Laine looks at me with a sly smirk as he casually lays on the couch. "You know, maybe you should try dating."

"Maybe you should try finding a job," I snap back as I throw a fistful of popcorn at him. His smile wavers and I immediately feel guilty about it. I know he's having a tough time, I shouldn't rub it in his face. "Hey, do you want me to help you out? I'm sure there are plenty of people who are hiring."

He attempts to smile but it comes off as forced. "Nah. I want them to hire me because of how awesome I am, not because of connections."

In this city, living is impossible without connections.

"I don't know if that comment should result in the Ego Jar," I say instead of voicing my opinions.

He rolls his eyes. "No, it does not."

"Cheapskate," I sing. "Ugh, what time is it?"

Laine checks his non-existent watch. "Time for you to get a watch," he mimics in a high-pitched tone. Wow, someone's sassy today.

I lunge toward him on the couch and end up straddling him. I shove my fancy Apple Watch in his face. "You see this? This is what happens when you get a job."

I know, I know. I just said I feel bad for making jokes about his unemployment but I take it back. Sometimes he needs his ego hurt in order to be motivated. That's how guys work, right? They risk everything for pride.

Such idiot creatures.

"God, you're so fat."

Just for that, I bounce on his stomach a little. He groans and attempts to push me off but I hold my ground, determined to punish him.

Someone knocks on the door and we both pause our wrestling to stare at each other in surprise. I'm not expecting anyone and from the looks of it, he isn't either.

There's a mischievous glint in his eyes. Before I can process what's happening, he yells, "Door's unlocked! Please, save me from the wrath of the troll."

I smack his chest, surprised that he just invited a random stranger in.

Then his words hit me.

"Troll?" I screech. "I'll show you who's a fucking-"

A throat clears and both of us turn our head to see slender legs standing in front of our eyes. I don't even need to look to know who it is.

Oh God.

"Oh my God," Laine wheezes and I don't think it's from my weight. Before I know it, he pushes me off the couch to sit up. I land on my butt with a soft thud. "You're... you're Harry Styles!"

"Fucking hell, Laine," I groan, rubbing my sore butt.

He pauses his monetary gawking to look at me in amusement. "What about doing a swear jar?"

Of course he'd bring up new jar ideas for me at a time like this.

"Only you bring out that side in me." I make a face at him. "Besides, it's too basic." A hand reaches out to help me off of my butt and I gladly take it, wiping the imaginary dust off my pants. "Thanks."

"No problem," Harry's smooth voice rings out. When I finally look at his face, he looks pissed. I don't get what his problem is. He's the one who barged in.

Well, I guess he was invited in. Whatever.

"Ellie?" Laine's voice breaks me out of my thoughts. "What the hell is going on?"

"I could ask the same," Harry asks with a frown, his eyes flickering between Laine and I.

I choose to ignore Harry's question and answer Laine instead. "Laine, you already know Harry. Medusa's working with him."

That isn't enough to satisfy his curious appetite. "That doesn't explain why he's here, at our ratty apartment!"

"It's not ratty!" I say defensively. What's everyone's problem? "It's cozy. And quirky."

"I didn't know mold is quirky."

"I didn't know unemployment is either."

"Oh my God," Laine groans exasperatedly. "I already told you-"

"I know, I know." I throw up my hands. "You're too good for everyone. Not good enough for The Jar though. I'm expecting this month's rent." He grumbles some profanities but gets up to put some money in the jar.

Sweet, sweet victory.

"So, you never answered what he's doing here," Laine shouts from the kitchen.

I raise a brow at Harry. What is he doing here? I have no idea.

"Um, we're going out to work on some logistics," I lie. Laine comes back in and doesn't even seem surprised.

"Shocker."

"Funny." I make an effort to push his head back into the couch. He swats my hand away and I kneel in front of the couch. "I didn't forget the troll comment... Sleep with one eye open tonight."

"I already do because of the rats," he retorts. We don't have rats.

I think.

"Oh, those were rats? I thought that was you practicing your ballet routine," I snicker.

"The only reason you know about that is because of your non-existent social life."

"At least I have a work life," I retort.

"Prude."

"Unemployed."

"Bore."

"Stoner!"

"Lame."

This is what I love about Laine and I's relationship. We constantly banter in a teasing way but none of us take it to heart.

I smirk. "Notice how my insults are facts and not adjectives?"

"Smartass," he grumbles under his breath.

"Ellie," Harry calls, sounding impatient. My head whips up to him, remembering he's here. I forget about him a lot, don't I? "Shall we go?"

"Right." I turn to Laine. "I'll be back... I don't know when. Clean this up or the rats will get obese," I say, pointing at the popcorn I threw earlier.

"The fuck?! Why me?!"

"Because you love me?" I cheesily grin. He groans and falls back into the couch with his arms spread apart. I stand up and pat him on the head before walking toward the door, Harry in tow.

We don't speak until we get downstairs. I shove my hands into my pockets as we walk alongside each other on the sidewalk.

"So..." I prompt. When he doesn't answer, I look over to see his jaw ticking. I soften up right away, although I don't know why. "Harry, what's wrong?"

He looks at me, half surprised that I even cared to ask. When he's over the initial shock, he sighs. "It all makes sense now."

We round the corner. "What does?"

"Why you're not even giving me a chance."

"Um...?" I wait for him to explain. In the meantime, I keep my eyes ahead of me.

"You're living with him."

Nope, still confused.

He grabs my arm and stops me from walking. I spin around so I'm facing him. His jaw is still clenched and eyes are hardened. "Do you love him?"

Wait, I live with Laine. Does he think...?

My eyes widen with the realization. I finally put two and two together.

"Oh my God, do you mean Laine?" I gasp even though I know the answer. "Oh gosh! No! We're not dating!"

He seems slightly relieved by my revelation, but not fully."So what, you guys broke up but can't live separately because of the lease or something? Wait, who broke up with who? Because I swear El, I'll go crazy if you tell me he dumped you. Well, maybe it would be better-"

"Harry." I put my hands on his chest to stop his ramble and am pleasantly surprised when I feel how hard his muscles are. "Laine's gay."

He blinks. "What?"

"Yes. Laine's gay. We broke up in college. Now he's just my roommate."

"He's gay?" Harry echoes in pleasant shock. "So you don't love him?"

I shake my head, not that it's any of his business. I don't seem to find the harm in telling him though. "I do, but as a friend. He's one of my closest friends here."

His shoulders loosen and before I know it, his muscular arms wrap around my body. I momentarily stand in shock before hugging him back. If possible, his body relaxes even more. He sighs contently and squeezes.

Something small inside me snaps. It's minuscule, but noticeable.

When it came to romantic relationships, I stopped pursuing them completely. I dove headfirst into my career with the intention of making it big one day. It wasn't completely intentional but after the whole college fiasco, I found myself building a wall around my heart.

And Harry just chipped away one of the bricks.

When he lets go, I find myself breathing easier. I can blame it on the tightness of his hold but we both know that isn't the real reason. The bond is strengthening once again.

Oh God, I am fucked.

The feeling quickly subsides though and I'm left as dull and lifeless as before, just as I like it.

"Why do you care anyway?" I ask as we resume our walk around the block.

When I spare a glance at his face, his lips are carved into a smirk. "Well, I have to play the role of the jealous ex-boyfriend." Then his voice gets considerably softer. "Ellie, I miss what we have."

I can't help the snort. "Harry, we dated for like, what, 8 months maybe? Not even a year. We've been apart longer than we've been together."

"So?" He stops again, looking at me intensely. "What about the bond? Does that mean nothing to you?"

I feel my heart clench as my insecurities from all those years ago come back. "I think it means too much to you," I whisper. He treats it like it's a good reason to be together. I think it's just a pathetic way of fate playing Cupid.

I've discussed this with my therapist back in the day. She tried to revive the little girl who respected the bond with all her heart.

She was unsuccessful.

All I see it as a pathetic hope in people's lives. The idea of soulmates can ruin a perfectly good marriage.

Alright, I'll confess I've never gotten over my parents' failed marriage.

Dr. Linda did help me in other ways though. She's helped me see my worth and convinced me that I am who I am. I've learned to love myself.

But she's also taught me that I can be painfully blunt sometimes.

Taking in a heavy breath, I muster the courage to look at Harry's hurt eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just think that wanting me only because I'm your soulmate is a little shallow. You should find a girl you're attracted to, physically and mentally."

Yes, very mature of me.

He frowns. "I don't understand. Don't you feel the pull too?"

"If I'm being honest, no. I guess time has a way of fading it."

"I still do," he says softly but then he processes my earlier words. "What do you mean, Ellie? I'm attracted to you in all ways."

"No." I try to make my tone sound as collected as possible. "You're attracted to me because of the bond."

His frown deepens as he passionately grabs my hands. I bite back the urge to pull them away. I can't ruin his dramatic moment. All Californians are the same.

"That's not true. The bond made us meet, but I chose to stay. It was all you, El. I love your pretty face but I also love your mind. You're cute, snarky, and sexy. You provide me with things I never knew I needed."

"Harry," I frustratedly groan. He doesn't understand. He only thinks these things because of the bond. I'm not who he wants. He only likes the idea of me.

"Let me take you out, please. I want to show you that I still care about you."

Frustration bubbles inside me. He's not seeing the point. He's acting on impulse. Just because we've coincidentally met doesn't mean I'm ready for something more in my life.

I'm not. I need to focus on my career.

I know repeating my words won't get through his head. It seems the harder I fight, the less he listens. I choose to brush it off instead. "Desperation doesn't look good on you."

As I turn to keep walking, I catch a spark of emotion in his eyes and I can't help but wonder if I've said the right thing.

~~~

My words seem to be a mistake.

I walk into the office, ready to get started for the day, when a bouquet of flowers are perched on my desk. I turn to Danny with a confused look. He shrugs before focusing on his computer.

They're probably for Daffodil but I double-check just in case. It's a beautiful bouquet of red roses. A little cheesy if you ask me. There's also a card perched between the stems. I pluck it out and skim the words over it.

'I think desperation looks amazing on me

Dinner?

x H.'

I groan and rip up the card before throwing it in the recycling bin. I should've known this wouldn't work. I'm here shooing him away, and he's thinking of it as a game. Danny flashes me a confused look.

"Just another desperate company for our attention," I lie but internally laugh at the irony of it all. "I'm still going to pass along the flowers, though. It would be a shame if it went to waste."

I knock on Daffodil's door and slowly open it to see her doing some yoga. She flashes me a look from a very uncomfortable looking angle and I resist the urge to laugh. When I show her the bouquet, she tells me to grab a vase and put it on her desk. I do as she says and put the flowers in her office.

Right as I'm slipping out, she calls on me. "I'm going to need a smoothie."

"Of course." Because yoga is so exhausting. "On it."

When I back to my desk, Danny looks up at me. "Leaving so soon?"

"Never," I reply with a teasing smile. "Kale smoothie time."

"Do you want company?"

"Really?" I perk up. Usually, Danny and I are doing our own things so he doesn't come along with me.

He lowers his laptop screen. "Sure, my legs could use a stretch."

"Cool! I'll just meet you outside then?"

He nods and I go down, using the stairs instead of the elevator. The fresh August air hits me like a blessing and I inhale the sweet smell of fall mixed with pollution.

A lean figure leans against the wall of the building. He looks inconspicuous enough to not be recognized.

Not by anyone but me.

"Were you just going to wait outside like a creep?" I cross my arms as I approach Harry.

"Does that mean you're accepting my invitation?" he asks, completely ignoring my jab at his stalkerish tendencies.

"No."

His face falls. "Seriously?"

"Seriously."

He doesn't even ask me why. "Alright."

"Harry," I whine, knowing exactly what he's doing. "I know you and I know you won't stop. This isn't a game. I'm not asking for your attention."

"Exactly! You know me! You know me better than anyone else."

I bite my lip and look away, knowing it's pretty true. For knowing someone for such a short period of time, I managed to catch up on all his quirks and thoughts.

"Friends, Harry. That's the most I can do for you," I sigh.

Gone is the wistful look and is now replaced by a content smile. A teasing glint swirls in his green irises. "No promises."

Before I process it, he swoops down and kisses my cheek in a haste, like it's the most natural thing to do.

Then he's gone and I'm left with tingling skin.

"Ellie!"

I turn around to see Daniel heading my way. A sigh of relief escapes my lips when I realize he narrowly missed that little interaction. I'm not sure how he'd react but something tells me he wouldn't be pleased. I mean, a celebrity going out with a regular girl? It seems pretty suspicious to outsiders. He doesn't know Harry's my soulmate. He'd probably think I'm easy or something. He's a good friend and his opinion matters to me.

"Let's go," I smile, starting the route to the juice bar. Daniel walks alongside me and we lapse into a silence, listening to the sounds of the city around us.

We pass a couple walking. The girl's latched on to the boy's arm and staring at him like he's her world. He looks straight ahead but lovingly glances down at her when she's not noticing.

The simple act makes me smile.

"Do you think they're soulmates?" I ask, my eyes never leaving the couple.

Danny takes a few seconds to respond. When he does, the couple is far behind us now. "I can't really tell."

I look up at him. "Do you think love exists? Like, do you think it's possible to love someone who isn't your soulmate?"

"Wow, we're getting deep, aren't we?" He chuckles. I shoot him an unimpressed look to which he throws up his hands in surrender. He contemplates his answer and I draw my eyes to the stretch of sidewalk in front of us. He loudly exhales. "Well, I think it's very possible to love someone who isn't your soulmate. The bond doesn't guarantee the feeling, only attraction. In fact, I know many soulmates who ended up as friends."

His words serve as a great comfort to me. Daniel knows I have an "estranged" soulmate - as I call it. He's also told me that he hasn't found his yet. I end up helping him a lot with tasks that involve color.

"Thank you," I exaggerate. He lets out a soft chuckle and holds open the door of the juice bar for me. The juice maker glances up and immediately starts Daff's order without question. I turn to him and ask, "Do you want anything?"

He eyes the menu and scrunches his nose in disgust. "I will never understand the obsession with blended vegetables."

"Me too!" I excitedly reply. "Like, I won't eat them in solid form! Why would I try them in liquid?"

We both laugh as the juice maker looks at us in amusement. She's used to me bashing on the juices but I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm weird for it. Now that Daniel's voiced his opinion, she probably thinks we're both from Crazytown.

She slides the green cup across the table and I swipe my company card.

As Daniel and I walk back, we talk about lighter topics. I don't know what had prompted me to talk about the whole soulmate thing earlier. Normally I wouldn't bring it up but I guess seeing Harry earlier made me realize my way of thinking might've been too extreme.

But Daniel just reminded me that I'm not crazy. Soulmates can be completely platonic. As long as I stay in Harry's life as friends, I can focus on my job and not have to worry about his newfound obsession.

A light, warm sensation on my upper arm breaks me out of my thoughts. I look up at Daniel, who immediately releases his hold on me and sheepishly smiles.

"Have you eaten yet?"

My silence is an answer.

He playfully rolls his eyes before nodding toward the hot dog truck. "Come on, let's grab a bite."

"Hot dogs? You sure know how to make a girl feel special," I tease as I follow him. He bows his head down with a smile.

He orders for us and I insist on paying with Daff's card.

"It's the little things," I explain.

"You get a kick from the littlest things," he chuckles as I swipe the card and do a little excited dance when the woman hands us our food.

We decide to eat on the walk back because we both know Daff hates a lukewarm smoothie.

"Danny?" I ask as we approach our building. The hotdogs are devoured, although mine didn't last too long. I was hungrier than I thought. "Do you think I'm a mean person?"

His brows practically raise up to his hairline. "No! Not at all. You're one of the kindest people I know."

His answer makes me smile. "Thank you."

All I needed was a little reassurance.

~~~

"Heading out," Danny says as he stretches.

I nod and keep my eyes on my computer screen. My hands move at miles per minute as I type another draft.

The lid on my laptop is lowered by an inch. I turn my head and playfully glare at him.

"Go home, El. You work harder than Medusa."

I gasp. "What? Impossible! Didn't you know that pilates is the new manual labor?" I tease. In all seriousness, no one works harder than Daff. She didn't become so successful by lazing around all day. I just follow her around like a lost puppy.

"Go home," he playfully repeats. "I'm not going to deliver food tonight." He tries to sound threatening but we both know he'd send it anyway.

I jut out my chin stubbornly. "Good. You waste too much money on me anyway."

"I like it."

"Well, I don't. You should save your money for a better place. Maybe a future girlfriend?" I suggestively wiggle my brows and watch the heat rush to his cheeks. My God, he's so innocent, the thought of a girlfriend gets him heated. "I promise I'll leave in an hour."

"Promise?" He checks behind my back to make sure my fingers aren't crossed.

He knows me so well.

"Promise. Laine, my roommate, has a job interview tomorrow so I'm helping him prepare. My night's going to be filled with bullying. I can't wait."

He laughs fully. "Have fun, then. You better be out by then. I'll check the security footage tomorrow if I have to."

"Scout's honor."

True to my word, I force myself to leave in an hour. Sure, I gather some extra paperwork I can work on before bed, but at least I'm not sticking around in the office.

The fall weather is considerably colder at night and it takes me aback. Right away, I hug myself and silently curse that I didn't bring a jacket. The same figure is resting against the wall from earlier in the day. I consider walking away but then I remember my promise. Friends, I told him we'd be friends.

"Harry." I stand directly in front of him but he still manages to tower above me. He's always been so tall. "This stalking habit you're developing is quite unnerving.

His chuckles slip out like nectar. "Love, we both know this habit isn't new."

The use of the pet name makes my heart swell.

"Right. Well, can I help you?" I fold my arms in an attempt to look more intimidating. I don't think it works. After all, I'm like a whole head shorter than him.

"I've been doing some thinking and I don't think it's safe for a lady to walk home alone in the dark."

"That's a little sexist," I snort. "I'll have you know, I took self-defense classes. I can probably take you down."

He hums. "You'll have to show me one day." His tone holds a tint of suggestiveness and I suddenly feel awkward.

I start my walk home and as expected, he follows alongside me. I don't even try to argue anymore, knowing it'll just fuel him more.

I can be his friend, right? It should be easy. I'm friends with hundreds of people.

"So, anything new with you?" I ask, breaking the silence that's enveloped us.

He lets out a poof of air and stuffs his hands in his pockets. "Not much, if I'm being honest. I'm going to assume you haven't kept up with my life?"

"You'd be correct," I say with a laugh. Ever since the day four years ago where he was rumored to be dating a new supermodel, I decided to block out everything about him. I was being hypocritical when I felt jealous and I knew it was wrong. So, I just didn't keep up with his news.

He shrugs slightly. "Well, I shouldn't be surprised. You were never a fan."

"Are you disappointed?" I ask bluntly.

"Yes," he sighs, hanging his head down a little. "I just spent every minute thinking about you but I didn't have the pleasure of knowing about your life from an outside source."

I raise my brows in surprise. "So you haven't been keeping tabs on me?" I was so sure he was.

A guilty expression crosses his face and I realize my assumption is true. He knew I was here. He just didn't reach out.

Thank God.

"I may or may not have known you were here," he admits. "But, in my defense, I really thought we were done. Then... then I saw you at Eleanor's party and my God, all those feelings increased tenfold. You just... you looked so beautiful as you floated around the room. I realized I didn't care that you left me all those years ago. I just wanted you back."

His words strike a chord in my heart but I don't show it. Knowing that he actually wants to get to know me again is flattering. It softens me up a little.

"So if you didn't see me, we wouldn't be walking to my place right now?"

He shrugs again, a ghost of a smile on his face. "I have to admit, I've been a little chicken to approach you."

"You surely don't show it," I sarcastically drawl.

He chuckles as he pushes his curls away from his face. "Well, not anymore. I remember that you're still my Ellie. Why the hell should I be nervous around you?"

"I'm not your anything, but I guess it's good you're feeling more comfortable."

I rub my own forearms as we walk in silence. Goosebumps line my skin and I silently pray it's because of the breeze and not Harry.

"Ellie!" a scratchy voice calls. I look up in surprise, but I'm quickly absorbed by guilt as the homeless man approaches me. He eyes Harry up and down, which makes Harry wrap a protective arm around me. Rick keeps his gaze on me until he's right in front of me. "Is this man bothering you?"

Harry's grip tightens. "Hey, fuck off."

Rick doesn't pay him any mind and instead looks at me expectantly. "No, Rick, I'm fine. Thank you," I say appreciatively.

He eyes Harry's tight grip on me. "Are you sure? Are you being forced to say this? I have a few guys-"

"Mate, she said she's fine," Harry says rather forcefully. "Get the fuck away from her."

I feel the tension crackling in the air. Before a brawl can break out, I step out of Harry's hold and stand directly in front of him. "Relax Harry. I know him."

"You know him?" he asks incredulously.

I nod and proudly stand next to Rick. "He's part of that self-defense I told you about." Upon seeing his confused look, I snicker before turning to Rick. "I'm so sorry, Rick. Hold on." I dig through my purse and pull out enough cash for a nice meal out. "Here. I totally forgot to stop by somewhere so this is for your dinner tonight."

Rick's face lights up. "You're too kind."

"Who else would help me ward off creeps?" I beam as I pat his outstretched hands. "Make the most of it."

"And you sure you're okay?" he asks lowly. When I nod, he smiles. "Have a nice night, Ellie."

"You too," I call out to his retreating figure. Harry's hand finds mine and squeezes. I assume he's expecting an explanation so I tell him as we walk. "That's Rick. I sometimes buy him dinner and in return, he wards of creeps like you."

"Creeps like me, huh?" I can hear the smile in his voice. "Well then, I might have to thank this Rick guy myself."

"Yes. He's very sweet," I agree. "Without him, God knows what might've happened to me."

His hand squeezes mine again. "Ellie, don't say those things."

"It's true. He's scared off some pretty creepy guys." And it's true. Rick has countlessly warded off other homeless people and even stubborn men. I'm not sure how, considering how scrawny he is, but I have a sneaking suspicion it has to do with the knife he carries around.

"I should've been the one protecting you," Harry says softly.

I groan and stop walking, making him stop too. "Harry, please stop this guilt-tripping shit. I don't know if that's your intention or not but you're making me out to be this defenseless little girl. I'm fine, I can protect myself. And you don't have any responsibility to play savior either."

He lets go and frustratedly tugs at his hair. "It's not about responsibility, Ellie. I want to be the one who protects you."

"Well, I don't need protecting," I snap. "Harry, if you're going to be remorseful then I don't think I can have you in my life. I've spent years wiping away the past and I don't need you to remind me of it every second." It feels good to get this off my chest. It's then that I realize I'm irked every time he brings up anything about the past. It feels like he's dwelling in it rather than focusing on the future.

If there's one thing Dr. Linda taught me, it's that you can't focus on the past. What happened, happened. All you can do is not repeat those mistakes. Focusing on the future is the only way to truly move on.

And I want to move on. More than anything.

"I'm sorry," he says softly. "I do want to be in your life. I'll behave."

"Good." Relief floods through my body and I resume our walk. He trails next to me but makes no move for physical contact or small talk.

We finally reach the front of my building and I give him a small smile.

"Don't expect me to invite you up," I joke, hoping to ease the tension. If this friendship is going to work, we can't be weird every time we bring up the past. I'm willing to put it all behind us if he is too.

Much to my surprise, he seems relieved. "Of course. Wouldn't want your roommate to have another heart attack."

"Something tells me he'll start tagging along with me more often," I say thoughtfully. I can imagine him coming with me to work for a peek at Harry. Surprisingly, Daff doesn't mind Laine at all. She really likes him for some reason.

Imagine if he found out Harry's my soulmate...

Oh God.

"I know he's gay but that doesn't mean I like him any more. For all I know, he's pretending so he can get closer to you," Harry grimaces.

I wince, thinking back to the time Laine had his revelation. Back when we were dating, I had a mini-freakout when he kept refusing to have sex with me. At first I thought it was because he found me unattractive.

Later he realized he found all girls unattractive - in a sexual way of course.

I try not to take it personally.

"You didn't... you know..." Harry trails, implying sex.

"Harry," I warn. He has no right to know those personal details.

He throws up his hands. "Just curious. Isn't it a friend's job to know all this stuff?"

"That's what Audrey's for." I find myself smirking but also excited. I finally have a best friend to rant to.

Don't get me wrong, Danny's great, but he sweats like a whore in a church when anything remotely sexual is mentioned. I tend to stray away from that topic for the sake of his innocent ears.

"Do I at least get a goodnight kiss?" he asks in a light tone but I can see a hint of seriousness in his eyes. I can't. It would lead him on.

Before I can protest, he swoops down and kisses me on the cheek. I stand there stunned that he can get away with it twice in one day.

"Stop doing that!" I yell at his retreating figure. Without my consent.

~

So, we finally know what happened between Laine and Ellie! I really, really love their banter and relationship <3! It's the same reason I decided to have them be roommates.