Respite - HS

Ends and Beginnings.

Audrey Harris

I blink open my eyes and am met with twinkle of the little christmas lights Harry had thrown up around the room. Turning my head I see Harry's still sleeping figure.

His face burrowed in his pillow, his lip set in a soft pout, I smile at his messy hair.

I go to lift up my hand to run it through his hair when I realize I can't pick up my arm. 

Harry's wrapped himself around my arm, holding it tight to his chest like a stuffie. 

The sight alone breaks my heart all over again, the memories of last night flash across my mind and I have to hold back a wince. 

What the hell was Serena thinking? 

The sound of hushed arguing catches my ear and regretfully I pull my arm out from under Harry's tight grasp. 

He grumbles, "Audie baby." 

I freeze and watch as he blinks his eyes open sleepily, the name sending a twinkly feeling throughout my limbs.

He looks so fucking cute.

Jesus Christ I need to get a grip.

I run my hand through his hair and cup his cheek after I sit up a little more on the bed.

"Go back to sleep lovie, s'okay." I smile tenderly at him. 

He holds my wrist, keeping my hand to his face. 

"Where are you going?" His voice grumbly from sleep.

I try not to laugh at his frown. 

"I need to talk to Serena H." I take a deep breath, "And then I have to go home for a little, gotta check on Teds." 

He stills, I watch as my words fall over him like a bucket of cold water. He lets out a shaky breath and nods silently. 

Wearily I ask, "Are you gonna be alright here? I'll come back after? Or we could just go back to mine?" 

He looks at me forcing a smile, "I'll be okay Sun. Promise." He pulls my hand from his cheek and presses a soft kiss to my palm. My sharp inhale at the action must have shaken him because he lets go of me in an instant and looks up at me like he couldn't believe he had done that either. 

We really need to talk about this. 

It's taking everything in me not to blurt out everything I'm feeling and pounce on him. 

Harry clears his throat and shuffles back into bed. I stand up, still vaguely hearing Serena and Alex in the kitchen. 

"I'll come back in a little okay?" 

He looks so small cocooned in a mess a blankets it squeezes at my heart. 

"I think I'll just stay in here a little longer... dunno if I can talk to her right now." He says sadly.

I walk up to his side of the bed and run my thumb over his cheekbone. He melts from the touch. 

"Text me when you get home please?" He asks barely above a whisper. 

Taking a chance and trying to be brave I lean down and press a kiss to his cheek before whispering back, "Course I will. Anything for my Apollo." In a teasing lilt. 

He sucks in a gasp and I as I pull away from him I watch as his gaze turns starry-eyed. 

Smiling to myself I turn towards the door, "Uh okay. I'll see you later!" I rush out as open the door.