November 22, 2015 "Babe, you look great don't worry." Penny said as she ran gelled fingers through Harry's long locks. They were all about to pile into their cars and head to the American music awards. Harry, being ever fashion savvy, had opted for a floral print Gucci suit. "Mate, honestly if you wanted my grandmothers curtains, you shoulda just asked." Liam joked, slapping hands with Niall. Penny shot them a glare, but Harry wasn't bothered. "It's about taking risks lads." He said as he stood up and adjusted his collar. "Plus, Louis looks like just stepped out of a vampire themed young adult novel...." Harry said with a sly grin. The boys were feeling relieved with their impending hiatus, like they were so close to being free it was hard to contain their joy. "Oi, no mate. I look sharp. Niall, weren't you just in that flick? About the secret agents and what have you? The one with the bloke from Mama Mia?" Liam shook his head "Kingsmen bro, honestly shouldn't you know the name of the movie you're basing your dig? Also, mama Mia? That's the movie you remember?" Niall couldn't get a retort in from his constant stream of cackles, everyone was feeling back to themselves. "Bro? What are we? American??" Louis replied, readying his best American accent. "Okay bros, let's go do this! Bros!" Harry let out a chuckle, looking down at Penny. "You guys are ridiculous. Hurry up, your cars are waiting." Penny said rolling her eyes, but honestly she was it was refreshing to feel like things were back to normal, despite the lack of one member. "You look beautiful as always Penny." Harry whispered into her ear as they made their way toward the car. The driver held the door open as they climbed in, Niall hurrying in behind them. "Sorry guys, only car left...." He said with a grimace, adjusting the black thick rimmed glasses on his nose. "No problem mate." Harry said, giving him a smile. It seemed as though all had been forgiven, Penny felt normal around Niall again, there were no lingering feelings. Everything was platonic. "Harry," Niall started "I want you to know how thankful I am for this. This moment right now. You're both two of my best mates and it feels amazing to be able to just sit here. Riding to an awards show and feeling as normal as we could feel." Nialls eyes were locked on Harry's as he spoke--Penny felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, but said nothing. "Of course, you're my brother Niall. Everyone messes up sometimes and we can't dwell. Some bad shit happened, but forgiveness is key to happiness. Love conquers all yeah?" He said nudging Penny and she wrapped her arms around his elbow. Niall smiled and leaned back, letting out a sigh. "Thanks for that. Seriously, I'm a ball of nerves right now. I can perform every night to thousands of people, but the idea of talking in front of all those celebrities really gets me anxious. So, don't make me say any acceptance speeches if we win " "When we win. And you'll be fine, I've got you." Harry reassured, his eyes turning to look out the window at the crowds they were approaching.

The funeral was simple, friends and family. No press allowed. It was nice, they remembered David for the loving father he was and told stories of the good times, everyone cried. Penny walked into the kitchen, her mother was sitting in the main room talking to her sister about something trivial to pass the time. Harry was in the kitchen with Pippa. Her small legs dangling from the counter top as she shared a piece of cake with her father. "There's my favorites." Penny said softly as she walked toward them, leaning her head on Harry's shoulder. "Mummy, when are we going home?" She asked sweetly before shoving a piece of chocolate cake into her mouth. She had a trail of chocolate all around her lips, Harry couldn't help but to laugh at the child. "Soon baby." Penny said, her voice exhausted from crying so much. "Good because I have a pressie for pop pop that I forgetted and I want to give it to him." She said with a smile, her tiny fingers clutching the plastic fork she'd been eating with. Penny felt that right in her heart, how do you tell an innocent that there is no way for him to get it. Luckily Harry piped up. "You know, pop pop would enjoy that very much love. When we get home, we'll give it to him together. Okay?" He asked, poking his finger lightly against her side which created a distraction as she erupted into giggles. "Okay daddy." She said sweetly. Penny looked at Harry with a thankful smile, not needing to say a word for him to know. "I thought I heard laughter, how utterly inappropriate" Louis joked as he walked in, walking to the side of Harry and having a look at Pip. "Chocolate cake? You didn't want to bring me any? How inconsiderate of you!" He teased, pippa have him a scowl, tapping her hand against his cheek. "Rude" was all she said with a pouty voice. The three of them looked at each other and let out little laughs, trying not to be too loud. "She's feisty today." Harry said with a grin, always the doting father. Penny smiled at the boys, turning to see Liam standing alone near the window. She walked over toward him and placed her hand on his elbow. "Lost in thought Payno?" She asked with a small grin. "Huh? Oh, yes. Yes I suppose I was." His voice sounded sleepy as he looked down at her. "You know, in times of crisis I always think of things I should have done. Time is fleeting, I've wasted so many moments...." You could tell he was deep in his mind, he'd been probably the most distant of the men since the hiatus and children joined the scene. Not because he didn't want to be around them, but mainly because he never wanted a hiatus. He never wanted the break. His eyes lit up as he looked to the door, a tall and slim figure entered and looked around. His dark hair long again and falling in his face. Liam's lips spread into a smile and he began walking toward Zayn. They embraced as soon as Liam reached him, Penny thought he missed Zayn most of all. "Penny..." A familiar Irish voice called from behind, Penny turned to see Niall. Once blonde hair has grown into his natural darker shade and those glasses were still there. Penny wrapped her arms around him, tugging him in for a warm hug. "You came." She said as she fought back tears. Despite things being pleasant between them all, she hadn't seen Niall in months. "Of course I came." He said as his arms pulled her in tight, she inhaled the scent she'd not even realized she missed. She inhaled and pulled away, knowing that she was probably just longing for things that were familiar. She wiped her eyes as she looked at him, his lips tugging into a frown. "How do you manage to look so radiant even in crisis?" He asked, touching her cheek softly. He'd become much more eloquent in the past years. Spending most of his time writing for his own album and also for other indie type bands. He'd really found himself. Penny's eyes dropped toward the floor as she bit her bottom lip bash fully. "Niall, mate." Harry said as he walked from the kitchen, he must have sensed the blush that was growing in penny's cheeks. What an awful time for buried feelings to resurface.

Notes

Written from my phone, sorry it took so long to update! Enjoy :)
rate, subscribe, comment! Let me know your thoughts :)