⎯⎯ 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎

" 𝕬re you sure you don't want to stay here?".

Darlene rubs her eyelids, the television screen opposite glaring with comically large headlines meant to spread mass hysteria and panic — COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IMPOSED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, INDEFINITELY.

And they are serving their purpose well for she has been glued to the television since two hours now, her phone ringing urgently by calls from various people to confirm that she is, indeed, safe in London inside her house.

Reporters upon reporters flash on the screen, a few second video shot of the Prime Minister justifying his decision in the name of 'public safety' plays and a number of questions swirl through her mind.

Why indefinitely? What about manual labourers? What about the normal working class who depends on daily wages to survive?

What is the government doing for them?

She's so lost in her thoughts that she misses what the person on the other line says.

"Uhm, what?".

A huff, "I said I'm sure. The last thing I want to do is be a cockblock".

Now it's Darlene's turn to huff, she leans back against the cushions throwing a casual glance back at Harry who is pacing through the open kitchen space with his phone stuck to his ear as he keeps mumbling under his breath.

He's been doing this ever since Darlene sprinted into their room — their room, feels kinda weird — at nine in the morning, her eyes wide and the sound of the tv flowing in with her as she knelt down beside a half conscious Harry lying on the bed and informed him of the news.

He'd grumbled something along the lines of "it's too early for April Fool's" and turned his back on her only for her to shove her phone in his face as proof.

And ever since then, he's been up and running around the apartment attending every call that comes his way.

"Mia, be serious. I'm not joking. Are you sure you can handle living with mum after so long?".

Mia and her roommate had had to find different accommodations immediately and since living with Kate — and Edward, of all people — after two years of being away could potentially pose as a challenge, Darlene had offered her little sister the guest room.

Mia laughs, "Yes, Dar. I'm serious as fuck right now. I have no interest in living with you and Harry when you're both literally inside your own little bubble now — it's sickening, honestly but also the cutest thing ever".

"You wouldn't be an imposition", Darlene tucks her legs under her.

"I know".

"Harry wouldn't mind".

"I know and I appreciate the offer but it's fine. I've already got Joe acting like my personal assistant so really, this is an upgrade of sorts".

Darlene chuckles, "What did you bribe him with?".

Mia gasps dramatically.

"He's my brother, Darlene. I don't need to bribe him, he loves me".

"So you're baking him cookies then?".

Mia murmurs, "Yes".

The older one snickers hearing her sister mumbling something about having to run out and get some stuff then hangs up bidding her goodbye.

She gets up on her feet and shuffles into the kitchen to finish the breakfast she'd been preparing.

Harry stays leaning against the counter, his phone glued to his ear and teeth biting down on his nails as he concentrates on the surface of the kitchen island.

"Raspberries or cherry?", Darlene whispers gaining his attention.

His lips tug up in an affectionate smile.

"Cherry", he mouths quietly.

She nods turning away as she smiles down at the bowl.

***
i know harry spent two months or so of the lockdown in LA but i didn't want my babies to be apart again 😋