If It's What You Want A Harry Styles Fanfiction || h. s.

Chapter 16

Ashley walked into her bathroom feeling mortified that she had sobbed on the shoulder of a virtual stranger. As she suspected, her face was a wreck. Once free of makeup, her bare face made her feel too vulnerable. She added some eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss before going back to the living room.

He stood from the sofa as soon as she entered the room. Ashley sat a couple of feet from him to find a fresh cup of tea steeping.

"You didn't have to do that."

"Warmed over tea is never good."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Here, I'll take care of this," he said removing the teabag.

He waited while she blew across the top of her mug and sipped at the hot tea. She was aware that he was looking at her.

"Maybe this is not the right time, but I'm going to say it anyway. You are very beautiful."

"You aren't bad yourself," she said looking directly at him. She was caught off guard when he blushed. "Please, do not tell me you haven't heard that thousands of times."

"It's not that. It's the sincerity with which you said it. Rarely do I hear something like that without feeling objectified," he said smiling at her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," she said attempting a smile in return.

She blew at the tea again before sipping.

"Do you think you might be able to get some rest?" he asked.

"Maybe. Sometimes I am lulled to sleep if I'm watching a movie," she said.

"Do you have a television in your room?"

"I do."

"If you will show me where to get a blanket and a pillow for the sofa, I'll be fine," he said.

"There's a linen closet there. You will find extra toothbrushes and whatever you might need. Help yourself."

"Thanks. I'll see you in a few hours," he said as she got up from the sofa.

"Good night, Harry."

"Try to get some sleep."

As soon as she closed the door, she shed her bra and yoga pants. She climbed onto the bed with her tea, turned off the lamp, grabbed the remote, and located "Casablanca," on one of the movie channels. After a few more sips, she set the tea aside and snuggled down under the covers, but thirty minutes later, she was still as wide awake and nearly as emotional as she had been earlier. She sat back up and began to cry again.

For a moment, her heart began to race when she saw the indicator light flashing on her phone. She quickly realized her aunt would never text her if she was needed. Ashley punched in her passcode, touched the text icon and waited for the message to appear.

Ashley, do not hesitate to wake me

if you need something. H

She wiped the teardrops from her phone screen and pushed back the covers so she could get out of bed. Maybe he wasn't asleep yet, she thought. I do need a drink of water. If he just happens to be awake, maybe we can talk for a while or maybe he could just keep me company until I fall asleep.

The door creaked a little as she pushed it open. Harry was off the couch immediately asking whether everything was okay.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to . . . I mean . . ." she stammered to a shirtless Harry.

"No worries. Is something wrong?"

"Water . . . I need a glass of water."

"You've been crying," he said softly when he was close enough to see the tears in the partial darkness .