Hot (Harry Styles Fanfiction)

11

            Nearly a week later, Harry finally told me about Austin. I had dropped the subject since we last talked about it at the park, but I couldn't help bring it up now.

            It was a problem of mine. My curiosity overpowered my common sense. I think it was a result of almost always getting what I wanted growing up.

            Harry came by after his practice later than usual, this time smelling nicer because he took a shower first. There were small drops of water on his green shirt because it was raining outside.

            “Want some juice?” I asked, a bit nervous. I had already decided to ask him about Austin before he came, but I was a little worried and couldn’t stop pacing.

            “Sure.” Harry raised an eyebrow as he watched me fidget around the kitchen. I finally gave him a glass of orange juice, nearly spilling some of it on his shirt because my hands were shaking so much.

            “Whoa there. You all right?” he asked very nearly prying the glass from my grip.

            I gulped and twisted my fingers in my hands.

            “Harry,” I slowly started. I bit down on my lip.

            “Hey,” he said, putting down the glass and reaching out to hold my hands. He was leaning against the marble island countertop and he tugged me over to stand in between his legs.

            His long fingers braided through my shaking ones.

            This couldn’t be too big of a deal I thought, trying to console myself.

            “Will you tell me about Austin?” I finally said. I looked at him and as I expected, he tensed and refused to look at me. I stepped in closer to his body and slowly ran my hands up his chest.

            “Please,” I softly added. I reached up and cupped his neck, playing with the soft strands of his hair at the base.

            Harry looked into my eyes and let out a breath of air.

            He looked worried instead of upset or mad that I brought it up.

            Then his head slowly moved, nodding in agreement to comply with my wishes.

            He took his lower lip in between his teeth and chewed on it in concentration.

            “Promise me you won’t leave me,” he finally said quietly.

            I frowned.

            “Harry I can’t…”

            “Aria please. Please don’t. I can’t lose something good in my life again. I just can’t,” he pleaded.

            I shook my head.

            “I’m sorry. I can’t…I don’t know what I’m promising to,” I said sadly. A part of me desperately wanted to comfort him, but a more reasonable side of me wanted to protect myself first. I didn’t know what he did and I couldn’t promise him anything.

            Harry looked at me through somber eyes. He pressed his lips together and spoke after a moment of silence.

            “Lisa and Austin went out. Before I came here.” He brought his fingers to his lips, letting mine go. It was a move to almost distance us, like he knew what was coming.