Two Pieces

"Do You Even Have A Plan?"

"I'll make some coffee," she said quietly, moving into the kitchen.

"Or you could get some sleep," Danny suggested, throwing his bag down.

"No, I won't sleep until everyone's here anyway," Sofia answered.

Harry followed Danny and her into the kitchen, taking a seat at the table.

"I guess we gotta do some food shopping," Danny said, opening a cupboard.

"No, there's stuff in the basement," Sofia said, "We always have someone come and keep it stocked just in case we have to get out of town quick. Mom always made sure of that."

"Awesome," Danny said, "Feel like cooking?"

"I'll make you eggs and bacon," Sofia said, rolling her eyes, and nudging him.

"You're so sexy when you get all house wife on me," Danny said, with a grin.

"I'm always sexy," Sofia said, wiggling her eyebrows at him.

"Ain't that the truth," Danny said quietly, as Harry coughed loudly. Danny glanced over to see Harry glaring at him.

"I'm gonna go get the food," Danny said, before heading towards the basement.

"Good idea," Harry spat out, causing Sofia to narrow her eyes on him.

"Jealous?" Sofia asked.

"Don't start," Harry mumbled.

"I didn't, you did," Sofia snapped at him, causing him his eyes to flash. She couldn't help herself.

"He's right, you know," Harry said, watching her as she made the coffee, "You should get some sleep."

"I'm fine," Sofia sighed, "I'm used to late nights. I just want to make sure everyone is here safe."

She sat down at the table across from him, but just as he was about to ask her how she was, her phone rang.

"Hello?" Sofia answered.

"It's me," Emily's voice came across the phone.

"You okay?" Sofia asked, totally forgetting that she was mad at Emily.

"Yeah, we're pretty much on lock down, nothing's gone down yet though, you?" Emily asked.

"We're at the house," Sofia answered, "Got here safe. No one followed."

"I'm sorry," Emily said, quietly, "I shouldn't get involved with your life."

"No," Sofia answered, looking up at Harry, "Don't be sorry. You were right."

"I was?"

"Yeah," Sofia said, "I just have to figure it out, okay?"

"Yeah, I got it," Emily answered quietly.

"Kate with you?" Sofia asked.

"No, she's with Rob and Sean, at Sean's apartment," Emily answered.

"Your by yourself?" Sofia asked, sitting up straighter,
"Why aren't you with them?"

Harry looked up at her, following the conversation.

"Rob didn't want me in the way," Emily answered, "In case anything went down."

"I don't like the idea of you being by yourself, Em," Sofia said, her voice frustrated, "It's not safe right now."

"I'll be fine," Emily said, "I'm at my moms, and she's with her boyfriend away so..."

"So you are literally by yourself with no protection," Sofia snapped.

"Don't worry about me," Emily said, "Who's gonna come after me anyway?"

"I'll call you right back," Sofia snapped, before hanging up and re-dialing the phone.

"What's going on?" Harry asked, but Sofia threw her hand up to quiet him. He narrowed his eyes on her hand, before grabbing it and placing it on the table.

"Manners, Sofia," he said, quietly.

"Yeah, you might want to close your ears for this," Sofia snapped, as Rob picked up the phone.

"Sof?" he answered, "What's up?"

"Why the hell is Emily alone right now?" Sofia barked through the phone, "Are you out of your damn mind?"

"Sofia... Em and I are not getting along right now," Rob answered, "I just thought it'd be better –"

"To leave her alone while we're about to go to war with another gang?" Sofia screeched, "Rob, if you don't get her some fucking protection right this minute, I swear to God someone will have to protect you from me. And they won't succeed."

"Sofia," Harry warned, but Sofia ignored him, standing up.

"What do you want me to do? Go get her?" Rob snapped.

"Yes, asshole," Sofia barked, as Danny came into the kitchen. Sofia was pacing.

"Who's she yelling at?" Danny asked, looking at Harry.

"Rob," Harry said, his voice thin.

"I don't want her alone right now, Rob," Sofia barked threw the phone, "And I'm pretty sure you know she's not supposed to be alone. So, you better fix it before I find you and tear your fucking heart out."

"I hear you," Rob growled through the phone, "I'll pick her up tomorrow morning."

"Why not tonight?" Sofia hissed

"Because, it's too dangerous to be on the roads right now, and she's safer in the house," Rob barked.

"Fine," Sofia agreed, "But if she isn't with you by tomorrow morning, there will be hell to pay. Do you understand me?"

"You're not my boss," Rob hissed over the phone.

"Excuse me?!" Sofia yelled, "Are you out of your fucking mind right now? You work for the Payne's. And if I remember correctly my name is still fucking Payne. And I still kick your sorry ass."

Harry stood up as she was yelling, approaching her with a narrowed look in his eye, but Sofia was ignoring him and his face.

"So let's try this again, shall we?" Sofia barked, "If she's not with you by tomorrow morning there will hell to
pay."

"Give me the phone," Harry barked, and before she could reply, Harry grabbed the phone from her.

"Rob," Harry barked, "She's right. Emily should be with you. Fix it by tomorrow morning."

Sofia was seething as Harry apologized for her tone and hung up. Harry hung up her phone, and turned back to her.

"What the hell was that?" Sofia barked.

"That was me, saving your ass," Harry snapped back, "I don't care who it is, you don't talk to any of the guys like that. You are not the boss."

"You're an asshole," Sofia hissed, turning away from him.

"What did you just say?" Harry growled, grabbing her.

"You fucking heard me, you're an asshole," Sofia barked.

"Say it again, Sofia," Harry hissed, "I dare you."

Sofia bit down on her lip, and looked past Harry to see Danny standing there. She didn't put it past Harry to do something in front of Danny. Harry didn't strike her as someone who cared about who was watching when he wanted his way.

"I got it. Get off me," Sofia said, pulling away from Harry.

"Get your shit together," Harry barked, "Fall into place, right fucking now."

"I said I got it," Sofia snapped, pulling away from him completely.

Harry took a step back from her. She may have submissive ways, but she was still Sofia. He was in for one hell of a fight with her, and he knew it.

"What's going on with Emily?" Danny asked, not quite sure what to make of Harry or Sofia. Or Sofia's lack of argument.

"She's alone at her mom's house," Sofia snapped, taking the eggs and bacon from him.

"Are you serious?" Danny asked, his eyes going wide.

"No, I'm making it up," Sofia said, rolling her eyes as she turned on the stove.

"Okay, sass," Danny said, sitting down.

"Careful with that tone, Sofia," Harry warned, "You're on thin ice."

Sofia didn't say anything to him as she started to make their food. Her phone rang again, and sighing in frustration she picked it up.



***


"You called Rob?" Emily barked over the phone.

"Of course I did," Sofia said, "What was I supposed to do? Leave you there alone."

"You're such a softy, Sofia," Emily sighed, "You try and act all tough, but you are just a total softy."

"Don't go spreading that shit around," Sofia said, as she threw bacon in the pan.

"I called Isaac and kind of let him know what was happening," Emily said.

"You did?" Sofia asked, her voice surprised.

"I didn't tell him everything of course, but I just figured you wouldn't be able to. I think he's frustrated about that."

"I know," Sofia said, glancing back at Harry and Danny, she had to be careful with what she said.

"It's not fair to either of you, Sofia," Emily said, softly.

"I know," Sofia agreed, "I just ... I can't talk about this right now."

"Got it," Emily said, "How'd it go with Harry this weekend anyway?"

"Yeah, that uh.. got interesting," Sofia said.

"Interesting how?" Emily asked.

Sofia sighed, as she scrambled the eggs in front of her.

"It's just confusing," Sofia said.

"Things got confusing this weekend?" Emily asked.

"Well, kind of but they also kind of got clear," Sofia mumbled, "I don't know. I don't know what to say.
I'm not good at this whole –"

"Girl talk?" Emily said, finishing her sentence, "Feelings thing? Having them? Talking about them? All of that?"

"Yeah," Sofia answered, "I'll fill you in when I see you?"

"Sounds good," Emily answered.

"Hey Em?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for putting up with me," Sofia said.

"I love you," Emily said, "Forever."

"Bitches for life," Sofia replied, with a laugh before saying goodbye and hanging up.

"How do girls do that?" Danny asked, causing Sofia to turn around and look at him.

"Do what?" Sofia asked.

"I know you had an entire conversation where tons of information was just exchanged, but you totally didn't say anything," Danny said, throwing his hands up, "It's like you talk... but you don't talk."

"What were you talking about anyway?" Harry asked, glancing up at her with curious eyes.

"Not much," Sofia replied.
But Harry saw the look in her eye and he knew that
somewhere in that conversation he didn't quite
understand, he had come up.



***


"Oh thank God!" Sofia greeted, as Liam, Louis, Danielle and Eleanor came through the doors.

"Hey," Liam greeted, wrapping his arms around her, "What are you still doing awake?"

"Yeah, like I was going to sleep," Sofia answered, as she moved to hug Eleanor and Danielle.

"Niall and Zayn aren't here yet?" Louis asked, throwing himself on the couch next to Harry.

"Not yet," Harry said, "Shouldn't be long though."

"Who made the cookies?" Danielle asked.

"I did," Sofia answered.

"You baked?" Liam asked, wide eyed.

"I can bake!" Sofia cried out, offended.

"They're good," Eleanor said, biting down on a cookie, as she sat on Louis lap.

"They're from the box," Harry snorted, causing Sofia to glare at him. She still hadn't said much to him after their spat in the kitchen.

"How was the trip?" Danny asked

"Great, until we had to cut it short," Danielle answered.

"Sorry," Sofia answered, feeling bad.

"No, it's okay, it was nice to get away but it's good to be back," Eleanor said, "We missed you."

"Good to see you and Harry are both still alive," Louis commented, causing Harry to shove him.

"What's the plan?" Sofia asked, looking at her brother.

"I don't know," Liam shrugged, "We gotta get information out of this girl, before The Suns figure out some retaliation."

He sat down in a chair, pulling Danielle down with him. Sofia noticed that both couples seemed to be doing better.

"Shouldn't be hard," Danny said, "Getting information out of her. She doesn't exactly have a choice, does she?"

"I'm not going to sink to their level," Liam growled, "She's either gonna give something up or she's not, but I'm not in the business of torturing information out of women. Or scaring it out of them."

"Gotta love that moral high ground," Sofia said, sarcastically.

"I don't need commentary from you," Liam barked, glaring at her.

"I'm just saying –"

"Not your place to say," Harry warned, causing Sofia to glare at him again. She fell silent before rolling her eyes and turning back into the kitchen.

"That's new," Liam said, glancing between the kitchen and Harry.

"What?" Harry asked.

"Her dropping an argument," Liam said, looking at Harry knowingly and suspiciously.

"She's just learning to pick and choose her battles," Harry said, shrugging.

"How was your weekend?" Louis asked, giving him a smile.

"Yeah, how was it?" Eleanor asked, wiggling her eyebrows at him.

"It was fine," Harry answered, "Stop looking at me like that."

"We were all wondering how it'd go," Danielle said, as Sofia came back into the room with two teacups. She handed one to Harry quietly, while everyone watched.

It was a routine they had picked up in the last few days. They seemed to be in their own little world and it was hard to break out of that world, even if there was tension between them. Harry took the tea from her, before nodding at her to sit next to him. She sat down next to him stiffly.

"You gonna pout all night?" he asked, forgetting that anyone else was in the room.

"Maybe," Sofia replied with a bite to her tone.

"You called me the asshole," Harry reminded her.

"You were being one," Sofia responded causing Harry to take a deep sigh.

"Enough, Sofia," he said, "Let it go already."

She didn't say anything, but she sank into the couch next to him, causing him to smirk. They both looked up to notice the curious looks on everyone's face as they watched them.

"What?" Sofia asked, confused.

"Nothing," Liam said, snapping out his confusion.

Sofia took out her phone, showing something to Harry who snorted in laughter, before pointing something else out.

Everyone watched the two of them again. It was very clear that something had changed between them, they just couldn't figure out what.


***

"What the hell did you do?" Louis cried, as Zayn and Niall walked in. Zayn was carrying a girl in his arms.

"Drugged her," Zayn answered, before walking up the steps. Liam's eyes grew wide, looking at Niall for an explanation.

"It was his idea," Niall said, shrugging, "But it made taking her and driving out of London with her easier."

"Jesus Christ," Liam hissed, throwing his head in his hands.

Zayn was coming down the steps, and paused when everyone looked at him.

"What?" he spat out, "What the hell else were we supposed to do?"

"Anything but drug her," Eleanor said, "She's going to be terrified when she wakes up."

"She wasn't giving us any information, and putting up one hell of a fight. We weren't going to be able to drive with her fighting and screaming like she was," Zayn argued.

"Where'd you put her?" Danielle asked, looking up the stairs.

"In one of the guest rooms," Zayn said, "I locked the door and the windows don't open in this place anyway. Figure we'd all take a turn watching her."

"I'll go first," Danny volunteered, standing up. Liam nodded his head in agreement, causing Danny to go up the stairs, and Zayn to take his place on the couch.

"We have to get information out of her today," Sofia said, "There's no way by tomorrow The Suns won't have this figured out and planned retaliation."

"I agree," Zayn said, "I probably could have gotten something out of her, but Niall insisted we play nice."

"I don't want her to think we're the enemy," Niall snapped, "She's been through enough, don't you think? If we want her help, we have to play nice. Also, I was following Liam's orders."

"I don't want to hurt her or scare her," Liam said.

"We're not diplomats or politicians," Sofia barked, "We're a gang. Who's in a fight with another gang. We don't get to play nice!"

"Sofia –" Harry warned, closing his eyes in frustration.

"No!" Sofia barked at him, "I'm sorry, but I know what I'm talking about with this. If we play nice for too long, people die. Our people die. Innocent people die. Enough. We don't get to play nice. We have to get the information we need and form a plan. And I don't give a shit how we do it."

"We know, Sofia," Liam barked, "We know you don't give a shit. But this isn't like when dad –"

"Was running things?" Sofia interrupted him, "I know. Okay, and I know you have your issues with how he did things. But Liam, he knew what he was doing. You can't deny that. I get that you have your issues with the man, but there's a reason he was as powerful and successful as he was."

"He was also cruel and vicious, Sofia!" Liam barked, "And he burnt bridges he didn't have to burn. He loved fear and he hurt people to get his way. He was a robot!"

"I know who he was, Liam!" Sofia screamed, standing up, "You don't have to fucking tell me! Believe me, I'm the fucking poster child for who Geoff Payne was. Remember?"

"I know that," Liam said, quietly, "I'm sorry – I didn't mean –"

"Liam, I know that you want to do things differently. I get it. And I have been trying the best I can. But you have to remember what you took charge of. This is a gang. And sometimes things get ugly and messy and awful. Sometimes we have to be awful."

"I don't want to be him –" Liam said, looking at his sister with desperate eyes.

In that moment Sofia realized that her and her brother had the same fear. In different ways, they both feared becoming their father.

"You are never going to be him," Sofia said, shaking her head, "That's my role, remember?"

"Don't say that," Liam spat at her.

"You do this your way, if you think it's what's best, and if you think it'll work," Sofia said, "But if it doesn't, then maybe you should think about doing it dads way."

"We don't want anyone else to die because of these guys, Liam," Zayn said, it was clear he agreed with Sofia.

"But we don't want to be scum bags either," Harry argued, "The town is already turning against us. We have to play this out right or we're done."

"I need some time to think about this!" Liam said, throwing his hands up, "Let's just get some sleep and we'll re-evaluate in the morning."

Everyone seemed to agree on that, standing up and getting ready to turn into bed. Liam stood there as people moved around him, watching Sofia who hadn't moved from her spot on the couch.

"You're mad," Liam said, causing her to look up.

"No, I'm not," Sofia argued, "I think we're all just trying to figure this out. This is new for everyone."

"You okay?" he asked, sitting on the table in front of her.

"You're never going to be dad, Liam," Sofia said, "You've always been too good. You got the good heart in the family. I just don't want your fear of becoming him to block the part of you that could be great."

"I guess I have my baggage with him too still," Liam said quietly.

"Do you think everyone is this fucked up because of their parents?" Sofia asked, quietly.

"I don't know," Liam said, shrugging, "But you're not him either, Sofia. You can be great too, and not be him."

"Yea," Sofia said, nodding, "I think I'm starting to see that. I'm just scared that if I let that part of me go, I'll be vulnerable."

"He didn't make you strong, Sofia," Liam said, "You were already strong. And brilliant. And a hell of fighter. He just preyed on that part of you, and made you into what he wanted you to be."

"I don't know if that's –"

"It is true," Liam said, "I was there, Sofia. I watched you and saw you. You have always had the spirit of a fighter. You've always been intelligent. You've always been one step ahead. He didn't give you those skills. You had them already. Don't give him so much credit."

"I can't help it," Sofia said, "I can't remember who I was before I was what he made me."

"You don't have to remember," Liam said, shrugging, "That's why I'm here. Anytime you don't remember, I'm here to remind you. Letting him go doesn't make you weak. It isn't going to affect your work. Or how well you do your job. Letting him go, just means that your taking back that part of yourself that he took away."

"I'm scared that without him pushing me, I won't be good enough," Sofia said quietly.

"You are good enough," Liam said, "You are enough."

"I'm figuring out all these different parts of me that I didn't know existed, feelings that didn't know I had or could have," Sofia said, "And it's scary. It's a scary feeling figuring out that you don't know yourself."

"I know," Liam said, taking her hand, "But I know you."

"It's only been a few months, and I feel like I'm a totally different person," Sofia said.

"You'll always be you, Sofia," Liam said, with a small laugh, "You're sixteen, you're just figuring out who you are. You're not supposed to know at sixteen. And you're gonna change. Over and over and over. You just have to allow yourself to do that. Allow yourself to change, and discover. Open yourself up to the
possibilities of who you could be. And do it without
fear."

"Who knew that my biggest fear would be myself?" Sofia asked.

"I did," Liam said.

"Sometimes I hate me," Sofia admitted.

"Sometimes is better then what it was," Liam said.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you used to hate you all the time," Liam said.

"How do you know that?" Sofia asked, looking up at him in confusion.

"Because I know you, Sofia," Liam said, "Even when you thought I wasn't looking, or didn't notice, or didn't care. I was looking and noticing and caring. I know you. And I want to be better for you."

"Which is why you want to do this job differently," Sofia said, finally seeing what Liam was trying to do.

"I want to do this job better. And then all the jobs after that," Liam said, "I think both deserve better, don't you?"

She couldn't disagree with him there.

***


Sofia's eyes popped open when she felt the bed move beside her. Looking over, she saw Harry sitting on the edge.

"What time is it?" she asked, her voice croaking.

"Like 5, sorry, I just got done watching Chelsea," Harry said, "There's no where else to sleep."

"It's fine," Sofia said, glancing out the window, "You must be exhausted."

"Not really," Harry said, "I'm actually kind of wired, and I just want to know what she knows. My adrenaline is going."

"Come on," Sofia said, getting out of bed. Harry looked up at her confused.

"Just come on," Sofia said, holding her hand out to him. He took it.

Sofia led Harry to the kitchen, where all the boys seemed to be awake.

"I guess everyone's nerves are on edge," Sofia said, slipping to the coffee maker and pouring two cups.

"You should get some sleep," Liam said.

"I could say the same to you," Sofia said, handing Harry a cup, and then pulling him towards the back door.

"Where you going?" Niall asked, squinting through his tired eyes.

"We'll be back," Sofia said.

Harry followed Sofia out the back door, and up a small hill on the property.

"Where are we going?" Harry asked.

"Just trust me and hurry up," Sofia said, rolling her eyes.

"Just because I can't see your face, doesn't mean I don't know when you're rolling your eyes at me," Harry said, gruffly, but he continued to follow her.

Finally Sofia and him reached the top of the hill. Harry stood beside her confused.

"I don't get it," Harry said, looking around.

"Look," Sofia said, pointing out ahead. Just ahead, there was a small light. Harry realized that the sun was going to come up.

"Sunrise," he said.

"Yup," Sofia answered, sitting in the grass, "It's weird to be here in the summer, but I figured the sun would come up just the same."

"You do this a lot?" Harry asked, "You don't strike me as a sunrise type of person."

He sat besides her, taking a long sip of his coffee.

"My dad was," Sofia said quietly. Harry looked over at her.

"I know that I make him out to be a monster sometimes, Liam and I both do, but he had his moments," Sofia said.

"I know he did," Harry said.

"He was a sunrise type of person. He used to watch the sunrise. He said that it calmed him. Because you knew that no matter what going on, no matter who had gotten hurt or killed, or what the chaos was, you could always count on the sun rising the next day. Life goes on."

"Life goes on," Harry repeated quietly.

"I know, not the best lesson. But, I think he just tried to prepare us for the worst the only way he knew how," Sofia said, "I got it from him, but I love watching the sun rise. Especially here. The sky always seems to paint a really pretty picture."

Harry and Sofia sat quietly, side-by-side, watching as the sun rose and got bigger and bigger in the sky. They didn't have to say anything, they were comfortable in silence. Sipping coffee, and watching the different colors appear in the sky.

"Why'd you bring me up here?" Harry asked.

"Because this always seems to give me some peace, and I guess I was just hoping it would give you peace too," Sofia said.

"I do feel more calm," Harry admitted.

"I can take care of people too," Sofia said, looking over at him, "This isn't a one way thing."

"I never thought it was," Harry said, with a smile.


***

Chelsea Lane was not speaking. She wasn't eating. She wasn't even moving. She sat in a chair in the living room, staring straight ahead. She didn't show any fear, she didn't show any anger. Her face was blank. And everyone was frustrated. They didn't have time for this, they needed to know what she knew.

"You have to tell us something," Liam growled, "We don't want to hurt you."

"I have no problem hurting you, actually," Zayn threatened.

"Not helping," Louis mumbled to him.

"Seriously," Danny barked, "You're here with us now. You know that we can get you to speak, I don't know why you insist on doing this the hard way."

Chelsea remained silent. Harry sighed deeply, he was torn as he stared at the girl. He knows he ha argued playing this the right way last night, but she was hitting nerves in him and he didn't care about how they played it anymore. He just wanted answers.

"We can make a deal with you," Niall said, "We have no problem with that."

"Enough of this!" Harry snapped, standing up, "There are ways to get her to talk..."

"Agreed," Zayn barked, pulling out a gun.

"Zayn!" Liam warned, for the first time there was fear in Chelsea's eyes.

"You're not going to shoot her," Sofia sniffed, rolling her eyes, before looking at Chelsea, "They're not going to shoot you."

"Sofia, stay out of it," Louis said.

"Just give us something!" Harry roared, lunging towards the girl and shaking her, "We don't want to have to hurt you!"

"Harry!" Liam roared, ripping him off the girl.

"Fuck you," Chelsea hissed, "You can't do anything to me."

"I can beat the shit out of you!" Zayn barked.

"Go ahead, I'm still not talking," Chelsea said.

"Zayn stop!" Louis yelled, as Zayn raised his hand at the girl in anger.

"Enough!" Liam snapped, throwing his hands up, "Listen to me, Chelsea. We are not the bad guys here. You have information we need and we are more the willing to give you something in return."

"I don't want anything," Chelsea snapped.

"Sure you do," Sofia said, rolling her eyes at the girl.

"You don't know anything," Chelsea argued.

"Oh so you want to be on the streets selling your body? You like sleeping with strangers? You like the drugs they force you to course through your veins?"

"Sofia –" Liam warned. She was going after the girls weak spots, which Liam wasn't sure was the best way to go about this.

"That's a real nice shiner you got on your cheek there," Sofia said, pointing to the girls face, "You like that too?"

"I can't say anything," Chelsea said, "You don't understand."

"If you're scared, we can keep you safe," Liam said.

"Who cares about me? They make sure to snatch up anyone you care about. They know how to keep you quiet. You talk, and someone you love dies. I am trying to protect my family. They might already kill someone, just because I'm missing. My sister –"

"Is dead," Sofia said, causing Chelsea's eyes to go wide and Liam to groan loudly.

"What?" Chelsea spat out.

"She's dead. She was beaten and choked in an
alleyway. And they stabbed her tattoo for good measure."

"Sofia –" Liam barked

"No – they wouldn't do that –" Chelsea said.

"They did do that," Sofia snapped, "She made a mistake and she paid for it."

"SOFIA KNOCK IT OFF!" Liam barked again, she was baiting this girl, but Liam was sure it was going to make her shut down.

"You're lying," Chelsea growled.

"No, I'm not," Sofia said.

"She's not," Niall said, "We have pictures if you want them..."

"Stop it!" Liam barked, watching the girls face turn horrified.

"They would have told me," Chelsea said, "Someone would have told me. If she made a mistake – someone would have told me."

"No, they wouldn't," Sofia snapped, "They don't care about you. They care about and power. They use you and every other girl they scoop up to keep them safe and in power. AND YOU LET THEM!"

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" Chelsea roared, "We were in the gutter. We had no home, no money, no nothing. Dante saved us!"

"Dante!" Liam said, looking at Zayn. Zayn moved to the computer so fast, it was almost hard to see him.

"Shit," Chelsea hissed to herself.

"Who is he? Where is he?" Louis asked, approaching the girl. Chelsea shook her head.

"FUCKING A!" Harry roared, "THIS IS STUPID! YOU KNOW WE CAN GET SHIT OUT OF YOU, DON'T PLAY GAMES!"

"STOP!" Liam roared back, holding Harry off.

The room broke out in an argument, but Sofia watched Chelsea. She watched her fear and her sadness, and she knew she could use it. Chelsea was thinking about her sister, and that's exactly what Sofia was going to push on.

"Everyone shut up!" Sofia screamed, causing everyone to go quiet and look at her like she was insane.

"What did you just say?" Harry barked, but Sofia ignored him, turning back to Chelsea.

"Listen to me," Sofia said quietly, "Your sister is dead. And she won't be the only one if someone doesn't stop them."

"I'm not a rat –"

"I know," Sofia said, "I get it. Believe me, I get it. But you are protecting people who are using you. And killing your friends and family. They don't care about you. They didn't care about your sister. You are a pawn in their game. And you will lose unless you back the right horse. I'm telling you right now, that I can get revenge for your sister and justice for you and what they have done to you. You just have to give us something. Anything!"

Liam saw what his sister was doing. Sofia was playing her. Sofia was down on her level, and approaching her like a friend. Like someone who cared. Like someone who wanted to protect Chelsea.

The thing was, it almost looked like Sofia was being sincere. It didn't look like an act, or a game. It looked like Sofia was really trying to help this girl, not just get information.

Liam glanced at Harry, who was also watching Sofia. Liam didn't know what to think anymore. Was Harry changing his sister? Or was he just played too?

"She's right," Liam said, "We can help."

"What if people die because I ratted?" Chelsea asked.

"What if people die because you didn't?" Liam asked.

Sofia took a step back, giving Liam space to do what he was doing. He caught on quickly to what Sofia was doing, and he was making the next move.

"There are a lot of innocent people mixed up in the this," Chelsea said, shaking her head, "I don't want them to get hurt."

"That's not our intention," Liam said, "But if you think people won't get hurt if you stay quiet, you're wrong. We need to stop them..."

"It's not a them," Chelsea said, looking up at him.

"What?" Zayn asked, looking confused.

"It's just Dante. He calls the shots, everyone else falls in line. He has everyone scared. He doesn't pick up anyone unless they have people they care about. Everything we do, it's based on blackmail. He has no problem hurting and killing people. Woman, men, children. If he sees you have a connection, he uses it to his advantage. He's smart. And people are scared of him. I wouldn't be surprised if he's already making moves because they know I'm gone. You should be scared. He will have no problem making a mess of your town and your people."

"He's already kind of done that," Liam said, "Are you saying that if we get rid of him, this ends?"

"No one wants to work for him. He's changed. He's gotten power hungry and less human. He wasn't always like this."

Sofia looked at the floor, this all sounded a bit to familiar.

"We're all terrified," Chelsea continued, "If you cut off the head of the monster, I don't think another one is gonna grow back. We just want to be free. But we don't blood on our hands."

"Where is he?" Harry asked, "Where does he hide out and call the shots?"

"The last heard, he had a warehouse outside of your town..." Chelsea said, "He wanted to be just under your nose."

"Like, maybe one of the warehouses near the one he blew up," Zayn hissed from the computer, "Of course. He's mocking us..."

"We head back today," Liam said, "We track this motherfucker down. And we make a plan once we know where and how he moves about. I want surveillance started now on all those warehouses. This ends now."

"What about me?" Chelsea said, "I can't go with you, they'll find me."

"You'll stay here," Harry said, "Danny will stay here with you. We'll keep you safe."

Everyone seemed to move in different directions, but Sofia stayed put, looking at the girl.

"You did the right thing," Sofia finally said, "I know it doesn't seem like it, but you did."

Chelsea didn't respond, she just broke into tears. Sofia didn't know what else to say to her, so she just left her sitting there with Danny. As Sofia moved towards the stairs, Liam stopped in front of her.

"Was any of that sincere?" Liam asked, "Or was it a job?"

"I don't know," Sofia answered honestly, "It felt like the right move, but I also wanted to help her."

Liam looked as confused as Sofia felt as Sofia moved past him.

"Everything okay?" Harry asked, coming up behind Liam.

"What's going on with you and Sofia, Harry?" Liam asked.

"I told you – nothing – we're just –"

"She's changing, and I can't help but think you have something to do with it," Liam said.

"Isn't that what you wanted?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, it is. I just can't shake the feeling that someone's gonna get hurt. She's too confused right now, Harry. Don't get in too deep with her, Harry. Neither of you would be able to handle it."

"Don't tell me what I can and cannot handle, Liam." Harry growled.

"I don't want her hurting you –" Liam said, "Or you hurting her."

"Try not to assume the worst of us, Liam," Harry said, "Maybe trust me. And trust her. Have a little faith. Maybe we'll just surprise you."

Liam stood a little shell shocked at Harry's words. Harry wasn't backing down. Liam knew he had told Harry to fight, but he wasn't expecting Harry to actually do it.



***


"Wait, you're what?" Louis asked, blinking at his girlfriend.

"Andy and Harry and Sofia were supposed to drive together," Eleanor said, "But Danielle and I want to pick his brain. So, you and Niall are going to take Sofia in your car, saying that your coming up with a game plan. Liam and Zayn are already driving together."

"You'd rather drive with Harry then me?" Louis asked.

"Yes Louis! Because you can talk to Sofia, and I can talk to Harry, and we can get all the gossip..." Eleanor said.

"I like this plan," Louis said quickly.

"I thought so," Eleanor said.

"What plan?" Liam asked, walking up to them.

"You're going to have to assign cars," Louis said.

"I never assign cars," Liam argued.

"Well, you are today. Because we all want to know what the fuck is happening between Harry and Sofia. And
that's only going to happen if we separate them."

"You're kidding me, what are we in middle school?" Liam asked.

"Oh come on, Li!" Danielle whined, "Don't you want to know?"

"No, I don't," Liam said, shaking his head, "I think the less I know, the better."

"Okay, fine, we won't tell you what we find out," Louis said, shrugging.

"This is stupid, nothing is going to come of this. They are two people who can't even keep a plant alive, let alone a relationship. I don't know why you all seem to think this is something more," Liam said.

"Sounds like you're in denial," Eleanor said, "That's okay."

"Shut up," Liam snapped.

"Come on, just do it," Louis said, glancing over as the rest of the household came piling out.

"Fine," Liam hissed, "But you fucking tell me everything."

"Deal," Louis agreed.

"Okay," Liam said, clapping his hands loudly, "Louis wants to plan with Sofia, so Sof you ride with him."

"Sounds good," Harry said, going towards Louis' car.

"Uh, Harry you're gonna ride with Andy, El, and Danielle," Liam said, causing Harry to pause.

"What? Why?" Sofia asked.

"Because I want to make sure they have extra protection, and I have to come up with a game plan on surveillance with Zayn. So I'm riding with him."

"Okay," Harry said, slowly. His eyes narrowed on Liam. Was this Liam's way of trying to keep Sofia and him apart?

"What about me?" Niall asked.

"You're with Louis and Sof," Liam said, "That'll make me the most comfortable, you can keep her safe."

"Why are you acting so weird?" Sofia asked, "Also since when can Niall keep me fucking safe?"

"No one's acting weird," Louis said, rushing over to Sofia, "Come on, let's go! We have so much to catch up on..."

"Yeah, and fuck you," Niall snapped at her, following them to the car.



***


"Harry, come on, just tell us," Eleanor said, leaning up towards the front of the car. They had been trying to approach the subject for an hour, but Eleanor just finally went about it the blunt way, "What's going on with you and Sofia?"

"I wish people would stop asking me that," Harry mumbled, keeping his eyes on the road.

"It's just... you two seem very close," Danielle said.

"We are. We're friends," Harry said.

"Okay, but you slept with her, didn't you?" Eleanor asked, causing Harry's jaw to drop.

"What?" he gasped, turning around, "What gave you that idea?"

"You two! All morning. You travel around each other in like perfect harmony," Eleanor said, "It's like you've connected on another level."

"I agree, it's kind of like watching planets orbit or something," Danielle said, "You two seem very in touch with each other..."

"So you think we slept together?" Harry asked, blinking a few times.

"Well, how else do you connect with someone?" Eleanor asked.

"Talking," Harry snapped.

"You don't talk, Harry," Danielle said, "And neither does Sofia."

"We talk!" Harry argued.

"But, you two are more physical human beings, and you don't have much self control. Listen, we won't tell Liam..."

"We promise," Danielle said. Andy snorted from his place at the driver's wheel.

"You think that I slept with her this weekend?" Harry asked, "Is that how little you think of me? I get a good looking girl alone for a few days, of course he's gonna sleep with her..."

"Of course not!" Danielle said, "But you two obviously are attracted to each other. And you were alone. And when we left you were close, but when we came back it was like a whole other level."

"And we all figured you were either going to fuck her or kill her," Eleanor said, "And she's still alive."

"Careful," Harry warned, causing Eleanor's eyebrows to rise.

"What?" she asked, "Did I strike a nerve?"

"I don't like the word fuck when it comes to Sofia, makes it sound cheap," Harry said.

"AH HAH!" Danielle said, pointing at him, "So you did sleep with her!"

"No, I didn't. But she's not just some girl I'm gonna fuck either. I know that's what people expect of me..."

"But..." Eleanor said, egging him on.

"SHE'S DIFFERENT!" Harry exclaimed, causing both Eleanor and Danielle to break out into wide smiles.

"Oh my god," Danielle said, "You're falling in love with her."

"I didn't say that," Harry scoffed, "I just said she was different. And I wasn't just gonna fuck her."

"Because you like her, like actually like her," Eleanor said.

"This is ridiculous," Harry said, "I'm not talking about this anymore."

"Are you embarrassed? Are your cheeks going red?" Danielle asked, her eyes wide with amusement.

"Seriously!" Harry barked, "Shut it before I make you shut it!"

Both girls broke out into laughter, but a screeching of a car caused them to stop. Looking ahead, they saw a car speeding towards Louis' car in front of them.

"Oh my God!" Eleanor cried out, as a black SUV slammed into the side of Louis car causing it to flip over several times, before crashing on the side of the road. Andy slammed on his breaks.

"SOFIA!" Harry screamed, before opening up his car door and running out.



***


"I'm just asking –" Louis said, looking back at Sofia through his mirror.

"Well don't just ask," Sofia barked, "It's none of your business!"

Sofia was much better at keeping her mouth shut about this then Harry. It didn't help that Niall and Louis were going about this by annoying the shit out of her.

'I mean, it's kind of our business," Niall said, "He is our friend and housemate. And this would make him the 3rd guy in the house you've hooked up with."

"Will you shut the fuck up, you stupid Irish -- ?" Sofia snapped, but she didn't have time to finish her sentence, because a car screeching caused her to look out her window.

"HOLY SH –" she screamed, but it was too late. All she felt was what felt like an explosion, and then pain, and then she screamed as the car seemed to roll again and again and again. Her body seemed to be moving in all different directions, and the loud sounds of car parts crunching terrified her.

Finally everything was still, and Sofia was upside down, trying to figure out what the hell had just happened, as her vision went weak.

"Sofia?" Louis called, groaning, "Niall?"

"I'm alright," Niall responded, "You?"

"I think I'm okay," Louis said, unbuckling his seat belt.

"You're head," Niall said, trying to pull himself up, "You're bleeding."

"My shoulder too," Louis growled, putting his hand on his shoulder.

"SOFIA!" a scream came from the car, Harry appearing outside Louis broken window.

"You okay?" Harry called in, as he grabbed Louis hand.

"I think so," Sofia mumbled softly.

"Okay, just stay put," Harry said, grabbing Louis.

"Careful! His shoulder!" Niall barked, and Louis yelled out in pain.

"Just pull me out," Louis said, as Harry reached in the window, and yanked Louis out. Sofia could hear
other people approaching the car. And Louis yells of pain made her cringe.

"Niall?" Liam called in, "Can you make your way towards us?"

"Yeah," Niall said, groaning as he pulled himself up, "I think so."

"You okay?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, yeah," Niall said, brushing off any pain he might be feeling, as he crawled towards the window.

"Sofia? How about you?" Liam called back.

"Just get him out," Sofia said.

"Your arm, Louis!" she heard Eleanor scream on the outside of the car.

"Zayn don't!" she heard Danielle cry, but a gun shot went off, causing Sofia to flinch.

"What the hell is going on?" Sofia asked.

"Don't worry about it," Harry said, "Can you make your way up here? Are you hurt?"

"No," Sofia said, "I'm stuck, the seatbelt won't move, and part of the car in crushing my leg. I can't move."

Harry's whole body went still, as he moved to get a better look. She was upside down, bleeding, and her leg was indeed stuck. Harry noticed as her breath was catching, and her eyes shook from shock and blood pressure.

"Stay awake," Harry said.

"I'm dizzy," Sofia said, trying to yank her foot out.

"DON'T DO THAT!" Harry yelled, "YOU COULD MAKE IT WORSE!"

"I'm stuck!" Sofia screamed.

"I'm gonna get you out, just stay fucking still!" Harry yelled at her, his voice switching to that tone. He may be freaking out, but he still knew what she needed to hear. He needed her to listen to him.

"Harry, the cars leaking," Liam whispered, Harry looked to see oil dripping from the car.

"It's a ticking time bomb," Niall said, from his spot on the ground, "We have no idea if something could spark up."

"I'll get her, everyone back up," Harry said, looking around at everyone.

"Harry, one wrong move, and the whole thing could go up in flames," Liam said.

"I WILL GET HER!" Harry yelled, shoving Liam back, "JUST GET EVERYONE OUT OF THE WAY!"

Harry looked back in the car, and Sofia was pulling on the seatbelt trying to get herself free. It was clear she had heard every word they were saying.

"You won't be able to get back there through this window," Louis said, as Eleanor tried to stop the bleeding in his shoulder, "It's too small..."

Danielle was helping Niall off the ground, her eyes panicked as she looked around the road.

"Just give me a second!" Harry yelled, his eyes still on Sofia.

"We don't have a second, Harry!" Liam yelled, shoving past him.

"No!" Niall yelled, "Too many people! And you're worked up! You have to be careful! And quick and steady! This thing could blow! Everyone back up!"

"I got her," Harry said, looking at Liam.

"Harry –"

"Liam, I have the most experience with being quick and steady handed. I can do this."

"I'll do it," Liam barked, "She's my sister."

"LIAM BACK OFF!" Harry yelled, "I GOT THIS!"

Harry wasn't backing down, and Liam didn't want to give in. Could he really trust Harry with his sister's life? Harry was panicked, but he was also determined.

"Well, someone better do something," Louis said snapping them both out of the stand off, "Because she's starting to lose consciousness."

"SOFIA!" Harry barked, causing her eyes to flutter open, "Stay awake. I'm coming."

"Do you even have a plan?" Liam asked, his voice thin.

"Yeah," Harry said, shoving him back, "My plan is to save your sister. You just have to trust me. Can you do that? Can you trust me enough to let me save her?"