#but yes i’m still completely in my niall phase and we need to get you ON THAT

[its-hyperfixation]

You've known someone for a long time But you never really know who they are

for one of the smartest people i know, in honour of finishing your last college exam. @bellamyblakru im so so proud of u.

[tommodirection]

Five Minutes

Niall Horan x Reader

Warnings: Swearing, angst, jealousy

Word count: 1.5k

Masterlist:

A/N: Heylo! This was requested! I don’t know if they want me to say their username, so I won’t, but yeah! I hope you enjoy!

—

“No, Niall! This isn’t fucking okay!” You hissed, annoyed with your boyfriend of three years.

“I’m not going to fucking enjoy either! I don’t have any fucking control over this!” He said, raising his voice as he paced.

“Yes, you fucking do! You can call them, and tell them you aren’t going to do it!” You yelled back, slamming your hand on the table.

“And lose my fucking job? You’re being unreasonable!” He collapsed on the couch, grumbling in frustration.

“Unreasonable?” You questioned, scoffin, “I’m sorry if I’m pissed that this is the fifth PR relationship they’ve wanted you to be in since we started dating! Sorry if I’m sick and tired of having to watch you go around a kiss other girls for months at a time and pretend to be in love with them! I hate having to have you come home smelling like their perfume! So don’t fucking start with unreasonable!” You had snapped.

You had never gotten into an argument over his career, and you had never gotten into an argument where both of you had yelled. This was a first.

You were just tired. You had been in a relationship for three fucking years now. At first, you had agreed to keep it a secret, wanting to live out the honeymoon phase in peace, but the first year passed, and Niall still wanted to keep it a secret. Then two, and now three. It had made you feel as though he was ashamed of you.

His management had started having him start public relationships, trying to avoid suspicion of him seeing someone. The first two, you hadn’t minded, both being in the first year of you dating, but the other two pushed you closer to the edge, this one shoved you off.

His face softened at your confession, he looked as though he was about to speak, but your ringtone cut him off. You grabbed it out of your purse, swearing under your breath. It was your boss. You let it continue ringing, and she had texted you immediately after.

Joana: Need you to come in today. Gina called in sick.

You let out a huff, feeling Niall’s eyes on you. You pinched the bridge of your nose, composing yourself quickly. You were already dressed, planning on going out with Niall, but that crashed and burned. You slipped on your tennis shoes, not caring about the dress code at the moment.

“Work needs me,” you grumbled, grabbing your purse before rushing out the shared apartment door, not letting Niall say anything.

You sped walked to your car, slamming the door when you got in.

As you drove, the previous relationships Niall had to be in, crossed through your head. First was Florence Pugh, a darling girl, but her management required obsessive amounts of PDA. Then, a girl that Niall had known since they were young, something that bugged you just because of jealousy, it was your deadly sin. After her, was an ex of his, his management wanted to stir up drama. You had protested, but Niall talked you down as he explained why it was necessary, but she still was too touchy. You hadn’t meant to be that possessive and jealous, you definitely didn’t let Niall know about that. The last one hurt you the most though. She was a girl you had grown up with, a toxic friendship that ended after five years. Madison Beer. She didn’t want to be in the relationship as much as Niall did, she had a boyfriend as well, but she had the strongest perfume. Niall’s clothes smelled like her for weeks after the relationship ended.

The one they wanted him to be in was insane to you. It didn’t make any sense logically, although there isn’t much logic in the fame game. They wanted him to start dating Bella Hadid.

You supposed it had something to do with Zayn just having a baby with her sister, but she was a fucking model. You couldn’t compare to her. It was the final straw for you. That’s when you snapped.

As you pulled into your work’s parking garage, you pulled down your mirror, noticing you had started crying on the drive over.

You reached into your console, searching for your makeup wipes, but there was nothing. You swore and reached over to look in the glove compartment, same results.

You bit your lip, and began smacking your hands against the steering wheel, swearing the whole time. Just fucking great.

Taking a deep breath, you tried a grounding exercise your therapist had taught you years ago. Five things four things three things two things one thing. You completed the exercise and let out a shaky breath. You kicked your thumb and began furiously scrubbing at the mascara marks running down your face.

After deciding you looked presentable, you made your way to your desk, hoping to see Max, a friend of yours from work, she gave the best hugs.

You plopped down in your chair, logging into your computer to start on your work for the day. You only had a little bit, so you’d finish your stuff, and stay for the duration of Gina’s shift, then you’d be done.

As you computer loaded, you decided to go make yourself some coffee, try and get caffeine to boost your spirit.

You stepped into the lunch room, making your way over to the machine. You grabbed a mug and went to press the start button. But a bright yellow sticky note was glaring back at you. Out of order.

You let out a frustrated sigh, placing the mug back and storming back to your desk. You flipped through a few of your files, trying to immerse yourself in work, but Niall kept popping up in your head. You had never seen him that angry. You had done that.

Your thoughts were interrupted when Joana slapped a large stack of files on your desk. Easily three times the size of your pile. “Thanks for coming in, Gina has some work she was going to catch up on today, but she’s sick, so you’re going to have to do it for her,” she walked off before you even got to protest. You let out a low groan, dragging the files over to you.

This day couldn’t have been going worse.

Kendra, the bitch who sat next to you, informed you that Max wasn’t here today, she had taken the day off. On top of that, your computer crashed and you had to redo six of your files.

You finished about three hours later than expected. You got stuck in traffic on the way back, frustrating you even more, almost to the point of crying.

The second you parked, you rushed into the building, a tear slipping past when the elevator took too long. You don’t know what had gotten into you, you normally weren’t this emotional.

You finally found your way into the apartment, stopping in your tracks when you saw Niall standing several feet in front of you, looking like he was about to speak.

“Niall, I’ve just had the shittiest day of my life, so can we please just put the fight on hold for five fucking minutes? Just so my boyfriend can hold me?” You asked, your voice cracking at the end.

Niall opened his arms, and you collapsed into him, clutching onto his shoulders with everything in you. He picked you up and brought you to the couch, sitting down with you in his lap. You buried your head in his neck, tears falling down your face and onto his shirt.

“I told them no,” he whispered.

You pulled away, furrowing your eyebrows, “What?” You asked, sniffling as he placed his hand on your waist.

“I told my management no, I wasn’t going to do another PR stunt. I even told them I was going to go public with my actual girlfriend,” he said softly.

You placed your hands on both sides of his face, “Niall, you didn’t have to…” you began.

He wrapped his hand around your wrist. “Yes, I did. My girlfriend was upset, and frustrated, and it was all because of me. I wasn’t about to have that. I care more about you than them,” he said, bringing your hand to his face and placing a gentle kiss to the back of it.

You pressed a soft kiss on his lips, “I love you, so much,” you mumbled against his lips.

“I love you too, more than you’ll ever know,” he whispered, and you processed what he had said earlier.

“Did you say you wanted to go public? With us?” You asked gently, and he nodded.

“Course, I want the world to know that I’m in love with the most beautiful woman in the world,” he reached into his breast pocket, fumbling for a bit before pulling out a ring. “I have the perfect way to let them know too.”

You gasped, placing your hand over your mouth, “Niall…” you breathed out, looking between him and the ring. He looked at you expectantly, biting his lip lightly.

“So?” He asked.

“Of course! Of course Niall!” You exclaimed and he chuckled, placing the ring on your finger. You admired it for a moment, turning to look at your fiancé. You kissed him again, pulling away and giving him a hug.

“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you,” he mumbled into your shoulder.

“I can’t either.”

(If you want to be added just send in an ask!) Permanent Taglist: @everything-is-alrightt @kaiaduke @franchesca-791

[heyyyharry]

Y/N wants to be prettier

(a blurb from the Flatmate Series / pre-relationship)

Word count: 1.7k

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Y/N used to go through a phase when she would be self-conscious all the time. Seeing a bikini shot of an Instagram model could make her want to eat a bit less and starve a bit more just so she could feel a bit thinner.

Going college, she believed she’d grown out of that toxic mindset. She was eating normally and exercising regularly, and even if she still sometimes looked in the mirror after a shower and wished that her nose was a bit smaller and her waist a bit tinier, she wouldn’t consider doing something detrimental to her health in order to achieve that. She felt like everything was going fine. But then, she fell in love with her flatmate.

She had shamefully compared herself to the girls he’d brought back to their place way before she realised her feelings for him, but it wasn’t until then that she became more obsessed with looking more like them and less like...her. It felt like high school all over again with all the constant self-loathing, and she had to keep telling herself to never go back down that path. But every day it got a bit harder. Because those girls were real and not some edited photos on social media. And the thought that there were actual people who looked that attractive and she wasn’t one of them made her feel a lot more insecure.

“I just found out that one of my eyes is greener than the other, like it’s not even in an aesthetic way, it’s just weird,” Layla brought up the topic when they were having lunch together on campus.

“You know what is weird?” Trix spoke. “My nose! If you pay attention, you can see that I actually have really small nostrils.”

“What are you talking about, Trix? Your nose is perfect.” Niall chuckled.

“One of my legs is shorter than the other. I think it’s genetic,” Harry said, giving a shrug.

Meanwhile, Y/N was sitting in silence as she couldn’t relate to how these good-looking humans could just easily point out their own flaws. She could never do that for she felt like hers were worse and more noticeable, and if she talked about them, they would be the only thing people saw when they looked at her. She didn’t need to be more self-conscious than she already was.

“Doesn’t it bother you how we will never get to know what we actually look like? Mirrors are liars. They flip and distort our real image,” Layla said while staring at her reflection in the pocket mirror.

“I knew it! I’m too pretty in the mirror, it’s impossible.” Trix exclaimed while pinching her tiny nose and everyone laughed except for Y/N.

“We’re all uglier in real life, that’s a fact.” Layla shrugged. “Thank God, I’m too pretty so my ugly is still very pretty.”

As Harry and Niall made fun of Layla for being so vain while Trix was hyping her up by telling her she was indeed ‘very pretty’, Y/N found herself getting lost in her own thoughts.

If the image in the mirror was the prettier version of herself and she hated it, then she was certainly hopeless! No wonder boys wouldn’t pay attention to her. She looked uglier in real life and Harry would never settle for less than the girls he usually hooked up with. People said looks didn’t matter, but how could someone make an effort to get to know you if they didn’t find you attractive?

And so the sad and insecure sixteen-year-old living inside of her had dug her way out. That girl told her to skip dinner that night, and she did, because ‘it’s just one meal,’ she said. Besides, Harry would stay out until three in the morning, so he wouldn’t know she didn’t eat to question her about it. She thought she was doing the right thing when she went to bed with a grumbling stomach.

The next morning, she woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs and Harry’s singing voice coming from the kitchen.

“Morning!” he happily said as she walked in with sleep in her eyes. “I’m making breakfast. Want some?”

“No, thanks. I have to get to class early,” she said and walked to the counter to pour herself a glass of water, feeling Harry’s eyes on her as he brought his breakfast to the table.

“Aren’t you hungry?” he asked when she put down the empty glass. She was taken aback by the question but didn’t let it show.

“No. I had a big meal last night so I’m still full.”

Harry paused for a second. “You didn’t eat anything last night, Y/N.”

Y/N was frozen to the spot. Her eyes went round as she looked at him. “How—”

“The food is still in the fridge. You didn’t cook anything last night and if you’d ordered something then the trash bin wouldn’t be empty.”

“Okay, Sherlock Holmes.” Y/N scoffed, thinking adding humour would lighten up the mood, but her flatmate still looked dead serious. “You got me, all right? I was too tired so I went to sleep early.”

“Y/N.”

“What?”

“Is something wrong?”

“No.” She lifted her shoulders and plastered a smile on her face. Harry’s face screwed up as he suddenly walked up to her and pressed his palm against her forehead. She looked up at him, her heart was thumping and she had to hold her breath until he finally pulled away.

“You’re not sick, right?” he mumbled, his brows knitted.

“No, I’m perfectly fine,” she said, but the way he was staring her down made her feel uneasy. He looked like a disappointed parent who knew exactly what their kid had done wrong but was giving her a chance to own up to it.

She swallowed hard, looking at her feet and letting out a long heavy breath.

“It’s just two meals,” she finally whispered.

“I knew it,” Harry muttered as he ran his hand over his face and shoved it into his messy curls. “You’re fine, Y/N. You don’t need to lose more weight.”

‘Fine’? She wanted to scream out loud, I don’t want to be ‘fine’. I want to be noticed. ‘Fine’ would get ignored. Why settle for ‘fine’ if you could be ‘good’ or ‘great’ or ‘perfect’? But she wasn’t going to. She couldn’t.

“I think I would look better if I was skinnier,” she timidly told him.

“That’s so stupid, Y/N.”

“Well, you keep saying that but I know you have your own definition of beauty and it’s not me,” she blurted, leaving him speechless and she couldn’t even look him in the eye as she went on, “my definition of beauty is not me either, and since I cannot change my face, at least not now, my body is the only thing I can take control of.”

“Can you though?” He shook his head and held her shoulders tightly, forcing her to look at him. “Y/N, you will never be satisfied with what you are because we always choose to see the worst in ourselves. But do you know what I see when I look at you?”

She pressed her lips together and didn’t answer him.

“I see a smart and hard-working girl who never fails to make me laugh and doesn’t put up with my bullshit. You’re so much more than your looks, but if you ask me, I think you’re so fucking pretty.”

He thinks you’re pretty, she thought as her heart fluttered, but what if he doesn’t mean it? He could be telling you the things you wanted to hear.

“You sound like some inspirational quote on Tumblr.” She laughed slightly, shaking her head. “You know what? I’m late for class.”

Harry grabbed her wrist before she could turn away and didn’t give her a chance to question as he picked her up bridal style and didn’t budge as she started hitting his chest.

“If you think you’re so heavy then how am I holding you up like this?”

“Stop it! Put me down!”

Harry ignored her screaming and squirming as he carried her to the table and sat her on the edge so he was standing between her legs. She was panting, his hands were on her hips. The position they were in made it so easy for her to just lean in and meet his lips with her own. The idea made her shiver as her brain told her to get out of that situation before she did something stupid and embarrassing, but her limbs had turned paralysed and she was unable to move.

“I could carry two of you on my back and wouldn’t feel a thing, so don’t you dare tell me that you need to lose weight. That’s complete bullshit,” he said, putting his hands on the counter on either side of her. She swallowed hard as he leaned in, his breath tickling her face and her trembling hands balled into fists on his shoulders.

“Now I’m gonna make you breakfast, and you’re gonna fill that empty stomach of yours with my delicious bacon and eggs,” he poked her stomach, making her giggle and swat his finger away, “then I’m gonna drive you to campus and pick you up later and we’re gonna go to restaurant and have a big meal. Are we clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

When he gave a smirk, her face went red as she didn’t realise what she’d just said.

“What?”

“You called me sir,” he said with amusement. “Oh dear, is that what you’re lowkey into?”

Blushing hard, she pushed him away, eyes fell to the floor as she hoped he couldn’t see how embarrassed she was. She could feel his eyes burning holes on her skin as a smirk spread across his lips when he leaned against the counter behind him while crossing his arms. She didn’t say a word and quickly got off the table and pulled up a chair.

“Why are you still standing there? Make breakfast for me!” she grumbled at him.

“Oh, you wanna be a dom now?” he joked.

Y/N rolled her eyes as Harry looked over his shoulder and gave a playful wink, and all her doubts and insecurities suddenly vanished. 

[niallssecret]

•Prince Charming•

No part of you wanted to go tonight. You’d had a long day, and wanted nothing more than a quiet night in. alone. With some wine. But you ended up being coerced into doing to the bar. So now, here you are sat at a bar while your friends are somewhere dancing, nursing a Jack and Coke.

You needed a lot stronger than wine to get through the night. It felt like every minute dragged on longer than the next, and you seriously started to consider ordering a Lyft and dragging your friends out  one by one. Or maybe just catching one by yourself, and hope they didn’t notice.

You’d just taken the last sip of your drink when you felt someone slide into the stool next to you. You quickly looked over and you had already had enough before the man even began to speak.

“What are you drinking?” He slurred, with a sad excuse of a smirk on his face.

“Nothing.”

You kept your eye straight head, focusing on a spot behind the bartenders head, praying the poor guy would take the hint and leave you alone, but of course not.

“Oh come, on. Let me get you a drink.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I’m good.” you explained, taking your phone from your clutch.

He only leans in a little closer and tries to engage in a conversation with you but you try to keep your eyes on your phone and give him one word answers. But it didn’t seem to phase him in the slightest. He went on for what felt like forever until you felt someone come stand next you.

“Hey man, I don’t think she��s interested.”

“Excuse me?” the drunk snorted, standing from his seat.

You were thankful for whoever this Irishman was, but the guy was clearly getting angry and you were getting increasingly uncomfortable.

“I said she doesn’t want to talk to you.”

“We were having a great conversation. We’rent we.” He asks.

He leans in closer to you, making you lean into the Irish stranger on the other side of you, which oddly made you feel safer.

There’s a long pause, the two of the men just looking at each other.

“I think you should leave.” He demanded. There was some authority in his voice but it still managed to sound caring. The drunk guy looked at you once more before taking his class and finally walked away.

“Thanks for that.”

“No problem. I know the look on a girls face when she doesn’t want to be bothered.” he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck, “ and to tell you the truth I’ve been wanting to come over and talk to you all night, but I figured -”

“Oh so he was your excuse then. Gave you an in?” you asked, brows raised.

There's a small amount of panic that flashes across his face, fearing he’d completely fucked up, until he sees your lips turn up in a smirk.

“Pretty much.”  

“I see.” you said with a smile, the first one all day.

He seemed sweet, and genuine. You’d caught him looking at you all night, and had secretly hoped he’d come over and say something. But talking to him now you see why. He was nervous, incredibly. Which was odd because he was, gorgeous.

Before you have the chance to talk yourself out of it, you extend your hand out to him, introducing yourself.

“I’m Niall. Nice to meet you, do you mind if I sit?”

“No, please.”

_______

Talking with Niall felt like the most natural thing in the world. You just met the guy, but the conversations seemed to flow, not a single awkward pause or laugh. You talked about almost everything, and with a another drink, the both of you revealing a bit too much.

You were about to ask the bartender for another drink when one of your friends comes up behind you, yelling in your ear.

“Bethany is hurling in the bathroom so we better get a cab or - oh?”

She looked up at Niall, who is obviously concealing a laugh, and then back at you.

“Hi.” Niall says raising his hand.

“Hi. Who is this?”

She’s looking at him up and down, with a smirk on her face. Yes,he’s cute please stop.

In her drunk state, she thinks she’s being discreet, but she’s loud, and obnoxious, and you are mortified.

“Niall.” He smiles at you, extending his hand to her.

“Uhuh. Well, Niall. It was nice meeting you, but we have to go.”

All night you’d been waiting to go home, wanting to drag  your friends out the bar but now you were pouting over having to leave.

You turn between her and him and give him shy smile.“It was nice talking to you.” you sigh standing from your seat.

He does the same and extends his hand out to you. It feels odd, but the whole situation turned as soon as Melissa had come to get you.

“You too.”

“Ask for her number you idiot.”

“Melissa!”

He laughs and shakes his head, “No she’s right. Um how about I give you my number, and if you still think I’m cool in the morning, you can give me a call.”

You only think about it for a second, before you’re passing your phone over so he can enter in his information.

_________

Once in the car you open up your contacts and see that he’d added a few emojis next to his name. It was something so small and silly but it had you smiling from ear to ear.

“I thought you weren’t into picking up guys at bars.” She smiles, motioning awards your phone.

“It wasn’t like that. He saved me from this guy earlier and he seemed sweet so -“

“Oh, your hero!” She sighs dramatically, “are you gonna call him?”

“I think so? Maybe. I don’t know.”

“Well the two of you seemed pretty cozy. He’s not bad on the eyes either. I’d go for it.”

Of course you were. He was so different than anyone else you’d ever talked to in a bar. He was genuine and you could tell he was a good guy. You’d be silly to not give him a chance. 

[piahautea]

Appreciation Post: My Lovely Barkada

I’ve always been the stick-to-one type of friend.

Back during the first two years of junior high, you’d only see me with just one friend. One lunch buddy, one fair week constant, one automatic partner, one let’s-go-to-the-library-during-intrams-instead co-lazy bum, one companion and one everything. But never really the more meaningful ones like: a confidante, a tell-me-your-secrets-they’re-safe-with-me type of chill, a laughing comrade or a wingman /pagdating sa mga crushes na iyan/. That was until I met each of the cartoon people above. 

This post is dedicated to them. The not-so-small barkada I never thought I’d have. They've also been so supportive of my blogging ever since and I want y’all to meet them! Somehow you may also try to see a part of yourself in them with their little intro’s /but that's only if you want to/.

A little disclaimer by the way: Their art banners are filled with silly deets about them while their actual descriptions are a lot graver; although, it's still sounding a lot like silly Pea wrote them, aye. 

This is Leila. Leila’s been one of my best friends since 10th grade. I never thought we’d be in the friendship situation we have now because I only thought surface-level bros were all we'd ever be. But, nah. What are those for anyway? She was the quietly-acing-my-way-in-the-honor-rolls type. And, well, I was trying so hard to be that student. But we just randomly sparked up a convo about my blog and her love for Niall Horan and then she became my confidante in an instant with her shipping me so hard with a Tumblr boy that I used to like. In the things I thought highly impossible for myself, she believed I could turn them around in my favor and she stood there behind me with her hand on my back. She’s the best. I still wish she'd become a doctor, even though she's already faced towards a different track.

This is Margaux. When she spots you and you tickle her fancy, she’d probably talk to you. Basically, that's what happened to us. We were just batchmates in the same baking class. That changed when we bumped into each other at a charm store; she saw me first, tapped my back and said, “Hi!” like it’s nothing. Post the little meeting and the year after, we became classmates. And then I knew that smiling was her best asset and her laughter was her best type of music. She’d made me cookies and a chocolate-mint birthday cake for my 18th because that’s her. You hear little words and phrases like pastries, being top-level artsy, beauty queen pageants, genuine grins, dressing up for fun and you got it. That’s still gonna be her.

This is Froilan. If you know me well enough, you’d know that this dude’s been one of my constants since the beginning of time /‘di naman haha since 9th grade lang siguro/. You'll see him almost everywhere I go and part of almost everything I do. We’ve also been constantly teased by past classmates about us having that chemistry and that maybe we were already secretly a couple. All I can say is, nope. We’re merely bros. I love him, though. In the gayest way possible. He’s amazing in general. He loves getting and slaying the D so much. Drawing, dancing and designing *wink wink*. I’m never afraid to be myself when I’m with him and for that I’m eternally thankful. He’s also my punching bag hehe he enjoys the force of my knuckles kissing and smashing his fudge brownie skin /poetic/.

This is Nesli. She’s the first friend I’ve ever made in our circle. We’ve been together since the 7th grade and mutually sworn to be each other’s best friends during 8th grade. She’s also one of my confidantes. And the one who’s literally seen me in the good, the bad & the ugly and has still loved me no matter what. She has a heart large enough to fit in giraffes, all her favorite Filipino & European dishes, historical fiction books, her family, her art, her hoes and all her other friends. She’s my happy pill, tbfh. She’s going to make it big in the animations field or in any other field because she’s that flexible. She can write, draw, paint /in both the common mediums/, care for wildlife and humanity vividly. It's such a cakewalk to believe in what she's capable of because when she dreams, she dreams with her eyes open and with stellar passion running freely in her veins.

This is Brian. He’s one of my sister’s former tutees. I’ve heard stuff about him being sassy and loud /which he was/, but our friendship was a bit like of a plot twist. An unexpected thing. Although believe me when I say this: my sister predicted that we’d be the best of friends in the future. And she was right about it. 9th grade and I can still fondly remember it all. We’d sit in a corner where people weren't around to sing Defying Gravity because it was his fave and I was his fave duet partner, too. Sooner or later, we begun that singing routine. He easily became the person I’d always wanna sing with and now he’s worked his way to get into theater by switching schools for both SHS and college. I love my theater geek friend /who apparently knows how to get wasted now/. And I miss having to deal with him and his antics everyday. 

This is Gia. Being friends with her was also an unexpected one. She’s quiet and was only the closest to Cather /you’ll get know her later/. We’d never really had those talk-talks until the final years of junior high. She lent me her copy of To Kill A Mockingbird and it opened me to widen my reading choices. We also discovered each others’ love for indie/alternative rock music. She loves Nirvana, blink-182 and The Killers and it killed me. I’d also boast to those who love her brother’s band from the indie OPM scene that I’m friends with the vocalist’s baby sister because Hello? it’s not everyday you get to be friends with someone who has blood thick and rich of musical notes and art. She's an epitome of those two things.

This is Mika. Mika was Froilan’s friend first. And then she randomly talked to me in class and we became instant friends who loved hugging each other. She’s the type to get crafty and make you keychains or little drawings of your favorite things for Christmas or your birthday. She’s the sweetest soul and she likes to share stories with you; it doesn’t matter how long you’ll chatter with her. She’s also super smart! She helps me with all the Math help I needed back when we still had to take Math. You would just never see an honor roll without her in it. And yes, she had a phase with Big Time Rush back in junior high. But now, it seems like she’s also been bitten by another Kpopper /probably a friend from outside the circle/. She's the kind of treasure I'd like to keep with me anywhere I go. 

This is Carmela. This one’s another plot twist kind of friendship. Like Margaux, she’s also extremely loud and friendly. Like randomly-popping-into-your-face kind of friendly. She’s chatty but it’s a reasonable kind of chatter. She also dances like a pro. I envy her grace on the floor and the flat stomach she'd cultivated out of that. We may not have the same amount of time as we had before but we see to it that no matter how busy we are, we’d never fail to exchange short stories and warm hugs when we see each other. Also, yes, she is my co-bully when it comes to Froilan. Everything she does to put him in artless misery cracks me up every time /that’s how we roll/.

This is Seline. I’ve only known her this year but since then, she’s already been one of my closest friends in class. We just vibe well and we could talk about anything in the pop culture spectrum or just anything Tumblr and art-related. I love how her mind just works like a charm and concocts puns real quick. I love how she'd update me and tell me stories about her dogs and their newborn puppies because we share the same love for these critters and it just makes me giddy every time. Because of her, I’m starting to rethink my stances on animated films /because I’m not big on those/. She makes some of the greatest digital artworks I’ve ever seen and I can’t wait to have more cafe adventures with her and our other amigos and to visit her in Benilde by the time we reach college. 

This is Cather(ine). Like Nesli, we’ve been friends since 7th grade and best girls since the 8th. She’s the cutest /next to my spot/ in the group and makes equally-adorable reactions to everything she sees. It kind of takes her a while to do almost everything she has to do but it adds up to how she handles anything with the utmost love and care not anyone would ever spare time for. She's also loud whenever she opens her mouth to speak /e.g. when we're in the car and it's quiet, she would completely ignore the silence and start a quickfire with her words but that's okay because she can never be irritating to me at all/. I love her that much. I hope she’d find solace in the fact that she’s a bright, bright kiddo who would slay any scientific fate she’d choose. I’d always have her back as she's always had mine.

When we met, it suddenly just made sense to meet altogether, too. It wasn't like our personalities were so similar with the other that we just had to gather around a campfire and talk about starting a tribe or something. Our personalities differ; but in such a way that we complement each other, filling gaps that needed a little something of this or that. But about the tribe thing, yes we do gather. Annually. For Christmas. And it has to be in a different house each year until we get to be in everyone's humble abodes.

Ladies & gents, this is my second ohana. My very own battle cohort. Top 1 in my small list of kada’s. My most favorite non-blood related people in the universe. I used to be a stick-to-one kind of person. Now, I'm mostly a stick-to-ten. 

[imagine-that-one-thing]

Styles & Co. |Chapter 17.

Authors Note: Hi everyone!! This is a long chapter, a chapter I was soooo excited to write, I really hope you guys enjoy it and enjoy the angst/mystery that is unfolding.

Warning: Contains minor violence, sexual content and/or strong language. (A little smut), not a lot.

Don’t forget the other links:

Can also be fund on WattPad, HERE Previous parts found HERE You can find my blurb Master list HERE To Enter to win tickets for Harry Styles IN Nashville TN, HERE

After Harry fell asleep in the early hours when I woke him, I didn't bother to bring up the conversation I had wanted to initiate.

Once my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light, I didn't even wake up to Harry's alarm, or him getting ready to go to work. Usually, I wake up briefly, enough to get a quick kiss goodbye, but this morning, I don't remember even feeling his kiss being pressed to me.

I stretch out in the bed, feeling content and relaxed as I breathe in the scent of our sheets, having no desire to actually get out of the warm bed. But, considering I have slept all day, quite literally, I need to get up and do something productive. Even if that productive arrangement is getting out of bed and putting on clothes.

I gradually make my way downstairs, stepping towards the kitchen, surprised when I view Harry perched at the kitchen table.

For a moment, I frown, unsure of why he is home. He is meant to be working, it is his first day back. I figured he would be slaving away in his office fixing mistakes of his employees for the next week.

"Look who finally woke up." He chuckles, tilting his head to look at me with the gorgeous grey eyes of his.

I step closer, conceding him with a nod, "Look who is home early." I respond, leaning down and kissing his cheek, my eyes taking a quick second to glance at his laptop screen that is, of course, filled by a business spreadsheet.

"Yeah, I gave Niall and Anastasia the day off and told everyone to leave the office. So, I spent most the day on my own and then decided to come home." He informs me with contentment, seeming completely fine with being home early for once.

"Hmm, okay." I nod, stepping towards the kitchen in search for something to snack on, my grumbling stomach hating me for neglecting it for so long, but sleep was so much more appealing.

"If you're looking for food, I picked up some Chinese food from that place you love. It is keeping warm in the oven." Harry informs me, my tongue licking my lips as I open the oven and find my favourite foods.

"You're home early, you got me food.. Wow, where is my fiance?" I gasp jokingly, hearing him scoff from his position at the table. "I love you," I continue,

"Are you talking about me or the food?" Harry's voice distracts me from my mouth watering gaze peering into the oven.

"The food, definitely the food." I joke, taking the food from the oven and plating it up, eager to take my first few bites.

"Thanks, baby, I really feel loved." Harry murmurs, the sound of his fingers typing away on his Macbook echoing,

"I love you," I inform him sincerely before I walk to the table, sitting down beside. I nudge my plate closer to him, allowing him to steal a few pieces as I watch him on his MacBook, distracting him as he his eyes peer over at me.

"You're staring, why?"

"'cause I can," I shrug, "What are you doin'?"

"I am filling out this spread, but I don't think you are going to let me do that, are yeh?" He questions, leaning closer and pressing a kiss to my cheek, "Yeh being very distracting." He sighs as I flash him a small grin,

"I am just eating with you." I shrug innocently, taking the last piece of food and eating it, allowing him to get back to work.

I leave Harry alone to work while I clean up around the house, doing the domestic things I always tend to do on my days' off, washing clothes, washing the sheets, wiping the dust off of the living room furniture, and whatever else needs to be done.

My time cleaning and tidying up only stirred my thoughts to spiral, the reminder of what I need to tell Harry stays etched in my thoughts.

"Harry, we need to talk for a second." I distract him from his position on the kitchen table.

He lifts his head and glances over at me, his hand still pressed to his laptop.

"Can it wait? I'm kinda busy with this proposal." He gestures towards his screen—the screen has been staring at for the last few hours.

I bite my lip and shake my head, deciding it can not wait and we need to talk. He nods and closes his Macbook screen, leaning back on the chair, his eyes fixated on me.

I shuffle closer and rest my hands on the chair in front of him, gripping the edge mildly as I try to muster up the courage to start off the conversation. "Elle, should I be worried?"

"I don't know if I should tell you." I whisper nervously, "I uh.." I trail off, not sure on how to begin.

"You can tell me anything, you know that. What's the matter, love?" He questions, his phone vibrating loudly against the table, "one second." He sighs, reaching for his phone and dismissing the call, "Okay, what's up?" He flicks his eyes towards me promptly before they're back on his phone screen, his fingers typing.

"Harry." I cross my arms over my chest, beginning to get irritated with his lack of attention.

Harry nods and puts his phone down, finally giving me his undivided attention.

"I found something last night." I begin, "it uh... it was a file with your last name on it." I inform him, watching as he doesn't react,

He manages a deadpan expression, "Okay?" He continues to look at me with not much expression to his face.

"Logan had it in a locked room with other files. I'm pretty sure something is going on, something is iffy."

He thinks for a moment, rubbing a hand over his light stubble. "Are you sure it was my name?" He questions, not seeming to phased by the thought.

I nod, "Yes, Harry." ... "I opened the file, all I managed to see was your name and birthday." I enlighten him, remembering the first page that I managed to see distinctively had,

Harry.E. Styles  

DOB: 01/02/1994.

Harry frowns for a moment before he releases a heavy sigh, "Okay, you need to get the file for me." He apprises, his tone of voice not even politely requesting, but telling me.

"What? No." I shake my head, "that breaches my contract and line of privacy."

I do not want to get in the middle of something that can jeopardise my career or future career.

Harry scoffs, not seeming amused by my response, "Who is your loyalty to? Me or him?" Harry rests his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing down on me as he awaits my response.

I don't know what their problem is, or why Logan even has a file, but I don't know whether it is a good idea for me to be snooping around in Logan's filing room.

Harry wouldn't appreciate Anastasia doing that. "Harry-"

"Answer the damn question." He shakes his head, not wanting to hear what I have to say.

His voice is full of authority as he speaks to me, his CEO tone coming out thickly at this moment.

I sigh and take a breath, my eyes darting around the room as I try to allow my thoughts to process. I can't believe he actually feels the need to ask me where my loyalty lies. I am marrying him, not Logan.

I follow my eyes to look back towards Harry, "You."

He nods, "Then get that folder." He mutters in a governing temper, something he does not use with me too often.

I raise a brow, unsure of just how he thinks I am going to get my hands on the folder, "How?"

His eyes rolled skyward, displeased with me. "Find a way, be creative, be sneaky. I don't care. I want that damn folder." ... "I don't give a fuck what you have to do." He continues with a raised voice, forking his fingers through his hair for the third time.

"You are being awfully rude, Harry. I am your fiancee, not your business assistant." I politely remind him of who he is talking to and the setting we are in. Our house is not his office, I am not his assistant or any sort of business associate of his.

He rolls his eyes scoffs, his body stiffening at the remark "My fiancee who seems to take Logan's side more than mine."

"You are ridiculous, you're such a damn ass, I liked it better when you were on your meds, you were nicer." I murmur, beginning to step away from him,

His brows bump together in a scowl, his eyes staying obscurely dark as he opens his mouth to speak, "Yeah, well, I liked it better when you weren't so emotional and grouchy, but I have to deal with it."

I keep eye contact but my gaze became glazed, his comment being nothing short of ludicrous. "I have not been grouchy or emotional." I defend myself, scoffing as he raises a brow and rolls his eyes, obviously disagreeing with me.

He inhales a sharp breath, frustration being evident as he taps his fingers against the table, "Whatever, Elise. You have been so damn crabby lately, I don't know what has gotten into you, but damn, give me a break on the asshole speech."

"You're an ass."

He rests his chin in his palm and glances over at me, "I have calls to make." He dismisses me, tired already of our disagreement, before his hand reaches for his phone, "I think I have a business trip to make as well." He clears his throat, his eyes focused down on his phone.

crimson with fury I scoff, irritated with him entirely. "Good, maybe I won't be so crabby with you while you are gone," I mutter, reminding him of how he will get some peace while jet-setting to God knows where. To be quite honest, at the moment, I don't even care where he is going. He can fly to Canada for all I care.

"For fuck's sake, Elise." He sighs profoundly, "Do I need to go back to my office because you are getting very agitating? Or are we going to stop arguing?" he cocks his head left and rolls his eyes to the right corner of the ceiling. "So fucking irritating." He mutters under his breath.

"Fuck you." I huff,

"I love you, too." Harry chimes, flickering his attention back to his phone as I storm off, completely bothered with him.

***

I pull my jacket up my arms, my hands freeing my hair from the collar, allowing it to fall over my shoulders, my eyes burning from my terrible lack of sleep. I guess the disagreement Harry and I had left me extremely restless— I guess there is a reason why we shouldn't go to bed exasperated with each other.

He lingered on his side of the bed and I stayed curled up on my side, constantly tugging the covers from him most the night.

I sigh as I rub my eyes, sitting down on the end of the bed, my eyes staring down at my heels that I am far too exhausted to even slide on.

"Tell your boss that if he touches one more of my damn investments, I swear I will do everything in my power to destroy him," Harry grumbles, catching me off guard when he enters the bedroom, adorned in his work attire.

"Harry, what?" I challenge, considerably startled by his tone of voice and impromptu appearance.

He left for work at four this morning, it is now seven... "Aren't you meant to be at work?" I interrogate, sliding my feet into my black heels.

"Let me make it clear, if he pulls one more fucking move that he thinks is slick, I will take him down." He continues to speak to me with an elevated voice, something clearly pissing him off. "And yes, but I forgot my fucking laptop and thought saying this in person would be more suited than over the damn phone." He continues, his eyes burning into me like an intense wildfire that can not be tamed.

With a gapped mouth, I  stare at him, bewildered by what the hell he is going on about, "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

He inhales a sharp breath, "The building in Manhattan that he decided to buy. He found out that I wanted it and he fucking took it from right under me." He enlightens me, leaving me confused for a moment, and then I realise. I expel my breath in a whose, disappointed in the situation that Logan has managed to produce.

It was Harry who had his eyes on the building, it was Harry who saw the potential that Logan was telling me about.

"Harry, why would you even want it?" ... "it wouldn't do anything for you, it's a building that should be for a small business or an art place."

frustration crinkles his grey eyes" I had my damn reasons."

"Yeah, he said the same thing when he showed it to me."

"He showed it to you?" He raises his voice and I nod. "So you knew? Wow, my own fucking fiancee backstabbed me too, and fucked me over." his lips pursing like he'd been chewing a bitter lemon rind, his eyes burning with hatred.

"I didn't know that you both wanted it. I thought it was just a random investment he wanted." I respond, unsure of why Harry is irritated with me, I had no idea Harry was looking at buying anything. "Don't try put this on me. I had nothing to do with it. If you honestly think I would backstab you, then you need to reevaluate." I raise my voice at him, bothered that he would even think for a second that I would choose my loyalty to Logan over him, or that I would go out of my way to purposely screw Harry over.  

"Of course. One more fucking thing Elise, and I swear I will lose it. Fair warning. This is why I did not want you working with him, he is trouble." his burning eyes giving me an unrelenting stare.

"Harry," I draw his name out, "what are you going to do?" I challenge, unsure of what exactly he has in mind while he is in his pissed off state.

"If I find out one more thing, he'll be lucky if he has a damn building to work out of when I'm done."

"Harry, please don't put me in the middle of this." I sigh as his voice is raised towards me, "and please stop yelling at me. I didn't know." his body stiffened at my comment and request.

His lips screw into irritation, "Get that fucking folder, Elise. He's up to something and I want to know what. Fucking dig through his systems, damn prick." His face crimson with fury as he takes a breath, his words sounding harsher and harsher with every moment.

"Harry," I sigh, "I'm about to be late for work, I need to go," I mutter, stepping around him, "And while I am gone, I would suggest you rethink your tone of voice with me, you're acting like a complete prick to me."

"Of course, play the victim." Harry rolls his eyes, sneering and flicked lint off his suit as I stand to my feet.

"Harry, I can't deal with you right now," I mutter, walking out of the bedroom and hurrying down the stairs, leaving him in the house as I get in the car, his driver waiting patiently for me to give him the signal to drive.

While I relax in my office, somewhat bored and uninterested as my thoughts ponder. A sudden idea pops into my mind as I meditate over the file I must to get for Harry.

Despite him being a total prick this morning, I am still going to do my best to get that file.

I take off my engagement ring and allow it to slip into my coat pocket, my eyes glancing up at Logan enters my office swiftly and unobtrusively with a tall erect posture.

"Elise, I have that client to meet at around one, I figured I would give you from twelve to two off to go eat or whatever. When I leave, I need you to go to my office and in the bottom drawer pull out all the files that were dated 2012, it'll say it in the corner of the file." He instructs as he places a coffee on my desk, "And this is my thank you for the other night." He comments with a gracious grin, his hands slipping back into his pants pockets.

"Thanks, hey, can I go back to that room? I uh.. I have lost my engagement ring and that is the last place I remember having it."

"Are you sure?" He challenges, rubbing a hand over his dark stubble, his eyes gleaming down at me.

"Yeah, it is nowhere at my house. Harry will kill me if he finds it missing." I lower my voice, doing my best to sound a little frazzled. "If it is not in there, Logan, I am screwed. It is my last hope."

His lips set in a grim line for a moment, before hHe nods, extracting his hand from his pocket, his keys dropping to my desk, his hand seeming to hover over them with malice, his eyes dark resembling a threatening storm, "Go look, now." He instructs and I stand to my feet, taking the keys into my shaky hand, a little off-put by his darkened eyes and the way his hand hovered over his keys in an ominous way.

He enthrones himself at my desk, straightening his posture and smoothing his tie as I stand to my feet, walking around my desk and passing him, his fingers wrapping around my wrist gently, "Hurry back," He instructs and I nod, stepping towards my door, leaving Logan perched on my desk.

As I reach my door, I sense his eyes blazing into my back watching me intently, I shrug them off, not bothering to turn around as I step out.

I leap into action, my heels hammering the marble floor as I hurry down the hall, my eyes meeting the same door I met the other night, the door that seems to be shielding a few secrets and unanswered questions.

I shove the door open and close it behind me before I bustle towards the filing compartment, opening the drawer and immediately skimming my fingers over the back files, attempting to hurriedly find the 'S' section. I perceive the division and flick the files back, my eyes browsing for the one last name that I need.

"No, no, no," I mumble to myself, alphabetically investigating the section again.

His file is gone.

I bite my lip, taking one last once-over just in case. But, my eyes have not fooled me, there is a space between the names, Soy and Sullivan. Styles is the name that is meant to be between the two.

I remember it distinctly. It is gone.

I close the compartment with a heavy sigh and take my engagement ring from my pocket, sliding it onto my finger.

I step out of the room just as Logan is cruising down the same hallway with long-legged strides. "Any luck?" He questions with his nystagmic eyes that miss nothing

I hold my left hand up, showing him the ring that is on my finger. "Yeah, thankfully."

He holds his hand out and I place the keys in his hands, watching as his fingers instantly curl around the keys with a firm grip.

"I need you to get to those files, now, please." He gestures towards his office before he snaps his fingers, expecting service from one of his workers as she attempts to enter his unoccupied office. "No, go find something else to do," He mutters towards her as she stares at him wide-eyed, almost looking like a deer in headlights.

She nods, quickly stepping away from his office as Logan and I wander closer.

"Logan, that was rude," I comment, not liking the way he snapped his fingers at the woman.

"Mhm, perhaps." He nods, "Anyway, I want the files from 2012 to be taken out, everything from A-F needs to be shredded, the rest leave on my desk." He instructs his hand pressing to the small of my back as we enter his office.

Logan continues to talk as he escorts me to his desk, opening the file for me, his eyes burning into me, still.

"Do you need more instructions or are you good?"

"I am good, I am not challenged in this area," I respond, gesturing down to his files that I am about to sort through.

He chuckles to himself, seeming amused. "Hm, was that too harsh of me?" He questions, "You're not giving me your usual smile,"

"You're being an ass today, did something go wrong in the business world? You and Harry are both in cahoots and in harsh moods." I respond, giving him a twisted smile before tossing my hair over my shoulder.

With a Tight-lipped smile, Logan glances down at me, "Trouble in paradise already? Ouch, must suck for you."

I roll my eyes with a heavy sigh, my hand pulling out a few files, his voice distracting me, "Are you in a pissy mood too, Elise? I would love to know why." He arches a sly brow as I glance up at him.

Does everyone think I am in some sort of pissy mood?

"I am fine, Logan."

"Hmm, that is not convincing, I will share why I am pissy."

"Logan, I am kinda busy." I gesture towards his files, not really interested in what he has to say this morning.

"Harry got himself a feisty girl, I like it." He chuckles, licking his lips, "Well, I a getting to my meetings, when you're done with this you can leave. I am meeting a client at twelve, be back by two." He instructs, "That gives you two hours or so to fix your lover's quarrel with your so called lover." He cockily winks confident smile and I stare up at him gimlet-eyed, his own eyes gaze dip to my décolletage befoe he wanders off with a practised sensual stroll.

I finish up with Logan's requests, placing the last of the files on his desk. I accidentally stumble over my own feet, my heel catching Logan's chair, I immediately try to catch myself, accidentally pushing Logans other files on his desk to fall to the floor.

I bend down and pick them up, my eyes catching a glimpse of the names.

Williams, Evans, Harris, Horan, E, Write...

I bite my lip and take my chances, my hand flicking open the file that says, Horan. For some reason, the name seems extremely familiar, I don't know why, but it does. I browse over part of the file, none of it ringing a bell, I don't know anyone from Ireland that was born in September. I close the folder and find myself rather curious as to the 'E' It seems a bit strange that the other folders are full surnames, but this one folder is a simple letter.

I open the folder, and in that moment, I feel my heart race, and my stomach turn.

Elise, Noelle, Cartier.

DOB. (Date)

Services Provided: Managed Portfolio Service Investment Strategy: Cautious Model: Cautious Reporting Frequency: Quarterly

Portfolio Capital and Income Movements

Market Value as at 30 September 2016 £3,948,746.93

Market Value as at 31 December 2016 £4,006,906.89

Gains (Losses) during period £58,757.98

Current Asset Allocation

Equity 33.1%— £1,324,492.70 Bonds 50.5%— £2,021,986.10 Property 3.9% —£156,214.00 Hedge Funds 2.5% —£100,778.78 Liquidity Funds 7.0% —£279,522.06 Cash 3.1%— £123,913.25

I have no idea how or why he has this information on me, but it does not settle well with me at all. There is no need for him to have my exact figures on file. It is creepy and off-putting. I am sure Harry does not approve of this.

I get to my office and shove the file in my bag, pushing it deep down in my bag to keep it safe and unexposed, before I grab my phone and text, Harry.

"I need to talk to you."

"Busy. CEO. Styles.& Co -Harry"

"Why are you being such an ass to me? You're making me hate you at the moment."

"You hate me? CEO. Styles.& Co -Harry"

"When you act like a complete ass who yells at me and treats me like crap because he is pissed off. You were harsh this morning and you're being a dick right now."

"... I was harsh this morning? Your boss took MY investment!! CEO. Styles.& Co -Harry"

"It is not my fault what he does."

"Whatever, Elise. You are his assistant you know what he does. Just like Anastasia knows my shit. CEO. Styles.& Co -Harry"

"I don't know EVERYTHING he does. You're being a fucking ass, get over it, Harry. Damn, you piss me off."

"Woah, now look who is being an ass... feisty. CEO. Styles.& Co -Harry."

"You are so damn frustrating. Can you call me? I have something to share with you."

"I am about to start a conference call, can it wait?" CEO. Styles.& Co -Harry"

"Do I need to make a fucking appointment to talk to you? Whatever, Harry."

"Meet me at my office at 12. CEO. Styles.& Co -Harry"

I roll my eyes and throw my phone to my desk out of frustration before I log onto the system and check my list of things Logan has set for me.

While Logan left the office, I took it upon myself to mentally map out the errands I have to run for Logan in a way that leads me to Harry's side of the city by the time twelve comes around.

I groan as I shuffle along the pavement, my phone distracting me as it vibrates in my bag. While walking, I take my eyes away from my surroundings, my hands instantly digging into the bag to find my phone.

Out of nowhere, I feel my body being forced against a dense surface, everything flashing before me in an instant.

“Shh, don’t scream.” I’m warned by a voice I have never heard before, my eyes viewing up at his menacing chromatic eyes, his hand pressed over my mouth as I’m pinned against the brick wall.  

“Where are the keys?” Another man comes into view, his voice demanding and high with authority, clenching his dirty little fists. "Scream and it'll be your last breath." I am warned as I try my best to vocally get my voice heard as a hand is still holding my mouth hostage.

The man holding me against my will, releases his hand from my mouth, immediately grabbing my arms and pinning them against the wall. I thrash around against the firm grip, trying to wiggle myself away from the wall.

“Quit fighting me, damn it.” He huffs, launching me ambitiously into the wall, again, clamping his fingers into my tender flesh. “Where are the keys?” The question is repeated to me and I stare at them with gimlet-eyes and a confused expression.

I don’t know what keys they are talking about, just moments ago I was minding my own business trying to get to Harry’s office; now I am fastened against a wall with my heart beating faster than my thoughts. “Where the fuck are the keys?” The man raises his voice, his grip on my arms getting tighter.

“What keys?” I manage to challenge, finally finding my voice that has been hitched in my throat.

“To the building, don’t play dumb. Give me your boyfriends’ keys! I want that fucking vault.” He presses, the man beside him having his arms crossed as he stares at me with a tall erect posture, waiting for an answer, rocking back and forth on his heels.

“I don’t have them,” I mutter, the man uncrossing his arms, grabbing my purse from the ground, allowing himself to search through it.

“Don’t lie.” My body is taken from the wall before my back is forcefully urged against it again, a groan escaping my trembling lips, my eyes wincing shut.

I let out a sharp breath, pain and worry striking me just as hard as the grips on my arms, “I’m not,” I whisper, feeling my body begin to shake, my mind racing with many thoughts.

I don't know what I did to get myself in this predicament; I have never crossed anyone, I have always been polite. I never thought the day would come where I am pinned against the wall with two men attempting to pry information out of me with great force.

"We don't have all day to spend on a pretty little thing like you," The man's words cause mt to cringe, his tone of voice taunting me, his smile congealed then melts into horror as stares at me with menacing eyes.

I attempt to squirm again, trying to use my strength and my legs to push the man away from me, but his grip as far more powerful than what I am.

"Stop fighting me!" He shouts, his face crimson with fury, groaning when my knee finds his body.

He leans closer to me and I tilt my head to the side, not wanting to even look into his eyes, "I said to fucking stop, damn it. You will listen." He murmurs, his hands tightening around my wrists, an unrelenting stare casting over me, raking me with freezing contempt. "Tell me where the keys are." He whispers in a sinister tone, sending shivers down my back as I stay defenceless against his grip.

For a moment, I think about screaming, surely someone would hear, but then I remember the threat. I am not sure whether I want to call his bluff and see if he'd really take all my breath away.

"You're hurting me," I murmur, the man manhandling me, my thoughts doing their best to stop my emotions from getting the better of me.

These two men seem to like the kind of men that detect fear and use it to their advantage. They're the kind of man that clearly have a mission and won't rest until they complete.

"Tell us where the keys are or next stop is your boyfriend's office and I won't be as nice with him as I am with you. Hand them over." The threat from the man's lips causes my mind to go into a brief panic.

I don't have the keys they are after, but I don't want them to go to his office, no. There is no telling what they will bestow upon Harry.

"I don't have them." I gulp, inhaling a deep breath and blowing out slowly, buying a moment of time, the man's eyes narrowing to crinkled slits "But there is a code to get into it," I breathe out, my body quivering as I take a look into the man's eyes. Eyes that I am sure will now haunt me for quite a while.

I hear a familiar voice, a voice I thought I’d never hear in this situation.

“And what do you think you’re doing? Get away from her” Logan’s voice sounds firm as he comes into view, the two men glaring over at him, “let her go.” He instructs, my arms being released, the two men stepping away from me as if they’ve been commanded so by their leader. “Go.” He commands, eyeing the two men as they wander away like nothing ever happened, not even questioning the code I was about to tell them.

Logan glances at me, his eyes softening just like Harry’s would if he was here.

Logan's lips set in a grim line, “You okay?” He questions, scanning me up and down.

I give him a nod, hiding the rush of emotions that are running through me.

I just had a man push me against a wall and physically hurt me while threatening me. But, yeah, I am peachy, Logan.

He takes hold of my wrists and I flinch away, “I’m not going to hurt you.” Logan keeps his voice low, taking hold of my wrists, his eyes scanning the cherry-red marks.

“Harry’s going to go apeshit.” He whispers, his thumb delicately running over the redness of my wrist.

I tenderly pull my wrists away from the touch of his fingertips, not wanting to feel anyone’s touch on any part of my body. “Take the day off, go home. Come on, I’ll drive you back.” He offers and I stare at him, contemplating what to do.

Before I can take up his offer, I find myself questioning him.

“What are you doing over here?” I request, reminding him that this is not usually where he is spotted, him and Harry have a clear understanding to stay the hell away from each other’s areas of the city.

“I was meeting the client and I happened to see what was going on.” He answers, politely guiding me away from the side street, escorting me to his car. “Good thing I did, they seemed to have had an issue.” He tilts his head, his eyes focusing on my arms that were previously gripped by someone double the strength of me.

“Thank you, but I’m going to walk to Harry’s.” I respond, part of me wanting to curl up in Harry’s arms where I feel the safest, part of me wanting to crawl up in bed and never speak of the matter.

“I don’t think Harry will be pleased to see red marks on your arms and wrist, but suit yourself. I’ll at least walk you to his building.” He shrugs before gesturing up the street to where Harry’s building is located.

It isn’t much of a walk at all, but I’d be lying if I said I wanted to walk the street alone.

“I uh— Will you take me home?” I quietly request, a hint if vulnerability etched into my voice, a tone I did not intend to transfer.

Logan nods, stepping towards his car, keeping a close eye on me.

I stand startled in the bedroom when I overhear the front door downstairs opening and closing, flashbacks of the chromatic eyes staring at me, along with the feel of his hands gripping me, cripples me at my knees.

"Elle? Elise, baby are you home?" Harry's voice radiates the house, a sense of clarity washing over me as I take a deep breath, knowing that it is just Harry and not the man from earlier.

I hear him running up the stairs while I adjust the sleeves of my shirt, making sure to keep my wrists covered.

"Elle, hey. Are you okay? You had me worried half to death." He immediately draws me in for a hug, catching me off guard. "God, do you not know how to answer a phone?" He breathes, his hand brushing through my hair as I stay silent, unaware of what the hell he is referring to. I just stand still, inhaling his scent while his hand soothingly runs through my hair, mentally praying he doesn't touch my body.

I carefully pull away, his eyes narrowing down into my own, "I was worried, what happened?" He asks, for a moment I freeze again, does he know? How could he possibly know?

I had not intended to tell him, maybe it was Logan.

"What?" I stutter, my words choking up in my throat,

"You never showed up at my office, I brought lunch and flowers to apologise for being a dick, and you never showed up. I thought it was because you were mad at me so I shrugged it off, but when I never got a call or text back after a while, I started to worry." He informs me, my mind racing to think of a decent thing to tell him.

"Oh, sorry." ... "I uh, I took a nap." I lie, but for good reason.

I have no idea what the fuck I have been doing the last few hours. I have been lying on the bed aimlessly staring at the ceiling, that is all I have managed to do.

"It is okay. I was worried... I am glad you're okay." He sighs, cupping my face with his warm hands, "I love you, you know that right?" He whispers, and I nod, "Even when I become a complete ass, I love you. I am so glad you're okay." He whispers, leaning down and kissing me lightly. "I am also sorry, I was so fucking worried when you didn't answer."

Although I know is sorry, part of me does not want to accept his apology. He had no reason to go off on me, I know he might be tired and frustrated with Logan, but that is not my fault.

I look at him and give him a small shrug before I step away from him, "Elise, are you mad at me, still?" He questions, watching my every move as I wander around the bedroom.

I nod as I grab my bag and pull it onto the bed, my hand digging inside it for the file.

I pull it from my bag and throw it onto the bed, landing it right in front of him. His eyes glare over at me, "Is this it?" He clears his throat.

"Open it." I cross my arms over my chest, watching as he nonchalantly reaches for the file.

He presses it to his hands before looking at me with a peculiar glare. He opens the file and I observe as his eyes scan the first page.

His eyebrows knit together as his jaw clenches slightly.

"I don't feel comfortable with this, Harry." I murmur, his eyes still investigating the first page of the file, of my file. "I don't think I want to keep working for him... I don't know what happened with you and him, but I don't want part of it." I bring to his attention.

He shakes his head and closes the file, pressing it to the bed. "You need too." His brows knitting into a frown,

"Harry, no. I don't feel comfortable with this. He has all my information."

"Where is the file with my name?"

My shoulders lift into a shrug, "It is gone, he must have moved it." I inform him, having no proper answer for where the file is.

It could be anywhere, it could be hidden deep down into the many offices' of Logans, building, it could be burned somewhere, who know?

"You need to keep searching for it."

"Harry, I don't want to do this. This is not normal."

His body stiffened at the remark, not agreeing with me in the slightest bit,"You wanted to work for him in the first place, I tried to warn you." He presses rather harshly, making it sound like this is my fault.

"He had this information before I worked for him. If he has this, he knows that you moved most this money into my account, he can see us moving our funds around. He sees how much we have, he even has my assets Harry, there is no telling what more he has on both of us. Does this not worry you?" I wave my hands around, gesturing to the file that contains a lot of my personal information, "Fuck, Harry. The next thing I know he will have my medical records."

"I need you to stay working for him, you need to get my file and you need to dig up more dirt. He is up to something and I need to know what it is." Harry continues to press, standing his ground with what he wants to happen.

"Harry, I don't think this is a good idea. I don't want to dig."

"Elise, I think he is trying to take down my business and destroy us. Do you want that?" Harry crosses his arms over his chest, his grey eyes narrowing down on me, waiting for my answer.

Fuck, I hate his territorial stance.

I shake my head, a sigh escaping my lips, "No."

"Then you need to listen to me."

"Why can't you listen to me for once? This goes far beyond business rivalry. What do you too have against each other? Why is he doing this? And why the hell am I involved?"

The muscles in his face tighten as he rakes his fingers through his hair, frustrated with my comment. "Elise, listening to you could destroy us and leave us broke. Fuck, if he has this on you, then he there is a high chance he has my offshore bank account on file. And that is not good." He tries to keep his voice low, being somewhat considerate at the moment.

I manage a deadpan expression as the words 'Offshore bank account' ring in my ears. "You have an offshore account? How many fucking secrets do you have?"

He rubs a hand over his light stubble, letting out a very heavy sigh, "Elise, it is for emergencies. In case something went wrong with my business. Damn, not like I am hiding a fucking island."

"I don't like this, Harry."

He clears his throat, taking a moment to breathe, "Listen to me Elise, just listen... If you quit, do you think he is going to stop whatever he is doing? No. Think logically, if you work for him, you have access to more of his shady shit." He lowers his voice into a moderate tone,

"Think logically, Harry. He is clearly more powerful and shady then we think. When I took this job  did not think I would be getting in a web of fucked up shit." ...

"Trust me, Elle."

"Trust me when I say I do not feel comfortable about this." I continue to press, having no desire to continue on with whatever is happening. I do not want to be part of this absurd war they have with each other.

"What are you afraid of? He won't dare touch you, he knows better than that." Harry questions, my body striking with fear at the thought of anyone's hands touching me, my mind flashing back to the clammy, painful feeling of hands gripping my wrist harshly, my body being pushed against a hard wall constantly.

I shake my thoughts, taking a breath to stop my knees from buckling at the further thought of previous events. "Okay, and what about all this info he has? What about the fact he has your information and you and I know both know that he now knows exactly how much you are worth." My eyes look directly into Harry's observing as his hands rub the back of his neck, bowing his head for a brief moment.

"Well, he doesn't technically know how much I am worth because it is not confirmed whether he has my offshore account. Which is beside the point. Don't worry about all that, you just get my file, and dig for information."

"I don't like this, this is creepy, this physically makes me sick.."

"Mhm, I will fix things." He declares, only causing me to scoff and roll my eyes at him.

"How? You don't have a good record of fixing things civilly. What are you doing to do? Go beat him? Shove him in your car and leave him abandoned in the woods?"

"I am not some psychopath, Elise. Unless he touches you, I will let him continue breathing." Harry mutters, grabbing the file between his hands and walking away from me.

I trail behind him, "What are you doing?" I challenge hurrying down the stairs after him as he shuffles towards the living room.

He doesn't answer me, he instead, throws the file into the fire, his eyes lighting up as the folder and papers ignite and burn, disintegrating my information to ashes.

"Fixed a problem."

"Do you think he doesn't have copies?" I raise a brow, crossing my arms over my chest as he shrugs,

"I will cross that bridge when I get to it.." ... "Do you think we can stop fighting? we have been going at it for two days." He comments, coming closer to me, his arms curling around my waist, tugging me into him. I wince slightly, holding my breath as I fall into his embrace, ignoring the slight pain as his hand rests in the small of my back...

I didn't really sleep much last night, I was far too busy picturing the men in the back of my mind. Even while pressed close to Harry, I constantly had the lingering reminder that someone is out there waiting for the right time to get their hands on Harry's business keys and cards.

Logan gave me strict instructions to stay home and not to worry about working, so I spent most my day lazing around, double checking that the doors are locked, and keeping my eyes on the security cameras spread around the outskirts of the house.

I feel Harry’s hand gently press to my tender back, my eyes wincing with his touch.

I take a breath, feeling his sweet kisses pressing to my neck,

“Missed you,” he whispers, his breath trickling down my neck in a sensational way. “Still upset you skipped lunch with me.” I feel his loose curls brushing against the tenderness of my skin.

“I’m sorry,” I murmur, carefully turning around to face him, my hands pressing to his shoulders. “I love you, though.” I smile up at him, pressing my lips to gently touch his. Indulging in the sweet flavour he offers, quite enjoying the sweet, slow kissing. He gives me a smile dangled on the corner of his lips before he carefully lures me towards the bed, lying us both down.

We lie on the bed, our legs entangled, just like our tongues; my hands staying pressed to his chest comfortably, his resting on my ass, occasionally squeezing his hand lightly, getting a feel of what’s back there.

I feel his fingers touch against my warm skin, gliding across the waste of my jeans, carefully pulling me closer to his body.

I know where this is leading, this isn’t a harmless make out on the bed, there’s intimacy humming between us— a feeling that I have been harbouring since this morning. If it hadn't of been for my lack of sleep and his lateness, I would have tried to make a move on him.

“Harry,” I gently pull away from our kiss, my eyes now looking into his, he hums, a signal for me to continue what I want to say. “Slow,” I whisper, not wanting this to be like some of the other nights where it’s rough and fast.

The only reason I am requesting this is that my body is fucking killing me.

He nods, his thumb rubbing in a circular motion under my shirt, resting at my waist. “Slow and gentle,” he whispers, pressing his lips back on mine, allowing me to taste his honeyed kisses.

I feel his hand gliding it’s palm across my stomach, inching its way up in a slow motion, gradually skimming across the lace of my bra, a small indication he’s eager to observe what’s under my shirt.

For a moment I contemplate whether to allow him to take off my shirt, the purple bruising on me something I do not want him to take notice of.

I gently push on his chest, pushing him to rest on his back, his arms benevolently pulling me to rest over his body—his hands slipping away from under my shirt, resting back on my ass while I allow my brazen hands to unbutton his button down, flicking the buttons one by one, gradually and teasingly.

I feel his hand press to my back and that’s when I stop my hands from gracing his bare skin, I take a breath, exhaling quickly and pressing kisses to his neck, carefully moving off of his body, hinting for him to take control.

We continue on our sides, his fingers getting antsy as he continues to wait for my nod to take my shirt off, something that he would have usually already received by now.

I know I can’t keep him going this slow for too much longer, the man needs something to keep him interested.

He glides his hand delicately against the smoothness of my skin, his fingertips skimming along the lace of my bra, again. He’s waiting for approval, despite the cunning want and needs to drive his hands to cup my boobs, he continues to wait for my approval, getting himself lost in a deep sloppy kiss.

I give in, mumbling into his succulent lips, he carefully positions us to be sitting up away from the bed, his hand gliding over the delicate area of my boobs, squeezing lightly before carefully disconnecting my shirt from my body, throwing it to the floor.

He tenderly pushes me to rest on my back, disconnecting the kiss to kiss the delicate space on my chest, giving me a moment to breathe and indulge in the succulent kisses, his tongue skimming over my skin.

“Can I?” He mumbles into me, his fingers gliding against my waistband, I nod, allowing him to slowly undo my buttoned jeans, unzipping them and sliding down my legs slowly, kicking them off with my help.

“Is it okay?” He whispers, his fingers trailing the lace line of my underwear, wanting my permission, his eyes staring into my own. I nod, “Sweetheart,” he purses his lips for a moment, “"Do you—” he begins and I cut him off, already knowing the question that is bound to escape the sweetness of his lip.

“Vanilla, and slow,” I whisper and he nods.

I smile up at him as he hovers over me, his eyes beaming down at me with a grin on his face. “Are you ready?” He whispers, carefully pushing few strands of hair away from my face. I hum my answer, giving him a nod.

Of all the things to love about him, I love the fact that no matter what, I can request a slow, vanilla type of intimacy without question, not much foreplay, just a sweet, slow, encounter of lovemaking.

He mounts himself closer to me, his thighs crowning at my hips, pressing me against his arousal. I haul in a breath, my body closing tightly around him as he enthrals me with his entry, an engulfing emotion hitching my breath, the moderately repeated motions not being as pleasuring as I had anticipated. I can't help but wince as my body tenses against his, my bruises reminding me of yesterday's encounter. With Harry's fingertips gracing my skin, I can't hep but feel a tightness gripping my wrist, a reminder of another man's hands gripping in such pain.

"H-harry, can we stop?" I breathe out, him instantly stopping,

"What happened? Did I hurt you?" He immediately questions as I take a few breaths and shake my head,

"It wasn't you." I assure him, "Can we just, not?" I whisper,

"Elle, of course, we don't have too." He nods, carefully getting off of me, handing me his button down as I slowly sit up, positioning my body so my back is against the headboard, keeping him oblivious to the bruises.

I slide his shirt up my arms and button up a few buttons as he grabs himself a pair of sweatpants to cover himself, asking me a few questions on whether I am okay or not, being extremely caring and making me assure him that it was not something he did.

I get off the bed and walk to the wardrobe to grab my clothes for tomorrow, paying no attention to Harry as he watches me like a hawk.

“Elise, darlin’ come here.” Harry gestures for me to walk closer as he’s positioned at the end of the bed, a pair of sweatpants hanging over him. I shuffle closer to him, his hand pressing to my waist before he tries to lift up his shirt that’s covering my body.

I shake my head, swatting away his hands,

“I don’t want to try foreplay,” I inform him, my body hurting enough without trying again to have some sort of pleasure, no matter how slow and steady it may be.

“Elle, I- never mind.” He shakes his head, benevolently moving his hand to rest on my back, my body accidentally flinching to his touch.

He instantly removes his hand before I can politely request it to be moved. He cocks his head to the side, his eyes staring at me as I step away. "Elle," he draws out my name, curious and attentive. He gets off the bed and steps closer to me, his hand reaching for my shirt before I can say a word.

I look down in defeat, knowing he has seen the bruises I had wanted to conceal from him. He lets the shirt fall back over my body, his finger resting under my chin before gently forcing me to look up at him. “Elle, I know that wasn’t because of me. How’d you get bruised.” He questions his voice low, to my surprise.

I don’t respond, I grow withdrawn, unaware of what to tell him.

The truth will cause him to go into a raging outburst and a lie will only cause me to get stuck in a web of distrust. “Elise, sweetheart, you know you can tell me anything. It isn’t like you to hide things from me.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I breathe, feeling vulnerable and weak as he stares at me, waiting for answers for the bruises on me.

I have never been put in a position where hiding things from him has ever raised. I’ve always been comfortable with discussing things with him, no matter what the context. Hell, I just asked him I wanted slow sex and he didn’t question it, he nodded and gave me exactly what I asked for, until I asked for him to stop. There have never been limitations on what we can and can’t discuss. But this, this is something I don’t want to discuss— at least not right now.

I can see in his eyes that he wants to dispute my comment and force me to speak of what happened, but he doesn’t.

He bites his lip and nods, “I want you to tell me what happened, but I’m not going to force you tonight, can you show me the rest of you?” He softly requests, refusing to allow his hands to pry my shirt up to reveal the bruises, permitting me to decide what I want to do.

I gradually press my fingers to the hem of the shirt, carefully gliding it up, turning my back to Harry. He doesn’t say a word, I just feel the tip of his finger gently glide over part of my back,

“Please—”

“I’m not going to hurt you.” He promptly removes his touch from my skin, allowing me to drop my shirt down and to turn around to face him again.

He doesn’t say a word, he just stares at me for a moment, his eyes dark and dangerous looking.

“Don’t be mad at me,” I whisper, his eyes instantly softening when he hears the plea in my tone of voice.

“Elise, I am not mad at you. Let’s go to bed, we can talk about this in the morning.” .. “I just— Elise, I hope you know you can talk to me about anything.” He sighs, his eyes pleading with mine to tell him what happened.

“Harry, please. Not tonight.” I whisper, doing my best not to allow myself to get too emotional as I flash back to the events that happened yesterday.

I don’t know what I’m going to tell him— if he knew this happened because of someone wanting into his business—he would never forgive himself.

What are your thoughts? Have I twisted your thoughts yet? Look at Elise arguing Harry back..  :) xx 

[stylessemantics]

*~ Believe In Magic ~*

//  INTRO // For The New Witch In Town 

It was a long drive. The big road kept narrowing the closer he got to his destination. He sighed once again. He hates driving, but he had to. He couldn’t just fly his broom to the new house, neither could he fly his car there. The Rules kept changing, he couldn’t just teleport himself there now either. Besides, just how weird would that be? New neighbour getting there and no one noticing… The closer he got to the small town, the more “natural” he had to appear. Specially in these times when people just hunted his kind for fun, not even for religious beliefs anymore. Just for the fun of finding a witch. Hatred. Judgement. Just cause he was different.

Harry turns a left and then a right, seeing the entrance of the not so small town and remembering the previous towns he had been in. Specially Saint Orum; It was bigger but cosier all the same. A lot more lively and nicer looking. Even the aroma was sweeter than this new town’s. He concluded the first town he lived in was better. Or maybe it was because he had lived there for 100 years. He’s a bit biased. “ So is it a house? Or another measly apartment?” The voice startles Harry. For a second he had forgotten he was travelling with a companion. He turns to look at the stretching cat that nips at the seats and scratches at his leg. Salem. His new cat, the mandatory companion for a witch like Harry. The replacement to his old cat. Another reason he liked the other town a lot better. He had Frisk, his “original” cat, the one he sorta grew up with, his first ever cat. Sadly, witch-cats don’t last as long as witch-people, and can’t just cast a spell to rejuvenate once year 100 hits.

Salem was ok, Harry decided when they first got paired. It was better than having no cat and mourning over the loss of Frisk. And, hey, it meant having someone to talk to no matter what town he moved to. It meant he didn’t have to be alone until he made some human friends. If he ever made any.

But after 25 years and a fresh restart, Harry decided that Salem, and his relationship with Salem was… different. Salem turned out to be annoying at times. He was a bit of a rebel cat, going his own way and not always helping Harry. Sure they have bonded a bit over the years and there’s a sort of love hate thing between them, with some nice moments; like when Harry tended to Salem’s broken paw for weeks, and when Salem helped Harry with his potions written in a language so ancient Harry could’t comprehend but Salem had learned while being a kitten, and some not so nice moments, like when Salem got Harry in trouble and caused him to cast a spell and have to move towns, settling them in the present predicament. With this move, it marked the 3rd town Harry had lived in with Salem in the past 25 years, and after the hard reset spell he cast last, this made Harry a very fresh looking 18 year old. Wasn’t that nice?… No. It wasn’t for Harry. “It’s an apartment” “Good heavens. Why can’t we have a nice 3 story house like we did back in Fresno?” Salem groans in his raspy english accent. “ It’s not my fault someone burned down the house next door…” Harry looked at his cat side-eyed, giving him a pointed look. The elders had been furious. And where one went, the other as well. “ Fine. Apartment it is”

Settling into the new apartment wasn’t hard. It was small, but not that small. In fact the perfect size and a bit more than needed. Considering Harry didn’t have a lot after dumping, with a lot of pain, most of the old books he carried at the International Library of Witchcraft, and casting a spell that enlarged a room, one of the few spells Harry can master with eyes-closed and half asleep, the apartment was perfect. The building was old looking on the outside. Of course, Salem groaned, quickly covering it with a meow at the sight of an old lady. But on the inside it was fairly modern. Harry thanked his elder Louis for locating him in such a nice place, and low-key, very quiet neighbourhood.

Neither Niall or Louis, Harry’s elders, and not even Harry and Salem themselves know how they have made it, but soon Harry’s cutting himself a slice of cake on his 23rd birthday, and he looks around, noticing he’s still in the same town. People don’t know anything about him, and his powers, and Salem has gotten into trouble, yes, of course, just none as bad as he has in the past. No one knows how they have done it, but Salem and Harry celebrate that they have turned 5 years living in St. Winston, with no need for a reset spell, and no need to pack up and escape. It’s not like this is the longest they’ve been in one place. But it’s long enough to celebrate after lasting just 16 months in Fresno. Where someone had accidentally burnt down a house…

Harry was a nerd. That was stablished since day one. He was a clumsy witch, he just really liked his books, but no matter how much he read, his magic just wasn’t that strong. His powers weren’t at all mastered. But that didn’t stop him from eating books with fervor. Both on magic and non-magic topics. Nicholas Sparks’ novels littered his space, any type of literature in piles around his bed, and his reading glasses that Salem levitated off Harry’s face whenever he fell asleep reading Bukowski, Austen or something else.

So when Salem stops licking himself to look out the window and he notices something and then gasps, someone actually; Harry isn’t phased, he’s too into the words that enter his eyes, avid reader he is. “ Seems like we have a new neighbour” He says, already plotting how to pull a prank on them. Harry is uninterested, truly uninterested. His nose is deep in a book about ancient mythology and it’s too good to put down, as he walks around munching on an apple and slipping his glasses farther up his nose. “ Harry!” Salem says coming up and scratching at his sock-clad feet. “ Ow! Salem, watch the claws!” “ We have a new neighbour!” Now Harry’s attention is on the small black cat. More often than not, a new neighbour meant the possibility of another witch, or a witch hunter. It was also another person Harry would like to research and keep an eye out for, as he did with everyone else in the building. Witch or not.

Harry and Salem both lean over the couch to look out the balcony without being spotted. Parked in front of the building is a moving truck and the man from the moving company carry boxes in and out. There’s a bit of ruckus coming from the hallway. ‘They are moving to this floor’ Harry deduces. He’d learnt something from the complete works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Not enough to be even close to Holmes. “There!” Salem says, making Harry turn around so fast it almost gives him whiplash. He spots the person amongst the working man. It’s a girl. She’s got her hair tied up in a high ponytail and she wears something that looks like a dress, or a shirt and a skirt. He can’t be sure from this height, from this angle. “Go on! Cast it!” the cat says and Harry snaps out of his thoughts, quickly casting a spell only other witches could see and respond correctly to. The small specs of green float around the girl, though she doesn’t seem to notice them. Any other witch close by would see them and respond by changing the color of the magic dust, though all the girl does is continue to carry boxes and talk to the working men. “ Bah, no fun” Salem is instantly discouraged. She’s not a witch that he could play with, or talk to besides Harry. Being the only magical talking cat in the neighbourhood, quite possibly the whole town, is not as boring as Salem thought. It’s 100 times worse. “Just a petty mortal, I was hoping for something fun” Salem is quick to lift his tail in the air and hop from the balcony edge back into the house, walking over to his pillow on the ground where he sleeps. Just a petty mortal, case closed, not relevant enough to keep the attention of mighty Salem.

Though for some reason, Harry just stares for a while longer. There’s… He’s scared to say there’s something because she clearly isn’t a witch. But for some reason his new neighbour doesn’t seem as boring as all the people in the building are to him. For some reason Harry wants to know just a bit more, and he looks further on. He’s intrigued, and he can’t even make out her face from where he’s sat… “ I wish another witch would move in, you know? To stop being the new, and only witch in town. I’m so bored” Harry can hear his cat say from behind him as he slowly steps off the balcony. Right as she looks up to him. Maybe not him, maybe just the building in general. And maybe she could feel someone looking, and she catches the shape of a man in a balcony, and he’s there for a moment, then he’s gone. “I’m tired of petty mortals.” Harry’s gone, turned behind the curtains as he lets out a sigh.

“ Yeah…” he responds to Salem “…Same” Harry shakes his head and places his glasses on his face again, to continue reading as he lets himself drop on the couch next to Salem’s bed. Just a petty mortal…

Find anything Witch!harry related under the #BIM tag. Check out the rest of my work here. Let me know what you think will happen in the next upload.  Smooches, Iv, *casts a magic spell*