Yellow.

thirty four.

this is a flashback chapter, short and sort of explanatory to a level, plus ties up some loose ends to a particular conversation Iman and Louis once had if you are attentive here. don't be confused, this is in the past and Harry is 19 here and Linda is 21. don't hesitate to ask me any questions if you are confused at the end.

Kiss from a Rose- When Harry kissed Linda.

-

It happened the day he followed Zayn to get a tattoo.

Two completely different paths crossed, and a match of affection immediately got struck in the heart of one.

At the young age of nineteen, Harry is lingering between the polar ends of being severely and moderately autistic. He just picked up speaking as a usual habit, and is still trying to adjust in the midst of a crowd. Everything is looking up for the young man according to his therapist, and his parents feel things might just work out well for their special son.

A young man as himself has been hired to be his social buddy, Niall Horan, and it has been a blessing because of how well Niall and Harry are starting to get along with each other. Niall understands gestures and non-verbal messages passed by Harry, and Harry now knows how lively and chatty Niall happens to be. As opposed to Zayn.

In front of the indie themed tattoo parlour, Harry drops his eyes to the rain kissed floor and pinches on the soft cotton fabric of his maroon coloured jumper furled on his lean frame. He fists on his roughly curled hair and blows out a breath through puffed cheeks, contemplating how to step into the tattoo shop without any fear.

How can he not want to see her again? How can he forget such a beautiful face and electric persona?

"So, are you ever going to come in or not?" Linda asks, standing at the entrance and folding her arms with a smirk.

"He is taking his time," Niall teases, winking at her.

"I can see that." Linda hums, staring at Harry with raw admiration.

A butterfly sleeved black dress hangs on her frame, landing below her knees and paired with tattered ankle boots. Dirty blonde hair with grey streaks pulled into a rough bun, and blue eyes thinly lined with black kohl. A black apron smeared with colour and ink is tied around her waist. On her wrist is an arrangement of colourful bracelets and tattoos, while around her neck are two necklaces with pendants of the sun, moon and flowers.

"Hiiii!" Harry blurts out, literally shaking.

"Hello again handsome," Linda smiles, swaying side to side.

"How are things going today?" Niall asks, tucking his hands into his pockets.

"The rain slowed things down but we are fine," she sighs, planting her eyes on Harry.

"H-Hello h-handsome!" Harry groans out, frowning in confusion.

"No, sort of wrong." Linda pouts, walking towards him and noticing him hook an arm around Niall.

"You texted me saying you want to spend the day with me here, what is wrong now?" she asks, staring at his features.

"I see someone is using his new phone well," Niall teases, smiling at Harry.

"Yes we text now, progress for us." Linda giggles a little and stretches a hand to Harry.

He stares at the hand and deepens his frown. "W-Why please?"

"I want to hold your hand, please Harry." There is care laced in her voice, and it makes him melt a little inside.

"Nooooooo...is...is not h-holding h-h-hands," Harry struggles to speak and plants his eyes on the art etched on her hand.