Harry

Chapter 12

Over the weeks I'd attend my lectures, and then usually head over and let myself into Sam's flat. It felt odd to be so familiar and trusting with each other so soon, but Sam insisted and had brushed aside all my tentative suggestions that we may have been moving too fast. Often while I waited, Harry would be there. Cara was a medic student and had seminars and lectures filling most of her days, so I usually only saw the quick flash of her frantic smile and rainbow clothing as she darted in and out of the flat, and Kevin had a passion for art which caused him to spend most of his time in the University Art Department. So, most days I would wait in silence with Harry until Sam arrived. I'd let myself in and walk into the living room where he'd usually be with his nose buried in a book or scrawling immaculate notes in one of his folders. Sometimes he wouldn't be anywhere in sight, but I'd hear the soft symphony of longing piano chords ringing out through the house. While he never greeted me, I'd noticed that he'd stopped tensing in seeming repulsion whenever I sat down. He was almost impossible to read however, with his bright secretive gaze and his pouty but impassive mouth. I could never truly tell if he was starting to grow accustomed to me or not. Of course, we often had small, petty arguments, as if we couldn't help but to rile each other but I noticed there was less intensity behind our insults. One day while we were sitting together in almost-comfortable silence, I looked up from my book and inhaled a little too sharply when I found him staring at me. My teeth had been sunk into my lower lip as they often do when I concentrate, and I'd been idly twirling a lock of hair around my finger. Under his scrutiny however I suddenly felt self-conscious and allowed the chocolate strands to fall from my fingers, cheeks heating. I wet my lip embarrassed, and his mint green eyes tracked the movement intently. His eyes seemed to flare before a muscle ticked in his jaw and he looked away. I swallowed, and tried to think of some way to break the sudden and heavy tension that had fallen upon us.

"You know, we never really had a proper introduction, did we?" I found myself musing aloud, and his brow raised as he studied me. Yes, and what of it? His expression seemed to scream dryly. I tossed aside my crumpled copy of wuthering heights before scooting closer to him in my seat. His gaze tracked my motions cautiously as one would observe the advance of a wild animal.

"Well maybe we should re-enact our first meeting, you know, in the interest of being amiable and all." I teased with a small smile. Harry's eyes studied me for a few seconds.

"No." He said simply. I rolled my eyes. "Yes." I childishly answered. He gave me a withering look and I fought the urge to laugh.

"Come on, now I've got the idea in my head the only thing you can do is humour me." I warned him. He stared back at me defiantly. "I refuse. It's childish and unnecessary."

"You sound about eighty years old. Come on, just play. We're two strangers who've never met before. No rude comments were exchanged, and no coffee was thrown." I told him dryly.

"So, what's your name?" I whispered. He remained stonily silent. I rolled my eyes and tapped his wrist. The contact felt like fire surging through my skin and I quickly withdrew my hand. I swallowed and looked up to see his face had paled. I cleared my throat and attempted to sound unaffected.

"Come on, I can't just keep calling you the list of expletives I have for you in my head." I murmured, though my voice sounded uneven. His mouth twitched at the corners in amusement, but he still said nothing.

"I'm Doe." I told him persistently. His eyes flickered to mine again, and I tried not to visibly show how much his beautiful green stare affected me.

"I'm Harry." He said and then immediately looked taken aback, as if he hadn't intended to answer me and play along with my little game. He gave a tiny shake of his head before turning away from me.

"Well it's nice to meet you." I said smiling now, pleased that I'd drawn him into my little roleplay.

He made a small, darkly amused noise in the back of his throat. "No, It's not." He said quietly. I tilted my head to the side.

"Excuse me?"

His eyes met mine again, deadly serious.

"I said no it's not. Or at least, it won't be." He said his eyes both dark and blank before turning away. I settled back in my seat feeling oddly shaken, scooting away from him again. He sighed and rubbed a hand over his icy eyes.

"That was a stupid waste of time. You can be such a child." He said in a forceful, aggravated tone before standing and hurriedly disappearing up the stairs. I sat in confused and upset silence until Sam arrived home, kissing me and apologising profusely for the wait. I didn't see Harry again until more than a week later, as if he had started avoiding the flat at times he knew I'd be there. One step forward, and two steps back.