Drag Me Down (h.s.) EDITING

Til Next Time

"So, this is it then?" Louis asked as his eyes scanned across my bags. All the boys were there. They all seemed to be at a loss for words. I had told them literally the day before I flew stateside. I would be taking a plane home and they would be taking a plane to their next venue in another country. I was afraid of how sad I would be when I landed without them but I didn't let my mind wander too far on that subject.

"This is it." I tried to plaster a big smile on my face but it was hard to do with all five of them in front of me looking so sad to see me go. We were in the middle of the airport. People were swirling around from gate to gate without a concern that we were totally in the way.

"I know this isn't the last time I'll see ya but you know I'll miss ya anyway." Niall said as he stepped up and pulled me into a tight hug. He was the first to start it and before I knew it all the boys were surrounding me, making a massive group hug in the middle of the airport. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from crying. Zayn jostled me against him while Louis pinched my cheek. I laughed as Niall let go and Liam wrapped me in a single bear hug without the others. My feet came off the ground as I wrapped my arms around him. I buried my head against his neck and laughed. This would surely be what I missed.

When everyone was pulling away and taking a step back I saw Louis swat at his eyes.

"Don't be a little bitch Tomlinson." I lightly punched his shoulder as I laughed.

"Fuck off." he said smiling at me.

"I've gotta go now. I'll see you when you come through my way." I said hoisting my backpack onto my shoulders and grabbing my purse off the ground. They each gave me one last hug with the exception of Harry. The only thing he had participated in was the group hug because Louis had grabbed him before he could step back.

I watched as they all walked away. They had a private gate they needed to get to but they had taken time out to make sure I got a proper goodbye. I watched as Harry stopped walking. My breath caught in my throat. He hadn't really been much for conversation the past few days. He wasn't rude but he also wasn't his usual goofy, care free self. He turned around and stood there, staring at me. I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to move just in case he turned back around to leave without so much as a word of goodbye. I watched as emotions passed over his face. He seemed so conflicted and I knew I couldn't help him decide what he should do. This was his decision like it was my decision to leave.

I let out the breath I had been holding as he walked back over to me. I looked passed him to see the other boys take a glance back but keep going. They knew. My heart pounded in my chest.

"I'm terrible at goodbye's. I thought not saying it would make it easier but I just couldn't live with myself if I didn't." he took my hands in his as he spoke. I looked up into his bright green eyes. They were absolutely mesmerizing filled with so much emotion.

"Then, don't say goodbye. This isn't the last time I'll see you. Til' next time." I whispered. I was unable to look away from him as I spoke. His eyes softened as he smiled down at me. I couldn't take my eyes off of him and it seemed he was struggling just as much.

"Til' next time then." he whispered back as he bent down and kissed my forehead with a light sweep of his lips. I closed my eyes wanting to drink in this moment. I wanted to freeze it and remember it for the rest of my life. No matter what happened in the future I would always remember standing in the middle of the busiest airport in London with the boy I was falling head over heels for, giving me the best kiss that didn't even touch my lips.

I opened my eyes and squeezed his hand that had found itself in mine. His head was still bent down as I took a step back. I smiled, a sad smile, but a smile nonetheless. Harry would never know the gift he had just given me. A memory to be cherished forever, hidden away and shelved for a time when I could properly enjoy it.

I went to pull my hand out of his grasp but he stopped me. I shot him a quizzical look. He seemed to be deliberating something in his mind as I watched. He let go of my hand and removed one of the many rings decorating his fingers and held it out to me. I stared at him like he had grown an extra head. He reached forward, grabbed my hand, and placed his favorite ring inside my palm. Instinctively I closed my hand around it.

"I'll be expecting this back when we come through your city. Its a guarantee. Til' next time, Lani." and with those words he turned on his heel and hurried off so the boys wouldn't have to wait on him any longer. I stood still, unable to fully process what had just taken place. I didn't want to think too much in to the overwhelming feelings I was struggling with as hundreds of people passed me by on the way to their destinations. I shook myself from my thoughts and got my ass in gear.

I allowed a small smile to play across my lips as I raced to my gate. I had a plane to catch.