A/N: I'm going to start doing my author note's like this because it looks so much more professional xD Anyway, I know this would never happen in real lif (a girlfriend being drug onstage), but this story is fiction guys. Let's keep pretending, mkay? Mkay. Enjoy<3

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Chapter 33 – Harry’s P.O.V.

            Anxiety coursing through my veins, my heart pounding louder with every seconds as my palms grew clammy. Today was the day of the “big kiss,” as Jeff had called it. Though I may be turning twenty today, it certainly does not feel like. Instead I feel like I’m crumbling away to a world of the unknown; one where nobody wants me. One where happiness is nonexistent. Maybe I’m being dramatic, but it’s all I’ve got.

            My eyes skimmed over Valerie’s figure curled against me, finally landing on that beautiful face of hers as her eyes remained closed, soft snores leaving her slightly parted lips. I gently brushed my fingers across her cheeks, tucking her hair behind her ear before I kissed her forehead.

            With Valerie turning nineteen and me turning twenty, I feel like today should be a time to be celebrating. But no; we have to go through an interview where I get to watch my girlfriend kiss my best mate. I didn’t believe Valerie when she said I had been her first kiss, but now I just want to be her last. First and last, but no one else in between. I want to be Valerie’s first for everything, even if it’s something as simple as taking her to a restaurant or country she’s never seen before. Whatever the situation may be, I just want to be the one to hold onto that first experience of hers. Hell, it might even be her virginity (wish I’m in absolutely no rush to steal from her), but I’d take that as well. It’d be an honor if Valerie allowed me to be her first for things she’s never done before; as long as I get to be her last as well.

            Possessive? Maybe. Ashamed? Not at all.

            My eyes fell on the clock as a sigh left my lips. I pulled my arm from around Valerie, gently squirming out from beneath her as I stood to go take my shower. It may be my birthday, but it’s also a work day. Typical, honestly. You get used to it.

            Stepping back into the room fully clothes as I ruffled my wet hair with a towel, I noticed Valerie was just now getting up. She was stretching her arms out in the shape of a cross, one I’ve grown to find extremely adorable as her mouth opens for a large yawn. She’s the cutest damn thing I’ve ever seen.

            “Morning, beautiful. Sleep good?” I smiled as I pecked her cheek, laughing quietly as she closed her eyes, mumbling something I didn’t quite catch. “Happy ninetieth birthday.”

            “Happy twentieth birthday,” Valerie said, smiling lazily up at me. “You’re getting old, Harold. Go back to be a fetus on X-Factor.”

            I couldn’t help but laugh as I shook my head, running my fingers through the damp curls. “Those were good days, Val. But everyone has to grow up sometime, right?”

            “No,” Valerie muttered. “I won’t allow it.”

            I chuckled, glancing back at her. I simply couldn’t get enough of her endless beauty. She was absolutely stunning, even in the morning with her bed head.

            “Can I take a shower?” she questioned as she stood to stretch her muscles.

            “Absolutely not. You have to go to the interview looking like that,” I joked as she rolled her eyes, smiling slightly as she swatted me in the shoulder.

            “As much as I’d love to stay in my pajamas all day, I think I’ll have to go against the rules. I really need a shower.”

            I smiled as I watched Valerie groggily stumble into the bathroom, raking a hand through her tangled hair before closing the door. Why the hell can’t I stop looking at her? I’m sure she’s found me out to be a creep at this point, considering I’m always staring at her. I just can’t help it. Out of all the girls I’ve seen—which is a lot—none of them have been as beautiful as Valerie. There’s something about her natural beauty that lures me in even more. The girl doesn’t even know how to apply makeup, nonetheless does she wear it. I love that about her. In fact, I absolutely adore it.

            When I heard the water turn off, I gave Valerie the privacy she needed and exited the room, closing the door behind me. The lads were piled in the kitchen, doing whatever the hell it is they do. They never fail to surprise me, that’s for sure.

            “Morning, Harold!” Louis chirped.

            “Happy birthday!” they all yelled in unison, and I couldn’t help but smile.

            “Thanks, mates.” Running a hand through my hair, I waved off their continuous birthday wishes. They were being their selves, patting me on the back and whatnot. I truly got blessed with amazing friends.

            “Where’s that pretty lady of yours?” Zayn smirked, wiggling his eyebrows as he nudged me.

            “Cut it out, mate,” I groaned, smacking his arm away as he laughed. I smiled. “She’s in the shower.”

            “Or right behind you,” Liam noted, making me furrow my eyebrows for all of two seconds before I turned around.

            Valerie was standing in a pretty blue blouse with dark denim skinny jeans hugging her legs. Converse covered her feet with her wet hair falling loosely over her shoulders. Even with the simplicity of the outfit; she was breathtaking.

            “Happy birthday!” the boys yelled again, aiming it at Valerie this time.

            Valerie’s cheeks flushed as she grinned, her face lighting up along with her blush. “Four years I’ve waited to hear that in person from you guys,” she stated, making us all laugh before the boys piled in on her for a hug.

            After Valerie dried and straightened her hair, we were heading out the door for the interview. I went to grab Valerie’s hand, but then I remembered the whole “fake dating” shebang, so I decided (unwillingly) against it. Niall gave me that same apologetic smile he’s been giving me the past week. I couldn’t even manage one back as I averted my gaze to the floor to keep from seeing their hands intertwine.

            Not only was today the day Valerie would be kissing Niall, but then tomorrow we leave. Officially. To start the Where We Are Tour. Part of me wants to leave to see the fans and do what I love, but another part of me wants to stay here with the girl I love.

            Hold up.

            Did I just say I love Valerie?

            Pursing my lips, I thought about that for a long moment. Two weeks doesn’t seem like a long enough time to “fall in love,” so I immediately shook my head and called myself ridiculous. I’m just… infatuated. I’m very much, with all my heart, infatuated with Valerie Anderson. I’m not “in love” because I never fall in love. I’m just not that type, even though I’d like to be. I want that day to be there waiting for me; the perfect girl right along with it. But I know I’m not one to fully committing into anything, so even thinking about me being in love almost makes me laugh aloud.

            I, Harry Styles, am not capable of ever loving someone.

Valerie’s P.O.V.

            “Oh boys. It’s so nice to meet you. Come, let’s sit and get ready,” the woman beamed, ushering the boys away from me.

            Of course, the last person I wanted to see walked through the doors; Kendall. She flipped her pretty brown hair over her shoulder, taking her spot beside me as Harry sent me a sympathetic look. I had told him yesterday when I was supposed to be “hanging out” with Niall that she made me uncomfortable. He simply said she tends to have that effect on people.

            “Valerie,” Kendall said dryly in acknowledgment.

            I merely nodded in return, chewing my lower lip as my mind ran over all the thoughts of what could go wrong. Kissing Niall in front of Harry on his birthday definitely wasn’t settling easy with me. Sure, it’s my birthday too, but I don’t exactly have a choice here. Neither does he, and neither one of us want to break a contract and get the police involved. That would be pure chaos.

            “Look, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I’m about to do something pretty ballsy for you, all right? The least you could do is say hi,” she muttered.

            Furrowing my eyebrows, I turned to look at her. “What do you mean?”

            She shook her head, avoiding my eyes. “Nothing, just do what you’re supposed to out there.”

            Frowning, I stared back down at the floor as the interview finally started. Being backstage was pretty nerve-racking, honestly. Watching the boys out there, smiling and grinning in person just made it seem so surreal. I’ve watched every single one of their interviews on YouTube at least twice, so actually getting to see one live was heart-stopping. I was really enjoying it, actually.

            But of course, the bad has to come in sooner or later.

            “You’re all currently in a relationship, am I correct?” the interviewer asked, all of the boys nodding in return. “Wow! And to think Harry has been hiding Kendall from us all this time.”

            Harry gave a sheepish laugh to where I could see right through; it was fake. I heard Kendall mutter something beside me, but I didn’t question her as I tuned my ears back in on the red-haired lady.

            “And Niall, you’re taken, too? Is it that mystery girl you’ve been seen hanging out with?” she winked, nudging him with her elbow.

            Niall laughed, merely shrugging as his eyes glanced over to me, then at Harry. “Yeah, erm… We just started dating not too long ago.”

            “Oh, is that her over there?” the woman asked, as if she noticed how Niall glanced over at me.

            Before I knew it, there was a camera jammed in my face as all the boys looked over my way. Kendall was biting back a laugh as she stepped away from me, but then the cameras found her as well. I guess us being on national television still wasn’t enough to satisfy the interviewer.

            “Please, do come out and introduce yourself!” she said, giggling as she read off a script.

            Putting the pieces together, I mentally rolled my eyes. Management even gave her a fucking script. How low can they possibly go? And no, I’m not about to burst into song and sing the lyrics at the top of my lungs. That was an expression and I’m supposed to be pissed right now.

            Nervously, I forced my feet to move as I anxiously tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I noticed Jeff on the other side of the stage, hidden behind the curtain as he motioned for me to sit between Harry and Niall. Fumbling with my hands, I gave a single nod to not try and make it obvious. Harry must’ve saw Jeff as well, because he slowly scooted over to make room for me. He avoided my eyes, not even looking in my direction which pained me more than it should have.

            “So, dear. What’s your name?”

            “V-Valerie… Valerie Anderson,” I said, clearing my throat to keep back my nerves as I clasped my hands together to stop them from shaking.

            The woman smiled before she leaned back and looked at Niall and I. “You two look absolutely adorable together, did you know that?”

            Harry tensed beside me, biting his knuckle as he continued to look off into nothing in particular; looking anywhere but in my direction.

            Niall let out a soft laugh, clearly just as uncomfortable as I was. The rest of the boys kept quiet as the lady continued, “So… we have pictures of the two of you holding hands and such, but you’re both official correct?” she asked and I left it to Niall who glanced over at Jeff before following instructions; he nodded. The interviewer burst, nearly jumping out of her seat. “Oh! So let’s see it! Let’s catch the both of yours kiss on camera!” she squealed.

            Coming to the conclusion that this woman needed medication, I tried to push that out my mind as I glanced over at Niall. He was chewing his lower lip, clearly hesitating as Harry looked like he was about to explode in anger. The last thing we needed was for him to cause a scene.

            “You ready?” Niall whispered, just so I could hear with his lips barely moving.

            I forced myself to nod.

            “Come on, you two. We haven’t got all day!” the woman beamed, making me want to smack her in the face.

            The room was so tense you wouldn’t even be able to slice it with a knife. It seemed like everyone was uncomfortable as Niall and I slowly started leaning in. I didn’t know what to do in this moment, honestly. I just wanted to get it over with so this whole “fake dating” shit will be over. I love Niall to pieces, but this isn’t fair to Harry.

            Daring to steal a glance at Harry, he looked on the verge of tears with his jaw locked tight, his hands laced together and his elbows on his knees. He was still staring off into that area of nothing, but you could see the pain building up in his emeralds.

            I hated the reason that I was causing that pain.

            I hated it, I hated it.

            Niall’s lips were just about to brush mine before he pulled away, shaking his head to himself before glancing in Kendall’s direction. “I can’t do this,” he murmured out, even catching Harry’s attention as his head snapped towards the Irish boy. Niall was being brave and somewhat heroic when he stood and said, “Valerie isn’t my girlfriend.”

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