Because Hearts Get Broken

It's nice to have a friend

A few months later

This isn't just a hit to his career; it's a personal blow, dragging his name through the mud.

The 30-second video had been leaked onto social media just a day ago, and it was already trending worldwide. In the video, a visibly drunk but very blurry version of Harry is seen distantly chatting with a bandmate.

The way the video had been edited makes it appear as though Harry is coercing his bandmate into using drugs with him, under the threat of losing his job.

The TV is on in the background, images of his face in the newsflash, the replayed headlines each worse than the last. All outlets are quick to dig out any story or video reference from his past that can be twisted to fit their current cancelling narrative.

He runs a hand through his hair, his mind racing with frustration and helplessness. He's faced public scrutiny before, but this feels different, more invasive, more damaging.

He's trying to block out the noise when his phone rings with a caller ID he has not seen in what feels like forever, lighting up the screen: Taylor.

He freezes, then his heart beats faster for a moment, his eyes fixed on her name.

There's a part of him that wants to ignore it, to avoid reopening wounds that have barely begun to heal. Not now. But the pull of curiosity, and a deeper need urge him to answer.

"Hello?" He says casually, trying not to betray the jumble of emotions he feels.

"Hi, it's Taylor", she says, her voice hesitant.

"I know", he replies coolly, a smile already tugging at his lips despite himself.

Okay, maybe he has missed her voice more than he'll ever admit; and it comes as a surprisingly soothing balm for his fraught state.

There's a beat of silence, tension filling in the air between them.

"I wasn't sure if you'd deleted my number." She admits. Her voice nearly a whisper.

"Taylor Swift's number? Nah, that's too good a contact number to lose," he teases, trying to lighten the mood.

And it works. She lets out a soft laugh, and he lets himself drown in the familiarity of the light sound. Both relaxing a bit.

"I heard about what's going on..." Her tone turns tentative, hoping she is not crossing a line.

He sighs louder than he intends, running a hand through his hair, and he feels the weight of the whole situation heavy on his shoulders.

"Yeah...sooner or later, it gets to all of us." He says, resigned, and his voice shows the exhaustion he is trying to hide.

"How are you holding up? I mean, if you need any legal help. I've got like 15 people on my payroll just to deal with situations like this, and they're all pretty bored since I don't get into messy relationships."

He chuckles softly at her playful remark, and silently thanks her for that.

"I think my team's got it covered, but I appreciate the offer. I'll check with them."

"Anything you need. I can send over some details if you want," she offers again, her voice nearly too careful.

"Sounds good," he says. His voice softens, then he adds earnestly, "thank you for reaching out".

"You'd do the same for me," she says simply, the warmth in her voice both comforting and bittersweet.

He would.