1986 [harry styles au]

XIV. NICO

CHAPTER XIV. NICO
It was the week later, Friday November 28th to be precise, when I was stood leaning against the front wall of Harry's home and waiting for Nico's arrival. I had spoken very minimally to Nico that week, not knowing how to keep a conversation strong with one of our suspected murderers. Everything about my judgement of Nico was cloudy. Just inviting him to another of Harry's parties felt strange, but I was relieved to know that he was free that night.

'Hey, I didn't know you were out here.' The silent air was interrupted by Harry opening the door and stepping outside. 'Are you waiting for Nico?'

'Yeah, he should be here soon.' I fold my arms, trying to keep my body warmth away from the chilly air engulfing us. The sunset looked beautiful from Danver Estate, it seemed to be a lot more visible from this side of town. I found myself admiring the blush-pink and lilac mixture of colour that the sky was projecting.

'You remember our plan?' He muttered, the door now closed behind him. My eyes found his and they looked dark under the low light above.

'Yeah, we just act natural and watch everything he does.' I confirm and he nods with a small grin.

'Perfect.' He clarifies, nudging my arm softly and scanning my face. I smirk before returning the nudge, and Harry's arm flies up to do it again but is interrupted by a figure nearby. 'I think that's him.' Something flashes across his eyes as he glances from the figure back to my face, as Nico steps along the pathway to the front door.

'Hey, guys.' I hear Nico greet but immediately hear the front door open, turning to find that Harry had instantly returned into his home on account of Nico's entrance. 'Oh, it's just us.'

'Hey, Nico.' I reply, about to enter Harry's home but feeling his hand grip mine and stop me. Soon, his lips press against my cheek and my heart begins to race. I don't know how to act and I suddenly feel dumbfounded. All I do is grin and continue stepping to the front door, closing it behind us both. I look to the floor in earnest before finding three sets of shoes move into view.

'Hey, Adriana.' I glance up to find Lana, her arms wide and around my shoulders in seconds. My hands swiftly pat her back before she lets go.

'Hey, how are you doing?' I greet at the same moment Dua joins me in an embrace. Kendrick is stood beside her, reaching for my hand once she's stepped away from me.

'It's good to see you, Adriana.' Kian's voice pipes up and I notice him stood to my right. I'm even surprised to see Harry stood beside him, holding a red paper cup, and not on top of his dining table. I guessed he was serious about tonight.

'It's good to see you too.' I smile towards Kian and his view falls to the floor, his expression seeming apprehensive. My eyes fly to Harry and I now notice him scrutinising Nico as though nobody is around.

'Aren't you going to say hello to Adriana, Harry?' Lana pipes up, making him look away from Nico and to her, before she begins to chuckle. I forgot that they didn't know Harry had been outside with me earlier. 'Let me guess, you and Adriana aren't speaking?'

'No, we're speaking.' He chuckles back, but louder. His hand also flies onto my shoulder. 'Aren't we, Andy?' All colour seems to drain from Lana's face as she glances at his hand, to my face and then back to his.

'Andy?' She repeats.

'I didn't realise you two were so close.' Dua interjects with a smirk, but Lana looks offended and resentful; especially towards me.

'Oh no, we're not. He's just teasing.' I state, peering towards Lana, to Nico, and then back to the floor. Harry's hand falls from my shoulder and defeat is written all over his face, he looks slightly hurt by my words. There is awkward silence for a few seconds.