True Colours

Meeting the family

Harry's hands are shaking and he keeps his gaze on his lap. It's been a long time since he's been this nervous and it's been also a long time since he felt like he had to stuff himself with chocolate straight away.

“Breathe, baby. Don't be so upset, they'll love you," Louis says gently and gets out of the car only to open the passenger door the next moment and crouch down next to Harry in the open door. His hands take Harry's shaking ones in his.

"Look at me, Harry," Louis pleads, and it takes Harry a moment to comply. He's currently fighting back tears because he's so damn stressed about being introduced to Louis' family as his boyfriend in the next few minutes.

“What are you afraid of?” Louis asks quietly and their eyes finally meet.

His voice is shaking, as are his hands. “I… I don’t know. Everything is just scary. I don’t have good experiences with parents as you know.”

“My darling,” Louis sighs. “Your parents are homophobic. You can delete this point alone for my entire family. I’m the absolute favourite as a gay son and brother.”

Harry actually has to giggle quietly and receives a bright smile from Louis, who unbuckles him, then pulls him out of the car and hugs him tightly.

“They will love you just as much as they love me. How I...," here Louis pauses and Harry holds his breath, hoping so much for the words, but Louis just clears his throat and continues talking quickly. “You're great, baby… and you can expect nothing but kindness here. I promise you!"

They both turn their heads when they hear the front door open and Louis‘ mother stands in the doorway smiling. He already knows her from pictures that Louis showed him, but nothing comes close to the warmth that she radiates in person. Harry takes another deep breath and tries himself to smile back while Louis grabs him securely around the waist and they walk towards his mother.

Harry would like to appear more confident, but instead sinks more into himself with every step closer, more towards Louis and can only keep his eyes directed downwards. He hates the impression he has to make but can't really do anything about it.

"Hello you two."

Her voice sounds as gentle and kind as she looks. Harry glances up bashfully and immediately misses Louis' arms around him as he instead wraps both arms around his mother and presses a kiss on her cheek.

"You look good, Louis," she says as they pull away from each other and she takes Louis' face in her hands instead. “Being in love suits you.”

"Thanks mum," Louis smiles and then pulls Harry close again. "This is my boyfriend Harry."

A little more relaxed after seeing how Louis' mother treats her son, Harry holds out his hand and smiles wryly. "Hello. Nice to meet you. Louis told me so much about you and his siblings.”

“I’m Jay. And believe me, Louis told me just as much about you,” she smiles. “Your curls are really great. And the long hair in general, I’m almost jealous.”

Of course Harry blushes, how could it be otherwise and Jay even goes so far as to lovingly pinch his cheeks. “Don’t be shy, my boy. Better come in and let’s have tea together.”

Harry already loves this woman and has only exchanged a few words with her. He feels so accepted and not judged in any way, it's such a completely different experience and Harry has to admit that his fears were really unfounded.

Jay is already stepping back into the hallway but Louis holds Harry back briefly, stands on his toes and kisses him gently. "Are you feeling better?"

“Yes, much better!” Harry nods and then finally follows Louis into the house.