Main Stage (Narry AU)

Main Stage Chapter 12 - Livin That Rock Star Life

"You sure you got everything?" Roger walks behind the car where Niall's loading bags and guitars in to the trunk. "You didn't tell me it was Michael who bought it," he says, tapping Harry's case.

"Didn't wanna accuse if I'm barkin up the wrong tree," Niall explains. "M'not their favorite person right now." Roger's eyes question this, but they hear Harry and Davey walking toward them so he doesn't say anything more. "I'll call ya," Niall says quietly and Roger nods, closing the trunk as the boys approach.  "You have a wee?"

"Yep, m'good t'go," Harry assures him.

"Thanks for everything boys," Niall says, looking between his friends. 

"Send us dates for your gigs, if we can pry our asses out of here we'll come watch ya play," Roger tells him.  They hug their friends promising to get together soon before climbing in the car and waving goodbye.

The drive goes quickly and too soon Harry merges the car onto the freeway that will take them back to LA. 

"We meetin Carl at the garage?" Niall asks, turning down the music on the stereo.

"Yeah, Reece and Michael have been textin and callin all week but I  ignored 'em.  Figure I better go face the music.  You go on t'yours, I'll get Carl t'bring me when they've finished yellin at me. Text if TMQ's still on the lawn and we'll go t'mine.  Can at least keep them behind the gate."

"You've got a house in LA?"

"Yeah, course, accountants said I had t'start investin in property, tax purposes or summat, I dunno."

"And you're stayin at mine because?"

"Cause you took me there when I was drunk, then ya took me t'bed and I'm not dumb enough to leave your bed."

Niall laughs, shaking his head.  "Glad ya didn't leave m'bed," he says, kissing the back of Harry's hand.

"I like it at yours. Feels normal."

"Emmy pushed rehearsal back to five.  You still comin with me or do you have other plans?"  Now they're back in the real world, Niall can see why Roger and David want to stay at the cabin.

"If it's okay?  I don't want her t'get mad or anythin."

"She won't care," Niall assures him.  "Probably try t'get ya t'sing with her."

Harry navigates the traffic to the building where Reece and Michael keep their offices.  Niall's only been there a couple of times, both for Chasing Clouds.  When Harry pulls into the garage, he circles the dark concrete interior until they see Niall's car. He pulls in beside it and  puts the car in park.

They sit in the quiet darkness for a moment, knowing when the doors open their impromptu holiday is over. "Guess I'll go get m'knuckles rapped," he grins, but there's and underlying tone of dread in his voice. "Thank you for this week. It was amazing."

Outside the car they transfer their things to Niall's vehicle.  Standing close, Niall fingers the hem of Harry's t-shirt while they say goodbye.

He's not sure why he does it, but it's intimate, a sign to anyone watching that his touch is allowed, desired even, and as long as Harry doesn't object, his fingers will always find their way to him.

When a horn honks they step apart, the noise echoing in the cavernous structure, intruding on the final moment.  After hasty goodbyes, Harry heads inside and Niall watches the elevator doors close on him before he starts the car and makes his way out of the garage.

~~

Mully follows Niall across the lawn after he picks up his mail from his neighbor.  Inside he puts food out for the cat and starts laundry. As he unpacks his bag, he decides on a quick sheet change, which isn't so quick when Mully decides he wants to help.