Rock me

Part 24

Harry Styles 

She was driving me wild. I was so conflicted, I wanted to be respectful as possible, but the other part of me wants to rip her clothes off. 

We only had a couple shows left until we went to the UK to continue tour. I wasn't sure if she planned to go with us. I figured she did, I mean I know she doesn't want to go back to her dad's. 

My issue is I don't know what we are. Did I mean something to her? Does she want me to ask her out? Everything is so complicated, especially including the threatening messages we've both gotten. I know why I'm obsessed with her, but why was everyone else?

We're currently laying in my bunk, she's been asleep for about an hour. We're heading to MSG in New York. I loved New York and Im thankful I get to show her around. The drive was about 9 hours, but we usually sleep most of it. Theres no show tonight, but I bet the boys will want to go out. 

I just couldn't stop thinking about everything. Our kiss earlier was heated, I think it could've led somewhere if she wanted. I'm glad she feels comfortable enough to tell me she wasn't ready. I hope she knows I'd never want to push her to do anything she wasn't comfortable with. I can't lie though, I do get a bit aggressive and I'm not sure she could handle it. 

"Harry?" I hear Niall whisper.

"What?" I whisper back.

"Can you come out here I wanna talk."

"Sure, give me a minute."

I somehow needed to climb over Dylan without waking her up. I reached over and opened up the curtain. I then did my best to crawl over her, my body was inches from her. I was able to swing my feet on the ground and get out. I shut the curtain behind me and walked out to the main space where Niall was sitting. 

I dropped onto the couch, trying to shake off the fatigue. "What's up, mate?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

Niall hesitated, fiddling with the sleeve of his hoodie. "You're, uh... you're close with Dylan, right?"

I felt my guard go up slightly, but I forced myself to look relaxed. "Yeah," I said simply, keeping it casual.

Niall nodded, his gaze unreadable. "Good. Because... I've been a bit worried about her. You know, after... that thing with Brandon back in Chicago. And then last night, before the show."

My brows furrowed. "What do you mean, last night?"

Niall scratched his head, glancing toward the bunks to make sure no one else was awake. "Before we went on, I saw her talking to someone outside, right by the bus. I didn't catch much, but when she came back in, she looked... shaken."

My pulse quickened, a slight chill running through me. I didn't realize anyone else had seen the interaction. 

Niall gave me a steady look. "Did she tell you what happened?"

Harry hesitated, not wanting to break Dylan's trust. "Not exactly," I said slowly. "But... she's been through some stuff, Niall. Some things she's still processing."

Niall's eyes softened, though his concern was still clear. "Mate, I don't want to pry. But I've seen her scars, and I know there's more going on than she lets on. If she's not safe, or if there's something we need to watch out for..."

I ran a hand over his face, weighing how much I should say. I knew Niall only wanted to help, but he was treading on delicate ground. "You're right," I said finally. "She's not ready to talk about all of it, but she's dealing with more than she lets on. Last night was just... a reminder of some of that."

Niall nodded, concern etched into his face. "Got it. Just wanted you to know I'm here. I don't want her going through it alone, even if she doesn't feel like she can say anything."

I exhaled, relieved to see the understanding in Niall's expression. 

"Soo how are things with you guys?" He said trying to sound casual.

"What do you mean?" I ask, playing dumb.

"You obviously have a thing for her."

I shifted in my seat, rubbing the back of my neck. "C'mon, mate. Don't start."

Niall just grinned, leaning back with a knowing look. "Don't pretend. It's obvious to everyone."

I rolled my eyes, but I could feel the heat creeping up my neck. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, really?" he pressed, clearly enjoying himself. "You're always looking out for her, sticking by her side, making sure she's alright. And don't even get me started on how you looked at her last night. I'm just saying, Harry—you care about her. A lot."

I stared down at my hands, trying to come up with a response. It was true—I cared about her more than I wanted to admit, even to myself. But with everything going on, the last thing I wanted was to drag Dylan into something even messier.

"Look," I started, choosing my words carefully, "she's been through hell. I just want to be there for her, yeah? If she needs someone... I want to be that person."

Niall softened, nodding slowly. "I get it. You're both just... keeping it close, not putting labels on anything. It's fine, mate. Just—don't be afraid to let her know how much she means to you. She might need that."

"I'll think about it," I mumbled, almost to myself.

"You see to care about her a lot too?" I say questioning.

Niall leaned back, his face softening. "Of course I care about her, Harry. She's been through a lot, and she doesn't deserve to get hurt again—not by anyone."

I met his gaze, feeling a little defensive but also understanding. "What are you trying to say?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know you mean well. But you've got a bit of a... reputation, you know? And she's vulnerable. I'm not saying you'd hurt her, but... just think about how she might see things. It's hard to trust anyone when you've been through what she has."

I nodded slowly, understanding what he was getting at. "You think I'll screw it up?"

"It's not that," he said quickly, shaking his head. "I've seen how you are with her—you're careful, you're... different. That's why I don't want you to push her away, either. She's starting to open up, and that means she trusts you. She needs that. And you..." He paused, searching for the right words. "You seem like you really care, and I don't want you to mess that up by holding back or by letting things get... too complicated."

I took that in, feeling the weight of his words. "I get it. I'm just trying to do what's best for her."

"I know," he said, giving me a reassuring nod. "And just so you know, I'll be here for her, too. She needs all the support she can get right now, and I'm not letting her down."

"Look at you being all wise" I say teasing him. 

Niall joked around a lot, always very sexual. Not a lot of people got to see him be vulnerable. I know he's got a big heart and it was sweet to see how much he cared about Dylan.

We sit in silence for a moment until I head a phone chime. 

Niall and I both look at each other, but we realize it isn't our phones. I look at the counter and see Dylans phone is sitting there. I walk over and pick it up.

"Enjoy your little tour, Dylan. It won't last. I know exactly where you are, and there's nowhere you can hide."

"Mate, what the fuck?" I hear Niall say over my shoulder. I didn't realize I had gotten up.

"Do you think it's a prank?" I say trying to act like I don't know anything. 

"Fuck no dude, thats probably Brandon." He says seriously.

Suddenly the bunk door opens and Dylan walks out still looking half asleep. 

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