(PLEASE READ THE NOTES. I MEAN IT!!!!!!)




I open the door. I look up, expecting anyone but him. But, none the less, here he is. My vision turned red—not really, I was just really mad—at the sight of him.

"GET THE F*CK AWAY FROM HERE!!!" I yelled.

Ashley came in, probably to see why I was shouting. She saw him and froze. "Jason?! What the hell do you want?! Go away!" she said, her voice growing louder by the second. Soon after, the boys came in—after they hastily put on their disguises.

"You heard her, now leave." said Harry, his voice so calm and low, that it was menacing. I glared at him, since I was the one at the door. He looked at Lou while he spoke—because he the only one who put on a good poker face.

"I just wanna talk to her. Nothing more, nothing less." he said, putting his arms up defensively.

We looked at Ashley. She nodded, not moving her glaring eyes from her ex. Harry was fuming. I was surprised I didn't see the smoke coming from his ears. I glared at him once more, looked at Ashley with a cautious face and stalked into the other room with Lou behind me, dragging Harry with him. We sat on the couch, not looking at their direction.

"Everything will be okay, guys. Nothing to worry about." Lou assured us.

Time ticked by. It was at least fifteen minutes, and we hadn't heard a thing except fast whispering. I don't know what came over me. It was like I knew what would happen. I ran down the corridor, all the way to the front door. I saw him, fist raised. I stormed up, to him, just as he was about to punch her. She was cowering in the corner. I ran fast. He brought his fist down, but I stopped it. Unfortunately, I used my face.

It hurt, a lot. But I didn't regret it, not one bit. I ignored the throbbing pain in my right cheek, and kicked him where it hurt. Hard. He was furious. He slapped me, as if I wasn't already hurt! I kicked him again, this time, harder, with much-needed force.

He fell to the ground, groaning in pain. That's when I took my chance. I kicked him in the stomach, like I was making a goal in soccer. I guess that soccer classes paid off. He was crippled in a ball, shaking by the time Lou and Harry came. Their eyes were wide. Harry had flames in his eyes. It was actually scary, in a way. Ashley was gripping my arm like a vise. My foot kinda hurt, from the kick, but I dismissed it. I think I twisted it the wrong way, when I kicked. I probably did because it was hurting.

I didn't see that Jason got up. He staggered a little. Harry grabbed him by the collar and went out side. Probably to have a little 'talk'. Meanwhile, Louis was shocked. Then he registered the blood on my cheek. His eyes widened, when he saw it.

"Did he do that to you?" he asked, through clenched teeth. I looked at the floor, and slightly nodded. "Not on purpose, though. It was aimed for someone else." I say, glancing at Ashley. He sighed. "C'mon, let me clean it." he said, plainly. I looked up. Our eyes met, and that's when I knew, that I started to fall for him. Deeply.

Louis's POV

I took her hand and pulled her into the kitchen. She was limping slightly, but didn't acknowledge it. Ashley followed behind us silently.

I turned back. "You okay?" I asked her. She nodded half-heartedly. I glanced at Jo. She was looking at Ashley, who was on her left. She put an arm around her, pulling her into a half hug. I went to get the first aid kit from the bathroom. I came back to see them almost smiling.

"How about we start that movie night? There are a lot of movies, but so little time!" Jo said, dramatically. "Yep! And I get to pick first movie, since its my flat! You guys can come up after you're done." said Ash, smugly. She skipped out of the room with a devious smile on her face.

"She sure knows how to turn the mood to happy." Jo said, with a faint smile.

I nodded in agreement. I looked to her. She looked so peaceful. I sighed.

"Okay, now sit on this stool, so I can see the damage." I ordered.

She giggled at my seriousness but followed my orders. She sat down and looked at me. I sat on a stool in front of her, and examined the mess. It looked bloody awful. I turned her head, holding her chin. One side, had a long scratch. This was probably the side he punched her. His ring made a pretty deep dent. I touched it, ever so slightly. She winced. I looked at the other side of her face, hoping it was better. It wasn't, really.

He slapped this part of her face, I think. This was exactly how moms face looked like, after dad hit her. Just before he left us.

I didn't realize that I was tearing up, until Jo wiped a tear with her thumb. She cupped my cheek, and smiled widely. "Stop crying, Lou! It's not like I'm going to die!" she said, rolling her eyes in a really cute way. "And you've already wasted so many tears tonight. There's no need for more...." she said that part softly.

I half-heartedly chuckled. I shook myself mentally.

That was the past. Stop living there. You're in the present, so treasure it!, I told myself.

I smiled at her. She stroked my cheek twice, before letting her hand fall to her lap. I cleaned her right cheek first. Once it was cleaned, I saw that it was only a small scratch. But there was so much blood!

After bandaging it, I filled a ziplock bag, full of ice for her left cheek. I lightly placed it on the purply-black part. She winced at first, but then leaned into the ice pack. She took it out of my hands, and sighed, placing it on her cheek. She closed her eyes for a moment, saying,"Thank you, Louis. I owe you one."

Arabelle's POV

I closed my eyes. "Thank you, Louis. I owe you one,'' I say, almost above a whisper. I couldn't bear to see him so sad. It hurt me, to know that I caused it. Even if it wasn't exactly my fault. When that teardrop fell, it broke my heart. I can't believe I fell for him. But, why wouldn't I? He's all I want in a guy!

Sense of Humor? Triple-check!

Caring Nature? Check!

Own bubble of happiness that lights up the whole room? Double-check!

Good looks? Check! (Although I really don't care)

Perfection? (The paper tore with all the 'checks' I put)

I can't believe, that I found the perfect guy. But, he's my best friend. Not to mention my brothers, best friend. And do I have to remind myself, that he is in the worlds most famous boy-band?! He could have anyone! So why would he even consider me? I have no chance. At all. But I can't help myself. Sigh. These are the times I wish, that I could have at least a chance, at being normal. Or at least close. But sadly, god never answers my prayers.

His hand found mine. My eyes flew open in surprise. "You don't owe me anything. You don't, and never will, because you've helped me, more than you think you did." he said, looking at our now intertwined hands. I looked at him. He was looking back at me. Without a word, he pulled me into a fierce hug. I was shocked. Not because I was mad, but because I was so surprised, and happy. All the pain went away. All I felt, was his arms wrapped around my neck. And the bumble-bees in my stomach. After a moment of hesitation, I put my arms around his waist, tightly, because I don't know when I'll feel this again.

Harry's POV

I grabbed the bastard by the collar, and dragged him out of the flat. I pulled him out of the apartment complex, down the street, and into an alley. "I swear to god, if you try another move on her, I'll be the one to punch you, not my sister! And don't ever come back to her apartment, or I'll shred you to pieces." I said, through my teeth. That bastard will never see the light, if he hurts her or tries. He nods and limps off to his car. I still felt very angry. I punched the closest thing I felt. The wall. My hand started throbbing, but my anger ceased. Then I remembered, Ara was hurt. I ran back into the apartment, all 6 floors, to Ash's flat. I opened the door and ran into the living room. Ash was looking the movies, her hair in her eyes. I was confused.

"Where's my sister?! Is she okay?" I asked, getting more panicky. Ash looked up, startled. But she nodded and patted a seat next to her on the floor in front of tons of movies. I blinked and took a seat next to her.

Ashley's POV

I gestured for him to sit next to me. He looked really scared. I said, "She's fine. Lou is fixing her wounds in the kitchen. I am giving them some privacy, by picking the movie." I looked at the movies while I said this. I looked up to see him confused. "Privacy?" he said, with a lost face.

I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "Boys..." I muttered. I looked to see him waiting for the answer. "Are you serious? Can't you see that they like each other?! And that their to shy to admit it!? Are you kidding me?!" I said, surprised. "Oh... I always knew that their friendship was more than that, but it was awkward to think about it. You know, my best friend and my sister liking each other. So I just pushed that thought to the back of my head." he said, faintly blushing.

I sighed. They would be such a cute couple....

"I think so to. But not as cute as us..." said Harry. I looked at him. I probably said that aloud. DAMN IT!!! But what made me blush, was his last comment.

"You think so?" I said, teasing him slightly.

He looked at me and nodded, turning more red.

"So, watchya gonna do 'bout it?"

"Hmmm, I'll ask you a question, then we'll see what I'll do about it" he said with a cute smirk.

"Fire away!" I say. Please ask the question I hope you will! I started mentally praying that he'd ask the question I hoped he would.

"Not like this. Can you escort me to a balcony, or window where there is a good view?" he asked. Now I didn't know why he was asking for a view. My hopes were fading quickly. I nodded and showed him to my tiny bedroom balcony. He took my hand and tugged me to the edge.

He cleared his throat dramatically. "Okay, I know you just broke up with someone, but if you start seeing other people, it will show you, that real men, aren't like him. So, will you, Ashley, go out with me?" he asked me with pleading eyes.

"My prayers have been answered!" I shouted, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He chuckled slightly, but wrapped his arms around my waist. His lips on my head left butterflies in my stomach.

"So, is that a yes?"

"Yes. Definitely yes."

"I gotta hand it to you. You sure know how to get over break ups! And I'm glad you do. That arse doesn't deserve your tears."

"That's sweet of you to say. And I'm not exactly over him fully. It'll take some time to get over a guy you've been with for over a year..."

"Then I'll wait. I'll wait for as long as I have too..." he whispered into my hair.

That made me blush. He really was what a girl wants. I just hope he isn't like Jason. To think, that I actually believed him. But today was not about him, it was about Harry. Well, for me. "Let's go, check on the other love birds" I say, looking up at him. He nodded. And on that note, we headed off to find our friends, one arm around each other, grins plastered on our faces.

Louis's POV

I pulled her to me. I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to feel her in my arms. Her presence. I needed to assure myself, that she was real. Not another figment of my imagination. I thought about what she did. She is so fragile, even the smallest injury could seem life hazardous. I couldn't stop the tears that were falling.

She reminded me of my mother. My deceased mother. She protected my sister and me, from all the beatings. She took them, instead of us. My dad killed her. And I couldn't do anything. Nothing at all. I was adopted, with my sister. We never told anyone about mom or dad or home. It hurt too much.

Now, I'm here in the same place. Helpless, while she gets hurt. The problem is, this time I could do something. But I didn't. Harry probably sent that guy packing. He did that. Jo saved Ash, from getting hurt. What did I do? Nothing absolutely nothing! I didn't do anything, and I'm sorry for that, Jo.

"Don't be sorry Lou. You fixed my wounds, and not just physically. A few days back, I was a wreck. I was broken and bruised mentally, physically and emotionally. Then you came. Do you know how much you've done for me?!" she said.

She paused and pulled away, holding my shoulders, looking into my eyes with here pale blue wet ones. "You saved me from dying! He would've killed me, for calling that ambulance. If not sooner, then later. Even if he let me live, I would've had so many more bruises. He would've broken me, for good. I would've committed suicide, from all the pain. I know I would've. And don't say that wouldn't, because I know myself better. And because of you, I found my home. My family. And I found a place where I can be myself. The real me, that has been locked up ever since my dad died. And if that isn't enough, I have you as my best friend. I have 3 of the bestest guy friends a girl could ask for. Four of the bestest girl friends that care about me. A wonderful brother. But the thing that makes me happy, is to say that you are my bestest friend. You. Not anyone else. Not Ash, not El, not Niall. Just you. You don't know how much I owe you. So stop feeling that useless, cause you're not."

She finished her speech, with a fresh trail of tears painting her face. That's when I realized. She's the one. The one and only. She always has and will be. Not Olivia, not Eleanor. Just her. Only her. I've never been so sure of anything, ever.

I cupped her cheek. Her tears wet my hand. It wasn't a bad feeling. What made it sad, was that I inflicted the wetness in her eyes. She reached up, and took my hand. I thought she would pull it away. But she didn't. She held it closer, and leaned into our hands.

"I—" I was cut off by the kitchen door creaking open. I look to see Harry and Ashley beaming, practically glowing. We took our hands away, blushing.

Harry raises an eyebrow. "Did we interrupt something?" he asked smirking.

"No, of course not. We were waiting for you guys to finish up. What took you guys so long?" Jo said. Damn! She knows good comebacks!

Ashley blushes, and says,"C'mon, girl! I'll tell you. You can help me pick a movie while we're at it!"

She pulls Jo by the arm, babbling nonsense.

Arabelle's POV

Ashley grabbed me by the arm, blabbing random stuff. She was tugging on me. She was walking fast. That's when the pain flared up again. This time I accidentally put pressure on it. "Agh!" I said. I was diving into a face-plant, when someone caught me. I look up to see Lou, smiling at me. "I'll remember that I'm not useless. Just remember that you aren't either." he whispered in my ear, his breath tickling my neck. I nodded, shivering a little at the close proximity.

I tried hopping on one foot. I got to the door way, with Ashley helping me, when I was swept off my feet. I look up too see Louis and Harry, each carrying my arms and feet respectively. I squirmed in their grasp. "Lemme go, guys! I can walk perfectly fine, so set me down!" I whined.

They set me on the couch. Harry sat with my feet in his lap, wrapping it into a cast thingy. He also gave a light foot massage. I found out that Harry does very good foot massages!

Louis sat with my head in his lap. He was playing with my hair. His fingers were getting tangled in my hair, every 2 seconds. I was patiently untangling my hair and his fingers, savoring the warmth of his fingers in my hair, and the feel of when my fingers touched his, while I untangled my hair.

We ended up watching the Mission Impossible series. I fell asleep at one point. A deep dreamless sleep. At first.

Louis's POV

I sat with Jo's head in my lap. I played with her hair throughout the movie.

Harry and Ashley shifted to the floor. They said that they were going out on a first date. I hope Harry doesn't screw it up. I genuinely think Ash is a nice girl.

Around movie four, Jo passed out. I just stroked her head and held her hand with mine. After the movie ended, Harry offed the VCR. He carried a sleepy Ashley into her room.

"Night Lou. Sleep well."

"Kay Hazz. Hazz?"

"Yes Louis?"

"Don't ruin this one, okay? She seems different, so don't take advantage of her!"

"Okay Lou. Wouldn't even think of it."

"Kay. Good night!"

"Okay, sweet dreams, my love!"

I roll my eyes and tell him to go. I look at my angel, my sleeping angel. I set her in a comfortable position, and went to get a blanket for her. I covered her with a thick blanket, since she was shivering before. I went to go set a bed on the floor when she started murmuring something. "Don't go. Stay with me, Lou!" she said, pulling me arm, gesturing to sleep next to her. I didn't know what to do.

I did what I thought was best. I crawled in and slept with her in my arms

Notes

Okay, I'm sorry I haven't updated in a long time. School has started where I am from, so I don't have time. I'll update on Saturdays and Sundays, and other days if I can. No promises. But sorry again for not updating. Thx for the comments rates and subscribes

-yoyo