"Hold still!" I giggled as I tried to smooth out Niall's quiff. Lou had hand picked him, deciding he'd be the best for me to practice on. He was completely against it, seeing as he'd rather be kicking a soccer ball, playing video games, or getting into other mischief with the boys.

"Are you done yet?" He whined, playing on his iPhone. I'd been sculpting his hair for over thirty minutes. Lou kept checking in on me, but she was also balancing Lux on her hip so I was basically just winging it. "Lou never takes this long." He continued to huff.

"There." I ran my fingers through his quiff one last time before being satisfied. Lou stepped over towards us to have a look.

"Well... it's okay for your first try." She laughed. "But his quiff needs to be quiffier."

"Quiffier?" Niall looked at Lou.

"Yes, quiffier." She was still laughing.

"Loren, make it quiffier!" He demanded. I reached out to fix the quiff, but he ducked away. "I didn't mean right now! I've got things to do, woman!" He laughed, dodging out of the chair and running down the hallway, laughing. My shoulders sank and I rolled my eyes.

"It's okay. You'll get it eventually." Lou patted my shoulder. "We'll try again tomorrow, okay?" She grabbed Lux's bag and left the room. I sighed, afraid I'd never learn the ins and outs of hair and makeup.

I began to pack up Lou's combs and hair gel when I heard a quick knock on the door. I turned to see a smiling face. "Hey! If you're finished here, what would you say to dinner?"

"Josh, that sounds great! I'll just grab my things and meet you in a second!" I smiled, turning back to zip up Lou's accessory bag. I pulled my purse onto my shoulder and headed for the door. I smiled at Josh and followed him towards the exit.

"Where are you two off to?" I turned to see Liam and Harry walking towards the stage. Harry was focused on his phone.

"Dinner! Catch ya later, mate!" Josh waved to Liam. Harry glanced up with a look of frustration, but turned to follow Liam to rehearsal.

"Hey Josh." I summoned as we slid into his car.

"Hmm?" He asked as he started the engine.

"If the boys have rehearsal tonight, why don't you?"

"We already know the set list and all of the songs. They're simply going over stage presence." He answered as he pulled out of the parking lot.

I nodded in response as we made our way down the street. I knew I shouldn't be entertaining the idea of Josh, especially when I was just out of a relationship, but he was so attractive that I couldn't resist.

++

"No, no, no! You were the first!" I laughed. Josh and I were splitting a molten brownie for dessert and arguing over who made eyes at who first. "We were playing truth or dare and your eyes lingered for a bit too long!"

"Okay, I'll admit it, but your robe and messy hair were just so attractive, I couldn't help it!" He grinned cheekily.

Tears formed in my eyes, laughing at his comment. "Hey it was in the middle of the night!" I defended.

"And you were still breathtaking, I mean it!" He was serious now, and it made me blush. Before I could reply, my phone buzzed.

Where are you? It's past your curfew! -Niall

I'm assuming you're wanting me to practice on your hair again? -Loren

Have fun wherever you are. No need to hurry. -Niall

I laughed to myself at our text conversation. Niall was quickly becoming my best friend. I spooned the last bite of the brownie into my mouth as Josh paid the bill.

"Thank you for coming out with me tonight." He shoved his hands into his pockets as we walked towards his car.

"Oh, thank you for dinner!" I smiled.

"I really like you, Loren. You're so real. It's hard to find people like you."

I bumped into his playfully. "You're not so bad yourself."

He grinned. "So does that mean you'll go out with me again?"

"As long as I'm not still working on Niall's hair. It took me almost ten years to finish it today!" I giggled.

"You'll get it. Even if I have to come help you so that you'll be done in time for dinner!" He laughed, and I joined in. The thought of Josh helping me do hair was ridiculous.

++

I sipped on my coffee as I made my way into the venue that the boys would be playing in tonight. Lou wanted me to come in early to get more practice in. After finding the dressing room and getting our space set up, I turned to Lou. "So, who will I be practicing on today?"

Instead of answering, Lou looked past me and nodded towards the door. I turned to find Harry shuffling into the room. He rubbed his eyes and I could tell that he was still half asleep.

"I figured if you could tame Harry's mess of hair, you can do any head of hair I put in front of you." She smiled, handing me a comb.

"Good morning sunshine!" I chirped, expecting Harry to say something in return, but instead he groaned and flopped down into the chair in front of me. He remained silent as I tried to sort through the mop on top of his head. He no longer wore it messy and curly, but slightly quiffed, which made my work even harder.

Lou left the room, in search of food and since Harry still hadn't spoken to me, I decided to chat.

"How was rehearsal yesterday?" I prodded.

"Good." He flicked through his Twitter feed.

"You ready for tonight?" I urged.

"Yes."

I wanted to shake him. Why was he being so uptight? This was not the Harry I knew and shared a friendship with.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I won't be if you're not more gentle." He sassed.

"Sorry." I mumbled, hoping his attitude was due to lack of sleep. The rest of the time, he kept quiet.

"What do you think, Lou?" I used my jazz fingers to reveal Harry's hair.

"Um... Loren, let's try makeup for now." Lou stuttered. I placed my hand on my hip.

"Is it really that bad?" I sighed.

"No. It's just not that good." She rubbed my back, stifling a laugh.

She went through the basic makeup instructions and showed me how to hide blemishes and oil. It was awkward touching up Harry's face. He wouldn't look at me and I wanted to beg him to tell me what was wrong. Instead, I kept to myself and after Lou's approval of my makeup job, Harry was off.

Time to work on your hair. -Loren

No. - Niall

Seriously. Lou's beckoning you. -Loren

Niall came strolling into the dressing room with an annoyed expression. He sank into the chair and I began to gel his hair.

"You're not going out with Devine again, are ya?" He looked up from his phone.

"Maybe. He's really sweet." I replied, wondering why Niall was so worried about my love life.

"Well don't." he responded, to my surprise. I started to ask why, but none other that Josh Devine himself walked into the room, hindering mine and NIall's conversation.