Choices (Narry) **EDITING**

Chapter Seventeen: Ireland Part One

The sun is shining through the windows of my old room and onto my face. I curse and stretch, knowing that I won't be able to fall back asleep with the wretched light in my face.

Harry is still sleeping soundly beside me, curled up slightly into my chest. I run my fingers through his hair gently, admiring how young and peaceful he looks in his sleep. He hums appreciatively and I jump, not knowing that he is awake.

"Don't stop," he mumbles, his eyes still closed.

I obey, but start to scratch his scalp lightly instead. Harry cuddles into me further, sighing in content. We lie in the bed in my childhood room for a bit longer before there's a knock on the door.

"Boys, it's time for breakfast," my mom calls through the door.

"We'll be right down," I reply. Her footsteps fade away.

"What are we going to do today?" Harry asks me, mindlessly tracing a pattern on my hip bone.

"I thought I would show you around town today. Maybe get some last minute shopping done? I suggest, sitting up. Harry whines when I get up from he bed. He makes grabby arms at me and I laugh.

"Did you not hear her? Food."

Harry rolls his eyes in response before getting up as well. We both put on some clothes - the both of us having slept in briefs - before we head downstairs for breakfast.

My parents are sitting at the table already when we join them. I sit next to Harry. We both fill our plates with the delicious smelling food and dig in. I moan in delight and everyone chuckles. I blush.

"So what are you boys up to today?" my father asks politely.

"Gonna show Harry 'round," I tell him.

He nods, "You're gonna love it here Harry."

Harry smiles at my dad.

"Greg, Denise, and Theo are going to be here around four," mum tells Harry and I. I get quiet then and set my fork down, suddenly not feeling hungry anymore.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see my family after being away so long. But my older brother, Greg, and I don't get along well. We used to be really close when we were younger, but when I came out, Greg didn't want to be associated with me anymore. That's why I haven't been around and that's why I moved to New London. That's why I don't want to come back home and help run the family business, because Greg works for my dad and I don't need that kind of negativity in my life.

"Niall, it's all going to be okay," my mother tries to reassure me.

"Yeah right," I scoff, pushing the food on my plate around with my fork.

"He's changed a lot since you have been gone son," my father supplies.

I roll my eyes, "He didn't change for the two years I was here after I came out," I counter angrily.

Not wanting to hear anymore I toss my fork onto my plate. Everyone flinches at the loud noise it makes and I feel bad, but my anger is winning out so I shove my chair back and take my plate to the kitchen.

I lean over the sink, staring out the window, trying to slow my breathing down. I hear Harry tell my parents that he'll talk to me and he thanks them for the meal.

Harry wraps his arms around my waist and leans to look out the window with me.

"What's wrong Ni?" he asks.

"I don't want to be here," I tell him honestly.

He nods in understanding. He rubs my back gently and I begin to relax.