Main Stage (Narry AU)

Main Stage Chapter 18 - Love Me or Leave Me

Thursday - Forty-Eight Hours until Love Me or Leave Me London

"Harry, look over here!"
"Harry, is it true you can't play?"
"Harry, where's Niall?"
"Give us a smile, Harry!"
"Why'd you do it, Harry?"
"What d'you wanna say to your fans?"

Niall watches from the kitchen window, having come ahead to prevent the paps getting a photo of them together. Cameras flash in his face and he knows it's blinding, in spite of the sunglasses they both wear whenever they leave the house.  The stone wall surrounding the house is no deterrent. They chase the car as it pulls onto the street and those that don't get the coveted spots in the courtyard entry have mates waiting to boost them up so they can see over the top of the wall.

"Harry, gonna cancel your tour?"
"Is your career over, Harry?"

They've walked the media gauntlet and endured persistent taunts from paparazzi for weeks now.  The warehouse they're using to rehearse is secure. Once through the gates, Carl pulls through the large loading bay doors without giving the few who gather so much as a glimpse.  Home, however, is a different story. The paps have been a constant presence since TMQ posted their last story about Harry.

Niall meets him as he comes through the kitchen, slamming the door against the cacophony outside.

"Fuckin paps," Harry slips out of his jacket, resting his forehead against Niall's. In the dim light of the mudroom they share a kiss before walking into the kitchen. "So, I know ya probably don't wanna hear this, but Jeff called when I was in the car just now.  He's in town and wanted t'take us t'dinner. I told him t'come round for a drink instead.  You gonna be okay with that? The auditor is calling at nine so I'll have t'leave ya with him if he stays til then.

"Don't have much choice," Niall grumbles. When Harry looks at him he forces a smile.  "I'll be nice long as he keeps his hands t'himself."

"M'ready for this t'be over." Harry flops onto the couch. "The posters for tomorrow night are ready. The club will put them up as soon as I send the notice about the show."

"Carl arranged the transportation t'take us t'the club and I know all the songs on your setlist so I can step in for Gray until ya find a replacement.  You have any luck yet?"

"M'not sure it's him," Harry says, resting his head against Niall's shoulder.

"How can it not be? That last TMQ post specifically named him."

"Let's see what the audit reveals. I have a bad feeling."

"Why?"

"Dunno, probably nothing. Time's it?"

Niall looks at his watch, he trusts instincts. In his experience they're usually right. "Eight."

"I asked to have the call on a landline.  With all the paparazzi around I don't wanna take a chance on one of 'em recordin a cell phone call." Harry sits up when the doorbell rings and walks to the door. Niall hears Harry say "Hello Jeffrey," before the two men walk through to the lounge.

"Hey Jeff," Niall says from across the room. "Can I get ya a drink?" 

"Sure, I'll have some of Harry's tequila."

He busies himself making drinks in the kitchen.  After Harry announced he was coming by, Niall decided he'd give them only a few moments to talk before he joined them.  He's still not sure why this guy makes him so jealous but his instincts tell him Jeff has an agenda.

"Ah, thanks Niall, how've you been?" Jeff takes his drink and sets it on the table.

"Good thanks," he replies.  There's an awkward silence in the room until Jeff takes the plunge to fill it.