Red & White

twenty.

Leah took special notice at how cold Harry's hand felt against hers as he brisked her away from the scene. She didn't dare speak a single word. His eyes were pierced ahead of him, a scowl set upon his thin lips. He smelled heavenly. The fresh scent distracted her from the tension brewing between them.

When a heavy sigh sounded from the angry man guiding her to wherever, Leah realized they had been silent for five minutes straight.

She didn't like it. The girl much rather preferred his usual cheeky, grinning self. So, her finger slowly raised as she continued to be dragged, and tapped lightly against his shoulder. At first, there was no recognition from the Prince that he felt her touch through his jumper. That only urged her to do it again. His solid frame reacted to it the second time, Harry's head scowling down at her.

"What?" He breathed out in a frustrated sigh.

A wave of regret for antagonizing him even further swam through her and she had to hold her breath for a moment to collect her thoughts and build up the courage before speaking up.

"Thank you for sending me that telegram."

His eyebrows raised, ceasing his footsteps. Leah bumped into his body due to the abrupt stop. She quickly apologized.

"I um..I missed you, too." Her voice was so close to being inaudible to the ear. Leah even thought she saw him processing in his mind what she could have said in the quiet volume.

"Sure." The Prince's hostile tone sent a shiver down her spine. He began to walk again, but Leah tugged at his hand to slow him down. She, and even Harry were surprised at her bravery towards a fuming Royal.

"I-I was..That week felt so long. I wish I knew where you were. Then maybe I could have slept better." Nothing but truth poured out of her. Her calming tone worked magic on his demeanor. Harry's tense shoulders began to sink.

"Well I can't tell you where I was," his gruff voice rumbled past her eardrums.

"I'm okay with that," she replied with a hint of desperation, "Just..can't we enjoy each other's company today? Now that you're back? I would really like that if we could. I don't even mind what we do, just that I do it with you."

How was she even saying this? Her walls were slowly being knocked down when she was with him. The nervousness she had once felt at all times was crumbling to her feet and Leah did not care one bit. She loved how comfortable she was being with the Prince, even in his rough times.

Another sigh interupted her thoughts. Leah glanced up to see the man nod his head full of chocolate curls. She wished to run her fingers through the strands, but that wish was setback when her hand was grasped again and guided forward. This time, it was less tight and angry, but more relaxed.

Leah's mouth clamped shut when Harry gently led her down the corridors. She recognized the passageways surrounding them and was confused, but happy to see the tall doors that opened to the grand library after minutes of walking.

She turned to him, glistening eyes meeting his, "What are we doing here?"

"Finishing what we were doing last week," the Prince simply replied with a vague answer and her heart started to beat faster. Finishing what we were doing last week?

The younger girl smiled excitedly and they walked through the heavy doors, opening their eyes to the magnificence that was the perfectly constructed librarian. Does this mean we are going to lay together in pure serenity like before and read side by side? she wondered.

"Pick out any book," Prince Harry instructed, pointing towards the myriad of shelves, "I'm gonna make sure no one is in here."

The addition to his comment ignited a warmth to shoot fireworks throughout her body. She nervously bit her lower lip, sucking on the skin as she watched Harry slowly shut the library doors, leaving the candles and windows to provide light. He lightly smiled to her before nodding in encouragement and walking off one way to scour the library grounds for anyone.