Once Niall had coaxed me from out of my blanket burrow, I told him about Peter and how he had left for Spain. He didn’t really understand why I was so upset over this considering he would be back, and I didn’t want to explain how it fit into a larger picture, so I just told him I was afraid of losing him. That he was my last close friend and though I was unimaginably happy things were working in his favor, I was afraid things would work him away from me.

Niall related by telling me about how he felt the same way. Only, he was the one getting worked away. I realized then that he was far away from home. He had friends, and family, and crushes, and when he decided to follow his dreams he had to let go of a lot.

“Not forever though,” he said, “Never forever. You can always mend old ties. Those who care about you know you’ll always care for them, even if life takes you on a different journey than you initially expected.”

I realized I was over exaggerating then, as I usually did on Thursdays, but Niall made me feel better. He offered to make me dinner but I could tell by his expression he didn’t think he’d do a very good job. I didn’t feel like cooking either so we decided on ordering take-out. He stayed with me the whole night and even watched a Vampire Diaries marathon with me. It was as easy to be with Niall as it had been with Harry this afternoon; they both understood that sometimes people just don’t want to be alone.

~

The next morning, however, I woke up alone in my bed without any recollection of how I got there. I was still wearing the clothes I had changed into before Niall had come over yesterday but the last thing I remembered was Damon Salvatore seducing some random girl. I slipped out of bed and into the hallway, immediately hearing whispers coming from the living room and the sizzle of something on the stove.

I was suspicious, that is until I heard, “That’s the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard.” Louis’ voice sounded at regular volume through the hall, followed almost immediately by a round of shhh’s. I stood up straight as I realized what was going on, only having one real question now.

Why was One Direction in my flat?

I padded down the hall and into the living room and instantly four heads turned to look at me. Niall peered at me from his make shift bed on my couch, telling me he’d spent the night. Zayn, Louis and Liam had taken their own seats among the furniture, dressed but still looking tired. Then there was Harry, whistling from the kitchen where he was making breakfast, still unaware I had entered the room.

I wasn’t upset, just curious, so I didn’t understand why they all looked so fearful. Nevertheless, I simply rubbed my eyes and yawned as I asked, “What are you lot all doing here this early? Haven’t you got some boy band business to attend to or something?” I asked sleepily.

In my peripheral vision I saw Harry turn and look at me as he heard my voice. But just as soon he turned away again and went back to cooking his bacon. I started to analyze the gesture, was he ignoring me? Would he have done that if we hadn’t slept together yesterday? Niall began to speak then, and I shook the thoughts from my head. It was just sex. It didn’t matter if he cared because either way I didn’t.

Law #2, always remain detached.

What happens in bed (or on the floor / counter / couch / etc.) stays in bed (or on the floor / counter / couch / etc.). It was different yesterday because I was in my Thursday slump, yesterday was rock bottom and I had time to wallow in my own self-pity. However if I wanted things to be normal then they would be. I just had to treat sex as I normally would, just sex.

“We’re on vacation love, there’s nothing to attend to.” Niall’s cheery Irish accented words filled my ears, waking me from my thoughts.

Liam squinted in disagreement, “Well that’s not entirely true, what with the phone interviews and occasional photo shoot; however, we do have much more time on our own.”

I yawned again, “Your own meaning who exactly, and from who did you mean really?”

I walked toward the kitchen, and toward Harry, as Liam replied with, “Well… I mean all of us away from work where we’re with a lot of the same group of people but also some different depending on what we’re doing on a daily basis, as well as each of us from each other which we’re also with a lot.”

I paused in front of the refrigerator, “Well I’m not even sure that made any sense at all.”

Laughter came from the living room as well as a chuckle from Harry at the stove; I smirked slightly and grabbed the jug of orange juice from the refrigerator. “So tell me, why is my flat the place to be?” I asked as I took a cup from the cupboard and began to pour a glass.

Harry moved and placed another glass next to mine, “Me too please.”

Those emerald eyes locked on mine only for a second before he threw me a crooked smile and turned back to the stove, I barely managed but gave a breath of a laugh and filled his glass up just as Louis answered my question, “Because it’s absolutely lovely, and it smells so good!”

“It’s called marijuana darling and you’re sitting right in front of a cupboard full of it,” I told him before taking a sip of my juice.

I watched in amusement as Louis mock gasped and claimed me to be a ‘naughty, naughty girl’ while rummaging through the aforementioned cupboard. But, all I could think about was how happy I was Harry really was keeping a secret for me. As a girl who hates relationships, this was like the ultimate sigh of relief.

“Well since Harry seems to be taking care of breakfast we should probably light up,” I said as I walked into the living room and plopped down next to Niall, flashing him a grin as I said, “Its quiet in here, turn on the radio please Zayn!” I asked as he was the one sitting closest.

“Getting the party started early works for me,” he said as he stood to tinker with the device.

“Party?” I questioned, already mostly interested

“Errhm, yeah,” Niall said sheepishly, “We’re going out tonight!”

“Perfect, I bought a new dress the other day and I’ve been dying to wear it!” I said excitedly, already wondering what pair of shoes would look best. I already had three options but narrowing it down was always difficult.

“See I told you it would be a good idea Lou,” Niall said triumphantly.

“Well excuse me for thinking she might not be in the mood to do anything!” Louis countered.

I tilted my head slightly and wondered why Louis would think I wouldn’t be in the mood, enough to argue for me. Then I realized, Niall must have told them I was upset yesterday. I didn’t really care that he did, since he obviously just wanted to do something to cheer me up… but I honestly didn’t expect him to say anything to anyone. It wasn’t worth getting upset over either way.

“Darling I’m always in the mood to go out,” I winked.

“This is going to be a fine night mates,” Zayn decided, music suddenly filling the flat. I smiled wide as he started dancing, Louis beginning to sing along with him.

“Better load that bowl,” Harry’s voice came from the kitchen, I turned to look at him and he flashed me a striking smile, “Breakfast is almost done.”

I did as I was told and opened the mason jar full of bud, the smell ten times stronger than it was before and loaded up the bong. Just as I was about to light it however, I stopped and looked up, “What time is it anyways?”

“Like ten,” Liam said, his face showing the slightest hint of disapproval but more of amusing disbelief as he eyed the glass bong in my hand. I grinned and lit the bowl,

I do enjoy Fridays.

Notes

This is kind of a fliter, but its also kind of necessary for Harry & Lilas relationship and what not. Thank you for all the love, so glad you're all enjoying it.

Cheers.