blind. 2 | styles (hariana)

X. Even After Us, You're Still My Haven

~ Harry ~

"That's beautiful Ariana." The balding doctor spoke, dragging his words on as his eyes remained glued on the screens in front of him. "We'll stop for lunch then return to read the last section of the book." The panel of doctors agreed with the man as a buzzer rang through the room. Just as startling as the loud sound, the balding doctor turned to Grace and I with a small smile.

"Write down your last thoughts then give them to me." He said. I had only written my name and the date in the top corner. Grace seemed to have written far more than I had and was busily writing down three more lines while I remained still, staring at my page. With haste, I scribbled down what I could. None of it seemed usable for her case, but something is better than nothing.

"Is this all you've written Mr. Styles?" He turned the sheet in his hands, as if I'd written something on the back.

I shrugged, "Pretty much."

Grace glanced over the sheet in his hands and shook her head. "He means for now, sir."

"Very well." The man murmured. "You two may go."

We thanked him simultaneously before Grace pulled us both towards Ariana who was surrounded by three of the panel members. She was nodding and speaking to them as they towered over her, disconnecting the wires and cables stuck to her skin.

"Why did you write that?" Grace asked quietly.

I shrugged, "It's what I observed." Grace leaned back in surprise, humming lowly as she pieced my words together. I looked back at Ariana who slowly slid out of her seat. Her usual smile was replaced with a cold wall as she shook her head at the three doctors. Feeling worried, I spoke up.

"Is everything alright here?" I questioned, glancing between Ariana and the three doctors who failed to leave once Ariana was freed from the wires attached to her. Ariana pursed her lips and crossed her arms as she glared at the three doctors.

"I want to go out for lunch but they won't allow me."

One of the three doctor's grunted, "Ms. Grande, it's primary that you remain in the careful supervision of the facility during your therapeutic treatment."

"What if I go with Harry?" She asked them. "The point of him being here is to watch me like I'm some pet, right?" The three looked among themselves in careful thought. Ariana was being very persistent about what she wanted, and I knew she would get her way not because of her position but that she wouldn't stop until she was in the right.

"If Mr. Styles would like to accompany you, then you are allowed within the proximity of the building. Meaning, you can't drive off to New Jersey or wherever you please. You must remain in New York."

Ariana scoffed, "Jeeze, I was just planning to grab some lunch at the vegan place across the street. Would you like me to wear a leash just in case?"

"I don't appreciate your tone ma'am."

"I don't appreciate being tested on like I'm some kind of rat in a science experiment."

"Okay, that's enough." I interjected. "I'll go with her." I cautiously took Ariana's hand in my own and pulled on it lightly, signalling her to follow behind me. Eventually she did, breathing heavily as she followed me closely out the door. Grace wasn't too far behind, but just like I was, she seemed slightly taken aback by Ariana's outburst.

"Hey Grace, do you think Ariana and I could-"

"Say no more." She nodded, brushing her hand along Ariana's arm before walking away. I frowned in disappointment as Ariana pulled her hand away from my grasp. Her arms dropped to her side as her pace quickened to catch up with my own. I was in no particular rush, but I knew Ariana did not want to be here and that as soon as she was through those doors then she would feel much better. The wind brushed through my hair as the glass doors were opened. I took a glimpse at Ariana who was bent over, hands on her knees as she heaved. I inched closer to her and rubbed her back, bending down to her height as I comforted her. Her breathing was roaring with irregularity as tears formed in her eyes. I caught sight of a decorative pile of large boulders and ushered her to sit on one of them.