Instinct

Chapter Seventeen

I woke up the next morning with a set of warm and comfortable arms around me. I smiled and found myself blushing just at the thought. Last night had really happened. I carefully looked behind me and saw Harry sleeping peacefully. His lip ring slightly protruded as he pouts his bottom lip in his sleep. I shake my head and lay back down comfortably on the pillow. As I stare blankly at the wall in front of me, I pull my hair to the side and situate Harry's shirt that adorns my body.

“Hey.” Harry says softly, now awake as well. I smile and turn around to face him.

“Hey.” I reply simply back, running my thumb across his chin where a light, barely-there stubble has grown.

Harry slowly lets his lips pull into a small smile as he looks at me.

“I shouldn't have slept over.” He comments and I shrug.

“It's okay..” I whisper and meet his eyes.

“I never-”

“I know, it doesn't matter, Harry. So you slept over, sue yourself.” I roll my eyes and he chuckles.

“Fair enough.” I slowly start to get up, Harry's shirt falling just below my bum. I can feel Harry's eyes on me as I walk over to the dresser and pull out a new pair of underwear, slipping them up my legs. I turn around and lean against the dresser, crossing my arms over my chest.

“What?” I mutter, raising an eyebrow. Harry shakes his head and gets out of bed in just his boxers.

“Tell me..” I ask softly, walking over as he reaches for his trousers.

“It was nothing.” He states blankly, pulling them on and buttoning them up.

“Please,” I start, pressing my hand to his chest and running it slowly down his soft, muscular torso, tracing the tattoos on his chest slowly.

“I just want to know what you're thinking.” I finish in a soft tone, my eyes not leaving his chest.

“I just, like seeing you in that shirt.” He finally answers and I can hear him swallow hard. The smile that plays on my lips is undeniable and I look up at him.

“Now, was that so hard?” I tease and he rolls his eyes, letting a small laugh escape his lips.

“I like how we can do what we did last night, but the next day you still treat me the same.” He comments and I cock an eyebrow.

“Why wouldn't I?” I ask, slightly puzzled with this new revelation.

“Girls just like to.. change, I guess.” He says as he pulls on his shoes, sitting at the edge of my bed. I choose to take his statement for what it is and not press the issue any longer, grabbing my brush from the top of the dresser and running it through my messy hair as we both keep to ourselves for most of the morning. And as it goes on, I wonder if maybe I made a mistake, but then I remind myself that there's nothing to think about. This is somewhat of a platonic relationship, and I'm pretty sure Harry likes it that way..

~~~~

By early afternoon, Harry was heading for the door. I opened it for him slowly and tried to hide my thinking expression under a small smile.

“See you at work?” I ask as he shoves his hands in his pockets.

“I think I'm gonna call in sick so I can try to finish this essay that's like, 30% of our grade. You should stay home too.” He explains and I shrug.

“Nah, so I guess I'll just see you later then, Slacker.” I joke and he chuckles and nods. I watch him step down the front stairs and swallow. It was like this distance between us now, wasn't just distance that we could close. I could feel Harry start to pull away and build the walls between us again. No...

“Hey Taylor!” He calls from by his car. I immediately look up to the sound of my last name and raise an eyebrow.

“What is it?” I call back, biting down on my bottom lip to hide the smile that wants to appear.

“I'll call you, okay?” He offers me one of his signature smiles before getting in his car. I lean against the door, watching as his car speeds off down my street and sigh, shutting the door behind me. I could feel my attachment to this, tall, handsome, tattooed and pierced man grow the more time I spend with him. But now, I was scared I was starting something I just didn't want to finish.

I slowly sat down on the couch and dialed a number I never thought I'd used again.

“Hello?” His weary, but deep voice came through the receiver. It wasn't cheery like it used to be, it wasn't recognizable, it wasn't him.

“Liam? It's Ali, I'm so sorry for calling.” I ramble and chew on my nails, bobbing my knee nervously. I hear shuffling and then a door shut.

“Oh uh- Hey Ali. I never thought I'd hear from you again, honestly..” He says, but as he speaks, the dreary tone returns.

“I know, and if you're busy or something, we don't have to talk.” I tell him quickly and he chuckles.

“I'm not, and it's fine. I,” He hesitates and I imagine his face, stressed and different as he continues to grow his facial hair out.

“Never mind.” He finally finishes, and a part of me is glad.

“Harry and I..” I start out but end up quickly stopping myself. The realization of how awkward this conversation already is as it just starts, and the fact I was about to tell me ex-boyfriend what Harry and I did hits me and I shut up.

“I know.” He states so nonchalant, it takes me off guard.

“You know? What? How?” I panic slightly, hoping that Harry didn't call Liam to rub it in his face.

“Yeah, but you can calm down, I'm pretty sure I'm the only other person who knows.” He sighs deeply and I feel my heart sink slightly. Why did I call him again?

“What do you mean?” I murmur even though I shouldn't continue this conversation. It's silent on the other line way too long, which forces my anticipation to grow.

“Liam?” I say, still gnawing at my nails.

“Sorry, and I know because Harry told me.”

“Why?” I ask too quickly, the defense in my voice is probably evident, but I don't want Liam to notice.

“Why do you think, Ali? And if this is the reason you called me as well, to rub it in my face, I won't have it..” He suddenly becomes annoyed and I shake my head even though he can't see me.

“No! I swear Liam, I just.. I needed to hear your voice, or something like that? I don't know, I'm not thinking clearly!” My tone changes and I stand up, now pacing across my living room. I know why I called him, I just don't want him to know why.

“Why? That's stupid when your new boyfriend just fucked your brains out.” He huffs and I can feel my eyes get watery. No, I'm not a crier, I won't do this. I won't do this just because I miss the romance, and the fun of getting to be with someone who always wants to be with you as well.

“He's not my boyfriend..” I mutter, almost praying Liam didn't hear.

“He's not?! Well.” He says with fake surprise, but through his sarcasm I can tell he's not surprised in the slightest.

“Don't, please. Don't make me feel like it was a mistake..” I reply and he scoffs.

“Trust me, Ali, it was most definitely a mistake. The biggest one I think I've ever seen you make, really. And honestly? I won't be your fucking shoulder to cry on, not anymore. Goodbye.”

The line goes dead.

I try to suppress the lump in my throat and set my phone on the table, sinking into the couch cushions.

Is Liam right? Was it a mistake that I'm going to regret, even after it felt so right?

I swipe away a tear quickly and take a deep breath, telling myself that it was just Liam, getting me back for calling him in the first place..

Hey Guys! I know it's short but I wanted to put an update up for you! Can we try for 10+ comments please? If we can do that, I'll update as soon as I see there's 10 comments on this chappy. I know I'm bribing you. :) Much love!♥