Just One Little Favour

Two

Harry enters his little cottage, tossing the keys at the small oak table by the door, kicking off his shoes. He stalks his way toward his kitchen, pulling his hair out of the bun, tipping his head upside down to ruffle the curls and brush them back with a large hand.

He startles when he sees someone sitting at the kitchen table, tea up to her lips.

"Jesus, Gem, how the hell did you get in here?" he squeaks.

Oh God, oh God, oh God.

She settles her tea on the wooden table, shrugging a shoulder. "Spare key under the flower pot. Where's your boyf and John?" she asks, itching the side of her nose.

Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.

He rubs the back of his neck, sniffing. "Well... Jonny has taken John to... the cinema, as a treat," he says, throat dry.

Gemma scans him with her green eyes, finally settling for a raise of a shoulder. "Well. Good job you're home! Our annual trip is coming up soon, and I wanted your insight on where we should go. Mum said Wales, but it's bound to rain and I'm not for getting wet." She ushers him over with a hand.

He hesitantly takes heavy steps toward her, plopping into the seat. She brings out her phone, flipping through her recent bookmarks before bringing the screen between them both.

"So, I like the idea of this one. But it is quite far away, considering this is only a three night stay," she explains, pointing and flipping through the images of a hotel up in Canada.

Harry nods slowly in agreement, lips pursed, head in his hand.

"But then, I don't really feel like staying in the UK, you know? Like, I want to feel more heat. I've been to most places, it rains a hell a lot in Scotland, Wales and bloody Cornwall."

Harry stops her finger from flipping, tapping with a finger to the picture of a treehouse within a dense forest. "What about a treehouse? That would be cool!"

Gemma hums questionably, scrolling through the website. "See, that would be cool, it comes with a games room, sauna, hot tubs and activities outdoors. I can see mum taking her bike. But, it's only just over an hour away, I wanted somewhere further."

"Not everything is about you, Gemma. Think of mum, she would love it there. So would... John." He swallows, letting the name slip through his teeth and tongue.

Gemma nods. "Yeah... Does Jonny enjoy outdoor activities?"

"Oh, absolutely adores them. He loves walking and zip lining, stuff like that." He waves her off, folding his arms over his chest. "I think we should just do it."

Gemma nods slowly, a smile finally pulling at her bubblegum pink glossed lips. "Alright. Yeah! Oh my God, this'll be our first time seeing your little family! Please tell me you'll invite them. Mum really wants to see them, especially John."

The plead in her eye makes Harry feel a little sick with guilt. He swallows the lump in his throat.

"Okay," he croaks out.

Gemma leans over, giving Harry a tight hug. "I'm so excited, Harry. I can't believe you haven't shown us them yet. I'm sorry we've been really distant, I'm happy you feel good enough to introduce us." She smiles at him, mouth stretched, eyes dazzling, teeth glinting in the light of the kitchen.

Harry just gives a tight lipped smile, not trusting his voice right now.

Since when was it so hot in here?

He gets up, sliding out the chair and over toward the kettle, flipping it on and busying himself in prepping a cuppa.

Gemma checks her watch, getting up and kissing Harry on the cheek. "Well, little bro, I'm off again. But I'll see you in three weeks time!" She waves goodbye, going toward the front door for her shoes. "I'll get mum to call you!" She yells out, before gently closing the door behind her.