Chapter 27:
Polyvore link included.

(Harry's P.O.V.)



Everything was blurry. My head felt like a dull cage where all of the thoughts were trapped. i don't even know how else to describe the lost state I am in. It was hard trying to dig up words to say, not knowing how to answer simple questions or how to word certain thoughts. "What's... ? Why am I... ? I don't..."

"It's okay Harry, you don't need to think so hard, forget it." The brown haired girl before spoke.

"What's... All this?" I moved my arms around, completely confused about the scattered blankets around
this rough platform thing. "Why are you here?"

The girls faced dropped. Shit, I said something wrong.

"Um, well you got injured pretty bad, you're on a lot of medicine. And I thought, well, somebody needs to stay with you. So I, um, got some pillows and stuff. I can leave..." Prevent the girls words were jumbled and flustered.

"Did you ask me something a minute ago?" I couldn't recall if she said something first.

"Uh, yeah. I just asked how you were feeling."

Her eyes looked nervous, worried maybe as she bit her lip. Was she scared of my answers? Was she scared of me? Probably. But I don't blame her. Hell, I'm even scared of myself.

"Like shit." I honestly spoke. She smiled. I must be acting some what normal or so. "You're... A... Um, give me a moment." I thought real hard to remember her name. "Paris, Paris Paxton?"

"That's right." Paris lit up, the life flooding back into her eyes. How could I forget that smile? How could I nearly forget Paris?

"You're, my girlfriend right? Yeah, you're thee Paris Paxton. My Paris." Pieces of the puzzle were starting to connect while others were jammed together. Trying to mesh two ends of story together.



(Paris's P.O.V.)


His Paris.

I don't know what it was, the adrenaline rush from late last night, or just the shock that those words left his lips. In my mind I know it's just the medicine talking, but in my heart I know it's true. I don't know how to describe it, being torn between your mind and your heart. But whatever it is, it absolutely sucks.

"You're right again, I guess that medicine didn't effect you too much." I awkwardly laughed, trying to hide my emotions. That would just confuse him more.

"If only." Harry muttered under his breathe. "So, love... How about we go out for dinner tonight. It seems here, that I have a reservation at one of my favorite restaurants. That much I can remember."

"Um..."

"Oh come on, I'm remembering things every second. My medicine will be worn out, and you can clarify anything else that seems foggy. Lou can get you ready."

I attempted to abnegate against it. "Are you sure... I don't want to-”

"Good. It's a date." Harry started crawling out of his cot, inching his way to the door.

I couldn't believe what just happened. First off, I'm his girl. Secondly, we have a date. And lastly, holy fucking shit! I have a date with Harry!

Stunned, I made my way to Lou's room. Better to start getting ready sooner or later. Who knows how long Lou would take? When I reached her door, I knocked once and an eager Lou stood there waiting for me to explain the whole situation. And much to my surprise, Lou seemed to understand so quickly, as if she already knew. She eagerly invited me in and started right away, seeing no point in wasting time. And in a few hours, with minor interruptions for laughs, pranks, and food, Lou had just about finished.

If I thought I loved Lou before, I must be head of heals in love with her now. I'm clothed in a beautiful dress with a black bodice and blush colored flowing skirt with a black band at the bottom, reaching about an inch qor two above the knee. Lou pared a gold and blush floral embezzled necklace with diamond accents with some nude platform court shoes. My hair was pinned up into a beautiful messy, braided bun. Completing the look thoroughly.

My only hesitation had to do with my scars. The ones from my first mission. It was a constant reminder of a dark time I've had. One of my most dreaded times. But it's time to get over covering those. Embrace all the problems and flaws.

"Paris, Hun? Can I drive you there now?" Lou stepped back into my room where I finished everything up.

"You're bringing me?" I had always assumed Harry would, after all it's a date with Harry.

"Yeah, I want to make sure he is in perfect condition before I hand you over." Lou's winked and dragged me away from our "work room" and down to the elevator.

The ride in the car was nerve racking to say the least. I haven't been on a date in the longest time, and the last one ended abhorrently. My toes were tapping and goose bumps were rising on the surface. Harry, I'm going on a date with Harry. The one who is a gang leader, the one who saved me, the one who brutally hurts people, the one who is kind. That chaotic mess of chocolate hair and the deadly green eyes. The victim who can tares you apart and then put you back together.

I am in for a real treat.

"Knock him dead chica!" I hadn't even notice we had stopped in front of a small Italian restaurants across town.

It seemed like a very fancy but casual restaurant. It was at the bottom of an old stone Italian building with long, thin windows leading onto black, metal balconies. Large bouquets of flowers in reds, greens, and yellows, lined to gates of the front patio, running parallel to the sidewalk and river. A twisted old tree stood and the edge of the gate, it's twisted and awry branches holding little lanterns. The aroma of old, home style cooking was thick in the air. Enough to make your mouth water from blocks away. The sun had just started to set, put still provided more than enough natural lighting to the venue. To make the scene even better, Harry already awaited my arrival, standing at our designated table, ready to greet me.

"Damn." I think I heard Harry curse under his breathe as I neared him.

"How are you feeling?" Was the firs ting that spewed out of my nervous mouth.

"What? Not even a hello first?" Harry pulled my seat out for me and pushed me back in, like a true gentlemen.

"I'm sorry, how rude of me. Hello Harry, how are you this fine evening?" I tried to sound more sophisticated with my slightly mocking tone.

"Never been better." Harry and I unfolded our napkins and placed them on our laps. Our waitor doom came by with the wine of the night and handed us our menus.

"I've notice the medicine wore off just fine." I browsed the list of entreés, all sounding expensive.

Harry let out a chuckle, causing him to gain my attention. "Honey, that medicine never effected me." He flashed his perfect teeth.

"Yes it did, you woke up late this afternoon and everything was blurry. You-"

"Were acting. I knew you or anybody else would never imagine me of all people to set something like this up. So what better way than play a harmful little joke on you?" Harry held a proud smirk.

"You set all of this up? Really?" I couldn't even imagine Harry planning this all.

"Yep." He rested back in his chair, arms crossed, with a smug look on his face.

"Who helped you?" Somebody must have helped him, I find it hard to fathom the idea of badass Harry planning a dinner "date".

"Nobody. I set this all up myself, everything from the place, the time, the attire, to the food. I just needed a simple bribe to get Lou to assist me." I raised an eyebrow at the word assist, so he had had a little bit of help.

"You picked out my clothes?" I took a brief glances to take a peak at what I was clothed in again. And I must say he has great taste if what he is telling me is true.

Harry leaned in close this time, hovering above the table to whisper in my ear, "Indeed I did, and must I say. You look fucking sexy as hell." Harry leaned back into his chair as the waitor neared. His words making me melt from the inside.

When the waitor approached, I took the time to appreciate and commend Harry's appearance. For the first time ever, I've seen him dressed up. While he defiantly has outdone his everyday look, he managed to spice it up without changing completely. Clothed in a nice pair of black boots and his signature black jeans, but gussied up with partially translucent black with white poka dots, dress shirt, and a fitted black blazers. Which the first few buttons undone, his chest tattoos were peaking out.

"And for you miss?" The waitor snatched my attentions and averted it away from Harry.

"Um, I'll have the Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta with the house salad instead of the Cesar, please." Harry's eyes were fixed on me with an international stare, his smirk laughing at without a sound.

"Anything else for you two, we have an amazing cheese platter if you guys want something to eat with your salads?" The waitor bargained.

"No thank you." Harry took both our menus and handed them to our waitor without even breaking eye contact. His gaze burned a whole into me, It made me nervous to know what he was thinking. "If you are blankly going to stare and undress me in your mind, try and make it less obvious. And not infront of the staff next time." He gave his ego another push.

"I was not," I lowered my voice, "undressing you with my eyes." I defended.

"Sweetie, it was pretty lucid." Harry taunted me.

I didn't say anythinelse to defend myself, cause frankly, he's got two examples of proof for every one I have an excuse. And that's not a good ratio to argue about. So I kept to myself and enjoyed the salad that has simotaniously appeared. The food was ambrosial, maintaining to keeps us quiet while we I healed such culinary beauty. That is until Harry spoke up.

"I'm been watching you nervously quiver, and cautiously turn around to see if people are gawking at your scars, and I won't have any of it." Harry's voice turned stiff. "Does it matter what these people think? Whether or not they think less of you because of those? Cause if it matters any to you, I think you're goregous, insanely beautiful, with or without the scars. So I will not jut sit hear on my ass and watch you hide yourself. Fuck what they think!" Harry boomed. "Why don't they fucking judge me too." He unbuttoned more of his shirt, his tattoos, scars, and fresh holes were unveiled and on complete display. His voice spoke just a little too loud.

"Harry, I'm flattered, but I'm just cold." I sheepishly admitted and tried to calm him.

"Bullshit. You've been pulling this stunt since the moment you stepped out of Lou's car." Harry pushed himself back into his chair, napkin thrown in the table.

"I, um- I need to go to the bathroom, one minute please." I got up and excused myself to avoid a further fight.

Going to the bathroom, as odd and condescending as it sounds, is always a quick escape. Whether you're at school, a meeting, a date, or event. It's a quick break for yourself even if it's not the most luxurious thing in the world, it clears the mind.

When I hesitantly returned a blazer was resting on the back of my chair and Harry was nowhere to be found. "Excuse me Miss?" I turned to face our waitor. "He mentioned to me that he would be right back, he had to grab something from his car."

"Alright thank you." I smiled and pulled the blazer on. It was big and karting fitted but looked pleasant on me if I do say so myself.

After a few minutes Harry returned with a small brown gift in his hand. His head was down but he second he made its way up a smile crept into his face when he say me in his jacket.

"Looks good." He grinned a genuine smile. I gave him and nod and a polite thank you before he continued. "Ah, here." He handed me the brown item with a purple ribbon tied on top. "I wrapped it myself." Harry joked.

After untying the now, I had an apprehension as to what it might be. A leather journal, clear on one side and doodled on the other. A thing strap of twine sealing the pages off. It had a musty and old smell, but looked to be quite new. "It's ah, a temporary gift." Harry held a good monotone voice. He coughed a little, "it's ah, Easton's journal."

"Harry, I don't-" I couldn't except something with this much sentimental value.

"That night, you wanted to see it. I didn't want anybody to, I wanted to be the only one to read it, but even I couldn't bring myself to do so. Look for whatever you wanted and please be gentle with it. " I could sense the fear and nerves that even temporarily giving away this book away meant.

"Are you sure you don't want to be the first?" I offered him the book back.

"No, I don't ever want to read it!" Harry was turning the burden of Easton into anger and frustrating. "We wrote this things in our past. I don't want to relive my nightmares, the past is in the past, and that's how it should stay."

"Well thank you Harry, I promise to give it back as soon as possible." I smiled and stood on my tip toes to wrap my arms around his neck for a hug. It took Harry all but .37th of a second to reciprocate my gesture.

"Your desserts, let me know if I can get you anything else." The waitor stood on the opposing side of the table and placed our final course down, ruining the moment completely.

I loosened my grip and so did Harry, to create space between us so we could acknowledge our server and admire our deserts. Although we hadn't competely broken apart, Harry turned and flipped our sever off. Behind his back of course. That made me laugh, very loudly I must add, resulting in him turning around and Harry and I instantly pretending to have been doing something. All the while we tried to conceal our laughs.

"Mmm... This is delicious!" I moaned and took another bite of my tiramisu.

"Mhm..." Harry agreed as he took another spoonful of warm bread pudding. "You want some?" Harry offered me a spoonful.

"No thanks, I'm good." But let's just say, Harry had another idea. A spoonful of pudding decided it would sit peacefully on my nose. "Harry!" I shrieked.

"Shh... There are other people here Paris." Harry tried his best to put on his poker face and not laugh. But after going cross eyed, I managed to break him down. He errupeted into a fit of deep and raspy laughter.

"Harry!" I snapped. "Shut the fuck up." I acted stern under neath my breathe. And must to my dismay, I guess when I swear it's just the funniest thing cause then Harry was laughing so hard, he was rocking back and forth in his chair, an inaudible guffaw.

But what made us both laugh the most, was when our waitor came to deliver the bill. We were laughing so hard, that the recipt slipped and blew with the breeze right into our candle and burned up. When he returned to collect out ticket, we had to explain we never had reserved one.

All in all, my night was definitely one to remember. But it didn't even end there. Harry took my delicate hand in his, guiding me to the bridge across the street. A large stone wall cover with windowsand beautiful twisted vines and flowers wrapping around it, awaited on the opposite side of the bridge."You know all those times we've kissed? Those friendly, meaningless kisses." He stop walking in the center of the bridge.

My heart started to pick up speed. "Yeah."

"Well I'm done with those." He didn't take long to act upon his words.

Harry had already picked me up and set me down on the concrete edge. His puce, plump lips crashing into mine with an explosion and rush of emotion. And overwhelming urge to deepen the kiss flood over me. And in those first, shocking moments, my world froze, and I was forever stuck in a kiss with Harry. But who's to complain? Harry placed his hand at the small of back, keeping me from falling off the edge. His tongue working its way into my mouth. His lips tasted of a sweet mint and vanilla.

But our intimate moment was cut short by the alarming call of nearby geese. "Shut the fuck up." Harry sneared at the birds. They continued to cry out, so Harry decided to ignore them and continue our kiss.

I placed my hand on his chest. Resisting his lips. "Thank for everything Harry, but I'm kind of cold, and was hoping you could take us home now."

Ouch.
I can feel that diss for him.

"Of course, whatever you want." Harry back away and helped me off the ledge.

We didn't speak the rest of our little journey to the car. I felt bad for rejecting Harry, but in all honesty, he jumps into things way too fast for me to comprehend. One moments his in the infermary after being shot at, and the next thing you know, his lips are smashed against yours after your first date.

The drive stayed even quieter than our walk. There was no rushing water or noises geese to distract us. Just the sounds of the two of us breathing. No radio, no distractions. "So, ah...did you have a nice time?" Harry cleared his raspy voice and kept his eyes straight on he road.

"Yeah, I had tons of fun." I smiled and sneaked a peak at Harry. "Look, I'm so sor-"

"No, no, it's not your fault." Harry stuttered, not accepting what really happened.

"Uh, yeah it is." I gave him a look. Of course this is my fault there is all this tension.

"I shouldn't have-" Harry started but trailed off, never finishing his sentence.

The car remained silent as previously before, but this time it was full of thought. It wasn't awkward, and if it was, both of us were too invested in our thoughts to realize it. I began getting uncomfortable as the longevity of the ride increased. Weighing things to say in my head, I finally came up with a somewhat adequate idea.

"So, how did you know of that nice restaurant?" I turned the face Harry, but he refused to look my in the eyes.

"The same way I knew about that diner in the middle of the city." A recollection of that night flashed before my eyes.

"And how was that again?" I raised an eyebrow, short answers weren't going to cut it right now.

"I'd rather not talk about this." I could feel Harry tensing up, by the rise and fall of his chest. This topic was sensitive, easily provoking him.

Fair enough. I nodded and awaited our arrival home. It's odd how not too long ago I was wishing the night would never end. And now I couldn't wait for the moment we reached home. Honestly, I feel bad for rejecting Harry and all, but I just don't feel comfortable with all this. He's the leader of a very dangerous and, might I add, important gang. Countering that, I'm just a student at the University. Although I'm not saying opposites don't attract, it's normally not the most logical decision or future to persue.

"Are you okay?"

I snapped out of my internal debate, "What? Yeah." My cheeks started to heat up.

"You look a little- eh- flustered." Harry nervously took his eyes off of the road to check up on me again.

"Yeah well, these shoes are uncomfortable." I lied hoping Harry wouldn't pick up on it.

He cocked an eyebrow at me and shot a suspicious glance my way. Clearly, I had not been convincing enough. But Harry, being a gentleman, decided against questioning me further more. "Of course." He nodded, pretending to agree.

Thank goodness neither of us are actors.

As the car gradually slowed the sidewalk infront of our building, I dreaded the uncomfortable good byes. That 'thank you so much, sorry I rejected you' hug. "Here let me help you." Harry stepped out first, to open my door and take my hand. I miscalculated the proximity between the curb and the floor bed of the car. For in a matter of seconds, I was tripping and falling onto Harry. "You weren't kidding about those shoes." Harry tried to put on a fake smile. "Let me help you." Shifting his hands, I was carried like a baby into our building. One arm held my back, while the other hovered in the space between my legs, and my dress.

I didn't hesitate to wrap my arms around his neck. I tell myself it's to help Harry support the weight. But deep inside I know it's not. And the way the edges of his mouth curled up, clearly means he knew the same.Harry leaned in to whisper something in my ear, "You know I can feel you shaking."

That caused goose bumps to rise, and I'm sure he felt those too. "It's just a little unpleasant when you are fearful people can look up your dress." I lied to him again.

"Baby, you're a terrible liar. You and I both know I would never let anybody look at you. Besides me." He quickly adds.

Harry shifts my weight and places his left hand under my bottom to hold my dress in place. I knew Harry was built, although his tattoos cover it, but it hadn't occoured how built. He was practically carrying me with one arm. I may be somewhat small and thin compared to his scowering height, but I'm not as light as he may think.

"I'm okay Harry, I can have properly working legs." I tried to slip out of his tight hold, in the elevator.

"You'll hurt your feet walking around in those heels." Harry protested and tightened his grip.

"I'll go barefoot, this is getting even more uncomfortable." He frown appeared on his face when I weasel end my way out of his grip. The elevator dinged right as I landed on my feet. "I trust that you can make it to your room all right. I'll be fine by myself. Good night Harry. And thank you, I had tons of fun tonight." I planted a short and sweet kiss on Harry's cheek.

"Are you sure you don't need help-" Harry tried to barter his way in.

"I'm fine. If I need anything Lou can help me." I smiled sweetly. "I'm alright, it's not like I'm gonna do anything bad." Sarcasm with lightly surfacing in the conversation.

Harry turned away and muttered something under his breathe. Something like, "She doesn't like me."

"Pardon, what was that?" I nudged to turn him around.

"Nothing." Harry turned his shoulder back and headed away.

"Oh no, I heard something." I grinned his arm, turning him to face me, when he spoke.

"Forget it." Harry snapped, his voice raging with anger.

"No, I want to know what makes you think I don't like you." I made my voice stiff, in order to match his tone.

"Well let me see here, you rejected me on the bridge, wouldn't talk to me in the car, and won't even let me walk you to your room. If those aren't sign of disinterest, I don't know what are!" Harry threw his arms up, nearly hitting me in the face. My eyes grew wide with shock, his hand only milimeters from smacking my cheek. "No, no, Paris I didn't mean to." Harry started to branch out after I let him.

That set me off. "If everytime we have a little disagreement there is some sort of abuse, don't you think for one moment I wouldn't hesitate to-"

"Paris, come on in. Let me deal with him." Lou called me back from her room. I never wanted to fight Harry, but he started it, so why not let someone else fix it.

Staned close to the door from the safety of Lou's room, I could barly make out their voices. "What the hell did you do?" Lou's strict voice scolded Harry.

"I didn't do anything!" Harry's stern voice gritted.

"Then why is she so upset, I heard her get off the elevator and you must have said something to get in upset, so what was it this time?" Lou crossed her arms, not believing it.

"Why is it that I'm always the problem?"

"So you think Paris was the one who slipped up?" Lou was being pretty hard on Harry.

"No. Just, why am I always so quick to blame?" Harry was refraining from a full on eruption of swearing and anger. Lou paused for a few moments. "That's what I thought, there's no damn reason, but I'm Harry right? I'm fucking Harry-" he snapped. "Im always the scapegoat, cause I'm the fucked up one. Thanks for reminding me Lou." Harry spit the words out right in her face, and stomped away.

I thought long and hard after that episode. Completing homework and taking a shower, I made my mind up. Do I want something like this? Why bother? Am I even prepared for the consequences for both of the outcomes? It occurred to me, I'd rather take a chance and live a little. It's a risk, but what is life without them? I want an adventure filled with ups and downs. And maybe Harry could help me with that.
I sent a text at exactly 12:20 am.

> Tomorrow after class we are going on a date, I know a place <</em>

Notes

Sorry I haven't been posting much, hope you can forgive me. I've had so many problems uploading this, so the links will take a moment to load. But hey, they finally got together! Will it last? Let me know! I Hope you liked it!

Paris's Outfit: Click Here
Harry's Outfit: Click Here
Harry in a GIF: Click Here

xoxo
-E