Falling for Harry Styles

I arrived at the restaurant and was shown to the table where Harry was waiting for me. “Haz!” I cried excitedly, as he stood up to hug me.
“Natalie, you look amazing,” he said as held out my chair for me.
“Thanks. I’ve missed you. How have you been?”
“I’ve been good; the lads and I have been working on some new stuff and they’ve missed seeing you around too,” he said with an assured not.
“Really?” I asked in disbelief.
“Yeah; we found Liam roaming the studio the other day mumbling your name,” he grinned cheekily.
“Are you serious?” I gave him an incredulous look.
“No, I’m only kidding, but they have been asking when they are going to see you again…” it was a statement but he trailed off as if he were asking.
“Soon,” I hoped.
“I hope so…. Are you drinking with me tonight or does that guy-” he said sourly- “not allow you to?” he cocked an eyebrow at me.
“Oh, please, he doesn’t control me,” I rolled my eyes.
He chuckled, “And where exactly does he think you are tonight?” His tone was sarcastic; I rolled my eyes and shot him an annoyed look. “So what sounds good then wine, beer, Champagne?”
“Champagne sounds lovely.”
He nodded and called the waiter over ordering some fancy bottle as well as our food. I tried to sip slowly after the champagne was at our table as we caught up. However by the time our food arrived I was pouring my third glass. “Natalie, slow down,” he said with a big grin.
“Shut up, Haz,” I slurred with a playful grin.
We ate in relative silence making some small talk here and there, but mainly enjoying the quiet.
I was getting a bit overheated as I finished my food. “It’s a bit warm in here wouldn’t you say?”
He looked up at me and quirked an eyebrow motioning as he said, “Then take off your sweater.”
“Right,” I replied as if I hadn’t thought of that. I started to pull it from my body, removing it from my arms, not remembering why I hadn’t taken it off yet until I heard a noise of shock mixed with a hint of anger from Harry.
“What happened?” he growled.
“I… um… it-it’s nothing, Haz,” I stuttered quickly pulling my sweater back on.
“Those aren’t nothing Natalie,” he scolded. “Those don’t just happen. Did… Chad do that to you?” he asked, anger flooding his features.
“No Haz,” I bit through the blatant lie. “I’m fine, just let it.”
He reluctantly agreed after some convincing and stopped asking me questions about it. We relaxed after that and had a good time.

I had lost count after my fifth glass of Champagne, which is why Harry took my keys. He put me in a cab and gave the driver Chad’s address, hugging me and telling me to call if I needed anything. He would have taken me, but he knows Chad doesn’t like him and he doesn’t want Chad to be pissed at me.
I got home and stumbled into the kitchen. “Babe, is that you?” Chad appeared from around the corner. He let out a laugh, “Did you have fun?”
“Ah, yes it was just like old times.”
“Old times?” His tone was questioning and he had a confused look on his face.
“Yes, things didn’t skip a beat with Harry,” the words tumbled out before I could stop them.
“What?!” My eyes widened at his angry tone and I saw his eyes switch to that dark color that terrified me so much. “You were with that little prick?”
“Harry is not a prick,” I yelled ignoring the instincts telling me to run. “He’s twice the guy you will ever be.” I could see more anger rising in him, but I didn’t care. “And he doesn’t have to beat me to feel good about himself!” I blamed the alcohol for the courage to say those words.
That was it, the words that caused him to snap. He punched me in the eye so hard it knocked me back a few feet. He ran after me but I dodged him and ran into the lounge. I could hear his heavy footsteps following me as I quickly scanned the room for something large and heavy; I settled on a vase on the end table. I ran for it and came within an inch of reaching it before I was knocked off my feet. In a flash he was on top of me with his hands around my throat. I couldn’t breathe asI stretched for the vase and, finally, curled my fingers around it. I slammed it as hard as I could into his temple, knocking him unconscious and shattering it in the process. He slumped forward and I pushed him off me, dusting off the terracotta pieces and ran for my phone.
“Harry,” I said crying still trying to catch my breath, “I need you to come get me.”
“Natalie? What happened?” he voice was flooded with concern as I heard the clanking of keys and doors slamming.
“Chad. Haz, please, hurry.”
“I’m on my way,” a car engine revved up before the line went dead.
I sank to the ground and sobbed uncontrollably. I don’t know how long I sat there crying alone before I heard the familiar sound of a car pulling up and footsteps running on the pavement. The door was thrown open and he called out my name, sounding distressed, as he scurried through the unknown area.
I weakly answered him and he made his way towards me. He came around the corner worry in his eyes until he saw my face. I saw rage fill him within seconds, “Where is that lowlife good-for-nothing bastard?!”
He started to storm out of the kitchen, but I shot up and grabbed his arm. “Harry he’s unconscious in the lounge. Can we please just go?” I pleaded.
“Fine,” he reluctantly growled, realizing I was a mess.
He carefully helped me to the car and we drove in silence for a while. “He’s never going to touch you again,” he snarled so low I could barely hear him, his knuckles white against the steering wheel. “You’re not still going to see him right?”
“No, and after the vase to the side of the head I’m sure he feels the same way,” my voice was quiet.
“Good,” he snarled.
“Haz,” I said putting my hand on his shoulder, “Clam down, please, I’m alright.”
“Tell that to your black eye!” he yelled turning to me. I cowered back against the door. “Natalie,” he sighed and rubbed at my knee, “I’m sorry. I just can’t stand knowing he put his hands on you like that,” he pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. He turned his body to face me and his voice was softer now, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I convinced myself it was my fault.” I stared ahead not wanting to meet his gaze.
“It could never have been your fault,” he said gently forcing me to look at him, “You’re perfect and don’t deserve to be treated like that, ever.”
I smiled, “Thanks, Haz.”
“You can stay here tonight if you need to.”
I nodded and forced a weak smile, “I should.”
We went inside and upstairs into his bedroom. “Do you need anything, love?” he asked sweetly.
That was the first time he had ever called me that, it brought an odd smile to my face and butterflies to my stomach. “No, I’m okay. I’m going to change.”
“Okay I’ll be downstairs.” He smiled at me and left.
I listened for a moment to his feet padding down the steps. I grabbed a pair of pajamas out of my drawer and went into the bathroom. I took off my jeans and my top and saw myself in the mirror. I looked up and down at the countless number of bruises and cuts and started to sob again.
There was a knock at the door, “Natalie are you alright love?”
I sniffed, “Yeah, Haz, I’m fine.” I said, frantically wiping away tears.
He opened the door and stared at my body in shock. “My God!” he exclaimed and I started to cry harder trying to hide my body from him. He rushed over and encased me in his arms, rubbing my hair and soothing me while I sobbed violently. “I will never let anyone hurt you like he did ever again,” he said in a low voice, as if in thought and not actually meaning to say it to me. “Never!” he exclaimed holding me tighter.
When I finally calmed down enough, I put on my PJs and went back into his room climbing into the bed. Harry picked up some blankets and walked towards the door, “I’m going to sleep on the couch.” He started to leave.
“You don’t have to,” I replied softly. “You can sleep here with me…?” I said patting the bed beside me.
“That’s alright I’ll be fine on the couch,” he smiled and started to leave again.
“Haz, please? I don’t want to be alone.” I pleaded.
“Alright, love,” he said, nodding and shuffling to the bed.
He lay down beside me and got comfortable and I snuggled up next to him. “Goodnight Haz.”
“Sweet dreams, love,” he replied as he wrapped his arm around me.
I fell asleep to him humming, feeling safe and comfortable in his arms.

Notes