Harry’s POV

I cooled down as soon as Ally joined me outside. I never imagined our relationship would be taken this hardly in the public eye. All I wanted to do now was runaway somewhere no one could find us and just be happy. We could hold hands, I could steal kisses without any criticism. I almost felt like I was running away when I brought Ally with me to London. I figured being together would be better than being apart. All it was doing was causing more distress.

Eleanor offered to take Ally shopping around the city, meaning I was alone with the boys. I hadn’t faced them since I blew up last night. I suggested we sleep outside, so I could clear my head in peace. Even now, I was avoiding the inevitable. I don’t explode like that very often, but I worry about what they think of me each time I do.

With a long sigh, I ventured into the sitting room where Zayn and Niall were sat on the couch. They had the controllers in hand and looks of deep concentration on their faces. FIFA shone brightly from the T.V in front of them.

"Any one playing Manchester?" I asked quietly while sitting on the carpet. I brought my long legs close to my chest, focusing on the denim fabric on my knees like it was the most interesting thing in the world. The clicking noises filling the room assured me they hadn’t lost attention from their game at my entrance. That was the last thing I wanted; to have the attention on me, to be judged.

"I am," Zayn piped in. Niall's player was flying down the field. Zayn was caught off guard and struggling to catch up.

"Ah, ah, ah, ah, GOOOOOAL! Yeah buddy!" Niall shouted.

"Where are Liam and Louis?" I asked seeing as a conversation would be nearly impossible with them. This was the confusing part. I don’t want attention right now, but I don’t want to be alone. God, I hate being alone.

"Up in Louis' room," Zayn answered. I heaved myself off the ground and padded upstairs. Soft music was escaping from Lou's bedroom. After hearing a few of the lyrics I could tell it was The Fray. I made my way to the door where he and Liam were huddled around his laptop.

"What are you doing?" I questioned. They were about as concentrated on the computer as Zayn and Niall were on the T.V.

"We're buying birthday gifts for Ally," Liam answered. Ally's birthday. Two weeks. I still hadn’t gotten her gift, but I knew I wanted to get her something incredibly special; something that means a lot.

"What have you found so far?" I wondered, inching my way farter into the messy bedroom. I brush a few pieces of dirty clothes with my feet as I walked.

"Well, in our little teeny shopping cart we've got a personalized jacket, a bracelet set, and some unmentionables so you can't look!" Louis explained. His cheeky grin appeared over the screen.

"There is nothing inappropriate on here," Liam assured me, "Just a few ideas, but you can't know what we're getting. It has to be full surprise for everyone."

"Fine, fine. I'm going to take a walk then," I told them.

"Don't get into any trouble!" Louis called as I glided down to my room. Shutting the door, I glanced around. I spotted my suitcase at the foot of my bed. That reminded me I needed to pack. I needed to pack for a week home with Ally. Holmes Chapel. Everything was going to be perfect. I could take her on a bike ride, have her meet Will and Jonathan, spend quiet nights in the bungalow the way things should always be.

I sat myself down on the edge of my bed, pulling out my mobile in the process. The picture of Ally and I from Hyde Park illuminated my screen. I smiled at the memory of her taking it to send to my mum. She set it as my lock screen and screensaver. I quickly typed my pin in and tapped to my messages.

Me: how is shopping? - H xx

I smiled to myself as Ally’s contact picture popped onto the screen moments later, signaling a new message.

Ally Xx: I got you a few things how are things at the house? Have you come inside yet?;)

Me: I have. I think I’m going to have a walk..

Ally Xx: Have fun! We can have ice cream for dinner when I get home…I think I’ve finally hunted down a Ben & Jerry’s in this country!!

Home. My lips curved into an obvious smile. One word from her can instantly brighten my day. She already considers this place her home; London her home. I smiled at her message across my screen, sending back a quick ‘love you’, before a knock sounded at my door.

"Harry, mate, can I come in?" Louis' voice said through the door.

"It's open," I called to him. Louis slowly walked in. He strode to sit next to me, ruffling my curls in the process.

"Is everything okay? You seem in a trance," he asked in concern.

“I’m feeling better.” I answered, wringing my hands. I didn’t dare to look up, but I could feel Louis’ heavy gaze on me. I knew he only wanted to get inside my head, but I didn’t want that. I could always talk to Louis about anything. Usually I do. Today, however, I needed someone to take my thoughts away from me, not let me dwell on them.

“Mate, I know all of the hate on your relationship is a bit overbearing right now, especially considering this seems more…real than anything I’ve ever seen with you, but you can’t let it get to you. I’ve seen you get eaten away by hate before. It’s awful, Harry, to watch you self-destruct. I don’t want you to fall apart because of this. I know she is the only thing that can hold you together. You can’t let the fans take her away from you.”

“What do I do Louis?” I asked looking up. Louis was rapidly rushing his fingers through my fringe. Part of me realized he wasn’t expecting me to speak, for when he heard my voice, his eyes snapped up.

“I can’t tell you how to go about your relationship, but just always keep in mind that no matter what the press or the fans say, you know the truth and so does Ally.” I nodded at his words, keeping my head hung low. “Do you want to go out for a bit? Get your mind off this?”

“No thanks. I think I’m going to go for a quick run though.” I mumbled, running my fingers through the front of my hair. Louis nodded as he lifted himself off the corner of my bed and headed for the door. “Louis.” I called causing him to turn to me. With a sincere smile I said, “Thank you…for helping me clear my head…and listening.”

“Anytime Curly. Who else is going to keep you in line?” Louis teased before exiting. With a sigh, I heaved myself up and stripped down to my boxers. I slipped on a pair of white basketball shorts and a gray t-shirt, laced up my black trainers, and slid my mobile into my shorts pocket. As I crept out of my room I figured everyone was in there rooms. The whole house was eerily quiet. I tiptoed down the steps, not wanting to be noticed for some reason. I don’t know why I was creeping around to be honest. The boys wouldn’t care if I went out for a run. Still, I was trying to avoid making any noise at all costs.

I was able to reach the door, turning the knob just as carefully as I walked. The air was surprisingly warm today. A slight breeze splashed against my face, breaking me away from the heat. My feet started moving along the pavement. I was just going. I had no idea where, but I needed to run. I propelled myself further with every step, the breeze turning into a harsh wind pushing against me. I turned down street after street, passing cottage after cottage. I didn’t have to worry about being seen by fans. I was far enough away from the front gates to be seen. Part of me wanted to start running on the other side of the gate, outside of our little closed in community to escape being confined, but I was aware of the consequences.

I just ran and ran. I’m not sure how far I went, but my legs were throbbing in pain by the time I neared the corner back to our cottage. I still kept pushing. I liked the pain. It only wanted to make me run even longer, but a beautiful curly haired girl was waiting for me on the front steps. As I walked closer to her, or at least I think that’s what I was doing…I couldn’t really feel my legs….anyways, as I walked closer Ally’s face lit up with a bright smile. For a moment I forgot why I even went out running in the first place.

“Hello sweaty boy!” She cheered while I slugged up the pathway. When I reached the deck, I plopped down across from her and leaned up against the pillar. I pushed my damp hair away from my face to get it out of my eyes before letting out a tired sigh. “How was your run?”

“Exhausting,” I breathed, resting my head back, “but definitely needed. I haven’t gone on a run that intense since tour ended.”

“Were you trying to get something off your mind?” Ally asked softly. I opened my eyes and peered over to where she was. She was intently focused on me, sitting cross legged with her hands neatly folded in her lap. Her eyes, those damn blue eyes, held so much care and concern. She wanted to listen, she wanted me to open up, but looking at her confirmed all of my thoughts.

“I had a lot on my mind earlier. Now I think I’m alright.” I told her with a reassuring smile. Ally’s features lit up with me. She scooted over to me, placing her knees at the base of my feet. I wanted to reach out and pull her in to me, but she was right, I was sweaty.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Ally said, dancing her fingertips along the tops of my trainers. Then she reached behind her to grab a filled plastic bag. After digging through the bag she retrieved two spoons and a tub of cookie dough ice cream. A devilish smile spread on her lips. “And now for dinner!” I snatched a spoon as she lifted the lid on the container, digging in immediately.

“You’re spoiling me!” I teased, savoring the chunks of cookie dough I picked up on my spoon.

“Am I? Shall we remember where we are.” She reciprocated, poking my leg with the tip of her shoe. With a light laugh, I extended my arm forward to pull her in to me, but she fought against. “No, no, no!” Ally said with a laugh as she popped a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. “Not while you’re all sweaty. You can hug me after you shower!” Quickly, I shoved my spoon into the carton and lifted from the ground. Ally looked up at me with a confused expression playing on her face.

“Keep dinner cold for me!” I told her while reaching for the door, “I have to go take a shower!”

Notes

Ah! I'm back! Sorry for taking so long with this update! I already broke the schedule I tried to make! Hope you like this update anyways! Keep subscribing and voting please! I really appreciate it!
So excited WWA started! I'm so proud of the boys! Comment below if you are going! Let me know where!
Byeeeee! :)
-Carlie Xxx.