TWELVE

FIVE WEEKS LATER

He was seated on the couch of Ed’s apartment. I watched his eyes flicker between people as he listened to the conversation of the rest of the boys. He was beautiful; his expression was so clear… you could tell when he was happy because the edges of his mouth curved and brightened his face.

If he was confused for a moment or didn’t agree with something, his eyebrows pointed downward just a bit, not much because he was trying to conceal his expression, but I know him better. I watched as he mouthed some words into the conversation, and then shrugged his shoulders, his deep blue eyes turning to look at me. He smiled, seeing me watching him.

“Um, Gia.” Louis said, throwing his scarf at me. It smacked me softly in the face and I shook my head, turning to look at him quickly. Then I realized everyone was watching me; everyone. Harry, Louis, Zayn, Liam, Niall, Wendy, Casey, Ed; everyone. That was the reason Niall looked over at me.

“What?” I questioned defensively. I was seated on the floor, my legs crossed under me as I watched Louis and Zayn bicker about where to go for dinner. I hadn’t realized that I was staring at my boyfriend across the room who was sitting next to Liam on the couch.

“I asked you where you wanted to go to dinner and you were just staring at Niall like an idiot!” Louis complained, throwing his hands up in the air, “You are completely in love with him.”

My eyes widened and my cheeks blushed, “I could have been looking at Liam or my brother, I could have been looking at my brother.” I defended, pointing at Ed. Everyone in the room laughed and I waved them off with a dismissive hand, “I don’t really care where we go.”

“Figures you would give the same answer as Niall.” Louis scoffed, smiling at me.

“Hop off, Louis.” I laughed.

“Never.” He sniggered, catching the scarf that I threw back at him with his left hand and waving it in my face.

“I say we just go to that Italian place off fourth. It would be a nice dinner, and we don’t have to dress that nice.” Harry offered, tired of our bickering.

“That sounds good…” I wondered. Then I nodded my head, “I could really go for some bruschetta.” I added eagerly as an afterthought.

“Alright, then it’s decided.” Zayn said, walking over and grabbing his coat, “I’m so, so hungry so lets’ hurry, please.” He tossed a few people their coats thinking that it might hurry us up. I went to my room to grab my gloves and just as I reached down to collect my hat off my bed, someone’s arms wrapped around my waist.

“Guess who?” He purred, putting his head in my neck. His heavy Irish accent was a dead giveaway but I could also smell him perfectly and the warmth that he brought was impossible to mistake.

“I don’t know, why don’t you tell me?” I whispered, spinning around to face Niall.

He smiled, kissing me quickly. His hand moved to the back of my neck, hooking me to stay there as our lips continuously moved against each other. Our kisses slowed down then grew hungry again within seconds.

“Why were you watching me?” Niall inquired, smiling, “Did I have something on my face? Does my outfit clash or something like that?”

“No.” I giggled, “You’re just so beautiful.” I said, turning serious and running my thumb along his eyebrow before letting my hand drop to rest on his shoulder. There was a sudden knock on my door which caused me to jump in Niall’s arms.

“They’ve come to get us.” Niall winked.

“I guess.” I laughed, “Let’s go. Zayn’s going to bite our heads off if we aren’t sitting in that restaurant eating within a few minutes. Besides, I figured you’d be starving.”

“I am… but maybe not for food.” Niall shrugging.

I pushed his shoulder in a scolding then took his hand, dragging him out of my room, my hat in tow. I pulled it on my head just as I opened the door to find a furious Zayn standing there, “What the hell guys!?” He almost yelled.

“I had to get my hat.” I smiled, pushing past him with my hand still wrapped around Niall’s wrist.


“Gia is coming in this car.” Harry said, hooking my arm in his. I was tugged away from a shrugging Niall as he hopped in Ed’s car. He shut the door behind him.

My body was wedged between Harry and the door when we got into Zayn’s car. Wendy was seated happily in the passenger seat next to Zayn while Louis was seated on the other side of Harry. “We need to hang out just the two of us.” Harry whispered to me, leaning over and moving hair behind my ear.

I nodded my head, “Yeah, that sounds great, Haz.” He smiled down at me a glint in his pretty green eyes. I couldn’t help but smile back up at him… he’s just so mesmerizing. I shook that thought away from me and turned my chin away from Harry until we entered the restaurant.

Because of the sheer mass of people that were in our party, I had to rush forward to get a seat next to my boyfriend, almost pushing Casey out of the way. She had given me a dirty look and I apologized as sweetly as I could. I plopped down next to Niall. I’m glad that I rushed to get this seat from Casey because I would have had to sit next to Harry on the other side of the table, and he has the most wandering hands I’ve ever seen under a table.

“What are you going to get?” Niall asked, leaning over and looking at the menu with me.

“Well I’m making you all get the bruschetta for an appetizer and then I think I’m going with the pasta… they serve really good pasta here.”

“Sounds delicious.” He smiled. Then he curved the edge of his mouth, “I think I might go for the lasagna, I’ve heard that they have a good recipe here.”

“Everything here is just so delicious.” I said, making an mm sound when he mentioned the lasagna, “Will you eat some of my pasta if I get the full order instead of the half?”

“Yeah, for sure.” He nodded, “I’d probably eat some of yours even if you only ordered the half.” He laughed, then he leaned in closer to my ear, “I’ll even let you try a bite of my lasagna.”

“Wow!” I laughed, “This is the next step.” He then pecked me a kiss on the corner of my mouth and turned to the rest of the ground who was all in conversation about something.

“Who says that we sound play spin the bottle later tonight?” Harry offered, glancing over at me. I narrowed my eyes at him, but refused to comment. Why would I or anyone else want to play spin the bottle?!

Everyone seemed reluctant, but a few people eventually agreed. Maybe if they are all playing spin the bottle, I can sneak Niall away to my room. I’ve barely had time to be with him in the almost month of us dating. It’s not fair and I want to see more of him alone but I’ve dealt that when he comes, so do the other boys.

Without hesitating, I leaned over to Niall and put my lips by his ear, “While they are playing, you can meet me in my room, yeah?” I gave out a small giggle when he nodded eagerly, pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. I turned to Harry, “Why not?” It seemed like I was the deciding vote so everyone else just shrugged.

I guess we are playing spin the bottle.

***

“Rubbish.” Ed complained before shutting the front door. He was leaving because he refused to sit in the same room while his little sister played spin the bottle. He was going to leave anyway because earlier in the day he said he had been inspired so he was going into the studio.

“Hey, everyone in a circle.” Harry said after a few people brushed their teeth. He moved the coffee table and everyone sat in the circle, all eight of us without Ed. It was Zayn, Wendy, Louis, Liam, Harry, Casey, and Niall.

Harry fetched a beer bottle and set it down in the middle before pointing to Liam, “Leeyum goes first!” he said excitedly.

Liam sighed and spun the bottle. I waited until it stopped directly on Wendy. Zayn instantly scowled but he got over it as they just pecked each other on the lips softly.

Liam then pointed to Louis, “You need to go.”

Louis spun the bottle and it stopped dead on Zayn. Everyone started to giggle, but Zayn leaned over quickly, pecking Louis on the cheek, “I love you, Lou!” He laughed before sitting down.

Niall coughed, “Alright, I’m going to the bathroom.” He then got up headed in my room to go to the bathroom. I know that he isn’t coming back out… I just have to wait for a few minutes then I’ll go to the bathroom as well or just grab something from my room.

No one seemed to be fazed by Niall’s sudden absence and that made me glad. I watched Casey spin her turn and it would have gone right where Niall was sitting. I couldn’t help but me glad that Niall left moments ago. She spun again and it stopped on Liam.

“Wow, Liam’s getting it in tonight.” Harry laughed.

They kissed for a moment then Casey pulled back, “You’re a good kisser, Liam.” He blushed and sat back down himself before pointing to Harry.

Harry smiled widely, happy that it was finally his turn. He spun and it landed on Louis. He leaned in and kissed Louis right on the lips. Louis’ hand then snaked up right behind Harry’s head and they even started to snog a bit. My eyes widened at them.

Harry pulled back after a minute and smiled at Louis, “I always liked your kisses.” What does that mean? I couldn’t help but wonder how many times they have kissed.

Harry then grabbed the bottle and pointed to me, “Just because you have a boyfriend doesn’t mean you don’t have to go.” He said sassily, tossing it to me. I rolled my eyes and set it down on the carpet. After my turn I’m going to go into Niall.

My fingers spun the bottle quickly, but it seemed like forever until it stopped. I looked up to see that it was pointing to Harry. I couldn’t be more mortified, but Harry was as happy as ever. Reluctantly, I got on my knees and crawled over to rest on my heels in front of Harry. He leaned in and snaked an hand around the back of my neck, pulling me to press my lips against his.

I barely let his lips brush mine before I pulled back. Zayn then scoffed, “You didn’t even kiss him.”

An angry look was shot his way before I rolled my eyes, “I think Harry will live.” Then I got up, “Maybe I’ll be a bit more generous when I get the beer currently hidden in my bedroom.” Zayn gave me a small laugh, while Harry was shooting daggers at me as I went.

After shutting my bedroom door behind me, I turned to find Niall sitting on the edge of my bed, looking down at his phone, “Hey love.” He said.

“Whatcha looking at?” I sighed, plopping down next to him.

“I was looking at the hashtag #Nia on instagram.” He explained, showing me the screen of his phone. I took it in my hands and scrolled through the edits that the fans had made of us. Niall laughed, “They can get a bit extreme.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead as I kept scrolling through the pictures in awe.

“How did they even get all these pictures of me?!” I shook my head, “They are so crazy… I don’t even remember where I was when I took this picture, or even how old I was.”

“I know, they can be a bit extreme like I said, don’t worry about it; they are rather harmless.” Niall assured me, “The only time you would have to worry about something is if you’re at one of our concerts or something like that.”

“Well I don’t want to talk about the fans when I finally have some alone time with you.” I smirked, pulling Niall farther up on the bed with me. I kicked my shoes off and he did the same, sliding up my duvet to lay next to me.

“Did anything interesting happen out there?” Niall asked as an afterthought.

“Louis and Harry snogged, but that’s about it.” I shrugged.

“They have before, did you know? We were on tour, the all of us were on the same tour bus that night and we decided to round everyone up for a board game but when we went back to Louis’ bunk, he and Harry were snogging the hell out of each other.”

“Were they like… embarrassed or something?”

“Harry wasn’t… Harry snogs everyone if you think about it. Louis though… he was different after that. He acted all defensive about it if someone brings it up as a joke. I really think he’s into Harry as more than a friend, you know?”

“I’ve kind of noticed that too.” I admitted, “But that’s sad because Harry does just kiss everyone and Louis probably meant nothing more than a cute guy that had available lips for some fun.”

“That’s true. I think Louis knows that to come extent, but he refuses to believe it. Anyway, let’s not talk about them… we should talk about us.” Niall whispered to me, pressing a tender kiss to my lips. I moved to get on top of him, my knees supporting me.

“What about us?” I inquired, pressing a kiss to the top of his nose.

“Oh, you know, just that you’re the prettiest girl in the world and I’m completely amazed that I have you all to myself.” He smiled. Then he shook his head, “Scratch that, you’re the most beautiful girl, not pretty; beautiful, Gia. You’re perfect in every way.”

I couldn’t help but blush and frown, “Niall, I’m far from perfect.”

“Oh, yeah?” He laughed, “Then tell me what isn’t perfect about you?”

“Well, I have too many freckles.” I smiled.

Niall shook his head, “No you don’t; they give me more spots to kiss.”

“My hair is red and wavy; not blonde and perfect.”

“I don’t like blondes… your red hair is like the sunshine, to me.” He smiled.

I narrowed my eyes at him, “I can’t dance.”

“I beg to differ.” Niall snapped, “You are an amazing dancer. Maybe not doing dance moves but you can move period, trust me. If you could watch yourself dance you’d agree with me.”

Pausing, trying to think of something else that I could possibly complain about to Niall. He laughed, “Face it, Gia, you’re not going to win this one. Just kiss me, will you?” He then added, leaning his shoulders off the mattress to meet my lips in a plump kiss. I smiled, keeping my hand on his face, my fingers trailing along his jaw line.

“How’s this for a kiss?” I smiled, pecking his lips briefly.

Niall shook his head so I leaned down again, this time, applying more pressure on his lips by pushing mine out. I then pulled back.

“Not very good.” He joked, challenging me.

I tilted my head to the side and leaned down again, this time kissing him slower, making sure that he feels every movement that my lips started to do, opening and pressing forward. I then moved them around his, making sure I kissed him everywhere, slowly, my tongue slid out and Niall welcomed it, leaning back from me after a tough groan.

“Why don’t you kiss me like that more often?” He inquired, still breathless.

My head snapped to the side when I heard footsteps coming to the door. Depending on whom it is; Niall and I might get a knock, we might not. I turned back to Niall and gave him another kiss, “Who do you think that is?”

“I don’t know but it sounds like they are leaving.” Niall said, hooking me into a kiss. He leaned up on his hands and pressed a kiss to my mouth. I smiled, kissing him back. My legs wrapped around his waist, my stomach pressed against his as we started to make out again.

I could feel the heat rising in the pit of my stomach; I need more of Niall. My hands gripped the bottom of his shirt and pulled it up and over his head. Niall smiled, kissing me once again harshly. My hands rubbed against his toned stomach, my nails starting to dig into him as he bit my bottom lip. Niall groaned and fisted the bottom of my sweater. I was about to lift my arms to get it off when my door opened.

We separated with a gasp, and I looked over to see Harry standing in the doorway. His face was pale white as he looked on at us; Niall propping himself up on his hands, shirtless, while I was straddling him with my hands on his bare chest.

His eyes widened and he quickly turned away. I stumbled away from Niall, falling off the bed. Niall got up quickly, grabbing his disguarded shirt, watching me chase after Harry. Harry flew past the others in the room, opening the front door and starting off down the stairs.

I followed him the whole way, finally getting close enough to grab his arm when we were standing out in the cold. I still had my slippers on so the light snow on the ground wasn’t bothering my feet. Harry stood in his boots and just a long sleeve shirt while I had on my sweater.

Carefully, I searched his expression while watching the falling snow collect on his curls and shoulders, just like I’m sure it’s doing to me. Harry started to turn away from me but I grabbed his arm again, “Harry!” I groaned, forcing him to stop.

“What!?” He almost growled, “You should just go back inside.”

“I’m sorry.” I whimpered, “I didn’t know you were going to walk in on us.”

“I knew you two were in there; I just wasn’t expecting to see you on top of my shirtless band mate, sucking his face off while you claw at his chest!”

“I was not sucking his face off.” I defended, crossing my arms.

“I just thought you were better than that…” He snapped.

“Better than what, Harry?!” I screamed, “He is my boyfriend. Niall is my boyfriend, I was just kissing him. That’s what people do, you know! I did nothing wrong, I wasn’t expecting you to walk in on us like that.”

“Oh, yeah. You did nothing wrong when the guy that has been there for you for a whole year is sitting out in your front room, just wanting to spend time with you, and you can’t wait to go off and fuck his friend in your own room!” Harry shouted back.

Tears were starting to fall down my face, “Harry, you are always around us!” I shrieked, putting my hands in my hair, “I feel so bad that I’m doing this to you but you have to understand that he’s my boyfriend, how am I supposed to not want him?! You tried to hook up with me when we weren’t even dating in front of him! I never have any alone time with him because you are always there and I don’t like making you feel bad!”

“You still think I feel bad?” Harry spat, “You and Niall have been dating for almost two months! Don’t flatter yourself, Gia. I was over you the second I told you to be with Niall.”

“Really, Harry?! If this is you being over me, I can’t even imagine what it would be like if you still liked me. Don’t be such a dick, I came out here to apologize to you and all you can do is try to tell me that I’m a bad person? I beg to differ, Harry.”

“All I want is for you to try and keep your pants on while I’m around.” He said coldly, “All I want is for you to keep your skinny little pants on and try not to fuck my best friend every time you see him. I know you just can’t wait to wrap your skinny little legs around him and—”

Slap. I smacked Harry so hard, that his face snapped to the side. He didn’t falter though, just staring coldly at me while I glared at him. My voice came in a whisper, a harsh, cold whisper, “I’m pretty sure the reason why it wasn’t you in that bed with me was because you couldn’t keep your dick to yourself.”

This made him stop and think. He leaned back away from me and shook his head slowly, bringing his hands up to his hair, “I’m sorry.” He said when I turned away. That was it. I’m done with this shit. I started jogging back towards the building to see Niall standing there holding a coat for me. I knew he hadn’t heard what I said last and I was glad. He wrapped me in his arms and I looked back to see Harry screaming, kicking over a large trash can in fury at himself and what he’d done.

Notes

harry stahp