* THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO: AlinaP266 & @Aleenazobairi *
Harry POV
"Thank you for your time, it was actually quite relaxing for once"
Benz sighs of relief, as we walk down a random street. After our small interaction at the park, we decided to get a cup of coffee afterwards at some deli nearby which led to more conversations. You know, he seems more interesting than I thought, I felt like I can talk about pine cones with the lad and still share a laugh with him. I took a picture of a sign with my camera, looking up at him as I nodded in response.
"It's nothing, I enjoyed it too if I do say so myself"
"I really did too" he smirked, watching me as I take a picture of yellow taxi car parked to the side.
"We should do this again sometime, you know meet up soon if it's no trouble"
"It's no trouble, I don't see why not" I shrugged, as he nods and bites his bottom lip anxiously.
"Maybe..you can take more pictures of me"
I stumbled a bit, almost dropping my camera after hearing that sentence. I look up at him, wondering if this was a prank he was pulling. He just blinked at me, twirling his fingers together nervously as he waits for my response. Oh, he's serious. I know I've suggested it to him before when he first modeled for some of my pictures, but I didn't think he would actually consider it. I stood up straight, clearing my throat as I try to process what was going on.
"You want m-me to take more pictures o-of you?"
"I-I'm sorry if it's seem like a crazy idea. I'm so stupid to ask something like that, I'm so sorry-"
"N-No..it's alright, honest. It's just..are you comfortable with this?"
"What do you mean?"
"I wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable"
"You're asking a man who gets naked for a bunch of 50 year olds creeps every night. That's nothing compared to what I have to go through"
I licked my lips, looking at him before realizing his anxiety. Benz pulls his hat down a bit, looking around anxiously before looking back at me. I think he's worried that he's probably being watched. I look around, taking him by his arm before pulling him to the side, hiding behind a corner.
"If you don't mind me asking..i-is there something wrong?"
"Why you ask?"
"Well, I have noticed you've been pulling your hat down every few minutes during the whole time we've been together"
"I-I just don't want to be recognized..To be honest, I-I'm not really suppose to be out here alone with y-you"
"Why?"
"W-Well..my 'boss' wouldn't be to happy about that, especially if I'm late for work"
"I don't see why he would be upset about you hanging out with someone, why would he?"
"No reason" he sighed, looking down at his feet as I furrowed my eyebrows. Am I missing something here? He's hiding something.
"Oh, well if I would've known, we could've gone somewhere more private"
"Yes! More private..so then I could model for your pictures and hang out with you more. I-I would like to get to know you more.."
"Would your boss be okay with this? I don't want to get you into any kind of trouble"
"He doesn't have to know"
I snorted, slightly smiling as bit my bottom lip. This guy is being quite a rebel. I look down at my camera before looking up at him. Well it's just his boss, I don't see the problem if that man isn't really much more to him.
I nodded, placing my hand over his shoulder as he looks up at me.
"Alright, it could be our tiny secret I suppose. I mean, after all, y-you're help me with my assignment...A-And I would like to get to know you more too"
"Ha, I guess so. I would really appreciate that" he smiled, pulling his hat down once again.
"How can I contact you?"
"Hmm. Do you have your phone with you?"
"No, I-I don't have one"
"You don't?"
"No, my boss doesn't allow me to have one"
I furrowed my eyebrows, tilting my head a bit as I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Who does this 'boss' of his think he is? I look around, trying to think of a way to meet up without having his boss find out, but I have my doubts since I feel like it can be risky. But then again, I would get more pictures..
"Originally I would have to think about this. It's never right to sneak around.."
"Oh, I guess you're right" he frowned, biting his bottom lip as he shrugs.
"But I can make exception this time. For you at least"
"Really? But don't you have to work tomorrow at the convenience store?"
"Well that's not something I would have to worry about any longer" I sadly sigh, thinking about Mr. Patterson and his store.
"B-But I'm off tomorrow, so we can meet up i-if you'd like to? Maybe around 12pm at Central Park?"
"That sounds fair, I'll even bring extra clothing for when I model for your pictures"
"Y-Yeah, that sounds great" I nodded, trying my best to hold in a goofy smile.
"Well then Harry, I do hope to see you tomorrow" he smiled, a bit of excitement shown inside his eyes.
"I really do too"
"Yeah" he nodded, looking down at his watch.
"I have to get going before my boss realizes I'm not home"
"Oh alright"
Does his boss visit him everyday or something? He seems to be very consuming for a boss, I don't know why he would be so tough on Benz if he's just his employee. I mean, it's not like he's pure or anything, no offense.
"Do you mind if we stop by the convenience store? I wanted to buy some Reese's"
"Reese's? Oh well here"
I open the small pocket my messenger bag, pulling out the peanut butter chocolate as I hand it to him. He looks at it before taking it, looking up at me in confusion.
"But isn't this yours?"
"Yeah but I'm not the biggest fan of that chocolate. I only had it because my boss gave to me for free. Take it"
"Well let me pay you for it at least"
"No it's okay, you don't have to"
"But I can't just take this without giving you anything in return"
"It's alright. You just spending the day with me was amazing enough. Here's my gift to you"
Benz slightly smirks, blushing at bit as he slightly chuckles. I couldn't help but smile at his reaction, finding it quite adorable actually. Compared to that night before, I never seen this side of him before and I kind of like it.
"Thank you Harry, I appreciate it. Don't forget to bring your camera tomorrow"
"I never do. Get home safe"
He nods, leaning forward before wrapping his arms around me and pulling me for a quick hug. I was caught off guard, especially once I caught his scent. Vanilla.
He pulls away, smiling as he waved goodbye before sprinting away. I watched as he runs down before he disappears out of my sight. A smile, once again, spread across my face at the thought of him smiling at me.
I'm starting to really grow a fond for the blonde lad, not even caring about his profession or anything. He's just like any other person, probably even better. I smiled, walking the other way to head towards the nearest bus stop.
Damn Benz Goldmine, I'm a sucker for vanilla scent.
================
Benz POV
* SLAM *
I slammed my front door behind me, my back against it as I let out a sigh of relief. I look down at my watch, realizing I just made it, only a few minutes until Paul gets home. I tossed the candy on the counter without thinking. I take my hat off, ruffling my hair a bit as I run to my bedroom to change my clothes real quick. I don't want Paul questioning me as to why I'm so dressed up.
As I was putting on a random t-shirt, I caught my reflection over my mirror, making me stop as I slowly walk towards it and observe my facial features.
"Yes, lost. But also, maybe, trapped. As a photographer, you just don't capture the pretty face, you capture everything, the emotions and vibes..And if I ever seen a picture like this, I would think they just seem like they're crying for help, looking for purpose. But when one is trapped, they just continue to search without knowing if they'll ever find their answer. It could be peace, independence, friendship..maybe even love"
I place my hand over my face, letting out a shaky breath. Can Harry really see right through me? Maybe I'm just bluffing, but I felt like he spoke to me. Could it be that I have someone else who understands me?
"JUSTIN! I'M HOME!"
I quickly snapped out of my thoughts, putting the other clothes into the laundry basket before running out. He never does his laundry, I do, so he won't even notice. I run downstairs, meeting him face to face at the living room. I straightened my clothes out, letting out the biggest but fakest welcoming smile to my older partner who I love so much.
"Welcome home Paul, you came home pretty early"
"Well I just thought I would spend the rest of the day with my special boy. I even brought you these" he walks over to me, holding a bouquet of roses before handing to me.
"Oh my god, I love them Paul!"
"Do you really? I wanted to bring you these as an apology for lashing out at you earlier"
I was about to respond, my smile slightly fading once I noticed a huge hickey on his lower left side of his neck. I guess he really did meet up with Cameron after all. I gulped, smirking as I looked up at him and nodded. It never hurts to doubt things, even if you get let down once in a while.
"Yes they're beautiful. Thank you"
"I'm glad you like them. They reminded me of you, my handsome boy" he said, taking my hand as he caresses it and kisses my knuckles.
"I'm going to put these in a vase"
I head over to the kitchen, looking around for a vase inside the cabinets. Once I find one, I fill it up with water before taking out a pair of scissors to cut the ends of the stems. I place the flowers in the vase, looking at them in admiration as I put it at the center of our dining table. Paul walks in, clearing his throat to catch my attention. He holds up the Reese's bar in his hand with a confused expression.
"Where'd you get this?"
"Oh. Well I went out today"
"Really?..With who?"
"No one...I was by myself" I lied, my mind instantly drifting to Harry. I mean, he was the one who gave me that candy bar.
"I just thought I give you a peace offering because of earlier. I know how much you love Reese's so I got you one"
"Well, aren't you the best"
"Is that even a question?"
"Never. You and I both know you're my number one. Gosh, you don't know how much I love you. I hate having to raise my voice sad hurt you, I don't know how to stop" he said, wrapping his arms around me as he kisses the top of my head.
"Maybe we should talk more, listen to each other more. We should always work on our tempers and learn to spend more time together"
"You're right, you should listen to me more. That's a perfect suggestion"
"That's not what-..yeah, you're right" I sighed, slightly smirking as I lay my head over his chest, hugging him tightly.
It's best not to object to anything, just keep quiet. I don't want to start another fight, things seems to be a bit better right now. I mean, he brought me roses and he's being affectionate towards me. Paul really loves me, you see he really does!..
He looks down at me, lifting my head up as he pulls me in for a kiss. A real kiss, finally. I still get butterflies as if it we were having our first kiss again.
"How about we lay in bed for while before we leave for the club, yeah? We can cuddle all you want, sweetheart"
"I would like that very much!"
"So would I"
I smiled, kissing his lips twice before he wraps his arms around my lower back, his hand close to my butt, before leading us to our bedroom. It just made me forget everything negative that has been going on between us. Finally, I have Paul's attention for once. Maybe things will finally start to change after all. This is all so I can makes our relationship work, to finally be completely happy.
Even if it means forcing myself to have two rounds of sex with the man I love.
============
Harry POV
"Oh, well if I would've known, we could've gone somewhere more private"
"Yes! More private..so then I could model for you and hang out with you more. I-I would like to get to know you more.."
Benz Goldmine wants to get to know me better. He must be yanking my tail, there's no way someone as attractive as him would want to spend time with a loner like me. Who in their right mind would want to spend time with me? I'm not special.
But yet, he seems so sincere about wanting to see me again. And to be honest, I am too...
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!"
I jumped up and sprinted out of my room once, I thought I heard, a cry of bloody murder. I run to where the screaming came from, the living room, looking around in pure panic.
"Who is screaming?! What's going on?!"
"You asshole! You cheated!"
"How can I cheat if you suck at this game?" Hero snorted, shaking his head at Luke Hemmings and Josh Devine.
"Now hand over the dough, you idiots"
"I still think he cheated" muttered Luke, throwing his money at Hero and Louis, chuckling as they put down their poker cards.
"This is all the commotion? You guys are gambling?"
"Harry! When did you get home mate?" asked Louis as the others turn to me.
"About two hours ago. What are you all gambling for?"
"For money duh! What else would it be for?"
"I don't know..food?"
"We have food, Harold" Hero shook his head as he and Louis count their money.
Well forgive me thinking about the necessities Hero. Smh.
"Hey Harry. Long time no see" Josh turns to me with a wide smile as I took a seat on the coach.
"H-Hi Josh"
"How you've been? I haven't seen you around lately"
"I just been busy with school and work. I-I don't really have time for myself"
"Well that's too bad. I was hoping to see you around more" he blushes, earning a grin from me in return.
"JUST FUCK HIM ALREADY!"
We both turn to Louis as he, along with Luke and Hero, start snickering to themselves. Josh was blushing even more now, making me run the back of my neck awkwardly. Could I feel anymore uncomfortable?
"Well it's getting late. I better go before you both run me out of all my money"
"What? But we're just getting started!" Hero exclaims as Luke just shrugs and stood up from his chair along with Josh.
"Yeah, but I'm running empty here. I don't want to end up broke, I want some churros!Come on Josh, let's go"
"I'll see you later Harry" smiled Josh, still blushing.
"Y-Yeah sure" I smirked as they both head towards the door and leave.
"Aww what a nice lad Josh is, huh Hazza?" Louis teases, playfully nudging me as I rolled my eyes before getting up and heading towards the kitchen.
"Not now Lou"
"Don't be a pooper Harry! You need to go out on dates once in a while"
"I'll go a date when I'm interested"
"And when will that be?"
"When I'm interested" I snorted, taking out my orange juice as I drink from the carton.
"But Josh seems like a cool guy. Eleanor tells me how he always tries to talk you and the way he looks at you. Sounds like a winner, yeah?"
"Maybe for someone else, but not for me. I mean, he's nice but I just don't feel the same way"
"Geez Hazza, you make me question you're taste in guys"
"Tell me about it" I sighed, rolling my eyes.
"How about we go out tomorrow? Have a little fun?" Hero smirks, waving his money at us.
"And where do you want to go?"
"Wherever you guys want. Tomorrow's Friday night "
"Which means?.." Louis questions, cocking his eyebrows.
"Let's go to the Pink Panther"
My eyes widen, almost spitting out my drink, as I look over at my roommates. I stood there, not saying a word after Hero suggested such a thing. Going to the Pink Panther again? After seeing Benz earlier today?
"What? No way! Eleanor isn't here for her to go with me"
"That's the point, it's just us three. Think of it as a boys night you know"
"Nope. Count me out in this one, I'm loyal to my future wife and I don't want to get kicked in the balls"
"Ugh, you're such a loser. What about you Harry? Are you in?"
"W-Well I-"
"Of course he's not in! He's not going to leave with his best mate" Louis said, as he flung his arms around my shoulders.
"Come on! You guys wouldn't have to get lap dances tomorrow, just drink and dance"
"Hmm I think I can do that. What about you Harry? You in?"
"Do you really have to get me involved?"
"YES!" they both said simultaneously.
Okay, I might've gone there once after going my first time but that was for educational purposes. I went there for one reason and that reason is to have Benz Goldmine be my model. That doesn't mean I would return continuously, especially since it might be awkward for a dork like me to keep visiting a sex worker at the strip club every weekend. I'll get to see him earlier tomorrow so I don't see why I should tag along with them to the club.
"No way. Don't ask me again"
"Ugh you're such a loser" Hero said, rolling his eyes as I shrugged, heading back to my room.
I couldn't help but let out a small smirk, holding in my snicker as I thought about Hero's remark towards me, about me being a loser ha.
Little does he know this 'loser' is already hanging around a stripper.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
UPDATED! ❤️
I'm sorry it took a while guys, I've been falling behind this week on updates. Plus I wanted to give my mind a break so I wouldn't have to write something lousy or boring (although not much happens in this chapter).
So idk if any of you noticed, I took down the new 'Zustin' story. I guess I'm just not ready for it or maybe it's because the ship is too popular. Plus I've written 'Zustin' stories before so I might write it if I ever feel ready to do so.
I'm really enjoying myself with 'Jouis' and 'Jarry' ships right now.
Speaking of 'Jouis', I posted another story called 'DYSTOPIAN'. I do have to warn you, it is very explicit so if you're a fan of that kind of stuff, then I advise you not to read it 😅
It's very different from what I've been writing so please check it out, it would mean a lot if you did ☺️
Thank you to AlinaP266 & @Aleenazobairi for commenting on QOTD in the last chapter. Idk when I'll do another but it'll be soon 🤘🏽
Please excuse any unedited mistakes 😅
Please comment, vote, & follow!
Have a beautiful day! Enjoy! 💕
- DAMARI 😜