Harry sighed as he pulled up his long football socks. Practice was going to be shit today. The sky was filled with dark storm clouds that have been pissing down rain all morning. He was hoping coach would cancel practice but here he was in the locker room with some of the most annoying people he has ever known. Save for Liam and Niall.
“Styles get your ass up! How long does it take to put cleats on” Speak of the devil.
“Shut it payno, by all means, if you think you can do better, please demonstrate” Harry grumbled and stuck his left foot out, the black laces drooping down the side of the dark red cleat. Liam snorted and kneeled down next to him.
When he was done doing up the laces a smirk appeared on his face. “Now princess get up or do you need me to help you with that too” He stuck a hand out. Harry swatted it away and stood up running his hand through his silky dark brown hair. By now Harry and Liam were the only ones left in the dirty locker room.
“Fuck off mate” Harry grinned and sauntered out to the muddy football field. Liam following close behind. The rest of the team was already doing warmup stretches. Harry and Liam join in mud sloshing every time their feet hit the ground. Niall spots them and discreetly walks over.
“Nice of you to show up.” The boy says in greeting lightly punching Harry in the arm
“It was literally 2 minutes late if that”
“2 minutes you weren’t out in this lovely weather” Niall argued. Although Harry wasn’t looking at him, he could see the arrogant smirk plastered on the blond boy's face.
Coach blows the whistle from under his umbrella and signals for the team to make their way to him. Harry sighs thankful for the interruption. Today Coach Ed has light gray sweatpants and a hoodie on instead of his normal basketball shorts and tee shirt.
“Alright boys, as you can tell the weather isn’t the best today” Coach starts looking up at the sky as if to emphasize his statement.
Niall snorts “Tell you what Sherlock Holmes, you are unbelievable!” He calls, making the whole team burst out in laughter. Coach turns and glares at Niall and instantly the laughter dies down.
“Thank you for that unneeded comment Niall, now how about you go and take a few laps around the field until I call you back” Coach Ed said and nodded towards the perimeter of the playing field. A few of the boys on the team snickered earning glares from the boy as he walked past the team with his shoulders drooped, when he walked by Harry, Harry muttered a sorry mate. But the boy just walked past clearly embarrassed.
Once Niall started to run, mud splashing up drenching the boy's socks, Ed continued “Now as I was saying since the weather isn’t very good you boys take the rest of the day off, enjoy your Saturday” Whoops, cheers, and slaps on the backs were given out. Coach laughed
“But Monday you boys better be ready for practice, meaning no slack.” The team nods.
“Can we go now?” Shawn asks, Harry rolls his eyes at the spoiled blonde.
“Wait for Niall to get done” Coach replies and looks to Niall who is on his 3rd lap.
“Which is when exactly?” Shawn mutters, and Liam glares at him
“Niall is done when coach says now shut your face pretty boy” Liam snaps. Shawn smirks at Liam and cracks his knuckles. The sky rumbles and murmurs spread through the team as Shawn takes a step towards Liam, who stands his ground. Harry looks between the two boys biting his lip.
“Hey now boys, let's just calm down” Coach Ed cautioned. Liam shook his head and retreated
“You know what you right coach this duschebag isn’t worth it” He stated and walked off the field.
“On that happy note, everyone is free to go” Coach said and called Niall over. Shawn clenched his jaw and sauntered to his car. Slamming the door then speeding away. The rest of the team shuffled off the field. Harry waited for Niall and they made their way to Harry’s car.
----------
The two boys didn’t speak to each other on the way to Niall’s home, except when Harry wished Niall a good weekend before driving off. Harry stopped at a convenience store and quickly bought an energy drink. When he pulled up to the large house on the corner of his street he could see the dining room light on meaning his sister was most likely home. He didn’t see his mom’s car meaning she was working… again. Harry sighed and pulled his hood over his head then hopped out of his little light blue car.
“Gemma I'm home!” He hollers as he shuts the front door of his home dripping water everywhere. The scent of something sweet filling his nose. The clattering of pans sounded from the kitchen then Gemma walked around the corner into the small entryway. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun and her mouth was pulled into a smile that dropped when she saw the mess he was making.
“Hazza really you look like a wet dog” She laughs and gestures to his hair drooping with water.
“Good to see you too” He laughs looking up from undoing his muddy cleat laces, she frowns. “Don’t worry I’ll clean it, but first let me go take a shower”
Gemma sighs “Fine be quick about it, I made cookies” That explains what he smelled when he walked in.
“Yeah ok, mom” Harry mocks and heads upstairs.
His room is a mess. Clothes litter the floor and his unmade bed. Empty cans of energy drinks are sprawled over his desk along with papers for school that are long past due. The drawers to his dresser are open with clothes half falling out. He goes over and grabs some sweatpants that he hopes are clean along with a plain white shirt.
The bathroom connected to Harry’s room didn’t look much better than his room. The mirror looked as if it has never been cleaned. Some socks were scattered along the floor. The lid to the toothpaste was open. By now Harry had gotten used to it and didn’t even notice it. He sets his clean clothes on the counter and gets undressed setting his soaking wet and muddy clothes on the bathroom floor. He turns the water on hot with a very little cold and steps in.
The water floods over him, washing away the dirt coating Harry’s legs and body. He exhaled and grabs the bottle of lavender-scented soap. Chuckling he remembers the time Liam stayed over and used the soap making him smell like lavender the next day at school. Though nobody noticed the older boy's strange scent he still was embarrassed and makes sure to bring his soap to Harry’s house every time he stays over.
Harry finishes washing his body and hair soaking in the last of the hot water then turns the knob. The water flows stops and cold air washes over his body. Goosebumps appear along his tan skin. He hurries and grabs the light green towel from where it hangs and wraps it around his waist.
----------------
Harry found Gemma in the kitchen doing dishes when he was done with drying off and putting on the clothes he picked out. He didn’t bother drying his hair off, given he would just be lounging around the house for the rest of the gloomy day.
Gemma’s back was facing Harry so she was unaware of his arrival. He used this to his advantage and snuck close to where he saw the chocolate chip cookies. They were sitting on a cooling rack to the left of the sink on the smooth marble counter. As he got closer to the older girl, he could hear her humming one of the latest pop song hits which quite frankly he couldn’t care less about. Hoping to be sneaky, Harry quickly snatched a cookie off of the cooling rack. Gemma screamed, instinctively making double fists and jumping around. Harry shoves the cookie in his mouth, holding back a laugh.
“YOU MOTHER FUCKER, you are supposed to be showering” She shouted her eyes wide in panic. Harry smirks and slowly chews the cookie, allowing the chocolate chips to melt in his mouth. Crumbs littered the corners of his small petite lips.
“ ‘S not my fault your so jumpy” He teases, reaching for another cookie. Gemma rolls her dark brown eyes and grabs a cookie.
“Also, your welcome, I cleaned up your mess Haz” She says after finishing her bite. Harry opens his mouth to reply when his phone rings.
Answer the god damn phone styles. The ringtone that Niall once recorded chimes. Harry chuckles and fishes his phone out of his pocket.
“What’s up Nialler”
“You need to come over right now” Niall says in a panicked voice
“Wait what going on” Harry demanded, already rushing upstairs to grab socks.
“Its Liam, just get your ass over here” The boy instructed then the line went dead. Harry cursed and ran back downstairs
“Gemma, I have to go to Nialls somethings wrong” He yelled and slipped on his shoes not bothering to tie up the laces. Harry quickly puts the key in the ignition and tries to start the car but the stupid piece of junk just sputters, a list of curses spew from his mouth as he slams his fist on the dashboard. It takes multiple attempts until the engine roars to life.
Nialls house is on the far side of town, meaning its roughly 7 miles from Harry’s house. After about 12 minutes he arrives at the small house.
Harry bursts in the door looking around frantically.
“Niall where the hell are you” He shouts, Niall calls from the living room, Harry sprints into the room and the blood drains from his face.
“What the hell happened to him” He spits dropping to his knees beside the coach Liam is laying on. Blood stains his face and hair, still running from his mouth and nose, his clothes are soaked with blood and rain water. The boy is shaking his breathing unsteady.
“I... Harry it was Shawn” Niall murmured “When I got there after Liam called me Shawn was gone and, I found Liam in the alleyway, with a boy who was trying to help him. I demanded Liam tell me who did this to him. He said Shawn and his goonies before he passed out, the boy helped me get Liam to my house. He’s in the kitchen right now getting some rags and hot water” Niall paused and looked at Liam. “Looks like a broken nose and probably a few broken ribs”
Harry groaned running his hands through his hair. “Let’s just clean up the blood. I’ll go help the boy you call an ambulance, don’t know why that wasn’t the first thing done” Harry muttered and walked into the kitchen. Leaving Niall with Liam.
The boy had dark brown hair and when he turned towards Harry, Harry could see he had blue eyes.
“Nasty fight your friend got into their” The boy said his voice low and clearly British. Harry nods biting his lip captivated by this boy he’s never met before. “Mate, you all good?” The boy questions, snapping Harry out of his weird phase.
“Y-y im alright, n-nasty fight indeed” He stammers and grabs the ripped-up shirts on the kitchen counter. The boy grabs the bowl of hot water he filled and follows Harry into the living room.
After cleaning Liams face up it was obvious his nose was broken. Liam had drifted in and out of consciousness, which Harry supposed was a mercy compared to feeling the pain of breathing in and out due to broken ribs. When the ambulance showed up, the people told Harry, Niall and the boy that they had it from here. Then they left with the unconscious boy. The boy who claimed his name was Louis bid Harry and Niall farewell and left. Harry stared after him as he walked out into the rain.
“Hope, Lima will be alright” Niall sighs and strips the bloody couch cushion cases off and taking them to the laundry. Harry nods and mindlessly turns on the television. His minds kept drifting back to Louis. The way his blue eyes stared straight into Harry’s soul and how his dark brown hair laid perfectly on his head. How when he sat down next to Harry waiting for the ambulance, he crossed his legs and laid his head back on the couch without a care in the world. Harry shook his head. Bringing his knees to his chest. You’ll never see him again anyways Styles snap out of it. He thought to himself. Besides he isn’t even gay. I mean sure he’s never dated a girl or found one he had feelings for. But gay…. I mean he can’t be gay. He knows how his mom’s boyfriend feels about gay people. He couldn’t do that to her. Harry closes his eyes resting his head on his knees and listens to the sounds from the television until he slowly drifted into sleep.
-----
“Haz, wake up” Niall whispered, gently shaking Harry’s arm. Harry groaned and slapped Nialls hand away. “Harry, come on lad” The blond boy tried again.
“Fuck off Horan” Harry mumbles.
“Hazza its fucking 4 in the afternoon get your lazy ass up!” Niall exclaimed pulling the younger boys hair.
“Ow, jeez im up now” Harry hissed, sitting up and rubbing his head. Niall smirks running his hand through Harry’s bed head.
“Your welcome for not waking you up earlier”
Harry glares at Niall “Ooh im soooo thankful”
Niall ignores the boys sass and gets up from the couch and walks into the kitchen. Harry stretches his arms over his head yawning. He can’t believe he fell asleep for 2 hours, Gemma must be worried sick he thinks and pulls out his phone. 6 missed calls from Gemma his notifications read. He rolls his eyes and hits call
“HARRY WHAT THE FUCK IT’S BEEN LIKE 3 HOURS!” His sister yells panic lacing her voice.
“Gemma calm down”
“DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN! FOR ALL I KNOW YOU COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR WORSE… Haz”
“Hey shh its ok I’m ok… I’m ok” Harry says softly. When she doesn’t say anything, he sighs “Gemm, Liam got into a fight he’s pretty busted up a few broken ribs and a broken nose, im sorry for not calling, we cleaned him up and called an ambulance then I fell asleep”
Gemma gasps “Oh… my I’m sorry Haz”
“It’s ok, if I was in your situation, I would feel the same way”
Harry can hear Gemma sigh. “When will you be home?”
Harry shrugs before remembering she couldn’t see him “I don’t know, I think if its ok with Ni I will just stay the night”
“Ok, mom just got home, I have to go I love you Haz”
“I love you too” Harry says and hangs up.
As soon as the call ends Niall walks in the room with 2 energy drinks and a bag of spicy barbecue chips. He hands one of the drinks to Harry and pops his own open taking a long sip. Harry nods in thanks opening the orange chip bag.
“So, I’m guessing you heard the conversation”
Niall nods. “Yeah, I did, my parents are gone this weekend so you can stay if you want”
“Thanks mate”
“Yeah it’s no problem” Niall shrugs, looking for something to watch. Finally deciding on something Harry has never heard of.
----
Niall was dead asleep. He didn’t even make it through 1 hour of the 3-hour long movie before he was drooling on Harry’s shoulder. When the movie finished Harry gently scooped the boy up in his arms and put him into his bed. The clock read 7 PM. Harry sighed wishing he never drank the energy juice. With nothing better to do he slipped on his sneakers and went outside.
Though it stopped raining a few hours ago water filled the gutters on the side of the road. The fresh earthy smell of rain still lingering in the air. Harry walked around Nialls neighborhood thinking about a boy he barely knew until the sun dropped below the horizon the cool night air slowly creeping in.
Sunday
“FUCK GOD DAMNIT STUPID FUCKING COCK SUCKING PIECE OF SHIT STOVE” Are the words Harry woke up to. Right before he sees smoke trailing from the kitchen and the fire alarms go off. He bolts upright hurrying to the kitchen to find Niall trying to put out the stack of paper plates that somehow were lit on fire. Harry curses and grabs the orange juice set out on the counter pouring it over the pile of ashes.
“Jesus Christ Niall, what are you doing” Harry exclaims opening the kitchen window to let the smoke escape.
“Trying to make us breakfast dipshit” He snaps back gesturing to the eggs and toast set out on the counter.
“I see you found out the hard way that paper plates and fire don’t mix” Harry remarked
“Hey fuck off I was trying to be nice”
“I think I would rather go hungry than die in a house fire but thanks Ni”
“Whatever lets just eat out” Niall shrugs putting away the eggs and bread. Harry nods
“Ok fine with me, but can I borrow some clothes?”
“Yeah sure, you know where they are” Niall replies and nods towards his bedroom.
Its obvious Niall is just as messy as Harry if not worse. Going to the closet he picks one of the few shirts Niall has hanging up, the rest scattered on the floor. The shirt he picks is a thin dark purple size large tee shirt. As for pants all Niall owns is sweats and they are all dirty so Harry just keeps his gray sweats on.
After putting on the tee shirt, quickly going to the bathroom and fixing his hair he meets Niall back in the kitchen. The spilled orange juice is clean and the paper plates now cool he can see Niall threw in the bin. Harry leans against the wall of the living room watching Niall wash his hands. When he was done, he grabs his keys and wallet off the counter.
“Wait for me in the car” He says and throws Harry the keys.
--------
“Hello, what you like to order today” The McDonalds drive through machine asked. Harry looks at Niall and shrugs. Meaning he doesn’t care.
“We will get 2 iced coffee’s and 3 egg McMuffins” Niall orders
“Will that be all for you today”
“Yes thank you” The boy answers and pulls up behind the car in front of them.
“So after this I was thinking we go visit Lima” Niall says while waiting for their food
“ ’s that why you ordered 3 McMuffins?” Harry asks, Niall nods. " Also are you sure they will let us in?"
"Yeah, why wouldnt they. Just go up there say we are here to see Liam. Done"
Harry snorts “Ok sure Ni”
----
“We are here to see Liam Payne” Niall informs the young brunette at the check in counter. She smiles softly. Then types Liam’s name into her computer.
“What are your names?”
“Niall Horan and Harry Styles”
“Here you go” She says handing them both a name tag. “Room 223” They nod in thanks and head to the elevator.
“Told you it would be easy” Niall drawls sticking his tongue out at Harry as they step into the large elevator
“Oh fuck off” Harry grumbles hitting the button rooms 200-250. Niall laughs taking a sip of his ice coffee. They sit in comfortable silence waiting to reach the floor. The elevator dings signaling they have reached the correct floor. The boys shuffle out and make their way to room 223. Harry knocks on the door. He is answered by a middle-aged man, whom he assumes is the nurse.
“Yes?” The man asks
“Umm we are here to see Liam” Niall clarifies. The man squints his eyes and looks at their name tags.
“Of course, come on in” He sighs and steps to the side letting the boys through, shutting the door behind them leaving the 3 boys alone together. Liam is in a hospital gown his nose looks like it was snapped back into place a little white piece of plastic holding it in place. There are a few stitches on his forehead but other than that Harry can’t see any other injuries.
“Hey lima” Niall greets.
“Hey” The boy says attempting to sit up grunting in pain. “Broken ribs” He informs when the boys look at each other confused.
“Oh yeah…that sucks payno” Harry says sitting in one of the white chairs.
“We got you some food” Niall offers, digging the egg McMuffin out his hoodie pocket and handing it to the boy. Liam nods in thanks and takes a small bite. Harry can see he is in pain with every breath he takes. God Harry was going to kill Shawn.
“Doc says I get released tomorrow just to take it easy and take my medicine” Liam rasps trying not to breathe heavily.
“I’ll tell coach about it; I’m guess you’re going to be down for the rest of the season” Harry announces. Liam looks at him frowning.
“Yeah I guess your right Haz…” He mumbles.
“Sorry mate” Niall sympathized. Harry stays silent his mind on Louis again. The doctor comes in after about 20 minutes interrupting Niall and Liam’s conversation about girls and parties.
“The patient’s parents are here to see him, I’m afraid your time is up” The doctor informs the boys. Niall stands up and pats Liam on the leg.
“Get better Lima” Harry offers giving him a soft smile. Then he follows Niall out allowing Liam’s parents to go in. The clock in the white walled hallway reads 1. When they get down to the lobby the lady at the desk takes their name tags and wishes them a good day. Niall drives them back to his house. Harry gathers his clothes and wishes Niall a farewell
“See you tomorrow mate” Harry says to Niall who is standing in the doorway of his house.
“See you Haz, drive home safe” The boy replies watching Harry drive down the street and disappearing out of view before heading back inside. When Harry got home he found Gemma and his mom on the couch watching The Office. Harry rolls his eyes and sat by them taking a handful out of Gemma’s popcorn bowl.
“Harry! How’s Liam, Gemma told me that he got in a fight!” Anne exclaims pausing the episode and turning her head to look at him her long brown hair cascading over her shoulder.
“Oh, he’s ok just a few broken ribs and his nose is broken. Tomorrow I’m telling the coach about it so he can search for a new player” Harry shrugs. He loves his mom he really does but he never likes talking to her it just feels…weird. She knows it too so she nods and turns back to the TV. Harry stays in the living room with them until the episode then disappears to his room.
He decides to check his Instagram and twitter. One DM from Shawn reads hope the dipshit dies. Harry clenches his fists. For a second, he fantasizes going and beating the bloody hell out of him but decides against it deleting the message instead. Some other people tagged Harry in invites to parties, some girls ask if Liam is ok. Harry ignores them all setting his phone down. To get his mind off things he plays some classical music and mindlessly cleans up his room. Scooping all the past due papers up and dumping them in the bin. All the dirty clothes that once scattered the floor are put into the wash. The empty energy drink cans he scoops into a pile on his desk. Hours pass and Harry picks up every piece of trash and organizes everything. By the time its all set and done Harry barely recognizes his room, but he has to admit it looks nice. Smiling the boy take a quick shower, sets his alarm clock and falls asleep.
ns 15.158.61.20da2
