do & die [h.s]

p r o l o g u e

We stand side to side. The six of us shoulder to shoulder in a thin line. Harry and Louis are on my right. Jake, Storm and Peter are on my left. Jake's fingers are weaved into mine as we feverishly shake in the pitch parking lot.

The moon doesn't shine and the stars aren't aglow. Not even a glimpse of light engulfs us aside the dull luminescence of Will's car. It's not much, but it's enough for us to see one another.

I can't deny the fact that I feel safe when Jake is around, but right now, I can't help my insides threatening to give out. My heart is beat, beating, beating and my hands and knees are both so unsteady that if he lets me go, I'd probably be the first to drop.

"So you finally decided to pay the debt?" Will shouts as he takes heavy steps toward our barricade. His silhouette blocks some of the light he's offered, allowing darkness a chance to sneak back into the spaces between us.

I felt Harry's hand tremble beside mine and in another world, I would've held it to rid him of his anxious tendencies, but in this one? In this one I can't.

"Only to get rid of your shit," Jake hisses, shooting Will a glare of disgust.

He smirks, taking the leather briefcase from Jake's clutch and carefully places it behind him for his three men to inspect.

"You know what? I'm going to miss chasing you all around," the devil smirks, approaching me. I feel Jake's hand tense in mine and I'm frustrated to find Harry's shoulder mimic his actions by doing the same.

Will brings his index finger under my chin, carelessly pulling me up to meet his vile gaze. "Especially the little señorita," He strokes his thumb across my cheek for the few seconds Jake allowed before pushing his hand from anywhere near my skin.

He didn't object and instead took a step back, shooting a tight lipped smirk our way.

"Ain't nobody gonna be missing your annoying ass," Louis retorts, flashing his best fake smile.

"We have to leave, now," Harry whispers nervously to Louis who simply gestures him to wait.

I can't help studying Harry and the sound of the absentminded click, click, clicking of his heal against the pavement. He catches my stare and I look away.

Almost on cue.

The bodyguards behind Will race to recount the money and as one of them opens his mouth to talk, Harry pulls Louis a couple steps back.

"What the fuck is this?" Will shouts and Jake holds onto me tighter.

His expression's stone, but the look in his eyes crumbles his facade like sticks.

"Who the hell do you think you're messing with, O'Riley?" Will yells, pulling out his pistol, ready to fire in my direction.

"I'm not messing around. Not with this," Jake spits coldly as he drops my hand to take out a handgun of his own.

If only I'd listened to Harry.