All Hidden Away

“So you’re leaving living with your brother, his world famous band, a guy who is practically forced to take you out for nice dinners, the four most gorgeous Australian boys to ever make the best music, and who are now some of your closest friends… to do school work?” asks Stu looking at me in disbelief as I pull away from a traffic light. I shake my head and sigh.
“Stu…”
“No, Tasha I’m being serious! That sounds ridiculous.” He says turning in his seat to look at me. I look in the review mirror to see Jar nodding along.
“I know. I just… I can’t work with them there now, so imagine tour.” I point out as I drive along, getting slightly annoyed that they don’t understand. “You both know how hard I’ve been working for these A’s.” I say quieter.
“Yeah. But Tasha, spending time with Harry is more important…” says Jar. My blood temperature increases slightly.
“You think I don’t know that?” I ask rather heatedly.
“I’m just say-”
“I love you both dearly but this is what I’ve decided to do and it would be great if you supported it, because I know Harry doesn’t.” I say sternly as I turn down the road we need to be on. There was a brief moment of silence before Stu asks something I didn’t even consider.
“Tasha. Are you coming back for school work or because you’re scared you’re going to miss everyone when they leave again?” I grip the steering wheel tighter and don’t take my eyes off of the road even though they get slightly blurrier. Its silent for a few moments until Stu rests his hand on my knee comfortingly.
“Either way, I’m coming home for a week.” I say and continue driving.
“Sorry, love. Just needed to say that. Let’s forget it and just enjoy the evening.”
“He’s been excited about meeting Ashton since we arranged this thing.” Says Jared smiling. I giggle slightly.
“I forgot you’re obsessed with them… just treat them like you do Hazz and Lou.” I say shrugging.
“I promise to try remain normal.” Says Stu looking out the window.
“Mish is also coming. I think she will battle to keep calm with Cal’s arms if he is still wearing his sleeveless shirt he wore earlier…” I say giving Stu the look, him knowing immediately what I’m referring to. “God I hope they remember to put on pants…” I say absentmindedly as I continue to drive.
“Shut up, Natasha.” Mumbles Stu jealously making both Jared and I laugh.

The drive went by quickly as we joked and laughed with each other. I hadn’t spent much time with Jared but we had gotten close through Stu and hit off like friends who hadn’t seen each other in a week. I pulled up and opened the gate, jumped out the car and double checked for no scratches. I lead the way inside and hang Harry’s keys up on the hook.
“Hey, I’m back!” I shout inside and hear a noise coming from outside and see the boys all sitting drinking beers.
“Guys, this is Stuart and Jared. Jar, Stu, the guys.” I say pointing around before snaking a sip of Niall’s beer.
“Yes. You’re welcome to have a sip.” He says sarcastically. I smile at him as Michael and the guys shake hands with Stuart and Jared. We make room and I get stuck sitting between Michael and Niall. Probably the loudest seat of the evening. Stuart and Jar have both cracked open themselves some ale and offered me some but I refuse politely. I regretted drinking with them last time.

“So wait… Tasha half explained the story of how you two met, but we need to hear the full version.” Says Cal winking at me. So far Stuart hasn’t passed out or acted crazy but I can see the wink make his eyes pop slightly.
“I told you the story, Cal.” I say shaking my head.
“Yes, but we don’t trust you.” Says Mikey shrugging. I laugh.
“I doubt it’s accurate. She was passed our half the time.” Jokes Jar looking at me and resting a hand on Stu’s knee.
“I remember it all.” I say scoffing at the prospect of not remembering.
“Did she tell you she threw up in my car?” he asks looking at Cal. I gasp as they laugh.
“I did no such thing!” I protest pointing my figure at him.
“Actually… Love…” Says Stuart apologetically.
“NO! Shut up!” I say making everyone laugh. I sigh. “Michelle just needs to get here so there is at least another girl around.” I say pulling out my phone. “Oh, and Cal. Hit on her and I’ll hit you with a frying pan.” I say not looking up from my phone but I hear Ash giggle. I smile and we continue talking, telling stories and sharing laughs until I get a message from Mish telling me she is outside. I squeal and jump up and run to the gate. Everyone looks after me as I run away. I throw open the door and run to her car. Her tall, slim figure climbs out. We jump on each other practically landing on the floor laughing.
“It’s been too long” I hear her say quietly.
“Far too long.” I replay as we stand up and laugh at our antics.
“I like your hair.” She says laughing as she tugs on a purple strand. I laugh and tug on her slightly darker short strands.
“I like yours too. Come on, I know some people who are dying to see you.” She smiles and stands up properly. She towers over me. “Did you bloody go and grow again?” I tease.
“No! You just shrunk.” She laughs. Her height is a standard joke between us. I grip her hand and run inside nearly knocking over Harry who was standing in the doorway.
“MISH!” he screams and pulls her into a hug. I smile as I see Louis and Niall also run over with Liam walking calmly behind. “It’s great to see you again. You mustn’t be a stranger. Come for tea more often!” says Harry eventually letting go.
“And be another possible girlfriend? No thanks Hazz, not with your reputation at least.” She jokes before being pulled into a hug by Niall.
“Yeah, such a slut. Can’t even have friends.” Teases Louis.
After a warm greeting and introducing Mish to the 5SOS boys and Jared we are all sitting outside laughing at each other.

“So Mish, what and where are you studying?” asks Cal. I shoot him a warning look.
“I’m studying Vet at Oxford.” she says smiling as she grabs some chips from the bowl. I laugh as Cal’s face.
“Pretty and a brain.” Jokes Liam who was particularly close to Mish.
“Excuse me, Liam.” Says Harry.
“Hey, it’s true.” Says Stu.
“Shut up, Stuart and focus on your boyfriend over there.” Replies Mish shaking the slight blush from her cheeks. Making Jar laugh and Stu also blush. After a while of enjoying each other’s company we ordered some Pizza and sat waiting for Ash and Liam to fetch it.
“I don’t understand why I just couldn’t fetch it.” Pouts Niall.
“Because it would be finished by the time you got back here.” I joke, pocking him in the stomach. He rolls his eyes and I giggle slightly.
“Okay, so I’m going to do the best friend thing quickly.” Says Mish looking at me.
“Don’t you dare.” I say pointing at her with a straight face.
“It is my duty.” She shrugs before turning to Luke.
“Michelle! We aren’t even dating.” I point out. Everyone looks at us like we are crazy… well we kind of are when we are together…
“Lucas.”
“Oh my god, Michelle. That’s not even his name.” I say throwing my arms in the air.
“Shut up, bana and let me finish!”
“Bana?” asks Cal looking at me.
“Typo of babe and it stuck.” Says Michelle still looking at Luke who now positively looks scared, recoiling away from her with wide eyes.
“Be nice, Fish. Between Louis and I, I think he’s got the idea.” Says Harry laughing.
“Mish, at least corner him on the way to the loo or something.” Jokes Liam coming back with the boxes of Pizza. I grab a paper plate and throw it at Mish.
“Do something useful with that mouth and eat pizza.” I say as she catches it before pulling a tongue. I hear Cal mumble something incoherent. I look at Michael’s reaction and guess what was said.
“Oi! I warned you.” I laugh at him. He looks up and shrugs making Mish blush. “Now look what you did.” I say shaking my head and smiling at Michelle.
“Well she practically attacked my best friend.” He points out.
“Oh my god can you both shut up and pass me some pizza?” asks Michael desperately.
“Michael wants another slice!” screams Ash making me jump in surprise. I laugh and shake my head.
“Michelle wants another slice too!” screams Mish making a few of us nearly wet ourselves with laughter.

After sitting around and catching up for a bit it starts to get dark out and I can tell I can’t have another beer unless I wanted to have a headache tomorrow.
“Mish are you driving back tonight or crashing?” I ask looking at my friend laughing her head off at the boy’s crazy antics.
“Uh, it depends if I’m going to be forced to drink another beer or not.” She looks at Harry who has been jovial with his handing out of alcohol.
“There space in Tasha’s room for you.” He says smiling. I nod and smile at her manically.
“When was the last time we had a sleep over?” I joke.
“Ahh… I remember that one on Christmas.” She said laughing. I start laughing at the memory of her trying to cook with my mum. Emphasis on trying.
“Oh yeah, sozz Haz, I forgot to tell you I nearly burnt down your home.” She laughs causing me to laugh more as the boys just stare at us.
“Hey, we put it out didn’t we.” I point at her.
“You see, Harold. This is why I didn’t want to have a barbeque.” Says Louis giggling slightly.
By now Harry has given up on us and just shakes his head. Luke stands up and after he leaves Michelle also stands.
“Be nice.” I say giving up on the fact that she doesn’t understand we aren’t actually dating. Ash shoots me a quizzical look at I start clearing up the empty pizza boxes. He helps and follows me inside.
“Why does she want to corner Luke so badly?” he asks smiling as I shove boxes into the bin.
“She’s just really over protective.” I say simply, not really wanting to go into it.
“No, Harry is over protective. She looked like she was going to skewer him and then put on a hot plate.” I laugh and shake my head. Really not wanting to talk about it. I turn and look him in the eye with a smile playing on my lips.
“Stu, Mish and I just… have this thing where we are just protective of each other.” I say shooting a look that this conversation was over. He smiles and shakes his head.
“Like us, kinda.” He says giggling. I nod and start throwing out the used beer bottles and paper plates before I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look up into Luke’s blue eyes and smile till I see his face and see his mouth pressed together in a firm line. I sigh heavily.
“Michelle Lisa-Lou Grasim!” I shout.
“YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ME!” I hear her shout back. I shake my head as Luke indicates to me he wants to talk. I follow him out of the kitchen.
“What did she say?” I ask sighing and standing with my arms crossed.
“She told me about… don’t you think you should tell Harry?” he asks looking concerned. His eyebrows pulled together and raised.
“Luke, I know we are friends… but you don’t the situation and-”
“She just told me the situation. And I think you should speak to Harry. He’d want to know.” He points out and the familiar feeling of guilt settles in my stomach.
“Luke. There is nothing to worry about. We sorted it out and Jared’s not going to let anything happen again.” I point out shuffling and looking him directly in the eyes.
“It’s just - This is serious, Tash.” He says softly. I laugh.
“I know. I was there, remember?” I say pointing out. “Just… don’t bring it up in front of Jared or Stu okay? It sets them both on edge. I don’t even know why Mish told you.” I sigh and look down at my bare feet.
“To be honest I think she didn’t mean to and she’s not as sober and she looks.” He says smiling softly.
“Just, please don’t tell anyone. Yes, he tried to hurt me one time, but it’s not my story to tell. It’s Stu’s.”
“He tried to frikken punched you in the face when you tried to get him to leave your flat! I’d hardly say it’s not your story to tell.” Scoffs Luke as he searches my face for any sign of the incident.
“Luke. Listen, please. We have a deal as a group of friends okay? Please just accept that.” I beg not actually wanting to continue this conversation.
“I’m just worried…” he says showing genuine worry for me making my heart beat a little faster.
“Nothing will happen, Luke. Stu’s got Jared now. Please. Just don’t mention it. Especially tonight.”
He nods in acceptance but I can tell he won’t let this conversation go.

Notes

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