NASABECK

When Y/N woke up the next day, Harry was pressed tightly to her back, arm slithered around her waist and stuffing her impossibly closer to his slumbering body. She could feel the rumbling of his snores against her spine and he must have sneaked into her bed after she fell asleep, ditching the couch pallet she prepared for him in her living room. He had a habit of doing that so she wasn’t shocked or alarmed by his sudden appearance behind her.

All Y/N could really think about was what the actual heck happened the past night when Harry offered to ‘make her feel good.’ She would be lying if she said he didn’t make her come harder than anyone else ever had. The way he worked her body had her all hot and bothered again, restless in Harry’s tight grip when he groaned all of a sudden, all raspy and deep right in her ear, “stop moving, Berry.”

Berry.

He hadn’t called her that in a while. It was a nickname he often resorted to when Y/N and him were little, their first meeting being one where Harry caught Y/N blue-stained and sticky-fingered in the playground because she was inhaling the berries her mum packed her for a snack. He pointed at her face with a stern look and said the singular word, Berry. And from then on it stuck, all the way up till they were seniors in high school, where the name lost its appeal and Harry got whisked away into the hot, popular persona he adopted at the time.

After that he sparingly said the word, it only slipping out in unconscious or vulnerable moments, and apparently that morning was one too.

When she twisted in his grasp so she faced him, Harry blinked one eye open, “go back to bed. It’s the weekend for fucks sake.” He shuffled so he was facing her on his side, not withdrawing his hand fully as it still rested in the dip of her waist and thumbed over the smooth skin there. He had ditched his sweater for the night, just in a pair of soft sweatpants. His hair was pulled back in a bun but most of the strands were free now, thanks to his restless tossing and turning in bed. “I know it's the weekend, it doesn’t mean we laze around all morning. I have things to do.”

“Who said anything about all morning? Just five more minutes.”

Five more minutes turned into ten, and ten minutes later Harry somehow made his way between her thighs again. It started with him stroking her side, up to her shoulder and scratching his nails against her scalp. When she would try to make a move to leave bed and freshen up, he thumbed over her jugular and pushed her to lay on her back, scooting closer to her so he could lean over her side.

“Want me to eat you out again?”

It’s a terrible ploy to keep her in bed— one so outrageous it actually works and Y/N finds herself quickly nodding, slipping her hands in his hair to pull his hair tie. He kissed down her neck, sloppy and slow, all the way across her tummy and the tops of her thighs. She didn’t wear anything on her bottom half since she thought she was going to be sleeping alone but that proved a good decision when Harry had easy access to her sopping cunt.

From then on it was as good as it was the first time. In fact, it might have been even better. He was passionate as he stuffed his face into her, lifted her thighs so they bracketed his cheeks like he wanted to suffocate himself. His tongue was unrelenting, wriggling between her folds and making those noises that made Y/N’s face and neck go red as she pulled his locks harshly between her fingers. When he pulled out his favourite move of isolating her clit and flicking the tip of tongue against it hard and fast, it had Y/N shaking and whining out loud. She was brought to the edge very quickly after that, back arching and a loud gasp spilling from her mouth.

Harry popped off from her with a filthy sound, wiped his chin with the back of his hand and smirked up at her fucked-out state.

After that, it became some sort of trend.

Every weekend, Harry would come over to her apartment like he normally did, they’d chat about their week, pick out a movie and crack open a bag of chips only for Harry to nudge her mid-movie with his eyes sparkling and lip between his teeth and he’d ask her if he could go down on her again. So he would, and it would be amazing every time. Somehow he was even more enthusiastic than he was the last time, licking into her eagerly. It was like he wanted to drown in all she offered and one night he refused to let her go, slicking her folds over and over again until she came about three times.

Everytime he made her come she’d ask to return the favour since he was always sporting a painfully large bulge when he pulled away from her. Yet every time he politely declined— told her he was fine and would take care of it himself.

But this time Y/N was not letting that happen.

She was hell-bent tonight on getting him to come, no matter how much he persisted she didn’t need to do anything for him. Y/N knew tonight would be like the others— he’d find himself face-first between her thighs within 20 minutes of walking through her door. It’s not like she didn’t appreciate his very obvious oral fixation, it was just that her body was beginning to get used to his delivery of orgasms every weekend and she now had a different sort of ache that she needed to get fixed.

The ache to be filled up by him.

The burn of his cock inside of her was one she found herself craving often. She knew he was big by the way he would sometimes press his bulge against her thigh for some relief. All she wanted was for him to sink inside of her, reach all those spots she just knew he’d be able to hit and fuck into her nice and deep.

Obviously this was crossing a big, fat, red line.

Y/N and Harry were friends.

Best friends, in fact, ever since they were in the playground. Just the fact that he was spending his weekends suffocated by her pussy was definitely against the rules childhood best friends were bound to follow, but maybe they could venture into something more than just that— and Y/N didn’t mean dating.

Maybe something like a friends with benefits situation.

Yeah, Y/N didn’t mind having an arrangement of that sort with Harry. Besides, she trusted him, and surely their bond was strong enough to go through with it.

When he arrived at her door at about 7PM, Y/N jumped to quickly open it, finding Harry standing there with a single dimple making an appearance, hair pushed back and clad in a pair of matching sweatpants and a hoodie. He didn’t waste a beat in pressing himself against her, his greedy hands all over her waist as he walked her back into her apartment. “Hey,” he breathed, kissing her just below her ear, “I missed you.”

Y/N heard the door shut behind him, her eyelids fluttering under the feel of his lips against her skin, suckling warm kisses across the skin. “You saw me last weekend.”

“Mm. Too long.”

Harry’s voice was muffled against her skin, and he pulled back to brush his nose against her, his hands now sneakily resting against her bare waist. “It’s just seven days you horndog.”

“Heyy. Don’t say that like you hadn’t missed me either.” He pouted, shoving her hip so she fell back on the couch. Harry quickly climbed over her, hips snug between her thighs as he tenderly brushed her hair away from her forehead. Y/N could feel her cheeks heating up as he stared right at her. “Yeah,” she accepted defeat, like his eyes had fed her some sort of truth serum, “I missed you too. A lot.”

He must have liked her answer, because he pecks her cheek, then the corner of her mouth, then skips right over to the top of her chest exposed by the low neckline of her shirt, “did you, now? What about me did you miss, Berry?”

She didn’t respond for a while, lost in the feel of his mouth against her skin, trailing lower and lower until he pushed her shirt up and over her tits. The peaks of her nipples were pebbled, practically begging for Harry to wrap his mouth around them. Warm fingers slivered up her tummy to squeeze both her tits in his palm harshly. “Asked you a question.”

“Fuck,” those same fingers travelled over to her nipples, pinching the sensitive bud until her back arched off of the sofa, “um, your mouth.” The words barely left her throat as she struggled to keep her composure, squeezing Harry between her thighs so tightly he was afraid he’d get bruises on his hips. “That’s nice. Using me for my mouth, then are you? Quite selfish if you ask me.” Y/N knew he was only joking, but she couldn’t help bucking her hip into his, twisting his hair between her fingers.

“I’m not selfish! Just… need you.”

She barely recognised her voice, it sounding whiney and desperate as Harry finally dragged his tongue against her nipple, index finger and thumb bracketing her breast as he held it to his mouth. The way he moved his tongue was almost calculated; careful and thoughtful as he figured out the way to best please her— flicking the muscle against her bud, grazing it with his teeth and lulling long, slow circles around it. “S’okay. You can have my mouth. It’s all yours anyway.”

He popped off from her chest, leaving her a heaving and whimpery mess, though before he could fit his shoulders between her thighs, Y/N was quick to pull him back up with his hair so he was level with her face. The burn against his scalp made him groan as he stared down at Y/N, quite annoyed that she stopped him from having his treat.

“I want something else tonight,” she breathed. His eyebrows dipped slightly as he brought a large hand to wrap around her throat— one of his favourite ways to hold her, “what do you need, princess?”

He was subtly grinding his hips against her, pinning her against the couch as she tried to figure out the words to say what she wanted. “I need you to fuck me. Please.”

All movements paused. His fingers tightened around her throat and his eyes became a shade darker. “S’that what this is then? All needy to get my cock inside of you?” Harry’s thumb subtly caressed the side of her throat as he nudged his nose against hers, “hmm?”

”Yes, please. I need it so bad, Harry.”

She gave him the best doe eyes she could, biting her lip for added effect. Even though Harry was a weak man for a pretty pout, he had to think rationally here. His eyes softened as he stared down at his best friend— if he could even call her that at this point. “Are you sure, Berry? I don’t… I don’t want to do anything that could ruin what we have,” his thumb made its way to her cheek where he stroked lovingly, “you mean a lot to me.”

“You mean a lot to me too, Harry. You’re my best friend.”

He grinned. “Oh? You let all your best friends eat your pussy and choke you, then?”

“Don’t be a dick,” she smacked his chest lightheartedly, “we can try like… friends with benefits?”

This made him somehow smirk even wider and Y/N’s cheeks got warmer, “gosh I just am that irresistible aren’t I?” She rolled her eyes, “don’t make me take it back.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He kissed her forehead then her nose, “‘course I’ll fuck you. I’ll do whatever you want, baby.”

With that, he pulled his sweater off of his head and helped Y/N with her shirt. She had seen him shirtless before numerous times but never allowed herself to ogle him in a sexual way. She didn’t hold back as she let her fingers trail all over his tanned skin, squeezing his sides and pulling him closer so there was practically no space between the two. Harry giggled at her desperation. “Horny, Berry?”

Y/N smacked his head for real this time. “Shut up.”

He rubbed the spot she struck, “that hurt.”

“Well too bad,” she let her fingers work on the knot of his sweats, hastily trying to push them off of his hips but Harry had other plans— long fingers came to wrap around her wrists, pulling her hands away from him and pinning them next to her head. “You’re so fucking bratty all the time. Thought maybe all those orgasms were helping but clearly I wasn’t giving it to you hard enough.”

She whined in his grasp, trying to break free. While he held her hands in one of his, he let the other trail down her body and slip into her shorts. He came into contact with her wet cunt immediately, sliding his index and middle finger through the folds, slowly, surely. He tsked, “slutty pussy.” The words went straight to her throbbing clit as she bucked her hips against his hand, though she was crying out loud when Harry let his fingers slap over the bundle of nerves. “Be patient, Y/N.” She frowned at his words, trying her best to keep her composure.

All the while his fingers continued to explore her folds, not applying any pressure where she really wanted, just feeling around like her wetness amused him. The moment she felt like she was actually going to cry, he slipped a finger into her heat. “Fuck,” he pumped his digit slowly, “perfect little cunt.”

Y/N’s fingers twisted and writhed under his hold, back arching as he showered her in praises, lips pressing against her jaw and neck. Her thighs shook when he curled his finger against that one spot, and she knew a couple more seconds of this and she’d be coming undone around his fingers.

Before she could succumb to her orgasm, Harry pulled his fingers out and stuffed them into her mouth. Her opportunity to protest was taken away from her as he forced her to taste herself, stroking his fingers against her tongue, “s’that good, baby? You’re lucky I’m sharing today. Can’t let anyone else know how sweet this pussy is for me.”

Once she was done sucking him clean, he straightened up to pull her shorts off and got off the couch to kick off his own sweats and boxers. His cock slapped up against his abdomen, long and thick and the way it throbbed looked like it was almost painful. One of his hands came to wrap around it while the other pulled a condom out of his wallet. He climbed back on the couch and pulled her by the hips. Y/N slid closer to him, “ready for me, Berry?” He murmured as he rolled the condom on his length.

Y/N couldn’t find the words to tell him how badly she needed him, only let her nails dig into his skin and nodded eagerly, “yes, yes, yes please. I’m so ready, Harry, need i—“

He didn’t let her finish, cutting her off with a deep groan as he impaled her with his dick. She could feel him snug against her— all of him inside all of her. The squelch that resounded in the room when they came together was loud and embarrassing as Y/N moaned uncontrollably, pulsing rhythmically around him trying to adjust to his size. His slow place built up to something faster and harder, the sound of skin slapping skin making Y/N even wetter.

It was a surprise he wasn’t straight up slipping out of her with how wet she was. She could feel it coat the inside of her thighs when he brought one of her legs up and over his shoulder. The new angle made everything feel a hundred times better— he was hitting places she didn’t even know she could reach. Harry’s hands held onto her hips tightly, one of them sneaking over her mound as his thumb came in contact with her clit. The added stimulation made her squeeze her eyes shut, head angling away and into the sofa beneath her.

He didn’t let her look away, though, as he bit back a moan and brought his free hand to grab her face. His fingers squeezed her cheeks as he manhandled her to face him, “don’t fucking look away from me,” he leaned closer to her. His hips stopped pumping and he resorted to deep, filthy grinds against her g-spot. “Look at me when I’m fucking you. Bet no one’s ever given it to you so good, hmm?”

She can’t find it in herself to come back with a witty remark, so far gone with the feel of him stuffed inside her. It was like he reduced her to nothing but babbles and whines, “uh-huh, uh-huh, yes please, Harry.” Her fingers found his hair again, pulling the locks hard and then tucking them behind his ear. He found himself locked in a tender moment when his eyes met hers, and he pressed a soft kiss to her brow bone before he began thrusting again.

Somehow he was harder, deeper, faster and pulling so much out of Y/N she was ready to burst. Her moans began sounding annoying to herself but she just couldn’t help it, especially not when he began circling her clit again. It took only a couple more seconds and she was coming around his cock, back lifting off of the couch almost too harshly as she clamped down around him. “Tha’s it, gorgeous. So beautiful you are, Berry.”

Harry worked her through it, her warm, wet walls beckoning him closer to his end. “Wait!” She called desperately when her orgasm subsided, “come… come in my mouth, please?”

“Jesus Christ.” He pulled out quickly, ripping the condom off and letting his fingers gather her arousal. The sensation made her flinch in sensitivity but she got over it when she saw him use her arousal as a lubricant, pumping himself as he leaned over her body. Y/N dropped her mouth open and stared right into his eyes. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

When he came, it was a lot.

White, hot spurts that Y/N tried to catch with her tongue, and he just kept coming and coming and coming. The sounds he made were enough to make her all riled up again— his eyebrows furrowed, hair tickling his upper back as he tilted his head. Some of it landed on her jaw and chin but she swallowed as much as she could; which was only what actually made it on her tongue. One long stroke was delivered, and only then was he done, posture slouching as he lazily eyed Y/N. “Incredible.”

She giggled at his praise, still covered in his release. His eyes on her were burning and a second later a mischievous glint made her tummy flutter, “one second.” He leaned over the couch to grab his phone, pulling open the camera app. Y/N’s eyes widened when she realised what he was implying. Harry smirked, “just as a keepsake.”

One of his ringed hands came up to her jaw, cupping it tightly as he forced her head to face the camera. The sight could make Harry come all over again— Y/N’s lips were parted, his come painting her jaw and chin and decorating the edge of her bottom lip. Her neck was littered in purple bruises from all the time he spent there and his hand served as an accessory which she wore with pride. His rings felt cool against her skin when they slid across her jugular.

“Say ‘queef’!”

Y/N’s nose scrunched, “Harry!”

He laughed when she slapped his hand away and quickly kissed her forehead, “I’ll be right back, babe.” Y/N hummed as he left to go to the bathroom, the sight of him covering his dick with his shirt with his bum out making her laugh.

She was so happy.

It might have been the post-orgasm high, but she couldn’t shake the feeling. Obviously the fact that she was doing all of this with her best friend was a big, blaring red flag but it was like she just didn’t care. He made her feel good and confident in her skin— something she hasn’t felt with a number of her past partners.

Just as she fluttered her eyes shut, the sound of Harry’s phone startled her. It was probably his roommate, Niall, wondering where he was. It was nearing 9PM.

She grabbed his phone to silence it, but what she saw made her freeze in her spot.

A picture of a gorgeous brunette flashed across the screen, her eyes twinkling and lips painted red.

Chelsea 🩵

She was smiling wide, and just on the corner of the screen did Y/N catch a glimpse of Harry pressing his lips to her temple.

Her Harry.

The one who’s been her best friend ever since she was in diapers.

Her Harry.

The one who just fucked the living daylights out of her.

Y/N didn’t know what to do so she just watched the phone ring and ring. It was like all the air from her lungs was stolen. Suddenly she felt gross lying here covered in Harry’s come, all that confidence melting away from her body. She felt used. Before she could let the tears threaten her eyes, Harry appeared in the living room. She dropped his phone before he could see.

He walked over to her with a towel in his hand. “You alright?” He asked her, noticing her stoic expression and quiet demeanour. “Mhmm.” Harry must have thought she was just tired after her orgasm, humming as he ran the towel across her thighs and then her jaw. “We did make quite a mess didn’t we?”

He was smirking, trying to get a rise out of her but she just couldn’t stomach the lump in her throat. She faked a laugh, “yeah.” If he noticed her dull responses, he didn’t say anything. When he was done, Y/N sat up and pulled her shirt over head. She was gnawing harshly on her lip, swallowing down tears and anger and confusion as she watched him pick up his phone. His eyebrows furrowed.

“Is everything okay?”

She didn’t know why she asked. Whatever he would say would only make matters worse for her. “Uh, yeah. Jus’ Niall wondering when I’ll be home.” He flashed her a small smile and Y/N felt like the walls of her apartment were crumbling around her. “I have to call him back, Berry, I’ll be right back.” A kiss was pressed to her cheek as he quickly left the room.

Y/N felt like she was suffocating under the weight of his lie. She was disgusted by herself— the same touches she yearned for and looked forward to each weekend now felt like a burden on her body, dirtying her. She wouldn’t let herself cry; she couldn’t let Harry see her like this.

a minute later he walked back in and began dressing himself. “I’ve got to go, Y/N. Sorry, I feel like an ass leaving you so soon but Niall needs me urgently,” he walked over to her, “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

She swallowed down another sob, “mhmm.”

He pecked her forehead and whispered goodbye, leaving swiftly without so much as another glance in her direction. Only when her door slammed shut did she allow her tears to spill over her cheeks. They poured and poured like a leaky faucet as Y/N pulled her knees into her chest.

This was probably why he didn’t want to fuck her in the first place.

He was getting his fix elsewhere, and Y/N felt like a fool for ever believing they were anything more than best friends.

Divider by @firefly-graphics

When Y/N told Harry she wanted to hang out with him Friday afternoon, she didn’t quite think it would end up like this.

The original plan was to essentially do nothing all night. After a long, tiring week at work, nothing satisfied Y/N more than lazing around on her couch and snacking on all the chocolate sitting in her pantry she had been fantasising about having while at her desk. It was always nice to have someone do these things with you, though, where both parties could lie in silence, munch on snacks and glue their eyes to the television to forget everything that happened in the past workdays.

Y/N quickly realised Harry was the perfect person for this. He didn’t have much going on for him either so there was no reason why he would turn down a night of gorging Y/N’s pantry and flopping over her hunched body on the sofa so they could watch whatever show she was recently obsessing over.

And that was how the night started.

Harry came over at about 7, with a pizza for takeaway and a large soda, and claimed the furthest right corner of the couch, snuggled up with Y/N’s cat Lola. While Lola took her time sniffing Harry’s fingers and tentatively licking his knuckles, Y/N warmed up some popcorn and ruffled Harry’s hair as she walked past him to her spot on the other end of the sofa. “Heeeeeey,” he began, a furrow in his brows, “you can’t just do that. I put a lot of work into making it look this good.” Y/N rolled her eyes, “if it looks like that after all the work I’m afraid you’re not doing enough, Harry.” He didn’t say anything, only scoffed and shoved her legs slightly from where she had swung them on his lap, “you need to pull that stick out of your ass. Let off some steam or something.”

“Right and do you want to volunteer as my punching bag?” She retorted. She wasn’t really trying to be mean, a teasing grin on her lips when he feigned offence once more, “that’s not what I meant. There are other ways to release tension, you know,” he said.

“Harry, if you want me to drop-kick you, just say i—“

“What I want is for you to go out and get a good dicking so you can stop being such a menace to me.”

“I’m not being a menace, this is just how I am. I thought you’d know that by now.” Y/N’s eyes widen, looking at him like she can’t believe he hadn’t realised her quip-y and teasing comments have been entirely satire. “Menace or not, it doesn’t change the fact that you’ve been on edge lately and could go for an orgasm not brought to you by your vibrator.”

“Harry!”

”What? I’m just saying,” he said through a smirk. Y/N’s eyes narrow at his dishevelled sight, his hair just touching his collarbones and his black sweater swallowing him whole. “My orgasms are perfectly fine, thank you. And my vibrator does a very good job at helping me ‘let off steam’.”

He sighs, almost mockingly. “When’s the last time you got laid?”

“Why would I tell you?”

”Because I’m your friend. I promise I’m just trying to help,” he says sincerely. The dim lighting of the living room made his eyes sparkle and Y/N avoided eye contact by fiddling with her fingers.

God, there was just something about the fucker that made a person want to spill every secret before his jade gaze. “I dunno. Maybe five, six months?”

“Jesus Christ Y/N, what the fuck? Weren’t you seeing Daniel like 3 weeks ago?” His voice goes up a few octaves, looking at her all bewildered. “It’s Danny,” she corrected him, “and I stopped texting him a while back. He was a bore in real life and quite frankly, a bore in bed.” Danny was one of Y/N’s coworkers' brothers who she had tried setting her up with, and Y/N did have some fun with him at first. It was always nice having someone to flirt with back and forth and get compliments from every now and then but he just never scratched that itch for Y/N. She ended up ghosting him 2 dates in and she knows that's a dick move, but really a second more of listening to him go on and on about his mum and how much his new PC game cost would make Y/N want to gauge out her own eyeballs with a dinner fork.

“Did he ever get you off?” Harry asked. Y/N was incredibly appalled, not appreciating his prying hands all over her sex life. Or lack thereof. “No and that’s none of your business anyway, jeez.”

“There you go again, snapping at me. You know if you’ll ask me nicely I’ll stop.” He sat up against the arm rest, fingers grazing her bare leg from when he pulled it back on his lap. Y/N knew she could ask him to stop asking her all these questions and he would, but was it really a conversation with her if she wasn’t being at least a little bit hard to read?

Besides, maybe it would do her some good talking about it and whatever advice he had might actually help her out. Harry seemed to be more than well-equipped when it came to charming the heck out of someone and working his way into their pants. “Sorry,” she sighed, rubbing her eye, “no, he didn’t get me off. We never actually had sex, I just gave him a blowie once and he tried to go down on me.”

Harry smiled softly knowing he got her to crack and squeezed her calf, “tried?” He knew he was treading on dangerous waters here, wedging his fingers between Y/N’s brain and asking her to recall her time with Danny.

“Yes, tried. It was fucking awful.”

She didn’t meet his eyes, busying herself with the strings on her hoodie, “and he definitely came in your mouth?” Y/N’s cheeks went pink, and she quickly pulled her legs away from him, “Harry!” Her voice was high pitched and defensive, and while her mind told her that maybe confiding all this in Harry isn’t the smartest thing, her heart wanted to see where an odd conversation like this could lead.

“I’m just asking!”

She hesitated, narrowing her eyes. “Yeah.”

“Well fuck, Y/N, sorry to say it but you were seeing an absolute douche.” Harry makes this diagnosis like Y/N didn’t already know, his fingers reaching for her legs again, tugging them onto his thighs with a strength that made her tummy flip. He ran a hand through his unruly hair. “I know. It was fun but I didn’t want anything more with him.”

“Good. But you still need a good fuck. One where you actually get to come and don’t come back home all high and dry.”

Y/N gasps, trying to get off him again but Harry holds her down, laughing at her bright red embarrassed face, “you’re such a dick I hate you.”

His dimples dug deep into the soft of his cheeks, and he pulled her legs so she was sitting much closer to him. Her ass touched the edge of his thighs and she could feel the warmth radiating off of him, making her skin even hotter. Y/N remained frowning, shoving his chest when he wouldn’t stop giggling, “stop laughing, Harry!” For obvious reasons that doesn’t work and the little genuine crink in her eyebrows had him almost cooing and smiling wide at the same time. When she didn’t let up the frown and tried to move back to her spot, Harry only grabbed her hips and pulled her back, close enough that her ass was now on top of his thighs, “okay, okay I’m sorry. You’ve got a really funny angry face.”

Y/N was near seething at this point, gearing up for an attack, “I’ll show you an angry face,” she tried lunging for his hair again but very quickly realised she failed to take into consideration her position when he instantly caught her wrists in between his long fingers, holding them tight but not enough to hurt her, “okay, John Cena let’s take a breather.”

God, was he able to make her skin absolutely crawl at times. He was still holding her wrists when he brought them down, watching her blazingly. She didn’t realise how far she had shuffled into his lap and how close his face was to hers until now. Until she could smell the strawberry mints he was sucking on on his breath.

She made a half-hearted attempt to smack his chest, but his hold only tightened around her, suddenly dragging her even closer to him over the soft fabric of his sweats. Y/N held her breath. He was too close to her, his nose daring to touch hers. She’d never been in such a vulnerable position with him and she might possibly just faint if he didn’t stop staring at her mouth and then her eyes, flicking his gaze between the two like he couldn’t decide where to settle.

She moved her head back, trying to create some space between the pair, “what are you doing Harry.” The sound she makes is an odd one— one that she doesn’t make often and it’s desperate and needy, akin to a weepy whine. His fingers finally loosened enough for her to break free and she quickly moved her face away from his where it seems like it was magnetically pulling her closer and closer.

Harry didn’t say anything for a while and Y/N found herself frozen in her spot, still right on his lap. “What’s going on here, hmm?” He said, glancing down.

Y/N followed his gaze, confused at first and it took her a moment to realise what he was insinuating. His fingers grazed her hips. “What’s got you all squirmy on my lap?”

He was still staring right into her eyes, making her go crazy with the stolen glances at her lips with every passing second. Meanwhile Y/N’s chest heaved and she unintentionally shuffles again, “fuck, Y/N.” Harry’s voice was deep and groan-y, vibrating through her body when his eyebrows furrowed slightly. “I’m not squirmy, Harry shut up.” She was lying right to his face and her poor attempt at covering her actions made him laugh again. The sound was teasing, nothing like the light-hearted giggles spilling from his lips when he found her angry face amusing.

“You’re a terrible liar, Y/N.” His fingers fell to her upper thighs, which he gripped harshly. Only then when she couldn’t move did Y/N realise she really was practically rubbing herself against him, milking even the slightest pressure against her heat from his warm, pliant lap. Her face pinkened again, embarrassment coursing through her veins and making her want to dig a hole and hide in it forever. She couldn’t believe what she had just been caught doing.

Y/N expected him to fully push her off his lap, disgusted by her basically humping his leg, but he didn’t.

Instead, he dug his fingers into her skin and slowly helped her move back and forth, pushing her down just slightly to give her the friction she was searching for. Y/N’s mouth dropped open in another little whine.

“Will you let me, then?” His eyes searched hers, gaze sincere, though Y/N didn’t know what he was implying, only half listening to him. She was clearly preoccupied with the delicious pressure pressing right up against her clothed clit.

“What?”

Harry laughed, a large, ringed hand slipping over her ass to squeeze lightly. “I said, will you let me make you feel good? Help you relax? Have you gone dumb already, baby?” Y/N couldn’t really do much other than nod frantically, afraid he might pull away if she didn’t say yes. The pet name melts her even further, paired with the way he was holding her like he was going to swallow her whole made her insides slosh.

She preens under his gaze, now holding the front of his sweater tightly between her fingers. “Yes,” Y/N breathed, “yes please.”

Harry wondered for a second if she was agreeing to being cockdumb or agreeing to him touching her but nonetheless he took it as his queue to push her off his lap and position her the way he wanted.

“I—what, I thought you we—“ Y/N protests, neediness evident in her voice and her hands which chased after his warmth, like she was afraid he was going to leave her be in this desperate state. Harry only pressed on her shoulder until she laid back on her back, hands coming to part her legs so he could fit between them, “shh.” A wet kiss was pressed to her cheek, like comforting a rabid animal, which Y/N was feeling exactly like as she stared at Harry’s frame cowering hers.

His curls hung past his ears and tickled her face when he slotted his hips between her legs so she could continue grinding down on him, “who knew you were such a needy little thing?” Y/N sighed in response. Another suckling kiss was pressed to her jaw, “do you need me to make you feel good, baby? Hmm? Need me to make it better?”

The way he was talking to her made her feral.

She had trouble believing this was the same Harry who irritated her to no end and pushed all her buttons to rile her up. Except this time he was pushing other kinds of buttons, moving his body around hers so perfectly Y/N wondered if this was like second nature to him.

“Yes. Please don’t tease me.” She commanded him and Harry chuckled at her desperation, lips sponging these warm, slow, gooey kisses down her neck and across her collarbone. When she went to sift her fingers through his curly hair, he pulled back to look at her. “You’re so bossy,” he accuses, pulling her thighs further up his hips, “it’s okay though. I’ll fuck the attitude right of you.” He grinded down against her, one strong roll of his bulge against her heat. “Are we going to have sex, Harry?”

“No.” He grinned.

“Why?” Y/N’s eyes crinkled in pain like he just told her her cat died and her lip jutted out in a pout which Harry quickly tucked away with his thumb. “Because,” he started, using that same hand to wrap around her throat, “we need to talk about that before we do anything. Don’t want to lose my best friend, do I?”

His rejection almost made Y/N cry and she would have had Harry not tightened his hand around her jugular. The cold press of his rings sent shivers down Y/N’s spine. “Why would you say anything then?” She asked, craning her neck to allow him more room to cover with his palm.

“I said I won’t have sex with you. Didn’t say I wouldn’t make you feel good.”

With that, he took the hand that made a home around her throat and patted her cheek, hard enough that the feeling went straight down to her tummy but soft enough that it didn’t hurt her like someone might think it would. He crawled further down her body, shoving her hoodie up with his hands and exposing her stomach to the cold air of the room. Y/N thinks he was trying to keep up some boundaries, bunching the shirt just below her tits like protecting some kind of modesty and pressing ticklish kisses across her skin and down her belly button. Her body tingled with anticipation, breath bated and eyes glazed as she watched him.

She felt him nuzzle into her tummy and inhale loudly, “you smell so fucking good.” Y/N giggled, taking pride in her extensive shower routine and incessant rubbing of various lotions into her skin, “thank you.”

When his mouth reached the waistband of her tiny shorts he murmured a small, “can I take these off?” To which Y/N hummed in agreement. She couldn’t agree with anything more. If Harry walked up and out of this room right now, Y/N was certain she would die.

Once they’re off, Y/N realised she was completely at his mercy. Her underwear is the only thing protecting her modesty, and with how wet she’s feeling, she doubts there’s anything left to the imagination down there, “would you look at that. You’ve soaked right through.” His fingers toyed with the edge of her wet gusset.

Another embarrassingly desperate sound left her throat and she pushed her hips in the air in search of some friction. Harry delivered a harsh slap to her thigh, “don’t move.”

His stern voice did unimaginable things for her but she complied and tried to stay as still as she could, which seemed like a task for the impossible with the teasing touches Harry delivered to her skin.

She never thought she’d be into something like this.

Something which reduces her to such a filthy, whiney mess.

That too from her best friend.

Harry doesn’t do anything for a while, just admiring how her pussy looked soaked through her panties, playing around with the lace lining of the fabric. He grabbed the gusset and pulled it tight against her so her folds swallow the cotton, “fuck. A little manhandling and this is what happens?” He more so makes a statement rather than asking her, punctuating his words by leaning down to lick a wide, sloppy strip across the cloth. It makes Y/N squeal and attempt to shut her thighs but Harry makes sure to hold her down, biceps bulging.

He pulled back to drop his fingers firmly against her clit, just keeping them there pressed tightly, feeling her heartbeat against the tips. “I thought I told you not to move.”

“Yes, I’m sorry please, please don’t stop.”

He went back to nosing at her covered clit, not making any attempt to wrap his lips around it. At this point Y/N was itching in anticipation, every ounce of her working not to rut her hips in his face and ride his tongue like she wanted to. When he finally touches her again, it's where the wetness pooled, soft suckling kisses over the fabric which made Y/N’s heart and pussy flutter.

She was incredibly frustrated, wanting nothing more than to rip her underwear off and shove his face into her but she held back, not sure if Harry would appreciate that after he made it clear time and time again how he preferred her to remain immobile while he played with her. Instead she waited until he was through with kissing every inch of her and when he finally peeled off her panties, she could practically come just from the prospect of having his mouth on her.

He doesn’t give her a second to think though, because his mouth is unrelenting. Teasing the tip of her button with his tongue before circling his lips around it and suckling in sweet, soft pulses. The sensation has her panting and gasping, squeezing his head between her thighs while one of his arms swung across her hips to keep her down and the other wiggled between the two to push her lips apart in a V shape. With her clit now exposed to the cool air, Harry zeroed in on the nerve and worked magic with his tongue, flicking it up, down, left, right and circling the button with such fevor Y/N could burst.

What electrified the experience was the sounds in the room, which were just sinful.

Her pussy squelched with each suckle Harry gave, making Y/N moan and pull Harry’s curls which in turn had him groaning lowly against her. It was an endless cycle of pornographic music.

When he pulls away from her clit, the pulsing it does is almost amusing, like it was personally begging for Harry’s attention. Instead he kissed down the length of her slit and took his time playing around with her folds, slicking her hole and letting his spit drip down to her ass.

It was so perfect and messy.

Before she knew it, Y/N’s thighs were shaking and Harry’s tongue was back to abuse her poor button. A couple more flicks and a harsh kiss pushed Y/N over the edge, her orgasm washing over her and nearly blinding her. It’s euphoric and the most intense she’s ever felt, no vibrator of hers or cock she’s ever had compared to what she was feeling and even then Harry didn’t let up on her pussy. He continued his assault, now both of his arms locking around her hips to tone down her thrashing. Only when she pushed his forehead away did he finally depart with a final lick across her slit and smiled at her fucked-out state.

He wiped the corner of his mouth with his thumb and brought it to his lips, sitting up between her legs which she clinked shut. A second passes.

“Are you okay?” Y/N’s eyes were shut, an arm thrown across her forehead. “I think so.”

Harry giggled, leaning over her to remove her arm, “how’s it feel?”

“S’good. It was really nice. Thanks.” She was slightly dazed, too far gone to really understand what was going on. Her limbs felt like jell-o and she let Harry kiss her cheek again before lending her a hand to help her sit up. “I’m glad. Come on now. We need to clean you up.”

She doesn't know how she stood up from that godforsaken couch and how she made it to the bathroom, Lola returning from her retreat to her bedroom to wind around her ankles. Harry bent down to pet between her ears, “hello babydoll. Did you miss me?” He cooed.

She looked down at the pair and Harry easily sensed her wary gaze. A dashing smile was sent her way. “Do you need me to get you some underwear? Or are you afraid I’ll stumble across your array of sex toys?”

Y/N rolled her eyes. He was still the Harry she knew before he gave her the best head she ever received.

“You’re such a dick.”

“A dick that gave you the best orgasm of your life.” She couldn’t even argue with him on that. Instead, she flipped him off and disappeared into her room. Once she was all changed and wearing a fresh pair of undies and shorts, she walked out to see Harry passed out on the couch with Lola snuggled into his throat. It was then when her head finally returned to the ground and she realised the gravity of the situation.

The looming prospect of a long, painful chat in the morning hung over Y/N like a dark cloud, filling her with a gnawing sense of dread she suddenly couldn’t seem to shake.

Divider by @firefly-graphics

She never thought she’d be feeling almost hurt over this. She didn’t want to. She wanted to forget about it and move on and show him that he couldn’t even touch her. But she can’t lie. She feels a little betrayed.Which is not something she was expecting either. And she feels stupid. Because how could she let him get to her like this? They’ve been “dating” for such a short time, she didn’t ever think that this would be something she’s thinking about. She was never supposed to kiss him. She was never supposed to want to kiss him even. It’s just business and she took it too far. 

Since Harry has been in so many meetings, all he can do at the moment is send her longing stares as he passes her desk. He can’t stop and talk to her because he’s so busy. And she’s so glad about it. Because if he would have talked to her after she left his office, he probably would have her right where he wants her again. And (Y/N) is not letting that happen. 

She wanted to leave for the day before his last meeting let out, but she’s not going to run from him. She has something to tell him actually and she’s not leaving until she does. So, she waited at her desk, scrolling mindlessly through her computer. She could be doing real work, but she doesn’t want to. It’s not worth it. And that work she could be doing would be work that would benefit Harry and she’s not in the mood for anything like that. 

When his meeting finally ended, she watched as he went into his office, probably to set his things down and then come back out here and try to apologize or explain himself. But she’s not in the mood for that either. 

She stood and walked right into his office and shut the door behind her. He turned, looking a bit surprised that she just came in. He probably didn’t expect her to come find him. She didn’t even close the door behind her because this is going to be short and sweet. 

“(Y/N). Can we talk—”

“I don’t want to help you anymore. And if that means firing me, so be it. I don’t want any part of it and that’s all I really have to say to you.” She wanted to storm out after saying that, but decided to be nice this once and give him the chance to say something. 

“You’re not even going to listen to me then? Is that it?” He’s still standing on the other side of his desk, expression completely neutral like he doesn’t even care. Like this conversation is just another task for him to check off his list. And it’s irritating and (Y/N) is getting really tired of him. 

“What do you have to say? I think I know exactly what happened.” She can admit that she’s not really being fair by not being willing to hear him out, but right now she doesn’t even want to look at him. She needs to get out of this office and away from him and think for just a moment. It feels like she’s suffocating. 

“You do? Then why the fuck would I ask you out on a date today if just last night I was messing around with Natalie? Doesn’t seem logical.” He shrugged it off again, making her all the more agitated. 

“I don’t know and I don’t care. I should’ve known you weren’t serious anyway. You're my boss. This shouldn’t even be a conversation we’re having!” He makes her want to rip her hair out. And with him acting so casual about everything makes her even more angry at him. He looked like he had so much to say all day, but when it comes down to it, he’s offering her nothing. 

“You agreed to be my girlfriend, (Y/N), for however long I needed. And now you want to back out?” She felt like screaming. That’s what he’s going with then. How fucking annoying. “And I meant it. Of course, I want to go on a date with you. I’d never lie about that.” 

“Well, it’s too late for that. Seems like you’ve got someone else to spend your free time with now.” She went to turn her back to him and leave, but he ended up right there, slamming the door shut over her shoulder before she could even touch the handle. It probably disrupted the whole floor and it probably looks like (Y/N) is getting a talking to, but it’s the other way around and she almost laughs at that. 

“You said Natalie called. What did she even say?” He’s holding the door shut, trapping her between himself and the door that clearly still has the blinds open so anyone can see them in quite the compromising position. 

“You tell me. You were with her last night.” He scoffed, pulling the string on the blinds to shut them. 

“Tell me what she said.” She huffed and leaned against the door to get as far away from him as she could. His hands are resting on either side of her shoulders now and she’s trying to ignore his body heat that is so close to her. Normally, she’d be melting into him by now, but she’s not going to give him what he wants at all. He doesn’t deserve it. 

“She wanted me to tell you that she had so much fun last night and to call her back. And that’s all I need to know.” She crossed her arms, watching as his eyebrows furrowed like he was confused. 

“She said we had fun? We had fun?” She hummed a yes, still looking unimpressed. “If her showing up at my house drunk at two am and me throwing her out is fun, then we had a fucking blast, (Y/N). Come on. You know better than that. We broke up so long ago. I haven’t spoken to her since.” 

He tried to set his hand on her cheek, but she jerked away from his touch, making him frown. He doesn’t know why Natalie called the office anyway. She has his cell number and would contact him there if she really wanted to tell him something like that. So, he’s a bit confused. And he just wishes (Y/N) would let him touch her.

She sighed, looking completely at a loss at what to do. He wanted to say something, but wasn’t sure what. Nothing happened last night. What did was exactly what he told her. 

He was sound asleep after taking (Y/N) home when his doorbell rang incessantly. So, he forced himself out of bed and down to his front door while half asleep and there stood Natalie. Clearly just came from a night out and clearly drunk. As soon as she saw him, her arms wrapped around his neck and she was telling him how much she’d missed him and how she thinks they should get back together. 

He didn’t let it get past there. He removed her arms from him and very sternly told her not to come back, he wanted nothing to do with her. He was nice enough to call her a cab because he had no idea how she got to his house in the first place. Then, he went back to bed and was set on coming into work in a few hours to see (Y/N) and tell her he wanted to take her on a date. Not anywhere his father would be, just them. And a lot more kissing. But now that those plans have been shot to hell, he’s trying his best to give her all the details and then let her decide. 

“I think that this is just a sign we shouldn’t be doing this.” That’s not what he wanted to hear at all. He figured she’d hear him out even if she didn’t want to and then she’d understand. But that just means he’s going to have to try even harder. 

“A sign? What are you talking about?” He hadn’t even noticed that his thumb was stroking her shoulder through her soft sweater, but she didn’t push him away. 

“We’ve been at this for a week and it’s already much more trouble than it’s worth.” He hates to see her look so sad. Like she really wanted it to work out, even if she didn’t agree with it in the first place. And now he’s kicking himself. He shouldn’t have even answered the door. Not like it would’ve mattered. Natalie might’ve called anyway and they would’ve been in the same predicament. 

“(Y/N). Please.” He doesn’t care about the pretending anymore, but it seems like (Y/N) is done with him altogether and he can’t take it. He’ll beg her on his knees again if he has to. He’ll spend every day there if that means she’ll give him another chance. 

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to do it anymore, Mister Styles.” She leaned away from his touch on her shoulder and he felt his heart cracking. He never thought he’d ever feel this way. Sure, she’s rejecting him now, but he still has a chance, right? Why does this feel so final? 

“Don’t fucking call me that, (Y/N).” 

“You can fire me or whatever you have to do, but I can’t be a part of this anymore.” He hates that she’ll barely listen to him. Nothing happened with Natalie. She’s being so cruel. 

“What am I supposed to do about my father?” He didn’t want to say it, but he’s so frustrated with her. And he doesn’t know how to actually say that in a way that will make her understand. So, instead, he decided to piss her off even more than she had been. 

“That’s not my business. I’m sure you’ll do just fine.” She went to reach for the door handle, but he stopped her, grabbing her wrist.

“You can’t. If I lose this, (Y/N), to fucking Steven, then I don’t know what I’m going to do. This will ruin everything if he knows we broke up.” And it sounds so selfish of him to be saying that when it doesn’t even matter at this point. The promotion doesn’t matter. He just wants (Y/N). But of course, he had to say something that was sure to get her to stay away from him for good. 

He could tell by the look on her face that she was done with him. She didn’t pity him, or sympathize with him at all. She just wanted to get away from him. 

“Just lie, Harry. Since you’re so fucking good at it.” She ripped her wrist away from him and this time he let her go. He’s sure that he’s ruined everything, even though he was trying his best to save it. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Harry sent her a text late that night saying her job was still there if she wanted it and he understood that she wanted nothing to do with him. Even though her job requires her to be beside him at least six hours a day. 

He was exaggerating the six hours a day, but she knows he’s a little dramatic anyway. And she’s glad that her job is fine because it would have been too much of a hassle to find another job and try to fit in somewhere else. She’d already made herself comfortable with Harry.

But his message didn’t sway her at all. It’s better this way. Even though he won’t look in her direction or directly speak to her, she knows that this is for the best. She’s not sure why he is not speaking to her, but she lets it go. It’s easier for her when he’s not trying to be charming. 

Still, in the mornings she’ll bring him a coffee and tell him how his day is going to be spent and he only nods at her, keeping his eyes glued to his computer. 

Basically, it’s getting old. It’s been a week and a half and he’s behaving like a child. But she’s not going to bring it up because chances are, he won’t care either way. And she’ll just look like an idiot running back to him after she told him no. So even though her days are boring now and almost back to normal save for the fact that he won’t talk to her anymore, everything is going smoothly. She’s not sure what the status is on Des retiring and she hasn’t seen him much around the office, but she knows it has to be coming soon. And she knows that Des knows that Harry is a hard worker. He’d keep the company in tip top shape. She wonders why Steven is in the running. Sure, he’s the CFO, another high up job, but that doesn’t mean he’s CEO material. Harry is. She can see it now. She wonders who the new COO will be, which will also be her boss since she’d still be the assistant to the COO. Des has his own assistant that she bets will be keeping their job as Harry’s new assistant. 

But she still has a job and she's grateful for that. No matter who she’s reporting to. She’s not going to complain. 

She just got back from lunch with Riley who she mentions none of this to. Riley did have questions about that time a few weeks ago in the lobby, but she just brushed it off as a joke. He was fooling around and it meant nothing more than that. She also picked up lunch for Harry and was set on leaving it on his desk before he finished his meeting, but it must have let out early because he’s sitting in his office now. She managed to dodge him all week during lunch. Not that he cared at all, but it was just one less awkward interaction between the two of them. But today, he’s behind his desk, staring at his computer and looking quite frustrated. She tries to avoid him when he looks like that. 

As soon as the bag was on the edge of his desk, she was booking it out of his office. She could feel his eyes following her the whole way back to her desk, but she didn’t bother looking back. It wouldn’t make a difference if she did. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Work has been torture lately and Harry can barely stand it. 

After he sent that message to (Y/N) telling her that she could keep her job, he thought that she might respond at the very least when he mentioned her wanting nothing to do with him, but she didn’t. So, he decided to leave her alone. If she wants nothing to do with him, then he’s going to do just that. 

But he hates watching her walk around the office and hand him coffees, but say nothing. He’s also guilty of not speaking, but he’s sure that’s what she wants. She hasn’t said otherwise, so he thinks he’s doing her a favor. And the worst part is that she acts totally unaffected. Like she doesn’t care that he can’t look at her without feeling his stomach drop. 

He sees her take lunch with Riley and she looks so carefree, like the past few weeks have meant nothing. Like the past three years meant nothing. He wants to talk to her more than anything, but he can tell she doesn’t want that. 

Not talking to (Y/N) doesn’t mean that he’s not watching her every chance he can get. His desk is sitting in the best place to be able to see her all day long. He watches her take phone calls for him, he watches her type on her computer, probably adding meetings into his schedule. He watches her as Steven stops at her desk and bothers her. She doesn’t look bothered in the least, but in his mind, she hates him just as much as he does. But then he sees her laugh with him and he has to get up and shut his door, pretending he has an important call to take. 

All of this just to say that Harry misses (Y/N) terribly. She’s been there at his side for so long, he never thought he’d spend a day without her. But it’s been over a week and while she still helps him where she’s needed, it’s not the same. He wishes he could’ve gone about this entire thing a different way. Sure, he still would have asked her to be his girlfriend just to keep his father pleased with him, but maybe things wouldn’t have turned so badly if he’d been genuine to begin with. 

His father is very happy with him now and he’s sure that he’ll be getting good news soon, but at what cost? He’s lost (Y/N), so nothing else matters to him at the moment. He can’t even be excited for what’s to come because she’s so far away now and it doesn’t look like she’s coming back anytime soon. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

(Y/N) was in the middle of taking a phone call with one of Harry’s close business partners. He wants to schedule dinner with him just to catch up. He’s a little older and very sweet to her always. She’s looking between Harry’s current schedule and a calendar to see when she can set the date, but suddenly, right in front of her is Des. And Harry’s a few steps behind him, nervously messing with his tie. 

She smiled at Des and held up a finger for him to give her a second. Once she found a date that worked for the both of them, she was hanging up the phone and trying her best to keep her eyes just on Des and not his son lingering behind him. 

“Hi, Mister Styles.” 

“Good afternoon, (Y/N). I was just asking Harry about you,” He glanced back at Harry and then right back to her. “He’s still being good to you, right?” 

She narrowed her eyes and then smiled, wanting to tell him right now what’s really going on, but she decided to save him once again. 

“Yep. He’s been so sweet to me,” She knew that Harry picked up on her tone, but Des didn’t. He just patted Harry on the shoulder and the conversation ended there. He walked off, having to go to a meeting and Harry still stood there, like he was waiting for something. “Is there something I can do for you, Mister Styles?” 

“Can I speak with you for a second?” He was rubbing the back of his neck, knowing that he was in a bit of trouble. She told him she wasn’t helping him anymore, but Des is still under the impression that they’re together. So, she’s certain that he didn’t tell him they “broke up.” 

“You already are.” He rolled his eyes, motioning for her to follow him. 

“I think we have something to discuss, (Y/N). Now, please.” Since he raised his voice, potentially for the entire floor to hear, she had to stand and follow him to not make things weird. So, she did and as soon as he had the door shut behind them, she was glaring at him. 

“You didn’t tell him?”

“(Y/N),” He sighed, sitting behind his desk and placing his chin in his hand. “I haven’t spoken to him about it yet. It’s so close to the day he’s going to decide. I’m sorry. I should be honest with him, you’re right. I’m sorry.” 

“You should be sorry. I told you I was done. You need to tell him tomorrow. Just tell him it’s not working out. I doubt that’s going to wreck your chances that bad. Blame it on me if you have to.” 

“I thought you told me I could just lie. You know. Since I’m so fucking good at it.” She rolled her eyes at that. She did say that, but she figured he’d just tell him it was over with since they’re barely interacting in the first place. 

“I changed my mind.” 

Harry is trying not to grin at the way (Y/N) is speaking to him. He’s just glad she’s saying anything at all. But she’s scolding him and he loves it when she does that. Even if she’s actually mad at him and has every right to be. 

“I don’t think you can do that. You already said you’d help me out.” He knows he’s being a bit of a dick about it, but that’s what’s so fun. He thinks that if he annoys her enough, she may just end up jumping his bones. Because he knows she wants to, she’s just being stubborn. 

“Mister Styles, it’s time to be professional again. Do what’s right.” And then she walked out, leaving him to stare at her until she made it back to her desk again.

Harry is certain that (Y/N) will come back around. In fact, she already is. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Harry carefully set his phone down on his desk and sat back in shock. He’s not surprised, but at the same time, he kind of is. He knew his father was just giving him a hard time about the position and would never choose Steven over his own son, but he had him scared for a minute. 

And now he’s out of his chair, making his way to the door of his office. It’s pretty late in the day, there’s not much going on anymore, but he’s hoping that a certain someone is still around so he can give them the news. 

When he opened his door, (Y/N) was gone from her desk. Probably left for the day. He doesn’t know why he thought she would be there, it’s dinner time. But he’d hoped she would just be wanting to stay late to get things done. 

He must have been lingering by her desk too long because one of the interns that helps (Y/N) out sometimes stopped beside him. 

“Oh, are you looking for (Y/N)?” She was a young girl, still in college, just starting the program. He’s not too sure what they do in the program because his father’s been running it, but he reckons he’ll be finding out soon. 

“Yeah, but she’s home by now I bet.” He shrugged it off. It can wait til tomorrow he guesses. Even though he’s practically buzzing with how good he feels right now. 

“She’s actually out to dinner with that Steven guy. Don’t tell her I told you, but I think they’re like an item now.” Harry did not mean to scare the poor girl with the way he suddenly turned to look at her, but she did take a few steps back. 

“What did you say?” She took another step away from him, nervously wringing her hands together. 

“T-That’s just what she told me, Mister Styles. I don’t—”

“Where?” 

It wasn’t long before he was collecting his things and hurrying down to the parking garage. He’s livid. Absolutely livid. Out to dinner with Steven? Alone? He’s sick to his stomach and so, so, so angry. 

He’s not sure what he’s going to do when he sees them sitting together, but it’s not going to be pretty whatever it is.

The drive to the restaurant was longer than he’d like it to be. Since it is dinner time, there was quite a bit of traffic he had to sit through. And it’s a Friday night. The possibilities are endless. Steven could be thinking terrible things right now. Like how he thinks he’s going to bring (Y/N) home with him. Something that’s never going to happen. 

When he finally made it within walking distance of the restaurant that Steven is holding (Y/N) captive at, he just parked. It was three blocks away, but he couldn’t stand being in the car anymore. He was walking as fast as he could, just short of a run, when he made it to the doors of the restaurant. He’s been here plenty of times, the staff knows him well, so they’ll just let him in without batting an eye. 

(Y/N) couldn’t be more bored. All Steven wants to do is talk about work and she had just worked an entire week and wanted to think about anything other than that place. Because work is where Harry is and he’s the last thing that should be on her mind right now. 

He’d tried to be extra nice today and got her coffee instead which was a first. But it was exactly what she liked from the little shop across the street. He’s really trying to get back on her good side, but she’s not quite ready for that yet. 

Back to Steven. He keeps staring down at the top of her dress and it’s making her feel a little self-conscious about the amount of cleavage it’s showing off. It’s not inappropriate or anything, but she didn’t wear the dress for him. She didn’t wear it for anyone really… it’s just for fun. She wanted to dress up and have a nice night at a restaurant that she’s always wanted to try. Steven does have good taste when it comes to food, but after everything she’s learned so far about him in the thirty minutes she’s been at the table with him, it pretty much ends there. 

She only agreed because she needed to do something other than sit at home and sulk. That’s all she’s been doing ever since things went bad with Harry. It’s almost like a break up, but it’s not even close to that. She just wishes she could feel normal and her thoughts weren’t consumed by him all day, every day. 

(Y/N) is really looking forward to the check coming. At least the food has been good so far. 

Harry waved to the hostess before scanning over the dining area looking for (Y/N). And when he caught sight of Steven leaning a little too close to her for his liking, he was walking straight in their direction. (Y/N)’s back was to him, thank god, so all he could see was Steven attempting to sweet talk her and that made him even more angry. He stopped right at their table and watched as (Y/N) looked up at him and then her jaw dropped. She said nothing though and Steven was the first to speak up. 

“What are you doing here? Can’t you see we’re in the middle of a conversation?” He hates the smug look on his face. He hates that Steven thinks he won despite losing the position. But if he really thinks about it, Steven sitting at dinner with (Y/N) on a Friday night does sound a lot like he won. Even if he’s not the next CEO. And that makes his teeth grit together. 

“Get up.” Harry’s not sure what his motivation is in getting him to stand up, but he’ll figure that out when he gets him away from (Y/N) and around the corner. 

“We’re having dinner, I’m not—”

“I need to speak with you, Steven. Get up right now or I’ll make you.” Steven scoffed, not seeming to believe him until Harry’s hand was wrapped around the collar of his shirt and he was hauled right out of his chair. Everyone in the restaurant looked when his chair scraped loudly against the flooring, but Harry didn’t even flinch. (Y/N) looked embarrassed, but still didn’t say anything while he dragged him out of the dining room and towards the restrooms back by the kitchen. 

“What is your problem?” Steven shoved him off as soon as they were out of sight, looking a bit disheveled now.

“No. What is your problem? How many times have I told you to leave her alone? She wants nothing to do with you.” Harry considers punching him, but knows that he’ll be hearing from HR on Monday morning, even if it didn’t happen at work and he can’t afford that right now. 

“Sure about that? I asked her out and she gladly agreed. Even got all dressed up and pretty for me.” So far in his twenty nine years of life, Harry hasn’t once contemplated homicide like he is right now. He’s got an entire plan forming in his mind. It would be so easy. Too easy to wipe Steven off the face of the earth for even saying that. But he doubts (Y/N) would like him in orange, so he tries to reel back in his composure. 

“(Y/N) is my girlfriend.” He has no right to be using that excuse, but anything to get Steven away from (Y/N). 

“Then why did she want to go to dinner with me?” He paused, his smug expression returning. “You can save that, by the way. I know dating (Y/N) was just a scheme to get in good with your dad. You don’t even deserve to be CEO. I’ve been here way longer than you and have better experience and you cheated anyway. I wonder how Des would feel if he knew that part.” 

“It was going to me anyway. It’s my father’s company, why would he pass it off to a nobody?” He can see why Steven is mad, but how mad can he really be? It was never going to be him. 

“Sure. But I have to ask. How did you like that little visit from Natalie?” He froze. “I was onto your game from the beginning. (Y/N) would never date you in the first place. If you can pull strings, so can I. But you still got CEO, so I guess it was all for nothing, huh?” He laughed like he didn’t completely ruin his chances with (Y/N). 

So, he was the reason that Natalie showed up out of nowhere. They broke up for a reason and not one that would have her coming back to him. It was suspicious from the beginning and now it all makes sense. Harry isn’t sure what Steven’s intentions are with (Y/N). From what he can tell, they’re not good, so doesn’t know why he even bothers. Is it just to piss him off because that’s ridiculous. He’s not sure why (Y/N) agreed to go to dinner with Steven. He knows that she doesn’t care for him, he can tell. 

“Leave her alone. I won’t ask again.” He doesn’t want Steven anywhere near (Y/N). She’s just a pawn he uses to get to him and it’s not fair to her at all. Plus, he hates his guts and wants to fire him from the company. That will be in the works in a few short weeks and he has no idea. 

“Thanks for the suggestion. Now if you’ll excuse me—” Harry grabbed him by the shoulder and stopped him from leaving. 

“You’re not going back to that table.” 

“And you think she wants you there instead?” He chuckled. “You’re out of your mind. She wants nothing to do with you.” He moved right out of the hold on him and went back to the table. Harry followed right after. (Y/N) looks irritated, but he’s going to ignore that and make her come talk to him. 

He stood in front of her again and she shook her head. He figured that the last thing she wants to do right now is talk to him, but he’s not leaving until she does. And if he has to do it right here, right in front of everyone, he will. If it gets the point across. 

“What more do you have to say? Leave.” He held his hand out for her. 

“Please. I just have to ask you something.” He wasn’t going to start with scolding her for coming out with Steven. He’ll save that. Right now he just needs to get her away from the table so they can talk in private. 

“I don’t care.” 

“(Y/N), please, sweetheart.” 

She huffed, pushing her chair out so she could stand, completely ignoring his hand. He expected that though and was just glad she was willing to talk to him again. 

“I’ll make this quick Steven. And then we can go back to your place.” Harry is a thousand percent certain she only said that so he could hear it because judging by the look on Steven’s face, he wasn’t expecting that at all. But he kept quiet until they were tucked into the corner of the restaurant, far enough away that no one would hear. 

“Are you kidding me, (Y/N)? Him?” He couldn’t stomach the thought of them together, so he tried to focus on something else. That ended up being the tiny dress she decided to wear tonight. It fit to her body too perfectly and again he’s certain that this was all done intentionally. Because why would she wear that for dinner with Steven? 

“What? He asked me out to dinner. Why should I say no?” He doesn’t want it to seem like he’s angry with her, but he might be a little bit. He just wants to know if this is all for show. 

“Um, because I hate him.” She rolled her eyes. 

“What does that have to do with me?” He doesn’t know how many times he has to tell her. He feels like Steven is his sworn enemy. Everyone in the office probably knows it by now, but (Y/N) is just being stubborn. She’s supposed to be on his side. She’s his assistant, Steven needs to find someone else’s life to ruin. 

“Thought you were my best girl, (Y/N).” She punched his shoulder and he tried his hardest not to laugh. He knew that would push her over the edge. 

“Fuck you, Harry. Why do you even bother—” She went to walk off back to the table, but he grabbed her wrist, pulling her right into his chest. And this time he held her waist and it felt so good to have her so close again after so long. She tried to push against his chest to get him away, but he wasn’t letting up. 

“I bother because I care about you, (Y/N). I can’t take this anymore. Please, just talk to me.” He’d get on his knees right now if he was anywhere else and try to persuade her that way, but he doesn’t want to cause more of a distraction than he already has. 

“Yeah, right. You don’t have to do this anymore, okay?” 

“So, you’d rather be here with him?” He gestured back to the table where Steven was impatiently waiting for her to return. 

“I don’t know. It’s just dinner and it’s none of your business.” She tried to push him off of her again, but he wasn’t budging. If he lets her go now, he doesn’t know the next time he’ll be able to have her like this. 

“You’re never going to guess what he did. He set me up. He somehow got Natalie to come over to my place and then call and mess everything up. Nothing happened with her, love. You have to believe me.” 

(Y/N) can tell how upset Harry is over this. And she does believe him about Natalie. Well, the part where he said nothing happened. She’s not sure about Steven’s involvement yet, but she trusts Harry. If he says it happened, it probably did. 

“I do believe you, Harry. But that’s not the point anymore. I just don’t think with you being my boss it would be the best idea. I’m sorry.” She watched him as he listened. First, overjoyed that she believed him about Natalie and then frowning again. 

“It’s not a big deal. No one will say anything to you, I’ll make sure. If that’s what you’re worried about.” She shook her head again. 

“It’s unprofessional. We shouldn’t.” He grabbed her hands in his and squeezed. 

“I’m just asking for another chance. If . . . If I mess it up again, I’ll leave you alone, I swear. I just need one more. Please.” While he was so sweet about it and sincere, she just couldn’t look past him being her boss. And now he’s the CEO. She doubts that will make her look too good either. No matter how she feels about him, sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to. 

“I’m sorry.” She pulled her hands out of his, watching as his expression dampened further. 

“Then why him, hm? What does he have that I don't? I thought we were doing better.” She can tell he’s feeling a bit irritated again. She guesses it’s from being told no again. He really can’t handle that. And as for them doing better, they’ve really only talked a few times since Des showed up at her desk, but he must count that as progress.

“It’s one dinner. And we’re fine. It’s not about that. This has nothing to do with you.” The only reason she’s out right now is to make him jealous. And while her plan did backfire a bit because she did pay the intern Megan to casually mention to Harry that she was out at dinner with Steven, she never thought he’d show up and demand to speak with her. Much less ask for another chance. She just wanted to watch him sulk throughout the office on Monday. Not this. 

“You just told him you’re going home with him.” He brought up, making her mentally groan. That is so not happening. It’s all just a part of her game. 

“So?” 

“So? (Y/N), he set me up!” 

“You tried to use me to set everyone else up too. I guess you really aren’t that much better than him, are you?” She knew he would hate hearing that and that’s exactly why he looked at her like he couldn’t believe she’d said that. 

“You know you’re lying now. You don’t have to sit here with him to try and prove a point. Come on. I’ll take you home.” He started searching his pockets for his keys like she was just going to hop on his car and let him take her home after this disastrous night. 

“I am going home with him and there’s nothing you can do about it.” He stopped what he was doing and stared at her. 

“Nothing I can do about it? Sweetheart, I’ll carry you out of here over my shoulder. I don’t mind.” While the idea did seem appealing, she’s not giving into him. 

“Just leave us alone, Harry. We’re trying to have dinner and you’re interrupting and causing a scene.” He took a second to glance over at Steven who was now watching them. He wanted to give him the finger, but he stopped himself. If this is what (Y/N) wants, there doesn’t seem to be much he can do right now. 

“You know. I had some news to share with you. Came out to your desk to tell you, but instead you were here with him,” He paused, still trying to comprehend that because what the fuck is going on? “I got the promotion.” 

She knew it already, but she was still happy for him because it was something he was working towards. She was certain that Des would’ve given it to him anyway. Even if he hadn’t been “dating” her. 

“I’m glad you got what you wanted, Harry. Congratulations.” She almost wanted to touch him but stopped herself. She’s sure he wouldn’t like that much now. 

“Yeah.” He couldn’t even look at her. She hated it, but she guesses she won’t have to see much more of him if he’s moving to a higher floor and changing positions. And she couldn’t bear to watch him walk away, so she turned her back to him first, hurrying back to the table and sitting in front of Steven once again. 

She dared to look in his direction again and he was already gone. She had been excited to try this restaurant when Steven offered, but now she can’t even look at her plate without feeling sick. 

Her night ended by having to force Steven away from her front door. She told him that she wasn’t interested at least three times while he was taking her home, but he didn’t seem to get the memo. It was annoying and when she finally got him to leave, she undressed and showered and laid in bed. She hopes that Harry knows that she’s not sleeping with Steven tonight. Even though it shouldn’t matter. She figured she might even receive a call from him tonight, demanding to know if Steven was over, but her phone was quiet all night until she eventually fell asleep. 

She just has to remind herself that this is for the best and everything will be okay in the end. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Monday morning had been the subject of (Y/N)’s nightmares over the weekend. She tried to imagine all the scenarios. The good and the bad. The good: Harry already left the floor to go to his father’s level and he’s never going to speak to her again. The bad: Harry already left the floor to go to his father’s level and he’s never going to speak to her again. She’s sure that that’s exactly how this is going to go. It’s so much easier for him. He can just forget about her. 

The new COO will be in by the end of the week and that’s who she’ll be working with now. It was an outside hire, so (Y/N) has no idea who her new boss will be. 

She also has no idea what she’ll be doing for the week seeing as there really won’t be anything for her to do with Harry gone. 

When she reached her desk, she saw that he was still in his office. Like normal, but she could tell he had already gathered his things and probably moved them to his new office. She forced herself to look away. She hates to say it, but she’ll miss him being there. He was great and always watched out for her. But things just got too complicated and they’re both to blame. 

Steven did stop by her desk at one point during the day, but she tried to act like she was busy and had something to do. He had to get back to work, so it didn’t last too long thankfully. 

She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do today. It’s nearly lunchtime and Harry hasn’t come out of his office since. She doesn’t know if she’s supposed to get him lunch still or not. But since he’s technically not the COO anymore, she probably shouldn’t. She decided to tell Riley that she wasn’t in the mood for going out to lunch today, so she stayed at her desk, trying to distract herself from looking into his office.

The blinds are open and she can see him working at his desk if she looks. It’s hard not to. He looks like such a CEO today. His suit is gray and crisp, at least from what she can see, and—she really needs to get a grip. She’s the one that told him it was over and now she’s thinking about how good he looks today? It’s unfair. 

Why is she so concerned with doing what’s best? It’s really ruining her time at work. Nothing is fun anymore because she has to be worried about what’s professional. But it’s too late now. 

“(Y/N)?” 

She practically jumped out of her seat at the sound of his voice. She wasn’t sure she’d ever hear him say her name again. When she looked over at him, he was standing in the doorway of his office with his hands in his pockets, looking a little dejected. 

“Yes, sir?” She tried to keep her voice from shaking, but she knew he could tell just what her reaction was. 

“I need to speak with you.” She didn’t respond, she just stood up and walked until she was in front of him. He gestured for him to come inside his office and shut the door behind her. She’s feeling a bit nervous because she doesn’t know what he has in store for her this time. 

She watched as he walked around his desk slowly, like he was drawing out whatever is supposed to be happening. She really just wants him to get it over with. 

“Is everything okay?” She couldn’t stand not speaking. He looks like he’s thinking very hard about something and she can’t tell what. 

“I’m sorry, (Y/N), but you’re fired.” 

Every part of her body froze. He’s firing her. Right now. And despite trying to keep her emotions under control, she can feel tears forming in her eyes. Why would she cry? It’s just a job. But what will she do now? 

“What?” She could only whisper her response, barely being able to find her voice to speak at all. 

“Someone else will be filling the position of assistant to the new COO next week,” He reached for something behind his desk and passed her a cardboard box. “You can pack your things and I’ll escort you out.” 

(Y/N) couldn’t even look at him. She just grabbed the box from him and walked to her desk. She hopes that no one on the floor can see that she’s just seconds from crying. She doesn’t want Harry to see her either. She used one of the tissues on her desk to wipe under her eyes before placing the picture frame and the few knick-knacks on her desk. She didn’t have much in the first place because she has to leave all the files here since they’re not hers anymore. 

By the time Harry strolled over to her, she was really fighting to hold back tears. She doesn’t care if he can see anymore. He stopped right beside her and took the box right from her hands. 

“Ready?” 

She could only nod before she followed him off the floor and towards the elevator. Of course, he’s the CEO now, he can do whatever he wants. If he wants to fire her because he thinks she doesn’t fit in anymore, then he can. She won’t even be seeing him every day, so it’s not a big deal. Finding a new job will be a little tough, but she’ll get through it like she always does. 

The elevator doors closed and she shut her eyes, wanting to calm down a bit before their big goodbye. He could just leave her stranded on the sidewalk, but he’s not that mean. She knows he’ll have something to leave her with. 

But instead of the elevator going down, she felt it start going up. She looked at Harry immediately, but his casual demeanor didn’t falter. It was a long ride up to one of the top floors that she’s never really been on before, so when the doors opened, it was like she was in a totally different world. 

Everything was much more pristine than it is on lower floors. Not that those aren’t nice, but there’s something about the CEO floor that’s just a bit nicer. The waiting area has a nice view of the city and cozy looking chairs. There’s even a receptionist. 

Harry turned to go down one of the long carpeted hallways and she just followed, feeling so lost. At the end of the hallway, he turned and there was an office with his name on the door, much more private than the one he had before. 

A few feet away from his door sat a vacant desk. He stopped right beside it and set the box down on top. 

“What is going on Harry?” She feels like crying anyway because she’s so confused. He put his hands back in his pockets and sighed. And then he smiled. 

“You’re now the assistant to the CEO. Hope you don’t mind, but you don’t really have a choice. You’re mine.” (Y/N) never wants to resort to violence, ever, but this time, just like the time at the restaurant, she can’t help slapping his shoulder with everything she has. He winced while rubbing his arm. 

“You are the worst! Do you know that? I’m halfway to tears because you wanted to be funny. I don’t…I don’t even know if I wanted to work for you anymore.” She crossed her arms, feeling all the tears that had been waiting to fall begin gushing down her face. Harry stepped in instantly, holding her face in his hands and pouting down at her. 

“Sorry, sweetheart. Forgive me?” She didn’t even bother pushing his hands away, it felt so good to have him touching her again. 

“No.” 

“What did you think I was gonna do? Leave you all the way down there while I’m all the way up here? No way. Now get settled in, we have a meeting to get to.” He wiped her cheeks dry with his thumbs and then kissed her temple. 

“You could’ve just said that instead of making me think you were firing me. I can’t sit through a meeting right now, Harry, I need to think about this.” She sat down in the chair behind the desk that was apparently supposed to be hers now and he slid behind her to set his hands on her shoulders. And then he squeezed. 

“(Y/N). Know you love me, now please just relax and put your things away and we’ll get lunch. What do you say?” She turned around to glare at him. 

“You think I love you?” 

“I don’t think, I know. That’s why I said it.” 

“You’re delusional. You really are.” He laughed, spinning her chair around to face him. And then he sank to his knees, putting himself right where he knows she wants him. This time he rested his chin on her knee and looked up at her with the most pitiful face he could manage. 

“I need you, (Y/N). I’m sorry for all the shit I’ve put you through, but forgive me.” 

“You’re annoying.” 

“Does that mean you forgive me?” 

“Not even close. You’re really going to have to make it up to me. I hope you know that.” 

(Y/N) can’t take it anymore. How long was she supposed to hold out anyway? He’s right here in front of her, practically begging for another chance. After all that he’s put her through. Would she be crazy if she was considering it? Nothing too far, just the forgiving him part. Even if she can barely stand the sight of him on his knees again without her taking advantage of it. 

“I’ll spend every day trying to make up for it if that’s what you want,” He grabbed her hand that was resting in her lap and pressed a kiss to the top of it. “Is there anything I can do specifically that will help my chances?”

“Not out here in the open, no.” (Y/N)’s trying really hard to hold back a grin because of the face he just made. Surprised, but also something else entirely. 

“What does that mean? You mean like…you and me in my office with the door shut?” He’s getting ahead of himself, but he doesn’t care. If that’s what she’s implying, he doesn’t want to miss his chance. 

“No,” She paused. “Well, maybe. But you’d have to be really, really quiet. Think you can do that for me, sir?” He blinked like he was in a daze. 

“You mean me being your boss doesn’t bother you?” Sure, she was a bit concerned before, but that was before she had the weekend to think about it. She thought about how he wasn’t going to be in his office six feet away from her anymore. How she wouldn’t run and get his lunches anymore or bring him coffee in the mornings. Or sit right beside him in meetings and have to force him to pay attention to what’s going on. And in thinking about all of that, she realized that there wasn’t much she could do without him. Work would be hard, seeing him only in passing would be hard, existing would be hard. Maybe that’s dramatic, but it’s true. She doesn’t think she’d make it without him. 

“Can you just shut up and take me into your office already?” He’s wasting time and she can’t stand to do that anymore. It’s been too long and she wants him now. 

Harry knew that firing (Y/N) and then turning around and forcing her to be his assistant as CEO would have her mad at him, but he never expected this. But he’s not going to ask too many questions because he likes the direction they’re going in now. It’s what he’s been dreaming about for the past month. 

“Will you let me take you out to dinner?” 

“I’ll think about it.” 

“Sounds good to me. After you, sweetheart.” 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

damn. i did not read over this again before posting so if there’s anything weird lol. also i could not figure out where to end this so here it is. enjoy pls :) and i’m so so sorry this is so late but technically it’s still night for me sooo….😁 and i think i got everyone in the tags but if i didn’t let me know!

next up is the dad’s bsf type thing!! 👀

tags: @vamprry @1un4zsq @marzhshaim @sunflowersloverr @tenaciousperfectionunknown @caynonmoondreams @elidoho @peterbenjaminparke07 @daydreamingofmatilda @poesietoujours @annesauriol @0nlythrowharrybeaux @indierockgirrl @stylesmoonlight12 @awesomenavy @littlenatilda @iamjustaholeforyousir @creativelyeva @kissitnhekitchen @crybabyddl @lostincrowd @kathb59 @tiaamberxx @hstyleswiftx @hookedonromance @royalexperiment256 @foreverxholland @j1m3na @bluegreencolorsflashin @prettydeliliah @mylittle-flower-loves @noelyccf @icecoldtires-interacts @amberbambridge @daphnesutton @tobegoodisgood @ivorygowns @be-with-me-so-happily @malf-azx @esposa-do-harry

For several moments, all she can do is stare at him. He doesn’t look particularly nervous about what her response could be, he actually looks quite confident that she’ll just go along with this insane thing he’s said. 

“Why?” Was the only thing she could ask him at the moment. She figures if she starts there, things will start making sense quicker. 

“Why not?” He shrugged it off like this was something normal. Like people just go around claiming others as their girlfriend and it’s just fine. Because it happens all the time. 

Except it doesn’t. And it’s not. 

“Well, you might want to clear that up then. Because I’m not your girlfriend.” She tried to say it as firmly as she could, but he just shook his head. 

“But I told him you are. So, you are.” Again, she’s just in so much shock because what is happening? It doesn’t add up and she just wishes he could be straight-forward with her this one time. 

“No, Harry. I’m not. And this obviously isn’t a work-related dinner and so far it’s very unprofessional, sir, no offense. So, I think I’d better go.” Right when she picked up her purse, he snatched it out of her hand and held it to his chest. 

“Not so fast, (Y/N),” She huffed, sitting back in her chair, feeling exhausted all of a sudden. He is the most childish man she’s ever met. She briefly thinks about telling him that but decides not to. “I told you I needed a favor from you and you said you’d help me.” 

“I was drunk! And I didn’t know what you were asking because you’ve made it your mission to be mysterious or whatever and it’s not very fun for people who don’t know what’s going on. It’s actually very mean. Now give me my bag.” She reached across the table, but he leaned away from her, holding back the most obvious grin she’s ever seen. 

“Come on, (Y/N). If you’d let me explain a bit, you’d probably love the idea.” She doubted that. 

“Fine. Why did you lie to your father?” 

“I didn’t really lie. I just told him something to keep him happy with me.” (Y/N) is rubbing her temples, wondering if she should try to get up and leave again. She’s still not sure why her being his girlfriend has anything to do with his father being happy. 

“But why?”

“(Y/N). My father is retiring in three months. He needs to take me seriously. His position will be up for grabs and right now, it’s between me and that cocksucker.” She figured he was referring to Steven with the face he pulled, but she’s still not getting the answers she needs to be able to understand what the hell he’s talking about. “And he needs to see that I’ve settled down and I’m responsible and committed to something.” 

Like it was the simplest thing in the world. (Y/N) is wondering if he’s thought of other options. You know, besides pretending to date his assistant because there has to be another way. 

“And what does that have to do with me?” 

“He likes you.” 

“I still don’t get it.” 

“Then let me dumb it down for you,” She narrowed her eyes at him in annoyance. “I’m on my way to thirty, (Y/N). And right now, my father thinks all I do in my spare time is party and drink and fuck random girls every night.” 

“Um, that would be because you do.” She has access to his calendars. She knows what he’s up to even if he thinks she doesn’t. 

“I do not, (Y/N). And I’m hurt that you think I do.” She rolled her eyes.

“Why not ask one of them?”

“Don’t want to.” 

“Then why me?” 

“I already told you because he likes you. You’re my only option, (Y/N). Please.” She took a second to think about it. She’s never been the deceiving type and Des is always so nice to her. She can’t. 

“I’m not going to lie to your father for you, Harry. I’m sorry. I need to go.” 

“I’ve already told him so there's not much you can do.” She stood from her chair, done with the conversation. She snatched her purse back and watched as his eyebrows furrowed like he was getting the tiniest bit frustrated with her. 

“Goodnight, Harry.” She went to turn, but he grabbed her wrist. 

“What if I said your job depended on it?” 

“Then, you’d be an asshole.” 

“Then I guess I am.” 

“You said it wouldn’t have anything to do with my job!” 

“I changed my mind. Sit back down.” That was the last thing she was going to do. She knows Harry pretty well and she knows he’s not going to fire her over this. So, she’s going to call his bluff. 

“No. I guess you have to fire me.” 

Harry knows she’ll come around to the idea. Of course, it’s not going to impact her job, he only said that to make her reconsider. Plus, he likes to get her riled up so she gets mouthy. She’s never spoken this way to him before and he sure it’s because he’s been bothering her so much in the past couple weeks. Before (Y/N) was like a little church mouse and said very little to him. Now, she’s rolling her eyes and almost shouting at him. He loves it. He loves it so much. 

“See you at work tomorrow.” He grabbed his glass and brought it to his lips as she huffed and walked from the table, toward the exit. He watched her the entire way as she weaved in between tables and finally pushed her way through the revolving doors.

Yeah. He’ll be seeing (Y/N) tomorrow even if she doesn’t want to see him. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Harry was surprised to find out that (Y/N) called into work the next day. 

Now she’s just being dramatic. 

But he’s persistent and used to getting what he wants, so this is no issue for him. He was going to wait until the work day was over but decided instead to leave his office around lunchtime and go track her down. What better way to show that he’s serious than forcing his way into her apartment and making her do just what he wants her to do? 

So, that’s why he’s at her door right now with a bundle of pretty flowers, attempting to ask for forgiveness. He can admit that he might not have gone about it the best way. He kind of just told her what she was going to do instead of asking. And Harry thinks that (Y/N) might change her mind if he’s a bit nicer about it.

He knocked on her door twice and waited, checking his watch. He’s not sure she’ll open the door because she does have a peephole that she can take advantage of and just act like she’s not home, but he knows better than that and he’s not giving up. 

“(Y/N). I just want to talk, sweetheart. Come on out.” He spoke up now that it had been silent for much longer than he wanted it to be. He knows she’s inside trying to decide what to do. And he’ll wait here all day if it means she’ll come out eventually to talk to him. 

“Go away.” He heard through the door. He tried not to smile.

“Open up. It’s important.” He knocked again. 

She huffed on the other side of the door. She cannot believe he’s here right now wasting his time. She’s never going to agree to something as strange as that. It wouldn’t be right. So, she’s still keeping her back to the door, thinking of ways to get him to go away. 

“I don’t want to talk to you.” She thinks she just heard him laugh and that irritates her more. He’s laughing at her again and she hates that. 

“Thought you were my best girl, (Y/N). Just open the door already.” She can’t believe he even called her that in the first place. It makes her sick to her stomach. 

“Nope. Bye.” She was just about to walk off from the door and leave him there pleading by himself, but of course, he had another trick up his sleeve. 

“Brought you some of those Belgian chocolates you like. You know, the ones I always bring back and you rave about.” 

Harry goes on these lavish vacations a few times a year and always brings something back for her as a souvenir. He’d found these amazing chocolates shaped like seashells once and always has a stockpile of them for her when he returns. And (Y/N) can’t say no to chocolates. And Harry knows just how to get her to do what he wants. Always. 

She opened the door, even though she didn’t want to and there he stood, leaning against the door frame with a smirk on his face. She wanted to slam the door on him, but with the promise of chocolates, she decided to postpone any door slamming. 

“Fine. What is so urgent that you had to come find me during work hours?” He didn’t answer right away, he just stared at her. “Hey, don’t you have a meeting right now?” 

Again, he didn’t answer because he’s never seen (Y/N) in so little clothes. She’s in a tank top with a very fair amount of cleavage showing and a pair of pajama shorts that are so short, he can’t look at them for too long. And she’s completely makeup free and her hair is in a messy ponytail and Harry, for just a second, thinks that they could really pull this off. 

“Canceled it. You know what’s so urgent. Can you let me in now?” 

“Where are the chocolates?” He sighed, reaching into his pocket to retrieve the much smaller box of chocolates than she was expecting. She shot him a look but took the candy from his outstretched hand anyway. “Come in.” 

He followed after her. He remembered the setup the same as it had been when he practically carried her to her bed last Friday. He’d told his father earlier that day which is why he needed (Y/N) to be there at dinner. 

His father was very excited to learn about (Y/N). He said he saw it coming eventually or something. And he was even more excited when he found out (Y/N) was coming to dinner. While she didn’t say much, Des knows it’s just a part of her personality and didn’t push her to speak about the relationship, thank god. Harry was a bit nervous he’d begin quizzing her, but he warned him beforehand not to overwhelm her. He also told him that (Y/N) didn’t know he was telling him and to keep it under wraps. 

His plan will run so smoothly if she just does what he wants. She doesn’t even have to do anything. Just a few dinners here and there and a few outings to solidify everything. Nothing insane. Nothing like he bets she’s thinking. 

He relaxed into her couch as soon as he was close enough and watched as (Y/N) stood over him and kept her arms crossed. Little did she know she was pressing her tits together in the most delicious way. And he couldn’t help staring. 

Harry’s never really considered (Y/N) because she’s so out of his league, but now that the opportunity has come up, he’s thinking otherwise. He’d really prefer not to mix business with pleasure, but with (Y/N), he doesn’t think he can help it. 

“Did you think about what I said?” 

“Mhm.” 

“And what do you think?” 

“It’s a no, Mister Styles, so if you want to fire me, go ahead. But you’ll never, ever, ever have another assistant better than me, so you’re really kind of screwing yourself. Now goodbye.” He loves this. He’d do it all day if he could, but unfortunately, he’s still not getting the answer he’d like. 

“See, that’s not going to work for me. And if you’re such an incredible assistant, why are you not doing what I’m telling you to? Maybe if I did have another assistant she’d be more . . . willing,” He trailed off and she huffed, knowing what game he’s playing. “And it might even come with a pay raise. Extra vacation days, PTO . . . the list could go on.” 

All those things sound amazing, but she just doesn’t know the risk of it all. But he’s almost giving her an offer she can’t refuse. Almost. 

“What does being your girlfriend even mean?” She rubbed at her forehead, feeling stupid for even asking. It’s like giving him what he wants and she hates that. 

“Just dinners with my father. A few events that we’d have to be seen publicly at. Nothing over the top and nothing to make you uncomfortable. I will have to touch you though. And I know you have no issue with that, sweetheart.” She feels like chucking the chocolates at his head but stops herself and decides to be nice this once.

“You’re delusional. Like seriously. And I’m not saying yes, but the pay raise would have to be substantial. No one could know about it because they’d think you’re favoring me just because I’m your girlfriend,” She gasped. “Does the whole office have to know?” 

She doesn’t want any weird looks from anyone. She knows Riley will have a field day if she hears he’s her boyfriend. But that’s not happening. 

“Kind of. They’d find out anyway, but we don’t have to formally tell them. What do you say?” She snatched the flowers out of his hand and went to put them in water. 

She left him sitting there on her couch as she trimmed the stems, filled a vase, and put them neatly on her counter top. Then she sighed, questioning her own sanity. 

“I don’t know.” He turned towards her and smirked. 

“Better than no. What’s holding you back?” She shot him a look. 

“Um, the whole thing! You’re asking a lot from me.” She crossed her arms, watching as his eyes looked her up and down again. 

“I know. I’m willing to compensate you nicely for your time and attention, (Y/N).” She dropped onto the couch next to him, feeling tired. He drains her of energy. Just speaking with him.

“Why me?” She shut her eyes. 

“Because you're stunning and I don’t want anyone else.” She peeked an eye open at him and groaned. 

“Don’t say things like that, please. How long?” He shrugged. 

“As long as it takes.” 

“What if you meet someone?” 

“I won’t.” 

“What if I meet someone?” 

“I’ll make sure you don’t.” She scoffed, swatting his shoulder. She can’t believe that she’s really thinking about this. She doesn’t know all the terms and conditions yet, but still, he’s almost convincing her to say yes. 

“Listen,” She sat up so hopefully he’d take her more seriously. “Just until your father passes the position onto you. Nothing more. Do you hear me?” 

“I hear you, (Y/N).” Now he’s smiling and she would hate it if he didn’t look so pretty. 

“And this is on my terms. Nothing weird or I’m breaking up with you. I’m not kidding.” He put his hands up in defense and laughed. 

“Nothing weird, got it.” She rubbed over her eyes and sighed. She cannot believe what she just agreed to. 

“Now order me dinner and then leave. I don’t want to see you until tomorrow.” She is feeling hungry and she doesn't mind having another meal out of his pocket again. She has a feeling that will be happening more often. 

“Yes ma’am.” 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

What (Y/N) did not expect the next morning was an unbelievably large flower arrangement to be sitting on her desk. She set her purse down before searching for the card. And when she opened the card, Harry had left her a sweet little note. 

For you, my love.

Harry

She was just about to roll her eyes when Des appeared in front of her with Harry standing beside him.

“How are you this morning, (Y/N)?” She glanced at Harry before speaking. 

“I-I’m good. Great. Harry sent me some flowers. Isn’t that so sweet of him?” She played it off, trying not to get hot in the face as Harry winked at her. 

“That is nice of you, son. I’m glad he’s being good to you. You deserve flowers, (Y/N).” He patted her on the shoulder before bidding them both farewell. As soon as he was out of sight, (Y/N) was slapping Harry’s arm as hard as she could. 

“Ow!” 

“Why wouldn’t you warn me?!” She felt like hitting him again, but she's never been one to get violent. But Harry is making her feel like she’s crazy. 

“You do better when you’ve not been rehearsing things in your head. I did you a favor.” 

“Can you keep this in your office? It’s so obnoxious.” She picked up the flowers and tried to hold them out to him, but he shook his head. 

“Nope. Those are yours. Plus, it says a lot without saying anything.” And then he walked off, leaving her with her arms outstretched with the flowers. She rolled her eyes and sat them back on the corner of her desk. 

Harry hopes that Steven comes to his floor and tries to charm (Y/N) today. And he hopes that she shows him that card and he finally gets the fucking hint. Normally, he has to go to her desk and shoo him away, but maybe the flowers will do the trick all on their own. 

(Y/N) really tried to get work done today, but the amount of meetings Harry had scheduled was just too much for her. She had to be present in most of them and of course Harry had his arm wrapped around her chair, shooting daggers at Steven. They had two meetings with him already and Harry just kept pushing the bar. Pulling her chair close to his, playing with her hair, leaning down to whisper absolutely nothing pertaining to the meeting in her ear. She knew it was all a part of the game, but he’s frustrating putting his mouth so close to her ear and raking his fingers through her hair. It was driving her mad and not in the way that she wanted it to. She wanted to be irritated by it, not yearning for more. 

Harry feels the same. He knows (Y/N) won’t initiate anything because she just doesn’t know what to do yet. But he knows when the day comes, he won’t be able to get enough. In the meantime, he’s just going to play it cool. Let things happen as they do. So what he likes the feeling of her hair through his fingers or how she shivers when he leans in to ask her if she’s cold. This is just to keep his father’s company in the family name. He doesn’t know why Steven is an option at all, but he’s going to do his best to keep him from being one. And (Y/N) is the only way he can do that. 

When lunchtime arrived, she was going about it as normal. She’s going to walk downstairs and ask Riley if she’d like to come along with her to the cafe. As soon as she stopped at her desk, Riley was beaming at her. 

“Hey, ready to go?” She’s an amazing friend. (Y/N) doesn’t see her much outside of work, but they’re still pretty much best friends. 

“Oh, yeah. I’ve got to send off an email really quickly and then I’ll be good to go.” (Y/N) waited patiently as Riley typed out whatever she needed to. She is kind of hungry today, so she’s thinking she’ll get an extra side of fries today. Right when Riley clicked send, arms were wrapping around (Y/N) from behind and she was pulled into someone’s chest. Both her and Riley’s eyes went wide. Hers because who is grabbing her and Riley’s because um, isn’t that her boss? 

“Hi, Riley. You don’t mind if I steal (Y/N) again, do you?” He rested his chin on her tense shoulder and squeezed her. She’s dying right now, but can’t find it in herself to move right now. She knows he said touching, but she never thought it’d be like this. 

His chest is warm against her back, even through the cozy sweater she decided to wear today. His hands are at her waist and he’s got quite the grip on her. If she didn’t have more common sense, she’d be in a puddle right now. But she can’t afford that with Harry. It’s not in the cards now and never will be. 

“Uh…no, sir. She’s all yours.” (Y/N) could tell Riley was thoroughly confused, but just didn’t say anything. She waved at (Y/N) and Harry started pulling her off. He reached for her hand instead and guided her to the doors. She glanced back at Riley once more and saw she looked completely confused, but she just waved again. 

When they made it out on the street, (Y/N) ripped her hand from his. 

“Excuse my language but what the fuck was that?” He just chuckled, reaching for her hand again. 

“I said I’m taking you to lunch. What’s wrong with that, babe?” Again, he’s acting like this scenario is normal and it’s not. 

“You are so—” She cut herself off by groaning and he laughed again. 

“Be good for me, please, and I’ll buy you dessert.” 

“Fine.” He slipped his fingers between hers and dragged her down the street while she tried to keep up with him. (Y/N) is not getting used to this any time soon. She won’t. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

(Y/N) knew from the start that Harry would be around a lot more than she’s used to. Just to play up the fact that they’re supposed to be dating. But what she didn’t know was that he’d be everywhere she is. 

She goes to make copies, he follows her and makes it so obvious to everyone in the office that there’s something going on between them. Which she didn’t want. But it was too late. She could hear the whispers everytime she passed the floor. It was an awful feeling, but when she mentioned it to Harry, he was far from understanding. 

“No one is going to treat you differently, babe. Don’t worry about it,” She huffed. He just doesn’t get it. Everyone on their floor is already gossiping and she hates it. “Someone’s giving you a hard time then? Who?” 

He sat up straighter in his chair, ready to go off down the hallway and take care of whoever is making (Y/N) uncomfortable. Because it’s none of anyone’s business. And if anyone has anything to say about it, their job position can easily be eliminated. 

“No one! It’s just . . . people are talking because you won’t leave me alone!” She whined, but he couldn’t help smiling at her. Because that wasn’t happening. And not just because they’re supposed to be dating. But because he just likes to. He likes to see what she’s doing and talk to her and tease her. It’s normal. He just wants to be around her. Not in a weird way, but in a way that is normal. 

“Can’t help it. You’re my girlfriend, (Y/N). What am I supposed to do? Ignore you?” (Y/N) wanted to cover her ears, but decided that might be a bit much. But why is he just saying that? Like it’s true or something. 

“I’m actually not your girlfriend, Mister Styles, and this is strictly business.” She crossed her arms, not wanting to take part in the fantasy he’s trying to create. Because it will never be true and she’s not going to get her hopes up. Not that she had any hopes, she just doesn’t want to confuse herself with all these nice things he’s doing and saying. 

“Well, this business we’re doing comes with lots of perks, Miss (Y/L/N), and I don’t think you’re taking advantage of them.” She knows he’s not saying what she thinks he’s saying. She wants to pick up the stapler on his desk and chuck it at him, but again, violence is not her thing. So, she takes a long deep breath and stands up from the chair she’d been sitting in. 

“You’re insane. I’m going back to my desk and you’re going to stop being so clingy, got it?” Never in a million years did (Y/N) think she’d be speaking so freely around him, but here they are. 

“Come here for a second.” Her shoulders dropped in slight disappointment. She just wanted to leave his office and go sit back at her desk until the end of the work day comes. He always has to interrupt her plans. 

She walked around his desk as he pushed his chair back, making enough room for her to stand between him and his desk. She’s not sure why, again, he does the things he does, but she just complies because it’s easier that way. 

She expected him to start speaking and saying more nonsense, but he didn’t. He just stared at her, looking her up and down, and very obviously ogling her. He’s done it before, but not in such close proximity. And she almost regrets wearing the skirt that she picked out today that’s just barely meeting dress code. Almost. 

Instead, he moved his chair forward, trapping her against the side of his desk. And then very suddenly grabbed the back of her thighs to lift her onto his desk. She would’ve fallen over if it wasn’t for her grip on his shoulders. 

“What are you doing?” He didn’t answer, he just dropped to his knees in front of her. If anything before this very moment shocked her, nothing could top this. It was very obvious what he was suggesting, but still. She was going to pretend like she didn’t know what he was doing. 

“You talk much nicer to me when you’re up there and I’m down here. Any reason for that?” She pressed her knees together and pulled her skirt down as far as she could. He was smirking, she knew that he enjoyed making her squirm. It’s annoying that he always gets to be the one that’s doing the teasing. She wonders when it’ll be her turn. She quickly checked behind her to make sure the blinds were shut. Someone seeing this from the outside would surely get them both in trouble with HR and she’s not willing to risk that. 

“Nope.” (Y/N) didn’t have much time to act unbothered by his position right now because he squeezed the back of her calves with both hands before gently pushing her knees apart. 

“Is that so?” She nodded, trying not to get distracted by having his face so close to her skirt. “Well, you’ve been very tense the past couple of days. Is there anything I can do to help with that?” 

It’s not like he hasn’t thought about it before. He just usually tries to keep (Y/N) out of his fantasies. Not because he doesn’t want to think about her, but because he finds it kind of weird the next day at work trying to focus around her when he was just thinking about what she’d look like naked. So, he tries not to imagine her in scenarios like that. But it still does happen, he can’t help it. 

And while he doesn’t know much about what (Y/N) does outside of work, he knows that she’s not sleeping with anyone. He can just tell. She has been before and she’s a little more relaxed when that’s the case. But it’s been a while and he’s only offering because he’d help her if she wanted him to. It’s not a big deal. It’s the least he can do after the favor she’s helping him with. 

“No there’s not, you pig. Get away from me.” She’ll definitely have to go to the restroom straight away so she can take a second to breathe. This is all too much and she’s not sure why she’s feeling the way she is right now. Just because she denied him right off the bat doesn’t mean she’s not going to be thinking about this encounter for the rest of her life. Because that’s untrue. She’s never going to forget this actually. 

“I understand. You don’t think you’ll be quiet enough, it’s fine. We’ll postpone it then.” Again, he’s left her with her jaw dropped. But he just moved to sit back in his chair like it was nothing, again, that he’d said something like that. 

“That is not at all what I was thinking, sir,” She rolled her eyes. “I’m sure I’d do just fine, but I have—” 

“Would you?” Harry lives for this back and forth. He likes watching her debate within herself to make decisions. And right now, he can tell that her calm and collected facade is fading. Just by the way she’s entertaining his idea. 

“You never heard Steven and I.” She watched all the amusement drain from his face and she reveled in that. All she has to do is mention Steven and his teasing stops. It’s like magic. She didn’t even let him respond. For the first time, he seemed to be the one in shock with nothing to say.

She slid off his desk and left his office, all without him saying a word. 

If he can have fun, so can she. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

For the rest of the week, Harry didn’t talk to her. She’d do all the things she usually does like sit next to him in meetings and bring him his lunch, but he’d try to look preoccupied. And she knew he wasn’t, he was just mad about their last conversation. And while she doesn’t know why Steven bothers him so much, it was fun to send Steven a flirty wave when Harry was sitting right next to her in the conference room. She’s not interested in the slightest, but if it makes Harry brood around the office, she takes that as a win. 

It’s a Friday night now and she’d been having a little movie marathon by herself with candy and popcorn and cozy blankets. And by the time one o’clock in the morning hit, she was pretty much trying to keep herself awake, so she decided it was time for bed. She straightened up a bit, brushed her teeth, and slipped into bed. She doesn’t currently have much planned for the weekend, so she thinks sleeping in tomorrow and getting a late breakfast will be the perfect way to start the day. 

But right as she shut her eyes, her phone started ringing. She groaned, forcing her eyes back open to reach onto her nightstand and grab it. On the screen was her boss’ name and the cute little pink flower she’d put there just for kicks. She didn’t know why he’d be calling her since he spent the majority of his week ignoring her, but she still swiped across the screen to answer the call. 

“Hello?” 

“You’re driving me up a fucking wall do you know that?” She’s not sure why he’s calling her right now to tell her this, but she’s certain it can wait until Monday morning. 

“What are you talking about, Harry?” She knows well what he’s talking about, but she never thought it would affect him like this. 

“I can’t even sleep because you’ve been making me feel crazy, (Y/N). I just want it to stop, okay?” He sounds almost breathless. She can tell that he’s been fretting over this way too much. And while that was sort of her intention, this was never how she thought he’d react. 

“Okay,” She trailed off, not knowing why he even called or what she could do to fix it. “And you’re calling me, why?” 

“Here we fucking go,” He really does sound like he’s going mad over this. And she kind of likes it. “So, you mean to tell me that you and that cocksucker slept together? After I told you how much I despise him.” 

“What does you despising him have to do with me? I can sleep with whoever I want.” She’s not giving in quite yet. She wants to make him suffer just a bit more. 

“Sure, but you’re my assistant.” 

“We all know that, Harry. What’s the issue?” He sighed like she wasn’t understanding what he was telling her. Because she really doesn’t. It makes no sense that who she chooses to sleep with would make him act like this. 

“Just tell me you’ve never slept with him, so I can get some rest tonight. Even if it’s not true.” He does sound tired, but the entire thing is so weird to her. He’s losing sleep over the thought of her with Steven at all. She’s trying her best not to be smug about it, but it’s harder than she thought it’d be. 

“I have not slept with Steven. Goodnight.” 

“No, no, no. Be honest this time. It isn’t any of my business, but I just . . . I need to know.” (Y/N) almost feels bad for him. He called at almost two in the morning to ask her this because he couldn’t sleep. It’s almost endearing. 

“I haven’t slept with Steven. I just said that to make you mad.” Now she’s feeling tired and ready to go to bed, so the sooner she confesses, the sooner she can sleep. 

“I fucking knew it. You’d never lower your standards for him, would you?” She yawned before humming. 

“Never.” 

“Good. You deserve much better than him. You know that, right?”

“Mhm. I’m not interested in him anyway. I already have a boyfriend, remember?” She teased him. 

“You do. And you like me more than him, right?” 

Now it seems he needs a little ego boost. And she guesses she can give him that after torturing him all week unknowingly. 

“Right. I do.”

“And you’re my girl.” She wanted to stop him there because that’s not necessarily true, but this is all fun and games. 

“Yes, Harry.” 

“Glad we got that cleared up. Family dinner’s on Sunday night. Pick you up at six.” 

She went on to protest, wanting to tell him that that was never a part of the deal, but he didn’t even give her the chance since the line clicked right as she went to tell him that she’s most certainly not doing that. She’ll have to yell at him tomorrow instead. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

“Who’s going to be at family dinner again?” 

(Y/N) had asked this three times already, but Harry knows she’s just nervous. Originally, he wasn’t going to ask her to come to this one because he told his father it was “too soon” and wanted to save (Y/N) the worrying. But then, she decided to pull that little stunt last week and he wasn’t feeling as gracious anymore. So, he’s making her sit through dinner as his girlfriend. That means she’ll have to be nice to him and let him pet on her all night. Which he knows she doesn’t mind. She never says she does anyway. 

He doesn’t mind it either. She’s wearing this tiny little white sundress today and he’s trying to be on his best behavior, but he can’t stop looking at her out of the corner of his eye as he drives them to his father’s. She’s a sight to see. With the way she’s sitting now, the hem of her dress pushed way too far up her thighs. And she doesn’t even notice. She’s too anxious about dinner. But it’s all he can think about. That and her allowing him to grab onto the soft, warrn flesh of her thighs. He can barely keep his eyes on the road. 

“Harry!” She swatted his chest, snapping him out of whatever daydream he was in. Something about stopping on the side of the road and climbing into the backseat. 

“Huh?” 

“You’re not listening. Who’s going to be at dinner tonight?” 

“Told you already. This one is, like, big though. A few cousins and aunts and stuff. Nothing too crazy though.” He can tell by the look on her face that she thinks the exact opposite. 

“Oh, god. What if I mess this up?” 

“Then, you’re fired,” She shot him a glare that made him laugh. He loves joking with her. She takes things too seriously. “Kidding. You’re not going to mess it up. These dinners only happen like once every few months. Lucky for you, one of my cousins is getting married and the other one just had a baby. The attention won’t even be on you at all.” 

What Harry’s got going on should be the last thing they’re all concerned about. There are much more exciting things the others can talk about. But he knows that there will be some questioning, just because she’s a new face. And she’s insanely beautiful. Those things he’s prepared for, so they shouldn’t have any problems. 

He could tell that she was stunned when he pulled into his father’s driveway. He does have this obnoxious mansion that has a fountain out in front, so it does look like something out of a movie. But he’s been here so many times that it doesn’t even phase him anymore. He prefers his own home. 

There were already a few cars here and he knows that everyone is back in the garden. He can tell that (Y/N) is still nervous despite what he said, so he’s going to try his best to make this as painless as possible for her. 

“If you want to leave, just tell me. Or if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, let me know. I’ll handle it.” She still looked frightened and anyone would be. He’s never brought a girlfriend home. Ever. Because they just weren’t as special as (Y/N) is. But she doesn’t know that. Well, she doesn’t know either of those things and she doesn’t have to.

“They’re going to hate me.” She covered her face with her hands, but he was quick to move her hands out of the way and squeeze them in his. 

“They’re actually going to love you and then be very disappointed when we break up.” She pouted at him like she likes to before she laughed. 

“Make sure you tell them it was your fault that we broke up, please.” He’s sure if he and (Y/N) ever did date that he’d be the reason for their breakup anyway. She’s much too sweet to ever do anything wrong. 

“I will. Ready?” She nodded hesitantly. He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand and before he could think about it for long, he was out of the car and on his way to her side to help her out. As soon as she was on her feet, she was grabbing his hand in both of hers and squeezing. 

“You got me, right?” He’s never seen her look so unsure of herself. It’s kind of cute, but he tries not to think too much into that realm of things. It wouldn’t be right of him. 

“I got you, (Y/N).” 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Dinner went fine. The food was good and there was plenty of wine. But (Y/N) just could not keep her hands off of Harry. 

While he didn’t seem to mind, she was trying to tell herself that she didn’t need to be holding his hand for the entirety of dinner or while they went around the beautiful garden in the back of the house to socialize. She also didn’t need to lean into his side or play with his fingers in her lap. But she couldn’t help it. 

It was helping a lot of her anxiety about meeting pretty much his entire family. He didn’t question it at all, he just completely gave up his hand for her to fidget with. 

When they first walked around the house to get to the garden where everyone was, Des had come up to him first with Harry’s mom to say hello and ask them how they’d been. (Y/N) has only met his mom a handful of times and she’s always been very nice, so she wasn’t as nervous about seeing her again. But now that she’s kind of dating her son, she feels a little bit of pressure. The conversation went smoothly though and Harry did most of the talking. 

Then it came time to meet everyone else. They all asked the same questions. Where did they meet, how long have they been together, very minor things. And while (Y/N) didn’t say much, she hopes that she didn’t come off as shy. She’s feeling a bit lightheaded about deceiving everyone here and making them believe that she’s dating Harry just as a business move. It doesn’t seem right, but she still plays along. 

And the one other thing keeping her calm would be the second glass of white wine she’s having. At first, she declined, wanting to remain poised and under control, but then she just got so in her head about what she’s doing that she allowed herself one glass. And then two. And now she’s talking to Harry’s cousin who just had a baby about the most random things and she’s having so much fun doing it. She feels more calm and relaxed having someone to talk to. It’s nice. And what’s also nice is Harry’s warm hand resting on her thigh while she twists his rings back and forth. 

She wouldn’t say his hand is up her dress, but it pretty much is. It’s under her skirt, but just sitting on the middle of her thigh. But she can’t lie and say it’s not making her squirm a little more than usual in her chair. He’s in his own conversation, so she doubts that he even notices it. Wine just makes her behave differently. And while she’s trying to keep her mind off of him and his hands, her body had other plans.

It’s forcing her to be aware that his fingers are so close to her. That his hands are so warm. And that’s bringing up many other issues with it. Basically, she’s sure her underwear are ruined now because they’re so wet. But Harry doesn’t have to know that part. He doesn’t. He can’t. 

So, she’s just pressing her legs together and hoping for the best. But she’s not doing a great job at it because his hand moved down to her knee and she went reaching for it to drag it right back up to where it had been. Maybe even higher. She could hear his words falter the tiniest bit, but other than that, he seemed unbothered by it. He did squeeze her thigh lightly, but that was it. 

At this point though, just sitting and talking at the table is making her restless. Especially with Harry’s fingertips brushing back and forth on top of her thigh. She excused herself to the bathroom, but Harry got up to show her the way. Apparently, the house is quite a maze. 

She knew from others getting up from the table that the bathroom was right inside the glass doors and to the left. But Harry took her inside and to the staircase. He guided her up the stairs and she didn’t even argue. The wine is making her much more agreeable than she usually is. 

He followed her right into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. She’s confused now because she really did have to pee, but now he’s here and she has to make him leave first. 

“What are you doing?” She whined, trying to push him towards the door. She needs a second to get herself back under control, away from him. She was getting way into her head. 

“Are you doing that on purpose?” He grabbed her wrists to stop her from pushing him. Not that it was doing anything to get him to go away, but he needed her full attention. 

“Doing what? I have to go now, can you please—” 

“Do you want me to touch you?” 

She’s not as surprised by his question because of the alcohol she’s had, so at first, she laughs it off. He can’t mean that because why would he? 

“Why would you ask that, Harry?” He stepped towards her until she was pressed against the counter top. The bathroom was big and echoey. There was a tub and walk-in shower and two sinks with a giant mirror behind them. It’s probably the biggest bathroom she’s ever been in. But now she’s hemmed up against the sinks with his body pushing against hers and he’s staring down at her like he wants to devour her.

“Because you’ve not been able to sit still all night. Can feel you trying to settle down, but it’s not working, is it? Need some help, sweetheart?” It’s just like the other day in his office, but they’re not at work. There’s no chance for someone to walk in. At least, not someone they work with. She hopes Harry’s family would just stay downstairs if they had to come in and use the bathroom. But he seems pretty confident that they will if he even asked that.

“No, I’m fine—” 

“Are you? Because I think you like my hands on you, (Y/N). You like me touching all over you, you just don’t want to admit it.” He ran his hand down her arm and down further until he reached the back of her knee. And then he lifted her leg up so he could have her leg locked around his waist. Now she’s holding onto his shoulders for dear life, trying to keep herself upright. 

She doesn’t mind that he’s touching her and it has little to do with the wine. She feels stone sober now after his very blunt question. And she almost wants to take him up on it. 

“So what if I do?” Her hands moved from his shoulders up to his hair where she pulled, making his head fall back for just a second before his darkened gaze met hers again. 

“Say it then. Tell me you want me to touch you.” (Y/N) is definitely not ashamed to tell him that now. She just wants what she wants and she’ll think about the consequences later. 

“Please kiss me.” 

And she knows Harry to be a tease, so of course he started with her shoulder and worked his way to her neck while she was trying to keep her hips still against him. She could feel all of him and if her underwear were ruined before, she might have to toss these ones after tonight. 

Once his mouth met the underside of her chin, she overtook the kiss. He was taking so long so she grabbed him by the jaw and pressed their mouths together. She could feel him melt right into the kiss and move his hands to her waist to squeeze her. Her arms came around his neck instead to pull him closer right as he tongue snuck its way into her mouth. She really didn’t mind that because she’d been waiting to do it, but let him take the initiative. 

And now he’s hurrying to get her sitting on the counter so he can feel her thighs wrapped around him. He never knew that shy little (Y/N) could be so . . .  not shy. Like right now, she’s licking into his mouth while moaning. He never pictured this happening ever. He knows that the dinner table is going to be wondering where they went soon, but he just can’t push himself away. She tastes like the wine she’s drinking and whatever fruity lip gloss she’d put on before coming. And he can’t get enough. 

He figured this would be a problem. He knew that eventually, playing pretend would backfire, he just didn’t think it’d be so soon. But he had to go and tease her until she snapped. And that very well may be the reason why her pretty thighs are so tight around him and why she keeps tugging on his hair, hard enough to make his eyes roll back. He just didn’t think she’d be this good. And he really wishes she wasn’t. Because now that he’s gotten a taste, he’s never going to want anyone else. 

Unfortunately, it was her that pulled away. Apparently, common sense reached her first. She roughly shoved his shoulders back and watched him with wide eyes and a heaving chest. 

“That did not happen!” And now she’s up off the sink, pacing and muttering things to herself that he didn’t bother to listen to. 

“Hey, sweetheart, no matter how bad you want it to not have happened, it did, and it’s not that serious.” She stopped her pacing and turned to him with her hands on her hips. 

“Not that serious? I kissed my boss! And I liked it!” She slapped her hands over her mouth and shook her head at him. “I didn’t say that!” He laughed, leaning against the counter, watching her spiral even more. 

“It’s okay. I liked it too.” He doesn’t see the problem. They both liked it and just because he’s her boss doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it started as something pretend, but Harry knew he’d have a hard time with that anyway. (Y/N) is amazing and she always has been. But now that they’ve kissed and he’s felt her body on his, he doesn’t think he’ll ever go back. But he’s not going to admit that right now while she’s freaking out. He’ll wait until she’s calm and has time to think. 

“You can’t just say that, Harry! We  should get back to the table. It’s been long enough.” He didn’t fight her on it. He just opened the bathroom door and led her back to the garden. He could feel her hand shaking in his and he didn’t know why. But he didn’t let her go until they were sitting again and (Y/N) had her wine glass to her mouth. 

The rest of dinner went nicely. (Y/N) was practically buzzing in her chair and he knew that meant she wanted to leave, so he took that as his cue to tell everyone goodnight and get (Y/N) home. She was quiet the entire car ride, but he expected that. She must have been thinking and that’s fine. He hopes it was all good things. He put the car in park at the curb in front of her apartment and she turned to him, looking slightly nervous. 

“I’m sorry for kissing you.” 

“I’m not.” She scoffed, looking away from him for just a moment to find her composure. 

“I just mean . . . you know.” 

“I know, love. Have a good night.” She nodded, blinking a few times before looking back at him. 

“I would invite you in, but it’s a Sunday night and I don’t trust myself.” Who knows how far she’d take it if there was a bed nearby, so she just shouldn’t. 

“That’s okay. Sleep well, (Y/N).” She pushed the door open and stepped out. She did lean down into the car to send him one last wave. 

“See you tomorrow, Mister Styles.” 

“Can’t wait.” She felt her face heat up and took that as a sign to just shut the door and go inside. Because tonight had been a lot. And she just needs a good night’s rest and it’ll all be better. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

“(Y/N). You’ll never guess,” He came striding out of his office with a grin on. She knew he must’ve gotten some type of good news. He stopped in front of her desk and leaned down to her. “My father is very pleased with us. He’s going to watch me for a few weeks and make sure I stay on top of things and if all is well, I’ve got the job.” 

“That’s great, Harry.” She knew he’d get it anyway. Why wouldn’t he? 

“All thanks to you.” 

They hadn’t said much about the kissing thing. She did greet him this morning with a coffee and warm cheeks, but he just smirked at her and thanked her. But she doesn’t mind it. So what she’d been thinking about it all night before and even struggled falling asleep. So what. It didn’t have to mean anything. It was all in the heat of the moment. 

“You’re welcome.” She quipped back, making him laugh and reach over to her to run his hand over her shoulder. 

“Meet me in my office in a few, please. We’ve got some work to do.” 

Little did (Y/N) know that “work” meant sitting on top of his with her blouse halfway off as they did their best to swallow each other. She really didn’t expect it. She thought he’d sweep it under the rug and forget about it. Instead, he’s got his hands up her skirt and is feeling all over her thighs. 

He pulled away from her, reluctantly, and breathless, to stare at her. 

“I love kissing you, you make me crazy, (Y/N). Don’t want to stop.” And she went right back in to press their lips together and lead them into another bout of passionate kissing. 

This went on for much longer than she thought, but by the time she accidentally looked up at the clock on the wall, she’d been in his lap for twenty minutes. 

“Oh my gosh. I need to go, it’s almost lunch time.” She pulled herself off of him and righted her blouse before fixing her skirt. 

“Fine. Leave me.” He said dramatically, making her giggle. He has a meeting to get to anyway. So, she’ll pick up his lunch and have it here for him when he returns. And hopefully there will be a redo of what they just did. 

“I’ll be back.” She went to step away from him, but he grabbed her hand, effectively halting her from going anywhere. And he almost looked nervous all of a sudden. 

“Would you ever consider going on a real date with me?” 

And he’s left her speechless because she didn’t think he wanted anything more than to fool around, but apparently, that’s not that case. But she doesn’t mind. She’s gotten to know Harry more in the past few weeks than she has in three years. And while she knew him well then, some things have changed. 

“I think I would like that.” His fingers slipped between hers and he squeezed, smiling at her. 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah. I would.” She should’ve known something like this would happen. How could she have ever resisted him?   

“Okay. Let me know when you’re free then, alright?” She nodded, trying to walk out of his office and not run back to kiss him. But she’s supposed to meet Riley and she doesn’t really have time to mess around. Even though she really, really wants to. 

All throughout lunch, she was trying not to look so lovestruck and dreamy after seeing Harry. She didn’t want any questions from Riley right now even though she interrogated her quite a bit about what happened in the lobby. But she just brushed it off as him being silly. She really wants to gush to someone about it, but no one can know about their little deal. (Y/N) supposes that now that it’s turning into more, she could tell her then. That they’re dating. But for right now, she’s keeping it all hidden. 

She picked up Harry’s lunch and then walked back to the building with Riley. Is it bad that she can’t wait to see him again? She’s been gone for thirty minutes and all she can think about is being near him again.

He wasn’t in his office when she dropped the food off, so he must still be stuck in the meeting. She just set the bag of food on his desk before going back to her own. She got about thirty minutes of work done before Harry left his meeting and walked by her, distracting her from what she was doing. He blew her a discreet kiss before strolling into his office and shutting the door. She’ll be freed up in just a few minutes and then she can go sit with him for a minute and pretend to work even more. She knows she’ll get nothing done because all she can think about is their soon-to-be date. 

Right as she was standing to walk to his office, the phone on her desk rang. She rolled her eyes before picking it up and holding it to her ear. 

“Mister Styles’ office.” 

“Hi. Can you transfer me to Harry? I need to talk to him.” Normally, she would, but she knows he’s eating lunch and would probably not like to be disturbed. 

“He’s busy at the moment, can I take a message?” She reached for a pen and the bright pink sticky notes on the corner of her desk and waited for the woman on the phone. 

“Yeah. Tell him it’s Natalie and I had so much fun last night. He needs to call me back.” 

She didn’t move. All she did was scribble down the phone number Natalie left for him to call her back with and wish her a good day. Usually when she takes messages for him, she’ll write down the name of the person, the context of the call, and a number to reach them again. So she did all of that. While not even breathing. 

(Y/N) is well aware of who Natalie is. She can’t believe she didn’t recognize her voice. About a year ago, she was around all the time. Calling and visiting Harry at the office. He never said much to her about Natalie, but she assumed she was a girlfriend. And they’d been together for almost eight months, but suddenly, she stopped calling and stopped showing up, so (Y/N) figured they were done. And she never thought about her again until now. Now when Harry just asked her out on a real date, after he kissed her the night before, but he also spent that same night with his ex after he dropped her off. 

She plucked the sticky note from her desk and made her way to his office. Through the closed door she could see he was on the phone, but she didn’t care. She pushed the door open and he smiled at her. He smiled. She smiled right back and stopped in front of him. She slammed the sticky note right down in front of him and he sat back like he hadn’t expected it. He looked confused and told the person on the phone to hold on. 

“I’m on with my father, what’s—”

“Natalie called.” 

Once again, she didn’t give him the opportunity to speak, much less make an excuse about what had happened the night before. She just walked right out of his office and shut the door behind her. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

i didn't even mean for that to happen, but i wrote this late last night and decided to just roll with it 😁 and if I missed you in the tags i’m so sorry, let me know! and if there’s anything weird in this, just know i was half asleep while looking over this soo :)

and i’m still working on the next piece (dad’s bsf/whatever lol) but I hope to have that out by the weekend. someone hold me accountable 😭

He’s very charming with her. She, outside of his family and close friends, probably knows everything about him. His likes, dislikes, his favorite color, favorite food, everything. She is the one he calls when he needs anything. And sometimes their relationship bleeds into things not exactly work-related, but he’s very professional anyway, so it still feels like part of the job. 

But (Y/N) likes working for him and he sure likes giving her an annual raise. She can’t complain about that part either. 

Harry is a step under his father who is the CEO of the company. He’s a very nice man who (Y/N) has had the pleasure of having many dinners with. He’s all business, just like Mister Styles, but much more playful sometimes. 

(Y/N) knows he’s set to be retiring soon, but she’s not quite sure when. All she knows is that he could have retired ten years ago and been just fine with the way his company is running. Her boss, Harry, is currently the COO, or the chief operating officer. He’s pretty much there to make sure everything in his father’s company runs smoothly while also being responsible for what direction the company goes in as far as goals and growth. He’s a very important piece of the puzzle. 

Right now, she’s sitting next to him in a meeting and she can tell he’s not paying attention. Something is on his mind, or troubling him. She tries not to pry into his personal life too much, even though she pretty much knows what he’s doing all hours of the day anyway. She manages his schedule. So, she knows for sure he goes on plenty of dates and has plenty of one night stands. Or she assumes he does. With the way random girls are leaving messages from him on the office phone, she just knows that he entertains a lot. But she minds her business as much as she can. 

She’s been taking notes for the past hour and trying to make them extra detailed for Mister Styles because he is not hearing a word of what’s going on. She’s trying not to glance at him and draw attention to his distracted state, so she just keeps her eyes to the pad of paper in front of her. 

It was a boring meeting anyway. She can’t wait for it to be over because then, it’s lunchtime. And while she does have to run out and get her boss’ lunch, he is booked for another meeting during her lunchtime, so as long as she has his food on his desk by the time he arrives back from that meeting, she can go out for lunch. Her friend Riley is the ground floor receptionist and they often have lunch together, whether it’s out at some cafe or in the breakroom. 

Suddenly, she felt him staring at her. His gaze is always so heated, always seemingly accusatory, even though she’s done nothing wrong at all. She just can’t help feeling like she did something he didn’t like when he looks at her like that. But she knows that that’s just how he is. He’s kind of intimidating, but once you work for him for three years, you start to understand how and why he operates the way he does. But she didn’t look back. She wanted to act like she didn’t notice because she was so concerned with doing her job. 

He leaned towards her, his mouth just inches from her ear. 

“I need to talk to you.” 

It didn’t sound like a good I need to talk to you. It sounded like somehow she got herself into some shit with her boss who has been nothing but amazing towards her. So, she’s kind of panicking but trying not to show it. 

“Uh, right now?” She whispered back, trying not to disrupt the meeting going on right in front of them. 

“Just by the end of the day, please.” She nodded, swallowing hard. Is that bad? Maybe. Is she getting fired? Maybe. But she’s been really good for him lately, why would he want to fire her? 

He sat back in his seat and didn’t look at her for the rest of the meeting. By the time it did end, (Y/N) was up out of her chair before he had the chance to say a word to her. She went back and rearranged her desk three times, just out of anxiousness. She didn’t want that to be the reason he sends her packing. 

Lunchtime came and she avoided contact with him completely. She saw him on his walk to his next meeting and changed directions entirely. She’s not ready for the inevitable. What is she going to do if he lets her go? Where will she find another job, another boss that treats her the way he does? It’s not even a possibility. She won’t. So, she’s trying to make this last as long as she can. 

Riley was very confused as she told her with a shaky voice that it was best they didn’t get lunch out of the building today. With no explanation. And then she said she wasn’t hungry, even though she hadn’t had much for breakfast this morning. Instead, she hid in the cafe he gets his usual lunch from and waited until his meeting was almost out before putting the order in. And of course, he was in his office when she reached their floor. His meeting probably got out early and here she is late with his lunch. She feels like crying all of a sudden but tries her best to hold it back as she hurries into his office with his food. 

“I’m so sorry your lunch is late. Did the meeting end early?” She sat the food right beside his computer. He was typing away, probably putting together a hiring ad for a new assistant. She could be sick right here. 

“I dismissed early, yeah. I didn’t want to sit through two meetings about the same thing.” Oh, shit. And of course, she had made the schedule and put them back to back, thinking that it would be a good idea to get them out of the way, but he obviously didn’t like that. Maybe she deserves to get fired anyway. 

“Oh. Oh, okay. I-I can make sure that doesn’t happen again.” She started stepping away from his desk, trying to put as much distance between the two of them as she could. 

“It’s fine, babe. Just didn’t get much sleep last night. I’m tired.” And she did notice him looking a little less enthused than he usually is. Not that he’s excited all the time, but most times, he’s much more talkative than he has been lately. Or he’s going to cut his losses and fire her later today. Either one at this point. 

“Uh, sorry. I have to run now. See you around.” 

She didn’t wait for his response, she just walked as fast as she could out of his office and back to her desk. And anytime, at any point during the rest of the day, he came out of his office, she was making herself look busy or trying to hide in the bathroom until he went somewhere else. She’s really dreading this talk and hoping that if she just keeps dodging any and every interaction with him, maybe he’ll forget about it. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

This went on for the rest of the week actually. Apparently, Mister Styles had a meeting with his father he had to get to and then she had errands to run, even though it was just her hiding in the copy room until he was off the floor. (Y/N)’s pretty much finding any excuse to be away from him. Even in meetings. She’ll sit a seat away from him instead of right beside him like she normally does. And she knows he notices, but he hasn’t said anything yet. And she’s just waiting for it at this point. There’s nothing she can do to stall what is to be. But she sure as hell is going to try for as long as he allows her game to go on. She knows he’ll catch up to her soon. 

“(Y/N).” He called from the doorway of his office. She was scribbling hurriedly on a pad of paper, trying her best to look busy. Her head shot up at the sound of his voice calling her name and she’s pretty sure she started sweating. But she still rushed out of her chair and pulled her skirt down on her way over to stand in front of him. It’s been causing her trouble all day. She accidentally put on the wrong skirt today, so it’s a tad bit shorter than it should be, but she’s trying to keep it down. 

They are kind of secluded from the rest of the office since there’s a wall hiding them from the floor full of cubicles. Now she wishes people could see them, so maybe Mister Styles might be nicer about letting her go. 

“Yes, sir?” She tried to keep any shakiness out of her voice, but she knew he could tell that she was nervous. He always can. 

“Have you been avoiding me?” Her jaw dropped open and then she hurried to shake her head. He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe. But he’s smiling. Probably because he takes great joy in firing people. Or something. 

“What? Avoiding—no, no. I’ve just been, uh, really busy . . . organizing and things.” She clasped her hands in front of her to get them to stop trembling. He’s never affected her like this before. Sure, the guy is so handsome it hurts and he’s the tiniest bit scary when he’s angry, but that’s it. He’s been a sweetheart the entire time she’s known him. 

He nodded before squinting at her. 

“I mentioned talking to you privately, right?” She hummed, pretending like she didn’t remember him asking her in the meeting at the beginning of the week if he could talk to her. As if she hadn’t been losing her mind over it all week. 

“Did you?” She scratched her head, trying to keep a confused look on her face. His smile is slowly turning into a smirk and she’s beginning to step away from him again. “Oh, my goodness. Two o’clock already? I really have to—”

“(Y/N).” 

“—schedule your meetings for next week. They aren’t going to schedule themselves, you know? See you—” He didn’t let her get more than a foot away from him. He grabbed her wrist softly in his hand and brought her back to him, closer than she had been before. 

“(Y/N). Breathe for a second, will you?” She listened to him and took a deep breath. She did need to calm down. He’s being so nice about it, so if he does fire her now at least he didn’t yell at her, right? “Good. I have dinner with my father and Steven tonight. I need you to be there.” He rolled his eyes when he said Steven’s name. For some reason, he can’t stand the guy and (Y/N) really has no idea why. He works so closely with him since Steven is the CFO of the company, but he literally cannot be in the same room with him. They just send passive-aggressive emails back and forth even though (Y/N) has reminded him time and time again to be nice. 

“Oh,” Her shoulders dropped in relief. “Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?” 

“No. We’ll save it for another time. Want me to send a car to get you tonight? Dinner’s at 6:30.” Oh, god. She was hoping that this was the talk. Now she feels like crying all over again. 

“Nope. I’ll find my way there.” His hand which was still holding her wrist, by the way, gave her a light squeeze. 

“Fine. I’ll allow it.” Normally, she does take him up on the offer of a ride, but tonight, she decided since she still doesn’t know what this conversation he wants to have is about, she’s going to not use any of his resources. She’s not even going to let him pay for her dinner. 

His hand released her and she took three steps back before offering him a nervous smile. 

“See you tonight.” And she turned on her heel and left him standing there, even though she could feel him watching her the entire way back to her desk and even after she sat down and ignored him to the best of her ability. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

(Y/N) promised herself when she got home that she wasn’t going to panic about what to wear tonight and make herself sick, but promises like those always seem to fall through. 

She wanted to impress Mister Styles, make him maybe reconsider keeping her around. She wasn’t sure how she’d impress him exactly, but she just wanted to appear put together.

He sent her the address of the restaurant after their little chat and when she looked it up, her mouth was left hanging. There is no way she’d be able to pay for her own meal unless she took out a loan. She considered only ordering a drink and assuring them she wasn’t hungry or felt sick, but that would never go over well with her boss. He’d make her eat. 

Ten minutes after six, she was seated in a cab that was taking her back downtown, toward her job again. She didn’t mind. It’s a Friday night after all. Hopefully, he’ll save all the firing stuff for Monday so she can have the weekend to prepare herself all over again. 

The ride to the restaurant went smoothly. She tried just watching the scenery outside to keep herself calm. She really does love the city she lives in, it’s so pretty. She was able to just breathe and take a second to not think about where she was on her way to. She is quite hungry from not having much for lunch, just out of anxiousness, but she’s a bit concerned about how she’s going to pay her bill. She did bring her nearly maxed out credit card, hoping that it’ll do the trick one last time. But, hey, she feels okay right now. (Y/N) could walk into that restaurant now and sit there just fine. It’s not a big deal. She’ll be fine, Mister Styles will be nice tonight. There’s nothing for her to worry about, she thought as she relaxed back into the seat behind her. 

But all of her calmness vanished as soon as the cab slowed to the curb in front of the restaurant. Oh, god. She hurried to thank the driver before clumsily stepping out onto the street. She is so out of her tax bracket here. She doesn’t even spend much time in this part of town, where all the fancy restaurants and cafes are. And she just knows people can tell that this is her first time. 

She made sure the sign above the revolving doors matched the name Mister Styles had given her earlier and pushed her way inside. Everything inside seems to be made of marble and the chandeliers are sparkling crystal. She almost feels like turning around and leaving and just telling her boss she didn’t feel well and couldn’t make it, but then, her name was called. 

“(Y/N),” She turned at the sound of her boss’ voice and tried to smile at him, but she was so nervous. “Come on. I’ve just got our table ready.” As soon as she was close enough to touch, his hand was resting on her back to guide her to the table toward the back of the restaurant. 

“Am I dressed nice enough for this?” She whispered to him, noting how everyone seemed to be dressed way nicer than she was. She was in a plain black dress, really having nothing else to wear. 

“You look stunning, (Y/N). It’s just dinner with my father anyway. No big deal.” She didn’t want to take his compliment to heart, but it was hard not to. He could’ve just been saying that though, so she tried to forget he even said it. 

Once they reached the table where his father was already sitting, he pulled (Y/N)’s chair out for her. He was very polite oftentimes, so she didn’t even think anything of it. She tried to smile at his father, Des, and not look like she was going to vomit, but he kind of makes her nervous, like his son, but in a completely different way. 

“(Y/N)! So nice to see you again, dear. How’s Harry been treating you lately?” She could tell that Harry was rolling his eyes behind her as he helped push her chair in, but she just nodded, not wanting to say anything to displease him. 

“Wonderful,” His father raised his eyebrows like he didn’t believe her. “I’m serious. He’s very . . . kind. To me, at least.” She hoped that would be good enough. He sat down next to her and shot her a smile. 

“Of course, I treat her well. She’s my number one girl.” He winked at her, making her turn her head in the opposite direction so he didn’t see her facial expression. Her face is heating up while she tried to look over the menu and distract herself. 

They eventually got into business talk while waiting for Steven to show up. The server came by to offer them wine while they waited and (Y/N) was immediately waving the suggestion off just as Harry was saying yes. She was only going to drink water to try to keep her bill as low as she could, but now Harry is adding glasses of wine. And she can’t just share the bottle with them and not pay for any of it. She’s very aware of Harry’s expensive tastes and knows he wouldn’t order the cheapest bottle of wine the restaurant had either.  As soon as the server walked off, she turned to Harry. 

“I don’t really . . . drink. I don’t want any wine.” She said lowly and Harry shrugged. 

“You’ll have some.” And then he went right back into his conversation with his father while she sat there dumbfounded. She’s not drinking any wine, he can have hers if he wants, but she’s not touching it. 

Right as Harry was complaining about Steven’s tardiness, he sat down right in front of (Y/N), next to Des. He smirked at her before saying hello to the others and apologizing for being late. Harry muttered something under his breath that she couldn’t quite pick up and then the wine was brought to the table and glasses were set in front of each of them. 

“Wow, Styles. Got bottle service already?” Harry didn’t entertain him at all. He just started pouring wine into his glass. And then he moved to (Y/N)’s. She didn’t argue with it now, she just let him finish filling it before setting the bottle back on ice. 

They moved on to business talk and (Y/N) pretended to listen. She knew what they were talking about after sitting in meetings with them for the past three years, but she didn’t care to pay attention. She just sipped the iced water in front of her and wondered how much those chandeliers that they sprinkle every couple of feet weigh. They must have hung those with a crane because there’s no way that they could have done it any other way. 

Suddenly, Steven was adding her to the conversation. 

“Ever been here before, (Y/N)?” She just shook her head, not knowing why he asked. Is it that obvious that she could never afford anything like this? They’re all millionaires, she has no business being at this table. “That’s a shame then. Well, I’ll pick up your tab. How’s that?” 

She figured one of them would offer at some point. She hoped they did, honestly because her bank account is not cut out for a fifty-dollar meal at the moment. And that’s just for the main course, not including anything else. But she really appreciated the offer, so she went to thank him, but she was cut off by an arm going across the back of her chair and Harry leaning right beside her. 

“We’ve already made arrangements, Steven. I’ll be paying for her meal.” She blinked before turning to look at Harry who was not letting up on staring at Steven like he hated him. 

“Well, I’m asking her now if she’d like me to.” Steven was giving him the exact same look back and it kind of made (Y/N) a little nervous because why were they acting like this? Des is just sitting back in his chair and watching. 

“I’m paying. Isn’t that right, (Y/N)? Tell him.” (Y/N) glanced at Harry again and he was giving her a discreet look that meant you better say what I want you to say. So, she quickly nodded before speaking up. 

“Yes, Mister Styles has already offered to pay for my meal tonight—”

“Come on, (Y/N)—”

“Don’t interrupt her. I’m taking care of it because she’s my assistant. Mine. Next time you can bring your assistant and pay for him. I’m done talking about it.” He ended the conversation there and then picked up his glass of wine. (Y/N) kept her eyes down, hating how they were speaking about her as if she wasn’t there. And she’s definitely going to ask Harry about this because it never came up until just now and she’s not sure why it’s a big deal that Steven pays for her meal. Harry does hate him, but what does that have to do with her?

They ordered a few minutes later and (Y/N) just got pasta. It was way more expensive than she would have liked, but Harry didn’t even bat an eye. He just whispered to her and asked if that was what she really wanted. And with his close proximity, she started feeling warm and chugged half of her wine down after he sat back in his seat. His arms stayed planted firmly on the back of her chair and if she sat back completely, his arm would be against her shoulders. So, she didn’t. She sat with quite possibly the best posture she ever had in her life. 

When the food finally came, she still kept to herself in the conversation. There wasn’t much for her to say anyway. The things they were talking about were out of her job description, so she just enjoyed the food and the wine and the warm arm behind her that she’s gradually melting into. 

And maybe she had a tiny bit much to drink. Enough to make her giggle quietly to herself about how close Harry was sitting to her. But she’d never tell him that. He did send her a couple of glances, trying to see what made her laugh, but she gave nothing away. She hopes not. 

By the time dinner was over and the checks were paid for, she was eager to get home and trying to set up a ride for herself to get home. The wine was really starting to hit now. She kept clicking the wrong button and having to reopen the app all over again and it was so frustrating that it was causing her to huff and Harry noticed, of course. 

“Well, have a nice weekend you three. See you all bright and early on Monday.” Des waved to them all before walking toward the front. 

“(Y/N), do you have a ride—”

“She does. See you Monday,” Harry cut Steven off again and dismissively waved him away. He scoffed and gave her one last look before storming out of the restaurant. She hadn’t even been paying attention. She was trying to type the address of where she was currently, but the letters were all wonky because her eyes are a little blurry at the moment. 

“Need some help, sweetheart?” 

She looked up at him all helpless and he couldn’t just send her home in a cab. He was going to drive her all the way there, no matter how far it was from it his place. Because he knows she’s a little bit tipsy and he’s not sending her on her way alone. 

“Yeah, please. I can’t find the right address. I looked at the one you sent me, but it’s all blurry.” She pouted up at him, holding her phone out toward him. He’s never seen (Y/N) like this before. She’s usually on top of her game and professional. He never thought he’d see the day that she’d be drunk. He doesn’t mind it at all though. 

He took her phone and looked at the screen. She had been in their messages and he saw that next to his name (which was Mister Styles by the way), she’d put a pretty pink flower emoji. He wasn’t sure why, but perhaps he’d ask her later when she wasn’t under the influence. He passed her phone back to her and slid his hands into his pockets, watching her look at the blacked-out screen and peer back up at him. 

“I’ll take you home,” Her jaw dropped and she started to protest, but he wasn’t going to hear any of it. “I didn’t ask, I’m telling you. Let’s go now.” She obediently stood from her chair and let him place his hand on her back to guide her out of the restaurant. She was trying her best to walk straight and he could tell she was having a little bit of trouble, so he set his arm around her waist instead once they made it to the pavement out front. 

She stepped away from him to shove her phone in her bag. She still didn’t understand why he was going way out of his way to take her home. Yes, she’s a little wasted, but she can manage just fine. She’s done it tons of times on her nights out with her girlfriends. Right as (Y/N) went to tell him that, she bumped into him, causing him to have to grab her by the shoulders to keep her upright. She was feeling quite tired now and completely rested her weight on him, leaning her head against his shoulder. He’s holding her so tightly that she could just sleep right here and be fine. 

“Are you sure, Mister Styles?” She mumbled, fighting to keep her eyes out. “I’ve been way more drunk than this and have made it home on my own. I’m good, I’m not even drunk.” She slurred slightly, nuzzling her face into his soft dress shirt. He must have taken off his jacket at some point, leaving him in a soft cotton button-down that feels so nice against her cheek. Like a pillow or something. 

“I’m sure, babe. I’d feel a lot better if I actually saw you get into your bed tonight.” She just hummed, not opening her eyes. They stayed that way until (Y/N) suddenly decided she really did want to get home and didn’t care how it happened. 

He managed to get her in the car after that and she was just mesmerized by his car. She kept pressing all the buttons on the radio and fiddling with the air conditioning controls, but he didn’t mind as she hummed to herself, totally forgetting that he was right in front of her. 

Harry didn’t have to ask where (Y/N) lived either. He’s been sending her Christmas cards for the past two years, this year will make three, so he knows exactly where to go. It is on the opposite side of town as his place, but he doesn’t care to help her out. She’s so very sweet to him every day, even on his worst days, that this is the least he can do. 

The drive was quiet, save for (Y/N) humming to whatever song came on that she knew. Every time she heard one she recognized she’d say oh my gosh, this is my favorite song and all Harry could do was smile. He’s never seen her so free. She always seems to be so nervous around him that he can’t believe she’s letting him see her like this. 

He parked at the curb in front of her apartment and she gasped as soon as she realized where she was. 

“No way. You brought me home.” He chuckled, removing his seatbelt. 

“‘Course. Now let’s get you inside, okay?” She nodded, yawning, and then untangled herself from her seatbelt. 

He had to help her up the three flights of stairs to her floor and she told him all about how he was acting so weird tonight and she just needed to ask him about it. 

“I could have paid for my own meal you know. I’d have to use my credit card, but I could have!” It was like she was scolding him, but she was being so nice about it. 

She allowed him to search her small purse for the set of keys that unlock her door. She has a crochet frog on her keychain that he thinks it’s incredibly adorable and so very (Y/N) that he nearly coos to himself. But he just focuses on getting the door open and (Y/N) inside. 

As soon as the couch was in view, she was collapsing right onto it. He just watched as she sank into the cushions while groaning. He loved her dress tonight. It was smooth to the touch and fit her body so nicely that he couldn’t look at her for longer than ten seconds at a time. And nowhere below the face. 

He knows Steven was enjoying himself sitting right across from her, but he couldn’t take up two places at the table. And he knew Steven would pull some shit about paying for her meal, but it wasn’t going to happen.  Because like he said, she’s his assistant. 

One of the many reasons he dislikes Steven is because of the crude comments he makes about (Y/N) whenever she’s nearby. It makes his skin crawl to hear him talk about her like that and he can’t stand it. So he usually avoids him at all costs. But it just couldn’t happen tonight, they had business to discuss and his father wouldn’t let up on including Steven. 

Harry shut her apartment door after him and set her purse on the coffee table in front of the couch. He’s never actually been in her apartment. He has dropped her off before after they both worked a late shift one night, but that had been the extent. But her apartment was exactly what he was expecting. Everything was soft colors and she had photos hung up of the family and friends she rarely talks about with him. So he did take a second to look around while (Y/N) kept her face shoved into the couch. 

He’s not going to leave her there though. He’s going to make sure she gets in bed and is comfortable before letting himself out. So, he set his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed, trying to bring her back to consciousness. 

“(Y/N)? Come on, let's get you into bed.” She whined, turning her head toward him but not moving. 

“I can’t.” 

“Yes you can. I’ll help you,” He held his hands out for her and she slowly grabbed onto them before pulling herself up. “That’s good, (Y/N). Now stand for me.” 

“Mister Styles, my feet hurt so bad,”  She whispered, frowning up at him. “Can you take my shoes off?” He didn’t mind her neediness. He just knelt in front of her and unclasped her shoes before setting them aside. 

“Can you walk?” 

“Yeah, but don’t wanna.” He chuckled, standing and pulling her with him. She leaned her body weight completely into him so he had to hold her upright as he dragged her back to her room. 

He sat her on the edge of her bed and watched her pout at him again. 

“What’s wrong? It’s bedtime for you, babe.” 

“I know. But I’m mad at you.” She crossed her arms and huffed like a child. He couldn’t help grinning even though that made her pout much more intense. 

“What’d I do?” He didn’t even consider sitting on the bed next to her. He knelt down again in front of her and tried his hardest to keep his hands away from her thighs. Because she’s his assistant and he’s not sure that’s very work appropriate. Plus, he doesn’t know if she’d like him to touch her.. So, he keeps his hands resting on the soft duvet on either side of her knees. 

“You’re being so mean to me. I can’t even think straight!” She rubbed at her temples like she really was frustrated with him. He really didn’t know why. Was it because he was being a total dick at dinner? That could certainly be it, but she didn’t seem to mind at the time. Perhaps it’s the alcohol though. He’s sure that if she was ever mad at him, she’d never tell him like she is now. “First, you mention this talk you want to have with me and then you keep postponing it. It’s been a week already, sir, and I feel like I’m going to rip my hair out. And then, you invite me to this dinner I have no business being at, in this ridiculously expensive restaurant when I don’t get paid until next week! It’s unfair and if you’re going to fire me, just do it already. Don’t try to be nice to me before you do it like that will change anything!” 

She definitely got a little more passionate during her spiel than she wanted to. She could see him just staring at her as if he had no idea what she was going on about even though he’s been present in each situation she brought up. She groaned at his lack of response and covered her eyes with her hands. 

“Get out.” 

(Y/N) really hadn’t meant to say that, but it was true. She wanted him out so she could go to bed and save regretting this conversation for tomorrow when the headache comes so she can properly punish herself for drinking in the first place. 

But instead of just collecting himself and silently leaving like she wished he’d done, he laughed. A laugh he seldom uses around her. Instead of being in shock of that though, she’s angry again. She shoved his chest, causing him to fall back further onto his heels. 

“(Y/N), (Y/N), I’m not laughing at you, I swear it! Please, let me explain.” He was still chuckling though, so she batted his hand that had set gently on her knee. She tried not to think about how warm his hands were and focused on being mad at him again. 

“Then what is so funny?” She whined, squeezing her eyes shut. She doesn’t even care, she just wants him to stop. 

“Nothing, I’m just wondering how I’m being mean exactly. Paid for your dinner didn’t I? Drove you home, took your shoes off. Any of that sound mean, (Y/N)?” She gasped, now seeing his expression as cool as it always is. It was like he never was even laughing at her. Like he doesn’t even have the ability to laugh. 

“Oh my goodness! Thank you for dinner, that was so nice of you. You really didn’t have to, I was prepared and then Steven asked—”

“I’d really like it if you didn’t mention him.” He cut her off, making her take a second to try to think about that. Why not? She almost asked, but then remembered the point of all of this. 

“Sure. But listen! I was telling you something important!” She grabbed his shoulders and tried to shake him around, but he was kind of hard to move. “And thank you for driving me home and taking my shoes off, but we’re not talking about that. We’re talking about you torturing me day in and day out by not having this fucking conversation with me! I can’t take it anymore, just tell me you hate me and you want me gone already. Just do it so I don’t have to go in on Monday. Save me the humiliation, please.” 

Once again, he just stared at her. Because how could she ever think he’d fire her? He needs (Y/N) like he needs air in his lungs. Just to function. She’s essentially what makes his world go round. Not in any other way than in the way that she keeps his life organized and running smoothly. He’d never fire her. He needs her much more than she needs him. 

“And all of a sudden I hate you too?” 

“Well it kind of hurts a little bit more when you just admit it to my face, but yes, you do.” He hummed, looking her over completely again. She’s got her arms crossed again and she’s frowning now. And she can’t even look at him anymore. 

“Can you look at me (Y/N)?” She shook her head, turning further away from him. “Come on, babe. Look at me. I have to clear some things up with you, it appears.” 

“Why? So you can fire me?” She sniffled, blinking rapidly. He didn’t want to make her upset, but she’s seriously got things all wrong. 

“I’m not firing you, sweetheart. Now look at me. Please.” 

“You’re just tricking me.” 

“(Y/N),” He reached up and grabbed her chin this time, forcing her eyes to meet his. “I’m not tricking you and I’m not firing you. The conversation we’re going to have has nothing to do with the current status of your job, okay?” 

“You promise?” He nodded firmly. 

“I promise. Now, I’m sorry I got sidetracked and didn’t get to talk to you about it when I said I was going to, but honestly, (Y/N), I’m nervous to bring it up.” She stared at him. He’s nervous to talk to her? That sounds made up now. 

“Why are you nervous? I’m like, the most understanding person ever or at least I try to be. You can talk to me about anything Harry.” He tried not to smirk at her use of his first name when he’s certain she’s called him nothing but Mister Styles the entire time she’s worked for him. 

“I know that. And I’m getting to it. It’s about me for the most part. Need help with something for a bit. You’ll help me, won’t you?” She nodded immediately and he shot her a smile. “That’s my girl. On Monday morning we’ll have a proper chat when you’re feeling better, okay? 

“Okay. I do feel a bit woozy.” She did and it’s the result of guzzling three glasses of wine down much faster than she needed to. 

“I bet. Can I leave you to get changed and into bed on your own (Y/N)?” She hummed, trying to think about if she can even move herself off of the mattress to change. 

“You can.” She yawned again, rubbing her eyes. 

“Good. I’ll see you Monday then? You’re not being fired, so please come in or I’ll have no choice but to come get you myself. But I don’t want to have to do that, alright?” She nodded and he finally released her jaw and stood in front of her again. 

“You never told me why you didn’t let Steven pay for me. And hey! We never even discussed you paying for me, so he could’ve—”

“He could not have. You’re my assistant and I’m going to take care of you. Not him. Because you’re mine, not his. Understand?” 

“Yes, sir.” He could feel his jaw clench just the slightest bit, but he dismissed himself before he let his mind wander. 

“Goodnight. Rest up please.” 

She didn’t move until the door of her apartment was shut after him. She put her head right back into her hands and tried to think of anything other than the grip he had on her chin. It was just a touch, but it ignited something inside of her that it really shouldn't have. And that’s concerning to her. 

But at least she’s not getting fired. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

(Y/N) tried very hard to play it cool this weekend, but she still was a little nervous about what her next encounter with her boss would be. 

He could have changed his mind by now. Maybe he was only being nice because she was drunk and really has even intention of firing her as soon as she shows her face in the office. But she kind of has to go in to find out, so that’s why she’s taking the stairs today. It takes more time and gives her something else to think about other than what he has in store for her. So, instead of imagining a million scenarios about how he’s going to have her removed from the office, she worries about the burning in her legs from the ten flights of stairs she’s already climbed. 

She was out of breath by the time she made it to her desk, but at least no one was there yet. She was early enough to not have anyone see her disheveled from her walk up the steps. But as soon as she got settled into her desk to clock in, the door a few paces from her desk was thrown open and there he was. In all black today, not bothering to button the top buttons on his shirt quite yet. He will later, but since no one is here yet, he tends to do whatever he likes at this time.

“(Y/N), darling, good to see you. How are you?” He walked until he was in front of her desk and she forced herself to look at him and smile. 

“I’m okay.” She whispered, her eyes instantly moving back to her computer screen. 

“That’s good. We’ll have lunch together today to discuss. Unless you have other plans?” Another day of telling Riley she can’t meet up for lunch. She nodded quickly, not wanting to make things complicated. “I’ll have lunch for you, so just come directly to my office after the one o’clock meeting, okay?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Good.” 

He walked off, back in his office before shutting the door. She took a deep breath, telling herself that this discussion will be no big deal because he said it won’t be. And if that’s true, then she really doesn’t have much to worry about. 

The one o’clock meeting went so slowly, (Y/N) thought she was going to fall asleep. She’d taken her normal seat next to Mister Styles and took notes like she always did. She could again feel him looking at her from time to time. Just small glances, but they were so obvious that she was trying to ignore them. At one point, he spoke up in the meeting, causing (Y/N) to jump, just from the sound of his voice. He was only commenting on something the presenter had said, but for some reason, she had goosebumps. 

She also tried to ignore Harry’s arm resting on the back of her chair again. Once again, he’s kind of in her personal space and it’s making her want to fan herself. 

“Is it cold in here?” He spoke lowly into her ear and her eyes shot over to him. She just shook her head, wanting to stay quiet because the meeting was still happening. “You’ve got goosebumps.” 

“Oh, sorry.” She tried to lean as far away from him as she could and focus on the task at hand, but he leaned with her. 

“Apologizing for goosebumps now, Miss (Y/N)?” He chuckled and she glanced around her, seeing no one even bat an eye at him speaking right in the middle of the meeting for anyone to hear. 

“Shh.” (Y/N) really didn’t mean to shush him, it was like a reflex. But when she looked over at him again, he was smiling like he didn’t care. So, she just went back to her notes and he didn’t say anything else to her for the rest of the meeting. 

Then, lunchtime arrived. 

(Y/N) is not nervous. She’s not. Because he told her she didn’t have to be. So, she’s just going to go into his office and see what he has to say. It has nothing to do with her job, right? After clocking out for her lunch break, she reluctantly made her way to his office. She is kind of hungry, so she hopes he ordered something good to eat. 

His door was open when she approached. His office is all glass paneling, so most times, unless he has the blinds down, she could see him working if she bothered to look in his direction. Which she rarely did because he’s always looking back at her and it’s unsettling sometimes. 

She stood in the doorway, watching him not quite notice her there yet. He was looking at something on his computer and had his reading glasses on that he tries not to use unless he’s in front of a screen. She had a little time to observe him. His black shirt is unbuttoned again like he walked out of the meeting and the first thing he thought to do was to unbutton it. His hair has definitely had his hand through it a few times, but he still looked as put together as he did this morning. Harry is very intimidating behind a desk, so right now she’s not feeling too confident anymore. 

“Sir?” 

“Have a seat, (Y/N).” 

His tone of voice wasn’t exactly a polite one, but she’s used to it. She just wished he was using a bit of a softer tone if this meeting is nothing serious. She still sat in the chair in front of his desk and pulled her skirt down over her knees, trying to find something to do with her hands that wasn’t wringing them together anxiously. 

He made her sit for three minutes (at least that’s what she counted) in silence, nothing but the sound of him typing before he slid the glasses from his face and folded them neatly in front of him. And then he sighed, still saying nothing. So, she decided to speak up. 

“So . . . what’s for lunch?” 

That was when he cracked a smile. 

“Your favorite from the deli. Had Riley pick it up for me.” So, that’s why she wasn’t spamming (Y/N)’s phone with messages about why she couldn’t come to lunch again. 

“Oh, thank you.” He sighed again. 

“(Y/N). There’s another dinner I need you to come to. Same restaurant as last time. Just another . . . business meeting. Nothing extraordinary.” He passed her the brown paper bag from the other side of his desk with what she’s certain is her sandwich from the deli. 

But she’s still confused. If it’s just another dinner, why make it into this big thing? He could’ve sent this information through email, honestly, but she just nodded. She’s completely fine sitting through another dinner as long as there is good food. And she has gotten paid, so she’ll be able to pay for herself this time and not be afraid to check her bank statement after. 

“Okay,” She paused, watching as he nodded at her, but didn’t keep eye contact. “Is that all?” 

“Yes. That’s all for now.” She crossed her arms, watching as he sat back in his chair and let out a breath. 

“What’s going on?” 

“What?” 

“I said what’s going on? You’re being strange.” She squinted at him, trying to figure out what the cause of his sudden nervousness came from. (Y/N) doesn’t think she’s ever seen him nervous. 

“It’s just dinner for now. We’ll talk more details then, but for now, please enjoy your lunch on me.” She hummed, watching him closely again. 

“You’re so weird, but I guess.” She shrugged. For some reason, she felt like she was speaking much mo comfortably around him. Normally, it was yes sir and no sir, but (Y/N) is getting pretty tired of him being so vague about everything. 

She’s starving, so she started eating right in front of him, but he didn’t seem to have an issue with it. In fact, he moved some files out of the way so she could use his desk to eat off of. She thanked him with a smile and began eating. 

“Have you seen my father today?” Des comes in on and off. He doesn’t really need to come in unless there’s an important meeting or they’ve just hired a new crowd of interns. He always likes to be there to greet them as they come in. But usually, (Y/N) only sees Des when Harry drags her along to dinners. 

“Not yet. Why? Is he here today?” Also, his office is on a much higher floor than they are now. Perks of being the boss. 

“He is. Just wondering if you’d run into him . . .” He rubbed his chin, seemingly lost in thought. 

“Oh. I’ll see him at dinner again though, right? Does he need to speak with me or something?” She is not scared of meeting with Des because he’s just the nicest guy and is so sweet to her always. Even if he is the CEO and could have her job properly eliminated with the snap of his fingers. 

“No, you know how much he enjoys speaking to you, I was just wondering, and yes . . . He’ll be at dinner.” 

“What about Steven?” His jaw ticked before he shook his head. 

“What did I say about mentioning him, sweetheart?” 

“Well, you said not to.” She’s still curious about how he thinks she can just ignore Steven totally and not even bring him up in conversation when he’s the CFO. 

“Exactly. You’re a smart girl, (Y/N). No more about him, okay?” She nodded, and he sighed, rubbing his hand down his face. “Good. I’ll see you tonight at 8:00.” That was so much later than they usually have dinner, even though it’s a Monday, but she figures that they might have something to do before then and that’s why it was happening so late.

“See you then.” Since she was pretty much finished with her lunch, she left him in his office to get back to her desk. When she looked over her shoulder as she was leaving his office, she hadn’t expected him to be watching her walk away. But there he was. Trailing his eyes down to her legs until he saw that he got caught. He only smirked before turning back to his computer.

Now (Y/N) has to think about what she’s going to wear tonight. The black dress she wore last time was a miracle find and she’s not sure she’ll find something else in her closet like that, so she may have to run to a shop to find something after work. She’s got plenty of time to do that since dinner is so late. 

He couldn’t stop watching her. She was clearly not working and daydreaming instead, but he couldn’t tear his eyes away. She’s too good to him. 

Harry can only hope that (Y/N) will forgive him. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

(Y/N) picked up a pretty sage green dress at a boutique a block from her apartment. It was much more than she wanted to spend, but the silky fabric was the nail in the coffin. She kept her hair down and falling over her shoulders and kept her makeup light. It’s dinner at eight o’clock. No one is going to notice what she’s got going on anyway. 

She took another cab to the restaurant and made it there just in time. When she walked in, the building was just as grand as it had been a few days ago. It truly was a very pretty place and she secretly couldn’t wait until they asked her to come along again. 

“(Y/N)?” 

She heard her name being called by an unfamiliar voice this time and she turned. It was the hostess who was smiling at her politely. 

“Yes?” She wanted to ask the woman how she knew her name and how she knew it was her, but she decided to just go along with it. 

“Mister Styles is in the back waiting for you.” She thanked the hostess and began making her way through the tables in the back, just like they had sat at last time. The restaurant seemed much darker than it had been, but it is later in the day, so every table had a candle sitting on it, casting the entire room in a warm glow. The chandeliers were dimmed, the piano is being played somewhere, and the food smells amazing. (Y/N) could get used to this. 

She found Harry in the middle of the sea of tables. He had a glass in his hand, this time not with wine, but with something a little stronger. As soon as she saw the table, she was confused. 

“Are the others coming?” 

“Sit, please.” She pulled the single chair out that was across from him and sat down like he’d asked. She’s so confused and all he’s doing is sitting there with a blank expression. 

“Harry.” She called his name, wanting to hear some sort of explanation as to why his father is nowhere in sight and she’s sitting with him at a table for two. But he didn’t offer her one right away, he just filled up the wine glass in front of her and sat back in his chair. 

He’s nervous and he knows she can tell. Essentially, he’s tricked her to come out with him, but it’s not like that. He doesn’t want a date with her. If he did, he would’ve already. But that’s not what this is. He just needs to explain it the right way to not scare her off, but he really, really doesn’t like the expression on her face right now. He knows she’s going to let him have it.

“So,” He cleared his throat, watching as she crossed her arms, obviously fed up with not getting answers to her questions. “You’re probably wondering why you’re here with me right now. But if you let me explain the entire thing, it’ll all make sense, okay?”

“Mhm.” She took a sip of her wine while looking unimpressed. 

“Have I told you that I love your dress? It’s beautiful and suits you very well.” She hummed, shooting him a fake smile. 

“Is that what you brought me here to tell me?” 

“Well, no—”

“Then get on with it.” 

Harry sure likes this no-nonsense side of (Y/N). She’s not being patient and making it easy for him. She’s demanding answers now. And she has every right to. If she keeps up this attitude then his plan will work smoothly. 

“I need your help, (Y/N). And it’s kind of major. I . . . I just have to know that you’re in this with me. Well . . . it’s a little too late for you to not be, but I figured I’d give you the illusion of choice.” He took a long drink from his glass before looking her directly in the eye. So she knew he was serious about the next few words coming out of his mouth. 

“I told my father you’re my girlfriend.” 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

hiiiii :)

i figured i'd give you something to tide you over until the poll is finished. i was thinking of making this a series, but decided to do a mini series instead. no idea how many parts, but just enjoy the ride for now!

srry if there are any mistakes, i just finished writing this and posted it lol

You were better off without him.

You knew that, and so did everyone around you. But you were the architect of your own heartbreak because you still let him get to you.

Your relationship with him had been on the rocks for a while. You had dated for just over a year, and your relationship had hit breaking point in the last couple of months.

You’d officially broken up a month ago, but you’d let yourself down by staying in contact with him, in the hopes that maybe you could patch things up and get back together, but it seemed that was unlikely to be the case ever again.

Tonight had been important to you.

It was your godson’s birthday. Jude was turning 1, and Lauren - your best friend - had planned a massive birthday party for her son.

You had repeatedly told Zach (you weren’t even sure what he was to you at this point) the importance of showing up tonight. Lauren was more than just your best friend, she was practically your sister. She was important to you, and the two of you always showed up for each other.

But once again, you were empty-handed and dodging questions from family and friends asking about your current situationship.

It was humiliating to say the least.

The last thing you wanted to do was cause a scene, so the first opportunity you got, you snuck to the bathroom, needing a moment to regain your composure before you burst into tears in front of everyone and embarrassed yourself even further.

You reached for your phone, checking to see if Zach had texted you back.

Tears of frustration welled in your eyes at his texts, and you found yourself wondering yet again why you were still entertaining someone who treated you so poorly.

Your mood was completely ruined and the last thing you wanted to do was go back outside and pretend to be okay with everyone.

You would’ve stayed holed up in that bathroom for the rest of the night, if you hadn’t heard a knock on the door.

You startled, the noise snapping you out of your emotional state.

“Just a minute” You called out, cringing when you realised how croaky your voice sounded. You glanced in the mirror, helplessly trying to dab at your under eyes, but it was useless. The tears had smeared the concealer and you cursed yourself for not bringing any makeup with you so you could attempt to cover it up.

You glared at your expression, feeling completely pathetic as you gave up on trying to save your makeup and decided to leave the bathroom.

You were taken aback when you opened the door to find Mason.

Mason was one of your oldest and closest friends.

You’d gone to school together, and you’d grown up with him, Lauren, Declan, Nathan and a few of your other friends. Despite Mason and Declan’s success in the Premier League, the pair had remained humble and your friendship group had survived their fame and celebrity status.

“Sorry, Mase” You breathed.

His eyes widened at the sight of your tear-stained cheeks and smudged makeup, his heart clenching in his chest.

“Y/N, have you been crying?” His voice was so gentle, and it caused a lump to form in your throat.

Mason had always been a sweetheart, and the concern in his voice made your heart hurt.

He’d always had a soft spot for you, and the pair of you had always been incredibly close.

A part of you had wanted to be more than friends with him, but he was famous and you’d been such good friends for so long, the thought of risking that and potentially losing him terrified you, so you’d always kept your feelings bottled up, instead seeking poor fortune in terrible men.

“No, I’m fine” Your voice was high-pitched, and you immediately cleared your throat, trying again.

“I’m fine” Your voice was a lot deeper causing Mason to raise an eyebrow.

He’d known you since you were eleven years old, and he could read you like a book.

“Your makeup is all smudged, bubba” He said softly, as you huffed out a breath in frustration. You hated the fact that you hadn’t mastered a stoic expression.

You’d always worn your heart on your sleeve, and it was so hard not to show your every emotion on your face.

“For fucks sake” You muttered, turning around to go back in the bathroom rustling through the drawers to find some makeup wipes, wanting to take the makeup off all together.

“Is it Zach again?” Mason asked, trying to keep his voice level, but you could tell he was annoyed for you.

Mason was not the biggest fan of Zach. You really couldn’t blame him, as Zach had never made an effort to build a bond with your friends, and he wasn’t always the most courteous man.

Your friends - Mase included - trusted your judgement, but none of them understood what you saw in him.

“I’m such an idiot, Mase. He keeps letting me down, I don’t know why I keep putting up with it, why I ever thought he’d change” You admitted, wiping at your face aggressively as your eyes began to water again.

“Look at this” You said, unlocking your phone and showing him the text exchange between you and Zach.

Mason’s jaw clenched as his eyes read over the texts, and he felt a pit of fury bubble in his stomach. Not that he’d ever had a high opinion of Zach, but he really thought he was the bottom of the barrel the way he spoke to you. Mason didn’t consider himself an aggressive person, and it honestly took a lot to get him pissed, but you were his weak spot, and the thought of anyone treating you poorly made his blood boil.

Mason sighed as he watched you rub the wipe against your skin harshly, reaching for it and plucking it out of your hands, worried you’d rub your skin off with how aggressively you were wiping.

“C’mere, let me do it” He sighed.

He had a lot of things he wanted to say, but he decided to keep silent.

He knew that no matter what Zach did, you still weren’t going to leave him. And he didn’t want to push you away by slagging your boyfriend - or whatever he was to you - off.

He was ever so gentle as he wiped the remaining makeup left on your face off, before tossing the wipe in the bin, and running his thumbs under your eyes to brush away the tears.

“You deserve so much better, Y/N'' Mase sighed, as your eyes flicked up to his, and he felt his heart race a little.

He hated seeing how sad Zach made you, and why you couldn’t see that you were better off without him.

Mason could feel the all too familiar longing he always felt when he was around you beginning to flood his mind. He knew he could treat you so much better, make you so much happier if you just gave him a chance, but you’d been friends for so long, and you’d never given him any indication of wanting anything more than friendship, so he kept his pining for you tucked deep inside his heart.

“I know, I do it to myself” You sniffed, feeling incredibly sorry for yourself.

Mason - who was completely and utterly whipped for you - had never been able to withstand the sight of you crying so within seconds he’d wrapped you up in his strong arms.

Your face was smushed against his chest, as he brought a hand up to cradle the back of your head, swaying you back and forth in an attempt to soothe you.

You couldn’t help but sink into him, knowing that at least Mason would never hurt you.

You really did take him for granted.

You’d lost count of the amount of times he’d wiped your tears and listened to you cry about your broken heart.

“It’s gonna be okay, bubba. I’m here for you” He soothed, dropping gentle kisses to the top of your head, and you closed your eyes, basking in the warmth and comfort he never failed to bring you.

You stayed like that for a little while before Mason pulled away from the hug, tipping your chin up so you were looking up at him.

Even with teary eyes and splotchy cheeks, he still thought you were the most beautiful girl in the world, and he longed to make you see that the right guy - the one who would never do anything to hurt you - was standing right in front of you.

“Thank you, Mase. I know it must be annoying listening to me cry all the time, and I know I don’t help myself by constantly going back to him, but you’re always there for me, and I don’t know what I’d do without you” You admitted, offering him a teary smile as you rose on your tiptoes, and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.

You had no idea the effect you had on him, that mere gesture making him weak in the knees, as all he could do was smile back down at you, tracing the side of your face with the tips of his fingers.

“C’mon, let’s go down, so we don’t miss the cake” He hummed, and you couldn’t help but match his cheeky little grin, letting him wrap an arm around your shoulder as he led you back to the party.

-

“Why don’t you just tell her how you feel, mate?”

Mason shrugged his shoulders, as he sat back with Nathan, Harvey, Declan and Ben, enjoying a couple of drinks with them.

He’d come back down with you about half an hour ago and stayed by your side until a few of the girls had pulled you away from him, wanting to take pictures.

“Dec’s got a point, mate. You’ve been pining over her for as long as I’ve known you” Ben added.

“Mate, he’s been pining over her since we were in school” Nathan scoffed, slapping Mason’s shoulder.

“Since all the way back in the day” Declan grinned.

Mason’s cheeks flushed bright pink at being outed like that.

“I don’t blame you, Masey, she is a sort” Harvey grinned, checking you out from where you stood across the garden with baby Jude in your arms, laughing and giggling with Lauren and a few of your other friends. Mason’s heart had been melting at the sight of you playing with Jude but Harvey’s words had snapped him out of his reverie.

Mason immediately whirled around to Harvey with narrowed eyes.

Declan and Nathan exchanged a smirk, both trying to hold in their snickers as Ben watched in amusement. Harvey blinked, slightly taken aback by the daggers Mason was shooting at him.

“Don’t even think about it, Harv” Mason scowled.

“Well, if you’re not going to make a move, maybe I should” Harvey smirked, waggling his eyebrows and very much enjoying getting under Mason’s skin.

“Go near her and I’ll break your kneecaps” Mason said, darkly.

The four boys all looked at him, startled at how easily he’d given into the teasing. Mason had always been an easy going guy, even when they teased him about his lifelong crush on you, but recently he seemed to be getting more and more wound up whenever they mentioned you.

“Mate” Harvey started, his eyes glinting with joy at having succeeded in riling Mason up.

“You really need to tell her how you feel”

Mason sighed, nursing his drink in his hands as he let you consume his mind like you always did.

He’d been in love with you for as long as he could remember. And for as long as he’d loved you, he’d hated how terrible your taste in men was.

Each of your exes had treated you appallingly, and somehow every time you introduced him to a new boyfriend, he was miles worse than the last.

The current one - Zach - Mason hated with a deep passion.

Your previous 2 exes - Ryan and Max - had at least tried to make an effort to integrate with the friendship group. They made an effort to be friendly and get to know the most important people in your life, but Zach considered himself above them all.

Mason hated him.

He’d hated him from the first moment you’d introduced him because Zach was everything he wasn’t.

He was tall, dark and handsome. He looked like he’d stepped off an episode of Love Island. It wasn’t often that Mason got insecure about the way he looked, but Zach had a way of making him feel like utter shit.

He could never wrap his mind around why you still went back to him.

Mason had tried to get over you. It’s not like he didn’t have his pick of girls that wanted to date him. But every single time he put himself out there, he would constantly compare them to you.

And none of them could ever measure up.

Being in love with someone he couldn’t have was a pain unlike any other, but as always he pushed his feelings for you as far down as they could go, because you had never given him any indication of wanting to be something more.

And Mason would simply never jeopardise his relationship with you.

-

Most of the party goers had left. It was just a few of your close friends left.

Lauren and Declan had put Jude to bed, and the rest of you were just sitting around catching up with one another.

You’d been distracted for a little while. Your mind had been occupied by baby Jude and your friends, but now the insecurities that had taken root had begun to spiral again.

You’d been watching the sunset, curled up on one of the deck chairs, with your phone in your hand.

Your finger was hovering over the block icon next to Zach’s name on your phone. You knew there was no point in trying to have a conversation with him.

He was never going to be what you wanted.

Sometimes you thought you stayed with him, or with your other rubbish exes because having someone was better than being alone.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

You were snapped out of your deep thoughts when you heard Mason’s familiar voice. You looked up at him, offering him a tired smile and shuffling a little so he could sit down next to you.

Mason didn’t hesitate in sliding an arm around your waist and tucking you into his side, his heart skipping a beat when you sunk into him.

You couldn’t help but want to feel closer to him. It was the way he could settle your heart like no one else.

The pair of you sat in a comfortable silence for a little while, but the thoughts in your mind were in full force and you couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed.

“Why am I never good enough for anyone, Mase?”

Your words broke his heart.

He wished he could show you just how much you meant to him, but he could never find the courage to admit how he truly felt about you.

“Y/N, bubba don’t say that. You are more than enough. You deserve better than Zach and all the other dickhead’s in the past. You have no idea how special you are” Mason breathed, tucking your hair behind your ear as his eyes melted into yours, his expression filled with longing for you.

His thumb brushed against your cheek, wiping away the few tears that had slid down, his heart hammering in his chest when you closed your eyes, nuzzling your face against the palm of his hand.

“You’re kind and you’re soft, you’re so beautiful, and funny, and smart, and independent, and I could sit here and list everything about you that makes you the perfect girl” He breathed, letting his guard slip, knowing this probably wasn’t the smartest idea.

“You deserve someone that knows how special you are, Y/N. Someone that would take care of you, someone who would never hurt you”

Someone like me.

Your eyes fluttered open as you looked up at him. Those feelings you’d kept tucked away for years began to bubble to the surface as you felt a deep ache of longing for him. The way he was looking at you was making your head spin, and you wanted nothing more than to lean forward and close the distance between you.

If there was anyone you could trust to take care of your heart it was Mason.

But he was your best friend.

He’d been your best friend your entire life.

He lived so far, you only got to see him sometimes now, and you missed him, and you were drowning in this sudden realisation of the fact that you wanted more.

You wanted every day with him.

You weren’t sure who leaned in first, but his nose was brushing against yours and your breathing was a little heavier, and you had never felt more desperate to know what he tasted like.

Mason’s heart was racing in his chest. He was so tempted to kiss you, but you were so vulnerable and he cared too much to take advantage of that, instead, he pressed a gentle kiss to the tip of your nose, before kissing your forehead, letting his kiss linger, a silent confession.

I’m going to be the one to treat you better one day, when you’re ready for me.

He pulled you into a hug, and you tucked your face into his neck, breathing him in, and feeling a new sense of closeness to him. Your heart ached knowing he was going to be driving back to Manchester tonight, and all you wanted was for him to take you with him, to take you away from here and care for your fragile and aching heart.

“I miss you, Mase” You admitted, your voice muffled against his neck.

“It’s not the same without you here all the time anymore”

Mason’s heart felt heavy, as he squeezed you a little tighter, kissing the top of his head.

“I know, I’m sorry bubba” He sighed, sounding so resigned because as much as moving away from home had been the right decision for his career, leaving you behind had been one of the hardest choices he’d ever made.

“Don’t be, you did the right thing for you. And I’m proud of you. I just miss you” You said, your voice shaking a little.

Mason stroked your cheek, resting his forehead on top of yours, and closing his eyes.

He wasn’t entirely sure when he was going to see you again and he just wanted to savour this moment with you.

“Why don’t you come up to Manchester for a few days when you’re free? You know you can always stay at my place, for however long you like” He offered, and you smiled, cocking your head to the side.

You had never received a more enticing offer.

“I’d love to, but work is so crazy at the moment. It’s gonna be a couple of weeks before I can even take some time off” You admitted, your heart melting at the way he pouted in disappointment.

“But soon, I promise” You insisted, and he nodded, pressing a kiss to your cheek.

He held you close again wanting to just enjoy the feeling of you in his arms before he had to leave and face the uncertainty of not knowing when he’d see you again.

-

A few weeks had passed since Jude’s birthday party.

You’d finally mustered the courage to walk away from Zach, and you’d been nursing your broken heart. You were pretty sure your friends were fed up with you feeling sorry for yourself.

It was Friday afternoon and Nathan had invited himself over, telling you to pack a bag because you were going to drive up to Manchester with him to go attend Mason’s next game, surprise him and spend the weekend with him.

The last thing you’d wanted to do was go on a road trip but Nathan refused to take no for an answer, and you gave in quickly, knowing you were going to see Mason, especially since you hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him since Jude’s party.

You hadn’t seen him since then, but you’d texted and spoken on the phone pretty much every day. His constant reassurance and the way that regardless of how busy he was, he never neglected you made your heart swell with affection for him.

He’d been the one encouraging you to stand up for yourself, and you knew he’d be proud of you when you finally told him that you’d walked away.

But a part of you just felt low and defeated.

The stream of unsuccessful relationships was starting to wear you down, and you were starting to feel like you were never going to be happy.

You were resigned to a life alone.

Nathan had not been prepared to let you wallow in self-pity as he pulled up at McDonald’s ordering the pair of you some food before the long drive.

“Please don’t subject me to moody Y/N for this four hour drive, you’re the only one that gets as invested in carpool karaoke as I do” Nathan pouted, as you fiddled with your fingers in your lap, your legs crossed as you made yourself comfortable, dropping your head against the headrest and huffing out a breath.

You couldn’t help but crack a smile at Nathan.

“You know Mase is gonna be over the moon to see you, right?” Nathan said, as you flicked through your phone, finding a song you could both enjoy and you couldn’t help but perk up at his words.

“You think so?” You asked, hopefully, the thought of seeing Mason making your tummy do a backflip.

“Duh, you’re like his favourite person in the world”

You couldn’t help the smile that spread across your face as you settled back into the car seat, making yourself comfortable, the excitement of seeing your best friend building in you.

“Yeah, he’s mine too” You said softly, feeling your cheeks go warm at the thought.

“What am I, chopped liver?” Nathan grumbled, pushing his brows together in a frown.

You couldn’t help but giggle at how displeased he sounded.

“Oh, Woody! You know I love you the most” You consoled him.

You spent the drive singing your hearts out to old school songs and reminiscing on your school years and all that you’d gotten up to since then.

It warmed your heart that your core friendship group had withstood time, and you all cared about each other as much now as you did back then. These were the friends that had seen you through every hardship, they were the friends that were practically family. You’d grown up in and out of each other’s houses and even though many of you were on your own separate journey’s, you’d always stuck together, and that’s what made them all so special to you.

You spent nearly an hour grilling Nathan on his love life, as like you he’d been pretty unlucky in love but apparently he’d been talking to this new girl for a few weeks, and he was taking it very slow because he wanted to be sure she was the right girl for him. You’d been grinning from ear to ear listening to him gush about her, how they’d met, all the different dates he’d taken her on, and how she made him feel.

You were so happy for him. Nathan had the biggest heart and he was the sweetest boy ever, he deserved happiness but he never liked talking about himself for too long and since you were on the topic of relationships, he’d found a way to make it about you.

“So, you and Zach are done, huh?” He asked, and you rolled your eyes.

You were well aware of what they’d all thought about him, and in truth you couldn’t blame them. He’d been an asshole through and through and treated you and them terribly throughout the duration of time he’d been a part of your life.

“Yup” You said, averting your gaze from him.

“Good - you know he was a piece of shit, right?” Nathan asked, and you couldn’t help but giggle at his blunt assessment of your ex.

“Mase will be happy to hear it too” Nathan smirked, wagging his eyebrows at you.

You rolled your eyes. Nathan had gotten it into his head that Mason had feelings for you. He’d been teasing you about it for years now, and whilst you did care about Mason in a manner that was utterly different to how you cared about Nathan or the others.

You simply did not believe that Mason saw you as anything more than a friend.

In all honesty, sometimes you wondered if he actually found you pathetic.

“So since it’s just you, me and this long open road can you actually finally admit to me that you fancy him?” Nathan asked, causing you to splutter your drink out.

“I do not fancy him”

You could practically feel Nathan rolling his eyes as you dabbed your shirt with a napkin.

“He fancies you. He’s mad about you. He has been since we were kids, but always thought you weren’t interested because you dated dickheads” Nathan shrugged, bluntly.

“Gee, thanks for that Woodchop” You muttered, your cheeks warming.

“I’m being so serious, Y/N. Like I know I’ve teased you about it over the years, but it’s getting to the point where we all feel like we need to stage an intervention - you and Mase are perfect for each other. Neither of you have ever been able to settle down properly with anyone else, because you’re meant to be for each other!” Nathan declared, passionately.

Your heart thudded in your chest at his words.

“You’re being ridiculous, Woody. Besides he’d Mason Mount he could have any girl in the world, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want me” You scoffed, even though the thought of Mason feeling that way about you had your tummy doing backflips.

“Oh, come off it. You’re a sort, Y/N. You know we all used to think you were the prettiest girl in our year” Nathan grinned at you.

You couldn’t help but snort at his words. It’s not like you were insecure in yourself, but you certainly weren’t the most confident girl ever, so whenever anyone paid you compliments, you’d always flush and feel incredibly embarrassed.

“And Mase, well, we all remember how he looked when he was a kid with that dreadful haircut” Nathan continued, and you couldn’t help but chuckle as you thought back to eleven year old Mase with the long hair that used to hang down to his shoulders.

“He always thought you were way out of his league” Nathan admitted, shrugging his shoulders.

“Be so fucking real, Woody. Mase was a cutie even back then and now he’s just - well, you’ve seen him - he’s -“ You huffed out a breath because you didn’t know what the right word was to describe just how perfect he was to you.

“Oh girl, you got it bad” Nathan smirked, a sing-song tone in his voice.

“Oh shut up, Mr Hold My Hand Whilst I Change The Gear” You scoffed, smirking as his cheeks flushed bright pink.

“I told you that in confidence” He gasped, dramatically, his voice turning high-pitched.

“It’s okay, Chopino. It’s our little secret” You winked, patting his arm.

“Shame your little school girl crush on Mase isn’t” He retorted, as you rolled your eyes settling back in your car seat, but you couldn’t help but ponder over his words.

Could that be true? Could Mason actually have had a crush on you since you were kids, and you’d never been any the wiser despite quietly pining for him yourself?

And if it was true, what were you prepared to do about it?

-

You and Nathan spent the next hour singing along to all your favourite songs, and you couldn’t help but record a few videos, posting them to your close friends’ story on Instagram.

The pair of you had been partaking in a particularly passionate rendition of the French World Cup song, having the time of your life and you were just scrolling through your phone, replying to your friends when you got a notification on Instagram from Mason’s private account.

You couldn’t help but grin at the sight of his messages.

You barely even got a chance to react when your phone started vibrating with a call from Mason. You slid the screen across to answer it, your heart thumping in your chest a little at the sight of him.

He was in his training kit, and he was all sweaty. He looked absolutely delicious, and he was grinning from ear to ear as his face filled the screen.

“Are you coming to see me?” His voice rang through the car, as you shook your head, but the smile on your lips gave you away.

“Y/N!” Nathan groaned.

“It was meant to be a surprise!”

You shrugged your shoulders innocently, before placing your phone in the phone holder in Nathan’s car so Mason could see both of you.

“What time are you guys gonna get here?” Mason asked.

“We’ve still got about an hour and a half to go, bro. Please tell me you’ve got something to eat, I’m starving” Nathan said.

“Woody, we literally just had a McDonalds” You scolded.

Nathan turned to look at you pointedly.

“Your point?”

You just rolled your eyes.

“Yeah, man. I’ve got food. Are you guys staying for the game tomorrow?” Mason asked, and you nodded.

“Yeah we’re staying all weekend with you Masey” You grinned.

“Okay, text me when you’re nearly here. I’m finishing up in training in about twenty minutes and then I’m heading home!” Mason said, excitedly as you nodded, both you and Nathan waving goodbye as he cut the call off, and Nathan slapped your hand.

“You ruined the surprise! You weren’t meant to show up at his doorstep and look longingly into each other’s eyes and admit you came all this way because you’re in love with him, and me - being the ultimate wingman - would’ve been there getting the whole thing on camera” He complained, causing you to roll your eyes and slap his hand back.

“You need to get a life” You told him, rolling your eyes.

Nathan mimicked your facial expression, before turning his attention back to driving, but you couldn’t help but feel giddy the closer you drove to Manchester, knowing it wouldn’t be long before you saw Mason again.

-

Just under two hours later, you finally pulled up outside his new home. You’d only been here once before, as it wasn’t easy for you to travel between Manchester and London considering your job was so hectic. You’d come up with Mason’s family and all your friends after he’d finally settled into his new house.

You felt a bit nervous coming up now with all these sudden realisations you were feeling about him, and a part of you wondered what could be expected from this weekend away.

You felt nervous about seeing him, which was completely ridiculous because he was your best friend and you knew it was going to be fine. You had gotten out and walked over to the boot to grab your things from the car as Nathan had called Mason to let him know you had arrived.

You had just been closing the boot when you heard Mason’s voice as he greeted Nathan. You rolled your eyes at Nathan leaving you to grab all the bags yourself, as you carried them to the front of Mason’s house, your heart fluttering in your chest at the sight of him.

His hair was wet and falling into his eyes, and he was no longer in his training kit but in a matching hoodie and joggers set, and the sight of him was enough to make you weak in the knees.

“There she is!” He grinned, as you rushed towards him, hugging him tightly.

Mason lifted you off your feet, pressing his face into your neck, completely and utterly over the moon at seeing you. Your heart melted as he clung to you for a long while, not wanting to let go straight away.

“Alright mate, it’s not like she’s come back from war. You can let her go now” Nathan snorted, causing the pair of you to break apart.

Both of your cheeks flushed bright pink, and Mason released you with a sheepish smile.

“You’re just jealous because he loves me more than you” You pointed out, sticking your tongue out at Nathan, as the pair of them helped you carry your bags into Mason’s house.

Nathan immediately rushed upstairs, claiming his favourite guest room and leaving you alone with Mason, as you turned to look at him with a smile.

You hadn’t realised just how much you missed him until he was finally standing in front of you again.

“I can’t wait to see you play tomorrow, you’re gonna knock them dead” You grinned, reaching forward to ruffle his hair a little.

Mason smiled shyly, his heart racing in his chest at the thought of having you here with him. The last thing he had expected today was for you and Nathan to show up and keep him company over the weekend, it had been the best surprise.

The three of you spent the evening catching up, you filled Mason in on the latest with your job, he told you and Nathan all about how he’d been settling in at Manchester, but at around 9, Nathan had announced he was heading to bed since he was exhausted from driving all day.

You and Mason had bid him goodnight, the pair of you lost in deep conversation.

You ended up telling Mason the truth about Zach and how you’d ended things, and the way his eyes had twinkled and he had beamed at you in pride had your tummy doing cartwheels, because now you were overthinking everything.

Was he happy because he didn’t want his friend to be suffering, or was he happy because it meant he could have a chance with you?

The constant questions in your mind were making your head spin.

And you couldn’t help but feel hyper aware of his every movement.

The pair of you had been curled up on his sofa, your entire body was pressed against his. His hand was resting on your knee, his fingers tracing the frayed slits in your jeans. He was so close to you, the smell of his aftershave was overwhelming, he was occupying all your senses and you just wanted more and to feel closer to him.

“You know I’m so proud of you, right? That guy was a tool” Mason murmured, and you felt your cheeks burn, as you ducked your head.

“I know” You groaned, letting out an embarrassed laugh.

“I’m sorry you all had to put up with him for as long as you did” You said, sheepishly, sinking your teeth into your lower lip.

“S’okay, I’d do anything for you” Mason murmured, and damn it if his words didn’t make you weak in the knees.

Your eyes flicked up to his, and the way he was looking at you made you feel so soft that for a second you believed Nathan had been telling the truth when he said that Mason had feelings for you.

You imagined closing the distance between the pair of you, climbing on his lap and finally knowing what he tasted like after years of imagining but the fear of rejection outweighed that need you felt, because you thought you’d be devastated if he didn’t want you back, and you were too terrified to ever risk jeopardising your relationship with him.

“C’mere, I wanna cuddle. It’s been too long since I held you properly” Mason murmured, his words making your heart thump in your chest.

You let him manoeuvre you how he pleased, tucking your body even closer against his, as he made himself comfortable and grabbed a throw on the far corner of his sofa to cover your bodies with.

You tucked your face into his neck, shivering as his hands slipped under your shirt, the pair of you laying in comfortable silence as your fingers traced each other's body, the feeling of merely being in each other’s arms being all the comfort you needed.

It had been late when you and Mason had decided to go to bed, you would’ve happily stayed curled up on the sofa with him all night but you needed to get ready for bed. A part of you had hoped that he would ask you to come and stay with him, but he never did, and every insinuation he gave that he felt something more than friendship was combated away.

For his part, Mason had been desperate to carry you to his bedroom and keep you there. But you had seemed distracted, your mind occupied with something that was weighing you down. He assumed only naturally that you were still coming to terms with your break up, and the last thing Mason wanted was for you to turn to him just for a rebound.

So he kept quiet and he watched you disappear into the guest room, his heart aching knowing you were in a room across from him, when you should’ve been in his arms.

-

Mason had a really early game the next day, so you’d all gotten ready quickly and he’d driven you to the stadium so you and Nathan could get settled. He’d given you a quick little tour but when he needed to rush away to get ready, he’d kissed the top of your head, spudded Nathan and been on his way.

Mason was incredibly nervous knowing you were going to be in the stands watching him play.

He’d played in front of you thousands of times, back when he’d been at Chelsea, you’d never missed a game.

But somehow, this felt different, and he was filled with a different kind of motivation to impress you.

“What’s wrong with you today, bro?” Jadon asked, nudging Mason and snapping him out of his thoughts.

Mason looked up, blinking and chewing on the inside of his mouth.

“S’nothing, bro” He sighed.

“C’mon, Mase. You need your head in the game before you get out on that pitch. What’s going on?” Jadon frowned, sitting down next to Mason on the bench.

“Ahhh - it’s stupid” Mason cringed, but Jadon just raised an eyebrow, frowning at him, pointedly.

Mason sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“My best friend’s here today” He started, and Jadon nodded.

“Woody’s here? I ain’t seen him in a minute” Jadon grinned.

“Him too, but my other best friend, Y/N…” Mason trailed off as Jadon’s eyes lit up, knowingly.

“Is this the same Y/N you were all messed up about that time at the club and that model tried to make a move on you?” Jadon smirked, as the pieces all slotted together and he finally understood why Mason seemed so out of sorts.

Mason’s cheeks flushed pink.

The incident that Jadon was referring to had taken place a couple of nights after Jude’s birthday party. The boys had won 3 games back to back, Rashy had scored a hat-trick and Mason had even helped assist, leading them all to have a big celebration bash at the club.

The whole team had been there, getting absolutely obliterated and as drunk as Mason had been, all he’d wanted was you, so when a girl had tried to flirt with him, he’d point blank told her he wasn’t interested and Jadon and Luke had to get him out of there.

He’d spent the Uber journey home moaning about how you had terrible taste in men, and how he could treat you better than Zach ever did.

“The same one” Mason sighed.

“She broke up with him, and I don’t know. Things between us feel different, I just don’t know. I’m holding back because what if I try and she doesn’t want it? Then I’ve lost my best friend ” Mason groaned, huffing out a breath.

“Shit, man. That does sound like a stressful situation, but I’m sure it’ll be fine. If she’s your best friend, you guys can get through it” Jadon reassured, squeezing Mason’s shoulder comfortingly.

Mason nodded, sighing heavily knowing there was no point dwelling on it now, as he started to prepare himself for the game.

The boys played terribly.

It was their worst game in weeks. The Brentford side was a lot more composed than they were, and they’d already conceded a goal in the first twenty minutes. Mason was so frustrated on the pitch, shoving players around and even getting a yellow card.

You and Nathan had been in the stands, grimacing at the poor display from the United side.

“What are they playing at? They can’t let their guard down like this against Brentford” Nathan huffed, but all you could think about was the look of frustration on Mason’s face.

There were a few more minutes to go till half time and when the whistle eventually did blow, you could tell the players were more than relieved to be walking off the pitch.

Your heart sank in your stomach at the sight of Mason, knowing he’d be irritated with himself. He was his own worst critic especially when he didn’t perform as well as he should.

You were dreading the rest of the game, and your heart sank in your stomach when he didn’t return to the pitch after half-time, having been subbed off by Ten Hag and replaced with Christian Eriksen. You and Nathan shared a look, both knowing he wouldn’t be happy.

In all fairness, the team didn’t play much better on their return to the second-half. They were sloppy and uncoordinated but Casemiro managed to score a late goal, equalising the game.

When the final whistle blew, they would only take away a single point.

“He’s not going to be happy” Nathan sighed, keeping a hand on your shoulder as he helped guide you out of the throng of the crowd.

You were going to meet Mason in the player’s lounge, and you knew he wasn’t going to be in the best of moods. He never was when the team didn’t perform well, but that’s why you and Nathan were here - to cheer him up.

When you finally arrived at the player’s lounge, you spotted Mason instantly, talking to Bruno and a woman you assumed to be his partner. Bruno seemed to be consoling Mason who didn’t seem to be in high spirits. You were tempted to walk over, but your nerves got the best of you, and when you heard Nathan yelp behind you, you whirled around with a frown, to see him smiling happily as he greeted Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

“Woody, what you saying? Why’s it taken you so long to come up for a game?” Marcus was saying as Nathan shrugged his shoulders.

“Been busy bro, but what was that out there?” Nathan scolded, and you felt your cheeks flush at his criticism, jabbing him in the side.

“Woody, don’t be rude!” You scolded.

Both Marcus and Jadon turned to look at you, a gleam in their eyes.

“Don’t worry about it, he’s right. It was a piss-poor performance, but at least we got a point” Jadon grinned, holding his hand out for you.

“I’m Jadon, you must be Y/N. Mase told me you were going to be at the game today” He said, and you couldn’t help but flush knowing Mason had spoken about you with his teammates.

“Hi, we wanted to surprise him, but it didn't end up being a surprise” You smiled, shaking his hand as Marcus introduced himself as well.

The pair of them made small talk with you and Nathan, when you felt a familiar smell waft through your nose from behind you. You turned your head to see that Mason had trudged over, his head hanging low. He greeted Jadon, Marcus and Nathan all with a clap of the hand, before sliding an arm around your waist.

It was something that was natural between you two, but you knew right now he needed a bit of comfort. Thankfully, none of the boys commented, but you didn’t miss the way Jadon smirked at Mason, before scooting away a little to give the two of you some privacy.

“You okay, bubba?” You asked softly.

Mason shrugged, hiding his face in your neck.

“Wasn’t the kind of game I wanted you to see” He admitted, his voice a little hoarse and filled with shame.

You felt like he’d reached in and clenched your heart tight in his fist.

“Hey, don’t say that! I know it wasn’t the best game, and I know you got subbed off, but at least you came away with a point. It could’ve been worse babe” You hummed, squeezing him a little.

Mason didn’t respond, he just held you a little closer. He knew he was probably being clingier than was appropriate, but in all honesty he felt pretty shit about the outcome of the game. He’d been subbed off because his performance had been outrageous, he knew that, and he knew he was in for a bollocking when they returned to training on Monday.

He just wanted to feel sorry for himself for a little bit.

“You wanna get out of here?” You murmured, running your hand up the length of his back, and he hummed in agreement.

You smiled politely at the players as Mason bid goodbye to his teammates, the pair of you waiting for Nathan to finish his conversation with Jadon and Marcus before making your way to Mason’s car as he’d driven the pair of you to the stadium in the morning.

You still had the rest of the day but you knew Mason wanted to feel sorry for himself a bit.

When you approached the car, you got ready to climb into the back since Nathan always had a fit about sitting in the passenger seat, but you were surprised when he pushed you towards the front. You glanced over at him questioningly, but he didn’t respond, he just shrugged his shoulders and climbed into the back.

The drive back to Mason’s was pretty quiet, but you’d dealt with moody Mason on enough occasions to know that he just needed a bit of time to get himself back to his normal, smiley self.

When you got back to his house, Mason excused himself.

“I need to go out and see a friend, but you should check on him. I don’t think anyone or anything else will be able to cheer him up” Nathan told you, not even giving you a chance to respond before he’d kissed the top of your head and disappeared back outside the house again.

You trudged upstairs, hovering outside Mason’s room, before knocking on it.

You felt so nervous about being alone with him, even though it was ridiculous. He was your best friend, you didn’t know why you were overthinking it so much.

And right now, you knew he just needed a bit of comfort.

You pushed the door open a little, poking your head through. Your heart sank at the sight before you.

Mason was lying on his stomach, his face pressed into the pillows. His entire stature just looked so defeated and tired, and he didn’t move when he heard you come in. You quietly closed the door before tiptoeing over to him.

Mason had heard you come in, and even though he wanted you to comfort him, to hold him and make him feel better, he hated it when you saw him like this.

He was the one that was meant to take care of you, and he felt so pathetic for letting the draw get to him so much, when you and Nathan had gone out of your way to come up and see him.

“C’mere bubba” You murmured, running a hand up his back and gesturing for him to cuddle into you.

Mason didn’t speak, instead he slid an arm around you, pressing his face into your stomach. You ran your fingers through his hair. You didn’t say anything because you knew that there wasn’t anything you could say that would make him feel better.

He practically melted into you, letting out a soft sigh. He’d missed this. You’d always been the one to comfort him after a bad game, ever since you were kids. Whilst you’d been dating Zach, he hadn’t had this and the feeling of you against him made his head spin with longing and need for you.

The pair of you lay there in comfortable silence. Both of your hearts pounding wildly inside your chest with the desire for something more, but neither of you were brave enough to make the first move.

You weren’t sure how much time had passed, but eventually you could hear soft snores and you knew he’d fallen asleep from the comfort of your touch. Your tummy fluttered, something about the idea of him feeling safe enough to fall asleep with you melted your insides.

The longer you lay there with him, the more you over thought all the little moments you’d shared with Mason. And not just recently, but throughout the entire duration of your friendship with him.

When the pair of you had still been children, you’d clicked with each other instantly. Back then, you even used to play football with him. He’d confessed to you about having a crush on Miss Burns, the English teacher and in turn you’d admitted you were partial to Mr Kinsey, the Deputy Head and the pair of you would always giggle away whenever you saw either of them.

As you got older, and his football career started taking off you kept in touch, always FaceTiming each other and keeping each other updated on your lives.

No matter how well he’d done for himself, the Euro’s, the World Cup, all the successes he’d had with Chelsea and now signing for United, he’d never forgotten about you. He had never made you feel like you didn’t fit into his world, he had proved to you time and time again that he was there for you, and suddenly felt like you were drowning in guilt because you had been nowhere near as good a friend to him as he had been to you.

And then it hit you with clear certainty.

You didn’t want to be his friend. Not anymore.

You wanted to be so much more.

It scared you how deep this longing for him felt, this desire to be close to him, always. The way he settled your heart like no one else could, and the painful realisation that even though you’d realised how you felt about him a little too late, how could you ever make it work?

You lived in two separate cities. Mason was a world-famous football player and you were as average as they came. You weren’t an Instagram model, you didn’t have any outstanding accomplishments to your name like he did. You just worked a boring 9-5 job.

You let out a shaky breath, the harsh truth twisting around your heart and causing you to grimace. You couldn’t help but cling to him a little tighter.

Mason stirred against you, and you panicked suddenly thinking you’d woken him, but thankfully he just nuzzled his face against you. His breathing steadying once more, his hand pushing under your shirt to squeeze your hip.

Your heart ached, your mind made up.

Even though you knew now that you loved him, that you had loved him all along.

He could never be yours.

And you’d just have to live with that.

-

Nathan had figured that giving the pair of you some time alone would hopefully nudge you in the right direction, the push you needed to admit you both liked each other, so when he arrived back to Mason’s house to complete and utter silence, he frowned wondering where you’d both gone.

He’d tiptoed upstairs and his heart had melted when he pushed Mason’s bedroom door open to find the pair of you curled up together in Mason’s bed. You were both fast asleep, and clinging to each as if your life depended on it, and Nathan hoped that you’d both finally admitted how you felt about one another.

He decided to leave the pair of you too it, knowing you’d wake up from your nap sooner or later and the three of you could do something exciting since you’d be heading home with him tomorrow night.

He’d been sprawled on his sofa, texting away his missus when he heard someone enter the room. Nathan glanced up to see Mason entering the living room. His hair was dishevelled and he still looked a little sleepy.

“Where’s Y/N?” Nathan asked, raising an eyebrow.

“She’s still asleep upstairs, I didn’t wanna wake her” Mason shrugged his shoulders, flopping down besides his best friend.

“How are you feeling buddy?” Nathan asked, a sympathetic smile painting his face.

Mason shrugged his shoulders, running a hand through his hair.

“You wanna go out tonight? We don’t have too, but I just thought it’d be an idea since you don’t get to see her as often as you do me” Nathan suggested.

“Yeah, sounds good” Mason mumbled.

He’d woken up about half an hour earlier, nestled comfortably in your arms. And even though he knew he should cherish and appreciate the time he was getting to spend with you, he couldn’t help the ache that had settled in his chest.

All he wanted was to make you his, and to have you so close but still not able to call you his cut deeper than he could bear. He hated knowing you’d be going back home tomorrow and he wouldn’t know when he was seeing you again. He hated the fact that he couldn’t see you whenever he wanted.

“You alright, mate?” Nathan asked, sensing Mason getting stuck in his own head.

Mason blinked, turning to look at his best friend before letting out a heavy sigh.

“It’s gonna kill me to watch her leave, Woody” Mason admitted, his tone thick with sadness.

“Mate, you’ve gotta tell her. The way you two have been pining for each other and refuse to admit how you really feel blows my mind. Don’t you think you’d be a lot happier if you stopped pretending you weren’t madly in love with each other?” Nathan asked.

“She doesn’t feel the same way mate” Mason’s voice was hollow, as he rubbed his face in his hands, trying to snap himself out of the sad thinking that had overtaken him.

“Really? Did she tell you that?” Nathan asked, sceptically.

Mason just rolled his eyes, and Nathan had reached a point where he felt like bashing his head against a brick wall because he couldn’t comprehend how two people that were so mad for one another.

-

You’d woken up to an empty bed, a sinking feeling in your stomach. You groaned, rubbing at your eyes and glancing around. Mason wasn’t here anymore, but he’d tucked you into the covers and you didn’t know what to make of the gesture.

You reached for your phone to check the time, your stomach sinking when you saw a text from Zach, and with the confusion you’d been feeling, all it did was push you back into a position of turmoil.

You buried your face into Mason’s pillow, with every intention of screaming but the smell of him calmed your racing heart a little, and you felt a lump form in your throat. You had no interest in getting back together with Zach, and you cursed yourself for not blocking him number sooner.

You couldn’t help but feel disheartened knowing that Mason had left you alone in his bed. He didn’t owe you anything and you knew you had no right to be upset at all, but you couldn’t help but hurt.

The realisation of the deep feelings you harboured for your best friend were starting to mess with your head, and you couldn’t help but wonder whether coming all the way up here this weekend had been a good idea.

You lay there for a little while before deciding to drag yourself out of his bed and make your way downstairs. You felt nervous about seeing Mason but you swallowed the lump that had formed in your throat and decided to push through and just enjoy your last night here.

When you got downstairs, Mason and Nathan had been playing Call of Duty together, neither of them noticing you enter the room almost immediately, but Nathan perked up at the sight of you.

“Sleeping Beauty awakes” He joked, and you rolled your eyes, sticking your middle finger up at him as you sank down into the single-seater sofa away from the pair of them.

Mason caught your eye and offered you a small smile but didn’t say anything.

Somehow, that made you feel worse.

“So, we were thinking to go out tonight, get a taste of the northern night life” Nathan prompted, raising an eyebrow at you and you shrugged your shoulders.

“Yeah, sounds good. What time? I’ll need to get ready”

“Like 9ish?” Mason suggested and you nodded, feeling a little deflated that he’d been curled up besides you, clinging onto you for dear life and now he was barely even looking at you.

“I’ll go shower and get ready now” You muttered, rising to your feet and walking out of the room.

Both of the boys seemed a little taken aback by your mood, sharing a glance and Mason couldn’t help but feel like he’d done something to hurt your feelings.

-

A few hours later, you were at the club with Mason and Nathan.

You’d been a lot quieter than normal, and you were grateful that neither of them had pressed you on it, because you weren’t sure if you’d have been able to keep a straight face.

Mason’s eyes had almost popped out of his head at the sight of you all dressed up. The dress you were wearing hugged your figure impressively, and even though he always thought you looked amazing, tonight you were absolutely mesmerising. It was a struggle to keep his eyes off you. His throat went dry every single time he glanced over at you, and he knew he wasn’t the only one with eyes on you.

Nathan had asked Jadon and Marcus to meet up with you guys too, and they’d bought a few girls with them. You’d been chatting away with them, but Mason could tell you weren’t really in the mood to party or get drunk. You’d been nursing the same drink since you’d first arrived.

He wanted to talk to you, but he held back knowing how much he struggled with his feelings for you, and all he wanted to do was kiss that sad, forlorn pout on your lips away, but he knew he needed to be stern with himself.

He couldn’t keep pining for you, because if he carried on like this with you, he was going to destroy your friendship and lose you for good, and the thought of not having you at all almost winded him.

So maybe it wasn’t the smartest idea, but when a pretty girl wandered over to give him a bit of attention, he gave into it. He let her sit next to him, half-draped across his lap. He let her giggle and whisper in his ear, and he entertained it. In all honesty, he wasn’t paying attention to a single thing the girl was saying, her voice was whiny and it was giving him a bit of a migraine.

It didn’t stop him from glancing over at you from across the booth.

Your jaw was locked, and your eyes stormy.

Mason wanted to think maybe you were jealous, but he doubted it. He knew he was pushing it because even Nathan was giving him weird looks, but he just wanted to forget.

You were fuming. You couldn’t believe the audacity of him. You knew he didn’t owe you anything as he was just your best friend, but knowing he’d been tangled up with you in his bed only hours earlier, all the soft moments you’d shared with one another and how close you’d been feeling to him recently just felt like the biggest slap in the face.

You downed the shot that was sitting in front of you, and swallowed the lump that had formed in your throat, excusing yourself from the booth, and needing to get away before you did something ridiculous like burst into tears from the way he was hurting you by flirting with another girl.

You wondered if this is how he had felt for all these years seeing you with other guys. If that ugly feeling of jealousy had twisted in his stomach and cleaved his heart in two.

You didn’t want to stay there any longer, but you had nowhere else to go, so you were just going to have to suck it up and deal with seeing him with another girl.

You put your big girl boots on and returned to the table but no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t hide the sour expression on your face.

Nathan caught your eye and you saw the apologetic expression, but you ignored it.

In all honesty, you felt a little annoyed at him because even though you’d come to terms with your feelings for Mason, and you knew you were never going to be more than friends, you couldn’t help but feel irritation with the blonde for getting your hopes up in the first place.

A ridiculously petty part of you was tempted to text Zach back, just to give yourself an ego boost, but thankfully you weren’t that drunk, and you knew getting back in touch with Zach was only going to backfire on you.

And you didn’t want Zach, you wanted Mason and it broke your heart that he wasn’t yours.

You tried to plaster a fake smile on your face for the rest of the evening, you didn’t want to seem rude to Mason’s new friends, but you knew you’d made a terrible first impression. You couldn’t help but glare at him every time you saw him chatting away to that gorgeous girl - who’s named you learnt was Tasha - who was a model and probably the most stunning girl you’d ever seen.

Of course he was going to flirt with and dance with her, compared to you, she was an absolute angel.

You hated the feeling in the pit of your stomach, the jealousy and sadness that had made a home in your heart.

You should’ve been spending quality time with him, knowing you weren’t going to see him again for a while, but instead you stayed with the new girls you’d made friends with Lana, Priya and Jenny, bonding over your mutual interests.

When you dragged yourself to the bar to order yourself a drink, you felt someone behind you. You immediately got your back up, ready to shoo away whichever guy was attempting to hit on you, but the familiar smell of Mason’s aftershave flooded through your nostrils and your heart stopped in your chest.

You turned slowly to see him frowning at you.

“What’s going on with you? You’ve had a face on you all night whenever you’ve looked in my direction” Mason asked, raising an eyebrow at you.

You could’ve sworn you felt your blood boil at the audacity of him.

You left me alone in your bed, and now you’re flirting with a girl that I’m never going to compare with, you prick.

You shrugged your shoulders.

You made to move away from him, but Mason stopped you. His chest was flush against yours, his expression determined and you knew he wasn’t going to give in until you told him what he wanted to hear.

But you refused to admit that you were jealous, that you had feelings for him. You were angry with him for flirting with someone else, and you wanted to piss him off.

“Zach text me” You blurted out, and you watched his face drop, the colour drain from his face at your admission.

Mason’s heart sank in his chest. He knew he was being ridiculous for feeling so frustrated with you, but even the mention of Zach’s name served as a trigger for him.

“And what? You’re getting back with him?” Mason asked bitterly

You knew you were being completely and utterly childish, but you were stung by the way he’d given that girl attention. You were jealous and you were feeling petty and the small amount of alcohol that was flowing through your veins had you not thinking straight.

“Maybe” You shrugged.

You didn’t know why you said that, you had absolutely no intention of ever getting back with Zach.

“Great - you do that - just don’t come crying to me when he fucks you over again, because I promise you he will” Mason snapped, unable to hold in his frustration with you.

“Why are you being so rude?” You retorted, his words cutting deep.

“Because you’re being so fucking naive, Y/N. Why are you still entertaining him, when all he’s ever done is treat you like shit?”

Your eyes welled with tears.

“Fuck you Mason, go back to your little model. I don’t have to sit here and listen to this” You snapped, turning on your heel and walking away from him.

The last thing you wanted to do was subject yourself to hearing about how much of an idiot he thought you were. Everything you’d thought he’d felt had been untrue, and you’d never felt like such an idiot.

Mason had watched you walk away, his jaw locked and the vein in the side of his forehead almost about to protrude out of his head.

Your statement had caught him off guard, and he couldn’t help but feel like he’d succeeded in making you jealous, but it didn’t make him feel good. In fact it made him feel like utter shit.

He hesitated for a split-second before following you out of the club, reaching for your wrist and tugging you backwards, so you stumbled back into his chest. You yanked your hand out of his grasp.

“Piss off, I have nothing to say to you” You hissed.

“Yeah, well I have shit to say to you - why? Why do you do that - why do you keep going for guys that hurt you? Why do you keep going for guys that don’t love you?”

Your chest was heaving, because hearing him say it out loud hurt deeper than you could explain. You knew that the boys that you went for only ever hurt you, but hearing Mason say that tore you apart.

“Fuck you, Mason. I get it - okay? I have shitty taste in men, and I’m not good enough to be loved. As if I didn’t know that already - but I appreciate you rubbing salt in the wound” Your voice had risen, and Mason winced at the underlying hurt in your tone.

“That is not what I’m saying!” He snapped back, getting frustrated at the pair of you dancing on eggshells around one another.

“Then what are you saying, Mason?” You challenged.

His nostrils flared, his chest heaving and for a moment his mind went blank, and then he decided he was tired - exhausted, even - he was so tired of holding it in.

“I’m saying I hate the idea of you with someone else. I hated the idea of you with Ryan, with Max and with Zach. I hated them all because they were lucky enough to be loved by you, and they were never good enough. I hated them because they got to have you in the way I’ve wanted my whole life. I hated them because you loved them like you’ll never love me”

It was as if all time slowed down.

“Because I do, Y/N. I fucking love you. I’ve loved you since we were eleven years old and you bandaged my knee up after that game in Portsmouth. I have loved you for as long as I’ve known you, and for years I have watched you go for the wrong guy, waiting and hoping that one day you’d finally realise the right guy had been under your nose all along, that I’ve been under your nose all along. How many times are you gonna keep going for these dickheads until you realise that I would treat you better, so much fucking better than any of them”

You felt like your heart had stopped in your chest at his words.

It was the last thing you had expected him to confess.

“I’m not interested in Tasha, I just thought there was no chance for me and you - it was stupid I know and I’m sorry if it hurt you - I just - things between us have been different for a while now and it hurts me - it hurts knowing you’re not mine when you should be”

He was staring at you, his face flushed, his eyes filled with anguish as he chewed on the inside of his cheek.

You tried to muster up the right words to respond, and you knew he was waiting but you were so startled by the confession, that he’d managed to render you speechless.

Mason scoffed at your silence, knowing confessing his feelings for you would’ve been a mistake.

He rolled his lower lip into his mouth, not wanting to appear anymore pathetic than he already felt.

“Fuck it, I’m done. I’m so fucking done” He cursed, turning on his heel to walk away as you blinked.

The sight of his retreating figure snapped you out of your daze, and in an instant you rushed towards him.

“Mase!” Your voice cracked as you called his name.

“What, Y/N?” He snapped, whipping his head back around to face you.

“I got the message loud and clear okay, I don’t want your pit-“

Mason’s words died on his lips when he felt your soft lips brush against his in a tentative, but sweet kiss.

He thought he might just die from the pure bliss he felt from the taste of your lips against his, the same lips he’d dreamed of tasting since he was a little boy with barely an idea of what it meant to love someone.

Your heart was hammering in your chest. You couldn’t believe you’d just kissed your best friend, but the way he was talking had torn you apart. You’d been holding in these feelings for him for years, pushing them away and pretending they didn’t exist.

And now you were here, and you were kissing him and it was the most delectable feeling you’d ever experienced, as his lips moved against yours, moulded together like they’d been made to kiss only you.

Every other kiss you’d experienced was dim in comparison to the stampede of butterflies swarming through your stomach and the way your heart was thumping in your chest.

You pulled away needing to catch your breath as your eyes searched his face questioningly.

When he dropped his forehead down onto yours, you couldn’t help but reach up and caress his cheek, a soft smile on your lips as all you wanted to do was lean in and close the distance between the pair of you again but the next words out of his mouth tore your heart clean out of your chest.

“Don’t make me your rebound, Y/N. Please don’t do that to me, when you know I want to be so much more”

You felt a lump form in your throat from his breathless whimper, your heart sinking into your stomach as he looked down at you with an expression so vulnerable that it made your eyes well with tears.

“Mase, you’re not - you could never be a rebound.”

Your voice cracked.

“Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted this - wanted you? I always knew that you were the one, but I was so scared that I could lose you, so I tried to find love with someone else, and it never felt right. No one else ever felt right and I thought I could find something, anything that could measure up to the possibility of what you and I could have, and I failed every single time.”

Mason nuzzled his face against the palm of your hand, his eyes closing as if he couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of your mouth.

“You’re not a rebound, you’re the one I’ve been letting get away, and I don’t want to let you get away anymore. I’m tired of pushing these feelings for you to the back of my mind because I love you too, I love you so much, you drive me insane”

You pressed your forehead against his, finding the courage to be honest with him about your feelings because you were exhausted from holding it in.

“I try to remind myself we’re just friends and I have no right or claim over you but when I saw you with that girl, I don’t know Mase - I just -“

You hesitated, you didn’t want him to think you were pathetic, but his eyes fluttered open, his expression earnest as he waited for you to finish, you found the courage to admit the truth.

“I got jealous and I know that makes me a hypocrite but I don’t wanna see you with anyone else, Mase. I want you to be with me!”

Mason’s heart was pounding in his chest at your speech.

He felt like he’d spent an entire lifetime waiting to hear you say these words.

You couldn’t help but feel vulnerable, you’d never worn your heart on your sleeve so boldly, and the way he was looking at you was making your knees weak.

It seemed as if he was deliberating on your words, letting them sink in as you faltered, not sure whether you’d done or said enough.

“Do you know how long I’ve waited to hear you tell me that?”

Mason’s voice was thick with emotion, as he brought his hand up to brush his thumb across your cheek.

His smile was identical to yours, and you didn’t know if you could wait any longer for him to kiss you again, so you reached for him, standing on your tiptoes as you brushed your lips against his in another gentle kiss.

Mason kissed you back, his lips sliding against yours as he gripped the back of your head, holding you firmly in place, as if he was scared you might disappear.

You sunk against him, winding your arms around his neck because now that you had him, you didn’t ever wanna let him go.

You couldn’t believe you’d spent all these years pining for one another and this was the first time you were tasting him. Your body felt alight with longing for this boy, as he kissed you feverishly, pouring his heart and soul into you.

“You know I’m never letting you go now, don’t you?” He breathed into your mouth, and all you could do was let out a breathless laugh, filled with unfiltered joy.

You didn’t have any words to say, so instead you brought his lips down against yours again, telling him with your body just how happily you’d stay with him, because you never wanted to be apart from him ever again.

“But Mase, how is this going to work? We don’t live in the same city, and I-“ You breathed, starting to feel panic creep into your bones, but Mason was quick to sweep a reassuring kiss to your lips.

“We’re going to figure it out. I’ll come down to London as often as I can, I will make time for you, ‘cause you’ve always been my priority and that’s never gonna change” He soothed, peppering gentle kisses across your face.

“But I don’t wanna go home without you” You admitted, your voice cracking.

Mason pouted, his face falling at your sad tone, as he brushed his thumb across your cheek.

“I’ve finally got you after so long, I don’t want to miss you already” You continued, your breathing unsteady as you tried to keep yourself composed.

“Ssh, baby. It’s okay, I told you we’ll figure it out. I promise you, we’ll make it work. And it’ll be hard, but it’s worth it, isn’t it?” He asked, his tone lilting a little as he blinked down at you.

“You’re all I’ve ever wanted”

He dropped his forehead down onto yours, closing his eyes.

“All those guys before? I’m going to show you why it never worked. I’m going to show you why it was always meant to be me and you. I swear it, Y/N. I love you more than anything” He vowed, both hands cupping your face as he tipped your head back so he could stare into your eyes.

“Kiss me again, baby” He pleaded, his eyes twinkling in the dark, a soft smile on his lips, his thumb brushing across your lower lip as you captured his lips again in a sweet but much heavier kiss, making his head spin with need and longing for you.

He didn’t think he’d be capable of letting you go either, but this was all he’d wanted his entire life. You in his arms, your heart was his, it had been all along, and he had never felt more elated knowing that.

“Oh my god, finally!”

You and Mason broke apart to see Nathan standing by the car, his big blue eyes wide with joy at the sight of the pair of you wrapped in each other’s embrace.

Both you and Mason burst into a fit of giggles, unable to believe the turn the night had taken.

Before either of you could react, Nathan whipped his phone out, taking a photo of you, and you both felt your phones buzz in your pocket, as he climbed into the car.

Mason whipped his phone out, before bursting out in snickers at the photo and caption Nathan had sent in your group chat.

You put your phone back into your pocket turning to look up at Mason.

You felt nervous, because the dust had settled a little and it had now sunk in what the pair of you had done. Mason’s eyes were already on you.

“Will you?” He asked, his voice thick with emotion.

“Will I what?” You breathed.

“Will you let me treat you better?”

Your face crumpled at his question, a couple of tears spilling down your cheeks as you nodded, unable to find the right words to say.

“You’ve always treated me better, Mase” You admitted, as he dropped his forehead down onto yours, his eyes closed and his nose brushing yours gently.

Although there was a lot you still needed to discuss, more you needed to sort out about your future, in that moment you hadn’t felt more content, and happy for the first time in a really long time.

So when his lips brushed yours in a gentle kiss, his tongue sweeping over yours, you sank into him, living in the moment because all either of you wanted for now until forever was each other and you never wanted to let each other go.

You’d deal with everything else later, for now, you just wanted to enjoy the feeling of finally being with him after years of silently pining for each other.

Harry fucked you right and you both know it. And he can pretend all he wants that it means nothing, but you’re the best lover he’s ever had. He told you himself. And perhaps that’s why he’s done this. Why he insisted that you weren’t allowed to wipe it off or hide it. Because he wants them to see. To know who you really belong to.

No matter how hard you squeeze your thighs together or attempt to brush the sticky stain away, it remains. And Harry’s proud smirk is rather obvious even from over on the grass where he observes. 

You try not to look at him. To acknowledge that sadistic glee as you keep your gaze on the camera. Because if you look at him…it’s over. You won’t be able to hide your infatuation and the last thing either of you want is for Hugh to find out.

Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to notice. Then again, he has too many people around him at once to pay attention to you and your wet thighs. But you know he’d be furious if he knew what his precious Bunny was doing, one of the many reasons you and Harry are forced to keep your meetings a secret.

But you know Harry likes being your secret. Perhaps just as much as you like being his. Besides, it’s only sex. No strings attached. He’s Hugh’s assistant and you’re one of the beloved Bunnies. It’s against every rule in the book for the two of you to be together, much less sleep together.

Yet here you are.

You sometimes wonder if Harry would even give you the time of day outside of your secret rendezvous. Or if he’d avoid you altogether. You want to believe it goes deeper than just sex, but truth be told, you’re too afraid to ask.

"Your lemonade, Sir."

You watch as Harry nods his thanks and takes the cold glass from the waiter. He’s far too smug for your liking, and you’d chastise him if it were any other moment.

Still, you watch him take a rather long sip as his eyes follow you from behind those dark sunglasses.

He knows you like to be watched. That you thrive off his attention. So, he gives it to you anytime he can. Even when you’re sitting on the lap of the man that employs him.

But you like to watch him, too. And the way he looks right now, with those dark curls pushed back, now slightly disheveled from when you had your hands running through them, is rather delicious.

He leans back in his seat, strong thighs spreading as he takes another sip. It’s almost criminal, and you can practically hear the sighs of the other girls as they notice, too.

He pops the first couple buttons of his shirt free, allowing for a glimpse of his tan, sweaty skin, and you feel your stomach clench. He’s taunting you now. Reminding you who’s really in charge, and you’re nearly tempted to march right over and prove him wrong.

But you know he’s thinking the same thing you are. Remembering just a few moments ago when he had you bent over a chair as he fucked you from behind.

"Tell me how good I feel."

"Fuck you."

"Tell me how deep—"

"Not deep enough. Fuck me like you mean it, Playboy."

The second he saw you in your signature bowtie, he snatched your hand and dragged you away. And you let him, because how could you not? Even if it meant you were late for the shoot and that you’d earn a very firm frown from Hugh. It was worth it, and the evidence has been painted all over your leg.

Suddenly struck with inspiration, you give a big beam to the camera before you subtly drop your hand to your thigh and swipe your finger through the mess.

You notice Harry’s eyes widen as he straightens up, wildly intrigued. But you don’t give him the satisfaction of looking, instead keeping your eyes on the lens as suck your middle finger into your mouth.

Harry knows what coats that finger and you let your lashes flutter as though to tell him how much you enjoy the taste.

Hugh laughs, thinking it's just a clever pose for the photos, but Harry knows this show is just for him and him alone.

He slides his sunglasses a bit further down his nose, eyes sparkling like a kid in a candy store.

Yet your eyes never leave the camera, your smile wide, and your glee unmeasurable. You enjoy teasing him when you know he can’t do anything about it. 

And it works, if the way he begins to shift in his seat is any indication. You can practically see his erection from here, and you have to swallow a laugh as he clenches his jaw.

Finally, you decide to put him out of his misery, and steal one glance for yourself.

The moment your eyes meet, your chest nearly caves in. The tension is thick, and it feels as though the whole world has gone quiet. It’s just you and Harry, and when he bites his lip and leans back in his seat, you about lose it.

Thankfully, almost as though heaven heard your silent plea, Hugh suddenly claps his hands together and declares the shoot through. He thanks you all for your patience and time before everyone begins to part and the camera crew packs up.

You’re off his lap in seconds, moving for the refreshments so you can grab a glass of lemonade for yourself. And hopefully encourage Harry’s attention to follow you.

You feel him behind you before you even have a chance to turn around. You recognize his cologne and the soft hum in his throat and you bite the inside of your lip to keep from grinning.

“Bunny,” he murmurs, and even though it’s only been a few minutes, you’ve missed the sound of his voice. Low and raspy with just a hint of an accent.

“Harold,” you return, tossing a quick look over your shoulder before moving across the yard.

However, he’s hot on your tail, giving you absolutely no room or personal space. “That was quite a show,” he says, jogging around you to catch your eye.

You only bat your lashes as you take a sip of your drink, watching as his attention zeroes in on the way your lips wrap around the straw. 

He smirks.

“Enjoyed yourself, did you?” you retort innocently, attempting to brush past him again when he suddenly grabs onto your upper arm and drags you back to him.

He dips down, mouth ghosting the side of your ear as he murmurs, “I believe you owe me a taste.”

Your eyebrow quirks. “Is that so?”

“It is.” His grip tightens. “And you know it.”

You take a quick glance around the backyard just to make sure Hugh isn’t watching before you pull yourself free and turn to Harry. “Who said you deserve to taste me?”

 “I believe you did. When you were coming around my cock and begging me to do it again.”

You scoff, feigning annoyance as you attempt to walk away. However, Harry is much quicker, and he snatches hold of your wrist in order to drag you across the grass and toward the pool shed in the corner of the yard.

Thankfully nobody seems to notice, and you feel your cunt throb as he gently slams you against the wall, away from any prying eyes. And he cages you there, arms on either side of your head as you bite your lip and peer up at him. 

“You’ve been quite the brat, haven’t you, little one?” he nearly purrs, wedging his knee between your clenched thighs. “Trying to tease me…embarrass me. Get me in trouble.”

You blink. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“No?” He squeezes your chin. “Show me your tongue.”

Slowly, you concede. Parting your lips and extending your tongue as he tilts your head back and stares down your throat. 

“Good girl. Swallowed every drop, didn’t you?”

You nod.

“S’it feel good in your tummy, baby? Hm? Did it taste as good as you imagined?”

Another nod. Quicker and more excited.

He smiles. “Then I think it’s only fair you return the favor, hm?”

You aren’t afforded the chance to answer before he’s dropping to his knees and prying your legs apart.

“Harry—”

“Shh. I’m busy,” he murmurs, flicking the button on your costume undone until he can reach your stockings and tear them down. “S’been too long.”

“It’s been twenty minutes.”

“Exactly.”

He runs his hands along your body, enjoying the way you shiver, that wicked grin is enough to ruin you. He places your foot on his shoulder while you steady yourself against the shed, your fingers already returning to his hair.

And he watches you. So desperate and eager to please. You know he’d bury himself in your cunt with no hesitation if he could, but for now…this is all you get.

It’s one of the things you adore most about him. His need to please you, even despite his ego. In fact, from the moment you met him, he’s put your pleasure first. Demanding that you sit on his face nearly every hour of the day just so he can get a small taste. Savor you on his tongue, go home with you still smeared across his chin.

Some people do drugs. Harry does pussy.

His hands slowly smooth up your leg, taking his time to appreciate your skin while admiring the way it glistens underneath the summer sun. He begins to kiss his way along your ankle and up toward your knee. 

And you work to bite back a heavy sigh. You don’t tend to trip up too often, but when it comes to Harry, you find that you can never stay quiet. And you don’t understand why. Maybe it’s because he knows how to draw out every possible noise and sensation. Somehow, even his kisses leave you whining. 

Either way, you know you can’t make a noise today. Because no matter how loud the group out by the pool are, it’s not nearly loud enough to drown out your pleasured whines.

And he knows it, too.

He pauses his kisses once he reaches your inner thigh and glances up through those thick lashes of his. "You think you can stay quiet, little one?" he asks, lips brushing against your skin with every word.

You force a smile. “Do it right and we’ll see.”

It’s a challenge he’s more than eager to accept. He’s been waiting far too long to get a taste of what he left behind and wastes no more time in dragging his flattened tongue along your leg to collect the salty remnants from before.

The feeling itself isn't much but watching him...you can feel your knees growing weak. Harry knows what you like to see. Knows you adore his pink lips and the rings on his fingers. Knows you like to run your hands through his gelled hair and leave your lipstick on his shirt. 

He hums, rather satisfied with himself. But before he can truly have you, you both catch the sound of commotion happening near the mansion.

You have a rather hard time tearing yourself away, but you know that if you don’t check, Hugh will coming looking for you.

So, regretfully, you drop your leg from Harry’s shoulder and peer around the shed.

Hugh is standing on one of the staircases, pipe in his mouth as he claps his hands to get everyone's attention. "All right, my dears, gather 'round. You've all been doing such good work this week, and I felt it was only right to honor you. So, for the first Saturday of the summer, I've decided we must celebrate.”

The other girls cheer as you toss Harry a curious look. 

He only shrugs.

"You know the rules," Hefner continues. "But I want you to have fun and just relax tonight. The real work starts next week.”

With that, he gives his adoring audience a wink before heading back inside, leaving you to sigh to yourself.

Hugh is a stickler for rules and regulations. Curfews, no outside relationships, and absolutely no visitors. He wants to keep his girls to himself, and you know that applies to you more than anyone else.

Harry is watching you closely as you finally turn back around. “He wants me there tonight,” he tells you.

You nod. You expected nothing less. “I imagine so.”

“We won’t have as much time.”

“I know.” You readjust your outfit and attempt to wipe the lustful look from your face. “I should go.”

You get ready to slip back out into the open before Harry grabs your arm for a third time.

"I'll find you," he murmurs, more so a promise than a threat. "And I will get my taste."

You can’t help but smirk as you pat his cheek lightly.  “Mm. Good luck, Playboy."

There are very few times in life when you find yourself completely and utterly breathless. Transfixed beyond doubt, mesmerized by one singular moment in time when you can't move or speak.

For you, that happened when you saw Harry enter the room for the very first time.

And then it happened again…when he slid inside you later that same night.

Two moments, one man.

One incredibly ethereal, divine, godlike man. 

You hadn't expected Hugh's party to be all that exciting, but it was one of Harry’s first parties as Hugh’s assistant. Turns out…that meant something.

You had specific instructions to stay close to Hugh throughout the evening, as his favorite Bunny, and Harry had instructions to stay close as the assistant. But unlike you, Harry was instructed to follow from behind. Not to interact with any of the guests. And definitely not to be seen or heard.

But from the moment he entered the room, you knew it would be nearly impossible for anyone to keep their eyes off him.

He walked in as though surrounded by light, drawing everyone’s attention to those dark curls and that charming smile.

You couldn’t look away, so spellbound by his presence that you didn’t even realize Hugh was right beside him.

Instantly, you knew that would complicate things.

Still, you liked the challenge. And as it turned out, Harry did, too. Because while you were busy seeing him, he was busy seeing you.

Your eyes met through the crowd, even despite the many bodies and loud music. You felt yourself being drawn closer as you pushed your way toward the center of the room in a desperate attempt just to be close.

Harry did the same.

You wondered if Hugh knew what a threat Harry posed to his brand. After all, Hugh loved being the center of attention and Harry was so effortlessly stealing the attention for himself.

But it didn’t matter in that moment because Harry’s attention was yours, and once you both found your way to the center of the living room…everything changed. 

You did your best to study him. Those gorgeous, textured curls. The unusual shade of green in his eye. That strong jaw that seemed to accentuate his sharp but handsome features.

He was wearing a white t-shirt that hugged each of his muscles in a way that left little to the imagination. He looked clean. Put together. So refined that all you wanted to do was trail your hands down his chiseled chest before you tore is shirt off.

And that’s when it happened.

The Moment.

Ever since that night, the two of you have been inseparable. Fucking any chance you get. In the kitchen, in the car, in the closet. His hand over your mouth, forcing you to stay silent in case Hugh might be somewhere in the mansion—which he always is.

In fact, there’s never a moment when you aren't the focus of each other's attention. Day or night, all you can think about is when you’ll see him next. Creating moments to run into each other. Planning meetings. Making excuses to find time alone.

And as it turns out, tonight is no different.

You know Hugh will be around. And even worse, he’ll be making his favorite Bunny the center of attention.

Which just means you’ll have to try a little harder to get Harry alone. 

Most of the crowd will be desperate to talk to you. They always are, after all. They’ll follow you around, ask you questions, want to be in your presence. 

And Harry will be somewhere hidden, keeping to himself so he’s neither seen nor heard. Although the rest of the Bunnies make that quite difficult.

For some reason, Hugh doesn’t mind if the others pay Harry a bit of attention. He only seems to mind if you do. And even though Harry will never admit it, Hugh’s possession over you makes him quite jealous.

He doesn’t enjoy the idea of having to share you, much less with a whole crowd of people and greedy men. They’ll take up all of your time. Time that should be reserved for him. 

Truth be told, you find it rather cute.

So, you try to make it worth it. You sway your hips to a song just because he’s watching. 

You run your hands down your body, smoothing them over each and every one of his favorite curves. 

You dangle a cherry over your tongue before taking it between your lips, your cheeks hollowing as you suck the sweet fruit into your mouth.

It drives him absolutely mad, and you can already see him fighting the temptation to stride over to you right now.

You’re sitting by the pool, legs dangling over the side as you chat with Paul Newman. He’s leaning his body closer and closer toward yours, inviting himself into your space as you laugh and throw your head back with glee just to give Harry a proper show.

You do your best to flirt with the handsome man—which isn’t all that difficult, really—before you notice Harry march himself over to the drink stand. 

Instantly, he begins chatting up Sophia Loren. One of the most stunning women you think you’ve ever seen and immediately, your eyes narrow.

So that’s how he wants to play it.

He’s not subtle about the way he stares at her, raking his eyes up and down her figure rather shamelessly. And she smiles, eating up his attention until you nearly chip a tooth from how hard you’re gritting your teeth.

It’s rather cute, all things considered. He’s really trying to make you jealous. But why should you be? Paul Newman is every bit as handsome, if not more, and happens to be someone you can actually sit and have a conversation with.

In fact, Hugh was the one who set it up. He introduced the two of you and insisted you get to know each other.

You knew what he really wanted from the interaction, but neither you nor Paul will be entertaining such an idea. After all, he is happily married. And you just enjoy getting to know him.

Paul is still chatting away as you both swing you legs through the warm water, and even though you can’t help feeling rather starstruck by those gorgeous blue eyes…you’re remind of a pair of green ones that are currently still checking out someone else.

So, you gently put your hand on Paul’s chest in a subtle signal for him to wind his story down. You tell him that you’re going to go grab a drink and he nods before helping you stand from the pool.

You make your way for the bar—rather aware of the number of eyes on you as you walk—yet Harry still seems to be rather immersed in his conversation with the starlet. And now you aren’t sure if this really is just for show or if she truly has caught his eye.

Either way, you decide a little eavesdropping can’t hurt. So, you subtly make your way around the pool and toward the back of the drink station, just out of sight. Close enough to hear, but not so close as to be seen.

“Are you enjoying yourself this evening?” Harry is asking, and you catch just a glimpse of those dimples.

Sophia hums, looking around the large backyard that seems to sparkle underneath such a dark sky. "Oh, yes. Hugh always throws the best parties."

"He does. Are you here with someone?"

You suck in a quiet breath while Sophia laughs, shaking out her perfectly styled curls. “No, not at all. I like to…come alone. Window shop.”

“Window shop?” Harry repeats with a smirk.

“Yes. I like to see what’s to be seen. To decide if I’ll be leaving alone as well.”

Harry chuckles, and the sound of it makes your stomach flutter. “I see. Well, I have to admit, that does sound like an excellent plan.”

Sophia studies him. “And…you? Will you be leaving alone?”

Harry runs his tongue over his lip before glancing toward the spot near the pool where you once were. But once he notices you’re missing, his eyebrow raises. “I hope not.”

She smiles. “Come,” she says, taking his hand. “We dance.”

With that, she leads him toward the middle of the yard where a few people are already swaying to the music.

You watch them dance with a rather wounded expression, doing your best to remind yourself what this really is.

You don’t imagine Sophia will be taking him home tonight—he’s handsome, but she’s far out of his league—yet you can’t help that spark of jealousy that finally burns in your chest.

What Harry lacks in brains he makes up for in charisma. And he looks rather breathtaking out there, moving his hips to the melody and grabbing at her waist while she laughs and swings her arms around his neck.

For a moment, you almost wish that you could dance with him like that. So open and uninhibited. But you know that this arrangement only lasts for the summer. Once fall comes, the two of you will part ways, and the fun will be through.

Eventually, the two of them return to the bar for more drinks, and you’re forced to scurry back out of sight just in time to ear the rest of their conversation.

"She is...stunning,” Sophia says as they approach.

Harry’s head tilts. “Who?”

“The woman you keep looking for.”

Harry grins as he lifts one shoulder in a shrug. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Hm.” She takes a sip of her drink as she watches him. “One cannot win a game if the other player doesn’t know they are playing.”

"Maybe. But I’m not playing any games.”

She scoffs. “Aren’t you? Talking to me but wanting her?”

Harry seems rather surprised by this, and you feel yourself grin as you finally breeze your way around the corner in full view of them both.

“A scotch, please, darling,” you call to the bartender before glancing to your left. “Oh! Hi, Sophia. Harold.”

Sophia laughs. “Hello, dear. Fantastic party. You look beautiful.”

“As do you,” you return. “So happy you made it, despite your current choice in companion.”

Harry’s eyes roll.

“Oh, he’s not so bad,” she says, reaching up to wipe her thumb across his bottom lip. “Rather…sweet.”

Harry feigns a smug smirk even though you can tell he’s rather surprised by the action. 

Still, you refuse to play along. “I suppose he can be when Hugh isn’t around.”

She chuckles to herself before offering you a quick kiss to the cheek before bidding the two of you goodbye so she can make the rounds. 

 Rather satisfied, you give Harry a proud look of your own before grabbing your drink and turning on your heel.

But, true to form, he’s chasing after you and taking a handful of your hip in order to bring you to a stop.

“Bunny,” he warns beneath a raspy breath. “I thought I made myself clear—”

“I don’t know what you mean, I was only chatting,” you retort, pulling yourself from his hand with a huff. 

“No, you were not. You were being a brat and I’d like you to stop.”

“Stop what? Being delightful?”

“No. Stop toying with me.” He regards you carefully. “I know what you’re doing.”

"I'm talking. After all, that is my job—"

"No, your job is to be a good little Bunny, and do as you're told," he argues, straightening up so he has the advantage of height. "And I’m telling you that I will not play these games with you any longer.”

“What games?”

“The game where you try to rub my nose in that,” he says, gesturing angrily toward Paul.

“It’s not a game. He’s quite delightful. And I don’t believe I’m quite through with him yet—”

“Enough,” he seethes, suddenly yanking you back to him. “You know you don't want to talk to him. Or entertain his sad attempts at flirting. So, give it up, and come with me—"

"Beg me."

He leans back. “Excuse me?”

“Beg me,” you repeat calmly, even though your pussy is just about throbbing from the possessive tone of voice. 

His head cocks. “I said end this—"

"Beg me, and maybe I will.”

He looks at you for another moment more before his eyes flick toward the mansion in search of Hugh. Having this conversation in such an open space is rather reckless, especially with so many witnesses. But you just can’t help it. He never seems to listen.

Harry knows his time is running out, as well as his patience, so he runs a hand through his hair and releases a strained exhale. 

“Fine,” he concedes darkly. “Fine. Please…end this. And come with me.”

You bite back a smile. "Hm... I don't know, Paul and I were just having such a good time—"

"Please," he repeats, almost viciously. "Fucking end this. Now.”

By now, you know exactly what Harry's last straw looks like. What it sounds like. His voice, twisted with need and lust, becomes hoarser the closer he creeps to desperation. His grip becomes tighter, and his pupils nearly blow-out with desperation.

It happens when he's fucking into you so hard that you see stars. When his tongue is so far inside you that neither of you can breathe. And when you’re taking him so well down your throat that you think you’ll sink right through the floor.

It's the same voice. The same urgency. And you can’t help but feel a little intrigued.

You nod. “Fine.”

"Good. Meet me in the coat closet," he murmurs, just loud enough for you to hear. "Five minutes."

"Harry—"

“Go,” he repeats, before releasing you so he can slip inside the mansion. 

You don’t need to be told twice. You immediately make your way for the door, weaving your way through the crowd in search of that familiar closet.

The inside of the house is packed with people. It’s loud and chaotic and there are more celebrities here than you can name.

But right now, you couldn’t care less. There’s only one person on your mind. One beautiful body that you can’t wait to run your hands down and it’s only five minutes away.

Once you’ve hidden yourself away in the small, dark space, you imagine all the things he might do. One of his favorites is watching the way he disappears inside you. The way your pussy stretches open to take his cock until you’re both a rather wet mess. You don’t doubt that he’ll find a way to do so tonight, and the thought makes you giddy.

Or perhaps he’ll blindfold you. Cut off all your senses until he’s all you know. Maybe you’ll blindfold him, another favorite. 

Truthfully, it doesn’t really matter what he does as long as he does it. Because even the thought leaves you breathless.

The door swings open exactly two minutes later. Harry is quick to lock you both in and turn on the light, twisting the bulb between his fingers until you can see everything you couldn’t before. Mostly coats and hats, but then…him. Somehow just as stunning as he was a few minutes ago, and smiling in a way that makes you want to drag him to his knees.

“You obeyed,” he whispers, stepping up to you until he can softly run his palm along your cheek. “You are a good little bunny after all, aren’t you?”

You pull your lip between your teeth. “Only when I think you deserve it.”

“Is that so?”

“It is.”

He leans closer, nose brushing against yours. “And do I still deserve that taste?”

Your lashes flutter before you forcefully push him away and point to his belt. “Take off your pants.”

You don’t want to have to rush, but you know Hugh will be looking for you soon so you can be by his side for his grand speech. Which means you’ll have to save the sensual looks and teasing touches for another day.

He starts with his shirt instead of his pants (just to spite you), grabbing at his collar before slipping the fabric over his head. Then he reaches for his zipper and drags it down, as slowly as he can all while keeping his eyes on yours.

With a rather unamused huff, you finally swat his hands out of the way in order to do it yourself. 

You yank the dark material down his legs, taking note of the boxers around his hips that practically call to you. You allow your fingers to slowly trail along his thighs. Higher and higher, groping at the strong flesh as he sighs and watches you with flushed cheeks.

Finally, you move for the band at his waist, pulling on it until it snaps back against his stomach, making him grunt.

He drops his head back with a curse, but once you start to drag your tongue along his abs…it’s game over. 

His hand is instantly in your hair, tugging at the scalp as though to remind you who’s really in charge. But you can feel his muscles quivering beneath your tongue and you hum when you hear him exhale your name.

You reach his pecs, taking a moment to brush your lips over his hardened nipple. He doesn’t seem to understand why this feels so good, but he enjoys it, and he certainly enjoys watching you do it, too.

You never leave him unsatisfied. You don’t think you could even if you tried. Sometimes, all you have to do is kiss him, and he’s nearly coming in his shorts as he grinds you against his lap. 

He knows his pleasure isn’t nearly as important as yours, but he enjoys the time you dedicate to him, nonetheless. 

You graze the nipple with your teeth, pulling it ever so slightly until he hisses, head dipping as your foreheads meet.

He wraps his fingers around the back of your neck with a firm squeeze before he’s pulling you up and kissing you hard. He starts with his tongue, exploring your mouth like it’s the first time, and honestly…it almost feels like it is.

Teeth clash, noses brush, breaths are stolen. You devour each other, greedy hands roaming freely, tangling in each other's hair.

"Can’t fucking stand you," he nearly groans against your mouth, his hips knocking into yours as he keeps you trapped against his chest. "Teasing me all night. Playing with me."

"You love it," you pant. "Love it when I play with you."

He grins. “Maybe I do.”

His hand moves to your one-piece until he finds the apex of your thighs. He smooths his palm along your cunt, cupping you harshly as you reel. He wants to feel how warm you are—how wet and desperate.

And you want him to feel it, too.

You swallow a needy sigh, almost as though you can’t let him hear. He can’t know how good this really feels. How depraved you really are of his touch. How starved.

But he knows. You know he knows, even through one little kiss.

It’s maddening.

He grabs onto the corset, ready to rip it down and reveal your chest to his hungry eyes, but you quickly snatch his wrist.

“No,” you exhale, shaking your head slightly. “Can’t rip it. Gentle.”

He scoffs, almost as though the thought of being gentle with you is absurd. Still, he knows Hugh would notice if your outfit has been torn, so he obeys, and unzips you instead.

The suit falls away, finally allowing him a good look at what you’ve been hiding from him all night.

Instantly, he’s got your tits in his hands, pulling at the tender flesh with a lewd grunt.

“Pretty,” he murmurs before sucking one into his mouth. “Fucking killing me, Bunny.”

Like a starved wolf, he starts to leave a trail of kisses wherever he can. Sloppy kisses that make you shiver as you fist his curls and laugh at the feel of your nipple between his teeth.

He swirls his tongue just the way you did, then flicks it gently while you sigh in his ear. Eventually, his fingers make their way to their previous spot, brushing at your inner thighs as though to warn you. And you’re given only a few seconds to prepare before he’s slipping the middle one inside and making you gasp.

The noise is covered by the loud music outside of the door, but Harry still hears it, and he beams as he starts to pump you slowly.

Your body invites him in the way it always does, squeezing him gently and clenching as though to keep him close. 

“Shit,” he curses, once again pressing his mouth to yours. “Missed this pretty pussy, baby.”

His large digit suddenly curls upward, motioning a moan from your lips and there it is. That’s what you needed.

You hold onto him for dear life, already lost in the feel. He's always been rather exceptional at touching you. At knowing your body better than anyone else does.

You’ve tried to replicate his actions on yourself, tried to make yourself cum as hard as he makes you when he’s the one doing it. But it's never the same. It feels like a waste of time to even try. It'll be weak and short. Pitiful. And trying again never works because it's just as disappointing as the first time.

But Harry…with his long fingers, his firm hand, his ravenous lips. Nothing will ever compare.

"Feel so good, sweetheart," he praises, lips staining your skin as he kisses the hollow of your neck. "Good girl. Lift for me, yeah?"

You obey, offering him your leg which he's quick to hook around his waist, spreading your open a bit further so he can slide himself deeper inside.

Another finger, another curl, another pinch. His thumb presses into your clit, circling it rapidly, making you whine into his shoulder. You can feel the coil already ready to snap, hardly surprised by how quickly you got here, but you know he’ll make sure to drag it on for as long as possible.

And as if to prove this, he slips his fingers out, and raises them to his lips. You nearly wilt right then and there, but you manage to hold your impatient façade as you cock your eyebrow upward before yanking his hand out and kissing him.

You can taste yourself on his lips, something you always seem to enjoy. The mix of you both together. 

And this is when he decides to ruin you, plunging his fingers back in with vigor until he hits that perfect spot. The one that has you gasping for air and moaning his name.

Your chest heaves with deep breaths. You’re close and you know it won’t be long until your cunt is fluttering around his hand and you’re dripping down his wrist. But you need more than that. Especially because this is the last time you’ll be with him for a while.

So, you grab onto his jaw and forcefully bring his eyes to yours.

“No,” you hiss. “Not like this. Fuck me like you mean it, Playboy.”

He hums, all without slowing his rhythm. “Impatient, little one?”

“Obviously.”

He makes an amused noise, but he doesn’t stop his thrusts. He plans to make you cum just like this before he fucks you and you don’t know whether to be impressed or annoyed.

You move your hand to his throat, squeezing the sides gently as you feel him swallow. His pulse is pounding beneath your fingertips, blown-out pupils glued to yours as you add just the slightest bit of pressure.

His soft inhale makes your stomach flutter. You happen to adore him like this, on the verge of complete submission. Merciless at your feet.

But you know it won’t last long. And once his eyelids begin to flutter, you yank him down for another kiss. Stealing the only breath he has left.

You can practically feel his cock twitching against your thigh as you tug his curls and suck on his tongue. But he’s not one to be outdone, and he continues rubbing your clit as quickly as he can, sweeping his fingers in a circle while you roll your hips against his hand.

"Gentle, sweetheart," he warns, throwing your own instruction back at you. 

You want to retort with a quippy remark of your own but choose instead to lick a stripe along his jaw. That suffices as your reply.

You don't have a lot of time, at least not for games. You’re playing against the clock, and you know Hugh will be calling for you any second.

Any other night, Harry would most likely edge you all the way to the brink. But tonight, he knows better, and he does everything he can to make you cum.

And when you do, you nearly lose your balance. It’s one of the most blinding and toe-curling orgasms you’ve ever had in your life. So much better than when you do it alone and you’re so grateful for his cocky attitude for the first time all summer.

Your body melts into his as you start to come down from your high. You almost wish it would never end. The way his lips feel on your cheek. The sound of his soft, proud praises in your ear. It’s everything.

But you know that’s not what he’s good for. So, instead, you push him away and step back. “Down.”

He looks at you. “Down?”

You nod toward the floor. “You wanted a taste. So take a taste, sweetheart.”

He crosses his arms. “Mm. Ask me nicely.”

“Excuse me?”

“Ask me nicely to eat you out and maybe I will.”

Your expression falls flat. “Take the goddamn taste, Harold, or I will go out there and find somebody who will.”

He’s amused, but you know he’s also nervous. He doesn’t like the idea that you’d take yourself from him, so, he clears his throat and slowly lowers to his knees.

Exactly where he belongs.

His head bows, something he doesn’t do quite that often, and your heart soars. He looks beautiful like this. Submissive and good. Everything you know he’s not. 

You brush your fingers through the curls draping across his forehead and he seems to settle into your touch before you’re hooking your finger under his chin and lifting his head.

Your eyes meet, a look of utter reverence written across his face as he gazes at you with awe and respect. And your stomach nearly twists as you whisper, “You know what to do.”

And he does. His mouth turns up in a gentle smile as he slowly reaches for your ankle. He resumes his earlier position, the bottom of your heel on top of his shoulder for access, and his other hand reaching to grab your hip and pull you towards his face.

You immediately bite your lip, anticipating the noises that are about to follow. 

Similar to this afternoon, he starts gentle, pressing kisses into your thighs ever so slowly. You know you’re soaking him. Can hear it and see it, even in the dim closet light.

He drags his tongue up your leg, collecting every drop that’s at his disposal, while you continue pushing back his hair so you can see him clearly. 

Finally, he reaches your swollen clit, still sensitive from his last assault, before he’s eagerly tracing it with the tip of his tongue.

You writhe in his hands, head turning to the side as you open your mouth to exhale a curse. And this seems to feed his ego because he repeats the action again, nose pressing into your hip as he inhales you like you’re fresh air on a spring day. Like you’re the only thing he wants in his lungs—the only breath he wants to take.

You pull his head closer as though to encourage him, and your name falls from his lips like rain.

“My sweet Bunny,” he nearly groans. “Can never get enough of you.”

“Good,” is all you can say. “We don’t have a lot of time, though. You need to be quick.”

“Who says I’m through? You owe me, sweetheart.”

You give his curls a sharp yank. “No. Get up and fuck me.”

He pouts, feigning a tantrum, but you know his cock is throbbing rather pitifully for you. So, he obliges, standing to his feet while you gather yourself in wait.

He tugs down his boxers, the only fabric left between you, and you try not to stare as you grab onto his shoulders and prepare to sink down.

“Five minutes,” you instruct softly. “Make it count.”

However, before you can feel that glorious tip pushing its way through, he’s suddenly grabbing onto your hips and spinning you around. Shoving you against the coat closet wall as you gasp.

Instantly, his hand comes up to slap against your lips. “Hush now," he hisses against your ear. "Unless you want Hugh to know what I'm really doing to his pretty girl?"

You’d roll your eyes if you didn’t feel his hips knocking into yours, giving you just a taste of what’s to come. Instead, you glance over your shoulder in an attempt to see him, and nod once.

But this isn’t good enough. So, he reaches for the bowtie around your neck, pulling on it until it snaps off into his hand. He holds it as though it were a prize he won in battle before he’s slipping it over your head and into your mouth.

You take it between your teeth and bite down obediently.

“Good,” he hums, giving your ass a quick spank. The sound echoes between the small walls. “That’s much better, hm?”

You feel him drag his cock through your dripping folds while his other hand ghosts down the curve of your spine. He’s gentle with you, despite his cruel taunting, and you’re almost impressed. Infatuated, even.

His warm body feels so good against yours. Luring you into a sense of security you can’t seem to find anywhere else. And you rather enjoy it as you feel the thickness of him starting to stretch you open.

You moan around the tie while Harry grunts in your ear. Just like the first time the two of you found yourselves in this position. 

And exactly like every other time before, he doesn’t rush you. He lets you feel—lets you enjoy—every inch and every second. Any other time, he’d make you beg. Beg him to go harder, go deeper. But tonight, you can’t, and it’s almost a shame he won’t get to hear it.

Instead, you offer a muffled whimper that seems to do the trick, and he chuckles to himself. “Need more, don’t you?”

You nod quickly, and he wraps his arms around your stomach in order to tug you back and guide you along his cock the way he wants.

He goes faster. His five minutes is now down to four, and he knows he’ll have to make this quicker than usual. Sharp, hard thrusts that make your legs shake and your heart race. But somehow, it’s still not enough.

“You like to play with me, don’t you, hm?” he begins to taunt. An angrier tone than before. “Make me watch you? With him?”

Your eyes nearly roll back, and you whine against the fabric on your tongue.

"Think I don't know?" he scoffs. "Think I don't know who this pussy belongs to?"

He starts to slow. A rather achingly languid pace that’s meant to make you scream, and you nearly do.

“I do,” he promises in a dark whisper. “I know exactly who you belong to.”

You arch your back and reach for his hair. Pulling his face into your neck as he leaves a trail of wet kisses all the way down to your shoulder.

“So stay,” he murmurs. “Stay with me. Don’t go back to him. Don’t make me jealous, Bunny. Don’t make me watch him touch you. Please.”

Please.

A word he rarely uses, even when you instruct him to. But it sounds so beautiful between his lips, and you nearly tell him you’ll never leave him again.

But you know he doesn’t mean it. It’s just what you say in a moment like this. So, you whimper, and tug on him harder. Pretending to agree until he smiles.

The small coat room has become a sauna, your naked bodies now writhing together as the rest of the world continues on around you.

You can hear the music, the people, the party. A constant reminder that while you’ve disappeared into your own little world within this closet...the two of you will never truly be alone.

But you don’t get a chance to focus on that when his hand suddenly reaches around to take hold of your chest. Plucking your nipple between his large, rough fingertips. You brace your forehead against the wall as you push yourself into his palm. Anxious for more, which he happily gives you.

The two of you move like the tide, one fluid motion of your bodies in rhythmic harmony. He leaves your tit to focus on your clit. Forcing you closer to a second orgasm that already feels much stronger than the first.

"Here," he breathes. “Give me your hand. Want you to touch yourself for me, okay? So I can watch you.”

Your arm trembles as you move it toward your thighs, where he easily takes your fingers and places them against your pussy exactly the way his had been.

“Just like that. Good. Rub it for me, sweetheart. Yeah…there you go. Attagirl. Keep going, don’t stop.”

You feel his eyes over your shoulder as you pinch and rub the swollen nerves as your legs shake. After a moment, he grabs your thigh and lifts your knee to the wall. Giving himself a different and deeper angle as you nearly cry out around the bowtie in your mouth.

Everything feels wet. And warm. And perfect. And you know you’re moments away from coming around his cock for the second time today.

“How you doing, baby?” he chuckles when he notices the fucked-out expression on your face. “You all right?”

You nod as best you can and clench down on his cock for confirmation. And he makes a rather animalistic noise before he’s grabbing onto your tit again and groping it in his palm. 

“Good. You gonna cum for me, little one? Milk me like I know you can?”

Another nod. You can hear the party growing louder, which means it’s almost midnight. And that means Hugh’s speech will be any second now.

You’re squirming harder, unable to fight such intense pleasure as it comes from his cock and your fingertips. But he catches you, grip tightening around your thigh as he squeezes so hard, you know you’ll see bruises in the shape of his name tomorrow.

But you don’t mind. You know you’ll be able to touch them in the shower and remember this—remember him.

“Cum,” he instructs, almost viciously. “Right now, Bunny. Fucking cum. Let me feel you. Gotta feel you, honey, please.”

You roll yourself back onto his cock just to feel full while he kisses your jaw and begs you to let go. 

You’re so close you can nearly taste it. And he’s even closer than you, doing his best to hold out but you know it’s rather hard with the watch you’re squeezing him.

And when you feel him start to buck and twitch, you can’t help but smile.

He spills inside you as he bottoms out. He hates coming first, and always tries incredibly hard not to. But tonight, you can’t exactly fault him, and as it turns out, the feel of him inside you—so warm it makes your head spin—is what you need to follow.

The orgasm nearly explodes behind your eyelids as you scream into the tie, forcing Harry to slap his hand back over your mouth to silence you.

“Quiet,” he hisses, nose pressed against your cheek. “Shut up.”

Yet you don’t even try. You don’t care that you might get caught or that someone could hear. Perhaps you will once the consequences catch up to you, but right now? Right now, you moan into his hand and allow every moment of this pleasure to take control of you. 

Your sweaty bodies melt together, damp hair clinging to your skin as Harry finally lets go and steps back.

But instead of pulling his clothes back on, the sadistic man drops back down to his knees, and spins you around.

He brushes your hand away from your clit in order to do the work himself. Resuming his previous pace on your rather abused nerves until you nearly crumble to the floor.

It’s almost too much. Your eyes roll back and your head drops against the wall. You can’t stand it, yet you can’t get enough.

“One more,” is all he says before diving forward for a lick. “Just one more, baby.”

You’re too sensitive. Tears prick at the corners of your eyes and you watch him through the blissful haze as he closes his eyes to savor the taste.

It’s a mix of you and him, and watching him lap at you like a thirsty man desperate for a drink is sinful. He’s so good. So beautiful like this. Devoted just to you the way no other man ever has been before.

Outside, you can hear the sound of Hugh calling for everyone’s attention. Your heart leaps into your throat. He’ll be furious if you’re not there. If he has to find you. And if he finds you with Harry?

You don’t have any more time. You have to go. Right now. But you’re so close, and Harry isn’t stopping, and you just need to finish, you just need…need—

You cum for the third and final time with a rather lewd and anguished moan.

Instantly, you start to slump forward as Harry leaps to his feet in order to keep you upright.

“That’s my girl,” he coos. “There you go. I’ve got you. S’okay.”

Your vision is fuzzy as you grip onto his shoulders for balance, the taste of the orgasm still bleeding along your tongue. 

But you can’t bid him goodbye just yet. So, you rip the tie from your mouth and kiss him. Drowning in the taste of him and you together. And nothing else really matters except his hands and the way they hold you close. 

“Good boy,” you exhale after you’ve pulled apart.“Knew you could do it.”

He only grins.

The two of you quickly work to redress, pulling on your clothes and shoes while Harry’s cum continues to streak down your thighs. It seems he didn’t get it all, and the realization that you’ll have to go out there with him still snug inside your cunt makes your stomach flutter.

When Harry notices your surprised expression, he winks. “Wanna make sure you’re thinking of me when you’re standing next to him.”

You scoff. But deep down, you know you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Harry helps you secure the tie back around your neck, effectively covering the hickeys he so generously left for you to find later. And you make sure to brush back his curls so they look a little more tame before swiping your thumb across his chin to collect what’s left of you.

And once you’ve finally gathered yourself, you move for the door, only stopping to give him one last glance.

“This was nice,” you tell him honestly. “Just make me a deal, okay?”

His eyebrow raises.

“Next time? Don’t wait so long.”

With that, you’re out the door. Leaving the breathless man behind. But you know it certainly isn’t the last time you’ll see him. After all, the summer is far from over.

And you’re just getting started.

HI!!! I just wanted to say that even though we have a Hugh Hefner in this story, I don't consider it to be the same one as the real one! I used his name because he's so famously associated with Playboy but I do not agree with or condone anything that he's done or how he treated people!

I am only using his name, but please imagine anyone you'd like! 💞

~ Main Masterlist

Taglist: @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @keepdrivingkisses @swiftmendeshoran @tiredinwinter @straightontilmornin

@justlemmeadoreyou @harrysdaydreams @tiaamberxx @myfavfanficsever @littlenatilda

@vamprry @fdl305 @ssaama @indierockgirrl @likeapplejuicenpeach

@lukesaprince @closureesny @lc-fics @0nlythrowharrybeaux @hannahdressedasabanana

@dylanobandposts21 @butdaddyilovehim-hs @floral-recs @itjustkindahappenedreally @samanddeaninatrenchcoat

Last year, you were woken up by a lick to the face. You grumbled and told Harry to piss off thinking it was him playing daft games, but you were so wrong. Opening your eyes, you found a puppy French bulldog with a pink bow on top of its head, your birthday alarm clock and, as you'd come to find out, your gift.

Harry was kneeling on the floor by your side of the bed with the puppy in his hands, and a bright grin on his face as he held the cutie pie for you to take. He watched you fall in love with Pinky, the name you quickly coined her thanks to the bow on her head. It’s yours and Harry's shared favourite colour, too.

You peppered her with kisses, and then did the same all over Harry's face. Pinky got in on the action, landing slobbery ones on your cheek and her dad's; the two of you soon cuddled up in bed with her while cooing over one another and your new pet.

A smile stretches your face now thinking about that, and where the pair of them are guaranteed to be. The kitchen, with Harry no doubt feeding Pinky a ridiculous amount of food like always. He can’t say no to her. Or you, for that matter.

The year before last, you and Harry were in Positano, a birthday trip instead of a birthday present. The gift came from not only the beautiful Italian village, but from Harry getting down on one knee at the foot of the bed the second the clock turned midnight on your day. A beautiful moonstone ring in a black velvet box glinted up at you, just like his eyes and smile did as he recited pure poetry before asking you to marry him.

You said yes before he could even finish asking the question, which made you both laugh and kiss like lovesick fools. Harry paused to slide the ring on your finger, but quickly resumed peppering every inch of your face between mumbling sweet nothings and love confessions.

A few days later, you tied the knot just the two of you in a quiet ceremony on the beach. It was truly perfect. Everything that Harry has made your life since he shone his way into it ten years ago.

Over the last decade, every birthday of yours has been a memorable and special one thanks to him that there's no way you can dislike the occasion anymore. You even count down to it now, something Harry promised would happen before the first one you'd spend together.

“Learn to love 'em, babe, 'cause I’ll be going all the fuck out every damn time.”

And he’s stayed true to his word. He really does go all the fuck out for your day, whether it be proposals, pets or other kinds of presents. Everything is thoughtful, with meaning attached that makes you melt. Harry's a sentimental sweetheart. He made you a romantic too, and what he’s got planned for this occasion now has you sitting up straight in bed, excitement coursing through you as you wait for his eventual return.

You did your morning bathroom routine super fast, climbing back under the covers once done feeling giddy, an emotion heightened by Harry whistling. You caught wind of it after poking your head out the bedroom door to see if you could hear what he was up to, but all you got was the staple sound in your house. It made you grin a mile wide like it always does.

It’s been ten minutes since you got back into bed, your fingers now impatiently drumming against the duvet. The faint whistling you heard now growing louder makes you stop though, the tune along with soft footsteps stealing your breath and stretching your lips into a smile. Here he comes.

“Go downstairs, Pinky baby." You hear him speak in a hushed tone, evidently not alone on his trip from downstairs to up, "You can say happy birthday to Mumma in a bit. Daddy needs to say it first, okay?”

You can't help but laugh at how cute he and the little rivalry he has with Pinky is. He gets needy whenever you show her affection, and she does the same when you give Harry it. It’s like tug-of-war sometimes, but you love them both, and they love each other, too.

Pinky’s paws trotting away are followed by thundering thuds down the steps. Harry chuckles, no doubt watching her awkwardly bound down them like she always does.

Picturing him makes your grin grow so much your cheeks ache. A part of you is a little worried that when he waltzes through into the bedroom, your smile might actually make your face split in half.

A few more footsteps, and then they’re stopping at the door. You can see his shadow beneath it.

“Is my birthday girl awake?”

You can hear the smirk, the question coming because he knows you are. He probably heard your excited footsteps in the bathroom from where he was downstairs.

Biting your bottom lip to stifle your grin proves pointless. It doesn’t work. It never does with Harry around.

“No.”

The sound of laughter from him rings out. You just know that the corners of his eyes are all crinkled in the way you love so much. His dimples will be popping. Adorable bunny teeth out, too.

“Oh good. That’ll save me telling you to close your eyes, then.”

You giggle and close them, your fingers pressed to your smiling mouth. You sit up a little straighter against the headboard, a beat of silence passing by. Harry’s letting you get prepared.

“Are they closed?”

“Course they are. I told you I’m asleep.”

Another chuckle before the door opens and shuts, your sweet husband now in the room and the space lit up by his sunshine presence. You can feel his eyes on you, his stare so loving even if you can’t see it. You’re still smiling, and you’d bet your life that Harry is, too.

“Funny position for you to be sleeping in, birthday babe. Maybe that’s a side effect of growing another year older.”

“It must be, yeah.” You giggle, “Can I wake up now? Missed your face.”

Another chuckle from him, “Yes you can. Lemme see those pretty eyes.”

Following instructions, darkness transitions to light in the form of Harry. He’s still standing by the bedroom door, but you stop smiling. Your jaw has hit the floor.

You expected to find him in an old ratty t-shirt and grey sweatpants, his usual around-the-house attire, but that’s not the case. Instead, you’re looking at an Adonis dressed in your white faux fur coat and pink sequin shorts.

Nothing else covers his beautiful body that’s more chiselled than ever from his recently upped workout routine. His skin is still tan from the holiday to Barbados that you both took together last month, a few new freckles and black ink tattoos popping more so than usual. You’ve seen them, and his figure, a million times, but you’re forever amazed. It always, somehow, feels like the first time.

You’re greedy with your gaze — which is always the case — as you drink in every stunning inch of him. From his hair that’s started to grow a little unruly, the curls coming back in full force from their previous cropped state to the point they now flop over his forehead, his gorgeous greens and shining smile, Harry is the best gift there is.

And while you could stare at him all the way through to your next birthday and beyond, you attention flits to the plated birthday cake he carries. Baby pink candles decorate it, all of them lit and matching the icing-covered sponge.

“Happy Birthday, baby.”

Your eyes meet his, his smile as sweet as the dessert he holds in one hand. Your mouth closes, a hard swallow following. Every bit of you is tingling at the sight of him. At the fact that this man is all yours.

“God, you look so fucking good.”

Harry chuckles, shifting to rest his free hand on his hip. The little pose makes you grin, his own lips curved into a crooked smile while the apples of his cheeks blush until they’re matching the cake.

“Thought I’d make an effort for your special day. You like?”

“I love. Although you could wear a bin bag and you’d still steal my breath.”

Closing the gap between you and him, a beaming Harry crouches down by the side of the bed, the cake extended your way. He’s got nothing but pure love in his gaze for you; the emotion enhanced by the flickering candles.

A nudge of his chin toward you, eyes fixed and firm on your own, “Make a wish, my love.”

There’s no need for that. You’ve got all you could ever want in the form of Harry, but you’ll indulge him. You can never say no.

Closing your eyes again and blowing out the candles in one, you can still see his smile. You feel it next, Harry reaching up to press his lips against yours once the flames are extinguished, a gentle hum from both of you at the feeling. A fire igniting in a different kind of way.

Your lids flutter open, his grin in all its glory glowing, “Another year older. Another year more beautiful.”

Blush coats your cheeks now, eyes rolling as though embarrassed. You never could be, though. His compliment of calling you beautiful, something that you hear daily, never fails to make your stomach flutter. Right now is no exception.

“What did you wish for?”

Sending him a smirk, you shrug, “You know the rules. I can’t tell you or it won’t come true, will it?”

The cake is set down on the bedside table quickly, Harry making fast work of climbing onto the bed. His knees rest either side of your calves, hands splayed against the mattress by your hips, and he eyes you up mischievously.

“And you know the rules, too. Whatever my wife wants, my wife gets.”

You tilt your head. Purse your lips. Body tingling some more from the suggestive lilt in his voice.

“Is that so?”

“Mhm. ‘Specially on her birthday.” He nods, a hand of his coming to peel back the covers you’re under.

They wander to his favourite place: your cunt. Your breath catches as he skirts his fingers under the hem of one of his t-shirts that you stole years ago to sleep in, his movements teasing as he trails them between your thighs that part so naturally for him.

“So try me, darling.” He furthers, head cocked. Smile cheeky, “Tell me your wish.”

It’s getting hard to think with the way Harry touches you, but you do have a response for him. It's something you’ve both talked about once recently, but it was only in a casual sort of way.

He pauses his movements, waiting for your answer. You swallow hard, nervous to say it, despite that fact that there’s absolutely no reason to be whatsoever. Nothing you could ever confess would lead to an argument or awkwardness.

It’s just you sometimes still get a little shy around Harry, even after all these years. You can’t help it, and neither can he. It’s those gorgeous eyes of his that cause it. God damn him.

“I wished that this birthday would be the last one as just us three.” You finally admit, voice a whisper.

His eyes widen a little, what you’re implying quickly realised, “You want a baby?”

You nod fast, heart hammering hard, “I do. I really, really do. But only if that’s what you want, too.” You add fast, panicking a little, “I’m serious, H. There’s no pressure or rush. I love it as just me, you and Pinky, and I don’t want you to say yes to it just because I-”

“That’s what I want.” He cuts you off fast, his smile now the widest you’ve ever seen from him, “I want a baby, too.”

And just like that, you’re smiling the widest you think you ever have too, “You do?”

“I do. Fuck, I really, really do.” Harry parrots while nodding sincerely, his aura bright and giddy.

He shuffles back on his knees, ripping the covers off of you the rest of the way. A shocked giggle explodes from you upon him grabbing your legs and yanking you until you’re lying flat against the mattress, his body slotted between your thighs, torso hovering over you, hands either side of your head and eyes piercing your own.

“Can I show you how much I want it?” He asks, tone breathy and beautiful, “Can I make your wish come true?”

You smooth your hands up his faux fur coat-covered arms, linking them around the back of his neck with a smirk, “Yes, please.”

Capturing your lips in a slow and deep kiss steals your breath and sends your mind spinning. Harry teases you with his tongue, little licks of it against yours that makes you whimper before they move in perfect, pornographic motion together. Your whole body pulses, a second heartbeat between your legs that hammers as hard as the one in your chest.

He breaks his lips away from yours, trailing them across your cheek, down your jaw and onto your neck. His right hand leaves the pillow your head rests on to roam your torso, flitting between squeezing the full mounds of your tits covered in his t-shirt, and pinching your nipples that are peaked against it.

You arch into his palm, panting and whining already. Your reaction pulls from Harry a groan and a grin, both things felt against your skin that he’s marking up with his love.

“Pretty noises from my pretty baby.” He mumbles, continuing his lip’s journey down to your fondled chest.

Kissing over your right breast, a playful pause is taken before he’s lightly tugging your hardened nipple with his teeth. Another loud moan slips past your parted lips, but Harry simply smirks and moves on like nothing happened.

He’s at your stomach while you try and recalibrate, although that’s harder to do so now that he’s pulled your — his — top up. Harry stares at your soft tummy with a glint in his darkened eyes that you watch drift closed, a gentle kiss pressed to your skin next that causes butterflies to flutter right where his lingering lips touch you.

“Can’t wait to fuck one into here.”

You’re whimpering from his mumbled words and magic touch, the sound earning a bigger smirk and Harry’s eyes on yours. He looks up at you through his lashes as he kisses his way down to your underwear, a finger on each of his hands hooking under the waistband to take them off for you.

You help out, lifting your hips, and he sits back on his ankles after tugging the cotton briefs down to yours. Once off, the material is tossed behind him, and his hands are on your knees, prying them further apart. His breath and a groan catches in his throat, a devilish look in his eyes as he looks at your glistening cunt like a man starved.

“Fucking hell, darling. Just as wet as always, if not more.”

His tease only makes your chest rise and fall faster. Your hips writhing pathetically. Your mind growing foggier.

Harry grins at you, palms sliding up the inside of your thighs, pushing them gently until they’re spread as far as possible. He bites his bottom lip, exhaling through his nose as he stares at your dripping core.

He’s there for a long second, soaking in your soaked centre, before he’s looking back up at you. A full body shudder wrecks through you, his eyes so intense. So intimidating. You feel shy all over again.

“What caused such a mess, hm?” He coos, cadence as cocky as his grin, “Was it the cake? My outfit? My mouth and tongue?”

You nod fast and desperately, gulping hard, “All of it, including your words.”

“Yeah?” Harry cocks his head with a smirk, “Which ones? The ones telling you I want to fuck a baby into your belly?”

You quickly nod again, swallowing hard, “Yes, those ones.”

He ducks down to press his lips to your right thigh, sucking and nipping the skin as he makes his way up it to the apex, where he stops with a grin. Your head spins. Your heart races. Your chest tight from how heavy you breathe. Your pussy fluttering around nothing.

“It’s true.” He mumbles matter-of-factly, pulling his mouth away to give you his Cheshire Cat smile in all its glory, “I want you full of my come. Want to fuck it so deep inside of you. Been thinking about it for years.”

Neither of you have experienced sex together without a condom before. You’ve never been on the pill because you’ve never wanted to be, and Harry has always been fine with that; more than happy to wear protection the whole relationship.

But now, at the prospect of no protection at all, you moan. Nod once more, as well.

“Me too. It’s gonna feel so good… us fucking raw.”

Harry groans, his eyes rolling back a little, “God, I fucking love you.”

“I love yo- oh my god!”

Your words transition into a deep moan, because he’s ducked his head down and latched his mouth onto your clit. He sucks it harshly, simultaneously twirling his tongue around the sensitivity in slow, languish circles that make your hips move the same way. All actions carried out just the way you like. The way that makes you see stars.

Harry, without his lips leaving your body, grabs your legs and throws them over his shoulders, the back of your knees on top of them and calves, ankles and feet against the fluffy coat that’s on his back. The soft material so comforting. The fact he’s still wearing it so arousing.

His hands move to grip your gyrating hips, firmly pinning them down against the mattress as he feasts on you. You’re nothing but broken breaths and staggered moans, your fingers threaded through his curls while he laps at your cunt; eyes dilated with desire on yours all the while.

You can see the corner of his lips lifted into a well-pleased smirk, but that expression disappears fast. A sharp tug from his hands on your body pulls you further onto his mouth, needing more of you. All of you. His broad nose pressed to your skin so flush you know he’s struggling to breathe, but you also know that that’s just how he likes it.

But soon enough, the tip of it slips from its home against you, your clit knocked and nudged as his tongue slips down through your slick folds to tease your entrance. He breathes you in deeply, the love for your scent pulling a guttural groan from him that makes it harder for you to breathe.

Harry eats you out with all he has, and you know he’s only just getting started. He’s licking up every morsel of arousal you body has given him so far, but you know he wants more.

His stifled breaths leave his nostrils in short and sharp bursts that tickle you in a way that turns you on more, the struggle to keep still as his tongue now plunges into your cunt real. The air is full of nothing but your moaned whimpers and his hums of satisfaction. Harry’s enjoying his favourite taste, and you’re enjoying being his favourite meal.

You can feel your orgasm building, your toes curling against his back in that pleasantly painful sort of way. You’ve got your fingers running through and pulling at his hair, your chest heaving with heavy breaths.

He pulls back, eyes still locked, and you’re met with his grin. One that glistens with your juices. His hands leave your hips, the index and middle fingers on his right hand now lightly teasing your hole that his tongue was just exploring.

“You know what I’m gonna make you do, don’t you, baby?”

You nod fast, pushing up and resting on your elbows, body pulsing and ready to give him it. It doesn’t happen all the time, and it isn’t always a goal whenever you’re intimate, but you know Harry loves it as much as you do.

“I do. Are you ready for it, though?”

The slight brattiness to your response makes Harry kiss his teeth, his head shaking in a playfully disapproving way. You know it’s coming, but feeling his fingers quickly push inside, stuffing you full, still surprises you. Any cockiness from you snuffs out fast, a deep moan rattling through you replacing.

“Wanna give me that attitude again?” He throws back, fingers curved and stroking your g-spot to the point your legs are shaking and you can’t think, never mind speak.

A beat of silence aside from the sloppy wet sounds of your cunt that he continues to coax, and the whines from you over how good it feels. He smirks, proud, “That’s what I thought.”

He doesn’t stop curling the pads in a come hither motion, but he does shift to thrust his fingers in and out of you at the same time, too; your walls clenching around them and your thighs tensing and trembling. You fist the sheets, head tossed back, and eyes wired shut.

“You’ve soaked my mouth ‘n fingers, baby.” He coos, your chin meeting your chest and eyes opening up to find Harry watching his fingers fuck into you fast.

He looks up when he feels you looking, though, a gorgeous smile on his still glossy lips. “But I want it all over my tongue, chin, chest…”

Latching his tongue to your clit again makes your hips jerk upwards, a mind of their own. You’re clutching his hair with one hand, keeping his mouth on your cunt. Harry groans at the feeling and desperation of you, his fingers and tongue working in tandem to make that knot in your stomach come undone.

The noises you make aren’t far off from screams, the pleasure almost overwhelming. You can feel a warmth rushing through you entirely before it’s hitting right between your legs in an explosive way. Your body tremors, your cunt clamping around his fingers as you come hard.

Harry knows what’s happening as much as you do, so he pulls his mouth away from your cunt, and sits back a little to watch it with his tongue out flat. You cry out loud as you gush around his fingers that continue to fuck you fast, waves of your release getting into his mouth as much as it covers his chin and chest.

“Fuckin’ perfect.” You hear Harry through the roaring sound in your ears, his words a little garbled thanks to a mouth full of your arousal.

He sits back further, looking down at your cunt that he still fucks with his fingers, only it’s slower now. He, like always, rides you through the rest of your high; the bed sheets beneath you soaked through from it.

His eyes meet yours, a smirk forming after he swallows down what you gave him. Your vision grows hazier witnessing that. The dripping mess you’ve made of him so hot.

“You did so fucking good, baby.” Harry praises, a fire lit within you hearing such sweet words.

Despite your shakiness and the fact you’re pretty much spent, you pull yourself to sit up straight, jellied legs leaving his shoulders to lie on the bed. Knowing you as well as he does, Harry meets you in the middle, kissing you as hard as you kiss him.

Tasting yourself on his tongue and lips makes you mewl, your mouth and chin soon as soaked his. The pair of you hum and moan at the sweetness and dirtiness of it all, lazy smiles appearing.

As you suck on his tongue, he slips his fingers out of you. The empty feeling from their disappearance hits hard, and you already need to be full of him again; Harry told this with a small whimper than he catches in his mouth.

Pulling back, he grins at you and shakes his head, “You’re still trembling from the first orgasm, and you already want another? You that desperate for me to fill you up?”

“Yes.” You throw back fast, your first words spoken in a while rough and ready.

Harry smirks, running his eyes over your lips and chin before he’s nudging your nose with his own, “You look so good covered in your own come, my love, but you’re gonna look even better when you’re fucked full of mine.”

He pulls back and jerks his chin forward, an arrogant glint in his eyes that you fucking adore, “Take your shirt off.”

It’s yanked up and off your body while Harry climbs off the bed to stand at the foot of it, his back still wearing the faux fur coat now facing you. He turns around quickly though, his eyes drawn between looking at your tits and cunt before he’s back to meeting your gaze; smirking all the while.

He watches you watch him as he pulls down the sequin shorts, the material pooling to the hardwood flooring and his cock springing free fast. It stands thick and hard, his tip leaking precome resting against the well-groomed happy trail along his lower stomach, right between the fern tattoos that you’ve spent hours touching, kissing and licking. The veins along his length are prominent from how hard he is, his balls full and heavy-looking that you want to drain so badly.

Harry starts to shake the fur coat off, but your eyes widening and head shaking slightly makes him pause. Makes him grin.

“You want me to leave it on, don’t you?”

There’s a cheeky lilt to his voice, one you can’t help but grin at, “Is that a problem?”

“I’ve already told you.” Harry coos as he walks towards you, “Whatever my wife wants, my wife gets.”

Stopping at your side of the bed, he spits on his right palm before wrapping it around his shaft that he slowly strokes. A few shallow breaths leave his lips as he fights his lids, the pleasure he gives himself overwhelming. You feel and do the same just from watching him.

Letting go of his cock a few pumps later, Harry leans down, grabs your hips and pulls you down the bed a little. He turns you around until your legs dangle off the side, your head and back flat against dry duvet, and then slots himself between your parted thighs.

Hovering above you with his hands either side of your shoulders, there’s a delicate but dangerous look in his eye as he looks all over your naked body. A low whistle sounds out. A dizzy head shake happening.

“You’re so fucking beautiful.” He coos, your hands snaking up to lock around his neck and his gorgeous gaze fixing on yours once more, “You’ll be even more breathtaking when you’re pregnant, too. You know that, right?”

You bite your bottom lip, smile aching. Cheeks blushing, “You think so?”

“I know so.” He replies with a tone of absolution, his eyes bouncing between your own before he’s looking down at your stomach, “So excited to see your belly swell up, and your tits grow so big and full of milk. Gonna be hard to keep me off you, pretty mama.”

“Mm, make me one, Harry.” Your words earn his attention, your body wriggling with want and desire that charges through you, “Fuck a baby into me. Fill me up, please. I need it. Need you.”

A delicious groan leaves his lips. You can feel his cock that rests against your stomach harden even more. Twitching from your words. A bead of precome blurting out and pooling onto your skin.

Harry moves to stand upright, his hands taking a hold of your legs. He bends you into an L-shaped position, your thighs and calves against torso, ankles anchored over his shoulders and feet linking behind his head.

He takes a hold of his cock, running the silky smooth skin of his shaft through your drenched folds. A hiss and moan leaves both of you at the feeling of your hot, wet skin touching nakedly.

“Really wanted to take my time with this… fucking you raw.” Harry hums as he teases you with his cock by tauntingly tapping your clit with his tip a few times. Your body jerks. Breath falters some more, “But I don’t think I can. Need to fuck my load into you more than anything.”

“So do it, Harry.” You pant, trembling from his words and teasing, “No more teasing. Give me all you’ve got.”

The feeling of his length slipping from between your puffy lips into your dripping hole with complete ease completely catches you off guard again. You fully expected him to drag it out despite his words, but here he is: hands back to gripping your hips pulling you to meet the slick stroke until he’s filled you balls deep.

Nothing but air lives in your head. Euphoria pouring from every pore. Sex with Harry has always always always been out-of-this-world incredible, but this is already on a whole other level.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” He mutters through a clenched jaw, his wet chin meeting his wet chest; your arousal still glistening on both areas.

His eyes are wired shut while yours remain open. You’re too lost in taking in the beauty that is his reaction of feeling your pussy hugging him without a barrier for the first time ever.

Harry flutters them open a moment later, showing you onyx pupils while his chest rises and falls fast, much like your own. He finds you smiling dizzily up at him, your head nodding in total understanding of what he’s feeling, because you feel it too. He’s lost for words, but he doesn’t need them. You’ve got him.

“I know.”

Turning his head, he presses a lazy and smirking kiss to your ankle before he’s withdrawing slowly. A gasp leaves your lips at his movements, them stopping when nothing but his tip left in.

His eyes catch sight of the cake on the bedside table, and you immediately know what’s coming next. You know Harry like the back of your hand. You could recognise the light bulb moment and wicked look on his face from a mile away.

Harry proves your theory correct. He leans over to grab the plate, placing it down on the bed beside you. The way he smirks has you clenching around his tip.

“Made this cake for you myself, y’know?”

Your head is spinning. Heart hammering in anticipation, “Yeah?”

“Mhm. I know you’ve got such a sweet tooth, just like me.”

He nudges his head towards the cake. Eyes on you all the while. Smirk never faltering.

“You wanna taste? I’ve had my fix of sweetness. In fact…” he wets his bottom lip, lapping up any remnants on your come still there, “I can still taste it.”

You nod fast, “Please.”

A grinning Harry grabs a healthy helping, his fingers immediately covered in frosting and sponge. The cake brought to your mouth; the glint in his eye mischievous.

“Open up, baby.”

You do as you’re told, a chunk of it gently fed to you. You hum at how good it tastes while chewing, eyes on his while you swallow it down.

“Good girl.” He coos, another mouthful of sponge still held in hand, “How’s it taste?”

You open you mouth to tell him, but Harry doesn’t give you a chance to. He fucks his cock back inside you in one hard and fast stroke, a moan from you hitting the air as his length hits you deep. You’re swept up in the sugar sweetness of the cake. The slick stretching feeling his bare cock gives while also kissing your sweet spot.

He grins and chuckles, pushing his hips forward some more even though there’s nowhere else to go. You’re so full of him, you swear you can feel him in your stomach.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He teases, and then pops the rest of the piece into his mouth before he starts to pound into you.

With every powerful thrust, your moans grow louder. Body jolts. Tits bounce. Pussy squeezes. Your eyes are fixed on Harry, who now swallows down the sponge, smirking still.

“Still not as sweet as you.” He coos, leaning forward, your legs moving and folding with him until your knees meet your chest and his cake-and-come covered lips meet your own.

The kiss is nothing but clashing teeth and tongues, the taste of frosting and your arousal a delicious mix. Harry fucks you hard, his cock hitting even deeper with the position. All you can do is moan into his mouth and let him catch every one, your hands drifting between fisting his soft hair and the faux fur coat.

You’re both growing sweatier by the second, the heat of his body swamped in the thick material pressed against you and the fast pace he fucks you in the reason. It’s a good thing, though. The pair of you love it as messy as possible.

Harry pulls his mouth away, latching it onto your neck instead. He sucks the skin beneath your lobe, and you clench harder around his cock from the feeling.

“You’re fucking me so good, H.” You pant, your fingers stroking through his locks, “Should’ve done this years ago.”

He laughs against you before looking up, lopsided smile lush and lethal, “Never gonna stop now. Gonna want to fuck you raw for the rest of our lives. Have you pregnant all the time.”

“Gotta get me pregnant for the first time before all that.” You tease, bringing your lips to ghost against his, “C’mon, Harry. Make yourself a daddy.”

He groans gorgeously, his thrusts quickening and growing rougher, “You can’t just handle my cock inside you, huh? You need my come, too?”

His words make you clamp around him again, an answer given with your body as he’s fucking the words right out of your mind. That only makes him grin, the expression as smug as it is sexy.

“That’s what I thought.” He murmurs arrogantly, lapping at his bottom lip before giving you a cheeky wink, “Let me fill this cunt and belly up for us, yeah? Make it all fed and happy.”

And he does. Harry keeps at it for a few more minutes, more dirty words exchanged between you both until your second orgasm hits hard, which triggers his first.

As you clamp and gush around him again, he spills his load, fucking it deep and hard inside of you, his gorgeous face contorting and stunning body hunching as he comes.

“Fuck, there we go.” He sighs, punctuating each word with a thrust, “Got you nice ‘n full. Gonna make it stick.”

And words like that damn near trigger a second orgasm from you before your first is even over.

The pair of you are too delirious to kiss, so you catch one anothers moans with blissed-out open mouths until you’ve both ridden through the highs and are left as nothing but breathless, sweaty messes completely spent.

He stays buried to the hilt, your cunt keeping him nice and warm while his cock keeps him seed from spilling out. You know that neither of you plan on moving for a while. You never do after sex, and given that this time round there’s a goal to achieve, you wouldn’t be surprised if you stay full of his length and load for hours.

“Well, you’ve only gone and done it.” You mumble moments later, your hands back to lazily stroking through his hair after the hard tugs they gave as you came.

Harry stops humming at the feeling, his head pulling back from where it nestled into the crook of your neck. His torso is still pressed against you, your legs still folded and touching your chest, but you don’t mind. You’re always happy to have him so close. To have him fill you up for as long as possible.

There’s a confused look in his eyes, and it’s also shown through his grin, “Done what? Knocked you up? I don’t think it works that fast, babe.”

“I’m not referring to that, silly.” You laugh.

His brow furrows as he cocks his head a fraction, “Then what are you referring to?”

And while Harry is perplexed, he’s also still madly in love with you. You can see it in his stare. His smile. You can feel it from his heart that beats fast against yours. It dizzies you, to be loved so fiercely. To love him just as fiercely,’too.

Instead of answering him right away, you turn your attention to the now mangled cake, an idea in mind. You swipe your finger along the top to collect some frosting, bring it to Harry’s lips to smear cream across the plump area.

That makes him chuckle, a sound you echo before it’s silenced when he’s pressing his mouth against yours. His lips taste as sweet as they look, but they’re always that way: cake or no cake.

You give his lips another chaste kiss before scooping some frosting for yourself. You suck and lick the cream off your finger, Harry watching you with a grin. With all the love in the world.

“Best birthday ever. That’s what.”

He laughs again, breathily. Beautifully, “Only the best for my girl. The fun’s only just getting started, too. Got so many more gifts for you, mama.”