Pretending From The Start, Larry Stylinson Fanfiction.

Chapter 20 - Sweet Dreams

It seemed like everyone was tredding on eggshells around Harry ever since he got to his his mum's, everyone was acting like he was about to fall apart the very moment. There'd be times when he'd wince in pain from his cuts which made his mum rush off somehwere private to have a cry, either Harry or Robin going to comfort her.

Harry and his mum had a long talk about Harry's self-harming, and they'd sorted things out with Harry promising he won't do it again. Somehow, Anne believed her child. They chose to forget about self-harming altogether and enjoy the nights they had to spend with each other.

The family decided to watch a film before bed since they rarely had family time as Harry was always travelling. Robin and Anne sat side by side on the two-seater sofa, while Harry was sprawled out on the three-seated sofa with his head resting on Gemma's lap, her hands running in and out of his curls since she knew it relaxed him. But maybe it only relaxed him when Louis did it. The thought of Louis made chills run down Harry's spine, and not the good kind.

"Before we start the film." Anne spoke, remote in her hand, fingers brushing over the play button, "I needed to ask you what you're doing about the boys, Harry?"

"What about 'em?" asked Harry, head rising to look at Anne.

"Well, they need to know what's happened," she said. "If they walk into the flat, see you're not there, they're going to get worried, love."

Harry sighed, knowing his mum was right. "We'll invite them round tomorrow, all right? I can't really face them right now."

Anne nodded in understanding. "Are you all right though?"

Harry smiled, "Now I'm with the ones who matter, I could never be better."

Gemma playfully hit him, teasing, "You big softie."

"Shuddup," he muttered, head dropping back to her lap.

Anne smiled at her kids, giving Robin a knowing look who was finding their silly argument amusing. Harry and Gemma used to fight like cat and dog, then Harry's first self-harming days happened and Gemma treated him like he was the only person that mattered, then when it all blew over, they'd have silly petty arguments here and there. But now he's tried it again, something tells Robin they'd never argue like they used to. He had to admit, he was going to miss it. He got his drama and amusement out of watching his stepchildren shout swear words at each other, as long as he knew they weren't serious.

"Start the film," Robin whispered in Anne's ear.

Anne smiled, using the remote to start the film up. She put the controller on the coffee table then sat back and leaned her head on Robin's shoulder, getting comfortable.

Before long, Harry was fast asleep and so was Gemma. She had her head nesting in Harry's curls and her hands gently hovering over the arm he'd cut, almost like she was protect it from any more damage. But all the damage had been done. Anne looked over at Robin, gesturing towards her kids.

"They're adorable," Robin admitted. "Shall we wake them?"

"Na," replied Anne. She stood up, grabbed a blanket from the back over the sofa, setting it over Harry and Gemma while they continued to peacefully sleep.

"C'mon, love." said Robin, taking Anne's hand. "Let's get to bed."

Anne turned the TV off. She took one final glance at her sleeping children. She couldn't help herself. She tip-toed over to them, placing a kiss to Gemma's cheek, bending further down to place one to Harry's temple, a lot longer than she usually kissed him. Harry squirmed but didn't wake up.

"Come on, Anne," Robin laughed. "You'll wake the boy in a minute."

"Sorry," she whispered. She looked back down at them and smiled. "Goodnight, my beatiful babies. Sweet dreams."