Prove It (H.S)

Chapter Twenty Five

Harry's POV~

"Zayn, I really think this is something you have to do on your own," I say, feeling more uncomfortable as every moment that we wait for Aubrey passes. He shakes his head, not looking at me. "She'll be here soon," he mumbles while rubbing two fingers over the stubble on his chin.

I gulp when I see a tall red-head walking towards us, a smile on her face that quickly turns to confusion when she sees me next to Zayn. "Hey babe," she says and tries to kiss Zayn but he turns away. Shit, this is awkward.

She puts her hands on her hips, glancing between the two of us. "Uh, care to sit down?" I say, motioning to the bench we had been sitting on. She smiles at me and nods. When Zayn sits down, he begins to fumble with his fingers and I rub my knees.

"What's going on here?" Aubrey asks, her red lips formed into a nervous smile. I look at Zayn, his jaw is clenched and he's staring at the ground. "Hello?" Aubrey speaks again and I can tell she's getting impatient. I look at Zayn, silently pleading him to say something.

"Do you love me?" He asks, eyes still locked on the pavement path before us. A nervous laugh falls from Aubrey's lips and she shakes her head,"What?"

I bite my lip and Zayn's breathing speeds. "Let me rephrase that, do you love Harry?" He finally turns to look at Aubrey and both of their eyes have started to water. "What are you talking about?"

Zayn stands up and intertwines his hands behind his head, angry breaths blowing up his cheeks. "Aubrey, don't shit me. Do you fucking have feelings for Harry?"

I can't fucking watch this. The way Aubrey's lip is trembling and tears are falling uncontrollably down her face. The way Zayn won't look at her and moisture is collecting in the corner of his eyes. This shit is too much.

"Zayn, I gotta go-," I begin but he shoots me a glare. "Sit your ass down," he says trough gritted teeth and tears.
I sink into the bench and watch what I brought on unfold. "Aubrey, fucking answer me!" My friend's voice has risen and I look around in search of any potential audience.

The sun is starting to go down, and we should all be getting to our dorm's soon. Zayn's words make Aubrey jump and sobs escape her mouth before she says,"I...I love you Zayn! That's what matters!" She gets up and presses her hands against either side of his face. He closes his eyes, letting a tear slip out before brushing her hands away.

"Do you love Harry, yes or no," he says dryly, leaving Aubrey with a horrified look on her face. I look away, tortured by the scene I've witnessed.

Zayn's eyes slowly find their way to Aubrey, and when they do, she nods slowly, sobbing loudly, streams of mascara flowing down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry," she whispers, lowering her head. Zayn blinks rapidly, shaking his head, and turning to walk away.

I look at Aubrey who's shaking, covering her mouth. I fight the urge to comfort her. Instead, I make my way towards my dorm, leaving the faint sound of sobs behind me.

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Claire's POV~

I'm walking away from the library after a late book exchange when I spot a familiar figure leaning against a tree. When I make out the face through the dimming sunlight, I walk up to him.

"Zayn?" I say cautiously, seeing that his eyes are red and he's sniffling every ten seconds. He looks at me, sadness taking over his brown eyes. "Are you okay?" I take a step closer to him and a disturbing glare is shot my way.

"I do not want to talk to you," he spits. I'm taken aback by his sudden mood change. "What did I do?" His eyes leave mine and he shakes his head. "Nothing, shit, I'm sorry Claire. This isn't your fault."

I stay silent, urging him to continue. "I just, uh, broke up with Aubrey, well in a certain manner anyways," he says and I sigh. "I'm sorry, Zayn." He nods, wiping his nose on his sleeve. In my head, I just know Harry had something to do with this. "Well, goodnight," I say, waving to Zayn.

As I reach my dormitory, I'm not surprised to see Harry leaning against the building, a sheepish look on his beautiful face. "Hey," he says. I nod at him, standing awkwardly in front of the door, debating whether or not to open it and go inside.

My debating is ceased when Harry says,"So, Zayn and Aubrey aren't together anymore." There's a look of guilt in his eyes, and his eyebrows are creased. "I know, I saw Zayn," I say and he looks at me, his green eyes harsh at first glance.

My eyes trail down to his arm, where I see the ship, then the rose, then the-
"Can we talk, again?" He says, dragging my wandering eyes up to his face. "I don't know, it getting late," I say, turning the knob of the door. He grabs my hand, holding it. I pull it away.

"I need you to know that I didn't lie to you to cover anything up. There's nothing to cover up. I lied because that's what I do when I'm afraid. I lie to protect myself. I lied because I thought that's what you'd want to hear. I'm so sorry," Harry's hands ruffle his curly hair as he speaks.

His eyes look pained when the words fall out. I decide to save him from his misery and say,"I forgive you, but I don't know if I can do anymore than that right now." I search his expression after I say that, and his lips part, his eyes glossy.

He steps closer to me, taking my hands and holding them between our bodies. "Claire, I know I'm not the only one here that wants this," he breathes, his face only inches from mine. I can feel the tears collecting in my eyes, but he can't see me cry. Not now.

"You're not. But I'm afraid too, Harry. I've experienced a lot of pain in the last few weeks, and I don't want to be hurt again just yet," my courage speaks and Harry lets out a quiet whimper, bringing my hands up to his mouth, planting soft kisses on my knuckles. "I won't hurt you," he says between contact with my skin.

I pull my hands away, stepping halfway through the door before saying,"You don't know that, and I don't have the strength to find out right now." I try to close the door but a black leather boot stops it. "I love you, Claire," Harry says, his eyes watering, threatening tears. "I love you, Harry."

"Prove it," he says, a tear rolling down his cheek, pulling the strings of my heart. That alone causes my eyes to water, my lips trembling. "Goodnight, Harry," I say, closing the door.