Tell Me The Truth -H.S. AU

49

Despite Harry's protests I decided to go home, after we showered, to give him and his family some privacy.

He came to the conclusion that he should go talk to his mom and Gemma. Let his sister know that he's excited and happy for her, and let his mom know that he sees her and what she's going through.

He's so scared. It breaks my fucking heart. He tries to hide his emotions about it as best he can from me, but I wish he wouldn't. I know that he probably breaks down when I leave, which is why he wants me to stay. I wish he would let me in to help him through it instead of hiding it around me.

The talk of losing Anne has made me think about my own mother. I didn't tell Harry, but I decided to try and extend some kind of olive branch to her the next time we cross paths. It's exhausting living in this constant state of animosity.

No promises on how that goes though.

Harry's first few days back at work were alright. I tried to give him his space and let Cas help out where he was able. I could tell he was getting frustrated when he didn't have the strength to lift something, or twist his body in the way he needed.

I watched from the office window as my brother always jumped in to help, never making a snide comment it seemed, and quick to make Harry laugh. I'm watching them from the office right now, appreciating the way Harry throws his head back, laughing at Cas when he drops a tool on his foot.

"How's your boy?" My dad's voice booms, startling me.

"Hey, where have you been?" I ask, tearing my eyes away from the work station. I haven't seen my dad since we passed in the kitchen on Tuesday.

"Had to make some inventory runs and deal with some stuff at home." He shifts his eyes away from me, uncomfortable bringing up his situation with mom. "How's your boy?" He asks again and I smile at him.

"He's okay." I mutter timidly. "Hurting, but healing. I'm glad he and Cas have each other."

"Caspian has been a little lonely since everything happened with Johnny." My dad spits his name out, like the word is laced with vinegar. "I'm glad he has someone to hang out with besides me. I love him, but man I like my peace and quiet."

"He is neither, that's for sure." I roll my eyes and smile.

"Hey, you graduate Friday, right?" He changes the subject and I whip my head up to look at him.

"Yeah, why?"

"Did you tell Harry?"

"No...why?" I cock an eyebrow at him, wondering why he's bringing this up.

"It's a big deal, Vile." He smiles at me softly. "Your friend would be proud of you."

"Harry's my boyfriend, Dad." I correct him and my stomach flutters as I smile warmly, saying it out loud for the first time.

"I'm proud of you too." He whispers before exiting the office and closing the door behind him.

I rub the heel of my palm into my eye, trying to fight the tears threatening to come to the surface. I've heard those words from my dad only a handful of times in my life, and they hit me right in the chest every time.

I shut the workbook on the desk and push my glasses up to the top of my head. I look out the window to the shop again and find Harry and Cas gone from their work stations. The clock on the wall reads four forty-five. I know just where to find them.

I walk down the hall and push open the exit door, stepping into a plume of smoke, just as I expected. Harry and Cas leaning up against the back wall of the building, both of them with a cigarette hanging out of their mouths as they talk.