A Slide Into First ➵ narry

Chapter 7

Out the window he could see their Camry pull up (Liam was in the driver's seat, hence why they were actually two minutes early) so Harry got his phone out and called Niall. He picked up immediately, and with a few words of reassurance they got themselves ready to break the news.

Harry told his friends to sit on the couch, and even though they were very confused they did so.

"Okay, so Niall and I have something to tell you..." Harry started.

"What, are you two fucking?" Louis asked, a shit-eating grin spreading across his face.

"No!" Niall yelled from the phone indignantly.

"No!" Harry continued, "It's more like... making out and holding hands and shit,"

Louis blankly stared back at him while Liam's expression slowly turned towards a mix between utter confusion and general happiness.

"Say something!" Niall yelled.

"It's just...this is a joke, right?" Louis questioned.

"Is something wrong?" Harry asked, worry creeping more and more into his mind.

"But, like, no! No, no, no! You're just...what?"

"Were we really being that subtle? According to Zayn we've been eye-fucking for the past month,"

"Yeah, not to mention we crept away for 15 minutes last night together," Niall added.

"I literally can't believe it!" Liam yelled, although his large smile begged to differ.

"Guys, even though I'm astonished, honestly. Like, please know you have my full support. I just would've never guessed,"

Harry smiled, and was truthfully a little amazed that something finally shut Louis up.

"Aww, guys!" was all Liam was able to say before he pulled Harry (and additionally Niall, though it was through the phone) into a large hug. Louis eventually sighed and joined in the cuddle. Harry felt the worry release from his body as Liam's face pressed against his and Louis's arms held them closer, but especially as Niall's giggle escaped from the phone.

**

Harry spent his entire shift staring out at the scoreboard, counting down the innings until the game was over. Fortunately enough for Harry, the game went quickly. Unfortunately for everyone else, it was because the team had played extra poorly. Three out of the nine innings had seen no Wrench players get on base. He couldn't be too sad, though, because he wanted Niall back, and they certainly couldn't make out while he was too busy trying to catch a foul ball. Harry could've squealed with delight as the final customers made their way through the line and he felt the buzz of his phone in his pocket. Risking a lashing from Pablo for looking at his phone before his shift was up, Harry whipped it out and was relieved to see that the text was from Niall.

"Blondie: Busy?"

"Just at work you know,"

"Blondie: Take the trash out and keep a look out for blond Irishmen on the prowl,"

"Haha, will do,"

Harry ran over to Liam out of impatience and also because he knew Niall didn't have a lot of time.

"I'm going to take the trash out and I might be a few minutes. If anyone asks any questions please cover for me," Harry whispered, "By the way, I don't think your Ni-Dog services will be needed tonight,"

He skipped off down the corridor, trash bag in hand with a grin too wide for the occasion. He peered around, wondering where Niall could possibly be hiding when he heard a voice come from a utility closet: "Hey, come here, poohead," It had to be Niall because no one else in the world could lace such a lame insult with such love.