I tell Danny everything, ranging from Daff's hidden identity to her and Alex's meddling.

I know it's wrong and it's not my place to tell, but who cares! It wasn't their place to play Cupid and they did. Besides, if he knew all this information, I'd want him to tell me.

And now we both know the hot gossip. We're like old lady coworkers.

Hah!

Daffodil and Alex come out much later. Danny and I exchange glances, silently snickering. When she's had enough of us, she banishes me to the conference room. Little does she know, we continue giggling over Skype.

It's just so mind-blowing, everything about it.

But soon time comes to wrap the day up. Danny and I pack our bags and head down together. I think this is the first time we've left together in a long time.

"So, any fun plans tonight?" I playfully bump my shoulder with his.

"Just me and my bed. You?"

"Me too," I yawn. Today's been draining. "Maybe I'll crack open a bottle of champagne because I wasn't fired."

"I can't believe Alex was the one to save your butt."

"I'll have to keep it in mind," I smirk. "After all, I think he owes me."

Danny laughs, pushing his glasses up his nose. "I don't know about that. Sounds like he's the one who did you a favor." I'm glad he's no longer acting like Harry's a burden on my life. For the longest time, I thought he held it against me.

"Eh," I reply. I'm still wary about the whole meddling thing but I'll have to speak to Harry about that.

We eventually part ways. For once, I brought my car because I had to drive to a million places before work and I wasn't about to do that in my heels. The drive home is peaceful enough to let my mind wander.

I can't stop thinking about Alex. He had purposefully pushed Harry's jealousy moments before he stormed up and kissed me. Would he have done that if Alex didn't push him? Would he have ever kissed me at all? The idea of it scares me, considering I was infatuated by him at that point. The only reason I was holding off was because he was with another girl at the time.

But the insecurity lingers in the back of my mind. Did he kiss me because he was simply marking his territory? Does he actually like me as such or is he just showing a big middle finger to Alex by "stealing" me away?

So many damn questions. Now I kind of wish I didn't know all this. It's a burden. I would've been totally fine not knowing that my love life was part of some elaborate scheme. 

I sigh and shake the thoughts away.

Waking through Harry's lobby is always an experience. I feel like I don't necessarily belong. I feel like everyone knows I'm not the elite, even though they're barely staring at me – I'm just paranoid.

It's only when I finally reach up to his floor do I realize I don't have a key.

"Fuck," I grumble under my breath. I knock on the door, even though I'm unsure as to whether Harry's home. If he's not, I'm not sure what I'll do.

But when the door swings open, it's not my delicious brown-haired boy.

"Zayn!" I say in surprise. My eyes quickly take in his disheveled appearance. His hair is in all kinds of direction and his clothes are slightly wrinkled. Either he's slept in his clothes or just had sex.

I hope it's the former.

"Ellie? What're you doing here?"

"I'm... hold on. What're you doing here? Where's Harry?"

"He's not here," he frowns, stepping aside so I can enter the place. I briskly walk past him and make myself comfortable on the couch. In fact, this is my place from now on so I have every right! Zayn trails behind me and sits on the edge of the couch. "What's up?"

"I could ask you the same." I make it obvious that I'm eyeing his rumpled clothes.

"H asked me to drop off his spare key," he shrugs nonchalantly. "He's kicking me out, I guess."

My brows quirk in amusement. "You still stay here from time to time?"

"Yeah, I rotate."

What? But why? Zayn has more than enough money to get his own place here. What's holding him back?

When I voice my question, he sighs and palms his jaw which is covered in a light stubble. "It's a long story." Before I can pester, he changes the topic. "Anyway, what're you doing here?"

"I live here."

"Damn," he drawls, leaning casually back into the stiff leather couch. "I didn't know you guys were that serious."

"We're not," I quickly reply. "I just needed a place to stay for a little."

Amusement flashes in his eyes. "So you're the reason he's kicking me out."

I shrug. "Guess so."

"You're lucky I like you."

"Yeah, yeah." I roll my eyes. "How are things going with you and Perrie?" It's been weeks since the two got back together, just like Harry and I. From the looks of it, they've been together a lot but I can't really tell with them.

Adoration quickly fills Zayn's eyes and he subconsciously smiles without thinking about it. "Good, yeah. We're taking things slow."

"Good," I smile genuinely. He's been hurting all these years. I hope he can figure his shit out, just as I am.

Well, I thought I had everything figured out. Now I don't know.

Zayn slaps his thighs and stands up. "Alright, I'm heading off. Key's on the counter. Good luck," he winks.

"Thanks," I mumble. I'm not in the mood to humor him right now. All I can think about is my preplanned life. He senses my off mood and takes it as permission to leave. As glad as I am, I'm also a little sad. I've been in my thoughts all day. The most I want to do is not think.

I pull out my laptop to distract myself with work – something I haven't done much since getting back together with Harry.

My Skype icon lights up. I click on it and see Audrey's calling me.

That was fast.

I pick up to see the smiling blond. She enthusiastically waves at me but her eyes soon narrow. "Holy shit, did you get a new place?"

I awkwardly shift my laptop in my lap. "Erm, not exactly."

"Wait," she gasps, sitting up straighter. "That's a nice place! Ellie, don't tell me you're getting cozy at Harry's."

"I am," I sheepishly admit. "I'm living here." The minute the words leave my mouth, I regret it. Even from the grainy camera quality, I can tell Aud's not happy. Just a few days ago she was warning me to not fall too fast or else it'll end in burning me.

But she doesn't let me explain. She goes into her whole fury induced rant. "Ellie Marsh! I thought we talked about this! Didn't we decide to have a nice chat with Harry before you dove into something serious?! You've moved in with him after weeks of dating! It hasn't even been a full month yet! Jesus, El. You're putting feelings over logic. Do you even know what you want from him? Because the next step after moving in together is marriage... if that's what you both want. You haven't even revealed this to the public! The accusations and pressure will drive you absolutely mad."

"Aud–"

She holds up a hand. "Listen to me. I'm saying this because I care for you  There's a reason you guys didn't work out. Lack of communication, lack of wanting the same things. I know you've both grown but do you guys even want the same things? You need to have these talks, El. If you don't, you'll fall harder and it'll ultimately hurt when you break up because you have different needs."

"I know!" I squeeze out before she can continue. She pauses, a bewildered look in her eyes. I take this as the cue to continue. "I'm not moving in with him permanently. My apartment flooded and I had no where else to go."

Her face crumbles in guilt. "Shit. I'm sorry."

I wave a dismissive hand, knowing I could've worded things better. "It's okay. But, you're right. I also think we're moving too fast. That's exactly why I'm here as his roommate. I'm splitting the rent, sleeping in my own room, and buying groceries."

Her perfectly shaped brows raise in surprise. "Your own room?"

I blush, knowing that wasn't the case last night. Even though we didn't really do anything dirty (until the morning) it was still intimate enough.

"Yeah," I answer.

Her lips quickly twist into a smirk. "Well, that's interesting. So what, you just have sex and then leave?"

I shrug, "Guess so." We haven't worked out the logistics of it all but I'm assuming that is where it'll lead to.

"Interesting," she muses. "Well, anyway. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks," I sigh, massaging my temples. "I need to find a new place though. Laine's gone so I either need to find a new roommate or live in a cheaper spot, which would suck considering all the cheap places are dumps."

"Hey, you'll figure it out." Her features softens as she stares at me through her camera. For a moment, I wish she was here face to face so she could tell me this in person. I need a hug from her right about now.

"Thanks," I sigh.

She's not here in person right now but I do know of someone who can help me forget.

~~~

"It's been so long since I've gotten drunk," I slur, tipping my glass back to finish off the contents.

Besides me, Perrie giggles in her tight dress. "Drunk enough to finally say what's gotten you so down?"

I purse my lips in thought before nodding. "Definitely," I grin.

Perrie and I are at a nearby club, drinking away at the bar. We danced a lot but someone had to invite her protective boyfriend so the dancing stopped once Zayn got uncomfortable with the amount of men trying to grind with us. I know I'm not his responsibility but I think he was looking out for me on Harry's behalf.

He's also given us enough space so us girls can talk freely. Thank god for that. I don't want him to hear my relationship issues with his friend.

So for the past hour, we've been upping on booze until I gain the courage to talk freely and forget at the same time. It's pretty lame considering I kicked the whole alcoholic thing but desperate times call for desperate measures.

After downing a margarita, I finally feel ready to speak. "It's all a lie," I laugh out of the blue. 

"What is?" Perrie asks, leaning to the side so she can hear me over the techno music blasting.

"Everything. Everything with Harry was premeditated."

"What are you talking about?" She sounds exasperated with my lack of context.

"I found out that my very own boss and his friend have co-conspired together to bring us together," I say, half in disbelief. The other half is too drunk to care.

Why'd I give up alcohol in the first place?

"Damn," she whistles. "Ayo, another shot for my friend!"

We both giggle and all the terrible feelings inside of me temporarily disappear. Shot after shot, we take them like water.

Perrie's fun. I like her. She reminds me of my old self who lived to party. She's wild, reckless. It makes me wonder how she is without Zayn watching over her every move. Or is she acting out because she knows she has someone to care for her?

She doesn't limit me. In fact, she encourages me to drink more. And I enjoy it.

I know it's wrong and that I shouldn't resort to alcohol as a distraction but that seems like a tomorrow problem.

"I'm going to dance," I yell over the music. She nods, her eyes closing slightly.

But before I can wobble over to the dance floor, an arm wraps around my waist. Zayn looks down at me with a straight face. "I think it's time I get you home."

"I don't wanna," I pout.

Zayn pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration. I can tell I'm testing his patience right now but I'm not his problem.

"No. Harry will kill me if you get into trouble. Come on, let's go."

My pout reminds as he drags me over to Perrie. She instantly latches on to his side and he balances us both as we walk to his car. She takes shotgun while I lie down in the backseat.

He turns to me with a wary expression. "I swear to god Ellie, if you puke..."

"Pfft, I won't," I say even though my stomach feels like a margarita mixer. Yup. Maybe I should sit up and close to the window.

He lets out a breath and mumbles something about not believing me. The blood rushing to my head really drowns out everything.

"Zayn?" I call out halfway through the drive.

"What?"

"Are Sophia and Liam not together anymore?" The question's been lingering in the back of my mind for quite some time.

"She found her soulmate," is his answer. Huh. I figured as much. It's a shame, I'll miss her. Maybe one day we'll cross paths again. I nod because a wave of nausea stops me from speaking.

"Ellie, you go hard," Perrie giggles, turning her head to look at me. My face against the cool leather seat doesn't phase her in the least.

"Oh, she was a mega partier back in the day," Zayn beams proudly.

"Yes," I hold up a finger, "back in the day. Not anymore. I can't handle my liquor well." To prove my point, a hiccup shakes my body.

She snickers while Zayn chuckles in amusement. I close my eyes and try to relax my body but it's hard. My stomach is swishing around, my heart is pounding with adrenaline, the blood's rushing to my ears, and I feel dizzy.

It's actually kind of lovely.

"Lovely," I echo with a giggle. "So, so lovely."

The car stops. When I pop my eyes back open, I see both Zayn and Perrie turned around, staring at me in amusement. I stretch my hands between the gap of their seats and boop their noses – or so I think. I don't noses usually feel so hairy or wet.

Hah! Harry and hairy are homophobes. No, wrong word. Homosapeins? Homo...sexuals?

What am I going on about again?

"You two are so lovely. Zayn, you're so dark and dangerous. Perrie, you're so angelic and fun," I grin at them before sitting upright. "Alright, this is my stop. How much do I owe you, Mr. Uber sir?"

"Don't worry about it," he says in a light tone. "Do you need me to help you up?"

"No! Hell no! I'm a strong, independent woman! Plus I enjoy the looks the doorman gives me. It's like he knows I'm a mess and enjoys it."

"You go, Ellie! Erm, not about the mess stuff but about you being independent," Perrie cheers.

Grinning, I lean over and kiss her on the cheek. "Thanks, girlfriend." I then turn to Zayn with a wicked smile. "Sorry I stole your girl."

"You're so drunk," he muses.

"Am not!" I say defensively as I try the door handle. It doesn't budge. Turning back to Zayn with narrowed eyes, I say, "Unlock the car, you idiot!"

"Ellie, it is unlocked. You're touching the window button."

Sure enough when I look over, the window to his Audi is half down. "Sorry I don't understand high-tech cars," I grumble before reaching over the window and opening the car door from the outside. When it gives way, I nearly fall forward. I manage to steady myself as I graciously exit the car.

Zayn's full-on laughing by this point. I'm not sure why so I just wave at him before making my way to the door of Harry's building.

"Good evening, Mr. Doorman," I nod to the doorman as he opens the doors for me.

He doesn't respond.

I stumble past him with a salute. I'm pretty sure he rolls his eyes at me. As if! He's the stupid doorman and I'm a tenant here! I should be proud.

I jut out my chin confidently and keep it straight as I walk into the elevator. I don't think I look as gracious as I feel but it's the thought that counts. But as soon as those steels door close, I let my body relax. My feet start hurting so I take off my heels and hold them. The plush carpet in the hallway feels good between my toes.

When I get to Harry's door, I dig out my key from my clutch. Thank god Zayn gave this to me earlier. I nearly trip over my two feet as I shut the door behind me.

"Where were you?"

"Jesus!" I clutch my hand over my heart as I glare at Harry. He's sitting on the couch tensely. "You scared me."

"Are you drunk?" A furrow forms between as he strides up to me. I attempt to stand taller which results in me leaning. Right away his hands go to my hips to steady me. "You are, aren't you?"

"Yes sir," I grin, eyes shining up at him. "But don't worry, I didn't dance with anyone else."

His jaw clenches. "Do you want to tell me why Alex was calling me asking if you were alright? As if he knew something was up?"

Ugh. Of course he has to come up in conversation again. I just want to forget about him for five minutes. Is that too much to ask?

I wiggle out of his grip and fall back into the couch. My heels are no longer in my hands. God knows where they are now. My head leans back on the couch cushion and my eyes squeeze shut. A few seconds later I feel the couch dip. He's close but not touching distance.

"Don't listen to Alex. Don't listen to a single word he says," I laugh bitterly. A hand places itself on my thigh.

"Ellie, I'm asking you again. Where were you?" His voice resonates a controlled patience.

He's upset.

Join the motherfucking club.

It pisses me off that he already knows. Zayn obviously told him. He knows and he wants me to admit my wrongdoings.

So what do I do instead? Get defensive.

I shove his hand away and stand up, a little wobbly. "Why do you care? You're not my dad."

He looks up at me in shock. "Yes but-"

I hold up my hand, cutting him off. "No, Harry. You don't get to do this. I'm your roommate and roommates don't keep each other updated on whereabouts."

He stands up, the furrow between his brows deepening by the second. "Ellie, you're so much more-"

"Oh?" A bitter laugh slips through my lips. "What am I, your girlfriend? We haven't defined this relationship because of you." I poke at his rock hard chest. My finger hurts. "You only know about my location because I'm living with you. But don't forget this, Harry. As of right now, I'm your roommate who occasionally has sex with you. There are boundaries."

He recoils as my words send a hit to his heart.

I hate this. I know I'm causing pain but I can't stop. Maybe it's because I'm feeling self-conscious about my place in his life or maybe it's because I'm still reeling over what Alex has done and Harry's an easy target.

But I can't stop.

"God, this is exactly why I didn't want to live with you." I slide my hands into my hair and lightly fist it. "We're moving way too fucking fast."

"Ellie, what the fuck happened?"

A wave of droopiness washes over me. "I'm tired. I'm going to sleep."

Harry scoffs but I titter off before he can say anything. Why? Because I'm terrified that I've fucked everything up. This is our first fight since we've gotten together.

And it's worse that I have a little truth to my statement.

~~~

I don't think I've ever sobered up without sleeping it off.

This was a first.

The entire night, I tossed and turned. Even drunk me knew I crossed a line.

I should've apologized. I should've walked across the hall into his room and apologized a million times as the sun rose.

But as the hours passed, I couldn't find myself moving. Not because I didn't want to, because God I did, but because I felt shitty. Terrible. Like hangover times ten. Maybe it's punishment for breaking my 'no excessive drinking' rule or maybe it's just karma for being an ass.

Sunlight streams through curtains and I moan. The nausea's still there. I don't even have the energy to grab my phone and call Daffodil to tell her I'm feeling worse than death. Hell, I don't even know where my phone is! This is bad, considering I'm already on thin ice. Just yesterday I was seconds away from being fired.

A soft knock comes from my door. I grumble an incoherent response which makes Harry pop his head through the crack. "I know as roommates you're not obligated to know my every move but I'm just letting you know I'm heading down to a meeting," he says, bitterness thick in his voice.

I lift the covers so they're not shielding my eyes. "Harry," I croak out. "I'm sorry."

He sees my regretful expression and quickly rushes over to my side. Even though I hurt him so badly, he doesn't hesitate to console me. He slowly sits on the mattress and I wrap my arms around him tightly.

"I'm so sorry," I repeat. I want to elaborate, to tell him everything, but the bile slowly rising up my throat stops me. I hardly think vomiting on him is fair.

"Are you alright?" he asks. See? He's so sweet.

"Just hungover," I manage to say between heavy breaths.

He slightly pulls away and uses the back of his hand to check my temperature. "You're hot."

"Thanks," I grimly smile.

He's unamused. "I mean you're running a fever."

Oh. That explains it. I thought this was just a terrible hangover. It might just be more than that.

"Do you know where my phone is? I need to call Daff," I ask as a shudder runs through me. Suddenly I feel hot and sweaty but freezing at the same time. He frantically looks around the room before landing on my clutch I lazily disposed of at the foot of the bed.

When he hands me my phone, I sigh in relief. The screen flashes and shows me a lot of calls and messages, most from Harry and a few from Alex. Huh.

I stop myself from dialing the office. My phone trembles in my weak hands. All I can do is pathetically stare at the screen.

"I have to go to work," I declare aloud.

Harry looks at me like I'm mentally deranged. "No, what you need to do is rest."

"I was this" –I pinch the air with my thumb and forefinger– "close to getting fired yesterday. I can't risk it again."

"Daffodil will understand."

"No, she won't!"

He irritably sighs. "Then fuck her. I'll hire you for fuck's sake! Ellie, I need you to lie in bed while you let me take care of you."

Before I can respond, another wave of nausea runs through me. With newfound strength, I bolt to the en-suite and lean over the toilet. All my stomach's contents spill into the porcelain bowl. A pair of hands swoop into my hair and hold it back.

This is so gross.

"Leave me alone," I whine as I rest my face against the cold seat.

Harry uses one hand to rub my back. "I've seen you at worse. Please stay home."

As time goes on my perception weakens. One second I'm hunched over in the bathroom, the rest I'm back on the bed, swaddled in blankets. Harry says something to me but I can't really hear over the sound of my own dread.

He's gone and then he's back again, dabbing something cool against my forehead. I grab his wrist to gain his attention. "Can you call Alex? He'll know what to do," I mumble. When his eyes flash, I sigh. "Just trust me."

The only way Medusa won't fire me after this is if Alex convinces her. She's smitten for him. She'll listen. It's terrible that I'm using him and this will definitely be the last time. I'm just so desperate because I know I can't work today.

Harry reluctantly gives in and grabs his phone. I attempt to hear the conversation between the two but my head feels so light that I can't focus one bit. I do hear blips of the conversation though and it goes roughly like this:

"She told me to call you instead of her boss."

"Fuck off, it's none of your concern."

"Fuck you."

"You bloody bastard."

Yup. I just hope Alex gets the hint to pass the news along to his soulmate.

"Ellie? Ellie!" A hand squishes my cheeks and moves my head from side to side. "Did you eat anything that could've given you food poisoning?"

Did I? No, I've barely eaten.

I think I shake my head but at this point, I'm fighting against the sleep that threatens to take me whole. My whole body aches, I'm hungry and full at the same time, and my throat is so raw from the constant puking.

Ugh. How did I go from having a fun night to this?

As I slip in and out of consciousness, I feel a variety of things happen. Thermometers constantly check my temperature. Warm lips constantly kiss my heated skin. Sweet words (or so I hope) are whispered in my ear. Damp cloths are constantly wiping away the sheen layer of sweat that's coated my body. Pills are popped into my mouth and buckets are ready when I'm puking my guts out.

I'm not sure how long I'm out but all I know is that I'm grateful for Harry. He doesn't have to take care of me. He can just hand me a Tylenol and be on his way but no, he wants to care for me.

And I'll let him.  

At some point where I'm in a brief state of consciousness I feel his arms wrapped around me. I'm buried in his neck, shaking. The scent of him is enough to make me feel comforted.

Oh god, I'm falling deep, aren't I?

"Harry," I whisper with all my strength.

"Shh, don't talk." He strokes my hair.

"Thank you."

Before he can respond, I'm out like a light.

~~~

The next time I pop open my eyes, the oranges of the sunset dance across the open windows.

Two faces lean over me and I let out a surprised squeak.

"Hmm... we definitely stressed her out too much," Alex tsks.

Daffodil scrunches her nose. "Elizabeth, you look god awful. No wonder you didn't come in." She then turns to her soulmate and shakes her head. "I told you we shouldn't have told her! You're always so eager."

"Hey! I'm a romantic," Alex responds, gingerly touching his chest. She rolls her eyes and smacks his arm but I can see the very slight emotion hidden in her eyes. 

She likes him!

If I wasn't bedridden, I would've squealed like a teenager.

"I still don't understand what the bloody hell is going on," Harry moodily mumbles from somewhere in the room.

They both ignore him.

"The poor thing. Don't listen to her, you're still gorgeous," Alex smiles down at me but I can see the pity in his eyes. I don't look that bad... right?

"Go away," I groan, using my arms to shield my ugliness from the world. "And please don't fire me," I add when I realize it's my boss I'm talking to. Alex laughs while Daffodil rolls her eyes at me. She moves away from my line of sight while Alex decides to sit on the edge of the bed – that is until Harry shows up and pushes him away.

"She said to go away," Harry grumbles which makes Alex laugh even harder. The blond pats him on the pack before sitting down anyway. That makes Harry scooch next to me and wrap his arm around my sleeping form.

"Read the room," I huff to him but I still wrap my arms around his body.

"If someone would fucking tell me what's going on."

"Tell him. Tell him! Make him sick just like you made my assistant sick!" Daff snaps at her soulmate. Then she dramatically crosses her arms and storms out of the bedroom.

Alex and I share a look before I cough out a laugh. I'm feeling much better thanks to Harry's nursing skills but I'm not at my best yet.

"Do you want me to tell him?" Alex asks me.

I nod. "Yes, but not here. I think one more nap will have me up and running again."

He nods and goes to the bedroom door, waiting for Harry. Harry turns to me and kisses my forehead.

"You'll be alright, yeah?"

"Yeah," I smile up at him and cup his jaw. "Don't hurt his pretty face though."

"Don't call him pretty."

"You're prettier," I grin. He chuckles and kisses my hand before gently lowering it and snaking out of my arms.

As the two walk away, I fight my droopy eyes. I want to be awake when he comes back so I could comfort him or confront him, whichever's necessary.

It all goes black anyway.

~

Sorry for the wait! My laptop was sent in to be repaired and it just came back yesterday. 

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