Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

Lara glanced at Harry who was still asleep, breathing evenly. She slowly began to get out of the bed, taking care not to wake him up. Maybe she could quickly change and go out for a coffee or breakfast… she didn’t really want to face anyone after last night. But the bed creaked loudly, and she saw him regard her with sleepy eyes. They both looked at each other for a moment not saying a word and then spoke at the same time.

“Are you-“ Harry began.

“Just heading out-“She started to say.

An awkward silence followed.

“I was just asking if you were okay.” Harry said finally.

Before Lara could answer, they were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. Harry and Lara looked at each other puzzled as they ventured out into the living room to see Julian barge inside.

“How did you get in?” Harry asked glancing from Julian to the door.

Julian did not reply for a moment, taking in the sight of Harry and Lara emerging from the bedroom, Harry clad in his boxers only and Lara in her shortie pyjamas.

“Did I interrupt something?” Julian asked bluntly.

“No.” Harry said, sounding defensive. “We weren’t doing anything.”

“The trundle bed never arrived.” Lara spoke up, reminding him of his promise weeks earlier.

“I can see a perfectly good couch here.” Julian pointed out.

“Yeah well she doesn’t want to sleep on the couch.” Harry said darkly, “And like I said, we weren’t doing anything, but if we were, it’s got nothing to do with you.”

“After last night’s exhibition I have severe doubts about what you two have been getting up to.” Julian said. He opened his mouth to say more when another figure appeared at the door.

Lara froze as her eyes locked with Ben. He gave her a meaningful look as if to say ‘So this is where you ran to last night.”

He then nervously looked at Harry, as if to gauge what he knew about last night.

Harry barely gave him a second look and so he noticeably relaxed. He had been standing there for mere moments, but it seemed to last an eternity for Lara. She could feel her skin crawl as his eyes travelled up and down her body as he appraised her pyjamas with a slight smile.

Lara backed into the bedroom, closing the door. She quickly changed into an outfit (not allocated by Modest) and when she returned to the living room she tossed Harry one of his shirts. He accepted it gratefully, and quickly pulled it on. They both sat down on the couch, awaiting the inevitable lecture.

“Well last night was a bit of an embarrassment.” Julian began in his usual condescending tone. “PDA gone wrong, I’d call it actually. You both of course probably thought it was all fun and games.”

Under any normal circumstances Lara knew that she and Harry would be secretly laughing, but today they barely acknowledged each other.

“I don’t know what you get up to at nights here, but don’t you ever put me in that position again.” He warned sternly. Harry opened his mouth to protest but seemed to change his mind.

From the corner of her eye Lara could see Ben standing to the side listening and watching, and he studiously avoided his eyes. He obviously hadn’t expected to see her here, after her fight with Harry last night. But he didn’t seem to be concerned about her revealing the truth either.

Maybe she should just confess, she thought. Maybe it was time to end all of this. She snuck a look at Ben and it was as if he seemed to read her mind. His usual smile was gone, his mouth set in a straight line as he gave her a look that was loaded with warning. The thought of dealing with the inevitable consequences popped into her mind. That and the fact she would lose everything they had given her, not to mention the possibility of her owing them, made her sit back and keep quiet. She ignored the biggest reason of all: she’d probably never see Harry again.

Harry and Julian glanced from Lara to Ben, sensing the sudden tension.

“Guys just try and keep it G rated.” Ben suddenly spoke up “Especially for the upcoming LA trip.”

“What LA trip?” Lara asked, preferring to direct the question to Julian.

“The boys have already started recording their new album; they’ll be recording some tracks in LA too. I thought we discussed this before.”

“Did we?” Lara asked. “What about school?”

“If it were up to me Lara, you wouldn’t be going to LA at all.” Julian snapped at her. “But that’s out of my control at the moment.”

“Taking a few days off won’t hurt.” Ben added.

“Ben I’m expecting you to keep your niece in line.” Julian instructed.

“Easily done.” Ben said watching Lara meaningfully.

“Harry, can I speak to you in private please.” Julian walked into the kitchen, with Harry following him reluctantly.

Before Lara could make a quick getaway, Ben managed to corner Lara.

“Take it easy.” He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I just wanted to say sorry about what I did last night. I didn’t mean to scare you… I guess I just got carried away.”

Lara eyed him nervously, but did not speak.

“Lara, please… I mean it. I’m sorry.”

He leaned in to hug her tense body.

“I like you Lara…” He said as he played with her hair. “I’ve always liked you… you must know that.”

Lara broke the embrace and they stood there, Ben’s fingers still tangled in her hair, when Harry suddenly walked in.

He slowed down his pace and watched for a moment, regarding their close proximity with a curiosity he didn’t even try to hide.

He then disappeared in his bedroom, just as Julian returned to the living room.

Harry emerged a few moments later clad in a pair of jeans and boots. His hair was a mess of curls and he still wore the shirt Lara had handed to him. As he walked out the door he turned to Julian.

“By the way, how did you get in here again?”

“You gave me your spare key months ago, don’t you remember?” Julian said.

Harry took a deep breath and shook his head slightly before leaving, slamming the door behind him. Lara scrambled to her feet and followed Harry as he strode down the hall and into the elevator.

“Wait for me.” She called, not wanting to be left alone with Julian and Ben.

He pressed the button and waited for her to catch up. Once outside, Harry placed his hands in his pockets and began to walk briskly, leaving Lara to trail behind.

“Harry.” She said. “Please don’t leave me alone.”

Harry lifted his arm and she gratefully stepped forward into his embrace…

Notes

A bit of a filler chapter... but they're off to LA next :)

Thanks for the lovely comments, they make my day

So make my day :)