#Harry styles birthday

[watermelonsugacry]

harry's 30th birthday blurb with 1d!yn?! 👀

Birthday Surprises

SUMMARY: Harry celebrates his 19th and 30th birthday with the person he loves.

GENRE: 1dbandmember!yn, married!ynrry

Since 2010 masterlist

Not to sound ungrateful, but Harry thinks that this was one of the worst birthday celebrations that he's ever had.

Tonight, he just wanted to spend his last year being a teenager having fun with friends—not be completely embarrassed and uncomfortable being strip teased and danced on by strippers. 

Not to mention that afterwards, One Direction’s management team had booked him to do a relationship stunt for the night. So as he walked out of the club and into his security team’s Range Rover, a tall, blonde model was by his side. As bad as it sounded, he couldn’t remember the girl’s name for the life of him. 

Nothing was going to happen with her anyways. All they had to do was a couple of paparazzi pictures of them together before they’re driven off into the night. The driver would discreetly drop her off at her own hotel before escorting Harry back to his. 

So there's not an ounce of uncertainty that when Harry comes out of the elevator, he's absolutely tired and wants nothing more than to be left alone.

He waves his card key in front of the lock and once he hears the little "beep" sound, he pushes the heavy door open.

His irritation and tiredness might have just peaked over its breaking point when he begins to hear rustling from inside. He’s already extremely worn out that he doesn’t even want to put in the effort into putting on a nice face to whoever’s inside his hotel room. But the smile that appears on his face is effortless when he sees YN flicking the wheel of the lighter over some birthday candles sticking out of a chocolate cake.

“Fucking fuck—oh, surprise!” She hops, extending her arms out beside her in what she hopes to look like a grand gesture.

“What’s going on?”

“We’re celebrating your birthday.” 

Anyone a mile away can tell how uncomfortable he was during the whole stripper fiasco. It sucked to have to stand off to the side, a faux smile on her face to see her bandmate in that type of situation. As much as she wanted to stay with him for the other “fun” festivities the night had to offer, she knew that she couldn’t let his birthday end the way it was heading. So she took the chance to leave the club a bit early and hoped that he would be up for one more celebratory, late night hang out.  

“But, but it’s already past midnight,” He blinks, still a little dumbfounded at the kind surprise before him.

"Oh come on, we only have—err—three, ah! Two more minutes until your birthday is officially over." YN pulls Harry over to the small dining table and sits him down in front of his freshly lit cake. It's then that he notices the shaky lettering on the cake that reads, “Happy Birthday Harry!” Letting him know that she went more out of her way for him than she initially let on. 

She comically clears her throat before beautifully yet quickly singing the infamous Happy Birthday song. The song isn't being yelled at to him by a big group of people, and the room isn't jam-packed with people he doesn't know. When he leans over to blow out his candles, he isn't fearful of hands going to the back of his head to stuff his face into the cake.

He doesn’t think twice about wrapping her up in his arms. He squeezes the tops of her shoulders tightly and she nestles into his chest. He presses a kiss to the top of her head, “Thank you.”

The sentiment doesn't, can't go by unnoticed, but it doesn't seem totally out of the norm. This is Harry. A sweet and affectionate person whose love language is undoubtedly physical touch. If anything, it'd be YN feeling the one out of place in this situation. And maybe it was a change of heart towards her anti-touchy feelings or maybe it was because of his birthday. Either way, he's grateful for the way she's letting him hold her. If it were anyone else, she definitely wouldn't wrap her arms around his torso, humming at the warmth he brings.

"Well the night doesn’t have end here,” YN blinks up at him. As if they both realize their close proximity, they slowly pull away to give each other some space. “If you're still up for it and not too tuckered out, I rented that one stupid rom com you like. The one with the guy standing outside with the signs."

"Love Actually? I thought you didn't like that movie."

"Well to be fair, I actually have never seen it. But it’s your birthday and this is sort of part of my gift to you. You know, if you even wanna see it. If not, I can just fuck off and you can sleep because I know you probably had a pretty eventful day—”

She’s rambling. YN’s rambling—a quality she was never prone to particularly show, but it’s cute. He thinks she’s cute. 

“YN,” He chuckles, effectively cutting her off. “I’m down to watch it.”

“Really? Okay, cool. Because I already have the film on queue in the room so that would have been real fooking embarrassing.” Annnd she’s back.

He watches with curious eyes as she carefully slides the heavy cake plate onto her hands. 

She throws a nod towards the kitchenette, “Mind grabbing the forks.”

As much as Harry tries to resist it, he can’t seem to wipe the smile off his face. He quickly grabs the two utensils before following behind her to the open bedroom. YN quite literally steps onto the foot of the bed before carefully sitting down, balancing the cake in her hands.

He sits down next to her, handing her the fork just as she begins the movie. They both dig their forks into the middle of the cake, taking out a chunk.

“Happy birthday, Harry,” She says, clicking the ends of their forks together. She happily hums at the delicious dessert but it quickly turns into a groan at the opening aong of the movie. “Ah not this stupid song again. I felt like this was all i was hearing just the other month.”

He’d be lying if he said he was watching more of the movie than her. His cheeks hurt from chuckling at her witty commentary and he tries not to make a big deal about the way she actually started to get into the film. So as he eats cake and spends the rest of the night with his best friend, he thinks that this might be the best birthday he’s had in a long time.

• 11 years later ●

YN stumbles through the front door as Harry cradles her in his arms, his mouth feverishly pressed to hers. They smile through their kisses, and he hums as she runs her finger through his growing curls. Harry kicks the door of their shared home behind him and blindly tosses the keys haphazardly in the general direction of the bowl by the door.

“Okay, okay,” YN pushes against his shoulders, finally getting a breath in, the pair still walking further into their home without separating. “So I know you said you didn't want any more presents—”

“Baby,” the grown man playfully whines. “You've already given me everything.” In all sincerity, she really has in his eyes. He’s been in love with the woman before him since they were sixteen. He wanted to be with her since their time in the band, through the making of their solo albums and everything in between. Even though it’s been a little over a year now, it still brings an explainable peace and warmth to his heart that she’s now his wife; not his friend with benefits, secret lovers, or merely a couple, but married.

And today couldn't have gone better. YN had the whole day planned. They started the day with lazy morning sex that turned into breakfast in bed. They spent the afternoon down by a secluded beach, having an impromptu dip in the water just before eating the lunch she packed for them. Then, after a plane ride to their private villa in Italy, they've just got back from having a beautiful dinner at his favorite restaurant.

“There's nothing more I could possibly want. Ooo, unless you're hiding some sexy lingerie under this fine ass dress you got here.” He says into her the crook of her neck, already sponging kisses onto her skin.

YN lets out a laugh, especially as his fingers begin to bunch up her silk dress. “No! Well, not no but—”

“So you do,” Harry says with excitement, the creases in his eyes appear when he hears her laughter. 

“Just hang on a sec. Your present is upstairs.”

“So I get to unwrap my last birthday present in the bedroom,” He teases her further. Her husband relishes in the way she lets out a girly squeal when he dips down and effortlessly lifts her over his shoulder to bring them into the master bedroom. 

 “Wait, wait,” She pushes as Harry plops them down on the bed, already trapping her underneath him. “Wait here. I’ll be back in a sec.”

Once she's managed to wiggle herself free (with great effort, no thanks to Harry) she scurries off to the connected bathroom.

He sits himself down on the bed, undoing the cuffs of his button up before rolling up his sleeves, preparing himself to see if wife in lacy undergarments that are only begging to be taken off by his teeth. Or torn off. Either one would work.

“H, close your eyes.” YN says from behind the door. “I mean it, no peeking.”

“Alright, alright.” He complies, already feeling a childlike sense of giddy anticipation. 

“Are they closed?”

“Yeah.”

“...are you sure?”

“Yes! For fuck sake’s woman. Being so mean on my birthday,” he laughs.

He feels the bed dip next to him before a kiss is pressed to his lips. Before he can bring his hands to her jaw to deepen the sweet kiss, he feels something being placed in his hands.

“Okay, open them,” she says against his lips.

He pulls back and sees a red box tied with a bow on top. 

“Lovie, you really shouldn't have.”

“Last one, I promise.”

Just to tease her, he brings the small box next to his head and shakes it slightly to hear the contents rattle inside.

YN makes a strategic move by placing one of her hands behind him so her thumb can twist at her rings, knowing that that's her dead giveaway for her nerves.

When he opens the lid, it's only then his face gets serious—lips slightly parted with soft eyes. On top of the pile of confetti lies a pregnancy test. The small, red plus line stares back at him clear as day.

“YN?” When he looks to his love, she begins to hold back her tears at the sight of his watery eyes and pink nose. “Is—wha—are you sure?”

“I took like five of them just to be sure,” she lets out a chuckle.

“We’re having a baby?” Words can't describe the warmth and happiness that fills her chest at his excitement. It's not like they haven't mentioned having kids before. It's been brought up a couple of times, most recently these past two years, but the timing was never right. They were always working; whether it be on making an album, working on themselves, and for the longest time, tour was their babies. But now that their 2 year world tours have ended and they've finally had time to go MIA for a couple of months, it didn't feel like a better time.

The couple wasn't setting up a schedule or anything technical to have a baby. Especially since going on their second honeymoon had been occupying their schedule right after touring was done, they decided that baby making would happen naturally. Whenever their baby decided to enter their lives, that would be the perfect time.

YN nods and before she can say the words to verbally confirm, he has her wrapped in his arms. Harry lifts her off the bed and gives her a little twirl.

As quickly as he picked her up, he's on his knees before her and puts a gentle hand on her tummy.

“Hi, bubba,” he says softly. YN beams at the sight, already wiping at the happy tears running down her cheeks. “I'm your daddy, and I love you so so much.”

After placing a gentle kiss on her stomach, he finally takes his wife's face in his hands and kisses her. It isn't rushed or filled with a sexual need. It's soft and filled with so much love and passion.

“We're gonna be parents, baby. You’re gonna make the best momma," he says sincerely, getting more emotional at the thought of holding a mini YN or a mini him in his arms in less than a year from now.

"And you're gonna make the best dad," she hums. He wraps his arms around the tops of her shoulders, pulling her close to him as she cuddles into him. He presses a kiss to her forehead and sniffs back his tears.

"I love you so much."

“i love you, baby. Happy birthday, Harry.”

.

.

taglist:

@ashtongivesmebutterflies @cacapeepee @thurhomish @armystay89

(Let me know if you wanna be added 💚)

[gucciwins]

flirty 30

a/n: happy birthday harry! celebrating his birthday every year is always fun. I saw someone say that harry’s probably receiving a lot of sweet and kind messages because he’s so loved and I had this idea I needed to share. I hope you enjoy!!!!!!

warning: angst, mentions about restraining order, abusive relationship

Y/N☀️

Happy Birthdayyyyyy!!!! You deserve for all your wishes to come true! Hope your 30’s start off flirty!

Ten seconds later, a second text came in.

Y/N☀️

Maybe you think it’s out of the blue, but you’ve been on my mind (always are), and I hope you know, even if we don’t talk. I always hold you close in my heart. 

You deserve the world. I hope you never forget that because you gave me kindness when I thought there was none left. You gave me so much love and support. I couldn’t see my life without you—I still can’t. 

Whether you’re in my life physically or not, you will always be important to me. 

I love you, Harry. Happy Birthday! 

Harry stared at his phone, his eyes filling with tears as he read the message a second and third time. By the time he was starting the message, a fourth time, tears were running down his face. 

Y/N had been his rock. Someone he confided in, someone he could never go a day without talking to, and then suddenly she was gone. 

He had closed himself off from her because he didn’t want to see someone else making her happy. His current girlfriend at the time hated how much attention he gave to Y/N but Y/N was like sunshine to him. She shone brightly, and he needed to be in her path to receive warmth. 

Harry had listened to his ex-girlfriend, and before he could even realize his once bright circle of friends had turned dull and revolved around people he didn’t know. It also hurt him to see Y/N didn’t fight to stay in his life because Harry knew if she said anything, anything at all, about their growing distance, he would have fixed it. 

Now he sits in the morning hours of his birthday, staring at his phone, not sure how to respond. His initial thought was to invite her over and share breakfast with Y/N, but he has morning plans with his Mum and sister. 

Harry doesn’t want to leave her on read. He would hate for Y/N, believe he didn’t care, that he opened the message and had no effect on him. 

Gemma

Birthday boy! Change of plans, we’re bringing breakfast to you. Mum doesn’t want to be out on your big day. 

Harry 

Come right in. I’ll be here. 

He sighed in relief. Gemma would know what to do. He’d ask her how to reply to Y/N. Gemma loved Y/N more than him, something she reminded him of plenty. 

While Harry was preparing the table with plates and glasses. He heard a knock on the door. Harry frowned because he told them to come in. Gemma never liked to knock said it was her right as a sister to barge in. 

He swung his door open, but instead of coming in contact with familiar faces, there was a large bouquet. It was clear someone was holding it, but it was hiding them. Harry looked at the hands wrapped around the bouquet and spotted a familiar Aquarius ring on the person’s index finger. 

“Y/N,” he breathed out.

Harry reached for the flowers, needing to see her. The bouquet fell to his side when Y/N came into view.

She was beautiful. 

Harry missed her warmth. 

“Happy Birthday, Harry!” She greeted.

In the next instant, Harry wrapped her in his arms. He breathed her in, and a significant weight removed itself from his chest as if his heart was saying finally, we’re okay. Harry tried his best to hold back his tears but after months of not having her in his life and the fear that she might never return, there was no way to control it. 

“Poppet, don’t cry.” Y/N squeezed him tighter. “Are you upset I’m here?” 

“Crist, no. This is the best thing to happen,” he assured her. 

“Am I aloud in?” 

Harry laughed, “I’m sorry, yes.” 

He broke their hug but did not stop touching Y/N. Harry guided her in with a hand on her back. “Shit, Mum, and Gemma are coming,” he laughs. “They’re going to be so excited to see you.” 

Y/N tries her best to hide her smile but fails miserably. He can see right through her. “Are you the change of plans?” 

She nods, “Gemma helped orchestrate. Said we were too old to be mopey and stuck with our heads in our ass. On the other hand, Anne promised to come by for lunch.”

“Sounds like them.” 

Harry sets the large bouquet in a vase. He runs his fingers through the purple tulips. He once shared how they were his favorite, and Y/N seemed to be the only one to remember. 

“Do you want breakfast?”

“Do you want to talk?” 

It seemed they both spoke at the same time. While Harry was hungry, he knew a lot was hanging in the air.

“Let’s talk,” he gestures for her to follow him to the patio. 

Y/N loved being out here. He has so much greenery and the plants he’s accumulated. You can see all the love built into the house. Y/N missed their summer night talks where they’d be out here for hours, sometimes long after the sun came up. 

Once they settled down, Harry dropped a blanket over Y/N because he knew she ran cold. He sits next to her, leaving a small space that never existed before what happened to them.

Y/N played with the threads of the blanket, letting out a deep breath. “I guess I’ll start.” She looked up and found Harry giving her an encouraging smile. “After your fall out with Dean, things got bad.” Y/N spits out. “He—fuck, I was so confused. You wouldn’t tell me what you argued about, and Dean swore you egged him on. I knew it wasn’t true, but I was so confused, and you wouldn’t talk to me. He—Dean broke my phone. He’d follow me to work, call every ten minutes, and be outside to pick me up.” Harry felt sick hearing this. “Dad helped me get a restraining order. I moved apartments. I asked for a transfer at work. Everyone was very supportive, but every time I called you. There was no answer. It was endless voicemails. I was tired of trying,” Y/N sighed. “Therapy has been helpful, but ultimately everything was fucked. I even started therapy, for fucks sake.”

“Y/N,” he hooved his hand over her knee, waiting for her cue. After a slight nod, he placed it on top of her. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry you went through that. It feels like my fault, but I’m glad you had help. I’m glad you asked for help.” 

Y/N lets her tears fall. “I was fucking scared. I wished you were there.”

Harry couldn’t stop himself from pulling her into his lap. He hated to see her cry. He hated being one of the reasons she was hurt. Harry wanted to take away all her hurt. 

“I’m sorry. I’m here now,” he promised. “Never going anywhere again.” 

Harry held Y/N close, letting her take her time to cry it out. He’s not sure how long Y/N cried until she spoke up. “I swear I’m doing better.” 

He shakes his head, “I believe you.”

Y/N settles down but makes no move to get off Harry. He quite likes her here. Harry also knows it’s his turn. 

“Simone broke me down. She found out every insecurity and brought it up every chance. It was me laughing. She said it was obnoxious. My clothes were too much, I was begging for attention. My family came over too much. You made her upset. You brought me so much happiness and everything. You were both in the same room, and she realized my attention went to you. Simone pieced something together much quicker than we did, and she managed to break it.” Harry pauses to press a kiss to the top of Y/N’s head. “I know it’s not entirely her fault. I let myself believe everything she told me. I knew they weren’t true, but when your friends stop coming or stop calling, you begin to think maybe she’s right.” 

Y/N nuzzles herself closer as if she can’t believe his words. 

“I had broken up with Simone, but she wouldn’t leave me alone. Gemma had finally had enough and told her she needed to stop or we’d be going to the press.” Harry winced. “I know she’d never do that to me, but it scared Simone. Haven’t seen her since. Not that I would. We got a restraining order.” He trailed off, glad to get that off his chest.

Y/N giggled. “What couple of best friends. We don’t need matching tattoos, just restraining orders.” 

Harry laughed so hard he almost dropped Y/N. To secure herself, she wrapped her hands around his neck. He looked into her eyes and saw his whole future in them. 

Two dumb best friends who finally opened their eyes. 

“20’s fucking sucked then,” Harry complained. 

“Not all of them,” Y/N reminds him. “I’m still 27.” 

She had a few more years to enjoy. 

“Let’s make the most of your final year before you become old like me,” he teased. 

Y/N poked his stomach. “Stop, you’re fine.” 

Harry knew he had to tell her. There was no point in keeping it in. She needed to know. 

“I love you, Y/N. I love you more every single day.” Y/N presses herself closer. “You’re my best friend. You’re the reason the sun shines brighter every day. I’m a fool without you.” Harry smiles when Y/N places her hands on his cheek. “I am in love with you. You’re the reason I get up every day. My reason to smile. The love of my life.” 

Y/N leans forward and kisses him. Harry feels his heart stop, but he kisses her back, pulling her closer. This is Y/N, his best friend. He had waited years for this moment. For years, he thought he’d never get to love or kiss her, but he is sharing the best kiss of his life on his birthday. 

He feels all the yearning leave his body and instead feels all her love pouring into him. Harry knew this kiss would change everything for the better. 

Y/N pulled away, her lips curled in a smile. “I love you, Harry. I love you today. I love you tomorrow. I will love you in every single universe we find ourselves in.” 

Harry kisses her again. It’s the best day of his life. He has an entire life with Y/N to look forward to. 

Y/n pulls away. “Happy Birthday, Harry.”

The happiest birthday, indeed. 

[narrycherries]

call it what you want✨prt2

the kissing may be over, but you can’t seem to let the idea of it happening again go..

masterlist // part 1

word count: 6.2k

warnings/tags: harry x reader, friends to lovers trope, fluff, smut implied/mentioned

As the bedroom door opened, you stretched your arms above your head and yawned. Harry smiled as he noticed how sleepy you looked. He had been cleaning up after dinner, which consisted of takeout food and a movie on the couch. When the movie ended, you told him you were tired and decided to come to bed. You knew he wouldn’t be long. Even if he wasn’t sleepy, he was going to lay down with you.

“Hi.” You mumbled while your legs slipped under the blankets.

“Hi, peach.”

He sat his phone down on his nightstand and watched as you laid down on the bed, yanking the covers up to your chin and nuzzling your head into his pillow - the one he normally sleeps on.. He wasn’t going to make you move, you knew that.

“That medicine must be making you drowsy, hm?”

You nodded. “So sleepy.”

He chuckled lightly and leaned down, his hand pressing into the mattress. “Give me ten minutes.. I’ll be back.”

Your stomach dropped as his lips pressed against your forehead. It wasn’t anything new, he did that a lot, but after what happened earlier between you two.. it felt different.

“Okay.”

“Do you need anything? Water?”

You shook your head, smiling gently as your eyes met his. “M’okay.”

He wasn’t sure if you were just being nice so that he didn’t have to take the time to get what you needed or wanted. You had spent all day complaining about your leg and acting like you were unable to do a thing - and of course he took care of you. He knew sometimes you got upset with yourself for how you allowed him to cater to you, so he assumed you were doing that now.

“Promise.” You whispered after a long moment of him just staring at you.

“Alright.” He finally said. “I’ll be back in a few.”

Just as he promised, he was only gone a handful of minutes. While you waited for him, you laid there with your eyes closed. You weren’t intending to fall asleep just yet, but you were lost in your thoughts. Harry didn’t bring up the whole kissing thing at any point after it ended earlier - but it was constantly on your mind. Your heart fluttered as you replayed the nearly ten extra minutes of kissing that occurred after he assured you everything would be okay. It wasn’t too extreme - gentle touches and soft laughs - but it meant the world to you. Despite what he told you, it was important that you reminded yourself that just because he kissed you, doesn’t mean he’s wanting anything serious. He implied that he would do it again, whenever you wanted - and that’s all. Or well, that’s how you took it.

Your eyes opened as you heard him come into the room. You looked towards his dresser, knowing he would be finding some pajama pants to put on. And there he was, his back was damp as water droplets still lingered on his skin. You bit down on your cheek while you watched him get into a pair of pants. It wasn’t unusual for him to be in his underwear around you, but like always he was facing away from you so he wasn’t forcing you to look at his crotch. You noticed that his hair wasn’t wet, so you figured he didn’t want to have to deal with drying it. Well, he didn’t want to waste time.. he had promised you he’d only be gone for a few minutes.

“You didn’t have to come to bed so early.” You said in a soft voice as he walked to the other side of the bed.

He flicked the lamp on, then went across the room to turn off the light. “Tired of me?” He teased with a smirk.

Your eyes rolled as he took his phone from the nightstand beside you and walked around the bed. He put it on the charger as he sat down. You felt the dip in the bed, a reminder that he was going to be next to you soon. You couldn’t help but to watch the muscles in his back shift and contort as he moved his arms, messing with his phone and the half full bottle of water on his nightstand.

“M’cold, Harry.”

He smiled to himself. “I’m coming, I’m coming.”

You let out a sigh of relief as he laid his phone down and finally got beneath the covers. He moved next to you, chuckling as you quickly turned onto your side facing him. He got close, but kept a distance like always. It wasn’t much, but it existed.

“God, you’re like a heater.” You said through a heavy exhale as you felt his warmth engulf you. Even though he wasn’t directly against you or touching you, his skin radiated off so much heat.

“You’re practically shaking, peach.”

“I’ll get warm soon.. doesn’t take long.”

He hummed lightly as he stuck his arm under his pillow. “Let me know if you need anything, okay?”

You gave him a smile. “I will.”

He went quiet for a little bit, but he was still paying attention to you. Your eyes were closed and you were trying to fall asleep, but you were still cold. Harry sighed and reached over to rest his hand on your waist. You smiled softly as you felt his warm skin.

“Lovey, do you want me a bit closer? You’re freezing.”

“Just a little, yeah.” You whispered back, your eyes still closed.

Harry moved over, his body just an inch shy of being against yours. This was normal for you, but after what happened earlier, everything felt so intense.

“Goodnight, peach.”

You curled your arms against your chest, and they were pressed against his due to your closeness. “G’night, Harry.”

——

While you slept, your mind was racing around with thoughts about Harry. You couldn’t help but think about the memories you had made with him. You even dreamed about the time he went bowling with you and your family two years ago.

You hated bowling more than anything. You weren’t good at it and you always had to beg your dad to ask the workers to put the rails up for you, even at 20 years old. Harry was teasing you about the rails, as was your brother, and you were very annoyed. Harry usually chose to be a little mean to you when he was around Austin. He never did anything that actually hurt your feelings, though.

“How are you missing so many pins with the damn rails?” Austin said with a laugh as you walked back to the bench and plopped down next to your mom.

“Family bowling night should’ve stopped when I turned eighteen.”

“Don’t be such a sore player, sweetheart.” She said, nudging you with her elbow.

“It’s tradition.” Harry said with a chuckle as he grabbed a ball and walked towards the lane.

“Everyone’s good at it but me.” You huffed while watching him roll a perfect strike.

“You’re such a cry baby.”

“Austin, act your age.” Your dad said with a stern look as he approached you, he went to grab a drink.

“Dad.. can you go for me?”

“No. You’re gonna play like the rest of us.” He shook his head and took his ball since it was his turn.

Harry sat down beside you, his hand hitting the side of your thigh to get your attention. “Why are you so upset?”

You huffed. “M’not.”

“You definitely are.”

“Harry, leave me alone.”

Austin overheard you, and he took the chance to mess with you. “She’s just a sore loser. She gets so mad when she loses.”

“No, I’m not!” You whined like a child. “I hate this game, it’s not fun. I don’t care about winning.”

“Austin.” Your mom gave him a sigh as she got up to play her turn.

“It’s the truth.”

“No it isn’t.” You crossed your arms over your chest and exhaled slowly.

Austin was up next, which meant he was distracted and not bothering you. Harry leaned closer to you, his shoulder against yours.

“Don’t get worked up over this. You’ll get upset.”

You shrugged. “Doesn’t matter.”

“Do you want me to show you-“

“No, Harry, I don’t.” You turned your head to look at him. You were irritated and he could tell. “I don’t care about bowling.”

He gave you a subtle frown. “Just try to have fun, okay?”

“This isn’t fun to me.”

He sighed as your mom called for you to take your turn. “Just try.”

You got up, not excited at all, and grabbed a random ball. You carelessly lined up with the pins and rolled the bowl down the lane. Of course, it curved to the left and rolled against the railing until it got to the end and only knocked over two pins. Austin was laughing while your dad was telling him to behave. Your mom was shaking her head in disbelief at your lack of effort. And Harry, well, he sighed and walked up behind you. He grabbed your elbow, stopping you from throwing the ball.

“Look, move over just a bit.” He tapped your waist on the right side and you did as he said, despite not wanting to.

“Look at the pins.. find the center of them.” He said as he pointed so that you could see where his finger lined up.

“Harry, I don’t-“

“Shhh.” He lowered his hand and touched your elbow. “Bring your arm back.”

You followed his instructions, moving your arm back as his hand stayed on your elbow. “This isn’t gonna work.”

“Just move your arm fast and drop the ball. Lean just a little.” His voice lowered. “Don’t overthink it, lovey.”

Harry stepped back to give you some space. You did as he told you to and watched the ball roll down the lane. You huffed, tears threatening to spill down your cheeks as you watched the ball curve away from the pins and miss every one of them.

“I’m fucking done.” You mumbled to yourself, but he heard you.

You walked to the bench and quickly got rid of the bowling shoes. Your mother was asking you to stay and have fun, while your dad was trying to console you. Harry just watched as you put your shoes on and grabbed your purse. You headed towards the arcade, the idea of bowling any longer was about to make you vomit. You were so anxious and overwhelmed, you just needed time alone.

When you entered the arcade area, you pushed out a sigh of relief and headed to the claw machine. You were decently good at lining up the claw with a prize, so you were glad to be doing something you actually enjoyed. You swiped the arcade game card and rolled in your lips as you started moving the claw. You didn’t know what was going on by the bowling lane, and you didn’t care - but Harry was telling your Mom how you were probably just overwhelmed from all the unwanted attention. Your family finished out the game, Harry rolled for you. And once that game was over, they started a new one without adding your name. You wouldn’t have cared if you knew. The only reason you were here was because this was something your parents wanted to do every six months - and they had been doing it since you were eight. In all these years, you’ve never learned how to bowl right.

You were incredibly tense and annoyed as you stared at the empty claw lifting up. There was no way you were going to suck at this, too. This is your thing, your favorite game to do anywhere. You huffed, but tried again. When you failed, you threw your head back and groaned. The desire to scream your lungs out was there, but you remembered you were in public and had to at least act like you had some composure.

The thing you weren’t aware of as you started a new round on the machine was that Harry had opted out of the game to go grab something to eat. However, he actually wasn’t hungry. His intentions were to find you and talk to you, maybe calm you down or make you smile. He walked into the arcade, his hands in his pockets as he looked around, while trying to find the back of your head in the crowd of people, mostly kids running around. He looked towards the claw machines and saw you. He smiled gently as you balled up your fists and let your head fall back again. You didn’t notice anyone coming up behind you, so when he appeared at your side and lifted his arm to rest it against the edge of the machine, you jumped.

“Harry.” You huffed lightly. “Why aren’t you playing?”

He shrugged. “I figured I could.. come see what you were up to.”

“Clearly sucking at everything.” You said, gesturing to the empty claw coming up from the sea of prizes.

His deep chuckle made your heart skip a beat, but you knew it wasn’t him making fun of you. Now, if it had been Austin here instead of Harry, then you’d be getting practically bullied.

“I think you’re just stressed, hm? You’re good at these.” He nodded towards the machine.

“Guess I have bad luck or something.” You let out a deep breath, you had a funny feeling in your stomach and you weren’t sure what was going on.

Harry stayed quiet and watched as you did another round of the game. He saw that you were going after a purple stuffed dog that was sort of stuck in between two other stuffed animals. His eyes moved to watch your face after the claw grabbed the dog, but left it in its spot.

“Do you want me to try?” He asked, taking a step closer to you and the control panel.

“Sure.” You mumbled back, moving over to let him take your spot. “If you get it.. I’m gonna scream.”

Harry laughed a little and shook his head. “No need to scream.”

You watched closely as he began to move the claw to the spot you had been going to this entire time. He peeked around the side of the machine, lining up the claw perfectly with the dog. He dropped the claw, but to your actual surprise, he didn’t get it.

“Maybe it’s the stupid dog.” You groaned, leaning close to him so you could swipe your game card.

“Want to try for something else?” He asked, despite knowing you really wanted that purple dog. He could just tell by how intense you were staring at it and how upset you were that you kept missing it.

You looked around at the other prizes, but nothing piqued your interests. Without hesitating, you looked up at him and caught his stare. He gave you a smile and lifted his brows, silently waiting for your answer. Your lips turned to a slight frown and you shook your head.

“I really want it.” You said almost in a whisper. “It’s super cute.”

That’s all he needed to hear. He started the next round and focused strictly on getting that damn purple dog for you. You were standing next to him, your body brushing his as you stared at the claw while he moved it. You felt a bit of hope as he dropped the claw and it grabbed the dog. It shocked you when the dog lifted from its spot. However, the joy didn’t last long. The claw was shaking and the dog was hardly hanging on. It fell before Harry could get it to move any closer to the prize drop.

“Are you serious?” You muttered, sadness spreading over your face.

Harry noticed your mood instantly and he gently touched the small of your back. “Hey, let’s keep trying, yeah?”

You nodded gently, biting your cheek as his hand fell down. You wanted it to stay there forever. The mission of getting the dog came back to your focus and you watched Harry. He was determined to win you the stuffed animal, no matter how long it took him. He was already considering buying another game card. But for now, he focused on the task at hand and tried his absolute best. Harry hated seeing you so upset. And it might be childish to some people, but he could tell you really wanted that dog. You had a mild obsession with cute things, especially stuffed animals. He wanted you to have it, no matter what it took.

“This might be it.” He said with hope as he dropped the claw and it grabbed onto the dog.

You gasped, your hands quickly wrapped around Harry’s elbow as you watched the dog move closer and closer to the hole. You squealed as he pressed the button and the dog dropped. He just stood there smiling, his eyes on you. Your mood had completely changed and you had your usual spark and joy back. You let him go to grab the dog from behind the small door.

“Oh my god!” You happily said, squeezing your hand tight around the stuffed animal.

Harry was chuckling, amused by your reaction and quite glad that it didn’t take forever to win the dog. Not that he wouldn’t have tried forever, but because he knew waiting any longer was going to kill you.

“Harry!” You realized the amazing deed he had done for you. Your arms flew around his neck and he automatically wrapped his around your body in return. He felt the dog hitting the back of his head as you jumped in his arms. “Thank you! You’re the best!”

“You’re welcome, lovey.” He said next to your ear.

When your celebratory hug was over, Harry insisted that you go sit with him for a bit so he could talk to you. Even though you knew what was coming, you agreed to it and followed him towards the front lobby of the building that separated the arcade and bowling lanes.

He sat down on a bench by the window and you sat right next to him, of course. He smiled as he watched you sit the dog on your lap, fixing its leg so that it was perfect. After a couple of silent moments, Harry nudged your shoulder with his. You did it back, realizing how close you were to him.

“Tell me what’s going on? You’re never this.. irritated.” He said with a gentle sigh, wishing it was easier to get answers out of you sometimes. You were a bit stubborn.

You shrugged, doing what he knew you’d do. “I dunno.”

“You know.” He said as he rested his hands on his lap and kept his head turned towards you.

You could feel his stare on the side of your face, but you kept your eyes down to the floor and fiddled with the dog’s ears to keep your hands occupied. He sat there, thinking about the things that could cause you to be this way, but he was coming up short. Even though your brother was constantly annoying you, it was nothing really new to you. So he assumed that wasn’t it. Your parents weren’t doing anything specific, so they weren't to blame.

“Are you.. upset.. because of tomorrow? How.. I had to change our plans?” He asked, slightly nervous to hear your answer.

You were supposed to have lunch with him because he’s been so busy with his classes lately, you haven’t had the chance to spend time alone with him. Sure, you’ve seen him a lot.. but your group of friends were always there. It was larger gatherings planned by other people, not little fun plans that you liked to make with him. He forgot he had already promised the guys of the group that he’d be over to watch a game with them. None of the other girls were going, so you didn’t want to intrude.

“I mean.. I wish we were doing that.. instead of.. bowling.” You finally spoke back, the corner of your mouth lifting just slightly as you thought about it.

“I know you were looking forward to tomorrow.. and I’m sorry. I really am. But.. we were supposed to have fun tonight, remember? You’re sad.. and I don’t like that.”

Your heart skipped a beat as Harry reached over and took your hand off of the dog. He laced his fingers with yours and gave you a comforting squeeze. This was nothing new, but each time it occurred your stomach would erupt with butterflies and your mind would go dizzy. It was just a friendly gesture, you had to remind yourself..

“I don’t like it when you’re sad, sweetheart.”

“I know.” You whined back, moving your other hand so that it was resting on his wrist. “This is all so stupid. I… I didn’t want.. you to come.”

Harry gulped quietly, a worry filling his stomach as he watched you. Your eyes were staring at your joined hands, and your mind was trying so hard to keep up with the conversation and not drift off to places it didn’t need to be.

“I’m sorry. By.. by the way your mom told me.. I.. thought you wanted me to.”

You huffed, immediately turning to look at him. Your eyes were watering and he felt his heart sink. Why were you upset? He was so confused. He licked his lips and leaned a little closer to you. Before he could say anything else, you spoke.

“It’s not that I don’t want you here.. I knew I’d suck at this stupid game.. and it’s em-embarrassing.”

“Lovey-“

“I don’t wanna look stupid. That’s why I.. I n-never go bowling when everyone wants to go.. but m’forced to do this.. and I didn’t want you-you to see me.. be such a loser.” Your voice was so soft and broken, and he hated that so much.

“Hey, hey.” He let go of your hand so he could turn to face you. A whimper left your mouth as you felt his skin rip away from yours. He quickly mended that by putting his big hand on your jaw, his thumb rubbing across your cheek. “Don’t cry over this.”

“I can’t help it!” Tears began slipping down your cheeks.

Harry shook his head as he shushed you, trying his hardest to calm you down. “It’s okay to not be good at everything, darling. You’re supposed to be having fun, yeah? It’s just a game.”

Your eyes widened a little as a new pet name slipped past his lips. He said it so easily that it felt so natural to hear it. You shook your head and coiled your hand around his wrist. He didn’t allow you to pull his hand down, he wasn’t done consoling you yet.

“Don’t you remember all those board game nights when you completely dominated? You’re a pro at those. You beat me in every board game we’ve ever done. It’s alright to not be good at something.. especially when you’re great at so many other things.”

“I’m.. embarrassed.”

“I know, i know. But you don’t have to be. I would never make fun of you or make you feel useless. You know I care about you. I’d never want to hurt your feelings.” Harry used his other hand to sweep your hair out of your face and over your shoulder.

“We.. we hardly get to hang out.. and I.. I didn’t wanna be.. picked on and embarrassed during the only time I see you.” Your words broke his heart.

He never wanted you to feel like you were alone or abandoned, but to him it seemed that’s what he’s done to you. Sure, his classes were getting more difficult and he needed to study more, but he could do that while you were over. You always fall asleep on his comfy couch, he could just use that time to study or do assignments.. He was making excuses for himself and he was neglecting you in the process. You weren’t as close to anyone else in the group as you were to him, and he knew that. He knew you needed him.. and he definitely needed you.

“You know what.. We will be having lunch tomorrow. You can come over after and we’ll watch a movie or something.” He said with a smile.

You frowned. “Harry, the guys-“

He shook his head. “I don’t care. I promised you.. I didn’t promise them.”

You took a second to think about this, but then you grunted. “But they had those plans made.”

Harry leaned his face closer to yours, his pretty eyes locked on yours. “But I didn’t promise them.. I promised you.”

——

A small whimper left your mouth as you began to wake up. You could feel Harry’s arm draped over your body, his hand tucked against your stomach. The sun was peeking in through the blinds, lighting up his room and making your eyes sensitive as you slowly opened them. He wasn’t snoring or grunting like he did whenever he slept, so you assumed he was awake or just dozing off.

You shifted slightly, your leg was beginning to ache. He realized you were awake when you started slowly rubbing your index finger against his hand. He gave you a little squeeze.

“Been wonderin’ when you’d wake up.” He mumbled behind you, his voice deep as it rolled through the quiet space.

“What time s’it?” You muttered back, too lazy to move over and grab your phone.

“About ten.”

Harry slid his hand to your waist and gave you a gentle pat before rolling onto his back, his arm falling from your body completely. You resisted the huff you wanted to blow out. You had to remind yourself, like always, he’s just your friend. He had no obligation to touch you or hold you or anything. Just your friend..

“Wan’ me to make breakfast?” He asked through a yawn, his arms stretching above his head as he sat up on the side of the bed.

“Please.” You moved onto your back and turned your head on the comfy pillow to watch him.

“What do you want?” He sat there for a few minutes, checking his phone as he waited for you to answer him.

“Eggs.. do you have any pancake mix?” You watched his skin move over his muscles as his arm moved to lay his phone on the nightstand.

He stood up, turning to face you. “Sure do. I got some blueberries in the fridge.. want some of those in them?”

You grinned. “Yes! Duh!”

He always bought blueberries because he knows you love them, whether they’re tossed in muffin mix or pancake batter or eating straight from the container. “I’ll get to that. That all?”

“Mhm.” You gave him a sweet smile. “You’re the best.”

“I know.” His eye dropped to a wink, making you flush a bit.

He walked to the door, you watched him get further and further away. You wished he could have stayed a bit longer next to you, but there was no telling how long he’d been awake. He said he was waiting on you, so you felt sorta bad at the thought of making him stay in the bed even longer. He was a morning person, you weren’t.

Harry stopped in the doorway and turned your way. “How’s your leg?” His brows dropped.

“It’s a bit sore.. but much better.” You told him, playing down the ache that was throbbing in your leg. He had done so much for you already, why would you want him to do more? It was just too much..

“Alright, if you say so, peach.”

Harry spent a little while preparing breakfast for you. Once he was finished, he made you a plate and came into the bedroom to get you. You had gone back to sleep, which didn’t surprise him. If there was anything you were a fan of, it was sleeping in.

He shook your shoulder while leaning down to talk to you. “Wake up, sweetheart. The food’s done.”

You grunted back, your hand blindly searching for his. He let you take it, and chuckled as you tugged on him.

“Gotta get up.”

“Get back in here.. m’cold.”

“C’mon, let’s go eat. You’ve slept long enough.” He kissed your temple, but didn’t let up on his efforts. His voice got a bit louder. “C’mon.”

“Okay, okay, okay.” You whined back, letting go of his hand and gently pushing him away.

He chuckled while you threw the covers back and stretched your arms. He didn’t want to nag you too much, so he left the bedroom and went to the kitchen. Of course he had prepared your plate like always, he just needed to gather your utensils and get you a glass of ice water.

When you strolled into the kitchen, your mouth opened in a yawn, you instantly smelled the food and your stomach growled. You sat down at the small table in front of the plate you knew was yours, and picked up the fork.

“This looks amazing.” You said as he appeared next to you, sitting the glass on the table.

“Hope you like it.” He gently brushed his fingertips against your arm before turning away.

There were a few thoughts circling your mind as you started to dig into the food he made for you. It was delicious as always, he’s very good in the kitchen, but you were distracted. And, that distraction was causing you to chew very slowly. Once Harry sat down across from you and began eating, he took notice of your weird behavior. He didn’t say anything at first, figuring maybe you were just still waking up and gaining energy. But, the longer you kept staring at the table with a blank expression, the more concerned he became.

“Everything alright?” He asked quietly, glancing up at you before cutting into his pancake with the side of the fork. The scrapping sound of the metal on the plate caught your attention.

“Hm?”

He lifted his brow slightly. “Is everything alright? You seem.. a little lost in thought.”

You quickly tried to come up with something to say. “Um, just.. eating.”

Harry knew you entirely too well to believe that. He licked his lips and took a sip of his water, his eyes never leaving your face. You were picking at the pieces of pancake you had left on your plate, debating on whether to eat them. You could feel his stare, but you hoped he would just let it go.

“Y’know you can tell me anything, peach.”

“I know that.” You mumbled back almost instantly.

He sighed. “Is the food not good?”

“No, it’s great. It’s.. not.. the food.”

He sat there in silence for a minute, just watching as you slowly drug the prongs of the fork against a piece of pancake. Sometimes, he wished you’d just be completely open with him. But he had to keep in mind that you weren’t really the kind of person to just vent when something was on your mind. You took your time with your own thoughts and only said something if you really needed someone’s input. Right now, he wasn’t sure what you were going to do next.

“Did I do something?”

You gently sat the fork down on the table and pushed the plate away, deciding you were finished eating now. When your head lifted and your eyes met his, you immediately felt your heart sink. He looked scared, almost like he feared to know what your answer was going to be. You shook your head, not wanting him to have those thoughts.

“M’just.. thinking about.. going home.”

Harry furrowed his brows, slightly confused. “What do you mean?”

Of course this wasn’t exactly what was occupying your thoughts, but it was one of the things. It just wasn’t driving you as crazy as something else.. But you opted to go with this instead, to make it easier on yourself.

“Um, I don’t.. really wanna go home today. I kinda wanna.. stay with you again.”

He let out a breath and cracked a smile. “You’re so silly. Of course you can stay, I don’t mind.”

You felt your cheeks fire up, so you looked down to try and hide it. “Okay.. if you don’t mind, I.. I really want to.”

“When I have ever told you that you can’t stay, hm?” His foot moved underneath the table to rub against yours, making you laugh a little.

“Never.”

“Never ever. And I’ll never say that.” He kept the grin on his face and it made you feel a bit better. At least now you knew he wasn’t worried about you.

“My leg is really sore and.. I don’t wanna be alone.”

He chuckled. “You mean.. you want me to take care of you, hm?”

You rolled your eyes and shaped your lips into a smile. “You’re so mean to me.”

“You know I don’t mind doing that either.”

You didn’t say anything, just gave him a soft laugh and stood up with your dishes in your hands. He watched you walk across the small kitchen and scoop your leftovers into the trash bin. When you cut on the water, he made a face you couldn’t see.

���Washing the dishes? You don’t have to do that, peach.”

“Just doing mine for now.. don’t want you to have to do everything.”

He just shook his head in disbelief and smiled. Usually he did all the work, not because you were lazy or you forced him to - but because he truly wanted to. He didn’t want you to have to lift a finger at his place, no matter what the circumstances were.

Once Harry had finished eating and cleaned up from cooking, he told you that he needed to run to get some groceries for the week. You were thrilled to tag along, of course. The entire time you were in the store, you were walking right next to him, your hand mindlessly holding onto his elbow. He didn’t like for you to be too far from him, his anxiety regarding your well being would always spike. You kept your curious eyes tamed and tried to fight the urge to run off and look at something.

He was letting you push the cart as he grabbed the things he needed. You would only let go of his arm whenever he needed to step away to get an item. He’d come right back to your side and you’d return your touch. You were holding his list in your other hand, it was slightly crumpled from hitting the cart.

“I wrote down fruits, right?” Harry said as you turned into the produce section.

You glanced down at the paper and read over his jotted words. “Mhm. Green apples, grapes, bananas, and one grapefruit.”

He nodded, but didn’t verbally reply. As the cart wheels squeaked and the music playing from the speakers in the ceiling was starting to fade from your focus, you bit down on your cheek and let your mind wonder off.

Harry left your side to pick out the fruits he wanted, leaving you to your thoughts - which, right now, wasn’t a good thing. All you could seem to focus on was the fact that he had kissed you for so long. It felt like it happened an eternity ago, it was so surreal for you. Without even realizing, you were gently rubbing your thumb against your bottom lip, the memories of his gentle pecks and soft touches of his tongue were making butterflies storm in your stomach. You wanted it to happen again, wanted it so bad. Wanted him to—

“Alright, got those.” Harry’s mumble made your head snap up and your hand fall from your face. “Is that everything?”

You stared at him for a second, trying to composure your sanity. Eventually, your eyes moved to read over the list again and you gave him a quick nod after glancing in the cart.

“That’s it.”

Despite trying to appear like you were completely fine, your palms were starting to sweat and your stomach was aching. All you could think about was kissing him again. How would you even ask him to? Would he be upset if you did so soon? What if he wanted to and he just didn’t want to ask you first? Similar thoughts kept racing through your mind, circling and spinning as fast as they could - making you feel nauseous.

“Ready to go?” He asked with a smile, nodding his head towards the front of the store.

You gulped softly. “Yep.”

[a/n: please keep in mind that this series will have several flashback/memory type of sections so don’t be confused! I will do my absolute best to make sure I clarify in the writing when a flashback moment is happening]

[didhewinkback]

thirty, flirty and thriving

a something old blurb for the birthday boy. 2 and a half months late but who's counting

word count: essentially 3k, warnings: none

---

He can feel tears prick his eyes the second they all start in on the song. All of his favorite people in one place, just for him, gathered around the cake you’re holding up. Suppose he’s someone who cries at birthdays now. 

He’s just…bloody overwhelmed. Perhaps it’s all the tequila flowing through his veins but it feels like more than that. Thinking about how you somehow managed to surprise him with all these people to celebrate his birthday, that his friends - some of whom he hasn’t spoken to in ages, ranging from the lads from school to the friends he made in LA when he was 22 - all made the trek to London to be with him tonight. How he’s often the youngest in his group of friends and how it feels like just yesterday that meant being 19 in a group of 30 year olds and now it's being 30 in a group of friends on the other side of 40. 

He’s fucking thirty. 

It should send him into a spiral about where the time has gone and how it went by so bloody quick but right now, he’s just grateful for where it’s landed him. Right here. Surrounded by his favorite people on the planet, his arm wrapped around the shoulders of the woman he’s going to marry, his best friend in the entire world. Ten years ago, he was getting monstrously drunk at a club with Grimmy and their mates, feeling both on top of the world and more alone than ever in ways only an incredibly famous 20 year old can. But here and now, he feels settled. He feels good. Like he’s lived a thousand lifetimes but also like he’s just getting started. 

“....happppy birthday to yOouUuUou” everyone sings, all eyes on him as they wait for him to blow out the candles. He places his palm to his chest, trying to lock eyes with as many people as humanly possible, trying to say thank you with a look, doesn’t want to do a speech, not now. He just loves these people, he loves this life, he loves his birthday and –

He feels an elbow in his side and looks over at you, your face aglow from the absurd amount of candles you’ve squeezed onto the cake - he’s 30, not 87, thanks - your eyebrows raised in expectation. 

“Cake’s fucking heavy, mate” you say and he throws his head back in laughter, smacking a kiss to your head before looking back out at the party. 

“Sorry - know the wax ‘s getting everywhere, but just wanted to say -” he says, taking a deep breath, vision blurring a bit. “‘M so lucky and feel so grateful to you all for being here. Thank you’s never going to be enough. But you’ve all made me into the man I am today ‘nd I wouldn’t be me without you. So thank you and I love you, I love you, I love you.”

And with that, he takes a deep breath, squeezing you close and making a wish, wishing for every birthday to feel just like this, for the ability to make everyone in this room feel like they’re making him feel now as he blows all the candles out in one swoop. The party erupts in cheers and whoops and he barely has time to press another kiss to your cheek before he’s pulled back into the fray, bombarded with an endless stream of hugs, kisses, people rubbing his head and pressing glasses of tequila into his hand. He just feels like he could burst, is the thing. A room full of people who know him and love him and don’t want or need anything from him, just want to celebrate him for who he is. They’ve turned the music back on and he sways his hips and stomps his feet as he knocks back another glass, letting the beats wash over him as he gets lost in the crowd of friends.

It’s later, he’s tucked in a booth with the lads as he takes in the room around him, though it’s spinning a bit more than it was before. Tom’s got his arm around him and is telling the 18th embarrassing anecdote of the night, trying in vain to bury the fact that just moments ago he got a bit teary when he spoke about the first time they met. And that’s when he sees you across the way, laughing about something with Johnny. His eyes trace the line of your neck as you tilt your head back, the curve of your jaw, and then, as if you can sense him, your eyes lock with his. 

It never gets old, this. It feels like electric currents are buzzing through his system when you smile at him, that just for him smile,  as he tilts his head towards the doors leading out back, once, twice, three times, topping it off with a dramatic roll of his neck until you’re smirking, already making your way up to stand. He taps Tom on the thigh before sliding out of the booth and making his way over to where you’re waiting by the doors, instantly wrapping his arm around your waist and burying his face into your hair, breathing you in as the two of you duck outside. 

It’s cold, but the heaters and fire pits around the patio help and he wraps himself around your back, matching you step for step as you head over to the corner railings, away from any prying eyes. You lean against the railing, looking up at the night sky, what you can make of it from the city lights. He wraps his arms tighter around you, nuzzling his face into your neck. 

“Y’ cold?” he asks and you’re shaking your head but he feels you shiver against him and that’s all the answer he needs, already pulling his suit jacket off despite your protests, and holding it out for you to put it on. “C’mon, ‘s my birthday wish.”

You shake your head and snort, sliding your arms into the jacket and turning around, wrapping your arms around his waist as you smile up at him. He shuffles you a bit closer to the heater, pressing a kiss to your cheek, brushing his knuckle along your jaw.

“Good birthday?” you ask softly and he’s already nodding, can’t believe you’re even asking.

“The best,” he says, “Can’t believe you did all this.”

“You really had no idea?”

“Surprised the shit out of me.” he says. “Y’ always get stressed when we’re running late for dinner so that’s the only reason I thought y’ were being jumpy.”

“Oiii–” you say, slapping him lightly as you laugh. “Not my fault you took ages to get ready. Man’s early for everything but the second you tell him what time to meet at a restaurant, he moves in bloody slo mo.”

“Heeey.” he whines, but there’s no heat behind it, pulling you closer and laughing when you do.

He can hear the party raging on from out here and he still just can’t wrap his mind around it. That he’s 30. That he’s gotten to live the life he has over the last ten years and he has all those people in there to thank. He’s bowled over, the love in that room radiating through his every pore. Not sure he ever knew he could be this loved. 

He can feel your eyes on him and knows you’re letting him gather his thoughts, content to just stand there and patiently wait until he’s ready. Letting him do what he needs to do. Never pushing, or prying. Just knowing him. And loving him. And there’s just something about that, isn’t there?

“‘M just like…” he starts to say, stopping himself when he feels emotion clog his throat. “I cried 10 times already. Bloody Cal is here.”

“Easiest party planning of my life,” you say back softly, tightening your arms around him. “Everyone said yes immediately, they were so excited to celebrate you. Everyone in there really, really loves you.” 

His breath gets caught in his throat at that, blinking back the tears that seem to permanently reside in his eyes tonight. He rests his hand along the side of your face, dragging his thumb along your jaw. Not sure what he did to get nights like this, to get you looking at him like that. He’s so, so lucky.

“I really, really love you.” you say softly and he just - he can’t explain the noise that escapes him as he crashes his lips against yours, tightening his grip on your jaw as he kisses you the way he’s been thinking about all night. You sigh against his lips as he pulls you impossibly closer to him, lips not daring to leave yours for a second, kissing you over and over again. 

He could stand here forever, kissing you like this, but he has to breathe, eventually. He pulls back slowly, kissing along your jaw, cheek, temple before burying his head into your neck. You slide your arms up his back, hugging him around the neck and pulling him close, your hand coming up to rest at the nape of his neck, scratching at the short hairs there. You just stand there for a minute, wrapped up in each other and this may just be his favorite part of the night. There’s something about knowing he’ll always have this. Your arms to fall into. And that’s the greatest birthday present a lad could ask for.

“Thank you so much for all this,” he mumbles into your ear. “Best birthday ever. Proper birthday.”

His heart skips a beat when he hears your delighted laugh, pulling back to get a glimpse of your face, the way your eyes are glowing as they stare back at him.

“I can’t believe you remember that.” you say with a laugh. “You were pissed and burning your mouth on a cheese toastie almost a decade ago when you said that.”

“Mmm, a cheese toastie,” he says, giggling at your eye roll. “Course I remember it. Think it every year. ‘S not a proper birthday unless you’re there. I love you so, so much.”

“Thanks for being born,” you say softly, leaning into his touch. “Greatest thing to ever happen to me. You.”

“Baby - ” he breathes out, but can feel emotion clogging his throat again, trying in vain to blink away the tears your words made spring to his eyes. His thumb brushes over your cheekbone, hand shaking not just from the cold. A lifetime of knowing you and you still make him weak at the knees. 

“Y’ make every day feel like my birthday, y’ know that?” he says softly, feeling like he’s found the right words for the first time tonight. “This party ‘nd this night is incredible. But nothing - nothing - compares to getting to go home with you every night. Greatest gift I ever got.”

He can see the words hit you, the deep breath you take as your eyes rake over his features, smile twitching at your lips as you look at him with such love in your eyes he feels his heart skip a beat. You’re looking at him like you always look at him, really, really seeing him with nothing but utter love in your eyes. God. There aren’t words for that, are there? 

You pull him in, kissing him hard, like you’re trying to pour every ounce of love from your mouth to his and he’s more than happy to drink it up. Drink you up. Drink you in. His favorite taste, his favorite mouth, his favorite person on his favorite day.

His hands squeeze you tighter, living for the way you lean into his touch as it rakes down your back, settling on your bum. He could lose himself in this, in you. But you both seem to become aware of your environment at the same time, deep kisses slowing into gentle pecks before you drag your lips up his jaw, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek as you pull him close, hugging him tightly. His arms wrap around your waist as he sinks into your hold. He nuzzles his head into your neck, breathing you in, as he slowly sways the two of you, the party mere background noise to the sounds of your steady breathing, the feel of your hands carding through his short hair. 

It’s a while before he moves, slowly, begrudgingly, pressing a kiss to your neck and tightening his arms around you before mumbling, “I’ve got a crazy idea,” into your skin. 

He lifts his head to look at your face, can see your eyes twinkling, already bracing yourself for what he’s about to say, already in on the joke. It’s a bit he’s been doing every few weeks at this point, ever since you set the date. 

“Oh yeah, what’s that?” you ask, unable to stop the smile growing on your face as you slide your arms down his shoulders, resting your hands on his biceps. 

“Was thinking - since y’ did such a good job planning this party… what do y’ say we throw another one? Like, end of June maybe? Right after your birthday?” he says, pretending to actually mull over those dates, trying to remain deadly serious while your lips twitch into a smile.

“Hmm. I think I could be down for that.” 

“Yeah? Same guest list, bit more of your friends. Some family maybe. Could do it in Italy, near the house.” he says, trying to keep up the bit but the reality of what he’s saying is catching up to him, the familiar tears making an appearance again as he chokes out his next words. “Y’ could wear white.”

“And you could wear a suit.” you say softly, eyes never wavering from his. “Maybe get a new ring.”

“Yeah. You’d like that?” he asks, bringing his hand up to your face when you nod. “You wanna marry me, baby?”

“I really, really do.” you say, the look in your eyes making his heart beat out of his chest.

“Four months,” he says quietly, almost in disbelief of his luck, his life. “You’re gonna be my wife in four months.” 

He can’t tell who moves in first after that, both of you clutching on for dear life as you just about snog the living daylights out of each other. He’s never wanted to ditch a party more in his life. Just wants you, your bedroom, and several hours to even begin to express all he’s feeling right now, all he wants. It’s you, it’s you, it’s you. 

You softly moan into his mouth and he just about loses his mind, thinking about he’ll have a lifetime of getting that sound out of you, just for him. He pulls you impossibly closer as he drags his tongue over yours, keeping your jaw in a tight grip. He could die here, actually. He’d die a happy man, being slowly taken apart by your mouth. 

“Oiii!!!” Johnny’s voice through the open door has the two of you springing apart in shock, though he doesn’t let you get far, burying his head in your neck as he moves his hand off your jaw to flip Johnny off. 

“If you’re both done rubbing against each other out here –”

“Oh grow up, Johnny!” you shout at the same time Harry lets out a “You wish!” that has you smacking him against the head as he laughs.

“The Holmes Chapel lot did promise Hometown Hero over there a birthday shot.” he slurs and Harry begrudgingly pulls away from you to twist towards the doors, pulling your back into his chest as you both face Johnny, his hands resting on your shoulders. “And we’ve been waiting bloody ages –”

“So bloody dramatic,” you huff and Harry laughs, pressing a kiss to the back of your head. 

“We’ll be right in,” he says watching as Johnny rolls his eyes, holding up a hand to indicate “you’ve got one minute”, as he turns back inside and closes the door behind him. 

“Suppose we better go in,” you say, turning to look at him over your shoulder and he all but swells with pride at the look of you, the swollen lips and slightly messy hair. He tilts your chin a bit more towards him and kisses you once more, squeezing your shoulder before taking a step back. You shrug out of his jacket despite his groan, handing it back to him as you bring your hands up to attempt to smooth down your hair.

“Let’s go, old man.” you say and he squawks, sliding the jacket back on before giving you a cheeky smack on your bum, which you try in vain to dodge before reaching for his hand, interlacing your fingers and heading back into the fray. 

The night spirals from there in the best possible way and while he may not remember every conversation he had, every song he danced to, every shot he took, he’ll always remember the way that room made him feel, the love radiating towards him, overwhelming him, inspiring him, fortifying him. He’ll always remember the feeling of your hand in his, the way your body felt against his own, and later, the taste of you on his tongue. Feeling like he could do anything with you by his side, your love making him feel like the greatest version of himself. Like the best is still yet to come, if that's even possible. 

Proper birthday.

---

a/n: the way i literally had 3/4 of this written on february 1st and then could not get myself to finish it. but here we areeeee baby. hope people are still interested. i really like it and couldnt let it go. let me know what u think love u mean it

taglist:@tobesolovelysstuff, @louyoursins, @daydreamingofmatilda, @jojo-blog53, @marzhshaim, @devilsqueen722, @just-happiness-only,@lomlhstyles, @feestyles, @spock4presidnet, @sunshinemoonsposts, @indierockgirrl, @jerseygirlinca, @kissitnhekitchen, @goldnrry,

[becauseheartsgetbroken-hs]

sweet thirty baby

[finelinevogue]

birthday boy

summary - harry’s birthday party ends up with cake frosting in his hair and your eyes

warnings: twinge of sadness but like it’s barely even there tbh, swearing, kissing, lots n lots of frosting

word count: +2.3k

pairing: fiancé!harry x reader

“Anyone need a top up?”

You were laughing with Glenne as she finished telling a funny story about her new intern. You couldn’t really hear what the story had been about, due to the obscene amount of noise in the room, but you laughed anyway.

“Yes please!” Glenne slurred, drunk on her birthday alcohol.

You were just as drunk, not because it was your birthday but because it was your fiancé’s birthday.

“Me too, please!” You held out your glass flute as the kind server poured more champagne into it, after topping up Glenne’s first.

“Me too, please!” You held out your glass flute as the kind server poured more champagne into it, after topping up Glenne’s first.

After you’d both thanked the server politely, you both returned to your conversations with each other. You’d both just needed a moment away from crowds to catch up on the evening gossip so far, so you’d come to sit on the velvet sofas in the corner of the room.

“Y/N, I have to say, you did a fabulous job on decorations this year.” Glenne cheered.

“I did?”

You looked around the room and evaluated what you had achieved. The mirrorball in the middle of the room shone a thousand diamonds down onto the dance floor, which was a black and white chessboard set up. There were fairy lights hung up around the walls. A balloon arch was in another corner of the room, where there was a rose wall behind it, for photo opportunities.

“Yeah! I love it!” Glenne looked around the room too, taking in all your hard work. “Jeff could never pull off something like this.”

It had taken you a couple of hours to set up the decorations and Harry had been all pouty that you had to leave him for so long on his birthday, but when you’d showed him what you’d been up to he fell in love with you a little bit more.

“I would’ve said neither could Harry, but something tells me he actually could.” You laughed, Glenne laughing along with you.

“Speaking of Harry… Have you two decided on a date yet?” Glenne nudged your leg with her heeled foot.

“Maybe May? I… We don’t know yet.” You sighed, shoulders slumping thinking about how you and Harry couldn’t agree on the perfect date for your wedding. “I mean, my dad can’t make any time in April, but Harry’s dad can’t make any time in June and we definitely want to be married before July, but…”

“Babe, woah, slow down. Y/N, this wedding, no matter how much you don’t want to upset anyone, is about you and Harry. It’s the one day in your life, apart from your birthday, where you get to be selfish. Take it as an opportunity to build a wedding day that you want, not anyone else.”

“Yeah you’re right.” You said so quietly not even Glenne heard.

“H’s version of a perfect wedding will be a day where you’re nothing short of perfectly happy.” Glenne shot back the rest of her champagne and placed it on the table in front of you two. “So, really, plan whatever you want.”

“Yeah” You nodded and placed your half full glass on the table too. “Alright, excuse me, I’m just going to go to the bathroom.”

“Sure.” She nodded and stood up herself, pulling down her short skirt and tottling off to find Jeff.

You walked past flurries of people, waving hello to people across the room who caught your eye. A lot of people you didn’t know, but Jeff had told you to send invites to because Harry and Glenne would know them. They were mainly Hollywood people that worked in the music industry, but there were a couple of faces you did know.

Gemma Chan was there and you made sure she knew you’d come and steal her away later for a catch up. Asif Ali was also there and you would have to go see him too, in order to bring some more smiles to your face.

After you’d finished in the toilets you walked back into the room to see a congregation in the middle of the room. Since you had organised the event and had no additional entertainment booked other than the live band, you were curious to see what was going on.

When you got to the back of the circle, trying to peer over the tall people at the back, you noticed Glenne sat on a chair with her back to Harry who was sat on another chair.

You could tell by the look in your fiancés eyes that he was very tipsy. His hair was messy on the top of his head from all the dancing around he had been doing this evening. He still hadn’t pulled you for a dance yet, but you two had been separated ever since you’d walked inside the venue. Harry was whisked away by Jeff to meet people, having a drink each time he came across someone new, and before you knew it he was dancing to Gloria Gaynor with the chief executive of Columbia.

You missed him.

When it came to events like these, even though it was actually his birthday, he was always so whisked up in the business side of it that you had to entertain yourself. It was never that Harry abandoned you, but you would rather not have to over-socialise. You put it down to your social anxiety and fear of social burnout.

“Now, a little surprise for my two best friends.” Jeff spoke into a microphone so he could be heard by everyone.

Some sensual music started playing and you automatically assumed that it was strippers. Your heart sunk at the thought of Harry having a gorgeous girl straddle him and perform intimate positions with him. It would be unkind of Jeff if he had planned something like that. Your heart lightened when you saw Jeff stand in front of Glenne and start pulling off his jacket sexily, before rounding to Harry’s side and wiggling his bum in Harry’s face. Harry’s drunk self slapped Jeff’s bum and everyone laughed. Even you.

Harry looked around the crowd, his eyes not pausing their movement until they met yours. The mischievous glint in his eyes made you wonder what he was thinking. No doubt it was something to do with wanting you as his lap dance, rather than Jeff. Jeff was doing a good job though, making everyone laugh and making his wife embarrassed that she ever married him. Luckily everyone was too drunk to care.

After Jeff buttoned his shirt back up and put his jacket on, he was handed back the microphone, nodded at you and you knew that was your queue to go and get the cake. They were sharing a cake, as they often did, so you picked it up from the kitchen with its candles and sparklers in before carrying it back carefully.

When you returned to the room, the lights went dim and the birthday tune started to play. People made way for you to squeeze through the crowd as you walked towards the birthday kids.

You smiled when Harry’s gaze caught yours. He mouthed ‘wow’ at you, but you knew he wasn’t saying it about the cake. As you stopped short in front of both Glenne and Harry, they stood together whilst people finished the song. You sang out too, looking at Harry the entire time and watched his smile remain constant as he watched you sing out.

The cake was heavy and Harry must have noticed because he picked up the side closest to him and took the weight off you slightly. As the song finished Harry and Glenne both shared the job of blowing out the candles.

Jeff helped take off the candles and sparkler to clear the cake so it was just a plain cake remaining. Harry took the opportunity to try and smash Glenne’s face into the cake, but she restrained enough to resist the force of his hand. Harry wasn’t paying attention to Jeff though and missed him coming behind him and pushed his head down into the cake, until it was too late. The side of his face and a loose curl of hair got caught up in the frosting and people cheered as he made a mess of his face.

You laughed as he stood back up and licked the frosting from the corner of his mouth, as if that was all there was to clean up. You stood still holding the cake and looking at Harry with endearment. He looked so soft and cuddly, and maybe a little delicious too.

“What are you laughing at?” Harry asked, as he lifted the strand of hair back onto his head even when it was still full of vanilla frosting.

You shook your head and laughed at him, knowing he would be a mess to clean up later. It wasn’t a second later after that thought that Harry used his own hand to push your face into the cake this time. He also pulled your head back, using your hair, so you didn’t suffocate inside the sponge. You managed to get more on your face, looking like you were wearing a face mask. So much so you couldn’t open your eyes.

“Fucking dickhead.” You muttered, but it turned into a chuckle because you were drunk and didn’t care.

Harry must have asked someone else to get a hand on the cake so it wasn’t your responsibility anymore. It wasn’t like it was very edible to anyone, considering it now had to face impressions in it.

You felt Harry take your hands, your eyes still closed from the frosting, and you could feel him guiding you through the crowds of people. His hands were warm and even though you couldn’t see whether it was him that was leading you off, you could feel it in your hands that it was Harry.

No one else's hands felt like home other than his.

His hands cupped perfectly in yours and you tailed him like a bind and lovesick puppy. His polite excuses to get through the crowd made him feel closer to you also, his voice so comforting.

When the crowd noise disappeared you assumed you must have been in a quieter room now.

“Harry where are…”

You couldn’t ask him more than that because his lips were on yours. And they were his because no one else's lips felt like home other than his. They were perfect against yours, moving over yours with such delicate precision that only came with knowing how best to kiss you. Harry knew exactly how you liked to be kissed and he was doing everything you wanted. His hands were even cupped in the right places under your jaw.

“You taste like frosting.” He chuckled.

You laughed with him, probably looking silly with frosting in your eyes. Harry had frosting in his hair though and there was no one that you’d rather be in this situation in rather than him.

“Happy birthday, H.”

“Thank you.” He said softly.

You felt Harry’s fingers wipe carefully over your eyes and relieve them of frosting. You opened your eyes carefully to watch Harry lick the frosting off his fingers with his tongue. He then brought his other finger to your lips to allow you to lick it clean, which he watched with beady eyes as you did.

“Good frosting.” You hummed in delight, knowing you had made the right call with the vanilla, not strawberry, frosting.

“Mm. Tasted better off your face.”

You laughed, hitting him softly over his ribs, “Oh, stop it you.”

“Never.” He shook his head and smiled at how he managed to make you laugh.

“I hope you had a good night tonight.”

Harry had looked like he had had a good night, but you could never be too sure until you asked him. He was very good at putting on a front, especially in show business , but with you he was nothing but honest.

“I loved it, baby, I really did. Just wish I got to spend more time with you. I mean, I love my friends and, y’know, all of them other people… but they’re not you.”

You pouted, somehow wishing you could’ve spent more time with him. You tried your hardest to finish all the decorations as quickly as possible, but you were a perfectionist so it did take longer than originally planned. As for the party itself, you couldn’t stop him from talking to people, no matter how badly you did want him all to yourself.

“Sorry.”

“No, baby, there’s nothing you need to be sorry for. Just one of those things, where too many people want my attention and yet I only want yours.” He shrugged his shoulders and he made you smile.

“You always have my attention.” You promised him, cupping his cheek softly.

“And I’ll try to give you more of mine this year. In fact, come my next birthday you’ll be sick of me.” He chuckled and stepped closer to you, not liking the 10cm of space between you.

“Could never get sick of you, H. Never.”

“Feelings mutual, lovie.”

He leant down to kiss you again, kissing your bottom lip with his and sucking on it lightly. His lips grounded you and reminded you that he was right here and he was all yours. You kissed back with force, wanting to show how much you really did love him, pushing into his lips with your own.

A minute later and your lips both raw from such loving kissing, you gave each other one last peck.

“More of that later, baby. For now, let’s go the chippy? I’m fucking starving.” Harry whined.

“Alright, birthday boy, let’s go.” And the rest of the evening was filled with chips, gravy and lots and lots of love.

[walkingintheheartbreaksatellite]

Hope We Grow Old, But We Never Grow Up

(Blurb)

(Harry Styles x Reader)

Summary: It’s Harry’s birthday and you’re determined to make him feel special. (Also I’m v sorry this is only a blurb. Things have been rough so I haven’t had much energy)

Contains: Fluff fluffy vomitness

A/N: HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY! WE LOVE YOU! Thank you for coming into my life when I needed you. I've met so many amazing friends because of you and I wouldn't be me without them.

“Y/N, come on! Where are we going?”

I laugh and shake my head as I focus on the road, Harry unable to see due to the blindfold I made him put on.

“Calm down! You know we’re in California and that’s all you’re getting until we get to our destination.”

He groans and grips my hand, most likely due to my clumsiness and he doesn’t trust that I’m not going to lead him into a pole.

I lead him to the entrance and walk behind him, removing his blindfold. He lets out a small gasp and I smile. He turns around and pulls me into the tightest hug.

"We're at Disneyland?!

I laugh and pat his back until he pulls away. We walk hand in hand into the park. Our first stop is one of the shops, where I of course have to buy him birthday ears and a button to wear, despite his arguments. We walk out in our new gear and make a plan on where to go from there.

For a good part of the afternoon, we make our way around the park until we finally make it to in front of Aurora's castle. My nerves make my stomach twist in knots as I build up my courage to do something big. While Harry gazes at the castle, I pull the ring box out of my pocket and get on one knee. It takes him just a minute to notice me and when he does, his jaw drops.

"Y/N-..."

"Look I know this seems crazy but- I love you Harry Edward Styles. I have since the day we met. These 2 years... They've been the best of my life and I-.."

He smiles and gets on his knee as well, a ring box in his hand.

"What-?"

"I've had this for a few weeks... Just carrying it around, trying to find the right time. I know you're not one for big proposals- especially because they make you cringe-."

I laugh as I tear up.

"Yes you big dummy. I'll marry you. Only you could read my mind and pull this at the same time."

He laughs and slips the ring on my finger before I slip the one in my hand onto his. He stands up, pulling me into his arms and kisses me passionately as I smile into the kiss. Cheers, applauds and whistles echo around us as we kiss. He finally lets me go and he grips my hand.

We stay for the California adventure fireworks show and we decide to watch from the ferris wheel.

"Y/N, how long have you been planning this?"

I smile and shrug.

"The proposal? A few months. Your birthday? A few weeks. You were really upset about turning 30 and I wanted to make you feel like a kid again. And i knew once I finally set everything together that it would be the best day to propose."

He pecks my lips softly and I smile.

"It was perfect... But you know- I wouldn't mind growing old with you- As long as we never grow up."

I laugh and shake my head.

"With you? Never."

————————————————————————

Please like and reblog! Requests are open!

Tag List

@be-with-me-so-happily @swiftmendeshoran @babyiamperfectforyou @freedomfireflies @kaminokatie @harrysmimi @violetsandfluff @fruitmans @fruitmansrecs @cupidsdolll @rafaaoli @kimmi-kat @erggggggggg @cayleyhannha-blog @acesofspadess @that-mcu-fan @styles-barnes-bitch @purple9950 @justmystyles @itslottiehere @cinnamonone @gurugirl @ameliascreampuffs @mouthfulloftoothpasterry

[harianaswhore]

⟡ ₕₐᵣᵣy'ₛ bᵢᵣₜₕdₐy ⟡

NONE OF THESE ARE WRITTEN BY ME

ᵐʸ ᵒᵗʰᵉʳ ʳᵉᶜˢ ᵒᵗʰᵉʳ ʰᵃʳʳʸ ʳᵉᶜˢ

twenty-nine - @watchmegetobsessed

30th birthday - @harrysfolklore

happy birthday - @atharryshouse

happy 30th birthday, baby - @musicforastylesrestaurant

birthday suprises - @watermelonsugacry

[nahxfr]

[vanishingcherry]

liked by harrystyles, jeffazoff, annetwist and 3,489,572 others

yourusername happy birthday to the most amazing person i know. i dont have the words to describe how much i love you, just know that its alot.

view all 302,633 comments

harryfan1 OH MY GOD THE THIRD PICTURE

harrystyles thank you baby, love you x

liked by yourusername

harryfan2 the way harry was looking at her in all three photos

annetwist happy birthday!! come visit soon!

liked by harrystyles

↳ yourusername yess! love you anne

harryfan3 Happy Birthday Harry!!!!

yourbff i thought i was the most amazing person you knew? ly harry

liked by yourusername, harrystyles, gemmastyles and 1,776,134 others

annetwist happy birthday my youngest pup. ❤️ you xxx

view all 26,203 comments

harryfan4 🥰🥰

yourusername aww i need more of his baby pictures. specifically the embarassing ones.

↳ harrystyles no.

harryfan5 happy birthday!

harry via twitter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

a/n: my first instagram au for harry's bday! a bit short but hope you liked it. pls send in any faceclaims you want!

[causticsunshine]

just a couple of semi recent harry wips i lost in the Big Ipad Wipe™️ to commemorate that the birthday princess will always be my girl 🫡

also can you believe i’ve been drawing harry for over a decade now….

[0nlythrowharrybeaux]

Birthday Kiss

A cute & fluffy friends to lovers story for Harry's birthday! lot's of tension brewing. Literally the feeling of when you're both too shy to make ✨the move✨. Sorry for any mistakes, I literally just threw this together!

Warnings: None? Some steamy kissing/making out, but no smut-smut.

WC: 4.6K words

It was just after midnight and the festivities hadn’t been luxe or extravagant like many people would have probably imagined for a star of his caliber, it had just been a small little thing organized by Jeff at a family friend’s Palm Springs home. But Harry really preferred it that way. When he was around his people he liked to feel a part of the bunch, not like the star of the show, as he normally was. It was interesting really because almost everyone at this little post-show celebration worked for him - not necessarily as his subordinates, but as the team who helped him seemingly conquer the world. And as a friend of his for several years now, Y/N thought it was quite beautiful that once he left the venue and the crowd was gone, the lights turned down and the ground was littered with glitter and endless stray feathers he wasn’t Harry Styles, world-famous pop star anymore, he was just plain old, Harry. His management and production team weren’t in work-mode anymore, they were just his friends, like she was and they loved him, like she did. 

“Thank you guys, so much.” He smiled, all dimply and bashful, head bowed in gratitude but his eyes were scanning the faces of the roughly 15 people who were with him and had just finished singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him. There was still a very soft cloud of smoke before him from the candles he had just blown out on the small cake in his hands. He set it down as a few of his bandmates, friends, and loved ones started to line up to give him a hug and offer their well wishes and she would wait her turn patiently to do the same, saving herself for last because it had been a while since they had even been in the same room.

Finally, Y/N was up next and Harry’s smile went a bit bigger for her. Harry always told her that she was his favorite, which she loved to hear because he was her favorite too. And as she approached him he opened his arms wide for her to fit herself against his chest and hug him tight as she pressed a kiss to his jaw, his cheek was a tad out of reach for her.

“Mmmm….” She hummed into their embrace, “Happy birthday, H.” She congratulated him as their faces pressed together while they hugged tight.

“Thank you, love. Thank you so much for coming out, I know you’re swamped.” He said lowly.

“Of course! I’m just sorry I won’t be able to make it tomorrow. Or well, tonight technically.” She said as they pulled away and looked into each other’s eyes. Her hands had slid down to his biceps and his were settled at the middle of her back.

“You’re here tonight! I’m just happy you were able to make it to one of the shows.” He said and she smiled at him. 

“I am too, thank you for having me. You were amazing, as always…” she complimented and his cheeks went all pink as he smiled at the ground before their eyes met again.

“Really, thank you so much.” He said and she just hugged him again which he easily gave in to. After a moment of catching up they were joined by Shellie, Jeff’s mom, who started chatting with them both and then they scattered as he talked with others and she caught up with some mutual friends who she also hadn’t seen in a bit. But soon it was nearing 1am and Y/N had to go, she had a several hour drive back to LA and day full of depositions later on in the day.

She had started a new job at a rather prestigious law firm back in October and had been unusually busy with case prepping and depositions and paperwork and court appearances and just life during his LA residency and she hadn’t been able to make any of his shows in LA. So when he informed her about the Palm Springs additions in early December she made sure to request the day off to make it to one of them, it unfortunately couldn’t be the one on the actual day of his birthday but it was close enough. 

“Well, I ought to hit the road…” Y/N said to Jeff who she had been chatting with for the last few minutes.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay and head out in the morning?” He asked and she sighed.

“Can’t, I’ve got a deposition at 9:30 tomorrow…” she sighed and he grimaced.

“Oh man, I’m sorry.” He said and she shrugged.

“It is what it is…” she sighed through a chuckle and he chuckled along with her before hugging her. 

She then proceeded to say her farewells to the people she knew from the group including Glenn and Jeff’s parent’s, and Harry’s mom too and politely hugged those who she had met for the first time tonight. Then she made her way over towards Harry, he was with Pauli, Ny, and Kris Jenner, of all people in the world, who animatedly told them some story that had the three of them in absolute stitches. Harry was quite literally clutching at his stomach as he gasped for air through his laughter. He was so beautiful when he laughed, it made her heart flip in funky ways and if she could she would watch this moment in replay. As soon as Harry saw her he reached his hand out to her despite his laughter and she grabbed it, allowing him to pull her over. It sent an electric current through her body, not knowing that touching her had the exact same effect on him.

“Oh my god, that was the wildest thing I’ve ever heard.” He said through bated breathing as he just pulled Y/N close.

“We were wild back in the day, just ask your mom.” Kris laughed to Harry and he shook his head.

“I don’t think I want to know about her adventures.” He laughed, inhaling deeply as he recovered then turned to Y/N, “This is Kris, by the way, I don’t think you’ve met?” He asked and Y/N shook her head as she looked from Harry to Kris.

“Not yet, I’m Y/N, nice to meet you.” She said extending a hand and Kris pulled her in for a hug.

“We’re huggers here, Y/N. It’s lovely to meet you.” She said kindly as Y/N smiled at her as they pulled apart.

“Thank you. You too.” Y/N reciprocated her nicety with a sincere smile.

“Alright, well it was nice to chat with you all, but I’m going to go back to my crowd.” She said to them all as she came closer to Harry, “Happy birthday, sweetheart. You were fantastic out there.” She praised as they hugged, “I’m so proud of you.” She sprinkled in as they kissed cheeks and soon she was heading off.

“She’s the best.” Pauli chuckled and Harry grinned wide and nodded in agreement.

“Literally, never a dull moment with her around.” He assured as he draped his arm over Y/N’s shoulder, “Should we indulge in another slice of cake? We can share.” He said to her and she pouted a bit.

“It’d love to, but it’s time for me to retire.” She said and he frowned.

“At this hour? Gonna drive all the way now?” He asked in slight concern.

“Have to. I have to be at a deposition at 9:30.” She said to the group with an exasperated look and both Pauli and Ny grimaced in the same manner as Jeff had when she told him.

“I’m sorry.” Ny said.

“It’s work.” She shrugged, “Can’t live with it, can’t live without it.”

“Maybe you should just join the Love Band.” Pauli smiled and Y/N cackled.

“If you want to continue having successful tours, maybe not!” She joked.

“We don’t have to mic you…” He said and she giggled as they all chuckled.

“It was nice to see everyone though. You guys sounded great!” She said as Harry let her go so that she could hug his bandmates goodbye, “Bye-bye, birthday boy.” She said coming up to him with open arms and he hugged her, swaying them a few times, “Oh! That reminds me, I got you something! I’ll go get it real quick!” She said breaking their hug and he shook his head.

“It’s alright, I’ll walk you out.” He said.

“Oh no, it���s OK. I had to park down the street and-”

“More reason to not let you go alone. There’s coyotes out there.”

“It’s California, there’s coyotes everywhere.” She giggled.

“Whatever, I’ll be back in a few.” He said to Pauli and Ny-oh, “Guy’s I’m gonna walk Y/N to her car, I’ll be back in a bit!” He announced over the conversations happening and the group all called out farewells as she smiled and waved goodbye to everyone before they walked off towards the entrance of the house.

“Deposition at 9:30, huh?”

“Yeah…it’s a wrongful termination case…I don’t think our client was wrongfully terminated but whatever.” She said and he chuckled as they reached the door and made their way outside. The wind was blowing hard, making the night feel colder than it probably was as so he linked arms with her as they made their way out the door.

Harry wished she didn’t have to go tonight, with his work commitments they didn’t get to see each other all that much, but now that she had this crazy job as a defense attorney she was busy all the time and it made it even harder for them to hang out like they often did when he was in town. Harry had liked Y/N for a year or so now and on multiple occasions he had intended to tell her but would end up flaking out, he wasn’t sure if she liked him too or what? He had a hard time reading her and he didn’t want to risk ruining anything in their friendship.

“What’d they do?” He asked as they walked to the gate around around the property.

“Here’s the context, we deposed the other person involved a few days ago!” She said with excitement, “So he had tried to ask one of his co-workers out-”

“It had to be a ‘he’…” he interrupted and she giggled and nodded, “Makes us al look bad…” he mumbled and she giggled.

“Oh yeah he does! Well, the girl said no and he was insistent; like he would send her flowers and buy her things, that type of situation. So she’s creeped out and decided to file a harassment complaint with HR.” She explained as they made their way through the gate, “So they call him in and give him a warning, advise him to leave her alone and he get’s pissed that she involved HR. So he then has to do a sexual harassment training program and professionalism workshops, which he never went to, so again, HR sends him a notice. All the while, he continues to pursue the girl, telling her that the least she could do is go out with him because she ratted him out to HR.” She said and he scoffed, “I know. I would drop him if I could…so anyway, long-story-short, she blows him off again and he get’s so angry that he puts an air tag on her car and shows up at her house!”

“What the fuck?” Harry gasped.

“I know! Total nut job… so she calls the police because she feels unsafe and she starts an inquiry at work to see how he got a hold of that information as it’s not made public and as they dig through things they find out about the air tag while reviewing security footage and fire him on the spot. He’s arguing that company policy says 3 warnings and he only got 2 warnings and well, you know how those people are.” She said and he frowned as they continue walking.

“God…and you’re working the case?”

“Assisting. I don’t get to do cases alone yet.” She said quickly, “I wonder what he’s gonna say in his deposition tomorrow, I’m curious.” She said and he hummed.

“Well, just be careful, he’s clearly not well and I don’t know what I would do if he fixated on you and stalked you too.” He said shaking his head.

“After doing some digging on him I think I’ll be fine, I’m not his type.” She said and he hummed.

“Well still. You live alone and there’s a lot of crazies out there.”

“I am, H.” She said and he sighed.

“Better be.” He said lowly and she smiled at his concern.

“This is me.” She said as they stopped beside her sedan and she let go of his arm and unlocked her car, “Thank you again, for inviting me. I had a lot of fun.” She assured with a smile and he smiled as well.

“Thank you for driving all the way out here for me. I know it’s a long way and we didn’t even really get to spend time together or-”

“I’m just really happy I got to see you.” She said, “I missed you.” She admitted.

“I missed you too. And I know I haven’t been a great friend, I’ve been so busy and haven’t even reached out to catch up or talk and you came all this way for this like 5 minute conversation and I just feel bad.” He said and she shook her head.

“Oh my god, H… I understand and I mean, relationships are a two way street, H. I haven’t done that either, I’ve been so busy that I’ve neglected a lot of people the last few months and I didn’t want that to continue into this year.” She explained, “I don’t care about the drive or even if I didn’t get one-on-one time with you today, I just wanted to be here for you.” She said simply, “And I promise that I will do better from here on out. You matter to me and our friendship matters to me, so of course I’m going to come through for you. Always.” She promised and he bit his lip and nodded.

“Thank you, I’ll do better too. You mean so much to me too, like you don’t even know.” He said to her and she smiled softly. The words were trying to claw their way out of his mouth but he was swallowing them down; she had said that their friendship mattered to her and that was enough to dissuade him from telling her how he felt.

“Thank you. I love you so much.” She said opening up her arms and he smiled as he hugged her tight.

“I love you too.” He responded before they let go.

“Oh, before I forget!” She said opening up the passenger door and he moved aside to let her dip down into the car, “Here is your present. I’m sorry, I didn’t have time to wrap or bag it.” She said extending a book out to him.

“You didn’t have to get me anything…” he assured as he took it from her timidly.

“It’s nothing, H. It’s used by me so ummm there are some highlights and things in there, but don’t mind them. I just think you’ll really like it.” She explained and he smiled as he looked over the cover, “Daring Greatly” is what it was called, “You know that I’m not super into the whole self-help book thing, but I read this one over the holidays and holy shit…it gave me a lot to think about and I think you’re really going to like it.” She smiled as he flipped it over and read the back of it to get an idea of what it could be about and he smiled as he continued reading through it. There were a lot of aspects about how his life went that were in direct conflict with how he wished it could be and it was hard for him sometimes to feel like there were eyes on him all the time, even in private. It made it hard for him to open up with people that mattered a lot to him sometimes and he was still working hard on being able to overcome that.

“Thank you so much.” He smiled up at her and she nodded as she shut the passenger door.

“Yeah, no worries.” She assured with a friendly smile as he set the book on the roof of the car and reached for her again. They hugged each other tight again and just when he was dreading the thought that she was about to let go, he felt her relax into his hold as the wind whipped around them in the dark street. He smiled and squeezed her a bit harder. Trying to remember everything about this moment. He wished he could be more brave…maybe he wouldn’t tell her what he was feeling in his heart for her, but he would be honest about one thing.

“I don’t want you to go.” He confessed, “Barely got any time with you.” He sighed sadly. His words weighed heavily on her heart, she felt that way too and just thinking about driving away and seeing his reflection grow smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror made her want to cry. She bit her lip and moved her head out of his neck and glanced up to him as he glanced down. Their eyes were filled with sadness as they look at each other.

“I wish I didn’t have to go.” She said and he sighed.

“It’s not fair.” He said sadly and she nodded.

“I know.” She sniffled as she brought a hand up to his jaw and held the side of his face. She watched with a thumping heart as his eyes scanned down her face and landed on her lips before he just glanced up to the sky for a second before he pulled her closer.

“Just hold me for a little bit.” He said and she wrapped her arms around him again and rested her head into the crook of his neck as he rested his chin over her head. She could heart his heart thumping just as hard as hers was and as much as they were relaxed in each other’s hold it was still pounding hard and it dawned on her that just maybe he felt the same way as she did. She was scared to say anything though and so they just held each other in the cold night for who knows how long until his phone rang in his hoodie’s pocket and he groaned as he reached inside for it seeing it was his mom.

“Hi.” He said as he brought it up to his ear, his left hand still secured around her waist, keeping her close, so she didn’t move away, “Sorry, didn’t mean to worry you guys, I’m still out here with Y/N.” He explained, she could feel the vibrations of his low and soothing voice through his throat and chest, “It’s been a long while so we were just making up for lost time, and got chatting.” He said, “-yeah, I know it’s late. I’ll be in soon.” He assured, “Alright, bye.” He finished and hung up before sliding the phone in his pocket, “She said bye again and that I need to let you go home.” He said sadly, but he still wore a smile. “We’ve been out here for twenty minutes apparently. Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you.” He sighed and she shook her head.

“S’alright. It was lovely while it lasted.” She said and he smiled.

“Just one more minute?” He asked and she nodded and held him close again, swallowing the lump in her throat.  

“Yeah, just a little bit more.” She agreed as they started to sway just a little and his hands started sliding down to her hips.

“You look pretty today.” He said and she smiled as she pulled back a bit and laid her hands flat on his chest as she glanced up at him.

“Thanks, H. You look good too, I like when your hair’s like this.” She said and he smiled, “I mean, it looks good when it’s a little longer too, but this looks really good.” She compliment as she reached up and ruffled the top of it a bit and he chuckled.

“Thanks, love.” He hummed bashfully as her hand traveled down his face and her thumb stroked along his jaw, feeling a little more confident.

“This little facial hair action you’ve got going on is also nice.” She said as her thumb trailed towards his mouth and before she could go to the slight mustache growing over his lips he suddenly turned and opened his mouth and playfully snapped a bite at her thumb which gave her a fright as she quickly pulled her hand away, but eventually this ended in a laugh.

“God, stop! You scared me.” She huffed as she very lightly slapped at his chest and he chuckled. But he had to stop her, there was no way that she could feel around his mouth and it not end in him attempting to kiss her and then he’d ruin everything. He had an unreadable look in his eyes which made her frown a bit. “You alright?” She asked and he quickly snapped out of it and nodded.

“Yeah, sorry. Zoned out for a second.” He shook his head and she hummed.

“OK, well I really should go now.” She said and he nodded.

“Yeah.” He agreed, but didn’t really loosen the grip of his arms around her waist as their eyes met again and then his flickered down to her lips quickly but again, made no move and she decided that she was just going to do it. 

She tiptoed with a racing heart and butterflies in her stomach. Harry’s entire body was covered in goosebumps as her hands slid up his chest as she tiptoed, their faces now much closer together than before and his heart skipped a beat as her eyes glanced down to his lips and then back up to his eyes as she leaned in closer. He swallowed the nervous lump forming in his throat as the tension between them came to an all-time high. And in mere moments their noses were barely brushing as her hands looped around his neck and then their eyes fluttered closed as she closed the gap as her lips melded against his own tenderly. He couldn’t believe it, the air completely left his lungs and his brain felt like it exploded as his hands squeezed around her hips before he related released them and instead grabbed her face gently as their lips moved together in perfect t sync. The soft little smacks of their kisses were sending him into another plain of reality. As their lips slotted together he felt on top of the world, it wasn’t hard for their kiss to gain a little more traction and deepen as she very lightly sucked on his bottom lip. It just about made his knees give beneath him. This awakened something in him and he did it back to her, he heard her sigh with a little hint of a whimper and he proceeded to let his tongue just barely swipe at her swollen bottom lip and when she parted her mouth just a bit more he used a little more of it. This kiss made her feel like fireworks were bursting inside of her and it was making her breathless; she never wanted to stop, but she needed to go. She really had to now. Harry hummed in slight protest as her hands started to slide back down to his chest.

“No.” He muttered against her mouth and she smiled which caused the kiss to naturally end and he leaned his forehead onto hers, “Been dying to kiss you for ages.” He admitted before leaning back in and she allowed it as he pecked her lips a few more times, her entire body was buzzing now.

“I was too, but I really have to get home, H. I’m sorry.” She pouted and he kissed at her pout.

“I know. Just being selfish.” He muttered and she pecked his lips this time as he let go of her face and settled his hands back on her waist as he pouted now.

“Don’t pout, it’s making me feel bad.” She whined, “Already gonna cry the whole way home.” She sniffled, already feeling her eyes welling up.

“Nooo…” he frowned, “Why are you gonna cry?” He asked as he kissed the tip of her nose.

“Because it’s not fair. Like, who knows when we’re gonna get to see each other again.” She said sadly and he sighed.

“I know…” he said solemnly before he hugged her close and she rested into his chest, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” She assured, but he still felt like it was. He was the one leaving the country, not her.

“I’ve still got to perform at the Grammy’s next Sunday so I’m gonna be in town, I’ve got rehearsals during the week and I will make time to come see you.” He said.

“I don’t want to add more stuff to your schedule, H.”

“You’re not, I want to see you before I go on Sunday.” He reassured her.

“Where are you going on Sunday?”

“Back to London. M’performing at the BRIT awards and then just resting a few weeks before I head to Australia for the next leg of the tour.” He sighed and she hummed in understanding.

“S’gonna be a while until next time, huh?” She asked and he nodded sadly.

“Yeah, but you know that this is kind of home away from home.” He said with a small smile, “And well…anywhere you are, that’s where I want to be too. All the time if I could.” He confessed earnestly and she just surged forward and pressed their lips together again in a searing and wonderful kiss, but before she could be sucked back in to another make-out session she parted their lips.

“OK, I really need to go now.” She said and he nodded.

“Yeah, for real this time.” He giggled and they hugged quickly before she pecked his lips just one last time.

“Happy birthday, H.” She spoke against his kiss-swollen lips.

“Thanks, love. I’ll see you soon.” He said and she nodded.

“See you soon.” She whispered before they parted ways and he gave her one last kiss before helping her into her car and waving her off into the night. As she glanced back at him through the rearview mirror her eyes started welling up, as she knew they would. But then her phone dinged and she glanced at it when she came to a stop sign.

Harry:

No crying. Unless it’s happy tears, OK? Text when you get home, please 💕

She giggled all while sniffling as she typed out her response to him

Y/N:

Too late! 😭And I will. Night 💕

With that she went on her way and yes, there were tears but despite the challenges she knew would come, she was confident that everything was going to be just fine.

-

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Thanks for reading! If you liked this story…

Check out more of my writing HERE 🙂💕

[gucciwins]

birthday gifts 

harry and y/n celebrate twenty-nine 

A/N: hi friends!!!!!! happy harry day! thought I'd write something for bel and harry on celebrating harry’s birthday. hope you enjoy! I love you, sweet angels. happy reading 💝

Word count: 1797

love on tour series 

+

29.

Harry had spent 29 years on this beautiful earth. He had impacted thousands of lives in his short time, including yours. You sit in bed watching him sleep and pray to the stars above that you get to love him for the rest of your life. That’s all you’re asking for, and hope he loves you the same in return.

“Feel you staring at me,” he mutters, burying his face in your covered lap.

You giggle, running a hand through his soft brown hair. “Admiring you at 29.”

“That’s what you said last night.”

That is true. Harry went to bed early last night after a beautiful sold-out show, but for some reason, you were restless. You tossed and turned until Harry had enough, wrapped an arm around your waist, and kept you tucked at his side. Once the squirming was done, you traced his face with your eyes memorizing every freckle and wrinkle. “You were twenty-eight last night.”

Harry shrugs, not correcting you because he’s sure it was past midnight then. It doesn’t make a difference. He blinks his eyes open and finds you smiling down at him. “Feliz cumpleaños, mi vida,” you whisper in the quiet of the room.

He sits up, wrapping you in a giant hug. You press repeated kisses to his bare chest. “Happy Birthday, Harry. I hope all your wishes come true. I have no idea what this year has in store for you, but I want you to know that I love you. Te amo.”

You pull back when you feel his shoulders shaking. “Amor?” He’s crying, and you know he’s okay because his dimpled smile doesn’t lie to you.

“So happy you’re here, love. Thank you.” You lean and kiss Harry. Neither of you care about morning breath. You’re quick to get lost in your own world. The kiss is slow, allowing you to explore each other as if it were the first time. There’s no urgency because you have the rest of the day to enjoy each other. Harry doesn’t want to stop kissing you, but he knows you both must breathe.

“Fancy seeing my birthday suit?” He huffs out with a cheeky grin.

You roll your eyes and push him away. He pouts, but it’s quick to fade when you throw your (his) shirt, and it lands on the floor. “This is my gift to you. Now enjoy amor.”

It’s the best way to start his birthday celebrations.

+

Harry was happy. He was celebrating his birthday doing what he loved with the people he loved. His family called to wish him a happy birthday, and he promised to see them all as soon as possible. He’d leave North America to settle at home for a bit before preparing to head to Australia, trying not to think about the fact that he would be away from you for longer than he’d like since you were scheduled to start filming in a month.

“Mum loved the flowers,” Harry tells you as he stares at the large bouquet of flowers you’ve sent his mum as you did the previous year. “It’s kind of you.”

“Someone has to thank her for carrying that big head of yours,” you tease as you smile at the selfie he received.

“Heeyy!” He whines.

You roll your eyes, giving him a kiss to help him forget about what you said, and like magic, the topic is long forgotten, and instead, he gets lost in kissing you. He’s always shared how intimate kissing is and how he’d kiss you forever if he could. “Love you,” he mutters against your lips.

“Dork,” you push him away, going to look for his gift.

Harry sighs, “come here, baby.”

“So needy.”

He gasps, and you can’t help but laugh at his reaction. He makes it easy to tease him, and you know he loves it.

“It’s my birthday. You have to be nice to me,” he chastises you.

You apologize, making your way back over to him and hand him his present. You go to sit next to him, but Harry makes you sit in his lap. He’s been extra clingy today, not that you mind. You love being close to him. “Mermaids,” he giggles. It’s blue wrapping paper with mermaids and different sea creatures who look like they’re swimming around. The paper reminded you of Harry, and you knew it would be perfect for the gift you had for him.

“I didn’t need a present,” he reminds you as he’s already begun to tear into the wrapping paper.

He made you promise not to get him anything extravagant. Although you loved giving grand gifts, you knew Harry didn’t need anything he couldn’t buy himself, so you did the next best thing and made him a gift. You feel your palms beginning to sweat as Harry is close to seeing the gift you made him. You place your hands on top of his, stopping him from opening the box. “Do–m-maybe you want to save it for later?”

Harry frowns, picking up on your nerves. He lets you hold his hands, giving them a reassuring squeeze. “No matter what it is, I’m going to love it,” he promises. “Whether it’s a strawberry cake you made or socks you found at the market. I will love it because you bought it with me in mind.”

You let out a deep breath and know he’s right. “I’m going to make you your cake as soon as we’re back home.” With his schedule, there was no time to bake and decorate a cake–at least you didn’t have the time because he will have a cake for later tonight.

“I look forward to it,” he assures you. “Can I continue, baby?”

You nod, and he lifts the top of the box. There's a wrapped frame and a card waiting for him. He picks up the frame and turns it around carefully. You don’t look down at it. Instead, take in his reaction. You love taking photos. They allow you to look back at a memory. All you had left of your family were boxes of photos. Boxes of memories. You remembered a quiet night in your house with Harry photos scattered around you as you told Harry story after story. It’s one of your favorite memories. The frame opens up, displaying three images. It was a struggle to pick only three.

The first is one of you both at the beach. You’re sitting between his legs, both smiling at your phone. You managed to stand in front of you after a few failed trials. The second photo was taken during Christmas. You sat outside Anne’s home wrapped in his yellow puffer, both of you laughing at a dumb joke Harry made. You’re happy Anne was able to capture the moment. The last one was taken during your time in Italy during the new year. You set up the camera without telling Harry and captured the moment he decided to bring you in and dance with you. The photo was a bit blurry, but it captured his grin perfectly. Your love for each other was on display, loud and proud.

“For your bedside,” you whisper.

His eyes are full of tears. You didn’t think it was anything special, but it was the perfect gift for Harry. You picked out your favorite moments with him and framed them so he could see them every morning he woke up. Harry doesn’t say a word. No, instead, he leans in, slotting your lips together. The kiss tells you everything he didn’t say. Thank you. I love you. I love it.

“I love it, baby. So much,” he promises.

Harry looks down at the box and picks up the card, and you feel your throat close up. The card is a baby blue color reading “Happy Birthday” with a cake in the middle and the number “29” on top.

“Happy Birthday,” he reads. “Why thank you, Bel.”

You can’t help but laugh. Harry knows you so well he noticed that you were beginning to get lost in your head, your nerves almost getting the best of you.

“Para mi estrella.” His Spanish is good. Harry makes many things look easy. There were times when you spoke too fast you confused him, but he’s been practicing with you and Sarai. It means everything to you. “Still your rockstar.”

“Para siempre.” Always.

Harry opens the card and finds doodles of balloons and flowers. It wasn’t anything special, but you thought it’d be something he’d cherish, especially because of what you’d written inside.

Happy Birthday, mi amor.

Now, how about I be the last voice you hear at night?

And every other night

How about in the morning I be the first thing you see

And every morning after

When I wake, I want to see you staring back at me.

Now how about we add one more title to our lives:

From best friends to partners to mi corazón.

To flatmates. To housemates.

Yours, Y/N.

He doesn’t know what to think. Many emotions are running through him, but you can see the surprise clear on his face. “Baby, is this—what are you saying?”

You raise your hand and caress his cheek. He leans into your hold. “I know we’ve got a busy year ahead of us, but when I return to London, I want it to be at our place. One place we both call home.” Your life with Harry is so intertwined that you don’t want a part of you without him. “Only if you want that,” you add in a rush.

Harry laughs, trying not to let his emotions get the best of him, but this really is the best gift he could ever receive. “Baby, I have wanted this since we finished tour back in New York,” he reminds you.

“Worth the wait?” You ask.

“You will always be worth the wait.”

You believe him.

Harry stares at you as if memorizing every part of your face until he stands up with you in his lap, spinning you around. “We’re moving in together,” he yells. “Yes!!!”

“Harry,” you shriek in delight.

He settles you back down. “I love you, Bel. Thank you for the best present.”

“Doesn’t feel that big,” you try to downplay. You both know it means everything to you. There are many things to talk over, but for now, you’ll celebrate his birthday. Everything else can wait.

Harry pouts, “so you weren’t nervous to ask me?”

You pinch your fingers close together, “only a little.”

“I love you. Life with you is all I want,” he vows.

He kisses you pouring all his love into you, a reminder that you are his and he is yours. Together you are creating a beautiful life.

+

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[narrycherries]

love of my life

⋆｡°✩ ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊✩₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆ ✩°｡⋆

✩ chapter 02: please don’t be too good to be true ✩

word count: 3.08k

warnings/tags/info

chapter 01

It was my fourth day in this city, and thankfully it wasn’t raining anymore. I couldn’t do much for a few days except try some restaurants and ride around to see the city from the car’s window. However, I have a good day ahead of me. The French Quarter is one of the most popular places to visit here, and I would be a fool not to experience it. I still had a lot of places on my radar, some that were tourist attractions and others that were hidden gems.

“So.. you never told me how much you paid her.” Chris sighed as he tossed his empty Coke bottle into a trash bin.

“Doesn’t matter.” I shrugged, my eyes roaming over everything as we walked. My sunglasses made things darker, but it made hiding a bit easier.

“Don’t be a prick.”

I huffed. “Five thousand.” He stopped in his tracks, mouth agape as I looked over at him. “What?”

“What do you fancy more.. the painting or the girl?”

My eyes rolled. “She deserves it. She’s talented and she underprices her work.”

“Mhm, I’m sure that’s why.”

“So.. what are we doing next?” I changed the topic quickly before it got out of hand.

Chris sighed as we began to walk again. “Going to see the cathedral.”

We both became silent as we walked down the sidewalk. My eyes were everywhere, taking in the sights and absorbing the feelings. This city was full of culture and diversity and just happiness. All I saw were smiles and happy faces. Chris and I walked until we finally ended up at a corner. My gaze shifted from the people to the huge building in front of us. I could see the side of the St. Louis Cathedral and it was marvelous. Chris guided me through a crowd of people watching a magician. There was a line of women offering to read palms, a couple of street food venders, and what seemed to be a large collection of artists spread out around the area.

Chris looked over at me as we stepped off the sidewalk. “This has got to be a joke, right?”

I furrowed my brows, not entirely sure what he meant. “What?”

He pointed over to the left of us. I followed his movements and tried to line my eyes up with whatever he saw. I was looking, trying to determine it, but I had no clue. When I looked back up at him, he sighed and stepped behind me. He grabbed my shoulders and angled me so I could see whatever it was that baffled him. He pointed directly in front of us and I focused my eyes there. It took me a moment, but I finally realized what he was referring to.

“God.. it must be fate, yeah?”

He huffed. “Luck.”

I smirked and shook off his hand. Chris wasn’t happy when I started walking away from him. He caught up with me and made sure I was as unnoticed as possible. The closer I got to the table, the faster my heart thumped. I licked my lips as I reached the small crowd. Everyone was occupied by looking at some of the canvases, so I took the opportunity to cease the moment I so desperately wanted.

“Those are lovely.” I said, glancing at the small canvases that were placed on stands.

She whipped around, eyes wide and lips parted as she saw me. I grinned at her, lifting the sunglasses up so I could see her better.

“Jennifer.”

“Ha-Harry.. um. Thank you.” She laughed through a breath. “I.. I see you’re exploring the city.”

“You’re welcome.” I nodded. “Of course. Such an interesting place.”

She smiled back, cheeks flushed and eyes dropping from mine. She turned back around to finish putting the paintings on the display stands. I watched her, completely fascinated by her work. She had a great talent. When she faced me again, she glanced at Chris. I gave him a look as well, and somehow he understood. He stepped away, observing some of her other works and giving us some space.

“How are you liking it here?”

“It’s very nice.” I smiled.

She smiled back. “It is.”

“You knew who I was.. the other day.” I blurted, shoving my hands into my pockets.

She took a deep breath, her fingertips tracing over her white table cloth. “Mhm.”

“You.. you didn’t say anything.”

Jennifer shrugged, eyes flicking to mine. “Did you want me to? By your.. outfit.. I was under the impression that you were hiding.”

I chuckled, letting a bigger smile take over my face. It pulled a smile onto her lips as well. “That’s true.. I’m trying to enjoy a vacation for once.”

“It must be exhausting.. trying to hide all the time.”

I exhaled deeply. “Extremely.”

“Excuse me?” A voice caught her attention and interrupted our conversation.

She gave me an apologetic smile. “Just a minute.”

I nodded as she turned away from me to deal with the curious customer. My eyes remained on the table where she had a few smaller paintings and a stack of business cards. The corner of my mouth twitched up as I heard her voice and how professional she is. She was definitely a businesswoman, even if she didn’t realize. She seemed to know how to talk to her customers well.

“How much is this one here?” The woman pointed to the painting across from me.

“That one is two hundred. I can have it shipped to you for two-twenty five.”

“That’s perfect! I will gladly take that off your hands.”

Jennifer laughed ever so slightly, almost like she was surprised. “Here’s some information on the piece.. how to clean it and store it. Also all of my information in case you ever need anything.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw the woman take the papers from her. “Alright.”

“And this,” she handed her a few more. “.. I’ll need your name, address, and contact information. If you don’t want to ship it, then ignore the address stuff. I will take a check if you need to do that.”

“Yes ma’am. I’ll fill this out real quick. I can carry it with me, no need to ship.” The lady grabbed a pen from the cup by another stack of business cards and stepped away to write her stuff down.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Jennifer had her attention back on me. She sighed and shook her head before looking up at me, catching my gaze.

“Sorry about that.”

“No, no, you’re fine. I.. shouldn’t be distracting you.”

She smiled gently. “I’m having your painting shipped tomorrow.”

“Oh, that’s good, thanks.”

Her cheeks blushed just a little. “You shouldn’t have.”

“What?”

Her eyes rolled. “That check.. all that money.”

I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest. “It’s perfectly fine. If you would’ve allowed it I would’ve given you triple of what I did give you.”

“Why, though?” She huffed, cocking an eyebrow at me. “Why so much?”

The smirk growing on my lips seemed to make her a little nervous. I noticed how her face flushed and her tongue came out to lick her lips. I saw another person approach the table, but I was determined to keep her attention for a while longer.

“Because I loved the painting. It’s beautiful.” I shrugged to keep things nonchalant, even though she made my heart race. “The water, the sea foam, the sun.. There are many reasons why it’s so beautiful.”

“Not five thousand reasons.” She glanced at the customer who was eyeing each piece intensely. “I’m sorry, but, um.. I don’t really have time to chat.”

“Later, then?”

Jennifer let out a breathy laugh. “Later?”

I ran a hand through my hair, nervousness was taking me over. “Yeah. You’ve got my number.. I’ve got yours.”

“Um, I.” She paused, eyes squeezing shut for a moment. “I don’t know.. about later.”

I made sure she saw me smile, I wanted her to feel comfortable. “Then tomorrow.. or whenever.. I’d love to treat you to dinner.. or lunch, breakfast.. whichever you prefer.”

There was no hiding her blushing cheeks now. She was trying to compose herself and hide her shock with light laughs. She kept glancing at the customer, yet her eyes kept landing on mine, too. She did not want to look away, I could tell, but she was right - she didn’t have time to talk. She had a business, a job she was doing and I was rudely distracting her.

“So I’ll hear from you?” I slowly started to back away from the table.

She swept her long hair out of her face, lips shaping to a smirk. “Later.”

—-

To say I was nervous would be the very least. I was extremely terrified, yet excited about hearing from that amazing woman. I wanted to call her myself, maybe send her a message - but I refrained. I didn’t want to seem pushy, and I wanted her to be comfortable with any communication we had. It was already late into the day. I began to worry about whether or not she would send something or call. What was her version of later?

After our encounter earlier, I completely ditched my plans and insisted we go back to the hotel. I was too frazzled to do anything else. Chris was hesitant at first, and he attempted to change my mind. He failed to do so. I just wanted to be at the hotel and be alone. The city was nice, and touring was going well, I just didn’t want to be around so many people.. I wanted to rot in my room and think about her.

“Still waiting?” Chris shut the balcony door behind him.

“Unfortunately.”

He sighed back. “Worried she won’t call?”

I shrugged, trying not to be too concerned with it. “Not worried.. just impatient.”

My phone was resting on my thigh, but the screen hadn’t lit up since I came out here. Part of me was worried - extremely worried. What if I said something wrong? Did I make her feel weird? Was I too open?

“I think she likes you.”

A gentle smile played on my lips. “I think I like her.”

Chris laughed. “I know you like her.”

“Must be obvious.. Think she’s got any idea?”

“Probably.” He grabbed the handle of the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Let me know what the plans are in the morning.”

“Alright.”

Despite overlooking some of the city, it was quiet on the balcony. The temperature was nice and it allowed me to relax. I had calmed down a lot since I first stepped out here. My mind was lost, drifting through a ton of thoughts all related to her. What was she like when she painted? I bet she was precise and meticulous - every single stroke of the brush would be accurate and perfect. What was she like in her home away from other people? I wonder if she liked to read or if she preferred a good movie. Did she enjoy fruits or did she have a sweeter tooth? What did she do when she wasn’t occupied with a painting? Did she draw? Did she do ceramics? Did she dabble in any other forms of art?

I wondered if she had a studio or did she paint from a small bedroom in a crowded apartment. Was she solely an artist, or did she have a regular day to day job? I even began to think about things beyond her daily life. Was she an only child? Did she favor her mother? Was she even from the city or did she move here? What were her college years like, did she even attend? Had she been growing her hair out for years or did it grow quickly with each trim? What sort of weather did she prefer? Surely, it couldn’t be anything too cold or icy, at least not if she’s used to be down here.

The sudden ding of my phone made me flinch. I snatched it off my leg and quickly unlocked the screen. My heart started to pump violently, quick and sharp breaths came from my lungs. It was her. I had already saved her number into my phone before I even saw her today, so that was a convenient move. All of this was making me feel like a desperate teenager.

From Jennifer: hello, hope it isn’t too late

A laugh fell from my lips. What a cheeky thing she was. I took a deep breath while typing my reply. I was unsure if I should immediately reply or not. Would that send an awkward message? I had been waiting all day, and I’m sure she expected a reply.

To Jennifer: hi, it definitely isn’t too late :)

I stood up from the chair and went back inside my suite. My body was tired, but my heart and mind were wide awake. I laid down on the bed, eyes locked on the screen waiting for a new message. After a minute, I worried that she wouldn’t be quick with a response. I wondered if she thought that would make her seem desperate? I had the same thought about myself.

From Jennifer: good, I would’ve been disappointed if it was :)

To Jennifer: I’d hate to disappoint you

A wave of relief washed through me. Maybe she was just as interested in me as I was in her. She truly was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

From Jennifer: I’m sure you won’t

To Jennifer: so, have you picked which meal you’d like me to treat you with? I’m sure you know the best restaurants around

From Jennifer: no I haven’t actually :) surprise me?

To Jennifer: well, when are you available?

From Jennifer: busy tomorrow, but the next day I’m free all day :) just let me know when!

To Jennifer: let me know where?

From Jennifer: I will.

From Jennifer: I hate to go, but I’m very tired. Got a busy day ahead :/

To Jennifer: that’s perfectly understandable. I’ll text you tomorrow then

From Jennifer: okay! good night :)

To Jennifer: goodnight

I tossed the phone on the nightstand and put my hands over my face. My heart was fluttering and my stomach was flipping like I had just jumped out of an airplane. Normally, I was more composed than this. This girl has me feeling like I’ve never spoken to a human being before.. and I was enjoying the insane feelings.

—

I hardly got any sleep last night. The overwhelming thought of seeing her again was eating me alive. Why was I so nervous? Usually, I’m very relaxed and comfortable when it comes to meeting new people or going on dates, if that’s what I can call it. But for some reason, all of that confidence and familiarity has gone down the drain. I’ve been acting like a teenage virgin who’s going on his very first date.

The worst part about all of this was that I still have to wait an entire day. I decided that I needed some help with the details, and I just wanted to know someone’s opinion. There was no better person to call than my mother.

The phone rang a few times, then her cheerful voice picked up. “Honey, hi!”

“Hi, Mum.”

“How are you doing, sugar? Having a good time, I hope.”

I sighed. “It’s going well, yeah.. um.. I’ve got something to tell you.”

“Oh,” She seemed very surprised. “What is it?”

I took a deep breath, then squeezed my eyes shut. “I’m.. going on a date tomorrow.”

“Wow, okay. This is mighty early for you to be telling me about a woman.. you usually wait a couple of weeks.” She quickly responded the way I expected her to.

This has never happened, I always, always wait to see how things go before telling her. I don’t like getting her hopes up.

“When.. when did you meet her?” She asked after my moment of silence.

“Few days ago. I know it’s.. very soon, but.. trust me.. I.. I feel something.”

“Honey, I.. you know I love you and I’m going to always support you..” Her voice trailed off for a moment. “But, baby, you’ve only been there a few days.. how can you be sure that you’ve felt something special?”

“The way I feel around her, Mum. I.. I feel like I’m floating.. like I’m looking at something that’s too good to be true, like an angel. Gosh, she’s such an angel.”

“What do you know about her?”

I paused for a second. “Not.. not a lot, yet. But.. I know I want to know everything, I never want her to disappear.”

Mum chuckled very faintly. “You’re the sweetest boy on earth, Harry. You deserve love.. and happiness. But.. I don’t want you to rush into something because you’re heartbroken.”

My chest tightened as I rolled my eyes. “It’s been over a year. I’m fine now. Besides.. I don’t even think about that when I’m around this girl.”

“How.. how are you sure that this girl isn’t.. interested because of who you are?”

I sighed heavily. “Mum, trust me. Please, just.. trust me.”

“I want what’s best for you, honey. I.. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

Despite not wanting to tell her everything all at once, I figured I owed her an explanation of some sorts. Besides, it isn’t like its a bad story to tell.

“I went to the museum the other day.. the art museum. There was a special exhibit and she was set up there.. I bought one of her pieces.”

“She’s an artist?”

I smiled at the word. “For sure. She’s incredible, Mum. But.. I saw her again, yesterday.”

“You went back to the museum to see her?” She asked curiously.

“No, I saw her somewhere else. I talked to her for a few minutes and.. we kinda arranged a date.”

“Oh, well.. that’s a lovely coincidence.”

I sighed gently. “Mum.. I really want this to work out.”

“Then let it play out naturally, darling. Don’t rush anything or.. try to push anything to happen.”

At this point, my biggest fear was losing this girl. I didn’t necessarily have her in any way yet, but the opportunity to get to know her was enough motivation. Nothing in my personal life had seemed to work out in the past, and for once I just wanted something genuine.

…

[a/n: unfortunately the day I chose to upload followed a very sad, tragic event.. sending my thoughts, prayers, condolences, & love to Liam’s family, his friends, to the other four boys, and to all the little directioners still living in our hearts, 13 year old me is shattered.. — remember to have some humanity.. despite anything he did or didn’t do during his life.. he is someone’s child, brother, father, and friend, and his loved ones deserve respect during this time 🫶🏻]

taglist: @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @victoriasigaard @ariiscringe @harlowsgirl l @lomllover @haniaaa04 @sideboobrry11 @tenaciousperfectionunknown @devilsqueen722 @prettygurl-2009 @fangirl509east @fruity-harry @devilsqueen722 @prettygurl-2009 (there are a few tags that aren’t working so if you don’t see your tag & know you’re on the list .. message me!)

[itslottiehere]

almost birthday twins — h.s

hello beautiful people 🤍 in honour of harry’s birthday — and mine as well! hehehe — i decided to write this little story to celebrate! if you want to, i’d be really happy to hear your feedback! you can do so in your reblog, under this post or in my asks! i thank you all in advance <3 hope you’re all having a great day or night wherever you are!! happy reading <3!!

tw: none!

word count: 2.2k

masterlist | leave your feedback or requests here

—

“so, how are we feeling, almost-birthday girl?”

she shrugged. “i mean, i’m not all too excited to celebrate getting older, i guess?”

her friend rolled her eyes, and laughed a dry laugh. “god woman, how depressing! how about celebrating the fact that you were born and that you get to live this fantastic life with the best of friends by your side?”

she laughed, and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. “mmh, i guess it isn’t so bad then.” she tugged her friend closer. “are the others already inside?”

“yes! so let’s hurry up before i freeze my ass off. did you really have to be born in february? couldn’t you have been born in summer?”

“it’s not like it was my choice!”

.

at home, harry was finishing styling his hair for the night, when niall barged into his room.

“dude, are you almost done? you’ve been at it forever.” he whined, almost stomping his foot like a child.

harry kept looking in the mirror, fixing his already perfectly styled hair. “do i not get a pass, not even on my birthday?” he side eyed his friend, laughing a bit. “but don’t worry, i’m almost done and we can go.”

“yes! i want you to get wasted tonight… and maybe meet someone?” he whispered that last part, but harry heard it loud and clear.

yes, he hadn’t been on a date in over a year. yes, he hadn’t even thought about seeing anyone after his last girlfriend left him. yes, it had been a while and his friends — particularly, niall — have been pushing him to go out and have fun with someone, but he wasn’t ready, not yet.

he was in love with her, and pretty convinced she was the one. so, when one day he came home to a packed suitcase and a way too serious faced girlfriend, his whole world came crashing down.

“H?” niall called after him, harry hadn’t realised he was staring into nothing. “are you okay?”

harry cleared his throat before answering. “yeah, yeah, i’m alright.”

“i-i’m sorry, i didn’t mean to make you sad, especially on your birthday, oh fuck i-”

“niall, it’s fine.” he gave his friend a tight lipped smile. “i know you didn’t want to.” he straightened his shirt, ready to go, and added, “but maybe you’re right, maybe i should get out there.”

“that’s my boy!”

.

“here’s the birthday girl!”

her friends cheered while she arrived at the table.

“well, actually my birthday is in a few hours-”

“you know what we meant! c’mon, sit down, we’ve already ordered the first round.”

she wasn’t a huge fan of her birthday: of course, it was nice to be out with friends, but she never liked to make a big deal out of it. so, going out to have a drink with a couple of friends was what she preferred to do, it was low-key and all she really wanted.

so that’s what they did every year, sometimes on the exact day of her birthday, sometimes the night before, so they could wait until midnight and start her new lap around the sun together.

once the drinks arrived, her best friend raised her glass. “to the almost birthday girl, the best best friend i could’ve asked for. to a hundred more birthdays. cheers!”

“cheers!”

.

the boys walked into the pub, shaking the february chill from their shoulders, and walked up to the counter.

“hi! i have a reservation: horan, party of 4?”

“hi! let me check where we have you seated, and i’ll accompany you to your table in a second.” the waiter politely smiled, and went looking for their table.

after a little while he came back, with an embarrassed smile on his face.

“so, we actually have a little problem.” he said timidly. “it seems there was a double booking for your table for another party, and unfortunately we don’t have any other tables available. i did ask the present party if they would mind sharing the table, and they are okay with it! it might be a bit of a tight fit, and i understand if you prefer to leave. again, i’m really sorry this happened.”

niall slowly nodded. “uhm…do they seem like fun people?”

the waiter smiled and replied. “they seem very nice. one of them is a regular, she’s plenty nice, it’s her best friend birthday party tonight.” the waiter kinda blushed a little at the mention of the regular costumer. “i’m sure you’d have a nice time.”

niall looked at harry, asking silently for his opinion. harry shrugged. “it’s a nice coincidence that we’re both celebrating our birthday party. so, why not?”

niall was very happy about his friend’s decision. “please god, let them be nice people. please.” he thought. he knew harry needed to have a good night out, and he wanted him to have a nice time. and deep inside, he had a good feeling about tonight. there was something in the air.

harry and his friends went towards the table, seeing other four people already sat down. there was a girl smiling big, chattering with the other couple of people at the table, and beside her another girl, a bit more quiet, nursing her drink and playing mindlessly with the straw. she was quite pretty, harry thought. he noticed the way her hair flowed down her shoulders, the slight natural pout of her lips, and the way her eyes crinkled when she laughed.

yeah, quite pretty.

once they got closer to the table, niall broke the ice and introduced themselves. “hi! we’re the other people who booked the table.” he laughed slightly. “i’m niall and this is harry, our birthday boy!” he put his hands on harry’s shoulder, shaking him a little.

harry’s cheeks reddened a little, which she noticed. it made him look very cute, she realised.

“so… do you guys mind if we joined?” niall continued.

her best friend smiled wide, looked at her and then back at niall. “the more, the merrier!”

they decided to seat the birthday boy and girl close to each other, which brought a slight smile on both of their faces.

harry noticed how her eyes seemed to smile just as wide as her mouth, when she smiled with her teeth showing; and she noticed how his cheeks would be dented by the cutest set of dimples she had ever seen.

the conversation flowed easily, niall and her best friend hitting it off and challenging each other in who would be the quickest in drinking a guinness. the loser would have to offer the winner a drink, so the stakes were very much high.

she and harry were a bit more shy with each other. this wasn’t unusual for her, since she was normally on the quieter side, especially when she had to talk to someone she didn’t know. harry, on the other hand, was very talkative, he just found her very cute, especially the way she scrunched her nose when she downed the shots niall kept ordering for them.

“c’mon birthday twins, let’s take a picture of you two!” her friend suggested.

niall came rushing back with, yet, another tray of shots. “wait! drink up!”

she sighed, and harry shook his head in disbelief: the hungover tomorrow was gonna be a bitch.

harry turned towards her, eyes a bit glossy, smile a bit crooked and his voice slightly slurred. “you feel like taking another one? you don’t have to, if you don’t want to.” he assured her.

she smiled at the sweetness of his words. “yeah, i want to. at the end of the day, our birthday comes only once a year, right?”

“right.” harry nodded and smiled.

taking a deep breath, they took their shots and her friend snapped a picture of them, picturing an overly confident harry and her with her eyebrows scrunched together from the burning taste of the tequila.

“aw, you look proper cute!” niall exclaimed and, winking at harry, he mouthed, “she’s cute, get her number.”

harry rolled his eyes and mouthed back “stop it”, afraid she might have seen what his dumb friend was telling him. and it’s not like he hadn't already thought about it. she was beautiful, funny and so sweet: how could he not?

fortunately for him, she didn't see any of that because her eyes were shut because of the alcohol making its way down her throat and her stomach. her head was feeling a bit floaty, and the room was spinning a bit. tomorrow was gonna be a blast.

“so-” harry softly spoke. “is today your birthday? mine is too!” she could sense that his enthusiasm was heightened by his inebriated state, and laughed a bit at the way his eyes opened wide.

“actually, it’s tomorrow.” she replied. “my friends and i usually wait for midnight together, so that on my actual birthday i can meet up with family and such. which is gonna be so much fun to do tomorrow, with the hangover and all that.”

“oh, i bet.” he smiled. “so we’re almost birthday twins, i’d say, yeah?”

“yeah,” she chuckled. “i guess we are.”

.

drink after drink, as continuous laughter filled the air, the night wore on, and her birthday was fast approaching. only thirty minutes before midnight struck, niall asked if it was okay if harry opened his presents, and at that harry tried to tell him that he could wait until after midnight, but she was very firm in her decision.

“absolutely not! you have to open them now, it’s your birthday! i'll open mine after midnight, now it’s your moment.” 

at that, harry smiled and unwrapped the presents got him, absolutely grateful for every single one of them.

but what he was most grateful was that night: this reservation mishap brought him the biggest present he could've asked for.

.

“just a minute before midnight!” her best friend smiled big. “so, feeling any better about ‘getting older’?”

she looked at her and mirrored her smile. “you know, i think i do a little.” she sighed. “tonight was a pretty legendary night.”

“oh, i know.” her friend snickered. “life gave you a huge gift tonight: a cute curly boy who can’t take his eyes off of you. he seems pretty fond of you, you know?”

she shook her head. “oh stop, he doesn't. he’s just a nice person, that’s it.”

her best friend raised her eyebrows, “whatever you say.” and then she whispered to her: “just know that i'm right about this, and that you’ll end up getting his number.”

“yeah, right.” she rolled her eyes. “so, how much longer?”

“twenty seconds! i'm so excited!” she clapped her hands with excitement.

the almost birthday girl chuckled, “darling, it’s not new year’s eve, you know.”

“still! i'm excited to celebrate you. we all are.”

she looked around the table and saw that her friends were looking at her, and so were her newly found friends. she could feel her heart being full of love and appreciation for every person sat at that table, old friends and new. 

 harry put his hand on her knee and squeezed it lightly. 

“you ready, birthday girl?”

she smiled, looking deep into his eyes. “yes, i am.”

as soon as midnight struck, she felt her best friend arms around her, tugging her in the tightest, bone crushing hug. “happy birthday, sunshine!” she looked at her with pure affection in her eyes. “i hope this year brings you all your heart desires, no one deserves it more than you.”

the birthday girl smiled softly, and batted her eyes to stop tearing up. “thank you so much, for everything. i'm so grateful for everything you do for me, i love you so much.”

“oh darling, i love you so much more. but no tears on your birthday! happiness, happiness all around!”

everyone around the table wished her a happy birthday and took their turn in giving her a hug.

finally harry turned to her, leaning close to her ear, and whispered: “can i be the first to give you your present?” 

she was taken aback and surprised. “wait, how can you have a present for me? we haven’t even met before ton-”

before she could finish her sentence, harry’s lips were placed on hers, kissing her so delicately but also firmly: his lips were soft and plump, tasting a bit like the alcohol they sipped during the night. his mouth moved slowly, as if he was tasting the moment for all it was. 

she felt her cheeks growing hot by the second, especially when she heard niall cheering of joy. she didn't know why it seemed like a huge surprise to him, for harry to kiss someone, since harry was a more than good looking guy, but she didn't care. this was the best kiss she’d ever had in her whole life, and she didn't want it to end. 

but alas, it did, but not before harry gave her a quick last peck, at which she smiled fondly. his lips were a deep red and slightly swollen, a bit shiny from her lipgloss. he gave her a toothy grin, and spoke. 

“happy birthday, darling.”

“you too, harry.” she smiled timidly, her face burning.

harry scrunched up his nose. “mmh, you’re kind of late.”

“oh c’mon, just by a minute.”

--

taglist: @a-strange-familiar @neverstaisfied

[hsonlyangelxo]

That's so me