harrisonhayes

[harrisonhayes]

"Cross every T, dot every I, got it." At least there was one thing in all of it Harry was confident he could see out with some modicum of success: taking photos. Still, he'd make the effort to see the rest done as instructed – equal parts out of his need to see the issue resolved, to get the store back up and running, and ... frankly, it would be embarrassing to fail it all in front of her. Again. Crossing paths after all those years just to arrive there? No thanks.

"I've got it." And despite her offer, the knowledge that it would make it a thousand times easier on himself to accept the help, Harry's deep-rooted stubbornness had him shaking his head and repeating himself in the moment he should have been nodding, thanking her, asking about those very resources – if only to keep her around a little longer. "Thanks though."

Hands free of the paperwork, he was left to fold his arms across his chest, like that might actually serve as some kind of buffer between himself and ... Sierra? Whatever came next? He wasn't sure.

His mouth opened to speak – to say what, he wasn't sure – but before he could utter a sound, her voice was filling the space, and his head tilted to the side, listening. He was struck first with something akin to ... relief maybe? Her leaving meant a moment to process, to collect his thoughts and figure out his next move – these run-ins left him with a lot to work through, just as soon as he came to his senses. But that relief was quickly overwhelmed by a surge of what Harry could only call panic – what if this was it? What if it was years again until next time? Sense had escaped him. The little voice that should have been pointing out that he could just go to her was suspiciously silent. And then he wasn't.

"Wait." He blurted it, catching himself as he straightened up, looking over at her. "Do you ... uh, I mean, do you wanna, maybe," he had to pause then, clearing his throat, like his brain had finally caught up with his mouth and questioning the logic here, "actually grab lunch sometime? You know, without Mom this time."

Sierra watched Harrison carefully, her heart aching at his subdued responses. She could see the internal struggle on his face, the weight of years of separation and misunderstandings. His acceptance of her number felt like a small victory, a glimmer of hope that they might be able to rebuild their relationship.

She nodded as he summarized the inspection points, appreciating his attentiveness despite the obvious strain. When he mentioned the owner being out of town, Sierra considered the implications. "Ideally, it should go through the owner," she began, her tone professional but understanding. "But if he's not available, you can handle it. Just make sure to document everything. Take photos, keep receipts—anything that shows you've addressed the issues."

She paused, sensing his reluctance. "And if you need help with anything, don't hesitate to ask. We have resources at the station that can make this process smoother. But you can always ask me, Harry."

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, trying not to overthink or over talk or step on any boundaries that were still up for them. The room felt heavy with unspoken emotions, and she hoped that her being there would help bridge the gap between them, even if just a little. "I should probably head to the next inspection but uh, it was good to see you again, Harry."

[harrisonhayes]

JACOB ELORDI 10 Things Jacob Elordi Can't Live Without | GQ - August 2022

[harrisonhayes]

On fi— shit, no, it's cool. Figured out where the breaker is real fast last time it happened. You don't have to ... no-one's gotta drag their ass all the way over there. It's handled. Will be handled. Seriously. Swear. 'sides, cap' sounds infinitely better. How'd you swing that? We've got the instant crap on a good day. But, uh, I mean, s'good otherwise. Pays the bills, right? Nah, I like it. S'just ... been quiet lately, I guess.

A circuit blew? That could be dangerous, Harry. Do you want me to go take a look? I don't want your photos catching on fire��that would be literally so heartbreaking! Your art is too incredible. Also the fact I wouldn't want you in this type of danger. As firefighters from the area we can definitely get that checked for you. I can send one of my guys while you're here talking so they take a look.

Yeah, coffee! C'mon, we have a kitchen here and I make a mean cappuccino. So—work, you didn't say how that's going?

[harrisonhayes]

"Yeah ... yeah, that's, uh. Yeah. Guess she is. Fair point." There were a thousand better responses, and Harry knew that. None of them particularly difficult, either. But could he have uttered a single of them in that moment? No. That was exactly the issue with all things relating to Sierra, and that was exactly why he avoided all things relating to Sierra. Still, he managed a chuckle at the whole 'dynamic duo' comment, shrugged a shoulder, and was about to pose a question of his own in a desperate bid to steer things elsewhere when Axel dropped the lifeline, and Harry leapt on it. Maybe not quite with the same ease as the other man, but certainly without delay. "I know I've said it before, but I appreciate it, seriously. You taking the time today. The offer. I don't wanna keep anyone waiting, so, you'll hear soon. I— uh, what's the best way to contact you from here? How d'you prefer, I mean?"

Axel couldn't help but grin as he watched the other’s reaction. Well, damn, he hadn't expected to hit a nerve with that question. He sat back—trying not to look too interested—but hell if he wasn't curious now. "Yeah, I know her," he said, keeping it casual while he watched for any tells. "Who wouldn't know the fire chief, right? She's quite the local hero." He leaned in, genuinely intrigued now. This meeting was turning out way more interesting than he'd expected. "So, photography runs in your blood, and firefighting in hers? That's quite the dynamic duo you've got going on," he chuckled, "Anyway, back to business," he said, smoothly changing gears. "I think you'd be a great fit for our team, Harrison. Your portfolio speaks for itself, and I like your energy. Tell you what, take some time to think about it. When you make your decision, we’ll be here.” Not like they were going anywhere. His plans for the city have yet to bear fruit anyway. Until things clicked, he was stuck here.

[harrisonhayes]

"Saf, I'm honoured. What the hell's the catch?" Jokes aside, the sentiment was a welcome one, one Harry was doomed to swerve away from with a hopeless attempt at humour – he'd grow out of it one day, maybe, but too many years of growing in to it saw him roll his eyes over the grin on his face. And then, before he could offer up any semblance of a follow up, he heard what she'd said next and his laughter began anew, Harry unable to keep the immediate shake of his head at bay. "Okay, rodeo kink. Didn't know that about you," he bumped her shoulder, then after a beat to think, dropped the teasing (for the moment, for as long as he was capable), and added, "hey, they're out there. No strings, not an asshole? They've gotta be. You'll find 'em."

"I'm only cruel to people I don't particularly like, and I love you so, you're safe." she patted Harry on his arm, smiling up at him warmly. "Hmm," she nodded in agreement. "Yeah that's pretty valid... I'm kinda like one of those bucking broncos, you've gotta know how to ride before you decide to climb on or you're gonna get hurt." Safia found herself bursting with laughter at her own comparison, despite it being pretty accurate. "Sometimes." Safia shrugged lightly. "The real gems are the ones who don't necessarily want a strict relationship, but also aren't fucking other people behind your back. Those kind of people are hard to find."

[harrisonhayes]

Under 19? Huh. That's cool, shaking up the whole "Under 18" thing with everything else— ha! Yeah. But, hey, I dunno that I'd qualify even then. Sports, athletics and shit, that was always my sister's thing. I'm more the "as long as I can outrun the zombies, I'm good" type. And you say that, but I'm still team chicken. I can see it now! You when you're at the bowling alley, and you've got those screens? The ones with the shitty animations? Imagine. You get a cricket, uh ... strike. Look up? Egg. Hatching. Chickens. Everywhere. Screens, field, you name it. You might have to invest in some screens first. And, uh, the chickens, actually.

No clue how little league works here man...but back in India they have something called the 'Under 19' team so you'd have to be--you guessed it, under nineteen years old to qualify and something tells me you've passed that age. You can't begrudge it and you know they could not call it a chicken, like please--'that batsman went out for a chicken'. Doesn't have the same gravitas, don't' you think?

[harrisonhayes]

You know, I hate it, but ... I think I could get behind some aura-cleansed apples. Like smudging a room without all the smoke and shit almost. I could deal with someone getting the jump on that, maybe. And I get that. 'bout the food, I mean. Made the mistake of reading the back of an energy bar the other day. and Ariya, I swear to God, I didn't know what 80% of that crap was. Are they making it up? They've gotta be.

You tell them that. People just like being extra. Crystal-infused water? Don't even get me started on that nonsense. Next thing you know, we'll be selling 'aura-cleansed' apples or 'chakra-aligned' carrots. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if someone's already beat us to it. You know, as much as I mock all this organic, bio-whatever mumbo jumbo, I have to admit there's something satisfying about knowing where your food comes from. Even if it did meditate with crystals.

[harrisonhayes]

"And deprive you? No way! I'd feel like an ass." Apparently all talk, Harry hung onto the drink anyway, even going so far as to turn that decline into another 'stolen' sip before he finally held it out to its rightful owner – though still with a mental to note to abandon the whole 'try new things' thing and stick to his usual order in future. Or Soren's. Either seemed safer. "Oh fuck, yeah. I dunno what it is. Anything else? Some fried food and a coffee's the cure. Wine hangover? Just kill me. Always red though? I— huh. I was gonna ask if you ever shake things up, but think I've learned that lesson enough today, you know?"

Soren took a sip from his tea and grinned. "This one's pretty good too. You can keep mine if you want, seriously. That's my usual order." She chuckled at his explanation about the wine situation. She assumed he just wouldn't like them because they were made out of grapes, but his explanation made sense too. "Wine gives the worst hangovers in my experience, seriously. I hate it. But do I still have two glasses of red wine every night after work? I do. Don't ask why but it helps."

[harrisonhayes]

JACOB ELORDI as FELIX CATTON SALTBURN (2023) dir. Emerald Fennell

[harrisonhayes]

I— listen. I wanna argue. Throw out some great line to put you in your place, but no Star Wars, dude? C'mon. You're better than this. Dune I'm down for. Barbie? Gonna need a minute. I had that one damn song from the start stuck in my head for weeks. And I mean weeks. Not sure I'm ready to go through that again just yet.

And how are you gonna have fun then if you just leave me behind?

Oh, I'm not a big Tolkien Fan so you don't have to worry about that, or the new Star Wars trilogy. We should back Dune Part I and II back to back though. Oh, or Oppenheimer and Barbie again.

[harrisonhayes]

"You kidding? Dude, cut the drama, that's best terms. That's the long game," whatever show of disappointment Harry had intended to put on was spoiled immediately by the grin cutting across his face, and while surprise flit across it as Ryat held the sheet out – what had he been thinking? Of course he'd have one handy – his amusement didn't waver, even as his gaze scanned the pictures there. "Genuinely, I have been meaning to swing by and see about something, but— oh. Huh. Is that a goose with a flag? Crap. Kinda love that."

Ryat smirked, "Damn, man -- that's cold." He mused, "Thought we were on better terms then that." Simply nothing but a joke between two guys that seemed to get along just fine. "Yeah, that's what I thought." He chuckled, pulling out the flash sheet and handing it over to Harrison. It contained a variety of pride related designs. "If we're feeling something a little less themed, I'm sure I could work something out for you."

[harrisonhayes]

I wanna say I don't know what you mean. Life'd be easier and shit, you know? But ... I get it. You got an office, I got a dark room, I guess. Uh, except today. Had to close the store, some circuit blew and the electrician can't make it out today. It's ... s'good though. The questions, I mean. I, uh ... don't mind. Just— I forgot. But I think you said coffee ...? Here?

Oh, it is important. Thanks for saving me from a potential disaster at work. Really, Harrison, I appreciate it.

I'm doing okay. Just needed a quiet moment to gather my thoughts. You know how it gets sometimes. Being a captain comes with a lot of responsibilities, and sometimes, I need to step back for a minute.

But enough about me. What about you? How have you been? How's work? Do you want a coffee or something? I'm sorry—that's a lot of questions. I have too many of those.

[harrisonhayes]

Hey, hey, hey. I'm sensing judgement. Coffee snobbery, even. This is another side of you, I'm gonna need a sec. And I'll have you know, it's no addiction, I could quit any time. Swear.

... yeah, alright, I don't believe me either. Or this whole brownie angle. Don't they all just, you know, taste like oatmeal and coconut? Maybe I've just been buying the shit ones. That could be on me. And I feel like this is some kinda reverse psychology thing, but I'll bite. "You can't even jog down the beach"? You're on. Last one to the finish buys lunch?

I take you for a man that's addicted to caffeine. Do you even actually like coffee? Meaning, do you drink it black or add a ton to it to make it tolerable? I feel like after lunch you'll just have another excuse...

I can offer you a protein bar. The label claims it tastes just like a brownie. As a woman of many vices, carbs being one of them, I'm with you. But, come on... you can't even do a jog down the beach! We need to save you.

[harrisonhayes]

"I, uh ... hell, man, I don't know. Sorry." That said, Harry still threw a look back over his shoulder anyway, like that might – by some miracle – actually help him determine the right answer to that question. Shockingly, it did no such thing, and it was with a shake of his head at himself that he turned back to Henry, and seeing the outstretched hand, wasted no more time in handing it over, rambling on all the while, in his best hopeless attempt to help at least a little, "but I was catching up with a friend there, so ... maybe two hours, tops? I would've missed it, but I dropped my own wallet under, so ... wait, shit, think the table's cursed?"

——- Looking at the other for a moment as he explain things — a slight look of confusion taking over his features before relaxing some once he understood the situation. ❝  alright well i suppose we can take it. i think there's a lost and found somewhere around here. ❞ he explained biting on his lower lip some. ❝  how long was it under there ? do you know ? ❞ henry asked before gently holding out his hand so he could take it for now, probably keep it under the counter in a spare tub for now until an owner was found.

[harrisonhayes]

JACOB ELORDI Saltburn - Behind The Scenes

[harrisonhayes]

"Seriously? That's awesome! I'll have to swing by, I've been trying to cut back on coffee. Ordinary, you said? Uh, maybe. I think so," immediately, Harry paused, rubbing his jaw with his free hand while he rummaged through his own brain for a scrap of recognition, anything to tell him he might know the one. And after a beat too long of quiet on his part, he was about to give up, to admit he didn't have a clue, when a lightbulb went off, and he turned to ask if that had been the place with Rosemary, only to stifle the question as the rest of what she was saying registered. "Oh. Shit. I'm sorry."

If he hadn't already gotten that the loss may have been more significant than just 'my old boss passed' from the look on her face, the way she trailed off cemented it in Harrison's mind. He wouldn't push, no matter how curious he may be ... although he did make a note to check in later, make sure she was alright. For then, however, he followed her lead, steering away, all the while watching her from the corner of his eye, "hey, I'm not gonna argue with that. Can't be wrong if we keep it in there, right? But I guess then there's the whole 'it's art, there is no wrong answer'. I dunno, I could be talking shit. I hide behind cameras, away from canvases, you know?"

The exchange between Olaf and Harry was adorable and seeing the man happy made her happy in return. She didn't know him that well; they'd crossed paths but everytime they'd talked, Jemma had the feeling Harry was purposely avoiding certain topics and being her usual selfless and caring self, Jemma had avoided prying on his life as well. Now she wasn't sure whether his life has improved or the things he ran from as a teen had followed him like shadows into adulthood but it was nice seeing him so carefree. Even if it was all an act. "I own a small tea shop in Midtown. 'Ordinary', have you heard of it? It's been around for a while, I used to work there as a teen during the summers." Jemma bit down onto her lower lip. "The owner passed away a few years ago and..." Her voice faded before she picked on the new topic. "I know Sara, though we've rarely talked about art. Not sure I'm ready for a class in art yet, though. I like to try and figure it out on my own, even if it's just my own perspective of it. It's gonna be all in my own head anyway, so..."

[harrisonhayes]

It was near indistinguishable, mumbled as it was, but Harry did manage a "thanks", his gaze averted, his hand rubbing at the back of his neck. Yeah, the whole accepting praise thing really needed some work. And then, as though to distract from it, he strode further in, beelining to a desk by the back wall, and the logbook stacked atop a laptop. It was there that he caught the rest of what Sierra was saying, and although it took him a moment, he did look up, staring across the space at her.

He wasn't sure at which point his feet started taking him back to her, maybe at the part about caring, maybe after, maybe just because he'd seen her reach for something. But either way, he was soon enough in front of her, curious enough to tilt his head at the offered sheet, even as he took it. "Thanks," he offered, in the second before his gaze dropped to scan what was written there, eyebrows lifting. In the moment, he wasn't sure what to make of it – an olive branch? A request? Obligation? He'd add it to the list of things to unpack later. Preferably with a drink or two in hand. "I'll ... yeah. I'll hang on to this."

I want to make things right. That had Harry looking away again. Not out of any desire to shun her – how many years had he spent hoping for something to that effect? – but more so out of a need to keep himself in check as he processed it. He'd spent a long time working on keeping the inside turmoil ... well, inside. But sometimes surprise won out, or the enormity, or just ... sometimes, like right then, he was thrown back to another time, another version of himself, of her, and that overcame the rest.

And deep down, he knew that his silence probably wasn't giving the right impression, did nothing to show how that long-buried part of Harry that had never stopped reaching for his big sister, his once-best friend, wanted to grasp the lifeline. But he couldn't trust himself to voice it, not until he'd gotten his thoughts in order, not until he'd sorted the 'after everything, I want to try' from the stubborn and persisting 'after everything, why should I'.

So when Sierra was the one to swerve, Harry leapt to it, however dire the report may be. Because that, at least, he could work with.

Folding the piece of paper into a neat, compact square, he tucked it into his back pocket, and nodded. A lot of it came as no surprise, but while he'd figured there may be some sort of return date, a follow-up inspection, a week was far from ideal. Not with his manager – a loose title, at this point, but a formality all the same – still MIA, unable to sign off on the changes, approve the orders ... Harry shook his head. He'd figure it out, deal with it later. Always did. Eventually.

"Nah. I think I've got it. Extinguishers, alarms, signs." After taking the offered papers, Harry tapped each point on the plans in time with his list, and nodded. The alarm, he was familiar with. The signs? Shouldn't be too hard. The extinguishers? He'd circle back to figuring it out. Accepting help fell right alongside accepting praise on the list of things he was any good at, after all. "Wait, uh, maybe I've got one. My boss, the owner, he's outta down. Fuck knows where. D'you need me to run this by him, or's it cool if I deal with it? You know, for your reports or ... I dunno, whatever it is you do on your end?"

Sierra felt a wave of relief wash over her as Harry spoke. It wasn't a full reconciliation, but it was a start—more than she'd hoped for. She stepped through the door he held open, her heart lighter but still cautious. The familiar smell of chemicals and the quiet hum of machinery in the darkroom brought a sense of nostalgia she hadn't expected.

"Thanks, Harry," she said, her voice soft, almost shy. She looked around, taking in the meticulous organization of the space. It was clear he took pride in his work here, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for him too. "This place looks great. You've really made it your own."

As they moved through the room, she glanced at him, a tentative smile on her lips. "I know I said it before, but I really am sorry for leaving you behind. I just—" She paused, searching for the right words. "I wanted you to know that it wasn't because I didn't care. I did, I do. I was just..." Sierra sighed, shaking her head. "Michael was a lot. But I want to be here, if you'll let me." Big blues stared at him. "You don't have to answer anything now, really. Here—" she ripped a piece white blank paper from the back pile on her clipboard (she always had extra for notes) and wrote down her number and address. A bit old fashion, but if he didn't want anything to do with her, he could just trash it instead of going to the trouble of staring at the contact in his phone. "I'm not home a lot, but if I'm not there, I'm likely at the station..." She shrugged, it was well established now that she was a workaholic.

She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her emotions as she passed the piece of paper in his direction. She had missed him. More than he knew. And she was sorry it took her so long to come back, but she couldn't voice all that fully yet. So she looked at him, her eyes filled with sincerity. "I want to make things right."

The vulnerability in her voice was palpable, and she hoped he could see how much she meant it. She didn't expect things to be perfect overnight, but she was willing to put in the effort to rebuild their relationship. She wanted to be the sister he deserved, the one she'd failed to be in the past.

Sierra cleared her throat and wrote a few more things on the chart notes. "About the inspection... You have an expired fire extinguisher, two exit signs missing and one of the alarms is out of battery." She marked them on a floor plan page she had of the place, her tone very work like and serious. "All the inflammable materials look in order, which is great. But I need you to get the rest checked for next week. In this flyer here there's some instructions and you can request the department for assisting you with installations." She handed him the floor plan and flyer. "Do you have any questions?"