her-thinking-spot

[her-thinking-spot]

Fame Whore: The End

Lorelai Love, she’s an actress, America’s sweetheart and now Harry Styles’ girlfriend! But what happens when the only thing that can save her career is leaving America and Harry? Will they be able stay together and have the happy ending, or will they unravel and lose each other forever? Only one thing is for sure, a year can change everything.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Chapter Fifty Three

           Delaney walked into her new bedroom and sat on the floor. She thought about how life would be from now on. She thought about sitting on her bed and Skyping Niall while he was on tour. She thought about getting dressed every morning and walking out that front door. She asked herself if she missed the old apartment or the house she grew up in, but the answer was no for both. Maybe now she would finally have a house to miss when she grew up.

         “Hey, where do you want this box?” Kelly asked.

         “Anywhere is fine,” Delaney replied with a smile. Kelly and Tyler were helping the sisters move in to their new house. It had been a month since Lorelai had been back from France and it seemed to Delaney that every time she got used to something she would be uprooted once again.

         “Your walls need a new color. This dull blue is not doing anything for the space,” Kelly commented as she looked around Delaney’s new room. She was right, the room was huge but it looked smaller because of the paint.

         “Do you have any suggestions?” Delaney asked. She hadn’t even thought about painting her walls, but now that the idea was there she wanted to.

         “Yellow, definitely yellow.”

         “I think you could be right, Ms. Kelly.” The two had been getting closer lately. Tyler was always hanging out at the apartment and most of the time Kelly would tag along too. Delaney and Kelly had been watching movies, going out to eat, and shopping together. Delaney thought of her as another sister. Kelly thought of her as the little sister she never had.

         “And maybe new carpet,” Kelly suggested.

         “You know, I’ve always wanted wood flooring. It’s not like Lore is going to say no.”

         “I think that would be perfect,” Kelly agreed. The two sat and unpacked Delaney’s boxes and mused about flooring, furniture, and bedding.

           “When are you going to tell him, Lore?” Tyler asked once they had unloaded all of the boxes. They sat on her bed in her new room and stared up at the ceiling.

         “I don’t know. Maybe when the tour is over. I don’t want him to rush home to me. I don’t want him to miss out on anything.” Lorelai placed a hand on her abdomen.

         “Look, Lorelai, you cannot leave this alone. You are going to stress about telling him and that is not what you need right now.”

         “I just want him to live his life, Tyler! I am ruining that for him once again. God, how could I be so careless?” Lorelai had told herself these things over and over when she found out.

“If it were me, I would want to know. He deserves to know.”

“What if he gets angry?”

         “Then he’s an ass.”

         “But what if he resents me later on?”

         “The way he reacts to this will be his own choice; not yours.”

         “I’m not ready for this! I’m just barely turning twenty.”

         “Lorelai, there are always other options,” Tyler said quietly.

         “I can’t do that. Not to Harry’s…” Lorelai couldn’t say the last word.

         “You need to tell him.”

           Delaney wondered why the new house had four bedrooms when only Lorelai and Delaney were living there. One guestroom made sense, but two seemed like a lot. They barely had guests over.

           Lorelai and Delaney stepped off the plane in London. They had left the very next day. Lorelai didn’t explain to Delaney why; she had just said that it would be great if she would go along. Of course, Delaney wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to see Niall. They hustled out the back of the airport and jumped into their town car. Delaney was ecstatic to be surprising Niall but was distracted when she saw how pale Lorelai was.

         “Hey, what’s the deal? You look terrified,” she asked as she grabbed her sister’s hand.

         “I need to tell you something.”

         “Ok, what is it?”

           Lorelai caught sight of Harry and froze. As soon as she stepped into the room he saw her. He felt her. His arms were around her in seconds and she felt warm for the first time in ten days.

         “Baby, oh my God, you’re here! Why didn’t you tell me? Oh my God, I’ve missed you so much. I love you so much!” Harry said in between the kisses he was planting all over her face.

         “H, babe, we need to talk. It’s important,” Lorelai said shakily.

         “I have to go on stage in about one minute, Lore, but can you tell me when I’m done?”

         “Yes, absolutely, H. I will be in the crowd watching you. I love you. I’ve missed you.”

           Niall and Delaney hadn’t stopped kissing since they saw each other. He knew he had to go perform soon, but he didn’t want to let her go. The shell-shocked look on her face was worrying him. He wanted to know what the deal was.

         “Let’s go to dinner tonight,” Delaney pleaded.

         “That sounds great. Are you ok?” he asked. His hands were strong around her waist.

         “I’m good. I just need to talk some things over with you. But don’t worry about it, ok? Nothing is wrong; I swear. Now, do great out there tonight. I’ll be in the crowd,” Delaney said with one last kiss.

         “I love you, Laney,” he said as he walked out the door.

         “I love you too.”

           After the concert, Harry and Lorelai drove to Harry’s house. He had always had a place in London and liked to use it whenever he could. Lorelai had never seen the place and Harry was excited to show it to her.

         They walked inside and Lore’s breath caught in her throat. It was so Harry. It was modern and there was art everywhere. The windows were huge and Lorelai could just imagine drinking her coffee in there on Sundays as the natural light streamed in. She hoped she would have that opportunity.

         “What was it you wanted to talk about?” Harry asked. He looked at Lorelai. She subconsciously placed her hand on her abdomen. He knew.

           Niall and Delaney were sitting in the back of a restaurant in a private room. Delaney liked the idea of being treated like this all the time. Waiters spoke to her like she was important and Niall ordered her wine. She wanted to live like this forever as long as Niall was with her. The only thing that made the night heavy was the news that she had unloaded on Niall.

         “There’s even an extra room at the house. Lorelai has known about it. I had wondered about the room, but it makes sense now.”

“I wonder how Harry’s taking it,” Niall mused as he sipped his wine. He didn’t even really know how he was taking it himself.

         “I know. This is so crazy; they’re so young,” Delaney said and Niall nodded his head in agreement. She continued, “Speaking of young, I’ve made a decision.”

         “Oh yeah? What about?”

         “Sex.”

         “Oh,” Niall coughed.

         “Can we…” she was nervous, “can we wait until I’m eighteen?” she asked. Niall breathed out a sigh of relief.

         “Of course we can wait, Laney. It’s better this way; I want you to be comfortable. There is absolutely no need to rush into these kinds of things.”

         “I knew you would understand,” Laney said with a smile.

         “I’m glad we finally talked about this. It had been weighing on me for a while,” Niall admitted.

         “Me too,” she agreed. The two spent the night eating and drinking and loving.

           “Lorelai?” Harry had tears in his eyes.

         “H,” she replied. Her voice was thick with tears.

         “Are you really…” his voice trailed off at the word.

         “I’m pregnant,” Lorelai finally said. She hadn’t said the words once. Finally she let herself cry. She let herself accept. She let herself feel.

         Harry didn’t say a word. He just went to Lorelai and held her in his arms. His tears were happy ones. Harry was happy.

         “I can’t believe this,” he sobbed.

         “I know. I’m so sorry. I didn’t want this to happen. I understand if you’re mad, Harry. I’m so sorry,” she whimpered. Harry froze.

         “What? No, Lorelai. I am so happy about this. I love you. You are the love of my life. I want this; I want us. I want our baby,” he said with wonder. His hand wandered to her flat stomach and he touched her softly.

         “Really?”

         “Really.”

         “I love you. I love you. I love you,” Lorelai cried in his arms. She could see it now. She could see them having a home and driving their kid to school. She could see them having family dinners and watching movies together. She could see it all with Harry.

           3 Months Later

           Lorelai was watching TV with a plate of apples balanced on her belly. She had started showing about two months ago and since then she was just growing. Delaney had been extremely helpful with the pregnancy; along with Tyler and Kelly. Harry had stayed on tour because Lorelai had made him; so the other three were in a constant flurry around her. Tyler would take her to Lamaze classes and doctor appointments while Kelly and Delaney set about unpacking the house and painting walls. They had set up Lorelai’s room first so that she would be comfortable. Lorelai loved that they were all helping her, but sometimes they treated her like a fragile piece of glass. It was ok though, because she knew that once Harry got back he would be a million times worse. She was enjoying her last few weeks of alone time. But that didn’t mean that she didn’t miss him with every ounce of her growing self. She was pulled out of her thoughts by the sound of her bedroom door opening.

         “Lore?” Harry whispered into the room.

         “Harry? What are you doing here?” she shrieked. She wasn’t expecting him for another day.

         “I got to leave early. Took a flight back as soon as the last show was over,” he said with a goofy smile on his face. He looked at her swollen belly and nearly fell to his knees. She was beautiful. They hadn’t seen each other since she told him she was pregnant. No one was letting her travel because everyone was paranoid.

         Their treatment of her was not totally unfounded, though. Because of all the alcohol and cigarettes and stress Lorelai had subjected her body to her doctor considered her at a bit of risk. He told them that she would probably have to be bed ridden for the third trimester - if not the second as well. Lorelai was trying to be positive, but without Harry there it was tough.

         “I’ve missed you, Harry. I’m scared.” Harry’s heart broke when he heard the words. He had been trying to remain positive, but without her with him he couldn’t do it.

         “I’m scared too; so scared. But I know that I love you and I know that we will be ok. I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you and I know that you can do this. I believe in this.” He crawled into the bed beside her and placed his hand on her stomach.

         “I love you.”

                  The next day, Lorelai and Harry stood on the steps of City Hall and kissed. Niall and Delaney clapped. Kelly and Tyler cheered. The paparazzi went crazy. Security surrounded them and watched Lorelai like hawks. No one wanted the paparazzi near her. The happy moment lasted forever and only a second before they were dragged back to reality. Harry wanted Lorelai out of there.

         “Where is the car?” Harry shouted as he held Lorelai.

         “Right here!” Lorelai’s security guard shouted. She had rehired a security guard as soon as she knew she was pregnant.

         They walked swiftly to the car as security yelled at the paparazzi to stay away. Lorelai clutched her belly and tried to stay calm through it all. As soon as all six of them were in the car they were smiling again.

         “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Styles!” Delaney cheered. They popped sparkling apple cider in the back of the car and drank to the happy couple. Lorelai looked down at her ring. It was huge. She hadn’t even expected a ring from Harry when she suggested that they get married the next day, but he had pulled it out of his pocket before she could finish the sentence. It was a silver band with a baguette shaped diamond. It was beyond what she could have ever expected.

         “I love you, Lorelai Styles,” Harry said with a kiss.

         “I love you, Harry Styles,” Lorelai replied.

           2 Years Later

           “How are you doing, baby?” Harry asked.

         “Good!”

         “Are you hungry?”

         “Yes!”

         “Do you want some spaghetti?”

         “Yes!”

         Harry fixed a plate for his daughter: Lennon. Lorelai sat at the table and ate her own plate of spaghetti. She looked at her life. She looked at her husband. She looked at her daughter. Everything was right.

         Harry had quit One Direction once Lennon was born. He knew he couldn’t work as much as the band needed him to and raise his daughter the way he wanted to. Both of them hadn’t worked since she was born, but Harry was starting his plans to open a recording studio. Lorelai knew he would do great.

         The phone rang and Lorelai got up to get it while Harry and Lennon ate together. Delaney was on the line.

         “Hello?” Lorelai answered.

         “Sister!” Delaney responded.

         “How’s it going?” Lore asked.

         “Good! We just unpacked the last box. Niall’s been a goofball,” she sighed happily. Delaney had turned eighteen yesterday and was already moved in with Niall.

         “I’m glad. We’re eating dinner right now. Lennon says hi.”

         “Well tell the little sunshine that I love her,” Delaney replied. She was proving to be an amazing aunt.

         “Harry and Lennon say they love you and Niall.”

         “Tell Harry I love him and I love you Lore.”

         “Love you too, Laney. Have a nice night.”

         “You too, bye.” They hung up and went back to their separate lives.

         Later that night, as Lorelai and Harry lied in bed, Lorelai thought about how far she had come and she smiled.

         “I love you, H.”

         “I love you, Lore.”

[her-thinking-spot]

Fame Whore: Chapter Fifty Two

Lorelai Love, she’s an actress, America’s sweetheart and now Harry Styles’ girlfriend! But what happens when the only thing that can save her career is leaving America and Harry? Will they be able stay together and have the happy ending, or will they unravel and lose each other forever? Only one thing is for sure, a year can change everything.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Retrouvailles (French):  fait de se réunir de nouveau avec des gens dont on était séparé.

  Meeting or finding someone again after a long separation; rediscovery.

             “Well holy shit.”

         “Hi guys,” Lorelai said with a wave. She was terrified of how Delaney would react. Harry, with his arm around her shoulders, was the only one that knew she was shaking.

         “Long time, no see,” Delaney sighed, turning away from the pair. Niall placed his hand on her arm, keeping her grounded.

         “Sorry doesn’t cover it,” Lorelai offered.

         “Do you plan on leaving anytime soon?” Delaney asked softly.

         “Nope. I am here to stay.” That was all it took for the sisters to be back as they were. They hugged tightly and let go sooner than they both would like, for fear of tears.

         That night, the group of four ate on the floor of Lorelai Love’s living room and slowly found their way back to each other.

           Lorelai and Harry slept in Lorelai’s bed together for the first time. The sheets were cool and familiar against her skin; his hand was hot on her waist. The curtains were open and the moon clawed at the window, asking to be let in. They fell into a feverish sleep.

  I was sitting on a chair, but could not feel its metal beneath my skin. The air in the dark room was stale and no details could be picked out. From the other side of the table, shrouded in darkness, a hand reached towards me.

“Pick a card.” The voice was a whisper in my mind. I obeyed.

When I looked at my card, it was an ace of hearts. My eyebrows scrunched together as I waited for an explanation. I was not disappointed.

“Ace of hearts,” the voice purred, “how funny. The ace tells me that you need clarity; your life is brimming with ambiguity. The hearts ask me what your lover’s name is.”

With that, the lights were turned on and the room was gone. I was back in bed.

  When she woke up, sunlight was spilling through her window and staining her carpet. Harry’s eyes watching her eyelids as they opened. He still had his arms around her, but his forehead was sweaty.

“I had a weird dream,” Lorelai whispered.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, but it wasn’t really important. Doesn’t matter,” she mumbled, tasting the word ambiguous in her mouth.

“Let’s go eat some breakfast,” Harry said, ignoring her protests and dragging her off the bed.

The pair walked downstairs; Harry in boxers and Lorelai in an old t-shirt. When they saw Niall and Delaney in the kitchen Harry immediately (and ineffectively) covered his chest with his hands while Lorelai pulled her shirt down.

“Damn guys, put some clothes on,” Niall shouted with a laugh. He was wearing sweatpants and a tank top while Laney was dressed in some of Niall’s boxers and a t-shirt.

“Sorry, I’ve forgotten how to live with… people, really.” Harry laughed at Lorelai’s comment and ignored the bad taste it put on his tongue.

“It’s fine, we were just gonna go watch some tv,” Delaney said, dragging Niall out of the room.

Once Harry and Lorelai were alone they started putting together breakfast: eggs (sunny-side up) and toast. She liked feeling domestic with Harry, like the idea of them living a normal life. The feeling nagged at her, telling her to chase it, keep the feeling.

“Harry, can we talk?”

“Of course.”

“You know how I said I didn’t want to be who I used to be; well I meant it. I think we should move. Not very far, but I just don’t think the city is a good place for me.” She quickly plated the eggs she was making and handed the plate to Harry. Her fingers were itching to cross themselves – hoping he would agree – but she kept them curled into fists.

“Ok. Where do you have in mind?” he asked slowly.

“Connecticut?” She had been thinking about this a lot lately. Connecticut was perfect; it was still near New York – so Delaney wouldn’t have to go very far – and it was quiet.

“Connecticut, huh? I think that would be a very good thing for you.” His use of you instead of us scared Lorelai more than she wanted to admit.

“When are you going back to work?” Lorelai asked instead of voicing her fears.

“Tomorrow,” he said quietly, not making eye contact. Lorelai choked on the word.

“Tomorrow… How ugly,” she whispered, grabbing a carton of cigarettes and walking out to her balcony. She had the cigarette between her lips when she realized she had forgotten a lighter. Before she could go get one, Harry was lighting her cigarette for her.

“I thought you didn’t like it when I smoked.”

“You deserve a cigarette right now… And it’s kind of sexy.”

“Me killing my lungs is sexy?”

“You with anything between your lips is sexy.” His words lit Lorelai on fire. She was his cigarette and she was burning for him.

“We haven’t had sex since you gave me the ring,” Lorelai said, taking a slow drag.

“Yeah..” They were back in Lorelai’s room and wrapped around each other in seconds.

  “They’re fucking,” Delaney groaned, covering her ears.

“I was wondering when that would happen,” Niall laughed.

The two went to sit outside with warm coffee mugs in their hands. Sex weighed heavy on her mind. Was she ready? Were they ready? She wanted to, but did not know if it would be a regret if she did now. She was only 16.

The words ‘only 16’ swirled around Niall’s head constantly. He loved being in a relationship with her. He loved keeping her safe. Hell, he loved her. But she was only 16. Age was always an issue for them, but they had seemingly gotten over that after Paris. That is, until sex was brought into play. Niall having sex with Delaney would actually be illegal; a fact that Niall knew well. The age of consent in New York was 17 – definitely not 16. He wiped his mind clean of the thoughts when she grabbed his hand.

“Hi,” she whispered, sipping her coffee.

“Hi,” he whispered back.

“I think Lore and I are going to move soon,” she sighed, looking away from Niall.

“Why?”          “Because I know her. She can’t stay here. I think she wants to be somewhere quiet; somewhere like France.”

“You think you guys are moving to France?”          “Yes.. No… I don’t know. Maybe?”

“Oh.” They sat in silence after that. Their thoughts choked them as the wind stroked their hair and cooled their coffee.

  Lorelai and Harry lied in her bed when they finished. He held her close and she played with his hair as they came down.

“I don’t want you to go back to work tomorrow,” Lorelai mumbled, turning her face into the crook of his neck.

“I don’t want to go back. But the boys have been picking up my slack for a month now and I feel bad about it.”

“I know. I’m just being selfish.”

“We’ll figure it out.”

“Yeah? Together?” Lorelai asked. Since he showed up at her doorstep in Alsace, she had no idea if he wanted to really be with her again.

“I’m not letting you go again,” Harry answered, putting her fears to rest.

“We should lay some ground rules,” Lorelai suggested, making him laugh.

“Ok, I’ve got one: no engagements.”

“Good one! I’ve got another: no getting angry about the other person’s work.”          “Another good one! How about: we have to talk to each other at least once a day. Oh, and: no fake relationships.” Lorelai gasped, she had no idea that he knew.

“How did you know?” she asked, her eyes wide.          “I could tell… and at the movie premiere, during an interview, Tyler said you had been together for two months; you had been back for five.”

“I knew you would notice, you bastard. I can never have any secrets from you, can I?” she joked, kissing his neck.

“Not a chance. I see right through you, Miss Love.”

“What’s going to happen to us when I move to Connecticut?”

“I could visit a bunch; sleepovers and whatnot. We could go on holiday together. You could come see me on tour,” he slipped. Tour was not supposed to be mentioned yet.

“Tour? Like, future tours or what?”

“Well, no. The boys and I are going on tour soon. I wanted to wait to tell you, but it just kind of slipped out. Are you mad?” he said timidly, afraid of her reaction.

“We said we wouldn’t get mad over work, so I’m not. But, I am scared.”

“I know, me too.”

“Maybe this is good. We can see if we’re good far apart; like a test.”

“Will you visit me?” he asked, pulling her closer.

“Of course… by the way, how soon is soon?” She was afraid of the answer.

“20 days,” he murmured, closing his eyes tightly.

“Shit.”          “I know.”

  The next day, Tyler was sitting with Kelly and watching TV when he heard a knock on the door. Confused, he went to answer. Nothing could have prepared him for the faces on the other side.

Lorelai and Delaney stood starring at Tyler for a good ten seconds before he invited them in. Lorelai stopped in her tracks when she saw Kelly curled up on the couch. Kelly bit her lip and waved to her.

“Hey,” Lore said, a strange feeling of embarrassment pricking at her skin,

“You’re back. Did you figure things out?” Kelly asked as Lorelai sat beside her.

“Currently figuring them out,” Lorelai explained. Tyler and Delaney sat down on the chairs in the room.

“So, you really are back than?” Tyler started slowly, wondering why they were here.

“Yup, back for good,” Lorelai noticed Delaney raise her eyebrows when she said that and decided to ask her about it later.

“But what are you guys doing here?” Tyler asked.

“Tying loose ends,” Lorelai answered while Delaney nodded.

“Ok,” Tyler said, prompting them to continue.

“Can I start?” Delaney cut in before Lore could speak. She nodded her consent and Laney began.

“Tyler, I am so sorry that I yelled at you the other day. I was seriously a bitch. You didn’t deserve that. I was just so frustrated and tired of being lonely and left behind. I really am sorry. I didn’t mean anything I said. You’re like my brother and I feel like shit for what I did,” she let out in a rush, hoping he would understand.

“I know, Laney. I’m sorry too. I should have checked on you more. I should have stuck around. I guess we’ve all kind of fucked up lately.”

“So, we’re good?” Delaney asked, a smile on her face.

“We never weren’t,” Tyler answered, putting his hand on her shoulder.

“My turn,” Lorelai said with a nervous laugh. All eyes were on her when she started. “You both have showed me more kindness than I ever deserved. Kelly, first of all, thank you for making me realize I was fucking up. Second of all, I am so sorry that I ruined your wedding. I am so sorry I caused all of that. You gave me friendship when the only thing you should have given me was a cold shoulder,” they all laughed quietly at that. “Just, thank you. Thank you so much for being a better person than I could ever be,” she finished with a deep breath, meeting Kelly’s eyes with her own.

“Thank you. And, Lorelai, you didn’t ruin my wedding – we all did,” she said with a wink, hugging Lorelai quickly. When they separated Lorelai looked at Tyler and knew she had to talk to him alone. He was her biggest mistake.

“Can we go outside?” Lorelai asked him quietly. He nodded stiffly and they walked out to his balcony. By habit, Lore took out a cigarette and lit it once they were sitting.

“You smoke now,” he said it like a statement, like nothing from her surprised him anymore. Like no act of self-destruction from her was a shock.

“I was also a barely-functioning alcoholic while I was in France, but this isn’t about me.”

“Ok, continue,” he coaxed.

“I really messed up, ya know? I freaked out and ran away from everything. I didn’t tell you goodbye, you had to figure that out yourself. I stayed with you when I knew it was over. I did so many wrongs to you and you were still my friend through it all. I just… I am really sorry for all that I did to you. No one deserves that.

“I also wanted to say thank you. Thank you for taking care of me when I was so close to rock bottom I could reach out and touch it. Thank you for dealing with me pouting over a boy for months. And finally, thank you for making me remember how to love others and myself. You’re the best friend I have ever had.” By the end of it, her voice was shaky and her eyes were misty. Tyler was silent for a few seconds before he wrapped her in a hug. She dropped her cigarette and he stepped on it, wishing she wasn’t so self-destructive.

“I still think of you as my best friend,” Tyler whispered, hugging her tighter.

“Ditto,” she whispered back, laughing in his arms.

“I’ve missed you,” he said, releasing her.

“I’ve missed you too, big guy.”

“I’m with Kelly now,” he said unnecessarily.

“I know,” she laughed, ”I’m happy for you – for both of you.”

“So are you and..” he trailed off, not wanting to say his name if they weren’t together.

“Yes, we are. We need each other, you know, in a pathetic kind of way.”

“I don’t think it’s pathetic… but maybe a bit caustic?”

“Caustic is definitely the right word,” she agreed, flicking on her lighter as a tangible example.

“You’ll be more careful this time, right?” he asked, still worried about the fragile girl beside him.

“Right. I’m planning on moving, too. Looking at a small town in Connecticut. It would be a good change for Laney and I.”

“That’s great - as long as you visit.”

“The same goes for you, buddy.”

“Speaking of Laney, is she still with Niall?”

“Still going strong. When I got home they were making out on my kitchen counter,” she grimaced.

“Do you think… Do you think they’ve had sex?” he asked, afraid of the answer.

“I’m scared to ask,” she admitted, shutting her eyes tightly.

“Shit,” he said, rubbing his jaw. They were both fiercely protective of her and terrified of her growing up too fast. The thought of her having sex was upsetting, to say the least.

“I’m going to talk to her about it today, and about moving. I’m scared of how she’s going to react. I don’t want her to think I’m running away again.”

“It’ll be fine, Lore. Just be honest with her and it will be all right.”

“You’re right, thank you.” The pair hugged once more before going back inside. Lorelai felt lighter than she had in months. Maybe this time, it would all be ok.

  Lorelai and Delaney were driving back to their house when she brought up moving to Connecticut. Surprisingly to Lorelai, Laney looked relieved when she said ‘Connecticut.’ In a rush, Laney admitted to thinking they were moving back to France. Lorelai cringed at the thought, never wanting to run away like that again.

“I’m here with you for good, Delaney. Don’t doubt that,” she reassured, squeezing her sister’s hand.

“Good,” Laney replied, squeezing back.

“So, I have something else I need to talk to you about.. Have you and Niall had sex?” she asked quickly. Just like ripping off a bandaid.

“No!”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure!”

“Ok, I’m glad.”

“But lately,” Lorelai groaned, not wanting to hear about her sister’s intimacy but knowing she had to, “things have been awkward. Everything feels more sexually charged than it did before. He’s not pressuring me at all, hell he hasn’t even brought up sex. It’s just that I can feel the sexual frustration when we’re together... and a lot of it is from me. I’m just really confused right now.”

“That’s normal, Dee. You need to talk to him about it.. Can I just give you some advice?”

“Yes, please.”

“I had sex with Josh when I was 16 and he was much older than me – just like you and Niall. I regret having sex with him because I was too young. I didn’t know what it really meant to be with someone like that. I just don’t think you’re ready for that step. It’s a big thing and it’s great, but waiting makes it even better.”

“I just love him a lot and he was there for me when no one else was. I want to be close to him like that.”

“I get that, totally. I’m just worried that things are moving too fast for you. You are only sixteen.”

“Don’t worry, I am very aware of my age.”

“Just promise you’ll tell me when it happens and hand-to-God if you aren’t safe I will beat the both of you two.”

“Deal,” Laney laughed, relieved to be done with that conversation.

They walked through the front door and Niall scooped Laney up for a hug. Lorelai called out Harry’s name as she walked up to her room, but she already could tell he was not there. There was a note on her pillow. Harry had never really caught on to texting.

Had to talk to managers. Love you.

She sat on the bed by herself. Undressed by herself. Took a nap by herself. She was so scared this was what life would be like from now on.

[her-thinking-spot]

Fame Whore: Chapter Fifty One

Lorelai Love, she’s an actress, America’s sweetheart and now Harry Styles’ girlfriend! But what happens when the only thing that can save her career is leaving America and Harry? Will they be able stay together and have the happy ending, or will they unravel and lose each other forever? Only one thing is for sure, a year can change everything.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Harry carried the trash bag out of the house when it was starting to get dark. He had cleared her house of all alcoholic contents – even her drinking glass. The day had been exhausting, but so worth it. Just being near her again made him feel calmer than he had in a long time. His eyes kept shifting back to the house while he hefted the trash into the large trashcan. He was terrified that Lorelai would be gone by the time he got back inside.

         Lorelai sat on her kitchen counter. She had watched as Harry methodically threw away her bottles. Her face had been blank as it was now and the only clue to her real emotions was the constant tapping of her nails against the countertop. She barely cared about the alcohol, now that Harry was with her, and that terrified her.

         He walked back into the house with a desperate look in his eyes that disappeared as soon as he saw Lorelai sitting in the same spot as he left her. He sat down on her living room sofa and tilted his head back, breathing a sigh of relief.

         “Now what?” Lorelai asked, lying down on top of the counter.

         “I’m not sure.”

         “Oh.”

         “I could leave, if you want.” He had no intentions of leaving.

         “We can talk about this later,” Lorelai sighed, letting her eyes drift shut. She let the woosh of the fan lullaby her to sleep and Harry followed suit.

           “Tyler, why are you awake?” Kelly asked, gathering the sheets around her as she sat up in bed.

         “Oh. I’m sorry, babe. Did I wake you?” he asked while he pulled his legs through his pants.

         “It’s fine, hun. But why are you up?”

         “I kind of have plans for breakfast with Delaney.”

         “Oh?”

         “Yeah, I just wanted to catch up with her since it’s been so long. She was like a little sister to me and all..” Tyler explained, hoping Kelly wouldn’t be too mad.

         “I’m just surprised you haven’t gone sooner,” Kelly said, grinning at her boyfriend. It was moments like these that made Tyler fall more and more in love with Kelly.

         Getting together had been as easy as breathing for the pair. Things had just fallen into place after their first night together. Kelly started staying at Tyler’s flat because she didn’t want to have to go back to her old house with Harry. After a while, she just went to pick her stuff up and officially moved in with Tyler. The two were far from perfect, and Kelly was totally ok with that.

         “Thanks, Kels. Do you want me to bring anything back for you? We’re meeting at Starbucks.”

         “Yeah, a drink would be great. You know my order,” she murmured as she snuggled back under the covers and fell back to sleep. Tyler smiled because he did indeed know her order - a venti iced coffee with milk and two packets of sugar - and that made him tremendously happy.

         “Bye, doll.”

           Delaney woke up alone and groggy. The bed she was in felt too big without Niall, but she had no choice. Slowly, she got up and started getting ready for her meeting with Tyler. She was dreading this. Tyler was one of the multiple people that had disappeared from Delaney’s life in recent times and she was not looking forward to seeing him again.   

         She was pulled out of her thoughts by the sound of a Skype call from her laptop. Smiling, she accepted Niall’s video chat request.

         “Good morning, Laney,” Niall said. His hair was messy and his voice was thick with sleep. Delaney had never seen anything more perfect.

         “Morning, sunshine,” she said with a yawn, stretching her arms up.

         “So, what are you up to today?” Niall asked.

         “I’m meeting up with Tyler.”

         “Are you nervous?”

         “Not necessarily nervous, more like anxious.”

         “It’ll be ok. Just call as soon as you two are done. We can talk about it.”

         “Ok, babe. Thank you,” Delaney said. She was rifling through her drawers, trying to pick out an outfit.

         “Wear something casual – like an oversized shirt with leggings – and put your hair up.”

         “Good idea, I’ll look like I don’t care as much,” she agreed, pulling out a loose gray shirt and her black leggings.

         “I just think you look hot when you wear that.” They both laughed, but Niall shut up as soon as she pulled her shirt over her head. Of course he had seen her in her bra and underwear, but this was the first time he saw her without a bra. She didn’t notice his reaction and continued undressing. Niall had no idea if she knew what was going on.

         “Babe…” he croaked, biting his tongue.

         “Yeah?” she asked, finally looking over at him.

         “You’re uh.. you’re not,” she looked down at her chest, “yeah.”

         “Oh! Um, sorry?” She wasn’t really sure how to react to her accidental nudity.

         “I mean, no need to apologize,” Niall joked awkwardly. So obviously, neither of them knew how to react.

         “I’m gonna put a shirt on.”

         “Good idea.”

         The pair hung up quickly after that and both were conflicted about what had happened. Delaney liked Niall seeing her like that, but wasn’t sure if she was ready. I mean, come on, she was only 16. Niall really liked seeing Delaney like that, but he was scared to show it because he didn’t want her feeling pressured. Rough times, mate.

         Delaney walked into the Starbucks and saw Tyler sitting at a table. Her pulse quickened with nerves as she walked toward him. Tyler stood up when he saw her, two cups of coffee were in his hands and a timid smile was on his face.

         “Hey, Laney.”

         “Hi, Ty.” The pair shared smiles at the greeting and sat down across from each other.

         “I’m sorry I took so long to reach out to you,” Tyler started, looking down at his hands.

         “It’s ok. We’ve all had a lot of adjustments to make lately; I thought it would be best to give you time to make yours,” Delaney stated matter-of-factly (she had been figuring out what to say the entire walk over).

         “Laney, babe, don’t lie.”

         “Fine than. Fuck you. Fuck you all. Everyone thought it would be ok to just leave me, didn’t they? Well, it isn’t. It really isn’t,” she spit, staring Tyler right in the eyes.

         “I’m so sorry. I just didn’t know how to talk to you after she left. I didn’t know if you still wanted me to talk to you.”

         “So you decided that instead of asking me – like any other normal person – you avoided me. Great strategy.”

         “I’m really fucking sorry, Delaney. Ok?”

         “Fine.”

         “Obviously not.”

         “You’re right. I’m leaving. Oh, and don’t call me babe.” And she walked out of the Starbucks, leaving Tyler and her coffee behind. It wasn’t her order anyway.

                  “Harry, wake up. Come on, H. Get up,” Lorelai pleaded, shaking his shoulder. She had woken up on top of the kitchen counter very cold and with a massive crick in her neck. When she looked at the clock it was nine in the morning, so she decided to pick up breakfast for them and let Harry sleep a bit longer.

         “Baby?” Harry sighed, opening his eyes. His use of the pet name made Lorelai’s heart pound.

         “Morning, glory,” Lorelai joked, shaking the bag of pastries she had picked up.

         “How’d you sleep?”

         “On the kitchen counter,” she deadpanned.

         “I didn’t say where, I said h – on the countertop?”

         “Yeah,” she laughed, nodding her head. The movement made her neck twinge with pain and she winced. Harry sat up and had his hand on her neck in seconds.

“What’s wrong?”

“Just some neck pain – happens when you sleep on marble,” she said, brushing off the ache.

“Turn around,” he commanded and she obeyed. She sat with her legs crossed and her back to the sofa as his hands started rubbing out the kinks in her neck. His thumb kneaded against the spot that hurt the most, making her grimace. “You should try a bed next time,” Harry joked, continuing his massage.

“Don’t have one,” she muttered, leaning into his hands.

“What?” he stopped.

“No, don’t stop,” she pleaded and he went back to the massage, “I just didn’t think I needed one. At first, this was supposed to be temporary.”

“Then what happened?”          “I got scared of what I would be going back to.” They sat in silence after that. Lorelai knew she had to break the silence, but Harry beat her to it anyway.

“You don’t have to go back just yet, but just know that when you do a lot of people will be happy to have you home.”

         Lorelai turned her cheek into his palm and inhaled his smell, not wanting to ruin his words with her own. His other hand played with her hair as his breath hitched in his throat. It would take a long time to get used to touching her again.

         “Baby,” he sighed, clenching his jaw.

         “What are we?” she asked, climbing onto the couch to sit beside him.

         “We’re Lorelai and Harry. That’s all we need.”

         “I want you, but I’m so fucking scared.”

         “I’m scared too. We can be scared together.”

         “Yeah?”

         “Yeah.” By this time, his mouth was pressed against hers. Slowly, her arms wrapped around his neck and he grabbed her waist. They weren’t really kissing yet; their lips were merely touching. Harry’s fingertips met around her waist and he was so worried about her. She lost so much weight and it was his fault. All his fault.

         “H, what are you thinking about?” Lorelai asked when he still hadn’t pressed further.

         “How much I fucked up,” he said, shutting his eyes tightly.

         “Stop. Just stop that. I want us to get past this, Harry. I love you. I have forgiven you and you have forgiven me.”

         “I don’t want to hurt you again.”

         “Well, Harry, you’re going to. You will hurt me again and I will hurt you again. That’s just how life is. So either you accept that or you stop living your life.

“I’ve done that, Harry. I have stopped living my life, I have lived like a damn hermit for three months, but I refuse to keep letting fear get in the way of my happiness. Not anymore.”

         “You’re right.”

         “Damn right I am!”

         “Damn right you are!” and finally he crushed his lips against hers. They kissed for a long time and everything felt nice for a long time. Harry was the first to stop.

         “Lore, baby, can we go back to America? Will you go back with me?”

                  Delaney called Niall as soon as she was back in her room. She steadied her breathing by inhaling every time the phone rang. It took four rings for him to pick up.

         “What happened, baby?” Niall asked as soon as he answered, concern in his voice. He knew it had been too quick since she left for things to have gone well.

         “I yelled at him. I yelled at him big time. He didn’t even really deserve it – at all. I just dumped all of my hurt and anger on him. Shit, he probably hates me now.” By the end of it, Delaney was crying.

         “Hey, hey, hey. No, he does not hate you – I guarantee it. It’s ok that you yelled at him; you have been hurt. Tyler is like family to you and family fights, it doesn’t mean he loves you or you love him any less. It’s going to be ok,” Niall reassured.

         “He even got my Starbucks order wrong,” she sobbed. That was when Niall realized she was crying and no amount of logic would make her feel better. So he did the best he could and told her stories about people far away from their world that lived in forests and didn’t know what telephones were until she stopped crying.

           “Harry, I don’t want to go back to the life I was living before. I wasn’t the person I want to be,” Lorelai said after he asked her to go back to America with him.

         “Then make a change. But, Lorelai, you can’t just keep hiding.”

         “You’re right.”

         “We’ve been right a lot lately,” Harry sighed.

         “Maybe that means we’re growing up,” Lorelai offered.

         “Speaking of growing up, we should do that together,” Harry muttered, not meeting her eyes.

         “Harry Styles, is this your way of saying you want to grow old with me? You romantic bastard.”

         “Maybe,” he stuttered, his cheeks blushing.

         “Well, I’ll think about it,” she smirked.

         “Will you think about going home with me?”

         “No.”

         “Lore-“

         “I’m not going to think about it because I’ve already decided to go with you.”

         “Oh. Oh,” he breathed, not knowing how to react.

         “You can be excited,” she laughed, throwing her arms around him.

         “Thank fucking god!” he shouted, hugging her tight.

                  The next day, Delaney was woken up by Niall climbing into bed with her.

         “Holy shit, what are you doing here?” she gasped, reaching out to him.

         “Decided to take the day off so I could be with you,” he mumbled sleepily, “Took a redeye over here.” She didn’t respond, only wrapped her arms around him and drifted off to sleep again.

         They woke up a few hours later sweaty and tangled up. Delaney couldn’t stop smiling, even before her eyes were open. Niall’s big hands were wrapped around her waist and she couldn’t have felt safer.

         “Hey Niall, what’s my drink order?”

         “Grande vanilla macchiato, hot or iced - depending on the weather.” Niall cited by memory before yawning.

         “Perfect,” Delaney sighed, kissing his cheek.

         “So, breakfast?” Niall asked, stretching.

         “Cereal?”

         “Perfect,” Niall said in the same tone Laney had used. They both laughed, happy to be together again.

         They stood in the kitchen with bowls of cereal in their hands (Niall had Captain Crunch and Delaney had Fruit Loops). Delaney was in her underwear and a tshirt. Niall loved looking at her tan legs in the morning – or any time of day. The awkwardness leftover from the Skype call was completely gone now that they were near each other again.

         As soon as they were finished eating their hands were on each other and their lips were connected. Niall lifted Delaney onto the countertop and kissed her deeply. They were pulled out of their passion by the sound of the door opening.

         “What the hell?” Delaney muttered, looking towards the front room.

         “Were you expecting someone?” Niall asked. Neither of them moved as they heard two pairs of footsteps approaching them.

         “What is it with you Love girls – always ending up on countertops..” Harry teased as he and Lorelai walked into the kitchen.

[her-thinking-spot]

Fame Whore: Chapter Fifty

Lorelai Love, she’s an actress, America’s sweetheart and now Harry Styles’ girlfriend! But what happens when the only thing that can save her career is leaving America and Harry? Will they be able stay together and have the happy ending, or will they unravel and lose each other forever? Only one thing is for sure, a year can change everything.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Chapter Fifty 

         Lorelai slept for twelve hours after the phone call and woke up on the floor the next afternoon. The ring was on her finger but she didn’t remember putting it there. She took it off. Picking herself up, she got in the shower and dressed herself for the day. Her walk to the café was slow and she barely responded to the people who said hello to her. Nothing felt right anymore. The feeling of normality she had begun to fool herself into was shattered by the phone call.

         Lorelai was taking a drag of her cigarette and still wandering towards the café when she got an idea – a rash idea, but still an idea. She changed her course and walked to the nearest tattoo parlor - if you could count a two-mile walk as near.

         The tattoo artists called out a greeting to her as she walked up to the counter, asking in her best French if they had time for a quick tattoo. They consented and she was lead to a tattoo chair where a girl was sitting. She had dark skin and curly, blue hair. She was covered in tattoos and was probably the most interesting woman Lorelai had seen in her life.

         “Bonjour,” Lorelai said as she sat in the chair.

         “Coucou salut,” the girl responded, pulling out a pen and some paper, “que voulez-vous?”

         “Um…” Lorelai wasn’t sure how to explain in French.

         “Vous etes Americaine?”

         “Oui, oui je suis Americaine.”

         “D’accord, what would you like?” the girl asked in stilted English.

         “I just want a quote on my arm; you can write it in your own handwriting. I want it to look pretty wonky, like a drunken stick and poke.”

         “Bon, j’aime. What’s the quote?”

         “As much as the moon needs the sun to exist, they can’t be together.”

         “Ok, I can do that,” she nodded, starting to draw up sketches of the tattoo.

         They talked for a bit about why Lorelai was getting the tattoo, but she didn’t tell her much. Lore kept it simple; there was boy she loved but they just couldn’t be together ��� no matter how much she wished they could.

         “Voila.” She held up the paper for Lorelai to look over. It was perfect.

         “J’adore!” Lore exclaimed, clapping her hands together. The tattoo artist placed the sketch on her arm and it imprinted over her skin in indigo ink. Lore couldn’t wait for it to be there permanently. It felt right.

         Finally, she began to tattoo her. It stung, but only a little. Lorelai didn’t care about the pain; she was too excited.

                  Harry had stayed in a hotel in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. He had gotten a redeye to France and landed in the middle of the night. When it was finally morning – he hadn’t slept all night, he was too stressed about Lore – he rented a car and drove to Kaysersberg. The drive had been long but he finally saw the little cottages marking the outskirts Kaysersberg.

         Here was when things got tricky; Harry had no idea where Lore lived or where she would be. This was going to be like finding a damn needle in a haystack. Supposedly.

         He drove around the town until lunchtime, when his stomach started growling. He pulled up to a café and sat down at a table inside. A waiter walked up to him then glanced at his parked car.

         “Bonjour, is this your… voiture?” the waiter asked slowly.

         “Oui, c’est moi,” Harry responded, nodding tiredly.

         “Everyone in the ville has been talking about you today. We are wondering why are you here?”

         “I’m looking for a girl,” Harry answered with a smile.

         “I know all girls here. I have lived here always.”

         “So you could help me?”

         “I could help you, oui. Mais… I think I know who it is you are looking for.”

         “Really?” Harry looked up in surprise.

         “Mademoiselle Lorelai? Non?”

         “Yes! Si! That’s her! Where can I find her?” Harry shouted, jumping out of his seat.

         “Well, Lorelai has not visited here today, but I kept her a pain au chocolat. Just in case.”

         “Oh…”

         “She comes everyday. You could wait, maybe?”

         “Yes, good idea. Merci beaucoup,” he muttered, ordering a cup of tea and shutting his eyes tightly.

           Lorelai’s tattoo stung as she walked towards home, but she didn’t care. Her hands ripped away the bandages. She didn’t want the beautiful words on her skin to be covered by anything, ever.

         Her stomach grumbled, reminding her she hadn’t even had tea that day. Quickly, she sidetracked to the café. Her favorite table was empty and she sat down heavily. Her waiter immediately brought her tea and pain au chocolat, but he looked slightly nervous. Lorelai didn’t know, but from inside Harry could see her. His breathing stopped when she lit a cigarette and took a slow drag. He saw the fresh ink on her arm and laughed; he’d gotten a tattoo for her too. He watched her eat and sat on his hands; waiting, waiting. Although everything in him wanted to run out there and pull her into his arms and never let go, he wanted her to eat. She was so skinny. She didn’t look well.

         When she finished, Lorelai started the short walk home, stopping at the liquor store as usual. Harry had followed her, leaving his car at the café and walking far behind her. He frowned as he looked at the bottle of vodka in her small hands.

         Lorelai walked into the comfortable walls of her house and pulled out the glass she always used. She was nothing if not predictable. She was pouring herself a glass when she heard a knock at her door. Confused, she opened the door, never expecting Harry to be on the other side.

         “Hey,” that was his opening line. That was it.

         “What the-“

         “Just let me in, please,” he begged, grabbing onto the door. Her only answer was a shake of her head no.

         “I’m coming inside, Lore,” Harry said firmly, pushing her gently aside. She leaned against the wall as he looked around her house. It was so clean it crossed the line of sterile. It was barely lived in.

         “Why are you here?” she asked, keeping her distance.

         “Because you need me. Let me see your tattoo,” he demanded, reaching out to her arm.

         “How do you know about my tattoo?”

         “I saw it at the café.”

         “You were at the café?”

         “Yes,” he sighed, touching her arm. She obliged and showed him the tattoo and his breath hitched. He looked at the letters scrawled over her skin and flinched at the harshness of them.

         “Is this what you think of us?” he asked.

         “I think I need you, but I also think we can’t be together. So, yes.”

         “Well, I got one for you too,” he sighed, showing her the inside of his left arm. There was a tiny coat hanger on his skin and her face scrunched up, wondering what it could mean.

         “Why a coat hanger?” she asked; wanting to touch it, but afraid to touch him.

         “Because I’m hung up on you,” he muttered, cringing at the pun.

         “Oh my God, no way!”

         “Yeah, I was pretty drunk when it happened. But don’t worry, I don’t regret it for a second.”

         They laughed together and it felt like old times, which only made Lore think about how much it wasn’t like old times at all. When Harry saw her face he wrapped his arms around her and held her close as she started crying. Her heart was pounding rapidly while Harry’s was a calm waltz (one, two, three; one, two, three). Lorelai’s heart began to pick up the steady beat. A while ago, Lore had read somewhere that if you press your heart against someone’s; your hearts will start beating at the same time. Maybe that’s what was happening; her heart was following Harry’s lead in the waltz. They were dancing together.

         “I’m sorry I ruined your wedding.”

         “I’m sorry I had that wedding,” Harry responded, releasing her from his hold.

         “So really, why did you come?” Lorelai asked, taking a seat on her still-firm couch. Her limbs were shaking a bit and her hands worked to wipe the tears from her face.

         “You’re drinking again.”

         “And?”

         “And Lorelai, this isn’t the first time you’ve done this.”          “No, it’s not the first fucking time I’ve done this. I run from my problems, Harry, it’s what I do. I drink, I smoke, I wallow. That’s not changing anytime soon.”

         “You also left Delaney, your life… Lore, you left me.” Harry was sitting across from Lorelai on the floor. His legs were bent and his hands were in fists.

         “Don’t talk about Delaney.” Lorelai was getting angry now. She didn’t need someone to come babysit her. She didn’t need anyone.

         “Why not? Because right now, you’re acting like you don’t care about her. She thinks you don’t care.”

         “Stop it! Stop!” Lorelai knew he was right, but that didn’t mean she wanted him to be.

         “I’m not going to stop, Lore! I care about you. I’m not gonna let you slip into this life again.”

         “I don’t want to be what I was before,” she whispered, turning away from his gaze.

         “What do you mean?” he asked softly, looking down.

         “I mean, I don’t want to be that dumb celebrity anymore. You know, for all my talk about needing to get away from my mother; I became exactly what she wanted me to be.”

         “Lore-“

         “No, Harry. No. You don’t get it. I literally left you – you! The person I was in love with! – for a movie role! How fucking shallow can I be?” she was shouting by now, her eyes blazing.

         “Lorelai, it wasn’t like that. It wasn’t…” Harry sounded like he was convincing himself more than he was convincing her.

         “You and I both know it was,” she spit.

         “But that’s all over now.”

         “So what?”

         “So we can be friends again.”

         “What a joke! We could never just be friends, Harry. You know it, I know it – hell! You’re fiancée knew it!”

         “Speaking of my fiancée; she’s with Tyler now,” Harry said slowly, wondering how Lorelai would react. She didn’t react, at all, just turned to look at him.

         “Are Delaney and Niall still together?”

         “Yeah, they are. She’s doing pretty okay.”

         “I used to call her everyday, but I don’t want to talk to her when I’m drinking. I don’t want to worry her.”

         “She actually wasn’t worried too much; before I called.”

         “You called her?”          “Yeah. Had to figure out where you were.”

         “Oh. Why?”

         “Because you called me drunk… and I love you. I really haven’t been able to think of anything but you. I miss you so much,” he was standing now, going towards Lorelai.

         “If it counts for anything, I miss you too,” she sighed, sinking into the sofa.

         “Can I?” he asked, reaching towards her. She didn’t answer; just nodded.

         His hands reached out to hers and their fingertips touched. He grabbed her palm and brought it to his lips, kissing each fingertip slowly. Her breath quickened and her ribcage shook. Suddenly, Harry brought his lips to hers. Their mouths explored each other, slowly remembering what it was like when they were together, remembering how good they felt. Harry guided Lorelai, laying her down and pulling himself on top of her. He held himself up over her and kissed her deeply. His hands roamed over her skin; warming her up, soothing her trembling. Lorelai was slow to respond and was really mourning the fact that she didn’t get even a minute with her vodka.

         “Hey, it’s ok,” Harry whispered, kissing her neck.

         “Is it ok to be scared?”

         “I sure hope so because I am terrified.” That broke the ice inside of Lore and she finally responded to his touch. Her lips met his and her wide eyes shut.

         They stayed like that for hours, finding each other again. They stopped when Lorelai’s stomach growled, reminding them of the real world.

         “You’re hungry,” Harry stated, getting off of her.

         “Yeah… that’s actually pretty weird. I’ve kind of been sticking to a meal a day. I get too drunk to eat afterwards,” she stated point blank. Harry ignored the statement and walked to her kitchen. He looked through the refrigerator then all the cabinets, but there were only water bottles.

         “Do you have anything besides water in here? Oh,” he found her liquor cabinet, “of course you do. Why the hell do you have so much alcohol?”          “Well, no one can say I did anything half-assed…”

         “It’s not funny, Lorelai! God, you’re worse than I thought.”

         “Harry! Stop! I may have the bottles, but I never drink any of it… after the first day. I just buy them, drink away my problems for a day, and then put them away. I don’t reopen any of them – ever.”

         “Ok.”

         “Ok?”

         “Yes, ok. But we’re throwing it all out tonight.”

         “Fine.”

         “Now for food, what should we do?”          “The café?” Lorelai offered.

         “Do you ever go anywhere else?”

         “Yeah of course I do: the liquor store.”

         “I’m not even going to respond to that. Alright, let’s go,” Harry sighed, grabbing her hand.

         They walked to the café together. Harry watched in amazement as she said hello to everyone she passed by and everyone she passed by greeted her by name. Besides the alcohol routine, Lore was kind of thriving here.

         When they got to the café, Harry walked inside, but Lorelai went straight to her usual table. She figured he would catch up with her soon enough. He caught on and went to sit with her.

         “Smoke?” she asked, pulling out her box of S.T. Duponts.

         “No, I don’t – and you shouldn’t either,” he chastised.

         “Look, you’re already taking my alcohol today. The cigarettes are staying,” she growled, taking a drag.

         “It’s still not good for you.”

         “I’m aware.” Right then her waiter walked over to the table, a sheepish smile on his face.

         “Bonjour, mademoiselle,” he greeted.

         “Bonjour! C’est mon ami, Harry,” Lorelai introduced.

         “Uh, je connais.”

         “Oh?”

         “Yeah, he helped me find you. Well actually, he just told me you come here everyday.”

         “Oh.”

         “Je suis desole, mademoiselle. J’espere que c’est bon.”

         “Oui, oui bon. Merci,” Lorelai smiled at the waiter and added him to the list of people who had helped her in life, when she didn’t even deserve it. Kelly was at the very top of that list and Tyler was second.

         The pair ordered and ate; barely speaking the entire meal. When it was time to leave, Harry led her to the rental car. Lorelai didn’t even question it and got in the passenger seat. They didn’t speak on the drive back either.

         When they went inside Harry walked straight to her liquor cabinet and started pulling bottles out. Lorelai just sat on the couch.

         “Call Delaney,” Harry instructed, taking a sip of a very good brand of scotch.

         “Hey watch it, you’re drinking a bottle of denial right there,” Lorelai laughed at her own joke, remembering the day and emotion she drank that scotch with.

         “Just call her.”

         “Why?”          “So you can tell her that I’m here and you’re not drunk.”

         “You told her I was drinking, didn’t you?” Lorelai accused, pulling out her phone.

         “Yes, I did. She wouldn’t tell me where you were otherwise.” Lorelai didn’t respond, just dialed the number and held her phone to her ear, waiting for her sister to pick up.

                  Delaney begrudgingly separated her lips from Niall’s and answered her phone, seeing that it was Lorelai.

         “Hello?” she answered.

         “Hey, Laney,” Lorelai said cheerfully, not wanting her sister to worry.

         “Lorelai, are you ok?” Delaney asked, leaning against Niall.

         “Yeah, I’m pretty ok. Harry is here with me.”

         “Oh? Are you ok? Oh right, I just said that…”

         “I’m fine, I promise. I just wanted to call and tell you that: I’m fine.”

         “Good. That’s good.”

         “You’re keeping up with school, right? Niall isn’t distracting you too much?”

         “No he isn’t. I’m doing all my work, my pantry is full, the house is clean. Everything is good.”

         “Awesome, I’m glad. I’ll let you go now. Get back to whatever you and Niall were doing before I called,” Lorelai laughed.

         “Hey! We weren’t –“

         “Don’t even try, little sis. I know you too well.”

         “Alright, bye Lore. Love you.”

         “Love you too.”

[her-thinking-spot]

Fame Whore: Chapter Forty Nine

Lorelai Love, she’s an actress, America’s sweetheart and now Harry Styles’ girlfriend! But what happens when the only thing that can save her career is leaving America and Harry? Will they be able stay together and have the happy ending, or will they unravel and lose each other forever? Only one thing is for sure, a year can change everything.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Chapter Forty Nine

 Julie: Harry Styles is officially on break from One Direction after that fiasco wedding! The rest of 1D are still moving forward with concerts and signings, just without Harry.

         Bill: And Lorelai Love is officially MIA!

         Julie: Last we heard, she’s holed up somewhere in France.

         Bill: I guess Miss Lovey has finally called it quits.

         Julie: You know, her last movie was pretty good. If only she could handle fame.

         Bill: And if only that Harry kid would give her a break.

Julie: Well, maybe those two were meant to be. After all, look what happened when Styles tried to marry someone else.

         Bill: Yeah that didn’t go so well!

         Julie: Alright, that is all the time we have today! Until next time!

  Lorelai had moved to Kaysersberg, a small town in the region of Alsace. It was a perfect little village on the edge of France, near Germany. Although she had only been living there for only three weeks, everyone in the town knew her name – and not because she was Lorelai Love – that’s just the way it was there. The residents had now gotten used to her broken French and Lorelai had gotten used to the citizens’ broken English. The streets were all cobblestone and the buildings looked like colorful cottages out of a storybook. Lorelai had bought a house near the centre ville; a white little thing with flowers spilling from the windows and a fence around the tiny front yard.

         It was on a particularly sunny Wednesday that Lorelai Love saw her first article about the ill-fated wedding. It had been a month since that day - news took its time to get to France - and Lorelai was finally starting to feel normal again. Until, of course, she saw the article. There was only one place to buy magazines in Kaysersberg: a tiny little kiosk in the centre ville. Lorelai passed by it everyday on the way to her favorite café. She usually avoided looking at it, not wanting to see any news about the outside world, but on that particular Wednesday she looked. Of course there he was, there Kelly was, and there she was. The snapshot used for the cover was one of Harry and Kelly at the aisle, Kelly with her veil between them and the audience. It was when they had decided to call off the wedding. The look on Lorelai’s face in the picture was panicked, to say the least. The owner of the kiosk noticed Lorelai’s eyes on the magazine cover and smiled a small smile.

         “D’accord?” the man asked.

         “Oaui, d’accord…” Lorelai responded, buying the magazine and throwing it into her oversized bag. She refused to look at it until she was back at her house. Continuing to walk down the street, Lore waved to all the townspeople and breathed in the clean air. But try as she might, Lorelai could not shake the feeling the magazine brought to her.

         She sat down at her now usual table at the café and glanced at the menu. Lorelai had a personal mission to try everything off the menu in order. The waiter she always got was aware of this culinary adventure and would bring out the next dish daily, along with her favorite pain au chocolat and hot tea. Today, it was a croque madame – the last dish she had to try. Her waiter brought it out and she ate up the ham and cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top; it was perfect. Every dish she tried had been delicious, even the snails.

         After she finished the sandwich and croissant, she lit a cigarette and started drinking her tea – one wedge of lemon, no sugar. This was her routine: eat, smoke, drink, people watch. Her lungs were not benefitting, but her nerves sure as hell were.

           Harry Styles was back in Holmes Chapel, not seeing the point in staying in New York if Lorelai wasn’t there. He had gone back with his mum and sister – who had gone to New York for the wedding. His mum hadn’t spoken a word of pity, just welcomed him home as soon as he asked to move back in. Gemma stayed up late with Harry when he asked her to; watching movies and eating junk food. Inside, Gemma would think about how it was kind of cute that Harry was wallowing in the breakup, but then she would see the look on his face and all silly thoughts of cuteness would disappear. Truth is, Harry wasn’t the same since the wedding, and no one wanted to talk about it. Anne and Gemma didn’t even know for sure who he was more upset about, Kelly or Lorelai – but they had a pretty good idea.

         Harry had seen Kelly once since the wedding. He had invited her over to take the suitcases of belongings she had left at the house they had shared. Kelly didn’t look half as bad as Harry did, not even close. She told him that she was seeing Tyler now and that she wished Harry all the luck in the world. It helped a little, the reassurance that Kelly was ok without him. Since she left, Harry hadn’t talked about either girl.

         Back in Holmes Chapel, Harry did the same as he did in New York: stay at home. The gaggles of girls waiting outside of his house were irritating, but every once in a while he would go out to take a few pictures with them. We have to feed the monster, right? He hoped the pictures he took would lessen the amount of girls waiting for him, but it had the opposite effect. Harry just didn’t have the heart to stop saying hi.

         Currently, management had allowed him a break from work. The boys called him regularly, but still no one had brought up the wedding. Maybe he wanted to talk about it, get some of it off of his chest. No one had considered that option yet.

           A month. Delaney Love had been living alone for a whole fucking month. Delaney Love was 16. There was something unsettling about a 16 year old doing her own grocery shopping. It would be so easy to go back and live with her mom, but Delaney refused to let that happen. The only perk of moving back home would be seeing her dog Sam again - still not worth it.

         Niall had barely been around that entire month; he was so busy – all the boys were – picking up Harry’s slack. They didn’t blame or resent him, they understood why he needed a break. They just wanted him back and happy.

         Delaney was doing her laundry when Niall called to tell her he would have the rest of the day off. The excitement in both of their voices was obvious as they daydreamed about watching Netflix and hanging out all day and night. After they hung up, she quickly brushed her teeth, but that was about it for preparation. Within the hour Niall was knocking on her door and in Delaney’s arms. They were both exhausted from the month and needed the comfort badly.  

         “Wanna put on pajamas?” Delaney asked, leading Niall to her room. He had started keeping clothes at the house after Lorelai left so he could be there whenever Laney needed him.

         “Yes please,” he grumbled, shuffling through his drawers and handing her a tshirt and boxers to wear. Delaney had picked up the habit of wearing his clothes; especially when he wasn’t there.

         Once the pair was comfortable they snuggled in her bed and watched Netflix; not really paying attention to the movie, just each other.

         “How’s school going?” Delaney had started taking online classes since Lore moved away. It made her think that someday she would have to take care of herself.

         “It’s going good; boring,” she answered.

         “And how are you, babe?” Niall asked.

         “I’m pretty ok. Kinda lonely, kinda tired.”

         “I’m sorry.”

         “Hey don’t be. I’m perfectly fine here and it’s not your fault. You’ve been amazing.”

         “Thanks baby. I just feel bad whenever I think about you sleeping alone in here, watching tv by yourself, cooking all your meals. I hate that I can’t be here more.”

         “Please don’t worry about me. You’re the one working all the time. You must be exhausted, babe. Take a nap.”

         “Only if you sleep too,” Niall murmured, pulling her closer.

         “Alright,” she sighed, cuddling up to him.

         That was how things were for Delaney now. Mostly alone, but naps with Niall whenever possible. It wasn’t so bad as long as she didn’t think about it too much.

           Lorelai finished her two-hour-long afternoon snack, walked to the liquor store she frequented more than she should have, and bought a bottle of whiskey. Her walk home was the same everyday; the same people said hi, the same cars drove by, the same rocks shuffled under her feet, and the same weight of a bottle was in her hand. Lorelai loved it, the normality of it all. Craved it.

         Stepping inside her little house made the heaviness on her chest lift a bit. She dropped her purse on the floor, the magazine causing a thud. The bottle of whiskey in her hand was soon on the counter beside the glass she filled daily.

         Lorelai Love bought a new bottle of alcohol every single day. Her collection of glass bottles was impressive at this point, but that wasn’t why she bought them. When Lore got a new bottle, she would drink out of it for the rest of the day, but once the day was over she wouldn’t drink from it again. The idea was that every bottle held a memory or emotion she was trying to suppress and opening it once the day was done was like opening up a bottle of pain.

         So the whiskey was ready and the magazine was waiting inside of her purse beside her cigarettes. Two glasses in and Lorelai was finally able to read the article. It didn’t say much; just a little blurb about the events of the wedding, Lorelai’s disappearance, and Harry’s return to England. But the words itself were not the issue, it was the reminder. Seeing it was like feeling it all over again.

         Looks like this particular bottle would barely be lasting the day.

         Four glasses in and Lorelai remembered one more thing. She scrambled for her now untouched jewelry box, tearing open the lid. Compartment after compartment was lifted out until she found the smallest one.

         Five glasses in. Lorelai opened the compartment. Inside, was a ring. A ring with a very large sapphire stone set in it. A ring that made Lorelai pour another glass.

         Seven glasses and she was waiting for Harry Styles to pick up the phone.

         “Hello?” He answered warily, not knowing who it was. Lorelai had changed her number since she moved.

         “H?” she breathed into the phone, her voice barely working.

         “It’s you. You called,” he whispered back.

         “I saw an article about the wedding and… and this was a mistake,” she sighed, shaking her head no.

         “No, please don’t hang up,” he begged, clutching his phone as if it would keep her there.

         “I.. I don’t know what to say.”

         “Say where you are. Just tell me where you are, please,” he pleaded.

         “I can’t,” she slurred, stumbling as she sat on the floor.

         “Are you drinking again?”

         “Does it matter?”

         “Of course it does. Lore-“

         “I found the ring.”

         Silence.

         “I should go,” Lore said.

         “No, wait. Where are you?” Harry asked in a rush, but Lorelai was already gone. She hung up just as the last of the whiskey slid down her throat.

         Harry sat and stared at the wall in his room for a long time after the phone call. He didn’t cry, get angry, didn’t show any emotion - until his mum walked in.

         “Harry, you ok?” she asked, sitting beside him.

         “Lore-” he cleared his throat, “Lorelai called me.”

         “Oh.”

         “I need to talk about it,” was all he said before finally letting himself cry over everything.

         “I know, I’m here,” his mother soothed, rubbing his back.

         “No, you don’t know. No one has talked to me about it! I needed to talk to someone!”

         “I’m so sorry, Harry. I thought you wouldn’t want to talk about it. But I’m here now, so just talk to me.”

         And they did, finally. Harry talked for hours about how much of an ass he felt for trying to marry Kelly when he knew he loved Lore. He talked about how mush he missed Lore. He talked about everything while his mum sat and listened to him. He’d needed this.

         “I need to get her back,” he finished. His eyes were already dry and all that was left was the resolution to get her.

         “Harry, maybe you should just give yourself some time-“

         “No, I’ve done that already. All it does is hurt me and get me engaged to the wrong girl.”

         “Ok… so what are you going to do?”

         “Find her first. Then, I don’t know. I’ll figure things out.”

         “Do what you have to.”

         “Thanks, Mum.”

         “Anytime.”

           “Niall, baby, wake up,” Delaney sighed, knocking her shoulder against his. They were still in bed, they’d napped for hours, and Laney had woken up.

         “Nooooo,” he groaned, grabbing Delaney in a bear hug and rolling on top of her.

         “Niall!” she laughed, pushing him away playfully.

         “Fine, fine, fine,” he relented, sitting up.

         “I need to call Lorelai,” Delaney groaned, grabbing her phone.

         “How is she?” Niall asked as his fingers played with her hair.

         “Bad. She’s living like a hermit somewhere in France…”

         “Do you think she’s drinking again?”

         “I don’t know. I hope not but.. I don’t know.”

         “They need each other,” Niall muttered, shaking his head.

         “They need to get their acts together,” Delaney corrected, dialing Lore’s number. They waited in silence just to hear the sound of Lorelai’s voicemail greeting. Delaney left a quick message asking her to call back and hung up.

         “Not answering,” Delaney explained, putting her phone down just to have it start ringing again. Delaney answered without thought, assuming it would be Lorelai.

         “Lore?”

         “Um, no. It’s Harry.”

         “Oh. Oh shit, sorry. Hey Harry!” Delaney stuttered, looking at Niall. Niall’s face looked confused and he motioned for her to put it on speaker.

         “Hey I was calling about your sister…” he trailed off.

         “Harry…”

         “No, please just hear me out. I need to know where she is. She called me today. She was drunk.”

         “What? Oh god, it’s happening again. I didn’t think – no, I hoped it wouldn’t happen again.”

         “I need to know where she is,” Harry repeated. Delaney looked at Niall for help, her eyes pleading.

         “Tell him, babe. He deserves to know and she needs help. Let him help her,” he reassured in a whisper.

         “Delaney?” Harry pleaded, needing an answer.

         “Kaysersberg, Alsace. That’s all I’m telling you.”

         “Thank you. Thank you so much!” Harry said with relief, grabbing his laptop so he could look up flights to Alsace.

         “Take care of her, ok?”

         “I will, I promise.”

[her-thinking-spot]

The Benefits: Chapter Four

Poppy lost everything; her mother, her friends, and her home. Then she moved to Baybooth, Maine where she made new friends and had finally found a family. But there is one friend, Louis Tomlinson, that leaves a certain sour taste in her mouth… and a certain craving in her body. That’s when The Benefits are born, and nothing will ever be the same again.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Chapter Four

(click on the * for a better experience)

Poppy woke up to tapping on her window. Bleary-eyed and groggy, she looked at her clock to see it was 3am.

"Ugh, I swear to god, Louis-" but then she saw it was Zayn at her window. His face was shy and he was just turning around, probably to walk away. Quickly, she got up and opened the window for him, a confused look on her face. He climbed into her bedroom with a shy expression on his face.

"Hey, uh, I just wanted to see how your first day was," he said quietly, coughing and looking down at his feet. He was wearing sweatpants and a tshirt, his feet only covered in socks.

Oh God, she's hot- No! I cannot think that she is supposed to be like a sister to me!

Poppy was wearing a vneck and panties *. Her tan legs stretching to the floor beautifully. Her little feet and hands were red - she was probably cold. Her cheeks pink with sleep. Her hair was thrown into a braid that was barely a braid anymore, ravaged with the tossing and turning of sleep. She looked perfect.

"That's so nice of y-" that's when she realized he was being awkward because her pajamas were lacking, to say the least. "Oh! I'm gonna go get under my blankets!" she said, scurrying to get into her bed. Zayn closed the window and walked over to stand at the foot of her bed.

Great, just great.

"May I?" he asked, gesturing at her bed.

"Sure!" she said, so he could sit down.

"Well, anyway, I came to see how your first day went. I didn't get to see you after school and didn't want you to think I didn't care."

"Thanks, it was pretty ok. But… don't most people just wait to ask those kinds of things until, oh I don't know, the sun comes up?"

"Yeah.. Yeah, they do. I just suffer insomnia sometimes and thought 'might as well,' ya know?"

"That's really nice of you, Zayn, and I guess now that this awkward first time if over with you can come hit me up anytime you want, really. I like you a lot Zayn, I'm glad we're friends."

"Cool, I just might take you up on that offer," he smiled at her.

The two talked for another hour about music, art, and other things they were interested in. Zayn wanted to be an artist. Poppy wanted to get through high school. The two were becoming fast best friends and - despite the random time - it wasn't awkward at all.

"Alright, I should be heading out. I do need some sleep," Zayn laughed, standing up.

"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight," Poppy said, reaching over and giving him a hug.

"Night," he said, walking over to the window, "I'll just let myself ou-" but when he turned to look at her, she was already asleep again. Quietly, Zayn climbed out the window and closed it, walking back to his house.

Poppy woke up for the second time to the screech of her alarm clock, wishing more than anything she could just forget school forever. Her legs were tangled in the sheets and her hair had finally broken free of her braid. Today would not be a very cute day.

Ya know, I could join a circus….. 

But instead she threw on a very oversized sweater, some stockings connected to a garter belt, and red converse *. Sure, the outfit was a tiny bit risqué, but who really cares?

Everyone, that's who.

She walked out the door - quickly calling out a goodbye to Charlie, who barely mumbled in response - with coffee in hand and tote on her shoulder *. Zayn stopped dead when he saw her walking along the sidewalk, it was a good thing he had been later than usual (due to his late night) that day; so all he could see was her back turned to him *. She was definitely going to get a ton of attention - good or bad - from everyone today.

"Poppy!" he called out, hoping she would wait for him. She stopped and smiled at him when he caught up to her, making him automatically smile back at her.

"Good morning, Zayn! How'd you sleep?" she asked conspiratorially with a wink.

"Like a log," he joked, "but, uh, nice outfit.." he muttered bashfully.

"Oh, yeah, this. I was lazy this morning. Didn't feel like pants were a good idea," she explained nonchalantly, as if every other girl had a no-pants-day. Before Zayn could respond - although he didn't know how he would've if he could've - Louis popped up in front of them. 

"H-Hey, guys," he stuttered, trying to keep his eyes off of Poppy.

Poppy scanned his body; noticing how good he looked in the morning with his hair still tousled from sleep. He hadn't shaved this morning and Poppy liked the look a lot.

"Morning, Lou," Poppy sighed while Zayn said something of the same effect. By the end of the walk - and by the time Niall, Harry, and Liam had showed up - all of the boys were sufficiently flustered and Poppy was sufficiently happy with her choice of outfit.

At school, the boys were even worse - including the male staff members - but Poppy was used to the attention. Boys in New York had never reacted nearly as obviously, but they had still reacted. It was cute to see so many red-faced chaps. On the other hand, the entire female population of Boothbay High was livid. Apparently, nobody with estrogen liked a showoff. Until she got to fourth period, French. They were talking about the French words for clothing when the girls in the class began to berate Poppy for her outfit choice.

"Madame," one girl at the front said while raising her hand, "you might want to go over the word for pants with Poppy, I don't think she knows it." The whole class laughed but Poppy didn't care; she just popped her bubblegum and smiled pleasantly at everyone.

It feels good to make a splash again.

After class - which had gone on much like that for the rest of the period - a girl stopped her at her desk. She had dark skin and willowy limbs. She was beautiful, exotic looking *.

"Hi, I'm Tai, Just wanted to say that you look fabulous today," she smiled, walking with Poppy out of the classroom.

"Thanks! So do you!" and she did in a distressed red sweater and denim shorts *.

"Yeah, I didn't feel like wearing pants today," Tai shrugged.

"Me neither!"

"Hey, do you have anywhere to sit during lunch? I know you're new so I was just wondering…"

"I do.. but you could totally sit with us?" Poppy offered, hoping she would accept.

"You know, I don't usually sit with anybody, but that would be great!"

"Cool," Poppy said with a smile, hoping this was the start of a new friendship.

They walked into the lunchroom together and Poppy lead her over to the table she had sat at with the boys the day before. Tai looked at Poppy like she was an alien the second she sat down.

"What is it?" Poppy asked, confused as to why the girl wasn't sitting down.

"You sit with the Brits?" Tai asked, a hush of awe on her voice, as if they were a popular band or exclusive club.

"Well, yeah, they're sort of my friends. As of yesterday, well except for Zayn, we've been friends for a while I guess… and they aren't all British - Niall is Irish..." she rambled, catching herself before she explained anymore.

"Do you think it's actually ok if I sit with y'all?" Tai asked, just as Zayn and Liam walked into the room together.

"Yes, silly! Now sit down beside me," Poppy ordered with a laugh, patting the seat beside her.

"Alrighty…" Tai muttered, gracefully folding her limbs into a sitting position on the seat beside Poppy's.

"Hey, Poppy! Hi, Tai!" Zayn greeted, sitting next to Poppy and surprising Tai with his knowledge of her name.

"Are you sitting with us now, Tai?" Liam asked, sitting beside Zayn.

"Yes she is, we're friends now because she's the only girl that hasn't been a bitch about my outfit. And she too has an outstanding sense of style," Poppy said matter-of-factly while pulling out her lunch.

"Hey thanks," Tai said, pulling out her own lunch and nodding at Poppy.

"Well than, welcome Tai!" Zayn said laughing a bit and nudging Poppy with his shoulder. The rest of the boys showed up and welcomed Tai easily; and secretly, they had all thought she was cool. Tai was one of the few - more like two - girls at Boothbay High that knew of the world outside of Maine and liked to show it off.

During the entire duration of lunch, Louis had sat across from Poppy and tried desperately not to be distracted by her. His feet flirted with hers, both trying their hardest not to give away what they were doing. He needed her soon, that's for sure. Poppy hadn't failed to notice his eyes on her, making her whole body tingle with warmth and anticipation. She needed him now, that's for sure. Louis looked good today too in a tank top and red beanie *, you could see the tattoos on his chest and Poppy was salivating. She reminded herself to ask what they were for later. They couldn't wait till seventh period physics. During fifth period was when he first texted her.

L: Fuck, baby, you look so good today.

P: So do you, it's killing me.

L: I need you.

P: Than take me.

Louis was in the middle of class when he read that text and he almost shot off like a rocket. He could not deal with this girl. His pants were too tight and the pressure was almost painful. He had to have her after school, there was no other option.

When Poppy walked into Physics, Louis was already waiting at their desk with a blank expression on his face - that is until he saw her. While she walked over to him his eyes basically devoured her and his will was near breaking. Her legs looked so long and she looked so delicious.

"Hi," she said quietly when she sat down. He didn't answer, just put his hand on her knee. His hand didn't move at all for the rest of the class, neither of them spoke a word, and Poppy didn't even try to act like she was taking notes. When class finally ended they practically ran out of the room and behind the school, lips immediately connecting like magnets. Louis' hands pushed up her sweater and she gripped his hair, panting as his fingers explored her rib cage.

"Where do you wanna go?" he panted between kisses.

"My house; Charlie is out for the day."

After another five minutes of making out they straightened themselves and walked to the front of the school; wondering if they would see the rest of the boys or Tai. Both made sure a respectable distance was between them - although it was difficult - and acted like they weren't dying to jump each others' bones.

Scurrying to Poppy's house, they stayed silent and kept their heads down. Poppy hated the whole sneaking around thing, but she hated the idea of being seen with Louis even more. When they got to her house you could practically see the relief on their faces as they walked up the steps.

When Poppy closed her front door, Louis' hands wrapped around her waist and turned her around to press her back against the door. His fingers nearly touched behind her back, her waist was so slim. His lips connected to her collarbone and he lifted her so she could wrap her legs around his waist. She whimpered into his mouth as his tongue swiped across her bottom lip. He didn't have to ask for entrance, she granted it willingly. Her tongue lashed against his and her small hands gripped his back tightly. 

"Take me to my bedroom," she demanded as he bit into her neck softly. He carried her up the stairs like she weighed nothing and threw her onto her bed, shutting and locking the door behind him before he climbed on top of her.

"That fucking outfit.. Do you have any idea what you've done to me?" he groaned, snapping one of her garter straps against her thigh. The tiny slap of pain she felt made her need him even more and she couldn't help but moan as he kissed her even deeper.

"I want you so badly," she whined, clawing at his black jeans. They both knew what she was talking about: sex.

Louis was still a virgin and at this point he could no longer say 'not by choice.' He didn't know why he hadn't gotten laid yet, the situation just hadn't arose yet. But now that he had Poppy between his legs, he had no idea why he hadn't done it before. He wanted to be inside of her, to put it simply.

"Ok," he said simply, causing Poppy to raise her eyebrows but not question it.

His hands worked to remove her sweater to reveal the rest of her garter belt * and matching bra *. The lingerie set was almost too much for Louis to bear at this point. Poppy kicked off her shoes and wrapped her legs around Louis' hips, grinding against his member from beneath him. The motion made Louis breathless and Poppy loved seeing him react to her this way. Her hands took off his shirt and he took off his jeans, leaving them both in their underwear.

Louis' mouth worked its way down her collarbone and to the swell of her breasts, his hands pushing them up over the cups of her bra. She hissed when he took one of her nipples into his mouth and rubbed her other nipple softly with his thumb.

"Please, Louis," she begged, no longer even knowing what she wanted.

"Are you on birth control?" he asked, kissing her skin some more.

"Yes," she sighed, hoping he was going to have sex with her.

"Are you ok with..?"

"I am, but are you?" she asked.

"Yeah, I am," he convinced her, knowing that it was true. At this point, if she could suck his dick and it meant nothing romantic, they could have sex without it meaning anything romantic. And anyway, he did consider Poppy to be one of his friends, so why not lose his virginity to her.

"Ok, babe, we can go slow," she assured, kissing him softly. 

"I don't think that's possible." After that, there were no words.

Louis unclasped Poppy's bra and removed her garter belt - leaving the stockings - and Poppy slid his boxers off his hips, releasing his sore member. Poppy took control and flipped him onto his back, straddling him and sliding down his body until she was resting on his thighs. She leant over and kissed his tip, slowly taking him into her mouth. She stayed there for a few minutes but Louis was quickly losing it so he pulled her back up to him, needing her to stop. 

He kissed her lips roughly while she positioned her entrance over him, crying out when his head met her opening. He was just barely inside of her; like someone standing on your front door step and shaking your hand, but not actually going inside your house. It was maddening. With a quick nod of 'yes' from Louis she lowered her hips onto him completely. He was so deep she could feel him in her stomach, it was amazing. For a second, Louis stayed still while Poppy grinded her hips on him, but then he was in motion. He flipped her onto her stomach so he would be on top and began to pump in and out of her. His groans turned her on even more and she kissed his jaw as he worked his way deeper into her. Her hand traveled to her pelvis and she felt him inside of her, while her other hand clawed at his back.

"I.. need.. to stop," he moaned, thrusting into her even faster.

"Why, babe?" Poppy groaned, swiveling her hips.

"Gah! Don't do that," he struggled, "I don't want to come early."

"It's ok," Poppy reassured, wrapping herself tighter around him.

"No," he said sternly, separating her body from his easily. Before she could protest - either the loss of him inside of her or his need for her to finish first - he had her straddling his face. For Poppy, that was almost too much. His tongue lapped at her haphazardly while she gripped to her headboard. His hands grabbed at her thighs, surely gonna leave purple marks in the shape of his fingertips. His mouth kissed her softly, but then his tongue was rough. 

"Lou- I'm gonna… I'm-" before she could finish what she was going to say she was coming. Her orgasm was small, but washed over in her waves that lasted far longer than the usual orgasm. The feeling started in her toes, lapping at her, and spread up to her chest. Her heart was beating so fast she almost collapsed before Louis tugged her down to lie on top of him. A minute later and her whole body was still pounding, her breathing shallow.

"Baby, you ok?" Louis asked, rubbing her back as she came down. Poppy didn't answer, just rubbed her hips against his. That was answer enough for him.

Without another word he flipped her onto her back and entered her. She bit into his shoulder and her hands gripped his - surprisingly firm - ass. He thrust in and out of her quickly, bringing her to a boil, then slowing down in the nick of time. Deciding to play along with his frustrating game, Poppy began to grind her hips against him and squeeze him tight inside of her. The combination of the two had Louis sweating and holding onto her tighter.

"Jesus fucking Christ," he swore, reaching up and grabbing her hair, pulling tight. The aggression caught Poppy off guard, but dear god she loved it.

"Fuck, babe," she whimpered, arching her back. Her legs wrapped around his waist, trying to get him as far inside of her as possible.

"I'm almost there," he groaned. Poppy nodded her consent and with one final thrust he came. His first shot of cum spilled inside of her, causing her orgasm immediately. She screamed with the force of it and her pussy fluttered around him. With a few more thrusts he was finished. Slowly, he pulled out of her and laid her beside him. Her eyes were closed and her chest was heaving. The certain red that had blossomed over her skin was beautiful to Louis, but he could never tell her that. The way her hair spread over her gray pillow looked like a river, but he could never tell her that. The sounds she made from pleasure were utterly adorable, but he could never tell her that. In reality, he was starting to grow fond of all her little quirks, but he still barely knew who she was.

"That was really good," Poppy finally broke the silence, turning to face him. 

"Come here," Louis said like an order. Immediately, Poppy cuddled close to him. She could hear his heartbeat, steadily slowing to a normal rate. His hand splayed across her back and pulled her tight to his side. He loved the feel of her - naturally soft, like she woke up with perfect skin.

"Was it good… for you?" Poppy asked, tilting her head up to look at him.

Louis bit off the sharp remark he had planned and instead went for the truth, "Christ, yes."

"Really?"

"Of course. So, how was it when you lost your virginity?" he asked.

"It was actually pretty good. That whole idea that when a girl loses her virginity it's supposed to hurt, is completely false. Really, if the guy you're with is gentle enough, it shouldn't be painful." Poppy explained factually.

"So besides that, did you love the guy?" Louis asked quietly, loosening his grip on her.

"I don't know. Maybe I could have… but things just got in the way," that was all she offered and Louis wasn't about to press for more information.

"You smell kinda funky," Louis teased, taking a sniff of her skin. Admittedly, they both smelled pretty funky. Louis' skin was damp with sweat and they both were covered in juices. 

So obviously, sex was not always so pretty.

"Wanna take a shower?" Poppy asked, sitting up.

"A shower would be great."

"Alright, you can take the first one," Poppy said, trying to be polite.

"Oh yeah, of course," Louis said, starting to walk away. Poppy was enjoying the view of his ass when he suddenly turned around and lunged at her.

"What are you doing?" she squealed, laughing as he picked her up off the bed.

"I am not missing an opportunity to take a shower with you," Louis grinned, throwing her over his shoulder and walking to her bathroom. Poppy laughed the whole time, finally able to just let loose.

They stepped into the bathroom and Louis checked out Poppy's ass in the mirror, giving her a quick spank. Poppy gasped, liking the sensation. Slowly, he set her down on her feet and kissed her. He got on his knees and peeled off the stockings they had left on, kissing his way down her calves. Goosebumps appeared where his lips touched her and she suppressed a moan. He worked his way back up her legs and kissed the swell of her thighs. White ribbons stretched across her skin, stretch marks, and he sighed at the sight. Every inch of her was beautiful and these stretch marks made it even more so.

Poppy was never self-conscience of her stretch marks, they gave her character. She had learned to love the flaws in her body. After a while, everyone just needs to accept themselves as themselves.

"Fucking perfect," Louis whispered, kissing the bands of flesh. Slowly, he kissed the apex of her thighs.

"Louis… stop, we need to take a shower," Poppy groaned, tugging at his hair.

"Fine, fine, fine," he laughed, standing up and stepping into the shower. They both stood under the hot water, Poppy's back pressed against Louis' stomach.

"So I've been meaning to ask you, why do you have so many tattoos?" Poppy asked, turning to look at his chest. Her hands reached up to trace the letters written across his collarbones.

"I started as soon as I turned 18 and now I just get a tattoo whenever the mood strikes, really. Some of them have a lot of meaning, but others are just things that made me smile. If something has the ability to make me smile, I'd like to keep that forever." he explained, his skin tingling under her fingertips' attention.

"I like that, a lot," she smiled, kissing the 70 on his chest.

It worried him, how affectionate they had been lately. He didn't want to get attached to her as anything but a friend. Poppy's head was filled with the same thoughts, but it had been so long since she was with someone - someone she cared about, even as just a friend - it was hard to hold back.

"Shampoo?" Louis offered, holding the bottle out to her. She took it from him and squeezed some into her hand, lathering it through her tangled hair. They washed their hair methodically, Louis complaining about the girly smell of the shampoo and the soap falling into his eyes. Poppy would just grumble an annoyed response back at him, reminded again why they were just friends with benefits. 

Boy, for a guy who just got laid he sure liked to complain a lot.

"Body wash?" Poppy asked, expecting him to hand her the bottle, but instead he poured some into his hand and began rubbing it into her flushed skin. His hands wandered around her curves and she sighed at the attention. His fingertips played with her rib cage and belly, sinking lower to her pelvis. Her hip bones jutted out to meet his palms and his eyes drank her in. The smell of the body wash was an amplified version of the smell of Poppy's skin everyday. He loved that smell. Coconut and flowers. Her flesh gave to his touch, bending and bowing around his fingers. For how thin she was, her body was soft as could be. 

As the water washed the soap away, Louis bent down to his knees in front of her. He could hear Poppy's gasp of anticipation. Softly, he put his hands on her thighs, caressing where bruises from earlier had begun to appear. His mouth worshipped her little peach, teasing her for now. Her groans of frustration made him laugh against her clit, sending vibrations through her core and causing her to gasp.

"Babe, hand me the shower head," Louis ordered, barely taking his mouth from her skin.

"What?"

"Babe."

Without further question, she handed him the nozzle, her face covered in confusion. Before she could so much as breathe, he had the aimed the water at her pussy, shocking Poppy. The shower was set to "massage" and the water's rhythmic blasts were taking her to the edge quickly. Louis kissed the skin below her bellybutton and her hands gripped his wet hair.

"Fuck, baby," she moaned as her orgasm hit her. He took the shower head away and stood up, reaching around her to hook it back up to the wall. His hand wrapped around her waist and supported her as she came down from her climax. She pressed herself against him and let him hold her up.

"You are so exhausting," she sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. He didn't reply, just laughed a little. That was when Poppy noticed his length pressed between them. Without a word, she sank to her knees in front of him. She blew him until he came, finishing on her chest.

"Guess I'll have to wash that again," Louis laughed, touching her collarbones. They washed each other once more, talking about school and anything else that came to mind. When they finished, Louis wrapped Poppy in a towel and tucked one around his own waist. 

"We can watch movies, once we're dressed," Poppy offered, leading the way to her room. Louis mumbled something in response and the two got dressed in silence. Poppy just threw on a tshirt and comfortable panties, not caring to look sexy. Louis watched Poppy as she got dressed, smiling at her Mickey Mouse underwear. She was beautiful, he hated it. Their personalities were just so different; the only thing they had in common was lust.

They wandered downstairs and she turned on the tv, patting the spot beside her on the sofa. Louis sat down, keeping his distance - barely. As they watched the movie Poppy began to scoot closer to him until she was leaning against his side. He didn't move to hold her closer or lean against her, frustrating Poppy.

"What? You're not gonna put your arm around me or anything?" Poppy spit, looking up at him.

"No."

"Why not?"

"Look, I'm not here to cuddle you. I'm here to fuck you."

"Wow."

"Wow?"

"Yes, wow. I knew you could be rude sometimes, but I never thought you would be mean."

"Ba-"

"Don't. You can go now," Poppy dismissed, scooting away from him. He got up and opened the door, turning back one last time to look at her. Her face was set in a disinterested mask, her feet curled under her. 

This is good. I can't get attached.

He walked out of the house and back into reality; forgetting the fun they'd had that day, keeping the lust.

[her-thinking-spot]

The Benefits: Chapter Three

Poppy lost everything; her mother, her friends, and her home. Then she moved to Baybooth, Maine where she made new friends and had finally found a family. But there is one friend, Louis Tomlinson, that leaves a certain sour taste in her mouth… and a certain craving in her body. That’s when The Benefits are born, and nothing will ever be the same again.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Chapter Three

(click on the * for a better experience)

"So sex is a maybe?" Poppy suggested, wrinkling her nose.

"Not a maybe, just a later," Louis corrected, writing it down.

"Can we cuddle?"

"That's a maybe."

"Fair enough."

"Pictures?"

"Snapchat only. And phone sex, I love phone sex," Poppy said tentatively.

"Yes we can do that," Louis grinned. The list went on like that, the two getting more and more turned on by the very thought of it.

"I think that's it for now, we can always add more," Louis finally said.

"Yeah… So do you think you could help me figure out an outfit for tomorrow?" she asked nervously.

"Absolutely, babe," they had decided pet names were ok because they turned Poppy on. Poppy opened her closet doors, her clothing was still unorganized and some items sat unhung on the floor, but it was all in there. Louis got up and stood behind her, placing his hand on her back and inching towards the hem of her shirt. His hands explored her bare skin as she dug through her closet for outfits.

"Arms up," he commanded once she had finished looking through her clothing. She obeyed lifting her arms and allowing him to slip her shirt over her head.

"So I'm thinking something casual; like jeans and a cool shirt."

"Uh huh," Louis muttered, more focused on the smooth skin of her back. Her bra was light blue and simple, making his mouth water. His fingers brushed the clasp but Poppy stopped him with a click of her tongue.

"I'm gonna need my bra on to try this stuff on," she admonished, turning back to look at him.

"Babe, come on," he groaned, rubbing her arm.

"No, not until I pick out an outfit." Louis ignored her protests and spun her around to face him. He backed up and sat down on her bed, the mattress still bare, and positioned her between his legs. Her breath hitched as he began to slide her pajama shorts over her hips, revealing the matching blue of her panties.

"So.. umm. Cool top, yeah?" Poppy stuttered as he finished taking her shorts off of her, silently commanding her to step out of them.

"Yeah," he sighed, looking her up and down. All he wanted was to lick her tan skin and make her quiver under his touch, but he wanted to just look at her - take her all in - first. Yet once his eyes reached her bra, he lost all willpower. His large hands grasped her hips, his fingers nearly meeting around her small waist, and he pulled her even closer to him. His breath was merely ghosting across her tummy, but that was enough for her.

"Oh, to hell with it," she said, dropping the shirt she had held in her hands and giving in to Louis; wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling his shirt over his head. Poppy's mouth watered at the sight of his toned stomach and large biceps.

Finally, Louis let himself indulge.

His warm mouth went straight to her collarbone, his tongue snaking out to caress her thin bone. They both moaned, finally getting what they craved. The pair fell onto the bed, catching sight of Poppy's clock on her bedside table.

"It's already one in the morning…" Poppy sighed as Louis kissed her neck, sucking on her warm skin.

"Relax," Louis whispered kissing her mouth. She had to admit, she was throbbing underneath her pale blue panties.

"Touch me," she ordered, grabbing his wrist.

"Already?"

"Yes, already! What do you want me to do, take you out to dinner first?" she laughed, quirking an eyebrow at him.

Without another word, he unhooked the clasp of her bra and brought her nipple to his lips, sighing around the rosy bud. Her hands gripped his hair and tugged slightly, needing something solid to hold. His fingers clutched her underwear and pushed them down her lean thighs while his other hand kneaded her breast. At last, his fingers found her warm center and rubbed, making Poppy hold back a groan.

"More," she begged, needing everything he could give her for the night.

She hadn't realized how much she missed human contact and lust until now. In New York, before things got bad, boys loved Poppy and she had had the pick of the lot. It had been so easy for her then, but after a while she had begun getting bored of the boys that wanted her - they were all the same. Louis was the first to rekindle that fire for sexuality and need someone else's touch.

When his fingers entered her she hitched her leg over his hip; bringing herself closer to him and rocking. Louis groaned at her contact with the bulge in his sweatpants - something Poppy did not overlook as she continued rocking, both for her own and Louis' pleasure. He picked up the pace and plunged his fingers in and out of her, going deeper every time. Poppy bit onto his shoulder, trying to keep her sounds of pleasure in check.

It has been so long since someone has touched me this way.

"Poppy, stop holding back," Louis ordered.

"But-"

"Stop," he breathed, flipping her under him and supporting himself over her. She whimpered at the loss of his fingers, but halted all complaints when he began kissing his way down her torso.

"Are you going to-"

He cut off her question with his answer, fastening his lips around her swollen clit.

"Oh my god!" she moaned, gripping the top of her mattress.

"There you go," he encouraged against her pink flesh, exploring his way up and down her lips.

"Please, make me come," she begged, sighing as his fingers entered her. His mouth and fingers worked together, his tongue stroking her at the same speed his fingers were entering her, to bring her to her climax. She began to unravel in his mouth and just before she came, he stopped.

"What?" she gasped as he pulled away from her.

"I don't want you to come - not yet at least - although you taste so sweet... How was I for your first time being eaten out?" he asked, knowing she had loved it.

"Adequate," she spit, gathering her wits about her.

"Really?" he mocked, slipping down her body and planting one quick kiss to her throbbing clit then licking her all the way up her slit, "God that is sweet."

"Oh my Go-" her moan caused by his teasing but cut off by his lips on hers. She could taste herself on his mouth and couldn't deny that she was indeed sweet.

"I'm gonna go, babe," he sighed after kissing her for a few more minutes.

"Fine… by the way, how did you get here? And how did you know where I live?"

"Well, I live in this neighborhood too - we all do - and this was the only house that had been for sale, so I just assumed."

"What if you had been wrong?" she asked with a laugh.

"Well thankfully, I wasn't," he grinned.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," she said as he pulled his shirt back over his head, "are you ok with climbing out the window?"

"Well, your room is on the first floor," he laughed.

"Just checking, wasn't sure if there was a random cactus or something else equally sharp beneath it."

"No cacti to be found on your wraparound porch, my dear."

They got up and walked to the window, Poppy still naked. They stood facing each other and Louis placed his hands on her bum, squeezing and pulling her closer.

"No one will know about this," she warned.

"No one," he agreed.

"Catch ya later."

"Later," and he climbed out the window, walking away from Poppy's new home with a skip in his step.

That morning, Poppy woke up with a groan - she was unused to the late nights and sore from all the attention Louis had given her. She hopped into the shower and lathered soap onto her aching peach. 

Why did he have to stop before I came?

Her fingers brushed her clit and she held back from playing with herself some more.

After she finally got dressed - more of a struggle than it should have been since she was unable to choose an outfit the night before - she set off for her first day at Boothbay High. But, as soon as her stepped onto her wraparound porch, she realized she had no idea where the hell Boothbay High was.

"Have a good day, darling!" Charlie called from inside.

"Sure thing, Dad," she called back, walking to the end of her front yard.

Someone yelled her name and she turned around, seeing Zayn walking quickly towards her.

"Oh thank God!" she breathed, no longer having to stress about finding her way to school.

"Pops! You forgot your coffee!" she turned back to her house to see her dad holding a travel mug in his hand on the porch, waving wildly at her. Grimacing - not out of embarrassment, but at the thought of forgetting her precious coffee - Poppy dashed back to the porch, taking her coffee and giving her dad a peck on the cheek before she resumed her place beside Zayn.

"So, you like coffee?" Zayn asked, laughing at her reaction.

"I live off of coffee."

"Interesting… Are you looking forward to your first day?"

"Eh, kind of."

"Yeah, school is never exciting," Zayn laughed, knocking his shoulder against Poppy's, "We've got a stop here."

Before Poppy could ask what the stop was, Zayn was already knocking on the front door to a yellow stone house with an overgrown front yard. Poppy briskly walked up to stand beside Zayn, waiting for whatever would be on the other side of the door - or whoever. Just as that thought passed her mind, the door swung open; revealing a slightly disheveled - yet effortlessly sexy - Louis.

He was wearing a gray shirt with light wash jeans, his hair was tousled and he had the slightest hint of stubble dusting his jawline. 

Dear God, he is so hot!

But then he opens his mouth and ruins it.

"Hey Poppy, looking hot today!" he laughed, winking at her and making her want to vomit.

"Dick," Poppy muttered looking uninterested as ever.

Louis tried not to sweat as he remembered the night he had with Poppy. He wished he'd had the willpower to help her pick out an outfit, so he could've chosen a skirt. Easy access. But no, she was wearing jeans and white tank top with a slouchy army green jacket thrown over it*.

She was so effortlessly beautiful.

"Come on Louis, try not to make an ass out of yourself," Zayn scowled, dragging Louis down his front yard. The three started walking down the sidewalk, Poppy in-between the two boys. Louis' hand brushed Poppy's and she felt a spark of lust travel between them.

Hmm, maybe we could fool around during school…

The thought was cut off by Louis' hand resting on her bum as he casually talked to Zayn. Poppy gasped in shock but covered it with a cough, causing Louis to chuckle. Poppy wiggled her bum a bit - just to get back at him - pressing her backside into his palm even more.

We are so fooling around during school.

Ahead of the trio were three boys sitting on a low stone wall attached to a gate in front of another house. There was a blonde one, a brunette one that looked far manlier than the others, and one with curly brown hair.

Why is everyone in this damn town so beautiful?

"Hey mates!" Zayn called, waving to them. The three stood up and walked towards them, slowly, waiting for them to catch up to them first. It was so freaking cool, they were all so cool, Poppy didn't even know how to keep up.

Before things got bad with Poppy, these boys would have been like child's play to her. She had been the coolest, the brightest, the best, out of everyone - and that was a much more difficult title to gain in New York. But now, now she had to try to be naturally cool, to be unfazed. Then again, these boys were European, so in America they were automatically cool.

"This, is Poppy," Zayn said, snapping her out of her silly musings. Louis' hand slipped from her bum and she found herself missing the feeling.

"Hi, I'm Poppy," she said, smiling slightly. The three introduced themselves as Harry, Liam, and Niall.

"Poppy just moved here from New York," Zayn continued as they began to walk again. Poppy focused more on her surroundings and where they were going than the conversation, she wanted to learn how to get to school.

Finally - more like after 10 minutes of walking - they came to a stop in front of a beautiful building with flowering trees surrounding it. Poppy did not expect such a pretty school*.

"It's so nice!" Poppy gasped, gaining a chuckle from the boys.

"Yeah, it's a really cool building, really old," Liam agreed as they walked into the school. The inside was just as nice as the outside, obviously renovated since it was originally built. Poppy liked the feel of the school, it wasn't as intimidating as her old school, it was welcoming.

When Harry and Niall announced they were heading off to class it brought her back into the reality that she had no fucking idea where she was headed.

"I have to get, like, my schedule and a map or something," Poppy mumbled walking towards what she hoped was the office.

Everyone in the school stared at her as she walked by, talking amongst themselves about the new girl. They weren't being judgmental, just curious. Her clothes were obviously different from all the other girls' and her large bag instead of a regular backpack was very different.

"Hey, let me show you the way and stuff," she heard Louis say, jogging up beside her.

"Oh, thank you," she muttered, blushing. She hated when people thought they needed to help her, it was worse that it was Louis too.

"I just felt bad for you, you looked all lost, like a deer in a forest. It was pretty comical actually," and there's typical Louis.

"You were pretty quiet on the walk over," Poppy offered, wondering if he would give her an explanation.

"So were you," so no explanation it was.

Of course I was quiet, I was thinking of taking you and fucking you over a desk.

Louis thought to himself, concentrating on keeping himself in check.

The two made it to the office and Poppy received her schedule. The secretary was just handing her a map but Louis stopped her, asking if the secretary could excuse them from their first classes so Louis could show her around. The secretary agreed over Poppy's protests and after Louis flashed her a brilliant smile.

"But-" before Poppy could finish the sentence she was going to say Louis was gripping her arm tightly and pulling her away. Louis' firm grip made all thought of protest leave Poppy's mind, she had a kink for being rough.

The pair walked around the school, Louis showed her each of her classes, making sure she knew where to go for the rest of the day. He was being sweet considering he'd only said about two words. When he finished showing her the whole school they still had thirty minutes left of their first period. They were walking down an empty hall - the fine arts hallway, usually empty until the second half of the day - when Poppy decided to confront him and ask why he refused to talk.

"Why have you been so cold?" Poppy asked expecting a brush off or maybe even a reason but instead she got his lips on hers and arms around her waist. He shoved them into an empty classroom and locked the door.

"You seem to have forgotten that I was unable to get off last night also. And dear god you look so hot right now. Just resting my hand on your perfect bum this morning was too much for me," he growled, making her jacket slip off her shoulders and her hand drop her bag.

"What do you want me to do about that, baby?" Poppy asked, biting her lip and trying to look innocent and sexy at the same time. Louis' quiet moan of approval showed that it had worked. Instead of a reply, she got his hands traveling her body and clawing at her thighs. The only word that could describe him right now was want and Poppy loved it. His pupils were dilated and his face was covered in unmasked hunger. Poppy moaned as his lips connected to her neck, biting and sucking.

I hope he doesn't leave any hickies. 

Poppy's hands wandered to his pants and she felt how hard he was, shocked at the size she had yet to explore. Within seconds she was on her knees in front of him and placed a kiss to his bulge through his pants. His hand gripped her hair and her hands worked to pull down his jeans and boxers, finally freeing him.

"Holy shit," she breathed, he was really big - almost too big but not quite - and it was one of the better looking dick's she'd seen. She started by licking him from base to tip, needing to taste him, and sucking away the dot of precum forming at the head. She slipped him just past her lips, her tongue swirling around him gently. She began trying to fit him into her mouth, taking more and more of him each time she went back down on him. She started going faster and harder, his moans of pleasure reaching a climax. She slowed down, wanting to last a bit longer, and just as soon as he looked almost comfortable with the pleasure she sped up again. Poppy's eyes raised to meet his and that was when he lost it, exploding in her mouth. She didn't stop sucking until he was completely finished, the taste of him still in the back of her throat as she stood up and kissed him.

"That was so good," he groaned, zipping up his pants with a wince.

"You're welcome," she laughed, pulling her jacket back on and grabbing her bag just as the bell rang.

"See you at lunch," he called as she walked out of the room.

"See ya."

As she was walking down the hallway she remembered that she hadn't finished last night either and cursed at him. She would have to sit through classes and try to concentrate while she was still throbbing. 

It was going to be a rough day.

The thought had barely left her mind when she felt her phone buzz in her pocket, pulling it out and seeing a text from Louis (they had exchanged numbers the night before). 

L: Don't think I haven't forgotten about finishing you.

Her mouth watered at the text and she crotch was pulsing. God she needed him.

P: When, please, I need it.

L: Soon, baby. Be patient for me.

The dominance that Louis was starting to exert was turning Poppy on so much she thought she would burst. The seam of her jeans rubbing against her was not helping either.

The rest of the day went on like that, torturous and frustrating. All of her classes were the same boring and only a few of the people seemed even slightly decent. When it was finally her last class of the day - Physics - she walked in to see Louis sitting alone at a lab desk close to the back. Without hesitation, she sat down beside him with a huff, the ache between her legs revving up again. 

"Hey babe," Louis whispered with mischief in his voice. The class was filling up around them while all Poppy wanted to do was be alone with him.

"I'm dying," she gritted, looking down. Without warning, he placed his hand on her thigh just as the teacher introduced Poppy to the class as the new girl. She smiled politely and willed the woman to start teaching.

The class continued but the two had no idea what was going on. Poppy was taking down notes, that she would later read over and find gibberish all over her paper, while Louis' hand calmly pet the aching valley between her legs. She was constantly bringing her pencil between her teeth to hold in the whimpers of hunger that were just begging to be released.

When the damn bell rang to signal the end of the day she almost screamed with relief. Louis stood quickly and grabbed both of their bags, dragging her behind the school with him. He pinned her against the back wall of the school and kissed her aggressively as she wrapped her leg around his waist. He helped her wrap both legs around him and she began to grind on him, making both of them moan with the need.

"Please, take me somewhere private," she begged, clutching onto his back.

"Ok, ok come on," he said, barely able to think. To the left of them there was trail that lead into a patch of woods behind the school, very common place for hookups at Boothbay High. He set her down and grabbed her hand, pulling her behind him farther into the wooded area. Both of their breathing was erratic and their minds were fuzzy with lust as they walked. In a moment of clarity she texted Charlie that she would be a little late to get home because she had to talk to a few teachers about catching up with her classes - which wasn't totally a lie but she just wasn't doing that at the moment.

"Here… here is fine," Louis said when they came across an old picnic table.

"Louis-" she sighed with need, "please."

He took off his jacket and laid it across the picnic table, brushing away leaves and other debris from its surface. Turning to Poppy he gasped seeing that she had already removed her shirt and unzipped her jeans. Her bra today was black and he could see matching black panties peaking through the gap in her jeans.

"Come here," he rasped, beckoning to her. She walked quickly to him and he picked her up to lay her back against the table, his mouth connecting to hers. He pawed at her jeans but stopped when they were mid thigh. Before she could protest he was shifting her table. He sat down on the bench and she was laying horizontally across the wide table, her head just barely on it and her feet on the bench. Her resumed his work of removing her jeans, kissing his way down her legs. Each time his lips touched her skin she whimpered or moaned his name needing more, more more.

"Please," she begged when he finally pulled her jeans off her. Her looked at her lingerie set* and moaned, her body was so beautiful. She unhooked her bra while his eyes were still roaming her body and he nearly fainted. At this point, it was hard to tell who wanted who more.

Without a second thought he ripped off her underwear and tucked them into his back pocket. And then his mouth was on her. He tried to bring his mouth over as much of her as possible, wanting to taste all of her, and she moaned. Her hands were gripping his hair and he threw both of her legs over his shoulders, granting him closer access. He kissed her clit, sucking it between his lips and keeping it there as two of his fingers entered her. She grinded her hips against his face, needing him closer. Louis placed kisses up and down her lips, now teasing her with just one finger; making her beg. His arms hooked around her legs and supported her, her back was barely touching the table now. 

"Please, please, please.." she moaned, tugging harder at his hair.

"Please what?" he asked, stopping all of his movements, wanting her to really beg for it.

"Please Louis!"

"Say it," he demanded.

"Please make me come," she moaned, her eyes shutting.

He leaped back into action, his tongue flicking her again and again. His fingers picked up the pace and soon she felt something building low in her belly, she knew what was about to happen. 

"Now!" she cried, biting her lip and riding the waves of her orgasm. Louis refused to ease up until she was fully finished, his tongue lapping up all of her juices.

"Baby, you good?" he panted, she hadn't stopped moaning since her climax.

"Uh huh," she gasped out, blinking away the sun spots in her eyes. She sat up and Louis stood up, her eyes travelled down his body and she saw the bulge in his pants, immediately wanting to make him feel good too.

"Come here," she said, pulling him onto the table in front of her. She made him kneel down and took of his shirt, exploring his torso with her mouth and hands. His fingers unzipped and unbuttoned his jeans, pulling them and his boxers off of his body. He sighed and the release of pressure on his member. His skin was hot as she touched him, marveling at his tan and toned belly.

"Poppy," he sighed, wanting some sort of release. Her hands wrapped around the base of his cock and started tugging. She varied the pressure and spread his precum around his tip. Louis losing his grip on sanity as she continued to stroke him. Just when he thought he couldn't hold on any longer, she stopped.

"No," he groaned, afraid she was done with him.

"Lie down," she commanded instead, pressing him to his back with a kiss. She climbed on top of him, pressing his cock between them with her belly. As she straddled him, she began moving back and forth, his cock slipping up and down her slit. Her clit kissed his tip and they both moaned. His hips started moving with her, both of them grinding against each other. He grabbed her and brought her breasts to his face, catching a nipple between his lips. His hands gripped tightly to her hips, holding her flush against him. All of his blood racing to his cock between her sweet lips. 

"Almost there, baby," she asked, rubbing faster. He moaned a yes in response, sliding her farther down his body and connecting his lips to hers as they raced to the finish line together.

"I'm coming," he choked. They both came at the same time, her pussy fluttering around his cock as he came on her. Their screams in sync as their bodies wound down. She rolled off of him and looked up at the sky peeking between the leaves of the trees. It felt good to be naked outside; natural.

"You ok?" he asked, holding her hand.

"Absolutely," she answered, getting off the table and getting dressed again, not bothering to get her panties back from Louis. Once they were both dressed, Louis walked her home, kissing her neck goodbye. She walked up the stairs to her bathroom and got into the shower, washing off dirt and Louis' come form her belly. Her legs barely able to carry her through her shower until she could crawl into bed and pass out. Her last fleeting thoughts were about Louis and how it might feel if he were to be sleeping next to her.

[her-thinking-spot]

Fame Whore: Chapter Forty Eight

Lorelai Love, she’s an actress, America’s sweetheart and now Harry Styles’ girlfriend! But what happens when the only thing that can save her career is leaving America and Harry? Will they be able stay together and have the happy ending, or will they unravel and lose each other forever? Only one thing is for sure, a year can change everything.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Chapter Forty Eight

Lorelai Love stood in front of the giant, gothic Church. It was cold outside, that was all she could manage to think as she looked up at the gargoyles and archways adorning the walls of the massive building. Her hands were stuffed in her trench coat, concealing the suffocating dress she wore underneath. 

Harry Styles sat in a room by himself, hands clasped like he was praying, head bowed. Thoughts swirled in his mind but he would admit to none. The collar around his neck felt too tight as he pushed the image of her willowy limbs out of his head. Replacing those fragile limbs was another set of limbs, tan and tawny and warm.

"Lorelai! I'm so happy you're here!" Kelly squealed, embracing the pale girl in her tan arms. They hadn't spoken in months, but Kelly had still insisted Lore be in her wedding. Kelly never asked why Lorelai had disappeared after her movie premiere and decided it would just be better if she didn't know.

"I'm happy I'm here too," she lied, "so are you excited?"

"I don't know about excited," the blonde huffed, "nervous is probably a better word for this."

Funny, Lorelai thought bitterly, but if I was marrying him you couldn't pay me to stop smiling. 

The morning continued like that, a whirlwind of small talk, hairspray, and high heels. Wine glasses were passed around alongside anecdotes and flowers. All the while Lorelai was just trying not to think. 

"Harry can we talk?" Niall asked, pulling him aside from the raucous group of men.

"Uh, yeah, sure," he sighed, knowing what was coming. The pair stepped into the hallway, the dark wood walls of the old Church cold and glaring at Harry as he passed. They seemed to know his lies and whisper his infidelity.

"Are you ready to do this?" Niall asked slowly, letting the full impact of the words hit him.

Silence

"Harry."

"Don't make me answer that, Niall. Don't make me talk about her."

The Church was beautiful on the inside, flowers spilling from every crevice and for every bouquet there was a person, just as beautiful and colorful, brightening the building. Harry stood at the altar, hands clasped, smile hurting his face. If he didn't think, he would forget that it wasn't Lorelai waiting on the other side of the enormous double doors at the end of the aisle. His best buds were lined up by his side, some smiling, others - the ones who had been near him when Lorelai was - thoughtful. Harry tried not to notice this distinction. 

The moment those damned double doors opened, Harry knew this was not his wedding. Harry knew there was no one in the world for him but Lorelai. And Harry knew he hated himself for leading Kelly so far.

The moment the ominous doors opened, like the maw of hell to greet Lorelai, revealing the flowers and congregation, she knew she had to let this happen. Lorelai knew she had lost her chance to tell Harry that these past months without him have left her hollow and brittle. She knew she'd lost her chance with Harry. 

The girls in front of her paraded down the aisle, the music - a tune Lorelai couldn't quite grasp - pounding on the windows. Then, it was her turn. 

Harry merely looked at the girls walking down the aisle towards him, he didn't see them - until Lorelai. Her face turned ghost white as she lifted her head, no longer looking at her feet but into the eyes of the love of her life. She could barely move her leaden feet down the aisle as she walked toward him. Harry turned his mind off for a second and let himself think of Lore as just another one of the girls that had walked down that aisle, turned to the right, and stood at her spot; but in the end he'd rather lose a thousand Lorelai's, than forget this one. 

The irony of this moment was not lost on anyone.

She finally made it across the vast expanse of aisle and was right in front of Harry. Their breath caught in their swollen throats and their shaking hands turned warm. No words were exchanged as she took her place.

Kelly walked down the aisle and try as he might, Harry felt nothing but a distant sort of friendship for the girl he'd planned on sharing his life with. He saw her beauty and her kindness, but it was nothing to the winter that raged inside of Lorelai; the fierce wind and snow howling within her tiny limbs. The moment Harry smiled back at his bride, her smile faded. Kelly knew this wedding was just another dream of hers that would not come true. And just like that, she gave up on it.

There was no point making somebody love you, when they already love someone else. There is no reason for Kelly to have to try so hard to have love, it will come. And finally, Kelly Clement was granted peace. The walk down that aisle was the fastest of her life.

As soon as she stepped in front of Harry, she gave him a knowing smile and he breathed in peace for the first time in months. Quickly, Kelly held her veil up over them as privacy to have the conversation that had to be had. The crowd looked on in confusion while the priest backed away a bit, expecting this outcome already. The groomsmen and bridesmaids all had wide eyes - except for Lorelai, who just looked panicked.

"Kelly I-"

"I know, Harry."

"I'm sorry."

"Me too."

And with that, Kelly and Harry were over.

Kelly turned the crowd of onlookers and, with a heavy sigh, let them know that the wedding would be cancelled, "but the reception is still on so if you'd like to see me get wasted and eat far too much wedding cake, come on down," and walked out of the church with her eyes dry and her head held high.

Harry Styles turned to look at Lorelai Love, expecting a smile but receiving horror.

"Lore?"

"What the hell?"

"I thought… I thought you would be happy."

"I'm sorry Harry, but I have to go."

And with that, a much less put together Lorelai Love ran out of the Church, hair pins leaving a trail in her wake.

When Lorelai stepped out of the Church doors she was met with a dejected Kelly. The two met eyes and sized each other up, determining the emotional status the other was at. Lorelai was the first to speak.

"This… was the last thing I wanted to happen," she sighed as she walked over to the girl in the wedding dress.

"I know, believe me, I know. This was the last thing I wanted to happen too," the pair began walking together, "but I knew it would happen anyway."

"You were so good for him. You were everything I wanted him to have, why couldn't he just see what was right?" Lorelai wondered as they turned the corner together.

"Lorelai, he did see what was right," but before Lorelai could ask what the hell Kelly meant by that they heard a very distant yell.

"LORELAI?" it was Harry.

"He can't find me," Lorelai whispered, starting to panic again.

"Why are you running from him?" Kelly asked quietly.

"Because… because me and him will just never work."

"Fine, go, hide somewhere he won't find you for a while. Just promise me you'll think about everything while you're away."

"I promise. And could you promise me you'll tell Tyler and Delaney that I'm sorry?"

"Of course. Now go."

And with that, Lorelai was gone.

Later that night, in a beautiful reception room, sat Kelly Clement and Tyler Dawson sat at an empty table each nursing a whiskey. The two had found each other amidst the other drunken party goers, all too far gone to remember to feel awkward about the lack of wedding. 

"She told me to tell you she was sorry," Kelly muttered after taking a sip of her drink.

"What?"

"Before she left, she asked me to tell you and Delaney she was sorry."

"Did she tell you where she went?" he asked, a glimmer of hope in his voice.

"No, and I don't think she wants anybody to know."

"I know…"

"She'll come back when she's ready, don't worry."

"This sucks."

"I'm aware," Kelly grunted, slinging back the rest of her whiskey.

"You look nice like that," Tyler said quietly, looking away from her.

"Like what?"

"All wild and stuff, like you don't care how other people see you," he said quietly, with awe.

"No one's ever told me that before..."

And with that, they found themselves in a hotel room later that night, together and unguarded. Kelly didn't think once of Harry Styles and Tyler had no idea who the hell Lorelai Love even was.

Niall and Delaney were also together later that night, in a different hotel room on a different floor. Delaney Love was sitting on the bed, her dress exchanged for one of Niall's old tshirts but her hair and makeup still immaculate. Niall Horan sat in a chair in the room, his hair messy and groomsman outfit stripped down to just his boxers and socks.

"Lorelai texted me, told me she would be gone for a while, but she said I could - of course - still live at our house and she would keep putting money into my credit card account," Delaney said matter-of-factly.

"Baby, tell me how you're really feeling," Niall breathed.

"I'm fee… feeling… I'm.. Abandoned. I'm feeling abandoned," she sighed.

"I'm sorry. But I know Lorelai, she would never make you feel like that if she could help it. SHe just needs time."

"I know, but god I'm only 16 I don't know how I'm going to live on my own."

"We'll figure something out, ok? You can hang out with me all the time, I'll watch out for you. You could move in with me, if you wanted?" he offered shyly.

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"I'm 16, I don't want to rush us, and I want to see if I can handle everything on my own," she listed apologetically, "but sleepovers - and lots of them - are definitely an option."

"Sleepovers," he mulled over, "yeah I can do that. Starting tonight?"

"Starting tonight."

Niall got on the bed and started pulling the pins out of Delaney's hair, whispering reassuring things in her ear. She folded her feet under her and Niall felt her cold toes.

"Your feet are freezing, baby! Take my socks," he took his socks off his feet and put them on her much smaller feet, the heel of the sock nearly going halfway up her calves.

"Thanks for taking care of me," she said with a close-lipped smile.

"It's just a couple of hair pins and some socks," he responded softly.

"No it's not," she said simply, turning away from him.

Once he tucked her under the covers and got in after her, he bought a girly movie from the hotel and held her hand as she drifted off to sleep.

And with that, Niall Horan was left to care for Delaney Love; and couldn't be happier.

Harry Styles was alone in his house, putting Kelly's clothing and jewelry into suitcases - her extensive collection of shoes would be a challenge to pack. He had yet to cry or mourn the absence of either woman in his life and he had decided he wouldn't - or at least he would try not to. There was no one there for him to fall back on, no shoulders to cry on or hands to hold. So he decided to call his sister. She picked up on the third ring.

"Harry?" she answered in a worried tone.

"I'm.. upset."

"I know," his sister said over the phone, her voice seeped in apologies she would never say. Harry Styles did not call for pity.

"I feel like shit."

"Understandable. You kinda screwed up," she said tentatively. 

"I know," he agreed with a sigh, "I'm a dick."

"You're not a dick, Harry. You're just a fucking teenager. I'm not even sure why you thought marriage was a good idea in the first place."

"I thought that if I get married, I would be able to forget about Lore."

"Harry, is this girl really that amazing?" 

"Love of my life," he said truthfully.

"Ok, I think it's time you let yourself be alone. Find yourself without someone else there."

"You're right," he sighed, "but could you and Mom please come over? I don't wanna be alone just yet."

"Of course, Harry. We'll be over in a jiff."

And with that, Harry spent his night with his mum and sister, watching old movies and eating everything he could find. So, this is what wallowing is.

Lorelai Love found herself on a red-eye to France. Paris was the first place she had begun to feel whole again and she decided to chase that feelings until it was truly hers.

"Miss, Miss Love? Wake up! We've landed," a flight attendant pleaded, tapping Lorelai's shoulder.

"Oh gosh!" Lorelai woke with a jolt, "sorry!"

"It's ok ma'am, happens all the time," the flight attendant said with a smile, handing her her bags. Lorelai wiped her eyes, the residual makeup and tears making her feel dirty and pathetic.

Lorelai left the airport and got into a taxi, already feeling better seeing the familiar buildings and street lamps.

"Ou voulez-vous allez?" the driver asked.

"L'hotel Hidden, s'il vous plait."

"Ouai, d'accord."

Lorelai got to the hotel (google the Hidden Hotel, Paris) and went up to her room, a beautiful airy space with windows everywhere and natural light filling it with warmth. It was perfect.

She washed her face, threw her hair into a ponytail, and changed out of her dress into some sweats. She wandered down to the street in front of the hotel and found a small cafe with tiny tables outside, a typical restaurant in Paris. 

And with that, Lorelai Love discovered her regular cafe and slipped into a comfortable way of life. But no matter how comfortable she got, Harry Styles would always be in the back of her mind.

This may sound like the ending, but it's not (just a heads up). Sorry I haven't written in like 100000 years, I've just been busy and whatnot. Love you all! Please, please vote!!

[her-thinking-spot]

So uhhhh what happened to the Bad Apple story...?

I may or may not update again ever. Idk I'm just not into it like I used to be. I'm with someone now so it feels weird writing fanfics and stuff.

[her-thinking-spot]

Fame Whore: Mini Chapter Forty Seven

Lorelai Love, she’s an actress, America’s sweetheart and now Harry Styles’ girlfriend! But what happens when the only thing that can save her career is leaving America and Harry? Will they be able stay together and have the happy ending, or will they unravel and lose each other forever? Only one thing is for sure, a year can change everything.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Chapter Forty Seven

There he was. Sitting like the world wasn't falling around his feet, like he wasn't the moon and stars to the girl in the dress. 

"Hello," he said timidly, like a character Michael Cera would play, weak and adorable.

"Hey," she responded, eyes downcast.

"I don't know where to go from here."

"Somewhere with me?" she pleaded. Those three words were not a simple invitation to hangout, they were hope for a future where they were together.

"That's all I want in life," was his unfair answer.

"Does Kelly know that?"

"Look, Lore, my heart was in pieces when you left for Paris and Kelly was the only person who got through to me. I gravitated towards her and mistook my dulled need for you as love for her."

"I've missed you, H."

"Come here?" he pleaded, opening his arms to her small frame.

Like a dancer, she glided towards her boy and folded herself up into his embrace. She had gotten skinnier, Harry noticed, running his hands over her pale skin. Her knobby knees were peeking out from under her skirt and he smiled as she snuggled closer to him.

"I adore you," he muttered, amazed at this little person that was his and loved him.

"Just kiss me you dork," Lorelai giggled, puckering her lips.

Harry leaned in and they kissed slowly, scared of the ferocity of their feelings for each other.  His hands caressed her hips as he rediscovered her curves and lines. Lorelai was frozen in the embrace, terrified of the possibilities. Harry tried to warm her up, love her, get her to respond, but nothing was happening.

"Lore, babe, are you ok?"

"No," she squeaked.

"Why not?" he asked, worried about her response.

"You left me once, Harry, I don't know how to deal with that. I need time. I need to be with Tyler, he'll be heartbroken when I leave him. Delaney obviously needs stability right now and I want to give her that. What happens when I get another job offer? Will you get scared and push me away again? Because right now I need something solid. I'm just a kid, Harry, I can't deal with all of this."

"No. No, Lorelai, you will not do this, not again. I fucking need you, do you not get that? And you need me. I will not let you go again. Ever." he had latched onto her at this point, refusing to let her out of his embrace.

"Harry, let me go. It's what we have to do."

"We don't have to do anything, Lorelai! Think about us, think about yourself for just two seconds! Be selfish! Please, Lore, please," he whimpered, knowing he was losing.

"We could never work out anyway. Our love is fierce, too fierce, and soon enough, we would both burn our flames out," Lorelai said slowly, unfolding herself from Harry's arms.

"Lorelai! Tyler," just his name stopped Lorelai dead, "told me to tell you that he's heading over!" Delaney shouted from her bedroom, obviously sounding better.

"Ok!" Lorelai shouted back, her voice cracking.

"Lore-"

"Out. Get out, Harry Styles."

And that was it. Harry Styles was gone, leaving Lorelai Love with that familiar empty feeling.

[her-thinking-spot]

I FINALLY UPDATED!

[her-thinking-spot]

Fame Whore: Chapter Forty Six

Lorelai Love, she’s an actress, America’s sweetheart and now Harry Styles’ girlfriend! But what happens when the only thing that can save her career is leaving America and Harry? Will they be able stay together and have the happy ending, or will they unravel and lose each other forever? Only one thing is for sure, a year can change everything.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Lorelai's pulse quickened as the movie went on, heart pounding with the suspense of waiting for Harry's response. Her fingers shook as she turned her phone on silent, not wanting the buzz to go off again.

Her phone lit up with a message and she nearly catapulted out of her seat. But to her disappointment it was a message from Tyler.

That scene was hot. ;) 

Sadly, since he was right there, she couldn't pretend that she was busy and not respond.

Fun to film, too.

The lie sat heavy on her shoulders. She wished she didn't have to hurt Tyler like this, he was still her best friend in the world, but romance just wasn't in the cards for them. Lorelai hoped that he would realize that soon enough, too.

Her phone lit up again and she expected another raunchy text from Tyler, but instead it was a message from Harry. She stopped breathing when she read his name. Quickly, she angled her phone away from Tyler's wandering gaze and read the message on the screen.

I need to see you. Alone.

With shaking hands she put her phone away and glued her eyes to the screen. Lorelai tried to focus on the movie, what was happening, how people were reacting, but the only thing she could think of was Harry holding her.

Tyler's hand grabbed onto her's just as the memory of her last kiss with Harry entered her mind. His touch brought her back to reality and brought her down to sadness all over again.

The crowds rolled on the screen and silence descended on the theater. WIth bated breath, Lorelai waited for the audience to show a reaction. At this point she didn't care if they clapped or booed, as long as they did something and put an end to this miserable silence. From the back of the audience, one clap resounded throughout the theater and all of sudden, the whole audience was on their feet, clapping and cheering.

Lorelai sat in shock, looking around the audience in wonder. She felt hands tugging her out of her seat and she stood up slowly, turning to face the crowd. Every face was smiling, some still had tears in their eyes from the emotional last scene. 

This, right now, was the reason Lorelai was who she was. Nothing could beat this feeling, nothing ever. Tyler had his arm wrapped around her and for the first time in a long time, she liked it. Not in the way she should, but in the way she used to. She was just leaning into his side when she caught eye contact with Harry, and for once it didn't hurt. Lorelai was absolutely floored by the smile on his face but, more importantly, the storm that was brewing in his eyes. There was anger, jealousy, and love, all mixed together, fighting for dominance. He gave her a nod that seemed to say everything they never could and confuse Lorelai more than she had ever been.

Delaney was standing in a crowded room, the after party, with Niall and somehow it felt like they were the only two people there. 

"So, how's it feel being Niall Horan's girlfriend?" he asked jokingly.

"I should be the one asking you how it feels to Delaney Love's boyfriend? You lucky bastard," she shot back, kissing his cheek.

"It feels like I'm the luckiest man in the world," he said quietly, barely audible over the sounds of the party.

"Hey, Niall, wanna get me a drink?" she asked, hoping he would because she couldn't herself.

"Fine, but you better not pick up a habit from this," he joked, kissing her on the cheek and getting the drinks.

Two drinks in and Delaney was feeling great.

"Yo, Horan, I think you're new girlfriend is a lightweight," some guy to Delaney's left shouted over the music. She giggled and nestled closer to Niall as they danced.

A few more drinks were thrown into her system and that great feeling started feeling more like invincibility.

"Babe, I think it's time you stopped drinking. How are you feeling?" Niall asked concerned, but also drunk.

"I'm fine, don't worry!" she insisted, taking another gulp. 

Everything was funny and the only thing that made her feel anything less than immortal was the pain her high heels were inflicting on her feet.

Lorelai was standing with Tyler, his arm like a vice grip around her waist. He already had the heavy smell of alcohol on his breath and his palms were sweaty on her skin. She spotted Harry and Kelly across the room and felt a twinge of jealousy. It's tiring when the man you're in love with has a fiancee.

Her mind was racing, trying to figure out how to get out and be with Harry, but in her slightly buzzed and nervous state she couldn't think of anything.

"Tyler! Is that you?" out of the woodwork crawled a thirsty looking blonde, her hair piled high on her head, her nails a shocking shade of red, her dress a deep black. She was obviously beautiful, and obviously attracted to Tyler. The two embraced and started talking animatedly, obviously very happy to see each other. Lorelai waited a few moments to excuse herself from the two, getting a faint brush off from Tyler.

She noticed he never even introduced her as his girlfriend, and didn't even mind it.

Harry saw Lorelai slipping away from Tyler and felt a jolt in his heart. He didn't care if Kelly got suspicious, he would get away from her and see Lorelai tonight if it was the last thing he did. 

He needed Lore like an alcoholic needed their last bottle of Vodka. She was so bad for him, but he just couldn't stop himself from wanting and craving her. It was a dangerous and intoxicating mix.

"Harry, could you go grab me a drink?" Kelly whispered, her hot breath close to his ear, making him want to shove her away.

"Yeah, sure, whatever," he muttered walking away. 

He wandered over to the bar, weaving through the pulsing crowd of faceless celebrities, all dancing to the same beat. When he got to the bar, he placed his elbows on the counter and rested his heavy mind in his hands. Deep in thought, he didn't notice the bartender asking him what he wanted.

Finally, pulled out of his thoughts, Harry Styles looked up and saw a burly man with a handlebar mustache wielding a glass and a rag. He was obviously gay, and obviously laughing at Harry.

"What are you laughing at?" Harry asked with a sigh.

"You, ya moppet," the man boomed, shocking Harry with an Australian accent.

"Well why is that?" Harry spit, getting frustrated.

"Because yer obviously pining over some girl, and I know for a fact that it ain't the pretty miss you came with," he said with a quirked eyebrow.

Harry's only response was to look down in shame.

"Now don't go beating yourself up over this. It happens to the best of us. But you have to make your choice between the two, or else all three of you will end up hurt. 'Ere's a shot of tequila. Drink it. Go to her," and so Harry followed the instructions and drank the foul liquid, lighting his insides on fire. But he didn't need a drink for that, he already had Lore to do it.

He got up from the bar and began searching the room for her. He would see her shimmering skirt or a glimpse of her hair, but then she would slip away. He felt like he was going mad. Within a few minutes he began to question if she was even real.

Finally, he saw her wander outside and took his chance, rushing toward the closing doors. He turned back to look at the crowd one last time and saw Kelly's face, lined with hurt and confusion. She looked straight into his eyes and shook her head sadly, disappearing in the crowd. On another night he would care and go back to her, but tonight was not that night.

As soon as the door closed he felt free, but then he had to find Lore again.

Lorelai was leaning against the side of the cold building, smoking a cigarette, when she heard Harry calling her name. Her heart seized with fear and anticipation. She only had a split second to pull the cigarette away from her lips to allow Harry's own to replace it. His hands were pawing her exposed skin and pulling her into the shadows the building offered. Everything about it felt like a sneaky teenage make out behind the bleachers, and everything about felt amazing.

Niall was coaxing Delaney into a booth so she could sit down and rest. He had obviously given her way too much to drink and people were starting to stare. He couldn't even blame her for being a stupid drunk, it was his own fault he gave the girl all those drinks.

"Niall, I'm fine!" she protested, grabbing onto the table's edge for balance.

"Babe, let's go home," Niall begged, pushing her gently so she would sit down. She lost her balance and plopped into the booth, knocking a drink onto her lap in the process.

"Oh no, my dress!" she wailed, gaining more attention from the uncomfortable crowd.

"Delaney, we're leaving. Now," Niall growled, finally pulling the drunk to her feet and dragging her out of the room.

Harry and Lorelai were still hidden in the shadows, exploring each other all over again. Lorelai was stretched beneath Harry, his arms were supporting him over her. Their lips didn't separate once, even when it was hard to breathe.

"Niall! I wanna go back to the party!" Delaney whined in the parking lot, dragging her feet as Niall pulled her to his car.

"Delaney, please come on," a helpless Niall begged.

This whole thing made him realize just how young she really was. He rethought their whole relationship in that one moment. But then she was looking at him with those eyes, and he forgot to care about age, all he cared about was getting her home, safe and sound.

Lorelai heard the struggling couple and was out from under Harry in seconds. Harry was close behind her, smoothing his hair and buttoning his shirt. He noticed Lorelai's skirt was tucked into her panties and giggled quietly, fixing it for her, but not without letting his hand wander for a second or two.

"Niall! Delaney! What's going on?" Lorelai shouted, startling the two.

"Shit, Lorelai, Delaney's drunk," Niall replied, pulling the girl close to him.

"Oh fuck," Harry whispered, jogging behind Lorelai as she ran to them.

"Delaney, honey, come here," Lorelai coaxed, opening her arms for the girl. She stumbled into them and held tight, nestling her head into the crook of Lore's neck.

"Lore, I'm so sorry I ruined your night," she sobbed, getting hysterical.

"Hey! You didn't ruin my night! Not even close," Lorelai comforted, shocked her sister would even think that.

"Really?" Laney sniffled.

"Really, babe. Now come on, let's get you home."

The four walked into the house. Delaney was cradled in Niall's arms - she fell asleep on the ride back - mumbling silly things about dancing and love. Harry and Lorelai were silent with each other, only speaking to Niall or Laney. The mood was awkward, to say the least, and neither Niall or Delaney dared ask why the two had been outside together before - or why their lips were still raw from kisses.

"Take her to her bedroom, I'll grab some water and Advil," Lorelai directed tiredly. Niall walked away, stealing a small glance at Harry as if to say 'we'll talk about this later.' 

"What do you want me to do?" Harry asked, wanting to help.

"Can I have a hug?" she asked timidly, looking down. Without a word he had her in his arms, rocking her back and forth. 

"It's ok," he whispered.

"No, it's not. This is exactly why I kept Laney a secret for so long. I don't want her getting caught up in Hollywood and the parties and boys and drinking. She's already dating a twenty year old and now the press is going to have an absolute field day with tonight. I'm just as bad as my own mother," she sniffled, tiny tears dripping from her eyelashes.

"Don't you ever say that! You are amazing with that girl. You're a teenager for God's sake, and you're already acting like a proper mum. Sometimes, you just need to let it go. Delaney is safe now, that's all that matters. And the press can go fuck off. Babe, don't worry."

Sadly, the only thing from his whole speech that truly resonated with Lorelai was that he called her 'babe.'

"Thank you, Harry," she whispered, kissing him softly.

"Anything for you," he responded sincerely, releasing her.

"I'm going to grab the Advil. Could you maybe call Aleena and explain to her what happened?"

"Of course."

Lorelai grabbed water, Advil, ginger ale, a blanket, and some strawberries for Delaney to try and eat. She walked into the room and Niall was sitting on the bed beside Laney, who was looking groggily around the room.

"I come bearing gifts," Loorelai joked halfheartedly, placing everything on the bed.

"Thanks, Lore," Delaney managed, offering a small smile as she sipped on the water.

"Sweetie, please try and eat," Niall pleaded, holding up the bowl of strawberries, "it'll make you feel better."

"Fine," she sighed, plopping a strawberry into her mouth.

Lorelai stayed in there and helped Niall get Delaney to go to sleep. Afterwards she gave Niall a big speech about how she wanted him to protect Delaney and never let this happen again, of course, Niall was practically begging for forgiveness. Inside, Lorelai knew he would never really harm Delaney and was happy to see them together finally, but she couldn't let him off the hook that easily. Finally, when everything was set right, she went to Harry.

[her-thinking-spot]

Working on Fame Whore! So sorry I've been MIA!

[her-thinking-spot]

I have officially begun writing the next update of Fame Whore (I am also about a third done with the next update of TBH)!!!

[her-thinking-spot]

Just got my computer back!!! Which means *insert drum roll here* UPDATES VERY SOON!!!! 

[her-thinking-spot]

[her-thinking-spot]

Hi guys! So sorry I haven't updated lately! My computer was taken away... Again. Soon as I get it back I will update a ton!!