Torn

As the screams continued, I edged away from the boys and the growing crowd before legging it over to Roy. One quick discussion later, Roy was herding Everybody Looks Famous onto the stage. Adam had fetched the sound guy, and I yanked Danielle out of the mob to carry on photographing the gig. I then pulled out Chloe and Georgia while Adam rounded up the support bands. 16 of us gathered in front of the stage created a nice, small crowd. As soon as the music started, once again too loud to talk over, we started to rock out with the band. Slowly but surely the crowd round the boys, moved back towards the stage, joining in our rock out.

I slipped out of the crowd and darted into the bar area, glancing out the windows. It was remarkably clear still. I quickly made my back into the gig area, heading over to Harry. I pulled out my phone and typed out a message on the screen

Where are you staying?

I tapped him on the shoulder, he gave me a curious look. I showed him the message. His lips tightened, his eyes quickly guarded over and his stance became rigid again. I sighed, and made my way over to Tom. Thankfully Tom was more helpful, he took my phone and typed out the name and address of the hotel. I felt a pair of eyes boring into me and glanced up. Harry was stood watching us on the other side of the group. His eyes had narrowed as he watched us. I looked back at Tom as he handed back my phone, and gave him a sweet smile, mouthing thankyou gratefully at him. I darted back into the bar area and rang for a taxi to pick up 8 guys from outside Big Button on Heath Mill Lane. The taxi was due to be there in 20 minutes. I headed back into the gig area and typed out a new message on my phone before showing it to Tom.

Taxi is arriving in 20 minutes, I've sent it to a spot where you shouldn't be mobbed. I'll take you down there, and they'll take you back to your hotel.

Tom smiled warmly and nodded, before nudging Liam and Danny who were beside him, indicating with his head for them to follow. I lead the way to the door, waiting for them to follow, soon the eight of them were gathered by the front door, Harry perhaps somewhat begrudgingly. I poked my head out the door, checking it was still clear, thankfully it was, although there was a crowd heading this way but they were still quite a way down the street. I hurried the guys out of the building, immediately turning left down Adderley Street. I then took another left a bit further down the road down Lower Trinity Street. The guys had started to follow until a deep voice spoke from the back.

“Hold it.” We came to a stop and turned to look back at Harry, I threw a quick glance at my watch, we didn't have much time to spare.

“Yes Harry?” I asked as calmly as I could.

“Where are we going?” He had crossed his arms and stared directly at me, while the other guys stood on either side of us, watching.

“To the Big Button shop where a taxi will take you back to your hotel.”

“The gig hadn't finished.”

“After the mobbing you hardly looked like you were enjoying yourselves, so I figured it was best to get you out before the gig finished and you were mobbed again by the crowd who were heading up to the venue. Anyone who would rather go back to the gig is more than welcome, I'm not forcing anyone to leave.” I replied fighting to resist slapping him. Harry raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

“I don't fancy getting mobbed and seeing as the taxi is going to arrive soon, I'm happy to head back.” Tom smiled kindly at me, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, turning me back round and we started to head down the street. I heard murmurs of the others agreeing and catching up to us, as they started playing each other up again. I heard Harry's heavy sigh, a quick glance over my shoulder confirmed he was still with us.

We reached the Big Button with a few minutes to spare. The guys were stood chatting, Harry was leaning against the wall being all moody. Tom still had his arm draped over my shoulders, I glanced up at him, my cheeks flushing as his eyes met mine. His other hand reached up and brushed a stray strand of hair out of my face.

“Thankyou for looking out for us.” He smiled. I shrugged slightly.

“It was the least I could do seeing as it was my friends who caused the mobbing.”

“It's still very sweet of you.”

Thankfully the taxi arrived before Tom could cause me to melt into a puddle on the floor. Niall quickly pulled the door open and jumped inside, muttering something about food. Louis followed with Dougie, Harry (or Juddy as we had come to call him), Danny and Liam clambering in after him. Harry glanced over at us, huffed and climbed in.

“Thanks for coming tonight, it was fun, at least to begin with.” I smiled up at Tom. “Have a good evening, I'll see you soon.” I started to pull away but Tom frowned and held me fast.

“Let us give you a lift, you can't be here on your own at this time of night.”

“Tom, I'll be fine, it's not my first time in Brum.” I laughed. He shook his head and pulled me towards the car.

“In.” He stood, arms crossed like a parent who was having to deal with an awkward child. I rolled my eyes and climbed into the taxi, Louis helped me in sitting me beside him, and Tom slipped in on my other side. Harry was sat against the window, staring straight out the window, refusing to acknowledge my existence. Once we were all safely in Tom addressed the driver

“Slight change of plan, we need to make another stop first at...” He looked pointedly at me. I sighed lightly rolling my eyes.

“The Travelodge on Broadstreet, please.” The driver nodded and took off rather quickly, down the street.

“I don't think I'm ready to call it a night.” Danny suddenly piped up.

“Me neither.” Niall agreed.

“Party in Roxy's room!!!” Louis hollerred suddenly. I raised an eyebrow at him. He just shrugged grinning.

The guys fell into easy conversation about the party at mine, I listened half amused by the entire thing and half disbelieving. Every now and again my eyes fell on Harry. He was still staring out the window, refusing to be dragged into the conversation. His entire body was turned towards the door, and a chilly air surrounded him. It was such a contrast from the Harry I had seen earlier today, the one who had been so warm, so kind, so overly friendly. It didn't help with my guilt. The conversation died down after a bit, once they realised that other people would be on the same floor as me, and that meant they couldn't get away with half their plans. Once the silence had settled over us, I swallowed a little, and took a deep breath before apologising.

“Guys, I just want to apologise for earlier, for the mob and for my friends. I had no idea...”

“Who we were or that your friend would start squealing.” Louis interrupted. I gave him a surprised look.

“Oh love it was clear on your face the moment you recognised us. The point at which your blonde friend started screaming our names. It was rather funny actually.” He winked at me, before his face contorted into some strange position, I glanced over towards Harry and saw him glaring at Louis, when he saw I was looking he quickly glanced away again. I sighed silently.

“If I'd had any clue I...” I started again only for Juddy to interrupt me.

“You wouldn't have invited any of us and we wouldn't have been able to have a wonderful night listening to some awesome music. Don't worry about it. It's fine.” He shrugged smiling.

“But...” I tried a third time.

“Give up darling, your apology is unnecessary but we accept it all the same. As Juddy said, we have had a brilliant time doing something we rarely get a chance to, certainly all together. We couldn't have asked for any more.” Tom's hand slipped into mine as he cut in, I glanced up at him and was greeted by a large smile and sparkling eyes, he shifted and slipped his other arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer.

“Still, I am truly sorry.” I managed to finally blurt out, determined to apologise properly.

“As we said love, it's all good, none of us are mad at you. And if we are then it's because we're idiots.” Danny glanced pointedly over at Harry. However what took me by surprise was the tightening of Tom's hold when Danny called me 'love'. I glanced up at him, he was looking down at our hands, his face expressionless.

The taxi pulled up just as we finished our conversation. I reached with my free hand and unbuckled myself. Just as I was about to thank the guys and hop out I saw all bar Harry do the same, I guess they really were keen for this 'party'. Once we jumped out the car, I quickly grabbed my purse and tried to pass £20 to Harry, but he wouldn't even look at me. I sighed and left it on the seat next to him, explaining it was for the taxi fare, before sliding the door shut and rejoining the rest of the group. Tom spotted me popping my purse away having pulled out my room key.

“You didn't give him money for the taxi did you?” He groaned. I shrugged.

“It's only fair.”

“You do realise that taxi fare wouldn't make the slightest mark on his bank account, and considering how rude he has been it's the least he can do!” Tom remarked horrified.

“He has a pretty valid reason to.” I argued.

“No he doesn't. But enough talk about the party pooper, I spy a Sainsburys, Niall, Juddy and myself shall go buy supplies and we shall meet you in your room.” Louis grinned and started to head off towards the shop, Niall quickly followed. I managed to stop Juddy before he took off after them. I handed him the room key and gave him the room number '224'. He smiled grateful and took off after the other two. I led the other 4 inside and paused by the first door just before the lifts.

“Uh, excuse me for one moment.” I politely requested, before awkwardly turning away from them and digging into my bra for the spare key. I pulled it out, wiped it down on my jacket before turning back to the guys, all of whom had their eyebrows raised, rolling my eyes before unlocking the door.

I was grateful I'd tidied up before I left for the gig earlier, now that the guys were here. Although quite how we were going to get 8 of us in here comfortably I didn't know, but they weren't bothered, so I left them to deal with the logistics, while I slipped out of my jacket and shoes, abandoning my bag on the beside table beside me and grabbing a seat on the bed. Tom came and sat beside me, however before we could settle, Louis and the others returned, and he quickly jumped on the edge of the bed on my other side, forcing the two of us to move up. Louis threw his arm around my shoulder, handing me a drink that had been poured out, I rested it on my lap, turning the glass in both hands. Danny brought one over for Tom, before lying on the end of the bed, while Niall, Juddy, Liam and Dougie, scattered themselves around the rest of the room, three squashed onto the sofa, Niall on the chair by the dresser, taking charge over the drinks and food.

Louis raised his glass, clearing his throat. The general hum drum of mindless chatter died down as we all turned to look at him.

“Here's to awesome music, a crazy city and new best friends!” He grinned and winked at me, I glanced down a little, smiling shyly, quietly joining in the cheers. I took a wary sip of the concoction held between my hands, but silently breathed a sigh of relief, when I found it was only coke. However the relief must've been written over my face because Louis leaned in and whispered into my ear.

“I figured after this evening you might want to stick with coke, there is vodka if you'd like some though.” I smiled gratefully up at him.

“Maybe later, I'm happy with just coke for now.” He nodded understanding and immediately complained about the music choice, demanding somebody, somewhere, but something decent on before he went and drowned his sorrows. Danny laughed, jumping up and taking over control of the music. Within minutes Dougie and Niall had pulled me to my feet and we started dancing madly.

About 1am the guys declared it was time to go. I smiled and said goodbye to each of them, hugging them individual before they headed out of the door. I did feel a little for Juddy and Liam, both of whom were supporting a rather drunk Niall and Danny. Dougie was still buzzing and chased after them down the hall. Tom lingered behind a little. As he approached to say goodbye, he handed me my phone. I gave him a confused look.

“I really enjoyed tonight, I hoped you'd be up for meeting up again, for another gig or coffee or something.” He smiled sheepishly, those blue eyes full of hope. I blushed, not expecting that I'd see these guys ever again, despite how much I had enjoyed tonight. I smiled and nodded.

“I'm sure we can sort something out, it's been such fun today. I understood the fact that considering who you guys are this would probably be it, but it would be good to see you all again.” I replied enthusiastically. I wasn't sure but I could've sworn I saw his smile falter slightly.

“Well even if the others aren't free, I'd still like to stay in touch and stuff. You seem pretty awesome.” My cheeks burnt brighter at Tom's comment.

“Aw shucks, don't be silly. But yeah, I'm sure we can stay in touch. I'm just sorry about Harry y'know? I didn't mean to upset him so much.” I sighed.

“Oh forget about him. He's not worth the worry if he's going to be childish like this. It was a simple accident. He's making a mountain out of a molehill.” Tom replied a little brusquely. I was somewhat taken aback by his response, it seemed unlike the chilled out Tom I had gotten to know this evening.

“Still, I am sorry.” I pressed, a little carefully. Tom's features softened and he pulled me close into a tight hug. His clean, fresh smell filled my nostrils as the warmth of his body radiated against me.

“It's fine. I promise. I'll see you soon darling.” He let go, and a slight chill wrapped around my body in the absence of his body heat, before leaning forward and lightly kissing my forehead. My eyes fluttered closed as he did so, and when I opened them again I saw he had a satisfied grin on his lips. He said goodnight and slipped out to catch up with the others. I closed the door and collapsed onto my bed for a moment. However before I had time to gather my thoughts Louis emerged from the bathroom, standing over me, his face serious. I sat up, surprised.

“Listen love, I know Harry is being an idiot right about now, but I've spent all day with him since he met you, and let me tell you, he is smitten.” I opened my mouth to protest but Louis continued straight on, making sure I didn't get a chance to interject. “Don't argue with me Roxy. I know the boy. I know when he likes someone and when he is just being friendly. I know when he's being an idiot and when he's not. I know him better than he knows himself. Clearly Tom is hoping for something too, by the sounds of your goodbyes. I'm not telling you who to choose or who not to choose. I'm just asking you not to rush anything, get to know them both, find out exactly what you're getting into before you get into it. It's clear that you don't want to hurt anyone, but whatever you choose you're going to hurt someone, and it's going to be us lot left to pick up the pieces. So just. Be careful. Make sure you know what you're doing. Okay? Harry is my best friend. Tom is best friends with the rest of McFLY. We're all watching out for them. We all want the best for them. Just don't make the wrong choice.” I didn't quite know what to say in response. I was relieved Louis was aware that I didn't want to hurt anyone, but the idea of Harry or Tom, let alone both being 'smitten' with me, just seemed ridiculous. I managed to nod at him, my eyes never leaving his face, my mouth just refusing to work. That seemed to be enough though, as Louis visibly relaxed, his signature grin returning.

“Well I hope we see each other again.” He offered his hand out to pull me up, I accepted it agreeing with him, as he pulled me to my feet.

“It was fun, I would like to see you guys all again.”

“Oh I'm sure you will. Probably sooner than you think!” He winked and pulled me into a hug. “Goodnight love, see you soon!” And with that Louis ran out the room and down the corridor. I shut the door too once again, still a little shaken from Louis' speech, but pulled myself together enough to tidy up and go through the motions of getting ready for bed.

Once in bed, I grabbed my bag and pulled out the piece of paper Harry had given to me earlier.

Tonight was fun. I'd love to do this again sometime. Let me know when you're free and any gigs you'd recommend, I don't mind where they are. X

Underneath was a phone number. I assumed it was his. I slipped my phone out of my pocket and pulled up the message app.

Notes

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou for reading and commenting and voting and so on. It's so wonderful to know you're enjoying this!