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a-strange-familiar · 2 months

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FINALLY !!!!

You have no idea how much I missed them and love them. This is one of my favorite series ever, I love this with my entire heart. ❤️❤️❤️

@harrysonlylover this my favorite writing of yours and love this and love you. I always told you how much I love this series 🥺🥺

The ending was sooo good and perfect and I LOVE IT. I'm soo happy I get to read the final part after waiting for sooo long 🤍🤍

Karma Rules (Mechanic Harry Part 6)

Summary: A phone call from Niall and its aftermath changes your perspective. Can a fairytale be fixed?

Warnings: alcoholism, drunk harry, over drinking, unhealthy coping, miscommunication, angst, mentions of alcohol abuse, hangover.

Please do not read if these trigger you.

Wc: 8k

A/n: Please keep in mind that this is just fan-fiction and some bits about the hangover may not be 100% true, as every individual is different than the other and deals with it in an another way.

Rereading part 5 is good for refreshing your mind!

This is also the final part!

Part 5

When it came to receiving good and bad news, people generally preferred getting the bad news first so that the good ones would soothe them. You followed that preference as well, but you didn’t always have a choice.

Not when you moved away from home, not when your car broke down, not when you discovered the truth about your “job”.

And certainly not right now.

The phone was still pressed to your ear, Niall’s voice was coming out muffled and incoherent. Your heart was banging against your ribcage, and still, the blood barely reached your other organs. You couldn’t move, or put two and two together. Not even ask him what happened.

The room was suddenly dark despite the lit light bulbs in every corner, the clock necklace that you didn’t even get to thank Harry for was ticking around your neck. It was the only sound you could hear as if it was torturing you on purpose.

Tick tock.

A reminder that whatever happened to Harry was your fault. Maybe if you had stayed—

It wasn’t an ideal timing for your brain to taunt you and make you feel pathetic. Niall’s voice was calling for you, asking if you were listening but you were simply trying to pull yourself back to the present.

Your body fell against the sofa, and you dug your nails into the cushions. The clock was still piercing your ears because you could grab it right now and reverse it but you won’t go back in time to change whatever had happened.

What did he get himself into?

“Are you listening to me?” Niall’s panicked voice urged you to focus. You were obliged to ignore the nausea and the guilt your brain was throwing already. Because that’s how things went every time, you only needed a simple situation for your brain to torture you.

“Can you repeat what you said?” Your throat was as dry as the desert. You thought about standing up and getting a glass of water, but you’re not sure if your hands would be able to hold it.

“It’s Harry! He’s fucking drunk—way too drunk. He doesn’t drink Y/n, he hates alcohol.” His tone told you all you needed to know. It pained Niall to say it like he was on the verge of tears.

Was he talking about the same Harry that drank herbal teas and scolded your food choices? You were somewhat worried that he might have gotten into a car accident at a race, but he didn’t. So why does this feel worse?

“I—what?” It wasn’t the best you could say in a conversation like this, but it was better than the radio silence.

“Listen, he’s in a really bad state. He’s lucky that he’s a bit conscious.” He sighed, clearly worried about his friend.

It was nearly nine, not so late in the evening. For how long was he drinking to get to this state? You never saw him drink nor did he open the subject. Your legs moved before you processed what you were doing.

“I’m coming.” You spoke as you headed toward your bedroom.

“I didn’t want to stress you, and I know you’re wondering why I chose to call you but he’s been mumbling things about you.” You stopped in your tracks at his last sentence, your fingers placed at the light switch, too numb to move.

“What did he say?” You whispered in a shaky voice.

“I—don’t know, it was all weird and—“ His voice was cut off as his attention turned to Harry. He mentioned some things about drinking water and lying back. The last thing you expected was for Harry to speak.

“Did ya know that she smells like strawberries?” It took him longer to say the sentence than normal. It came out slurred with hiccups, and a small laugh.

“Shit—drink water H.” You could hear Niall pouring him a water cup.

“Sweeettt. Y/n is sweet.” Niall didn’t have to answer your previous question, you were witnessing it yourself.

It is said that a drunk mind speaks a sober heart, and that scared you more than it comforted you. Niall was trying to soothe Harry, and get him to have that cup of water but to no avail.

“I’m not nice. She deserves nice.” His words weren’t as coherent but you caught some stuff through the speaker as you put on a random jumper and sweatpants.

“I’m coming Niall.”

“You don’t have to—I’m here.” He moved away from Harry whose voice got distant but was still mumbling stuff.

“No, I’ll be there shortly.” You hung up before he could object.

It would take you around 15 minutes on your bike, normally you avoided going out when it was dark but you didn’t have any rational thoughts swimming in your head.

Your mind was consumed by him the entire road. Why would he do that? Just because you left? But again—you were no one to him. Just an employee. So why did he mention you and blurt out weird stuff?

He might have kissed you and let down his guard a couple of times but that didn’t mean anything, right?

It’s surely not a big deal, everyone probably knew that your hair smelled like strawberries, that you’re sweet, and deserved someone nice. Or did they not?

You had nothing in mind on what to expect, you didn’t even know what you were planning to do—but you weren’t going to sit around at home while he was in this state.

All the overthinking kept you busy until you reached his house. The little yellow home that reminded you of warmth, is now radiating coldness. You dreaded going inside, fearing what would be awaiting you.

Was it your fault? Did that mean that you mattered to him?

You got off your bike, grabbed your bag, and headed slowly towards the front door. Niall must have left the door slightly open for you, but before entering—something jumped at your legs.

You looked down to see an antsy Snowbun circling around your feet.

“What are you doing out here?” Per your knowledge, he should be asleep in his small bed by now. You picked him up and cradled him in your hands.

“Are you running away from Harry or Niall?” The latter was his sworn enemy. Snowy replied by twitching his ears, earning a smile from you.

“Let’s get inside, shall we?” You scratched the top of his head before turning the doorknob and entering.

The once vibrant house filled with music sounding from the record player, and the smell of home-cooked meals was now dull and cold. It could be the open windows allowing the night breeze to sneak in, or the absence of Harry’s energy.

Everything was a mess.

The living room was untidy, and there were broken shards of glass around the floor with the smell of whiskey lingering in the air.

It wasn’t necessarily dirty, but it somewhat reflected Harry’s state, as his house could mimic his inner feelings. Snow Bun jumped out of your hand and headed towards his bed in the corner.

For a hot minute, you thought that Niall left considering how empty the house felt, until you heard his voice coming from Harry’s room.

“Hey—just lay here.” Niall seemed like he was trying to convince Harry to rest. You sneaked a glance inside the room, only to find Harry attempting to get up and walk—towards you.

“Not dreaming.” He let out a small laugh upon seeing you.

Niall sent you a soft smile before directing his attention back to Harry.

You have never seen him in such a state. His face looked like he had aged a hundred years, his eyes were tired and hollow, and he was barely conscious.

You stood motionless, trying to process his situation, what he had done and most importantly why.

You wanted to step forward and assist Niall who was lifting him to the bed, but your body was stuck in its place. You have seen your fair share of situations and were always unaffected, but Harry had an unusual effect on you, and maybe—you did too.

“Shortcake.” He hiccuped again, accepting the cup of water this time. He took two sips only and rested his head against the headboard.

You were aware of his direct stares, but you didn’t speak or move. You bit your nails as Niall tucked him under the duvet. He was slowly dozing off by the minute, with less mumbling that you didn’t quite catch.

The room went silent except for the sound of crickets coming from the window. You stole a glance at Harry who sounded so relaxed while sleeping despite his disturbed state.

You let out a sigh of relief once you were sure that he slept, at least he would get some rest.

“How much did he drink?” You whispered to Niall with a scratchy voice.

“The whole fucking bottle.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and motioned for you to leave the room.

You closed the bedroom door and followed him into the living room. He began picking up the shards of glass, so you kneeled to help him.

“How did you know that he was drunk?” Niall was visibly upset with what went down, he was his close friend after all.

“I didn’t… I just happened to pass by. I haven’t heard from him in a while.” He shook his head in disbelief, so you assumed that whatever this was, it wasn’t common.

You picked up the remaining pieces and disposed of them in a bag. You arranged the rest of the living room silently with Niall, but the silence was just too loud.

“Niall?” He turned his head to you.

“Yeah?”

“Most people get drunk—like it’s not right but it happens. Why did you freak out?” Your curiosity was getting the best out of you. You weren’t dismissing Harry’s state—it just didn’t make sense.

Niall dropped the broom to the ground and took a seat on the couch.

“Harry has had a rough past y’know? It wasn’t ideal.” You sat down as well, giving him your attention.

“He had an abusive alcoholic father. It’s not my place to say much, but it left an impact on him.” He spoke as if Harry was his biological brother. It was clear that he cared for him deeply.

You swallowed down your throat upon Niall’s confession. He hated alcohol. It must have reminded him of darker days. He barely opened up about his childhood to you, but many things clicked for you.

“I’m sorry that I troubled you. I was just shocked because he never got drunk, let alone drank in the first place.” He clasped his hands together and spoke with sorrow.

“He was in the worst state ever. I couldn’t understand why he kept talking about you.” He swiped his hand through his hair and gulped down a cup of water.

“What did he say?” Your voice was timid and small like you were dreading to know the truth. It may deny or confirm something.

“Stuff about you being an angel, that he messed up?” He shook his head, trying to remember some details.

“Also that you were too delicate or something.” He scrunched his face at his lack of memory, unaware of your expression.

Is that what Harry thought of you? It was so overwhelming to find out all of this within a short time frame when his actions did not reflect what Niall was saying.

You didn’t doubt that Harry was a good man, not at all. But to hear these words so casually, as if they weren’t the sweetest things you have been told—

“Sorry—I didn’t know he had feelings for you.” Niall broke the silence.

“Feelings?” You questioned, attempting to control the tears that were threatening to fall.

“I mean—the way he spoke about you…it was emotional. I called you because I thought he’d need you.” He scratched the top of his head, rethinking what he had done.

“It might have been something destructive because he never drank—“ He didn’t complete his sentence, and stared at the wall instead.

He must have caught on to your cluelessness and took a step back. You were picking at your nails with your head lowered down. Everything hit you like a rollercoaster and you needed space.

“You don’t have to stay Niall. I can manage.” You assured him.

“I can stay, I don’t mind.”

“You’ve done a lot already. You’re a good friend.” You tipped him a smile and he understood the cue.

“If you need anything, just call me.” He stood up and walked towards the door, before giving you one last glance and leaving.

Conveniently, Snow Bun ran in your direction as soon as Niall was out of the door. The little bunny jumped on your lap and got himself all cozy.

You instinctively patted his head and cradled him. A few tears fell down your cheeks against your will. You pushed back everything you were thinking of and walked to the refrigerator.

“Are you hungry? Harry probably couldn’t feed you.” Just the thought itself made you incredibly sad for no reason. Perhaps, it’s the fact that underneath it all, Harry was just a guy who loved his privacy and spent time with his bunny.

The more you recalled nice gestures that he did, the more tears fell. You weren’t sobbing, but everything was hitting you all at once. Whatever you processed this evening was hard to consume, even in small doses.

Snow Bun immediately began nibbling at the strawberry you offered him. You couldn’t help but recall when Harry fed him in front of you, it was a happier night.

You’re glad that he feels safe to take food from you. Was he able to sense Harry’s mood?

You offered him another strawberry which he ate comfortably like a baby. You placed two more for him in his bowl and cleaned up around the house to pass the time.

There wasn’t much to do, a few dirty pans, messy pillows and blankets all over the place, and a bit of Snowy’s dry food that fell out of his plate.

You opened more windows and lit a candle to allow the whiskey smell to fade. Thankfully, the broken glass was the first thing you and Niall cleaned up—but you were still skeptical about it.

You picked up the broom that Niall dropped earlier and cleaned under the couch to make sure that there was no glass left.

You felt a sharp pain in your chest upon wondering how it shattered. Did he lose his balance and drop it? Or did he do it out of frustration?

Your train of thought was interrupted when the broom collided with something. You could feel that it wasn’t glass, so you pulled it in your direction and reached your hand under the couch to grasp it.

It was a notebook.

It was already open, and your eyes landed on what was written. You flinched, feeling disrespectful for taking a glance despite not helping it. You wouldn’t want someone to look through your journal—but your eyes were glued to the words.

A few lines were scribbled at the top of the page including your name with Harry’s handwriting that you memorized so well. Yet, these lines were blurred out due to the scribbling—but you could make out the word ‘apricity’.

Underneath them were the clear unscratched lines that made you let out a silent gasp.

Starry haze, crystal ball

Somehow, you’ve become some paranoia

Just like a nepenthe

But your gift is wasted on me

You allowed your fingers to touch the paper, to make sure that this was real and that you weren’t hallucinating.

You quickly moved on to the lines under them and your knees nearly buckled.

I was thinking about who you are

Your delicate point of view, I

Was thinking about you

The last line ended on a whim and was more of a question than a sentence.

Just you?

You closed the notebook and threw it on the couch like it was poison. You were breathing heavily and your legs carried you straight to the refrigerator for the cup of water you’ve needed since Niall called.

You gulped down two cups frantically as if it would help you process or erase what you read.

Finding out that Harry most likely drank because of you, and might have had feelings for you was enough. But to see that he wrote lyrics about you?

Maybe it was scary because it was a concrete confirmation. It shut down the overthinking and the endless questions just with a glance at a piece of paper.

The suffocation was threatening to close up your chest, not caring about the soft night breeze and the lit candle that smelled like Harry.

It seemed as if his secrets were unfolding with any action that you took. There’s only so much you could handle in one night, so you laid down on the couch. You will sleep here, you won’t leave him alone.

You covered yourself with a blanket and were soon joined by Snow Bun who made himself comfortable next to you.

You contemplated grabbing a book from your bag but even that doesn’t seem to work anymore.

You wondered what could soothe a person if not books.

Still, there wasn’t much you could do. It was close to eleven and you would soon fall asleep—but until then your mind would get the chance to torment you.

What will you do when he wakes up? Will you have the courage to ask him about everything? Does he even want you around?

These questions and many more went through your head as you shifted on the couch. Though, that seemed to annoy Snowy who was trying to sleep, unaware of all the troubles.

Being a bunny is quite easy. ——————————————————

Harry struggled to open his eyes. His brain didn’t aid him and was not functioning properly, the same way car engines fail to roar. A tiny grunt left his lips, he was attempting to regain his consciousness, despite being overwhelmed.

A sharp pain stemmed from his head, the one people get from being beaten with a bat. He felt out of place as if he switched bodies with a completely different person who neglected themselves.

His bones and muscles didn’t ache—but the fatigue was embedded in all of his atoms.

Another grunt was elicited, followed by a hiss. The morning sun sneaked through the window, casting its light on his tired figure. It burned his eyes and worsened the pounding headache he felt.

His mouth was dry like a man who hadn’t taken a sip in days, he could feel it with every grunt as he swallowed down his throat in an attempt to hydrate his system.

“What the—“ He mumbled, forcing his eyes to open again as he collected the energy to raise his hand and shield his face from the sun.

The neurons in his brain worked hard to transmit signals. He needed just one memory to recall—a reason even to understand what led him to this state.

He buried his face in the pillow, relieving himself from the sting of the morning light. He groaned as the headache became unbearable.

What did he do last night?

The few cells that got to work urged him to connect things and conclude a reason—the headache, fatigue, and memory loss all pointed towards the unthinkable.

But no, he wouldn’t. Right?

He possessed great self-control, confided his sister in when he felt suffocated, and would never allow himself to resort to a destructive outlet.

No matter how torn he felt, how maimed and beaten his heart was—he prided himself in needing no one and repressing his sadness.

Right?

His muscles worked together to lift his body slowly. He supported himself on the mattress with his hands and observed his surroundings with squinted eyes.

Everything seemed normal, nothing was out of place. The bedroom was tidy and neat, the way he always maintained it.

Yet, his attire had him confused. He never went to sleep with his work clothes, he either slept shirtless or with a clean tank top.

He couldn’t help but bring his hand to his temple. The pain was unbearable, flashing like thunder and echoing in his skull.

Attempting to piece some bits of information together was a tough task, let alone when he couldn’t quite remember whatever went down the previous day.

His senses gave him a push until his brain connected some dots and realized what his mouth felt like besides dryness.

It was Whiskey.

“No—“ It would be a reasonable justification. His body warned him when he first opened his eyes, but he was in denial.

Fatigue, muscle aches, headache, thirst, and in his case— feeling like absolute shit.

“What did I do?” He groaned, in response to his pain and stupidness.

He’s had his fair share of atrocious headaches and fatigue, yet he was never subjected to immense emotional maim that led him to this state. Not even in his younger years. He vowed to never touch a bottle in his life. He had a few beers as a teenager, but that was the extent.

He never wished to become a spitting image of his sperm donor or inflict harm upon others using alcohol.

Something that he must have done.

Recalling the cause of his ache was effortless; not because of its intensity or his functioning memory. But because he simply could never push someone like you out of his mind, even when he was in a foggy state.

“Y/n.” He whispered under his breath.

He was in shambles upon reading your letter. He needed an outlet to empty his pain. A pain that he inflicted upon himself and you.

It was an internal battle; treating you like shit to push you away, when all he wanted was to hold you and kiss your soft lips.

How could he even dare to have you? The most delicate being he ever met. You were an angel that fell on earth accidentally. Maybe god was searching for you, but Harry wanted you selfishly to himself.

He didn’t deserve you, well no one did actually—but a boy could dream.

Your soft aura and charming personality would never fit in a million years with his dark heart and destructive thoughts. You were so delicate that he feared breaking you, and if that ever happened, he’d never forgive himself.

He was a weak man when it came to you. Your contagious smile, books, warm personality, and kind manners. Love was never on his agenda, he didn’t even have any vision for his future. Nothing but his career maybe, but of course, you’d tip his scales over.

You became his dream, someone that he wished he could have. He didn’t realize that his heart was betraying him, leading the tide against his rational thoughts.

In some way, he was a prisoner of your presence. You simply had to walk inside the room he was in, and all his problems would evaporate.

Even when he first met you, despite his cold tone and expression, he was deeply enamored by you. He never wanted to find out information about a person this bad, he needed to know who you were.

He didn’t consider himself a dedicated reader, sometimes a book here and there but—a philosophy he once read stuck with him.

The philosophy of Descartes, his dualism, and the notion of mind and body being distinct, yet intimately related. It was logical to him to a certain extent but as of late, Harry created his philosophy.

The mind and body were foes; often joining together to set up a scheme. This scheme was to torture Harry. His body belonged near you, but his heart kept him up at night. They were allies for once, simply to dismantle his sanity and imprint invisible bruises on his body.

And so they managed to trap him, render him a fool in front of you, and destroy any small chance he might have had.

He gathered all the energy left in his fatigued body and got up from his warm bed. The sun’s rays burned his eyes yet embraced his skin lovingly.

He wondered why Snow Bun wasn’t next to him, it was against his habit but maybe he was just roaming around the planted strawberries again.

The first thing up was brushing his teeth, getting rid of the awful smell was essential. He hoped he wouldn’t have to do this again.

The sight of his tired face in the mirror had him double checking. When did it get so unbearable?

For most people, this was barely an issue—but for Harry, it tipped his life upside down.

He doesn’t go well with emotions, communication or even figuring out what the other person wants.

“Shit.” He splashed cold water on his face before grabbing a clean cloth and drying it.

He would need a while to feel better again, to accept what had happened, and avoid leading himself to that state.

He had a quick cold shower to give himself the illusion of being clean, even when his system wasn’t. The fresh set of clothes and cologne elevated his mood, and the sting of the water helped with his headache.

He needed a nutritious meal despite the nausea bubbling in his stomach. Besides, where the hell was Snowy?

Harry reached for the doorknob as wet droplets from his hair fell on the ground. He barely advanced a few footsteps before stopping in his tracks.

He had an inkling that his feelings toward you, and the letter you left influenced his actions last night. But, seeing you asleep on his sofa with his bunny cuddled to your chest was not on his list.

He stood in the doorway with barely a few breaths coming in and out of his nose. As if a time traveler somehow arrived at this moment and froze his body.

Could he still be dreaming?

He wasn’t worthy of your presence, not even in his dreams.

He didn’t even deserve the wasted sun rays that hugged him earlier. They should’ve poured their focus on you, just like they were doing this instant. Your skin was covered with gold, somehow glistening more than any other human being. This is how an angel sleeps, he thought.

He was so jealous of the sun, envious even. It got to kiss every inch of your skin and keep you warm, unlike him.

The golden color stretched to your perfect hair, shut eyelids, and soft raspberry mouth. Your chest rose slowly, even your breathing was delicate.

He didn’t blame Snow Bun for liking you one bit, even a bunny knew how pure you were.

He didn’t mean to stare like a creep, but funnily enough, his pet blew his cover. Snowy awoke from his peaceful sleep and disrupted you in the process.

You peeled your eyes open and looked down at the moving bunny who had enough sleep. It seemed like you did too as your body felt satisfied with the hours you rested during.

The room was bathed in sunlight and warmth, and surprisingly to your right—was Harry standing motionless.

“Harry! You’re up.” Your legs moved before your brain processed anything. You were up on your feet in no time, facing a confused yet tired Harry.

“H—hi.” He swallowed down his throat.

“How are you feeling?” Your hair was all over the place and you couldn’t tell what your face looked like, but you had to check up on him.

The night went by quickly, and the next thing you knew, he was standing next to you, hopefully sober.

“Pretty shit.” He pressed his lips together, ignoring Snowy’s thumbing on the floor.

For an unknown reason, his response elicited a tiny giggle out of your lips. One that eased his headache.

“I—“

“Do you remember anything from last night?” You beat him, feeling way too curious.

You had a plethora of things to say and discuss, stuff you should’ve said long ago.

“Just a bit. Not the entire picture.” He bit on his tongue, feeling the blood drain from his body.

Standing in front of you, seeing you, and hearing a question that was brought up yesterday triggered a sudden flashback.

How Niall dragged him to bed as you stared at him with fear and worry.

So he fucked up again.

“I’m sorry.” He blurted out before you managed a response.

“What for? You barely remember what happened.” You shrugged.

“Everything.” He averted his gaze downward in shame.

It was out of a movie scene, two individuals facing each other in a sunlit room, way too stuck in their heads to see right what’s in front of them.

This moment was ageless. Your torn expression and his sorrowful face. Your sympathy and his regret. A powerful duo indeed.

Only in instants like these was silence positively uncomfortable. The silent eye contact back and forth, uncaring for the ticks of the clock, or what lies behind the eyes. The invitation to open your hearts broadly for one another, without shame or hesitation. Just two young beings diving into each other’s souls, passing control over to their bodies and hearts; even if they betrayed them.

He offered you an immense amount of vulnerability that he’s never given to anyone, simply by eye contact.

As if your souls had a secret language that they used.

“I—“

“Well—“

You spoke at the same time before stopping in shock.

“You speak first.”

“No. You talked first.”

He gestured for you to speak, and you swore you have never seen him this polite and held back.

“Hmm. I know this isn’t an ideal timing and that it’s quite rough for you right now. But how about breakfast and a mature conversation?” You asked with your bottom lip hidden between your teeth.

“I’d love that.” He nodded with a weak smile. The only one you managed to get from him for what felt like ages.

You refreshed in the bathroom while Harry prepared breakfast. It was similar to when he cooked you lunch. The same aroma drifted in the air with the sound of the oil sizzling and the same warmth that radiated from the house.

But this time, it was more awkward knowing that a conversation awaits. What were you supposed to say, and should you take the initiative of starting small talk?

You washed your face with water for the second time, dreading the return to the kitchen. You offered to cook since you knew he wasn’t feeling well, but he insisted saying ‘It’s the least he could do’.

Snowy managed to follow you to the bathroom (after he had his breakfast), and you smiled at his excited thumping.

“Let’s go.” You cradled him and returned to where Harry was using his chef skills.

He looked up the moment you walked in, offering you a gentle smile. Your heart ached at his gesture for no reason.

“Are you feeling okay now?” You cleared your throat as you sat on a stool near the counter.

“Somewhat…My headache is a bit better.” He scratched his head, avoiding eye contact.

You nodded, moving your attention to Snowy who was clueless and happy in your lap.

“I remembered some stuff.” He mumbled rather quickly as he flipped chocolate chip pancakes.

“Oh?” It was a good sign because you didn’t know how to tell him that he randomly mumbled stuff about you.

“Um, yeah…” He remained silent for a few seconds and checked in on the delicious scrambled eggs he was preparing.

“I’m sorry you had to see that last night.” His words reeked of shame and guilt. There was a sense of vulnerability in what went down, and for a man like him, it would be a hard pill to swallow. After all, someone else had seen his weakness.

“Harry, I—“

“No, just let me say a few things.” You hadn’t expected him to begin talking now. But, it seemed that you were too busy admiring his tired face to notice the plate he slid in front of you.

“Eat please.” He gestured to your plate with concern when he was the one who should be fuelling his body.

“You need it more.” You argued, with signs of worry flashing over your face.

Sweet sweet shortcake, Harry thought. Always putting others before you.

The look of determination on your face was evident. Besides, could he ever say no to you?

“Look, I’m eating.” He grabbed a pancake from his dish and took a bite.

You swallowed thickly and joined him in taking small bites of food. He felt more full just by watching you eat contently. He tried to ignore the whirling thoughts in his brain, whether or not you had dinner last night.

“I’m sorry again.” Harry gathered his courage and looked into your kind eyes.

“It wasn’t your responsibility to help me, nor Niall’s.” An undertone of pain was hidden in his voice.

“And it was all very immature of me.” You could tell that it was hard for him to maintain eye contact, you’d struggle too if you were in his place. So, you averted your gaze away to relieve him.

You didn’t interrupt him, it was clear that he had many things to say.

“I ruined your evening, made you worried, and had you sleep on an uncomfortable sofa.” He swallowed down his throat, with his fingers digging crescent marks on his palm.

“I’ve put you through so much just because I do not know how to communicate.” He shook his head in disappointment.

“We’re humans, we kind of designed to miscommunicate.” You shrugged.

“Not to this extent shortcake.” His eyes held the key to everything. You used to think of him as an enigma, or impossible puzzle. But now, he was like a flowing river that held all of his thoughts that had been pressing to come out.

“I—It’s not an excuse but I’m not a fan of alcohol and I’ve never been drunk.” He swiped his hand through his hair, finally caving into his anxiety and averting his gaze.

Going with the flow and confessing that you knew was not an option. You wanted him to open his heart out instead of making him feel like he was already exposed.

“And my father was an alcoholic—“ He took a deep breath and remained silent for a few moments.

“Harry, you don’t have to push yourself to talk.” You whispered despite being alone in the room.

The signs of tiredness on his face were somehow getting worse, and a single tear slid down his cheek. Your hand immediately reached out to wipe it, making him stare lovingly.

He didn’t reply verbally. Instead, he softly grabbed your hand and kissed your knuckles with his eyes shut as if he were pouring something into the kiss.

“Sweet shortcake.” He gave you a hint of a smile as he gazed into your eyes.

“A fly wouldn’t dare to hurt you, yet I did.”

“Stop blaming yourself.” You grabbed a strawberry from his plate and brought it to his mouth. He accepted it contently and went back to silence.

The staring was not unpleasant like you thought it’d be. It was a continuation of standing in front of each other in the living room. Just two souls speaking in a different language.

He caught you off guard by breaking the silence with a shocked yet joyful expression.

His hand reached out to your neck where the necklace was dangling beautifully. He ran his fingers over it, before turning it backward and smiling at the engraving.

“You wore it.”

“Of course, might be my favorite necklace so far.” His smile was so broad that he seemed as if he had forgotten all about life’s worries.

“It suits you.” He couldn’t take his eyes off it.

“Because it’s special. Uncle George gave it to me and told me all about it after I left your garage.” You unintentionally broke the joyful bubble by reminding Harry of the awful events that led to this moment.

His expression slowly fell until his hand retracted away from the necklace.

“Harry—about that letter, it was immature of me. I should have faced you—“

“It’s completely your right. I’ve been so fucking shitty. I didn’t even deserve an explanation.”

“Don’t say that—“

“I’m serious. You wasted your kindness on me.” His hands were under the counter, but you had an inkling that they were shaking.

“I have a lot to explain and—“ He continued to ramble vigorously.

“H, breathe.” You stepped off the stool and went to his side.

He was rushing to tell you everything, not giving his body or mind a chance to process because he needed to explain himself. He’d go on his knees if he had to. His anxious rants and fast train of thought were nothing but an outcome of fear.

Fear of losing you.

A small part of him still believed that no matter what he said or did, you would still leave. Even if he ripped his heart out and gave it to you as it leaked black blood on the kitchen floor.

So he fired with everything that made him vulnerable, just to keep you, or at least the thought of you if you allowed.

And you knew that, god you knew. It had you fighting back tears as you faced him.

“You’re still very tired. And we don’t have to talk about every single detail right this instant. You need to rest, we both do.” Your hand caressed his cheek softly, and his face unconsciously leaned in.

“We need time to think, feel, and process what happened. I’m not going anywhere, Harry. I just won’t work for you anymore.” You weren’t the best confronter, but judging by the look in his eyes, you weren’t doing so bad.

“And—when the time is right, we’ll talk about many things.” It was your turn to tear up now, and of course, he mimicked what you did earlier by wiping your tears away.

“Can I say one last thing?”

“Yes.”

“You have bewitched me, body and soul.” He took pride in saying it, his eyes raking all over your face to save your reaction in his memory.

The slow appearance of your dimples, the soft furrow of your eyebrows, the realization dawning on your face followed by the most adorable giggle he has ever heard.

“Did you just quote Mr.Darcy!” You covered your mouth with your hand.

“He’s my number one inspiration.” His dimples made an appearance and god you’ve missed them. They brought joy to his worn-out yet beautiful face.

There was a certain undertone to his statement that had you holding back another giddy smile. One of them indicated quite the resemblance between him and Mr.Darcy. How he was cold towards Lizzie at first when he was simply smitten all along.

‘He’s my number one inspiration’

Was your story similar to theirs? Was he your Mr.Darcy? Bitter yet soft when faced with the possibility of losing you?

Another suggestion that knocked the breath out of your lungs was the sentence that would follow.

‘You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, love you.’

He didn’t utter it, but the idea of him even quoting your favorite book ever sparked goosebumps all over your skin.

“How did you even know what he said?” His eyes were glued to your smiling face, and if he ever lost his memory, he begged any existing divine being to only keep this sight of you.

“I read it.” He confessed proudly as if he were an Emperor flaunting his possessions.

The bluebirds have arrived and made themselves comfortable near the window. They would soon begin their orchestra as scheduled.

“You read Pride & Prejudice?!” You gasped unintentionally, causing a faint blush to creep up his cheeks.

He hummed with a grin threatening to break on his face and chewed on some eggs as you admired him.

You ached to ask him why he read this specific book. A part of you knew, but the other part craved to hear it.

Harry read your favorite book.

“Actually… speaking of reading.” You swallowed down your throat and readied yourself for your confession.

He turned his attention to you, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

“You read a new book?”

“No—I’m in a reading slump honestly. My first one.” Your face fell, something that he immediately noticed.

“Oh—“

“It’s fine.” You shrugged, dismissing the issue. It did pain you but that wasn’t your current focus.

“What I wanted to say is that—I was cleaning some broken glass yesterday…” His jaw clenched at the mention of the glass. He didn’t think about the mess he caused, and bringing it up brought the guilt back.

“And I found something.” You were still trying to articulate proper words, but his facial expression saddened you.

Harry couldn’t decide if his brain wanted to pour its attention on blaming him for the broken glass or think about the ‘thing’ that you found.

“Yeah?”

“I did not mean to look—actually that’s a pathetic excuse.” You covered your face with your hands and let out a small groan.

“My eyes landed on some written stuff and I couldn’t stop reading your notebook.” You blurted it out as fast as possible, with an antsy body language.

“Shortcake—“

“I’m really sorry…that was rude of me, but I—“

“Calm down.” It was ironic how he managed to soothe you with two simple words.

“It’s all good, m’kay? Besides, the poem is about you shortcake.” Another proud confession left his lips as if what he said wasn’t so destructively beautiful.

You were always the reader, and never the writer. But Harry canceled both possibilities and made you the muse.

“I meant every word, and I always will.” He whispered as if the bluebirds would hear him and steal his sacred poem.

You could feel your eyes swelling with tears, your left knee was shaking and you couldn’t maintain eye contact with him.

“I’m sorry this is a lot to take in.” You covered your face from embarrassment.

“No pressure, shortcake.” He assured you with a thousand knives going through his heart.

Snow Bun broke the tension by thumping repeatedly until Harry kneeled, and picked him up.

“Someone wants attention…” Harry chuckled before Snowy jumped out of his lap, straight to his plate on the counter, and helped himself to strawberries.

“…or my strawberries.” He shook his head in disappointment for falling into Snowy’s trap.

Your laughter echoed in the room, overshadowing the birds’ songs. A laughter that healed Harry, and reflected his happiness.

“Do you want more food? Are you full?” He gestured to your empty plate.

“Thank you H, I’m all good. I think I’ll head home now.” You got off the stool and grabbed your bag from the sofa.

“Yeah—Okay. Let me dress up quickly to drive you.” He was heading towards his bedroom before you stopped him.

“No, it’s okay. I have my bike.”

“I insist, it’s the least I could do—“

“H, stop saying that. I promise I’ll be fine on my own.” He studied your facial expression to try and figure out if you genuinely do not need the ride.

“Besides, I don’t want you driving immediately after yesterday night, you should rest and I need some fresh air.” You tipped him an honest smile that had his heart pumping.

“Sure, whatever you like.” His hands were in his pockets as he stood facing you.

‘I don’t want you driving immediately after yesterday night’ had him frozen in his place.

It toyed with his heart and messed with his blood pressure. You said it so casually as if it didn’t indicate that someone cared about him—and not just anyone, it was you.

His shortcake, his delicate girl.

You walked towards the front door as Harry watched with intent eyes. After a few steps, you stopped and turned around in his direction.

He was taken aback by your action and straightened his posture.

“I’m really glad that you’re safe.” You blurted out, as you looked into his emerald eyes. He didn’t get the chance to form a response before you engulfed his body in a tight hug.

His hands immediately wrapped around your body, savoring what you offered. You warmed him up in a few moments more than the sun that woke him up.

A whiff of your strawberry shampoo was stuck in his nose and that was all he needed to feel better.

Somehow, his hands were perfectly molded for your waist, and your height was perfect for him to lower his head and lay it against yours.

Despite his wishes and dreams, you pulled away from the hug with a soft smile painted across your face.

“Bye, H.”

“Bye, shortcake.”

It was an easy departure, not filled with heavy weight on your chest or guilt. The complete opposite of your arrival last night.

You weren’t trying to avoid Harry when you said that it would need time, but you knew that some space would do good for both parties. Pondering and reflecting was a necessity, especially for Harry.

The yearning to hear Harry’s explanations remained nestled deep inside you. Your patience would undergo a practice with a small hint of knowing what was coming.

For once in your life, you didn’t jump to conclusions stemming from your anxiety. What you felt, heard, and saw was enough.

You didn’t want Harry to rush everything because you could feel how the sentence was on the tip of his tongue, along with quoting Mr.Darcy.

He had feelings for you, and it was mutual.

You allowed yourself to feel the giddiness and rush while simultaneously acknowledging past events.

What led you to write the letter, Harry’s coldness and ignorance but also his sudden moments of warmth and kindness.

Denial wasn’t an option for you. You felt attracted to him since day one, and rightfully so. As for his feelings, you’re yet to delve deep into that topic.

Time does not heal, but it’s more of a breather. Last night was emotionally charged, but it somehow changed your life upside down.

He didn’t specifically confess his feelings, and nor did you. But you kept going back to those moments of silence when your souls had a quiet chat against your knowledge. Perhaps they confessed then because you really know.

If you were to think deeply about it, Harry did the one thing he vowed to never do just because he thought that he lost you for good.

It pained you to even consider it, but that indicated how much you meant to him.

Drinking to punish himself, his poem, his apologetic sweet face, his urge to spit out every single excuse his heart held, and his body that held you as if he was shielding you from the world.

He was the man you read about in your books, with all of his good and bad traits. In fact, he was better than them because he was real with a beating heart that you listened to when you hugged him.

The past would not be forgotten, it would be vaguely memorized to learn from your mistakes as human beings who were designed and destined to commit mistakes.

The next best thing after sunshine, books, strawberries, bunnies, and poems was second chances and fresh beginnings.

Even with the knowledge that many mature conversations await you, there was something comforting about this morning that carried a whiff of warmth in the air.

Harry liked you, and you liked Harry.

Taglist: @matildasatellite @xxrosebunny @novasblogofstuff @gem1712 @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @miasdelicatepov @jessitpwk @tiaamberxx @peacheskiwi @tenaciousperfectionunknown @tbsloneely @20031990s @prettythingsworld-blog @st-ev-ie @slut4marvelmenn @missmielyhoran @a-strange-familiar @wandas-lawyer @cherrycokeslay @blepskies @that-daydream-look @hslt-2809 @ivegotparticulartaste @epidxte @kiwilikesmeow @sagggy @harryssideboob @malwtilda @harrysficreblog @hsonlyangelxo @adachhi @tpwkkkkk @kiwilikesmeow @sagggy @epidxte @indierockgirrl @annesauriol @leenameh @scottisantman @hrryberry @summertime-pills @lhhrryismyhome @marzhshaim @harrystylessslut @nysworld @keepdrivingkisses @rideeonstyles @rueluvsharry @lomlhstyles @infinatetatie @igglepiggle22 @namelesssav

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a-strange-familiar · 9 months

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crying

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a-strange-familiar · 10 months

Note

Will you put out another image soon?

Medicine (SMUT) /blurb/

AN: right now!!! a little surprise fic for you. its short but sweet and spicy.

This story contains: sex, playful teasing, mild angst

{ dadrry - husbandrry - soft!harry }

word count- 812

Harry does something rather cheeky in bed one night and when you're at his Wembley Night 3 concert, you recognize him recreating that cheeky move in front of thousands.

One week before Wembley Night 3 show:

It was a cozy evening tonight in your family home in London. Thank goodness you were in a city where you had a home because you despise staying in hotels all the time. Harry had just finished putting your three and five year olds to bed while you wrapped up your nightly shower.

Not thinking twice about it, you come walking out your shared bathroom that's located inside your bedroom stark naked with just a towel around your hair. As you were pulling some underwear out of your dresser drawer, Harry enters the bedroom but freezes when he sees you.

He looks you up and down and immediately you know what his eyes are giving. They're giving his "bedroom eyes". The eyes Harry gives to you when he's in the mood for sex. Though you joke that Harry is a horny bastard sometimes, you're just as equally horny the same amount if not more.

Somewhere between you grabbing your sleep clothes and walking over to the bed where you put on your lotions and creams, Harry stalked over towards you and pushed you back on the bed. Not in an aggressive way but in a playful way. "Harry", you giggle, the towel around your hair falling to the ground, "what are you doing?"

You know damn well what he's doing but you play dumb. Harry has you starfished out in the center of the bed. He's straddling your hips with his legs locked around your waist and his hands pinning your hands down to the mattress. "Think you can walk around our room naked and me not want to prance on you? Huh?"

Harry leans his head down to whisper against your mouth one last, "Huh?" and you being needy now, encloses your mouth around his lips. He doesn't fight back on trying to get an answer but instead just falls into your lustful kissing spell.

One thing leads to another and the clothes he had on (sweatpants and a t-shirt) has been shed off onto the floor and now he's fucking you. Well he made sure you were wet first but then, he got into fucking you. It's not rough sex but it's also not your "love making" sex either. You'd almost say its playful sex. Teasing sex. Sex where you're laid flat on the bed and Harry's on top but isn't pressed down on you. Just sitting up right with your legs around his waist and his hands on your hips as he thrusts in and out of you.

After this goes on for a few minutes and Harry can see how tired you've become, he speeds the process up but reaching a hand down to stimulate your clit. This gets you coming within a minutes time. And the feeling of you coming nearly triggers his but because he didn't wear a condom, he quickly pulls out.

As you lay there reeling from your high, Harry grabs his dick and continues his stimulation by jerking himself off. But being the cheeky man he is, he pretends to shoot his load sprinkler style where he twists his hips to the far left and slowly turns his hips to the right. His cock being held by both hands.

Once you catch sight of his doings, you hiss, "Don't you dare get cum on our duvet."

Harry laughs, "M' jokin'. M' jokin''" But his playful attitude only last a second more before he throws his head back and stills his hips. He removes one hand from his cock so that his other hand can go full force in the jerking motion. He roughly jerks the shaft of his cock until cum spurts out onto your belly. "Mhm, aghh!" he moans.

When Harry finishes coming on your stomach, he quickly reaches for some tissues that sit on your bedside table and goes to wipe his sticky cum off your skin before it dries. Then he leans down to peck your lips where you both mutter "I love you's" before actually getting ready for bed.

--------------

Wembley Night 3 show:

As you stood in the friends and family section of your husbands concert with your two kids dancing their little hearts out down beside you, you notice something familiar. While Harry is performing his unreleased fan favorite song Medicine, he suddenly holds the mic stand up to his front as if it was a dick and twists his hips side to side.

When you stare at the sight before you, you see Harry winking directly at you and that's when the memory comes to your mind. The memory of him doing this move exactly a week ago in bed, except he didn't have a mic stand. He had his actual dick in front of him, jerking it off while rotating his hips left to right. That cheeky mother fucker.....

(PLEASE REBLOG BECAUSE WRITING IS NOT EASY AND IT'S FREE SO JUST DO IT)

(no more tags are allowed because i've hit my number limit. sorry : ( )

tag list: @one-sweet-gubler // @harryscherrysugar // @hsfanficsrecss // @lollypopsx // @harrycanyonmoonn // @itfeelslikemytherapisthatesme // @damnasstyles // @mrsstylesharry // @softmullet // @meetmyblondemuffins // @thegirlnextdoorssister // @stanleystyles // @haarrrys // @michellekstyles // @skyangel57 // @the-gardener-31 // @lhharrylilpumpkin // @yousunshine-youtemptress // @clairestylessss // @kissmyaxe140 // @goldenmelonsugar-hi // @kaitieskidmore1 // @florencepughily // @alienorknight //@dancearoundthelivingroom // @swiftmendeshoran

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______________

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#harry styles #harry styles smut #harry styles fan fiction #harry styles angst #harry styles fluff #husbandrry #dadrry #husband!harry #dad!harry #harry x reader #softrry #soft!harry #famous!harry #famousrry

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a-strange-familiar · 10 months

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We DO LIKE it.

Concert Reference List

Here is where you can find video links to the real performances, used in the series, that had specific details and/or interactions mentioned in the chapter.

These are just here if you wanted to get a visual of certain scenes described in the writing, since they're what I watched as I wrote them.

*these videos are not mine, all credit goes to their owners

Chapter 2:

Adore You - Electric Ballroom, Dec 2019

Fine Line - Electric Ballroom, Dec 2019

Chapter 2.5:

One Thing - 1D, Manchester, April 2013

Kiss You - 1D, Manchester, April 2013

Juice (cover) - Electric Ballroom, Dec 2019

Series Masterlist

Overall Taglist: @watermelonsugacry @tw1nflamebruis3 @hopefulwastelandcreation @tenaciousperfectionunknown @queenmadi2 @runway-to-my-aid @theekyliepage @be-yourss @b-reads-things @behindmygreyeyes @michellekstyles @a-strange-familiar @yousunshineyoutempter @buckybarnessimpp @msolbesg @sleutherclaw @katiebaxterrrrrr @percysaidnever @mrspeacem1nusone @thurhomish @harrystylesrecs @vickiii17 @itsbebeyyy @divalovesyou @bxbyysstuff @jessitpwk @sunshinemoonsposts @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @boybands-baseball @austynparksandpizza @missmielyhoran @harryspirate @tiaamberxx @matildasatellite @cherryshouse @yatebe-kohayu @perfectzinenerdperson @babyiamperfectforyou @daphnesutton @around1302 @daydreamingofmatilda @swiftmendeshoran @one-sweet-gubler @jerseygirlinca @carey86 @lomlhstyles @vrittivsanghavi @fdl305 @sunflowersloverr

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a-strange-familiar · 10 months

Text

You are the best

Concert Reference List

Here is where you can find video links to the real performances, used in the series, that had specific details and/or interactions mentioned in the chapter.

These are just here if you wanted to get a visual of certain scenes described in the writing, since they're what I watched as I wrote them.

*these videos are not mine, all credit goes to their owners

Chapter 2:

Adore You - Electric Ballroom, Dec 2019

Fine Line - Electric Ballroom, Dec 2019

Chapter 2.5:

One Thing - 1D, Manchester, April 2013

Kiss You - 1D, Manchester, April 2013

Juice (cover) - Electric Ballroom, Dec 2019

Series Masterlist

#harry styles fanfic #harry styles #harry styles series #harry styles imagine #harry styles story #harry styles writing #harry styles one shot #harry styles concept #harry styles blurb #harry styles blog #harry styles edit #harry styles angst

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a-strange-familiar · 10 months

Text

I love them. 💗💗💗💗💗🤧💗🤌🏻

Chapter 6

Series Summary: Gemma is definitely Cassidy James' favourite Styles family member, considering they are best friends and all. And especially considering that Harry Styles is Gemma's smug and self-centered younger brother. Her life isn't perfect, and neither is she, but she knows for a fact that anything involving Harry gets messy.

Chapter Summary: Her birthday, the relationship with Derek, and Harry's sudden trip to Italy create a new dynamic for Cassidy that she wasn't exactly ready for, but maybe she shouldn't be surprised by either.

Chapter Warnings: Some explicit language, mild insults from parent, mild jealousy, wine consumption

[ present - July 2020 ]

The past couple of weeks must have been hell for the paparazzi to try and determine Harry's whereabouts. Hell, Cassidy doesn't even know his location, except for the country he had informed her about that day in his garden. Italy. That's the extent of her knowledge.

Considering their more distant past, it should be nothing to her. However, the last several months have erased all of that disconnect between them. So now, it feels weird to not have talked to him for this length of time. Not one word.

How could he not ring her up? Even moreso, how could he not talk to Cecelia?

If Cassidy thinks it's difficult for her, she knows it's probably twice as much for her daughter, and that part hurts more than anything. This was the exact type of thing that she was worried about when allowing Harry into their lives. This is the reason she wanted strong boundaries. This is the reason she had to explain to Cecelia that his life can get a bit crazy.

It's not his fault. It's a product of his career, of his life as a popstar. They just don't fit into that part of his world, and if they want to keep that friendship, Cassidy supposes it'll have to be something they get used to.

This also strengthens her gratitude for Derek. His job as a lawyer may not give him the most consistent schedule, but it is reliable in being stable, for the most part. He is there for her, even when she hasn't asked him to be. He's always calling to check in, always planning things to do together, always wanting to take her out and spoil her, always sharing about his day and his job. He's there.

•••

Cassidy watches as Anne puts the final touches on the cake, stepping back and smiling as she completes the task.

"What do you think, sweetheart?" Anne asks, excitement clear and present in her eyes.

"You really didn't have to go all out for me. Especially considering we are supposed to be quarantining…" She responds.

Anne shrugs her shoulders, picking up the cake, and carefully maneuvering to the dining table that is already adorned with a multitude of Cassidy's favourite appetizers and snack foods.

"Oh please. It's your birthday!" Anne replies. "You know this isn't me going 'all out' anyway, though you deserve it. Besides, as per your rule, it's only a few close friends and everyone has been tested for the virus."

Cassidy rolls her eyes, hidden from the woman she is truly grateful to have in her life, and knowing she owes Anne more than the woman will ever be aware of. More than Cassidy can ever repay.

"You really should be used to this by now." Anne adds, giving a wink in Cassidy's direction. "Where do you think Harry got it from?"

She chuckles, turning back to the kitchen with the intention of bringing out some paper plates, but her words have caused Cassidy's movements to stall.

Harry. He definitely goes above and beyond for the people in his life. For her. But she hasn't seen him, hasn't even heard from him, and she knows he won't be there today. She's not one to expect things from others, though considering his caring and generous heart, she did mildly assume he would try to do something for her. At least for her birthday.

Her thoughts are cut off by the sound of his mother returning to the room, setting down the paper plates and plastic cutlery.

"Please let us celebrate you, CJ and just enjoy the day. Alright?"

"Alright." Cassidy smiles, feeling the love that this woman, despite not being her real mother, is giving to her like she would her own daughter.

She hears the sound of the front door open and close, and footsteps making their way towards the room they occupy.

"Where is she?" Her best friend's voice sounds through the hallway.

"In here." She answers, her eyes meeting Gemma's as she rounds the corner.

"I meant Cece." Gemma smirks, one similar but not as mischievous or arrogant as her younger brother's can be.

"Wow." Cassidy shakes her head. "From my best friend… on my birthday…"

Gemma skips up with arms outstretched, wrapping her in a big hug and grabbing her shoulders as she pulls back.

"Happy birthday, babe." She states. "Where is the other little lady?"

Cassidy points behind her, motioning towards the living room, where her daughter plays with the tea set she had received at Christmas.

"So… she's meeting Derek today, right?" Gemma asks, her eyes wide and curious, Anne's matching with the same expression.

Cassidy swallows the unexpected lump that instantly forms in her throat and nods.

"It's… umm, yeah. It's been about a month now since we started seeing each other, so I figured it was time." She shrugs, dropping her gaze as she attempts to process why there is a nervousness to her tone. "It's a casual introduction. She's got people she knows and loves here so hopefully… she won't be too uncomfortable… and it'll go smoothly…"

Both women look at her with smiles. Not the biggest she's seen from either of them, but enough to give her some reassurance that the idea isn't completely insane.

"Well good!" Anne replies, her hand reaching out and squeezing the one Cassidy is fidgeting with. "He seems to really like you, CJ. I'm sure it'll go just fine."

"Speaking of…" Gemma adds, looking down at the time on her watch. "When is he showing up?"

Cassidy looks down at her phone screen, noticing that there is about twenty minutes left until the small birthday celebration is scheduled to begin.

"He had some work meeting or something already scheduled for today…" She unlocks her screen and double checks her messages, not seeing any new ones from the man in question. "But, he should be here soon."

Just as she had requested, the moment Anne suggested, or more like demanded, that she host this little get-together, there will not be many people in attendance. Just she, Cecelia, Anne, Gemma, Michal, Roxie, and Derek. Everyone she is closest to. Well, almost everyone.

[ flashback - July 2009 ]

"Happy birthday, CJ!" Cassidy's mum exclaims, as the birthday girl trods into the kitchen after a terrible night's sleep. It's hard to get any rest with shouting coming from the other room.

"Thank you." She replies, rubbing her eyes and opening them wider to see her favourite breakfast food, crepes, laid out on the counter with a multitude of toppings to add. "Wow, Mum, you didn't have to do all of this!"

"Of course I did! It's your 16th birthday!"

Her mum walks closer and wraps her into a tight hug, squeezing as if she is transferring every ounce of love she has into her daughter.

Cassidy melts into the embrace, receiving and dwelling in the moment of happiness and positivity they usually aren't privy to.

As they both pull back, she notices the glistening of tears forming at the edges of her mother's eyes.

"Thank you." Cassidy whispers, as if to keep hold of it all for as long as she can. "For everything."

They both stand there, and suddenly Cassidy hears her stomach begin to growl, causing them both to chuckle and reach out to the plates beside them.

"I'm sorry I have to work today." Her mum utters as they make their way to the dining table.

"It's okay. I understand."

"But since it's the weekend, are you going to do anything fun?" She asks, an attempt of cheerfulness, yet a hint of disappointment, coating her words.

"Umm… yeah. Actually the… the Styles' are having me over." Cassidy replies, her heart hurting at the thought that those plans could cause pain in some way. But she knows her mum would do so much more for her if she could.

"Those people wan' you over?" A voice comes from the entry and both women jump in their seats as they look up to see her father grabbing a plate in the kitchen.

"Yes, dear, for her birthday."

"Oh. Right." Her father replies with a scoff. "Well, better there than here."

Cassidy couldn't agree more. It's definitely 'better there than here'.

•••

"Harry should be here soon." Anne states, looking across the patio to meet Cassidy's gaze.

"I…" She holds back a scowl, having enjoyed her day there so far, without the little twerp being involved. "I thought he worked weekends…"

"Usually. But he got off early today." Anne replies, clearly not picking up the bothered tone from the girl.

"He's bringing the cake." Gemma adds, giving her best friend a reassuring statement, yet accompanied by a roll of her eyes, fully understanding Cassidy's annoyance with her younger brother.

As if to time things perfectly, or imperfectly depending on who you ask, the back door swings open and everyone looks over to see Harry walk out, as an extremely large bakery box wobbles in his hands.

"Did it have to be such a big fuc-... sorry, such a big cake?" He exclaims, gently placing it down on the table amongst them all.

"Oh shut it." Anne replies with a sarcastic scold, scooting in and opening the box, pulling out a cake that was definitely bigger than necessary for the five of them. She pulls out two numbered candles and a matchbook from her pocket, sliding the stems into the frosting then waving Cassidy forward. Gemma grabs the platter that the cake is resting on, and brings it closer to hold it in front of the girl they are celebrating.

"Happy… birthday…" Anne begins to sing, looking to each of the other family members, encouraging them to join in. "To you…"

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear CJ…"

"Cassidy…" Harry adds.

"Happy birthday to you!" Anne and Robin clap as Cassidy leans closer to the cake, cheeks puffed with a breath the blow out the candles.

Right before releasing the air she's holding in, she quickly notices the top frosting pushing up closer and suddenly feels the coldness of the cake's decor smashing right into her face. Laughter erupts, which she can tell is from the culprit, Gemma, beside her.

"Gemma!" Anne exclaims, as Cassidy feels napkins placed in her hands. She wipes her eyes clear, opening them to see Gemma's grin, Anne and Robin's shocked yet seemingly playful expressions, and Harry pulling his lips inward to hold back a laugh.

"So that's how it is?" Cassidy asks, looking back over to her best friend, whose face drops at the bite behind the words just spoken.

Cassidy's gaze moves down to the cake that has now been placed back on the table, and she subtly smiles, happy that Gemma has fallen for the fictitious anger she had just displayed. Her hand jolts down to the cake, her fingers slamming through the frosting and gripping tightly to a large piece, swiftly bringing it back up and holding it in front of her as a threat.

"CJ…" Gemma warns her, throwing her hands up and looking to the others, clearly hoping for some type of support. "I'm sorry! Don't do it…"

"But it's my birthday…" Cassidy teases. Her eyes glance over and meet Harry's, watching as he gives an approving nod. For that moment, her disdain is pushed aside, and she decides to agree with his nonverbal suggestion.

"Do it." Another voice whispers, distinctly coming from Robin, who is just as mischievous as the rest of them.

Cassidy giggles, turning her attention back to her friend and raising higher the sweet ammunition in her hand, causing Gemma to rise and begin slowly walking backwards.

Gemma suddenly twirls around and bolts into the grass, and Cassidy instantly sets off after her, tossing the piece of cake hard enough to thump against Gemma's back.

Immediately, another large chunk goes whizzing by, and Cassidy turns around to see each of the other family members tossing their own pieces around the backyard.

"Now this is a Styles birthday party!" Harry exclaims, stopping in front of Anne and gently swiping a glob of frosting down her cheek.

His mum swiftly grabs what he has left in his hand, wiping it over his entire face, and Cassidy lets out a loud laugh.

He's right. This is the way the Styles family does things. Fun, happy, cheeky, and inclusive for everyone. This is the way she wanted to celebrate her birthday, with each one of them there. Even Harry, though she would never admit that to anyone, and the feeling is bound to subside the next day anyway. But it's true, because he is a Styles, and today she feels like one too.

[ present - July 2020 ]

As the small group of people hover around the food, Cecelia entertaining everyone as usual, a knock at the front door has Anne making her way over to open it.

"I'm so glad you could make it." Cassidy hears her state, and the mumble from another voice lets her know that Derek has finally arrived.

"Hey!" She quietly expresses as he rounds the corner into the room where everyone else is gathered.

"Hello birthday girl." He replies, walking up with a grin and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Started without me?"

"Well… you're 25 minutes late!" Cassidy chuckles, giving him a sarcastic raise of her eyebrow. "The pizza was getting cold, and these people get grumpy when they're hungry."

"It was really important for me to be at that event."

"Oh, I know. This isn't a big, elaborate party anyway." Cassidy replies, slightly concerned that her joking intent was not perceived by him. "It's fine."

"I am sorry though. You know that, right?" He asks, rubbing his hands up and down her arms and displaying an apologetic expression. "I am very sorry."

She responds with a nod and a smile.

"But I'm here now, and I have something for you. Hopefully it makes up for, and helps you forgive me for, my tardiness." He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a small rectangle box, handing it over as soon as it's in her view.

Cassidy grabs the box, looking between it and the man who gifted it to her, and takes off the lid. Her eyes widen and her breathing halts as she stares down at the glistening silver necklace, holding a single gemstone at the bottom.

"This isn't… is this a…" She stutters, clearing her throat to allow passage for the remainder of her question. "Is this a diamond?"

"Of course it is. I don't buy cheap gifts." Derek answers as he picks up the piece of jewelry and unclasps the chain. He motions for her to turn around, and she does so, feeling him move her hair to one side. "Do you want me to take this other one off?"

"Other what?"

"This other necklace."

Cassidy realizes what he means as she feels a slight tug of the chain from her gold locket. The one with the two photos of Cecelia. The one Harry had gifted her this past Christmas.

"Oh. No, I always wear this one." She replies, uncertain about the reasoning behind her sudden timidness.

"Perhaps this new one can stay on too." He responds, hooking the chain together and gently twisting her around, where she is met with his gaze on her neck. "It looks good on you."

A mild heat forms on her cheeks and her eyes drop down to where his hands are now around hers.

"Th-thank you. This is… too nice. Thank you, so much." She states, realizing that her friendship with Harry has begun to teach her to accept people's generosity as it comes.

"You're welcome. I knew you'd love it." He gives her a wink. "So, I know Anne. Will you introduce me to the others?"

"Oh! Right!" Cassidy shakes her head as if to clear it and focus on the full environment they are in. She turns and begins to walk over to where the four others are picking at the snacks.

"Everyone, this is Derek." She announces as she stops by the table. The man she is introducing steps up beside her and places a hand on her lower back, causing another race of her heart. She lifts up her hand to her friend and starts pointing to each one.

"This is Roxie, we work together. This is Michal. And my best friend Gemma, Anne's daughter."

"Nice to meet you all." He nods and smiles to each one in a very gentlemanly fashion. "Gemma… you went to Holmes Chapel Comprehensive, right?"

"Yes. I was a year ahead of Cass. You went there too?" She asks, her inquisitive look flickering between him and her best friend.

"We were the same year but I don't think we ever crossed paths, oddly enough." He shrugs.

"Oh, then you probably wouldn't know my brother either."

"Who is your brother?" He asks, his gaze switching over to Cassidy as his hand moves around to her waist.

"Harry."

"Harry?" His voice becomes filled with surprise and an awkward tone. "Wait, as in, Harry… Styles…?"

"That's him!"

"Of course. Bloody hell, I don't know why I didn't put that together before now." He states, still glancing to the one his arm is wrapped around.

"So then you did know him?" Gemma asks, curiosity building with each word.

"Not very well. He knew a few of my mates." He responds, shifting his focus back to the one he's talking to. "And, of course, everyone heard about his time on The X-Factor…"

"Couldn't keep his mouth shut." Anne chuckles with a shake of her head, and she turns back to the kitchen.

"Now it makes sense why he said you two have been friends since you were kids." He states, his words directed to Cassidy.

"Friends?" Gemma laughs, holding one hand up towards them as if to pause the conversation while she finds her breath. "Those two would squabble every single time they were around each other. That's all the did!"

Cassidy pulls her lips inward to stop the sudden thought that popped into her head. The thought of those two occasions where they were certainly not arguing. What a random and inconvenient time for those memories to reappear.

"Oh really?" Derek asks, turning back to her with a mild smirk on his face. Unlike Harry's, since only a light arrogance is showing through, for some reason. "But it seems to have changed now."

"Thank goodness." Gemma lets out a sigh of relief, to which Cassidy rolls her eyes. "Probably thanks to Cece."

"Right. I'm… supposed to meet her today too, right?"

Instantly, Cassidy's gaze turns toward her daughter, who she sees is still engrossed in her imaginary tea party, accompanied by her brown bunny and a few plush toys from Gemma's old room.

"Yes. We can do that now if you'd like."

"I would actually love a glass of wine first, if that's alright?" He asks, an eyebrow raised, and a possible anxiousness showing across the rest of his face. "Need it to calm my nerves."

"Anne can definitely help with that." She chuckles, pointing back towards the kitchen. Derek nods, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, and causing Cassidy's heart to race. Despite his apparent admission to feeling nervous, he seems to be handling all of this very well. He's a confident guy, and she's pretty sure he's not experiencing even close to the amount of anxiety that she is.

"CJ?" She hears, pulling her from the tornado of thoughts swirling inside, and seeing Gemma close by. "Are you alright?"

"This is a big deal. I've never introduced her to anyone. Bloody hell, I haven't even dated anyone to even introduce her to!"

"Right. But… you like him, right?" Gemma asks, her eyes fixed on her friend's as she waits for the answer.

Cassidy responds with a nod, scanning the vicinity to make sure this conversation is remaining between the two of them.

"And he seems to really like you…" Gemma grabs Cassidy's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "To be honest, I feel as if it's better to do this now rather than later. Cece is your priority. And you need to make sure he can fully understand that."

"Right. You're right." Cassidy agrees, releasing a deep breath to calm herself.

"I usually am." Gemma replies, grinning as Cassidy meets her gaze. "Plus, Cece is an amazing kid. It'll be fine."

At that moment, Derek arrived back at her side, a glass half full of the red liquid he had been desiring.

"Shall we?" He asks, motioning towards the living room, and his hand resumes its spot on her back.

Cassidy clears her throat and moves towards her daughter, every nerve still on edge. If she thought letting Harry into their lives was a big deal, this decision could shift everything for her and Cecelia.

"Hey, Bug. I'd lik-"

"Mummy, look! My bunny is eatin' a scone!" Cecelia giggles, making the motions as she giggles at her own actions.

"That's really silly. Can you please pause your party for just a moment?" Her mum asks, attempting with everything she has to make this as casual of a moment as possible. She sits down on the sofa closest to her daughter, and Derek follows suit.

"Okay, Mummy. But can-" Cecelia stops as she looks up to Cassidy and her gaze snaps over to the man beside her mother. "Who's dat?"

Cassidy motions for Cecelia to move closer, watching as the little girl slowly gets up on the couch next to her.

"Cece, this is Derek."

The man stretches out his hand with a smile, and Cassidy watches her daughter look down at the gesture, then up to her, and wait for approval. Cassidy nods and Cecelia places her palm inside his, shaking it up and down as he does.

"Nice to meet you, Cecelia."

"Mhm." The little girl replies, pulling her hand away timidly as he releases it.

"Derek is… a friend… of mine." Cassidy begins, unsure how to explain the complex nature of what dating is to her 3 year old daughter.

"Like Gem?" Cecelia asks, her innocent eyes wide with her inquiry.

"Umm… yes. Well, sort of. He's a guy… friend…" She responds, shifting in her spot, and wishing desperately that she would have planned out a much better way to have this conversation.

"Oh! I get it!" Her daughter exclaims, easing Cassidy's anxiety slightly. "Like Harry!"

A muffled cough comes from behind her, and Cassidy takes a quick glance back to see Gemma's hand over her mouth, holding in a laugh. Her attention snaps back to the current interaction as she hears Derek clear his throat. A little more flustered than before, she adjusts her posture, leaning in even closer to her daughter.

"Harry is a friend, yes, but Derek and I… see each other a lot-"

"We see Harry a lot."

"I wouldn't say-... okay, well Derek and I… like each other-"

"You don't like Harry, Mummy?"

"I do like-... bloody-..." Cassidy pinches the bridge of her nose and squeezes her eyes shut, hoping some sort of clarifying answer will suddenly pop into her mind. "We like each other more than just friends, Bug. We are… dating… do you know what that means?"

"No."

"It's… sort of how… Kristoff and Anna like each other."

A triumph fills her as she sees Cecelia's eyes widen, an understanding subtle in their colour.

"Kristoff and Anna love each other!"

"Oh my god." Cassidy buries her face in her hands as she hears a laugh, the sound distinguishable as Gemma's voice.

"Your mum is very special to me, Cecelia." She hears Derek state, and her gaze shoots up from its hiding place. "Which means I'll be around a lot. In your life. Hopefully for a long time."

Cassidy watches as her daughter's body reacts with uncertainty and shock, a feeling which she herself also begins to experience. They've only been dating a month, and while this is a big step, her daughter meeting the man she's dating, a statement such as being in their lives for a long time is not only unexpected, but also feels a bit odd. Or forward, for lack of a better term. But nonetheless, she sees Cecelia nod, a solemn look on her face, and she turns back to her tea party set up. The reaction only adds to the surprise Cassidy is experiencing, because her daughter is usually much more outgoing and conversational than she appears to be at this moment. Perhaps that's simply due to the topic they have been discussing, but she can't help the nagging desire to make her daughter feel more comfortable.

"Can we play too, Bug?" She quietly asks, hoping her tone can ease the tension.

"Umm… sure. But I don't have 'nough tea cups." Cecelia replies, flickering a quick glance over to the man she just met.

"That's okay, I have a drink right here." Derek responds, giving her a gentle smile, before turning his head to Cassidy with a simple shrug.

"Okay."

As the little girl passes out pink plastic plates, a vibration and subtle ringing come through from Cassidy's back pocket and she pulls out her phone. Her eyes widen as she reads the caller ID and her body immediately, unintentionally, shoots up from her seated position. She meets Gemma's inquisitive glare, and holds up her phone, watching her best friend catch onto the hint as she walks over, taking a seat next to Cecelia.

"I'll take your mummy's tea." Gemma states cheerfully, and Cassidy's heart warms up again as she sees her daughter's wide smile return.

She swiftly makes her way to the back doors and answers the call as she pushes her way outside.

"Hello?"

"Happy birthday, Cass." A familiar, deep voice sounds through from the other end.

"Thank you, Harry." She responds, unable to determine which emotion just flooded her chest.

"Umm… how's your day?" He asks, and she can hear the timidity in his voice.

"It's been good. At your mum's right now, actually. She couldn't help herself and decided to throw a little party for me."

Cassidy chuckles, resetting her face when she doesn't hear it reciprocated in the slightest.

"That's nice."

"It is."

A silence falls between them, and Cassidy begins to pace around the patio, her heart tensing at how they have suddenly gone from talking so often, for hours, to whatever this sore excuse for a conversation is. It's been weeks since they have spoken to each other. Weeks since he has talked to Cecelia. She understands he is on a trip, in another country, doing something she can't quite remember at the moment. But whatever the reason, it doesn't feel good.

"How's your trip?" She asks, wanting to reopen some door for conversation.

"It's been nice." He responds.

"Where are you?" She prods.

"Italy." He answers.

"That sounds lovely." It's all she can manage to say. What she wants to ask is why he hasn't rung, and if he's figured out what his 'next step is', whatever that means. She wants to ask if he's been able to clear his mind, and be free from distractions. What she really wants to ask is if they, she and Cecelia, are the distractions. If their friendship has somehow been keeping him from finding inspiration, and moving forward in his career. In his life.

"It is." He clears his throat, not loudly, but strong enough for her to hear the nervous cough. "I'm… sorry I haven't rung you. I've just been-"

"No worries, Harry." She interrupts, suddenly realizing that as much as she's been wanting answers to all of those questions, today, right now, she doesn't. "You're busy. We understand."

"Oh. Alright, good. Th… thank you." He states, letting out a quick sigh that, again, may not have been meant to be heard.

"Would… if you're not busy… would you like to talk to Cece…?" She inquires, an instant spike of anxiety coursing through her veins. If he doesn't want to, he doesn't have to, but the thought alone could break her heart, because she knows who else would be heartbroken. "I know she'd love it."

"Of course."

The answer gives Cassidy a wave of relief. It's not as though she would tell her daughter if Harry had rejected the idea, but just the knowledge that he is willing, and still wanting, to have a conversation with her eases the worries. Most of them. Some of them.

"Alright. Let me get back inside." She maneuvers back through the patio doors, making her way over and bending down next to Cecelia.

"Cece." She mutters. "Harry's on the phone, he wants to-"

Immediately, Cecelia jumps up and grabs the device, causing Cassidy to grab onto the sofa beside her as she begins to lose her balance.

"Harry!" She exclaims, pressing the phone firmly against her ear, as her little footsteps trail further away from the others she's left behind.

"I guess this tea party is over." Gemma chuckles, pushing herself up from the floor, straightening her pants, and nodding to both Derek and her friend.

"She really seems to like Harry…" Derek states, and Cassidy's focus switches from the cleanup of the toys over to him. She likes to think she's good at reading people, but she can't seem to figure out if his expression is one from anger or hurt or a simple observation.

"Oh. Yeah. They… have this, like, special bond." She tries to explain, not knowing if any answer could explain that relationship, and its innocence.

"Is Harry her dad?"

The question hits Cassidy instantly, and heavily, that she drops the toy kettle that was held in her hands.

"No! What? No." She sputters out, still attempting to gather any coherent thoughts she may still have left in her brain. "No, remember? I told you her father isn't in her life."

"Right." He responds, the tense expression still etched in his features. "Did you date him?"

"No. We didn't date."

Cassidy can't tell if frustration is creeping its way in, or if her anxiety has reached a new level, but all she knows is that uneasiness is beginning to take over. And if she hates anything, it's feeling out of control.

"So there's nothing going on there?"

"Harry and I are friends, Derek, just friends." She responds, holding back the gritting of teeth that her body instinctively wants to do. This wasn't a conversation she thought she'd be having. Not there, at least.

"I just don't want to get in the middle of anything, Cassidy. That's all." His expression softens quickly, and his eyes seem to beg for forgiveness. "I know we haven't been together long, but I like you, a lot. I want to be a part of your life, and I suppose I was just worried I'd have to compete for your attention. And affection."

Cassidy hears some chatter from across the room and out of the corner of her eye she sees Cecelia talking Harry's ear off through the phone, as if she's making up for all that lost time. Even if it's only been a few weeks. That's a long time for a little girl.

"Well, you won't have to compete for mine…" She chuckles and she turns her focus back to Derek. "But you may have to compete for Cece's…"

"What?"

"Sorry. Bad joke." She winces, realizing now is not the time for comedy, even if the sentiment is probably true. "Just… just know that she is very close to Harry. The entire Styles family, really. And I am too. They are a big part of our lives."

"Alright." He agrees, reaching out for her hands and rubbing his thumb over her skin. "I can handle that."

•••

Cassidy sits against the headboard of her bed, laptop in front of her, screen and audio on as she listens to her boss, Elyse, update her and the other Junior Editors on all of the topics she'd like covered for the website.

"And Cass…" Her boss, Elyse, states, causing Cassidy to look up from her notes. "How is your little excerpt coming?"

"It's almost done. I'm finishing it up and can send it to you within the hour."

"Perfect!" Elyse smiles from the other side of the Zoom call.

"I wasn't able to get any quotes from him. He's been a bit hard to get in contact with." Cassidy adds, feeling the small tug on her heart every time she becomes aware of the fact that she hasn't spoken to Harry in a while, besides the very short phone call on her birthday the week before.

"Disappointing. But understable." Her boss responds. Elyse knows about the friendship between the two of them, which is probably the reason that Cassidy was given the small assignment. But Cassidy did let her know that she can, and will, only do so much in terms of interviewing or just generally writing about him.

"I just need to add some quotes from posts I saw on Twitter." She explains, which she notices peaks her boss's interest quite suddenly.

"I'm sure there is a frenzy!" Elyse laughs, being joined in by the few others. "What are some things Twitter is saying?"

Cassidy flips a page of her notebook, landing on the scribbles she jotted down earlier that morning.

"Harry Styles. In Italy. With a mustache. It's everything I've ever wanted…"

"Wow." Elyse states.

She runs her finger down the page to pick out another one that she found interesting. It made her giggle when she came across it.

"Harry is the new Mario Kart character, and I'll pick him every time…"

"Well, who wouldn't?" Her coworker agrees, causing another chuckle to sound from the laptop speakers.

"I want to feel that mustache betw-... oh, no, I'm not reading the rest."

"I think we get the idea. Don't put that one in there." Her boss responds, and Cassidy crosses it off her list, though it's not as if she was going to include it anyway.

"As much as we keep up on celebrity fashion and such, I never thought that Harry Styles growing a mustache would be big news in 2020." Another writer states, receiving agreement from the others.

Cassidy sighs, subtly enough for the exhale to not be heard by anyone else. She never thought she'd even be writing about him, a year ago she would have probably fought against the assignment if she's honest, let alone be close enough to have any sort of connection or communication with him to add to those articles. But as the work call ends and she switches her screen back to the open article document, her heart sinks a little. They haven't had much communication since he left for Italy, so she has to wonder how much of a connection they will have when he gets back.

•••

[ present - August 2020]

Scrolling through her phone, as Cecelia snuggles to her side and watches her show, Cassidy comes across some photos that stop the swiping of her thumb.

He's back. Harry's back in London.

And she had no idea.

His followers knew, as there is apparently a day's worth of proof posted all over social media. Some of Harry on a run, some of him with fans. But she didn't.

"Mummy?" Cecelia's little voice breaks through her mum's thoughts.

"Yes, Bug?" She replies, slow to take her eyes from the snapshots of Harry in his jogging shorts, hoodie, and black beanie. An outfit much like the one he wore when they stumbled across his path at the park. It's very distinctive to him, despite it being casual clothing that anyone could wear, and despite his attempt to be incognito.

"Are you okay?"

The question prompts Cassidy to shoot her gaze right over to her daughter.

"Of course. Why do you ask?"

"You squeezed-ed me tight." Cecelia giggles, but as Cassidy thinks deeper into it, she realizes her body has become tense. She relaxes her muscles, softening the hold she has around her daughter's little body.

"Oops. I'm sorry."

"Dat's okay, Mummy." She replies, her eyes shifting down to the phone in Cassidy's hand. "Look! Dat's Harry!"

Cassidy glances down, realizing she kept her Twitter open while talking to her daughter, displaying the photo that she had stopped scrolling to see.

"It is."

"I miss him, lots." Cecelia admits, a little sadness to her words, and Cassidy's heart begins to squeeze. She realizes something she didn't think she'd ever feel about Harry. She actually misses him as well.

"Me too, Bug." She sighs, giving Cecelia another, but more gentle, squeeze.

"When will we see him 'gain?" The question almost booms through the room, despite coming from such an innocent, little voice.

"Oh. Umm…" Cassidy pauses to think, since she really doesn't have an answer. What can she even say that'll satisfy as a response and also not upset her. "I'm not sure. He's a busy guy, remember? But… umm-"

"Maybe soon?"

"Yeah. Maybe soon."

•••

While Cecelia takes a nap, Cassidy tidies up the living room, getting ready for later, when Derek is due to arrive.

A vibration from her back pocket alerts her of a new text, and as she pulls it out to view the message, her heart almost stops.

🗨️Harry: hi, are you at home?

She looks over the words again, ever so slightly surprised that he had reached out to her. It's not that she wasn't expecting it at all, they are friends of course, but she just didn't know when to expect it to happen. Especially considering the recent lack of communication that has occurred. For an entire month.

🗨️Cassidy: yes, we are

🗨️Harry: could i stop by soon?

She looks around the room, and then over into the kitchen, deciding that everything looks decent enough for a visitor. Harry has never cared what her place looks like, but that's not stopping her from wanting it to look presentable.

🗨️Cassidy: sure

🗨️Harry: i can be there in 5

🗨️Harry; would that work?

It's definitely a lot sooner than she was thinking it would be, and why she seems to have gotten frazzled by that timeline, she has no idea.

🗨️ Cassidy: sounds good

She shoves her phone back into her jeans and scurries to her bathroom, looking over her attire, and running a brush through her hair.

A quick jog over to the closest and she picks out a different shirt to change into. Why? There's not really a reason, but she figures she would do it before Derek arrived anyway, so might as well get it done now.

Another text notification buzzes, and she retrieves her phone, immediately opening up the new message.

🗨️Harry: i'm here

Slightly confused, she makes her way to the front door and swings it open to find Harry standing there in yet another hoodie, with a bandana around his head, and a hair clip keeping the remaining curls from falling into his face.

"Why didn't you knock?" She asks, watching him pull down the other bandana that had been covering his face.

"Figured Cece was sleeping." He replies, casually shrugging as if his knowledge of her schedule was just another normal fact he has stored away for safekeeping.

"Yeah. She is." Cassidy softly states, stepping to the side. "Come in."

Harry steps inside, allowing her to walk in front of him, and closing the door behind himself.

She swivels around, watching as he brings one hand from behind his back, placing his keys and phone on the counter, then swinging his arm back to join the other in its previous position.

"So… how are you? How was Italy?" She asks, feeling a bit odd as she initiates casual, small talk rather than their usual fun conversations.

"It was nice." He gives her a small smile, yet she wonders how someone could give that as an answer about their trip to such a beautiful place. "I brought something back for you…"

"You… did…?" Her shock is clearly evident in her tone, and she fights the urge to tell him he didn't have to do that, knowing he will only give her a friendly scolding for it.

Harry nods and finally moves his other arm into view for her, showcasing a very lavish bottle of Italian wine.

"Harry…"

"It's to make up for not being here for your birthday." He cuts her off, extending it out for her to take. "I'm really sorry I missed your party, Cass."

"It's alright." She manages to reply, her eyes still taking in the beautiful label of the bottle, skimming over the backstory of the winery noted on the other side.

"It's not." He states sternly, not seemingly towards her, but to himself. "You're my friend, I should've been here to celebrate with you."

"Harry, it is." She replies. Her face suddenly but subtly drops a little as she remembers the conversation in the garden at his house. The one where he said he needed to clear his head and free from distractions. "You… needed to be in Italy."

"I didn't need to." He quickly responds, shaking his head as his gaze falls to the floor and he fidgets with the rings on his fingers.

"What do you mean?"

"After being stuck in Los Angeles, and then coming home, I guess I was hoping things here would be the same as they were." He sighs, slowly bringing his eyes back up to meet hers. "But they weren't. And I think I let it… get the best of me or something. So… I left."

"Well, you're home now. And we are happy to have you back." Cassidy encourages, relaxing her posture and giving him a wide smile to assure him there's no hard feelings. He's obviously feeling guilty that he was gone, which surprisingly, so easily, relieves all her worry as to the reason he left in the first place.

"You are, huh?" He smirks. He's already arrogantly annoying the hell out of her and he hasn't even been there for more than 10 minutes.

"Yeah! Cece missed you loads." She smirks, matching the mischievousness of his, as best she can at least.

"Right… 'Cece' missed me…" He rolls his eyes. "I'm sure she was the only one…"

"Do you make all your friends 'admit' these things?" She sarcastically crosses her arms in bothered offense.

"No." He shakes his head, giving her a joking glare. "My other friends are actually nice to me, crazy as it is."

"Well, then someone's got to keep you humble."

"Oh trust me, you've got that covered." He states, childishly sticking out of his tongue towards her. "Thank goodness for Cece."

"Harry!" They suddenly hear, and just as quickly, they see Cecelia running up to Harry with open arms. He bends down, immediately scooping her up into his own, and standing tall as they embrace. Cecelia pulls back and grabs his face, staring with an inquisitive furrow in her brow. "There's hair on your mouth!"

"Do you like it?" He asks, his eyes wide in anticipation of her answer, as if her opinion matters deeply to him.

She reaches out with one hand, the other still curled around his neck, as she runs her little fingers across his mustache.

"It feels… prickly." She giggles. "And looks like a catopillow!"

"A what?"

"A caterpillar." Cassidy responds to clarify. There's some things only a mother, or parent, can do. One of those things is understanding all the mumbling and made-up words from their children.

"Oh. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

Cassidy shrugs and Harry turns his attention back to Cecelia.

"It's a funny thing!"

Harry reaches to her stomach and gives it a little tickle, causing the little girl to burst out in laughter and wiggle around in his hold. He lowers down, and as her feet hit the ground she is swiftly running to her bedroom, most likely to find something to bring back out and show him.

"And what do you think about it?" He asks, and as Cassidy meets his gaze she sees his genuinely expectant expression.

"I actually wrote about the mustache." She chuckles, running her fingers over her top lip as if to stroke her own hairs.

"I saw that."

"You did?" Her eyes grow wide, having not ever thought he'd be interested in her writing. But, of course, it was about himself so she shouldn't be too surprised.

"Yeah, Mum sends me everything you write."

The statement causes another reaction of surprise, though she keeps this one internal. She instinctually wants to ask if he reads each one, but decides it's not the most exciting topic of conversation, especially considering who he is.

"Of course she does." She replies simply.

"That doesn't answer my question though." He states, one eyebrow raising in a deeper curiosity. "What do you think about it?"

"Well…" She begins, knowing that her delay in answering is going to bug him the longer he has to wait, and she sort of likes being able to annoy him a bit. "I think…"

He crosses his arms over his chest and furrows his brow, clearly having caught on to what she is attempting to do, and she chuckles in response.

"It's different. But it's not… bad…" She smirks, wanting to keep the game going however she can.

"Not bad?"

"It looks good on you, okay?" She rolls her eyes sarcastically, but accepts her defeat. "Bloody hell!"

"Finally, the truth. And it was a compliment! "He smirks, a lot bigger and more cocky than hers was just a moment ago. "Was that so hard?"

"Yes, actually, it was." She responds, clutching her chest and pretending to wince in pain.

"Piss off." He whispers, gently pushing against her shoulder in faux offense.

Even more amusing than her little game, is the realization that their friendship is still full of the banter they had all along growing up. It's just that now it's more playful, rather than pestering. And despite feeling a little hurt and upset about his absence, and lack of communication, she is more happy that he is back.

Two knocks at the front door causes the both of them to swiftly turn towards the noise.

Cassidy walks over and opens it to find Derek standing on the other side, take-away food bags and a bottle of wine in his hands.

"Hey!" She exclaims with a bit of surprise. She looks down at her watch, having not been keeping track of the time. "You're early."

"Yeah." He replies in a drawn out manner, his eyes flickering passed her, into the flat, and over to Harry. "I got off work sooner than expected, so I thought I'd just head over. I didn't mean to interrupt."

Cassidy moves aside, allowing Derek to enter, and then moves her gaze to the other man.

"No, mate. I just got back in town, so I came by to say hello." Harry replies, running his fingers through his hair.

"Oh. Right. Well, we planned to have dinner together tonight…" Derek points between himself and Cassidy. "But I don't really have enough food for everyone…"

"It's no problem." Harry responds, grabbing his phone and keys from the counter beside him. "I've got to head out anyway."

A small thud comes from another room and each adult turns to see Cecelia trodding towards them, arms wrapped around a huge stack of books.

"Harry, look! Mummy got me-" She stops in her tracks as her eyes find Derek, slowing her pace and giving him a smile as she looks down at the food. "It's dinner time now?"

"Soon." Cassidy answers, only able to give her daughter an apologetic look, already anticipating the disappointment she knows is coming. "But Harry is leaving."

"No, Harry, p'ease don't go." She pouts, giving her best 'puppy dog eyes' to the man she wants to convince to stay.

Cassidy catches a movement beside her and subtly gazes that way, seeing Derek with a furrow in his brow, a solemn expression, and his head now dropped down. She can't help but feel bad for the guy. He hasn't connected with Cecelia on the same level as Harry has. She doubts anyone else will ever be able to. But that fact being flaunted, unintentionally, in Derek's face can't feel good for him. He's trying. And she supposes it'll just take a little longer for that relationship to form between the two.

"Sorry, love." Harry squats down to come face to face with the sad-looking little girl and gently holds her shoulder. "How about we read one the next time I'm here, yeah?"

"Okay." She concedes.

"And maybe have some ice cream." Harry whispers, still loud enough for Cassidy to hear, but she stays silent as she sees her daughter's face brighten at his mischievous offer. Cassidy will have to let that one slide.

"Okay!" Cecelia exclaims. She places the books down on the floor beside her and moves in for a hug from him.

Every time Cassidy watches it, no matter how many times she's seen them embrace, their matching, joyful expressions never cease to cause a warmth to grow in her chest. She can't really describe the feeling any better, or figure out why it happens, but she enjoys watching those moments take place. Every time.

"Alright, Bug. Go wash your hands please, then we'll eat."

Cecelia reluctantly, and slowly, pulls away from Harry.

"Bye Cece."

"Bye Harry." She states, turning and rushing towards the restroom.

Harry stands up again, returning to the height of the other adults, and looks over to Cassidy.

"Well." He states. "I'm back home now. So… just give me a ring when you want to get together."

"We will." She simply replies.

He moves closer, giving her a quick hug, and she feels his cheek hover for a moment by hers, as if his intention was to give her a small, casual kiss. A friendly goodbye kiss. He has before. But she is suddenly very aware of his hesitation, and can only assume it's due to Derek's presence. Hopefully it's just a courtesy, and a temporary one at that, because she doesn't want any awkwardness between the three of them. There's no need for there to be anyway.

Harry quickly pulls away and turns to Derek, stretching his hand out towards the man.

"Nice to see you again, mate." He states.

"You too." Derek replies, shaking the hand that was extended to him in one motion, both letting go before another shake is made. Cassidy winces internally as her suspicions of the awkward tension begin to feel verified.

Harry gives a nod, and makes his way to the front door, turning the knob and exiting right through.

With the sound of the door coming to a stop in its frame, Cassidy twists around to see Derek slowly walking to the kitchen, his head pointed towards the ground, as he places the bags of food on the counter.

Cassidy walks over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, and subtly pressing against it as a hint for him to face towards her.

"Is… everything okay?"

He clears his throat and reacts to her hint, turning his body to face her as she had wanted.

"It's… nothing." He mumbles, his sad expression not well hidden from her.

"Please tell me." She asks, running her hand up and down his arm to provide some comfort, and show the sincerity in her words.

"Well, it's just that… I'm not feeling as important as him. Not to Cecelia, at least. But…" He lets out a sigh, his insecure gaze meeting her curious one. "But… I am to you, right?"

Cassidy's eyes grow wider with surprise. First of his admission, then at the realization that she wasn't immediately confident enough to give him the answer she knows that he wants. Harry is one of her best friends. But that's all he is. And her relationship with Derek, if it continues to grow, will take precedence over that. At least, that's a possibility. At some point.

"I'm dating you, aren't I?" She smiles, seeing his facial features begin to relax. "Of course you're important to me!"

"Okay."

"Derek. Listen. Harry is one of my best friends, just like Gemma is." She scoots closer to him, noticing his breaths increasing in quantity. "But that's all. I like you, and what we have."

"I do too." He smirks, his gaze falling to her lips for a moment.

"With Cecelia… she's just known Harry longer." She explains, feeling his warm palms rest on her waist. "And… maybe she needs a bit more time to adjust to having someone in our lives, like this."

"I hope so. I don't exactly plan on going anywhere." Derek brings his face closer, his lips hovering over hers, his breath hitting her face with a rapid pace.

As she feels the slightest touch of his lips, she hears the bathroom door shut, and Cecelia's footsteps getting closer. They both sigh together and pull back just as the little girl appears.

"Dinner time?" Cecelia asks as she licks her lips.

Cassidy nods and points for her daughter to sit at the table, and grabs some plates, placing them down next to the food containers.

A presence behind her sends a shiver down her spine and her muscles tighten as Derek brings his face over her shoulder.

"As much as I enjoy this 'family time', I think we need a date night soon." He adds pressure against her, and she feels just how badly he needs that alone time.

"Mhm." She utters, and her breath hitches. Not solely at his touch, but more so at his statement. Specifically two words he used. 'Family Time'.

She can't discern why her stomach tightens at the phrase. 'Family Time'. It feels odd to think about. It could be uncertainty, or nervousness, but Cassidy determines it's butterflies. Not that she is jumping into that phase with him, but the possibility of where the relationship could go is something she hasn't thought about in a long time. A very long time. Eventually, somewhere down the line, Cassidy could give Cecelia the family she herself never had.

•••

It's not as if Cassidy doesn't have friends, people she can rely on, it's that there are only a select few who she trusts completely to watch Cecelia. But due to that small number, she is running out of options as to who to call upon in this time of need.

Now, history seems to be repeating itself, and she finds herself with the phone against her ear, waiting for Harry to answer her call.

"Well hello there!"

"Hi. Umm…" Cassidy begins, her initial instincts trying to convince her that this could be an inconvenience to him. "Are you busy right now?"

"I'm just at Ben's." He replies. "What's up?"

"Oh. No, it's-..." She pauses and rethinks her words. The last time she asked for this kind of favour from him, he insisted that she not feel bad for asking. "It's just that… I could use your help. I need someone to watch Cecelia this afternoon."

"Is everything okay?" His concern is evident even through the phone.

"Yeah! There's just a journalism emergency." She chuckles, despite the mild stress building up inside. "There was a miscommunication, and there's an article that's… well, anyway, I got assigned to work on it, last minute. So I have to run over to the office and then work on it when I get back home."

"Alright. Give me just a second." He replies.

She hears mumbles on the other end, assuming it's a conversation between him and Ben Winston. A small amount of worry does begin to rise. She can't help the desire to not want to burden anyone with anything.

"You there?" She hears.

"Yeah."

"Okay. So… would you be alright with Cece coming here, to Ben's, for a playdate with his daughter Ruby? She's my god-daughter." He asks, and she senses some sort of uncertainty in his own tone.

"Harry, if you can't-"

"Stop that." He demands, still a softness to his words.

"But, you don't-"

"What did I just say?" He asks, a loud laugh sounding through the speaker. "You need the help, Cass, and I want to help you."

She only manages a sigh, her thoughts swirling, yet feeling unable to focus on a single one.

"I can understand it is a bit weird. So if you really don't want to bring her here then I can finish up quickly and leave. I've only got a couple more things to do anyway. But just so you know, if it eases your mind any, Ben's wife will also be here the entire time, they'll probably order too much pizza later on as per usual, they have way more stuff to entertain kids than I do, and Ruby has actually dying to meet Cece ever since I first mentioned her."

Suddenly, Cassidy's thoughts settle and her heart flutters at the way he is so willing to do whatever it takes to not only help her, but to spend time with her daughter. And if Cecelia can make a new friend, that's worth it. Plus, the way he has given her all of those details to make her feel more comfortable simply makes it difficult for her to reject his offer. Though, she doesn't have much of a choice at this point anyway.

"Alright. That… that sounds wonderful. Thank you, Harry, truly."

"Anytime. Truly." He replies, and she can almost see the smile he most likely has on his face. Sincere, yet still a little cheeky. "I'll send you the address. They said you can drop her off anytime, just give me a bit of a heads up so Ben can open the gate."

"Okay. Thank you again."

"See you soon."

She ends the call and lets out an exhale of relief. She knew she had nothing to worry about, but she really does need to start believing it. He has shown her time and again that he is there for her, as much as he can be. The short time he was away shouldn't, and doesn't, take away from everything else he's done for her. For them. Now she can rest easy knowing that her daughter will be in good hands, having a good time, and she can fully focus on her work.

•••

Cassidy sits further back into the sofa cushions, interlacing her fingers and extending her arms to give them a good stretch. The work isn't difficult, it's just a lot, especially on such short notice. So, she moves her notebook and laptop to the coffee table in front of her, and stands up to grab a glass of water from the kitchen.

She stops when she hears a shuffle in the corridor outside, and as she moves towards the door, a sudden knock startles her.

She reaches for the doorknob and pulls it towards her, revealing Derek standing there with a wide grin on his face.

"Hey! Hi! Umm… what's… what are you doing here?"

"Hello to you too…" He chuckles, leaning in closer to give her a quick kiss on her lips. "May I come in?"

Cassidy moves aside without a word, still surprised by the unexpected visit. She closes the door behind her and Derek swivels around, still smiling, reaching out to hold her hands.

"I don't have to work tomorrow, so I thought I'd take you ladies out for dinner at the new Thai restaurant I was telling you about. I know the owner, so we will get a table no problem." He states with excitement.

"Oh my goodness." She replies, afraid of the reaction that'll come after her disappointing answer. "I can't. I actually have to work today, and it's taking longer than expected. Then I have to pick up Cece… from a playdate."

Cassidy isn't sure why she didn't give Derek the exact whereabouts of her daughter. But considering their recent conversations, and his insecurities, maybe it's better that she didn't.

"Well, how about I order in then? I might not know much about lip gloss and handbags, but I can be around for moral support…"

"Lip gloss and handbags?" She questions with a cheerful, joking tone, but also accompanied by mild offense if he truly thinks that is all she writes about.

"Oh! No! I know there's a lot more to it than that!" He pulls her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist. "It was a joke, but clearly not a good one."

She gives him a fake pout in response, causing him to draw her in and press their lips together.

"Please forgive me." He utters, kissing her again, and pushing his body a bit more against hers.

"Alright, alright. I forgive you." She replies, feeling as if she could give in to the moment more, but knowing she needs to focus on her task. She gives one last press of her lips against his before pulling back and patting his chest, getting him to release his hold.

She moves back to the sofa, leaning forward and looking over the document on her computer screen, knowing there's still a decent amount she needs to do. She picks up her phone and opens the recent text messages.

🗨️Cassidy: when do i need to get Cece?

🗨️Harry: whenever you'd like

🗨️Cassidy: this is taking longer than i thought

🗨️Harry: let me talk to Ben

Derek walks over and takes a seat beside her, handing a glass of wine over before sipping from his own.

He rests one hand on her thigh, gliding it up and down her leg, causing her teeth to sink into her lower lip.

"Derek…"

"I know. I know." He throws his hand up in surrender, an unapologetic glint in his eyes.

She chuckles and shakes her head, placing her wine down onto the table and replacing it in her hands with the laptop.

At that moment, the ringtone from her phone sounds out, and she picks up the device to see that Harry is the one to have made the call.

"Hi." She answers, swearing she could feel Derek subtly tense up next to her, especially as his palm returns to her leg.

"Hi, love. I talked to Ben and Meredith. They said they are more than happy to have Cece spend the night if that helps you out."

Cassidy rests her elbows on her thighs, causing Derek to swiftly pull his hand away again.

"Oh!" She exclaims, her mind still processing the offer just given to her. Cecelia has spent the night with other people before. Mainly Anne or Gemma, but also with one of her little friends from daycare. She could stay focused on her work, as much as possible with Derek around, and not have to worry about stopping to pick her daughter up. And she trusts Harry. She knows he wouldn't trust Cecelia with just anyone either.

"Only if you're okay with it." Harry adds.

"Sure! As long as it's truly okay with them that she stay over."

"Cass…"

"Shut up, Harry. I'm allowed to double check." She rolls her eyes, realizing he can't see the gesture, but hoping he can still sense it on the other end of the call.

"Yeah, yeah." He chuckles. "And I can bring her back tomorrow morning. I'm sure they'll make a big breakfast, so you can sleep in and relax."

"Doubtful."

"I figured."

"Let me talk to her for a moment. Please." Cassidy requests, immediately hearing muffled noise and words.

"Hi Mummy!" Cecelia exclaims, and the tone of her voice tells her mum just how much she is enjoying her time over there.

"Hey, Bug! Having a good time?"

"Yeah! Harry is teat-ching me piano!"

"He is?" She responds, excited for her daughter almost as much as Cecelia is for herself.

"And now we get to have a s'eepover!" She squeals, causing Cassidy to smile.

"I know! I'll miss you, but I know you'll be a good girl and you'll have fun. Okay?"

"Okay, Mummy! I love you!"

"I love you too, B-"

"Oh, you do huh?" Harry's voice chimes in, a blush rushing straight to Cassidy's cheeks.

"Piss off, you twerp."

"That's not very loving…" He laughs. Cassidy almost wishes she was there. Partly to have fun and laugh with them all, but mostly to swat Harry's arm for his antics.

"Hm." She scoffs playfully. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes. See you tomorrow."

She hangs up the phone, letting out a puffed laugh as she exhales, still looking down at the screen of her phone as she locks it.

"So, Cecelia's with Harry?" Derek states, bringing her back to the surroundings of her home, and the company of the man next to her.

"Yes…" She replies, reaching forward and bringing the laptop back to her legs. "Well, he set up the playdate with his friend's daughter so that I could work. But yes, he's there right now."

She looks over, expecting the uncertainty he had displayed the last time they talked about Harry. However, she is surprised to see a grin stretched across his face.

"That's good!" He exclaims with a vibrant nod of his head. "She'll have a good time there, and we can have that alone time we've been needing. Have our own fun."

"First…" She begins, aware that she might have a hard time sticking to her next statement, with him around. "I need to finish my work."

"And next…" His face moves closer, bringing his lips to her neck. "We can start on our own assignment..."

"Ordering dinner?" She smirks, having a little too much fun with the tease.

"And then having some dessert."

Series Masterlist

•••

If you like what I post, and want to just send some extra support, I have a ko-fi account. Even the smallest amount is greatly appreciated. There is no obligation or expectation to donate, because I am honestly just so grateful that you're here! 🩷 Bee xx

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#harry styles #harry styles fanfic #harry styles imagine #harry styles story #harry styles writing #harry styles series #harry styles concept #harry styles one shot #harry styles blurb #harry styles fic #harry styles edit

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a-strange-familiar · 11 months

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a-strange-familiar · 11 months

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💌Send this to the twelve nicest people you know or who seem to have a good heart and if you get five back you must be pretty awesome💌

🥺🫂🤧💗

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a-strange-familiar · 11 months

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I'll be waiting 🥺🫂🫂

Is there a part 7 of iFall for Harry? I wanna know.........

That is soooo good.

STOP 😭😭 you are so sweet, thank you so much for reading!! There is not YET but there will be, I swear 🥹

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a-strange-familiar · 11 months

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It's my love's birthday 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗 @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite

Everyone go and wish.

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a-strange-familiar · 1 year

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🤌🏻🤌🏻💗💗

Mechanic Harry

#harry styles fanfiction #harry smut #harry styles smut #harry styles oneshot #harry styles imagine #harry styles blurb #harry styles story #harry x reader

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a-strange-familiar · 1 year

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Step dad!Harry is back!!!!!!!!!!!!

He's Jealous* | h.s.

stepdad!harry x reader

Summary: Y/n invites Harry and her mother to an awards ceremony and Harry meets her favorite professor/mentor for the first time. Based on this request.

A/n: a quick little something for y'all. 2.3k words

Warning: 18+ only, NSFW, smut, cheating, lying, jealousy. this is stepdad!harry x stepdaughter!reader and they have a very inappropriate relationship - don't read if you don't like!

stedad!harry masterlist

You never thought of yourself as a very creative or good student. You weren’t a terrible student or anything, you just never did more than the bare minimum. But this school year you had the opportunity to join the creative arts and writing club. You didn’t feel like you were really all that good but the professor in your creative writing class urged you to join. He featured one of your poems as part of a student artist awareness week and so you figured why not? If he liked your little poems that much then may it could be fun. Maybe he was right.

And then, by some odd stroke of luck, you won a competition and you were going to be part of an awards ceremony with other young creatives like yourself. It still felt weird to say that you were an artist of any kind or to accept the fact that you were creative and good at writing poems. It felt like a fluke. But your professor was adamant that you were worthy.

Your mom and Harry were coming into town to watch the ceremony and then to take you out to dinner afterward. There was also going to be an outing later for those who wanted to join. Some drinks and fun at the local bar which had been rented out for the group.

You were wearing a cute dress and felt pretty special at the ceremony. You’d never been that good at anything before so this was exciting for you. When you greeted your mom and Harry you hugged them both before joining the group of artists at the front while your mom and Harry sat down in the fold-out chairs set up on the lawn in the courtyard at the university.

Professor Jensen handed you your award after you went up to receive it and he gave you a nice squeeze and told you how proud he was before you walked off to find your seat next to your Mom. You were happy. Truly pleased with yourself.

When the ceremony was over you brought your mom and Harry to meet Professor Jensen. It was the first time you’d really gotten to know a teacher so well. You felt like he was your mentor in a way.

“It’s so nice to meet you both. Y/n has a natural talent that has only sharpened since she started taking our creative writing course,” he looked at you with a large grin. Of course, you were already beaming so you smiled back and then looked at Harry. And that’s when you realized it. Harry was not actually smiling. He was faking being happy. You could tell because you knew Harry very very well. All of his intricacies and quirks. The moods he’d have (good or bad). And this… well, you’d seen him fake a smile a time or two.

Before heading away to dinner Mr. Jensen pulled you to the side and congratulated you again, “Oh! And you’re coming to Poly’s Pub after right? We’ll see you there?”

You nodded, “Yes. Wouldn’t miss it!”

Mr. Jensen pulled you in for another hug before you turned to catch up with your mom and Harry who had been watching the exchange between you and the professor.

Dinner was at one of your favorite spots. Your mom asked you so many questions and gushed over you. But as happy as you were you couldn’t shake the way Harry was acting. He was pretending to be happy and proud. It was fake. He was pissed. There was some reason he was not happy and you couldn’t really figure out why.

“Will you two come with me after this to go to the pub? It’ll be all of the writers and artists. A few of the professors booked the bar for us to have some fun tonight.”

“Will your professor be there? The man who handed out the certificates?” Harry asked.

You slowly nodded and squinted at him, realizing what was going on, “Yes. He will.”

Now, it was true, Professor Jensen was an attractive man. The girls loved the professor. He was jovial and smart, and artistic and handsome. He was in his mid-forties but he acted younger and he was in good shape and he was charming. So yeah, you saw the appeal. And now you realized Harry was jealous. To you, though, it hadn’t really crossed your mind to swoon over the professor. He was a good teacher. And you got along with him well. Everyone did.

“Oh, I don’t know honey. We don’t want to be a bore. And we’ve got to drive all the way back home so… What do you think, Har?” Your mom answered as she looked at Harry.

“I think we should go. Why not? We haven’t got anything going on tomorrow? Have we?”

Your mom pursed her lips, “No. I guess not. We’d need to get a hotel or something…”

“I’m sure Y/n would be okay if we stayed at her dorm. She’s got that pull-out futon we gave her right?” Harry raised a brow as he looked at you.

Your mom looked at you. You hadn’t planned on any of this. And you supposed you didn’t mind too much but you hated that your mom and Harry would be sleeping in your dorm room just feet away from you. Not that Harry hadn’t stayed over before, but never with your mom. But what could you say?

“Uh… yeah. Sure. That’s fine.”

. . .

When you arrived at Poly’s many of your peers were already there. The three of you went to the bar and ordered beers before heading toward where the group was standing around.

Harry pulled at your elbow and whispered in your ear, “So is this what’s had you so busy these last few weeks? Couldn’t be bothered to make it home?”

You looked at Harry and frowned. He was really pushing it. You had been busy with school and part of that was the new club you’d joined but you were finally finding something of your own. You didn’t have anything you could call your own. Not even Harry was yours.

“Yes. It is. Is that a problem?”

Your mom greeted the professor and pulled you with her, saying something to Mr. Jensen that you weren’t sure of as you were too busy fuming at your stepdad.

It was hard to ignore what was going on as the night involved more drinks and laughs. You tried to push it down but Harry’s attitude was making you nervous. You saw him talking to the professor and then looking back at you at one point so you decided to join them both. Maybe you were too many drinks in but you weren’t going to stand there and let Harry make you feel bad for anything because you hadn’t done anything wrong.

You walked up to the side of Mr. Jensen and nudged him with your shoulder as you looked up at the man, “This is a great little get-together. We should do more of these!” You spoke loudly over the music and then looked at Harry who had a small devious smirk on his face.

“Yeah maybe. I could use a co-host for things like this you know,” he raised his brows at you as he spoke to indicate using your help at some point.

“That would be great!!”

Your mom joined the three of you and began to chat with the professor when Harry pulled you away into the hall and dragged you into one of the single bathrooms. His grip on your arm pinched as he closed the door and locked it behind you.

He caged you in, putting his arms on either side of your shoulders, “Tell me what’s going on with him.”

You laughed and shook your head. The truth was nothing was going on. He was a good teacher and mentor. You found him attractive but you weren’t attracted to him. And Harry was jealous, which you had always known about him, “Absolutely nothing is going on. You need to get a grip.”

Harry shook his head as he kept his sharp eyes on yours, “You haven’t been home in three weeks.”

“I’m in college.”

Harry sighed and backed away – moving himself toward the sink and leaning over the porcelain as he looked down, “I’m trying to be understanding and patient with you. I know you’re in college. I know you’re proud of this accomplishment,” he turned to look at you, “and so am I. You’re really good.”

You smiled, “Yeah? You think I’m good?”

Harry pushed himself from the sink and walked across the room to you, grasping the back of your neck and pressing his mouth over yours. His free hand held at your hip and his tongue slid against yours.

“You’re the best. My very good girl.”

You grinned and bit your lip as you leaned your forehead into his, “Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”

He closed his eyes and pushed his nose into yours before capturing your lips with his again.

Harry pulled back and moved his arms to your shoulders and rubbed, “I’m trying not to be jealous. I’m sorry.”

You blinked your eyes and stared at Harry. He was sorry? That was a first, “I missed you so much. You never have a reason to feel jealous. I’m yours, Daddy,” you smirked at him and he licked his lips before the right side of his mouth quirked up in a grin.

“I missed you a lot too, baby,” he moved his hand up to your jaw and his thumb brushed over your bottom lip.

It happened so fast. There was no time to lose and you knew you wouldn’t get another chance with your mom in your room later on. Your bottom was perched on the cool porcelain sink, legs spread, as Harry spit over your pussy, his fingers pulling at your thong for his access.

You were tugging at his hard cock and angling yourself toward him, “Fuck me, Daddy.”

Harry groaned at your words as he pushed his thick crown to your entrance and spit down over you again, needing the lube since you had no time to waste in getting nice and wet for him.

He pressed his cock in, the tight fit making you both moan. You kept yourself angled for him to slip in and out as you rubbed your clit and kept your eyes on his, “I need you. I missed you.”

Harry’s long cock was slowly working you up and making you wetter by the second – the sound of him plunging in was evidence of your increasing wetness.

“You’re mine, baby. Always,” he panted his words as he fucked into you hard.

You could tell he would come fast. You wondered how long he’d gone without sex. You didn’t want to think of him with your mom but you knew that they were married. But somehow, the idea that he hadn’t had sex since you left made you feel like you needed to take care of him, “Come inside of me, Daddy. Give me all your come. I need it. Want to feel you inside of me all night.”

Harry gritted his teeth and leaned one hand on the mirror behind you and his other he grasped the front of your neck as he kissed your mouth, his hips jerking into you, your body jolting at each thrust.

“Need you to come on Daddy’s cock first. Want to feel you fall apart then I’m gonna give you my load.”

You hastened your fingers and Harry squeezed the sides of your neck as you closed your eyes at the feel of him thick and warm inside of you, moving through your walls quickly and punching into your guts.

You gasped and panted quietly, knowing you needed to keep the noise to a minimum. The pounding of his body into yours on the sink was loud enough as it was.

“Fffuck! Please… come. Need to make you feel good. Want you to remember who you belong to…” Harry’s deep voice whispered as he began to lose rhythm. His sloppy thrusts were only egging you on.

You nodded and whined as your fingers slipped over your clit and your mouth dropped open. You pulsed and clenched over him as your orgasm peaked and Harry let out a loud moan as he finally released into you, no longer able to stop himself from orgasming when he felt your cunt squeezing him.

You held onto Harry with both hands once your clit was too sensitive to keep rubbing as he slowly thrust in and out, his come pouring into you, his chest heaving.

When he finally stilled he pushed his forehead to yours, “Holy fuck. I needed that, baby. Needed you.”

Your heart lurched. Your situation was fucked up. Vile. You were evil. So was Harry but you were in love. When he said things like he needed you it made you want to take him and run off somewhere no one would ever find you. Somewhere you two could be together without consequences. You imagined another life with him. One where your mom was married to someone else and you’d met him at one of his shows at some dingy bar and you could love him freely and have his babies…

“Let’s get back out there, Y/n. Sorry to rush. Don’t want to get caught,” he smoothed his hand down your thigh and kissed you as he helped you off the sink.

Dirty. Doomed.

And just like you were used to you both got away with something you shouldn’t have as you joined your mom for another drink at the bar. Hearts still pounding, muscles still reeling from use.

You looked around to see a couple of friends and your professor laughing and then over to Harry who was sitting on the other side of your mom with a small smile on his face as he looked down into his glass of whisky.

What a day it had been.

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a-strange-familiar · 1 year

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Ohhh god! This is soooo good...... I'll be desperately waiting for the next part

Pride & Prejudice or (Mechanic H part 4)

Summary: Your relationship with the Mechanic in town seems to flourish as you spend more time working for him. Except that you both begin to cross friendship lines whether intentional or not.

WC: 10.4k

A recap on the previous parts: Y/n was mad that Harry interfered and told her that her boss is scamming her so she asked Niall to take her to him and found out that Harry does street racing then panicked but he didn’t let her out of his sight and allowed her to spend in the night at his. The next day she left his place before he woke up and quit her job but continued to work with Harry. The rest will be told in Part 4.

A/n: So sorry that part 4 took this long, i hope that didn’t discourage you from reading :( enjoy lovies🫶🏻

Mechanic H Series

Today is a good day.

The sun is golden, the trees in the field are dancing and bunny is hopping around the strawberries Harry planted. Some bluebirds flew around the house and landed on the kitchen window, aiding the tune played on the yellow scratchy vinyl.

Rays of sunshine snuck in and painted the house with a warm ambiance that Harry could never give up, even Snowy expressed his love by sleeping under the sun.

Unfortunately Harry was unable to ignore the real sun that was missing, he felt his stomach drop when he realized that you already left. He cursed his drowsy state, knowing that he never sleeps in this late. If only he woke up half an hour earlier…

His pondering last night concerning what to cook you for breakfast is now long gone, but as far as he remembers he had decided on strawberry pancakes.

‘Sparks’ by Coldplay was his to-go song in the mornings, he needed something calm to soothe him after a full night’s sleep. But now the lyric ‘Did I drive you away’ is not something he wishes to hear, so he turns it off as the two bluebirds take over the singing.

Instead he plays ‘Je te laisserai des mots’ , it is more suitable for his window friends anyways.

He made himself a quick breakfast filled with protein ( which is sacred to him so he can have energy all day). Snow Bun had some rabbit food, with a chopped strawberry that he devoured first, he needs fuel to play all day too.

Harry trained Snowy when he was a baby , it was harder than dealing with a cat or dog even, yet not impossible. As far as he knows there isn’t much danger in the wide field but he installed a wooden barrier so Bun doesn’t go far away or loses his way.

He also makes sure to inspect the field during his morning run for anything that could be hazardous to the little bun, if he doesn’t have time then he’ll set him up a play area in the house.

Today was perfect for a morning run, so he enjoyed one, breathing in the pure air with his headphones in. The clock was nearing eight in the morning so he dressed up in his denim Levi’s , a custom Gucci shirt with a grumpy bear on it gifted to him by his childhood friend (apparently, he thinks that the bear is an imitation of Harry).

He was almost done with Meena yesterday before what went down between the two of you , he decided to leave it for later during the day, he has a good number of Jeeps to fix.

11 AM.

11:30 AM.

12:00 PM.

Harry kept checking the clock anxiously, perhaps it’s broken and he forgot to fix it? Old clocks need delicate care and recently he’s had his head in the gutter.His phone’s clock confirmed that it is indeed 12 PM, and you are still nowhere to be seen.

You took good care of the garage, helped him quite well and took appointments, yet Harry had a thing for being organized, and you didn’t…

It’s not like you turned the place upside down, but you liked having things be close around you instead of organizing them, so his lost crawler (that he later found near broken scooters after he texted you) was stressing him out, and it reminded him of your presence , how you put the item somewhere else even after he tells you where to exactly put it.

His top-secret oil (a mix of oil his chemist friend made and some imported oil from the Middle East) getting lost was his last strike, even though it was your mess that got him startled and disturbed but he does not know yet that he unconsciously cares more about your presence than the items.

He cannot understand for the life of him why you thought you were fired, he never even implied it. What did your anxious little brain tell you?

He knows how anxiety can be, he’s not immune to it, but he can’t help his attitude , it’s how he acts around everyone. Harry was checking the coolant of a Range Rover when he heard the wheels of your bike; he abruptly straightened his posture , watching you attentively as you parked in front of his shop.

Your eyes were fixed on ‘Pride & Prejudice’ as you sat in your regular chair, it’s been like this for fifteen minutes. Uncle George interrupted before you could say hello to Harry. He was a nice old man and you could see how much he means to Harry.

He came for the clock necklace and patted Harry’s back, you can’t exactly point out their conversation but it is quite evident how grateful he is for Harry’s help.

You dug your eyes back into the book, allowing yourself to get lost in Jane Austen’s world. Harry’s presence was smooth, almost unnoticeable but never invisible.

“So what’s that book you’re reading?” He muttered suddenly catching you off guard. You’re not sure how much time has passed since George left. Getting distracted in books is easy.

“Pride And Prejudice”.

“Isn’t it about that guy that hates her but later becomes whipped?”

You let out a loud laugh at his own idea of the book, it was somewhat true. It’s just weird to hear him say it.

“Yes Mr.Darcy, it’s a bit complicated I believe that he might have liked her from the beginning, but was afraid of something, I’m not sure but men hide behind their emotions.” You were fiddling with the cover of the book not even aware that both of you are no longer speaking about the book.

“It’s just my opinion but guys always take longer to figure out things, because he really had no reason to be grumpy and mean.” You were speaking rapidly and curiously, as if you were alone in a room, nonchalantly criticizing one of the best classics.

Harry was a bit too silent, his legs spread as he sat in a car, checking its speedometer while he listened to you. A while ago you might have cared about him being calm and unresponsive but now the words rush out from your mouth without even thinking , you’re not sure what shifted but it’s nice, really nice.

You reached the part where Jane got sick and Elizabeth went after her, it was one of your favorite scenes but your reading got interrupted with a shadow blocking the light in front of you.

“Has anyone ever told you that your communication is pretty shit for a social worker?” Harry’s body towered over your resting figure, a thin layer of sweat adorning his face.

“I- what?”

“You didn’t talk about yesterday, nor why you skipped work today. You just immediately sat down with your bloody book” He wasn’t shouting loudly but his tone changed, and he was visibly upset.

“Please don’t shout.” You replied in a calmer voice and placed your book inside your bag.

“I didn’t mean it.” He scoffed and took a few steps back with his gaze fixed on your now disturbed expression.

“Why’d you leave in the morning.” He leaned against the car and spoke in a manner so calm that you barely even heard him.

“I just didn’t want to bother you.” Again you noticed that he doesn’t have music on.

“I don’t understand.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes before swiping his hand through his hair.

“Well my presence at the race was rude and then you welcomed me into your home, I felt like I was intruding and being a burden.” You managed to speak as you fiddled with your bracelet.

You didn’t want to confess anything to him or anyone for that matter but specially him. Maybe he’ll think you’re an idiot who overthinks every word spoken or why the wind blew in that direction so instead of bothering anyone, deducing outcomes was easier.

“It’s fine, we’re good. We were both in the wrong and don’t worry about it anymore. My home is not the white house, you can come anytime…” His soft face stared back at you as he hesitated his choice of words.

“…. For Snow Bun of course.” He cleared his throat and awkwardly scratched his head.

“Yes, he is very adorable.”

Even after being vulnerable and speaking out, the atmosphere was still nice perhaps even better. You were not one to communicate and Harry was an argumentative person, an outsider would gape their mouth at your attitude but for now Harry moved around the garage and played David Bowie, and you silently hummed as you arranged the appointments. He managed to sneak the fallen pots inside before you arrived, but it was of no use, you already saw them. And so it goes whatever he hides, you will see.

“Heyy I found my top secret oil!” Harry screamed from inside over the sound of music. He popped his head out a few moments later showing you the oil bottle.

“Did you put it in the refrigerator?” He furrowed his eyebrows inspecting the bottle from all sides while realization struck you as your face turned tomato red.

“I’m sorry! I thought it was Pomegranate molasses.” You cupped your hand over your mouth feeling your heart beat rapidly.

You expected a scolding, perhaps making you pay for it or just grumpy Harry attitude but instead you were met with a toothy grin as his head fell backward before he placed his palm over his eyes and let out the most beautiful laugh you have ever heard.

Harry held back his laughter for the rest of the day and gave in every time he looked at your pout. In your defense, you really thought it was molasses, you apologized repeatedly but he wasn’t really listening, stuck in a laughter daze.

When a customer came to pick up his car and inquired if Harry changed the oil, he looked at you and laughed as you organized his tools, but the customer got rude and Harry didn’t take it well.

”Are you laughing at me?” He tried to appear intimidating but failed to do so as Harry straightened his posture, and crossed his arms against his chest, allowing his biceps to flex almost immediately.

“The fuck is your issue dick? Do you see me laughing for you? Piss off from here.” He sneered at him before throwing the car keys at him.

The man grumbled something under his breath, and picked up his keys off the ground as he continuously cursed Harry who was changing the song choice to 1975 and couldn’t care less.

“What was the man shouting for? Did I mess up his appointment?” You asked him timidly after hearing the man shout loudly.

Harry gazed at you with a troubled look, wincing slightly as he noticed your eager expression, were you waiting for him to shout at you? He regrets not beating up the guy.

“Just men being men don’t worry yeah?”. You nodded at his words and took your usual seat watching him continue to work as you unwrapped your turkey sandwich.

He bopped his head to the ‘The Adults Are Talking’ by ‘The Strokes’ as he took off his rings and placed the leather gloves on his soft hands, they were pretty clean and delicate for a mechanic. This time he allowed his curls to shade his face, not paying attention to his hair clip. Due to the scorching heat, he took off his shirt (which you really liked) and placed it neatly aside where it wouldn’t stain.

The sight of his muscles was something you could never get over; he had phenomenal beauty and you read about Greek gods before but you’re not sure they can compare. Soft waist, artistic tattoos, delicate hip bone, dainty pearl necklace, prominent veins.

His anatomy was graceful like a fallen angel.

You had forgotten to eat breakfast this morning, and when Harry texted you asking to come, you freaked out and packed your sandwich instead of having it. It was your special recipe and the to go lunch sandwich, you were ready to devour it when you glanced at Harry and saw him gazing with a frown on his face making you feel like the worst person on the whole planet.

In a matter of seconds you had the sandwich split into two, leaving a half on the table in front of you and approached Harry who now was even more grumpy, as you stretched your hand to offer him the bigger half.

“Sorry for my bad manners, I should’ve asked, would you like to eat some of my Turkey sandwich?” His face softened a bit at your expression but switched back to his usual tense demeanor quickly.

“Thank you no, I was actually wondering about something else.” The toothpick in his mouth did not stop him from speaking, as he leaned his back against the car, planting his foot firmly against the gravel. His position made his midsection stretch and bend and his V line was getting recognition, you hoped he linked your drool to the sandwich.

“Which is? Do I have something to do before eating? Did you stop lunch breaks.”

Every time you spoke, a little feeling inside Harry sparked, this tiny feeling confirmed his thoughts time and time again. He has to shake himself whether mentally or physically and shut down his urges which most of the time include opening his notebook.

“I guess why you’re eating a sandwich. Does it fulfill you?”

The thing about Harry is that it’s very hard to read him sometimes, is it confusion or curiosity, fondness or kindness. Right now it was a mixture of both wonder and something that you can’t quite catch yet.

“I mean I think so. You don’t want to try it?” Your pout told him all he needed to know, if he didn’t take the sandwich from you, you’d probably think about it for days but right now Harry had something else on his mind.

“Can you stay here for a bit? Don’t go after me and don’t eat the sandwich” He ordered with a stern look before throwing his tooth pick in the garbage , closing the hood of the car and going inside the store.

You were not exactly sure how to feel, you don’t even know what he went to do, maybe he felt guilty or shy from your food offer. Either way you are really hungry and you wouldn’t mind sharing food with him so where did he disappear?

Harry has never cooked for someone else in his life until you.

He can’t really recall what led him here, or why he’s cooking meat right now and boiling pasta. His chef techniques were meant to be reserved only for him and Snow . His legs did lead him here and his hands keep chopping the vegetables without a direct order. Lately his nervous system seemed to be betraying him, acting upon some certain actions that make him beyond confused.

Maybe if he had an explanation after it was done, it would’ve put him at ease, except that he doesn’t. He likes to be direct and see immediately through people, and that was the problem with you, he was seeing too much.

Why did it matter if the pasta’s boiling was medium or fully cooked or if the change in spices was necessary? He could not for the life of him understand many things.

Maybe Snow Bun can help.

Harry has been inside his garage for the past 35 minutes, at first you were worried and he had asked of you to not follow him, so you respected his boundaries.

Your worry slowly fled away when you smelled it, the scent of tomato sauce and the unmistakable scent of meat, you assumed that your mind was playing tricks on you and it was your hunger that made you imagine things.

But as more time passed you knew that you were not a lunatic and that Harry really is cooking. So you were right then, maybe he was making food because he got hungry and refused to take your food. In moments like these you could see that Harry is just a tender boy at heart, in your opinion everyone is.

We get mistreated a lot that we lose sense of who we are, but the real and soft version of us, the one touched by angels and untouched by demons remains hidden and comes out discreetly but in the most beautiful ways one could imagine. It was kind of your favorite hobby, to see when it shows up , but to get to observe it, you have to know one’s weakness at first then watch them do the exact opposite.

With Harry it’s taking you more time to observe, tender things need more patience.

You got excited at the idea of Harry eating with you, you got used to eating alone, as the only person close to a friend you had was Kitty and maybe Harry but you don’t want to put your hopes up.

You were wrapping up the sandwich again so that it stays edible, before Harry walked out with two plates in his hand, he was still shirtless and the heat from the oven reflected on his sweaty body, he had a chef’s bonnet to avoid getting his hair in the food and the sight of him strolling lazily with his jeans low on his waist and holding food that he made was a sight that will be engraved in your mind for a long time.

He balanced the two plates in one hand effortlessly, and grabbed a chair nearby fixing it next to yours as he set the food in front of you which you figured out is a Tagliatelle alla Bolognese.

“Fancy some pasta?”

Lunch with Harry was nice. He seemed flustered and you’re not sure why, so to save him the embarrassment you opened up a chat about Snow Bun who is probably trying to pluck the strawberries from the garden as you spoke.

You insisted that Harry tastes your sandwich and despite his chef like standards he approved of your recipe but continued to flaunt that his culinary abilities are better.

“My sandwich deserves a Michelin!”

“Excuse you? People would die to have my pasta woman!” He scoffed and chewed with his Bunny teeth that he probably stole from Snow.

He took the plates inside and fumbled around for a certain product then remembered immediately that he ran out of it. You went on a quick walk and bought some of the missing essentials for the shop, and you bumped into Uncle George , who you approached to greet.

“Hello Uncle George, How are you? Can I help with anything?” You offered a sweet smile in case he needed it today.

“Oh bless you child I am well, thank you I’m only grabbing a bouquet of flowers.”

“Ohhh, is it for your wife?” You blushed at the thought of your future partner buying you flowers at an old age. Uncle George is a very sweet man, no wonder Harry is close with him.

“Yes darling it is, she loves yellow tulips.” He pointed at the bouquet he’s holding with an enthusiastic smile.

“Oh that’s so nice I hope she likes them. Have a nice day.”

“Same for you kid, same for you.” You bid him goodbye with another smile and walked away before hearing him again.

“I can see his through his eyes now.”

You turned around to see that he did not repeat his words and apparently not address you even, when he looked back he waved again at you and you returned it with a confused look.

Upon your return, Harry was cursing under his breath in a grumpy state, the music was low and he was standing over an open hood with his fingers examining his puckered lips. He asked for the bottle of brake fluid as you organized the other things you bought in their designated places.

“Can you come over here” He asked a few minutes later.

You found him holding up the hood of the car with his two hands and you can see how his biceps are clenching as his hand fought against the weight of the hood despite holding it like it weighs nothing.

“The hood is broken and I need to fix something else, It won’t balance on the stick, can you please hold it while I check something?” You nodded and took over the hood part , and quickly felt its weight. Damn him and his muscles.

He easily managed to pull heavy parts and put them back, he was really good at his job and no one could deny it. You helped him and handed him over some of his kit as he worked out the trouble.

“The coolant is supposed to have a sweet smell, yet it smells weird and there are no signs of any leak. Flashlight please?” He asked without turning to you but when you didn’t respond for a good while he angled his head towards you.

Your hair was long and straightened and it was getting in the way of your vision since you were bent down, you did not want to tell Harry, afraid that it would seem unprofessional of you.

You were struggling to hold the hood, and the flashlight was farther than all the other tools, when you tried to reach it your back cramped from the weight of the hood and your hair completely clouded your vision.

“What are you doing?”

“Sorry it’s my hair. I can’t see.” You winced as you felt useless despite it being the first time he actually asked of you to help yet you were not able to provide it.

“It’s okay you can sit down I’ll handle it.” He replied without glancing at you.

“But I can help-“

“Just sit there, it’s fine.” You nodded and felt the sadness creep into you despite him not being mean, but you really wanted to help.

He’s already paying you way too much to just take appointments and buy new oil. Your body slumped against the barstool and your lips formed a pout as you glanced at the now neglected car, you were making a great team.

“M’gonna need you to stay still for a while.” He came behind you abruptly and swiped his hand through your hair.

His hands were soft even though he spent all day ruining his skin layer with work, you can feel the lotion he just used at the back of your neck. His rings sent a shiver up your spine, as his hand discovered your skin, it was silly to feel that way, so giddy for his touch but you couldn’t really help it.

You’re very shy by nature, and in situations like this you pry from ruining the mood and asking what the other person is planning to do. Even Harry seemed to take a long time to make his next move, his hands kept swiping through your hair tenderly, as his fingers went in and out from your hair strands.

He divided your hair into three divisions, and gently began bringing them together, the first with the second, then with the third and so on. Your heart was drumming against your ribcage, even more so when you realized that Harry was braiding your hair.

You soaked the moment in as much as you could, his knuckles were grazing your back and his touch made you want to crawl in his lap and hug him. Perhaps you were touch deprived or he was just very huggable. Not to mention that you love physical touch, so his hand at your skin caressing sensitive spots along with the soft breeze that’s helping Harry, made you want to giggle and squirm beneath him.

“No one has ever braided my hair.” You blurted out quickly before biting at your inner cheeks. Whenever someone was nice to you, you’d unconsciously share personal things, but again not only is Harry physically near you, but he seemed like the type of person you can feel comfortable around. Not because he wouldn’t object or make snarky comments like other men. Harry was just not judgmental.

Despite all his grumpiness, occasionally rude attitude and short temper, Harry was so soft deep down. You’ve barely known him for two weeks yet but your experience as a social worker aided you in identifying people and uncovering their mask. After all, Harry was a safe bubble, along with Snow Bun, his hydrangeas and yellow house. It is nothing but a courageous attempt at protecting his peace.

“Why? You have nice hair.” He mumbled the last sentence rather faster and quieter as if he didn’t want you to hear it. He even let out a huff as if he couldn’t believe you.

“The girls used to say that my hair is ugly and weird, and that I don’t look like Princesses.” You felt your cheeks burn at the memory, your childhood wasn’t the best, especially when you had to grow up with these said girls.

Harry glanced down at your locks between his hands, they were so pretty that he had to restrain himself from playing with them all day , they smell like strawberries too and he could swear you look like Rapunzel under the sun. Why were people mean?

“I don’t know, sounds like bullshit to me.” He shrugged his shoulders and cleared his throat as an attempt to keep his rough demeanor on.

You didn’t wish to recall these days so you focused on the feeling of his hands again, the wind around you and how the soft tug at your strands was almost like a scratch and made you feel sleepy but safe.

His fingers parted your hair but only for a few seconds, before he added the final touches, and secured the end of the braid with a hair tie. He continued to place inside it something that made your eyebrows furrow, you couldn’t pinpoint what it was exactly, but you had a feeling it looked nice.

“Okay, now you can help me. The car is waiting.” He strolled to the car without any other words and pretended to continue his work, but not forgetting to give a side glance and watch you look at the mirror and at the blue hydrangea petals he placed in between your hair .

Ever since you arrived at this town, you experienced some harsh incidents that can be considered as ‘bad luck’. First, the landlord wanted to charge you double that of other apartments, until he changed his mind and lowered the price thankfully. Then the town was caught in a huge storm, making all shops close down so you couldn’t visit the grocery store and spent two days eating ramen.

Your job is a whole other story, quitting it allowed you to see things clearer and learn from your mistakes. Harry’s advice served you good since if not for him you would be deep down a hole of troubles.

Losing your car was the most damaging, it was the only piece you had from your grandfather, also your first car and held many memories over the years. To see it every day in Harry’s garage made your heart clutch, but you know that you would never give up on it, you just need to save a little money.

All these incidents remind you how you will always be alright in the end. It’s been over a month since the race, and as each day passed you and Harry got closer. Breaking down his wall was not easy; you didn’t even fully reach there yet but there is a progress.

You learned that he has a sister in the UK, he loves engineering but wanted to study Music, he didn’t adopt Bun nor had an intention of keeping him. He found him covered in dirt behind the garage so he took him in until he was healthy enough to give him to someone worthy, yet even then Snowy refused to part from Harry and you have an inkling that it was the opposite.

Harry is a big tea drinker; he has packets that he keeps in both his garage and house. He really loves the honey and cinnamon tea, and drinks two cups a day. However he seems to dislike alcohol a lot and described it as ‘piss’.

Niall is his only trusted companion, they bonded over their origin and even though Niall tends to be playful and exactly what Harry hates in people sometimes, but you don’t recall a day where they didn’t speak to each other.

As you concluded from the beginning, he adores music and is a proud Vinyl collector. He once spent 600$ just to get his hands on a special edition of Elton John’s Breaking Hearts. Every other week, he visits a market nearby where he goes on a hunt for new interesting Vinyls.

Your days with him consisted of laughter, he had a way to make you smile even when it wasn’t his intention. He can still get grumpy sometimes, but he was never mean to you, whenever he got mad, he’d lock himself inside the store and get out after 15 minutes only to continue conversing normally.

He braids your hair from time to time, although you never really told him about the other mean things you’ve been told. You knew his preferences enough to get him lunch or a snack, perhaps a gift even, yet you felt like there was more to know but you had patience and in return you must also give him parts of yourself.

You’re not sure how you managed to be around him this long, he was unnaturally gorgeous, you would stare in awe at whatever he does, you never imagined a person to be this beautiful. You could swear his irises change shades every now and then, that his lips stole the color from cherries, and his body an incarnation of a female and male Greek gods.

Being around him made you flustered but not in a bad way, it was a good feeling that reminded you how you’ll be seeing him every morning, how the blood pumps faster to your heart when he’s near you, when your cheeks burn as he cooks for you or delivers a ‘hello’ message from Snowy with a strawberry filled basket.

He was somewhat your only friend and that was an achievement. Making friends is a nightmare for you, you’re not the best at it nor had good experiences in the past years. You’re not sure if you got better at it or if Harry is easy to be around, perhaps he is but that would also mean that there is nothing wrong with you.

Kitty was able to note the change in your attitude, how happier you became, but she refrained from saying anything because she already knows the cause behind all this giddiness and why Harry checked out Pride & Prejudice right after you returned it.

“I don’t mean to intrude my boy, but I never saw you as a classics guy.” Kitty spoke as she registered the book under his name.

“Umm, just wanna see what the fuss is about I guess, no other reason.” He tried to hide the blush in his cheeks by awkwardly scratching his neck and fleeing away after grabbing the book.

Kitty was no fool of course, she was just waiting, after all some clocks need delicate care and attention.

The news of quitting your job earned a broad smile from Harry, he looked even happier than you and kept assuring that you took the right decision. It didn’t take you long to find a job offer, the only issue is that it’s out of town but Harry insisted that you apply to see how it would go.

You watched him hop off his bike and remove the Gucci sunnies, before placing his motorcycle inside and taking off his leather jacket, he glanced at you and was about to speak but furrowed his eyebrows instead at your face expression.

“Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?”

“Okay please don’t get mad, but I just remembered that my job interview is tomorrow and I know that this is last minute but I really need to take tomorrow off, I can start working on appointments from now an-“ Your anxious rambling made Harry even more confused that he had to cut you off.

“We all forget strawberry shortcake, what time is the interview?” he replied nonchalantly as he took off his shirt. You couldn’t help but blush at the nickname he’s given you for smelling like strawberries.

“Around one in the afternoon, but I have to get up early because I do not know the town and have to find a bus so th-“

“I’m driving you.” He picked up his crawler and walked to a car he was fixing since morning.

“No you don’t have to, I can-“

“It’s not negotiable, I’ll pick you up at 10.” You mumbled a quiet ‘thank you’ as he continued to do his work.

Niall popped in around noon and began rambling about his work, what he ate and what he’s been up to as Harry only nodded and kept his focus on the car.

You liked his presence, he was a nice guy and anyone who Harry likes must be a big deal since it doesn’t happen that often, but it’s safe to say that Bun is fond of biting Niall in his leg , recently he’s been avoiding Harry’s House because of ‘the deadly beast’.

Niall swore that Snowy only seems to like you and Harry, even though he is harmless but he just never clicked with the little bun. You thought that it is such an ironic situation since Niall is the one who gets for Harry, Snowy’s food and essentials from his aunts’ store. Maybe he liked the Bun deep down.

When he figured that Harry is busy and will not give him his attention, he turned to you and struck up a conversation, he was very chatty and you found it hard to keep up with him.

“I had a chicken sandwich and I kept thinking about the ones that Harry make, they’re delicious really.” His Irish accent made you giggle.

“There’s leftover Pizza if you want, I can heat it up?” You asked him in case he was hungry.

“Thank you I should really get back but I’m also bored and I had to pass by to make sure Harry didn’t make you run away yet.” He let out a loud laughter and imitated Harry’s grumpy face making you laugh even harder.

The giggles did not go unnoticed by Harry, he could recognize your voice and laughter anywhere but it was infuriating when it wasn’t about something he said.

He decided to let it go as Niall is a funny guy and can make anyone laugh, that is until he heard Niall asking you a question that made him see red.

“Do you want to go out maybe? I know a nice place..” The rest of Niall’s question was inaudible as Harry’s jaw twitched and tightened.

He strolled over quickly to where you were standing with an oil bottle in his hand and spilled it over Niall’s shirt, it wasn’t a secret that Harry is visibly angry, but while Niall was oblivious you immediately caught up.

“Mate the fuck? If you’re mad unleash your anger somewhere else, I’m still in working hours.” He mumbled angrily as he walked over to his car, taking off his shirt and driving away.

You were still shocked at Harry’s behavior; you looked back at him and he had anger radiating off his body. He didn’t even look you in the eye. Your arms were crossed in disappointment, perhaps with a hint of confusion and irritation. He knew it too but acted as innocent as a sly cat. He will not get away with it, you thought.

“Your child like antics seem to get only worse. That wasn’t an accidental spill, you were being rude.” You sneered feeling hot fume leave your body as a reaction to Harry’s act.

He dropped the wrench with a thud and strolled toward you with a scowl on his face that did not appear until you opened your mouth.

He trapped you in the corner making you lightly stumble and lay your weight against the bar stool you usually sit in. His face was inches apart from yours and all the blood in your body was pumping fast.

“Do you see how close I am to you? He must’ve been wishing to get to do that, and that’s my problem. You see I could’ve done worse, I was being nice Shortcake , m’kay?”. His piercing gaze softened after he finished talking and he tilted his head to the side smiling lightly, before backing away and lighting a cigarette.

Harry’s fingers kept tapping against the steering wheel as he awaited outside your apartment building, he showed up 10 minutes after you sent him the address as if he’s a standby chauffeur.

He pinched his puckered lips, glancing every now and then at his painted nails then back to the building gate. It’s not even a date or so but his whole body wants to shiver yet Harry mastered the art of controlling his reflexes.

What he did yesterday was unexpected, he took it too far and was really a child. What’s worse is that he didn’t seem to mind it until he got back home and replayed the scene in his mind. He threw oil on Niall just because he asked you out?

Recently Harry has been acting in ways he does not approve of which is quite silly as he controls his own actions yet sometimes, he feels helpless. He tried to ignore it at first, but that only seemed to make it worse.

Getting mad at the thought of someone dating you can only mean one thing and he refuses to accept it. It’s true that the past month was a change from the boredom he encounters at work every day, but it also allowed you to creep inside of him and lay there, Harry’s afraid you’re already welcome.

Thankfully Niall didn’t catch on, but only because this isn’t the first time Harry has been a jerk, but it also happens to be kind of their own thing, to prank each other. He ponders if he should apologize later on to Niall or just let it be, however If he does then it might reveal the fact that it wasn’t a joke.

Harry would consider himself to have fallen down the rabbit hole.

You and your silly books, adorable soft hair that always reminds him of his strawberry garden, weird colorful clothes that would send a fashion designer into a coma, sweet rambles about everything and your claims on being the best Turkey Sandwich maker. He could go on and on and tell every single bit about you, but he can’t and shouldn’t. He knows better than to allow his desires to take over the wheel, which is why he must find a way to climb back out of the rabbit hole.

He got pulled out of his trance by the sound of the door opening then slamming shut, your sudden entrance along with the wind going in your direction allowed Harry to catch a strong whiff of your strawberry scent making him clutch the steering wheel roughly.

“Am I late? So sorry I didn’t know what to wear and what book to grab for the road.” You apologized as you threw your bag in his backseat, trying not to focus on how he’s eyeing your figure without a single word.

After all, it’s a job interview and being elegant was a must. You spent the entire morning going through your closet and trying on every piece you have, to be a bit fair most of them were decent and suitable for an interview yet it was not your potential new boss that you wanted to impress.

The huffs and puffs paid off as you picked a matching plaid blazer and skirt, you faintly remember the last time you wore this set two years ago which is why it wasn’t a surprise when the skirt turned out to be a bit shorter than expected, it was still decent for the interview but also hugged your body perfectly.

Harry’s eyes nearly bulged out when he saw your skirt, you didn’t even bother to wear tights beneath it and your bare legs were a sight. He still didn’t utter anything and it was making you more anxious.

“Soo how long will the trip take?” You asked with your gaze set down on your feet, avoiding him as much as possible knowing that you’ll blush if you just glance.

“Approximately an hour and a half.” He cleared his throat and fixed his Gucci sunnies as he continued to chew his gum.

You brought three different books with you in case you wanted to pass time, but you hoped that you didn’t have to touch them and converse with Harry instead.

You didn’t realize that it would be much awkward when you are outside of work, initiating a conversation is harder let alone maintaining it. What’s making it worse is Harry’s attitude yesterday and what he said to you.

“I could’ve done worse shortcake.”

That exact sentence kept bothering you the whole night as you tossed and turned. Does he like you or is he just a protective friend?

It would be an exaggeration to assume he has a crush on you yet his actions placed you in a tough position. Would it be unwise to open up the subject? Will you even get the answer you’re wishing for?

All you know is that you’re about to spend half a day with him on the road without work distractions, and god knows what will happen but again the chances are below zero.

“Grab the 2nd CD here will ya?” Harry turned on the engine and began rotating the steering wheel with his palm as he stretched his arm behind your head and looked backwards. The sight of him driving like that made you squirm in your seat. You pretended to be fumbling with the CDs but instead you couldn’t possibly miss the sight of his biceps practically bulging through his leather jacket.

He had light stubble as he hasn’t been shaving for a while and despite having sunglasses on, you could see how focused he is, with a gentle furrow of his eyebrows. His hand on the wheel had protruding veins and you smiled at the new turquoise nail polish.

“The CD has a nice mix especially for road trips, let’s get going shortcake.”

The mixtape Harry picked had one of the best songs you’ve ever heard. He has a talent for picking the right tune in any situation. Knowing him, he probably would’ve bought his Vinyl player with him if not for road bumps.

Emerald star by Lord Huron was playing and Harry raised the volume. For the first time since you left town you dared to look at him.

His side profile was majestic, you can’t see his eyes but you assumed they’re in their usual state, unreadable and unbelievably gorgeous. Some freckles lay against the tip of his nose, the weather has been getting warmer and the more freckles appear on his face the more enamored you become.

His jaw flexes as he chews his cherry gum, and if he likes the song he’d tap with his index finger repeatedly, perhaps bite at the skin of his rosy lips. You can tell that he wants to sing along but you don’t want to push him out of his comfort zone.

“Oh what a jewel are you, and oh what a fool am I

For squandering my love on an emerald in the sky”

The song touched your heart as you listened to pure poetry with a melody, it was something else. Even Harry allowed his dimples to show when he first heard the intro of the song.

“I loved it so much, can we repeat it?” You asked as he immediately turned to you with a grin.

“Haven’t spoken a single word since we set off , and you only talk to me because you liked the song? I thought the cat got your tongue.” He placed his sunglasses above his soft curls and pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, leaving the steering wheel without control as he cupped his hands around his mouth to light the cigarette.

“Can you not do that again?” His recklessness was a reminder for you to put on your seatbelt and you did so quickly.

“Do what?” He turned to you with parted lips and you could not tell if he’s acting innocent or is actually clueless.

“This.. thing with leaving the steering wheel and looking at me. You’ll get the car crashed.” Your voice showed how timid you are, but it was only fair when he was being so careless.

He let out a deep chuckle, with the cigarette perched between his lips. “I know what i’m doing shortcake, i’ve been driving cars since I was 14. If I want to get us crashed , I would’ve done that in the race.” He took another puff from the cigarette and let it out through the window.

The reminder of the race made you feel uneasy, not only was it terrifying and life threatening but now that you know Harry more, you unconsciously care for him which explains the pit that formed in your stomach at the mention of the race.

“Besides I can look at you whenever I want” He muttered under his breath and you decided to not answer back at any of these remarks.

“If the garage is getting you good money, why do you race Harry? You could get yourself killed.” Your curiosity took control as you found yourself speaking without thinking first.

It was as if he didn’t hear you or chose not to. The silence was loud except for AngelEyes by ABBA blasting on the radio, you slowly diverted your body towards the door and looked out the window, trying not to feel hurt with his attitude.

“I like the adrenaline it gives me.” He suddenly spoke making you turn back to him.

“It has a certain type of rush that I’m addicted to, you could say I’m an adrenaline junkie. I also love how everyone tries to beat me, but they will never be able to do that shortcake.” He elaborated nonchalantly as if he was speaking about an arcade game not a dangerous street race.

You could not possibly lie and say that you didn’t like it, at some point you discarded the fear and experienced some of the adrenaline he spoke of, but you couldn’t also deny how dangerous it was.

He had you in his lap, with one hand secured around your waist yet still managed to drive with risky turns and the other driver’s attempt at getting him to crash. It looked like any daily routine for him.

“Perhaps you can find a healthy addiction?” You didn’t wish to interfere in his life, but being you, helping others to overcome unhealthy habits is a must.

“Hmm, maybe.” He gave you a toothy grin as if he got an idea right there and then but didn’t want to share.

The road ahead of you was slightly familiar, a few cars were driving along but surprisingly not a lot. As soon as Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High by Arctic Monkeys started playing, you rolled down the car window, and let out your upper body as the soft breeze caressed you and allowed your hair to float.

Harry was shocked at your sudden act, he no longer cared if the road was empty or swarmed with cars. Your back was turned to him and your skirt was riding up on the back of your thighs, you had already kicked off your heels when you got in. The door was locked and you still had your seatbelt on, hence why he didn’t freak out, however he had his arm stretched near your waist just in case.

If an officer passed by on his motorcycle, he’d take away Harry’s license. His eyes forgot that the road exists, or that he’s driving, all he could see was you. Your floating hair, spreading the strawberry scent everywhere, the giddy smile on your face like a child experiencing the high of a rollercoaster for the first time or the way you ignored him and pretended that it’s your own world with the song blasting.

You looked like an addiction he could get used to.

‘ You said you gotta be up in the morning

Gonna have an early night

And you’re starting to bore me, baby

Why’d you only call me when you’re high?’

As the song came to an end, Harry’s apprehension took the spotlight as he pulled you in with one swift motion. He can race with many cars cornering him but you push your body outside of the window and the alarms in his brain go red.

You squealed when he pulled you in, as he cut off your little moment with the wind. His questioning expression made you self-aware of what you did making roses slowly creep up your cheeks as you covered your face quickly with your hands.

“Oh c’mon shortcake, that was nice. Did you get your own adrenaline hmm?” He reached his hand and removed yours off your face.

“I just felt like doing it.” You shrugged your shoulders and smiled shyly at Harry.

“Do whatever you want shortcake.”

Time passed easily with Harry. It was definitely not your expectation but you didn’t mind it too. You’ve been on the road for half an hour now, and you had a fight about ice-cream flavors. You’ve been slowly trying to break down his ice wall and now that you’ve laughed together, you thought about taking the conversation further.

“Can I ask you something?” You asked with curiosity reeking from your voice.

“No I will not try your disgusting bubblegum ice-cream.” He grumbled like a child as if you asked him to eat trash.

“No but one day I will make you eat that.” He rolled his eyes at you making you let out a laugh at the thought of him trying on bubblegum ice-cream.

“ So.. is it okay if you tell me how you knew that my ex boss was scamming me?” You swallowed down your throat after asking, as you reopened the subject that made you both fight in the first place.

You can see how his jaw twitched upon the mention of your ex boss, he certainly was not pleased with the topic and testing the waters now seems like a bad idea.

“Sorry you don’t have to-“

“He scammed my sister before you.” He looked at you with a hint of pain in his face.

“We both came here young and had dreams, I was slowly building myself and she thought that volunteer work was a good step. He kept promising her with a job, made her donate even, only to tell her that there is no place for her when the contract was over.” He was trying to hide his anger but to no avail. His nostrils were flaring and he could rip off the leather of the wheel from how tight his grip was.

“ She was ambitious just like you, and what he did left her hopeless. Eventually, she didn’t find a job and went back to the UK.” Your heart clutched at the thought of Harry’s sister going through the same thing but with no one to warn her.

“I’m so sorry, I hope she’s doing better now back home.”

“ She is, he just didn’t have the right to do so. That fucker… I wish I complied to my urges and left him a bloody mess but back then we didn’t have money for lawsuits.” He let out a big sigh and you felt like an idiot for discussing it with him.

“ Your sister sounds lovely, I’m sorry that happened to her.” You answered softly not knowing what to exactly say.

“ Enough of that now shortcake, talk about something else.” It was obvious that he desperately needed a distraction and you felt inclined to provide it.

“ We can play Truth or Truth since we can’t do dare in the car.”

“ That sounds like a made up game but okay.” You rummaged your head for nice questions that do not cross his boundaries.

“ How many tattoos do you have?” He pretended to count them making you roll eyes at him.

“I dunno shortcake, I lost count at 20.” You don’t have any tattoos but you wondered how the hell he was able to handle all this pain.

“ My turn, what’s your favorite book ever?” He skipped the song that was playing until he decided on ‘Sesame Syrup’ by Cigarettes After Sex.

“Absolutely not, I’m not answering that.” You shook your head aggressively in disapproval feeling cornered with the question.

“I’m not letting that slide easily but your turn.” He took off his leather jacket, leaving him in a plain white shirt as you glared at him for leaving the steering wheel again.

“ How many partners did you have?” Your felt quite bold but regretted it immediately after you saw his smirk.

“Hmm I’d say one for the serious relationship.” He was cheeky with his answer as if you fed his ego by asking. You’re not even sure why you did so, perhaps your curiosity got the best of you.

“My turn. What’s the best place you’ve had sex in?” Your cheeks turned crimson red at his question, as you began picking at your nails. He looked back at you when you took too long to answer and saw how flustered you were.

“Shit did I make you uncomfortable? “ He cursed under his breath as he stared at your flushed face.

“No it’s okay.. I just.. umm “ You swallowed down your throat, and turned away from him as the game was no longer in your favor.

“What is it?” He was confused as to why you suddenly become more flustered than you usually are. You were biting your bottom lip and playing with the hem of your skirt until he finally understood what’s up.

“Are you a virgin shortcake?” His rather correct guess made your face heat up embarrassingly as you allowed your hair to fall and cover your face from him.

“Hey, don’t do that. S’fine you can say whatever you want.” Harry found it cute that you were so red in the face over his question. He couldn’t believe it.

His shortcake was a virgin.

He tried to refrain himself from thinking about unholy things but god he couldn’t. How can he continue to live every day and be around you now that he knows you haven’t been touched.

“ Yeah, you’re right, I’m just embarrassed.” You spoke in a low voice with your gaze set at your feet.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s just a stupid social standard, you can wait for as long as you want shortcake.” He tried to comfort you, as he realized how upset you might be feeling.

“ It’s not really about waiting; it’s about finding someone. Boys didn’t date me, they went for the popular prettier girls.” Harry almost hit the brake pedal in the middle of the road at your words. The fact that you thought so lowly of yourself because of stupid premature boys made him see red.

“The fuck do you mean by that? Just because some boys are pricks doesn’t mean you’re not worth dating. Fucks sake where’d you get those thoughts from?” He was visibly angry as you held back tears at both your confession and his sweetness.

“I’m not sure..” You couldn’t provide him with an answer when you didn’t even know what was going on in your own love life.

He suddenly turned off the music and reached his hand to caress your burning cheek. “ Hey, look at me.” He ordered softly as he turned your face to him.

“It’s not nice to think like that. Anyone would be lucky to have you. You’re worth more than sex and there are many people out there who would kill to have you. It was my fault for bringing it up.” His sweet words added to your pent-up frustration as you held back hot tears.

“It’s okay, can we close the subject now?” You’re not sure you can handle any further comforting from him. You feel embarrassed enough as it is for confessing such things.

“Yes of course but remember my words.” He leaned back in his seat and actually set his eyes on the road.

He didn’t know what to feel. The way you underestimate yourself infuriated him, it proves to him yet again that you’re too pure for this world. Never was he so angry just because someone else was not treated properly.

He didn’t want to think whether it’s right or not to feel that way, all he knows is that he’s mad. If only he could talk a little more… but he respects your boundaries and decided to turn on the music again in hopes of cheering you up.

You arrived at the designated building in no time, and you felt a lot better after Harry stopped by an ice cream shop and bought you four scoops of bubblegum ice cream with marshmallow topping. You admired his gesture and you could tell he was trying to make up in his own way.

Even though you were ready mentally and parked right outside of the building, you felt like cooling off a bit and taking a stroll on the sidewalk.

Harry walked out from the car like a movie star with his beloved leather jacket hanging off his shoulder, you fixed your attire and secured your handbag before beginning to walk with Harry by your side.

The building was tall with tainted windows that you could not see through, you can hear Harry lighting up a cigarette behind you to destress as if he’s the one with the interview.

“Harry, I think I’ll just go in. If I wait any longer, I’ll get stressed.” You fixed your hair and stared back at Harry who was leaning against the car.

“ Whatever suits you, I’ll wait here.” You gave him a gentle smile and walked away towards the building before you heard him calling your name.

“Yes?” You turned around to face him.

“Read the contract well shortcake.”

Harry has been waiting outside the building for almost an hour now, he thought about going in to check up on you but he didn’t want to embarrass you, for all he knows you could be waiting or doing the interview as he walks in.

He’s had five cigarettes and walked back and forth three times; it could be a sign of anxiety but for fucking what? It’s you who’s doing the interview and worrying about you should be the last thing he’s supposed to do.

In the past month he allowed you to get closer to him, something he despises. But now that he thinks about it, he never remembers being aware of it. He always has his guard on, and the way he let it down naturally scares him.

He’s gotten used to your turkey sandwiches, books around the garage, random hair clips that he finds everywhere, the fallen hydrangea petals from your hair after he braids it, some doodles and heart shaped drawings in his appointment book, and the curious inquiries when he’s fixing cars.

‘ So if you replace this piece with a new one, does it become like those cars in movies.’

’ Can you place a machine inside the car that gives you bubblegum when you press the button’

‘ What happens if you actually replace the oil with pomegranate molasses’

As a mechanic, hearing these questions sent him into a laughter fit, you were something else that he can’t pinpoint, perhaps otherworldly but what he knows is that you are not the type he ever saw himself meeting. He couldn’t possibly believe that someone like you exists.

Maybe he’ll wake up at any second and find himself back home, and that it was all just a fever dream, even his garage, degree and Snow Bun. Instead he hears the sweet voice that he got so accustomed to hearing every morning.

“Harry! I got the job” You walked excitedly to him while being careful to not trip over.

Deep down Harry knew that they would take you, it wasn’t a surprise that you’re talented, not to mention a very fast learner. But to see you so happy with the broadest smile was the real fever dream. He didn’t prepare himself for encountering such a sight nor could he survive it.

“They said that there’s no need to wait a few days, they hired me on spot and you wo-“ You stood in front of him rambling excitedly before he cut you off by pressing his lips against yours and cupping your face with both of his hands.

You melted in the kiss as his soft lips nibbled on yours, your heart was drumming against your chest and it all felt too surreal. You can taste the mix of cherry and cigarettes on his tongue as his mouth lapped at yours and devoured you whole.

Neither of you seemed to want to let go, especially Harry who held on to your waist as he deepened the kiss further making you lean backwards against his arm. Your tongues clashed together and you could feel him smiling.

Harry is not sure he can climb out of the rabbit hole.

——————————————————

A/n: hope you had fun reading!! Please make sure to leave feedback, i’d appreciate it a lot <3

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#harry styles fanfiction #harry styles imagine

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