Tan Lines and Closed Eyes ( Ziall AU)

Chapter 15

Niall's POW

Living in Liam's and Zayn's household really wasn't anything I was used to. It was like a paradise all the time, well compared to my life before. I no longer had to prepare any fake dinners, since Liam were more than willing to cook for all of us. I didn't have to clean, or listen to the same old ugly grandfather clock tik toking. I just pretty much hung around the apartment and and I could do anything I wanted, go out whenever and wherever I wanted. In a way I felt kinda horrible and lazy just living here, not paying rent or doing anything for them. But anytime I would offer my money or help, Zayn would protest and just tell me to chill and like, sit me on a couch and tell me to watch some Netflix.

So this night, Harry and Louis were coming over. I was wondering out loud how I should tell Harold, and Zayn suggested that we should just have a little get-together where I could tell Harry, if I was ready. And in case I wasn't we could just hang out and get to know each other. Liam and Zayn were absolutely dying to watch one certain horror movie, so we decided to watch it, just hang and talk, and of course, make the new lovebirds uncomfortable with our questions. 

I was kind of terrified, when I thought of telling Harry. I had thought of all the possible ways to tell him, ways to even begin with the conversation and I was stuck with no idea how to confess to my best friend that my husband ( ex-husband? I don't know really) was sexually, verbally and physically abusing me. There's just no easy way to say it.

~~~~~~

" Harry. Pass me the popcorn."

" Nu-uh, i'm eating it."

" Give it to me Harry" Louis slowly rose from the couch, creeping towards Harry on his knees. " Or else..."

" Louis... don't you dare to-NO LOUIS WILLIAM TOMLINSON STOP!" Harold's most ticklish spots were attacked by Louis rapidly moving fingers, and he was laughing and squirmed so much, that the popcorn fell to the floor and scattered all over the living room

" Oh c'mon guys I still wanted some!" Liam moaned and tumbled back to the coach with fake dramatic expression. Through the uncontrolled laughs from my best friend, I could hear Louis high pitched 'sorry'. Somebody should probably make some more popcorn.

The movie was almost half way going and Harry and Louis weren't paying any attention to it. Zayn and Liam were somewhat watching it, but at times they would look at the couple and huff, laugh or make some comment. 

And since Harry and Louis were all over each other, I yet hadn't had a change to talk to Harold. Maybe inviting Louis wasn't so good idea if you were planning on me telling him the truth about Rick, but how could we have known what kind of couple they were? 

I had this thought, this thought that only made my heart race. Maybe this was my change to get Harry alone tonight, I mean, Louis and Harry were basically physically attached to each other and this would be my change to rip them apart for a little while.

" I'm going to make some new popcorn." I rose from my seat to my shaky legs, and I could already feel my heart beat picking up a fast pace. "Harold, I- I wanna talk to you. Mind joining me?"

Harry's eyes met mine, and his expression changed right away. He had kinda a moment when he saw me with my bruises and bandages, and another moment when I didn't tell him and said that I'll tell him later with a little bit too much panic in my eyes and voice. Harry did easily pick that up and he wouldn't stop asking about it, until Louis had him distracted enough.