Elude [H.S.]

THIRTY-ONE

(Start playing the song above when you see the '*')

*TW: Mentions of a terminated pregnancy, loss of a family member, overdose (drug related), grooming & inappropriate touching and acts without consent (sexual)*

My heels click lightly against the tiled floor in the lobby of Harry's apartment building. I had my bag over my shoulder, as well as Harry's wrapped Christmas presents in my hands. I was so nervous to give them to him, but they were things I saw when I went shopping for him, and they just felt like him.

Although we were just staying in, we both agreed to dress up a little bit since it was 'date night' - acting as if we were actually able to go out and not having to conceal ourselves inside. I made my way into the elevator and pressed the button for his floor. He had already texted me and told me just to come in once I got here as he had already unlocked the door for me.

I had texted Conrad to tell him I was staying at Lyn and Grey's - not wanting to know how he would act if he came home and I wasn't there without telling him. He didn't respond, and I've honestly been welcoming his silence these days.

I stepped off the elevator once I reached the floor and walked down the hallway. Approaching Harry's door, I took a deep breath in before stepping inside.

*

I jumped when a piano tune I'm all too familiar with started playing and I gasped - looking around Harry's living room. The lights were dim and there were candles lit all around the room. My eyes continued to take in the details as I walked forward and placed my bag, as well as Harry's presents, down on the couch. I stepped further into the living room, and noticed different kinds of flowers in vases.  I could also smell something delicious cooking in the kitchen.

I caught sight of a skinny rectangular box sitting on the coffee table and I examined it, tilting my head to the side.

The vocals for the music start, and as I'm about to turn around and search for Harry, I feel arms snake around my waist from behind.

"You know, we really have to stop accidentally coordinating our outfits. It's getting freaky now," he mumbles into my ears, lip brushing against as he does so.

My eyes slip shut and I sigh out - relaxing myself further back into him.

"What's all this?" I ask while bringing my hands up to run over his forearms that encompass me.

Harry slips his hands back to rest on my hips and he turns me around. We take a moment to let our eyes run over each other and he's right, our outfits are similar once again.