Later that night, they were all sitting at a magnificent restaurant, a private part opened up just for them with an amazing view of a watering hole in the park.  They were sitting next to a wall made fully of windows and you could see everything for miles.  The moon was so bright that it lit up the entire landscape.  There couldn't have been a better view.  Julie hadn't stopped smiling all day.  Her cheeks hurt, but she still couldn't stop.  The day she'd just had was beyond her wildest dreams.  She had always loved animals; in fact, sometimes she thought she loved animals more than people.  Except for the company she had now, and maybe a few others.  But just watching the animals out in nature was amazing.  When she caught movement out the window, she got up and stood at them looking out.  A couple of hippos had made their way to the watering hole.  She glanced to her left when she felt an arm go around her shoulders.  "Hey, Niall."  She said as she looked back out the window.  "This is so amazing."

"Yes, it is."  He rubbed her shoulder.  "I think I've seen you smile more today than you have the entire time I've known you combined."  He laughed when she elbowed his ribs.  "I like it.  You and Harry had me worried for a while."

"We're fine.  I don't really want to talk about it.  But we're fine.  We'll be fine.  We can work it out together."  Julie said watching the hippos.  She was so amazed by the way they moved, the way they sauntered into the water.  And the baby hippo pulled at her heart.  So cute.

"I know. I believe in you remember.  I know how strong you are."  Niall said squeezing her shoulder.  He stood there with her just watching how she enjoyed the moment.  She seriously was changing.  He could see it.  To think he even had a tiny part in her growth was an amazing feeling.  She was always strong, but had just never realized it.  She now seemed to realize she could handle herself in every situation.  She didn't close up and run. She stood her ground and was there for others.  "I'm proud of you."  He kissed her head.

"Oh, shush, Niall."  She said to him looking at the ground and blushing.  "That's enough sweet.  But thank you."  She leaned against his side and watched out the window.  She would always be forever grateful to Niall.  First for making Panda happy and then for being an amazing and supportive friend to her.  She was content for the first time in her adult life.  She was going to try to enjoy it.

Amanda watched JJ and Niall.  She was glad they had such a good friendship.  She was happy they seemed to be able to rely on each other.  She liked her best friend and her boyfriend getting along so well.  It made spending time with two of the people she loved the most, easy.  She had never seen JJ so happy either.  To this day, there were always moments when JJ was deep into her head, thinking and worrying about things maybe she shouldn't.  Even though the days were getting better, there were still those times.  But not today.  Today she was happy and eager and actually excited.  Amanda had never realized before that she hadn't seen JJ show this type of excitement.  She had always been so mellow and calm.  Even if JJ liked something, she remained reserved.  It was good to see some actual excitement come out of her.  When Amanda watched JJ run and jump into Harry's arms earlier, she couldn't help but smile.  That excitement, the not caring what anyone thought about her reaction, was something she wasn't sure she would ever see.  It was nice.  Amanda needed to thank Harry for that.  No matter how upset she was with Harry, he obviously knew what JJ would like and made sure it happened.  She looked over at Harry when he came back and sat down.  He'd been arranging the travel back to the hotel after dinner.  "I have to hand it to you Harry. You couldn't have made this a better day for JJ."

"Yeah, she seemed to love it, right?"  Harry said smiling at Amanda and then glancing at Julie and Niall.  "Still seems to be loving it."  He looked back at Amanda.  "Have to admit. Even I didn't expect her to like it quite as much as she seems to.  Or at least I didn't expect her to be as animated about it as she has been."

"Yeah, surprised me too.  I guess I never realized how much of herself she truly hid because she was afraid of being judged."  Amanda said.  She then smiled at him.  "Seeing her run to you and jump in your arms, Harry, was probably the highlight of my day.  I loved seeing that from her.  I think she will always be a little self-conscious of her actions; but when it comes to you, she doesn't seem to think about it.  I will forever be grateful for that."

"Well, I love seeing her happy, and excited.  I've made it my mission to make it happen more often."  He thought back to his birthday in London and earlier today.  He had a lot of goals now.  But he loved to see her smile, and hear her laugh and see her excitement.  Amanda was right. It probably wouldn't always be this way, but if there were times that Julie forgot about everything but the present and the natural reaction, he would take it.

"Well, you did a good job today, friend."  Amanda got up and went and kissed Harry's cheek.  "I thank you."  She patted his shoulder and then walked up and squeezed herself between JJ and Niall.  "My turn to spend some time with my bestie.  Go away, Niall."  Amanda said laughing and then kissing him.  "Just for a bit please."  She laughed.

"Fine.  But only because you asked so nicely."  He shook his head and then kissed her and walked back to the table.

Amanda placed her arm around JJ's waist and leaned her head on JJ's shoulder.  "Hey, great day eh?"

"Yes.  It's been amazing.  It's been so nice to just do this and forget about everything for a while.  This whole adventure has been a dream come true.  Seeing all of these animals in their natural habitat and seeing them interacting with each other and nature.  It's been eye opening.  Who wouldn't want a safari with their boyfriend and best friends?  And I got the true adventure in South Africa.  I can't complain."  Julie said wrapping her arm around Amanda's waist as well.  "I mean, plus I like animals better than people anyway."

Amanda laughed.  "Sure, JJ.  Anything to get out of the sweet moment.  But don't think I missed it.  I liked seeing you so excited."

"Yeah, yeah."  Julie smiled though.  "It's great Panda.  The adrenaline from the moment we entered the helicopter until now even has been crazy.  You might be mad at Harry, but he did this for me.  And I can't believe it."

"Well, I'm not a fan of the way he took things out on you, but I can tell he's honestly sorry about it.  I'm not quite letting him off the hook yet, but I'm not mad at him.  I just don't want to see him hurt you."  Amanda said.

"I know.  But I'm ok.  Hurt happens.  It's after the hurt that counts.  No one's perfect.  I've hurt my share of people, especially you guys.  And y'all are still around for me."  Julie shrugged.  She kissed Amanda's head and then walked with her back to the table.  She took Harry's hand and sat on his lap when he pulled her to him.  She buried her face into his neck and wrapped her arms around him.  This day was amazing.  He was amazing.  They would get through whatever they needed to if she could help it.  No matter what happened, she'd never felt safer, never felt more loved, never felt happier.  She pulled back after a few minutes and looked at him.  "Can I have one?"

Harry gave her a side glance.  What was she talking about? She never asked him for anything.  He was now more than curious.  "Can you have one what, exactly?"

"A baby hippo." Julie said smiling at him.

"A baby hippo?"  Harry laughed.  Of course it would be something like that, and not something he could actually give her.  "I would love too, baby. But I think that may be impossible even for me.  Where would you keep it?"

"You mean, he won't fit in my apartment?"  She play pouted.  "It's SO cute.  I just want one.  Or an elephant.  What about a baby elephant?"

"And what would we do with them when they grew up, love?"  Harry asked.  He was definitely amused by this conversation, but he enjoyed it.

"Oh, why do you always have to dash my dreams?"  She said to him pushing on his chin.

"Sorry, you know I would give you whatever I could.  But this, I'm just not even sure I could pull off."  He said smiling at her.

"I know."  She hugged him tightly again.  "Thank you, so much, for today.  I never thought I would ever get to do anything like this.  Especially not in the middle of South Africa.  I'm so grateful to have someone as thoughtful as you in my life.  And lucky enough to have you love me."

Harry smiled and rubbed her back.  "I feel the same way.  I'm so glad you love me, and you let me love you."

"I love how you always thank me for letting you love me."  Julie laughed.  "I never understand that.  I'm the lucky one.  Even when you're throwing fits."

"Had to bring that up, did you?"  He shook his head at her.

"Yes, because I want you to know that I love all of you.  Even your temperamental, irrational, outbursts."  She said putting her hand on his cheek and kissing him.  "I love you, Harry.  Thank you so much for today again."

"I love you, too."  He searched her eyes.  The deep beautiful blue eyes he'd fallen for the moment she'd let him actually see them.  He was amazed at what he could see in them.  They changed.  Maybe not so much in color but in transparency.  It's almost like you could see her hiding before.  See her closed off to the world.  Now, you could see through them.  She let him.  He saw her in them.  Saw the depth of her, the way the fear was no longer there.  He saw her opening up through them.  He also thought he could see the love she had for him in them.  At least that's what he wanted to believe.  "I'm just glad you're here.  I'm glad we had this day."

"Me too."  She smiled and got off his lap.  She sat in the chair next to him and laughed when he pulled the chair closer and wrapped his arm around her.  She leaned into him and picked up a roll and threw it at Amanda and Niall who were cuddling on the other side of the table.  "Get a room."

Niall laughed.  "Dammit JJ, stop throwing things.  And really?  From where I sit you were doing the same thing."

"You lie, Niall.  I would never."  Julie said picking up another roll and picking at it.

"JJ, why?  I mean, just why?"  Amanda said laughing.

"Oh, you guys would be bored without me.  Pretend you wouldn't."  Julie said.

"Oh, you definitely keep us on our toes."  Niall said shaking his head.  He let Amanda off his lap because the food was coming.  "But sometimes, you could just shut up."  He laughed when Amanda backhanded him.  "What?"

"Be nice."  She said to him.

"Oh, like you weren't thinking it."  Niall said rubbing his stomach.

"Yes, but I'm her best friend.  I'm the only one who can tell her to shut up."  Amanda said laughing.

"Will you kids stop fighting?  I mean, geez, can't even have one peaceful dinner when you're around.  Can't I just eat in peace?"  Julie said.

Harry laughed.  "Ok, shush now."  He said to Julie.

"Did you just shush me?  I mean, seriously?"  Julie said pretending she was hurt.  She put her hand on her heart.  "I'm hurt.  How dare you."

"Oh, good grief.  You're not fooling anyone."  Harry said.  He kissed her hand and then let her go so they could eat.  He couldn't forget the trouble that was going on right now, not permanently.  But right now, he was happy, he was content.  More than that, he was grateful.

When dinner was over, they walked outside to take one last ride back to the entrance and the helicopter waiting to take them home.  When they arrived at the gates, they got out of the vehicles and one of the guides called them over.  As they got out of the vehicles, they saw a massive snake slithering slowly over the ground.  Harry grabbed Julie's hand when she went to go closer and pulled her backwards.  "Um, where are you going?"

"To see this.  It's amazing."  She said trying to pull from his grip.  He wouldn't let go.  She laughed.  "Harry, either you have to let go or you have to come with me."

Harry was torn.  He didn't want to let her go, but he didn't want to go with her either.  "Um, here's fine.  Can't we just stay here?"

Julie laughed and looked him.  He was scared.  Of a snake.  "It won't hurt you, Harry."  She said.  "Ok, let me go then; you stay here.  I will save you."  She pulled her hand from his when he let go reluctantly.  "It's ok, babe.  I got you."  She said as she stepped towards the snake.

"Julie."  Harry groaned.  But she was already out of his reach.  He should be going with her.  Making sure she was ok, but he couldn't.  Why was she not even a little afraid of the huge snake she was heading straight towards?  "Is she insane?"  He asked Niall and Amanda who stood next to him.

Amanda laughed.  "Maybe a little, but it's just a snake,Harry."  She watched JJ though.  She definitely wasn't a tad bit scared of that very large snake.  "Ok, I'm taking some of her non-fear and going and seeing this too."  Amanda said walking towards JJ.

"Oh, well, don't I feel silly now?"  Niall said standing back with Harry.  "I'm not going near that thing."

"Yeah, me either.  But what is happening here?"  Harry said watching the girls.  He took a step forward when Julie bent down and started to pick up the snake.  Ok, this guide was getting on his nerves; he was going to help drape a really large snake over his girlfriend.  What the fuck.  "Um, I don't think this is a very good idea.  Baby, seriously."  Harry called out to Julie.

"It's fine, Harry."  Julie said quietly.  She was amazed at how strong the snake was.  How heavy it was.  She held it the way the guide told her and slowly wrapped it around her shoulders.  She could barely hold it.  She smiled and then encouraged Amanda to do the same.  It was so big it could wrap around the two of them a couple of times.

Amanda let the guide help position the end of the snake around her shoulders as well.  "Oh, my god."  She said quietly.  It was heavy.  She was a bit nervous, but JJ didn't seem nervous at all.  "How can this not scare you?"  She asked JJ just as quietly.

"I don't know.  I think it's cool."  Julie said gently taking the snake's neck and lifting it up so she could look at it.  When it started to move, she tried to hold it tighter.  She was having a hard time though.  The guide took the back end off of Amanda and then tried to help Julie get the snake off of her, but the snake wanted to wrap itself tighter around her.

Harry watched the scene.  The snake seriously didn't want to let loose.  He didn't know what to do.  He took another step forward.  "Come on."  He said.  He was getting impatient.  But he watched Julie, and she was calm.  She slowly and gently but forcefully helped get the snake from around her shoulders and put it gently on the ground.  She stepped back and watched it move into the distance.  He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her.  "Don't do that again, please.  That was scary."

"No, it wasn't.  It was amazing."  Julie said watching as the snake slithered further away from them.

"You're shaking."  Harry said holding her tighter.

"Yeah, but I'm not scared.  It was a rush."  She said turning towards him and looking up at him.  "I can't believe you were so scared.  With the snakes you've been with, you should have felt right at home."  She said to him.

Amanda busted up laughing.  She knew right away who JJ was referring to.  She wasn't referring to literal snakes.  She looked at Niall when he lightly slapped her shoulder.  "What?  Oh come on, it was funny."

Niall couldn't help but laugh.  "No, don't encourage her."

Harry looked down at her.  It took him a minute to comprehend what she was talking about.  "Julie."  He said shaking his head.  He should be mad that she'd said it, but he wasn't.  He laughed.  "Not funny, cut that out."  He took her hand and walked her back towards the entrance.  He jumped when something moved at his feet.  Before he knew it, Julie was bending down in front of him.

"Don't worry babe. I will continue to save you from snakes of all kinds."  She said as she picked up the small snake that was moving around in front of them.

"Not funny."  He said stepping back when she showed him the small snake wrapping itself around her wrist.  "Put it down.  Don't come near me.  And stop with the jokes."  He stepped back again.  "Julie, stop."  He said as she stepped towards him.

Julie laughed a little but decided not to torture him anymore.  "Ok, I will send this little one on it's way too.  Guess I can't keep him either."  She walked further away and set the snake down and let it slither away from them.  "Long as you're not keeping any of your snakes around either."  She said walking back towards him.

"Damn it, woman."  Harry said to her.  "Stop playing with snakes."

"As long as you stop."  She said trying to mask her laughter.  She wasn't very successful.

"Alright, enough of that."  He said laughing.  He went and grabbed her and picked her up.  "Enough sass, enough snakes, enough teasing."  He carried her through the gate and towards the helicopter.

"No fun."  She said holding on around his neck.  She kissed his neck as he carried her.

"Stop that.  Not fair.  Not until we get alone.  With a locked door."  He growled at her.

She laughed at him when he set her in the helicopter.  "Thought you didn't mind it out in the open. I mean that's what you said on the roof."

Harry looked at her shocked.  "What has gotten into you?"  He touched her cheek and ran his thumb over her lips.  "Behave, for a little bit at least."

"Oh, it will be hard.  Today was such a turn on."  She said to him buckling her seat belt.

"Damn it, Julie."  He said to her.  He could feel the heat in his cheeks.  He was blushing, damn it.  It was usually him teasing her when it came to this.

"What are we damning JJ about now?"  Amanda said climbing into the helicopter and sitting across from them with Niall.

"Oh, he's just mad I was playing with the wrong kind of snake tonight."  Julie said looking down and fixing her buckle.

"Julie!!!!"  Harry exclaimed.  He knew right away to what she was referring.  He was so not used to it coming from her.

Amanda couldn't control her laughter.  She wasn't used to that coming from her friend either.  She couldn't even speak she was laughing so hard.  "Oh, my god."  She barely got out.

Niall laughed at JJ and then at Amanda and then at the shocked look on Harry's face.  "JJ, that's probably something you should have kept to yourself."

"I mean y'all tell me I don't share enough.  Make up your minds."  Julie shrugged.  She looked at all of them laughing at her.  She loved it.  She loved the way this felt.  She loved the feeling of being comfortable and not being judged for saying the things she said, or her sarcastic nature.  Her being a smart ass.  She never felt comfortable being just herself before.  She always thought carefully about what she said before she said it, but not tonight.  Not now, and they all just laughed with her.  It was an amazing feeling.  She didn't know what that was.  She didn't know she could have people with her that loved her for her.  For truly being herself and speaking whatever came to mind instead of thinking of it.  She called them her cringe worthy moments, when her mouth worked faster than her brain.  They seemed to enjoy her being her.

"Yeah, maybe not THAT."  Niall said shaking his head.

"Well, I've been told it's nothing to be ashamed about.  And it was completely normal."  Julie said leaning against Harry when he put his arm around her.

"Ok, just be quiet now."  Harry said as the helicopter came to life and started their journey back to the hotel.  He enjoyed this day immensely.  And he couldn't be happier right now.

This chapter is dedicated to sammyjak for everything and you all should go check out her new story she has started on here. Between the Lines. Can't ever get enough Harry and Niall!

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

*the story is complete fan fiction