Close Quarters (zouiam)

Harry

When you’ve lived in a frat house for three years, you find yourself rarely surprised by the stupid shit people do. Harry has lived through a lot. There was the time when the house decided they wanted to paint all the walls black, the time when the lads thought mohawks would be cool, and there was the unforgettable time when his frat brother went on a two week beer bender. Nothing was allowed in the house, except for beer (some brother actually bathed in it). Harry was never prepared for what he walked into today.

There was screaming, not the kind that signals a murder has happened. It was more of a squawk. Louis was running around with something that looked like a Barbie doll’s leg; Niall was running right behind him. Harry’s eyes scanned the living room to find Leigh Anne and Jesy making out in the corner. The cameramen were trying to tame their obvious erections, while keeping a steady aim on the two girls. Next, Harry saw was the couch, which was on fire. Zayn was standing next to it, looking very smug. Another man stood next to him, he was a tad shorter and had the same complexion as Zayn. He had rounded cheeks, and a loud laugh. Harry could see Josh outside in the backyard standing over a lump that resembled Liam.

Once Harry’s feet caught up with his brain, he found himself outside (choosing to ignore the fact that the fire was still burning his favorite section of the couch), Liam was choking out something that Harry couldn’t understand. As soon as he was within touching distance, Josh’s eyes shot up to meet his.

“Thank fuck. He’s all yours.” Josh patted Harry on the back before stocking back inside. Harry sighed looked down at Liam.

“What the hell is going on?” Harry crouched down next to Liam, running his hand down Liam’s back.

“They’re fucking animals, Harry!! Zayn’s friend, Calum-“ Liam’s voice cracked on the name. Harry was guessing that was who was inside with Zayn. “He brought stuff that other smoked-“ Before he could finish his sentence, Liam burst out laughing. His eyes were crinkled, as his laughs grew louder.

“Oh alright,” Harry ran his hands down his face before leaving Liam to his own devices. He was still laughing as Harry pushed the glass door closed. Josh was sitting on the couch with another brunette, Harry doesn’t know who he is. Josh was laughing with Zayn and the other dark haired boy. Josh called one of them “Luke”. Instead of joining them, Harry walked back toward the rooms. He heard could hear the soft mummers of a conversation going on behind the bedroom door. “‘lo?”

There were two more people sitting on his bed, one boy that looked identical to the boy sitting out on the couch. Harry does an obvious double take before the boy grins up from the floor. “Ashton. Nice to meet ya.” Harry places his accent from Australia, and shakes the boys hand.

The other lad that’s sitting across from Ashton has bright white hair. He’s scrolling through his phone before he looks up at Harry.

“Michael.” He grunts out before returning to his phone. Harry just nods before shifting around awkwardly.

“Why are you two in my room?” Harry tries to keep his voice even, but it still comes out a bit higher than normal. The other two boys just look up at him again and shrug. After Harry glances around again, looking for something to look out besides the two lads sitting in the middle of his room. They both stand before Harry has the chance to awkwardly excuse himself from the room. They pat him on the back before leaving; Liam stumbles in after them. His cheeks are still bright red from his laughter and he’s still softly giggling to himself when he looks up to see Harry staring back at him.

“What are you doing in here, babe?” Liam’s voice is lower than normal. Harry knows what exactly what that means. He can’t help but groan as Liam closes the space between the two of them. His hands find Liam’s hips before he’s falling back on to the mattress.