Stockholm Syndrome - A Harry Styles Fic

“It’s been two weeks. TWO!” Niall yelled at Liam, Louis and Zayn as he paced the room with agitation, hitting his fist against the couch as he did so.

“We know mate, we need to go back home, we’re overstaying our welcome and we have family-“Louis started but Niall interrupted.

“So you’re giving up on Harry, just like that? We need to continue to look for him! We haven’t even begun to scratch the surface! You have to stay!” Niall yelled, stopping to look at the three of them again. “If it were one of you Harry wouldn’t just give up, go home and pretend everything’s normal-why are you? You’re not-I can’t even, I won’t. I’m staying here and turning every street, bar and house upside down, so help me God!”

Louis looked to Broadway for a little bit of help, considering it was Broadway’s idea that they return back to England.

“I’m sending them back, Niall. Just like I’m sending you home. With the four of you out of harm’s way it will be easier to conduct our investigation and get some leads. You leave on the first flight out tomorrow morning, end of discussion.”

“Bullocks! I’ll go anywhere over my dead bloody body!” Niall exploded, grabbing his coat to leave out the door.

Broadway and Harry’s mom, Anne, chased after him, her steps long and quick, she reached out and hugged Niall to her before he could get to the elevator with Broadway following close behind.

“Luv, we’ve done all we can do here, it’s time for mister Broadway to start doing what he can. Harry’s my son, Niall-but I have to let go and put his fate in the hands of others. I have to keep hoping that with God’s grace and will that I’ll get to see my son again. You need to keep that belief too because without it Harry doesn’t have a chance just-just-“Anne’s voice cracked as Niall felt her strength waver against his chest, making him catch her full weight as he gently guided her to the ground.

“I’m sorry.” Niall apologized softly, hugging her to him tightly.

“We’re staging a setup Niall, you need to be away from here when we do. Our plan is more difficult to explain but your plane is going to crash halfway toward England, missing persons-we haven’t thought out the rest but we need to get you out of radar if the organization has additional plans. If they believe you’re dead-“

Niall interrupted, his face contorted with a disbelieving look.

“That’s a terrible plan! Christ, Broadway-to have millions of people think we’re DEAD? Are you insane!?” Niall yelled, standing up as the other three remaining members joined them out in the hall, glad that it was the suite hall and not a regular hall where the neighbors would be able to hear.

“Niall, calm down!” Liam pleaded, stepping back when Niall glared at him.

“Don’t tell me you’re going along with this, of all people I thought you were the smarter one of the group.”

“Hey!” Louis defended, stepping forward.

“Come off it Louis-like you could be that stupid! Ok so the plane goes down, millions of people think we’re dead-organization isn’t the wiser, then what? Harry thinks were dead? That’s not helpful, not at all! I’m staying and the only way you’re getting me on that plane is if you drug, hogtie and gag me because I am sure as hell not going willing mates and you can bet your asses on it. I’m not leaving here until Harry is found and I’m sorry if you don’t agree but you have no say in the matter.”

“If you are not on that plane tomorrow, Niall – I will have you arrested and detained. The choice is ultimately up to you but-“

Broadway didn’t get a chance to finish before Niall spun on his heel and clocked him in the mouth with his fist. It wasn’t enough to cause any damage but it was enough to shut the older man up and back away.

“Niall!” Anne exclaimed, her voice cracking with emotion as Louis went to help her off the ground and away from Niall who didn’t wait for further explanation before going to the stairwell and descending down to the main floor. He needed to clear his head and being locked in a hotel room doing nothing simply was not cutting it.

“I need a pub.” Harry muttered as he completely exited the hotel. Although when he got out on the street a horrible feeling overcame him, like he was being watched.

Deciding to ignore it for the time being he went on down the street to the nearest bar, going in and finding a seat nearest from the door and in the darkest corner. He wanted to blend in and watch the door at the same time. If someone was following him then at least he would know who.

“What can I get for you sir?” The bar waitress asked as she went past his table after a minute, smiling pleasantly.

“A few beers whatever brand, start a tab-I’ll be here awhile.” Niall told her, his voice dead but not unfriendly.

“Alright I’ll get that started for you sir, be right back.” The barmaid said, walking off to get him his order.

*

Louise leaned up calmly against the sofa, glancing at Zayn and Liam.

“You know, it was times like these I wish Paul had stayed behind…or one of us had gotten taken instead because Harry is the only one Niall bloody listens to. He’s gone and now Niall is out playing vigilante, bloody fantastic isn’t it?” Louis murmured at a complete loss for words.

Liam sighed and put his hand on Louis’s shoulder.

“No use trying to fight it mate, he’s an adult and he is going to do what he is going to do.” Liam said, receiving a snorted response from Zayn.

“I don’t know about adult, most adults I know don’t have cartoon characters on their boxers.”

Louis chuckled despite himself.

“Regardless, he’s of legal consent and he’s not going to leave, Paul’s back with Harry’s stepdad trying to keep our label from firing us, since we’re costing them money-although they do have an insurance policy on all of us. Harry’s is what-twenty-three or twenty-four million? They’re not losing much from this if they cash on the policy and with his tattoos showing up in a box and him being kidnapped I’d say they can cash in on the policy but the problem is if they do, they won’t have any use for him. That is what worries me, being out of a job.”

Liam thought on that for a moment.

“They’re not going to fire us, they’d lose more money with legal fees for void of contract but we do have more to worry about than the label. If Harry doesn’t come back or –“

Zayn shook his head, warning him with a look not to finish that sentence.

“All I’m saying is we need to see what the next course of action is if…that’s all. I’m praying as hard as I can for his return but let’s be honest we’re going to need a bloody miracle.”

“Pray for one then.” Anne replied, standing from the couch and going out on the balcony to gather her troubled thoughts.

Broadway sighed and followed her out while Desmond tried to clear the headache that was forming from all the unsure nature. If Niall needed a drink, he needed several.

“If I pray any harder I’ll get a bloody aneurysm.” Louis said, going to sit on the couch at a complete and utter loss.

Liam and Zayn mimicked his actions, looking toward the balcony where Anne could clearly be heard yelling at Broadway.

It ended with Broadway leaving the hotel suite complete, most likely to track down Niall-too bad he didn’t see the trouble that laid ahead.

Notes

short, sweet to the point but building to a great climax. Enjoy.