15 Years // harry styles

chapter ten

H

The car is cold as we climb into it in the night. I immediately flick the heat on, then proceed in pulling out of the alley carefully.

Bailey is next to me, still buzzing from the concert. I was glad she enjoyed it so much- I had been lucky enough to have the tickets on hand after she'd told me they were one of her favorite bands back in the cemetery. It feels like ages ago that I saw her lying back, soaking in the sun. I knew I was creepy but I couldn't help myself, I had to take a picture of her and her beauty. Although I hadn't expected her to almost attack me, I'm glad she did.

My mind comes into focus again and I glance over at her. She's staring out the window, off in her own little world. She looks stunning, just as she has since I met her, and I reach over to take her hand. It's odd; I crave contact with her. Ever since I kissed her just an hour ago, it's all I can think about. How soft her lips were, how her green eyes fluttered up to meet mine under the dim lights. All I want to do is do it again, but I settle for her hand- for now. She finally comes back to me, blinking rapidly a few times.

"Where'd you go?" I ask without thinking.

"What?" Her American accent is cute, if do say so myself. Hell, everything about her is cute.

"Sorry, it's a saying my mum and I do. Anytime we daydream or dose off, we ask each other where we went. Weird, I know."

She's silent for a moment before she speaks. "I think that might be the cutest thing I've heard in a while. And if you must know, I was back at the cemetery, thinking about when I first met you."

Even though I had just been thinking about it as well, I go back alongside her. The memory of the terror in her eyes when she turned to face me makes me frown.

"Why were you so scared of me? You know, when you caught me taking a picture of you?" I rub my thumb gently along her hand. I can feel her stiffen up, only worrying me further.

"Anyone would be scared of a random guy taking their picture. It was instinct."

"Most people would be mad, yes. But not scared," I point out, before realizing I probably sound like an asshole. My mind reminds me I have no authority to pry into her life, but my heart tells me something is hurting her, and that's the last thing I want for her.

Wow I am in deep.

"You just startled me. That's all Harry. That's it." Her voice is short and tight, and I decide to let it go, nodding at her slowly. My hurt must show on my face because she relaxes, leaning against my arm.

"Fuck, sorry that probably sounded really mean. I just, don't like talking about. I'll tell you about it someday. Just not tonight." Her voice is small again, and it breaks my heart a little.

"Take all the time you need B. I understand."

It's silent in the car for a while, but I don't feel the need to break it. After a few minutes I feel her finger tracing my tattoo gently, a feather light touch that still ignites my skin.

She's on my right side, so there's only my "things I can" one to trace, but she seems content enough. I imagine her tracing my butterfly, or even the leaves on my hips and I have to shift in my seat slightly.

Fuckin hormones.

We get to her apartment much quicker than I would have liked, and I feel the familiar pit in my stomach as I realize she has to leave. It's smaller than the one I felt when I was the one doing the leaving, but I still don't like the feeling. She squeezes my hand knowingly, turning to look at me.

"You know, you could stay. Like, actually stay tonight. If you want. And if they'll let you," she mumbles, chewing on her lip. Who knew her nervous habit would be such a turn on.

That's gonna come around to haunt me later.

"I don't wanna leave my car here cause the paps or a fan are sure to find it, but I'll go park it in the hotel garage and give security some excuse. I'll be back in 15 minutes." I smile at her, loving the way her eyes light up at my suggestion.

My eyes flicker down to her lips then back up and I instinctually lean over the console. Hand on her cheek yet again, I guide her to me. Our lips connect and it's fire, it's waves pounding on the shore rocks, it's everything I've never felt and everything I'll ever need, and fuck if it doesn't take everything in me not to lean further into her as she pulls away slightly with a breathless laugh. Her cheek is warm with blush under my hand and I smile warmly at her.

"See you in fifteen love."

She pouts a little, leaning into my hand. "Too long." She mumbles under her breath before getting out of the car and heading into the building.

I wait until she's safely inside the doors before I pull away, driving as fast as I can without crashing, just ready to get back to her.

--

With two minutes to spare I knock on the door of apartment 183, both surprised and slightly disappointed when Lydia opens the door.

"Come on in! But you might be just a few minutes too late," she whispers, nudging over her shoulder towards Bailey's sleeping form in the reading nook. She looks so peaceful and sweet, and a warmth courses through me just by seeing her.

"Do you care if I carry her to bed? She'll wake up with a mean neck ache if she stays like that."

"Of course you can, but come right back out here when you're done." Her tone is slightly threatening and it makes me a smile. Reminds me of home.

"You got it."

I head over to the nook, scooping her up as gently as I can. She stirs slightly, curling up even more and nuzzling into my shirt.

"Harry?" She murmurs, eyes still closed as I toe the door to her bedroom open. It's a small space, but it's cozy, with Christmas lights and tapestries and books upon books.

"I'm right here babe."

She hums in satisfaction at that, and I hold her for a moment, kissing her hair and waiting for her to return to a deeper sleep before I lay her under her covers just as I did the night before.

I head out to the living area to find Lydia sitting on the couch, a plate of cookies in front of her and a stern look on her face.

"I know who you are Mr. Styles. And we need to talk."