I Can't Change - Larry Stylinson

Chapter Eleven

After a few minutes huddled together in the rain, we all sloppily stood, slipping in the mud, only progressing our laughter to louder chimes. I gripped Harry's shoulder as he helped me up, giving a sweet kiss to my forehead. I pushed wet fringes of hair out of my face, looking over at Liam, who was grinning from ear to ear. It was nice to see all of the boys so happy.

We started our trek back to the tent, steadily jogging through the still pouring rain which was not signaling any lessening. Back at the top of the hill, we panted and shivered, but still had hinges of laughter hanging on our mouths.

“Everybody strip to boxers and get in the tent, we'll be a little cramped.” Liam called, peeling off his wet shirt, still being pelted with rain. I flashed Harry a coy grin before we all did the same, jumping into the tent, huddling into the corners of the two person tent. Thank god we had zipped it up tight before we left, leaving the insides comfortable and dry. I sighed, shivering as Harry finally clambered in next to me, pulling me close up against his warm body, instantly silencing my chattering teeth.

“Thank God for waterproof tents.” Niall muttered, sidling up against Liam to gain warmth. I felt Harry's fingers gently caress my wet back, and I grinned up at him. I leaned my head on his shoulder, sighing, feeling exhausted, yet so happy.

That night was the most beautiful one I believe I ever had experienced. The clouds had passed over finally, leaving the hills a glistening mess, and the stars poked out like twinkling diamonds on a navy cape. The moon was so bright it looked almost daylight outside, the way everything was illuminated in a silver light. It was here I had laid out a wooly blanket to cover the damp grass, and laid there, staring up at the stars, which formed all sorts of shapes and patterns with a long enough look. It was so lovely and quiet, but then he was suddenly next to me, wrapping his arms around me, gazing up at the stars as I did, grinning.

We sat in a mutual silence, breathing out evenly and slowly, taking in this untainted beauty. It was very rarely that fame had brought this to me. Most of the time I kept my head down and shuffled along with the flow, following directions because that was what was expected of me. But now, being here with the boy I loved more than life itself, star-gazing at natural beauty, it was perfect.

After so many minutes of laying in peaceful silence, Harry looked over at me, the look in his eyes slightly changing, just roaming my face as I returned the look. He rolled onto his side to face me better, the look still not changing, and a weak smile rose on my lips as he caressed my face with those long fingers. I looked at the tattoo again, that stained his wrist and impulsively I reached out to graze my thumb along it, sighing gently. He cupped my chin, holding my face still as he pulled himself to me, kissing me so gently it left my lips burning. I can't describe the feelings I had in that moment, because there were too many to count, and it was so deliciously overwhelming.

He didn't lean back in to kiss me again, just left it simply at that, and partly- I was thankful for that, the small gesture had been so perfect. I inhaled slowly, before smiling simply. This was all so perfect. But suddenly, I remembered Eleanor, and management, and an uncomfortable feeling washed over me. I bit on my bottom lip, looking at him defeatedly, realizing we were going to have to keep hiding these feelings when we got back to London, to our fans, to the public. I had an overwhelming urge to cry, but I pushed it down quickly, sniffling, burying my head into his chest. He wrapped his arms tighter around me, breathing softly against my hair.

“I love you, Haz.” I whispered out against his shirt, and I heard his heart jump in his chest, which made me smile even wider. I lifted my head slowly, looking at him, feeling my cheeks pink slightly as he leaned forward again and pecked me on the lips sweetly.

“I love you too, Lou.” He said so truthfully, my heart ached and those feelings filled me up again. He leaned back, and I rested my head on his chest, looking up at him, running my fingers through his curls as he gazed up at the stars, a small smile on his lips.