#harry fluff

[narrycherries]

ivy: for moments that we stole

She was trying to figure out how to understand her own body, and he was attempting to help as much as he could..

(part 9)

masterlist // ivy series

word count: 29.7k

warnings/tags: harry x oc, fluff, angst, enemies to lovers, alcohol use, jealousy, (slight hints at smut but no smut yet)

[a/n:: hi sorry it took so, so long for this to come out, hope it’s worth the wait <3!! I’m never writing a part that’s this long ever again lol!]

It hadn’t been quite a week since Harry came over in the middle of the night. Ivy was walking through the door of Niall’s store Thursday afternoon solely to see Harry. Due to her work schedule and him picking up shifts at the store after his regular job, they haven’t been able to physically see each other. Harry was devastated that he couldn’t see her, but he understood that she was tired after work. Every night, though, they talk on the phone and catch each other up on their days. 

Niall gave her a wave as she walked past the register. She quickly returned the gesture but didn’t waste time stopping to talk to him. Her destination was the back room where Harry told her he’d be at. He didn’t have a shift today, but he had a few lessons scheduled. Niall conducted the sessions at the store. Ivy strolled to the back, excitement firing up her body. She was ready to see him. Looking at his face on a screen during a video call or hearing his voice over the phone wasn’t enough to hold her over anymore. When she reached the back, she slowed down in the doorway and peaked into the room. Harry was sitting with his back to her on a stool, his hands holding a guitar. There was a young boy, most likely in his early teen years, sitting on the small couch across from him. Harry was talking to him about their progress, saying how he was doing a good job. 

“I think in a few more sessions you’ll be playing confidently.” Harry said, resting the guitar he was using on a stand before standing up. 

The boy smiled and jumped up, grabbing the soft case he carried his instrument in with. 

“I hope so. See you next week.” 

Harry chuckled. “You will. Remember, practice those sheets.”

Once the boy zipped his case up and walked towards the door, Ivy stepped out of the way and waited for them to be alone. 

Harry told her he had about fifteen minutes in between his lessons today, so she was eager to get to him as quickly as possible. When she walked into the room, he turned around and met her with a bright smile. He didn’t expect to see her so soon. 

“Hi.” She said happily while practically running over to him. 

Harry grabbed her and wrapped his arms around her body, pulling her into a tight hug. “Hey, sweet girl.”

“I’ve missed you.” She grinned against his chest, her arms snaked around him. 

“I missed you more, love.”

Ivy grunted as he squeezed her extra tight. “You smell good.”

Harry let out a laugh, pressing a kiss to her temple. She pulled back, reaching up to grab his face with both hands. He gave her control, allowing her to pull him down for a kiss. They were both mindful of the fact they were in public, so their tongues stayed behind their lips. Harry hummed against her mouth, savoring the feeling of her thick lips mushed into his. When she pulled away, he furrowed his brows and let out a disapproving sigh. Ivy pinched his dimple and dropped her hands to his chest. 

“I don’t like being away from you for this long.” 

Harry smirked, licking his lips to soak up the flavor of her lip gloss that’s now mostly on his mouth and not hers. “It’s definitely not fun.”

“We can spend the weekend together.. if you want.” She offered, batting her long eyelashes at him.

He was easily enticed by the idea. “We can do that.”

Ivy was about to reach up for another kiss when Harry’s hands both moved to her waist, squeezing her on either side. He was staring deep into her eyes, a longing silence growing between them. She could tell he was thinking about something. 

Harry cleared his throat and dipped his head down, pressing a kiss to her ear. “Can I take you out on a date tomorrow?”

She let out a soft giggle, blush coating her face. “A date? Yeah, I guess so.”

“If you want to.”

“Of course, yeah.” Ivy turned her head so she could meet his lips. 

Harry laid a few kisses on her mouth before leaning back up. “We can get ice cream or something after, whatever you want. Maybe go back to my place for a movie.” 

She lifted an eyebrow. “Back to your place, hm?” 

“Yeah, take a turn in my bed.” He smirked back.

Her eyes rolled as her arms snaked around his torso. “Maybe.” 

“You can stay the night.. if you want to.” Harry kept his eyes on her despite her hiding her face. “My bed isn’t as comfortable as yours.. but m’sure you being in it would make it better.” 

Ivy shook her head, burying her face into his chest again. He didn’t have to look to know she was flushed and uncontrollably smiling. Even before they started doing all of this, Harry was well aware of the effect he had on her. His words, his glances, his touches - every little thing he did drove her mad. 

“I’d like to have a sleepover.” She finally mumbled back, a smile weaved into her words. 

“Then it’s a deal.” 

Harry could see through the doorway that there were a few customers walking around. As much as he wanted to hold on to her forever, until they morphed into one being and the world stopped spinning, he knew he couldn’t do that here. With a huff, he withdrew his arms and inched backwards, while keeping his hands on her waist. She frowned, trying to step closer, but Harry shook his head to stop her. 

“I have to get ready for my next lesson, love.” 

Ivy groaned, throwing her head back. “No, not yet.” 

“I don’t want to, believe me. I’d much rather be with you.” 

She understood that he had priorities and commitments that he couldn’t just abandon because she wanted to spend time with him. It was a struggle, especially with it being the first week they’ve been together, but she had to deal with it. Harry gave her waist a squeeze, trying his best to give her affection that was more appropriate for their setting. 

“Do you have any preferences for where you want to eat tomorrow?” 

She shook her head. “Whatever you want to do.” 

“I’ll text you later and let you know what time I’ll pick you up.” 

Ivy gave him a cute smile. “Call me.” 

“Alright, I’ll call you.” 

“I’m glad I got to see you for a little bit.” Her lips rolled to a pout, making his heart sink. 

“M’gonna spend every waking moment with you this weekend.” Harry wanted to wrap her in his arms and squeeze her tight, but he opted not to. 

“Guess I have to go now, hm?” She frowned, wishing he’d say no but aware that he wouldn’t. 

“Not before I kiss you goodbye.” His wink made her laugh, which eased his worry. 

It took so long for him to admit his feelings to her, and he hated having to be away from her now. But he had a job to do and she needed to get home and handle some chores. They couldn’t spend every day together.. Since he knew it would be an entire day until he saw her again, he wanted his goodbye hug to leave a good impression. Ivy laughed as he pulled her back into his body, squeezing her tight and placing several kisses on her temple. Her arms were squished between them, her hands pressed on his body as she giggled and squirmed, trying to get free. Ivy snuck her hand up to his face and grabbed his chin, angling his head down so she could kiss him. This time, she let her tongue slip out and he gladly lapped it up with his own. It was a long thirty seconds, a magical moment frozen in time. 

“Lovebirds, break it up.” Niall’s voice broke the trance and forced them apart. 

Harry groaned, his hands falling from her body, “What do you want?”

“I just got off the phone. They want us to do a show Saturday night. Their other booking fell through.” He explained, looking at his phone as he typed a message to send to the band’s group chat. 

“We just did a show.” Harry huffed out, not excited about the idea. 

“I know, but it wouldn’t hurt to do another.” Niall was obviously fine with the idea, and he thought the money would be worth it. Usually they did shows once a month, so extra income would be nice for everyone. 

“I just made plans for the weekend.” Harry glanced at Ivy, feeling her stare on him. 

“You can do the show. I can come watch.” She clasped her hands around his right hand, squeezing tight and pulled herself against him. 

“Ivy, I.. I wanted to be with you.” 

“You will be, technically. I love watching you sing.” The way she smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling as she gazed up at him, made him melt. He couldn’t tell her no. He couldn’t deny her of this, or anything if she used that adorable expression. 

Harry sighed and licked his lips. “Are you sure it’s not a big deal? 

“No, it’s fine. I promise.” She grinned back, visibly excited about the idea. 

He looked back to Niall, who was waiting for an answer. “I guess we can.”

“Good. Everyone else is on board.” Niall smirked, knowing that Harry would be the only difficult one to convince, especially now that he has someone else to occupy his time. 

“Have you told everyone about us?” Ivy asked curiously, her fingers crawling up his forearm.

Niall chuckled. “He hasn’t.”

“Niall.” Harry wasn’t pleased by that. “Can you go away?”

“Are you embarrassed of me?” Ivy had the biggest smile on her face. 

Harry shook his head, turning to face her. “M’not embarrassed. I haven’t seen any of them.”

“I know, I’m just picking.” Her smile dropped slightly. It was easy to notice the difference in his tone. 

Niall already walked off, leaving them alone. Harry avoided her gaze, choosing to stare off behind her. Ivy felt a familiar feeling creeping in. Whenever she used to talk to Harry, she would be afraid that something would happen and he’d get angry. Right now, that thought was threatening to take over. 

Harry didn’t say anything. He brought her into another hug, silence growing between them. She wasn’t sure if he was irritated or if he was just being quiet. She made sure to squeeze him tight. A minute passed before he finally let her go. He kissed her for just a moment, mumbling how he’d miss her. She returned the sweet words, trying to push away the worrying thought. Harry had a lesson and Ivy had to leave.. 

That night, just as she was getting under the covers to get comfortable, Harry called her. They talked for a while about random things, he told her about the lessons and she rambled about the grocery shopping she did after she left the music store. Harry listened to every word, enjoying the sound of her voice. He apologized for how he acted earlier in the day, but she assured him it was fine and she wasn’t upset in any way. 

After that, before they said their goodbyes, he told her he’d be there to get her at seven o’clock for their dinner date. He wouldn’t share the details of where they were going, just told her to trust him. Ivy was nervous about the date but she was excited, too. Harry could tell she was tired, so he eventually let her go with the promise to see her soon. 

—•—

Ivy had never breathed so hard before. Her eyes burned holes through the mirror as she looked her body up and down. She could feel her heart fluttering from anxiety as she contemplated how she felt about her appearance. Did she like this dress? Was it too much for a first date? If Harry was taking her somewhere that was casual, this would be considered over-dressed. Just as she was about to rip it off to try another one on, Emma walked into her bedroom. 

“Hi, getting ready for your date?” She grinned as she walked up behind Ivy in the mirror. 

She huffed back. “Yeah.”

“What’s wrong?”

Ivy shrugged, rotating to see how she looked from the side. “Can’t decide what I wanna wear.”

“This dress is gorgeous. Dark blue always looks good on you.” Emma adjusted a piece of her curled hair, putting it in place. “And your hair is gorgeous.”

Ivy chewed on her cheek for a few seconds as she stared at herself. She was confident with her emotions and feelings, yet she was confused about her outer appearance. Did she like this dress? Was it too nice? Was the color decent? Would Harry like this color? She shook her head. 

“What if Harry doesn’t like it?”

Emma met her eyes in the mirror. “If you wore a potato sack Harry would love it.”

“But.. what if he doesn’t?” Ivy’s lips fell to a frown. 

“He will, Ivy. He’s obsessed with you. He’ll love it.” Emma playfully grabbed her waist, keeping a smile on so Ivy would feel better. 

She shrugged, looking down at her heels. Maybe they were too tall for this kind of thing? They were very comfortable, the thick heel made them easy to balance in. Would Harry think it’s too much? 

“You look perfect, I promise.” Emma whispered out, trying her best to pump some positivity into Ivy. 

Although she didn’t believe it, she thanked Emma and said a quick goodbye. Niall was there to pick her up. They were going on a date themselves and planned to spend the night together here since Ivy will be going with Harry if all things go well. 

Ivy sprayed on her favorite perfume and adjusted the necklace around her neck, setting the pendant flush to her skin. She applied her favorite lipgloss, opting for a shade a bit of a deeper pink than her usual. The curls in her hair weren’t tight. They flowed down her back and over her shoulders, perfectly spiraled. Maybe he would like the dress and the shoes and the perfume and her hair and her.. Maybe he would really, really like her tonight. 

“Hello?” She answered as she put the phone to her ear. 

“Hey, sweet girl. I’ll be there in two minutes.” Harry’s deep voice made her stomach turn cartwheels. 

“Okay. Should I wait outside?”

“I’ll come to the door and get you.” His smile was laced perfectly through his words. “Have to be traditional.”

She laughed softly. “Okay, I’m excited to see you, but don’t call why you’re driving. Be safe.”

“Alright, I’ll see you soon. Bye, Ivy.”

“Bye, Harry.” 

Speaking to him didn’t ease her worry at all. The thoughts of not looking pretty enough and not dressing appropriately and not being what he wanted - everything was spiraling in her mind. Ivy sat down on the couch and glued her eyes to the door, waiting to hear a knock or two hit against the wood. She nearly held her breath the entire time. It was supposed to be easier now that they got along, that they admitted to caring about one another. It was supposed to be easy..

It had been a long time since she went out on any official dates with anyone. All those had failed her in the past, she was hopeful that this one would be different. There was that lingering fear that Harry would suddenly not want to be with her and that he’d disappear, but she was fighting hard to keep that out of her mind. Worrying about her appearance was enough to keep her mind occupied, unfortunately. Everything vanished and her heart froze as a sudden knock on the door echoed through the room. There was no turning back. She gulped down her fears and walked to the door. It was comforting to know that Harry was on the other side and soon they’d be reunited. 

Ivy opened the door and smiled brightly as she finally saw him. He looked incredibly handsome tonight. He was wearing a nice shirt, all but the top button were fastened, and a pair of trousers. It was unusual seeing him in something other than jeans, but she thought he looked wonderful. He smiled back, nervousness already seeping through his veins. In his hand was a bouquet of pretty pink tulips. 

“Hi.” 

Ivy’s cheeks flushed as he extended the flowers out to her. “Hi.” 

“I got you these.” He said, referring to the tulips. “I hope you like them.” 

She took the flowers from him and lifted the bouquet to her nose. The smell was beautiful and fresh, something she was relieved to experience. Ivy held the flowers in one hand as her other arm went around him, grunting as he embraced her tighter. 

“Thank you, I love them.” She grinned as her head fell back, her pretty eyes met his instantly. 

“You’re welcome. A little bird might’ve told me these are your favorite.” He winked, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. He hoped he didn’t disturb her hair or makeup. 

“A little bird who splits the rent with me, I assume.” 

He shrugged. “That’s a secret.” 

Ivy teasingly rolled her eyes and looked down at the flowers. “Is it okay if I put them in a vase real quick? I don’t want them to die.” 

“Yeah, go ahead.” Harry nodded, following her inside as she turned on her heel and headed to the kitchen. 

He chose to stay by the door as he waited for her. All he could think about was how perfect she looked tonight. He thought the shade of blue was stunning on her and the dress was fitted perfectly. Her hair looked so soft and pretty, and the whiff he got when he hugged her was wondrous. She smelled, looked, sounded, and felt like heaven. He watched with an amused smile as she scrambled to find a vase in the lower cabinet and fill it with water. She was rushing so he wouldn’t have to wait too long, but little did she know he’d wait forever if she needed him to. Once she got the tulips in a vase and placed on the counter near the window, she rejoined him and took hold of both of his hands. 

“Thank you for being sweet.” She said in a soft voice, puckering her lips for him. 

He chuckled, placing a few soft pecks on her mouth. “Have to treat you like a princess.” 

“Well, this princess is hungry.” 

“C’mon, let’s get going.” He kept hold of one of her hands and walked her out to the car. 

“Oh, my bag.” She quickly walked to the couch to grab the small duffle bag she packed for the night. 

Ivy was surprised when Harry opened the car door for her, gesturing for her to get in. He waited until she was situated and her seatbelt was on before he shut the door. She couldn’t wipe the grin off her face as she watched him walk around the front of the car. He looked so good, so put together and happy. 

“You’re so beautiful.” Harry smiled at her as he backed onto the street. 

“Thanks.” She rested her hands on top of each other on her lap, looking down at the fabric of her dress. “Not too dressed up, am I?”

“No, love. You’re perfectly dressed.” 

Ivy let her eyes trail over to his side of the car. She looked over his thigh and up his side, still surprised to see he had a long sleeve shirt on without pushing the sleeves up. He looked so nice. 

“So, are you going to tell me what we’re doing?”

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. “You’ll see when we get there.” 

“What about after?”

“Ivy, you have to be patient, sweetheart.” Harry glanced at her, already aware she was staring at him. “Trust me.”

“I do trust you.” 

Harry gripped the steering wheel with one hand and reached over with his other one. She didn’t hesitate to rest her palm on his, sliding their fingers together. She stayed quiet for the rest of the drive. Although he was worried that something was bothering her, he didn’t want to pry. If she wanted to tell him anything then she would. 

Ivy spaced out quickly, her eyes were fixed on their joined hands but her mind was lost. All she could think about was if Harry liked her dress or not. Did he like her hair like this, was her makeup too light, were her shoes ugly? She swallowed harshly, forcing down all the worry. She didn’t want the night to be ruined by her spiraling thoughts. 

She squeezed Harry’s hand as they pulled into a familiar place. When she looked at him, he chuckled and gave her a quick glance. 

“The first time we ate here together I was an asshole. I figured the second time should be better.” 

Ivy let out a shy laugh. “I.. I didn’t expect this.” 

“Good.” Harry grinned back. “That means I’m good at surprising you.” 

There was a rush of excitement flooding through her. For weeks on end, she replayed that night with him in her mind wondering what went wrong, what she could’ve done differently. It was one of those memories that haunted her. But now he’s giving her brain the chance to replace it with a much better experience, if all goes well. Once he parked and turned off the car, Ivy grabbed the door handle, but he stopped her. 

“Wait, stay there.” 

She hesitated at first, but lowered her hand to her lap. He practically flew out of the car, racing to her side. She giggled to herself as she watched him adjust his collar before opening the door for her. 

“Harry, you didn’t have to do that.” She sighed out as he offered his hand to her, she gladly took it. 

“But I should do it, and I’m going to.” Harry squeezed her hand as he waited for her to stand up. 

He looked down at her shoes, just now getting a good view of them. They reminded him of the other heels he’s seen her wear. He really liked the way she looked in them. He shut the door as she fixed her dress and swept her hair over her shoulders. He wanted to give her a kiss, but he was trying to wait until after dinner. 

They walked hand in hand to the door, Ivy was telling him about the muffin she ate for breakfast. He was amused by her excitement, finding it rather precious that she enjoyed such trivial things. It was good to know small things made her happy. She savored the details of life, and he admired that so much. 

They were guided to a table quickly, Harry had worried that they would have to wait. Blush coated her face as Harry pulled out the chair for her. She felt like she was being treated like a queen, like someone important. She was important to him.. 

“You’re being rather sweet tonight.” Ivy smiled when he sat down across from her. 

“Trying to make up for all the times I was a dick to you.” Harry only half smiled back. 

She licked her lips and looked down at the menu, scanning her eyes over the words. “You’re doing good, I promise. I’d tell you if you weren’t.” 

“I hope you’d give me absolute hell if I did that to you again.” 

Ivy glanced up at him. “Oh, I definitely would.”

For some reason, she felt like she didn’t want to bore him with random, meaningless conversation. She let herself get side tracked on a muffin just minutes ago. Surely that’s not something he wants to hear all the time. She absentmindedly started to pick at her nail polish. It would annoy her tomorrow when she sees the chipped paint. 

“What are you going to get?” Harry asked as he lifted the menu to read over it. 

Nervousness crept through her, threatening to ruin the entire night. “Um, I don’t know yet.” 

Harry peeked at her over the top of the menu, obviously hearing the uncertainty in her voice. He could tell something was on her mind. Maybe she was really just trying to decide what she wanted, and that worried look on her face that she wasn’t good at hiding meant nothing. Or maybe it meant something.. 

“Are you feeling okay, love?”

She lifted her head, expecting to catch his stare. “Yeah, just trying to pick something.”

“Take your time. It looks like we won’t get any service tonight.” 

Harry’s huff made her gulp. He sort of seemed irritated and she hoped he didn’t lose his control. Ivy decided to attempt to ease the tension he was clearly experiencing.

“We just got seated. I’m sure someone is coming soon.” 

He chose not to reply. Her heart began to beat faster than it had been, worry was spilling into her stomach. Keeping him calm would be the best thing, so she opted to try. 

“So, have you picked a movie for us to watch later?” 

He sighed. “No, I was going to let you pick.” 

“Oh.”

“Unless you don’t want to.. then I’ll just choose something.” His tone wasn’t what she wanted to hear. 

For a handful of minutes, they were both quiet. Ivy wasn’t quite sure how to approach him. If he was irritable, she didn’t want to set him off. It would be a dream for his mood to magically change. She worried his lack of control over his emotions would make this hard for them - and not just during dinner.. 

“Is.. is that a new ring?” Her voice broke out suddenly, grabbing his attention. 

Ivy was staring at his hand, her eyes fixated on the decorations littering his fingers. He looked down, the lion shaped ring was one he hadn’t worn in a while. He assumed that was the one she was referring to. It caught the light from above them. 

“Um, no. I just don’t wear it a lot.” Harry relaxed his brows and let his lips shape to a soft smile. “You notice my rings?”

Ivy grinned back, reaching across the table to touch him. He didn’t shy away, he let her take hold of his hand so she could examine the ring. 

“Yeah, of course. I notice everything about you. I spent a long time.. staring at you.” She said with a soft laugh, slightly embarrassed by her admission. 

“You’re so.. perfect.” He squinted his eyes as he stared at her. “Just everything about you is perfect.”

She shook her head. “To me, it sounds like I’m a creep.”

“You know I stared just as much.” He saw a waiter approaching them, his eyes shifting to stare the person down. “About fucking time.” 

Ivy sighed and quickly mumbled back to him. “Be patient, okay? Don’t.. don’t get so irritated over this.”

“Ivy.” He said through a breath. 

“Harry. Please.” 

He flicked his gaze back to her. “Alright. I’ll try.” 

“Try hard, for me, okay?” She got the words out just as the waiter got to the table. 

“Okay. For you.” 

Ivy paid close attention to Harry as he told the waiter what he wanted to drink. She watched the way his eyes held a cold glare and his lips were straight. He was annoyed and it was obvious to her, so it must be obvious to this other person, too. She squeezed his hand, glad he was still letting her hold it. He returned the squeeze, but didn’t let up on his expression. She asked for water, keeping a smile on her face to be polite. 

Once they were alone again, Ivy took a deep breath and started talking. As he heard her voice, he shifted his eyes to her and let his features soften. 

“I’m excited to stay the weekend.” 

“Yeah? I’m excited, too.” 

She felt a lump forming in her throat. He didn’t seem to be all that happy or joyful anymore. She dropped her eyes to their hands. Her skin appeared more pale than usual when compared to his sun kissed complexion. The cold metal of his rings stung her fingers, but she enjoyed the feeling. When she lifted her eyes, he gave her a slight frown. 

“M’sorry, I.. I’m acting like we’re strangers.” Harry’s voice was gentle, almost a whisper. 

Ivy licked her lips and gave him a sweet smile - maybe he deserved it, maybe he didn’t. “You’re fine. It’s our first.. date, so it's okay to be nervous.” 

He nodded slowly, but his stare fell down to the table. “I’ve never done this before.” 

“What? A date?”

He shrugged. “Yeah.”

She was surprised by his words, it was almost unbelievable. Harry was so attractive and confident. She’s witnessed him flirt with women and show off his charisma. From what she’s heard, he’s well versed in sexual relationships, was that the extent of it? 

“You’ve never been on a date?”

He shook his head, his stare still fixed elsewhere. She wanted him to look at her, wanted to hold eye contact as they spoke. But she knew that was probably not going to happen. 

“That’s kind of.. shocking. You seem like.. you could get a date easily.”

Harry laughed for a moment. “It’s not that I couldn’t. I didn’t want to.”

When Ivy adjusted in her chair, a piece of her hair fell forward. She sighed softly, wrapping her finger around the strand to twist it. Harry wondered if she was bothered by what he said. Was it too forward? Honesty was supposed to be the best thing. Maybe he was too rough. 

“Why not?” She slightly lifted her brows. “Never.. never found anyone worth the trouble?” 

He smirked, but it wasn’t malicious. “The whole.. being someone’s boyfriend thing never really.. intrigued me. Kinda felt stupid and pointless.” 

She moved her eyes to stare at the piece of hair she was handling. “I hope, um, your perspective has changed.”

Harry rubbed his thumb over her skin, her small hand encased by his hold. “I promise, you’re the only one who can change that for me. You’re worth everything. Every risk, every fear, everything.”

Her stare moved back to him and she let go of the curl. It fell back to the place it was before she messed with it. Harry wanted to reach over and fix it, put it with the rest of the curls and make everything perfect, but he didn’t. 

“M’trying my best to.. to do this right with you. To be a boyfriend and be.. be good to you.” He was afraid that her silence meant he was scaring her off. 

Ivy let out a soft laugh and lifted her lips to a smile. “Boyfriend, hm? You never asked me if you could be my boyfriend.” 

“Well, can I be your boyfriend?” He smiled back, lifting his brows in question. 

“I suppose so.” She lifted her shoulders nonchalantly, trying to play as a tease. 

He watched her closely, picking up on her cheeky grin and gentle giggle. “You’re so funny and.. and cute. Just makes me want to try even harder.” 

She parted her lips to speak, but they were interrupted by the same waiter that came by earlier. Ivy let go of his hand and carefully placed both of hers in her lap. She didn’t want to knock the glass over and make a mess on the table. Harry breathed out heavily, nervousness crawling into his body. Did he mess up? No, it was just going so well. Maybe she was tired of holding his hand? Maybe her arm was sore from the position? He wasn’t sure, and not knowing why was bothering him. 

“Thank you.” Ivy said with a kind tone, thanking the waiter. 

Harry bit down on his cheek as he witnessed it. It shouldn’t be such an annoying thing for him, but something about the way the man looked at her was irritating. There was a high possibility he was just being dramatic and jealous. He tried to shake the thoughts out of his mind as she gave her food order. 

Once they were alone, Ivy thought it would be a good idea to continue their conversation. She wanted to know more about him, more about his past and why he didn’t do certain things. Were relationships really such a bad idea in his mind? Or was he just being stubborn and not willing to give himself to someone in that way? She hoped he’d tell her everything without her having to ask. 

“So, I’m your first real date.” 

He let out a breathy laugh. “Yeah, you are.” 

“And your first real girlfriend.” 

“My first and only, hopefully.” 

Ivy cocked a brow at him, but didn’t say anything. She hadn’t noticed he didn’t move his hand off the table until just now, when she glanced down and saw it still laying in the same spot. As much as she wanted to give him that affection, she knew she needed to focus and have a serious conversation with him. 

“I hope you.. take this really seriously with me. I.. I don’t want us to.. to be like we were before.” 

His smile dropped to a frown and his brows furrowed. “I promise, we don’t have to be that way ever again.”

“I don't want to be.” 

“Ivy, I swear.. I’ll never treat you that way again. You mean so much to me.. and I have so much to make up to you.” Harry turned his hand over, his palm to the ceiling. 

She looked at it for a long moment, considering everything in her mind before making a decision. It was obvious to her that he struggled talking about his feelings, but whenever he was with her he seemed to do it better. He liked to touch her, liked to squeeze her, liked to feel her body cruve against his hands, liked to push his lips into hers and all over her face.. he loved touching her. She would be cruel and evil to deny him of that physical touch that he craved and needed so much. 

“As long as you remember to be patient and calm and.. and nice.” 

“I’ll never treat you wrong again.” 

She smiled a little, finally moving her hand into his. This time, their fingers didn’t lock up. She rested her palm in his and let her fingers carefully drape over his wrist. When their eyes met, Harry felt his stomach churn. Was she not believing him? Was he not saying the right things? He’s trying so hard. 

“I mean.. with everyone, not just me. I want you to be nice.. and funny.. and sweet.. to everyone.” Ivy licked her lips, glancing away from him for just a split second. “Well, maybe save the sweetness for me.” 

His frown turned up. “Only for you. But, yeah, I will. I’m.. trying not to be such an.. ass.” 

“I can help you if you need me to. I want to do what I can.” 

He shook his head lightly. “You don’t have to fix me, Ivy. It’s not your job. I.. I did this on my own.” 

“But I’m not going to leave you alone. I want you to get better. If you have a better outlook on everything around you then you’ll be so much happier and positive.” She explained, hoping her words held meaning to him. 

“I know. I.. I feel better with you. You sorta.. do fix it, I guess.” 

She smiled a bit bigger. “I know, Harry. I can see how much better you are with me.” 

He swallowed gently. “You’re saving me, love.” 

Ivy smiled back, sinking her nails into her skin. “You’re letting me.” 

While waiting for their food to arrive, they kept up small talk about random little things. Ivy was the one doing most of the talking, while Harry listened and smiled at her expressive words. He thought the way she described things and told stories was incredible. Of course, he couldn’t help but notice how gorgeous she was and how her eyes sparkled when she laughed. Everything about her was captivating, he was lost in her existence. 

She spoke so much because she was nervous. This was really only the second time they were actually alone together while not being mortal enemies. She felt as though it could be messed up at any second. She feared that he would get tired of her or find her boring and he’d leave, or never come back after the date was over. Maybe she should’ve stayed away from him after he avoided her - no, that was insane. That would’ve driven her mad, made her lose her mind. 

Harry was so fixated on her details and words that he didn’t realize she was rambling because she was nervous. He just thought she wanted to tell him these things to fill their silence. He didn’t mind it, he quite enjoyed it. She was paying attention to him, making a point to conversate and interact. There had been many times when they were in the same room that she ignored him, that she hated him. It was because of his own behavior, of course. He cherished every second with her now, appreciated every ounce of attention she gave. 

They ate their food while mumbling about the next night’s show. Harry told her he wasn’t really thrilled about doing it, but she convinced him it would be fine. She was excited to attend a show as his girlfriend instead of a person he couldn’t stand to be around. Although he said he didn’t have an issue with anyone knowing about them, he told her, after she asked, that he wasn’t sure who knew about their new found relationship. As far as he was aware, Niall and Emma were the only two people who knew. Whether they told everyone else or not wasn’t something he knew. Ivy wanted to ask why he didn’t tell his friends, but she refrained. Perhaps it was just a private thing that he didn’t want to spread around like a teenage boy. 

After they ate and Harry insisted he’d cover the bill, he walked her to the car and opened the door for her. She felt special, yet undeserving. He drove them back to his place, glad that Niall wouldn’t be home tonight. When they arrived, he rushed to her door and opened it yet again before grabbing her bag to carry it in for her. She brought a change of clothes for the night, but told him that she’d need to go home to change tomorrow before the show. 

“We’ve got the place to ourselves tonight, Dad is out.” He chuckled as he shut the door behind her, turning the locks. 

Ivy laughed, imagining how intense Niall might be at times. She looked around the space, somewhat remembering what it looked like. She only came by once, the night that Harry came out of the bathroom and ran into her. Unfortunately, every place they go together seems to hold bad memories for her. She pushed it aside and turned to face him. 

“Is it okay if I change?” 

“Yeah. Um, you can go up to my room or the bathroom.” 

“Okay.” She took the bag from his hand and excused herself up the stairs. 

Harry went to the kitchen to gather a few items. He wasn’t sure what she would want as a sweet snack. They decided not to get ice cream, she was full after their meal and wanted to get out of her dress. He knew Niall had a candy stash in the back of the pantry, so he stole some of that. He grabbed her a bottle of water and sat a bag of popcorn on the counter, intending to ask her when she returned if she wanted any. 

Upstairs, Ivy hesitated at first on which room to go into. She didn’t want to feel like an intruder, so she chose the bathroom. She would eventually end up in his bedroom tonight anyway, so she’ll just wait to see what hides behind the door. Changing into a pair of yoga pants, although she didn’t do yoga at all, and a t-shirt was a relief. Her feet weren’t really tired from her shoes since she didn’t have to walk or stand a lot, but it was nice to get them off and slip on a pair of socks. She was glad she packed some makeup wipes. Once her skin was cleaned and her teeth were brushed, she packed her items into the bag and zipped it up. 

When she walked out, her eyes moved over to the door she knew led to Harry’s bedroom. She thought about dropping her bag in there, but she still had that intruder feeling burning in her gut. So, she left it in the hall outside of his room, intending to pick it up later. As she came down the stairs, she saw him adjusting the hem of a t-shirt he changed into. He snuck down the hallway to the laundry room to change while she was gone. Sweatpants covered his lower half. 

“Hope I don’t scare you.” Ivy said with a laugh as he looked over and saw her. 

“Scare me?” He held his hands out, waiting for her to join him. 

She crossed the room to where he stood in front of the couch. She saw the arrangement of candies and the water he laid out, it made her heart swell. Ivy wrapped her arms around his torso and giggled as he embraced her, squeezing her tight. 

“My makeup is gone.” 

He huffed. “You’re gorgeous.” 

She didn’t say anything back, just bolted her eyes shut as she savored the feeling of being against him. He could tell she was tired, but he hoped she at least wanted to start a movie with him. As he pulled back, she grunted and yanked him back against her. He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her head as he gently rocked them from side to side. Ivy had dreamed of this moment, of just being close to him and holding on tight. She never wanted it to end. 

“Thank you for going with me tonight.” Harry sighed out, being patient with her. 

“Thank you for asking me to.” She mumbled into his chest, not caring how long she was holding their hug. 

One of his hands fell down her back, he missed being this close to her. “Maybe we can go out once a week. Do different things.” 

“I’d like that.” 

He hummed, kissing her head again. “Or more than once. I just want to see you as much as possible.” 

“Sorry, this week was just busy.. I’ll have more time soon.”

“Don’t apologize.” He grunted, sliding his hand to her hip. 

“I want to say sorry for apologizing.”

The laugh Ivy let out made him smile. He thought she was the funniest, cutest person on the planet. Harry pulled back, touching his palm to her jaw. She naturally leaned into his touch, moving her eyes up to look at him. The sight was marvelous, he loved to see her smiling at him. 

“You’re something else, y’know.”

Ivy grinned back, then puckered her lips for a kiss. He would be a fool to pass up the opportunity. It was gentle and sweet at first, just a series of pecks and soft laughs. But like the previous times, it quickly turned into something more. The gentleness went away as the hunger and desire to have each other took over. Harry shoved his tongue into her mouth, being greedy with the taste of her.  

Her hands went wild, running up his front to his neck, holding onto him on either side. He could feel her nails digging into his skin, leaving indents in what belonged to her. The feeling of her skin against his just made his hunger grow. He gripped her waist as tight as he could, shaping his hand perfectly to her body. He wanted to melt onto her, wanted to soak her up inch by inch. She didn’t once hesitate as he started to move. Harry backed up until he reached the couch. She grunted as he broke the kiss, but he didn’t let her slip away. He sat down on the couch and pulled her onto his lap. Instinctively, her legs fell on either side of his and she grabbed his neck, holding onto him as they reconnected their mouths. 

Her small hands held onto his jaws now, tilting his head back as she shoved her tongue into his mouth. She wanted the control, and he so easily gave it to her. Harry’s mind was long gone down a path it probably shouldn’t have ventured on, and his judgement was clouded by his own desires. While Ivy was just as lost in the bliss, she was becoming more aware of what he was doing with his hands. She grunted as he let one fall further down than it ever had. At first, she thought she was being dramatic, it wasn’t so bad. But his touch turned into kneading and she was becoming anxious about what he was going to do next. It felt nice, so she didn’t stop him. 

Harry’s kissing quickly became sloppier, spit pooling in the corners of their mouths, dripping down onto their skin. He was swiping up as much as her taste as he could, wanting to savor the flavor forever. 

Ivy was fine with everything. She was enjoying the kissing and how dirty it turned, she liked how he gripped her ass cheek and her waist at the same time, his heavy hands putting pressure against her body. She loved the way his face fit into her palms, how her hair fell over her shoulders onto him as she held him back. But it all started to fade when she realized something was happening. 

Harry was lifting his hips into her crotch, groaning as he pressed his growing bulge against her. She had never kissed someone so intensely before, especially in this position. She had never sat on anyone’s lap and let her body move against theirs before. It was new and it frightened her more than it probably should. She reached down to grab his wrist, pulling his hand off her ass. He furrowed his brows, not sure what she was doing. 

“Baby.” He grumbled out as she suddenly turned her head, ripping their lips apart. 

“No, Harry.” Ivy’s heavy breathing fanned over his skin. 

She shifted her head back, but her mouth stayed away from his. Her forehead pressed on his, her eyes closed as she tried to catch her breath. So much had happened in such a short time, she wasn't even sure how they ended up on the couch. Harry was good at giving her that affection she never knew she needed, so good at making her stomach drop and her heart flutter. He made her feel things nobody else had. He made her toes curl and wet spots form on her panties. She was afraid his sexual advances were too strong for her. What if she couldn’t keep up with him? What if he wanted something now and she refused, would he leave her? It must be tiring having to wait, and must be irritating getting denied. 

“Not here.” She whispered out, not quite sure how to turn him down. 

“Do you wanna go to my bedroom?” He reached for her lips, but she didn’t allow it. 

“No.. I.. No, I don’t want to do anything.” Her words came out in a sigh, her eyes squeezing shut as she mentally screamed at herself. 

She wanted this with him more than anything, more than with anyone before. Why was she being so hesitant, so afraid? Her mind began swirling, her heart still racing. There was no way he would put up with his for much longer. He was going to grow sick of her games, of her leading him on and going along with his actions just to deny him. Of course, it had only happened twice.. surely it wasn’t that irritating. Her mind was too busy to consider any other possibility. 

He felt a pinch in his heart, only because he was embarrassed he took it so far again. “Oh, m’sorry.” 

Her lip was quivering, tears threatened to build up in her eyes. “I’m sorry, I.. I can’t right now.”

“Okay, that’s fine.” He calmly spoke. 

“I’m sorry.” She shook her head and leaned back, giving him a bit of space. 

At first, he wasn’t going to move his hands from her body, but when she looked over at the cushion next to him and started to move, he let her go. She fell on her butt next to him, her hand sweeping her hair over her shoulder. A heavy sigh fell from her lips, he could see how sad she was. 

“Baby, it’s alright. I promise.” He carefully touched her thigh, hoping not to frighten her. 

“I didn’t mean to.. to lead you on again.” Her voice was frail, almost like she was going to cry. 

“Ivy, it’s fine. We got a bit heated again, that’s all. No worries, okay?” Harry didn’t know how else to say it. He didn’t want to get her riled up over nothing. 

“Are you sure it’s okay?” 

He splayed his fingers on her leg. “It’s perfectly okay.”

“You’re gonna get tired of waiting.” She whined softly, her head turning towards him. 

Instantly, his heart fell to the bottom of his stomach. A single tear slipped down her cheek, her skin was flushed as her emotions raged inside of her. He shook his head and leaned against her, wanting to put his arm around her but he didn’t want to scare her off. 

“No, I won’t. I’d wait forever for you, Ivy.” Harry pressed a kiss to her temple. 

Her eyes fell down to his hand, she wanted to hold it so bad. She’s come to realize recently that holding his hand might be her favorite thing. He does so much with his hands. He plays the guitar, holds a microphone, runs them through his hair, grips the handles of his motorcycle.. She’s seen his fists clench in anger, felt how comforting his warm palm is on her skin, watched how he taps them on his leg absentmindedly. She loved his hands.. and she wanted them all over her body, but not tonight. 

“Do you want to.. keep kissing?” He was still leaning into her, his voice soft as he spoke next to her ear. “We don’t have to.. to do anything else.” 

The idea was intriguing, but she was unsure about it. What if it happened again? They were quick to go off the deep end. It wasn’t possible to just softly kiss and carefully touch each other.

She shrugged. “I.. I dunno.”

Harry stared at the side of her face for a moment, thinking of what he could do to fix her mood. Maybe she was just anxious and needed to calm down. She didnt appear to be tired, but maybe she’d rather go lay down than risk anything else happening on the couch. He took a deep breath and bit on his cheek as he thought about what to say. Ivy picked at her fingernail, not wanting to rip it but fighting the instinct to. 

After a few seconds, he finally spoke. “Do you want to watch a movie or.. or go to bed? Either is fine with me.” 

She already knew the answer she was going to pick. Carefully, she placed her hand on top of his, copying the positioning of his fingers. He let a smile come to his lips, seeing her do that was more magical than he could ever explain. There was a time when he never imagined this could be real, yet here they are now. 

“Can we go to bed? I’m tired.” She looked over at him, a resting pout on her lips. 

“Yeah, of course.” 

She swallowed. “Sorry, I keep changing the.. the plans you made.” 

“What do you mean?” His brows furrowed slightly. 

“First, no ice cream now this.. no movie.” 

Harry let out a light laugh, shaking his head at her. “Oh, love, that’s fine. It’s not a problem, I promise.” 

She gave him a sad look, not believing what he was telling her. He closed the space between them and placed a kiss on her lips. It was nothing too crazy, just a gentle peck. She wanted to beg him for more, but she didn’t open her mouth as he leaned back. 

“Any time I get to spend with you is special.. no matter what we do.” 

Even though she felt bad for her decision, she was ready to be next to him under his covers. Harry took a minute to clean up the stuff he got out for them, with Ivy apologizing several times for making him do all this work. He told her it wasn’t a worry and they could easily make up their movie date some other time. She wasn’t convinced he was actually okay with her decision, but she tried to ignore it. He didn’t appear irritated on the outside, so maybe he wasn’t. 

Harry guided her upstairs, letting her go in front of him. She grabbed her bag that she left outside of his door. He gestured her to go in first, so she did. It was dark when they walked in, but Harry flicked on the light before shutting the door behind himself. Ivy looked around the room, curiosity consuming her. Harry leaned against the door as he watched her. His room was interesting to her. The walls were an off white shade, she wondered if he was allowed to paint with his rental agreement or not. Of course he had the usual pieces of furniture like a dresser, a desk, and a short bookcase, but her attention went straight to the details. There was a band poster in a frame on one wall, but the rest of the walls were nearly bare. He had a collection of vinyl records resting in the bottom slots of the bookcase. The rest of the shelves were filled with CDs. A turntable sat on top of the case. She thought the collection was impressive, and she was wondering what all it entailed. His desk caught her eye. It was plain as far as the build went, but what sat on top of it was interesting. He had a metal cup full of pens and other writing utensils, plus a pair of scissors. There was a short stack of books sitting there neatly, and beneath the desk on its shelf sat a bigger assortment of books. She could tell they weren’t regular books, but rather journals or notebooks. It was hard not to think about what was inside those books. Did he keep a diary similar to how she did, or was it more of a creative outlet? 

She wondered if this was how he felt in her room, curiosity bubbling and her mind taking in every single detail. It was like she was getting to know him even more by just looking at his belongings. Of course, in the corner he had a guitar resting on a stand and another one hanging on the wall near it. There was a loose piece of paper resting on the desk, a pen next to it. She wasn’t even aware of her movements until her fingers gently pressed on the paper and slid it on the desk. She turned it so she could read the jotted down note. 

pick up Ivy’s flowers at 5 shop closes at 5:30

A sweet smile covered her lips as she read over the words he wrote. She thought it was adorable that he put down a reminder for himself. Harry pushed himself off the door and crossed the room. He took the bag out of her hand and sat it on his desk chair. 

“My curious little cat, hm?” 

Blush appeared on her face and she let out a gentle laugh. “You have a lot of journals. Do you write?” 

He lifted a shoulder, trying not to be too serious about it. “Just.. stuff. Like.. notes, poems, lyrics.”

“Poems and lyrics?” She lifted a brow, that curiosity was just eating her alive. 

Harry chuckled, a smile shaping to his lips. “Yeah.” 

“You write songs?”

“I mean, sorta, I guess. Nothing serious.. M’not pursuing it. Just do it for fun and to get stuff off my mind.” He explained. 

She slowly nodded as she looked around the rest of the room. For the most part, he was neat and tidy. She noted the stark difference between his bed and hers. His was a size smaller and covered only by the usual blankets and pillows, while hers was littered with plush animals. She definitely didn’t expect him to have those sort of things, though, it was just notable. 

“What do you write about?” 

Her question made his chest tighten. Although he wanted to be completely honest with her, he’d be lying if he thought it wasn’t nerve wracking. What if she thought his answer was strange, what if it made her mad? He licked his lips and pushed down a gulp. 

“Lots of stuff.. including you.” 

Her head turned towards him, her sparkling eyes went wide. “Me?”

He shrugged. “Yeah, sometimes about you.” 

Without saying anything, she turned her attention back to what she had been gazing at. But there was a smile stuck to her lips and a warmth in her heart that pulsed hard. He wrote about her? He didn’t specify if he wrote poems or songs or notes about her, but something in her mind told her it was all three. Of course, it was all three. 

“Not too weird, am I?” He said with a laugh. 

Ivy turned to face him, a smile on her face. “I think I’m the weird one between the two of us.”

He took a few steps closer, reaching out to touch her waist. “You’re adorable, not weird.”

One thing he loved doing was watching her as she trailed her eyes over his body. She was a curious girl after all, it was in her nature to explore. Her eyes fell to his arm as she wrapped her hand over his elbow. His tattoos caught her attention so easily. It was like it was the first time she'd seen them. 

“Are you alright?” He asked. 

“Mhm.. just looking.” Her fingers started tracing down his arm, slowly and steadily. 

Harry had an idea lurking in his mind. It was something he wanted to do the last time her eyes scanned over his tattoos, but he was too nervous to bring it up. Now, things were different. He felt more confident with her. 

“I can show you all of them.. if you want.” 

Her eyes flicked up to his. “Really?”

“Yeah. There’s some you haven’t seen.”

“I’d love to look.”

He took a breath and clenched his jaw as he waited to ask her a question. His eyes poured into hers, his focus so sharp and intense. She felt her cheeks blushing red hot, her eyes stuck to his despite wanting to look away in shyness. 

“Is it alright if I take my shirt off and change into some shorts?” He gently lifted his brows. 

She nodded, not saying anything, just putting on a cute smile for him. He squeezed her waist once before letting her go. She watched as he went to his dresser and pulled out a drawer. Did he want her to leave the room while he changed? She didn’t know what to do. Her stomach started to churn as she contemplated how to react. Maybe he didn’t care. Just as she started walking to the door, he turned around. 

“Running off already?”

She froze, looking back at him. “I didn’t want to be in the way.”

Harry smirked. “You can stay, love. I’ll turn away from you.” 

She felt embarrassed. He could see she wasn’t completely comfortable with her own behavior, so he made it simple for her. He turned back around and dropped the sweatpants to the floor. A pair of gym shorts replaced them. He normally slept in just his underwear, but he knew it was too much for her right now. He wanted her to be comfortable and relaxed, not stressed or tense over his clothes or lack thereof. She didn’t watch him, despite not twisting around to avoid getting a glimpse. When he let out a sigh and his footsteps filled the room, she thought he was done. She looked up in time to witness him pull his shirt over his head. Their eyes met as he tossed it on the desk, intending to put it away later. She had never seen him with his shirt completely off, and it was an incredible sight. 

Her throat began to close in as her mind drifted. He was so toned, his muscles built and his physique was perfect. He was stunning, she felt as though her physical appearance would never compliment his. He held out his hand and nodded his head towards the bed. She took it with ease and followed behind him. 

Harry sat down on the foot of his bed, parting his knees to drag her between them. She held her breath as he carefully moved her closer, his eyes locked on her face to make sure she was comfortable. He wanted to catch every expression, whether major or subtle. Ivy ran her eyes over his collarbones. She’s seen those birds peak out from beneath his shirt before, but she hadn’t seen them in full. With more confidence than she had all night, she lifted her hand and pressed her fingertips to the bird inked on the right side of his chest. 

“Yours are.. a lot more detailed than mine.” She mumbled softly, her gaze shifting to the other bird. 

“Hiding yours, hm?” He smirked as her eyes shot to his. 

Ivy chose to ignore him, and instead just return to her exploration. Even though she had seen most of them, she was still intrigued to get a better look. She ran her hand over the butterfly on his stomach, that was still her favorite one, then carefully down to the laurels resting dangerously low on his abdomen. He chuckled slightly as her delicate touch tickled his skin. She grinned back, amused by his innocent reactions. It was hard to believe at times that such a hardened soul like his could express such simple reactions. She knew it was possible, though, she just had to work hard to get it out of him. 

“You got this the first time we met.. well, sort of met.” She said with a sigh as she traced her fingers over his right arm, the snake curling around his bones and muscles was something she could never forget. 

“I remember. We should’ve met for real, but I was a dick.” He frowned when her eyes moved back to his. 

“Maybe so.” 

He dropped his gaze down to his leg. He knew she was more familiar with his arms, especially the usual exposed areas, so he wanted to make sure she saw the other things he had. Harry gently took hold of her wrist and moved her hand to his thigh, letting her touch the tiger sunk into his skin. She felt as though this was the most intimate spot she had touched him. Something about it was intense, bone rattling even. She gulped softly, wondering what this one meant to him. She didn’t want to intrude, perhaps it meant nothing or maybe it meant more than he was willing to tell her. That went for each of them. She just admired them, she didn’t ask. 

The gulp she pushed down was audible, her voice was as light as a feather. “Do you want to see? Mine aren’t as impressive.” 

“If you want me to see them.” Harry smiled sweetly as she sucked on her cheek and let her face go red.

For a split second, she screamed internally begging herself to stop before it even started. But it was quickly silenced as she grabbed his index and middle fingers, bringing his hand up to her hip. She smiled gently as she placed his fingers on her body. He rubbed his thumb over the waistband of her pants, his eyes locked on her. She pushed his hand down, forcing his fingers to move the fabric. He took over, but didn’t dare go too far. He slid the side of her pants down until he exposed the fabric of her powder blue colored cotton underwear. She bit down on her cheek as he carefully pulled the fabric down until he saw the little tattoo, a four leaf clover. It was a simple design, thin lines and no shading. 

“A lot of people don’t get to experience a full life. I’m lucky to be where I am.. even if it’s not forever.” She explained without him asking her to, but she figured he wouldn’t mind. 

He didn’t, of course. He thought the meaning was nice, it meant something special to her. She’s lost two very important people in her life, so reminding herself of the luxury of being alive was extremely meaningful. He pressed his thumb over the clover, the surrounding skin turning pale as he pushed into her. He let up the pressure and gently tapped it. He hoped he’d get to rediscover it soon, get to press his lips to it and make sure she knew how lucky he was to have her. 

“Some of that luck must’ve rubbed off on me. How else do I explain how I won you over?” His cheeky smile made her playfully roll her eyes. 

She pinched his cheek, going straight for his dimple. “Well, you do touch me there more than I think you realize.” 

Harry stared at her hip as he adjusted her pants back, covering the tattoo and her skin. He wished he could’ve seen more of her, but he was well aware that wasn't what she wanted right now. 

She sucked in a deep breath as she debated whether or not to show him her other one. He was literally in the room with her when she got the flowers on the back of her arm, and the one in the bend of her elbow, the small star, was clearly visible - but there was one more he didn’t know about. Ivy pushed away her fears and anxiety as she lifted her shirt. The second the cool air hit her skin, she felt her stomach churn. The waistband of her pants was thick and it came up high. She was thankful the part of her body she was the most insecure about was mostly covered by the fabric. Harry smiled gently as she grabbed his hand and brought it up to her torso, placing it beneath the edge of her bra. Her boobs were covered by her shirt, she didn’t want him to see anything beyond the tattoo. He moved his eyes to the spot and shifted his thumb, revealing the small tattoo. The style of the butterfly matched the clover, and the flowers on her arm - fine line, delicate, thin. 

“That’s all.” She mumbled quietly, biting her cheek as she watched him stare at her skin. 

He wondered what was beneath her shirt, tucked into her bra.. but he had to force that thought out of his brain. It would be insensitive and disrespectful for him to sit there and think those sort of things when she plainly told him she wasn’t interested in any of that right now. Instead, his arms slid around her, locking her in place. She grabbed his face with both hands, placing a kiss on his puckered lips. 

“Are you ready to cuddle, little bug?” 

“Mhm.” Ivy was blushing, per usual. She tried to slip out of his grip but he wouldn’t let her go. She sunk her nails into his shoulder, almost forgetting he wasn’t wearing a shirt. “Harry.”

“Fine.” He let out a huff as he loosened his arms and pulled back. 

“Which side is mine?” She asked with a soft laugh as she crawled on the bed. 

“Whichever side you want.” He stood up in time to see her plop down on the bed. 

Unlike hers, his bed wasn’t in the corner of the room so both sides were open. She claimed the spot he normally favored at night, which made his heart skip a beat. Seeing her in his spot, her hair spread out over his pillow, was like a dream. 

He didn’t want to leave her waiting long, so he turned out the light and joined her. There was a street light that offered them a glow, peeping in through the space between the curtains. She watched him slide under the covers and roll over towards her, his greedy hands reaching out for her. 

“C’mere.” He muttered, dragging her closer. 

She sighed in content as she relaxed into his body, her face nestled in the crook of his neck. She liked the feeling of his warm bare skin, it gave her comfort she couldn’t describe, 

“Did you enjoy tonight?” He asked through a heavy exhale. “I know we didn’t do everything we planned.”

“It was lovely. I had a good time.” 

Harry pressed a kiss to her head. “Even though I was a bit of an ass at the restaurant.”

Ivy pulled her hand up, tucking it between their bodies. “You just have to be more patient, but yes, everything was great.” 

He could tell she was comfortable by the steady, slow breathing she was doing. It wouldn’t be much longer before she fell asleep. With one arm around her back and the other hand resting on her waist, he kept her close. His thumb rubbed slowly back and forth, soothing her so easily. 

“We can watch a movie in the morning before Niall gets back.. have the living room to ourselves.” He kept his voice low. 

She hummed. “That sounds good, yeah. Get more cuddles.”

He kissed her again, just to give her as much affection and attention as he could. She must’ve been more worn out than he thought, because she grew silent quickly. He wasn’t necessarily tired, but he wasn’t going to tell her that. And he sure wasn’t about to leave her in the bed alone. He’d lie awake next to her for the rest of his life if he meant he could hold her while she slept. 

There was a lurking thought in his mind, though, that was attributing to him staying awake. He thought he did something wrong during their date, that maybe he didn’t make it perfect. If he did make a mistake, he believed that she would tell him. She’s good at letting him know when he’s acting a certain way or when he’s in the wrong. But she seemed to enjoy everything, even the change of plans. Maybe he was just overthinking it. Disappointing her in any way was something he feared. 

“Harry..” Her soft voice broke the silence. 

“Yeah?” 

She shifted slightly, returning her hand to his waist. His stomach twisted as she gently rubbed her fingertips over his skin. 

���If I ask you something, will you be honest?” 

He licked his lips. “Of course.”

Her lips brushed his skin as she spoke, creating goosebumps and sending chills through him. “Are you mad that I.. stopped us earlier?”

“No, Ivy. I told you it’s fine.” He tightened his hold on her waist. 

“I don’t want you to leave me if I.. take too long to try.” 

He grunted, bringing his hand up to her head. He gently grabbed her jaw and tilted her head back so he could see her. She had a frown on her lips and a sadness in her eyes that made his heart drop.

“Baby, I wouldn’t do that.”

Hearing that pet name made her feel a little better, but that worry was still so intense. She pouted her lips out, her eyes closing to avoid his stare. His thumb rubbed slow circles into her cheek in an attempt to calm her. 

“I want to.. just not right now.”

Being open with people was something he struggled with, but he’s trying hard to be different with her. He wanted to ask her questions and get to the bottom of the issue or of her worry, not just assure her everything is fine. He had to open himself to be there for her. 

“Can I ask you something?” 

Ivy shifted her head back into his neck, wanting to be comfortable. “Yeah.” 

He waited a long moment before saying anything. The topic shouldn’t be one they avoid or are ashamed to talk about. It should be a normal, respectful thing. It was in both of their best interests if they knew certain things about each other. 

“Are you.. are you a virgin?” He asked with a light voice, not wanting to make too big of a fuss over it. 

Ivy let out a shaky breath that hit his skin. It was an inevitable topic that she couldn’t escape. If Harry wanted to know something about her, then she wanted to tell him. Clearly, it’s on his mind - for a reason she’s yet to know. 

“Um, no. Technically, no.” She replied with a gentle sigh. 

“Technically?” 

She dropped her hand to the small of his back, curling her fingers into her palm. “Just did it once.. and it was a while ago.” 

Harry thought maybe he went far enough. What if she thought he was being inappropriate? Despite having doubts, he kept on. 

“Was it.. was it bad?” 

She swallowed, pushing her face further into his neck. “Yeah, kinda.” 

“M’not trying to be.. invasive, just want to understand your mind. Why you might be unsure about it.” Harry was quick to explain. 

She nodded, relaxing her fingers against his back now. “I’m not unsure.. I just know I’m not ready. I want to, trust me, but it’s only been a week.”

“I know, and I don’t want you to feel rushed at all. It’s fine with me.” Harry gave her waist another squeeze. “And I definitely don’t want you to think I’m just trying to get in your pants.”

She let out a soft laugh that eased his nerves. “I know.” 

He tightened his arm around her back as she yawned, sleep threatening to fall over her. She hid her face in his neck, trying her best to bury herself in him. It wasn’t long before she yawned again, causing a smile to shape to his lips. She was even more adorable when she was tired. He wanted to snuggle her closer, but they were as close as humanly possibly already. When Ivy yawned for the third time, he knew she was tired and needed to rest. He didn’t want her to stay up late and worry with him. They could talk in the morning. 

“Go to sleep, baby.” He smiled as he kissed her forehead. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Harry.” Her words came out in a gentle murmur. 

Another kiss was placed on her skin before he closed his eyes, soon joining her in a slumber. 

—•—

Ivy wasn’t sure what was going on as she started to wake up. Her eyes slowly opened, the sun was shining bright through the window. She grunted and turned her face back down where it had been resting, right against Harry’s shoulder. He heard her little noises and felt her stirring. He dropped his phone and reached over to grab onto her. Sometime during the night they ended up like this - him laying on his back with her body draped over his. Her arm was tucked under him and the other around his torso. 

“Finally waking up, love?” He said in a groggy voice as she 

“Hmm.. what time is it?” She mumbled back, lifting her head to get a better look at him. 

He chuckled as he saw her messy hair, her bangs all over the place. “Little past eleven.”

She groaned, letting her face fall back on him. “Why did I sleep so long? We weren’t even up late.”

Harry smiled as her hand moved from his side to the butterfly inked onto his skin. He wasn’t sure if she purposely did that or if her hand just so happened to land there. 

“You slept like an angel, only moved a few times.” 

Her breaths were still slow and heavy. “You’re just comfortable and good at cuddles.”

“Who would’ve known?” He playfully pinched her hip, making her hum. 

“M’glad I just know.. nobody else.” 

There was a certain feeling of pride and triumph that lived in her when it came to knowing she was Harry’s first real relationship, the first person he’s held intimately. It made her feel like a queen, like she had some weird kind of power. Nobody could know him in that way - maybe with other things, but not in this way.

“Jealous, huh?” He teased. 

“Maybe.” She picked her head up again, her pretty eyes finding his. “How long have you been up?”

He shrugged. “Since nine, I think.”

“You could’ve woke me up.. didn’t have to stay here with me.” 

He scoffed, putting on a dramatic expression. “Are you kidding? I wasn’t gonna pass up the opportunity to be next to you, baby.” 

Ivy rolled her eyes and pushed her lips on to his. They shared a few sweet pecks, both laughing as she started to plant a trail down his jaw. His fingers dug into her hip as he tried to drag her closer, but she was already molded onto him. When she caught his gaze again, she gave him a cheeky smile. 

“What movie are we going to watch?” She curiously asked. 

“Whatever you want.”

She sighed, but kept her smile. “Always that answer, hm?”

“You get whatever you want, princess.” He winked, spending her cheeks into a blazing fire. The simplest things drove her wild. 

It wasn’t long before he guided her down the stairs to the kitchen. He offered to make her a quick late breakfast and since she was starving, she didn’t pass on it. It was a nice meal consisting of fried eggs and a few pancakes he mixed from a box. It filled her up so good that she was yawning when Harry joined her on the couch. 

It took a few minutes for her to decide on a movie, but once she did, she got comfortable against him. Her legs were pulled up on the couch, her arm tucked around him. He held onto her shoulders like she was going to slip away if he didn’t. He was less focused with the movie and more concerned with Ivy. There wasn’t anything specific that he could pick up on, but he just had a worry in his gut. Maybe this was normal for people who are in relationships, maybe it was something that just happened. Worry, concern, care, caution - he wasn’t quite sure what to call it.

When he draped his arm over her shoulder, she didn’t hesitate to reach for his hand. He smiled as she started playing with his fingers. Her eyes were glued to the television screen, but her mind was going fuzzy. She wasn’t tired, but rather she was content. It was hard to think of a time when she’d been this relaxed before - there wasn’t a time to reminisce about. He made her calm, happy, and comfortable. He was just sitting next to her with his hand around her, yet it felt like her world was exploding with euphoria and butterflies and rainbows and everything happy. Was it love? She couldn’t determine that just yet. 

Harry didn’t realize he had dozed off until the sound of keys rattling in the door woke him. He grunted, trying to move his hand but Ivy’s grip was too strong. He stopped attempting and let her keep hold of him. She was awake, despite feeling so peaceful she never fell asleep. The movie wasn’t long from its end. 

“You alright?” He mumbled just as Niall opened the door. 

“Mhm.” She squeezed his fingers. 

Niall appeared next to them, an amused look on his face as he saw Harry’s expression. “Look like you just woke up.”

“I’ve been up.” Harry sighed back. 

“He was just snoring.” Ivy chimed in with a laugh, tugging on his hand. 

Harry smiled, amused by her comeback. He didn’t defend himself, only because he knew it was true. Niall didn’t bother them anymore, he waved them off as he mentioned going to his room. Before he exited, though, he reminded Harry that he needed to practice one of the songs they would be playing later on that night. 

“Are you hungry?” Harry asked her, a deep exhale following his question. 

“No, I’m okay.” 

“Guess I need to go mess around on the guitar.” He didn’t seem excited. 

Ivy sat up, letting go of his fingers so he could stretch his arms out. “Do you need me to go home?”

He furrowed his brows and reached up to grab her waist. “What? No.”

“Don’t you need to be alone?”

“Who said I needed to be alone?” He said with a chuckle, sitting up to join her on the edge of the couch. “You can stay, babe.”

Every time he used one of those sweet names her heart would swell and butterflies swarmed in her stomach. She smiled as she felt her cheeks warm up. 

“I don’t want to be in the way.”

“You won’t be.” He closed the space they shared and gently pushed his lips on her. “I promise.”

Ivy let him kiss her for a few moments, humming as he grabbed her jaw to hold her still. As much as he wanted to swallow her whole, he knew he had to get upstairs. He let her go and took her hand to lead her upstairs. 

She was quite curious about his ability to play the guitar, something about it was so interesting and intriguing. She wasn’t opposed to watching him, in fact she was excited to. The possibility of him wanting her to leave almost felt like a fear. She didn’t want to miss out on the experience of watching him. 

When they got to his room, he told her she could do whatever she wanted while he got the guitar off of the stand. He pulled out an amp and set everything up. Ivy chose to stand in the middle of his room on his rug, her hands folded behind her back as she observed his every move. As he turned around, he didn't expect to see her standing still. She grinned at him, pulling a chuckle out of his mouth. He thought she was just the most adorable thing ever. 

“Can I sit here?” She asked. 

Harry sat down in his desk chair after he turned it to face the amp. He gave her a nod and a smile, not sure why she was so giddy about this. Maybe she thought it was cool that he could play the guitar? It wasn’t a revolutionary thing in his mind, but maybe she thought so. 

Ivy sat down on the rug, just a few feet from him, with her eyes stuck on his hands as he rested his fingers over the strings. He glanced around at everything to make sure it was all set up properly. When he was sure that he did everything right, he ran his fingers down the strings, the sound spilling from the amplifier.

Although he was very familiar and comfortable with the song he was about to practice, he had never had such an intense audience before. He’s played plenty of shows, done many band practices, had Niall’s hard stare watching every move of his finger when he first learned to play - but nobody was as intimidating as Ivy. He was feeling anxiety pour into his veins. What if he messed up and she thought he was stupid? The thoughts were endless all of a sudden. 

Harry was trying not to look directly at her, but it was hard to resist her. She was sitting with her legs crossed and her hands resting in her lap. Those sparkling eyes were fixed on him as she waited patiently for him to start. He took a deep breath and slowly pushed it out, not sure how this was going to go. If he thought about her any longer, his heart was going to explode. 

He didn’t tell her what song he had to work on, but she knew what it was the moment he started the opening chords. She smiled big as he played the riff so confidently. He seemed very sure of himself. While she had only been to a few shows, she knew she’d never heard them play this song before. Niall wanted to add it last time but they didn’t end up doing it, so he told everyone yesterday after confirming they’d do the show tonight that he wanted to perform it. Ivy quite enjoyed the Def Leppard song and she was excited to see them do it live later on. 

It had been a long time since they last did the song, so Harry was trying to loosen up his memory of it. He didn’t do the lead singing during the song, Niall preferred to do it instead. Right now it was almost like he suddenly forgot what he was supposed to be doing. His fingers slid off the strings, making him groan and shake his head. He should’ve grabbed a pick but he forgot to. He looked down at Ivy, whose eyes were just as wide as when he started. She smiled sweetly, hoping to give him some silent encouragement. 

He started over from the start. Everything was going well, he even got further than he did in his first attempt. But that all came crashing down when his eyes fell down on her and she was biting down on her lip, still smiling like she was witnessing a miracle. She was so happy to be in the room with him, and to be able to watch him do this just made her even more excited. Ivy was just as obsessed with him as he was of her, and right now that was obvious. 

“Fuck.” He uttered under his breath as he missed a few chords. He tried to keep going, but it messed up his momentum. 

Harry shook his hand, trying to loosen up his fingers. Maybe he was a bit rusty. He picked up where he messed up, getting it correct this time. He kept going, tapping his foot to keep his pace right. He tried to keep his eyes glued to his guitar, but Ivy being in the room was forcing him to think about her and not the song. He shot his eyes to her again, her cheeks were rosy and her hands were clasped together. She was so entertained and content with this, yet he was struggling to keep ahold of himself. 

“Damn it.” His curse was a bit louder than the last one. 

Her smile fell down to a subtle frown. Harry pushed his hand through his hair, pushing it out of his face. He wasn’t sure why he was fucking up so much - well, he knew, he just didn’t want to admit it or seem like he was blaming her. She wasn’t doing anything. She’s literally just sitting there watching him, her lips sealed. There were no audible distractions, she wasn’t walking around or calling his name. She was just there. He thought it would almost be better and easier if she were jumping around or messing with stuff in his room or doing anything other than putting her pretty eyes on him. 

“Am I distracting you?” Ivy asked in a soft voice, fearful of the answer. 

“No.” He quickly replied. 

“You keep messing up.” 

A laugh slipped out with his breath. “Yeah, thanks, love. I know.” 

“Sorry.” She mumbled back, her eyes falling down to her own hands. 

“Nothing to be sorry about.” He sighed, disappointed in himself for making her suddenly uncomfortable and nervous. He had a way of doing that, unfortunately. 

Ivy’s hair fell over her shoulder as she hung her head. She wasn’t trying to be in his way, she even offered to leave before he ever started. Perhaps he was just being too nice to her. He should’ve told her to go home. She felt an uneasy feeling building in her stomach. 

Of course, seeing her like that made him feel like shit. He propped his guitar against his desk and got into the floor with her. She huffed as he got closer, slipping his hand onto her neck to get her to look up. She didn’t at first, though, she didn’t want to be in the way. 

“You’re a great distraction, babe. Just so pretty.. can’t stop looking at you.” He tilted her head up and pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth. “Don’t be sad, Ivy.” 

The way he said her name made her heart drop. She frowned harder, a confusing sadness filling her up. Harry pressed another kiss to the spot, not moving his lips away at all. 

“What’s the matter, sweet girl? You were just smiling so big f’me.” 

She let out a whimper as she curled her fingers around his wrist. “I’m in the way.” 

“No, you aren’t.” 

“I should go home for a while.” 

Harry shook his head. “I don’t want you to go home yet.” 

“I’m making you mess up. I.. I don’t want you to get mad.” She kept her voice so light and gentle, it broke his heart to hear her speak that way - almost like she was afraid. “Don’t like it when you get mad.” 

He was upset with his own actions now. He had a tendency to lose his control and unfortunately Ivy was too familiar with it. But he didn’t feel that way right now, he wouldn’t do that to her over this simple situation. She wasn’t doing anything wrong. 

“M’not gonna get mad at you, baby. You just make me a little nervous, s’all.” 

She closed her eyes. “Is it okay if I go home?” 

Had he done too much? Had he messed up again? Maybe he was making an expression that made her feel this way, something he didn’t notice he was doing. Or perhaps she was just nervous about a potential blow up from him? There had to be a reason she was so upset with him, but he had no clue what he did. Was it too complicated for her to explain and for him to understand? 

“I.. I really don’t want you to go.” He leaned back some to give her space, but he kept his hand where it was and she didn’t try to let it go. 

“We’ll be together later, though.” 

“Ivy, what’s wrong? I.. I’m sorry, I don’t know what I did.” Harry’s brows fell as worry sank into him. “Why do you wanna go?” 

It was hard for her to tame her wandering mind, and it was disappointing to know that she had failed to control it yet again. She dropped her gaze down to her own legs, trying to vanish into thin air. She didn’t want to confront her fears and admit to Harry what was on her mind, but there was no escape. 

“Because, I’m in the way and you won’t tell me that. You don’t wanna hurt my feelings and that’s okay, but.. I know I’m in the way and you need to practice.” Her explanation was heartbreaking for him. 

Maybe it was true in some sense. She wasn’t literally in the way or doing something to purposely distract or annoy him, but her presence made it hard for him to focus on anything else. There was nothing done to put blame on. She didn’t purposely do anything to him. It was his fault, if anything. He can’t focus on anything else when Ivy is around. She took up every inch of his mind, filled in every space. She meant everything to him, how could he try to put his attention on something else? Maybe her being here would make things difficult. Was it safer for their relationship and his mood to let her go for a while? 

“I guess if you want to go, you can. I can’t make you stay.” He exhaled slowly, wishing this was happening another way. 

“I’m sorry, Harry.” 

He smiled, shaking his head lightly in disbelief. “You always apologize when you don’t need to.” 

“I can’t help it.” She grinned back, glad to see that he was at least appearing to be okay with this. 

“I, um, I can drive you home and.. you can have the afternoon to yourself until tonight. I’ll pick you up.” He offered, not sure of what else to say. 

“I can get Emma to come get me, so you can keep practicing.” 

He thought about debating it with her and offering his services over and over until she agreed, but he chose not to. There was no point in adding any fuel to this small, simmered down fire. 

“I’ll text her.” She grabbed her phone from the spot on the rug where she abandoned it earlier. 

Harry watched as her fingers tapped on the screen. Although it bothered him to know she was wanting to leave, he completely understood why. He just hated it. He didn’t want her to go so soon. They hadn’t been able to spend much time together and this weekend was supposed to make up for it. He felt a bit of irritation towards Niall for pressuring him to practice the song. He had sent Harry multiple texts the past two days insisting and reminding him to practice. It was his own fault that he waited until the day of the show to do it. 

“Okay, she said she’ll be here in about twenty minutes.” Ivy tossed the phone back down and turned her attention back to Harry. 

“Hey, m’not mad at you, okay?” 

She felt a lump start to form in her throat. “I know.” 

“I promise. I don’t want you to think you did something wrong.” 

Ivy didn’t really want to discuss it, in fear that it would lead to a disagreement or a misunderstanding, so she just reached down and took hold of his other hand. She leaned into him, her lips pushing into his. He hummed gently as she held the kiss for a few long seconds. 

“Can we kiss until it’s time for me to go?” She asked it so innocently. 

He smirked, releasing her hand to grab onto her waist. “Definitely.” 

She moved onto her knees, giggling as she grabbed his face on either side to pull his head back. He groaned into her mouth when she shoved her tongue past his lips. He was starting to believe that she was getting more comfortable and confident with him, that she was doing what she wanted to do rather than waiting for him to do it. 

There was a desire to relax into her, to lay her down on the floor and show her how special she was to him - but he couldn't do that. She didn’t want that yet. So, he let his hands move up and down her waist, toying with her hips without going too far. While he was hesitant with his placement, Ivy was running her hands all over him. She kept coming back to his neck to hold him on either side, her thumbs pushing up under his ears. She loved to feel him in her hold, loved to know she had him all to herself. There was a sense of possession she felt. Harry had no issue with whatever she wanted to do. She was in control. 

“Mm, Harry.” She gasped as she pulled back from his mouth. “I.. I wanna try something.” 

He lifted his brows as his eyes opened. “Whatever you want.” 

She nodded gently, a smile shaping to her lips as she pictured the idea in her mind. It was something she wanted to do so badly, something that was becoming irresistible. He waited quietly for her to tell him, figuring she would since she mentioned it. 

“Promise, anything?” 

Harry smirked and pressed a kiss to her lips. “Anything is fine with me, promise.” 

Ivy took that as permission and approval. She grabbed his face by his jaw again and yanked him back to her. His hand slid to the small of her back as she started the kissing back. He was confused at first because nothing seemed to be different. He was leading the kiss, his tongue sweeping through her mouth so easily. It wasn’t until she moved her hand to the side of his head did he realize what she wanted to do. 

She slid her fingers into his hair, scraping her nails against his scalp as she guided her touch to the back of his head. She wrapped her fingers in his hair and gave him a light tug. He let out a light moan, the feeling of her fingers in his hair was doing incredible things to him. He squeezed her waist tight and spread his fingers out on her back, hoping to send her a sign that he was enjoying it. Ivy couldn’t stop herself from pulling harder after a few minutes. At first, she was only going to use one hand, but as she realized how much she liked doing it, she added her other one. Harry let out a groan as she raked her fingers through his hair and tugged at his roots. 

There was a strange feeling she was experiencing as she did it. Her brain interpreted it as some kind of comfort, like doing this was giving her a boost of serotonin. Harry’s long, curled hair was one of favorite things about this physical appearance, and being able to do whatever she wanted with it felt surreal. Neither of them were certain or aware of how long it went on, but eventually Ivy had to take a break to wipe the corners of her mouth off. Harry chuckled as she carefully slid her hands out of his hair. 

“Was.. was that too much?” She asked as she relaxed her hands on his shoulders. 

“No, that was pretty nice.” He licked his lips, flicking his eyes down to her mouth. 

She took a deep breath and slowly pushed it out. “I really like your hair.” 

“Yeah? It’s all yours to pull on, baby.” He wasn’t shocked to see her cheeks flush up and her eyes dart away from his. 

“I wish I wasn’t so scared.” Her lips pouted out. 

Harry gripped either side of her waist. “You don’t have to be, Ivy, but it’s okay to be.” 

She pushed out a huff and rested her temple against his. “Soon.. but not now.” 

It was unfortunate that Emma drove a bit faster than Ivy expected she would. When she called to say she was outside, Harry mustered up his courage to fake a smile and assure Ivy he would be fine. They shared a tight hug, swaying from side to side for a few long, drug out moments. Harry kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, then all over her face until she was giggling and trying to fight him off. It ended with a kiss to her lips, one that he wished would’ve lasted forever. Before he knew it, she went out the door with her bag and headed home. 

Niall had stepped outside to talk to Emma while she waited for Ivy, so he joined Harry in the kitchen once the girls drove off. He could tell Harry wasn’t happy and that his mood from this morning had greatly shifted. He had a straight line on his lips and no expression on his face. He was back to his usual self, who he was when he wasn’t with Ivy. Niall didn’t bother him, instead he went back to his room to give him as much space as he needed. The last thing Niall wanted to deal with tonight was Harry’s sour mood at their show. If he let him be, maybe he’ll get over it. 

“So, how was your date?” Emma grinned as she quickly glanced over at Ivy. 

“It was nice. We had a good time.” 

She hummed back, then brought up something she had been curious about. “Did you guys.. do anything after?” 

Ivy shrugged. “Just went home and talked.”

“Talked? That’s all?” Emma laughed a little. “No like.. kissing or anything?” 

There was a pinch in her stomach as she replayed the memories of her time with Harry in her mind. It didn’t last long enough and it was her fault. Sure, they’d be together in a few hours and will be able to spend another night together in his bed, but he wasn't here now. It hurt her more than she was willing to admit. She shouldn’t have let her anxiety get to her. She could still be sitting in his floor watching him play his guitar. 

“Yeah, just that. I don’t really want to talk about it right now.” 

“Did you have a fight?”

Ivy shook her head. “No.. we didn’t.”

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to talk to Emma about it, it was more so she was hoping to forget it all happened. Not the date or the cuddling and kissing, but the disagreement they had. No matter how good things seemed to be with him, she couldn’t shake her worry off. 

“Okay, sorry.” 

She was battling the thoughts. She knew it would do no good to bottle it up. Emma was her best friend, she knew how to help her if she needed it. Maybe she could just vent and Emma would listen without offering any advice. Ivy didn’t want advice, she just needed someone to know what was going on. She opted to stay silent. 

When she got back home, she decided it would be a good idea to take a shower and handle all of her personal business before it was time to get ready for tonight’s show. She had a few hours, Harry had reminded her of what time he’d pick her up before she left, but she wanted to make sure she got everything done with plenty of time to spare. That extra time would definitely be spent on an internal freak out. She would worry about her hair, her outfit, her makeup, her skin, every single thing. Not only that, but she’d get anxious about being around Harry. It was almost like he was still that person that hated to be around her, or pretended to hate it. She had to constantly remind herself that he wasn’t that way anymore, and neither was she. 

Her shower was incredibly relaxing. The steaming hot water washed away all of the tension she held in her body. It was like a refreshing start for the evening. She would be lying if she told someone she wasn’t thinking about Harry every second since being apart from him. She hated herself for being so stubborn, for wanting to leave him when it would’ve just been so easy to stay there. She could’ve gone downstairs and watched something or went to his bed and laid down on her phone while he practiced. There was no need to run away, yet she did. 

That horrible cycle of anxiety and worry was unstoppable. As she combed the conditioner through her hair, she reminded herself of how her fingers wrapped into Harry’s hair. She wondered what he was up to, if he was still practicing or if he even started back once she left. As she ran the razor up her legs, she thought about how Harry had gripped her through her pants, kneaded her flesh hard. She had really liked the way it felt when he touched her that way, touch her like she was all his - because she was, of course. She was all his and she wanted him to know that.. 

When she washed herself in a certain place, her mind started to drift off. She imagined how it would play out, how Harry would coax her into it, how he’d guide her to the bed and slowly start the whole process. Maybe he would be gentle with her, or perhaps he preferred it rougher? She didn’t know for sure, but she pictured him being more gentle at first, easing into it since he knew she had very little experience. Harry was very possessive with his hands. She thought about how he’d grab her and squeeze her all over. And his lips, she couldn’t ever stop thinking about kissing him. What would it be like to have his lips trail below her chin, to her neck and under her collarbones? It was an intriguing idea, would he tend to each of her breasts before kissing down her stomach? How would it feel to have his lips linger around her pelvis? 

Ivy snapped out of her trance as she realized her fingers were circling her clit. She blinked a few times, trying to bring herself back to reality. She withdrew her hand and picked up on where she left off with bathing herself. She wasn’t intending on doing that now, she had to get this shower over soon. That brought back memories of the handful of times she found herself thinking about him and slipping her hand into her panties. Most of the instances occurred before they made things official, before he even spent that time with her that night. No matter when it happened, she quite enjoyed it each time. 

Figuring out what to wear was more of a challenge than it had ever been, even more than last night when she had to choose a dress for their date. Currently, she was trying on a square cut top, the hem lined with tiny lace and a pair of light denim shorts. There was a thin cardigan she paired with it just for coverage. The straps of the top were short, they didn’t come down her arms very far at all. She wondered if her cleavage was too much. She posed in the mirror, bending forward to see if too much would show. It was definitely more than she usually put on display, but the thought of Harry actually liking it was making her lean more towards it. She had to remember she wasn’t dressing for everyone else, just for herself and Harry. If she liked it, or if he liked it, then she’d be fine. 

“Do you think a skirt would look better with this?” She turned to face Emma, who was seated on her bed with her eyes glued to Ivy. She wanted to be as much help as possible. 

“You can try one. Maybe one of those faux leather ones you have, those are always cute on you.” Emma suggested, trying to picture the combination in her hand. “Aren’t you wanting to wear heels? I think they’ll go better with a skirt.”

Ivy walked to her closet, sighing heavily as she realized Emma was right. She had been so worried about her top that she forgot about the shoes she planned on wearing. Her favorite part of any outfit was her shoes, and tonight she had picked a pair of tall, chunky black heels with skinny ankle straps and closed toes. They would make her significantly taller than her normal height, like most of her heels did. She loved the way she looked in them, and how comfortable it was walking in a thicker heel. Shoes were never something she was unsure about. 

She came back to the middle of the room with a few options in her hands. She tossed them down on her vanity chair and looked over at Emma. 

“A flared or a tight one?” 

“Try a tight one first.” Emma smirked, prepared to convince her to chose that one. 

Ivy was her best friend, and she had finally gotten herself into a relationship. She wanted Ivy to be the hottest she possibly could for Harry, especially while going out. She knew that if Ivy walked out of the house in a garbage bag Harry would still be in love with her, but she wanted her to wear something eye catching. Emma was trying her best to encourage Ivy’s sexual exploration, without actually saying anything about it, so maybe she could channel it though the clothing. If she felt confident, felt hot, and knew Harry thought she looked stunning, then maybe she’d ease up on her worry and go there with him. Emma wasn’t going to pressure her or make fun of her for not trying, but she knew she’d love it - especially with Harry - if she gave herself the chance to try. 

Ivy rolled her eyes with a smile as she caught on to Emma’s intentions. She knew Emma was going to push for her to wear the hottest items, she always did that whenever Ivy asked for advice or assistance. She picked the black skirt with a small slit on each thigh. She knew black would look the best with her shoes and her light purple shirt. An excited cheer and clap came from Emma as Ivy pulled the skirt up her legs, adjusting it on her waist. 

“It’s definitely tight.” She frowned slightly when she turned towards the mirror. 

In actuality, she looked perfectly fine. But to her, it looked like a mess. She gulped quietly and just stared at her stomach. Was it too unflattering? She felt like it was definitely drawing a lot of attention to a place she didn't want it. 

“You look great! I love it.” Emma said with a hopeful tone, wishing that Ivy would stop being so insecure. 

“Harry’s going to think I’ve gained twenty pounds since this morning.” She lowered her eyes down to her thighs. The rest of her body was fine, she didn’t have any bad thoughts about anything. It was just her stomach. “I don’t like this.” 

“Ivy, c’mon, you look beautiful.” Emma jumped up and quickly ran over to her the second Ivy started to pull down the skirt. 

Emma stopped her and fixed it back to where it was. She grabbed Ivy by her hips and rotated her back to face the mirror. Her hands gripped Ivy’s waist as she stared into the mirror. 

“You look stunning. You always look stunning.” 

Ivy shook her head. “I look fat.” 

When she pressed her hand over her stomach, Emma grabbed her wrist and pulled it back down. “Stop, you look perfectly fine.” 

“Harry’s not gonna want to have sex with me.” Her words were soft, barely audible. 

Emma felt her own heart sink as she saw the sadness coat Ivy’s features - the same ones she knew Harry adored more than anything. It was obvious to see that Ivy was no longer feeling any sort of confidence. She was starting to consider not even going tonight. Everything was going wrong. 

“Did something happen with him?” Emma kept her voice just as light, in case Ivy was close to breaking down. She didn’t want her to ruin her makeup. 

“What do you mean?” 

Emma licked her lips and stepped between the mirror and Ivy, who’s eyes were fighting back tears at this point. “Did you try.. something and he.. didn’t want to?” 

Ivy dropped her eyes to the floor. She wasn’t sure what to say, so she tried to occupy her mind by picking at her nail polish. She had just freshly painted them today after her shower, but she didn’t care. Emma thought of the worse possible answers that could come from Ivy’s mouth, and it was all making her very angry. She furrowed her brows and carefully grabbed both of Ivy’s elbows to get her attention. When her eyes lifted, Emma saw how watery they had become. She shook her head gently, silently telling her not to get upset. 

“I’ll fucking kill him myself if he said something about your body.” Emma was serious. 

Ivy frowned again. “No, it wasn’t that.”

“Ivy.” 

She didn’t believe her. Emma was sure that something must have been said to make Ivy feel this way. She had been anxious about her outfits before, but this felt different. Emma was afraid of what had happened.  

“He didn’t say anything.” Ivy defended him, because he had truly done nothing wrong. “He wanted to. I stopped him.. again.” 

“Again?” 

She looked away from Emma, too embarrassed to face her. “He wanted to.. the night he came over here. He.. he wants to, so bad, Emma.” 

“It doesn't matter if he does. You have to want to, too.” 

Ivy let out a humorous laugh that resembled more of a sigh. “I do.” 

“So what happened then? If you want to and he wants to.. then what? Are you just trying to wait a bit longer?” 

Ivy shrugged, she really didn’t know how to explain it. “It’s only been a week. I.. I would feel like a whore if I tried to do it this fast.”

Emma sighed. “That’s not what a whore is, Ivy. You aren’t going out and hooking up every night. If you want to do that with him, then you can. He’s your boyfriend.” 

Her lip was quivering but she was fighting so hard to stop it. She spent so long trying to finalize her makeup look, she didn’t want to have to do any touch ups to it. 

“When he tried.. what was he doing? Just kissing you?” Emma wasn’t asking to be nosy, unlike earlier in the day when she wanted all the details. 

Ivy nodded. “Just.. kissing and touching. We were on the couch and.. I was on his lap. It.. it was perfect. I stopped him.” 

Emma was familiar with Ivy’s small amount of experience, and she easily remembers how upset Ivy was after her first time. They didn’t know each other then, but the story had been told to her. She was extremely insecure and afraid, and the fact that it sucked from the start to the end didn’t help. Why put so much effort into doing it again if it’s just going to be a bad experience? 

“When he touched you.. did you feel bad? Like, did you feel insecure?” 

Ivy felt her heart flutter as she recalled how it made her feel. There was nothing wrong with what Harry did. She loved every second of it. There was just something inside of her that made her stop, that made her afraid. 

“No, I actually didn’t. He touched me like.. like he loved everything about me. He always does.” 

Emma smiled genuinely. “That’s because he does, Ivy.”

Ivy pulled back from her grip and walked to her vanity. She sat down, pushing aside the skirts to rest her arms. She wanted to fall apart and sob, but she knew Harry would be here in less than half an hour and she couldn’t fix her makeup that quick. She had to pull it together. 

“Listen to me.” Emma started with a gentle sigh, she stayed put. “I understand that you think it’s too soon.. and there’s nothing wrong with that. But don’t let that ruin it for you. You spent a long time trying to figure out if you liked him or not. And I know you do, so much.” 

Ivy rolled her lips in, fully aware that she’d have to reapply her lip gloss before she left. It was frustrating to feel this way. She was so close to being dressed, to being ready to go have fun. Her brain got in the way, her mind took over and spiraled again. 

“Just.. don’t be scared. Harry’s in love with you.. he’s not going to care about how you look in the skirt. You don’t have to have sex with him tonight, but don’t be so nervous to let him do things with you. And, I know you get shy, but.. talk to him. Tell him what you want, how you feel.” 

All she could do was sit there. She couldn’t come up with anything to say or even an expression to put on. Emma grabbed the pair of heels she had sat out for the night and brought them to her. She dropped them on the vanity and huffed. 

“You look sexy. Stop being so sad. Harry’s going to explode when he sees you.” 

With those encouraging words, Emma left her room to give her some space. It was difficult to gather her thoughts, but she had no other choice. She took a few slow, deep breaths while staring at the heels. If anything, she was perfectly confident in her choice of shoes. Perhaps she could use that to boost her mood and give her the confidence back. A wild thought popped in her mind. If she was so worried, she could always call Harry to get his thoughts on her outfit. Surely he’d be honest, right? Ivy groaned to herself, her own thoughts were beginning to irritate her. She didn't need his approval, or Emma’s, or anyone’s. She snatched the tube of lipgloss out of her makeup bag and applied a new layer. 

She returned in front of the mirror after slipping and securing the heels on her feet. She flipped her long, slightly curled hair over her shoulders and smiled at her reflection. Harry loved her hair - he thought it was just so pretty and soft and shiny. She looked at her lips, smirking to herself. Harry loved kissing her - god, he loved it more than anything. Her lips were so thick and soft, her tongue so warm and the taste of her mouth was like heaven. The more she looked at each part of herself, the more she thought about Harry and how much he seemed to adore everything about her. Slowly, but surely, that confidence was building back up. 

It wasn’t her first time pacing at the door waiting for Harry to show up, but it seemed to get harder with each time. Ivy was alone in the house, Emma had already left with Niall. She would be coming back here, while Ivy would return to Harry’s place after the night was over. Her duffle bag was packed with similar things that it was full of the night before. She was trying to control her breathing before she got in the car with him. The last thing she wanted was for him to ask her if she was okay. She didn’t want to relive what happened earlier in her bedroom, she just wanted to have a good night. The ding of her phone made her heart jump. She looked down at the screen, a nervous feeling sinking into her bones. 

Harry: coming to the door now 

Not even thirty seconds had passed before Harry knocked on the door. Ivy composed herself the best she could and opened the door for him. She was met with his grin, but it wasn’t enough to distract her from how handsome he looked. He wasn’t wearing his usual dark t-shirt, instead he was wearing one the shirts he never buttons all the way up and pushes the sleeves to his elbows. She smiled nervously as he looked down her body slowly, then drug his eyes back up. 

“Damn, you look incredible.” He told her with a gentle smirk, reaching for her body. 

She let him grab her and yank her closer. The feeling of his warm body against hers made her worries fade. Her hand gripped his waist on either side as he mumbled another compliment in her ear before pressing a kiss to her jaw. 

“I missed you.” He added, pulling back to look at her. 

“I missed you.” She smiled a bit bigger this time. “Sorry I left so soon.” 

He shook his head and pushed his lips onto hers. She moaned softly into the kiss, wishing it would’ve lasted longer. She barely got a taste of him before he leaned back. 

“Don’t worry about all that. I’ve got you now, hm.” 

Ivy let out a breath as she checked the time on her phone. “We should probably go.” 

“Do you have everything?” He asked, glancing down at the duffle bag that was discarded on the floor. 

“Yeah, I’m ready.” 

Once she closed the door, Harry carried her bag to the car and tossed it in the back seat. He made sure to open her door and help her in, telling her yet again how good she looked. It was hard to resist her face turning to a blushing mess, his words just did that to her. 

The ride there was peaceful. She held onto his hand as he drove, his eyes staying on the road for the most part. He let her mess with the radio until she found something for them to listen to. Ivy would give him a glance every now and then, just making sure that he was okay. He didn’t appear to be in any bad mood, he was rather pleasant. She was glad, because there was that worry in the back of her mind that he was upset about what happened earlier. There was no way she was going to let something ruin her night, so she ignored all that and just gave him quick glances. 

At one point, she found herself staring at him for longer than just a moment. She admired his profile, how perfect he looked with the street lights and the moon glowing on his face. She thought he was just the most gorgeous thing ever. He didn’t have a hair out of place. His cologne filled the car - she loved it so much she’d be willing to drown in it. 

When they arrived, Harry told her he needed to get inside within a few minutes to set up everything and do a quick sound check. Ivy was willing to let him go whenever he had, but it seemed like he didn’t want to. He helped her out of the car and immediately grabbed onto her waist. He pushed her against the car, his height towering over her despite the heels she had on her feet. She pressed her hand to his chest, smiling sweetly as he stared down at her. 

“I thought you had to get inside?” She said with a soft laugh as he leaned down to press a kiss to the corner of her mouth. 

“I can’t leave you yet.” He muttered back, playfully pecking her cheek a few times. 

“You said everyone was waiting on you.” 

He rolled his eyes and let a smirk cover his mouth. “They can wait a bit longer.” 

The softest moan slipped out of her mouth as he slotted his lips with hers. Within a second, they were swallowing each other whole. Harry’s hand fell down to her hip and he gripped her tight, pushing himself against her. There were sparks flying around them as they got lost in the kiss. Ivy was fighting her thoughts, and quickly losing because it wasn’t long until she was dizzy and mindless. The sounds of their mouths meeting and moving together always made her stomach fill with butterflies. It was so intimate, so special to hear it each time. Harry grunted when she reached up to grab onto his hair. Her fingers scraped his skin as she got a handful in the back, tugging hard. He wanted her to grab it all and do whatever she desired. It was taking every ounce of control he had to prevent himself from growing in his pants. He didn’t know it, but Ivy was creating a small damp spot in her underwear - something that happened so easily when he did certain things to her. 

Harry grunted when she finally slowed the kiss and pulled her lips away. A light gasp came from her as she realized she could breathe better now. He pecked her cheek again, sighing gently as he realized they needed to get inside soon. As much as he’d rather spend every second with her, he couldn’t do that yet. 

“M’gonna have a hard time keeping my hands off you later.” He said with a chuckle as she rubbed her hand back down his chest, stopping so she could settle it on his waist. She loved touching him there. 

“I don’t want you to keep your hands off me.” She bit down on her lip as she smiled, a redness covering her face. 

“Well, I.. I don’t want to do too much, y’know.” 

Ivy gave him a small shake of her head. “I want you to do whatever you think I’d like. I don’t.. wanna be scared anymore.” 

He licked his lips, tasting a bit of her gloss that he stole off her mouth. “As long as you’re honest with me. Tell me what you like, stop me when you don’t want it, all that, okay?” 

“I will.”

He pushed out a big exhale and gestured his head towards the building. “Guess we should go in?” 

Ivy replied with a nod, but when he took hold of her hand to walk her across the parking lot, she stopped him by grabbing his wrist and tugging on his arm. He looked back at her, not sure what she was doing. 

“Wait.” 

Harry turned back to face her, a concerned look on his face. “What is it?” 

All she could think about was the speech Emma gave her in her room earlier. There was no need to be so shy with Harry anymore. He wasn’t some stranger she didn’t like or a person who wasn’t considered her friend. He was way more than she ever imagined he would be. Harry had become her world, he had taken up every inch of space in her mind and in her heart. She could talk to him if something was on her mind, he’d listen with no hesitation. 

“Do you think I look alright?” She blurted the question out before ensuring herself she wanted to say it. 

He furrowed his brows and squeezed her tight. “You’re gorgeous.” 

She swallowed loud enough for him to hear. “Do.. do you like my outfit?” 

Harry moved one hand up to her face, cupping her jaw to keep her head steady. “Your outfit is perfect. I love it. You look incredible, as always.” 

“Okay.” She nodded lightly, not sure if she believed it or not. Maybe he was telling her the truth, but she didn’t agree with it. “I.. I was worried you wouldn’t.” 

Harry frowned. “Baby, why wouldn’t I?” 

“I dunno.” She uttered back. 

He planted a kiss on the center of her forehead, pushing her bangs into her skin. “Don’t ever worry about something like that, alright? I don’t want you to think that ever again.” 

Hearing that was a relief. A weight lifted from her shoulders. His calm, low tone was comforting to her worried nerves. It was no lie, he would never think bad of anything she decided to wear. Ivy felt better now, and she hoped her happy feeling carried on throughout the night. 

The taste of the alcohol slipping down her throat made her hum. Her eyes closed as she savored the sweet pineapple flavor accompanied by the burn of the liquor. Emma was standing next to her, talking about her recent date with Niall, as they waited for the show to start. Ivy was doing her best to listen, but she was spiraling in her own mind. For once, it wasn't anything bad or frustrating on her mind. Instead, it was all good things. She was thinking about the kiss they shared in the parking lot and how she’d get to see Harry on the stage soon. She thought about the promise they made, that alone was making all the good chemicals ramp up and rush through her body. The feeling of his hands on her body would return soon, and she was beyond ready. 

“I see you’re feeling better.” Emma said with a lift of her brow as Ivy opened her eyes. 

“Yeah, me and Harry talked.” She nodded, glancing down at the ice swirling in her plastic cup. “He likes what I’m wearing.” 

Emma dramatically sighed and threw her hand up. “Of course he does! You’re hot!” 

Ivy rolled her eyes and smiled. “Whatever you say.” 

“Whatever Harry says.” She grinned back, teasing Ivy was kind of fun but she’d never mean it in a bad way. 

“I told him I.. I want him to touch me more, like, um, he did last night.” 

Emma sipped her drink then put on a proud smile. “You’re being brave. I’m proud.” 

“I just want him to.. to do what he thinks I might like. Maybe that way it’ll be easier for me to realize or decide when I’m ready.” 

Emma nodded as she listened, completely agreeing with what Ivy was saying. She was rather glad that Ivy had come around to this idea. She knew that her lack of experience was hard to handle, but if Ivy would let herself open up, she might enjoy what could come from it. 

“So you don’t think you’re ready right now?” 

Ivy let out a sigh as she thought about that. She wasn't really sure because she had no idea what to expect. How can you know if you're ready? Do you just have some sort of feeling or little voice in your head screaming that it was time? How do you figure out that sort of thing if you’ve only had one bad experience? 

“I don’t know. What am I supposed to feel? How can I tell?” 

Emma swallowed the rest of her drink and took a deep breath, prepared to help Ivy out as much as she could. “Well, for me with Niall.. it was like I was comfortable and relaxed. I knew I wanted to share that with him. The best way I can put it is.. my body told me.” 

“See, I don’t understand that. I keep getting these feelings but then I get scared.” 

“What feelings?” 

She knew she could only tell Emma this and not Harry. She was open to talking about things with Harry, but this specific thing was not going to be one of them. It was very embarrassing for her to admit to herself, let alone say out loud to him. She was intending on keeping this between her and Emma only. 

“I get.. y’know.. wet, or whatever.” She shrugged, trying to remain as nonchalant as possible. 

Emma smirked, cocking a brow at her. “Wet? So.. just when he touches you or what?” 

“Even when he just gives me a quick kiss. I.. My stomach drops and.. I have this burning feeling.” 

“Hate to say it to you, girl, but.. I think your body is trying to tell you that it’s time.” Emma was being honest. 

“It’s only been a week!” 

“But you’ve known him for a while.” Emma reminded her, making her eyes widen as she emphasized it. “You’ve been wanting him. Admit it to yourself.” 

Ivy’s eyes rolled, a gentle shake of her head followed. “It’s too soon.” 

“Then relax! Just kiss the boy and have fun with him until you’re ready.” Emma gave her hand a quick squeeze. “Trust me, he’s too obsessed with you to go anywhere. You have plenty of time.” 

Maybe Emma was right and Ivy was just overthinking everything. Harry definitely had a possessive nature when it came to her. He wasn't going to just let her slip away or disappear himself. She had time.. 

Experiencing the show was much different for her tonight than it ever had been. She wasn’t a newcomer to the group, she wasn’t trying to avoid Harry’s stare, and she wasn't angry with his existence. Tonight, she was able to enjoy herself fully. She sang and danced with Emma like the world wouldn’t be there tomorrow when she woke up. Harry watched her for most of the show, smiling and shaking his head at her performance. She was confident and comfortable and definitely drunk. 

He had to remind himself to stay focused when he played his guitar, though, so he made sure he looked out at the crowd, too. Niall reminded him before they got on the stage to remain focused on his job and then he could give Ivy all his attention after. Since he knew she loved the shows and was excited to hear him perform, he agreed with Niall and kept himself on track with everything. Ivy was dancing like nobody else was in the room, and that alone was motivation for him to put on a good show. She wasn't dancing to music coming from the speakers, she was dancing to his voice singing the songs she loves. It meant something to him, it was special this time. 

When they reached the slower portion of the show, Harry used his minute long break to chug some water before kneeling on the edge of the stage to talk to her. It was still loud in the bar, but he was able to hear her. 

“You’re so good!” She grinned ear to ear, her voice loud as the alcohol increased her mood. 

“Gonna sing one for you next.” He winked, causing a blush to rise to her cheeks. 

“Can I give you a good luck kiss?” She asked sweetly, fluttering her thick lashes at him and making the cutest face. 

“I’d be sad if you didn’t.” He leaned down, chuckling as she reached up to grab his neck. 

She barely reached him, but when she did her lips connected to his. He wanted to pull her on the stage and handle it, but he couldn’t. The kiss was short, but sweet. She smacked her lips on his chin for an extra bit of luck before letting him go, knowing he had to get back to his microphone. 

Harry was sure he’d never been in such a great mood while performing before. He had something to really look forward to after like everyone else, aside from just wanting to drink the night away. He had someone waiting for him to get off that stage and join her.

Niall started the first of the slower songs by picking up his guitar. Harry had abandoned his for this portion of the show, not wanting to get distracted by Ivy. He knew he could sing perfectly fine while looking at her, but playing the guitar was another story. Her heart swelled as she heard the lyrics coming from Harry’s mouth. She loved this song so much, and he had promised her he’d sing it the next time she was there. She will always hold some regret in her heart for missing that show, but she had a feeling that things wouldn’t be the way they are now if she hadn’t missed it. 

“Lips of an Angel” was one of her favorite songs, she considered it a classic that everyone should know. She’d play it in her room or in the car and sing every word. Hearing Harry sing it was breathtaking. He made all of her favorite songs even more special than they already were. And of course, his eyes were pouring straight into hers as he sang. There was nothing quite like getting his intense stare in such a meaningful moment. 

For the remainder of the show, Ivy cheered him on and continued to dance with Emma. They were both worn out by the time it came to an end. Emma told Ivy that everyone would be out to join them within a few minutes, and the best place to wait for Harry would be at their usual reserved table. So, they headed that way once everyone walked off the stage. She pushed the beaded curtain out of the way and sighed as she entered the familiar section of the building. They went straight to their table and each claimed a spot. Emma sat next to her, instantly sparking up a conversation. 

“Harry’s so cute with you. I saw you guys kissing.” She giggled excitedly, her mind a little boggled from her drinks. 

Ivy couldn’t do anything but grin. “He’s so sweet. He’s the sweetest thing ever.”

They shared a laugh, both very giddy about the topic. Emma leaned in closer, her finger moving to lure Ivy in. She moved further in until their heads almost touched. 

“He’s gon’ be all over you.” She said with a cheeky laugh. 

“I hope so!” Ivy was just as happy about the idea. 

“Can’t believe you turned Harry into a sweetheart!”

Ivy let out a laugh and shook her head. She didn’t say anything though because she was easily distracted by Harry, who appeared from the crowd with a smile on his handsome face. She completely ignored Emma and stood up to greet him. He grunted as her arms wrapped around his neck, one set of fingers going to the back of his head. He snaked his arms around her body, so glad to finally be with her again. This time, he wouldn’t have to leave her. They could stay together the rest of the night. 

“Missed you.” Ivy said in a quiet voice as her arms slowly fell from his neck. She drug one down his chest, touching his exposed skin. “You did so good.”

“Thanks, love. You had a good time, didn’t you?” Harry chuckled as she looked up at him with red eyes and a sleepy look. “Someone’s a bit drunk, yeah?” 

She shook her head. “No, not yet.”

“M’not too sure about that, babe.”

“Sit down with me! Wanna be close.” She begged with the pout of her lip. 

He nodded, which immediately prompted her to sit down and pull on his hand, wanting him right next to her. He laughed as she manueved his arm around her shoulders and positioned him so his hand was dangling over her. She took hold of it and turned her head to see him. She had the most precious look on her face, stars in her pretty eyes, 

“Thank you for singing the song for me.” 

“You’re welcome, babe.”

“Baby.” She corrected him with the lift of her brows. 

He smirked back, leaning forward to kiss her temple. “M’sorry, baby.” 

“So, I heard it’s official!” Michelle yelled with joy as she approached the table. 

Ivy leaned into Harry’s shoulder, hiding her bashful face as he laughed and replied to Michelle. He knew that having this kind of attention would make Ivy feel shy, but he hoped she would be okay with it once everyone got their initial reactions out. She tapped his hand, trying to get his attention. 

He looked back at her. “Hmm?”

“Just wanna see you.” She bit down on her lip, her eyes fixated on him.

He furrowed his brows gently. “Everything okay?”

Ivy didn’t say anything, just nodded and smiled. He wasn’t sure what was happening but he assumed the alcohol had a lot to do with it. He told her earlier she could drink as much as she wanted and he’d drive them home. He didn’t feel the need to get drunk tonight. She was with him now, so there were no feelings to fight against. 

Unlike previous times, Cory and Niall were the ones to bring the free trays of beer gifted by the owner to their shared table. Ivy instantly received a look from Michelle, a smirk plastered over her red painted lips as she lifted a brow. Ivy shook her head, already knowing what she was going to say. Harry laughed as everyone started to chant Ivy’s name, expecting at least one chugging battle. She was trying to ignore them, but even Harry was encouraging it.

“Just do one, c’mon.” He said with a laugh, finding it hard to believe all of this was real. 

For once, there was no awkward tension amongst the group. He wasn’t trying to sneak glances at her or avoid her gaze. Nobody was expecting an outburst from him. It felt really good to not have to worry about any of that anymore.

“Okay, fine, just one.” She sighed as she took the cup of beer from Niall, who started the countdown. 

Michelle was quick to bring the cup to her lips, but she wasn’t quite fast enough to keep up with or outdo Ivy. It didn’t take long for her to finish. The empty cup fell to the table and a proud smile covered her lips. Niall offered her another cup, and she took it with hopes of actually enjoying this one. 

Harry eyed her, wondering if she’d accept anyone’s competition, but she shook her head at Zayn who was trying to get her to cave in again. When Ivy leaned up to talk to Emma, Harry’s arm fell to her back, his hand sliding to her waist. He kept a hold on her, not wanting her to get too far. He stayed quiet, which was somewhat part of his usual behavior, and just listened to her talk. They were talking about something Niall said to Emma the night before that made Ivy blush. Emma had always been open with her about certain things, and even though it embarrassed her, she always listened to the stories. Harry wasn’t necessarily listening to them, mainly because he couldn’t hear over the music, but his focus was starting to shift elsewhere. 

Across the table was Cory, and his eyes seemed to be placed on something that didn’t belong to him. If Harry couldn’t hear the girls clearly, there’s no way Cory could. So he wasn’t listening to them talk, he was just staring at Ivy. Harry slid his tongue over his teeth as he tried to relax himself. He could feel a fire lighting in his gut. He couldn’t stand when Cory looked at Ivy like that before they were together, and now that they were he was even more annoyed. There should be some respect shown now. It was obvious they were together, and it should be understood that Cory had no chance. He tightened his hand on her waist, his fingers digging into her body. She noticed how the pressure changed, but she didn’t check on him. Maybe he was just giving her some affection. 

“I told him I’d try.” Emma said with a squeal, shooting her eyes over at Niall who was standing up talking to Zayn.

Ivy grinned back, grabbing her leg to squeeze it excitedly. “You’re insane.”

“It’s just a position, Ivy. You’d probably like it.”

Her eyes widened and she gave Emma a stern look. “No! We’re not making this about me.”

Emma giggled, covering Ivy’s hand with her own. “You have no idea what’s coming for you, honey.”

“I know what I’m not going to do.”

Emma was amused by the redness covering her face, it wasn’t just the alcohol that had her flustered. Her eyes dropped to Ivy’s waist where Harry’s hand was glued to her body. 

“The way he touches you.. you’re gonna have the time of your life.” 

Ivy shoved her gently, bringing her hand back to her own lap. “Shh, I don’t want him to hear this.”

Emma leaned slightly to peek around her. She lifted a brow as she saw Harry’s hardened expression. While his touch was clearly on Ivy, his attention was not. He looked as if he would rip someone’s head off if they spoke to him. His jaw was clenched and his brows were low. Emma followed his eyes and instantly saw what he was staring at. 

She hit Ivy with her knee, her eyes shooting back to her. “He’s pissed.”

Ivy leaned in closer to hear her whisper. “What?”

“Harry’s not happy.” Emma gave her a slightly concerned look. “Someone’s got his eyes on you and it’s not Harry.” 

Ivy looked from the corner of her eye, even though she already knew who Emma was referring to. “Ugh, why?”

Emma shook her head and pursed her lips. “He’s stupid if he thinks nobody notices.”

“He always does this.” Ivy sighed out, wishing it was different. 

She didn’t want Harry to get upset with his friend, but she knew it would happen if Cory didn’t stop. He shouldn’t want to stare at her, especially now that things have changed between her and Harry. It didn’t make any sense. She’s expressed several times that she’s not interested and that definitely hasn’t suddenly changed. 

“We’ll finish this later.. you better tend to Harry.” Emma warned, nodding her head towards him. 

It was unfortunate that she had to pause her conversation to deal with this, but she had no choice. If she didn’t intervene now, there’s no telling what could happen. Harry’s emotions are very sensitive, and when it came to Ivy he could be a ticking time bomb. Ivy shifted so she was facing him now, fully surprised when he didn’t immediately look at her. She placed her hand on his thigh and gave it a squeeze, still not getting his attention. 

“Harry.” She said his name in a sweet tone, widening her eyes and putting on a soft expression. That didn’t work. 

She sighed, tired of her failed attempts already. She reached up and grabbed his jaw, angling his head towards her. He didn’t stop her, of course. He wasn’t going to ignore her for too long. When his eyes met hers, she gave him a smile. She expected his hard features to soften, but they didn’t. 

“What’s wrong?” She asked with a pout, pretending to not be aware of the issue.

“M’about to go off.” 

Ivy leaned up so she was blocking Cory from his view. “It’s okay.”

“It’s fucking not.” 

She chewed on her cheek as she looked over his expression. He was still clenching his jaw and furrowing his brows. His eyes were full of anger but she knew it wasn’t directed towards her. She wanted to sweeten him up, wanted to make him chuckle and grin. It didn’t seem like he was willing to do that now. 

“Are you mad?”

“What do you think?” He snapped back, his anger getting the best of him.

Ivy gulped softly, her hand falling to his chest. “I think.. you’re being mean to me for no reason.”

“There is a fucking reason.” Once again, he was quick with his remark. 

“I didn’t do anything.” She couldn’t stop her lips from dropping to a frown.

The moment he saw her do that, he felt a blow to his gut. He closed his eyes and tried to compose himself. His hand loosened on her waist as he moved it to the small of her back. She wasn’t sure what to expect, part of her was extremely nervous. As his eyes opened, she was somewhat relieved to see he wasn’t as angry looking. 

“I know you didn’t, m’sorry.” 

Ivy grabbed his other hand and guided it to her thigh, letting him decide where it should go. He moved it to her hip and smirked as he pulled her closer. 

“Don’t be shy.” He said with a laugh as she looked down at his lap. 

“If we were alone, I would.” 

Harry leaned into her, his lips heading straight for hers. She turned her head in time for him to hit her cheek, making him smirk against her skin. 

“You’re being a tease, hm?”

She put her hand on his elbow, wishing she could do more but the fact they were in public made her nervous. She didn’t say anything, just moved her lips to his dimple. He felt the slickness of her lipgloss on his skin. 

“We could always sneak away.” He suggested, smiling as she pinched his skin. 

“Harry.” A nervous breath followed. 

Before he could say anything else, Michelle tapped on Ivy’s shoulder and interrupted them. Ivy pulled back from Harry to look up at her, kind of irritated that she was getting in the way. 

“We’re going to dance. Are you guys joining us?” 

Ivy saw everyone getting up and heading towards the crowd. She looked back at Harry and he lifted his brows lightly, silently letting her know it was her decision to make. She gently shook her head before replying to Michelle. 

“Not right now.”

Michelle smirked, giving them both a suspicious look. “Alright, have fun.”

It was a relief to know they were going elsewhere. Ivy didn’t have an issue with everyone but she was glad to be alone with Harry, or so she thought she was alone. She realized quickly when everyone else filed away that someone stayed behind. Cory was still in his seat, his eyes on his phone. Harry noticed, too, and rolled his eyes. Ivy caught his look and gently sighed. 

“It’s okay.”

“He’s fucking obsessed with you.” Harry grumbled out, his eyes narrowing and his lips fell to a straight line. 

It hurt her to see how quick his mood could shift. It wasn’t the first time she’d witnessed it, but it was still hard to deal with. She didn’t want Harry to be so consumed by anger or frustration. They were supposed to have fun tonight and be together, not worry about someone else. 

“Hey, don’t get mad.” 

“It’s hard not to, Ivy.” He huffed back.

“Don’t look at him. Just look at me.” 

Harry grunted, the control he had on his mood wasn’t very stable. “If he starts staring at you again m’gonna break his face.”

Ivy took hold of his jaw again and gave him a serious look. “No, you aren’t.”

She pressed a quick kiss to his lips before reaching down to pick up the cup of beer she sat on the floor. Harry let her move away, but not because he wanted her to. She brought the cup to her lips and took a long drink. Harry shot his eyes in Cory’s direction, making sure he wasn’t watching. Ivy moved back to where she had been sitting, Harry’s arm wrapped around her waist to keep her next to him. 

“Next weekend, I want you to stay with me at my place.” She said with a smile, the idea had been in her mind all day. 

“Alright. Any plans for us?” 

“Not sure yet. Just wanna be with you.” 

Harry couldn’t stop his gaze from moving back to Cory, and this time he was staring back. He leaned into Ivy, his hand tight on her waist. She held back a giggle when he rubbed his nose against her temple. 

“I really need you closer, baby.” He tickled his fingers against her waist, making her laugh and fall into him. 

“Do you want me to sit?” She asked innocently, her hand tapping his thigh. 

“If you want to, yeah. I’d like that.” 

“I’m sure you would.” 

Harry gripped her waist before she started to climb on his lap. He made sure to grab the outside of her thigh to keep her legs together. She rested the side of her body against his chest, laughing as he started kissing her cheek over and over. Ivy adjusted her skirt and made sure her knees were touching, in case someone tried to catch a peek between her legs. She feared Harry would be uncontrollable if something like that happened. 

“Are you comfortable?” He asked, furrowing his brows as he watched her. 

“Mhm, I’m okay. Are you? Not squishing you, am I?” Ivy was way more concerned with his comfort than her own. 

“M’fine, babe.” He assured her with a soft peck to her jaw. 

“Not the best way, but it’ll do for now.” She said, glancing at her legs as they laid propped up on the bench. 

“Sit how you want.” 

“I.. I can’t.”

Harry licked his lips. “How do you wanna sit?”

Ivy took a deep breath and leaned into him, her mouth next to his ear. He tightened his grip on her body, not sure what to expect from her. She was just as easy to get heated as he was. 

“Like we did on your couch.” Her whisper made his skin crawl in the best way possible. 

“We can do that.”

“Not here.”

He smiled, pushing his face into her neck. “Said who?”

Ivy tried her best to stand her ground, but Harry’s touch on her body was more than enough to change her mind. His heavy hand moved to the dip in her back, almost touching her butt. The way that his warmth pushed through the fabric covering her body was comforting. She felt completely safe with him, like nothing could ruin this moment. With a shake of her head and a blushing grin, she decided to sit on him the way she actually wanted to. He guided her by her waist as she got up, not letting her get too far away. She threw one leg over him then the next, sitting on his lap like she did on the couch. 

“There we go, that’s better.” He said with a devious smirk as she got comfortable, pulling at her skirt to keep it down. 

He plastered his hands on her hips, securing the fabric of the skirt against her skin, it wasn’t going anywhere as long as he was holding it. Ivy emptied the cup of beer into her mouth, her head falling back as she filled her mouth. Harry nearly busted as he saw her neck stretch, her hair fall over her shoulders, and the small drops of beer that escaped her lips. When she tossed the cup next to them, he leaned up to clean up her mess. 

“Harry!” She shrieked as he swiped his tongue up her chin, clearing the beer residue from her face. 

“Just cleaning you up, babe.” He chuckled out, unable to resist a grin as she hid her face against his. 

Her cheek was hot as it burned into his skin. “You’re so crazy.” 

Ivy put her arm around his neck, her fingers instantly locking around his hair. He held her close, humming in her ear as she took slow, deep breaths. He wondered if she was starting to get tired. Maybe all the alcohol she had consumed while he was singing had caught up to her. She was quiet for a few long minutes, just stayed like that with his arms around her and her hand in his hair. It was perfect, for a while. Harry figured it couldn’t get much better than this. He had the girl he adored sitting on his lap, her body molding into his as he held her close. She was content, nothing was bothering her. It was almost like a dream. He was afraid one wrong move would interrupt it and he’d wake up. Ivy couldn’t really believe it was real either, it was quite hard to comprehend. She never pictured herself as the type of person to do this much display of affection in public, yet here she was doing it. When she was with Harry, it was like the rest of the world froze around them and they were the only two people. 

Harry thought he was imagining it at first, but Ivy started to gently press her lips into the side of his neck, just below his ear. He moved one hand up to the small of her back and gently slid a few of his fingers under her shirt. Her skin was on fire, yet it felt like heaven touching it bare. 

“Being sweet, hm?” He said in a deep voice, his breath rolling over her in a rather tempting way. 

She led her lips a bit lower, leaving behind a trail of lip gloss. Marking her territory felt incredibly powerful. The part she liked the most was the fact Harry was letting her do it. When she was around, and only when it came to her, he let his control go. He let her do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. 

“Can we kiss?” She lifted her head, her eyelashes fluttering as she gave him a sweet look. 

“Don’t have to ask me.” He told her, leaning into her mouth. 

As they started to kiss again, she was sure that nothing could ruin this. Harry’s tongue poked in her mouth to explore, and his lips moved in perfect sync with hers. Her fingers danced on his neck, curling around his nape and dropping to his collarbones every now and then. She wanted to touch every inch of him that she could, but she was keeping herself somewhat tame. With each shove of her tongue into his mouth, her body rocked on his lap. The movement and the friction was getting intense on his crotch, so much so that he considered stopping her for a while. All he could imagine was her getting upset, so he chose to ignore his growing bulge and just let the girl get all the kissing she wanted. 

Harry quite enjoyed it when Ivy went off the deep end with him. Her version of it was different than most people’s, but that didn’t matter. He loved when she was greedy with her hands, scratching and clawing at his skin. There was her newly exploded liking of running her fingers through his long hair and tugging on it that sent chills down his spine and pulses of pleasure straight to his crotch. And her lips, god her lips were his favorite thing. She was so good with them, new exactly how to use them. The more he thought about her and the kiss deepened, the closer he was to a full boner growing in his pants. 

“Mm, Ivy.” He grunted as his lips ripped from hers.

“No, more.” She muttered into his cheek, trying to get his lips back. 

“Give me a few minutes, baby.” He said with a nervous laugh, glancing down at his crotch. 

She followed his eyes without thinking, and as she saw what he was concerned about, her stomach started to churn. Did he want her to move? Was she hurting him? There were so many things flooding her mind all of a sudden, but Harry didn’t say anything about it. He put his hand on her jaw, his thumb rubbing soft circles into her cheek. She easily leaned into his touch, admiring how his big hand was capable of such a delicate touch. 

“Sorry.” She mumbled, her pretty eyes held such an innocent look. 

“Don’t be sorry.” He licked his lips. “Just need a minute to calm down ‘fore I explode.” 

Ivy took the time he needed to observe him. She looked down at his forearm, his tattoos deep into tanned skin. Her mind began to drift as she imagined what it would feel like to have that same skin pressed against her own, no clothing between them. She could very clearly picture herself kissing and sucking marks over his tattoos, tracing the lines with her tongue and biting into his flesh. She knew he’d let her do whatever she wanted, and that was starting to become a thought she wanted to make a reality. She didn’t realize her eyes had closed until his thumb was toying with the corner of her mouth. She softly pushed out a breath, lifting her eyelids to get a look at him. Harry gave her that signature smirk, that up to no good look that made her panties dampen. 

The way he looked at her was like nothing else she had ever experienced. Her hand grabbed his forearm and she slowly brought her touch up his arm. He watched her movements, always liking when she touched him like that. She would hold on to him like she owned him, and that was something that made his heart melt. This girl had his heart in a way no other ever could. 

As her fingers curled around his wrist, she shifted her sultry gaze back to him. She smiled, the blush pretty much permanent on her cheeks by now. Harry was curious about her intentions as she grabbed his thumb with her fingers, moving it across her skin until the tip sat on her bottom lip. The thoughts entering his mind were far from pure. He held his breath, his eyes locked with hers. Without saying a word, or even blinking, Ivy pushed the tip of his thumb past her lips. 

A jolt of excitement shot through his body as she closed her lips around his thumb and gave it a soft suck. If he thought any harder about this, he would bust in his pants. Her tongue swirled around his digit a few slow, taunting times. Harry couldn’t do anything other than stare at her with lust pooling in his eyes. She placed his thumb between her teeth and bit down slightly, making his subtle smirk grow. 

“Naughty little kitten, hm?” The low tone of his voice mixed with the words he used made her tingle in all the right places. `

He swore her eyes lit up with stars at the use of the new name. She seemed to enjoy it more than he expected. He was pushing her limits, trying to see what she would like or what was too much. That was something she liked. 

Harry sat up, his body closer to hers without disturbing her position. He closed the space they shared, his lips next to her ear as he spoke in low, deep whispers. Every word he let out made her toes curl and the wetness between her legs grew. 

“Y’like using that pretty mouth on me, yeah?” 

She bit down harder on his thumb as a response, pulling a heavy chuckle from his throat. Ivy couldn’t stop thinking about his body, about sharing that experience with him. She was sure that if they had been at home doing this, she would’ve caved in to him. She would’ve allowed him to explore her body and show her things she never knew she could experience. But they weren’t at home.. 

“Like poking your tongue out on me.. biting down on me.” 

She nodded lightly, not even sure if he could tell. He was deep in the side of her neck, burying his face in her hair and breathing in her scent. He could die in this very spot and be a happy man. 

“Gonna be so good with your mouth, I just know it.” That time, her stomach dropped and she felt a familiar feeling come over her. 

It happened when she was in the shower earlier, that intense desire to touch herself at the thought of him. Well, now it wasn’t so much the thought of him as it was actually him. She considered disappearing into the bathroom to handle it, pull her skirt up and just rub herself until she came. But the thought of leaving him, of stopping this very moment was enough to keep her still. She could deal with it later. 

“Tell me something, baby.” He put his lips on her ear, speaking as soft as he could. “Tell me what you wanna do with your mouth.” 

Ivy let a nervous breath escape her mouth, the warmth of the air coated his thumb. “Harry.” 

He lightly chuckled back. “Don’t be shy, angel.” 

She shifted his thumb to the inside of her cheek so she could talk. Her eyes squeezed shut as she tried to gather the courage to say what he wanted her to, to admit what she desired to do with him. When her eyes opened, she was met with the wall behind them. The strobing lights from the ceiling and the colorful flashes reflected off the wall reminded her of where they were. 

“Hm? I know you wanna tell me.” He added, kissing the shell of her ear. 

“Wanna.. wanna kiss you all over.” She started with a nervous laugh, keeping his thumb pressed into her cheek. “And.. and make little bites.” 

“Little bites.” He copied her. “Sink those pretty teeth in me, baby.” 

“Harry, I..” 

She could feel his smirk against her skin. “What is it, baby?” 

Ivy had a pounding thought in her mind. She wanted to tell him how she felt, she wanted him to know how wet she had become between her legs and how hard her nipples were behind her bra. She wanted to tell him she would invite him in to explore her body if he asked her. Was she having that feeling Emma tried to describe? It couldn’t possibly be that, it was too soon.. She pushed the thoughts away and decided to just give his thumb another bite, making him smile. 

“Torturing you, aren’t I?” He said as he finally leaned himself up, his eyes meeting hers to find they were wide and as sparkly as ever. 

“A bit.” She nodded, an anxious laugh following her words. 

“I’ll give you a break.. before you explode.” 

She pulled his thumb out of her mouth. “M’close to it, I think.” 

“You don’t have to stop doing that.” He said, tapping his damp thumb against her chin. 

“For right now.. maybe I can do it again later, if you want me to.” 

He shook his head in disbelief at how adorable and innocent she was, despite what she was just doing and saying to him. “You know I want you to.” 

Ivy grabbed his wrist and placed his hand back on her waist. She loved how it felt to have him hold her there, so she wanted it back. He immediately tightened his grip and gave her a subtle smirk. He had to go easy on her before she really did lose her control and mess up her panties. He wasn’t aware of how intense it was for her, but he could see she wasn’t alright. 

They stayed quiet for a little bit, just looking at each other with hungry eyes. Harry was refraining himself from doing too much while Ivy was trying to encourage herself to do more. Maybe if she chewed on his thumb when they got home he’d say more filthy things to her. She kind of liked the dirty statements and teasing words he said. It turned her on more than she ever thought it could. Perhaps that’s why people have sex so easily - they get turned on and fall deep into the lust. It was possible, and she was starting to think she could achieve that special feeling Emma talked about. 

Harry watched her with a soft smile on his lips as she occupied herself with messing with his necklace. She had pulled the pendant out of his shirt and started rubbing her finger over it. She was engrossed in the moment, letting the way it glimmered in the lights distract her from everything else. It was peaceful, until something caught Harry’s attention. He could feel a stare coming towards him, and he just knew who it was coming from. Ivy wasn't paying him any attention, so he looked past her shoulder and snarled as he saw Cory’s eyes peering their way. It was no secret that he was focused on Ivy. It made Harry’s chest turn to stone, anger began to boil in his gut. He sat up, securing his grip on Ivy so she wouldn’t fall backwards. She instinctively grabbed his shoulder to catch herself, even though he had her stable. 

“Get your fucking eyes off her.” Harry raised his voice so it would be clearly heard over the distance they shared. 

Ivy snapped her head around, huffing as she saw Cory give Harry an annoyed look back. She was about to interrupt when Cory decided to take a stab back at him. 

“Get a fucking room.” He gave him a disgusted expression that just irritated Harry even more. “Practically screwing her.” 

“Don’t fucking worry about what I do with my girl. Fuck off.” He got louder, and of course it made her anxiety shoot through the roof. 

Ivy grabbed his face gently, keeping her touch soft to remind him that she was right here. “Harry, shh.” 

He was stronger than her, and he easily moved his head in her weak grip. “If I catch you staring at her again, I’ll beat your fucking face in.” 

“No, you won’t, stop.” Ivy let out a soft whine as she tried to tame him. 

It was a harder task than anything else. Harry was angry now, and he was beyond controllable. He had this raging look in his eyes that scared her. Not long ago, she would’ve backed away in fear of him hurting her. But now, as she sat on his lap with his hands stuck to her body, she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. 

To their surprise, Cory got up and left the table. Harry didn’t give a damn about his feelings. He shouldn’t have been staring at Ivy that way, like he was jealous or like he wanted her to himself. Over Harry’s dead body would that ever happen. Ivy pressed a soft kiss to his lips, hoping that would help but he was still pouting as the anger lingered on his face. 

“You don’t have to get so upset, Harry. M’not worried about him.” She told him, kissing him again despite not getting anything in return. That really wasn’t her point anyway, she just wanted to give him some affection to calm him down. “He does it because he knows it bothers you.” 

“It bothers me a fucking lot.” 

She bit down on her cheek for a moment as she looked at him. His eyes were back on hers, and the longer she stared at him, the softer his gaze became. He wanted to apologize to her for being so reactive, but he couldn’t find the words. It was embarrassing for him to see how quick he could get angry. He has always been very aware of it, but now that Ivy was more involved in his life, it made him feel worse. They had been having such a nice, private time together. He let someone barge in and ruin it, even if Cory never actually got in the way. 

“What can I do to help? Kisses?” She asked seriously, furrowing her brows as her hand pressed into his chest. He was breathing very hard, like he was going to blow up. “Wanna make you feel better.” 

At first, he was just going to accept the offer of kissing, but as he sat there and looked at her gorgeous face, he couldn't stop thinking about her mouth. Having her bite on his thumb made him completely forget about everything else. It was like that was her magic cure for him. Perhaps it could be that.. He hesitated at first, but as she batted her lashes and rolled her lips out to silently beg him for a reply, he became putty in her hands. 

“Take my thumb.” He pressed his digit against her lip, smirking as she parted her mouth for him. He slipped it in and sucked in a breath as she closed her lips around him. “There you go, kitten.” 

The rest of the night was enjoyable for them. They weren’t alone very long after Cory made an exit. Everyone returned to take a break and have some drinks. Ivy had another beer, but Harry declined the alcohol. He had to be sober to drive her home. He opted to just watch her chug the beer in competition with Emma. It was amusing, just like all the other times. 

Ivy did end up slipping away to go dance with Emma and Michelle, while Harry stayed behind to give her some space. He wasn’t irritated at all, he actually encouraged her to go have some fun. Niall had asked him about Cory, and he explained what happened. Niall was surprised that it didn’t get any worse than it did, but he knew Ivy had a lot to do with that. When she got done dancing, they sat around the table for a while longer before finally calling it a night. Ivy ended up having two more drinks while she was dancing, so she was stumbling around as Harry took her to the car. He held onto her waist, trying to keep her upright. She was giggling, the feeling of his fingers was tickling her. Usually she wasn’t so sensitive there, but right now she was being silly. 

It took a bit of coercing to get her in the car. She didn’t want to do anything other than wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him in the parking lot, but he promised her they could save that for when they got home. She was whiny at first, claiming that he was being mean to her, but he knew she didn’t mean it. She was just being difficult. Eventually, he got her in the car and buckled her in.

When they got back to his place, he had to help her inside. She was a giggling mess, trying to grab him and kiss him before he could get her to the door. He knew she’d crash out as soon as she landed on the bed. He stayed behind her as she went up the stairs, in case she tripped or lost her balance and went tumbling backwards. He pushed his hand on her back, encouraging her to go up. As they got to the top, she practically ran into his bedroom, rambling about wanting to take her shoes off and lay down. 

Harry followed her, laughing as he watched her plop down on the end of his bed and start messing with her shoes. She was struggling to get the ankle straps undone. After a short time of trying, she became frustrated. Ivy let out a groan and looked Harry’s way. 

“Please, help me.” She said softly, her lips in a pout. 

He shut the door behind him before walking over to her. She was waiting patiently for him. Harry got on his knees in front of her, lifting one foot at a time to unbuckle the straps. Ivy chewed on her bottom lip as she watched him. She was rather ticklish on her feet, so as he pulled the shoe off, his skin brushed hers and she giggled. He glanced up at her, once again amused by her behavior. She was cute, even when she was drunk. 

“Thank you.” She said sweetly as he took off the other one. 

He sat them up side by side, coming to his feet as she hopped up. Ivy didn’t even realize he had carried her bag up when she started digging through it. He figured she wanted to change her clothes, so he told her he’d step out and go to the bathroom before he joined her in the bed. 

Harry didn’t take too long in the bathroom. He got rid of his shirt in there, but kept his pants on until he got back to his room. He found Ivy in the bed, her eyes already closed as she yawned. She was beneath his covers, waiting for him to get next to her. She wasn’t paying him any mind, so he quickly got rid of his pants and chose a pair of gym shorts. 

Ivy hummed in satisfaction as he finally laid next to her, his warm body lighting a fire she was ready to get cozy with. He grabbed her, pulling her into him like he knew she liked. 

“Goodnight.” He muttered out as he pressed a kiss to her lips. 

She returned it, but ultimately wanted more. She grunted, slipping her tongue between his lips. He let her do what she wanted for a few long moments, then pulled back to tell her to go to sleep. She furrowed her brows and gave him a funny look. 

“Mm, kiss me more.” 

He let a light smile coat his lips. “You’re sleepy, angel.”

“Want kisses, please.” She begged in the sweetest tone she’d ever used on him. He melted quickly for her. 

“Okay, sweet girl.” He leaned forward to give her another, but she spoke before he could start it. 

“Love when you say cute names.”

“Yeah? C’mere, baby.” He reached up to grab her jaw, leading her into a kiss he knew would make her even more tired. 

As he predicted, she kissed him for about two minutes before finally breaking away and closing her lips. She curled up next to him, her hands on his body and her face nuzzled in his neck. Although he didn’t drink tonight, he was exhausted. From singing on stage to wrangling her - it was a long night. He wouldn’t have it any other way, though. Maybe he was on the right track with his sneaky attempts at opening her up, or maybe it was just all the drinks she had. He wasn’t sure, but it didn’t matter. Slowly, day by day, she was getting more comfortable with him. Before he knew it, he’d probably have to peel her off himself every time they’re together. He could handle it though. Ivy fell asleep almost instantly, and Harry wasn’t far behind her. 

[a/n: omg I enjoyed writing this one so much! the more comfortable she gets the better this will be :) hope u like! also realized that I gave myself way too much work with this insane word count.. I could have made this 2 parts but I didn’t want to lol. Reblog, comment, like all that good stuff!! see u soon .. xx]

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[jarofstyles]

Appetency

Okay so we've got a bit of a long one. Kinda enemies to lovers if you blink, fuckboyrry turned softrry, dedication galore, hesitant Y/N and confident H, you're gonna love it. This is the first half- the other half is already up on Patreon and will be here later on 💕

Check out our Patreon for early access to the second half and 200+ exclusive writings

Warnings- slight angst, mentions of anxiety, alcohol, cocky h turned into a loverboy... nothing too crazy in this part.

WC- 8.5k

“Why are you every-fucking-where.” Y/N stopped short, glaring at the man across from her. The entire party, she had been trying to avoid him- but he wasn’t letting that be at all possible.

Harry grinned widely at that, the most obnoxious and infuriatingly pretty smile with those stupid dimples. Leaning against the wall as he studied her for a good moment, there was no hiding the not so casual enjoyment he got out of flustering her. 

Finally, he broke the silence, standing up from his casually cool stance on the wall. She knew he was going to say something that annoyed her and it was proven as he opened his mouth. "C’mon, don’t be like that. Perhaps you just can't keep me off your mind, baby girl. Can’t stop thinking about me, seeing me everywhere…"

“Ew. Do not call me that.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust for the nickname, walking past him. He followed, of course, because he always did. “Just because we have a few similar friends doesn’t mean you need to be at every social event. I’d love a break from your smug face.”

"You can't possibly be getting tired of this handsome face already…" He protested as he followed behind, his words purposely trying to rile her up. Getting a rise out of her seemed to make his whole day, and usually she would laugh it off but this time… things were different. Finding a spot in the kitchen, he watched as she puttered around trying not to look at him. 

His eyes danced with amusement as he added in some more. "Or are you just mad that I always seem to steal the show, love? Not my fault that I'm effortlessly charming and captivating, darling."

“Humble, too.” She snorted, grabbing a drink from the cooler. Buzzballs were not the thing she’d want to choose when she was thinking about the next morning, but they were exactly what she needed when it came to trying to mentally escape right now. “You’re insufferable. Really.” His eyes were on her as she used her nail to pop open the cap. 

“So are you going to leave me alone, or follow me around all night?”

Harry chuckled in amusement at her sarcasm, enjoying the way she rolled your eyes at him. "Leave you alone when you look this lovely? Not a chance in hell, darling." He hummed, tapping his own bottle against the counter. He paid no mind to the new people who entered the space, eyes glued on the girl he was talking to. "But as much as I'd love to keep annoying you, I have a much better way we could spend time. Don't you remember, love?" He purred. “I certainly do. It’s hard to forget the way it feels when you moan-” The interruption was instant, her hand gripping onto him. 

“Harry…” she hissed, tugging his arm further down the dark hallway and into a bedroom. Who’s? She didn’t know. All she knew was that she had seen where this was going, and she didn’t want him to say it too loudly. Everyone was so god damn nosy and respectfully, she didn’t want to deal with any of that. Not after all she had said.

“Listen.” Putting her hands on her hips, she tilted her head up at him as he stood a little too close. “We hooked up, it was a mistake. You know it.” Though it didn’t seem like he thought so considering how he trailed her ever since. “We… we were a little drunk and I was lonely and you were there.” 

Y/N knew she was slightly lying, but she was trying to fool herself. If she said it enough times, maybe she’d believe it. They’d always had chemistry. It was intensity that burned between them, her disdain and his addiction to getting a rise out of her. It was only a matter of time that they’d give into some sort of blow out- but she hadn’t expected it to be as good as it was. It couldn’t happen again. 

Harry had that knowing smirk on his face as she tried to deny it all, knowing exactly where this was headed. The thrill of chasing her, of getting under her skin was intoxicating, addicting. He loved making her growl and huff and glare at him, because it meant getting her undivided attention.

"Was it really a mistake?" He asked as he leaned against the door, finally giving her some breathing room.  "Or have you just been avoiding me because you couldn't stop thinking about it?"

The truth was that he had been thinking about that night ever since. Multiple times. Before he went to sleep, when he was in the shower.. It was hard not to. 

Her jaw clenched, placing her bottle down and crossing her arms. “Look. You’re hot, Harry. You don’t need me to tell you that. You’ve got plenty big of an ego. But I’ve been avoiding you because it can not happen again.” 

Y/N knew that Nina was into Harry and she really didn’t want to start any drama. Not that he even seemed remotely into her, but because she acted like he was someone she had dibs on. As gross as it was, she tended to start shit with anyone Harry pursued and she just wasn’t in the season for drama. There were other things to worry about other than start a feud over a man. 

He had known about Nina's crush on him, but he didn't care about her. He never had, and he never would. As fucked up as it was, what they had, in his mind, was just a harmless flirtation, nothing more. Y/N knew that, but Nina didn’t. He couldn't have been more clear he had no interest in her, but some people took delusion to heart. 

It didn’t matter how good Harry gave it to her last time, how hard her legs shook, how sore she was in the best way. Didn’t matter if his tongue was hot and through and how he’d cleaned her up with it. It couldn’t be repeated.

Harry's smirk only widened as she openly admitted he was attractive, his ego inflating even more. But when she mentioned avoiding him, his smile faltered slightly.

"Why can't it happen again?" He asked, moving closer to her, his eyes darkened. Too close, making her take a deep breath. If there was one thing he would give him, his presence was commanding. Felt. Her body was very familiar with his now, wanting to lean into him, but she fought it.

“Because.” She sighed tiredly. “I really can’t deal with any drama. I’m exhausted, and the last thing I need is that she-devil going after me because she thinks I’m ‘stealing her man.’ “

The man let out a laugh, amused by the comment. Yeah, he knew exactly who she was referring to and found it funny. He knew she could be a drama queen, and he definitely didn't care for her possessive tendencies, but he had told her that they had nothing going on between them and never would.

He stepped closer to her, his greedy hands reaching out to touch her hips, his touch firm. "You're not stealing me, love. She never had me, and she's delusional if she thinks she does." His eyes gleamed with desire as he looked at her, his touch becoming a bit more possessive in his own way. "And I want you, not her."

“Harry, you don’t actually want me.” She groaned in frustration, trying to ignore how her tummy dropped as he pulled her into him, his other hand curling around her jaw. Stupid body, stupid hormones, stupid muscle memory.  “You think you do because you like a chase. You don’t actually like me or anything, you like how I fuck.” She said bluntly, glancing up at him.

Harry's smug expression faltered as she protested. He could feel the annoyance, but he also noticed the way her body responded to his touch. There was no denying that. "Is that what you really think?" He asked, his grip on her jaw tightening slightly as he looked down at her. "That I'm just chasing you only for the thrill of the chase, for the sex?"

His eyes darkened, his other hand moving lower on her hip, pulling her flush against him. He could feel her body against his, the softness, the warmth, and he wanted it all back. There had been no way she could tell him that she hadn’t enjoyed it, considering he’d made her cum 3 times, made her gush all over his cock. She’d clung to him, held onto him, whimpered his name. But he’d taken care of her, he had gotten her some pomegranate juice and a snack, helped her tie her hair up, driven her home. When the contact had been nonexistent, he was hoping she was just making him work for it- but that wasn’t all this was to him.

“Yeah.” She furrowed her brows. “Is it not?” Harry wasn’t the relationship type, not usually. Everyone knew that. Y/N had constantly reminded herself that when they’d first met and she had a bit of a crush on him, only to see that he liked to fuck em’ and leave ‘em. It lost the appeal and she had resented him a bit for it. 

Was it fair? No. She knew that. But their dynamic had been built on that resentment. 

Harry's jaw clenched at her response, frustration and something else flickering in his face. He loosened his grip on her slightly, his gaze searching her eyes, trying to convey something she obviously wasn’t picking up on.

"And what if I told you that you were wrong?" He asked, his voice low. "What if I told you that there's more to me than just chase and sex?" He tilted his face closer to hers, his hand on her hip keeping her snug. He hadn't realized it himself just how touch deprived for her he actually was. Did she really think it was all just… a game? Had he not proven himself to her that night? Granted, he had maybe fucked up in how he communicated after but… the ball had been put in her court. 

He could tell that she was skeptical, but he was determined to make her believe him.

"I want you." He said firmly, his hand on her jaw moving to wrap around the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair. "I want everything. Your body, your mind, your heart." His hand on her hip moved lower, his touch a little needy. "And the fact that I can't have you is driving me insane. Want you to believe me."

“But why?” She sputtered. “All we do is argue. All I do is blow you off and all you do is follow me around to piss me off.” 

She had no idea he had his own fascination with her. How he’d silently watched her, observed, saw how she was with other people and wanted that chance to feel that. To have one of those smiles for himself.

Harry shook his head with a light laugh, his grip on her flexing slightly as he stared down at the girl he had been playing cat and mouse with. "Because I'll take the arguing, the blowoffs, all of it, just to be near you. I don't know when it truly started, but you've gotten under my skin, love." He pushed her back against the door, his body pressed against hers, trapping the girl. Looking down at her, his eyes were dark with desire, with honesty. It was a little unsettling.

“Harry.” She swallowed, eyes fluttering as his fingers stroked over her jaw and down over her throat, tenderness tinging the touches. “It’s not funny if this is a joke. It’s not.”

Harry's let out a tired breath, his touch gentle as he stroked her delicate skin, taking advantage of every touch. He could see that vulnerability in her eyes, and it only made him more determined to prove himself. "M’not joking. " He said firmly. "This is serious, I want you, and m’not giving up until I have you."

“Then you’re gonna have to work for it.” She exhaled sharply, pushing out of his hold and escaping back towards the party.

Y/N was almost fooled into giving in again- but she could give in without a real, true idea of what he was dedicated to. Maybe it was cruel of her to try and write him off as a bit of a slut trying his luck, but she’d never been awarded the chance to get to know him outside of their usual dynamic. 

That was why, the next day, seeing him on her front porch had her gasping in surprise. “Shit!” She yelped, keys falling to the wood below her. 

He looked good. The night of sleep seemed to refresh him, he’d showered, and he was bright eyed this morning. Determined. Why? She didn’t know. But this was not at all what she had expected when opening her front door. “ You scared the fuck out of me. What are you doing here?”

"Good morning, love." He greeted her. “Nice to see you this mornin’. You look gorgeous.” That cheeky fucking grin, as usual, tilted on his mouth. 

She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow in question. "You didn't answer my question. What are you doing here?"

Harry flashed her a grin, completely unfazed by her skepticism.  "I'm here to see you, of course." He said, as if it was obvious. “Silly thing.”

“Why?” She didn’t want to get too huffy with him but he was nearly speaking in riddles and she didn’t have the patience for that. “Are you alright?”

Of course he was amused at how frustrated she looked, finding her impatience obviously endearing. Maybe it was just her, though. Y/N was a bit of a weakness of his, he found. Pushing himself up the final step, he grabbed her keys and handed them back to her, making no effort to pull his hands away from her own. 

"I'm fine, love." He hummed casually. "I just wanted to see you." Holding her hands in his, his thumbs rubbing soft circles on the skin. Casual intimacy that slightly caught her off guard.

The girl merely looked at him in confusion.  The plan for today had been to go to the grocery shop and do stuff around the house, not entertain the man who had admitted to wanting her last night- but she knew if he was here, it meant he was determined to get his way.

Aka, spending time with her. 

“Okay.. So now you saw me.” She said lowly. “Do you want to go home now?”

The sight of her looking so flustered and on edge fueling his determination, he shook his head.  "Not yet." He said, his voice low and firm. "M’not leaving until I get some of your time."

Y/N closed her eyes, taking a deep inhale through her nose and exhaling through her mouth. Meditative breathing did wonders, it seemed. Usually. She knew Harry well enough to know that he wasn’t going to let this go. He was going to keep prodding until he understood that he probably had no actual intention of being around her long term. He was looking at her with metaphorical sex goggles on. Yeah, she was good in bed, but that was only a tiny portion of her. 

He’d learn eventually.

“Well, I have to go to the store. So…”

Harry watched you closely as she opened her eyes from the attempting to calm herself. It was a little unnerving to know she needed to calm down from such a simple interaction but then again, he had been coming on a little strong. It was his nature, but he tried to relax his stance a bit. No way was he going to let an opportunity to spend time with her be wasted. He was dedicated now, wanting to win her over.  "You're going to the store?" He leaned in closer. “Looks like I'll just have to come with you, then."

Y/N sputtered as he took her handbag and totes from her, tucking them under his arm as the other held her hand. 

“C’mon.” He said smugly, pulling her towards his car. She followed, confused at how he had just agreed to go grocery shopping with her. Willingly. It wasn’t something he liked doing and she knew that- she somehow had found out one night that he had his delivered- but he seemed eager to do this with her. 

The last thing she expected was for him to open the passenger door and help her inside, but he did. Like it was second nature, opening it up and taking her hand to aid her into sitting sound, placing her bags on her lap.

Harry's smirk widened as he scooped up her handbag and totes, his grip on your hand firm as he guided her towards his car. He snickered under her breath at her sputtered protest, enjoying her disbelief that he was actually willing to go grocery shopping with her. Like it was some sort of hardship.

Once he had settled her in, he leaned in closer, the smell of cinnamon gum filling her senses. Keeping his stance, his eyes locked on her, his gaze intense. He could see the confusion in her eyes, and it only fueled his determination to make it second nature to her, to expect this sort of thing from him. . 

"You look cute this morning." He said, his voice low and smooth. "Did you get much sleep last night?" He reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch gentle.

Her cheeks felt hot as he tenderly touched her, the softness of it all surprising her. “Um… I did.” The compliment had flustered her too. It wasn’t something she was used to from him. Their usual dynamic was tense on her end and being a pain in the ass with a stupid smirk on his. This sort of treatment was new to her. 

“Thanks. You look….” It felt unnatural to compliment him, but she meant it. Strangely enough. All of this was so new to her.  “Nice.”

Harry chuckled at the slight hesitation in her words, enjoying the way she was thrown off by his tenderness. One day she was going to accept it.  He smiled at her attempt at a compliment, narrowing his gaze at her. "Just nice?" He teased, raising an eyebrow.  He placed a light hand on her knee, his thumb stroking her skin in small circles, his touch gentle and comforting.

“Well, handsome? I dunno.” She grumbled. “Just so you know, you’re carrying all the grocery bags. If you insist on coming along you need to be useful.”

"Oh, I can be very useful, love. You jus’ need to find out what else I can off s’all." He said, his hand continuing its caressing on her knee, his touch sending a little jolt through her body "And don’t worry, I’ll carry all the bags. You just worry about picking out what you need."

Harry could see the doubt in her eyes as he reassured her about carrying the bags, and he knew he had to prove it. Not just that, but the whole thing. He hadn’t won her over quite yet, but he would. 

Removing his hand from her knee, he ignored how much he missed the touch and stood up straight, standing tall and strong next to the car. 

"You don’t believe me?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Just watch, sweetheart. Gonna shock the shit out of you."

——-

Y/N was suspicious. 

Harry was… behaving. More than, actually. He was being sweet and polite, borderline charming. Standing beside her as she pushed the cart, grabbing the items at the top shelves, not rushing her at all. He was flirty, sure, but nothing insane that truly made her roll her eyes at him. His voice was soft spoken and held only a tiny bit of the arrogance it usually did… and she liked it.

Who the fuck was this? And what had they done with the normal Harry? 

“You’re freaking me out a little.” She mumbled, checking off another thing on her list. “Like, you’re being pleasant. That’s not normal for you.”

"What, I can't be pleasant sometimes?" He teased, giving her a look. 

He couldn't help but grin as he watched her check off another item on the grocery list, his eyes roaming freely over her focused expression. He was enjoying this, he realized, enjoying the chance to be close to her more than he would have ever expected. "Maybe I’m just in a good mood today." He said, leaning against the cart.

“It’s just suspicious.” She glanced at him from the side of her eye. “You’re always following me around and trying to get me to snap at you. So excuse me for being a little confused when you’re acting so normal and nice.”

Harry liked working her up and getting reactions out of her, but he liked her. Y/N gave him the tummy butterflies, the excitement, the hot cheeks, all of it. She just didn’t know that- or was heavily in denial. It was his fault, he knew, from never expressing how serious the desires were and expecting her to read between the lines. But fuck, could she blame him? Y/N was a spitfire.

“Can you- fuck.” She groaned. “This can not get any worse.” 

Across the aisle, she saw her. Nina. Glaring at the scene of Harry standing a little too close to Y/N, doing a domestic activity like shopping together… It looked like they were way more than friends. This wasn’t something he liked doing and of course, the other girl would know that… So the situation didn’t look too good.

Harry could feel the shift in her mood as she spotted Nina across the aisle, and he tensed up slightly, ready for the inevitable confrontation.  Fuck, and they’d been doing so good. Of course, someone had to throw him a curveball. 

Good thing he was willing to work for this. 

"Relax." He said quietly, his hand squeezing her shoulder reassuringly, thumbing over the fabric. "I'll handle it."

Harry could feel the tension in her body as he held onto her, knowing that she was on edge. He knew Nina could be a handful, and he didn't want her to add to the stress of the situation. Especially after Y/N was seemingly warming up to him.

He took a deep breath and turned to her, his expression neutral but firm. 

"Nina." He said, his voice calm and steady- almost bored. "Why are you glaring at us like that?”

Nina’s eyes flicked between the pair, her expression hardening as she spoke. “What are you two doing?” She asked, her voice dripping with disdain. 

Harry kept his expression neutral, his hand on Y/N unmoving as he spoke to her. “We’re shopping. Is that a crime?” He replied, his tone cool.

Nina’s lip curled up in a sneer, her eyes narrowing. "Shopping? Is that all?" She asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Awfully domestic, isn’t it?”

Harry chuckled, unruffled by her attitude. "Yes, Nina. We’re just picking up some groceries. Is that so hard to believe?" he challenged, letting her try and intimidate him. It wasn’t going to work. 

The girl’s jaw clenched as Harry responded to her, clearly annoyed at the lack of reaction she was getting from him. 

She took a step closer, sizing Y/N up with an unpleasant expression. She really needed to not make that face- it was unflattering.  “Is this a date or something?” She snapped, her eyes flickering over to Harry.

Harry chuckled at Nina’s question, finding her assumption humorous. 

He looked over at the girl he wished would say yes, his eyes filled with amusement. "What do you think, love?” He taunted.  Maybe it wasn’t the nicest thing to do, but he didn’t particularly care. 

Y/N rolled her eyes. This wasn’t what she wanted out of this interaction. Hell- she never wanted his interaction at all. “We’re shopping.” She said lowly. “And we have to go.”

Nina pursed her lips as her response, clearly unsatisfied with the answer she was given. She never could leave well enough alone. Harry could see her gearing up for another snarky comment, so he quickly interjected. 

"She’s right." He said, his tone firm. “We do have to go. Bye."  There was no hint of remorse on his face as he motioned for her to get out of the way. 

With that, he guided Y/N forward, steering both her and the cart towards the checkout area.

“Christ.” Y/N rubbed her temples. “She’s gonna try and burn my house down. I know it.” She sulked.

Harry chuckled at the outburst. He continued steering the cart towards the checkout area as she went back over the list, a small smile on his lips. 

"Don't be so overdramatic." He teased. "She's not gonna burn down your house. She's just jealous."

“Harry, she’s scared like, 4 women away from hanging out anywhere near you completely.” Y/N sighed. “I know you don’t see it as much, but she’s tenacious. I don’t know what’s going to get her to stop, but you need to actually have a conversation with her to tell her you’re not interested. Or whoever ends up being your girlfriend is going to have to deal with her crawling around.”

Harry’s smile faded slightly as she mentioned Nina’s past behavior. He knew she could be intense and possessive, but he didn’t realize the extent of her actions. Considering he hadn’t even slept with her, it seemed like a massive overreaction. Of course there had been natural curiosity over some of the women in their friend circle had gone, but now that question had been answered. 

He bit his lip, mulling over the words as he helped her load the groceries onto the checkout belt. "You’re right." He said finally, his voice serious as it broke up the beeping of the items being scanned. "I guess I didn’t realize it was that serious. M’sorry. I don't particularly want to have that conversation, but it needs to be had. I’ll talk to her."

Harry continued helping you with the groceries, lost in thought for a moment before speaking again. "I’ll talk to her soon, make sure she knows for sure me and her are never going to be a thing and if she wants to try and scare off anyone I talk to, she won’t be invited to anything else." He said firmly, his eyes serious. 

"But first," he added, breaking the tense air as his tone turned playful again, "We have to get these groceries home. I’m starving."

—

It was safe to say that she was even more confused than she had started off being. 

Harry helped her bring the groceries into her place. He helped her unpack. He even fed her cat while she washed the fruit so she could put it away. Helping himself to her house like he had a right to be there, a comfortability that had her a little spooked. 

It was hard to accept the thought of Harry actually liking her. First, she hadn’t ever seen him with a serious girlfriend. All she had been exposed to was seeing him fucking around with different people. Secondly, he was always so playful and unserious that internally, the most insecure part of her felt like maybe it was a trick, and it made her more apprehensive of him. 

It wasn’t fair of her to be so judgmental when she was not a virgin mary herself; she knew that she wasn’t giving him a proper shot, but it was scary. He was scary, in a way.  Maybe it was the idea of how far feelings could go if she gave in, but it felt hard to stop those original emotions she had towards him from coming back. 

“Thank you.” She said awkwardly as Harry sat at her breakfast bar. “Um, for helping put away the stuff and bringing it inside. That was really nice of you.”

Harry, who was lounging in a chair at the breakfast bar, chuckled at the awkward gratitude.  "S’no big deal." He said, his tone casual. "I’m happy to help." 

He leaned back in the chair, his eyes roaming over her face, his favorite thing to do. Watching her was the best part of being around her.  He could see the tension in her shoulders and the uncertainty in her expression, and it made him wonder what was going on in that head of hers. Why she was so apprehensive. Yeah, he knew he had a weird dynamic with her before, but no one thought of him as a bad guy.

The longer he looked, the longer Harry could tell that there was something bothering her, and he wanted to find out what. Call it morbid curiosity, but it was needed. He leaned forward a bit, his eyes locked on her pretty face.

"You seem a little tense." He said, his voice soft. "Is everything okay? You've been quiet since we got back."

She hadn’t expected him to call her out on it, but she should have. Harry was as blunt as they came, and she could have laughed at it if she didn’t feel a little anxious. 

“I’m okay.” She wrapped her arms around herself, looking at her feet for a moment the soft green ladybug socks he had given her a laugh over. “I’m a little anxious, I guess. This new dynamic kind of… put me off kilter.” The confession hung in the air before she continued.  “I’m used to you being annoying and… I dunno. It’s unfair of me, but I keep getting nervous that this is some joke to you and you’re gonna go back to being obnoxious once I let my guard down.” She winced. “And I’m sorry. That isn’t fair to you when I know I haven’t been the nicest to you either. But I guess you intimidate me a little.”

Harry listened intently as she spoke, his expression softening as she revealed the source of the troubled look on her face. He knew that he had been a bit of an arse in the past too, and he could understand why his sudden change in behavior had thrown her off. 

He leaned forward on his hands, his gaze still fixed on the girl’s tense stance, lips rolled into her mouth. "I get it." He said quietly. "And I’m sorry if I intimidated you or made you uncomfortable. That’s the last thing I wanted to do."  He ran a hand through his hair, sighing softly. "And as for this being a joke... it’s not. Not in the slightest. Trust me."

“I guess I’m a little confused too.” She admitted. “Where all of this is coming from. I know we hooked up a few weeks ago, but you didn’t call me or anything after. I wasn’t expecting you to, don’t get me wrong, but then I felt awkward seeing you at all the events and stuff and you were acting normal. I never let you get alone with me on purpose because I didn’t want to hear you tease me for giving into you.”

Harry’s expression soured a bit as she brought up the hook-up. He knew he hadn’t done anything to dispel her doubts about his intentions, and he felt a pang of regret.  He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. How could he explain it without sounding as stupid as he felt? “I know I didn’t call you after, and I should have. I was an idiot… I just… I thought maybe you wanted me to chase a bit, that the ball had been left in your court after I dropped you off at home and… and I didn’t think, honestly.”  He ran a hand through his hair, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips. 

“You have to understand why I’m a little uneasy.” With arms wrapped around herself, she let herself look back up at him. There was no trace of joking on his features and it did make her feel a tad bit better.  “It’s not that I didn’t like… what we did.” It was the best she’d ever had. “But I think I’m not cut out for just hooking up. I don’t regret it, even if I acted like I did.” She decided to give him a tiny bit of her vulnerability to see what he did with it. “I just know that hooking up, for me, never ends well. And I don’t know you really well, Harry.” She fiddled with the hem of her shirt, nerves shot. The last thing she wanted to do was seem desperate about locking him down or something, but she couldn’t lie to him or herself.

“I’m not trying to make you feel any sort of pressure to want to date me or anything. I’m just trying to lay down a boundary that for me, I think I’m one of those people that really needs an intimate connection and trust with someone. For some reason I trusted you that night, and I know you wouldn’t harm me in that way, but sobered up and standing in front of you, I feel a little apprehensive. Like, I don’t want you to feel any sort of pressure from me, but in order to have me in the way you said you want… it has to have some level of commitment is basically what I’m trying to say.”

Harry listened intently as she laid down the boundaries, his expression thoughtful. He could see the vulnerability in her eyes and in the way she fidgeted with her shirt, and it tugged at his heart in a way he hasn't felt before.  The last thing he wanted was for her to feel any sort of regret and he was glad she hadn’t so far, but he had to appreciate her laying out the law here. It gave him direction on where to go. When she finished speaking, he took a moment to process the words before responding. He can feel the seriousness of the conversation, and it's clear that she wasn’t making demands lightly.

He took a deep breath, his own vulnerability on display in his honest gaze. It was imperative to him that she understood how much he got it. How dedicated he would be to it if given the chance. "I understand." He said quietly, licking over his bottom lip. "I understand that you need a committed relationship, darling. I also understand that you need trust and intimacy in order to get there." he added, his voice soft. 

He took a moment to organize his thoughts, then continued speaking. It should be laid out in front of her. “You know, I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately… about us, I mean.”

“What do you mean?” She asked quietly, taking the moment to look him in the eye. It was the most serious she had ever seen him. Usually he had that smirk on his face, so smug or teasing, he’d be poking and prodding at her to get a reaction- but nothing about this interaction was insincere. It was almost off putting to see him this way.

Harry's gaze met hers, his eyes intense. "I mean that I've been thinking about us in a more serious way." he admitted.  He took a deep breath, his expression tentative. "I know I've been kind of hot and cold with you… and I know that I've played games in the past. But after we hooked up… I really couldn’t stop thinking about you. How different we were like that… How good it felt. So I want you to know that... I don’t want to play games with you. I want t’be serious about this."

Y/N hadn’t expected that answer. In all honesty she thought he’d reject her, say he wasn’t into it and keep it moving. That was what she was prepared for- not this. That sort of confession had her realizing that maybe she really didn’t know him at all. She knew some parts, sure, but seeing him like this was brand new. This man in front of her was a familiar stranger, at least this new side.

“I’d have to get to know you better.” She brushed her hair behind her ear, giving him a tentative look. “And it would be a little slow. I think I could give you a chance, though. I’ve been unfair to you, I think. I feel like we… kind of got off on the wrong foot.”

Harry lets out a small sigh of relief, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “I’m okay with slow.” he says, his voice sincere. “I’m willing to work for it.”

He leaned back a bit, giving her a little more space as a hint of his usual playfulness returned to his features.. “And I think you’re right… we got off on the wrong foot. But I’m glad we’re taking the time to get to know each other now.”

——-

—— 

Harry was coming over again. 

It was strange. Since they’d agreed to explore something romantic, seriously, he had changed. Not completely, not to the point where she wondered who he was before, but enough to make her soften up. Hints of him being a pain in the ass we’re still there. But he was… sweet. Genuine. A little silly in a cute way that she hadn’t allowed herself to enjoy before. 

One of the biggest shocks of all, was the fact that he was so gentle with her. He handled her with care, even if he was a little overly touchy. She was getting used to it because she found herself liking it, but he was the first guy to really be a bit of a clinger. 

That was the last thing she had ever expected from him.

His touches were soft and sweet and he looked at her with this little twinkle in his eye that she knew he couldn’t genuinely fake it. He liked her- liked her , liked her. 

She was still a bit shy with him, but it was slowly melting away each time they saw each other. Now the nerves were barely there, being overtaken by anticipation and excitement. It wasn’t something she’d ever thought would happen- being excited and antsy to see Harry, wanting him back in her house. 

He was coming over tonight and she had been prepping for a bit, primping and priming herself even though she wanted to look casual. There was never once so far that he hadn’t told her she looked gorgeous, and it had started becoming part of her daily routine. She wanted to impress him, make him say it again and mean it.

Her tummy twisted as she heard his car door slam shut, smiling to herself as she adjusted her cropped top and went towards the door. 

He was beautiful. Really, gorgeous as she opened the door to reveal him in the early evening light. He looked a little tired from work,slight bags under his eyes, but his smile melted her a little as he walked right into the house, dropping his bag in the foyer with little care for its well-being and picked her up in a big hug. Her feet dangled as she squealed, strong arms wrapped around her waist as he lifted her effortlessly. 

“Hi.” She beamed shyly, feeling him set her down on the floor.

Harry couldn’t help but grin as he placed her down, his strong arms wrapping around her waist lazily.. He loved how delicate she felt in his arms, and he loved the way she squealed with surprise as he lifted her up a bit. Really, he loved most things that had to do with her. Taking a moment to admire her cozy appearance, his gaze lingered on her cropped top. “Hi.” He replied, his voice soft and warm. “You look beautiful.”

Like clockwork.

Before she could respond, Harry was pulling her back into a hug, burying his face in her shoulder as he held her, rocking slightly. A prime example of how touchy he was, unable to stop himself. He nuzzled her neck, letting his cool nose brush against the hot skin. “I missed you.” he mumbled, his voice muffled against her, leaving a little shiver in it’s wake..

When he said things like that it made her want to giggle madly, but also melt into a puddle. He truly meant it, was the thing, and she had a hard time understanding how this had happened. How he had gone from her little enemy to the person she looked toward to seeing the most. 

“I missed you too.” She admitted, fingers tracing down his back. It was an attempt to get more open about her feelings. Harry was being candid about his own, so she felt like she could extend him the same grace. Even if it was slightly terrifying, she had no reason to hold back anymore.

Harry pulled back slightly to look at her, a soft smile on his lips at her shy admission. "I like it when you say that." he teased, his voice low.  He brought his hands up to rest on her hips, his thumbs tracing small circles on the bare skin. He loved the way the cropped top revealed just enough to make him want more, and he found himself struggling to focus on anything but the feel of her body under his hands.

Harry wanted her, and there was obvious desire for her there. In all honesty, there was a lot of desire for her in general that he had done his best to keep under wraps  He’d been so good, trying so hard to prove himself- but that didn’t mean he was a saint. He was beyond attracted to her in every sense of the word, and it was hard to ignore that..

“Excuse me.” She let her smile grow, her tone playful. “My eyes are up here.” 

Y/N knew Harry wanted her in all of the ways, and he’d been exceedingly patient. He knew she was trying to build their connection before getting intimate with him again, and she appreciated it- but that didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy knowing he desired her. 

Or that she didn’t have those same urges.

Harry's gaze flicked back up to meet hers, a cheeky grin on his face. "I know where your eyes are. I look at them plenty, do I not?" He replied smoothly, his hands still resting on her waist, giving a gentle squeeze.  He couldn't help but let out a small laugh as she shot him a look, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "But you can't expect me to ignore the rest of you when you're wearing something as distracting as that." Testing the waters, he was seeing how far his flirtation could go.

“It’s loungewear, you freak.” She scoffed, a hint of a smile turning up her lips. Leggings and a cropped top were a bit of a reward for him, though. She figured if he had been so patient with her then he could at least get to look at her. “But I’m glad you like it.” 

Taking his hand in her smaller one, she led him towards the kitchen to show him the pizza boxes and salad she had made to pair with it, feeling weirdly shy about it. That was the theme of today, considering she had come to a conclusion in her head- but he didn’t need to know about it quite yet. “I knew you’d be hungry when you got off work, so I ordered ahead.”

Harry's eyes lit up as he saw the food, warmth spreading through him. No one had been thoughtful like that to him before, but of course she would be. This sort of thing was why he had liked her. He’d seen it time and time again with their other friends and secretly wished for some of it for himself, that sort of care… and now that he got it, he felt that yearning for her get a little bit stronger. He let out a low whistle. "You knew exactly what I needed." he murmured, a grateful smile on his lips. 

Pulling her into him, his arms wrapping around her waist from behind. He nuzzled her neck again, his breath warm on her skin. "You're too good to me." he murmured, his voice showing just how grateful he was.

Y/N shivered slightly as he spoke against her skin, large arms wrapping around her and making her feel that same brand of delicacy that only Harry had been able to accomplish. His arms were just… beautiful. Built and muscular, covered in those tattoos, she loved every single thing about them. Looking at them, feeling them, how he used them… she couldn’t admit it out loud yet, but being in his arms was one of her new favorite places. 

“You texted and said you didn’t sleep well and you had a rougher day at work and… I dunno. I thought maybe you’d like something ready when you came over. I would have cooked myself but I had a workshop.” She rambled on a little bit, feeling the need to overexplain herself.

Harry squeezed her tighter, his chin resting on her shoulder. He inhaled her scent, his nose buried in hair as she spoke. 

"Mmm. " He hummed, his voice low and gravelly. He ran his nose over her throat, lips brushing against the sensitive skin. "You didn't have to do all this, you know." He moved his hands down over her hips, his thumbs tracing soft circles on the exposed skin there. "But I'm really grateful you did." He was quiet for a moment before speaking again, his grip on her tightening slightly. "Can I ask you somethin’?"

“Hm?” She replied. It was hard to focus. Sure, it would be awkward if anyone else say them just standing in her kitchen with the large man wrapped around her body, but no one else was there to judge her for indulging both herself and him in this sort of cuddle. 

Harry's body was pressed against her, a small smile on his lips. He really did enjoy this moment of quiet intimacy just as much as he enjoyed the more energetic moments where they’d go out or he’d help her take care of her garden.

"Can I stay over tonight?"

It should have been a scarier question to her, all things considered, but the answer came out of her mouth naturally. 

“Sure.” She nodded. There was no second guessing it either. “Is that what that bag was?” She realized he had brought in a bigger duffle than his usual work one, but she had thought it was maybe just to change from his work clothes.

Harry's smile grew as she agreed so easily. "Mhmm." he hummed, his voice low. His hands moved up her sides, tracing the curve of her waist. "I wanted to be prepared just in case you said yes." Presumptuous? He’d prefer the terms hopeful, even confident. They’d been doing so well, he had to at least ask.

He pulled back slightly, looking down at her with a hint of a smirk on his face. "So... where can I sleep?"

He turned her in his grip, letting her look up at his face now with narrowed eyes. Her heartbeat quickened though she tried to calm it down. He was teasing her a little bit, but he did genuinely want to know. 

“If you promise no extreme funny business… you can sleep in my bed.” She placed her hand on his bicep, squeezing a little. It was her own reward. “But remember, Harry. No sex. Okay?” Gliding her other hand up to cuff over the back of his neck, she decided it was finally time to tease him back a bit. “However… If you’re really, really nice to me… I may let you kiss me again.”

Harry's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with a hint of challenge. He leaned down, bringing his face closer to the girl’s.  "You're being bold, darling." he teased, his voice low and playful. "Are you trying to tempt me?"

“A little.” She hummed. “I like when you’re sweet to me. So if you keep it up, I’ll let you kiss me as long as you’d like tonight. I know I’ve been holding all of that intimacy hostage…” 

It had been driving him wild. Near kisses and her letting him brush his hand over the curve of her ass a few times before putting them back up to her hips, he’d tested the waters but got rejected. Now, she was loosening up a bit. 

“So.” She blinked up at him. “Are you gonna be nice to me tonight so you can kiss me?”

Harry's eyes glinted with a mixture of desire and playful mischief. He loved it when she teased him just as much as he loved it when she got all shy and flustered. Which one he likes more, he couldn’t tell. "Oh, I'll be so nice to you tonight you won't be able to stand it." he purred, his voice low and husky. 

He wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer until their bodies were flush against each other. "But I have one condition, little miss."

“What is that?” She questioned, unsure what it could be. With him, it could be anything.

"You have to promise me that if I'm being too... forward, you'll tell me to back off. I don't want to overstep. Even though I want to kiss you until you can't think straight. So promise me you'll speak up if I get too much." 

Her smile widened, nodding in agreement. He’d just earned himself quite a few points. Never had she expected him to be as respectful as he was, but she utterly adored it.  “I will. I promise, I’ll tell you.” She agreed, leaning up to kiss the curve of his jaw. “But it’s time for you to eat. I can feel your tummy grumbling.”

Harry let out a low chuckle, his eyes flickering over her pretty face. He loved the way her smile widened, and the feeling of her plump lips against his jaw send a shiver down his spine. More. He wanted more, and more, until their mouths were tingling and numb. Until she looked drunk on the kisses, clinging to him like he could only hope.

"Mmm. Okay, fine." he grumbled. "I'll eat. But only if you feed me, since you were so kind as to order ahead for me." He gave her a puppy-dog look, his lower lip jutted out in a mock-pout. It was good, she’s give him that- but not good enough.

“Absolutely not.” She snorted. “Nice try.”

[deatheaterv]

HUNG THE MOON

pairing : harry potter x fem!reader

genre : fluff

summary : harry potter secretly leaves you thoughtful gifts, too shy to approach.

the common room was quiet, save for the soft crackle of the fire in the hearth. harry sat in the corner, fidgeting with a piece of parchment that he hadn’t written anything on. his heart thudded annoyingly loud in his chest as he glanced over to where you sat, curled up with a book on the couch.

you weren’t even doing anything extraordinary. just reading. but you had this way of existing that made it impossible for him to look away. he was sure if he tried to talk to you, he’d either trip over his words or worse, make you think he was some kind of idiot. so instead, he just sat there, thinking about how he could get closer to you without actually, you know, talking.

and then it hit him.

the next morning, a neatly wrapped package appeared at your usual spot in the great hall. it was small, tied with emerald green ribbon, and your name was scribbled on the tag in handwriting that was careful but a little crooked. inside was a tiny, enchanted quill that glowed softly when you wrote, perfect for late-night essays. no note, no explanation. just the gift.

you frowned, curious, but you liked it. it wasn’t every day someone left you something so thoughtful.

the gifts didn’t stop there.

the next day, there was a charm bracelet, each tiny trinket representing something from your favorite class. how they knew your favorite class was beyond you. the day after that, a soft scarf in your house colors that smelled faintly of cedarwood and something else comforting. each gift was small but meaningful, left without any indication of who was behind it.

you couldn’t help but smile every time you found one, though the mystery was driving you a little mad.

harry, meanwhile, was in shambles. he’d watch you from across the common room, his heart leaping every time you smiled at something he left for you. but he still couldn’t bring himself to say anything.

until one evening.

you were heading back to the dorms when you found him standing awkwardly near the stairs, his face redder than a howler.

“harry?” you tilted your head, stopping a few steps away.

he blinked, his green eyes wide as if he hadn’t expected to get caught. “uh—hi.”

you crossed your arms, the tiniest smirk playing on your lips. “so, are you going to tell me why i keep finding all these ridiculously perfect gifts or should i keep pretending i don’t know it’s you?”

his jaw dropped. “you knew?..”

“harry, you’re the only person in this house who stares at me like i’ve hung the moon,” you said softly, stepping closer. “i just couldn’t figure out why you didn’t want to talk to me.”

he looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. “i was scared. i didn’t think you’d… i mean, i didn’t want to bother you.”

you smiled, so warm and bright it made his stomach flip. “harry, you could never bother me. i think the gifts are sweet. but next time, maybe just… talk to me? i don’t bite.”

his cheeks turned impossibly red, but he nodded, a small, shy smile tugging at his lips. “okay. i can do that.”

and he did. eventually. but for now, you just stood there, smiling at each other like two complete fools, neither one in any rush to move.

[harryspurpleloofah]

Just next door

Summary: the guy who just moved in next door invited Y/N over for coffee and she saw a sex toy. Him hearing her touch herself later that day evolves into phone sex

Warnings: swearing, female and male masturbation, fingering, phone sex, guided masturbation, mentions of reader hearing moans from Harry’s apartment while he hooks up with someone, I think like a tiny bit of swearing?

The warm scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the small apartment as Y/N set two steaming mugs on the table near the window. Across from her, Clara perched eagerly on a chair, her fingers drumming against the ceramic mug in her hands.

“You’re not going to believe this,” Clara said, leaning forward like she was about to deliver life-changing news.

Y/N arched a brow. “What? Did someone steal your parking spot again?”

Clara shook her head, a grin already tugging at her lips. “No, it’s way better. I was coming up the stairs earlier, and guess who I saw?”

“Unless it’s Freddie Mercury, I’m not guessing,” Y/N replied dryly, taking a sip from her cup.

“A man,” Clara said, her grin growing wider. “A hot man. Like, ridiculously hot. And he was moving boxes into the apartment right next to yours.”

That got Y/N’s attention. She straightened slightly, setting her cup down. “The apartment next door? The one that’s been empty like…forever?”

“Exactly!” Clara practically squealed. “And let me just tell you, this guy is no ordinary neighbor. He’s tall, has this messy, curly hair, and..oh my God—he was wearing a sleeveless shirt while carrying all those boxes. His arms, Y/N. His arms. I swear they look like they belong in a museum.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, though a flicker of curiosity was in her. “Sounds like someone’s trying to show off.”

“Um, if you had arms like that, wouldn’t you?” Clara quipped. “He’s a walking thirst trap, I’m telling you. You should bake him cookies or something, just so I have an excuse to come back and see him again.”

“Yeah right,” Y/N scoffed. “The last thing I need is to deal with a cocky neighbor who probably spends more time flexing in mirrors than unpacking his boxes.”

Clara snorted, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “Don’t write him off just yet. You haven’t even met him. What if he’s sweet? Or mysterious? Or—”

“Or obnoxious,” Y/N interrupted. “Or loud. Or the kind of guy who blasts terrible music at all hours.”

“Or the kind of guy who’s so hot you won’t care,” Clara shot back.

Y/N shook her head, laughing softly. “Let’s just hope he keeps to himself and doesn’t cause any trouble.”

Y/N was halfway through folding laundry on the couch when she heard a knock at the door. Her brows furrowed as she glanced at the clock—7:30 p.m. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Clara had left hours ago, and most of her neighbors preferred to keep to themselves.

She padded over to the door and opened it. There he was.

The first thing she noticed was the curls—a messy tumble of dark brown waves that framed his face just right. Then her eyes caught on the white T-shirt stretched across his chest and the tattoos that peeked out along his arms, ink twisting down his skin like art in motion. He had a lazy, easy smile, the kind that could disarm anyone without trying.

“Hey,” he said, his voice warm, slightly raspy. “Sorry to bother you. I’m Harry—just moved in next door.”

Y/N blinked, forcing herself to recover. Of course, he’s stupidly attractive, she thought, Clara’s earlier words ringing in her ears.

“Oh,” she said quickly, gripping the edge of the door. “Hi. Welcome, I guess.”

His smile widened a bit, his dimples appearing. “Thanks. Umm, I hate to be that guy, but do you happen to have a screwdriver I could borrow? I can’t find mine in all the boxes, and my bookshelf is dangerously close to collapsing on me.”

She hesitated for a moment, debating whether or not she wanted to prolong this interaction. But then she caught the faintest trace of hope in his eyes, like he wasn’t entirely sure she’d help. That, and the hint of an accent lacing his words, made it hard to say no.

“Yeah, I think I’ve got one. Hold on a second.”

She left the door slightly ajar as she went to the kitchen drawer, rummaging around until she found the toolkit. When she came back, Harry was leaning casually against the doorframe, hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans.

“Here,” she said, holding out the screwdriver. “You can just bring it back whenever you’re done.”

He took it, his fingers brushing against hers briefly. “Thanks. Lifesaver.” He paused, tilting his head slightly as if studying her. “I didn’t catch your name.”

“Y/N,” she said, trying to keep her tone neutral.

“Well, Y/N,” he said, his smile turning just a touch more charming. “I owe you one. First favor in the books already. You’re making it hard for me to be a bad neighbor.”

She couldn’t help the laugh that slipped out, even as she tried to suppress it. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”

He grinned, taking a step back toward his door. “I guess we’ll see. Thanks again, Y/N.”

And just like that, he was gone, leaving her standing in the doorway with a slight flush creeping up her neck and an unfamiliar warmth buzzing in her chest.

A month later, the café was buzzing with quiet chatter as Y/N stirred her iced coffee, the clinking of the ice against the glass the only sound between her and Clara for the moment. Across the small table, Clara was mid-bite of her sandwich, but the look in her eyes told Y/N she was just waiting for the right moment to drop something.

“What?” Y/N finally asked, narrowing her eyes.

Clara grinned, swallowing quickly before leaning forward. “Nothing. Just…how are things with your very hot neighbor?”

Y/N rolled her eyes, though she felt the faintest blush creep up her neck. “They’re fine. He borrowed a screwdriver the other day. That’s the extent of our interactions.”

She smiles, “Well when I pulled into the lot, your new neighbor..Harry, right? He was coming back from a run.”

Y/N looked up, her fork hovering in the air. “A run?”

“Uh-huh,” Clara confirmed, grinning now. “And let me tell you, it was a sight to behold. He was wearing these black running shorts and a tank top, and he was like, glistening in all the right places. I swear it was like watching one of those slow-motion workout montages in a movie.”

Y/N groaned, dropping her fork onto her plate. “Clara.”

“What?” Clara said innocently, though the glint in her eye betrayed her. “I’m just saying, the man has no business looking like that while casually jogging. And he looked so…relaxed about it, like he didn’t even realize every living being with eyes was staring at him.”

Y/N took a sip of her iced coffee, trying to hide the heat creeping up her neck. “Okay, you’re being dramatic.”

“Oh, am I?” Clara shot back, crossing her arms. “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed. The guy looks like he walked straight out of a Calvin Klein ad. How are you living next door to that and still functioning?”

“He’s just being neighborly.”

“Neighborly, my ass,” Clara said with a snort. “If he comes knocking again, you better invite him in for more than a tool. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Clara!” Y/N yelled.

“What?” Clara said with an exaggerated shrug. “I’m just looking out for you. If I had a neighbor like that, I wouldn’t waste a second.”

Shaking her head, Y/N stabbed at her meal, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere. But Clara’s words lingered, teasing at the edges of her thoughts.

Because as much as she hated to admit it, there was something about Harry that made her wonder just how long she could keep pretending not to notice.

Lunch wrapped up soon with banter, but as the pair strolled back toward Y/N’s apartment, Clara looped her arm through Y/N’s, still buzzing with energy.

“So,” Clara said, bumping her shoulder. “What’s the plan for the rest of the day? Because I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to go home yet.”

Y/N smiled, unlocking the door to the building and holding it open for Clara. “What are you saying? You want to stick around and steal all my food again?”

“Obviously,” Clara replied with a grin. “Your popcorn is better than mine, and you know it. Besides, it’s been ages since we had a proper movie night. You’ve been sooo busy.”

Y/N rolled her eyes as they made their way up the stairs. “I’ve barely been busy. You’re just dramatic.”

“Whatever you say,” Clara said breezily. “So…movies? Wine? Popcorn?”

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “Okay, fine. But you’re in charge of picking the movies this time. If I pick, you’ll just complain the whole time and then end up watching them anyway.”

“Fair point,” Clara said, shrugging. “Alright, deal. I’ll find something good.”

They reached Y/N’s apartment, and as she unlocked the door and pushed it open, she glanced over her shoulder. “Just don’t pick anything sappy, alright? I’m not in the mood for tearjerkers.”

She opened the cabinet where she kept the popcorn. “Butter or kettle corn?”

“Both,” Clara said, plopping onto the couch and grabbing a pillow. “Oh, and maybe I’ll grab a blanket in case it gets cold. Can’t be too prepared.”

Y/N smiled. Clara’s energy was infectious, and as much as she liked having her space, she was glad for the company.

“Alright, movie marathon it is,” Y/N said, grabbing a bottle of wine from the counter.

As the familiar hum of the TV filled the room and the scent of freshly popped popcorn wafted through the air, Y/N couldn’t help but smile. Despite Clara’s endless teasing, she was glad for the distraction.

Soon Y/N and Clara were sprawled on the couch, surrounded by empty bowls of popcorn and half-finished glasses of wine. The action movie Clara had insisted on watching blared from the speakers, explosions and dramatic one-liners filling the space.

Y/N shifted under her blanket, stifling a yawn, when Clara suddenly sat up straighter, her head tilting to the side.

“Wait,” Clara said, holding up a hand to shush Y/N.

“What?” Y/N asked, frowning as she paused mid-sip of her wine.

Clara’s eyes narrowed, her expression a mix of confusion and amusement. “Do you hear that?”

Y/N froze, listening. For a second, there was nothing but the sound of the movie. But then, faintly, she heard it—a muffled rhythm, like the creak of a bedframe, punctuated by soft, indistinct noises.

Y/N’s eyes widened. “Oh shit.”

Clara’s mouth dropped open, and she slapped a hand over it to stifle a laugh. “Oh my God,” she whispered, leaning toward Y/N. “Is that what I think it is?”

“Shh!” Y/N hissed. Clara ignored her, pointing toward the wall that separated Y/N’s apartment from Harry’s. “It’s coming from his place, isn’t it? Your neighbor?”

“I don’t know,” Y/N muttered, gripping her glass a little too tightly.

But Clara wasn’t letting it go. She reached for the remote, pausing the movie mid-explosion. The silence that followed was deafening, except it wasn’t really silent at all. The noises became clearer without the distraction of the TV, and there was no mistaking it now. A low, breathy moan filtered through the thin walls, followed by another creak of the bed.

Clara gasped, her eyes wide with delight. “It is him!” she whispered dramatically.

“Do you think it’s…like, a one-time thing?” Clara whispered, barely able to keep a straight face.

“I don’t want to think about it at all,” Y/N whispered back, sinking deeper into the couch and covering her ears.

Clara grinned, clearly reveling in Y/N’s discomfort. “I mean, hey, at least you know he’s good at something. Not that you’ll ever find out, of course.”

Y/N grabbed a throw pillow and smacked Clara with it, eliciting a loud laugh. “Shut up!”

The next morning, Clara had left at about 9 AM and now Y/N had just settled on the couch with a mug of coffee when a knock at the door startled her. Setting the mug down, she padded over to open it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw who was standing there. Harry.

He was leaning against the doorframe, holding her screwdriver in one hand. His curls were disheveled, and there were faint shadows under his eyes. He looked as though he hadn’t slept at all, but somehow he still managed to pull it off in a way that was unfairly attractive.

“Morning,” he said, his voice low and scratchy, like he hadn’t used it much yet. “Thought I’d return this before I forgot.”

“Oh, thanks,” Y/N said, taking the screwdriver from him. She hesitated for a second, her eyes scanning his face. “You okay? You look… tired.”

He chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, you could say that. Had a bit of a rough night.”

She leaned against the doorframe, curious despite herself. “Oh? Something happen?”

Harry hesitated, his lips twitching in what might’ve been embarrassment or amusement. “Let’s just say I had one too many drinks… and some questionable company.”

Y/N blinked, her stomach doing a strange little flip. “Oh.”

He gave a dry laugh, shoving his hands into his pockets. “It’s not exactly my proudest moment. Went out to blow off some steam, ended up bringing someone back. She left early this morning, and now I’m regretting pretty much everything about it.”

Y/N tried to ignore the sudden tightness in her chest. It wasn’t her business..he was an adult, and hookups happened. But still, the thought of someone else being with him, hearing those same soft, raspy tones directed at them, made her stomach twist uncomfortably.

“Well,” she said, keeping her tone light, “I guess everyone has those nights, right?”

Harry smiled faintly, leaning against the doorframe. “Guess so. Just…doesn’t feel great, y’know? She was nice enough, but it was all a bit…empty.”

Y/N tilted her head, surprised by his honesty. There was something raw about the way he said it, like he wasn’t just brushing it off as a joke or a casual story.

Harry chuckled, a low, warm sound that sent a tiny flutter through her chest. “Lesson learned,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Not exactly my proudest decision. I guess I was just…blowing off steam, y’know?”

Y/N tilted her head, curious. “Rough week?”

He hesitated, leaning against the doorframe. “Something like that. Moving’s been a bit of a whirlwind, and… I don’t know. I guess I’m still getting used to being here. New city, new place, no familiar faces. It’s a bit… lonely.”

Her expression softened. “I get that. Moving can be tough. When I first moved here, I didn’t know anyone either. It took me ages to feel like this place was actually home.”

He smiled faintly. “Yeah? What changed?”

“I don’t know. I guess I just…let myself settle in. Met a few people, got into a routine. Eventually, it started to feel right.” She paused, feeling a pang of sympathy. “You’ll get there. It just takes time.”

Harry’s eyes met hers, and for a moment, the air between them felt heavier, more intimate. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

Y/N cleared her throat, suddenly aware of how close they were standing. “Anyway, you should probably get some coffee if you’re running on no sleep. It might help.”

He smirked, tilting his head. “You offering?”

She managed to keep her voice steady. “Sure, if you don’t mind instant coffee and a very stubborn coffee machine.”

Harry laughed softly. “Instant coffee sounds like heaven right now.”

“Well, come in then,” she said, stepping back and gesturing for him to enter. “It’s the least I can do after you brought back my screwdriver.”

The apartment was warm and filled with the lingering scent of fresh coffee. Harry glanced around, his gaze landing on the cozy setup in the living room. “Nice place,” he said.

“Thanks,” Y/N replied, heading into the kitchen. “Make yourself at home. I’ll get the coffee started.”

As she fiddled with the coffee machine, Harry leaned casually against the counter, watching her with an easy smile. “You’re sure I’m not interrupting anything? I don’t want to mess up your morning.”

“You’re not interrupting,” she said, glancing over her shoulder at him. “It’s nice to have some company, actually. Most mornings it’s just me and my to-do list.”

Harry chuckled. “Sounds thrilling.”

“Oh, it’s the height of excitement,” she deadpanned, pressing the button on the coffee machine—only for nothing to happen. She frowned, pressing it again. Still nothing.

“Uh-oh,” Harry said, stepping closer. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“Yeah definitely not.”

“Is if broken?”

“I think so,”

He smiled softly, “No worries we can go to mine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. Besides, I really need that coffee.”

Harry’s apartment felt like stepping into a place that was truly lived in..a home, not just a space. The walls were painted a soft, warm cream, and natural light poured through sheer curtains, casting golden streaks across the wooden floors. Potted plants thrived in every corner, adding bursts of green to the room. A woven throw rug lay beneath a large, overstuffed couch that was piled with mismatched cushions, some knitted, others patterned with earthy tones.

The coffee table was a mix of practicality and personality, a stack of books with worn spines, an old mug filled with pens, and a half-melted candle that smelled faintly of cedar and citrus.

In one corner, a record player sat atop a weathered wooden stand, surrounded by a scattering of vinyls leaning casually against the wall. Above it hung a cluster of Polaroid photos strung on twine with tiny wooden clips, each one capturing moments of laughter, travel, and faces Y/N didn’t recognize but instantly envied.

The kitchen blended seamlessly into the living space, its counters lined with signs of use: a ceramic bowl of fruit, a drying rack with a couple of dishes, and a cheerful tea towel hanging over the edge of the sink. The faint scent of fresh coffee wafted through the air as Harry stood at the counter, pouring steaming liquid into two mismatched mugs.

“You’ve got a really cozy place,” Y/N said, her voice soft as she took it all in.

Harry glanced over his shoulder with a small grin. “Thanks. Took me a while to get it feeling right. Guess I’m a sucker for a homey vibe.”

“You nailed it,” she said, her gaze drifting again.

She wandered over to a small shelf tucked beside the couch. It was cluttered in the best way…books stacked horizontally and vertically, a framed photo of what looked like Harry and his family standing on a windswept beach, and a small globe with the paint chipped in a few places. Everything about it felt warm and personal, like every item had a story.

“You can sit if you want,” Harry called out, his voice easy and light. “Promise I won’t be offended if you don’t want to stand awkwardly in the middle of the room.”

Y/N smiled. “I’m fine. Just…looking.”

She continued her slow circle, her eyes catching on a door slightly ajar at the end of the short hallway. The bedroom, she guessed, though she quickly looked away, not wanting to seem like she was prying.

But then, as her gaze traveled to the other side of the room, something caught her attention.

It was on the floor by the edge of the couch, partially hidden beneath the throw blanket that had slipped off the armrest. At first, she thought it was just a random object—a stray remote or maybe some kind of gadget, but as she stepped a little closer, her stomach flipped.

A sleek, unmistakable shape came into view. It was a vibrator.

Small and simple, but undeniably there, lying just slightly out of place amidst the cozy, domestic warmth of his apartment. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, her face burning. Had he seen her notice it? Did he even realize it was there?

“You okay over there?” Harry’s voice broke through her spiraling thoughts, and she turned to see him leaning against the counter, a mug in each hand, his expression amused.

“Fine!” she said quickly, her voice a little higher than usual. She walked toward him, hoping he didn’t notice her awkwardness. “Just…admiring your plant collection. They’re very..healthy.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it but too polite to push. “Well, thanks. They get all the credit. I just water them and hope for the best.”

As he handed her a mug, their fingers brushed briefly, and Y/N swore she felt a spark. She took a sip, letting the warmth of the coffee ground her as she avoided glancing back toward the couch.

But no matter how hard she tried, the image of the toy was burned into her mind, along with the unwelcome but undeniable thought of Harry using it on someone.

“So,” Harry said, oblivious to her spiraling thoughts, “tell me about yourself, Y/N. What do you do for fun when you’re not rescuing broken coffee machines or lending out screwdrivers?”

Y/N forced a smile, hoping he couldn’t see the pink still dusting her cheeks. “Oh, you know. The usual. Reading, bingeing bad TV, trying to keep my plants alive…” She trailed off, her voice softening as she met his eyes. “Nothing as interesting as this place, though.”

Harry shrugged, his lips quirking up in that easy, lopsided grin. “Guess it depends on your definition of interesting. My life’s not as exciting as it might look.”

Harry followed her line of sight, his brows furrowing in confusion at first. But then his eyes landed on the object partially hidden beneath the blanket on the couch, and his expression changed instantly.

“Oh, shit,” he muttered under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck. “You, uh…you saw that, didn’t you?”

Y/N’s face flushed, and she quickly looked away, trying to pretend like she wasn’t dying of embarrassment. “Yeah, I did.”

“Damn,” Harry said, his voice soft with a mix of awkwardness and apology. He stepped around the counter, closing some of the space between them. “I didn’t realize—I mean, I should’ve—I didn’t know it was just sitting there. I’m really sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Y/N said quickly, waving a hand as if to dismiss it. She could feel the heat crawling up her neck and cheeks, and she desperately wanted to escape the situation before it got any more mortifying. “Seriously, it’s not a big deal. I wasn’t—”

“Still,” Harry interrupted, running a hand through his hair. “That’s…not exactly something you want to stumble across when you’re just trying to have a cup of coffee.”

She laughed nervously, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “It’s fine, Harry. I promise.”

For a moment, he hesitated, his green eyes searching her face like he wasn’t sure if he should drop the subject or keep apologizing. Then he sighed, shaking his head.

“This is so embarrassing,” he muttered, a small, sheepish grin tugging at the corner of his lips. “I swear I’m not like having sex 24/7. It just…happens to be there, and I didn’t think—”

“Harry, seriously,” Y/N cut him off, her voice firmer this time. “It’s fine. You don’t have to explain yourself.”

She glanced toward the door, her heart still racing, and gave him a tight smile. “I should probably get going, though. I’ve, uh, got some stuff to do.”

Harry’s smile faded, and for a second, something flickered in his expression—disappointment, maybe? But he quickly masked it, nodding as he stepped back to give her space.

“Yeah, of course,” he said, his tone light and casual, though it didn’t quite match the look in his eyes. “Thanks for, you know, not freaking out.”

She smiled faintly, already moving toward the door. “It’s not a big deal. Really.”

He walked her to the door, his hands shoved into his pockets as they reached the threshold.

“Well,” he said, leaning against the frame, “thanks for the company. Even if I managed to completely ruin it.”

“You didn’t ruin it,” Y/N said, her smile softening. “It was…nice.”

Harry tilted his head slightly, his grin returning, though it was smaller this time. “Good to know.”

She hesitated for half a second before giving him a quick wave and slipping out into the hallway. As the door closed behind her, she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, her heart still pounding.

Y/N leaned back against the headboard of her bed, her room dimly lit by the soft glow of her bedside lamp. The book she’d been trying to read lay forgotten in her lap, her mind betraying her with images of Harry—standing in his kitchen, the sleeves of his T-shirt stretched over his toned arms, that damn crooked smile on his face.

Her face burned just thinking about him, but no matter how hard she tried to shake it, the memory of the vibrator on his couch kept flashing in her mind. She bit her lip, her fingers idly tracing the edge of the blanket draped across her lap.

It was reckless, she knew that. But the way he’d looked at her earlier..the way his green eyes had lingered, the way his voice had dipped when he said her name, it had left her feeling more restless than she wanted to admit.

Her hand slid lower, beneath the blanket, her breath catching as her fingers grazed her skin. She closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the fantasy. She pictured him leaning over her, his lips brushing against her ear, his voice low and teasing as he murmured her name.

“Harry,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, but the sound sent a shiver through her body.

On the other side of the wall, Harry froze. Their rooms must be back to back because he could now hear faint moans of Y/N.

He had just stepped out of his shower, towel slung around his hips, when the faint sound reached his ears. At first, he thought he was imagining things, but then it came again, soft, breathless, unmistakable. His name.

From Y/N’s apartment.

He stood there for a moment, completely still, his damp hair dripping onto his bare shoulders as he listened. The sound came again, and this time, there was no mistaking the hushed moan that followed.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered under his breath, his heart pounding.

It wasn’t intentional..he hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. But now that he’d heard it, he couldn’t bring himself to walk away. The wall separating their apartments was thin enough to carry the faintest sounds, and the realization sent heat rushing through his body.

He leaned back against the wall, torn between guilt and an intense, undeniable arousal. He should stop. He knew he should stop. But the sound of her soft, needy gasps of her whispering his name was doing things to him that he couldn’t ignore.

Inside her apartment, Y/N was oblivious, completely lost in her own world. Her breathing quickened, her movements becoming more urgent as she pushed two fingers in and out of her pussy and imagined his hands on her, his lips trailing down her neck, his voice rumbling in her ear as he told her exactly what he wanted to do to her.

“Harry,” she whimpered again, her body trembling as she edged closer to cumming.

He shouldn’t call her. He knew that. It was crossing a line, stepping into territory they hadn’t even begun to discuss. But the memory of her soft gasps, the thought of her lying in her bed, touching herself while thinking about him…

It was too much.

With a low groan, he grabbed his phone and scrolled to her name in his contacts. His thumb hovered over the call button for a second before he muttered, “fuck it,” and pressed it.

The phone rang once. Twice.

“Harry?” Y/N’s voice was soft, hesitant, and he could hear the slight tremor in it, like she wasn’t sure why he was calling.

“Hey,” he said, his voice low and rough. “Did I wake you?”

“No, I was…I’m awake,” she said quickly, though there was something breathless about her tone that told him she hadn’t quite recovered from what she’d been doing.

He let out a quiet laugh, leaning back against the couch. “Good. Because we need to talk.”

There was a pause, and he could almost feel her tension through the line. “About what?”

“About what I just heard,” he said, his voice dipping lower, more serious.

The silence that followed was deafening.

“Oh my God,” Y/N finally said, her voice barely audible. “You heard that?”

“I did,” Harry admitted, his lips curving into a small smile despite himself. “Walls are thin, love.”

She groaned, and he could hear the embarrassment in the sound. “Harry, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think—”

“Don’t apologize,” he interrupted, his tone firm but gentle. “I’m not mad. Not at all.”

“But—”

“Y/N,” he said, cutting her off again. “Listen to me. You don’t need to be embarrassed, okay? I’m not judging you.”

She didn’t respond, but he could hear her breathing on the other end of the line…quick, shallow, and uneven.

“Are you still in bed?” he asked, his voice softening.

“…yes,” she admitted after a moment.

“Good,” he said, leaning his head back against the couch. “Stay there for me.”

“Harry…”

“You were saying my name,” he continued, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Weren’t you?”

Her breath hitched, and he smiled, knowing he’d caught her.

“I—”

“It’s okay,” he murmured, his tone soothing but commanding. “You don’t have to lie. I liked it, Y/N. Hearing you like that…knowing you were thinking about me…”

Her breathing quickened, and he could almost picture her lying there, her cheeks flushed, her body tense with anticipation.

“Harry,” she said again, her voice a mix of nerves and something else..something needier.

“Let me help you,” he said, his hand drifting down to his cock as he spoke. “Let me show you how good it can feel. Can I do that?”

There was a long pause, and for a moment, he thought she might say no. But then she whispered, “Okay.”

“Good girl,” he said, his voice like velvet. The words sent a thrill through him as much as they did her, and he couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face.

“Are you touching yourself right now?” he asked, his tone low and deliberate.

“No,” she admitted, her voice shaking slightly.

“Then start,” he said. “Slide your hand down, just like you were doing before.”

He waited, his own hand slipping below as he imagined her doing exactly what he’d asked.

“Touch your clit,” he murmured, his tone thick with heat. “I want to hear you as you feel the warmth of your own touch.”

Y/N hesitated for a moment, her body still trembling from the intensity of their conversation. But his voice was like a magnet, drawing her in, and before she knew it, her fingers were moving against her skin, tentative at first, then more sure of themselves as she followed his instructions.

“Good,” Harry whispered, his voice growing rougher. “Now, gently slide your fingers in and out, slowly. Feel every fucking inch.” “Good girl,” he murmured, his words sending a thrill through her. “Just like that. You’re so good for me, Y/N. I can hear how much you’re enjoying this.”

“Now add a third finger for me.”

She did as she was told, she let out a slightly louder moan this time.

“That’s it baby just like that. I know you can handle it. Otherwise you wouldn’t be so desperate for my cock would you? How are you gonna take it all for me if you can’t even take three of your own fingers? That would just be pathetic.”

She breathes out as she fingers herself deeper, just trying to forget theyre her own and imagining his ringed ones instead. “Harry..”

“That’s right love just like that,”, he started moving his hand up and down his own cock, holding back moans. “You wanna come over to my apartment tomorrow? So I can actually fuck you good?”

She barely even comprehends what he’s saying with the feeling of being stuffed with three fingers, win the reassurance that soon it would be even more filling than that with his dick. All she can muster is a soft hum of affirmation.

“Yes or no?”

“Y-yeah of course. Just text me what time.”

He sighs, adjusting himself to get more comfortable as he feels the orgasm coming. “I will. I’ll use that same vibrator on you then will you like that?”

“H-”

“And trust me it wasn’t the only thing I have at my house. I have a whole drawer you can have. Pick anything you want out of it tomorrow yeah, baby?”

“Yes Harry, fuck-oh god I’m cumming.”

“Just like that baby.”

Harry almost cums instantly as he hears her moans and then her clamming down afterwards, her breath heavy. And soon enough he does, groaning himself as the hot ropes shoot out of his cock to the towel now underneath him.

After everything settled into quiet, Harry’s voice, still thick with desire, came through once more.

“Good girl,” he murmured, and she could hear the satisfaction in his tone. “You did so well.” His words lingered in her ear, and she could feel the warmth of his praise seeping into her skin.

Y/N’s breath was still uneven as she slowly, hesitantly, lifted her fingers to her lips. “Lick them for me, love,” Harry coaxed, his voice soothing but laced with a hint of command.

Y/N hesitated for a moment, the request sending a shiver down her spine, but the sound of his voice, so commanding yet affectionate, left no room for doubt. Slowly, her fingers moved to her lips, her tongue darting out to meet them, and as she did, a soft gasp left her mouth.

“Good girl,” Harry said, the words slipping out in a near whisper. “So good for me. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

The promise of tomorrow hung in the air between them, leaving her pulse racing, her thoughts swirling with the anticipation of what was to come.

“I’ll make sure we have a good time, baby,” Harry reassured her, his tone still warm and low. “You deserve it. You’re perfect.”

Y/N let out a quiet sigh of contentment, still basking in the afterglow of everything they’d just shared, and though she felt a lingering desire, she could also feel the weight of satisfaction in the quiet moment.

“I should let you go now,” Harry said, his voice now gentle, as if sensing her need to breathe. “But tomorrow, we’ll have all the time we need.”

“Goodnight, Harry,” Y/N said softly, her voice barely a whisper.

“Goodnight, love,” he replied, his voice lingering in her ear as if he was right there with her. “Sleep well.”

The call ended, leaving Y/N with a soft smile on her lips, her body still buzzing from the connection they’d shared.

[justlemmeadoreyou]

solace* (famous!harry x masseuse!y/n)

summary: harry is in need of some unwinding and destressing, and he finds the perfect masseuse for that. they end up growing much closer than the relationship they began with, but it's never that easy, is it?

words: 6.4k (she's long)

warnings: smut in this one: p in v, unprotected sex, oral (f receiving), cursing, dirty talk, fingering, creampie.

"Just lay down on the table and relax. I'll take good care of you."

Y/N tried to keep her voice steady and professional as she greeted her new client, the one and only Harry Styles. The famous former athlete turned singer was lying face down on the massage table, a towel draped over his lower body.

Y/N had been a masseuse at this high-end spa for two years, but she had never worked on someone so famous before. She was intimidated but determined not to show it. Treating Harry just like any other client was the only way she could get through this.

"You're the expert," Harry's muffled voice came from the face cradle. "I'm in your hands."

Y/N gulped at the unintended innuendo. Get it together, she scolded herself. This is strictly business.

She warmed up some lotion in her hands and began working on Harry's muscular back and shoulders. Almost immediately, she could feel the tightness and knots from years of intense athletic training.

"You've got a lot of built-up tension in here," she commented, digging her fingers in to loosen a stubborn knot. "What sort of athletic background are we working with?"

"Footie, if you go by my English roots," Harry said, sucking in a sharp breath as she worked a particularly tender spot. "Played striker on an academy team as a kid before my interests shifted to music in my late teens."

Y/N raised her eyebrows, impressed. She had no idea Harry was such a talented athlete on top of his musical skills. Somehow that made her former crush on him even more intimidating.

As she moved down to his lower back, she tried to keep her touches clinical and impersonal. But she couldn't help noticing how toned Harry's body was, the muscles rippling beneath her hands. 

Stop ogling him, you're being completely unprofessional! She gave herself another firm mental rebuke.

For a while, the only sounds were Harry's occasional groans as Y/N dug into his tight knots and the relaxing spa music playing softly in the background. But eventually, Harry broke the silence.

"You know, you seem a bit nervous around me. Is it because I'm....well, me?"

Y/N felt her cheeks burn. She should have known he would pick up on her awkwardness.

"I'm just trying to stay focused," she mumbled, unable to keep the embarrassment out of her voice entirely. "I don't want to slip up and disappoint an important client like yourself."

To her surprise, Harry let out a low chuckle. "Love, I may be famous but I'm just a regular bloke like any other. No need to be nervous."

His voice was warm and full of humor, putting Y/N more at ease. She realized she had been building him up as some intimidating celebrity in her mind when really he seemed down-to-earth.

Feeling emboldened, she decided to open up a bit. "To be honest, I may have...had a bit of a crush on you back in the day. Your music was a big part of my teen years."

"Is that so?" Harry sounded both flattered and amused. "Well, I'll take it as a compliment from a pretty lady like yourself."

Y/N felt her traitorous cheeks heating up again. Were they...flirting now? She couldn't tell if he was just being charming or if there was real interest there.

She tried to keep things professional as she moved on to his arms and legs, though her lingering shyness made it difficult. Harry seemed to sense it, not pushing things but keeping up his friendly banter that had her laughing in spite of herself.

By the end of the ninety minutes, Y/N was disappointed for the massage to be over. Some of the intimidation had faded, replaced by an easy rapport. Almost as if...they could really be friends, or more, not just client and masseuse.

As Harry redressed and prepared to leave, he paused and gave her a heart-stoppingly charming smile. "Same time next week? I'll need to keep these knots at bay."

Y/N couldn't resist smiling back, a warm flutter in her belly. "I'll be here. It's a date."

Wait, did she actually just say that?! She wanted to cringe at her awkward choice of words.

But Harry just chuckled easily, not seeming bothered at all. "A date it is, then. I look forward to it."

As he sauntered out, Y/N exhaled a long breath. Suddenly, her job had gotten a lot more...interesting.

Over the next few months, Y/N looked forward to Harry's weekly appointments increasingly more. They had fallen into an easy, teasing back-and-forth during their sessions peppered with plenty of flirtatious banter. 

At first, Y/N firmly kept things within professional boundaries, no matter how strong her crush was growing. Harry may be a laid back, regular guy, but he was still a client at the end of the day.

However, the more she got to know the real Harry beyond his famous persona, the harder it became not to develop deeper feelings. His sharp wit, endless warmth and care for those around him, and genuine humility all endeared him to Y/N enormously.

For his part, Harry seemed to be growing quite fond of Y/N as well. He playfully requested she work extra hard on his "problem areas" and loved to tease her about her technique and bedroom eyes whenever she was really concentrating. Y/N would pretend to be flustered, but secretly loved their charged back-and-forth.

One week, Harry didn't show up for his usual appointment. Y/N tried not to feel too disappointed, figuring he must have just been busy. But when he missed his spot the following week as well with no notice, she began to worry something was wrong.

"Everything okay with Harry?" she couldn't help asking the spa receptionist. "I haven't seen him for his appointments lately."

The petite blonde receptionist gave her a sly grin. "Haven't you heard? There was an issue with his latest music release, so he's been dealing with that whole mess the past couple weeks."

Y/N frowned, concerned. Harry hadn't mentioned anything about work issues. Then again, she realized they had become so comfortable with each other that she always viewed him through a friend's lens rather than a client's now. 

Making a snap decision, Y/N pulled out her phone and drafted a text to the number Harry had given her months ago, just in case she ever needed to reschedule his slot.

"Hey there, just checking in! Missed you the past couple weeks and wanted to make sure everything is alright?"

She hit send before she could overthink it, her heart fluttering nervously. This was wildly unprofessional to text a client like this, even if Harry had become more of a friend really.

To her surprise, Harry texted back almost immediately.

"Y/N! Was just thinking about you, funny enough. I'm so sorry for going MIA, it's been a madhouse with this new album mess. Let me make it up to you with dinner this weekend?"

Y/N's eyes widened as she re-read the text. Was Harry...asking her on a date? Or was he just being friendly and suggesting they grab a bite to catch up? She wasn't sure, but her heart was pounding either way.

Throwing caution to the wind, she typed: "It's a date. Looking forward to it!"

If her massages with Harry had been growing increasingly charged lately, Y/N could only imagine how electric an actual date with him would be...

The rest of the week dragged by interminably for Y/N as she counted down to her dinner with Harry. She agonized over what to wear, settling on a slinky red dress that walked the line between casual date and fancy night out perfectly.

When Saturday evening finally arrived, Y/N felt uncharacteristically nervous as she pulled up to the chic restaurant Harry had chosen. What if she had been misreading everything and this was just a friendly dinner after all? She didn't want to make things weird if that was the case.

But the second Harry opened the door to greet her, looking unfairly handsome in a slick black button-down, her worries melted away. He was giving her the same heated look he got when she was working out a tight knot in his muscles - unmistakably attracted and intrigued.

"You look positively stunning, love," he murmured, taking her hand and giving it a delicate kiss. "Though I don't know what I was expecting, you always manage to blow me away."

Y/N felt her face heating up at his unabashed flattery, her pulse racing. She couldn't resist giving his bicep a playful squeeze.

"You're not looking too bad yourself, popstar. Now are we going to eat, or did you just invite me out to shamelessly flirt?"

Harry grinned wickedly. "Why can't we do both?"

The evening passed in a blur of delicious food, sinfully good wine, and the most scintillating conversation Y/N had ever experienced. She and Harry swapped stories, teased and joked, and delved into surprisingly deep philosophical discussions, all without missing a beat.

By the time they were splitting a decadent slice of chocolate cake for dessert, Y/N felt more relaxed and giddy than she had in years. Despite all her nervous buildup, the date was turning out perfectly.

"You know," Harry began conversationally as he licked some icing off his fork in a way that made Y/N's mouth go dry. "When you started as my masseuse, I'll admit I figured you were just another pretty face hired by the spa. Starstruck and nervous around me because of my image and all that rot."

Y/N felt her cheeks warm at his words, but Harry grinned teasingly to show he meant no offense. 

"But you proved me absolutely wrong in the best way possible, darling. Your skill and your spirit both blew me away. You're always so professional, but with this amazing warm heart and sharp wit just beneath the surface."

Y/N couldn't help smiling bashfully at his earnest compliments. "Well, you hardly made it easy to stay focused and impersonal, Mr. Cheeky Flirtmaster. I'm just glad we were able to become...friends."

She said the last word tentatively, wondering if Harry felt the same growing sense that they had become something more than that recently. His heated gaze and body language said as much, but she didn't want to assume.

Harry seemed to pick up on her hesitancy, his green eyes crinkling at the corners fondly.

"Y/N, I think we both know our 'friendship' has evolved into something deeper, at least for me. I've fancied you for months, maybe longer if I'm being honest with myself. You're bloody brilliant - smart, talented, caring, with a rocking body that drives me spare in the best way."

He reached across the table to take her hand, running his thumb over her knuckles. The tender intimacy of the gesture made Y/N's heart skip a beat.

"What I'm asking is...would you want to make this official? Give us a real go as more than just mates?"

Y/N felt like the breath had been knocked out of her lungs. She had imagined hearing those words from Harry's lips more times than she could count. But now that he had actually said them, she was temporarily stunned into silence.

Seeing her speechlessness, Harry chuckled warmly. "No need to answer right this second, love. I know it's a lot to process coming from your formerly famous client-turned-mate. Just think it over, yeah?"

Y/N finally managed to find her voice, emboldened by the caring warmth in Harry's eyes. She turned her palm over, lacing their fingers together decisively.

"You don't have to give me time, Harry. I've been crazy about you for ages if I'm honest. Of course I want to give us a real shot. I can't think of anything I want more."

The brilliant smile that spread across Harry's face sent tingles down Y/N's spine. He brought her knuckles to his lips, brushing a soft kiss there.

"Then it's official. We're a couple now."

Y/N felt giddy, like the words were a dream. Her and Harry Styles, the man she'd fancied for years, were entering a relationship together. What were the odds?

"Should we, uh, keep things professional at the spa still?" she asked, suddenly wondering if their new situation would make things weird.

To her surprise, Harry shook his head adamantly. "Actually, I was thinking of finding a new masseuse. I wouldn't want to put you in an awkward position having to work on your boyfriend's body every week, tempting as that sounds."

He gave her a heated look and Y/N felt a rush of arousal, imagining all the new layers their massages would take on now.

"Fair point. I don't think I could keep things totally professional anymore either," she admitted with a coy smile.

Harry signaled for the check, keeping Y/N's hand linked with his posessively. "Then it's settled. I'm all yours now, darling. Though fair warning, I'll expect my massages in private from here on out."

The tone of his voice made Y/N shiver pleasantly in anticipation. Oh, this romance was going to be incredibly fun.

***

Over the next few months, Y/N felt like she was living in a wonderful dream. She and Harry were inseparable, their bonds of friendship strengthening into an unbreakable foundation as their passion grew.

They went on romantic dates, attended glamorous celebrity events, and spent long cozy nights together at Harry's place. Y/N felt herself falling harder and harder for the kind, charismatic man who never failed to dote on her or cheer her on.

One evening, Harry surprised her by having a limo pick her up from work at the spa. Y/N raised her eyebrows in amused confusion as she slid into the sleek black car, wondering what her doting boyfriend was up to now.

To her delighted shock, Harry was waiting inside wearing a dashing tuxedo. He held out a rose to her with a warm smile. 

"My love, you look as breathtaking as ever. Are you ready for our night on the town?"

Y/N laughed giddily, feeling like a princess in a fairytale as Harry showered her with kisses. "You'll have to tell me where we're going, love!"

"Well, first we have dinner reservations at the city's most exclusive new restaurant. And afterward..." Harry trailed off teasingly before pulling a pair of tickets from his inner jacket pocket. "I've arranged for us to have a private vip loge at the opera!"

Y/N's jaw dropped. She knew Harry took great pride in planning thoughtful, romantic gestures, but she was blown away by this grand occasion. The evening was straight out of a storybook.

"Harry, this is...I can't even put into words," she breathed in amazement. "You are the singularly most incredible, thoughtful man in existence. How'd I ever get so lucky?"

Harry just grinned boyishly, giving her a wink as the limo pulled away from the curb. "You deserve all of this and more, darling. Tonight is just a start."

The rest of the evening passed in a blissful whirlwind. Y/N and Harry sipped gourmet cocktails as candles flickered between them at the restaurant. Their heated looks and brushing footsies beneath the table made the anticipation crackle deliciously. 

After the stunning five-star cuisine, Harry surprised Y/N again by hiring a violinist at the opera to serenade them privately in the vip loge while the show played out on stage. He held her close as they swayed to the rich, emotive music, looking into each other's eyes adoringly.

By the time they arrived back home in the limo, Y/N could barely keep her hands off her romantic prince of a boyfriend. She attacked his mouth hungrily as he lifted her into his arms, stumbling inside as they continued to devour each other.

That night was a blur of frantic lovemaking, tearing at clothes and tangling in the bed sheets as release was desperately chased between them. Y/N had never felt so thoroughly worshiped and cherished as when Harry was passionately laying claim to every inch of her body, branding her as his own with his scorching caresses.

"You're everything, Y/N," he groaned into the slick skin of her neck as she writhed beneath him. "My whole bloody universe, all the stars in the sky. Nothing means more to me than you, my perfect girl."

After, when the frenzied haze cleared, Harry held Y/N with indescribable tenderness like she was the most precious thing in existence. Which to him, she absolutely was. Her hands stroked through his sweat-dampened chestnut locks as he pressed fervent kisses to her collarbones, her sternum, everywhere his full lips could reach.

"How did I ever get so lucky?" he murmured, more to himself than her as he gazed up at Y/N reverently. "My entire world in these arms."

Y/N had no words, rendered speechless by the depth of love emanating from her man's bright green eyes. So she simply held him closer, letting her touch express everything her heart was too overwhelmed to put into phrases.

Of course, there were still hints of Harry's internal struggles with fame and the immense pressures of his career. The more Y/N got to know him intimately, the more she saw the tightly-wound tension that still crept into his muscles and posture frequently.

It killed her to see Harry in pain or overwhelmed, dealing silently with the weight of Hollywood's demands. So she made it her mission to take care of him, just like when she was his masseuse but in more intimate ways now.

After an especially grueling day of meetings and recording sessions, Y/N would draw Harry a hot bath infused with relaxing essential oils. She would gently undress him, unable to resist pressing soothing kisses along the protesting knots in his shoulders and back. Harry would let out deep rumbles of pleasure at her therapeutic touch.

One draining evening after he had done promo interviews all day followed by a high-energy concert, Harry came home to their penthouse utterly spent. His eyes were rimmed with exhaustion and his mouth was drawn into a tight line, shoulders hunched under the weight of his weariness.

Taking one look at her love in such a depleted state tore at Y/N's heartstrings. She quickly sprang into action, knowing just what he needed to recharge and find his center again.

"Go have a long, hot shower, babe," she murmured, pressing a tender kiss to Harry's furrowed brow. "I'll take care of everything else."

While Harry dragged himself to the bathroom, Y/N set about creating the perfect soothing atmosphere in their bedroom. She dimmed the lights to a warm golden glow and lit a few spicy aromatherapy candles. Then she pulled out her professional massage table and arranged it with all her favorite oils and lotions.

By the time Harry emerged from the steamy bathroom wearing nothing but a plush robe, Y/N had the space utterly transformed into a private spa oasis. Soft nature soundscapes played lightly in the background, blending with the flicker of candlelight to create an ambiance of pure tranquility.

Harry's brow unfurrowed slightly as he took in the scene, a small smile playing at his lips. "You're too good to me, darling," he rumbled in that gruff, sleepy tone Y/N adored.

"Mmm, not possible," Y/N assured with a soft smile, helping Harry shrug off his robe so he could climb onto the table completely nude. 

She warmed up some of the aromatic sandalwood oil between her palms before beginning her sensual ministrations along the perfect terrain of Harry's back and shoulders. His tight muscles instantly began loosening under her skilled touch.

Harry let out a deep, relieved groan as Y/N's strong hands found each knotted snarl and gently worked them loose. He practically melted into the table, boneless and pliant beneath her.

"S'why I love you so much," he slurred, the profound tension seeping from his body. "Always know just how to take care of me, dove."

Y/N hummed in contentment, leaning down to press a line of soothing kisses along the dips of Harry's spine. Between her mouth and her fingers spreading hot oil into every bunched muscle group, he was soon utterly liquid and relaxed. 

This went on for almost two blissful hours, Y/N taking her time to reverently cover every last inch of Harry's body in her healing touch. At one point she gently turned him over to tend to his chest, abdomen, and the handful of other areas he accumulated strain.

By the time she was finished, Harry was borderline unconscious - eyes hooded, face perfectly lax, breaths coming in deep and even pulls. Y/N trailed one last stroke down the miles of inked and toned skin he had exposed to her. Her beautiful boy, wholly at peace once more.

Pressing tender kisses to each of Harry's closed eyelids, Y/N carefully covered him with a plush duvet before slipping out of the bedroom. As much as she would love to stay and watch over him, she knew he needed to fully surrender to restorative sleep now.

Y/N headed to the kitchen, deciding to prepare one of Harry's favorite home cooked meals for when he woke feeling replenished and ravenous. As she moved around the space chopping vegetables and searing chicken, her mind couldn't help drifting to thoughts of the wonderful man in the other room.

She felt so unutterably lucky to be the one person in Harry's life allowed to take care of his weary body and soul in such an intimate way. All the fame, fortune, and success in the world was meaningless to Y/N, compared to earning his unwavering trust and being able to soothe away his struggles whenever they arose.

When Harry finally padded into the kitchen a couple hours later, he looked noticeably refreshed and at peace. There was a soft, dazed expression playing on his features as his bright eyes landed on Y/N in an oversized shirt cooking away.

"There she is," he rasped in that deep, gorgeously gravelly morning voice of his. "Most beautiful sight in the world."

Y/N grinned, warmth blossoming in her chest at the open adoration on Harry's face. Even after going through a draining day, he still couldn't help being an outrageous charmer with her.

"Did you get enough beauty sleep, love?" she teased lightly, moving across the room to wind her arms around his trim waist.

Harry hummed in contentment, ducking his head to nuzzle into the crook of her neck. He inhaled her familiar honeysuckle scent deeply, as if letting the aroma soothe his very soul.

"More than enough. I feel reborn, all thanks to you taking such incredible care of me as always." One of his large hands trailed up and down her back. "You spoil me rotten, darling."

"And you love every second of it," Y/N murmured with a soft laugh, tilting her chin up to search his sparkling green gaze.

The tender look Harry returned her with stole her breath away, like it still did even after all this time together. His calloused thumb traced the line of her cheekbone reverently.

"How could I not?" His low rumble sent tingles down her spine. "When you pour so much love and devotion into everything you do for me. Makes me fall deeper every damn day, dove."

As their mouths slanted together in a searing, drugging kiss, Y/N couldn't dream of a response. Because there were truly no words sufficient enough to capture the cosmic love between them in that moment.

Of course, their intimate times weren't always just about relaxation either. Y/N's massages frequently led to much more heated activities once Harry was completely de-stressed, his desire for her building as she worked her magic on his body.

Harry loved nothing more than to suddenly flip their positions, pinning Y/N to the bed and attacking her neck and collarbone with hot, hungry kisses. His hands would grip her curves possessively as she writhed beneath him.

"You've woken the beast, darling," he would growl in her ear, making her shiver with delicious anticipation. "Now you'll have to tame him."

Their lovemaking was always passionate and intense, the depth of their connection shining through in how perfectly in-sync their bodies were. Y/N never felt more beautiful, powerful, and utterly cherished than when Harry was worshiping every inch of her with his hands, lips, and tongue.

Sometimes their couplings started not from a massage, but simply from them stealing heated looks while going about their day. Like the time Y/N was baking in the kitchen, shaking her hips to the beat of the pop song playing while she rolled out pie dough, careless and free of the world around her.

She didn't notice Harry sidle up behind her until his strong arms wound around her waist, tugging her flush against his solid chest. His lips found the juncture of her neck and shoulder, sucking a blistering path up to the spot behind her ear that drove her crazy.

"Look at you," he rumbled in that gravelly morning tone of his as Y/N gasped and arched back into his sturdy frame. "Being all sexy and domestic, tempting a bloke with something fierce."

Y/N bit back a throaty moan as Harry's nimble fingers slid beneath her loose shirt, calloused palms blazing a path up her ribcage. "Harry, what-what are you doing?" she breathed, though she already knew the answer if the hardness pressing into her backside was any indication.

"Having a nibble of my favorite snack," he replied cheekily, punctuating his words with a sharp nip to her earlobe that made her inhale shakily, her heartbeat accelerating in her chest.

Before she could really process what was happening, Harry had easily turned Y/N in his arms and hoisted her up onto the wide kitchen counter. She reflexively wrapped her toned legs around his trim waist to anchor them together as he attacked her mouth in a desperate kiss.

His tongue plundered deep, tasting every crevice as Y/N clutched at the dense muscle of his biceps and back. One of his large hands cupped her jaw to angle her how he wanted while the other palmed her breast through the thin fabric, brushing a calloused thumb over the peaked nipple there.

Y/N whimpered into Harry's mouth, already spiraling from how quickly his talented hands and lips had her arousal spiking. He was single handedly unraveling her till she was putty in his hands, the only thought in her mind was what he was planning to do to her next..

Finally, Harry broke the filthy clash of their mouths, panting harshly as he pinned Y/N with a look of pure hunger. His green eyes were near black with want, wandering possessively over her flushed state.

"You make me so bloody crazy, dove," he rasped in a low rumble that had her pulse kicking up another notch. "I can't keep my hands off you."

Y/N whimpered at the pure need saturating her boyfriend's deep tone. She squirmed deliciously against him, desperate for more friction.

"Then don't," she managed to gasp out through her daze of arousal. "Take what you want from me, Harry. I'm all yours."

The low, guttural groan Harry let out at her breathless plea, very nearly had Y/N coming undone right then. His smoldering gaze somehow burned even hotter with carnal intent.

Before she could process what was happening, Harry had ridden her of her shirt and shorts in two effortless tugs. His big palms instantly settled at the curves of her waist, thumbs dipping beneath the lace waistband of her underwear teasingly.

"Look at you...so gorgeous and flushed, ready and waiting for me," he praised in a low rasp, leaning in to drag his tongue up the slender column of her throat. "You have no idea what you do to me, do you baby?"

Y/N was too far gone in the spiral of her own pleasure to respond with anything more coherent than a choked-off whine that had him thickening in his pants. She writhed against Harry's solid frame, silently pleading for him to end her torment.

Seeming to take the hint, Harry ducked his head to mouth along the swell of her breasts and sternum, layering nips and sucking kisses until her skin was covered with marks of his devotion. Y/N arched her back hair sticking to her rapidly dampening skin as breathy moans tumbled from her parted lips.

"So responsive for me, dove," Harry grunted in approval, his big hands sliding around to shamelessly cup and squeeze her backside. "So perfect at taking everything I give you."

With one swift movement, he tugged her skimpy panties aside and plunged two ring clad fingertips through her dripping folds. Y/N cried out shamelessly at the long-awaited relief, her hips bucking forward uncontrollably to maximize the delicious stretch and burn.

"Christ, so wet and tight," Harry ground out, sounding utterly wrecked as he swirled his fingers around her throbbing entrance teasingly. "Made just for me, isn't that right lovely? Made to take my fingers, my tongue..."

His voice dropped to a sinful baritone as he slowly pumped his thick digits in and out of her fluttering, slick heat. Y/N let out a shrill whine of complete surrender, eyes rolling back as she fully gave herself over to the glorious sensations sparking along every nerve-ending.

"Made to take every hard inch of my cock, pushing deep inside this perfect little cunt," Harry continued in that gravelly and raspy tone, leaning down to whisper the obscene words directly against her damp skin.

True to form, his skilled fingers had Y/N right on the edge of shattering with dizzying speed. Her thighs quivered with the coiled tension, inner walls fluttering madly around the deliciously intrusive stretch of his thick digits.

Just when she thought she couldn't take any more of the exquisite torment, when stars were bursting behind her eyelids, Harry abruptly curled his fingers upward in a devastating stroke against that magic spot inside her. Y/N's entire body convulsed as she broke into a thousand kaleidoscopic pieces, a strangled scream of pure euphoria ripping free from her throat.

By the time her vision finally began refocusing, her loose limbs were draped bonelessly over Harry's shoulders, her head spinning in dizzy bliss. She clearly registered the achingly slow push and pull of his fingers continuing to work through her fluttering, overstimulated cunt.

Harry's burning gaze was locked onto her sweat-slicked, flushed skin as he methodically wrung out every last spasm of ecstasy from her boneless frame. The soft, reverent look of awe on his handsome face stole what little breath Y/N had managed to recapture.

"Look at you, darling...absolutely wrecked for me," he husked "So stunning like this, falling apart on my fingers. All fo’ me"

Despite feeling completely satisfied, Y/N couldn't help but feel a rush of desire at Harry's words.  He always had been equal parts tender and filthy in his erotic praise and endearments.

Case in point, his next words as he slid his glistening fingers into his mouth to taste her essence were absolutely scorching.

"Clean that essence up for me like a good girl, dove...because I'm going to need you soaked and begging again in about five minutes."

Y/N let out a breathy moan at the promise in his words, knowing full well her legs were going to absolutely sore tonight, her knees wobbly and unable to walk by morning.

She nodded around the slick digits, swirling her tongue around the fullness of them as he sighed at the way she sucked his fingers.

“God, I wish it was m’ cock behind those pretty lips, dove” he pulled them out, placing his hand right over her naked thigh, “but I want it inside your pretty pussy for now”

She nodded, too awestruck to actua;ly process her mind to his words.He shook her head at her, pulling down the pants he had put on earlier.

“Got me so hard. Could’ve burst from listening to you being so filthy for me”

Her cheeks flushed at his risque words, thighs pushing together as his cock sprang free, the angry, red tip throbbing as he took himself into his palm, stroking his length to relieve some of the tension.

She pushed her thighs above each other, feeling utterly flustered and dizzy. He was gong to fuck her, and memories of all the times he had, flooding her mind like ocean water.

Finally, he let go of himself, parting her thighs and slotting himself in between. She let out a broken gasp, mouth going dry as she took a look at her own desperation, red and swollen, yet, so needy and wet.

“Could never get enough of you” he said into her mouth, swallowing her gasp as his cock stretched her open deliciously. A broken moan made its way past her lips, her quivering legs wrapping around him as he slid himself inside her. Her wetness swallowed him up, her pussy gushing with arousal as he angled her hips higher.

“Good, fucking–so damn tight for me” eh cursed, her mouth parting open into another broken sob as he thrust in and out of her, her wet walls taking him in so well. He felt so heavenly, his cock buried inside his pretty, so pretty and perfect girl.

“How did I stay so long without you? Hm?” he asked rhetorically, and she opened her closed eyes. His hand reached between her parted legs, his skilled digits teasing her clit, while his practised strokes made her fall apart under him.

“Oh fuck, yeah–right there” she begged him to keep fucking her, his cock hitting the deepest of spots inside her. It had her mind going numb, her toes curling as he fucked her with delirious intent.

“Pussy’s so good–:” he praised her once again, his fingers finally landing on her clit, a sharp spank that made her cum right then and there.

She arched her back, her head falling back till it touched the counter. She grabbed her nipples, pinching them as he rubbed circles over her clit, his cock fucking her at a pace that had her screaming and begging for more.

“Oh fuck, Harr–Harry, oh my fucking god”

He grabbed her hips, laying her down flat as she choked on another sob, her wetness gushing out and wetting the cold marble counter. Harry was grinning and smirking, watching her fall apart beneath him. He was the only one who could make her mind go absolutely detached, the only thought in her mind being of him. His name. His cock. His hands. The way they made her feel.

“Her orgasm prolonged as he kept her on the edge, her pussy short circuiting is the overstimulation kicked in. She was sore, two orgasms after a day of work would do that to her.

“Harry–” she pouted, her hands reaching out for his, to which he immediately complied, intertwining their fingers.

“Just a little longer, Almost done”

He promised, and began fucking her at the vicious pace again. The room echoed with the obscene sound of skin slapping against skin, her hips bruised as he sucked a breath in, teetering on the edge of sweet, sweet release.

He came inside her that day, his cock leaking inside her warm, warm cunt till he was fully spent and empty, her cunt full of his load as he stayed inside a little longer, relishing in the way she fluttered around him, squeezing and milking his cock for all he had.

He kissed her knuckles, murmuring sweet words of love as they lay on the counter for a while, her bake affair long forgotten, since she had already gotten a taste of something much sweeter.

***

The next morning, as Y/N was featherlight kissing her way down Harry's chiseled torso with the intent of rousing him for another sensual round, her lips brushed against something unfamiliar on his skin. Frowning, she pushed back the bedsheets to get a better look.

There, etched in thick black ink just above Harry's hipbone, was a new tattoo she had never noticed before. It was a series of numbers, almost like...coordinates?

Y/N felt her breath catch as she recognized the distinctly precise numerical patterning. She had taken enough coding classes to spot geographic coordinates when she saw them.

"Harry..." she gulped, tracing the new ink with a trembling fingertip. "What is this? Why do you have map coordinates tattooed on your body?"

The sleepy, blissed-out expression on Harry's face instantly shuttered closed as soon as the words left Y/N's lips. He seemed to almost freeze for a moment, grimacing ever-so-slightly as he struggled to keep his expression neutral.

"It's...nothing to concern yourself with, darling," he finally replied in a tone that was just a bit too overly-casual. "Just a drunken mistake from a mate's stag night a few weeks back. Doesn't mean anything, I swear."

But Y/N knew her boyfriend too well to be convinced by his nonchalant dismissal. She searched his bright green eyes, unable to shake the feeling that there was much more to this strange new tattoo than he was letting on.

What secrets could Harry possibly be keeping from her? And just where exactly would those map coordinates lead if she dared to follow them?

The delicious haze of their previous intimacy was shattered, replaced by a gnawing sense that Y/N was missing out on some important truth about her boyfriend's life. And she knew their relationship could never regain that blissful closeness until she uncovered what Harry was hiding...

(next part)

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tell me if you like this! i want to do a part 2, but this one's long, so we'll see! please reblog or comment if you like, it makes my heart happy :)

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[onceagainace]

Always always fan of lot 2021

#hits

[thecuriousbeauty]

rough sex, size kink, daddy kink, multiple orgasms, etc. (don't judge me, I'm ovulating) ah, and I also love your writing

Rough- Harry Styles x reader (Smut blurb)

A/N:- Hey anon, thanks for the request! So sorry it took so long, I was on a little holiday:) Hope you love this!

Warnings: Everything in the ask! Pure filth. Smut. Fingering, degradation, light spanking, penetration(p in v), choking.

Word count: 1.6K

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You had pushed all his buttons. And now, he was fuming as he drove back home with you, his knuckles white on the steering wheel.

To be fair, it was Harry who had to ditch your plans together because a meeting came up. He had been so busy lately, and he’d promised you that he’d spend the whole day with you. Although it wasn’t his fault, he didn’t hold up on the promise and he had to go away till the evening. Of course he apologized and told you he’d make up for it, but you decided to tease him a little in return.

When Harry was back, he wanted to take you to a fancy dinner but you said you just wanted to go out for drinks and that’s what you did. You wore a short silver dress that hugged your curves beautifully and the length stopped just right below your ass. You didn’t talk to him on the way. As soon as you got to the club, you went to the dance floor and started swaying your hips and your ass. Harry leaned on the bar stool, looking at you. 

He understood that you were pissed, so he just kept quiet. Until, you started flirting with another guy. It got so intense, he started rubbing against your ass from behind and you just giggled, enjoying how Harry’s eyes were burning as he watched it. He walked to the dance floor and threw the man off of you by his collar.

“Woah! What the hell man?”

“Hands off my girlfriend.”, Harry growled at him, and you tugged on his shirt. “Harry!”

“Geez I didn’t know she’s taken!”

And that’s how you were now sitting in the passenger’s seat of the car, arms folded across your chest while he drove you home. Harry didn’t say anything, which only made you anxious. Had you taken it too far? You just wanted to get him angry enough so he would rough you up a little. 

You were gonna rush up the stairs and to bed but Harry wrapped his hand around your hair, tugging it back, making you wince. “Not so quickly, sweetheart. You think I’m just gonna ignore that little act you pulled?” Harry’s deep voice rasped in your ear. 

“Y-You were being mean to me.”, you pout, gasping as he tugs you to his body, wrapping an arm around your waist and tightening his hold on your hair, making you lean your head back on his shoulder. 

“I was not. I apologized, I told you I’d make up for it. But no, you had to go and be a brat to get my attention.” 

As much as his hold on your hair hurt, you couldn’t help but smirk at how riled up he was, and you could see in his eyes how badly he wanted you. 

“Well guess what, baby? You’ve got all my attention now.” He dips his head down, lips finding the sweet spot on your neck and you moan softly, moving a hand to his hair to tug on his luscious soft curls. His hand moved from your hair to lift up your dress and land a smack to your ass.

You jerked forward, but his arm around your middle kept you in place. “Did I tell you could touch me?”, he asks, gripping the flesh of your ass. 

“No daddy..”, you moan, loving the sting from the slap but also how wet the thought of a punishment made you.

“That’s what I thought. You are not to speak or touch me until I say so, got it?”

“Yes.” You nod, yelping as his hand comes down again on the same spot he hit. “Yes, daddy.”, you correct yourself. 

He hums, yanking down the zipper of your dress and pulling it down your sides. “Fucking short little dress, putting on a show for everyone. Don’t worry, daddy’s gonna remind you who you belong to.”

He tugs off your bra before cupping your right breast and connecting your lips. You moan into his mouth as his tongue explores your mouth, and you’re tempted to touch his body, snake your hands under his shirt, feel his sculpted body under your hands. 

“Daddy..”, you whined, feeling his hardness against your ass. 

“I don’t think you deserve my cock. You were being a little whore today, weren’t you?”, he taunts, pinching one of your nipples.

“Sorry daddy, let me m-make you feel better.”, you say, fluttering your eyelashes at him.

“Shut up.”, he gives your breast a light slap before his fingers pull on the material of your thong. “This fucking thing barely hides your pussy.” He ripped it off, making you gasp. He was quick to stuff his fingers into your mouth, and the two fingers of his other hand slipped into your wet hole.

“I didn’t even do anything and you’re dripping wet.”, he says, sciscoring his fingers inside of you at a fast pace, making you squeal around his fingers in your mouth. He pushes them in further, hitting the back of your throat making you gag and your eyes water. 

“I think you forgot who owns your pussy. You’ll let daddy destroy your little pussy, won’t you?”

You nod fervently, your saliva sputtering around his fingers. He curls his fingers inside your vagina, hitting your g-spot repeatedly. “Fucking little slut. Do you want to cum?”

He removes his fingers from your mouth and presses his hand to your lower stomach, keeping you in place as you squirmed. Your legs were shaking and you weren’t sure how much longer you could stand. “Y-Yes daddy.”, you cry out, your toes tingling and your vision already going blurry with the amount of pleasure.

“Ask nicely.”, he hisses, biting your ear lobe. 

“Please, p-please daddy I’ll be good, please let me cum. I-I’ll be your good girl, I’m s-sorry!” You scream as his thumb applies pressure to your clit, rubbing quick circles. “Go on, cum all over daddy’s fingers.”

By the time you’re back on earth after the amazing orgasm you just had, Harry has you on the couch on all fours, giving you barely enough time to recover as he slides his cock inside your sensitive pussy.

“Shit, always so tight.”, he curses, fingers digging into your hips. “Daddy’s gonna fuck you like a whore. I know that’s what you like.”

You scream as he starts to thrust his hips, his cock hitting deep inside you. It felt so good. He filled you up incredibly. His huge dick came crashing into your walls and you could do nothing but cry out in pleasure. 

“You think that guy has a bigger cock? Can he fuck you like this? Make you cry?”, Harry leans down to ask in your ear. You can’t answer, your vagina trying to envelop him and at the same time, press him out. 

“Answer me.”, he gruffs, one of his hands coming up to wrap around your throat and lift your face up. 

“N-No, no daddy..”, you whimper and choke as he pulls up your upper body by your neck, and he adjusts himself so his cock hits a deeper angle. “Who’s the only one who can fuck you like this hm?”

“You, daddy. Y-You fuck me so good..” You were nearing your release again. “M-May I cum? P-Please daddy?”

“Yes.”, he slaps your ass, hard. He moans and throws his head back in pleasure as he feels your warm juices coat his pulsating dick. He’s flipping you around onto your back, holding your knees apart and slamming into you again.

You whine from the over sensitivity. “D-Daddy I-I can’t..it’s too much.”

“You can, you’ll take it like a good girl. I know you can.”, he says, looking down at your stomach to see the dent his dick was making from inside. His eyes move to your face, looking at your smeared mascara and plump red lips, then moving to your breasts. 

“So fucking pretty like this.”, he says, bending down to brush his lips against the corner of your mouth. “You can touch me, baby.”

Your hands immediately travel to his hair and his back to pull him closer to you. You were already as close as you could be, but you wanted him impossibly closer. His curly hair was messy and cheeks flushed from your activities, but he looked beautiful.

“I-I love you.”, you whisper, and he kisses you. You cling to him as he was the only solid thing around you, and he was the only one whom you trusted with your entire being. “I love you too, sweet girl.”, he whispers and presses his forehead against yours.

“Want your cum inside me daddy, fill me up.”, you say, clenching around him as you know he’s close.

“Fuck, just like that, baby, you take me s-so well.”, he moans. You cum again from the feeling of him filling you up, and Harry collapses over you as you both recover from your highs. The only noise in the room was of your heavy breaths.

Harry lifts his head to look at you, your closed eyes fluttering open as he taps your cheek. “You okay darling? Was I too rough?”

“I’m okay, it was p-perfect. Just tired.”, you tell him, smiling softly as he presses a sweet kiss to your cheek “I’ll run you a bath, get you something to eat and then we can go to sleep.”

You hum. “Sounds good.”

Harry stroked your cheek with his thumb. “Hey, I really am sorry about today, love.”

“It’s okay! All forgiven after that.”, you giggle and he grins, shifting to lay beside you so he could pull you into his arms. “Maybe I should make you angry more often.”

“Oh yeah?”, he smiles amused, pressing kisses to your face as you laugh. “My naughty little minx.”

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[moonchildstyles]

harry at these soccer games…… 🥸🥸🥸 now THATS! my baby daddy prosecco h🥸

wordcount: 3.2k+

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"Sweetheart, are y'almost ready?" 

(Y/N) wanted to roll her eyes, huff out an attitude and shout back to Harry that she'd be ready when she was ready, until she saw the time. 

They were now running fifteen minutes behind.

To be fair, she thought she was doing much better on time than she actually was. She had figured the last time he had shouted to her was only a short two minutes ago, but it appeared he had given her a full ten minutes and she was still working on getting her hair to lay the way she wanted. At least her makeup was done and her outfit was laid out on her bed. 

"Almost," (Y/N) called back over the sound of the hairdryer, working the device a bit quicker over her strands. 

"We need to leave in five minutes, love. We're already running a little late, so try to be ready soon." 

Her lips thinned at his evergreen patience. Now she felt that much more guilty for almost giving him attitude. Besides, today was for him, one of the very few times he allowed himself to be the focus of their activities, the least she could do was hurry up and little and let him enjoy it to the fullest. 

Despite still not being happy with her hair, she took the strands at what they were and turned off the dryer. Worst case, she'd stick a claw clip in and hope that concealed the untamable strands. Rushing back to her bedroom, she made quick work of wiggling into her outfit. Finishing touches came in the form of clumsy perfume spritzes, extra swipes of lip gloss before shoving the tube in her bag, and blindly stuffing her feet into her shoes. 

Skittering out of her bedroom, she met Harry where he was standing with his phone in hand, forehead creased. 

"I'm ready, I'm sorry," (Y/N) blurted, fastening her emergency claw clip to the handle of her purse, "We can go." 

Harry looked up at her, clearly stressed with lines around his eyes and lips thinned, "'S alright, love. Y'look pretty." 

"Worth the wait?" she teased, feeling her cheeks warm from his smile praise.

The worry lines on his face melted some as she spoke, "Always. C'mon, pretty." 

Setting her hand in the crook of Harry's offered arm, (Y/N) suddenly forgot about each strand of hair that wouldn't cooperate, the fold on the heel of her sock from stubbornly stepping into her shoes. There was no way she could feel less than perfect when Harry talked to her that way—when he looked at her like that. 

—————

After the debacle of finding a parking space among the crowded lot, (Y/N) wasn't excited to see the amount of people that outnumbered the cars they had already trekked through. While she definitely enjoyed her nightlife, bar hopping among different crowds, there was something definitely much less appealing about this crowd she found herself among. 

(It was probably the lack of alcohol, if she was being honest). 

"Where are our seats?" (Y/N) murmured, clutching Harry's hand to keep him from straying. 

Absently peeking at the ticket on his phone, Harry rattled off the section and seat numbers. Truthfully, the information didn't mean much to her given that Harry was in charge of leading them to where they needed to go; she had hoped he would tell her in general where they would be watching the match, as in by the goal or something. 

She hummed in response, letting him pull her to go ahead of him as they ventured into a particularly congested area of the arena. A line for the concessions converged with the line of eager fans attempting to get special edition merchandise for the event, enough activity to leave a narrow space for both flows of traffic to travel through. 

"Jus' go straight ahead," Harry murmured as he ducked down to her ear, his hands on her waist from behind. 

A string of excuse me and sorry fell from her lips every time she encountered a new body, her steps minuscule as they moved beyond. If she had even wanted anything to drink or snack on during the game, there was no way she was even attempting the line unless they found a less noticeable stall or until everyone cleared out. 

Popping out on the other side, (Y/N) found a small space out of the way before turning to look at Harry once more. He made sure they got through the worst of it together, but his captaining job was far from over if the rest of the stadium was anything like that. 

"Y'okay, pretty?" he asked, looking to her through the dark of his shades though the stern line of his lips showed off all of his concern. 

"Yeah," she sighed, anchoring herself once more with a grip on his hand, "Just a lot of people. I wasn't expecting this." 

He hummed an acknowledgment to her as they started down the curving corridor along the bowl of the venue. "I've been wanting to take y'to other matches before this one, but someone's always too busy." 

The look he cast over his sunnies was accusing, though it lost much of his grit when a slight smile tugged at the corners of his lips. 

"Because I am," (Y/N) countered, just a pitch away from a whine in her voice, "And, I don't think I've been missing out on much if this is how these things go." 

"'S no different than one of your concerts, love," he mused, ever-patient as he counted off each of the section headers above the doors leading to the seating, "And this is a big match, anyway. They're usually not this crazy." 

Before she could offer anything in response, Harry rapidly pulled her out of the way as a group of shirtless men with green painted torsos barreled through the corridor, drunken laughter spilling in their wake. His features were set in stiff lines as he looked over his shoulder at the rowdy group disappearing. 

"Maybe a little worse than your concerts, actually," he muttered, the admission made under his breath as he opted to keep his arm around her waist as opposed to leashing her by his hand. Easier to keep her safe. 

With that, he became her guard dog for the trek, sharp eyes keeping watch for any and everything that might cause his pretty girl harm while finding their seats. Rowdy patrons or those unwilling to give her space were given sharp glare before Harry elbowed around them, ensuring no one touched even a single hair on the top of her head. 

It was enough to have (Y/N) sighing as if in a dream. It was cute seeing him act this way, protective and adoring. It was even more interesting to see others' reactions to his behavior; when others cowered out of the way, (Y/N) wondered what was going on in their head. She couldn't imagine wanting to go the opposite direction of her Harry, not even when he had his lips pursed and eyes narrowed. She was too familiar with the dimples hiding in the folds of his cheeks or the bunny-like front teeth shielded by lips. 

"I'll go first this time. Hang onto me," Harry directed once they reached the correct section. 

As he started down the flight of stairs, he reached a hand out behind him for (Y/N) to take. She didn't hesitate before clutching his fingers, his grip tight as he started descending to their row. Looking around at the arena of fans around her, (Y/N) truthfully couldn't believe the energy. It was decidedly much different than any concert she had ever attended, even to ones she'd been to at this exact venue. 

There was almost something slightly aggressive about the audience with the differing sides mingling together, along with pints of alcohol and greasy food. There were costumed attendees complete with wild wigs and painted faces sat beside those with determined faces and brains full of the rulebook. Of course there were those like H, just excited to be there and hopeful for their favorite team, and those like her, there because someone they cared about wanted to be in attendance. 

Going lower and lower in the bowl, Harry finally stopped over a handful of rows away from the green. Pulling her to stand beside him, he pointed at a pair of vacant seats a few people in. 

"Those two, right there. I'll be right behind you," he murmured into her ear, urging her on with a hand on her back. 

Going ahead without a word, (Y/N) apologized as she skirted her way by those already sat down. She couldn't help the frown that plucked her features when the crowd around them erupted into cheers for no apparent reason. It spiked her anxiety, feeling as if they were missing something important, even if (Y/N) didn't really have any real interest in any of the events taking place this evening. 

Settling into her seat, she waited for Harry to join her with wide eyes. As soon as he caught the way she was looking at him, a small smile touched his cheeks. 

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" he uttered, sliding his sunglasses to the top of his head. 

"There's..." she trailed off, emphasizing her point with her eyes scanning around the stadium, "so much." 

"I know, right?" he muttered, a giddy undertone to his words, "'S exciting." 

"Something like that," she smiled, happy to see how excited he was to be here. 

"It'll be more fun when the match starts," he insisted, "Everyone settles down a little." 

"When does it start?" (Y/N) asked, watching as the jumbo screen above the field went through an advertisement for the cheese sticks available at the concession stand. If she wasn't turned off by the mess of a line they'd seen, she would be asking Harry if they could grab an order of the fried cheese. 

Harry hummed, checking his phone. "Not for another forty-five minutes." 

Just as he spoke, just a couple of rows ahead of them, a pair of strangers began loudly arguing about some statistics she had no context for. 

This was going to be a long forty-five minutes. 

—————

Shooting to her feet, (Y/N) followed Harrys cue as he cheered. She wasn't exactly sure what for, considering she didn't see any of the players make a goal, but she would just have to ask about those rules later. For now, she clapped and cheered with him, watching from the corner of her eye for when he took his seat again. 

When the crowd settled once more, Harry held a giddy smile on his face, nose pinkened by the time in the sun. As much as this match wasn't her cup of tea, seeing him having fun the way he was definitely made up for some of the discomfort and how lost she was rules-wise. 

Leaning over the armrest with her mouth hovering by his ear, she asked the same question she'd already posed periodically through the match, "Good?" 

"Really good, pretty!" he answered in a chirp, "We've got the ball now." 

"Ohhh," she sounded. It was news to her that their preferred team didn't have the ball already. 

The ball was nothing more than a black and white spot going across the green while colorful jerseys followed after. The audience was raptured, almost caught in silence while the plays were made, but (Y/N) was much more interested in watching Harry. 

While he wasn't completely committed to watching any and every game that came on the television, she could tell being here was especially exciting for him. It made her excited about the game just seeing how much it meant to him; she was this close to grabbing a jersey to keep at his house for the nights she spent over. 

She couldn't help but to angle herself as close as possible to him despite the armrest separating them, leaving her arm pressed flush against his. Harry didn't even glance at her before he was lifting that same arm and dropping it around her shoulders, keeping her close. 

"Thank you for coming with me, sweetheart," he murmured into her ear, his voice clear over the rush of the crowd. A delicate kiss was placed on her temple, his lips warmer than even the sun's rays on the grass. 

She beamed up at him, admiring the angles of his features. The height of his cheekbones, the line of his sun kissed nose, the length of his curling lashes. Her man. 

"Thank you for bringing me," she said, craning her neck just enough to press her lips to the stubbled cheek. 

She could feel the dip of his dimple underneath her lips as he smiled.

Just then, a seemingly important goal was made. Harry pulled her to stand up and cheer with him, his hands over his head with the rest of the excitable crowd. 

"Did you see that!?" Harry yelled, eyes wide and smile broad. 

Of course she didn't. She was busy kissing on her boyfriend, she wasn't watching the match. 

Nonetheless, seeing him smile made it that much easier for her to do the same. "That was crazy!" 

His expression—bright eyes with a wide smile, his cheeks holding a pinkened glow—was well worth her little fib. 

—————

"That's gonna look really cute on you, sweetheart." 

(Y/N)'s beaming smile was directed up at Harry, looking at the colorful jersey he'd purchased for her. It was truthfully not her color, and the fit was going to be something she was going to have to fight to style to her liking, but it was Harry's favorite player. More than anything, this was for him, something she was going to keep at his home for the night she would spend in his bed. 

"You think so?" she chirped, looking up at him with bright eyes. Maybe her words were a bit of a ploy, fishing for some compliments. Could anyone blame her? Hearing softened words wrapped up in his voice, all while he was looking at her, was all too easy to become addicted to. 

"I know so, love," he smiled, quickly casting his eyes to the line of cars slowly moving ahead of them, "Gonna wear it tonight?" 

Her smile turned a bit sheepish as his voice drawled around the question. "I can, if you want." 

When she peeked at him from the corner of her eye, she saw the way his eyes dropped to the jersey in her lap back up to the line of her profile. There was a shade to his gaze now, something warming through the green of his irises as he looked at her. The raspberry of his lips was slicked over by the top of her tongue just before his attention was called back to the windscreen. 

"I want." 

The breathy laugh that fell from her lips was just as dazed as it was spurred on by the butterflies awakening in her stomach. "I can do that." 

Harry hummed, reaching over to place his palm against her thigh. Traffic finally began to shift from the stop and go lock the car park was caught in, into a slow crawl, leaving his eyes fixed on the windshield instead of on his pretty girl. Instinctively, she angered her body towards him, settling her palm atop his hand. 

The dimple in his cheek was his only acknowledgment of her move. "Did y'really have fun today, love?" 

"I did," she chirped, bouncing in her seat, "I don't think I really get it still, but it was so fun to see all of the people. It made me excited even though I didn't really know what for." 

"Yeah?" he smiled, glancing at her as he shifted into the flow of traffic, "'M happy y'had fun. I know 's not really your thing, but it means a lot that y'came with me. Thank you, pretty girl." 

This time, the warming pit in her stomach flushed away into something delicate, full of cotton candy clouds and saccharine threads. She was sure her eyes were practically hearts at this point, trained right on him.

"You always come to me with all of my favorite stuff, so I'm happy we did something for you today. You had fun today, right?"

"So much, baby. I always have fun with you." 

She could have melted right into the leather of her seat if not for his hand on her thigh holding her together. 

"I always have fun with you, too," she murmured, reaching across the center console until she had her lips pressed to his cheek. It was a lingering touch, something she was well aware she needed to cut short given the cars racing outside the windows, but she couldn't help but to take her time. The stubble under her kiss prickled against her lips, against the tip of her nose. "I love you." 

As she settled back into her spot, Harry's grip tightened on her leg. "Pretty, I can't pull over right now." 

Blinking at him, she sounded, "Huh?" 

He shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Y'can't act like that—kissing on me and whispering—when I've got to keep us safe. 'S not fair, I want to kiss you, too." 

Biting back a smile, she wrapped her fingers around his clenching palm. "Just find a shoulder or something," she suggested, "Or, I'm sure we'll get to a red light at some point." 

He seemed to consider the former suggestion for a moment, eyes glancing out the windscreen to the lanes before them. After a moment, he shook his head. "I'll save it for when we're home. Are y'spending the night?" 

"I can if you want." 

"I want." 

This time, she couldn't help but let out a full, bubbling laugh. His response was quick—too quick to hide anything. "Are we still stopping for dinner?" she asked, despite knowing the likely answer. 

"No." 

Maybe she was missing the feel of his stubbled cheek, or she was teasing him just a little, but she couldn't help but to lean across and press another kiss to his cheek. 

His hand on her thigh moved in an instant, landing on the back of her neck in a weighty press. 

"Pretty." 

"Sorry," she giggled, pulling away though Harry's hand stayed just where it was on the back of her neck, "I'll stop." 

The sunburned glow to his nose and cheeks was only emboldened by the flush touching the cream of his skin. "Y'better, love. Y'like being good for me, right?" 

It was her turn to feel the warmth, the pad of his thumb skating over the column of her throat. "Yeah. Sorry, H." 

He gave one more lingering pulse of his fingers before his palm dragged down the curve of her throat and the length of her arm until it was back in her lap. "It's alright, sweetheart. Jus' save it for m'bedroom. And your new little shirt."

Who was she to turn down a plan like that? 

Maybe, they were going to have to start going to more of these matches. Especially if they ended like this.

—————

ive missed my king Prosecco:( I really hope everyone enjoys how this turned out! thank u sm for reading, sorry for any mistakes, and if theres anything fun you want to share send them in!!!!!

[unabashegirl]

Fragments — one shot

Harry runs into Y/N in Japan. She is his ex and she is seeking closure.

Author's note: Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. Here is this week's one shot! I hope you enjoy it. LOTS OF ANGST! The second part will get posted tomorrow.

check out my patreon (starting at $2) and get full access to all chapters, various one shots and much more :)

Please note that everything that is both underlined and italicized is from the past—they are flashbacks!

word count 3.9K

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As the sun began its descent in the late afternoon sky, Shiba Park in Tokyo was bathed in a gentle, golden light. The cherry blossoms, just beginning to bloom, added a delicate touch of pink to the scene, signaling the early days of spring. The air was crisp but not cold, filled with the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers and fresh grass.

Harry Styles, hoping to escape the relentless pace of his life, walked through the park with a coffee in hand. Dressed casually, he blended in with the locals, his trademark curls tucked under a beanie and his eyes hidden behind sunglasses. The sounds of children playing, birds chirping, and the distant hum of the city created a peaceful backdrop.

As Harry roamed along the winding paths, taking in the serene beauty of the park, his attention was drawn to a familiar figure sitting on the grass. It was Y/N, his ex-girlfriend, enjoying a solitary picnic. A blanket was spread out before her, adorned with an assortment of snacks and a book lying open beside her. She seemed lost in her own world, her face relaxed and serene.

Two years had passed since their breakup, a period marked by unresolved tensions and painful memories. Seeing Y/N unexpectedly stirred a mix of emotions within Harry. He paused, torn between the urge to approach and the instinct to keep his distance. The years apart had softened some of the bitterness, but the wounds were still there, just beneath the surface.

Y/N, sensing someone's gaze, looked up and their eyes met. For a moment, time stood still. The park faded away, and all that existed was the shared history and unspoken words between them. Harry's heart raced, and he wondered if the universe was giving them a chance to get some closure or if it was sick joke.

Harry's breath hitched slightly as he stood there, unsure of what to do next. His mind raced with memories of their past together—the good times, the laughter, the fights, and ultimately, the heartbreak. He took a tentative step forward, then stopped. Y/N, on the other hand, seemed to be caught in a similar turmoil. Her eyes, which had initially shown surprise, softened as she looked at him, but there was also a hint of uncertainty.

The sounds of the park seemed to fade into the background as they continued to hold each other’s gaze. Finally, Harry took another step forward and then another until he was standing a few feet away from her. He hesitated, then managed a small, tentative smile.

“I thought Japan was my territory and off limits for you” he said, his voice gentle, almost hesitant.

“Didn’t realize that we still had divided territories. Weren’t you in Italy a few weeks ago?” she replied, a playful tone in her voice, but her expression a mix of surprise and amusement. She shifted slightly on the blanket, making room as if inviting him to sit.

He took the invitation, lowering himself onto the grass beside her. For a few moments, they sat in silence, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and distant laughter from other park visitors. Harry took a sip of his coffee, searching for the right words.

"Point taken," he said with a knowing smile, aware that Italy held a special place in her heart. Perhaps that's why he found himself spending most of his free time there—chasing her and the memories they had once shared. Italy had become one of refuge, a place where he could feel closer to her, even if she was no longer by his side.

"I didn’t expect to see you here," he finally said, glancing at her.

"I didn’t expect to see you either," she replied, a faint smile touching her lips. "How have you been?"

He nodded, looking down at his coffee cup. "I've been... busy. Touring, recording, the usual. What about you?"

“Good. Nothing unusual” she said, her gaze drifting to the cherry blossoms. "Life's been quiet, but good.”

"How long are you staying?"

"A month."

"You finally took those vacations," he smiled warmly, fully aware of how much she had dreamed of this much-needed break. The thought of her taking time for herself brought a sense of relief—he had always wanted her to prioritize her well-being, even if their paths had diverged.

Y/N nodded, a grateful expression softening her features. "Yes, finally," she replied, a hint of exhaustion tinged with excitement in her voice. "I needed this more than I realized."

Harry looked at her, noticing the subtle signs of weariness that hinted at the weight she had been carrying. "I'm glad you're giving yourself this time," he said sincerely. "You deserve it."

As they sat on the grass, Y/N suddenly glanced at her watch and then back at Harry, her expression shifting. "I need to get going," she said softly, her voice tinged with reluctance.

Harry looked at her, concern etching his features. "Is everything okay?"

She nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. I just... I have stuff to do."

Harry felt a pang of disappointment but tried to hide it. "I get it," he said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity. “Let me walk you out?”

Y/N hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah. Sure”.

They stood up together, brushing off their clothes. As they walked side by side through the park, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across their path. The silence between them was comfortable, though charged with unspoken words and hidden feelings.

Y/N looked at him momentarily and she felt like she was in the dream. Like in one of the numerous dreams that she had when they had just broken up.

As they neared the exit, Harry felt a growing sense of urgency. He wasn’t ready to let her go just yet. The thought of not seeing her again gnawed at him, so he took a deep breath and asked, "What are you doing tomorrow?"

Y/N glanced at him, sensing the hesitation in his voice. "I’m not sure yet."

Harry's heart raced as he quickly blurted out, "I’m taking a course on making sushi in the afternoon, and in the evening, I was invited to an art exhibition. Would you like to come with me?"

He winced slightly, realizing how rushed and jumbled his words had sounded. But to his relief, Y/N seemed to understand him perfectly. She hesitated, clearly taken aback by the suddenness of the invitation. Her mind raced with conflicting emotions. Part of her wanted to decline, to remind herself of the pain that still lingered from their past. Yet another part of her, the part that still held onto the connection they once shared, was tempted to say yes.

She looked at him, trying to gauge his intentions. It wasn’t lost on her how much effort he was putting into this, how much he seemed to want to bridge the gap between them. But she also knew that accepting would mean opening old wounds, and she wasn’t sure she was ready for that.

Deep down, she felt a strong need for closure. She deserved at least that from him—an explanation for everything that had happened in those last few months. The questions that had haunted her, the confusion that lingered, all demanded answers. And as much as she wanted to protect herself from further pain, she knew that without closure, she would never truly be able to move on.

She took a deep breath, her mind racing as she weighed her options. Harry’s invitation felt like an opportunity—a chance to finally confront the unresolved issues between them, to hear his side of the story, and maybe even to find some peace.

“Okay,” she said quietly, meeting his gaze. “I’ll go”.

Harry’s eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and relief. “Really?”

She nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah”. she agreed, feeling a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

Harry nodded, his smile growing. “I’ll pick you up”.

“Sounds good” She gave him a small nod.

As Y/N walked away, a surprising sense of calm washed over her. She returned to the charming Airbnb she had rented, a place that had captivated her with its traditional decor and tranquil Japanese garden. This trip had been a rare indulgence—she never took vacations, so she had splurged on a stay that offered peace and serenity. Running into Harry had been the last thing she expected, a twist she hadn’t anticipated.

Once back, Y/N found herself reaching for the bottle of wine she had been saving for her last night in Japan. She poured herself a generous glass, savoring the rich aroma, and then slid open one of the doors that led to the garden. Sitting on the edge, she let her gaze drift over the carefully tended landscape, the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze soothing her nerves.

As she sipped her wine, memories flooded back—how it all began with Harry, how blissfully happy they had been during those first two years. The laughter, the shared dreams, the moments that had once made her heart soar.

Y/N rushed through the crowded streets, her phone cradle between her ear and shoulder as she fumbled with bags. She was late, as usual, and in the midst of her hurried pace, she decided to call her coworker to confirm a meeting time.

Without looking too closely, she scrolled through her contacts and dialed the number of her coworker. The phone rang twice before a voice answered on the other end.

“Hello?” a deep, distinctly British voice said.

“Hey, I’m running a bit late,” Y/N said not bothering with pleasantries. “But I’m almost there, so don’t leave without me, okay?”

There was a brief pause on the other end. “Um, I think you might have the wrong number, love,” the voice replied, amusement clear in the tone.

Y/N stopped dead in her tracks, her heart skipping a beat. That wasn’t her coworker’s voice. Realization hit her like a freight train.

“Oh my God,” she blurted out, her face flushing with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, I thought I was calling someone else!”

The man on the other end chuckled, a warm, easy sound that somehow made her feel even more flustered. “It’s not every day I get a call like this. I’m amused”

Y/N squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she could disappear into thin air. “I’m so sorry,” she repeated, feeling like a complete idiot. “I didn’t mean to bother you.”

“You’re not bothering me at all. Don’t hang up just yet” He assured her, his voice still light with humor. “I’m a bit curious now. Who were you trying to call?”

“My coworker,” she replied, still mortified. “We were supposed to meet for a presentation, and I’m runnin —”

Suddenly, the call cut off, the connection lost as she moved through a spotty area of service. She stared at her phone in disbelief, her face heating up with a mix of mortification and frustration.

She hesitated, her finger hovering over the screen, but she couldn’t bring herself to redial. It had been a mistake, after all. He probably didn’t think twice about it, she told herself, brushing off the encounter as nothing more than a fleeting moment of awkwardness.

Little did she know, the brief exchange would leave a lasting impression on him. The first track on his next album would be inspired by that stranger’s call, and it would become a hit record.

The next day, as they strolled through the bustling streets of Japan, Harry noticed the silence that had settled between them. The vibrant surroundings seemed to contrast with the quiet tension that hung in the air. He glanced over at Y/N, who was lost in thought, her expression distant.

“You’re quieter than usual,” Harry remarked gently, breaking the silence. His tone was soft, tinged with concern as he searched her face for any sign of what might be on her mind.

Y/N looked up, startled out of her thoughts. She offered him a small, almost apologetic smile. “Just taking it all in,” she replied, her voice quieter than usual too, as if she were trying to keep something at bay.

Harry nodded, but he could tell there was more to it. There was a weight in her eyes that hadn’t been there before, a heaviness that seemed to grow with each step they took closer to the restaurant he had reserved for their private cooking lesson.

“I don’t want this to be awkward,” Harry said, sensing the tension that lingered between them. He wanted to clear the air, to ease the unease that seemed to hang over them, but he knew that doing so would mean opening Pandora’s box—revealing a lot of things he wasn’t ready to confront just yet.

Harry’s words hung in the air, and for a moment, Y/N hesitated. She didn’t want to make things more difficult, but the weight of unspoken questions pressed down on her, demanding to be acknowledged.

“Harry,” she began, her voice trembling slightly as she forced herself to continue, “what went wrong?”.

The question hung there, raw and exposed, cutting through the fragile peace they had tried to maintain. Harry’s steps faltered, his breath catching as he turned to face her, the streets of Japan fading into the background.

“Y/N…” he started, but his voice trailed off, as if he couldn’t find the right words. Or maybe he was afraid of them.

She looked into his eyes, searching for something—an answer, an apology, anything that could make sense of the pain that had consumed her in the months after their breakup. “We used to be happy until those last few months,” she continued, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry’s chest tightened as memories of their past came rushing back. He could see it all so clearly—the late-night conversations that stretched into the early morning, the spontaneous trips, the way she used to look at him with so much love in her eyes. It was all there, and it hurt to think about how they had lost it.

Y/N stood outside the studio, her heart pounding in her chest as she leaned against the wall, trying to stay out of sight. She had only been dating Harry for a few weeks, and everything still felt so new, so fragile. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but when she’d arrived at the studio, the sound of his voice singing had stopped her in her tracks.

She could hear him inside, his voice smooth and captivating as he worked through a melody with a small group of people. Y/N knew she should knock, let him know she was there, but something held her back. She was still shy around him, nervous about stepping into his world, a world she felt she was only just beginning to understand.

The music flowed through the walls, wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. She could hear the passion in Harry’s voice, the way he poured himself into every note. It was mesmerizing, and she found herself leaning closer to the door, not wanting to miss a single word.

She bit her lip, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she listened. This was Harry in his element, doing what he loved, and she didn’t want to interrupt that. But as much as she loved hearing him sing, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place, like she was intruding on something private.

Just as she was about to quietly slip away, the door to the studio creaked open. One of the musicians stepped out, giving Y/N a polite nod as he passed by. She froze, hoping he hadn’t noticed her lingering there like some awkward fan. But as the door swung wider, Y/N realized with a jolt that Harry was looking directly at her.

He paused mid-sentence, his eyes lighting up with surprise and something else—something warmer. A smile spread across his face, and he excused himself from the group, his gaze never leaving hers as he stepped toward the doorway.

“Hey darlin’” Harry said softly, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and affection. “How long have you been out here?”

Y/N blushed, feeling caught. “Not long,” she lied, glancing down at her shoes. “I didn’t want to interrupt… You sounded amazing, by the way.”

Harry chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “You could’ve come in, you know. I don’t bite,” he teased, but his eyes were gentle, understanding her hesitation.

“I didn’t want to disturb you,” she admitted, still feeling a bit shy under his gaze.

“Come here. You can never distract me” Harry said, his tone sincere. He reached out, taking her into a tight hug. Harry pulled Y/N into a warm embrace, his arms wrapping around her as if he were trying to shield her from the world. She melted into him, her head resting against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The warmth of his body seeped into hers, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

Harry held her close, his hand gently stroking her back in slow, soothing circles. The tension she had felt earlier began to dissolve in the comfort of his embrace, replaced by a sense of peace that only he could bring her. He smelled like a mix of his cologne and something uniquely him, a scent that was both familiar and calming.

He pulled back just enough to look down at her, his eyes soft with affection.

“You are staring” She murmured, her voice low and tender. Before she could add anything else, Harry leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, his lips lingering there for a moment as if to seal his words with reassurance.

The kiss was sweet, filled with a quiet promise that made Y/N’s heart flutter. When he pulled back, he gave her a soft smile, his eyes filled with warmth. Without letting go of her, Harry reached down and took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers. His grip was firm, yet gentle.

“You tell me,” Harry said, his voice suddenly sharp, cutting through the tension between them. “You were the one who left.” The bitterness in his tone was undeniable, the memory of that night still raw and vivid in his mind.

Y/N flinched at the harshness in his words, the pain of that night rushing back to her as well. “You still don’t get it? “How hard is to accept the fact that I left you because you didn’t deserve me?”. She shot back, her voice trembling with emotion. “You shut me out. You pushed me away until I couldn’t take it”.

Harry’s jaw tightened, the frustration and hurt that had been simmering inside him now boiling over. “I didn’t know how to talk to you,” he admitted, the vulnerability in his voice catching her off guard. “I still don’t know how to talk to you”.

Y/N’s eyes filled with tears, her heart breaking all over again. “You made me feel like I wasn’t enough,” she whispered, the words spilling out before she could stop them. “Like I couldn’t do anything right, and that no matter how hard I tried, I was always going to lose you.”

Harry’s expression softened, the anger in his eyes giving way to regret. “It’s here” He said, his voice barely above a whisper as they arrived at the restaurant.

As they arrive at the restaurant, the atmosphere feels almost serene, a stark contrast to the tension that still lingers between them. The restaurant is tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, its traditional wooden façade illuminated by soft, warm lights. The sliding door opens as they approach, and they are greeted by the chef, a kind-looking man dressed in traditional Japanese clothing. His warm smile crinkles the corners of his eyes, and he bows slightly as he welcomes them.

"Welcome," the chef says in a gentle voice, his English tinged with a thick accent. "It is an honor to have you here today."

Harry returns the bow, his hand still lightly resting on Y/N’s back as they step inside. “Thank you for having us,” he replies, his tone respectful.

The chef guides them down a narrow hallway, leading them into a cozy kitchen space at the back of the restaurant. The kitchen is immaculate, with gleaming countertops and neatly arranged utensils. Fresh ingredients are laid out in beautiful wooden bowls, each one perfectly prepared for the lesson ahead. The smell of fresh fish, rice, and various seasonings fills the air, making Y/N’s stomach rumble slightly in anticipation.

The chef turns to them with another smile. “Today, we will be learning the art of sushi,” he says, gesturing to the ingredients. “Please, take an apron.”

Y/N reaches for one of the aprons hanging on a nearby hook, the fabric soft and clean in her hands. She fumbles slightly with the ties, her fingers a bit clumsy as she tries to secure it around her waist. Before she can figure it out, Harry steps forward, his hands gentle as he takes the ties from her.

“Here, let me help,” he says softly, his voice filled with a quiet warmth that makes her heart skip a beat.

Y/N turns slightly, allowing him to stand behind her. She feels the warmth of his breath on the back of her neck as he carefully ties the apron around her, his fingers brushing against her back in a way that sends shivers down her spine. There’s a tenderness in the way he handles the simple task, a care that speaks volumes, even without words.

“All set,” Harry murmurs, his voice close to her ear. He gives the ties a gentle tug to make sure they’re secure before stepping back, a small, almost shy smile playing on his lips.

Y/N glances over her shoulder at him, her heart fluttering at the look in his eyes. “Thanks,” she whispers, her voice soft as she tries to ignore the way her emotions are threatening to bubble up to the surface.

The chef, oblivious to the silent exchange between them, claps his hands together, drawing their attention back to the task at hand. “Let us begin,” he says with enthusiasm. “I will show you how to prepare the rice, and then we will move on to cutting the fish.”

Y/N takes a deep breath, trying to refocus her mind on the lesson ahead. But even as the chef begins to explain the process, she can’t shake the feeling of Harry’s hands on her, the lingering warmth of his touch a constant reminder of the connection that still exists between them, despite everything that has happened.

Part 2

[gucciforasushirestaurant]

Handle It

summary: Harry tests your endurance with a new toy.

word count: 1.9k

read time: 8 min

content warning ⚠️: nonfamous!harry x f!reader, pwp, kissing, sex toys, cunnilingus, pet names (babe, baby)

a/n: i had a dream....and now we're here lol. enjoy!

What started as an innocent cuddle during movie night has turned into moans and slow dry humping as you straddle Harry’s hips. And as much fun as you were having, as much as you love the feeling of his lips on yours, and his tongue in your mouth, he could tell that you needed something more. And he knew just the thing that could scratch that itch. 

He pulls away just enough to look at your kiss swollen pout, cradling your face. He smirks at you, stroking your cheek and pecking your pout away. 

“Want to take this to the bedroom?” You nod, biting your lip. “Okay, up.” he says playfully tapping your ass. You’re quick to get off of his lap and he’s quicker to lead you to your shared bedroom. As soon as the door closes behind him, you're wrapped around him again, arms around his neck, fingers tangled in his curls, as you pull him in for a kiss. He pulls away, too quickly for your liking, and rests his hands on your hips.  

“Get up on the bed for me.” Harry demands softly, “I need to grab something.” you tilt your head, eyes narrowed making him chuckle. “You’ll like it, I promise.” He smiles, kissing your forehead,  fingers playing with the elastic of your panties at your hip. “Get on the bed,  bottoms off . But keep your panties on, okay?”

Still unsure you take a step away from him, doing as you were told, stripping yourself of your lounge shorts and getting comfortable amongst the pillows. You watch as Harry disappears into your walk-in closet, for a little too long. 

“Harry,” you whine.  

“Aww. Needy baby. I’m coming,” Harry chuckles from inside the closet, before finally emerging with his hands behind his back. He smiles at the sight of you laid up in your bed, knees bent and feet planted, in nothing but your panties and his old band-tee just like he’d requested.  “You follow instructions so well, babe.” He smiles at you as he slowly approaches your side of the bed. “I’ve got something for you.” 

You lift up on your elbows trying to get a peak behind his back at what he was hiding, but he turns too quickly for you to see. 

“What is it?”  

Harry chuckles at how eager you are, and pulls a large box from behind his back. It’s a toy. Specifically your dream toy, a vibrator that you’d been eyeing for months. You’d showed him the toy one night curled up in bed, after  he’d introduced the idea of the two of you throwing toys into the mix of your typical bedroom play. It was way out of your budget, but it had rave reviews and a few friends had sung its praises. You never thought you’d be able to have one of your own, and knowing how much you hated spending money on yourself, Harry went ahead and decided to surprise you with it.

“You got it.” Your eyes widen and you let out a little gasp. Before looking up at him with the sweetest most innocent eyes. 

“I did.” He smiles proudly. “Thought we could try." What do you think?” He asks, eyes filled with lust. You nod, biting your lip. 

“Y- yeah. Let’s try it.” 

“Alright. But I have a little challenge for you.” 

“Okay.” You say swallowing thickly. 

“Wanna see how many settings you can get through without coming.” 

You let out a little whimper, but nod accepting the challenge anyway, “Okay.”  

 “Think you can get through all of them?” He smirks 

“Maybe.” you lie, biting your lip. You’re rarely able to beat Harry’s little ‘challenges’. They were always for fun, and never came with any real punishment, but still you always tried your best anyway, for the fun of it. And for the look of pride on Harry's face for the rare occasions you're able to beat his challenge. 

“Alright,” Harry smiles, situating himself between your legs. “Now, lay back.”

You do as you're told as Harry opens the box, taking the toy out of its packaging, laying on his stomach between your legs, face inches away from your pussy. He places a peck on either of your thighs before pressing a few buttons on the toy. It purrs to life, and your skin warms, heat pooling between your legs at the sound. Harry teases the toy up and down your inner thighs, and you jolt at the contact. 

“That’s the lowest?” you moan. 

“Yep.” Harry smirks, “You’ll be alright.” he encourages with a kiss to your inner thigh, “If at any point it gets too much just tell me okay?” 

“Okay.” 

He teases the toy some more, placing it above your mound up your stomach before finally landing right over your clothed clit. The sensation causes you to jolt slightly, but Harry soothes you, kissing at your hip. 

“Oh,” you moan. 

“Yeah?” he asks, kissing along your panty line, pressing the toy further into you. “‘S it nice?” 

“‘S really nice.”  

“Good.” 

He lets you enjoy the first setting for a few moments, and once he feels like you're tolerating it okay he looks up at you, “I’m gonna turn it up one more okay?” 

“Okay.” you whine before you hear and feel the vibrator increase in speed, and it’s a jump from the last setting to say the lease.

“Shit.” you moan, throwing your head back against the pillows. 

“Good?” 

“Yeah.” you paint, writhing your hips up into the toy, “But -”  

“What do you need?” 

“Off. I need these off.” you say tugging at the elastic of your panties. Harry kisses your hand removing them from the elastic. 

“No, not yet.” he coos, “Just a little longer, okay?”

“Okay.” you pout. Harry kisses at your inner thighs and hips, wetly and the sensation adds something that you can’t quite put your finger on, but you know it’s becoming harder to think straight. 

“Good girl, baby. You’re doing so well.” He praises. 

Just as you get comfortable with the medium buzz between your legs it comes to a sudden stop. Your eyes snap open, as you look down at Harry from between your legs, but his eyes are locked on your pussy. He sets the toy down, beside you, before running a finger up and down the front of your panties, drawing out a whine. 

“Look at that.” He coos, “You’ve soaked through your panties, baby.” He hooks his fingers into the elastic of your panties, “Think it’s time we take these off, hm?”  You nod feverishly, with a whine. You lift your hips up, helping him shimmy you out of the thin material. As they shimmy down your legs you shiver at the cool air of the room finally hitting your pussy. 

“Can I have a taste, baby?” he asks, eyes locked on your pussy. 

He had plans on getting you off with just the toy. But when it comes to you, and your pleasure, Harry was selfish. He’ll gladly admit it. 

“Mhmm, please.” 

Harry smiles, leaning forward slowly, landing a soft peck to your clit before licking one broad stripe up your pussy with a flat tongue. You moan out, rolling your hips into his face, begging for more and he gives it to you. He cups his lips around your clit sucking it into his mouth working his tongue over the sensitive bundle of nerves, moaning into your folds. 

“Mmm. So sweet baby.” He purred, against you as your hand flew to his hair, tangling into the curls. “And so fucking wet.” He laps at your pussy messily, saliva running down his chin as he works up a pace. 

“Harry.” you whimpered, pushing his face further into you, “Oh my god.” You could feel your skin heat up, the coil in your lower belly tightening, you were so close. 

“No,” Harry taunts, pulling away. “No coming yet.” before he pulls away with a smirk, and your juices all over his face. He wipes his chin, with the back of his hand, looking up at you. “We still have a few settings left. Let's see if you can handle it.” He smirks, reaching  over and grabs the toy again, placing it on the setting he had before, “Ready?” 

You nod fervently,  biting your lip. He obliges, placing the buzzing wand back where you needed it most. The medium speed had you jolt again but you quickly became accustomed to the vibrations again, whimpering and writhing about on the sheets. 

“You're doing so good, baby.” Harry smiles up at you, “Going to turn it up some more okay?” 

“Okay.” you pant, hands gripping at your chest. Harry sees the desperation on your face, can hear it in your voice. You needed him close. So without moving the toy too much, he moves from between your legs, leaning on his side, nestled next to you, one arm above your head, cradling you close to him. 

Once he's settled next to you, you hear two clicks and the toy nearly triples in speed. 

“Oh fuck.” you huff,  as Harry's hand comes down to cradle the side of your face, nuzzling into your neck placing a few sloppy kisses there. 

“You can take it baby, I know you can.” he praises, sucking your earlobe into his mouth. 

You're a moaning mess now, whimpering and moving your hips against the toy, trying to stay grounded , but with Harry kissing at your neck, it's becoming harder and harder to think straight. And it is getting harder and harder to keep yourself from falling over the edge. 

“Breathe baby.” Harry smirks into your cheek with a kiss. “Come on.” He says demonstrating a deep breath for you to copy. You do, trying your best to stave off your orgasm. 

“Oh god - Harry. I’m so -”  and just like that another click and an even faster buzz starts between your legs. 

“I know. But, you can handle it. Can’t you baby?” Harry asks into your temple, nosing at your hair. 

“Yeah. I - I can handle it.” you say breath hitching. 

“Good girl.” Harry growls, “You're almost there. One more, okay? You're doing so good, holding it for me.” 

He lets you get settled with the current setting for a few more minutes, rubbing the toy in tight circles on your clit as you focus on your breathing.  When you hear the final click it takes everything in you to withhold from coming in a second. 

“Harry - I’m going to -.” 

“You can come baby, I want you to.” He leans close to your ear, sucking your earlobe into his mouth. He presses the toy harder into your clit. “Come for me baby.” 

You roll your hips up into the toy, and just like that, your body tightens as you come in a white hot flash, gripping onto his forearm, and turning your face into his for a searing kiss. 

“Oh fuck.” You huff out into his mouth. 

“There you go!” Harry praises,  “Good girl, just like that.” He keeps pushing the vibrator against you, moving it from side to side. “Keep coming, baby. Give me one more.” He urges, and your body responds on its own, coming once more against the toy.  

“Okay okay okay.” you pant, “I’m done.” 

He takes the vibe away kissing you anywhere he can reach. “Alright, okay. You're okay. I got you.” He cradles your face in his, bringing your lips to his, “You did so good, baby. I’m so proud of you.” 

Harry pulls you into his chest, a hand stroking up and down your back as you catch your breath, “That was…wow.” you giggle looking up at him. 

“Yeah? Good investment?” He chuckles

“Amazing investment.” You smile, eyes heavy, “Might put me to sleep.” you joke, through a yawn. 

“Oh that was just a warm up baby.” Harry smirks, “I’m not finished with you yet.” 

✨masterlist✨ ∣ ✨yap & request box✨

[marypaol]

Say You Won’t Let Go

Harry James Potter x fem!reader

Summary: Harry wants to stay with her till they’re gray and old… as long as she doesn’t let go.

Warnings: Kissing? Talk of future? I think that’s it! <3

Note: In Harry’s POV yet it’s third person. I hope that makes sense to y’all. :)

Note #2: Based on the song “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur. Not the whole song though. (Some lyrics)

Between each lyric- time skip. Lyrics in italics! :)

Masterlist

Requests closed at the moment

Also started another blog! @honeychamomile1

I pulled you closer to my chest. And you asked me to stay over, I said, “I already told ya, I think that you should get some rest.”

“I’m so tired.” She grumbled. Her body squirmed under the blankets as she tried to seek a comfortable position.

“I know.” Harry chuckled in response, his fingers traveling along the skin of her arm as he kissed her temple.

She hummed, her eyes once closed but when he responded she fluttered them open, eyes sparkling at the sight of him.

“You’re so pretty, Harry.” She laughed out, hand coming up to stroke his cheek, then reaching up to adjust his glasses.

She pulled him forward with her arm around his neck, digging her face into it, and he thanked Merlin she couldn’t see his red face then. He pulled her closer to his chest, arm wrapped around her back as she was once now flushed against him.

“You should stay the night.” She whispered, snuggling herself deeper into him as she kissed the skin of his neck.

He squirmed at the feeling, the tickle sensation spreading from the area she was kissing to his toes. He sighed once she stopped, having to stop the giggles that were threatening to leave his mouth.

He leaned back, taking his arm out from behind her back so she wouldn’t crush it and stroked her hair out of her face as he looked at her.

“I already told you,” he sighed. “you should get some rest.”

She groaned at his reminder, hands reaching up to ruffle his already messed up hair. She was gonna be honest, there wasn’t a time she saw it neat. That that she was complaining, his feisty hair was one of her favorite things about him.

She then pouted when her eyes met his. He chuckled at her stubbornness, shaking his head at her.

“Don’t look at me like that, I have to go back to Ron.” He reminded with a teasing warning look.

“I was hoping you would stay when I gave you the puppy eyes.” She said, putting the show on again. He shook his head once again as an answer.

She pouted deeper, her eyes dropping before she gained composure again to hide the fact she was tired.

“Rude.” She muttered, dropping her hands from his hair.

He laughed on how cute she looked, kissing her pout away with a soft kiss to the lips.

When you looked over your shoulder

For a minute I forget that I’m older

I wanna dance with you right now

Oh, and you look as beautiful as ever

And I swear that everyday you’ll get better

You make me feel this way somehow

Harry could hear the shuffling from the seat next to him, his lover not seeming to be finding a satisfactory position to sit in while doing their work.

“I don’t know what to write!” She exclaimed, dropping her quill as she made movements in the air with her hands in exasperation.

Harry shrugged, peeking at the page number she was on in her textbook and turning to it in his own. The two were doing their Divination homework, Professor Trelawney wanting them to see how the next month for them will go.

“I’m about done with taking this seriously,” she started, shaking her head.

“You’ve been thinking I’ve been?” Harry added, but she continued, ignoring his comment.

“I’m making it up.” She decided, grabbing her quill and looking at her book, humming as she found a potential imaginary scenario that will most likely not happen anyways.

“I’ll….lose a bet….?” She suggested, still looking at her book.

Harry nods before realizing she’s not looking at him.

“Yeah, sounds good,” he replies. “Um…and I’ll…be unlucky for one week.”

She grinned at him. “Mine’s more believable.”

He scoffed. “My book doesn’t have any good ones!” He said as an excuse.

She laughed. “We have the same book!”

“Whatever-get me a different Divination book in the library, will ya?”

She rolled her eyes but got up nonetheless, searching the shelves for something better for the boy. Even though the book she was using was just fine.

She heard him close the book he was previously using and looked over her shoulder at him.

Harry just so happened to be already looking at her, and forgot everything he was thinking about moments prior. He forgot he was a year older since his birthday was in the summer, forgot that his mind should be focused on school work. His brain was occupied with thoughts on how beautiful she looked at the moment. Her eyes sparkled at the sight of him looking flustered just by looking at her, his bright green eyes something she easily got lost in.

He suddenly had the urge to get up and dance with her right in the middle of the library, despite his lack of dancing skills. He wanted to embrace her as a way to claim her his, despite the fact she already was.

Everyday she seemed to get more beautiful, more breathtaking, and more gorgeous.

Even after she chuckled at his act, turning away with thoughts all about him, a soft fuzzy feeling flooded Harry, making him feel all warm inside.

His fingertips became tingly, itching to touch her face her hair her everything. She just left him and he already longed for her to come back.

She did just that a couple minutes later, laying a book down for him as they exchanged smiles.

I'm so in love with you

And I hope you know

Darling, your love is more than worth its weight in gold

We've come so far, my dear

Look how we've grown

And I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old

Just say you won't let go

Just say you won't let go

“Say you won’t let go.”

The sentence made her head come up from his chest, her fingers halting their movements on his hand.

She looked at him and laughed halfheartedly. “What?”

He was serious when she looked at him, and so her small smile dropped suddenly at his serious mood switch.

“Say you won’t let go.” Harry repeated.

“You know I won’t, Harry.” She whispered, reaching up to stroke his cheek, the smooth skin soft beneath her finger tips.

“Promise?” Harry asked hesitantly, doubt swarming in his stomach.

She sat up then, and for a split dying second he thought she was gonna leave, leaving him alone in the bed.

Instead she sat on his lap, his back leaning against the headboard. She sighed, legs on either side of his waist as her arms came up, sliding up his shoulders before her hands wrapped around his neck. “Harry,” she whispered, leaning closer.

“I want to stay with you until we’re grey and old. So old we don’t be able to get out of bed, so old neither of us can hear properly anymore. So old that we both have wrinkles covering our faces and even more when we smile. And I do that a lot around you.” She added, smiling as she said such things.

“Really?” Harry asked, voice barely audible. But she heard him well, nodding her head. “Yes,” she started, leaning closer and pecking his lips, sweet and soft, loving and kind. “And I definitely won’t be letting go any time soon.”

“I love you.” Harry whispered.

“And I love you.” She said back against his lips.

I hope you guys liked it!

[narrycherries]

ivy: he’s gonna burn this house to the ground

He has added insult to injury and she gives him one chance to make it right.

(part 8)

masterlist // ivy series

word count: 17.5k

warnings/tags: harry x oc, angst, fluff, enemies to lovers, alcohol use, fluff

A heavy feeling had been weighing her down for the past two weeks. Ivy wasn’t sure why things happened the way they did, why things always went wrong for her. She was almost certain that everything had been fixed, that her situation with Harry had finally turned positive and hopeful. Unfortunately, she was wrong. He hasn’t talked to her since that night. There were no texts, no calls, nothing at all. It made her heart anxiously flutter and her head fill with racing thoughts - all of which just made her feel worse.

The feeling was a mix of pain, confusion, and fear. It hurt her feelings that he hadn’t talked to her. There had to be a reason why but she was so bewildered by it. What went south? What happened that caused a rift? And of course, above all else, she was terrified. She gave a small piece of herself to him and he ran off with it. She trusted him and allowed her lips to melt into his. Was it not enough to make him stick around? Was she not enough?

Emma was unaware of what happened between her and Harry during the party. As far as Ivy knew, nobody knew what occured. She was going to tell Emma a few days after it happened, because she was so excited to finally be able to express her feelings for him. But when she realized he hadn’t reached out to her, her feelings about everything shifted. She was embarrassed. Maybe she overreacted and Harry was just being nice to her.

Of course, she replayed the night over and over in her mind several times as she tried to figure out what was going on. Harry had been so sweet to her, so caring and concerned. She was sure that he meant it. Did she do something wrong? Maybe begging him to kiss her was too much too quickly for him. Whenever it popped in her mind, her hands went clammy and her stomach dropped. She wanted to scream.

It didn’t end on a sour note. When they went back inside that night, Harry stayed close by as they danced with their small group and even when they all sat around talking and eating at the table. Harry was pleasant with everyone, even Cory - despite being irritated with him. He was enjoyable. It’s almost like everything stopped and stayed at the bar. Those bubbly feelings she had turned to worry. The absolute pleasure that kissing and touching him gave her was burnt out. Ivy wanted to know why Harry wasn’t talking to her, why he didn’t reach out, why he kissed her that night and then suddenly disappeared..

“Hey.” Emma’s voice filled the quiet living room as she came down the hall, a towel wrapped her hair up on top of her head.

“Hey.” Ivy sighed out.

She wasn’t particularly thrilled when Emma sat down on the other end of the couch, her eyes moving to stare at Ivy. She had noticed that things weren’t so well the past few weeks. At first, Emma assumed that Ivy was just having some bad days and she needed to recharge on her own. But once the second week hit of her avoiding Emma in their shared spaces and insisting to not cook any meals or spend any time together, she knew something was wrong.

“Ivy, have you been okay?” She asked with a soft voice, not sure what to expect.

“I’m fine.”

Emma didn’t accept that answer. She took a deep breath and tried again. “Ivy, what’s wrong?”

As much as she wanted to curl up into a ball on the floor and cry her eyes out, or sit in the bathtub as the water poured onto her from the shower head, or sit in her car in the driveway and let a sad song break her even more - Ivy knew she couldn’t do that. She couldn’t vanish, she couldn’t avoid it anymore. Emma had noticed, and she knew there would be no end of the discussion until the truth was revealed.

Ivy licked her lips and chose to lock her gaze on the wall in front of her, not wanting Emma to see her eyes water over. “I have to tell you something.”

“Okay.” Emma gulped quietly and tried to remain calm, she didn’t want to freak out or scare Ivy off.

“The other night.. at your party.. Harry and I sat together and talked for a while.” She felt a pinch in her heart, it hurt to even mention it or think about it. Emma stayed silent and waited for the rest of the story, assuming there was more to it. Ivy chewed on her cheek for a few moments, deciding how to word the rest. “He was.. very nice to me. We talked about some.. personal things and eventually we.. were holding hands and kissing.”

Emma’s eyes went wide and she tried her best to control herself. She didn’t want to scream or look too terrified by the information. Ivy dropped her eyes to her hands where she was fumbling with her own fingers. She was sort of irritated with herself that she didn’t tell Emma this sooner. It would have been so exciting to debrief everything and squeal about all the possibilities as they both grinned. She just knew Emma would be so happy for her. There was relief, though. She didn’t have to face the consequences of telling her that he hadn’t spoken to her since. It would be more embarrassing.

“You kissed him?”

Ivy nodded lightly. “We kissed for a few minutes.. just light stuff, nothing intense.”

“Did you.. like it? Like, do you really like him?” Emma was hesitant, but she was hoping to be helpful.

“I do, yeah, but I don’t think he likes me in the same way.”

Emma furrowed her brows. “But he kissed you and touched you.. You don’t think he feels the same way?”

There was so much doubt in her mind, and so much guilt filling her heart. She was selfish and she took advantage of their closeness, she did what she wanted and now it seems that it wasn’t something he wanted. She crossed a line and he was being too open with her, too nice to her.

“He hasn’t talked to me since that night. No text or anything. If he liked me.. don’t you think he’d.. want to see me again? Or at least.. text me?”

It was easy for Emma to pick up on the sadness in her tone. She hated knowing that Ivy was so upset about this, and so worried about how it would play out. She took a deep breath and moved closer to her on the couch. Ivy shook her head as she felt a tear slip down her cheek. She didn’t want to cry again over this, especially not in front of Emma.

“Have you texted him?”

“No.”

Emma gave her a half smile. “Maybe you should try. He might think the same thing you’re thinking.”

“I’m pretty sure I made it clear that I liked him.” Ivy rolled her lips in as she tried her hardest to keep the tears from rapidly falling.

“Harry’s a bit stubborn.. maybe he doesn’t know what to do.”

Ivy wasn’t open to considering anything. “It’s me. He doesn’t like me.”

A frown covered Emma’s mouth. “Ivy, don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s not hard to tell that he likes you. Niall’s even mentioned it to me before. He’s probably just unsure of how to approach it.”

It felt sickening to know that everyone has clearly noticed that there’s an attraction between them - Michelle wasn’t the only one. She swallowed harshly and wiped at her eyes, ridding her skin of the tears despite having replicas take their place. How could he be so willing to hold her hand and sit next to her and touch her waist and kiss her.. but not be up to reach out to her? It didn’t make any sense. She was drunk and vulnerable that night, it was most likely that she just felt her emotions too deeply. Harry was being nice to her, not flirting with her. He was being there for her as a friend, as a nice person. Right?

“Well, maybe everyone is blind because it’s obvious to me that he doesn’t care.” She threw her hands in the air, giving up on everything. She felt defeated.

Emma was slightly unsure about how to approach everything, but she wanted Ivy to at least know she wasn’t the problem. Ivy stood up as she was about to speak.

“He’s probably nervous, Ivy. I’m sure it’s not easy for him. He hasn’t been the nicest person to you.. he’s probably afraid he’s messed up too much.”

Ivy walked a few feet away, her back towards Emma as she battled the competing thoughts racing in her mind. “It doesn’t make sense. He.. he told me he didn’t hate me. He.. he wanted to kiss me first. God, I feel like I’m sixteen.”

Romantic relationships were not something she had much, or really any at all, experience with. She wasn’t sure what to classify this as. She knew she was head over heels for him, but was it that deep? She had nothing to compare it to. All she was sure of was that nobody she had ever gone on a date with or kissed made her feel the way Harry did. Nobody has ever occupied so much space in her mind before, claimed so much of her attention even when she wasn’t with them. No kiss had ever made her stomach fall and her heart twist in her chest, or made tingles roll down her spine and her head dizzy. Nothing had ever made her feel that way. It must be more than just physical attraction, but she was afraid to admit it to herself. One four letter word terrified her more than anything.

“From what Niall’s told me, Harry’s never had, like, an actual girlfriend. Maybe he doesn’t.. know how to do it.”

Ivy let out a sarcastic laugh. “It doesn’t take a genius to text someone.”

Emma frowned to herself. As much as she wanted Ivy to see her perspective, she knew it was going to be hard. Ivy’s thoughts are clouded, she isn’t thinking straight. She’s confused and upset, any obvious explanations aren’t going to cut it.

“You can text him first, Ivy. It’s not like we’re still living in times when the guy has to make the first move.”

The comment irked her. She was annoyed by everything anyway, but that just made it worse. Ivy didn’t move or rotate to face her, though, she didn’t want to be rude or let her anger get the best of her. She huffed through her nose and crossed her arms over her chest.

“I’ve tried multiple times to talk to him and be nice to him. I’m not going to do it first this time. He owes me that. He should take a turn for once.”

To think about the amount of effort she put in to be polite to him was frustrating. Even after he insulted her that first time, she tried her absolute best to be kind to him. She didn’t want to hate him, she didn’t want to have any harsh feelings when he was around. She desired to be nice to him, to get to know him. Ivy put in so much work, and it seemed to be a waste now.

“Ivy-“

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore, Emma. It doesn’t matter.” She finally turned around, a mix of annoyance and sadness swept across her features.

Emma sighed softly. “I don’t want you to be upset.”

“It’s too late for that.”

Ivy gave up on everything. Without saying anything else, she disappeared down the hall and turned the lock on her bedroom door. She’d spend yet another night jotting her messy thoughts into her diary before crying herself to sleep, the stuffed animal Harry got her tight in her arms. She missed him more than she ever dreamed she would.

—•—

Later on in the week, Emma convinced Ivy to finally get out of the house and go do something more enjoyable than sitting in her bed sulking. It was Friday evening, she had gotten home from work early and hoped to stay home and relax. Emma brought up the idea of going to get a quick dinner together. She mentioned that she missed being around Ivy and she was hoping they could spend some time together. Of course, that made Ivy feel guilty for abandoning her friend for so many days, so she agreed to it.

They ate at one of their favorite restaurants. The conversations were light and funny, both of them avoided the hard topics Ivy dreaded to think about and that Emma nervously wanted to know. It was a relief to not discuss the situation with Harry, though. Ivy was able to think clearly and be in the moment with Emma, instead of losing her mind and getting lost in her head. When they finished eating, Emma mentioned that she needed to go by Niall’s store. Ivy wasn’t sure of the reason, but she didn’t mind.

Niall was working the later shift at the store, which was unusual for him for a Friday. He was scanning someone’s items at the register when they walked in. He looked up and smiled as he saw Emma. Ivy’s gaze started moving around the store like it normally did when she came here. She wasn’t new to the place, but everything was intriguing and attention catching for her. There was music playing softly from the ceiling, but the sound of someone in the back playing a guitar was overpowering whatever song was on. When the customer left, they met Niall at the counter.

“Haven’t seen you in a while, Ivy.” He said after walking around the counter to give Emma a hug and a kiss.

She put on a light smile. “Yeah, I’ve been keeping to myself.”

“Well, we’ve got a show tomorrow night if you want to come out.” His invitation made her skin crawl. Usually, it would sound like a fun time and she’s agree to it, but not this time.

“I’m just going to stay home.”

Niall noticed the frown that shaped on Emma’s lips. He furrowed his brows and looked back to Ivy. “Everything okay?”

She shrugged, choosing to stare at her own hands now. Speaking to Emma about everything was hard enough, she didn’t think she’d be able to discuss it with Niall. Not only was Niall Harry’s roommate, but they were best friends. How could Ivy vent to him about his friend and expect him to be on her side? Emma wanted to say something, but she knew it would be crossing a line. Niall had some ideas about what was happening, and he figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

“Did something happen with Harry?”

Emma nudged him and sighed, not pleased with the fact he just jumped straight to the point. Ivy met his concerned stare and she knew that she couldn’t get out of it, yet again.

“I don’t know.”

He dropped his brows lower. “You don’t know?”

“It’s complicated, Niall.”

“I know it is. He told me about it.” He gave her an apologetic smile.

It wasn’t shocking news to hear, she suspected that he probably knew something. Emma pushed out a sigh and let go of his arm, giving him an irritated look. “Niall, she doesn’t want to talk about it.”

Ivy licked her lips and thought quickly about what could come from this conversation. She wondered what all Niall knew. Did Harry tell him every little detail or did he tell it the way she did and just breeze past everything? Did he know that Harry was so sweet to her and was doing his best to make her feel better? How did the story go in Harry’s point of view, what all did he tell Niall? She shot her eyes back to Niall’s and gulped gently, there was nothing to lose.

“What did he tell you?”

Niall looked over his shoulder, almost like he was seeing if anyone was around. There were a few customers lurking in the store, but surely they weren’t that important to not speak in front of. Emma gave him a funny look when he did it again, double checking himself.

“What?” Emma said confused, looking back to see if she saw anything suspicious.

Niall turned his head back, giving them both a glance. “Harry’s in the back.”

Ivy felt her heart freeze and her chest tightened. Tension filled her body and strained her muscles, she was struggling almost like someone dropped a ton of bricks on her.

“I don’t care.” She forced out the lie, trying to appear nonchalant.

Niall could obviously tell she did care to a certain extent, but he wasn’t going to pester her about it. Instead, he took a deep breath and started explaining what he was told. While he spoke, Emma kept her eyes on Ivy to catch her reactions. She didn’t want her to get upset again.

“Well, he told me about.. how he found you outside and talked to you for a while. And he told me about the hand holding and the kissing.” Niall paused in case she wanted to say something, but her eyes were glued to him and she stayed quiet. “He also told me that he hasn’t spoken to you since then.”

“No, he hasn’t.” She had a firm line over her lips.

He nodded gently. “I know. He told me he’s-“

“Niall, I don’t want to know.” Ivy interrupted, rolling her eyes and shifting her body so she wasn’t facing him anymore. “I don’t want to hear it from you.”

“I can go get him.” Niall offered.

“No.” She was quick to reject the offer. “I don’t want to see him. I just.. want to go home.”

When her eyes moved to Emma’s, there was a silent understanding between them. Emma reached into her purse and took out her keys, passing them to Ivy. She was giving her the opportunity to go to the car if she wanted. Ivy took the chance and soon walked out of the door, the bells jingling above her made her ears ring.

Knowing Harry was in the same building as her made her stomach churn. Every piece of her was hurting, coated with fear and anxiety. She didn’t want to be near him. She didn’t want Niall’s version of Harry’s feelings and thoughts. Right now, the only thing she wanted was to disappear.

Ivy accidentally slammed the car door when she shut it. She closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands, fighting back a scream. There was a lot of anger boiling beneath her skin, but she was still sad.

Back inside, Niall received a gentle slap on his arm from Emma. He threw his hands up, silently surrendering to her. She was not pleased with what he said to Ivy, in fact she was very mad about it. She crossed her arms and shook her head in disbelief.

“I can’t believe you did that.”

“I don’t want the girl to think she’s done something wrong. I was trying to help.”

Emma was tapping her foot on the ground, irritation taking over. “And seriously? Suggesting that you go get him? Niall, that was unnecessary.”

“Babe, I didn’t mean to make things worse. I thought maybe she’d want to talk to him. I’m sorry.”

Emma could easily explode any second now. She was disappointed that Niall was so bold and straight forward with Ivy. No matter how good his intentions were, he shouldn’t have done that. She was about to say something in return when a customer walked to the register. Niall quickly handled their transaction as Emma stepped a few feet away to give them space.

Once Niall had finished with the customer, she leaned her elbow on the counter and gave him a sour look. He locked the register and gave her a gentle frown, knowing that he messed up. He wanted to apologize again, but he was sure it wouldn’t matter.

“She’s been really upset about this.” Emma mumbled out, everything was crashing down at once.

Ivy was angry, but more than anything she was heart broken. Having her best friend feel that way made Emma just as sad. She wanted to scream at Harry and tell him how stupid his choices were, but she knew Ivy wouldn’t want her to do that and Niall wouldn’t either. It wasn’t her place to get in between them, just as it wasn’t Niall’s either.

“I was going to tell her that Harry’s been really worried about it. He doesn’t know what to do. It’s not like he’s.. the most open person or whatever.” Niall tried to offer the explanation, but he knew his words weren’t going to mean as much as Harry’s would.

Emma rolled her eyes. “He’s hard headed. There’s no reason why he should still act that way towards her.”

“I know that, Emma. I’ve tried to give him my advice.” Niall’s voice was lighter than it previously was.

“Do you really think he likes her, Niall? It would crush her if he didn’t.”

“He does. He told me.” Niall nodded, then pushed himself off the counter, his eyes looking past Emma. “Don’t say anything.” He quietly muttered to her.

She looked over her shoulder in time to see Harry walking up. She felt her stomach fall. He gave her a look, but didn’t offer a smile or anything too polite to her. He was concerned with one thing only, telling Niall he was about to leave.

“I’m out of here.” He said, gesturing his head towards the door.

Niall flicked his eyes to Emma’s and he easily caught her expression. She was practically pleading with him, and he caved quicker than he realized. He took a quick breath and mentally hit himself for doing this.

“Harry, wait.”

The call of his name made Harry stop just as he grabbed the door handle. He looked over and lifted his brows, hoping this wouldn’t take long. He was ready to go home and become reclusive in his room. Niall tapped his finger on the counter as he managed to get a sentence together in his mind.

“I just talked to Ivy.”

Harry shot his gaze to Emma for a split second. “Congratulations.”

Of course he was going to keep his hard front on in Emma’s presence. Not only was she Ivy’s roommate, but she was her best friend. He wasn’t going to be vulnerable.

Niall rolled his eyes. “I think you need to reach out to her, Harry.”

“I think you need to mind your business, Niall.” He mocked Niall’s tone and snarled his lip.

“Please.” Emma chirped out.

Harry shook his head, but he refrained from being rude to her. Instead, he focused on Niall. “Don’t talk to me about this again.”

“Harry, be more considerate of her feelings.” Niall tried to get through to him, but like always it was a failure.

“She’s better off without me considering anything involving her.” Harry made that his final comment. He pushed the door open and walked out, leaving Niall to drop his forehead against his head.

He was unaware of Ivy’s location, and he wasn’t paying enough attention to realize that she was in one of the cars outside the building. He didn’t catch a glimpse of her, though. However, she saw him. It was hard to resist looking at him and following his strides as he went to his motorcycle. Ivy bit down on her lip and pinched her own thigh, trying to distract herself but it was impossible. Harry was so close to her, and this time she could see him - but she knew nothing was going to happen. She watched him get on the bike and put his helmet on. She wondered how often he drove it, she obviously knew he had a car, too. Was it more freeing and fun to ride the motorcycle? Has he always been into them or was it a newer fascination? There she goes - getting lost in her mind, tangled in her thoughts about him. It was entirely too easy for her to trip over him.

Ivy ripped her eyes away and stared at the dashboard of Emma’s car, mixed emotions swirling in her body. It was heart wrenching and painful and annoying and aggravating and literally every emotion all at once. She wanted to hate him, but she could never bring herself to feel that way.

—•—

Although Emma tried her best to convince Ivy to go out for the night, it was a wasted attempt. She declined and eventually said she was tired of being asked, so Emma respected that and accepted the reality that Ivy wasn’t going to cave in. Ivy helped Emma with her outfit, of course, like a best friend would. They went back and forth on a few things, but eventually settled on something. Emma was sad to leave without her, even Niall asked to make sure Ivy wasn’t coming when he picked her up.

Ivy’s plans for the night consisted of take out and a movie. She wanted to snuggle a blanket on the couch and eat some of her favorite candies while she watched the television. She wasn’t concerned with what Emma was doing or what anyone else would think about her not being there. For the first time in the past two weeks, her mind was empty and her heart was calm. She relaxed with a glass of wine, settling on the couch once her dinner was over. Everything was normal, everything was peaceful.

Things were different at the bar, though. When it came time for the band to get ready to go on stage, Harry felt his stomach begin to twist and turn. He was nervous, and he normally was never, ever nervous to perform. If anyone had confidence and energy, it was him. Tonight was different. He sighed heavily as he watched Michelle check her phone one last time before sliding it into her back pocket. They had about three minutes to spare before they had to walk out. Niall was making sure everything was set up correctly while Zayn and Cory talked to each other.

Harry gulped quietly and mustered up his usual courage. “Hey, Michelle.”

She looked up and raised her brows high. It wasn’t out of the ordinary for Harry to talk to her, he was her friend after all. He looked over towards the guys, then back at her. Her curiosity grew when he chose to walk closer to her, closing their distance.

He kept his voice low as he spoke. “Do you know if Ivy is coming tonight?”

“I know that Emma’s coming.”

He nodded lightly, forcing down the lump in his throat. “But you haven’t.. talked to Ivy?”

“No, I haven’t.” She shook her head, then tilted her head to the side. “Why are you so worried about it?”

“M’not worried.” He grumbled back.

She laughed. “Sure you’re not.”

“Whatever. I just wanted to know.” He huffed out, a flush covering his cheeks. It was sort of embarrassing for him to be so gushy about someone, and it was worse to think that Michelle suspected something more was going on. “Forget it.”

“Harry.” She quickly said his name as he turned away. “She’ll probably be with Emma.”

Her hopeful comment wasn’t enough to ease his anxiety. He didn’t say anything, and he didn’t spare her a glance. He simply nodded his head and ran his hand through his hair, pushing it away from his face. The owner offered them celebratory shots ten minutes ago that most of them accepted, Harry did not. He regretted that now, he needed something to distract him.

When he first got on stage and started singing, he was keeping his eyes fixed on the crowd and trying not to pick out any specific person. He was hoping to dissociate from what was going on, but as time went on, it was challenging. Harry was facing a slew of feelings. He was still very anxious, yet he was annoyed with himself for being so caught up on his thoughts. He was worried - what if she was here and she was being bothered by someone? He was on the stage and unable to be there for her. He was upset at himself for being so fixated on her, yet he couldn’t stop it.

Dissociating was his most successful process so far. They were half way through the show and he hadn’t even realized it until it was time to sing a certain song. He gulped down his anxious thoughts and started the song. Niall knew the significance of this song, so he kept his eye on Harry. He was unsure of how Harry would react.

As he sang the lyrics to “Crimson and Clover”, his eyes scanned the crowd in a different way this time. He was trying to find her, trying to catch just a glimpse of her long, pretty hair or see her smile shine as she danced. His eyes kept landing on Emma throughout his search, and just like every single time he’s looked at her tonight, she was alone. Emma wasn’t dancing with Ivy, she wasn’t singing along and grabbing her hands and jumping around - Ivy wasn't here.

He hoped that maybe she was just sitting at the bar to keep her distance from him, that would make sense. Avoiding him was not something new to her, so maybe she was trying to do that. The longer he sang into the microphone, the deeper his thoughts went and the more he convinced himself she wasn’t here at all. Not at the bar, not in the bathroom, not in the back of the crowd..

That lead to the spiraling thoughts of wondering where she could be. Was she alone at home, curled up in her bed asleep? Was she visiting her dad, maybe she was out of town and that’s why she missed the show? Or she could be out on a date, she could have moved on from him and be exploring different options. That thought made his chest go tight. He fucked up. He ruined his chance. Ivy didn’t want to be near him, she didn’t want to risk her own sanity. And he didn’t blame her.

When the show ended, Harry joined everyone at their usual spot. However, he wasn’t speaking at all. He downed two beers quicker than he should have. The goal was to get drunk, not to talk to anyone. Michelle glanced his way every now and then, aware of at least a partial reason why he was mute. She didn’t think that Ivy’s absence would affect him this much, but the more she thought about it, the more sense it made.

When Emma came back from the bathroom, she sat down in between Niall and Harry. She took out her phone and started typing, the bright screen attracted Harry’s eyes. He didn’t dare read over her shoulder, he just noticed she had her phone out. She closed it after a few moments. Niall was talking to Zayn, so she was quiet next to him. Harry took the opportunity to say something.

“Emma.” He said loud enough for her to hear over the music.

She looked his way. “Yeah?”

Eye contact was too overwhelming. He looked down at his hands as he twisted one of his rings over his fingers. The scar on his skin made him frown as the memory of Ivy being so curious about it began to circle his mind. He took a deep breath and gently swallowed. Emma was being patient, giving him time to compose his words.

“How’s.. how’s Ivy doing?”

As much as she wanted to sarcastically laugh at him, she held it in and just kept her eyes on his face. She figured her staring was uncomfortable for him so that was going to be his punishment.

“Do you mean today or in general? Because lately she’s been going through it.”

He lifted his head and moved his eyes to hers. “Is she sick?”

Her brows dropped, was he clueless? “No, she’s fine.”

“Did.. did she have plans tonight?”

Emma easily caught the gist now. She pushed out a heavy breath. “No.”

“Why didn’t she come?” Harry couldn’t hold the stare anymore.

The desire to be polite to him was starting to fade. She knew all too well how Ivy had been feeling lately and it was all because of him. Emma shifted so she was facing him now, a serious look spread on her face. Harry could feel her stare burning holes through her, like daggers being thrown.

“Probably because she didn’t want to be around you.”

He nodded slowly, fully expecting that sort of response. “That makes sense, I guess.”

“A lot of sense to me.” She quickly replied.

“Is she mad at me?” He leaned up to grab the half full plastic cup he sat on the table a few minutes prior.

Emma wanted to grab him and shake some sense into him, but she knew she couldn’t do that. Not only would it be rude, but Ivy wouldn’t want her to. She knew the importance of accountability, and Harry needed to take some.

“Why are you asking me?”

He rolled his lips in for a moment. “I don’t know.”

Harry hated himself for what he did to her, for how he’s treated her since day one and for how he’s been acting now. He should’ve never done that if he knew he wasn’t going to pursue anything with her - and it’s never been his intention to make anything happen. He wasn’t good for her, she needed someone who could really love her.

Emma saw how far his frown tugged the corners of his lips down. While she was annoyed with his behavior, she had to remind herself that he was human. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone deserves respect and sympathy.

“If you want to know how she is, you have to ask her yourself, Harry.”

All he did was lightly tilt his head back, his eyes were glued to his knees and his mind was dizzy with thoughts. Shortly after her final words, Emma occupied herself with Niall and left Harry alone. For the rest of the night, they all pretty much left him to himself. He downed more beer, ordered heavier drinks, and threw back shots. He wanted to get wasted, he wanted his thoughts to vanish. He didn’t want to think about Ivy, or anything for that matter. He swallowed the alcohol faster than he was taking breaths. The intention was to forget about her.

As the early morning rolled past three o’clock, Ivy was sound alseep in her bed tucked under her covers. Her bedroom was cool, but the heat her body let out encased her in a comforting warmth. Her bedroom was quiet, in fact the entire house was. Emma told her before she left that she’d be staying at Niall’s tonight. Ivy wasn’t expecting any sort of interruption. She was glad to be in a quiet space, after all her worrying her body needed the rest and relaxation.

That sense of peace ended abruptly when the sound of her phone ringing blared throughout her bedroom. She groaned, pulling the cover over her head to shield herself from the sound. She wasn’t sure of the time, so if the sun was out she didn’t want to risk her eyes being exposed to it. The phone rang until it went to voicemail. She figured it was some sort of spam call or something along those lines. It became silent again, so she hummed to herself as she got comfortable, ready to fall back asleep.

It was short lived. Just a few minutes later, the phone was ringing for a second time. She huffed this time, annoyed by the sound. Although she had a few thoughts pop in her mind, like maybe something was wrong with Emma or it was an emergency from her dad, her brain was fuzzy and she only wanted to sleep, not entertain any particular thought.

The third time the phone rang, she sat up in her bed and started mumbling to herself, cursing the noise for waking her up. She snatched the phone off her nightstand and pulled the charger out, bringing it closer so she could see. Her eyes squinted from the bright screen, but as they came back into focus, she saw five letters that made her heart drop. Harry.

Ivy read the time, furrowing her brows as she realized how late it was. Why was he calling her this late? She ignored the call, but opened her phone to check the previous missed calls. They were indeed all from him. What if something was wrong with him? Why would he be calling her? She felt an immense amount of anxiety start to build inside of her. The what if’s kept flying into her mind, circling her brain until her heart was fluttering from the anxious feeling. What if something bad happened?

Before she could even comprehend what to do, the phone rang for a fourth time. The sight of his name displayed on the screen was fueling her worry. If he was calling her again, that meant that he needed her. Something wasn’t right. Ivy sucked in a quick breath and answered the phone, pressing it to her ear as she anticipated hearing his voice. On the other end of the call, Harry was shocked that she answered.

“Hello?”

“Ivy.” His deep voice sounded groggy, almost like he was in the midst of falling asleep or just waking up.

She closed her eyes and calmly spoke back, trying not to fall apart. “Harry, why are you calling me?”

A grunt came out before his words. “M’sorry.. I know it’s late, Ivy.”

The sound of his voice saying her name was like music to her ears - a sound so beautiful and perfect that she wished she could hear it forever. Ivy gulped and took a long pause, which made him more nervous than he already was. She could hear how hard he was breathing, but it was slow.

“It’s very late.” She finally said back. “Are.. are you okay?”

Harry hesitated at first, only because he was unsure of how to word it. The alcohol was still present in his body. His mind wasn’t clear, and his heart was overpowering everything else. There was one thing he wanted.

“M’fine.. sorta.” He managed to get a couple words out, despite it not being what he wanted to tell her.

“Sorta?” She questioned, her voice so soft and light.

He wanted to reach through the phone and take ahold of her hands, he wanted to press a kiss to her forehead and tell her how pretty she was. He melted when she used that gentle tone, her innocence and sweetness made his heart swell.

“I.. m’not hurt or anything.”

A sigh of relief softly slipped through her lips. When her eyes opened, she realized it was dark in her room. She leaned over and switched on the lamp on her nightstand, the warm glow casted onto the ceiling. Harry was quiet as he waited for her to speak. As much as he wanted to ramble to her, he knew he had to be careful. One wrong thing could mess this all up.

“Why.. why did you call then?”

He gulped loud enough for her to hear over the phone. “I.. I have a question.”

She shook her head in disbelief. “A question at three in the morning?”

“M’sorry, Ivy, I know it’s.. it’s late.” He repeated what he already said.

Ivy felt a bit of irritation start to creep in. She wasn’t angry with him at this very moment, but she was confused as to what was happening. If he was alright and unharmed, then why was he calling her? More importantly, why was he avoiding telling her the truth?

“Harry, tell me why you called or I’m going to hang up.” She kept her courage solid, not willing to risk letting him get the upper hand in any way. One thing she had to enforce when it came to Harry was her own strength.

“Please, don’t.” He whispered out.

“Harry, I’m serious.”

She wasn’t completely sure, but she thought she heard him let out a soft whine. Thinking about him being sad was causing her heart to ache. She vividly remembered, and could never forget, how special it felt to have him console her when she was upset that night. Ivy wondered if he needed her in that way now, if it were his turn to be taken care of.

Harry choked out his response, his heart was racing in his chest. “Can.. can I see you? I.. I need to talk to you.”

She sighed. “Right now?”

This time she was sure she heard the whine he let out before his words stumbled from his mouth. “Yes, please. It’s.. it’s important, Ivy. I.. I need to see you.”

Everything was surreal now. She was becoming dizzy as the thoughts stormed in her mind. Harry was being more open than he ever had been. He was admitting that he needed to see her, and she could hear the desperation in his voice. She wanted to see him as much as he needed to see her..

“Are you drunk?”

Harry sucked in a breath, his nerves getting the best of him. “Yeah.. but it doesn't matter. I need to talk to you, please.”

Ivy’s heart skipped a beat as scary thoughts crossed her mind. “Are you driving?”

“No.” He was quick to answer, not wanting her to worry about him too much. “I’m with Michelle.. we had a show tonight.”

There was a quick feeling of remorse and regret growing in her gut. Although she was successful at not thinking about it all night, she began to wonder how the show was. She imagined Emma dancing along and cheering loud for them. She was curious to know what song they started off with because it was never the same order. And of course she was curious about their slower songs, what did Harry sit down on the stool and sing to the crowd? How many songs did he play the guitar while he sang? Did Harry’s eyes look out in the crowd for her, did he scan over heads and bodies trying to find her gaze? Her stomach was churning at the thoughts - had he been expecting to see her?

Ivy finally replied, pushing out a sigh. “Can this wait until-“

“No, Ivy.” Harry interrupted, squeezing his eyes shut as he silently prayed. “Please. I’m begging you, love.”

Just as every other time he’s said the word to her, it made her heart grow until it exploded in her chest. Her mind went fuzzy and her stomach filled with giant butterflies. It was such a simple word - one she wasn’t even sure was special - yet it easily drove her wild. It made her collapse like puddy in his hands.

“Ivy.. please.” He muttered out after a few long moments of her silence.

It was hard to weigh the pros and cons of her options. She was too focused on him to worry about anything else, including what wrong could come from this. It was safe to say she really didn’t care about the possible consequences.

“Okay.”

“Really?” He blurted.

“Yeah.” She kept her voice calm and light, not wanting to give away too much of her feelings over the phone. He didn’t need to know how worried she was about him.

“Michelle’s gonna drop me off. Is.. is that okay?” His voice quietened again, he was clearly nervous.

“Yeah, that’s fine. Just text me when you get here.”

Without waiting for his response, she ended the call and gripped the phone tight in her hand. She didn’t want him to get the last word - maybe that was part of her resentment towards him. He spent two weeks not communicating with her, he could survive the rest of his drive to her house.

Once Ivy realized what was actually about to happen, she climbed out of her bed and crossed her room. She put on a comfortable pair of pajama pants that didn’t really match her loose t-shirt, but she didn’t care as long as she was covered. She made her way into the living room where she turned on the lamp by the couch and sat down on the cushion, waiting somewhat patiently for her phone to ding.

Her eyes trailed over to the chair that Harry claimed as his spot while he stayed the weekend with her that time. The memories easily came to the forefront of her mind - he was so quiet and respectful while he was here. He watched the television with her mindlessly or sometimes focused depending on the show or movie, he sat at her kitchen table, he used her sink sponge, he touched the items in her refrigerator. He left his mark on everything in her house, including her.

Ivy opened the camera on her phone and looked at herself, hoping that she didn’t look worn out or ugly. Her hair was a bit messy, but she had it pushed over her shoulders. She let her lips shape to a soft smile as she thought about the night Harry touched her hair to move it for her. She liked the way it felt to have someone else’s fingers glide against her hair, especially Harry’s fingers. A sudden noise made her jump. A text message popped onto her screen, all of this was about to become very real for her. This wasn’t a dream.

Harry: I’m here

She didn’t reply, instead she moved her eyes to the door. She waited quietly, not sure how long it would take him to reach it. The house was extremely quiet, it was almost eerie. Her nerves were getting worked up as she sat there frozen on the couch. The sound his knuckles created against the door sounded amplified. She stood up and adjusted her shirt as she walked to the door, there was no going back now. If she really wanted to ignore him and forget this idea, she could simply turn around and go back to her room and leave him at the door. But that would be such a cruel thing to do. She wanted to see him, she just didn’t want to admit it to herself.

When she opened the door, she was met with his broad frame. The glow of the light outside of the door covered him, his saddened face shining in the yellow gleam. A frown was settled over his lips, his eyes weren’t wide open and his brows were limp on his forehead.

“Ivy.” He muttered her name out softly, afraid to speak too loudly to her.

She licked her lips and looked him up and down. He was in his usual attire, a dark colored tee and a pair of black jeans. She expected nothing different when it came to his clothes. And although it wasn’t necessarily cold outside, his leather jacket was tight on his arms. She gulped quietly, pushing down all the mixed emotions.

“Come inside.” She gestured with a nod of her head.

Harry dropped his eyes to his feet as he stepped over the threshold. He couldn’t believe that she was allowing this to happen. He knew he had one chance and he couldn’t fuck it up. There would be no way she would be able to forgive him if he did. Ivy shut the door behind him and turned the lock, chewing on her cheek as she watched him walk a few feet away from her. He was almost stumbling over his own feet.

“Hey, are you okay?” She appeared in front of him, her small hand reaching out to touch his elbow.

He was slightly hunched over, his head low and his arms seemingly weak by his sides. He grunted and lifted his eyes to look at her, surprised that she touched him but so grateful that she did.

“I’ve.. been trying to.. to sober up.”

Ivy nodded lightly, sliding her hand down to his wrist. He moved his eyes to witness it for himself. She carefully grabbed onto his hand, but she didn’t lace their fingers. She kept it loose, in case he wanted to pull back from her. She doubted he would, though.

“Do you want to sit down?”

Harry’s brows furrowed as he thought about her question. He had stopped drinking almost an hour ago, but the amount he consumed was more than he normally had and it was getting to him. He shrugged lightly before deciding to squeeze her hand. She liked the gesture, but she chose not to return it.

“Harry, look at me.” She reached up to nudge his chin with the side of her finger.

He sighed, but obliged with her command. When his eyes met hers, it was so easy to tell she was concerned. He felt his pulse go haywire as he stared into her pretty eyes. He missed her so much, missed looking at her and seeing her eyes sparkle.

“M’sorry m’drunk.” His voice was almost a slur.

“It’s fine. You just need some water and a snack.”

He shook his head. “No, I.. I wanna talk to you.”

“You can talk to me after I make sure you’re okay.” Ivy finally squeezed his hand back, that alone made his mood shift. He wanted to pick her up and twirl her around, but he didn’t have the stability to do that right now. “Are you tired?”

“A bit, yeah.” He nodded, but then he frowned. “But, but I.. want to talk, Ivy, not sleep.”

She let a soft laugh escape. “I know, we will.”

“Where are we going?” He asked as she started to walk, tugging him behind her.

“You seem dizzy and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

He groaned slightly. “I won’t get hurt.”

“Shh, or I’ll make you go home.” She warned, slightly joking with him.

He smiled gently to himself, confused as to what she was doing but he was going along with it. He looked around as he walked the familiar path down her hallway. He had wished that weekend with her lasted a lot longer than it did, and now he’s glad he’s back. When she got to her bedroom, she opened the door and immediately guided him to her bed.

Harry’s eyes began to look around the room, it was foreign to him as he was forbidden from entering it during his stay. Ivy pointed to the bed, silently instructing him to sit down. He did as she wanted and let his head fall back so he could see her. She gave him a light smile and looked down at his feet.

“Take your shoes off. I’m going to go get you some water and something to eat.”

Just as she let go of his hand, he grunted and quickly spoke back. “Wait, am I.. am I staying here?”

“Well, I’m not driving this late at night and.. I figured you’d rather stay the night than find a way home.” She crossed her arms over her chest loosely, her eyes looking straight into his. “No funny business, though.”

“I.. I can stay on the couch.” He tried to stand up, but she grabbed his shoulder to push him back down.

“For now, stay here. We can talk when I get back, then I’ll get you a blanket for the couch.”

Harry didn’t say anything back, he was unsure of how this would go. When Ivy left the room, he let his curiosity get the best of him. He wasn’t sure what her room looked like before tonight. He had his wonders and his assumptions, but what he saw was more than he imagined. He figured she had a lot of girly things, maybe mostly pink or a chic white that matched everything. He was somewhat on the right path.

Her room was rather large, enough for her king sized bed to fit nicely while still having plenty of room. Her bed was tucked into the corner, and it was filled with more than just pillows and blankets. She had a collection of stuffed animals of varying sizes perfectly placed in the corner of the bed. They expanded out and against the wall, almost to the foot of the bed. Harry twisted his body as he looked around the room. He was amazed by all the different stuffed animals she had. Some were big and round, almost like thick pillows, while others were smaller and tucked tight against each other. When he looked at her pillow, he didn’t expect to see the pig he got her sitting there. It looked as though she abandoned it when she got up. Maybe she was sleeping with it cuddled against her? He hoped that was the case.

She had a few plants in her window that looked to be thriving and healthy. There were several little random things sitting next to the plants, including a small geode, a fairy figurine, and a glass jar full of buttons. He thought it was adorable, her mix of random odds and ends. She had a tall bookcase that was mostly full of things, only one shelf housed books. It was evident that she liked to collect random things. Most of the items seemed to be older or of a certain style. Harry felt as though he could discover something new every time he made his rounds in the room. There were things tucked here and there. Her vanity was neatly organized, aside from a few makeup products left out. He wondered what her routine was. Was it quick and easy or was it complicated and lengthy? His favorite thing, though, was a small, decorative glass dish on her nightstand that was placed next to her lamp. It was home to something familiar, something he recognized the moment his eyes landed on it. There in the small dish laid the guitar pick he had given her as a keepsake. It made his heart shake as he realized she kept it so close to her. It seemed like a safe spot for it, somewhere she could leave it and not worry about it. He knew she’d keep it safe. As he was scanning his eyes over the pattern of her rug, the door opened.

“I got you a banana.” She said with a soft sigh as she reached him, handing him the bottle of water and the piece of fruit she picked out.

He took them and started to peel open the banana. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Ivy sat down next to him, almost close enough for their bodies to touch. “If it’s not enough, you can have something else.”

Harry bit a piece off, chewing slowly as his headache started to pound harder. He closed his eyes to avoid the light, even though the lamp wasn’t bright it was enough to irritate him. Ivy watched him with worried eyes, not sure if he was going to pass out or throw up whatever his stomach was holding on to.

“Do you feel bad?” She asked quietly, her hand touching his thigh as she leaned closer, their arms brushing together.

“M’alright.”

She breathed out, not believing him. “Your face is red. Are you hot?”

“Little bit.” He mumbled back.

Ivy jumped up and walked towards the door. She flicked the switch, then went to pull the chain of her ceiling fan, turning the light off but leaving the blades spinning. She hoped that would help him some.

“Take this off.” Her hand touched his arm, her skin pressing against the leather jacket.

He finished off the banana, dropping the peel in her hand as she extended her palm to him. She tossed it in the small trash bin next to her vanity, not caring about taking it to the kitchen right now. Ivy kept herself a few feet away as Harry tugged the jacket off his body. He smiled to himself as she took it and laid it gently over her vanity chair.

“Now, that should help.” She returned to her spot next to him.

Being able to feel the cool air against his now exposed skin was actually relieving. He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back messily. The motion made Ivy chew on her cheek. He was always so attractive in her eyes.

“Can, um, can we talk now?” Harry turned his head towards her, glad to see her sparkling eyes were already looking his way.

“I guess so.”

He didn’t know exactly how to say what he wanted to, so he took a long moment to think it through. He didn’t want to mess it up and ruin things with her again. She was too important to lose. Ivy was patient with him, understanding that not only was he upset, but his mind was juggling the alcohol, too. He realized he was staring at her leg, so he looked back up. The glimmer in her eyes made his heart flutter.

“I’m sorry I.. I haven’t talked to you.” He pushed out the words nervously. “I was.. kind of.. afraid.”

She licked her lips and swallowed softly. “I didn’t think you could be afraid of anything.”

The gentle smile on her mouth made his tension ease. “When it comes to you, I am.”

“You really hurt my feelings, Harry. I was.. very upset.”

His brows dropped and a frown tugged on his lips. “I know I did. I’m sorry.”

“Why were you afraid?” She wasn’t going to let him off that easily. She wanted to know the details and the reasoning behind his decision.

Harry tore his eyes away from her. He couldn’t stomach looking at her while talking about this. He was ashamed and upset at himself, and disappointing her made him feel terrible.

“Because I.. I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t want to risk it. M’not good for you.”

Ivy trailed her gaze down to Harry’s hands. He was twisting one of his rings around his finger. It was evident that he was nervous and probably embarrassed. He didn’t seem like the kind of person who willingly admitted their feelings - she knew he wasn’t normally doing things like this. Although the whole situation hurt her, she couldn’t get past how he was battling this. She felt bad that he was so nervous. Ivy wanted him to fully trust her, to know she was right here.

“Why do you think that?”

The laugh he let out wasn’t humorous. “It’s pretty obvious I’m shit at treating you right.” He shook his head lightly as he pulled one of the rings off to push it down on another finger. He was trying to distract himself, but Ivy’s presence was making that impossible to achieve.

“You weren’t shit the other night. You were pretty good at it.”

He exhaled, not sure what to do. “Was I though? I didn’t talk to you after. I should have.”

“Well, I agree. You should have. But.. you were there for me when you didn’t have to be.” Ivy shifted her upper body so she was facing him, her hand moved to his forearm.

He looked over at her hand, noticing the perfectly painted pink polish on her nails. Her skin was the softest thing he’d ever felt. That night she held onto his hand like he’d slip away any moment was something he cherished. He missed the feeling of her skin.

“I know it’s kinda scary. I.. I was afraid to let myself open up to you, but when I did it felt so good. Like you were the only person I wanted to be around.” She pressed the pads of her fingers into his skin, careful not to let her nails sink into his flesh. “We don’t have to be scared anymore, Harry.”

When she said his name, he bit down on his tongue and tried to control the tingles running through his body. She was the one thing he wanted, the one thing he’d go to the ends of the earth to save. He wanted her, but the fear was strong. Ruining her was his biggest fear.

“I’m going to hurt you, Ivy.”

She squeezed his arm. “Why are you saying that?”

“Because I know it’s true.”

Harry immediately felt a punch to his gut as she let go of his arm. He wanted to beg her to put her hand back, to grip him even tighter. She didn’t move away, though. Her eyes stayed glued to the side of his face.

“If you don’t want to try, then just tell me, Harry.” Her voice wasn’t as soft as before, she was being serious. “I can’t keep.. running in the same circles.”

The thought of losing her to another person was heartbreaking. If he told her he couldn’t do this or didn’t want to, then she’d give up and let it go. She’d move on. She’d start by telling him to go home and never talk to her again. It was the scariest thought in his mind. He couldn’t lose her again, not forever.

“Of course I want to, Ivy. I don’t.. don’t wanna keep trying to.. to ignore you.” Harry fought the desire to reach for her hand. Even while telling her he wanted to do this with her, he was hesitant to make a move.

“Then let’s stop. I hate this stupid game.” Her voice fell back to a soft whisper.

“Can you.. forgive me?” He returned his eyes to hers, the world stopped spinning. “I wouldn’t blame you if you couldn’t.”

Ivy couldn’t help but to get lost in his eyes. She recalled the very first time she saw them. Nothing was as special as the night he was singing on stage with his gaze glued to her. It was easy to remember how bubbly her stomach was and how fast her heart raced that night. She thought about how worried he looked when she told him some stranger had approached her. But with every good memory, there were bad ones to consider. The night the cup of beer was accidentally spilt on her, his eyes were full of anger and rage. The time at the restaurant when he called her out for staring at him, his eyes were cold and harsh. She wondered if she could ease that anger, calm the rage, and tame the arrogance. She knew he could laugh and joke around. She knew he could grin and smirk. She knew he had joy in him, that he had happiness. She’s seen it first hand, felt the warmth of his smile, experienced the sweetness in his tone and the concern in his eyes. Ivy knew she could love him if he let her.

“Tell me something first.” She finally whispered, carefully placing her hand back on his arm.

He nodded, glancing down at her hand. Her skin was colder than usual, but he figured the temperature in the room was to blame.

“Be honest with me.” She started with a sigh, which made him wary. “Did you hate me when we first met?”

Harry gulped gently, hoping she couldn’t hear or notice his throat move. He licked his lips, his eyes fixated on hers. She wasn’t making it easy to stare at her - her gorgeous features always made him feel immense amounts of admiration.

“No, I never hated you. Not once.” Harry said truthfully.

“Then why did you act like you did?”

He shrugged lightly, the answer was complicated to understand himself, he was sure he couldn’t explain it correctly to her. He chose the best answer, making it quick while still being honest.

“I was jealous.. and I didn’t know how to talk to you.”

Ivy’s brows furrowed slightly. “Jealous?”

“Everyone kept your attention. I felt like I didn’t have a chance. Plus.. some people seem to like you in more ways than others.” His response was genuine and it made her smile a little.

“It’s hard to believe you couldn’t tell I was.. sort of fascinated by you. I would’ve talked to you for hours if you wanted me to.” Ivy slid her hand down some, covering his wrist but stopping before she reached his hand.

“I wanted to believe you were.. but I wasn’t sure. After a while, I knew you’d probably give me your attention.. but I was stupid.” Harry considered asking her to hold his hand, but he didn’t want to seem weird.

“I wish you would’ve tried.” Ivy felt a pinch in her heart. “But I could’ve tried more, too.”

He grunted. “You were nice to me a lot.. when you shouldn’t have been. It’s my fault.”

“Tried my best, I guess.”

Harry went quiet for a couple of long moments. He just stared at her like he’d never see again. Every detail of her face was captured by his brain - he wanted to remember every single inch of her face. She felt a layer of blush rise to her cheeks. Ivy nervously laughed and looked down at her lap. Now was his chance to tell her what he’s wanted to say this entire time, what he should’ve made clear the other night. She deserved to know how special she was, how much she mattered to him.

He reached over with his other hand to gently grab her chin between his thumb and index finger. He tilted her head back towards him, their eyes locking. Her breathing became more rapid as the anxiety began to creep through her veins. She wasn’t sure what to expect but she hoped it was going to be good. She couldn’t handle any more sadness.

His voice was low and deep as it rolled through the air, causing goosebumps to cover her skin. “You mean everything to me.. and I’m sorry if I ever made you think that you didn’t matter.”

“You did.. a lot.” Her lips fell, it was hard to admit it to his face but she knew he had to hear it.

He nodded back, already aware of his mistakes. “I know, and I’ll spend the rest of life trying to make it up to you. I’m sorry, Ivy.”

She finally moved her hand down to his, slipping her fingers around his palm. “I forgive you,”

“You don’t have to.” He furrowed his brows. As much as he wanted her to, he didn’t think he deserved her forgiveness.

She playfully rolled her eyes and leaned forward to place a kiss to his cheek. “But I do.”

“You’re too sweet to me, love.” He smiled when she kissed his dimple a second time.

“Just showing you that it’s possible for someone to be sweet to you.” Her light giggle made his smile grow.

“I like it, I know that for sure.” His fingertips traced her jaw bone as he moved his hand, settling it on the side of her neck just below her ear.

She nuzzled further into his touch, enjoying the way it made her feel. Ivy’s lips pecked a kiss to his chin, almost brushing his lips but she didn’t dare do that.

He rubbed his thumb over her skin. “Such a sweet girl, hm?”

“Sometimes.”

“Most of the time.” He clarified, his lips touching her cheek as he spoke. “Can.. can I kiss you?”

Ivy let out a quick breath, followed by a bigger smile and a soft laugh. “Please do.”

Harry molded his lips to hers and instantly sparks went off. He was gentle with her, paying attention to how she moved and reacted to him. The last thing he wanted was to move too quickly and scare her off. Ivy let go of his hand and grabbed onto his waist, squeezing him hard as she let out a soft moan. Since his hand was free, he slipped his arm around her body, pulling her forward. They moved in sync for a few minutes, softly pecking each other’s mouths and laughing between breaths. Harry had never kissed someone so gently before, aside from the first time he kissed her. It was magical and beautiful to him, everything was soft and sweet. It made him appreciate it more. It was special.

Ivy leaned back as she exhaled, but she didn’t go far. They stared at each other for a long moment, then returned to the kisses. This time, Harry held them longer and deeper. He wanted to ease her into doing more without scaring her. He didn’t know what her experience entailed.

A groan slipped out of his mouth as her hand found its way to his face. She held his cheek, keeping his mouth glued to hers. They were both lost in bliss, neither of them stuck dealing with their thoughts right now. Everything was perfect and just the way they imagined. Ivy felt some relief as Harry’s tongue gently poked out, silently testing the waters. When she didn’t pull away, he took that as permission. Her lips parted and his tongue slowly entered her mouth. She sunk her nails through the fabric of his shirt, anchoring into his body as he ran his tongue over hers.

Harry heard every single whimper and soft moan she let out, and he enjoyed every sound. He went on for as long as she wanted, letting her run her hand down his chest and around to his back. He let her do whatever she wanted. Her fingertips lurked around to the nape of his neck, twisting in his hair. That pulled a grunt deep from his throat, his stomach twisting as he fought back his stronger feelings. He didn’t want to push this too far.

After a couple of minutes of swapping tongue control and moaning lightly to each other, Ivy broke the kiss and left a few pecks on his mouth before pulling back. Her hand slid back to his neck then down, dropping onto his leg while the other still held his waist. He licked his wet lips and smirked as he caught her eyes. Her face was flushed and her gaze was starry.

“You’re good at that.” He whispered, letting a low laugh follow.

She grinned back. “As I’ve been told.”

Harry bit down on his lip, wishing he was back in her mouth. “Sweet but still sassy, hm?”

“Have to keep you on your toes.” Ivy dropped her eye in a wink.

“You’re good at that, too.” He placed a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth, making her blush even harder. “Thank you for letting me apologize and talk to you.”

She gave him a cheeky smile. “You don’t have to thank me.”

“That sounds familiar, hm?” He teased back, picking up on her cute joke.

“I’m glad we talked. This is how it should’ve been before.” She said through a sigh, keeping a smile on her face so he knew she wasn’t sad anymore.

“I know, but we’ll keep it this way from now on.”

“Sounds like a deal to me.”

Harry took a slow, deep breath and held it for a few seconds before pushing it out. He let go of her, bringing his hands to his thighs. Ivy wasn’t sure why he was moving away from her, but when he suddenly stood up she quickly joined him.

“I guess it’s time for me to head to the couch.” He nodded his head towards her bedroom door.

She felt a lump forming in her throat, but she pushed it down and stayed confident. “You don’t have to.. unless you want to.”

He really couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Was she insisting he stay in her room and sleep in the bed with her? He didn’t want to assume anything, so he made sure to clarify.

“Do you want me to go in there?”

She shook her head shyly, her eyes falling down. “No, but.. if you want to, that’s fine.”

Harry chuckled as he took hold of her hand, giving her a comforting squeeze. “I’ll stay here with you.. I’d be honored to.”

“Okay.” A sweet smile covered her lips as she picked her head up to look at him.

“I’ll keep my clothes on.” He mumbled, glancing down at the fabrics latching onto his body.

Ivy couldn’t manage to get any words out, she was too embarrassed by him saying that. She couldn’t resist imagining him without a shirt on. She wondered what hid beneath the fabric.

“I’ll do what you tell me to do.” Harry said as he watched her eyes move over to the bed.

“There should be enough room.. with all my stuff.” She scanned over the plushies and roughly calculated the amount of space they had available.

“You don’t have to move anything for me.”

Ivy heard him but she ignored his comment. She climbed on the bed, moving on her hands and knees. She sat down and started to shift a few of the larger ones closer to the wall, creating more space for herself. She preferred to sleep in the middle of the bed, so she was leaving the outside open for him. Her legs slipped under the blankets before she looked back to him. He gave her a smile, amused by the precision she used to place the stuffed animals.

“Are you okay with the outside?”

Harry grabbed his belt buckle. “Whatever works for you, love.”

“What are you doing?” She chirped, her eyes widening as she watched him pull the belt through the loops.

He let out a light laugh. “Just taking this off so m’not laying on it. Is that alright?”

Her racing heart relaxed as she understood what he was doing. “Yeah, sorry.”

“It’s fine. I know it’s.. weird and unexpected. But I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“I’m okay.” She assured him with a smile and a nod, then she patted the open space beside her. “Get comfy.”

Harry pulled each ring off his hands and carefully placed them on her nightstand. She had seen him wear more before, but tonight it was just a total of four. He grabbed the blanket and pulled it back, his eyes glancing down at the white sheet. He wasn’t expecting this to happen at all. He never would’ve imagined this option would be in the cards for him. With a gentle sigh, he got into her bed.

Ivy stayed still as he got situated, and once he was comfortable she laid down on her side to face him. There was space between them, but it felt like there was none at all. The reality of him being in her bed next to her was pumping her brain full of intense thoughts. Harry was in her bedroom laying next to her..

He was on his back with one arm resting over his stomach and the other folded underneath his head. His eyes were on her, though. The glow from the lamp casted a golden light over her, illuminating her features beautifully.

“Sorry you have to see all my stupid stuff.” She said in a mumble to break the silence.

He furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”

“My plushies and my crap all over the room.” She rolled her eyes at herself.

It wasn’t that she hated her belongings, it was just sort of embarrassing for her. Her bedroom was her most private space and allowing someone into it was not something she was used to. Emma was the only person who had experience being in here.

Harry was entertained by the annoyance she had with herself. “You have all these things for a reason.. I assume they mean something to you, yeah?”

“Yeah.. I’d say so.” She shrugged back.

He stared into her dazzling eyes for a moment, easily distracted by them. “Then it’s not stupid stuff. You love these little things.”

“It’s mostly silly things.”

Harry smiled. “Silly things you love.”

She became silent as her cheeks kept a hold of a thick layer of blush she couldn’t seem to get rid of at all. Harry kept his stare on her while she looked down, keeping her eyes away from his. It was so easy to feel his eyes, to feel the burning of her skin as he fixated on her.

He wasn’t sure if she wanted to keep talking or if she was tired. Her eyes weren’t struggling to stay open, so maybe she wasn’t sleepy just yet. A thousand thoughts flooded his mind, but he focused on only a few. He wanted to hear her voice, wanted her to talk his ears off. Without contemplating any further, he turned himself onto his side to face her, his arm sneaking under the pillow. His other hand dropped to rest on the mattress, capturing her attention. She stared at it for a long moment, wondering if she should grab it or not.

“Y’know.. I missed you at the show tonight.” Harry’s low tone made her toes curl, she loved the sound of his voice.

She darted her eyes back to his. “Well, I didn’t figure you’d want me there.. so I chose to stay home.”

“I messed up big time, hm?” He sighed out slowly, regretting so much while still being thankful for this moment and everything that happened tonight. “Hopefully you’ll come to the next one.”

She nervously laughed at his wink. “If I’m invited, of course.”

Harry moved his hand across the space between them and slid it beneath hers. “This is your invitation.”

Ivy smiled sweetly as he squeezed her hand. She chose to let him go, only so she could guide his hand where she wanted it. There was no doubt in her mind that he would be okay with whatever she wanted him to do. She placed his hand on her waist and let her fingers fall from his skin. He shaped his hand to her form and held her tight, glad to know she was wanting this from him.

She didn’t verbally acknowledge her actions. “Did you sing any new songs?”

“Yeah.. I sang one for you.. thought I’d see your pretty eyes in the crowd.” His lips turned to a smirk when she shied away from his stare.

“What song?”

“Lips of an Angel.. when I heard your karaoke rendition I figured you liked that song.” He tried to catch her gaze but she was purposely denying him of it.

“I love that song.. I’m sorry I missed it.”

“I’ll play it for you next time.” He squeezed her waist, getting her attention.

“Promise?” Her eyes moved to his finally after her tricks.

“Promise.”

There was only thing circling Ivy’s mind, and that was that she wanted to feel his lips on hers again. She wanted to kiss him until the world ended. The desire was burning inside of her, she was becoming impatient with her own thoughts. Harry believed he was good at catching every micro change in her expressions, so he noticed when she was suddenly distracted. He lowered his hand just a tiny bit on her waist, trying his best to get her attention. As her eyes shifted back to his, he gave her a soft smile. Before he could get anything out, she spoke.

“Harry.. can you..” The words were quiet, and the pause was not part of her plan. That confidence she thought she possessed had burned out, or at least vanished for now. She was nervous again.

“I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” Harry reminded her as he watched her tongue poke out to coat her lips.

She pulled in a breath, then mustered up enough strength to ask him. “Can you come closer?”

“Yeah.” He was quick to reply.

Ivy felt the warmth radiating off his body come closer to her as he shifted over on the mattress. They were still apart, though. She didn’t think that would be enough to hold her over. She moved her hand onto his forearm, circling her fingers around him. Harry could tell she wanted to say something else, but she was anxious.

“Want me closer?” He decided to just ask her to make it easier for her.

She lifted the corners of her mouth, her eyes peering into his. “Please.”

He obliged and scooted closer to her, leaving just a few small inches between their bodies. Ivy’s heart grew ten times bigger as she realized how close they were. There was a relief that came with it. She felt safer now. If there was anything she was sure of, it was that Harry would do anything to protect her.. whether they were in a crowded bar or not.

“Is this better?” He asked, also noticing how much closer they were now. Her face was aligned with his, and the need to kiss her was trying to take over.

She grunted lightly. “A bit closer.”

Ivy was the one to move this time, fully closing the space. Her chest softly pushed into his, and at first she was hesitant about the feeling, but she quickly let it go. There were more important things to focus on in her mind. Harry’s hand slipped to the small of her back as he held her body against his own.

“Is this okay?”

He nodded lightly. “Perfect.”

“You’re so warm.” She whispered as her eyelids fell shut, she was soaking up every second of it.

Harry gently touched his lips to her chin, the heat of her breath fanned over his skin. “You’re quite the cuddle bug, hm?”

She put on a shy smile, burying her face into his. “Guess so.. never done this before.”

“Neither have I.”

Ivy dropped her brows, not fully believing him. “Really?”

“This is too personal and intimate.. never done this with anyone.”

She swallowed carefully, hoping not to make an audible noise. “Too personal?”

“It’s not a bad thing with you, love. I didn’t care about anyone else. I’d cuddle you forever, sweet girl.” Harry was more clear with his words this time, not wanting her to think that she wasn’t worth it.

“Don’t cuddle with anyone else ever.”

He chuckled back, his lips pressing a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Only you.”

“Can you kiss me again?” The question flew from her mouth before she wanted it to, which made her cheeks glow red and her eyes squeeze shut.

Harry licked his lips and smirked lightly. “You can kiss me, too, y’know.”

He didn’t expect her to flutter her eyes open, but being this close made it so intense. She bit down on her cheek, just staring at him as he pecked her cheek again. She wanted to swallow his tongue, wanted to get so lost in his mouth that she would forget it was real.

“I like it when you do it first.” She uttered back, her lips barely moving as she spoke.

Harry didn’t want to tease her anymore, although he liked it when she was on the edge. He put his mouth on hers and instantly everything changed. This kiss felt different, it felt more intense and real. They were laying in her bed together, their bodies touching and their mouths connected. It felt like a dream.

As he brought his other arm out from under his head to wrap around her, she snuck her hands onto his body. One was pressed on the side of his neck as the other crawled down his torso until it landed on his waist. She could feel every curve and dip of his toned body through the fabric of his shirt, and the heat of his skin was burning hot. Harry lost his hand in the back of her head, tangling his fingers into her long hair and grunting loud as he pushed his tongue as far as it would go into her mouth. She enjoyed every second of it, every touch and sound and bump of their bodies hitting together.

Ivy’s chest was pushing into his and he couldn’t help but to feel the hardness of her nipples grow. He tried hard to ignore it, but they were literally against him and it was difficult. The kiss grew sloppier than the previous one had been. Ivy fought for control of his mouth and after a few giggles and scratches of her nails, he let her have it. She exploded his mouth, pulling moans from his throat that made a small damp spot form on her underwear. She had never felt this way before, never felt like she was going to melt into someone’s arms. If she never kissed anyone again, she’d be fine with Harry being her last.

Her mind was so boggled and dizzy that she didn’t realize her leg was lifting to rest over his. Harry was reading her body, trying his best to determine what she wanted. He was confident that she was giving him signals, that she wanted more to happen. He was going with the flow he thought she was giving out. He grabbed her waist, just above her hip, and pushed her back. His elbow dug into the bed as he tried to get above her. But just as he managed to get a leg between hers, she came to her senses and started shaking her head, pulling herself from his mouth. Her hand shot to his chest as he tried to push him away.

“No, Harry, stop.”

He immediately froze and let go of her. He leaned back, tracing his eyes over her face to get her expression. She was frowning and her brows were low, and worse of all she had tears swelling in her eyes.

“I can’t.. not now, I’m sorry.” Ivy’s bottom lip started to quiver.

Harry shook his head and reached up to touch her jaw. “Don’t get upset, baby. It’s okay. I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry.”

He swore he saw twinkles in her eyes as they widened. She didn’t care about anything that he said except one specific word. It made her heart stop and her stomach fall, did he actually say that? Harry was getting nervous as she just gazed at him, almost like she couldn’t believe what was happening.

“B-baby?” She muttered out.

“Do you not want me to call you that? M’sorry.”

Her frustrated frown turned up to a smile. “No, I do. I.. I do.”

“Yeah?” He said with a gentle laugh, amazed by her reactions to him.

It was just literal moments ago that she was scared and worried, now she’s being the cutest thing he’s ever seen. Her hand reached up to his neck, pulling him down to her mouth. She laid a few kisses on his lips, then one to both of his dimples. He grinned when she let him go.

“Yeah.” She assured him.

“Then you’re my baby, hm?” He planted a kiss on her forehead before looking back into her pretty eyes. Her emotions were swirled thick, he still wasn’t quite sure how she was feeling. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to pressure you.”

“It’s okay, I know.” Ivy said through a brief.

He furrowed his brows, sort of irritated by his own actions. “Got a bit ahead of m’self.”

“Me, too.” She smiled back, letting her teeth show for a second as she laughed.

“I don’t want to rush anything with you. Take your time, okay?” He made sure his tone was serious so she knew he wasn’t trying to do anything she wasn’t ready for.

“Okay.”

Harry moved back to his previous spot, his hand returning to her waist. She seemed fine with the arrangement as she snuggled closer to him again, hiding her face in his neck. When she moved her arm between their bodies, Harry was confused by what she was doing. She covered her own chest, separating their bodies.

“Oh my god, I’m sorry. I.. it won’t stop.” Ivy whined as she tried her best to get her nipples to relax.

“What’s the matter?”

“My.. my boobs.” She sighed out, not wanting to directly say it.

Harry smiled and held in a laugh, he didn’t want her to think he was making fun of her. “You’re fine, love. Just a natural reaction.”

A huff passed her lips. “It’s embarrassing.”

“I didn’t mind it. That showed me I was doing something right. You don’t have to hide unless you want to.” He had a way of talking that just made her entire body relax. Any worry she had subsided, he knew exactly what to say and how to say it.

“Having my arm like this isn’t comfortable.” She admitted.

“Then put it down. You’re fine.” Harry’s hand moved to gently touch her elbow, insisting she relax her body.

They went silent for a short time, both of them just staring at the other. Harry’s eyes were half hooded as his body began to slowly crash down. He was exhausted, but he was trying to stay active for her. Even after their heated exchange of physical contact, he was tired. Ivy kept looking at the chain around his neck. After a few minutes of just admiring the metal against his skin, she let her curiosity take over. Her hand moved up to his collar, her fingers dipping under his shirt. Harry’s eyes opened as he felt her tugging the pendant out of his shirt. She rubbed the cross slowly, feeling the smooth texture of the metal against her skin.

“Curious little cat, hm?” Harry hummed, the vibrations from his throat sounded loud to her ears.

She rolled in her lips as she stared at the cross for a little while longer before letting it fall. “Harry.”

“Yeah?”

Ivy leaned forward to leave a kiss on his chin. “I like kissing you.. a lot.”

A smile yanked his lips up. “Yeah? You’ve got nice lips.”

“Mhm.” She nodded gently when he moved his eyes to meet hers. “And I.. like it when you touch me. Feel so safe when you do that.”

Harry returned the gesture and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, making her curl her body closer into his. “I’ll always keep you safe.”

His hand shaped to the curve of her lower back, securing her body in place. He wasn’t sure how she slept, if she was the kind of person who tossed and turned or if she got settled in one spot and stayed there until morning. It was exciting to know he’d find out soon, that he’d wake up to see her in the morning. Ivy pushed her face back into his neck, her lips leaving a kiss on the base of his throat.

“Promise you’ll still be here when I wake up?” She mumbled out quietly.

He kissed her head, her hair slightly sticking to his lips. “I promise. I have to get some good morning kisses.”

“We’ll see about that. Goodnight, Harry.” Her words were followed by a yawn, he knew it was over for her. She would be fast asleep before she realized.

“Goodnight, Ivy. Sweet dreams.”

—•—

It wasn’t exactly early in the morning when Ivy started to stir, waking up from her deep sleep. She grunted slightly as she felt an incredible warmth engulfing her, the same heat that kept her cozy all night. Her eyes finally peeled open. A gentle sigh left her mouth as she was met with an incredibly close view of Harry’s neck. It was hard to believe it all wasn’t some crazy, elaborate dream. It was real. He was in her bed with her, sleeping peacefully with his arms locked around her body.

The sun snuck in through the blinds and half drawn back curtains. She didn’t dare move her body to check the time, she didn’t care about that. If she moved, she’d disturb Harry and she knew he needed as much rest as possible. Not only did he have a show the night before that wore him out, but he consumed a lot of alcohol and exhausted himself. She wanted him to sleep longer.

As he laid there asleep, she couldn’t help but stare at him. Now was her perfect chance to get an uninterrupted look at every inch of him. Ivy wanted to take note of every detail of his face, look over every little thing to memorize it. So she did just that. For what felt like forever, she observed his skin. She was familiar with his face, but she did take notice of a few small things she hadn’t seen before. When she moved her eyes down his neck, she felt a jolt inside of her at the sight of the structure hiding beneath his skin. Veins, muscles, bones. He was beautiful in every way to her.

What captured her attention the most, though, was his arm. She slowly snuck her hand up to his bicep where she pushed back the cover and started to run her eyes over his tattoos. She’s seen his arms plenty of times before, but she never had the chance to actually look at the ink buried into his skin. Ivy practically held her breath in order to stay calm and quiet. She tried not to make a sound. In addition to his tattoos, his toned muscles wrapped tight by his skin made her heart beat faster than usual. He was attractive in every way possible.

She didn’t really know what hid under his sleeve. She couldn’t recall ever seeing that area of his arm. Her fingers lightly touched his skin, just enough so she could push them up against the fabric. It raised with her movements, scrunching up as she moved it up his arm. She wasn't sure how far she could get it without being a pest and disturbing his slumber, but she tested the limits. A faint grunt came from him as she shoved the sleeve up even further. Ivy paused, her eyes shooting to his to make sure they were still closed. The tiny space between his parted lips hadn’t changed and his eyes were sealed, she was certain that he was asleep.

A smile formed over her lips as she scanned over the tattoos she hadn’t seen before. It made her curiosity about the rest of his body grow. Did he have tattoos on this part of his other arm? Were his legs home to any ink? Was his back free of anything or was it covered? She wanted to know, and she hoped that one day soon she’d find out. Once she made a mental note of the tattoos, she rested her hand on his arm and slowly inched it back down to his elbow. She couldn’t remember a time when she was more gentle than right now. Her eyes were trained on his arm so intensely that she didn’t catch him waking up.

Harry first thought he was imagining something touching him. Maybe it was just the blanket moving on his skin? But he quickly realized there was actually something moving against his skin. When he barely opened his eyes, just enough for him to see through his lashes, he saw that Ivy was in fact awake and touching him. He recognized the feeling of her fingertips on his skin, of her hand moving down his arm. Her pretty eyes were locked elsewhere, not looking his way at all. A subtle smile crept on his lips as he watched her. She seemed to be very focused on what she was feeling and staring at. He wondered what was going through her mind. Was she patiently waiting for him to wake up or was she savoring the silence and opportunity to admire him without being watched? He assumed it was both. Ivy drug her hand further down his arm, rubbing over his elbow before she stopped it again, at the top of his forearm. She was hardly applying any pressure, which created a tingly feeling on his skin.

After a few more moments of watching her, he started to wake up more. He didn’t want to startle her, so he carefully began to move. He slid his hand a few inches up her back, grunting as he leaned his head forward. She had created a little distance when she chose to observe him. Ivy shot her eyes to his face, not expecting to see his eyes. He smiled lightly, still trying to wake up fully.

“Good morning.” She whispered sweetly as she kissed his chin.

He went in for a kiss, but instead of her cheek he opted for her lips. She smiled against his mouth, happy that he greeted her with a few soft pecks. As much as she enjoyed the use of his tongue, she appreciated the soft, delicate actions just as much.

“Good morning.”

Ivy let out a gentle sigh. “Did I wake you up?”

“No.. but I saw you looking at my arm.” Harry gave her a smile, amused by how red her cheeks were.

“Sorry, I was being nosy.” A breathy laugh followed her soft voice.

“You’re fine, love. Do you wanna see the rest?” Harry didn’t give her time to answer, instead he raised his arm up, exposing the underside.

It took all of her control to not burst into flames from the embarrassment of being caught. Although she was shy at first about it, Ivy found herself pulling down the sleeve of his shirt so she could see every inch of his arm. Harry watched her eyes as they moved along his skin, covering every line inked into his arm. She was trying to take a note of each one, making sure she’d never forget them.

“Why are you staring at me? You’re making me nervous.” She mumbled in a light tone, her eyes avoiding his as she fixed his sleeve back to its normal spot.

Harry lowered his arm, returning his hand to her waist. “Because you’re beautiful. Hard not to stare at something so perfect.”

Ivy pushed out a breath and lightly shook her head. She placed her hand on his forearm and gave it a squeeze, wishing he’d go easy on her with his statements of admiration. As much as she appreciated it, it was hard for her to believe it was true. He took notice of how she was growing shy again, her eyes were trained on his neck and her teeth sunk into her bottom lip.

“Do you want to see more of them?”

Ivy perked up, her eyes growing wide with curiosity. A smile covered her lips, Harry was glad to see that his idea had brightened her mood. She nodded and waited patiently as he started to move. Harry laid back and shoved the blankets down. As he grabbed the hem of his shirt, Ivy propped up on her elbow to get a better view. She wasn’t sure what he was going to uncover, but she was ready to glue her eyes to his skin. Harry pulled his shirt up to his collarbones, holding it out of the way.

She was unsure of what captivated her the most - his tattoos or his body. His muscles were toned beneath his skin, just like they were in his arms. He was built incredibly, like a marble statue in a museum. On his abdomen laid a large insect tattoo, sunk deep into skin. Every line was crisp and each blended area of the ink into his skin was smooth. She couldn’t help but want to reach out and touch it, but she was fighting that urge.

Ivy had seen the tattoos at the top of his chest poking out before, but seeing them in their full glory amongst everything else was fascinating. He was a collection of designs, words, drawings, meanings.. These things were a part of him, and she was intrigued by every single one. Harry smirked to himself as he saw her hand come up, but she quickly withdrew it.

“This might be my favorite.” She pointed to the insect, her eyes glancing his way for just a second.

“You can touch me. M’all yours.” Harry carefully grabbed her wrist and started to pull her hand down. He waited for her to resist or pull away, but when she didn’t, he laid her hand over the tattoo. His hand covered hers, pressing down so she wouldn’t be afraid to actually touch him. Ivy held her breath as Harry rubbed his thumb over her skin.

“All mine, hm?” She whispered, her lips barely moving with her words.

Harry chuckled, the movement of his body made her heart flutter. “All yours, darling.”

It wasn’t long after the tattoo tour that Ivy’s stomach started to growl from hunger. She didn’t want to get out of the bed, mainly because she didn’t want to leave Harry’s side, but her stomach was fighting against her heart. She brought up the idea to make breakfast, and that was an offer Harry wasn’t going to pass up. They got out of the bed and walked to the kitchen together. While she cooked, Harry sat at the table and watched her in silence, smiling and holding back laughs as he listened to her talk to herself and get frustrated by the smallest annoyances. Being able to experience her in this kind of scenario was more magical than kissing her seemed to be. Of course he enjoyed that an immense amount - but this was different. He got to witness how she naturally behaved when she cooked and waltzed around the kitchen. She was deep in her own world as she hummed while flipping the eggs. Harry was unable to look away the entire time.

After they ate together, Harry gave her no choice but to let him clean up the mess. She wanted to help, and actually do it all herself, but he refused. He told her she’d given so much time and energy to him in such a short time that it was only right for him to do something for her. It wasn’t long after they finished the dishes that Niall called to find out where Harry had ended up last night. He was astonished to hear that Harry had crashed at her place. Niall finding that out immediately resulted in a call from Emma, who was in the car with him. He was bringing her home since she stayed the night at his place.

Ivy laughed on the phone and promised Emma she’d give her all the details when she arrived. Harry was fine with the fact that Niall and Emma would find out everything and obviously be aware of what was now going on between them. In fact, he was telling Niall the same thing - he’d find out the details later. Since he was going to catch a ride home with Niall while he had the chance, he thought it would be better to tell Ivy what was on his mind before they got here to bother them.

Harry grabbed her waist and pulled her body into his, the strength he possessed made it easy for her to fall into him. She looked up, her pretty eyes full of stars. He just knew there was no pair of eyes more beautiful than hers. He leaned down to her lips and pressed a kiss to her mouth.

“Thank you.”

She let out a light giggle. “For what?”

“For breakfast.” His mouth lifted with a smile. “And for letting me stay.. and for talking with me and forgiving me.”

Ivy pushed herself up on her tiptoes, her lips planting pecks along his chin. “You’re welcome.”

“I promise I’ll call you this time.” His wink made her stomach twirl.

“You better.”

Harry gripped her waist tight, not wanting to ever let her go. “I already miss you.”

“I think I’m gonna miss you more.” She lifted her arms to hug him.

The moment he felt her lips pressing a kiss to the spot below his ear, he regretted saying he needed to go home so early. She had plans today that she couldn’t get out of and didn’t necessarily want to change, so he was being respectful of that by giving her space. As much as he wished he could stay with her forever, she had things to do and he had a few tasks he had to get done at home, anyway. Ivy locked her arms around his neck, letting one hand slip into his hair. He hummed as she tugged at his roots, not wanting to let him slip away just yet. They stayed like that, holding each other breathing slow and steady, until Niall and Emma arrived. He wasn't sure of the exact time he’d see her again, but he knew it couldn’t be too long. He couldn’t survive another two weeks without her.

[a/n:: I am so excited that this part is finally out! I hope you enjoyed soft h :) thank u endlessly for all the positive feedback & love you’ve shown to this series! I don’t think I’ve been this proud of myself before I love writing this series. reblog, like, comment all that nice stuff if you’d like.. see u soon! Ps I was very tied when I edited this so if there’s any errors just ignore them I’ll fix it later]

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[jarofstyles]

Haze

Hi bestie babes, here is a best-friends-to-best-friends-with-benefits piece! I am unsure if I'm doing a second part but if I did it'll be later on down the line.

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WC- 8k

warnings- use of marijuana, friends with benefits, biting, daddy kink, soft Dom H hehe

“H? Do you really think I’m pretty?” Y/N’s voice was slightly slurred, a mix of both tired and high as a kite from the joint they’d finished just a bit ago. The cool air flowed in from the window they’d cracked in order for her landlord not to get a call to complain, but she welcomed the chill. She always got a bit hot in her skin when the high hit her. “Don’t lie to me. Give it to me straight.

She loved smoking, sure, but she hated how it made her mind think about things she had purposely been putting off. Like her awful fucking dating life and how stupidly lonely she was.

Harry sat next to her on the sofa, his legs spread in an obnoxious manspread, his fingers messing with the Rubik’s cube. It wasn’t uncommon for them to smoke together- he was her best friend- but she wanted his opinion. The poor man was going to be subject to her insecurity.

Her string of bad dating experiences lately had made it hard to believe it wasn’t a her problem.

"Pretty? Babe, you're beautiful. Come off it." he mumbled, eyes still on the puzzle game. He was in that fluid mindset, neither here nor there. His reassurance felt nice but at the same time, a little vague. Her face contorted in a frown as she looked over at him. He was still baked, so she got it, but still. A little more would be nice.

“You have to say that. You’re my best friend. Tell me honestly, H. What is.. what is wrong with me? Because I don’t know how someone can go on so many bad dates and it not be a them problem.” It had been plaguing her the whole time and harshing the high. The words needed to come out. “I’m the common denominator.”

Finally, he put the Rubik's cube down and turned to face her fully, his gaze locked on hers. Sure, he was dazed from the weed, but he wanted to be sincere with her once he had heard how she had actually been a bit torn up from it. As hard as she tried, it wasn’t easy for her to hide her emotions from him. Even high Harry could see past the playful quips she had made lately. It had only been a matter of time before she had asked him about it and in his opinion, it was bullshit. There was nothing wrong with her at all. Y/N was amazing, but it was only natural to become a little insecure when someone had the string of bad luck like she had.

"Y/N, there's absolutely nothing wrong with you. I'm being completely honest with you, I swear. It's not you, it's them.” He winced knowing how cheesy it sounded but it couldn’t really be helped at the moment. “You're a fuckin’ amazing, smart, beautiful, funny, talented, kind person... I could list off all your good qualities cause there’s loads of ‘em, but m’high and can't think straight enough right now t’give you the fancier words like… exuberant? Pretty sure that one’s right ."

Y/N let out a little laugh. She could hear it in the low tone of his voice and how it seemed to take him longer than normal to say things when he was stoned and trying his absolute hardest to get that out, but it was a little cute. Too bad it wasn’t enough to get her out of her wallowing.

“Then I’m doomed.” She groaned, sinking into the couch. Her hands came up to cover her face, a tired sound leaving her as she tried to reset. “Dude, do you know how entirely and overwhelmingly exhausting it is? And don’t you dare call me dramatic.” Her eye peeped up at him before she fell back into a huff. “I know you get sex on tap but for the rest of us normal folks, it’s like a war zone out there.”

Harry snickefed at her little quip as he watched her sink into the couch. Letting out a sigh as he really thought about it though, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. "I understand how you feel, trust me. It's not easy for anyone. Although I have to admit, I can't exactly relate to your dating struggles, not really. I just happen to be lucky enough to have a very dedicated fanbase."

He was joking but… not really. He always teased her about this. The women who tended to hang out around the garage or try to get near him after hours to ride him in the cars that he just fixed… It wasn't hard for him to get what he wanted. Being good looking, tattooed, solid and single, it got you a lot of places, and a lot of ass. If only she could relate.

“Yeah, yeah. Slut.” She grumbled lightheartedly, kicking her foot against his thigh. It wasn’t fair it was as toned as it was. “You’re a mechanic and you’ve got all the rich soccer moms throwing themselves at you for a romp in the backseat while their husbands are at work. That’s nice and all, but the dating pool for us commoners is abysmal at best.”

Shooting him a glare, she grabbed the bag of goldfish shaped crackers and popped some into her mouth. “At this point I’d be fine with a friends-with-benefits sorta thing- but god damn it, I just want someone to love me at some point.” There was a moment of silence before she cleared her throat. They didn’t really discuss their sex lives and stuff often so she took his silence as one of not knowing what to say- which was fair. She was sorta dumping this all on him. In the grand scheme of things it wasn’t that insane. Everyone went through shit like this. “Sorry. I don’t mean to actually be dramatic this time.”

Harry shook his head at her remark, giving her a reassuring smile that had his eyes crinkling at the corners. He locked his gaze on her face as he listened to her speak, his expression softening with understanding instead of the smug joking he was giving off before. "Hey, s’alright babe. You're not being dramatic. It's how you feel, and I understand that. Everyone deserves love, and I have no doubt you'll find it."

He paused for a moment, considering his next words carefully. When he spoke again, his voice low and sincere as he knocked his hand against her thigh to get her to look at him.

"Y/N... can I ask you somethin’? And don’t make it weird.” He warned, making her unsure what the hell he could be asking.

Brushing the hair out of her eyes, she turned to look back at him with a questioning look on her face. “Sure. What’s up?”

Harry seemed to hesitate for a moment, unsure whether he should ask or not. It would most definitely change their dynamic if she was offended or freaked out by it, but regardless he felt like it it was something he knew he had to ask. He shifted on the couch, turning to face her fully, taking a deep breath and letting his gaze lock on hers before speaking.

"Y’know how you were saying how you're open to a friends with benefits thing? And how you're tired of being alone?"

“Yeah…. I literally said it like, two second ago.” She replied, voice slow and drawn out. She knew she was foggy, but damn. Of course she didn’t want to draw conclusions but she had to wonder why he would be bringing that up again. Her heart beat a little harder as she narrowed her eyes at him. “Why?”

His gaze remained steady on hers, his expression unreadable. He took a moment before speaking again, his voice low and slightly hoarse. Of course he wanted to be careful with his words, in the off chance this could offend her but he knew that he’d kick himself for not asking if he avoided it. He took a deep breath before asking the question.

"I was wondering... if you'd be interested in having an arrangement like that... with me."

Blinking rapidly, she had to be sure she wasn’t just hearing things. Usually she wasn’t the type to have hallucinations when high, but she didn’t know if he would ever actually suggest that. “Uh.. can you repeat that?”

Harry smiled softly as he saw her surprise. He knew it was a big ask, but he was committed to the idea now.

Leaning forward, his voice was smooth and deliberate as he repeated his question, this time with more confidence considering she hadn’t completely looked disgusted at the idea.

"I was asking if you'd be interested in having a friend's with benefits arrangement with me. No strings attached, just a... way to fulfill certain needs without the commitment. What would you say to something like that?"

“Yeah, that’s what I thought you said.” The nod was casual, as if that hadn’t just completely freaked her out. Not in a bad way! But in a…. What-the-fuck-my-best-friend-just-asked-me to-casually-hook-up-on-the-regular, sort of way.

“Uh… I’m not saying no, but I have to ask why you’d suggest that? I didn’t think you were attracted to me in the slightest.” It had completely come out of left field. The intent behind complaining wasn’t for him to offer but to get genuine advice from him considering he never seemed to struggle in the dating department.

"Who the hell said I wasn't attracted to you? I’ve always thought you were stunning.” It wasn’t supposed to come off defensively but he had to wonder in the moment if maybe it did. Harry had never once thought of her as anything but mind blowingly gorgeous.

“Okay, but you have to say that. You’re my best friend, like I said before. I just….” Hesitance grew on her face, looking over his own for any sign of joking. If he was, her ego really couldn’t handle another blow. “I really don’t want to be a pity fuck. And I also don’t want to like… no offense to you, I don’t want to sleep with someone who isn’t exclusive with me? Not like in the dating sense but like, I’d ask you not to sleep with anyone else for safety and I don’t know how you’d feel about that.” Maybe she was rambling but thoughts were running rampant in her already overcrowded brain. Asking him not to fuck anyone else felt like an overstep for some reason.

As she spoke, Harry nodded along, listening intently. He understood her hesitation and appreciated the honesty; it was one of the things he had always loved about her- But he certainly didn't want her to feel like a “pity-fuck” either. That was the furthest thing she could be. He could respect her wanting a certain degree of exclusivity, especially for safety. He knew he was a bit of a whore and he wasn’t ashamed of it, but he had full ability and sometimes the wish to be monogamous- more than he expressed. Granted, if it were anyone else he’d probably feel a little suffocated in an ask like that but… It didn’t sound so bad when it came to Y/N.

"I get it," he said, nodding in agreement. Reaching out and placing a hand on her knee, his touch warm and gentle, he tried his best to reassure her. "I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't find you attractive, Y/N. It's not about pity, it's about wanting a connection with someone I know and trust. And it’s not like it isn’t a convenience for me, too. No awkward leaving afterward, no like… ‘here I’ll get you a cab’ or saying no to a sleepover. We’ve slept in the same bed loads of times and you know I love a cuddle..”

Sharpening her gaze on him, she tilted her head. “Is this because you wanna do some crazy kinky stuff? Cause I’m open but I dunno how crazy I’ll get.” She was kind of kidding…. But kinda not. There were her own things she wanted to explore, but she didn’t want to be a lab rat.

Harry's eyebrows raised at her question, slightly taken aback. He couldn't help but laugh lightly at her tone, but there was also a hint of genuine interest in his reply.

"You really think I'm into kink, huh? Some sort of freak in the sheets?” Wiggling his brows, he teased her. It wasn’t as if it wasn’t obvious that he was a bit of a frequent fucker, but he didn’t have much shame in that. It wasn’t a kiss and tell sort of situation, but he wasn’t shy about letting her know he’d had a lovely night the day prior when need be. “Well, maybe. But no, that's not the only reason..." He let out a breath, a smirk on his lips. "But I'd loveeee to find out what you'd be open to, if we did this."

“Nope, you first, casanova.” She bounced in her seat, getting closer. Her nosy tendencies took precedence over everything else, it appeared. Getting to know more about him that was was enticing and she couldn’t hold herself back. “What's the crazy stuff you’re into? C’mon, we never talk about this stuff.”

Harry was open about the fact he had a healthy supply of offers and hookups but she had stopped him a few times from giving details. Mostly for her sake, so she didn’t see him as some sort of deviant- even if he was. Now, though, knowing she was potentially someone who could experience said things? Her curiosity was killing the cat. Her cat. Metaphorically speaking.

The man’s lips curled into a small smile as he saw her eager expression. He leaned back on the sofa, his arm stretched out behind her. He was throughly enjoying her nosiness- maybe for the first time- considering it gave him the perfect opportunity to tease her a bit more. "Oh, where do I even start... I have quite a few kinks, darling. But I have a feeling you'd like to hear about a certain one..."

“Okay… so tell me.” She rolled her hand to motion to him to continue. Patience really wasn’t Y/N’s strong suit and it was beginning to show, even if the smoking had initially relaxed her. “Let’s hear it. I want to know what I’d be getting myself into, besides greasy hands and the smell of motor oil.” Though she’d never admit how she’d learned to enjoy it, too.

He couldn’t lie and say he wasn't enjoying how intently she was looking at him, how her gaze was fixed on his every move. He leaned forward just a bit, his voice dropping lower as he continued* "Alright, y’wanted to know, you'll get to know like the princess y’are. But keep in mind, I've got a few of these, not just one." The taunting made her give him that impatient look he was used to, snickering under his breath as she bore her eyes into him.

“Okay. Lay them on me, tell me!” She huffed, knocking his knee. “You’re edging for no reason. I already know that one because you’re gross. Tell me the real stuff.”

Raising a brow at her eagerness, he leaned back again with his arm still draped behind her. He began speaking again, letting his voice drop a bit. "Alright, just a little tiny taste then… See if you can handle it. I've got a thing for power dynamics, darling. Particularly, I like to be in control."

“Mm… I could have guessed that. You’ve got the whole smolder thing, and you do the…” Y/N put her hand behind his neck before pulling it off. “Then you do the neck holding thing when we go out. You like to control where people go. Boss me around. So I had a clue. Give me one I wouldn’t expect.”

The perceptive observations hadn’t been something he expected, but it did amuse him. He reached up to brush a strand of her hair away from her face, his fingers lingering against her skin.

"You know me too well, little dove." He muttered, his eyes sparkling with mischief. This was a conversation he was enjoying. Not one he anticipated tonight, no, but one that had him on the edge of his metaphorical seat. His real seat was leaned against the back of the couch. "Okay then... how about this? I also enjoy a bit of exhibitionism. Kinky enough for you?"

“Oh?” She sat with it for a moment. “Actually… that makes sense too. You’re understated in public but you still get a lot of attention. Behind the scenes you’re an attention whore and stuff, which I know first hand but… yeah.” She huffed. “Damn. Can’t believe I didn’t guess that sorta stuff.” Another question popped into her mind. “Wait… what have you done with that? Are you talking like. Dressing rooms, cars? Or in front of people for real?”

Harry grinned as she continued to analyze his kinks, watching her as she went through it in her head. Had she thought about it before on her own? That wasn’t something he’d mind, in all honest. He chortled at her question and leaned back, his arm wrapped behind her. He didn't want to reveal too much but he was enjoying this back and forth. Maybe a tad bit more than he should be.

"You've got good instincts, darling. Yes, I enjoy exhibitionism. And yeah, both dressing rooms and cars are on the list. But not just that... I like a bit more of an audience sometimes. But that’s a different conversation. I can explain why I like it, though. Since you seem to be so curious.”

“Do tell.” Yes, maybe she was a little nosy but… it was slightly arousing. Harry was interesting to her before but now, with the idea of her being in those scenarios, she felt an elevated desperation to know.

Harry noticed how her eyes darkened with excitement as she listened to him and it made a feeling of satisfaction twist in his gut. Having an effect on her was something he hadn’t realized he’d enjoy so much, but now that he had a taste he wanted to see more of it. He shifted a bit closer, his voice dropping into a low whisper. "I like the thrill of being caught. The danger of it, y’know? I love that it’s risky, that your adrenaline pump and you’ve got t’be quiet. Or you don’t, and you have people see- when it’s appropriate.” That was something he’d experienced a few times. “I’ve had it happen before. Maybe I could arrange that, if that’s something you’d want. People watching, not touching, just watching me touch you... and I’d touch you plenty, darling."

“I think um, I’d like it” It was hard to talk with how her tongue felt tied. “I’ve not done a lot of it but I think I’d be open to seeing and doing more of it.” Her voice weakened, feeling him close to her. His cologne was warm and slightly spiced, his fingertips brushing her arm. Y/N had never experienced the sort of thing he was describing. The most she had done was fuck in a car. “Y-Yeah. I think that’s something we could um… try.” She cleared her throat, trying not to show how affected she actually was. It was hard not to. “What other kinks? Anything I wouldn’t guess?”

Harry saw right through her attempts to seem unbothered and he grinned, his hand continuing to lightly brush against her shoulder. He was enjoying the effect he had on her, the more the minutes passed by. It was a brand new side of her that he hadn’t been privy too prior, but now that he had a chance to? He was going to indulge.

"Glad you're up for trying it, darling. And as for other kinks..." He paused for a moment, his gaze trailing over her body before he spoke again in a deeper voice.

"I'm also into a bit of rope bondage, but that’s for another day too. The typical things you’d expect in kink too, the rougher stuff sometimes, but I really like working you up until you can’t take it anymore. Making you desperate, y’know?"

“Ropes?” She swallowed the shock. “Oh. Hm…” it made sense given the other things but for some reason she hadn’t expected him to be into actual ropes. “I’d have thought maybe more handcuffs but you do like being difficult, don’t you?”

It was a joke but it slightly intimidated her. Nothing she wouldn’t try, though. She trusted him to do that sort of thing with her, if they got to it.

Harry hummed at her surprise and leaned a little closer, his hand coming up to her chin to tilt her face towards him. His eyes locked with hers, his tone serious. It was hard to ignore how beautiful she was now that he was allowed to think that way. It was something he’d tried to limit his brain from indulging in before, but knowing he’d have all the rights to be the one to stare and touch her, he felt like a layer had been peeled back.

"Yeah, darling, I like being difficult. And I like being in control. But we'll take it slow, alright?" He saw the hint of intimidation on her face and the small act of rebellion he liked to see in her. He ran his thumb over her bottom lip, her skin hot and soft under his touch. “Nothin’ you don’t want t’do. I’ll make sure you're comfortable. Even if you’re a miserable little brat sometimes.”

“I…” her train of thought was stalled by the tender touch. Harry was… he was being a lot more liberal with his touches. Sometimes he was when he was high in general but this itself had her feeling hot under her skin. There was that intention now that this was slightly more than what friends do. “I can’t lie and say I’m not slightly intimidated by the thought of us doing stuff together. You’ve done a lot more than me.” She admitted meekly.

Harry simpered as he heard her confession and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He appreciated her honesty, understanding her intimidation. It would be the same for him in her position, but luckily he was going to use his advantage for good. "I know I've done more than you, but that's not a good nor a bad thing. Everyone is experienced in their own way, darling. And that's the point of us doing this... to explore each other, to learn what the other likes." He ran his hand down her arm, his fingers lightly tracing her skin, sending chills across her body.

His fingers curled around her wrist, lightly pulling her up and leading her to straddle his lap. This wasn’t at all where she had expected this night to go but… she couldn’t complain. With her nerves aside, Harry was by far one of the most attractive people she had ever met. There was no way she could turn away the opportunity to feel the way he touched someone romantically.

“You’re really okay not sleeping with anyone else in order to do stuff with me?”

Harry gazed up at her as she straddled his lap, his hands sliding up her thighs, pulling her closer against him. He looked up at her with a mix of desire and affection, appreciating her concern for his boundaries. "I'm absolutely fine with it," he assured her, his voice a low rumble. "I don't want anyone else." His hand came up, gently cupping her jaw. "I want to make you feel good, Y/N. I want to give you all the pleasure you deserve, and I want to be the only one doing it."

Y/N let out a weak sound as his lips pressed against the corner of her mouth. Having him so close was making her feel lightheaded, placing her hands on his shoulders as he tugged her closer to him, chest to chest.

“What do you want to do tonight?” She mumbled, eyes dropping to his lips back up to his eyes. “We don’t have to do like, everything and stuff but… I dunno.” The weed definitely made her aroused.

Harry chuckled softly, his lips just barely grazing the corner of her mouth, teasing her again. Feeling her body against his, her hands on his shoulders, it sent a wave of heat through his body. He doubted she knew that he’d started getting aroused when she started talking about what he’d be into.

"You're cute when you're bashful, darling. And high." He teased, his lips curving into a smirk as he spoke against her skin. "As for what I want to do... I just want to enjoy this moment. Maybe smoke a bit more, later. But mostly I just want to touch you."

“O-okay. You can touch me however you want.” Giving him that opening was bold, but she also knew she needed to just let him take charge. He said he liked to dom, so he would take care of her. Her eyes fluttered closed as she felt soft presses of his lips over her cheek, down to her jaw.

“You smell really good.”

Harry could feel himself holding back the pleased noise. The little compliment was a welcomed one, but he didn’t get them often from her. It was a new part of their dynamic but he couldn’t find himself upset with it. In fact, he was going to do everything he could to get some more out of her. He glanced at her, enjoying the way her eyes closed in response to his touch. Running his nose down the column of her neck, he took a little inhale of her scent. Sugary Sweet. Just like her.

"So do you, darling." He spoke against her skin.

In a test of how she’d react, he let his hands slid under her shirt, his fingers tracing along her bare skin. There was no stiffening, so he continued slowly moving closer to the hem of her bra. His lips continued their path down, leaving behind a trail of tingling sensations and wet marks on her skin.

The shaky exhale was louder than she had wanted, his hot fingertips burning a trail over her skin. He took the permission to heart, tracing the bottom of her bra as his lips moved down her collarbone.

Her breathing hitched as she felt his teeth sink into the skin lightly, a firm sucking making her fingers grip his shoulders tightly and nails dig into him just a bit. “Oh, shit… why does that feel good?”

Harry giggled against her skin as he felt her nails digging into his shoulders, enjoying the fact he was already getting a reaction out of her. He continued to kiss and bite her skin, occasionally sucking on the sensitive parts, marking his territory and drawing out more sounds from her.

"Cause I know what I'm doing, darling." He murmured against her skin before biting her collarbone again, this time a bit rougher.

“Oh my god.” She keened, head falling back as her hand came up to cup the back of his head. Fingers curled in his hair, feeling his mouth mark her up while his hand went under her bra, cupping her in his palms. “Fuck.”

Y/N felt the pulsing between her slick thighs, her sleep shorts riding up as she shuffled closer and pressed his mouth harder against her skin. It had been a while since she’d gotten laid but it was a little embarrassing how quickly he managed to get her to feel completely insane.

The sounds of her keening and breathing and the feeling of her arching into his touch was making his own need for her grow. His lips continued to work her her skin, marking and kissing and doing all the things he wanted because it felt like heaven to have this on tap. He could only imagine how much better their smoking sessions would be, how much more fun sleepovers would be if he got to love her up like this without a second thought.

“H…” she whimpered. Rocking her hips slightly, she rubbed against his bulge she could feel clearly between her thighs. “You’re h-hard already?”

Harry hummed quietly, feeling a thrill as she rubbed against him. His lips curled into a smirk against her skin before he lifted his head up, looking at her with darkened eyes. "Yeah, 'course I am, darling. You have no idea what you do to me, do you?"

Moving his hands back down to her hips, he gripped them tightly to grind himself against her. Give her a taste of just how hard his cock got for her. There was no reason for her to doubt. “You did this, sweet girl. S’all your fault.”

“Oh, shit.” She groaned, giggling at the end as she felt his mouth fall onto her chest. Wet, sloppy kisses were placed on the tender skin as she felt him guide her back and forth, setting a pace for the friction. “I can’t tell if it’s been a long time or if uh… if you’re just really good at this.”

Both. It was absolutely both.

Harry chuckled against her chest, his breath hot against her skin before his smirk widened.

"Mm, I would like to think it's because I'm really good at this," his hands guided her hips, setting a slow, torturous pace. "But maybe also a bit of both. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

“Uh-huh.” She nodded. “9 months.”

Harry raised an eyebrow at her response and tilted his head to the side.

"Nine months? Damn, babe." He murmured, his hands going under her shirt, his fingers tracing up her sides, making her shiver. Getting the reactions from her felt almost as good as her rubbing over his cock. "That's a long time."

“Just didn’t find anyone good enough to let in my bed.” She retorted, using her grip on his head to guide him back to her chest. “Take my shirt off.”

Harry didn't need to be told twice. He quickly pulled her shirt off, throwing it over his shoulder, before his hands came back up to her body, slowly tracing up her stomach, his fingers brushing over her skin. The thought had been there quite a few times over what she’d look like bare, but this was a brand new vision for him. One he absolutely adored.

"Beautiful." He murmured, his gaze wandering over her chest as he took in the sight of her bare skin, his breathing growing a bit heavier.

Her voice interrupted his inspection of her body. “Bra, too, please. Have to bite the bullet.” Despite her nerves that maybe he wouldn’t like what he saw, she felt comfortable with him. Harry wouldn’t ever make her feel bad. That much she knew for certain.

Plus… she wanted to feel more of his mouth.

Harry chuckled softly and nodded, his gaze locking with hers for a moment as he ran his fingers over the straps of her bra, pulling them down over her shoulders.

"You're so beautiful, darling. Don't ever feel nervous around me," his reassurance grounded her, his voice gentle but firm.

He reached behind her back, quickly unclasping her bra and pulling it off, tossing it away. Taking a moment to appreciate the sight in front of him, his eyes lit with desire. “God. You don’t even understand how phenomenal you are, do you? M’a lucky son of a bitch that you’re letting me touch you at all.”

Y/N continued to rub herself against him, feeling flushed at the praise. It was embarrassing that she had a pretty good idea that her sleep shorts were getting soaked, but she was swollen and wet and the motions itself of him between her legs were getting her embarrassing close.

Feeling his mouth kiss over the naked skin, she let out a moan that she hadn’t expected to. He was delicate but demanding, taking what he wanted.

Harry groaned as he felt her rubbing herself harder against him, his hands gripping her hips tightly to guide her movements. He couldn't resist the need building up inside him, the need to make her moan and whimper and squirm beneath him.

"You sound so pretty, darling," The compliment murmured against her skin, his lips traveling down her chest, stopping every so often to leave wet kisses, claiming every inch of skin he could. Selfish, possessive, needy. He wouldn’t deny any three of those allegations should she so choose to label him.

“It’s gonna feel so good when you’re inside of me.” She whispered, almost in awe. He was thick and long and she could feel every inch under her. It was almost intimidating to feel it and know that was going to be inside of her at some point. “But I… we have to wait for that. Wanna do that when we aren’t all… you know.” High. At least the first time they fucked, she wanted to be sober completely. “I think I could get off just like this, though. I feel so good right now.”

Harry nodded, his lips continuing to leave wet kisses on her skin, his hands roaming up her sides as he continued to grind himself against her.

"Impatient, aren't you, darling?" He teased, nipping at her neck before moving his mouth to her ear, whispering in it. "You'll just have to wait for that, though. But...there's always other ways to get us both off, hm?"

“Which way?” She breathed, eager to hear any and all suggestions he had.

Harry held her gaze, his eyes dark and full of desire as he spoke in a low, husky tone.

"Let me show you."

He gently pushed her back until she was laying down, his hands running down her thighs, pushing them apart slowly. Shifting his position, he hovered over her, his body fitting perfectly between her legs. His weight rested on his forearms as he looked down at her, she felt her world right itself from how it had been tipped over.

Y/N hadn’t expected the shift of direction but she liked it. Feeling him on top of her, she felt… delicate. Protected. Even if his gaze was predatory and hot, she knew he was good hands to be in.

She also hadn’t expected his hands to grab her shorts, pulling them off and tossing them to the side- but as soon as her panties were exposed, he settled back between her thighs. It was less of a barrier between them.

Harry hummed in approval as he got a glimpse of her panties, taking a moment to admire the sight before him. "You're so fucking wet, darling. Made a mess of those useless shorts. Panties aren’t much better." He murmured, his eyes roaming over her body before they went back up to her face. "And I fuckin’ love that you're all mine right now."

Y/N couldn’t take it anymore. Grabbing his face, she pulled it back up to her own and kissed him. Taking matters into her own hands, she felt him reciprocate immediately. And god, could the man fucking kiss.

Harry let out a soft curse at her sudden action but didn't hesitate to kiss her back through it all, his lips moving against hers hungrily. He pressed his body closer against hers, trapping her beneath him as his tongue delved into her mouth, greedily tasting and claiming her like he had been teasing the whole time.

“I wish you could fuck me right now.” She whimpered, feeling him rock against her. His cock perfectly pressed against her cunt and their mouths lapping against one another’s, it was heated and desperate. They couldn’t, not right now, but the idea of it had her slick and throbbing. It was unfair how her body was so primed and ready for him but she had to do the right thing. He’d feel so perfect inside of her and she’d be so full and they both knew it. “I wish you were inside me.”

Harry groaned at her words, the sound almost like a growl as he buried his face against her neck, his breathing getting heavier as he heard her whimper. He rocked his hips against her, his own need growing stronger with every second that passed.

"You have no idea how badly I want that, darling. But we can't...not yet." He whispered against her skin, his hands gripping her hips tightly. “I’m plenty patient, though. I’ll wait for you to want it, and then…” the pause was heavy. “Then I’ll give you every fucking thing you’ve ever wanted out of a fuck. Can promise you that.”

“I know. I know.” There was no doubt that he was fully and utterly capable. She swallowed back her desperation, wrapping her legs around his hips to pull them closer. “You just feel so good against me. I never expected this…” she whispered against his mouth. “But I’m so happy you decided to be horny and suggest it.”

Harry laughed, leaning down to press his lips against her neck again, licking at the skin as he continued to move his hips against hers, his body hot and heavy against hers. He lifted his head up slightly, looking down at her with darkened eyes as he took in how she had started to look a little blissed out. Just how he wanted her.

"I didn't expect it either, darling. But... I'm glad I did." He murmured, his fingers caressing her skin as he settled into a slow, steady rhythm. Rubbing back and forth, rocking his clothed cock into the sticky heat of her ruined panties, he knew her scent would be on them and that just sort of did something to him. Her own mark left on him.

Y/N felt the bubbling pleasure in her tummy. Feeling him rutting against her, the softness of his tongue as it brushed against her own, his hand curled around the back of her neck in such a possessive and firm grip, she felt controlled in the best way. Her eyes rolled back as she felt him grind harder against her.

“Fuck, Daddy. That feels so fucking good, feeling you against my cunt.” She purred, keeping herself glued to him. There was a pause of moment but she could feel him twitch against her, the sharp intake of breath as he tried to catch himself. It had been a shot in the dark, but one that hit the bullseye. “You like when I call you that? Does it make you feel good too?”

The reaction was visible. The man liked it more than she could even seem but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to play into it to see just how far it went. “Daddy… daddy…. Dadddy.” She taunted, whispering it against his skin. “You’ll make me cum like this. Just keep grinding into me…. Just like this.”

Harry groaned at her response, his lips moving down to her neck, leaving biting kisses in his path. The honorific had him weak, even more worked up than he had thought he could be in this scenario. Little Y/N was getting bolder by the minute and he fucking adored it. It made him wonder what else he could get out of her.

"You're gonna get it, darling. Jus’ be patient and let me make you feel nice, the way you’ve been wantin’ too." he murmured against her skin, his hips continuing to move against hers, keeping a steady pace. His hand cupped her chin, forcing her to look up at him, his eyes dark and intense as he looked down at her. "Daddy's gonna take such good care of you, Y/N. Don’t ever doubt it."

Harry was hot to the touch, her fingers guiding his face back to kiss her as he ground his cock into her. She could feel how it twitched against her, her legs keeping him close so they could stay glued together. “That feels…” she babbled. “S’good. So good, H. I feel so hot and I’m so fucking wet and I wish there wasn’t anything between us but we gotta be good. So good.” She rambled. It was hard to control what left her mouth. She would call it temporary insanity if he brought it up again outside of their arrangement, but the simple movements were making her lose her goddamn head.

Harry's breathing was getting heavier by the minute, his heart pounding against his chest like they wanted to escape his ribcage as he continued to rock his hips against hers. He felt hot and needy, every fiber of his being screaming to be closer to her, but he held himself back, knowing that they had to at least try to be good. He’d get to sink his cock into that hot cunt another day, make her cum around it and squeeze and milk every drop from his balls into her. That was something he was going to look forward to. But for right now they were testing the waters, and he liked it way more than he thought he would.

"Y’feel so good, darling. So, so fuckin’ good, can barely stand it." He murmured against her lips, letting the praise flow easily off his tongue. It’s what the woman deserved. All these shitty hookups and no one knew how to get to those little itches she couldn’t scratch- but he could read her so easily. Harry knew what she needed. "You're doing so well for me, being so good. Daddy's proud of you."

The last sentence made her whine out loud. Pleasure flowed through her at his praise, wanting more of it. All of it. It had been so long since she had been touched by someone else, and while the last person she had expected to do it was her best friend, she had also never felt this level of desperation.

Harry could feel her body responding to his words, her whimpers and whines making his own desire for her grow even more. He loved knowing that his praise was making her feel good, that she needed to hear his words. He continued to murmur sweet, filthy things in her ear as his body moved against hers, his need for her growing more and more intense with every second.

"That’s my girl, sweetheart. You're doing so well for me, letting me take care of you like this."

He knew it had been a long time for her, felt it in how she kissed. Selfishly he would be glad to be the one she got to take care of her. No one else really deserved it. Maybe he didn’t either, but he cared for her genuinely. He liked her and he wanted the best for her- so that’s what he was going to do.

“M’gonna cum, daddy.” She whispered. “I feel it. You’re getting my clit so perfect each time you move… god, s’so embarrassing to cum dry humping but I forgot how good it feels.” Or maybe it just hadn’t ever felt this good with anyone else. It had been a while, sure, but she hadn’t actually had dry sex with someone since she was sneaking around with her boyfriends back home. Something about it made her know that it had to be a Harry thing, though. That he’s the reason it felt this fucking good and why she was desperate for it.

Harry could feel her words shooting straight to his core, his body growing hotter in response. He could tell that she was close before she had even said so, by the way her body trembled against him, by the way her words got breathier and more desperate. Hearing her say so only made him more eager to get there.

"That's it, sweetheart. Let daddy make you feel good, darling." Harry murmured in her ear, his hands gripping her tighter, his body moving against hers more frantically now as he chased his own release alongside hers. She was going to cum, she was going to cum because of him and fuck if that wasn’t the sweetest reward he could think of- he wasn’t sure what was. "You're doing so perfect for me. Just let go for me. You can do it. I've got you, sweet girl."

Y/N felt it approach quicker than she had wanted. It was no wonder, though. Harry was giving her everything she didn’t know she needed in the simplest way, and he wasn’t even inside of her yet. She felt safe and appreciated as his fingers held her and his lips cooed encouragement to her, the rhythmic back and forth of his cock rutting against her poor, soaked panties, the heat boiling over.

“I’m gonna- m’cumming, m’cumming, I’m cumming Daddy- Harry.” She babbled as her eyes welled up with pleasured tears, nails digging into his skin as she came.

Harry's breathing hitched as he felt her grip on him, her hands digging into his skin and her body trembling against his as she came. “There you go baby, there you fuckin’ go. Yes.” He gasped, feeling himself tip over the edge. His name leaving her lips in a strangled whimper had been the final straw, his own release hitting him like a wave, his body shuddering against hers as he followed her over the edge. Shooting right into his briefs, he felt the hot and sticky load and momentarily mourned the loss of it not being inside of her, but it was quickly passed over as the orgasm washed over him.

"God, darling," the man groaned, his voice low and rough as he buried his face against her neck. Mouthing over the skin as he tried to gather his bearings, he mumbled sweetness into her. "You did so well for me, sweetheart. You're so perfect. So good for me. Sweetest fuckin’ peach."

The loud groan that followed her own had caught her off guard, the sharp thrusts of his hips making her cry out in overstimulation but she did little to stop it, keeping her legs around his hips. “What the fuck was that?” She laughed, head falling back on the sofa with her eyes blurry and wet. It was hard to think.

Harry couldn’t say anything, his own brain fuzzy and his body in overload after that climax. He was breathing heavily, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath, his forehead resting on her shoulder. His curls brushed her skin, scalp slightly damp as her fingers settled in the mess of hair and brushed through it without a second thought.

"Bloody fuckin’ hell, babe." Harry finally managed to say, his voice a bit shaky. "That was… incredible." He lifted his head up, looking down at her disheveled and flushed form, his eyes roaming over her.

It was just dry sex, but it had been better than some of the full on stuff he’d had. Maybe it was just their connection, their vibe, maybe even being high, but he knew it felt impeccable. This was something he wanted to revisit- and he would, especially when he was all alone with his hand on his cock.

“If it feels good like that, what the hell are we gonna do when we do the real thing?” Y/N blinked up at him, the flush of her orgasm glowing on her skin. She felt her body shivering slightly, her poor panties a complete mess she’d need to change into, but there was no regret so far. It took her by surprise considering she had been anticipating a bit of awkwardness between the both of them but there was no hint of it as they recovered, a light kiss pressed over her cheek as his hazy eyes looked down at her.

Harry let out a half-laugh, his body still feeling heavy and spent after that intense release- one that had been a welcomed surprise. There had been no prior indication that would be happening tonight but for as insane as it was that it happened, he was more than happy that it did. Getting to experience this side of Y/N had been something he liked far more than he could have ever anticipated.

Leaning down, his forearms rested on either side of her head as his eyes locked with hers while he spoke. "I have a feeling that the real thing will be earth-shattering." He said, his voice low and slightly hoarse. "The wait might kill me, though."

[deatheaterv]

DISTRACTED

pairing : harry potter x fem!reader

genre : fluff

summary : harry gets distracted by you in the library, completely captivated by you. he nervously asks for your help with curses, and you tease him about his obvious crush. despite his awkwardness, you agreed to help, leaving him more smitten than ever.

harry was deep in thought, flipping through ancient texts in the library, trying to find information on something important for his next defense against the dark arts exam. the usual quiet hum of the library was comforting, and he’d gotten used to losing track of time there, his nose buried in dusty books. he hadn’t expected to be distracted today.

but then, you walked through the door.

harry didn’t even realize he was staring at first. it wasn’t until you walked past him, a soft, confident smile on your lips, that he felt his heart skip a beat. he blinked, shook his head, and quickly looked back down at his book, hoping you hadn’t noticed. but, of course, you did.

you glanced at him with a quick smile as you moved to the next table, and harry’s entire world seemed to pause. the way the light caught your hair, the way you moved—everything about you was… mesmerizing.

he tried to get back to his book, but it was like the words were dancing around on the page. his mind kept drifting back to you. he caught himself, cheeks flushing, and quickly tried to focus, but then he heard your soft laugh from across the room. his eyes darted back to you. you were laughing at something a friend had said, but that sound, that laugh, it pulled him in like gravity.

“focus, harry,” he muttered to himself, pushing his book closer, but it was no use. why was he so obsessed with you all of a sudden?

he told himself he was just distracted. nothing more. but the longer he sat there, the more he found himself stealing glances at you. how you tucked your hair behind your ear when you were deep in thought, how your eyes sparkled when you were talking to someone. he couldn’t explain it. it was as if everything you did made him more and more captivated.

before he knew it, he’d lost track of time. the library was starting to empty, and harry hadn’t even noticed. he had to be dreaming, right? he didn’t get obsessed over people like this.

but there you were, still sitting at the same table, scribbling something in your notebook. harry felt his heart race, his palms sweaty, and before he could stop himself, he stood up, walking over to you.

“hey,” he said, his voice uncharacteristically soft, betraying his nerves. you looked up at him with a warm smile, and for a moment, he almost forgot what he was going to say.

“hey, harry,” you replied, still smiling. “need something?”

he opened his mouth, but nothing came out. his mind was a jumble of thoughts. just say something cool, something normal. but all he could think about was how stunning you looked under the dim library lights.

“uh… yeah,” he stammered, pushing a hand through his messy hair. “i mean, i don’t suppose you know anything about, um, curses? just, uh, curses in general, i guess.” he winced, realizing how lame he sounded.

you raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his sudden awkwardness. “curses? you? i thought you were a pro at this stuff.”

harry chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “well, yeah, but… just thought you might know something. you seem, um, pretty smart.”

your smile softened, and harry swore his heart skipped a beat. “flattery, huh?” you teased. “i’ll help you out, but only if you promise not to look at me like that anymore.”

“like what?” harry asked, blinking in confusion.

“like you’ve never seen a girl before,” you said, a teasing glint in your eyes. “it's cute, but it's making me nervous.”

harry’s face turned bright red. of course you noticed. his heart was racing. “sorry,” he muttered, looking away. “it’s just... you’re really...”

“really? what?” you asked, leaning in a little, clearly enjoying watching him squirm.

“nothing,” he said quickly, his voice cracking slightly. “forget i said anything.”

but your smile only grew wider. “i’ll help you with your curses, harry,” you said, as if nothing had happened. “but only if you stop acting like you’re the only one in the room who’s nervous.”

harry couldn’t help but laugh nervously. “deal,” he said, already feeling a little lighter but still completely obsessed with the way you made him feel.

[harryspurpleloofah]

Elevator

(Picture is from my policeman premiere from hshq.in)

Summary: Harry’s staying at a hotel and he meets a woman who’s there for a gala in the reception. They get stuck in an elevator together and things escalate

Warnings: swearing, fingering, p in v sex, no condom but the reader specifies she’s on birth control, smut

The sound of her friends’ laughter echoed faintly behind her as she stepped into the hotel elevator. The soft click of her heels against the polished floor was the only sound in the otherwise silent space. The party had been a whirlwind—champagne, music, and a lot of noise—and now, the quiet of the hotel felt like a welcome reprieve.

She hit the button for the eleventh floor and leaned back against the mirrored wall, adjusting the strap of her shimmering dress. The elevator doors began to close, but just before they could seal shut, a deep voice called out, “Hold it!”

She quickly presses the open button to let the man in. He was tall, lean but broad-shouldered, his shirt slightly unbuttoned, revealing just a hint of his collarbone. His messy hair fell over green eyes, and there was something effortless about the way he carried himself like he hadn’t been in a hurry at all.

“Thanks,” he said, stepping inside, his voice low and smooth. He flashed her a quick smile, one dimple deepening.

“No problem.” She replied, stepping back a bit from the panel so he could pick which floor he was heading to.

He reached over, letting her inhale his Tom Ford fragrance which she recognised from a colleague who worked with her. He pressed the button for the 7th floor and smiled at her again.

“Long night?” he asked, glancing at her reflection in the mirrored wall.

“You could say that,” she replied, catching his gaze in the reflection. “How about you?”

“Just got here,” he said, leaning casually against the side of the elevator. “Checking in for the weekend.”

“Are you on holiday here or..?”

“No more like a business trip kinda thing. I’m Harry by the way.”

“Y/n.”

Before either of them could say more, the elevator jolted throwing both of them off balance. Harry reached out steadying himself against the wall, while she grabbed the railing. The elevator came to an abrupt halt, the lights flickering once before switching to a dim emergency glow.

“For fucks sake you have to be joking.” She muttered under her breath. The floor indicator was stuck on five and none of the buttons responded to her touch.

Harry straightened, furrowing his brows. “That’s… not supposed to happen, is it?”

“No,” she replied, pressing the emergency button. A tiny voice crackled over the speaker. “Please remain calm. The elevator is experiencing technical difficulties. A technician has been dispatched.”

Harry glanced at her. “Well, that’s reassuring.”

She sighs loudly after ten minutes. “What is this?”.

Harry chuckles, “this is not ideal is it now?”

“Far from.”

“There’s worse people to be stuck in an elevator with aren’t there?”

She smiles slightly, “I have no problem with you. I’m just really tired. And my feet are killing me.”

Harry’s gaze flickered down to her heels and he made an empathetic face, “Jesus those look like they’d hurt in minutes let alone the entire night.”

“Exactly. But they look nice in the moment so it’s kinda worth it.”

They both went quiet for a second when Harry saw her head looking around the elevator, “looking for a way out?” He questioned.

“No I’m looking for a camera.”

“Why what are you planning on doing?” He teases. She chuckles.

“Nothing like what you’re thinking. I just wanted to know if we’d die in here alone or maybe they’d find us.”

“The lady on the button said they’ll be here in a bit don’t worry.”

“She said that twenty minutes ago.”

“So they should be coming any minute now.”

As if on cue the lights flickered and the elevator jolted again. “What the fuck?” She exclaimed. Harry sighed as he shrugged off his blazer.

“It’s getting awfully warm in here.”

“What if we suffocate?” She asks in panic.

Harry looks like he’s considering it for a second before shaking his head, “no elevators aren’t sealed. We won’t suffocate.”

She calms down a bit, “but we might starve.” He points out.

“You’re not helping!”

He raises his hands in surrender while laughing, “sorry sorry. I couldn’t resist. Don’t worry we’re gonna be fine.”

She sighs and sinks down in the corner, holding her knees to her chest. Harry looks over, “sweetheart if it makes you feel better I’d be trying to get us out right now but my engineering skills are non existent.” He says.

She smiles slightly at his attempt of a joke as he sits down next to her. “You ok?” He asks gently.

“I’m fine. I just got a bit panicked sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it love. It’s normal this isn’t a regular situation.”

They wait for another five minutes and nobody’s still there.

“I have to admit,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper, “this is starting to feel like one of those scenes in your romance novels.”

Her breath catches, and she couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped. “What makes you think I read romance novels?”

He gestured to the book peeking out of her bag, his smile teasing. “Just a hunch.”

She chuckles, “okay I enjoy one from time to time. They’re not as bad as some people say yknow.”

“Yeah. But there are some real gems..that are honestly painful to read”

She laughs and nods, completely agreeing. She looked back at him. He had the prettiest eyes she’d ever seen. Fuck it he was the prettiest guy she’d ever seen. His curls fell around his face like he was strategically painted to look that way. His lips were a shade of pink that she couldn’t believe was natural. She realised she was staring and looked back.

“I suppose this wasn’t how I was planning on ending my night but I don’t mind entirely,” he smiled, nudging her shoulder slightly.

“Me too. You’re right there are worse people I could be stuck with right now,” she continued.

“Much worse.”

Another ten minutes pass and they’re both just waiting it out now. “If we were to pry the door open..”

“Nah. Wouldn’t work. We’d just end up getting stuck because the elevator might start moving while you’re trying to get out.”

He sighs and jabs his ringed finger into the emergency button again to which they hear the same voice reassuring them it won’t be too long now. He sits back down.

“I like your rings.” She said quietly, what she meant was that she’d take all five fingers if she could. She didn’t know if it was the elevator air or if she was just going a bit crazy but her attraction to him was just growing. And the fact that there was no visible camera in the elevator wasn’t helping things.

As if Harry was thinking the same thing, he pointed out, “we sure there’s no camera?”

“I don’t know but I can’t see one.”

He shifted a bit, looking straight ahead instead of at her now. “You dating anyone?” He casually asked.

“Not at the moment no.”

“Oh.”

“Well there was a guy.”

“And?”

She sighs, “his name is Josh, I dated him for a bit but he was just always looking at other girls and..comparing me so it was bad for me..”

“God what a loser.”

“Yeah…” She laughs. “Completely unrelated but he wasn’t very good at sex,”

“Well…you could still have a good personality.”

“Yeah but he didn’t so he was lacking in everything.”

After a bit more gossiping about some of the ickiest men on earth who had somehow just all managed to squeeze into her love life, Harry laughed.

“Ok you’ve told me the worst, have you ever actually had good sex?”

“Honestly? I haven’t. All my time alone has been better than any time with someone else. It’s like men who are good at sex barely even exist anymore.”

The elevator jolts again. Harry sighs, “you ok?”

“I’m good don’t worry.”

Harry starts looking at her again. She’s so pretty and the bad experiences with sex are just turning him on even more. Just making him feel like he could give her so much more than anything she’s ever had. He tries to distract himself as much as he can but it’s just not working. His trousers start becoming tighter and tighter. It’s getting noticeable.

She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t drenched in her own thong as well. She was equally as turned on as him if not more, it just wasn’t as visible. She looked in the mirror and realised her lip gloss had come off again. She sighed and reached into her purse to get the tube.

As she put it on she could feel his warm green eyes on her. It made her want to absolutely melt but now she was trying to get a reaction out of him. Did she want it? A hookup? In an elevator, with the risk of being caught in the middle of it by a maintenance team? Fuck yes.

But she needed to make sure Harry was in too. As she spread the liquid over her lips her gaze flicked over to try to gauge his reaction. He was looking at her with interest, his blazer resting around his crotch area. Was he trying to hide an erection?

He wasn’t giving her any distinct signs and he seemed really nice, she didn’t want to ruin what she’d already made with him by being weird and asking him, a total stranger for a hookup in an elevator that was stuck on the fifth floor.

She froze when his ringed fingers brushed his arm, not closely enough to be sexual but not far enough to be platonic. “You’re gorgeous. You know that?” His voice gently says.

“Thanks..”

“Do you want this?” He asked

“I-I think I do yes.”

“I don’t want I think love, I want I know. Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’m sure.”

He licks over his lips before moving over her to capture her newly coated lips in a kiss. It was soft, both their lips slowly falling in love with each other. His tongue came in later, nudging a gap in her mouth to enter and when it did it was like it would never leave, exploring her mouth with so much confidence like he owned it already she just didn’t know.

He lifted her up and pinned her against the mirror before turning her around, making her face herself, “look at how pretty you look for me baby. I’ve had to sit here and just watch you and not do anything about it for the last hour.”

He kisses her neck gently, savoring each bit of her skin like he has to ration it, sucking gently on bits then soothing them with his tongue just as quickly before she’s in any real pain. He starts sliding off his rings, throwing them on the floor to land on top of his discarded blazer, “don’t want these to hurt you pet.”

He unzips her dress and helps her get it off. He takes her thong, sliding it down her legs and checks if she’s wet enough, which she is, soaking. “You don’t need lube baby yeah?”

“Yeah-yeah I’m fine,” she replies breathlessly.

He inserts a finger, she lets out a moan. He adds another and begins to thrust them both in and out stretching her out for himself, “I’m quite big baby will you be able to take me?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Sure?”

“Sure.”

“Of course you will. Good girl.”

She moans again, gripping onto the hand railing with on hand and Harry’s arm with the other to balance herself because her legs are a lost cause now, completely turned to jelly. He unclips her hair and lets it fall down, “beautiful,” he mutters, putting it to once side and going back down on her neck as his fingers worked her.

“That’s it baby come on my fingers f’me.”

She doesn’t need to be told twice, letting go instantly with a sigh of relief as she feels like climax taking over her body. “Now tell me what you need honey?” He urges.

“You-your cock please.”

“Again?”

“Your cock Harry.”

“I’ll see what I can do. Hold still for me ok?”

She obliges and looks up at herself in the mirror while she waits, all her efforts to get dolled up tonight down the drain, her mascara is messy, her gloss smeared, her hair not in the updo anymore, one of her earrings missing, she looked completely ruined.

He teases her with just the tip, “love I’m asking you again,” his tone is gentle, like it was before when he was talking to her normally “are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Are you on birth control? I don’t have a condom.”

“Yes! Harry fuck please yes.”

He can’t do it anymore either, he pushes in completely earning a deep moan from her, she feels like she’s being split in half on his cock and he’s gently raising her chin everytime it falls for her to get eyefuls of the pleasure on her face as he pounded into her from behind.

“Oh god baby you’re so tight..”

She groans, her hand going back to pull him closer by the neck to which he obeys, finding her lips in a loving reassuring kiss, praising her for being able to take his cock so well.

His thrusting becomes faster but less deep as he also chases his high, he waits for her though, making sure she’s completely satisfied before worrying about himself.

“I’m so close Harry,” she reassured him, egging him on to go a bit deeper to carry her there. She comes hard with a plethora of guttural moans that push him over the edge too, shooting a hot load in her. She feels so..full. Even after he pulls out she’s just in that mania of orgasm.

He smiles at her while still breathing heavily, zipping himself back up, still supporting her around the waist making sure she won’t fall. He crouches over to get a pack of tissues from her bag which he uses to clean her up and then another to clear her gloss and mascara. Most of her makeup came off but he doesn’t mind. She’s just as gorgeous if not more.

He scans the elevator floor for her missing earring and wipes it down before giving it to her and watching as she slips it in the hole in her earlobe. Then he helps her put her dress back on and gives her some time to catch her breath.

When she’s conscious enough to know what’s happening, he’s crouched over her bag, writing something on her notepad, the maintenance team standing by the open door gesturing them to come out.

She gets outside and the warm light of the lobby hits her, a stark contrast to the cold one in the elevator. She’s about to look around for Harry but he’s standing right next to her. “Do you wanna come back to my hotel?” He gently asks.

She smiles, “thanks but my house isn’t far, I’d love to keep in touch though.”

He grins and hands her the slip of paper, with his number on it. “Whenever you want Angel. Just give me a ring.”

He leans in a bit closer, “honestly disappointed I didn’t even properly take off my shirt for you love. We’ll do that all next time kay?”

He winks at her and starts walking back up to the stairs, deliberately avoiding the elevator this time. What a man. She looked down at the number. She knew this was gonna be on speed dial from now on.

[justlemmeadoreyou]

rain-kissed* (footballer!harry x

nerd!y/n)

summary: y/n and harry, former rivals turned reluctant partners, find unexpected chemistry. heated glances, playful banter ignite a spark. a near-tragedy makes y/n confront feelings, and...will they be reciprocated? ft. lots of mutual pining

words: 6.1k

warnings: Angst, fluff, mentions of a major injury, cursing, kissing, hints of smut, mutual pining.

Y/N groaned as she walked into the lecture hall for her literature class. "Are you kidding me?"

There in the very front row sat Harry Styles - captain of the football team, president of one of the biggest frats on campus, and certified douchebag extraordinaire. His feet were obnoxiously propped up on the desk in front of him as he laughed loudly with his friends. 

"This class is gonna be a nightmare," Y/N muttered, taking a seat as far away from Harry's circle as possible. She couldn't stand arrogant jocks like him.

Class started and the professor cleared her throat loudly, shooting Harry a pointed look until he dropped his feet to the floor with an eye roll. "Alright, since this is an upper-level lit course, we're going to kick things off with a big group project."

A collective groan went through the class. Group projects were the worst, especially when half the group didn't pull their weight. Harry raised his hand lazily.

"What's the project, Millers?"

The prof narrowed her eyes at Harry's casual address but proceeded. "You'll be analyzing the themes and formatting an anthology of poems, plays, and short stories from a particular era or movement. I'll be assigning the groups and topics."

Y/N mentally prepared herself to get stuck doing all the work as usual for her group when Millers started listing off the pairings. 

"Styles and Y/L/N - you'll be covering the Romantic period."

Y/N's head whipped up in horror as Harry scoffed loudly. Of course they'd get partnered up. This was quite literally her worst nightmare.

"Fucking kill me," Harry grumbled, slumping back in his seat rudely.

"I'd rather work alone," Y/N couldn't stop herself from retorting. Immediately, Millers zeroed in on her with a stern look.

"I don't recall there being a choice, Ms. Y/L/N. Unless either of you plans to drop this course, I suggest you learn to work together effectively."

Gritting her teeth, Y/N forced out a tight, "Yes, Professor."

Harry was already texting rapidly on his phone, not paying any attention. This project was going to be utter hell.

The rest of the semester only proved Y/N right about what a nightmare it would be to work with Harry. Their first meeting to divide up the work went about as well as could be expected - which is to say it was a total disaster.

"Look, I don't have a bunch of time for this bullshit poetry stuff," Harry kicked back in a creaky chair, looking entirely too at home in the empty classroom they'd claimed for their work session. "How about you just do the whole thing and I'll, like, proofread it at the end or whatever?"

Y/N stared at him incredulously. "Absolutely not! This is a hugely weighted project, Styles. I'm not doing all the work myself."

He shrugged impatiently. "Why not? You seem like a big ol' nerd who'd be into this."

Biting back a retort, Y/N forced herself to remain calm and reasonable. If he was going to act like a damn child,she had to be the adult in the relationship–or whatever this was.

 "Forget it. We're going to split everything 50/50 whether you like it or not. I'll take the poetry analysis and you can have the plays. We'll swap sections to proofread before compiling the final thing."

Harry made a face like she'd asked him to perform surgery. "Do I have to? Plays are so boring."

"Don't care," Y/N said flatly. "You're pulling your weight on this one way or another."

With a melodramatic huff, Harry finally agreed and they were able to separate the reading materials and due dates before parting ways, both dreading the long weeks ahead.

Except...after trading several heated email chains and a couple disastrous coffee shop meetups, something shifted. Maybe it was the punctuality that struck after virtually living in the library for a week straight. Maybe it was how they both surprised each other by not being complete idiots about the subject matter. But at some point, the bickering and resentful silences turned to a bearable truce and even - dare Y/N think it - a hint of reluctant respect between them.

Y/N had assumed Harry was just another brainless party bro who skated by on his looks and family money. But to her surprise, he actually had intelligent insights into the Romantic poets and playwrights - even if he still whined about having to read "this dramalogy crap." 

And Harry, who had fully expected Y/N to be an uptight, pretentious book nerd, found himself caught off guard by her whip-smart analysis...and her unexpected sarcastic quips that had him stifling laughs more than once during their study sessions. He called her nerd instead of her usual name, but was now slipping back to using Y/n more often.

"Oh my god, you did not just say that about Lord Byron!" Harry snickered as Y/N made another scalding comment about the poet's arrogant womanizing. 

"What? The man was an infamous manwhore by all accounts," Y/N shrugged unapologetically. "Self-important dickhead thought his brooding and philandering made him a genius."

Harry gasped in mock offense. "How very unromantic of you, love! Have you no poetic soul?"

Without missing a beat, Y/N deadpanned, "I prefer to admire poets who didn't give the clap to half of London."

The startled laugh that burst from Harry's lips was so warm and uninhibited that Y/N felt an unexpected little flip in her stomach at the sight. Whoa, what was that?

Shaking it off, she hid her face behind her book again, tamping down an oddly giddy–sort of feeling. Just because she'd managed to find Harry slightly less insufferable lately didn't mean anything.

And so it went, their bickering gradually becoming more lighthearted and playful rather than biting. The weeks ticked by as they somehow formed an unlikely...friendship? Bros? Sure, they'd go with that for simplicity's sake.

At some point, they started expanding their hangouts beyond just study sessions too. Grabbing food after class turned into actually sitting together, Harry regaling Y/N with stories from his frat's latest shenanigans as she pretended not to be entertained. 

On the rare nights Y/N wasn't holed up writing papers, she started joining Harry and his boys at their favorite dive bar, quickly becoming the calm voice of reason trying in vain to talk them out of their next boneheaded plan.

"Come on, PlainJane! Live a little!" Harry teased, throwing an arm around her shoulders at the bar. 

The rowdy group cackled at Harry's horrible attempt at a literary-themed nickname for Y/N, as per tradition when any new face got absorbed into their friend circle. Personally, Y/N thought it was a lame pun, but she secretly loved how easily she'd slotted into their bizarre fratty family...and maybe especially how Harry always seemed to plaster himself to her side whenever they went out.

The camaraderie and effortless banter flowing between them should've been a huge red flag that something was shifting. But Y/N was quite stubbornly oblivious, as was Harry in his own way.

At least, that was until their big group presentation day rolled around. They'd been prepping and quizzing each other for weeks, reviewing notes and analysis essays till they were cross-eyed. Harry had really stepped up, much to Y/N's surprise, retaining way more than she'd expected about the playwrights and their major works.

The whole lit class was spread out in the lecture hall, with bullet-pointed notecards and thick anthologies ready as the first group took the floor. When it was finally Harry and Y/N's turn, they moved to the front in sync, Harry shooting her a subtle wink as he grabbed the microphone first.

"Buckle up, kids - this is how you do a proper literary presentation," he drawled cockily.

Y/N rolled her eyes on reflex, biting her lip and bumping his hip with hers in playful admonishment. "Shut up and just start already."

Neither of them noticed the amused looks being swapped by their classmates at their easy rapport. Or Millers leaning back with a knowing smirk, clearly recognizing the chemistry flying between her formerly antagonistic partners.

For the next hour, Harry and Y/N launched into their meticulously prepared overview of the key figures and works emerging from the Romantic period. Their back-and-forth was flawless yet casual, almost playful at times with little ad-libs and jokes only they were in on.

At one point, Harry lightly mocked Lord Byron's arrogance with a pompous impression that had Y/N doubled over giggling into the mic, barely choking out the next lines through her laughter. When she managed to catch her breath, she shot him a look that was equal parts fond exasperation and...something more heated.

There was a noticeable spark between them that had clearly evolved far beyond the adversarial classmates they'd started as. And if anyone could miss that subtext, it became blindingly obvious at the end when they seamlessly transitioned into their concluding remarks, standing shoulder to shoulder.

"So in summary, while the Romantics may have been a pretentious bunch of melancholic lads-" Harry began.

"-their pioneering works cemented their place as quintessential figures in literary history," Y/N picked up without missing a beat. 

They shared a grin before finishing in unison, "And that's the tea, no cap."

A surprised burst of laughter rang out from their classmates at their cheeky sign-off, even the prof hiding a smile behind her hand. Everyone could see it - the easy chemistry, the almost electric undercurrent between the former rivals.

Everyone, that is, except Harry and Y/N themselves. 

As they moved to return to their seats amid the applause, neither seemed to register the weighted looks and muffled whispers following them. Harry just ducked his head with an almost bashful smile, still riding the high of how flawlessly they'd worked together. While Y/N felt her cheeks flushing under the weight of what she convinced herself was just residual adrenaline.

In the weeks after their wildly successful presentation, that same strain of electrifying connection only grew stronger between them. You'd never know they'd spent the first half of the semester low-key loathing each other based on their current vibe.

Now, when Harry's frat brothers tried to rib him about his "study buddy" at their typical dive bar hangout, he just threw an arm around Y/N's shoulders and proudly declared, "More like my brain twin!"

Y/N would just duck her head with a bashful grin, pointedly ignoring how her heart did a little somersault at both the affectionate nickname and Harry's easy touch.

Or like when they sprawled out on the quad between classes, passing a bag of chips back and forth as Harry ranted about his coach riding his ass over the big rivalry game next week. Without even thinking about it, Y/N would reach out to squeeze his knee consolingly as he huffed out his frustrations. It was such a simple, natural gesture between them now that she didn't even register the slightly stunned look Harry shot her before clearing his throat gruffly.

Even their friends couldn't resist commenting on their respective obliviousness at this point.

"Bruh, Y/N literally lets you call her 'love' without punching you in the dick," Niall pointed out bluntly one night when Harry claimed, once again, he and Y/N were "just friends." His Irish buddy arched a skeptical eyebrow. "Pretty sure she wants to ride your lancer if you know what I mean."

Harry smacked him hard while trying not to get flustered. "Shut the fuck up, asshole."

While on Y/N's end...

"Sooooo, when are you gonna admit you have a huge crush on Styles?" Her friend Riley asked point blank over brunch, making Y/N nearly choke on her mimosa.

"What? No I don't!" She insisted a little too quickly, refusing to meet Riley's all-knowing gaze. "We're just...really good friends."

Riley hummed disbelievingly. "Right. And I'm the Queen of England."

Y/N opened her mouth to protest further before clamping it shut as her mind started helplessly rehashing all her favourite little moments with Harry over the past few weeks. His warm, anthracite eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed at her jokes. The proud grin he'd get whenever she successfully understood something he'd tried explaining. The way she felt this inexplicable magnetic pull to stay pressed into his side for as long as possible whenever they hung out...

"Oh my god," she breathed out, smile slipping as the enormity of her revelation dawned. "I'm in love with Harry fucking Styles."

That's not to say the smitten epiphany immediately changed anything between the two. Well, maybe it made their lingering hugs and casual touches go on for a few beats too long. Or had them both shyly stealing glances when the other's back was turned.

***

Mostly though, they just continued their cozy, obliviously pining routine of late night FaceTimes and weekends holed up studying together for finals. All while Harry's team prepared for their annual football rivalry game - the biggest matchup of the season that would make or break their championship chances.

The night before the game, Y/N found herself inexplicably anxious as she sat in the stands amid a drunk, raucous crowd. Harry kept shooting cheesy grins and double finger-gunged winks her way whenever he trotted past her section, clearly buzzed on adrenaline.

"Go get 'em, superstar!" She shouted at one point, laughing as Harry blew her an obnoxious kiss before getting back in the huddle.

The energy in the stadium was electric and infectious, Y/N finding herself caught up in the cheers and chants despite not being a huge football fan normally. Something about watching her...Harry out there gave her swirling butterflies low in her belly though.

As the intense game raged on, Y/N was on the edge of her seat, nails digging into her palms whenever Harry took a brutal hit or made a heart-stoppingly risky play. At one point he got absolutely leveled by a linebacker twice his size, his helmet bouncing sickeningly off the turf.The roar of the crowd faded into the background as Y/N watched in horror as Harry's body slammed violently into the turf. She felt her heart stop as he didn't immediately get back up after the brutal hit.

"Harry!" she screamed, her voice drowned out by the gasps of the other spectators. 

The medical team rushed out onto the field as Harry lay unmoving. Y/N's hands shook with fear as she watched them carefully roll him onto a backboard and load him into the ambulance. She felt tears streaking down her cheeks as the ambulance pulled away, sirens blaring.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally received word that Harry was going to be okay. The doctors said he had suffered a severe concussion and possible spinal injury from the whiplash of the hit. He would need weeks of rest and recovery.

Y/N rushed to the hospital, desperate to see him. When she entered his room, her heart broke at the sight of Harry's battered body hooked up to various machines, a cervical collar immobilizing his neck.

"Harry..." she whispered, taking his hand gently in hers. "I'm so sorry."

Harry's eyes fluttered open at the sound of her voice. "Y/N? You're here..."

"Of course I'm here, you idiot," she tried to joke, blinking back more tears. "I was so worried about you."

A small smile tugged at his bruised lips. "I'll be okay, love. Harry is a thick skull, remember?"

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn't help grinning at his terrible joke. "Don't scare me like that again, Styles. I don't know what I'd do without you."

A look of tenderness crossed Harry's face that made Y/N's breath catch in her throat. But before either could say anything further, the doctor entered to check on Harry's condition.

***

Over the next week, Y/N diligently stayed by Harry's side in the hospital. She helped feed him, kept him company, and supported him through the difficult early recovery stages. Harry quickly grew restless being cooped up, but every time he tried to get out of bed against doctor's orders, Y/N was there to scold him.

"You heard what the doctor said, Harry. You need to rest and let your body heal properly," she chastised him one day as he tried to get up.

Harry groaned in frustration. "But I'm going stir crazy in this damn bed! I feel fine, Y/N, honestly."

"No, you don't," Y/N said firmly. "You could have had a serious spinal injury. You're lucky it wasn't worse. Now lie back down before I get the nurses to strap you in."

Grumbling, Harry reluctantly complied, though he continued to hate being so confined and immobile. Little did Y/N know, he was already hatching a plan.

A few days later, Y/N arrived at the hospital only to find Harry's bed empty. Her heart leapt into her throat as she rushed to the nurses' station in a panic.

"Where is he? Where's Harry Styles?" she demanded.

The nurse gave her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, he checked himself out against medical advice earlier today."

"What? No, he can't have!" Y/N cried. She knew immediately where he would have gone.

Sure enough, when she ran across campus to the football practice field, she found Harry standing on the sidelines in his gear, acting as if nothing had happened. White hot fury blazed through her veins.

"Harry!" she yelled, storming toward him as the first raindrops began to fall. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Harry turned with a cocky grin as he saw her approach. "There's my favourite nerd. What's got your panties in a twist, love?"

"You insufferable asshole!" Y/N exploded, not caring that they had an audience of his confused teammates. "The doctor said you needed weeks of rest and recovery! You could have permanently injured your spine!"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Relax, babe, I feel great. Probably just overreacted with that whole backboard and neck brace nonsense."

"Are you kidding me right now?" Y/N seethed, hands balling into fists at her sides. Rain began pouring down around them, quickly soaking them both, but she didn't care. "You're incredible, you know that? You have zero self-preservation! No regard for your own safety and well-being!"

"That's a bit dramatic, don't you think?" Harry scoffed, though his casual demeanor faltered slightly under her furious glare.

"Dramatic? You could've been paralyzed, Harry! Doesn't that mean anything to you?" Her voice broke with frustrated tears. "Don't you understand how terrified I was watching you lying there, not moving? I thought...I thought I might lose you."

Something flickered across Harry's features then. His cavalier mask slipped for just a moment, allowing a flash of guilt and tenderness to shine through that sent Y/N's heart lurching treacherously. Then it was gone, the wall snapping back into place.

"Well, I'm right as rain now, so you can quit your worrying," he said gruffly, turning his back on her.

That was the final straw for Y/N. She grabbed his arm and whirled him around to face her, not caring that they were getting drenched by the downpour.

"You're so fucking reckless with yourself, Harry! Like you have zero self-preservation or even an ounce of common sense! Do you have any idea how scary that was to see you lying there, not moving? How I thought..." Her voice hitched, throat growing too tight to continue as burning tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

Through the rapidly blurring vision, Y/N registered Harry staring, chest heaving like she'd actually winded him with her outburst. His hands hung frozen at his sides, knuckles going white as he watched her come completely unraveled. And still she wasn't finished.

"You can't just keep putting yourself in danger like that! Pulling stupid fucking stunts and flipping off your own safety like it doesn't matter! Because it does, Harry. It matters so much to...to me," she finished in a thick whisper, finally allowing a tear to escape and streak down her flushed cheek.  

A weighted silence stretched between them, Y/N struggling to regain her ragged breathing as Harry continued gaping at her, utterly shocked by her reaction. Waves of tension rippled through the small space separating them.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity but was probably only seconds, Harry seemed to recalibrate. His expression went utterly blank for a beat before, out of nowhere, his eyes hardened into flashing jade. When he spoke, his tone was laced with a chilling detachment.  

"Why?"

Y/N blinked owlishly. "W-What?"

"Why the fuck do you care so much, huh?" Harry exploded, eyes flashing as he aimed his scathing hostility directly at Y/N. "Last I checked, I'm not your boyfriend or your family. I'm just some dumb jock you study with, right?"

Y/N flinched at the biting sarcasm, feeling tears prick her eyes anew at his harsh dismissal. But Harry was on a roll, fists clenching and unclenching as he visibly wrestled with...what? Anger? Fear? She couldn't tell, but his next words sliced deep regardless.

"So why do you get to flip out and pass judgment every time I take a hit, huh? You think I don't know how to handle myself out on that field?"

"That's not what I-"

"No, clearly you don't think I have any sense of self-preservation or whatever psychobabble bullshit diagnosis you want to armchair next!" Harry barreled over her attempted protest, voice rising in a sharp crescendo. 

He took a menacing step closer, using his full height to loom over her in a move that likely would've been intimidating...if his eyes didn't look so pained and conflicted behind that mask of bitter anger. "Tell me, Y/N - what gives you the right to freak out like that, huh? To look at me with those scared eyes like you have any claim over whether I live or die or-"

"Because I love you, dammit!" The confession exploded from Y/N with the force of a meteor strike.

A stunned silence fell over the field as Harry gaped at her, mouth hanging open in shock. Even the rain seemed to pause in the heavy tension between them.

After several moments where Y/N felt her panic rising, Harry finally found his voice again. "You...you what?"

Y/N took a shuddering breath, bracing herself. She had come too far to back down now.  

"I love you, Harry," she repeated, slower and more sure this time. "I have for a long time, you idiot. But you're always so reckless and careless 'bout your own safety. You take stupid risks and shrug it off like getting hurt is no big deal!"

She stepped closer, feeling tears mingling with the raindrops on her cheeks. "Don't you understand? The thought of you being seriously injured, or worse...it terrifies me. Because I couldn't handle losing you. You mean everything to me."

Harry continued staring at her, eyes blown wide and lips parted as if her confession had utterly short-circuited his brain. Y/N pressed on, needing to finally unleash all the feelings she had kept bottled up for far too long.

"I love your stupid jokes and your kind heart. I love how passionate you are about football, even if it drives me mental sometimes. I love the way you always smell like sandalwood and make me feel so safe when I'm with you. I'm in love with every obnoxious, laddish, reckless part of you and I can't keep ignoring it anymore."

She let out a wet chuckle, wiping futilely at her drenched face, her hands still shaking. "So yeah, that's why I care, you absolute wanker. That's why seeing you get hurt destroys me every single time, because the thought of being in a world without Harry Styles in it is just too much for me to bear!"

The words hung heavy in the rain-soaked air between them. Y/N watched Harry open and close his mouth a few times, clearly struggling to find a response. For once, his swagger and cockiness had completely deserted him as her feelings poured over him in an unstoppable tide.

Just when the silence was becoming too much for Y/N to bear, Harry finally seemed to find his voice again.

"You...you love me?" he rasped out, the disbelief and wonder evident in his tone. "Like, you're in love with me?"

Y/N felt her cheeks flush hot despite the cold rain. She gave a small nod, unable to meet his intense gaze. Her heart was thundering so loudly in her ears, she barely registered the shouts and hoots coming from Harry's teammates who had witnessed the whole emotional outburst.

"Shut it, you wankers!" Harry barked over his shoulder, never taking his eyes off Y/N.

In two long strides, he closed the distance between them until they were mere inches apart. Y/N's breath caught in her throat as Harry reached up with one hand to gently cup her jaw, tilting her face up toward his.

"Y/N..." he murmured, emerald eyes searching hers intently. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"

She let out a shaky laugh, leaning into his touch despite herself. "And ruin our friendship if you didn't feel the same way? I couldn't risk that, Harry. You mean too much to me."

Something blazing and tender flickered across Harry's face at her confession. Slowly, giving her every chance to pull away, he leaned in until their foreheads were resting together. Y/N shivered at the intimate proximity, at the way his familiar woodsy scent surrounded her completely.

"You daft woman," he murmured, the words fanning warmly across her lips and making her shiver for an entirely different reason. "Don't you know there's nothing I want more than for you to be my girlfriend? To be able to love you the way you deserve?"

Y/N's eyes fluttered closed at that, her heart feeling fit to burst from her chest. She had spent so long forcing herself not to hope, not to read into the heated glances and lingering touches she shared with Harry. Could he truly feel the same earth-shattering connection she did?

Her eyes blinked open again at the feeling of Harry's calloused thumb brushing reverently across her rain-soaked cheek. He was staring at her with such naked adoration and longing that it stole the breath from her lungs.

"I'm so bloody gone for you, Y/N," he confessed roughly. "Have been for ages now, if I'm being honest. Thought maybe I was imagining things between us or reading too much into it since I couldn't fathom someone as incredible as you wanting a mug like me."

Y/N opened her mouth to protest, to reassure him that she wanted every infuriatingly charming part of him, but Harry pressed on before she could get the words out.

"Then today, hearing how scared you were when I got laid out...how you thought you could lose me?" He shook his head slowly, curls dripping rivulets of rainwater down the sharp planes of his face and throat. "Don't know how I didn't see it before, love. The way you care about me, put up with all my shite...it's because you love me. Isn't it?"

It wasn't really a question, more like Harry was testing the words out for the first time and savoring the way they sounded. A thrill went through Y/N at getting to be the one to put that Look of rare, hushed awe on his handsome face for once.

"Yes, Harry," she answered anyway, both hands coming up to cradle his beloved face. "I'm desperately in love with you. The good, the bad, the reckless...all of it."

A crinkly-eyed grin stretched across Harry's lips then, brighter and more vibrant than Y/N had ever seen before. He wasted no more time closing that minuscule distance between them, capturing her mouth in a searing, all-consuming kiss.

Y/N gasped against his lips as the dam finally broke, months of too-long denied want and need bubbling over in heated waves. Harry's hands slid into her soaked hair, angling her head to deepen the embrace as he licked hungrily into her mouth. Y/N clung to him just as fiercely, fingernails scraping against his scalp and shoulders as if trying to physically pull him closer.

They were both panting harshly by the time they wrenched apart, sharing the same air in the infinitesimal space between their swollen mouths. Y/N felt drugged by the glazed, predatory darkness swimming in Harry's blown pupils,by the intimate glide of their rain-drenched bodies.

"Fucking finally," he growled against her lips before diving back in, one large hand splaying possessively across the small of her back.

Y/N hummed in ardent agreement, getting lost in his dizzying taste and scent and touch once more.  It felt like a cosmic star had been reborn between them, the force of their crashing inevitability obliterating all the hurt and confusion from before.

Neither was sure how long they stayed like that, trading desperate, drugging kisses amongst the pouring rain. But eventually, Harry pulled away just enough to nose his way along Y/N's jaw, lips dragging hotly up to her ear.

"Let's get out of this downpour, hmm?" he husked, teeth grazing her shell and making her shudder. "Got some making up to do for being such a blind tosser."

Y/N pulled back just enough to catch the incandescent fire blazing in his darkened gaze. Her breath hitched at the onceiled promise flickering there, at the tips of his wicked fingers already slipping beneath the drenched hem of her top.

It seemed she wasn't the only one who had been harboring some pent-up longing and hunger.

Still, there was one loose end she couldn't resist tugging before allowing Harry to whisk them away...  "Does this mean you're finally going to start taking better care of yourself?" she asked archly, arching one pointed brow. "No more stupid, reckless stunts for my idiotically brave footballer?"

Harry audibly groaned, dropping his forehead dramatically against her clavicle as his hands flexed with bruising force against her hips.

"Whatever you want, love," he conceded gruffly. "No more injuries or shite, I swear it. Now can we please get the fuck out of here before I embarrass myself further by ravishing you in the mud right in front of my teammates?"

Y/N gave a squeak of surprise as Harry abruptly ducked to gather her up in his arms, hitching her legs around his waist in one fluid movement. He sealed his wicked promise with another lingering, molten kiss that left her head spinning.

"Now, where were we..." he growled darkly before striding determinedly off the field, Y/N clinging just as fiercely in his embrace.

The teammates' raucous catcalls and laughter faded into the rainy background as Y/N tucked her face into the curve of Harry's neck, savoring his familiar sandalwood and smoke and the feeling of being wrapped in his arms at last.

She was never letting him go again. Not if she had any say in it.

♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡

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