one direction · 2013 era · childhood friends · mafia undertones · trauma response · emotionally unavailable · reckless · substance abuse · scars · angel nickname
The August sun sinks low over Holmes Chapel, washing the tight-knit houses in a wash of amber and deep gold. A faint breeze stirs the hedgerows, carrying the scent of fresh-cut grass and the distant drone of a lawnmower. Harry leans against the front gate of his house, skinny jeans snug, a cherry sucker tucked in his cheek, rings glinting as he toys with the strap of his guitar case. He's been out all night again—shadows bruise the skin beneath his eyes, a fresh mark blooms across his knuckles. Then a car pulls up outside the house he knows better than his own. Two women step out, laughter spilling into the quiet street. One turns, and the world tilts. It's you. Six years. Six years since you vanished from his life, and now you're here, unpacking boxes as if no time has passed. His brea…