Unfinished Memories [STARTED]

HARRY’S POV

Piper and I are on seventh heaven for the next few days, blissfully planning the next steps of her pregnancy. We already have our next three appointments with Dr. Perschmann set up, and the one after next should be the appointment where the gender is revealed.

We’re both hoping for a boy.

“Baby,” Piper yawns, rolling over to face me in bed, “you need to get up. You’re supposed to be in hair and makeup in an hour.”

I groan and turn to face her, tugging at the covers she has bunched up to cover her breasts.

“I don’t want to go,” I mumble, cupping my hand around her curves and resting my forehead against hers. “Fuck these morning shows. The interviews always take forever and they only air like five minutes of it.”

“I know, you should have gone to bed earlier,” she says, smirking. She had tried to persuade me to go to sleep before midnight, but I persuaded her to let me eat her out first, which led to me fucking her as well.

“I like what we did better,” I tell her, pulling her body flush against mine. “I can think about it all morning instead of the lame interview.”

“Lame?” she laughs. “Who uses the word lame anymore?”

“Lame people,” I tease. “You’re dating the lamest guy ever.”

“Yeah, right,” she says as she straddles my lap. “I think you’re perfectly cool.”

“You have to say that,” I laugh, leaning up to peck her lips. “You’re having my baby.”

She kisses me back, and I think about how embarrassed I used to be kissing her with morning breath. Now, it just seems natural.

“That’s true,” she says, “so, you’ll never know how I really think of you.”

“Nope,” I shake my head, “never.”

“Alright,” she shifts off of my lap, standing next to the bed. I try to not stare at her bare body. “Enough distractions. Get up and take a shower.”

“Only if you join me,” I wink.

“No can do, mister,” she puts on a robe and I frown. “I’ve got to make breakfast for you and Andy.”

I smile and stand up, walking toward the bathroom, “You’re just perfect, aren’t you?”

She follows me into the bathroom and puts her hair up in front of the vanity.

“I do try,” she says, rolling her eyes in the mirror.

I turn the water on and stand behind her, kissing her neck.

She gives me a warning look, so I sigh and walk into the shower.

“I retract my last statement,” I tease. “You’re almost perfect.”

Piper hums as I peak my head out of the shower.

“Someone’s getting burnt toast,” she says, her mouth curving into a snarky smile.

“Serves me right,” I laugh and step under the warm stream of water.

...

By the time I get downstairs, Andy is sitting at the table, nibbling on half of a banana and talking to herself.

“Morning, Pumpkin,” I say as I sit in the chair next to her. “How’d you sleep?”

She smiles, her teeth showing and leans over to give me a kiss. It’s slobbery and I couldn't care less.

“I sleep really good. Pipey made me pancakes,” she squeals.

I glance at her plate and realize that the pancakes are completely gone, bits of syrup stuck to the plastic.

“Hope she made me pancakes too,” I grin, kissing the top of her head.

Piper walks in, still in her robe, with a full plate in one hand and a glass of orange juice in the other.

“Thought I heard you,” she says, smiling. “You better eat quickly and get out of here, babe.”

I nod and start eating as soon as the plate is in front of me. There’s an array of fruit in a bowl, surrounded by pancakes, eggs, and sausage.

“You’re completely perfect again, by the way,” I call after her as she walks back into the kitchen.

I hear her giggle from the dining room as I take large bite of pancakes and urge Andy to keep eating. Piper joins us a minute later, with her own plate. Hers has different stuff on it, though, and it’s really a strange combination.

“Pancakes and sausage make me nauseous right now,” she tells me before I even ask. “I’ve been craving salty stuff, so I made grits, and then I needed protein, so I’m having some cold cuts. I know it looks gross.”

She takes a bite of fruit first, and chews it slowly.

“Cantaloupe isn’t working too well for me,” she says, her face stricken. “I’ll be back.”

She immediately stands up and rushes to the downstairs bathroom. I turn to Andy, who is still focused on her banana, playing with it more than anything, and decide that she’ll be fine for a moment.

“Keep eating, Andy,” I tell her, making sure she nods in acknowledgement.

When I open the bathroom door, Piper is kneeling over the toilet and breathing heavily, tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

“I’m fine, Harry. You need to go or you’ll be late,” she says, but starts gagging.

“Hey,” I coo, sitting on the floor next to her, “they’ll understand if I’m a bit late. I’m not leaving you like this.”

She wants to say something; I know she does, but she’s throwing up again and can’t. I rub her back in small circles, holding the layered strands of her hair that are falling out of the ponytail.

She throws up two more times and then sits up, leaning against the wall, “Harry, please. I don’t want you to be late. I’ll be alright. It’s just a bit of morning sickness.”

“That doesn’t make it less horrible,” I say, wrapping my arms around her waist. “It’s alright, I’ll call the guys and tell them what’s going on.”

“Fine,” she whines, but I can tell that she’s glad I’m staying longer. “I just don’t want to come between you and work.”

“You’re not,” I tell her honestly. “Work is coming between us, if anything. I’d never leave your side if I could help it.”

“That’s unhealthy,” she rolls her eyes.

“Well, I don’t care,” I smile, kissing her forehead.

...

I arrive at the station five minutes before we are meant to be on air, so they moved our interview farther back in the session.

Piper was feeling better when I left, and I woke my mum up to keep an eye on her.

“Your hair is so difficult when it’s this long,” Lou complains as she runs her fingers through my damp hair.

“Not cutting it,” I grin. “Piper likes it, and so do I.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she mumbles, smiling despite herself. “How is she?”

“Okay now,” I shrug, “she just had some morning sickness and breakfast sent her over the edge.”

Lou nods in understanding, “Yeah, the first few months were bad for me. I had to try tons of different foods to see what worked alright.”

“Yeah, so far cantaloups, pancakes, sausage, peppermint tea, and green beans are a no,” I laugh, knowing how obsessed I must seem.

“The list will grow,” Lou promises.

Louis walks into the room and makes his presence known by clearing his throat. I turn to face him and his hair and make-up is all done. Despite his being done up, I immediately recognize the look on his face.

“Louise,” I say softly, “I know we’re running behind, but can I talk to Louis for like two minutes?”

Lou sighs and runs her fingers through my hair again, the product weighing down on my curls.

“Sure,” she says while wiping her hands on a towel, “just make it quick. I’ll go touch up everyone else and then come back to dry you.”

Louis pulls up a chair as Louise leaves, sitting diagonal from me. I spin my chair a bit to face him and clasp my hands together in my lap.

“Are you okay?” I ask him.

He doesn’t look at me, just stares at his feet, “No, not really. I’m guessing you heard.”

I nod carefully, unsure if Liam was supposed to tell me about Louis’ breakup or keep it quiet, “Yeah, I heard. Talk to me.”

Louis shrugs and wipes his hands on his thighs anxiously, “I fucked up. I always fuck up. Why am I such a fuck-up, Harry?”

He finally looks up and his eyes are glazed over. I scoot my chair closer and rest a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“You’re not a fuck-up, Lou,” I tell him explicitly, attempting to avoid any specificity of the past. “You make mistakes just like everyone else.”

“Then why do my mistakes always end in me losing the people I care about?” Louis snaps back, seeming angry. Whether he’s angry at me or himself, I’m not sure.

“You didn’t lose me,” I start, but he cuts me off, slamming his fist on the arm rest.

“I did, though,” he insists. “I lost you and now I’ve lost El. I always fuck it up one way or another.”

“I’m right here,” I explain, “so, you really didn’t lose me.”

Louis rolls his eyes and pulls his legs up to his chest, hugging his knees, “You don’t get it. You forget because you’re so blissfully happy, but we’re nothing like we used to be. I lost that part of you.”

I gulp and push back the emotions that are trying so hard to break through. There’s no use rehashing extinct feelings, though.

“We both lost those versions of ourselves, Louis,” I tell him calmly. “I haven’t forgotten, but things are different. We’re different.”

“I’m not,” he forces a weak smile, “but, I know, and that’s not what this is about. I’m mad at myself because of what I did to El, and its just making me think about every shitty thing I’ve ever done.”

“Well, that’s not advantageous,” I laugh lightly and he joins me. We sit in comfortable silence for a moment before I stand up and say, “C’mon, give me a hug and then tell Louise to come back and make me look like I actually slept last night.”

Louis stands up as well and walks into my open arms, resting his head on my chest. I wrap my arms around him tightly and squeeze a little bit. I feel my heart clench for a moment as he breathes out against my neck, but I let go of him before the feeling can advance.

“So Piper’s alright, then?” he asks before leaving the room.

I shove my hands in my pockets awkwardly, even though they don’t really fit.

“Yeah,” I tell him, nodding, “she just had some morning sickness. My mum’s looking after her and Andy now.”

Louis takes a deep breath and nods some more, “So, another kid, yeah?”

“Yeah,” I smile, honestly unable to contain it, “I’m really excited.”

“Good on you, then,” Louis smiles as well, and it doesn’t seem forced or fake. “I like her, for the record. Piper, that is. She seems like a great woman, and I’m glad she makes you happy.”

“Thank you, Louis,” I bite my bottom lip to keep it from quivering. “It means a lot.”

Louis stands in the doorway for another minute or so, our eyes just flitting over each other uncomfortably, before he grins and leaves.

When Louise comes back in, she pretends not to care what we talked about.

I pretend that I don’t want to talk about it.

...

PIPER’S POV

Anne, Andy and I sit on the couch at around nine o’clock, when the morning show starts. I know that the boys’ interview got pushed back because Harry was late, but it’s not obvious to viewers. Everything just gets pushed forward and they advertise for the interview before every commercial break.

I laugh to myself when I think about how I used to wake up to watch One Direction on TV before I knew them. It feels different now, but I’m still anxious for them to come on.

“Would you like some more ginger ale?” Anne asks me as she stands up from the couch, Andy’s sippy cup in her hand.

“It’s alright,” I tell her, “I can get it.”

I start to stand up, but Anne stops me midway, “Piper, it’s fine. I’ll get it for you. Just relax and enjoy some Andrea cuddles.”

I giggle when Andy scoots even closer to me at the sound of her name, nudging her head on my shoulder.

“I just feel crappy that this is my first time technically watching her myself, and really you’re just babysitting us both,” I admit, frowning.

“Hey,” Anne persists, “you aren’t feeling well and you’re pregnant. You’ve got nothing to prove. You’re not a babysitter; you’re a mummy. And as a mummy myself, I’ve got to take care of my babies. You see? You are both my babies.”

I nod slowly, a smile creeping onto my face.

“I not a baby,” Andy butts in, frowning.

“Oh, right,” Anne corrects herself astutely, “you’re both my big girls.”

We chuckle and coo as Andy nods in appreciation.

“We’re all family, Piper,” Anne adds. “I’m always here, alright? Don’t ever feel like you can’t ask me for help. I live for it.”

“Thank you so much,” I tell her. “I’m glad I have a family here.”

As Anne starts to head to the kitchen, Gemma stomps down the stairs, her hair a mess and in her face.

“Speaking of my babies,” Anne chuckles, “here’s the biggest of them all.”

“Oi,” Gemma groans, “just because I appreciate being pampered, it doesn’t mean I’m a baby.”

“Alright, baby,” Anne pouts dramatically, teasing her daughter. “Now, get cozy because they could come on any minute now. I’ll bring you some coffee, grumpy gills.”

Gemma slumps onto the couch, occupying the spot Anne left, and lays down in Andy’s lap.

“You are a baby, Auntie Gem,” Andy says, stroking Gemma’s messy hair. She shrieks in laughter when Gemma tickles her sides, lifting her into the air.

“Maybe I am,” Gemma laughs, “but, so are you missy. Don’t you ever grow up.”

“I already grown up,” Andy yells, still laughing as Gemma brings her into her lap calmly.

“Whatever you say, munchkin.”

“I also not a munchkin,” Andy scowls, watching the TV intently.

“Morning, Piper,” Gemma yawns, choosing not to continue her banter with Andy. “How are you?”

“Okay,” I shrug. “I got sick this morning, so Harry showed up late. That’s why they aren’t on yet.”

“He’s a good guy, a’int he?” Gemma smiles. “Hope you’re feeling better.”

“He is,” I nod, smiling, “and yeah, much better. Your mom’s been doctoring me.”

“She is good for that,” Gemma stretches and Andy climbs back over to me, clumsily sitting in my lap.

I wrap my arms around her and kiss the top of her head.

“There’s daddy!” She screams when the TV fades over to the boys sitting on a couch.

“Mum!” Gemma screams, reaching for the remote to turn it up, “They’re on!”

Anne hurries into the room just in time for the interviewer to introduce the boys. She hands Gemma a mug, Andy her sippy cup, and me a glass of ginger ale before sitting in the chair to my left.

“So, you boys are starting your next tour soon. Can you tell us a bit about that?”

The woman on the television directs the question to Harry, but Liam answers.

“Yes, we’re all very excited about it. We’ll be starting the ‘On The Road Again’ tour at the end of February in Australia to promote our new album ‘FOUR’. We’re beginning rehearsals today, actually.”

The crowd claps from the station, and the boys nod and smile proudly. We all do from the living room as well.

“So, how is the tour life for those of you in relationships? I know it must always be hard to leave your families, but adding girlfriends to the mix is surely an added stress.”

She jumps to the question quickly, just like most interviewers do. Liam answers once again.

“Yeah, it’s difficult for sure, but we’re with really splendid women, who are extremely understanding. That helps a lot, and we also see them as much as we can during the tour. They’ll come along whenever they can.”

They all nod, and I watch Harry’s face closely. He’s smiling to himself and looks distracted.

“And which of you are in relationships at the moment?”

That question has always been awkward to me. I don’t feel like they should ask that on the spot. Poor Louis. He’s either going to lie, or he’s going to be forced to talk about a recent break-up. Either way it has to hurt. I watch as Harry raises his hand, followed by Liam and Zayn. Louis and Niall don’t, though, and there are some faint shocked gasps from the audience.

“Louis, I believe the last time you were here, you were in a long-term relationship. Has that changed?”

I can practically see Louis gulp as he sits up straight on the couch.

“Yeah, I’m no longer in a relationship.”

Before the woman can press on the matter, Harry clears his throat.

“Back to your earlier question, it’s pretty difficult on the road. I had some issues with that last tour, and I hope this one is a bit easier.”

The interviewer shifts her attention to Harry, who somewhat slyly took over the spotlight.

“That’s right. There was a bit of drama for you last year. How are things with your girlfriend now? Piper, isn’t it?”

My heart starts to race. He’s been asked about me plenty of times, but not in a formal interview like this. It’s a bit nerve-racking.

“Things are wonderful. Actually, I’ve got some big news,” he shifts in his seat and fights a pressing smile. “We’re expecting.”

As the crowd cheers and Andy claps cluelessly beside me, I feel the color drain from my face. I can feel Anne and Gemma’s eyes on me, but all I can think about is how I’m definitely going to throw up again.

It’s not the morning sickness this time.

Notes

dun dun dunnnnn

so hopefully you're not all mad at me for including the larry bits... don't freak out or anything, okay? it is pertinent to the story, and remember that this is NOT a larry fic...

please comment and let me know what you think because i was a bit nervous about this chapter. i'd love your feedback! :)

ALSO: what do you think about harry's very public announcement?