not the hero

I’m debating how long I can go without unpacking fully, i don’t know but my last time I unpacked it took me weeks after I got back home. anyone want to bet that I don’t last after that week? I can say however; i can see in the beauty of this mount meadows as I came into town. everything is so great, but since moving in I haven’t gotten to see everything yet. What are the best places to go to here? i’d love the suggestions. //  @mountmeadow·

There’s no way you can beat my record – I lived in my apartment in Vancouver for like 9 months before I had everything completely unpacked. Unless you want to make some friendly competition out of it? See who can last the longest without unpacking all their boxes? This place is pretty awesome, you can’t go wrong with any of the views around here. The best places? That’s a hard question to answer but I’m a pretty big fan of the lake and the weather right now is perfect for renting a boat for a day and going swimming. Nice to meet you by the way, I’m Rich. 

so i’ve arrived from across the pond with my cat edgar, only to realize that unpacking is going to be terrible. i have way too many books and potentially not enough space to house them all. i think to counteract this feeling i might find a place to get bits and pieces of fall, halloween, and christmas decor. it’s september therefore it is officially fall and you cannot tell me otherwise. if anyone wants to come with me to get decorations let me know! oh, i fluffed on my introduction didn’t i? hello, i’m carrie! [ @mountmeadow· ]

Sunshine! What the hell have you been up to? I know, I deserve a slap in the face for leaving again but duty calls. I missed your face though and had to come back. I think you and me need to duke it out on Mario Kart because it’s been way too long. Evan can play too but only if he helps me gang up on you, cheater pants. Man, I’ve missed messing with you, Perrie. I’m never leaving ever again – sorry, not sorry.

you are a weird one and you’re lucky i like you so much. but no, i’m kidding. i love snakes and i’ve always wanted one. just know that we can’t have too many reptiles, they will make us re-do our entire home to some kind of tropical paradise for these animals. not that i would mind that. you’re so silly. i love you very much richard. not only because of how absolutely adorable you are when someone tells you a sob story and you can’t resist just helping. you have a good soul, baby.

If you don’t gain five pounds on Cinco de Mayo you’re doing something wrong, so good on you! Oh it’s okay I was pretty much in and out. Maverick had other ideas for our evening and like the good dog mom I am, I listened and we spent our time eating tacos at the dog park instead. Taco Tuesday is the best day of the week, honestly. If you wanna go eat tacos with me sometime we’ll go, even if it’s not on a Tuesday. Please tell me all about the cruise, I’m so sad I missed it and I need to pretend I was there. I’ve got plenty to fill you in on too.

See, that’s what I’m saying, but everyone’s so like, health conscious these days that when I even joke about that, people stare at me like I just admitted to committing town-wide arson or something. Maverick! What an awesome name. I don’t have a dog but I love hanging out with dogs so I might have to catch you guys at the dog park sometime and bother you there. Tacos are just good any day of the week so I’m totally down for it. I’ll tell you all about it and, hell, maybe we can convince someone to let us go on a CW alumni cruise. ‘Cause we’re the coolest anyway and deserve that. Oooh, really? I’m super curious now. We definitely need to hang then. I’m pretty much free all the time unless Haz is dragging me around, so we gotta do it sooner rather than later.

So I went to the pet store today to pick up stuff for the terrarium and, don’t hate me, but I kinda got talked into getting a snake. I hope you’re... not afraid of snakes. But even if you are, she’s so friendly, Haz. She’s got the cutest little face and she just scoots around without a thought in that little brain of hers. She actually kind of reminds me of you so it’s perfect. Just, uh, don’t kill me, okay? I know we weren’t planning on adding to our little scaly family but shit happens. You can blame the girl at the pet store giving me the sob story about how no one wanted to buy her because they kept calling her “ugly”. 

Word on the street is that you’re a Mario Kart fan which means I’m like, already your best friend. But Perrie kept telling me she crushes you in it so I think we need to have a Mario Kart training day. We gotta put the fear of Evan and Rich in her and show her we can hold our own too. Either that or we’ll just rig the game so you always get the leader shell when she’s in first place. So what d’ya say, man? Even if we just play together online or something, I feel like this is necessary business.

Call me desperate for human interaction but I literally just Googled when your tour is ending so I can make sure I’m planning a hangout with you as soon as you’re back. After you’ve spent some time with your hubby, of course, because he comes first, but obviously you can’t forget about your friend Rich. I’ve been dying to know all about it. How’s it going so far though? I mean, there’s no doubt in my mind you’re having the time of your life. I know I would be. You better believe I’ll be tuning into the livestream from London.

It’s so good to be back in town! I’ve missed Mount Meadow so damn much since I was last here. It’s good to see things haven’t changed much, either and I passed by Beach Burrito today and saw them hanging up signs hopefully for Cinco De Mayo. I’m a sucker for half priced tacos and margaritas. If anyone wants to hang out with me tomorrow, please feel free! I could use some new buddies since it looks like some of my old ones moved away. I’m Nina for those of you who don’t know me! If anyone wants to feel me in on all the fun tea I missed while I was gone I’ll pay for your tacos tomorrow. @mountmeadow·

Well, hey there, stranger. Welcome back to paradise. Cinco de Mayo was legit – I’m pretty sure I gained like 5 pounds from all the tacos I ate and the liquor I consumed. Sorry I missed you there though. I’ll take any excuse to eat Mexican food and drink margaritas though... and tomorrow’s taco Tuesday so... rain check? Now, tea is what I’m good at spilling so that’s even more of an excuse to hang out ASAP. You can tell me all about what you were up to while you were gone and I’ll tell you all about what you missed – mainly, the cruise last month, which was definitely full of shenanigans worth retelling. 

no sweetie, i would never fight you. unless you don’t pay child support. because then we’re on. but i know you wouldn’t be that kind of man. you’re responsible. hell yeah we’re both aliens. you think that’s why we have such hot sex? all aliens, baby. or something. you can make it up to me with… hm, maybe a foot rub, some drinks… also i don’t say no to a full body massage. i might even return the favour.

honey, i have beef with you. okay, not you-you but dream you. i had a dream you knocked me up then you left me. how dare you. i will have to make certain you will step up for me and our 5 alien babies. because yes they were alien babies. unsure who was the alien, you, me or both but it’s left me extremely worried for the future here, rich. i feel you have to make it up to me. @harmonsrich·

Oh good, I’m glad at the very least I was able to do that. Please do, I want only the best gossip. I bet Harry could come up with some off the walls things too, so let him help I guess. You two can practice all you want but I’m so kicking both your asses when I get back. Evan’s probably just gonna complain to you about how I cheat at Mario Kart anyway. I don’t know how anyone cheats at Mario Kart, but ya know, whatever. Nope, I miss it so much already but tour life is amazing. I forgot how much fun it was to be on the road with these girls. I’ll be back before you know it, I promise and you all will be wishing I was still on tour. Oh fan stories? Fuck, putting me on the spot like this. Really nothing weird has popped off yet I think everyone’s just enjoying this tour for it is. Real emotional for us all. 

You got it – best goss, comin’ right up. Oh yeah, if anyone can spin a good story, it’s Haz. Between both of us, we’re going to have some really good shit to spill. Yeah, yeah, okay, big talk for someone who hasn’t witnessed my skills firsthand. You might be eating those words, Perrie, and I’m not responsible for any hurt feelings. I mean, I don’t know either but I bet there’s some way to do it. Like witchcraft or something. Me and Evan are gonna be a super team and you’re not gonna be able to stop us. Man, that’s awesome – I know I give you a ton of shit but I’m super happy for you, dude. This is kinda one last hurrah for you too, right? You gotta really live it up. Nah, I don’t think so – unless you really do kick my ass in Mario Kart. Then I might be writing your next album for you and sending you back on tour. You’ll just have to put the weird stories in a bank and tell me when you get back. 

Hey you-thank you for keeping me company pretty much the entire time we were on land on the cruise-ha! Are you glad to be back in town at this point? I must say it was a relief to see my apartment after being away from it for a while.

@harmonsrich

I mean, it was only one day, man, but no problem. It was fun. Totally glad to be back in town and getting my stuff unpacked and all that jazz. You been up to anything good since we rolled back up in this bitch? I got lovingly dragged to that garden center thing today which was actually really great and got some good plants for my lizards’ terrarium. Did you make it out there?

sweet reunion { h + r }

harry lets out a breath of relief when rich says they can try again, as if he’s been holding a breath in for… well, a real long time. he nods, unable to really say anything instead he blinks again, rubbing his eyes with his sweater paws and nods. “yeah i… yeah i think that sounds good,” he says to the suggestion of going back home because harry is ready too. ready to just start over, ready to show just how good things can be between them. ready to show that they can do this, without any mistakes or misunderstandings this time.

when they finally park and get up to rich’s flat, harry smiles as they enter. he gives rich’s hand a squeeze, before letting go so that he can look everything over. “no it’s fine, it’s very… well, you,” he says, more fond than anything as he looks at all things he’s missed that just makes this place so very much rich. very much a home he wants to share. he stops at the pet lizards they got together and for a moment he tears up again. “hey guys,” he whispers happily as they ignore him. he doesn’t care. 

he then remembers rich asked him if he wants anything to drink and he shakes his head. “no thanks i’m good, can we… i mean, we should talk,” he says, sitting down on the couch and hoping rich will join him in doing so. it doesn’t take long and when he does, harry leans in to kiss him again. “i really am sorry. you know i will keep repeating it just so you know that i am. i thought… it doesn’t matter. i just want you to know that i’m very much in love with you and if i could do it all over again, i never would have left. we lost… so much time being stupid about this,” he mumbles, their foreheads together again. “so… will you let me take you out on a date?”

Rich tries to be inconspicuous as he watches Harry, but nearly misses the glass he’s trying to pour iced coffee into and curses under his breath. It’s almost a relief to see Harry here, in his apartment, where it feels like he’s supposed to be. That’s grossly cheesy to think, but it’s true. Even when he first met Harry, when they first started really seeing each other here, he felt like the perfect fit in this space. It was like he was the one thing that was missing from Rich’s life and now he’s here. It almost doesn’t feel real. Rich finishes making his coffee and makes his way to the couch, flopping down next to Harry and stretching out. The kiss catches him off guard, but he accepts it nonetheless with a smile. But then the mood turns serious again and Rich sighs, closing his eyes as Harry keeps him held in place, forehead to forehead.

“It’s really okay, Haz,” Rich reassures him, letting out another soft sigh, “I believe you and I don’t want to get all hung up on the sorries. Let’s just... keep moving forward, okay? Shit happens. We can sit here and think about the should’ve, could’ve, would’ve but why does it matter? You’re here now and that’s... pretty much all I ever wanted so...” He bumps his nose against Harry’s, a little half smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. “I love you, even if you’re kind of a moron sometimes, and I guess you’re allowed to be a little stupid every once in a while. Keeps things interesting.” Then, when Harry offers the date, Rich pauses, pulls back just a hair to look at him with a single raised brow. “What, like, now? I mean, I guess I don’t care when it is. Yeah, we can go.”

Good, that’s what I like to hear. Scare you into sticking around this time. I can’t wait either, if they end up saying lame things don’t tell me about it, ok? I only want the good things they say about me so I can take them into consideration. I think that’s a good idea, I might let you win from time to time but I’ll play it so well you won’t know I’m giving it to you. Okay, you’re on. We’ll play Mario Kart once I’m back from tour just so I can kick yours and Evans’ asses together. That’ll be a good homecoming. I left straight from the docks yesterday, Ev drove me to the Airport and now I’m singing the songs and doing the things with my girls. Try not to miss me too much, okay? I’ll be back soon. 

Trust me, you put the fear of Perrie Edwards in my heart and now I don’t think I could leave even if I wanted to. I’ll just make some shit up that’s a lot more interesting and slip it into the rumor mill to make you feel better. That’s what friends are for. Damn, you’d really play me like that? Alright, fine, I guess even if you fake let me win, that’s better than not ever letting me win at all. I’m just gonna have to hit Evan up so we can practice before you ship back in. Wow, didn’t even take a breath of that Mount Meadow air, did you? Man, that sucks, but you know what? I’m happy for you and proud of you for getting your ass out there and doin’ the damn thing. I’ll try not to let me heart get too broken over this but I feel it tearing just a little bit knowing you just abandoned your buddy. Hurts, Perrie. Really hurts. The only thing that can make up for it is you telling me crazy stories about fans or something. I bet there are some pretty wild ones out there.

the time stops for a few moments once they’re in each others arms again. harry inhales as the scent of rich fills his nostrils, soap, cologne and some salt water that is new. he closes his eyes, allowing himself to just be in this moment before rich says they need to get out and he nods. they should. but he is very happy when rich leans forward, pressing a soft kiss to his lips and letting it linger. god, he’s missed him so much. he knows they’re both not people wanting to make a show out of everything though so he quickly follows, helping rich with his luggage before they get to his car so they can load it in the trunk.

when they’re in the car though, harry turns so that he can face rich and when rich leans forward, harry turns his head to catch the kiss on his lips instead, his hand cupping rich’s chin to then go to his hair and tangle his fingers there. “i’m sorry,” he breathes out, pressing their foreheads together as he speaks. he takes a few deep breaths, trying to find his words. “i guess… you didn’t text either so i didn’t know if i… if i had missed my shot. you know.” he admits and he knows that he needs to explain more. “i just… i got so busy with work and then once i was out… i didn’t hear from you so.. i kind of thought… you didn’t want to hear from me. i was scared. i didn’t want to… bother you.” and maybe it’s not an excuse or an explanation even, but it’s something. he softly bumps his nose against rich’s, before kissing him again. this time slowly, taking his time with it before pulling away.

“i really missed you rich,” he whispers again, thumb caressing those beautiful cheekbones. “i don’t know if i deserve to have a new chance or if you even… wanna try this again but…” he blinks a few times, long lashes catching tears in them. “i never had anyone else. i always missed you. i’ve just… been waiting to come home. with you.”

Rich is surprised when Harry catches his lips but he gratefully accepts it, closing his eyes and letting the feeling of being wanted wash over him. He listens as Harry speaks, then sighs softly, almost defeated. Because Harry is right – Rich could have texted or called instead of assuming things were over between them, but he didn’t. “Y-Yeah, I mean, I get it, Haz. And I should’ve... I wanted to text you, but I didn’t think you wanted to hear from me.” Admitting it out loud hurts more than he realized it would and Rich cringes a little, tensing his fingers on Harry’s knee. “It was just a massive miscommunication... like, we both wanted to talk but we were scared to. We were both kind of being idiots... and I think we probably learned our lesson, huh?” 

The second kiss feels so much more emotional, months of longing pressed into one touch of lips, and Rich leans into it. The final words leave Harry’s mouth after that and Rich thinks on it, brow furrowed. Rich missed him too, more than anything, and is there really any legitimate reason to not give Harry another chance? Not one he can think of. “I missed you too,” he admits, rubbing a thumb along the smooth curve of Harry’s knee, “I don’t see why we can’t try again. I mean, like I said before, it was just... a big, stupid misunderstanding. So let’s do it. Let’s... start over.” It’s Rich’s turn to lean in, kiss Harry very gently, the pull back, sounding a bit winded. And when he smiles, it feels genuine, the biggest smile he’s shown off in months. “Let’s go. I’m ready to get home.”