hariana drabbles

001

- Better Than Never
Author: Me (2013)
Summary: Harry is unable to come home on time for Darcy's birthday and it upsets Darcy but he finds a way to make it her most memorable birthday yet.
-:-:-:-

~ Harry ~

I paced the wooden floors with repression, struggling to reason with Ariana who seemed rather upset. "I'm sorry babe but there's nothing I can do, they've got me and the lads working in the States for the rest of the month."

"The tour ended weeks ago, you should be home by now. Why have they got you working on new material already, what about your family? Your daughter? How am I supposed to explain to Darcy that her father won't be able to make it to her birthday party, again?" her words were spiteful and I could tell she was just as stressed, if not more stressed than me.

"Just tell her daddy's been working with Santa to get her gifts prepared or something." I suggested as she sighed sadly. "Harry, I can't keep lying to her like this. She's turning six for heaven's sake, she'll hardly believe in Santa before you know it and what'll happen then?"

"You promised you'd try your best to be there for us Harry. That we'd be together as a family." She murmured quietly as I closed my eyes.

"Ariana, I am trying my best here." I whispered, cringing at the silence I received from her end afterwards.

"Mummy who are you talking to?" I smiled at the melodic sound of my daughter's voice, seemingly too perky for it to be anyone else's. "I have to go." Ariana muttered as my eyes widened. "You're not going to let me speak to my own daughter?"

"If you really wanted to speak to her you'd do your best to see her in person." Ariana remarked as I sighed. "Tell her I love her then, a-and that daddy will be home soon. I promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep Styles." She slurred as I bit my lip. "You love me anyways." I remarked as Ariana chuckled lowly. "That's why I married you in the first place innit?"

"And I love you and Darcy more and more each day. I swear on my life I'll ask management to let me see you both, okay." I smiled hopefully as Ariana giggled. "You better, alright see you soon."

"Better than never." I replied before ending the call.

As promised I quickly changed into suitable attire for the chilly New York weather before heading out into the dark streets with Paddy in tow. Climbing into the drivers seat, I took a moment to really evaluate how I was going to approach management.

I'd been asking for weeks for them to let me see Ariana and Darcy, but they insisted they needed me here for just another month. I enjoyed working but it was unbearable at times, especially when I have to miss important family events like Darcy's first recital, her first school presentation and her birthday.

The thought of not being there for her when she needed me pained me the most. I can imagine the boys feeling the same about their family as well.

As we neared the offices, I looked over at Paddy who was eyeing the streets like a predator eyeing its prey. "They're just girls Paddy, not wolves." I chuckled as Paddy shook his head.

"Nevertheless Harry, I need to make sure your're safe from anything that threatens your safety." Paddy insisted as I rolled my eyes. "Whatever you say Paddy."

After our rather short conversation, Paddy exited his side of the car before coming around to mine. He opened the door and gripped my arm tightly before pulling me out and leading me to the doors.

Here goes nothing.

~*~

~ Ariana ~