White Alpha |h.s|

15. Stars

Noelle

We walked for hours, only stopping for a few minutes at a time, for a drink and a potty break. The woods were awfully quite, though the sun gleamed through the trees, it was almost erie to be walking through them. Sage has given me a slight cold shoulder all day, trying to avoid me as she hung with Louis and Niall all day. Meanwhile I kept up with Harry, and the rest of the boys. Though the three seemed to be their own group, leaving Harry and I to have most of the conversation to ourselves.

We talked about various things, though it was mostly complaining about being hungry, or the occasional smell of poop and skunk.

Don't even get me started on the many animal carcasses we saw. I will never look at squirrels the same.

At around six, just as the sun was beginning to set. We made camp in a slight clearing, overcast by tree limbs. As Harry and I were setting up my (but secretly ours) tent, I would glance over at Sage and Louis, and see them staring. It never lasted long, because once they saw me looking they would just look away and go back to what they were doing. What had gotten into them? What had I done?

I didn't dwell on it, knowing Harry, he'd get his knickers in a wad and have a big argument with one of them, and I didn't want that. I helped Derek build a fire, before Liam took over and helped cook. Harry and Zayn were gathering logs to sit on, while Louis and Niall were studying a map, with Sage helping. I felt lonely as I entered my tent to change. I was quite sad that Sage was upset at me. Or maybe she was just tired, but I didn't really understand why she was giving me a cold shoulder like she was. Same with Louis. I really need to stop being a worry wart. I sighed to myself, as I slide my shirt over my , walking out of the tent. Then sun had fully set, and it was dinner time.

Yay food!

It was only an hour later, that everyone had went to bed. Besides Harry and I. I was wide awake, and so was he. Sage had sneaked into Niall and Louis's tent after Derek had went to bed. So, Harry and I were lowkey officially sharing the tent. But nonetheless, I sit back next to Harry, after putting a few sticks into the fire. We sat on a blanket, with our backs against the logs. The only noise was the crackles of the fire, and the occasional cricket or owl. It was awfully quiet between us at the moment, I was almost worried until Harry broke the silence,

"Something's bothering you," He says quietly, as he brings his arm up to drape around my right leg. He wore a black t-shirt and his black jeans. What's new?

Pulling my sleeves over my hands, I leaned my legs towards him, "I'm just tired, is all. It's been a long day," I wasn't really lying, I was quite tired. He breathes out a heavy breath,

"Noelle, you don't have to lie to me." He tightens his grip on my leg slightly, I hold a sigh,

"I know," I whisper,

"Then why do you still lie about things?" He turns his head to me, and I take a moment to examine his expression. He wasn't at all frustrated, or irritated. He was calm, and actually quiet. Which is not the normal Harry. Or at least the Harry everyone else sees. I lick my lips, due to the dry air,

"I didn't know it was such a big deal..." Wow, way to be ignorant, Noelle.

He gives a sympathetic half smile, as he lifts his arm to tuck a stray hair behind my ear. My braid was loose by now, "I want you to know, that you don't have to put on a smile for me. You don't have to give me this facade, of happiness. You don't have to do anything for me," He chews his cheek, his voice soft,

"I'm just so used to having to be that way, I suppose." I whisper back, as he wraps his arm around me, resting it on the log.

"Would you believe me if I said, I love you?" His eyes lock to mine, as my mouth parts slightly. I bite down on my lip, searching for words.

"Yes," I pause, taking a breath, "I would. But I don't understand why." I say, truthfully.

"You understand me. No one else can understand me, like you can," He looks down, shaking his head, "There's just something about you, too, ya know...that I just can't get enough of." He looks back up at me, I watch him smiling,

"What do you mean?" He smiles,

"I'm not sure. But, it's just...it's come down to the point where I have to be around you. You just...do something to me, and I can't be without it. I promise when I can accurately explain it, I will, but...I just need you for myself, as selfish as it is." He chews on his lip, as he trails his eyes across my features,

"I'd be lying if I said I'd be the same without you. You're my breath of fresh air, and you show me the crazier side of life. And I love it...and you," I blush. He smiles wider, showing his pearly whites. He leans in closer, kissing me slowly twice before he returns to his original position. I smile to myself as I snuggle down, laying my head on his chest, with my arms wrapped around my legs. He secures his arms around me,

"Now, will you tell me what is bothering you?" He asks,

Sighing, I reply, "It's just how Sage and Louis are acting towards me is all. Probably just me being paranoid or something stupid like that." He rubs his hand up and down my arm,

"I'll talk to them." Harry nods,

"You don't have t-"

"I know." He says, looking up at the stars.

Looking up at him, I see the stars in his eyes, and smile, "I love you, Harry."

I see him smile, before he looks down at me, "I love you, too."

I smile, as I curl back up into him, wrapping my arms around his torso. He keeps his one arm tightly wrapped around my shoulders, as he stares up at the stars. I keep my eyes on the fire, as it almost begins to make my eyelids heavy. Harry feels that I'm falling asleep, before he pulls me into his lap, wrapping both his arms around me. He looks down at me, as I look up at him, and smile a sleepy smile. With unspoken words, he gives the okay to give into the fires effect, before he graces a kiss to my forehead. Smiling, I snuggle my head against his chest, yawning slightly.

I knew in this moment, I was Harry's girl. For reasons unknown, but I was his, nonetheless. I knew we understood each other on a level, no one else could understand, I knew that. But I really didn't get, why me, y'know? Maybe the answers were right in front of me, and I was still too blind to see them. Or maybe, there wasn't answers. Who knew?

I knew one more thing, as well. It was quite simple, in it's statement. I knew I could trust Harry. He's my best friend-no, closer than that. And, I loved him. I really loved him,

and I knew, he loved me too.

***