Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

                                 Chapter 1

                          Likewise, Stranger
                                    (Harry)

I am sitting at the open bar of a party, swirling my drink in my hand. Being a mafia prince, I am used to all kinds of parties. The rowdy, loud ones with exotic dancers and drunk men, screaming as a display of their manly ugliness. The gambling, casino ones with people throwing money on games they know they can't win. The lavish, expensive ones to show off wealth and luxuries. But, my favorite kinds are the small intimate ones, which I have with my family or friends. The rest types, I endure, because that's what my line of work calls for.

Right now, I am at one of the lavish, expensive kind of party, waiting for a signal from Niall. The party is huge with crystal chandeliers, pyramid of champagne flutes, live band for ballroom dancing and the worst of all, masks. It is a masquerade, the most pretentious type of party.

Sticking to the theme, I am dressed in a fine black tuxedo, tailored to fit my body perfectly. They match with the pointed black formal shoes, shining like new. My long hairs are sitting in a neat bun on my head, hiding the all too recognizable curls. To top it off, I am wearing a black mask, running across my eyes with intricate details. The lower border slants towards right, across my nose and cheeks, curving around my mouth, it ends on my chin. The upper border is running straight across my forehead, ending in a small curve above my right eyebrow. It is a hideous mask, covering almost half of my face and it is starting to irritate me. But, it also works perfectly for me, because I wasn't invited to the party. I snuck in.

Sometimes, for mafia business, I have to do things like follow a person, stake a house, throw a punch or, in this case, crash a party. Some cases end up being a good story and others don't end up so well. After being here for an hour, waiting for that signal, I have a feeling that this one is leaning towards the second.

"At least try to blend in, H! You've been sitting there swirling that drink for the past hour" Niall's voice said in my ears.

I look around to find Niall and after a few minutes of searching, I see him seemingly chatting with two women. The slight nod of his head and the smug smirk tell me, that along with talking to those women, Niall has his eyes on me too.

To any other person, it would seem like Niall is completely engrossed in that conversation but, in reality, he was keeping an eye on someone without being noticed. He is really good at this stuff and had I not known him most of his life, I wouldn't have been able to tell that the nod and the smirk were meant for me.

I bring the glass close to my mouth, hiding my lips and say, "I am not the one you're supposed to be looking at, Ni." Tipping the glass, I take a swig.

Niall raises his eyebrow, ever so slightly, and I roll my eyes at him in reponse.

"Fine"

I reluctantly down the contents of my glass. If I had to blend in, I will need at least one more drink. So, I slide that glass away and wave at the barkeeper.

"A scotch on the rocks please"

"A scotch on the rocks please"

Another voice says, at the same time as me. This voice sounded like the most beautiful chime of a thousand bells, bringing fresh summer air with it. I turn to look at the man and all my worries about having to blend in, fly out the window.

In front of me is the most beautiful man I have ever seen. He is probably around the same age as me, a year or two older at most. He is a couple inches shorter than I am, has a fit body and an ass that most people would kill for. He is wearing an impeccable tuxedo, much like mine, along with white sneakers. His mask also has beautiful details, but it is covering most of his face. Starting above his eyebrows and ending just above the nostrils, it is like a huge butterfly sitting on, what I presume, is a very beautiful face. Above his mask, a little part of his forehead is visible. His hairs, look like strands of silk, lying in a sexy fringe on the rest of his forehead. The hairs on the side of his head are cut shorter, like the peaky blinders actors. His lips are the softest shade of red and their corners are perked up in a smile.

He is a very captivating man and the thing that I like the most, are the eyes. The beautiful, dreamy, perfect, blue eyes. The unique shade of blue make the eyes look bright and shining, like they hold a million stars. The depth in them is like an endless ocean, threatening to drown me in them. The way the light is reflected off them, it feels like the Sun itself lives inside those eyes.

How could one pair of eyes be both, the sky and the ocean? How could one pair of eyes be both, the Sun and the stars? It shouldn't be possible and yet, it is. I am looking right in those magical pair of eyes and I don't ever want to stop looking.

"Looks like you are not a fan of these parties either" the handsome man's voice jolts me out of my thoughts. He has a Yorkshire accent and it sounds like a melody to me.

I couldn't have looked at the man for more than a a few seconds, but it feels like I have been lost in those eyes for years. So, I to drag myself back out of those eyes and take a sip of my drink, to come back to the present, before I reply.

"Don't really see the point of them" I shrug.

"What brings you here then?" The hot man asks and I wish I could just rip that mask off and see what his curious expression looks like.

"Family duties" I tell him with a smile. It may not be my family's party, but that wasn't a lie. I am here for my family duties. "Why are you here, if you don't like these parties either?" I ask and look back into those gorgeous, gorgeous eyes.

They are so mesmerizing.

"Well...my father got an invitation, because the Azoff corporations want to get his investment in some project. Even though he isn't going to make the deal, he sent me here to be polite"

Unable to look away, I continue staring at those eyes as the conversation goes on.

"If he didn't want to make the deal, maybe he shouldn't have sent you. I think that would've delivered the message better"

The beautiful eyes go wide with some realization, at my words. "I probably shouldn't have said that! You aren't from Azoff corporations, are you?"

Those words draw out a chuckle from me, just because of how absurd they are. The man doesn't know it though, so I shake my head and say,

"I am not. But, you probably shouldn't say that out loud in a party thrown by them"

"I know...it just slipped out"

I wouldn't mind if you slipped something else out.

I was just about to ask this gorgeous stranger's name, when I am rudely interrupted by Niall's voice in my ears.

"Camera's rolling. Let's get to the frame"

This man and his stupid codes.

Niall's voice reminds me of my actual purpose in being here. So, I force myself to look away from the mesmerizing oceans and look at my drink, to get my thoughts together. I don't want to leave this man's company just yet, but I have to. I came here to fulfil a task and I have to do that.

I could just ask him his name now and find him later.

Before I could act on my thought, the stranger drains his drink and places his glass on the table with a thud.

"I think I have stayed long enough to look polite. I am going to leave now." He winks at me and with a smile as bright as sunshine, says, "Nice meeting you, stranger."

"Move, H" Niall's voice speaks in my ears.

Shut up Ni!

I really don't want to move. If I could, I would follow this stranger home. But, I can't. So, instead, I take one last look at those brilliant blue eyes and smile wide.

"Likewise, stranger."

I look at the man as he walks away and a weight settles on my heart.

I have had crushes that I didn't act on before too, but I have never felt like this. The one night stands, the few fleeting relationships, the one serious relationship when I was a teenager, nothing left me feeling like this.

"Harry" Niall's urgent voice comes through the earpiece and I sigh.

He is just a stranger, the feeling will go away.

I drain the rest of my drink and make my way to where I am supposed to meet Niall.

Chapter Text

(Harry)

It's a warm, sunny day and the sand feels therapeutic under my feet as I walk on the shore. Mild wind blowing through my hairs and the warmth of sun wrapping around me. My fingers interwined with the owner of the most beautiful blue eyes. It's funny, how I still don't know his name. But, I am happy right now, just holding his hand and walking on the beach, as the sunrays are reflected on the water. It feels nice.

A big wave sends water all the way to mine and the stranger's feet. I look at him, grin, dimples popping, and start running towards the water, pulling him with me. The stranger laughs, a beautiful chime like laugh and runs with me. We stop when we are waist deep in water and look at each other.

I am wearing blue shorts and white t-shirt but, the beautiful man is still dressed in his impeccable suit and that stupid mask. I take in the blue eyes and I want to see more. I want to see the stranger's face.

So, I reach for the mask but, the man opens his mouth and a weird sound rings throughout the beach. A sound like that of a mixer. 

I look around to find the source of the sound, because it surely can't be coming out of any human, let alone this gorgeous one in front of me. Unable to find the source, I look back at the man and my eyes go wide with shock. The man has disappeared and the sound is growing louder. I want to scream the man's name and look for him but, I don't know his name. The sound is now unbearably loud and I am so confused about what is happening. So, I close my eyes and inhale deeply to clear my head.

When I open my eyes again, I see an off-white ceiling. I blink a few times and the blue walls, the fairy lights, the small paintings and the familiarity of my bedroom come into focus.

It hits me that I am in my bed and everything I just saw was a dream. The awful sound in my dream was the amplified version of the hum of mixer, coming into my room from the kitchen.

I have lost the count of how many times I have dreamt of those eyes in the past two years. I thought I would forget about them, but my brain seems adamant on remembering. My heart yearns to feel the warmth it felt in those few minutes of conversation. I, myself want to dive back into those beautiful oceans, at least one more time.

The sound of mixer flows into the room again and I groan. I get up from the bed and make my way towards the kitchen, running a hand through my long hairs.

In the kitchen, Niall, my best friend, is making himself some cold coffee. I stand near the counter, still a bit sleepy.

"I knew I'd regret telling you the password" I say, rubbing the sleep off my eyes.

"I ran out of coffee." Niall says as an explanation to his presence in my apartment this early in the morning. 

"So you just walk in here and use mine?"

"Yup."

Lazy boy.

I shrug my shoulders in an 'eh' kind of way and sit down on a breakfast stool.

"While you're at it, make me a cup too."

"Already did" Niall says and pours the coffee in two mugs. Handing one over to me, he sits on a stool too.

"Where's Shawn?" I ask, taking a sip of my coffee.

"He was too tired after last night so, he's sleeping in."

"Loosing 8 FIFA games in a row can make anyone tired." A giggle escapes me as I say this.

"Yeah well, what he lacks in video games, he more than makes up for in looks" Niall replies with a smug expression.

"You smitten kitten." I smirk at Niall.

"At least I know who I'm smitten for. You are smitten without even knowing your kitten" Niall laughs, earning himself a smack on the arm from me.

He is right, though.

After he stops laughing, Niall says "That reminds me, we found another one that matches your description." in an excited tone.

I groan in response.

For the past two years, Niall and Shawn have been listening to me, talk about those blue eyes and that melodious voice. And, for about a year now, they have been helping me in finding him. So far, we have all failed miserably. 

"Don't tell me you arranged a date" I said, resting my forehead on the table.

"Yes we did." Niall says proudly.

"Oh Niiii" I whine, "Why does it have to be a date? Why can't we just coincidentally go to the same place, at the same time and then, why can't I just verify if it's him from across the room?"

"Because that's not how it works H. You already got your accidental meet. Now, unless the universe itself ships you two together, that's not gonna work." Niall tells me.

"Fine. Date it is then." I sigh. "What about that family that the Syndicate was after?"

A couple of days ago, we got news that one of the family's in our protection area, are on the target list of the Syco Syndicate. The Syco Syndicate is a vicious mafia group that believes violence is answer for everything. We Nightshades believe in a completely opposite agenda. So, naturally, our mafia groups never got along. We always try to protect people from the Syndicate but, it still worries me anytime a new target comes up.

"The Harrison's?" Niall asks me, draining last of his coffee.

"Mhmm" I reply and take mine and Niall's mug to the sink.

"Our men got there before the Syndicate's men. They gave the family the money that they owed to the Syndicate. So, they have backed off, at least for now. Their son and daugther are working at the Trattoria to make up for it." Niall hesitated before adding, "The son wants to join our ranks" he watches me carefully to weigh my reaction.

Although we never bring harm to any innocent people, this business is not easy. Those of us who've been born in mafia families, grow up in this lifestyle and it's normal for us. But we've seen outsiders join before and most leave because it's not what they imagined it would be like.

It is not a movie.

After placing the mugs on the drying rack, I look at Niall and say, "He has just joined the Trattoria...let him experience the normal job first. Maybe after that he won't want this anymore."

"That's what I told him when I stopped by yesterday. He didn't seem very excited about it though...let's just hope the job will grow on him." 

Chapter Text

(Louis)

Slide after slide is shown in the dim room and the pink haired speaker is going on about how a particular piece of art would be a good investment. The women and men around the table are listening to every word she is saying, their expressions giving away when they do and when they don't agree with something.

I am sitting at the head of the table, feeling utterly bored but, keeping my expression neutral. I am not an expert in the art history and the details of it. All I care about is how any piece of art makes me feel. I may not be an artist but, I do know that every artist pours themselves in their art. So, when I look at a painting, I evaluate the feelings it stirs inside me, instead of the quality of paint or the angle of brush strokes.

This meeting, however, is focused exactly on that. The quality of paint, the brushstrokes, the fineness, the details and so on. I understand why this is important. Because, my clients focus on these things and to keep my company running, I have to pretend to care about it too. So, I am sitting through this presentation, for the sake of it.

All the lights in the room are turned on, when the presentation comes to an end. A few people shoot some questions at the speaker, Bebe, and she answers them all patiently, with confidence.

After listening to the Q&A for 10 minutes, I already feel like they have been going on for hours. They are all similar questions, just with different wordings.

I can't stand more of it.

I look to my left at Liam, one of my board members and my best friend since we were little. 

Liam is an excellent artist and understands the valuation of art. So, I have handed over all the decision making for investing in art pieces, to him. But, apparently, very huge investment decisions just can't happen without the presence of the CEO. Hence, the reason for my presence in the meeting. It doesn't really make a difference though, because I am going to go with whatever decision Liam makes.

Liam looks at me and nods his head once, telling me that he is on board with the decision. That's the only indication I needed. 

To put an end to this meeting, I raise my index finger off the table, effectively silencing the room and drawing all eyes on me.

"You made some very convincing points regarding the painting, Ms. Rehxa." Bebe's eyes light up on hearing these words. "We're buying it. You can discuss the details of transfer with Liam." Liam slightly dips his head in acknowledgement of my words. "We'll display it in our Annual Hidden Gems exhibition. Those details will be handled by Zayn." Zayn also dips his head in acknowledgement.

"Thankyou, Mr. Tomlinson. I'll get the paperworks for transfer of the painting ready in two days." Bebe says as I sign the approval for the project.

Me, Liam and Zayn get up from our seats and the rest of the people hastily follow. People in the office tend to get a bit jittery around me and a little part of me kind of likes it. I leave the room with Liam and Zayn behind me.

The three of us make our way to my office, turning every head as we walk through the corridors. Together, the three of us, make half of the board of directors. With me also being the CEO, Liam the head of investments and Zayn the head of exhibitions, we hold quite a lot of power in the company.

"Took you long enough." Oli says as a way of greeting us, when we enter the office. He is leaning by the table, a glass of scotch in his hand.

"I thought I made you the head of HR, not the head of breaking into my office and drinking expensive scotch." I take the glass from Oli and take a sip from it, while looking at Oli with one eyebrow raised in challenge.

Oli smirks in response, picks up another glass from behind him and mimics my action.

Cocky little piece of shit!

"These two will never stop bickering, will they?" Liam says and shakes his head in mock dismay.

Zayn pulls Liam in by the waist and pecks his lips before saying, "They can bicker all they want baby, just gives me more time to kiss you." 

Liam smiles broadly and kisses Zayn again.

Oli, Liam and Zayn have been my best friends since we were children. Liam and Zayn have been boyfriends for almost 9 years now and I love the relationship they have. I hope that maybe one day, after I accomplish my mission, I will find that too. But, until that happens the only thing I'll focus on is my goal. 

"Hey. He's the one bickering! I was just here waiting for you guys." Oli defends himself as he takes a seat on the couch.

"And drinking the most expensive scotch I have." I counter, sitting beside him.

Liam and Zayn sit on the couch opposite to me and Oli. Liam leans in on Zayn's side and Zayn wraps a hand around Liam's waist.

"What can I say? I got bored because I wasn't invited to the meeting"

"You can take my place next time, ginger. I don't like these meetings anyway." 

"You are the boss Lou, you have to be there." Zayn reminds me.

"Yeah, yeah" I mumble.

I like being the boss but, what I don't like are these mandatory presences. If I wanted to make decisions on which painting to buy, I wouldn't have made Liam incharge! My main job is finding new clients, poaching clients from other companies and sealing a deal. Now, that is the part I enjoy doing.

"You are finally set to move into the apartment?" Liam asks me. 

I bought an apartment about a year ago, but I haven't moved there yet because I have to take care of my family. My dad does an excellent job at looking after my younger siblings but, it is him that I worry about. My dad and Lottie, my sister, have been pestering me about moving out for 1&½ years. So, I bought the apartment to shut them up but, that backfired. They haven't shut up about it since the day I bought it. Lottie insists that she can take care of our dad and help him with the younger ones too. Dad insists that he is the parent and doesn't need help in taking care of his own kids. 

Both of them want me to move out so that I can pay more attention to my personal life. Last week, both of them gave me a deadline to move out of the family house. 'Either move out willingly or we will pack and move all of your stuff when you are away for a business trip.' That's what they said to me. Even after I told them, multiple times, that I will focus on my personal life after I achieve my goal, they didn't budge. So, I had to finally give in and set a date to move out.

"Yes, in 3 days. You three better drag your asses to my place and help me out." 

"What do we get in return?" Oli asks in a cheeky tone.

"You already got the most expensive scotch I had, so you get nothing." I tell him and take a sip of the scotch. Oli's face turns into an expression of offense.

Dramatic much.

"What about us, Tommo?" Zayn asks with a grin.

"I'll take you two out to party." I wink at them, mostly to annoy Oli.

"Oi! It's not like I'm taking the entire bottle" Oli smacks my arm.

Yes!

I gasp and put my drink down on the table, exaggerating every action.

"You didn't just do that, you fucker!"

I say while pulling up the sleeves of my blazer and lookimg at him with narrowed eyes. Oli makes a run for it and I catch after him. I skid to a halt as Oli beelines for my wall of jersey collection, with the drink still in his hand.

Oh no no no no.

Oli brings the glass threateningly close to one of the England's jersey. He grins devilishly and I raise my hands in surrender 

"Come on Oli, let's be reasonable here." I urge him very gently, in a soothing voice, like talking to a child.

"What do I get for helping you Tommo?" Oli asks, giddiness reflected in his voice.

How about a smack on the back of your head!?

"I'll take you out too. Put the glass down now, Oli." I start inching towards him, extremely slowly.

"Alright" Oli shrugs and downs the contents of his glass.

Big mistake, mate.

I let out a breathe of relief and then run after Oli.

Chapter Text

(Harry)

492010.

I type the password to my apartment in the digital lock and enter. The sound of someone rattling through drawers stops me in my tracks. Noone was supposed to be home.

If it's a burglar, then they chose the wrong house.

With one hand on the gun strapped to my waist, I pick up a baseball bat from the umbrella basket beside the door. Slowly, keeping my steps light, I start walking towards the sound. 

"It's the longest he has stayed on a date setup by us. We must've really found the right guy this time!" Niall's excited voice carries through the house and I stop in my tracks again.

Seriously! This leprechaun!

I shake my head in disbelief, lower the bat and remove my hand from the gun. Niall and Shawn live together on the floor above me but, they spend most of their time in my apartment. Even without me in it.

"I really hope we did. Choco chips or blueberry?" Shawn's voice comes from the kitchen.

I reach the kitchen and see Niall sitting on a breakfast stool and Shawn behind the counter, whipping something. 

"You're on the wrong floor" I say and they both whip their head towards me.

"Was it him?" Niall asks excitedly.

"No" I deadpan and Niall makes a face that looks like a hurt puppy. 

Dramatic little leprechaun. 

I sigh and walk the rest of the way to him, clasping his shoulder, I say, "It's okay Ni. I will find him soon, I can feel it. Anyways, what did you guys run out of, now?"

I place the bat on the table and sit beside Niall.

"We wanted to be here when you got back, to see how it went. Also, we ran out of eggs." Shawn tells me, still whipping what looked like pancake batter.

It was a snoozefest and there were about a 100 things wrong with his eyes!

"When was the last time the two of you did grocery shopping?" 

"Almost a month ago. But, forget about that, it may not have been 'those' eyes Haz but, he could've been a good lad." Niall says, a hint of sadness in his voice. "Did you pay any attention to him at all?"

"Well" I squirm in my seat, "he talked a lot and..I didn't necessarily listen to everything he said."

"Come on, H. Maybe you'll actually end up liking one of these boys, if you pay attention to them." Shawn insists while adding blueberries to the batter and turning the stove on.

"Yes H, that's why we always plan dates and not stakeouts!" Niall sighs exasperatedly.

"I thought it was because the universe won't give me another accidental meet." I say repeating Niall's words from before and look at him with raised eyebrows. He whips out the puppy eyes again, making me sigh. 

"It won't work with wrong eyes, okay? Every time I look at their eyes, all my brain thinks of is how it's the wrong shade or how they are not as deep or just about anything that is different." I tell them and to emphasize my point, I look at Niall and say, "You have blue eyes too, Ni. If I wanted it to be just any pair of blue eyes, I would've stolen you from Shawn."

Shawn gasps and some of the pancake batter comes splashing on my face, making me gasp too.

It smells tasty.

I narrow my eyes at Shawn, who has his brows knitted together and his hands on his waist.

"He" Shawn points at Niall, "is mine" he points at himself, "Don't get any ideas, Harold." He jabs his finger, in the air, towards me.

Niall hums his agreement and I roll my eyes at them. I get up to change my clothes and clean the pancake batter off my face.

"Why did you bring the bat, Haz?" Niall asks after I am halfway to my room.

"I thought you were burglars and I wasn't wrong." I reply, without looking back.

"No pancakes for you" Shawn retorts at me.

"I'll have 3, thankyou." I poke my tongue out at him and enter my room.

The weight on my heart has increased after that date and I need a hot shower to ease it. I really hope I'll find him soon.

Where are you!?

After a hot shower and some pancakes, we decide to go out, for a pick-me-up. Shawn is in the bathroom, having a wee, before we leave. While we wait for him, Niall picked the baseball bat to put it away and told me to call the elevator. 

Now, I am looking at my phone, trying to book an uber, as I walk out the door and to the elevator. Each floor in our building only has 2 apartments and the elevator door is in the middle of the lobby, on the wall opposite to the apartment doors. Nobody lives in the other apartment on my floor so, the lobby is always empty and I never have to worry about crashing into someone.

That's why it takes me a moment to process what has happened, as I crash into somebody and a box comes falling down. I was so lost in my phone, that I didn't see the person come out of the elevator. He was holding boxes up to his face so, he probably didn't see me either.

I didn't order any stuff, so who's this for?

Still in a bit of haze, I don't see the man's face and immediately bend down to pick the box up.

"I am so sorry"

"I am so sorry"

We both say at the same time and hearing that voice, I freeze.

It can't be.

This voice. This is the voice that I've been looking all over Manchester for. The sweet melodious texture of the words, the thick Yorkshire accent, I recognize this voice. But, only one thing can confirm if it's him, his eyes.

I swallow my nervousness and slowly straighten up, with the box in my hand and my heart racing at million miles an hour. I can hear every beat ringing in my ears. I suddenly feel very out of breathe and a rush of adrenaline through my blood. The time too, seems to have slowed down in anticipation.

Please, please, please be him.

I straighten up all the way and see that he is looking at something on the floor. In the few seconds that he looks down, I take in his face. The face that I have been imagining for the past 2 years. 

His hairs are the same as they were, 2 years ago, like the peaky blinders actors'. His lips still the same soft shade of red. His jawline remains sharp and his body perfectly fit.

All of this, I have seen before and it's still perfect. But, nothing I could imagine, for the rest of his face, was even close to reality. He is beautiful beyond imagination.

His cheekbones are sharp enough to cut paper. His nose is so perfectly straight and yet so delicate, that I have to control the urge to boop it. His cheeks look soft as butter and have a few tiny freckles. His eyebrows form a perfect arch above his eyes and his eyelashes are long and delicate, fanning his cheeks. 

God really took his time in making you, didn't he?

His eyelids flutter, he looks up at me and all of the air is knocked out of my lungs. 

Chapter Text

(Louis)

I was carrying my stuff, in boxes, to my apartment and just as I stepped out of elevator for the 3rd round, I bumped into someone. I didn't see his face at first, because I was busy looking at the Doncaster Rovers cap, that has fallen on the floor. He picked up the box for me but didn't put the cap back in it.

Maybe he didn't see it on the floor.

"I am sorry, I didn't see you coming." I say to the man and finally look at him.

I know him.

I have seen his pictures multiple times before, but I didn't expect to see him in my new apartment building. To be honest, his pictures do him no justice. I can't see much of his body because of the damn boxes, but from what I can see, he seems to have a perfectly toned abdomen. His arms are strong, muscular and adorned with various tattoos. He is wearing heavy rings on his right hand, adding to the beauty of his long, slender fingers. His hairs flow in majestic curls to his shoulders, making him look like a prince.

Well, he is a prince of a sort.

His face is a face that can put the Greek Gods to shame. His jawline is sharp yet delicate. His thin lips, slightly pink and moist, are very alluring. There's little black mole, below the left corner of his mouth, increasing the allure of his lips by ten folds. His nose is perfectly shaped and his cheeks are flawless. His eyes are almond shaped, with thick, long eyelashes. The green color in them reminds me of a deep rainforest and the light reflecting off of them, is like the sunlight that tyndallizes from the forest canopy. They have a sense of clamness radiating from them.

He is Harry Styles.

"When did you order all of this, Haz?" A man's voice with an Irish accent comes from the left side, followed by the sound of a door closing.

I look towards the sound and see two more faces that I recognize.

Niall Horan and Shawn Mendes. Do they live here?

"That's a lot of stuff, H." Shawn says in a Canadian accent. 

We have never met before but, I know who all three of them are. Judging by the words of Shawn and Niall, they don't know who I am. Harry, on the other hand, hasn't spoken anything since he picked up my box. He's just been staring at me.

Does he know me?

I have never met him or contacted him in any way, so how can he know me? Maybe he has heard of my company? Whatever be the case, I can't tell them how or why I know of them. So, I am going to act like I am seeing their faces for first time.

"He didn't order anything. This is all my stuff" I tell Niall and Shawn who are now standing beside Harry.

Niall is looking at Harry with a curious look on his face, probably trying to figure why his friend has suddenly went mute.

"Oh. Are you moving in here?" Shawn asks me.

"Yes. I was actually carrying both of these boxes to my apartment, when I bumped into..." I look at Harry and trail off, pretending not to know his name.

"Oh sorry. Hi, I am Shawn, this is Niall and that is Harry." Shawn says with a smile and, with an apologetic grin, he adds, "He seems to be in a shock, because nobody has lived in that apartment for almost a year." 

Niall picks up my cap from the floor and placing it in the box in Harry's hand, he pats his friends' shoulder.

"Excuse him, he has had a rollercoaster of a day today. We are your neighbors, by the way."

I smile at both of them and Harry, who seems to be out of his shock, looks at Niall. They have a silent conversation with each other for a brief second, then look back at me.

"I am Louis and don't worry, I would be shocked too, if I bumped into someone in a lobby that has been empty for almost a year."

"Well, I am glad it won't be empty anymore." Harry speaks for the first time since apologizing.

He has an English accent and a deep voice. When he smiles, dimples form in his cheeks and they increase the allure of his lips even further.

"Do you need any help with moving in?" Shawn asks me.

"Thankyou for asking and don't worry, I -" 

I am cut off by the sounds coming from the elevator.

"You two cheated!" Oli's voice exclaimed.

"We did not. We just happen to know each other very well." Zayn countered him.

"Oh piss off. You couldn't possibly have tied for 8 rounds in a row by coincidence!"

"What can we say Oli, we're just that much in sync" Liam says sounding smug.

The elevator doors open, revealing my raven, brown and ginger haired chaos.

Liam and Zayn each is carrying one box and Oli is balancing two. So, that's what they cheated about, who carries more boxes.

These idiots.

The three of them step out of the elevator and take in the scene before them. I can tell from their faces that they have recognized Harry, Shawn and Niall too.

"As I was saying, before they interrupted me," I say before any of them could jump into action, "I have my friends over to help me out."

Zayn steals a glance at me and immediately takes the cue.

"Yeah, we are his free labour for the day." He says and sighs before adding, "Hi, I am Zayn, this is Liam and that whining ginger is Oli." 

And none of you are free labour.

"Oi!" Oli jumps in, offended, "I am not whining, you two did cheat."

"You'll never know for sure now, will you?" Liam looks with raised eyebrows at Oli. He turns towards the other three boys and says, "Are you Lou's new neighbors?" 

"Yes." Harry tells him, "These two live together, on the floor above and I live in the apartment next to you." He says the last part while looking at me.

Ofcourse you do.

"Okay, neighbor," I say to him, "do you mind taking the box to my apartment?"

"Not at all." Harry steps aside "Lead the way, neighbor."

A smile creeps on my face at that and I immediately look down, to hide it. I lead them all into my apartment, that is littered with many boxes.

"You can keep it anywhere" I tell Harry as I place my own box down on the kitchen counter.

Harry, Zayn, Liam and Oli put there boxes down on the few empty spaces they could find. Shawn and Niall are standing near the entryway, looking at all the clutter. 

"Are you sure you don't need any help from us?" Shawn asks me again.

"Yes, don't worry...the boxes make it look like there's a lot of stuff but, it's really not much." I say as I walk over to them. Harry joins me, so I look at him, "Once again, I am really sorry for bumping into you."

"Don't be" Harry makes eye contact with me and with a cheeky smile says, "I'm not." And winks.

Oh fuck. Pretty and flirty. 

"Well then, thankyou" I say and smile at Harry.

"We'll leave now, so that you can finish the task at hand. But, once you are settled in, I would love to host a dinner for all four of you." Harry says to all of us. He turns and looks in my eyes, lightly touching my elbow, he adds, " Will you let me know when you are free?" 

"Yes, ofcourse." 

The words slip out of my mouth before I can stop them. I can feel the eyes of my friends on me, clearly they didn't expect me to say yes. Well, I didn't expect him to make such an offer either, so it caught me a bit off-guard. Add the tingles in my elbow to the mix and it's like I didn't have any choice at all.

"See you around, neighbor." Harry says with a beautiful smile, as he backs out of the entryway. I feel another smile trying to creep it's way in.

Get it together, Lou!

"See you around, neighbors" I reply, emphasizing on the 's' to make it clear that I am addressing all three of them.

"It was nice meeting you all." Niall says and leaves my apartment, taking Harry with him.

"I hope to see you all, again." Shawn says and leaves, closing the brown mahogany door behind him.

I look at the floor and sigh. It's the first time I notice that the white marble has green swirly patterns on it, reminding me of Harry's eyes.

They are very beautiful.

I turn around and find my 3 friends staring at me with smirks plastered to their faces. I raise my eyebrow questioningly at them.

"Yes ofcourse?" Zayn asks.

"I was being polite" I shrug it off and go to sit on a stool on breakfast table.

"Why didn't we know they live here?" I ask my friends.

We have whole research files on all 3 of them and yet, none of us knew they live in this building. I have read all of their files and I don't remember seeing this address on any of them.

And I remember Harry's file word for word!

"We know their family house and work address. This must be their personal one." Liam says, sitting opposite me.

"Just my luck! I finally move out, only for them to be my neighbors." I exhale loudly and rest my head on Oli's shoulder, who has taken a seat beside me.

"It's okay, Lou. They seem like decent chaps." Oli puts an arm around me and tries to soothe me.

They are decent but, that's not the problem. 

"Yeah and they seem interested in friendship too." Zayn says.

"I have friends, I don't need more."

"You'll always have us, mate. But, it never hurts to know new people." Oli says as he rubs circles on my arm.

"Yeah Lou, the more the merrier, right?" Liam says.

"Mhmm."

Making friends is not the issue.

"Well...Harry seemed to be interested in more than just friendship to me." Zayn pipes in and I snap my head towards him.

"What do you mean?" My voice comes out a bit high-pitched and Zayn's smirk grows.

"I mean..the way he flirted with you..."

"And the way you flirted back..." Liam completes Zayn thought, mirroring his smirk.

That's the problem innit?! Harry in all his distracting glory.

"I didn't flirt with him!" I exclaim.

"Yeah. I didn't notice any flirting." Oli adds, sounding and looking confused.

"Shut up Oli, you never notice it." Zayn says.

"There was definite flirtation going on. But, you" Liam looks accusingly at me, "let your brain kick in at the end."

"Yeah. What was that about?" Zayn asks.

When did these two become Sherlock Holmes of flirting!

"I didn't flirt with any of them. I can't even be friends with them because, I can't tell them the whole truth." I say and get up. Taking one of the boxes marked kitchen, I start unpacking it.

"You don't have to tell them everything to befriend them, Lou and you did flirt." Zayn says as he picks a box to unpack.

Oli and Liam pick a box too and start putting things in place.

"I did not and wouldn't it be wrong if I do friendship with them, while hiding this? Besides, I only moved out because Lots and dad forced me to. I am still hardset on my goal."

"We've been through this, Lou...Nobody is telling you stop on the mission. You know we want to fulfil it too, but you have to stop putting your life on hold." Zayn tries to explain me.

I have heard this a thousand times. They all think I need more people in my life and I disagree. I have to stay focused on my task. What if I can't give it the time it needs, after I make friends? What if I am too distracted to work if I fall in love? What if I accidentally tell them the truth?

I can't risk it.

"I agree, Lou. You need to atleast try to work on it." Oli says.

"Have a little faith in yourself, mate. You can do both, I know you can...I also know that Jay would've told you the same thing." I go still after hearing Liam's words.

"I am doing this-all of this, for her." I say, my voice low.

"We know and we all are doing it for her. But, this is not the only thing that she would want you to do." Liam's own voice is low when he says this.

I know that.

The problem right now, is that I'm not sure if I can be friends with Harry. His pictures alone have always captured my interest and now, after seeing him person, I am sure he'll be a huge distraction. Just the thought of his lips, that mole and those dimples makes me want to do something I'll surely regret. I can't tell this to my friends though.

I'm just going to pretend. 

"Okay I'll give it a try."

"Thankyou. That is all we are asking you to do." Zayn says.

"Okay now, where do you want me to put this?" Oli asks, pulling out a delicate glass football showpiece.

"On the mantle, right at the center." I tell him and get back to my own box of stuff.

Chapter Text

(Harry)

I was taking in the man I have longed for, for 2 years, one more time when Niall dragged me out of his apartment. He was wearing a blue jumper and black jeans and he looked so cuddly, I had to stop myself from engulfing him in my arms. Also, the blue jumper really brought out the blue in his eyes, making it even harder to look away.

I finally know what he looks like.

A masterpiece. 

I finally know where he lives.

Right next to me.

And, I finally know his name.

Louis. Lou.

It's a beautiful name, almost as beautiful as the man himself. If Niall didn't bring me out of my shock, I would have made a complete fool of myself. 

After seeing him and those eyes in front of me, all my brain kept saying was 'Oh my God, it's him!' on repeat. My heart, that was running at a million miles an hour, skipped what felt like a thousand beats. My short breathes turned into waves of relief. The adrenaline coursing in my blood, gave way to oxytocin and dopamine. My words seemed to be all lost and my body felt frozen.

When Niall patted my shoulders, it felt like I have woken up from a trance. I tried to tell Niall with my eyes that it's him and, I think, he understood it. Then, thankfully, my brain kicked in and I was able to form my words again.

And flirt with him.

Although he backed out of our flirting at the last moment, I really hope he takes me up on the dinner offer. That way I'll get to know more about him and I can tell him more about me because, I am not going to just give up. I invited his friends too, coz they seemed really important to him. Giving importance to people he likes, may get me into his good books. 

"Is it really him?" Niall asks me, as soon as we are inside my apartment.

"Do you mean the man we've been looking for? It's him? Louis?" Shawn asks, apparently he didn't catch the shock and the flirting.

"Yeah baby, I think he is. If not, then Haz might have just found a new pair of eyes to obsess over."

"Atleast we don't have to look for this one, we know exactly where they live."

Without replying to them, I go to the kitchen. 

I need water.

I gulp down a glass of water in one go and turn to look at them. They are staring at me with eager eyes. 

"Yes." Their eyes widen, and I add, "It's him."

Saying it out loud made it all finally feel real.

It really is him.

"It's him." I whisper and a huge smile forms on my face. "It's him." I repeat, a relieved laugh bubbling from inside me.

My friends have huge smiles plastered on their faces as well. They follow me when I go to sit on the couch, in the living room, whispering "It's him." all the way.

"I can't believe it." I giggle, "It really is him."

"I am so happy for you, H." Shawn says from beside me, pulling me into a hug.

"Me too, Haz. You finally found him." Niall joins our hug.

Niall sits on my other side and I turn to look at him.

"No, no." I shake my head, the smile still plastered to my face, "I didn't find anybody. It was yet another accidental meet, Ni. Do you realize what it means?"

"That the universe wants you to be together?" Niall asks with his eyebrows knit.

"Yes." I nod enthusiastically, "The universe wants us to be together and I'll give my 1000% to win him over."

"And we'll help you, every step of the way." Shawn says with a smile.

"Yeah..have you thought about what you will do?" Niall asks.

"First, I am hoping he accepts my dinner invitation."

"That was a good move, inviting his friends along with him." Shawn appreciates.

"I know, it increases the chances of him accepting." I take in a breathe and add, "I won't be telling him about the mafia stuff or that I have been looking for him...I don't want to scare him away, before he has had the chance to actually know me."

"I don't think he'll scare off easy but, I totally understand this decision." Shawn says, gently squeezing my hand.

"Yeah. We'll keep our mouths sealed." Niall acts out zipping his lips together, making me giggle.

"I know you two will and we need to tell this to Lewis too, before he gets back."

Lewis is a very jovial, chatty person and our best friend. We need to tell him, before he gets back, so that if he runs into Louis, he doesn't spoil anything. He knows I have been looking for Louis and I thought if anyone would be able to find him, it would be Lewis. But, when I told him the description, he just laughed at my face.

I need to know more than just blue eyes and a fit body to track someone down. 

This is what he said to me. He is the tracker of our group so, he spends most of his time on the road. There is no diamond or person, that we wanted, that he hasn't been able to locate. Except for Louis, who he didn't even try to track, the only ones that have escaped his radar are the Shadows.

And what an enigma have they been!

The Shadows are a new gang and they have accumulated too much power, in too little time. They surfaced around 6 years ago, making new clients and stealing some of the smaller clients from the Syndicate. Slowly, they expanded their reach, stole bigger clients, bigger works. Now, they are almost as powerful as the Syndicate itself, in the field of stolen work pieces.

Syndicate still remains the most powerful group overall, becuase they have dug their nails in every trade. They are at the top in every trade, except for diamonds and the stolen works. They have close competition in these trades by us and the Shadows.

Us and the Syndicate have locked horns for as long as I can remember but, the Shadows are new to the game. Considering how powerful they are growing, the Syndicate will try to take them down soon.

We have been looking for the members of the Shadows, for a long time, to make an alliance with them. They haven't harmed any people yet, so we think they might be a group like ours. We know, from various encounters, that the Syndicate has been looking for them too.

What makes finding them so difficult though, is that nobody knows who they are. We don't know their names, their faces or their marks. They have kept everything well hidden from public knowledge. They never leave anything behind that could help us trace them or identify them. The only thing we do know, is that they call themselves Shadows and they are very good at being shadows as well.

So far, they have been the most difficult group to find. After I met Louis, he became a close competitor for that place. But, he is here now and, right now, I couldn't care less about finding anyone else.

I found the man I dream of.

I don't know if the universe wants us to be together or not, but I want it. So, I'll do anything it takes to win him over.

"He called when you were out, said he tracked down the shipment and that it's heading our way. It will take both, the diamonds and Lewis, a few days to reach back home." Shawn informs me.

"That's nice...I've missed him." Niall says.

"I miss him too, it's been around a month." I say.

"Yeah...anyway, have you thought of anything else?" Niall asks me.

"Yes, actually. I am going to bake him a cake. And, since you two so graciously used up my eggs, you are going to go out and buy me some." I get up and make my way to the kitchen.

"Are you serious?" Niall turns around to look at me from the couch.

"Yes. Get out. Now." 

"But...what about our night out?" Shawn asks.

"It's cancelled. I only wanted to go out to feel good but, now I've seen him and I'm all good." The two of them keep staring at me and don't move. "Move your asses! The eggs won't walk themselves to my apartment."

They slowly get up from their places, making a show of how much effort it is takimg.

"Fine." Shawn mumbles.

"I want a piece too." Niall says and they shuffle across the room, to the door.

"Get yourself some grocery, while you're at it." I shout after them as they leave my apartment. 

Chapter Text

(Louis)

Liam, Oli and Zayn stayed till late last night to set everything up. The three of them can be very productive, when they want to be. Thanks to them, I have the entire day to lay around and relax.

For the first time in years, I have no meeting to attend, no work to do and no siblings to entertain. So, I have been sitting on my living room couch and playing FIFA, with random online players, for the past hour. 

I defeated Miranda in a tough game and just as I am about to start a new game, the doorbell rings, startling me. I wasn't expecting anyone today. I reluctantly get out of the blanket, put the controller on the coffee table and get up.

The furry rug in the living room, felt so soft under my bare feet that every step in the cold marble, feels like a sting. I take a look at my reflection on the thin, decorative mirror in the entryway and fix my hair. The white England football shorts and the black t-shirt look neat. So, I step forward and open the door.

Oh, hello there!

The sight in front of me makes me wish I had put on finer clothes. It's Harry and he is wearing a burgundy v-neck t-shirt and black ripped jeans, showing off his perfect collarbones and knees. He has black flip flops on, which is oddly casual, given the outfit, but looks hot, nevertheless. His hands are folded behind his back. His hairs are down and dimples are out, stirring things inside me.

Did you dress up for me?

"Hey, neighbor." Harry says in that deep voice of his.

"Hi, neighbor."

"How is the moving in going on? Are you all settled in?" His eyes are shining and his smile is very bright, suggesting there is a reason behind this visit.

I wouldn't mind even if there wasn't a reason.

"Yeah, the boys helped me to get it all done yesterday...I am just having a leisure day today"

"That's nice, because...there's nothing better than a chocolate cake on a leisure day!" His smile grew wider and he brought his right hand out, from behind him, as he said this. 

He is holding a big tupperware container in his hand. He offers me the container and I look at him with a confused expression.

"I baked you a chocolate cake. I thought, since you just moved in, you must be tired and would like to have some comfort food." His smile grows a little shy as he says this.

I love chocolate cake.

"That's so thoughtful of you." I say with a smile and take the container from his hand. "Thankyou very much."

"Don't thank me yet." He brings his other hand out and he is holding a small potted plant in it. "I also brought you a houseplant, to make it feel more homely."

The enthusiasm in his voice makes me chuckle. I didn't expect Harry to bake me a cake or bring me a houseplant. Normally, I would be suspicious of such actions by someone from his background. But, from his expression, it feels like he doesn't have any bad motives behind it.

His radiant smile and the pure shine in his eyes make me feel warm. So, I do something I haven't done in a long while. I step aside from the door and gesture with my hand towards the apartment.

"Why don't you make it a home yourself?"

I decide to get to know a stranger.

I am attracted to Harry and that's why I thought I can't be friends with him. But, if I get to know him, maybe that will change. He is my neighbor and I can't avoid him forever. So, I think it's better to try being friends.

I still can't tell him everything and it would be wrong, if I intended to use him for anything. But, I don't have any such plans so, it doesn't feel wrong. 

"I would love to." Harry says with a smile and steps into my apartment.

I close the door and follow behind him. Harry stops between the living room and kitchen and looks around the apartment. He then walks to the kitchen and places the plant on the breakfast table. I place the tupperware box on the counter.

"Now, every morning, it will accompany you with your breakfast and remind you of me." Harry looks at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"So, the real reason you brought it, was to occupy my thoughts?" I ask with a smirk. 

"That's just an added bonus." He shrugs innocently, biting his lower lip.

I want to be the one biting it.

No, I dont.

"Thankyou, for the plant and the cake."

"Oh it's nothing." He waves it off, "You are a huge football fan, aren't you?"

I take a look at my football shoes rack by the door, the big basket of footballs beside the couch, the glass football on the mantle and the clothes I am wearing and smirk.

"What gave me away?" I ask and take a step towards Harry.

"Just the very beautiful, football England shorts that you are wearing." He replies with a cheeky smile.

"I don't know if I should be flattered or offended, that you are looking at my legs."

"Definitely flattered."

"Oh?"

The one step turned into a few steps and now I am standing less than a feet away from Harry. I can smell his perfume and it's heavenly. I want to close the distance even further and the subtle shift to darkness in Harry's eyes, suggests he wants the same.

Lou, behave yourself!

I clear my throat and take a small step backwards. Then I take a few more steps back, towards my fridge. Harry turns his head in several directions, apparently looking around the place. I open the fridge door and look inside.

"Would you like something to drink? I have orange juice, coffee and some beer." I look away from the fridge and at Harry again, and say, "I also made some tea before and I hear I make a real mean cuppa." 

"I would love some tea, thankyou." He says with a sweet smile.

While I pour him a cup, Harry wanders into the living room and sees my little setup.

"You were playing FIFA?"

"Yeah, that's pretty much all I have done today. Do you like the game?"

"Do I like it?" Harry scoffs and looks at me. I hand him the cup and raise an eyebrow, asking him to explain. "Why don't you play with me and you'll find out." He says in a challenging voice.

"Is that a challenge?" I ask and I take another controller out of the box and connect it to the system. 

"Mmm..this really is a mean cup of tea, I love it! And yes, it is a challenge."

I hand him the other controller, "Well, then.." I look into his eyes and say, "Challenge accepted, neighbor." 

This is going to be a fun game.

I walk around Harry and take my spot in the couch, pulling the blanket over my lap. Harry places his mug on the coffee table and sits beside me.

"Do you want the blanket as well?" I ask him, so that he can be comfortable while we play.

"Are you asking me to share a blanket with you?" He asks with a cheeky grin.

Such a flirt!

"An enticing offer but..."

I pull another blanket out from under the coffee table and throw it at Harry. He breaks into giggles and I roll my eyes at him.

Harry removes his flip flops, opens the blanket and gets snuggled inside it. I exit the online portal and open a new game to play with him.

"What team do you want?" 

"Manchester United." He says, immediately.

I select my team and Harry sniggers. I slowly turn my head towards him.

"Any comments?" I ask him with raised eyebrows.

"Why would you choose Doncaster Rovers against Manchester United?" He seems to be controlling a giggle as he says this.

I narrow my eyes at him and say, "They are a really good team and with proper resources and guidance, they will bring your Manchester United to their knees."

Harry snorts and I narrow my eyes even further.

"Say a single bad word about them and I'll kick you out and play with the houseplant." My eyes have turned to slits by now and Harry finally understands how serious I am about this.

"Okay, okay I'll shut up." He says and raises his hands in surrender.

"Good." I turn my face to the screen again and start the game.

The countdown starts on the screen and Harry scooches a little towards me. I can feel him looking at me.

"Oh and Lou" he says and I turn to look at him. This is the first time he has called me Lou and I like the sound of it. His voice is low and kind of sexy as he says, "Before we start...I want you to know, that I wouldn't mind you bringing me to my knees." He bites his lower lips.

Holy fuck!

I am struggling to find some non flirty words for a reply and don't notice when the timer ends and the game starts. Harry grins devilishly, turns towards the screen and takes the ball.

I gasp, "You cheater!" I take control of my players and try to take the ball away from him.

"Everything is fair is love and war." His voice reflects his giddiness at his little trick.

"Oh? So which one is this?" I ask, still struggling to take the ball.

"Whichever one you want it to be." Harry says with the same sexy voice.

Damn, he is one very flirty, distracting being!