Fitting Together Again

“What about you Thal?”

“Hmm?” I hummed, loosing all train of thought.

“Where do you want to go?”

“In Italy?”

“Yes Thal, in Italy.”

“I want to go…to Florence.”

“What da hell would ya want te go there fer?”

My eyes snapped open and shot Niall the best glare I could muster. “I dunno Ni, why would I want to go to the birthplace of the Renaissance and see the works of da Vinci or Botticelli? Why on earth would I wish to see the actual works and burial place of Michelangelo?”

“Oh dear here we go again,” Louis sigh dramatically, the hint of a smirk playing on his lips. “Another history lesson brought to you by Thalia Balcos. Can’t you just sit back and enjoy the history Thal instead of shoving it down our throats?”

"You can't truly appreciate it unless you know why it's here Lou." I countered.

"I was doing a pretty good job of it until you decided to play professor."

“Do you two always bicker like this?” Marco mused before taking another sip of his wine.

“Pretty much,” Liam replied dully. I stuck my tongue out at Louis who winked back playfully. It wasn't bickering...it was friendly banter.

"Hold on. Who's Bochimelli?" Frowned Niall.

"Painter," the four of us replied in unison.

"And it's Botticelli, Ni," I added before taking a sip of my own wine. Niall nodded to himself and then went quickly back to his phone.

We were sitting on the blanket Harry and Nicola had set up, lazily sipping wine and enjoying the way the sun slowly sank into the water. I was leaning against Marco’s chest, using his as my very own lawn chair, while the boys lounged around us. We were waiting for Nicola and Harry to join us from where ever they had run off to.

Harry and Nicola had become inseparable after cliff jumping. They had taken to ditching the guys, Marco and I to go off on some romantic endeavor every few hours. Whatever it was they were doing it severely upset the remaining members of One Direction. Louis and Niall complained of their constant snogging while Liam and I just exchanged sad looks. Thankfully, I had only witnessed the cuddling, a few pecks, and bedroom eyes between Harry and Nicola. I think I may have actually thrown up if I had seen them snogging.

It seemed we had come to some sort of silent agreement that Harry and I would stay out of each others way. I wasn't complaining seeing as it had worked so far, though I could tell the others were getting fed up with it.

More than once since this trip started Marco has asked me to talk it out with Harry. He seemed to think the only way we could both move on with our lives was to have a good therapy session. Louis, Niall and Liam had agreed when I told them of this as Marco and Harry had been setting up the picnic. However I believe they were hoping for a slightly different outcome than Marco. It was no secret that Niall and Liam wanted Harry and I back together, Louis simply wished to see him happy.

I disregarded both of these theories and continued my plan of avoid and evade. I hadn’t really spoken to Harry since the car ride nearly 10 hours ago and I didn’t plan on breaking that streak. And though I realized this was one huge mess that was just waiting to unravel, I was already in so deep, there was no point in making a scene of it now.

“Amore?” I was pulled from my thoughts once again as Marco rubbed my leg gently. “What do you think?”

“About what?" I asked slowly, realizing that I had missed an entire conversation.

Marco let out a chuckle. "About heading into town for a drink?"

"Sure," I shrugged.

"Yes!" Louis and Niall fist pumped.

"What are you two so excited about?" All five of us looked up to see Harry an Nicola strolling towards us. I tried not to notice his ruffles hair and crinkled shirt.

"Ah Jesus finally!" Cried Niall. "Where da hell have you two been?"

What with Harry's appearance and the fact that Nicola's coverup was on inside out it was fairly obvious where they had been. I snorted and began packing up the picnic.

"We wanted to head down to the town for a drink," Marco smiled politely as he began to gently rub my back. His touch instantly calmed me.

"Let's do it!" Smiled Harry.

I couldn't help but notice Nicola's glares as she began helping me pack up the picnic dinner. Had Harry said something to her? I had known we wouldn't get along swimmingly seeing as she's now involved with my ex. However I hadn't expected the pure hatred that seemed to be emanating from her.

We packed up the picnic and headed back to the cars. It was silent until Louis finally spoke. "You know it was about time you two showed up, we were wondering if we were going to have to send out a search party."

I turned around to see Louis eyeing Harry and Nicola suspiciously. Harry shot him a look but Louis continued, "are you two even going to want drinks or are you both to full of-OW!"

Liam had just whacked Louis upside the head in an attempt to save everyone from his nasty comments. I tried to rid the sudden image of Harry and Nicola from my head however this was made difficult when Harry and Nicola climbed into the car after Marco and I. I had taken the front seat and immediately turned to face the window as to avoid having to look at them.

"Have you heard from your sisters at all?" Marco asked, distracting me from having to listen to the couple behind us.

I turned to him and frowned. "No. I don't get service out here."

"At all?" Marco laughed as he pulled onto the road.

"Nope, so don't loose me tonight."

"Are you planning on running away?" Marco mused, taking my hand in his and gently messaging my fingers.

"She likes the chase," answered a slow, deep voice. I turned around to see Harry staring at me, a playful glint in his eye.

"Or I feel the need to escape," I replied evenly and, ignoring the noise Harry made in reply, turned back to Marco. "I've never been to this town before...does it have any secrets?"

"Plenty mi amore,” smiled Marco, pulling my attention back to him. “It’s a medieval town full of winding tunnels buried under the city-”

“Oh my gosh really? Can we-“

“Which we’re not going to explore.” Marco gave me a stern look.

I pouted before turning my gaze out the window for the rest of the ride. The landscape seemed ablaze in the setting sun and the rolling hills put my mind in a meditative state. I pressed my nose to the glass and my little foster brother Archie's voice popped into my head.

"Look at that Thal!" I could almost imagine him staring out in the window at amazement, his face presses up against the glass like mine. "The sun looks like a dragon who spewed fire all over the land. Rawr, RAWR! Pew chawwwe!"

I giggled to myself imaging him doing explosive hand movements in imitation of the dragon and nearly toppling of the seat in the process.

And suddenly, I felt very lonely. I hadn't realized just how much I missed my family until Marco mentioned them. A few of them had just visited me in Rome a few weeks ago, however that had felt like a tease and only seemed to make my longing for them worse.

I hadn't even noticed we arrived in the town and followed Marco blindly through the streets for thoughts of my family seemed to cloud my vision.

I hadn't heard from them since they left more than a week ago. How old was Archie now? Eight. But his birthday is less than three weeks away meaning he'll be nine years old soon. Would there be new kids in the house when I came back?

I put my head in my hands as I reveled at this realization. I felt as though I had been kicked hard in the gut. I've been so busy with my adventures over here I've forgotten that my family is growing up without me back home.

"Here Thalia-"

"How come you wanted to know if I had heard from my sisters?" I asked so suddenly I even startled myself.

"Uh," Marco froze in place, halfway into the bar. "I was just curious. It's been a while since I've heard you talk about them is all."

"Oh." It had been a while since I even thought about them all. Italy was making me forgetful. Marco squeezes my hand tighter before leading into the bar.

"Here come on! This is the best place in town for drinks!" Marco called over the noise.

"I can tell!" I tightened my grip on his hand as he led us through the crowd and to booth in the back. Having been made to seat only four, the seven of were seated quite closely. Nicola was sitting atop Harry's lap while I had my legs draped over Marco's. Liam managed to find a spare chair and took a seat at the end of the table. Marco ran to get drinks as the rest of us fell into light conversation.

Once Marco returned we resumed our previous position and began drinking. However Marco was not fooled by my smiles. He leaned over and with an intense gaze asked, "Thalia, what is wrong?"

"I just realized how much I missed my family," I replied with a shrug. I took a sip of my drink as to hide how sad I really was.

"Are they still coming to visit?" Asked Marco, in attempt to cheer me up.

Harry choked on his own drink. "Y-your family's c-coming?"

"Are they?" I asked, ignoring Harry and looking up at Marco in anticipation.

"I invited them didn't I?" He laughed. "Your sister who played the piano better be coming or my father will be heartbroken."

"Tilly!" One Direction and I cried out together.

"We'll get a hold of them tomorrow and make plans." Marco rubbed my back gently as my spirits lifted significantly.

"Wonderful!" I smiled now paying much more attention to the decorations which surrounded us. The bar was an old dimly lit space with a lot of character. Old wooden walls surrounded us and made for a cosy atmosphere. I snuggled up to Marco now that I was in a better mood.

"How are you enjoying the town?" Marco asked me as Niall and Louis ran to get more drinks.

"It's so quaint! We'll have to take a day trip sometime."

"Along with Florence?"

"Yep."

"Your list keeps getting longer."

"Oh and don't forget," I smiled up at him. "I want to go to Villa Este as well."

"And Milano to buy you new clothes."

I frowned at Marco. "What's wrong with my clothes?"

"They're second hand," Nicola cut in. "Do you ever wear anything new or can you not affor-?"
"Nicola!"

"Marco, it's fine," I interjected. Then I turned to Nicola, who was looking at me as if I were something nasty on the bottom of her shoe. "I prefer spending money on memories rather than merchandise."

Nicola opened her mouth to retaliate but quickly backed off after seeing her brothers expression. Liam and Harry exchanged awkward looks while I attempted to keep my cool.

"Alright! Drinks for everyone!" Cried Louis, setting a pitcher down on the table with a thud.

I locked eyes with Harry. His bright green ones seemed to be duller than normal and he quickly turned away. He broke into one of his fake smiles, not even his dimples showed.

"Let's call a toast then!" His eyes landed on mine once more before quickly turning to Nicola. "To our adventures in Italy!"

"Are we going to have adventures tonight?" I asked, turning to Marco slyly. "In the tunnels?"

"Is that supposed to be a euphemism or something?" Louis asked with a frown.

Marco snorted in his drink.

"Definitely not." Harry was looking at Louis hard. "Thal wants to go exploring in the medieval caves underneath the town."

I cringed when Harry used my nickname, though thankfully it went unnoticed. We all took another shot which had just appeared by the festive waiters walking around.

"Let's do it," said Louis, setting down his drink.

"Do what?" Liam frowned.

"Go explore the caves you idiot!"

"Are ya out o' yer mind!" Cried Niall, setting down his nearly finished glass of beer. "We could get lost!"

"That's part of the adventure isn't it?" I smiled, exchanging glances with One Direction. I took another sip of my drink attempting to be nonchalant before looking over at Marco with a raised eyebrow.

"No. Absolutely not. Thalia! It's danger-don't you dare give me that look!" Cried Marco as I put on my best puppy face.

"Why not?" I asked innocently.

"Because we will get lost and die. Can't we just have fun at the bar?"

"Hffph." I set my head in my hands and rolled my eyes playfully before finishing off my drink.
Marco patted my head lightly before getting up. "How's about I buy another round of drinks for you moping dogs?"

"Dogs?" Frowned Liam. I frowned in response to Liam, he'd better be careful before he had permanent lines on that forehead of his.

Niall caught me and misinterpreted my expression. "Oh cheer up Thal. There's plenty else te explore some other time."

“Oh alright,” I sighed before breaking into a smile, “I guess I can try and have a little fun..."

“Yeah you’re boring us all to death." Nicola replied dully. Apparently now that Marco had gone she felt safe to express her true feelings.

“Oh I’m sorry," I answered, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. What was her problem? “I didn’t realize I was hear for your amusement."

Nicola snorted, "don't be such an American."

"I'm not American," I hissed, my temper rising. "I'm British."

"Oh right. How could I forget? You're the British orphan!"

"OKAY! Let's go over here!" Liam cried, grabbing my arm and attempting to pull me out of the booth before-

"Orphan! Is that supposed to be some sort of insult against my family?" I cried furiously. My hands were shaking I was so upset.

"Thalia it's not-"

"I'm surprised they could afford to send you over here," sneered Nicola. "Or are they hoping that looking at our art will somehow make you a good enough painter to earn some money?"
"Oi!"

"There's not need for that!"

I stared at Nicola incredulously, contemplating whether I should hit her or not. Who did this woman think she was? Nicola only glared back through her large fake eyelashes.

"Hold on now!" Cried Louis, stepping between us. "First of all, she is not an orphan. Her mother and aunt take in kids who have no where else to go. Secondly, Thalia was an amazing artist even before she came to look at your 'great art'. Thirdly, you should be a little nicer to your brothers girlfriend? Or do they not teach you manners over here?"

"I don't respect whores," Nicola snarled. "The only reason she is here is to take advantage of my brother and his money."

"Ha! You should talk!" I turned to look at Harry who was staring at the pair of us with wide eyes. "What's wrong Harry? Aren't you going to control your pet?"

"Pet!" Nicola screamed. She made a move to hit me but Harry quickly grabbed her hand and held her back as Liam and Niall pulled me out of the booth.

"Real great girl you got there Curly," I spat. Harry was still staring between the pair of us, looking throughly confused.

"Come on Thal, she's not worth it." Niall took my hands and, with the help of Louis and Liam, led me away from evil couple.

They pulled me across the bar and came to a stop at the back entrance. All looked slightly worried as I continued to shoot glares across the bar.

"Don't listen to her Thal...she's insane."

"Mental."

"She's not even that fun, dunno why he keeps hanging around her."

"Well I hate her," I snapped, shrugging the boys arms off of me once they had me at a safe distance.

"Join the club," mumbled Louis, grabbing four shots off of a nearby tray and handing them out. We threw them back before returning to our conversation, each of us feeling more than a little buzzed.

"Then why do you want them to be together?" I asked Louis, leaning against the cool stone wall.

"I thought she would help him get over you. I'm so sick of him moping around all depressed and-"

Louis froze and turned to look at me with wide eyes. I felt my cheeks grow hot as Niall and Liam both punched his arm.

"Way to go!"

"I didn't mean...oh fuck it! You should know! You should know how depressing it is seeing him like that Thal!"

"Is that supposed to make me feel sorry for him?" I frowned. "After what he did he deserves it."
"What ever happened between you two Thalia?" Liam asked, attempting to be nonchalant and failing miserably.

"He...he hasn't told you?" I stammered. The boys shook their heads. I felt my mouth go dry as I looked up at their sad, confused faces. "He...he...no. You know what, you lot can ask him yourselves. It's time he owned up to it the little prick."

"Thal-"

"I'm going to the bathroom." And with that I squeezed past them and slipped down a fairly empty hallway. My head was buzzing with memories of Harry. I stole a shot off of a passing table and made my way deeper into the club.

Everything was spinning now and I leaned against a wall in attempt to steady myself. I wanted it all to stop. This vacation was turning out to be nothing short of a nightmare. I pinched my arm but could still feel the thumping base reverberating in my chest. I needed to wake up, to get out of here and away from-

"Thalia?"

I froze. It was dark. Why was it dark?

"Thalia what the fuck? Are you okay?"

I felt hands pull my wrists from my face and I blinked as light hit my eyes. A mop of long curly hair and dimples came into focus.

"Thalia." Harry said again, this time more adamantly. "Are you alright?"

Notes

Erm...hi.

So I know it's been a while since I've written - I've had a lot going on and haven't had the time or really the motivation to write. I am INCREDIBLY sorry that I have been MIA for this long I know a lot of you have been waiting for a new chapter for ages.

But I want to thank all of you who stuck with me and kept on my case (and are hopefully still there) cause you're what made me want to start writing again. SO for your reward I'm giving you two new chapters!

Enjoy!