Human

Chapter 15:

"Where the fuck have you two been?" Harry stood, fists balled, teeth clenched, and anger boiling.

Oh shit, here it is.

"Say something before I fucking make you." Harry threatened and took a few steps towards Easton. "You texted me saying Paris wasn't feeling well and you were taking her home. So I fucking turned around and brought a doctor here, and guess what? You're fucking nowhere to be found. And I'm really glad I put that tracking device in your phone Paris, maybe I need to put one in yours too Easton." Harry kept taking steps closer, each word grew louder and were filled with more anger. "Nobody fucking lies to me, and gets away with it." Harry slapped Easton across his face. He didn't even flinch, Easton just let the impact hit. "I trained you well enough to not to fucking flinch or show weakness, yet here you are, braking one of my rules. One of the only people from the start." Harry backhanded Easton's cheek.

"I'm sorry man, I'll make it up to you. I'll take you out for a drink or something and explain." Easton loosened up.

Harry just stood stiff and waved him off. And then there was one...

"I-I I'm so sorry Harry. Nobody told me till last minute, and I-I"

"Save it." Harry walked away, ending my ramble.

"W-wait, I-I'm sorry Harry." I took another step towards him, by the just kept walking, ignoring me.

"Aw, fuck." I ran my fingers brought my hair. "God, I'm stupid." I wiped my eyes and trudged my way to the elevator.

I really just hope Easton takes Harry out or everyone comes home soon, because I want to ease the trouble I'm in, and it will buy me time to think of how I will make it up. The last thing I need is Harry with a night to himself where he can think of ways to punish me and make the burden and guilt literally burn into me.

"Paris?" A voice called from the hallway.

"Yeah?" I started to get up and out of my cozy room to greet the person at the door.

"Do you know what's wrong with Harry? He's not talking to anyone and locked himself in our spa." Lou knocked and opened the door.

"We have a spa?" I tried to avoid the subject but not avoid it completely.

"Yeah, I made one last year. It's just a giant room with a waterfall and rain system connected to a giant candle lit bath. And we have a yoga room, but that's another story, nobody goes in there." Lou elaborated.

"Oh, sounds nice." I still didn't answer her question.

"Yeah, so do you know anything cause you were home? I thought you might know a little something because you weren't feeling well. Right as we got to the concert he said he had some work todo and left." Lou's sentences were short and choppy, filled with confusion and nervousness.

"No, I'm sorry, I don't know anything." I lied.

"Alright, okay. If you think of something I'll be in my room." Lou excused herself from my apartment.

"God, I've got to fix this." I shook my head and headed to the elevator.

The whole elevator trip down the guilt literally was taken over me. All I could think about was how I went against him, going behind his back. I made a commitment to them and I let my leader down. And the fact that Easton was going to take most of the blame made it even worse. This could be considered my second time braking a rule since the times I've been here, and it's not me. Here, I'm having an out of body experience with people I'd never imagine in my life. And the worst part, I don't know what's happening, it's all too fast and next thing you know, it's over.

Getting brief directions towards the spa from a few friendly people, I began taking the last few dreaded steps. I was only inches away from a future argument, a brake down, a confession, or even a forgiveness. But whatever goes on in there, I know for sure will remain in there.

Taking a deep breathe, I turned the nob on the door and let the serene scent of candles and humid air flood into the hallway. Although I couldn't see Harry when I first stepped, I somehow felt his acknowledgement towards my presences.

Rounding the corner, I found Harry seat by a pool of water with a waterfall cascading down into it. The moment I stepped a noticeable foot in, his had snapped towards me. I silently thanked myself for wearing my matching tank top and shorts pajamas. There were visible beads of sweat along Harry's forehead from the steam in the room. Harry sat there, giving me minimal attention, gazing at his reflection in the water.

"Can we talk?" My voice was hushed and weak. Harry didn't say anything, he just waited. "I'm sorry for betraying you, I'm sorry for letting the group down, and I don't know why I keep disobeying, it's not me, I'm not like this." My voice came out in fast breathes as the first year slid down my cheek.

Harry placed a finger under my chin and lifted my head up. His eyes met mine and washed a wave of emotions over me. Pain and sadness shone like sparklers in his eyes. I lowered my head once again and started to mumble out more words. "I don't know what to say, I just—"

I was pleasantly cut off by my voice being muffled by Harry's shirt. Mid sentence, Harry reached over and tucked me into his arms, pulling me into a much needed embrace. We waited for at least five minutes before braking apart. Something about the way his arms wrapped around me, felt special. It was different, it felt almost necessary.

"God, I don't know why I'm crying, I'm the one in trouble here." I wiped my eyes and tried to lighten the mood. Harry even let out a tiny chuckle. "So, tell me what I need to be told." I waited for the bandaged to be torn off.

"Promise you won't leave." Harry said plain and simple.

"Deal." I put my hand out to shake his.

Harry didn't smile or grin, just took my hand in his and yank me forward. I landed right in his lap, a little uncomfortable because I was backwards, but right. Harry placed a quick kiss on my forehead and pressed his against mine. I closed my eyes while I felt his watching me like a hawk.

After a while I shifted myself in his lap, turning myself around so my back was against Harry's chest. Without hesitation Harry slipped his arms around my waist, snuggling me closer to him and holding on to me tightly. And that's how it stayed.

The tranquilizing sound of the waterfall and constant rhythm of Harry's chest moving with each breathe really soften everything up. It purged my mind of all the issues and problems that are yet to come and let it rest. I sat there, fighting off my dozing eyes to stay awake. And every once in a while, you would jostle me to keep me from sleeping. But unfortunately you did not succeed one of those times, cause next thing I know I'm soaring through the sky with my angle wings singing High School Musical songs.

"Paris." Harry's hushed voice was close proximity to my ear.

"Mhm..." I moaned, waking up enough to realize I was in a bedroom.

"Don't go." Harry pouted and dragged my body closer to his. "I can't loose another one."

Before I could respond, my body caught up to my brain and I was in a peaceful slumber.

The Next Morning…

"Paris. Paris get up." A voice whispered and tapped my shoulder.

"Mhm, what is it?" I tried to sit up but was restrained but the arms wrapped around my waist.

"It's me, Easton. I have something to give to Harry in order to make things up to him, and I need your help."

"Um, just give me a minute." I wiped the sleep out of my eyes and slithered out if Harry's arms.

"Here put these on, I don't think he will mind and we have to make a quick stop." Easton tossed me a pair of Harry's sweat pants and black t-shirt.

"Where are we going?" I slipped the clothes on over my pajamas.

"I'll tell you in the car, now let's hurry." Easton grabbed my hand and removed me from my spot on the bed.

And before you know it, I was siting in the passenger seat of Easton's car. Waking up was never easy for me, so it's not surprising that I don't remember getting into the car.

"Where are we going?" I clapped. Haha Dora joke, 'Where are we going? Clap, clap, clap.'

"There's an old picture Harry hides in his room, it means the world to him, but it's very old and tiny. So I found a place that could blow it up, but make it crystal clear. I stole the picture last night and brought it to the place, so they have made a few things for us."

"Oh, my guess is not too many people know about the picture?"

"Indeed."

"So what's the picture of?"

"You'll have to wait and see!" Easton smirked as we pulled into the parking lot of the shop. "Hi, we are here to pick out some pieces we had you make for us." Easton spoke very gently to the women behind the store counter,who clearly looked frighten by his appearance.

A minute later we were taken into a small room lined with different items with the same picture. "Alright, you paid for a package of three. Choose three of your favorite pieces and I'll ring you up." A man directed before stepping out to give us some privacy.

The picture was absolutely stunning. Taken by and old Polaroid camera, young Harry stood by his mothers side. By the little details, I could infer that they were on a picnic set for two. Harry's cheeky and toothy grin was full of happiness,while his mother stared down at him with awe. She looked so happy and loving towards her son. I couldn't help but have a huge smile on my face after looking at it.

"He's going to love this."

"Yeah he will." Easton agreed. "So which ones do you think he will like?"

There were so many choices. Phone cases, necklaces, mugs, t-shirts, cards, posters, notepads, beads, puzzles, lockets, pens, you name it. But not very many stood out to me as something Harry would like. They all seemed like something an old grandma would have of all her grandchildren.

"Maybe a digital download, canvas, or like key chain?" I shrugged.


"That's a good idea. I'll ask him about the digital download, go ahead and pick out which canvas and key chain you like." Easton left to talk to the clerk.

After choosing a good size of canvas, a little bit larger than a piece of paper, and a medium size key chain, I joined the store owner and Easton at the front counter.

"Alright, here you go. Just scan this code with your phone and the picture will automatically download itself." The man smiled and handed us a few squares of paper with the code on it.

"Thank you." I smiled and shook his hand, ignoring Easton who rudely walked out.

"No problem." The man grinned.

"Now where are we going?" I ask as Easton violently backed out and sped last our street leading us home.

"Picking up one of the deserts he like from a bakery down the road." Easton nearly hit the curb as he drifted into a parking spot.

"Damn, you're a good driver." I teased.

"Shut up." He pushed me into the glass door of the bakery.

"Hi, can I help you two today?" A cherry old lady greeted us.

"Ah yes, we will take four of your classic donuts, a baguette, three of your red velvet cupcakes, two rainbow cupcakes, one personal chocolate lava cake, and one ginger cookie." Easton didn't even hesitate.

The lady frantically dashed from case to case, gathering our goodies. "Okay, that will be $26.53."
Easton handed her a twenty dollar bill with a ten and headed for the door with our items stacked in boxes. I laughed as he nearly collided with the lady on the otherwise of the door.

"Excuse me." She rudely snickered at him as he stumbled out.

"You are excused." He sasses and unlocked his car.

"Next stop, home!" I exclaimed once buckled up.

"Why do you even buckle up?. Easton teased me as if it was an abnormal thing.

"To protect myself if we got in an accident." I stated as if it was obvious. "Why don't you?"

"I figured that if I'm in a car wreck and in a state where I could die, I should. Everything happens for a reason, so I don't see why people wear seat belts to try and cheat death. If I got in a serious crash, obviously something was meant to happen to me."

"Wow, that was deep." I was stunned by his log explanation. "But stupid!" I laughed.

"Shut up, and tell me how to get home." Easton chuckled.

"No, I'm not your damn GPS." I pouted.

"Fine, but if we get lost, it's your fault." Easton teased.

I rolled my eyes and enjoyed the quiet ride home. Turns out, he know damn well how to get home. No hesitations, turn arounds, or double takes. And he wanted me to tell him what to do, that's backwards.

"It's already twelve, we've missed breakfast and half of the day, we are going to be in so much trouble." I complained as we slammed the car doors shut and started towards the front door.

"It's alright, I wrote him a note promising one of his favorite goodies. He's a simple man, Paris."

"You better be right." I playfully punched Easton.

"Oh Harry!" Easton called, trying to sound like an old mother.

"What?" Harry grumbled as he rounded the corner.

"We have a little something for you." Harry glanced between Easton and I with an cracked open mouth and a suspiciously confused look. "Come on." Easton came up and put his arm around Harry, dragging him towards the elevator.

I followed behind with all the presents. Hopefully this was a enough to win Harry over, or we are back to the drawing board. Literally, Easton had planned everything out on the chalkboard wall he has in his room. I very artsy touch I must add.

"So how was your sleep?" Easton's voice was happy, almost sarcastic as he guided us out into the media room.

Like heaven, his bed is so comfortable. "Abhorrent, the floor is shit."

Right, I forget about that. Nearly every time I fall asleep with Harry within three feet, he ends up moving to the floor. I must have been super groggy not to notice him when I awoke this morning.

"Are you wearing my clothes?" Harry paid closer attention to me.

"Uh, yeah." My checks burned as I looked down at my messy outfit. "Sorry, I'll give them back as soon as I get my clothes." I promised.

Harry nodded before taking a seat on the coach I front of us. "Alright, your gifts?" Harry rudely demanded.
"Your favorite foods from your favorite bakery." Easton presented him with the boxes of food.

Harry's eyes lit up and he imminently searched for the rainbow cupcake. Shocker. I would have assumed the lava cake would have been his favorite, but clearly I was mistaken. "This was the real gift, but that cupcake might as well be." I cracked a smile that faded at Harry's dull expression. Even with frosting and rainbow crumbs all around his mouth, he could still pout and look intimidating.

But the second he got a glance at the picture his expression changed. He intended a smile before hastily changing it to a frown. Harry threw the gifts aside and abruptly stormed out of the media room. Easton and I both had no clue as to what was going on.

"I'm gonna go, retrieve my clothes and give these back before things get too heated." I politely excused myself and headed towards Harry's room.

As I got in close proximity, I couldn't hear the sounds of shattering pieces or heavy things being thrown about. Clearly that was a good sign.

"Knock, knock. Erm- Harry?" I whispered and inched his door open.

And there he sat, knees tucked in his chest, hair messily scattered, and a deep and steady sound of snuffles. His face red and eyes blood shot from tears, muffled cries coming out like desperate gasps for air. His body shook, while his eyes remained locked on the tiny picture in his hands.

Ever so slightly, tip toeing my way over to Harry, I wrapped a blanket around his shoulders. Bringing my arms around him, and pulling him in tight. I don't care if he was the worst person on earth, I couldn't just sit there and watch his bitter heart break.

Harry was not one to cry, I knew that by now. And when he did, he almost always shut himself out from others. Hiding whatever it was that made him so upset, protecting it from others.

Sometimes the one who seems the strongest is the one who is in most need of a hug.It came as a little shocking when he didn't reject my arms. I could feel deep down within me that Harry was trying to ignore my touch, but couldn't bring himself to do anything about it. Keeping that in mind, I gave him one last squeeze before leaving him alone. He needs to know that I'm here to help, but sometimes all you can do is walk away. And right now he needs time to himself.

So without words, I silently tip tied to the door, closing it tight behind me.

Notes