DEVOTION

chapter six -

A/N : I'll be so honest, this is sort of a filler chapter... Next one will be better.

But as I always say... buckle up.

EDEN'S POV -

I spent the rest of the week with Aaron, having lunch with Mitch and Harry two days ago, because Aaron had some errands to run. I invited him, of course, but he explained that he wanted to set a better example of himself and not be too distracted. I didn't argue, though... It seemed reasonable.

After we had the talk about me leaving, he's been sweet. He cooked for me most mornings and whenever he got home late, he'd take a shower and watch a movie with me. It was just enough to spark up some hope for us... even if he's sort of crass at moments or doesn't express himself verbally, he tries his best to show me ways that he cares. I've just tried to push down any doubts, enjoying the small things.

"Okay, you'll call me when you land... and I'll come out and visit you in a week." Aaron pulls up to Mitch's apartment, reciting what we've discussed about the trip. We'll all be in a shared beach house in Malibu, one Harry owns if I'm not wrong, something he claimed would be the most efficient and also beneficial, all of us spending time together.

"I will." I smile at him softly, grasping his jaw and giving him a quick peck on the lips. "Alright, have a good time baby. Remember, call me if you need anything." Aaron points to me as I open the car door, grabbing my shoulder bag. "I will, I love you." I nod, slipping out of the car and he nods, pulling his sunglasses over his eyes again.

"You too, now go on." He urges me, so I close the door, grabbing my two suitcases from the trunk and walking up the walkway to Mitch's door, knocking and being welcomed in by Sarah, offering me a quick hug and asking me about my morning.

"Everyone else is in the studio, I'm just fixing up some snacks." She smiles and I set my things down, hearing laughter from further into the apartment. "Do you need any help?" I offer but she shakes her head, insisting that she's got it.

I hope I get to know her better this trip. She's been so kind.

I poured myself some coffee that had been made, gushing over Sarah's compliments and making some quick small talk before walking down the hallway towards the room filled with laughter and a bit of chaos, it sounds like.

I step past the threshold, leaning against the doorway and Harry glances up at me, his laughter subsiding just enough for him to smile at me, Mitch and Kid continuing on with their conversation. I wave softly at him, smiling and he stands from his seat at the piano bench, crossing the room towards me.

Mitch's eyes switch up to me when Harry walks past him, his face also breaking out into a small smile. "Hey Edith." He teases but his voice is kind and happy and I just roll my eyes at him, the grin on my face wide.

"Hi." Harry smiles, pulling me into a soft hug, my arms going around his shoulders as his snake around my waist. "How are you?" I ask patting his shoulder before pulling back, taking in his appearance. He's dressed simply, black skinny jeans and a grey tee, his hair in a bun.

"Very excited, and you?" He leans his back against the opposite side of the doorway from me, a lazy smile on his face. "Just the same. I have a little harmony to show you when we get to California." I tell him, taking the same stance as him, a small bit of space between us. "Is that so?" He challenges and I nod, fiddling with a ring on my index finger.

The air around him always feels so strange. It's not uncomfortable or awkward... There's really no word to explain what it feels like. It's always lighthearted or silly, comforting at the same time, but almost unsettling when he's not around. I've tried to not think much about it, just because I don't understand the feeling.