Charlie’s POV:

“Jeremy, nothing happened. I swear. I just wanted to make sure she didn’t fall when we were walking out of the club and she said her feet were killing her, so I took her shoes. That’s it.” Zayn was on the phone with Jeremy explaining to him what happened last night while I was nursing a huge hangover with a cup of coffee and some Tylenol.

When he told me what the paps had asked him, I searched my brain and tried to remember if I had heard it. I don’t think I could recall anything past that second Jack and Coke I had while lying on the couch with Zayn.

One of the crew members had gone out and gotten us a copy of the sleazy newspaper running these pictures of us holding hands and making all of these false remarks about how Zayn and I had been sleeping together for a while. Don’t these people have anything better to do than stir up rumors about teenage boys?

I knew for a fact that Zayn and I didn’t do anything inappropriate and Zayn also knows better than to try. Besides, we’re just extremely close friends and I love the kid like he was my brother! So when he told me about what had happened, I wasn’t worried because I knew we weren’t at fault; this made calling Jeremy a whole lot easier.

“Sure, hold on.” Zayn presses his hand over his cell phone and whispers that Jeremy wants to talk to me. Although I did say I wasn’t worried about him, he’s still my boss and I’m still the type of person to get nervous over anything miniscule, whether I’m at fault or not. I cleared my throat and took a deep breath before putting the phone to my ear.

“Hello, Jeremy.”

“Hi Charlie. Listen, I know Zayn wouldn’t lie to me and I would like to assume that you wouldn’t either. I’ve also been in this business long enough to know how pictures can make the situation seem like something it’s not. So please, I just need the truth.” His voice was stern, but I could tell that he was also trying to stay cool for my sake.

“I promise you, Jeremy, nothing happened. Like Zayn said, he carried my shoes because my feet were hurting and held my hand so I wouldn’t fall and make a fool of myself. There is nothing going on between us, we are just good friends that’s all.” I was a little surprised when I saw Zayn’s head fall when I said ‘just good friends’ to Jeremy. He’s probably just sick of having to prove his innocence to everyone; it’s tough when everyone thinks you’re sleeping around, when you’re actually not.

“Okay…I believe you. I think I can tell that our conversation the first time we met had stuck with you, but I just needed to make sure. I really don’t want to be forced to do anything drastic.” My stomach knotted because I knew exactly what he meant by ‘anything drastic’.

“Yes, it stuck very well. I would never try and jeopardize my job. It means too much to me. And I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t see these boys every day.” I met Zayn’s eyes and he grinned as I winked at him. Jeremy chuckled.

“Sounds like you all are hitting it off quite well! That’s great to hear. Alright, well I’m glad we had this discussion and you both could put my nerves to rest. I’ll be seeing you all in a week before you leave for the U.S. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect. See you then!” I hung up the phone and tossed it to Zayn. My headache had somehow worsened and I groaned, placing my forehead on the cool surface of the dining room table.

“Jesus, that was nerve-wracking. Is that how it feels every time you have a serious conversation with him.” Zayn laughed and placed his hand on my back, rubbing soothing circles down my spine.

“Pretty much.” I smiled and relaxed as his hand movement made me feel a little bit better.

“Ahh, the happy couple. What cute babies you two would make.” I sat up and glared as Harry waltzed into the kitchen, opening the refrigerator and pulling out his usual breakfast of a banana and a granola bar. Zayn stopped rubbing my back to focus all his attention on Harry.

“Piss off, Haz. You’re just jealous ‘cause no one was paying attention to you and that slag you were hanging all over.” Harry laughed as he sprawled out on the sofa.

“Actually, I’m just the opposite. The paps were so busy with your exit that they didn’t even notice me and my woman of the night kissing each other goodbye. I gotta say, I am in love with the person who invented the French kiss.” He winked at me and I groaned disgustingly.

“So, I guess I should be thanking you two for last night, because I would probably be on the phone with Jeremy right now if it weren’t for you two love birds.” He took a bite out of his banana and grinned. I crossed my arms over my chest and stared him down.

“We’re not together. We’re just friends. In case you need a refresher, which I assume you always do, I can’t get involved with any of you.” He slowed his chewing and dropped his head to look at his hands. Thankfully, Liam came in to the room and eased the awkwardness.

“Morning, lads! Charlie! How’s everyone doing?” I can’t believe someone who was so drunk last night could be so cheery at 9 in the morning. I need to remember to ask him what his secret was.

One by one, the rest of the boys came out and we sat around the living room, laughing at last night’s festivities. A couple hours passed and we finally made it to the first stadium in Ireland and went to take a look around the arena.

Niall was giddy with excitement for being back in Ireland, so he walked by me the entire time and shouted out fact after fact of things he said I should remember. He even sang me the Irish National Anthem and I fell in love with how expressive he became!

Even though we hadn’t talked much on the tour, I was starting to love Niall just like I did Zayn. This also made me breathe a sigh of relief when I thought about if he and Emma were ever to get together. Which reminded me, I needed to have the “talk” with Niall and see where things were going, if they were going anywhere.

After our tour and Paul’s rundown on what was going to happen this week, the boys and I went back to the bus and relaxed our hangovers off with some crappy reality television and greasy McDonald’s cheeseburgers. I loved the times I had with them like this where I could watch each boy in a laidback environment.

Their personalities were each so different and unique in their own aspects but so similar when they were together. I watched as they laughed about the funny moments they’ve shared over the past three years. It also amazed me how they talked about each other’s families as if they were their own. I inwardly smiled as each story made me realize just how close these boys were with each other and how important their friendships had become.

After we ate dinner and watched a few movies, everyone began trickling back to our bunks. I kissed each one of them goodnight except Harry, who was already in his bunk and I assumed was sleeping. Zayn and I hugged before he climbed up to his bed above Liam.

I laid in bed and tried to fall asleep but my mind wouldn’t relax to let me drift off. Frustrated, I clambered out of bed and made my way to the refrigerator, hoping some warm milk would help me sleep better. I poured myself a glass and placed it in the microwave. After it had heated up, I curled up on the couch underneath a blanket and turned on the television to a Friends re-run.

I jolted and almost threw my cup when I noticed a figure moving in the dark next to the dining room table. The figure turned on the lights and I feasted my eyes on a half-naked Harry with disheveled curls surrounding his head like a halo.

“Can't sleep.” He mumbled and turned the lights off again, padding over to the sofa where I was sitting. He plopped down and grabbed the blanket I was using, allowing some of it to cover his long legs. His legs stretched so far that I found them positioned in my lap. I could feel the tickle of his leg hair on my thighs as he made himself comfortable.

“Have enough room there?” I asked as I look at his face, shadowed by the TV lights. He looked at me and answered in a sleepy voice that made my insides start to burn.

“It would be more comfortable if we were spooning.” He winked and I punched his leg.

“Shut up, Styles.” I turned my head to the screen and as much as I didn’t want to, I pictured myself cuddled up next to him on the couch. I sighed as I imagined his arms enveloping me in an embrace and my body tingling as his lips placed soft kisses on my neck.

Dammit. I hate myself.

“This is one of my favorite episodes.” I returned to reality from my inappropriate thoughts and shifted to look at Harry as he spoke. His eyes were glued to the television screen and I followed suit.

It was the episode where Ross was trying to get everyone ready for his important speech he was giving at the museum. Everything that would not allow the gang to leave on time had happened; Phoebe got hummus on her dress, Chandler and Joey were fighting, Monica was eavesdropping in on her ex-boyfriends voicemails on his home phone and Rachel couldn’t figure out what to wear.

When it came time to leave, Ross got so frustrated with Rachel that he scolded her in front of their friends and made her decide not to go. In order to prove that he was truly sorry for what he said, Joey suggested that Ross take a drink from the cup of fat Monica had in her refrigerator from cooking earlier. Rachel agreed with Joey’s idea and told Ross she would go if he took a drink of fat.

Because he needed her there to calm his nerves and also to prove he was sorry, Ross talked himself into taking a drink. But as soon as he went to sip, Rachel screamed out to stop.

“You were going to drink the fat…” Rachel exclaimed at Ross. He looked at her and shook his head and she embraced him in a big hug.

“Would you ever drink fat for someone you liked?” I tore my eyes from the screen and looked at Harry who was staring at me.

“Uh..yeah. I think I would. If I really liked the person, I’d pretty much do anything to get them to forgive me, except for probably stealing or murder.” He chuckled softly and turned his head to the TV. I waited a couple seconds before asking him the same question.

“Would you?” He didn’t take his eyes from the screen as he answered.

“In a heartbeat. Especially if it was anything like Ross and Rachel’s love; I’d never let something like that go.” I was a little shocked when I heard his response and I froze as he continued on.

“People think I’m some sort of person with an insatiable need to sleep with dozens of women, which isn’t true at all. I’m just…..I get very passionate with people very quickly and it’s hard for me to take things slow. But I really do want to find something like what Ross and Rachel have, I just need to learn to pump the breaks.”

He looked up at me and I could tell everything he had just said was genuine and 100% Harry. My eyes went wide as he sat up and scooted over close to me. His big hands took the glass from my hand and placed it down on the floor before scooping up my own hands in his warm grasp.

“I’m sorry for what I did in the bathroom. It was dumb of me to think that you would just give it up so easily. You’re so much better than that and I see that now. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’d like to start over and try to be friends, if you would allow it?”

My heart swelled twice its size as I listened to Harry’s apology. I was at a loss for words because I never thought he would actually accept the fact that his attempt was dumb. I know I had given into it for a few seconds, but I learned from my mistake and would never do it again. I smiled and looked into his beautiful eyes.

“I’d really like that.” He grinned big and that cute dimple of his deepened. I let out a small laugh as he let go of my hands to pull me into a huge bear hug. I put an arm around him and felt the warm skin of his muscular back underneath of my fingertips. I breathed in slowly and was entranced by his scent of body wash and leftover cologne.

He let me go and placed a big kiss on my forehead before getting up and walking back to the beds.

“Night!” He turned and looked at me before disappearing into the darkness, leaving me beaming like an idiot on the sofa. I couldn’t believe what had actually just happened. But I was so relieved that I could finally relax and not worry about trying to fend Harry off the entire tour.

Things were starting to look up.

///

It was the night of their last show in Ireland and the boys were about fifteen minutes away from going on stage. With the way this stadium was set up, the crew was allowed to sit front row at this concert, and I knew I wanted to see it from that view. I wished them all good luck, giving each one of them big hugs and kisses before I ran out to follow Lou and a couple stylists to our seats.

We were escorted by security to the row sectioned off for us. The stage was about ten feet away from us and we all sat down and waited for the show to start. Lou tugged my arm and shouted something over the crowd in my ear.

“How’s it like working for the boys so far?” I smiled and nodded excitingly.

“It’s amazing! They’re so much fun! I honestly can’t get enough!” She laughed and leaned in again.

“That’s what I’ve heard! You’re pretty much all they ever talk about! Especially Harry. The kid can’t stop blabbering about you!” I laugh and answer her back.

“Yeah, he’s great. We’ve gotten really close over this past week!” And we really had. After that one night when he apologized, we made it a habit to meet each other out on the sofa late at night and watch Friends re-runs together. After a while, we just ended up talking into the late hours of the night.

I had learned so much about him and was beginning to finally see the real Harry. He definitely was passionate, that’s for sure. The way he talked about his job and the boys made me realize just how grateful he was for his once in a lifetime opportunity.

We talked about his family and mine and our childhoods. We bonded over our parent’s divorces, and because mine had only happened four years ago, I ended up crying a little. But he was so sweet and caring for allowing me to express my feelings to him and even more for holding me while I cried. I felt our friendship grow stronger with the more stories we shared with each other.

When we got onto the topic of previous love lives, I had clammed up and didn’t tell him about Eric, not knowing if I was strong enough to tell anyone what had happened. He understood and respected my privacy like a true gentleman. In just a short week, my entire outlook on Harry Styles had changed, and I was so happy.

The boys finally got on stage and we all started cheering with the rest of the crowd. They were absolutely INCREDIBLE! It was so fun watching them act like goofballs and sing their hearts out. They loved their fans and made each second of the concert count. After a few fast songs, Liam asked everyone in the audience to quiet down.

“Alright guys! We know how much you love our upbeat songs, but we want to slow it down for a second. This next song is one you’re probably all familiar with. This is Change My Mind.”
The crowd cheered as the boys all took their places on the steps in front of the band. The band starts the music and Louis comes in after a few beats.

The end of the night
We should say goodbye
But we carry on
While everyone's gone

Never felt like this before
Are we friends or are we more?
As I'm walking towards the door
I'm not sure

But baby if you say you want me to stay
I'll change my mind
'Cause I don't wanna know I'm walking away
If you'll be mine
Won't go, won't go
So baby if you say you want me to stay, stay for the night
I'll change my mind

I beam as I watch them hit every note perfectly. They all look so concentrated that they barely look into the crowd. Niall comes in to do his solo and I am captivated by his beautiful voice.

Lean in when you laugh
We take photographs
There's no music on
But we dance along

Never felt like this before
Are we friends or are we more?
As I'm walking towards the door
I'm not sure

I get deep shivers down my spine as I watch Harry sing his solo and my silly stomach butterflies reappear when he looks directly at me after he’s finished. I grin back and bite down on my bottom lip as he sends me a million dollar smile.

But baby if you say you want me to stay
I'll change my mind
'Cause I don't wanna know I'm walking away
If you'll be mine
Won't go, won't go
So baby if you say you want me to stay, stay for the night

I'll change my mind
I'll change my mind

During his solos, I also notice Zayn staring down at me as well and I laugh when he winks at me. I blow him a fake kiss and he reaches out and grabs it, putting it in his pocket.

But baby if you say you want me to stay
I'll change my mind

But baby if you say you want me to stay
I'll change my mind
'Cause I don't wanna know I'm walking away
If you'll be mine

Won't go, won't go

So baby if you say you want me to stay,

Stay for the night
I'll change my mind.

I stand up and cheer loud when they finish their song, completely spellbound by their incredible voices. The rest of the show goes on and we all have a great time but I have to leave a few songs early to make sure we can get out of the stadium in record time.

When they finish and come off stage, I give them all big hugs and congratulate them on finishing up their Europe tour. Zayn pulls me up into a spinning hug and as I am set down, Harry comes over and wraps his huge arms around me, making me laugh when he tickles my sides.

I am overwhelmed with happiness as the bus departs from the stadium and we head towards the airport to catch our flight to the U.S. Everything is going so well and I am completely ecstatic about visiting the States. I have already cleared a week where Emma is flying to visit us when we’re in Las Vegas and L.A. These next few weeks are going to be fantastic.

///

Zayn’s POV:

Never felt like this before
Are we friends or are we more?
As I'm walking towards the door
I'm not sure

I look at Harry as he’s singing his solo and I notice that he’s staring intently at someone in the crowd. I look over to where Charlie is sitting and I’m surprised to see her eyes are glued to his, a huge smile plastered on her face.

I glance between the two of them and my stomach starts to turn. I’ve seen Harry get that glint in his eye before and it makes me nervous that it’s directed towards Charlie. I know this crush I’m developing on her isn’t something I could act upon, but it still makes me jealous to see that someone else could be looking at her the same way I do.

So much for keeping her away from Harry..I snapped out of my thoughts just in time to start singing my part.

But baby if you say you want me to stay
I'll change my mind
'Cause I don't wanna know I'm walking away
If you'll be mine
Won't go, won't go
So baby if you say you want me to stay, stay for the night

I'll change my mind
I'll change my mind

I see her stare at me with wide eyes and a huge grin and my nerves calm as I realize she’s only looking at everyone the way she is because her inner fangirl is showing. I wink at her and she laughs before blowing me a fake kiss. I reach my hand out and grab for it, placing it in my pocket and she smiles.

I guess I was just overreacting when I saw the moment between her and Harry. She knows well enough to not get involved and the way they have both been acting lately shows me that he also realizes that as well.

Nothing to be worried about!

///

Harry’s POV:

Never felt like this before
Are we friends or are we more?
As I'm walking towards the door
I'm not sure

I search the crowd to find the face I want to see and I finally catch it. Charlie is beaming up at me and I can feel my heart almost exploding. God, she’s so gorgeous when she smiles. I shoot her a grin and she bites down on her full bottom lip. It’s like her smile shows everything about her that I have come to love. She’s the most beautiful person I have ever met, inside and out. I can’t imagine not having her in my life.

I see her gaze leave mine as she watches Zayn sing; she laughs and blows him a fake kiss and I laugh with her at the silly gesture. I watch as the apples of her cheeks flush as she stares at all of us on stage like a starstruck teenager.

These past few days with her have been absolutely unforgettable. We’ve learned so much about each other and I’ve opened up to her about things I haven’t even told the boys. She listens to every word I say and speaks only when the right time comes around; she never judges me on what I say and I love her for that.

Now that we have become friends, I find myself caring more about her wellbeing than for any other person, besides my mom and Gemma. She has begun to mean so much to me and it scares me that my feelings have only grown for her. I know she wouldn’t risk her job, but I also remember in the bathroom when she let her walls down for those ten beautiful seconds and allowed me to experience what an angel’s lips taste like. I craved to feel her body pressed against mine again and I dreamt about the day she would realize that what we could have would be perfect.

Fuck contracts. If it’s really love, then nothing could stop us. I hoped that someday soon she would see that and change her mind.

Notes

FINALLY! This update is done! Sorry guys, my busy weekend left me with little time to sit down and write, but I finished!! Also, sorry for the length..it's a REALLY long update :)

I have to admit, I got pretty pumped when I had Harry say, "I hoped that someday soon she would see that and change her mind" because they were just singing Change My Mind. Get it? You see what I did there? BOOM!

I'm a little too proud of myself......lol :)

Anywho! What did everyone think? Isn't Harry absolutely PRECIOUS? Omg, I was dying when I was writing this. He's just a misunderstood soul..that's all. And now Charlie has come to realize that.

So what do you think is going to happen once they get to the States? Will their friendship stay the same or do you think Charlie is going to realize that she does actually have feelings for Harry?

And what about Zayn? He thought he saw a "moment" between Charlie and Harry. He also seems like he has deepening feelings for Charlie. Do you think him and Harry will butt heads over a girl?

Hope you all enjoyed this update! Again, I apologize for it taking sooo long to put up! I'm going to try and get another one out by maybe Tuesday night or Wednesday afternoon. Also, send me your stories if you want to be featured as my Fanfic writer of the week! :)

Thank you SO much for your wonderful comments and I hope you continue to enjoy reading these updates as much as I enjoy writing them! :)

As always..rate, comment and subscribe!
BIG HUGS AND KISSES!! :)
-Natalie Xx