They Don't Know About Us

“Wake up!” Ryder yelled throwing a pillow on my face. I groaned and cuddled lower into my warm bed.

“Tay, get your lazy ass up and let’s get going! It’s already eleven o’clock!”

“Ryder, its Sunday aka sleep day why don’t you try it?” I mumbled irritated.

“Eh, not for me, now get up!” She yelled one last time before walking into my closet and throwing clothes at me.

I groaned and sat up watching her throw various clothing items at me. I decide to just give her what she wants and get dressed.

**

“So where are we going?” I asked slipping on my sunglasses as we walked out of my building into the unusually bright sun.

“I’m taking you out tonight. You need to get your mind off things; therefore I’m taking you shopping. You might even find you something to wear to MSG!” She exclaimed excitedly.

“I’m not going anymore. I mean I haven’t even talked to Harry in three days. Plus, I don’t want to go just to see that whore drape herself all over him for pictures.” I said walking down the sidewalk weaving in and out of the crowds of bitchy housewives.

“I totally understand the whole whore situation, but you can’t let that stop you from going to see him on the biggest night of his career. You know how excited he got when he gave you your ticket. You have to go.” She interjected.

“I-I don’t know. Can we just get some food? I’m starving.”

**

“Damn Tay. You look hot!” Ryder exclaimed as I emerged from my bedroom dressed for the club. I had to admit, the skirt I was wearing accentuated one of my favorite features, my ‘Kardashian ass’ according to Ryder.

I shrugged and grabbed my phone.

13 missed calls, from Harry. I decided to leave my phone at home determined to have a good time no matter what.

**

The club was full of life and thumping with music that you could hear from the streets. Ryder and I grabbed hands and walked into the extravagant night club. The DJ was playing a remix of a new Nicki Minaj song that I loved. I instantly felt my hips swaying to the beat as Ryder lead us through the crowds to our group of waiting friends in a little VIP booth.

Endless bottles of liquor were displayed behind us at a small bar with our own bar tender to serve us. I immediately ordered Jack Daniels with cranberry juice. I sipped the chilled drink and smiled.

I made my way back to the booth and sat down raising my glass.

“To an amazing girl’s night that I’ve desperately needed!” I shouted as the girls clinked their glasses with mine.

As the night went on and the drinks went down, I made my way onto the dance floor leaving the girls to fend for themselves. I started swaying my hips to the 2-Chainz song playing over the speakers. I danced only for a short time by myself before feeling a pair of hands on my waist. I started to refuse the offer but then decided just to embrace it. The guy grinded into me like I was doing him. I locked my hands behind his neck and leaned my back into him. He pulled my hips closer as the song went on.

I felt his lips at my neck and sighed heavily. I could smell the alcohol emitting from him. I turned around to lock eyes with Taylor Lautner, better known as my ex boyfriend. He smiled that brilliant smile and winked at me. Before I knew what I was doing, I pulled him closer to me and gave him a sultry grin. He pulled my hips to his once more and grinded into me.

Wait, what was I doing? No, no, no. Taylor, stop it! I thought to myself instantly sobering up. I pulled away and shook my head.

“I’m sorry, I can’t.” I said backing away from a confused Taylor. I returned to the table grabbing my bag and leaving the club. I hailed a cab and gave him the address to my apartment. As he drove I looked out the window as the city passed me.

I sniffled as the taxi pulled up in front of my building. I paid and got out with my shoes in my hand keeping my head down as the flashes of paparazzi cameras started. I tried not letting them seeing the mascara running down my face as I made my way into the building.

Pushing the penthouse button, I felt the elevator lift me to the top floor. I was getting stares from the night lifers filing onto the elevator as it continued to go up. I didn’t care that I had mascara running down my face and what they thought about me. I honestly didn’t give a shit anymore. I just wanted to talk to Harry and be with him. That’s all.

**

I changed into my pajamas and laid down on the couch. After fifteen minutes, I heard a knock at my door. I shuffled to my feet and answered it, opening the door shocked to see Harry.

“What are you doing here?” I asked looking up at him.

“I’m sorry.” He said quietly.

That was all I needed. I pulled him down to my height and attached my lips to his as he closed the door behind him. He wrapped his arms around my waist lifting me up not breaking the kiss. We broke and nuzzled my face into his neck. I placed a gentle kiss on his skin. His arms tightened around me as he carried us to my bedroom and laid me down. He crawled in beside me and returned his arms around me. I brought his face in to kiss him. It was that simple kiss that I’d missed so much. It made my heart race, even at the simplicity of it.

“I love you.” He whispered inches from my face.

I brushed my fingers through his hair, “I love you too.”

**

I woke up and felt around the empty bed for Harry. I looked at the clock. 6:00 P.M. Shit. I’m late. I scrambled to get ready before calling Lance. I rushed down the stairs and out the door as Lance fought me through the crowd of awaiting paparazzi and fans. He helped me in the car and climbed in the front seat.

“Could you go any faster Lance?” I asked nervously.

“I’m going as fast as I can, you’ll get there in time. Don’t worry.” He assured. I sunk back into my seat and chewed on my lip as my nerves took over.

I can’t be late, I can’t be late. I thought as we wove through the New York City traffic. My phone buzzed as a text from Danielle came through.

Dani: Where are you?! They’re fixing to start!

Me: Long story, I’ll explain later. I’m almost there.

I gripped my phone until my knuckles were white. We were still fifteen blocks from the arena. I saw Lance turn suddenly and we were behind buildings.

“Paul is going to meet you at the back door. I’m going to park and I’ll meet you after the concert.” Lance instructed.

I nodded my head as we pulled up behind the arena. As Lance talked to the security guard I bounced my knees nervously. The guard let us through and we pulled to the back door. I shuffled out and saw Paul waiting for me. He greeted me with a smile and opened the door handing me my VIP pass. I heard music already playing and felt completely guilty for missing the first few minutes. I hooked the pass around my neck and followed Paul. He led me through backstage and out a side door that would lead me directly to the girls. Perrie was the first to notice me.

“Thank god! We thought you weren’t going to show!” She shouted pulling me in for a hug.

“Me too.” I muttered. I greeted the rest of the girls as the boys started introducing the next song.

“This next song, you all know. It’s our first single off the new album. Does anybody know the name of this song?” Niall asked adjusting his ear piece.

In unison, the crowd shouted, “Live While We’re Young!”

“You said it, this is Live While We’re Young.” Niall smiled as the music started.

Throughout the concert, the girls and I danced and sang along to the songs. We took pictures with a few fans as well as each other. Harry stole glances at me every few minutes.

“This next song is very special to me and is dedicated to a very special person in my life.” He said looking straight at me as a dimpled smile appeared on his beautiful face. “This is They Don’t Know About Us.”

I felt someone grab my hand. I turned to see Anne, Harry’s mom. Her sympathetic smile told me she knew about Harry and me. I smiled weakly as she gripped my hand.

I sang along with the boys as the song went on. Harry came up behind Niall taking Zayn’s part.

“But I want to tell ‘em, I wanna tell the world that you’re mine girl!” He belted beautifully. I felt Perrie grab my hand comfortingly. Danielle and Eleanor huddled close to us as the song ended.

**

As Perrie and I made our way back stage to find the boys our arms linked together careful not to get separated.

“Do you think that was Harry telling everyone about you?” She asked.

“I doubt anyone caught on, I mean she’s here. They probably think it’s about her, plus everyone thinks I’m just one of the groupies.” I said shrugging.

“Well all I know is that you are totally ten times hotter than her.” She smiled.

“I know.” I smirked arrogantly. She rolled her eyes as we found the boys. Zayn immediately took her in his arms. I smiled at them and looked at Harry. I decided to take my chances and walk up to him. I gave him a friendly hug.

“I’m so proud of you.” I whispered kissing his cheek. He smiled at me. I backed away not leaving his eyes. I smiled and walked over to Niall jumping on him excitedly.

“Lucky! You did it!” I squealed. His arms wrapped around my waist tightly as he thanked me.

He pulled back and spun me around. “Damn, Tot. You’re looking damn good.” He winked. I rolled my eyes as his family came up to him congratulating him.

I stood around with Niall as the boys’ families started coming back and congratulating them. Eventually we all decided it was time to head to the after party. Niall walked up to me offering his arm I took it giggling and we walked out of the arena.

**

I watched as she threw herself all over Harry. I watched him act like he liked it. All I wanted to do was be with him on the biggest night of his career. I wanted to touch him, kiss him, and just be with him. I felt a presence beside me and turned to see Niall. I smiled weakly and sipped my drink.

“Niall, I don’t know if I can do this.” I stated locking my gaze on a Jack Daniel’s bottle in front of me. He rubbed my back soothingly. I felt my phone vibrate in my clutch.

Haz: Bathroom, 5 mins.

Me: k.

I watched Harry break from her and walk back towards the bathrooms. I waited the five long minutes before making a break for them myself. I walked in and Harry shut the door behind me and locked it.

I immediately locked my fingers in his curls and kissed him deeply. I couldn’t help myself, I needed to touch him. He wrapped his arms around me tightly pulling me closer. He whispered jump and I obeyed wrapping my legs around his waist. He set me on the sink and stood in between my legs. I pulled him back to my lips swiping my tongue along his bottom lip asking for entrance. He immediately granted it to me. His hands were on my hips rubbing small circles while mine worked through his curls.

His lips left mine and traveled down my neck finding my sweet spot like always. A moan slipped from my mouth as he worked wonders with his tongue. Alternating between sucking and licking. I ran my hands down his biceps and grabbed his hands threading my fingers through his. He stopped with my neck and kissed my forehead. I looked up to meet his eyes.

“I’m so proud of you.” I whispered tearing up. “I wish I could be the one celebrating with you. The one bringing you home with them tonight. The one to wake up next to you in the morning. The one that got to say ‘that’s my boyfriend up there’. The one that got to beam proudly as they left the arena hand in hand with you. The one that got to spend your free time with you. The one that gets to say I love you out loud.”

I saw a pool of tears forming in the corners of his eyes as I spoke. He kept squeezing my hands the more I talked. He looked down and I heard him sniffle.

“If you’re trying to make me feel guilty, it’s working.” He said, head still bowed.

“I just want you to know how much it hurts for me to see you do all those things with her. Harry, I love you, but it’s almost too much to handle.” I cry and he wraps his arms around me pulling me into his chest. I cling onto him not wanting to let him go. He was my everything, my whole entire world.

“Please don’t talk like that. I know it hurts you and that kills me.” He said, his voice hitching on the last few words. “But you have to understand that this is good publicity for the band.”

“It seems that’s all you care about these days.” I said pushing him aside and hopping down from the sink. I walked out of the door and immediately went to the bar ordering the strongest drink they had. I grabbed a napkin and wiped my face making sure my makeup was in order. The bar tender handed me my drink and I thanked him and walked over to stand by the wall. I took a big gulp of my drink as I saw Harry return to her.

“Love, are you okay?” Perrie asked as a look of concern crossed her face.

“Yeah, I’m good.” I said forcing a smile. I knew she didn’t believe me but she knew it was best not to ask. She gave me a comforting hug and returned to Zayn.

I walked over to a booth and took a seat observing everyone as they had the best time. I saw Harry, but not her.

“Hi! You looked lonely so I thought I’d come and hang out with you.” A chipper Pennsylvania voice rang in my ear. I turned to face her.

“You don’t have to.” I said quickly.

“But I want to!” She replied with a smile and slid in next to me. I forced a smile even though all I wanted to do was rip her hair out.

“Wasn’t the concert amazing?” She gushed. I nodded in agreement.

“Where did you sit? I don’t remember seeing you!”

“I sat with Eleanor, Perrie, Danielle, and the boys’ families.” I muttered sipping my drink.

“Oh.” She said looking a little hurt. I smirked to myself and took another drink. “Um, so how has your night been?”

“Great.” I muttered sarcastically. I froze as Harry slid into the booth next to her with two drinks in his hand. I gulped and came back to reality.

“Um, I have to go.” I said tearing up. I scrambled to get out of the booth. I did a beeline for the bar wanting something to make me forget this night. I ran into someone on the way. It was Niall. I looked at him and immediately started bawling. He pulled me into his arms and held me close. I weakly wrapped my arms around him and cried into his neck. He rubbed my back soothingly and just let me sob.

“You want to go home?” He asked into my hair. I nodded and we broke. He grabbed my hand and led me through the crowd back to the group. I dried most of my tears and hugged everyone bye and apologized for leaving so early, but I knew they understood. I didn’t even look at Harry; I couldn’t bear it.

Niall grabbed my hand and led me through the crowd and out of the bar. I kept my head down as the flashes started all around us. I clung to Niall’s arm as he pulled me through to the awaiting car.

“Niall, will you stay with me?” I whispered as we rode back to my apartment. I looked up at him from his shoulder where my head laid. He simply kissed my head and pulled me close.

**

As I laid in bed, Niall cuddled me comfortingly. He stroked my hair as we sat in silence. The only sounds were our breathing and my soft sobs.

“Niall, I tried, I really did. I just can’t do this anymore. I can’t stand to watch him go off with her. I’m hurting worse than I ever have and it’s because of the guy who said he would never hurt me in a million years but then did it.’All I wanted to do tonight was be with him, but that couldn’t happen. I don’t even think I would be that mad if it wasn’t for her. What I don’t understand is why he thinks I need to be protected from the fans. I mean, I’ve dealt with plenty of hate just for actually speaking my mind. Why should dating him be any different? As far as I’m concerned, it shouldn’t matter what everyone else thinks. It’s none of their damn business.” I sobbed into his chest. He rubbed my back soothingly.

“Ni?” I asked looking up at him.

“Hmm?”

“Will you sing for me?”

He kissed my head again before getting up and grabbing my guitar. He started gently strumming and began singing.

“When the rain is blowing in your face, and the whole world is on your case. I could offer you a warm embrace, to make you feel my love.”

His eyes locked on mine as I watched him intently.

“When the evening shadows and the stars appear and there is no one there to dry your tears, I could hold ya for a million years to make you feel my love.”

I slightly smiled as he continued, “I know you haven’t made your mind up yet, but I would never do you wrong. I’ve known it from the moment that we met, no doubt in my mind where you belong.”

He never looked away as he played skillfully on the guitar in his lap. “I’d go hungry, I’d go black and blue. I’d go crawling down the avenue, no there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do to make you feel my love.”

Niall broke his gaze from mine and strummed the instrument beautifully. “The storms are raging on the rolling sea, and on the highway of regret. The winds of change are throwing wild and free, you ain’t seen nothing like me yet.” He sang.

“I could make you happy, make your dreams come true. Nothing that I wouldn’t do. Go to the ends of the earth for you, to make you feel my love. To make you feel my love.” He finished. I smiled and climbed in his lap and hugged him. I buried my face in his neck as he buried his in my hair. I kissed his cheek before returning to my spot on the bed next to him. We sat in silence for what felt like an eternity, but I was okay with that.

“Can I tell you something?” He asked looking at me with his piercing blue eyes. I nodded for him to continue.

“I don’t think Harry has been treating you the way you need to be treated.” He admitted. I sat up, he followed and leaned against the headboard. “It’s just you’ve been so upset lately and he hasn’t been here but once and it was to talk about her.”

I looked down at my hands letting everything sink in. “You deserve so much more than he’s been giving you. You deserve the world Tay and he’s not giving that to you. He keeps you hidden from the world when you need to be shown off proudly to it.” I look up at him and see tears brimming his eyes. “You are the most amazing girl I’ve ever met, there is no doubt about that. If I had you, I’d treat you like the princess that you are. I’d never let you go. I’d shower you with gifts just because I wanted to. I’d want to hear your voice everyday before I leave to go anywhere. I’d want to see you at the airport waiting for me after tour and vice versa.” He started. “And I’d tell you I love you and mean it until I couldn’t anymore.”

I looked at him and saw him in a completely different way now. I saw him as more than my goofy best friend. I saw a guy that cared for me deeply. I looked at him and saw myself with him and not as his best friend.

I didn’t say anything. I crawled over to him and brought his face to mine and finally brushed my lips against his. I waited for him to make the next move and he did. Our lips moved together in sync as I felt butterflies in my stomach. His hands were on my face pulling me closer to him as mine threaded in his hair. I pulled away resting my forehead on his. His ice blue eyes staring into my soul, I could tell that he loved me. How did I not notice it before? Our breathing intertwined with each other’s and our hands tangled together.

“I love you too.”

Notes