Captured Ink, Hidden Hearts

Harry

Gemma storms into his flat as Harry opens the door, looking and feeling completely miserable. He doesn't even have a chance to defend himself against the surprise visit from his sister, who has already grabbed him around his wrist and is dragging him behind her.

But he tears himself away from Gemma, leaves her standing in the middle of the corridor and walks wordlessly to his bedroom and bed where he drops onto it. Gemma follows him and sits onto the mattress next to him. Her gaze falls on Harry's face, which probably bears witness to the previous sleepless night.

"What the fuck happened? How are you?" she asks sympathetically, albeit with wide eyes. Gemma obviously knows already from the fallout with their mother.

Harry sighs heavily. "How did you know about it?"

"Mum called last night, she seemed pretty upset. I only heard half of it because of her angry babble."

Harry nods sombrely. "In short - she hates that I'm with Louis. She's not at all thrilled about it, especially because of the age difference and because Louis is a tattoo artist."

"She told me that, yes, but I want to hear your version. What really happened?" Gemma frowns.

Harry swallows hard before he starts to talk. "Louis and I came to her house yesterday for coffee and cake. Mum was shocked when she found out he was 37. Then she started going on about his job and saying so many horrible things to him, Gemma. It was just awful. Oh, and according to her, I have a daddy kink."

"She didn't say that!" Gemma exclaims indignantly.

"Yes, she did. Loud and clear," Harry mumbles, realising he's getting angry again. At least it briefly masks his sadness at Louis' dismissive behaviour afterwards.

Gemma looks at him sympathetically and pats his cheek. "Oh, Harry, I'm sorry about that. How did Louis react to that?"

Harry lowers his eyes. "He withdrew. After I dropped him at his home, he stopped answering my messages, he didn't even pick up my calls. I don't know what to do, Gemma. I love him so much and it hurts me that he's withdrawn like this."

Gemma puts a hand on Harry's shoulder reassuringly. "Give him time. When I think about how upset Mum was on the phone and what you're saying, he'll probably just need a moment to digest it. Even I, as an outsider, find it very hurtful for both of you."

Harry nods sadly. "You're probably right, but I'm so worried, Gemma. I don't want him to suffer because of all this. Because of my own mum, on top… I feel guilty. He was just starting to stop thinking he wasn't enough for me. She ruined everything."

"Shit... I'm definitely going to talk to her again," Gemma says, stroking his back.

Harry curls up closer to her, resting his head on her lap and seeking comfort from his sister. From the only part of his family that is there for him instead of shooting against the love of Louis and him.

"What if he breaks up with me? I'm afraid of that Gemma. He's everything to me," Harry whispers and then can no longer hold back his tears. Just like all those long hours in the night before.

"I don't believe that. I've seen the way he looks at you. I'm sure he'll get back to you today,” Gemma tries to reassure him and runs her fingers through his hair.

"I hope so," Harry mumbles. "And if he doesn't or even breaks up with me, I'll never forgive mum."

Gemma sighs softly and continues her sisterly caring. She's just there, letting Harry cry bitter tears on her trousers until nothing more comes. Harry is downright empty and that sinking feeling in his stomach that not everything is going to be okay just won't go away.