Crown of Thorns

I hate winter, I really do. As I walk away from the soccer fields, with each breath I take a white cloud of warm air drifts behind me. I have that disgusting sheen of cold sweat covering my skin but I am so incredibly hot from running around whilst playing my game so I'm not putting on my hoodie.
We lost, again. Dean, my coach, acted like a little shit about it. But what's new?
Although I was so hot before, by the time I reach home, I'm shivering. There is a lot of heavy fog this morning, settling on top the buildings in the distance and on the tall trees. My street is set on a hill. From my house we have a great view of the docks. On sunny days the water sparkles and I can see the white boats bobbing up and down peacefully.
Today I can't see anything past Mr Bell's house directly across from mine.
I trudge up the stairs to my porch and step inside my warm house. Dad's not home today but he'll be coming back next Saturday. I dread his return.
Shouting a greeting to my mum, I head upstairs. I dump my bag in my room, kick off my shoes and peel my socks off from my aching feet. I undress and quickly run into the shower before the cold can freeze me solid.
I hiss as the water comes on freezing but then relax as it warms up. I pour shampoo into my hair and massage it into my scalp.
Harry's picking me up at seven o'clock tonight to take me to the hotel in town. It's four now and I have to study for two hours as exams are coming up soon.
I step out of the shower and dry myself down. I throw on an old t-shirt and some comfy pants- just until five when I'll change into some other clothes and start getting ready.
Although I did work for two hours on nothing but calculus, I barely spent a minute on thinking aboutwhat exactly I was doing. Like normal my mind went elsewhere. Wondering about meaningless little things. One of the thoughts that crosses my mind is what I want to do after high school.
After this year I have one more left at school. I have still no fucking clue with what I want to. I'm really not that smart when it comes to logical thinking and I don't have any real talents. Dad wants me to take over his business when I'm older. But that's not an option now seeing as my father's apparently murdering families.
I know I want to work with people, helping them if they're in need. I've done charity work before and I've enjoyed it heaps. I've considered many times maybe going over seas to Africa or Malaysia to volunteer and work with the poor. I've of course never told my family of these considerations. I don't want to know how'd they react.
Working in poverty overseas doesn't pay much and I won't exactly have a safe and healthy lifestyle. Maybe I should stay in the city and be a nurse? But I want to travel and see the world before I am caged and caught in a permanent job.
With a sigh I drop my forehead into my hands, my pen slipping from my fingers and landing on my book. What do I want to do?
My phone next to me beeps as I receive a text. I look to it and smile as Harry's name flashes on the screen. I unlock my iPhone and read the text.
Harry: Wear your hair out
I frown at his message, not understanding.
Me: Why?
Harry: Because you look pretty with it out
I smile and bite my lip, trying not to giggle stupidly. He called me pretty. Then I scold myself, do not fall for his stupid complements!
Me: As opposed to my hair being up? Am I not pretty then? Mean :(
Harry: Sorry. You're beautiful with it up too. But I like your hair out
I smile stupidly at my phone, then shake myself and reply.
Me: Wow, thanks Harry. That's so incredibly G-rated of you
Harry: Yeah it was a bit. How about this then? I think you look sexy with your hair out because I like to imagine it tickling and laying on my stomach and legs as you suck me
I squawk in surprise at the text. I drop my phone onto the table and cover my mouth with both my hands. My face burns red in embarrassment. Ohmygod. Ohmygod. Ohmygod. You walked right into that one, Mia.
At my lack of reply Harry texts me again.
Harry: Haha made you blush
Me: Screw you
Harry: Please do baby ;)

~~~

When Harry rings the doorbell, I open it and greet him with a mock glare.
"Hey." He smirks smugly. His brown curls are spilling out under a grey beanie. He's wearing a black hoodie over a Rolling Stones t-shirt with black jeans. I watch his green eyes travel down my body, taking in my oversized knitted jumper and skinny jeans.
My hair is wrapped up in a lose bun at the nape of my neck. Definitely not out.
Without a word, I try to push him out the door before my mother sees.
"Oi! Mia!" She yells from the living room. "Don't you leave yet, young lady."
My shoulders slump, I'm too late. Mum walks towards us from the kitchen. A terrifying smile on her face.
"Harry." She beams and gives him a motherly hug. Harry smirks at me again as he bends down to receive the embrace from my tiny mother.
"How are you, Donna?" Harry asks politely when he pulls away.
"Good, good." Donna waves her hand in the air in a careless manner. "So where you kids going tonight?"
"Deltern Hotel." Harry replies. "We're gonna see a mate of mine perform."
Mum nods her head and gives me a look that promises an interrogation later. She didn't know Harry was to be my date tonight. So there will be a lot of questions. She's also likely to call Emma as well.
After mum waves us off, Harry and I begin to head out into the night and down the stairs but mum calls after me and waves me back. She smiles at Harry, a silent message to go wait in the car or in Harry's case, on his bike.
His eyes flicker between the both of us, an amused smile playing with the corner of his lips. We both watch him head down the stairs and swing onto his death sentence of vehicle.
Mum turns to me, her hand grasping my arm excitedly, a mischievous glint in her eye. "HarryStyles," she begins, "I am so proud of you. I approve, so totally and completely but you already know that."
"Stop, mum," I groan. I am not going to go through this one sided conversation right in front of Harryagain.
"I told you he would be a catch. I told you." My mother then shakes a finger at me and laughs. "Hey, guess what kiddo. I'm going out tonight. Jo and I are catching up, then we're off to a charity thing that she's involved with. I won't be back until late. So, you know. If you kids are feeling frisky-"
"Oh stop, oh god stop." I start backing away from her slowly. Eager to get away.
"Hey, hey! I used to be a kid once. I know how it feels, all those hormones going crazy. When your father and I were younger-"
"Mum!" I shout, anything to shut her up. I turn around and flee down the stairs but just as I'm doing so mum yells out, "Be safe!"
I turn around, halfway down my driveway and give her a look of complete astonishment and bewilderment before I walk up to Harry who's sitting comfortably on his motorcycle.
"I am so sorry," I tell him truthfully and he just laughs and looks up at my mum waiting on the porch.
"Bye, Donna!" He shouts and she waves back and heads inside. When the porch lights turn off he turns to me.
"You look cute," he says.
"Thanks." I beam, my cheeks flushing slightly. So, I'm going out on a date with the Harry Styles. I think to myself. Lets hope this night isn't going to be a total failure.
Harry hands me his helmet and I sigh and take it from him. Sliding it over my hair carefully I remark, "I really hate this thing. Shouldn't you be wearing one also?"
"Probably," he replies slowly. His green eyes are watching me, that mischievous glint sparkling within. I stand there silently and look at him through the big ass stupid helmet. He gives me a quick, child-like grin and my heart jumps unexpectedly at the sight.
Without a word, I swing onto the bike. I swear I didn't mean to smash my chest against his back and fit myself against the curve of his body with my legs tucked in behind his. My arms seemed to have a mind of their own when they encircled his waist tightly. I lean my helmet protected head against his back.
"Go," I groan pathetically, I always hate this part. Harry laughs and I feel his chest rumble.
"Relax," he says in a low, soft voice. "I'll go slow."
Without meaning to, my head flashes with images of him going slow in a completely other department. In a completely other place- like his bed. My eyes widen in horror at my own thoughts.Stop, Mia! Stopstopstop.
Harry starts the engine and the bike bursts to life. We shoot out of my driveway, slower then other times but still very fast. My thighs and arms squeeze around him as a whimper of surprise works up my throat.
Cold air whips at us, much different from the warm air from couple weeks ago when I was last on this bike. I snuggle even closer to him, his body like a space heater. Harry and I cruise past cars and traffic lights. At seven on an autumn night, the sky is completely dark. I look up and catch a glimpse of the winking stars and smile stupidly to myself.
We reach the hotel quickly even though Harry was traveling at a 'slow' speed. He and I both swing off after he eases and parks the bike in the parking lot behind the building. I carefully lift the helmet off my head and hand it to him. He places it on the seat and we both head up to the hotel.
I feel Harry's big, warm hand enclose around my mine. He entwines our fingers and I stare down our hands with wide eyes. He makes no comment as we walk through the glass doors.
Deltern hotel is not exactly the most pricey bistro in the city but it's known for it's gigs as a lot of upcoming stars and bands perform here. I like it, the place is warm and has a friendly atmosphere about it. I haven't eaten here much, I think I've set foot in the place once or twice before tonight.
Harry leads me towards the dining area and states his reservations to the staff working outside the area. I feel kinda flattered that he made reservations beforehand but then as our waitress leads us towards out table, I see the reason why. The hotel is packed.
Every booth and table is full with people speaking and eating. The middle of the floor has been cleared so there's enough room for a number of couples to dance. The lights are dim and are directed to the group in the corner setting up their instruments. Harry and I drop into the only free booth with perfect viewing of the band in the corner. We sit opposite one another.
The waitress takes our drinks and shuffles away.
A table set a distance away from us notices Harry sitting with me and wave and shout. "Harry!" I notice Louis and other boys sit amongst them along with Nick, Emma's old boyfriend. They see me and wave also.
"How do you know Nick?" I ask Harry when we wave back to the others.
"He's a good friend of mine." Harry starts fiddling with the salt and pepper shakers, his long fingers clinking them together. I notice that the boy can't seem to sit still. I find myself smiling at his childish need to always move about.
"He was dating Emma for a bit. He's real nice." Harry's eyes slice up to meet mine and he gives me a half smile. He looks like he's about to say something but he's cut off by the ear splitting sound of feedback coming from the speakers.
The audience winces audibly and the guy at the mic speaks. "Shit, sorry guys."
I brighten up in amusement as I recognise his accent to be Australian. He takes his place on his stool and picks up his guitar. The band behind him also take their places behind their own instruments, the drums and the keyboard.
"The name's Riley and this is Miles and Rob. Yes, I'm Australian and these unlucky buggers behind me are not." Riley, on the guitar and microphone, clears his throat and gestures to the empty floor in front of him. "I like this, this is cute. Get up and dance if you want. If you're the only one who does, I'll serenade you." Riley wiggles his eyebrows suggestively and the audience laughs.
It's not like it'd be a massive problem if Riley serenaded a girl. He has that mannish, chiseled look about him with tanned skin and long blonde hair. He's pretty good looking.
As Riley strums his guitar, his friends on the drums and keyboard start playing. The song is mellow and relaxed. Riley starts singing, his voice raspy, throaty and deep. I turn around and grin at Harry and he smiles back. A number of couples take to the floor and start slow dancing to the music.
"Hey, hey!" Riley calls at the dancers and they laugh back.
"He's great," I say to Harry.
"He's an idiot," he remarks fondly. The waitress returns with our drinks and takes our orders. Harry and I sit in a comfortable silence as we watch Riley croon into the microphone.
Every now and again I feel Harry's stare on my face and his knee bumps against mine. Each time I look up into his green eyes that seem to have darkened with something burning lowly.
"Sorry," he apologises again and then his stare returns to Riley and mine does too.
My face heats every time he does this. My insides melt, my heart races and stomach starts doing flips. I subconsciously make the comparison between Harry and Sam. Where my relationship with Sam felt safe and it was easy, with Harry it's fiery and hot. I feel like I can be burnt if I'm not careful enough. I'm so much more aware of Harry, of his every move and touch. I feel more alive with him then I ever did with Sam and that scares me.
After the sixth time Harry's knee knocks mine (I had been counting) I turn to him, this time my gaze a burning glare.
"What?" I snap. His gaze is relaxed but it feels predatory. His eyes hold a dangerous glint and they sparkle wickedly, sensually.
"Dance with me." His voice is low and raspy, promising carnal things. Goose bumps appear on my skin and I look from him to the dance floor. Riley has drawn more then one or two couples onto the floor. More and more people are leaving their seats to join the small but growing crowd of swaying bodies.
"Okay," I whisper, not meaning to sound so soft and afraid. Harry shucks off his black hoodie, pulls his off his beanie and stands. His long, hard frame steps around the table to reach his hand out to me. I take it and stand.
On quivering legs, I follow Harry into the crowd of people dancing on the floor. The music is soft and slow, Riley's voice a hush as he sings quietly about loving a girl under the bed sheets.
Harry faces me and his dark eyes hold mine as he draws me close. My heart beats hard against my ribs and I stare hopelessly back up at him. His strong arm encircles my waist slowly and the other arm lifts to place his hand at the small of my back. I awkwardly latch onto his shoulders, curling my arms behind his neck.
A shadow of a smile whispers over his lips as he tugs me against his body. His warmth burns through his soft cotton t-shirt, it wraps around and envelops me. He holds me close as he begins swaying us slowly. His eyes still holding mine. Oh god, he can probably feel my heart hammering out of my chest.
His face is so close, his nose and lips inches away from mine. Our breaths mingle and my skin burns deliciously. I follow his steps as we rock side to side slowly. His hair is dishevelled and his curls messy from wearing his beanie. My gaze falls to his lips, pink and full. Begging to be kissed- not that I'm going to.
Riley ends the song on a long note and the audience applaud and the dancers step apart. Except Harry doesn't stop swaying me, he holds me close still. His eyes burning.
"Harry, the music's stopped," I breathe. He smiles slowly but doesn't stop. Someone claps him on the shoulder and shakes him.
"Harry!" Niall greets him and turns to me. "And Mia!" Harry's arm drops from my back but doesn't let go of my waist. I let my hands drop from around his neck. Louis smiles from behind Niall and I return his grin.
"You guys also know Riley?" I ask them and Niall laughs. "Yeah. We're all good mates."
"How are you, Mia?" Louis asks me politely. "You enjoying yourself?"
"I am." I beam.
"Go away," Harry rudely tells his friends. Louis rolls his eyes and Niall huffs. "Dick."
I shove Harry roughly. "Don't be rude."
"Go away, please." Now I roll my eyes, imitating Louis' actions before.
"It's cool. I think our meals are here anyway. We'll see you later," says Louis, not at all fussed at Harry's rudeness.
"Oh, our meals are here also." I point to our booth and the waitress placing the steaming plates on the table. Harry and I make our way over to our booth and begin eating.
"You are so rude to your friends," I declare and he shrugs, his face splitting a grin with two dimples surfacing.
"They know I was with you. I don't need them interrupting all the time." I glare at him and then grin when I spot Nick and Zayn waving hysterically at us as Louis watches with an amused face. I laugh and wave back.
"Is Harry jealous?" I ask him when I turn back around. My tone is what would be most commonly used on dogs and children. I fork the chicken into my mouth as Harry smiles slowly.
"Maybe a little." His voice is soft and I shyly smile.
"How's your day been?" I ask him as we eat our meals. Harry looks at me, his eyes clouding over quickly.
"It's been fine." His voice is gruff and full of things unsaid.
"Harry," I say slowly, he's done something. He doesn't reply or tell me what he's done. "Harry, what happened?"
"Sam's gone." I blink at his abrupt tone.
"I know. He's dropped out of school."
"He's gone, Mia. He's moved away." He watches me carefully, waiting for my reaction. I frown and chew my food slowly. Gone? Just like that? I should be feeling happy and relieved but this news leaves me cold and afraid.
"How do you know?" I finally ask.
Harry just looks at me and doesn't answer.
"Did you go to his house?" I demand. It's like Harry to go looking for a fight and after what Sam did to me he was probably thinking that he needed one. "I did. What he did to you wasn't right," he growls, his eyes cold.
"Doesn't mean you have to go to his house and try to confront him about it!" I lower my tone to a whisper but the anger in my voice heightens.
"He never should have touched you." His voice also drops audibly but it becomes vicious and fierce. "He deserves to die for what he did to you."
"But it's not your business. Don't fight my fights for me." I'm growing more and more upset by the minute. I wanted this date to go perfect. Is that too much to ask for? Just one nice, perfect date?
"Well he's gone now. But even if he does come back, I'll kill him."
"Harry," I say, exasperated. Please, just let this go. Can't we just enjoy tonight?
The fire in his eyes dissipate quickly when he hears my desperation. He drops his knife and fork onto his plate and reaches for my hands across the table. He grasps my small hands tightly and stares me in the eyes.
"I'm sorry," he apologises, the last thing that I expected from him. "I want this night to be perfect for you. You deserve it."
I blink at him. Having nothing to say. Finally my body seems to deflate and all the stress seeps out. "Thank you."
He smiles a small smile and I return it.
"I want to bring a friend up here and perform with me." Riley says, capturing my attention. "Harry Styles, where are you?" The crowd applauds and shouts out at the familiar name. My heart jumps and I laugh out loud, turning and facing a deadpanned Harry.
"Found ya. Get up here, mate." Riley's eyes are on us and soon everyone's are too. Harry shakes his head firmly.
"No fucking way." He shouts back and I stifle my giggles with my hands, my shoulders shaking in laughter. My spirits automatically raised.
"I already introduced ya, you selfish bastard. You're singing, let's go." Riley jerks his thumb over his shoulder. The audience, including Niall, Louis, Zayn, Liam and Nick start clapping wildly and calling Harry's name.
I watch him, still laughing uncontrollably as he sits there stone still and stares at me, his expression deeply amused.
"Go!" I laugh and he gives me an amazed look and stands up. Everyone goes nuts as he makes his way over to Riley. Someone's drawn up another stool and so Harry sits on that.
"Harry Styles, ladies and gentlemen." Riley grins and hands the curly haired boy another microphone.
"Hello," Harry says in that low, rumbly voice of his. Everyone in the crowd shouts back a greeting. They all seem to be very animated tonight.
Riley strums his guitar once. "Okay. What are we going to play?" He asks Harry and he shrugs.
"Oh, I know." Riley leans behind him to whisper a song to his two band mates. They all exchange swift nods and the dude on the drums starts playing a simple beat. Riley plucks the chords and Harry smiles at the familiar song.
"Gravity," Harry breathes, his voice husky and beautiful sounding, "is working against me."
The audience cheers and a smile breaks out across Harry's face. I lose my breath at the sight.
"And gravity, wants to bring me down." His voice is so amazing and rough sounding.
"Oh I'll never know what makes this man. With all the love that his heart can stand." His gaze finds mine and I watch that ghost of a smile pass over his mouth. I pull my handbag towards me and fumble for my phone.
"Dream of ways to throw it all away." I withdraw my phone and switch on the camera. I smile deviously as I begin recording him.
"Wow woah. Gravity, is working against me. And gravity, wants to bring me down." He's a beautiful sight up there. He holds the microphone in a relaxed grip, his other hand fitting in between his knees. He looks comfortable and so completely untouchable. Something I'd thought I'd never have. Not that I really have him now.
"Ooh, twice as much, ain't twice as good. And can't sustain like one half could. It's wanting more. That's gonna send me to my knees." My skin prickles at the sound of his voice. My stomach squeezes and my heart pounds. My eyes can't leave him.
Riley plucks away at his strings, making the guitar wail beautifully. Harry and Riley sway simultaneously side to side, laughing silently with each other. The drums, guitar and keyboard all sing with each other. Harry makes a face at me and the camera in my hands. I giggle and he sticks his tongue out at me, our earlier argument forgotten.
"Oh, twice as much, ain't twice as good. And can't sustain like one half could. It's wanting more. That's gonna send me to my knees," Harry sings, his eyes staring into mine. "Oh gravity, stay the hell away from me. Wow, woah. And gravity has taken better men than me. Now how can that be? Just keep me where the light is."
He smiles at me and I seem to lose my breath again.
"Just keep me where the light is." How can someone be so beautiful without even trying? How is this fair?
"Just keep me where the light is. C'mon keep me where the light is. C'mon keep me where the light is." I shake my head slowly and smile, he's a wonderful singer. Probably doesn't even know how good he is. He could probably join and band and dominate the whole world if he wanted to.
"C'mon keep me where keep me where the light is. Ohh, Ohhh."
He smiles at the audience and the dancers on the floor as they applaud loudly. I save the video and join in on the cheering.

~~~

Harry slows down outside my house, rolling up my empty drive way before stopping. Silence greets us as we both stare up at my dark house. Without a word I swing off his bike and remove my helmet. I grin at him as I return it to him.
"Thank you. I had an awesome night." After Harry sung we had finished our meals and went and join Harry's friends and Nick at their table. I had a blast, they are all so much fun to hang around all together. Riley and his band mates came around also after they finished. They were all so lovely and Riley was hilarious.
Harry has been trying to snatch my phone off me for the whole night. Demanding that I delete the video. I will never.
Harry matches my grin with his a slow smile of his own. "I'm glad."
I'm high with happiness. Unable to get rid of this stupid grin. Harry's made this one if the most memorable nights of my life. Something I would never expect of him. Right now, I'm just so happy.
As if they have a mind of their own, my eyes drop to his lips. They look smooth and soft. Instantly my mind goes back to what my mother said earlier about the house being empty tonight. I know that if I want to keep this relationship that we'll have to take things slow. There will be no rushing things.
I tell myself this over and over. Willing my body to move away from Harry, to walk back up to my house and close the door behind me. But I don't inch a muscle.
"Do you think- can we do this again? Maybe?" I ask, hope leaking into my voice, making it sound tiny. Harry's eyes sparkle and he nods once. I beam at him and without thinking, I lean down and press my lips softly against his. A simple kiss- a goodnight kiss. Quick and soft.
I break away, finding surprise in his eyes. I rest my forehead against his, my lips still beaming.
"Goodnight, Harry." I then turn away and walk up my porch steps. Good, good. I tell myself. Keep things going slow. That was good.
So completely proud of myself that I managed to kiss Harry on my own and break away without it getting out of hand, I take my keys out and unlock my front door. I open it but then stop halfway.
Harry is behind me. I freeze as I feel his warm breath on my neck. I didn't even hear him make his way up the stairs. I turn around slowly, the keys still in the door. I lift my eyes up to meet his gaze.
Green eyes full of burning desire bore into me, a shiver runs down my spine.
"What. Was. That?" With every word he steps closer to me. My back hits the door and it closes against my weight. His boyish scent of soap and spice envelops me completely. The smell of him causes my heart to pound uncomfortably.
"A goodnight kiss?" I offer weakly, my voice all breathy. Goosebumps cover my skin as I notice the dark intent swirling deep in his eyes. Harry was not going to leave with just a goodnight kiss.
"I don't do goodnight kisses, baby." He ducks his head in close, his nose brushing against mine. "But I'll happily do you," he murmurs and I gasp as his lips come into contact with my skin. His mouth works at my collarbone, sucking and kissing softly. I feel his warm tongue flick against my shoulder as he makes his way up my neck.
My hands fist the material of his shirt, the soft cotton gripped between my fingers. Harry's hands are in my hair, loosening the strands out of my bun. He angles my head to the side as his lips and tongue work their way along my jaw. Sucking slowly, teeth and tongue grazing softly against my skin.
All I can hear is the sound of my own heavy breathing. My head is all over the place, my mind going haywire. I can't think straight.
Harry's lips crushes against mine, his tongue sweeping through my mouth. I fist his t-shirt even harder, drawing him closer to me. My heart hammers against my chest, my stomach doing backflips. I move my lips against his, my tongue against his. One of his hand rips free of my hair and smacks against the door behind me, caging me in.
Heat rushes through my body as I stroke my tongue at his. I press myself closer but it still doesn't seem to be enough. Harry wedges a foot between mine and kicks my leg out. He inserts his body between my legs and I try not to gasp as I feel the hardness of his erection. Without control and simply unable to stop myself, I hesitantly my hips rock against him.
Harry's grip in my hair tightens and I feel him groan underneath my mouth. I rub myself against him again. It feels good- great, fantastic. Emotions whip through me like a whirlwind. I feel hot, crazed, shocked, aroused and confused.
Harry and I grind against each other outside my front door. Anyone could be watching, like Mr Bell from across the street. But I don't care.
Harry rips away from me and stares down in bewilderment. I pant heavily and then dab my lips with my tongue. I watch Harry's eyes follow my mouth, his nostrils flaring.
"Goodnight?" I awkwardly ask, no idea what is to happen next. A dark, sexy, wicked smile tips up the corners of Harry's lips.
"We're not done yet," he promises and reaches behind me and opens the door. I ease off the wooden frame so it can be opened fully. Harry's hand grasps mine and he pulls me into the dark, empty house, the door closing behind us.

Notes

All credit for this amazing story goes to doily aka. the-dark-sloth-knight On tumblr


if any of u r interested in writing imagines I'm looking for someone to take over from me since I have posted for months on my imagines. message me if ur interested.