15 Years // harry styles

chapter nine

B

"You must be freezing in that tshirt." Harry's attempt at small talk is cute, but awkward nonetheless. He looks amazing (surprise), in a monochrome floral shirt unbuttoned a few times covered in a leather jacket, with black jeans and black boots. I realize I'm staring and force myself to answer him.

"I'm alright in here, you know, heater and all."

Stupid. Stupid. Why would you say that?

"Ah yeah, makes sense."

I'm half expecting him to ask me about the weather, but he reaches and turns the knob on the radio up a little, the sound of a song fading off filling the car.

The next song begins to play, and I immediately recognize it, even before the first verse starts.

Down to Earth. Keep on falling when I know it hurts.

I can't help it. I turn to look at Harry, and find him doing the exact same thing. We make eye contact and burst out laughing, a warm sound that bounces around the car and cuts through all the tension.

"Well this isn't awkward as fuck or anything," he mumbles, still laughing a little. I nudge his shoulder.

"Well c'mon, you've gotta sing! It's your own song for Christ sake!"

He rolls his eyes at me, but I can hear him begin to murmur along to the lyrics. Even that quiet, he's on pitch.

"What was that? Is there a bug in here? Do you hear something?" I whisper, leaning my ear over closer to his lips. I can hear the smile in his voice, and when I lean back over he gives me a cocky smirk, almost like a challenge.

I watch his chest rise before he begins belting out the chorus.

"HOW MANY NIGHTS DID IT TAKE TO COUNT THE STARS? THATS THE TIME IT WOULD TAKE TO FIX MY HEART."

I'm floored by his voice. I'd known he was good, but I had no idea he was that good. By the time he hits his highest notes at the end I can feel my mouth hanging open but I can't help it.

"Holy. Shit."

"Yeah, I mean I'm not that good. Singing is just kinda a side hobby of mine," he shrugs his shoulders, trying to hold a straight face but I see a dimple peak through. I punch his arm, rolling my eyes.

We banter on for a while as he feigns having a mediocre voice, until he pulls into a dark alleyway. There are two men waiting by a door, wearing all black, muscular arms crossed.

"Why do I feel like I'm about to get murdered?"

"You'll be just fine, they like me around here. Sit tight."

I watch as he climbs out of the car, sliding his jacket off as he comes around to my side. When I step down onto the street he wraps it around my shoulders, making me blush deep red as he leads us over towards the men who unlock the door for us.

"We have to go in this way to avoid paparazzi. C'mon, the VIP lounge is this way."

He takes my hand in his like he did in the cemetery and my heart is a puddle inside my chest while he takes me up the stairs. The hallway is dark, so I cling onto his hand a little tighter. He doesn't seem to mind as he guides me along, finally coming upon a door. There's a sticker on it that says "OFF LIMITS TO ALL VIP GUESTS FOR TONIGHT" but he knocks on it anyways.

"Whose there?" A deep voice from inside calls out.

"It's me."

The door opens quickly.

"Jesus, boy I never thought you were gonna show up. Well, it's all yours. Everything should be stocked. Enjoy."

The man leaves the room, giving me a nod of acknowledgement and Harry holds the door open for me, taking my-well, his- coat as I survey the place. It's extravagant, with many leather couches scattered throughout and dark paint. It's dim, yet still inviting.. There's a large glass wall with door on the far side, a balcony outside of it. From there I can see the stage, much closer than I thought I would be. The venue is already packed full, everyone waiting for the band.

"Pretty cool isn't it?" Harry asks, heading over to the kitchen/bar area. He grabs a few glasses and plates, pulling out an assortment of snacks, from Cheetos to chocolate covered strawberries.

"It's amazing. I never knew venues like this had these things."

"They design them so no one can see you. Helps famous musicians get to still enjoy music without being hassled, yah know?"

"That's so cool," I say, wandering around the space. I can feel his eyes on me, but I don't mind.

We kill some time talking about our favorite bands and eating before the lights go down outside the wall.

I squeal a little, running to the door and throwing it open. I swear I hear him chuckle behind me as he follows. I lean over the balcony, which apparently makes him nervous, because I feel a protective hand resting on my lower back, which would usually set me on fire if my stomach wasn't already floating in anticipation.

The first chord rings out and I yell along with everyone else, Harry sticking two fingers in his mouth and letting out a shrill whistle. I cringe slightly, looking up at him but he's just smiling down at me. He looks so beautiful it almost takes my breath away. I see his mouth form "sorry B!" but I can't hear it over the screams as the band takes the stage.

I lose myself in the music, screaming along to every song, having the time of my life as I jump and sway alongside Harry.

Matty pauses before starting the next song towards the end of the show.

"Alright now, listen. This song is about love. It's about confusing love and fucked up love and it's-never gonna-work love. But it's still about fucking love. So kiss somebody and sing along, this is Robbers!"

I don't think about it, I just turn to look at Harry. He's taller than me, but when I guide my eyes up he's looking at me too.

And then his hands are cupping my cheeks, his thumbs rubbing gently before he leans down and presses his soft lips against mine.