Two Pieces

"Everyone's A Little Tense Today"

"I'm not talking about this anymore," Liam growled, hands crossed against his chest as he moved into the kitchen.

"Well, I'm not done talking," Danielle hissed, following him. They were ignoring everyone else that sat in the kitchen.

"Danielle, we're going home tomorrow morning and that's final. There's nothing more to talk about!"

"This conversation isn't over just because you say it is, Liam," Danielle growled at him.

"You want to have a conversation about it? Talk about it with Eleanor, because I'm done. You've been told what to do, so just do it."

"I am not someone you can just order around and expect to listen!" Danielle screeched, her voice growing louder, "Why aren't you listening to me?"

"Listening to what?" Liam snapped, "You don't want to go home. You're scared. I heard you; I'm just not going to do what you want, which is why you're upset. You're acting like a spoiled brat!"

"A spoiled brat?" Danielle gasped, "A SPOILED BRAT? I didn't sign up for this Liam Payne! Don't you dare call me spoiled because I expect my husband to listen to my concerns and act on them!"

"You didn't sign up for this?" Liam laughed, harshly, "You knew exactly what you signed up for when you married me! You knew that shit like this would happen, I don't know what the fuck you are talking about."

"I didn't know that our club would be made a target range, and I didn't know my husband would turn into an asshole!"

"What did you just call me?" Liam growled, stepping towards her.

"An asshole!" Danielle growled, "Because that's what you are! You are being completely unreasonable. There's no reason we have to rush back home where things are dangerous and the law is a little bit too curious!"

"Don't fucking call me an asshole," Liam hissed, "And if you think I'm going to let a little street gang run me out of my own town, you've gone absolutely mad!"

"What is the matter with you?" Danielle hissed, "Someone could have been hurt last night, I could've been hurt. Sophia is lucky she wasn't more hurt! This is a dangerous situation and you're blowing it off like it's nothing. And you're bossing me around like I'm some groupie, instead of your wife!"

"Okay, maybe you two should just separate for a bit," Louis said, standing up cautiously, "Calm down a bit!"

"SHUT UP LOU!" both Liam and Danielle roared, each staring at each other instead of him. Louis put his hands up in surrender, although he kept standing, just in case he had to make them separate.

"I am not a groupie, Liam. I am not going to just do what you say."

"You're right, you're not a groupie. At least a groupie would shut the fuck up and do as their told, maybe that'd be easier to handle."

"Excuse me?!" Danielle screeched, "How dare you! How could you think that I'd be okay with going home this soon?"

"I don't care if you're okay with it, it's what has to happen!" Liam yelled.

"You don't care about my feelings at all these days!" Danielle screamed, running her hands through her hair.

"I'm up to my ears in shit piling up right now, Danielle. You're feelings are going to have to be put on the backburner!"

"How could you say that?! How could you possible think that I'd be okay with what is going on right now?! How can we have a family in this right now?! Why aren't you looking at the bigger picture, like I'm asking you to!"

"What bigger picture?" Liam hissed, "What family?! Is this what we're fighting about again? Babies!? Because you're fucking delusional if you think I'm having that argument with you again."

"What argument?" Danielle hissed, "It was more of a one sided order. No Danielle, we're not having children. Danielle, pack up the cars we're going home tomorrow. Danielle, you're not allowed to come to the police station with me. You see how our marriage is working these days? IT'S NOT!"

"It wasn't your place to be at the police station with me!" Liam yelled, "I told you that!"

"I thought my place was by your side, Liam! As your equal and your wife!"

"You want equality? Should've married someone else, you knew what you were getting into when you got into it with me."

"I gave up everything for you," Danielle hissed quietly, her eyes and words desperate, "My family, my life, my career. I gave it all up to be with you and to be at your side. But you're wrong. I didn't sign up for this. I didn't sign up for my feelings and my worries and my dreams to be pushed aside for your little gang. I signed up to be your equal and your partner, and that's what you promised me."

"Danielle," Liam sighed, frustrated.

"I thought I was marrying Liam Payne," Danielle growled, her eyes narrowed in anger, tears prickling up in frustration, "Not Geoff."

"What did you just say to me?" Liam hissed, stepping toward her, and grabbing her arm, "WHAT DIDY YOU JUST SAY?"

"Liam!" Niall snapped, standing up and trying to calm him down, but Danielle wasn't backing down and she wasn't scared, even with Liam gripping her tight in anger.

"What are you going to do, hit me?!" Danielle screamed at him, "Go ahead, GEOFF! HIT ME! It won't quiet me down or make me follow your orders like I'm some Goddamn gang whore. I'm not that desperate and that was never my style."

Liam was panting with anger and frustration as he stared at his wife, not removing his hand. Danielle glared up at him even angrier then before.

Sofia stepped between the two, before either of them could say anything else, her hand finding Liam's.

"Let her go, Li," Sofia said, Liam glanced quickly at his sister, his eyes even more frustrated. His grip on Danielle got tighter.

"Liam, stop being an asshole and let her go," Sofia growled, gripping his hand tighter, "Or you'll be fighting with me, and believe me, big brother, I could take you."

"Enough, Sofia," Louis sighed deeply, not wanting Sofia to make the situation worse.

"Get yourself together, Danielle," Liam hissed, releasing his wife, "You're hysterical, and I won't deal with you when you're like this."

He turned from both his wife and sister to head out of the kitchen door.

"Keep it up, Liam. Keep this shit up, and you won't have me around to boss and bully anymore!" Danielle hissed.

There was an inhaling of tense air from everyone in the kitchen, as Liam turned back around his eyes flashing with anger. Sofia stepped slightly in front of Danielle, unsure of how her brother would react to Danielle's words.

"Don't you fucking threaten me," Liam hissed.

"It's not a threat. It's a promise. I will not live in a marriage like this," Danielle growled, and before Liam could say anything else or do anything in anger, she turned and walked quickly out of the kitchen. A small sob burst from her as she did so.

"Go calm her down," Liam spat at Eleanor, "And tell her to get our things ready to leave. And if she doesn't do it, you do it and I'll deal with her later."

Eleanor gave Liam a pointed dirty look, but didn't argue with him. She knew better then to do that, but that stop her from glaring. She got up from the kitchen table and followed him out.


***


"What the hell was that all about?" Niall asked, throwing his hands up, following Liam outside, the rest following behind him.

"Don't ever get married," Liam spat back.

"What is the matter with you?" Sofia hissed at him.

"Don't you start!" Liam yelled, pointing at her, "Because I have no problem putting you in your place!"

"Bring it, big brother," Sofia said, narrowing her eyes, moving forward, but an arm grabbed her.

"Knock it off," Zayn spat, pulling her back and giving her a warning look.

"She's scared, Liam," Harry said, leaning on the doorway, "That's all the was. It was her fear. Maybe she just wants you to acknowledge her feelings."

"I don't time for her feelings right now," Liam growled.

"Make time, Liam," Sofia said, "Because if you lose Danielle, you're screwed."

"I'm not losing anyone." Liam spat, "Now shut the fuck up, we have work to do."

The conversation was clearly over, and no one else was going to push Liam, mostly in fear of him actually losing his patience and going off.

"What do you need done?" Harry asked finally, stepping forward. Maybe if something got done, Liam would relax a bit.

"I'm taking Louis and Niall to my dads old office in town, see if we can find something on these guys."

"Dad has an old office in town?" Sofia asked.

"You didn't know everything, Sofia," Liam sighed, looking at her. His eyes going up to her head, and then back to her ankle. "How're you feeling today?"

"Fine," Sofia said, shrugging, "I'm walking on it, aren't I?"

"And you probably shouldn't be, you should rest today, until we need you..."

"Need me?" Sofia asked, eyebrows going up.

"Yeah, I got ahold of Toal today. We're meeting him later, at his restaurant. See if we can get anything out of him. He always seems to have information on everybody."

"Toal's a rat, who will give up anything for the right amount of money," Sofia scoffed, "He's dangerous, never know what side he's on. And he'll cheat you out of too much money."

"I don't plan on paying him," Liam growled, "He'll give me what I want, no cash necessary."

"How's that?" Sofia asked, this time it was Liam's eyebrows that went up, in a naughty kind of face.

"He's always had interest in you, mentioned you on the phone," Liam said, a small smirk taking over his face.

"Oh you're kidding me!" Sofia hissed, "You want me to go to lunch with that asshole? He's always hitting on me!"

"Yeah, I know. But I figure if anyone can get something out of him, it's the girl he's had a thing for, this many years."

"That's not fair, just cause he thinks I'm hot, that doesn't mean I want to be around him."

"Relax Sofia, it's not like I'm giving you to him. Just dangling you in front of him, to see what he gives. Plus we'll all be there too."

"Yuck," Sofia growled, before looking around the kitchen at the four other amused faces, "Do I have a choice?"

"No," they answered, at the same time.

"And what do I do until then?"

"Relax," Harry said, standing up, "You shouldn't be on your feet anyway."

"Is that all I am to you lot? A pretty face?" Sofia growled.

"Yea," Niall said, "Except not this morning, you could use a wash and some make up."

"Fuck you," Sofia growled.

"You could do with a touch up before out meet with Toal," Louis suggested.

"I hate you all," Sofia huffed, before leaving the kitchen, leaving the five boys laughing behind her.

"What do you want me and H to do?" Zayn said, looking over at Liam.

"I want you to go over the security tapes from last night, and make sure that Danielle packs, and that Eleanor doesn't work her up even more, and that my sister stays off her feet."

"You're putting us on babysitting duty?" Zayn growled.

"I'm putting you on 'keep the women in line' duty," Liam barked, "Plus, you two know that security program better then any of us, I want you make sure we didn't miss anything."

"You got it," Zayn said.

"And if we can't make the women stay in line?" Harry asked, looking at Liam with an unsure look on his face.

"Yeah, like you two have ever had that problem..." Liam said, rolling his eyes, before walking towards the car.

"Everyone's a little tense today, huh?" Niall asked.

No one responded.


***


"Find anything?" Harry asked, walking into the office with two cups of coffee.

"Not yet," Zayn said, "But there's no way they got in without one of our cameras getting them on film."

"Let's hope not," Harry said, taking a sip of his coffee.

There was a silence between them, the air thick with tension and unspoken words. Harry thought it was in his head, but the ways Zayns eyes kept looking over at him told him otherwise.

"You alright?" Harry asked, finally.

Zayn sighed, turning the chair towards Harry and giving him a long, hard look. Harry tilted his head in question. He was pretty sure what had Zayn so tense, but he wasn't sure he should bring it up.

"I heard you stayed in Sofia's room last night," Zayn finally said.

"I was in there for a bit, yeah," Harry said.

"Think that's a good idea?" Zayn asked.

"What?" Harry asked, as Zayns eyes narrowed.

"You and Sofia," Zayn replied.

"Is it a bad idea?" Harry asked.

"Aren't you the one who told me that we couldn't keep her safe, if she had us wrapped around her finger?" Zayn asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"She's not wrapped around my finger, Zayn," Harry said calmly, "I'm not you."

"It's only a matter of time. I see the way you look at her," Zayn said.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you look at her with hope, you're attracted to her."

"You'd have to be deaf and blind not to be attracted to her, but so what if I am, who cares?" Harry asked, "Don't you have a girlfriend?"

"Perrie isn't my girlfriend. And I don't know why she's coming up anyway. I'm just saying –"

"What exactly are you saying, Zayn? Because you haven't made a point yet, you just sound jealous."

"Well are you going for Sofia?" Zayn growled.

"I don't think Sofia's looking for anything right now, but even if I was going for it, why do you care? She's not yours..."

"She's –"

"Not yours," Harry snapped, "She made that clear. And so did you, Zayn."

"You don't have a chance, Harry. I'm warning you now," Zayn spat, "She'll never be anyone's. She's not that kinda girl. She'll never settle."

"Maybe she doesn't want to settle, and was the problem with you and her."

'What's that supposed to mean?" Zayn growled, fists forming.

"It means that maybe for her, you were settling. And maybe if the right guy comes along, it won't be settling anymore. It'll just be right," Harry said, not afraid that he was angering Zayn and perhaps hurting his feelings. Zayn and Sofia were never going to be right for each other, and Harry had no problem expressing that to Zayn.

"And you think you're the right guy?" Zayn asked.

"I think we should let Sofia decide who the right guy is," Harry said, "And you should stop asking about where I'm sleeping at night. Because it's none of your business."

"Sofia is my business!" Zayn snapped.

"Great," Harry said, shrugging, "Go ask her, then."

Zayn grew quiet, his jaw clenched and his eyes angry.

"But then again, she'd probably tell you the same thing, right?" Harry asked.

Zayn didn't say anything. The two sat in silence, just staring at each other.

"We gonna sit here all day talking about Sofia, or we gonna try and find the sons of bitches who shot up our club?" Harry finally asked. Zayn still stayed silent, but he turned back to the computer.

"Be careful, Harry," Zayn finally said, quietly.

But Harry didn't need anyone to tell him to be careful. He was already feeling her effect. Everything he had tried to avoid when it came to Sofia Payne was happening. No one had to warn him, he already knew.


***

Danielle was busy going through drawers, while Eleanor watched from the sofa in the master bedroom when Sofia walked in.

"You know, that fight was up there with some of me and Liam's best," Sofia said casually, before flinging herself on to the bed.

"You think you're the only one who can be rebellious?" Danielle asked, eyebrows rose.

"Nah, always knew you had it in you Danielle, just figured it got wiped away with the vowels."

"I don't argue with him, because I love him. And because he's usually right, Sofia. Not because I'm some brainwashed submissive gang wife."

"I never called you that," Sofia said, offended.

"You didn't have to," Danielle said, "I know you think Eleanor and I are weaker, because we leave the arguing up to you. But we're not, we just pick and choose our arguments better."

"I never thought you were weak, Danielle," Sofia said, standing up, "Weak women don't marry Paynes, only the strongest do that."

Sofia crossed the room, back to the door in which she came.

"By the way," she said, "Don't worry about kids..."

"Sofia –" Danielle started, in a strained voice.

"Liam's always wanted kids with you, Danielle," Sofia stated, confidently.

"You think?" Danielle asked, quietly, looking up from behind her long eyelashes.

"I know," Sofia said with a smile, "Don't start doubting your dream of a family, Danielle. That's all Liam's ever wanted. He's just struggling to stay above water right now, but once things settle – he'll want his family. That was always the plan."

"Your family, too," Danielle reminded her.

"I don't think I was ever in the cards for that," Sofia said, "Plus I'm looking at some apartments, so I'll be out of your hair soon."

"Your what?" Eleanor snapped, sitting up straighter, as Danielle looked concerned.

"Yeah, I mean, it's not really fair to ask you guys to put your lives on hold to look after me. And I'll be 17 in a few weeks, and I have the money and means. Only have one more year of school left. Doesn't make sense to make your play guardians if you don't have to..."

"Sofia –" Danielle gasped, but Sofia's phone began to ring.

"Sorry, have to take this..." Sofia said, stepping out of the room. And leaving Danielle and Eleanor upset behind her.

"Hello?"

"Hello, darling," a voice growled from over the phone. A voice she recognized. The voice from the shop the night. It was the guy who told her Harry was dangerous.

"Who is this?" Sophia hissed, "What is your name?"

"None of you business, sweetheart. Listen, I gave it some thought after our last meeting, and I realized I need a favor or two from you. I need some money --"

"Fuck you," Sofia growled, "I'm not giving you shit."

"Now, now... don't be mean. Plus you're not exactly in the position to negotiate, are you? How is Harry anyway?"

"How did you even get this number?" Sofia hissed quietly, from the top of the steps.

"I have my ways, you aren't as safe or invincible as you think you are..." his accent thick, and his tone aggressive.

Sofia hated his voice, and she hated how fear was creeping through her bones. She wouldn't allow anyone to throw her off, especially not someone who was stupid and weak enough to threaten like this. If he was serious, she wouldn't be talking to through the phone.

"Don't call this number again," Sofia snapped, hanging up the phone,
as she landed at the bottom of the steps.

"Who was that?" Harry asked, scaring her as he sat on the couch. His eyes narrowed at the panic in her eyes, though she quickly recovered.

"Wrong number," she answered.

"You're lying," Harry said, standing up, stepping towards her. Sofia scoffed.

"How do you figure?" Sofia asked.

"I just know when you're lying," Harry said, stepping again, as Sofia stepped back, her back hitting the wall.

He was close to her, looming over her as he looked down. She was looking up at him, and noticed just how intense his green eyes could be. Her breath caught, as he lips twitched into a smug grin. A grin she just wanted to wipe off his face.

"You don't know anything," Sofia said, trying to catch her breath, and hoping he couldn't hear her heart, which was pounding.

"You see a little nervous," Harry said, still grinning, "Because you're lying? Or because I make you nervous?"

"Am I interrupting you two?" Zayn said, making them both jump, as they didn't see him.

"Neither," Sofia said, answering Harry's question, shoving him hard, only making him smile wider.

"Liam's called," he said, catching her arm, "He's ready for us to meet him and Toal. I'm driving."

"What about Zayn?" Sofia asked.

"Zayn has to drive the other car," Zayn answered, looking angry, "Liam doesn't want a car left here, just in case Danielle gets any other ideas."

"Zayn has to drive the other car," Harry repeated his hand still gripped on her arm, as he stepped closer to her again, a little too close, "Just in case Danielle decides to pull a Sofia."

Sofia stuck her tongue out at him, making his eyes grow dark, and her heart started doing that stupid pounding thing again. When did Harry's eyes start affecting her heart? And how did she make it stop?

"Don't be immature Sofia," Harry said, his voice casual, she wasn't affecting him at all. He turned from her.

"Besides, there are probably better things you can find to do with that tongue."

He left Sofia standing there speechless, unsure of what just happened.

She was flustered. He left her flustered.

"Car, five minutes," he barked from the back door, "Don't keep me waiting."