Rivals - L.S.

Prologue - Setting the Stage

"Last weekend London's biggest stars hit the field for a charity baseball game, sponsored by Britain's own Baseball Federation. Indie singer Harry Styles wowed the fans with an astounding three home runs and two RBI's, flaunting his hidden athletic talents for all to see. Word is, the BBF has reached out to Styles, presenting him with a deal to join their top international team for this upcoming baseball season."

Click.

"Singer and song-writer Harry Styles seems to be trading in his guitar for a glove this athletic season. After impressing the British Baseball Federation at last weekend's celebrity match, Styles has been offered a spot on a national team to hopefully become the Great Britain national team's new power hitter that they so desperately need."

Click.

"London's openly gay musical heartthrob, Harry Styles, is rumored to be joining the British Baseball Federation in an agreement to play for one of our national teams. Our vote? We love it! And what else do we love? The idea of Harry in some tight baseball uniform. Yum, am I right ladies? Or should I say gentleman? Speaking of gentleman, Harry, if you're watching this, please rid all of us of our curiosity. Are you the pitcher or the catcher?"

Click.

"Really? It's like they think I've never heard a bloody gay joke before," Harry scoffed, talking out loud even though he was alone, "Pitcher or catcher, I swear."

All Harry wanted to do was settle in, relax with a bag of popcorn and an entertaining show to calm his mind and give his body a rest. But, every single channel from TMZ to ESPN was talking about him and only him. This pretty much ruined Harry's small chance of relaxation, making him feel even more stressed out than he already had been considering the fact that he had no idea what he was doing with his career following this all. Baseball or music? That was the question everybody was asking, and Harry didn't have an answer.

He abandoned the large living room, the only noise filling his empty penthouse being his feet padding on the clean tile. Harry headed for his bedroom and decided he would take a nap. Maybe he'd have some magical dream that would bring him an epiphany regarding what to do. Before he quite made it there, a loud and repetitive knocking came from the front door. Curious and confused, Harry made a detour down a long hall and headed for the front of his flat.

He really had no idea why the universe didn't want him to find peace. Or why anybody would be at his flat at eight in the morning. He had security and a door man just for this very reason. Harry told himself that if it was another reporter, he would jump down the elevator shaft. He was out of patience and words.

Harry pressed one big green eye to the peep hole, a short blonde with bright blue eyes standing outside. He had his arms crossed and an expectant look on his face. Harry let out a sigh of relief, never feeling more relieved to see his best friend. Harry threw open the door and exclaimed, "Niall!"

Niall had pretty much been Harry's only friend since primary school. Harry was a nerd and Niall was the new kid from Ireland with a funny accent that no one could understand so naturally, they were the perfect pair of misfits. The Irish boy was actually the one who persuaded Harry to audition for the X-Factor, he was the reason Harry had any kind of career at all. Niall was Harry's closest confidant and his honorary 'brother from another mother'. They were inseparable.

At this point, Niall looked caught off guard before a smile spread across his face. "Harry, you dumb twat, I thought you were going to leave me standing out here forever!" the boy laughed, tossing an arm over Harry's shoulder.

"That's why you have your own key, idiot," Harry smiled fondly, wrapping his arm around Niall and tugging him inside. He kicked the door shut and breathed out, "You got here just in time, buddy. I am about to have a mental and emotional breakdown."