Speechless (Harry Styles AU)

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter 16

“Lu, Finn,” Harry whispered to his siblings, “It’s about room time, why don’t you get everything you need.”

Both Lucy and Finn got out of their seats and began rummaging silently around the main floor of the house. My attention turned back to Tobias as I softly stoked his hair. His head was stationed in my lap and he was fast asleep. His light brown hair was in his eyes so I carefully brushed it away. I could feel Harry staring at me as I softly ran my fingers down Toby’s cheek. His skin was baby soft, blemish free, his eyes were closed delicately and his lips were parted slightly.

As soon as Lucy and Finn were out of sight Harry spoke again, “I should take him to bed,” Harry whispered his hand reaching over and placing on his little brother’s stomach.

We had been sitting in the living room since I first arrived a few hours ago simply chatting. Lucy was fascinated by all of the stories I had to tell and begged me to sign back and forth with her so she wouldn’t be out of practice. Finn was distant but still sat in the living room with us, watching with attentive eyes.

I nodded and tucked my arms under Toby’s tiny body and I scooped him up holding him close to my chest. His deep breathing was unfazed by the movement.

“I can take him,” Harry mumbled as I shifted my weight off the couch.

Looking over my shoulder I shook my head and shifted Toby so his weight was evenly distributed in my arms. He seemed to weight nothing now. Harry stood up behind me his hand sliding across my shoulders to guide me.

Lucky for me Toby’s room was on the first floor. The dim room was filled with two small beds, one larger, one child sized.

“You can put him in my bed tonight,” Harry whispered walking around me to throw the covers off the bed so it was easier to place Toby inside of it.

Realization flushed over me as I took more of the room in, it was completely filled with toys and children’s games like any child’s room should be, yet in one small corner was filled with adult things, a backpack, clothing, and jackets, everything you would expect to see in a teenager’s room.

Bending over I placed Toby in the bed, he instantly rolled into a ball. Harry leaned over me pulling a blanket over the tiny body of the boy. Moving out of his way I meandered my way towards the door watching both of them intensely.

Harry slowly got into his knees on the side of the bed his hands brushing the hair out of Toby’s eyes. It was odd seeing Harry this way, kneeling before a child, acting as a parent by tucking him in tightly. Harry slowly shifted his weight so he was above the little boy and his lips pressed softly on his tiny forehead.

“Goodnight Squirt,” Harry whispered softly, “see you in the morning.”

Harry then pushed himself off the bed and walked towards me. His eyes were tired when he neared me, this was a captivating side of Harry. A side I figured not many people got to see.

“I have to go check on Lu and Finn then I’ll be back down,” He explained as he brushed past me.

I followed him until we reached the living room then I took my spot on the couch as Harry disappeared up the stairs. The house that a moment ago was buzzing with children was now completely still and silent. Though the room was a mess, this was a homely place, there was life with the walls, it seemed to whisper the happy moments that were once shared within the home yet there was also an echo of fear, the way there was small nooks and crannies all over the place that seemed to be large enough for a child to hide. There was an unmistakable tension that rang above all else.