Julie was sitting on a speaker on stage listening to the band warm up when Amanda walked up to her.

"JJ I just wanted...."  Amanda started.

Julie's hands flew up and covered her ears.  "No!  Don't speak about it.  I just wanna pretend it never happened!" 

"Listen I just...."  Amanda tried again.

"No I swear to you right now I do not want to even think about it.  It gives me the creeps.  Please do not mention it."  Julie said again.

Amanda couldn't help but laugh.  "You are so weird."

Julie shivered.  "Ugh I swear I'm never gonna get it out of my head."

"Harry was right you are pretty funny."  Amanda said.

"Oh Jesus Christ.  Don't you people have anything better to talk about.  Like how's the weather.  Not how's your sex life?"  Julie said.

"So, how is your sex life?"  Amanda asked laughing.  Today was quite the comical day when it came to JJ.  There weren't many.

"Amanda I really am going to hurt you."  Julie cringed.

Amanda laughed and started to say something else but Julie was glad she was interrupted by the band.  They wanted to know if there was a song the girls liked that the guys didn't play during the shows anymore.

"Stand Up!"  Julie and Amanda both said at the same time.  The band started playing the song.  The girls got up and danced around like it was playing in the living room and they were at home.  Since it was just the band they were kinda singing the lyrics but you couldn't hear them over the band.  It was so much fun.

When the song was over they turned around quickly when they heard applause.  Harry, Niall, Liam, Louis and Zayn were walking out on stage clapping.  Julie buried her face in her hands and Amanda on Julies shoulder.

"How embarrassing.  You people really need to learn to stop sneaking up on people."  Julie admonished them.

"Oh, but when we do we get to see the best parts of people.  We like watching people make a fool out of themselves."  Louis laughed.

Julie walked over and playfully punched him in the stomach.  "Why are you such a jackass?"

"Because I completely adore you."  He said laughing.

"Jackass."  She said again.

"Where did that song come from?"  Liam asked. " I didn't even know the band remembered it.  I'm not sure I remember it."  He laughed.

"Oh my god!"  Julie said. "Panda and I are obsessed with that song."

"It's true."  Amanda laughed.  "Its our go too song when we are bored and alone."

It was time for sound check.  Julie and Amanda went back to the side of the stage so they could watch and listen.  They usually only did a couple of songs and then were done so the girls were kind of surprised when they were talking to each other and the band for awhile after what they thought was the last song.  The girls looked at each other when they didn't recognize the song that started playing. 

Then they heard Niall say.  "We are going to let you guys hear a song or two from the new album.  This ones called "Ready To Run"  I think it properly says things 1 or 2 of us might want to say right now." 

Julie and Amanda had heard some songs leaked from the new album but this was not one of them.  How exciting.  The girls listened intently to hear the lyrics.

The chorus was especially telling.

This time I'm ready to run
Escape from the city and follow the sun
'Cause I wanna be yours
Don't you wanna be mine
I don't wanna get lost in the dark of the night
This time I'm ready to run
Wherever you are is the place I belong
'Cause I wanna be free
And I wanna be young
I'll never look back now I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run

The girls watched them finish the rest of the song; and after it was over they looked up at Harry and Niall.  How they could say everything through a song was unbelievable.  They started to say something but Harry stopped them.  "We have one more.  Hold your thoughts until after that.  This song is called Illusion."  He looked into Julies eyes but talked to them both.  "Listen carefully."  He backed up from her a little bit.

Niall smiled and kissed Amanda and got his guitar.

When Harry got ready to sing his verse he stood right in front of Julie and held her hand. He made sure he looked her directly in the eyes when he sang the following:

But believe me
I'm not trying to deceive you
I promise falling for me
Wont be a mistake

Julie kind of took a step back at the lyrics.  It fit too well.  He knew she was completely afraid of falling for him.  He was trying to make her realize that it wouldn't be a mistake to let herself fall for him completely.  It was quite overwhelming.  Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him.  When the chorus came on the tears fell out onto her cheeks.

Harry took his thumb and wiped the tears from her cheek.  It said exactly what he wanted it to.  There was something special between them.  He hoped it would continue to grow.  He just wanted her to believe in them and want to fight for it with him.  He hoped it came across in the song.

Niall walked up to Amanda playing his guitar.  She thought that it was the sexiest thing in the world when he played the guitar.  When he started the lyrics in his verse she couldn't help but smile.  She thought back to the moment they had just had in the dressing room.  And how she believed in everything they were and it could not have been more perfect.

You can tie me up in chains
You can throw away the key
But there's no trapped doors
I'm not gonna leave
You're the truth I can't explain
You're the only one I see
Its not an illusion to me

When the song was over Julie walked up to Harry and buried her face into his chest.  She wasn't ready to look him in the eye yet.  She was still trying to process everything he was trying to tell her through the lyrics in those songs.  It was a lot.  She couldn't believe what he was trying to say to her.

He wrapped his arms around her waist so his hands and the microphone were behind her back.  "Baby, I don't want to scare you.  But I needed to let you know how I'm feeling.  I'm completely invested in you and I.  I don't know what this is exactly, or where it's going to lead in the end.  But I'm seriously Ready to Run anywhere with you.  And I promise that falling for me won't be a mistake.  I will never let you hit the ground.  You're all I can even think about.  Its not a trick or a game.  Its real.  Just tell me you feel it too."  He wasn't sure how she was going to react.  He just threw a lot at her.  He just hoped she didn't run the other way.  Its only been a month since he met her.  He couldn't explain it, even to himself but her being with him was all he wanted.

After a couple more minutes Julie stepped back and looked him in the eye.  She had tears streaming down her face.  "Harry.  This is....its so much....and to be said in song lyrics.  I'm completely overwhelmed and shocked.  But I couldn't be anymore blessed that you chose me to sing those lyrics too."  She reached up and kissed him.  She buried herself back into his chest.  She was overwhelmed.  But she was right where she belonged.  She couldn't ask for anything more.

Niall put his guitar away and walked up to Amanda.  "So what did you think about the new songs?"

"I think they are completely incredible.  Were you singing to anyone in particular?"  Amanda asked.

"Nah, Harry wanted to sing them to JJ, so we just went with it."  He laughed hard when she gave him the look.  "Of course babe, I was singing them directly to you.  Maybe its only been a short time but you are my home.  You hold my heart.  I was ok with being single before.  But then I met you.  I have fallen for you completely.  No tricks, no illusions, and I will definitely let you tie me up in chains.  This is what I've been wanting my whole life."

She kissed him.  Oh my god, this guy was the most amazing guy in the world.  "I have been waiting my whole life for someone like you.  Although you exceed all expectations; I didn't know guys like you actually existed my Prince."  She kissed him deeply.

The guys were nonstop between sound check and the show that night.  The girls caught glimpses of them as they walked by to go to one thing after another.  It was slightly frustrating not to be able to at least discuss what happened during sound check in private.  Julie had way too much time to think about all the pressure.  She hadn't really said a word and when Amanda would try and talk to her she would give basically one word answers.

"Hey."  Amanda said sitting down next to Julie.  "You ok?"

"I dunno.  That sound check was intense.  Glad they didn't give out tickets to that one."  Julie said half joking.  "I just think, I dunno.  Guess I need to talk to Harry."

"JJ you're not going to do anything stupid are you?"  Amanda asked.

"Wow, thanks best friend for the support."  Julie said to Amanda.

"I've just realized that you like to sabotage yourself. Harry basically just poured his heart out to you and all I can see you doing is running away.  Don't.  Please."

"I'm not sure I'm ready for something so intense.  We just barely said we were together and now he basically says he doesn't want to live without me.  That's intense and it's a lot of pressure especially since I'm so messed up right now.  I don't want to hurt him but I'm afraid he may have really high expectations of me."  Julie said rubbing her face.  "So everyone keeps saying open up don't hide your feelings but then no one wants to hear what I say."

"That's not true.  We do.  Just so you don't hurt yourself by thinking you don't deserve what he's offering."  Amanda said.  When Julie didn't say anything and looked at the floor Amanda sighed.  "Yeah that's what I figured."  She wished Julie didn't think she deserved so little because of her past.  She hoped Harry would have an easier time later.

The girls got up and went to go watch the show. It was just about to start.  Before they could leave the room though Niall and Harry came running down the hallway.  They wrapped Julie and Amanda in great big hugs.
Julie wrapped her arms around Harry's neck when he picked her up off the floor.  He said to her, "I'm gonna be in so much trouble but I couldn't go on without seeing you first."  He kissed her quick.  Looked at her and then kissed her longer.  "Ok I gotta go."

"Break a leg babe.  Well knowing you don't really break a leg.  Remember its just an expression."  Julie smiled at him and gave him one more kiss as he put her down.

Niall kissed Amanda.  "Had to come see you too.  Just wouldn't feel like a good show if I didn't see you first."  He kissed her again.  "Harry's right though we are in so much trouble.  Better go.  See you soon Princess!"

The girls watched Harry and Niall sprint back down the hallway.  They could hear the opening music.  They were definitely cutting it close.  They walked down towards the stage.  It wasn't ideal standing behind the stage but it was much easier then trying to work their way to the side of the stage in front of the fans.  The show of course was amazing.  They definitely knew how to show their fans an amazing time.  They were funny and kind and joked with them.  It was different than any other concerts they had ever been too.  Towards the end of the show Niall addressed the crowd.

"So earlier today some friends of ours brought up a song from our first album.  Said it was a song they enjoyed and had fun with.  Its been a long time since we've performed this song, but we are gonna give it a whirl.  This is for them.  Its called Stand Up.  If you remember it sing along."  He said.

The girls looked at each other.  They felt pretty important right then.  One little suggestion and they added a song to the concert.  It was great.  Such a fun song.  The guys seemed to be having a lot of fun bringing it back and singing it again.  The fans of course knew every word.  The girls loved seeing them perform it.  A throwback but also so different seeing them perform it years later.  They watched Niall and Harry come towards the side of the stage they were at towards the end of the song.  Their favorite part.  They didn't make it obvious but they did look at the girls a couple of times.  They couldn't help but smile when they sang "you can call me a thief, but you should know your part, I'm only here cuz you stole my heart." 

Julie just shook her head at Harry.  He was really throwing these song lyrics at her today.  It was a lot to take.  It was adorable but very overwhelming.  She loved this song though and the message was so cute.  She really wondered if she had the ability to steal anyone's heart.  But she was grateful for him.  He made her want to work on accepting him and kindness and acceptance.  It was still hard and a lot of work.  But she hoped she could work through it.  He was unlike anyone else she met.  Although her experience with men was very limited and not the most pleasant.  She sighed.  Could she be anymore confused.

Amanda smiled at Niall.  She thought the song should have been sung by her to him.  He definitely stole her heart.  She really was happy with how things were going and he really was such a spectacular guy.  He should be glad she didn't sing it to him though.  She couldn't sing.  She laughed and thought yeah definitely don't need that.  He can sing it all the time.  He could sing every word to her. He was amazing.  What a great life she was living.  How could you ask for more at this point?

When the song ended Niall addressed the crowd again.  "Well that was fun.  Hope y'all enjoyed it.  The next song we are going to sing is Strong.  It's a great message to those who have come into your life and make a big impact. Who just by being there make you stronger then you are alone.  So to anyone who has that person in your life.  Its dedicated to you."  Niall glanced to the side of the stage towards Amanda.  He didn't want to come out and straight say it was for her but he wanted to make sure she knew that's what he meant.  He hoped she did.

Julie looked at Amanda and smiled.  She seriously could not be happier.  Niall was a great guy.  She knew first hand. He became a quick friend to her even through all the trouble.  She loved the look on Amanda's face. It showed pure happiness.  Life sure seemed to have improved greatly for them both since Niall walked into the ER that day.  Who knew what power was at work but dang it was a good one.

Amanda watched Niall through the song.  What an incredible dedication.  The way he looked at her, the way he talked to her and the song he chose to dedicate to her.  He seemed to think she made his life that much better.  In reality she thought he made her life that much better.  What a month its been.  She never knew a month with a guy could change her life so much but it had.  She believed she could love him.  She wasn't sure she was ever in love before.  This felt so different. So right.  Could you fall in love so quickly?  She would find out because she definitely wasn't going anywhere.  This man was all she could ever ask for.

After Strong Harry addressed the crowd.  "Great song!  The next song we are going to do goes out to all of you who have someone in your life you want to make sure gets through all the pain and heartache they've ever experienced. It's a song that lets them know that you will help carry them through the darkness of all their worries and wonders.  Let them know that no matter what happened in the past you want to see them happy and make them laugh again and make sure they know that you will help them through it all.  And its called, Through The Dark."

(Lyric video attached)

Amanda looked at JJ.  She swore she could feel the chaos going on in JJs mind.  The lyrics to this song fit her and Harry's situation better than any.  He had already told her he wanted to be the one to be able to help her through her past.  And her past was dark there was no question.  The whole group was super supportive of her best friend.  She was glad.  She wasn't sure how she would have been able to deal with all of this by herself.  She would have but Harry and Niall and even the rest of them made the daunting task seem much more manageable.  JJ no doubt still had the instinct to pull back and run she could sense it almost every time something got serious but so far she had fought it.  So far she managed to stay.  She couldn't have asked for a nicer guy to fall for her friend.  She seriously meant it when she told him his kindness and his patience could be the best thing to happen to JJ.  Not many guys would not only accept this difficulty but embrace it and want nothing more than to help her through it.  And so far, Harry proved he was up for the task.  Now to help JJ accept it.

Julie took a few steps back when she realized Harry was talking about her and their situation.  She always loved this song but she had never heard the lyrics so clearly before.  Every verse, every solo, every chorus, was directed at her.  Every one of the guys circled towards her when they sang their part and every one made sure to look at her for a few seconds.  This was getting to be way too much.  Her flight instinct was in full force.  She wanted to run.  Her brain was overloaded with emotion and she had fought so long not to feel anything that it was becoming way too much to handle.  She had been trying not to disappear or run but it was becoming more difficult.  What was she going to do?   She felt her hands start to shake and her heart felt like it was going to escape her chest.  Her anxiety was getting the best of her.  She took a few deep breaths and planted her feet. She kept telling herself not to run.  She was losing the battle. She wanted too.  The tears she was fighting spilled over her cheeks and she clenched her fists.  She looked at Amanda.  She felt helpless.

Amanda could see it in JJs eyes.  The fear, the confusion, the thoughts of running.  She could almost feel the pain in her own heart.  She hadn't run, but she could feel her about too.  She grabbed JJ and held her arms tight.  She could feel the tenseness and the uncertainty in her muscles.  As the song ended she pulled her into a seriously tight hug.  She felt JJs body tremble.  She didn't want to let go to see if it was from crying or fear.  She figured it may be a combination. The concert was almost over.  She could sacrifice a few songs to comfort her friend.  Let's remove her from the immediate situation and see if that may stop her from running further.  "Hey, let's go wait for them in the car.  Or even back at the hotel.  It's almost over anyway."

"No, I don't want to take you from Niall.  I can stay or maybe go on my own.  I'm ok."  Julie lied.

"Yeah sure you are.  I told you to stop lying and keeping things from me.  I'm coming with you.  End of story."  Amanda said to her.

"No.  I think I need some time alone.  I promise I won't go anywhere but the hotel.  I promise I will be there when Harry gets there. But I need some time.  I've had eagle eyes on me since everyone found out about this.  I just...I can't....I need some time.  Please."  She practically begged Amanda.

"You PROMISE me that you will not go anywhere except the hotel and Harry and your room?  I mean a real promise.  No, let me at least go back with you.  I can go to Niall and my room but let me go back."  Amanda said.

"No, you have to trust me at some point.  You can't be with me every minute."  Julie said.

"Ok, alright.  Can you at least text me when you get there."  She saw the look on JJs face.  "Just humor me please."

"Ok fine. I will."  Julie wrapped her arms around herself and walked away.

Amanda sighed.  She hoped she didn't regret this.  And she hoped Harry understood.  As long as she's in his room when he gets there, things should be ok.  She hoped so.  She took a deep breath and watched the rest of the show.

When Niall and Harry along with the rest of the guys made it to the cars to go back to the hotel, Amanda saw Harry looking for JJ.  "Hey Harry, she went back to the hotel early.  Said she'd meet you in the room."

Harry looked at her closed his eyes, and took a deep breath and then looked at her again.  "How long did it take her to run?"

"After Through the Dark.  I could feel her uneasiness almost immediately but she fought it.  She practically planted her feet in the ground.  I actually suggested leaving.  I wanted to go with her but she said she wanted time alone.  She promised she would be there when you got back and she said I had to trust her at some point.  Said she's felt watched by eagle eyes since everyone found out.  I just hope I did the right thing."  Amanda said.

Harry kissed her cheek.  "No one has better intentions with her than you.  I knew I was pushing my luck with everything today but since you leave in the morning I was running out of time."

Amanda wondered if she should tell him about the conversation earlier; about JJ all but admitting she thought she didn't deserve him.  In the end she decided to wait.  She needed to let them work through this and even though she'd like to get involved to help, she knew she better let them do it on their own.  It was hard though.  She just hoped Harry could figure it out or come to her first before he gave up.  "Thanks Harry.  I'm rooting for you."  She kinda laughed.

"Thanks, I'm rooting for me too."  He said as he got in the car.

*if you are enjoying the story please vote/comment/share. I would love to be able to respond.

*the story is complete fan fiction