Harry sits in the floor beneath the moonlight around 1 am exactly 10 weeks after their twins were revealed.
The past weeks have been a rollercoaster for him; he has to see Jeff in the morning about his well being.
He's only gotten sick once, but thoughts still plague him, and he's not sure why. Jeff told him weeks ago that he was probably only stressed, to let time heal.
He hasn't healed.
Louis moves in the bed above him and Harry barely glances at him. His thoughts are elsewhere.
He feels confident in himself that he can shake this, maybe if he has help. He knows he's still himself, just in a completely different way.
His phone shines beside him and he looks down to see a text from Gemma asking if he's ok.
He asks why she's awake and looks back at the patio. He sniffs some and wipes his eye a little.
Gemma is quick to write him back, telling him he should be asleep himself; Harry smiles for a moment.
He tells her he's only thinking... that he can't sleep. He's sure she'll know the truth.
She does; she instantly tells him she does.
He only sighs and writes her, telling her to go to sleep.
He lets out a deep breath again and sighs.
Gemma texts him again. He gets up slowly and walks past Louis, watching him sleep.
He walks out in the hall then down the stairs, his hair longer than before; he can run his fingers through the small curls finally.
Gemma is sitting at the bar looking at him, her robe on and her hand resting on her bump.
"It's weird texting my sister in the same house," Harry chuckles some and walks to the fridge.
"Sometimes you should ask someone to talk to you," Gemma is quick to snap. "Jesus, Harry. Why have you always been fucking stubborn?"
"I don't know, maybe cause I'm used to being in control," Harry shrugs some and opens his water, "even being married."
"So what is it?" She asks.
"Why are you awake?" He quickly states.
"These babies," she sighs, "you?"
"Same shit," Harry sighs likes it's no big deal.
"You've told Louis," she asks him as if she's searching for confirmation. He nods slowly and she searches his eyes, "Harry, you're going to be fine. You know that. You're ok."
"I am," he nods and looks back, "it's just worry, sis. You know that. I know myself I'm ok... it's, it's only the anxiety."
"I get that," she whispers, "but Jeff will help."
He smiles some and looks off, "he's surprised I haven't gotten better."
"Harry," she starts and grabs his hand, "some people take longer. He told you that."
He nods and takes a seat by her, "ever thought you'd be sitting here with me like this?"
"No," she replies, "but you've been worried before."
"Yeah," he says softly.
"You love your life," she says.
"I do," he looks at her, "and I guess sometimes I think that it's too good to be true... it's not real."
"It's very much real," Gemma smiles and rubs her stomach, "I did do this, you know."
Harry chuckles and rubs her belly, "they're active."
"They are," she replies and almost groans, "they're kicking each other I think."
"They're going to be like me and Louis when it comes to arguing," Harry states and grins a little.
"Yes," she laughs, "always yelling at each other."
"Probably," Harry giggles, "I picture this boy with brown curls and one with blue eyes and the prettiest blonde hair."
"Like Emma," she nods and grins, "yeah."
"Yeah," Harry says, "he'll be beautiful."
"He will," she says quietly, "they both will."
He smiles some and looks at his hands, not finding any words to say.
He talks to Gemma for over an hour, then, he's going back to bed, unable to sleep until he's having to get up with Louis for work.
"You sure you want me to go to work?" Louis sighs after he's gotten dressed.
"Lou, you told them last week you'd be there," Harry stares at him from the bed, "you don't have to do it for me... you know I will call you, and text you."
"I just feel strange going," he sighs and grabs his wallet. "Emma ready?"
"Yeah," Harry replies and stands, "told her we were both taking her."
"And Livy?" Louis asks.
"Yeah, she's downstairs running around the living room. Your sister is running after her."
"Lottie loves her," Louis smiles fondly. "You ready?"
"Yeah," Harry nods and runs his hands through his short hair.
Louis smiles instantly, "your hair looks amazing."
"Yeah, now," Harry smirks, "had to go through my awkward stage."
"It looks stunning," Louis says more seriously before he's kissing Harry. "It's going to go well."
"Thanks," Harry smiles a little and looks down.
They walk downstairs and they're soon taking Emma to school first. Louis drops Harry off at Jeff's office before he's going to work.
Harry gives him a kiss and walks off, his mind filled with so much.
"Take a seat," Jeff is saying after Harry has walked inside his office at work. "So, it's anxiety?"
"A lot of the time, yeah," Harry tries to say, though he only mumbles it. "I don't know what to think..."
"Harry," Jeff starts, "it's normal to have this. Some people suffer from post traumatic stress. It's completely normal."
"Why?" Harry asks confused, "when you're so happy with your life?"
"Your body has gone through a lot of stress in a small space of time," Jeff starts and crosses his arms, "you went through it once, recovered. It came back again, and instantly you had the most harsh treatments available for people who's had what you've had. It takes more from you than just your physical strength."
"I get that," Harry nods slowly and sighs. "I guess I just don't understand why I have so much anxiety over something happening to me."
"Because you have a family," Jeff shrugs, "it's natural for some. You have so many things to look forward to, Harry."
Harry nods and stares at his hands.
"I wanna put you on something," Jeff starts and grabs Harry's chart, "something you won't care to take."
"I don't want pills," Harry smiles some.
"No, I know," Jeff nods, "it's the same thing I had you on during cancer. If you want to buy edibles or smoke it, up to you."
"Oh, Lou will love you for this," Harry smirks, "but yeah, ok. I'm fine with it."
"Good," Jeff nods and smiles, "tell Louis that it's better than going on any kind of pill. He knows that. He's a doctor."
Harry chuckles some and nods before he's getting up, Jeff writing out the script for him.
When he returns home, he's already texted Louis about the appointment and he's already picked up what Jeff prescribed.
He sees Gemma in the living room with Olivia walking around and babbling.
"What are you doing, baby girl?" Harry laughs before she's running to him. He grabs her and lifts her in his arms, her hands going to his short curls. "Are you trying to pull my curls?"
Gemma giggles and brushes her fingers through Olivia's curls, "she's been such an angel. She took a small nap and has been wide open ever since."
"Of course," Harry smiles beautifully at his daughter, "you're always a handful, aren't you?"
Olivia giggles and starts babbling, pointing out to the pool; Harry grins and nods.
"Sure, yeah, we'll go for a swim," Harry tells her and smiles at her.
"She's getting so big," Gemma sighs, "honestly, you and Louis will have your hands full."
"We'll be fine," Harry smiles at her, "besides, I know you're staying for a while... and mum."
"That we are," she grins before she's heading upstairs, Harry right behind her with Olivia in his arms as he explains his appointment to his sister.
He changes her into her swimsuit quickly before he's sitting her down in the living room with Lottie and heading upstairs to change.
He decides to wear Louis' small, blue trunks with the purple turtles again; he can't help but smile while he puts them on. He knows they're incredibly short on him, but then again, he feels so at home in Louis' clothes now. It has become second nature for him to steal his wardrobe as much as possible.
While he's looking at his short, unruly curls in the mirror, his phone sounds from beside him. He sees Louis calling and he's instantly smiling so big.
He places him on speaker before saying, "hey, doc. How's it going?"
"Hey, Love," Louis is saying on the other end, his voice chipper and upbeat. "So, Jeff decided to put you back on the weed, yeah?"
Harry chuckles and shakes his head, "is this what this phone call is about?"
"No, not entirely," Louis tells him while Harry's walking to their small balcony and lighting a joint slowly; he knows how much this helps... out of all the meds he has been on, nothing has compared to the medical marijuana he has used.
He feels like eating, he feels happy and content, but most importantly, it allows him to feel like himself again... while also powering his creative side in painting.
"I'm glad he chose this," Harry is telling his husband, "I hate meds, you know that."
"Well, honestly, it's better for your anxiety and all that," Louis points out, "so, what are you up to, curly?"
Harry smirks for a moment, "uh, I'm currently wearing your swimming trunks and about to take Livy for a dip."
"Fuck... I'm jealous now," Louis snickers into the phone, "send me a photo."
"Lou, you've seen me in them a million fucking times," Harry laughs.
"I don't care," Louis states, "come on... I wanna see you."
"Fine. Hold," Harry grins and pretends to sigh.
He hurries and takes a photo of himself in Louis' swimming trunks, making a peace sign as he's smiling. Then, he's quickly sending it to Louis, a grin on his face.
Louis is chuckling lightly into the phone in no time, "you look fucking gorgeous, babe. Wish I was there to rip them off of you."
"Not happening," Harry giggles, "you can't fuck up your own clothes."
"Eh, clothes are just fucking clothes, " Louis tells him with a smirk in his voice, "so, care if I come home early and maybe join you lot?"
"I'd love that actually," Harry says more seriously and hits the joint. "Can you?"
"I'm going to try," Louis replies, "it's my place anyway, and besides, there's plenty of doctors here to cover everyone."
"That is true," Harry smiles into the phone, "ok, well, text me when you're on your way. We can swim and then go get Emmy from school."
"I'm really glad to hear you sounding like yourself, Harold," Louis whispers into the phone. "I've missed this."
"I never left," Harry says more seriously, "just... lost control of my thoughts a lot and let too much anxiety get to me. But... I'm learning, and you know I'll continue to do so until I'm free of feeling like doomsday is coming for me."
Louis snickers at Harry's words, causing Harry to only smile more into the phone hearing Louis.
"I love you, Harold," Louis says softly.
"And I love you," Harry says back, "Mr. Tomlinson. So, when are you gracing us with your stunning presence, Doctor?"
Louis chuckles into the phone, "give me an hour and I'll be there, love. See you in a bit."
"Can't wait," Harry quietly says in a deep voice, "I'd love to have some noon time cock."
"Harold," Louis snickers, "I'm in front of my employees."
"Good. Walk around with the stiff until you leave," Harry only replies devilishly. "I can't wait for you to get home and then you and I go to our room so I can swallow your massive cock down my throat..."
"Stop, curly," Louis interrupts with a heavy breath even though he's chuckling, "fuck, you want to torture me, don't you?"
"I do," Harry agrees, "on the phone and in the bedroom. So, hurry your ass up and get home so I can eat it."
"Alright.... fucking Christ," Louis gets out as he's smirking, "I love you so fucking much."
"I love you just as much," Harry says more gently as he's smiling from ear to ear, "finish up... I'll be waiting."
"Will do," Louis laughs some, "see you soon, babe."
"K," Harry simply replies before they're ending the call.
He takes a few few more hits of the joint between his fingers, feeling the urge to just jump Louis when he walks through the front door; then, he's quick to remember that their house has become the Styles-Tomlinson B&B.
He smiles to himself before he's putting out the joint and sighing; he grabs a couple of towels from their bathroom before he's taking his phone and heading downstairs.
Lottie is holding Olivia and talking to her about a movie that's on the tele while Harry just grins beautifully as he's watching them on the sofa.
"She's starting to like television," Harry speaks up.
"Yeah, especially the baby network you 2 have here," Lottie smiles up at Harry, "all the different colours and shapes. She's so into it."
"Yeah, she used to lie in bed with me when she was a bit younger and we'd watch it together," Harry smiles fondly at his daughter while she's chewing on her fingers and staring at the tele.
"Aww, that's precious, Harry," Lottie grins up at him, "she's always been such a great little baby."
"She's going to be an amazing toddler as well," Harry winks, "I'm gonna take her for a swim. Gemma's joining me in a minute if you'd like to as well."
"Oh yeah, of course," she speaks up and stands, handing Olivia over to Harry, "let me go change. Our mums should be back soon. They said they were going to pick up a few things."
"Again?" Harry's laughing while Lottie is going to the staircase, "Jesus, do those 2 ever stop shopping?"
"You're a bad influence," Lottie jokes and continues upstairs.
Harry only smiles and carries Olivia outside to the pool.
The weather in LA is stunning, Harry can only think while he's placing Olivia in one of her pool inflatables. It's not too humid even though it's August. There's a few clouds in the sky, but the sun is shining down on the patio and making the rippled waves of the water in the pool shine.
Olivia only giggles and splashes the water even more, Harry encouraging her every time.
Gemma swims slowly and Lottie floats on an inflatable with her sunglasses over her eyes, headphones in her ears.
"Do you always sunbathe?" Harry chuckles at her.
She looks in Harry's direction and smiles, "I like being tan."
"You're dark enough," Harry smirks and pushes Olivia around some.
"Did she tell you what she's trying to talk me into?" Gemma speaks up with a small laugh.
"No, what?" Harry asks smiling over at Lottie.
"Oh, your sister is pissy because I'm wanting us to go meet these lads I found online," Lottie giggles and looks at Gemma.
"I'm fucking fat as can be," Gemma starts with a small laugh. "No."
"Sis, come on," Harry says back with a grin while he's letting Olivia splash the water, "they'd love you for doing what you're doing, I'm sure. You need someone."
"I don't want to," Gemma throws her hands up and laughs, "I just can't see me being with anyone until these 2 boys arrive."
"If they liked you, they wouldn't mind," Harry points out. "Where are they from, Lots?"
"England," Lottie replies with a grin, "they're staying here in LA for their job at the moment. They're from Manchester."
"Manchester?" Harry's face beams, "what? Really?"
"Yes," Lottie grins and looks over at Gemma, "your sister thinks she's too pregnant. She doesn't realize how stunning she is."
"Stop it," Gemma points at her and tries not to laugh, "I just don't feel comfortable going out. My feet are swollen, my legs are too and they cramp... and I have 2 boys who like to kick my bladder and make me piss every hour, or even sooner."
"Sis," Harry starts and smiles gently, "if he's into you, then he's not going to care if you're pregnant. You look amazing. You're glowing... you're absolutely beautiful."
"They know you're pregnant," Lottie giggles some, "come on, why not take a chance? You and I both know that one guy is into you."
"Ohh, so you've met him?" Harry raises an eyebrow and smirks.
"We met at lunch the other day," Gemma rolls her eyes, "and yes, he's quite stunning..."
"A total gentleman," Lottie interrupts and smiles at Harry.
"He was," Gemma nods and shrugs, "he complimented me on the pregnancy. I had to explain they weren't mine."
Harry smiles more and pushes back Olivia's wet curls.
"He thought what I was doing for you and Louis was incredibly brave of me," Gemma carries on with a small grin. "First time I've heard that from a guy."
"I'd like to meet him," Harry states.
"Of course," Gemma rolls her eyes and pretends to be surprised, though she knows her brother only wants what is best for her.
"Well, you know how I am," Harry looks at her, "I want you to find someone, sis, but I want him to be right for you."
"I know, I know," Gemma sighs.
"So," Lottie smirks from the inflatable, "shall we have dinner with them?"
"Ugh... sure," Gemma sighs but smiles, "fine. I guess."
"Great," Lottie almost squeals, "I'll text him."
"First off, what's their names?" Harry asks.
"Parker and Michal," Lottie replies and smiles at Harry, "Michal is the one who's into your sister. He thinks she's stunning."
Gemma almost blushes as she's shaking her head and sighing out loud. "If this is stunning, I think he needs his eyes checked."
"Give yourself a break," Harry tells her with a gentle smile, "Gem, you know you're beautiful. So what if you're pregnant with our twins... you still deserve to have fun. So, go out with Lots and have fun with them."
Gemma stares at Harry before smirking some, "my extra protective brother is wanting me to go out... hmm..."
"Hey, you need this," Harry says softly and more seriously, "you'll never find the right guy if you don't try."
"Is that what this is about?" She giggles and shakes her head. "Oh my god, Harry."
Harry starts trying to explain himself to Gemma while she only grins and watches him, knowing he means well by what he's saying to her. Of course he wants her to find someone to settle down with... Gemma has been aware of that for a while, ever since Harry had tried to set her up on dates.
"I'll go, ok?" Gemma laughs as they're getting out a few minutes later, rain clouds moving in.
Olivia is yawning in Harry's arms as he's stepping out of the pool with her.
"Good," Harry nods and smiles, "you deserve to. Just don't overdue it."
"Harry, I'll be fine," she chuckles some, "I can't drink anyways, so why would I overdue it?"
"Funny," Harry smirks at her and says sarcastically while Lottie is holding Olivia and drying her as Harry is drying himself.
"Want me to put her down for her nap?" Lottie asks.
"Uh, if you'd like to, that's fine," Harry nods and grins.
"Already finished?" Louis' voice is heard from the patio door seconds later and Harry's looking over at him instantly.
"Hey," Harry smiles fondly at him before he's hurrying over and throwing his arms around Louis, causing Louis to chuckle into his neck.
"Thanks for getting me wet, curly," Louis smirks.
"I'm glad you're home," Harry whispers and kisses the side of Louis' jaw.
Louis is quickly breaking out into goosebumps all over as Harry only gives him a sly smile.
"You weren't kidding on the phone," Louis says quietly and licks his lips.
"Fuck, no," Harry is quick to reply with a grin, "Lots is putting Livy down for her nap. So, wanna go upstairs?"
"Uh, of course," Louis replies with a snicker. "Lead the way, beautiful."
Gemma's going in the kitchen with her towel around her, paying no mind to Harry and Louis and going up the stairs in a hurry, both of them laughing as quiet as possible.
"You're still like a big kid sometimes," Harry chuckles while Louis is closing their bedroom door.
"Something wrong with that?" Louis asks while he's taking off his office attire swiftly.
"Nope... I love it," Harry smiles at him from the bed. He pulls down the wet swimming trunks and tosses them in the floor before sprawling out on the bed for Louis, licking his lips and giving Louis that seductive look.
"Fuck," Louis quietly states as he's finally pulling his boxers off. He climbs on the bed with Harry, straddling him in no time whatsoever.
"Yes," Harry sighs out as Louis is biting his neck and then up his jawline.
Harry's fingers grip Louis' hair while he's pressing his body into his husband's, the friction making Harry moan against Louis' neck.
"I wanna fuck you," Harry gets out, his voice deep and raspy.
Louis only smiles a little and nods, "I'm up for it."
Harry's quickly taking hold of Louis' waist and turning over, Louis landing on his back while Harry's teeth are sinking into his skin just above his collarbone.
"Fucking hell, Harry," Louis moans loudly and throws his head back.
Harry only starts doing it more while his pelvis is grinding into Louis', their cocks rubbing against each other's over and over.
"Fuck," Harry mumbles before he's moving to Louis' lips and crashing theirs together.
Their lips move in sync like they always do; their kiss is even on the point of violent, but that's only normal for the 2 of them.
Harry finally is pulling Louis' legs apart before he's entering him slowly, wrapping Louis' legs around his waist and running his hands up and down his thighs, his rings moving roughly on Louis' skin.
Harry doesn't move slow at all; he buries Louis into the mattress, his entire body on top of Louis now as he's moving roughly in and out of him.
"Fuck, fuck," Louis whimpers out, his breathing heavier with every single thrust of Harry's.
He grips Harry's back, his fingernails digging deep, causing Harry to only moan louder before he's biting down on the side of Louis' neck; he's sure he'll leave a mark behind, but he knows Louis doesn't give a damn right now.
Right now, Harry knows Louis only cares about being fucked... being completely and totally wrecked by him.
"Come for me," Harry demands and pulls Louis' legs up further.
"Shit," Louis is almost screaming now.
Harry closes his eyes, a few small grunts escaping his throat before he's looking back at Louis again and demanding the same from him.
"Come on, Lou... you know you want to come all over the place," Harry's voice is deep and seductive as he's staring in the blue eyes and commanding him to obey.
Louis' back finally arches, his fingers turning white as he's gripping the sheet on the bed now while he's finally exploding all over himself and Harry.
Harry watches the sight of him before he's finally panting, "yes," and feeling himself releasing every last drop into Louis, fucking him mercilessly the entire time.
"Fuck... god dammit," Louis shouts and throws his head back as Harry's gripping his legs.
Harry finally slows down, running his hands down Louis' legs slowly before he's collapsing on him, his hot breath on the side of Louis' neck.
They don't say anything for several minutes; both of them are trying to steady their breathing as they lie there covered in sweat.
"Fucking amazing," Louis is the first to speak. He barely mumbles out the words as he's signing, feeling his body relax, even if his legs now feel like jello.
"Isn't it always?" Harry asks with a cocky smirk when he's staring back at Louis. "That... I could never get enough of that... of you. Fuck, you're so good, Lou."
Louis smiles and wipes his forehead before glancing back at Harry, "you always going to smoke that shit before we fuck now?"
Harry looks at him confused for chuckling. "Uh, I might. I don't know."
"You should," Louis only grins before letting out a heavy sigh. "Fucking Christ."
About 20 minutes later, they've both taken showers and dressed, Louis glancing at Harry every few seconds while he's fixing his Vans shirt.
"What?" Harry notices and asks with a beautiful smile.
"Nothing... just," Louis shrugs, "it's really nice to see this side of you."
"Well, I'd fuck you more often, but you're a bit of a control freak," Harry winks and jokes before he's grabbing his Vans and slipping them on.
"That's a fucking lie," Louis states, causing Harry to snicker, "you know I fucking love the shit out of that."
"Oh, I know alright," Harry nods and giggles, "I'm sure our sisters do as well."
Louis' cheeks flush for a moment before he's shaking his head and grinning, "fuck them. I don't care if they heard me. You... you do things to me, Harold... and I can't control myself."
"I understand," Harry only grins and looks pleased with himself, "glad I can make you whimper like that."
"Ok, changing clothes now," Louis sighs and walks off, Harry only snickering at him.
He sits on the balcony smoking a joint when Louis is finishing.
"I still think you look better in scrubs," Harry's saying right away.
Louis shakes his head and runs his fingers through his hair. "When do you not think that?"
Harry grins and shrugs, looking out the window again.
"I've been thinking," Louis begins, words failing him for a moment.
"Yes?"
"You're healthy again," Louis starts, "Olivia is doing great with our sisters..."
"My sister is heavily pregnant," Harry smirks, "what are you getting at?"
"We use our trip," Louis admits and shrugs, "the one the lads bought us..."
"Paris?" Harry asks with a grin, "really? Lou, we can't just pick up everything and go."
"We can," Louis says softer, "you have this art show... and then, you and I are free, love... for at least 2 weeks."
Harry grins and shakes his head, "you and your trips you feel you have to take with me."
"This one was given with good meaning," Louis whispers and takes Harry's hand, "they knew you'd need to get away. You've gone through a lot."
Harry nods and bites his lip. "Doesn't sound so bad actually. Just promise me one thing... "
"What?" Louis asks with a smirk.
"You'll let me paint you every day... somewhere different," Harry says quieter, "because that's how I want to remember Paris... through a photo of you taking in the beauty around you."
Louis stares at Harry for a long pause before he's grinning, "it's a good thing I bought you those extra paints for your birthday."
Harry snorts, "already had great ones."
Louis grins and sighs, "sounds like fun to me. I'd be honoured truly."
"What if I did an art gallery of you?" Harry questions next, studying Louis closely.
"Oh, Jesus," Louis almost bursts out laughing, "uh, I don't think people want to see me nude, Harold."
"You don't have to be," Harry responds seriously. "Just... let me paint so many of you that I can show off my Perfect Match."
Louis licks his lips, "I'd be proud to do it. But does that mean you're going to work the whole trip?"
"Fuck, no," Harry grins, "doesn't take me long to do a painting a day... maybe 2 if I feel like it."
"I'm for it if you are," Louis nods and smiles, "I think it would be spectacular."
"Ok, so after my show, we can leave," Harry nods.
"Yeah," Louis shrugs, "don't see why not."
"Feels weird putting on a show again," Harry says softly and sits down on the bed. "It's almost as if I have literally let it go. I've had one."
"Harry, no one expects you to put on a million," Louis sighs, "besides, you have people from Twitter now coming to these... to meet you and I both."
"Just feels strange, doesn't it?" Harry asks, "used to be just this part of LA, now it's massive. And I spend more time taking photos in front of the works.
Louis snickers, "they love you. Why wouldn't they?"
Hardy smirks at him and sighs, "what should I wear tonight, darling?"
An hour later, Harry is finishing up in the bathroom with his sister at his side.
"Yeah, you did brilliant with the eyeliner, she nods and smiles at Harry, "your hair is getting so long. Matches the eyeliner and lipstick."
"Thanks," Harry smiles at her before he's fixing his dark, long sleeved and open blouse; even his butterfly tattoo shows.
He glances at the skinny jeans in the mirror and Gemma giggles.
"Your ass is not fat," she tells Harry.
"Good," he says and smiles at her, "so, how active are they?"
"You ask this like every hour," Gemma shakes her head and laughs. "They're always active."
"Good," Harry smiles as Louis is coming in. He sees him in the mirror and just smiles at him. "Hey, gorgeous."
"Look at you... eyeliner again," Louis teases, "I fucking love it though."
"Well, this is a dinner as well," Harry looks at Louis, "an important one."
"Right... so, get high and enjoy it," Louis smirks and winks, Harry only chuckling.
Harry knows that Louis doesn't even realise what the dinner is for; he arranged it and didn't tell anyone... but Gemma.
Harry throws on his silk jacket that goes with his trousers before he's glancing in the mirror.
"Hey, you'll do fantastic," Gemma tells him and gives him a thumbs up.
Harry grins and hugs her; he hears Louis downstairs saying the girls are already in the Rover with his mum.
Harry and Louis would however arrive by a personal car; Gemma hurries downstairs to get in with her mum, along with Jay and Lottie.
Harry stands behind Louis while their car pulls up. Louis shakes his head and opens the door.
Harry glances around and looks back at Louis, "was nice of them."
"Hey, they love you," Louis whispers.
"And you too," Harry nudges him. "Come on."
Louis nods and grins as he stares out the window; Harry sits and plays with his rings, chewing his gum as they get closer to the center.
"Shit," Harry gets out as they get closer.
He and Louis both see lines of people waiting; and of course, Harry and Louis both have to go in the front.
"Ok, just smile," Louis shrugs and smirks at Harry.
"They better at least take the girls around back," Harry sighs and starts to get out slowly.
He has several girls asking for a photo and he stops to take a few before he's going in.
"What the hell," he sighs when he sees Zayn inside, "this art show has turned into a circus."
"Yeah, but you have an invite only list now," Zayn points out. "Don't worry about them."
Harry does his best to nod before the tables are catching his eye; he grins and looks them over.
"They look exactly like I wanted," Harry whispers and sees every name tag.
The front table, of course, being Louis and their family. Harry smiles and runs his fingers over the white fabric, looking at the beautiful wine glasses.
His eyes then divert to the stage above; it's not too high, but on each side of the microphone stands paintings Harry has done since his recovery, and during.
He stays still for a moment, putting his finger to his lip; he's been ready for this moment for quite some time... now that it's here, he's wondering why he's so nervous.
"Fucking hell," Louis is loudly saying a few feet from Harry, causing Harry to smirk and forget what he was thinking. "Those people are just crazy."
Harry smiles and nods.
Louis takes in the surroundings and looks back at Harry, "this is different."
"They're honouring me," Harry admits and looks at Louis, "but... well, you'll see."
"I'll see? Asshole," Louis sighs and Harry chuckles some.
Soon, their families are coming in the back, Gemma awing over Harry's decor. Lottie does as well as they're taking their seats.
Anne holds Olivia in her arms, while Emma looks like a beautiful princess.
"This is amazing," Louis sighs and shakes his head.
Harry shrugs and grins, "should be fun."
They open the doors after about 30 minutes, Harry taking several photos with people before he and Louis are asked for them next. Both of them smile, and completely act natural in photos together.
Harry and Louis both talk with several people before they're being called to their seats.
Harry takes a seat next to Louis and Louis just grins and looks at the packed out room.
The woman onstage is soon asking Harry to the stage, Louis smiling and clapping as Harry gets up and walks to the stairs, hugging Gemma as he does.
He takes the podium and stays quiet for a moment, looking at everyone's faces.
"The last few years of my life have been rough," Harry starts, "and... I'm not going to stand here and focus on that. I want to focus on something else.
I want to focus on our dreams for ourselves... because they do still happen. But they only happen if you ask the universe for it.
I happened to when I found my cancer was back... I just hoped and prayed even that I wouldn't be taken from my family at that age.
I never really doubted finding a match... I knew I would. I never thought in a million years that it would be the man sitting in front of me... the man and the little girl I fell in love with forever ago.
I can't ask you enough to stop focusing on the I Can'ts, and change it to I Can. Your mindset will change.
Because life doesn't happen for you, it happens to you... and you're left deciding which way to go. Don't ever give up.
And I just want to say from the bottom of my heart that I could never thank Louis Tomlinson enough for his gift to me."
Louis' grinning like an idiot; Gemma can tell he had no clue Harry would do this.
"I'm still at a loss for words," Harry says softly, "but hey, I've stopped questioning it. So, Doctor, thank you. For it all."
Louis mutters a "you're welcome" as everyone begins to clap for them while Harry's smiling and giving Louis a thumbs up, causing him to laugh.
"Uh, but anyway... they picked me tonight for this, so I'm taking this as my opportunity. Pretty soon, a foundation will be started that will consist of me and some others... and all the proceeds will go to not only the children's hospital, but also the foundation for leukaemia. It's one way that I'd like to contribute back."
Louis can't help but smile wide... of course he didn't know Harry planned this.
"It's a foundation that will be called Home, a place where... no matter what stage you are in your life with cancer, that there is still a home surrounding you. There are still people who love you very much. So, the Home foundation will begin in 2 months and there will be articles about the opening night.
This foundation consists of a lot of effort... but I told Louis a while back that I wanted to start a painting foundation at the hospital here. It's currently under construction at the children's hospital, the one only a few feet from Louis' practice.
I will go and help there 3-4 days a week. Our goal is to allow every child the way to express themselves," Harry gets out, though the words are tough. "We want to bring some hope into their lives. And... it's not going to be easy, but... I've had this amazing chance to do something with my life. I was given a second chance for a reason.
And Louis knows it's not just for him, it's also because of this... this foundation is like a gift back to those who are maybe not as fortunate.
But everyone deserves to be able to express themselves and enjoy themselves, no matter where their journey is taking them.
We want to make every child feel like they're at home.... we want to make it feel like home."
Everyone claps for Harry, and Louis isn't sure he sees a dry eye at any table. Gemma is wiping her eyes beside him as she's smiling at her brother... and even Louis' mum and Lottie are crying.
Emma only looks on, smiling from ear to ear.
"Thank you," Harry smiles and walks off to sit down finally.
Louis only grins and pulls Harry close to him, Harry only smiling into his shoulder, his eyes closed.
"You did wonderful," Louis whispers and kisses his cheek.
Harry shrugs and sits back again, sighing in relief.
When the show is over, after Harry has taken the stage and explained his paintings, he's allowing them to box them up for him while he's standing off the stage.
Louis grins and loosens his tie, "you little sneak. You planned that shit."
"I did," Harry grins, "sorry."
"Don't be," Louis smiles, "I... I'm proud of you. So proud, Harry."
"Thank you," Harry softly replies, "you're going to come help me, right?"
"I can't paint," Louis laughs, "really, Harold?"
"You interact with children better than anyone I know," Harry puts his arm around Louis, "who said anything about painting?"
"Fine, fine," Louis nods and grins as they walk.
Their car takes them home, Harry thanking them a million times. He's texting on his way in, Louis watching.
"It's Chris," Harry looks back, "he's already finishing the next article."
"Damn," Louis laughs, "he's fast."
"Well, that'll be interesting to see," Harry sighs as they walk in. "How'd we beat everyone home?"
"Not sure," Louis looks around the empty house after closing the front door. "It's so clean that you'd find it hard to believe so many people are living here."
Harry chuckles and takes off his coat before he's grabbing a bottle of wine from the fridge, "so..."
"Patio, yeah, sure," Louis nods and shakes his head as he smiles.
Harry only grins as they both walk outside, the humid air hitting their faces.
"It's going to storm soon," Harry whispers while they're walking to the chair.
"Wouldn't doubt it," Louis sighs, "probably will for a week."
"If we're lucky," Harry snorts and sits back in the seat. He sighs, "I did it. I can't believe I did."
Louis smirks and stares back at Harry. "You were nervous."
Harry nods quickly, "fuck, of course."
Louis chuckles and lies back, "guess I would've been, too. You embarrassed me enough, curly."
"I didn't," Harry smiles at him, "you know you loved it."
Louis smiles and drinks some of the wine. He hands it to Harry as he's staring out at LA, "thanks. For all of that."
"Don't thank me," Harry grins, "I meant every word. You know that."
"I do," Louis looks back, his voice cracking, "it's so crazy to see how far we've come and yet... we still have years ahead."
"Yeah," Harry nods slowly, "hopefully a long time."
Louis grins and leans his head against Harry's shoulder, his phone vibrating in his pocket.
"Jesus," he mumbles and pulls it out to see Lottie has texted him. "They're almost home. Seems they stopped for your sister to have ice cream."
Harry almost snorts and shakes his head, "what have I done to her? We're terrible people."
"We are not," Louis looks back and laughs, "she volunteered... I didn't."
"You'd never," Harry chuckles and winks at Louis.
"You're an asshole," Louis laughs.
"What? Would you date my sister if you were straight?" Harry asks with a smirk.
"Probably," Louis nods, Harry only laughing, "she reminds me of you, so what?"
"Hey," Harry points, "I take offense at that. She and I are nothing alike."
"You are more than you know," Louis grins, "she's sarcastic as fucking hell, and so are you. She makes jokes, you make more terrible ones..."
"That isn't fair," Harry chimes in and looks offended, "you laugh at my puns all the fucking time."
Louis shrugs, "ok, true. But still... you and Gem are alike more than you realise. I mean, god harry, if you were a woman, you'd carry them."
"I would," Harry says softer, "I would've loved to."
Louis stares at him before whispering, "that's why you have Gemma. That's why she's so much like you."
"What? Are you saying that I was meant to have a sister who looked like me and acted like me because she was meant to carry our future children?" Harry asks and wants to laugh. "Jesus, Lou, have you been smoking my stash again?"
"That is what I'm saying," Louis says back, "you know all of this didn't happen by chance. You know we didn't just cross paths and become these total opposites of one another for no reason, Harry."
Harry glances back at him, his eyes stinging. "You believe in fate suddenly."
"I believe 2 souls can be destined," Louis says and nods, "yeah. And I think, like you said, the universe doesn't always work in your favour... but sometimes it does. Sometimes, it brings brokenness, just so it can bring life."
Harry's mouth closes and he looks off.
"Maybe I should've spoken tonight, too," Louis jokes and sighs.
"You're right though," Harry finally says and stares back at Louis, "there's a reason for all of it, isn't there?"
Louis nods before he hears the patio door.
"Pappa, you did amazing," Emma is running out at once and smiling at Harry, "daddy cried."
Louis sighs and Harry only smiles and hugs Emma, "thanks, girl. I expect you to help me with the paintings."
"I will," Emma nods and grins, "I love you."
"Love you," Harry smiles before she's running in. "God, Lou, you literally were blessed with the best daughter ever."
"She has a lot of your influence which is odd in itself," Louis chuckles and sighs, "she's like you as far as personality."
"You're correct," Harry sighs and drinks some of the wine.
A few minutes later, they're heading inside, Gemma sitting on the sofa with Lottie watching a movie.
Harry grins at her immediately, "How was the ice cream?"
"How was the pot?" She looks back at him and says in a sassy tone.
Louis snorts and covers his mouth while Harry only grins.
"Nice one," he tells Gemma and gives her a fist bump.
She smiles, "they're happy. That's all that matters. They'll keep me awake for hours kicking."
Harry grins and places his hand on her belly, his dimples deepening when he feels them.
"Jesus Christ. No more ice cream. They're going to kill you."
"I'm fine," Gemma laughs, "you 2 go to bed."
"We are," Harry nods.
"Excellent job, by the way," Gemma speaks up.
"Thanks," Harry smiles, "was really nervous."
"You couldn't tell at all, I swear," Lottie chimes in, "you did brilliant."
Harry grins and tells them goodnight before he and Louis walk upstairs.
Anne is tucking Olivia into bed when Harry makes it to the door.
"She slept the whole way home, didn't she?" Harry asks and grins.
"She did," Anne replies, "she was exhausted."
Harry smiles and hugs his mum, "goodnight."
"Goodnight, babe. Very proud of you," Anne tells him.
"Thank you," Harry tells her quietly.
He and Louis lie in their room minutes later, the pool lights reflecting.
"The construction will be done in 2 weeks," Harry quietly says. "How do you think I'll do?"
"You're going to do absolutely wonderful," Louis tells him, "you were born for this."
Harry smiles some and lies on his side, staring at Louis, "what are the odds I marry a paediatrician, then open an art center for children?"
Louis chuckles, "I don't know... seems we have the same heart... almost the same calling."
"Just in different ways," Harry agrees, "it's just odd."
"Being so anti-doctor and all," Louis jokes.
"Things change," Harry grins, "a lot."
"So I've learned," Louis smiles.
"It's been a pleasure doing this with you," Harry starts softly, "all of it... I never would've dreamed I would be standing here..."
"I know," Louis replies, "but the pleasure has been all mine. I needed you as much as you needed me."
Harry bites his lip before burying his face in Louis' neck, Louis leaning his head on Harry's.
"So, tomorrow I buy our tickets," Louis speaks up and grins.
"Paris?" Harry asks with a laugh. "Already?"
"Already," Louis nods, "we can leave tomorrow night. Why not?"
"Yeah... why not," Harry smiles some, "might as well enjoy it all."