Concentration

Chapter six

Harry's POV:

A week has gone by since the evening I spent with Eden. Everyday my curiosity about her grows and I find myself looking for her in every prisoner I pass. One day I thought I saw her but when I strained my neck to try and identify if it was her, she was gone. Liam had asked me what I had been looking at and I mumbled something about him needing to mind his own business and I think I offended him. I almost felt guilty about offending him. Almost.

Whenever my mind wonders about Eden I find my fingers touching where her lips pressed against my cheek. I try to find the warmth that she had left against my skin but it has since faded and I was once again left with the cold. That's how it always will be, I'll be left empty and cold. Her touch was just a reminder, a fucking tease, at what my life will never have. Warmth. Purpose. Love.

"You know, Harry," Liam interjects, "We have been partners for six months now and you still haven't told me how you have an English accent."

"Because obviously I'm English," I roll my eyes at what should be discernible. As if it's any of his damn business.

"Well I know that," he chuckles, "but what I meant was if you're English then why are you in France?" He asks as we patrol our usual area.

"Let me help you figure this out, Liam," I stop walking and turn to him, "since you're not the most perceptive person I have met. I don't like talking to you, hell I don't like talking to anyone in this piss hole. So if you could stop being so invasive that would make my time here a hell of a lot easier."

Liam furrows causing a deep crease to set between his brows. "I'm sorry," I almost chuckle at how much he looks like a puppy who just got scolded for pissing on the carpet. Almost. "I just thought that you and I were kind of in this together because we have the same outlook on it. Like we're almost like the same person," his brown eyes almost look hopeful, like if he was looking for... friendship?

"Well you thought wrong," I state flatly and turn away from him to carry out our duties. The truth is, Liam and I aren't like. Yes we may both be held here against our will and and both despise the Nazis, but that's as deep as our connections go. Truth is, Liam is a much better man than me because he hasn't shut himself off from the world. I have yet to figure out if I envy him or pity him for that fact. As far as friendship with Liam goes, I have to suppress the laugh that tries to escape me from the mere thought. I have my mate Niall and that's all the friendship I need.

"Look, Harry, I ---"

"Shhhh," I raise my hand to silence him when something catches my attention, "You see that?" I point to a prisoner sitting behind a barrack with their knees to their chest. It's a small person making them very easily overlooked. If it wasn't for their shift in movement they never would have caught my eye. "We have to go get them,"

"Allow me," Liam volunteers.

"Why?"

"Because you seem somewhat on edge," he points out my irritability.

"What the fuck makes you think I'm on edge," my voice raises it's tone and he narrows his eyes, insinuating I just proved his point. "Fuck off, you know this is me being chipper." I start toward the prisoner with Liam beside me.

"Yeah a real ray of sunshine you are," he scoffs and I raise my middle finger.

"Hey," I state, my voice sounding deep and harsh. The little boy jerks his head up and scurries back as we approach. His eyes are bloodshot and tears stain his pale cheeks. I can't help but to get the feeling that I've seen him before. Hell, I've seen so many people in this camp all their faces seem to blur together now. "We're not going to hurt you," his shoulders visibly relax at my words. I pull the strap of my gun over my head and lean it on a barrack behind me to show him we come it peace. I give Liam a quick glance, telling him to keep his gun on him in case this kid tries any funny business and reaches for my gun.