Songbird [H.S]

SIXTY

Christmas Day

"The potatoes are burning."

"They're not burning." Marley rolled her eyes, barely looking up from the stove as her boyfriend tried to grab her attention. "They aren't in the oven yet."

The kitchen was bustling with activity as Marley and Johannah navigated the small place, working on peeling vegetables, making the stuffing and checking on the turkey all while different members of the family came in to ask what time dinner would be or to offer a helping hand. The morning had started off peacefully with both Harry and Marley laying in bed, whispering to each other with Josie sleeping softly between them and blissfully unaware of what the day was about to entail. Everything was slow, everybody getting up in their own time, wishing each other a Merry Christmas and eating breakfast together - savouring the quiet before Louis, Ben and Harry's family arrived in time for lunch.

"Something is." Harry stated simply, glancing between Johannah and Marley to see whether they were still preoccupied before stealing a handful of roasted peanuts set out in a glass bowl on the countertop. His hand was quickly slapped away by Marley who let out a sigh and shot the boy a warning glare.

"Nothing is burning." She insisted, the stress of cooking for so many people making her less tolerant of Harry's playful antics. Her tense body relaxed a little as she felt Harry wrap his arms around her waist from behind, pecking a kiss on her cheek as she continued to chop the parsnips into smaller chunks. "And stop fucking eating, you'll ruin your appetite."

"Lovie, I'm hungry. Do you want me to starve?" Harry whined, flopping his head down to lean on her shoulder. "I'm wasting away as we speak."

Johannah chuckled quietly across the room at Harry's dramatics, knowing full well that he was only annoying Marley because he was bored and wanted attention from her. He was so clingy, especially on days like today when everything was so centred on family and loved ones.

"Bambi, as much as I want to cuddle you, I need to get this stuff in the oven before your family arrives," Marley explained lightly, allowing him to kiss her again before she had to gently shove him away. There was no time for him to cling to her like a koala, maybe after they'd eaten and they were doing presents but definitely not in the busy kitchen with different timers going off. The boy wasn't even supposed to step foot into the kitchen as he was too clumsy and would mess things up so he was lucky he was even getting this much attention, despite it being brief.

"Where's sunny?"

"With your Dad. He's trying to teach her to stop screaming 'fuck' when she's excited but it's only getting her to do it more. I keep getting the death glare, don't make me go back in there!" He groaned, reluctant to step away from his girlfriend and return to the living room. It was awkward in there with Mark giving him the look of disapproval every time Josie swore. Technically, it wasn't just his fault she'd picked up the word but the full blame landed on Harry because Marley wasn't around. Lucky him.

"You'll be fine, babe. Why don't you put on that Christmas song she likes and have a little dance with her? Your Mum will be here soon to save you."

He frowned slightly, trying to think of an excuse that would let him stay with Marley but one look at her raised brows made him sigh.

"Fine. Make sure there's loads of pigs in blankets, Niall always eats them all." He grumbled, leaving the room with slouched shoulders and a pout that made him look like a stroppy toddler.

"Bless him, you could've let him stay." Johannah smiled softly as she started laying out the pigs in blankets on a large baking tray. Marley simply shook her head, avoiding her Mum's gaze as she felt her cheeks warm slightly knowing her Mum had been watching her and Harry's exchange. Sometimes the teenagers got so wrapped up in themselves that they forgot other people were around and might not feel like being surrounded by their sappy love fuelled conversations. Johannah never failed to see the way the both of them looked at each other. They glowed in each other's presence and Jay felt so consumed by happiness to see her daughter love with her entire being only for it to be completely mirrored back by her boyfriend.