Styles Towers.

Broken Record.

I tap my foot on the edge of my office chair while my fingers hammer away at the keyboard in an attempt to get all my work completed. My eyes wander towards the entrance as I recognize Harry walk in.

He doesn't give me the brief smile he normally does, instead, he blinks at me as though he's empty. Empty to the point I can't read what's going through his mind.

He places a file on my desk before taking a breath, "until Niall gets out of the meeting you're in charge. You can stay in my office if you like." His voice is brief and rough, it isn't charming and sweet as usual.

If I didn't know any better I'd say he was using his CEO tone with me– something he only does if we aren't alone or if he's pissed off and doesn't know how to channel the anger somewhere else.

I nod, "You okay? You seem tense," I softly point out, attempting to read his eyes that seem to give me nothing. Not even the slightest twinkle of light and joy.

They're sullen.

Harry nods his head, "I'm fine, just sore," he responds and I can tell he's lying, I know when his eyes are laced with physical pain and right now that isn't the case. I know him well enough to know.

I cock my head to the side and raise a brow. He knows I'm not convinced, he may be of a unique character right now, but he isn't stupid, "I'll see you at home, Elle."

"Harry," I stand to my feet and shuffle around my desk to stand in front of him, "what's the matter?"

"Elle, please," he sighs, "Jus' running a few errands before going home and relaxing, don't feel the best... make sure the portfolios are completed before you leave, please." Harry gestures towards the files he placed on my desk and I nod my head.

"Drive safe, I love you," I lean up and kiss the edges of his lips.

"Mhm," Harry hums before stepping away from me and shuffling out of my office.

I sit in Harry's office and ponder over the fact Harry doesn't seem himself, the man is a workaholic, he never leaves work early without a significant reason. Once again he is closing himself off to me and I can't help him when he does it. Ever since the accident he has been more closed off, it's as though he doesn't want to relive certain experiences he may have gone through with the process of the accident. I understand things are rough, but I'm starting to feel as though he's shoving me away.

I thought he had learned his lesson by pushing people away to protect himself, but I guess not.

I heavily sigh as I caress my cheek to rest in the palm of my hand while Niall wanders in. He grants me his sweet smile that brightens the dreary office.

"You don't look cheery," Niall pouts, "do I need to like round everyone up in the office and have a stern talking to with whoever made you gloomy?" Niall challenges with a petite smile and sea rover-blue eyes.

I give him a chuckle and shake my head, "lining them up sounds like an assassination," I giggle.

Niall shrugs, "anythin' for Harry's missus, you're his world."

I roll my eyes and scoff softly, "yeah, so he says."

"I'm sensing some sarcasm?"

I lift my shoulders into a shrug, at this point I think Harry being so sullen and withdrawn has managed to affect my own mood, "he's just... I'm not quite sure what to do with him. I know he's grieving and everything but he's shutting me out. I've been walking on eggshells since we've gotten back to London."

"Well... I'm the worst for advice," Niall responds.

I raise a brow, "you don't say?"

"Ouch." ... "I deserved that comment," Niall chuckles, "I mean, he never strikes me of the man to open up to people."