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ihearthes · 8 months ago

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Abbey Road Studios:

A Harry Styles Meet Cute

Author: @ihearthes

Pairing: Harry x Original Unnamed Female Character

Rating: Fluffy Meet Cute

Word Count: 3439

“You’re shitting me?” I gaped at my manager. “THE Abbey Road Studios? How did you…? When am I…? What the actual fuck?”

Her grin across the desk was wider than a grand piano. “When I talked to the publishers about the audiobook, I assured them that being in the quintessential studio where the Beatles recorded The End would lead to a more inspired audiobook recording of your book The End.”

Leaping out of my chair, I rushed around her desk and hugged her tighter than a guitar string nearing its breaking point. Her laughter was rich, the hearty kind that could be served with both a spoon and a fork. Maybe even a knife thrown in for good measure.

“I’ll make you proud,” I vowed before releasing her and returning to the other side of the sparse wooden desk with its ornate carvings on each of the four legs.

“You already have,” she grinned. “After all, you have the most popular music podcast in the world.” Her statement was a major overstatement. Although my 2 year old podcast Time Machine Tunes was growing, it was barely in the top 100 music podcasts. Maggie was convinced the book would drive more listeners my way. “This book is going to be the icing on the cake of your popularity. You’re going places, kid.”

While I could have managed without the ‘kid’ tacked onto every sentence the 72-year-old American dynamo spoke about me, I was keenly aware that I still had a long way to go in establishing my career as a historical music writer. Without Maggie fighting on my behalf, I would still be shopping my manuscript to publishers. Meticulously researched despite the subjects not honouring me with an interview, my book was garnering buzz from the musical world before the final manuscript was even sent to the publisher.

“If you’ve heard the author’s podcast, you’ll understand her fascination with the greatest band of all time. You’ve heard the stories of how they ended, but this book delves more deeply into the stories surrounding their breakup,” read the promotional blurb written by Cameron Crowe.

Maggie never would tell me how she managed to convince the great Cameron Crowe to write a blurb for my book, but I suspect it had something to do with the past she never mentions, likely involving a stint as a groupie in the late sixties.

Days later, the popular zebra crossing was laid out before me with a steady stream of fans lined up to record their personal rendition of the most famous band photograph ever taken. I took a deep breath. In one tote bag, I carried my favourite teas, biscuits, and a bag of fresh fruit. The other tote bag held a copy of my bound manuscript with notes written in the margins of how I want to sound when I read certain parts of the text aloud. Places to pause were marked in pink highlighter. Sentences to be spoken with more emphasis were underlined. The usual.

This is how I prepare for my podcast, so I shouldn't have felt as strange as I did. At the bottom steps of the studio, I took a deep breath, closing my eyes and whispering to myself, “Just act normal.”

My fingers pressed on the wooden door, and it surprisingly opened at my touch. Inside was a reception desk with a stony-faced twenty-something female sitting behind it, tapping lightly on the keyboard keys, and a security guard wearing a uniform that must have weighed double the young man wearing it.

“No tours. The shop is next door, Miss,” the receptionist politely used her pen to point the way.

Gulping air, I nodded, then spoke in a rush. “I’m here to record. I mean, I have an appointment. I mean I’ve – my manager, really – has reserved a studio for me.”

So much for acting normal.

“Which studio?”

“The Front Room?” I ventured.

She tapped her pen on the book in front of her before shrewdly surveying me from head to toe. “Oh yes. Hand over your ID please so we can verify your identity.”

I fumbled my way through my pocketbook, seeking the one item that always seemed to fall to the bottom, no matter how large or small my bag might be. Just as I felt the leather of the small wallet touch my fingers, it slipped away again until I finally had to set the bag on her desk to more effectively dig through it. In triumph, I finally withdrew the offending item, raising it above my head.

The security guard simply stared at me until I freed my licence from its card slot, handing it over with a flourish. With a brusque nod, he took it from me with two fingers, exiting the room to another office.

“Should I – follow him?” I inquired, my voice a combination of shaky and firm.

“No.” Her reply was curt.

Minutes later, he emerged, handing me back my licence before directing me to another door. “That’s the Front Room. The team is waiting for you.”

My insides quivered like a bowl of elderflower jelly as I took the steps necessary to walk to the identified door.

“Ta!” I waved to the front office team before opening the studio door and stepping inside. Closing the door behind me, I slumped against it, eyes closed, and whispered, “You daft git.” Because of course I would see them again. Soon probably. And every day for the week while I would be recording.

“Excuse me?” The voice caused me to stand up straight.

“Oh, I didn’t mean you.” My eyes took in the slight man standing before me in blue jeans and a cosy oversized jumper. His curls were ringlets that reached his shoulders, and his beard was neat and trim.

“Who did you mean?”

Wincing, I frowned, my face cycling through about five different expressions before settling on a smile that, I hoped, lit up my whole face. “Me. I meant me. I’m —” Freezing, I held out my hand to this man, briefly forgetting my name.

“I know who you are. I’m Sean, your engineer.”

“Oh! It’s so nice to meet you. Thank you for helping me.”

Sheepishly, he shuffled his feet. “Don’t thank me too profusely. This is my first time doing this on my own.”

“Congratulations!” My voice squeaked out a little too loudly. “This is my first time recording in a real studio. My podcast is normally recorded in a tiny room at home that I’ve converted into a studio.”

“I’ve heard your podcast,” Sean reveals. “My partner and I never miss an episode.”

Grasping my hands together, I hold them over my heart. “Really? Thank you so much. It’s my baby.”

“One of these days you’re going to need a producer, you know. You can’t keep doing it all on your own. Not if you want to get bigger. And you’ll need a recordist. And an engineer too.”

“Oh.” My voice was tiny. His words felt like a scolding and a dismissal of my teensy podcast and my dream to grow it into something larger.

“No, no. I didn’t mean anything by it.” He was quick to correct my assumptions. “You’ll continue to expand your audience, and more people will want to be part of your team. It’s the natural evolution of recording. Unless you’re not any good – which I’ve already said you are.”

Choosing to take him at his encouraging word, I set my totes on the sofa in the control room. “Sean, I’m confident we’re going to get along just fine this week.”

“I’m sorry that you’ve just got me. It’s usually a bigger team here for the Front Room, but…” His voice trailed off, and I focused on his face.

“But?”

“It’s nothing.” He mindlessly picked some lint off of the immaculate sound board. “Some of the rest of the team thought it was sacrilegious for you to come into Abbey Road Studios to share your book about how THEY ended.”

The emphasis on the pronoun made it clear who he meant. “Ah, I see. They refused to work with me even though they had no idea what the book actually says or how much research I did?”

His shoulders raised and lowered, and his eyes roamed the floor. “Like I said, I’m sorry.”

The reluctance of the rest of the team set like a stone in my stomach, but I shook off the negativity. Oh well. Fuck them.

“Their loss,” I grinned.

He smiled back at me. “Agreed. Let’s do this.” Sean gestured around the space, pointing out everything I needed to know, and I unpacked my totes in preparation for the day. “Nice selection of teas,” he commented.

“My throat gets dry sometimes.”

As if he needed my explanation. He had worked with loads of people who probably needed tea to lubricate their throats, so it couldn’t be unusual. Why I felt like I needed to justify every bit of my practice was beyond me. I was a professional after all.

A professional who had no idea what she was doing in a fancy studio like this.

Apparently I was feeling a twinge of imposter syndrome.

“Shall I heat some water now?” Sean asked as I unpacked the manuscript with all of its sticky notes resembling the jagged cliffs of Dover. It was really sweet of him to offer, so I agreed. The control room wasn’t very big; other than the sofa, it housed a couple of plants and, of course, the prominent sound board. Sean flicked the switch on the electric kettle to the left of his console and turned back to where I was standing, my manuscript tucked to my chest as though it contained a pirate’s treasure.

“Let’s get you into the booth,” he said, leading me through the only other door in the small studio. “We mostly do music here, as I’m sure you know. But I think I’ve got things set up well for an audiobook. I brought in this small desk and a chair. If you don’t like the chair, I can find another one. Oh, and I found this.” He directed my attention to a book stand. Sheepishly, he smiled. “I was worried a music stand would be too flimsy.”

His simple preparations were touching, and my gratitude was boundless.

My arse settled into the chair, and I sighed at how luxurious it felt on my bum. “Perfect!” I proclaimed, placing the first chapter of the manuscript on the book holder.

“Great! Let’s try some different microphones and test your voice.”

An hour plus a few minutes later, we had finalised the microphone choice as well as the calibration of the sound board controls with my voice. My cup of tea was to my right and my coloured pencils were to my left so I could easily grab them to indicate changes to my delivery.

To record, Sean closed the door between the control room and the booth, but I could see him through the full sized soundproof glass inset on the door between us. During the first couple of hours, he would encouragingly nod to me at times. Or he would grimace, and I would know I had to read a section differently. Or louder. Or softer. Or with more expression.

“Uh, this first chapter will probably take a long time to record,” Sean shuffled his feet as we finished our morning tea. “Don’t panic. Once we get into a groove, the rest of the book will go much faster. It’s just that we have to, you know…”

“I understand,” I commented, nodding graciously. “It’s fine. As long as we get finished with the book by the end of the week…”

“Oh, that won’t be hard.” He flapped his hand at me. “We might even have time on the last day to record a few of your upcoming podcasts.”

“Really?” I was intrigued at the thought.

“But only if we don’t get too distracted.”

Ha! What could possibly distract me from my work?

I found out the answer to that question that very afternoon.

Sean and I were finally recording chapter two, our bellies full of the lunch he’d convinced a studio runner to take away from a nearby Indian restaurant. The remnants, half-full boxes of rice and curry with naan bread, covered the top of the coffee table by the sofa.

We had switched out the comfy chair for a wooden stool so that I could sit upright, practise my best posture and, most importantly, not fall asleep after the heavy meal. Sean played the roles of engineer, recordist, and director with joy and a skill that I came to both appreciate and disparage as the early afternoon flew by.

When I looked up from the script in front of me as we were in the middle of chapter three, I was surprised to find Sean turned towards the main studio door, his lips moving as though he were talking to someone.

“Hey!” My voice expressed my gentle offence in his headphones. “I thought we were a team, but you’re not even listening!”

He shook his head, removing his headphones and punching the button for his microphone.

“Take five. There are a couple of fans of yours out here who want to meet you. I think you might recognize one of them.”

Ugh. Fine.

Standing from the stool, I stretched my arms over my head, my vintage Beatles t-shirt rising and revealing my belly button. Through the large window between the booth and control room, I watched as Sean stood, his head bobbing up and down and a grin on his face.

When I could stall no more, I opened the door, leaning against the door jamb as I examined the two men standing by the studio door.

“Hi,” said one.

My jaw dropped as the other man’s face came into focus. Holy shit. How was he here? Had Sean joked about him being a fan? He must have been because there was no way…

“Jeff Azoff,” I breathed, attempting to speak coherently. “You’re Jeff Fucking Azoff.”

“Yes” was his smooth answer. “And I’m sure you know who this is…” He gestured to the man with him, and I shifted my gaze briefly to him. While extremely handsome, his face didn’t ring any bells, but I decided I’d better be polite and go along with the implication that I should know him by sight.

“Nice to meet you,” I muttered, quickly turning back to THE Jeff Azoff. “How did you…? I mean, holy shit. The number of times your father’s name has appeared in my research is staggering. Did you grow up surrounded by all of those musicians? REO Speedwagon? Dan Fogelberg? The fucking Eagles?”

“Yes,” he nodded.

Man of few words.

“What was it like? Oh wow. What I would give to pick your brain. Did I hear Sean correctly? You’re a fan? You listen to my pod?”

Once more, he bobbed his head in answer to my multiple questions. And then he tried to hoist me off on his friend again.

“Harry has worked with some other great artists,” Jeff began, nodding towards his companion.

Dismissively, I waved my hand in the direction of the handsome man who simply grinned, an extraordinary dimple appearing.

“YOU know my podcast?” I demanded of Mr. Azoff.

“Yes.”

Holy shit. Confident I would need to pry any future responses out of him, I placed my hands on my hips.

“You’ve heard my series about the Eagles then?”

“Indeed.”

“And? What did you think? Are you going to tell me everything I got wrong?”

“No, but I really think you might want to talk to Harry about…”

I interrupted. Whoever this Harry was, I was much more curious about this man’s take on my podcast. “Has your father heard my podcast?” My voice may have squeaked a little when I asked the question.

A nod was the only reply I got before he turned back to the bloke with him.

“Is this weird for you?”

“No.” The handsome man appeared to be amused as his lips twitched to the side, and his eye crinkles magically appeared. “Unique, but not weird.”

Narrowing my focus on the handsome one, I squinted. “You’re a musician recording here?”

“As a matter of fact, I am,” he grinned. “I’m Harry.” When my face still showed no signs of recognition, he added in a smooth voice with a northern accent, “You might have heard of me. My music has won a few awards. Harry Styles.”

The blood drained from my face. I had been freaking out over Jeff Azoff when the muse to Stevie Nicks was standing in front of me? It was Harry who grasped my elbow when I started to fall over from a lack of oxygen, gently guiding me to the sofa.

“Maybe some water?” he asked Sean who rushed into the booth to grab my water bottle, handing it to Harry quickly.

“Sip it slowly,” the Grammy winner said, and I ignored his instructions, nearly choking as I sucked water into my lungs. “Hey, hey. Easy there.” Glancing at Azoff, Harry laughed, “This feels more normal.”

“You –” I choked, coughing between words. “You – know – Stevie – Fucking – Nicks.”

Curiosity furrowed his brow. “That’s why you nearly passed out? Because I know Stevie?”

“You not only know her.” My voice was filled with incredulity and awe. “You’re her muse. You’ve performed with her – and with Fleetwood Mac. And you were the one who inducted her. Holy fuck. You must have done something right in life.” Stopping, I swallowed. “Holy fuck. I must have done something right in my life.”

He had settled on the sofa next to me, his face a mass of confusion. His head was tilted, and his lips were pursed as he scratched at his head.

But I didn’t have time to wait for him to catch up. “You can introduce me! Fleetwood Mac is my next podcast series, and if this book does well, I might write a full book about them. I’ve been engaged in a deep dive of reading about their time as a band. I’ve read everything I can find – official or not. In fact, there is a stack of books on my nightstand about Stevie and Mick and the rest. You have to introduce me. It would mean the world to me.”

My pleading must have broken through his confusion, and he cleared his throat. “You want me to vouch for you to Stevie? I don't really know anything about you.”

“But you listen to my podcast, right?” My head swivelled between Harry and Jeff. “Oh! You could read my book. See what my style is. I swear I would do right by Stevie. I’m so disappointed that I didn’t get to meet Christine before she… Anyway, I’ll do anything for an introduction. What do you need from me?”

“Anything?” Harry humoured me.

“Yes.” Swallowing, I nodded eagerly.

“You’re saying I could read your book? The one that’s not yet published? The one you’re recording now?”

My head bobbed like a cormorant.

“The one that’s about The End? That book?”

I hadn’t stopped my silly affirming as my head continued to move in the same up and down pattern.

“And maybe Jeff could read it too? And my friend Paul?”

My head froze, mid-bob. “Paul? Sir Paul? Sir Paul Fucking McCartney?”

Harry laughed, a delightful tinkling sound, his head rearing back with his joy. “Does everyone in your world have the same middle name?”

“Huh?”

“Fucking. Jeff Fucking Azoff. Harry Fucking Styles. Stevie Fucking Nicks. Sir Paul Fucking McCartney.”

Slapping my hand over my eyes and forehead, I groaned. “Please don’t tease me or joke with me. I’ve been trying to get Sir Paul to talk to me and read the manuscript since I started writing it. Not a single response to my queries.”

“Hmmm…” Harry murmured, tilting his head to one side. “So if you would do anything to meet Stevie, what would you be willing to do to meet Paul?”

“Name your price.” I was hoping he wouldn’t ask for much. All I had was the flat I shared with a friend from uni and a wardrobe of vintage clothing I’d carefully culled from a variety of charity shops.

“I get to be there when you meet them.” My head whipped up so that our eyes connected. “Plus five dinner dates with me.”

My eyes narrowed, “In addition to any meals we share with Stevie or Paul?”

Nervously, he licked his lips and glanced at Azoff who shrugged, seemingly disinterested.

“Yes.”

Author's Note: This really is just an introduction to these characters as part of a series on Meet Cutes. Who hasn't dreamed of meeting Harry Styles somewhere? Live vicariously through these women who randomly run into Harry Styles as part of their normal lives. How might one chance meeting change their lives forever?

#harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #my writing #harry styles fanfic #original writing #harry styles meet cute #harry styles imagine

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deezbutz28 · 7 months ago

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Serendipity

a/n: heyyyy i’m in my comeback era lol. i know this isn’t my normal story but i hope you all like it!

FLUFF!!!

college harry and college y/n :)

a lil over 3k words

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Y/N had always loved the little things—those small comforts in life that made everything just a bit easier to handle. A warm cup of coffee on a cold morning, a good book, a quiet café—these were the things that kept her grounded during the hustle and bustle of college life. So, when she found The Java Joint on her new college campus, it quickly became her go-to spot. The cozy little café was tucked away in a corner of campus, offering a peaceful escape from the chaos of lectures and assignments.

Every morning, she would grab her backpack, shuffle to the café, and order her usual: a caramel latte with an extra shot. It became part of her routine, something she could rely on. But it wasn’t just the coffee that kept her coming back—it was him.

Harry Styles, the barista with the wild curls, kind eyes, and easy smile that made her heart do a little flip every time he greeted her.

The first time she noticed him was a few weeks into her first semester. He had smiled at her from behind the counter, his voice warm and inviting as he asked for her order. He had an easy confidence about him, effortlessly charming but not overbearing. It was the way he remembered her name the second time she came in, the way he made her feel like she was the only person in the room. Every time Y/N walked into the café, Harry’s bright smile greeted her like they were old friends, even though they barely knew each other.

It wasn’t like Y/N hadn’t tried to make conversation—she had. She would chat with him about her day, about her classes, about the weather—but she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more to their interactions. Something she didn’t quite understand yet.

One chilly October morning, Y/N shuffled into The Java Joint, still feeling groggy from an all-nighter spent studying for an exam. Her body craved coffee more than sleep, and she couldn’t resist the temptation. As usual, the place was busy, with students hunched over their laptops and exchanging quiet conversations. But Y/N’s attention immediately went to the counter, where Harry was working, his hands deftly moving as he made drink after drink.

“Morning, Y/N!” Harry greeted with a grin as she walked up to the counter.

“Morning,” she replied, leaning against the counter with a sigh. “I’m so tired today. I don’t even know how I managed to get out of bed.”

Harry chuckled, his brown eyes sparkling. “You and me both. Finals are coming up, huh?”

Y/N nodded, her eyes flickering to the row of pastries behind the counter. “Yeah, and I have a ton of projects. I’m pretty sure I’ve lost all concept of time at this point.”

He leaned closer, lowering his voice slightly. “Don’t worry, you’ll make it through. Coffee is the secret to survival.”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. “If I didn’t have coffee, I don’t know how I’d function. Actually, scratch that—without you, I don’t think I’d make it.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Me, huh? What did I do to earn that kind of praise?”

“You remember my usual order,” Y/N said with a smile. “That’s impressive. Most people forget what I order after a few weeks, but you... you’ve got it down.”

He grinned, making her a cup of coffee with ease. “You’re one of my best regulars. You’re hard to forget.”

Y/N couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips as he slid her drink across the counter. She took the cup, savoring the warmth of it in her hands. “Thanks, Harry. You’ve just saved my day.”

“No problem,” he said, his voice light and playful. “Enjoy that latte. You’ve earned it.”

As Y/N turned to head toward her usual spot in the corner, she felt her heart race unexpectedly. The way Harry had looked at her just now—like she mattered—made her feel warm in a way that wasn’t just the coffee. But she shook off the thought, focusing on the relief that came with finally getting her caffeine fix.

The days that followed felt like a blur of exams, deadlines, and last-minute assignments. But every morning, Y/N made it a point to visit The Java Joint. She didn’t even have to order—Harry knew exactly what she wanted by the time she reached the counter.

One particular morning, she arrived later than usual. The café was crowded with students, all of them hunched over their laptops or chatting with friends. She stood in line, trying to catch her breath after rushing across campus, when Harry caught her eye from behind the counter. His lips curved into a smile the moment their eyes met.

“Y/N! The usual?” he called over the noise of the café.

She nodded, feeling a little embarrassed by the fact that he knew her order by heart. “Yeah, I’m running late today. Can you make it a large?”

“You got it.” Harry’s smile widened, and he made her coffee without missing a beat. But this time, something felt different. There was a certain warmth in his gaze as he handed her the cup.

“Thanks, Harry,” Y/N said, offering him a small smile as she took her drink.

“Anytime,” he replied, his tone sincere. “You’ve got a big day ahead of you?”

“Yeah, a presentation and a paper due,” she explained, feeling a little guilty for not being more enthusiastic. “I’ll probably be at the library for the rest of the day.”

“Ugh, that sounds exhausting,” Harry said sympathetically. “But hey, you’ve got coffee, so you’re halfway there.”

Y/N couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s true. Coffee always wins.”

As she walked toward the table by the window, her heart fluttered again. The way Harry had looked at her—there was something behind those brown eyes that made her feel like she was the only one in the room. She tried to shake the thought away, telling herself she was probably reading too much into it. After all, he was just being friendly, right?

But as the day went on, the thought lingered. There was something about the way Harry smiled at her, the way he took the time to remember her order, the way his eyes softened whenever she walked into the café. It was more than just a friendly gesture—it felt... personal.

The following week, after yet another hectic day, Y/N decided to stop by The Java Joint again. This time, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. The café was quieter than usual, with only a handful of students scattered around. Harry was behind the counter, casually wiping down the counter when he saw her walk in.

“Hey, Y/N. You want your usual?” Harry asked, his eyes sparkling with that familiar mischief.

Y/N smiled, but something was different this time. There was a feeling in the air—something electric. Maybe it was just the exhaustion settling in, or maybe it was the way Harry had looked at her just now. But Y/N felt her heart race in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

“Actually,” she said, hesitating for a moment. “Do you think you could make it... extra sweet today? I’m feeling a little adventurous.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Extra sweet, huh? You sure?”

She nodded, a mischievous grin tugging at the corner of her lips. “Yeah, let’s see if you can handle it.”

“Challenge accepted,” Harry said with a playful grin. He set to work, making the drink with a little more care than usual. Y/N watched him, her heart skipping a beat. There was something magnetic about him, something that made it impossible to look away. The way he moved behind the counter—so effortlessly, so naturally—made it seem like he was in his element.

As he handed her the cup, he leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. “Extra sweet, just like you asked.”

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat at the unexpected compliment, but she quickly recovered. “Thanks, Harry.”

He grinned, clearly pleased with himself. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Y/N nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. “Definitely.”

The next few days felt like they passed in a blur of exams and assignments, but Y/N couldn’t stop thinking about Harry. Every time she walked into The Java Joint, it felt like there was this unspoken connection between them, something that made her heart race and her palms sweat.

Finally, on a quiet Friday morning, Y/N decided to take a chance. She had finished her last exam for the week and had a little free time before her next class. She walked into The Java Joint, hoping to catch Harry before he got too busy. As usual, he was behind the counter, and his face lit up when he saw her walk in.

“Y/N! What can I get for you today?” Harry asked with his signature grin.

“Actually,” Y/N said, taking a deep breath. “I was wondering... would you want to grab coffee outside of here sometime? Just the two of us?”

Harry’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked taken aback. But then, his face broke into a grin, and he stepped closer to the counter. "I’ve been waiting for you to ask," he said, his voice soft but playful.

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t expected him to answer so quickly, and the way he looked at her made her heart skip a beat. "Really?" she asked, trying to sound casual, even though her pulse was racing.

"Yeah," Harry replied, his eyes meeting hers with a warmth that made her feel like she was the only person in the room. "I’ve been thinking about asking you for a while, actually. Just... didn’t know if you were into the idea."

Y/N felt a wave of relief wash over her. For a second, she had been worried she might’ve misread the signs. But now that Harry was admitting he’d been thinking the same thing, she felt her nervousness melt away.

"So..." Harry began, his voice teasing, "coffee outside the café. When works for you?"

Y/N smiled, a playful gleam in her eye. "How about right now? I’ve got an hour free before my next class."

Harry raised his eyebrows, looking pleased. "Right now, huh? Bold move, I like it."

"Well," Y/N shrugged, trying to act nonchalant, "I figured if we’re gonna do this, we might as well do it now. No time like the present, right?"

"You’re absolutely right," Harry said, pushing himself away from the counter. He grabbed his jacket, which had been hanging on a nearby hook. "Let’s go, then."

Y/N followed him out of the café, feeling an excited flutter in her chest. As they stepped outside into the crisp autumn air, Harry turned to her with a grin.

“So, where are we going? You pick," he said, looking genuinely curious. "I’m happy to let you choose the place.”

Y/N paused for a moment, thinking. “There’s a little park just off campus. It’s not too far. I like it there, especially when it’s quiet.”

Harry smiled. “Sounds perfect. Lead the way.”

They walked side by side through campus, exchanging small talk and laughing over silly stories about their college experiences. Y/N found herself relaxing in a way she hadn’t expected. There was no awkward tension, no nerves. It felt natural, like they were simply two people who had known each other for much longer than they actually had.

As they reached the park, they found a bench by a small pond. The trees surrounding them were beginning to change colors, their leaves a vibrant mix of orange, yellow, and red. The air was crisp, and the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow across the park. It was the perfect setting, and Y/N felt like she was in a dream.

They sat down, their legs almost touching. Harry turned to her, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “So, Y/N... What’s something about you that I don’t know yet?”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the question. “Hmm... that’s a good one. I guess... I’ve always wanted to travel more. Like, really travel. Europe, Asia, South America... I want to see the world. I think it’s the one thing I’ve always been sure about.”

Harry nodded, his eyes soft as he listened. “I think that’s amazing. You’ve got that sense of adventure, huh?”

Y/N smiled shyly, feeling a little embarrassed by the vulnerability in her voice. “I guess I do. What about you? What’s something I don’t know about you?”

Harry hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering toward the pond before meeting her gaze again. “I think... I’ve always wanted to write songs. I’ve got this notebook full of lyrics and ideas, but I’ve never really shared them with anyone.”

Y/N was surprised. She had always known Harry was into music—she’d heard him talk about it a few times—but the idea of him being a songwriter felt... personal. “Wow, that’s incredible,” she said softly. “I didn’t know that.”

Harry smiled, a little shy now. “Yeah, it’s something I’m still working on. Maybe one day, I’ll show someone my stuff. But I guess it’s kind of a private thing for me.”

“You should definitely share it one day,” Y/N said, her voice sincere. “I’m sure it’s amazing.”

They sat in silence for a moment, simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The pond rippled gently in front of them, and a few ducks glided across the water. It was the kind of moment Y/N wished could last forever—simple, but perfect in its own way.

Eventually, Harry turned to her, his expression more serious now. “Y/N,” he said, his voice quiet but steady. “I’m really glad you asked me out. I’ve wanted to do this for a while, but I didn’t know if you felt the same. I really like you.”

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat at his words. The way he was looking at her—so genuine, so open—made her feel like she was floating. “I like you too, Harry,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “More than I expected.”

Harry smiled, a mixture of relief and happiness in his expression. He reached for her hand, gently taking it in his. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot, honestly. I didn’t want to make things weird by asking you out while I’m just the barista at The Java Joint, but... I’m glad I did.”

Y/N laughed, squeezing his hand. “If it makes you feel better, I’ve been thinking about you a lot, too. I was honestly starting to wonder if I was reading too much into things.”

Harry chuckled, the sound light and easy. “I guess we’re both a little shy when it comes to this kind of stuff.”

“Yeah,” Y/N agreed with a smile. “But I’m glad we took the leap.”

As they sat there, talking and laughing under the golden afternoon sun, Y/N realized that this—whatever it was between them—felt like something real. The connection she had with Harry was undeniable, and it wasn’t just about the coffee. It was the way he made her feel, the way they fit together in a way that seemed effortless, even though they hadn’t known each other for long.

After a while, Harry stood up and stretched, looking down at Y/N. “I don’t want to keep you from your next class, but I’d like to do this again sometime. You know, the coffee-and-chat thing.”

Y/N smiled, standing up beside him. “I’d love that. Same time next week?”

Harry grinned. “It’s a date.”

As they walked back toward campus, hand in hand, Y/N couldn’t stop smiling. The whole day felt like a dream, and as she looked at Harry beside her, she knew this was just the beginning of something amazing.

In the weeks that followed, their relationship blossomed. They spent more time together, grabbing coffee before class, talking late into the night, and sharing their dreams and fears. And every time Y/N stepped into The Java Joint, it felt like the universe had conspired to bring them together. What had started with a simple coffee order had turned into something real—a bond neither of them had expected but both cherished.

And every time Harry made her a latte, with just the right amount of sweetness, Y/N couldn’t help but smile. After all, it was the little things—like a cup of coffee—that had brought them to this moment. And it was the little things that made her realize just how lucky she was to have found him.

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fratboyzayn · 14 days ago

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Hear me out 2018 or 2017 Harry just met user and she’s a model but also she’s Travis kelce little sister so they meet at a Kansas City chief game that Harry goes to with a friend

He bumps into you at a chiefs game

Tag list- @pcterpvrkerwp @flickertiffany @nevestyles @skylrrrrr @zclhs @pops234 @tpwkmr @nanaisinmars @alex-voiddome @patriwxlls @cassofheartsss @harryslove13 @avensgreenvans @faithmfnmoney @sturnsdirectionz @hontpwk @butdaddyiloveh1m @dollrry @evas1ncenewyork @jakessbtch @tillstalks @nikkihs @kateluvshaz @peepsg1rl @vinaftdt @tpwkbanana @28keira @dykwyachrissy @chalmtloui @alwayslouuu @moonshine1d @stardustmalik @tpwk-kate @littlealonebutterfly @harrystyleshotwife @swagbella @myonlyangel13 @jocelynlovesharrystyles @daydreaming-xo @merylittlefreak @averilovesnarry

#one direction #character ai #character ai creator #character ai bot #harry styles #kansas city chiefs #2017 #meet cute

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louaylorslut · 1 year ago

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i watched it begin again…

story: in which harry and y/n meet at the cinema

warnings: talk of loneliness/sadness, overthinking, trust issues, little insecurity

longhair!harry x lonely!reader

just a lil baby fluff (one shot!!)

!not proofread guys im sorry im lazy:((

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The sadness you’ve been feeling for the last couple of days has been getting overwhelming.

You just finished your exams and you were over the moon to meet up with your friends, since while you were so busy studying, you barely got to see them. What you didn’t take into account however, is that you only have two friends, who are both in relationships AND also have multiple other friends.

So here you are, alone at home crying on your pillow yet again. You really wanted to see the new Inside Out movie, because while you were killing yourself over school, you kinda had no free time to watch films and you missed out on a lot. So you didn’t want to be even more out of the loop. Plus it’s a good reason to leave the house, clear your head a little, and of course meet your friends.

But both your friends had already watched it with their partners and it made you sad. You feel like they never have time for you anymore.

So you just cry, and cry in your bed like a lonely fucking loser you clearly are. Well I mean what can we do? It’s not their fault is it? Let them be happy. Be happy FOR them.

So that’s what you did, you calmed yourself down and sat in your bed and thought about life. You wanted to be free after this exam season, you promised to yourself you’d do things out of your comfort zone, you swore you’d live.

So that’s why you’re standing here, in que for one of the cinema’s of your capital city (that’s right you took the train just for this, to show yourself how adventurous you really are).

You’re a little nervous you gotta admit, but it feels good, you don’t need other people to have fun, even though you’re bit of a team spirit, you’re sure you’ll do fine on your own.

“Hi” is a word you hear but ignore

“Helloo” you hear the same voice now a little melodically, greet someone again, but now coming from closer, so now you turn the sound’s way and you are greeted with a tall guy with long hair and a kind smile, he looks sort of pretty really, but you don’t know, maybe it’s just the fact that you are really hungry for someone’s attention, something that he’s giving you undivided right now.

“Hey?” you reply with a small but kind, charming smile waiting for what he has to say, a little awkwardly, you try and not to sound intimidated but this guy does intimidate you.

He offers you a kind smile and asks something you weren’t prepared for. “You’re waiting for someone?”

You can’t help but be a little thrown by that, I mean why would he ask that? It’s either he’s a fuckboy and just wants to chat you up or this is some kind of new thing the cinema’s doing to make the que go faster, asking the people still in the que if they have a ticket, or it’s a third one and you look so desperate alone that he maybe wants to give you money because he feels sorry for you. Yeah, pretty sure it’s the second one.

“Oh, no” you reply with the same tight and warm smile, shaking your head a little “It’s just me” now that you think about it you’re cursing yourself WHY would you tell him, what if he’s a creep and he’ll follow you home? I mean it’s dark in the cinema you’ll keep an eye on him and you’ll leave early it’s fine. Your best friend said the after credits scene isn’t worth the wait anyway. You’ll be fine just play it cool.

“Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t trying to pry, I just- I was waiting for someone…” the man infront of you confesses with some emotion in his eye.

You notice his fragility, you don’t really have the mental capacity for a heart to heart right now, but who knows, maybe forgetting about your problems can only be achieved if you’re sorting out someone else’s, plus you like to give advice, so, you’ll help the boy.

“I’m sorry, I’m so- I don’t know why I’m saying this i just didn’t expect it” he starts rambling and you see in his eye, besides the regret of him dumping this on you, the emotion they hold is disbelief? disappointment? a bit of bruised ego perhaps?

Now, you can tell he’s a hot guy, he has this skaterboy-but also rockstar look about him, with his black clothes, tattoos, eyeliner, rings and painted nails, oh and also -how could you forget- his long hair.

“You know what forget it, I’m sorry, I’m sorry for bothering you, I’m gonna leave” he says embarrassed

“Nodon’tleave-“ you blurt out a bit too loud and fast, before you could stop yourself. Mental fucking self palm. He smirks at that.

“I’m sorry I’m sure you don’t want my pity but I feel sorry for you. I relate- I understand I mean. I always end up rambling and oversharing and people almost never react how I’d like them to, and I don’t want to be one of those people. So, please tell me” you smile at him reassuringly while you both move forward in the que.

“Thanks love, umm that’s it though really, I was ‘stood up’ I guess, but I don’t really care I didn’t know her, like at all, but it really hurt my stupid fucking fragile man ego. It’s sounds so dumb I know, I just don’t understand why someone would do something like that?” he shares his feelings

“Wow, that’s a lot” You make a little joke, making it obvious with dramatic face expressions, he seems to get worried for a second, but then he gets it and laughs.

“O-kay, so I think, it obviously took a lot of guts for you to admit to yourself about that bruised ego, however, if you don’t care about her, you didn’t know her then you shouldn’t really care right?” you say and he nods but lets you continue “I understand that this is a sucky feeling, I mean I personally never been stood up,” you say and he moves his lips into a straight line “but I’m sure it sucks, though” you laugh a little “you might have picked the wrong person to pour your heart out to, I actually support women putting narcissistic men in their places” he laughs and tongues at his cheek “WHICH I’m not saying you are, but that’s how it came off, just sayin” he makes a playful smile, like he’s taking on your challenge of teasing “I think you should’ve tried your luck with maybe that girl over there” you say as you point to a brunette sitting alone, melancholy staring into her popcorn. He looks the way your hand is pointing and laughs “Yeah well I’m sorry but I already chose you, so, therefore, I need to complete my challenge, hate to say it” he says jokingly, putting his hands up in surrender as you move up in line

“Oh yeah? That’s the challenge, can’t give that up can you? “ you joke

“Oh yes exactly, that’s it,” He laughs a little “and if I don’t complete it I’ll cry myself to sleep, and you don’t wanna do that to me so you’re stuck with me for tonight” he jokingly pouts “Yeaah poor little baby, wouldn’t even dream of snagging an opportunity like this from you” you say sarcastically

“Why were you coming to watch a kid’s movie for a first date anyway?” you ask curiously as you arrive at the ticket check-in stand. “We weren’t” he says and you look at him confused, but before you are able to dig further, the girl behind the stand greets you.

“Hello I have a ticket reservation for Y/N Y/L/N” you say with a kind smile. You watch as she starts typing on the computer in front of her then looks back up at you with a smile “Yes, for Inside Out 2 right?” she asks “Yeah, thank you” you say as she gives you the ticket “Here you go, enjoy the film!” She says with a bright smile. “Hi, um I’d also like a ticket to that, if there’s any left” He laughs a little awkwardly “Yeah there is,” she says “where do you wanna sit?” she turn her little screen towards him while he turns to you “Would you like to sit together?” he asks, looking into your eyes “Sure” you crumble under pressure, why would you do that you don’t know, but that’s how you are, you didn’t even think about another answer. It’ll be harder to get away from him now, that’s for sure.

“Seat next to her please” he says “What was your row?” she asks you while you’re thinking and after a couple seconds you react “Oh, row 7 seat 12” you force out “Okay great” she claps her hands and prints and gives the guy his ticket. And this is when you realise you don’t even know his name.

So when you’re walking away you say “Okay 2 things before I forget or someone interrupts again” you says super seriously but he just cracks a lopsided smile. “One. What’s your name?” you look at him fully while walking up to the food-drink stand. “Harry” he replies casually. “Okay Harry, I’d introduce myself but you’ve already heard my name over there, so my second question is something I already forgot- hold on” as you think you arrive at the food stand and since the line isn’t long you’re already at the front.

“Hey I’d like a medium popcorn and a green tea please” you say and before you could even take a breath Harry ducks in “And I’ll have the same” he says “What are you doing?” you whisper confused “What, I can’t do you a nice gesture after you sorted out my problems?” he asks “Did I really though?” you ask in a high pitched voice while sceptically narroving your eyes “Yeah, you did. Really helped me there” he says with a pointed look “You’re not really gonna pay for this, are you?” you ask cautiously “Yes I am” he says firmly “Okay” putting your hand up in surrender “not gonna say no to free food, but don’t expect anything in return!” you point at him “Yes ma’am” he nods with a cheeky smile, dimples poppin out.

He pays, “Could’ve told me this earlier you know, would’ve bought more stuff.” you joke defeated, after letting him win, but still trying to have the last word “Oh, d’you wanna go back and stock up?” He points back from where you’re just walking away from with his eyebrows shooting up and his smile wide and playful “Just go in the damn theatre” you shake your head and you both laugh while you walk in, hand the check-in guy your ticket, he also tells you to enjoy the movie and then you go to your seats.

“Okay, what did I wanna say?” you ask while thinking “Oh yeah” as you remember “If you weren’t gonna come here with the girl, why are you here now then, of all places, to ease the pain in your sad little heart?” you ask ironically with a playful pout

He cracks an amused smile “Well, I’ve wanted to watch the film for a bit, but none of my mates know about it, I don’t think, didn’t ask I mean,” he smiles slightly “but I always see it on Tiktok, even before it came out, and I was walking by the cinema while my shame was taking me home and I saw it was playing so I figured” he shrugs “Well I think that’s great,” you say “didn’t think guys below the age of 13 would wanna see this” you say before you realise how that sounds and your eyebrows shoot up “NOT- I- I’m sorry I didn’t mean that to sound so judgemental,” you panic out in hurry “It’s fine” he says with a reassuring smile “I mean it like, it’s great, that a guy would watch this without shame like-“ god you are just digging yourself deeper “NO I MEAN ahhh god” you take a deep breath while Harry waits for what you have to say with an amused smile, he’s enjoying watching you struggle “What I mean” you start calmly “is that I know it might be like a stigma in society for men to not like this movie cuz emotions and stuff, but I think it’s really cool that you do” you finally finish smiling out, he smiles back “Thank you” you look at each other for like 10 seconds or so

“So” you tear your stares apart awkwardly, he clears his throat “how come you’re here alone, if you didn’t- I mean you said you didn’t get stood up or waiting for anyone” it’s reassuring to see him be nervous and stumble over his words too, doesn’t look like the type. He looks cool and collected.

“Well, I just finished my exams” you start off “Congrats” he says “and I can finally watch movies and do stuff, and just generally get out of the house now, but my friends, they’re busy with their relationships, and other stuff, and I sorta, didn’t have anyone to come with” you say with a week smile and then you form your lips into a line

“You’re not in a relationship?” he asks while looking into your eyes, like he actually cares, that’s nice. You widen your eyes, but quickly collect yourself “No” you say sheepishly looking down “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to cross a boundary I just thought maybe you’d come with them you know” he says apologetically “Yeah, no I don’t have anyone” you frown “anyone at all right now cuz you know..my friends, so yeah, been kinda down” he looks at you sadly for a beat “I’m sorry, I couldn’t tell, you don’t really radiate sadness” he says it sympatheticly, you feel like you made things too heavy and weepy so you quickly try to change the subject and lift the mood

“But anyway, let’s not talk about that, we got a movie to watch huh?” you say with a bright smile “Yeah right” he says smiling back, and you start talking about what you expect from the film by the trailer and tiktok you’ve seen until it actually starts.

During the movie you talk a little bit, and even though he doesn’t seem to mind, you kind of hold yourself back because you’re definetely a movie talker, but no one you’d met before had liked that so with that in mind, you keep your thoughts to yourself (no matter how much it hurts, you would’ve done that if you were watching it alone anyway) not wanting to upset him or ruin his film experience.

When it’s over and the lights come on, you guess you probably look ridiculous, you had bawled your eyes out to this movie, it’s insane how much it had made you feel. Harry looks at you and smiles understandingly. Bless his heart, he doesn’t make fun of you for it, probably because he felt the same during too, he just didn’t cry, but he understands.

“Omg I’m so sorry for you to see me in this state, I knew I’d cry I probably should’ve warned you” you say after whiping your tears “Nooo it’s all good, I almost felt like crying too so I get it, you don’t look so bad anyway” he reassures you “Thanks” you smile at each other and then keep walking out of the screening room.

“Hey” you start after a couple of silent minutes, he looks up at you curiously “I’m like thinking, how did you get stood up? You don’t look like the type. You don’t even look like the dating type.” you say a little carefully, not knowing how he’ll react to this. He smirks, but lets his eyebrows shoot up, feigning offense. “Yeah? What ‘type’ do I look like then?” he ask knowingly “Like aa- a one night stand type?” you say quietly. “Oh yeah?” he asks amused “I DON’T MEAN THAT TO OFFEND YOU, I just don’t think you look like the type who likes relationships or someone any girl would reject” oh god. “I mean like you look so tough and like you don’t ask girls out more like they are begging to go out with you, even for one night“ SHUT THE FUCK UP GIRL. He laughs very amused and decides that (no matter how much he’s enjoying this) it’s time to put on end to your misery.

“Sweetheart, you’re doing it again” he says with a warm smile and a kind voice. After you’re torn from your ramble, you have trouble understanding what he means “What” you ask quietly, feeling small “You’re not gonna be able to breath if you keep talking like this” he says and kinda sounds protective, it’s hot wtf “Oh yeah, sorry” you say as you realised what he means and you feel your cheeks go warm “Don’t apologise, I was just so worried” he jokes “Okay no need to be dramatic here sir” you say now more light-heartedly and he laughs along. “So” you take a breath, much calmer now “would you answer my question?” you ask and he looks at you with fake confusion “And that waaas?” he asks with a playful smile that tells you he knows what he’s doing, so you punch him in the shoulder “Just answer” you say with a pointed look, but still playful.

“Alright so, let’s see, one; am I a fuckboy who doesn’t do dating? If that’s what you were aming for. Yes, sort-of, I’m not a self-claimed fuckboy” they never are “i actually kinda hate that term, it’s cringy, but yeah my friends would probably call me that” he answers “Two; I do get a lot of girls, this one I’m guessing got told something that was probably fair, that’s why she didn’t show, did hurt though because as I said I’m not really used to that, that’s what I get for once asking someone out I guess, universe teaching me a lesson or some shit.” you nod along with what he said

“Although, she was rather excited when I asked her out, hopefully she didn’t get kidnapped” he says with a straight face, looking into distance and you look at him in shock for a bit

But then he starts smiling and laughing “I’m just messing with ya it’s okay” and then you laugh too. This was nice, you didn’t think it would be.

Sadly you have been standing in the lobby of the cinema for a couple of minutes, so you feel the inevitable but still painful end to this night.

“Well thanks for the food” you say “S’ no problem” he smiles back “I had fun tonight” he says “Well I’m happy I could take your mind off of the girl” you say offering a warm smile, but Harry’s expression changes to furrowed brows “Don’t talk about her” he says firmly “Oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hit a nerve or-“ you immediately backtrack “No, it’s not that it’s just, let’s not talk about her anymore, I had fun with you, you were the one I liked spending time with, I’m gonna be thinking about you for the next week, not someone else.” he says passionately.

“Oh well” you are quite surprised by that “i had fun with you too.” “I mean we did watch a movie so I’m sure that helped you too, but you know-“ he doesn’t get why you can’t understand he liked spending time with you, how you keep blaming it on someone else “Darling, it was because of you not the movie” he smiles looking into your soul. You are a bit flustered, don’t know what to say “I’d really like to see you again, if you don’t mind” he says with a waiting expression “and if you won’t stand me up too” he quickly adds “i fear my poor heart couldn’t handle that” he jokes with you putting his hand on his heart before turning his full attention to waiting for your answer

“Um yeah, I think it’d be great” you smile a little “And I wouldn’t do that, I’d text you at least” you tease a little and he smirks

“But-“ you start, becoming your trust issued, sensible, non love-sick self again. You hold up a finger pointing at him “you are not just saying this to get me to wanna fuck you” you warn him with narroved eyes “Because i’ll save you the trouble on that, I don’t do that, so you rather decide now” you say firmly standing your ground

He leans back a little intimidated “No, absolutely not,” he starts all serious and you can’t tell if he’s joking “i swear that’s not my intention at all. I mean I’m sure down the line if that’s what has to happen or I mean, you know I-“ he stumbles like an idiot. Again, it’s nice seeing him flustered too. “Okay Harry,” you start like a knowing mom, “give me your number, and I’ll decide if I wanna text you or not” you smile

“Alright” he’s surprised and flashes an amused smile at your boldness “here it is, Y/N” You type in his number and you’re about to say goodbye when-

“Do you wanna do something else? Get a drink or something?” he asks “No I’m kinda full” you laugh lightly “and I also have to catch my train so, I’m gonna go” you say

“Your train?” He asks “Yeah” you confirm. “I don’t live here, couple cities over actually” you say “Oh” he goes, like he’s really suprised and kinda? disappointed? “Soo, can I walk you to the station?” so you walk, and it’s actually quite nice, talking about yourself, him, your friends, his family, your interests, his major in college, his job. The sun is setting as you’re walking. You arrive at the station and he asks if he should wait for your train with you “No reason to, it’s gonna come in a couple of minutes, I’m fine from here” you smile like you’re ending the conversation “Well, then…bye” he says “Bye” as you smile he goes in for a hug but waits a little to see if you want to, you hug for what feels like a while but it probably was like 15 seconds and then you wave and leave. He turns around too and thinks about you on his way home, and when he gets home, and when he goes to sleep, and when he wakes up because he had just dreamt about you. And you do the same.

Maybe you have some weird thing with the universe after all, maybe your karma does even out.

#long hair harry #lhh #longhair!harry #boyfriend harry #one direction #harry styles #fluff #meet cute #fanfic #harry styles fluff #beginagaintaylorswift #begin again #prince hair harry #princehair!harry #boyfriend!harry #romcom

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myonlyangel13 · 3 months ago

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You are not ready for the next bot🥹

#uncle #harry styles #harry edward styles #character ai #c.ai #c.ai bot #c.ai creator #unclrry #gemma styles #meet cute #niece

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appledressing · 2 months ago

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Oh please I’m invested they’re adorable 🤩🥹

bambi [ceo!h x shy!reader]

synopsis: y/n tries a dating app and meets the CEO of Pleasing

word count: 8.6k

contains: ceo!harry x assitant!y/n, deer!reader vibes, dating app, online dating, deer!reader, first date, first kiss, fluff, age gap (9 years)

a/n: this is the first part of a new series. as usual the first part is a lil slow to set things up but I'm excited for what's to come of this one. there's going to be a lot of cuteness and all the things i love writing about in this one so i can't wait to share more !

this is part 1 of Bambi, read part 2 here

. . .

Most of the time Y/N didn’t want to be in control of things.

From a young age, she had to be in charge of everything. She had three younger brothers and was born to a single mother who worked hard to keep everything afloat in their tiny, townhouse. So inevitably she became an adult before she could even buy a lottery ticket.

Her life wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t easy. With the constant nagging from her much younger siblings and the dampened sleeve of her t-shirt—evidence of the hours she spent comforting her mother through tears—Y/N had just had enough.

Her life had become an abundance of things she was struggling to keep up with. She had no reprieve throughout her daily life, no way of stopping or just letting go.

She worked six-hour shifts at the supermarket, studied marketing at university, did the school run in the mornings, and often in the evenings too, if her mother was too tired to get off the couch. She tutored her youngest brother, who was falling behind in math, and kept the house in order while all three of them stayed glued to the television.

Even worse, her social life was practically nonexistent.. She was twenty-one and spent her Friday nights making dino nuggets and catching up on an incessant amount of laundry from the past week.

Y/N wasn’t sure where her life was heading. The loneliness and stress was so overwhelming she could barely breathe.

One night, the weight of it all brought her to tears as she thought about her future after graduation. Most of the girls she knew were planning gap years, travelling to places like Brazil or Italy. She tried to picture herself boarding a plane, but the only thing she could imagine was her mother calling mid-flight, asking her to pick up one of the boys from school.

She pulled open her phone eyes blotchy and nose stuffy from crying. Her loneliness was hitting her hard and she was desperate to feel some kind of connection, even if it was five minutes of conversation. So, she opened the only dating app she had on her phone, one that she’d installed many moons ago when she wanted to open herself up to meeting new people.

She barely used it after realising she wasn’t the best at small talk and whenever a guy would ask for a date, her introverted self would refuse to step foot out of the house. But on occasion she’d find herself wondering, searching for someone to take her mind off of everything.

Y/N swiped past copious images of men, seemingly unphased by all of them. She swiped through so many, that they almost began to look the same - 5’9, tanned, shirtless or lifting weights trying to show some kind of strength that proved to women they were most definitely ‘manly’.

When she started to believe all hope was lost, she paused when her eyes settled on a man who didn’t look much like the others. He was tall, with brunette curls and green eyes that crinkled when he smiled. He wore rings on his hands in every single picture and in one of them he wore a shirt with the sleeves rolled up to reveal a sleeve of tattoos. In most of his pictures he wore comfy sweaters and knitted cardigans with grey or black trousers. In one of them he wore a pair of blue jeans and had a small, battered copy of The Catcher in the Rye in his back pocket.

She read his bio beneath.

‘Harry, 30

Likes: scrabble, food, cats, books, cardigans

Dislikes: loud chewing, music played too low, emails, wearing sunglasses indoors at dinner is absolutely criminal’

She clicked the heart on his profile, eyes widening when the words ‘MATCH’ appeared on the screen in big bubble writing. He hadn’t sent her a message but clearly he had liked her own profile which was surprising considering she had barely anything on it.

As she was mulling over what to say to start the conversation, three bubbles quickly appeared then disappeared, replaced by a message. She held her breath, reading the words.

Harry: Hey, pretty dress

She frowned, wondering what he meant by that but then remembered she had a picture of her on her profile, showcasing one of her favourite dresses. It was a baby pink slip dress she had made out of silk fabric.

Y/N: Thank you, I made it! :)

Harry: You did? Wow! Looks better than most of the ones I’ve seen in my own store.

Y/N: Do you own a clothing store?

Harry: Something along those lines

Harry: Although they don’t sell pretty dresses like yours

Y/N: They’re probably a lot better, I use cheap materials

She cringed at her message, hoping she didn’t sound broke or not put together by saying she used something cheap.

Harry: I’m even more impressed

She smiled, watching him type a new message.

Harry: What brings you here?

She tried to sum up how she was feeling without making herself seem like a weirdo. She didn’t want to sound like a recluse looking for human interaction no matter how much she felt like it.

Y/N: I’m tired of everything, just want someone to keep me company

Harry: I get that. Should I be worried? Are you okay?

Her heart warmed, she couldn’t remember the last time someone asked her if she was okay.

Y/N: I’m okay now, thank you for asking !! it’s just everyday life stuff.

Harry: Of course. Just let me know if there’s anything you want to talk about. I’m right here to listen… or read

Y/N: thank you, that truly means a lot!! xx

Harry: No problem, love x

Y/N’s heart flickered at the name he had placed on the end.

They texted for hours, well into the middle of the night. Y/N was giddy, rolling around on her bed, smiling so hard her cheeks ached. They had so much in common—both preferred quiet nights in, were family-oriented, loved literature and art and even fashion. He was funny and sweet, always checking in to make sure she was comfortable and that he wasn’t overstepping with his questions. Despite how much they had in common, they had a lot of differences too.

Y/N: Is it raining where you are? Xx

Harry: Hm, just checked outside and I think the clouds are coming over. I don’t mind though autumn happens to be my favourite season.

Y/N: omg really?

Harry: What? You don’t agree?

Y/N: No omg are you kidding? I’m much more into spring. I like that it’s sunny with a slight breeze so it’s warm but not too warm so you can still wear a sweater

Harry: Ahhh I see, you do give spring I must say

Y/N: You think so?

Harry: Even from looking at your pictures, you look like a tulip or something.

Harry: Or the little deer from that movie

Harry: What was it?

Harry: Bambi!

Harry: Maybe that should be your name - Bambi

Y/N: That’s one of my favourite movies !!

Y/N: I happened to think Bambi is a very pretty name

Harry: Then I’ll call you Bambi

Y/N: Well what should I call you?

Harry: Anything you like, Bambi

. . .

Y/N was working her shift at the supermarket. She was already entering her final hour, her stomach rumbling as she packed frozen pizzas onto the shelves. Although she had been working hard to get things done so she could go home on time, her mind was constantly wandering.

It had been a full week of talking to Harry. They had converted to messaging on WhatsApp after exchanging numbers and every day Y/N would wake up to a morning text message from him telling her to have a good day and that he would be right there in her pocket if she ever needed anything. In the evenings, he would make sure she wasn’t going to sleep with anything heavy on her mind. He’d ask her questions about what she ate and if she had any time to herself in the day. For the first time in a long time, Y/N felt a little less lonely. She went about her day with a little pep in her step feeling the excitement of texting the man she had only just met. She didn’t know what it was about him but a part of her felt safe with him. Maybe it was the fact he was nine years older than her and knew what it was like to be under stress with so many things but he understood her in a way no one else did.

And Bambi.

Every day, it was Bambi this and Bambi that, and every time, she’d swoon or smile at the nickname he had given her. It was silly, maybe even a little ridiculous, how much it affected her. But she couldn’t help it—every time he said it, a bubble of excitement grew inside her. She liked someone for the first time in a long time, and it brought something new, something light, into her overwhelming life.

After days of just simply texting, Y/N had asked him if he wanted to video call tonight. It would be her first time hearing what he sounded like and part of her was nervous. What if he came across differently from how he was over text? What if he didn’t look the way he did in the numerous pictures he had sent her? What if after calling tonight, he didn’t like her anymore?

Hours later, Y/N was tucked up in bed readying herself to call him. She had showered and blow-dried her hair, wearing her comfiest pink pyjamas with her body wrapped up in her duvet. Her thumb hovered over the call button, gnawing on her bottom lip as thoughts raced through her mind.

She gasped when Harry’s face appeared on her screen just seconds after she pressed call. It was their first time ever talking like this, and her heart raced as she took in the sight of him. He was sitting in a desk chair, a large framed artwork hanging on the wall behind him. His shirt was slightly rumpled, his tie loosened around the collar, and his curls fell lazily across his forehead. He looked so effortlessly handsome, it almost didn’t seem real.

“Hey,” he murmured, his voice breaking the stillness of her bedroom. It carried a warmth, soft and steady, like the glow of a campfire, and she felt herself melt under its gentle heat.

“H-Hi,” she squeaked, her cheeks immediately flushing with warmth. Her nerves bubbled up as she realized she was staring at him, trying to comprehend that this was actually happening. Surely she was dreaming, she pinched herself to make sure.

Harry’s eyes softened when he heard her shaky greeting. “You alright?” he asked, the corner of his mouth lifting in a small, amused smile. His tone was gentle, almost teasing, but there was something deeper there—like he was studying her reaction and enjoying every second of it.

She nodded quickly, fumbling with the hem of her pyjama shirt. “I’m good! Just… surprised you answered so fast.” She giggled nervously, her voice high-pitched and sweet, like she couldn’t quite believe this was happening. “I thought it’d take a few rings at least.” Her blush deepened as she tucked her knees up to her chest.

He chuckled softly, the sound rich and warm, making her heart flutter. “I was waiting for you to call,” he admitted, a soft smirk tugging at his lips.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she shyly glanced up at him through her lashes. “Really?” she asked, her voice soft and a little disbelieving.

He smiled, a slow, adoring smile that made her stomach flip. “Yeah, really. I’ve been thinking about it all day.” His voice had that low, confident tone, but his gaze was gentle, like he wanted to make sure she knew he meant it. “The only thing getting me through work.”

“You’re still at work? It’s nine-thirty!” she exclaimed, glancing at the clock in disbelief.

Harry’s lips curled into a playful smirk. “Is it past your bedtime, Bambi?” he teased, leaning back in his chair as he glanced at her through the screen.

Her heart stuttered hearing that nickname come from his own mouth. She felt like if the camera wasn’t on, she’d be floating around her room like a bright pink orb of light, “N-No,” she stammered, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. “But shouldn’t you be going home by now? You’ve been working all day.”

He let out a small chuckle, shrugging as he glanced down at the papers scattered across his desk. “Got a lot to catch up on. Too many late nights spent talking to you.” His voice was warm, laced with affection despite his teasing.

Her heart sank for a moment, guilt creeping in. They’d been texting non-stop for weeks, and she hadn’t once thought about how it might be affecting his workload. He’d told her before that he worked for a clothing company, and it suddenly hit her how busy he must be.

Noticing the shift in her expression, Harry’s voice softened. “Y’thinking too much in that little head of yours?” he asked, cutting through her thoughts.

“Maybe a little,” she admitted quietly, biting her lip.

He shook his head, eyes never leaving hers. “You know I didn’t mean it as a bad thing, right? I love talking to you, Y/N. I think... I might even be a little obsessed with you,” he confessed, his smirk turning into a softer smile.

Her breath caught in her throat, and for a second, all she could do was stare at him, her heart thudding in her chest. “I-I think I’m obsessed with you too,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Yeah?” His voice was full of warmth, a hint of disbelief in it, like he hadn’t expected her to say it back. She nodded shyly, clutching her pillow tighter against her chest, her heart racing.

Harry huffed out a breath, rubbing a hand over his face to hide the wide grin that had taken over. “God, you’re even cuter than I imagined,” he murmured, his words full of adoration.

They talked for hours, diving into everything and anything that crossed their minds. It was the longest conversation they’d had since they started talking, and Y/N found herself more captivated by Harry than she thought was possible. The way he laughed, the way he listened—it all just pulled her in deeper.

In the middle of her sentence, she noticed Harry looking at her with an unusually soft expression, his eyes filled with something she couldn’t quite place. He suddenly spoke, cutting her off mid-thought. “Can I take you on a date?” His voice was gentle but firm, catching her completely off guard.

“O-Oh,” she stammered, blinking in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to want to meet her so soon, but her heart leapt at the thought. “I’d like that,” she replied, a soft smile spreading across her face. “Very much.”

His own smile widened, a mix of relief and excitement in his eyes. “How about Saturday evening? I could pick you up.”

“But wouldn’t that be too long of a drive?” she asked, biting her lip. She knew he lived in the city, about forty minutes away without traffic, and she didn’t want to inconvenience him.

Harry’s expression didn’t falter. “It’s not too far at all. Trust me, I don’t mind,” he said confidently. “I’ll pick you up at 8, sound good?”

Y/N’s heart fluttered, the idea of seeing him in person making her pulse race. She nodded shyly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mhm, that sounds perfect.”

Harry’s grin grew, his eyes twinkling, “Can you wear the pretty dress you made?”

Y/N blushed, “You don’t want me to wear something a little more sophisticated?”

“Y’ can wear whatever makes you comfortable, I don’t mind but I think I’d like to see that little dress y’ made.”

She nodded, stifling a yawn as it slipped out. It was getting late, and Harry was still at his office, working. “Y’tired, lovie?” His voice softened.

“A little,” she lied, knowing full well she was more than exhausted. But the thought of ending the call made her chest tighten—she wanted to keep him on the line, even just for a few more minutes.

Harry chuckled softly as if he could see right through her. “Why don’t you rest those pretty eyes for me, yeah?” he murmured, his voice low and soothing, the gentle authority in his words making her entire body relax. She practically melted at the sound, her heart skipping a beat.

“M’kay,” she whispered, her eyelids already heavy as she let herself sink deeper into the comfort of his voice.

“I’ll be right here, alright?” he reassured her, his tone gentle and full of warmth.

She managed a soft smile, her words barely audible as her exhaustion overtook her. “Promise?”

“Promise Bambi,” he whispered, his voice the last thing she heard before sleep pulled her under.

. . .

“Mr. Styles?”

Harry looked up from his computer, peering over the rims of his glasses. His receptionist, Lindsey, stood in the doorway. “The samples for the newest collection have arrived. Would you like me to bring them in?” she asked, her voice polite but efficient, as always.

“Yes, please, Lindsey,” he replied with a sigh, signing off another email before hitting send. The endless stream of tasks had him feeling drained.

Though Harry wasn’t usually the type to show much warmth towards his employees, Lindsey was different. She’d been with him for years—long enough to earn not just his respect, but his trust. She was one of the very few people he relied on within his company.

Harry was the CEO of Pleasing, a major fashion company he had built from the ground up. His first line had been designed in a small studio, crafted with his own hands and the help of a few close friends who still worked by his side. Now, it was a global brand. He was on Forbes 30 under 30 and had features in magazines like GQ. He was even in Time magazine for most influential people.

Despite all the success, his day-to-day life had become an endless loop of emails, business meetings, and deadlines. Time for anything outside of work was a luxury he couldn’t afford. Lately, though, something, or rather someone, had started to make him reconsider how he spent his time.

He checked his phone once more having only picked it up a minute ago for the same reason. He hoped to see a message from Y/N, in fact he was eager to. Ever since he had messaged her on the only dating app he used, he hadn’t thought of anyone else but her.

It had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, one born out of the loneliness that weighed heavier than ever that night. Harry sat in his dimly lit office, the silence around him almost suffocating. He hadn’t dated in over a year, not since his last relationship, which had ended on a bitter note. That girl had taken advantage of him, using his desire of the relationship he wanted to manipulate him. She had drained his bank accounts, maxed out his credit cards on shopping sprees and lavish holidays with her friends, leaving him both financially and emotionally exhausted. After that, he’d grown wary of trusting anyone.

When he joined the website, he wasn’t exactly hopeful. The chance of finding someone who truly understood his career and mirrored his desires in a relationship seemed slim.

But then he met his Bambi.

He hadn’t been searching for anything specific that day, just scrolling aimlessly, but something about Y/N’s profile made him pause. There was a warmth to her, a genuine spark that went beyond her pictures. She didn’t seem to realise just how captivating she was, and that drew him in even more. It wasn’t just her beauty—though she was stunning—it was the way she spoke about the things she loved. Her messages were full of passion, filled with rambles about her favourite books, little moments in her day, or random thoughts that popped into her head.

Y/N had ignited something within him. He was excited for this newfound thing they had going on, a spark he hadn’t felt in years. Every message from her left him smiling at his phone, wondering what she’d say next. It was the kind of excitement that made the day feel a little brighter, knowing she was just a text away. He found himself looking forward to the simplest things—her daily updates, the way she’d ramble about something she’d seen or read, and even the photo updates she’d send him of things she was doing.

For the first time in a long time, he found himself imagining what it would be like to share his life with someone, instead of the quiet solitude he’d grown so used to. He couldn’t shake the thought of Y/N being that person—the one to bring warmth into the corners of his once-lonely home. He pictured what it would be like to have someone in his space, their presence adding a new kind of lightness. Someone to be there in the small, everyday moments and to keep him company after a long day at the office.

He couldn’t wait to meet her in real life, hold her in his hands and kiss the lips he spent nights dreaming about.

Harry snapped out of his daze when Lindsey opened the door and the manufacturers entered the room behind her, holding the fabric samples in their hands. They greeted him timidly, laying the samples on the table by the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

He walked over, black polished shoes clicking against the mahogany wood floor. He sighed when he took in the samples, he didn’t need to feel them to know they weren’t good enough. Uncapping the red pen, he drew a cross beside each sample, the men behind him releasing a shaky breath.

“Come back when you have what I want,” He murmured, dismissing them with a wave of his hand.

He checked the time on his watch and cursed. Today was his niece’s birthday and he promised his sister he’d visit in time for her birthday party this afternoon. “Lindsey,” He called, hearing her shoes against the floor before she opened the door to his office.

He pulled on his blazer, “I’ve got to leave, did you wrap that gift I gave you the other day?”

Lindsey frowned, “It’s under my desk but what about your meetings this afternoon?”

“Cancel them.” He shrugged.

His Porsche was parked out front by the time he stepped out of the building. He put the gift into the passenger seat and made a mental note to stop somewhere to buy a birthday card.

He glanced at his phone when a text came through.

Bambi: Half way through my shift. It’s been pretty rough, sorry for the late reply xx

His heart leapt when Y/N’s name appeared. He took his phone when he reached a red light and typed in a reply.

Harry: it’s okay lovie, call me when you finish yeah? x

He was desperate to speak to her even if it were just for a mere few seconds.

Making a left turn, he pulled into the parking lot of a small supermarket on the highway. It looked run down and old but there wasn’t anywhere else he could go to before he reached his sister's house.

People sat outside, smoking cigarettes and drinking out of beer cans. He ignored the glances they made towards him and his car.

He stepped inside and walked along the aisles, pausing when he noticed someone stacking things onto a shelf. His heart skipped a beat when he saw her. She was wearing blue jeans and a fuzzy white sweater, her hair was braided and fastened with pink, silk bows. She wore wired earbuds, her pink ballerina flats tapping against the laminate flooring.

She must have felt his gaze because her head lifted, eyes widening as they met his. Her soft, pink lips parted slightly, and in that instant, it was as if the world shifted—everything falling perfectly into place between them, as though they were always meant to find each other naturally.

Harry hadn’t noticed the sugar spilling from the bag she was holding until the store manager stormed over. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” The sharp tone made Y/N jump, her body snapping upright as she stood frozen in front of her manager, fear flashing across her face.

“I-I’m s-sorry, I—” Y/N stammered, her voice trembling.

“How many times do I have to hear the same excuse from you?” her manager snapped. “Stupid, useless girl, costing me the whole damn shop.”

Y/N’s bottom lip quivered, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. “I-I know... I promised it wouldn’t happen again. It was an accident, really,” she whispered, her voice barely holding steady.

Harry’s frown deepened. Again? This had happened before?

From the way Y/N stood there, trying so hard not to cry, it was painfully clear—this wasn’t the first time her boss had spoken to her like this.

Harry’s jaw tightened as he watched the exchange, a surge of protectiveness rising in him. He had only known Y/N recently, but seeing her like this—small, vulnerable, and clearly hurt—stirred something deep within him. He couldn’t just stand there and let it happen.

“Excuse me,” Harry spoke up, his voice calm but firm, stepping closer. The store manager turned to him, annoyance flashing across his face.

“This doesn’t concern you,” the manager spat, his glare shifting to Harry.

“Actually, I think it does,” Harry replied, his eyes steady on the man. “You don’t need to speak to her like that.”

The manager scoffed. “And who the hell are you?”

Harry didn’t blink, his voice lowering. “Someone who knows when respect is lacking.”

Y/N looked up at Harry, wide-eyed, as if she couldn’t believe he was stepping in. Her heart raced, a mix of relief and anxiety bubbling inside her. She wasn’t used to anyone standing up for her like this.

“Y/N, why don’t you take a minute?” Harry said softly, glancing over at her, his voice now gentle and reassuring. The tears in her eyes made his chest physically hurt. He’d be quick with this useless piece of shit so he could give her all his attention.

She hesitated but then nodded, her gaze flicking between Harry and her boss. She quickly turned, slipping away from the confrontation, her hands shaking as she tried to compose herself.

Harry turned back to the manager, his calm exterior masking the frustration brewing underneath. “Speak to her like that again, and I won’t hesitate to have this place torn down, brick by brick, and replaced with a building I own. Then you’ll know firsthand what it’s like to deal with a real fucking manager.”

With that, he turned on his heel, already making a mental note to have his team look into this place. It was clearly lacking in more ways than one—enough to warrant being shut down for good he hoped.

Y/N stood behind the building, her back to him, shoulders trembling as she cried into her sleeve. Harry’s heart clenched at the sight. “Hey, hey, hey,” he murmured softly, stepping forward and gently pulling her into his chest. “Tha’s enough now, Bambi. Don’t waste your tears on him,” he whispered, his large hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. Holding her close felt unexpectedly right, as if this was exactly where she belonged, even if the circumstances weren’t ideal.

“I’m so embarrassed,” she sniffled, her voice small. “This isn’t how I wanted you to see me for the first time.”

His eyes softened with affection as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a handkerchief. Carefully, he wiped her tear-stained, blotchy cheeks, his touch tender. “You’ve got nothing to be embarrassed about, sweetheart,” he whispered, “S’alright now, y’ don’t have to go back in there.” He cupped the back of her head, feeling how soft and silky her hair was. He couldn’t seem to fathom that he was actually holding her after days of imagining what she would feel like.

She pulled away and for the first time Harry could get a proper look at her. He didn’t think it possible for her to be even more beautiful than the pictures he had of her on her phone but she was. Her features were soft, cheeks permanently pink like the colour of tulips on a spring day, her lips were the perfect shape, so delicate like two petals pressed together. She was a walking angel.

“Hey stranger,” He grinned, those perfect cheeks turning pink. If Harry had one goal in his life it was to make her all flustery and blushy.

“Hi,” She peeped, hands fiddling in front of her.

Her eyes widened when she saw the tear stains on his shirt, the damp spots revealing the tiniest hint of the tattoos on his torso. “I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin your shirt,” She cringed.

“Hey no need to apologise, ‘s not even ruined and I’d rather you were okay than some easily replaceable shirt.” He assured her. “Are y’ sure you’re okay? Don’t need to go in there and beat him up or anything,”

She smiled at that and the sight made his heart sing, “No it’s okay. I-I’m okay, thank you for looking out for me. I don’t normally have people doing that very often.”

He frowned. He didn’t like how often she spoke about how little help she got from other people. If anything, it made him want to take care of her even more than he already did.

“I should probably head back in. I still have three more hours of my shift,” she huffed, clearly reluctant. It was the last thing she wanted to do.

Harry’s expression softened, but his tone remained firm. “You don’t have to,” he said, his gaze holding hers, protective and unwavering.

Y/N frowned, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “But I need the job, Harry,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “I can’t just leave.”

His jaw tightened at her words. He hated seeing her stuck in a place that didn’t value her, where she wasn’t respected. “I know you need the job,” he replied, gentler now, trying to ease her worry. “But no job is worth being treated like that. Not by him.”

She bit her lip, glancing back at the store, anxiety clearly weighing on her. “What am I supposed to do, then? I can’t afford to lose it.”

Harry stepped closer, his hand finding its way to her cheek, thumb brushing away a stray tear. “You’re not going to lose anything,” he said softly. “Let me take care of it. Of you.”

Y/N blinked up at him, her heart pounding. “Take care of me?”

“Come work with me,” He offered.

There weren’t many positions available at Pleasing, but Harry didn’t care. He’d make something work—anything to keep her from going back into that place and dealing with the jerk inside.

“In the city? I... I can’t do that, Harry. I still have school, and my brothers...”

“You can work around it,” he said quickly, eager to find a solution. “I’ll pay for your gas to and from the city, or I’ll have someone drive you. Hell, I’ll drive you myself if it makes you feel better. Whatever you need. Just don’t stay here.”

He sighed softly, taking her small hand in his larger one, her warmth a comfort even as doubt flickered between them. “Just... think about it, yeah?” His thumb traced gentle circles on the back of her hand, trying to ease the tension.

Y/N hesitated but nodded slowly. “Okay,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

A grin spread across Harry’s face, his relief palpable. “Thank you Bambi.” He swore he saw her pupils carve into love hearts at his words.

. . .

Y/N hadn’t returned to her job at the store just as she promised Harry. It wasn’t only because Harry was insistent she didn’t go back but her manager had been pretty verbally abusive for quite some time now and she thought better than to go back and work for someone who was just plain mean.

A few days had passed and Saturday rolled around quickly. Y/N was giddy with excitement, preparing everything in time for Harry to pick her up to take her on their very first date this evening. She had arranged a babysitter to look after her brothers since her mother wouldn’t be home until late. It wasn’t often they splurged cash on hiring a babysitter but Y/N wasn’t going to rearrange her date with Harry for anything.

She’d made a list of everything she needed to do: wash and blow dry her hair, shave every inch of her body, and paint her nails with the glazed pink polish she’d ordered online. Her hair was in curlers as she carefully laid out her outfit for the evening—a pink satin slip dress she’d made herself, paired with white kitten heels that matched perfectly. With the season shifting into autumn, she added a thin white cardigan to keep her warm in case the night turned chilly on the way home.

She wanted to look perfect. Especially after the fiasco the other day when he had rescued her from her mean manager.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion the moment she laid eyes on the man from her phone. He was even more perfect than she had imagined—taller too. It still hadn’t sunk in that she was about to go on a date with this man—the one who wore a black suit to work and had saved her from cruel, terrifying managers.

And the way he spoke to her afterwards, comforting her with his big, heavy hands around her. She wanted him to pick her up and take her wherever he went.

Y/N sighed blissfully in front of her vanity. As Y/N finished her makeup, her phone buzzed with a message from Harry.

Harry: Just outside x

She peeked through the window, catching sight of him standing by a sleek black car, leaning casually against the door. He looked breathtaking in a fitted black suit, hands in his pockets as he scanned the street. Her nerves fluttered, a mixture of excitement and anticipation bubbling up. She took a deep breath, smoothed down her dress, and grabbed her cardigan before heading out the door.

The moment she stepped outside, Harry’s gaze snapped to her, dark and intense. He straightened up, eyes travelling over her form, taking in every detail of her appearance. The way he looked at her sent a shiver down her spine.

“Y’ look stunning, Bambi,” he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. He took a step closer, his large hand cupping her cheek, thumb grazing her soft skin. “All this f’ me?”

Y/N blushed, biting her bottom lip nervously. “I-I wore the dress you wanted,” she mumbled shyly, looking up at him through her lashes, “Do you like it?”

“‘S perfect,” He murmured lowly.

“Ready to go, sweetheart?” He opened the car door for her, watching as she slid into the passenger seat, her delicate form contrasting with the dark interior of his Porshe. Harry’s eyes lingered on her legs for a moment before he shut the door and walked around to his side.

Once inside, he reached over, resting his hand on her thigh, the warmth of his touch comforting her immediately. “You nervous?” he asked, glancing at her with a small smile, though the look in his eyes held a trace of dominance.

“A little,” Y/N admitted, her voice soft and shy.

Harry gave her thigh a gentle squeeze. “Y’ don’t have to be nervous around me, love, promise ‘m not scary. Least of all t’ you.”

Y/N smiled, loving how he made it clear she was different, that he treated her in a way no one else could. It warmed her to feel special, especially when that feeling was rare for her.

As they drove, their conversation flowed easily. Y/N found herself opening up more and more, rambling about anything that came to mind. Harry listened intently, his smile soft as he asked questions, showing genuine interest in everything she said. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light of the car, and each time she answered bashfully, his lips curved.

Y/N’s eyebrows furrowed as they drove deeper into the city. The lights grew brighter, illuminating a part of town she rarely found herself in—where the wealthy lived, with towering apartment complexes and upscale restaurants lining the streets. Harry pulled over in front of a sleek Italian restaurant, where a man stood waiting by the curb.

“Are we allowed to park here?” Y/N asked, her face bathed in the glow of the restaurant’s lights.

Harry suppressed a grin at her confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Well… I just assumed we weren’t eating here, which is totally fine! You don’t need to impress me with a fancy restaurant.” Her cheeks flushed pink as she tried to clarify.

Harry’s lips curled into a teasing smirk. “What if I told you we are eating here?”

Y/N’s eyes widened in disbelief. “A-are we?”

Without answering, Harry reached for her hand, brushing his lips over the back of it. “Y’ too cute,” he murmured. “Come on, they’re waiting for us.” He stepped out of the car, passing his keys to the valet standing nearby, before adjusting his blazer and moving to open the door for her, his hand stretched out toward her for her to grab onto.

Y/N hesitated, her mind reeling. There was no way they were eating at this restaurant—the kind with a year-long reservation list and three Michelin stars. She’d heard rumours that a single course here could cost more than her entire paycheck for the week. But as she took his hand and stepped out, it felt impossible to believe this was really happening.

Harry intertwined their fingers, offering a brief nod to the waiter who opened the door for them. “Harry… are you sure? They probably don’t have any tables for people just walking in,” she whispered.

He chuckled softly. “Don’t worry, love. I made some arrangements.”

Her brows furrowed in surprise. “Arrangements? How?”

Stopping at the ‘Please Wait to Be Seated’ sign, Harry finally turned to her with a playful twinkle in his eye. “I own the restaurant.”

Y/N’s mouth fell open as a waiter approached, menus tucked neatly under his arm. “Good evening, Mr. Styles. Your table is ready.”

Feeling like she was in a dream, Y/N walked hand-in-hand with Harry to a private table near the large glass windows at the back. The breathtaking view of the city’s skyline stretched out before them, and the table, set for two, was tucked away to offer them some privacy.

As they were seated, Y/N couldn’t help but notice the quiet stares and murmurs from other guests. She knew Harry owned a clothing business, but… just how successful was he?

The waiter laid the menus out in front of them and left them to decide what they wanted to order. Y/N hadn’t even noticed as her wide eyes gazed around the room at the glowing chandeliers.

Harry reached for her hand beneath the table, “Are y’ okay love?” He asked. Y/N’s gaze snapped towards him, “I hope ‘s not too much.”

“H-Harry, I really appreciate you bringing me here, I mean even stepping inside is a dream come true, but… I c-can’t afford this.” She felt awful saying it but it was true and it was better to tell him now than when she’d finished her meal, she wouldn’t want him thinking she was out for his money.

Harry frowned, “Bambi, this is a date. Y’ don’t have to pay for anything.”

“B-but I can’t use your money.” She told him.

She couldn’t hear it but Harry’s heart was singing in his chest. She was exactly what he was looking for someone totally opposite to all the women he had dated in his past.

He cupped her cheek in his hand, “Look at me Y/N,” Big, doe eyes gazed into his, “Please stop worrying and let me take care of you. I know y’ haven’t been given that in the past but ‘m here now and I want this. I wanted to bring y’ here and I want y’ to be spoiled and I want to treat you in the way you deserve. So can you pick something from the menu and let me look after you Bambi baby, please? Think you can do that?”

Her lips parted, slowly nodding her head but she quickly said one last thing, “You don’t have to take me to fancy places to make me feel spoiled Harry. I already feel spoiled enough just getting to be with you.”

He smiled, eyes glistening under the low light of the chandelier. He placed a hand on her thigh and squeezed as a small thank you. “Have you decided what you’re going to eat?”

"Hmmm," Harry grinned, watching Y/N's pouted lips as she studied the menu with intense concentration. "I can't decide between the truffle pasta or the smoked salmon!" she huffed, clearly torn.

"How about this," he offered with a shrug, "I’ll get the smoked salmon, you get the truffle pasta, and we can share? That way you can try both."

She glanced up at him, her brow furrowing slightly. “You don’t want something else?”

He had been planning on ordering the steak and potatoes, but seeing how much this small decision seemed to weigh on her, he didn’t mind changing his mind. The smoked salmon was one of his favourite dishes anyway.

When the waiter came over, Harry confidently placed the order for both of them, which made Y/N visibly relax. She hated the pressure of ordering her own food, so the simple act of him taking charge made her feel instantly at ease.

“We’ll make sure to have your order as a priority, Mr. Styles,” the waiter nodded respectfully before walking away.

Y/N’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wow. They must really like you here.”

Harry chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. “Didn’t I mention I owned a clothing business?”

“Mhm,” she nodded, “But I thought it was just a boutique or something.” She shrugged, clearly unaware of the scale.

Harry laughed a warm, deep sound that made her stomach flip. “Bambi,” he said, pulling her gently into his side until their cheeks were almost touching, “See that guy’s sweater? That woman’s hat? And that lady’s dress over there?” She nodded everytime he pointed towards them, her heart skipping a beat at their closeness. “We made all of those.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “W-wait, you own Pleasing?”

Harry nodded, a small, proud smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Y/N couldn’t even count how many times she had opened the Pleasing website, scrolling through pages of clothes she desperately wanted but couldn’t afford. And now, she was sitting across from its owner—no, she was on a date with him.

“Mhm,” he hummed, pulling away slightly to gauge her reaction. "Which reminds me, have you given any more thought to the job?"

She had, actually. The idea had been rolling around in her mind ever since he’d mentioned it. "What's the role again?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

"My assistant," Harry replied smoothly. "You’d help with emails, scheduling meetings, running errands—nothing too complicated. Just being my right hand.”

“Wouldn’t that be awkward, though? Since we’re, y’know... dating?”

Harry smirked, catching the implication. "So, there’s going to be a second date?" His teasing tone made her blush. “And if anything, it makes it better. I’d get to see you every day instead of just texting."

“But what about school?” Y/N asked, trying to think practically.

“We’ll figure it out,” he said easily. “Whatever you need. We can make it work.”

“Shouldn’t there be an interview or something?” she quipped, trying to lighten the moment, though her heart was racing.

Harry sighed dramatically, playing along. “Alright. Hello, Miss Y/L/N. Welcome to your official interview for the position of Mr. Styles’ personal assistant.”

Y/N giggled, her nerves easing as she followed his lead. “Well, hello Mr. Styles. Thank you for having me.”

Harry’s lips curled into a smile, his eyes twinkling as he played along. “First question,” he said, leaning closer, their faces now just inches apart. “How do you feel about spending every day with me? Answer carefully—it’s a tough one.”

Y/N couldn’t help but giggle, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. “Well, Mr. Styles, I think I could manage that.”

“Good answer,” he praised, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine. “Next question: Can you handle a man who’s very particular about his coffee?”

She tilted her head, raising an eyebrow in playful suspicion. “Are we talking normal particular, or... like, twelve-steps-to-make-a-single-cup particular?”

Harry chuckled, his dimples deepening. “Maybe somewhere in between. But don’t worry, I can teach you.”

Y/N laughed softly, her nerves easing even more. Being around him was easy, natural—like slipping into something familiar and warm. “I think I could handle that.”

"One last question," Harry murmured, leaning in even closer. His gaze flickered to her lips for a brief second before locking back onto her eyes. "How do you feel about sneaking around with your boss?"

Her laughter died down, a trace of seriousness replacing it. She knew the risks—things had to stay professional, no hint of their relationship could slip through especially since Harry would not only be her boss but was the Senior Director and had to have the respect of everyone. But still, she couldn’t resist.

“I think it could be fun,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Good,” He murmured, “I think you’ve passed the test, Bambi,” Y/N noticed how close his lips were to hers, if she moved her face forward they’d be touching, “Any questions?”

. . .

Harry pulled the car up to the curb just outside Y/N’s house, the gentle hum of the engine fading as he switched it off. The street was quiet, the only light coming from the street lamps casting long shadows on the pavement. Inside her house, the windows were dark, and she silently hoped her brothers were already asleep, sparing her the awkwardness of explaining why she wasn’t rushing inside.

The silence between them felt comfortable yet charged, neither making a move to leave. It was as if both of them knew the night shouldn’t end yet, even though it had to at some point. Y/N looked down at her hands, nervously tracing the edge of her coat, stealing glances at Harry every few moments. He seemed deep in thought, his fingers drumming lightly on the steering wheel, but the same hesitation hung in the air between them.

“Thanks for dinner,” she said softly, her voice breaking the silence.

He turned to her, his expression soft but intent, as if weighing every word. “Don’t need t’ thank me Bambi,” he replied, his eyes lingering on her face a moment longer than necessary.

“I wish I didn’t have to go home,” She huffed, looking down at her fingers on her lap.

Harry’s lips curved into a small smile, but there was a seriousness in his eyes. He leaned back in his seat, turning his body slightly toward her. “Y’ want to go back to mine?”

She wanted nothing more, the pain of saying no physically paining her, “M-my brothers... they have school,” she murmured.

“S okay,” He smiled.

The air between them felt thick with unspoken feelings, and she could feel her heart race as the weight of his gaze settled on her. He reached over, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his touch soft.

“Bambi,” he said quietly, his voice suddenly more intimate, like he was laying something important on the table.

She turned to face him fully, her breath catching as his fingers brushed against her cheek, lingering just long enough to make her pulse race. The space between them seemed to vanish, and suddenly, all she could think about was the way his lips would feel against hers.

Neither of them spoke. The tension that had been simmering all evening finally boiled over. Harry’s hand cupped her cheek, and in that quiet moment under the dim streetlights, he leaned in.

The kiss was gentle at first, tentative, like they were both testing the waters. But as soon as their lips touched, a wave of emotion flooded over her, and she couldn’t help but respond. Her hand found its way to the back of his neck, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened, slow and lingering. It wasn’t rushed or hurried—just soft, warm, and full of everything Y/N had been dreaming about for longer than she cared to admit.

When they finally pulled apart, Harry rested his forehead against hers, both of them catching their breath, their lips still tingling from the kiss. His hand lingered on her cheek, as though neither of them was ready to let the moment slip away just yet.

Y/N opened her mouth to say something, maybe to break the silence or make a joke about how long they’d waited for this. But before she could speak, a loud thud startled her. She turned her head, eyes widening as the lights in her house flickered on. And there they were—her brothers, pressed against the living room window, grinning like fools and making exaggerated kissy faces at them.

“Oh my God,” Y/N groaned, mortified. Her face flushed a deep shade of red as she fumbled with her seatbelt. "This is so embarrassing."

She pushed the door open and scrambled out of her seat, grabbing her purse in a flurry of panic. “I am so sorry, Harry. I-I have to go,” she stammered, her words tumbling out in a rush as she awkwardly tried to regain her composure. “Thank you for dinner, a-and the kiss! Oh, and the job too!”

In her haste, her heel caught on a paving stone, and she stumbled slightly, her purse nearly slipping from her hand as she made her way toward the front door.

Harry watched her, his mouth half open, caught between amusement and disbelief. She was flustered, rambling, and absolutely adorable. He couldn't stop the soft chuckle that escaped him as he leaned back in his seat, shaking his head.

"Bambi!" he called out the car window, grinning. “I'll take that as a yes on the job?”

Y/N turned back briefly, her face flushed but her smile shy and genuine. “Yes! Definitely yes!” she called over her shoulder, before hurrying inside, her brothers still laughing from the window.

As she disappeared through the door, Harry chuckled to himself, the warmth from their kiss still lingering. He turned the ignition on, shaking his head in disbelief at how the night had unfolded. It was far from the graceful goodbye he had imagined, but somehow, it felt perfect. He couldn’t stop smiling as he pulled away from the curb.

Yeah, he thought to himself, that definitely meant she was taking the job.

#harry styles fanfiction #harry styles x reader #harry styles imagine #sweetheart!reader #meet cute #new coupling cuteness #ceo!harry #a: finelinefae #part 1 #harry styles series

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awomanindeniall · 10 months ago

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Harry Styles - Meet Cutes: Farmer's Market

🧀🍞🥖🥬🥗🍏🍇🍯

#harry styles #meet cute #fanfiction #fanfic #fic #farmer's market au #whoopsharrystyles #fic rec

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abbygracerecs · 5 months ago

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Harry Styles Fic Recommendations

❤️‍🔥 - Smut

🤰 - Pregnancy/Parenthood

⚠️ - Potential Trigger

♾ - Neurodivergent!reader

❤️ - Soulmate AU

Porn!au - @jawllines ❤️‍🔥 honestly everything she writes is great look at her Patreon

Demon!au - jawllines

Sleepless - @watchmegetobsessed

Waiting for you - watchmegetobsessed

Hey angel - watchmegetobsessed❤️‍🔥

Pearls - @moonchildstyles ❤️‍🔥

Sherbert - moonchildstyles

Crescent - moonchildstyles

Feathery - moonchildstyles Citrine series - moonchildstyles ❤️‍🔥

Kisses on tour - @finelinevogue

Interesting enough - finelinevogue

Gonna make you mine - @gurugirl ❤️‍🔥

A delicate thing - gurugirl ❤️‍🔥

Sex ed with Harry - gurugirl ❤️‍🔥

Magnets - @heartateasee ❤️‍🔥

Cockwarming - @haroldloverboy ❤️‍🔥

Elevator meet-cute - @velvetballaspark

#harry styles x y/n #harry styles x you #harry styles x reader #harry styles smut

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justmystyles · 1 year ago

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Series

Now You're In My Life

summary: a chance meeting at a diner turns your world upside-down and leads you on a whirlwind romance with one of the biggest pop stars in the world.

(More Than) One Shots

(One shots that got away from me, but aren't quite a series.)

Lost (2 Parts) Lose You to Love Me A run-in with your childhood sweetheart brings up old memories, and lingering feelings. Lost and Found You and Harry reconnected a month ago, and he insisted you come along for the final show. when your emotions start to get the better of you, you wonder if you and Harry could ever really just be friends.

End of the Road (2 Parts) Home Stretch As the tour comes to an end, the schedule starts to visibly take its toll on Harry, and you can't help but worry. Crossing the Finish Line It's the final show and Harry charms you into making good on a promise you made last time you were together.

Big Winners (3 Parts) Harry and Y/N have been friends for fifteen years, they finally work together on an album, and it leads them to a night that will change everything for them. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

One Shots

All I Ask*

You're finally starting to get over Harry, what happens when fate brings you back together?

Having Your Baby

You get some life changing news, and come up with the perfect way to tell your husband.

Wallflower

You're sitting alone at a wedding, can a handsome stranger help you come out of your shell?

Line of Fire

You and Harry have been keeping your relationship off the radar, but his concern for you overwhelms his need for privacy.

Coming Home To You*

Harry comes home early and catches you by surprise in the best way possible.

Scars

Can Harry be the comfort you need after falling back into old habits?

Ooh La La

After a revelation on movie night, you and Harry decide to reenact one of the scenes.

Love Don’t Cost A Thing

Harry loves to spoil you, but you're having a hard time adjusting to his lavish lifestyle.

The Battle in Barcelona

A crazy crowd at the airport comes between you and Harry.

Misplaced Emotion

As Harry prepares to jump back into the spotlight, he has a hard time re-adjusting to public life, and it manifests in the wrong way.

Good News All Around

You reach a big milestone in your life, but feel overshadowed when you call to tell Harry about it.

Perfect Harmony

You're in the final days of the tour, and Harry makes a suggestion that ends up changing everything.

Lights, Camera, Action

What was supposed to be just another job becomes the start of something new.

Business or Pleasure?

You return to Love on Tour after an extended break, but after your last interaction, you come back to an awkward situation with Harry.

Reigning it In

You're about to participate in your first horse show, but the nerves overwhelm you. Harry finds you just in time.

Family Portrait

Harry has a couple of heartfelt surprises for you while you're visiting him on tour.

All or Nothing*

You find a new way to tease Harry during a tour visit, which leads to a new way to drive him crazy.

With this Ring

Harry takes his commitment to you to a new level.

Veiled Insecurities

Harry has some insecurities about your relationship, but instead of talking to you about them, they end up coming out in the wrong way.

Heart Song

As a former member of the Love on Tour band, and current girlfriend of Harry, he asks you to reprise your spot for the final show.

Road to Recovery

After reading some negative comments about yourself, you nearly spiral back into old habits. you try to keep it from Harry, but he finds out and confronts you about it.

A Work of Art

After procrastinating for a few weeks, you finally make moves to finish your assignment, but run into an unexpected road block.

He's Not Me

You introduce Harry to the guy you're seeing, and you see a side of him you've never seen before and are shocked by his reasoning.

Sharing is Caring

You can't find your favorite handbag, Harry assures you he doesn't have it, but you see some photos tell a different story

Cantaloupe

In this one shot/flash forward from the Now You're In My Life storyline, you and Harry recap the big news from your family's Thanksgiving dinner.

Like Riding a Bike

Despite being on break, Harry manages to find his way back onstage.

Fa La La La Freakout

You will be meeting Harry's family for the first time over the holidays, and you are desperate for them to like you.

The Morning After

The morning after Harry's 30th birthday, you're hungover and Harry reminds you of your drunken actions from the night before, leading to a conversation you never expected.

Baby-Baby-Baby

Harry meets his niece for the first time, the joy and excitement are quickly replaced with a whole new set of feelings when his best friend, Y/N joins him at the hospital.

Smoke & Mirrors

Harry asks you to move to London with him, but a new opportunity for him makes things a little more complicated than you'd both expect.

(*) - NSFW

For my Harry inspired press-on nail artwork, click here!

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ihearthes · 10 months ago

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Gospel Oak Primary School

Author: @ihearthes

Pairing: Harry x Original Named Female Character

Rating: Fluffy Meet Cute

Word Count: 2776

Rachel was sprawled on her back, her body twisted into an unnatural knot. Her right knee jutted out at an odd angle, one arm flung carelessly above her head, the other partially tucked beneath her. Harry Styles lay atop her, his breathing a stark contrast to her laboured gasps. His face was buried between her breasts, a position she had often fantasised about. But now that she was actually experiencing it, the reality fell short of her expectations. Harry's hands were scattered haphazardly, one resting on her shoulder, the other clutching his own thigh.

The oppressive heat of his body enveloped her, a suffocating weight that pressed down on her senses. She squeezed her eyes shut, desperately trying to savour a moment that had been anything but blissful. The collision of their bodies was a jarring, uncomfortable clash, a stark contrast to the romantic fantasy she had conjured. After all, how often does one find themselves entwined with the legendary Harry Styles, a man whose image is plastered across magazine covers and plastered on the hearts of millions?

“Bloody hell!” Rachel swore, mentally checking her body for any lasting damage from the impact of his body with hers.

“I’m so sorry!” Harry scrambled to his feet, seeking his phone, his eyes roaming the space where they had been entangled. Locating it, he leaned over to grab it quickly before he reached out a hand for her. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head as she grasped his hand to rise from where they had been lying. “Only my pride, I think, although I suspect I’ll be a bit sore tomorrow.” The wince that accompanied her words was proof that she was already anticipating the painful muscles.

Earlier that day, the final bell of the day had rung, a sweet symphony that promised escape from the chaos of the classroom. As Rachel carefully assessed her remaining time and the tasks she still had to complete, she found herself trapped in a conversation with Leo, the new maths teacher, a man whose complaints were as endless as the day was long.

"Oliver's parents are driving me mad," Leo lamented, his voice rising in a crescendo of frustration. "They keep demanding more and more homework. I've given him mountains of work to do at home, but it's never enough!"

Rachel tried to soothe his ruffled feathers. "I'm sure you're doing your best, Leo." But her words fell on deaf ears.

"He gets three times the homework as the other kids," Leo continued, his voice growing louder. "I've tried explaining to his parents that he needs time to play and socialise, but they won't listen. He must spend hours every night doing homework!"

As Leo's voice droned on, Rachel noticed his gaze wandering south. His eyes lingered on her chest, a blatant disregard for her discomfort. Finding a convenient excuse, she broke away from the conversation with a quick, “Oh, I forgot to respond to the headmaster!” before hurrying back to her classroom.

With a sigh of relief in the silence of her own class, she began planning her lessons for the next day. But as she glanced at the clock, a wave of panic washed over her. If she didn't leave immediately, she would be late for her super important first date with the guy whose attention she had been clamouring for during the previous three weeks.

With a frantic tug, Rachel snatched her crossbody bag and lunchbox, her phone tumbling into the chaotic jumble of items within. Her heart pounding in her chest, she bolted from her classroom, her footsteps echoing through the deserted hallways. Her short legs pumped with renewed energy, propelling her curvy body forward at a breakneck pace. She scanned the hallways with a wary eye, desperately hoping to avoid another encounter with the insufferable Leo.

That morning, Harry had lounged in the sun-drenched comfort of his bedroom, his eyes fluttering open to the gentle caress of morning light. With a leisurely yawn, he slipped into workout attire and strolled to his home gym. There, he moved through a series of stretches, humming a new melody he had composed the day before. His workouts were less about sculpting his physique and more about maintaining overall well-being. Not that he was ashamed of his appearance; he simply preferred a more relaxed approach to fitness during his downtime between tours.

After an invigorating shower, Harry indulged in a breakfast of yoghurt and fresh fruit from his own garden. Then, with a sense of contentment, he retreated to his study to work on some poetry and potential lyrics. The words flowed effortlessly from his pen, transforming his thoughts into passionate expressions. When inspiration struck, he would wander over to his piano and experiment with different chord progressions, sometimes attempting to recreate a jazz tune he had heard during his workout.

After a leisurely lunch of sun-ripened tomatoes, homemade mozzarella, and a splash of his favourite Italian olive oil, a pang of realisation struck Harry. He didn't have any fresh baguettes for tonight's dinner. His sister, Gemma, was bringing her baby over, and his sister had a voracious appetite for vegetarian fare. Harry had planned to whip up a batch of homemade pasta with his own tangy marinara sauce, using fresh vegetables from his garden.

A grin spread across his face as he grabbed his green Pleasing bag. The pride he felt in creating meals from the fruits of his labour was immense. This would be the first time he had cooked for his sister, and with the baby old enough for purees, he had grand plans.

"Mushy carrots and peas will be perfect!" Harry chuckled, his excitement bubbling over. Both vegetables would come straight from his garden. How had he lived without the joy of homegrown produce for so long?

Pulling a light windbreaker over his shirt, he paused once more to gaze at his face in the mirror. Should he shave? Nah. Maybe tonight before Gemma and Michal actually arrive, but not yet.

After leaving the bakery where he purchased three distinctly different baguettes, he was thrilled to find a Lime Bike right there, as if it were waiting for him. Scanning the QR code on the bike, he found that it was available. Slinging the green Pleasing bag, now holding fresh flowers for the dinner table, over his shoulder, Harry set off for home, the baguettes in the basket of the rented bicycle. His Airpods were delivering a delectable diet of music from recent releases and a few of his favourites directly to his ear canals.

His phone buzzed with a text message, and Harry took his eyes off of the footpath in front of him for only a moment to read what his sister had to say.

Which is precisely when the collision with Rachel happened.

Sprawled across her, the bike wrapped around his legs, he blushed upon realising that his lips were quite close to her breastbone – not at all a good location for a first meeting with a stranger.

She sputtered, rightfully so. “Bloody hell!”

“I’m so sorry!” He scrambled for his phone which had gone flying from his hand when he’d run into her or she’d run into him. No way for him to know for sure which way it happened. “Are you hurt?”

“Only my pride, I think, although I suspect I’ll be a bit sore tomorrow.” She grasped his outstretched hand, using his strength to haul her to a standing position.

“I shouldn’t have been looking at my phone,” they both revealed simultaneously before surprise caused their foreheads to crease, their eyebrows to rise, and a laugh to explode as though they were twins.

“I’m sorry.” The woman looked at her feet. “I’m Rachel.” She thrust her hand forward, and he clutched it like a hiker grasping a sturdy branch in a storm.

“Harry.”

“I know.”

Following her pronouncement, they both stood awkwardly for a moment before Rachel shifted to the side. “Your baguettes seem to have escaped.” While she gathered them, Harry stepped to the bicycle, lifting it to its appropriate position and checking to be sure it hadn’t been harmed and was still streetworthy. Luckily, these rentals were built to withstand the worst possible collisions.

“Thank you.” His response when she put the baguettes back into his bicycle basket was perfunctory, but then he tilted his head.

Everything before then had been a blur, but now he could see her clearly. Rachel was a petite woman with a vibrant personality that belied her small stature. Her dark, curly hair framed her face in soft tendrils, and her full figure added a touch of voluptuousness to her overall appearance. Her eyes, a deep shade of brown, sparkled with intelligence and mischief, inviting others to delve into her world.

“You were heading somewhere in a hurry.” The statement rose at the end like a question.

“Yes, one of my students – he’s playing footie today, and I promised I’d come watch him, but I’m afraid I’ll miss him if I don’t hurry along.” She adjusted her bag across her body, fumbling her phone. “Please don’t think I’m rude. If this were any other day and I had run into the famous Harry Styles, I’d be much more effusive. It’s just that…” She began walking along, talking to him over her shoulder, “I’ve been trying to get this kid on my side for ages now, and football is the only thing that matters to him. Maybe we’ll run into each other another time!”

She waved over her shoulder as she walked away, kicking herself for having missed her chance to chat with the popstar. But she’d been regretting her inability to develop a relationship with Josiah for weeks. He was more important at that moment.

Watching her walk away, Harry realised he might never have another opportunity to talk to her again. He cursed under his breath before following behind her on the bike. When he caught up, he dismounted and walked alongside her.

“That’s really kind of you,” he commented.

She jumped and twisted her body to him, a frown creasing her brow. “What is? And why are you following me?”

“I like footie,” he shrugged. “And it’s really kind that you’re willing to go see your student practise so you can connect with him.”

“Well, he’s a bit of a terror,” she laughed, glancing at the time on her phone.

“Oh, no!” Harry exclaimed, “I broke your phone.”

“Huh?” She examined the phone with its cracked screen and then a guffaw left her body, the sound one of pure joy, making Harry’s heart happy. “No, my phone has been broken since last spring when last year’s terror took it off my desk and threw it from the top of the playground play structure.”

“But how do you see everything with that giant spider’s web of cracks on it?” He was sincerely bemused.

“You can get used to anything when you haven’t the money to replace something just because it’s broken.”

“But couldn’t you get the screen replaced?”

“Probably,” she revealed, crossing the street at the zebra crossing to get to the practice field. “But there’s never any time to take it anywhere. I’ll just wait until my next paycheck. Then I can put a downpayment on a new one.”

“Oh.”

She was scurrying a bit faster now that they were close to the field, and her breaths became more laboured. “I’m going to be late. I hope I don’t miss everything.”

Harry couldn’t believe that her short legs could move so quickly, and he had to lengthen his stride to keep up with her as she turned into the park where parents and children were gathered. Standing on the sidelines, Rachel covered her eyes and searched the boys on the pitch.

“There he is!” Excitedly, she pointed to a young man of about 10 years of age. “Josiah!” Jumping up and down, she waved until he looked over to her.

For a brief moment, his face reflected happiness, but then he waved her off as he turned back to his friends. Harry slumped in disappointment. He had thought her presence would do the trick, but apparently she was going to have to make a bigger effort.

“Oof, that wasn’t encouraging.”

“What are you talking about?!” She squealed. “He was practically overjoyed to see me. This is indeed a success.”

Confused, Harry watched her face, convinced that perhaps he had the wrong boy in mind, but she followed every move the boy made. She clapped and called his name whenever he caught a pass or blocked someone. When he missed the goal he’d been attempting, Rachel cheered even louder from the sidelines, telling him, “That’s okay, Josiah! You’ll get it next time!” She took photos and videos as though she were the proudest parent.

The boy ignored her for the most part.

Shaking his head, Harry wondered if perhaps she had lost her mind, but he wanted her to be successful in her endeavour so he joined in with her cheers until the practice finally ended, and the boys gathered with their coach.

“Aren’t you going to go talk to him?” Harry wondered as she placed her phone into her bag.

“Goodness, no. That would embarrass him.”

“But…” Helpless and confuddled, Harry watched as she started to walk away. His phone vibrated again, and he glanced at it to spy a message from Gemma saying she wouldn’t be able to come for dinner after all as his niece had gotten her jabs that morning and was finally sleeping.

Well, this afternoon and evening weren’t going as he had planned. Not at all.

“Miss K!” A voice grew closer to them, and Rachel paused before turning.

Harry spotted the beginning of a smile on her face, but she quickly schooled it into a more inquiring expression. “Yes, Josiah?”

He threw his muddy arms around her, “Thank you for coming.” With the words and hug complete, the boy turned and immediately scampered away.

Rachel’s face was shining with a mixture of pleasure and tears. She blinked, then focused on Harry. “Definitely not a wasted trip. It was a treat to meet you, Harry, despite the circumstances. Thanks for joining me at the game.”

No, no, no. She wasn’t getting away that easily.

“The pleasure was all mine, Rachel.”

Hearing his voice say her name tripled the tingles she felt as a result of Josiah’s actions towards her. Tonight she would have to devote two pages to this single day in her journal. Maybe three pages.

As she walked back towards the school, she was surprised to find Harry pushing the bicycle next to her once more. Well, it was a free country. He hadn’t harmed her, and he was not a threat of any sort, so she allowed it.

“Your fit got dirty,” Harry pointed out.

“Small price to pay. It will wash out.”

As they returned to the footpath next to her, pushing the bicycle with its sad baguettes still in the basket, Rachel paused. “You’re still here.”

“Oh. Uh…” Stumped, Harry couldn’t articulate what he was thinking. Finally, he simply allowed the words to flow slowly from his mouth as he considered what he wanted, “I, uh, wondered if…you see, my sister was supposed to bring my, uh, niece, for, you know, dinner tonight. Um, I had planned to make, uh, homemade pasta and sauce for them. Hence the, uh…” His gesture encompassed the baguettes. “How would you, uh, feel about, um, joining me?”

Gulping, Rachel could not believe what she was hearing. Her? Going to the actual house of Harry? Surely he misspoke.

“You mean, you’d like to take me out to dinner?”

He pulled on his lip with his free hand. “Not exactly, uh, cause that would, um, make people, like, um, speculate. But I am planning to, uh, you know, cook tonight. From my, uh, garden.”

Sharply, Rachel glanced at him. Was he some sort of pervert? Wouldn’t she have heard by now if he were a freak who invited women to his home and then skinned them alive or something? Then again, what did she have to lose other than her life?

“Sure,” she smiled. A banner day, for sure. Not only had she made progress with Josiah, which had been her primary goal – well, she also seemed to have made progress with another guy after a long, dry spell.

Harry moved the baguettes to his arms, abandoning the rental bike so that he could walk alongside this charming woman. This night would be just as awesome as if it had gone as planned. Maybe even better?

#harry styles #my writing #harry styles fanfiction #original writing #harry styles meet cute #harry styles imagine #there will be no additional parts #it's solely the meet cute #I hope you enjoy

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finelinevogue · 1 month ago

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something new

summary - you meet harry at a festival and have a bit of fun

pairing - harry styles x stranger!reader

word count - ~1.5k

“Where are you?” Your friend, Lea, shouted down the phone just so you could hear her over the loud music.

“I’m coming back with drinks now.” You shouted back, slightly tipsy from the amount of beer you had been drinking.

You and your two best friends, Lea and Hallie, had decided to come to the LIDO festival last minute.

Your outfits were as cheap as the tickets, but you were having the best time. The music was fun but you definitely needed a drink or two to get through it.

“Okay, come quick! We miss you!” Lea shouted.

“Miss you queen!” Hallie shouted too.

“Who are you missing?” Someone else shouted in the background, to which there were a bunch of inaudible screams from your friends.

“Hello?” You tried pushing through the crowds and back to your friends.

“Come back Y/N! We all miss you!” You had no idea who shouted that, but the phone call disconnected before you could find out. Hopefully your friends were okay.

It took you another ten minutes to push back through the crowds.

At least the drinks survived though.

Three beers were going to have to last you all at least another two hours, because there was no way you were going back through those crowds again anytime soon.

“Lea!” You shouted as you got closer.

You couldn’t see Hallie because she was talking ever so closely to a girl. She was cute and definitely Hallie’s type.

Lea turned to you and pulled your arm to help you through the wedges of large men.

“You’re back!” She screamed excitedly.

“Here you go.” You handed her a beer and kept ahold of Hallie’s for the moment - no need to interrupt her moment.

The music was even louder here down next to the stage, but this is somehow where you managed to grab a spot.

You checked that your bag was still across your chest and immediately got back to dancing with Lea.

The beer wasn’t great but it would do.

You danced around whilst Lea full-on belted the lyrics to whatever song was playing. You weren’t fully comprehensive in this genre of music, but you were happy to be here for the experience.

You took another sip of your drink before Hallie came over and snatched hers from your other hand, giving you a kiss on the cheek in thanks.

You winked at her as she went back to the girl.

At least one of you three were getting some excitement tonight.

To be fair, Lea had her boyfriend at home so she would no doubt be waking him up later to have fun.

That just left you.

Luckily you were broken from that self wallowing thought as someone came up to you, emerging from the crowds.

“You must be Y/N!” The guy shouted, cap pointing low on his face so you couldn’t see him entirely.

“Who’s asking?”

The guy tipped his hat back and shock washed over your face to see Harry fucking Styles standing in front of you.

“Holy shit.” You said out loud, not having meant to.

Harry laughed.

“Y/N?”

“Yeah.” You smiled, feeling more assured that it wasn’t some creep who was calling your name.

“Harry.” He held out his hand for you and you shook it.

He had nice hands.

That wasn’t creepy to say. His fingers were rings free and they were so soft. You couldn’t help but blush and smile at the touch of him. He looked like he was having the same physical reaction.

“Nice to meet you.” You said.

“And you.”

You took another sip of your beer, not knowing where or how to steer the conversation next.

“What is it?” Harry pointed to your drink.

“Just a local beer, I think.” You said after swallowing, “Wanna try?”

You handed over the beer to him, both your hands getting the opportunity to touch again. He thanked you as he brought the drink to his lips and you couldn’t help but watch how his lips balanced on the edge of your cup.

He looked so pretty, wow.

You couldn’t believe that Harry Styles was drinking your beer at a random summer festival.

He nodded after he had finished, giving it the seal of approval.

“Good?”

“Yeah.” He smiled.

“Wanna share?” You offered as he gave it back to you.

“Okay.” He nodded.

A new song came on and you knew this one.

Lea and Hallie came over to you because they knew this was one of your favourite songs. You had such great friends.

“Here.” Harry offered to hold your drink so you could dance with your friends.

You three all held hands and then danced like there was no one else here. The kind of dancing you would usually reserve for your bedroom or cleaning the house. None of you had it in you to care how crazy you looked though, because you felt so free.

After the song was over Hallie hugged you both before returning to her new smiling girl. Lea told you she was going to attempt to face-time her boyfriend. That left you to get close to Harry again.

“Thanks.” You said as he handed your drink back, needing to take a big sip after your dancing.

“It’s alright.”

“Why aren’t you performing tonight?”

“Can’t be a singer all the time.” He shrugged.

“Shame. I would’ve loved to see you up there.” You smiled, pretty sure that you were attempting to flirt.

“Oh yeah?” He smiled, showing his pretty dimples to you.

“Mhm. Is it okay to admit I came to see Love on Tour?”

“Of course.” He nodded.

“Three times.”

He laughed at that.

“Well, I’m flattered.”

“You should be. You’re great.” You gave him your best admiring eyes, returning your gave from him to the stage so that you could give yourself a moment to reset your blush.

You felt Harry come and stand close at your back.

You turned slightly to see his hand ghosting over your back as if he wanted to keep you close but wasn’t sure where to toe the line.

You helped him out by reaching behind you to bring his hand forward and place it on your right hip, his body bumping a little into you from behind.

Harry settled nicely.

His hand immediately went firm on your hip, his fingers spreading to keep your balance against him.

Your body swayed as another song came. Harry swayed along with you.

Hallie caught your gaze from across the way and gave you an excited, silent, scream and you couldn’t help but smile and shake your head at the bizarreness of it all.

You turned your head to the side so you could see Harry, “You here alone?”

“No. My friends are over there.” He nodded his head over to where Lea was speaking to some guys “They’re both married, don’t worry.”

“Lea is close to being too.”

“Ah congrats to her.”

You couldn’t bring yourself to turn back around to the stage now that you had your gaze set on Harry. Why would you want to?

Harry kept his head tilted down to watch you intensely, pursing his lips as he watched you bite the corner of yours.

“What?” You asked with a giggle.

He just shook his head with a smirk.

“No, what?”

“You’re very pretty.” He answered softly and even though the music was way louder than him, you could still hear him perfectly.

“So are you.”

“Pretty enough to kiss?”

Your jaw dropped a little over his preposition. He was so smooth, but you didn’t want to boost his potential ego by telling him.

“I suppose.”

“Oh you do, do you?” He raised his eyebrows in jest.

You simply nodded, but you turned your body so that your chest was against his now. Your hand came up to cup his cheek and you still felt his hand on your other hip now. He hadn’t let go.

Harry leant his head down to meet you half way, leaving you to finish the rest of the distance or back away if you wanted to - but you definitely didn’t want that second option. Instead, you leant up and cupped the back of his neck to guide his lips to yours.

The music blended into the background as you closed your eyes and all you could feel was Harry.

His body pulled yours to his and you felt yourself moulding your lips and body in tandem with his.

His cap got slightly in the way but neither of you minded, kissing around the obstacles.

The kiss was sweet and firm, but he pulled away before anything intense could happen. As soon as he pulled away though he realised what he was missing, so he pulled you back for one more kiss.

You both stayed close to each other, smiling like two kids in love and not two strangers who’d just met.

“You planning to stay for all the music acts?” He asked hoarsely, like he still hadn’t caught his breath back.

“Maybe. I could be persuaded otherwise.” You suggested.

“Good to know.” He pursed his lips so he could taste your lipstick again - cherry - before going in for another kiss.

Your arms reached up behind his neck to hold him closer this time, feeling his hands keep ahold of your waist. He didn’t want you slipping away from him, but neither did you want to.

Your lips pressed urgently into his, both of you tasting like the beer you’d been sharing. His moustache and beard hairs tickled your skin, but felt good.

Harry breathed into the kiss, causing you to lean further into him just to chase his lips.

Your face tilted the other way to kiss him better, but you got fed up at one point and brought a hand up to move his cap around so it was now on backwards. It was easier to kiss him without a bumping restriction.

Harry laughed at your move.

“What?” You smiled as he smiled at you.

“Nothing.” He kissed you again. “This feel alright?”

“Nothing’s felt better.” That probably sounded desperate, but at this point you didn’t care.

“Very much agree.” He laughed and kissed you once more - or twice.

Harry’s arm slunk around your waist to bring you close to his side and you wrapped your arm around his waist too. You probably looked like a couple, but you were happy to pretend for the evening.

The song changed again to something that made Harry cheer, pointing towards his friends who cheered too.

His friends and Lea came over, Lea internally screaming at you for whatever had just happened between you and Harry.

You tucked your head onto Harry’s chest to get away from her shocked stare. Harry only pulled you closer in.

Harry bounced along to the song with his friends and you laughed as you watched him enjoy himself.

The joy was overwhelming and you couldn’t help but feel like something new had just begun.

#harry styles #harry styles x reader #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles x y/n #harry styles fanfic #ask finelinevogue #harry blurb #harry styles concept #harry oneshot #harry styles blurbs #harry styles fic rec #harry styles fic

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monicaalexandraaa · 28 days ago

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OH MY GOSH I WANT TO SQUEEZE HIM !!!!!!!!!!! This is the sweetest !!!!!!! I think I said “awwww” at least 17 times throughout this whole part. He is just so freaking cute. I can already tell he’s getting warmed up to her a tiny bit and I’m excited to see the progression. She’s so kind, confident and funny and is exactly what he needs. She’ll help him loosen up and feel more comfortable not just with her but with himself too😌

Every interaction they had in this was perfect! And when he finally laughs that is such a precious moment🥺I’m already so obsessed with them. Truly cannot express enough how much I love this story already🩷🩷

Fine Print: Chemistry

Masterlist: Here

CW: shyness, brief moments of insecurities, smut (masturbation), Harry is a nervous baby.

A/N: I am so excited to get this story going and I hope yall like it, I’ve never done shy Harry so this was fun!✨

Word Count: 6.5K

Tag List: @vikiii07 @pearlybows @sweetmoonlove0214 @mads3502 @somewiseguy @matildasatellite @lizsogolden @spinninc @prettygurl-2009 @onrsie @silastylesswift @umadirectioner @littlemomentsofbeauty @sunflower-tia @tulips4harry @gmikaelson @fangirl509east @howling-wolf97 @outofthisworl-d @namoreno @blckburd @triski73 @mema10 @angeldavis777

Summary: Harry’s mom sets up a meeting, you make Harry nervous but are determined to have him feel comfortable around you✨

“But who is she?” Harry asks for the third time as he follows his mom around her garden, adjusting his glasses as she kneels down to cut a few stems of her rose bush. Anne doesn’t look over at her son as she hands him the stems so he can place them in the basket he has his soft cardigan covered arm looped through.

“I told you Harry she’s a lovely girl that I think will do splendidly as your significant other.” Harry feels his tummy do flips at the idea of this girl he doesn’t even know being his significant other. “I know this isn’t ideal and you’re a romantic but it’s just temporary okay? Just until you settle in and get your footing in your new role.” She goes on to add as she spots a few more good looking roses to cut off and hand to Harry to place in the basket.

“This is all just-just a lot and and what if she doesn’t even like me?” Harry feels his chest tighten as he pictures sitting down across from a woman who ends up leaving as soon as Harry opens his mouth and stutters over his hello because he’s nervous and ends up saying something ridiculous. “She’ll probably think I’m-I’m weird or not her type because-”

“Now Harry that’s just ridiculous you’re everyone’s type.” Anne says gently interrupting his nervous rant, not trying to downplay his worries but not letting him talk poorly about himself in the process. “You’re not weird so that’s enough of that and I happen to know for a fact she thinks you’re quite charming.” Harry’s face gets five shades redder as his mother lets him in on a little secret she’s been carrying around ever since she approached you with the idea of marrying her son so he can take his father’s place as head of the family business.

“R-really? She-she said I’m charming?” He stutters as he reaches up and adjusts his glasses, Anne turns her head to look over at him and nods with a soft smile.

“She did.”

“So we’ve met before? Her and I?”

“Once or twice yes.”

“When?” He wonders as he follows his mother as she moves to another rose bush with pink flowers. She waves her hand and lets out a hum as if she’s trying to shoo away his questions.

“I don’t remember.” She answers not looking at him, focusing on finding the prettiest flowers to add to the basket so she can make a few arrangements to place around the house. “Just don’t be late tonight okay? That’s not a good first impression.”

“Mother we’ve already met so this isn’t going to be a first impression.” He states making Anne shoot him a glare that has him swallowing down his sudden braveness, not wanting to get on his mother’s bad side when she seems to be in a very cheerful mood.

“This is important Harry I need you to just be on time and show her how truly lovely you are.” He lets out a sigh as his mother turns so she’s facing him. “Think you can manage that?” She asks as she raises her hand that’s glove free and rests it on the side of Harry’s face, giving his cheek a gentle pat.

“Yes ma’am I can manage that.” He answers with a small smile, trying his hardest to not let his nerves show. And it clearly works as his mom just returns his smile before turning back around to cut a few more roses from the bush. Harry watches from a few steps away as his tummy twists itself into knots and his heart begins to beat a mile a minute when he looks down at his wrist and sees that in a little over four hours he’ll be meeting someone who will potentially be his wife for an undisclosed amount of time, and all he can think or more so worry about is if you’ll like him.

Harry feels as if the entire weight of his family business is resting on his shoulders as he sits in the plush leather seat in the middle of a cafe near his house. He looks around as he nervously fidgets with the ring on his index finger, spinning it around while trying to seem like nothing is troubling him and act like it doesn’t bother him in the slightest that whoever is about to take the seat across from him is going to eventually have the same last name as him. His knee is bouncing up and down as he tucks his bottom lip between his teeth, regretting the choice to wear a long sleeve cream colored jumper knowing that he tends to run a little warm when he’s nervous. He is halfway through debating on if he should order a coffee or if it’ll make his heart that already feels on the verge of bursting with how wildly it’s beating, actually do just that with the addition of caffeine when he feels a presence behind him.

“Is it normal for you to sit in a cafe and not order anything?” Your voice startles him as you lean down and fold your arms on the back of his chair so you’re lips are right next to his ear, Harry immediately jolts forward so he can turn his upper body and look at you just as you stand up with a smile on your face that has him struggling to form complete sentences in his mind.

You watch his cheeks turn a deep pink as he reaches up and fixes his glasses that slid down his nose a bit with how quickly he scooted forward in his seat. You can’t help the way your smile spreads into a full blown grin at how utterly adorable the man sitting in front of you is, with his khaki colored slacks and soft knitted jumper and his glasses that bring your attention to his soft jade colored eyes that can’t seem to stare into yours longer than a few seconds before they look elsewhere. You feel his eyes on you as you walk around his chair until you’re standing in front of him with your hand out.

“Allow me to introduce myself.” Harry takes your hand as you tell him your name and it’s one that for some reason sounds vaguely familiar. “I’m going to be your wife in,” you take your phone out of the back pocket of your jeans to check the date on your lock screen. “Two and a half weeks.” You state with a smile as you give his hand a firm shake.

“Oh uhm uh hi I’m-I’m Harry St-Styles.” He fumbles his way through his greeting and it makes him internally cringe at how dumb he sounds just trying to tell you his name, a name that he knows you already know.

“I like your last name.” You tell him as he lets go of your hand, you turn and walk over to the seat across from him. “I like it so much I think I’ll make it mine as well is that okay with you?” You ask as you plop down into the seat, letting your bag fall to the floor by your feet. Harry blinks a few times before clearing his throat and running a hand through his curly brown hair.

“You’re uhm really okay with all of uh-this?” He gestures between the two of you with his hand that’s not white knuckle griping the armrest of his chair.

“Yeah I’m fine with it-I mean don’t get me wrong it’s a little old school to need the person running your family business to be married and a man but it’s not the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.” Your answer has Harry’s mind reeling with possibilities of what could be the craziest thing you’ve ever heard, his eyes glance down to your shoes when you catch him staring at you for a beat too long. “I’m going to need you to do something for me okay?” Your voice is soft and sweet but still gives off a sense of confidence that has Harry already mentally agreeing to whatever it is you’re about to ask him to do. You lean over and rest your forearms on your knees, your hands clasp together and your eyes stare into his once he swallows down his nerves and dares to meet your gaze.

“Wh-what is it?”

“I need you to look me in the eye for a full two minutes.”

“I-I uhm why?” He asks as he adjusts his glasses and feels his face get hot as you continue to stare directly at him making him have to look away.

“Because it’ll make it easier for you to not get so-blushy around me if we just stare at each other for a few minutes and then maybe it’ll also help you listen better because I hit you with two jokes about us getting married and you didn’t even chuckle so yeah we have to get this out of the way before it becomes a thing.” Harry sits there in awe of how well you managed to get through your whole little spiel without fumbling over your words, looking away from him and all without your cheeks even gaining the tiniest hint of a blush. Your words came out smoothly and your voice never lost its gentleness, not even when explaining how he failed to laugh at your two little attempts at jokes that clearly went right over his head.

“Why-why two minutes? Why not just uh just one?” He rubs at the back of his neck as his eyes glance over your shoulder to the back of the small cafe, needing a break from the eye contact.

“It’s been scientifically proven that the longer you can maintain eye contact with someone the less likely they are to make you nervous and as your soon to be wife I’d like to make you a little nervous.” This time Harry doesn’t miss the small change your voice does when you lightly tease him, how the softness has a playful edge to it. “But not enough to make you uncomfortable.” You explain with a calming smile that makes a swarm of butterflies go off in his tummy.

“Okay.”

“Great.” You pull out your phone and scroll to the timer app and set it for two minutes before placing it on the armrest of your chair. “Ready?” He gives you a nod in response as he fixes his glasses and runs his palms over the tops of his thighs. “Two minutes starts now.” His eyes slowly find yours and he has to fight the urge to immediately look away, his hands grip his pants as he feels his cheeks get warmer and warmer as the seconds tick by.

“Is there anything you want to ask me?” Your voice almost makes Harry look away but he just clears his throat and maintains his eye contact.

“Uhm uh-have we met before? My mom said-”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“Five or six years ago I think? It was very brief at a convention my dad dragged me to. Your dad was talking to my dad about golf clubs and I dropped my badge on the floor and you picked it up for me.” The wheels in Harry’s mind begin to turn and you smile as if you can actually see him beginning to figure it out.

“Your dad knows my dad?” You just nod and then the lightbulb goes off in Harry’s mind. “Oh-I knew- knew your name sounded familiar. Your dad used to-”

“Own one of your biggest competitors? Yeah. Well before he sold it two years ago.”

“Oh.” He says as he sits back in his chair, his eyes a little wide but still locked onto yours. “Is that-that why my mom picked you? Because of your family?”

“Picked me? Harry do you think she selected me out of some applicant pool as if she posted about this on some job site?” You ask with a laugh making him shrug, the timer goes off and you silence it and much to your surprise Harry stays looking directly at you.

“I don’t know how she did it. She just uh told me what was happening and if I’d uhm-have any-any issues with it.”

“Well your mom has been going to my tennis club for the last year and a half so we’ve gotten friendly and she approached me two weeks ago with this proposal of marrying her son so he can take his father’s place as head of the company.” Harry nods as you begin telling him the story his mother has been refusing to. “She told me she wanted someone like me because I know how it goes-running a company and the toll it can take on someone. But mainly because she wanted someone who would help you gain the confidence and respect of your employees because you’re-”

“Too nice? Soft? A w-wimp?” Your eyes harden just a bit as you stand up from your seat and Harry regrets opening his mouth as you approach his chair.

“Being soft isn’t a bad thing. The world is plenty sharp enough I think it needs more softness.” Harry feels his hands get sweaty as you place a hand on the back of his chair so you can lean over and run a hand through his hair. “She said you’re kindhearted and she doesn’t want to see you get taken advantage of.” You answer as you stand up and he feels as if he can take a sigh of relief when you look away from him and over towards the counter. “Let’s go order something so we don’t look like the only two weirdos not drinking anything in the middle of a cafe.” He stumbles out of his chair to follow you as you head for the counter.

“So uhm why did-did your dad uh sell the company?” Harry asks surprising not only you but himself as the two of you stand off to the side after ordering your drinks. You just give him a casual shrug as you lean against the counter.

“He wanted to retire and I didn’t want to take it over.” Your answer is simple but Harry can tell there’s more to it but before he can ask anything else a nice barista is handing him a cup of coffee and you an iced late.

“Thank you.” You quirk a brow at Harry’s soft spoken thanks, because you were standing next to him when he ordered and you know for a fact he didn’t order a hot coffee. You notice him bring the cup up to his lips and make a face that tells you he doesn’t like whatever he just took a sip of.

“Excuse me?” Harry nearly trips over himself to follow you as you take the cup from his hands and walk around to the front of the counter, as he stands behind you he begins to think this is going to be something he’ll be doing a lot of, stumbling over himself to keep up with you.

“Hi how can I help you?” You give the barista a pleasant smile as you place the cup down on the counter in front of her.

“He ordered a double shot over ice with two creams and one sugar.” You explain with no hint of annoyance or rudeness in your voice, just right to the point. The woman looks at the cup and then back at you with an apologetic look on her face.

“So sorry I’ll get that out right away.”

“Thank you so much.” You say before turning around and Harry watches your hand as it comes and rests on his arm. “It’s not rude to ask for things to be fixed. It doesn’t make you an asshole.” It’s as if you can read him like a book the way your words hit him right in the chest. “Don’t settle for things you don’t like. Not even something as small as a cup of coffee.”

“Here you go ma’am so sorry about that.” You turn and grab the cup from the nice woman’s hand, giving her a smile.

“Thank you it’s for my husband-gets a little cranky without his mid day caffeine kick.” You joke making the woman laugh as she looks over your shoulder towards Harry who is looking down at the floor while rubbing the back of his neck hoping neither of you can see how pink his cheeks are.

“Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Did you call me your uhm hus-husband?” You just nod as you hand him his coffee and walk back over to the side of the counter to grab your latte and head back to your chair.

“Might as well start getting used to calling you that right?” You stop mid step nearly making Harry crash into you as you turn around and raise an eyebrow at him. “Unless you don’t want me to be your wife and you’re just trying to think of a polite way to tell me you’re not interested and your mom needs to find someone-”

“No no I like you.” He sputters out faster than he intends making you let out a chuckle. “I just don’t uhm know what happens now?” You reach your hand up and place it on the side of his face, Harry instantly without any shame leans into the warmth of your touch.

“Well did you want to propose now or wait until after my background check clears?” This has Harry choking on a sip of coffee and trying to catch his breath as you reach up and place a kiss to the cheek your hand isn’t holding.

“I uh-uhm I don’t-don’t know.” You laugh as you pull away from him and drop your hand from his face allowing him to collect himself.

“I’m just kidding Harry- that’s three jokes now so maybe we need to do some more eye content drills.” You lightly tease as you give his arm a reassuring squeeze before looking down at the watch on your wrist with a small frown. “It was lovely meeting you but I have to go-I’ll see you in a few days for drinks or dinner okay?” All Harry can do is nod as you give him one last warm smile before turning and grabbing your stuff and heading out the door of the cafe.

“Holy crap.” He mumbles as he walks over to his chair and plops down with a humph. “That-that was my future wife.” A smile creeps its way onto his face as he leans his head against the cushion of he chair, the sound of your voice and the way your eyes seem to sparkle when you smile replaying in his head as he begins to think that maybe this won’t be too bad, you seem nice and have enough confidence for the both of you so maybe this will turn out better than he thought.

“You look cute.” Your words already have Harry feeling flustered as he stands up to greet you when you make your way to the table in the back of a little Italian place you suggested the two of you have dinner at.

His eyes quickly rake over your frame, he is in a slight daze over how effortlessly put together and cute you look with your green dress that you tossed a thin white sweater over so you don’t get cold. It’s not lost on him how you manage to make something that’s simple look as elegant as an evening gown with how you carry yourself. He can see exactly why his mom sought you out for him. When his eyes meet yours his tummy does a weird little flip when you give him a little wink.

“I like you in brown.” He smiles and looks down at his light brown cardigan he has over his plain white t shirt that’s tucked into a pair of jeans, you hang your bag in an empty chair before leaning over and placing a kiss to his cheek. “Makes your eyes pop.” You explain making him just nod as he tries to act like the feeling of your lips on his cheek hasn’t been at the forefront of his mind since you did it the first time two days ago in the cafe.

“Thank-thank you uhm you look beautiful.” His voice gives his nerves away as he feels his whole face get hot when you pull away from him. You let out a chuckle as you take your seat in the chair right next to him that he is quick to pull out for you.

“So glad I’m marrying a man with manners.” You say appreciatively as he helps push your chair closer to the table.

He smiles as he lets his eyes wander over your face for a moment before taking his seat, taking note of how pretty you look with the candle light blanketing your features in a soft glow. He feels suddenly out of place sitting here with you, as if he doesn’t quite meet the standards of someone you should be seen having dinner with.

“Okay come on.” He’s brought out of his thoughts by your hand grabbing his on top of the table.

“Where-where are we going?” He asks making you laugh as you shake your head and even though you’re laughing at him having no clue what’s going on he decides he likes the way it sounds.

“No where.” You say with a laugh as you wrap your fingers around his hand. “Just need you to look in my eyes for a bit because that’s now four marriage jokes I’ve told you since meeting you and I still haven’t gotten even a little giggle out of you and it’s not that I think I’m wildly funny or anything but I do think those were decent chuckle worthy jokes.”

“I’m-I’m sorry I just-”

“It’s okay.” Your voice puts him more at ease as you give his hand a soft squeeze. “I just want you to feel comfortable around me that’s all so come on-look me in the eyes and tell me what you’re wearing to this party on Saturday so I can plan accordingly.” Your eyes are soft and easy to get lost in when Harry finally finds it within himself to look into them.

“Uhm I’m wearing a black suit with a r-red shirt and black slacks and uh-uh black dress shoes.” You nod along as Harry slowly tumbles his way through telling you what he’s wearing to his father’s retirement party, never making him feel as if he needs to rush you just simply sit there and look at him as if what he’s saying is the most interesting thing you’ve ever heard.

“Okay I have a red dress but I’ll have to see the exact shade of red your shirt is to make sure it matches or else we are going to look silly.”

“You-you want to match with-”

“With my fiancé? Yes. Makes it look as if we’ve been coordinating our outfits for years-it’ll be good to make it seem as if this won’t be our first social outing as a couple.”

“Oh right-yes that makes uhm sense.” You instantly pick up on the slight shift in Harry’s voice, going from shocked and excited to almost deflated and it has you leaning towards him, a small smirk playing at the corners of your mouth.

“And I just want everyone to know you’re mine and nothing does that better in a room full of nosey businessmen and their even nosier wives than a matching color scheme.” Harry has to break the eye contact as he feels his cheeks get hot, he adjusts his glasses and softly clears his throat before he can look at you again. “So just send me a photo of your shirt and I’ll make sure my dress matches.”

“Did you want to arrive together? Uh like with-with uhm me? So it doesn’t look weird us showing up separately?”

“Oh my man has manners and brains? I might never give you up.” This has Harry quietly chuckling making your eyes go wide and a grin to spread across your face. “Oh my god I’ve done it!” He smiles as you give his hand a firm squeeze and reach over with your free hand and place it on his cheek. “You laughed.” You say with a happy sigh making him once again let out a chuckle at your dramatics that give him a warm and fuzzy feeling on the inside because of how happy you are over the fact you managed to get him to laugh.

“Does this mean we don’t-don’t need the eye contact uhm drills anymore?” He asks nervously as you pull your hand away from his cheek and when you just give him a look he already knows your answer.

“Oh no we are going to continue to do them until I get a full on belly laugh out of you.” He just nods and rubs his lips together as you finally let go of his hand so you can grab the menu that’s in front of you. “Now let’s pick something to eat because I’m starving and you and I have things to discuss and I can’t do business on an empty stomach.”

“So you-you don’t want to change anything about the contract? You’re-you’re sure?” Harry asks as you scrape the last bit of ice cream from the sundae you ordered for dessert. “Not even the uhm-uh compensation? I left that-that open for negotiation.” You let out a hum of pleasure as you put the spoon in your mouth that has Harry’s gaze falling away from your eyes and down to your lips. He watches as you pull the spoon from your mouth and lick your lips in what seems like slow motion making him shift in his seat and look down at the table as he fixes his glasses.

“Harry I don’t need to be heavily compensated I have enough money to live a very comfortable life so yes everything is fine.�� You answer as you push the now empty bowl away from you. “I was a little shocked at what was hidden in the fine print though.” Harry raises an eyebrow as you fold your napkin and place it on the table next to your bowl.

“What-what fine print?”

“The fine print that says that the timeframe for our marriage is dependent upon on how quickly we can get you to be taken seriously and seen as a dependable and confident new head of the company but I can expect it to take anywhere between six months to over a year.”

“Oh I see.”

“And that I get an extra ten thousand for every baby I give you.” You have a playful smile on your face as Harry nearly drops his glass of water and looks at you with wide eyes.

“That-that’s not-there’s no way-you don’t have-”

“Relax Harry I’m kidding. There’s nothing about babies in the contract.” Harry lets out a sigh of relief that has you reaching over and lightly smacking his arm. “Gee can you sound anymore relieved? I mean I don’t think having babies with me would be that horrible.”

“Oh no that’s not-I don’t think it would be bad it would be lovely-not the uhm making of the babies but that you’d-you’d uhm make lovely-lovely babies.” Harry officially wants to get up, walk away and change his name as the words seem to fall from his mouth without his permission.

“I think you’d make some pretty adorable babies as well Harry.” He can’t bring himself to look at you as your words hit his ears, still too embarrassed by the ridiculous stuttering mess of jumbled up words he just said to you. “Your mom said we are announcing the engagement at the party so that will officially mean the countdown is on and we have to be married by the time your dad leaves his office for the last time.” You quickly and smoothly move the conversation along as you grab your glass of water so you can take a sip.

“Okay does that me we have to-”

“How are we doing over here?” Harry looks up as the waitress approaches the table, her eyes never leaving Harry as she stands there with a smile on her face. “Need anything else? More water or-”

“I think we are good thank you.” You answer as the waitress not so subtly checks Harry out, who is too busy turning and looking over at you to notice. When she finally looks away from him and over at you, you reach over and place your hand over his arm as you lean just a tad bit closer to him to show the waitress that Harry is very much not avaible for her to drool over, at least not in front of you. “Oh actually maybe the check if you don’t mind?”

“Oh uh yeah sure thing I’ll be right back.” You see the small hint of disappointment on her face when Harry just stays looking at you, making her have no other choice but to nod as she turns and walks away.

“So how are you feeling about this? Like really?” You ask with a tone that Harry hasn’t heard from you before, it’s still sweet but the undertone is more serious.

“I uhm-”

“Don’t be afraid to hurt my feelings okay? Be honest.”

“I feel good about this uhm I was nervous-I’m still nervous but not about this but more about uh taking-taking over the company that-that’s uhm yeah a uh a lot.”

“Well you won’t have to do that alone.” Harry once again feels butterflies in his tummy when you give him a genuine smile as you give his arm a squeeze. “I’ll be there every step of the way.” Your words have him relaxing a bit, you slide your hand down so it’s over his wrist.

“Thank you.” He says with a smile that lets you see his dimples for the first time, your whole face lights up as you stare at him.

“Oh goodness dimples? Yeah good luck getting rid of me you’re like the total package.” Harry’s face gets warm but he fights through it and doesn’t take his eyes off yours.

“I uhm had a good-good time tonight.” He tells you as he mindlessly flips his hand over so his palm is facing up and you don’t waste anytime in sliding your hand into his making him swallow nervously as you slip your fingers between his.

“Here’s your check. Have a good rest of your night.” You reach over with your free hand and grab the check from the middle of the table before Harry can even try to reach for it as soon as the waitress walks away.

“I can’t let you-”

“Can’t let me what? Buy you dinner? Why not?”

“Uhm because that’s-this is like a uh date right? So-so I should pay.”

“Says who?”

“It’s the polite thing to do.”

“Don’t worry I won’t think you’re rude for letting me pay it’s okay.” Harry lets out a sigh as he shakes his head while you grab your wallet out of your purse. “Look at us. Having our first fight over who gets to pay for dinner. We’re so cute.”

“This-it’s not a fight but just know I’m not okay with this.” You laugh and give his hand a squeeze as you place the check down with your card tucked underneath it.

“I’ll let you pay for everything else from now on how about that?”

“Fine.” He tries to sound upset but the smile tugging at his mouth gives him away and before he can stop himself he’s leaning over and tucking some hair behind your ear. “Sorry you-”

“It’s okay. You’re allowed to touch me I’m not made of glass.” Your voice is light and teasing but Harry can’t help but sense a hidden meaning to your words but before he can think to hard about it the waitress comes by to grab the check.

“So I’ll see you this weekend?” You ask as you stand outside the restaurant, adjusting the strap of your bag on your shoulder.

“Yes I’ll uhm come pick you up around six if that-that works for you?”

“Works great.” You answer as you take a small step towards him, Harry looks down at you and adjusts his glasses as you wrap your arms around him in a hug. “I had a nice time tonight Harry. Thank you for being such a gentleman.” You tell him as his body finally reacts to what’s happening, you rest your cheek against his shirt as his arms loosely wrap around your shoulders returning your embrace.

“Thank you for being uhm so-understanding I uh can see why my mom picked you.” You smile as you pull away and look up at him.

“See you Saturday hubby.” You give him a playful wink that has him chuckling and it works as a distraction so he doesn’t notice you reaching up on your tiptoes until he feels your lips on his in a kiss that is so quick the only way he knows it actually happened is he can faintly feel the softness of your lips when you pull away with a smile. “Don’t worry I’ll text you when I get home. I know how much you worry about me.” You tease as you unwrap your arms from around him.

“Uhm uh-see-see you Saturday.” His words are rushed and it makes you giggle as Harry’s arm fall down to his sides as he watches in a trance like state as you turn around and head towards the car that’s waiting to take you home. You give him a wave that he doesn’t register and try to return before it’s too late and you’ve already climbed into the backseat and closed the door, leaving Harry standing there in a daze as he watches the car drive off down the street feeling not nervous, but actually kinda excited about Saturday.

Harry can’t seem to get you out of his head when he gets home from dinner. His mind is a mixture of images that remind him of how pretty you are, how sweet your voice is when you’re telling him a story and the adorable smile you get when you’re teasing him. But the main two things that have Harry’s mind spinning is how much he enjoys hearing you call him your fiancé or husband already, he knows those are titles he’ll actually be to you soon but hearing them fall from your lips with such enthusiasm and excitement makes his heart do weird things and he really can’t get over how soft your hands feel whenever you slide them into his or wrap them around his wrist.

Harry steps into his shower thinking it’ll help him relax and get you off his mind, he lets the warm water hit him easing the tension in his shoulders as the warmth of the steam engulfs him. He lets out a deep sigh and closes his eyes, but he’s instantly met with visions of you laughing and smiling at him and something about the way you smile at him sends a shiver down his spine. The visions playing in his mind are so vivid, he can practically hear your voice saying his name and the feeling of your hand gently wrapping around his wrist and suddenly it’s all too much for him.

Harry’s arm reaches forward, his hand resting on the cool tile wall of his shower as he feels himself hardening at the mere thought of you. He slides a hand down his toned stomach wondering how it would feel if it was your hand and not his own, he lets out a groan as he wraps his hand around his hard length giving himself a few slow strokes. He knows this is probably borderline inappropriate, stroking himself to the idea of how it would feel to have your soft hands on him but in this very moment Harry can only focus on how good he feels.

“Oh shit.” He mumbles as he remembers the faint feeling of your lips against his, his mind spinning with ideas of how nice those lips would feel wrapped around his hard cock. He lets out a soft moan as he pictures you kneeling down in front of him, your pretty round eyes gazing upward, lips parted invitingly. His hand tightens around himself as he envisions your tongue tracing him teasingly, your mouth enveloping him fully feeling deliciously warm and wet around his shaft, your head bobbing rhythmically.

“Oh yes-just like that.” He murmurs breathlessly, his hand quickening its pace, gripping tighter as pleasure starts to build rapidly. Harry swears he can almost hear your soft moans, they’d be sweet and a bit whiney and it makes his cock twitch in his grasp. He imagines your hands gripping his thighs as you take him deeper, letting his hands tangle in your hair, imagines the moans you’d let out when he gives it a few tugs.

“Fuck.” He gasps urgently, his hips thrusting instinctively into his own hand, driven by the vivid image of you looking up at him while he thrusts his hips letting the tip of his thick cock hit the back of your throat making you gag slightly. Your nails digging into the back of his thighs urging him on.

“Shit-oh fuck.” He groans loudly, the warm water cascading over his trembling body as his climax surges powerfully through him, releasing in hot pulses onto the shower tiles. He shudders deeply, breathing heavily as the intense pleasure begins to subside. His eyes slowly open and he lets out a shaky breath as he realizes what he just did and instead of feeling guilty or even embarrassed at how quickly he managed to get himself off he just lets out a breathy laugh at how flustered you made him after just a few interactions with you, knowing it’s only going to get worst the longer he’s around you. He shakes his head making water fling off the ends of his damp hair, trying to clear his mind.

“Get it together Harry.” He mumbles to himself as he tilts his head up towards the water and runs both hands through his hair. The movement making him remember how good your hand felt when you ran it through his hair in the cafe. He has to shut his eyes tight and make himself think of other things like memos from work and meetings with the marketing team so he doesn’t get worked up again but even those thoughts have him remembering how soft your voice sounded when telling him how you’ll be with him every step of the way as he transitions into his new role and he feels his cock twitch between his thighs making him let out a frustrated groan.

“I’m so fucked.”

#adjusting his glasses like how is that cute but it’s so cute #soft cardigan <3 & what if she doesn’t even like meeeeee r u kiddinggggggg #oh my gosh I could cry already he’s so sweet & I hope the glasses adjustments are a constant theme #oh she’s fun #Harry’s mind reeling with possibilities of what could be the craziest thing you’ve ever heard this is adorable #“Why-why two minutes? Why not just uh just one?” STOP 😭#much to your surprise Harry stays looking directly at you. Eeeeee !!!!!#Harry can tell there’s more to it oooooooo interested to learn more & AHHH the fact he was gonna drink it anyways #he begins to think this is going to be something he’ll be doing a lot of stumbling over himself to keep up with you. so cute !!!#“Don’t settle for things you don’t like. Not even something as small as a cup of coffee.” PERIOD #Thank you it’s for my husband LOVE HER I’d also be letting everyone know that man is my husband #Harry who is looking down at the floor while rubbing the back of his neck hoping neither of you can see how pink his cheeks are HES SO BABY #I COULD DIE I WANT TO SQUISH HIS CHEEKS #“Well did you want to propose now or wait until after my background check clears?” This has Harry choking on a sip #of coffee and trying to catch his breath as you reach up and place a kiss to the cheek your hand isn’t holding. LOVE she’s so great #“That-that was my future wife.” AHHHHH #THE LITTLE WINK #He feels suddenly out of place sitting here with you as if he doesn’t quite meet the standards of someone #you should be seen having dinner with. Noooooo you’re so perfect we all need to remind him #“Where-where are we going?” Sobbing #And I just want everyone to know you’re mine YES #the teasing is everything #not the uhm making of the babies SCREAMING #Oh goodness dimples? Yeah good luck getting rid of me you’re like the total package. Exactly #before he can stop himself he’s leaning over and tucking some hair behind your ear. Oh my gosh I COULD DIE #oh I think low where this is going🤭#Yuppppppppp I love it #love love love #harry styles fic rec #harry styles smut

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