#harrison fic

Looking at the Christmas tree had been your first thought when the work day ended. They had turned on the lights a week or two ago and you’d been itching to see it ever since then, so you jumped at the chance, hopping in a cab the second you were out of the office. Unfortunately, bad traffic brought the cab to a stop a block or two away from the center and had you getting out, paying the driver and telling him to keep the change.

That’s why you were walking now, nearly in sight of the Christmas tree.

A second later you did see it, and you stopped, a wide smile on your face as you looked at it. Just like you did every year you swore you’d never seen a bigger or taller tree and you marveled at how beautiful it was.   The multi colored lights gleamed and the star at the top nearly blinded you with its bright white glow. The thing was so bright it was almost like a real star sat shining on the top branch.   It took your breath away like it always did, and you found yourself reaching into your pocket for your phone. Taking it out you opened the camera and held it up to get the tree in the frame. No good. No matter how you held it you couldn’t get the whole tree in the shot.

You did the logical thing and took a step or two back—and collided with a hard, strong body. At least you were sure it was a person by the grunt they let out at the contact.

Maybe it was the darkness falling around you fast that hid them, or maybe you’d just been so focused on the tree you hadn’t seen or heard them coming as they walked up.  either way you had no idea there was anyone else around and you hadn’t expected it, letting out a soft cry of surprise as you bumped into whoever it was.

“I’m so sorry” The words were an instinct and came out in a rush. You didn’t even register you’d said anything as you backed away and turned to face them.  

It was definitely a he and as soon as you saw his face any more apologetic words you had withered and faded away in your mouth. Your first thought was that he looked like a prince, the prince of some small snowy country in northern Europe where the weather was always like winter.  Though, that could have just been because of the sleek black coat he was shrouded in and the fur collar on it. Pushing away the silly thought you tried to identify what kind of fur was for a second and gave up when you couldn’t.  Blonde hair was gelled close to his head and the lights of the tree behind you lit up his face, highlighting his cheekbones and providing the only sparkle you could see in those ice blue eyes cutting through you with all the chill of a gale force north wind.  As he stood there and stared at you silently you felt more and more like an icicle had been used as a dagger to spear your heart—and that the ice was slowly spreading through you the longer you looked into those freezing depths.

You shivered, feeling like a handful of snow had just been shoved down your back, and looked away, glancing at the cheery sight of the Christmas tree behind you. The sight gave you courage and you looked back at him, letting the light of the star at the top of the tree give you warmth.

He was still staring at you intently and you were thrown for a minute before shaking it off, and getting yourself together. You licked your lips and spoke “I’m sorry, i was just trying to get a picture of the tree and i didn’t see you.”

The man’s lips twitched upward into something that could possibly be called a smile, and he nodded at you. You could see the hairline fractures forming. The ice barely starting to crack; giving way slightly.  “It’s alright, Have a good night”

Just like that he swept off, walking down the street and leaving you behind him, still feeling a bit chilled at the encounter. You just weren’t sure if the chills were because of him or the freezing winter wind.

Coming back to yourself you realized you still had your phone in your hand and you hadn’t taken a single picture. Bringing the phone up again you saw the shot was perfect now and snapped a quick photo, putting it back in your purse with a sigh. Your encounter with that guy was still nagging at your mind and you shook your head, like that would dislodge the memory. It didn’t, and the thought of him was still there as you started walking to catch a cab. You hoped you could manage to get one, it was getting late and you didn’t feel like walking.    

 Harrison walked a block or too, hands stuffed in the pockets of his black coat, and stopped by a limo whose color practically matched the night shade of his jacket.  The door opened for him and like he expected Tom greeted him with a complaint.  He’d been gone longer then he said he would be thanks to lingering for a bit then running into that girl, so of course Tom would grumble about it.  “Finally! it took you long enough, mate.”

Haz smiled at him as he slid into the expensive black leather seats and closed the door behind him. It was a smile that lit up his whole face and if you had seen him then you almost wouldn’t have been able to recognize the ice prince you’d met a few minutes before. There wasn’t even a hint of frost to be seen.   “Come on, it wasn’t that long, you div.”

Tom scoffed in response, looking over at him accusingly “It was ages.” He leaned over to nudge him, jabbing him with his elbow and making Haz chuckle and rub the spot “Seriously, how long does it take to look at a giant tree? I know you’re the prince and everything but that doesn’t mean you can leave us all waiting.”

“Really?” Haz grinned at him, eyes twinkling “Cause actually, I think It means I can”

Tom grinned back at him, his white teeth gleaming in the dark, and brown eyes alight “Oh, piss off”

They chuckled until the mirth was cut short by the driver speaking from the front “Where to now, your highness?”

Harrison smiled at him, still half chuckling as he answered “Back to the hotel, Dave. I’ve seen everything I wanted to here.”

The car started off and Tom looked at Haz, laughter in his eyes “It’s not like there was much to see.” There was a second of silence before he was opening his mouth again “What took you so long anyway? You were gone for a while”

Harrison shrugged, the broad shoulders rising up and down, making the fabric rustle slightly in the quiet of the back seat. “Nothing much. I walked all the way around the tree then just stayed for a while to get a really good look at it, so It was mostly my own fault.  I bumped into a girl on my way out too, so that added another minute or so.”

Tom latched onto his words at once “A girl?” He was grinning over at Haz “What kind of girl? A pretty one?”

Haz laughed “Maybe. What does it matter? It’s not like I’m going to run into her again.”

“Who says I’m asking for you, you div?” Tom reached over to hit his arm “Maybe i’m asking for me? Anyway, you know a commoner would be fair game.” The grin was back again and this time there was a teasing edge to it “I’m pretty sure your parents would be so happy to know you were dating they wouldn’t even care who it was just as long as she was human and breathing.”

Haz rolled his eyes “Oh you’re hilarious. In fact, spare me any more jokes—i might die from them.”

Tom’s arm swung again, and Harrison managed to dodge it with a grin, both of them breaking out into chuckles again. Once they’d died down Haz spoke again “anyway, i know they’d be fine with it. They’ve told me that more than enough times.  I’m just taking my time.”

“Yeah, yeah I know. That’s only the hundredth time I’ve heard that. look on the bright side though, maybe you’ll meet some gorgeous girl at the charity ball.”

Harrison was only half listening now, looking out the window at the Christmas decorations as they went passed “Yeah, maybe. You never know . . . it is Christmas.”

 Two days later you were once again happily walking away from work and toward the Christmas spirit.  It was your lunch break you’d slipped out of the office to head to the nearest coffee shop. You weren’t a fan of coffee, usually drinking tea or something instead, but the spirit of the season had infected you and you definitely felt in the mood for some hot chocolate.

The Christmas decorations that greeted you everywhere you looked as soon as you walked in cheered you, warming you up from the cold outside and you found yourself smiling happily.

Catching sight of the counter you walked up and ordered a large hot chocolate to go then moved to step aside . . . and stepped right into somebody peacefully waiting for their drink. A strange sense of Deja vou washed over you and you recognized him as he turned around to face you and you looked into this Icey blue eyes again.  You had to stifle a gasp and keep your breath from hitching in your throat as you gazed into his eyes and felt yourself freezing to the spot again.

This time he was the one to speak and react first, smiling and letting out a laugh that thawed his chill demeanor and warm the cold atmosphere between you in an instant.

“Christmas tree picture girl”

You chuckled and tucked a strand of her behind your ear, feeling awkward “Yeah, that’s me, and you’re clumsy boy.”

He laughed softly at that “Yep, and It’s nice to bump into you again—literally.” The blue eyes now sparked with mirth like icicles catching the light  “is it my turn next to bump into you next?”

For the second time in a few minutes you felt yourself smiling back “It’s nice to see you too. I’m hoping neither one of us bumps into the other next time though” your smile turned into something bordering into a sly grin “but who says there’s going to be a next time, hmm?”

He grinned “Maybe i’m saying there’s going to be one, hmm?” Another quiet laugh left his lips “either way it seems like we’re running into each other a lot. Might just be the Christmas spirit trying to bring us together. You never know” He shrugged, and you let out a laugh at his words. You liked Christmas but that was too much even for you

“I’m not so sure about that.”

He opened his mouth to speak again when the barista looked over the counter and called out “Haz!” a half apologetic smile was flashed your way before he responded, stepping forward and grabbing his drink before he was back by your side again “Well, either way maybe we’ll see each other again. . .” He paused, trailing off and looking at you expectedly.

It took you a second but then you realized this Haz guy was waiting for your name “Y/N”

He nodded a small smile playing at his lips as he finished his sentence “Y/N. I’m looking forward to it.” A sudden grin split his pretty face “In fact, how about we make a deal: Next time we meet —if we run into each other—then you give me your number and I give you mine.”

You considered for a moment. There was no denying he was gorgeous, more handsome then you’d thought a human being could be, honestly and he seemed nice . . . but what did you really know about him? And how many times had you met him now? Two?  Then again what could it hurt? the chances of meeting him again were slim to none, and something inside you was telling you to take that chance.

You smiled and nodded again “Alright, why not? You’ve got a deal Haz.”

Harrison grinned at you “Alright, till next time then” He raised his cup at you in mock salute and left just as they called out your name, accompanied by the jingle of the bells attached to the doors.

 “You met her? Again?”

Haz nodded “That’s what I said, Div.”

Tom grinned at him triumphantly and if they had been the only people in the lobby Haz might have thought about taking a swing, as it was, he settled for glaring playfully at his menace of a best friend.  “I knew you would.”

Harrison rolled his eyes “Yeah, yeah. you’ve only said that fifty times.”

“Seriously though, tell me what happened again.”

“Alright” Haz sighed and took his eyes off the small, sad, tree sitting on the edge of the reception desk “I was dead on my feet and stepped into the shop to get some coffee and I was just standing there when she bumped into me. I didn’t know it was her till i turned around. we chatted for a bit and before i left we sort of made a bet.”

Tom’s eyebrows raised “A bet?”

Haz nodded “she didn’t think we would, so I said if we did run into each other again, we’d exchange numbers”

The curls on his head bounced as Tom nodded in appreciation “Not bad, I just hope for your sake you do bump into her again. It would be good for you to get a girl”

Haz rolled his eyes again “Another thing you’ve said fifty times at least.”

White teeth flashed as Tom laughed “Alright, I’ll shut up if it makes you happy you div.”

Harrison sighed overdramatically in mock relief “Thank you” He threw his hands up in the air, looking toward the ceiling in fake rapture “It’s a Christmas miracle!”  

It was Tom’s turn to glare at Haz “The miracle is how anyone can believe you’re really a prince. You’re such a div.”

Haz’s chuckles were cut short by the appearance of the receptionist who hung up the phone and approached from behind her desk “Mr. Downey just finished his meeting, so you can head on up.  fifteenth floor; all the way up in the elevator.”

Tom and Haz got to their feet, Haz giving her a nod “Thanks, we’ll go right up.”

A short elevator ride and they were stepping out as the silver doors slid open to reveal a tastefully decorated office floor interspersed with a few Christmas ornaments here and there at some of the desks.  The two friends walked to the other side of the room, passing workers busy typing away and making phone calls, all unaware or oblivious that a prince not even a few feet from them.

Their presence caused no disturbance and they reached the other side without stopping, well almost.

They were nearing the door whose nametag declared it to be the office of Robert Downey when Haz happened to look over. There was an office just before that one that apparently belonged to an assistant, and the slightly opened door let him see inside to where you were sitting behind a stylish modern desk, your eyes glued to a computer screen as you typed away.

At the sight of you, Harrison stopped in his tracks, gripping Tom’s arm to bring him to a halt too. Immediately Tom’s head whipped to the side to look at him. “What? What is it mate?”

He mumbled back, trying to make sure you wouldn’t hear “It’s her –the girl-- Y/N. She’s here, Tom.”

“What? No way! Where?” Tom glanced around as if he expected to see you behind one of the cubicles in the middle of the room.

Haz swatted his arm and hissed “No not there you div, in there.” He gestured toward the cracked door beside him and before Harrison had a chance to stop him Tom darted forward to glance inside. Just as quickly as he was gone Tom was back beside Haz, grinning ear to ear “looks like you have met her again mate, and she’s gorgeous. Why didn’t you just say that when I asked you before?”

“I don’t know.  It was dark, and I couldn’t see her well or something.” Harrison answered hurriedly. Those were silly questions and he had more important pressing ones “But do you think i should go in and talk to her or would that be to creepy?”  

Tom chuckled and shook his head “what do i always say? you’re a complete div. Yes, go in and talk to her. It’s not like you looked her up, found out where she worked and showed up here out of the blue. You were passing through and noticed her.”  

Haz hesitated “Yeah, but she doesn’t; know I’m a prince and that I’m friends with her boss! So it would be a little odd for me to just be passing though. How do i explain that?”

Brown eyes rolled in exasperation “I don’t know! Say you had a meeting with him or he asked to meet you for lunch or something, that you had an interview with him. Anything—just go in there and say something, idiot.”

“Alright, Fine. I’m going.” The hiss came out a little harsher then Harrison meant for it too, but he pushed that aside as he moved to your door and knocked.

At the sound you looked up, your eyes lifting to meet and lock with his blue ones leaving him lost for a minute till he put a smile on his face and found words to say “Well, looks like I was right after all. We’ve run into each other again.”

You grinned back at him “At least it’s not literally this time.”

Both of you chuckled for a second and once the sound died down your brows furrowed, the look on your face changing as you got lost in thought.  Haz tried to identify the emotion in your face and eyes but it was impossible.  Haz was distracted from his attempt a second later anyway when you spoke.

“What are you doing here? How—how did you know I was here?”

“I uh—i didn’t know you were here. I have a meeting with Mr. Downey and i was just on my way to it when i looked over and saw you as I passed by.  I had a minute, so i thought I’d poke my head in to say hi” Harrison paused, slightly unsure of himself all of a sudden as he realized you might not be alright talking with him at work “I hope that was okay? I can leave if you, want.”

He’d already taken a step towards the door when you shook your head, making him stop in his tracks and look back at you as you spoke up

“No, it’s fine. It was just a little unexpected.”

“It was for me too.” Haz chuckled then smiled a bit “So, we did have a bet. Should we exchange numbers?”

“A bet is a bet so . . .” You smiled back and stood up from the desk, Harrison keeping his eyes on you as you grabbed a pen and a scrap piece of paper then bent down to scribble for a second before handing it over to him. “There you go.”

Harrison took it with a smile “Thanks. You can bet I’ll be using this soon.” He winked at you as he slipped it into his pocket.

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

He grinned at that “Now, your end of the deal?”

The smile fell, and he floundered for what to do.  Haz did have cards with his personal number on them—but they had his royal rank and title on them at the top in large, bold, cursive gold letters so there was no way he could give you one of those.  He didn’t want you to find out about his title yet and Harrison definitely didn’t want you to find out that way. He wanted to tell you himself when the time was right, and he would.

“Can I have some paper?”

You nodded and grabbed another scrap piece lying around then passed it to him. Haz mumbled a thank you then pulls out a pen, careful too keep the monogrammed side away from you as he wrote down his phone number and the number and name of the hotel he was staying at.

Putting the pen away with an inward sigh of relief Harrison gave you the slip “And here’s mine.”

“Thank you.” you stashed it in your pocket “I’ll put it in my phone over my lunch break.”

Harrison nodded then stood there awkwardly for a minute as silence fell between you before he interrupted it by clearing his throat “I’d love to chat and hang out all day, but you have work and I’d better get to that meeting.”

“Yeah, but we’ll talk and see each other later.”

Haz smiled widely again, the upturned lips bordering on a smirk “you can bet on that.”

A grin spread on your face and you shook your head “No, I’m good, besides I thought we already did that once”

“So we did, and I’d be prepared to bet again” with those words and a final grin at you, he walked out the door to an early waiting Tom who pounced on him the second Haz stepped into the hall.

“So? How’d it go?”

Harrison pulled out the paper for him to see “Really well.”

 “So, you’ve invited her to come as your date to the gala tonight?” Tom glanced at Haz from the chair he was lounging in as Haz pulled on his coat

“Yeah. Of course, I have, we’ve been going out for the past two months. Who else did you think i’d invite?”

Harrison grinned teasingly at him as he adjusted his bowtie in the mirror. He saw the pillow coming because of that and was able to duck in time for it to miss him and knock into the mirror again before falling to the floor, landing right at Haz’s feet, harmless again.

“Shut up you, div.”

Haz laughed and picked up the pillow, tossing it back to Tom, who caught it with a grin. “Really though, Two months with you and she’s still around? That’s a miracle. You think she would have called it off or ran for the hills by now.”

“Oh ha ha” Haz deadpanned, looking away from fixing his cufflink to glare playfully at Tom “You’re the one who needs to shut up now, div.”

Tom laughed “Alright, whatever his highness says” He looked at his phone and stood up, sliding it back into his pocket “We should get going, anyway. It’s going to be starting soon.”

Haz took one last look over his reflection in the mirror before turning to face his best friend “Okay, let’s go then, we don’t want to keep everyone waiting”

“Especially not your girl, right?”   Tom paused with his hand on the doorknob to grin back at Harrison who laughed at him

“oh, piss off. Let’s just get to the car already.”

Tom gave him a mock bow “of course your highness” then he grinned and walked through the door before Harrison could retaliate.  

 It was almost already too much for you.  Haz had given you a dress—a dress! and it was the most beautiful and expensive thing you’d ever seen. You had no idea how he’d afforded it or the jewelry he’d given you along with the gown. On top of that he’d sent his own private limo to pick you up and take you to this gala

Knowing there were going to be some powerful, important and rich people crowding the room you were about to walk into didn’t help your nerves at all.

And that was the other thing.

You didn’t know what haz’s deal was. After two months of dating and trying to figure it out you hadn’t figured him out yet. He seemed to be rich and also important from some things you’d seen and heard over those two months. You just didn’t know how or why—who he really was, because you were sure he wasn’t just a business man like he claimed.  He always seemed to have time for you for one thing and never seemed to be doing anything so either there was something shady about his work or he wasn’t totally who he said he was.

You were turning this over in your mind for the millionth time to distract yourself from the butterflies fluttering around in your stomach, careless about how it made you feel.

The limo stopped in front of the building and you reached a hand out to open the door when it was pulled away from your grasping fingers before they could even close around the handle. You looked up slightly startled to gaze into the elderly face of a doorman

“Sorry to startle you miss”

Your face heated up a bit in embarrassment from the slip up and that he’d so easily seen you were surprised.

“It’s alright” you took his outstretched hand and stepped out of the limo “Thank you”

“You’re welcome.” The man followed you to the door and held it open for you and you stepped through with a mumbled thank you.  You paused in the doorway, looking around at the beautifully decorated lobby, taking it all in until a voice spoke.

“You must be Y/N.”

You looked over to see a brown-haired guy around the same age as Haz, dressed in a good-looking tux, and nodded “Yeah, that’s me.”

He nodded “I thought so. I’m Tom, Harrison’s Best friend.” Tom held his hand out and you shook it.

“Nice to meet you. I’d introduce myself, but you already know who i am”

Tom laughed “Yeah. Haz doesn’t shut up about you so that’s no way i could get away with not knowing.” You opened your mouth to speak when he plowed on again “Anyway, Haz sent me here to take you to him so,” Tom held out his arm “Shall we?”

You smiled and looped your arm through his “Yeah, lets”

Tom smiled back at you and started off, leading the way “Haz also told me to say sorry he couldn’t be here to meet you himself, but he had to greet people. They’re flooding him, and he couldn’t get away.”  

You laughed “Sounds like he’s pretty popular.”

Tom grinned “You can say that again and of course he is, everyone wants to meet the prince!”

“What . . .” you slowed to a stop as Tom’s words sunk in and turned to looked at him.  

“Oh, hell” Tom stopped as soon as he realized what he said, his eyes wide in shock like not even he could believe what he’d just done. He was frozen for a millisecond then Tom was speaking quickly, attempting to fix the damage he’d done “I mean he acts like such a prince no wonder everyone’s charmed.”    

You weren’t having any of it, you’d heard loud and clear what he’d said and weren’t even listening to him anymore, pulling away and taking your arm from his “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go. Tell Haz I’m sorry.”

“No, wait. Please!” You ignored him, picking up your skirt and racing back down the steps before Tom could stop you. You burst out the front door and out into the sidewalk, the noise of the city hitting barely registering as you stopped at the curb, hailed a cab and slid in.

You managed to shove your shirt inside after you and close the door as Tom ran out. He caught sight of you in the car and hurried down the steps still trying frantically to catch up with you and stop you, but by the time he reached the sidewalk it was too late. you’d told the driver where to go and your cab was long gone, just one of hundreds on the street.

 Haz noticed tom in the crowd and turned away from greeting the princess or duchess—whoever she was he’d already forgotten—to smile at Tom as he walked up “Hey mate.”

Harrison glanced away from him to scan the crowd, looking for your familiar face, trying to catch sight of your dress or hair any any sign of you in the throng.

Tom knew exactly what he was doing, who he was searching for, and he only felt worse, the look on his face only turning more guilty, nervous and sad.

When he didn’t see you anywhere Haz looked back at Tom “Where’s Y/N?”

Those two words had Tom caving “. . .she’s . . . not really. . . here.”

“What?”

“I might have accidentally let it slip that you were a prince and she may have run off.” Haz’s jaw clenched and Tom’s words came faster now, coming out as fast as he could form them. “Mate, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to, it just came out. I didn’t think.”

Harrison ignored his words and pushed past him, making his way through the crowd as fast as he could and breaking into a run when he reached the lobby. He knew it was useless. You were already gone, Tom had said so, there wouldn’t be anything for him to see, no way for Haz to stop you.

He didn’t stop though, not till he was standing on the sidewalk and saw for himself you were gone. You were nowhere to be seen and even though Haz knew that’s what he would find a great bit pit opened in his stomach.

Everything had just gotten messed up and he needed to make it right.  

 You were lying on your side on the couch, cuddled up under a blanket and craning your neck to look over the takeout boxes littering your coffee table, so you could watch the TV. For two days you’d done nothing but this, lay there and ignore all of Harrisons calls, texts and e-mails.  

You didn’t want to talk to him and you were just glad it was the weekend, so you could, that you didn’t have to try to pull yourself together, look decent and try to get through the day pretending everything was normal.  It wasn’t normal, not by a long shot and you weren’t sure if it would ever be normal again. Right now, it didn’t seem possible.

Haz had lied to you, even if it was because of good intentions and on top of that there was his title. You couldn’t be with a prince. You were pretty sure he wouldn’t be allowed to date you and even if he was you weren’t totally sure you wanted to be a Princess—or potentially a Queen someday. You could barely run your how life for Christ’s sake, so how could you hope to run a country?

Short answer? You couldn’t.

So, from now on you were distancing yourself from him and not talking to him again. Did you want to? no, but it was what was best for everybody.

A knocking at your door jolted you from your thoughts and you groaned, throwing the covers off and standing up. Knowing it was probably the pizza you ordered earlier didn’t help, you still didn’t feel like moving but you had to, so you dragged yourself to the door, grabbing the 20-dollar bill you’d set out along the way.    

You opened the door and handed the money off to the pizza guy, taking the still warm box from his hands and telling him to keep the change. The guy thanked you, taking his money, walking off and letting you close the door behind him.

You never got the chance to close it all the way.

Just as you went to you caught sight of the man passing the delivery boy, walking your way and you froze.

Yes, not even two minutes ago you were thinking about how you shouldn’t see him again but the at sight of his gorgeous face you found all your resolve and past words disappearing faster then snow in summer heat.  

You didn’t say a thing as he walked up, you just watched Harrison gradually get closer till he stopped in front of you and stood there silently for a moment, just looking at you.

“Hi. . .”

Your grip on the pizza box tightened, keeping it from slipping “Hey . . .” an awkward silence fell and the two of you looked at each other, not sure what to say or do till you finally cleared your throat and spoke again “Haz what are you doing here?” you voice wasn’t; accusing, it was questioning and curious with a hint of all the tiredness you felt inside.

Haz cleared his throat then spoke “I just came here to say I’m sorry. I know that doesn’t begin to make up for everything I did but you deserve to have me say it. I shouldn’t have lied about who I was.  I should have told you right from the start and I understand if you never want to talk to me again. I’m just sorry it worked out like this and you had to find out that way, from my div of a best friend instead of from me”    

You nodded “You should have, and I’m sorry too. I loved you—I still do—and it hurts. we can’t change what happened though, the only thing we can do is figure out what we want to do about it now.”

Harrison smiled and slowly, gently took your hand, giving you plenty of opportunity to take it back and smiling wider when you didn’t make a move to pull away “I already know what I want to do. I want to work to earn your trust again, get back to where we were before this happened.” He grinned widely “and just maybe ask you to marry me someday. How does that sound to you?

You smiled softly at him “That sounds perfect.  I’m up for that if you are.”

Haz nodded, eyes locked on your lips and leaning in closer, his words coming out in a mummer “i’m more then up for that.”

You were leaning in too and you leaned in even closer closing the distance to kiss him. Your hands tanged in his hair and you could feel Haz’s hands grip your hips and his lips smiling into the kiss. 

I pulled a hand out of my pocket and yanked open the metal door. A huge waft of heating hit my face and tingled my cold cheeks. It was 7am meaning not many people were filling up the seats. I approached the counter and smiled at the barista.

There were two baristas which worked at this particular Starbucks, Krista and Karen. they were twin sisters. Krista smiled at me like she usually did. “hiya (y/n)!” I always wondered how she was so lively in the morning. 

“Hey Krista” I grumbled sleepily

“the usual?” She grinned, picking up a medium cup and pulling off the pen lid of her black sharpie. She bit the lid between her teeth and started scribbling on the papery material. 

“actually, not decaffeinated today” I interrupted “I had a rough night sleeping” I explained

“oh, sure it won’t affect your anxiety?” She said softly 

“no I’m sure I’ll be fine” 

She nodded and then scribbled on the paper cup. The coffee machine hissed as we had light conversation over the soft indie music chiming out of the speakers. 

“so when does school start for you?” She asked

“tomorrow” I rolled my eyes and laughed 

“agh, ours starts in two days” She explained “so you’re going to uni right?”

“yeah, University College London” 

“wow” she gushed “that’s such a good school, I’ve heard they do great forensic studies” 

“yeah, well I’m actually going there to study crime” I explained, every time I thought about University it made my heart flutter. Of course I was excited but at the same time I was scared and didn't know what to expect. 

“oh, really” she smirked “a boy came in here this morning and he was telling me he is studying crime there as well”

“oh really” I replied curiously. Every time a boy around our age came in Krista always gave me this look, with wide eyes and a curious smirk. 

“I’m sure he’s still in here” She said peering around “Oh there he is” she mouthed pointing to the corner. A dusty blonde haired boy was sitting on one of the loungers with a laptop folded open on his lap. He had a small espresso cup clutched in his fingers and stared at his laptop screen with a concentrated face. He took a sip of his drink and set it down on the table in front of him, It made a small click when it hit the wood. He hovered his hands over his laptop keys and then started avidly typing. I looked back at Krista, she had wide eyes.

“he’s cute” she whispered with her hand covering the side of her face, I giggled and then looked back at him curiously. I mean she was right, he had big ocean blue eyes that were lit by his white computer screen and strongly cut features. He had a strong jawline but his face was soft and inviting at the same time. 

“here” Krista mumbled pushing my change across the counter followed by my steaming cup of coffee. I scraped the coins across the marbled counter and slipped them into my pocket, then I curled my cold fingers around the plastic cup and brought it to my lips, blowing on it slightly. I sat on the table nearest to the boy, he seemed interesting. I sat facing him so I could analyse him more. 

Every so often he would rapidly type and then stop to look off into the distance. I wondered what he was doing. He caught me staring a few times so I played it off by looking down at my phone. I unzipped my bag and fished my crime textbook out of it. I started flipping through the thin pages and licking my index finger lightly whenever I turned the page. I felt him staring at me intently but I didn't waver my look. His stare burned into my skull, it almost made me feel uncomfortable. Then again a part of me wanted him to look at me. Then I finally got the courage and looked back up at him, our eyes locked and his face cracked into a huge smile. He had two small indents at each side of his grin. I awkwardly smiled back and then looked back down at my book, I couldn’t wipe my smile off my face. I couldn’t focus on the words, my brain would look at the sentences but none of them would process.

“what are you doing?” I heard him say, my heart jumped and I sat up rigidly from my casually slumped position 

“uh-uh, I’m, um, I’m” I kept stuttering and looking down at my book and then back into his eyes. “I’m reading” I finally blurted out. He chuckled and then looked back down at his computer screen.

“what are, are, you doing?” I stuttered

“I’m trying to look for camera software” he explained, he chuckled down at his laptop. 

“what for?”

“oh” his face sort of dropped “oh, oh, my friend is shooting a movie” he scratched the back of his head and then went back to typing. I wanted to say something else but my brain couldn’t function properly. “wanna see?” He muttered looking up at me and smiling.

“yeah’ I replied grabbing my book and tucking my textbook under my arm. 

That morning we spent 2 hours looking at various camera software and talking about the crime course we were about to take.

“so what got you into crime?” I asked

“seriously?” He whispered “batman” he chuckled

“really?” I laughed

“yeahhh” he blushed “how about you?”

“probably watching too much CSI” 

“ohhh” he nodded, he clicked on something and then his face lit up. “this one” He pointed. I peered over at his screen. The website was black with bright lime green writing. ‘KRAD’ it said in huge writing.

“this is camera software?” I asked

“yeah” he smiled “the best” the way he talked about stuff so passionately made my heart clench. I had never met a boy who was interested in the same sort of thing as me. His passion and warm radiated onto me, I had almost forgotten about my sleepless night before. 

“oh shit” he said peering at the black rimmed watch on his wrist 

“do you have to go”

“yeah, I, uh, have this thing” he said vaguely, he picked up his khaki satchel and slipped his laptop inside. He stood up and turned around to look at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow then”

“yeah tomorrow” I replied, he nodded and then walked away. Him and Krista exchanged a friendly smile as he walked off. She looked back at me and smirked. 

October 14th 

Haz and I had been friends for a month and met up at the Starbucks every morning and then walked to lectures together. Since being with Haz my recurring nightmares had vanished. I guess being with him was kind of like a breath of fresh air. We got along so well and never ran out of things to say.

On this particular morning he had brought his friend Tom who was at the film school down the street. Him and Haz had been friends for a while.

“so Tom do you want to be a director?” I asked sipping my coffee

“yeah, I have always been really fascinated by the whole film making process. I nodded and smiled curiously, I felt Haz staring at me the whole time. 

“how is the crime course going mate?” Tom grinned nudging Haz. Haz smirked and then opened up his laptop which was perched on the coffee table. 

“well (y/n) I need to show you something”

“oooo” I gushed, Tom and I leant over to peer at his screen. Haz pulled up a website called crimeki.t’. Haz clicked on ‘radios’ and showed us a silver radio with black buttons.

“wow” I gushed, the radio tapped into all the police intercoms in the city. “is this for all of London like we talked about?”

“you aren’t even ready” Haz gushed “it’s the whole world!”

“no way” I replied 

“yeah, I’m gonna buy it for us” 

“Oh Hazzzz you don’t have to do that” I whined punching his arm

“no way” Haz retorted “I have wanted this for ages, and so have you” he hollered gesturing at the screen. We both chuckled and then stared at each other. There were times were we would just silently stare at each other, it was like we were talking with our eyes. Somehow I could tell what he was entranced by the things he was saying but really wanted to know what he was thinking. I definitely had a fear of the unknown, and not knowing Haz’s thoughts was one of them. 

“so Haz are you coming to my party” Tom smirked, Haz suddenly clenched up.

“what party?” I asked

“oh, my brothers and I are having a party for halloween.” Tom explained “you should come”

“yeah that would be great!” I smiled on the outside but really I was scared. I hadn’t ever been to a proper party yet but I wanted to impress Haz.

“you should come Hazzz” Tom whined

“oh, oh, I dont know” he stuttered

“it will be fun” I smiled softly

October 31st (halloween night)

I sat on my carpeted floor in my bedroom. I hadn’t really planned what I was going to wear yet. I went through my wardrobe hundreds of times and cleared all the hangers. My bed was piled full of clothes but nothing was costume worthy.

“(y/n)?” I heard my Aunt Annie mutter and push the door open “is everything okay?” My Aunt Annie took me in after my parents died. She moved out of her house in the country and we both lived in the old flat together. We were pretty close, she was like my surrogate mum.

“yeah, uh, I don’t have a costume” I explained, I huffed and Annie came over and we both sat on the bed.

“is this a party you’re going to?” She asked in her soft voice, her voice was so soothing. It was like melted butter being spread. 

“yeah with my new friends”

“is it a boy” she smirked

“yes but we are just friends” I uttered. Annie nodded and then stood up. She turned and stuck her hand out at me. 

“what?” I asked

“come with me” she announced pressingly. I stuck my hand in hers and she yanked me up off my bed. I followed her into my parents old room. Annie had kept it mostly the same but changed it a bit so that when I didn’t go in there a lump in my throat didn’t form. It still did, every time I went in their a bitter coppery taste filled my mouth. The room was so ghostly and empty even though it wasn’t. 

I slumped down onto the edge of the mattress and watched Annie open her draws. She opened them all and then her gaze hung on the bottom draw. She pulled out a long sleeved tight black jumpsuit.

“stand up” she ordered, I stood up and she held it against me. “perfect” she muttered. I grabbed it from her and walked over to the foot length mirror in the corner. The jumpsuit was tight meaning I couldn’t hide anything I didn’t like about my body.

“oh Annie I don’t know” I whined

“no way (y/n)” she protested “you have to wear this with confidence”

“what am I even meant to be” I chuckled at her

“cat woman” she replied and then her face sighed “you need the matching ears let me find them”

I carried on staring at myself as Annie wracked through her draws. She pulled out a headband with lace triangles stuck onto it for ears. She handed them to me and I smiled at her. 

“thank you” I said softly 

“no worries, I’m glad to see you going out” She grinned back shutting her top draw. I left her room and ambled back into mine. I decided to straighten my hair and pull it up into a high ponytail, I slicked it back with hairspray at the top and put on the ears. Then I went onto makeup, lightly brushing concealer, blusher and bronzer onto my bare skin. I used eyeliner and swiped on a large layer of mascara on my eyelashes. I pulled off the tracksuit bottoms and baggy top I was already wearing and pulled on the tight jumpsuit. I had to jump up and down to pull it over my body. It had a zip at the front and I zipped it all the way. It looked too formal so I undid the zip a bit lower to reveal my chest. I paired my black outfit with chunky black heels. My phone vibrated from my dresser and I hobbled quickly over to it.

Hi, should I pick you up? x - haz

I smiled and then started typing a message back.

Yeah, I’m ready X

15 minutes later I heard a honk from outside. My heart fluttered and I raced downstairs, trying not to fall over the big blocks attached to my feet. I hobbled downstairs and then shouted up to Annie.

“see you Annie!” I bellowed from the front door. I almost kept forgetting I was an adult now and could stay out as late as I wanted. It was kind of scary but also thrilling. I stepped out of our apartment building into the dark October night. Haz had pulled up outside in a navy blue Mercedes and was perching on the door. He was dressed in a white shirt that was stained with fake blood and ripped in various places.

“nice ride” I shouted, he looked up from his phone and grinned excitedly. He hand added blotches of purple and fake cuts on his face. 

“it’s my Dad’s” he smirked stroking the shiny metal

“what are you dressed as then?”

“a zombie school boy”

“ooo very walking dead” I mocked

“cat woman?” Haz asked pointing at my attire

“yes of course” I grinned spinning myself around. I looked up at Haz he was gawking at me. I blushed and then ran up to give him a hug. His body was warm against mine. 

He opened the passenger door for me and then hopped in from the other side. The radio was lowly chiming typical halloween tunes and we sped through central London. The roads were clear since it was Halloween night and everyone was either Trick or Treating in the neighbourhoods, staying inside or at parties. I could tell Haz was nervous, he body was tense and he had a stiffened jaw. I curled my hand over his on the gear shift. 

“it’s gonna be fine” I said softly 

“I know I know I just get nervous for big events like this” he stuttered shakily

“I am gonna be with you the whole time” I said softly, I rubbed my thumb up and down the top of his hand to attempt to soothe his nerves. As I moved my thumb up and down his knuckles his body started to loose tension and relax.

“how do you do that?” He chuckled breathily

“do what?”

“completely calm me down”

“I have had practise”

“what do you mean?”

“I used to get panic attacks all the time and I had to learn ways to calm myself down” I uttered feebly.

“oh, if you- you don’t mind me asking, why?”

“My parents died” I explained

“oh” he remarked “I’m sorry”

“no, no its fine” I assured him, I could tell in his eyes he really meant it. Usually when people told me they were sorry I could tell they didn’t mean it. Something about the softness of Haz’s face told me he really cared. “they died in a fire” I explained

“thank you for telling me” Haz uttered softly. He pulled his hand from under mine and placed it on the top of my hand and started stroking my skin with his thumb just like I did for him. We carried on like that until we reached Tom’s flat.

Apparently Tom and his brothers all shared a flat in Chelsea. They were all attending the London film school together. Haz parked his car just around the corner from their apartment building and we hopped out. My heels clacked as we walked down the pavement. Even though I was wearing heels Haz still towered over me. As we ran up the steps the motion sensored light flicked on and emitted a soft orange glow. Haz scanned the set of bells and rung the 12th one. My ears pricked up at the sound of muffled music echoing down the stairs. The door buzzed open and we started walking up the stairs, Haz lead the way up the dark steps all the way to the top. He stopped at a set of white doors and banged the shiny gold knocker on the front of one of them. The door flung open and the bass of techno music burst in my ears. 

“hi Haz” an average height curly ginger boy hollered drunkenly. Haz pulled him into a hug and then gestured to me.

“this is (y/n)” Haz grinned

“hi” I waved

“oh yeah, Tom told me about you. I’m Harry” He slurred, I was expecting a hand shake but he pulled me into a friendly hug. “come in, come in” 

Haz and I stepped into the darkness which was a house party. A few green and purple lights shone and spun on the walls but you mostly couldn’t see anything. Bodies were on bodies, dancing to the rhythm bouncing off the walls. Haz fished for my hand and locked his fingers in mine, I couldn’t see anyone let alone recognise any of the faces around me. 

“I need to find Tom!” Haz shouted over the music. As we got closer to the speakers the music boomed louder and louder until it felt like I was breathing it. The kitchen was lit lighter than all the other rooms, there was a huge counter covered in beer and cider. Haz grabbed us both raspberry cider and cracked them open. He one to me and I grabbed the cool metal and sipped it slightly. 

“(y/n)?” I heard a male voice holler, I turned to see Tom who was dressed in all black with blood oozing from each corner of his mouth.

“Hi Tom!” I said enthusiastically pulling him into a hug. 

He greeted Haz and then we seeped into loud conversation over the music. 

“I heard you met my brother” Tom announced “Have you met my other one Sam”

“no” I shouted back shaking my head. I was on my third cider now and could feel the bubbles rising to my head. 

“Sam!” Haz bellowed shouting over my shoulder. A taller darker haired boy with hundreds of freckles slipped next to Tom and waved at me. 

“Hi” he grinned. I smiled back. Sam was wearing a red t-shirt and black jeans with devil horns stuck on his head. We chatted for what seemed like ages as Haz and Tom slipped off to socialise.

“so what are you doing at Film School?” I asked 

“I’m studying movie scores” He replied “I’m really into music”

“that’s cool”

“I like your costume” He complimented “cat woman right?” He pointed at my headband. 

“yeah” I chuckled awkwardly. More and more bodies filled the kitchen, squashing Sam and I into the corner. 

“can I show you something?” Sam whispered in my ear

“yeah, yeah sure” I said. Sam grabbed my arm and I quickly perched my drink on a passing ledge.  He led me up the stairs and opened one of the 3 doors on the landing. His room was painted blue with a desk in the corner and hundreds of film posters all over his wall. He shoved himself on his desk chair and started logging into his computer. I perched on his mattress and watched him open up google.

“Look” he said after a few minutes of avid typing. I stood up and looked at his screen. He was showing me a picture of a diamond necklace. The way the light in the photo hit it made the jewels sparkle. I gawked at them.

“holy shit” I gushed “how much are they?”

“no one knows” Sam explained “allegedly the Duke recently bought them for the Duchess after they got married as a wedding present” 

“wait, how many carats?” I gestured at the screen. 

“let’s see” Sam muttered scrolling down and looking at the description “The “Incomparable” Diamond Necklace. The “Incomparable” necklace costs a monstrous amount mainly because of its valuable pendant stone, an internally flawless brownish-yellow diamond weighing 407.48 carats. This stone is set in rose gold and accentuated by 91 white diamonds” Sam started reciting.

“wait” I said pushing his hands over and typing into google “the worth of a 400 carat diamond necklace is around 55 million pounds” I announced

“woah, imagine having that kind of money” Sam gawked

“wait, aren’t the duke and duchess visiting London?”

“yeah in December, why?”

“she will probably be wearing this necklace right?”

“right…but what is your point”

“what if someone were to steal it”

“they would be crazy” he chuckled

“or would they?” I smirked at him. An idea burned through my body and started forming in my brain. The impulse burned my bloodstream and skin.

Taglist ;

“You had plenty of opportunities to make a move on her and you didn’t. If I’m not mistaken, you were even given one last night. Handed to you on a silver platter and you turned it away. Drunk or not, she seemed to want it.” His arms were crossed over his chest. Harrison's hands balled into fists, knuckles turning white as he remembers Harry yelling at him. It’s a little fuzzy in his memory but he can make out some of it. Whatever happens past this point is your fault mate.

“You knew. You fucking knew that I was into-”

“Was?” He tilted their head, brown hair falling over his forehead.

“Is. Am. You knew I’m into her and still did that?” Harrison didn’t want to say it again. He ran a hand through his previously styled curls.

“You missed your chance H. Shouldn’t have waited so long” He pushed his hair back and turned away, leaving Haz to welter in his own anger.

Harrison couldn’t do anything about what had happened. If Emma had wanted to dance with him or go home with him, she would’ve asked him to. Right? Yeah. But she didn’t. She danced with everyone but him. He walked back into toms trailer and put on Love Island to try and get his mind off of everything

Emma had attempted to cover up the dark marks on her neck at the very least. She managed to cover them for the most part, but if you looked long enough you could definitely see them. When she got on set she went to her trailer to drop her stuff off, almost immediately, she received a text from Sam.

Sammy: Hey where are you? You alright?

Em: Yeah I’m okay. In my trailer

Sammy: I’ll be there in five

Emma sat at Michaels desk at the back of the trailer, laptop open, still composing, when Sam walked in. He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“I thought there would’ve been a lot more marks than there is” Sam took a few steps closer, he grabbed the chair at the other desk and pulled it up to the side of Emma’s desk.

“No. They're there” Emma moved her hair over her shoulder and pulled the high neck of her shirt down a little so Sam could see. He winced at the sight, it took him a moment to see the ones she had attempted to cover. Once he did, he gently places his hand on her neck, calloused thumb running over the smooth, bruised skin. He bit his lip gently.

“Sam” Emma spoke softly. Sam looked up at her as she took his hand from her neck, squeezing gently as she placed it back in his lap “I’m okay. Don’t worry about me” Sam nodded gently.

“Show me what you’ve been working on” Emma showed him what she had for the film but also on her own, the two listening to the piece, no words were spoken. Neither wanting to think about the last night when she received an email from Michael.

Hey Emma

One of the orchestras clarinets had to go back for a family emergency. Here’s a list of other applicants. Can you get it down to a list of three or so? Feel free to add your own recommendations as well.

They won’t need to come until filming is over. You leave at the end of the month anyway so I can just send the music to you and whoever I hire until then. :)

Thanks!

Michael Giacchino

“I suppose I should let you get back to work then, love” Sam stood up. “Text me if you need anything” Sam left, presumably heading back to Tom’s trailer.

Emma went through the applicants. She only needed one more when she took a look at her phone, someone had liked an old photo of her and Hannah together.

Hannah. How could she forget? How did her own best friend slip her mind? She immediately picked up her phone and called her. It rang a few times before she picked up.

“Hello?” Hannah spoke groggily through the phone

“I’m getting you a job” Emma spoke quickly, way too excited at the possibility of seeing her best friend again.

“Wha-Emma? Are you okay? Its four in the morning here.” Hannah sighed. Emma could picture her best friend laying in her bed on her stomach, a sweater two sizes too big for her engulfing her small torso, hood pulled up over her bun giving her a cone head.

“Yeah yeah I’m fine just we need to find a replacement for one of the clarinets in the orchestra and Michael wants me to choose some people” There was a moment of silence on both ends

“Come again?” Hannah let out a small laugh, starting to wake up.

“Michael wants me to go through some applications for musicians. He said I can put in my own recommendations if I wanted to. We’d come back to England at the end of filming”

“Did you really have to call me for this?” Hannah says, more awake than before. “You know everything about me you could’ve just filled out an application for me”

“I wasn’t a hundred percent sure you wanted me t-” Emma was cut off

“Didn’t know if I’d want to? Emma! Why the fuck wouldn’t I? You're in the orchestra too! I haven't seen you in a year and a half AND I get to visit England AND possibly meet Tom Holland and his assistant who my best friend has been thirsting after? Sign me up” Emma can’t help but laugh at her best friends reaction.

“Uhh yeah about that” Emma bites her lip as she starts to fill out an application for Hannah. “I don’ know if you’ll get to meet him since filming would be over. And uh. There was this…  party last night”

“Oooh, you guys did stuff?” Hannah was definitely excited.

“Uh no. The opposite actually. I went home with someone else. I think whatever was going on between Haz and me is pretty much done now” Emma mindlessly entered Hannah’s birthdate and education as she spoke.

“Emma. You fucking idiot” Hannah spoke flatly “Why’d you go and do that? And who? You talk about that boy like there's no one else that compares to him”

“Because no one else does” Emma sighed, putting the three applications into an email and sending it to Michael. “I don’t know Han. I was drunk, I barely remember any of it. Now I’ve ruined it”

“Hey Em.” Hannah spoke softly “It’ll be alright yeah? Things always work themselves out.

“I hope so” Emma mumbles

“I’m gonna go back to sleep now, but you call me if you need anything, okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Han” They say their goodbyes and hang up. Leaving Emma to her painfully silent trailer.

Harrison paced around Zendaya’s trailer, his hands pulling at his hair as Zen sat and watched

“I mean, he is right Haz. You didn’t make a move and you could’ve. Emma ended up going home with him and not you. There’s nothing you can do about it now” Zendaya shrugs, it’s not what Harrison wants to hear, but it’s true

“Yeah, but she shouldn’t have. She was drunk and he took advantage of her and it just” Harrison lets out a breath as his hand runs through his curls

“Makes you mad” Z spoke up.

“Yes! You don’t take advantage of anyone like that and it bothers me that he thinks he can just treat her like that and act like it’s all okay” Zendaya had never seen him this angry about anything. Harrison stopped and looked at her for a second. Knowing what he was going to say she stood

“No. Harrison. Don’t pin this on me okay? This has nothing to do with me. I was further gone than she was.” Z holds up her hand defensively. “I know it sucks but it could’ve ended up being any one of us. She and Sam are close, She went to Paris with Tony and Remy, Tom’s a mess when he’s drunk and hell I was so gone I wouldn’t have been surprised if it was me”

Harrison sighs and sits on the couch. “I don’t know why I’m so hung up on her mate. I just can’t get her out of my mind. And now picturing him and her… fuck. I didn’t think he’d do something like that”

Zendaya gently places her hand on Harrison's shoulder. “It’ll work itself out Haz. I promise”

Emma stayed in her trailer most of the day, playing music over the speakers in an attempt to fill the void that’d normally consist of the boys’ laughter, from one of them being an idiot. She was eventually forced out of her trailer when Zendaya’s assistant knocked on her door, informing her that her morning had just wrapped and she was looking for her. She let him know that she’d be there in a minute and finished up what she was doing and walked to Z’s trailer.

On her way there she passed Tony and Remy, who were leaning against one of their trailers, They nodded towards her and smiled as she passed. Emma tried to make herself as small as possible, her paces quickening until she rounded the corner away from them. She knocked on the trailer door, a muffled “come in” coming from behind the door. She entered and Z’s arms immediately wrapped around her

“I haven’t seen you all day!” Z exclaimed as she pulled away.

“Yeah sorry about that” Emma accent came through as she spoke.

“Lemme see. Harrison said they were bad” Emma pulled at her neckline.

“They’re kinda bad, there's a lot of them. Sam already came to check on me this morning. How did Harrison even know I haven’t seen them” Emma pulled her shirt back up once Z had looked.

“He’s got a record. Brags about it a bit” Zendaya sighed. “Don’t know why. He’s just a dick when he’s drunk. Normally super sweet otherwise.”

“Yeah, I uh” Emma paused “I got that part. He’s so nice normally”

“I think he’s kinda mad at Harrison still.  They had some dumb bet last year and Harrison won. I’d ask him about it. Not my place to tell. Let’s get these questions answered first yeah?”

After the interview, Emma went into Tom’s trailer. Tom was still filming, Harry was helping out Jon and Sam had gone with some of the set assistants to pick up the catering. Harrison was sat there alone, on the couch, scrolling through his phone. He looked up at Emma, her mind blanking for a moment when ocean eyes met hers.

“Tom’s still filming. He’ll be-”

“Tell me about the bet.”

Fuck. Is that why?

Taglist:  @rainbow-marvel @starkravingparker @notimeforthemessenger @ap93mcu

It was late on a Wednesday afternoon, Emma sat in Tom’s trailer with Sam and Harry, each of them doing their own thing while waiting for om to finish up his scenes. Everyone else had already wrapped, Tom was the only actor left on set that day. Emma lounged on his ouch, her laptop open on her lap as she composed and texted Hannah, sending her samples occasionally for feedback, mostly receiving shitty texts about her day, or how she hasn’t drunk anything but pop in the past day and a half. As if she needs more energy.

Tom walked in after about an hour and a half, Harrison trailing behind.

“Let’s get this over with. I wanna go home” Tom flops on the couch near Emma’s feet. She sits up, making space for Harrison to sit and switching tabs immediately as Tom starts talking, answering questions he had memorized by now.

“Em, what would you be doing if you weren’t here?” Tom asks once he’s answered all the questions.

“Thought you wanted to go home, Holland” Emma chuckles, switching back to her composing and continuing to work on it.

“Yeah, well now I wanna know what you’d be doing if you weren’t so lucky to have me grace your presence” Tom spoke. A smile split across Emma’s face, showing off her white teeth, her dimple prominent in her left cheek.

“How do you guys deal with him?” Emma looked towards the other three boys

“We don’t” All three of them spoke, a pillow being tossed across the trailer towards Harry.

“I was planning on going back home for the summer. I haven’t seen Hannah in almost two years and phone calls are certainly not enough” Emma smiled as she received a text from Hannah as she spoke.

“Gonna take a guess and say that’s your best mate?” Harrison spoke quietly, bright blue eyes met Emma’s darker ones as she nodded, a sad smile on her lips.

“We’ve known each other since we were 7. Went to different universities but we were both performance majors before I switched into composition. She’s a handful but I love her”

“Sounds like Tom” Harry threw the pillow back at Tom as he spoke

“Dare I say worse?” Emma laughed.

Tom started some tangent on how “he’s not really that bad” and “you guys are just mean”. Emma was too distracted by the notification on her phone as it buzzed.

Tony⚡: IM GOING TO PARIS TOMORROW

Tony⚡: COME WITH ME

Tony⚡: IT’LL BE FUN I PROMISE

Emma smiled and looked up at the boys.

“Yeah yeah whatever Tom. Hey Haz can you do me a favour tomorrow?” Emma looked over at the blond boy.

“Depends. What is it?” Harrison couldn’t help but start to count her freckles as she spoke.

“Tony wants me to come to Paris with him tomorrow. Can you just send me Tom’s answer to the questions for whatever scenes he films?” Emma smiled gently. How could he say no to her?

“Yeah sure,” Tom had the questions memorized. It’d be easy right? It’s just one day, Emma does this every day.

“Thank you so much. Anyways. Tom do you still want to go home?” Emma smiled as the boy sat up abruptly.

“Yes please”

The next morning, Tony came to pick up Emma with Remy already in the car. The drive to the airport was filled with exhausted laughter as the trio still woke up. On the private jet, the three of them watched Infinity War. A horrible idea really. Emma started to fall asleep on Tony's shoulder quickly, only to be woken up by Remy yelling when he spotted Harrison on screen.

“Did you not know he was in it?” Emma spoke groggily, barely lifting her head off of Tony.

“I knew he was in it, I just haven’t found him before” Remy spoke, definitely way too awake for the time it was.

“Just keep it down. I’m taking a nap” Emma moved off of tony and leaned her head against the wall of the plane, falling back asleep quickly.

She awoke about an hour later once they had landed in Paris. Quickly grabbing her purse and heading out into the cool morning air with Tony and Remy.

The sun had risen since they had left. Emma quickly texted Harrison reminding him to get the answers from Tom and to send them to her. Knowing he’ll probably forget, she texts the only reliable one of Holland and co. Sam. He responds to her after a few minutes

Sammy: Didn’t you ask Haz to do it? Why do I get the dirty work now?

Em: Do you really think he’ll remember? It’s not even that bad. Just use voice to text if you have to

Sammy: Fine. I’ll make sure it gets done.

Em: Thanks Sam :)

The morning was spent at the Arc de Triomphe, des Champs-Élysées, and the Musée de l'Orangerie. The three of them had stopped for lunch when Harrison had finally texted Emma back.

Haz💙: hes never this much of a div when you do this. Barely got anything out of him.

Emma: If you send the answers I might be able to decipher it

He sent a long message, clearly copied from his notes

Emma: You made it sound like it was going to be horrendous. That’s no worse than what I normally deal with

Haz💙: hey now. im never helping you again if this is how i get treated

Emma: Thank you haz!! 😊💕

Haz💙: youre welcome em.

Harrison stared at his phone a little longer, admiring Emma’s contact photo. He took it while they were watching the dark knight rises in Toms trailer. Her hair was down around her shoulders, she wore a pale pink coloured shirt and Tom’s spiderman blanket was pulled up over her knees, bunching at her waist. Her back was against the armrest, her legs up on the couch, covered by the blanket. A bowl of popcorn sat in her lap. Haz had called her name multiple times so she would actually look at him. She looked past the camera towards Harrison curiously, her lips covered by her hand, holding a few pieces of popcorn.

“Haz. Delete it”

“But why? It’s a nice photo!” Harrison exclaimed, smiling as he turned his phone towards her

“It’s really not”

“Can i please keep it?” Harrison asked, giving her the best puppy dog eyes he could muster

“Fine. But if anyone else sees it that's it for you” Emma spoke after a moment of contemplation.

“You two are so weird. Shut up and watch the movie” Sam spoke up from his place on the floor.

The rest of Emma, Tony and Remy’s day consisted of the Louvre, and ending on the Eiffel tower as the sunset. At some point Remy had given Emma his jacket, claiming that the night would be cold and he’d be fine. She graciously accepted, not thinking anything of it. She stood between the two boys and watched the sunset, the sky swirling between pink, purple and orange. She hadn’t noticed the boys glances towards each other.

On the way back, the three of them fell asleep in one big group, all sharing a blanket.

Taglist @rainbow-marvel @starkravingparker @notimeforthemessenger

HAZ’S POV ;

The happiness soon faded as we went out of the church onto Verona Beach. There stood my best friend Tom and Christian (y/l/n), they were arguing.

“Tom what the fuck are you doing?” I shouted, he didn't hear me. Muffled shouts could be heard echoing all over the beach. Christian pulled something shiny out of his pocket, it glimmered in the sunset. Suddenly the glimmered faded and Tom fell onto the sand. Adrenaline shot through my body as I let (y/n)’s hand go and started sprinting towards him. My cousins fell at his side and Harry started trying to lift him up. 

“Tom, Tom, Tom” I bellowed, I fell next to him and lifted his torso up on my lap. He took my hand and his breathing became short. 

“Haz” he breathed, his hand was clutched by his side. I gently lifted his fingers to see blood oozing out of his side. 

“you’re going to be fine” I sobbed, his eyes suddenly became glassy

“Haz”

“Tom no” I started crying more and more, tears suffocated my cheeks.

‘Haz” 

“Tom I’m not letting you go” I hollered trying to lift him up

“Haz” he shouted breathily “stop fighting” I stared down at him and took his hand in mine

“I am married now Tom” I sobbed into his hand, I pulled his fingers to my lips and kissed their bloodiedness. 

“end this” He breathed nodding to my cousins and Christian. Then the air left his lips and his skin turned cold. My body couldn’t believe it, it didn't want to. My best friend was gone. I screamed and cried, my head lifted to the sky in hate. I could feel everyones stares. A soft hand touched my shoulder, I shrugged it away and looked behind me. It was (y/n) staring at me with loving eyes. I couldn’t even look up at her the same. Her cousin had killed my best friend. Rage consumed my veins and lifted my body up. I ran over to Christian and started pushing my hands against his chest. He started pacing backwards with a shocked look.

“Haz stop!” I heard (y/n) scream, but I didn't listen, everything was in slow motion.  Harry ran towards me and started restricting my limbs. I turned around and punched him, he fell to the ground in shock.

“your gun” I screamed holding my hand out

“Haz, no”

“give me the gun Harry, I swear to fuck” I screamed. Harry shakily handed me his gold plated gun, I looked up to see her. Her eyes were full of tears and red from anger. Her eyes told me to stop, but I couldn't. I curled my fingers around the shiny gold and cocked the gun. I slowly turned and started rapidly shooting. Loud bangs ran through my ears and filled up the sand. He fell to the ground, his white shirt now tinged red.

“Haz, what did you do?” I heard her run towards me sobbing. She grabbed my shoulders and made me face her, she punched her fists against my chest. Her fingers banded around my neck as she screamed and cried in my face.

“you idiot, you idiot” she repeated

Maggie came over and tried to restrict her. She pulled her arms away and they both fell into an embrace on the hot sand. She sobbed violently and gasped for breath, my heart clenched. I looked down and saw what I had done. I dropped the gun and fell to my knees. 

“what have I done” I whispered to myself.

Harry and Sammy grabbed me and pulled me away. The two bodies lay there, they soon became inflicted with photographers. I had ruined everything. Every chance with her, every future kiss or adventure. My lips couldn’t make any words. My cousins and I just rode home in pure silence. Though our silence was filled with mourning. 

READER’S POV ;

Hate. Hate killed Tom. Hate killed my cousin. Hate killed the love for my new husband. I couldn’t even believe it. My mind became restricted with thoughts of rage. I had never felt so lonely. Maggie pulled me home and into my room. She started running me a bath and poured bubble bath in it. I sat on my bed staring at the ground. Maggie tried making light conversation with me

“are you hungry?” She asked. I couldn’t be hungry, I felt sick to my stomach. Though my heart hated Haz, I still felt for him. His best friend was dead and gone. I pulled my knees to my chest and shifted my body backwards, resting on my headboard.

“you’re going to be married in two days” Maggie tried smiling but her face fell as soon as she saw mine.

“to Sam Holding” I replied feebly. I couldn’t even cry anymore, my tears had run out. My pager vibrated from next to me. I picked it up cautiously.

Please don’t fall out of love for me - H

Of course not, I just need time

When are you getting married - H

Two days 

Oh god, we cant leave by then - H

Then and idea sparked in my head. 

“Maggie, you have the bath I need to go somewhere.” I sat up and pulled my shoes back on. I was still wearing my red dress, it brushed against my legs as I ran down the main stairwell. My pager was gripped in my fingers in dropped to the ground and skidded across the marbled floor. 

“Harrison Osterfield” I head my mum grumble from behind me. I turned around to see her in a long white dressing gown. She dropped her cigarette on the ground and stamped on it with her slipped. “You thought I wouldn’t find out” she cackled

“Mum I-“ Then a sharp pain concaved on my cheek. My hand fled to my face where a single tear was falling. 

“you will be there at the church to marry Sam even if I have to drag you by your hair” she spat through gritted teeth. She whipped passed me and there I stood in shock. I couldn’t wait any longer so I ran out into the garden and grabbed my bike from the shed. It was a rusty electric blue, I swung one leg over and pushed it on the pedal. I pedalled around the side of the house and then onto the pavement. 

The sun was almost down and the street lamps were faintly glowing. I cycled passed a few pedestrians and finally reached Verona Beach again. I shoved my bike outside Friar Lawrences apartment building and rang the doorbell.

“Haz?” He grumbled

“No, its me (y/n)” I replied

“Oh..” He said and the door buzzed open. 

I walked inside his darkly lit house and shut the door behind me. 

“what is it?” He grumbled from his doorway

“I don't know what to do Friar”

“you don’t want to be wed to Sam Holding?”

“no, no, I would rather die”

“I knew you would come here” he muttered softly “I have a plan” He reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out a small vial filled with blue liquid

“p-poison?” I stuttered

“a mild dosage” he smirked, he started ambling towards me “people will think you’re dead but actually you’ll be in a deep sleep”

“so you suggest I take this?”

“yes, and send a message to Romeo” He murmured, I pulled out my pager and the Friar snatched it. “Not by pager, too obvious. This would be the first place they would check” He said nodding to my pager in his hand. “Send a letter, I’ll get my choir boy to deliver it”

“Thank you Friar” I nodded

I cycled home with the vial in my pocket. Maggie would have left my house by now since it was practically night time. I cycled around to the shed and put my bike away. The house was dimly lit so I cautiously opened the front door and ran softly up the staircase to my room. I pulled out my draw and fished out a notepad and gel pen.

Haz,

By the time you get this you will think I am dead. I am not, the Friar gave me a plan. I am asleep Haz, then we can run away. People will presume I am dead but trust me once I wake in the church the Friar will send us away together. We can start over, without everyone. We can leave all the hate and rivalry behind and start a new life. I was thinking maybe we could drive to Paris? I want to adventure with you. 

See you on the other side,

(y/n)

Then I pressed the vial against my lips and drank its contents. As soon as the vial was empty so was my breath. 

HAZ’S POV ;

Harry took me out of Verona. The police were looking for all of us. I missed her but Harry told me not to use my pager to text her. We both sat on the hood of Tom’s car smoking a cigarette. 

“are you going to go back” Harry coughed

“she is getting married tomorrow, how could I?”

“look, you can marry May” Harry nudged my arm and handed me the rest of the cigarette. I took a long drag and blew the smoke against the breeze. 

“I don’t want May”

“You confuse me cousin” He laughed

Suddenly a motorbike pulled up and created a large cloud of sand. Through the mist Sammy appeared with a worried look. I pushed myself up off the car to greet him. 

“Haz!” He coughed through the mist

“what?”

“I dont know how to say this” He gasped, my heart dropped

“what?” I said my voice lowering with curiosity 

“she’s dead”

The words rung in my ears like a loud bell

“you’re lying” I spat 

“Haz I’m not” He protested

“You’re lying!” I repeated this time louder and through a light sob. I sat on the pavement and wiped my eyes. 

“they found her dead in her bed today” Sammy said softly

“why!” I cried looking up to the warm summer sky, the one girl I loved was gone. She was gone forever. I couldn’t even say sorry for what I had done to her brother. I couldn’t even feel her lips on mine again. Tears didn't even form in my eyes, they had run out from the day before. I pushed myself up off the scorching ground and threw the cigarette butt on the ground. 

“drive” I nodded to Harry, he responded and we both slumped into the car

“You coming?” Harry nodded to Sammy

“I’ll be there soon” He nodded back. We sped away into the horizon. Little did I know a letter would arrive shortly after I left. A letter detailing her death and how she was actually alive. A letter I would never read. A letter that could have saved us. We drove all the way to Verona Beach where I knew her body would be lying. 

“give me your gun” I said holding out a hand to Harry

“Haz, no” He protested

“Harry, please” I breathed, he nodded and then fished his gun out of his holster. I held it in my sweaty hand.

“Is this it then?” He asked

“what do you mean?”

“you”

“i don't want to live without her”

“what should I tell your mum” He started choking up

“That I love her and Sammy too” I started sobbing softly 

“I love you” He said putting his hand on my shoulder

“I love you too” I mouthed, he pulled me into a hug and then as soon as I hopped out the car quickly sped away. He didn’t like goodbyes and neither did I.

I ran across the street and burst into the church. It was empty but I noticed a white body at the front. Candles were still lit from the service earlier. I ran up to the alter where I knew she was lying. My hard shoes echoed around the chapel. I stopped at where she was lying. They had dressed her in the white dress she was wearing the night I met her. I cupped my hand over her face and stroked her cheek.

“oh (y/n)” I sobbed, I looked up to the stained glass window above us both and cocked Harry’s gun. I pushed the tip into the side of my head and curled my finger over the trigger.

READER’S POV ;

My eyes fluttered open to see him, my face dropped to see the gun he was holding. Then a loud bang rang in my fresh ears. 

“Haz” I screamed, his body dropped down over me. “Haz, Haz did you not get my letter” I sobbed, I grabbed his shoulders and tried shaking him awake but his body hung limp and cold over me. The gold plated gun was still in his fingers, I let go of his body and picked up the gun. The gun that killed my cousin, my lover and now it was going to kill me. I pressed it through my lips and into my mouth. Then the world went black and it was just me and him hanging limply in the chapel. The chapel where we had gotten married the day before. Our loved marked place with held our love marked death. 

TAGLIST ;