9- Closer To The Beginning.

9-Closer To The Beginning

[Closer, maybe we'll be closer

Stronger than we were before, yeah

Make this something more.]

[Harry P.O.V.]

One of the strangest things about life is that it will chug on, blind and oblivious, even as your private world – your little carved-out sphere – is twisting and morphing, even breaking apart. One day you have parents; the next day you’re an orphan. One day you have a brother, the next day you don’t. And one day you have a place and a path. The next day you’re lost in a wilderness.

And still the sun rises and clouds mass and drift and people shop for groceries and toilets flush and blinds go up and down. That’s when you realize that most of it – life, the relentless mechanism of existing – isn’t about you. It doesn’t include you at all. It will thrust onward even after you’ve jumped the edge. Even after you’re dead.

And that’s what they want, they all want me dead so that they can move on and forget that there was ever a Harry Styles – a damned boy.

Why am I thinking about this again?

Oh yeah, every time I step foot into my house, I start to think about the exact same thing cause I know dad would be waiting for me and ready to kill me if he can.

“Is that you twat?!” I heard my father shout from the living room.

“Y-yes.”

“Come here!”

I quickly entered the living room, not wanting to piss him off any further. I stood by the door frame, staring blankly at the ground like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

“Listen to me kid, I don’t wanna see you around the house for the next two days or so, at least till Christmas Eve pass by. Tomorrow, your two aunts and their husbands and kids are coming over to spend the vacation. If I see a glimpse of your girly curly hair, prepare yourself for the worse.”

I just nodded, thinking of a place where I could go, but sadly no place could pop in my head.

“DO YOU HEAR ME?!”

“Y-yes dad.” I stuttered.

“How many times did I tell you not to call me “dad”? Can’t you understand?!” His voice boomed at me before I felt something crash into the side of my head. I looked down to see a broken beer bottle on the floor. He just hit me with a glass bottle.

Drunk.

I placed my hand on my temple and felt warm liquid seeping out. I retreated my hand to find it smudged with blood. I was used to beer bottles thrown at me, I was used to its pain as the glass cuts through my flesh, and I perfectly knew what to do after that.

My dad only throws his bottles when he is extremely drunk. He wouldn’t have the strength to beat me up himself so he would resort to non-other than his bottles.

I find it better than his fist.

“S-Sorry.” I quickly apologized before running up to my safe room.

Just as I locked the door, my phone vibrated.

I quickly took it out to finally find that Zelda replied. I thought she finally forgot about me like every single person does, but thank God she didn’t. I don’t know what I’d do if she ever stops talking to me.

Zelda:- What is it baby?

I laid down on my bed cause I was starting to get dizzy due to the cut on my temple. I should clean it up after I send Zelda what I wanted to send earlier. I wanted to tell her about Zayn.

Me:-I met someone today.

Zelda:-Really? That’s great! Who?

Me:-A boy named Zayn. He saved me from the bullies today, and Zelda, he seems to really care. Like you.

Zelda:-I’m so happy to know that angel. Is he your friend now? Do you think you can trust him?

Me:-Well, he said he wants to be my friend, and he really gets angry if someone even looks at me, so I think I can trust him. What do you think?

Zelda:-I think that it’s great that someone finally is helping you and trying to be your friend. I bet he is a great person.

Me:-Yeah but he gets creepy at times.

Zelda:-What do you mean?

Me:- Like I think he hugged me three times today and well, he kissed my cheek and touched me like he was afraid he might lose me or something. I’m being stupid right?

Zelda:-No you’re not angel. Maybe he is too protective over you or something. What did you do when he acted like that?

Me:-Well, I let him. I actually enjoyed it. Shit, but I’m not supposed to. I’m so confused now.

Then, I felt something slide across my cheek and down to my neck. I touched it with my hand to find it was blood.

Shit! I totally forgot about my cut! Things only Zelda could do to me!

I stood up and rushed to my bathroom to find the first aid kit. I always have one, it’s my savior. After cleaning my cut and wincing for a couple of minutes from its terrible burning, I placed a white bandage on it. After that, I got out of my clothes and slipped into my sweatpants. I felt like sleeping shirtless today so I went back to bed to read Zelda’s text.

And I found two.

Zelda:-Don’t be confused babe. Umm maybe cause you just need someone with you, you know?

Zelda:- Haz? Are you fine? Where did you go?

She’s worrying again. God, someday I really wanna meet this precious girl.

Me:- I’m fine. I just had a cut which I forgot to clean so I did it now. Umm I guess you’re right, but it still felt weird, like I know him already. He calls me angel too Zelda.

[Zayn P.O.V]

A cut? He didn’t have any cut when I was with him! God! Did his dad do something?

Ugh, why can’t Harry just live with me? At least he’ll have friends and people who’ll take care of him then.

But, what is Harry saying here? Did he enjoy hugging me? Did he like it when I kissed his cheek? He said it’s weird, but what if it’s a good weird?

He feels like he knows me. When did I get myself in such a confusing situation?

Me:- Maybe cause you sound like one Harry. People notice, see?

Harry:- Umm, I guess.

I could feel his blush all the way here. Harry Styles is just too cute and innocent to be true. I can’t wait to see him again tomorrow. I already miss having him between my arms, safe with no one to touch him. I miss his intoxicating smell, the way his curls tickle my nose when I breathe into his neck.

When I was with Harry, it felt like I stepped out of this huge world and into a different small world where I could look after someone who truly needed it. I liked watching Harry slowly opening up to me, and I don’t wanna lose that.

Me:-Just be happy Harry. You finally have someone with you. Make the best of it.

Harry:-You’re right. Thank you Z :)

It’s finally next morning and I’m here at seven thirty am, waiting outside of Harry’s house. I feel so stupid for waking up so early, but at the same time I wanna spend as much time as possible with my angel.

Even though I’m supposed to be here at eight, I was afraid that something might happen to Haz which might lead him to get out of the house alone, so I came earlier. And I thanked the heavens that I did.

After leaning on a trunk of a tree facing Harry’s home, watching his calm quite house for fifteen minutes or so, the door finally opened. I was wondering how such a calm house on the outside could have so many problems and misery on the inside.

I watched as a tall frame appeared at the door. It was an old fat man looking angry and furious as ever. The next thing I saw was the man dragging a curly haired figure outside the door and pushing him outside the house where he stumbled and fell down, hitting the hard pavement.

“Fuck!” I muttered.

“Remember what we talked about yesterday kid!” His father boomed before slamming the front door.

I quickly ran across the street to where Harry was lying on the floor. I crotched down and put an arm around his waist, and the second holding his hand in mine. I picked him up and directly engulfed him in a hug, nuzzling my face into his apple scented hair.

“Are you alright?” I asked.

Haz just nodded and clutched my jacket tightly between his fists. Then, I felt him trembling and shaking, indicating that he was crying.

I moved just a little to be able to look at his face. I wiped his tears away and kissed his cheek. “Shh, stop crying angel.”

“I-I can’t.” He whimpered.

“Why? You’re out of this house and now we can have fun together all day.” I assured him.

He started shaking his head desperately and said, “No, no Zayn. How can I be happy when I have no place to go to for the rest of the vacation?”

“What?! What do you mean?” I asked confused and slightly angered.

“H-he kicked me out. Our relatives are coming today and he doesn’t wanna see me around here until they leave cause he’s ashamed of me. Where would I go?” He sounded so helpless that my eyes started to water.

I blinked the tears away cause I was not about to cry in front of the person who needs me the most. I should be strong for him.

“Shh, please don’t cry baby. You can stay with me.” I said, and kissed the tip of his nose after.

He shook his head again and said, “No, I don’t wanna impose. You’ve done too much for me already in just half a day. I don’t-

“You’re staying with me and that’s final. Now come on, we will have fun and forget about him. Okay?” I interrupted him.

Harry just nodded hesitantly and started walking by my side.

“So, where do you wanna go?” I asked.

He just shrugged, staring at his shoes while walking.

I held his arm to stop him, and turned him so that he is facing me. “Hey, I wouldn’t have asked you to stay with me if I didn’t want to. Stop being sad and cheer up. I want to make this day special for you.”

“I’m sorry.” He apologized.

I put my arm around his shoulder and started walking again. “No need to apologize for anything babe.”

“How about we go back to that park? We can sit and get to know each other better.” I suggested after a few minutes of walking silently.

“Yeah, fine with me.”

We are now sitting at the same spot as yesterday; our backs leant against the huge tree trunk. The whole atmosphere was awkward if I have to describe it. Nor Harry, nor me uttered a single word. The only sound audible was our rapid breathing.

“Please say something.” I finally broke the silence.

“I honestly donno what to say.” He replied.

“Don’t make this awkward.” I muttered.

“If someone here is making it awkward, then it’s you.” He retorted.

“How come?”

“Y-you! You just hug me and kiss me and touch me like you’ve known me for ages. I’m not used to such affection. And I’m definitely not gay.” He said.

“It didn’t look like that to me yesterday.” I said while a smirk appeared on my face.

“W-What do you mean?” He stuttered, making my smirk widen into a grin.

“You seemed to lean into my touch. You seemed to like my hugs, and don’t even bother denying that.”

“I- I’m just so confused.”

“Hug me.”

“What?!” He asked, dumbfounded.

“Hug me, you know you want to.” I urged him.

He shook his head and fumbled with his hands, staring at the snow in front of us. It was obvious he was embarrassed that I caught him. He did like it when I acted like that with him. He’s just afraid to admit it.

And now, look at him blushing. This is such an adorable view. His pale white skin was lit with this bright red color which made me wanna coo at his cuteness.

I couldn’t handle this anymore! Why can’t he just admit it? It would be easier for both of us. I mean I know he doesn’t like like me. He just likes the attention I’m giving him, and that’s enough for me.

I tugged at his arm, implying that he can hug me now if he wants to. And then, my angel finally flung himself at me, his arms wrapping around my neck tightly, burying his face in the crook of my neck. I instinctively wrapped my hands around his waist and pulled him closer. Closing my eyes, I savored this blissful moment, knowing perfectly well that I would be leaving soon and wouldn’t have Haz tucked in my arms like now.

I kissed his curls and mumbled, “I was right.”

“I…I just donno okay?! It’s weird and there’s something about you that’s different.” He said, frustrated; like he finally gave up on figuring me out. Huh, I sure have some effect on him if he gave up after a mere day of knowing me.

“Well, I like it.” I declared.

“Uh, hey don’t think too much into this. I don’t like you like that. It’s just –

I silenced him with another kiss on the cheek and said, “You don’t have to explain anything. I know what you’re feeling so no need to say anything. I just know you need this.”

He snuggled more into me until he was kind of sitting in my lap and muttered a thank you. Right here, right now, I wanted to kiss his full luscious plump red lips; but I knew I couldn’t. However, the feeling of him pressed tightly against me was making it so hard to resist him. Everything about him is inviting. Those pair of emerald enticing orbs that wouldn’t even let me avert my eyes away, and his pail complexion that adds up to his beauty. Oh, and not to mention those gorgeous mop of curly locks that sat at the top of his head.

Wait a second, what’s that?

“What’s that Harry?” I voiced my thoughts, while lightly brushing my fingertips on the white bandage stuck to his temple.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

“To hell it’s nothing! It’s a cut isn’t it? Did he do this to you?”

Ugh, I’m angry again.

“Y-Yes, but I’m used to it so it doesn’t matter. It’s better than the beating.”

Oh dear God! My angel just said he’s used to it. No one can get used to such a thing.

“What did he do?” I pressed more on the subject. I won’t stop until he tells me.

“He just threw his beer bottle at me.”

“And you’re saying that so casually like it’s the simplest thing anyone could do?”

“Zayn, please just drop it! It could be worse than that so just forget it.” He said, his voice rising a little.

After a few minutes of my angered breathing, Harry surprised me. This time, he was the one who kissed my jaw. His lips were so soft against my skin, making my heart pound faster like it never did before.

“Please Zayn, stop worrying. Calm down.” He breathed.

I couldn’t do anything but tug him back tightly against me so that his head rested on my chest.

I held him like that for what felt like forever. Then, I heard his calm breathing so I looked down to see his eyes closed and his mouth slightly opened. He was sleeping peacefully, like an adorable baby.

A few minutes later, I moved a little to change my seating position cause my muscles were in the same position for so long. This in turn made Harry jolt up and awake, looking at me with heavy eyelids. Damn it, I didn’t mean to wake him up.

“Uh, I’m sorry. I’m just really sleepy. Didn’t get much sleep last night. That’s what you get when your father bangs on your door all night.” He rushed to apologize to me.

“No, I’m sorry for waking you up. Go back to sleep.”

“No, It’s so rude of me-

“If you’re really sleepy, we could go back to the hotel and you could sleep there.”

“Off course not! I won’t go sleep there!”

“That’s where you’ll be sleeping for the rest of the week so…” I stated.

*Meanwhile in Bradford.*

[Niall P.O.V.]

I felt something soft run down my bare back, making me wake up from my peaceful sleep. Then, hot air was blowing on my cheek, making me feel so hot so early in the morning.

“Wake up baby.” He whispered in my ear.

“Hmm..”I hummed as a response. I felt so tired; I didn’t wanna open my eyes.

Warm lips started kissing the back of my neck, going downwards to kiss my shoulders and back.

“L-Lou babe stop. Let me sleep more.” I muttered.

Louis directly turned me around and attacked my lips with hungry kisses, making me forget about sleeping. I threw my arms around his neck instinctively and pulled him closer to me until his bare chest touched my own.

“Someone’s too eager.” Louis teased.

“Oh shut up and kiss me.” I replied before connecting our lips back together.

“It’s ten am Ni. That’s why I’m waking you up. Remember your mom? She’ll get pissed off if you don’t be home by eleven. So get out of bed and freshen up.” Lou said.

“Ugh, but I wanted to cuddle with you all day.” I whined.

“I know baby, and me too but you know your mother.” He said.

With one last kiss, I got out of bed and into the bathroom to take a nice hot shower.

“Hey Ni! I’m gonna call Z.” I heard Louis yell from the bedroom.

“Alright!”

*Holmes Chapel again.*

[Zayn P.O.V.]

After much of struggling from Harry to convince me that he doesn’t need to sleep, my stubborn self won.

So now we are entering the hotel together, earning a couple of glares. I tried to forget about them all and went up to my room with Harry by my side. I opened the door and let Haz enter before me.

The room was nothing huge, just a simple queen sized bed with a TV facing it. The door to the right was the bathroom.

Just when I was about to tell Harry to make himself comfortable, my phone rang.

I looked at the caller ID to find Louis’s name flashing on the screen. I gestured to my angel to sleep while I take the call outside, but he held my hand to stop me.

“Stay with me please.” He muttered with a small voice, it sounded like a whisper. I looked into his green eyes to find fear etched into them. What was he afraid of? No one’s gonna hurt him here.

I didn’t argue with him and lead him to the bed. He laid down on his side and I sat down next to him.

“Hello.” I answered the phone.

“Hey man. What’s up with you? Too busy kissing up to your man’s ass?” Louis’s cheery voice pierced my ear drum.

“Haha, I’m not in the mood for your stupid jokes.” I said.

“Sorry Z, just checking on you.” He said.

“Thanks, I’m fine. How are you and our blonde friend?” I asked. I was trying not to mention their names in front of Harry cause I faintly remember Zelda telling him she has friends named Ni and Lou.

“We’re great! Uh, I’m guessing you can’t talk right now?”

“Aha.”

“Okay, call me later then.” He said before cutting the line.

I looked back down at Harry. His hand was still in mine, and he was looking up at me; smiling and showing me his cute dimples.

I laid down next to him and took him into my arms so that he can rest his head on my chest. I kissed his head and said, “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

For now..

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Fin.