Timeless [ A Harry Styles OU ] {1/2}

two

"Will ya let me put you down already? M'arms are about to fall off."

Rhea simply tightens her arms around her best friend, pressing her face into his neck. Her "no" is muffled into his skin and Niall sighs in response.

But his own arms betray the sound as he squeezes her tight, "You're like a koala, ya know that?"

It's been at least five minutes since he'd arrived at the Greek Theatre and the moment he'd texted, Rhea had run out to the front of the venue and latched onto him (yes, very much like a koala). Though, anyone who knew her wouldn't blame her in the slightest. Despite both of them having access to funds for flights, she and Niall hadn't seen much of each other outside of device screens in quite a long time. While she had been busy putting together her firm, Niall had backpacked around Asia before he started working on "Flicker" in the studio.

Finally she pulls back and Niall sets her on her feet, grinning down at her under the shade of the brown fedora he's wearing. Rhea grins as he fixes it on his head since she'd almost knocked it off when she'd crashed into him.

"Take it off," Rhea mumbles, trying to snatch it away.

Niall ducks away from her grasp and shoots a glare at her, "Stop. My hair is a mess right now."

Rhea rolls her eyes at him, crossing her arms over her chest, "I can't believe you're denying me from seeing the brunette locks in person."

Niall stares back at her for a few moments before he groans dramatically, lifting the hat off his head and pulling his hand through his messy, soft hair. "There. Are ya happy?"

Rhea laughs and claps her hands together, nodding furiously, "Ni! Look at you. It looks so good."

Niall smiles back at his best friend, "Been telling me that ever since I did it, Rhe."

"Because it's true. It's not my fault you can't take a compliment," Rhea says, shrugging her shoulders.

"Alright, alright," Niall says, holding up his hands in surrender after he puts the hat back on. "Can we go inside now? M'arse is on fire."

The LA sun is blistering, a little too warmly for a September afternoon. Rhea nods and they fall into matching steps as they head inside the venue.

Niall sighs in delight when the cool air washes over him, taking a deep breath. "Where's Harry?"

"Sound check," Rhea explains, leading Niall towards the back entrance. She smiles at the venue employee who opens the door for them, nodding at him that Niall has clearance.

"Already?"

"Yeah," Rhea says, turning on her heel. t sways with her turn, "Wanted t'get it done so we all had a chance to catch up."

"He doesn't need you back there?" Niall says, smirking at Rhea.

Rhea ignores his jab, "Al's got it handled. Plus if I do everything she won't learn a thing."