Love, Kisses & Valentine’s Day Wishes

Summary

:

Louis and Harry attend their six year old daughter’s Kindergarten Valentines Day party, expecting a sweet and simple afternoon. But when a cheeky little boy announces he ‘likes’ their daughter, Louis (ever the over protective dad) goes into full on defence mode. While Louis fumes and plots a very polite but firm conversation with the younger lad, Harry can’t help but find it hilarious. It’s a light hearted, fluffy story full of dad antics, kindergarten chaos and a reminder that six is a little young for heartbreak, or protective dad rants!

PROMPT 46 ( SaSfest)

Louis and Harry attend their daughters Kindergarten Valentines day party. Louis gets annoyed when a little boy says he likes their daughter. Harry finds it amusing, since she’s 6!

Notes: ( Same as Last Time)

I’m sorry if this story is not up to my usual standard. Whilst the story has been completed for some time; it was unpolished. Two weeks before the deadline, my partner suffered a heart attack. One week before the deadline, they had open heart surgery.

I’m sure you can appreciate that my mind has been elsewhere. I considered pulling out of the fest altogether, because I have not been able to give this story the time I normally would.

Thanks to my beta, @Dishybird37, this fic has been edited and uploaded when I’ve barley even had time to tell her hello. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you, Katy.

♡☆♡☆

The bedroom was quiet, the faint grey light of dawn just starting to seep through the curtains. Louis was sprawled out on his stomach, his hair a rumpled mess against the pillow as he snored softly. Harry, already awake and grinning to himself, propped up on one elbow, taking in the sight. Unable to resist, he reached out, his fingers grazing lightly down the curve of Louis’ bare back.

“Babe, wake up,” Harry murmured, his voice soft but insistent as he leaned down to press a lingering kiss to Louis’ shoulder.

Louis groaned in protest, his face disappearing further into the pillow. His voice was muffled but unmistakably whiny. “Five more minutes…”

Harry chuckled, the sound rich and affectionate. “Now I know where our daughter gets that from,” he teased, shifting closer so their bodies pressed together under the blankets. “Come on, Lou, get up. It’s Valentine’s Day.”

Louis hummed sleepily, clearly unimpressed. “Is that supposed to excite me? We both know Valentine’s Day is just an excuse for overpriced chocolates and cheesy cards.”

Harry rolled his eyes, though his smile didn’t falter. “You’re impossible; come on,” he muttered, dipping his head to trail soft kisses along Louis’ neck. His lips stayed pressed just below Louis’ ear, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “And I’m your gift, baby. Unwrap me.”

Louis snorted, finally cracking one eye open to glance at him. His voice was still heavy with sleep, raspy and low. “More like re-gifted. I already got this present last year.”

Harry gasped in mock offence, pulling back slightly to look at him. “Excuse me? This…” he gestured dramatically to himself, “…is the deluxe edition. New and improved, baby.”

Louis let out a sleepy laugh, rolling onto his back to properly look at him. His blue eyes sparkled with amusement despite his grogginess. “Deluxe edition, huh? Does that mean you come with batteries this time?”

Harry grinned, leaning down until their noses almost touched. “Oh, I come fully charged, love. And I’m about to prove it.”

Louis rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile. “You’re crazy,” he muttered, though his hands instinctively found their way to Harry’s waist, pulling him closer.

“And you love it.” Harry countered, pressing a kiss to Louis’ lips, slow and teasing.

“Debatable.” Louis quipped, though the way he kissed Harry back suggested otherwise.

Harry laughed, tugging the blanket away. “Always so cheeky. And you love this regift; I know it.” He leaned in, his lips brushing Louis’ ear. “Come on, let me show you how much I love you before the busy day begins.”

“Mmm.” Louis mumbled, rolling onto his back, his blue eyes finally fully awake. “You’re relentless, you know that?”

Harry grinned. “Relentless and romantic. Now shut up and kiss me.”

Their lips met, slow at first, teasing, the kind of kiss that made Louis’ toes curl. Harry’s hands slid under the blankets, warm palms brushing up the bare expanse of Louis’ sides. His touch was light, almost maddeningly so, and Louis hummed against his mouth, fingers tangling in Harry’s messy curls as if to anchor himself.

“Happy Valentine’s Day.” Harry murmured, his voice rough and low, lips ghosting along the corner of Louis’ mouth.

Louis smirked, his breath warm against Harry’s cheek. “Is this your idea of romance, Harold? Seducing me before I’ve even brushed my teeth?”

Harry grinned, his lips pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to Louis’ jaw. “Well, I figured we’d be too busy later,” Harry quipped, nipping at Louis’ jawline. “You know, with all the craft paper and six year olds hyped up on sugar.”

Louis groaned dramatically. “Don’t remind me. Emily’s class party is going to be absolute chaos.”

“Which is why,” Harry said, shifting to press his weight against Louis, “we should enjoy this now. Let’s get our Valentine’s fun in before we’re knee-deep in heart-shaped cookies and tiny humans declaring their undying love.”

Louis didn’t argue. Instead, he tugged Harry down by the neck, capturing his lips in a kiss that was anything but teasing now. Their mouths moved together, heat building between them as Harry pressed closer, the blankets slipping off their tangled legs.

“Fine, you win. But if we’re late, I’m blaming you.”

“Deal.” Harry said, grinning as he captured Louis’ lips again.

Harry’s hands roamed over Louis’ body with purpose, fingers tracing the curve of his waist before sliding lower. Louis gasped into the kiss, his back arching slightly as Harry’s touch grew bolder.

“God, you’re unfairly attractive.” Harry murmured, his lips trailing slowly down Louis’ neck, stopping to nip at a spot that made Louis shudder.

Louis let out a breathless laugh, his fingers tightening in Harry’s hair. “If you keep sweet-talking me like that, I might start thinking this is your idea of foreplay.”

Harry pulled back just enough to smirk, his green eyes glinting with mischief. “What if it is?”

Louis didn’t get a chance to reply before Harry’s mouth was on him again, trailing hot, deliberate kisses down his chest. Each one was slower, more sensual than the last, leaving a burning trail in their wake. Louis’ breath hitched when Harry’s tongue flicked over a nipple, teasing it just enough to draw a low, involuntary moan from his lips.

Harry paused, clearly pleased with the reaction, his lips curving into a smug smile against Louis’ skin. He swirled his tongue again, this time dragging it out, earning another gasp from Louis, louder than the first.

“You’re such a damn show off,” Louis panted, his voice breathless but tinged with fondness.

Harry chuckled, glancing up with a wicked grin, his green eyes sparkling with mischief.

“What can I say? I like proving a point.” His lips dipped lower, continuing their teasing exploration.

Louis rolled his eyes, though the flush on his cheeks gave him away. “Yeah, well, don’t let it go to your head,” he muttered, biting his lip to stifle another moan as Harry’s kisses ventured further south.

“You love it.” Harry quipped, his voice muffled as his mouth worked its magic, determined to make Louis eat his words.

By the time Harry’s hand slid between them, Louis was trembling, his body reacting to every touch, every kiss, every calculated graze of skin against skin. Harry’s fingers wrapped around him, and Louis bit back a curse, his hips jerking involuntarily as Harry’s touch grew firmer, more insistent.

“Harry…” Louis’ voice broke on the syllable, his cheeks flushed, his body pliant under Harry’s.

“Patience, love.” Harry murmured, his voice a mix of affection and heat. His lips returned to Louis’, swallowing the soft sounds he made as their movements synced. The rhythm between them grew faster, more desperate, their bodies sliding together in perfect, practiced harmony.

Louis clung to Harry, his nails dragging down his back as the pressure built between them, a tension so sharp and consuming it left him breathless. “If you don’t…” Louis’ threat dissolved into a gasp as Harry shifted, his name falling from Louis’ lips like a prayer.

Harry’s grin widened as he leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of Louis’ ear. His voice, low and heavy with arousal, sent a shiver down Louis’ spine.

“I bet you like Valentine’s Day now, don’t ya baby?”

Louis’ laugh came out broken, more a breathless gasp than a sound, his body arching into Harry’s touch. Their movements became frantic, all pretence of patience abandoned. Harry’s hands gripped Louis’ hips, pulling their bodies flush together, skin against skin, every inch of contact igniting sparks that radiated through them both.

Harry’s lips trailed back to Louis’ throat, his tongue flicking over the rapid pulse at his neck. He lingered there, sucking lightly before biting just enough to make Louis moan, his nails digging into Harry’s back.

“God, Harry…” Louis panted, his voice rough, his blue eyes dark with desire.

Harry smirked against Louis’ skin, his mouth continuing its descent. He kissed and bit his way down Louis’ chest, pausing to swirl his tongue around a hardened nipple, drawing a choked groan from his husband. Louis writhed beneath him, his body hypersensitive to every touch, every graze of Harry’s lips, tongue, and teeth.

“Impatient, are we?” Harry teased, his voice muffled as his lips travelled lower, pressing open-mouthed kisses down the flat planes of Louis’ stomach.

Louis’ head fell back against the pillow, his breaths coming in sharp gasps. “If you don’t stop teasing, I swear to God…”

But Harry cut him off, his mouth finally reaching where Louis needed him most. The first hot, slick stroke of Harry’s tongue made Louis cry out, his hips jerking involuntarily as pleasure shot through him like a lightning bolt. Harry’s hands gripped Louis’ thighs, holding him in place as he worked, his movements skilled and deliberate.

Louis’ hands flew to Harry’s hair, tugging hard enough to make Harry groan against him, the vibration sending another wave of heat coursing through Louis. “Fuck, Harry…” he gasped, his voice cracking as his body trembled beneath the onslaught of sensation.

Harry didn’t let up, his mouth and hands working in perfect sync, drawing Louis closer and closer to the edge. The build-up was relentless, the tension coiling tighter and tighter until Louis thought he might shatter.

When the release finally came, it hit Louis like never before, his body arching off the bed as he cried out Harry’s name. The pleasure was blinding, all-consuming, leaving him trembling and breathless as he rode out the waves of his climax.

Harry followed soon after, his own release triggered by the sight of Louis undone beneath him. He groaned deeply, collapsing onto the bed beside Louis, their bodies slick with sweat, hearts racing in tandem.

For a moment, the room was silent except for the sound of their ragged breathing. Harry turned his head to look at Louis, his green eyes softening with affection.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” he said again, his voice quieter now, a tender smile curving his lips.

Louis chuckled weakly, his body still recovering. “If Emily asks why we’re late, I’m telling her you’re a terrible influence.”

Harry grinned, brushing a kiss to Louis’ temple. “Go ahead. It was worth it.”

Harry chuckled, brushing a damp strand of hair from Louis’ forehead. “You can tell her whatever you want. I’m just glad I got to start the day with my favourite Valentine.”

Louis rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t fight the fond smile as he shifted closer, resting his head on Harry’s chest. “You’re lucky you’re so cute and good at this, Harold.”

“And you’re lucky I love you.” Harry retorted, wrapping an arm around Louis and pulling him close.

Wrapped up in each other, the chaos of the day ahead was forgotten, at least for a split second.

Louis noticed that the room was now filled with golden morning light, the faint sound of Emily stirring down the hall reaching their ears. Louis glanced at the clock and froze.

“Harry!” he yelped, shoving him off. “It’s almost eight! We’re gonna be late!”

Harry groaned, flopping onto his back. “See! This is why romance is dead.”

“Romance isn’t dead.” Louis snapped, scrambling out of bed and throwing on a pair of sweatpants. “But you know who will be? You, if we don’t get to school on time!”

Harry chuckled, watching Louis dart around the room like a man possessed.

“Okay, fine!! But for the record, I’m worth being late for.”

Louis shot him a look. “Keep telling yourself that, lover boy. Now get dressed!”

As they rushed to get ready, Harry couldn’t resist one last quip. “Well, at least the day started with a bang .”

Louis rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his grin. “You’re so insufferable.”

“And you wouldn’t have me any other way.” Harry teased, stealing a quick, playful kiss before they parted ways.

Louis headed downstairs with a spring in his step, while Harry made his way to the shower, both bracing themselves for the inevitable madness that Valentine’s Day would bring.

☆♡☆♡

After Louis fed Emily breakfast, he realised they had more time than they initially thought. The kitchen table ended up a mess. Emily was sitting cross-legged on a chair, carefully sticking foam hearts onto the homemade Valentine’s card that her teacher had sent home the night before for the kids to complete. Her concentration was impressive, her little tongue poking out as she worked. Louis, however, was hovering, arms crossed, muttering to himself when Harry walked in.

“What’s wrong, babe?” Harry asked, breezing into the kitchen with an easy confidence. His damp curls clung to his forehead, a clear sign he’d just stepped out of the shower, and the fresh, woodsy scent of his cologne filled the air. The sight of him, clean shaven, hair slightly tousled, and wearing a fitted shirt that clung to his chest, made Louis pause.

Damn, he looked good. Too good, really, for someone who was supposed to be dealing with Valentine’s chaos alongside him.

“What’s wrong, you ask? Ethan is what’s wrong!” Louis snapped, gesturing wildly. “Apparently, he likes our daughter. Likes her, Harry! She’s six!”

Louis had only just learnt this piece of news moments ago when Emily, brimming with excitement, casually mentioned how eager she was to get to school to see her friend Ethan, the same Ethan who had apparently confessed his affection for her the day before by telling her, “ She was prettier than anything in the whole world .” The revelation had completely caused an upset in Louis’ apple cart.

Harry grinned. “And what? You want to sit him down and give him the ‘my daughter’s off-limits’ talk?”

Louis pointed a glue stick at him. “Don’t tempt me.”

Emily, without looking up from her project, sighed dramatically. “Dad, relax. It’s not like I’m getting married!”

“Exactly.” Harry chimed in.

“Not yet anyway.” Emily finished off, wiping the smug look off of his face too that had been gleaming at Louis.

Harry snatched a cookie from the tray Louis had prepared earlier and earned himself a glare from his husband.

“What?” Harry asked, amused.

Louis swatted at Harry’s hand. “Those are for the party! Honestly, can no one respect the importance of presentation?”

“Presentation?” Harry teased. “You’re acting like this is a Great British Bake Off final. It’s a kindergarten Valentine’s Day party.”

Louis huffed, turning his attention back to Emily. “At least you appreciate my efforts, don’t you, darling?”

Emily, still focused on decorating her cards, shrugged. “Sure, Dad. But seriously, it’s not a big deal.”

Louis laughed and watched as Harry walked back upstairs, presumably to check his hair one last time.

Ten more minutes and it would be time to go. He stood there and watched his daughter’s concentration. She was stunning, talented, and smart in every way possible. He was so proud of her, to say the least. But his nerves refused to settle today. This new thought of his only daughter growing up, finding a partner, and eventually no longer needing him one day sent a pang of sadness through his chest.

The idea of “giving her away” on her wedding day felt unbearable even now at this young age. He can’t imagine how this will all feel further in the future.

Absolutely not; nope, it’s never going to happen, he decided firmly. Maybe if he started now, drilling into her the perils of dating, she’d never show interest in it. That seemed like a solid plan.

‘I think Ethan will give me a card; he really likes me.’

Louis hates that those words she said to him earlier are replaying over and over in his head.

By the time they headed out the door, Emily was excited as she walked towards the car, all her cards in her hands and, more importantly, a smile across her face.

“Today is going to be a great day. I just know it. I know I will get at least one card.” She pronounced loudly as she jumped into the car.

“This is all Ethan’s fault.” Louis muttered under his breath, slamming the car door with just a bit more force than necessary as they prepared to head to kindergarten.

All the while, Harry pressed his lips together and held back a barking laugh, because protective dad mode had well and truly been ignited.

☆♡☆♡

The school gymnasium was decked out in a riot of pink and red. Streamers hung from the ceiling, balloons bobbed along the floor, and a sugary haze filled the air as kids darted around, clutching valentine cards and candy bags.

“Wow.” Harry said, stepping inside. “It’s like Cupid exploded in here.”

“Focus, Harry.” Louis muttered, scanning the room. “Where’s this Ethan kid?”

“Relax.” Harry replied, utterly amused. “He’s not proposing, you know.”

They spotted Emily, who had darted off to join a group of friends. Louis watched her go, his protective instincts kicking in as a small boy with floppy hair and a crooked smile handed his daughter a candy heart.

“There he is.” Louis hissed. “The little Casanova himself.”

“He’s literally sharing candy.” Harry said, clapping Louis on the shoulder. “You need to chill out. What has gotten into you?”

Louis didn’t respond, his gaze fixed ahead. He stood at a distance, arms crossed, silently observing, ready to step in if his daughter needed him. Harry, noticing his quiet demeanour, nudged him lightly. “Here. Have a chocolate cupcake or take this drink,” he offered with a grin.

The gym bustled with activity. Teachers huddled together, gossiping in hushed tones, while parents alternated between chatting with each other and keeping a watchful eye on their kids.

Harry thrived in this kind of setting, easily striking up conversations with other parents. Some were genuinely lovely, others… not so much, but he handled them all with the same charm. Louis, on the other hand, rarely indulged in small talk, preferring to hang back and keep to himself. Except today, something, or someone, seemed to change that. Louis caught sight of a parent making their way towards him. He froze, his suspicions mounting with every step the man took. The resemblance was unmistakable. His stomach tightened as he turned slightly, raising his cup of lemonade to his lips in an attempt to appear nonchalant. Maybe, just maybe, if he acted like he hadn’t noticed, the man would pass by.

“So, you’re Emily’s dad,” said a deep voice behind him. He turned to see a tall man with a confident grin and a name tag that read “Greg, Ethan’s Dad.”

“And you’re Ethan’s.” Louis replied, folding his arms.

“Your daughter’s great.” Greg said. “Ethan talks about her all the time.”

Louis raised an eyebrow. “Does he now?”

Harry, who’d been eavesdropping, jumped in. “Don’t mind him. Louis is just…passionate.”

“Passionate about what?” Greg cocked an eyebrow, clearly amused.

“My daughter not being married off before she’s old enough to cross the street by herself, that’s what.” Louis snapped.

Greg chuckled, clearly unfazed by Louis’ sharp tone. “Oh, don’t worry, Ethan already proposed to her last week. He gave her one of those gummy ring things, you know? Very romantic, except he ate it before she could say yes.”

Louis blinked, his attempt at a stern expression faltering as his lips twitched with the threat of a smile. “Oh really?” he managed, his voice tight, trying to maintain his intimidating facade.

“Yep,” Greg continued, leaning casually against the table. “He told me it was because he couldn’t wait around forever for her answer. Time is money, apparently.”

Harry snorted, quickly covering it with a cough, while Louis pressed his lips together in a valiant effort not to laugh. His eyes narrowed at Greg, but there was a spark of reluctant amusement there.

“Well,” Louis said, clearing his throat and straightening his posture, “tell Ethan that my daughter doesn’t accept proposals without proper consultation with her father. And definitely not from someone who can’t even hold onto the engagement ring.”

Greg grinned. “I’ll be sure to pass that along. But just so you know, Ethan’s already moved on. He told me he’s considering proposing to Stella next, so your daughter might be off the hook.”

Harry burst out laughing, slapping the table, while Louis finally let out a small, begrudging chuckle.

“Good,” he said, trying to sound serious again. “Let him know that’s a smart decision. But if he comes back around, he’ll have me to deal with.”

Greg tilted his head, smirking. “Duly noted. I’ll make sure he schedules a formal meeting next time.”

The man offered Louis a polite smile, shook his hand, and moved on to strike up a conversation with another parent.

“What a nice guy.” Harry said sincerely, watching him go.

Louis snorted, crossing his arms. “What a wanker, more like it.”

Harry turned to him with a disapproving glare. “Be nice! That’s probably the last you’ll see of him, anyway. Besides, he was actually funny.”

Louis rolled his eyes with exaggerated flair. “What’s that saying? Like father, like son? Keep being so sweet to him, and maybe he’ll give you a gummy ring of your own.”

Harry burst out laughing, the sound a little too loud and drawing a glance or two. He leaned closer to Louis, his voice dropping to a low murmur in his ear. “Don’t need one. I’m planning on sucking something else tonight.”

And that was all it took, Louis choked on his drink, spraying it everywhere as Harry leaned back, grinning smugly at his handiwork.

Emily kept bouncing back over, each time clutching a new card in her hand. Funny enough, not a single one was from Ethan yet. Speaking of Ethan, where had that kid wandered off to?

“Daddy, are you going to join the game?” Emily chirped, tugging on Louis’ sleeve. Before he could respond, her attention shifted. “Oh, look! My teacher’s got the microphone!”

“Parents, it’s time for the Valentine’s Day relay race!” the teacher announced.

Louis narrowed his eyes at Greg. “Let’s see how smooth you are on the field, Greg,” he muttered, and only he was supposed to hear that, but Harry looked horrified.

As expected, the race was chaotic. Louis took off with the energy of a man with something to prove. Halfway through, his foot snagged on a balloon, sending him sprawling to the floor in a flurry of red streamers. Harry burst out laughing, crossing the finish line calmly as Louis scrambled to his feet.

“You okay there, Cupid?” Harry teased.

Louis glared at him as he brushed himself off, red streamers still clinging to his shirt and hair. “I’m fine,” he grumbled, yanking a stray piece of glittery ribbon off his elbow. “That balloon was clearly out to get me.”

Harry smirked. “Sure, blame the balloon. Not the fact that you were running like you were auditioning for Chariots of Fire.”

Before Louis could retaliate, the sound of high pitched giggles drew his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Emily huddled in a corner of the gym with none other than Ethan.

Louis froze mid-streamer removal, his dad instincts going into overdrive. “Harry. Harry, look. And you say I have nothing to worry about.”

Harry followed Louis’ pointed finger to where Emily and Ethan stood, sharing what looked like a bag of, no, gummy bears? “Relax, they’re just kids.” Harry said, stifling a laugh.

But Louis wasn’t listening. His eyes narrowed as Ethan handed Emily the last gummy bear from the bag. “Did you see that? He gave her the last one. That’s a power move if I’ve ever seen one.”

Harry chuckled. “It’s a gummy bear, Lou, not his hand in marriage.”

Emily popped the gummy bear into her mouth and giggled again, clearly delighted by something Ethan said. Louis clenched his fists. “Oh, he’s smooth. Too smooth. I don’t like it. If he is like this now, imagine when…

Harry grabbed Louis’ arm before he could march over. “What are you going to do? Demand to see his ten year plan?”

“I might!” Louis hissed.

Just then, Ethan leaned closer to whisper something to their daughter. Whatever it was made her burst into a fit of laughter, clutching her sides and leaning against the wall for support. Ethan grinned, looking far too pleased with himself for Louis’ liking.

“Harry,” Louis said in a low, urgent whisper, “he’s making her laugh now. That’s my job!”

Harry bit down on his lip to keep from laughing. “You sound jealous of a six-year-old.”

“I am jealous of a six-year-old!” Louis snapped, throwing his hands up. “This is how it starts, Harry! First, it’s gummy bears and jokes. Next thing you know, he’s showing up at our door with flowers and keeping her out past curfew.”

Harry was laughing so hard now he had to lean on Louis for support. “Oh my God, this is nonsense.”

Emily spotted her dads from across the gym and waved excitedly. “Hi, Daddy! Hi, Papa!” she called, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

Louis waved back stiffly, his eyes still locked on Ethan like a hawk watching its prey. “Hi, sweetheart!” he called, forcing a smile.

Harry dragged Louis towards the refreshment table to distract him. “Come on, lovebug. Let the kids enjoy themselves. Besides, it’s kind of cute.”

“Cute?” Louis spluttered. “Harry, our daughter has a suitor.”

“She has a friend,” Harry corrected, grabbing a heart-shaped cookie and handing it to Louis. “And if you don’t calm down, you’re going to scare the poor kid off.”

“That’s the plan.” Louis muttered, biting into the cookie with a vengeance.

Just then, Emily skipped over, Ethan trailing behind her like an eager puppy. “Daddy, Papa! Did you see me in the kids race?” She asked, her face glowing with excitement.

“We did, sweetheart,” Harry said, crouching down to her level. “You were amazing!”

“And Ethan said I was great, that I was the fastest girl in the whole class!” Emily added, beaming at Ethan, who nodded earnestly.

Louis’ jaw tightened. “Mmhmm?”

Ethan looked up at Louis with wide, innocent eyes. “She really was fast, sir.”

“Sir?” Harry choked out, trying not to laugh. “Oh, I like this kid.”

Louis, however, narrowed his eyes. “Well, thank you for the compliment, Ethan. But just so you know, Emily doesn’t need anyone to tell her she’s great. She already knows. I tell her every day.”

Emily frowned. “Daddy, don’t be weird. Ethan’s my friend.”

Louis sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not being weird. I’m being…observant.”

Harry leaned down and whispered to Ethan, “Don’t mind him. He’s just adjusting to the fact that you’ve already got more game than he did at your age.”

Ethan tilted his head. “What does ‘game’ mean?”

Louis groaned. “Great. What, now you’re going to give him pointers?

Emily tugged on Louis’ sleeve. “Daddy, Ethan’s nice. Don’t be mean.”

Louis softened immediately at the look on her face. “Alright, alright. I’ll be nice. But only because you asked me to.”

“Thanks, Daddy!” Emily chirped, grabbing Ethan’s hand and pulling him back towards the craft table.

Louis watched them go, his heart a confusing mix of pride and protectiveness. “I don’t like it, Harry,” he muttered.

Harry clapped him on the shoulder. “You don’t have to like it, Lou. You just have to survive it. And maybe, just maybe, trust that we’ll raise her right.”

Louis sighed, shaking his head. “I still don’t like it.”

Harry grinned. “Come on, let’s get you another cookie before you declare a kindergarten-wide ban on gummy bears.”

Now that all the games had finished, the kids gathered to collect their party goodie bags. Louis couldn’t help but notice when Ethan tried to give Emily an extra lollipop, prompting Louis to lean in close and whisper.

“Did you see that? Looks like he is bribing her now.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “You’re being dramatic. Let her have her candy and this cute little memory.”

Emily, unimpressed by the exchange, and increasingly embarrassed by her dad’s not-so-subtle antics, shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She could see Louis out of the corner of her eye, arms folded, his frown deepening with every passing second. It was the same look he gave when someone parked too close to their driveway, and it was enough to make her cheeks flush.

Ethan, blissfully unaware of the protective storm brewing behind him, held out another lollipop with a shy smile. Emily sighed inwardly. She didn’t want Ethan to get into trouble, especially since he was just trying to be nice.

Turning to him slowly, she gave him a kind but decisive smile. “Thanks, Ethan, but I can get my own lollies.” she said, her tone sweet yet firm, like a tiny diplomat trying to diffuse a crisis.

As she walked off to join her other friends, Louis stood a little straighter, his chest puffing up with pride. “That’s my girl,” he said, perhaps a bit too loudly. “You keep those boys in line!” he declared, his voice just a touch louder than necessary, and definitely a bit too triumphant.

Emily froze mid step and turned back for a moment, her face burning with embarrassment. “Dad!” she hissed before quickly disappearing into the crowd of children.

“I mean, did you really have to say that out loud, Lou?” Harry groaned and shook his head.

“What?” Louis shrugged, still beaming.

“You know, if she wasn’t embarrassed before, she definitely is now.”

Louis shrugged, still grinning. “I’m just raising a strong, independent woman.”

“More like making her rethink ever introducing you to anyone ever again,” Harry quipped. “Not to mention intimidating half the kindergarten.” Harry muttered with a laugh.

But then Harry gave Louis a pointed look, his eyes flicking towards Ethan, who stood off to the side, clearly upset at having heard the comment. Louis followed his gaze and immediately felt a pang of guilt. The young boy’s face was a picture of hurt, and it made Louis’ stomach twist.

“I’m sorry, Emily’s dad,” Ethan said softly, his voice trembling a bit. “It’s just… She helps me with my numbers when I can’t do the math quizzes. I just wanted to say thank you.”

And just like that, Louis felt like the biggest jerk in the room. He panicked, glancing at Harry for backup, but Harry simply stood there, arms crossed and an expectant look on his face. He wasn’t about to let Louis off the hook, though the small twitch at the corner of his mouth suggested he was quietly pleased Louis was about to make things right.

“Oh, um, no need to apologise, lad,” Louis stammered, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. “I was just having a bit of fun. Here, why don’t you pass me the candy, and I’ll make sure she gets it, yeah?”

Ethan’s face lit up with a shy smile as he handed over the candy. “Thanks, mister.”

Louis smiled back, but the guilt still gnawed at him. “No problem, mate.”

As Ethan walked away, Louis sighed heavily, muttering under his breath, “I’m a right idiot.”

Harry chuckled, finally dropping his stern act. “Glad you’ve realised it. Now, maybe next time, don’t intimidate the poor kid or his father.”

And somehow, Louis managed to relax for a while.

The music shifts to a slow song, and the party’s energy seems to take a collective pause. Ethan fidgets near the drinks table, stealing glances at Emily, who’s laughing with her friends by the photo booth.

“You should just go ask her,” his friend whispers, giving him an encouraging nudge.

Ethan swallows hard, adjusts the slightly too big tie his dad insisted he wear, and gathers his courage. He walks over, his palms sweating. “Uh, Emily?” he says, his voice cracking slightly.

She turns to him, curious. “Yeah?”

“Do you… um…” Ethan clears his throat. “Do you wanna dance?”

Emily blinks in surprise, but then she smiles. “Sure.”

As they make their way to the dance floor, Louis notices and elbows Harry. “Look at that. Kid’s got guts, I will give him that.”

“More than you had at that age, I’m sure.” Harry teases.

They watch as Ethan places his hands awkwardly on Emily’s shoulders instead of her waist. Emily, clearly trying not to laugh, gently moves them lower. Ethan flushes bright red but goes along with it.

“Aw, they’re adorable,” Harry says, grinning.

“They’re a mess,” Louis counters. “Look at his feet!”

Ethan’s oversized shoes shuffle nervously, landing squarely on Emily’s toes. She winces but doesn’t say anything, her grin unwavering.

Harry snickers. “Ten bucks says she’s got bruises tomorrow.”

Louis shakes his head, smirking. “If he steps on her one more time, I’m cutting in.”

Just then, Ethan steps on her foot again, this time harder. Emily lets out a tiny squeak, and Ethan looks horrified. “I’m so sorry!” he whispers, his voice barely audible over the music.

Emily giggles. “It’s fine.”

Louis sighs dramatically. “I can’t watch this anymore. Should we save her?”

Harry waves a hand dismissively. “Nah. Let them figure it out. First dances are supposed to be awkward.”

Louis looks at him skeptically. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

Harry leans back in his seat, grinning. “I’m just saying, it’s a rite of passage.”

Louis smirks, raising an eyebrow. “Right. And when she’s limping tomorrow, you can explain to her why we didn’t step in.”

“Lou, I swear, let her have some fun. Otherwise… Do you want to be the one limping tomorrow? Because I can make that happen.”

Louis smirks even wider, winking as he leans in. “Oh, yes, love. I’d actually quite enjoy that.”

“Jesus Christ, that’s not what I meant!” Harry laughs, shaking his head. “I was talking about a kick up the ass, not, well, you know.”

☆♡☆♡

The party is in full swing when Ethan, holding a small folded note in his shaky hands, approaches Louis, who’s leaning casually against the refreshment table. He had preferred to speak to Harry, but he was already chatting with the lady beside him.

“Uh, Mr. Tomlinson?” Ethan says nervously.

Louis looks down, eyebrow raised.

“What’s up, kid?”

Ethan holds out the note. “Can you, uh, give this to Emily? Please? I am too nervous.”

Louis takes the paper, eyeing it curiously. “What’s this?”

“N-nothing!” Ethan says quickly, his face bright red. “Just… a note. For her. From me.”

Louis smirks, unable to resist the temptation. “A note, huh?” He starts unfolding it, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Wait, no! Don’t…” Ethan’s protests are too late.

Louis clears his throat dramatically and begins to read aloud, his voice dripping with exaggerated emotion.

“Dear Emily, you are super nice and really pretty. I like your smile a lot, and I think you’re my favourite person, and your hair is…”

“Dad!” Emily shrieks, storming over to snatch the note out of his hand. Her face is as red as the heart-shaped balloons hanging around the room.

Louis holds his hands up in mock surrender, biting back a grin. “What? I was just… previewing it for you.”

“Stop reading it?!” Emily glares at him, clutching the note to her chest.

Ethan, who has been hiding behind a cluster of balloons, peeks out just enough for Harry to spot him. Harry sighs, walking over to Louis and smacking his arm lightly.

“Real mature, Lou. You’re worse than the kids. Unbelievable.”

Louis shrugs, unrepentant. “Look at him; he’s practically a Hallmark card come to life.”

Harry turns to Emily, who’s still glaring daggers at Louis. “Ignore him,” he says, shooting Louis a warning glance. “He’s just jealous no one wrote him poetry at your age.”

Louis gasps dramatically.

“Excuse me?! I’ll have you know I had plenty of admirers.”

Emily groans. “Can I go die now, or do I have to wait until the party’s over?”

Ethan cautiously approaches, rubbing the back of his neck. “I…I’m sorry, Emily. I didn’t mean to… you know, cause a scene.”

Emily softens immediately, giving him a small smile. “It’s okay, Ethan. Thanks for the note.”

“Yeah, thanks for the laugh.” Louis mutters, earning another smack from Harry.

As Ethan and Emily walk off together, Ethan leans in close to whisper, “I made you a real Valentine’s card, too. It’s way better than the note. I’ll give it to you after the party, okay?”

Emily beams at him, her earlier embarrassment forgotten. “I can’t wait to see it.”

Louis watches them with an exaggerated look of mock disgust. “You’ve gotta admit, that was hilarious,” he mutters to Harry, still smirking.

“You’re lucky she didn’t murder you.”

Louis sighs dramatically, rubbing his temples. “God, how much longer do we have to be here? I’m ready for a nap. Seriously, how long do these kids need for a party? I was ready to leave an hour ago.”

Harry chuckles, crossing his arms. “You lasted longer than I thought you would. I figured you’d start faking a migraine after the second game of musical chairs.”

Louis gives him a withering look. “Don’t tempt me. If I have to hear ‘Baby Shark’ one more time, I’m throwing myself into the punch bowl.”

Harry laughs outright at that, shaking his head. “Relax, Lou. It’s almost over. Besides, you know you’re secretly loving this.”

Louis rolls his eyes but doesn’t argue. Instead, he glances back at Ethan and Emily, now sitting together and chatting quietly, their heads close. “I’ll give the kid this, he has no fear; he knows how to swoon the girls.”

“More than you did at that age.” Harry quips.

Louis groans. “That is the second time you have said that. You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

“Not a chance.” Harry replies, grinning.

☆♡☆♡

Finally, the time had come. The teacher clapped her hands, announcing to the room, “Okay, kids! Time to start packing up!”

Louis perked up immediately, his mood lifting as he sat straighter in his chair. “Finally,” he muttered, glancing at Harry. “I thought we were going to be stuck here forever.”

But his excitement was short-lived when he noticed the kids being handed little brooms, trash bags, and instructions to clean up their own messes. Louis furrowed his brow, leaning toward Harry. “Wait a second. Who invites someone to a party and then makes them clean it up? What are we, Cinderella?”

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s teaching the kids good respect and values. You know, responsibility and all that.”

Louis rolled his eyes dramatically. “Oh, please. You know what else teaches responsibility? Taking home a goldfish they win at the fair. Not sweeping up glitter and crushed pretzels in a party hat.”

Harry smirked, clearly amused. “For heaven’s sake. What has gotten into you today?”

“Well, not those pretzels, clearly.”

Louis waved a hand towards the kids awkwardly trying to scrape frosting off the tables. “I mean, look at them. Tommy’s holding a dustpan like it’s going to bite him, and Ethan just walked into the bin. If this is teaching values, I’m worried about their future.”

Harry laughed. “You’re such a grouch. Maybe you should grab a broom and set an example then.”

Louis raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “Not a chance. The only sweeping I do is when I’m winning at Monopoly.”

Harry shook his head, still laughing, as Louis leaned back in his chair, muttering under his breath. “Ridiculous. What’s next, a party tax? Might as well start charging them for the snacks.”

Harry smirked, leaning back in his chair too with a playful glint in his eye.

“That’s a great idea,” he said, tapping his chin like he was deep in thought. “That could teach them about math, like how to calculate the cost of glitter and how much you lose in cleaning supplies.”

“Yeah, and maybe a lesson on what to do when the tax collectors come knocking.“ Louis added on while he tried to suppress his smile.

Harry raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious.

“What do you mean?”

Louis grinned mischievously.

“Oh, you know, how to avoid paying. It’s a valuable life skill.”

“Oh my god. Stop it.”

Just then, Harry glanced around the room and noticed something.

“Speaking of snacks,” he said, his voice teasing. “I see not many people ate your cookies. The rest of the food’s gone, though. Not sure what that implies.”

Louis immediately straightened up, giving Harry an unimpressed look. “It means they don’t have proper taste buds yet and don’t know good food when they see it. I’m sure they’ll come around when they grow up and understand quality.”

Harry snorted. “Mmhmm.” He smirked, clearly amused. “Sure, Lou. Just keep telling yourself that.”

☆♡☆♡

It wasn’t too much longer until they were in the car, just about to pull away, the windows down, the sun streaming in, when they heard the voice.

“Wait! Emily! Wait!”

Ethan came bolting towards them, his sneakers slapping against the pavement. He skidded to a halt at Emily’s window, breathless but triumphant. Harry, who had been adjusting the mirrors, glanced over and smiled at the boy. The poor kid looked like he’d just sprinted a marathon.

“I forgot to give you this.” Ethan said, thrusting a small card through the window. His hand trembled slightly, and Harry had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning too widely.

Emily took the card, her cheeks turning a shade of pink so vibrant it rivalled the sunset. Ethan didn’t move, just stood there staring at her with the kind of intensity that only six year old boys in the throes of a crush could muster.

Ah, young love, Harry thought, watching the scene unfold. He cleared his throat loudly, breaking the trance. Ethan jumped, looking around like he’d just noticed the rest of them were there.

“Oh! Uh, sorry, Mister,” Ethan stammered, suddenly nervous. “I…I didn’t mean to hold you up.”

Harry chuckled and gave Louis a subtle nudge. Louis, who had been openly gawking at the interaction, snapped out of it. Harry shot him a pointed look, mouthing, Be nice.

Louis rolled his eyes but pasted on the most charming smile he could muster. “Thank you, Ethan. Emily will see you on Monday, okay? Now, go find your dad. He’s probably worried about where you are.”

Ethan nodded quickly but hesitated, his eyes drifting back to Emily one last time. “Bye, Ems,” he said softly, his voice full of shy affection.

As Ethan jogged away, Louis slowly turned to Harry, his brows raised as he mouthed, Ems ?

Harry couldn’t help but grin, leaning closer to whisper, “Shut up.”

Louis snorted, clearly delighted. “Ems,” he repeated under his breath, shaking his head. “Next thing you know, they’ll be carving hearts into trees. ‘Ems + Ethan 4eva.’“

Emily groaned, sinking lower into her seat. “Can we go now? Like, before I die of embarrassment?”

Harry laughed as he started the car. “Relax, Ems,” he teased, and she let out a dramatic sigh.

“You’re the worst,” she muttered, crossing her arms.

Louis turned to grin at her. “Oh, no, sweetheart. This is just the beginning. Wait until your wedding day, Papa and I are going to toast Ethan like he’s a national treasure.”

“Dad!”

Harry chuckled, giving Louis a playful shove. “Enough, Lou. Let the poor girl live.”

But as they drove off, Louis was already scheming aloud about how to incorporate the nickname into her next birthday cake.

☆♡☆♡

The house was quiet upon returning home, the chaos of the morning finally subsiding into a comforting stillness. Louis sat on the couch, absently rubbing his hands together, staring at the stubborn specks of glitter that refused to come off. They clung to his skin like tiny, sparkly reminders of the Valentine’s Day party he would rather forget, that and all its overwhelming emotions.

Harry walked in, carrying two steaming mugs of tea. He handed one to Louis and plopped down beside him, the couch dipping under his weight.

“You’ve got to let her grow up.” Harry said softly, breaking the silence.

Louis sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I know. I just…I want to protect her from everything, you know? From getting hurt, from making mistakes, from…” He stopped, rubbing his face with a hand, forgetting about the speckled glitter that will now somehow remain on his face for weeks, no matter how much he tries to wipe it off. “From all of it,” he finishes.

“You can’t protect her from everything, babe,” Harry said softly, his tone gentle but unwavering. “That’s not how it works. But by the time she’s grown, you’ll have done the important part. You’ll have made her strong enough to handle whatever comes her way. She’s got your sass and my charm, trust me, she’ll be just fine.”

Louis managed a faint smile. “She’s lucky to have us, huh?”

Harry smirked, leaning back against the cushions. “No, we’re the lucky ones. We would never survive without her.”

Louis chuckled quietly. “True.” He took a sip of tea, the warmth spreading through him.

“Anyway, you did good today. Even if you did eat half the treats on the table.”

Louis raised an eyebrow. “Hey, someone had to make sure they weren’t poisoned.”

Before either could retort, the sound of tiny footsteps pattering across the floor interrupted them. They turned to see Emily standing in the doorway, her eyes half-closed as she rubbed them with her tiny fists. Her messy hair framed her sleepy face, and she let out a little yawn.

“It’s been a big day for her.” Harry said, smiling as Emily shuffled towards them. “She’s running on fumes now.”

Louis stood, setting his tea on the coffee table. “Come on, sweetheart,” he said softly, crouching down to scoop her up. “Let’s get you to bed for a nap.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her upstairs, her head resting heavily on his shoulder. By the time they reached her room, she was almost asleep. Louis gently laid her down, tucking the blankets snugly around her.

As he leaned down to kiss her forehead, she blinked her sleepy eyes open just enough to whisper. “Thank you for coming today, Dad. I love you.”

Louis’ heart swelled. “I love you too, sweetheart,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Don’t tell Papa, but you’re the best Valentine I could ever ask for.”

A small smile tugged at her lips as her eyes drifted closed again. Louis kissed her forehead one more time, lingering for a moment before pulling away. Just as he began to straighten up, her soft, sleepy voice piped up again.

“

Ethan kissed me like that today.”

Louis froze, his expression shifting from tender to horrified in a heartbeat. He sat there for a moment, processing her words, before turning sharply towards the door.

“ HARRRRRRY !” he bellowed, his voice echoing through the house.

From downstairs, Harry’s laughter erupted loud and clear, for he knew at that moment that his little girl had just revealed the secret she had shared with him earlier on, the very same secret he had cautioned her to never share with her father!

THE END.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️