The day of the recital is an anxious one for Harry as he adjusts his black tie for the hundredth time already today. He stands in the middle of the living room, watching as the caterers finish the cheese board that Taylor insisted on having. Taylor stands in the middle of it all helping to adjust some of the drink cups.

Harry feels useless standing in the middle of the room, but he doesn't want to go over and get in anyone's way. Besides, he's perfectly content standing on this side of the room. He watches quietly as the board is finished and the caterers slowly leave his apartment, leaving the two alone.

"I think everything looks good, we just have to wait for everyone to come," Taylor sighs happily. Harry rotates the ring on his finger in an attempt to keep his hands occupied.

"What time is everyone coming," Harry questions as he glances towards the clock. The recital was roughly planned for two, but he thinks Taylor told most of the guests to arrive a little earlier to enjoy some food and drinks.

Anxiously, Harry makes his way into the kitchen to grab something to drink to ease his growing nerves. His stomach twists into a knot and, for a moment, he considers canceling the event altogether. No matter how much the thought entices him, he knows he would never go through with it. He's put way too much time into this to cancel it last minute.

His anxiety is only worsened, however, as the doorbell rings. Green eyes turn hurriedly towards Taylor who can barely contain her smile as she rushes over to the door. He watches as she takes a breath before opening it. Three girls who Harry, surprisingly, don't know stand in the doorway. Taylor gives the three girls hugs and ushers them inside.

Harry forces a breath and then another before walking over to the girls and greeting them. They're all pretty in their own way, he decides. Two of the girls share the same brown hair while the other one has decided to dye it an unnatural shade of blond. He listens to the girls' names, but he doesn't put them to memory. Odds are that he won't see them again and he's too busy listening to the song repeat itself over and over in his own head to focus on anything else.

Taylor leads the girls to the drinks and snacks as they gossip about something Harry isn't concerned about.

As the clock ticks closer to two and no new guests come knocking at the door, Harry starts to feel as though this was a terrible idea altogether. Remaining optimistic seems futile at this point, but it's unlike his mother to miss an event. He pulls out his phone and glances down at his text messages, hoping to see something from his mom.

12:03 PM

Are you still coming?

12:39 PM

It's at 2 if you are

1:31 PM

Mom?

1:45 PM

I need a headcount...

1:56 PM

If you come late the door will be open

Taylor's eyes met Harry's from across the room and she gives him a sympathetic smile. He watches as she excuses herself from her friends to come over.

"What do you want to do," Taylor questions softly. Harry glances at the clock. The minute hand rests on the 12 at the top. They won't be able to wait much longer.

"I guess we just start. She can always come in later if she's-"

Harry's interrupted by the sound of a knock at the door. His stomach drops as his eyes shoot to the door. Taylor's eyes light up and she gives him a nod of encouragement to go and open it.

Nervously, Harry goes to the door. He's sure that his mom will be supportive of this new endeavor of his. She always wanted him to learn to play the piano after all. He hopes that she remembers the song and understands why he picked it to play today. Maybe, this will be a new start for the two of them. Their relationship hasn't always been the best, admittedly, but there's always time to work on it.

His stomach drops, however, as he opens the door and sees a different face standing in the doorway. "Hi baby brother," Gemma cheers. Her eyes scan across his face as she adds, "What, no hello?"

"Hi, Gemma, I didn't know you were coming," Harry admits.

"I had nothing else to do today," Gemma sighs as she walks into the room and takes a dramatic seat on the sofa. "It's 2, are you going to get started?"

Harry knows she's right. He doesn't want to keep anyone waiting. Despite it, he can feel himself biting back tears. His mother isn't coming. He went through the trouble of learning the song specifically for her.

The black piano bench waits for him, but it feels cold as he sits. The piano and the bench no longer feel inviting, and he feels a sense of dread as he sits. Harry sits up a little taller than usual so he can give Taylor one last hopeful look before bringing his attention back to the music in front of him.

As Harry sets his hands on the keys to begin, he hears the door silently open and a figure slide into the room. He strains a little, his curiosity getting the best of him. Instead of seeing his mother slide into the room he sees feathery brown hair.

Knowing he can't put this off any longer, Harry lays his hands over the keys and begins the song. While the audience only hears the music, the lyrics of the song play over in Harry's head. He knows that the song could be interpreted for a mother and child dancing together platonically. However, a different interpretation sits in his head now.

As we swayed to the music, and held to each other.... I fell in love with you.

Louis' face flashes in his head for a moment, but he quickly pushes the thought aside. He can't think about that right now. Not with this song.

When we're together, it feels so right

It does. God, it does, but Harry can't afford to give in to it. Not now, not with everything else going on in his life. Maybe. Maybe one day it'll be a luxury Harry could afford, but Louis lied to him about everything.

As we moved together, I knew forever.... you're all I'll ever need

As much as Harry doesn't want to admit it, they're married. He can't run away from that. One day, he's going to have to face it and deal with it, but that doesn't mean that it has to be today.

Could I have this dance for the rest of my life

Could he? The rest of Harry's life feels like forever and offering it to someone feels impossible. Honestly, it's only been a handful of weeks and Harry finds himself missing Louis already. He knows that he could get over him, given enough time, but there's never truly escaping him. Forever they will be linked, legally, even if they go through with the divorce.

Before Harry knows it, the song comes to an end and there's a pathetic clap from the sparse audience. He finds himself glancing over the room, trying to find Louis around to talk to him, even just for a second.

Their eyes lock from across the space and there's a proud look in Louis' blue eyes. Harry nods and gives a small bow, but he's unable to look away from Louis. The carefree nature that drew Harry in is still about him as he leans lazily against the wall.

"Good job," Someone says. Harry tears his eyes away from Louis and looks at the person standing in front of him. There's a blotchiness to Gemma's cheeks that he didn't notice when she first came in.

"Thanks," Harry says absentmindedly as he glances around to try and find Louis again.

"I'm sorry Mom didn't show up, but who needs parents anyway," Gemma says. Harry turns to her, curious to how she knew their mother was supposed to show up but didn't. "Hey, if you keep it up you might end up better than I was."

"Well, you quit when you were ten," Harry points out. His sister smirks as she waves a hand.

"Technicalities."

"Thanks for coming though, Gemma," Harry continues. While Gemma may not be the guest he intended on showing up, it was nice to have her. Sibling rivalry aside, Harry appreciates the gesture.

"Sure, I couldn't miss my little brother's first recital," Gemma replies sarcastically. He knows how she tries to play it off, but he can tell that her words are genuine. Somewhere, albet deep, is the older sister he once looked up to. "I'll let you get back to your friends... or Taylor's friends it looks like. Besides, I have a wine appointment I can't miss."

Before Harry can reply Gemma lets herself out of the apartment. Through the bobs of heads around him, Harry can't find Louis' among them. 

Louis_T

Ik it may not mean much but im really proud of u

if u want to come by I'll explain everything