Louis fixed his black collar quickly, rolling his white button down shirt sleeves to his elbows and slipping the black gown over his outfit. He tidied his hair slightly, fixing the quiff and messing with the sides. He dotted concealer under his eyelids and ran thin mascara on his long lashes. Louis didn't wear makeup often but today was the day of his graduation, he wanted to look as good as possible.

Liam knocked on Louis' door before opening it, peeking his head in to alert Louis that they were leaving in 5 minutes. Louis put on a pair of pizza socks and his black shoes, popping a piece of gum in his mouth and walking downstairs.

Harry was called to get his diploma.

When the principal said Louis' name, lots of people cheered, leaving Louis a blushing mess, falling into Harry's arms who was waiting for him at the end of the stage. Liam's name was called and Louis stayed on the stage to hug him and Harry causing more cheers to erupt.

The boys cheered happily as they shook the hands of their teachers and returned to their seats.

Harry and Louis ran towards each other, their hats shaking on their heads. "We graduated!" Louis squealed, letting himself be picked up by Harry.

Liam soon found the boys too, smiling with Niall's hand in his.

None of the boys had discussed much what would be happening over the summer but now that the day was here, everything was thrown on them. Liam was going to college with Niall in London. Louis was going to France to work in theaters around Paris and see if he could make a career out of his drama talents. Harry planned on leaving for a year to the states to try music in California, leaving Louis and their relationship for awhile.

"Today's the day, isn't it?" Louis asked sadly, knowing that yes, Harry was leaving for good, at least for the year.

Louis wasn't leaving until July, but Harry needed to leave as soon as possible, claiming he wanted to make the most of his experience in America.

"Yes, love, I'm afraid it is, but you'll be fine," Harry reassured.

Harry had already talked to Liam and Niall, making sure they were staying with Louis until he left for Paris just to make sure he didn't slip so far into his little space that it became dangerous. Harry knew eventually Louis would be fine without him and to some degree, that terrified him. However, both boys knew that things would eventually come to a close.

Harry almost hoped that Louis would find someone new to spend time with in Paris. He wanted Louis to have friends and experience the world. But he knew he wouldn't be doing the same in America. He wanted Louis with him for forever, yet he couldn't force himself to hold Louis back.

"I'm going to go to the airport, do you want to come?" Harry asked, although he prayed Louis would decline the offer. He didn't want to watch Louis cry over him. It was hard enough to leave as it is.

"No, I think we're going out to eat. But call me when you board, okay, Haz?"

Harry smiled and nodded. "Baby, I love you always. I'll be back in a year, I promise. You'll be here too? We'll spend some time together and maybe if you're doing well in Paris and I'm in LA you can come and see if you can get jobs in America and we'll be together again."

"I love you too, daddy," Louis replied, for old times sake before kissing him hard and going into Liam's arms for comfort.

Liam gave a slight nod of understanding to Harry, saying more than he ever could with his eyes and leaving Harry to walk alone to his car full of his suitcases.