louis tries to figure out where to get the last piece he has in mind for Harry when he walks across a small, intimate lingerie shop. He stops in his tracks his mind filling with a whole different sort of images and his heart starts beating faster.

He really really doesn’t want to be presumptuous but he can’t help himself but think of Harry in pretty baby pink panties, sparkly booty shorts or cream coloured lace that would look just so gorgeous against his milky skin.

His omega purrs quietly in his chest and he blushes when he realises he could get wet any second. Damn, he never thought he would be into that but suddenly he couldn’t think of anything else.

He also didn’t think he would be so into an alpha that likes to give up control but Tuesday was the sound proof of that.

Louis makes a split decision to just go for it and if Harry isn’t into that sort of thing he can chuck the idea and lock this drawer once and for all.

Inside the shop, his imagination is running wild and he can picture Harry so well in everything the place offers.

Oh, his alpha will look like an angel, his very own Christmas angel, beautiful.

Twenty minutes later, the omega walks out of the shop with exactly those three things he had in mind first and he wants nothing more than to go pick Harry up from work and bring him home this instant.

But he also knows his boy has loads to do and Sarah and Mitch already left for their trip to see their families and Harry and his other employee Pauli would have to close on their own.

He looks at his watch, it was only noon meaning he has to go through at least another six hours until he will see Harry.

At least, he has plenty of time to find the real reason Louis came to town for.

He wants to get a dress for Harry. Something he can put on and feel prettier than ever before.

The omega searches several different shops, not anything catching his eyes. As he’s about to give up and call it a day, he walks past another small shop and there it is.

A beautiful sheer, rosé coloured gown with a delicate flower print all over catches his eye and he just knows it will fit his alpha so well. Louis has to get it, there’s no other way. Just thinking about how well it will go with the cream lace or the soft baby pink of the panties he got earlier…

“Fuck,” Louis mumbles to himself, absolutely in awe of the picture he made up in his head.

Without wasting another second he goes into the shop and buys the dress asking the beta in there to put a little bow on top of it.

As he leaves the shop with a pleased smile and satisfaction entering his scent, his phone pings with a new message.

He pulls his phone out of the back pocket of his black skinny jeans and wakes up the screen.

When he spots Harry’s name on the display, a smile breaks out on his face.

Haz ♥️ (13:09):

Hello gorgeous☺️if you’re free do you want to pop over to the shop? The worst rush is over and I would love for you to see the decorations in here! Miss you xx

Louis smiles stupidly at his phone and preens at the text like a teenager with a crush feeling giddy at the thought of the alpha missing him just a few hours after they said their good byes.

Louis (13:11):

Hey baby 🥰 I would love to come see the shop! I just have to wrap up some things and I’ll be on my way, see you in a bit♥️can’t wait to see your pretty face😚

Haz ♥️ (13:12):

Day just got a thousand times better🥰♥️♥️

A small sound escapes Louis’ throat and he startles himself out of his thoughts and he looks around quickly but thankfully no one pays him any mind.

He pockets his phone again and starts making his way to the tube. On his way to the flower shop he has to make a stop at home to hide the presents he got for Harry because Louis doesn’t have the will power to not hand them over as soon as he sees his boy.

✧ ✧ ✧

Saturday, December 22^nd

Louis is full of excited yet nervous butterflies when he thinks of what will happen in less than ten minutes because in said ten minutes his alpha will be done with work, close the shop for the holidays and come home to him. And then, well then, they will have their own little Christmas party before they have to go see their respective families.

Which means in a little more than ten minutes, Harry will open up the three little packages Louis has gotten for him and Louis will finally see his reaction.

They only get to it today because last night Louis had his birthday get together with the boys because his mum guilt tripped Niall over phone and the other omega changed the plans they had and made Louis promise he would be home by the 24^th.

And even though this was slightly annoying because Louis had planned out everything carefully it also had something incredibly good coming out of it. Because it turns out that Harry and the boys and especially Zayn get along like a house on fire after all misunderstandings and confusions had been solved.

Because of course Harry was with Louis when the others ambushed him and even though the alpha tried to flee the scene and didn’t want to intrude, the others made sure to settle everything once and for all. Not an hour later all of them were lying on the carpet in Louis’ living room playing FIFA, drinking beer and gravitating towards one another. The night ended in a drunken cuddle pile with a glowing and happy Louis in the middle of the people he loves most in the world.

Which brings him to today and Louis’ omega is still giddy with all the happiness that is rushing through him. It feels like everything is going so well and Harry makes the nicest little space for himself not only in Louis’ life but also his heart.

He’s even more excited now to make this space as comfortable for Harry as possible. Louis just hopes his gifts will do that and not end up the other way.

In that moment the doorbell rings and pulls Louis out of his thoughts.

His stomach clenches with nervous energy as he walks to the door and pulling it open. There stands his boy in tight light washed jeans and Louis’ very own yellow hoodie. His omega purrs at the sight of the alpha in his clothes and he smiles brightly at the other man.

“Hello handsome, I like the fit,” Louis says with a wink and Harry’s scent turns brighter. After they finally got their shit together and Louis showed him exactly what he thought of Harry’s scent and everyone who made fun of said scent, Harry decided to try and let his scent out. And Louis loves it.

“Hi honey, you ready for our party?”, the alpha replies and steps close to Louis kissing his cheek softly.

“So ready! Can’t wait to see what you planned in your pretty little head,” Louis answers and grabs Harry’s face gently to kiss him hello.

“Everything good at the shop?”

Harry nods, “yep, all good, Pauli helped me get the last orders ready even though I wanted to give them the day off too, bless them. Without them I wouldn’t have made it. But everything’s out for delivery and no one wanted a refund. So yeah, we managed it after all and now we can enjoy our holidays to the fullest.” A sweet punch of satisfaction enters his scent and Louis smiles fondly at him.

“That’s great, I’m proud of you,” the omega says and strokes Harry’s cheek.

“Thanks, baby,” Harry answers and kisses the palm of Louis’ hand before taking it into his own, “shall we go upstairs then?”

Louis nods and grabs the gift bag he put next to the door before stepping out of the flat and pulling his door close behind him. They decided to do the whole thing at Harry’s place since that’s the one they decorated together and Louis’ was barely half as pretty as the alpha’s one.

When they settled on Harry’s sofa with hot chocolate, their Christmas cookies and all the fairy lights turned on, the alpha looks possibly even more nervous than Louis himself feels.

“Sooo, shall we just jump right into it and then I will start dinner and we can watch Christmas movies after?”, Harry asks while rubbing his thighs.

“Just movies, huh?”, Louis teases and a blush spreads on the alpha’s cheeks.

“You’re such an idiot,” Harry laughs and pinches Louis’ hip gently before getting up and grabbing a box that is wrapped in blue glittery wrapping paper and an envelope.

“Wrapped it myself, even put a little bow on it,” he says proudly while sitting back down and laughing self-consciously, “I hope you-you like it. If not that’s totally fine too…” he trails off playing nervously with the little H ring he’s wearing.

Louis gives him a look, “as if I could hate anything coming from you,” he says poking his tongue out.

“Good to know,” he whispers as he hands over the present, “Merry Christmas, Lou.”

Louis beams at his alpha as he rips off the wrapping paper and looks into the box when a questioning frown appears on his face.

Inside the box is a pair of rain boots and something that looks like a tent?

What the hell?

“I, uh thank you?”, he says with an unsure tone. He doesn’t really know what to make out of it.

Harry suddenly snorts and Louis looks up from the box with a raised eyebrow.

“You should look in the envelope maybe that will help you understand,” he replies with a small shrug and a smile.

Louis nods and opens the envelope. What he sees in their makes him stop in his tracks.

In the envelope are tickets. Leeds tickets. Harry got him fucking tickets to go to Leeds Festival – a whole weekend pass…and now the tent and the boots make so much sense.

“Harry! Oh my god, baby, this is…I don’t know what to say! This is fucking incredible. I always wanted to go and now we will! I cant wait! What the fuck? Oh, thank you,” he squeals and crashes right into the alpha’s body making him cough out a laugh. He kisses his cheeks in thanks before hiding his face in Harry’s neck soaking in the sweet pheromones.

“You’re welcome, honey. I hope you like it. I know we been talking about music and concerts and festivals and you said you always wanted to go to Leeds have the full experience and all, so I thought I could try and look for tickets and somehow I found someone selling theirs and here we are. So, if you’d like we can go together,” he murmurs into the omega’s hair.

“Like it? I fucking love it! I’m literally speechless but baby this is far too much!”, Louis literally cannot believe it how on earth does he deserve this miracle of a boy?

“Nonsense,” Harry answers and strokes his hair, “nothing is too much for you and it’s your birthday and Christmas present in one, the whole trip is covered you just have to come with me and enjoy.”

“You’re incredible, you know that?”, Louis whispers in awe and pulls back to look into Harry’s eyes, “I have no bloody idea how I deserve this or you but I am so so very glad you decided to move here. I-thank you.”

“Everything for you,” Harry says with a shrug and Louis leans in to kiss him gently. Louis pushes Harry against the armrest of the sofa and settles against the alpha’s chest, filling the air with sweet vanilla and the beginning notes of caramel. Their tongues are dancing slowly with each other while Harry’s hands wander under Louis’ jumper. The omega makes an appreciative noise at the warm touch as Harry’s scent gets that delicious undertone of dark chocolate.

As much as Louis wants to sit in the alpha’s lap and explore where this is going, Louis has yet to give his present.

He pulls away from Harry’s lips and the alpha follows him trying to keep kissing Louis. The omega puts a finger on Harry’s lips to keep them apart.

The alpha huffs out an affronted noise.

“Now, now, don’t be like that baby, we still have your presents to get to,” Louis tuts at which Harry blushes and mumbles an apology. Oh, how badly I want to explore this particular thing deeper.

Louis sits back and pulls Harry into a sitting position again before taking a sip of his hot chocolate beaming again at the tickets that are lying on the coffee table before he lets himself feel the nerves bubble up again.

He lets Harry have a sip of his own drink too before he grabs the gift bag that has sparkly little Christmas trees printed all over.

“Love the bag already,” Harry laughs gently with a sparkle in his eyes.

“Knew you would,” Louis replies and swallows harshly before he continues, “also same thing goes for you, if you don’t like the stuff please just tell me off and I’ll return it. I hope you will love it though because I know I love it and I think it’s perfect for you,” he rambles slightly.

“We established that I’m not the best with presents but I trust you so I know it’s gonna be great because it’s coming from you,” the alpha says with a shrug.

Louis preens at that and nods to himself, some of the worry dissipating with the wave of calming pheromones entering the room.

He hands over the gift bag and Harry whispers a thank you without even knowing what’s in there.

The alpha looks inside and his eyes go wide, “the bag is filled to the brim! Lou, that’s too much! Please, I-I-“

“Don’t even try this with me, mister. Not after you gave me literally a whole trip. So, shut your pretty little mouth and get to unwrapping,” Louis counters.

Harry huffs fondly and gets the wrapped package out placing it gently on his lap. “Is there a special way to go about this?”, he asks softly.

“Just rip it open, I’m the worst at wrapping presents so the stuff will most likely be a jumbled mess,” Louis laughs with a shrug.

It turns out Harry’s understanding if ripping something off is gently and slowly peeling back the cello tape and meticulously making sure to not actually rip the paper.

Louis is once again so damn endeared.

It takes the alpha a good five minutes until he is ready to actually open the present and Louis holds his breath wishing so badly that Harry will like the stuff after all.

When the wrapping paper is gone and the presents lie all out in the open the room falls completely silent. The only thing Louis can hear is how Harry’s breath hitches and stops for several seconds while the alpha obviously tries to make light out of the things he is presented with.

Louis bites his knuckles nervously and tries to stop himself from reaching out to the alpha until he can actually gauge a reaction – still in fear of the possibility that Harry will hate it. Will hate him.

Maybe he did read it all wrong and it was just stuff Gemma has forgotten in the flat, or maybe it’s Sarah or his Mum’s for when they come visit.

He starts to feel his scent turn bitter with regret and the fear of having ruined everything as he can detect a growing sweetness in the room. His omega is confused for a second when he hears a sniffle coming from his boy.

His eyes zero in on the alpha and what he sees makes him stop in his tracks.

Harry is crying. What must have started out as just a little wet eye quickly turns into full on tears and the omega is shocked to say the least. He absolutely did not want to make his boy cry. This is not what he wanted.

Louis looks at the other boy in shock for a second before his body is kicked into action and he calmly puts the things out of the way before he crowds the alpha again and gently pries his hands apart to crawl into his lap.

He takes the alpha’s face in his hands and wipes the tears away while he sends out calming pheromones to settle the other as much as he can.

Harry stays unresponsive for another second in which Louis desperately wants to read his mind and understand what’s going through the alpha.

“Haz…”, he whispers quietly not wanting to startle the other.

His voice seem to shake Harry out of his stupor though and the alpha lets out a laboured breath before a shaky hand moves to touch the fabric of the gown that slipped over the edge of the coffee table.

He licks his lips and still doesn’t meet Louis’ eyes when he mumbles, “wha- I mean…how uhm I don’t…”

Louis can see the sheer confusion in the alpha’s eyes and he decides to just come clean with everything. If Harry doesn’t want it, doesn’t want him, after he explains it all Louis did everything he could.

And so he starts recounting the story of when he was alone in Harry’s flat and his desire to get a jumper, his nosiness when it came to the alpha’s bedroom, how sorry he is for intruding the alpha’s space like this but ultimately feeling like he finally understands all of Harry and just feeling closer to him all together now. How much he loves the alpha’s bedroom, how pretty everything it is and how he had a small inkling already when he saw the high heels in the hallway.

During all of that the alpha’s eyes are closed and his face is unreadable but Louis is quite certain that this is just a safety measure for the alpha to keep his face at least somewhat.

“…So yeah, after I saw what you did to the room and started to understand why you hid it from me, I felt like I knew exactly where your fear and apprehension must come from, so this plan started to form in me head…I so badly wanted to give you something that you can put on whenever you feel like it – around me of course in case you want to share this part of yourself with me – I wanted to make you feel comfy and safe with me and I wanted to show you that I adore every single facette of you no matter what and that these things,” he gestures to the nail polishes and the fabric, “don’t make you weird or whatever bullshit you have been told…but just enhance your beauty and they really shouldn’t make you want to hide yourself…if they make you feel pretty and good about yourself they are definitely nothing you have to hide, least for me. So yeah, I went and got you these things hoping I could show you how much I adore all of you and that I would be honoured if you feel as safe with me as possible and that I might get the chance to see you in this gorgeous gown one of these days,” the omega explains gently trying to keep his voice from shaking which he mostly seems to accomplish.

He swallows quietly and patiently waits for any reaction from the alpha. But nothing could have prepared him for what follows.

“I love you,” the alphas blurts out through his tears but without any hesitation.

Louis’ head whips up to Harry’s face and stares at him speechlessly.

Suddenly the alpha stills as he seems to realise what he just said.

He looks up too, eyes wide and scared, “I-I, oh my god, I’m so sorry I didn’t mean…I fuck…”, the alpha babbles nervously his scent turning sour with distress and Louis can’t have that, won’t have that.

Because those three words have been floating around Louis’ mind for days now and even though he knows it’s ridiculously early to even think that, his inner omega sings with joy at hearing the words tumbling out of his alpha’s mouth.

“I love you too,” he says with a small smile playing in his lips, feeling himself tear up with the onslaught of emotion. His scent turns sweet and bright with the warm glow of a blossoming love.

The alpha freezes and his mouth falls into a small o shape, his eyes getting shiny again, “w-what?”, he stammers.

A tear falls down Louis’ cheek as he smiles harder, “I said I love you too. I know it’s probably silly to say it already but how could I not fall truly, madly, deeply in love with you? I don’t care if someone calls me foolish but I am happy to be a fool if it means I get to be with you,” he says while touching Harry’s face gently.

The alpha closes his eyes and leans into the touch before his scent turns sweet and bright just as Louis’ own and a beautiful smile lights up his face, both dimples appear and Louis takes his chance to poke his fingers into them.

Harry giggles wetly and takes Louis’ hands into his own. He looks back over to the presents and shakes his head disbelievingly.

“I can’t believe you went and got all this for me, I don’t really know what to say, I’m honestly speechless, I-,” he says helplessly.

Louis’ heart flutters, “so, you’re not mad at me for snooping around?”

Harry’s hand moves to grab one of the bottles of nail polish before he halts and looks back to the omega and shakes his head, “how could I ever be mad at you for being so lovely? I-it’s not like I’m ashamed of this I-I love feeling pretty but I know it’s not a very alpha thing to do and I told you how my dad reacts to certain things about me and the world is unfortunately not much different,” he shrugs with a huff and Louis’ stomach drops slightly.

I knew it, he thinks to himself.

“You’re so strong and brave and I have never met a better alpha than you are. Screw your father and screw these stupid gender roles. If it makes you feel good about yourself you should do it and I can imagine how fucking pretty you look all dolled up,” Louis says and Harry blushes prettily.

“Thank you, Lou, that means everything to me,” Harry whispers shyly and Louis cannot help himself but lean forward and press another sweet kiss to the alpha’s lips.

“You are more than welcome,” he says gently, “you wanna take a look at the stuff? Tell me what you’re favourite is because I honestly just bought what I thought would look pretty on you and the bathbombs were more for me because taking a bath with you sounds like actual heaven,” the omega shrugs making Harry snort cutely.

Louis shifts and gives Harry room to pull the stuff back to him.

The alpha takes every item in his hands to examine carefully, starting with the bath bombs and smelling them with a pleased hum, continuing with the nail polishes a happy glow coming over him. He looks at the different colours and his smile gets bigger and bigger.

“I personally love the  pastel blue and green the most but the baby pink and the sparkly peach are very cute too.”

“Oh yeah,” Harry breathes, “I love them all, thank you.”

“Can’t wait to put it on you,” Louis says with a smile and Harry throws him a surprised look. “You know how to paint nails?”, he asks in awe.

Louis snorts, “if I know how to-hah of course I do I have perfected the art of doing nails when I was 10 and Lottie got into the whole beauty thing for the first time. I’m just very glad it can be put to good use again,” he winks and the alpha blushes more.

He ducks his head before his hands move to the gown touching the fabric with so much care it softens Louis infinitely.

The alpha takes the gown, takes off the little bow and unfolds it slowly.

A little “oh” escapes his mouth when he realises it’s a floor length sheer dress with cream and peach coloured flowers all over the rosé fabric.

“God Lou, it’s beautiful,” he murmurs astonished, “I love it so much, thank you. Can’t wait to try it on,” he says shyly and presses a kiss to Louis’ cheek in thanks.

“You’re very welcome baby, it’s gonna look so pretty on you and I hope you will let me see you in it,” he replies squeezing Harry’s waist.

“You can see it I mean me,” Harry nods and Louis’ omega preens full of love.

“That’s seriously one of the best gifts I have ever gotten right along with Betty and you.”

At that Louis is the one who blushes brightly and ducks his head. God, this boy makes him feel so much.

He looks over to the wrapping paper and sees the last part of the gift still wrapped up neatly in some extra paper to make the surprise even bigger. Louis’ heart thumbs heavily in his chest, his nerves spiking again. He so badly wishes he won’t overstep with the lingerie and he prays even more he gets to see his alpha in it.

He picks up the small box and hands it over to Harry who was still gently touching the gown with a soft smile.

Harry looks down at his lap before he throws Louis a look, “more?”, he asks surprised.

“Yes, one more and if you don’t like it it’s more than fine I just really really love the thought of it, but you can tell me off if it’s not for you,” Louis explains with a nervous chuckle.

“I loved everything so far, why would I not adore this one too?”, Harry asks with a furrow to his brows.

“Open it up then, baby,” Louis encourages the alpha.

Once again, the alpha peels open the package gently. As soon as he can peek inside, Harry’s breath hitches then stops completely.

The alpha pulls out the panties one after another and his eyes grow bigger with each, a pretty pink blush high on his cheeks.

“Oh, Lou…,” he whispers in awe while tracing the delicate lace with his fingers.

“You like ‘em?”, the omega asks in a whisper as well, the atmosphere turning from soft to charged.

“I-I love them. I- I never really allowed myself to really entertain the thought but I always wanted to know how it would feel against my skin,” the alpha admits, “ they’re so gorgeous, so pretty, gosh.”

“Just like you are, baby,” Louis growls, his scent turning sweeter with the caramel of his arousal, the pictures he had in mind coming back full force.

Harry’s blush turning deeper and a small whine coming out of his throat. His own scent getting spicier with his dark chocolate. Oh, I missed that scent, Louis thinks.

“You will look so fucking pretty in them, can picture it so well. So hot and sexy, your little hips and tattoos so prettily accentuated by the lace,” he says with a dark tone and lustful eyes raking over the alpha’s body.

“Yeah?”, Harry asks bashful.

“Yeah, you wanna try them on for me? Show me how right I am?”

Harry whines again and nods shyly, “if you want.” Louis groans and touches his dick, arranging himself. Harry watches the motion and moans in reply.

“You wanna show me your pretty nest for real this time, honey?”, Louis asks and Harry preens at that. So, it really is a nest on Harry’s bed, Louis thinks and smiles to himself. God, his boy is so cute.

The alpha stands up and takes the cream coloured lace panty and the gown in one hand and grabs Louis’ with the other. He pulls the omega along with him towards his bedroom and pushes him into the pretty room gently.

“It really is gorgeous, darling, thank you for letting me in again.”

“Of course always, my love,” Harry replies with a shy smile, “do you want to uhm take a seat?”, he gestures towards his bed.

Louis nods and sits down as Harry walks back out of the room and into the bathroom.

The omega smiles to himself feeling proud to make Harry this happy. He lets his eyes trail over the room again, soaking in every detail and allowing himself to really look.

Everything in this room makes him feel so safe and comfortable it really was home already. And it would scare him if his omega wasn’t already so set on the idea of Harry as his.

He traces the edge of Harry’s nest, still amazed over the fact that he has built himself one. He has never heard about alphas building nests for themselves, maybe for their omegas but never for their own sake. Yet, it doesn’t surprise him that his alpha is seeing the benefits and beauty of a nest and he really did a fantastic job of it. He can’t wait until they will build their first one together.

While Louis waits for his boy to return he makes sure to scent the sheets, pillows, and blankets when he suddenly notices three different shirts he has been missing over the past week mixed in with the other fabrics. Honestly, the cuteness of his alpha will be the death of him. He really wanted Louis’ scent all over his bed. Louis wants to mate the shit out of his baby.

Said baby opens the bathroom door in that moment and shyly steps into the dark hallway. Louis’ anticipation sky rockets and he sits up to give Harry is full attention.

And what he sees takes his breath away. Makes his heart stop in his chest while his mind overhauls every single image he had made up in his head. Because nothing comes close to the real life version of the alpha. Not even close.

Harry is a fucking vision. The alpha steps into the dimly lit room dressed in the beautiful gown that is sheer enough for his tattoos to peek through but even more importantly it is sheer enough for the cream panties to be seen.

Louis’ mouth is dry as hell and his omega whines in desire.

“Fuck, baby. Look at you, you are fucking perfect,” Louis exclaims while scooting forward and opening his legs for Harry to step in between them.

The alpha taps over to Louis slowly and slightly pigeon-toed and Louis is really going to die. Only Harry would look like a sexy goddess while still being the shyest darling in the world.

“Do you like it?”, he asks with a blush and Louis just gives him a look.

“If I like it? Fuck, I love it. I love you. You take my breath away.”

“I love you too,” he whispers back before smiling bashfully.

“C’mere, sweetheart,” he takes Harry’s hand and pulls him closer, “can I have a look at those pretty panties, baby?”

Harry nods and lets the gown fall off of his shoulders showing off his glorious body in nothing more than delicate lace. His bulging erection tenting the soft fabric obscenely. He’s into this. Louis feels himself getting wet. He wants to ravish his boy asap.

“My god, you are just the prettiest flower, aren’t you,” he breathes and Harry ducks his head with a smile.

“Nothing compared to you,” Harry says before Louis tugs at his arm gently and pulls the alpha onto the bed with him.

Harry lands on top of him with a small oof and they start laughing at the same time. The alpha ducks down and licks over Louis’ scent gland making sure to fill the room with warm, heavy pheromones as he goes.

“God, Lou, you have no idea how fucking good you smell,” the alpha moans quietly.

“Yeah?”, the omega growls in response, feeling his omega starting to take over and he so desperately hopes Harry will finally let them take the next step. He might slap this sweet creature on top of him if he starts with his touch levels again.

Harry hums into his neck before gently biting down underneath the omega’s scent gland. Jesus, Harry really has a thing for his mating spot.

“Fuck, Hazza,” Louis gasps rocking up his hips.

The omega reaches up to cradle Harry’s face in his hands and whispers, “I’m gonna kiss you now,” before crashing his lips against the alpha’s in a needy kiss. Harry gasps and Louis wastes no time to slip his tongue into his mouth.

Louis moans quietly into the kiss. That sound seems to spur Harry on and suddenly he can feel the alpha’s hands on his body. Finally. While Harry lets his hands roam freely over Louis’ body, the omega pulls him closer feeling their dicks rub together in sensual motions.

Harry starts pulling on Louis’ jumper grumbling a low “off, off” and Louis doesn’t waste a second to do just that. Harry helps him strip off and just a moment later he is naked but Harry covers his body with his own quickly.

Louis trails his hands all over Harry’s body and the boy shivers in pleasure, “you’re just so gorgeous. You wearing this for me is such an honour, sweetheart,” Louis murmurs in Harry’s hair. The alpha preens at that.

Another drop of slick wets the sheets underneath Louis and he whines in need, “need you, H. Please, please, I’m ready. Want you so bad, baby.”

“Love when you call me pet names,” the alpha whispers into Louis’ jaw where he places a small kiss and bites down gently, “love when you call me baby the most,” he admits. This time Louis is the one who preens.

“You deserve them all, my love,” Louis purrs and bucks his hips up looking for friction, “now touch me, alpha.”

Harry growls at the name and meets Louis’ hips with a hard thrust. Both of them moan lowly and Louis licks into the alpha’s wet mouth.

“Get those pretty panties off of you and your hands on me,” Louis pants.

Harry huffs out a small laugh and leans back in to kiss Louis gently. Soon enough he breaks the kiss off and starts exploring more of Louis’ jaw, neck and chest with little kitten licks and kisses. When his mouth finds Louis’ nipple the omega squeaks loudly and lets out a broken moan.

“God, yes right there, more, more, more,” he sobs and his omega preens at the heavy wave of Harry’s pheromones, his slick dripping down in a steady flow at this point.

“Let me hear more of these pretty moans, Lou,” Harry mumbles while pressing a kiss to Louis’ pelvis.

The omega bucks up again, “c’mon c’mon c’mon, please fuck me baby,” he babbles.

“Yes, alright, please, been dreaming of that,” Harry blushes and smiles up to the omega.

Louis’ heart seizes up in his chest at the look in Harry’s eyes and his omega could cry at the love he can feel in the air. His legs fall open involuntarily wanting to feel the alpha closer than ever before. He puts himself on full display for his boy and he can make out the gasp that leaves Harry’s  mouth at the sight of it.

“Magnificent,” he gushes before looking into Louis’ eyes, “can I?”, he asks.

Louis nods wildly and buries his hand in Harry’s thick curls.

“Look at you, absolutely stunning and so wet for me. Can’t believe I’m lucky enough to get to have you like this, my gorgeous, gorgeous boy,” Harry keeps mumbling while reaching his hand down to gently touch Louis’ hole gathering the slick there before sucking his finger into his mouth.

“Fuck, you are absolutely obscene, and all for me,” Louis growls desperately.

Harry starts playing with Louis’ rim and presses a kiss behind his balls which makes the older boy trash wildly on the bed.

He whines loudly which seems to spur Harry on more and he finally presses a finger into his tight wet heat.

“Yes, yes, yes, right there,” he exclaims loudly.

Harry seems to know exactly what Louis likes because he’s alternating between sucking the tip of Louis’ dick into his mouth and kissing his taunt while building up the count of his fingers slowly making thoroughly sure the omega is loose and relaxed and Louis would kick his shin for teasing like that if it didn’t feel so bloody good.

Harry is clearly enjoying himself down there going by the happy noises coming from his boy. The sounds he’s making are positively filthy and so so pretty. Louis is obsessed.  But he also needed Harry inside of him ten minutes ago so he’s getting restless.

“Hazza, baby, you’re doing so well but for the love of god, get inside me right fucking now,” he groans, feeling another gush of slick rush out of him, his stomach clenching in anticipation to finally feel Harry for real.

Harry looks up at him and sucks him down again, his eyes teasing and playful. Louis kind of hates him, kind of really loves him.

“Be a good boy now and get on with it,” Louis growls and Harry stills at the words for a second before a whine escapes his throat – louder than the ones before and he starts moving back up to hover over Louis’ entire body. He steals some more kisses while stroking Louis’ sides gently. A pleased shiver runs through the omega.

When Harry breaks the kiss he looks deeply into Louis’ eyes, “Hi,” he whispers making the omega laugh gently.

“Hi, yourself,” Louis answers stroking Harry’s cheek softly the whole atmosphere is charged yet tender and loving and Louis is positively obsessed.

Harry laughs softly as he moves over to open a drawer in his night stand pulling out a condom and making quick work of putting it on. When he looks back up Louis sees alpha for the first time in Harry’s eyes and he whines loudly at it.

“How do you want me, angel?”, Harry asks.

Louis looks up into Harry’s soft face that’s lit up with a sweet smile and imploring eyes as feels his heart skip a beat. Harry is so lovely.

“Just like that please,” Louis whispers in response, grabbing one of Harry’s hands and squeezing it gently, “wanna see you,” he admits with a smile. Harry’s own smile grows impossibly wider.

“Okay, alright, yeah that’s good,” the alpha fumbles, “you ready, darling?”, he continues.

“Been ready ever since I saw you coming out of that truck,” he winks making Harry snort a laugh.

The alpha nods to himself and closes his eyes to collect himself before starting to push into Louis.

The omega whimpers loudly at the feeling of having Harry so close, having him explore his most intimate place for the first time. So slowly and carefully that Louis tears up. As soon as Harry is fully inside Louis both of them let out suspended breath. The omega has never in his life felt so complete.

Harry grunts above him trying to stay still until Louis is ready for him. In this moment Louis feels himself fall even more.

“You can move, baby,” he exclaims while snaking his legs around Harry’s waist changing the angle slightly making both of them moan.

And Harry doesn’t have to be told twice. He starts out slowly with deep and precise thrusts that drive Louis crazy. He’s in absolute ecstasy.

“Faster, faster, faster” he babbles and meets Harry’s movements with his own.

The alpha groans and hides his face in Louis’ neck again, the omega getting he feeling that this quickly becomes Harry’s favourite space, not that he would complain.

Harry licks and kisses all over Louis’ mating spot making sure the omega is drenched in his scent and Louis purrs loudly at that.

He tries to focus on the sweet nothings Harry is whispering into his skin but his omega is whining so loudly he cannot make out the words.

He opens his mouth to demand more kisses when Harry changes the pace and finally finds Louis’ spot deep inside of him.

“Oh, fuck, yes, right there oh please, please please!”

“You feel so good baby, so fucking tight and warm, you’re perfect , fuck,” Harry exclaims his feverish hands touching the omega all over and Louis feels himself getting close just as Harry picks up the pace even more.

“Just like that, my best boy, I’m so close, make me come baby,” he says, his hand touching his dick and jerking himself to the rhythm of Harry’s thrusts.

“I’m close, Lou, you feel so good, shit.”

“God, yes! That’s it. Knot me, alpha, please give it to me, baby!”

Harry eye find his and he see so much love and understanding under the haze of lust and arousal that he knows this is it. This is forever.

“Make me yours, mark me with your scent, show the world who I belong to,” he babbles further as Harry throws his head back and moans loudly, his alpha rumbling deeply in his chest as he starts coming, his knot forming quickly, linking them together in the most intimate and loving way.

As Louis feels the knot settling inside him, he starts coming too, ribbons of pearly white painting his tummy. He closes his eyes shortly and tries to keep himself from dropping out of sheer bliss, not wanting to miss any second of Harry being inside him for the first time.

He smiles dopily at Harry when he opens his eyes again and catches his alpha seemingly trying to collect himself as well while his knot is still filling the omega up and up and up.

When Harry opens his eyes too he finds Louis’ own immediately and the sheer look of love makes Louis’ breath hitch again.

“That was…wow,” Harry breathes in awe and Louis cannot hold back a happy giggle that makes Harry lean down slowly and kiss the omega deeply.

“Yeah, it was,” Louis agrees after they break apart, “thank you for that. It was incredible. You are incredible,” he continues while playing with Harry’s hair.

“Are you kidding? You are incredible, I really have no bloody idea how I deserve this but I am so endlessly happy and grateful,” the alpha says, “never in a million years did I think I would be lucky enough to get an omega as wonderful as you are but I will never stop showing you how much you mean to me. Especially those presents…to others they might seem silly but I have never once allowed myself to be myself with someone else but you showed me that it’s okay, that I can be myself with you and I will never stop cherishing that,” Harry whispers into the air between them and if Louis’ eyes turn dangerously wet once again no one has to know but himself.

“You’re such a sap, oh my god,” he groans with faux annoyance making both of them laugh wetly, “but same, I have never felt as comfortable with someone else this quickly and this naturally. I never believed in soulmates but this, you and me, could change my opinion,” he adds making Harry laugh harder.

“Who’s the sap now,” Harry giggles pecking Louis’ lips fondly before settling into his body and shielding the omega from the world – an inherently alpha behaviour that makes Louis smile to himself. Yeah, his boy truly is the best of both worlds and once again he’s so damn glad Harry picked this exact building to move into.

✧ ✧ ✧

Later, after Harry’s knot has gone down and the alpha cleaned them both up with a warm towel, they rearrange Harry’s nest and adding a bit of Louis in there before they settle back in for a cuddle.

The past hour has been spent in a calm comfortable silence, both of them basking in the afterglow of loving someone so wholly and deeply and Louis can safely say he has never felt this happy and loved before. Each and every single idiot boyfriend he had before vanishing in comparison to the boy in his arms.

Louis has to think back to the phone call with his mum in the beginning of the month, right before he met his boy where she told him to not give up hope because the right alpha would come around at the most unexpected time. And well what can he say, his mum was right once again.

A laugh bubbles up his throat and breaks the quiet atmosphere.

Harry looks up at him from where his head is lying on Louis’ chest, “what’s so funny?”, he asks with a smile.

Louis shakes his head and breathes in their mixed scent, “nothing, I’m just really really happy right now and even though it’s probably ridiculously early to say this but hell I think you are the love of my life and I don’t even care if this sounds crazy,” he shrugs helplessly.

The expression on Harry’s face tells him everything he needs to know because he can safely say that he has never seen a purer look of love on anyone and he prides himself on being on the receiving end of it.

“This means it’s also probably ridiculously early to bring my boy to Christmas dinner at my mum’s to introduce him as my future mate but neither do I care about that,” he shrugs as well before Louis crashes their lips together to show him exactly what he thinks of that.

When they break their kiss in favour of breathing, Harry presses his forehead against Louis’ and intertwines their hands gently, “I love you so much, my little Christmas miracle.”

Another teary laugh bubbles up and Louis kisses Harry’s nose before singing quietly, “made my wish come true, all I wanted for Christmas is you.”

The End.