can he notđ„đ„
Oreos and Pickles
in which you spent 2 years with Harry and a grocery store trip makes you realize it was all secondary...
[Warning- Just angst, fluff if you like close your eyes ig, pregnancy cravings, complicated feelings and a very awful grocery store trip]
A/N- Don't even ask me where these sad things even come from
Masterlist
*****
"Why do they have Oreos so far back?!" You whined as you walked down the lines and lines of grocery racks. Harry laughed beside you and slid one of his arms around your waist while other held onto the trolley.
"Why don't you stay here and choose which pickle you want, and I will be back with your oreos, okay?" Harry said, and you nodded quickly, ready to go home as quickly as you could. Harry gave you a kiss on the forehead and walked forward while you chose from the plathora of pickles.
This pregnancy has made you weird. You used to be one of those people who would make faces while seeing pregnant people eat weird things like cucumber and ice cream and now you're one of those people and your weird craving of the month has been oreos and pickles.
You sighed and took out two jars of lemon pickles and decided to just walk towards your boyfriend since he was taking ages to get a packet of oreos.
As Harry came into your view, so did someone else.
"So how have you been?" You heard them ask to your boyfriend who was picking on loose threads of his sweater, which was one of his nervous ticks.
You quickly moved towards him, thinking he might need comforting. Harry wasn't very talkative person even ordering his coffee gave him so much anxiety that he brought an overpriced coffee machine. So, you didn't think much of it.
"Hey babe, you found oreos?" you asked as you came to stand beside him. The person's eyes went from him to you, and it's then you realized that they both were wearing the same shocked nervous expression.
"Yeah- um here" He took the jars from your hands and put them in the trolley with oreos.
"Who's this?" You whisper asked, not wanting to be rude if this was someone you already knew. It was hard for you to remember people, especially their names. That's why you and Harry fit so perfectly, he would remember people for you while you talked wherever he couldn't.
A perfect team as he called it.
"Hi I'm Allison" She put forward her hand to shake and you took it shaking it happily.
"She" He cleared his throat, "She's my ex wife" He said the last part almost in whisper. You eyes widened but you quickly got your shit together.
"Oh it's so nice to meet you, I'm Y/N" You introduced yourself. Harry never talked about his ex wife, you knew he was divorced and very much depressed considering you two met at the same therapist office when the receptionist accidentally appointed both of you at the same time.
Anytime you would ask, a certain sadness would cloud over his eyes, and his face would morph into a frown, so you stopped asking. If he wanted, he would tell you at his own pace.
The two of them kept staring at each other, not saying a word, and you felt a bit uncomfortable. It might have been your pregnancy hormones you didn't know, but an unknown deep pit sat in your heart.
"I will get some more things over there" You said quickly walking over to the other side still in earshot before Harry could say anything.
You winced as your sore feet ached more from walking.
You just wanted to go home.
"How have things been?" Allison asked but your back was turned so you couldn't see Harry's reaction.
"Good ya really good" He replied and you felt a relief. Why? You didn't know. You trusted Harry he would never break your trust.
"That's good to hear Harry" She replied and from her tone you guessed she was smiling maybe not really but a smile indeed.
"What about you? When did you move here?" He asked and that's when you turned not fully but enough you could look at him sideways.
They were still in their own bubble, eyes locked but neither of them were in present you saw the longing in them, maybe in both of them but you could only speak of Harry's.
You had never felt so out of place near your own boyfriend. For a second, it felt like you didn't belong here like you had separated two lovers, but you did neither of those things. You weren't some other woman who stole someone else's man, but why did it feel like you were?
"I'm just here for a work meeting. It went well so" You heard her speak signaling to the wine in her trolley.
"That's great. Congratulations" Harry said, you picked out more things from the racks you didn't need but you would rather walk home than go in between that awkward conversation.
But you had to cause now your hands were full. You sighed and started walking back, Harry gave you the gentle smile he always give when you wince while the woman's eyes followed your every move.
You stood beside Harry again and saw her eyes flick down to your grocery trolley when Harry put down the stuff you brought over.
"Pickles and Oreos? You hate both of those things" she said with a small chuckle.
"It's for her not me" Harry just gave her a small smile while you shifted your weight on your feet.
You wanted to go home.
It might have been your dramatic brain but you saw the moment realization hit her. When her brain put the two and two together, her eyes flicked towards you and then towards Harry.
"Oh, Congratulations!" She said with choked words but you knew she was forcing it. You gave her a smile and looked at Harry who opened his mouth and then closed it as if he was about to speak.
Like he had an explanation. An excuse.
"I will go to counter for billing" You said a little bit snappy which you didn't mean but he hurt. The pregnancy wasn't planned but what was he about to say? Why he looked like he wanted to explain it to her?
Harry hesitate a bit, you saw it how his legs froze for a second and now they looked like they both wanted to stay there but you didn't.
You had no hard feelings towards her, but you did feel it was wrong. Like this whole meeting of the grocery store was wrong, a glitch in matrix that wasn't supposed to happen.
But no matter what was wrong and what was right, you knew one thing loud and clear.
Harry will never love you like he loved her.
*****
Harry's Pov
it was in my drafts, so I posted it cause I haven't posted in very long.
I've almost settled in my room, but still, it's new, and I have so many classes. I hope you guys understand that I can't update very much. I will update the stages of grief, and I'm so so sorry it's delaying sm.
I love you hope you understand<3
Taglist- @tenaciousperfectionunknown @that-daydream-look @harryspirate @tiaamberxx @lomlhstyles @vmpellie @sunshinemoonsposts @jayde515 @yeehawbrothers @sleutherclaw @ikea2-0 @thechaoticjoy @astridcommings @grapejuicebluesrry @gxbiqs
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pairing: college student!grumpy!harry Ă college student!sunshine!fem reader
trope: (kinda) enemies to lovers
chapter warnings: sexual tension, mentions of drinking alcohol, p in v smut, oral (f receiving) , dry humping, protected sex bc theyâre smart, use of pet name: honey, receiving praise on both ends tbh
series cw: angst, smut (minors dni!) fluff, sexual tension, drama, character development, drug use, alcohol consumption, foul language
if you like this you can check out more of my work here đ
chapter one | chapter two | chapter three | chapter four | chapter five
divider by: @firefly-graphics
Y/N woke up to a pounding in her head, the pain throbbing as she sits up in her bed. She rubs her eyes and turns her head, spotting the small bottle of pain relievers and a cup of water that sits on her bedside table. She doesnât remember setting that out before she set out for Leyaâs house, in fact she canât even remember what all happened last night.
She knows she danced with Leya, had a couple of drinks, and she mightâve talked to Harry for a brief moment but everything else is a blur inside of her tired and hungover brain. She canât stop the yawn that escapes through her lips, so she stretches her arms over her head and stands up. She canât help but to frown at the feel of the cold wooden floor against her bare feet, she shuffles across the room to her dresser and quickly opens a drawer and grabs the first pair of socks that she can see.
She makes her bed, her eyes squinting against the harsh sun rays that beam through her bedroom window onto her face. After sheâs through, she grabs her phone and hisses at the intensity of the brightness, so she quickly turns it down so she can check her notifications. She can see several messages and a couple missed calls from Leya, the texts express how sorry she is about leaving her and how worried she was when she couldnât find her - itâs repetitive really, the same wording just different ways of putting them together. She can also see several other irrelevant notifications as her thumb scrolls down the list before she spots a singular message from Harry simply reminding her of their study session today.
She canât help but to furrow her eyebrows at that, heâs never been one to care so why would it matter for her to remember their session? She simply responds with an âokâ before sheâs back at her dresser, quickly grabbing a pair of light washed skinny jeans and a grey sweater so she can get dressed. Quickly doing her routine and throwing back the pain pills and chasing it with the water before sheâs on the way out the door.
The sun shines bright against her eyes and she frowns as she steps out of house and onto her bike. She gently removes the cord locking her bike in place and puts it in her tote bag and pushes her bike forward. She begins to pedal her way down the street, smiling politely at the passerbyâs and little kids. Her head is killing her with every movement and light and she canât help but to frown mentally before she stops at a small grocery store, parking her bike in front and not bothering to tie it down. She quickly walks inside and greets the lady standing there, flashing her as warm of a smile as she can manage and heading to the juice aisle.
She quickly grabs a small bottle of orange juice and heads to the register, smiling at the lady checking her out and hands her the money. Sheâs in and out of the store in less then five minutes, eager to get this day over with and to be in her bed as soon as possible. So she hops back on her bike and begins her journey to her school once more. The breeze fanning through her hair and on the few exposed parts of skin brings her a sense of peace,
She canât help but to smile against the breeze as the trees and buildings pass her by as she pedals her way down the street. Her head doesnât seem to hurt as bad, the throbbing has dulled and she canât help but to smile as she remembers to thank Harry if heâs the one that took her home. She can make out the schoolâs silhouette beginning to form in the distance so she pedals faster.
Sheâs walking out of her third period class, her hand massaging her forehead softly from all the lights and loud talking that surrounded her. the chatter that fills the halls does nothing to ease her headache either, itâs not as loud but loud enough to make her groan in response as she shuts her eyes tightly.
âHey babes, I donât think thatâll ease the headache or make it go away.â She shakes her head and opens her eyes only to be greeted with her best friend face in front of her.
âI know it wonât Leya. I knew playing with you was a bad idea.â Thereâs a playful tone in her voice to show sheâs not upset.
Leya shakes her head with a small smile on her lips.
âYeah yeah, Iâm sure it was so horrible. Pretty sure thatâs the most fun Iâve seen you having and the most carefree ever. I donât regret it. But I am sorry for leaving, I saw you go to the bar and I figured itâd be okay for a couple minutes. You couldâve gotten me and I wouldâve take you home!â Y/N canât help but to smile softly at her best friend before resting her hand on her shoulder.
âItâs okay, I know you didnât mean to leave me, Iâm a little upset but Iâll get over it. I got home safely and you did too, thatâs all that matters.â Leya canât help but to shake her head gently and she frowns.
Y/N knows Leyaâs blaming herself for last night so she wraps her in a tight hug.
âHarry took me home, Iâm okay. Donât beat yourself up. Iâm the one who left you, so itâs on me. Weâre good, Iâm mostly upset at myself honestly.â Y/N chuckles softly at her best friendâs shocked expression.
âYou mean Harry that despises your existence, that Harry? He took you home?â Y/N nods her head and Leya smiles really big as she wiggles her eyebrows at the blushing girl.
âNot a big deal! I was pretty far gone, it was just human decency. Letâs get to class before you make me late.â She says and makes her way forward, attempting to change the topic or avoid the whole Harry situation in general.
The chatter of the students still lingering in the hallways fade from her focus, slowly becoming just a faint background noise to the two girls. Y/N knows that she canât avoid this topic forever and that her friendâs bound to bring it up sooner than sheâd like, but she just wants a sense of normalcy as of right now. The air inside the school is cold against the back of her neck causing goosebumps to raise in its wake, she can see the different groups mingle together in the hallways as they make the most of the time before the bell rings. The bright fluorescent lights reflect on the tiled floor as they travel down the hall, arms brushing against one another before Leya gingerly intertwines their hands together and begins to swing their conjoined hands.
As they walk hand in hand, Y/N sees no sign of Harry in the halls nor can she hear him, his distinctive loud voice isnât booming in the halls which is concerning given the fact that he made sure to remind her of their study session, so why canât she find a hint of him being at school? Sheâs not actively looking for him, thereâs no reason for her to be. Itâs just gotten normal for her to hear his laugh from down the hallway or to see his figure leaning against a locker as he kisses whatever girl heâs managed to catch for the day. Sheâs become so used to his banters and smart remarks that itâs strange to walk down the crowded halls and have him not be a part of it.
Sheâs so in her head about the absence from of Harry that she doesnât realize Leyaâs stopped a little ways behind her until she bumps shoulders with another student and mumbles a soft âexcuse meâ and turns around to scold her friend for not letting her know. Sheâs met with an amused smile resting on her friendâs lips as she attempts to hold back her laughter. She shakes her head at herself as she makes her way back over to her friend. She keeps her head down to avoid all the stares watching her knowing she missed the door to her classroom.
âDaydreaming again?â Leya asks with amusement laced in her voice, the smile never leaving her lips while Y/Nâs face begins to turn a very faint shade of red.
âFuck off Leya. I wasnât daydreaming, just wasnât paying attention.â The same amusement is in her tone as well, indicating sheâs not upset with the girl in front of her. They both giggle as they wrap each other in their arms, sharing a brief hug before Leya departs with a soft kiss to Y/Nâs temple and waving her goodbye.
As Y/N walks into her fourth period class, she canât stop her eyes from wandering over all of the chairs as she heads towards an empty chair near the middle of the classroom. The teacher greets Y/N with a polite smile and she waves as she reciprocates the smile.
The day passes rather quickly for Y/N as she walks out of her last class of the day, clutching her tote bag strap that rests on her shoulder and the grey fabric bumps against her hip with every step she makes as she heads down the very crowded hallway, weaving through the groups of students stopped in the hallway making idle conversation with their friends and the various teachers standing in front of their doors yelling at said students to go home. She canât help but to feel a bubble of nervousness begin to form in the pit of her stomach and worm itâs way to her chest and the idea of her and Harry being in close proximity of each other after whatever happened between them last night, the memories of the night before are still a blur in her head.
Her legs carry her outside of the school building and to the right, passing a very small group of students huddled together talking amongst themselves with low voices, the few straggles of flowers littering the grass surrounding the school and she canât help her eyes from wandering to them as she passes, a soft smile placed on her lips from the beauty of each individual flower. The sun shines bright in the sky, the warm rays shining through the leaves in the trees and warms her face as she passes through.
She walks up the steps and through the tall glass door, inhaling deeply and smiling as the smell of old books and is that a hint of vanilla she smells? She shrugs it off slightly before making her way to the back of the building to her designated table, away from prying ears and eyes but not hidden enough to cause suspicion from the librarian. The air inside of the building is cold thanks to the air conditioning running full blast to battle the warmer weather outside and sheâs grateful for her choice of clothing for the day.
She sets her tote bag on the back of the chair and pulls her new worksheet, her books and her binder full of paper out and placed them on the table, setting them in order of what sheâll use the most. She grabs her phone and checks the time, sheâs only a couple of minutes earlier than the time she arrived last time and if she knows Harry, heâs gonna be late as always so in order to pass the time she quickly gets up to walk around the library and grabs a copy of Pride and Prejudice from the shelves and makes her way back to her table. Once sheâs fully settled and as comfortable as she can manage in the wooden chair, she opens the book and begins to read.
It seems no matter how many times sheâs read this book, it never gets boring. Sheâs gotten so into the book that sheâs managed to read a good chunk of the book as a couple stray tears have fallen down her cheeks, she sniffles as she wipes them with her sleeve. She figures sheâs read enough so she begins to close the book and grab her phone to check the time when she hears his voice behind her.
âSorry mâlate.â She canât help but to jump slightly with his voice so near to her ear, she can hear him chuckle slightly as she turns around to face him.
Itâs as if seeing his face brings back every second of last night, flashbacks whirs through her brain at a fast pace and she canât help the red that tints her cheeks. Images of her dancing with Leya, the drink challenge, the bartender that was clearly flirting with her, losing Leya, Harry helping her find her best friend, him taking her home after finding out Leya was hooking up with some guy, her calling Harry pretty- oh this is really fucking bad, he has all the ammunition against her now- and the accidental kiss. She quickly turns her head to face in front of her, sheâs sure her face is beet red and she feels hot all of over. Sheâs embarrassed and she canât believe herself. He sits down beside her and he canât help his gaze from peeking over to her and he has to bite back a laugh.
âEverything ok? Yâlook like youâve seen a ghost Y/N.â Itâs her turn to be the quiet one, she can only hum in agreement, her gaze never refusing to leave the middle of the wall. He slides a bottle of orange juice over to her, just close enough to catch her attention. He watches as she tenses up with his hand growing closer and he shakes his head.
âFigured yâmight need it, it helps with hangovers - at least it did with mine.â She only nods in response and he chuckles.
Itâs almost as if a switch has flipped overnight because the Harry thatâs sitting next to her is not the one sheâs been dealing with for years and sheâs unable to figure out how to go about this, she canât help but to bite her bottom lip nervously as she turns her gaze to the worksheets in front of her.
âThought I was supposed to be the one thatâs quiet, Y/N. Are you okay? If we need to do this another-â Heâs interrupted by her turning her gaze to him and clearing her throat.
âWe.. we kissed. You were.. you were nice and Iâm just confused and nervous and just ugh.â He shakes his head at her and runs his head through his long brown locks.
âYea no big deal though, you were shitfaced and didnât need anything happening to you before my exams. You gotta make sure I pass so I can get the hell outta here.â He smiles softly before leaning over to look at the worksheets. She shakes her head and she canât help the frown beginning to form on her lips and the furrow that appears in between her eyebrows.
She canât stop wondering why he isnât upset or at least worried about it, heâs always been so big on the fact that he doesnât like her so why isnât this a big deal to him. Why doesnât this matter to him as much as it matters to her?
âGet out of your head. I promise itâs not gonna change anything, itâs done. Itâs in the past, now arenât these the same sheets we did last time?â Her head is swimming with all of the flashbacks and the quick whiplash from Harryâs behavioral change. She sighs and shakes her head to try to rid the thoughts in her head so she can focus.
She pushes the worksheets closer to Harry with a small smile.
âThey are the same for the first half, I want to see if you actually paid attention and did some work after you left.â Harry frowns and scoffs at that before the corners of his mouth begin to tug upwards and he covers his mouth with his hands, Y/Nâs eyes canât help but to stare at the new ring on his finger. Itâs nothing special and really shouldnât matter to her but something just draws her attention, she can make out a glimpse of some small letters engraved in cursive on the silver ring. Harry catches her gaze and removes his hand and clears his throat.
âIn your words exactly, the only way to pass this test is for me to actually work with you, unless you wanna do it all for me and I just study it.â His voice has taken the same playful tone from last night and she canât help the blood that rushed to her cheeks at the seemingly painful reminder.
She tilts her head down in an attempt to shield her face from Harryâs gaze and she can hear him chuckle softly from beside her.
âYou have to do the work, it wonât do you any good just to memorize anything. Youâll never actually learn anything.â She shakes her head softly, her gaze still focused on the table as she speaks. The air had changed, itâs charged with awkward tension - the electric kind thatâs hard to ignore for long periods of time. The one that feels as if itâs burning her skin, the silence is deafening between them.
âOutta your head now, câmon. Do we need to reschedule?â His voice is quiet, much softer than sheâs used to and it only makes it worse, she shakes her head softly before tilting her head back up to look at him.
She canât help but to gaze into his emerald green eyes, mapping out every detail of his face - the way his eyelash brush against his cheeks, the green irises and his soft pink lips. She clears her throat because she canât allow herself to be thinking of him like that, at the end of the day heâs still him and she knows that he hasnât changed at all. As much as she wishes this could be the new normal, she highly doubts heâs magically changed overnight. She turns her focus to the worksheets and opens the textbook to the correct page, the soft crinkling of the pages as she flips through them fill the space between them.
Once sheâs fully settled, she turns her gaze back to Harry and smiles softly.
âDo you think you can do this worksheet for me? Just donât wanna go over anything you already have.â Her voice is quiet, just above a whisper as she speaks as if sheâs sharing a secret and he shrugs.
âYâgot a pen?â She nods before reaching one arm into her tote bag and blindly searches for a pen. It takes a couple of seconds before she finally pulls one out and hands it to him. He takes the one from her and frowns at the small shock that happens between their finger tips as they graze one another. He chooses to slide his seat just a little bit away from her - he needs space from whatever weird energy is it thatâs filling the air surrounding them, before he tilts his head down and brings the pencil to the paper.
He exhales briefly before beginning to write out the answers, some coming to him quickly while others he struggles to remember what the book says. The faint sound of pencil scratching against the paper mixes in with the sound of the air conditioning blowing and the soft whispers as their peers communicate about projects and books, he canât help but to sneak a glance over to Y/N just to find that sheâs already looking at him. He averts his gaze quickly and back to the paper, a frown beginning to form on his lips in response. He doesnât know whatâs gotten into him, the urge to actually do something is stronger than him causing him to willingly do what she says.
Once heâs done, he slides the paper back to Y/N and keeps his gaze on the paper. He can barely make out the outline of her fingers pulling the sheet of paper back to her in the corner of his eye and his frown deepens. The silence has grown even louder, itâs banging against their shoulders with every passing moment. Y/N swears she can hear the sound of her own heart beating in her chest.
Harryâs not sure how he ended up here inside of Y/Nâs bedroom but he silently thanks whoever made it happen. Their study sessions have become more frequent, instead of once a week theyâve grown to meeting every day. Harryâll bring her a drink and maybe a snack if heâs feeling oh so generous, theyâll sit in the library at the same table and go over their worksheets for at least an hour minimum.
He remembers how bashful and shy she was when she voiced the suggestion that they spend their last day of sessions at her place, and how she couldnât bring herself to meet his gaze at the playful tone in his voice as he implied that the only reason she wanted that was so she could stare at him and ogle how âprettyâ he was. That wasnât true, she knew deep down it wasnât the reason, but she also didnât know the reason as to why she even thought about it to begin with.
He canât help but to allow his gaze to wander over all of her belongings placed meticulously in her room. The various posters and Polaroids taped onto the wall, the sheer white curtains frame her window doing very little to shade the sun rays flowing into her room. The room hasnât changed at all from Harryâs memory and he chuckles at the realization that sheâs not one for big changes, it shocks him that she accepted his change so quickly. But he shakes his head as he heads to the bed where sheâs already sitting. He sits beside her, knees barely touching as pulls her tote bag onto her lap and pulls out the stuff she needs.
Harry pulls out his phone and scrolls on it, aimlessly replying back to any missed text messages as he waits. He ends up playing music much louder than needed and he canât help but to chuckle at the frown forming on her lips. Out of spite he manages to turn the music up even louder, causing her frown to deeper and a frown to begin creasing in between her eyebrows.
âHarry can you turn it down? Iâve got everything ready.â He laughs as he shakes his head.
âNo can do lala.â A big smile sits on his face as he yells over the music, voice booming against the walls and Y/N canât help but to cover her ears at the amount of loud noises flooding her ears. Harry chuckles at the sight of her covering her ears and lips pursed into a pout, her stance reminding him of his younger years and he laughs.
âSânot that loud! Câmon you big baby.â He says as his thumb pressed against the volume button, the music slowly lowering until he finally grabs her wrists and pulls them down.
He mocks her pout before breaking into a smile, teeth showcased and dimples prominent as he stares at her. She shakes her head and yanks her arms away, hoping Harry wonât take note of the way her cheeks begin to tint red. She grabs her binder from beside her and hands Harry the textbook. She watches as he takes the text book as he grumbles under his breath how unfair all this is and how he canât wait for it to be over. She canât help but to smile softly at his behavior as she grabs her own pen and hands one to him.
They begin their session, Y/N will read one of the questions from the worksheet and Harry will mumble an answer either one he knows or heâll search for the answer in the book. Y/N starts off but just going over what they discussed the last time they studied like normal, giving him small praises whenever he gets something correct and he only grumbles and huff in response - he thinks sheâs acting as if heâs a little boy learning how to talk for the first time but he canât help the small flutter in his chest with every praise and compliment that falls from her lips.
The silence has grown comfortable but thereâs still that electric tension lingering in between them and it only grows worse the longer they continue. Harry finds new ways to annoy Y/N whether itâs him purposely telling the wrong answers, searching through her books and pictures littered around her room, or his personal favorite using his phone during the session.
Heâs currently scrolling through Instagram, laughing ever so often at whatever post he found funny while music blares from his speaker. The textbook in his lap is long forgotten because he wanted to be done an hour ago, but she has other plans.
âHarry! Come on, Iâve given you your break and let go on far longer than you asked for, itâs time to get back to work.â She groans as she waves her hand in front of his phone screen.
âNow now, youâre not being a very good host Y/N. I donât think me being burnt out would help me learn anything.â He chuckles when he sees her roll her eyes in his peripheral.
âBurnt out? Seriously? Thereâs no way, weâve only been actually studying for like an hour which is usually how long ours last. Weâre literally almost done! You were doing so good.â She almost whines out the last sentence, her frustration seeping into her words at the boy. He canât help the laugh the escapes through his lips at her antics, he feels as if sheâs being dramatic about all of this.
He rolls his eyes playfully before beginning to speak again.
âYes, seriously, plus weâve been at this for two hours actually. You should do the same. Relax, take a moment to breathe.â She frowns as she shakes her head, her hair brushing against the middle of her back.
âI do relax Harry. I just donât do it whenever I actually need to get something done.â He nudges her shoulder, not moving afterwards until a couple seconds later and he swears he can hear her breath hitch.
âYou know what you need?â His tone has taken a softer approach and he chuckles mentally at the sight of goosebumps appearing on her skin as she hums softly.
âYouâre always so uptight, so dedicated⊠you stress yourself out by doing so much all day. You need to release the stress.â He slowly moves closer, his knee touching hers and his voice directly in her ear and he watches as she shivers slightly.
âI.. I do release the stress. I take baths every night and just soak.. in the water..â her voice trails off as she feels his nose skimming up the expanse of her throat.
âYâwanna know my favorite way of releasing the stress?â His voice has dropped slightly and she nods in response, a slight flutter beginning to form in the pit of her stomach.
âSex.. or if Iâm not able to, Iâll touch myself. Works every time. Whenâs the last time you let yourself feel good?â His voice is honey to her ears, the slight rasp causing wetness to begin to form in her panties.
Her eyes flutter shut when his lips just barely graze her ear lobe, a soft touch and promise of what was to come if she allowed. Her conscious is screaming at her to stop right now and continue studying just because of who Harry is but heâs already moved to soft and gentle kisses along her neck and sheâs screwed. A quiet moan escapes into the air and she can hear Harry laugh under his breath before gently nicking at the spot where her neck and shoulders meet, causing her to moan slightly louder and one hand aimlessly searching for something to hold onto.
âCâmon Y/N. I asked a question, itâs rude not to answer.â He pairs the sentence with one hand cupping the back of her neck and tilts her head backwards so he can place a kiss on the underside of her jaw.
Her mouth opens but no words come out, just a soft whine as she clenches her thighs together in search for relief from her throbbing center. She canât focus on his words, just how good she feels in this moment. Another kiss is placed onto her neck, one with slightly more force and a gentle suck - not enough to make a mark but enough to have her squeezing her thighs together tightly and another moan to fall from her lips.
âOh câmon Y/N. Answer me or I stop.â His voice has dropped an octave, itâs low and gravelly and she canât help but to roll her hips in an attempt to get some sort of friction going. In response to his sentence, Harry pulls away with a slight smirk on his lips and Y/N wants to smack it off of his face. His eyes wander over the details on her her face, her cheeks turned a dark shade of red, her pupils dilated almost enough to hide the color of her irises and the soft pink lips he hasnât been able to get out of his mind since last night.
She closes her eyes before beginning to speak, suddenly feeling shy at her admission.
âCanât remember, donât really have the energy at the end of the day.â She ducks her head so she doesnât have to deal with the knowing smirk thatâs bound to be plastered on Harryâs face. Harry tsks as one hand comes into her view, his index finger curved as he uses it to lift her face so he can see her.
âGood girl. Sârude not to look when youâre speaking. I pity you, I really do, no wonder youâre such a bitch all the time, youâre missing out honey.â The pet name falls casually from his lips and Y/Nâs head is swimming at everything happening and she whines in response, her eyes fluttering shut at his words.
âIf my lack of self-pleasure is what makes me a bitch, then whatâs yours?â Her voice is airy and soft, lacking the snappiness she intended to have for her response.
âMâjust a bitch cause you are Y/N. Gotta match the energy, plus itâs fun to see you worked up.â He chuckles before leaning down to kiss her neck again, his hands moving down to her hips and squeezes softly. Her hands instinctively raise up to his neck, fingers grabbing onto his long brown waves and she quickly scrambles over to his lap, legs splayed across his lap and she sighs in relief from the feeling of his erection pressing against the zipper of his pants.
Slowly and hesitantly she begins to roll her hips against his, desperate in search of any kind of relief and the groan that leaves Harryâs lips makes her want to go faster.
âOh fuck, thatâs it honey. Take what you need, go on. Keep fucking going.â His voice is laced with lust, deep and rumbling with every word, his voice floods her ears and she canât help but to whine again. She begins to roll her hips faster, the seam of her pants rubbing deliciously against her throbbing clit and her head falls onto his shoulder. His ring-clad hands rest on her hips, fingertips digging into the soft skin eliciting another soft whine to cascade out of her lips. Her breaths fan against Harryâs neck and he can feel her fingertips playing with the hem of his t-shirt, he pulls away only for Y/N to whine and chase his lips causing him to tsk softly before pulling his shirt off by the neck of the cotton fabric.
The sight of Harryâs bare chest sends Y/N into overdrive, her hips rolling faster against him and eyes trained on his chest, her gaze wandering over the various tattoos littering his chest. His hands come back to her hips and he stops her movements, she groans in response, lips parted and eyes clouded with lust.
âWanna go ahead and take those clothes off honey? Wanna see what you look like under all those pretty little skirts you wear.â She canât help but to nod as she stands, her legs slightly wobbly as she removes her self from Harryâs lap. She starts to remove her clothing, piece by piece slowly setting each item down all the while Harryâs gaze never leaves her frame. His eyes take over every new section of skin that she exposes to him, he watches as her breath hitches before taking off another article. He in turn begins to tug off his pants and boxers and Y/N canât help but to watch as his hard cock bounces on his stomach. She doesnât think sheâs ever seen one so pretty before; itâs red and leaking pre-cum, long with a slight curve to the right and she can faintly make out the throbbing of one in the veins in the underside of his cock.
Her mouth waters at the sight of it and she comes back to sit on the bed, settling her legs underneath her with her gaze still set on him. She can faintly hear him laugh under his breath as one of his hands move towards her, finger tips slightly tapping against her knee.
âWhyâre yâsitting so far away honey? I donât bite unless asked.â She giggles softly before scooting closer, the sound of the bed sheets rumpling around her as she moves fills the room and almost immediately she gets pulled to him. Her bare chests collide with him and she canât help but to laugh at him before his hands are eagerly running across her body. Fingertips dancing across her skin, and the soft skin of his palms rubs against her pebbled nipples, soft moans and sighs escaping from her mouth with every touch.
He grips her hips and flips her around so sheâs laying on her back, her chest bouncing from the movement and Harry canât help but to growl lowly at the sight of it.
âYouâre so fucking beautiful, every inch of you honey. Canât believe youâve been hiding this from me.â He leaves gently kisses across her collarbone and downwards, lips brushing against the sides of her chest causing her fingers to tangle themselves into his brown waves. He puckers his lips and encases one of her nipples into his mouth and sucks on it softly, her back arches in pleasure and she lets out another soft moan.
His tongues slides over the nub as he continues sucking, one of his hands going to play with the other soft mound, squeezing and pinching, fingers rolling her other nipple between them.
âOh, fuck- god, fucking shit.â She breathes out and slightly rolls her hips in attempt to get some relief. He pulls away and continues leaving sloppy wet kisses to her skin, leaving a trail as he makes his way downwards, sucking softly when he gets to the bottom of her stomach. Her fingers tug at his locks and her head lolls backwards, eyes closing in pleasure.
âshit, please Harry.â Sheâs never heard her like this before, her voice airy and whiny filled with desperation as she pleads with the boy to do anything. Harry coos before going downwards, kissing the outside of her pussy and making her shiver. He allows his tongue to glide upwards, licking from her hole to her clit, stopping briefly to suck gently on the swollen nub.
Sheâs sweet, addictingly sweet and Harry canât help but to shake his head side to side as he pushes his tongue deeper in her wet folds, her arousal smearing onto his nose and around his mouth but he canât bring himself to care when she moans out his name and her fingers tug harshly in his hair. His tongue dives deep into her hole while his nose nudges her throbbing clit with every movement of his head. He alternates between slow glides, kissing her cunt as if he was making out with her lips and fast flicks, sucking her nub into his mouth allowing his teeth to graze ever so slightly against it. He relishes in the pretty sounds she makes, he could tell that she was sweet and sheâd sound just as soft and pretty as she does just because sheâs so.. her. Her hips begin to roll against his mouth, slowly finding a rhythm that allows him to experiment, his fingers spreading her lips apart as he pulls away causing her to whine and gentle pout to set on her lips.
He watches as her arousal drips out and leaks onto the sheets below her and he canât help but to blow gently, laughing as she jumps and attempts to close her legs around him.
âNowâs not the time to be fucking around Harry. Donât be a dick right now.â She groans, her chest heaving with every breath.
âLast time I checked, it was my head between your thighs, I will do what I want to do and thereâs nothing you can do about it. Youâll take whatever I decide to give you and you should be thankful. Iâm helping you just like youâre helping me.â His tone is nothing short of cocky and before she can respond to him, his face is back in between her thighs and one finger is circling her entrance. Her back arches off the bed when he begins to push in slowly, her walls soft and sucking him in instantly and he slowly begins to find a slow rhythm as he finger glides in and out.
He canât help but to moan into her cunt, she just tastes so good and the sounds she makes only spurs him on, his hips slowly rutting against the blanket, not enough to bring him a release but just enough to ease the throbbing sensation in his dick. She squeezes around his finger involuntarily as a rather loud moan falls from her lips when he curves it upwards slightly and brushes against the soft spongey part inside of her.
âIs that it honey? Right there?â He asks and she nods, stuttering out a pathetic excuse for a yes in response. He begins thrusting his finger slightly faster, the wet squelching fills the room and Y/N canât help but moan at the feeling. Sheâs close, she knows it and she knows Harry can tell as well and right before she can tip of the pinnacle point of pleasure Harry removes himself from her.
She groans in annoyance and sits up, crossing her arms together and Harryâs eyes canât help to wander towards the movement of her breasts being squished together.
âYouâre being a fucking dick. This isnât helping me release the stress you asshole.â She replies, frustration from being edged laced into her voice while Harry simply laughs. He searches his pants pocket before grabbing a small gold foil packet and rips it with his teeth. He takes out the condom and rolls it into his length, his veins prominent as he pumps his length a couple times just for extra measures and he hums as her hand replaces his. Her soft hands circle around his length, her fingertips barely touching one another as she slowly strokes him, making sure every once in a while to run her thumb over his rubber covered tip, causing him to shiver and grab her hand with one of his.
He uses one hand to grip the base of his cock as he guides himself to her entrance and he mutters soft praises. As his tip breaches its way inside, he canât help but to let out a groan at just how good it feels, her warm and slippery walls stretching around his length as he slowly pushes his way in. His eyes flick up to watch her face, her nose scrunched up and mouth parted in a small âoâ as small pants escape, her eyes half lidded and fluttering. Inch by inch he pushes until his hips are flushed with hers, his forehead resting on top of her own as he waits for her to adjust. He swears he can almost come just like this, the feeling of being inside of her is almost too much for him to bear and he canât just come before her and especially this early, so he reaches one hand down and pulls his hips back slightly - just enough for his hand to comfortably be able to rub her clit between them.
She whines and turns her head to the side, eager to move in some fashion at the feeling of being full. She knows sheâs utterly fucked, thereâs no going back from this and she knows this will definitely change their dynamic but oh does it feel good. She nods before giving Harry the ok to move, and she cries out when he does. His hips thrusting slowly first in and out of her gummy walls until sheâs begging for more.
âDoin so well for me honey. Taking me so good, such a good girl. Always been such a - fuck - sweetheart havenât you? Always so nice and sweet to me, even when I donât deserve it.â She mewls and nods her head, unable to form a coherent thought at the feeling of his hips thrusting into her.
The coil in her stomach tightens with every thrust, the sound of skin slapping against skin fills the room mixes well Y/Nâs soft whines and pants and Harryâs deep groans and grunts. Sheâs never felt so much pleasure all at once and sheâs never felt more full, Harryâs cock is much thicker than her own fingers or any of her toys so he always manages to brush against the soft spot inside of her as he thrusts deeper than sheâs ever been able to do. Her head rolls back in ecstasy at a particular circle of his hips, one hand rubs her swollen and throbbing clit, alternating between small and quick circles and figure eights, and the other hand is beside her head as he holds himself up.
Her walls begin to squeeze him more frequently as she grows closer, that coil in her stomach tightening with every stroke and causes Harry to curse under his breath.
âYâclose honey? I can just feel it, feel you squeezing âround me like a fucking vice. Câmon Y/N. What do you need?â He pants out, a sheen of sweat is beginning to form on their bodies and the mattress shaking with every thrust. She moans rather loudly before telling him she needs more, sheâs not sure what exactly she wants more of, all she knows is that sheâs so close to finishing she can taste it. Harry picks up his pace, his hips thrusting into her at a brutalizing speed causing her breasts to bounce with every thrust. The hand between them rubs faster circles, heâs desperate and close and heâll be damned if he comes before she does. After all, even though heâs known for his fuck boy tendencies, heâs still a gentlemen at the end of the day.
She mewls out as her arms wrap around his broad shoulders, her eyes fighting to stay open at the immense amount pleasure sheâs receiving. At a particular thrust, her arms scratch down his back causing him to groan and rest his forehead against hers, their breath mixing together with every pant released. He circles his hips once more before her body tenses up, legs attempting to close in on him and arms wrapped tightly around him, her mouth falling open in a quiet moan. Her cunt gushes around him, the feeling of her warmth is too much so he reaches his own climax after her causing a string of curse words to fall from his lips, his hips stuttering as his cock twitches with every spurt of his hot seed being released into the condom.
With a heaving chest and sweaty body, Harry slowly pulls out causing her to frown at the complete emptiness only to be interrupted by a long yawn. She tiredly rubs her eyes as she sits up slowly, grabbing Harryâs hand as he leads her to the bathroom. Her legs are shaky and sheâs never felt so tired in her life. They walk hand in hand together, and he opens the bathroom door for her, allowing her to walk in first and get settled on the toilet. As sheâs reliving her bladder, Harry asks her where she keeps her towels. Once she answers, he opens the drawer underneath the sink and grabs a soft face towel and turns on the faucet, waiting for the water to get warm enough to run the towel underneath it.
She quickly finishes and comes to stand beside Harry, her head coming to rest on his arms and Harry canât help but to smile softly. He wraps an arm around her bare torso and steps over some so she can wash her hands, she does quite quickly, sheâs getting tired with every second sheâs not in bed. He leads her back into her bedroom and allows her to lay down, instructing her to spread her legs and she whines at the assumption of them going at it once more. Harry canât help but laugh at her before explaining how he just needs to clean her up so she can go to sleep. The feeling of the warm cloth only makes her more tired, eyes beginning to flutter shut before she feels a gentle tap on her stomach. When she opens her eyes, sheâs met with Harryâs beautiful emerald green orbs, irises bright and apologetic.
âHere, letâs get you dressed.â His voice is gentle as he sets an oversized shirt and a pair of underwear and she pouts but complies. Standing up long enough to slip into her underwear and t-shirt, she clambers back into her bed before turning her gaze to Harry who is also slipping in his black Calvin Klein boxers.
âWill you stay the night? Itâs probably late.â She asks, voice riddled with the want for sleep and Harry canât help the smile that appears on his lips.
âYea yea, scoot over.â She quickly scoots over enough to allow him to climb underneath the covers beside her, wasting no time she wraps an arm around his bare waist and nuzzling her face into his chest.
His own arm wraps around her frame, his hand rubbing up and down softly against her arm as they lay there in silence. His mind is full of thoughts and emotions and he has no choice but to listen for the sound of her breath evening out once she finally gets to sleep.
âHey, HarryâŠâ he hums in acknowledgement, the sound traveling through his chest and seemingly into her bones.
âYouâre gonna ace these finals.â Y/N replies and Harry chuckles.
âWhat makes you so confident, lala?â He asks and she shrugs.
âDunno, just know we worked hard and you were always doing good on tests and exams when we were younger. You got this.â He smiles lightly even though sheâs unable to see it.
His mind replays it over and over again, creating a warm feeling to form in his chest and after a couple minutes he manages to mumble out a quiet âthank youâ. He doesnât get a response but he can hear the way her breathing has changed into a slower rhythm and he slowly begins to detangle his way from her hold. He moves slowly in an attempt to not wake her, that task is easy so he grabs one of her bigger and more firm pillows and replaces the spot he was once laying in. He sighs as he quietly gets dressed and grabs his jacket, choosing not to bring the textbooks or any of the worksheets home with him. As heâs heading out, he canât help but to turn back around just to catch another good look at Y/N and admire her because he knows it wonât be the same as it was before now. After a couple excruciatingly long minutes, heâs finally able to test his gaze from her sleeping form and with that heâs out of her door, out of her house and into his car.
After all, Harryâs known for meaningless fucks and one night stands so why does this one feel completely different?
aaannd the end ! iâm kidding i have so so much more for these two đ€. we got a little insight of their history if you look close enough :). as always come talk to me about this chapter in my ask box. tell me how you felt about it, what do you thinkâll happen next anything of the sort ! i love you all, thank you for reading and see you soon <3. as always, reblogs and comments are much appreciated đ
tag list: taglist: @lomlhstyles @gotthecinema @ch3rry-styles @lovrave @ivorygowns @hillzrry @iamjustaholeforyousir @jazzmynerule @lomlolivia @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @mysteriouslydecaffeinatedfox @tenaciousperfectionunknown @jerseygirlinca @zucchinimalfoy
Out of a dream
summary : you and THE harry styles had a one night stand.. the night was a blur so the morning you wake up youâre quite surprised.
warnings : mentions of sex, swearing, fluff?? pls let me know if there was anything else!!
*HEY GUYS!!! first of all I want to thank you for everything on my first ever writing post, i know itâs not the best thing youâve ever read, itâs definitely not the best thing Iâve written but I didnât expect that much love. Iâm so sorry for just disappearing, life has been very busy but I will get back to things soon! p.s this is how y/n will be in most of my writings, not shy, very outgoing and sarcastic!!!*
Last night was very much a blur.
The only thing you remember was drinking at a random club in the Hollywood Hills, then stumbling into a SUV before everything else was just a blackout.
Waking up to the sun beaming onto your face, your eyes flutter open, hand coming up to block the bright light from your eyes. Although everything seems quite normal, you feel a heavy thing over your torso and a soft aroma of a Tom Ford cologne, pushing yourself up quickly you scan the room, confused on how you might of ended up here.
Well, you already know because the most logical reason would be that you wanted to get someoneâs dick wet. You look down to see if the man you pleasured was good looking at-least and-
âHoly fuck.â Your eyes widen, your heart beating out of your chest as you freeze. Harry fucking Styles is sleeping right beside you, curls sticking up left and right, you realise his face was buried into your stomach because of the red mark on it.
You also realise you both were naked, quickly scrambling out of the bed- or wait, his bed. You grab your panties from the floor pulling them up, panic mode absolutely activated.
You hear him moving on the bed, sheets rustling as he sits up, glancing to him heâs stretching his arms above his head, turning his head to you and you notice the panic now evident on his face.
âHey.. uhh, are you okay? Did I scare you or something, I promise I didnât kidnap you.â He watches you as you put on your bra, grabbing your shirt and jeans to put on.
âI didnât realise I literally just fucked Harry Styles, sorry.â Looking into the full-size mirror he has next to the bed you fix your hair up, not noticing how heâs got out of his bed and put his boxers back on, you also didnât notice how he winced from what you said, he didnât like when he was labeled as just a famous celebrity a random girl had fucked after having the best sex heâs ever had.
âHey, chill out. Calm down Iâm not gonna like bite you or anything. Unless..â he walks up behind you, looking at you through the mirror.
âHarry, this isnât funny. 15 year old me would be absolute screaming right now that I actually finally fucked Harry Styles.â Your face blooms in redness at the confession, you see him raise his eyebrows in the mirror, smiling.
ââS really cute yâknow, your dream coming true. You donât have to go right now.â His hands find their way to your hips, pulling you back into his chest as you keep your eyes on yourself in the mirror, clipping your earrings back into your ears.
You practically lose your breath as his hands caress your hips, all you want to do is pounce onto him and fuck him yet again. But you canât, you always tended to have attachment issues and having them with Harry Styles was not the way to go.
You had to continue on with life and hide the fact that you hooked up with Harry in the back of your head.
âI have to go, Harry. I have a home and a life, maybe we can hook up some other time in like 3005 or something!â You muster up a smile for him, turning to look up at him, his eyes shine a beautiful emerald green, a dimple pokes out of his cheek, his lips a beautiful shade of pink.
Oh you wanted him so bad again, you knew Harry, from his music of course but you didnât know or letâs say like him enough to be a fan, thatâs for sure. He tugs on your hips again, your hands coming to his waist to brace yourself.
You did wonder if this is what the routine was with all his hookups, fuck them till he was satisfied? Part of you also didnât think so as he was such a gentleman.
âCome on, darling. Jusâ a little bit longer? I promise, this is not what happens witâ all the girls I have seen.â The pet name makes you all giddy, your hand coming up to comb through his chocolate curls.
âAre you just trying to make me feel bad for you so then I can follow your music and promote it and whatever?â You ask, eyebrow raising. You see heâs taken aback by that, his eyebrows creasing.
âNo, no! Y/N im so sorry if it looks that way, oh my god. I promise thatâs not- thatâs definitely not what Iâm trying to do.â You giggle at his panic, a little surprised that he remembered your name.
âIâm just kidding.â You smile as he pushes his bottom lip out in a soft pout, without thinking you push up onto your tippy toes, pressing your lips against his soft ones, he kisses you back almost instantly, innocently pecking your lips a few times before he slips his tongue into your mouth.
Harry then lifts you up, your legs wrapping around his waist as he moves back to the bed, mumbling something softly against your lips.
âMaybe you could give me your number or something if I prove to you that the night was really worth it.â He pulls away, a smirk on his lips, you laugh, biting your bottom lip softly.
âYeah, yeah. Dream on Watermelon Sugar singer.â
You see a spark in his eyes and as he leans back in to kiss you again your vision goes black.
You feel heat on your body and your eyes snap open, the sun beaming on you, yet again. You look around the room, sitting up, youâre in your own room. You look beside you, a messy empty spot beside you.
Your head then whips to someone walking into the bedroom, it was your fiancĂ©e, a bright smile planted on his face seeing youâre finally awake.
âYou were having a good dream so I didnât want to wake you, sounded like you were having fun.â He wiggles his eyebrows, coming to move onto the bed, pulling you into his chest.
âYeah, it was about the first time i met you.â You plant a kiss onto his bare chest, arms wrapping around his waist.
âOhh, sâright when I was Watermelon Sugar boy.â He smiles, kissing the top of your head. âLucky you finally gave into giving me your number, hey? Now getting married to my one night stand in two weeks.â
âYouâre still a loser, Harry. And no Iâm still not following your Spotify even when weâre married.â You mumble against him.
âDang it.â
hehe lol this has no plot xx
dividers by @firefly-graphics đ€
Always a Fineline
warnings - little angstyyy blurb!
summary - basically just you and harry divorcing. lol.
âââââââââââââââââââââââââ
There sat the divorce papers between you and your husband, Harry.
Nothing had worked, youâd both been doing couples counselling and tried to build the love back up with endless dates and nights with just the two of you.
Still nothing.
You two werenât toxic to each other, no, the spark between you both just wasnât there anymore. Itâs like the love between you and Harry had died down, all that was left was an empty hole in both of your hearts.
You met Harry while he was alone at a bar in 2013, from there you both built a really good relationship that soon turned romantic with Harry finally getting down onto one knee in 2016. Now, 2 years later you were both sat at the table Anne gave you and Harry after youâd both moved into the new house.
Harry stared down at the piece of paper, a sad gloomy dew clouding his eyes, the green appearing almost a dark grey colour.
Signing this paper was the last thing youâd have to do before parting ways for good.
âWho gets the house..?â Harry asks, holding the tip of the pen just above the signature box on the form, a frown prominent on his lips, eyes never leaving the paper.
âH, we already talked about this. Iâm okay with staying with my parents till I get my new apartment.â You lean back in your chair slightly, eyes still on the curly headed boy youâd thought youâd always call home.
Harry nods sadly, bringing the pen down onto the paper, signing his name slowly before dropping it onto the page, sliding it across to the middle of the table. Yet, he still doesnât look at you, his eyes still find his way to either the table, the wall behind you or the piece of paper.
âSo.. thatâs it?â He almost whispers, shrugging one shoulder, finally his eyes meet yours, both your hearts almost break, seeing the visible pain and tiredness on both of your faces, dark circles under your eyes from the lack of sleep due to the build up of this moment.
âYouâll be okay, Harry. Iâm still gonna be here for you.â You smile sadly, trying to lighten the mood, even though thereâs nothing light about this.
He shakes his head. âIt wonât be the same as it was, Y/N. You know that.â He frowns, his head bowing down once again to avoid eye contact.
You stand up, walking around to his side of the table, hands softly coming in contact with his jaw, picking his face up so heâs looking up at you, like heâd always do when you were sad. âI know it wonât be the same, H. But we have to do this, do it for the sake of our mental health. All weâre doing is going around in circles, Itâs an endless cycle of this.. of us.â You choke on a sob at the end, tears finally spilling out of your eyes.
Harry had tried so hard to be strong and not breakdown in front of you, but seeing you cry did it for him. Endless tears are shared between the two of you in what seems to be your last moments close to each other. âI still love you though Y/N.â
âDo you really love me or do you just love the thought of me being around you. Think about it Harry, our love is gone.â You lean down, pressing your forehead against his as you both cry, thumbs caressing the pads of his cheeks.
âI really wanted forever.â He whispers.
âForever in another lifetime, i promise. Weâll be alright.â
ââââââââââââ
2021, Las Vegas.
The screams of fans roar through the MGM Grand Garden Arena, it was his first show of Love On Tour where heâd debut his latest Fineline album.
Taking the place onto the centre of the stage, a crew member passes him his guitar as the stage rises up slightly, âThis is a special one to me, i know a lot of you have been dying to hear it. I hope you love this song as much as I do.â He smiles, clapping and awes can be heard all around the stage.
The first strum of the guitar to the beat of Fineline is played, Harry takes a deep breath, a sudden emotion coming over him in a flashback of how this song was made. Who inspired this special song to him.
âPut a price on emotion, Iâm looking for something to buy.â
âYouâve got my devotion, but man I can hate you sometimes.â
Singing from the crowd can be heard, harmonising Harry in a way no other concert could compare.
âWeâll be a fineline.â
âWeâll be a fineline.â
âWeâll be a fineline.â
Somewhere through the song Harry had closed his eyes, he finally opened them, looking out to the crowd, something in him tells him to take a quick glance up to the VIP box, so he does.
It takes time for him to recognise the person peering over the edge, before it clicks. Y/N.
The person that inspired him to make this album was watching Harry like a hunter show this special album of his to the world.
A small smile cracks at his lips before returning his eyes back to the crowd.
Maybe they will be a fineline.
ââââââââââââââââââââ
TBH THIS WAS REALLY BAD AND SHORT CONSIDERING BUT IT IS MY FIRST EVERY WRITING PIECE SO DONT FEEL BAD IF YOU CRINGE BAHAHA!! PLEASE GIVE ME FEEDBACK LOVE YA! I AM ALSO NEW TO WRITING SO THERES PROBS ALOT OF GRAMMAR ISSUES ALSO COS I RUSHED THIS WHILE LISTENING TO MONTELL FISH đ
i dont exactly like this so feel free to skip like the whole thing!! this is my first time writing a piece like this even though i have many drafts put away, but I wanna say a big thank you to my kind friend @harringtons-honey for quite literally helping me for tips with my writing, i want to truly give you the world for that!!
Love on Tour: Slane via guccirry
Okay boyfriend đ« đ« đ« đ«
what it is: YN is Harryâs personal assistant and she gets sick, but heâs playing Wembley
word count: 4k
The air is crisp and clean as YN steps out of her hotel into the streets of London, hurrying down the sidewalk as she scurries to the first pharmacy she can find.Â
Itâs 7.54 in the morning and sheâs been awake for almost twenty-four hours. Not on purpose, obviously. And not on her bossâs orders either, despite having there been nights the team deemed important and she was required to pull an all nighter, but those were usually times of celebrations, either spent at an afterparty or waiting until midnight for Spotify to release the album everyone had been working hard on.
The air hurts her lungs as she stops to catch her breathing, the pounding behind her temples not dimming the slightest as she trespasses the sliding doors of the pharmacy, only intensifying with the bright artificial lights shining down on her from the ceiling.
She pulls her sunglasses out of the pocket of her sweatshirt and slides them over her eyes, relishing in the temporary relief washing over her sensitive eyes.
Her phone vibrates in her pocket and she pulls it out, grimacing at the name on the screen; itâs her boss, Harry, asking her what time sheâs ready to leave for the venue.Â
Once her turn comes, she quickly explains her symptoms to the pharmacist and just as quickly she pays for the medicine the pharmacist has taken out for her.
She walks out of the pharmacy and types back a short response to Harry, telling him sheâs on her way to his room.
She hopes the medicine she has stuffed in her pocket will make her feel better, and she thinks as sheâs making her way back to the hotel that sheâll ask Harry to stop along the way to grab a coffee, hoping it will soothe the tension behind her temples. Thereâs no way she can be sick when her boss is playing at Wembley for the first time.
âŠ
Harry isnât one to comment on other peopleâs appearances, his mum taught him that and it has stuck with him since he was a little kid, a sort of an unspoken rule out of kindness, and therefore heâs never asked if someone was sick because they werenât wearing makeup or if someone had eaten a little more over the holidays. He never considered other peopleâs looks something that concerned his range of business, but once he sees YN, he canât help but wonder if sheâs okay.
Her hair is tied in a messy braid, and thereâs some strands falling out of it and in front of her eyes. Sheâs wearing a big love on tour sweatshirt and a pair of yoga pants, but that isnât particularly concerning, because heâs used to her comfy articles of clothing.Â
Whatâs concerning is her face⊠and Harry already feels bad for thinking that, but she doesnât look like herself. And Harry would know. Of course he would know, because he spends a lot of time looking at her face, especially when sheâs not looking, most of the times when sheâs reading a book next to him in a moment of rest or when sheâs answering emails on Monday mornings. So⊠he knows her. He knows her skin looks paler than normal, and the circles under her eyes arenât the same as that one time they partied all night after Harry won album of the year at the Grammys.
He wants to ask if sheâs okay, because after a year of working together they have that kind of confidence, but he doesnât want that to be the first thing he says to her, so he just smiles at her and welcomes her with a side hug and a good morning.
âHiâ sheâs quick to greet back, and Harry notices even her voice sounds scruffier than usual.
âAre you ready to go?â She asks a second later.
âYeah, yeah, the carâs down already?â He asks surprised. Sometimes it takes a while before the drivers find the hotel, and YN and Harry spend that time watching videos on youtube or talking about the dayâs schedule.
YN shrugs but doesnât say anything in response, which is weird to Harry because sheâs usually really bright and energetic in the morning, and sheâs really meticulous on top of everything: she never lets him wait without finding something to pass the time first.
âLetâs just stay until we donât know for certainâ he suggests.
She agrees with a nod of her head and she heads to his bed, sitting down on the end of it. Itâs not uncommon for her, because sheâs always in his space, and there have been times where they were forced to basically sleep in the same bed (one time YN fell asleep on his bed, and Harry was so in his song-writing-bubble he didnât even realize until he was so tired he couldnât keep his eyes open, so he slipped in next to her and literally passed out).
He still needs to tie his shoes, so he sits next to her and ties the laces of his ratted vans.
âHowâd yeh sleep, pet?â He asks, because sheâs freakishly quiet and itâs making him anxious. Sheâs never quiet, and with this being a stressful day already for Harry, every little thing thatâs different from normal alerts him.
âFineâ she whispers, knuckling at her eyes, his question bringing back the awful memory of the night she spent tossing and turning in the scratchy hotel sheets, praying for a moment of solace every time she tried to breathe through her nose and failing.
âMe tooâŠâ he nods.
YN feels bad because she should be more engaging, but she really doesnât have it in her to make small talk.Â
Some time passes before the driver calls YNâs phone to tell her the van is here, shaking her awake. She remembers closing her eyes to rest them, and next thing she knows sheâs sound asleep on her bossâs bed. Sheâd be a bit embarrassed if it wasnât for how awful she feels already.Â
âCrap! I fell asleep!â She exclaims once she hangs up the call.Â
âYeahâ Harry says from next to her, still laying on his bed, âjust foâ like⊠fifteen minutes thoughâ Heâs playing on his phone, and YN pushes at his bicep, âwe need to go, driverâs hereâ
She gets up from the bed and slips on her shoes, grabbing her work bag (itâs really a tote bag but she finds calling it work bag makes her waaaay more professional) from the floor next to the door.
âYNâ she hears Harry clear his voice, and she turns around to look at him.
Heâs still sitting on the bed, and he passes a hand through his hair before saying, âare yeh all right?âÂ
She closes her eyes in a furrow and tries not to wince when a sharp pain shoots behind her eyes with the movement, âyes, yesâ she stresses, although not convinced.
âAre you sure? Câmon yeh can tell me!âÂ
âIâm fine, Harryâ and despite her words, she sniffles, âmaybe I have a cold or somethingâŠâ
âYou can take the day off if you need to, yeh know thatâÂ
âNo, thereâs no wayâ she shakes her head swiftly, ânoâ.Â
âYNâŠâ he trails off.
âHarry, I told you Iâm fine. I can work! Letâs just go, okay?âÂ
He sighs but does as she says, following her out of his room.
Harry isnât a worrier. If someone from his team, or band whatsoever, says they can work, he at least presumes theyâre mature enough to know the expanse of their limits.Â
With YN, itâs different. He worries.
Not because he considers her immature, but sheâs just⊠different. Ever since she started working for him as his assistant, heâs always looked out for her, despite being the one that didnât want to hire her in the first place.
Sheâs young, she works a lot to prove herself to him, despite him telling her lots of times she doesnât need to prove anything and sheâs doing a great job as she is.Â
She does unthinkable working hours, sometimes pulling all nighters, other times hurrying to his house in the middle of the night because heâs a little bit of a hypochondriac and she needs to check immediately whatâs that new mole he has on his back (turns out it was a speck of dark chocolate that stuck onto his skin).
Sheâs soft and she always puts her job (him, actually) first, so he doesnât really trust her to know her limits. If sheâs sick she should rest. She should lay in bed and maybe eat a little soup and watch comfort movies tucked under the sheets, but he knows she wonât. And he knows heâs the reason behind that, because heâs playing at Wembley tonight, and she doesnât want to cause trouble. Harry thinks she in no way could ever be described as trouble.Â
And maybe, and he feels a little bit scared to admit this, he could postpone the show just by a couple hours, at least until he knows sheâs resting at the hotel. but, she hurries into the van and pretends like sheâs just got âa cold or somethingâ, so Harry doesnât question her further.Â
He could just order her to take the day off, but he knows that would hurt her feelings, and he can imagine the look on her face, like a puppy being scolded, so he bites his tongue: thereâs no way he could ever hurt her feelings.
âŠ
YN has to stop a couple of times when she starts feeling dizzy on her feet. She shouldnât run this much when sheâs probably feverish, but thereâs so much to do! She doesnât trust to delegate, and not because sheâs pretentious, but because sheâs a control freak that needs to know how things are being handled, so she would only get much more frustrated and it would eventually just end up in her doing all the work anyway, increasing her fever undoubtedly.Â
So, she chugs downs a lot of water and a lot of ibuprofen, taking deep breaths every time she starts feeling nauseous. She should probably inform Harry at least that she doesnât feel good, so if anything were to happen he wouldnât be too surprised, but she knows how he is; he would demand she stop immediately and go back to the hotel to rest, and she canât allow that to happen.Â
Wembley is the dream of a lifetime, and Harry sound checks every song two times before passing on to the next one. YN sits quietly in one of the seats, preparing Harryâs next instagram post on her phone. She handles all of his socials, because thatâs what she was originally hired for. âA young set of eyesâ, Jeff had defined her, and from then, her life had changed completely.Â
Of course, she wasnât aware sheâd develop a crush on her boss at the time she was hired. She figured sheâd be immune to his charm; sheâs younger than him, much less experienced (in every aspect of her life), and hasnât really seen anything yet, so she thought theyâd just be too different to get along. Spending each second of the day together didnât help, though, because it was then she got to know Harry for who he truly was, and with that, came the awareness of how many things heâd lived through and how many things he could teach her. How soft he was with her, how he would always drape a blanket over her when she accidentally fell asleep on his bed, and how he would tell her she looked pretty even after pulling an all nighter and probably looking like a raccoon. Thatâs just how he was.
And thatâs why she values his dreams more than her health. She would never do anything that could harm him, so she shrugs off the dreadful feeling off her back and keeps working.Â
âŠ
âHeyâ Harry plops down on the couch next to her, draping his arm on the backrest of the couch. If heâd stretched his fingers he could touch her shoulder, but he doesnât just yet. He knows she still doesnât feel good, he can see it in the way sheâs hugging herself in the Love on tour hoodie she has on (probably one of his because their laundry always gets mixed up).
âHiâ she says softly, her voice much lower than itâd been the last time he saw her.
Itâs closer to show time now, but heâs still not in his outfit. YN wonders if thatâs the reason why he came in the dressing room in the first place.
âWhat are yeh doinâ hidinâ in here all alone?âÂ
ââm not hiding!â She pouts, âjusâ⊠restingâÂ
âMh, yeah?â He hums, turning his head to look at her, ârestinâ your ears? Are you tired of my music yet?â He jokes.
âNever!â She beams, swatting at his chest playfully.
He lets his arm fall down on her shoulder, and he tugs at her, squeezing her against his chest.
She breaths him in, and despite her stuffy nose, she can smell the faint scent of his fabric softener. Musk and lavender. Itâs the same as hers.
 âIâm sorry Iâve been a bit of a pain latelyâŠâ he trails off, his mouth buried in her hair, ânothing to do with you⊠was jusâ nervous is allâ
She squeezes his hoodie between her fingers to tug him closer, âIâm really proud of you. Youâll do great.â
âThanks, petâ he grins, breaking away from the hug.
She sniffles and he looks between her eyes warily, ââs there anything you want to tell me before I go on stage?â
âJusâ to kick assâ she giggles, aware that wasnât what he was alluding at.
âMmmhâ he muses, getting up from the couch. He knew sheâd be stubborn about this so he doesnât pressure her.
âHavâto start gettinâ readyâ he clears his throat, heading towards the portable hanger YN set up in his dressing room.
He then proceeds to take off his hoodie and his tank top, leaving him shirtless before her.
Sheâs seen him in his underwear many times, but maybe itâs the fever, maybe itâs the crush on him thatâs growing stronger everyday, but she feels her insides get warm at the sight.Â
He tugs his sweats down his legs too, kicking them off his feet, and YN pretends to pick up her phone to respond to a message that definitely could have waited.Â
He picks up the heart printed overalls heâd be wearing and tugs them over his legs, jumping a little in his place so they could fit over his bum.
Once heâs fully dressed, he looks over at YN and finds her looking at him already, her eyes a little droopy. He feels his heart tug in his chest at the sight. He wishes sheâd let him help her. If he could heâd send her back to the hotel straight away, but he has to admit heâs selfishly relishing in the idea of having her here, looking at him perform. It makes him want to do even better than he always does.Â
âAll ready thenâ he smiles, dimples denting both his cheeks.
âMmhhâ she hums, getting up on her feet. She walks towards him and adjusts the neck of his shirt, petting it down.
âGood luck Harryâ she smiles. He has to refrain himself from lowering his head down to kiss her, and heâs aware these thoughts are way too unprofessional of him, but he canât help himself. Not when sheâs looking at him like that.
âSee ya after the show, petâ
âŠ
âHarry!â Jeff pats down on his shoulders as soon as Harry runs backstage, âyou just smashed it! Fuckinâ smashed it mate!â
Harry laughs with him out of politeness, but his mind is really on something else.
âFuckinâ Wembley, Harry! Wembleyâs Harryâs house!â Someone else shouts, and he thinks itâs Lloyd but he doesnât really pay much attention to him. Thereâs someone missing from the crowd. YN. Sheâs nowhere to be found, and heâd really like to celebrate with her. Sheâs the one that should join in on the fun and get a little bit of praise too, because without her, harry doesnât think he couldâve played Wembley.
Everything was going fine, and he saw her next to his mother standing in the private part of the pit, but then, when he came back after chatting with a couple of fans, she was gone. He wonders if sheâs okay.
âHey, Jeffâ he clears his throat, hoping to be discreet with his tone of voice, âwhereâs YN?âÂ
âOhâŠâ he nods, âshe wasnât feeling proper good, so I sent her to your dressing room. I told her to get back to the hotel, but she refused to leaveâ
Harry nods and after a âthanksâ he hurries towards his dressing room, hoping to find her there.
Once he opens the door, the sight of YN sleeping on the couch crouched on herself makes his heart somersault in his chest.
âHey, petâ he coos softly once he crouches down next to her.
He repeats the endearing greeting, and this time she stirs awake. YN brings one hand to knuckle at her eyes tiredly, and Harry frowns at the sight of her bloodshot eyes. He brings one hand to caress her cheek, but when he realizes how warm she is, he brings it up to her forehead. Sheâs burning hot.Â
He immediately feels guilty. He shouldâve sent her back to the hotel as soon as he realized she was sick, hell, he shouldnât have let her leave his room that morning!
âHarry?â She asks timidly, her voice coming out scruffy. She gulps but flinches as the hurt in her throat doesnât subside.Â
âYeah, âs meâ he whispers, moving the hair away from her face, âletâs go back to the hotel, okay?âÂ
âNo Harry! The show! You canât leave⊠the show! Itâs wembleyâ she stresses, gripping his bicep tightly to refrain him from leaving her.
âShh, shhâ he shushes her, âcalm down. âs okay. The show was great. Everything was greatâ he coos, pressing his lips down her forehead and flinching from how hot it feels, âyou did so greatâ.
She sniffles and: âgreat?âÂ
âYeahâ he nods, reassuring her, âletâs go now, okay?â
He helps her get up on her feet, and she stumbles a bit in her place. She grips the fabric of his overalls tightly between her fingers, and he lets her, hoping to be at least a little bit of comfort.
âŠ
âHow are you feelinâ? What hurts?â He asks her once they reach his hotel room (he wanted to go back to hers, but couldnât find her key and didnât want to startle her too much).
âEverythingâ she pouts.
âIâm so sorry, darlingâ he sighs, ushering her inside his room.
Sheâs stable on her feet now, the little nap at the venue kind of helped a bit in soothing her, but still, everything hurts, and the thought of being in a hotel room and not at her own house bothers her.
She also doesnât want Harry to look at her like this, all sweaty and red in the cheeks. She must look so embarrassing!Â
âIâll draw you a bath, how about that?â He proposes, not waiting for her response and heading directly towards the bathroom.
Now that he thinks about it, harryâs glad sheâs in his room, because (being the Harry Styles) his room has a bathtub, whereas hers doesnât. He also has lots of salt baths and bubbles to add to the water, courtesy of the hotel, and he adds everything he can to soothe her stuffed nose and make the bath as pleasing as possible.
She knocks on the door delicately, and he turns his head to look at her.
âBathâs readyâ he smiles gently, and he dips his index finger to test the temperature of the water, careful not to make it too hot to not aggravate her fever any more.Â
Harry excuses himself from the bathroom, and tells her to give him a shout if she needs anything.
Itâs a couple of minutes later when he hears her calling for him, her voice still lower than normal.
He knocks on the door and after he gets her consent he opens it, peeking his head inside. Sheâs laying in the bathtub, the water submerging her almost to her neck, and heâs aware sheâs naked under, but the bubbles cover her body entirely.
âAre yeh all right?â He asks worriedly.
âMhmh,â she hums, âjus⊠keep me company?âÂ
Heâs happy sheâs more responsive now, and he happily sits at her side, plopping down on the toilet seat next to the tub.
They sit in silence for a while, Harryâs aware heâs still in his fancy (and uncomfortable) show clothes, but he doesnât care. Heâs just happy to dote on her now as sheâs been doing with him since sheâs been hired.
âI canât believe you played at wembley and I missed half of itâ she says after a while, the water sloshing around her as she turns to look at him.
âThereâs always next timeâ he grins at her playfully.
She throws a smile at him, âbetâ.
His mouth opens in a sideway smile, his dimple indenting only one of his cheeks, and more seriously than he did before, he says âI wish youâd told me you werenât feelinâ goodâ
âDidnât want to spoil your dayâ she shrugs.
He wants to tell her she wouldnât have spoiled it, that if sheâd asked he wouldâve postponed his show and crawled in bed with her, cuddling her until she felt better, even with the risk of getting himself sick too, he didnât care. He would have done anything to make her feel good; but how can he tell her? How can he be honest about something like that without revealing another part of himself to her? Heâs her boss. Heâs older than her. And he doesnât know if she feels the same way.
So, instead of making a complete fool out of himself, he ushers her out of the tub, passing her a towel without looking at her. He engulfs her in the bathrobe and ties it tight on her stomach, careful to have her bits covered completely by the fabric of the towel.
When he reaches his room, he takes out a t-shirt and a pair of boxers for her to sleep in, and he leave her to change in the bathroom.
While he waits for her to come out, he texts his mum if she could make that delicious soup she always prepared when he was sick, promising he wasnât sick himself and that heâd explain in the morning. His mum answers a couple of minutes later with a thumbs up and a kissy face.Â
He locks his phone and plugs it in the charger next to the bed, leaving it on the bedside table.
When YN comes out of the bathroom, she looks better already. Her cheeks arenât as red and her eyes appear to be more rested, but, she still looks tired, and he smiles at her as he tugs the comforter down for her to slip in.
She curls up under the covers and waits for Harry to tuck her in, âcomfortable?â He asks.
She nods with her cheek against the pillow, âjust wish I was homeâ she whispers and the affirmation pains him.
âIâve been overworking yah, havenât I?â He sighs deeply, feeling extremely guilty.Â
Sheâs quick to shake her head no, flinching when a sting of pain hits her temples with the movement.Â
âYes I have⊠youâve been sâgoodâ he smiles down at her.
âYouâre a Wembley player nowâ she whispers, her eyes closing on her as she speaks, and Harry chuckles endeared at her.Â
âGet some restâ he coos, but sheâs already fallen in a deep sleep that will probably be tainted with a curly headed guy with green eyes and a pretty smile.
He fishes from inside her bag a tab of ibuprofen and, with a glass of water, he places them on the bedside table closer to her side, so, if sheâd ever were to wake up in pain, she could take the medicine immediately.Â
He takes the shortest shower heâs ever taken, quickly putting on his pajamas and brushing his teeth. Once heâs ready for bed, he slips in next to her, leaning down to press his lips on her forehead to check her temperature. Sheâs still warm, but the bath seemed to be of help, and probably the much needed sleep, too.
He thinks heâll give her the rest of the month off. He owes it to her, so she can get back up on her feet and spend some time at home if sheâd like. He takes a minute to wonder why hasnât he ever given her more than a day of rest, and he doesnât have to wonder too much, because he knows the answer already, one that is overbearing and too deep to even analyze after the day heâs had: he doesnât want to be away from her that much time. Itâs as simple as that. Heâs fucked.
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i keep coming back to this pls someone take this away from međđ
being mr. azoff's assistant was y/n's dream job, it was just a bummer that his most beloved client seemed to hate her.
wordcount: 13.5k+
âââââ
"Did you want anything, Harry? (Y/N)'s about to make a coffee run."Â
Although she'd never admit it, (Y/N) held her breath as she fiddled her fingers behind her back, awaiting any response. She already had a good idea of what he would say when he bothered to give an answer, but she still had a tiny hope he'd prove her wrong.Â
"No, 'm alright."Â
He didn't even raise his head from where it was buried in his phone. Mr. Azoff gave (Y/N) that same polite smile he always did whenever Mr. Styles rejected her services, like he wasn't sure why Mr. Styles wasn't more accepting but it wasn't his place to ask or change the habit. Mr. Azoff treated her right and that was what she tried to focus on, not that the fact his best friend and someone she could consider to be a creative idol, couldn't seem to even give her a moment of his time.Â
"Okay, I'll be back in a minute, Mr. Azoff," (Y/N) chirped pleasantly, well versed in how to brush off being brushed off.Â
(Y/N) was grateful for the fact her boss's preferred shop was only a few blocks away from his office, giving her the chance to clear her head with fresh (or as fresh as it could be here in L.A.) air instead of stuffing herself into her car.Â
Mr. Styles was always like this. Why it still bothered her when he brushed her off or ignored any of her offers of help, she wasn't sure, but it did. That world famous kindness that circulated within the industry as well as what was flung around Twitter had been what she was expecting when she finally made it through the vetting process to be hired as Jeff Azoff's assistant, knowing full well who one of his biggest clients was. She had been realistic, knowing that Harry Styles wasn't going to be her best friend, fawning over her at all times, or suddenly fall in loveâthis wasn't like those stories she remembers reading when she was youngâbut she had figured he would give her more than a passing glance the first time she met him.Â
Since that first day where he offered a single sentence introduction, she'd been waiting in vain for anything more to happen. More often than not, his conversation would stop when she entered the room or go quiet enough to let her know she wasn't to be included. He gave her plain smiles, not even the hint of a dimple, when he bothered to acknowledge her presence, usually when he would skirt around her to leave the room she'd just entered. She never got a chance to experience firsthand the humor everyone praised, the kindness he all but trademarked as a middle name, or the gentle vulnerability he gave to those who needed it. He could barely even meet her eyes, his gaze moving to his phone or where he plucked at his sleeves or painted nails.Â
To be fair, she was still fairly new at the job, only about six months in to her position, so there was a good chance he still needed some warming up after being so used to Mr. Azoff's last assistant that had been employed for years before relocating and leaving the position. Mr. Styles was also known to be shy, something a few others had disclosed to her when they noticed she didn't have much to add whenever he was brought up. Maybe he needed a little more time, and that was something she was more than willing to give, along with the space it seemed he needed.
At least until his European tour started. Then, he would have to at least get used to her presence, seeing as they were to be sanctioned to matching flights, hotels, and backstage areas for the better part of the next three months. She wouldn't be able to give him much space then. Hopefully he wouldn't hate her more after those ninety days together.Â
As much as the walk to the cafe and the extra Matcha latte she treated herself with, cleared her head and had her back on her feet after being blown back by the nonchalance paid to her entire existence by someone she felt singled out by, the effect could only last for so long when she entered the office.Â
Before pushing the door open, she could hear the voices inside happily chattering away. Mr. Styles' cackling laugh that she was sure had his eyes creasing closed with his head thrown back was the most prevalent noise, something she usually only caught the tail end. As she expected, the second she gave a gentle rapping of her knuckles against the door just before pushing it open, all sound stopped, even Mr. Azoff's chattering trailing off once he realized Mr. Styles was done interacting for the moment.Â
"Here you go," she chirped, passing along the coffee to her boss with an unbothered smile that was much stronger than she felt, "Is there anything else I can do for you?"Â
"No, no," he shook his head, "Not until this afternoon. Go and enjoy your lunch, (Y/N)."Â
She gave a quiet nod of her head, chancing a single look in Mr. Styles' direction. He had his gaze fixed on his hands. A flush clung to his skin, surely a lingering effect of the laughter she had interrupted.Â
"Okay, let me know if that changes," she offered with a short smile before turning on her heel.
Just as she left the room, closing the door behind her, she heard Mr. Azoff heave a muffled sigh on the other side.Â
"Harry..."Â
"Jeff, please. She jus'â"Â
(Y/N) left before she could hear much more. She didn't need to know what Mr. Styles thought about her.Â
âââââ
Despite the buzz filling the terminal, (Y/N) almost couldn't believe the way not a single person had noted Mr. Styles' presence. Not even a single muttering or whisper of his name could be heard in the busy place.Â
He sat in peace, a grey hoodie with the strings tied covered his torso, hood up over a pink beanie that concealed his curls. He sat with his legs spread wide, taking up space with his black sweats folded over his legs. Scrolling through his phone, he was in his own world with his chin propped up in his hand, cheek smushed against his ring-bare fingers. He only looked up when boarding was called.Â
(Y/N) followed quietly behind the trio of Mr. Styles, her boss, and Mr. Lambert, the tour's stylist. She could hear the tittering and quiet conversation in front of her while other members of production and the team trailed behind her. Without Mr. Azoff's wife joining them just yet for this tour, she didn't have many close friends within this group for the time being.Â
It was all a blur, finding her seat on the plane and placing her carryon above. She was the first in her row, huddling close to the window seat. She knew Mr. Azoff was going to join her as soon as he finished doing whatever it was he and the Harry's were doing, so at least she wasn't going to be completely alone.Â
Biding her time until take off while the rest of the plane filled up, (Y/N) distracted herself with answering emails on Mr. Azoff's behalf. She verified hotel arrangements, replied to all the correspondence that went along with Mrs. Azoff joining them later in the week, and anything else that needed her attention before takeoff.Â
Huddled into her corner of the row, the early call time for the flight began to catch up with her. The emails in front of her couldn't hold her attention against the tiny pillow she had managed to sneak into the backpack she shoved under her seat, the plush sandwiched between her cheek and the sidewall of the plane. The sound of shuffling feet as the rest of the flight filled up was like white noise to her cloud-puffed brain.Â
(Y/N) couldn't help herself before she was fluttering her eyes closed. Surely, Mr. Azoff would wake her before takeoff if she really passed out.Â
She wasn't sure how long she sat, resting her eyes with her limbs floating in the in-between realm before much of the shuffling ceased and the heft of someone settling in beside her sounded in the empty space. She didn't bother blinking her eyes open, even when she heard chattering beside her. Mr. Azoff was one of the voices, followed by someone who sounded a little too close to her for his comfort.Â
"Jeffery..." Mr. Styles sighed.Â
"Stop acting like a child, H," her boss scolded, voice stern though he was quiet, "She's asleep, I'm not going to make you talk to her."Â
(Y/N) was grateful for the way she had her cheeks mushed between her shoulder and her fluffed pillow. Maybe if she covered them, her seat mates wouldn't be able to feel the embarrassed heat gathering under her skin.Â
Mr. Styles was sitting right next to her, she realized when she heard the heavy intake of a breath leave his lungs. She wasn't sure how she'd do it, but it looked like she was going to have to pretend to be asleep all the way to the hotel. Maybe, she could convince everyone she was a very well-organized and direction-following sleepwalker if she was careful.Â
That thought didn't last long, (Y/N) having to break her facade at the sound of Mr. Azoff's voice calling to her.
"(Y/N)," he started, speaking around Mr. Styles. He repeated her name a couple of more times, prompting her to mime opening her eyes as if she'd been dead asleep only moments prior before he continued, "We're about to take off."Â
"Oh," she smiled, the curve tight, "Thank you."Â
If not for the fact she was sure she would die if they knew she had overheard the way Mr. Styles couldn't stand to even sit next to her, she would have hesitated more before she crossed her gaze to the man beside her. His eyes were already on her when she looked at him, expression tight as he seemingly forced a smile in her direction. His back was stiff against the seat, hands twisted in his lap with flaking nail polish. His gaze didn't linger on her for very long before he looked away, just in time for the safety spiel from the steward team. Â
Following suit, she followed through the motions of checking her seatbelt, absently locating the exits, and curling into her seat by the time they were cleared for takeoff. She didn't like this part, but it was enough to huddle herself against the back of her seat and brace herself with her hands clenched into the armrest to her right side.Â
She sat with her eyes closed, nails digging into the leather of the armrest as she felt the motion beneath her feet, the runway disappearing underneath them until the turbulence of takeoff shook the body of the plane. (Y/N) breathed her way through it, hunkering down into the slouchy fit of her hoodie.Â
It wasn't until the turbulence evened out, steady windfall starting in the dark of the early morning, that she felt eyes on her. Without really thinking, she blinked her eyes open only to find Mr. Styles looking to her with something softer painted over his features.Â
He didn't immediately flit away when her eyes met his, allowing himself to touch over her features with the warmth of his gaze. His tanned skin still held a buttery warmth even under the draining overhead lights of the cabin, stubble covering the bottom half of his face she'd never seen him grow out until recently. His eye contact was famous around the world, unrelenting though welcoming as it gave her a chance to see the flecks and streaks through the moss of his irises. (Y/N) floundered under his attention, unsure of what to do with something she doesn't think she's ever had before.Â
"UmâDidâOr, do you want m-my pillow?" she asked, blindly reaching for the little plush fit between her body and the sidewall.Â
At the sound of her voice, Mr. Styles seemed to realize what exactly he was doing and who he was glazing over with his eyes. He shook his head then, curls peeking out from underneath his beanie.Â
"No, thank you," he mumbled, reaching into his hoodie pocket to pull out a pair of headphones.Â
That was all his attention that she was granted until his headphones were plugged into his ears and she was alone again in her row.Â
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"And finally, on drums, Sarah Jones!"Â
(Y/N) was blown away as the area erupted into cheers she was sure could rival the screams that sounded when Mr. Styles first appeared on stage. She watched on from the mouth of the backstage area, her boss at her side with a drink in hand, as Mr. Styles reveled in the screaming and yelling, a bright dimpled smile on his face. If not for the fact she was technically there in a professional sense and this was only the second show she'd had the privilege of watching, she would have joined in and screamed and cheered for the band that was being introduced. (After getting a chance to meet every moving part of his touring band as well as watching them perform, she very much so understood the enthusiasm offered to these characters).
It was when Mr. Styles joined in on the fanfare, pumping his fist and making a noise that sounded like he was barking along with the crowd that she couldn't hold back her laughter. The layered fringe hanging from his jacket glittered in the light, matching the sheen of sweat that covered his shirtless body. He threw his head back with a bright laugh she almost wished he had the microphone held to his mouth for, just so she could hear what his joy sounded like.Â
Even just this moment alone was something she was sure she was always going to remember, no matter how many times she was going to witness this over and over. Never had she been to a concert that held the same energy as these arenasâand eventually stadiumsâshe'd visited. She couldn't blame a single person in this room for everything they did to get to this place, every moment of planning, saving, celebrating, and crying. She understood.Â
Mr. Styles was meant to perform. Even with his brief breaks he spent on movie sets, it was clear why he came back to this space with these people that followed him like honeybees and gave so much love and kindness to him.Â
She watched as he finished his introductions of the band, launching into another song that had the whole arena moving and dancing. Even without the help of the spotlight and the cameras following his every move, she was sure she wouldn't be able to keep her eyes from him; he commanded the space, with every intention of taking that attention and thriving under it.Â
Despite the relationshipâor lack there ofâoff stage, (Y/N) couldn't wait to see this almost every night for however many months she had the privilege of standing stage side.
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"Call me if you need anything!"Â
Mr. Azoff shook off (Y/N)'s offer as she started off in the direction of the green room being used as the catering space for the day. A busy morning had ensued, leaving (Y/N) running around trying to find any trace of an adequate wifi connection in the middle of the venue just so she could answer emails and show up to video meetings she was attending on Mr. Azoff's behalf. It wouldn't have been so bad if not for the time differences given the fact she was on a completely different continent than any business she was working with. The stress of it all had her beat before the morning had even touched into the double digits for the day, still with another handful of hours worth of work to get through.Â
Finallyâfinallyâshe had typed away at every email, fielded every phone call, and spaced out the following day's agenda given the lack of a performance crowding Mr. Azoff's schedule. Now, she could sit down and eat before shuttling back to the hotel for a napâas long as she wasn't needed for anything else, of course.
The catering space wasn't as busy as she sure it had been an hour prior, only a few others lingering about. One of the few happened to be Mr. Styles.Â
A clip was holding his curls back, a plain t-shirt with a pair of basketball shorts covering his legs revealed he had just finished with a workout before he would shower off and get to his soundcheck. He had his phone in hand as he forked food into his mouth, that intense look on his face that she always seemed to catch on him. His brows were knitted heavily in the middle, shrouding the bright green of his eyes in the shadow of his brow with his jaw tight as he chewed down whatever he had picked over from the table.Â
(Y/N) flitted her eyes to the rest of the crew littering the space before she was caught by Mr. Styles who seemed to always somehow know when someone had spotted him, even with nothing more than a phone camera. The little whiteboard catering hung above the food table was filled out with the day's menu. The prettily curved words brought a bright smile to (Y/N)'s face when she spotted the forth item down the list.Â
The catering team's arancini was easily one of (Y/N)'s favorite things she's ever eaten, on this tour or otherwise. She didn't care that it wasn't more than some risotto rice left over from the night before's dinner, repurposed as to minimize waste and turned into a crunchy, cheesy ball with the perfect acidic marinara served alongside it. If she could, she would live off those little pieces by themselves. Hopefully, there were at least a few left for her to devour, even if they were a little cold at this point.Â
Readying her plate with a small serving of Caesar salad and the lemon baked salmon (Mr. Styles' favorite and top request from what she'd heard), (Y/N) worked down the line until she reached the covered basin that held the arancini she easily dreamt of at least five times since the first bite. Lifting the lid, the fresh scent of bright tomatoes and fragrant oregano filled her senses, the bite of the smell hitting her harder with her empty stomach.Â
Nothing hit quite as hard on her expectant tummy than the fact she realized only a second too late that there wasn't a single rice ball left in the warmer. A thin layer of remaining sauce was laid along the bottom, but nothing was dropped beside the mushed tomatoes.Â
Maybe she was being a little dramatic, but (Y/N) felt her shoulders drop at the sight of the empty container. To be fair, she was almost two hours late to serving time, so she couldn't be that surprised that there wasn't any left to spare. Surely, she wasn't the only one obsessed with the parmesan coating on the outside of the sticky rice. She couldn't blame anyone for jumping on the opportunity to take as many as they could while they were there.Â
(Y/N) replaced the lid, taking her half filled plate to one of the small tables set up in the room. The day began to catch up with her as she sat down. Her morning had been hectic enough to suck the energy out of her bones, now combined with the disappointment of how high she put herself at the mention of her favorite food before finding it all gone. She slumped into her chair, taking out her phone and finally looking at something that wasn't work-related for the first time that day.Â
Every bite she scooped into her mouth was monotonous as she slipped a pair of earbuds in before screening the missed messages she'd had to ignore for the morning. Music was filtering through her headphones, the perfect distraction to her brain that felt entirely too empty now that she wasn't running at top speed like she had been the second she'd woke up. If not for the texture of each bite she took, she wouldn't know exactly what she was eating with the way she couldn't use even muster the minuscule amount of energy it would take to glance at her fork. Â
With her eyes glued to her phone as a video now played out on screen, (Y/N) didn't have enough room in her head to keep track of the rest of the room. As much as she prides herself on being a good assistant, especially being so new to this position, she doesn't think she would notice if Mr. Azoff walked in and screamed out her name while banging pots and pans.Â
That was exactly the reason she didn't notice Mr. Styles approaching her table either.Â
It wasn't until she noticed a plate being slid onto the table beside her, a hand complete with a tattooed cross and green glittery nails keeping a hold of the lip until she managed to pull an earbud out. Looking up, Mr. Styles still had that tight look on his face, his free hand fidgeting at his side like he was itching to get out of there.Â
"Yes?" she chirped, assuming he was finally taking her up on her offers to help him as well when she assisted Mr. Azoff.Â
Watching as Mr. Styles dropped his gaze from hers, (Y/N) had to keep from tipping her head at him. That wasn't like him at all, unable to keep eye contact. From what she knew, that was something he insisted on. She hoped he was okay.Â
"Umâ'M full, but I thought I'd ask if y'wanted any before I threw these away," he said, his voice floating under his breath.Â
It was then that (Y/N) finally noted what was on his plate, finding a duo of the arancini balls she had been mourning only moments earlier. The same fragrant, acidic sauce laid underneath it along with shreds of parmesan cheese sprinkled atop, the same way she would have plated it. She had to keep herself from drooling at the sight.Â
"A-Are you sure?"Â
A beat passed, the green of Mr. Styles' gaze finally meeting hers again. "I thought these were your favorite."Â
(Y/N) had to stop herself from letting a pinch touch at her brows. "I mean, yeah, they are, bâ"Â
"Then, 'm sure."Â
The deep vibrato of his voice was more soothing than any note of music she played could ever hope to be, the same voice she'd had the privilege of listening to every night while on the road on the loudspeakers. Despite the giving nature of his tone, underlying softness floating alongside, she knew there wasn't much room to argue. Besides, (Y/N) didn't think she had the strength to say no to his offer with that plate in front of her.Â
"Thank you, Mr. Styles," she smiled, reaching for the plate as he retracted his grip.Â
A chaste smile curved his lips, the tip of his nose seemingly blushing red before he gave her a quiet nod of his head. He didn't say anything else before he walked away, leaving her to constitute her two plates of food into one with that warmth in her stomach that could have energized her enough to work another hectic morning. Her only complaint was that she wished he would have sat down with her. She'd even give up his offer of the arancini if that meant he'd sit down beside her and finish his meal.Â
She didn't see him again until he was leaving the greenroom with a granola bar in hand, one bite already taken out. She had thought he said he was full.Â
It was with that thought that, shortly after, (Y/N) realized she had never told Mr. Styles what her favorite food was.Â
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"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear (Y/N), happy birthday to you!"Â
(Y/N)'s skin felt warm with all eyes on her, a sheet cake in front of her with frosting flowers and twinkling candles stuck through. She didn't know what to do with everyone's eyes on her, twisting in her spot with a shy smile on her lips as the song came to a close. Fluttering her eyes to a close, she blew out the candles while everyone cheered. A wish absently flittered through her head, hoping for happiness to come to everyone in this room with her as they deserved so much after surprising her with a birthday celebration in the middle of an international tour.Â
"Thank you all, so much," (Y/N) muttered once the room grew quiet, her fingers knotted into a sheepish pile as she swept her gaze across the gathered crowd, "I didn't even realize anyone knew it was my birthday, this really means a lot. Thank you."Â
All of her new friends, crew and production members for the tour that she had grown close with over the last few weeks, all gave her mixed mutterings of more birthday wishes, that of course they remembered, and they were all more than happy to be a part of this with her. After the show tonight, they all promised to take her out to one of the clubs in town to help her celebrate before they would be off for the next city the following day. Cutting the cake came next, the grouping of crew began to break off as conversations rose in volume in the green room, leaving (Y/N) to soak in the atmosphere as the creamy icing spread over her tongue at first bite.Â
She truthfully had no idea anyone had been aware of her birthday, let alone have the time to put something like this together. Sure, it wasn't a huge celebration, but the fact a cake had been secured, complete with personalized frosting spelling out her name while on the road, was enough to have her heart hurting from how full it was. Even Mr. Styles had made it, huddling himself in one of the small corners with his arms folded across his chest as he sang along to the birthday song. She was pretty sure he had even been a few minutes late to a fitting for the next slew of tour outfits just so he could be apart of something like this for her.Â
"Happy birthday, (Y/N)," Mr. Azoff said, coming up behind her with his wife only a few paces behind, both with a plate of cake in hands.Â
(Y/N)'s features softened immediately as she took him in. "Thank you so much, Mr. Azoff," she started, still disregarding every invitation for her to call him by his first name, "You didn't need to put anything like this together at all. Really, thank you so much."Â
He would be the only one that might recall her birthday, she figured, coming from her hire paperwork. Besides, they spent enough time together she may have accidentally let it slip out while talking. Mr. Azoff would definitely be the kind of boss that would do something like this for her.Â
Instead of the humble way he swept away her gratitude she had been expecting, her boss let out a bubbling peal of laughter. Mrs. Azoff matched (Y/N)'s confused expression, knitted brows and all as they looked at him.Â
"I didn't put this together," he clarified, shaking his head before spearing another bite of cake, "I've been so busy I can't even remember what year it is, let alone the day."Â
"Oh," (Y/N) sounded, face dropping. "Do you know who it was then? I just want to thank them properly."Â
A shared look happened between the Azoffs, the missus' blonde brows raising in her husband's direction as if she was wondering the same thing. Mr. Azoff gave her a pointed look, flicking his gaze to (Y/N) for only a moment before he raised a brow. Realization seemed to spring across Mrs. Azoff's face, the kind (Y/N) was hoping she could share in.Â
"Tell her," Mrs. Azoff mumbled, quiet enough (Y/N) knew she wasn't necessarily meant to hear the command. She watched as Mr. Azoff floundered, his lips pressing into a thin line with wide eyes as if he were pleading with her without words. "Jeffery, I think it would be nice for her to know. He's not going to mind."Â
Her reasoning seemed to loosen him up some, only enough to have his gaze returning to (Y/N)'s with a small pivot. "Sorry," he told her, excusing the last few moments with a chaste smile on his lips, "UmâIt was Harry. He was the one who remembered and put this all together."Â
(Y/N) had to keep her jaw from dropping at the new information. Her fork was limp in her hand. "Really?"Â
"Mhm," Mrs. Azoff chirped, "He was the one who came to us, telling us he had everything all planned out, we just needed to be here to surprise you. He did a good job, didn't he?"Â
The picture of Mr. Styles standing so nonchalant in the corner of the room, singing quietly to the birthday song while she stood in front of the warm glow of the sparkling candles took on a new tint. This had been all of his idea, even the light pink and warm green frosting spelling out her name with petite flowers on the sheet cake had been his idea. The cake itself was even her favorite flavor, something she was doubting was a coincidence.Â
"Really?" she asked, the question feeling dumb on her tongue but she couldn't help but ask.Â
"It's all he's been talking about his last couple of days off. He wanted to make sure everyone knew and would be able to come celebrate with you."Â
Mrs. Azoff's warm smile along with her boss's quiet curl to his lips was all the confirmation (Y/N) needed to know they were being completely serious. They were acting as if they were sharing a secret with her despite the room full of people that were in on it before she was.Â
"Th-That's really nice of him," she settled on, unsure if there were any real words that could convey just how much the idea of Mr. Styles planning this little surprise made her heart ache. "I'm going to have to tell him thank you when he has a minute."Â
"I think he'd really like that," Mr. Azoff told her, voice quiet as if he were sharing a tiny secret.Â
With the way Mrs. Azoff looked at hm after he spoke, (Y/N) wondered if there really was another secret she wasn't privy to.
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Screaming cheers filled the SUV the second the door flung open, Mr. Styles piling inside with a towel hung over his shoulder and a bright smile gracing his features. His energy was vibrating off of him in waves, intoxicating the small space of the car as they pulled out of the venue as the curtains closed behind them. (Y/N) never really got to see him this closely after a show, tonight being an occasion that Mr. Azoff and she were to head back to the hotel with him right away in prep for the late night meetings needed before any of them were to be dismissed to bed (Mr. Styles' next album was coming up closer and closer, and labels needed answers if he wanted the vinyl pressings to be done in time).Â
Tonight, (Y/N) was packed into the backseat of the SUV with Mr. Styles, feeling that bright energy he harnessed on stage settling in like another person sitting between them. He used the towel offered to him by security to wipe off his glistening face, sweat soaking the fabric though he didn't stop smiling.Â
"Jeff, Jeff," Mr. Styles started, pulling on the neckline of his blueberry embellished top, drawing the fabric away from his skin, "Did you see that back there?"Â
She watched as her boss let out a small laugh, turning around where he sat in the front passenger seat to face his client. "See what, H?"Â
The smile that broke out on Mr. Styles' face somehow grew bigger. His breathing was still coming in pants, something (Y/N) wasn't sure was coming from his excitement or the lingering exertion from his stage time. "That girl, she was dressed like a clam and her head was the pearl! I think she had a sign too, but I couldn't see it because every time I looked, she was dancing and I couldn't stop laughing."Â
"Oh, that's why you could barely finish singing Sushi?" Mr. Azoff pressed, matching Mr. Styles excitement with his own bubbling smile. A small glance was flicked in (Y/N)'s direction, as if she were telling her to get a load of this guy.Â
"It was so funny, Jeffery," Mr. Styles insisted, the purple leather of his pants squeaking against the seats with the way he couldn't manage to sit still, "It was like there was a bobblehead out there, but with these little legs." Just when Mr. Azoff went to answer, Mr. Styles completely changed with his jaw dropping before he turned to (Y/N) with another layer of excitement brewing in the car. "Wait, (Y/N)! Did you see that girl dressed like a fairy? She was standing with the angel and the sushi roll!"Â
(Y/N) tried to school her features, keep the surprise off her face at the fact Mr. Styles was acknowledging herâand with a smile too! Attempting to focus on the question at hand, she racked her brain for whoever it was that he was referencing. "Maybe. Were they standing in pit?" she asked, settling into the leather of her seat with Mr. Azoff watching on with a less than neutral expression giving away his own shock.Â
"Yes, yes," Mr. Styles chattered off, "Towards the exit catwalk! She had on big sparkly wings, and everything!"Â
"Oh, yeah," (Y/N) perked up, giving him a matching grin, "That was the same costumeâ"Â
"âyou wore for Halloween!" Mr. Styles cut her off to finish her own sentence, bouncing in his seat in time with the rhythm of the pavement underneath the wheels of the car. "That's why I noticed her! Y'had the same wings, and the dress, and everything, right?"Â
This time (Y/N) wasn't as smooth to recover at his words. She had been the only one to dress as such for the holiday, and she hadn't thought Mr. Styles had seen her at all in his own rush to be dressed in his own costume and prepping the extra song he was to cover for the occasion. It could have only been twice where she thought he might have seen her, especially as more than a blur that had to run past while doing whatever errands Mr. Azoff needed.Â
"Y-Yeah," she bubbled off, pretending she didn't stutter in hopes that no one else would notice, "that was my Halloween costume. I didn't realize you noticed."Â
The curls that flopped over Mr. Styles' forehead added to the boyish sparkle in his eyes as he looked at her, dimples denting his cheeks. "Your's was m'favorite costume."Â
It was only a second later that Mr. Styles was distracted once more in his adrenaline-fueled post-concert excitement, drawing Mr. Azoff into another bubbling conversation about a moment that happened on stage. (Y/N) was left to settle into her spot, seatbelt tight around her chest as her heart struggled to beat out of its cage.Â
If he wasn't careful, (Y/N) was going to start thinking he didn't hate her.Â
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(Y/N) sidestepped out of the doorway, allowing Mr. Styles to brush past her in his rush to exit the room she'd just entered. He didn't bother to even make eye contact with her or shoot her an awkward smile she'd become accustomed to. All she caught of him was his strained expression as she bounced into the room, feeling much more awake this morning after the bubbling excitement she felt while riding back to the hotel with Mr. Styles being so happy to talk with her.Â
That excitement drained as soon as she saw the way he all but flinched at her presence now that the after show adrenaline had worn off. Mr. Azoff seemed just as surprised at the blatant switch as he watched Mr. Styles run off.Â
"UhâGood morning, Mr. Azoff," (Y/N) attempted to chirp out.
She could see the way he floundered for words, his eyes flicking between her and Mr. Styles' retreating figure she was forcing herself to keep from glancing at. "(Y/N), Iâ"Â
"It's okay, it's okay," she waved him off, doing her best to convince herself with her own excuse, "He's probably still tired from last night, it's okay."Â
The look on Mr. Azoff's face told her he knew something she didn't. (Y/N) figured it was a secret she didn't want to know.Â
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This had to be the first time (Y/N) had ever seen Mr. Azoff so stressed, especially after setting out on this tour with his favorite client. His hair was a mess with the usual day's worth of stubble on his face now growing into almost a full beard with the way the last few days have come stumbling around him. Near constantly did he have a phone pressed to his ear, preferring to take all of these phone calls as opposed to allowing (Y/N) to take care of them like he had so far in this route.Â
"We don't know if he's going to be able to make it on this Friday," she heard Mr. Azoff sigh into the receiver, dragging a heavy hand through his hair. Mrs. Azoff looked just as glum as she listened into the conversation from the small couch that was set up in the living space of their hotel room. "I knowâwe're trying. He's barely been able to get out of bed since he got off stage last night, we haven't started on the road at all."Â
(Y/N) felt concern spike in her chest at the mention of Mr. Styles' state. She knew he wasn't doing so well after last night, especially with how hard he had to start straining himself towards the end of the show just to hit notes she knew would otherwise be easy for him. What she hadn't known was the fact he didn't have the strength to even get out of bed. She'd hate for him to have caught the same flu that one of the crew members had suffered through just a couple of weeks earlier.Â
"We don't want to cancel or reschedule anything, yet, no," Mr. Azoff rushed out, sinking into the couch cushion beside his equally as exhausted wife, "We have a few days still, so we'll see if he feels any better by Thursday. If not, I'll call you with options."Â
It was only moments later that Mr. Azoff hung up the call, looking just as exhausted as he started the call. Seeing as how it was Tuesday, and Mr. Styles had only a few days left to be feeling better in time to even travel for his next show, she could understand his stress.Â
Before (Y/N) could even offer her services, Mr. Azoff said her name with a lingering exhaustion. "Could you call one of those liquid IV offices, please? And get his doctor on a call; if he needs antibiotics, I want them picked up by the end of the day."Â
Very few times did Mr. Azoff feel like a boss, always talking to her in gentler tones with requests rather than demands. Not that he was flexing any superiority and unforgiving directions even now, but she knew this was something he needed done thirty minutes ago, but was still willing to accept it being done now.Â
That was all she needed to hear before she had her phone pressed to her ear. Even if Mr. Styles didn't care for her as much as she may have thought a week ago, she wanted him better just as much as Mr. Azoff did, and not just because of the touring schedule.Â
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How (Y/N) happened to be the only one within the central crew to have been vaccinated for the flu this season, she didn't know, but she didn't mind the added responsibility tied with the booster. Armed with a takeaway container of hot soup, a liter bottle of water, and another round of medication for Mr. Styles, Mr. Azoff sent her off to his hotel room.Â
Mr. Styles had all but been quarantined since he started exhibiting those early flu symptoms, a medical team having been the ones tending to him the previous couple of days as he apparently worsened into running a fever and getting sick to his stomach. It was into the late hours of the evening that Mr. Azoff finally shooed them off (at his client's request, supposedly. Mr. Styles felt bad to have so many people fussing over him, he had said), and thanked them for everything they did for his client. They were left with the tools and a regiment on the best and fastest way to get Mr. Styles healthy again. She remembered watching Mr. Azoff read over the extensive list left in his care, a humorless laugh leaving his lips and he muttered something about the miracle of this week being one of the longer breaks he had scheduled between shows.Â
As the crew couldn't afford anyone else getting as sick as Mr. Styles was, (Y/N) was chosen to be the first one to tend to him given the fact she would be the least likely to catch whatever virus he hadâand even if she did, they could afford to have her on bed rest for a few days. Mr. Azoff had passed along the printed schedule of his medication times and what foods and fluids would be best to get his system back on track in the remaining forty-eight hours left until a decision would have to be made on whether or not the next show was in jeopardy, and she was on her way.Â
An apology was ready on her tongue for the second she breached the sanctuary of his hotel room, knowing that she was most likely one of the last people he wanted to see at a time like this. That was the hardest part, she figured. She wasn't afraid of falling ill or seeing him sick, it was knowing just how unwelcome she was going to be in his space, especially since he wouldn't be able to flitter away from her like she knew he was used to. But, that fear was going to have to be shoved into a box in the back of her mind. Mr. Styles wasn't feeling well and needed someone to help him, and that was what she was going to focus on.Â
After a quiet rap of her knuckles against his hotel room door went expectedly unanswered, (Y/N) pulled for the keycard Mr. Azoff had slipped into the bag of essentials he'd passed off to her. As soon as the handle clicked with a green light blinking, she twisted the knob carefully. A quiet creak whined from the hinges as she entered the dark room.Â
Mr. Styles' messy bed was empty, the only light coming from the dimly set bedside lamp revealing the creases and folds in the bedding she was sure housekeeping hadn't had a chance to come by and change since he'd been holed up in the space. His luggage was left neatly beside the closet, only a pair of brightly colored socks laid atop the case letting her know it had been touched in the last few days. If not for the fact she knew there was no where else for him to have gone without someone on his team being notified, (Y/N) would have assumed his hotel room to be deserted by the way the air felt stale as she stepped in.Â
"Mr. Styles? It's (Y/N). I know you probably don't wanâ"Â
Before she could finish her apology for stepping into his space, a gagging noise from the bathroom gave away his position. That was when she noticed the sliver of light leaking from underneath the closed door.Â
Rolling her lips between her teeth with concern knitting her brows together, (Y/N) abandoned her doctor assembled and boss ordered care package on the bedside table. It was with shaking hands that she gently knocked on the bathroom door.Â
A groan answered a beat later. "Jeff, I promise 'm going to be alright in a couple of days," Mr. Styles grumbled out, voice deep and sour, "Don't cancel anything, please."Â
Releasing the hold her teeth had on her bottom lip, (Y/N) sucked in a deep breath. "Actually, it's (Y/N)."Â
"W-What are y'doing here?" was his stuttered response, raw voice leveling out in volume.Â
Not quite as biting as she may have expected in a moment like this, but (Y/N) had figured he would ask something of this type. "I'm the only one that's had my flu shot, so Mr. Azoff wanted me to come check on you. Is it alright if I come in?"Â
"Please, don't." That was the clipped response she had been anticipating, but (Y/N) thought his tone dipped into something more embarrassed than angry.Â
"Mr. Styles, I have water and food, and the medication you'râ"Â
Before she could get much further with her explanation, she was cut off by the sound of a guttural noise on the other side of the door. Mr. Styles gagged alone in the bathroom, his panting breaths being cut off only to be replaced with the sound of him getting sick.Â
As much as (Y/N) wanted to respect his privacy and foster a kinder relationship between the pair of them, there was no way she was going to be able to sit idly by knowing that she could help him when he so clearly needed some support. That was all it took for her to barge into the bathroom, rushing over the tiles to where Mr. Styles was hunched over the toilet.Â
Focusing herself on him and not what was currently leaving his system, (Y/N) stroked her hand down his back while the other worked on drawing his hair out of his face. A stray clip was fit against the top of his head, a sloppy attempt she was sure he had executed with shaking hands.Â
"(Y/N), no," he stuttered over her name until she felt a shudder rack his spine, his head being sent back to the toilet bowl as another round of sickness left his body.Â
She didn't say anything back, knowing not only would it fall on deaf ears, but this wasn't the time to start pleading with him to let her stay. That wasn't up for debate as far as she was concerned; whether he liked it or not, she wasn't going to leave him to be sick all by himself in a hotel room in a country he didn't call home. Nothing sounded more dreadful than that.Â
Instead, she only shushed him and lead a soothing hand down his spine with her other hand fixing his hair from his face. The strands had lost their curl after a few days without wash, matching the stale texture of his clothes that she was sure he hadn't changed out of in just as long. Having heard about how heavily he prioritized his self-care, especially when touring, she knew he really must feel terrible if he couldn't bring himself to do any of those basic things.Â
Nonetheless, she stayed a constant, steady presence beside him on the bathroom floor. She tucked baby curls behind his ears, the strands too short to reach clip on the top of his head, and she shushed him with a gentle hand on his back as he emptied his system before being reduced down to dry heaves and gags resulting in nothing more than stolen breath and teary eyes.Â
"It's okay, Mr. Styles, just breathe," she reminded him as he reached to flush the toilet, his breathing coming in rapid pants through his raw throat.Â
"Don't call me that," he panted, sitting back on his heels though he still didn't care to turn to face her, "I don't like it when y'call me that."Â
"Okay, okay," she soothed, the same word having fallen from her lips at least a hundred times at this point, "What do you want me to call you? What do you like better?"
"Jus' H, please. Want y'to talk to me like y'know me."Â
Her heart just about broke at how pathetic he sounded in that moment, his request just short of a whine given his burned throat. "Okay, I can do that," she agreed with a gentle pat to his back. "I'm going to be right back, alright? I brought you some water for you to sip on."Â
Before (Y/N) could even get to her feet, Mr. SâHarryâHÂ twisted in his spot and raced to wrap his fingers around her wrists. He kept her from going any further with his manacle-like grip, bloodshot eyes glossy in the low light of the bathroom. "Wait, please. I-I don't want to be alone if I get sick again."Â
As much as she knew it was against her better judgment to leave the liter of water out in the bedroom, there was no way she could argue against him when he looked at her like that. And, for the first time ever, he was pleading with her to stay with him, not fighting for a way out of her presence. How could she say no to that?
"Okay, I'll stay a few minutes longer, but I need to have you drinking something soon," she reasoned, settling back down onto the tile floor. She crossed her legs underneath her, opting for something more comfortable than the cuffs of her knees digging into the hard floor as she was prepared to sit there for as long as Harry needed her (or until she could convince him of the importance of water right now).Â
Harry all but deflated with relief at her words, slumping into her arms in a way that had (Y/N) doubting he knew he was doing. Another sign of just how bad he was feeling thenâhe'd never seek comfort in her like this otherwise. Nonetheless, (Y/N) wrapped her arms around him without question, cushioning her back against the wall of the bathroom behind her while Harry's clumsy limbs found purchase around her. He shuffled up beside her with legs folded underneath him, his bottom on his heels. He was close enough to the toilet incase of an emergency, but his knees still knocked into hers with his arms around her waist, face tucking into the curve of her throat.Â
"Thank you," he murmured into her neck once he burrowed himself against her skin, his forehead clammy.Â
"Of course," she told him, her arms around his middle with her palms spanning the planes of his back. "Has it been like this all day?"Â
"Mhm," he practically whined, his nose scrunching against her skin, "I hate it. I hate being sick. I jus' want to be better already."Â
(Y/N) held him tighter the second she felt wetness slide over her skin, moreso than the sheen of sweat that covered his forehead. He was crying. That gloss that had lacquered his gaze had overflown, now leaking over her skin and pooling in the line of her collarbones. "I know, H, I know," she crooned to him, forcing herself to stay composed despite how much her heart ached for him then, "I brought stuff for you that's supposed to help you feel better. Do you want to try taking some medicine or drinking some water?"Â
"I don't think I can keep it down," he told her, voice watery as he spoke, "'M sorry."Â
"No, don't be sorry, okay?" she gently scolded him, shaking her head as she brought her hand up to card through the length of the curls on the back of his head.Â
"I jus' want to be better, (Y/N)," he repeated earnestly, a sniffle following right after to match the wiggle of his nose she felt against her skin. She wanted to be endeared at the small touch but that was quickly outweighed by the concern she felt the second another wave of tears washed over her skin, Harry's breathing shifting until she feared he would start sobbing.Â
"And you will be," she promised, hugging him tighter with her fingers lacing through his hair, "You need to give yourself a little more time, okay? Sleep a little more, and once you're up to it, we'll have you eating and drinking again and you'll be feeling so much better. I promise."Â
"Butâ"
Harry tensed in her arms before could finish his thought. A scramble of limbs ensued then, leaving (Y/N) feeling the absence of his warmth while he hunched over the toilet and threw up the nonexistent contents of his stomach. (Y/N) was behind him in a rush, rubbing his back and cooing to him as he began to dry heave, only bile leaving his system now.Â
It was (Y/N) this time that flushed the toilet down for him after a few minutes of nothing else triggering his gag reflex, proceeding to gather him back into her arms once he was settled enough to unlock his joints and allow his muscles to go malleable again.Â
"It's alright, Hâ"Â
"See?" he cut her off, voice particularly raw after his latest showing, "'M not getting better, (Y/N). I jus' want to be better and-and play a show and I do-don't want to let anyone down."Â
"You're not letting anyone down," she cemented, relaxing into the stiff sidewall of the tub as he tucked himself into her warmth one more time with his face in her neck.
"I've heard Jeff talking about cancelling or rescheduling shows," he mumbled, a sniffle following after, "I don't want to do that. S-So many people travel jus' to see me, and 's be-been so long anâ"Â
Harry was cut off by his own crying, the stress of the situation along with the just how awful he felt in that moment catching up to him now that someone was there to listen. His grip on her tightened with his arms around her waist and his face buried in her neck, his chest stuttering with his uneven breaths and squeezes of his sobbing lungs.Â
All she could do then was hold him against her, as if her hug could keep him from shaking so hard with his heady breaths. Her neck was slick with his tears, the tip of his nose wiggling with every sniffle he sucked in in hopes of regulating his breathing.
"Its okay, H, really," she cooed to him, drawing one of her hands up to the back of his head with her fingertips twirling through the curls, "You need to stop crying, okay? You're only making yourself more sick by crying, you know. Just breathe, alright? It's going to be okay, I promise."Â
Though it took him a moment, she could feel the way he tried to heed her advice. He fought off the stutter of his sobs, his breathing coming out in shaky pulls with the exhales being long and drawn out over her skin. Her palms soothed down his spine, the length of her nails dragging over his shirt in what she hoped was calming runs.Â
"Feel a little better now?" she asked once he curated a rhythm of deep breaths and sinking exhales. Though she could feel just the smallest remnants of his tears having seeped against her neck, she didn't feel that dampness growing as opposed to the way it was only a few moments earlier.Â
"Y-yeah," he mumbled, nodding his head against her neck, "Sorry."
"Don't be sorry, okay?" she told him, parroting her earlier words, "There's nothing to be sorry for. No one likes being sick, and I know you're under a lot of pressure since we're also on the road. It's okay."Â
A nasally little thank you sounded against her neck along with the brush of his lips being felt against her throat. A small smile touched at the corners of her lips as she felt him relax into her, exhaustion weighing him down now that he wasn't clinging to the edge of the toilet. (Y/N) tentatively laid her cheek on the top of his head, lending him more of her warmth in hopes of holding off another wave of his fever.Â
Just when she figured he'd fallen asleep, his breathing even with puffs of air fanning over her skin, he pulled his face from her neck. Harry's cheeks were flushed as he looked to her, ruddy and glistening with a sheen of sweat. His eyes were puffy and red, the scleras bloodshot from his crying session. Even his lips were swollen, the same hue as his red-tipped nose.Â
"Can I have some water?" he asked her pathetically, voice nasally given his clogged sinuses, "And a blanket. 'M really cold."Â
(Y/N) nodded her head right away, feeling her eyes rounding out as she took him in with pity in her gaze. "I'll be right back, okay?" she told him, brushing stray curls behind his ears.Â
Harry gave her another sad look, mimicking the nod of her head. "Thank you," he told her before tucking his swollen bottom lip between his teeth.Â
She made quick work of collecting the liter of water she'd put off to the side along with the knitted blanket that was bundled over the hotel bed. She knew that was something he'd brought from home, an item she'd seem him cart around to every venue and every hotel room to help him feel more at home despite the miles between. Hopefully it would be just what he needed in that moment.Â
Stepping into the bathroom, Harry was just where she had left him. He was bundled beside the bathtub, his legs now bent in front of him to make himself into a small ball with his arms around his shins. His glossy eyes seemed to widen at the sight of his blanket, completely glancing over the water in her opposing hand in favor of reaching for his token from home.Â
"Thank you so much," he repeated, grabby hands taking the knitted blanket as soon as she offered it to him.
Despite his aching limbs, the blanket was wrapped around Harry's shoulders in quick succession, the fabric being pulled up to his face with a finger wrapped in the material from underneath absently rubbing against his cheek. He soothed himself enough to have his eyes flutter to a close as (Y/N) settled in beside him, taking her spot against the bathtub wall with her legs criss-crossed underneath her bottom.Â
"Still want some water?" she asked in a crooned tone, hoping to keep from disturbing him too much from the sweetened state he was falling into.
"Yes, please," he murmured, eyes still closed.Â
Twisting off the cap of his water, (Y/N) offered it to him with a nudge against his shoulder. Harry begrudgingly untangled his hand from the knit of his blanket, taking the bottle with his eyes opened to only a slit.Â
"Only take sips, H," she told him as he raised the bottle to his lips, "Any more and it might make you sick again."Â
"But 'm so thirsty," he whined, brows pinching together in the middle.Â
"I know, but if you drink too fast it'll make you sick again," she reasoned with him, scooting in closer to him with her arm pressing against his own, "Just sip it for now and if you can keep it all down tonight, you can drink all the water you want."Â
Heaving a sigh, he gave a nod of his head as he heeded her advice and took small sips from his bottle. (Y/N) kept an eye on him as he drank, watching for any turn of the tide that would garner her helping him back to the toilet bowl. By the time he finally seemed satiated, handing her the bottle in search of the cap to be fixed back on top, he sunk down and lent his cheek against her shoulder. His eyes were shuttered closed once more, his hand working its way back under the knit of his blanket to press the material against his cheek again.Â
"Tired?" (Y/N) murmured, maneuvering to wrap her arm around his shoulders and cuddle him close.Â
"Yeah," he said, voice cracking some under the pressure of his raw throat.Â
"Here," she said, shuffling in her spot to move just far enough away from him to get a whine filtering through his throat. Uncrossing her legs, she unfurled them in front of her with her ankles folding over one another, "Lay down, H, its okay. You can put your head in my lap."Â
He seemed calmed at the prospect of her only moving so he could more comfortably. With his legs curled against his tummy into a ball, Harry laid his head in her lap, her plush thighs acting as his pillow. "Thank you," he sighed, nasally voice quietly bouncing off the tiles.Â
"When you wake up we'll take some medicine, okay?" she told him, placing her hands in his hair as she unclipped the sprout she'd made with the strands to card through his curls.Â
All she earned in response was a quiet okay, leaving him to fall asleep only moments later.Â
Sinking against the sidewall of the bathtub, (Y/N) let her own eyes close. Cuddling with Mr. Styles was definitely not how she saw this morning going. She was going to have to text Mr. Azoff to let him know not to expect her for the rest of the day.Â
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"(Y/N)?"Â
Humming to acknowledge the call of her name, (Y/N) continued to clean up the little medication station she made up on his bedside table now that each of the pills were in his system. She was going to have to call up for another large water bottle for him now that there was less than a fourth of the liter left. And, probably another serving of hot soup since that had been forgotten hours earlier, going cold.Â
"'M sorry," Harry said behind her, the warmth of his glossy gaze being pinned on her back.Â
"You don't need to be sorry, remember?" she said to him, constituting all of his orange and white bottles back into the small pack the medical team had prepared as she gave him a small glance over her shoulder. "No one is upset with you; it's not your fault you're sick, we all know that."Â
"No," he croaked, shaking his head against the fluffed pillow, "That's not what 'm talking about."Â
"Oh?" she asked, settling into the nest of bedding she'd made her own since they carted him back to bed after his nap. He hadn't been sick for hours at this point, the main concern shifting to fend off the fever that was sapping his energy and drawing a fog over his brain.Â
As soon as he saw her close once more, Harry made a move to lay his head in her lap again. It was instinctive at this point to have her hands carding through his hair, pulling the strands from his flushed skin. This time though, Harry looked up at her with his slightly hooded gaze, a touch unfocused despite the fact he'd been awake for the better part of the last hour.Â
"'M sorry 'm so mean to you," he breathed, a sheen collecting over his eyes as he took her in, "You're taking care of me, and I don't deserve it."Â
(Y/N) felt like a deer in headlights with his tired gaze on her. This was definitely not how she ever saw this conversation goingâif this conversation ever happened, anyway. She floundered for words as she shook her head, distracting him with a particularly drawn out run of her fingers through his curls.Â
"Don't say that, okay? What you don't deserve, is staying alone in a hotel room while you're sick," she murmured, "But, you don't need to worry about that right now, okay? You don't need to apologize for anything."Â
To be fair, she never really considered his behavior mean. He avoided her, sure, but he was never blatantly rude to her.Â
"No, no," he shook his head in her lap, "'M so mean to you 's not fair. I-I barely even talk to you, and you're still taking care of me. 'M sorry, (Y/N)."Â
"Harry, really, I don't think you're mean, okâ"Â
"I jus' don't know how to talk to you, (Y/N)," he continued as if he hadn't heard a single word she said, "'S so hard to talk to you, and-and m'brain hurts when I try to think about it."Â
Canting her head as she gazed down at him, she dropped one of her hands from his hair only to skate over the planes of his face. She traced over the height of his cheekbone, and brushed the length of his lashes before she grazed the bridge of his nose. "It's okay, Harry," she soothed him, watching as his eyes fell closed, "It's okay to be shy. I know Mr. Azoff's last assistant was really close to you, it's fine if we're not there yet. We'll get there someday, right?"
"No," he whined, drawing out the syllable as he peeked his eyes open, "'S not like thatânot like with Mallory, (Y/N). I like y'so much that m'brain doesn't work around you. It wasn't like that at all with MalloryâI didn't have a crush on her."Â
(Y/N) was thankful for the cover of his illness to keep him from fully noticing her reaction to his confession. While it was sweet the way he described his feelingsâa crush, he'd saidâthat had to have been at the very bottom of the list of reasons she would have thought up as to why he behaved the way he did around her. What was she supposed to say to something like that? How was she supposed to take it given the fact that this could be nothing more than one of his delirious ramblings given the state of his fever?Â
"I can't believe 'm telling you like this," he muttered, eyes fluttered closed in a tight pinch as he turned in her lap. He faced the soft of her tummy, his arms wrapping around her middle as he nosed at the fabric of her top. "I smell like vomit and I haven't washed m'hair for four days, 'm sorry."Â
A quiet sigh left her lips as she carded her fingers through his hair, the unwashed curls slipping between her fingers. "It's okay, Harry. Don't worry about any of that right now, okay? We can talk about that later, but you need to focus on getting better right?"Â
"Right," he peeped, voice slowing and dredging deeper into sleep, "And you'll stay with me?"
Her answer was automatic, "Of course. I'll be here to take care of you, I promise."Â
It was only moments later he was asleep again, face tucked against her tummy while (Y/N) was wide awake.Â
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(YN) woke with a stiff neck to the sound of the shower running, still wrapped up in Harry's bedding though now she had his knitted blanket draped over her form. The side of the bed she had slipped him into once she was too tired to stay awake was now cold, only the impression of his body on the sheets giving away his presence.Â
Blinking her dry eyes, she tried to get her bearings after the long night she'd had tending to her boss's favorite client, along with every rambling confession he woke up in the middle of the night to share.Â
He apparently thought her hair was very pretty, wanted to share clothes with her, and thought she had a cute laugh. Though, those were only the confessions she could decipher in his sleepy, nasally voice.Â
She was still clothed in the outfit she'd donned the morning before, her phone waiting with a handful of texts from Mr. Azoff asking about Mr. Styles' state and if there was anything the pair of them needed now that (Y/N) had taken on the role of nursing him back to health for the time being. She pushed those messages off to the side at the moment, instead trying to untwirl her brain now that she had a moment alone without Mr. Styles' health at the front of her mind.Â
He liked her, he'd saidâhe had a crush on her even. That was why he didn't have it in himself to hold a conversation with her, too shy to speak to her without making an ass of himself. The thought made her heart flutter, a fact she couldn't deny especially after she realized the smile on her face when she recalled his exact words.Â
Despite the fact his kindness didn't always extend to her in the obvious ways, thinking back, she realized the signs were there. He remembered her birthday and put together an impromptu party that he couldn't even properly attend. He remembered her Halloween costume even though he was running around all day, preparing for one of the biggest shows of the year. He paid attention to her; he listened for her favorite foods, favorite colors, favorite books. While he was too shy to talk to her about those things directly, he still went out of his way to find them out and keep them to himself.Â
It was easier for her since she knew she got this job to send her own feelings packing, out of her head and her heart before she could find herself in trouble with an infatuation with her boss's favorite client and best friend. That fact grew even more important as soon as Harry started behaving the way he did around her, but now that she had that glimmering confession, the tender explanation, it was hard to keep those feelings from marching right back in. All those months that she had to school herself into knocking away the melancholy at the fact that one of her inspirations didn't seem to like her now were turned in a new light, trying to see those same moments from Harry's point of view.Â
How many times had she thought she felt his eyes on her, only to turn and find him looking the other direction? Had she really been only a second too late to catch his gaze? Every time she had chattered away with a member of the crew or Mr. Azoff himself, with Harry scrolling through his phone distractedly had he really been listening in and collecting information he was too scared to ask for? Or even the times he had dropped his gaze when she met his, the blushing hue to his skin now could be out of sheepish affection and not the need to get away from her as soon as possible.Â
She hadn't been invisible to him, or even a negative presence in his day-to-day, she was piecing together. He thought of her the same way she thought of him. What a heart-stopping thought.Â
"Morning."Â
(Y/N) jumped in her spot, the bedsheets rustling around her denim-clad legs at the sound of Harry's rumbling voice. Dropping back into the moment, she saw him standing just outside the bathroom door, luggage at his feet as he packed away the clothing he would need sent off to be washed before they were on their way to the next destination. A quiet smile was on his lips, a shy shifting to his gaze that kept him from meeting hers. His socked feet dug into the plush carpet on the floor, legs folded over in a pair of heavy black sweats along with a crewneck from his brand that hadn't been released to the public just yet. His hair was damp and dark, finally washed after the few days she was sure it had been bothering him.
"Morning," she chirped back, finding her voice, "How are you feeling?"
"Better," he mused, running a hand through his damp hair, "Finally getting to actually sleep last night helped a lot, I think. I took the medicine y'left on the table, and took a shower and I'm really feeling a lot better."
"Good, that makes me happy. Now, you can sleep all day and actually eat something instead of laying on the bathroom floor." (Y/N) felt proud of herself when she caught sight of the dimples denting his cheeks as he huffed out a quiet laugh.
A beat of silence passed between them as Harry finally dropped the guise of rifling through his bag to face her. Stuffing his hands into the pockets of his sweats, he toed at the ground as he looked at her through the fan of his lashes.Â
"Um, thanks for taking care of me and everything yesterday, (Y/N)," he drawled, a pinch touching between his brows, "I really, really appreciate it. 'M sure it wasn't easy. My mum says I always get whiny when 'm sick, so..."Â
"You weren't that bad," she told him with a gentle smile, crossing her legs underneath herself from where she sat on the bed, "I used to babysit when I was in college, and you are definitely not as bad as some of the kids I used to help."
"Great," he laughed with a playful roll of his eyes, "'m not as bad as a child. I'll have to tell my mum, that'll show her."Â
After the short peals of laughter died down, silence filled in for their voices. Was she supposed to say something? Did he want her to say something? Or was what was said last night meant to stay right thereâin the evening hours, in the brain fog that came along with his fever?
"Listen," he said, swallowing hard as he finally met her gaze head on, "'M really sorry about yesterday. I know I said a lot of things, and 'm really sorry if I made y'uncomfortable or anything. I-I don't know why I said any of that, honestly."Â
Fighting the urge to drop her own gaze as she'd seen him do so many times before, (Y/N) kept herself focused on him, following the small droplets of water that clung to his forehead from his damp curls. "You didn't make me uncomfortable," she said, "Butâumâdi-did you mean it? What you said? About being shy and everything because of... me?"
Another harsh swallow had his throat bobbing, the green of his eyes disappearing for just a moment as he blinked towards the ceiling before returning. "I mean, yeah. I did mean it. I never wanted to tell y'like that, though, that's for sure. I know y'were being nice, but I definitely did smell like vomit and you're a saint for sitting there and letting me talk like a crazy person all night. I don't even know how you found time to sleep with me constantly bothering you."
"You weren't bothering me," she said, a smile cracking her features now that she realized there was no catch to his confession. There was no reason to quash the happiness filling her chest. "I thought it was really sweet what you were saying to me. It was nice to hear all of that stuff, especially since I was pretty sure you didn't like me just two days ago."
He clenched his eyes shut at her finishing words. "I really am sorry about that, I hope you know," he said with a heady sigh, "I wish I had a better explanation, but really, you jus' make me nervous."Â
"It's okay," she waved off, shuffling towards the edge of the bed closest to him without much thought, "You make me nervous, tooâI get it."Â
"I do?" he asked, a boyish smile touching at his features while his eyes seemingly sparkled in the low light.Â
"I mean, yeah," she revealed, a duh tone to her words, "Why do you think it's always so hard for me to talk to you?"Â
Harry took slow steps towards the edge of the bed, his socked feet dragging through the plush carpet. "But you're always soâ," he trailed off, flicking his hands out in front of him with a flourish, "Everywhere, I guess. Talking to everyone and laughing. I don't think I've ever seen y'nervous."Â
"Well, I don't like everyone else the way I like you, so I don't get nervous like that. It's harder to talk to you when all I want is to say the right thing."Â
Before she even realized it, Harry was stood right in front of where she was sat on the edge of the bed. He towered over her with warmth radiating from his chest, the heat much more pleasant than the fever he was running the night before, especially when he looked at her so sweetly with his big eyes. It was in slow movements that he brought his hands out and settled them on her wrists, only to trail down to lace his fingers between hers. When she didn't pull away or make any sound of protest, she felt him squeeze her hands.Â
"I like hearing y'talk. Y'have a pretty voice," he murmured, his voice just a touch deeper than normal given the last week of his life.Â
"I like your voice too," she beamed up at him, "Why do you think I'm always out there during the shows?"Â
"Because, Jeff makes you?" he teased, shyly dropping her gaze to where their hands were bundled between them.Â
(Y/N) shook her head, adjusting her position on the bed to sit with her bottom on her heels and her legs folded underneath her. "I like listening to you sing and talk to everyone. You're amazing on stage. It's my favorite part of being on the road with everyoneâgetting to see you every night like that."Â
He keened under her praise, canting his head as he squeezed her hands. Dimples dented his cheeks as he looked to her. "Thank you," he murmured, the blunt ends of his front teeth sinking into his bottom lip once he got his gratitude out.Â
Looking at him like this, feeling the strength of his hands and the heat of his skin all the while he looked at her so tenderly had (Y/N)'s heart racing. How was this real?"Â
"Harry?"Â
"Hm?"Â
Dropping her eyes to his lips, the raspberry color just a bit drained from his illness though he wasn't any less appealing. She spoke without thought as her stayed stuck on his mouth, "Can I kiss you?"Â
She watched as a smile grew on his lips at her words. "Iâuhâ'M sick, remember?" he protested less than half-heartedly.Â
"I got my flu shot, remember?"Â
That was all the convincing it took to have Harry dropping her hands from his, only to then cradle the soft of her cheeks in his hands. His lips slotted against hers in a tender press, allowing her to taste the clean mint of his toothpaste and whatever scented chapstick he'd swiped over his pout. She didn't even have time to think about the fact she was still wearing her clothes from the day before with unbrushed hair and unwashed skin, not with the way he was holding her and pressing into her mouth for more. It was as unhurried of a kiss as it was wanting, making up for the lost time that had been wasted over the past few months.Â
The contact remained innocent, only sweet presses of their lips growing more and more delicate until Harry pulled away just to press a smattering of kisses against her pout. His actions drew a laugh from her chest, her hands reaching for his shirt as he kissed her smiling mouth.Â
"We don't have to leave for the venue until tonight, right?" he asked, slightly breathless though he matched her smile tenfold. (Y/N) nodded her head still in his delicate grip, the pad of his thumb sweeping under her eye. "We should probably leave for a little and let housekeeping clean up a little, but 'm still really tired," his gaze flickered over hers, his smile growing that much more at whatever he found in there, "Could we go back to your room? We don't have to do anything"âthat had his cheeks blushingâ", but I don't want to sleep alone again after this."
That was all (Y/N) needed before she was dragging him down the hall to her hotel room, following right after him into her unused, plush bed. It was instinct at this point the way he cuddled up to her, face in her neck with his nose pressed to her pulse. All she felt was a press of his lips to the curve of her throat before he was asleep again, leaving (Y/N) the time to send Mr. Azoff a message.Â
Harry was fine, she told him, but he'd probably need another day of rest and looking after. A job she was more than willing to continue to take on. She'd tell him the full story later, she decided, especially after he saw the room service charges for double meals to her room.
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I got a request for something like this a super long time ago so thank you to whoever requested for being so patient! thank you so much for reading and sorry for any mistakes! if anyone has any ideas or requests of your own pls pls send them in !
Technical difficulties - Y/N suggests rough angry sex to let out Harryâs frustration after a show
Inspired by the gif attached ;)
WARNING = SMUT, ANAL female receiving
Word count = 2,617
Masterlist
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"Baby you did fine, told you were amazing"
"jus' so annoying this keeps on happening. It's all fuckin' fine during sound check then they're messin' around when it's bloody show time s' not fair for the fans. I asked them to turn it up how many fuckin' times"
"no one would have noticed, it didn't affect the performance Haz you know I'm always honest with you"
"they would have been watchin' me and clocked me getting pissed"
"I know it's annoying but you can't change what happened, it was a slip-up sure, and you did make a face which wasn't ideal. But everyone had so much fun and if you enjoy it they would have enjoyed it. H they want to support you and have a good time not criticise you." He grunted moving closer and nustled his face into your neck
further, "you're always bloody right you know that don't you"
not wanting to wind him up you bent down to give his forehead a gentle kiss continuing to run your hands through his damp hair causing an innocent moan to slip out of his mouth.
You clocked he was in a little bit of a mood after the show had finished, he was quiet. Harry was far from quiet as a person.
So when he was practically silent in the car ride back to the hotel, with just his hand routinely placed on your knee but sat looking out the window you knew something was wrong.
He undressed and went straight into the shower. You carried on respecting that he needed space to breathe, so when he then exited the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and a toothbrush hanging out the side of his mouth leaning against the door frame you took this time to speak up.
"You alright H, seem quiet"
"mmh...just a bit pissed...did I- you know did I do okay tonight?" He spoke with wide puppy eyes seeking comfort and praise.
"Course you did amazingly, told you that when you walked off the stage. How comes you're pissed what's up?"
"Just the technical difficulty's fucked me off"
"Right finish brushing your teeth and come for a cuddle and we can talk about it okay, don't beat yourself up. Continuing to brush his teeth, Harry nodded.
-
He'd you thought he would have calmed down after he'd vented to you. But he still remained leaning on your chest, not being able to see his face and thinking he was oblivious to your actions as he was venting, you stopped moving your hand through his hair which caused Harry to let out a "why'd you stop"
"thought it wasn't helping with your aggravation" frowning his eyebrows Harry responded. "Feels good... fuckin' unlike-" "fuck me"
Harry pulled away from you to look at you in the face confused by your interruption
"huh"
" H, you're pissed off and talking about it hasn't helped so just fuck me...c'mon you can be rough, like really rough with me. Just get it out of your system"
He took a few seconds to scan over your face to confirm you were one hundred percent on with the idea. Seeing your face blank and being completely serious.
That was all the encouragement he needed as his pupils darkened looking at you. You were the first to undress with Harry still hungrily looking at you having not of moved or undressed himself yet.
"C'mon Harry, are you going to fuck me or what?-"
Not allowing you to finish your sentence Harry wrapped his hand around your throat a little tighter than usual.
"This is how it's going to go okay, m' gonna fuck you senseless, you're going to be a good fuckin' girl and take it alright... If m' too much safeword okay?"
You nodded against the restriction of his hand, gulping for air causing Harry to let go of his grip.
Scattering his clothes on the floor next to yours he gripped your jaw pulling you into a kiss underneath him. Catching you off guard he slipped two curled fingers inside of your pussy.
"Fuckin' wet already aren't you? Find it hot that I was pissed off huh?"
He withdrew his fingers completely before leaning down to spit on you and then cupping his hand and slapping your pussy causing a pathetic moan to slip out of your mouth.
Siliva glistened on his lip as he spoke, "You didn't answer Y/N"
"mmh, you looked so hot H 'm sorry "
"Good girl" He voiced before grabbing your hips and turning you onto your knees tummy against the bed.
You weren't strangers to quickies or rough sex. But Harry would always thoroughly 'prep' you. He was no stranger to spending hours between your legs until they were shaking and then fuck you. He'd tease you in as many ways as he could. But this was fast, hot and heavy.
As you wiggled your ass into the air in an attempt to tease Harry he brought his hand down striking your ass cheek, causing a red outline of his hand to be left in its place.
"So fuckin' desperate for me aren't you bloody always want me' cock"
"Haz" you turned your head slightly looking towards him behind you towering over you, with gritted teeth breathing deeply.
"Quit the whining alrigh' Y/N " Harry ran his fingers through the back of your hair before roughly pushing your head down into the mattress.
Harry leant down, kissing your lower back trailing his tongue against the skin pulling at it slightly. Before you heard him make a sound which was followed by the feeling of spit running down the middle of your arse. Harry took either one of his hands and pulled either side revealing the mess he began to make letting out a grunt of satisfaction.
"look at you hmm, gonna let me fuck you hard hmm let out all my anger, m' not going to be kind to you poppet"
"I don't want you to be"
He spat on his thumb admiring the way how the liquid ran down it before using his right hand and spreading your ass cheek open once more again, placing his thumb at your entrance.
He then began applying pressure to your rim causing you to let out a noise sounding like it was a mix of a whimper and a inhale of breath.
Harry pushed harder which caused you to open up allowing his thumb to slip inside.
Knowing the feeling himself Harry was often extra gentle with anal he'd normally run his tongue against you a few times before slipping in or at least grabbing a generous bottle of lube to help ease in, but obviously not today.
As he circled his thumb around inside of you. You took this time and pushed back against him slightly wanting additional movement and pressure muttering a "please Harry want more"
"fuckin' said I'll give you more, bloody wait" your pussy throbbed at his words. He was normally so encouraging telling you how pretty your hole looked stretching out for him and telling you how well you were taking his fingers, practically so tight it felt suffocating. But if it wasn't with words it would be with kisses, having neither the lack of praise was causing you to want to please Harry more so you knew you were doing a good job.
"If you don't behave m' gonna leave you with a toy shoved up inside of you for bloody hours maybe all night, and m' gonna sit there and make you watch me cum over and over again."
Your eyes shut at his words picturing Harry's tummy and thighs covered in such sight. He'd done it a few times as a punishment and it was torture.
Harry had stopped the movements of this thumb but left it so it still remained inside of you causing an uncomfortable deep breath to escape your mouth. He picked up his heavy-feeling cock and began to pump his angry tip, noticing how his vein which ran along the side was pulsing ready to be touched. Not being able to see his movements you assumed he was wanting for you to do something, so arched your back more and brought both of your hands to either side of your bum spreading them apart for him to see, wanting to put on a little bit of a show for Harry.
"Fuckin' hell Y/N stay like that" he moaned causing you to smirk, there it was that's what you wanted, just a small amount of praise would do for now. His balls felt painfully full and heavy as he was still pumping himself, he shuffled on the bed closer to you, allowing you to feel the hair on his legs and skin brush against you.
You knew your hips were going to be bruised in the best way possible by tomorrow, growing slightly stiff from being in the position for a while you rolled your back and neck to try and help with the aching and welcome some blood flow to help with numbness. This caused Harry to bring his hands down harder than before to your behind with the sound of him hitting it now echoing around the room slightly.
Pulling his thumb out of you, Harry leant down slowly pressing his body against yours, moving your hair to one side and brushing his lips against your ear. You could have sworn you could hear your own heart beating from anticipation and tension for Harry's next movements. His prick was hot and slightly sticky from precum against your back and his cool cross necklace ran against your skin causing your body to shiver.
His stubble brushed against your jaw as he moved closer to your ear, his breath fanning your neck. "Missing my thumb in your ass already? Don't worry m' gonna fill it. Gonna fuck your holes, and you're gonna fuckin' take it. Now stay bloody still don't want to tell you again Y/Nâ
You gulped at his words as Harry moved away, he'd barely touched you yet your mouth felt dry, but your pussy felt far from it. Your wetness felt slick and uncomfortable warm as it began to spread against the inside of your thighs.
You wanted to press your legs together so badly, and most definitely reach a hand down to your puffy neglected clit. Not wanting to disobey Harry you decided against his.
He slapped his still-angry head against you a few times before moving his thumb back inside of you whilst at the same time finally slipping his cock into your pussy causing your head to roll from the feeling of being full at both ends.
You were a wet mess.
Harry wasn't particularly an angry person at all, and you wouldn't wish for him to be fucked off but god did he look hot when he was. "s' this what you wanted Y/N"
You lifted yourself up on your elbows wanting to change positions to answer Harry but he just pushed his hand against your back pushing you back down and causing a huff to leave your lips and for your tits to brush against the bedding, as he carried on angrily thrusting into you letting out an animalistic grunt. He knew if you weren't comfortable at any point you'd say the word he'd stop, but as of right now, he was going to take you exactly how he wanted it.
Without warning, he removed both his thumb and cock from you making you let out a dissatisfied gasp, Harry shuffled closer and replaced it with the head of his cock now against your asshole which drove you to bite your lip anticipating pain.
"God can't fuckin' listen to me can you, obviously bloody no one can follow any instructions I give around here fuck-"
His thrusts were deep and aggressive which matched the grunts that left his mouth. Your hands gripped the sheets in front of you and your eyes watered slightly at the feeling happening so quickly, it was a good pain, but it was still a pain. Plus Harry was far from small so normally when he was taking you from behind he wouldn't push all the way in, maybe just a quarter.
His grip on either side of your hips ensured you stayed still as he fucked your arse. His hips slammed against you causing the sounds of bodies slapping against each other to fill the room. You knew you were going to feel so sore in the morning and you definitely wouldn't be able to sit down but as of right now it just felt heavenly.
âSo full H fuck so so fullâ
Harry picked up his pace moving one hand to the back of your head and pushing you further down into the duvet, moving one hand under your tummy to pull you further back against him to meet his thrusts.
His hand sluggishly dropped as he was fucking you as he ran two of his fingers against your slit before landing his way on your clit. Your knees began to shake as you could feel them wanting to buckle from feeling overstimulation from feeling so full. Your jaw began to ache from the constant moans escaping.
"so tight 'round me" Harry's movements began to grow sloppy, you both knew neither of you were going to last long. Harry moved his hands so they both grabbed either side of your hips once more, lifting you up off your tummy and now being sat bent down on your knees so you were practically sat on his dick with Harry sat on his calve's pushing himself in and out of your rim behind you.
Your toes were curling from the new position and you couldn't help but reach your hand behind Harry's head which had fallen into your neck to grab onto his once freshly showered now sweaty hair which began to curl together.
Your legs continued to shake and your moans grew an octave higher. Recognising these sounds Harry circularly rubbed your clit which you grabbed onto his wrist as your body grew warm and your stomach tightened dropping your shoulders from the feeling.
Harry wasn't far behind you he slowed down his pace audibly letting out possibly the filthiest nose you'd ever heard as he cummed into your ass.
Reluctantly he waited a few seconds before pulling out now being aware of how rough he really was being with you and such a delicate area.
You'd tiredly flopped onto your front in an attempt to catch your breath and begin to recover. Still in a clouding haze from cumming Harry couldn't stop himself from pulling your cheeks apart for the final time that night watching the white creamy liquid leak out from your hole causing Harry to let out a satisfied hum with a smirk on his face.
"H...please s' sore n' sensitive"
Harry retreated his hands softly pressing a kiss to one of the red outlines of where his hand had hit moments ago.
"Did so good f' me Y/N, fuckin' hell needed that" He began to need your calves innocently to receive some possible built up tension.
"Well, I would like to think you're no longer in a mood?"
"Might have to be pissed off more often if I get to fuck you like that"
"Harry I don't actually think I'm going to be able to sit down or walk tomorrow"
You were right. The whole next day you spent dressed in comfy clothes simply saying to people you'd worked too hard on leg day the day before. Although Harrys constant smirk told people otherwise.
a lot can happen in 13 years đ„čđ
i smiled
summary: harry and y/n share a bed. itâs not always great.Â
warnings: coarse language
pairing: harry styles x fem!reader
âąâąâą
âOw, fuck. Ouch, wow.â
âWhat the hell happened to you?â Y/N said groggily, sitting up a little whilst rubbing one of her eyes, seeing Harry curled up on the floor next to the bed. He grasped the edge of the bed and got back up, sitting down with an unamused look on his face.Â
âYou pushed me off.â
âHow could I have pushed you off?â
âI donât know! Why else would I be on the floor?â
âYouâre, like, a six-foot tall, muscled up man, how could I push you off the bed?â
âWell, I wasnât sleeping on the floor, thatâs for sure.â
Y/N flashed him a sleepy smile, grasping his shoulder and pulling him back down onto the bed, shuffling to get comfortable once more. Harry let out a small, dramatic huff as he got in bed next to her, pulling her close and burying his face in her neck, giving her a small kiss there. Y/N pressed her cold feet against Harryâs legs, something he had gotten used to after sharing a bed with her for so long, keeping his legs tangled with hers so they could be even more tangled in the morning.Â
âIâm pushing you off next time.â He mumbled.
âShut up, go to sleep.â
a/n: thought of nerdrry while writing this, so nerdrry!
đ·: @crow-i-guess, @planetflos, @harrycanyonmoonn, @bxtchboy69, @sweet-as-lilacs, @lyricalniall, @venusincleo (couldnât tag you!), @bxbun111, @tenaciousperfectionunknown, @emispleased, @goldenhrry, @cinnamongirlrry, @manifestrry, @sadqn1, @judesgfirl, @taylorsreputationsversion, @violetsandfluff, @phoebebridgersforqueen, @a-strange-familiar, @moonlightbea-33 (couldnât tag you!), @famedrs-blog, @coochiesteak, @blahblahblah-888 (couldnât tag you!), @milesisntdonewritingyet, @harrysgoth, @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite, @cinnamonlola, @youcan-nolonger-run, @velvetrylie, @vamprry, @ellie-luvsfics, @gorlsinmultifandoms, @littlenatilda
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