EPILOGUE... fanficparker

Standing in front of the large wooden door on a cold Wednesday morning didn't seem like a good idea to Harrison. He tugged the sleeves of his jacket down aggressively in an attempt to keep his cold, clammy hands warm. He was at least one day late for all this. The original plan demanded this step to be taken by Tuesday. Even after a whole extra day of preparations, his heart was still thumping inside his chest which felt so tight that it was even a struggle to breathe.

No, he wasn't just one day late, he was years late.

He pressed the door-bell, letting his heart-rate shoot up. The very next minute, he could hear the sound of muffled footsteps. He clenched and unclenched his fists, inhaling and exhaling alternatively just like you had advised. The clicking sound of door opening hit his ears and the yearning to run away rushed through his veins, but it was too late for that. Tom's brown eyes were already scanning his face.

Harrison opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. There was a lump resting right in the middle of his chest. He clamped his mouth shut, wiping off the sweat dotting his palms over his jeans.

"Who's at the door, Tom?" Another voice came from behind, much heavier than the ones that belonged to the two boys. He knew it could belong to only one person even after all these years of not hearing it, even when it sounded so different than it once used to sound like.

Tom glanced over his shoulder.

"Ah... er... It's Ha-Harri..."He trailed off the words, the last part of Harrison's name was barely audible but the third boy was standing behind him.

The three of them weren't even boys anymore, they were all in their mid-twenties. Men would have been a better word to describe them, yet none of them felt like one. They were all as vulnerable as teenagers.

"Harrison..." Tuwaine was the first one to utter his name properly. "You... You here?"

Harrison breathed in, gulping slowly. He looked over to Tom and still wasn't able to read his expressions. Tom was just staring blankly at him.

Was he even welcomed here?

"Man, you are crying..."

Before Harrison could fall over his knees, Tuwaine had caught him. Tom gasped at the sight as tears trickled down the length of Harrison's face, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

It was happening again. He thought he was over this.

"Come here Tom, hold him. I will get water!" Tuwaine shouted, causing Tom's frozen body to jolt while the bigger boy dragged Harrison inside making him sit on the floor.

"Harrison? Harrison?... Keep breathing..." The words finally left his mouth as he kept a hand behind Harrison's back.

This was the last thing Harrison ever wanted to happen.

Tuwaine came back with a glass of water that Harrison chugged in one go, continuing to breathe as he was made to sit comfortably on the sofa.

Feeling a bit better, he allowed his glassy eyes to roam around the interior. By just looking around at the setup, he could easily tell that the four boys were living together in a shared house just like the one they used to talk about owning in high school. The only difference was that he was no longer a part of that plan.

All these years of solitude. All these years of hiding, trying to change himself, Harrison almost forgot how much he loved the company of his friends. In all these years of telling himself that his new life was a choice, he was only disguising his weakness, his limitations under a fancy word. Choice. None of it was his choice. But what was happening right now, the step he took today was his real choice.

"I am sorry..." He whispered in a froggy voice, eyes landing over Tom's figure. "I really had no intentions. I didn't know you and Shelly---"

"I know," Tom muttered, barely audible.

Harrison tried to repeat his words, "I really---"

"I know Haz. I know." Tom's words were more forceful this time. They really made the blue-eyed boy get engulfed in silence while Tuwaine watched the interaction from the side, not participating in it. Tom took a step closer, standing in front of him.

"I should have..." He paused, trying to find the correct words, "I should have listened to you. Should have believed you... I could have been a better friend."

Tom's throat closed as Harrison looked at him with hopeful eyes, not replying anything.

"I am just glad that you came back. I never thought you will..." He cracked a small smile, looking as hopeful as the other boy.

"... Neither did I"

***

Harrison should have been here by now...

You had sent him all the details of the plane's arrival and he had promised to reach on time but here you were, standing outside the airport with the luggage by your side, waiting for him.

Almost after thirty-three hours of Harrison leaving for London, he had already broken the first rule. And considering that the flight duration was nearly twenty-five hours; it meant that it hardly took him eight hours to type the first text message and send it to you.

Harrison [06:03 pm]:
>> Feeling anxious :'(

You saw the notification pop on your phone screen eliciting a sigh from you followed by a little grin forming on your face. You kept your lipstick aside on the dressing table, picking up the phone and sitting on the edge of the bed.

You [06:08 pm]:
And rule #1 is broken *facepalm emoji* <<

Harrison [06:09 pm]:
>> Sorry
>> But I was sleeping for five hours and you crossed my mind...

Harrison is typing...

>> Maybe if we could keep talking? I promise I'll talk to Tom on Thursday.

You [06:09 pm]:
Why Thursday?! Do it tomorrow!!! <<

Harrison is typing...
Harrison is typing...
Harrison is typing...

You could visualise him pouting and thinking of an excuse and then failing to find any... Your phone screen lit with another message.

Harrison [06:15 pm]:
>> Tuesday.
>> I really need some prep time.

Harrison is typing...

>> btw watcha doing?

You glanced at the time, tapping your fingers across the keyboard.

You [06:18 pm]:
Going for dinner <<

You smiled into the screen, instantly adding—

With mum and dad <<

Harrison is typing...

Harrison [06:20 pm]:
>> FOR REAL??!!

You [06:21 pm]:
Yes FR! <<

Harrison [06:21 pm]:
>> Damn you are fast!!

You giggled reading the text.

You [06:23 pm]:
Yes I am and also good with promises :P <<

Harrison [06:25 pm]:
>> I feel defeted :(
>> defeated*

Harrison is typing...

>> jk
>> btw what are you wearing? Mind sending a pic? ;)

You [06:27 pm]:
Didn't know you were into these things :O <<

Harrison [06:27 pm]:
>> I'm asking for your pic not your nudes *rolling eyes emoji*
>> I'm not that type of guy *rolling eyes emoji x 5*

You break out into a peal of full laughter this time.

You [06:29 pm]:
Okaaayyyy *rolling eyes emoji* <<
wait a min... <<
[ sent 1 photo ] <<

You [06:31 pm]:
How's it? <<

Harrison [06:35 pm]:
>> *heart eyes emoji x 3*
>> Gorgeous!!!!

Harrison is typing...

Harrison [06:37 pm]:
>> But the lipsticks a bit dark
>> Only if I could kiss the excess away...

You [06:40 pm]:
Trying to be cheeky, Osterfield? <<

Harrison [06:41 pm]:
>> Trying to be a boyfriend ;)

Your heart totally didn't skip a beat at that word...

You [06:43 pm]:
Boyfriend huh? *raised eyebrows emoji* <<

Harrison [06:44 pm]:
>> Am I not? :'(

You didn't even know if it was possible to smile so bright and so wide that your cheeks started to hurt. Your eyes flickered at the time displaying on the screen.

You [06:48 pm]:
HOLY SHIT!!! <<
WE ARE TALKING FOR ALMOST AN HOUR NOW!! <<
Getting late g2g! <<

Harrison [06:49 pm]:
>> k
>> See ya & all the best! *thumbs up emoji*

Harrison is typing...

>> Also plz call me after dinner, or whenever you are free <3

You [06:51 pm]:
Sure :) <<
Bye <3 <<

"Really sorry! I totally forgot about the oil leak in my car..." Harrison's voice came, making you flinch at the unexpected interaction.

He emerged from behind you, throwing your bag over his shoulder. The same arm reached for the handle of your suitcase as you try to snatch it away from him. His other hand grabs your protesting hand, interlacing his fingers with yours, sending a pleasant shiver through your body. He hasn't even said hi and was already dragging you and the luggage towards the airport parking.

"Haz---"

"The sky's already dark, it could rain at any time. We need to run..."

A raindrop did fall over your cheek and he increased his pace, practically sprinting as you tried to catch up with him before gazing down at your intertwined hands.

He left your arm, jamming all the luggage inside the car's boot. The rain was pouring by the time you both sat inside the car. He elicited a breathless chuckle, whirling his head to look at you, giving you the opportunity to glance at his face properly for the the first time.

"Now that we are all set..." He staggered forward, startling you with a soft but firm kiss on the lips, foreheads pressed together. He inhaled deeply, taking in your scent as he broke the contact, faces still centimetres apart.

"Missed this..." He grumbled over your lips, face cracking into a satisfactory grin, palm pressing against the back of your head. You opened your eyes while his icy eyes were busy dancing along the soft edges of your face from your eyes to your lips and then back up. The buzz of the kiss was still hot on your lips when he pushed your head forward capturing your bottom lip between his lips. Your hand slipped behind his neck, tugging at his slightly damp curls.

The kiss turned fierce and a complete mess within the next few seconds. Your hands were all over his body, his over yours. The only thing bringing you both back to reality was the car honking from behind. You pulled away with a soft tug to his lips. His eyes fluttered open at the effect, throat releasing a soft chuckle to compensate with all the embarrassment. But you were quick to offer him some more by wiping the spit off his lips with your thumb and sitting back straight as if nothing happened.

Another sound of honking from behind and he was quick to start the car.

***

"Mum is making dinner tonight, especially for you." Harrison smiled as he dropped the luggage in your living room, letting his eyes roam over the flat's interior. He was just here one time before, when he returned your phone (after deleting Simon's message) leading to so much havoc. He doesn't even wish to remember.

"Harrison... You know it's way too fast. I am not ready to meet your family yet..." You said, fidgeting with the sleeves of your jumper, facing your back to him. He shook his head and sneaked behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist and placing his chin over your shoulder.

"Mum's chill ya' know. I have told her a lot about you all this week, basically eaten her ear off," He chuckled. "... She really wishes to meet you," He leaned over your shoulder, closing his eyes and tightening his grip around your waist.

"It's... not that but..."

"But what?" He asked lazily.

"We don't know how long this relationship will last," You felt his body tighten as soon as the words left your lips, a lump settling at the back of your own throat. "We have already involved my family. Do you think it will be a good idea involving yours too?"

He inhaled a sharp breath, loosening his grasp around your body.

"Don't think too ahead in the future... Also, remember how we pulled off in front of your parents on such short notice. Well, basically no notice..." 

You placed your hands over his forearms, turning yourself and facing him. His hands came to clasp themselves behind your back.

"It's different Hazza. We weren't together then." You looked into his eyes, your own flashing with worry. Hesitating for a second, you continued: "What if... What if we get too attached and then suddenly this doesn't work?"

"Don't think too much, love..." He repeated, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat as he swallowed.

"I'd like to think about the future."

"I-I know it's embarrassing..." You added hurriedly, averting your gaze to the side but he placed his hand over your cheek, bringing your line of sight to his face again.

"It isn't. I do too..." He whispered.

You released a breath as his fingers caressed the edges of your face, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind your ear.

"It's okay if you don't wanna meet her. I just..." He paused, chest stiffening with the force he pulled out his next words— "I don't know if this is a forever thing but... I just want you to know that I'll try making it worthy of forever."

Your heart clenched at those words. You leaned into his chest, feeling your tired muscles relaxing in the embrace.

"You should rest though. You look like you would fall on the floor anytime," His chest vibrated as he giggled, planting a kiss on your forehead.

"Mmh..." You pulled back smiling, kissing the corner of his mouth and nodding your head.

He lets you go. It made you contemplate your decision.

"When are we supposed to go?" You nibbled at your bottom lip at the question.

"Go where?"

"To your mum's house... for dinner?" You spoke, pressing your mouth into a thin line.

You saw his sweeping facial features; how his expressions changed from questioning to surprised.

"Really?"

"Really really..."

He jumped on his feet, again engulfing you in a hug, much more powerfully this time.

"You are the best, Y/n!"

You laughed heartily at the words, "Now can I sleep?"

"Yeah sure..." He pulled away, following you.

"Now where are you going?" You asked, stopping mid-way to your bedroom.

"To... take a nap with you?"

"You can't be jet-lagged. Can you?"

"Oh, darling... You know I can't say no to free naps," He yawned. Legit yawned!

"Especially when it's with you..." He winked this time.

.
.
.

Yes, you wanted to think about the future.

But maybe you don't have to think about falling down.

Maybe... You could just fly.

Fly high... with him...

Word count: 2.4k words
Date published: 8 Aug'2020

A/N: I am feeling super nostalgic right now... 

^^ and now is that time...

Thank you so much to everyone who read and supported this fic, it really means a lot to me, especially your beautiful comments. And I am really so grateful for all your patience. I am already working on a new Harrison series (Mob AU! Frenemies to Lovers!). Hope we'll get to read it really soon. Till then you can enjoy my one-shots or any other book :) ~ fanficparker

Total series word count: ~40.35k words 

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