disconsolate || stylinson

chapter 4

harry flipped over the open sign on his studio at 9am the next morning, eager to start working. with all that had happened yesterday, he was excited to get his mind off things and hopefully niall would stop by to visit at some point.

before making his way behind the counter, harry reorganized multiple displays. just as he reached the cash register, his cell phone began to ring loudly.

"hey niall," harry answered. although he answered calmly, he immediately felt better at the fact that niall had called him. niall had become another familiarity in harry's life, and he did not take it for granted. he had stuck with him all this time, and it reassured harry greatly knowing he still had someone around.

"harry! i'm so sorry i got home really late last night, so i couldn't stop by. but i just woke up so i'm driving over now." niall rushed out. harry could hear the sound of his friends car starting through the phone, and he chuckled slightly. niall worked at styles studios whenever he was needed, and he had multiple other part time jobs to support himself, so apparently he didn't have work today.

"thanks ni, i really appreciate it. the shop's open though so try not to disturb any customers." harry stated, making sure to emphasize his last sentence. niall had scared off multiple customers before, and harry was not in a situation that allowed him to be losing business.

"yeah, yeah. i'll see you in a few." and with that niall hung up the phone. harry slipped his cell back into his pocket just as the bell on the door rang, signaling a customer had entered his studio.

"hello ma'am." harry greeted as a middle aged woman came in. he smiled widely at her and she returned his grin, beginning to look around at the many photos hung on the walls. "are you looking for anything in particular?"

"i need some pictures to decorate my office at work, it's very bland." the woman explained, furrowing her eyebrows. "do you have any larger pictures to hang on the walls maybe?"

"of course!" harry exclaimed. strolling out from behind the counter, he led the woman to a far corner and showed her his collection of larger photographs. she instantly began to sort through the pile, taking a moment to examine each one.

"i love this one!" she said, admiration flowing through her voice. she held up a photo of a rose and harry nodded, agreeing.

"here are some that would go along with that general theme." harry prompted helpfully. he handed her some pictures that had a similar color scheme and involved nature, and he watched the woman carefully. she gently sifted through the entire pile before picking three more pictures to match her first choice. "i think those are lovely decisions, would you like to purchase them?"

the woman nodded eagerly, and harry beamed, leading her over to the register. niall burst through the door at that very moment, shouting a greeting to harry before spotting his customer. his eyes widened and he flaunted a small wave before suddenly becoming very intrigued in the display to his right. meanwhile, harry rung up her cost and the woman payed for her photos, thanking him for his help. the second she was out the door, niall was bounding to the counter, energy seeming to buzz within him.

"i think i played that one off nicely." niall asked, swinging himself over the counter instead of going around. "that lady didn't suspect a thing."

"i wouldn't quite say that, but at least you didn't scare her away." harry responded sarcastically, rolling his eyes in a playful manner. niall snorted, but didn't argue, knowing that harry was right.

"so, uh, how are ya holding up?" niall provoked gently, knowing not to force the topic on harry. he shrugged in response, not fully knowing how to answer. he was doing pretty good, besides his three episodes yesterday. harry decided he wouldn't mention those to niall, at least not yet. "well hey, on the bright side, louis probably feels like shit and he'll never bother you again."