True Colours

Beneath the surface

Trigger warning: this chapter contains homophobic language and mentions of self-harm.

I would just like to point out that this story definitely has a happy ending and it will get better soon 🫠

Harry has rented a car so that the three of them and their suitcases can drive comfortably to his parents. At least a little compensation for what the siblings have to endure. He’s leaning against the car on the street of Louis' apartment and is about to pick up both siblings.

He has already rang them on Louis'  phone and shortly afterwards the door opens and they both step out. Lottie is wearing a tight black sheath dress, high pumps and her blonde hair is curled around her beautifully made-up face. His parents will love it, Harry is sure of that. While Louis is his typical self, seemingly giving a shit about everything and instead just wearing a burgundy sweater with his tightest black jeans on. His parents will hate that. And Harry likes him a little more for that.

Harry waves to both of them and receives a quick kiss on the cheek from Louis as a greeting while Lottie stands awkwardly next to them.

"Hi Lottie," Harry smiles, becoming more nervous than he ever has been. Images of the incident come forward and he knows he is blushing a deep red. “Um, first of all, sorry for what you had to see the other day. It makes me incredibly uncomfortable. And then thank you for doing that for me. I am deeply indebted to you.”

Louis cackles loudly. “God darling, so posh. Are you already practising for your parents?“

"Louis," Lottie rolls her eyes and then smiles warmly at Harry. "It’s okay. Let’s forget about the incident and make the most of the weekend.”

Harry just smiles gratefully and feels downright shy in front of Louis' sister. It's the first time he has contact with her outside of yoga and no matter how hard he tries, he just can't get the images out of his head of her staring at Louis and Harry back then. He quickly grabs their two small suitcases and lifts them into the trunk.

When Harry is behind the wheel and both siblings are seated in the car - Louis next to him and Lottie in the back - he starts to drive off.

And even though Harry finds the whole situation strange now that his plan has become reality and they're on their way, Louis manages to lighten the mood. Harry always has to laugh at the sibling banter or all three sing loudly along to the songs that Louis plays on the car radio via his music app. Most fall into the guilty pleasure category and yet it's exactly what Harry needs right now. A little more carefree time before he has to mask his whole self in front of his parents.

“What did you actually tell your parents why I was coming with you?” Louis suddenly asks and turns the music down a little so that they can talk better.

"Nothing yet," Harry admits, smiling apologetically.

“Harry!” Louis exclaims indignantly and looks at him sternly.

“Stop killing me with your eyes. I'll improvise... Once you're standing in the door, they won't say no in front of the other guests anyway," Harry explains.

“I can’t believe what I’m doing for you…” Louis just mumbles.

“Neither do I,” Lottie giggles from behind.

“Thank you,” Harry just whispers and then turns up the music again.

He's not ready to say goodbye to this good mood just yet. Bathe a little more in the happy and loving personalities of the other two, recharge for what will suck all his energy.