Fitting Together Again

"And you haven't heard back from anyone yet?" I asked Harry again as we rounded the corner of my street.

"Why are you trying to get rid of me?" He teased, bumping into me gently. Thankfully my arm was still wrapped in his or the nudge, paired with the numerous drinks we'd had, would have sent me tumbling.

"What? No, that was so last week," I smiled. Harry broke into a pained laugh at the irony my joke. I squeezed his arm, "too soon?”

"I think we should just avoid that topic for the rest of time.”

"Deal.”

The street was nearly deserted at such a late hour, except for one idling car parked right outside my apartment. The drivers side door opened as we approached and I instinctually came to an abrupt halt. This caused Harry to pause and look around until he spotted the man.

"Tom!" He cried out enthusiastically as he took my hand and led me closer. As we neared the buff man broke into a smile. "You found me!”

"Finally," Tom chuckled. "Was wondering why the hell you ended up all the way over here, I can see why now.”

I flushed as Tom nodded in my direction, a bemused smirk on his face. Harry, apparently feeling no embarrassment whatsoever, wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me forwards.

"Tom, I'd like you to meet Thalia Kalfis," he introduced. "Thalia this is Tom.”

"How do you do?" Tom smiled politely.

"Well, thanks. Come to steal Harry back to the world of fame?" I teased them.

"Well I guess that all depends," Tom shrugged. He and Harry shared meaningful looks before both turned to me.

I frowned, then realizing he and Harry were both leaving the decision to me, flushed once more. Harry smiled down at me sweetly as my drunken brain kicked into hyper drive.

Did Harry want me to say yes? What would that mean for us? What would the girls think? What would the fans think? How would Greta and Francesco react to my walking in the flat with an internationally famous pop star? Did Harry really want to spend the night? And, the most pressing question of all, did I want Harry to stay?

Harry lifted the hand that was linked with my own and gave me a soft kiss. "You better scurry off to bed love," he said gently. "You know - painting and all that tomorrow.”

My mind went blank as he looked down at me with those penetrating green eyes. He was giving me a way out, an escape. But I realized then that I didn't want one.

"I've finished my paintings," I blurted stupidly.

Harry paused and after a painful moments silence broke into a smirk, "always the over achiever.”

"You say that as if it's a bad thing," I replied.

"In your case it can be!" Harry was beaming with excitement now. I shot a glance towards Tom, who was watching us with raised eyebrows. Harry cleared his throat and turned to his security man. "Sorry for the hassle Tom.”

"Don't matter," he chuckled. "Would have had to come anyway to give you this.”

Harry took his new phone from Tom and chatted with him for a few more minutes while I stood there awkwardly. I was trying desperately to calm my growing anxiety and was torn between the urge to grab Harry or run from him.

"See ya later Tom," Harry's voice called, distracting me from my thoughts. "Have great night!”

"All settled then?" I asked as Harry turned towards me with a smile.

"Apparently.”

"You know," I said, digging out my keys and clumsily fitting them in the old locks that barred our apartment from the street. "I would have thought a hot shot like you has more important things to do then run around Rome in the dead of night. No press conferences or photo shoots you need to prepare for tomorrow?”

"Nope. I'm a free agent.”

"Oh really?" I asked slyly as we headed up the stairs to my flat. "Exactly how free?”

"Very free," he whispered huskily.

I let out a small scream as he pinched my sides playfully. After swatting him away I ran up the stairs, Harry close at my heels. He caught up with me at the landing, pulling me into a bear hug and nearly sending us crashing to the stone floor in the process.

"Are you sure about this?" He whispered once we had stopped laughing.

"No," I replied truthfully. "I'm not sure about any of this. Are you?”

His eyes flickered between mine, "yes. But I don't want you to feel pressured.”

"I don't," I replied. "But Harry, I can’t make any promises tonight.”

"I didn't expect you too. I'm here as long as you want me. Whether that's just for tonight, a week, or even a year.”

I nodded then, realizing how serious we had gotten, broke into a smile, "always so dramatic.”

"I can't help it, I'm an artist," he teased.

I rolled my eyes as I turned the key. I shot one last teasing glance in Harry's direction before -

"THALIA!”

I jumped as the room burst into cheers. Greta and Francesco were sitting around with half a dozen of their friends, lounging and drinking wine. For whatever reason their friends always seemed excited to see me.

"She's returned!”

"Welcome home!”

"Come sit down here!”

"Where have you been?" Greta cried loudest of all just as Harry wandered into view.

"Ciao," I smiled nervously as the room fell silent. "Er, this is my friend Harry. I was showing him around the city.”

"Hello!" Harry said brightly. Greta and her friend Laura's eyes went wide, the others hadn't seemed to make the connection.

"Y-you are Harry. Harry Styles..." Laura finally whispered.

"At your service," Harry replied with a small bow. I rolled my eyes on seeing a little smirk cross his features. He was enjoying this. Laura had gone pale while the guys exchanged confused glances.

"Welcome! Set your things down. Get comfortable! Do you want some wine? We did not know you were coming or we would have bought more," Greta smiled at Harry before shooting an accusatory glance in my direction.

"Oh please, we have enough alcohol to be considered a vineyard!" I called dramatically as Greta headed into the kitchen. Then, catching Harry's arm I whispered worriedly, "are you okay with this?”

"Of course," he smiled.

"Because of you want we can-“

"Thal," he cut in.

"I didn't know they were going to be here-“

"Are you embarrassed on me?”

"No, but I'd rather not start rumors.”

"Oh so you want me to yourself?" Harry asked, beaming.

"Maybe I do," I snipped. Harry was grinning at me, his smile spread wide like the Cheshire Cat, which was never a good sign. "Stop looking at me like that!”

"Like what?”

"We'll go to bed in a bit," I whispered back. "We don't have to stay out here the whole night.”

"You don't know how long I've waited to hear you say those words.”

"Oh hush," I replied, very conscious of the fact that everyone was watching our exchange even if they couldn't hear it. "Go sit down I'll bring you a glass.”

"Yes ma'am.”

I rolled my eyes as Harry sunk down onto the couch and struck up a conversation with my roommate and his friends. That was one benefit to having a pop star boyfriend, you could leave him anywhere and he'd manage to have everyone in the room under his spell by the time you got back.

THALIA! My brain screamed, he is NOT your boyfriend.

Right. Taking a breath I stepped into the kitchen only to be hit with Greta. Within moments she was inches from my face and hissing like an angry kitten in rapid Italian.

“Costa diavolo sta succedendo Thalia? Perché non mi hai detto che eri in un rapporto con Harry Styles! Harry Styles! Lui di tutti le persone! Per quanto? Dove hai incontrato? Dove é Marco? Perché non mi hai detto—“

"Shh they'll hear you," I replied, glancing nervously over my shoulder. "Look, Harry and I aren't together. He's visiting Rome and got stuck in the protests, I'm just helping him out.”

“Come lo conosci? How do you know him?

"Oh I've known him for a while...we met back home," I replied in what I hoped was a carefree tone. But Greta was already putting the prices together.

“Lui é quello vero? He's the one! The one who broke your heart! Dio mio. Dio mio! Thalia! Why didn't you tell me?”

"Fine. Yes, Harry and I used to date back when I was in England-“

Greta gasped and leant back on the counter for support. "Why didn't you tell me!”

"Because didn't want anyone to know! I wanted to forget him!" I whisper shouted. "I was having family issues and then Harry and I got in a huge fight so I left.”

"Left?”

"Left.”

“Perché e qui? Where's Marco? Thalia what is going on?" Greta frowned as an eruption of laughter from the living room broke through our conversation.

"Marco and I broke up. There's not enough time to explain now but I'll tell you the whole story later," I promised. "All you need to know right now is that Harry's a friend and he's staying here tonight.”

"Staying in your bed?" Greta asked slyly.

"We're not fucking.”

"But you both want to," Greta sung as she grabbed the bottle of whine and scurried into the living room before I could stop her.

"Don't cause trouble!" I called after her.

I lingered in the kitchen for a moment and used the counter to support the sudden influx of emotions that washed over me. I was giddy with anticipation. My heart had been hammering against my chest all night as if hoping to leap out into Harry's arms. These were feelings I hadn't felt in ages and I willed my body to suppress them. But even I couldn't pretend there was no secret motive in inviting my ex to spend the night.

After a deep breath I grabbed two wine glasses for Harry and I and headed out into the living room.
"So Harry, how long are you in Roma?" Greta was asking.

I purposefully avoided his eye and began filling our wine glasses. After a moment Harry answered, "not sure. I'm supposed to be in London by Sunday-“

"Sunday," Laura repeated, her eyes focusing on the wall behind Harry as she attempted to remember her English lessons. "That's 2 days!”

"Yep," Harry smiled, taking the glass I handed him. He moved to make room for me on the chair, but I had already lowered myself onto the floor beside him.

"Has Thalia been a good companion?" Francesco's friend Giovani asked.
Harry froze, wineglass in hand before looking at me in confusion. Rolling my eyes I replied, "I have been an excellent tour guide Gio.”

"Oh really?" Francesco himself asked in disbelief. "Harry what has she showed you?”

"Besides the gelaterias?" Harry asked, earning a laugh from the others. "No, let's see...I've seen the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the forum, Vatican City-“

"All the tourist places!" Greta waved.

"She took me to your school," Harry added. "And the shops you often visit. And - what was the place we were at tonight?”

"Piazza Navona," I answered. "You'd actually get a kick out of the history behind that one.”

"Yeah?" He asked, taking a fallen strand of my hair and wrapping it loosely around my bun.

"Yup. It used to be the red-light district of Roma.”

"What!”

"Si si, yes!" Cried Francesco before slipping into his professor mode and delving into a short lecture.
I watched Harry listening intently. How was it be managed to look so relaxed among strangers?

His fingers had migrated from my hair to the base of my neck where he began absentmindedly massaging. His touch paired with the wine was almost enough to put me to sleep. Greta continued shooting me meaningful looks which I continued to ignore.

"So what's the occasion?" I asked her when Francesco's lecture finally came to a close. "Why are we celebrating tonight?”

"Greta!" Cried the others.

"She made it Thalia!" Francesco beamed proudly.

My jaw dropped before I broke into squeals of delight and jumped up to tackle Greta.

"Made what?" Harry asked curiously.

"Greta was chosen to go to Milano and study under some of the most notable fashion designers on the planet." My smile was so wide my cheeks were beginning to hurt.

"Congratulations!" Cried Harry. "Who will you be working with?"

And they were off. Greta delved into every designer she knew and praised while Harry broke in with personal stories and opinions. She and Laura practically interrogated Harry and all he knew of the fashion world, though he didn't seem to mind. He was used to interviews. I don't think I've ever seen Greta more excited.

"When do you begin Greta?" One of their friends, whose name has escaped me, asked.

"Next month," Greta replied excitedly. "Friday we go look for a place to live."

"You are going as well Francesco?" Asked Gio?

"Yes I would like too," Francesco chuckled before adding, "sorry Thalia."

"Don't apologize Francesco."

"Well that all works out perfectly!" Harry smiled before looking down at me excitedly. I shot him a glare to shut him up - I hadn't told my friends I was planning to return to England yet - but the damage was done.

"Was Harry looking for a home in Roma?" Greta asked, shooting Harry and I a look of suspicion. "You can live here with Thalia!"

"No, no he wasn't planning to move to Roma," I replied hastily. "Actually the opposite, I was considering moving back home."

There was silence before Gio cried, "you want to leave Italia for England? Nah. You won't have fun as much over there Thalia."

"Probably not, you know how stuck up we Brits are," I teased.

“Hey now!" cried Harry.

"Do you have anything to do with this Harry?" Greta asked, before taking a sip of wine. I shot her a glare which caused the others to snicker.

"With what?" Harry frowned innocently.

"With Thalia's sudden wish to go home!"

"Can't have done," smiled Harry. He began massaging my shoulders once more. The feeling was enough to make me melt.

"No?" Pressed Greta.

"Nope. Thal was already talking about England when I bumped into her."

"Good we cannot have you - ah what is the word - brainwashing!" Francesco replied. "It is my job to look our for Thalia in Roma."

"Francesco," I warned.

"Well you don't have to worry about me," Harry said, sincerity in his tone. Francesco's expression was hard to read and I knew Harry was having a hard time deciphering it as well when he added, "Er-besides, I spend most of my time in America these days."

"America?" Laura asked interestedly.

Harry's smile widened as he took the chance to escape Francesco's judgement and began chatting with them all about the States. Greta and I were the only ones who seemed disgruntled by the sudden change of topic. I was curious to see Harry's reactions to Francesco's probing questions, probably because I was looking for answers myself.

We sat around talking until Gio noted it was past three in the morning and we had better get to bed if we planned on being functional adults next day. After a sleepy and delirious photo I'd be curios to see in the morning, we all said our goodbyes.

"Thalia, are you coming out tomorrow?" Gio asked from the doorway.

"What time?" I asked, pausing as I picked up the empty wineglasses.

"Vicci's at 10pm and then Testaccio."

"We'll see," I replied.

"Oh come on Thalia, you are breaking my heart!"

"Goodnight Gio!" Francesco called with an eye roll. "See you tomorrow."

"Ciao!" I called to the closing door.

"Well, I don't think I've stayed up this late since tour," Harry yawned, stretching his long arms against the doorframe. "Come on Thal, we can clean up tomorrow."

"You go, I'm almost done," I replied, grabbing another empty bottle and sticking it in the trash. Even the wine couldn't control my rising nerves.

"I would if I knew where I was sleeping."

"Shit I forgot." I paused in the middle of clearing the clutter and let out a sigh, hoping it masked my shaking voice. "Alright, you win. Come on then. Buona notte!"

"Buona notte!" Francesco called as we passed their room. Greta quickly followed with, "be good kids!"

Cheeks flushing, I led Harry into my miniature sized room.

"Well looks like we couldn't escape your fame," I said once we were shut safely inside my room. I ran my hands through my hair anxiously while Harry collapsed onto my bed. "I'm sorry about all that Harry. If I'd have known-"

"I like your room," he replied, glancing around at the small space. I paused and watched him for a moment. He was looking around lazily, taking it all in.

I had plastered the white walls with colorful pieces of art and photos of life back in England. Sketches littered the wood floor like carpet while neglected plants sat on the small balcony overlooking the crowded street below.

"It's very you," he smiled sweetly.

I rolled my eyes, "unorganized and dysfunctional?"

"Comforting," he corrected.

I scoffed in response.

"You Italians sure can drink a lot," replied Harry, rolling over to look at me as I began undoing my hair.

"I'm not Italian, I'm Irish."

"Either way the observation still stands."

"Well it's not my fault if you can't keep up," I teased.

"Oh don't tell me you're not feeling even just a little tipsy."

"I can positively say I'm feeling more than tipsy," I replied, turning away from Harry to pull off my clothing.

"Then why are still feeling shy? I've seen you naked before Thalia."

"Because there's still something in the 'letting my ex spend the night in my bed' plan that isn't sitting right." Grabbing the first t-shirt in reach, I quickly dressed and turned round to find Harry staring at me.

"It's slightly nerve wracking."

"I'm nervous too," he admitted with a shrug.

"Nervous! You're Harry Styles. You're never nervous."

"That is a lie. You really think I never get nervous?"

I shot him a look as I neared the bed. Harry was laying on the outer edge and in a brave move I lent over and straddled him. Harry froze.

"I know you don't get nervous," I replied, looking down at him mischievously.

He licked his lips and whispered, "Wanna bet on that?"

“See? Not nervous, excited. You Harry Styles are a thrill seeker," I accused, poking his chest before falling over onto the bed. After a moment of silence, in which I could see Harry staring at me out of the corner of my eye, I asked, "aren't you going to bed?"

"I don't have any pajamas."

"Well I assumed you were just going to sleep in your underwear."

"I'm too nervous."

I rolled over and found myself mere inches away from him. He was looking down at me, a small smirk tugging at the corner of those beautiful lips.

"Now why should you be nervous about a thing like that?" I asked quietly.

"Because I'm not sure where the boundaries are."

"Since when have you ever cared about boundaries?" I laughed. Harry continued to stare at me. I rolled my eyes and said, "Harry, take off your pants."

"Sorry?"

"Take off your pants."

"Could you say that a little louder? I'd like to get that on record."

"Harry styles take off your damn pants!"

"Alright, alright! No need to shout about it!"

I whacked him with a pillow as he pulled himself off the bed. He stripped off his shirt, revealing the dark ink that had all but taken over his upper body. Goddamn I had almost forgotten how gorgeous his body was. Tour had kept him in good shape and, judging by the size of those biceps, he hadn't been neglecting those workouts.

"Stop starring Thalia."

I looked up to see him watching me, that smirk still plastered on his face. Clearing my throat I asked, "Now who's feeling shy?"

Harry let out a laugh and unbuttoned his jeans. I quickly rolled onto my back, forcing myself to stare at the ceiling rather than Harry's slowly exposing body. My head was spinning though I wasn't sure if I should blame the wine, the late hour, or Harry's presence.

The lights flicked off and I held my breath as Harry climbed back into bed.

"Goodnight Harry," I whispered.

"Goodnight Tootles."

As silence fell over the room I suddenly realized I was wide awake. Harry's presence, the heat emanating from his body, seemed to be filling me with energy. Every sound or movement he made became amplified. I wondered if he was feeling the same. Or if he could hear my heart thumping traitorously against my chest.

"Do you purposefully not introduce me as Harry Styles?"

"What?" I frowned, shifting so I could look at him.

"You always introduce me as 'Harry' or 'your friend Harry'." He had rolled over as well and I was hit with the overwhelming sent of mint. I could just make him out silhouetted in dim light breaking through the curtains.

"What else should I introduce you as?" I asked before adding playfully, "Walt?"

Harry let out a laugh and shifted his weight, causing the bed to sink and me to slide closer.

"You never introduce me as Harry Styles, and I just wondered why that is?"

"I've never really thought about it before. I mean, I don't usually introduce my friends with their first and last names...I guess it just never occurred to me."

Harry was silent for a moment before saying, "maybe that's why I enjoy your company so much. You always forget I'm famous."

"Huh and here it was thinking it was my amazing personality that kept you around."

Harry let out a laugh before silence fell over us once more.

"We should go to sleep," I said quietly.

"I don't want to."

"Why not?"

"I'm scared this is all a dream."

"Harry-"

"I promise I didn't mean for that to be cheesy."

"Well it was."

"Yes, I realize that now."

Harry fell silent and, feeling brave, I shifted closer to him. He lay there practically frozen as I began running my fingers gently across his arm and shoulder. Something Niall had said ages ago rang in my ears.

"He says he don't remember anythin after he kissed ya Thal. So who do ya think he was expecting to wake up next to?"

Harry had already lost me in Rome once. So wasn't it only natural that he should be even more afraid then I am now?

"I promise this isn't a dream," I whispered. "And I promise to be here when you wake tomorrow."

"And what about the next day?" He breathed. "Or the day after?"

"I thought we weren't making plans."

"Maybe I want to make plans." Harry wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into him. The heat of his body was electrifying.

"We'll talk about it tomorrow Harry. But right now, we both need to sleep."

I felt his lips press gently to my forehead before he pulled me even tighter to his chest. It was as though he thought that if he held me close enough, I wouldn't be able to disappear again.

"Goodnight Thalia," he breathed.

Little did he know that I had no intensions of going anywhere.

Notes

I am the literal devil so here is a nice long chapter to make-up for the fact that I broke yet another promise to you all.

And thank you all for your concern and well wishes! It truly means everything to me. I hope you are all having wonderful holidays. Enjoy!