THALIA

"Well Thalia," sighed Francesco, stretching his belly. "I will admit I am impressed."

“Didn’t you know Thal could cook?" Harry frowned.

I snorted, "they wouldn't give me a chance!"

"Well you never know! The British are not known for food like we are Thalia."

"Hey now."

"I'm Greek!" I cried, earning laughs from both Greta and Harry.

We had just finished the extraordinary meal Harry and I had cooked minutes before Greta and Francesco had stepped through the door. We decided to make a night of it and Harry went as far as to light candles claiming he needed the "true Italian experience."

"Francesco likes to hog the kitchen all to himself," Greta waved.

"This one too," Harry said, nodding in my direction.

"Look who's talking! Harry doesn't let anyone in the kitchen when he bakes."

"Thalia, the kitchen is to me as your studio is to you," he replied softly. "I need my space to create."

I shot a look at Greta who burst out laughing.

"Well, we will do the dishes because you cooked for us," said Francesco. He began piling plates as Greta turned back towards Harry.

"Harry, are you coming out with us tonight?"

Harry paused mid sip of his wine and turned to look at me.

"If you want," I shrugged.

"Let's do it," Harry said, breaking into smile. "Can't be worse than the last time we went out."

"Oh no," I laughed. "I don't think anything could be worse than that."

"What happened last time?" Greta frowned.

"Oh uh...Thal?" Harry said awkwardly, shooting me an apologetic look.

"Marco cheated on me," I answered numbly.

Harry got up to help Francesco with the dishes and I filled Greta in on Marco situation. The entire thing. Her reactions were priceless and exactly what I needed to hear.

"Thalia," Greta said, taking my hand as I got up to see where Harry had disappeared to. "I just want to say, I really like Harry. You two are fun together. And it is clear he loves you."

Unsure of what to say, I broke into an embarrassed smile.

"Are you really moving back to London with him?" She asked.

"I-we're not...I'm not moving back with him. I'm moving back to live with my sisters," I stuttered. "We haven't planned-"

"THALIA!"

Greta and I exchanged worried looks before jumping up and running to the kitchen.

"Oh lord-"

"You didn't tell me you had a cat!"

I rolled my eyes as Harry appeared, cradling Giorgio the cat like a newborn baby. "Look at him! Why is he so little?"

"Harry, meet Giorgio. Giorgio, Harry," I smirked.

"Giorgio è un gatto bello," Greta cooed.

"Alright, you better get ready if we are going!" Francesco called after glancing at his watch.

I let out a groan before heading to my room to change. Less than half an hour later we were pulling Harry away from Giorgio and into Tom's rental car.

Harry has insisted we'd be fine with public transportation, but Tom was determined to keep an eye on him after this afternoon. Apparently now that people knew we were together and making public appearances they would be keeping a sharper eye out for us.

"Here it is!" Called Greta, pointing out the window to a brightly lit club.

"This is different then the last place," Harry said, as we followed Greta and Francesco through the glowing neon doors.

"Yes. This is the Testaccio neighborhood," I said, speaking louder as the music hit our ears.

"These bars were carved from an old hill. This is where they used to keep the wine!"

Linking my hand with Harry's, I pulled him through the space until we reached a small table in the back. Francesco had gone off to grab us drinks so Greta filled in his usual role of professor and informed Harry of the history of this area.

"What do you think?" I asked as Francesco returned with the drinks.

"This place is amazing!" Harry laughed. The bright pink and blue neon lights were lighting up his face in time to the thumping bass. He looked down to see me staring and shot me a wink.

How was it he was still able to make my heart flutter? I leaned closer, not paying the least bit of attention to whatever he and my roommates were talking about. Harry had pulled my legs over one of his, a hand snaking dangerously on my exposed thigh. I had purposefully pulled out the little black dress Eleanor and Sophia has made me buy in New York a million years ago.

The four of us sat chatting and drinking for another hour or so before Greta and Francesco's friends showed. They were loud and excited, hugging Harry and kissing my cheeks before crowding around the table.

"You made it Thalia!" Cried Gio.

"Harry, do you like Testaccio?" Asked Luca, a friend of Greta's.

"Yes! It's spectacular!" Harry replied excitedly.

"Has Thalia taken you out before?" Gio asked.

"I brought him to Gilda the last time we were in Rome," I said, shaking my head in bemusement.

"Ay! Gilda!" They all cried.

"That is where you go to find the students," Gio said to Harry, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously. "Most are American, some are from Europe or Australia."

"To there or here," Leo added. "They don't come out until late though."

"Like two in the morning late," I laughed.

"Oh yeah I remember," Harry said, running his hand over my thigh lightly. I wonder if he knew how much that drove me insane. "I was dead on my feet the next day."

"I like Testaccio better," I said, hoping to change the subject. I didn't want to think about that fiasco of a night any longer. "More options."

"Si!" They all cried excitedly, while Greta added, "the whole hill is like this."

As they broke off into talking about their favorite clubs I turned to Harry. These drinks were strong, and after the wine we had earlier I could confidently say I was feeling a bit more than tipsy.

"Your hair has gotten so long it's ridiculous." I reached up to gently massage Harry's scalp.

"Everyone wants me to cut it," Harry said slowly, but he quickly broke into a laugh on seeing my pout.

"Don't cut it! Not if you don't want to. You pull it off impeccably well."

"I'm glad you like it," he chuckled.

"I like playing with it."

"I like that you like playing with it. But if you keep this up you're going to put me to sleep."

"Is that your weakness?" I asked, distracted slightly by the two dimples that had appeared on his lovely face.

"You won't tell anyone will you?"

"Never," I smiled. "Do you know what mine is?"

Harry frowned. "Foot massage? No, back message!"

I made a noise like a buzzer. "Sorry Haz, close but no cigar."

"What!" Harry cried, gripping my leg tightly. "You have to tell me."

"I do not!

"Please?" He asked with puppy eyes. Oh lord, why was he so attractive?

"Maybe if you're lucky, I'll tell you tonight," I whispered tauntingly.

"Harry! Thalia!"

We turned to see Laura smiling at us. I had honestly forgotten where we were and that unfortunately, Harry and I were not secluded in our own little bubble.

"Do you know you were on the news today?" Laura asked before sipping mischievously on her drink.I quickly reached for my own drink to avoid answering. Greta shot me a bemused smile.

"Oh really? What did it say this time?" Quizzed Harry. He begun gently messaging my knee as Laura continued.

"That you two went to the Galleria Borghese. It is funny, they just discovered you are in a relationship!"

I paused mid sip, staring at Laura with a frown as everyone broke into laughs. Harry let out a forced laugh, his grip tightening slightly on my leg.

"An international relationship," Laura mused. "I don't know how you two do it!"

"We're wizards," I replied automatically.

"Yeah," chuckled Harry. "We can teleport-"

"Apparate," I corrected. "And Styles is just his muggle name."

"Yeah I'm actually Harry Potter." The table burst into laughter.

"Notice how she starts telling stories when she does not want to answer a question?" Laughed Greta.

"And Harry goes with it?" Cried Francesco. "Thalia you've finally found a man who will put up with your shit!"

"And add to it!"

"Look! Harry and I are artists," I called. "And our creativity comes in many forms."

They all cried out at this, laughing and teasing us. Harry pulled my closer and did my best to concentrate on the conversation rather than his hand under the table.

"It is deception!" Cried Gio.

"My whole life is a deception," said Harry, taking another sip of his drink.

"He's not even really here," I shrugged.

"Will you never stop?" Laughed Greta.

"Never!"

"Quiet her with a kiss Harry!" Cried Gio, earning a round of applause.

"Gio you little-" but Harry had turned my chin, forcing me to look at him as he caressed my cheek lightly.

There was a round of "ooh's" as Harry leaned closer to nuzzle his nose against mine. I was frozen in shock, my heart thumping painfully against my chest. The Italian's jeered him on before letting out a cry of dismay when he turned towards them all.

"Nah, I wouldn't dare try and silence this one," he chuckled.

"He's learnt his lesson," I teased, poking his chest lightly. I turned to look back at the Italians to find them beaming in excitement. "What?"

"You're perfect!" Laura cried, smiling as looked between Harry and I.

"Oh listen!" Greta called. Everyone froze to hear the song before looking around widely. "Let's go dance!"

The Italians cheered before downing their drinks and heading out to the dance floor.
"So..."I turned to Harry in attempt to figure out what had just happened but he broke into a laugh.

"They think we're dating Thalia," he chuckled.

I let out a groan. "Maeve was right!"

"About what!" He frowned.

"Everything," I replied. "C'mon Styles. Let's go dance."

I sucked down the rest of my drink before scooting out of the booth. Harry shot me an questioning look before letting me take his hand and lead him out towards the makeshift dance floor.

Italians were known for their public displays of affection. So that, paired with the fact that they were strongly against getting wasted in public, meant that Harry and I were entering a raunchy dance environment with only a healthy buzz. To say I was nervous was an understatement.

It began innocently enough I suppose, with all of us jumping around to American Top 40 music from two years ago. Harry, Greta and I even engaged in a small lip sync battle. However after Gio and Luca found a couple of international students (and Greta had handed Harry and I shots for luck) things turned serious.

"Have I told you how amazing you look tonight?" Harry asked, glancing me up and down as I pulled him towards my friends.

"You don't look to bad yourself," I smiled. I ruffled his hair playfully before shimmying my hips to the music.

"Have I seen this dress before?"

I nodded, moving my hips to the music as I looked up at him. "It's my lucky dress."

"Are you planning to get lucky tonight?" He teased. His face had broken into a mischievous smile and his eyes were shining with anticipation.

"Are you?" I asked, my eyes traveling down to his soft pink lips.

The club was now packed with people, and I felt Harry's arm snake around my waist and pull me further into the corner. My heart rate climbed as his body pressed against mine. The thumping bass vibrated my chest and was enough to drown out any thought other than Harry.
He smiled down at me. That perfect crooked smile that made his dimples pop and his eyes crinkle. His eyes were glazed over and he reached down to push the hair from my face.

I knew what he was going to do and in an effort to stop him I took his hand in mine and kissed it gently. A look of understanding crossed his features and a moment later I was pulled into a tight embrace.

Harry has already made it clear he wants to move out of this awkward friend zone and get things back to where they were a year ago. But as much as I wanted it, I was still hesitant. I just got out of a long, complicated relationship with Marco. And, even though Harry and I were working now, there was a high probability this could blow up in our faces. Again.

"Thalia! Harry!"

I turned to see Greta appear with Francesco close at her heels. Wrapping Harry's arms around my waist I smiled at her, "Hi Gret! What's wrong?"

"Harry, you have to go!" She cried adamantly. "People know you're here!"

She pointed out at the club, which was now packed near breaking point. Harry's grip tightened around my waist as Tom appeared out of no where.

"Harry we need to get you out of here," Tom said in a gruff tone.

"C'mon Thalia," Harry said, leaning close to my ear so I could hear him. "Let's go love."

But I was distracted by Tom who was slowly shaking his head. The size of the crowd had grown in the few seconds we'd been talking and I'd realized the urgency we now faced.

"There's too many people Harry," I said, raising my voice to be heard over the chaos. "Tom's just one man. Go, I'll be fine."

"No, it's too crazy! They've seen you with me!" He argued.

"I'll be alright Harry."

"We'll get her out of here safe," Francesco said, placing an arm around my shoulder protectively.

Harry still looked skeptical. "Are you sure about this?"

"Harry!"

"Call me when you get home. So I know you're safe."

I broke into a smile and pulled him into another tight hug. Then feeling brave I said, "or you can come over and see for yourself?"

"Deal. Meet you there?"

"Deal." I kissed his cheek and pushed him towards Tom. After one last meaningful look Harry followed. The mob followed after him as he and Tom fought their way to the safety of the street.

"Here." Francesco had placed a hat on my head before handing me his jacket, which he wrapped around me like a blanket. "Gio! Luca!"

"What's wrong?" Gio asked?

Francesco quickly explained the situation and within minutes had formulated a plan. Greta took my hand as Gio and Luca began weaving their way through the crowd, creating a small path for Greta and I to follow.

We managed to make it through the club and out onto the street before anyone noticed.
"Thalia! Thalia! Over here Thalia!"

I kept my head down and eyes trained on the ground just like the boys had taught me two years ago.

"Were you with Harry?"

"Ciao Thalia!"

"Are you back together?"

"Love you Thalia!"

"Who are these men with you?"

Biting my tongue to keep myself from retaliating to such insinuations, I let Greta lead me towards a running taxi.

"Ciao grazie!" I called to Gio and Luca before opening the door.

"Thalia wait!"

"Smile Thalia!"

"Love you Thalia!"

"Where's Harry?"

"Do you know Thalia?"

"Who? Her?" I heard Gio ask as I sat down on the leather seats. "No, she just asked us to help her get out of there. Why? Is she famous?"

The door shut and we pulled away from the flashing cameras and interrogating paparazzi. I let out a loud sigh before Greta, Francesco and I broke into laughter.

"Who would have known you would be so eventful Thalia," Francesco chuckled.

"You and Harry are everywhere right now," Greta said, staring down at her phone before reading aloud. "Harry Styles and Thalia Kalfis were spotted on a series of romantic getaways throughout Roma today. From Galleria Borghese to a tour of Thalia's studio-"

"How did they know about that!"

"-To night clubbing, the dream duo seem to me making the most of their time in the eternal city. Though neither has confirmed that they are official once more, the pair look pretty cozy."

"Looks like they have been updating throughout the day," said Francesco, looking down at his own phone. I let out a groan in response.

"And there's photos," Greta added. "They are actually very sweet if you forget you were being stalked."

"Let me see." I didn't want to see these photos. I didn't want other people to see these photos. But they would see them and they would ask me about them. It was better to be armed then go in blind.

The first was of Harry and I strolling along the cobblestone streets near my flat. The second, a blurry shot of Harry and I getting into the car with Tom after our visit to my studio.

Half a dozen pictures of our time in Galleria Borghese followed. There was Harry and I walking. Harry and I laughing. Harry and I sitting on the bench, staring at Apollo and Daphne. Harry looking at me while I stared at Apollo and Daphne. Harry and I with the fans. The picture I took of Harry with the fans-

"Fucking hell does it ever end?" I cried, still scrolling. "They have enough pictures to make a story book!"

"Well on the sunny side, all the girls at Villa Borghese said they loved meeting you," Francesco smiled.

"I guess," I huffed.

We pulled to a stop outside my apartment. From the looks of it Harry hadn't arrived yet, and I cursed my phone for not having data and allowing me to call him. I followed Greta and Francesco up the stairs, reminding myself that I'd have to get used to this again if Harry and I were really to start dating again. Not that he wasn't worth it, but I will admit I loathed those celebrity gossip columns almost as much as I loved-

"What are you doing here?"

I snapped my head up at Francesco's words.

He was there, leaning against the door as if he had been waiting there all night. His hair was ruffled and his appearance disheveled but other than that he seemed alright.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"Marco."

Notes

Currently listening to Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" on repeat. Anyone else listed to that yet? I can't stop. It's been stuck in my head all day. Works great with the chapter though...

Anyway, happy reading! And thank you for the comments! I love seeing all your reactions :)