Rivals - L.S.

Four - Making Progress... Kind of

It had been a week since Harry's first practice with the GB team and things were going well. All of his teammates were coming around, Harry was making friends and being included and truly feeling like a part of the team. Even Louis was slowly but surely showing Harry a nicer side. Yeah, the blue eyed boy still ridiculed Harry endlessly and went out of his way to belittle the boy. But now? Louis would compliment Harry's batting, help him with his throw and even pick Harry to be on his scrimmage team. Harry was hopeful that they might actually have a shot at getting along.

Today, practice was cancelled. Cowell had a meeting to attend and told the team they could have a day to themselves because apparently, free time was even more scarce in the sports industry than it was in the music one. He informed the boys about an optional open training session at their sponsored gym and 'suggested' that they all attend to get a work out in. Harry knew he was going to go, he was determined to get to the same physical place as the rest of the team.

Liam was calling and calling, trying to get Harry to come hang out with him, Luke and Ed. And Harry kept declining and declining.

"Oh, come on, mate," Liam whined, "No one even goes to the training sessions! That's why they're optional! It's not a big deal to blow it off."

"Liam. I am nowhere near being in as good of shape as you and the rest of the team. Even Cowell told me on my first day that I need to work out! I have to go," Harry laughed, explaining to his new mate over the phone.

Liam rolled his eyes, even though Harry wasn't there to see it. "Oh whatever, Harry. We've all seen your six pack in the locker room. I'm pretty sure you're in good shape," he scoffed, "Luke and Ed agree with me, too."

Harry just shrugged, grabbing his gym bag off the table and slinging it over his shoulder. "I may look fit but I die a little bit inside every time I run the bases. So, I'm going. How about tonight I meet up with you and the lads, okay?" Harry suggested, walking towards the front door.

"Whatever, nerd. Text me when you're done. Bye Harry, have fun!"

Harry hung up the phone and made his way down to the car park. Lately, with the increase in media coverage on Harry and his switch to baseball, there had been more paparazzi than ever before outside Harry's penthouse so his security detail was nearly doubled (mostly just because Harry hated the paps and didn't think that mentally he could handle them). The guards made a path for him and he jogged out to his car, quickly jumping into the backseat with a relieved breath.

The ride to the gym was short and relaxing but Harry was anxious to get to the gym and lift. He practically ran inside, humming one of his own songs as he went. Harry wasn't exactly the gym type of guy so he was actually excited to work out.

When he entered the building, he was overwhelmed by the smell of sweat. It was gross and kind of reminded Harry of the reasons why he didn't go to the gym in the first place. Besides that, Harry was the only person in the whole gym besides a man working the front desk. He surveyed the whole place but Liam was right, nobody went to training.

Harry headed to the back and tugged off his black tee shirt, figuring that since he was alone it wouldn't matter if he was shirtless. He fixed his white shorts and laced up his shoes a little tighter before tucking his brown curls into a messy bun.

Harry plugged in his headphones and stepped onto the treadmill, starting at a light jog. He slowly picked up the pace, cranking the speed until he was nearly sprinting.