Two Pieces

"The Man She Needs"

When Liam told everyone that they were going on holiday, Sofia wasn't quite sure what to make of it. She hadn't been on a holiday since she was kid, and even those were her mother taking her and Liam to the beach house for a few days at a time. But Liam insisted, he wanted to go on a real family holiday. He was confident that other people could handle their business while they were away, especially since The Suns had all but disappeared. Things were calm again, and he was feeling good about where they were headed.

Sofia thought it was just another push from him to try and be normal, but she didn't argue. He wasn't going to let her stay home, and he thought it'd be good to have some time off and away before she went back to school for her last year. She was also pretty sure that he wanted to distract Zayn. Ever since Perrie had admitted to seeking out The Suns, Zayn was struggling. It was a betrayal that he couldn't really get over, especially since it had almost killed Sofia.

Perrie was now hidden away with Chelsea and Danny, and she agreed to help them if Dante showed up again to cause trouble. Liam insisted that they keep her alive, because he felt she could be useful. But Sofia was sure that once Perrie wasn't useful anymore, they would find a way to get rid of her. Sofia wanted to do it herself, she hated seeing Zayn upset over a girl, especially one as crazy as Perrie.

Sofia blinked a few times, as the sun shone in the window of her room at the villa. Liam had picked Dubai. He thought the beach and sun would do everyone good. Plus, he could afford a private villa where they could all stay together and not be bothered by other visitors and tourists. They had flown out a few days ago, and Sofia had to admit she enjoyed the destination he picked. It was beautiful. And relaxing. And there were so many things to do.

Liam didn't say it, but Sofia was also pretty sure he wanted to be out of town for their father's birthday. Liam hadn't brought up the subject, but Sofia could tell that he wanted to distract her from the day. Not that it was ever a special day in the past, seeing as her father didn't choose to celebrate it. But it was another reminder of what they had lost, and how much things had changed. Sofia knew that this was his way of trying to protect Sofia from whatever she might be feeling about the day. Sofia was determined to feel nothing.

Sofia moved her arms to stretch in her bed, she rolled to the side to see the alarm clock sitting on the bedside table. It was almost 11, she had really slept in. She was almost positive everyone else was up, and when she heard a splash in the pool outside she knew she was right. She forced herself to get out of the bed.

It's not that she didn't want to be here, it's just that she was really starting to get sick of Liam pushing normal on her. She was starting to get sick of him thinking he knew what was best for her. Why couldn't he just let her deal with things like her birthday, and her dad's birthday, and all the change on her own? In her own way? It didn't help that she saw the way he looked at Sofia and Harry. Nothing was happening, and Liam already disapproved. She was getting tired of him thinking that he knew what was right for everyone, especially her.
Sofia made her way to the glass door that led to the outside of the villa. Niall and Louis were both in the pool, with Eleanor sitting on the edge of it. Harry and Liam were sitting at a table, picking at food, while Danielle draped her legs over Liam. Zayn was lying out on a chair, laughing at something that Louis said. It all looked very normal. Like they were a family enjoying a vacation. But there was a rage inside Sofia that she couldn't place as she looked out at them.

She didn't understand it, but it was there. They weren't normal. They would never be normal. They weren't a family. They weren't her family. Her family was dead. And instead of letting her deal with that her way, Liam pushed her to accept something she didn't know how to accept. She couldn't let it go, no matter how hard she tried. She was sick of trying.

Sofia pushed the glass door open, and stepped out into the bright sunshine. It was only 11, and it was already hot out. Sofia wished she could just enjoy the sun, and the pool, and this beautiful place. But she couldn't and she didn't really know why.

"There she is," Liam called with a goofy grin on his face, "Good morning sleeping beauty."

He had that stupid grin on his face for days now. They all had. They were all enjoying this vacation. It was the most relaxed and laid back she had seen any of them in months. They were having fun, and enjoying themselves. Their defenses were down. Sofia wanted to join them, but she didn't know how. Not when she was feeling like this, like she had to have all her defenses up. If her defenses weren't up, she would have to think about her dad. And she didn't want to do that.

"You could've woken me up, you know." Sofia mumbled to her brother with a tone that made Harry look up at her. She had that tone for days now. He was starting to get sick of it.

"We thought we'd let you sleep in," Danielle said with a grin, "It is a vacation after all."

"So I keep hearing," Sofia said, picking up a strawberry off the table and putting it in her mouth.

"Sounds like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Louis observed from the pool. Sofia didn't respond.

"Can I get you something to eat, mam?" The pool boy asked, approaching the table.

That's right. They had a pool boy. And a cook. And an on call events person, just in case they wanted to go somewhere or do something. Sofia glanced at the tray of mimosas he was holding, and picked one up off the tray.

"This is good thanks," Sofia said, before swallowing the entire glass.

"Whoa there," Niall called, but not before Sofia picked up another one and swallowed that too.

"Seriously?" Harry snapped, as Sofia flopped down in a chair at the table.

"Seriously," Sofia answered, with a little too much sass for Harry's liking.

"So what do you want to do today?" Danielle asked, looking over at Sofia, "El and I were thinking about going to the spa if you'd like to join..."

"I'm not really a spa kinda girl," Sofia said with a bite, causing Danielle's smile to falter a bit.

"Well, what do you want to do? We were talking about checking out the beach later," Liam said.

"Whatever," Sofia said, shrugging.

"Wow, you need coffee or somethin' cause you're a right bitch when you wake up," Niall said, giving her a look like she was crazy.

"Fuck off," Sofia mumbled.

"What's wrong?" Danielle asked kindly, putting her hand on Sofia's arm. Harry watched very carefully, as Sofia jerked her arm away. He wasn't saying anything, but he was observing.

"Nothing," Sofia snapped, "I just don't know why we're on vacation when I could be hanging out with my friends. By the time we get back, I'll only have like a week left before school starts."

"We've been over this," Liam said, rolling his eyes, "I think it's good to have a family vacation."

There was that word again. Sofia's nostrils flared at the word family.

"Plus all your friends have them. They'd kill to enjoy a place like this over the summer," Eleanor said.

"Yeah, except we actually do kill to enjoy a place like this," Sofia hissed, "Don't we?"

"Sofia," Harry barked in warning, his eyes narrowed on her.

"Let's leave for the beach in a half hour," Liam said, ignoring his sister's comment.

"Unless you want to do something else," Danielle suggested, looking at Sofia.

"Don't do that," Harry said, "Don't cater to her. If we want to go to the beach, we're gonna go to the beach. The world doesn't revolve around Sofia."

Sofia snorted at his words, rolling her eyes, as she picked up another strawberry.

"Something funny?" Harry asked, causing Liam to look between them.

"Nope," Sofia said, popping the p loudly, and standing up, "I guess I'll be ready to go in a half hour."

And then she turned and walked back across the pool deck and back into the room. Harry stood up as she slammed the door.

"Harry," Liam warned, looking at him with wary eyes. He couldn't quite put his finger on the dynamic Sofia and Harry had, but he knew that Harry's patience was growing thin with Sofia's new attitude.

"Let him go," Zayn said, "She's being a fucking bitch. If he can get it to stop, why not?"

"Just don't start a fight," Liam said, throwing his hands in the air in surrender. Sometimes he felt like he was the only one wary of them together.

He wasn't sure he liked the new dynamic between Harry and Sofia, but he wasn't sure he disliked it either. It seemed to him that sometimes Harry was the only one who could really read her, and get through to her.

"Believe me," Harry growled, "She's not stupid enough to start a fucking fight."



***


"What the hell is your problem?" Harry barked, startling Sofia as he came into her room, slamming the door behind him.

"No problem," Sofia quipped as she continued to go through her clothes, not even looking at him.

"Then what's with the attitude?" Harry asked, crossing his arms over the chest.

"I just don't want to be here," Sofia snapped at him.

"Well you are here," Harry said, "And you can either make the best of it, and have fun. Or you can continue to drive everyone crazy, and see how that works out for you."

Sofia knew that she had been getting under Harry's skin the last few days. She didn't do anything that would really make him lose his temper, but she also knew she wasn't making him happy either.

A part of her was doing it on purpose. A part of her was craving some sort of intimacy with Harry, and she he hadn't made any moves since their fake date, she was going about it the only way she knew how. A part of her was also wishing he'd tear down her defenses, in only a way he knew how.

"I will keep that in mind," Sofia said, her sarcasm dripping in every word.

"Careful, Sofia," Harry warned, "You're quickly crossing the line between sassy to rude. And you know how
I feel about being rude."

"Probably the same way I feel about people barging into my room without asking," Sofia said, turning to glare at him.

"Wow," Harry said, "I'm almost impressed with how brave you're being. I'm a little too annoyed to be impressed. But please, keep it up. See where it gets you..."

"Are you done?" Sofia asked, rolling her eyes.

"I'm about to be done with your tone," Harry snapped, "You've got one more shot, I'm not going to warn you again."

Sofia thought about saying something sarcastic back, and then she thought about the fact that everyone was right outside the door. And then she thought about the fact that Harry had no problem with that, and that she was supposed to go to the beach.

She didn't see this turning out as anything less then humiliating if she kept it up. She knew Harry well enough that he only gave a certain number of warnings, or swallowed down enough annoyance before he would snap. And while a part of her wanted him to, she also knew the timing would be terrible for her.

"Fine," Sofia said quietly, turning back to her clothes and away from him.

"You could just tell me what's going on," Harry said, "Probably make this easier for both of us."

Sofia could tell him, but she couldn't even work through it herself, so how could she possibly explain it
to him.

"I'm just tired," Sofia lied, "Jet lag, I guess. And I'm kinda pissed I'm going to be missing some kick ass parties at home."

Harry didn't believe her, not for a second. But he sensed that she needed him to play along. Whatever was going on with her, she didn't want to talk about it. Or she couldn't talk about it.

Harry knew that it probably had something to do with her dad's birthday. A subject he had wanted to bring up, but seeing her like this, he could tell it wasn't the right time.

"Well, we'll just have to have some kick ass parties here," Harry said quietly, walking to the bed where Sofia was now sitting.

"You'll have to run that by Liam," Sofia scoffed, "Since he feels the need to approve and decide everything these days."

"He just wanted us to get away while we could," Harry said, "Who knows how long things will be this calm? Plus, we all kind of deserve a break after the last few months."

"Yeah," Sofia said, "I guess."

"Can you do something for me?" Harry asked, placing his hand on her cheek and gently forcing her to look up at him, "Will you do something for me?"

"What?"

She wanted to yes, immediately. Something in her just wanted to do whatever he wanted, whatever he asked of her. That was the submissive in her. She was fighting that side of her though. She almost hated feeling like that as much as she embraced it. And she sure as hell wasn't going to show him she felt like that, so instead of saying yes, she asked him what he wanted from her.

Harry could see in her face that if he asked her to do something, she would. He appreciated the trust she had in him, even if she didn't say it. He knew in every ounce of his being that he could ask her to do anything he wanted. He held that power in whatever they were. He saw it every time he warned her, or raised his eyebrows at her, or gave her a direction.

Sometimes she struggled with it, but ultimately she submitted to his will. And he knew how difficult it was for her, but she did it anyway. And that's why he was so careful about how he proceeded next with her. He had earned something from her that could be taken away with one wrong move.

"Will you get out of your head?" Harry asked, "Just get out of it, and enjoy today. Whatever is bothering you,"

Sofia opened her mouth, but Harry held his hand up to silence her.

"Don't insult my intelligence by saying nothing is bothering you, I'm not pushing you on it, but don't lie to me," Harry said, "But whatever it is, just let it go. Just for now. Just for today. Get out of your own head, stop thinking so much, and enjoy today. Will do you that for me?"

Sofia stared up at him silently. She still wasn't sure how he did that. She was used to people not being able to read her, she was used to being able to lie her way through anything. She was used to always being one step ahead.

But with Harry it was different. He was always the one who was one step ahead, and he could read her perfectly. She used to be scary for her, but now she was almost relieved by her. She didn't have to be one step ahead, she didn't have to think so much, or lie, or fake. She could be real, because he always knew when she wasn't being real anyway. There was no point in pretending. She found that she enjoyed not pretending, even though it had been part of her life for so long. She enjoyed being real. She was grateful that whatever he was or knew allowed her to be real.

"Okay," she finally said quietly, feeling his hand against her cheek as she leaned into it.

"Okay," Harry repeated quietly, before glancing over at her clothes, "I like the pink bathing suit. You should wear that one."

And then before she could say anything else, he turned and left her room. She felt lighter then she had when she woke up. She wasn't sure how he did that, but it happened often. He had a effect on her that she couldn't deny. Sofia glanced down at the pink bathing suit on her bed.

Pink bathing suit it is, she thought to herself.


***


Liam watched his sister carefully for the rest of the day. Whatever Harry had done or said to her worked. Sofia was more relaxed, she was having fun, and she even allowed Danielle and Eleanor to drag her along to the spa in the late afternoon to get her nails and toes done.

"What's on your mind?" Zayn asked, sitting next to Liam as they watched everyone swim in the pool.

"What do you think about Harry and Sofia?" Liam asked, looking at Zayn seriously.

"I think I trust Harry with my life," Zayn said quietly, "And I for sure trust him with hers. I think he proved that when he dragged her out of that car."

"It doesn't bother you, then? I mean, for years you wanted her to be with you, and now it's clear she has feelings for another guy. A friend of ours, and that doesn't bother you?"

"Whatever her and Harry have, it's rare," Zayn said, "He gets her on a level I don't know I'd ever understand her on."

"I know," Liam said, quietly.

"That scares you," Zayn observed, looking at his friend.

"Kind of," Liam admitted, "I'm her brother, I think I should get understand her better then anyone. It should me who pulls her out when she's drowning. But, it's not. It hasn't been."

"Liam," Zayn said, "Just because she has feelings for Harry. And, by the way, I don't think she even realizes that she has feelings for him. But, just because she does, doesn't mean that you don't get her. It doesn't mean you're gonna lose her to someone else."

"I just feel like I just got her back, and already I'm losing her to someone else," Liam said, biting his lip.

"Harry isn't your dad, Liam," Zayn said, "He's not trying to take Sofia from you. Or keep her to himself. Or change her. He's done nothing but help her, and because of that, she's gotten closer to everyone. I know you have this fear that you're going to lose her, especially after what your dad did, but I don't think you have to worry about that with Harry. Harry knows how important you are to her, and how important she is to you. He would never betray that."

"I know," Liam said, "And I see her and how she is now. And how she smiles, and acts around him. He makes her happy, and she trusts him. And I know that should make me feel good. It should make me happy that she is doing and feeling things I never thought she would, but it just scares me."

"Watching someone fall in love is scary," Zayn said, "It's the scariest. Being love means being vulnerable. It means you could get your heart crushed. And that's a scary thing to watch. Especially when you want to protect someone."

"You think they're in love?" Liam asked, looking at Zayn with wide eyes.

"Truth?" Zayn asked.

"Please."

"I think that what they have is complicated, and weird right now. But, yeah, I think it has the potential to be love. I think if Sofia opens up herself to the possibility of loving someone, it's going to be Harry. She's never looked at someone they way she looks at him. They move around each other in sync. He reads her like a book, and she lets him. He doesn't put up with her shit, and they fight with a ton of passion. So yeah, I think they could fall in love. Or that they falling in love. Or, they're already in love and they just don't know it yet."

"I just don't want her to get her heart broken," Liam said quietly, "That would kill me. She's been through so much already, and there's nothing more painful then a broken heart."

"I don't think you have worry about that with Harry," Zayn said, "I'm more worried he's going to get his heart broken. Because he's fighting like hell for her, and I'm not sure she even realizes it. And I don't know, even if he does fight like hell, if she'll ever allow herself to go there."

"I don't want her to hurt him either," Liam said, "But, then I look at them and I can't see me stopping it. I've tried. But, it's already there and I don't think I can do anything about it."

"You can be there, for both of them," Zayn said, shrugging, "They're both going to need you in this, Liam. But you have to have some faith in Harry. And some trust in Sofia. And confidence in yourself. Relationships are hard. Love is hard. And they're both going to need you in their corner. So get there. Before you lose them both."

"You're saying I have to get on board with whatever this is between them?" Liam snapped, nostrils flaring.

"I'm saying that usually when people hear not do something, especially Sofia and Harry, they do it anyway. So, maybe back them up. Don't make them feel like they have to choose between loyalty to you, or each other. Because that won't end well for anyone."

"It's just hard," Liam said, shaking his head, "It's hard watching her grow up, and knowing I missed so much of it, and finally getting some of it back, only to have her go off with someone else."

"She's not running away with him, Liam. They're not getting married. Hell, I don't even know if they'll actually get their shit together enough to get together," Zayn said, rolling his eyes, "Just let this play out however it's going to play out. And let them know you support them no matter what."

"I guess that's the right thing to do," Liam said.

"It's also something your dad would never do," Zayn said, causing Liam to glance up at him suddenly, "You promised to love and support her no matter what, no matter who she was. Harry is now apart of that, so don't take your promise back now. That's a betrayal she'll never get over. Be better then your father. Let her live her life. Even if it scares you. Even if you aren't sure about her choices. Let her live the way she wants to, and always have her back."

"Be better," Liam repeated quietly to himself.

"Be better," Zayn agreed, slapping Liam on the back.

"I didn't think you'd be as supportive of them, that's why I had this conversation with you instead of Louis or Niall," Liam admitted.

"I wasn't at first," Zayn said, shrugging, "But after awhile you can't deny or fight what's right in front of you face. I only ever wanted her to be happy. To be honest. To be real. And I couldn't bring those things out in her, he can. Why wouldn't I support that?"

"Yeah well," Liam snapped, somewhat humorously, "She's not your little sister."



***


"I love this song!" Eleanor squealed, as Hit Me You Best Shot came through the sound system. Eleanor immediately dragged Louis up to dance with her. Niall grabbed Danielle, as Zayn laughed at Danielle's surprised look but danced with him anyway.

Sofia stood in the pool looking amused at all of the dancing, before glancing towards Harry and Liam with entertained eyes.

"You know you want to," Liam said to his sister, giving her a knowing look. Harry looked confused, and Sofia shook her head at her brother.

"I don't even know why you're fighting it," Liam said, "Just let it take over."

"HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT!" Sofia sang loudly, surprising Harry, while Liam looked unsurprised and laughed loudly, "WHY DON'T YOU HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST
SHOT!"

Sofia climbed out of the pool, singing as she went, dancing her way to her brother as she continued to sing the sound loudly on the top of her lungs.

"This was her favorite song when she was like five," Liam said to Harry.

"It's very Sofia," Harry said, still watching as Sofia danced and sang. He didn't often see her like this, being silly and carefree. He enjoyed it when he did, because in those moments, though they were rare her guard was completely down.

Sofia turned dramatically to Harry, wiggling her eyebrows at him in a silly way. She moved towards him as she sang.

"You're a real tough cookie with a long history,
Of breaking little heart like the one in me,"

She grabbed his shoulders, pulling him towards her, much to his surprise.

"Before you put another notch in my lipstick case,
You better make sure you put me in my place!"

Harry laughed as Sofia gave him a knowing look as she sang to him. He grabbed her waist tightly.

"HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT
WHY DON'T YOU HIT ME WITH YOUR –"

But she couldn't finish, because Harry had a tight grip on her and he was laughing, and he pushed her just enough to send them both tumbling into the pool. Sofia gasped as she realized she was going down with him on top of her. She held her breath just in time to go under the water.

Harry's grip was still tight on her, pulling him towards her in the water. She opened her eyes to see him staring at her under the water, a wicked grin on his face. As they both came up for air, she wrapped her legs around his waist.

"Dick," she hissed, but she was smiling as he held her on her hips. She noticed that everyone was laughing at the two of them, and realized how crazy they must have looked tumbling into the pool like they did.

"That was fun," Harry whispered, his lips close to her neck.

"You're an ass," Sofia said, and Harry responded by squeezing her ass very tight and raising his eyebrows at her.

"Idiot," she mumbled as Harry smirked at her, "I could've been hurt. Coulda hit me head."

"I would ever let that happen," Harry said quietly, "I had you the entire time, you weren't going anywhere."

"Tight grip you have," Sofia said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"The tightest," Harry agreed, "Gotta hold on to you, you know?"

"Oh yeah?"

"Mmmhm," Harry hummed against the skin on her neck, before kissing her cheek quickly.

"Was that your apology?" Sofia asked, looking at him.

"No," Harry said, "I don't think you're ready for a full on Harry Styles apology. Besides, I didn't do anything wrong."

"Not ready?" Sofia asked, raising her eyebrows, "I think you underestimate me."

"No," Harry said, shaking his head at her, "Believe me. If there's one thing I never do. It's
underestimate you."

"GUYS!" Louis called out loudly, causing both Harry and Sofia to turn.

"Jesus, we've only been trying to get your attention for the last few minutes," Niall said, rolling his eyes.

"Sorry," Harry said, just realizing now that eyes were on them, and how close Sofia and he actually were in the pool.

Louis was giving them both a look that said 'just do it already', while Niall looked somewhat disgusted.

"What do you want anyway?" Sofia asked, "Can't you see your interrupting a moment?"

"Thank Christ for that," Niall mumbled.

"We asked if you wanted anything from room service," Louis said, "We're ordering in."

"I want chocolate," Sofia said immediately, causing Harry to laugh loudly.

"El's already ordered chocolate covered strawberries and champagne," Louis said.

"El just became my favorite," Sofia said, scrambling out of Harry's arms and towards the steps.

"Oh nice, good to know chocolate comes before our moments," Harry called after her.

"Chocolate AND champagne!" Sofia quipped, "Priorities, Harry."


***


Sofia was quiet the next day, and that made Harry nervous. She wasn't being rude or mean, she wasn't being sarcastic, she didn't look like she was trying to do anything wrong, she wasn't doing anything wrong. But she was quiet.

Liam noticed it too. It was their father's birthday, and he knew that's why she was being so quiet. Quiet Sofia was worrisome. She usually had too much to say, so when she wasn't saying anything at all that's when you knew to be worried.

Liam glanced at Harry as Sofia picked up a tomato and popped it into her mouth. Harry shrugged. He had tried to get her to talk earlier, but she didn't want to. She insisted that she was fine.

No one had brought up the fact that it was her father's birthday, they were all looking at Liam to take the lead on that. Liam felt that it needed to be brought up, they couldn't just avoid it. But Sofia's silence made him even more nervous to bring it up then he was before. Finally, he cleared his throat causing everyone to look at him.

"I was thinking that after dinner we could go to the beach," Liam said, "My dad loved sunrises and sunsets, and I figured we could go watch the sunset, and drink his favorite whiskey and smoke some of his favorite cigars. You know, just in honor of today."

"I think that's a great idea, babe," Danielle said, resting her hand on Liam's arm in a comforting way.

"Sounds like a perfect way to celebrate your old man," Zayn agreed.

Sofia didn't say anything, she just stared at her plate, and took a sip of the wine in front of her.

"Great, so we'll just go after were done eating," Liam said, staring at his sister. He wanted to know what she was thinking, what she was feeling. He wanted her to say something. He looked over at Harry again, almost asking him for help.

"Does that sound ok, Sofia?" Harry asked her, taking Liam's hint. He put his hand on her shoulder, so that she would look at him instead of her plate.

"You guys do what you want," Sofia said, surprising everyone at the table with her answer.

"What do you mean you guys?" Zayn asked, leaning forward, "I mean, you're coming too."

"No, I'm not," Sofia said, shaking her head.

"Sofia," Harry said, giving her a surprised look.

"I'm not going to go to the beach and watch the sunset in honor of him. I'm not going to drink or smoke to him," Sofia said, shaking her head, "There's no point."

"The point is to remember him on his birthday," Niall said.

"And to celebrate his life," Louis agreed, "It's subtle and simple. Your dad would appreciate it."

"Dad didn't appreciate anything about birthdays," Sofia scoffed, "And we didn't celebrate while he was alive, so why the hell would I celebrate if he's dead?"

"Sofia," Harry warned.

"No!" Sofia snapped, "You can go! You can do whatever you want that makes you feel better. But I'm not doing it."

"You're going to regret this," Harry told her, "its way to remember and honor him, and you should be there."

"I'm not going," Sofia said, standing up from the table, "And you sure as hell can't make me."

Harry bit his lip hard. He probably could make her, but he didn't want to. He didn't want to force her to do this. He wanted her to do this on her own, because she wanted to. He watched as she stormed away from the table, and sighed deeply and closing his eyes in
frustration.

"I'll go talk to her," Harry said to Liam.

"No," Liam said, shaking his head, "I'm not gonna make her do something she doesn't want to when it comes to him. She's gotta work through this day in her way, Harry. She shouldn't be forced to work through it my way."

"She should be there for you, and with you," Harry argued.

"And maybe next year she will be," Liam said, shrugging, "But she's not ready, and she doesn't want to. And that's okay. I'll have all you there."

"It is a beautiful idea," Danielle reassured Liam. She was looking at him worried, she knew he wanted Sofia to be there. She knew he wanted Sofia to talk to him, and open up to him about what today meant to her. Liam placed a soft kiss on her head to let her know he was okay.


***


"She's not in any of the rooms," Zayn said, walking back into the main room of the villa.

"She couldn't have gotten far," Liam said, sighing.

When they had gotten back from the beach, Sofia was gone. No note, no hint of where she was, no nothing. Just gone. Niall, Louis, and Eleanor immediately set out to look at some of the local bars.

"She's probably just blowing off some steam," Danielle said, though she sounded worried.

"She's in a foreign country!" Harry barked, "She doesn't know the area! She must out of her damn mind to pull something like this."

"She's upset, Harry," Zayn said, "This is what she does when she's upset."

"Well that's fucking ridiculous," Harry spat, "Her coping skills are mental."

"I'm sure they'll find her, Harry," Danielle said, "Plus if anyone can take care of themselves out there, it's Sofia."

"That's not the point," Harry barked.

The door slid open and Eleanor came inside, she sighed deeply as she noticed everyone's eyes on her.

"Well?" Zayn asked

"We found her, she was at a villa bar," Eleanor said.

"Of course she was," Zayn replied, rolling his eyes.

"I have to warn you, she's really drunk," Eleanor said, looking slightly worried and embarrassed for Sofia.

Louis and Niall came in, helping a stumbling Sofia on their way in.

"I'm fine!" Sofia said, shoving Niall away from her, "I can fucking walk, you idiots."

They watched as Sofia stumbled away from them, catching herself on the wall. Sofia looked up to see a room full of people staring at her.

"Oh look! My family who isn't my family!" Sofia cried out, with a mean smile on her face.

"She's feeling a bit spiteful," Louis warned.

"Were you guys waiting for me?" Sofia asked, her voice dripping in sarcasm.

"You're wasted," Liam said, sighing and putting his fingers to his nose.

"I am," Sofia agreed loudly, "How was the beach? Did dad enjoy your little celebration."

"Enough, Sofia," Niall said, his voice frustrated.

"I was only asking!" Sofia said, with a laugh. She looked at Niall and Louis, then at Zayn and her brother, and then her eyes fell on Harry. Harry's face was in a scowl, his arms were crossed, and he was glaring. To say he was pissed was an understatement.

"Uh oh," Sofia said, pointing to him, "You look pissed. I've pissed off Harry."

"Sofia," Zayn warned, "Why don't you just go sleep it off?"

"What do you think, Harry?" Sofia asked, "Should I sleep it off?"

Harry didn't say anything, but his nostrils flared, and his eyes narrowed even more.

"Oh shit, you're really pissed," Sofia said, her words coming out slurred, "I think you look pissed enough to spank me."

Harry's eyes closed in frustration at her words. He sighed deeply, knowing that there were many ways he figured the rest of them would find out about how Harry chose to deal with Sofia, and this was not one he saw coming.

"Isn't that right, Haz?" Sofia continued, causing him to open his eyes and glare at her in anger, "I've earned myself a spanking?"

"At the very least," Harry growled, his voice low and dangerous. Liam's mouth dropped at her words, and everyone else looked slightly confused and surprised.

"I thought I might," Sofia said, shaking her head, "Oops."

"Come on, Sof," Eleanor said, "Let's get you into bed."

"I'm not tired!" Sofia cried out.

"Get into bed, Sofia!" Harry barked, nodding for Eleanor to take her, "Make sure she gets some water,
don't give her ibuprofen. She should feel her idiocy tomorrow."

"You're bossy," Sofia said, pointing at him, causing Harry to lock his jaw, "It's really fucking hot except for when it's annoying."

"Go," Harry said, pointing to her room. Eleanor helped Sofia out of the main room, towards her room.



***


"What the hell is she talking about?" Louis asked, looking at Harry. Harry looked around at them, not really sure what to say.

"She's drunk," Zayn said, shrugging.

"No," Liam said, "I know my sister, and that wasn't her being drunk. What the hell is she talking about?"

"She snuck out when you guys were all away," Harry said, his voice confident. He wasn't sorry and he wasn't embarrassed, "And I spanked her."

"You what?" Liam cried, while Niall and Zayns eyes went wide. Louis looked like he was putting things together in his head, suddenly he wasn't so confused about their dynamic.

"You heard me," Harry said.

"Why the hell would you do that?" Liam barked, as Danielle gripped his arm.

"Because she needed it," Harry snapped, "Because she needs consequences to her actions, and when she acts like a child, I'll treat her like one. Behavior modification, it works."

"She's a little old, don't you think?" Niall asked.

"No," Harry said, shaking his head, "I don't think."

"Are you out of your mind?" Liam roared, taking a step towards Harry, "You're hitting my sister?"

"No Liam! I spanked her, there's a difference," Harry roared back, "And I'm not going to apologize for it, or change it. It works. She hasn't snuck out that damn window since. She needs someone to keep her in her place, and that's what I'm doing. And she is just as much of willing participant as me. If she didn't want or need the discipline, it wouldn't have happened."

"You are –" Liam began.

"I am being the man she needs me to be!" Harry roared, "You told me that I had to fight for her, and with her. And that's what I'm doing. Just because you don't get it, doesn't mean it's wrong. I am who she needs. I am what she needs. Even if you don't agree. And honestly, what happens between me and Sofia is none of your business, to be frank."

"She's my sister," Liam argued.

"Yeah, I know," Harry said, "But she's almost an adult, Liam. And I'm sick of trying to prove myself to you. I don't have to prove anything to you. I have prove myself to Sofia. And that's what I've been doing. She needs someone who takes control and doesn't put up with her shit. And that's what I'm doing. And she's been a hell of a lot more happier and content since I've been doing that. So, I'm sorry if it freaks you out or if you were surprised by what she said or if you don't agree or understand. But I'm not going to apologize for what I did, or how I treat her, or what our dynamic is. I'm not going to apologize for who I am, or who we are when we're together."

Liam was silent. It was the first time Harry had really stuck up to Liam when it came to Sofia. It was the first time Harry had said he wasn't going to apologize or feel bad. It was the first time that Harry made it clear that Liam was either going to get on board or he wasn't, but Harry wasn't backing down.

Harry was taking his stand, and Liam saw that his only move now was to step aside and let it happen. He couldn't control Sofia or Harry or what they did or how they acted. He had to let go of some of his own control. Because whether he agreed with it or not, or understood it or not, whatever Sofia and Harry were, however Harry dealt with her, it was working. She was changing, and Harry was a big part of that.

Liam sighed deeply, still trying to wrap his head around what he had just heard, and wondering what to say next.

"Are you sleeping with her?" Liam asked,
surprising Harry.

"What?" Harry cried, "NO! We haven't even kissed..."

"So you haven't kissed her, but you'll spank her?" Liam asked, he was still confused. Now even more so.

"She needs discipline, Liam," Harry said quietly, "She's got to learn self control. And better coping skills. But more importantly, she needs me and what I give her. I don't need you to understand it, I just need you to trust me and know that everything I do, and every move I make has her best interest 100 percent in mind."

"If you hurt her, in anyway," Liam said, "I'll kill you."

"I know," Harry said, "But I won't. Just trust me, Liam."

Harry had asked him before, but it never sounded like this. Harry didn't want to go forward with Sofia if Liam wasn't on board, but he would if he had to. Harry knew what he felt, and what Sofia meant to him. This wasn't a game or a challenge, she wasn't someone he could just boss around and fuck on the side. She had saved him just as much as he was trying to save her. She had changed him too. He needed Liam to see that, so that he could move on with her without feeling guilty or bad about it.

"Okay," Liam finally said, shrugging, "I trust you. Don't fucking betray that."

"I won't," Harry said, taking another look around the room where everyone had grown very quiet.

They knew that Harry was basically throwing the ring in to make Sofia his, that's what he had just done. And now, all they could do was wait to see how it turned out. Harry didn't say another word, as he turned and walked into the room where Eleanor had taken Sofia to sleep.

"I didn't know Harry had epic speeches in him," Louis said, his eyes wide. He looked proud. Like somehow he was responsible for what Harry had just done.

"I think we're all finding new things about Sofia and Harry that we never saw before," Zayn said, his voice quiet.



***

Sofia groaned as light hit the black of her sleep. She covered her eyes quickly, rolling into her pillow and groaning again as she realized how much her head hurt. Looking up through squinted eyes she saw Harry had just pulled back the drapes in her room to let the sun in.

She groaned again, this time louder, as he came to stand beside her bed. His arms were crossed against his chest, and saw a bottle of painkillers in his hand.

"Hangover, huh?" Harry asked.

"Mmm," Sofia mumbled.

"MAN THAT MUST HURT!" Harry yelled with a evil smile on his face, causing Sofia to throw her hands on her head.

"Stop," she whined, moving to get out of the bed, "What happened? I don't even remember coming home last night..."

"Oh good, we're blacking now," Harry said with sarcasm. Sofia glared up at him, before trying to take the pain medication from his hand.

"Yeah right," Harry scoffed, moving it away from her, "You have to earn this. Plus, you might want it for after I beat your ass."

"Ugh," Sofia moaned, throwing her head back in frustration. Her lack of argument told Harry that she knew what was coming, which gave him more confidence to go forward.

"Which by the way, you told everyone I did last night," Harry said, with a sigh.

"What?" Sofia barked, looking up at him.

"Yeah, announced that you earned a spanking ... in front everyone," Harry said.

"I didn't," Sofia said.

"You did," Harry said, "Announced it and earned a spanking."

"Oh my God," Sofia hissed, but before she could say anything else, she was bolting from her bed and into
the bathroom. Clutching the toilet bowl, she threw up the contents of her stomach. She heard Harry come in behind her, and as she retched into the toilet bowl again, she felt him pull her hair back, and put his hand on her back.

"This sucks," Sofia cried out, before throwing up again.

"I bet," Harry quipped. Sofia noticed that he didn't sound too sympathetic. Sofia put her face on the cold toilet bowl, and glanced up at him pathetically.

"I don't know," Harry said, "This hangover seems like punishment enough. At least for your outrageous drinking. But we both know you snuck out last night, and we know how I feel about you doing that."

"It was stupid," Sofia mumbled, closing her eyes.

"That we can both agree on," Harry said, flushing the toilet and then helping Sofia to her feet. Harry moved her to a seat and told her to sit, before sitting across from her and crossing his arms.

"I'm almost willing to let the hangover be the consequences," Harry said, "But I'm not sure that's what you need. So, why don't you tell me what you need..."

"What do you mean?" Sofia asked, taking a sip of water.

"You've been pushing me for days, Sofia. And you knew how I'd feel about last night," Harry said, "So.. you want to tell me what's going on?"

"I just..." Sofia said, with a deep sigh, "I have been trying to control my feelings. I'm trying to not feel, and that take a lot of control. And I just don't want to be in control anymore, I'm sick of being in control or trying to be. So, I figured that if I pushed you enough..."

"I'd take control," Harry said, "And you wouldn't have to think. You would just have to do what you were told. And then, the physical pain of being spanked might overpower the emotional pain your feeling about your father's birthday."

Sofia glanced up at him, her cheeks flushing red. She was embarrassed about her thought process, and even more embarrassed that he knew her thought process. And even more embarrassed that he knew she wanted to end up over his knee at some point.

"I told you not to be embarrassed," Harry said, his voice was hard but calm, and comforting. She wasn't sure how he did that all at once, but he did.

"The problem with you, Sofia," Harry said, "Is you push your feelings away, until they just explode. And usually they explode in a dangerous way, and it takes some sort of instigation to get them to explode. You're afraid to feel without being pushed to that point. Let's talk about your dad..."

"I don't want to!" Sofia snapped, looking up at him, "That's not what I need right now. I don't want to talk, or to think. I just need..."

"To give up the control," Harry said. She watched as he sat up and his body changed, giving her exactly what she needed. He was taking control. This is what she wanted.

"Stand up," Harry said, his voice was back, and Sofia stood.

"I knew that you needed this," Harry said, "I know what you need before you do. I just need to know that it's okay with you if I do it before you asked or did something to warrant it. I wouldn't have waited this long if I thought you'd be okay."

"I'm not good at asking," Sofia said, "So from now on, just go with your gut. I trust you."

Harry didn't wait, he pulled her towards him, and then over his knee.

"Don't reach back," he said, "Don't fight. Don't make it worse. You know the rules, follow them."

He didn't wait long, and he didn't lecture. He just smacked her hard and fast. This wasn't so much a punishment, as a way to get her defenses down. Sofia needed to feel, and sometimes, physical pain was the only way she knew how to do that

He listened carefully to her reactions as he spanked her, and watched as she laid there and took it. She wasn't fighting it, she knew it was coming, she wanted it to come. He was doing what she wanted. What she needed. And when he heard the first sob, he stopped.

Usually he would continue, especially after her sneaking out and getting drunk. But this wasn't for punishment, this was to give her what she needed, and to get her to a place where she could be vulnerable.

"Have you had enough?" he asked. He usually wouldn't ask. It wasn't up to her to tell him if she had enough, that was his choice to make. But, again, this was different.

"I think so," Sofia said, through her tears. Harry helped her off his knee, and looked at her while tears streamed down her face. Last time he did this, he wasn't there to comfort her after. He reached up and wiped the tears from her face, before pulling him towards her.

"How's your ass?" he asked

"It'll be fine," she said, still crying.

"Get yourself together," Harry said, pulling away from her, "And then when you're ready, we'll talk. I'll be outside with everyone else."

"Okay," Sofia agreed, watching as Harry walked out. She looked at the table, and noticed that he had left the painkillers there for her.



***


"I didn't want them to come home," Sofia said, leaning back into the chair at the table. Everyone was around, waiting for her to speak. Liam wasn't quite sure what had happened in her bedroom with Harry, but he was pretty sure he knew enough. But whatever happened, changed Sofia's mood. Her walls were certainly down, even if just for the time being. She wasn't avoiding her feelings anymore, she was right there with them.

"What?" Zayn asked, leaning forward.

"I didn't want them to come home that weekend," Sofia repeated, "Mom and Dad. I wished over and over that they wouldn't come home. And then they didn't."

"Oh my God," Liam said, as though suddenly putting something together in his head, "You feel guilty. Like it was your fault. You've been carrying that guilt around for months. The whole angel of death thing, it started with them..."

"It's why ou said you didn't want another person to die because of you," Harry said, looking at her, "Because you count them. You think it's your fault."

"I wished it on them," Sofia said, shaking her head, with tears coming down her face, "Who does that? Who wishes that their parents don't come home?"

"Probably every teenager at some point or another," Eleanor said.

"Sofia, you didn't kill them," Louis said, "They aren't dead because you made some stupid wish while you were frustrated."

"You can't carry that around with you," Danielle said, "If you do, you'll never be able to mourn and miss them properly."

"I just don't think I have the right to be upset about them not being here," Sofia said, "Especially since I didn't appreciate it when they were."

"You have every right," Harry said, putting his arm around her, "Feelings and emotions don't always make sense, Sofia. It doesn't mean you don't have the right to feel them."

"I feel bad missing them," Sofia said quietly, "When I actually do miss them, I feel terrible about it. Like I shouldn't."

"What? Why?" Liam asked, his eyes wide and surprised.

"I know dad was a dick, but he wasn't all bad," Sofia said, "And I miss him sometimes. And then I feel awful for missing him. Because I know you're trying so hard to pick the pieces, and you are trying so hard to fix his mistakes. And I feel like if I miss him..."

"You're betraying me," Liam said, shaking his head at his sister. He moved closed to her, gripping his shoulders with his hands.

"You're allowed to miss them," Liam said, "Hell, I miss them sometimes. You missing them, doesn't mean that you love me less or appreciate me less. Just like you loving and appreciating what you have now, doesn't mean that you love or appreciate them less. It doesn't have to be a betrayal, Sofia. It doesn't have to be one or the other. It's okay to feel whatever you feel, and you don't have to feel like you are betraying anyone by it."

"I know it doesn't seem like it sometimes," Sofia said, a tear streaming down her face, "But I am trying."

"I know you are," Liam said, "And that's enough for me, Sofia."

"I'm sorry about last night," Sofia said, catching Liam by surprise. He glanced up at Harry who didn't look surprised by Sofia's apology at all. Liam wasn't just surprised by her apology, but by how sincere she sounded.

"It's okay," he said, "I just wish you would talk to me about these things before it came to that..."

"We're working on it," Harry said, causing Sofia to laugh a little.

Liam noticed Harry's use of the word we're. They might not be together yet, but Liam didn't think it would be long. And for the first time, looking at his sister and how much she had changed and grown, he didn't feel anxiety about it at all. Harry and Sofia were changing, and they were changing each other, and Liam couldn't help but wonder with some excitement where it would go.



***


"This is nice," Danielle said, with her legs over Liam.

"It's beautiful here," Zayn agreed, "I'm gonna miss it."

"Here we go," Louis said, coming out with a tray of drinks, and plopping down next to Eleanor.

Harry sat down next to Sofia, and she leaned into him, soaking in his warmth and smell. He handed her a glass.

"How come mine is so dark?" Sofia asked, looking at her glass and then everyone else's.

"It's more coke then whiskey," Harry said, causing Sofia to roll her eyes.

"Don't complain," Harry warned.

"Here's to Geoff Payne," Liam said, raising his glass, as Niall tossed cigars out to everyone, "Here's to
missing him and learning to live without him. You were a
hell of a guy, dad."

Everyone cheered quietly, before clinking their glasses against others and taking a sip.

"Here's to missing him," Sofia repeated, "And moving on without him. And here's to being better."

"To being better," Eleanor cried out, happily. She was smiling at Sofia widely. Everyone cheered again, clinking their glasses together again.

Harry looked down at Sofia with a fond look, as he clinked his glass against hers, and Sofia thought for a second he might kiss her again. But he didn't, and she was glad. She didn't want him to do it in front of everyone else. She wanted it to be theirs, just like every other part of what they had. Instead Harry kissed her head gently, before taking another drink.

"I'm gonna get some snacks," Sofia said, standing up and leaving them to go into the kitchen. Everyone was looking at Harry.

"What?" Harry asked.

"I've never seen you have more self control in your life," Louis said, staring at with wide eyes.

"Jesus Christ, Harry," Niall said, "The girl is practically begging you to give it to her."

Liam coughed loudly into his drink, before glaring at Niall. Harry didn't say anything, he just shook his head.

"Don't talk about my sister getting it from anyone," Liam snapped, before looking at Harry, "But at this point, mate. I'm not sure what you're waiting for."