HARRY

"Hmm," I hummed as I pulled myself from the depths of sleep. I shifted my position and wrapped the sheets tighter around my body.

There was a quiet laugh somewhere in the distance followed by a scratching noise.

Using an extreme amount of effort I peeked an eye open to see Thalia. She was sitting in the middle of the bed with her back against the wall and her legs stretched over mine. There was a sketchbook in her hands and a light scratching caused by the pen she was dragging across the page.

"Did I wake you?" She asked quietly after shooting me a glance.

"No," I yawned, rolling over again so I was lying on my back. "What time is it?"

"Half six," she replied, angling her sketchbook to catch the light coming in from the window. "I couldn't sleep."

"Thinking?"

Thalia nodded. Her bottom lip slipped between her teeth and a small frown appeared as she moved her hand more fervently across the page.

"What are you drawing?" I asked curiously. I was hoping to keep her mind off Marco and on us for as long as possible today.

She broke into a smile and added one last touch before handing me the sketchbook.

"You."

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes before carefully taking her sketchbook. Over the past few years I had seen myself represented in nearly every medium from sketches to renderings. It was always inspiring and touching to see our fan's interpretations and hear there stories of how we've touched their lives.

But there's was something about the way that Thalia was able to capture the guys and I that demanded attention. There was emotion in it, whether it be happiness, stillness, annoyance, or even fear.

"Do you ever feel weird about drawing people who are sleeping?" I mused, shooting her a smirk. "I mean, it is a bit stalkerish."

She let out a light laugh. "I love drawing people when they don't know."

"Creep."

Thalia rolled her eyes and made for the book but I held it out of her reach, still flipping through the pages.

"Why don't you like people to know you're sketching them?"

"Because if they know they aren't themselves anymore," she shrugged. "The moment I ask someone if I can draw them they become stiff and guarded. They're suddenly aware of how they look and the movements they make. Plus a lot of people find it uncomfortable to have another person observing them so intently. It's just easier that they don't know."

I flipped through the pages as she spoke, wondering if any of her subjects had figured out that they had captured her interest.

"You know you could give the fans a run for their money," I chuckled, holding up a sketch of Louis from the villa.

"Who's your favorite of the lads to draw?"

"I'll give you one guess," she smiled playfully. With no sketchbook to preoccupy her, Thalia's hands had migrated to my legs and she began messaging them with the expertise of a masseuse.

"Me?"

"Bravo!"

"Why?" I asked. I watched her intently as she tilted her head to the side in thought.

"I guess," she started slowly. My stomach gave a lurch as her hand brushed lightly against my inner thigh. "I like to see your reactions."

"Alright no teasing," I said, grabbing her hands and pulling her down next to me.

She let out a laugh as I held her close and pulled her leg over my waist. She snuggled into my chest, still laughing to herself.

"You can't do that shit Thal," I said, pressing my body into hers. "I can't take it."

"I know, I know," she mumbled, hiding her face. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," I said, kissing her temple.

We lay in a comfortable silence for a while, neither tired enough to go back to sleep. Thalia began absentmindedly tracing her fingers across my chest. I closed my eyes and attempted to banish all thoughts and simply focus on her gentle touch.

It was small moments like these where I truly believed Thalia loved me. It wasn't that she had never said the words, but rather she hardly felt she needed to. Her actions spoke her thoughts plainly. Every touch, every kiss, even every favor was an act of love in her eyes. And those words which she used so sparingly seemed to hold deeper meaning when finally said aloud. It was a love I had never encountered before.

"Where did you get this?" Thalia asked, her fingers grazing over the old cut and bruise on my chest. I looked down to see her frowning at me in concern.

"From when we pulled you up from the cliff."

Her frowned depended. "I'm sor-"

"Don't. Please don't apologize Thalia. I've already given you so many scars," I whispered. I took her palm and began running my fingers gently over the faded wounds she had received in the car crash. Thalia looked at me with pained eyes before brushing my hair away to reveal the faded scar near my temple. It was my only physical reminder of the crash.

"You have scars too," She whispered before pressing her lips to the old wound. "Besides, I'm not letting you take credit for all my scars. Some of those I had to work hard for."

I broke into a small smile and pulled her, if possible, even closer. "Do tell."

"Well you see this one?" Thalia asked, pointing to a little grey dot just below her left knee. I frowned and pulled her knee closer to my face to examine it. "I had been sketching in my bed while Maeve and Kenzie were playing Uno-"

"That is a great game," I interrupted, running my thumb over the strange dot.

"Agreed. It's not pivotal to the story but I thought it deserved recognition. Anyways, hours later I ran into my room and jumped onto my bed-"

"Oh no."

"I felt a sharp pain in my leg and I looked down to see my pencil sticking out of my leg."

"Ugh!" I cried out in horror.

"Kenzie fainted when she saw," Thalia beamed proudly. "Maeve made me sit and take a picture before she would go get my mum."

"How old were you?" I was staring at Thalia in shock, gripping her knee tightly.

"Maybe twelve or so?"

"God, what is with all your horrible childhood stories?" I laughed, only half jokingly.

"That was a great story!" Thalia protested. "And it's my favorite scar. It's just a little grey dot that will stay on my skin forever. It's like a baby tattoo."

"Aways the rebel."

"You know it."

"I actually find it funny that you are all the same people you were at age twelve," I chuckled. "Your characters were so set."

"Who would have thought?" She laughed. "I think Maeve still has that picture somewhere..."

"What other scars do you have?" I asked curiously.

But before Thalia could reply there was a loud buzzing from the side table. Assuming it was mine, I let out a groan and fumbled around lazily until I found the devise. Huh.

"Who is it?" Thalia asked.

"Your lover?" I frowned.

Thalia snatched her phone, hitting the accept button and pressing the phone close to her ear.

"Mae?" She asked. "Is everything alright?"

I could hear Maeve speaking frantically and Thalia quickly sat up so as distance me from their conversation.

"Shh I can't hear you hun, can you speak slower?" Thalia asked gently. "It's okay, just talk to me. What's going on?"

Her whole demeanor had changed instantly at the sound of her sister's voice. I watched as Thalia placed a hand over her eyes. She sat like that for a few minutes, listening to Maeve and adding the appropriate reactions in where necessary.

Unsure of what to do, I began lightly running my hand across Thalia's back. She seemed to relax slightly.

"Don't you dare say that Mae," Thalia nearly growled. "You are an amazing person. You're smart, dependable, talented, beautiful, and downright hilarious. I don't want you to listen to a word anyone says otherwise. He has his own issues and in taking his anger out on you he's hoping to make himself feel better. You have done nothing wrong Mae."

This. This is what Thalia and her sisters had been going through for the past year. Moments like this that Thalia has hidden from me had been part of the reason we had blown apart so spectacularly.

I wanted to listen. I wanted to hear Maeve and to hold Thalia. I wanted them to trust me enough to let me in. I didn't know if I would ever earn their trust back though. Thalia and I were back to square one in that regard.
In an attempt to avoid eavesdropping on their intense conversation I grabbed my own phone from the nightstand.

Niall and Tilly had the right ideas. If Thalia wasn't telling me something it was because she had a good reason not to. This wasn't her secret, it was Maeve's. And if I know anything about Thalia is that's she's fiercely protective of the people she cares about. The only thing I really needed to know was if I was the reason she was upset. I wasn't, so I could live with that. Couldn't I?

I continued massaging Thalia's back as I turned my attention to my phone. Marco had been right about the media broadcasting my reconnection with Thalia. They had photographic evidence, quotes from fans, and hot opinions laid out on numerous platforms. Knowing I'd most likely regret it, I began browsing some of the comments. Surprisingly most of the fans seemed okay, even excited with the news. Others only seemed to be concerned of my well being.

"I know, I'm sorry I've been away so long," Thalia said, her words pulling me from my phone. She had begun absentmindedly massaging my foot as she spoke with her closest friend. "I promise to make it up to you with chocolate, wine, and full day of Scooby Doo and snuggles."

I let out a laugh, causing Thalia to turn and shoot me a wink. Scooby Doo had been Maeve and Thalia's favorite show growing up. Thalia confessed that she and Maeve would run around looking for clues and talking in Scooby and Shaggy's goofy accents. Apparently their siblings carried on the tradition and have been known to burst into character to this day.

"Hey now!" Cried Thalia, offended at Maeve's apparent nagging. "I have been making great progress in my packing. I even boxed up all my paintings yesterday so there."

"Yeah but have you booked a flight?" I head Maeve cry, her voice sounding loudly through the phone.

"I was actually planning on hitchhiking."

"Hitchhiking!" Cried Maeve.

I let out another laugh and Thalia shot me a mischievous glance. She then bit her lip and raised her eyebrows as if to ask if I would still take her. As if I could ever say no to her.

"I don't think it will take long," Thalia mused as my smile widened.

"Bull! It'll take you two months to get home!"

"Or two hours," shrugged Thalia, still eyeing me cautiously. "I'm coming home Mae."

Thalia dropped the phone as Maeve let out a scream. I quickly sat up and wrapped my arms around her middle as she fumbled with the phone.

“Really? How?" Maeve screamed through the phone.

"Well I met this funny fellow who offered me a ride on his private jet...he's a bit shady though...been following me around for the past two days - ah!"

Thalia let out a squeak as I pinched her side in retaliation. She tried to squirm away but I hugged her tightly so she couldn't escape. I felt as if my heart could explode from happiness.

"ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT HARRY FUCKING STYLES?" Maeve was screaming.

"Calm down love there's no need to shout about it," I replied, sharing a smile with Thalia before kissing her cheek.

"YOU LITTLE SHITS!" Maeve screamed through the phone. "You assholes have been holding out on me! I can't BELIEVE you!"

"Relax Mae, we haven't been holding out on you," Thalia chuckled.

"Uh huh right," Maeve drawled. "I hope Harry doesn't get a back ache on that bed like I did Thal."

"Oh hush," Thalia snapped playfully as I let out a loud laugh. "Will you promise not to tell the others though? I want it to be a surprise."

"Ooh a plot! Count me in. When can we expect you?"

Thalia turned to me with her eyebrows raised in question, holding the phone between us.

“Well the plane leaves tonight so…”

“Can you live with that love?” Thalia asked the phone.

“TONIGHT! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?” she cried out. "Gah I can not WAIT until you are both back home! My two favorite people!"

“We can't wait either,” smiled Thalia as I rested my chin on her shoulder. “Are you feeling better Mae?”

“Yes, you always know how to make me feel better Thal. I’ll let you two go. I’m sure you have some extracurricular activities lined up for the day.”

“Mae!

“Bye Mae!” I called before the line went dead.

Thalia pouted before turning to look at me. How was it possible she was so beautiful? The sun had risen by now, throwing sharp angles of light into the room what cascaded across Thalia’s skin angelically. Even with her pink lips pouted she was the most gorgeous woman I had ever seen.

“What?” Thalia asked, cocking her eyebrow at me suspiciously.

“You’re coming back to London.”

“Are you sure it’s alright? I know it’s short notice but I-“

“Thal,” I cut in, taking her hands in mine. “Of course it’s alright. Can you leave tonight? I’m sure we can push it back a day if you-“

“No, no it should be fine,” she smiled. “I’ve had everything packed for a while now and we got the paintings yesterday. I’ll just have to let Joel know that I’m out of the studio. And tell Greta and Francesco of course…”
I stared at her, my heart still thumping from excitement. “I can’t believe you’re coming back.”

“Yes,” she chuckled. “Back to the real world.”

“You don’t sound very exited.”

“I am, I guess I’m just bummed that Neverland didn’t quite live up to my expectations.”

“Neverland is overrated,” I waved.

Thalia rolled her eyes before breaking into a smile and ruffling my curls. “C’mon. Let’s fix up some breakfast.”

"Yes please I'm famished."

Thalia jumped out of the bed and practically ran out of the door. Rolling my eyes at her silliness, I pulled on my jeans and headed out to meet her.

I found her maneuvering the kitchen with ease. Her brown hair danced in the light of the large balcony doors and she seemed to glow with happiness. Hard to believe that just last night she had been fighting Marco's verbal attacks. The memory brought a bitter taste to my mouth.

"How do you feel about an omelette?" Thalia asked, setting the coffee maker on the stove.

"That sounds lovely."

"Good because that's about all we got."

I leant against the doorway and watched her work, captivated by her actions.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I asked.

"Cut tomatoes?"

Thalia grabbed the cutting board and tomatoes, laying them out for me on the small kitchen table as there wasn't any counter space left in the tiny room.

"Knife?"

"Drawer on the left."

"Do you have any cheese to put in?"

"Oh yeah. Do you like spinach?"

"That's a silly question."

"Well so was the cheese one but I rolled with it."

"I would love spinach in my omelette," I chucked.

We finished making breakfast quickly, our stomachs growling impatiently as the smell filled the kitchen. Thalia suggested we sit out on the small patio and I agreed immediately.

"I want to enjoy my last moments in the Italian sun, soon I'll be back in rainy old London!"

"Stop pretending you aren't excited to be going back," I said, taking the last bit of my omelette and leaning back on the rickety chair.

"I am excited," she admitted. "It's been too long."

We fell into a short silence. Thalia finished the rest of her food as I looked out onto the small little courtyard down below. I knew she was excited, but now I also knew what she was giving up.

"I'm going to get a flat here when I'm old," Thalia said, following my gaze to the courtyard. "When London gets to gloomy I'll just come down here and bathe in sunlight to refresh myself."

"That sounds like a wonderful plan."

Thalia smiled back at me, her left eye squinting against the sunlight as she played with that ratty shirt of hers.

"Who's shirt is that?" I asked after a few minutes.

"Not yours."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," Thalia replied before taking a sip of her coffee. "I stole this one from Jasper when he stayed with us."

"How is Jasper?" I asked curiously. "I didn't see much of him at the villa."

Thalia broke into a small smile, her guarded smile. Jasper, Kenzie's biological brother, had been through hell at the hands of their father when we had dated and was evidently still recovering. He, like Kenz, had been furious with me and put all the blame on my shoulders for our breaking up.

"He's doing well," Thalia shrugged, clearly not wanting to go into detail. "I think he was staying with Niall and Kenzie for a bit there."

"Right," I nodded, taking a sip of my own espresso. "They're a proper couple now."

"How do you mean?" Thalia frowned.

"You said they're living together."

"So?"

"So I feel like people don't move in together unless they're serious."

"We moved in together," she pointed out.

"Yeah that's what I mean." I went for another sip of my drink but on seeing her expression paused. "Hang on a moment, did you not consider us serious when we moved in together?"

"Serious is a relative term," Thalia said, but when I opened my mouth she added, "It was serious in that it was the next step but I don't consider it a defining moment of our relationship."

"Huh." I nodded slowly, not knowing what to make of that.

"I can see why you would consider it a defining moment though," Thalia continued. "I mean, you suddenly had someone to come home to. But for me it never really felt like home when you were gone."

"I'm sorry." I turned to her with a frown.

"Don't be," she shrugged. "I should have told you."

"Well...you did," I reminded her. She had told me that the night we broke up, visions of her screaming the worlds appeared in my mind as if it were yesterday.

"I should have told you before," she argued, pursing her lips. "I need to learn to be more open with people."

"I understand why you're not."

"But that shouldn't make it okay." Thalia took another sip of her coffee before turning to look at me. After a moment she asked, "Why did you stay in Roma Harry?"

"Why do you think?"

Thalia shot me a look, causing me to chuckle. She wasn't going to say it, but that didn't mean she didn't want to hear it from me.

“I wonder if you’ll ever understand how much of me belongs to you," I mused before taking a final sip of my coffee. Thalia broke into a smile, looking lost for words. And, deciding I wasn't ready to hear her answer added,

"Well, it's your last day in Roma Thal, what would you like to do?"

Notes

Well, Thalia's going back home. Any predictions on what will happen once she's back in London?