Human

Chapter 37:
Paris's P.O.V.

It's been the longest time since we've gone out. A lot of stress has been placed upon our shoulder lately, and with the combination of school and home, it really adds up. This wasn't gonna be a night club where we all get wasted. Since my first date with Harry, this was going to be a real dinner, and then a slightly less classy club.


"Hey, Paris!" A voice shouted from across the lobby. I paused my conversation Lou to turn and see Harry. He gently grabbed my wrist and tugged me back towards him, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me in for a kiss. "As much as I would love to continue this," Harry stopped and bit his lip. "I actually had another reason to talk to you." He lead me back towards
the directing he approached and to a spot in the hall where the boys were sat.

"Sophia, and the other girls approved this place for dinner. What do you think Paris?" Liam turned a laptop around to show me breathtaking photos of two dashing restaurants.

One, like a converted greenhouse, it had a glass point roof, lined with grassy plants. Windows peered into what looked as an old white English barn, now used as a kitchen. Romantic lighting reflecting off the cobblestone ground and stars shining overhead in the late night.

The other, was high on top of a building. With lengthy ceilings and neoteric interior, it was timeless. One wall made of glass, overlooking the lit up city and sky. Colorful lighting and modern furnishings made for a more relaxed and lush vibe.

"Which one did the girls vote for again?" Honestly, making a decision would be difficult when comparing these.

"The second option. They thought it would set the mood for the rest of the night much better.
The other place would be a top contender for a more intimate and I quote "boring" experience, as Casper put it." Liam made a girly tone.

"In my opinion, I like the first place a lot, but I'm fine with what the girls said." Harry subtly paced past and whispered in my ear. "I'll take you there." Before continuing his gait back and forth.

I just smiled, already picturing it. "Alright, Louis can call and make the reservations, Zayn and I will find a designated driver, and Niall and Harry can get the word out." Liam conducted. "And Lou, make each of us have our own tables, but the rest of the attendants near by at a grand table." Louis nodded and got right to it.

"Designated driver? I thought this wasn't going to be a hazing night we all forget." I spared a nervous glance at Harry who held a concentrated look.

"It won't be, but managing twenty or so cars is a lot. I want limos." Liam's eyes lit up like a toddler on Christmas morning.

Niall approached and put a soft hand on my shoulder, "Lou wants your opinion on the attire. She seems to like you a lot and value what you have to say."

I thanked Niall and excused myself from the scene. Planting a quick kiss on Harry's cheek and turning towards the bureau. It seemed as the more Casper and I stiffed apart, Lou became more of a friend.

Lou met me outside the room, "Paris, I have someone I'd like you to meet. This is my longtime friend as well as Harry's, Nobel." A very beautiful brunette stepped out of the ambry.

"It's very nice to meet you, Lou has told me a lot about you." Nobel shook my hand.

"You too." I tried to be kind, but I felt it may have sounded fake. "So you will be joining us
tonight?"

"I hope you won't mind, Lou needed a date and I was in town visiting." Nobel searched the racks of clothing.

Lou stepped in, "So Paris, what are you thinking about wearing? Or what the rest of the girls should?"

Without speaking, I grabbed a few options. For Casper I had chosen a soft pink strapped crop top with a plunging neck like to help enhance one of her favorite assets. On the bottom I picked a a warped black mini skirt. With large Jefferey Campbell platform heels.

For Lou, I had picked out a quarter sleeve, high neck top with a few cut out details along the bottom and an A-line black and white plaid skirt. Paired with large platform heels with a band around the ankle. She could feel free to embellish or change any of these as she wishes. After all, this is one of her jobs.

I even took the liberty to design an outfit for Nobel. With a white geometric mini skort and black Zimmermann crepe plunge bodice. I got the feeling that she wanted to be sexy, so I wouldn't be lying if I said the skort wasn't a precaution. Strapped caged platform heels and a large black hat completed her look.

Lastly, I created my own outfit. A knee length creme pencil skirt with a black lace mesh bralette bodice with thin straps. One of my only accessories were creme Forever New Jamilla low heels. I like to look attractive and even sexy at times, but towering heels were not practical or appealing to me.

Standing back, Lou and Nobel looked impressed. "I take it you're Lou's assistant?" Nobel questioned.

"Nope, I don't work here." I decided I wasn't need anymore, and started to strut out.

"Paris is somewhat new here. A student, and girlfriend, who will work for whoever, but damn, I love her." Lou was barely audible as I left and turned the corner.

I hope I left a lasting impression on Nobel. She seems like a kind person, but also a bit of a snake. She won't hesitate to act upon anyone who tosses her a glance or speaks a word. A little fake, but trying so hard to act real. Not really a free spirit like Lou, but someone who will go wild, only if nobody is looking.

Returning to my "normal" life, I had some time to kill, and the pool defiantly looked tempting. Changing into a cute strappy pink bikini, I plunged right in. Surfacing to find Casper seated besides another girl. "Hey Paris, I'm sorry." She called before I had a chance to go back under.

"Can we move past my mistakes?"

I nodded and she motioned for a hug. Swimming deep and pulling myself out of the pool I felt eyes on me. Giving Casper a tight and wet hug, the feeling continued. Swinging around, I found nobody. No one stood in the window and the others in the pool area were all occupied. Still, every time my back was turned the eerie feeling lurked. But deciding to ignore it, I swam for an hour more. Pushing past the irking hunches to relax.

Soon the time came to shower and get ready for our eventful evening. Even in the showers covered by my swimsuit, I still felt uncomfortable, like someone was watching me. Try to distract myself, I put on a silk robe and took a daring risk of running down the halls to the dressing room in nothing but the cover and my suit. Maybe not my best decision, considering I felt as if a person was constantly watching me. In the end I made it there safely, and claimed the most secure and lavish section of the dressing rooms as mine.

"Paris? It's me, Lou." A knock at my door came, followed by Lou. Letting her in, Lou dragged in Nobel. "Do you like her hair? I know you probably had envisioned something, but does this look fine?" Nobel had a couple messy waves cascading.

"Looks great Lou." I gave her my approval which lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. "Mind doing mine next?"

"Of course!" Lou pushed Nobel out and continued working and helping the rest of the girls attending get prepared. I could hear satisfying reactions that felt rewarding. Watching someone fall in love with something you picked and having self confidence in it is gratifying. "Paris, I'm ready for you!" Lou informed.

I was one of her last girls to be done. Surveying around, everyone had unique and exquisite hair and makeup. The variety Lou has amazes me. She can master any look. From natural to Asian anime, everyday to red carpet and runway. Her limits are endless.

We agreed upon pulling a few strands from the sides back to frame my face. This also created a small bump or poof on top. The bottom portion of my hair was left mainly natural. Drying out my freshly washed pool hair and adding a few messy curls and twists, it was finished. And just in time too, Louis was sent in to gather all us ladies up just as Lou ended putting in my makeup.
One by one we all filed out. Lou, and Nobel staggering out last, behind me. Waiting anxiously at the end of the hall, Harry stood.

Turning to face my direction, he started speed walking towards me. Before I could even get a word out, his arms were wrapped around my waist pulling me into his rough kiss. We stood like that for quite a bit of time. Enough that Lou and Nobel had to squeeze past us. Finally we broke apart and he held a smug smirk. "You look beautiful." Harry took both of my hands in his large palms and started tugging me down the hall. The whole time I was smiling like a fool. Harry's surprising and heart felt actions always get me. And, as an added bonus, there was no way Nobel could miss what just happened. "Come on love." Harry's raspy voice insisted we hustle up the elevator so we could catch up with the others.

The whole time Harry held my hand. Not once did he let go or even readjust. Harry guided us through the crowds of people waiting for their vehicle and stopped right in front of the first limo. I could already see people waited inside, but still, Harry wanted to hold the door open for me and then walk around to the opposing side. Inside, couples talked among themselves, but Lou tossed me a knowing smirk and wink before Harry retreated.

As we drove, Harry had one arm around my shoulders and chair and the other holding my hand. Our tangled fingers rested on Harry's leg and his other hand traced designs on my arm. We engaged in light conversations with everyone, but mainly I kept to myself. I love cities at night, they intrigue me with their beautiful lights and mysterious demeanor. A finger belonging to Harry turned my chin away from the window and back towards him. "You look so beautiful in the night. The lights reflect your eyes." Harry whispered under his breath and put an arm around my head, pulling me in for a soft kiss. "I love you Paris." Harry whispered again before placing another kiss on my forehead. I couldn't help but hold a huge smile.

Liam pointed out the large window behind him, "Look, that's where we are going." The limo pulled around a golden lit skyscraper. "We're up on one of the top floors." The building had to have at least 40 floors, maybe even more.

"The 37th floor I believe." Louis added.

Everyone's eyes were glued to the windows. Our city atmosphere was a far cry from this. We
lived in a fragment of this wealthy establishment. This was gold. "Driver!" Harry took his arm from around my shoulder and motioned to our chauffeur. "Pull up to the front, no need to wait for the others." The coachman agreed and rolled up the partition.

"I don't know why we didn't bring jackets, I'm gonna freeze!" Nobel whined from the far side of the car. Farthest away from the doors and nearest the heaters.

"We'll be warm from the alcohol." Louis teased from the side. "You'll be inebriated and muddle soon enough darling, pace yourself." Louis laughed.

"Looks like we're here." Zayn knocked on the window to notify us all.

One by one each couple exited the limo and gathered at the grand entrance of the building. Even though Harry and I were seated nearest to the exits, we departed last. Linking arms,
Harry angled us to shake the drivers hand and show our gratitude for the first portion of our night. This place was definitely lavish. Even after work hours, a doorman greeted us. Harry was very polite towards everyone. It truly was so gratifying and pleasing to see him this way.
Stepping in the posh and tinsel elevator I voiced my thoughts, "You look very handsome tonight Harry." I gave his hand a little squeeze. Right before Harry could say or do anything the bell rang and the doors opened at our destination.

"Reservation under Styles, Harry. We are one of the tables of two." Harry stayed very reserved and official. Guiding me to our table and even pulling in my chair for me and then pushing it back in, like a real gentleman.

Right away the waitress brought out a bottle of wine for us. And without hesitation, Harry poured us both a glass. I was fearful of how much alcohol would be consulted tonight between the both of us. But seeing Harry had barely filled his glass and only served me a small amount pleased me. Clinking our glasses Harry reached across our candle lit table to grab my hand.
Something about holding hands seems very intimate to me. A simple yet romantic gesture. A sign of affection towards someone. It shows devotion. Like that person belongs to you and you're proud of it. But it also is a little flashy, showing off.

"I know you liked the other restaurant much more than this, but I hope you'll still be happy here." Harry barely took a sip of his wine.

"Harry, I'd be happy anywhere." I laughed at his statement. "Now I have a question." I tapped my lip and waiting for him to respond.

"Shoot me."

I took a deep breath. "Not saying that I don't love this, but you... You're acting different. It's a great change! But I don't want to make you feel like I prefer you more like this, or that you have to try to be like this, or anything." I really hoped he didn't take my words the wrong way.

Harry just shrugged it off and took another swig of his wine. "I almost don't even know what to talk about, I feel out of my skin." Harry paused for a moment, gazing past me at some other table. "I don't even know how to put it Paris, I'm not good with words or emotions." He took a deep breath, "I wish I could be a better me for you, but the memories and bad habits won't seem to let me go. And damn, every time I see that smile, I just don't know what to do. You are worth so much more than I can ever give you." Harry was about to reach for his wine, but restrained himself.

"Harry, you are enough. I'd prefer your shirts over jewelry. I'd rather cuddle in bed then go have an extremely fancy dinner. I'm easy. I don't need material, the only thing I need is you. And I've already got that." I held Harry's shaking hand.

"Well I hope you were kidding about the first part. Cause I had Niall make us a little something. He always has those string bracelets on, so I had him make matching ones." Harry rolled up his sleeve to showcase a braided leather cuff. "I had him make yours more girly. Something Lou would let you wear." Harry pulled a thin black leather wrap bracelet with a braided silver band on the outside, from his pocket.

I couldn't resist a smile. "Thank you so much, I love it!" I leaned over the table to kiss Harry.

Before I pulled back, Harry tensed up. "What's wrong?" I became worried.

"Just please sit down." Harry gritted, fits were clenched and avoiding eye contact. His eyes trailed a couple who had just arrived and were now being seated. "Don't bend over the table like that, in public." Harry gave the man a death glare. "Nobody gets to look at you like that,
except me."

Soon we were lost in the generous portions of food brought to our table. We received bountiful courses that could feed an army. But Harry insisted, first class dining. As dessert was served, and Harry and I shared a piece of cake, the room grew silent. Three tables away a man had proposed to his girlfriend. The profuse restaurant and staff erupted into a crowd of applause when she acquisitively agreed.

Respectfully, Harry and I boosted and eulogized the couple. But as soon as conversations became popular, Harry seemed disgusted. "I despise marriage. All I see are downcast married couples. They start off all enchanted, but before long they grow apart. Like my parents." Harry muttered the last put to himself. "Why not date for a long time? You are committed but without all the hassles that follow. Maybe even engaged, but then if you do have a large enough fall out, you don't have to spoil money and the reputation of being married."

"So you never have considered marriage?" I don't know why that surprised and maybe even upset me. I probably wouldn't have either, but unfortunately females are grown to aspire to marriage since we are young whereas males are not.

Harry must have picked up on that. "I will love you forever, regardless Paris." Harry reached to give my hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Forever is a long, long time." I shook my head and sipped my wine.

"And I wouldn't mind spending it by your side. Tell me, everyday, I get to wake up to that smile. I wouldn't mind it at all." Harry expressed.

Before I could even respond, Liam approached our table. "Sorry to interrupt your evening, but the rest of us are ready to move forward with the night. I have already paid for the meals, and Zayn called to make sure our rides were ready at the exit."

"Thank you very much Liam, I think we are just about ready to go too." Harry pulled my chair out for me and offered an arm to hold.

Making our way downstairs and to ground level, we caught another glimpse of the man who had piqued Harry as well as debauched my body. Harry scowled at the man and whispered a warning to the waitress. "See that man over there, he's been looking at you as well as my girlfriend like meat. Disrespect like that is disgusting. You deserve better, I suggest sending a male serve to that table before he continues to defile you." The reaction and recognition Harry received from the courteous employee was touching.

Retracing our steps back to the lobby, Harry guided us to our source of transportation. Following Zayn and Casper inside, Harry placed a hand on my lower, lower, back. I got caught off guard by his gesture. "Like I said, nobody but me." Harry winked and moved me into the limo.


Chapter 38:
(Paris)
Driving through the twisted city buildings and streets for a good fifteen minutes, we stopped just on the edge. A line of nicely dressed people out the door was already formed and constrained by red velvet ro

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