For Your Eyes Only [h.s.]

Ch. 30 - 'it's not the same as it was'

Adelaide Young
Later that night.

"But we didn't even do anything! I'm completely clothed!" I shout back at him tears uncontrollably falling now. I know this isn't Harry's fault, but I am just losing my mind over this. How in the world did word about this get out to the public and be so incredibly wrong!

We know it wasn't Carmen, and it's obvious because she knows nothing happened, we saw her see us! She wouldn't so obviously leak information when we saw her AND lie about what it is that she saw. 

"I know, I'm sorry sweetheart." He coos, rocking me back and forth in his arms. It's not a romantic hold, everyone on the immediate team is here in the office space of the arena, but even as friends Harry wants to be able to comfort me.

"Harry. Don't. I'm serious." I lightly smack at his chest and then rest my head again. "This isn't time for your 'oh, love no worries, cheerio mate' shit." I mock in my worst British accent through my sobs.

He laughs, fully chuckles while I am panicking in his arms. 

"Harry!" I shout.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself. That was a terrible accent." He laughs as Jeff chimes in. I feel Harry slightly tighten his grip on me and lean his chin on the top of my head, making us both more comfortable. 

"Listen Adelaide, I promise we are going to take care of this. We don't want you to do anything differently than you were before and I don't want you to stress about this ok? We've dealt with much worse, I promise."

I look over at Jeff from Harry's hold and give him a tight smile, trying my best. 

"But Jeff-"

"Noah will be watched, we have eyes on him. Like I said, I have it covered." He says, answering my question before I had to ask.

He knew, he of course knows by now where my head is about this. While I care about Harry's fans thoughts and feelings about me, I care more about the fear of what Noah can do before the end of the trial. He's out on bail and while the restraining order helps, it doesn't stop him from traveling to the same cities as Harry. It only solidifies more serious repercussions should he get caught, but if he doesn't get caught... I don't know whether or not he would ignore the restraining order. He broke in with a gun over a photo of us at brunch, I can't imagine what is going to come over him when he gets a load of this. My tears intensify from the thought. 

"Let's get you to the bus, yeah?" Harry whispers into my ear from above me. 

I just nod, exhausted from it all. It's been such a rollercoaster. The pausing of the rules, a moment of indulgence I longed for so much being interrupted. Getting caught by Carmen. The chaos of the show, and now this. My body needs rest, and my mind needs a chance to go quiet. 

I look up at Harry and without thinking, make one single request. 

"Harry?" I whisper quiet enough so even Jeff and the team can't hear. When he looks down at me, the look in his eyes makes my legs go weak and I nearly buckle in his arms. "Will you stay with me tonight, like we did at home?" I'm not so caught up in the situation that I don't not realize that I called his apartment in London, home, but that's what that place has become for me.

He clears his throat, "Of course Adelaide, always." He kisses my cheek and tells the team that we're good for the night with me still in his arms. Everyone takes the hint and clears out quickly.

We're left in the quiet of the office, neither one wanting to break from our comfortable position in each other's arms. I shut my eyes and work to slow my breathing, finally noticing the serene feeling of his big hand rubbing along my lower back methodically.