Summary:
What should have settled doesn’t. As the shift wears on, familiar rhythms slip out of reach, and every adjustment makes things feel sharper instead of easier. Control holds—but only on the surface.
You feel it before you see it. It hasn’t settled. Not the shift, not your arm, not the way he stepped in. You thought it might. That was the mistake. For a second—after—it had felt different. When he pulled you free, when he checked your arm, when he stayed there just long enough that it felt like something had reset. Like the distance had narrowed. Like the rhythm might come back. Like he hadn’t meant to let it go in the first place.
You thought it would come back.
That you’d just… fall into it again.
It doesn’t.
You didn’t think it through. You didn’t need to.
It just felt that way.
It’s 7:12 p.m., and it’s worse.
Shift-change chaos hums through the department—day team escaping, night team filtering in—but the noise doesn’t land the way it usually does. Everything feels sharper, thinner, as if each sound is pulled apart rather than blending together.
You don’t stay long enough to let it settle. You never do.
“Room four’s behind,” Lena calls.
“I’ve got it.” You move. Because that’s easier than standing still.
He’s already there. Of course he is. Chart open, coffee untouched, posture exact.
The first trauma rolls in at 9:03 p.m.—unstable, messy, blood everywhere it shouldn’t be.
Normally, this is where it happens. The rhythm. The unspoken choreography. You move before he speaks. He anticipates before you finish. You don’t even have to look at each other.
It’s always been like that. Effortless. Tonight—nothing.
You feel it in your hands first. That fraction too slow. The space where he used to be.
“Two units O-neg. FAST exam,” Jack says evenly.
You’re already reaching for the ultrasound—except he takes it from the nurse first. Not faster. Just earlier.
He doesn’t look at you. Doesn’t wait.
He doesn’t contradict you. Doesn’t override you.
He just stops syncing.
Stops filling the space before you can.
You step toward the head of the bed, and he adjusts without acknowledgment, rerouting the workflow so you’re half a beat behind. It’s subtle. Impossible to call out. But you feel it. You hesitate. Half a second.
And he fills it. “Let’s move.”
Professional. Calm. Distant.
You feel the missed beat like a bruise.
You told yourself this would fix it—that stepping back would make it cleaner.
It doesn’t.
You ask for suction, and it’s already in his hand. Not yours.
You don’t correct it. You adjust. You keep moving. Because stopping would make it real.
The room moves on.
You don’t. Not completely.
The shift doesn’t slow—it just thins.
By the time you step into the hallway, the noise has changed. Lower. Tighter. You don’t remember deciding to stop. Just that you did.
Rowan finds you there.
“You’re thinking too much,” he says.
You don’t argue.
“Something’s off,” he adds. “With him. With you. I don’t know.”
You glance up. “What?”
“You two used to move like it was already decided,” he says. “Now it’s not.”
You swallow. He watches you, not pushing, not softening it either.
“I like you,” he says, like it’s not a question, like it’s not the point. “If this is complicated, I’m not getting in the middle of it.”
You nod too quickly.
“There’s nothing,” you say. “There’s nothing between us. I don’t even—”
You stop. Too much.
You exhale slowly, forcing your voice steady. “I don’t know what’s going on.”
You hear it as you say it. Clean. Certain. Like it should settle something.
It doesn’t.
You nod anyway. Because that’s what you’re supposed to do. Because this is what you chose.
It still doesn’t feel right.
“Hey—” someone calls from down the hall.
It’s enough.
You push off the wall. “I’ve got it.”
Already moving. The shift doesn’t stop. It just keeps layering.
Room to room. Patient to patient. Nothing catastrophic. Nothing clean.
You double-check labs you wouldn’t normally question. Repeat vitals that don’t need repeating.
“Let’s get imaging,” you say. Then, quieter, “Just to be sure.”
You don’t usually add that. A nurse hesitates. “You want me to—”
Her eyes flick between you, then to Rowan. “Yeah,” Rowan says.
You don’t correct it. That’s new.
This is what you wanted. Space. Distance. Control.
So why does it feel like you lost something instead?
By the time you make it back to the station, the air feels thinner.
Ellis looks up. “You good?”
“Yeah.”
She doesn’t believe you.
Crus leans back, studying you longer than usual. “You’re not yourself lately.”
Not a joke. That’s what makes it land.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re still good at the job,” he says. “That’s not it.”
A beat.
“You’re just… not you.” Silence.
Ellis doesn’t look away. “You’re harder.”
The word hits. Heavy.
You don’t argue. Because you are. You made yourself that way.
That was the point.
Shen doesn’t look up. “You used to soften the room. You don’t anymore.”
That one stays. You don’t answer. You don’t know how to. So you look somewhere else.
Across the room. He’s there.
Charting. Sleeves rolled. Expression carved from something unmovable.
You try to let it go. You do. It doesn’t go.
It follows you—through the next patient, through the next chart, through the next hour.
Rowan moves beside you again. Easy. Predictable.
“You good?” he asks.
You don’t look at him. “Yeah.”
He nods, like that’s enough. Like he doesn’t need anything else from you.
And then he steps back into the work.
That should make it easier.
It does.
That’s the problem. Across the room, Jack looks up for a second, just long enough to register, and then looks back down.
He isn’t punishing you. He’s protecting himself. And it’s costing you.
You told yourself that was the right call. That distance would fix it.
It didn’t fix anything.
By the time the shift starts to wind down, you’re done waiting.
You’ve tried to leave it alone. Tried to let it settle. Tried to do the right thing
It didn’t work.
He’s already moving toward the exit.
You watch him for a second longer than you should.
You could let it go. You could choose simple. You could let him disappear back into professionalism and never force the conversation.
You don’t. You push off the desk.
“Jack.”
Your voice cuts through the quiet.
He stops. Then turns. The fluorescent light catches the edge of his profile—controlled, neutral.
A/N: Hello readers! Get comfy and relax, grab a drink cause this is a VERY LOOOONG chapter! I though about breaking it up, but it needed to stay as one. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it! This is pretty big turning point so don’t miss this chapter!
Harry tossed his clothes into his suit case packing up to leave his Suffolk army residence having finished his pre-deployment training. Sighing he looked around the room making sure he had gotten everything. Grabbing his bags he carried them through his bedroom door placing them near the front entrance.
Luther was in the kitchen staring intently at Harry. Luther had been Harry’s RPO since he was a teen. The two of them had an understanding and more so a close relationship. Luther could get away with speaking candidly to the prince making Harry view him as not only his protection officer but also a confidant.
“What is it now?” Harry leaned down on the kitchen counter. Luther casually shrugged his shoulders looking away knowing that gesture would bug Harry. “Luther…” Harry’s voice grew deep and commanding.
“Fine.” Luther set his cup of tea down delicately. “Are you planning on telling her?” His eyes glanced up at Harry waiting for his reaction. Harry looked away becoming silent. That thought was on his mind constantly.
“Harry you need to.” Luther carried on knowing that Harry needed to hear it from someone else. “She won’t forgive you if you just leave.”
His head fell into his hands, fingers combing through his thick ginger hair. “It isn’t as simple as that Luther.” Luther scoffed at his remark earning a glare from the prince. “Harry. It is very simple. You two are making it more complicated than it needs to be.” Harry’s features softened knowing that what Luther said was the truth.
Adalyn and him had been becoming closer and closer the past few months. There were days where he wanted to just blurt out the feelings he kept within himself for her. A part of him was cautious, not wanting to get rejected especially since she voiced very clearly, her wishes at the start of their relationship. They were to only be friends.
Deep down he knew no matter what their relationship, he needed to tell Adalyn he was leaving in a week. He had pushed the matter further and further away and now it was time to face it.
“Harry?” Adalyn spoke through the intercom machine. “Yeah it’s me…. And Luther.” Hearing the buzz of the door Luther grabbed it walking in front of Harry. Receiving a text of the flat number from Adalyn he followed Luther up the stairs to the fourth floor.
Once arriving back at Kensington Palace he immediately called Adalyn telling her he needed to talk with her. Confessing, Adalyn voiced the same concern. She invited Harry to her flat for dinner giving them a private space to converse as Ainsley was out of the city for a few days.
Reaching flat number 406 Harry knocked on the navy door. Luther nudged Harry making him look up at him. “You got to tell her mate. Tonight.” Luther whispered before Adalyn swung the door open.
“Hey!” Adalyn beamed at Harry with a smirk. “Adalyn do you mind if this random guy comes in and checks everything out? You know in case you are planning on murdering me.” Harry winked at her causing a chuckle.
Adalyn stepped back, letting the two of them into her home. “Thank you ma’am. It will only take a moment.” Adalyn nodded closing the door behind them
“Come here…” Harry opened his arms guiding Adalyn into them, encasing her in a warm embrace. He held her there for a little too long, closing his eyes taking in the moment. Having no idea how she was going to react to his news Harry could sense his nerves building, but holding her like this calmed him.
Adalyn could feel his tense body relax. Her hand trailed down his back slowly following a path down by his hip. If he wanted to keep her right there in his arms she wouldn’t object. Her body slowly created a small space between them.
“You ok Harry?” she quietly spoke taking in his exhausted features. “I’m just exhausted. It’s been busy Addy.” His lips spread into a smile, “But… now I’m relaxed.”
Hearing a loud bark below Harry glanced to the floor seeing Chance down at their legs. “Wow he looks so good!” Harry knelt down to pet the puppy. His little tail was wagging furiously, happy to see Harry. Joining him in a crouch Adalyn smiled down at them. “He likes you. He has been pretty picky with who gets to pet him.”
“All clear Harry.” Luther returned from behind them as the pair stood. “I will be in the vehicle if you need sir.” Harry thanked him finally happy to be truly alone with Addy.
“So… what are we making?” Harry flashed her a smirk. Reaching out she grabbed his hand leading him into the kitchen. “You are going to help me make some pasta and a salad.”
Rounding the corner Adalyn flashed him a smile over her shoulder giving a quick wink. “Can I trust you with a knife?” Harry scoffed dropping her hand. Picking up the knife on the counter he stared at her. “Oh come on Adalyn. I’m a military man, what do you expect?” he raised an eyebrow at her suggestively.
Having finished cutting up some vegetables Harry was in charge of drinks. Cracking open a bottle of wine he poured themselves each a glass. Meanwhile Adalyn was mixing some pasta sauce in her cute apron that read ‘always kiss the chef.’ Oh how he desperately wanted to devour those lips of hers. “Harry come here and taste this please!” Harry was forced to rid his mind of those thoughts coming back to reality.
Coming from behind her he placed his hand gently on her back. Adalyn held up a mixing spoon with a taste of sauce holding it up to his lips. Harry blew on it for a second before he wrapped his mouth around it. Licking his lips he nodded surprised how amazing it actually tasted. “Mmmm damn that’s good Adalyn!”
“Thank you Harry” a beaming smile easily graced her lips. “Have you always been a good cook?” He questioned, hoping that in the future he would have the chance to taste more of her creations. “Yeah… well we always took our turn in the kitchen since my dad was working a lot when I was younger. I learned from my gran, helping her make Monday evening dinners.” Harry angled his heading silently questioning her to explain more.
“My family and I try to get together Monday evenings for dinner. It’s a tradition that we have always done.” Adalyn laid the wooden spoon down on the counter angling her body to face him. “Do you get to see your family a lot?” She was hesitant to ask him, not wanting it to seem like she was digging for information.
Sensing her hesitation, Harry reassured her. “You can ask me anything Addy. Please don’t be afraid too.” Leaning up against the counter he shifted unable to think of the correct words to describe his family. “We are close in a way, but have our own separate things going on so we don’t get to spend as much time as we would like with one another. My father and I however…” Harry paused for a moment feeling her eyes on him he glanced up. “You aren’t that close?”
Shaking his head no he crossed his arms. “We argue quite a bit.” Adalyn could see Harry becoming a quiet version of himself, wanting to see him smiling and happy she quickly averted to another subject. “Do you mind helping me put these in bowls? Then I can set the table? Everything looks to be done.”
Placing his napkin over the plate Harry leaned back into his chair rubbing his full tummy. “That simply was the best pasta I have ever had.” Harry’s comment made her blush slightly, “You are welcome.”
Standing up Harry reached over and grabbed her plate. Her fingers brushed up against his stopping him. “It’s ok I can do it later Harry.” Making a firmer grip he lifted her plate with a shake of his head. “It would be impolite of me not to help. You sit and relax and I can clean up.” His posh deep voice was almost commanding of her to do so.
Reluctantly Adalyn agreed and thanked him, which only seemed to last a few minutes. Harry had begun washing the dishes placing them into the adjacent sink when Adalyn rose from her seat wanting to help him. “Adalyn no! Sit back down!” Harry spoke with a slightly raised voice.
Grabbing a drying towel she insisted on helping him. “Please just let me help. It will get done quicker…” Lifting her head to get a glimpse of his blue eyes narrowing at her. “Fine. You dry.” Adalyn nodded with a chuckle, “yes your highness.”
Harry groaned loudly. He hated it when she called him that, but she knew it was a simple tease that always riled him up a little. “Now you have to kiss me?” It was Harry’s turn to mess with her. A loud bang sounded as a dish slipped from Adalyn’s hands crashing into the sink. Shocked at his words she froze. He wasn’t serious was he?
“What?” The only word Adalyn could formulate. Glancing down her eyes followed his. He was wearing her apron that read ‘always kiss the chef.’ Feeling a splash of water hit her in the face she gasped. “Come on Adalyn… I dare you to.” Harry was pushing her, seeing how far she would go.
Adalyn turned to face him with a mischievous grin. If he were going to be cheeky and dare her, then she would definitely shock the prince and follow through. Placing her hand gently on his cheek, Adalyn angled his head towards her.
With much surprise to Harry, her lips attacked his hastily, colliding hard against her soft lips. Her lips left his as quickly as they had met, but Harry wasn’t done kissing her. His hand flew to the back of her neck holding her in place, not wanting Adalyn to go anywhere. Taking a step forward he closed in the distance offering her no escape.
Her heart was beating hard in her chest adrenaline coursing through her veins, feeling her breathing become labored at his close proximity. Had she actually just kissed Harry? Biting her bottom lip in anticipation she closed her eyes briefly. Slowly opening she was met with blue eyes staring back at her intently. Seeing the desire swirling in his orbs Adalyn drew in a quick breath knowing what was about to come.
Harry leaned his lips in closer, gauging her reaction. “I dare you to do that again…” he let out a whispered breath. Feeling his hand travel up to her cheek he cupped it softly, running his thumb over her heated flesh. Her mind was gone, unable to create any sort of response or any objection to his words. Taking her eyes from his steady gaze she looked to his chest, watching him breath gave her a second to search for any confidence she had hidden within her.
Locking eyes with Harry she felt her lips spread into a small smile, the corner of her mouth upturning. Taking a deep breath she leaned in, bringing her lips closer, breaking the distance that separated them. With confidence Adalyn reached up pulling his lips down to hers.
Pressing his lips down intensely against hers he tasted her sweet lips, savoring the flavor of her wine soaked mouth. Tenderly caressing her cheek Harry deepened the kiss making her melt under his touch. Adalyn began playing with the tuffs of his ginger hair at the nape of his neck gently forcing his lips harder against hers, craving more of Harry. Feeling his tongue running across the bottom of her lip, Adalyn gently opened her mouth, letting their tongues explore each other.
Becoming dizzy Adalyn broke away, her lips dripping with his taste. Sensing his hand traveling down her body finding a new home on her waist, he pulled her tight against him. Adalyn nudged his nose, nuzzling it as they both caught their breath.
Finding her lips again, Harry nibbled on her bottom lip. Opening his mouth he captured her moan. Attacking her lips gently he could feel the connection between them, the passion that built was becoming unstoppable. This kiss was what he needed from her. Feeling the way her lips moved against his, the way she responded gave him everything. There was no question anymore; she wanted him just as deeply as he wanted her.
His hands trailed down to the back of her legs, bending slightly Harry swiftly picked up her in his arms settling her down on the counter earning a tiny squeal from her. Adalyn giggled against his lips at his action, forming a smile.
Stopping for a second they looked into each other’s eyes. In that moment Adalyn knew she could no longer deny what was in her heart no matter how hard her mind warned her of the potential heartbreak. Searching Harry’s eyes she knew she needed to take a leap of faith and trust him. “Come here… I’m not done with those lips yet.” His deep voice growled at her as their longing lips reconnected.
Moments had passed as their tongues continued to battle over control. Harry unrelenting until now needed a minute. Breaking his lips off of Adalyn’s he reluctantly lowered his head. “Damn it woman…” he groaned.
Adalyn’s mind was in a daze, breathing deeply to catch her breath. Her hand brushed her hair back out of the way. She could read the internal struggle on his face. Wanting to tease him more, she lifted his chin and placed a gentle kiss on his lips, begging for more of Harry. “If…. you…. don’t…. stop….. now….” Harry spoke between Adalyn’s attacks on his lips.
“I won’t be able to stop myself” Harry breathed out glancing up at Adalyn seeing her contemplate her next move. Averting her gaze away from him she nodded, “I know….” Turning back to face him, “I don’t think we should go there….” she smiled sweetly at him.
Jumping down off the counter, she squished herself between him and the counter. Gasping she felt his hard member through his jeans. Groaning, Harry tossed his head back. “Thank Addy…” he shook his head at her. “Sorry” Adalyn gave him a smirk.
“It’s fine Addy.” Harry dragged out a long breath. “Shall we get to why we both needed to talk tonight?”
“Well I guess so. Since you clearly cannot handle me kissing you Harry” Adalyn threw her head back in laughter dissolving into a fit of giggles. Harry shook his head at her unable to deny her spoken truth. His fingers locked with hers, “let’s go somewhere more comfortable…” Adalyn quietly spoke while staring at their entwined fingers slowly moving against each other’s.
Harry followed suit settling down in a comfy position on her sofa. Feeling himself sink into the cool leather fabric, he angled his body towards Adalyn. He could sense her shyness coming out the way she avoided his gaze and her fidgeting clearly stated that she had become nervous.
Sitting in silence Harry and Adalyn searched their thoughts occasionally glancing at each other knowing that neither of them wanted to start this conversation. After all it was treading into new waters for the both of them. Until now their relationship was purely a friendship, but their kiss had sprung up the feelings they kept at bay for each other, now being unable to refute them.
“I don’t want to be friends with you anymore Adalyn…” Adalyn’s head was lowered, staring down at her hands as he broke the silence. Lifting her head she met his eyes, locking in his gaze. “I want to be more…” Harry confessed watching the cheerful expression begin to form on Adalyn’s features. Her green eyes shone brighter and bigger, her smile wide and beaming.
“I want that too Harry.” She responded with a light giggle resting her head on the back of the sofa she closed her eyes. “There is something you need to know first. Why I am hesitant with you.” Opening them she glanced to Harry. Repositioning herself she sat square to him.
Sensing her trouble with finding the right words to say Harry inched closer gently grabbing her hand. Giving it a squeeze he reassured her, “you don’t need to if you aren’t ready Adalyn.” His tone deep and sincere.
Reaching for her glass of wine she took a long sip feeling the wine trickle down her throat. The liquid courage seemed to relax her nerves just enough. “I was engaged to a man I had been with for four years.” Sighing Adalyn let the words sink into Harry.
“Please tell me that you aren’t secretly married?” Harry teased hoping to lighten the mood. “Cause that would really suck.” Hearing her laugh again was a reward in itself, wanting her to feel relax and comfortable around him was his goal.
Adalyn’s hands had stopped trembling in his as she sighed a relief. “No Harry. I am not married.” He knew there was more to the story; obviously something had happened between them, a reason that she struggled with daily. “On our wedding day” she continued, “I found out during the ceremony that he had been sleeping with my friend for the past year….” Her voice nearly broke at the end.
Trying to keep it together she took in a strangled breath. She desperately wanted Harry to know so she continued despite the tears that began to form as the familiar fibers in her heart began to tear at the simple mention. “I thought he was the one for me and I was oblivious and an idiot for even thinking so. I trusted him and we had been through so much together. Yet he still thought I would never find out. He destroyed me for weeks… I had never been so hurt before in my life. Feel so betrayed by someone I loved.”
Closing her eyes the tears started to fall down her cheek, Harry reached up and brushed them away. Lifting her chin delicately he made her look at him. “Adalyn… he didn’t deserve you… You deserve better, to be treated better than that.”
Wrapping his arm around her he pulled her closer. Slowly resting his forehead against hers he continued in a gentle tone. “I promise I will never intentionally hurt you like that.” Harry engulfed her in a warm embrace. “Thank you for telling me Adalyn. I know it was hard, but thank you. I understand now.” He whispered into her ear.
Breaking apart it was now Harry’s turn. He could not make Adalyn cry again tonight, not after what she had just told him. His mind told him to tell her he was leaving soon for Afghanistan, but his heart could not stand to see her crumble in tears at the potential news. Deciding it was best to discuss it at another time Harry buried the thought in his mind.
“I need to warn you Adalyn. Dating me isn’t like dating other people.” Harry began to play with her fingers in his, watching them dance. Sitting in silence Adalyn patiently waited for Harry to continue. “With being who I am… if they find out about us they show no mercy to you.” His posh voice deepening at the seriousness of his words.
“I can’t walk hand in hand with you in public, or kiss you when I want to merely because someone could take a picture and the privacy we had would be gone. I cannot make you sacrifice things like that, I will not do it.” His gaze locked with hers, seeing her eyebrows furrow at his words questioning why he was telling her this.
“Before you decide if you truly want to be with me you need to really think about it Adalyn. All of the people I have been in a relationship with were hounded by the press and not only them, but their families and friends too. I enjoy my private life, moments like this” Harry looked around the quiet room. “Where I can be myself with you. I cannot simply take you to a movie or go out to a restaurant without having my picture taken or the paparazzi finding out where I am.”
“Harry…” Adalyn breathed out about to contend his words. “No Adalyn. Just take your time to really think about it. I obviously want to give it a try and to get to know you more, but you need to do this for me? It’s all I am asking for alright?” Harry forced, wanting her to take what he said seriously.
He had seen how Chelsy, his ex, was treated in the press. She was hounded by them following her everywhere, harassing her to no end that ultimately put a strain on their relationship. Most of the time he could do nothing to help her and that was what truly devastated him. To see the press rip her apart on a daily basis.
Adalyn grew quiet confused at why he was attempting to push her away after his confession. Knowing he was only trying to protect her, she nodded her head agreeing. She would consider it and take to heart what Harry wanted her to do. If it meant he was more at ease with them dating, having genuinely thought about his concerns for her, she would do it for him.
“Ok Harry… but you know my feelings for you aren’t going to change. You cannot scare me that easily.” Harry smiled warmly at her. Angling his head he kissed her quickly on the lips.
Looking down at her empty glass he offered to get her more wine. Adalyn sat patiently waiting for him to return. Sighing she felt relief course through her. They were finally on the same page. It was everything for Adalyn to know that her feelings for him weren’t one sided, that he wanted to be with her too.
Hearing Harry’s phone buzz she reached for it to see if it was Luther.
Her heart stopped beating for a moment as she read the text from Jake.
‘When can we hang out before you go to Afghanistan?’
Dropping his phone from her trembling hands she froze. Shocked at what she had just read. Harry was being deployed? To Afghanistan? Her breath shaky Adalyn tried to come up with a reason why he would not tell her this. After everything they had just discussed he somehow forgot to mention he was being deployed? Didn’t he think that would affect her in the slightest?!
Adalyn could feel the anger building from deep with in. Her heart hurt knowing that he had kept this from her. He was asking her to trust him, but he couldn’t trust her? Was he planning on just leaving when the time came?
Harry returned handing her the glass of wine. Sitting down beside her, Harry could sense her being a bit stand offish. “Everything ok Adalyn?” A confused Harry took a sip of his wine watching her rigid body carefully turn to him.
“Were you ever planning on telling me Harry?” Her tone sharp laced with hurt. Swallowing the wine hard he looked questioningly at her. What was she referring to? “What do you mean Adalyn?” Harry genuinely had no idea what had happened to see this change in her demeanour.
Scoffing she narrowed her eyes at him. “Afghanistan?”
As soon as she spoke that word Harry’s heart fell out of his chest. Her green eyes bore into his, deep down to the core of his being. Seeing the hurt in her eyes he opened his mouth to explain.
Adalyn rose to her feet taking a step away from him, not letting him see her hurting. Quickly building up an inner wall Adalyn forced her tears away. “Adalyn I can explain.” Hearing him shifting behind him she felt his body come up close to hers.
“Do not touch me.” Her voice still hard. “What was I suppose to tell you Adalyn?” Harry tossed his arms up in defeat, admitting what she thought was true. He knew and was not going to divulge her of this crucial bit of information.
Turning on her heel she finally faced him. “You were suppose to tell this before you kissed me back! BEFORE YOU TOLD ME YOU WANTED TO BE WITH ME HARRY!” Her voice rising with her releasing anger. “DID YOU NOT THINK THAT THIS WOULD BOTHER ME AT ALL? WERE YOU JUST ONE DAY GOING TO UP AND LEAVE TO BLOODY AFGHANISTAN WITHOUT SAYING A WORD?!!” Adalyn covered her mouth realizing how loud she was yelling at him.
“I didn’t know if I could trust you…” Harry realized what he had said. The look she gave him was menacing. “That came out wrong Adalyn… I didn’t mean it like that!” Harry raised his voice slightly.
Adalyn grew quiet, almost frighteningly quiet. Her lips parted to speak, “you didn’t trust me enough to tell me you were going. Yet I sat there and told you what had happened to me. How hard it is for me to trust people now after being lied to repeatedly. Only to find out… you are no better than him.” Her words were sourced from a quiet anger.
She was comparing him to her ex? The one that had destroyed her heart? Harry was understanding until this point. He knew he was in the wrong but to hear that coming from her was a slap in the face.
“You are comparing me to that bastard? Simply because I didn’t want people going to the fucking pressing yelling at the top of their lungs ruining my chance to go out on the frontlines, something I have been training for for years Addy?!!” Harry finally spoke the truth as to why he was leery to tell her.
“I didn’t mean it like that…” Adalyn remained quiet, seeing the tears trickling down her cheek. All Harry wanted to do was to kiss them away, to comfort her and say he should have told her. Her breaking voice continued, “you think I would go to the press and tell them that Harry? WHAT WOULD I HAVE TO GAIN FROM THAT? I NEVER SAID A WORD TO ANYONE, EVERY SINGLE TIME WE HAVE HUNG OUT! NO ONE FUCKING KNOWS THAT I KNOW A PRINCE OF ENGLAND!” Brushing the tears away she breathed in deeply trying to catch her breath.
Grabbing her glass of wine she turned and headed to the kitchen. Harry was hot on her heels. How could she simply just walk away, they weren’t done talking. Setting her glass down on the counter she lowered her head in silence. “Don’t walk away from me Adalyn!” Harry’s tone was deep and alarming.
“What? Scared I am going to run off to the press?” Adalyn scoffed brushing him off which only made him angrier. “I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU! YOU ARE SOOO FRUSTERATING SOMETIMES! FUCK!!” Harry started to yell again.
“NO HARRY THE ONLY THING THAT IS FRUSTERATING IS YOU!!” She pressed her finger into his hard chest, closing in the distance. “YOU WANT TO BE WITH ME BUT DON’T EVEN ALLUDE ME TO THE FACT THAT YOU ARE LEAVING…” Her voice became quiet near the end, trailing off into a depth of hurt.
Sniffling she brushed more tears away. Adalyn was defeated, tired of fighting with him. She just stood there and took his next onslaught of angry words. “MAYBE IT’S BEST THAT WE SHOULDN’T EVEN TRY.” Finishing off his sentence he realized what he had just spoken in a moment of anger.
Adalyn raised her head, the tears streaming down her cheek in a steady fashion. “You need to leave….” Her voice cracked between sobs of tears. Harry reached out to apologize, grabbing her hand before she yanked it away from him.
“I SAID GET OUT!!” She locked eyes with him, he could see the pain circling in them from his words, the pain he caused her. “FINE!” Harry tossed his arms up stepping around her walking to the door. Grabbing his jacket he watched her crumble to her knees on the floor of the kitchen. Taking a step towards her, her head snapped yelling at him to leave her alone.
Slamming her door shut he walked down the corridor finding the stairs. The image of a broken Adalyn crying on her kitchen floor made his heart tear at the seams. He had done that to her. After he had promised her moments before that he never would. If only he had the courage to tell her that he was leaving to Afghanistan this would have never happened. He knew it was his fault and only his. Adalyn was just a target of his stupidity. Truth was he didn’t want to tell her and risk losing her all together, but now it seemed he already had.
Reaching the range rover he tugged on the door handle opening it and sliding into the back seat. Luther was silently sitting in the driver’s side with a bag of popcorn. “Why the hell are you eating popcorn?” Harry asked questioningly.
Luther cleared his throat before speaking. “Well you see your highness… I was listening to the whole thing… your spat with her and was enjoying my dinner and a show until you showed up in my back seat!” Luther roared a laugh glancing at Harry through the rear view mirror earning a glare from the prince.
“Not funny Luther.” Harry shook his head. “See mate, told you. You needed to have told her the moment you knew. Would have avoided this mess.” Luther becoming more sincere with the prince having heard the whole thing.
“Wait?! How did you hear everything?” Harry questioned moving up closer to the drivers seat. A grinning Luther explained “I bugged her kitchen so I could hear if I needed to come in and save your sorry ass!”
Harry groaned, Luther had been known to do that in the past, he should have known. Slouching back into the seat Harry closed his eyes reliving everything that had just happened that night. “What the fuck do I do now Luther? I really fucked things up with her.” Harry’s eyes remained closed feeling exhausted from the fight.
Hearing Luther turn in his seat he opened his eyes. “You go back up there and convince her that you are worth the wait. You be a man and apologize to her and do whatever it takes to get her back. That is of course if you want her that bad Henry.” Luther was sincere in his answer giving Harry a knowing look.
Taking a few moments to gather his thoughts Harry exited the vehicle walking up the steps to her building. Harry buzzed in the code hoping she would let him back in. The first time there was no answer so he tried again. “What do you want?” her voice rang through the intercom.
“Adalyn… please let me come and apologize. I was an idiot and I broke my promise to you. Please. I can’t leave knowing that I hurt you. I don’t want to fight with you just hear me out. Please?” Harry was practically begging her for another chance. Hearing the door being buzzed open he ran through making his way up to her flat.
Adalyn was pacing the kitchen when she heard the knock at her door. Having no idea if she had made the right choice in letting him come back, she took a calming breath. He was not there to fight with her, only to apologize.
Stepping to the door she opened it a little, not sure whether to trust Harry yet. The prince stood on the other side almost out of breath from running up the flights of stairs. “Are you going to let me in?” he flashed a warm endearing smile at her.
Seeing her eyelashes soaked with tears he knew she had been crying again. Opening it wider she stepped backwards allowing him entrance. Tossing his things down he slowly walked to her guarded frame. Her arms were crossed, her head down avoiding his gaze.
“Adalyn…” Harry’s voice was low and sincere. “I didn’t mean for things to happen this way.” He watched her chest rising and falling in a steady pattern. He wanted her to look into his eyes, seeing that he was truly sincere in his apology. “Please look at me Addy.” Harry pleaded quietly.
It took a moment for Adalyn to give into him. Raising her head she locked in his eyes. Seeing the reds of her eyes gave note to the memory of her on the floor crying. He had stood outside her door for a minute before leaving, hearing her sobbing uncontrollably.
Her features were soft while she quietly stood there. “I’m sorry. I wish I could say more than that to make you feel how truly sorry I am. I have known for a few weeks that I am going to Afghanistan.” Her eyes narrowed slightly at his confession but she remained quiet, letting Harry explain further. “I had to make a deal with the press to not say anything that I am there. For security reasons, very few people know I am going and I need it to stay that way. But when it came to you, I was torn as what I should do. We were just getting to know each other as friends and all along I wanted to be more than that with you. The moment I met you I knew that.”
For a second he saw a glimpse of a smile appear on her lips. Feeling a sense of hope he continued. “I never wanted to hurt you like that Adalyn. I simply didn’t know how to tell you. I know I made a mistake in not doing so earlier and it is completely unfair to you. I should have never kissed you or told you that I wanted to be more than just friends without telling you first. You trusted me and I betrayed your trust.” Harry stepped closer to her finding her hand to hold in his.
“If you allow me to. I promise I will make it up to you if you would forgive me, though I know I am undeserving of it. I want you Adalyn….” He squeezed her hand tightly. “But, I do know that means asking you to wait for me until I come home.” Lowering his head, Harry grew quiet.
It was Adalyn’s turn to speak. The emotions running rapid through her mind was endless; a mixture of hurt, anger, sadness, betrayal, but also of admiration for the man in front of her. He came back to her and was here asking her to wait for him. Adalyn could feel his sincereness laced in his words at his apology for her. Dropping his hand she wrapped her arms around his waist seeing his eyes lift at her gesture.
“I forgive you Harry. I know that there is no question that you are a better man than he was, I should have never compared you two. I apologize for that. It takes two to fight and I wasn’t entirely the innocent one.” Adalyn turned her head resting it on his chest hugging him tightly. “Will you forgive me too?” She muffled into his chest.
Nodding he squeezed her tighter, “of course Addy.”
Adalyn lifted her head their lips inches apart. Standing on her tippy toes she nudged his nose earning a playful grin from Harry. “I will wait for you Harry Wales…” The words he had wanted to hear had fallen off her lips. Capturing her mouth in his Harry cupped her cheek holding her in place. Their fiery lips danced together.
Harry’s lips lifted off of hers trailing down her cheek leaving a wake of kisses in a path to her neck. Nibbling lightly he sucked on her sweet skin smoothing over the small bite mark with a gentle kiss. Her nails dug in to his back, traveling down to his hips pulling him closer. Moaning she angled her neck allowing more access for Harry to continue his assault.
“Harry?” Adalyn breathed out hotly, her mind in a dazed state. “mmmhhmmmm?” Harry muffled against her skin. “Stay with me?” Raising his head up he gazed into the depths of her green eyes, questioning what she meant. “Not like that. No sex… just don’t go tonight. Stay here with me….” Becoming slightly embarrassed at her forward question she could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.
“I would love to Addy.” He leaned down placing a firm kiss on her lips to calm her. “Let me tell Luther to get a few of my things…” Harry winked at her before searching for his phone in his jacket pocket.
Harry casually walked into her bathroom in only a pair of blue plaid pj pants showing off his muscular chest and toned arms. Adalyn was in the middle of brushing her teeth when she saw him walk in behind her in the mirror. Her jaw practically dropped to the floor. This was the first time she had seen Harry with his shirt off and damn was she impressed.
Seeing her eyes follow him he glanced down at her. “Cute.” He simply said pulling out his toothbrush. Adalyn was still in a state of shock, she had no idea that he would be shirtless in her bed. Looking down at herself she was wearing a pink tank top and purple short shorts. ‘Cute?’
Trying to be lady like Adalyn covered the side of her mouth spitting into the sink. Feeling a bit awkward with Harry standing next to her while she brushed her teeth. It wasn’t very attractive when anyone brushed their teeth; becoming more self-conscious she tried to ignore his presence.
Adalyn could feel a set of eyes on hers so she turned to face Harry. “What?” He asked as she glared at him. “Why don’t you put on a bloody shirt!” She laughed leaving the bathroom hearing Harry chuckling as she left.
Pulling back her covers she jumped into bed. “Do you really want me to put a shirt on Addy? Does my naked chest bother you?” Harry poked fun at her earning a groan from the woman in bed. “No Henry!” Adalyn rolled her eyes at him. “Get your ass in bed before I change my mind and make you wear one!”
Harry loved hearing his proper name leaving her lips. Smirking he pulled back his side of the covers before pausing. “What?” Adalyn looked at him questioningly. “I should sleep on that side” Harry pointed to where she was. “Huh? Why? I always sleep here…” she raised her eyebrow at him.
“Well you know… the guy always sleeps on the side next to the door in case someone tries to break in. He can protect her that way.” A quiet moment fell between them as Adalyn gave him a look. “Are you for real Harry?”
Harry nodded seriously before giving her a wink. “Harry just get into the damn bed already!” Adalyn laughed at him. “Cheeky arse” she whispered under her breath. Harry wiggled into the bed settling in comfortably on his back.
Reaching over Adalyn flicked off the light, the room becoming dark. Adalyn shifted on her side facing Harry a smile appearing on her lips. Unsure of what to do, she just laid there waiting for Harry to take the first leap.
“Why are you so far away from me?” He teased her. Reaching he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to him. “You are getting all shy on me ever since my shirt came off….” Harry whispered quietly to her. “Nooo!” She playfully smacked his chest. “I am not shy….”
“Ya uh huh.” Leaning in he captured her lips against his. Rubbing his nose against hers he spoke, “I dare you to cuddle with me tonight…” Adalyn tossed her head back giggling; of course he would dare her to. “Be careful Henry… if you keep daring me to do things I might just do them.” Adalyn pulled his neck down gaining accessing to his lips for a brief moment.
Harry felt her body inching closer to him, raising his arm he allowed her to snuggle into him. Adalyn bravely nestled her head onto Harry’s chest. Hearing his steady heart beat in his chest she became more relaxed. Sensing Harry’s hand playing in her brunette locks she closed her eyes.
“Goodnight Harry…” she whispered.
“Goodnight beautiful.” The moonlight shone in the perfect spot against the side of her face. Glancing down he was able to see a wide smile staying stagnant on her lips as she fell into a deep slumber. Harry stayed up for a while, stroking his fingers through her hair in a calming manner.
Closing his eyes he relished feeling her body tightly against his. Her hand placed over his heart. He would be leaving in a week, how was he supposed to say goodbye to her now when he finally had her locked in his arms. His eyelids became heavy unable to fight the oncoming sleep. Harry drifted to sleep holding her tightly committing this moment to his memory.
Harry’s eyes sprang open, the morning light flooding in between the curtains in Adalyn’s bedroom. Harry and Adalyn had shifted throughout the night leaving Adalyn’s back snug against Harry’s front, spooning. His arm was wrapped tightly under hers, their fingers clasped tightly together. Groaning, Harry felt her ass up against him waking up with his nether regions noticeably hard.
Lying there peacefully Harry watched her sleep. There was a peace about seeing her like this wrapped in his protective arms. Harry gently moved quietly and slowly out of bed, careful not to wake Adalyn. Tip toeing out of the room he was greeted by the little puppy chance wagging its tail happily at him.
“Come here little guy” Harry picked him up, “let’s not wake her up…now where does she keep your food.” Harry searched her flat eventually finding some puppy food. Harry was going to surprise Adalyn and make her some breakfast, well the only thing he was decently good at, making eggs.
Pulling out the eggs from the fridge he set them on the counter. Remembering where Adalyn had kept her pots and pans he set on one the stove. All of a sudden he heard the doorknob to the front door turn.
Harry froze. Adalyn said her roommate was gone for a couple days. The door flew open revealing a woman carrying in some luggage through the entrance. Searching for a quick place to hide Harry knew that there was nowhere to go.
The woman looked up at him dropping her bags letting out a squeal of surprise. “HOLY SHIT!!!” Ainsley screamed loud enough to wake up Adalyn. Harry flashed a grin and smiled at her. “Hello.” His posh voice sounded out.
“PRINCE FUCKING HARRY IS IN MY FUCKING KITCHEN HALF NAKED!?!” Ainsley yelled again shocked. Closing her eyes she opened them again seeing the ginger haired prince still standing there. He was not a pigment of her imagination.
Harry turned hearing footsteps coming loudly from Adalyn’s room. Glancing back at Adalyn he gave her a pleading look, not knowing what to say. Adalyn looked half asleep still, confused at what was going on.
“Adalyn?!” Ainsley spoke up. Stepping forward closer to Harry she saw her roommate nearly white as a ghost clearly shocked at who was in her kitchen. “I told you to put a shirt on…” she whispered to Harry before glancing up at him with a worried expression.
Exchanging glances, they both knew that they were caught.
early pioneers and photographers preferred to use muybridge’s approach, rather than using étienne-jules marey’s system of stopping and starting a camera in quick succession. today’s time-lapses use a single camera, relying on an external intervalometer to capture the images. these devices have roots as far back as 1920.
chronophotography is defined as “a set of photographs of a moving object, taken for the purpose of recording and exhibiting successive phases of motion.” the term chronophotography was coined by french physiologist étienne-jules marey to describe photographs of movement from which measurements and study of motion could be derived. the technique involved taking a series of still pictures over a determined amount of time, which is similar to modern day time-lapse, then arranging them into a single photograph. chronophotogaphy was the only way to study changes in an animal’s body as it ran, flew, or moved.
eadweard muybridge’s 1878 series, “sallie gardner at a gallop '', is one of the first well-known uses of chronophotography. although in today’s terms, this series would be considered a time-lapse since the images were stitched together into an infinite loop, the reasoning behind the photos was based in chronophotography. muybridge used a series of cameras placed along a stretch of farmland. the cameras were rigged with trip wire and as the horse passed through, it would trigger the shutter of the camera they were hooked to, thus taking 24 photos. for the first couple of years after the photos were taken they remained still images, becoming the first true chronophotograph.
