flower crowns // l.s.

✿26✿

It was time to go, Harry knew that; he just didn't want to. He'd miss Gemma and Josh, who he'd grown very fond of. It could be years until he sees them again, so he makes sure that the hug he gives her is a long one. If his mother's death didn't open his eyes before, then Louis' story about his sister certainly did. Harry has always loved Gemma, but he never had shown it too often. He first hugged Josh (who'd surprisingly got out of work on time to say good-bye), gave him a few pats on the back and saying, "if you hurt her, I'll kill you," in the most threatening tone he could muster up.

"If I hurt her, I'll let you kill me," Josh said back.

Harry laughed and moved on to Gemma, who he grasped tightly and firmly. He didn't know how long the hug lasted, but that it felt so homely and familiar. He held on to that feeling, even after they parted. Gemma appeared to be crying, which had Harry kissing her forehead sweetly. "Such a softie," he muttered jokingly.

She lightly hit his shoulder. "Oh, hush up, now. You better come visit soon. With your boyfriend."

Harry flushed and shyly laughed. "He's not my . . ." He trailed off, soon to clear his throat and hug her once more. Louis had to grab his hand and practically pull him away from them, saying that they'd miss the flight if they waited any longer. Harry waved and pouted and frowned and kept looking back until he couldn't see them anymore.

+ + +

"I can't believe it's over," Harry said with a frown once he was settled with Louis. Josh bought Louis a ticket back with Harry, thankfully. He looked out the window, staring at the cloudy sky as California was slipping away. "Felt like I just got there."

Louis grabbed Harry's hand and poked at his shoulder. "But you had a nice time. And I'm certain you missed Liam and Niall, too."

Harry suddenly widened his eyes and turned to Louis. "Oh my God! They don't know!" He loudly said, but then quieted down to a whisper. "They don't know what happened between us."

"They don't?" Louis laughed out, but snatched Harry's phone when he pulled it out. "No way, we're not telling them now. Let's just act like it's normal for us to be holding hands and kissing in front of them."

Harry furrowed his eyebrows and thought on it, wondering if it would be funny to mess with them like that. Possibly. He normally wouldn't try that; he was planning on just blowing the group chat up with messages about what's happened, but Louis' idea seemed fun and interesting. They would be getting there pretty late, though, so he doubted they'd stay up for him.

"Fine," he finally said to Louis, who started messing around with his phone. "Wanna stay over?"

He blinked quickly and shrugged, hesitantly looking up at Harry. "What for?"

"My apartment's closer. You could, like, crash on the sofa, if you wanted," Harry quietly said, shyly messing with his hands.

Louis smiled, Harry's phone still in his hands. "No, that's fine, H. I kinda miss my bed. And, you know, we just started this thing between us, and I don't think we should . . . yet." Harry had looked away out of embarrassment, which had Louis reaching out for his hand. "Not that I don't want to. Just wanna be smart. Should take you out before we stay at each other's houses, I think."

Harry slouched. "But I've stayed over at your house. We haven't exactly done things the normal type of way, why start now?"

He reached out to stroke Harry's hair. "Look at me." Harry did reluctantly. "It's only because I want to do everything right, okay? Nothing against you, or us. I'm trying to be romantic here," Louis expressed, hints of sarcasm in his voice. That made Harry crack a small smile and lean his head into Louis' hand.