Annihilation - h.s.

Chapter Nine.

Author's note:

Wrote a super long chapter because you all are super fab ok

Also, I want to say a big thanks to @weylarryhey because without her amazing support and thoughtful comments and the fact that she dedicated a whole freaking chapter in her story to us, I know Annihilation wouldn't have gotten over 200 reads and 40 votes in like two days.

I really just wanted to thank each and every one of you for your votes and encouragement on this story! I honestly love you guys so much.

Enjoy the chapter!

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Andrew and Cole have long gone, and I've still got half an hour until my shift is over. The crowd in the hall has somewhat thinned out, but the volume in the busy space has remained just as loud as ever. A few women - twenty-five at the oldest - sit at tables still, talking with animated gestures while most of the men have gravitated towards the bar and the tables that surround it.

Jade and I stand in the corner of the dining room, scanning the group of red-faced and mostly young men for somebody to occupy the rest of our time.

"August, come on! Just get somebody to drive you home or something," Jade has been begging me to help her take someone home all night. "If I find two guys, you just need to distract one so I can get the other one's attention without interference."

Jade is right; competition is usually a good thing, but not when you've only got a half hour to get someone to come home with you.

"Fine. Take your pick, but when the shift is over, I'm going home whether someone drives me there or not." I grumble, taking a sip of the water from the glass in my hand.

A strange squeal escapes her and she begins bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Okay!" I smile, watching her eyes dart across the room. "Him." She points to a guy sitting at the bar.

He's got stubble, a prominent jawline, and he seems tall judging by the way his legs hover close to the ground. I almost approve, but soon notice the friend I would inevitably be bringing home with me. He's got rough skin and dull eyes; his sweat-covered hair sticks to his forehead and his smile flashes yellow-stained teeth. "No fucking way." I laugh, but give her a stern look.

"Oh," She drags out her speech, obviously just now noticing the friend, too. She scans the men again and she suddenly gasps. "Him. It has to be him!"

Jade, of course, points to Harry. He stands tall over the crowd despite the slight forward curl of his shoulders. It was hard to actually look at him while he stood so close to me before, but from afar I can see that his shoulders are quite strong. Not buff or overly meaty, but strong. His torso is long, connecting his expansive upper half to his narrow hips and elongated legs. His stance is stiff as he looks around the room.

Another man wearily walks towards him. He's dressed in a fitted black coat - open to reveal a white t-shirt - and black pants. Handsome.

"And how perfect! Here comes a friend for you!" She continues.

"Jade, no! Do you remember how I told you about the lunatic hosting this event? That's him and I'm not letting you go home with him." I turn to face her; she faces me with wide eyes.

"His entire being radiates sex, though. Can't you just picture his naked body on top of you? His tattooed arms beside your head..." She shrugs. "It's only one night, anyways. I'll be fine."

My mind flashes an image of me pressed to the wall with Harry's hips grinding in to mine, I can smell his shirt again, I can feel his heartbeat in my chest again, and my genuine concern for my best friend's well being becomes slightly infected with jealousy. I repress this new emotion and focus instead on the wide smile arching her lips.