School of discipline (L.S.)

Chapter 18

Harry's eyes wrenched open as soon as he heard the click of the door, looking up to see Louis stood before him, a surprised expression on his face.

"Hi," Louis said, stepping into the room.

"Hi," Harry said, quietly, glancing down at the floor before back up at Louis.

"I think we should have a talk, hmm?"

"Yeah," Harry nodded, only now taking note of the fact he was still on the floor, standing awkwardly and moving to sit down on the bed.

Louis took the chair, sitting opposite him, making Harry swallow nervously. He didn't like how serious Louis looked.

"I know this is all very new to you, Harry," Louis began, Harry's throat constricting at the use of his name. He knew Louis was mad now. He never called him Harry, always 'love' or some other pet name and Harry hadn't realised until now just how much he liked it. "And I understand how difficult it can be to come to terms with your feelings and your identity. But I cannot excuse what you said this afternoon."

"I'm sorry," Harry apologised quickly, the words rushing out of his mouth. "I shouldn't have said that word. I know it's a bad word and I'm not supposed to say it, but I was just so confused and overwhelmed, and it slipped out. I will accept whatever punishment you give me."

"The isolation was your punishment, Harry. Do you feel you need more?" Louis tilted his head to the side slightly as he looked at Harry. The younger boy was clearly nervous, fidgeting where he sat, picking at the hem of his t-shirt. He was still only in that and a pair of boxers.

"I- I don't know. Maybe not now I know that's what this was for?"

"Why did you think I'd left you in here, if not to punish you?"

"I just thought you were mad and didn't want to see me," Harry spoke quietly and Louis couldn't help how his expression softened.

"I will admit I was a little mad and that it the reason I put you in isolation," Louis began, watching as Harry's eyes began to glisten. "but," he quickly continued "that is not because I didn't want to see you. You needed a punishment, and it would have been unfair of me to give you a physical punishment when I was experiencing those emotions."

"Why?"

"In case, I took it too far based on how I felt rather than what you deserved," Louis explained, and Harry nodded.

"I really am sorry," he apologised again.

"And I really hope that's true. Now I'm going to ask you a question and I need you to be honest with me, alright?"

"I will be."

"You said being gay is wrong. Do you truly believe that?"

The two sat in silence, Louis watching Harry's face carefully as his expression changed minutely as he thought.

"No," he spoke quietly, his eyes fixed on the floor. "I don't." Harry took a deep breath. "I've never really told you anything about my family but I think it would help if I did." The sub looked up at Louis as if for reassurance that he should tell him, that it would be the right thing to do.

"You are always welcome to tell me anything, Harry, but I don't want you to feel as though you have to."

"I don't. I want to tell you."

Louis gave him an encouraging nod and Harry took another deep breath, settling himself before beginning to speak. "I was always closer with my mum than with my dad. My sister, Gemma, was as well. We spent more time together when I was younger with my dad working so much and I loved being with them. We played tea party, and dolls, and... dress up. Gemma would give me makeovers using our mother's makeup and I would do the same for her. We'd paint our nails and wear all the jewellery we could find." Harry smiled fondly at the memories of time spent with his sister.