Stockholm Syndrome - A Harry Styles Fic

Chapter 33: Out of Sorts

Harry had fallen asleep against the wall, much to the struggle of trying to stay awake. If he had a wish, it would just be to fall asleep and never wake up again. A that point, he just didn’t have the strength or energy to care.

“Good afternoon Harry, did you sleep well?” Angel asked, having already been sitting in front of him at the time.

Harry just stared at the guy without much expression, he was lightheaded and tired but he gave a halfhearted response.

“Depends what you consider well.”

His voice came out gruff, his eyes barely open above slits.

“In other words-how do you feel today? You’re looking a bit peaked.” Angel responded, taking his light out and checking Harry’s pupils.

Harry flinched away from the light and let out an exclamation, his eyes closing defensively.

“Get that thing away from me! Bloody fuck!”

Angel chuckled at his response, although it was somewhat sobering as his night was spent doing transfusions and keeping Christian comfortable-which was extremely hard to do given that nothing he did was right.

“Is Sorrow ok?” Harry asked almost right after, his soft green eyes laced with concern.

“She’s improving but she’s not out of the woods. She lost a lot of blood and with being untreated for as many hours as she was, I’m surprised she hadn’t died. Your eyes are sensitive to light, which means you’re severely dehydrated-even with the two bags of fluids you were given. I’m going to have to wait until your body replenishes blood to take anymore, otherwise it will put you at risk. The two liters will be enough to sustain her for right now. Here, I fixed you something to bring your strength up.” Angel offered, holding up a small bowl.

Harry made a face at the oatmeal that was inside as his stomach lurched in distain at the very sight.

“Yeah, well it was either this or cereal and this has nutrients in it to help bring up your strength. So open up, dearie.” Angel said, grabbing the spoon and bringing it to Harry’s mouth.

Harry shook his head and turned away, his mood darkening.

Angel sighed but set the bowl down and picked up the glass of orange juice.

“Alright, fine. Will you at least consider this?”

Harry’s mood was something to be desired and he honestly just didn’t give a fuck what happened at that moment.

“Whatever man, what other choice is there? Do I get one?”

Angel took his question into consideration before replying, he was not use to dealing with hostile prisoners but given who Harry was being held hostage by he could understand it. Angel had an agenda to keep though, considering Kohl was counting on him and he needed Harry at his top strength when he got the call…whenever that would be.

“You’re allowed to refuse but you may want to consider the consequences. If you don’t at least drink the orange juice, I’m going to have to call Jason in here. He won’t be very gentle if he has to be summoned and Christian is dying to kill someone, given his own father broke his wrist-and you know what? I could sit here and piss and bitch about being awake all fucking night with a sick, on death’s door girl and two bloody idiots that won’t even help me because one is a big overgrown two year old and the other thinks he’s entitled, so I would really, REALLY, appreciate a little cooperation from someone.” Angel ranted, picking the bowl up and shoving the spoon in Harry’s mouth.

Harry coughed not having expected the sudden intrusion but caught his breath and stared at Angel with a little shock.

“Irish?” Harry asked winded, watching him and the spoon with caution.

“Eighty-five percent, other fifteen percent is Dutch.” Angel replied, offering Harry the Orange juice, which the singer gladly accepted.

“I need something that doesn’t taste like bland chalk-I know this whole thing is punishment for escaping but-“Harry started but stopped when Angel chuckled.

“So that’s what you did to piss them off, I was wondering.” Angel nodded in understanding, letting him have another drink.

“I also kissed Sorrow-well, she kissed me first. A promise of sorts if that makes a difference.”

Angel laughed in disbelief.

“Kohl’s going to love to hear about that.”

Harry’s eyebrow quipped.

“Who’s Kohl?”

Angel smirked and leaned in close to Harry’s ear.

“Your savior, that’s all you need to know for now. Word through the grapevine is, he’s going to take down the organization and restore order-all that heroic sounding stuff. He wants his sister back and your friend, Niall, wants you back. He has your friend with him and your other friends at another cabin. Don’t quote me on that though.”

Harry sat up a little straighter.

“My friends are al-“Harry’s mouth was seized by Angel’s hand quickly, a frown on his face.

“Don’t be a parrot but yes, so says the grapevine at least. Kohl handpicked me to look after you and Sorrow and right now I’m really tired, not unlike you I’d imagine but I really need cooperation-so please, I indulged you in some information and now I’m going to need something back-deal?”

Harry nodded and his mouth was released.

“Good.”

Harry didn’t bother to fight Angel on the food or the drink. In fact, knowing his friends were alive was what he needed to keep going. The only thing that threw him was the fact that Niall was with them and his friends held at another cabin-it made no sense to keep them all alive.

“Why would Kohl bother? You said my friends are at another cabin, Niall with Kohl-how did that come about?” Harry asked after finishing off the orange juice.

“I don’t know. I just know that Kohl sent me into the lion’s den here and now I’m thoroughly regretting getting involved. I do what I’m told and right now I’m being told squat, so you’ll forgive me if I’m not in the most pleasant of moods.”

Harry nodded, not pressing the issue but not completely satisfied either. Being left in the dark was a royal mess and with Sorrow on death’s door-it truly made him wonder if he was going to get out of it alive.

“Alright, I’m going to catch a few hours, you try to do the same.” Angel said, grabbing the gag and fitting it back over Harry’s mouth. “I’ll keep you updated with Sorrow’s progress but I doubt you’ll be seeing her for a while. Christian is on my dick about taking more blood, he doesn’t seem to understand.” Angel continued, locking the gag loosely around Harry’s head and standing.

Harry watched the boy go, he was barely legal-although the thought seemed somewhat familiar to him from yesterday so he didn’t dwell on it long. What really bothered him was how the Organization got a hold of his friends, it seemed nearly impossible with all the security around them but these people were not ordinary by any stretch.

With a slow breath out through his nose he settled back against the wall as the cage door was closed and locked.

“See you in a bit dearie.” Angel waved and headed out through the basement door and out of sight.

*

“Why a month? Why more? Why not pull the plug on them now?” Niall asked Kohl for what seemed like a hundred times that day.

“Like I’ve said, we need to wait to see what the plan is. I already sent my best lead in-there’s nothing I can do until I know what’s going on. We sit tight until then and when I know something, you’ll know something.” Kohl replied patiently, although that was starting to go out the window.

“I want to talk to my friends again. I need to see if they’re alright.” Niall jumped, getting off the subject. The whole thing just frustrated him to no end.

“They’re fine, but if you don’t believe me,” Kohl shrugged, taking his phone out and dialing a number. “Who do you want to talk to?”

“All of them.” Niall replied with certainty, making Kohl roll his eyes.

“Jessie? Speakerphone?” Kohl requested, doing the same. “Go ahead, Niall.”

“Hey guys, everything alright?” Niall asked solemnly, sitting down next to the phone.

“As alright as can be. Do you know what’s going on? They won’t tell us anything.” Liam complained, although that gave Louis a chance to interject with his own quip.

“That’s the understatement of the year, Liam. How about they won’t discuss it and we’re not allowed to ask?”

There was a sigh, evidently belonging to Zayn who had been silent up to that point.

“It’s hell here for lack of a better word. We want to go home-so figure out how to make that happen, Niall. Don’t call just to check in because Louis is going to bitch, Liam is going to snap at him and I’m going fucking bonkers listening to these two, so please, for the love of God, call us when you know something.”

With that the line went dead.

Kohl snorted back a laugh, although even he had to admit the situation wasn’t all that funny. He was about as helpless as the boys. If he made his move too soon, they’d kill Sorrow and Harry. If he made his move too late…they’d be dead either way. He needed a window and he needed eyes.

“I know someone who could help us. I was shot a few years back while on an assignment-he’s pretty young though, so I dunno-“Kohl thought dialing the number, pausing at the last digit.

“How young? Surely he’s capable if the other transports aren’t?” Niall suggested, having run out of patience. The waiting game was officially driving him insane.

“Eighteen, nineteen…maybe. I dunno he was about sixteen when we met. I liked him, we exchanged numbers but he loves to talk-not drop secrets talk but-if I had something to gag him with at the time, I probably would have. He flaps his gums way too much. Jason and Christian would end up shooting him.” Kohl shook his head, pacing before dialing the last digit, waiting for him to pick up.

“Axel? It’s me-listen, I’m calling in a favor, you up for it?”

Niall listened to the endless chattering, his eyes going from the phone to Kohl.

“A hell yes would have been enough. A simple sure too, shush, huh? Alright, get in contact with Jason-do not let him know you’re doing this favor for me...why? Because you’ll end up with a bullet to your head. That good enough reason? Ok, glad we understand each other. Now, you’re to contact Jason, ask if they need some extra eyes. You heard through the grapevine William was killed…yes, William is no more. He did something stupid…I don’t know what.” Kohl sighed, placing him on speaker so Niall got the full effects of exactly who Axel was.

“Man that blows, he was a good guy too, so what do you need me to do? Security for your sis or something? I sure as shit couldn’t imagine something happening to that girl, she’s too stubborn-so says William. So what’s my roll again security wise? Protect your sis? Protect that Harry fella? Who else is involved?” Axel went on as Kohl went about silently ripping his hair out. Niall just stared at the phone like it went insane.

“What the bloody hell? Dude, shut up, how is he supposed to get a word in with you ranting on like that? Jesus Chimney.” Niall spoke up, which silenced the other line for a few seconds.

“Who’s that one?” Axel asked with amusement.

“Name’s Niall, not ‘that one’.” Niall growled, hitting his head against the wall when the run on sentences started again.

“Niall? Nice name, I knew someone named that once, hey, did you know you have the same name as that One Direction dude? I bet you get that a lot too-”

“Shut up!” Niall and Kohl yelled at the same time, which silenced the other line abruptly.

Kohl shut his eyes, trying to keep centered.

“I’m sorry, we just don’t have that much time. We need eyes. Angel is already in there but I need security eyes, stop whatever happens if anything at all. I need you to report back to me so I know what the perfect time to strike is. I just need the motor mouth to stop, it will get you killed. Trust me man, Christian and Jason don’t play.” He warned, pacing again.

“If Angel is already in there, why would you need me?” Axel asked, knowing the last time the pair met they had butted heads.

“Because I need reports and Sorrow and Harry need protection. Angel has been advised to keep to his own and follow orders. You, you’re different. So are you in or not? If not I’ll call another-“

“Yeah, fine, sure. Let me give them a call.” With that the line went dead.

“He gets moody when people tell him to shut up. Like I said, dude loves to talk. He’s been in the Organization since he was young…born into it actually. He’s been trained since he was about three.” Kohl explained, his feet finally finding a center.

“So what makes him so trustworthy? It’s always the friendly ones to watch out for and he’s way too friendly.” Niall noted, hearing Kohl chuckle.

“It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for more and trust me, Axel is the loudest song bird in the bunch. He’s trustworthy, I know he is.” Kohl assured, sitting on the couch and dialing Angel, leaving him a message when he didn’t pick up.

“Delivery, Axel. About zero hundred hours…maybe twenty-four hundred hours. I forget the lingo. Anyhow, expect his arrival and report in when he’s able. I need reports on Harry and Sorrow if available, is my sister going to be ok? Report or text me back-don’t forget to erase the messages after you read. Kohl, over and out.”

He hung up and looked at Niall.

“Well, four eyes are better than two. Let’s just hope Christian and Jason remain oblivious.”

“And if they aren’t? Then what?” Niall asked, resting his arm against the couch he was sitting on.

“Then we carry on until there’s a chance to strike. Hunker down, Niall, you’re going to be here awhile. If you need me I’ll be in my room.” Kohl saluted and left, leaving Niall to watch after him.

“Bloody fantastic, isn’t it? I get the procrastinator.” Niall muttered but picked up the remote to the TV and shifted through them until it came to the news.

Niall Horan still remains on the run, authorities are baffled-

Niall clicked the news off and leaned against the pillow.

“Yup, bloody fantastic. Harry’s being held in some basement, I got dragged here and the rest of them are God knows where. This is officially a cluster fuck of where’s Waldo-One Direction edition. No one knows their head from their bloody ass.” Niall growled, his mood growing darker as he made his way to the kitchen. If he was forced to stay in this cabin, he was helping himself to something worthy.

*

Harry’s eyes opened to a soft touch.

“Hey, you awake?” Angel asked, rubbing the singer’s shoulder.

Harry forgot about the gag in his mouth and went to reply but stopped short. He nodded instead, although his head hurt and his body ached.

“Good, you picked up a slight fever, that’s why I was wondering,” Angel replied, unlocking his gag and leaving it on the ground for a while. “So, I got a message from Kohl, the power that is-he says Axel is coming. There’s a few things that you need to know about the charming prince-one, never trust what he says and two, he won’t shut up. Hope you can handle that because apparently he’s been assigned to you, something that I do not envy.”

“Who is Axel? Another doctor?” Harry asked, his voice thick with sleep.

“Sort of. Half doctor, surgeon, executioner…transporter. His hands have been in it all. He’s a good candidate for running against Jason for control-which leaves me to wonder knowing this why Jason even agreed. The kid is young, he was born into the Organization. His mother was a slave and his father was a member-one of the best actually. So when he was born, his father killed his mother right after and raised him as you would in a cult-completely ass backwards. Somehow he’s retained some humanity and it comes out his mouth a million miles an hour. He’s about a year or two younger than even myself. I’m twenty, he’s…eighteen or seventeen…maybe? No one knows how old the other is, mostly because it’s not important but mainly because no one gives a fuck.”

Harry didn’t bother with a response.

“Anyhow, let’s get another nutrient bag into you. I’ll take another liter after. Sorrow’s body is so weak that, sadly, and I hate to say it, Axel showing up takes expectations from me, given as he’s going to have to abort the fetus. It’s dead. There’s no heartbeat and poor Sorrow-she’s not conscious enough to understand. She’s come in and out of sedation a few times but it’s mostly Christian screaming at her. He’s not taking the news well, makes me glad the asshole’s hand is busted. I think if it weren’t he’d already of strangled the poor girl. Always the victim, never the perpetrator. Sad.”

The last part blew Harry for a loop.

“The baby died?” He asked with shock, his eyes soft with emotion but he couldn’t cry-not for Sorrow, not even for himself. He felt sadness, considering Sorrow wanted a better life, she wanted her second chance and now it seemed she would never get it.

“A few hours ago, according to the monitor. Sorrow doesn’t know and I’d prefer her oblivious for right now. Her body is already fighting enough, emotional baggage may send her over the edge and she needs tranquil understanding. So if you see her, I doubt you will but if you do-don’t mention the baby. Alright?”

Harry nodded in understanding.

“Okay.” He agreed with a quiet whisper, the depression deepening in his eyes. For Sorrow, for him-why was this nightmare not over yet? It’s been…it’s been…how long has it been? How long had he been there?

“Okay,” Angel nodded, kneeling down and attaching an empty bag to his line and the other with a nutrient bag. “One more bag of blood should do it but with the slight fever you have, I don’t want to take more than necessary. Your body is struggling to fight off the fever so I’m going to give you a few shots of antibiotics that should help.”

“Why not let me go? After you get the blood-why not just let me die? I’m so tired of fighting, I’m tired of…” He stopped before his voice cracked.

“I can’t, you have to hold on-you giving up isn’t an option. So get out of whatever suicidal depression you’ve fallen into because I’m not here for you or Sorrow to throw in the towel.”

“How much longer do you expect us to fight? We’re only so strong…” Harry trailed off, bringing his knees to his chest and leaning his face against them so the tears were hidden, maybe he wasn't as strong as he thought he was. He hated to seem weak but in all honesty, he was ready for the nightmare to end-he was ready to let go.

“You’ll fight for however long it takes, whether by choice or whether it be by IVs. I just know Niall wants you back. They won’t come until they know it’s safe to strike. Believe me, you’re not the only one looking forward to freedom. I think that goes double for everyone that’s trapped. It’s not just about you, Harry. It’s about holding out hope and hold out you will, just as Sorrow will continue to fight. There is no choice, there just is. You get me?”

Harry shook his head.

“You’re not giving up, dearie. That’s what I’m saying. So smile and bare it because you got a long wait ahead, we all have. Kohl would be late for his own funeral if you let him but I know him, he won’t fail Sorrow-just as he will not fail you.”

“I’ve already failed Sorrow, whatever happens I deserve.” Harry muttered, leaning back against the wall and shutting himself down again.

“Whatever man, it wasn’t in your control. None of this has been. Blame won’t do you any good-ya know what? I’m wasting my breath. I’ll check on you later, alright? Just…God, take a pill, you don’t deserve this. None of you do but stop being a selfish prick! It’s not just about you. I can’t stress that enough.”

With that Angel stood up to check on Sorrow, knowing they only had a few hours to get the baby out of her before her body started to reject it, which could put her in more danger and he made Kohl a promise. So if Axel didn’t show up soon, he’d perform the removal, although the whole thing sill left a bad taste in his mouth.

Notes

I'm not a short cutter and so I wrote chapter 33 again, taking it in the original direction I was taking it before. The old chapter 33 was a short cut and I was ashamed of that chapter. This chapter should be better. Chapter 34 is going to be the climax and hopefully I can tie this story up with a clean ending. Enjoy!