I ran and I ran and I ran, and I didn't stop until I reached the diner. I couldn't go to Arela's right now--the diner was the only other place I had. I pushed through the door, immediately noticing Haven in his corner. I hurried over, grateful the diner was empty for once. Haven sensed me coming. One look at me, and he knew something was wrong.
"Come here," he spoke softly, welcoming me into the booth beside him, wrapping an arm around me as I slid in. I couldn't hold it anymore. I cried, and Haven held me as I let it all out, every bit of hurt and doubt and worry and sadness I'd been holding onto. I wish he had been my father, I thought as I covered myself in his caring and warmth. Why couldn't Mom have loved HIM? Haven's always watched after me in a way Daemon never could. Why couldn't Mom have loved him...?

---

After crying into Haven for half an hour, I finally emptied my heart enough to gain some sort of composure. I stared at the cold silver of the tabletop, numb--waiting. I didn't know what the heck to do! The first guy to show interest in bruised and broken little ole me, and I ruined it all by running away from my feelings--just like always. Gosh, why was I such an idiot?!
I stood abruptly. "I'm gonna go work in the kitchen."
"But your shift doesn't start for another hour. Sure you don't want anything to drink first? Some tea, maybe? Hot chocolate?"
I turned and smiled sadly at my safe haven. "I just wanna get to work." I placed a quick peck on his forehead, "But thanks anyway," and I was off, scurrying through the double doors. I clocked in and turned to view the kitchen, surveying the space in an attempt to find something, ANYTHING to busy myself with. The trash! Does anyone EVER empty that? A few quick movements and I was walking around the back of the diner and tossing the very full trash bag in the dumpster. I heard the back door open and shut behind me. "You can't TELL me there's more trash. I just took it out!" I called as I rounded the corner. A face stopped me dead in my tracks.
"Harry??"
"Adira, I--"
"No, I can't do this right now," I uttered, trying to escape behind the dumpsters.
But as soon as I turned, Harry was there, holding me against the exterior of Haven's. "Wait," he insisted fervently. "Please just hear me out." When I continued to struggle, he pushed me back one last time, surprise quieting me. "PLEASE."
"Okay," I gave in, arms crossed and eyes fixed on his shoes.
Harry brushed my hair out of my face, begging, "please look up at me. I'll--I'll make it quick." I turned my attention to his vibrant eyes, their hue just as green as the grass we were standing on, emotion swirling in the emerald. "Look, you don't have to be sorry about anything. If anything, I'm the one who should be sorry. I made the first move knowing full well that you'd been hurt before, and--If you want this all to end, I'll leave right now. I just don't think you should run away from this--from ME." Harry cupped my face. "If you love me like I love you, then stay. I promised I'd protect you. Your bruises are finally fading, and I'll keep it that way. Please, just--just don't run away yet."
I shook my head. "But, we hardly even know each other. I don't know you; I don't know where you came from or what your favorite dessert is or if you watched Barney as a kid. I don't know if you have any siblings or how old you are or even what your last name is! I don't know you!"
"My name is Harry Edward Styles. I'm nineteen, and I grew up in Holmes Chapel in the United Kingdom. I have a sister named Gemma. My parents divorced when I was just a little lad. My favorite colors are blue and orange, my favorite animals are turtles, I wish I could time travel, and I play the kazoo. I love apple juice, hate snakes, and I REALLY don't want to lose you before I ever get to have you!"

We both stood still for a moment, Harry panting after his outburst. I gathered my courage and spoke up. "Have you ever loved anyone else?"
Harry answered honestly. "Once.
"And how did that end up?"
I could see the hurt in his eyes as he quietly replied, "Not like I wanted. Not at all like I wanted."
I took one step closer, looked deep into his jeweled eyes, and whispered, "I've never loved anyone like this before. Please don't break my heart."
"Never." And I was enveloped in the most tender and beautiful kiss ever created.

Notes

Hello, Dear Hearts!

I'm so happy that Harry and Adira are finally together in my story! I didn't want it all to happen too soon, but even I was rooting for them. How could you not?! Soon we're gonna delve deeper into the pasts of some of our favorite characters and become better acquainted with others. I've had this whole story pretty much planned out since the beginning (the major story points, anyway), but if you have an idea/comment/curiosity, feel free to share! I'm always eager to get likes/comments/ratings/subscriptions/messages--all that jazz. SO TALK IT UP!
I love you guys! Hope you're having a super fantastic week, Lovies! :D

--Lalagirl1995 <3