"Bugger." I cursed running a hand through my hair that was beginning to need a trim as I rummaged through my very empty and very disorganized pantry. Ollie purred loudly as he rubbed against my bare feet. He was telling me he was hungry and I'd just opened the pantry to discover that I was all out of his dry food. It was Friday night there was a hungry cat nipping at my toes and I really didn't feel like running to a Tesco. I shrugged grabbing a box of Lucky Charms I was certain weren't stale and dumping the rest of the box's contents in Ollie's favorite green bowl. Sometimes when I ran out of food for Ollie I substituted with cereal. If a hardcore animal activist found out about this they'd probably rip my head off but I'd done it several times before. It's cheaper than cat food and Ollie loved the marshmallow bits. I know, I'm a horrible cat Mum.

I was in a pleasant mood tonight considering that tomorrow was Saturday and I had a much needed day off from work. The last few days at work had been rough. Most people (namely my mum) did not take my job seriously but in total honestly, retail is hell. People were stupid, rude and just about any other word you could think of and I had to deal with loads of them. The more I worked at Jess' shop the more I began to hate people and the more I began considering moving far away into the Swiss Alps without telling anyone.

I'd planned to spend a quite weekend to myself away from everyone I knew. I might just lock myself into my room all weekend or maybe I might actually do something for a change like bake something or go window shopping. The possibilities were endless.

One I saw that Ollie seemed content with his Lucky Charms, I trudged over to my small sofa and plopped down grabbing my laptop that was on the coffee table. Time to find another Netflix series I can binge watch while I think about what take away would tickle my fancy. After sometime of skimming over my show choices (that were very limited since I'd already watched a vast majority of them) I decided that I'd die for Indian food tonight. Curry was a weakness of mine. I was such a regular customer at the small restaurant a few blocks away from my flat that I had their number programed in my phone. As I grabbed my mobile from in between the couch cushions I noticed a few missed text messages all from Penny. Oh boy, this better be good.

Hey Pres! Whatcha doing tonight?

I groaned. Don't tell me she's got some wedding plans to share with me. If so, the hell starts now. It took me a few minuets but I eventually replied.

Nothing. Why?

Within a little less than a minuet Penny replied.

Liam and I thought it would be fun if you lot came over tonight. We're having game night. It's going to be pretty wicked!

Confusion kept me from rolling my eyes. Who's the you all ? Last time I checked I was a party of one. I walk alone.

Who's you lot?

Once again Penny wasted no time in replying. I was honestly beginning to worry about her. She obviously must stare at her phone all day.

You and Harry, silly! Did you guys break up or something?

Shit! I forgot all about Harry. I hadn't even talked to him since our night at the pub. That was a stupid slip up. I have to get used to the fact that Harry's apart of my life for the time being. Otherwise this whole scheme will blow up in my face.

No. You failed to specify. What time?

I nervously chewed my lip hoping Penny didn't catch me in my lie.

How's 8:30 sound, yeah?

I looked at the clock. It was 7:15. I had a little over an hour to locate Harry and make myself presentable. Damn you Penny.

I'll see what we can do.

I practically flew off the couch in a panic. Why does Penny always come up with these spontaneous plans and why does Harry have to come along? Why can't she and Liam just have their stupid game night by themselves? I quickly scrolled through my contacts and found Harry's name. Any other time I would have texted him but not tonight. I didn't have time to wait on him to reply. I needed to get a hold of him right this minuet. I tucked my lip between my teeth and tried to stay as calm as possible while listening to that bloody awful dial tone. I'd never hated it this much until now.

"Hello?" I could have jumped in excitement after hearing that familiar drawl. His voice sounded a little raspier than usual. He almost sounded out of breath. "Where are you?" I blurted over the receiver. There was a slight static on the other line. "Lovely to hear from you too, Presley. I'm takin a jog. Why?" Harry retorted. I sighed. "My sister is having game night at her and Liam's flat. She invited us and I don't think she'll take no for an answer." I replied as I headed to my bedroom in search of something to wear. Great. Harry went for a jog. That just eats up more time.

"You wanna meet me somewhere?" He questioned before clearing his throat. I sighed. "No. I'll text you my address and you can pick me up. Just be here before 8:15." I instructed. "Alright, love. See ya." Harry replied slowly. "Yeah bye."With one click the conversation was over and I resumed my task of getting dressed. I'm such a massive mess.

At 8:15 on the dot there was a loud knock on my door. Oh God. Harry's one of those punctual people. It was a good thing I was actually dressed and ready to go. If Harry didn't have to pick me up would have stuck to my fashionably late rule.

I sauntered over to the door not bothering to look in the peephole before opening the door. Just as I expected there stood Harry with his worn lucky boots. To my surprise he'd ditched the flamboyant patterns for a black tee and jeans. The same black hat from the first night we'd gotten together over drinks sat on top of his wild curls. I don't know why Harry didn't dress like this on a regular basis. A simplistic sense of style boosted his attractive factor about ten percent.

"Hi." I greeted dryly tossing my handbag over my shoulder. A slow smile crept over Harry's face as his green eyes scanned the length of me. I didn't know how to feel under his gaze.
"Hi. That's a lovely color on you. You should wear it more often." He declared gesturing to my maroon colored playsuit. "Uh, thanks. Black's a nice color on you." I complemented awkwardly. Harry grinned a, dimple denting his left cheek. "Black's your favorite color. I remembered." He replied proudly. He wore black because it was my favorite color? Strange but I guess that's what fake boyfriends do.

Even though Harry and I had gotten to know each other more over drinks at the pub there was still that awkward silence between us as I gathered my keys and locked up my flat. I guess we were a little better after that night but we still had a long way to go.

"So, ready to crush Penny and Liam tonight? I'm quite competitive when it comes to games." Harry announced as we approached the lift. I smiled for the first time tonight since being forced into Penny, Liam and Harry's company. "You're competitive, Styles?" I questioned raising an eyebrow whilst pressing the elevator's down button. He shrugged. "I can get kinda nasty sometimes." The words causally slipped out of his mouth and I couldn't help but laugh. "I don't believe you. I reckon there's not a mean bone in your body." Harry smirked. "You'll see." He replied. The elevator chimed and I grinned.

Tonight might actually be fun after all.
*****

It was 8:39 by the time Harry and I arrived at Penny and Liam's flat. London traffic along with Harry being very adamant about slowing down on yellow contributed to our tardiness. Penny didn't seem to mind though, she seemed extra excited to see us when she appeared at her front door in a purple dress that almost looked fit for a cocktail party instead of an indoor game night.

"It's so great to see you again, Harry!" Penny announced happily as she led Harry and I into the lounge of her flat. It had been a while since Penny and Liam had invited me over, so long that I hardly remembered what the place looked like. The walls were a nice cream color and the living room had a lot of earthy tones. All the furniture was modern. I could imagine Penny and Liam being one of those couples who changed their throw pillows ever so often and rearranged the furniture every month. Mr.&Mrs. Von Sway.

"Likewise. Lovely place you have here." Harry replied politely making himself comfortable on the sofa. I sat next to him snuggling up to his torso. He smiled whilst draping a long arm around his shoulders. The magic starts here. We were sitting dangerously close to one another our thighs were touching and I could smell Harry's after shave and for the first time since knowing him I realized he was in great shape. His abs felt like a rock next to my frail body. Penny smiled at us and she took a seat in one of the chairs facing the sofa.

"Thank you. You two are so cute! Liam should be out of the kitchen with the food. He made most of it himself. If you like it don't tell him it's good, please." Penny begged. Almost as if on cue Liam emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray of various foods with a huge, goofy grin on his face. "You made it! Great you see you again, mate." He greeted Harry placing a large bowl of what looked like guacamole on the coffee table in front of us. "Same here." Harry replied with a smile. I cleared my throat very loudly and very dramatically.

"Aren't you forgetting someone, Leeyum?" I asked coyly. He smirked. "I can't lie and say I'm happy to see you, Presley. I reckon I like your boyfriend more." Liam replied. I gasped "You meet him one time and love him and you've know me for how long? After all I've done for you and this is how you repay me? I'm the reason you have a future wife." I replied pretending to be offended. Liam chuckled sitting in the chair adjacent to Penny. "Just kidding, you know I love ya. Especially for leading me to my future wife." He replied sweetly. I smiled. I was so thankful that there was no bad blood between Liam and I. It was almost as if we'd never dated.

"So, what games have you guys got for us tonight?" Harry questioned helping himself to a handful of the fruit on the table. I rolled my eyes. "You have to excuse him. he's a wee bit competitive when it comes to this type of stuff. Still trying to redeem himself from all those primary school losses." I spoke gently patting Harry's knee. Penny grinned. "Li and I love a good competition. We were going to play Scrabble but since Harry wants competition we can play charades!" She exclaimed. I cringed. I always hated charades. In addition to that I was a total hermit. I never played games in group settings.

"Ooo, keen idea. I'll go get the board." Liam announced hoping from his seat. He came back in what literally felt like seconds with a large easel with a large notebook of paper. Harry smirked at me before popping a piece of cantaloupe in his mouth. "They're so not ready for this, babe." He mumbled. Yeah? Neither am I.

"Okay let's split into two teams. We should come up with team names!" Penny suggested giddily. Liam's brown eyes lit up. "We should call ourselves the Payne Train!" Liam suggested. Penny gasped. "It's genius. I love it, honey!" I gazed over at Harry who sent me a wide smirk. His green eyes seemed to dance with amusement making it obvious he was thinking the same thing I was thinking. We both burst into laughter.

"What's so funny?" Penny asked. I chortled. "Your team name. It sounds so overtly sexual. Is that your nickname for Liam's willy?" I questioned tears forming in the corner of my eyes. I nudged Harry who was laughing harder this time. Penny and Liam turned a shade of red I didn't know existed. Penny rolled her eyes. "Whatever. What would you call yourselves then?" She questioned folding her arms across her chest. "Our team name is We're The Bestest cuz we're gonna run your little Payne Train off the tracks." Harry, who'd recovered from his laughing fit replied darkly. I liked his attitude even though I knew I would screw it up.

Liam scoffed. "Talk is cheap, mate. Let's get on with it."

Let's just say I would have rather preferred it if Harry hadn't talked so much dirt. Charades was a lost hope. Liam and Penny were practically murdering Harry and I at the game. Neither one of our drawing skills were that good but I was horrid about guessing Harry's hints. He'd made a bloody idiot of himself as he furstratedly stomped around practically begging me through body language to guess correctly. Liam and Penny seemed to know guess each other's hints correctly every time. There were more mentally in sync than Penny and I were and we were twins. It was creepy actually.

"No fooking way!" Harry exclaimed while Penny and Liam did this weird victory dance in celebration of scoring another point. Even though Harry and I were losing miserably, I was having a great time. His competitive side was quite entertaining.

"Alright, We're The Bestest (yeah right) you have one last shot to score one point. Either way, Payne Train still wins!" Liam declared in his best impersonation of a TV show host. I rolled my eyes. "You can hang that up, mate. We forfit." I replied. Harry's green eyes grew wide. "What?!? We're not going down with out a fight, Presley." He replied firmly. Gosh. It's not even that serious.

"Whatever Harry. It's your turn to draw, let's get on with it." I replied dryly. Harry hopped up from the couch, cracking his knuckles before approaching the board. He snatched the marker from Liam's hand and held up fingers. "That's easy, two words." I replied. He nodded his head vigrously before moving his wrist in a sort of twisting motion. I'd seen Penny and Liam do this before when it was there turn. I trapped my lip between my teeth. "Movie?" I questioned. Harry grinned and I assumed I was correct.

He then drew what appeared to be a slope or something, perhaps a hill? The next thing Harry drew was a stick figure who appeared to be sleeping. "Ugh, this is so easy!" Penny scoffed. I narrowed my eyes at her. "This is my guess, thank you!" I retorted. I knew she was only trying to distract me. Hill. Sleep.

"Sleepy village? Oh, I know! Sleepy Hollow!" I guessed. Harry furrowed his brows and shook his head while Liam chuckled. He then furiously drew a heart and two stick figures. It has to be a romantic movie then. About hills and sleep? I suck at this. This is exactly why Harry and I have like zero points.

"You have five minuets left, Presley." Liam taunted. "Leave me alone, Li" I retorted. I bet he was distracting me on purpose.The living room was silent and it was almost as if everyone was watching me. Penny and Liam were just waiting on me to loose and Harry was nearly begging me to get it right. So much pressure. Okay, I can do this. Think hard. A romantic movie about sleep and hills. I know I've seen this before. I think I was forced to watch it with Penny. Julia Roberts was in it I think. I can take a stab at this.

"Is it Notting Hill?" I asked. Harry grinned widely displaying his dimples. "YES! FINALLY! YES!" He shouted literally snatching his hat off his head and throwing it on the ground. "Yes!! We got a poooint!" I shouted hopping up from my seat. Even though I didn't care about wining, Harry and I had been the underdogs all night while Penny and Liam rubbed it in our face. I was pretty damn excited about that one point. Harry came over and without any warning picked me up. Bridal style. I was startled but too surprised and excited to react.

"You did such a good job!" Harry exclaimed whilst spinning me around. I giggled and wrapped my arms around his neck to keep myself from falling out of his strong arms. "That was too easy!" Penny protested. "It doesn't matter. She got it right, didn't she?" He challenged. I shot Penny a victorious smirk. "My boyfriend and I are amazing. You've gotta give us or credit for that." I declared. "Well, either way Payne Train still wins! We're unstoppable!" Liam exclaimed. I rolled my eyes. "Help me with the dishes, love?" Penny asked Liam once the excitement died down. Of course Liam didn't even hesitate to agree. I swear that woman's working some kind of black magic on him.

Penny and Liam had long gone in the kitchen and Harry was still standing there holding me in his arms. For as long as we'd been standing it that position I was afraid his knees would give out and we'd both topple to the floor. I'm not the lightest girl in the world.

"Y-you can put me down now, Harry." I declared shyly. Harry's handsome face flushed red. "Oh, right. Sorry." He gently placed me back on the ground and I straightened my outfit before looking up to meet Harry's cheeky grin. "You and me; we make a great team. Don't cha think?" He questioned. A slow smile spread over my face.
"Yeah. I reckon so."

Notes

Hey guys! Here's another chapter. My goal is the catch you guys up with the chapters I've already posted on 1DFF.com. We're a little behind but we'll get there.

So, are Harry and Presely cute or what? But is there really any real chemistry between these two? I know I keep asking that but I always love to hear your thoughts! Again, I will extend the invitation to check out the fic's tumblr blog at this link:Let's Pretend It's Love

Thanks so much for reading everyone! Feel free to leave a review!!