excuse me for stating the obvious but like. james gunn outright calling superman an immigrant and doubling down on it when he got backlash (because he IS an immigrant, that's the point of superman) + the in-movie dialogue of "aren't you going to read me my rights?" "you're an extraterrestrial, son. you haven't got any rights to read." + the violence of his arrest and how they torture and mistreat him unapologetically, all under the guise of "protecting america", in a film releasing during the onslaught of violent ICE kidnappings and abuse... yeah it's really no wonder right-wing knobheads are crying about this being woke. they're being forced to look directly at the reasons one of the most well-known and beloved heroes of all time would not be on their side. and that's only ONE of the reasons this movie covers
CW: Minor jealousy, some anxiousness, shyness and a touch of panic.
Word Count: 6.4K
A/N: I am clearly tossing Zayn as a bestie in all my fics now sorry not sorry, Iâm so excited to get deeper into this story! I hope yâall enjoy!âš
Summary: You pay Harry a visit to his office and attend his fatherâs retirement partyâš
âGood morning Harry.â Harry smiles as Sydney, his secretary hands him a newspaper and his coffee before he enters his office.
âMorning Syd.â He replies with a polite nod as he folds the paper under his arm and pushes open the door with one hand, he notices a stack of things needing his signature already waiting for him on his desk and he canât help but let out a sigh as he sits down in his plush chair placing the newspaper next to the stack.
He brings his coffee up to his lips and takes a sip as he unfolds the paper so he can begin his morning routine, something about Harry is that he has always enjoyed taking the first five minutes out of his morning to drink his coffee and read the paper. Itâs something he got from his father, who refuses to start his day without at least getting a small glimpse of the business section of the paper. But when Harry opens the paper he feels his eyes go wide and his mug nearly slips out of his hand as he reads in big block letters at the top of the page âFuture Mr & Mrs. Styles due to wed before the month endsâ.
Right below the announcement is a photo of you and then a photo of him with details about the two of you including some facts about how the two of you have been distant acquaintances for years, and how you ran into each other recently and started a whirlwind romance and it all has Harryâs head spinning and his chest feeling tight. He hears the faint sound of voices outside his office but his eyes canât tear themselves away from the paper in his hand, he reads it again and again thinking that maybe heâs getting the names wrong but then he looks at the photos, your photo and he canât help but just stare at it.
Youâre smiling and look perfectly put together but then his eyes go to the photo of him that looks like they just took the one from Styles & COâs website so he has his glasses on and he looks professional enough but not nearly as well polished looking compared to you. The differences in the photos have him wondering if thatâs what the two of you look like when standing next to each other in real life. Does he look disheveled even in his well fitting trousers and dress shirts just because heâs standing next to you, a woman who oozes confidence and is effortlessly charismatic?
âI promise you he is expecting me.â Harry is snapped out of his thoughts as he hears what he swears is your voice outside his door. âLetâs just go in ask him shall we?â Before he can even place his coffee down his office door is opening and youâre walking in with an annoying looking Sydney close behind.
âHarry I told her you were busy but she demanded that she see you-said you were expecting her.â Sydney explains as she rushes to stand next to his desk, a move that you immediately take as her trying to show you how close she is with him.
âDid you just call him Harry?â You ask with a hint of confusion in your gentle tone as you quirk an eyebrow at his secretary who just opens her mouth to say something but you shake your head and hold a hand up. âYou know what itâs not important.â You say with a soft smile as you watch her cheeks turn pink before you turn your attention to Harry who is still holding his coffee in one hand and the newspaper in the other and a dazed look in his eye.
âI can call security if youâd like.â Sydney tells Harry as she turns so sheâs facing him, you watch her lean over and place a hand on his shoulder. âThey can be here in two minutes.â You let out a laugh as you walk to the front of Harryâs desk, his eyes are glued on you as you place your purse down in one of the seats across from where heâs currently sitting. You place a hand on top of his desk so you can lean over and gently take the newspaper out of his hand and hold it out so his secretary can get a good look at the page he was reading.
âUhm thank you Sydney but thereâs no need for security.â Harry says calmly, you watch the girls face drop as she scans the page of the paper before looking at Harry who is still looking at you almost as if heâs not fully convinced heâs not dreaming.
âSorry maâam I didnât know-heâs never mentioned you before.â You give her a polite smile and a nod as you place the paper down on Harryâs desk, not missing the slight edge to her voice.
âLikewise.â Your voice is as smooth and sweet as ever, giving the appearance that her never having heard of you doesnât bother you a bit because in reality it doesnât. The thing that does bother you in this moment is how overly friendly she is with Harry who is all but oblivious to whatâs going on right in front of him. You watch her smile falter for a brief moment as her hand slips off Harryâs shoulder while you cross your arms over your chest and sit on the edge of his desk.
âIâll uhm leave you two alone then.â She mumbles as she turns and rushes out of the office, you roll your eyes when you hear the door click shut.
âI think she has a crush on you.â You tease lightly as you slide off his desk, fixing the skirt of your dress before walking around to stand right next to him.
âIâm sorry wha-what did you say?â Harry stutters as he turns his head to look at you making you smile as you place a hand on the arm of his chair giving it a little push so you can squeeze your way to standing right in front of him.
âGood morning.â Your soft voice has Harryâs heartbeat slowly going back to normal as you make yourself comfortable sitting on his desk, making sure not to bother his stack of paperwork or his mug of coffee. âYou look handsome today.â Your hands reach out and mess with his tie, his eyes drop down to your hands and he feels his cheeks get hot as your eyes roam over his outfit.
âThank you uhm you-you look very nice today I uh like your dress.â He tries his hardest not to sound so flustered but he canât help it, you look as if you belong there, sitting on his desk with his knees on either side of your thighs and a soft smile on your face while you adjust his tie and smooth down the collar of his shirt.
âWell you know me. Iâm always trying to look good for my man.â The wink you send him has him swallowing thickly as he looks down at his lap. âOh come on let me have those eyes for a few minutes.â Your voice has that tone to it that has Harry instantly doing as you say, fixing his glasses before his eyes meet yours.
âI wasnât uh expecting you this morning.â
âI know Iâm sorry to just drop in like this but I figured youâd see the paper and have a bit of a freak out but it was your momâs idea to announce the engagement before the party tomorrow I just didnât realize she was going to do it in the newspaper.â Harry swears he is trying to pay attention to what youâre saying but when you bring a hand up and run it through his hair all while staring into his eyes itâs almost enough to have him backing away and turning his chair towards his computer to get some relief from your suddenly overwhelming presence.
âItâs uhm okay you-youâre welcome here any-anytime.â You smile as Harryâs hands grip the arms of his chair. âMy mom did this? The uh newspaper announcement?â You just give him a little nod and rest your hands on the tops of his shoulders, he feels the tension begin melting away with the warmth of your hands.
âShe did-I told her to just let us announce it tomorrow but she mentioned something about the board being there and they might think itâs a little suspicious to announce an engagement the same night as a retirement.â Your hands begin to gently rub the tops of his shoulders as you explain his motherâs reasoning to the giant announcement in the paper, Harry doesnât even notice heâs pushing his chair closer to you so you can move your relaxing touches down the sides of his arms.
âSuspicious? Why would they think itâs suspicious? They-they donât care about when or who I marry they just need me to be married before theyâll accept my new role in the company.â You give him a look as the words come tumbling out of his mouth and he knows he probably said something he shouldnât have when you remove your hands from his arms.
âIf they donât care who you marry then maybe you should go ask your lovely secretary Sydney out there to be your wife.â You tell him with a slight edge to your soft voice that has Harryâs heart dropping to his stomach as you cross your arms over your chest and break the eye contact the two of you have been maintaining this whole time, opting to look over at the wall his bookshelf is on instead. âIâm sure sheâd love the opportunity to-â
âI donât-donât want anyone else.â You have to hold off your smile as Harry stands up and with a shaky hand reaches for your arm. âI want you to-to be my wi-wife and Iâm sorry I said they donât care-they do they want me with someone who-who can handle the kind of uh pressure that comes with being with uhm a ceo and uh youâre per-perfect.â His words come out in an awkwardly slow pace and he stutters a bit but you feel a sense of pride start to blossom in your chest at how he was able to still get his point across, something you can tell he isnât quite comfortable doing, at least not yet.
âYou donât want anyone else? You want me?â You ask as you turn your head to face him as his hand loosely wraps around your arm.
âYes I just want you n-no one else.â Harry feels a wave of relief wash over him when he watches a smile work its way onto your face as your eyes stare into his.
âYou know for someone who wants me so badly you havenât even gotten me a ring yet.â You tell him with a teasing tone that has him feeling a warmth spreading from his neck up to his face. âOr proposed.â Itâs the playful smile you give as you look up at him that has Harry nearly dropping to his knees right in front of you and offering to get you whatever ring you want as long as youâll agree to be his.
âIâll get you a ring.â You let out a soft chuckle at how serious his voice is as you place your hands on his chest, you open your legs just a bit and Harry without even realizing it steps between them causing your dress to rise up to the middle of your thighs.
âI know you will.â You give his chest a gentle pat as his hand drops from your arm and lands on his desk only an inch away from your thigh. âYou really donât see it do you?â Harry quirks an eyebrow at you as his pinky rubs against the soft material of your dress, you donât bring attention to it because in this moment you know Harry isnât aware of what heâs doing, too focused on making sure youâre not upset with him.
âSee what?â
âHow handsome you are.â
âOh uh I mean Iâm not that handsome.â
âSo youâre saying Iâm lying?â
âUh no-no thatâs not-â
âIâm just messing with you Harry.â He lets out a sigh as you give him a reassuring smile, he moves his hand from the desk and runs it through his hair. âYou are extremely handsome though.â You catch the way his cheeks flush a light shade of pink, you feel his hand fall down and rest on the top of your thigh and again you donât bring any attention to it because you want Harry to feel comfortable around you and a part of you likes the way his warm hand feels and arenât ready to have him move it just yet.
âYouâre very pretty.â You want to reach out and pinch his cheeks at how adorably flushed he looks after managing to get the words to come rushing out of his mouth all while having his eyes locked on yours.
âGod I could just eat you up.â You say with a soft laugh as you place a hand over his thatâs on your thigh, itâs in that moment that Harry realizes just how close he is to you and where exactly his hand is but you anticipated this, his face going red and the fumbling to try to move backwards to give you a little space while mumbling an apology so you are quick to reach out and place both hands on his face to keep him close.
âYouâre okay.â Harry swallows thickly as you bring a hand down and grab his so you can put it back on your thigh. âThis is okay Harry I swear Iâd tell you if it wasnât.â He just nods as he tries to get his nerves under control, the smile you give him tells him youâre being genuine.
âI uhm I donât want to make y-you uncomfortable.â He admits shyly while looking down and he has to fight the urge to close his eyes when he accidentally looks directly at your chest but he quickly corrects himself and glances down at your hand on his thatâs still resting on your thigh.
âYou donât make me uncomfortable Harry.â You reassure him by giving his hand a little squeeze and in a rare moment of bravery Harry lets his thumb gently rub at the soft fabric of your dress, not able to look you in the eye just yet, his stay locked on your small hand overtop his larger one and he finds himself oddly enjoying the size difference. âI should let you get back to work.â He swears he hears a tiny bit of a pout in your voice but heâs still not ready to look anywhere else but your hand on his to check.
âI donât have much to do to-today.â You smile as he adjusts his glasses before his eyes slowly make their way up to your face, his cheeks still dusted a light pink.
âI have a few errands to run before tomorrow.â He just nods as he moves back just a bit to give you room to slide off his desk, his hand briefly resting on your hip before he shoves it in his pocket, no longer trusting himself not to reach out and grab you so he can beg you to spend the day with him. Heâd let you sit on his desk or lounge on his leather sofa he doesnât think heâd care where you sit or stand as long as youâre nearby.
âOh okay.â You look up at him and give him that soft round eyed stare that he swears puts him in some sort of trance as you reach up and place your hands on his chest so you can use him for supper to get onto your tip toes and place a kiss to his cheek.
âIâll see you tomorrow but if you need anything call me okay?â All he can do is nod as he stands there frozen in place like a statue as he watches you move around to the front of his desk so you can grab your purse. âHave a good day hubby.â The wink sends him practically falling back into his chair, you let out an adorable little laugh as you open his office door.
âSee-see you tomorrow.â He manages to get out before you walk out of his office, as soon as he hears the door click shut he lets out a puff of air and leans his head back against his chair. âShe really might kill me.â He thinks to himself as he takes his glasses off and places them on his desk so he can run a hand over his face. âRight. Back to work Styles you have-things to do.â He mumbles as he puts his glasses back on and grabs the first few pieces of paper off the stack that need his approval and signature before being sent off to his father.
âHeâs all yours.â You tell his secretary that is sitting at her desk with a hard glare aimed directly at you. âBut Iâd give him a few minutes to-regroup before you go in there.â She makes a face of absolute disgust as a scoff falls from her mouth, but you know itâs really coming from a place of pure jealousy having dealt with people like her before you know exactly how to handle her.
As you walk towards the elevators you think maybe it was a little rude rubbing it in her face that Harry is off limits but then as you turn to look at her over your shoulder and watch her adjust her top making her cleavage be more on display before walking towards Harryâs door you being to think maybe you werenât clear enough and Sydney needs a harsher dose of reality.
âYouâve got to be kidding me.â You mumble as the elevator doors open just as she slaps on a fake smile and enters his office, you roll your eyes as you walk inside and press the button for the lobby deciding now isnât the time to deal with her, you have more important things to do. âWhat a bitch.â You think to yourself as you pull out your phone to text your driver that youâll be down soon.
âWait-they stayed on the whole time?â You let out a laugh as your assistant and long time friend Zayn holds out your earrings in his palm, his face holding a look of pure shock as you grab one of the small silver hoops.
âYes the whole time.â
âThey didnât fall off in the middle of it?â
âNope.â
âHowâs that possible? I mean youâre saying he bent you over the desk and his glasses never slipped off his face?â You just shrug as you grab the other hoop from his outstretched hand before walking around your kitchen gathering your phone and some chapstick to toss into your purse.
âHonestly I wasnât really focused on his glasses.â You shoot Zayn a wink making him roll his eyes as he leans against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest.
âSo it was good then?â He questions with a raised brow and you just nod as you mess with your phone. âLike good enough for you to want to maybe try it out in real life and not just in your dreams?â He adds and when he notices your cheeks get pink and you start to chew on your bottom lip he lets out a laugh because he knows youâre thinking about it, the dream you had last night of your future husband having his way with you in his office during a busy work day.
âI wouldnât be opposed to trying it out if he-â your words are cut off by someone clearing their throat causing you and Zayn to turn your head in the direction of the entryway to the kitchen.
âSorry I uhm didnât mean to interrupt.â Harryâs voice is low and a tad bit uneasy sounding as he looks down at his feet after holding your stare for less than a few seconds, just long enough for you to see his flushed cheeks and it has you looking over at Zayn who is too busy eyeing the tall green eyed man up and down to notice you shooting him a concerned look.
âOh youâre fine mate not interrupting anything.â Harry looks over at Zayn who offers him a smile as he pushes off the counter and walks over with his hand stretched out for Harry to shake. âIâm Zayn the assistant and bestfriend of your future Mrs over there.â He explains as Harry grabs his hand and gives it a firm shake that has Zayn looking over at you with a look of approval making you roll your eyes.
âNice to meet you.â Harry says politely and when he lets go of Zaynâs hand and turns to face you thatâs when you notice something is different about Harry and it has you letting out a small gasp as you place your phone on your counter.
âOh my god youâre not wearing your glasses.â This has Zayn biting back a snicker as he gives you a thumbs up on his way out of the kitchen giving you and Harry some much needed privacy.
Harry lets out a nervous chuckle as he rubs at the back of his neck while you give him a once over, his black suit is perfectly tailored and the silky red shirt he has underneath his jacket is a perfect match to the red of your dress. Your eyes roam over his face taking in his strong jaw and cheekbones, the usual light jade color of his eyes is now a deeper emerald green as they look into yours for less than a second. A grin takes over your face as you reach out and smooth the collar of his shirt down ignoring the butterflies that are going off in your tummy at how handsome he looks, a fact you know he probably isnât even aware of.
Harry swallows down his nerves as he watches your hands mess with his shirt, but then you make a slight humming sound as you take a half step backward to make sure everything is in place and he has to look down at his feet so you donât notice the redness creeping up his neck to his face. Itâs a noise that shouldnât bother him but it has his face heating up and his hands clenching into fists at his sides because it sounds too close to a noise heâs imagined you making several times now, often time while heâs alone with a hand wrapped around himself. The mixture of the humming sound and the fact he walked in on you and your assistant discussing a dream you had, a dream that he was in that involved you bent over a desk, is just a little too much for him and he isnât sure what to do with himself.
âYou look great.â Your words have Harry smiling at the ground. âThis is when youâre supposed to tell me how good I look too.â You softly tease making his head snap up as his eyes are wide when they finally find yours and before he can open his mouth to fumble his way through an apology you grab one of his hands in both of yours and gently run your thumbs over his knuckles. Harry swears you have some sort of magical powers because the moment he feels the soft touch of your hands and your eyes stare directly into his he feels every worry he had rushing through his mind fade away letting him focus on whatâs happening in this current moment.
âThere you are.â Your voice is soothing and a tad bit sweeter than normal and Harry knows itâs because youâre trying to get him to relax and he will be the first to admit itâs working. âThought I lost you there for a moment.â You joke as your thumbs continue their calming touches over his knuckles.
âSorry I uhm you just-â you stand there and watch as Harry takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly through his nose before he tries to speak again. âYou look beautiful.â His words come out more clearly and you smile as he even gives your hands a small squeeze.
âThank you. Iâm glad my man likes my outfit.â
âOh I uh have-have something for you.â You let go of his hand and quirk a brow as he pats at his jacket before sliding a hand into the inside pocket and when he pulls out a little box you feel your heart beat faster and your eyes go the tiniest bit wide. âI saw it and thought y-youâd like it.â He explains as he opens it before holding it out for you to see whatâs inside.
âHarry this,â your words get trapped in your throat as you reach out and grab the ring from the box, itâs a beautiful solitaire cushion cut diamond on a simple silver band and it has your eyes going glassy and a lump forming in your throat not just because itâs the prettiest ring youâve ever seen but because it made him think of you when he saw it. âItâs so pretty.â You whisper as you try to hold back your emotions, Harry feels a sense of pride wash over him and it makes him feel confident enough to place the empty box down on your counter so he can gently take the ring from your hand.
âI uh asked my mom to get your ring size so-so uhm hopefully it fits.â He says as you place your left hand in his so he can place the ring on your ring finger. âPerfect.â He mumbles as he slides the ring down so itâs snug against your knuckle, you have a grin on your face as the two of you look at the engagement ring on your finger.
âIâm glad you like it.â He says with a cheesy smile on his face, you securely wrap your hand around his and reach over and grab your purse.
âLetâs go show it off.â You shoot him a wink before leading him out of the kitchen towards your front entryway. Harry just lets you tug him along and before he knows it heâs sitting in the back of a car on the way to his fatherâs retirement party with your hand on his knee and the same silly smile on his face.
You can feel Harryâs anxiousness all the way from across the room as you stand with his mother and a few wives of people who work for the company. It doesnât take long for you to spot him, he has his back facing you as his dad reaches over and gives Harryâs arm a firm squeeze and if you werenât aware of how rude it would be to just exit your little gossip group youâd walk over and check on him. Anne catches your stare and has a smile on her face as she brings her glass of wine up to her lips.
âThe two of you look wonderful together.â She says before taking a sip. âThis is working out lovely. Heâs already looking more-sure of himself.â She adds making you smile as you look away from Harry and over at her.
âWell I donât know if I can take all the credit for that.â You joke as you grab a glass of champagne off a tray one of the waitresses is carrying around. âHeâs a very handsome and smart man so itâs not as if he has a lot of reasons not to be sure of himself.â Anne just nods as she turns to look at Harry, who is now standing there with a hand in his pocket while the other one holds a glass of whiskey thatâs still only half full even though the party has been going on for over an hour.
âHe may be smart and handsome but heâs also shy and second guesses himself constantly but-I donât know something is already different about him.â You take a sip of the bubbly liquid as she watches Harryâs eyes scan the room, his face expressionless until he finds you and then a smile creeps its way across his features and his eyes practically light up. âAnd itâs because of you.â She explains as she looks back over at you just as you turn your head and see Harry staring at you, his cheeks turn pink but he doesnât look away instead choosing to keep his eyes locked with yours.
âHi.â His voice is soft and warm as you stand in front of him, without any hesitation he reaches a hand out and brushes some hair behind your ear before resting it on your waist making you smile at how effortless that action seemed.
âOh better watch those hands Mr.- Iâm an engaged woman after all.â Harry laughs at your teasing words but doesnât rush to move his hand. âHow are you feeling? I thought your speech was great.â You tell him with a reassuring smile as your free hand reaches up and runs through his curls. Harry speech about taking his fatherâs place in the company was heartfelt and very nice, you felt proud of him for getting through the whole thing with only a few stutters and fumbled words.
âI uh feel fine I guess? Just a little anxious about the next steps thatâs all.â He feels himself relaxing as your hand rests on his chest, your fingertips lightly brushing the skin under his shirt where he has the first few buttons undone.
âNext steps with the company or-â
âMy dad gave us a houseâ Harryâs words cut you off making your eyes go wide as you try to take in what exactly he just said.
âA house?â Harry just nods as he brings his glass up to his mouth for a quick sip. âWhy did he give us a house?â You question making Harry shrug as his hold on your waist tightens just a small bit as he sees his father approaching the two of you.
âIf it isnât the happy couple.â You drop your hand from Harryâs chest so you can turn around and face Edward, Harryâs father who is staring at the two of you with a smile on his face. âHas he told you about the early wedding present?â
âThe house? Yes actually he just told me about it and Iâm not sure what to say.â Harryâs hand moves to your lower back as he takes a step so heâs now standing next to you.
âNo need to say anything itâs our old summer estate we used to go there a lot but now itâs not really getting the use it deserves so I thought it would be a great little love nest for the two of you.â You have to hold back on letting out a laugh because the way Harryâs father is talking about the two of you is as if he has no clue this marriage isnât one built out of love but more so just to help Harry secure his newly announced role in the family business.
âOh well thank you Mr. Styles thatâs so considerate of you.â Harry swears the way the words roll off your tongue so smooth and effortless sends a jolt of desire straight to his crotch. Finding it extremely attractive how calm and confident you are talking to a man most people find intimidating, not to mention how easily youâve managed to fit yourself into conversations with people you barely even know. Itâs something Harry wasnât even aware he found sexy but heâs sure itâs not just your confidence he finds so appealing but more so just you in general.
âYouâre welcome oh howâs your dad doing these days?â You rub your lips together before giving him an answer.
âHeâs good. You two will have plenty of time to catch up and hit a few rounds on the course now that youâre about to have so much free time.â Harryâs dad laughs and nods as he reaches an hand out and gently wraps it around your arm while his eyes land on Harry.
âTake good care of this one son sheâs a gem.â He shoots Harry a wink and gives your arm a soft squeeze before letting go and turning to head towards Anne.
âCanât wait to see this summer estate of yours.â You say with a chuckle as you turn so youâre facing Harry. When you look up at him thereâs something different about the way heâs looking at you, his eyes are darker and thereâs an intensity to his stare that has your pulse quickening.
âAre you-â you donât get to finish your sentence before Harry is leaning down and pressing his lips against yours. You close your eyes as his hand comes up and cups the side of your face, gently tilting your head up so he can ever so slightly deepen the kiss. The champagne glass nearly slips from your hand as you feel his lips move against yours in a kiss that while to others might look innocent and sweet, has your heart pounding in your chest and a newly awakened desire for more brewing low in your tummy.
âWow.â Is all Harry can say when he pulls away, resting his forehead against yours while you try to catch your breath.
âYeah.â You agree with a giggle as Harryâs thumb gently rubs back and forth over your cheekbone.
âSorry I didnât ask I just uh-really wanted to do that.â You can feel his nerves wanting to creep back up as he clears his throat and stands up straight, his hand moving from the side of your face back down to your waist.
âOkay Iâll uhm do my best to re-remember that.â
âI donât think you couldâve made a better match.â Anne smiles as her husband wraps an arm around her waist as the two of them watch the scene unfolding across the room. âHe seems smitten.â Edward adds making Anne just nod as she watches you smile at her son while reaching up and wiping the edges of his mouth with your thumb.
âI think the two of them are quite fond of each other already.â
âAnd you donât think this whole thing is a bit meddlesome?â Edwardâs voice has a hint of worry in it as he watches Harryâs face turn pink when you place a kiss to his cheek.
âNo Iâm his mother itâs my job to make sure heâs happy and taken care of.â
âYes I understand that but thereâs a difference in setting him up with someone so he can be the new head honcho at the company and setting him up because you think you know whatâs best for him and who he should end up with.â
âYou saw him Ed-he was miserable and lonely and now even after just a week heâs smiling and-â
âHappy.â
âExactly. And itâs not as if I lied-he needs to marry someone so what does it matter why I picked her if in the end they get married and stay married because they actually love each other?â Anne asks as she turns to face her husband who just lets out a sigh and gives her a shrug, having learned years ago itâs better not to ask too many questions or try to argue with her because most of the time in the end she ends up being right.
âI guess youâre right.â She smiles as he leans over and places a kiss to her cheek. âAs always.â He adds with a playful grin when he pulls away.
âThey really are so cute arenât they?â She asks as she looks over just in time to see Harry nearly tumbling over his own feet as you practically drag him to the dance floor.
âShe seems to know how to loosen him up thatâs for sure.â Anne playfully swats at her husbandâs chest as you wrap your arms around Harryâs neck and his hands land on your waist, the two of you seemingly lost in your own little world as you begin to dance to the song the pianist is playing. âBut yes love-theyâre cute together.â He answers as he feels Anne rest her head on his shoulder.
As he looks out at his son who he can tell is mentally preoccupied with trying not to step on your feet as he sways you back and forth, Edward canât help but feel a sense of relief knowing youâre the one whoâs going to be helping Harry get comfortable in his new role. He has a feeling that if anyone can get his son to feel more confident itâs you, the one who has him currently making a little bit fool of himself on the dance floor with nothing but a smile on his face and a look of what Edward can only describe as something along the lines of love and affection in his eyes as he stares at you. A look he knows all too well because itâs the same one he has anytime he looks at his own wife.
Summary: Harryâs mom sets up a meeting, you make Harry nervous but are determined to have him feel comfortable around youâš
âBut who is she?â Harry asks for the third time as he follows his mom around her garden, adjusting his glasses as she kneels down to cut a few stems of her rose bush. Anne doesnât look over at her son as she hands him the stems so he can place them in the basket he has his soft cardigan covered arm looped through.
âI told you Harry sheâs a lovely girl that I think will do splendidly as your significant other.â Harry feels his tummy do flips at the idea of this girl he doesnât even know being his significant other. âI know this isnât ideal and youâre a romantic but itâs just temporary okay? Just until you settle in and get your footing in your new role.â She goes on to add as she spots a few more good looking roses to cut off and hand to Harry to place in the basket.
âThis is all just-just a lot and and what if she doesnât even like me?â Harry feels his chest tighten as he pictures sitting down across from a woman who ends up leaving as soon as Harry opens his mouth and stutters over his hello because heâs nervous and ends up saying something ridiculous. âSheâll probably think Iâm-Iâm weird or not her type because-â
âNow Harry thatâs just ridiculous youâre everyoneâs type.â Anne says gently interrupting his nervous rant, not trying to downplay his worries but not letting him talk poorly about himself in the process. âYouâre not weird so thatâs enough of that and I happen to know for a fact she thinks youâre quite charming.â Harryâs face gets five shades redder as his mother lets him in on a little secret sheâs been carrying around ever since she approached you with the idea of marrying her son so he can take his fatherâs place as head of the family business.
âR-really? She-she said Iâm charming?â He stutters as he reaches up and adjusts his glasses, Anne turns her head to look over at him and nods with a soft smile.
âShe did.â
âSo weâve met before? Her and I?â
âOnce or twice yes.â
âWhen?â He wonders as he follows his mother as she moves to another rose bush with pink flowers. She waves her hand and lets out a hum as if sheâs trying to shoo away his questions.
âI donât remember.â She answers not looking at him, focusing on finding the prettiest flowers to add to the basket so she can make a few arrangements to place around the house. âJust donât be late tonight okay? Thatâs not a good first impression.â
âMother weâve already met so this isnât going to be a first impression.â He states making Anne shoot him a glare that has him swallowing down his sudden braveness, not wanting to get on his motherâs bad side when she seems to be in a very cheerful mood.
âThis is important Harry I need you to just be on time and show her how truly lovely you are.â He lets out a sigh as his mother turns so sheâs facing him. âThink you can manage that?â She asks as she raises her hand thatâs glove free and rests it on the side of Harryâs face, giving his cheek a gentle pat.
âYes maâam I can manage that.â He answers with a small smile, trying his hardest to not let his nerves show. And it clearly works as his mom just returns his smile before turning back around to cut a few more roses from the bush. Harry watches from a few steps away as his tummy twists itself into knots and his heart begins to beat a mile a minute when he looks down at his wrist and sees that in a little over four hours heâll be meeting someone who will potentially be his wife for an undisclosed amount of time, and all he can think or more so worry about is if youâll like him.
Harry feels as if the entire weight of his family business is resting on his shoulders as he sits in the plush leather seat in the middle of a cafe near his house. He looks around as he nervously fidgets with the ring on his index finger, spinning it around while trying to seem like nothing is troubling him and act like it doesnât bother him in the slightest that whoever is about to take the seat across from him is going to eventually have the same last name as him. His knee is bouncing up and down as he tucks his bottom lip between his teeth, regretting the choice to wear a long sleeve cream colored jumper knowing that he tends to run a little warm when heâs nervous. He is halfway through debating on if he should order a coffee or if itâll make his heart that already feels on the verge of bursting with how wildly itâs beating, actually do just that with the addition of caffeine when he feels a presence behind him.
âIs it normal for you to sit in a cafe and not order anything?â Your voice startles him as you lean down and fold your arms on the back of his chair so youâre lips are right next to his ear, Harry immediately jolts forward so he can turn his upper body and look at you just as you stand up with a smile on your face that has him struggling to form complete sentences in his mind.
You watch his cheeks turn a deep pink as he reaches up and fixes his glasses that slid down his nose a bit with how quickly he scooted forward in his seat. You canât help the way your smile spreads into a full blown grin at how utterly adorable the man sitting in front of you is, with his khaki colored slacks and soft knitted jumper and his glasses that bring your attention to his soft jade colored eyes that canât seem to stare into yours longer than a few seconds before they look elsewhere. You feel his eyes on you as you walk around his chair until youâre standing in front of him with your hand out.
âAllow me to introduce myself.â Harry takes your hand as you tell him your name and itâs one that for some reason sounds vaguely familiar. âIâm going to be your wife in,â you take your phone out of the back pocket of your jeans to check the date on your lock screen. âTwo and a half weeks.â You state with a smile as you give his hand a firm shake.
âOh uhm uh hi Iâm-Iâm Harry St-Styles.â He fumbles his way through his greeting and it makes him internally cringe at how dumb he sounds just trying to tell you his name, a name that he knows you already know.
âI like your last name.â You tell him as he lets go of your hand, you turn and walk over to the seat across from him. âI like it so much I think Iâll make it mine as well is that okay with you?â You ask as you plop down into the seat, letting your bag fall to the floor by your feet. Harry blinks a few times before clearing his throat and running a hand through his curly brown hair.
âYouâre uhm really okay with all of uh-this?â He gestures between the two of you with his hand thatâs not white knuckle griping the armrest of his chair.
âYeah Iâm fine with it-I mean donât get me wrong itâs a little old school to need the person running your family business to be married and a man but itâs not the craziest thing Iâve ever heard.â Your answer has Harryâs mind reeling with possibilities of what could be the craziest thing youâve ever heard, his eyes glance down to your shoes when you catch him staring at you for a beat too long. âIâm going to need you to do something for me okay?â Your voice is soft and sweet but still gives off a sense of confidence that has Harry already mentally agreeing to whatever it is youâre about to ask him to do. You lean over and rest your forearms on your knees, your hands clasp together and your eyes stare into his once he swallows down his nerves and dares to meet your gaze.
âWh-what is it?â
âI need you to look me in the eye for a full two minutes.â
âI-I uhm why?â He asks as he adjusts his glasses and feels his face get hot as you continue to stare directly at him making him have to look away.
âBecause itâll make it easier for you to not get so-blushy around me if we just stare at each other for a few minutes and then maybe itâll also help you listen better because I hit you with two jokes about us getting married and you didnât even chuckle so yeah we have to get this out of the way before it becomes a thing.â Harry sits there in awe of how well you managed to get through your whole little spiel without fumbling over your words, looking away from him and all without your cheeks even gaining the tiniest hint of a blush. Your words came out smoothly and your voice never lost its gentleness, not even when explaining how he failed to laugh at your two little attempts at jokes that clearly went right over his head.
âWhy-why two minutes? Why not just uh just one?â He rubs at the back of his neck as his eyes glance over your shoulder to the back of the small cafe, needing a break from the eye contact.
âItâs been scientifically proven that the longer you can maintain eye contact with someone the less likely they are to make you nervous and as your soon to be wife Iâd like to make you a little nervous.â This time Harry doesnât miss the small change your voice does when you lightly tease him, how the softness has a playful edge to it. âBut not enough to make you uncomfortable.â You explain with a calming smile that makes a swarm of butterflies go off in his tummy.
âOkay.â
âGreat.â You pull out your phone and scroll to the timer app and set it for two minutes before placing it on the armrest of your chair. âReady?â He gives you a nod in response as he fixes his glasses and runs his palms over the tops of his thighs. âTwo minutes starts now.â His eyes slowly find yours and he has to fight the urge to immediately look away, his hands grip his pants as he feels his cheeks get warmer and warmer as the seconds tick by.
âIs there anything you want to ask me?â Your voice almost makes Harry look away but he just clears his throat and maintains his eye contact.
âUhm uh-have we met before? My mom said-â
âYes.â
âWhen?â
âFive or six years ago I think? It was very brief at a convention my dad dragged me to. Your dad was talking to my dad about golf clubs and I dropped my badge on the floor and you picked it up for me.â The wheels in Harryâs mind begin to turn and you smile as if you can actually see him beginning to figure it out.
âYour dad knows my dad?â You just nod and then the lightbulb goes off in Harryâs mind. âOh-I knew- knew your name sounded familiar. Your dad used to-â
âOwn one of your biggest competitors? Yeah. Well before he sold it two years ago.â
âOh.â He says as he sits back in his chair, his eyes a little wide but still locked onto yours. âIs that-that why my mom picked you? Because of your family?â
âPicked me? Harry do you think she selected me out of some applicant pool as if she posted about this on some job site?â You ask with a laugh making him shrug, the timer goes off and you silence it and much to your surprise Harry stays looking directly at you.
âI donât know how she did it. She just uh told me what was happening and if Iâd uhm-have any-any issues with it.â
âWell your mom has been going to my tennis club for the last year and a half so weâve gotten friendly and she approached me two weeks ago with this proposal of marrying her son so he can take his fatherâs place as head of the company.â Harry nods as you begin telling him the story his mother has been refusing to. âShe told me she wanted someone like me because I know how it goes-running a company and the toll it can take on someone. But mainly because she wanted someone who would help you gain the confidence and respect of your employees because youâre-â
âToo nice? Soft? A w-wimp?â Your eyes harden just a bit as you stand up from your seat and Harry regrets opening his mouth as you approach his chair.
âBeing soft isnât a bad thing. The world is plenty sharp enough I think it needs more softness.â Harry feels his hands get sweaty as you place a hand on the back of his chair so you can lean over and run a hand through his hair. âShe said youâre kindhearted and she doesnât want to see you get taken advantage of.â You answer as you stand up and he feels as if he can take a sigh of relief when you look away from him and over towards the counter. âLetâs go order something so we donât look like the only two weirdos not drinking anything in the middle of a cafe.â He stumbles out of his chair to follow you as you head for the counter.
âSo uhm why did-did your dad uh sell the company?â Harry asks surprising not only you but himself as the two of you stand off to the side after ordering your drinks. You just give him a casual shrug as you lean against the counter.
âHe wanted to retire and I didnât want to take it over.â Your answer is simple but Harry can tell thereâs more to it but before he can ask anything else a nice barista is handing him a cup of coffee and you an iced late.
âThank you.â You quirk a brow at Harryâs soft spoken thanks, because you were standing next to him when he ordered and you know for a fact he didnât order a hot coffee. You notice him bring the cup up to his lips and make a face that tells you he doesnât like whatever he just took a sip of.
âExcuse me?â Harry nearly trips over himself to follow you as you take the cup from his hands and walk around to the front of the counter, as he stands behind you he begins to think this is going to be something heâll be doing a lot of, stumbling over himself to keep up with you.
âHi how can I help you?â You give the barista a pleasant smile as you place the cup down on the counter in front of her.
âHe ordered a double shot over ice with two creams and one sugar.â You explain with no hint of annoyance or rudeness in your voice, just right to the point. The woman looks at the cup and then back at you with an apologetic look on her face.
âSo sorry Iâll get that out right away.â
âThank you so much.â You say before turning around and Harry watches your hand as it comes and rests on his arm. âItâs not rude to ask for things to be fixed. It doesnât make you an asshole.â Itâs as if you can read him like a book the way your words hit him right in the chest. âDonât settle for things you donât like. Not even something as small as a cup of coffee.â
âHere you go maâam so sorry about that.â You turn and grab the cup from the nice womanâs hand, giving her a smile.
âThank you itâs for my husband-gets a little cranky without his mid day caffeine kick.â You joke making the woman laugh as she looks over your shoulder towards Harry who is looking down at the floor while rubbing the back of his neck hoping neither of you can see how pink his cheeks are.
âEnjoy the rest of your day.â
âDid you call me your uhm hus-husband?â You just nod as you hand him his coffee and walk back over to the side of the counter to grab your latte and head back to your chair.
âMight as well start getting used to calling you that right?â You stop mid step nearly making Harry crash into you as you turn around and raise an eyebrow at him. âUnless you donât want me to be your wife and youâre just trying to think of a polite way to tell me youâre not interested and your mom needs to find someone-â
âNo no I like you.â He sputters out faster than he intends making you let out a chuckle. âI just donât uhm know what happens now?â You reach your hand up and place it on the side of his face, Harry instantly without any shame leans into the warmth of your touch.
âWell did you want to propose now or wait until after my background check clears?â This has Harry choking on a sip of coffee and trying to catch his breath as you reach up and place a kiss to the cheek your hand isnât holding.
âI uh-uhm I donât-donât know.â You laugh as you pull away from him and drop your hand from his face allowing him to collect himself.
âIâm just kidding Harry- thatâs three jokes now so maybe we need to do some more eye content drills.â You lightly tease as you give his arm a reassuring squeeze before looking down at the watch on your wrist with a small frown. âIt was lovely meeting you but I have to go-Iâll see you in a few days for drinks or dinner okay?â All Harry can do is nod as you give him one last warm smile before turning and grabbing your stuff and heading out the door of the cafe.
âHoly crap.â He mumbles as he walks over to his chair and plops down with a humph. âThat-that was my future wife.â A smile creeps its way onto his face as he leans his head against the cushion of he chair, the sound of your voice and the way your eyes seem to sparkle when you smile replaying in his head as he begins to think that maybe this wonât be too bad, you seem nice and have enough confidence for the both of you so maybe this will turn out better than he thought.
âYou look cute.â Your words already have Harry feeling flustered as he stands up to greet you when you make your way to the table in the back of a little Italian place you suggested the two of you have dinner at.
His eyes quickly rake over your frame, he is in a slight daze over how effortlessly put together and cute you look with your green dress that you tossed a thin white sweater over so you donât get cold. Itâs not lost on him how you manage to make something thatâs simple look as elegant as an evening gown with how you carry yourself. He can see exactly why his mom sought you out for him. When his eyes meet yours his tummy does a weird little flip when you give him a little wink.
âI like you in brown.â He smiles and looks down at his light brown cardigan he has over his plain white t shirt thatâs tucked into a pair of jeans, you hang your bag in an empty chair before leaning over and placing a kiss to his cheek. âMakes your eyes pop.â You explain making him just nod as he tries to act like the feeling of your lips on his cheek hasnât been at the forefront of his mind since you did it the first time two days ago in the cafe.
âThank-thank you uhm you look beautiful.â His voice gives his nerves away as he feels his whole face get hot when you pull away from him. You let out a chuckle as you take your seat in the chair right next to him that he is quick to pull out for you.
âSo glad Iâm marrying a man with manners.â You say appreciatively as he helps push your chair closer to the table.
He smiles as he lets his eyes wander over your face for a moment before taking his seat, taking note of how pretty you look with the candle light blanketing your features in a soft glow. He feels suddenly out of place sitting here with you, as if he doesnât quite meet the standards of someone you should be seen having dinner with.
âOkay come on.â Heâs brought out of his thoughts by your hand grabbing his on top of the table.
âWhere-where are we going?â He asks making you laugh as you shake your head and even though youâre laughing at him having no clue whatâs going on he decides he likes the way it sounds.
âNo where.â You say with a laugh as you wrap your fingers around his hand. âJust need you to look in my eyes for a bit because thatâs now four marriage jokes Iâve told you since meeting you and I still havenât gotten even a little giggle out of you and itâs not that I think Iâm wildly funny or anything but I do think those were decent chuckle worthy jokes.â
âIâm-Iâm sorry I just-â
âItâs okay.â Your voice puts him more at ease as you give his hand a soft squeeze. âI just want you to feel comfortable around me thatâs all so come on-look me in the eyes and tell me what youâre wearing to this party on Saturday so I can plan accordingly.â Your eyes are soft and easy to get lost in when Harry finally finds it within himself to look into them.
âUhm Iâm wearing a black suit with a r-red shirt and black slacks and uh-uh black dress shoes.â You nod along as Harry slowly tumbles his way through telling you what heâs wearing to his fatherâs retirement party, never making him feel as if he needs to rush you just simply sit there and look at him as if what heâs saying is the most interesting thing youâve ever heard.
âOkay I have a red dress but Iâll have to see the exact shade of red your shirt is to make sure it matches or else we are going to look silly.â
âOh right-yes that makes uhm sense.â You instantly pick up on the slight shift in Harryâs voice, going from shocked and excited to almost deflated and it has you leaning towards him, a small smirk playing at the corners of your mouth.
âAnd I just want everyone to know youâre mine and nothing does that better in a room full of nosey businessmen and their even nosier wives than a matching color scheme.â Harry has to break the eye contact as he feels his cheeks get hot, he adjusts his glasses and softly clears his throat before he can look at you again. âSo just send me a photo of your shirt and Iâll make sure my dress matches.â
âDid you want to arrive together? Uh like with-with uhm me? So it doesnât look weird us showing up separately?â
âOh my man has manners and brains? I might never give you up.â This has Harry quietly chuckling making your eyes go wide and a grin to spread across your face. âOh my god Iâve done it!â He smiles as you give his hand a firm squeeze and reach over with your free hand and place it on his cheek. âYou laughed.â You say with a happy sigh making him once again let out a chuckle at your dramatics that give him a warm and fuzzy feeling on the inside because of how happy you are over the fact you managed to get him to laugh.
âDoes this mean we donât-donât need the eye contact uhm drills anymore?â He asks nervously as you pull your hand away from his cheek and when you just give him a look he already knows your answer.
âOh no we are going to continue to do them until I get a full on belly laugh out of you.â He just nods and rubs his lips together as you finally let go of his hand so you can grab the menu thatâs in front of you. âNow letâs pick something to eat because Iâm starving and you and I have things to discuss and I canât do business on an empty stomach.â
âSo you-you donât want to change anything about the contract? Youâre-youâre sure?â Harry asks as you scrape the last bit of ice cream from the sundae you ordered for dessert. âNot even the uhm-uh compensation? I left that-that open for negotiation.â You let out a hum of pleasure as you put the spoon in your mouth that has Harryâs gaze falling away from your eyes and down to your lips. He watches as you pull the spoon from your mouth and lick your lips in what seems like slow motion making him shift in his seat and look down at the table as he fixes his glasses.
âHarry I donât need to be heavily compensated I have enough money to live a very comfortable life so yes everything is fine.â You answer as you push the now empty bowl away from you. âI was a little shocked at what was hidden in the fine print though.â Harry raises an eyebrow as you fold your napkin and place it on the table next to your bowl.
âWhat-what fine print?â
âThe fine print that says that the timeframe for our marriage is dependent upon on how quickly we can get you to be taken seriously and seen as a dependable and confident new head of the company but I can expect it to take anywhere between six months to over a year.â
âOh I see.â
âAnd that I get an extra ten thousand for every baby I give you.â You have a playful smile on your face as Harry nearly drops his glass of water and looks at you with wide eyes.
âThat-thatâs not-thereâs no way-you donât have-â
âRelax Harry Iâm kidding. Thereâs nothing about babies in the contract.â Harry lets out a sigh of relief that has you reaching over and lightly smacking his arm. âGee can you sound anymore relieved? I mean I donât think having babies with me would be that horrible.â
âOh no thatâs not-I donât think it would be bad it would be lovely-not the uhm making of the babies but that youâd-youâd uhm make lovely-lovely babies.â Harry officially wants to get up, walk away and change his name as the words seem to fall from his mouth without his permission.
âI think youâd make some pretty adorable babies as well Harry.â He canât bring himself to look at you as your words hit his ears, still too embarrassed by the ridiculous stuttering mess of jumbled up words he just said to you. âYour mom said we are announcing the engagement at the party so that will officially mean the countdown is on and we have to be married by the time your dad leaves his office for the last time.â You quickly and smoothly move the conversation along as you grab your glass of water so you can take a sip.
âOkay does that me we have to-â
âHow are we doing over here?â Harry looks up as the waitress approaches the table, her eyes never leaving Harry as she stands there with a smile on her face. âNeed anything else? More water or-â
âI think we are good thank you.â You answer as the waitress not so subtly checks Harry out, who is too busy turning and looking over at you to notice. When she finally looks away from him and over at you, you reach over and place your hand over his arm as you lean just a tad bit closer to him to show the waitress that Harry is very much not avaible for her to drool over, at least not in front of you. âOh actually maybe the check if you donât mind?â
âOh uh yeah sure thing Iâll be right back.â You see the small hint of disappointment on her face when Harry just stays looking at you, making her have no other choice but to nod as she turns and walks away.
âSo how are you feeling about this? Like really?â You ask with a tone that Harry hasnât heard from you before, itâs still sweet but the undertone is more serious.
âI uhm-â
âDonât be afraid to hurt my feelings okay? Be honest.â
âI feel good about this uhm I was nervous-Iâm still nervous but not about this but more about uh taking-taking over the company that-thatâs uhm yeah a uh a lot.â
âWell you wonât have to do that alone.â Harry once again feels butterflies in his tummy when you give him a genuine smile as you give his arm a squeeze. âIâll be there every step of the way.â Your words have him relaxing a bit, you slide your hand down so itâs over his wrist.
âThank you.â He says with a smile that lets you see his dimples for the first time, your whole face lights up as you stare at him.
âOh goodness dimples? Yeah good luck getting rid of me youâre like the total package.â Harryâs face gets warm but he fights through it and doesnât take his eyes off yours.
âI uhm had a good-good time tonight.â He tells you as he mindlessly flips his hand over so his palm is facing up and you donât waste anytime in sliding your hand into his making him swallow nervously as you slip your fingers between his.
âHereâs your check. Have a good rest of your night.â You reach over with your free hand and grab the check from the middle of the table before Harry can even try to reach for it as soon as the waitress walks away.
âI canât let you-â
âCanât let me what? Buy you dinner? Why not?â
âUhm because thatâs-this is like a uh date right? So-so I should pay.â
âSays who?â
âItâs the polite thing to do.â
âDonât worry I wonât think youâre rude for letting me pay itâs okay.â Harry lets out a sigh as he shakes his head while you grab your wallet out of your purse. âLook at us. Having our first fight over who gets to pay for dinner. Weâre so cute.â
âThis-itâs not a fight but just know Iâm not okay with this.â You laugh and give his hand a squeeze as you place the check down with your card tucked underneath it.
âIâll let you pay for everything else from now on how about that?â
âFine.â He tries to sound upset but the smile tugging at his mouth gives him away and before he can stop himself heâs leaning over and tucking some hair behind your ear. âSorry you-â
âItâs okay. Youâre allowed to touch me Iâm not made of glass.â Your voice is light and teasing but Harry canât help but sense a hidden meaning to your words but before he can think to hard about it the waitress comes by to grab the check.
âSo Iâll see you this weekend?â You ask as you stand outside the restaurant, adjusting the strap of your bag on your shoulder.
âYes Iâll uhm come pick you up around six if that-that works for you?â
âWorks great.â You answer as you take a small step towards him, Harry looks down at you and adjusts his glasses as you wrap your arms around him in a hug. âI had a nice time tonight Harry. Thank you for being such a gentleman.â You tell him as his body finally reacts to whatâs happening, you rest your cheek against his shirt as his arms loosely wrap around your shoulders returning your embrace.
âThank you for being uhm so-understanding I uh can see why my mom picked you.â You smile as you pull away and look up at him.
âSee you Saturday hubby.â You give him a playful wink that has him chuckling and it works as a distraction so he doesnât notice you reaching up on your tiptoes until he feels your lips on his in a kiss that is so quick the only way he knows it actually happened is he can faintly feel the softness of your lips when you pull away with a smile. âDonât worry Iâll text you when I get home. I know how much you worry about me.â You tease as you unwrap your arms from around him.
âUhm uh-see-see you Saturday.â His words are rushed and it makes you giggle as Harryâs arm fall down to his sides as he watches in a trance like state as you turn around and head towards the car thatâs waiting to take you home. You give him a wave that he doesnât register and try to return before itâs too late and youâve already climbed into the backseat and closed the door, leaving Harry standing there in a daze as he watches the car drive off down the street feeling not nervous, but actually kinda excited about Saturday.
Harry steps into his shower thinking itâll help him relax and get you off his mind, he lets the warm water hit him easing the tension in his shoulders as the warmth of the steam engulfs him. He lets out a deep sigh and closes his eyes, but heâs instantly met with visions of you laughing and smiling at him and something about the way you smile at him sends a shiver down his spine. The visions playing in his mind are so vivid, he can practically hear your voice saying his name and the feeling of your hand gently wrapping around his wrist and suddenly itâs all too much for him.
Harryâs arm reaches forward, his hand resting on the cool tile wall of his shower as he feels himself hardening at the mere thought of you. He slides a hand down his toned stomach wondering how it would feel if it was your hand and not his own, he lets out a groan as he wraps his hand around his hard length giving himself a few slow strokes. He knows this is probably borderline inappropriate, stroking himself to the idea of how it would feel to have your soft hands on him but in this very moment Harry can only focus on how good he feels.
âOh shit.â He mumbles as he remembers the faint feeling of your lips against his, his mind spinning with ideas of how nice those lips would feel wrapped around his hard cock. He lets out a soft moan as he pictures you kneeling down in front of him, your pretty round eyes gazing upward, lips parted invitingly. His hand tightens around himself as he envisions your tongue tracing him teasingly, your mouth enveloping him fully feeling deliciously warm and wet around his shaft, your head bobbing rhythmically.
âOh yes-just like that.â He murmurs breathlessly, his hand quickening its pace, gripping tighter as pleasure starts to build rapidly. Harry swears he can almost hear your soft moans, theyâd be sweet and a bit whiney and it makes his cock twitch in his grasp. He imagines your hands gripping his thighs as you take him deeper, letting his hands tangle in your hair, imagines the moans youâd let out when he gives it a few tugs.
âFuck.â He gasps urgently, his hips thrusting instinctively into his own hand, driven by the vivid image of you looking up at him while he thrusts his hips letting the tip of his thick cock hit the back of your throat making you gag slightly. Your nails digging into the back of his thighs urging him on.
âShit-oh fuck.â He groans loudly, the warm water cascading over his trembling body as his climax surges powerfully through him, releasing in hot pulses onto the shower tiles. He shudders deeply, breathing heavily as the intense pleasure begins to subside. His eyes slowly open and he lets out a shaky breath as he realizes what he just did and instead of feeling guilty or even embarrassed at how quickly he managed to get himself off he just lets out a breathy laugh at how flustered you made him after just a few interactions with you, knowing itâs only going to get worst the longer heâs around you. He shakes his head making water fling off the ends of his damp hair, trying to clear his mind.
âGet it together Harry.â He mumbles to himself as he tilts his head up towards the water and runs both hands through his hair. The movement making him remember how good your hand felt when you ran it through his hair in the cafe. He has to shut his eyes tight and make himself think of other things like memos from work and meetings with the marketing team so he doesnât get worked up again but even those thoughts have him remembering how soft your voice sounded when telling him how youâll be with him every step of the way as he transitions into his new role and he feels his cock twitch between his thighs making him let out a frustrated groan.
Hiii babes!! I hope you enjoy this!! Itâs just very soft and lovey Harry! I went with long hair Harry because I just miss him, hope thatâs okay!đ
CW: Long hair Harry (know some of yall donât like him lol), tiny mentions of pregnancy pure fluffy goodness
Word Count: 1.1K
Summary: Harry loves watching you in the gardenâš
A smile creeps onto Harryâs face as he stands in front of the sink in the kitchen, his bright green eyes glued on something or more so someone in the backyard messing around in the garden in the backyard of the house thatâs only belonged to the two of you for a few months. He watches you bend down and press your nose into one of the bright pink flowers thatâs in the flower bed youâve been spending the past several weeks tending to, making sure theyâve gotten enough water and sunlight and even went as far as making Harry drive you across town to the fancy gardening store for plant food that heâs still not totally convinced made any sort of difference but you swear itâs why the pinks and yellows in the petals are so bright. His eyes linger on your hands as they carefully inspect each stem, the light of the early morning sun catching the stone on your wedding ring just right so it makes it glimmer just a bit before it disappears as you run your hand over your newest blooms, making sure no pests have gotten ahold of them.
Harry lets out a small chuckle as he watches the way your lips move as you kneel down and grab a handful of dirt, no doubt talking to yourself as you check to see if the soil is in need of watering or not. He watches you for a few more minutes before he just canât handle how adorable you look and needs to get his hands on you as you stand there in your sundress and gardening apron, hair up and out of your face and no shoes on your feet to help you feel more connected to your plants or at least thatâs what you tell him but he also knows you prefer to be barefoot any chance you get. He makes sure heâs quiet as he steps out of the back door so he doesnât disturb you as you look at your little section dedicated to a singular rose bush.
âHello gorgeous.â You say sweetly to the plant in front of you. âHowâs it going? I know itâs been hot recently but itâs supposed to cool down a bit this week.â You explain as you bend down and look at a few of the roses that have begun to bloom.
âHowâs she doing?â Harry asks as he snakes his arms around your middle, giving you a soft squeeze as you stand up and place your hands over his. âThe heat getting to her?â He asks as he nuzzles his head into the crook of your neck, his voice full of as much concern that he can muster because he knows how much your flowers mean to you.
âShe seems to be handling it okay.â You answer with a smile as Harry places a kiss to the side of your neck. âDo you remember when we got her?â Harry smiles against the soft skin of your neck as you lean into him letting your back press against his chest.
âI do,â He mumbles before lifting his head so he can take a look at the beautifully cared for rose bush in front of him. âShe was a bit of a mess wasnât she?â You let out a hum and give him a nod as you mindlessly begin messing with the silver band he has on his ring finger.
âWasnât sure she was going to survive and now look at herâŠyears later and sheâs still here and as beautiful as ever.â Harry gives the side of your head a few kisses as you talk about the plant the two of you have had for nearly as long as youâve been together, having started it in a pot on the tiny patio in your first apartment all the way to planting it firmly in the ground in the garden of the house you and Harry plan on raising a family and planting some roots down in.
âThatâs because she had you taking care of her.â His voice is soft as he gives you a loving squeeze. âYouâre so good at making sure all your little flower babies have everything they need.â Thereâs no teasing in his tone, just a gentleness as he praises all the work you put into your garden.
âYou think Iâll be the same way with our actual babies?â You question as you begin to turn around in Harryâs hold. âWhat if Iâm only good at keeping flowers alive?â Harryâs hands are cupping your face and tilting your head up before the question is even fully down rolling off your tongue.
âBaby we both know youâre going to be an amazing mom-you do a very good job at keeping me alive and Iâm as clumsy as a small child.â You let out a laugh and playfully roll your eyes as one of his hand drops to your tummy. âThis baby is going to get to experience the amazingly wonderful feeling of being loved and adored by youâŠtheir mom who is going to teach them so many things and be the shoulder they can cry on and the arms thatâll give them magical hugs that somehow make everything better.â His words have you sniffling and leaning into his hand thatâs still holding your face while his other one softly rubs the barely there bump thatâs hidden under your gardening apron.
âDo you think theyâll like gardening?â You say with a pout and Harry just gives you a reassuring smile as he leans down and places a kiss to your forehead.
âWith you as their mom? How could they not?â
âI hope they like music.â
âOh yeah? Whyâs that love?â He asks with a smile as your run your hands through his long locks before clasping them behind his neck.
âSo you donât have to be the only one playing to the flowers to help them grow.â Harry shakes his head as you let out a laugh as the memory of you forcing Harry to stand in the middle of the garden with his acoustic guitar so he could play for the flowers, something you had read makes them happier and therefore grow faster and more abundantly floods your mind.
âI think youâre just trying to form some sort of Styles family garden band-youâre not sneaky baby.â He lightly teases as his hand drops to your waist, his eyes are bright and filled with a deep rooted love that you find yourself getting lost in for a moment before he leans down and rests his forehead against yours. âI love you. So very much.â He whispers just loud enough for you to hear it.
âI love you too.â You tell him with a smile before he places a sweet kiss to your lips. âAnd I am totally trying to form a Styles garden bandâŠitâs going to be huge.â
âHuge? As in a six person band or huge as is bigger than the Beatles?â He questions with the corners of his mouth tugging up into a playful smirk because he already knows your answer.
Once again out here reminding you that if you read or see something you enjoy, reblog it. I promise itâs not hard itâs very simple and is the ONLY way for people to spread their work on here. Likes are awesome and wonderful but reblogs are what gets peopleâs work seen. Thank you and have a lovely dayđ
saw a post on bluesky that boiled down to saying the trans flag was ugly and some reply was like âitâs not even nice colors itâs fluorescent teal and hot pinkâ and like. iâm sorry but neither of those colors are present in the trans flag. are we looking at the same flag
house md is compelling because it presents a version of sherlock holmes that 1. lives in new jersey 2. is really into monster trucks and 3. says things like "party time" and "who da man? i da man"
you DONâT need to know where your favorite celebrity/artist/athlete lives, who theyâre dating, where they go grocery shopping, what they are doing at any given moment when they are off camera actually. just an fyi
canât believe tiktok is actually getting banned, twitter is infested with bots and brainworm-infested musk bots, facebook is king of QAnon, instagram caught the plague from facebook and is dying a slow death in real time⊠and as the dust settles⊠only Miss Tumblr is left standing⊠failing upwards once again
I mean, it seems pretty obvious when you put it like that, right?
But how many families, when an introvert sibling or child makes an effort to socialize, snarkily say, âSo, youâve decided to join usâ?
Or when someone does something theyâve had trouble doing, say, âWhy canât you do that all the time?â (Happened to me, too often.)
Or any sentence containing the word âfinallyâ.Â
If someone makes a step, a small step, in a direction you want to encourage, encourage it. Donât complain about how itâs not enough. Donât bring up previous stuff. Encourage it.
Because I swear to fucking god there is nothing more soul-killing, more motivation-crushing, than struggling to succeed and finding out that success and failure are both punished.
One of the moments that I think about a lot when I think about how much I love my Dad, is that once when I was a teenager prone to spending long hours alone in my room I emerged to spend time with the family, he joked âOh look, itâs the lodger!â
And before Iâd even processed what he meant (that I was behaving more like a tenant than a family member), he went on some kind of internal flashback journey, and said âMy father used to say that to me and I hated it, I donât know why I said it to you,â and he apologised, and never made a joke like that again.
Itâs like he did a speedrun on overcoming generational trauma.