Chapter Text
As Harry rings in the new year, he cheers and toasts and laughs, just like everyone else at the party. Inside though, his thoughts begin to swirl. Because 2025 isn’t just another year.
When One Direction went on hiatus there were of course some stipulations. One of those being a reunion tour for the 15 year anniversary of the band being formed. Meaning in just a couple of weeks, Harry will be heading to a house a bit outside London to live with the other boys.
They’ve already been sent all the information and expectations. They will be sequestered away to write music, pick set lists, and reconnect so that they will still have the same stage presence that they had back in their heyday.
Harry thinks that’s a bit stupid. No way can they manufacture the type of relationships they used to have. Management made sure of that by ruining all of their friendships by the time they broke up. Sure, some of them have gotten back in touch over the years, but their dynamics are nothing like they used to be.
Someone hands Harry another drink as he thinks back to those years in the band. How he’d started off so hopeful and happy. How they’d had so much fun and got to be creative and do what they love. How they got to live a dream come true.
How dreams often aren’t what they seem.
The first problem had arisen when Harry presented. Secondary genders normally surface by sixteen, but Harry was a late bloomer. When the band was put together it contained three alphas, Liam, Niall, and Louis. Zayn, a beta, was almost cut due to his status. Simon had wanted only alphas, but Nicole, a beta herself, had stood her ground and insisted Zayn be let in. After all, he wasn’t an omega. That would be out of the question.
Harry knew this. So when he had slipped into his first heat, he was grateful it happened at home during a week off. He swore his mother to secrecy, got the strongest suppressants they would give him, and stocked up on scent neutralizers and went back to work telling everyone he’d presented as an alpha.
Somehow, through all the years, no one ever caught on. Harry got to keep his job, but it was hell. His omega was in pain, he had to live off of passing touches from the alphas, and always had to disguise his heats as ruts.
Worst of all, he had to keep omega in check around Louis. As much as Harry had a crush on him, his omega was obsessed with Louis’ inner alpha.
It physically pained him to keep away from the alpha. His omega didn’t understand why he always kept his distance. Truthfully, it’s because Harry couldn’t let himself get too close. He didn’t trust his omega to stay hidden around Louis. If he let down his guard he knew his secret would slip out.
But for all the years that One Direction was active, Harry successfully hid the truth. And then they broke up. Went on a break. A hiatus. Whatever they want to call it.
And then Harry had a decision to make. Come clean about his omega status, or continue the lie.
When he signed with a new label and got a contract with a new management company to start his solo career, the decision was made for him. No way could he tell the truth now. Not when he’s in such a precarious position. Everything needs to go exactly right.
So he makes music, releases singles, does interviews by himself, gets a touring band together. All while hiding a huge fact about himself. He hires a female omega drummer named Sarah Jones. It makes headlines, since omegas aren’t typically allowed to have these types of jobs. But everyone calms down when she starts dating the band’s guitarist, alpha Mitch Rowland. If her alpha approves and will be with her, then it’s okay. Clearly, omega rights still leave much to be desired.
Harry never planned to reveal his status to the couple. But on a particularly stressful day he had dropped. They’d been working for weeks and still hadn’t perfected the music for his first solo tour, and pressure was weighing down on him. Mitch and Sarah stayed late to check on him, and the moment Mitch put a comforting hand on Harry’s shoulder, he’d collapsed. It didn’t take long for them to recognize this as a drop, confirmed by Harry’s distressed omega scent overriding the neutralizers.
The two had stayed with him, Mitch scenting him while Sarah soothed the other omega. He’d panicked when he woke up, terrified that his secret was out, but they promised they’d never tell.
So now Harry had two people in the know, people he could trust, and talk to, and be himself with. They were his confidants for years.
And then slowly, Harry let down his guard. Not much, but enough that his closest family and the rest of his touring band knew the truth. He could hang out with a group of people and not have to pretend, not fear that word would get out and the fans would turn on him for lying to them for years.
Lost in his thoughts, Harry startles back to the present when Sarah suddenly taps his arm.
“Dance with me!” She says, trying to pull Harry to where a group has made an impromptu dance floor. The other omega is a bit tipsy, but why shouldn’t she be? It’s a holiday, one of her first nights out since the birth of her second pup a few months ago, and her alpha is nearby making sure she’s safe. It’s the perfect scenario, one Harry wishes he could be in. Loved, mated, bonded, the mother of at least two pups, maybe more someday. It’s all Harry wants. As much as he loves Mitch and Sarah, Harry is almost a little glad about the upcoming isolated trip away from the perfect, happy little family.
One good thing about being with just the boys, he won’t have to witness any happy couples.
Sarah spins around him and he forces himself to be present, to dance with his friend, and finally after a few songs, he’s cheered up significantly. Whatever will happen, will happen. He can’t predict the future, so why worry about it right now?
*****
Harry should’ve worried. He definitely should have worried. Because if he had, maybe he would have prepared himself better.
He’d gotten so comfortable being surrounded by people who knew the truth, so used to being his total self around them, that he had to retrain himself to keep up the alpha act.
As he packs his bags, he can’t help but sigh at how many bottles of pills and cans of spray on alpha scent he has to include. At least now he has some sealed bags filled with items scented by his closest friends, so he’ll have their scent nearby if he needs it.
He decides to drive to the house rented for them, wanting that time to get in the right mindset to handle the next few weeks. Sure, he’s worried about it. But if he’s honest, he is happy to be together with the boys again.
Yes, he found a new home with his new bandmates during his solo tours. But separating from his One Direction mates years ago had been difficult, painful even. It was unfortunately necessary for their mental health to go their own ways at the time, but it still hurt. Harry’s omega was so distraught over losing what it had considered its pack that he’d gone into a drop that lasted almost a full day.
He feels a flutter in his chest as he gets close, and he lets out a pleased trill. He simply can’t keep it inside as he allows himself to feel excited to see the others. Plus, he knows that soon, he won’t be able to let those types of omega noises and reactions out. But he’ll do it, he’ll hide that part of him if it means he gets to be with the boys once more.
Finally, he pulls up to the address he’d been given. He sees two other cars, but at this point he doesn’t know who drives what. Harry takes a deep breath, puts on another spray of the alpha scent, and steps out of the car. He doesn’t take all of his stuff in, choosing to just bring his pack back and guitar for the moment.
Harry uses the code to open the front door and he lets himself inside. At first it seems empty, but then he hears voices in the kitchen. He sets down his things and follows the sound.
Entering the kitchen, he has to bite his lip not to break into the biggest smile. He doesn’t want to seem too happy, too eager about being forced into this situation. But seeing Liam and Niall sitting at the table chatting over mugs of tea is just so familiar. Like coming home after all these years away.
There’s a pause while they take in the younger man, but soon they’re both up, pulling him into embraces. Harry has to restrain himself from gulping in huge lungfuls of their warm alpha scents. He’d gotten used to doing that when he’d hug Mitch and Elin, the two alphas in his band, and it always settled him so much. But he can’t do that anymore, so he fights the urge, reminding himself that he has to be alpha now, just like the other two.
“Good to see you, man!” Liam says while smiling so big that the skin around his eyes crinkles.
“You too,” Harry replies. “Both of you. It’s been too long,” he adds, though that’s a big oversimplification.
“Want a cuppa?” Niall asks and Harry nods, gratefully taking the mug when the other man passes it to him. The three of them sit around the table and conversation picks up where it left off when Harry entered.
“Niall was just telling me about judging on the Voice,” Liam says.
“Oh yea! How was that? I didn’t get to watch much but from what I saw you did great,” Harry says. Niall's face lights up at the fact that Harry had seen some of it.
“Honestly it was super fun. They wanted me back this season, but, you know, I was already committed to this,” Niall responds.
Harry keeps smiling even though this news makes him uneasy. Just a few minutes in, and he’s learned that Niall had to turn down another offer, one he clearly would have enjoyed, because he was obligated to do this reunion.
As though sensing Harry’s inner turmoil, Niall adds, “No biggie though, I’ve already judged twice and I’m sure they’ll have me back in the future. Honestly I’m excited to be doing something different now, something new.”
“Different?” Liam asks at the same time Harry questions “new?”
Niall laughs and explains, “Yes different and new. Sure it’s the five of us together, just like it was fifteen years ago. Maybe that means we’re going backwards. But I dunno. We’re older, more experienced. We’re different people. I think we’ll be creating something that fits us now, not who we were back then.”
“That’s true,” Liam says. This leads to the three of them talking about their solo careers, and what they were working on leading up to this, discussing if any of their stuff might work with the group.
Before they can get too into the conversation, the front door opens again. Harry doesn’t have to wonder who it is, his omega knows immediately. The alpha he practically claimed as his own, the one whose presence he’s missed desperately, has clearly entered the home.
But then Harry hears two sets of footsteps. A moment later, Louis and Zayn walk into the kitchen, the pair having clearly traveled here together. Harry bites back a low growl, his omega spiraling at the implication of this. But Harry quickly shakes his head, reminding himself that he has zero claim over Louis, and that Zayn is a friend, not competition.
Besides, it’s clear within seconds that nothing is happening between them, especially as Zayn quickly moves to pull Liam in for a hug. Harry is reminded of how the two of them were back in the day, how if the beta wanted to go for any of the alphas, it would have been Liam.
He’s so focused on that reunion, he forgets for a minute that he needs to greet the two newcomers as well. Zayn hugs Niall then Harry, while Louis also exchanges hellos with the others. Then all that’s left are Harry and Louis.
Just like the hug they shared at the last show, the two of them give a playful shrug before Louis pulls Harry in. He keeps it brief, friendly, but just a moment of contact has Harry feeling dizzy. He hasn’t been surrounded by Louis’ scent like this in years, and it’s like his omega gets drunk on it. Harry desperately wants to pull the other man back in and demand that he scents him until he’s all Harry can smell.
But he resists. He acts normal. He smiles and laughs politely as all five of them move to the living room to catch up more comfortably.
Harry makes sure to settle in an armchair, though he was highly tempted to sit on the loveseat and see who might choose to join him. His omega is too unstable at the moment to take the rejection of no one choosing to be with him though, so he takes the safe solo option.
They’re really starting to vibe together, joking and sharing stories. But then another car pulls up and they look at one another in confusion.
Liam stands to look out the window and barely gives a look of warning to the others before the door opens, revealing the surprise guest.
Right. This is why they’re really here. To make more money for this man.
“There we all are!” Simon says. He smiles, his face unnerving, and his arms are outstretched as though expecting a big group hug. He doesn’t get one.
Instead he takes the chair Liam had been previously sitting in, causing the other man to come perch on the arm of Harry’s seat. The omega can’t show it, but he’s grateful for his friend being so close.
Simon had always treated him differently than the rest. Singled him out, made him work harder while belittling him, setting him on pap walks with omegas. Harry often wondered if Simon might know his true status and was testing or punishing him because of it.
Even now, Simon seems to be side-eying him, giving him scrutinizing looks. Harry shifts so his shoulder is just able to brush against Liam’s leg, and it settles him enough to focus on the conversation that’s happening.
“So, here’s the deal,” Simon says, getting right down to business. “First thing is a new album. We’re willing to be flexible, but there must be at least 16 songs, and 10 of them need to be new. The others can either be solo songs, or re-recordings of some of the more popular one direction songs. Myself or another member of my team will be checking in periodically to see how that’s going. If you’d like us to bring in some of the old writing team, that can be arranged. After everything is written, you’ll record and get a bit of a break. Then you’ll do some interviews and start touring. We’re following Harry’s lead and doing multi-show residencies in a few cities across the globe. Less travel. How’s that sound?”
“Sounds like what we agreed to,” Louis states.
It’s impressive, the way he manages to be polite, while not letting Simon think he’s doing them any favors here. They signed a contract. They’re upholding the terms. Nothing else. Simon will get his money, and the pats on the back, and then they’re done with him for good.
“Well then, enjoy your time here. We chose the best house we could find for you all, complete with a recording studio in the basement. Good neighborhood too. I think you’ll be happy here,” Simon says next. Reminding them all who is paying for this, trying to keep the upper hand, keep the control he has.
“It’s lovely, thank you” Liam says, ever the peacemaker.
“Saw the pond out back, is that public or private property?” Niall asks.
“Technically public, but really only used by the handful of homes nearby,” Simon answers.
“Cool, looks like a peaceful place to hang out, maybe get some inspiration,” Zayn says.
“Especially when it warms up a bit,” Niall adds.
“Harry, anything to add?” Simon asks, turning everyone's attention to him.
Harry shifts in his seat, uncomfortable with everyone’s eyes on him, so he quickly responds, “No, just looking forward to working together again.”
“Excellent,” Simon replies, his eyes calculating. He gives Harry one last look before clapping his hands and standing up. “If you need anything, send an email. Otherwise, I’ll leave you all to it. Marcus will check in soon to see how you’re doing.”
With that he leaves the house, leaving the five men to themselves.
“Well, he certainly hasn’t changed,” Zayn says.
“‘Cept his face. That’s not right,” Louis adds.
“Just shows you can’t buy beauty,” Niall states.
“Says the one with a twenty step skin care routine,” Louis quips.
Niall just smiles and shows off his clear face, saying, “Look fab, feel fab! By the end of this project you’re all gonna have the clearest skin, I’ll make sure of it.”
“No chance,” Louis says with a smirk.
“Speaking of faces, how weird is it that we all have facial hair this time around?” Zayn voices.
“Even Harry here’s got a bit of scruff,” Liam jokes.
“Hey, I chose to shave,” Harry says, though that’s not entirely true. As an omega, he’s naturally less hairy than the alphas. Betas often are less hairy as well, but that’s not always the case. This was proven by Zayn’s very impressive beard, though he’s decided to keep it shorter right now.
“Listen, I don’t know about the rest of ya, but I’m starving,” Niall says. “Think we get delivery out here?”
“Probably,” Liam answers. “But I did stop at the shops on my way in. Brought stuff for dinner tonight and breakfast in the morning. Figured that would get us through until we can do a real shopping trip tomorrow.”
Louis grins and says, “Looks like daddy direction is back!” Liam smiles and blushes while the boys all cheer.
What Harry thought would be impossible, suddenly seems possible after all. Maybe their relationship can be healed, the friendships they had can just be picked up once again.
It seems that way as they cook and eat together. The camaraderie continues as they settle in the living room to watch a movie. Harry still makes sure to take a seat by himself, but he doesn’t feel like he’s alone. In fact, he feels like he’s finally surrounded by his family.
Everyone’s tired after the movie ends, and they make their way upstairs. After watching Niall’s skincare routine, Harry gets ready and gets in bed.
But he can’t sleep. He tosses and turns, meditates, puts on white noise, but he just cannot settle. It doesn’t take long to figure out what the problem is.
His omega knows Louis is close. His omega wants him to seek out the alpha. His omega is throwing an absolute fit over being denied.
Harry can’t shut it up. So he gets back out of bed and wanders downstairs. He thinks about getting a snack, but he’s really not hungry.
He instead goes back to the living room, plopping down on the couch. What he doesn’t realize is he’s laying right where Louis had been sitting earlier. When Harry stretches out and his head hits the pillow, he’s overcome with Louis’ scent.
Harry is instantly calm, and before he can think too deeply about what this means, and how it will look when the others come down in the morning, he falls into a peaceful sleep.