night changes [zarry]

xii

"Mummy!" Emma says loudly, pulling the door open and throwing herself at Harry.

"Hi, baby," Harry says, kissing her cheek again and again. "Did you have fun with your grandparents?"

"Yea," Emma says, squeezing Harry tightly. "Grandma made cake."

"And you had lots?" Harry asks, kissing her soft cheek again and tucking a curl of hair behind her ear. He's missed her so much, it's good to have her back in his arms. "Was it chocolate?"

"Of course," Emma says. "Grandma's cake is super good. And we can take some home. And Jamie almost broke the neighbour's terrace door! Grandpa had to scold him!"

"Yea?" Harry asks, looking up to meet his mother's gaze.

Anne shrugs, looking amused more than anything. "They go a bit enthusiastic. It was fine," she explains.

"It was fine," Emma echoes, kicking her legs to get back down. "I'm gonna finish my puzzle."

Harry strokes his hand over her hair, letting go and tries not to contemplate l the symbolism of that too much.

"How were they?" he asks, toeing off his shoes and taking off his jacket.

"Perfect," Anne says. "You know they're the sweetest."

"Didn't Emma just tell me they almost destroyed your neighbours' windows?" Harry says, letting his mother hug him.

"As you did when you were that age," Anne shrugs. "How was your date?" she adds, grinning and tickling his cheek.

Harry leans away slightly, hoping he isn't blushing too much. "It was nice," he says, pushing past her to get to the living room.

"Nice," Anne echoes, following him. "Nice as in good or not so good?"

"Good," Harry says, leaning over the back of the couch to kiss Robin's cheek in greeting. "Hi."

"But good as in okay or?" Anne asks, not giving Robin a chance to say anything.

"Just. Good, mum. Nice," Harry says, crouching down by Sophie to pick her up. "Hi baby," he coos, kissing her cheek.

"Mamama," she says, smashing her hand into his face.

"Hi, my love," he says, kissing her palm.

"That's not an answer, Harry," Anne says, sitting down next to Harry and looking at him with a frown.

Harry sighs, pressing his nose into Sophie's cheek. He's missed her. "It was really good, mum. But don't get too excited. He has a kid, I have three kids, we're taking it slow. You know?"

"So he respects you?"

"Anne," Robin interrupts gently, laying his hand on her knee. "It was their first date."

"I know," she says, turning towards him. "But with— I just wish."

"I know," Robin agrees.

"What?" Harry asks, confused, rocking Sophie slightly. He looks between them.

"Your mother just worries," Robin says.

"But why? Mum, he's really really nice. He's so gentle with the kids, and his daughter is the sweetest."

"Okay," Anne nods, smiling a bit shakily. "I just worry after Martin. He wasn't — the most supportive and now you've got three children to look after all by yourself."