Harry’s POV

I knew I had taken it too far. I fiddled with my phone in between my fingers. Louis flopped down beside me.
“You’ve got to be softer on her, Harry.” He said, after a while. “She’s a good girl. Treat her like one, until she gives you a reason not to.”

His words irritated me, as much as I had known he was right - I hated to hear it. He had been in a relationship for two years and I had never been in one in my life. I still had to pinch myself at the thought of it sometimes. I knew he knew better than I did, but I so badly wanted to get it right. I felt like I was failing miserably.

“How do you take that step back, though? Don’t you just want to be standing behind her all the time?” I asked. “I nearly deleted my twitter with all the bullshit people were sending me about her."
“Harry, mate, with the sort of job we do, you just can’t be standing behind her 24/7. That’s the way it is. You’ve got to give her a break, she’s a smart girl.” He smiled, patting me on the shoulder. “Ignore twitter. She’s amazing to you, she doesn’t have to be amazing to the rest of the fandom - they don’t have to date her."

We were interrupted when two girls walked into our dressing room. I instantly recognised the long legs of one of them.

“Hey, Harry.” She smiled, her American accent thick and sweet. “My sister and I are in Miami for a few days, so we thought we’d come to the show. I haven’t seen you in a while."

Kendall’s tone wasn’t flirtatious, but whether it was the way she spoke or how she said it, it sounded flirtatious. I smiled at her and Kylie.

“Nice to see you girls.” Louis and I hugged them awkwardly and we engaged in a mindless conversation.

Luckily Niall, Zayn and Liam filtered into the room and a bit of the focus was taken away from me. I watched Kendall, well over six foot tall in her heeled boots. I was still going through my morph from playboy to respectable boyfriend, and I couldn’t help an inappropriate thought leaking into my head. All I had to do was look down at my phone background, a picture of Annie’s smiling eyes peaking out from under my bed sheet, strands of dark brown hair sprawled over the pillow. It was taken when we were in Holmes Chapel for Christmas - that was enough to remind me who I wanted.

“Who’s that?” Kendall asked, a smile on her face, plopping down on the seat next to me. I was taken back. I had told one interviewer about my relationship status when asked but that hadn’t been aired yet. So nobody really knew.
“My girlfriend.” I mumbled, and she immediately recoiled.
“Oh, wow. I had no idea! That was quick.” There was a hint of spite in her voice, but she quickly covered it up. “She’s pretty.”

I didn’t bother thanking her. The only person I could think of was Annie. I jumped up and went into the other room, hoping to call her back and tell her I was sorry again.

---

“Where does Harry keep his wine glasses?” Eleanor called up the stairs. I leaned my head out of the main bathroom.
“Bottom row, first cabinet on the right in the kitchen!” I called back.

Eleanor and I had basically made ourselves ridiculously at home in Harry’s house - but he didn’t seem to mind. Being here definitely helped me cope with having him so far away. At least here I could imagine he would walk through the door any moment.

“Here.” Eleanor said, coming into the bathroom and passing me a small glass. “Cab should be here in fifteen.”

I was actually excited to have a night out. I hadn’t had one without Harry or the boys in forever. A real girls night was what I needed.

“Harry’s calling you.” Eleanor said, holding out my phone.

I answered and put it on loud speaker while trying to apply my lipstick.

“Annie?” He asked, hopefully. “I just wanted to say sorry again, about earlier.”
A little smile played on my lips. “I told you, it’s fine.”
“Aren’t you leaving yet?” He asked, and I could tell he was still not thrilled by the idea.
“Soon. What are you up to?” I asked, putting my make up away.
“Nothing much. Just waiting around until the show.” He was silent for a minute. “Quite weird, actually. Kendall and her sister Kylie just showed up in our dressing room."

Eleanor and I froze, and stared at each other.

“She knows about you though,” He said, hurriedly when I didn’t respond. “She’s just being friendly."

Eleanor rolled her eyes and mouthed, yeah right.

“I see.” I said, remembering that I had just gotten annoyed at him for being jealous. “That’s cool.”
“I’ll let you go, babe.” Harry said, unsurely. “Sorry and I love you.”
“Love you too, Harry."

Eleanor and I were silent, finishing our drinks. I don’t know why it bothered me she was there. I trusted him, well I think I did.. but I didn’t really trust her.

“Don’t let it ruin your night.” El said, standing up and handing me my jacket, swinging hers over her arms. “Let’s go."

But that wouldn’t ruin my night. Something far, far worse was about to happen.

---

When we arrived at Funky Buddha, we saw far more people than we had imagined. Danielle, Liam’s ex-girlfriend, was there, as well as a few of her friends. I was shocked at how many people from my school had come. We had left almost four years ago, now. I guess I was the only one that didn’t keep in touch with them.

The enjoyment of being out with my girlfriends after so long being cooped up on a tour bus that constantly smelt of boys, and aftershave, was huge. We constantly revisited our table for more drinks, and when we had them, we left and went back to the dance floor. This routine continued until we were dancing to one song, and Eleanor’s face dropped as she looked at whoever was behind me. The music was loud and I almost ignored her expression, but when she still wore it after thirty seconds, I knew something was wrong.

I felt a large hand tap my shoulder and spun around, my drink in hand.

“Hey, you.” Will said, over the music. “I didn’t know you’d be here?”

I just stood there, like an idiot. Eventually I remembered I had to speak.

“I came with Eleanor.” I swallowed, trying to project my voice. I looked behind him and saw his friends from school in a group. They waved sheepishly at me, obviously feeling awkward.

“Well, I’ll get you a drink.” He smiled, his blue eyes showing no emotion. He motioned to both of us girls. Eleanor squeezed my hand.
“Honestly, Will. You don’t have to do that.” I said, shocked.
“It’s fine. Just take it as a good will gesture.” He called back, and moved away as he was served at the bar.

Eleanor and I backed away a little and swayed awkwardly.
“Do you wanna leave?” She called into my ear.
I shook my head. “It’s fine! Whatever.” I said, feeling the effects of the alcohol soothe my nerves. Will returned about five minutes later, handing us both our drinks.
“Well, Annie.” He smiled. “Have a great night."

I admired his chivalrous behaviour as I saw his back turn, clad in a tight fitted grey suit jacket. He was suspiciously calm, and confident, not spiteful like I assumed he would be. Maybe he really had gotten over it.

My spirits were raised and I remembered dancing more with Eleanor. That was the last thing I did remember of that night.

Notes

oh Will, why do you always rear your ugly head?! vote and sub pleaseeeeeee! :) I’ll try to double update