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AJ came over again and Harry reprised his role of acting like he was annoyed by him the whole time. 

(Y/N) could tell that he got even more bothered when she came fluttering down the stairs to say hi to him and only him. And then he asked for a recap of their week apart so she sat on the couch next to him and debriefed, not giving any details about Harry or the house at all really. Mainly because he’s his friend and because Harry is sitting ten feet away in the kitchen. 

She’s pretty sure he’s doing the shop’s number because he’s using the same notebook she saw him with weeks ago. 

She wished she were a little meaner because then she’d tell him about how Harry looked through her journal. But again, he’s right there and AJ seems like the type of person to not let him live down something like that.

“Any word from Lucas since Harry told him off?” AJ glanced over his shoulder at Harry and then hurriedly turned back when all he got in return was a glare. 

“Surprisingly, no. I don’t think he’ll call again though. Not after that.” (Y/N) hasn’t blocked his number yet either. Just because there is a tiny part of her afraid that she’ll have to go running back to him for a place to stay. The living situation now doesn’t seem sustainable, even if they occasionally do get along. She’s sure that Harry will want rid of her as soon as the lease expires at the beginning of next year.

She can look for other places in the meantime. Decide what area of town she wants to live in, what makes sense with her job and what life looks like by then. It seems like Harry only tolerates her most of the time so she’s sure he’s going to let her know that he doesn’t want to sign the lease with her again. Probably not in the kindest way either. 

Lucas wouldn’t even think twice about letting her come back. But that's the worst case scenario. Best case she never has to hear from or see him again. But that tiny part of her is still being cautious because things are afloat for now.

“I think I should get Harry to answer when the debt collector calls, damn. He’s mean as fuck.” AJ looked over his shoulder again, just to get a reaction, and Harry didn’t even budge. He just kept tapping away on the calculator and looking unbothered now. “So, anything fun coming up for you?” 

“Not really. I do want to try the new coffee shop that just opened. And I want to go to the bookstore next door, so I’ll probably do that this weekend. Nothing exciting right now.” That kind of stuff was exciting for (Y/N). Giving herself little things to look forward to, like trying the coffee at the coffee shop and maybe getting a pastry to go with it. She couldn’t really call it fun, but it just gave her something to do.

“That sounds cool. I think I know the one you’re talking about.”

“Want to go?” She spoke before thinking. She’d be going alone anyway, it wasn’t wrong to invite him. 

“I thought you’d never ask—”

“AJ.” Harry’s voice sounded before he could finish the rest of his sentence. He froze, looking over his shoulder. If looks could kill, AJ would be in a lot of trouble. 

“Sorry. My father said I can’t go. Have fun though. Let me know if the shop’s any good.” He rolled his eyes, shooting a glare of his own over his shoulder. “He doesn’t like to share, can you tell?” 

(Y/N) only smiled, not wanting to comment. It’d only piss him off and she hasn’t done much of that this week. And it all boils down to the skirt comment. She can actually feel her pulse hammering under her skin whenever she thinks about it. When she hung the skirt back in her closet after the wash, she almost collapsed in her room. It wasn’t even that nice of skirt and he didn’t have to say anything but he did. 

She’s been acting as normal as she can around him. She hasn’t fumbled over her words in front of him or done anything ridiculous, she’s actually been playing it really cool. 

AJ left not long after trying to rile Harry up again. He hugged her goodbye even. And then she disappeared in her room, not wanting to give him the time of day.

*****

Raven couldn’t go to the coffee shop so (Y/N) was stuck going by herself. 

She didn’t mind doing things on her own, sometimes she just preferred to be with someone else. Especially going to a new place, even though it’s only a coffee shop. New places intimidated her at times, but she was trying to get better at just doing things because she wanted to and not worrying about what she looked like doing it. She wanted to try out the new coffee shop, so she would. Alone or not, she was going. 

She decided on shorts and a tank top since it was sunny and warm today. And she needed a tote bag if she was going to the book store, so she stashed away her phone and wallet in the bag with a few other essentials before going downstairs to get her keys. 

Harry was at the table, tapping his foot, watching intently as she grabbed her keys and stopped for a beat to fix the tie on her shoe. 

“Where are you going?” 

She jumped like she hadn’t seen him sitting there and he tried to keep a smirk off his face. 

“Um, to the new coffee place and the bookstore.” She stood straight, shuffling awkwardly before speaking again. “What are you doing?” 

“Sitting here.” He shrugged, watching her run her eyes over the whole of him before nodding. He wasn’t in anything too extravagant. A pair of baggy jeans and a tee shirt but it was decent enough to go to a coffee shop or a bookstore. 

Harry doesn’t know why he did it, but he woke up this morning with every intent of inserting himself into her plans. He never gets out anymore and coffee sounded good. But he wasn’t sure what time she was leaving so he got up extra early just in case he missed her. 

Here she is now, just short of 11:30, tote bag over her shoulder and an outfit perfect for the weather today. He should just let her go and find something else to do, but he’d already made his mind up. 

“Do you want to go?” It was unexpected, her question. Though that’s exactly what he wanted her to say, he really wasn’t sure she would. 

“Hm. I don’t know. Kind of busy today.” A normal person would have said yes because he does want to go. But Harry isn’t normal. He has to play hard to get and nearly make her beg him to do something he wanted to do anyway. 

“Come on. Two hours tops. You can do whatever it is you’re doing later.” 

“Don’t know. I’ve got a lot to do.” He shrugged again, secretly enjoying the disappointed face she’s making. 

“Okay. Well, I’ll be—”

“Fine. I’ll drive.” He stood, keys already in hand, and didn’t stay to see her reaction. She joined him in the car a few moments after he got in and he started driving toward the center of town. 

“Wait, I need to give you directions.” She reached into her tote bag, feeling around for her phone he guessed. 

“Oh, right.” As if he hadn’t already scoured the internet to see where the newest and nearest coffee shop was that was also next to a bookstore. It wasn’t hard to find but he didn’t need her to know that he’d put so much effort into this. 

She told him what it was close to, again, like he didn’t know, and he only nodded. The ride was short but very quiet. From the corner of his eye he can see her just watching out the window. He knows she’s a talker so this is probably hell for her, to sit in silence for ten minutes. Not even the radio is playing. 

“What are you going to get?” He almost didn’t want to ask because then she’d go on a tangent about not knowing what she wanted and how she’s stuck between two drinks. And that’s exactly what she did. He just listened because there was nothing else to do. 

“I’m not sure I even want coffee. Maybe matcha. I don’t know. Maybe both just to try. Do you like matcha?” 

“Fuck no.” 

(Y/N) flinched at his tone of voice before laughing. Somehow she always found a time to laugh at him even when he didn’t do anything. 

“Seriously? Grow up, it’s so good.” She nudged his arm and it felt like his skin and everything underneath froze. Somehow he kept the wheel straight but from just the brush of her hand, his heart started racing all of a sudden. And he didn’t like that at all. He doesn’t think she noticed how it affected him because thankfully, she’s back to looking out the window. 

The coffee shop was nice enough. Nothing special. He followed her inside and looked over the menu while she started chatting away with the girl behind the counter. Of course. She can’t be quiet for more than three minutes at a time. 

“Order, Harry.” She waved him up next to her and begrudgingly, he stood beside her at the counter. He thinks he’ll just try a regular coffee. He knows (Y/N) will give him shit for it but it doesn’t take much more than a look for her to be quiet. 

Just as he thought, she turned to roll her eyes at him when he asked for a plain coffee. She ordered hers and then they stepped to the side to wait for their drinks. 

“Wow. You are really boring.” 

“I’m just here for a coffee. Nothing extravagant.” He leaned against the counter, turning his attention to the rest of the shop. It was small and the lighting was too dark for his taste but he could see it being a decent place for sitting in when you had nothing better to do. 

“What did you have planned before? I’m not taking you away from anything important, am I?” 

Harry was hoping she wouldn’t ask because there was no real answer. He didn’t have anything to do, he just had to make it seem like he wasn’t waiting up all morning for her. And he honestly wasn’t. It might have looked like that, but it wasn’t. He doesn’t know why he wanted to tag along in the first place. He just did. 

“Inventory at the shop.” Which he really should be doing. But it’s not urgent necessarily. He could probably even do it tomorrow. 

“Oh. Does that take a while?” 

“Depends.” Maybe if he stopped talking so much, she’d stop asking a question about everything he says. 

“Well, thanks for coming with me even though you were busy. Sometimes I just get a little nervous about going to new places alone.” So maybe her offer wasn’t completely selfless. She doesn’t like to do things on her own. He could’ve guessed that with how often she opens her mouth. No one to talk to when you’re by yourself. 

“Yeah. Hope I’m not late with the inventory.” Lie. Because he’d rather lie to her face than tell her that he might’ve wanted to go with her. Not specifically because she’d be there but that is a small part of it. But it’s not like he wanted to go just because she was going. That would be insane. 

Their drinks were done almost immediately after and she thanked the girl before turning to him. 

“Try.” She’d just stabbed the paper straw through the lid of her matcha and then basically demanded him to try it. 

“I’m good.” 

“Harry. You can’t not like matcha. That’s ugly and wrong. Try this one.” She extended her arm further toward him. 

“I’ll stick with this for now.” He took a step away from her, in the direction of the door, but she stopped him with a hand on his arm. Another electric touch that had him jerking away from her all together. She looked at him weird but didn’t comment. 

“Don’t make me beg you. Really? I’m just asking you to try, not trade or anything.” Somehow she closed in on him again and since he wasn’t too keen on causing a scene in the relatively empty coffee shop, he pushed through the door, knowing she’d follow. “Harry!” 

She followed, laughing, brushing her hand against his shoulder. Another zap of something he knew he had to forget about. He doesn’t know what it is or why it is but he’s not going to put any energy into it. If trying her drink is the way to get this to stop, he’ll do it. 

“Fine.” He spun around and snatched the cup out of her hand. His face soured when he tasted exactly what he knew he’d taste when he grabbed the cup. He’s not sure how to describe it, but not pleasant is definitely up there. “Not good. Like I said.” 

“You and your preconceived notions, Harry.” She shook her head at him as if she was playfully disappointed and took her cup back. She sipped away on the straw like she didn’t care any about his germs and then she hummed in what he thinks was delight. “Lovely. You should get out more.” 

(Y/N) waved her finger at him and started toward the door of the bookstore. This time he followed, taking the door from her as she stepped inside. 

He’s seen this store before. It’s been here for years. He’s never been in, he’s not much of a reader these days, but he likes the atmosphere of bookstores. At least the ones he has been in. 

He still doesn’t know why he’s here. He doesn’t have a reading list anymore and there really aren’t any books or genres he’s interested in, so he’s stuck with watching her browse the shelves and read the backs of romance novels. 

“That looks actually awful.” He wasn’t planning on commenting but the front cover of the book instantly told him what type of cheesy, unrealistic story it would be. He almost couldn’t help himself. 

“You don’t like friends to lovers?” She tilted her head at him, looking astonished. Like if he didn’t like friends to lovers the world might as well be over. So he rolled his eyes. 

“I don’t know what that means but look at the front of it. Shitty illustration. Should tell you what kind of book you’re spending your money on.” 

“Harry. How dare you judge a book by its cover. That’s so incredibly messed up, I’m actually so disappointed in you.” Her disappointment faded almost immediately into a laugh. She knocked her shoulder into his and he stumbled slightly. He didn’t know he was standing that close to her. 

“Get used to disappointment. It’s all there is.” Especially with him. He doesn’t say that but he knows he’s already thoroughly disappointed her just by being himself. Most people come to the realization sooner or later. 

“Mm, not really. I’m buying it and you can borrow it when I’m done.” She grinned at him before tucking the book under her arm and walking further down the aisle, all while working on the matcha he couldn’t believe she was still drinking. Part of him wants to call it performative because there’s no way anyone with tastebuds would willingly drink that. But she does. Until it’s ice and then she laments to herself about it being gone already. 

By the time Harry considers complaining about how long she’s taking, she has a stack of eight books that he’s holding. Along with her melting ice cup from the coffee shop. She didn’t even ask. She just started stacking them on his arm until he got the hint to take them from her. She’s pushy and he’s not exactly a fan of it. 

He finished his coffee about fifteen minutes ago and now much of his focus is on balancing the books so they don’t tip over and watching her hair sway every time she turns a corner or gets minimally excited about anything at all. And of course, his gaze does occasionally fall to her ass. But he never said he was a saint. 

He starts reciting scripture that was drilled into his head as a child whenever she bends over. It’s torture, but a torture he would probably allow himself again. He doesn’t make any part of it obvious. 

“I think you’re finished.” He hurried to say when she gasped again over a book with the same boring cover of two animated people standing in front of a predictable background. 

“Are you getting tired of holding my books?” Her lashes fluttered. She was gearing up for a tease and he was well aware but he couldn’t think of a single thing to say back. Her smile is pretty and he knows he’ll do something to ruin it today. It’s what he’s best at. 

“Yeah. Actually. I didn’t come to stand around and hold your shit.” 

“Why did you come?” She shot back, flipping through the pages of the book quickly before setting it on top of the pile he’s holding. 

“I don’t know.” He could’ve been mean, he could’ve said nothing, but he honestly didn’t know. Like he’d been pondering all morning. It wasn’t something he could answer, pathetically enough. 

“Cheer up. We’re having fun.” She turned again, continuing to scan the shelves for more books when she already had enough to last her the rest of the year and into next. He sighed, walking after her. He didn’t have anything better to do, he guessed. 

“Can we stop at the grocery? I can make something for dinner if you want.” She offered, turning to look at him when he stopped for a red light. He didn’t look back, trying to look busy while staring at the dashboard in front of him. 

It was nearing two thirty. She’d done all that searching just to do an elimination at the end. He had to watch her decide between books for thirty minutes. He wanted to tell her he’d just buy her all the fucking books if it got them out of there quicker but she managed to finish right before he really got fed up with waiting. 

She looked a little teary when she had to put one in particular back that she’d talked herself out of and he thought it was a little ridiculous but he didn’t comment. 

And now dinner. The thought of ending the day with a plate full of her lasagna sounded like a dream. He didn’t know how to communicate that exactly without sounding too enthused so he shrugged in response. 

“What can you make?” 

He listened as she listed off everything but the lasagna and he almost felt like crying. That should be number one and he shouldn’t have to say it for her to remember how good it is. If any of these other meals are as good as the lasagna, he might have a problem on his hands.

“And I also make a pretty good grilled cheese.” 

“Yeah, that’s not really dinner. What else?” He tried again and she sighed. 

“Well…I could make lasagna again but I feel like I make it too often—”

“Lasagna? Sounds easy enough, sure.” He cut in before she changed the subject. It would’ve taken another ten minutes to get her back on the subject of lasagna if he hadn’t said anything. 

“Oh. Sure, yeah. It comes together quick.” 

The grocery store was dead for a Saturday afternoon so they were able to get into every aisle smoothly and collect everything they needed. He paid extra attention to each ingredient because he didn’t want to have to do this again. If he could make the lasagna himself in secret, he might not have to act like this just to get her to make it for him. 

“Just ricotta now.” She handed him a jar of sauce and he placed it in the cart gently, feeling so at ease just at the mere thought of a warm home cooked meal. It was different when someone else made it for you, despite him having his own meals at home a lot. Plus, (Y/N)’s lasagna always put him right to sleep. In combination with the garlic bread she picked up a couple aisles ago, he knew he’d be full and satisfied tonight. “Should we get dessert or something?”

“Are you really asking me that?” He squinted at her. 

“What? You’re going to make me a pie then?” She put her hands on her hips, squinting right back at him. 

“There’s not time to make you a pie tonight. But we could—” Every thought in Harry’s brain turns to dust as soon as a man walks up behind her and grabs onto her arm more rough than he would’ve liked.

“(Y/N)?” As if he needed to touch her to call her name. It makes Harry feel queasy just watching his fingers dig into the skin of her upper arm. “What are you doing here?” 

(Y/N) looks to be in the same amount of shock as the man is so she doesn’t move from his grasp quite yet but she does as soon as it registers who he is. 

“Lucas? Uh, hi.” It takes too much effort for her to remove his hand and Harry can already feel a prickling up his spine. Lucas. The asshole who treated her like shit. He doesn’t deserve a stitch of her attention. 

“Making lasagna? That’s my favorite, you know.” He must have already analyzed the cart when he came up. And if he paid a little more attention, he’d see just who is attached to said cart. And he knows he doesn’t look happy. 

And yeah, Harry kind of hates that bit. The fact that Lucas was ever allowed any of her lasagna nauseates him but he doesn’t get to put a tremendous amount of thought into it before he’s busy with examining every one of Lucas’s movements again. 

“Yeah…just something….quick.” She fixed her bag on her shoulder and took another step away from him and closer to the other side of the cart. 

“What? You’re not going to invite me?” It was playful, but Harry could hear a slight shift in his tone that he also wasn’t too fond of. But he didn’t want to intervene quite yet. “Anyway. What happened the other night? Some guy answered your phone and wouldn’t let me talk to you. Who was that?” 

Finally, his eyes shot to Harry and his expression was exactly as he thought it’d be. 

“Is this him?” His voice was thick with accusation, like that was his place to even ask the question. Harry couldn’t help the smirk on his mouth. 

“Who’s this?” Harry doesn’t know why he does it, but he grabbed onto the belt loop of her jean shorts and dragged her next to him. She stumbled a bit but fell into him naturally. And he didn’t mind the heat of her standing directly beside him. 

“Oh. This is my ex, Lucas.” She answered Harry first. He wanted to stick his tongue out at him, but he thought that might be too childish. “You know. I told you about him.” She met eyes with Harry and gave him this look. Like,  go along with it. 

“This is Lucas?” He tried not to act overly surprised, he wasn’t, but anything to get under his skin. “He looks exactly like you described him.” His hand curled around her hip and he didn’t miss the way Lucas watched intensely, like he had the guts to say anything about it when Harry was standing right here. 

“Oh, so this is the guy you’re fucking while you ignore my phone calls? How mature.” His voice raised more than Harry would’ve liked so he decided it was time to wrap this up. He can cry about it to someone else. (Y/N) doesn’t owe him a second more of her time. 

“We sure do. Watch your call come through during and as soon as the screen goes black, she cums every single time.” Harry crossed the line on that one but seeing his face turn that red felt like accomplishment. 

“Harry.” (Y/N) pressed her nails lightly into his back but he kept his attention to Lucas who was preparing himself to say something completely uncalled for. 

“I thought I told you to fucking leave her alone.” He decided to speak up since Lucas seemed to be short circuiting at the thought of them together. He would leave him knocked out cold in the dairy section but (Y/N) might not be too excited about that.  

Harry doesn’t really want an assault charge either but it would certainly spice things up a little bit. Plus, he doesn’t think Lucas is dumb enough to press charges if he did hit him (he really, really wants to) because then he’d go find him and do it all over again, just worse the second time. He wouldn’t be able to lift a finger to call anyone after he was done with him. And Harry knows he knows that. 

“Who is this guy? Seriously. He’s not safe to be around, why don’t you come with me?”

“Lucas, just go. We’re trying to enjoy our night and you’re ruining it.” He felt her flinch when he squeezed at her hip again for good measure. He’s not sure where this confidence came from but if he can send Lucas on a spiral without doing too much, he’ll do it as many times as he likes. 

“She asked you nicely. But I’m not going to ask you to do anything. Last chance.” 

He hesitated like he wanted to try something else but ultimately, he just scoffed, waving them off. 

“You changed. I don’t even know who you are anymore.” He shook his head like he was so shocked by her behavior and walked off. Not without shooting Harry a glare that made him crack another obvious smile. 

“My god. What did you see in him?” One last pinch to her hip and he let her go in favor of grabbing the cart. Anything to steady his hands again. She was too warm and too real for him to have a normal reaction. He needed something to ground him for a second and the cart did a sufficient enough job. 

“Wow. That was so embarrassing. Let’s go.” She heaved a breath before walking off toward the registers. He made sure to grab the ricotta before following after her, checking the aisles to make sure Lucas wasn’t hiding somewhere so he could get anywhere near her again. 

(Y/N) was silent in line. She didn’t joke with him or smile at him, she just stared absently at the conveyor while deep in thought. 

Harry could grit his teeth. Lucas had ruined their day before he got the chance to.  And that was self-appointed his job. Now he has to try to make up for it before she makes him a sad lasagna. He knows it wouldn’t taste the same so he has to do something to fix it.

“What a loser.” 

She blinked at him and sighed. He was obviously talking about Lucas but she didn’t look like she understood him. 

“Aren’t I? That was the guy I spent so much time on, thinking he’d change for me. Just because I was so good to him.” 

“I meant him, sweetheart. You’re not a loser.” 

“Then why do I feel like one?” Her voice went down to a whisper and she faced forward again in line, her shoulders drooping like she was really taking it hard and contemplating. 

Harry wasn’t normally the encouraging type. If anyone else thought they were a loser, he’d probably agree with them to their face. But he couldn’t do that to (Y/N) when it wasn’t even close to the truth. 

She had already started loading their groceries on the conveyor, smiling fakely at the cashier but saying nothing when she normally would have gone off and complimented them for the hell of it. Just to be nice. She did none of that and instead stood there waiting for the total silently. 

“Hey.” She didn’t turn, didn’t react like she heard him at all. “(Y/N).” Nothing. So he grabbed onto her shoulder, facing her toward him now. Her attention was on him, for the most part, but he could still see her mind racing. Probably with lots and lots of regrets and what ifs. Like Harry subjects himself to almost constantly. (Y/N) doesn’t do that though and he’s not going to let her just because she saw her shitty ex in the grocery store. 

She’d do it for him in a heartbeat. 

“There’s a fresh key lime at the shop if you want to bring it home.” He knew the pie schedule. He didn’t want (Y/N) to know that was a thing because she’d laugh at him for being so meticulous about pie. 

“At your shop?” 

“Where else? We can drop by and get it on the way home.” If that would make the color come back to her face he’d do it. And probably more just so she’d stop acting so miserable. “I can even make some whipped cream to go with it.”

Her expression lifted the slightest and then she finally smiled. “Sounds good.” 

The shop was dead when he swung open the back door. No one was expecting him to come in at this time, but he knew that the staff on the clock always had things under control. 

She came in behind him, buzzing at the thought of going behind the scenes just to pick up a pie. They parked behind the building and when he got out, he knew she had so many questions she just hadn’t asked yet. He didn’t know why exactly but he figured she was still in her head a little bit.

He nodded at the shift manager that he barely sees because of her schedule now only has her weekends and evenings. He didn’t bother with a proper greeting because he was dead set on making sure (Y/N) had a good night still, despite Lucas’s appearance. 

The fridge was running a little low but there was still a fresh key lime sitting on the shelf. He grabbed it, shut the fridge, and turned to her. 

“Look good?” There was another if this one wasn’t to her liking. 

“So good.” She took it from his hands and her smile now made up for any hassle this might have been. (It wasn’t.)

They went home and (Y/N) got started on dinner and banished him to anywhere but the kitchen. His plan of watching her process was foiled almost instantly. He tried to argue but she wasn’t having it. So, he sat on the couch and ignored the tv playing in front of him. 

Today had been a lot but it felt…different. He thinks that spending time with (Y/N) isn’t so bad. So maybe next time she wants to eat in and do a puzzle, he doesn’t have to say no. She’s being nice and trying to include him. He should be grateful that anyone cared enough to. 

It scared him at first. That’s why seeing her outside the house was less pressure. There was much more to distract her. She didn’t have only him to look at and talk to. She didn’t have time to notice how terrible his people skills were if they were somewhere else. At home, he was all there was. And he knew she’d ask questions and have to look at him longer than a glance. It was intimidating. But he thinks he’d do a lot better now.

He had dinner together to get through. Their first dinner ever. It didn’t have to be weird. He’d just let her do the talking and bring up things she liked to discuss so he didn’t have to do much. She’d just talk away and he could nod along. 

“Your plate’s ready!” 

He didn’t need to be told twice. He was taking it from her a second later. It was full of lasagna, garlic bread, and a mix of greens with a dressing drizzled over top. 

Harry doesn’t remember the last time he ate a vegetable on purpose. 

He hesitated when she looked at him expectantly. 

“Well?”

“What?” 

“Are we eating on the couch or at the table?” She shot him a look. Apparently her question was obvious. 

“Couch.” He answered easily. The table felt too formal. At least he could look at the tv instead. 

(Y/N) sat a cushion away from him and didn’t say much while they ate. The only thing Harry was thinking about saying was how good the lasagna was but he didn’t want to give her any compliments just yet. 

But he couldn’t stop looking at her from the corner of his eye. Granted, he couldn’t see much from the angle but that didn’t stop him from doing it. 

“I can take your plate once you’re done.” She offered. It was the first thing she said after such a long stretch of silence. He was beginning to think she was replaying the grocery store and then she spoke up. 

“I’ll take yours actually. I have to start on the whipped cream anyway.” He brushed it off, trying not to act like it was such a big deal to take her plate and rinse it off. He could be considerate sometimes. 

He knew she’d follow him to the kitchen so he didn’t tell her not to. And she watched the process to the very end when he was scooping the whipped cream expertly onto the evenly sliced pie. She watched it all quietly and grinned at him as soon as he passed her the plate.  

“Thank you.” 

“No problem.” 

“I mean, thank you for today too. Lucas was being so….you know. You didn’t have to say anything but you did. So, thank you.” She kept her eyes on her pie that she still hadn’t tried yet. 

“Didn’t mind it. I wanted to hit him but I didn’t think you’d be too happy with me.” He tried to switch the conversation to a more lighthearted subject. Not her thanking him for telling off her terrible ex and how grateful she is. That was too much. Too personal. Harry just isn’t prepared for anything like that right now. 

“Next time, please do.” She chuckled. “I’m hoping there’s not a next time but…yeah. If there ever was. Be my guest.” 

“I’ll have to remember that.” Harry doesn’t know why he smiles but he does. Like he was enjoying the conversation. Like he had a good time today. Like he didn’t mind that he spent more than two minutes in the same room as her. He normally would’ve dropped his smile and distanced himself as soon as possible but he didn’t. 

He sat back on the couch with her with a plate of his own and tried to ignore the heat in his face when she praised his pie all over again, in addition to the freshly made whipped cream. 

“I think you’re the best roommate I ever had, Harry. I mean it.” (Y/N) muttered just as she started surrendering to sleep on the couch next to him. He thought about denying it as soon as she said it. 

It wasn’t true. Even if she thought it was, it wouldn’t be for long. Today might’ve been a good day but it didn’t mean anything had changed. 

(Y/N) was still a person he didn’t know much about and while she gave him glimpses in to see, often, he didn’t want to take it any further. 

*****

(Y/N) would give anything to be back in bed, but work felt pressing today. She’s pretty sure she’s running a fever along with bouts of chills every so often that came on at the worst time possible. 

She almost felt fine this morning. But somewhere a switch flipped and her nose was running like a faucet and her throat rubbed dry whenever she swallowed. It was hell and she knows she shouldn’t be here. 

Her coworker Desiree took one look at her and was halfway to the boss’s office before she could look up. 

“Work will be here when you get back, (Y/N). It’s important that you rest and stay hydrated or you’ll be worse off than you are now.” 

Any other time, (Y/N) would say she has the best boss in the world but right now it felt like too much. Sure, she doesn’t want to spread something around the office but in her defense it didn’t start until after she got there and started working. She felt normal only a few hours ago. 

It only took a little bit more convincing until (Y/N) was packing her things and starting the journey home. It was for the best, she knew, she just didn’t like getting behind at work. 

Harry’s car was in the driveway when she got home. But her plan was to hurry inside and not let him see her anyway. Because she felt awful and besides, she’d been on a self imposed break from Harry. Which really meant she was avoiding him at every turn. It felt ridiculous but that’s just how they handled things. 

He was nice to her the other day and ate dinner with her and stayed on the couch next to her until she was ready for bed and even said goodnight, all with an almost smile on his face. And if (Y/N) knows anything about Harry, he was going to draw away immediately. He always did. 

They had a decent time, but the next day they were like strangers all over again. He’d halfway joke with her one day and then not even give her a second glance the next. It was just how he was. And it’s fine. She just had to be the one to do it first. Make him wonder for once. 

It wasn’t her trying to be petty, she just knew if he did it to her like she knew he would, she’d think the worst. Like she often did whenever they had any kind of interaction. 

It felt dumb in hindsight but it’s exactly what he’d do to her. She just did it before he got the chance to. It felt easier, like she was beating him at his own game. Because that’s what it felt like, a game. 

So while he called her sweetheart and complimented her skirt and smiled at her like he wanted to be bothered by her, she knew that it didn’t stand for much. He’d get in another mood at the drop of a dime and look past her like she didn’t exist again. But at the end of the day, he’s still a man and she never wants to give one of those too much credit ever again. 

Somehow she managed to stumble to her room and shut the door behind her without bumping into him. She’s not even sure where he is in the house right now, she’s just glad she didn’t come face to face with him when she can’t see straight. 

It took five minutes total for her to change into something comfortable and crawl into bed. Sleep came so fast, she didn’t even have time to think about how awful she was feeling. She had all the time in the world for that when she woke back up. 

Which was sooner than she wanted it to be because Harry was standing at her bed and squinting at her. Well, at least that’s what it looked like through her hazy eyes. 

“What are you doing here?”

She decided not to answer him and turned over in bed instead. If he couldn’t tell she wasn’t feeling well, that’s his problem. And the last thing she wants to do right now is try to explain that to him. 

“Is everything okay?” 

“God, Harry. No.” She gave in. For someone who hates questions, he sure asks a lot of his own. “I’m sick so I came home from work early.” 

“Sick how?” 

“Fever sick. So leave before you get yourself sick.” She pulled the blankets further over her shoulder, waiting for him to leave so she’d have some peace again. 

“Oh. I’ll leave you then.” 

“Thank you.” It sounded impolite but she really meant it. (Y/N) is hoping sleep will quell most of what she’s feeling now, but she’s aware that isn’t always the case. Especially with a fever. She had already shut her eyes, and with how quiet it had gotten, she was sure he left and didn’t bother checking. Instead, she sank further into the bed and drifted off to sleep. 

*****

“(Y/N).” 

She doesn’t think she could guess how much time had passed since she fell asleep and now, Harry was waking her again. 

“What? I was sleeping, my head finally stopped hurting. Uh, what are you…?” (Y/N) actually couldn’t believe her eyes. She thinks the fever might be affecting her sense of reality because there’s no way that Harry is standing beside her bed with a bowl of what appears to be soup, steam rising from it and everything. He doesn’t look happy about it, of course, but he’s here. Standing right beside her bed, carefully holding the bowl like he was trying too hard not to make it spill. 

“Don’t look so shocked. Can you take this already, it’s hot.” He shot her a look, nodding toward her like he wanted her to take the bowl from him so he could just vanish and act like none of this ever happened. Like he’s never done a nice thing for her in his life. But nope. Even when sick, (Y/N) is going to milk this for every bit it’s worth. 

“I would but I’m so, so sleepy. I don’t think I can.” She fluttered her eyes like she was as tired as she said she was and he shifted, looking her over as if he couldn’t see right through her little act. 

“Okay. Well. Can I sit it here—”

“No, no, no. It’s too hot to sit there.” She hurried to interrupt him before he could sit it on the nightstand next to her. 

“Then what do you want me to do with it?” It only took him two seconds to regret asking. “You’re joking.” 

“Come on, Harry. It’d be so nice of you to help me out when I’m so under the weather. I didn’t even get to take my temperature yet.” 

“You didn’t take your temperature? What, is it your first time being sick or something? You should know that by now.” He almost looked mad at that fact on its own. More mad about that than her silent request to spoon feed her the soup. 

“I don’t have a thermometer. I was just going to let it happen.” 

He rolled his eyes. 

“Have you eaten? Had any water?” He pressed. 

“Well, no. I just came home from work and went right to bed.” 

“Christ’s sake. You’re eating this right now.” 

Somehow, with a bowl of hot soup in his hands, he kneed his way up on the bed beside her and held out the first spoonful. 

“What kind is it?” 

He scoffed. 

“The good kind. Eat. I don’t have to be doing this right now, you know.” 

“Then why are you?” She shot back. If he truly didn’t want to entertain her, why do it? She was completely capable of taking care of herself even when she didn’t feel well.

“Hush.” He tried again with the spoon and this time she just let it be. Even though she wanted to continue prodding about just why he felt like he had any reason to sit here with her when she was unwell. But she didn’t. Maybe he would explain himself eventually. 

The spoon feeding was a silent affair. He even wiped her mouth with a napkin after and he didn’t look too annoyed with her when he did. 

“Thank you, Harry. That was the good kind.” Her eyes were feeling heavy again, but she was trying to keep herself awake for a little longer. 

“I know. I made it.” 

(Y/N) couldn’t dwell on that properly because she was so sleepy all of a sudden. The soup was a good idea. Just filling enough to not be overwhelming. 

Her eyes shot back open when he placed the back of his hand to her forehead. He tsked. 

“We should really take your temperature. You feel really warm. Are you still cold?” He asked, moving his hand down to the side of her cheek. 

“A little. No chills anymore.” 

“Did you take medicine?” She didn’t even bother answering. “(Y/N). Do you do this every time you’re sick and suffer?” 

“I thought I just had to wait it out.” There really wasn’t much to do for a fever and she knew it wouldn’t last too long, they never usually do. He still shook his head at her. 

“So, when you were sick previously, no one has ever even tried to help you? Just a little bit? Medicine? Soup? Water?” 

“Uh, not that I can remember. I don’t really get sick a lot though.” She almost whined when he moved his cool hand away from her warm skin. 

She tried to think back to when she’s been this sick. Maybe once, a couple years ago. A flu went around the office and of course, she had to get stuck with it too. Lucas was more concerned with her staying away from him so he didn’t get sick to do anything productive. She can’t remember leaving the couch to do anything more than use the bathroom. And yeah. He made her sleep on the couch. But she doesn’t want to tell Harry that bit. He might fly off the handle. 

“That’s a shame then.” He grabbed the empty bowl and moved off her bed. “I’m going to run out and get you a few things. Try and get some rest.” 

“Oh, no need, Harry. I think I’m okay.” 

“You don’t look okay. I’ll just be a minute. Don’t move.” He disappeared a moment later and she sighed. Really feeling content now that her stomach was full. But she still felt shitty and achy and all the other things that come with a fever. As soon as the fever broke, she knew she’d feel much better. 

(Y/N) was in and out of sleep by the time Harry was back in her room with a bag full of things that he insisted she needed. A fever reducer, a thermometer that he opened as soon as he pulled it out of the bag, and he said something about popsicles down in the freezer but she didn’t really catch much of that because she was too concerned with the furrow in his brow. All because of her. 

He looked worried when he saw the temperature and shook his head at her. 

“If this fever isn’t gone by morning I should take you somewhere.” 

“I don’t think it’s that serious.” 

“(Y/N), trust me. You’re delirious because you can’t even see straight right now. I’m going to get you a glass of water and I want you to drink all of it.” 

(Y/N) did exactly as he said and he seemed happy with that as he told her to sleep again and that he’d be back soon to give her more water. 

Her fever broke sometime in the early morning. She didn’t bother checking a clock as she shoved all the blankets off and made her way to the bathroom. Her head was still pounding but the fever was gone she could tell and now a shower was in order. 

She had just started the shower when there was a knock on the door. 

“Are you okay?” 

“Yeah. My fever’s gone and now I’m all sweaty.” She’d have to change all her bed stuff and that was such a hassle just to think about, she might just go lay on the couch like old times. 

“Good. Don’t run the water too hot, alright? If you need something, just ask.” 

“Okay, thanks.” (Y/N) would bet ten whole dollars that he’s not going to move an inch from his spot outside the door the whole time she’s in the shower. 

The shower helped a lot. She felt less queasy and the headache had lessened some. She’d probably need another round of painkillers for that. She wrapped herself in a towel and was surprised that when she opened the door, Harry wasn’t waiting there for her. 

Instead, he was in her room, tucking fresh sheets around the bed and not looking her in the face while she stood there dripping wet. 

“You didn’t have to.” 

“I know. I’ll bring you more water once you’re dressed and back in bed.” 

She did exactly that. Maybe it was because she was exhausted and ready to go back to sleep that she didn’t fight him on it. Normally, she might’ve just told him to forget the water and that she’d be alright just going back to sleep. Or maybe it was the fact that he was kind of, sort of taking care of her. She hated to think like that when she knew he’d deny it, but it really did feel like it. Like he might feel bad that she’s under the weather and he wanted to help in his own way. It definitely was his own way because he still wasn’t the nicest about any of it, but she still appreciated every bit of it. 

Harry came back a few minutes after she settled back in bed and brought more water just like he said he would. He passed the glass off to her and looked as if he might just leave the room as quickly as he came, but she stopped him with another thank you, wanting to be sure that he heard her. 

He didn’t respond verbally, he just kind of looked her over, shrugged, and left the room. (Y/N) is betting that her thank yous are just too much for him to process. She’s not used to being taken care of and he’s not used to anyone being grateful for him. She could help that if only he allowed her to. 

That was a challenge for another time though. She set the water glass down and was back to sleep shortly after her head hit her freshly changed pillowcase. 

****

“I don’t think it’s supposed to look like that.” 

Harry said from over her shoulder. It was quite rude if she was honest because she’d tried her very best. 

She thought about turning around and giving him a dirty look, but he was standing far too close to her for her to do anything of the sort. 

Maybe it’s because he’s looking at her terrible rendition of what is supposed to be flan, but looks more like soup, on the plate in front of her. She doesn’t even know why she bothered trying to flip it out of one of Harry’s round pans. Because she could tell from the bottom that the consistency was off. 

She even asked him beforehand if he’d ever made flan and he just looked at her before turning back to the tv. She was secretly asking for advice and he ignored her which brought them to this. 

And now he wanted to criticize. 

“Shove off. I tried my best.” She felt her voice waiver the tiniest bit and she didn’t know why she was so upset about it, but she was.  

It was Raven’s birthday tomorrow and they planned to meet up and celebrate. (Y/N) wasn’t sure how yet, but she knew she wanted to make her something special. Flan is Raven’s favorite dessert. She’s mentioned it several times in passing and she knew as her best friend that she was responsible for getting some kind of treat for her birthday. Store bought wasn’t going to cut it this time. 

Harry seemed to know a lot of desserts but he must only want to make them when he’s not here because he barely does it. It’s annoying. He never brings home anything good even when he’s gone all day. 

But he was useless, of course. He had to come in right as she was flipping the pan. The way he tried to hide a smile made her sick. And honestly, it hurt her feelings very much. 

“I don’t think you cooked it for long enough.” 

“Well, I didn’t want it to burn!” (Y/N) threw her hand out and then took a deep breath. She’s getting far too emotional about this and Harry will only find humor in that. “I give up.” 

That alone took her three times as long to make. Never mind even putting it in the oven. All the prep, searching for the best recipe. And it was all for nothing and just a waste of time. 

“What’s this for again?” He watched her move around the kitchen to clean up the mess she made. 

“Raven’s birthday.” 

“Who’s that again?”

“My friend—my best friend. And I ruined it,” (Y/N) isn’t sure why she thought she’d be able to make it in the first place.  “She’s coming over tomorrow to pick me up for a night out and I wanted to have something ready for her birthday.” 

She might have slammed the pan in the sink too roughly because Harry shot her a look. 

“Don’t quit your day job, that’s for sure.” 

“You’re a dick. I was trying to ask for your help and you couldn’t be bothered with it.” (Y/N) wanted to apologize for name calling but instead she just let it simmer in the air with her arms crossed. 

“I won’t argue with you there.” He almost smiled at her. “You should’ve said something. I’ve made flan loads of times.” 

“Whatever. I’m going to bed. I don’t want to worry about it anymore.” 

(Y/N) left him in the kitchen to shut herself in her room. She would just have to find something else for Raven’s birthday. 

To her surprise, in the morning, Harry grabbed her by the front of her tee shirt and dragged her after him to the kitchen. 

And in the fridge a large pan, not flipped just yet, chilling since she’s not really sure. She looked up at him and felt herself frown, very overly done, and then she hugged him around the neck.

“Harry. You didn’t have to.”

“Someone had to. You’ve been pouting for the better half of the morning.” He didn’t try to pull away from her but his arms didn’t move.

“Well I didn’t expect you to make it yourself.” She finally let him go and then gently patted his cheek. “How sweet. I bet it’s really good.” 

“I made you a small one so you could try it first.” He reached back in the fridge and pulled out a ramekin. Her jaw dropped. 

“You did? Really?” 

“Just flip it and try it already.” His eyes rolled but he still looked very interested in her reaction. She grabbed a small plate and slid a knife around the edge of the flan, just like all the tips and tricks she’d read about flan said to do, and it came out perfectly intact. She gasped at the sight of it. 

“It’s breakfast time.” 

“So? Eat it.” 

(Y/N) did not need to be told twice. 

As soon as she closed her mouth around the spoon, she was swatting at him. 

“You’re unbelievable.” It was said like an insult, which that’s probably what made him laugh. It still shocked (Y/N) but she tried not to show it. 

“I can’t help it. I’m trained.” 

“Trained?” 

Then (Y/N) tried not to get too excited when asking questions about his time as a pastry chef. Professionally. 

“I just stick to pies now. It’s easy.” 

“Why are you just telling me this now?” She shoved another spoonful in her mouth and wanted to cry. Maybe they shouldn’t be roommates. This could be really bad for her. 

“It’s not something I like to talk about.” His entire demeanor changed when he answered and she let her smile that had been consistent for at least five full minutes fall flat. That was almost a record. 

“Oh. Well. Thanks. Raven will love this.”

He just raised his eyebrows at her and nodded. 

“Sure.” 

Raven came over around seven and hugged (Y/N) as soon as she stepped in the door. 

“I have something for you before we go.” 

Long story short, Raven loved the flan and hugged (Y/N) a bunch more before diving into her second piece. 

“Did you make this?” She pointed with the spoon. (Y/N) could take credit for it and Harry would never even bat an eye but there’s no need for that. Raven knows that she isn’t the best at baking. 

“No, Harry did.” She kept her voice low but Raven gasped and hurried from the kitchen to the living room where Harry was sitting on the couch. 

“Thank you for the flan, Harry. It’s amazing.” 

“You’re welcome. Happy birthday.” He half smiled and went back to the tv. (Y/N) was in disbelief for many reasons. At least three reasons. At the very least. The you’re welcome, the happy birthday, and definitely the barely there smile he never, ever offers her. Raven probably thinks he’s almost decent now. 

“Why aren’t you sleeping together again?” Raven whispered when she got back to her plate of half-eaten flan. 

“Because he hates my guts, maybe?” 

“I do think it’s something to do with your guts, but definitely not hating them.” She winked until (Y/N) waved her off. 

“Yeah, right. Are you ready?” She put both their plates in the sink and wrapped up the plate before placing it back in the fridge. She stopped by the door on the way following Raven outside and did one quick glance of herself in the mirror by the door. 

“Where are you going again?” He said again as if she offered up the information before now at any point and she didn’t. Not at all. 

“A couple bars, I think. We’re just going to get dinner and hang around Main Street.” Main Street was notorious for not being the best area to be in during evening hours, but (Y/N) and Raven had never had any issues and one of them is always sober enough to get them home safely. Tonight that would be (Y/N). Raven already handed her the keys. 

“Meeting your friends too?” 

“Yeah, a few. I invited Joseph. He’s waiting on us now I think.” She glanced at her phone screen and then back to him. 

“That prick from your job?” His mouth set into a line. 

“Since when is he a prick? No. He’s cute, he said he would come.” A total lie, but (Y/N) just wanted to see how bent out of shape he would get. 

“Don’t even think of bringing him here.” 

(Y/N) really had to reel it in and hold back a smile, a laugh, any surprise on her face. She just shrugged. 

“We’ll go to his then. If that even happens.” She shrugged like it was definitely a possibility when it wasn’t anywhere near the truth. 

“Fine.” As if he’s allowing it. “Be good.” 

“No promises.” She grinned at him before shutting the door behind her. 

****

(Y/N) stumbled in with Raven hanging onto her shoulders and muttering about some guy who was bothering them at one of the first bars they stopped at. He was shut down fast, but Raven just likes to relive the night from the very beginning. 

“Do we have to be quiet? Is your hot gardener slash baker sleeping?” She was shushed immediately by (Y/N) who wasn’t really sure if he was or not. 

“Just shh until we get into my room.” (Y/N) managed to get her upstairs and changed into comfy clothes before she passed out completely. She changed herself and went down for two glasses of water that she knew Raven would appreciate in the morning. 

But she was tempted on her way back up the stairs. The flan was still sitting pretty in the fridge. She set the glasses down and grabbed a spoon before opening the fridge door.

The spoon was halfway to her mouth when someone cleared their throat behind her. Her elbow slammed into the side of the fridge when she jumped. She was pretty sure he’d been asleep but of course not. 

“What, what? I’m just trying it!” She tried to maintain a whisper even though Raven is definitely out for the night. “It’s really good.” 

“Here I was thinking you didn’t like it.” He tilted his head. It was obviously sarcastic. “I really couldn’t tell by the caramel all over your mouth.” 

She wiped at her mouth with her wrist. 

“It is not.” 

“I’m the one that can see you right now.” 

These days, (Y/N) really has to choose her battles with him. She could buy into his little game right now or she could continue eating her flan in peace. That one sounded much better. She turned her back to him and took another bite of the flan. 

“See yourself out.” 

“Wait. How was tonight?” 

Why are you asking? She wants to go there, she really does, but she decided to be as kind as she could to him at this early hour. She still had to live with him in the morning. 

“Fun. Raven is passed out upstairs.” (Y/N) knew he wanted more than that but he should have to work for it this time. If he really wants to know, he should ask flat out. 

“No one else is here?” 

She turned back to him at that and gave the dirtiest look she could muster even though he looked a bit confused for some reason. But she knew what he was actually asking. 

“No, unfortunately.” 

“Why not?” 

“Well, one because my roommate is a total dick.” She made sure to emphasize that part. “And two…he flaked.” 

“Probably for the best.” He quipped right back, the tiniest bit of a smirk on his face. 

“Why would that be for the best?” (Y/N) grabbed the plate from the fridge and took off toward the living room. This was definitely something to delicately unpack. She wanted to know what he meant by that because anything to do with her in that sense had zero to do with him so she’s unsure why he has any opinion on it. But if (Y/N) knows anything about Harry so far, it’s that he’s nosy. Terribly so. He probably doesn’t want to be but he asks the most obvious of questions and then pretends he never wanted to know in the first place. Just to make it seem like you offered the information yourself somehow. 

He followed her to the couch and plopped down beside her. He looked like he was thinking for a minute before shrugging. 

“Because.” 

That answer wasn’t satisfactory. And while (Y/N) really wanted to hone in on that, probably until he got up and stormed away because she pressed too much, she decided it wasn’t worth it. He was talking and sitting by her nonetheless. All on his own. She didn’t have to surprise him like usual by climbing over the back of the couch so he had no time to run away. 

It was quiet for several minutes, only the sound of her fork scraping against the plate, just until she’d had her fill again. (Y/N) thinks she’s had more flan in the past day than in her entire life, but that’s perfectly okay with her. For the first time, this feels normal. Sitting on the couch with Harry and not feeling so anxious about what to say to him to make him stay longer. What not to say. He runs off as soon as she even hints toward something he doesn’t want to talk about. But this felt casual and she really, really liked it. Maybe she could grow on him, maybe she wouldn’t have to rush out before the lease was up. 

“Did you get to try some?” When she turned to him he was already looking at her and he did even look like he cared that she technically caught him staring at her. 

“Didn’t have to.” He blinked but that was it. He didn’t try to pretend like he wasn’t staring and it wasn’t necessarily awkward. Just…unexpected. (Y/N) was sure he tried his best not to look at her ever, but more and more lately, he does. 

“We didn’t wake you, did we?” (Y/N) wouldn’t think he just be up at this hour but she can conclude from past experiences that he doesn’t sleep well, so maybe he had trouble tonight too. 

“I was awake.” His answer was very monotone, she was almost thinking he was mad at her. She’s not sure what she did, maybe he didn’t like that she was home so late. “Just thinking.” He finally said. 

“Oh. I hate when that happens.” It happened plenty. Overthinking, torturing herself with the same things over and over again. She hated when she finally got up in the morning and it felt like all she did was waste time tossing and turning and trying to clear her head. 

Very slowly, (Y/N) slipped the plate onto the table in front of her, trying not to disturb the peace and not to remind him that he should probably be sleeping right now. He didn’t move, thankfully, but he did give her face a break and looked at the blank tv instead. 

“You should’ve come out with us.” (Y/N) blurted it out, not thinking it through. Raven wouldn’t have minded at all, but he probably would. She just thought of anything, she didn’t want him to call it a night since there was no talking. 

“Not my thing much anymore.” 

“Anymore?”

“I’ve done my time. Trust me.” 

(Y/N) is sure he has. Especially with a friend like AJ but she didn’t say anything about it. 

“We should do something again. The bookstore was really fun.” Maybe that one drink did more than she thought it did. 

He only hummed, not looking at her yet. 

“Only if it’s something you really, really want to do and if it won’t be annoying.” She quickly added on. 

“I’ll let you know.” 

“Okay. Yeah. I’ll just…I should go to bed. It’s late. Goodnight.” (Y/N) hurried to wrap up the flan and replace it in the fridge before going to her room. 

She didn’t regret asking, she didn’t want to push either. Harry would let her know. Or he wouldn’t. And that would just have to be okay. 

****

this was a lot i know :) next part is going to much different though so stay tuned!

**A LOT OF TAGS DIDN’T WORK BUT LMK**

This is (Y/N) and Joey’s fourth date and she couldn’t be any more pleased with him.

He’s sweet and thoughtful and most of all, he knows how to communicate. That’s a big one. He tells her good morning and goodnight, he tells her when he’s busy and might not be able to get to his phone. He lets her know that this is going well and that he really likes her. He might just be on his way to securing his spot as her boyfriend if he keeps it up.

They met on a dating app, which is probably the easiest way to meet people nowadays, (Y/N) thinks. Most matches that come through are make or break. She can usually tell right away what type of person swiped on her profile and so sure, she’s had a lot of misses and a few guys ghost her but that’s what comes with using the apps. And to think she almost didn’t match with Joey. She almost deleted the app altogether, vowing that she was just going to go out and meet people the old-fashioned way and then the notification came through. He was a charmer right away, asking about her cat that she posted and answering all the questions on her profile just the way she wanted.

He was very kind and very, very nice on the eyes. So, now four dates in, (Y/N) could really see this going somewhere. She almost couldn’t believe she actually made a decent match on the app she was using. She didn’t think guys like Joey even existed anymore.

“So, it’s been a long week. Better now that I get to see you though.” He smiled, reaching his hand over the table to grab hers.

See what she means? It’s like he has some kind of playbook that tells him exactly what she wants him to say at all times. He’s perfect.

“I feel the same. Mine was definitely interesting.” Her eyes rolled the tiniest bit but she didn’t elaborate. Joey would never understand even if she tried to describe it to him. The only way he’d come close to believing her was seeing it with his own eyes and even then, he’d probably never want to see her again.

There was no reason to let the two meet in the first place, so she tried to keep that part of her life very, very, very separated from this one with Joey.

But her phone kept on ringing.

In her defense, she didn’t tell him she was going anywhere tonight, and most times when her phone rings, she answers it. Now that she’s not, she’s sure that he has a pretty good idea about what she’s doing tonight. And plus, he’s probably already tried her apartment.

“Do you need to get that? It sounds important.” He glanced toward her bag at the edge of the table. You could hear it buzzing away even inside the bag and on silent. It’s been going for about thirty minutes. It’ll stop because she didn’t answer and then start right back up again. She would turn off her phone completely but she knew he’d throw a fit.

“No, no. It’s not important. I don’t even know who it is.” It stopped buzzing. And started again. “Probably a debt collector or something. You know, they just keep calling and they don’t even really want anything when you ask.” She laughed it off, snatching her bag off the table and hooking it around her chair instead.

“Sorry about that. I don’t want anything to interrupt us right here so—” She was cut off by the Find My sound playing on her phone, in her bag, probably disrupting the entire restaurant. It was ear-piercing and she can’t even believe he would ever go that far. And she didn’t know that her phone was on his Find My and that just boils her blood because that also means he has her location. “Give me one second.” Trying to smile politely at Joey, she grabbed her purse up and walked towards the back of the restaurant where the restrooms are. There was a long and vacant hallway connected to that going back to the kitchen, so it was absolutely the best place to answer this phone call.

“What could you possibly want?” She asked immediately upon clicking the answer button.

“I don’t appreciate being ignored all day. You know that very well, (Y/N).” He spoke in the same tone he always does. Cold and no emotions seeping through at all. Just straightforward, no room for any type of misinterpretation.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I do have a life outside of whatever you have planned for me, you know that very well, don’t you?” They’ve had this conversation many times and she’s not sure what he doesn’t understand about it yet.

“You need to come home now. Wherever you are, doesn’t matter. Home. Now.”

It was laughable to have him demand her to do anything. Even if he sounded scary and a small part of her internally trembled, she didn’t like to come running. She liked to push him as far as he’d let her.

“We haven’t even made it through the main course yet. And I’m enjoying myself so you’re going to have to wait.” She leaned back against the wall behind her, listening to him huff through the phone.

“(Y/N). It would be in your best interest to leave that restaurant now. Unless you’d like me to come get you myself.”

“I’m almost done. Another hour at most, I promise.” Her tone switched up, hoping that he would understand a little bit that she’s smack dab in the middle of dinner with a guy she really likes. He doesn’t care about the guy part, it probably only infuriates him, honestly. But she was hoping he’d cut her some slack.

“I don’t care. Be home in fifteen minutes or I’m going to come find you. And you don’t want that.” The line cut and she shoved her phone back in her bag and stomped back to her table with Joey, wondering what kind of excuse she’d have to make up this time.

He must have been able to tell by the look on her face that the phone call was bad news.

“Do you have to go? Is everything alright?” He was always empathetic too. He was the perfect guy and so understanding. Hopefully this would all be over soon and she could really focus on Joey instead of whatever this is.

“Yeah, I’m so sorry. Something just…came up. I hate to leave like this. Here’s the cash for mine.” She sat down only to open her purse and get to her wallet but he stopped her right away.

“Don’t worry about it. No need to apologize. I’ve got the bill. You just get to wherever you need to be. Text me when you can and we can set something up for another time.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. It was nice having dinner with you again.”

A gem, truly. And now she has to go deal with some other man that acts the opposite. Just because he dares to call whatever this is fate and divine intervention and something that they can’t control.

When she got home, she didn’t even have to unlock the door. Harry flung the door open from the inside and dragged her in by the front of her dress.

“Excuse me! You don’t have to grab me like that! I was on my way in, you fucking psycho.” She batted his hand away and watched the disapproval melt onto his face as he looked her over.

“That skirt is atrocious. I’m not sure why you bothered to wear it in public.”

(Y/N) knows better than to let him bait her into an argument, so she just takes a deep breath and turns on her heel. She knows he only wants her to lay down in bed and that’s really it. But he’s so annoying about it.

“(Y/N).”

“What?” He was standing in her doorway when she turned around.

“I’ve been waiting too long for you. The sooner you lay down, the better for us both. Please.”

She hadn’t noticed when she walked in because she was so angry that he disrupted her. He looks like he always does when he comes to her in the middle of the month. When the new moon hides away and he’s feeling extra vulnerable. He’s supposed to be with his mate until the full moon, which is apparently very hard on him too, but he never really looks worse than he does now.

It wasn’t ideal. It was never going to be. Their dynamic and how strange it is.

(Y/N) met Harry on a trail in the woods near her house. She just needed a breather and might have stepped off the allotted path for just a second, to see what else was out there, beyond the trail. It was a bad idea and she did know she shouldn’t be doing things like that alone. But it really didn’t take Harry long to sniff her out and then look at her like he was absolutely appalled by what he’d stumbled upon.

From what he tells her, he caught a scent two towns over and followed it to the source. The source being her. It was a scent reserved for mates. So as Harry was rushing to find his mate, he never for a second thought she’d be human. And apparently that was a huge deal in his world. It was rare enough that he had to do his own “research” to figure out how to go about it.

(Y/N) honestly didn’t give two fucks when he told her that in the beginning because she thought he was crazy. He spoke about moon phases and how they only had six moons left to mark her as his mate or fate would do as fate does and force the two of them together. And forcing a mate didn’t seem like something he wanted to do. But she was human and it didn’t seem like he liked the idea too much.

At first, she didn’t even believe a word he was saying. Talking about wolves and mates and his pack that he was apparently the leader of. But it didn’t take long for it to start making sense.

Her body felt…different. There was a slight pull to be around him. It was strange. She adored his smell which was even more strange. So much so that she found herself nuzzling her nose into his chest just to breathe him in. She could feel how far away he was. If he was ever too far, pain. Somewhere deep inside of her that felt like she was crumbling from the inside out. It wasn’t something she could really put into words, but as soon as their eyes locked in the woods, it was over for them both. Whether they wanted it to be or not.

This is their last full moon to mark (Y/N) before all their feelings amplify and it all turns into a huge mess. And Harry has been on edge, she can tell.

He doesn’t want to mark her because he doesn’t know what will happen to her. That was reserved for wolves only and as far as she knows, she’s not a wolf and never has been. So they’re unsure how the whole process will go with her being human.

And he’s not sure how she’s supposed to meet his pack. Bringing a human on their territory wasn’t normally advised . At least that’s what he says.

She did some research of her own but most of it seemed out of fairy tales. She asked if he had an aversion to silver and he was on his way to laughing at her by the time the conversation was over with. She asked about vampires because to her the two go hand in hand and he just told her she watched too many movies. None of it made sense. What was real and what wasn’t. She couldn’t be sure anymore after meeting him. And he wasn’t a fan of straight answers so that really made it difficult.

But he tries to explain it to her in a way that doesn’t sound so awful, but all of it does. He sinks his teeth into her neck and they both run away and live out their days on his land somewhere in the mountains. It was inevitable, according to him. So the only thing they’re doing is buying themselves time to get her adjusted to the thought of it. There is no choice in the matter.

The new moon had Harry being a little gentler. He’d ramp back up as the full moon approached but right now, he patiently waits for her to change her clothes and then tucks her into bed just the way she likes.

“Are you comfortable?”

“I guess.” She shrugged, forcing her eyes to look at the ceiling so she didn’t have to watch him pull his shirt over his head and show off his insanely toned upper body. It almost hurt to look at.

He crawled in beside her, onto top of the blankets because he ran really warm, and stuffed his nose into the side of her neck.

“You smell like him.” He pulled back, grimacing.

“I’d really smell like him if you gave me more than five minutes with him.” She rolled her eyes, turning her head away from him.

(Y/N) wanted to live out the rest of her free days as normally as possible. She wanted to go on dates and kiss cute guys and get one last fuck in, but Harry prevented all of that. She couldn’t even stand the idea of Joey leaning in to kiss her much less actually kissing him. It was against everything she was thinking about. She thought she would want to kiss him, he’s cute and sweet. But her body knows something that she hasn’t quite accepted yet.

She wonders why Joey goes on dates with her if she won’t let him get close enough to touch her. But he does. He probably thinks she’s just really shy. And that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“It is not written so it won’t be.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” She felt his nose nudge further into the side of her neck.

“This is our last moon.”

“I’m aware.”

“It’ll be different this time.”

“Apparently.”

“(Y/N).” He pulled back, forcing her to turn to him. “It’s important that we’re together that night. Things will happen fast.”

“What things?”

“Your mark.” His finger brushed over her neck where he said all the other mates have theirs. She shivered every time he touched her. “Both of us will want to be together. It’s best that we’re here.”

“Yeah. Sure. Thanks for the bedtime story.” She pulled the blankets up over her shoulder and turned to her side. He followed, pressing right against her and nudging his nose right back against her throat. Since they weren’t mated, the only thing that stopped the ache was closeness and each other’s scent. It was annoying, as were many things about Harry, but she couldn’t lie and say his presence didn’t feel like a key in a lock or a puzzle piece snapping into place. Like he was something she’d been missing and she finally found it. She didn’t dare mention that to him though.

“Goodnight, (Y/N).”

****

As it turns out, Harry can be very moody.

(Y/N) thinks it’s mostly the upcoming full moon but she’s not sure what else. Maybe it’s the fact that she’s giggling and awing at her phone next to him because Joey is sending her all these cute things.

It probably is that. He peeked over her shoulder once and grumbled something under his breath that she didn’t catch.

They weren’t doing much today, but most of her plans include Harry. He doesn’t say much but he likes to be near her. So, when they watch tv, he’s pawing at her, pulling her under his arm, and breathing her in.

That was weird, at first. Having him grab her and snuggle her but look so frustrated about it at the same time. It threw her off. But she knows that he’s really only frustrated with the fact that his mate is human. And that she isn’t exactly returning his attention like another wolf would.

And he absolutely hates Joey. Which is to be expected. He’s in the way, technically. (Y/N) keeps holding onto him when she knows it’s not going to last much longer. She doesn’t know why she does, but she does. It will only end up hurting Joey in the long run but there’s just something that keeps her hanging onto him.

“Why do you keep making those noises?” His arm came over her shoulder and across her chest to grab onto her waist and pull her back against his chest. She sat up to reply back to Joey because she could feel how broody Harry was getting. But he pulled her right back.

“What noises?” She was barely paying attention when she leaned her head back against his shoulder, immediately being enveloped by his warmth. Her bed never got cold anymore. It was insane how much heat he put off, but it definitely wasn’t something she didn’t like.

“Laughing like that.”

“Like what?” She glanced over at him, seeing his brow furrowed and his face set like he wasn’t amused. He never seemed to be amused about anything actually. Ever.

“Like that. I don’t know, but it’s making my ears ring.”

(Y/N) could tell he was complaining just to complain. He didn’t like that she was texting Joey, so he had to make it into something it wasn’t. She doesn’t tell him he’s acting insane though. Because she tried that and he only got more insane. It wasn’t worth it to disrupt their quiet morning.

“Okay, well, I’ll stop then.” It was best to compromise with him because he'd get his way anyway. “I can’t believe she just sits with you like that.” She nodded towards Mittens who was sitting on the other side of him, nudging against his leg, demanding he scratch at her head. And he always did.

(Y/N) was once again dumbfounded. Because Harry is essentially a dog and as far she knew cats and dogs did not do well together. Mittens had never even been around a dog long enough to adjust to one so she was sure that she’d want nothing to do with Harry. And since she’s an animal, (Y/N) also assumed that she was well aware that Harry was nothing close to a normal person. But the opposite happened just like it always seemed to.

She was always beside him whenever they were on the couch. She followed him through the apartment. Rubbed all over him when she first allowed him over. He liked cats, he told her when he noticed the expression on her face. And cats liked him. So (Y/N) gave up on being surprised by anything. Stranger things have happened and do happen quite constantly now.

“She doesn’t mind me, I guess.” He gave in to her incessant nudging and scratched her head which in turn caused her to purr like he was the best thing that ever happened to her when (Y/N) pet her all the time. A totally normal amount but she acted like she was starved for attention.

“That makes one of us.” She commented with an eye roll that made him tug on the ends of her hair gently.

“That will change.” He tugged a pinch harder and pulled her back against him again while keeping Mittens happy with pets on the other side of him.

“Joey invited me out next weekend.” She felt him tense behind her and his hand clench around her tee shirt.

“Next weekend isn’t a good weekend. You know very well why.”

“But he wants to take me to the fair. You know they only have it up for a few weeks and this is the last weekend. I’ve never been before.” Her voice got a little whiny and she dropped her phone to turn and look at him. “Please.”

“That’s the full moon, (Y/N). I don’t think you’re understanding just how serious it is.” He kept his tone and expression stern. Yeah, she doesn’t know how serious it is because she hasn’t been preparing since birth for this moment like he has. He hasn’t told her much, just that he’ll have to leave a mark most likely. And while that sounded the least appealing of it all, a tiny part of her felt her skin buzzing whenever he even hinted at marking her.

“I’ll come home early. Before the moon rises. Please?” Her hands came together like she was begging him. It wasn’t like he was that much in control of what she does, she would probably end up going even if he did forbid her. But she wanted to at least ask so he felt like he was in charge. And because he’d track her down and drag her home himself.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. You should be saying your goodbyes to him, not making more plans.”

True, but this would be the last, last time that they’d see each other and she wanted to leave on a good note. But he was right. It would be best to cut ties now and not give him more false hope. (Y/N) just wanted one more night before things changed forever.

“Harry.” Another pout. He looked away from her, his word final, but she scurried into his lap, latching onto him around the shoulders and squeezing. “It’s the last time, please. You know this won’t happen again, so you should just let me.”

“I should just let you? You’re not listening (Y/N).” He huffed like he was frustrated but then grabbed her up under the thighs to drag her closer.

“I want to go. I’m asking.” This time she toughened up her tone. Because if he didn’t say yes, she’d go anyway and she wanted that to be perfectly clear. It didn’t matter what he said because she would be seeing Joey that night, no matter what phase the moon is in.

“You’re impossible.” His eyes rolled and that’s how she knew she’s nearly got her way. “My one condition is I have to come. I can’t be away from you at a time like that and you know it.”

She scowled at him, dropping her head back on her shoulders.

“But Harry!”

“It’s the only way. You’d probably be sick to your stomach if you’re too far away at moonrise and come home anyway. So it’s either I come or your night gets cut short.”

She knew that he was right. It’s happened similarly before. She refused to let him in her bed and she literally felt ill when he was sleeping on the floor beside her bed instead of right next to her.

It came on like a fever. She got chills and felt nauseous. And she knew it wouldn’t go away until he was next to her but she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction. It didn’t take long for her to be curled up on the floor right beside him. He told her off in the morning and ever since then he’s been in her bed.

“Fine. I guess. We’ll make it work.” She shrugged, not sure how she was going to explain their third wheel to Joey yet. He probably wouldn’t be ecstatic about it. “Thanks for letting me go. You have no idea how happy I am.” Her hands came up to hold his face. It was times like this that she felt outside of her body. Whenever she touched him by her own free will, it was always more intimate than she planned it to be.

Her smile dropped when she met his eyes. It was like they always set her into a trance. They were so green and it was hard to look away once you started. Whenever this happened, the only thing that cycled through her mind was pushing their mouths together. She knows it’s because they’re mates that she feels so inclined to be close to him but it’s moments like this that it really affects her. She could feel herself leaning while he just waited for her to get close enough.

Harry’s gorgeous. Striking even. When she met him in the woods, she thought she was seeing someone not human. Which he isn’t but his features were so perfect she was thinking he wasn’t real. And then he started lamenting about how disappointed he was that she was human and things took a turn.

So whenever they lock eyes, the seconds feel like hours and it takes a long time for her to come back to her senses.

She pushed at his shoulders just as she was a breath away from his lips and then shook her head.

“Sorry, I…sorry.” She rushed out, carefully moving herself from his lap and sitting a cushion away from him. She picked up her forgotten phone and tried to ignore how heavy his gaze felt.

****

Harry growled, like actually growled, when he saw the outfit she was wearing to go to the fair.

“How can you be mad at a jean skirt!” She threw her hands up. He made her change ten times now, lecturing her about how cool it was going to get once the sun was down and how a dress wasn’t appropriate to wear to a fair. She argued that there wasn’t a dress code to go to a fair and he argued back that she’d never been to one so how would she know?

“Don’t you have something more comfortable? Don’t you want to be warm?” He was sitting on the couch, but now his back was straight as he tried to get her to change her outfit for the millionth time. She thought they could compromise since she put tights on underneath, but (Y/N) isn’t sure that Harry would ever be happy with her outfit choice. Mittens perched on his lap giving her the same disapproving look he was didn’t help one bit.

“I’m wearing a skirt and a jacket. Get over yourself before I leave you here. I’d be late if I had to change again.” She rolled her eyes when she turned her back to him and grabbed her purse. She hurried to the mirror next to the door and checked herself over one last time. She looked cute. And cozy. She’d be plenty warm with the flannel jacket she was wearing so all Harry’s worrying is for nothing.

When she brought out her lip gloss to finish off her look, she heard Harry mumbling to himself again. He hated when she put in any effort to see Joey but this would be the last time, so she wanted to dress how she’d normally dress on a date.

“Let’s just go before I call the whole thing off.” He snatched his car keys from the coffee table and waited for her at the door.

(Y/N) told Joey it was best that they meet at the fair. And then she told him how her cousin from out of town was staying with her and she’d feel really bad to leave him alone after he came all this way to see her. Joey didn’t mind either one and she was grateful he didn’t. She didn’t want Harry to have to squeeze himself in the back of Joey’s car because he’d be huffy the whole way. And she was glad Joey didn’t mind her “cousin” tagging along because she wouldn’t have been able to go at all if Harry didn’t come. Joey didn’t know this was the last time he’d ever see her so he didn’t think it was a big deal that they wouldn’t be alone, but (Y/N) was going to try her best to be in a good mood and not pay much attention to Harry.

The fair was pretty from the parking lot. All the lights from the rides and the sun setting, it looked like the movies and she couldn’t be more excited.

“He said he’s at the tables by the fun house.” She said just as Harry parked the car. He shot her a look and sat back in his seat.

“When I say it’s time to go, it’s time. I don’t care what you have to tell him, we’re leaving.” She barely heard him because she was already out of the car and halfway to the entrance of the place.

He caught up quickly and grabbed her by the back of her jacket collar.

“And don’t run off again because you know I’ll find you.”

(Y/N) had to pry Harry’s hand from her waist when she caught sight of Joey sitting at one of the tables people watching. He didn’t see them yet, thankfully, and she made sure to shoot Harry a look before announcing herself.

“Hi, Joey!” He turned at the sound of her voice and immediately stood to hug her. She hugged him back over the shoulders, feeling him give her an extra squeeze that nearly pulled her feet from the ground.

“Hi, (Y/N). Nice to see you.”

There was small talk for maybe two minutes before Harry just had to insert himself into the conversation. He cleared his throat and stood right beside (Y/N), keeping his face neutral.

“I’m Harry.”

(Y/N) just blinked at him and then turned to see Joey’s reaction. He took the rude interruption in stride and reached to shake his hand.

“Right! The cousin. Nice to meet you, man.”

(Y/N) had to elbow Harry in the side to get him to reach out and shake his hand. He did but she knew Joey was probably really aware that he didn’t want to.

Joey bought them all tickets before they got there. For rides, games, and food. (Y/N) couldn’t help fawning over that, because it was nice and because she knew it would grate on Harry’s nerves.

He was trailing behind them as (Y/N) held onto Joey’s arm as they caught up on their week apart. It felt natural, even though she knew that this wasn’t supposed to happen, according to Harry. Maybe they’re not meant to date at all. Obviously, but she really does like Joey as a person.

They rode a few rides, like the Tilt-a-Whirl, bumper cars, and the carousel. Harry didn’t ride anything and instead stood at the gate and watched them with a very discontented look on his face. She almost felt bad, but she didn’t really know why.

Harry hasn’t been the nicest since she’s met him, but the pitiful expression he had made her heart hurt a fraction. It was probably the fact that they’re mates that she feels anything but irritation for him. The very idea of what the rest of tonight holds is keeping her in good spirits. And that has nothing at all to do with Joey surprisingly, but all to do with Harry.

Whatever happened to her in the last few months has now turned on its head. It’s like she almost wants Harry to snatch her away from the rest of her life. It didn’t sound appealing when he explained it to her then, but it doesn’t seem as bad when she thinks about it now.

They met back with Harry after the last ride and her stomach growled, but she ignored it. She wasn’t sure what Joey wanted to do yet and while she was going to suggest getting something to eat, she didn’t get the chance to. Harry already spoke up.

“I think it’s best if we eat now.” His eyes assessed her for a long moment before he turned to Joey. “She’s withering away.”

“Oh.” Joey blinked, looking down at her. “You’re hungry? You could’ve said something, let’s go.” He pulled at her hand, heading in the direction of the booths with food and treats. She met eyes with Harry before turning and she shot him a look.

He always knew exactly how she was feeling or what she wanted to an extent that it was annoying. He heard her stomach growl through all the noise and just knew. If she cared for him, she might be endeared by it, but at the moment it just bothered her.

They got in line at one booth and (Y/N) felt really impatient all of a sudden. Standing in line seemed like such a drag and while she was hungry, she just simply didn’t want to stand here with Joey’s hand on her back. It might have only been his hand that was the problem and the more she became aware of the weight of his hand, the more she felt like crawling out of her skin.

She stood straight and turned to him instead of standing beside him.

“I, uh, think I have to go to the bathroom. Do you mind ordering?” She rushed to say, trying to ignore the confusion on his face that slowly turned to understanding.

“Sure. Hurry back.” He smiled so sweetly it almost made her want to swoon. Almost. She feels bad more than anything because he’d never know the truth, he’d just never hear from her again.

“Harry. Come with me?” She nudged his arm. He was already watching her intently when she looked at him to ask. He said nothing and just followed her away from Joey and between the booths to get to the portable toilets.

Which, she was not a fan of, but she still made sure they were out of sight before grabbing Harry by the collar of his jacket and bringing her nose to his neck. (Y/N) felt so out of sorts. Smelling him like an animal. Like she needed it. He stumbled slightly before reaching his arms around her and tugging her closer.

“I feel insane. This is too much.” She breathed, looking up at him now and feeling so utterly helpless. There was nothing she could do. She wanted to be close to him, needed to be. Joey’s hand on her back made her feel like her skin was melting. Not in the way that Harry made her feel like she was going melty. In a bad, bad way. In a way that made her cringe. Because it wasn’t right. This is what Harry meant. This is what he was talking about when he said they needed to be together tonight.

“It will only get worse.” He offered no consoling words, only facts. He held her back with the same ferocity, he was just better at hiding it.

“I don’t want him to touch me.” She shook her head. “It makes me want to drown myself.”

He cracked a smile, bringing his hand up to brush some of her hair behind her ear.

“Good. Are you decent? Can we go back? I’m actually hungry.” He dropped his hands and shifted back the tiniest bit and she came right after him, wrapping her arms around his middle and whining.

“Fine.”

She stood straight only after breathing him in one last time. When she looked over her shoulder, the moon had risen just over the tops of the trees.

It was only a matter of time before this got unbearable and (Y/N) really wasn’t sure how it could get worse than this. She already felt like she needed to be in his skin, she can’t imagine what will happen once the moon is higher in the sky.

Joey was out of line when they got back and sitting with the food order they gave him before disappearing. He didn’t seem weirded out, so he must not know what they were actually doing. There would be no sane way to explain it, Joey would just think she’s a little strange. And she’d really like to avoid that before she never sees him ever again.

(Y/N) focused on the food and let Joey do most of the talking. She kept on asking questions that she knew would get him talking as she started on her cheese fries. They were very filling but she still wasn’t completely satisfied and she knew why, she just didn’t want to actually let the thought flesh out in her mind because she probably wouldn’t be sitting here much longer.

She was up out of her seat when Joey reached to grab onto her hand. There was an awkward couple of seconds as she cradled her hand and took a step toward Harry who was watching very knowingly but saying nothing as he usually does.

“Uh, how about the ferris wheel? Those are my favorite.” She pointed, a nervous laugh leaving her mouth. Joey shrugged before nodding.

“Sure.”

It’s a shame that he’s such a good guy. She hopes that he gets everything he deserves after this.

Harry trailed after them to the ferris wheel. His hands were in his pockets and he looked almost casual for someone who was apparently feeling this just as badly as she was. She glanced back at him, secretly wishing that he was walking next to her instead. But she had to be polite. Only for a little while longer.

They got in line for the ferris wheel and while it was a little longer than she wanted it to be, she didn’t mind waiting. She couldn’t wait to be at the top so she could look down on the entire fair. And then after that, she supposed it would be time to go. Time to turn her life upside down.

(Y/N) isn’t sure how she did it, but she managed to keep Joey occupied all the way up until they were at the front of the line, just waiting on an empty car to get into. She still seemed interested and she entertained all his thoughts and ideas when all she really wanted to do was bury her head into Harry’s chest and pathetically grind away in his lap. It was just a second that she thought about it and then she had to banish it from her mind because she wouldn’t be able to think straight if she thought about that.

Somehow, they got rearranged in line and when the teenager running the ride asked them how many, she said three, forgetting that the ride only fit two people. They were still ushered on and before she realized what was happening, she was buckling herself into the seat beside Harry while Joey was stuck waiting for the next car to come down.

“Sorry!” She called to him and he waved her off.

“Have fun!”

Sighing, she sat back in the seat, careful not to rock the car in any way. While she did like the ride, she wasn’t fond of the seat tilting back and forth too far, so she tried to be as still as possible.

“Is this everything you were hoping it’d be?” Harry spoke up. She jumped when the car moved up a spot so Joey was let on the seat in behind them. She waved when he looked back, smiling like he wasn’t bothered by the seating arrangement at all.

“Yeah. It’s nice.” Not a complete lie, but not that truth either. It was fun until the full moon made an appearance and was lingering in the background every second. She couldn’t think about anything else. She wasn’t sure how high in the sky it needed to be, but it was only getting higher as the minutes dragged by.

“This isn’t your last fair, you know that? You’ll still live a pretty normal life. You can keep your home and your job. It’s only me that will be much different.”

Like he hadn’t already shook things up just by finding her in the woods that day. She’s been doomed ever since then. And that fact that werewolves just exist, like that didn’t blow her mind. She still hasn’t seen him in wolf form but she really doesn’t know what it’ll do to her already fragile state of mind so she isn’t looking forward to it too much. But she knows it’ll come up eventually.

“Yeah. Somehow I don’t think that’s true.” Her hands tightened around the lap bar when the ride started. Taking them up and then over top of the wheel, just to bring them back down and around.

“You don’t see yourself being happy?”

“I mean, it’s a little weird, yeah. But I think if it’s meant to be then it won’t be after a while. I don’t know.” She shrugged, gasping when they reached the top again and she could look at all the lights down below. It was only a second because they were going back down and around again.

“It is meant to be. It won’t be weird in only a short while.” His hand shifted towards hers on the lap bar and just barely touched.

“Yeah, but what about you? You hate the fact that I’m human and pretty much rejected me as soon as you saw me.” Her eyes rolled and then she hurried to look over the scenery again. It hurt her feelings. They obviously had a strong connection despite knowing little to nothing about each other and that part excited her. But Harry didn’t seem to ever be excited about anything.

“What are you talking about?” He turned to her just as the ride jerked to a stop at almost the top, but not quite.

“You don’t like that I’m human. You’d rather be mated with someone in the pack, right? Isn’t that how it goes?”

“That’s not how it works.” He shook his head. “There aren’t many wolves that find mates within their own pack. That’s very rare.”

“Well, you seem so thrilled to be stuck with me.” Another eye roll.

“A mate at all is always a gift. Wolf or human, I couldn’t ask for anyone else to be my mate. This might be all new now, but soon you’ll understand just how grateful I am to have found you and so soon.”

“But I can tell—”

“No. You can’t. A mate is a gift.”

“Then why are you so…grumpy all the time?”

“I’m ready to fuck you. That’s why.” He said it so casually and tacked on a shrug that made her mouth twitch.

“It’s that bad that you have to be an asshole all the time?” That was almost more shocking than all the rest of it. “Wow.”

“It’s just the way it is right now. I’ve been nice enough to you I think.”

“Yeah but it never made me think you want to fuck me. It made me think you were annoyed with me.” She crossed her arms, getting a chill since they were still waiting for other people down below to load and unload. It would probably be a minute until they were able to get off.

“Same thing, isn’t it?”

“No. If you want human girls to like you, you have to be sweet. Like Joey.” Harry scoffed, his arm coming up behind her shoulders. His hand squeezed the back of her neck.

“You’re my mate. We’ll love each other anyway.”

“Love you? I’ve only known you for like, three weeks.” He was talking about things she wasn’t even ready to consider. Love. That sounds like too much too soon.

“Time doesn’t mean much when you’re mates.”

That did little to console her. He did say things would happen fast just as soon as the moon touched the sky.

Her eyes shifted from his face to the moon behind him that seemed much larger than she’s ever seen it. It was bright, the sky was clear, and it felt like everything was falling perfectly into place. It also felt like a fire was starting somewhere deep in her belly. It wouldn’t be much longer now and she knew it.

“I want to kiss you.” It left her mouth before her brain could process the meaning of even saying it. Harry didn’t look surprised, he just shook his head.

“I don’t think your date would appreciate that.” He nodded ahead at Joey who wasn’t paying them any attention and instead looking at the scenery around him.

“He’s not going to look back. Please. I need it and you know it.” She pressed close to him again so their legs touched, their shoulders, their feet. Any way she could get close to him on this stupid ride, she would. At the slightest shake of his head, she was tugging at the collar of his jacket again and leaning her head into his chest.

“Please.”

Part of (Y/N) knows he’s only doing it to torture her. He wants to be right so badly that he would let himself suffer just to prove a point.

If the lap bar wasn’t in the way, she’s sure she’d be all over him. Smelling him and pressing herself as close as possible. She couldn’t wait to leave. She’d probably have to fake sick just to get back to the car. Joey would understand, wouldn’t he?

Her eyes flashed back to the moon. It felt eye level now. Like it was spotlighting right down onto her and transforming something within her now. And then, she felt what could only be described as a gushing. Through her underwear and onto the tights. She really hoped no one would be able to see that.

Harry’s hand on her neck tightened and he huffed.

“Great. You’re soaking yourself already and we’re stuck on this ride for who knows how long.” Like he was the one that was being inconvenienced.

“Shut up. It’s you that won’t let me kiss you.” Her thighs squeezed and she shifted even closer.

“He’s going to see and how are you going to explain to Joey that you kissed your cousin?” It sounded ridiculous when he said it like that. And Joey would certainly look at them like they were insane if he saw in the first place. But she really doubted he would. It’s too much work to turn himself around in that tiny car.

“I don’t care! He’s not going to see. Please,” She pried his hand from his lap and did her best to shove it between her legs. “Anything, please.”

He sighed as if he was being bothered before he pushed his fingers further under her skirt until they brushed the now wet tights.

“Jesus.”

“It’s all your fault.” She gripped his arm and pushed him closer.

“You wanted to come here.”

“You let me. You should’ve used that dumb little alpha voice and told me no.”

“You wouldn’t have listened.” The back of his hand added pressure to the front of her underwear finally.

“You should’ve made me,” Just the warmth of his hand was enough. For now. But she still wanted a kiss. “Kiss me now.” She leaned to nip at his neck and if she knew that was all it was going to take for his free hand to grip onto her jaw and press their mouths together, she would’ve done that weeks ago.

She hoped every single pathetic little whine that she let out into his mouth was muffled, at the very least. Her mouth moved fast, she didn’t want to feel anything slow. She wanted him now, but the very top of the ferris wheel wasn’t a great place to do that. Not with all these people around anyway.

(Y/N) had been too busy with his mouth to worry about his hand between her legs. But when her tights were ripped open at the center, she knew he was probably done playing around.

Then, he just stopped. Because of course he would.

“I’ll take care of you as soon as we’re home.”

“At least kiss me!” It was louder than she meant it to be but there was no part of her that cared.

“I did.”

“Not enough.

“Plenty actually.”

“But, I don’t think I can—” (Y/N) shut her mouth as soon as she glanced to her right and saw Joey in front of them, staring back. He looked confused and a pinch hurt. Before she could find anything to shout to him, some excuse, an apology, he turned right back around and didn’t face them again for the rest of the ride.

“You’ve done it now.” Harry pulled his hand from her skirt and wiped it over his pants leg. The glare she sent him was meant to be angry, but he just smiled at her and rested his arm behind her back again.

“This really isn’t going to plan.” She pulled her hands from Harry’s jacket and sat back in the seat. Everything simmered for a moment. She felt herself pout. It was never meant to be serious with Joey but she knows that he’s still not going to be the slightest bit happy about what he just saw. There’s nothing she can even say that will make an ounce of sense. She might as well just keep quiet and let him say whatever he needs to say, if anything at all.

“He’ll be alright.” Harry brought his other hand to her cheek and gently ran the back of his hand over it. It was probably the most tender touch he’s ever offered to her. She leaned into it without thought and didn’t move until they were getting ushered off the ride.

It’s just her luck that Joey stuck around. She almost hoped he’d ditch them as soon as he got off, but it just goes to show that he really is a good guy. He looked between the two of them with a neutral expression and shook his head.

“You could’ve just told me you didn’t want to go.”

Harry hung back and let her have the space to say goodbye to Joey. (Y/N) really didn’t know what would make it better, she wouldn’t still be here if she were him. She’d be halfway to the parking lot.

“That wasn’t meant to happen like that…” She trailed off, watching him shift uncomfortably and then cross his arms. “I’ve never…kissed him before. I don’t….I’m sorry.”

It was unbelievable to her as well. She really thought she’d be able to resist what Harry claimed to be fate. She tried but it didn’t take long for her to relent as soon as the moon was high enough in the sky. She should’ve listened to Harry and stayed in. That’s a tough pill to swallow.

“Yeah. I’m sorry too. Bye (Y/N).” He turned on his heel and started walking away from them. Harry took his place back beside her and wound his arm around her waist.

“Want me to rip his throat out?” He offered casually, pulling her to face him.

“No. He gets to be a little upset. I mean, we were on a date! Imagine if you saw me kissing him, you’d die!” She doesn’t want to know what he’d really do. It would probably be much worse than that. He tugged her impossibly closer until she was pretty much forced to reciprocate the hold around his shoulders.

“No. He would. Because I’d kill him,” He stared over her shoulder at what she assumed to be Joey. “Now. I think we have somewhere to be.”

Both of their gazes shifted to the moon looming high over their heads and then back to each other.

Harry kept his hand tightly woven with hers as they tried to refrain from running to the car. Rushing, yes, but not running because that sounded ridiculous when she thought about what exactly they were rushing for.

But then he looked down at her with this heated stare as they were waiting for a line of people to cross in front of them on their way out to the parking lot. It burned all the way to her core and she remembered exactly why running was probably a great idea and made the most sense.

Once they both reached the car, as soon as the doors were shut, (Y/N) was halfway over the center console to kiss him again.

“Do you think we’ll be able to leave the park lot?” She said between breaths, only taking as long as it took to say that before pressing her mouth back to his. He didn’t even answer her before dragging her over the middle console and sitting her in his lap.

“I think I have to mark you now.”

Two weeks ago, that would’ve freaked (Y/N) out. She would have been stressing about pain or about what happens after he sinks his teeth into her, if that’s even what marking means.

But right now, nothing sounds better.

“Do it.”

This is (Y/N) and Joey’s fourth date and she couldn’t be any more pleased with him.

He’s sweet and thoughtful and most of all, he knows how to communicate. That’s a big one. He tells her good morning and goodnight, he tells her when he’s busy and might not be able to get to his phone. He lets her know that this is going well and that he really likes her. He might just be on his way to securing his spot as her boyfriend if he keeps it up.

They met on a dating app, which is probably the easiest way to meet people nowadays, (Y/N) thinks. Most matches that come through are make or break. She can usually tell right away what type of person swiped on her profile and so sure, she’s had a lot of misses and a few guys ghost her but that’s what comes with using the apps. And to think she almost didn’t match with Joey. She almost deleted the app altogether, vowing that she was just going to go out and meet people the old-fashioned way and then the notification came through. He was a charmer right away, asking about her cat that she posted and answering all the questions on her profile just the way she wanted.

He was very kind and very, very nice on the eyes. So, now four dates in, (Y/N) could really see this going somewhere. She almost couldn’t believe she actually made a decent match on the app she was using. She didn’t think guys like Joey even existed anymore.

“So, it’s been a long week. Better now that I get to see you though.” He smiled, reaching his hand over the table to grab hers.

See what she means? It’s like he has some kind of playbook that tells him exactly what she wants him to say at all times. He’s perfect.

“I feel the same. Mine was definitely interesting.” Her eyes rolled the tiniest bit but she didn’t elaborate. Joey would never understand even if she tried to describe it to him. The only way he’d come close to believing her was seeing it with his own eyes and even then, he’d probably never want to see her again.

There was no reason to let the two meet in the first place, so she tried to keep that part of her life very, very, very separated from this one with Joey.

But her phone kept on ringing.

In her defense, she didn’t tell him she was going anywhere tonight, and most times when her phone rings, she answers it. Now that she’s not, she’s sure that he has a pretty good idea about what she’s doing tonight. And plus, he’s probably already tried her apartment.

“Do you need to get that? It sounds important.” He glanced toward her bag at the edge of the table. You could hear it buzzing away even inside the bag and on silent. It’s been going for about thirty minutes. It’ll stop because she didn’t answer and then start right back up again. She would turn off her phone completely but she knew he’d throw a fit.

“No, no. It’s not important. I don’t even know who it is.” It stopped buzzing. And started again. “Probably a debt collector or something. You know, they just keep calling and they don’t even really want anything when you ask.” She laughed it off, snatching her bag off the table and hooking it around her chair instead.

“Sorry about that. I don’t want anything to interrupt us right here so—” She was cut off by the Find My sound playing on her phone, in her bag, probably disrupting the entire restaurant. It was ear-piercing and she can’t even believe he would ever go that far. And she didn’t know that her phone was on his Find My and that just boils her blood because that also means he has her location. “Give me one second.” Trying to smile politely at Joey, she grabbed her purse up and walked towards the back of the restaurant where the restrooms are. There was a long and vacant hallway connected to that going back to the kitchen, so it was absolutely the best place to answer this phone call.

“What could you possibly want?” She asked immediately upon clicking the answer button.

“I don’t appreciate being ignored all day. You know that very well, (Y/N).” He spoke in the same tone he always does. Cold and no emotions seeping through at all. Just straightforward, no room for any type of misinterpretation.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I do have a life outside of whatever you have planned for me, you know that very well, don’t you?” They’ve had this conversation many times and she’s not sure what he doesn’t understand about it yet.

“You need to come home now. Wherever you are, doesn’t matter. Home. Now.”

It was laughable to have him demand her to do anything. Even if he sounded scary and a small part of her internally trembled, she didn’t like to come running. She liked to push him as far as he’d let her.

“We haven’t even made it through the main course yet. And I’m enjoying myself so you’re going to have to wait.” She leaned back against the wall behind her, listening to him huff through the phone.

“(Y/N). It would be in your best interest to leave that restaurant now. Unless you’d like me to come get you myself.”

“I’m almost done. Another hour at most, I promise.” Her tone switched up, hoping that he would understand a little bit that she’s smack dab in the middle of dinner with a guy she really likes. He doesn’t care about the guy part, it probably only infuriates him, honestly. But she was hoping he’d cut her some slack.

“I don’t care. Be home in fifteen minutes or I’m going to come find you. And you don’t want that.” The line cut and she shoved her phone back in her bag and stomped back to her table with Joey, wondering what kind of excuse she’d have to make up this time.

He must have been able to tell by the look on her face that the phone call was bad news.

“Do you have to go? Is everything alright?” He was always empathetic too. He was the perfect guy and so understanding. Hopefully this would all be over soon and she could really focus on Joey instead of whatever this is.

“Yeah, I’m so sorry. Something just…came up. I hate to leave like this. Here’s the cash for mine.” She sat down only to open her purse and get to her wallet but he stopped her right away.

“Don’t worry about it. No need to apologize. I’ve got the bill. You just get to wherever you need to be. Text me when you can and we can set something up for another time.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. It was nice having dinner with you again.”

A gem, truly. And now she has to go deal with some other man that acts the opposite. Just because he dares to call whatever this is fate and divine intervention and something that they can’t control.

When she got home, she didn’t even have to unlock the door. Harry flung the door open from the inside and dragged her in by the front of her dress.

“Excuse me! You don’t have to grab me like that! I was on my way in, you fucking psycho.” She batted his hand away and watched the disapproval melt onto his face as he looked her over.

“That skirt is atrocious. I’m not sure why you bothered to wear it in public.”

(Y/N) knows better than to let him bait her into an argument, so she just takes a deep breath and turns on her heel. She knows he only wants her to lay down in bed and that’s really it. But he’s so annoying about it.

“(Y/N).”

“What?” He was standing in her doorway when she turned around.

“I’ve been waiting too long for you. The sooner you lay down, the better for us both. Please.”

She hadn’t noticed when she walked in because she was so angry that he disrupted her. He looks like he always does when he comes to her in the middle of the month. When the new moon hides away and he’s feeling extra vulnerable. He’s supposed to be with his mate until the full moon, which is apparently very hard on him too, but he never really looks worse than he does now.

It wasn’t ideal. It was never going to be. Their dynamic and how strange it is.

(Y/N) met Harry on a trail in the woods near her house. She just needed a breather and might have stepped off the allotted path for just a second, to see what else was out there, beyond the trail. It was a bad idea and she did know she shouldn’t be doing things like that alone. But it really didn’t take Harry long to sniff her out and then look at her like he was absolutely appalled by what he’d stumbled upon.

From what he tells her, he caught a scent two towns over and followed it to the source. The source being her. It was a scent reserved for mates. So as Harry was rushing to find his mate, he never for a second thought she’d be human. And apparently that was a huge deal in his world. It was rare enough that he had to do his own “research” to figure out how to go about it.

(Y/N) honestly didn’t give two fucks when he told her that in the beginning because she thought he was crazy. He spoke about moon phases and how they only had six moons left to mark her as his mate or fate would do as fate does and force the two of them together. And forcing a mate didn’t seem like something he wanted to do. But she was human and it didn’t seem like he liked the idea too much.

At first, she didn’t even believe a word he was saying. Talking about wolves and mates and his pack that he was apparently the leader of. But it didn’t take long for it to start making sense.

Her body felt…different. There was a slight pull to be around him. It was strange. She adored his smell which was even more strange. So much so that she found herself nuzzling her nose into his chest just to breathe him in. She could feel how far away he was. If he was ever too far, pain. Somewhere deep inside of her that felt like she was crumbling from the inside out. It wasn’t something she could really put into words, but as soon as their eyes locked in the woods, it was over for them both. Whether they wanted it to be or not.

This is their last full moon to mark (Y/N) before all their feelings amplify and it all turns into a huge mess. And Harry has been on edge, she can tell.

He doesn’t want to mark her because he doesn’t know what will happen to her. That was reserved for wolves only and as far as she knows, she’s not a wolf and never has been. So they’re unsure how the whole process will go with her being human.

And he’s not sure how she’s supposed to meet his pack. Bringing a human on their territory wasn’t normally advised . At least that’s what he says.

She did some research of her own but most of it seemed out of fairy tales. She asked if he had an aversion to silver and he was on his way to laughing at her by the time the conversation was over with. She asked about vampires because to her the two go hand in hand and he just told her she watched too many movies. None of it made sense. What was real and what wasn’t. She couldn’t be sure anymore after meeting him. And he wasn’t a fan of straight answers so that really made it difficult.

But he tries to explain it to her in a way that doesn’t sound so awful, but all of it does. He sinks his teeth into her neck and they both run away and live out their days on his land somewhere in the mountains. It was inevitable, according to him. So the only thing they’re doing is buying themselves time to get her adjusted to the thought of it. There is no choice in the matter.

The new moon had Harry being a little gentler. He’d ramp back up as the full moon approached but right now, he patiently waits for her to change her clothes and then tucks her into bed just the way she likes.

“Are you comfortable?”

“I guess.” She shrugged, forcing her eyes to look at the ceiling so she didn’t have to watch him pull his shirt over his head and show off his insanely toned upper body. It almost hurt to look at.

He crawled in beside her, onto top of the blankets because he ran really warm, and stuffed his nose into the side of her neck.

“You smell like him.” He pulled back, grimacing.

“I’d really smell like him if you gave me more than five minutes with him.” She rolled her eyes, turning her head away from him.

(Y/N) wanted to live out the rest of her free days as normally as possible. She wanted to go on dates and kiss cute guys and get one last fuck in, but Harry prevented all of that. She couldn’t even stand the idea of Joey leaning in to kiss her much less actually kissing him. It was against everything she was thinking about. She thought she would want to kiss him, he’s cute and sweet. But her body knows something that she hasn’t quite accepted yet.

She wonders why Joey goes on dates with her if she won’t let him get close enough to touch her. But he does. He probably thinks she’s just really shy. And that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“It is not written so it won’t be.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” She felt his nose nudge further into the side of her neck.

“This is our last moon.”

“I’m aware.”

“It’ll be different this time.”

“Apparently.”

“(Y/N).” He pulled back, forcing her to turn to him. “It’s important that we’re together that night. Things will happen fast.”

“What things?”

“Your mark.” His finger brushed over her neck where he said all the other mates have theirs. She shivered every time he touched her. “Both of us will want to be together. It’s best that we’re here.”

“Yeah. Sure. Thanks for the bedtime story.” She pulled the blankets up over her shoulder and turned to her side. He followed, pressing right against her and nudging his nose right back against her throat. Since they weren’t mated, the only thing that stopped the ache was closeness and each other’s scent. It was annoying, as were many things about Harry, but she couldn’t lie and say his presence didn’t feel like a key in a lock or a puzzle piece snapping into place. Like he was something she’d been missing and she finally found it. She didn’t dare mention that to him though.

“Goodnight, (Y/N).”

****

As it turns out, Harry can be very moody.

(Y/N) thinks it’s mostly the upcoming full moon but she’s not sure what else. Maybe it’s the fact that she’s giggling and awing at her phone next to him because Joey is sending her all these cute things.

It probably is that. He peeked over her shoulder once and grumbled something under his breath that she didn’t catch.

They weren’t doing much today, but most of her plans include Harry. He doesn’t say much but he likes to be near her. So, when they watch tv, he’s pawing at her, pulling her under his arm, and breathing her in.

That was weird, at first. Having him grab her and snuggle her but look so frustrated about it at the same time. It threw her off. But she knows that he’s really only frustrated with the fact that his mate is human. And that she isn’t exactly returning his attention like another wolf would.

And he absolutely hates Joey. Which is to be expected. He’s in the way, technically. (Y/N) keeps holding onto him when she knows it’s not going to last much longer. She doesn’t know why she does, but she does. It will only end up hurting Joey in the long run but there’s just something that keeps her hanging onto him.

“Why do you keep making those noises?” His arm came over her shoulder and across her chest to grab onto her waist and pull her back against his chest. She sat up to reply back to Joey because she could feel how broody Harry was getting. But he pulled her right back.

“What noises?” She was barely paying attention when she leaned her head back against his shoulder, immediately being enveloped by his warmth. Her bed never got cold anymore. It was insane how much heat he put off, but it definitely wasn’t something she didn’t like.

“Laughing like that.”

“Like what?” She glanced over at him, seeing his brow furrowed and his face set like he wasn’t amused. He never seemed to be amused about anything actually. Ever.

“Like that. I don’t know, but it’s making my ears ring.”

(Y/N) could tell he was complaining just to complain. He didn’t like that she was texting Joey, so he had to make it into something it wasn’t. She doesn’t tell him he’s acting insane though. Because she tried that and he only got more insane. It wasn’t worth it to disrupt their quiet morning.

“Okay, well, I’ll stop then.” It was best to compromise with him because he'd get his way anyway. “I can’t believe she just sits with you like that.” She nodded towards Mittens who was sitting on the other side of him, nudging against his leg, demanding he scratch at her head. And he always did.

(Y/N) was once again dumbfounded. Because Harry is essentially a dog and as far she knew cats and dogs did not do well together. Mittens had never even been around a dog long enough to adjust to one so she was sure that she’d want nothing to do with Harry. And since she’s an animal, (Y/N) also assumed that she was well aware that Harry was nothing close to a normal person. But the opposite happened just like it always seemed to.

She was always beside him whenever they were on the couch. She followed him through the apartment. Rubbed all over him when she first allowed him over. He liked cats, he told her when he noticed the expression on her face. And cats liked him. So (Y/N) gave up on being surprised by anything. Stranger things have happened and do happen quite constantly now.

“She doesn’t mind me, I guess.” He gave in to her incessant nudging and scratched her head which in turn caused her to purr like he was the best thing that ever happened to her when (Y/N) pet her all the time. A totally normal amount but she acted like she was starved for attention.

“That makes one of us.” She commented with an eye roll that made him tug on the ends of her hair gently.

“That will change.” He tugged a pinch harder and pulled her back against him again while keeping Mittens happy with pets on the other side of him.

“Joey invited me out next weekend.” She felt him tense behind her and his hand clench around her tee shirt.

“Next weekend isn’t a good weekend. You know very well why.”

“But he wants to take me to the fair. You know they only have it up for a few weeks and this is the last weekend. I’ve never been before.” Her voice got a little whiny and she dropped her phone to turn and look at him. “Please.”

“That’s the full moon, (Y/N). I don’t think you’re understanding just how serious it is.” He kept his tone and expression stern. Yeah, she doesn’t know how serious it is because she hasn’t been preparing since birth for this moment like he has. He hasn’t told her much, just that he’ll have to leave a mark most likely. And while that sounded the least appealing of it all, a tiny part of her felt her skin buzzing whenever he even hinted at marking her.

“I’ll come home early. Before the moon rises. Please?” Her hands came together like she was begging him. It wasn’t like he was that much in control of what she does, she would probably end up going even if he did forbid her. But she wanted to at least ask so he felt like he was in charge. And because he’d track her down and drag her home himself.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. You should be saying your goodbyes to him, not making more plans.”

True, but this would be the last, last time that they’d see each other and she wanted to leave on a good note. But he was right. It would be best to cut ties now and not give him more false hope. (Y/N) just wanted one more night before things changed forever.

“Harry.” Another pout. He looked away from her, his word final, but she scurried into his lap, latching onto him around the shoulders and squeezing. “It’s the last time, please. You know this won’t happen again, so you should just let me.”

“I should just let you? You’re not listening (Y/N).” He huffed like he was frustrated but then grabbed her up under the thighs to drag her closer.

“I want to go. I’m asking.” This time she toughened up her tone. Because if he didn’t say yes, she’d go anyway and she wanted that to be perfectly clear. It didn’t matter what he said because she would be seeing Joey that night, no matter what phase the moon is in.

“You’re impossible.” His eyes rolled and that’s how she knew she’s nearly got her way. “My one condition is I have to come. I can’t be away from you at a time like that and you know it.”

She scowled at him, dropping her head back on her shoulders.

“But Harry!”

“It’s the only way. You’d probably be sick to your stomach if you’re too far away at moonrise and come home anyway. So it’s either I come or your night gets cut short.”

She knew that he was right. It’s happened similarly before. She refused to let him in her bed and she literally felt ill when he was sleeping on the floor beside her bed instead of right next to her.

It came on like a fever. She got chills and felt nauseous. And she knew it wouldn’t go away until he was next to her but she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction. It didn’t take long for her to be curled up on the floor right beside him. He told her off in the morning and ever since then he’s been in her bed.

“Fine. I guess. We’ll make it work.” She shrugged, not sure how she was going to explain their third wheel to Joey yet. He probably wouldn’t be ecstatic about it. “Thanks for letting me go. You have no idea how happy I am.” Her hands came up to hold his face. It was times like this that she felt outside of her body. Whenever she touched him by her own free will, it was always more intimate than she planned it to be.

Her smile dropped when she met his eyes. It was like they always set her into a trance. They were so green and it was hard to look away once you started. Whenever this happened, the only thing that cycled through her mind was pushing their mouths together. She knows it’s because they’re mates that she feels so inclined to be close to him but it’s moments like this that it really affects her. She could feel herself leaning while he just waited for her to get close enough.

Harry’s gorgeous. Striking even. When she met him in the woods, she thought she was seeing someone not human. Which he isn’t but his features were so perfect she was thinking he wasn’t real. And then he started lamenting about how disappointed he was that she was human and things took a turn.

So whenever they lock eyes, the seconds feel like hours and it takes a long time for her to come back to her senses.

She pushed at his shoulders just as she was a breath away from his lips and then shook her head.

“Sorry, I…sorry.” She rushed out, carefully moving herself from his lap and sitting a cushion away from him. She picked up her forgotten phone and tried to ignore how heavy his gaze felt.

****

Harry growled, like actually growled, when he saw the outfit she was wearing to go to the fair.

“How can you be mad at a jean skirt!” She threw her hands up. He made her change ten times now, lecturing her about how cool it was going to get once the sun was down and how a dress wasn’t appropriate to wear to a fair. She argued that there wasn’t a dress code to go to a fair and he argued back that she’d never been to one so how would she know?

“Don’t you have something more comfortable? Don’t you want to be warm?” He was sitting on the couch, but now his back was straight as he tried to get her to change her outfit for the millionth time. She thought they could compromise since she put tights on underneath, but (Y/N) isn’t sure that Harry would ever be happy with her outfit choice. Mittens perched on his lap giving her the same disapproving look he was didn’t help one bit.

“I’m wearing a skirt and a jacket. Get over yourself before I leave you here. I’d be late if I had to change again.” She rolled her eyes when she turned her back to him and grabbed her purse. She hurried to the mirror next to the door and checked herself over one last time. She looked cute. And cozy. She’d be plenty warm with the flannel jacket she was wearing so all Harry’s worrying is for nothing.

When she brought out her lip gloss to finish off her look, she heard Harry mumbling to himself again. He hated when she put in any effort to see Joey but this would be the last time, so she wanted to dress how she’d normally dress on a date.

“Let’s just go before I call the whole thing off.” He snatched his car keys from the coffee table and waited for her at the door.

(Y/N) told Joey it was best that they meet at the fair. And then she told him how her cousin from out of town was staying with her and she’d feel really bad to leave him alone after he came all this way to see her. Joey didn’t mind either one and she was grateful he didn’t. She didn’t want Harry to have to squeeze himself in the back of Joey’s car because he’d be huffy the whole way. And she was glad Joey didn’t mind her “cousin” tagging along because she wouldn’t have been able to go at all if Harry didn’t come. Joey didn’t know this was the last time he’d ever see her so he didn’t think it was a big deal that they wouldn’t be alone, but (Y/N) was going to try her best to be in a good mood and not pay much attention to Harry.

The fair was pretty from the parking lot. All the lights from the rides and the sun setting, it looked like the movies and she couldn’t be more excited.

“He said he’s at the tables by the fun house.” She said just as Harry parked the car. He shot her a look and sat back in his seat.

“When I say it’s time to go, it’s time. I don’t care what you have to tell him, we’re leaving.” She barely heard him because she was already out of the car and halfway to the entrance of the place.

He caught up quickly and grabbed her by the back of her jacket collar.

“And don’t run off again because you know I’ll find you.”

(Y/N) had to pry Harry’s hand from her waist when she caught sight of Joey sitting at one of the tables people watching. He didn’t see them yet, thankfully, and she made sure to shoot Harry a look before announcing herself.

“Hi, Joey!” He turned at the sound of her voice and immediately stood to hug her. She hugged him back over the shoulders, feeling him give her an extra squeeze that nearly pulled her feet from the ground.

“Hi, (Y/N). Nice to see you.”

There was small talk for maybe two minutes before Harry just had to insert himself into the conversation. He cleared his throat and stood right beside (Y/N), keeping his face neutral.

“I’m Harry.”

(Y/N) just blinked at him and then turned to see Joey’s reaction. He took the rude interruption in stride and reached to shake his hand.

“Right! The cousin. Nice to meet you, man.”

(Y/N) had to elbow Harry in the side to get him to reach out and shake his hand. He did but she knew Joey was probably really aware that he didn’t want to.

Joey bought them all tickets before they got there. For rides, games, and food. (Y/N) couldn’t help fawning over that, because it was nice and because she knew it would grate on Harry’s nerves.

He was trailing behind them as (Y/N) held onto Joey’s arm as they caught up on their week apart. It felt natural, even though she knew that this wasn’t supposed to happen, according to Harry. Maybe they’re not meant to date at all. Obviously, but she really does like Joey as a person.

They rode a few rides, like the Tilt-a-Whirl, bumper cars, and the carousel. Harry didn’t ride anything and instead stood at the gate and watched them with a very discontented look on his face. She almost felt bad, but she didn’t really know why.

Harry hasn’t been the nicest since she’s met him, but the pitiful expression he had made her heart hurt a fraction. It was probably the fact that they’re mates that she feels anything but irritation for him. The very idea of what the rest of tonight holds is keeping her in good spirits. And that has nothing at all to do with Joey surprisingly, but all to do with Harry.

Whatever happened to her in the last few months has now turned on its head. It’s like she almost wants Harry to snatch her away from the rest of her life. It didn’t sound appealing when he explained it to her then, but it doesn’t seem as bad when she thinks about it now.

They met back with Harry after the last ride and her stomach growled, but she ignored it. She wasn’t sure what Joey wanted to do yet and while she was going to suggest getting something to eat, she didn’t get the chance to. Harry already spoke up.

“I think it’s best if we eat now.” His eyes assessed her for a long moment before he turned to Joey. “She’s withering away.”

“Oh.” Joey blinked, looking down at her. “You’re hungry? You could’ve said something, let’s go.” He pulled at her hand, heading in the direction of the booths with food and treats. She met eyes with Harry before turning and she shot him a look.

He always knew exactly how she was feeling or what she wanted to an extent that it was annoying. He heard her stomach growl through all the noise and just knew. If she cared for him, she might be endeared by it, but at the moment it just bothered her.

They got in line at one booth and (Y/N) felt really impatient all of a sudden. Standing in line seemed like such a drag and while she was hungry, she just simply didn’t want to stand here with Joey’s hand on her back. It might have only been his hand that was the problem and the more she became aware of the weight of his hand, the more she felt like crawling out of her skin.

She stood straight and turned to him instead of standing beside him.

“I, uh, think I have to go to the bathroom. Do you mind ordering?” She rushed to say, trying to ignore the confusion on his face that slowly turned to understanding.

“Sure. Hurry back.” He smiled so sweetly it almost made her want to swoon. Almost. She feels bad more than anything because he’d never know the truth, he’d just never hear from her again.

“Harry. Come with me?” She nudged his arm. He was already watching her intently when she looked at him to ask. He said nothing and just followed her away from Joey and between the booths to get to the portable toilets.

Which, she was not a fan of, but she still made sure they were out of sight before grabbing Harry by the collar of his jacket and bringing her nose to his neck. (Y/N) felt so out of sorts. Smelling him like an animal. Like she needed it. He stumbled slightly before reaching his arms around her and tugging her closer.

“I feel insane. This is too much.” She breathed, looking up at him now and feeling so utterly helpless. There was nothing she could do. She wanted to be close to him, needed to be. Joey’s hand on her back made her feel like her skin was melting. Not in the way that Harry made her feel like she was going melty. In a bad, bad way. In a way that made her cringe. Because it wasn’t right. This is what Harry meant. This is what he was talking about when he said they needed to be together tonight.

“It will only get worse.” He offered no consoling words, only facts. He held her back with the same ferocity, he was just better at hiding it.

“I don’t want him to touch me.” She shook her head. “It makes me want to drown myself.”

He cracked a smile, bringing his hand up to brush some of her hair behind her ear.

“Good. Are you decent? Can we go back? I’m actually hungry.” He dropped his hands and shifted back the tiniest bit and she came right after him, wrapping her arms around his middle and whining.

“Fine.”

She stood straight only after breathing him in one last time. When she looked over her shoulder, the moon had risen just over the tops of the trees.

It was only a matter of time before this got unbearable and (Y/N) really wasn’t sure how it could get worse than this. She already felt like she needed to be in his skin, she can’t imagine what will happen once the moon is higher in the sky.

Joey was out of line when they got back and sitting with the food order they gave him before disappearing. He didn’t seem weirded out, so he must not know what they were actually doing. There would be no sane way to explain it, Joey would just think she’s a little strange. And she’d really like to avoid that before she never sees him ever again.

(Y/N) focused on the food and let Joey do most of the talking. She kept on asking questions that she knew would get him talking as she started on her cheese fries. They were very filling but she still wasn’t completely satisfied and she knew why, she just didn’t want to actually let the thought flesh out in her mind because she probably wouldn’t be sitting here much longer.

She was up out of her seat when Joey reached to grab onto her hand. There was an awkward couple of seconds as she cradled her hand and took a step toward Harry who was watching very knowingly but saying nothing as he usually does.

“Uh, how about the ferris wheel? Those are my favorite.” She pointed, a nervous laugh leaving her mouth. Joey shrugged before nodding.

“Sure.”

It’s a shame that he’s such a good guy. She hopes that he gets everything he deserves after this.

Harry trailed after them to the ferris wheel. His hands were in his pockets and he looked almost casual for someone who was apparently feeling this just as badly as she was. She glanced back at him, secretly wishing that he was walking next to her instead. But she had to be polite. Only for a little while longer.

They got in line for the ferris wheel and while it was a little longer than she wanted it to be, she didn’t mind waiting. She couldn’t wait to be at the top so she could look down on the entire fair. And then after that, she supposed it would be time to go. Time to turn her life upside down.

(Y/N) isn’t sure how she did it, but she managed to keep Joey occupied all the way up until they were at the front of the line, just waiting on an empty car to get into. She still seemed interested and she entertained all his thoughts and ideas when all she really wanted to do was bury her head into Harry’s chest and pathetically grind away in his lap. It was just a second that she thought about it and then she had to banish it from her mind because she wouldn’t be able to think straight if she thought about that.

Somehow, they got rearranged in line and when the teenager running the ride asked them how many, she said three, forgetting that the ride only fit two people. They were still ushered on and before she realized what was happening, she was buckling herself into the seat beside Harry while Joey was stuck waiting for the next car to come down.

“Sorry!” She called to him and he waved her off.

“Have fun!”

Sighing, she sat back in the seat, careful not to rock the car in any way. While she did like the ride, she wasn’t fond of the seat tilting back and forth too far, so she tried to be as still as possible.

“Is this everything you were hoping it’d be?” Harry spoke up. She jumped when the car moved up a spot so Joey was let on the seat in behind them. She waved when he looked back, smiling like he wasn’t bothered by the seating arrangement at all.

“Yeah. It’s nice.” Not a complete lie, but not that truth either. It was fun until the full moon made an appearance and was lingering in the background every second. She couldn’t think about anything else. She wasn’t sure how high in the sky it needed to be, but it was only getting higher as the minutes dragged by.

“This isn’t your last fair, you know that? You’ll still live a pretty normal life. You can keep your home and your job. It’s only me that will be much different.”

Like he hadn’t already shook things up just by finding her in the woods that day. She’s been doomed ever since then. And that fact that werewolves just exist, like that didn’t blow her mind. She still hasn’t seen him in wolf form but she really doesn’t know what it’ll do to her already fragile state of mind so she isn’t looking forward to it too much. But she knows it’ll come up eventually.

“Yeah. Somehow I don’t think that’s true.” Her hands tightened around the lap bar when the ride started. Taking them up and then over top of the wheel, just to bring them back down and around.

“You don’t see yourself being happy?”

“I mean, it’s a little weird, yeah. But I think if it’s meant to be then it won’t be after a while. I don’t know.” She shrugged, gasping when they reached the top again and she could look at all the lights down below. It was only a second because they were going back down and around again.

“It is meant to be. It won’t be weird in only a short while.” His hand shifted towards hers on the lap bar and just barely touched.

“Yeah, but what about you? You hate the fact that I’m human and pretty much rejected me as soon as you saw me.” Her eyes rolled and then she hurried to look over the scenery again. It hurt her feelings. They obviously had a strong connection despite knowing little to nothing about each other and that part excited her. But Harry didn’t seem to ever be excited about anything.

“What are you talking about?” He turned to her just as the ride jerked to a stop at almost the top, but not quite.

“You don’t like that I’m human. You’d rather be mated with someone in the pack, right? Isn’t that how it goes?”

“That’s not how it works.” He shook his head. “There aren’t many wolves that find mates within their own pack. That’s very rare.”

“Well, you seem so thrilled to be stuck with me.” Another eye roll.

“A mate at all is always a gift. Wolf or human, I couldn’t ask for anyone else to be my mate. This might be all new now, but soon you’ll understand just how grateful I am to have found you and so soon.”

“But I can tell—”

“No. You can’t. A mate is a gift.”

“Then why are you so…grumpy all the time?”

“I’m ready to fuck you. That’s why.” He said it so casually and tacked on a shrug that made her mouth twitch.

“It’s that bad that you have to be an asshole all the time?” That was almost more shocking than all the rest of it. “Wow.”

“It’s just the way it is right now. I’ve been nice enough to you I think.”

“Yeah but it never made me think you want to fuck me. It made me think you were annoyed with me.” She crossed her arms, getting a chill since they were still waiting for other people down below to load and unload. It would probably be a minute until they were able to get off.

“Same thing, isn’t it?”

“No. If you want human girls to like you, you have to be sweet. Like Joey.” Harry scoffed, his arm coming up behind her shoulders. His hand squeezed the back of her neck.

“You’re my mate. We’ll love each other anyway.”

“Love you? I’ve only known you for like, three weeks.” He was talking about things she wasn’t even ready to consider. Love. That sounds like too much too soon.

“Time doesn’t mean much when you’re mates.”

That did little to console her. He did say things would happen fast just as soon as the moon touched the sky.

Her eyes shifted from his face to the moon behind him that seemed much larger than she’s ever seen it. It was bright, the sky was clear, and it felt like everything was falling perfectly into place. It also felt like a fire was starting somewhere deep in her belly. It wouldn’t be much longer now and she knew it.

“I want to kiss you.” It left her mouth before her brain could process the meaning of even saying it. Harry didn’t look surprised, he just shook his head.

“I don’t think your date would appreciate that.” He nodded ahead at Joey who wasn’t paying them any attention and instead looking at the scenery around him.

“He’s not going to look back. Please. I need it and you know it.” She pressed close to him again so their legs touched, their shoulders, their feet. Any way she could get close to him on this stupid ride, she would. At the slightest shake of his head, she was tugging at the collar of his jacket again and leaning her head into his chest.

“Please.”

Part of (Y/N) knows he’s only doing it to torture her. He wants to be right so badly that he would let himself suffer just to prove a point.

If the lap bar wasn’t in the way, she’s sure she’d be all over him. Smelling him and pressing herself as close as possible. She couldn’t wait to leave. She’d probably have to fake sick just to get back to the car. Joey would understand, wouldn’t he?

Her eyes flashed back to the moon. It felt eye level now. Like it was spotlighting right down onto her and transforming something within her now. And then, she felt what could only be described as a gushing. Through her underwear and onto the tights. She really hoped no one would be able to see that.

Harry’s hand on her neck tightened and he huffed.

“Great. You’re soaking yourself already and we’re stuck on this ride for who knows how long.” Like he was the one that was being inconvenienced.

“Shut up. It’s you that won’t let me kiss you.” Her thighs squeezed and she shifted even closer.

“He’s going to see and how are you going to explain to Joey that you kissed your cousin?” It sounded ridiculous when he said it like that. And Joey would certainly look at them like they were insane if he saw in the first place. But she really doubted he would. It’s too much work to turn himself around in that tiny car.

“I don’t care! He’s not going to see. Please,” She pried his hand from his lap and did her best to shove it between her legs. “Anything, please.”

He sighed as if he was being bothered before he pushed his fingers further under her skirt until they brushed the now wet tights.

“Jesus.”

“It’s all your fault.” She gripped his arm and pushed him closer.

“You wanted to come here.”

“You let me. You should’ve used that dumb little alpha voice and told me no.”

“You wouldn’t have listened.” The back of his hand added pressure to the front of her underwear finally.

“You should’ve made me,” Just the warmth of his hand was enough. For now. But she still wanted a kiss. “Kiss me now.” She leaned to nip at his neck and if she knew that was all it was going to take for his free hand to grip onto her jaw and press their mouths together, she would’ve done that weeks ago.

She hoped every single pathetic little whine that she let out into his mouth was muffled, at the very least. Her mouth moved fast, she didn’t want to feel anything slow. She wanted him now, but the very top of the ferris wheel wasn’t a great place to do that. Not with all these people around anyway.

(Y/N) had been too busy with his mouth to worry about his hand between her legs. But when her tights were ripped open at the center, she knew he was probably done playing around.

Then, he just stopped. Because of course he would.

“I’ll take care of you as soon as we’re home.”

“At least kiss me!” It was louder than she meant it to be but there was no part of her that cared.

“I did.”

“Not enough.

“Plenty actually.”

“But, I don’t think I can—” (Y/N) shut her mouth as soon as she glanced to her right and saw Joey in front of them, staring back. He looked confused and a pinch hurt. Before she could find anything to shout to him, some excuse, an apology, he turned right back around and didn’t face them again for the rest of the ride.

“You’ve done it now.” Harry pulled his hand from her skirt and wiped it over his pants leg. The glare she sent him was meant to be angry, but he just smiled at her and rested his arm behind her back again.

“This really isn’t going to plan.” She pulled her hands from Harry’s jacket and sat back in the seat. Everything simmered for a moment. She felt herself pout. It was never meant to be serious with Joey but she knows that he’s still not going to be the slightest bit happy about what he just saw. There’s nothing she can even say that will make an ounce of sense. She might as well just keep quiet and let him say whatever he needs to say, if anything at all.

“He’ll be alright.” Harry brought his other hand to her cheek and gently ran the back of his hand over it. It was probably the most tender touch he’s ever offered to her. She leaned into it without thought and didn’t move until they were getting ushered off the ride.

It’s just her luck that Joey stuck around. She almost hoped he’d ditch them as soon as he got off, but it just goes to show that he really is a good guy. He looked between the two of them with a neutral expression and shook his head.

“You could’ve just told me you didn’t want to go.”

Harry hung back and let her have the space to say goodbye to Joey. (Y/N) really didn’t know what would make it better, she wouldn’t still be here if she were him. She’d be halfway to the parking lot.

“That wasn’t meant to happen like that…” She trailed off, watching him shift uncomfortably and then cross his arms. “I’ve never…kissed him before. I don’t….I’m sorry.”

It was unbelievable to her as well. She really thought she’d be able to resist what Harry claimed to be fate. She tried but it didn’t take long for her to relent as soon as the moon was high enough in the sky. She should’ve listened to Harry and stayed in. That’s a tough pill to swallow.

“Yeah. I’m sorry too. Bye (Y/N).” He turned on his heel and started walking away from them. Harry took his place back beside her and wound his arm around her waist.

“Want me to rip his throat out?” He offered casually, pulling her to face him.

“No. He gets to be a little upset. I mean, we were on a date! Imagine if you saw me kissing him, you’d die!” She doesn’t want to know what he’d really do. It would probably be much worse than that. He tugged her impossibly closer until she was pretty much forced to reciprocate the hold around his shoulders.

“No. He would. Because I’d kill him,” He stared over her shoulder at what she assumed to be Joey. “Now. I think we have somewhere to be.”

Both of their gazes shifted to the moon looming high over their heads and then back to each other.

Harry kept his hand tightly woven with hers as they tried to refrain from running to the car. Rushing, yes, but not running because that sounded ridiculous when she thought about what exactly they were rushing for.

But then he looked down at her with this heated stare as they were waiting for a line of people to cross in front of them on their way out to the parking lot. It burned all the way to her core and she remembered exactly why running was probably a great idea and made the most sense.

Once they both reached the car, as soon as the doors were shut, (Y/N) was halfway over the center console to kiss him again.

“Do you think we’ll be able to leave the park lot?” She said between breaths, only taking as long as it took to say that before pressing her mouth back to his. He didn’t even answer her before dragging her over the middle console and sitting her in his lap.

“I think I have to mark you now.”

Two weeks ago, that would’ve freaked (Y/N) out. She would have been stressing about pain or about what happens after he sinks his teeth into her, if that’s even what marking means.

But right now, nothing sounds better.

“Do it.”

This is (Y/N) and Joey’s fourth date and she couldn’t be any more pleased with him.

He’s sweet and thoughtful and most of all, he knows how to communicate. That’s a big one. He tells her good morning and goodnight, he tells her when he’s busy and might not be able to get to his phone. He lets her know that this is going well and that he really likes her. He might just be on his way to securing his spot as her boyfriend if he keeps it up.

They met on a dating app, which is probably the easiest way to meet people nowadays, (Y/N) thinks. Most matches that come through are make or break. She can usually tell right away what type of person swiped on her profile and so sure, she’s had a lot of misses and a few guys ghost her but that’s what comes with using the apps. And to think she almost didn’t match with Joey. She almost deleted the app altogether, vowing that she was just going to go out and meet people the old-fashioned way and then the notification came through. He was a charmer right away, asking about her cat that she posted and answering all the questions on her profile just the way she wanted.

He was very kind and very, very nice on the eyes. So, now four dates in, (Y/N) could really see this going somewhere. She almost couldn’t believe she actually made a decent match on the app she was using. She didn’t think guys like Joey even existed anymore.

“So, it’s been a long week. Better now that I get to see you though.” He smiled, reaching his hand over the table to grab hers.

See what she means? It’s like he has some kind of playbook that tells him exactly what she wants him to say at all times. He’s perfect.

“I feel the same. Mine was definitely interesting.” Her eyes rolled the tiniest bit but she didn’t elaborate. Joey would never understand even if she tried to describe it to him. The only way he’d come close to believing her was seeing it with his own eyes and even then, he’d probably never want to see her again.

There was no reason to let the two meet in the first place, so she tried to keep that part of her life very, very, very separated from this one with Joey.

But her phone kept on ringing.

In her defense, she didn’t tell him she was going anywhere tonight, and most times when her phone rings, she answers it. Now that she’s not, she’s sure that he has a pretty good idea about what she’s doing tonight. And plus, he’s probably already tried her apartment.

“Do you need to get that? It sounds important.” He glanced toward her bag at the edge of the table. You could hear it buzzing away even inside the bag and on silent. It’s been going for about thirty minutes. It’ll stop because she didn’t answer and then start right back up again. She would turn off her phone completely but she knew he’d throw a fit.

“No, no. It’s not important. I don’t even know who it is.” It stopped buzzing. And started again. “Probably a debt collector or something. You know, they just keep calling and they don’t even really want anything when you ask.” She laughed it off, snatching her bag off the table and hooking it around her chair instead.

“Sorry about that. I don’t want anything to interrupt us right here so—” She was cut off by the Find My sound playing on her phone, in her bag, probably disrupting the entire restaurant. It was ear-piercing and she can’t even believe he would ever go that far. And she didn’t know that her phone was on his Find My and that just boils her blood because that also means he has her location. “Give me one second.” Trying to smile politely at Joey, she grabbed her purse up and walked towards the back of the restaurant where the restrooms are. There was a long and vacant hallway connected to that going back to the kitchen, so it was absolutely the best place to answer this phone call.

“What could you possibly want?” She asked immediately upon clicking the answer button.

“I don’t appreciate being ignored all day. You know that very well, (Y/N).” He spoke in the same tone he always does. Cold and no emotions seeping through at all. Just straightforward, no room for any type of misinterpretation.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I do have a life outside of whatever you have planned for me, you know that very well, don’t you?” They’ve had this conversation many times and she’s not sure what he doesn’t understand about it yet.

“You need to come home now. Wherever you are, doesn’t matter. Home. Now.”

It was laughable to have him demand her to do anything. Even if he sounded scary and a small part of her internally trembled, she didn’t like to come running. She liked to push him as far as he’d let her.

“We haven’t even made it through the main course yet. And I’m enjoying myself so you’re going to have to wait.” She leaned back against the wall behind her, listening to him huff through the phone.

“(Y/N). It would be in your best interest to leave that restaurant now. Unless you’d like me to come get you myself.”

“I’m almost done. Another hour at most, I promise.” Her tone switched up, hoping that he would understand a little bit that she’s smack dab in the middle of dinner with a guy she really likes. He doesn’t care about the guy part, it probably only infuriates him, honestly. But she was hoping he’d cut her some slack.

“I don’t care. Be home in fifteen minutes or I’m going to come find you. And you don’t want that.” The line cut and she shoved her phone back in her bag and stomped back to her table with Joey, wondering what kind of excuse she’d have to make up this time.

He must have been able to tell by the look on her face that the phone call was bad news.

“Do you have to go? Is everything alright?” He was always empathetic too. He was the perfect guy and so understanding. Hopefully this would all be over soon and she could really focus on Joey instead of whatever this is.

“Yeah, I’m so sorry. Something just…came up. I hate to leave like this. Here’s the cash for mine.” She sat down only to open her purse and get to her wallet but he stopped her right away.

“Don’t worry about it. No need to apologize. I’ve got the bill. You just get to wherever you need to be. Text me when you can and we can set something up for another time.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. It was nice having dinner with you again.”

A gem, truly. And now she has to go deal with some other man that acts the opposite. Just because he dares to call whatever this is fate and divine intervention and something that they can’t control.

When she got home, she didn’t even have to unlock the door. Harry flung the door open from the inside and dragged her in by the front of her dress.

“Excuse me! You don’t have to grab me like that! I was on my way in, you fucking psycho.” She batted his hand away and watched the disapproval melt onto his face as he looked her over.

“That skirt is atrocious. I’m not sure why you bothered to wear it in public.”

(Y/N) knows better than to let him bait her into an argument, so she just takes a deep breath and turns on her heel. She knows he only wants her to lay down in bed and that’s really it. But he’s so annoying about it.

“(Y/N).”

“What?” He was standing in her doorway when she turned around.

“I’ve been waiting too long for you. The sooner you lay down, the better for us both. Please.”

She hadn’t noticed when she walked in because she was so angry that he disrupted her. He looks like he always does when he comes to her in the middle of the month. When the new moon hides away and he’s feeling extra vulnerable. He’s supposed to be with his mate until the full moon, which is apparently very hard on him too, but he never really looks worse than he does now.

It wasn’t ideal. It was never going to be. Their dynamic and how strange it is.

(Y/N) met Harry on a trail in the woods near her house. She just needed a breather and might have stepped off the allotted path for just a second, to see what else was out there, beyond the trail. It was a bad idea and she did know she shouldn’t be doing things like that alone. But it really didn’t take Harry long to sniff her out and then look at her like he was absolutely appalled by what he’d stumbled upon.

From what he tells her, he caught a scent two towns over and followed it to the source. The source being her. It was a scent reserved for mates. So as Harry was rushing to find his mate, he never for a second thought she’d be human. And apparently that was a huge deal in his world. It was rare enough that he had to do his own “research” to figure out how to go about it.

(Y/N) honestly didn’t give two fucks when he told her that in the beginning because she thought he was crazy. He spoke about moon phases and how they only had six moons left to mark her as his mate or fate would do as fate does and force the two of them together. And forcing a mate didn’t seem like something he wanted to do. But she was human and it didn’t seem like he liked the idea too much.

At first, she didn’t even believe a word he was saying. Talking about wolves and mates and his pack that he was apparently the leader of. But it didn’t take long for it to start making sense.

Her body felt…different. There was a slight pull to be around him. It was strange. She adored his smell which was even more strange. So much so that she found herself nuzzling her nose into his chest just to breathe him in. She could feel how far away he was. If he was ever too far, pain. Somewhere deep inside of her that felt like she was crumbling from the inside out. It wasn’t something she could really put into words, but as soon as their eyes locked in the woods, it was over for them both. Whether they wanted it to be or not.

This is their last full moon to mark (Y/N) before all their feelings amplify and it all turns into a huge mess. And Harry has been on edge, she can tell.

He doesn’t want to mark her because he doesn’t know what will happen to her. That was reserved for wolves only and as far as she knows, she’s not a wolf and never has been. So they’re unsure how the whole process will go with her being human.

And he’s not sure how she’s supposed to meet his pack. Bringing a human on their territory wasn’t normally advised . At least that’s what he says.

She did some research of her own but most of it seemed out of fairy tales. She asked if he had an aversion to silver and he was on his way to laughing at her by the time the conversation was over with. She asked about vampires because to her the two go hand in hand and he just told her she watched too many movies. None of it made sense. What was real and what wasn’t. She couldn’t be sure anymore after meeting him. And he wasn’t a fan of straight answers so that really made it difficult.

But he tries to explain it to her in a way that doesn’t sound so awful, but all of it does. He sinks his teeth into her neck and they both run away and live out their days on his land somewhere in the mountains. It was inevitable, according to him. So the only thing they’re doing is buying themselves time to get her adjusted to the thought of it. There is no choice in the matter.

The new moon had Harry being a little gentler. He’d ramp back up as the full moon approached but right now, he patiently waits for her to change her clothes and then tucks her into bed just the way she likes.

“Are you comfortable?”

“I guess.” She shrugged, forcing her eyes to look at the ceiling so she didn’t have to watch him pull his shirt over his head and show off his insanely toned upper body. It almost hurt to look at.

He crawled in beside her, onto top of the blankets because he ran really warm, and stuffed his nose into the side of her neck.

“You smell like him.” He pulled back, grimacing.

“I’d really smell like him if you gave me more than five minutes with him.” She rolled her eyes, turning her head away from him.

(Y/N) wanted to live out the rest of her free days as normally as possible. She wanted to go on dates and kiss cute guys and get one last fuck in, but Harry prevented all of that. She couldn’t even stand the idea of Joey leaning in to kiss her much less actually kissing him. It was against everything she was thinking about. She thought she would want to kiss him, he’s cute and sweet. But her body knows something that she hasn’t quite accepted yet.

She wonders why Joey goes on dates with her if she won’t let him get close enough to touch her. But he does. He probably thinks she’s just really shy. And that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“It is not written so it won’t be.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” She felt his nose nudge further into the side of her neck.

“This is our last moon.”

“I’m aware.”

“It’ll be different this time.”

“Apparently.”

“(Y/N).” He pulled back, forcing her to turn to him. “It’s important that we’re together that night. Things will happen fast.”

“What things?”

“Your mark.” His finger brushed over her neck where he said all the other mates have theirs. She shivered every time he touched her. “Both of us will want to be together. It’s best that we’re here.”

“Yeah. Sure. Thanks for the bedtime story.” She pulled the blankets up over her shoulder and turned to her side. He followed, pressing right against her and nudging his nose right back against her throat. Since they weren’t mated, the only thing that stopped the ache was closeness and each other’s scent. It was annoying, as were many things about Harry, but she couldn’t lie and say his presence didn’t feel like a key in a lock or a puzzle piece snapping into place. Like he was something she’d been missing and she finally found it. She didn’t dare mention that to him though.

“Goodnight, (Y/N).”

****

As it turns out, Harry can be very moody.

(Y/N) thinks it’s mostly the upcoming full moon but she’s not sure what else. Maybe it’s the fact that she’s giggling and awing at her phone next to him because Joey is sending her all these cute things.

It probably is that. He peeked over her shoulder once and grumbled something under his breath that she didn’t catch.

They weren’t doing much today, but most of her plans include Harry. He doesn’t say much but he likes to be near her. So, when they watch tv, he’s pawing at her, pulling her under his arm, and breathing her in.

That was weird, at first. Having him grab her and snuggle her but look so frustrated about it at the same time. It threw her off. But she knows that he’s really only frustrated with the fact that his mate is human. And that she isn’t exactly returning his attention like another wolf would.

And he absolutely hates Joey. Which is to be expected. He’s in the way, technically. (Y/N) keeps holding onto him when she knows it’s not going to last much longer. She doesn’t know why she does, but she does. It will only end up hurting Joey in the long run but there’s just something that keeps her hanging onto him.

“Why do you keep making those noises?” His arm came over her shoulder and across her chest to grab onto her waist and pull her back against his chest. She sat up to reply back to Joey because she could feel how broody Harry was getting. But he pulled her right back.

“What noises?” She was barely paying attention when she leaned her head back against his shoulder, immediately being enveloped by his warmth. Her bed never got cold anymore. It was insane how much heat he put off, but it definitely wasn’t something she didn’t like.

“Laughing like that.”

“Like what?” She glanced over at him, seeing his brow furrowed and his face set like he wasn’t amused. He never seemed to be amused about anything actually. Ever.

“Like that. I don’t know, but it’s making my ears ring.”

(Y/N) could tell he was complaining just to complain. He didn’t like that she was texting Joey, so he had to make it into something it wasn’t. She doesn’t tell him he’s acting insane though. Because she tried that and he only got more insane. It wasn’t worth it to disrupt their quiet morning.

“Okay, well, I’ll stop then.” It was best to compromise with him because he'd get his way anyway. “I can’t believe she just sits with you like that.” She nodded towards Mittens who was sitting on the other side of him, nudging against his leg, demanding he scratch at her head. And he always did.

(Y/N) was once again dumbfounded. Because Harry is essentially a dog and as far she knew cats and dogs did not do well together. Mittens had never even been around a dog long enough to adjust to one so she was sure that she’d want nothing to do with Harry. And since she’s an animal, (Y/N) also assumed that she was well aware that Harry was nothing close to a normal person. But the opposite happened just like it always seemed to.

She was always beside him whenever they were on the couch. She followed him through the apartment. Rubbed all over him when she first allowed him over. He liked cats, he told her when he noticed the expression on her face. And cats liked him. So (Y/N) gave up on being surprised by anything. Stranger things have happened and do happen quite constantly now.

“She doesn’t mind me, I guess.” He gave in to her incessant nudging and scratched her head which in turn caused her to purr like he was the best thing that ever happened to her when (Y/N) pet her all the time. A totally normal amount but she acted like she was starved for attention.

“That makes one of us.” She commented with an eye roll that made him tug on the ends of her hair gently.

“That will change.” He tugged a pinch harder and pulled her back against him again while keeping Mittens happy with pets on the other side of him.

“Joey invited me out next weekend.” She felt him tense behind her and his hand clench around her tee shirt.

“Next weekend isn’t a good weekend. You know very well why.”

“But he wants to take me to the fair. You know they only have it up for a few weeks and this is the last weekend. I’ve never been before.” Her voice got a little whiny and she dropped her phone to turn and look at him. “Please.”

“That’s the full moon, (Y/N). I don’t think you’re understanding just how serious it is.” He kept his tone and expression stern. Yeah, she doesn’t know how serious it is because she hasn’t been preparing since birth for this moment like he has. He hasn’t told her much, just that he’ll have to leave a mark most likely. And while that sounded the least appealing of it all, a tiny part of her felt her skin buzzing whenever he even hinted at marking her.

“I’ll come home early. Before the moon rises. Please?” Her hands came together like she was begging him. It wasn’t like he was that much in control of what she does, she would probably end up going even if he did forbid her. But she wanted to at least ask so he felt like he was in charge. And because he’d track her down and drag her home himself.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. You should be saying your goodbyes to him, not making more plans.”

True, but this would be the last, last time that they’d see each other and she wanted to leave on a good note. But he was right. It would be best to cut ties now and not give him more false hope. (Y/N) just wanted one more night before things changed forever.

“Harry.” Another pout. He looked away from her, his word final, but she scurried into his lap, latching onto him around the shoulders and squeezing. “It’s the last time, please. You know this won’t happen again, so you should just let me.”

“I should just let you? You’re not listening (Y/N).” He huffed like he was frustrated but then grabbed her up under the thighs to drag her closer.

“I want to go. I’m asking.” This time she toughened up her tone. Because if he didn’t say yes, she’d go anyway and she wanted that to be perfectly clear. It didn’t matter what he said because she would be seeing Joey that night, no matter what phase the moon is in.

“You’re impossible.” His eyes rolled and that’s how she knew she’s nearly got her way. “My one condition is I have to come. I can’t be away from you at a time like that and you know it.”

She scowled at him, dropping her head back on her shoulders.

“But Harry!”

“It’s the only way. You’d probably be sick to your stomach if you’re too far away at moonrise and come home anyway. So it’s either I come or your night gets cut short.”

She knew that he was right. It’s happened similarly before. She refused to let him in her bed and she literally felt ill when he was sleeping on the floor beside her bed instead of right next to her.

It came on like a fever. She got chills and felt nauseous. And she knew it wouldn’t go away until he was next to her but she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction. It didn’t take long for her to be curled up on the floor right beside him. He told her off in the morning and ever since then he’s been in her bed.

“Fine. I guess. We’ll make it work.” She shrugged, not sure how she was going to explain their third wheel to Joey yet. He probably wouldn’t be ecstatic about it. “Thanks for letting me go. You have no idea how happy I am.” Her hands came up to hold his face. It was times like this that she felt outside of her body. Whenever she touched him by her own free will, it was always more intimate than she planned it to be.

Her smile dropped when she met his eyes. It was like they always set her into a trance. They were so green and it was hard to look away once you started. Whenever this happened, the only thing that cycled through her mind was pushing their mouths together. She knows it’s because they’re mates that she feels so inclined to be close to him but it’s moments like this that it really affects her. She could feel herself leaning while he just waited for her to get close enough.

Harry’s gorgeous. Striking even. When she met him in the woods, she thought she was seeing someone not human. Which he isn’t but his features were so perfect she was thinking he wasn’t real. And then he started lamenting about how disappointed he was that she was human and things took a turn.

So whenever they lock eyes, the seconds feel like hours and it takes a long time for her to come back to her senses.

She pushed at his shoulders just as she was a breath away from his lips and then shook her head.

“Sorry, I…sorry.” She rushed out, carefully moving herself from his lap and sitting a cushion away from him. She picked up her forgotten phone and tried to ignore how heavy his gaze felt.

****

Harry growled, like actually growled, when he saw the outfit she was wearing to go to the fair.

“How can you be mad at a jean skirt!” She threw her hands up. He made her change ten times now, lecturing her about how cool it was going to get once the sun was down and how a dress wasn’t appropriate to wear to a fair. She argued that there wasn’t a dress code to go to a fair and he argued back that she’d never been to one so how would she know?

“Don’t you have something more comfortable? Don’t you want to be warm?” He was sitting on the couch, but now his back was straight as he tried to get her to change her outfit for the millionth time. She thought they could compromise since she put tights on underneath, but (Y/N) isn’t sure that Harry would ever be happy with her outfit choice. Mittens perched on his lap giving her the same disapproving look he was didn’t help one bit.

“I’m wearing a skirt and a jacket. Get over yourself before I leave you here. I’d be late if I had to change again.” She rolled her eyes when she turned her back to him and grabbed her purse. She hurried to the mirror next to the door and checked herself over one last time. She looked cute. And cozy. She’d be plenty warm with the flannel jacket she was wearing so all Harry’s worrying is for nothing.

When she brought out her lip gloss to finish off her look, she heard Harry mumbling to himself again. He hated when she put in any effort to see Joey but this would be the last time, so she wanted to dress how she’d normally dress on a date.

“Let’s just go before I call the whole thing off.” He snatched his car keys from the coffee table and waited for her at the door.

(Y/N) told Joey it was best that they meet at the fair. And then she told him how her cousin from out of town was staying with her and she’d feel really bad to leave him alone after he came all this way to see her. Joey didn’t mind either one and she was grateful he didn’t. She didn’t want Harry to have to squeeze himself in the back of Joey’s car because he’d be huffy the whole way. And she was glad Joey didn’t mind her “cousin” tagging along because she wouldn’t have been able to go at all if Harry didn’t come. Joey didn’t know this was the last time he’d ever see her so he didn’t think it was a big deal that they wouldn’t be alone, but (Y/N) was going to try her best to be in a good mood and not pay much attention to Harry.

The fair was pretty from the parking lot. All the lights from the rides and the sun setting, it looked like the movies and she couldn’t be more excited.

“He said he’s at the tables by the fun house.” She said just as Harry parked the car. He shot her a look and sat back in his seat.

“When I say it’s time to go, it’s time. I don’t care what you have to tell him, we’re leaving.” She barely heard him because she was already out of the car and halfway to the entrance of the place.

He caught up quickly and grabbed her by the back of her jacket collar.

“And don’t run off again because you know I’ll find you.”

(Y/N) had to pry Harry’s hand from her waist when she caught sight of Joey sitting at one of the tables people watching. He didn’t see them yet, thankfully, and she made sure to shoot Harry a look before announcing herself.

“Hi, Joey!” He turned at the sound of her voice and immediately stood to hug her. She hugged him back over the shoulders, feeling him give her an extra squeeze that nearly pulled her feet from the ground.

“Hi, (Y/N). Nice to see you.”

There was small talk for maybe two minutes before Harry just had to insert himself into the conversation. He cleared his throat and stood right beside (Y/N), keeping his face neutral.

“I’m Harry.”

(Y/N) just blinked at him and then turned to see Joey’s reaction. He took the rude interruption in stride and reached to shake his hand.

“Right! The cousin. Nice to meet you, man.”

(Y/N) had to elbow Harry in the side to get him to reach out and shake his hand. He did but she knew Joey was probably really aware that he didn’t want to.

Joey bought them all tickets before they got there. For rides, games, and food. (Y/N) couldn’t help fawning over that, because it was nice and because she knew it would grate on Harry’s nerves.

He was trailing behind them as (Y/N) held onto Joey’s arm as they caught up on their week apart. It felt natural, even though she knew that this wasn’t supposed to happen, according to Harry. Maybe they’re not meant to date at all. Obviously, but she really does like Joey as a person.

They rode a few rides, like the Tilt-a-Whirl, bumper cars, and the carousel. Harry didn’t ride anything and instead stood at the gate and watched them with a very discontented look on his face. She almost felt bad, but she didn’t really know why.

Harry hasn’t been the nicest since she’s met him, but the pitiful expression he had made her heart hurt a fraction. It was probably the fact that they’re mates that she feels anything but irritation for him. The very idea of what the rest of tonight holds is keeping her in good spirits. And that has nothing at all to do with Joey surprisingly, but all to do with Harry.

Whatever happened to her in the last few months has now turned on its head. It’s like she almost wants Harry to snatch her away from the rest of her life. It didn’t sound appealing when he explained it to her then, but it doesn’t seem as bad when she thinks about it now.

They met back with Harry after the last ride and her stomach growled, but she ignored it. She wasn’t sure what Joey wanted to do yet and while she was going to suggest getting something to eat, she didn’t get the chance to. Harry already spoke up.

“I think it’s best if we eat now.” His eyes assessed her for a long moment before he turned to Joey. “She’s withering away.”

“Oh.” Joey blinked, looking down at her. “You’re hungry? You could’ve said something, let’s go.” He pulled at her hand, heading in the direction of the booths with food and treats. She met eyes with Harry before turning and she shot him a look.

He always knew exactly how she was feeling or what she wanted to an extent that it was annoying. He heard her stomach growl through all the noise and just knew. If she cared for him, she might be endeared by it, but at the moment it just bothered her.

They got in line at one booth and (Y/N) felt really impatient all of a sudden. Standing in line seemed like such a drag and while she was hungry, she just simply didn’t want to stand here with Joey’s hand on her back. It might have only been his hand that was the problem and the more she became aware of the weight of his hand, the more she felt like crawling out of her skin.

She stood straight and turned to him instead of standing beside him.

“I, uh, think I have to go to the bathroom. Do you mind ordering?” She rushed to say, trying to ignore the confusion on his face that slowly turned to understanding.

“Sure. Hurry back.” He smiled so sweetly it almost made her want to swoon. Almost. She feels bad more than anything because he’d never know the truth, he’d just never hear from her again.

“Harry. Come with me?” She nudged his arm. He was already watching her intently when she looked at him to ask. He said nothing and just followed her away from Joey and between the booths to get to the portable toilets.

Which, she was not a fan of, but she still made sure they were out of sight before grabbing Harry by the collar of his jacket and bringing her nose to his neck. (Y/N) felt so out of sorts. Smelling him like an animal. Like she needed it. He stumbled slightly before reaching his arms around her and tugging her closer.

“I feel insane. This is too much.” She breathed, looking up at him now and feeling so utterly helpless. There was nothing she could do. She wanted to be close to him, needed to be. Joey’s hand on her back made her feel like her skin was melting. Not in the way that Harry made her feel like she was going melty. In a bad, bad way. In a way that made her cringe. Because it wasn’t right. This is what Harry meant. This is what he was talking about when he said they needed to be together tonight.

“It will only get worse.” He offered no consoling words, only facts. He held her back with the same ferocity, he was just better at hiding it.

“I don’t want him to touch me.” She shook her head. “It makes me want to drown myself.”

He cracked a smile, bringing his hand up to brush some of her hair behind her ear.

“Good. Are you decent? Can we go back? I’m actually hungry.” He dropped his hands and shifted back the tiniest bit and she came right after him, wrapping her arms around his middle and whining.

“Fine.”

She stood straight only after breathing him in one last time. When she looked over her shoulder, the moon had risen just over the tops of the trees.

It was only a matter of time before this got unbearable and (Y/N) really wasn’t sure how it could get worse than this. She already felt like she needed to be in his skin, she can’t imagine what will happen once the moon is higher in the sky.

Joey was out of line when they got back and sitting with the food order they gave him before disappearing. He didn’t seem weirded out, so he must not know what they were actually doing. There would be no sane way to explain it, Joey would just think she’s a little strange. And she’d really like to avoid that before she never sees him ever again.

(Y/N) focused on the food and let Joey do most of the talking. She kept on asking questions that she knew would get him talking as she started on her cheese fries. They were very filling but she still wasn’t completely satisfied and she knew why, she just didn’t want to actually let the thought flesh out in her mind because she probably wouldn’t be sitting here much longer.

She was up out of her seat when Joey reached to grab onto her hand. There was an awkward couple of seconds as she cradled her hand and took a step toward Harry who was watching very knowingly but saying nothing as he usually does.

“Uh, how about the ferris wheel? Those are my favorite.” She pointed, a nervous laugh leaving her mouth. Joey shrugged before nodding.

“Sure.”

It’s a shame that he’s such a good guy. She hopes that he gets everything he deserves after this.

Harry trailed after them to the ferris wheel. His hands were in his pockets and he looked almost casual for someone who was apparently feeling this just as badly as she was. She glanced back at him, secretly wishing that he was walking next to her instead. But she had to be polite. Only for a little while longer.

They got in line for the ferris wheel and while it was a little longer than she wanted it to be, she didn’t mind waiting. She couldn’t wait to be at the top so she could look down on the entire fair. And then after that, she supposed it would be time to go. Time to turn her life upside down.

(Y/N) isn’t sure how she did it, but she managed to keep Joey occupied all the way up until they were at the front of the line, just waiting on an empty car to get into. She still seemed interested and she entertained all his thoughts and ideas when all she really wanted to do was bury her head into Harry’s chest and pathetically grind away in his lap. It was just a second that she thought about it and then she had to banish it from her mind because she wouldn’t be able to think straight if she thought about that.

Somehow, they got rearranged in line and when the teenager running the ride asked them how many, she said three, forgetting that the ride only fit two people. They were still ushered on and before she realized what was happening, she was buckling herself into the seat beside Harry while Joey was stuck waiting for the next car to come down.

“Sorry!” She called to him and he waved her off.

“Have fun!”

Sighing, she sat back in the seat, careful not to rock the car in any way. While she did like the ride, she wasn’t fond of the seat tilting back and forth too far, so she tried to be as still as possible.

“Is this everything you were hoping it’d be?” Harry spoke up. She jumped when the car moved up a spot so Joey was let on the seat in behind them. She waved when he looked back, smiling like he wasn’t bothered by the seating arrangement at all.

“Yeah. It’s nice.” Not a complete lie, but not that truth either. It was fun until the full moon made an appearance and was lingering in the background every second. She couldn’t think about anything else. She wasn’t sure how high in the sky it needed to be, but it was only getting higher as the minutes dragged by.

“This isn’t your last fair, you know that? You’ll still live a pretty normal life. You can keep your home and your job. It’s only me that will be much different.”

Like he hadn’t already shook things up just by finding her in the woods that day. She’s been doomed ever since then. And that fact that werewolves just exist, like that didn’t blow her mind. She still hasn’t seen him in wolf form but she really doesn’t know what it’ll do to her already fragile state of mind so she isn’t looking forward to it too much. But she knows it’ll come up eventually.

“Yeah. Somehow I don’t think that’s true.” Her hands tightened around the lap bar when the ride started. Taking them up and then over top of the wheel, just to bring them back down and around.

“You don’t see yourself being happy?”

“I mean, it’s a little weird, yeah. But I think if it’s meant to be then it won’t be after a while. I don’t know.” She shrugged, gasping when they reached the top again and she could look at all the lights down below. It was only a second because they were going back down and around again.

“It is meant to be. It won’t be weird in only a short while.” His hand shifted towards hers on the lap bar and just barely touched.

“Yeah, but what about you? You hate the fact that I’m human and pretty much rejected me as soon as you saw me.” Her eyes rolled and then she hurried to look over the scenery again. It hurt her feelings. They obviously had a strong connection despite knowing little to nothing about each other and that part excited her. But Harry didn’t seem to ever be excited about anything.

“What are you talking about?” He turned to her just as the ride jerked to a stop at almost the top, but not quite.

“You don’t like that I’m human. You’d rather be mated with someone in the pack, right? Isn’t that how it goes?”

“That’s not how it works.” He shook his head. “There aren’t many wolves that find mates within their own pack. That’s very rare.”

“Well, you seem so thrilled to be stuck with me.” Another eye roll.

“A mate at all is always a gift. Wolf or human, I couldn’t ask for anyone else to be my mate. This might be all new now, but soon you’ll understand just how grateful I am to have found you and so soon.”

“But I can tell—”

“No. You can’t. A mate is a gift.”

“Then why are you so…grumpy all the time?”

“I’m ready to fuck you. That’s why.” He said it so casually and tacked on a shrug that made her mouth twitch.

“It’s that bad that you have to be an asshole all the time?” That was almost more shocking than all the rest of it. “Wow.”

“It’s just the way it is right now. I’ve been nice enough to you I think.”

“Yeah but it never made me think you want to fuck me. It made me think you were annoyed with me.” She crossed her arms, getting a chill since they were still waiting for other people down below to load and unload. It would probably be a minute until they were able to get off.

“Same thing, isn’t it?”

“No. If you want human girls to like you, you have to be sweet. Like Joey.” Harry scoffed, his arm coming up behind her shoulders. His hand squeezed the back of her neck.

“You’re my mate. We’ll love each other anyway.”

“Love you? I’ve only known you for like, three weeks.” He was talking about things she wasn’t even ready to consider. Love. That sounds like too much too soon.

“Time doesn’t mean much when you’re mates.”

That did little to console her. He did say things would happen fast just as soon as the moon touched the sky.

Her eyes shifted from his face to the moon behind him that seemed much larger than she’s ever seen it. It was bright, the sky was clear, and it felt like everything was falling perfectly into place. It also felt like a fire was starting somewhere deep in her belly. It wouldn’t be much longer now and she knew it.

“I want to kiss you.” It left her mouth before her brain could process the meaning of even saying it. Harry didn’t look surprised, he just shook his head.

“I don’t think your date would appreciate that.” He nodded ahead at Joey who wasn’t paying them any attention and instead looking at the scenery around him.

“He’s not going to look back. Please. I need it and you know it.” She pressed close to him again so their legs touched, their shoulders, their feet. Any way she could get close to him on this stupid ride, she would. At the slightest shake of his head, she was tugging at the collar of his jacket again and leaning her head into his chest.

“Please.”

Part of (Y/N) knows he’s only doing it to torture her. He wants to be right so badly that he would let himself suffer just to prove a point.

If the lap bar wasn’t in the way, she’s sure she’d be all over him. Smelling him and pressing herself as close as possible. She couldn’t wait to leave. She’d probably have to fake sick just to get back to the car. Joey would understand, wouldn’t he?

Her eyes flashed back to the moon. It felt eye level now. Like it was spotlighting right down onto her and transforming something within her now. And then, she felt what could only be described as a gushing. Through her underwear and onto the tights. She really hoped no one would be able to see that.

Harry’s hand on her neck tightened and he huffed.

“Great. You’re soaking yourself already and we’re stuck on this ride for who knows how long.” Like he was the one that was being inconvenienced.

“Shut up. It’s you that won’t let me kiss you.” Her thighs squeezed and she shifted even closer.

“He’s going to see and how are you going to explain to Joey that you kissed your cousin?” It sounded ridiculous when he said it like that. And Joey would certainly look at them like they were insane if he saw in the first place. But she really doubted he would. It’s too much work to turn himself around in that tiny car.

“I don’t care! He’s not going to see. Please,” She pried his hand from his lap and did her best to shove it between her legs. “Anything, please.”

He sighed as if he was being bothered before he pushed his fingers further under her skirt until they brushed the now wet tights.

“Jesus.”

“It’s all your fault.” She gripped his arm and pushed him closer.

“You wanted to come here.”

“You let me. You should’ve used that dumb little alpha voice and told me no.”

“You wouldn’t have listened.” The back of his hand added pressure to the front of her underwear finally.

“You should’ve made me,” Just the warmth of his hand was enough. For now. But she still wanted a kiss. “Kiss me now.” She leaned to nip at his neck and if she knew that was all it was going to take for his free hand to grip onto her jaw and press their mouths together, she would’ve done that weeks ago.

She hoped every single pathetic little whine that she let out into his mouth was muffled, at the very least. Her mouth moved fast, she didn’t want to feel anything slow. She wanted him now, but the very top of the ferris wheel wasn’t a great place to do that. Not with all these people around anyway.

(Y/N) had been too busy with his mouth to worry about his hand between her legs. But when her tights were ripped open at the center, she knew he was probably done playing around.

Then, he just stopped. Because of course he would.

“I’ll take care of you as soon as we’re home.”

“At least kiss me!” It was louder than she meant it to be but there was no part of her that cared.

“I did.”

“Not enough.

“Plenty actually.”

“But, I don’t think I can—” (Y/N) shut her mouth as soon as she glanced to her right and saw Joey in front of them, staring back. He looked confused and a pinch hurt. Before she could find anything to shout to him, some excuse, an apology, he turned right back around and didn’t face them again for the rest of the ride.

“You’ve done it now.” Harry pulled his hand from her skirt and wiped it over his pants leg. The glare she sent him was meant to be angry, but he just smiled at her and rested his arm behind her back again.

“This really isn’t going to plan.” She pulled her hands from Harry’s jacket and sat back in the seat. Everything simmered for a moment. She felt herself pout. It was never meant to be serious with Joey but she knows that he’s still not going to be the slightest bit happy about what he just saw. There’s nothing she can even say that will make an ounce of sense. She might as well just keep quiet and let him say whatever he needs to say, if anything at all.

“He’ll be alright.” Harry brought his other hand to her cheek and gently ran the back of his hand over it. It was probably the most tender touch he’s ever offered to her. She leaned into it without thought and didn’t move until they were getting ushered off the ride.

It’s just her luck that Joey stuck around. She almost hoped he’d ditch them as soon as he got off, but it just goes to show that he really is a good guy. He looked between the two of them with a neutral expression and shook his head.

“You could’ve just told me you didn’t want to go.”

Harry hung back and let her have the space to say goodbye to Joey. (Y/N) really didn’t know what would make it better, she wouldn’t still be here if she were him. She’d be halfway to the parking lot.

“That wasn’t meant to happen like that…” She trailed off, watching him shift uncomfortably and then cross his arms. “I’ve never…kissed him before. I don’t….I’m sorry.”

It was unbelievable to her as well. She really thought she’d be able to resist what Harry claimed to be fate. She tried but it didn’t take long for her to relent as soon as the moon was high enough in the sky. She should’ve listened to Harry and stayed in. That’s a tough pill to swallow.

“Yeah. I’m sorry too. Bye (Y/N).” He turned on his heel and started walking away from them. Harry took his place back beside her and wound his arm around her waist.

“Want me to rip his throat out?” He offered casually, pulling her to face him.

“No. He gets to be a little upset. I mean, we were on a date! Imagine if you saw me kissing him, you’d die!” She doesn’t want to know what he’d really do. It would probably be much worse than that. He tugged her impossibly closer until she was pretty much forced to reciprocate the hold around his shoulders.

“No. He would. Because I’d kill him,” He stared over her shoulder at what she assumed to be Joey. “Now. I think we have somewhere to be.”

Both of their gazes shifted to the moon looming high over their heads and then back to each other.

Harry kept his hand tightly woven with hers as they tried to refrain from running to the car. Rushing, yes, but not running because that sounded ridiculous when she thought about what exactly they were rushing for.

But then he looked down at her with this heated stare as they were waiting for a line of people to cross in front of them on their way out to the parking lot. It burned all the way to her core and she remembered exactly why running was probably a great idea and made the most sense.

Once they both reached the car, as soon as the doors were shut, (Y/N) was halfway over the center console to kiss him again.

“Do you think we’ll be able to leave the park lot?” She said between breaths, only taking as long as it took to say that before pressing her mouth back to his. He didn’t even answer her before dragging her over the middle console and sitting her in his lap.

“I think I have to mark you now.”

Two weeks ago, that would’ve freaked (Y/N) out. She would have been stressing about pain or about what happens after he sinks his teeth into her, if that’s even what marking means.

But right now, nothing sounds better.

“Do it.”