By the time I left Harry's room to grab my overnight bag, the living room had cleared. I headed over to by the sofa I'd been sat on, and picked up both my handbag and my overnight bag. Straightening up and turning round, I found I had been joined by Tom, who hadn't yet changed. I imagined Toby would not be impressed if he saw him right now. I gave him a warm smile.

“Thankyou for pushing me to go earlier. Literally.” I laughed lightly. He smiled a little and nodded.

“ You two sorted?”

“Yes thankyou.” The relief of everything washed over me again, and I just needed to let it all out physically, before I'd fully clocked onto what I was doing I'd closed the short distance between us and was hugging Tom. His arms wrapped around me as he tightened it, pulling me closer against his body, his forehead resting on my shoulder.

“You didn't come back.” His voice was soft against my ear, it sounded almost sad. A pang of guilt hit me.

“I'm sorry dude. There just wasn't exactly a point I could just up and leave again.” I apologised, starting to pull away. Tom lifted his head a little, nodding understandingly, but didn't loosen his hold. His eyes were filled with the sweetness of chocolate, shining like two acorns in water. Somewhere mixed within the sweetness, was the salty sea of sadness. Just lapping at the edges, it's depth somewhere in the far distance, held back by dams. However I caught the small smile playing upon his lips.

“It's okay. I know how you can make it up to me.” His smile grew into a fully formed grin, as his eyes started to sparkle like two brand new pennies reflecting the sun.

“Okay....” I prompted, curious.

“Be my plus one for today.” I immediately wanted to retract my prompting. Clearly today was just not my day. I glanced up, looking straight into two hopeful eyes and regretted it the moment I did. I slowly shook my head, trying to find my voice.

“I'm sorry Tom...”

“Harry already asked. I get it.” He interrupted, his hold loosening, however before he could let go I found myself reaching up and gently kissing his cheek. I wasn't quite sure what made me do it. Whether it was because I felt sorry for him, or because I felt guilty about saying yes to Harry, or whether I was just plain flattered because two guys wanted to me to go to this thing as their plus ones.

I let go and left Tom stood in the centre of the living room, with just the memory of my lips on his cheek to get him through today and returned to Harry's room to get ready.

Once we were ready Harry and I headed into the living room, sitting in the spot Tom and I had previously occupied. Dougie and Louis were already there but were preoccupied with the X-Box to pay us much attention. Harry had draped his arm round my shoulders, pulling me close, his hand lightly pressuring my head down, so I was resting it on his shoulder. It was a comfortable position, and I'd have quite happily stayed there all day, but alas, we had an awards to go to, and my nerves were getting the better of me.

Harry's warm, large hand wrapped around mine and he gently released my necklace from my fingers, pulling each of my hands into his lap, before covering them both with his free hand.

“Relax Roxy. You'll be stunning today. You won these boys over, you'll win everyone over.” He murmured, resting his head on top of mine.

“I'm fine.” I lied, not wanting to let on just how freaked out I was about today. I mean what does one even do on the red carpet?!

“Maybe, but you're apart to disintegrate that beautiful cross between your fingers if you keep twisting and turning it like that.” He chuckled. I inwardly groaned. I hadn't realised he'd picked up on my nervous tick. In general I was quite the fidget, but if nerves were involved then it was even harder than normal for me to sit still. Generally playing with my necklace was enough, but if I didn't have one on, then my hands would find hems to play with, or a pen and paper to doodle on, or if there was nothing to hand, then they'd just twist them round themselves.

Liam appeared a few moments later, taking a seat on the opposite sofa, he glanced over at us, a satisfied smile on his lips.

“See, I knew you two would work it out in the end.” He gave Harry an 'I told you so' sort of look. Harry just grunted in reply as Niall bounded in and landed heavily on the other end of our sofa.

“Oh good! You two are talking again! We can be besties again!” He cheered, pulling me into a hug. I laughed, somewhat taken aback, and wrapped my arms around the lanky blonde guy.

“We certainly can Niall.” I smiled at him as we let go. The moment the two of us had distangled ourselves, Harry pulled me back against him, my back resting against his chest. I glanced up at him, he had a warm smile upon his lips, as his gaze met mine, emotions running through his eyes, to fast for me to catch, but they still managed to paint my cheeks red.

As we waited for Juddy, Danny and Tom to make an appearance the group of us fell into coversation across the X-Box. The boys speculating about who'd turn up today, and what sort of things would be provided backstage. Niall's speculations tended to surround the theme of food, while Liam and Harry seemed to be more focused on the guests. Eventually the others made their way into the living room, and the enigma known as Toby appeared in person before us all. He was fairly short compared to the guys, only an inch or so taller than myself. I guessed him to be around 5'5 or 5'6 at most. Despite his height, he had an air of authority and a tone that matched. He could certainly make sure the boys listened to him, whether they did as he asked would be anyone's guess.

The nine of us got up, Louis and Dougie a little begrudgingly, not wanting to leave their game, however a little coaxing from Tom and Liam quickly got them moving. Harry wrapped his arm around my waist as we stood, keeping me still, letting the others go ahead. Tom hovered for a moment by the entrance to the hallway, but seemed to change his mind and headed out just behind Niall. I glanced over at Harry, not wanting to be the reason for their delay, however he was just watching me.

“I was just thinking, I don't think I've told you how beautiful I think you are.” He mused aloud. I could feel the blush on my cheeks spread throughout my body. “I must have been a Saint in a previous life.” He chuckled, still speaking more to himself than anybody. Just then, he started to head out, his arm pressuring against my waist to keep me with him. I followed, a little stunned from his musings as we hurried along and joined Tom and Niall in the waiting lift.

Outside the hotel was a black limo with tainted windows. As we came out I saw Louis duck into it.

“The arena is literally just there.....why are we getting in a car?!” I asked incredulously. Chuckles came from the three guys.

“Oh darling, it would take us an extra 5 hours if we walked.” Tom laughed. I raised my eyebrows at him but he just smiled, causing my knees to feel a little weak, before ducking into the car himself.

“Ladies first.” Harry murmured, his arm slipping from around my waist and taking a hold of my hand. I smiled shyly at him and climbed into the car before Harry slid in beside me, his arm wrapping itself back around me. I rested a hand over his gently, glancing round the limo. At the far end, Liam and Juddy were chatting away. Opposite them were Niall and Danny. Louis and Tom were sat on either side of Harry and I respectively.

I hadn't noticed I'd been playing with my necklace again until I felt a small chuckle vibrate in Harry's chest and his hand gently intervene, entwining his fingers with mine. He pressed his lips to the side of my head and the colour rushed to my cheeks as I kept my eyes on the floor. I heard Tom move in his seat.

The car moved slowly, it barely felt like we were going at all. I risked glancing up, but timed it at the wrong moment. As I lifted my head to look out the window, a large group of girls about 14 to 16 started banging on the windows and screaming. I visibly jumped, the shock and the bangs shuddering through my body. Harry tightened his grip on my waist, freeing his other hand from our entwined fingers, and lifting it to pressure my head down onto his shoulder while he ran his fingers through my hair in a soothing fashion. I figured Tom had also seen my shocked reaction, because he moved to sit beside me, one hand resting on my knee, his thumb drawing soothing circles, while his other hand rubbed my back. Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the two of them, I sat up and shook off their soothing gestures, reassuring them I was fine, that it had just been foolishly unexpected. Neither of them looked convinced, and while part of me longed to return to that previous position, the tension between the two made the thought unbearable. Instead I just smiled at them both, squeezing their hands. Harry's arm was still wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me back and into him a little. I let him, enjoying the warmth of his body.

After a good 10 minutes we finished making what should've been a two second journey and pulled up infront of the red carpet. A large, well built man, in a suit with an ear piece opened the door. Tom climbed out first, reaching back and offering his hand to me. I accepted it before Harry could interject and got out of the car, finding myself faced with flashing cameras and a wall of noise. I stepped slightly to the side, dropping Tom's hand, as Harry got out. Once more, his arm found it's way around my waist and he led me up the carpet. We stopped at intervals for Harry to have an interview or speak to a fan. Generally I stayed slightly back when he did this, catching one of the guys into a conversation as I did so. Occasionally Harry would slip his hand in mine and encourage me forward to join him when he was having photos taken. I offered to take photos for several of their fans, however I started to find several wanted photos with me, or with Harry and I, or of just the two of us. Perhaps unsurprisingly many would ask if we were dating. I laughed it off mostly, however Harry would often give an answer I couldn't hear, only denying answers to the media.

We posed for a few final photos at the top of the carpet, I stepped aside for several, letting the press capture the photos they wanted of the boys all together. I smiled watching them, they seemed fairly at ease with it, knowing what was expected and making sure to provide it. Once they were done Harry caught up with me, a large grin on his face, his arm back around my waist and his eyes sparkling.

“Glad to see you enjoyed yourself.” I grinned, lightly poking his side. He chuckled a little.

“You were enjoying yourself too. After the first couple of interviews you didn't once touch your necklace.” He commented, squeezing me a little. I blushed and gently rested my head against his for a moment.

“It just felt like such a whirlwind that there wasn't a chance to stop and think.” I sighed gently. “You have some lovely fans though.” I smiled, thinking back to the ones I'd met. I felt him go a little rigid and I glanced up at him confused. “What is it Harry?”

“The majority of our fans are lovely. But there is a handful who are, well, not as friendly as the rest, and they tend to be rather loud about it too.” Harry chewed on his bottom lip, watching me. I'm not sure either of us were fully aware that we had come to a halt. “Just promise me that if any comments bother you, you'll come to me about it. Leaving it won't help.” I nodded.

“I promise.”

“Thankyou” Harry smiled, bending down slightly and kissing my forehead. I was pretty certain every drop of blood in my body rushed to the point where his lips made contact at that very moment. His smile just widened before he led me through and down to their dressing room.

As we walked down the long corridor there were several other celebs milling about. Several of them acknowledged Harry, usually with a nod or a smile, while they listened to whoever they were with chatter away. However it was until my eyes landed on a certain blonde lady that I really reacted. Harry chuckled at my sudden intake of breath and his eyes followed my line of sight.

“Ahh Fearne Cotton, she's lovely. Maybe later I'll introduce you?” He offered. Inside I immediately started to freak out. This is Fearne, freaking, Cotton! The very woman I had looked up to during my life from when I was about 12 was in the same building as I was. I gave Harry a funny look.

“Why? I mean, what would I even say? This is freaking Fearne Cotton! What could I possibly talk to her about?!” I gave him an exasperated look as we slowed in front of his dressing room door. Harry shrugged.

“You mentioned yesterday about your show. The one on that radio station. You two can talk about radio, or music for a start.” He smiled reassuringly, opening the door.

“You remember that?” I asked surprised, walking into the room. We had covered so many topics during yesterday afternoon I was surprised any had stuck with him, especially after our little 'to-do'.

“Of course I do, I remember all of it.” Harry replied, wandering in behind me. The large room was filled with people milling around. McFLY were chilling out on a couple of sofas, while the rest of One Direction had various people flittering between them, getting them prepared for interviews and such that would be happening throughout the rest of the day before the awards were recorded that afternoon. Almost immediately someone came over to Harry, ushering him along, he nodded and waved them away, grabbing my hand.

“Don't worry about it okay? You'll be wonderful today. Everyone will love you. And hey, how about you and I go for dinner tonight, once this is all over? We'll go to one of the nearby towns.” Harry's eyes were shining and they reminded me of the summer sun breaking through the green leafy roof of the woods my brother and I use to play in when we were kids. I nodded, telling him I thought it was a wonderful idea. His warm grin spread widely on his lips before he kissed my forehead and disappeared with the impatient woman who was still trying to usher him along.

Notes

Merry Christmas guys! Hope you've had a wonderful few days!

Thankyou for your lovely comments and votes, it's wonderful to read them and to know you're enjoying reading this story as much as I am enjoying writing it :)