Strictly Professional.

The sound of acoustic cover songs were breathing from the speakers in the room as Penny helped Niall pick out an outfit. “Definitely gotta do plaid.” He said as he pulled out a sleeveless button up, he placed it against his chest and gave her a smirk. “Make the ladies wet, right?” He asked with a devious laugh before laying it out on a chair above the black skinny jeans he’d selected. Penny shook her head and then pulled a black muscle tank to go under the top. “You’re so predictable.” She joked, leaning back to look at him. No one else was in the room at the moment; they were all in hair and makeup. Niall and Penny had already gotten that out of the way though, opting to spend some quality alone time before the show. Penny sighed, sitting down in the chair that was nearest her.
“I could use a spliff right now.” She said bluntly, laughing sheepishly before looking back up at him. She hadn’t smoked in a while, not since she’d been on tour at least. It was a luxury she saved for when she was home with her girls. Niall let out a laugh, arching a brow at her before looking behind him.
“I may or may not have just that and I also may or may not be willing to share it with you.” He said with a smile, grabbing his backpack and pulling a little baggie out. One perfectly rolled joint was staring at Penny and she let out an excited squeal. “You think we have time? Also this won’t impair you on stage will it?” Feeling hesitant to fuck up their night on stage. The blonde shook his head and then gave a nod toward the door. “Nah, I do it almost every night. I think it helps me play guitar actually.” He admitted as they began walking out the door and climbing some stairs until they’d reached the top. He opened the door revealing a warm summer night; the sun was setting, casting a pink glow on the building. The moon was already present in the sky, full and inviting as they looked up. They were on the roof, out of sight from everyone. He closed the door and they made their way over toward an a/c unit. They each sat leaning against it and lit the twisted tip of the paper. Niall took a long drag before passing it over, looking up at the sky as he breathed the smoke out. “You know, I don’t know why we don’t do this more often. I mean we’re always together…just not together.” He said, already inching in on the philosophical thoughts. Penny laughed as the smoke blew from her lungs, causing her have a small coughing fit. “Fuck, I always get extra high when I cough…” She said before pulling another drag and passing back.
“I know what you mean though, like you’re so busy. How do you do it? How do you stay grounded?” Her eyes were already turning red and she felt her head getting lighter. Her problems were sailing off into the sunset with each puff. Niall’s fingers gripped the smoke that was progressively growing smaller. His eyes took on a different feel, like he was really thinking about how to answer it.
“I don’t know. It’s hard; I have so many opportunities to just say fuck it, y’know? Just go on about life and don’t worry about the consequences… the boys though. They help, I know you’re in a tiff with Harry, but he’s an ace guy. Honestly, one of the best people I know. You are too though; you guys would be great together…” He was regretting the words as they left his lips, but he wanted to be the good guy. He saw the way they looked at each other, there was no way it could go un-noticed.
“You’re different with him, your eyes, your voice, even the way you breathe. It screams that you’re smitten, love.” He answered her honestly, his eyes connecting with hers.
She looked down at the burning paper, thinking about what he was saying. She’d always known that Niall had an eye for her and to hear him speaking about how obvious her feelings for Harry were hurt a little. She handed him back the paper, letting her hand rest on his knee. “You’re a good friend, Nialler.” She said with a smile, leaning forward and pressing her lips to his cheek softly. She’d never noticed that he smelled like sandalwood. She leaned back, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear and her attention was abruptly pulled away as the door swung open and 4 familiar faces came out.
“Smokin’ up without us mate!” Louis would holler, grabbing the smoke out of Niall’s hand and looking it over. “You’ve barely left half you glutton.” He said with a smirk before taking a drag and passing it to Zayn. Liam shook his head, leaning against the wall and opting out of the smoke session. Harry’s eyes went straight to Penny and she could feel his intensity burning inside of her. She stood up, dusting her backside off and walking over to him. “Let’s talk?” She said as she took his hand, pulling him behind her. This was the second time Harry had seen Penny with Niall today, was this becoming a habit? Not to mention the look of despair on Niall’s face as he and Penny walked away. Once they’d gotten far enough away Penny stopped, turning to look up at Harry who was almost a foot taller than her.
“Everything okay with Taylor?” She asked, frowning slightly. She was quite high by now, which meant she had no filter. Harry took her tiny hands into his own, the size difference proving just how fragile she was. “Yes, there is nothing with Taylor. She just showed up, I just didn’t want her to storm out and go to some reporter or call tmz and tell them I was seeing someone. Girls are spiteful babe; I promise there is nothing there.” He pleaded, his gaze never leaving hers as he spoke. She knew he was telling the truth, she could tell when he was lying, which wasn’t often. She threw her arms around his shoulders, pulling her body close to his as she embraced him, her lips crashing firmly against his as she kissed him. He could taste the weed on her tongue, the cherry Chapstick on her lips, and the lingering taste of mouthwash. She tasted like heaven and he was happy she wasn’t mad. He lifted her up, his hands grasping firmly at her ass cheeks and her legs wrapped around him. They were deep in their make out session when Louis, who was beginning to get really good at ruining moments, came around the corner and gave them a scoff.
“All right, we know she’s hot come on. We have a show to do boys!” He said happily as he turned to run back down the stairs. Harry lowered Penny back down and she gave him a smile. “You need to get dressed, c’mon.” She said with a smile, taking his hand and following the group inside.

Notes

After this chapter I'm going to do a time jump, hope you're all enjoying! :D