Exception (Harry Styles)

Chapter 17

Avery's POV

Maybe coming to this party wasn't such a bad idea. I mean, Harry is trying. I can tell by how cautious he's being.

Even though I still do not like the atmosphere, and parties are clearly not my thing, I feel safe. I feel safe with Harry. He just has that thing about him that makes me feel warm. Maybe it's the fact he hasn't hurt me or maybe it's the fact I have fallen for probably the most difficult, selfish, aggravating, lovable, bipolar asshole there is out there.

I really hope it's my first assumption.

I follow Harry through the crowd of dancing idiots until we find the kitchen. Liquor lined the tables and it made my stomach drop a little. Do I really expect Harry to not drink when the bottles are lined up in his face?

I watch as he turns away from the liquor and to the fridge. He asks me what I want and I reply, telling him I want a Coke. I see a small smile tug at his lips and he hands it to me, then I find myself smiling widely when I see that he is sticking with just water.

Maybe I'm judging Harry a little to hard.

I open my Coke can and take a sip; letting the cool liquid sizzle down my throat. This party thing may not be that bad. My attention is drawn to Harry when I notice him stiffen beside me. His gaze hardens to someone behind me, and his grip on his cup tightens slightly. I slowly turn around until I come face to face with the person staring at me from the kitchen doorway.

Even through the mass of people, Niall still stands out to me. He is standing in the doorway with a red cup filled with most likely alcohol, and he has a crooked grin across his face.

I freeze and slowly turn to Harry who looks like he is about to explode. I don't understand why he hates Niall so much. He is really sweet, and he shares his food with me. But ever since Olive Garden, the air gets thick and tense when they are in the same room.

I feel Harry's hand wrap around mine and he tugs me closer to him. I feel protected, but then again, I feel like he is doing it for the wrong reasons. Why does Harry feel the need to "protect" me around Niall? Niall won't hurt me. He resembles a little puppy. Harry however, resembles a  a pit bull ready to attack an intruder and protect its home. He's fierce and scary, but then behind closed doors, he can be the sweetest guy I have ever known.

I let Harry tug me to the couch and I sit down beside him. "Are you okay?" He asks loud enough for me to hear, but not shouting in my face. "Yeah I'm fine Harry." I reply with a small smile. I guess this isn't as bad as it would be sitting at home, but I am still way out of my comfort zone.

My smile slowly fades as I catch Vicki parading around in a extremely short black dress. Red lipstick covered her lips and a red cup with a red liquid sloshing out as she attempts to flirt with the other boys around her. I crinkle my nose and look down at my coke.

"Hey everything alright?" Harry asks quietly.

"Yeah fine, just I don't fit in here." I reply motioning to Vicki and a few other girls around her.

"Hey, you're supposed to be having fun. You're fine just the way you are Avery." Harry replies softly. I smile a little and nod my head yes. Harry is trying his best. Yeah, a party wasn't the greatest idea, but maybe I am worrying just a little too much.

"Why aren't you drinking?" I ask, then mentally face palm myself when he gives me a weird look.

"What makes you think I drink? I'm not a drunk you know." Harry says, but I can hear a hint of amusement in his voice, which makes me feel slightly better.

"I... um... you just seem.. I don't know." I stutter out.

"I'm kidding Avery. Yeah I drink and have a good time normally, but I won't make you uncomfortable, so I am not drinking tonight... for you."