FIVE

“Shots!” Louis shouted. I heard the people around the house, cheering for the drunken pop-star. There were so many people I didn’t even know here so I stuck close to Harry. Casey declined my invite because it was her sister’s birthday so I had to come alone. Upon getting into the living room, I saw Louis standing in front of a line of girls, each of them had a shot in their hand. I counted; there were six pretty girls lined up in front of him.

He grabbed one shot and then stepped to the side taking another. He threw the empty glasses behind him and kept going down the line until he had consumed and tossed all six of the shots. Everyone cheered when he took the last shot with his mouth, holding it between his teeth and throwing his hands up in the air when he was finished. After he let it drop to the floor, he turned to Harry, pulling him from next to me, “Who wants the champion to try and beat that!?” He yelled.

Cheers and screams erupted from the crowd and I smiled as Harry respectively declined, walking back to my side. There were some boos and I leaned into his ear, “You don’t think you can beat him?” I questioned teasingly to him. He was smiling when I pulled back from his ear. Louis was watching us closely, taking in Harry’s smile from my unknown words.

Harry then turned to the crowd, “Louis’ is goin’ down!” He shouted before stepping up to the girls who now had all of their shot glasses filled again. I watched Harry take every single shot glass in his mouth, jerking his head back so it slipped down is throat and some dribbled on his neck. I laughed when he was done because he gave Louis a playful shove and found his way through the crowd, high fiving with almost everyone who offered it to him.

Smile on my face, Harry turned to look at me. He smirk appeared on his face as he made his way over to me, ignoring the rest of the high fives that were still meant for him. He stopped in front of me, “How is that for thinking I can’t beat him?” He whispered seductively.

“You stink.” I laughed as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I looked down to the floor and then let my eyes flutter up, sliding my pointer finger down his neck, “Get that alcohol off your neck.” I giggled.

“Can’t see it. You’re just going to have to do it.” He winked, hoping that I would wipe it off, “And with your mouth.” He teased, but still completely serious. Something tells me that Harry has been thinking about me licking up his neck to wipe off alcohol since he got it on himself in the first place.

I raised an eyebrow, reaching to my left and grabbing a napkin off the table. I gently guided his hands off my waist and pushed them away from me as I fisted the napkin in his hand before taking a step back, “Guess you’re just going to have to go to the bathroom to see it, then.” I winked before turning around and walking away from him. I kept my eye on him as I wandered across the room through the couples and groups.

He was stunned, standing there like an idiot. He then smiled, shaking his head and walked off, probably towards the bathroom. That’s right curly, keep walking. I teased him silently in my head. I eventually found Sam, one of the boys’ friends. He was a geeky guy, tall and skinny, awkward when he tries to move and very bumpy when he’s trying to be smooth.

He was alone seated in the corner, looking down at his phone; I should entertain him, “Sammy!” I smiled, reaching down and snatching his phone away from him. He stumbled forward, trying to grab it from my hands.

“Give it, Gia.” He laughed, trying to get angry.

I shook my head, “I guess you’re just going to have to come get it.” I said, walking in the couples that were currently dancing to the music. Sam followed me into the crowd as I started dancing with his phone. He took it from my hands and stuck a tongue out at me before trying to turn around and walk back. I grabbed his hand, “Not so fast, Sam. Dance with me.”

He shrugged his shoulders and started this awkward chicken looking move, making me laugh out loud and hold my stomach. Someone bumped into my shoulder. It was none other than the Irish boy himself. “Niall!” I smiled, latching onto him with a hug. His cheek was pressed against mine and I could feel him smile against me. I did the same... Niall's smiles are always contagious… without fail.

I instantly turned to look at Niall when the song came on. I remember listening to this song on the highway one time when I was with him. It was an old song but we couldn’t help but jam out to it.

Well you’re a real tough cookie with a long history. For breakin’ little hearts like the one in me

“Remember?” I said to him over the music. He nodded, starting to dance next to me. I spun around, my braid boucing up and down on my shoulder as he continued to dance.

That’s ok, let’s see how you do it. Put up your dukes, let’s get down to it

My hands found themselves in the air. Everyone at the party was either dancing or just bobbing their head to the this amazing old, but timeless classic. I turned to Niall who was dancing behind me to face him for the punch line of the song. In the next few seconds, anyone who didn’t know this song would remember it instantly and know what a good one it is, even if it’s old.

Hit me with your best shot. Why don’t you hit me with your best shot?
Hit me with your best shot, fire away!

I pretended to be boxing with Niall during the hit me parts but when fire away blared through the house, I threw my hands up in the air and spun around. Niall found his hands on my waist, swaying me to the motion and beat of the song. Everyone was still dancing when the song was over, but I led Niall out of the crowd. Sam was still sitting by himself despite my efforts but I decided to just leave him there.

“That was fun. Not many girls like to dance at house parties.” Niall said, somewhat out of breath.

“Not many girls are as weird as me.” I shrugged, sitting down on the couch. Niall plopped down next to me, handing me a red cup filled with something. I took a sip and smiled, “Thanks.”

Niall was silent for a moment so I pulled out my phone and was browsing through my pictures. I haven’t uploaded something on instagram in months… or twitter for weeks of that matter. I should find something to throw back to. I started to scroll through twitter. I saw some tweets from Niall and a few other celebrities but then I clicked on a tweet between Niall and Harry to read their conversation.

Harry Styles @Harry_Styles
Watching @NiallOfficial make food for himself. Didn’t offer me some.
No wonder you don’t have a date tonight buddy ha! .x

Niall Horan @NiallOfficial
You’re just angry because I didn’t want to play cards with you.
I made food instead because I’m hungry. @Harry_Styles

Harry Styles @Harry_Styles
You’re always hungry, mate! All I wanted was some food so I wouldn’t starve!

I laughed out loud at this, tilting my screen to show Niall. This earned a laugh out of him, “He’s annoying.” Niall giggled, “Wanted my food, he should know better.” Niall tutted, shaking his head.

“I think he deserved it.” I said, “Would you share your food with me?” I asked Niall with a small smile.

“Depends on what food.” Niall answered honestly.

This made me burst out laughing, “Charming.” I giggled, typing a reply to both of them. I then clicked the photo button and held it out in front of me, “Niall, take a picture with me.” I explained. Niall and I sat up more and snapped a picture of us when his cheek was almost pressing against mine.

Gia Sheeran @giasheeran_
@NiallOfficial said he’d almost share his food with me! Jealous @Harry_Styles?
pic.twitter.com/ueKdGn39Yz

Niall laughed when he got the notification on his phone. I looked at it before high fiving him, “We showed that one.” He nodded, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as a friendly gesture, “Harry likes to embarrass people on twitter.” I explained.

“You got that right. Hey, um, can I ask you something?” Niall asked.

“Sure.” I said.

“Are you and Harry—are you guys dating?”

“What? Where would you get something like that?” I laughed.

“Well, I mean Ed doesn’t think so, but whenever we ask Harry he always avoids the answer.”

“It’s a no.” I said firmly, “Harry has never asked me out just to be clear so we are not dating whatsoever. Besides, I’m not even sure if I would want to date him.”

“Ok.” Niall smiled, “I just wanted to know. Sorry if that annoyed.”

“You could never annoy me.” I told him honestly, dismissing the question with the wave of my hand, “The only one who has annoyed me is Harry. I’m going to talk to him right now. Why wouldn’t he tell you guys that we are just friends?”

“Wait! Don’t tell him that I asked you.” Niall said desperately, sitting up and grabbing my arm before I could get up as well.

“I won’t.” I replied before getting up. I set my cup down on the table next to me and wandered around the room. There are a millions rooms that Harry could be in right now. Hopefully he’s not in a bedroom. After checking the kitchen, front room, and the living room, I needed to look in the basement. As soon as I opened the door to walk down there, I could see a Harry with a girl on the stair well.

He was pushing her against the wall, standing on a step below her so his face was next to hers. They were snogging, quite harshly I might add. Her hand was twisted up around, grabbing onto his hair and pulling it. Her skinny little leg was wrapped around his waist, trapping him to her.

I wanted to look away but I have to ask Harry what I came here to ask. I thought about coughing to alert them of my presence but I didn’t have too because Harry pulled off of her. He didn’t notice me at first and was beginning to push his hands up and under her skimpy shirt but then glanced up our of the corner of his eye; they both widened when he saw me at the top of the steps.

Suddenly, I grew angry. Why was he kissing a random girl? But that wasn’t just kissing and it was going to go a lot farther if he didn’t see me… but the most annoying question is; why the fuck is it bothering me right now? I froze, not saying anything. Harry has always kissed girls… always. That’s just who he is.

“Gia…” He began, taking a step forward, and up one step.

I held out my hand for him to stop. The girl who was kissing him shrugged and jogged up the stairs, brushing my side and walking away without a goodbye to Harry. I couldn’t help but show the disgust on my face despite my efforts to conceal it. I need to focus on what I came here to ask him… it’s not my problem or business as to why Harry chooses to make out with every girl he sees. Why can’t he just pick one and take her on a date?

Stop, Gia. I told myself. Focus on what you came to ask him. Harry took another step up towards the top of the stairs where I was standing, “Gia?” He asked, taking another. I stood helplessly as he took four more steps. I wanted to tell him to stop but couldn’t… didn’t. He stood on the step just below mine, his head still a little bit taller than mine when we are face to face.

“What are you thinking?” He asked, searching my eyes. Ever since Harry told me he knows how to read eyes and tell what someone is thinking a year ago, I have learned ways to hide my true feelings from him.

“I—I…” I began. My chest was aching. Why? I don’t know what is happening to me right now… I feel like I’m carrying an anchor and I’m about to drop it on my foot, “I—Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt that… I was just looking for you.” I began, finally finding my voice.

“Well you’ve found me.” Harry said plainly, a light edge of humor in his voice.

“Yes.” I said, “I came to ask you why everyone thinks we are together. Why don’t you tell them that we are just friends, Haz?”

Harry squinted his eyes towards me, “I don’t know about you, but I don’t have nicknames like Haz for just friends, Gia. And I don’t think about my friends when I’m kissing other girls.”

“You think about me? You were thinking about me when you were kissing that girl?” I squeaked out, pointing down the stairs to where they were a few minutes before. For some reason, there were tears welling in my eyes. I blinked them away, thank goodness, before they rolled down my cheeks but they were still there.

Harry nodded, “I always think about you. The reason I don’t correct them is because I think of you as more than a friend… you’re not just my friend, Gia.”

“What? Am I your little sister?” I said sarcastically, glancing to the side.

“No.” Harry said firmly.

“I’m going to go find—” I began, taking a step back.

“Please, stay with me.” Harry begged, reaching out hand catching my hand. He pulled it to his chest, “Don’t you understand that I don’t want you to walk away from this.” My eyes widened as I could feel his heartbeat. I felt my foot take a step towards Harry but then someone called my name. I snapped my head to the side and took a harsh step away from Harry. I didn’t look back down at him before turning and walking down the hallway, leaving him on the steps.

I brought my hand behind my head and kept it on my neck as I walked up to Liam. He was leaning against a door frame, talking to a girl. He was the one who called me over from the top of the steps.

“What were you doing? It just looked like you were standing there.” Liam asked me after saying hello.

“I—I, um, was talking to Harry.” I admitted, shrugging.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He began.

“No, no.” I smiled, “You’re fine.” I dismissed his guilt with the wave of my hand and a roll of my eyes, “It’s just Harry… so what are you up to?”

“Just talking to this girl here… her name is Dani.”

“Wow, hi.” I said, feeling completely rude, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to ignore you. I’m Gia.” I held out a hand and she shook it with a smile on her face. Her curly hair was beautiful. What I would give for something other than just wavy hair… and her skin. Her skin is perfect as well… what I would give for some natural color.

“It’s no problem. It’s nice to meet you, though. Liam here was just telling me that your Ed Sheeran’s sister… that’s really cool. Is that how you got to be friends with all the boys?”

“Yeah, my brother introduced me.” I nodded.

“That’s really cool. Liam says that they all adore you.”

Liam cut her off, “Well not all of them. I don’t really adore her. I think I like someone else. Someone I just met.” He said, looking down at the ground before scratching the back of his neck and coughing. What? Was Liam interested in this girl?! I wanted to squeal and hug him, telling him that she is beautiful but I have to play it cool for his sake. Dani has already picked up on his hint. She glanced down at the ground, smiling to herself, blushing.

When Liam looked back up, he brought his eyes right to mine. I was smiling like a knowing idiot and he gave me an interesting glare. I shrugged my shoulders quietly, indicating that I don’t really understand what he is hinting at. Liam then coughed into his hand, “Gia, shouldn’t you go find Harry or something?”

I was about to give him a dirty look before I realized what he was doing. He was trying to get rid of me so he could ask Dani out. I nodded quickly and far too many times but then spun around and walked away without another word, a light flutter in my heart. Liam is my best friend… I thought Harry was my best friend. Why would I get mad about Harry dry humping a girl in a stairwell but not about Liam trying to go out with a girl that he has just met?

Ugh, this is too complicated. I’ve had way to many run-ins where Harry and I have reached his uncomfortable zone where I’m not sure where he stands… or where even I do. I need something simple… and who more to talk to when I need something simple than Wendy? She’s clueless to the surrounding world and I might as well talk to someone like that.

I shot her a text asking if she wanted to grab lunch or something sometime next week. Then I slipped my phone into my pocket as Ed approached me, “I think the boys and I are going to head back to our apartment… just have a little hang. Let’s go.” He told me.

Really? That means Harry will be there. I groaned but nodded… there is no way I’m staying at this party full of randoms. Besides, if I really want too I can just go into my bedroom and lock the door, telling them that I’m tired. I mean, I might as well. Getting to the front door was easy, it was navigating through the front garden in the dark that was challenging. Niall walked swiftly by my side while Harry trailed a few feet behind some of us… probably trying to figure out what kind of mood he put me in.

“Who is going with who?” Ed asked, opening his driver’s door and waiting.

“I’m going with Ed!” Niall, Louis, Zayn, Liam yelled, running and taking all the available seats in his car.

This made Ed laugh, but then he glanced up at my annoyed face, “Sorry, G. Looks like you’re driving with Harry. Don’t play the music too loud.” He winked before slamming his door. He started up the engine and rolled away, down the street. He didn’t even bother to wait for us!

“Um, Gia.” Harry said, fiddling with his fingers, “My car is around the corner.” He pointed off in a direction and I nodded, starting off that way. Harry eventually caught up to me, walking along side me, “They don’t like it when I drive because I don’t want them to blow my speakers… and they are incredibly messy!” Harry laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

“What if I want to play the music?” I asked sourly.

“I’d let you play it as loud as you wanted.” Harry whispered. He paused for a moment, catching my small smile with the corner of his eye, “We should talk about before…”

“What’s there to talk about?” I asked.

“Well… I don’t want you to think I’m some sort of man-whore or something…” Harry began.

“Why would I think that?” I snapped, “You just stick your tongue down every girl’s throat and your hands up every girl’s shirt that you see. How is that man-whoreish? I just don’t get why you haven’t even asked one of them for their numbers… or asked them out for dinner or something.”

“Maybe I want someone else to go with me… maybe I already have their number.” Harry shrugged.

“It’s Louis, isn’t it?” I said sarcastically, “You should just ask him out already. He doesn’t like me much but I know he likes you, Haz. He’s a cute boy, you should go for it.” I was being completely serious… I know that Harry is bi and I know that Louis is bi as well. It’s not that hard to figure out, especially when you are around the two of them so much. And the fans—they know too. I don’t mean that Harry and Louis are in fact Larry… because they aren’t… it’s just that they could be.

“You know what I mean.” He groaned as he started up his large SUV. I was seated in the passenger seat, not to my liking, as he pulled away from the curb and headed off towards Ed’s apartment, “Gia, you’re my best friend we should be able to talk about this.”

“I guess.” I shrugged, “But not right now? I’m sleepy.” I said as we pulled into the building. Harry groaned at my comment, slamming his door quite hard.

“Gia, come on. Don’t avoid this.” He snapped, reaching out to grab my arm. I moved too quickly, throwing open the door to the stairwell. I jogged up the steps, walking down the hallway towards the apartment.

“I promise we will talk about it later!” I called back to him before opening the apartment door. Everyone greeted me and Harry quickly. Harry was angry at me right now but I chose not to care. I brushed past everyone, “I’m going to sleep.” I said before opening my door and shutting it behind me.

Notes

fosho. keep reading. i update pretty quickly if you guys vote/subscribe/view/comment bc it gets me excited. I have like the next two chapters written already so you should do that stuff k thanks love you so much mah bishes.