Synopsis: Y/N hates her job because she is treated like shit and doesn't fit in with the women there, the men either, but when her old boss is arrested for tax fraud, Harry Styles steps in and he changes her whole life.
WARNINGS: talks of thoughts of suicide (briefly), adult bullying, weight troubles, bullying for weight, cursing, male-dominated workplace, some flirting, there's a dog!!
wc: 8k
I'm planning on this being a series
You sat in your car in the parking lot wondering if you should just turn around now, turn your car off a bridge, or go in and face another miserable day.
You needed the paycheck, especially to get this car fixed, so you turned it off, and went inside.
Mondays always started with a morning meeting and you hated it so much. Being the secretary meant you sat in the corner taking notes while a bunch of men came up with stupid ideas.
You sighed as you went up into the elevator. You could hear chatter from the conference room once you got off. You turned and stopped in the doorway when you saw a jaw-dropping sight.
The most gorgeous man in the world was standing up at the board, and it was not your regular boss that made you dread coming here everyday.
"Hello, everyone," the man said. "Your old boss, Mr. Schwartz, uh, well he fled somewhere after the IRS came to his door and well, now I'm… your new boss."
"I'm Mr. Styles. Please, take a nametag and write your name on it, so I can learn everyone's name."
You barely registered what this man said. Curly brown hair, haunting green eyes, dimples, and the body of a man that definitely works out. You picked your jaw up off the floor as you went to your normal folding table and chair in the corner. You opened up your laptop and opened up the program that transcribed notes, as well as a Google Document to add anything else you needed.
The men filed in, and you sat in the corner, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
When the meeting began, Mr. Styles cleared his throat. “Alright. Welcome. As some of you heard, Mr. Schwartz, um, got in trouble with the IRS, so I am the replacement for the time being.” He smiled. “This probably won’t be a typical Monday meeting as I’d love to open it for introductions and questions.”
“So, I will open that up now.”
One man raised his hand. “Yeah. I have a question.”
“Go ahead,” Harry prompted him.
“Who the hell are you and why didn’t they promote from within?” the guy, who you know as Gary, asked.
Harry cleared his throat. “Well, I’m just a temporary replacement until they can find someone else. I came from two floors up, from a different company, but in the same wheelhouse.”
The guy narrowed his eyes at Harry, but let him carry on. Harry went around the room and had everyone introduced themselves, even when two men made comments about it. “I feel like we’re in kindergarten.”
Harry ignored the comments and continued to go around the room.
“And you, what’s your name and title?” he said.
You didn’t answer because you were taking notes and looking down not thinking he would even acknowledge you.
“Miss?” he tried again.
You looked up now because you were the only woman in the room.
“Oh. Me?” you pointed to yourself.
Harry smiled. “Yes, Miss. You are?”
“Oh. I’m just the secretary. I’m nobody important,” you said quietly.
“Secretary’s are very important,” Harry said. “Sometimes they do the most work out of anybody.”
You blushed.
“I didn’t catch your name.”
“(Y/N),” you said, sitting up more in your seat.
“Nice to meet you, (Y/N),” Harry nodded.
“You too,” you whispered and then smiled as you looked down at your laptop.
You could barely concentrate the rest of the meeting, but took notes as you could when it got to the important stuff.
When it came to one topic, you had to roll your eyes because, as usual, they could not agree, and the ideas they came up with got them nowhere.
You had an idea, but nobody would listen to you. You sat up in your chair and shook your head at every single one of the dumb ideas. You could see Harry getting frustrated too. Eventually, he sighed and turned to you. “(Y/N), do you have any ideas?”
The man you knew as Dick snorted. “Her? Like she said she’s just the secretary. She doesn’t get to make important decisions.”
You pouted and sat back in your chair. They never took your opinion into consideration. If it was one of the skinny women in the office, they might consider it, but you had cellulite on your legs and a big stomach, so they couldn’t care less.
“Did you have an idea?” Harry asked.
You shook your head and gave a weak smile.
“I saw something cooking in your brain, (Y/N). I know you want to say something,” he said.
“Well, I just thought maybe if we offered like a two-for-one deal. Like you subscribe to the Malware service, we’ll give you 20 percent off a gadget of your choice. We’d be gaining some profit that way.”
“We’ll lose 20 percent, duh,” a man named Seth said.
“But, we’ll be getting more profit in from the gadget that someone wouldn’t be buying before. So, we’ll still have a 75 percent profit, because right now were only at 5 percent as far as gadgets and accessories are concerned,” you played with your pen.
Harry nodded. “That’s honestly the smartest idea I’ve heard this whole meeting.”
You blushed and sat back in your seat.
The men at the table rolled their eyes. They started shouting over each other and pointing at you. “Gentlemen, Gentlemen, shhhhh,” Harry gestured for the noise to come down with his hands. “We’ll reconvene on this next week. You’re dismissed.”
The men all got up and walked out of the room. You turned off the recording device and your laptop and gathered your papers and such before standing up.
“(Y/N),” you heard Harry say, which made you cringe because anytime Mr. Schwartz called you over, it was not for something good. “Hang back a bit, ok?”
You nodded, giving him a faint smile.
Once everyone cleared out, you took your supplies and walked over to Harry. “I-I’m sorry for speaking out like that. I didn’t mean to step on anyone’s toes.”
Harry raised an eyebrow at you.
“It won’t happen again,” you quickly added.
“Why are you apologizing for inputting your idea? It was the only thing that made sense during this whole meeting,” Harry said, sitting on the edge of the big table.
You looked down at the floor and shrugged. “Because I’m usually encouraged to just sit in the corner and keep my mouth closed.”
“Well, not with me around. Everyone should and will express their opinions around here, whether you are a higher up or a secretary or the man who fills the vending machine,” Harry stated.
You picked your head up and nodded.
Harry cleared his throat. “So, you’re my secretary or the general secretary for everyone?”
“Yours. Well, I was Mr. Schwartz’s, so I guess yours now,” you felt your face get hot. “But, everyone comes to me with stuff.”
Harry nodded. “Perfect. Well, I’ll make sure that we have a comfortable working environment. (Y/N), don’t be shy to come to me with anything. Work-relared or not, alright?”
You nodded.
Harry stuck out his hand for you to shake. “It’ll be nice working with you.”
You stuck your hand out and shook his. “I hope so.”
~~~~~~
You had never left this job with a smile on your face before. Until now. After the meeting, you sat at your desk and did your normal day to day duties.
Harry stayed in his office most of the day, but came out every once in a while to grab paperwork he needed, etc.
When he came out around 1:30, you were surprised. He stood right by your desk. “Did you go to lunch yet?”
“Um, no. Normally, I don’t, no.”
“Well, sign off and go on break. It’s getting late already,” he said.
You were stunned into silence. Your old boss would rarely let you take a break, especially if you were behind, and he made you stay late too without one.
“Oh,” you said. “Ok. Thank you.”
Then at the end of the day, you almost passed out when Harry told you to clock out two minutes after your day was supposed to end.
“What are you still doing here? Time to go home,” he said.
“Oh, well, I’m not done with this one complaint filing and I-.”
Harry shook his head. “That can wait until tomorrow. It’s time to go.”
You stared at him for a full minute before you processed what he said. “O-Ok.”
“Why do you look so shocked?” he asked, as he grabbed your coat from the back of your seat.
“I just… I never leave work on time. I’m usually always staying past my schedule time and then whatever I don’t finish, I take home and do,” you said, slipping into your coat.
“Please, do not take your work home. Nothing is that important that you need to spend your time off the clock doing work,” Harry said.
You nodded as you buttoned up your coat. “Ok. Thank- thank you.”
Harry stuck his hand out, gesturing for you to leave before he walked and closed up the office. He also let you get on the elevator first, which was something that never happened.
It was awkward silence at first, until Harry cleared his throat. “You must’ve gotten great overtime when you stayed later.”
You laughed. “Overtime? No. That’s not a thing around here.”
“Well, then he let you leave early the next day, right?”
You shook your head. “Nope.”
Harry blew out a breath as the elevator reached the lobby. “Wow. That’s-that’s not legal.”
You shrugged as you stepped off. “But, he never got caught, sooo…”
Harry rolled his eyes as he held open the door for you. “That’s no way to treat your employees.”
“Yeah, well… that’s why I hate it here.”
As you walked through the parking lot, Harry frowned. “Even after today you hate it here?”
“Maybe a little less,” you blushed and looked down.
Harry smiled. “Good. Good. I just want my employees to feel safe and valued, even if it’s only temporary for me.”
You sighed. “God, where have you been all this time?”
“Just two floors up,” he pointed.
You giggled. You soon realized you had reached your car. “Well… this is me.”
“Ahh.”
“It was nice meeting you. I’m glad we get to work together,” you held out your hand.
Harry held his out and smiled. “Me too.”
When you both pulled away, you got into your car and Harry closed the door for you. Once he knew you were safe and in your car, he made his way over to his.
Just as he was about to get in, he heard your horn beep from you hitting on it. Your crappy car wouldn’t start. You felt like you were going to cry. This couldn’t be happening now. Maybe this was a sign. Maybe this new boss wasn’t all he seemed to be.
You put your head on the steering wheel and groaned.
What felt like an eternity, but was probably a minute, went by and you heard a tap on your window. You jumped up, startled. It was Harry, so you rolled down your window.
“Everything alright?”
You shook your head and pouted. “My stupid car won’t start.”
“Hmm. Maybe I could take a look? I know a bit about cars.”
You got out and gestured for him to get in. Harry turned your keys and tried to start it. Nothing. He even jumped your car with his jumper cables and it didn’t even make a peep. He tried a few more things before he stood next to you, grabbing your shoulder and patting it. “I’m afraid she’s passed. Sorry.”
You sighed. “Yeah. She was on life support anyway.” Then you mumbled to yourself, “Shit!”
You picked up your phone and looked up the bus schedule. You would get an Uber, but in rush hour traffic, it’d be way more than you could afford to lose, especially now that you needed a new car.
You sighed when you checked the times. “You alright?”
“No,” you felt like you were holding back tears. “The next bus doesn’t come for another hour.”
You grabbed your purse out of the car and started to make your way to the bus stop.
“Hey.” You turned around at Harry’s voice. “I know we don’t know each other that well, but I could give you a lift.”
“Oh no. I couldn’t ask you for that.”
“You didn’t. I offered,” he smiled.
“I live like 30 minutes away.”
“That’s alright,” he said, getting his keys out of his pocket. “Just tell me which direction and I’ll take you there.”
You bit your lip. You really didn’t feel like taking the bus.
“Grab whatever you need from the car and let’s get in mine,” Harry moved his head to the right in the direction of his car.
You nodded, grabbing whatever you needed from the dead vehicle and then walked to Harry’s car with him by your side. He even offered to take some things out of your hands.
Harry put your stuff in the back seat of his Lexus and you practically gawked at the car. When you got in, you swallowed. You’ve never been in a car this nice before. You took it all in as Harry turned on his car, which by the way was with a button.
When he got out of the parking lot and onto the road, he looked over at you. “You’re quiet suddenly.”
“I’m sorry,” you shook your head. “Wow. I’ve never been in a car this nice.”
“Oh,” he said, turning on his turn signal. “It’s not that nice.”
“Are you kidding? It’s really nice.”
Harry just shrugged. “I need your address, by the way, if you could put it in.” He tapped the GPS on his dash.
You typed in your address and hit submit. “Just don’t stalk me please. I like my privacy,” you joked.
“Aww, but I was going to peep through your windows,” he joked.
You giggled. “Well, you wouldn’t find a nice sight if you did that.”
Harry tsk’d. “That’s not true.”
“Trust me. You’d be scarred for life.”
Harry rolled his eyes as he got into the turning lane. “None of that now. Come on.”
You hummed and looked out the window. The rest of the ride you pretty much sat in silence except for the radio playing in the background. When you arrived at your apartment complex, you told Harry to drop you off at the corner of the street, so you weren’t a bother and he didn’t see the crappy place that you lived.
“Please, it’s no bother,” he said, going further down the street until the GPS told him to stop. “Don’t want you to have to walk far in the dark.”
You pressed your lips together as he pulled into a spot in front of your apartment complex and parked. “Here we are.”
“Thanks, Harry,” you said. You opened up your wallet. “How much do you want for gas money?”
Harry pushed your wallet away. “I’m insulted.”
“What?”
“You don’t have to pay me.”
“But, you went really far out of your way and I’m sure you’d rather be home with your wife instead of sitting in a car with someone you just met for 45 minutes.”
Harry chuckled. “Well, no wife is waiting because it’s just me and my dog, Donald, at home.”
“Donald,” you smiled.
“Yeah. He has a duck shape on his side, so I figured I’d name him after Donald Duck,” he shrugged.
“That’s adorable.”
He blushed and looked out the front window. “Thanks.”
“Seriously though. Please, take the money. I feel really bad,” you offered him $20.
“No, I won’t take it,” he shook his head. “And if you keep asking, I’ll fire you.”
Your mouth hung open, but you smiled when you saw Harry crack a smile.
“Well, then.. Fire me,” you said, as you shoved the money into his cup holder and ran out the door.
“Heyyy!” you heard Harry say as you ran up to the door of the building. You were winded just from doing that.
You heard Harry’s door shut and he jogged up behind you as you unlocked the front. “I’ll walk you up.”
You couldn’t hide the smile that appeared on your face. “Ok. Thank you.”
Once you got inside, Harry rubbed his hands together to get warm as you waited for the elevator doors to open.
When they did, he let you step on first. You pressed the button to your floor as Harry stepped on. When the doors shut and the elevator started to rise, you began to talk. “Thanks again for the ride. You really didn’t have to.”
“Oh, it was no problem. Anytime you need a lift, just let me know,” he nodded.
When you got off the elevator, you walked down two hallways to get to your apartment. “Well, this is me.”
Harry hummed. “So it is.”
“Yeah,” you said, grabbing your keys out of your pocket.
“So, what time should I pick you up tomorrow morning?” Harry cleared his throat as he handed you back the money. You rolled your eyes and took it.
“Oh my God, no. I’ll take the bus,” you said, as you unlocked your door.
“I’ll be here at 7:00.”
“Mr. Styles,” you pleaded.
“Harry,” he corrected.
“Mr. Styles, it won’t be dark in the morning. I’ll be fine, honestly.”
“I’ll be here at 7. Do you take cream in your coffee?” he asked.
“Yes,” there was no point in arguing with him.
“Perfect. I’ll see you then. Have a good night,” he said, before shoving his hands into his pockets, nodding, and walking back down the hall.
“Bye,” you whispered as you stepped into your apartment.
When you did get inside, you stripped down to take a shower and relax. You heated up leftover pizza and vegged out on your couch, watching Friends reruns.
Right before you were about to go to bed, you wondered how you could pay Harry back without actually paying him. You thought about it and rummaged through your cabinets. This was how you wound up baking brownies at 11:30 at night and ended with a stomachache from eating half the batter.
After they were done, you took them out of the oven and let them cool before cutting them and putting them on a plate before heading to bed.
~~~~~~~~
Because you were up late the night before, your alarm came way too early in the morning. You groaned as you hit the clock and got out of bed. Luckily, you showered last night, so that was done. You really only had to eat breakfast, brush your hair and teeth, and get dressed.
Once all of that was complete, you covered the brownies with aluminum foil and waited on your couch for Harry. At 6:59, your buzzer rang. You buzzed back. “Hello?”
“Hi, it’s Harry,” he cleared his throat. “Harry Styles.”
You smiled. “You’re early.”
“Oi. Are you not ready? I can wait in the car.”
You smiled. “I’ll be right down.”
You grabbed your purse and the brownies, checked your hair in the mirror, and headed out the door. When you got to the lobby, Harry was waiting inside for you with two coffees in his hands. “Good morning.”
“Morning,” you replied, taking the coffee from Harry’s outstretched hand. “Thank you very much.”
“Sure.”
You headed to Harry’s car and he opened the door for you. Once he closed yours, he walked around to his side and got in.
Once he got the car started, he looked over at you and the plate on your lap as you sipped your coffee. “What’s that?”
You bit your lip. “I made you brownies.” Harry looked over at you. “Since you won’t take money, this is how I show my appreciation.”
“(Y/N),” he sighed. “That’s really sweet of you. You didn’t have to do that.”
You shrugged. “You are the only person in the office who talks to me too, so…” you shrugged.
Harry looked over at you as you sat in traffic. He didn’t say anything. It was quiet for about five minutes until he hummed along to the song on the radio.
The drive in seemed a lot quicker than the drive home. Maybe you were anxious or maybe you felt more comfortable around Harry, you didn’t know.
When you got out of Harry’s car, you had ten minutes before your shift started. As you walked into the building, you saw your car getting towed. “Hey!” you ran over. “Hey stop!”
The man operating the tow truck looked at you, as you caught your breath on the side of the truck. “I- I was going to move it today. Please, don’t tow it away.”
“I was told to take it to the body shop down the street, Miss.”
“Huh?”
Harry appeared behind you. “Hello, sir. Thanks for getting here early.” The man tipped his hat at Harry and hooked your car up to his truck. You watched in awe as the truck drove you car away. “What-?”
You turned towards Harry. “What the hell was that?”
“I called the tow company to come and take it to the shop.”
“Why? No. Mr. Styles. You’ve already done too much. I’m going to write you a check when we get inside,” you shook your head.
“Shhh. Let’s start the day, shall we?” Harry tilted his head and gestured for you to follow him in.
You stayed quiet as you both went up the elevator together. When you entered the office, no one turned their heads in your direction. Harry greeted everyone and you stayed silent, briskly walking to your desk. You put your purse and your coffee down and then waited outside Harry’s office until he walked past.
“(Y/N), everything alright?”
“Yes, sir. I just wanted to give you the brownies,” you held out the plate.
Harry smiled. “Thanks again. Put them on my desk please.”
“Oh. Ok.” With your old boss, you were only allowed in his office if he was in there and if he told you to come in. This was new to you.
Harry was getting stuff ready for the day outside of his office for the morning meeting with a few higher ups, so his office was empty. He hadn’t set up his desk completely yet, but there was a picture of Harry, and you assumed Donald, sitting on the edge of it. He was a chocolate lab and looked young. You smiled as you placed the brownies on the desk.
You looked around and saw a few boxes, with what you assumed was his office supplies in them. And then you looked at the clock and panicked. The meeting started in one minute and you had to be there to take notes. “Shit,” you whispered.
You huffed it back to your desk, grabbed your laptop, notepad, and pen, and walked briskly down the hallway to the meeting room. You turned on the laptop as you walked. When you got to the door, you winced. Harry nodded in the middle of his sentence. “Sorry,” you mouthed.
You sat down quietly and tried to catch up. Harry talked a bit fast and with his accent it was hard to catch everything, but luckily your recorder picked it up. As you scurried to get yourself settled, Harry walked over to you while still talking. You thought you were in trouble, but he offered you a water bottle before returning to the front of the room. You were never more grateful than to have stuck it out at this job. You took a big swig and smiled at Harry, silently thanking him, when he looked over.
The rest of the meeting went fine and you headed back to your desk to file the transcript of the meeting and get started on your work for the day. Harry came back to his office about 10 minutes after you. He had the door shut as he was making phone calls for most of the morning, so you got a lot of work done. A little bit after 11, Harry opened his door and breezed past you. He went to the bathroom and came back shortly after. “Thanks again for the brownies, (Y/N),” he said as he walked by.
“Oh, sure. No problem. Thanks for driving me,” you said.
“Yeah. Anytime.”
When it came time for lunch break, you sat at your desk chair like you did every day and got your lunch from the mini-fridge. You realized quickly that no one wanted to sit with you in the cafeteria, plus you could catch up on work your old boss needed you to do, so it just became a habit.
Harry walked by with a water bottle. “Are you coming to lunch?”
“I usually eat here,” you gave him a small smile as you bit into your grilled chicken wrap.
“Awfully lonely.”
You shrugged. “Lonely in there too, so…” You kept eating as Harry walked back into his office. You never expected him to come back out with his desk chair and sit down in it on the side of your desk. “What are you doing?”
“Eating lunch,” he said.
“With me?”
“Yeah,” Harry chuckled, and opened his water bottle.
“Why?”
“Why not?” he shrugged.
You felt a lump in your throat as you tried to hold back the tears you felt coming. Harry smiled at you and you had to stop eating after you swallowed your current bite. You were definitely going to cry. “You don’t have to feel bad for me,” you said. “You can eat with everyone else.”
“I want to eat here,” he said.
You nodded and tried to get the lump down in your throat. “Where is your lunch?”
Harry chuckled. “I had packed one, but I ate so many brownies and now I think my blood sugar is high, so I’m sticking with water.”
“Oh my God! I’m so sorry,” you said, your eyes getting wide.
“No no. It’s fine. They were really good. I just don’t have self control when it comes to sweet things.”
“Oh,” your ears got hot. That was an innuendo if you ever heard one. You swallowed the lump in your throat and continued to eat. “Sorry I was late to the meeting. I-.”
Harry held a hand up. “You’re fine. You were like a minute late.”
“It won’t happen again, sir. Sorry.”
“(Y/N), seriously don’t stress over it. And stop calling me sir.”
“Sorry, Mr. Styles. Habit,” you chuckled.
“Harry. Call me Harry.”
You nodded as you went back to eating. Harry sipped his water as you finished up your wrap. Once you got up to throw away your trash, you came back to your desk and it was awkward. You cleared your throat. “Um…”
Harry smirked and put his chin in his hand as he rested his elbow on your desk. “Tell me your deepest, darkest secrets.”
You both cracked up laughing. Once you calmed down, you spoke up. “I think that’s more of a third-day working together type thing.”
Harry smirked. “You’re right. You’re right.”
You and Harry made casual conversation. You found out he moved here from England when he was a boy and that his birthday was February 1. You also found out that he was only three years older than you. You discussed your birthday as well as your home life. And by the time you were done, lunch was over. And you only realized that because everyone was coming back to their desks.
“Well, I better get back to work,” you said, cleaning up your trash.
Harry smirked. “Don’t want the boss to catch ya being late, hmmm?”
He rolled his chair back into his office and you giggled to yourself. He was making you feel some type of way, a way that you’ve never felt in this office before.
You got back to work. About 30 minutes after one of the women, Carissa, came up to your desk. “Hey, is he in there? I have to ask him something.”
She had a file folder in her hand, but you knew she just wanted to go and flirt with him.
Instead of answering her, you buzzed Harry. “Mr. Styles, are you busy? Carissa wants to speak to you.”
“Send her in” was his response.
You sent her in and could barely concentrate on your work when you heard her giggling in Harry’s office. About 10 minutes later, she walked out. “Thank you, Harry. That was very helpful.” You heard him mumble something and she closed the door.
You gave her a fake smile as she walked by you. You rolled your eyes once she walked past and then got right back to work.
You were almost done with your work for the day when Penny, the office whore as you dubbed her, walked up to Harry’s office.
“Um, hello?”
She looked over at you. “Oh, hi (Y/N). I need to speak to Mr. Styles,” she bit her lip and looked through the door. Harry looked up at that moment and told her to come in.
You groaned after she closed the door and finished up the last 10 minutes of your work. Since you were done and you only had five minutes left, you crossed your arms and faced Harry’s office. It was time to go soon, and you knew Harry liked to leave on time.
When it came time for you to go, you sighed, grabbed your coat and purse, buttoned your jacket, and shut off your computer. It was about 5 after at this point and Harry was still in the office with Penny.
You headed towards the elevators and pressed the button. As you checked the bus schedule, you heard someone calling your name. “(Y/N), wait!”
You looked up and saw Harry putting his coat on and briskly walking towards you. You put your phone in your pocket just as he caught up to you. “Give me 5 minutes and we can go.”
“It’s ok. My bus comes in 6.”
“No. I’m taking you home,” he said.
“Ok,” you nodded.
You leaned against the wall and waited for Harry to finish up what he had to do. It was more like 8 minutes than 5, but you didn’t mind.
“Sorry about earlier,” he said, as he pressed the elevator button. “She likes to talk,” he chuckled.
“Talk, right,” you said, as you stepped onto the elevator. Harry raised an eyebrow at you but didn’t ask you further what you meant.
Carissa got on the elevator right as you two did. She basically pushed you out of the way to stand next to Harry.
You folded your arms as Carissa clearly flirted with him. “Your advice was really helpful today. Maybe we could talk about it more over drinks? Maybe one Friday after work?”
“I don't think that’s appropriate,” Harry said.
Carissa grabbed his arm. “Well, coffee then.”
“Uh… sure.”
“Great!” She practically jumped in his arms. “It’s a date.”
Before Harry could correct her, the elevator dinged and you all got out. She waved to Harry and he stuck his hand up and waved back. But, she didn’t even look or wave at you.
You walked out to Harry’s car and got in it. He motorboated his lips as he started the car. “Long day.”
You nodded. “Yeah. Remind me to write you a check for the towing.”
Harry ignored you and turned up the radio loud. He began to bang his head and you giggled. When he sang, you were mesmerized. He actually had a really good voice.
“Don’t ignore me!” You giggled over the music.
“Sorry. I can’t hear you,” he said, pointing to the radio.
You laughed. You laughed so hard your stomach hurt. Harry smirked and turned down the music. “It’s on the company credit card, so no need to pay me back.”
“Sneaky,” you smirked.
“Mmm.” As he turned a corner, Harry said, “Remind me to put your number in my phone before I drop you off. Just so I can keep you updated on what the mechanic says.”
This time you smirked. Your stomach fluttered as you reached for his phone in the cup holder. You added your number and then put it back. “Just don’t text me too late. My husband will get mad.”
“Husband?” Harry asked.
You giggled. “I’m kidding. I’ve never been married.”
“Oh. Me either.”
“Oh.”
“I’ll try not to text too late,” he promised.
“It’s really fine. You won’t bother me.”
“Mmm.”
You talked more as you sat in traffic for a while, and you discovered you have a lot in common. You both like reading. Your parents are divorced. And you love animals. “Hopefully, I’ll meet Donald one day.”
“Yeah!” He said almost too enthusiastically. He cleared his throat. “Yeah. That’d be cool.”
You smiled.
The ride lasted about 5 more minutes and Harry parked out front. “You don’t have to walk me in. I’ll be ok.”
“Actually, I was going to ask if I could use your restroom.”
“Oh. Oh yeah. Sure,” you unclicked your seatbelt.
“Thanks!”
Harry got out of the car and followed closely behind you. When you got to your door, you immediately cringed. “I’m sorry. The place is a mess.” You went around cleaning stuff up.
“Don’t even worry. Where’s your-?”
“Oh, right.” You walked him to the bathroom. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.”
Your heart was beating fast as you scurried around your apartment and tried to clean up. You slipped off your shoes and put on your slippers that sat on the shoe rack by the door.
You were trying to be normal, but you just kept moving stuff from place to place thinking about what Harry was doing in your bathroom.
You eventually stood in your kitchen and poured yourself a glass of water just as Harry was walking down your hallway. He smiled at the photos on the wall as he passed by. “Thanks again, (Y/N). I wouldn’t have survived the trip back if I didn’t make a pit stop.”
“No-no problem.”
He smiled. “Well, I better get back. Donald is probably waiting at the door for food.”
You smiled. “I bet.”
“Goodnight, (Y/N).”
“Goodnight. Oh, wait a second.”
“Hmm?” Harry asked as he opened your door.
“Do you like tiramisu?”
“I love it. Why?”
“I was… going to bring you that tomorrow. If that’s ok,” you said.
“I’ll bring the plates.”
You giggled and nodded. “Ok. Good.”
“See you tomorrow.”
“Bye. Get home safe,” you waved.
“I will.” And he was gone.
~~~~~
You got to work on the tiramisu. It wasn’t as easy as you thought it was going to be, and you had to redo it. There were ingredients all over your pajamas and multiple ingredients in the trash. As you stuck the second one in the oven, your phone chimed. You cleaned off your hands and picked up your phone.
Hi! It’s Harry. I’m home. The mechanic said your car is a lost cause and he can’t get it to start either. Wants to know if you want them to scrap it and they can give you the money for it. See you tomorrow.
Why was he so formal in texts?
Hi :). Thanks so much for taking care of that. Yes, that’s fine. I’m glad you’re home safely.
Great! I’ll let them know right away. Sorry about your car (Y/N).
Don’t worry about it, Mr. Styles. It was her time. She was an old girl.
Harry….
Mr. Styles
You can’t hear but I’m sighing right now
*laughing emoji*
You saw the three bubbles pop up and then go away and then pop back up again. You set your phone down as you cleaned up the bowls and things from the tiramisu.
Your phone chimed again. So… what are you doing?
I’m making your tiramisu. Well, I just finished actually
My mouth is already watering just thinking about it.
Haha. Idk how good it is. I had to redo it.
If it’s as good as your brownies, then it’ll be good
Your face was getting hot from his compliments.
We’ll see… what are you doing?
I was just about to work out
What you wouldn’t do to see that sight.
Oh. Well then I’ll let you to it
Alright, (Y/N). Talk tomorrow.
Good night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The tiramisu went on great and you continued to make Harry treats for the rest of the week until you got a rental car and could drive yourself in.
That next Friday rolled around and Harry seemed stressed. He had a lot of work to do and you barely saw him come out of his office. You focused on your work, however. He didn’t even come out of the office for lunch. So, you were back to eating by yourself at your desk again. Harry had eaten with you the whole two weeks he was there.
You two had gotten along great and you were thankful for that because you were on the verge of quitting. Harry had also gotten word that he was no longer temporary and now the permanent replacement for your old boss. This made you giddy inside and thanking God that you stuck it out. Not only was he kind, but he was also nice to look at.
The day flew by quickly, but you didn’t want it to end because that meant Harry would be going on that coffee date with Carissa. Harry was still nice to you, just not as friendly because of how busy he was.
When it came time to leave, you stood at his door and said goodbye. Since you had your rental car, you didn’t need to wait for Harry anymore. “Good night, Mr. Styles.”
Harry looked up from his paperwork and frowned. “Is it 5 o’clock already?”
“Yes, sir. 5:02 actually.”
“Well, I guess I better pack up then, hmmm?”
“I guess so,” you said, putting your purse on your shoulder. “Bye.”
You went to turn as you heard him say, “The ride home is going to be quiet tonight.”
You turned back. “You have your radio,” you smiled.
“Suppose I do,” he gave you a look that sent a shiver down your spine.
“Yeah,” you looked down, so your face didn’t get any hotter. “Enjoy your night.”
~~
When you went home that night, you vegged out on the couch with a tub of ice cream and a bunch of rom-com movies. You knew Harry wasn’t yours, but it still hurt that he was going out with this woman that wasn’t you. Although look at her and look at you. She was super skinny, beautiful, and could charm the ear off a dead horse. You sat on your couch daily eating ice cream and watching TV.
About halfway through Pretty Woman, your phone rang. Not chimed. Rang. It was Harry. You threw your phone on the table and watched it ring. You eventually picked up on the last ring. “Hello? Mr. Styles? Are you alright?”
“(Y/N).”
“Mr. Styles, what’s wrong? Aren’t you on a date?”
He shook his head even though you couldn’t see him. “I didn’t go. I have a headache. I’ve had a headache all day. And it wasn’t a date.”
“Yeah, well, Carissa thought it was.”
Harry groaned.
“Sir, if you have a headache, lay down and put a hot rag on your head,” you said, pausing the movie.
“Can’t. I have too much work to do.”
You tsk’d. “You’re the first one to say that we shouldn’t work off the clock.”
He coughed. “I know, but I’m the boss. I need to finish things.”
“You sound sick,” you frowned.
“I’m fine. I’ve got my tiramisu.”
You smiled. “I should make you some soup.”
“No. I couldn’t ask you to do that,” he coughed again.
“Do you like chicken noodle?”
“(Y/N), enjoy your Friday night. Don’t worry about me.” Another cough. “I’m sure you have much better things to do than make me soup.” His voice got hoarse on the last two words.
“Like laying on my couch watching Pretty Woman and eating ice cream?” you asked.
“That sounds incredible right now,” he sighed. “I just called to ask you if you had the case number for the client you were working on today.”
“I do,” you said, looking through your work bag. “I can text it to you.”
“Text, right. That’d be great,” he said sounding delirious and coughing.
You giggled. “Send me your address. I’m bringing you soup and the files from today.”
“No. No. I don’t want you to get sick.”
“So you are sick?” you smirked.
“No. Just… you know,” he laid down and closed his eyes. “Just in case.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” you told him.
“Thanks, (Y/N). You’re the best.”
“Far from it,” you said. “I’ll see you soon.”
He just groaned before you hung up the phone.
You quickly packed up two cans of Campbell’s soup, no time to make homemade, saltine crackers, a rag, cough medicine, and Gatorade. You got dressed quickly, running a brush through your hair and headed out the door. You checked your phone for Harry’s address and put it into your GPS as you headed on your way.
~~~~
When you got to Harry’s condo, your jaw dropped. It was so much nicer than yours and huge. You knocked on his door and you heard him groan. He got up and pouted, but a smile came to his face when he saw you. “Hi.”
“Aww, Harry.” You put your hand up to his head. “You feel warm.”
He nodded. “Did you bring the soup?”
You chuckled. “I did. You want some now?”
“Please, (Y/N).”
“Alright. Go lay down. I’ll make it for you.”
Harry drug himself back to his couch, but he didn’t rest. He went back to work. If you could call what he was doing, working. He was just staring at the screen.
You went into his kitchen and opened every cabinet to look for bowls and spoons and whatever else you needed. Once you found what you needed, you put the soup in the bowl, laid crackers on the plate you put underneath it, and made him some tea, which you found on his counter.
You found a bigger plate and brought it out to him on the coffee table as he worked. “You really should rest.”
“Can’t,” he said, shivering.
“But, you should. You can finish this up on the weekend or Monday,” you reached over and closed his laptop.
“But…”
“Here’s your soup,” you said, pushing the plate in front of him.
He smiled. “These are my favorite crackers.”
“I’m psychic.”
He chuckled as he picked up his spoon and slurped the soup. “I’m sorry for calling you. I didn’t-. I don’t know why I called you specifically. I should’ve just texted. I mean we hardly know each other.”
“It’s ok. Honestly.”
“And I ruined your whole night.”
You chuckled. “Ruined? I was on the couch, watching a movie I’ve seen 50 times. It’s not like anyone is asking me out.”
“They should be,” he mumbled as he took another slurp of soup.
“What?”
“Thanks for the soup,” he said.
“Sure. After all you did for me, it was the least I could do.”
“Mmm.”
After Harry finished his soup, he laid back and put the blanket on top of him. “Take a nap, Mr. Styles. That always makes me feel better.”
“It’s Harry,” he said, as he closed his eyes and adjusted his pillow behind him.
You took his empty bowl into the kitchen, and Harry caught your hand on the way in. “Can you leave the crackers, please?”
“Sure,” you smiled, putting them down on the table. He closed his eyes again and you went into the kitchen to clean up the bowl. Just as you did, you felt something nudging your leg. You jumped, but then quickly realized it was Harry’s dog. “Oh my! You must be Donald.” You leaned down and scratched him behind the ears, which caused him to sit. “Look at how handsome you are.” Donald laid down on the ground and you could really see the duck shape then. “Aww. Look at you. Did your Daddy forget to feed you, hmm? He’s sick and been busy.”
You looked around the kitchen and saw a big bag of dog food. Donald’s bowl looked nearly empty, so you figured you could feed him. You went to feed him and Donald followed behind you immediately, eating the food before you could finish putting it in his bowl.
“Thanks. I forgot to do that today,” you heard Harry sniffle behind you. You jumped, not expecting him.
You turned around. “No problem. I thought you were sleeping.”
“I felt bad with you here by yourself.”
You chuckled and stood up, putting the bag of dog food back. “I’m perfectly fine. I was just going to do your dishes and then go.”
“No, don’t go,” he whined. “Please.”
“But, you need to sleep.”
He whined. “Fine.” Harry walked back to the living room and you followed behind him to make sure he actually was going to sleep. As you followed behind him, he said he was going to his bedroom. And he started to strip off his clothes. “I’m sweating.”
His hoodie came off first and you saw his chiseled back. You cleared your throat and looked down at the floor. Once Harry reached his bedroom, which was immaculate, he took off his pants, leaving him in his boxer briefs. You looked everywhere, but at him. Harry reached over for a tissue and wiped his forehead. “Bloody hell, it’s hot in here.”
“You’re getting a fever,” you said, stepping more into the room. You felt his head. It was burning. “Do you have a thermometer?”
Harry laid down on the bed and nodded. “Bathroom.”
You turned around and walked down the hallway to find the bathroom. Once you found it, the thermometer was easy to locate. Everything was placed just so in the cabinet. You rushed back to the room, but Harry was already in bed, sprawled out on it, eyes closed.
You turned the thermometer on and held it up to his head. He opened his eyes when he heard the beep. “Sorry,” you whispered.
“Mmm.”
You waited for the numbers to pop up. “Oh no. 101.5. You definitely need to sleep.”
Harry groaned and put his arm across his head. You looked at him for good for the first time and swallowed. His chest and right arm were covered in tattoos. His muscles were bulging and his legs looked like they could crush a watermelon in between them. God damn, he was gorgeous.
“I’m sorry, (Y/N). You should go. Don’t want you to get sick.”
“I’m ok, Mr. Styles. I haven’t been sick in a long time.”
“Probably cause you’re a good girl and take all your vitamins, hmm?” Man, this man was delirious.
You chuckled. “Probably.”
“Go on. Can’t lose my best girl. Need you,” he said.
You chuckled nervously. “You don’t need me. No one needs me,” you got up and started to head out of the bedroom.
“I need you,” Harry whispered before he fell asleep.
You said goodbye to Donald, left a note for Harry that he needed to lock the door and to text you if he needed anything else, and then left back home.
You were now sweating in your car because you saw your boss practically naked and he called you a good girl and “his best girl.” You were sure you dreamt that or Harry was talking gibberish because he was sick. Because there was no way Harry Styles was into you.
Hear me out, narry roommate. They get stuck in their apartment because of winter weather. You could maybe write a week in their lives and show their ups and downs being locked inside with each other. Maybe yn gets sexually frustrated and is timid about masturbating knowing niall and harry would hear her. Harry gets angsty to leave but cant and starts aggravating niall and yn. Nialls just being niall and being perfect as always. Cleaning up and cooking maybe. Maybe at the end of the week yn period comes and she realizes she needs more tampons or pads and starts freaking out but Harry jumps at the opportunity to leave so he finally is able to leave and walks to a close store down the rd. When he gets back yn thanks him and they cuddle to warm up on couch and harry massages yn tummy. Fluffy, angsty, bit of it all.
WARNINGS: masturbating with someone in other room, talks of masturbating, talks of a breakup, cursing, lots of angst, period, fighting, one kiss, I think thats it.
Can be read as a standalone or with the series here. Enjoy!
wc:3.4k
You were set to get a blizzard this weekend. You all went grocery shopping on Friday and got the essentials and more. You would probably be snowed in for a few days so you stocked up on a lot of stuff.
After putting everything away, the snow began. Harry looked out the window and said, "I love snow! Loved playing in it as a kid."
"Yeah, but this is not fun snow. It's ice and a lot of inches and it's annoying," you scrunched up your nose, coming over to look out the window.
"Didn't think a lot of inches was a bad thing," Harry smirked.
You jokingly pushed him and he chuckled. Harry put his arm around you. "Gonna have fun cooped up in here with you guys," he said.
"I'm already annoyed," Niall joked.
"You love me," Harry smirked, turning to him.
"Mmm," he hummed, taking a sip of water.
"You love when it's cold and we cuddle at night," he teased. "Gonna be cold tonight, so I'll be the big spoon."
"What the fuck are you talking about?" Niall said.
"Oh come on. Just admit it," Harry chuckled, poking Niall in the sides.
"We do not cuddle," he said.
"You maybe don't, but when you're sleeping sometimes I wrap you up nice and warm and put my arm over you," Harry said.
"No, you don't." Niall folded his arms.
"I don't but I should. You can be the big spoon if that's what you're worried about," Harry said.
"Jesus. I'm not cuddling you at all," Niall responded.
"Party pooper," Harry pouted, putting his hands on his hips.
You couldn't help but laugh at them. "This is only the first day we'll be stuck in here together. Please don't start a fight."
"Who's fighting? Niall just won't admit that he's the small spoon," Harry shrugged.
"God, I'm going to throw you out in the snow!" Niall said, walking away to do some laundry.
"Yay! I'll put my snowsuit on!" Harry replied.
You shook your head and laughed. "Harry, I think he was joking. They warned people not to go out."
"I wanna build a snowman," he pouted.
"Maybe in a few days," you tapped his cheek.
~~~~~~~~~~
The day turned into night and you were all doing separate things. You were in your room watching a very spicy movie and it got you kind of hot and bothered.
When it finished, you made sure to lock your door and look out in the hallway. The boys had music on in the living room, so they wouldn't be able to hear you. Perfect.
You got your small vibrator out, took off your pants, and got yourself off until you came. Your legs shook, but you kept quiet so the boys wouldn't know what you were doing. Usually, you did this when they were out, but with the raging storm outside, no one was going anywhere for a while.
You gave yourself one more orgasm as you still heard the music on. After you were done, you put your pants back on and ventured to the bathroom to clean up.
When you walked into the kitchen to get some water, you gave Harry a smile. He smirked back and chuckled.
"What's so funny?" You asked, taking a sip.
"Did ya have fun in there?" He asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Your face is all flushed and you have a pep in your step," Harry smirked.
You pushed him on his chest. "Leave me alone."
"Har, come on. Stop it," Niall said from the living room.
Harry chuckled. "'S'okay, honey. I have to go to the bathroom to do it. Since Niall doesn't want to watch me in the room."
You shook your head. "You're such a perv. And ew. Our shared bathroom?"
"It's mostly in the shower," he shrugged.
"Stop. I don't want to know."
"Me either!" Niall shouted.
Harry chuckled. "Alright. Sorry darling. Wanna come watch Heated Rivalry with us? We were just about to start it."
You chuckled, taking the bowl of popcorn to the living room. "Niall is going to watch Heated Rivalry?"
"Yeah. He likes hockey," Harry said, putting down the snacks.
You hummed. When Harry sat down, you mouthed, "He doesn't know does he?"
Harry shook his head. Oh boy.
After two episodes, Niall went "Wait!"
"What?"
"You didn't say there was romance in this," Niall said.
"Oh, there's definitely romance," you giggled.
"Do I have to cover your eyes?" he asked.
"No, but I might have to cover yours," you said.
"Why?"
"Just- keeping watching," Harry smirked.
Oh boy was Niall surprised.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Niall was the designated cook of the winter storm stay in. He made every dinner, but you and Harry helped with breakfast.
He was making chicken alfredo and cookies tonight. As Niall prepped all the food, Harry stood in the kitchen, looking over his shoulder.
"Can I help you?" Niall asked.
"Just observing," Harry shrugged.
"You're in my way and you're making me nervous," Niall replied, stirring the alfredo sauce.
"Nervous, huh?" Harry smirked. "Don't worry. 'M not gonna kiss ya."
Niall rolled his eyes. Harry started grabbing ingredients and messing around with them. He dropped a few noodles on the floor. Harry cringed as Niall put his hands on his hips. "Seriously?"
"Sorry," Harry mouthed.
"Please go anywhere else," Niall said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"But-."
"Go, or you won't get any cookies."
Harry shut up and nodded, walking out to the living room to see what you were doing.
"Hey, babe. What's up with you? Niall kicked me out of the kitchen," Harry said, plopping down next to you.
You pouted. "Oh no! I'm sorry, honey. You can come snuggle with me."
Harry laid down and watched a movie with you. After a few minutes, he asked, "Well, who's that?"
"I'm not sure."
"Why would they do that?"
"I don't know, honey."
Then he completely talked over a scene and you sighed. "Sorry," he said. You rewinded it and Harry kissed your cheek. "'M sorry."
You missed it again. You paused the movie and looked at it. "I'll just go to my room," he said.
"No. I want you here. You just have to be quiet. I don't know what's going on anymore than you do."
Harry nodded. You rewound it one more time and you settled in to watch the movie. Harry stayed quiet throughout the rest of it, and by the time it was over, dinner was ready.
Harry hopped up and anxiously grabbed a plate. He was the first in line, putting the chicken and fixings on his plate.
"Hungry much?" Niall asked.
"Starving. This looks great, by the way," he said, sucking a piece of alfredo off his thumb.
You all sat down together to eat. It was way too quiet for Harry after 5 minutes. "So, what's everyone been up to?"
You giggled, but Niall sighed. "I've been cooking your ass dinner and dessert."
"Hey, be nice," you said, putting a hand on Niall's arm. "He's just trying to make conversation."
"This is why (Y/N)'s my favorite," Harry said, with a full mouth.
"Yeah. She's my favorite too. I thought we knew that," Niall said.
You just giggled and shook your head. "This is really good, Niall. Thank you."
"You're welcome," he said. "There's cookies for dessert."
You grabbed his chin. "Look at you, a little baker."
"There's nothing else to do," he chuckled.
"Well, thank you. We appreciate it," you said.
"Yes, thank you," Harry responded.
"Mmm," Niall said.
"Come on, boys. Play nice," you said.
"We need to get him out, petal. He's been annoying me all day," Niall said.
"We can't just throw him out in the snow," you replied.
"Why not? He wants to build a snowman right?"
"Hey! I'm right here. I can hear you," Harry pouted.
"Harry, you can't go outside after dinner because it's dark out. But, they're lifting the state of emergency tomorrow, so maybe you can then," you said.
He nodded. "Will you build a snowman and make snow angels with me?"
"Sure," you giggled.
"Yay!"
"Did you want to join, Niall?"
"He'll just ruin the fun," Harry stuck his tongue out at Niall.
Niall rolled his eyes. "Sure. I’ll come out. I can't wait to hit Harry in the head with a snowball."
"Ha ha. Very funny," Harry said in a mocking tone.
"I know. I'm hilarious," Niall responded.
You ate the rest of your dinner, and then dessert, and ended the night watching more Heated Rivalry. Niall was actually getting into it, but he would never admit that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, Harry was up at 9am in his snow gear, waiting for you guys by the front door. "Come on! Come on! It's going to melt."
"Coffee," Niall said, wiping his eyes, heading for the coffee machine.
"Sweetie. It's like 20 degrees outside. It's not going to melt," you said.
"'M just really excited," Harry replied, clapping his hands together.
"I know," you said, putting on your boots. "I'm almost ready, babe."
Niall just hummed and waited for his coffee to brew.
"You almost ready, Ni?" you asked.
"I'll meet you out there," he yawned. "I need to wake up first." He rubbed his eyes and yawned.
"Ok, but don't be mad if we are finished with the snowman by the time you get out there," Harry said.
"I can assure you, I will not be mad," Niall replied.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Ok. (Y/N), you ready?"
"Yep," you said as you put your hat on your head. "Let's go."
You walked out of your apartment for the first time in days. Harry was giddy. He pressed the lobby button on the elevator with a smile on his face.
When you got out of the elevator, he greeted everyone he saw passing by. As soon as the front door opened, the cold air hit you like a ton of bricks.
"Holy shit. It's cold, Har."
"It's winter."
Your teeth started chattering and Harry tsk'd. "Let's build this snowman quickly then, hmm?"
You nodded. You both rolled big balls of snow to form the snowman's body. You were in charge of the middle and top while Harry took care of the bottom.
Once you rolled them to perfection, you stacked them on top of each other. Harry put in a carrot for a nose and two buttons for the eyes. He even brought out M&M's for the mouth.
You had a harder time finding sticks for the arms. Harry eventually found two small ones on the ground and put them in the snowman.
You accessorized him with a hat and scarf. You were pretty proud of your snowman, since you hadn't made one since middle school. You snapped a photo on your phone and then had Harry jump in one.
He looked so happy. "You like it?"
He nodded. "Yeah. Looks so cute."
"Good. I'm glad."
"Hey. Thanks for doing this with me," he said, picking up your hands and blowing on them to keep them warm.
"Of course. What else is there to do?"
"Mmmm. You could have made up an excuse," he said sadly.
"Do you think Niall's gonna come out?" you asked, looking up at your window.
"Who cares about him? He's Mr. Grumpy pants."
"I'm sorry, Har," you touched his arm.
He shrugged. "'S okay."
You looked up at the window again, begging with your eyes for Niall to come out here.
After a while, you decided to just be present with Harry and make snow angels.
You two ran around in the snow and waved to some neighbors. You were exhausted and decided to just sit for a bit.
About 5 minutes into your rest, Harry felt snow pelted at him. He turned around and saw Niall standing there with a smirk on his face. "So, you come out here just to hit me with snow?" Harry asked.
Niall's smile fell. "I was getting things done in the house."
"Whatever."
You looked up at Niall and pleaded with your eyes.
Niall sighed and leaned down. "Look, I'm sorry. Did you want to make a snowman?"
"Already done," Harry pointed to it.
"Snow angels?"
"You're looking at them," he said.
"Well, what else can we do?" Niall asked.
Harry shrugged. After about 30 seconds of silence, he looked up at Niall and threw a snowball in his face. It was soft snow, so it didn't hurt him. "HEY!"
"You deserve it," Harry shrugged.
"Hey, he's trying, Har," you knocked him with your shoulder.
"He should have tried an hour ago," Harry pouted and then got up to go inside.
"Har!" you yelled, but he didn't turn around.
You followed after him. Niall threw his hands up and followed after you guys.
Harry was angry, taking off his hat and gloves on the elevator. It was an awkward silence the whole way up.
When he got up to the apartment, and unlocked the door, he took his shoes off and was about to say something when he saw the dining table.
Breakfast was out, warmed by sternos. Hot chocolate with all of Harry's favorite fix-ins was brewing in the hot cocoa maker. "I-."
"Yeah. Asshole," Niall said behind him, taking off his hat. "I made this all for you, so don't think I don't care!"
"Hey! Don't call him an asshole!" you spoke up.
You turned to Harry. "You owe Niall an apology."
"Sorry," he mumbled.
"Niall, now you."
"Sorry," he said back.
"Now, let's go eat some breakfast and warm up with some hot cocoa. And then maybe later, you can go out again and build a fort or something with Niall. Does that sound good?" you asked Harry.
Harry looked to Niall. "That's gonna be the best damn fort the world has ever seen," Niall said.
Harry couldn't help the smile pulling on his face. You chuckled and gave them both a kiss on the cheek. "Now, let's go eat."
You grabbed a plate and dug in. Niall followed behind you. Harry was the last to grab his plate. There was every one of his favorites there. When he forked his food out with a smile, Niall asked, "What are you smiling about?"
"You love me," he giggled.
"Oh God," Niall rolled his eyes.
"Look. All of my favorite foods and hot chocolate toppings. You know me and you love me," he said.
"Please just sit down," Niall begged.
Harry sat down and chewed his food with a big smile. "Stop!"
"Not until you admit you love me!"
"Of course I love you. You're like my brother. Ok? Now, just eat your food and no more talk of love until Valentine's Day," Niall said.
Harry leaned over and planted a big kiss on Niall's cheek. "Jesus!" Niall said, wiping the kiss off. "I said I love you not that I'm in love with you!"
"Not yet," Harry winked. "But, some day soon."
You giggled as Niall shook his head.
After breakfast digested, the boys went out to play in the snow. You did the dishes and took a shower. When they came back in, they weren't mad at each other anymore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two more days in the house and it was spotless. All of the laundry was done, the dishes were cleaned and put away, Heated Rivalry was finished, and the cabinets were cleaned out.
You had all gone to bed early the night before from all the cleaning, so it didn't surprise you when you were all up late the next morning. You and Harry bumped into each other in the hallway, both trying to get to the bathroom. "Go ahead, love," Harry said.
"Thanks." You entered the bathroom and shut the door as Harry waited in the hallway.
You did your business and wiped, only to be surprised by you getting your period. "No! It's early. Fuck," you whined.
You looked under the cabinet and grabbed a tampon, noticing there was only one left. "Shit."
When you finished you opened the door and cursed to yourself. "I'll be right back!"
"Where ya goin'?" Harry asked.
Niall was up now, rubbing his eyes. "What's goin' on?"
"(Y/N)'s leaving apparently," Harry said from the bathroom.
You started to get changed, but both Harry and Niall came into your room after a minute. "Whoa! Knock."
"Relax," Harry said. "You're not naked."
You rolled your eyes, as you straightened out your shirt.
"Babe, where ya goin'? Thought we were trapped in here," Harry said.
You sighed. "I- got my period early and there's only one tampon left."
"Gotcha," Niall said.
"I'll go," Harry replied.
"No. It's ok," you shook your head.”I'll just go to the gas station down the street."
"With that creepy guy behind the counter? Yeah no. I'll go," Harry said.
He went into the bathroom and snapped a photo of the box of tampons. "One box or two?" he asked when he came back.
"Har, really. I can go."
"One or two?"
"One's fine," you sighed. "Thank you."
He nodded and then put his snow gear on. "Niall, you're on standby in case I get stranded."
"What the fuck am I supposed to do? Drag you home in the snow?" he asked.
"Yes," Harry replied, tying the laces on his boots. "Do we need anything else while I'm out?"
"Get milk," Niall said. Harry nodded.
"Thank you!" you shouted from your bedroom.
"You're welcome," Harry shouted back as he walked out the door.
When you walked out of your room to the kitchen, you saw Niall brewing you green tea. "How's your stomach? I'm making you tea."
You smiled and kissed his cheek. "I'm ok for now, but I'll still take the tea. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Niall said, kissing your forehead. "Do ya need anything else?"
You shook your head. "Just for you to be nice to Harry."
Niall sighed, stirring his coffee. "You know I love him."
"Then why are you so mean to him?"
"Cause he's a pain in my arse," Niall said.
"He's just bored."
Niall shrugged. "Brother's argue. They riff on each other. We're fine now."
You shoved into his side. "He's still sensitive after his breakup. Just go easy on him."
Niall nodded. "Alright, I will for you."
"Thank you."
Niall hummed and gave you a sidehug. "Want some eggs?"
"Sure," you nodded, sipping your tea.
"Ok. Go sit. I'll bring them to you."
"Ok." You sat on the couch and waited for the eggs to be cooked.
As you and Niall were eating breakfast, Harry came back. "Hey! I'm back!"
"Hey. In here," you said.
Harry came into the living sans his snow gear and handed you the bag. "Here you go, love."
"Thank you very much. I hope it wasn't too bad out there."
Harry shrugged. "I checked on Norman (the snow man) and he said hi."
"Hi, Norman. I hope he's not too cold."
"He's bundled in his scarf," Harry said.
"Perfect," you smiled.
Harry got changed back into his pajamas and put the milk in the fridge. You looked in the bag, which had your tampons, pads, your favorite candy, and a book of jokes in it.
When Harry walked back out to the living room, you asked, "Why the book of jokes?"
"So, I can entertain myself while we're stuck here."
"Let's hear some," Niall said.
Harry raised his eyebrows and looked at you. "Alright." He grabbed the book and scanned a few pages. "How did the hipster burn his tongue?"
You and Niall shrugged. "I don't know. How?"
"He drank his coffee before it was cool!" Harry responded.
You all chuckled and Harry skimmed through the book more.
"Hey, there's scrambled eggs in there if you're hungry," Niall said to Harry.
"Thanks," he smiled, heading into the kitchen.
You smiled at Niall and mouthed a "thank you" for the joke. He winked at you.
Harry came back to sit with you and eat. "How's yer tummy, (Y/N)?"
"I feel good right now. Thanks."
"M'kay. If ya want me to rub it later, let me know," Harry said.
"I will. Thanks, H." He nodded. "And thanks for getting all that stuff."
"Ya know I'd weather any storm for you," he said, chewing.
"Same with you guys," you smiled back.
"This was a lot of fun," Harry said. "We had some down moments, but I enjoyed hanging out with you guys."
"Me too."
"Yeah. Me too," Niall said.
"So, sleepover tonight? Movie marathon? Nail painting? Face masks? Truth or dare?" Harry asked.
"Sure," you giggled.
"Ni?" Harry asked.
He nodded. "If there's pizza, I'm in."
"Pizza's a given," you said.
"Perfect," he replied.
"This is going to be so much fun!" Harry squealed.
Just thought of a little fic from this pic. Enjoy!
wc: 1600
warnings: Sickenly cute fluff, theres a shower scene, but not really smut
It was two days before Harry’s 30-date residency at Madison Square Garden. He had rented a really nice suite for the two of you during your almost two-month stay.
As your car pulled into New York, you squeezed Harry’s hand with excitement. He took his focus from the window to you. “Ya alright, love?”
You nodded. “30 sold-out shows. I’m so freaking proud of you.”
“Mmm. Thank ya my love,” Harry pecked your lips. “It will be nice to just be permanent for the next month and a half.”
“Mmhmm.” You interlocked your fingers together. “We should celebrate. Get a lot of food and pig out before all of your time is taken up.”
“That sounds nice. Where do ya want to eat?” He asked.
“You pick. They’re your shows.”
He hummed. Harry was quiet for a bit as he looked out the window, the cars passing by, and the buildings whipping by in a flash. “Hey. What about there?”
You leaned over and chuckled. “7-11? Har. We’re in New York. The possibilities are endless.”
“I’ve never been there,” he mumbled.
“Really?” You sat back up. “It’s just a convenience store.”
“They must be good if they’re all over, right?"
“I mean, I guess,” you scratched your head. “The slurpees are good. Got them a lot as a kid.”
“Slurpees. Let’s get one!” He said.
“You’re serious?!?” You looked at him shocked.
“Yes. Excuse me, sir,” he said to the driver. “Could you pull over please?”
The driver pulled over, Harry paid him, and he helped you out of the car. He took your hand as you walked a block to 7-11.
You giggled the whole walk down. International super star Harry Styles wanting to eat at 7-11. You just couldn’t believe it.
Harry held the door open for you and then he walked in, greeting the cashier.
“Alright,” he clapped. ‘Give me the lay of the land.”
“Ok,” you chuckled. “Well, these are just the snack aisles. The frozen and refrigerated section is back there, which is mostly drinks, ice, eggs, milk, ice cream. Those sorts of things.”
Harry nodded attentively. “Then, over here you’ve got your coffee/tea/hot chocolate section. Next to that is the fountain drink dispensers, the slurpee machine,” you said.
“Up here is like soft pretzels, hot dogs, pizza, but I don’t know if I’d trust that, gum, cigarettes, lottery tickets, etc. etc.”
Harry looked around, amazed at all of it. He explored the store as you poured yourself a cup of coffee. By the time you met up, Harry had three snack bags in his hands, a cherry slurpee, a pint of ice cream, and a Big Gulp filled with Coke Zero.
“Wow. Find everything alright?” you chuckled.
“Think so,” he said, looking at his pile. “Unless ya want anything.” Harry took a sip of his slurpee.
“I’ve got my coffee. I’m good,” you said.
“Perfect. Let’s go pay.” He walked up the counter, putting everything on it. “And two pretzels please.” He turned to you. “Know later you’re gonna regret not getting one.”
You smirked and shook your head. He knew you too well. Harry paid, and he took all of your items, sans the coffee and slurpee, in the bags that were handed to him.
When you got out of the store, you found the car and got back in. Harry slurped his slurpee, humming in delight. It was enjoyable in the late August heat.
“Ok. Where did you really want to eat now?” You asked.
“What do ya mean? I just got all of this food.”
“Har, that’s not dinner,” you said.
“Come on, babe. Can we just pretend and live like civilians for the day? Like I spent the last of my paycheck on this delicious slurpee and way too big of a Coke.”
You giggled. “Is that what you want?”
He nodded. “I’m exhausted. I just want to go back to the hotel room, take a shower, lay down and watch a movie and eat our snacks together. Some peace and quiet with you before the madness starts. Please.”
You nodded. “That sounds really nice actually.”
“Good,” he said. “Take us to our hotel please” Harry told the driver.
As the man drove through the busy New York streets, Harry sipped his slurpee.
“Ahh!” He said, reaching up, clutching his head.
“You ok, baby?” You put a hand on his thigh.
“Brain freeze,” he shared. “I always do that.”
“Slow down. It’s not a race.” You squeezed his leg.
He nodded as you massaged his head. “Thanks, love.”
“I got you.”
“I know."
You finally arrived at the hotel. You had already checked in online, so you just had to pick up your key cards, and the bell hop would send your bags up.
You both got on the elevator, food bags still in Harry’s hands. He hummed. “I can’t wait to lie down.”
You giggled. “Me too.”
When you got off the elevator, you opened the door. Harry made sure to put the food/drinks that needed to go in the fridge/freezer away, and then he kept the rest of the stuff in the bag.
Once he got settled, Harry walked over to you and wrapped his arms around you. “Wanna take a shower?”
You raised an eyebrow. “A shower or a shower?”
Harry chuckled. “Just a shower. I smell like New York.”
You nodded. “Let me finish my coffee and I’ll be right in.”
“M’kay,” he said. Harry went to turn the shower on, got the towels ready, and stripped down as he stepped in.
You finished your coffee after five minutes and then joined Harry in the shower. He was washing the conditioner out of his hair when you stepped in. “Hey, baby,” he said.
“Hello,” you smiled, grabbing the shampoo bottle.
“Wait, let me do that,” he said, taking the bottle from you. After he finished his hair, Harry lathered the shampoo in your hair, massaging your scalp. You hummed. This was something you loved doing together.
You both got cleaned and then made out for a little bit. “Love you, baby.”
“Love you too, H.”
“Hope we get more days like this soon,” he said, kissing your wet forehead.
“We will,” you held onto his chest. “We’ll make sure of it.”
He hummed. There was some groping and a few light touches, but you two were too exhausted to do anything beyond that.
When you got out of the shower, Harry wrapped you in a towel and then him. You both dug through your suitcases, that were now delivered, and got out your pajamas and essentials.
After getting changed, you did your nighttime routines in the bathrooms. You dried your hair, brushed your teeth, put on your night cream, and put on under eye patches.
“Hey, ya got extra of them?” he asked.
You giggled, taking more out of the case. You turned to him and helped him put on the patches gently. “They’re a little cold.”
He hummed. “You know, you don’t have bags, right?”
“M’ eyes feel a little puffy,” he shrugged.
“Ok, well, if you ever need them, they’re in here, alright?” You showed him your makeup bag. Harry nodded. When you were both finished, you walked over to the bed, and plopped down.
Harry grabbed the bag of snacks and his Big Gulp and settled into bed. “What do ya want to watch?” he asked, turning on the TV.
“We can finish our Gossip Girl marathon,” you said.
“Perfect,” he said, flicking to the episodes.
He sat on the edge of the bed, with his under eyes patches, sipping his Big Gulp. You giggled. “What?” he asked.
“You look so cute,” you said, putting your phone up to his face. “Picture.”
Harry posed with the straw in his mouth. He swallowed his sip. “Can I post that?” you asked.
“Course,” he said, laying back. “Now, come join me on the bed and eat a bunch of snacks and your pretzel and watch mindless TV.”
You crawled onto the bed and curled into Harry’s arms. He kissed you on the forehead and started the show where you left off.
You pulled up Instagram, posting the photo, along with your haul, and a few pics of NYC. “Taking a Big Gulp before 30 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden,” you captioned the post.
You hit post and settled into the mattress more. Harry picked up his phone, since it lit up when you tagged him. He chuckled. “Cute caption,” he said.
“Thank you. I thought it was clever.”
“It is,” he mumbled, liking the photo, typing something, and then throwing his phone on the bed.
You looked at your notifications. “I still feel the brain freeze from that slurpee,” he commented.
You giggled and kissed his forehead. “You’re so silly.”
“Thank you,” he pulled you into his arms more.
“What time do you have to be at rehearsals tomorrow?” you asked, interlocking your fingers.
“Not til 12, so we’ve got some time,” he said.
“Good. We’ll have a big breakfast,” you said.
“Two breakfasts,” he leaned down and kissed your neck. “At least, I will.”
You rolled your eyes and shook your head. “Insatiable you are.”
“For you. Always,” he left a raspberry on your neck. “I love you, baby. Thanks for this relaxing day.”
“I love you too. You’re welcome. Let’s plan more like it,” you said.
“Yes, please.”
You both fell asleep to Blair Waldorf talking on screen. Harry had a big schedule coming up, but you wouldn’t have it any other way because you were with him.
Heyyy back with another check in for our fave couple. came up with this idea a few weeks ago and decided to do it for CS, so enjoy.
WARNINGS: talks of period, couple arguing, cursing, that's really it.
Read the rest of the series here
wc: 1,402
Everything was pissing you off. Harry put the toilet roll on the opposite way it is supposed to go. The kids left their toys out. Traffic was unbelievably slow today. Nothing was making you happy.
To top it all off, dinner was taking forever to cook. It was kind of your fault because you didn’t defrost the meat in time, but you had a million other things to do that day.
Even Harry coming in the door didn’t cheer you up. He greeted the kids first, kissing them, and making sure no diapers needed to be changed.
Then, a few minutes later, he walked into the kitchen to greet you. “Hello, my love. How was your day?” he asked, giving you a quick peck.
“How was my day?” you scoffed. “Horrible! Just horrible. This house is so disorganized. Everyone was taking a Sunday drive with their grandmoms today and this damn meat won’t cook.” You were on the verge of tears.
“Whoa, honey. It’s ok!” Harry walked over to you and pulled you into a tight hug. You didn’t reciprocate. “The house looks great, babe. ‘M sorry about the traffic. Want me to help with anything?”
“No!” You slammed your hands down on the counter. “I’m fine! Just go take your shower.”
Harry unwrapped his arms from you, not saying anything. “Ok,” he whispered. “‘M here if yeh change your mind.”
You ignored him and tried to cook the meat. After Harry’s shower, he came back into the kitchen, drying his hair on a towel. The meat was looking more brown. “‘S looking better babe! See?”
You rolled your eyes. “Better? Geez. Thanks.”
“I didn’t mean it in a mean way. I was trying to be encouraging.”
“Whatever.”
Harry just shrugged and went back to the living room to play with the kids.
“Papa, is dinnertime soon?” Dessie asked.
“Not sure, honey. Mum’s having a rough time with it right now.”
“Can I help her?” she asked.
Harry smiled. “I think she’d rather yeh stay in here and play, but yer sweet for offering,” he kissed her on her forehead.
“M’kay,” Dessie threw his arms around Harry. “Come play with us Papa!”
Harry got down on the ground and played dolls with Dessie and Robyn until dinner was ready.
About 20 minutes later, you slammed the spaghetti and meatballs on the table. “Here. Enjoy.”
Harry dished out plates for the kids while you sat there with your head in your hands. He dished out your plate before he dished out his. He even got up and poured you a glass of wine before he dug into his food.
Harry rubbed your back and you sighed. “Thanks, babe. It looks delicious.”
“It better be. I spent too f’ing long on it,” you said.
“Mum, what’s f’ing mean?” Robyn asked.
“Nothing you need to worry about, Robbie,” Harry said, giving you wide eyes. “Eat your food. Yer mum spent a long time on it, so say thank you.”
The kids all thanked you and then dug in. Harry didn’t touch his food. He continued to rub your back. “You ok?” he whispered in your ear.
You took your glass of wine, got up from the table, and stormed off.
“Where momma go?” Eddie asked.
“I think she had to go potty, Eddie. It’s ok.”
Harry looked down the hallway and saw your bedroom door closed. “Cuse me one second, my loves. Papa will be right back.”
Harry snuck down the hall and into your bedroom. You were sitting on the bed, wine glass in your hand, and tears running down your face. Harry ran to you immediately, kneeling in front of you. “Please, tell me what’s wrong, darling.”
“I don’t know,” you shook your head. “You need to go watch the kids though or there will be spaghetti all over the walls.”
“They’re fine,” he said. “I’m worried about you right now.”
“I’ve just had a stressful day,” you shrugged.
You’ve had stressful days before, but it’s never led you to lash out at Harry like this.
“Are yeh mad at me for something?” Harry asked.
“Not directly. I’m just mad at the world,” you chuckled.
Harry smirked. “How long ago was your last period?” he asked.
“Har, I’m not in the mood for sex tonight. Geez.”
“No no. How long ago was it?”
“I don’t know like 4 weeks ago. OH!”
He nodded. “Yer just PMSing. Will probably get it tonight or tomorrow.”
You sighed, taking a long sip of your wine. “Gosh. I’m such a bitch.”
“No, you’re not,” Harry shook his head.
“I was so mean to you and you were just trying to help.”
“It’s alright, love,” he said, reaching up and wiping away a tear. “I get it.”
You began to cry. Harry tsk’d and wrapped you in a hug. He kissed your forehead and rocked you back and forth. “Was I this mean when I was pregnant?” you asked.
“Uh….”
You hit his arm lightly, smirking. “I’m sorry. For all of it.”
“Don’t be sorry. Hormones are weird,” he cooed in your ear.
Your breath caught in your throat as you let out a sob. “You’re the best husband and father ever.”
“‘S cause I got the best wife and kids ever.”
You sighed. “I try.”
“You are. The absolute best. And you chose me and that’s something I don’t take for granted every day,” Harry said.
Well, now he was just making you cry on purpose. Harry gave you a kiss and led you out to the kitchen to go eat.
“Mommyyyyy!” Robyn said, throwing her arms up.
“Hi, baby,” You smiled.
There was no spaghetti on the walls, in anyone’s hair, or on the floor. Just a little on the table from where they dribbled. You had the best kids in the world. Despite how hard it was, you wouldn’t trade this for anything.
You sat down and Harry refilled your wine glass. You all ate dinner, laughing and smiling. When dinner was done, Harry cleaned up. “Go take a nice bath,” he said, kissing your temple.
“I can’t. I have to watch the kids and do laundry and-.”
“Go.”
“But-.”
“I’ve got it,” he said, loading the dishes into the dish washer.
“Thank you,” you sighed.
“You’re welcome.” Harry pulled you close and gave you a kiss. “I just want you to be happy.”
“Everyday I’m married to you, I’m happy, even if I don’t always show it,” you said.
“Fuck. Me too,” Harry sighed. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you too.”
You went into the bathroom and took a nice hot, bubble bath. It relaxed you a lot, especially since you felt your cramps starting to kick in.
You almost fell asleep after an hour, but woke up when you heard the kids’ loud voices. You got out of the tub, and drained it. You peeked out of the door and saw Harry wrangling the kids for bed, which was causing them to giggle loudly as he picked them up and tickled them.
Sighing in content, you walked into your bedroom and got dressed. After you were dressed and dried your hair, Harry walked into the bedroom after getting the kids into bed. “Thank you for putting them to bed.”
“Of course, baby,” he said, walking behind you and squeezing your hips. “Always here. How are you feeling?”
“Better,” you nodded.
“Good,” Harry said as he brushed his teeth.
“I think you’re right, by the way,” you said, leaning against the counter.
Harry nearly choked on his toothbrush. He spit out the toothpaste. “Sorry. Did yeh just say I was right?”
You smirked. “It’s not that shocking.”
“I just don’t hear it that often,” he shrugged. “What was I right about?” he asked, wrapping you in his arms.
“My period is definitely coming. I feel crampy.”
“See? Told you. I know you like the back of my hand,” he smiled.
“Mmmm.”
“Want to get into bed and I can get yeh a heating pad and we’ll snuggle up and watch TV until we fall asleep?” Harry rubbed his hands on your stomach.
You jumped into his arms. “I picked the right man.”
He hummed. “And I picked the sexiest, kindest, most caring, sassiest woman out there.”
As Brave As You Are (Newt x Reader) - A Maze Runner Story
As Brave As You Are (Newt x Reader)
Reader Insert: she/her pronouns
Word Count: 12,051
Warnings: death, bloody wounds, fighting, mental and physical torture, guns, suicidal thoughts and actions
Spoilers: no spoilers because the books and films came out ages ago
After helping Newt recover from his ankle injury, Y/N and Newt formed an unbreakable bond that always had them looking out for each other. When they escaped the Maze, then navigated the Scorch, they always had each other’s back. It isn’t until Y/N is captured alongside Minho by WCKD and Newt contracts the Flare that he realises how he truly feels about Y/N.
Problem is, will he rescue her in time to tell her?
Note: I'm back in my dystopian future era thanks to the new Hunger Games film so of course I had to write for my original YA crush. This piece is based on the movie series mainly. Don't get mad at me, I love the books more, but I can appreciate the storylines that came out of the path they took with the films. And if there is one thing the TMR fandom can agree on, it is that the film cast was the best cast ever for the series. So enjoy - not sorry that it's horrendously long, Newt deserves it xx
‘Medjack! Medjack, now!’
Y/N recognised it was Minho was calling for help. Clint and Jeff ran out of the med hut to see what all the commotion was. It wasn’t long before they were hurrying back inside, carrying Newt of all people between them, Minho and Alby in tow.
‘Clear the table,’ Clint ordered, and Y/N quickly followed through, practically throwing off containers, bowls and medical instruments to get Newt on there as quick as possible. Once Newt was up, Y/N finally noticed the unnatural twist in his ankle and it almost sent Frypan’s sloppy sweet potato soup right back up.
She was still pretty new to her job as a Medjack, being the greenie and all. She was the only girl in the Glade of the current twelve residents, so she was intimidated at first as to what role she could play in the place. Medjack seemed the most suitable, and she seemed to have a knack for it, having stitched up some eyebrows and cleaned up knee scrapes with ease and precision.
But even though she’d seen blood, dealt with displaced bones and joints, she still got queasy doing her job. It didn’t help that Newt was hissing through clenched teeth from the intense pain, an occasional sob passing through.
‘What happened?’ Y/N asked.
‘I don’t know,’ Minho said. ‘We split up for only five minutes. I thought we could cover more ground that way. And we’ve run that part of the Maze like a hundred times already. I thought we’d be fine…’
Clint held Newt down as Jeff and Y/N took a look at Newt’s ankle. Jeff only pressed gently with his fingers around the bone, but Newt’s responding howls confirmed the severity of the injury.
‘The bone is completely shattered,’ Jeff said grimly. ‘We’re going to need to reset his foot first though. Y/N?’
‘On it.’ She rushed to a shelf that held bandages, then to a cupboard with flat boards about shin length. She grabbed two of those before heading back to the table.
‘You’re going to have to hold him down,’ Y/N directed at Alby and Minho, gesturing to follow Clint’s efforts. Then she turned to Newt, whose face was slicked with tears and sweat as he continued to writhe in pain. ‘Newt. Newt, can you open your eyes for me? I need you to focus on me.’
To his credit, Newt opened his eyes and he didn’t look away from her.
‘Good. Good, Newt,’ she said. ‘Now, we have to realign your foot. It’s going to hurt a lot. We’ll go on three, okay?’
In the short time Y/N had known Newt – which arguably was no time at all, as he ran every day and she was in the Medjack hut all day. They didn’t interact unless he or another runner got hurt, or at dinner if only to say hello. Even so, she had come to know he liked it plain and straight, no bullshit. So, despite his pain, he took two deep, calming breaths and gave her a nod to say he was ready for what they had to do.
Y/N nodded back, then looked to the others, who had their hands braced on all Newt’s limbs. ‘Ready?’ she asked, to which they nodded in reply. Y/N gently held Newt’s ankle, eliciting a quiet whimper from the boy. ‘Okay, on three. One, two…’ She cut herself off as she slammed her hands either side the ankle bone, causing a loud cracking sound as the ankle snapped back into place.
Newt’s wail of pain must’ve been heard from across the whole Glade it was so loud. He writhed and pulled to sit up, but the boys held him down as Y/N and Jeff bandaged the two splints either side of Newt’s ankle. Jeff then dabbed a small dose of chloroform in a cloth and pressed it to Newt’s nose. Soon enough, the boy was unconscious, finally pain-free.
‘You guys go have dinner,’ Y/N said to Clint and Jeff a little while later as they were cleaning up the hut. Alby and Minho had left soon after Newt fell asleep, but it was almost dinner time now. ‘I’ll stay with Newt tonight.’
‘You sure?’ Clint asked. ‘We can do shifts if you’d prefer.’
Y/N shook her head. ‘I insist. You guys rest up. I can do this. Consider this my final test to becoming a fully-fledged Medjack.’
Jeff chuckled. ‘You have much more to learn, Greenie, but suit yourself.’
‘We’ll bring you back some food, Y/N,’ Clint said as he and Jeff left the hut, leaving Y/N to idly clean up.
Newt woke up from a dull throbbing in his ankle, which turned into a harsh pain, causing him to sit up in alarm.
‘Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay,’ a voice gently said as equally gentle hands pushed him back down.
‘My ankle,’ he said, voice hoarse and dry. ‘It hurts…’
The face of the voice finally came into view: it was the Greenie. Y/N offered him a small smile as he finally recognised her. In one hand, she held a needle with clear serum. Her other she offered to his leg. ‘May I? It’ll help, I promise.’
He hesitated for a moment, but the intense pain in his ankle broke his composure as he eagerly nodded. The painkiller worked immediately, and Newt sighed with relief as the throbbing eased significantly.
’There,’ Y/N said, wiping the needle. ’That should help for a bit. Sadly, we don’t have much left for me to give you more than once a day, but I’m hoping you won’t need it beyond the end of the month.’
Confusion clouded Newt’s mind as he tried to process her words. ‘What… What happened?’ But he answered his own question as images of the Maze flashed through his mind, and he remembered it all. How he bid farewell to Minho. How he climbed as high as he could along the Maze walls. How easy it was to let go.
Then the pain fully encompassed him, and then it was just a blur. How Minho found him. How Clint and Jeff laid him on the table he realised he was still on. How angry and embarrassed he felt having his friends see him broken and miserable.
Newt managed to pull himself into a sitting position, propping a pillow behind him to cushion the hut wall. ‘How bad is it?’ he asked glumly, eyes unable to lift from his injury.
He couldn’t be bothered with pleasantries. He was too tired, and, frankly, saw no point in keeping up appearances anymore.
To her credit, Y/N seemed to pick up on his mood, saying, ‘It will heal to a point you’ll be able to walk again. But it won’t ever heal properly.’
‘You mean I’ll have a limp?’
‘Potentially.’
’So I can’t be a Runner anymore?’ Y/N didn’t reply, finally drawing Newt’s attention away from the source of his pain and to her.
Newt had only interacted with Y/N on a few occasions. Mainly at mealtimes or the odd occasion he passed her by on the way back from a run, only talking as much as greeting and farewelling one another. As the only girl so far, of course he found her intriguing, but he never had time nor a reason to get to know her.
And while he’d come to think of her as the quiet and gentle Medjack in comparison to Clint and Jeff, he didn’t see an ounce of pity on her face as she looked at him. Only quiet contemplation, as if there could be any other answer but no to his question.
‘I guess that’s up to you and Alby,’ she finally said. ‘I mean, I know what I should say is no. I’m sure Clint and Jeff will say no. But it’ll more so come down to if you want to go back in or not.’ Her eyes flickered to his ankle, sadness glazing her eyes briefly before returning to him. ‘But I think I can take a guess as to what your answer will be.’
Newt’s gut twisted with guilt and shame that she’d figured it out, and his face flushed with embarrassment and anger. ‘So, you going to tell everyone?’ he asked, words thick with hopelessness. ‘I mean, that’s your job, right? Diagnose me, then tell Alby, then the whole glade how pathetic I am?’
Y/N shook her head. ‘I think you give me too much credit. I’m not an actual doctor, you know,’ she said, coming to stand beside him. She inspected his ankle for a moment, then turned her gaze to him, and it shocked him to see such intensity in her eyes. It was as if suddenly he was the most interesting person in the world.
‘I can say it was a running accident,’ she finally concluded. ‘You can tell your truth when you’re ready. It’s not my place to take away hope when the others are so full of it right now. That includes me.’
He stared, stunned, as she packed up the last of her things by a spare medical cot at the other end of the hut. It wasn’t until she let out a loud yawn that Newt noticed it was dark outside. The silence of the Glade told him everyone else had gone to bed so it was late. Or early, he couldn’t really tell.
Y/N fluffed a sad excuse of a pillow and put it on the cot. ‘Now that I know you’re alive, are you going to be okay if I get a few minutes shut eye? I can stay up if you’d like.’
Now that the initial shock and embarrassment of the day’s events had subsided, Newt realised how exhausted he was still. ‘No, that’s okay,’ he said. ‘I think I should rest a bit more anyway.’
Y/N nodded and swung her legs up to lie down fully. Newt went to slide himself and his pillow back down to do the same when Y/N spoke again.
‘And Newt?’ she said, her voice soft and almost hesitant.
‘Yeah?’ he called back.
She was silent for so long Newt thought she’d gone to sleep. But then she spoke. ‘For the record, I don’t think you’re pathetic. For wanting it all to end, that is. I actually think what you did was really brave. You might be scared and maybe out of hope, but at least you did something about it. The rest of us can only hope to be as brave as you.’
Newt’s breath caught in his chest as it swelled with a mix of emotions. Brave? What he did was the act of a coward. Tears streamed silently down his face, both from a deep shame, but also a warmth he hadn’t felt in a long time.
The rest of us can only hope to be as brave as you…
Newt had lost all hope after a year of searching for a way out and finding nothing. But she didn’t know that, and neither will the next Greenie, or the Greenie after that. Even some of the boys already in the Glade didn’t know that. That’s why they waited every day for the runners – for him – to come back with news, with a shred of hope that they’d get out of there soon.
Newt twisted himself so he could see Y/N, who was rolled away from him, her body rising and falling with the rhythm of sleep. Even if he thought it would all be hopeless in the end, some truly believed they would get out of here.
And maybe that was something worth fighting for.
~
Two years on and Newt and Y/N had managed to forge something akin to a friendship.
Y/N had kept her word and said Newt had had a running accident, and he’d agreed with her for the sake of his worried friends. Y/N had also been right about his ankle; it healed to point where he could walk and do a decent jog with a limp. But he would never run again.
He was transferred to work as a Track-Hoe in the gardens with Zart. But it wasn’t all bad. As more boys arrived – never any girls much to their confusion – Newt developed a knack for leading others, for diffusing hard situations, and for wrangling the boys into line. Because of that, he was promoted to Alby’s second-in-command, which gave him more meaningful work to do than just the gardens – stuff that might actually get him and the other Gladers out of the bloody Maze.
It also meant he had more time to talk to Y/N. He would make sure to drop by once a day (and not just at mealtimes) to check in on her. For a time, he convinced himself he did that because it was his job as second-in-command to keep up group morale, and he would visit everyone in the Glade. Eventually, however, he realised it was because he genuinely enjoyed her company.
Since that night, Y/N had come out of her shell more. Still a little shy and apprehensive at times, but she would openly joke and play along with the boys’ antics. She was more confident in her work as a Medjack too, not afraid to boss Clint and Jeff around if she needed something from them.
Newt’s visits became longer, as they talked about any and all things. Aside from Alby and Minho, Newt considered Y/N one of his closest friends. And she must’ve felt the same – or at least in a similar fashion – as she entertained his thoughts about life beyond the Maze, and the rants he would go on thanks to whichever stupid shank put the fertiliser in the wrong place.
It was a friendship built on mutual respect and genuine care for one another, something that helped Newt convince Y/N to come with him and the others when they finally decided to leave the Maze. But he couldn’t help but feel a deep dread and guilt as he waited behind Thomas, knowing that Grievers were right around the corner.
While the others caught up, Newt turned to Y/N – who’d been helping him through the Maze with his limp – and offered her a spare spear he’d been carrying.
Her eyes widened at his offering. ‘I can’t take that. I can’t fight.’
‘Well, you can’t just go in there without something to protect yourself,’ he said, this time forcibly handing the spear over. Y/N clutched the spear awkwardly, and Newt saw the uncertainty in her eyes, in her trembling hands.
Newt felt bad for making her hold such a violent weapon. All her hands had ever done were help people, save them at times. Now he was asking her to kill. It was for the greater good they both knew, but to kill, nonetheless.
Newt placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and locked eyes with her. ‘Hey,’ he said softly, ‘you stay with me the whole time, do you understand? I promise you won’t have to use that unless absolute necessary.’
Y/N bit her lip to stop it trembling too, but she nodded, steeling herself in preparation for the fight ahead. Newt reciprocated the action and gave her shoulder a final squeeze before turning to face Thomas as he explained the plan.
They fought the Grievers, taking down a few while some of them took down Gladers. The Gladers were backed against the door that Teresa and Chuck were trying to open with a code. Minho shouted numbers at them as he, Newt, and the others fended off one last Griever.
Before he could finish, Minho was caught by a Griever, and Clint ran out to save him. But the Griever’s tail caught him, sending him over the edge of the walkway they fought on with one flick.
‘Clint!’
Before Newt could stop her, Y/N rushed out from behind him, spear drawn back and flying at the Griever in seconds. Not being a fighter to begin with, let alone a good one, the spear bounced off its metal leg without much effect. It did, however, alert the Griever to her presence, turning all its attention to her. Minho leapt to his feet, finally free, and ran back to the group. ‘Y/N!’ he cried as he ran. ‘Run!’
Y/N seemed to finally realise her situation, looking up at the Griever frozen with fear. The horrible creature raised its claw to end her, but Newt moved faster.
He ran as fast as he could, limp be damned, past Y/N and threw his spear at the Griever’s head. It landed true, puncturing one of the creature’s bulbous eyes, drawing a painful screech from it. Newt didn’t wait to see what it would do next, as he grabbed one of Y/N’s arms and Minho grabbed the other and ran back to the group, practically throwing her behind the front line and against the door.
Teresa finally got the door open and the Gladers tumbled in, Thomas throwing one last spear down the Griever’s throat as the doors closed.
Lights flickered on to show they were in some empty room with a door on the wall behind them leading to a corridor.
Thomas looked at the group, taking heavy breaths. ‘Everyone okay?’
‘What’s left of us, that is,’ Winston said, his tone sad and regretful.
As Newt eyed the group, he noted how many they’d lost, how little their group seemed all of a sudden.
Minho stepped ahead with Thomas, pointing towards the door. ‘Well? It’s not going to open itself.’
As Minho and Thomas led the group to the exit, Newt turned to Y/N, whose eyes had a distant look glazed over them. ‘What were you thinking?’ he asked, bringing her attention to him. ‘I told you to stay behind me. You could’ve been killed.’
‘I-I know. I’m sorry,’ she stuttered out, tears teetering in her E/C eyes. ‘I just… Clint… It all happened so fast, and I was just kind of moving before I knew what I was doing.’ She looked down at her hands then, and Newt noticed a slight tremble to them. ‘I thought I could help, but I was too slow. And I put you guys in danger too. I’m just… I’m sorry.’
Newt’s guilt came back full force then. He placed a gentle hand over her trembling one, grasping her fingers to stop their shaking. When she looked up at him confused, he just said, ‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pressured you into thinking you had to fight. You won’t ever hold a weapon like that again. I promise.’
Y/N opened her mouth to object no doubt, but Newt cut her off. ‘But you have to promise me something back. Promise me that you’ll let us protect you. You can help by keeping us alive, just like you always have. But you’ve got to listen to me, you got it?’
He used his authoritative voice this time, and it seemed to work as Y/N calmed down, her unshed tears now gone.
‘Okay,’ she said, quiet but strong. ‘I promise.’
Newt nodded. ‘Good that.’ He turned to see the others leaving through the door then turned back to Y/N. ’Do you think we’d be lucky enough not to face anything else beyond those doors.’
‘I think we should consider ourselves lucky for getting this far.’ To her credit, Y/N managed a small smile as she looked up at him. ‘But why should our luck run out now?’
There it was again; the glimmer of hope Newt had felt from her since the night he injured his ankle. Newt couldn’t deny that they’d made it this far – by design or by luck, they’d made it.
And who was he to deny that things might be on the look up for them now?
Together, Y/N and Newt followed the rest of the Gladers to meet their makers.
~
‘I never thought I’d say this… but I miss the Glade.’
The group around the fire grew silent at the implication Frypan’s words had, the memories they conjured up. Y/N couldn’t help but agree as she looked into the dark sky above her, peaking from behind the crumbling pillars they took refuge under.
The sky was always so clear back in the Glade, she recalled silently. But, just like their current situation, the sky was now obscured.
The people who rescued them from the Maze were actually WCKD – the people who’d put them in the Maze in the first place. The past twelve hours had seen herself, Newt, Thomas, Minho, Frypan, Winston, and a boy named Aris find Teresa, break out of the facility, and enter the deadly Scorch. In their search for supplies, they’d been attacked by crazed, infected people, driving the group to hide where they were.
The Maze was dangerous, but it was familiar and the only home Y/N recalled ever having. Out in the Scorch, safety wasn’t guaranteed.
She looked to Winston, who laid back, his shirt pulled up to expose the bloody bandage she’d wrapped his torso in. Y/N tried not to think about the infected scratch marks underneath, and more specifically what gave them to him. The Grievers were one thing, but the things that attacked them? They used to be people.
Not wanting to sit in her thoughts anymore, Y/N stood up, brushed off her pants, and grabbed knife from their pile of weapons they’d found in the abandoned mall. ‘I’ll take first watch.’
She didn’t wait to hear if anyone objected, already walking around the stone that covered them so she was on top. To her relief, the others let her go without argument, putting out the fire and quickly settling down to sleep.
After half an hour, Y/N decided to get up and patrol around the area, knife tightly gripped in her hand and her footsteps quiet despite the sand.
There was so much of it, the sand. The lady in white – Doctor Ava Paige – had said in her video that the whole world was just desert now. The thought made Y/N yearn for the Glade even more. For the grass, and the woods, and the bonfires they used to have, and the games they played. The boys – Clint, Jeff, Alby, Gally, Chuck.
Y/N wasn’t a hateful person, but she clutched the knife tighter at the thought of all the loss they’d all suffered at the hands of WCKD.
It’s why she didn’t hesitate to follow Newt when he’d found her in her room – for some reason, she hadn’t been allowed to stay with the other girls from the other mazes just yet. It’s why they were now braving the Scorch searching for people that Thomas didn’t know even existed. They wanted a better life out from under WCKD’s thumb.
The crunch of sand had her whirling around, awkwardly poising the knife as if to attack, but she relaxed at the familiar person standing there.
Newt raised his hands in mock surrender. ‘Whoa there,’ he said, the quirk of a smile on his lips telling her he was just joking. ‘You could do some real damage if you’re not careful.’
Y/N blew out in relief, the knife dropping to her side again. ‘Thanks, but we both know that’s not the case, Newt.’
Newt shoved his hands in his jacket pocket, shrugging his shoulders as he did. ‘I don’t know, I’ve seen you with a scalpel. Absolutely terrifyingly precise with that thing.’
Y/N chuckled softly, appreciative of the distraction. But her smile dropped as she looked out into the dark cityscape. The moon hid behind clouds so Y/N couldn’t make out anything. ‘Is it pathetic that I’m scared to see what the world has become?’ she asked, not daring to raise her voice above a soft mumble.
Newt stepped up beside her, his body radiating the last remnants of heat from the fire and it warmed her slightly. ’Someone once told me that I was brave for facing my fear,’ he said after some quiet contemplation.
Y/N looked up at him confused, but he looked down at her with a knowing, smug smile. Much to her chagrin, she couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head at him. ‘I don’t recall saying that specifically. But if that’s how you saw it, who am I to tell you that wasn’t what I meant?’
Newt hummed in agreement looking back out at the dark expanse, contemplation scrunching his brows together. ‘I’ll be honest with you, I’m scared too.’
That surprised Y/N. Newt, second-in-command, casual, leader Newt was scared? ‘You are?’
Newt nodded. ‘I’m scared that we’ve made a mistake. That Thomas is wrong and there aren’t any mountain people.’ He turned back to Y/N, the most serious she’d ever seen him. ‘I’m scared we’re going to lose more of us, and then what was our escape for? But… it’s not my place to take away hope when the others are so full of it. Including myself.’ Finally, Newt’s smile returned, and it warmed that cold pit of despair Y/N had been falling into ever since they left the WCKD facility. ‘Or, at least, I think that’s what someone very wise once told me.’
Y/N stared at him, awestruck. Hopeful. Newt was hopeful again. And she didn’t want to read into it, but she thought the knowing smile he was giving her told her that she had something to do with it. The thought alone strengthened her resolve, and she looked down at the knife in her hands, less afraid of it all of a sudden.
Y/N held it out to Newt. ’Teach me.’
He raised an eyebrow in a silent question. ‘What?’
’Teach me. How to fight,’ Y/N explained, eyes unwavering from his.
Concern flashed across Newt’s face for a brief moment. ‘Y/N, I told you, you don’t have to fight if you don’t want to.’
‘If there is one thing I’ve come to know about WCKD is that it doesn’t actually matter what I want anymore. What any of us want,’ Y/N said, feeling the most certain she’s felt in a long time. ‘The one thing we have on WCKD is that we are defiant. We escaped, and are taking away the one thing they want most of all: a chance to find a cure. So, if we’re going to have any hopes of making it to the mountains alive, I’m going to have to know how to fight. So please – teach me.’
Newt contemplated her for a moment, and Y/N just prayed he wouldn’t say no. Or even worse, laugh. Instead of doing either, he took the knife from Y/N’s hand, his fingers brushing across her palm as he did.
‘All right,’ he said, moving his feet apart to get into a fighting stance. ‘First of all, you’ve got to have a wide-ish stance, and stay light on your toes so you can control when you back away from your opponent.’
He demonstrated the movement by quickly shuffling away, always keeping his feet a certain distance apart and the knife gripped tight by his hip. ‘…and when you go into attack.’ He moved so fast Y/N didn’t see his footwork, her eyes locked on his as they bored into hers, knife poised at her neck as if he’d strike.
He stepped away and gave her the knife back. ‘You think you can do that?’
Y/N nodded and took the knife, and for the next hour Newt taught Y/N basic blocks and manoeuvres that he’d picked up from Thomas and Minho and just from basic instinct. Just like she’d been with her Medjack skills, Y/N was a quick study, performing move after move when Newt asked her to.
She impressed herself. For a natural pacifist, she wielded the knife quite fluently.
They decided to finish the session on a quick sparring match. Newt took a swipe at Y/N, and she stepped back just like Newt had taught her. She then rushed in for an attack, to which Newt threw up his own knife in time to block. Y/N anticipated the pushback and twisted out of Newt’s way as he stumbled slightly forward. While he was disorientated, Y/N gripped his wrist that controlled his knife and pointed her own into his back.
‘Looks like I win,’ she said, breathless but proud.
Y/N didn’t like the carefree scoff he gave her, followed by, ‘Are you sure?’
She doubted herself for a moment, loosening her grip enough for him to twist out of her reach, knock her knife away and bend to sweep her legs out from underneath her. Y/N landed hard, groaning at the pain in her butt as Newt looked down at her and laughed.
‘I’m glad you find my pain amusing, Newt,’ she grumbled, rubbing her sore behind.
Newt laughed for a moment longer then calmed down. But his radiant smile remained on his face, brightening the darkness surrounding them. ‘I’m sorry, love,’ he said between remaining chuckles. To his credit, he held out his hand in an offer to help her up. ’But the surprise on your face was priceless.’
Y/N contemplated his hand for a moment, whether she should just push it away or take it. Instead, an idea came to mind, and she gripped his hand tightly then pulled him to the ground with her. He landed on his stomach beside her, getting a face full of sand.
Y/N let out a loud laugh before quickly covering her mouth to stifle the relentless laughter that wished to burst from her.
Newt spat and coughed out sand as he made to sit up. ‘Well,’ he started, spitting out more sand as he looked up at Y/N, ‘I should’ve seen that coming.’
That just made Y/N laugh even harder, using now both hands to quieten the giggles. Goodness, when was the last time she’d laughed this freely? When was the last time she’d felt such joy? After everything they’d been through, Y/N was worried she’d forgotten what was like to laugh.
When she’d calmed down, she looked down to see Newt propped up on his arms looking up at her with an odd expression on his face. Like he was in awe, maybe. Whatever it was, it made Y/N acknowledge how handsome Newt had become. His baby features had faded since she’d first met him, being replaced by a lean figure and a toned jawline from working in the gardens every day for two years. And with his big brown eyes, tousled blond hair and funny accent, Y/N wondered how he had changed so much without her realising it. How she hadn’t realised he’d grown up.
The intensity with which he looked at her brought a heated blush to her face, and so she turned away into the cool night breeze, willing the blush to cool down. Newt shuffled to sit up next to her. They didn’t speak for a minute, until Newt suddenly stood up.
‘Well, um,’ he started, and for the first time since Y/N had known him, he sounded uncertain about what to say. ‘I better let you continue with your shift. At least you know how to defend yourself now.’
Y/N hastily stood up as well, making sure there was at least a step between them. ‘Yes!’ she said. ‘Thank you for that. I’ll be sure to practice.’
‘Good that.’
They looked at each other for a moment, and even though Newt said he was leaving, he made no move to leave. Maybe he doesn’t want to, she thought, and the mere possibility of that being true warmed her heart.
But he took a step away, gave her a shy smile and a small wave farewell. ‘Goodnight, Y/N.’
‘Goodnight Newt,’ she said, those two words hanging in the air long after he’d left.
As she finally woke Frypan up for his shift, she clung to the knife and went through all the manoeuvres Newt had taught her until she fell asleep.
Newt was unable to sleep until Y/N woke Frypan up to take the next watch shift, and laid down to sleep herself. Newt opened his eyes to see Y/N laying across the pit they’d dug out for the fire. She faced him on her side, and Newt noticed with curiosity that she held the knife she’d practiced with close to her chest. Her chest rose and fell rhythmically, and paired with her heavy breathing, Newt figured she was completely asleep.
An odd sensation fluttered in his chest and stomach as Newt considered Y/N’s sleeping face. It was the same feeling that had fizzled in his chest when he’d looked up at her as she laughed. He couldn’t remember the last time any of them had laughed as freely as she had.
And he couldn’t help but admire how beautiful she looked doing so – hiding her bright smile behind trembling hands, eyes narrowed but sparkling with joy.
All because of him.
He rolled onto his back then, not wanting to give the thought anymore weight. There’s no point getting your hopes up, he reminded himself. But like a moth drawn to flame, Newt couldn’t help but tilt his head to gaze upon her peacefully sleeping. An ache carved itself deep in his heart. How had he not realised her growing up, changing? Being the only girl for a long time, of course he and the others found her pretty. But now that he looked at her – really looked at her, and wasn’t concerned with his life for just a split second – he realised just how beautiful she was.
It was in her features, but also in her determination to be better for the group. It both hurt and impressed him when she asked for his help. He promised her she would never have to fight again, but things have changed drastically since the Maze.
It was in her ability to still find the joy in things, to still be able to laugh despite their situation.
It was how she believed in Thomas, in Aris, in the mountain people, even if she was scared.
‘The rest of us can only wish to be as brave as you,’ he whispered into the night, a silent promise that he’d tell her that sometime.
And with the fluttering in his chest finally easing into a calm warmth, he finally fell asleep.
~
Everything exploded with chaos as Y/N, Newt, Thomas, and Minho navigated their way through the Right Arm camp as guns fired and explosions went off.
Teresa had betrayed them. Y/N couldn’t believe it when it was revealed in front of everyone, and she still couldn’t believe it as Minho pushed her head down, sheltering her from another explosion. Teresa truly believed WCKD could find a cure, but still at the expanse of Y/N and her friends’ pain. And just when Thomas was going to blow them all sky high, Jorge and Brenda had come in like a saving grace, and that’s when all hell broke loose.
‘This way!’ Thomas yelled over the din, beckoning them behind a weapons container.
However, Minho stopped suddenly and picked up a launcher. Keep going!’ Minho called over his shoulder as he shot at WCKD soldiers around him. ‘I’m right behind you!’
Thomas and Newt reached the container, but Y/N stopped and turned at the sound of a painful cry. ‘Minho!’ she cried as her friend fell, his body convulsing from a launcher shot.
‘Y/N, no!’ Newt called after her, but she was already running back to Minho, grabbing at his jacket to drag him to safety.
But Y/N was not strong like the boys, and certainly not strong enough to move Minho in any hurry. She looked up just in time to see a launcher fire at her, then her body felt like it was on fire.
She was sure she was screaming, but she couldn’t hear anything as the electricity struck every nerve with a vicious bite. After what felt like an eternity of pain, she was granted a moment of peace as her vision went white, then in a flash was swamped by darkness.
Newt’s heart stopped when he saw Y/N shot. She convulsed as Minho had, then collapsed beside their friend unconscious. The second Y/N hit the ground, Newt found his voice again, feelings of anger and desperation clawing their way through every vein in him.
‘Y/N, no!’ His cry came out broken as he made to run to her, but a strong hand gripped the back of his jacket and pulled him back.
‘No, boys,’ Vince shouted over the din, holding both Newt and Thomas back.
‘Let me go!’ Newt protested, struggling against Vince, eyes darting between him and Y/N. ‘I need to help her! Y/N!’
But WCKD soldiers were already picking up Y/N and Minho’s unconscious bodies, dragging their feet through the red dirt and into a berg.
‘I’m sorry, son,’ Vince said, and Newt thought he sounded genuine. But that didn’t stop icy terror gripping tight on his heart as the doors began to close on Y/N, Minho, and other immunes from the Right Arm.
Thomas called for Minho, and Newt called for Y/N, but neither could do anything to help their friends as they were flown away. Back in WCKD’s clutches once again.
When the sun rose, the remaining survivors came out of hiding and began scrounging up supplies. They were moving on, Vince claiming there was nothing they could do but keep going with who and what they had left.
Newt couldn’t accept that, and neither could Thomas apparently, as he claimed he was going after Minho, Y/N and the others. Without hesitation or any further explanation, Newt was the first to sign up and join him.
And so, they went on a quest to rescuing Minho, Y/N, and as many immunes as possible. The train hijack was a huge success with immune numbers, but no Minho and no Y/N. Even so, Newt refused to accept that he’d never see either of them again. Even when they almost got killed by cranks. Even when he, Thomas, Brenda, Frypan, and Jorge were almost blown up by turret guns.
Even when he found out he was infected with the Flare.
He could feel it, his mind slowly slipping away as the Flare ate away at his sanity. He was usually level-headed and rational – it’s part of the reason he became second-in-command in the first place. Guilt and shame ate away at him as he sat on the rooftop of their hideout in the outskirts of the Last City, explaining to Thomas why he just bit his head off about being in love with Teresa.
Not that I’m one to talk, he thought as he rolled down as his sleeve, silence wrapping around him and Thomas comfortably. Newt could feel Thomas didn’t know what to say, and Newt didn’t like long silences so he broke it.
‘The crazy thing, though is…’ Newt started, a soft but sad scoff escaping him, ‘I’m not scared of dying. I used to be, back in the Maze. Because it felt like my friends were dying for no reason, without purpose. But…’ Newt looked over his shoulder, past Thomas, and to the peaking spires of the Last City. To where Y/N was being held somewhere.
‘I have something to die for now,’ Newt said, eyes never wavering from the spires.
Thomas came to sit beside Newt, a sad realisation drawing his brows and lips down. ‘You’re not just talking about Minho, are you?’ he asked.
It was how gentle and matter-of-fact Thomas spoke that had Newt’s chest tightening with fear and an immense pressure he’d been scared, until now, to acknowledge. His throat threatened to close on him as he spoke, rendering his words tight and uncontrolled. ‘I failed to protect her, Tommy,’ he managed to get out. ‘I promised I’d always protect her, and I didn’t.’
It surprised Newt how simultaneously hard and easy it was to speak about his feelings, and now that he had started, the words just flowed.
’She’s just always been there, so I never saw it coming,’ Newt continued, a melancholic smile adorning his lips as he recalls the day he met you, how you helped him with his ankle. How, since then, you’ve always been by his side, growing with him, changing with him, supporting him and everyone else around you.
’Saw what?’ Thomas asked.
‘I never saw that I could have a future after the Maze, after all of this,’ Newt explained. ‘That I would want a future… with Y/N.’ And with that, his tears finally spilled over, the pressure in his chest bursting into sobs that wracked his whole body. Newt was vaguely aware that Thomas was now holding him, and so he wrapped his arms tight around his friend, around his brother.
‘I love her, Tommy,’ Newt whispered over Thomas’ shoulder, his words obscured somewhat by his tears and holding back sobs. ‘And I’m scared I’ll never be able to tell her before I go.’
‘Hey,’ Thomas said, pushing Newt to arm’s length. He kept one hand on Newt’s shoulder and used his other to grip Newt’s neck, forcing their eyes to lock. ‘We’re going to find her – and Minho, and the other immunes. We’re going to get you that serum that helps with the Flare – as much of it as possible – and you’re going to tell her. You’re not dying. No one is dying. You hear me?’
No one could replace Alby, but the way Thomas was taking control of the situation reminded Newt of his old friend. How kind yet stern he could be. How hopeful yet pragmatic he was. It was something familiar that Newt was thankful for. He quickly calmed down, wiped away his tears and nodded at Thomas.
‘Good that,’ Thomas said, a small proud smile gracing his lips at his use of Newt’s common phrase.
Newt couldn’t help a chuckle as well. ‘Good that, indeed,’ he agreed, and followed Thomas back inside the hideout to finalise their plan to get into the WCKD facility.
…and you’re going to tell her. You’re not dying.
There was a nagging voice in the back of Newt’s head that was telling him not to believe Thomas. That Newt was going to die, or worse, turn into a crank and hurt his loved ones. That voice had followed him from the Maze, to the Scorch, and now the Last City. It was the voice that had driven him over the edge of the Maze walls all those years ago. But not anymore.
Newt had to keep hope, just as Y/N had taught him. He just had to be brave.
~
Y/N sat in the corner of her white-walled cell, hugging her knees to her chest as she rested her head on top. She’d sat there for hours, perhaps days. Y/N lost track of time after her first month in WCKD’s facility.
There were no windows, and the lights never dimmed. She pressed her eyes into her knees in the hopes of downing out the incessant white light. Her eyes ached with sleep deprivation, but she refused to sleep. The nightmares were much worse to deal with, and they always came whenever she closed her eyes.
Images of her friends dying in the Maze and the Scorch, of Grievers chasing her, of her friends turning into cranks and attacking her. Images fed to her by WCKD.
She knew they weren’t real, but she could never wake herself up in time to escape them. So, she stayed awake, knowing that she’ll have no choice but to face her nightmares when the doctors and scientists come to test on her again.
Y/N shivered at the thought of seeing another needle, of seeing her blood drained from her while WCKD turned her mind against her. When will it be enough? She might’ve lost track of time, but Y/N knew she’d been in the facility for a while now. If they hadn’t found anything by now, something told Y/N that nothing she gave would ever be enough. That included her life.
She knew Thomas and Newt would be dumb enough to come after her and Minho – that’s just the kind of people they were. Her heart ached at the thought that their efforts would be in vain.
Y/N hadn’t seen Minho since they arrived, having been separated from each other and the other immunes. Something about how they were the most promising subjects, she overheard from a scientist one time. Y/N didn’t know if Minho was alive, and if he was, what condition he was in.
But Minho was strong, the strongest of all the Gladers in Y/N’s opinion. If he was being tortured like her, he would be able to hold on. Y/N highly doubted she would last much longer.
The rest of us can only hope to be as brave as you…
Y/N wasn’t sure if Newt knew she was actually awake that first night in the Scorch, but she’d heard him, his words so soft she thought she’d dreamt it at first. But it had been real; Newt thought she was brave.
She was too dehydrated to produce tears, but an ugly sob desperately tried to escape her aching chest. She bit her lips instead, hard enough to draw a little blood, and the sob died out, leaving her body quiet except for her mind.
I’m sorry Newt, but I am not brave.
Even so, Y/N refused to crumble to WCKD anymore. They’d taken everything from her. Her life, her memories, her loved ones, her friends. Even her hope – something she so naively believed no one could take from her. They would not take her dignity.
She raised her head at the sound of her cell door unlocking, blinking a few times as bright light flooded her vision once more. Two WCKD soldiers and two scientists stood by the door, and Y/N spied a gurney just behind them.
One of the scientists – young male, maybe in his early twenties – stepped forward. ‘Time for more testing, Y/N,’ he said in a cold tone. But he had the sense to look sympathetic as his eyes roamed over Y/N as she stood up, showing how pale her S/C skin had become, how dark the circles beneath her eyes were, how the cargo pants and grey t-shirt hung off her in areas where she used to fill.
Y/N knew it was useless, but still she ran for the door, pushing past the scientists with ease despite her weakened state. However, she hit the soldiers like a brick wall, unable to fight against them as they restrained her arms and pressed her against the wall. The male scientist recovered quickly and injected her with a serum that made her drowsy enough that she wasn’t in control of her body. She was conscious as the soldiers strapped her to the gurney and the four of them wheeled her down corridor after corridor, and all she could do was watch fluorescent lights pass her by as she stared at the ceiling.
Soon enough, she was in a familiar room: the test lab.
‘It hasn’t been that long since we last tested her,’ the other scientist – a female, about the same age as her co-worker – said, her words laced with worry. ‘We put her under again, we risk losing her for good this time.’
‘I didn’t make the call,’ the male said as he continued to set up equipment around Y/N. ‘When Janson says he wants a cure, I don’t question him. Do you?’
The female didn’t answer, switching her focus to helping her co-worker. Y/N could slowly feel the serum wearing off – it was obviously only a light dose, the scientists knowing they’d put her under when they began testing.
But just as they unstrapped her to move her to the nightmare simulator, the room shook, sending Y/N rolling to the ground as glass and steel broke around her.
Sounds were muffled briefly and her vision blurred in and out of focus. She couldn’t hear what exactly the soldiers were shouting, but she saw them run out of the room alongside other soldiers. That just left her and the scientists.
Y/N flexed her fingers, the serum completely wearing off. Before she could stand though, two hands roughly grabbed her arms and hauled her to her feet. ‘Come on, Y/N,’ the male scientist said, pushing her towards the machine. ‘Just one more trip under…’
Fear electrified Y/N’s every nerve. No, not again. With a desperate cry, she shoved the male into the utensils table, sending him and the tools scattering across the ground. Before he could get up, Y/N straddled his upper body and slammed his arms into the ground.
‘Get off me!’ he yelled, struggling violently beneath Y/N. He managed to twist them both around until she was the one pinned to the ground. Y/N struggled but to no avail. She was significantly weaker than she was when she was first captured and he knew that.
‘You little brat,’ he spat in her face. ‘Ungrateful, selfish immunes. Your duty is to save us all! You–’
He was cut off when he suddenly went slack, falling unconscious on top of Y/N. She scrambled out from underneath him, then looked up from the floor to find the female scientist with a syringe in her hand. She looked between her unconscious co-worker then Y/N, a scared and disbelieving expression morphing her delicate features.
‘Go,’ the scientist finally said, her voice shaky, but the resolve in her eyes told Y/N that she wouldn’t chase after her. The room – no, the whole building – shook again, and when Y/N looked out the window, she realised why.
The city outside was on fire. Buildings crumbled, and Y/n could hear the screams and cries of civilians through the broken windows. The scientist wouldn’t chase her because there was no point.
This was the end.
‘Go!’ The scientist insisted, and Y/N didn’t think twice. She picked herself up, ignoring the cuts and scraps of glass it caused her, and ran out of the room.
She ran into the corridor, ignoring the cries of soldiers and other scientists who recognised her as a subject. She didn’t know where she was going, but this was the most freedom she’d had in forever.
Then a thought came to her – Minho. She had to find him, he surely had to be alive. She would run through every floor if she had to to find him. So she ran, looking into every test lab, every storage closest, every break room on the floor.
‘Minho!’ she cried, uncaring at this point if someone heard her. She just wanted to find him. She didn’t want to die without a familiar face with her. ‘Minho, where are you?’
She rounded a corner, right into the chest of a WCKD soldier. He was caught by surprise, giving Y/N an opportunity to slam him into the wall. It was like her fear was giving her a boost of strength, as she kneed him in the groin, sending him to the ground. He dropped the pistol he was holding, and she quickly picked it up and smacked the butt over the back of his head. He fell to the floor in one last scuffle and laid unmoving as Y/N sucked in deep breaths.
‘Y/N?’
She whirled around at the familiar call of her name, only to find three other people had entered the corridor. Thomas, Minho, and Newt. Her eyes scanned over them all, heart aching with an intense relief it threatened to crush her chest. ‘Guys?’ Her voice was hoarse with disuse and exhaustion. She was surprised she even had a voice after all her screaming.
Newt stepped forward, a relieved smile gracing his lips. ‘Yeah, love,’ he said, sounding on the verge of tears. ‘It’s us.’
Y/N’s first instinct was to run into his arms, the only place she’d felt since leaving the Maze. But she took a closer look at him. He was paler than when she last saw him, almost sickly with how dark the circles under his eyes were. Crank.
She pointed the pistol at her friends, causing them to raise their hands in shock. ‘Whoa, Y/N, it’s us!’ Thomas exclaimed.
‘No,’ she said, her voice cracking ever so slightly. ‘How do I know I’m not in that simulator again? How do I know this isn’t just another test, another trial?’
‘What are you talking about, Y/N?’ Newt asked, worry crinkling his brow.
’She doesn’t trust her mind,’ Minho said, as if in explanation. ‘Boy, they really did a number on her…’
‘Shut up!’ Y/N unlocked the safety and pointed the gun at Minho. ‘You’re just trying to trick me. Make me think everything is all right. But it’s just a lie. You’re not here. You’re not here…’
Newt stepped into the firing line. ‘We are here, love. I promise, we’re really here.’
‘Newt…’ Thomas warned, but Newt remained, eyes locked on Y/N’s.
Y/N couldn’t look away from Newt. He sounded so genuine, so much more real than previous simulations. But WCKD couldn’t be trusted, and they were wearing soldier uniforms…
Her hands shook but her voice was strong. ‘Prove it,’ she said. ’Tell me something only the real Newt would know.’
Newt swallowed thickly. ‘Okay, um… You cut yourself when you tried out being a Slicer and had to have Clint and Jeff fix you up. That’s when you thought being a Medjack would be a good idea.’
‘WCKD was watching us the whole time. They would’ve seen that,’ she countered, using both hands to grip the gun.
‘Okay, okay,’ Newt said, looking away a moment to think of something else. When he finally looked back at her, he was calm once more, eyes genuine and sincere. ‘How about how I jumped off the walls of the Maze in an attempt to kill myself?’
The world around the four of them seemed to freeze, as if the world wasn’t collapsing outside. To Y/N’s knowledge, Newt had never told anyone the truth of what happened that day. It was the shocked and tragic expressions on both Minho and Thomas’ faces respectively that had Y/N loosening her grip on the gun slightly.
Newt took a small step closer, eyes never straying from her. ‘I had lost all hope of getting out of that bloody maze. So I did the one thing I could do to control the situation. But I failed.’ He stepped closer again. ‘I was embarrassed, ashamed. I was just a coward. But you healed me and told me something I will never forget. I have held onto it like a lifeline through the Maze, through the Scorch, and all the time I was looking for you.’
He took one final step towards her, unfazed at how the gun pressed hard against his chest. Now that he was so close, Y/N saw just how sick he was. He looked like the early stage victims of the Flare they’d seen in the decrepit city they’d lost Brenda and Thomas in temporarily. And while Y/N refused to believe Newt – her beloved, sweet Newt – was infected, his eyes were the same as always. Open, honest, and truthful.
‘The rest of us can only hope to be as brave as you.’
It wasn’t the fact that he knew the exact words – again, WCKD had cameras everywhere in that Maze, they would’ve heard it. It was instead the emotion tied to the words. She felt them, felt the lifeline they’d created for him in his darkest moment. He wasn’t lying, and that meant he was real.
Finally, she allowed the sob to break free as she dropped the gun and threw her arms around Newt’s neck. He breathed out in relief, bringing her closer to his chest, face pressed into her H/C hair.
‘It’s really you,’ she whimpered, grasping tighter to the person she’s always been able to rely on. The person who has always protected her and brought out the best in her. Her closest friend, her safety net, her home.
‘It is, love,’ he said into her hair, breathing her in deeply. ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you before.’
‘It’s okay,’ she said, pulling away to look up at him then to the other two. ‘I can’t believe you came after us.’
‘You can berate us later,’ Thomas said, rubbing his arm. ‘Right now, we’ve got to get out of here before Lawrence brings down the whole city.’
Y/N went to ask what he meant but gripped onto Newt instead as the building shook again.
‘Come on, let’s go,’ Newt said, grabbing Y/N’s hand with one hand, and holding a launcher in the other. Together, the four of them ran to escape WCKD once and for all.
~
‘Brenda!’
Y/N didn’t care about the rain of bullets and walls of fire around her as she ran for the berg. After hearing Teresa’s broadcast, she needed to get the cure back to Newt fast. Leaving him was one of the hardest things she has had to do. He wasn’t in great condition, but Thomas insisted that he’d take care of Newt. But the medicine Thomas had given Brenda all those months ago didn’t just buy her time, it had cured her completely. It could do the same for Newt.
If she could make it in time.
‘Brenda!’ Y/N cried as she spotted her friend. ‘The cure! I need the cure!’
Brenda understood, immediately retrieving one of the extra capsules Mary had made from Thomas’ blood before WCKD raided the camp. ‘Here,’ she said, passing over the injector.
‘Thanks!’ Y/N said, already sprinting back into the war zone before anyone could stop her.
She could feel it, the exhaustion, the strain she was putting her body under. Underfed and under trained, she was struggling. But she refused to stop. Newt had come all this way to find her, risked his life to get her out of WCKD’s clutches when he could’ve been administered the temporary cure and been safe on the berg already. No, Y/N refused to let him die without trying.
Minho, Brenda, Frypan, and Gally – Y/N was still shocked about that revelation, but that was for another time to discuss - followed around her, covering her with guns and other weapons as they ran through the war zone.
After an eternity of running, the group rounded a corner to find a sight that made Y/N feel like she was back in the nightmare simulator. Newt was leaning over Thomas with a knife aimed at his chest.
‘Newt, no!’ Y/N cried, running towards the two boys without thought.
Newt faced her at the call of his name, and she froze as she saw his black eyes. Dark veins branched over his skin and black blood dribbled from his chin. He was a full-blown crank now.
He raced at her, snarling as he swung the knife at her throat. She ducked just in time and rolled away as he slammed the knife down where her neck was. She quickly jumped to her feet, and despite her fatigue, muscle memory took over her legs, then her hands. That first night in the Scorch came to mind, how her and Newt sparred. The injector was her knife, and Newt her proper opponent.
‘Newt, it’s me,’ she said, slipping into her Medjack demeanour – calm and steady. ‘It’s Y/N. Please, snap out of it for a moment so I can help you.’
She thought he would run at her again, but his brows crinkled with concern and he looked at the knife in his shaky hands. He looked back at her, and the voice he spoke with broke her heart. It was a mixture of his sweet accent and a gargled croak where blood clogged his throat.
‘Y/N…’ he started. ‘Run away… Before… Before I kill you.’
The scene reminded her of the time he came in with his injured ankle. How desperate he was to fade into nothing because he was scared and ashamed of what he’d done. But just like then, she refused to be scared of him.
Y/N shook her head. ‘I’m not leaving you, Newt,’ she said. ‘None of us will.’
Newt seemed to realise there were more people than just her and Thomas, turning around to see the others. The sight of them seemed to distress him, though, as he snarled angrily and charged at her. She shuffled back as he swung at her again and again, but as she stepped back again, she tripped on something. She fell onto her back, knocking the air out of her lungs. Before she could gather herself up, Newt was on her, straddling her similar to how he had Thomas pinned before. Newt raised the knife to bring down on her but was tackled by Thomas.
They rolled for a little, then scrambled to their feet as they fought once more. This was Y/N’s only chance. She pushed herself up and ran for the boys, injector at the ready. Newt was bringing the knife forward in a wide arc that would gut Thomas when Y/N threw herself in between them, slamming the injector into Newt’s arm.
Right as his drove the knife into her stomach.
‘Y/N!’
She wasn’t sure who called her name, because all she could focus on was Newt as some of the blackness in his eyes cleared and she saw some of his gorgeous brown eyes. She also felt her body finally giving up. As if it knew that this was the end. After all the torture and pain, she had stayed alive so long for one reason. To save Newt – the boy who had been there from the start. So much so she hadn’t realised until he wasn’t there how much he meant to her. How he’d wormed his way into her heart and consumed it without her even knowing.
She gripped his hand that held the knife in her stomach, unfurled his fingers from the handle, and brought them to her chest where her heart was slowly slowing down. Her weak legs gave out, and she brought Newt down to his knees with her. She could’ve been imagining things, but she swore she saw recognition in his half-black eyes which made her smile as tears finally fell from her eyes.
‘It’s okay, Newt,’ she whispered. ‘It’s okay because… I love you.’
Her vision blurred and she finally let go of Newt as the both of them collapsed to the ground. Her breaths were short and sharp as the pain made itself known. A rush of feet thumped around her, and she had the slightest awareness that someone was moving her, but she didn’t care. She was finally at peace as darkness, at last, consumed her.
~
Y/N woke to the sound of waves rolling over on sand. The first thing she saw was grey canvas, then rolled her head around to see she was lying on a cot in a small tent with tables and medical supplies similar to how her Medjack hut looked. But she wasn’t alone.
‘Oh my God.’ Brenda’s face came into focus as the girl crouched by Y/N’s cot, disbelief and relief morphing her gentle features. ‘You’re awake! You’re finally awake!’
‘Ow,’ Y/N clasped at her head at the sudden loudness. ‘Could you lower your voice please?’
‘Yes, right, sorry,’ Brenda said, but her lips split in a bright smile as she helped Y/N sit up. ‘I’m just so happy you’re okay.’
‘What happened?’ Y/N asked, all she remembered was being stabbed then falling unconscious. She pulled up her fresh linen shirt to see her wound bandaged. ‘I thought I was done for.’
‘So did all of us,’ Brenda admitted, her tone sombre as she pulled up a seat beside the cot. ‘We got you to the berg as quickly as possible and Vince got you stable, but you just weren’t waking up. It’s been a week.’
‘A week?’ Y/N made to get up but sat back down as her wound pulled in an unpleasant way.
‘Whoa, where do you think you’re going?’ Brenda asked stabilising Y/N back in her bed. ‘You’ve just come out of a coma induced by physical and mental torture. Not to mention you were stabbed.’
‘I’m fine. Trust me, I’m trained… somewhat,’ Y/N said, this time able to swing her legs over the side of her cot. Brenda didn’t try and stop her, but she did have to help Y/N when she stood. ‘Now, where is Newt?’ Brenda didn’t answer right away, and tears threatened to pool in Y/N’s eyes at what her silence could mean. ‘Brenda… Is he… Is he alive?’
Brenda, again, didn’t answer, and her face didn’t give anything away either. Instead, she just held back the flap of the tent and motioned for Y/N to exit. Y/N took cautious steps forward as she followed Brenda into a completely new place that had her staring in awe.
It was a bustling camp where sleeping quarters and other spaces were mapped out by canvas strung up on carved wood pillars and posts. Y/N spied a kitchen area where she swore she heard Frypan laughing with some others.
There was a gathering area where a giant stone stood in front of the seats. There were names carved into it, like what they used to do in the Glade. Y/N tried to make out if a certain blonde’s name was on it. She caught familiar names like Alby and Chuck, Clint and Jeff.
‘Y/N?’
She swung around to find Brenda smiling as she was joined by Thomas, Minho, and Jorge. The three of them ran at her, arms wide open to capture her in a hug.
‘You crazy shank, Minho said, laughter on his lips. ‘Look who finally decided to join the living again.’
‘And here I thought I was the lazy slinthead for sleeping for so long,’ Thomas said jokingly, pulling Y/N in for another hug. ’I’m so relieved.’
‘Welcome back, hermana,’ Jorge said, a warm smile gracing his lips as he gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder.
‘Good to be back,’ Y/N replied, smiling at the three males. ‘What happened after I thought I’d died?’
Thomas went to reply, but Minho cut in. ‘We’ll explain later. Right now, I think you should go say hi to someone else.’
Confused, Y/N followed Minho’s gaze to Brenda, who stood atop a hill and was staring over the other side of it. Y/N quickly reached Brenda’s position and followed her gaze to a large garden that people were working on. But her breath caught at the sight of a familiar blond at the edge of the gardens talking and pointing in all directions to people.
‘Hey, Newt!’ Brenda called out, causing the blond to turn around and look up. At first, he saw Brenda, but his gaze soon fell on Y/N and his whole face changed into disbelief.
With the other gardeners forgotten, he started climbing up the hill, and Y/N couldn’t wait another moment so she started walking down the hill.
They met in the middle, with Y/N standing at Newt’s height on the uphill. Neither said anything to begin with, both in disbelief and awe at who stood in front of them. Y/N looked over Newt, noting he still looked pale and somewhat sickly. But the dark veins were gone, as was the black blood and his black eyes. And the sun shone so brightly that his hair looked golden. It was as if he was never infected to begin with.
With a shaky hand, she reached out to rest her hand over his beating heart. ‘You’re alive,’ she whispered, too scared to voice it too loudly in case this was also another nightmare.
But he proved her doubts wrong as he rested his own hand on top of hers. ‘I am,’ he said, and the usual warmth of his voice truly convinced her he was real.
His face pinched suddenly with concern and guilt. ‘I’m so sorry, Y/N,’ he said, his hand tightening slightly over hers. ‘I hurt you. I almost…’
‘It’s okay,’ she interrupted, using her free hand to cradle is cheek and keep his eyes on her. ‘You didn’t. I am here, too. Looks like we both saved each other.’
To her relief Newt smiled. It was a genuine, happy smile, something she hadn’t seen on him in a long time. He nuzzled into her hand briefly, before bringing it down with his free hand so he held her hands between them.
‘Before I passed out,’ he started, ‘I remember you saying something.’
‘Oh.’ A blush heated upon her cheeks, but she refused to look away from him. ‘Right. I did say something.’
She was trying to play it cool, but as soon as his deep brown eyes fixed on her, she knew he could see right through her. But he didn’t smile smugly, he didn’t tease. He actually looked scared as his jaw clenched, fighting to find the next words to speak.
‘You said you love me,’ he finally said, words tight but hopeful. ‘Is that true?’
Y/N’s mouth dried up suddenly, constricted by all the things she wished to say but couldn’t say all at once. It’s not like she was scared, she just never thought she would live long enough to have a future, let alone one with love. One with Newt.
But she had – she had survived WCKD’s cruelty, she had survived the terrors of the old world, she had survived when so many of her friends hadn’t. And it was her duty to live her gift of a life to the fullest.
‘Yes,’ she finally said, and it was like breathing in fresh air after being underground for so long. ‘I love you, Newt. I don’t know when or how it happened, but I do. I love you.’
There was a second of hesitation, but then Newt broke out into a wide smile, and Y/N swore she saw tears brim in his eyes. He suddenly reached one hand up to cradle her neck as he pulled Y/N in for a sweet kiss that simultaneously knocked the air out of her and breathed new life into her. He held her neck and hip, and she pressed her hands against his chest, satisfied to feel his heart thundering beneath her hands. The heart that almost never beat again, the heart that had saved her over and over again.
The kiss was short but was no less breath-taking, and when they pulled apart neither could stop the smiles on their faces.
‘I love you, too,’ Newt said. ‘If that wasn’t already obvious.’
Y/N threw her head back in a hearty laugh. She slung her arms around Newt’s neck, a cheeky grin dancing across her lips. ‘I’m not so sure. Maybe we could try that again to make sure?’
‘Cheeky bugger,’ he murmured as he pressed his lips to hers again. Y/N sighed into the kiss, grasping the baby hairs at the base of his head.
They pulled apart at the sound of their friends whooping and clapping atop the hill. Y/N felt her face erupt with embarrassed heat, to which Newt laughed as she ducked her head into his chest.
‘All right, come on lovebirds!’ Minho called out. ‘Dinner’s almost ready.’
As they walked down out of sight, Y/N went to follow but was stopped by a loose grip on her wrist.
‘What is it?’ she asked as she turned back to Newt.
‘I just…’ Newt turned to the gardens below, then to the water, then to the sunset that bathed the whole camp in beautiful hues of orange, pink and purple. When he finally turned back to Y/N, she thought he couldn’t look any more handsome with that pure sunshine smile and sparkle in his eyes. ‘Thanks.’
‘For what?’ she asked.
‘For teaching me how to be brave,’ he answered.
Y/N gave his hand a squeeze. ‘You were always brave, Newt,’ she said. ‘It’s how I learned how to be brave in the first place.’
Newt squeezed her hand in return, then they walked hand in hand back up the hill and down to dinner to where their friend awaited them.
Where the lives they never imagined they’d get a chance to live awaited them.
Hi guys! This was the prompt for PYLYMI that won so I hope you enjoy it. It's not the best but oh well.
WARNINGS: use of toys, dirty talk, smut, cursing.
wc: 1781
You were very new to the dating world. Harry was only your second boyfriend, and he was the first person you slept with. You have been with him for a year. You had kissed your previous boyfriend, but you were only with him for a few months, and didn’t feel that much of a spark.
Harry was going away for the weekend on a boys’ trip, and he was currently kissing your neck after you just spent the evening in bed together. “What am I going to do without you for four days?” he asked. “Hmm?”
You giggled, running your hand through his hair. “You’ll survive.”
“I guess my hand will have to do,” he groaned. “We could FaceTime, maybe, and have a little sexy call.”
Your face turned beet red, and you puffed out a laugh.
“What?” Harry wondered. “Gonna have your secret boyfriend over and don’t want me to know?” He smirked.
“No, it’s just…” You trailed off as you ran your hand down his bare back.
Harry hummed. “Just what?”
“I’ve never….”
“You’ve never what, sweetheart?” he asked, lying above you, looking into your eyes. “You know you can tell me anything.”
“I’ve never… done that before.”
“What? A booty call?” he smirked.
“Yeah… or anything that goes with it.”
Harry quirked his eyebrow. “You’ve never…masturbated before?”
You hid your face behind your hands and shook your head. “No.”
“Don’t be embarrassed, honey.” Harry moved your hands from your face. “Just wondering what you do when you’re…feeling horny?”
You giggled shyly. “Well, you know, before you, I’d never slept with anyone,” you drew circles on his bicep. Harry nodded. “And I just…never felt that for anyone before you.”
“You never saw a hot person on the street, fantasized about them, and then came home and flicked the bean?”
“Harryyyy!” You hid your face again.
He chuckled. “Nothing to be embarrassed about. I literally flicked your bean like 20 minutes ago.”
“Oh my God!” Your face was hot by this point.
Harry smirked. “Going all shy on me now when you were just screaming my name.”
“Harry.”
“So, you’ve never masturbated before?”
“No.”
“With your hands or toys?”
“Oh geez, no. I-I tried one time with my fingers after my friends talked about it in high school, but like it didn’t do anything for me,” you shrugged. “I stopped after like 3 minutes.”
“You might not have been doing it right.”
“Maybe.” You shrugged again. “Can we change the subject now?”
Harry chuckled. “Sure, my love.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The day before he was set to leave for his trip, Harry came home with a bag and a smirk on his face.
“Hi,” you gave him a kiss. “What do you got in there?”
Harry pulled his bottom lip between his teeth as he opened the bag. “Got you some things to play with when I’m gone.”
“Huh?”
He pulled a few boxes out of the bag and laid them on the table. “This one is dual purpose, so you can insert or just get outside pleasure.”
“Wait,” you swallowed. “What?”
“I got you a vibrator, but you can also insert it into you while it vibrates. And some lube,” he pulled that out of the bag. “Might make it easier.”
“But… I don’t understand. I have you.”
“But, I’m going to be away for a few days, and if you’re feeling in need of an orgasm, this will do the trick. It’s not as big as me, but it’ll get you there…I think.”
You looked at the maroon boxes. Pleasing, they said on the box with a big picture of the vibrator. You chuckled nervously. “I’ll be fine. It’s only a few days.” You put the items back in the bag. “You kept the receipt, right?”
“(Y/N), trust me,” he said, taking them back out.
“I do trust you.”
“So, then try it, please.”
You looked at the item he now took out of the box. “I don’t know if I know how.”
“I can show you. Come on.”
“Now?” You swallowed. “I-I’m making dinner.”
“After dinner, then.” Harry smiled. “It’ll be good for our facetimes.”
“Harry, just return it.”
“You don’t want to try it, my love?” he caressed your face and spoke in a low voice. “It’ll feel really good. I can help you. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
“What if I do it wrong?”
He smiled. “I don’t think you can do it wrong. Like I said, I can help. Try it for me, love, please. If you don’t like it, we can stop.”
You sighed. “Fine.”
“Really?” he perked up.
“Yeah. I like making you happy,” you shrugged.
Harry picked you up and kissed you. “I’m the happiest man in the world.” When he put you down, he pushed your hair out of your eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“No, but I really love you.”
You giggled. “You’re silly.”
“I’m just really excited.”
You rolled your eyes. “Calm down and help me make this.” You two made dinner - steak and potatoes- and then sat down to eat.
When dinner was done, Harry picked up the toys and went into the room. You hesitated, cleaning up the dishes. About 10 minutes later, Harry leaned against the kitchen wall. “You coming?”
“Not yet,” you said.
“Did you just make an innuendo?” he smirked.
“Maybe.”
“Do you still want to do this? You don’t have to. You never have to do anything you don’t want to.”
“No, I want to,” you smiled as you watched your hands. “I was just stalling,” you chuckled.
Harry stuck his hand out, and you took it. He led you to the bedroom and stopped in front of the bed. “I pulled out some of my favorite sets on you. Feel free to choose which one you want.”
“Oh, thanks,” you chuckled.
“I’ll be out here.” Harry went into the living room as you undressed and then dressed in baby blue lace panties and bra.
You picked up the vibrator, and your eyes went wide when it began to vibrate in your hand. “Oh!”
You put it down and ran your finger over the lube. You only used lube once when you first slept with Harry. This one had a nice smell to it. About 5 minutes later, Harry knocked on the door. “Are you set, my love?”
“Yeah,” you squeaked out.
Harry opened the door and smiled. “Hey.”
“Hi.”
“You picked the blue. You’re too good to me.”
You giggled. “I know you like that one.”
“I do,” he kneeled down in front of you and rubbed your legs, giving your right one a kiss. “You comfortable?”
“Yeah.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
“Good. Can you lay back on the bed for me?”
You nodded and scooted back until your back hit the pillows. Harry took his shirt off and threw it on the floor. No matter how many times you see his bare, tattooed chest, it takes your breath away. The bottom of him was covered in gray sweatpants.
“Look at you, pretty girl. You ready?” You nodded, and he smiled, leaning over to give you a kiss.
Harry picked up the vibrator and kneed his way onto the bed. “Can you open up for me?” he asked, rubbing your leg. You opened your legs, and Harry whistled. “Gonna be the death of me, baby.” You giggled.
“We’re gonna start over your panties for now and then work up to it, ok?”
“Ok.”
Harry scooted under you, placing his knees under your thighs, your thighs on his. He turned the vibrator on. “Just relax yourself for me. I promise it will feel good. If it doesn’t, we can stop at any time, you hear me?”
“Yes,” you nodded.
“Good. Relax your legs.” He spoke in such a quiet tone that you barely heard him. When he saw that you relaxed, Harry lowered the vibrator to your core, running it lightly over your panties.
You gasped lightly, clenching around nothing.
“Does that feel ok?” He asked you.
“Uh huh,” you nodded breathlessly.
He ran it over your panties a bit more and soon you were very wet. Harry could hear it. “Fuck. You’re wet, huh?”
You bit your lip and nodded your head.
“Christ. Knew you’d enjoy this.”
After another minute, Harry turned it off. You whined. He chuckled. “As much as I love these on you, you ready for them off?”
“Ok.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
Harry helped you out of your panties, which were now sticky. Once you were bare, Harry winked at you. “Still good, my love?”
“Yeah. I’m really good.”
“Good. That’s all that matters. Ready?”
“Mmhmm.”
Harry handed you the vibrator, and your eyebrows shot up.
“Your turn,” he said.
“Oh, but I-.”
“You’re not gonna do it wrong. You know where it feels good.”
You took the vibrator with shaky hands and turned it on. Harry encouraged you to lower it. When you did and it touched your clit, you shook. “Ohhh!”
You touched yourself very lightly with the vibrator. You were afraid of hurting yourself.
“Sweetheart,” Harry rubbed your legs. “Come on now.”
“What?”
"You're barely touching your clit.”
“It’s a lot of pressure.”
“(Y/N).”
You looked up at him since his voice was so deep, and you whined. “Please yourself like you mean it,” he said.
You let out a shaky breath. His words made you go insane, and you pressed the vibrator harder on your clit. You gasped.
“There you go. Good girl,” Harry encouraged. “You really gotta mean it.”
After putting it full force, it didn’t take you long to cum. When you rathed on the bed, Harry whispered sweet nothings to you. After your orgasm subsided, you opened your eyes to see your smiley boyfriend looking down at you. “How was that?” he asked, caressing your cheek. “Did you like it?”
You nodded shyly.
“Yeah?” he smirked.
“Mmmhmm.”
“Good. I’m glad. It’s all about your pleasure.” He gave you a kiss on your forehead.
Harry got up to get you a rag and wipe you up. He also gave you a glass of water. When you finished, you placed the cup down. “We didn’t use the lube though.”
“That’s for this weekend,” he smirked.
“Huh?”
“When I’m away, we can FaceTime and you can use the other end,” Harry smirked. “For right now, you’ve got my cock, so you don’t need that small thing.”
“Oh,” you giggled.
“Are you able to take my cock or do you need to rest?”
“Just give me a second.” You put your head down on the pillow and closed your eyes.
Harry chuckled and laid by your side. “Alright. Let me know when you’re ready.”
Maybe y/n is at a guys house and she suddenly gets uncomfortable and calls harry to come get her. Bc niall is on a date or busy and she knew harry didn't have any plans. So harry comes to pick her up and he and y/ns one night stand get into an argument bc maybe he's drunk (not harry the other guy). And y/n gets upset and anxious bc she hates people fighting and harry apologizes to her even though it was the other guys falt.
Another Narry roomate fic!
Read as a standalone of with the rest here.
Warnings: cursing, fighting, talks of sex, crying, asshole drunk guy.
wc: 1,691
You decided to get back into the dating world and try Bumble. This guy seemed nice, really cute, and you clicked on a lot of things.
The date was going well. You went to a bar and were flirty and even kissed a little bit. You were now back at his place, and he was getting a little handsy. Now, you weren't a prude. You've had one-night stands before, but he was completely drunk and trying to get you to have sex with him.
"Cody, no! Get off me," you pushed his hand away from your thigh.
"Aww, come on. I thought we," he hiccuped, "were connecting. What do you not do hookups or something?"
"Cody, you're drunk. I don't sleep with people who have been drinking."
He rolled his eyes. "Lame," Cody said. "You'd be consenting. I know I want to, so what does it matter?"
His finger grazed the outside of your panties under your dress, and you jumped away. "I said no!"
"Geez. You don't gotta be a party pooper," he said, cracking open another beer.
You excused yourself to the bathroom. You needed to calm down because he got your heart rate up really high. You had to get out of there.
Taking your phone out of your pocket, you shakily pressed Harry's contact.
Harry was at home, pigging out on candy and popcorn, watching a marathon of Golden Girls. Niall wasn't home. He went to the gym and did grocery shopping.
When Harry's phone rang with your contact photo, his heart dropped. "Shit." He picked up the phone. "Hey, sweetheart. What's up?"
"Harry." Your voice sounded urgent.
"What happened?" he took his blanket off and stood up.
"Everything was going really well. Cody's really cute, and we clicked, but now we're back at his place and he is completely drunk and, well, he's trying to have sex with me even though I told him no because he's drunk and he just... won't let up."
Harry sighed. "I'm sorry."
"I'm scared. Are you able to come get me?"
"Of course, babe. I'm already out the door." Harry turned his key in the lock and headed down the steps.
"Thank you, Har."
"'Course. Where are you?" You gave him the address. "Stay on the phone with me, ok? I'll be right there."
You nodded, but then realized he couldn't see you. "Ok."
"You're gonna be fine," you heard his voice get farther away and the car start up.
You heard something break outside the bathroom door and winced. "Hurry."
"I'm going as fast as I can." Niall was the responsible driver. He always drove under or the speed limit. Harry, on the other hand, could speed.
"Don't get a ticket."
"I won't, darling. I'll be ok. You're in another room away from him, right?"
"Yeah, in the bathroom." You sat on the toilet lid and realized how gross a man's bathroom is.
"Ok. Good. Stay there. I'll be there in 15 tops."
"He's going to think I have tummy problems." You giggled.
Harry laughed. "Let him think that. You're not gonna see him again, right?"
"No."
"Then, who cares?"
"True."
A loud knock rattled on the door. "You ok in there?" he slurred his words.
"Yeah. I, uh, the nachos hurt my stomach a bit."
"Oh, ok." Cody seemed to have walked away because you didn't hear any sound on the other end.
"Is he gone?" Harry asked.
"I think so."
"Good. I'm 5 minutes away, honey."
"Please, slow down. You're gonna crash."
"I'm fine. No one's out."
When Harry finally got there, you opened the door and let him in.
"Hey, who's this guy?" Cody asked. You realized he was now shirtless, and his pants were unbuttoned. "You can watch, dude, but I don't share."
"I'm here to take her home, you fucking twit."
"What did you just call me?" Cody asked.
"A twit. I should've called you a dick, but I have too much respect for the lady." Harry took your hand.
Cody looked at your hands together. "Oh, is he your side piece? That's why you didn't want to fuck?"
"No, it's because you're drunk, Cody. I told you that."
Cody tried to take your hand and lead you to the bedroom, but you resisted.
"She told you no, now let go of her!" Harry separated your hands and pulled you behind him.
Cody shoved Harry on the chest, which pushed him back a bit. "Get away from my girl!"
"Hey! Don't push me." Harry shoved him back. "I'm just picking her up like she asked. No romantic things going on here."
The two continued to argue back and forth, and you got upset. You hate confrontation, especially when someone fights with Harry.
Tears started to form in your eyes, and you slid down to the floor and held onto your legs. The men threw insults, shoves, and Cody even tried to swing at Harry a few times. Luckily, Harry was stronger and stopped his arm before it hit his face. It was actually kind of hot how strong he was.
Calmly, he said, "I'm gonna ask ya to put your fist down or I'm gonna call the cops."
Cody rolled his eyes and put his arm down. "You know what? Take her man. She's not putting out anyway." He walked over to the table and took another sip of his beer.
Harry wanted to punch him. You could see it. Instead, he said, "You don't fucking deserve her. She's the sunshine. You're the gum on my shoe that's been stepped in dog poo. Come on, (Y/N). Let's go."
When Harry turned around, he was shocked to find you sitting in the floor with tears in your eyes.
"Oh, honey," he got down to his knees. "It's ok. We can go home."
You let out a cry, and Harry pulled you close to him in a hug and tskd. "Come on now. You're safe. I'm sorry." He kissed your forehead.
As you got up, Harry grabbed your jacket and your purse. He put them over your shoulders and flipped Cody off before leaving.
When the door was closed, you fell into his chest and cried. "I'm sorry (Y/N)." He rubbed your back.
"He was going to hit you."
"Nah. With these guns? He wouldn't have stood a chance." You smiled slightly. "See? I can always get ya to smile."
As you walked to his car, you squeezed him. "Thank you for rescuing me, and for sticking up for me."
"I'd walk over hot coals to save you," he kissed your hand as he opened the door for you. "You know that. I love you."
"I love you, too, Har."
When he got in the car, he squeezed your hand and drove you home.
As you walked in the door, Niall was there. He was unloading groceries. He knew you were on a date, so his face grew concerned. "Everything alright?"
You went to hug him, and he pulled you in even tighter, giving a confused look to Harry.
Harry sighed. "The twat that (Y/N) went on a date with was trying to get her to sleep with him. Well, he was drunk and wasn't taking no for an answer." Niall looked at you, and you nodded.
"So, she hid in the bathroom and called me to pick her up. The guy was an arse. Tried to hit me. You believe that?" He shook his head and chuckled. "Anyway, I set him straight, but our girl's shaken up."
Niall hugged you even tighter. "I'm sorry I wasn't there."
You shook your head. "You're here now. That's what matters." Niall wiped your tears and kissed the top of your head.
"I love you, sweetheart."
"I love you too."
When you pulled away from his hug, you sniffled. "What do you need? What can we do?" Niall asked.
"You guys have done enough. Thank you both." You sighed. "As for me, I'm getting in the shower, putting my pjs on, and am deleting Bumble once and for all. I'll just be celibate and adopt a cat."
The boys chuckled. "We'll be here if you need us."
You nodded and did everything that you said you were going to do. The guys were in their pajamas and sat on the couch. Harry had a pack of under-eye patches. Niall had your favorite stuffy.
You smiled and crawled onto the couch. Harry beckoned you towards him. "I know you said you were done with men, but that doesn't mean we should have puffy eyes."
He put your patches on and then his. Harry tried to get Niall to put them on, but he wouldn't. "Coward," Harry rolled his eyes.
Niall handed you your cow stuffy and you smiled. "What would I do without you guys?"
"Be very sad. That's for sure," Harry said.
You giggled.
Harry handed you the bowl of popcorn, and you all snuggled onto the couch and watched Golden Girls. Who needed to date?
"So, you deleted the app, right?" Niall asked.
"So fast."
"Good."
"Yeah. Who needs to date or have sex when I've got you guys?"
They laughed. "Well, I can always help you out with that if you need it," Harry said. You hit him in the stomach. "Kidding." He smiled big and gave you a raspberry on your neck. "We know you and Chuck are exclusive."
"Chuck?"
"Your vibrator."
You hit Harry with a pillow, and he laughed. "Niall, she's abusing me!"
"Good."
Once he fought you off with tickles, you sat back down. "So, I'm sunshine, huh?"
Harry winked. "You're my sunshine. You make every day brighter."
"Oh my God. No wonder you get laid so much."
"What can I say? I'm a charmer." He shrugged.
"Oh my God. Get a room, you two," Niall said, shoving popcorn in his face.
"Are you jealous?" Harry pouted.
Niall rolled his eyes.
"Don't worry. There's enough love for both of you." You held your arms out and trapped them both in a hug. "The only men who deserve my love."
Thank you so much to everyone who has gone on this journey with me. I am so sorry this part took forever. With my new job, it is hard to find time to write this in between everything else, but I did it. I hope you like it. Mwah!
WARNINGS: smut, public sex, throwing up, cursing, cute fluff. DO not read if you are under 18.
wc: 5134
read the rest of the series here
Harry had planned everything. He packed your bags, he booked the flights, the hotel, and everything else. You just had to show up and look pretty. Truly. Those were his exact words.
So, you got over your fear of flying. Harry had commissioned a private plane for the both of you, with the best crew on it. They gave you champagne and all the food you could think of. You had taken some relaxing gummies to calm you down and you actually enjoyed your flight.
When you got off the plane, it seemed like you waited forever for your luggage. You were getting cranky and just wanted to get there already. Plus, your boyfriend looked delicious in his barely-buttoned shirt and small shorts. Harry kissed your forehead as you waited. “Patience, my love. We’ll be there soon enough.”
Finally, after what felt like forever, your bags arrived. Harry ordered a private car for you, allowing you to get in first. He put your luggage in the trunk and then you were on your way to your hotel in Greece.
Harry put his hand on your leg and rubbed it up and down. It wasn’t helping because you were already hot for him and his hand on you was making you wetter by the second. You were trying to enjoy the beautiful views outside your window, but eventually you had to look at Harry.
He smiled at you. “What?” he mouthed.
“You’re making me horny,” you mouthed back.
“Good,” he said, winking at you.
You shook your head and Harry smirked, drawing his attention to the views outside the car window.
“It beautiful here,” you said, resting your head on his shoulder.
“I think the best views are in this car.”
You rolled your eyes but smiled at his flirting. “Flattery, huh? That’s what you’re playing at?”
“‘M just complimenting my beautiful girlfriend.”
You let out a long breath. “Well, thank you. I already feel myself relaxing.”
“Good. That was the plan all along.”
You hummed as Harry squeezed your leg. The ride was finally over and you were pulling up to this villa-looking building. The driver got out your luggage and you picked your jaw up off the floor. “Harry.”
“Yes, darling?”
“What is this place?”
“It’s a villa.”
“Good lord. I love how rich you are.”
Harry chuckled as he took your bags inside. “I didn’t want to put us in some dingy hotel. This way it can just be me and you. We can be as loud as we want.”
“Loud, hmm? Loud for what?”
Harry dropped the bags by the front door and smirked. “Activities.”
“Like Monopoly?”
He chuckled. “Exactly.”
“Or Twister?”
“That one’s even better.”
“Mmm. What about blaring music and dancing around naked?”
“That might be my favorite yet,” he smirked.
You giggled. “Or….”
“Or?”
“We could hump like bunnies and not disturb anyone.” You bit your lip and batted your eyelashes at Harry.
Without saying a word, Harry scooped you up in his arms and walked you to the bedroom down the hall. “It’s beautiful in here,” you said, looking around the room as Harry undressed you.
“Mhmm,” he said, throwing your dress on the ground.
“Whoa. What’s the rush, big boy?” you giggled, putting your hands on Harry’s chest. “Take time to enjoy the view. I’m not going anywhere.”
Harry picked his head up and his eyes roamed from your eyes to your feet. “Breathtaking,” he said.
You bit your lip as Harry untied the bow on your bra with his teeth. Once he got that off, he cursed when your breasts revealed themselves to him. “Christ. If I’m dreaming, do not pinch me.”
You giggled as Harry slid your panties off and then his clothes. Now both naked, you were both too quick to be as close as possible. Harry kissed down your body and you gasped when he licked up your pussy. You hummed and ran your fingers through his hair as he sucked on your clit and made you impossibly wet.
In no time, you were cumming on his face, yelling his name loudly. After you came down from your high, Harry continued to lick into you. You lasted for a few minutes before pulling him away. “I can’t. It’s too sensitive.”
Harry pouted and you chuckled at him, cupping his chin. “I know you could spend all day down there, but I need a break.”
“Ok,” he pouted, resting his head on your stomach.
You grabbed his hand, intertwining your fingers together. He kissed your hand, which caused you to smile. “Baby?”
“Mmm.”
“I know something that will make you happy.”
“What could possibly make me happier than right now?”
You hummed. “I think you’ll like this one.”
Harry turned, resting his chin on your stomach. “What’s up?”
“I’m getting my IUD out.”
Harry sat up. “What? When?”
“After this trip.”
He rubbed your thigh. “Are you sure? Don’t feel pressured from me. Only if you want to.”
“I want to,” you nodded.
“Fuck.” Harry had to take a deep breath in. “Fuck, ok. Shit. Sorry. I’m just- This is a lot to take in.”
“Is that what you want?”
“Of course I want that.”
“Ok good,” you smiled. “Happy anniversary.”
“Happy anniversary, my love.”
“You may continue.”
Harry chuckled. But he got serious as he gave you another orgasm through oral. You felt spent already, but you also wanted to keep going.
He was already putting his cock inside of you before you had a chance to breath. “Fuck, I’m sorry love. I just… me thinking of getting you pregnant. I had to fuck you as soon as possible.”
“You’re,” you gasped as Harry hit deep, “all good,” you squeaked out.
Harry continued to fuck you as he talked about your future. “Gonna fill you with all my babies. We’ll move into a nice big house with a big nursery and swimming pool. Fuck, you’re gonna look so hot pregnant.”
He put your legs on his shoulders, drilling you hard. You dug your nails into his biceps causing Harry to scream out. Your legs started to shake the harder he fucked you. Harry even began to shake. You could tell that he was holding back his orgasm, especially when he clenched his jaw and breathed in deeply.
“You can let go, Har.”
“Need to,” he said, his voice getting higher pitched, “hold out for you.”
You shook your head. “I’ve cum twice. Give it to me, baby. Put all of your seed in me.”
“Fuck,” he slapped his hips against you a few more times before he came inside of you. Harry collapsed on top of you when his orgasm subsided, trying to catch his breath. “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?” you kissed his ear.
“I should’ve held out longer.”
You tsk’d. “Babe.”
“And you didn’t cum.”
“I did though. Twice.”
He shook his head. “Not good enough. You should always cum before me, in every sense.”
“Baby,” you kissed his forehead. “Don’t overthink it. It felt so good. You take care of my so well, ok?”
Harry nodded.
“I love you.”
“I love you too. So much,” he said, laying on your chest again.
“How much?”
“Very much.”
You giggled. “Enough to draw me a bath and pour me some wine?”
Harry pulled out of you, which you both groaned at. He got up and put his boxer briefs back on, his semi still prominent. “White wine, correct?”
You nodded. Before he went to draw your bath, Harry cleaned you up. He told you to stay right there and then he carried you into the tub. When he started to walk away, you asked, “Aren’t you going to join me?”
He turned around, taking his underwear off, and joining you in the tub. He poured himself a glass of wine, you toasted, and then relaxed until your skin was pruny.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You two stayed in bed very late the next day. Harry chalked it up to jet lag, but you think it was because he wouldn’t let you get up after the two rounds of sex you had this morning.
“Come on. Don’t you want to see the beautiful beaches, the white sand, the blue ocean?” you asked, curling a piece of his hair around your finger.
“Mmmmmmmm,” Harry whined. “Maybe.” He pulled you closer to him, kissing your exposed skin.
“We can’t spend our whole vacation in bed.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m sure this was very expensive. If you wanted to stay in bed and have sex, we could have stayed home.”
“But, you’re so comfy,” he said resting his head on your stomach.
“But, I can be sexy in a bathing suit on the beach.”
“You’re always sexy,” he said.
“Pleaseee. I want to see this beautiful place, go exploring and shopping. Relax on the beach.”
“Fine,” Harry got up, putting on his boxer briefs. “Because I love you so much, we will go.”
You clapped and got up, getting your suitcase.
Harry packed a bag of the necessary things you needed as you opened your suitcase. You rummaged through it and shook your head when you saw the bathing suit that Harry had packed for you - a very skimpy black bikini that rode up high on your hips and showed off significant cleavage. You put it on and quickly put a cover up over it. You added flip flops, and a big hat to the look.
Your boyfriend came back in his swim trunks and a loose button-down unbuttoned shirt and sandals. He had a bag packed with sunscreen, books, sunglasses, games, a bluetooth speaker, towels, as well as food and drinks to enjoy. “Just have to call someone to get us beach chairs.”
“I can lay on my towel. It’s not a big deal.”
Harry already had his phone up to his ear, asking someone if they could bring chairs and give them a ride to the beach. As he did and you waited, you lathered yourself up in sunscreen, hoping not to get burnt. Harry did the same and then you piled into the car.
When you got to the beach, you gasped. They were so much prettier and cleaner than the ones back home. The driver helped you unload all of your stuff, someone set up your chairs and a big canopy tent. You sat down and so did Harry as everyone walked away. You sighed longingly. “This is the life.”
“Mmmhmm.”
“Are we the only people on this beach?”
“We better be. It’s a private beach.”
“A private beach? Mr. Styles,” you fanned yourself. “I may just find someone to take my IUD out for me today.”
“Don’t tempt me with a good time,” he smirked.
You giggled as a man came over with a tray of mimosas for you. You sipped and toasted with Harry. After you finished your drink, you turned over. “Mind if I tan for a bit?”
“Be my guest,” he said, gesturing for you to do whatever you want. Harry picked up a book and pretended to read as you took off your cover up. He peeked over his book, smirking.
“Nice choice in bathing suit, by the way.”
“I thought so,” Harry smirked.
“There’s barely anything there.”
“That’s the point.”
You shoved his arm. “You’re a real perv sometimes.”
“Only for you,” Harry smirked.
You undid your top, put your airpods in, and relaxed on the chair. You wound up falling asleep and Harry applied more sunblock to you part way through. You stirred. “Just applying more, lovie. Don’t want ya to get burnt.”
“Mmm. Ok, Thank you.” You put your head back down and rested as Harry rubbed the lotion on you. He started to get handsy though because after the lotion was rubbed in, his hands moved down to your butt cheeks and squeezed. Then, his finger grazed on your clothed pussy.
You picked your head up. “Having fun?”
“Mmhmm. Loads,” he smiled.
“You didn’t get enough of me this morning? Twice?”
He traced a finger down your leg. “Wouldn’t doing it on a beach be hot?”
You looked around. “Won’t someone see?”
“There’s like two people here. And if they see us, they’ll just leave us alone. Please.”
You rolled your eyes. “You are a pest.”
He smiled a toothy grin. “Does that mean yes? I’d really like you to be on top.”
You crawled onto him. “You’re picking out sand in every crevice I have.”
“With pleasure,” he said, inserting himself into you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day you told Harry that you wouldn’t even kiss him if he didn’t go sightseeing with you.
So, you went to the Pantheon, the Acropolis of Athens, different museums, and more. By the end of the day, you were exhausted, but happy. You both just collapsed onto your bed, putting on a TV show in the background until you fell asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Greece had a lot of extravagant places to eat, shop, and explore. So, the next you finished your sight-seeing and then ate some delicious food.
At night, you walked along the beach as you made your way back to the villa. A couple was standing by the ocean and you gasped, clutching Harry’s arm when the guy got down on his knee and proposed. You stopped walking to give them their privacy, but also watch. “Oh my God,” you said breathlessly when the woman said yes and jumped into the man’s arms. “So cute.”
You had tears pulling at the edge of your eyes. Harry put a hand on your back and smiled. Once the woman jumped down, you walked by and congratulated them.
Once you got inside, you smiled as Harry took your shoes off. “That was so cute. I hope they’re happy.”
Harry smiled. “Me too. Is that something you’re into?”
“Being proposed to?”
Harry chuckled. “A public one like that? I know some women just like a simple ‘here’s the ring. Marry me.’”
“Asking for a friend right?”
“Yeah. Exactly,” he smiled.
“Harry, I’d marry you if you asked me in a cardboard box or if you rented out a stadium and filled it with people and proposed.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” he kissed your cheek. “As long as it's you I’m spending the rest of my life with.”
He smiled. “Ok. Good to know.”
“Should I…. Have my nails painted this trip?” You raised your eyebrows. “Call my mom?”
Harry chuckled. “Maybe not quite yet.”
You pouted.
Harry laughed again, putting a finger under your chin. “Can’t give away all my secrets, hmm?”
He grabbed your face and went in for a kiss. “I promise it’ll be perfect.”
“It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just want to be with you.”
“Mmm. Me too.”
“I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“Impossible.”
“I’ll show you,” Harry said, picking you up and walking into your bedroom.
You squealed when he threw you on the bed and spanked you. And you spent the rest of the night being shown just how much Harry loves you.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next week you had never been more relaxed in your entire life. You forgot about everything that had happened before you left.
The vacation had been incredible. Harry even got a call from work and he immediately said that he was on his anniversary trip and will answer all calls when he gets back.
He made you breakfast in bed everyday. Most of your days were either having sex, going to the beach, or shopping, but you were the happiest you’ve ever been. Harry even decided to extend the trip a few extra days. You sent some photos to Bill and Lauren and they always replied back with something positive. Lauren said she missed you, but to take all the time you need.
So when it came time to leave, you were actually really sad. You packed with a pout on your face and Harry chuckled, giving you a peck. “It’s alright, baby. We’ll be back soon. Or we can go someplace else. Anywhere your heart desires.”
“Really?” You lit up.
“Of course.”
“Ok,” you bit your lip. “I’ll take you up on that.”
You traveled to the airport in a private car, got on a private plane, and headed back to reality. But, you’ve never been more relaxed and happy than you were. You felt very secure in your relationship.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When you got back from vacation, Harry decided to do a lot of renovations to the club since he was now the owner. This meant that it was going to be shut down for quite some time. However, he assured everyone that they would still get paid and have their jobs when it was back up and running.
With your time off, you got your IUD taken out, caught up on some books, did laundry, visited Harry at work, and caught up on sleep. Harry was at work, at the club looking over the remodels, or at home with you. Since you got your IUD out, you spent most of your time together having sex, which wasn’t really any different, but unprotected sex like that made it that much hotter.
So, one day when he wasn’t home and it was late, you texted and called him. He didn’t answer and you were starting to get worried.
After 30 minutes had passed, you called Lauren with your worries.
“Maybe he’s just busy,” she said. “You know he wants to oversee everything at the club.”
“Yeah, but why isn’t he answering? I’m getting worried.”
“Do you have his location on?”
“Yeah.”
“So, check that.”
“Laur, you are so smart. Hold on.” You brought up the track my phone app and breathed a sigh of relief. “He’s at the club.”
“See?”
“Thanks Laur. You always make me feel better.”
“No problem.”
You noticed something else on your phone that had you cocking your head. “Hey, wait you’re at the club too.”
“No, no I’m not,” she stuttered.
“Laur, it literally says…. Are you and Harry having an affair?”
“Why would I tell you to check his location if we were having an affair?”
“I don’t know, but this doesn’t look good for you!”
“If you’re so concerned, come down here. See for yourself.” With that, Lauren hung up.
You huffed, changing out of your PJs and getting into the car. You were angry the entire way over to the club. How could your boyfriend whom you trusted and your best friend do this to you? When you got to the club, there were way too many cars in the parking lot for it to be closed. Yeah, there were trucks from the construction too, but this was…odd.
You found a spot near the back, walking briskly in your slip-on shoes. When you opened the door, you gasped. The club was all turned over, but not because of reconstruction. It had a big table set up on it with food, people that you know and recognize, including your parents, and a big banner that said, “Congratulations!” on it.
As you walked further into the club and found Lauren, she gasped. “Hi!”
“What is going on?”
“Bill!” she shouted. The lights turned down, the stage lit up, and you saw your handsome boyfriend walk out on stage in a suit.
“What-?” You looked to Lauren, who was giddy and smiling.
“Go to him!”
You walked up to the stage, Harry grabbing your hand as you walked up. “I think I’m underdressed,” you chuckled as you looked at your sweats and messy ponytail.
“You look beautiful.”
You hummed, walking to the center stage, where Harry dragged you to. A single spotlight shone on you. You weren’t shy about it, as you had it on you practically every night that you worked. “What’s going on?”
“There are renovations being done to the club, but I fibbed on how long they were taking because we had this setup and planned and we couldn’t have you here to see it,” he said.
“Harry.”
“(Y/N), love,” Harry grabbed your hands. “Over a year ago, we met here by accident when my friends ditched me and I decided to stay. That was the best decision I ever made because the second I laid eyes on you, I was a goner.”
You nodded, agreeing with him.
“I know I pissed you off in the beginning, but we got to know each other, and man, that’s when I really fell for you. You are beautiful, sweet, smart, sassy, a great mom to Sunflower. I just love you so much,” he said, sniffling.
“I love you too, Harry.”
“So, I’ve been planning this for a while now. I knew I’d throw you off if I didn’t do it on vacation.”
You took in a sharp breath as Harry got down on one knee. “(Y/N) (Y/L/N), would you do the honor of marrying me and becoming Mrs. Styles?”
A sob escaped your throat before you could answer, so you just nodded. “Yes,” you finally got out. “God, yes, I will marry you.”
Harry slid the huge rock onto your finger and you heard everyone below cheer. You laughed through your tears and Harry scooped you up, squeezing you until you couldn’t breathe. “My beautiful fiancee.”
After you had a moment to yourselves, Lauren escorted you away to change into a nicer outfit, so you could take pictures and be dressed for the party. After you were dressed, you hugged everyone that was there - Lauren, your coworkers, Sarah and Mitch and their two-month-old son, your parents, Anne, Gemma, her husband and child, and many other friends and family. Harry really thought of everything.
There was catered food, Bill DJing, decorations, and even cake and champagne. You were just happy to be spending time with your fiance and loved ones.
Partway through the party, Harry tapped his glass, making a speech. “Thank you, everyone, truly, for coming and for helping me set this up. We really surprised (Y/N).” Everyone chuckled. “To have people who love us this much to show up for us on a special day like this means the world. We love you all and cheers to the wedding.”
“Cheers!” your guests said. People clinked glasses as you and Harry kissed.
“I love you,” you said.
“I love you more.”
“Hmm. We’ll always agree to disagree on that.”
Harry’s hand wrapped around your waist. “Guess so.” After you smiled at each other, Harry squeezed your sides. “Can I tell you something?”
“Of course.”
“That first time I met your parents, when I went out to help them with their bags, I asked them for their permission to marry you.”
“Really?”
Harry nodded.
“And what’d they say?”
He chuckled. “Your mom hugged me tight and told me to make it happen the next day if possible.”
You laughed. “And my dad?”
“He teared up a little bit.”
You cocked your head.
“Told me to treat you right, which he had seen that I already was. And if I continued to do that and make you happy, then he’d love to welcome me into the family.”
You hummed and sipped your champagne. “I’m glad they approved, but I would’ve said yes either way.”
“I know. Me too.”
You smiled. Someone pulled you away to take a picture and talk to you. So, Harry went to go talk with some friends.
Eventually, you bumped hips with Lauren. “You lied to me.”
“Lied? I nearly chose not to tell you something.”
“Mmhmm,” you smirked. “Thank you though for helping set this up.”
“Of course. I just hope I’m a bridesmaid.”
“Girl, obviously.”
“Ok good.” She smirked and wrapped you in a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you. I still can’t believe it,” you said, looking at your huge ring. “He did good.”
“Good? Girl. This ring is weighing your hand down.”
“I know,” you bit your lip with a smile. A giggle escaped you and Lauren smiled.
You both grabbed some food. After people ate, you all danced. By the end of the night, you were exhausted and it was just you and Harry, slow dancing on stage.
Neither of you wanted to let go. Harry twirled you and he only stopped when you yawned. He chuckled. “C’mon, my love. Let’s go home.”
“Mmm. Ok.”
He helped you down the stairs and then picked you up bridal style to the car. When he slid you in the passenger side, you hummed. Harry slid in the car and turned it on. You looked over at him in the dark as he pulled out of the parking lot.
After a few minutes, he looked over at you with a smile. “Something on my face?”
“Mmm. I’m just thinking what color you should wear.”
“Color?”
“For the wedding.”
“Oh. Well, I could wear a potato sack as long as you agree to be my wife.”
“That’s sweet,” you held his free hand. “But please don’t do that.”
Harry chuckled, throwing his head back. “I’ll wear whatever you want me to wear.”
“Well, you have to have some say in it.”
He picked your hand up and kissed it. “I want to wear whatever will make you happy.”
You hummed and he put your hand down, rubbing it. You stared at him as he drove you both home. When he looked over at you in the parking lot, he saw a tear falling down your face. “What’s wrong?” He asked, tension in his voice. “Are you regretting saying yes?”
You shook your head as Harry wiped your tear with his thumb. “I just can’t believe you love me so much that you want to spend the rest of your life with me.”
Harry tsk’d and pulled you close to him, kissing you. “Believe it. You’re stuck with me.”
You chuckled. “Good. I’ll annoy you and Sunflower for the rest of your lives.”
He smiled. “Sounds perfect to me.”
“I love you.”
“I love you so much.”
~~~~~~~~~~
6 months later
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry had been at work all day. You were working only part time at the club, so you had most days free. And you were glad you had off today because you weren’t feeling so hot.
You spent all morning over the toilet throwing your guts up. You told Harry and you chalked it up to food poisoning. You had ordered Chinese the night before and the chicken didn’t look so hot.
He wanted to come home but you told him you were fine. Around lunch time, you heard the door open. Harry’s faint voice flowed through the house as he greeted Sunflower.
“Love?”
You groaned and he found you in the bathroom on the floor. “Oh, honey.”
Harry leaned down and kissed you on the forehead gently. “Feeling any better?”
“Mmm.”
“I brought you soup and some Ginger Ale.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you want help up?”
You nodded and Harry helped you stand up. You went into the kitchen and thought it was a good sign that you like the smell of the soup. He opened it and gave you a spoon.
As you slurped the soup, you said, “I just don’t get why you aren’t sick. You ate the same things as me.”
Harry raised his eyebrows as he put a straw in your Ginger Ale.
“What?”
“Think about it.”
You thought about it as you swallowed your soup. He had a stronger stomach than you?
But then you felt it. You were going to throw up again. “Hold on.”
You ran to the closest bathroom and threw up. Harry was beside you rubbing your back. “I hate this. I’m never eating Chinese food again.”
“Mmm.”
“What?”
“Honey.”
“Mmmmmm? Don’t make me think. My head hurts.”
“Do you think you could possibly be pregnant?”
You froze. “Oh shit.”
Harry chuckled. “It’s not like we weren’t trying.”
You wiped your mouth. “I’ll take a test. My period is late.”
You had a bunch of tests under the sink and opened two. You flushed the toilet and then peed on the sticks.
As you waited, you sipped your Ginger Ale and thanked Harry for the gesture. He rubbed your stomach as you waited.
This was the longest 15 minutes of your life. When it was time, you and Harry held hands and walked into the bathroom. You both looked down at the tests and smiled. “Oh my God.”
Harry wrapped his arms around you and kissed your cheek. He let out a breathy laugh. “Holy shit, love.”
Pregnant, the tests flashed.
Holy shit indeed. “We’re going to have a baby.”
“Mmhmm,” Harry kissed your cheek. “Are you happy?”
“Yeah,” you swallowed. “A little scared, but happy too.”
He rubbed your stomach. “I’ll be here every step of the way.”
You nodded, but then slowly began to cry. Harry tsk’d. “Oh, love. It’s ok. We don’t have keep it if you don’t want.”
You shook your head. “No no. I just-. I’m not gonna fit in my wedding dress,” you chuckled.
“Oh.”
You hadn’t planned much for your wedding. You looked at a few venues and were planning out the bridesmaids dresses and such. You had an appointment next month to find your dress.
“Well… why don’t we just get married now.”
“Huh?”
“In a few weeks. Call up your family and friends and we’ll have a ceremony and party. We can throw it at a firehall.”
You were quiet for a moment but then tears poured out of you again.
“I’m sorry, love. You deserve a big wedding. And we can have that after the baby. But, I’d really like to be married to you.”
You put your hands on his chest. “Harry.”
“Yeah?”
“Let’s do it.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. I don’t need a big celebration. Just want to be married to you.”
He smiled, giving you a kiss on your lips. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
So, that’s what you did. You called everyone up, told them to be ready in three weeks. Your bachelorette party and small shower was planned.
Everyone got dresses at a small boutique. You got your dress off the clearance rack and everything was coming together.
You were getting ready, backstage, yes the wedding was at the club. It was perfect. And the decorators that Harry hired made it look like a completely different place. You told your mom, sister, and bridesmaids that you were pregnant. They all squealed and your mom cried. Your nephew was the ring bearer and it was so cute.
Harry cried as your dad walked you down the makeshift aisle. “Wow,” he mouthed when you were next to him.
You giggled. The officiant began the ceremony and in no time at all you were married to the love of your life with your other love of your life in your stomach.
Hey guys, i'm really sorry this is so short. I've been major depressed and have had no motivation to write, but I wanted to give you something. I hope you enjoy it. I think there may be one or two more chapters of this and then it's done :(
warnings: smut, angst, strippers, cursing, men say vulgar things to women. Please do not read if you are under 18
wc: 3038
Read the rest of the series here
Harry being the new owner of the club and still the CEO of Gucci didn’t hamper your time together at all. He mostly came to the club during your shifts, so it worked out perfectly.
Everyone there loved him and they were all happy because they got raises and got to keep their jobs. He also got new furniture for the Red Rooms and the couches around the stage. Some of the poles needed replacing and by the time you stepped into the club next, it looked brand new.
Harry also conducted a meeting. “So, I know we have Topless Wednesdays, but if you ladies are not comfortable with it, we can totally stop it.”
Everyone looked around and shrugged. Lauren turned to him. “I don’t think anyone is uncomfortable with it, Harry.”
“Ok, well if you are, please tell me either here or privately. I don’t want anyone to not be comfortable.”
The women smiled and nodded, but they all agreed they liked it. Harry looked at you and you shimmied. He laughed and carried on with the rest of the meeting.
~~~~~
And things with the two of you were great. Every time you facetimed your mom now, Harry was behind you saying hi and sometimes you think she wanted to speak to him more than you.
You were so happy. And you lived for the moments that you could just chill in bed with Harry. One night you were bingeing the latest season of Emily In Paris when Harry started tracing your ring finger with his finger. You giggled. “That tickles.”
“Sorry,” he smiled. “This hand looks kind of empty, don’t you think?” He picked up your hand and kissed it.
You bit your lip. “A bit.”
“I meant what I said to Dani a few months ago.”
“I know.”
“I just want to make sure that you’re ready for it. I know Eric,” he sighed, “well, he did some damage.”
You nodded. “Yeah, but you fixed all of that.”
Harry smiled and intertwined your fingers. “I’m glad.”
“I’m not rushing you or anything, but if you asked, I’d say yes.”
Harry squeezed your hand. “Yeah?”
You nodded again. “Without a doubt.”
“Good,” Harry kissed you. “That’s good to know.”
You hummed and laid into his chest. He rubbed your back and kissed your forehead. You’ve never felt so loved in your life before.
~~~~~~
There was an important dinner that Harry had to go to for work and he asked you to tag along. “You want me to come with you?” You asked from bed one night.
Harry put on his aftershave after getting out of the shower. He said from the bathroom, “Obviously. Unless you don’t want to, of course.”
“No. I want to. I’ve just never been asked to a significant other’s work event before.”
Harry frowned in the mirror. “Well, you’re welcome to all of mine.”
You smiled from the bed with your face mask on. “Ok!”
“Perfect. It’s on Friday.”
~~~~~
Harry got home from work on Friday and you were already getting ready. You were curling your hair as Harry kissed your neck. “Hi, love.”
“Hey.”
“You look adorable with curly hair.”
“Really? I don’t do it very often because it takes forever.”
“Well, I’m not hating it.”
You giggled. Harry changed out of his work outfit and into another outfit for the dinner. You dressed in a velvet red dress with a slit up the front and cap sleeves. When you walked out of the closet, you and Harry both had your breaths taken away. He looks delectable in his maroon suit, white button down shirt, which showed off his chest, and black shoes. “Wow,” you both said at the same time and then chuckled.
“Maybe we can be a little late to the dinner,” Harry said, walking towards you.
You blushed. “I know the dress isn’t Gucci, but everything else is- my purse, shoes, jewelry, even my underwear.”
Harry closed his eyes and smiled before looking back at you. “You look gorgeous. Doesn’t matter if you wore a dress from Target or even a rival designer.”
You blushed again. “We match and we didn’t even plan it.” You ran your hand on his suit jacket.
“It’s like we were made for each other,” Harry smiled.
“Mmmm.”
He kissed you and ran his hand down your back. When his mouth moved towards your neck, you giggled. He was going to unzip your dress when you batted him away. “This took too long to zip up.”
“I can help you back in it,” he growled.
“We have to go, Har.”
He groaned this time. “Such a tease,” he said into your neck.
“Come on,” you reached your hand out. “You can undress me all you want afterward.”
Harry followed behind you like a puppy dog as he held onto your hips and led you to his car outside.
~~~~~~
When you got to the dinner, you felt relieved that you weren’t the only significant other there. You took your seats at the table and Harry’s colleague’s eyes got wide as he sat down across from you. Harry didn’t notice right away though as he was too focused on you. His hand rubbed your knee and he looked at you as you made small talk.
You tuned out to most of it. You just enjoyed the delicious food that was being served to you and smiled at Harry when he smiled at you. There was a lot of technical jargon. You were just happy to be included. You excused yourself to go to the bathroom at one point and Harry’s co-worker, Stan, leaned over when you were out of ear shot. “What do you think you’re doing bringing her here?”
“Excuse me? My girlfriend?”
“We are a high class company and someone like her could give us a bad reputation.”
“I’m sorry. Someone like her? I’m not sure I’m understanding.”
Stan leaned forward, looked around, and said, “She’s a stripper, is she not?”
Harry held in a breath and kept his composure. “I assure you she’s not a stripper. She is a dancer, but a stripper? No.”
“She is because I saw her at that club. She was leading a topless number and-.” The man stopped talking when Harry raised an eyebrow and smirked. Bingo.
“You saw her at a club?” Harry adjusted his sleeves. “Thought you said we were classy?”
The conversation ended quickly because you sat back down. It was a very awkward silence and Harry gave you a tight smile. “Is everything ok?” you whispered.
“We… had a bit of a disagreement, but nothing you should worry about,” Harry said, squeezing your thigh. You didn’t like the look that Stan was giving you and you scooted your chair closer to Harry.
When dessert came around, Harry gripped his spoon angrily and let someone else do the talking. By the time dinner was over, Harry gave a quick few handshakes and escorted you out of there. When he was silent during the car ride back, you squeezed his hand. “Did I do something? Or say something? I’m new to these things.”
“What? No! Absolutely not.”
“After I came back from the bathroom, things got… awkward,” you swallowed.
“I never liked Stan,” Harry sighed. “I’ll tell ya that much. He moved up the rankings, but not from hard work.”
“Ok?”
Harry gripped the steering wheel harder and shook his head. “You don’t have to come to anymore meetings if you don’t want to.”
You swallowed again. “Did… did someone say something about me?”
Harry sighed. “Stan knows you’re a stripper.”
“What?!?!”
“Not because I told him. Because he saw you at the club. Apparently, he attended one of the topless nights. He said that we were a classy company and I shouldn’t bring someone like you to a meeting. Oh, I wanted to punch him so bad. The hypocrite.”
“So, you don’t want me to go with you anymore?” you asked with tears in your eyes.
“Absolutely I do. But, only if you’re comfortable with it. I thought you were a bit bored tonight is all.”
“You’re embarrassed of me,” you said as a tear fell down your cheek.
“Baby, no,” he grabbed your hand. “Of course I’m not embarrassed of you. Fuck what he said. I bought the club for Christ’s sake because I’m proud of you and want you to be happy.”
Tears fell down your face. You didn’t say anything for the rest of the ride home until you pulled into the parking garage. “I’m sorry my job is embarrassing to your company.”
“Love, no. Just to Stan, who is a dick by the way.”
Harry wiped your tears away with the back of his hand.
“Could you get fired because of me?”
“Definitely not.”
“But, what if Stan tells?”
“He’ll have to prove it,” Harry said. “I out rank him and to prove it, he’ll have to admit that he went to a strip club to HR, so I think we’re good.”
“Did you confirm that I am, you know?”
He shook his head. “I said you were a dancer, but not a stripper.”
You sniffled. “The other women there probably have such classy jobs. They probably all think I’m a whore.”
“First off,” Harry said as he pushed a piece of hair behind your ear, “You’re not a whore. Second, those women have not worked a day since they got married or started dating the men. You work harder than all of them put together.”
You smiled. “Really?”
“Really.”
“Probably more flexible too.”
Harry chuckled. “Without a doubt.”
You sighed. “Sorry for making a big deal out of this.”
“Oh my God, love. Don’t apologize. Please. Your reaction was valid. My job is fine. We’re fine. And I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
Harry kissed you and then you went inside. He helped you unzip your dress. He kissed your shoulders as it fell off you and he groaned when he saw you in your bra and panties. But, he surprised you by walking away and getting changed himself. You were left there vulnerable.
When Harry walked back out in sweats, you raised an eyebrow. “I thought-.”
“What’s that?” he asked as he turned down the bed.
“I just thought we were going to…”
“Oh,” he shook his head. “You were vulnerable and upset. I didn’t want to take advantage of that.”
You walked over to the bed and crawled towards Harry. You undid your bra and it felt on the sheets. “Take advantage of me.”
“Fuck,” Harry swallowed.
“Sit back and enjoy the show,” you said, getting up to slide around the pole. And Harry did. After your dance, you made sweet passionate love and fell asleep quickly after.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About a week went by and everything at Harry’s work seemed to be ok. So, the worry went away until you entered a Red Room that Saturday. You put on your normal smile and was about to start a lap dance when you got a good look at the guy’s face. “Wait.”
“Yes?”
“You’re-,” you huffed out a breath.
“Go on, sweetheart. I knew it was you the second I saw you at that restaurant.”
You groaned and marched out of the Red Room, telling Stan you’d be right back. Harry was in the back office with Bill going over the bills when you stood by the door. “You alright, babe?” Harry asked looking up from the paperwork.
“Um,” you scratched the back of your neck, “Stan’s here.”
Without saying anything, Harry stood up, pushed his chair out, grabbed your hand, and led you back to the main floor. “Where?”
“In the Red Room,” you took his hand and walked him to where Stan was still sitting. Harry entered the room and his chest started to heave.
“Stan.”
“Harry. Fancy seeing you here. We were just about to get started, me and your girl, so you might not want to watch.”
“Don’t fucking touch her! Don’t look at her. Don’t breathe near her. Don’t be near her,” Harry yelled.
Stan laughed. “Insecure? She’s probably fucked about 100 guys in this room, what’s one more?”
“Har, you know that’s not true!” you looked at him.
Harry squeezed your hand. “I know, baby.” He turned back to Stan. “Yeah, she might have, but that’s between me and her. And for her 101st I would not want it to be you.” Stan stood up to try and make himself tall, smirking while staring at Harry. “Get out.”
He laughed. “You can’t tell me to get out.”
Harry nearly punched the wall. “I own this fucking place. Now, get out or I’ll throw you out.”
“You own this dump?” Stan laughed. “I should’ve known.”
Harry gripped Stan by the collar, but you grabbed his arm. “Har.”
He let go of Stan and pointed to the door. “Get out of here and never return. What makes you think you can treat women like that? Scum.” Harry pushed Stan out until security drug him out.
Everyone cheered and Harry wrapped an arm around your waist. “Are you alright?” he asked, searching your eyes.
“I’m fine.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. Men like that don’t scare me.”
“Did he touch you?”
You shook your head. “Once I realized it was him, I ran to get you.”
Harry gave you a kiss. “I just wish I caught him in the act.”
“Ahem,” Bill cleared his throat behind you.
You and Harry turned around as he held up his phone. Harry cocked his head. “What’s up, Bill?”
“I recorded the whole thing.”
Harry’s eyes got wide and he ran over to his co-owner. “Let me see.” Once you both watched the video, Harry patted him on the back and nearly kissed him. “Bill, I knew it was right to invest in you. Oh, thank you!”
Bill chuckled. “Of course. I figured he was trouble, so I had my camera ready.”
Harry nodded. “Are you comfortable sending this to HR if I give you the email?” Bill hadn’t recorded Harry or your face in the video. Bill nodded. “Perfect.”
He sent the video and then Harry said he was going to get you home.
When you got home, you showered together. You were quiet and Harry pestered you to open up. “I’m just afraid that you’re going to get in trouble for this somehow.”
“Baby. Everything’s going to be fine. He’s the CFO, two spots below me. And he only got that position because his uncle, who is now long dead, was the owner before me. I have 97% of the say.”
“Who has the other 3%?”
“HR.”
“What if they hear you saying you own the club?”
“They can’t prove it’s me.”
You got quiet again as you washed your hair and Harry washed his body. After cleaning yourselves, you wrapped yourselves in towels and walked into your bedroom. You sat down on the bed as Harry changed into a pair of sweatpants. He looked over at you. “I can feel you worrying.”
“Sit down,” you said, patting the bed. Harry sat down next to you and gripped your leg. You sighed. “Harry, can you promise me one thing?”
“Yeah, baby. Anything.”
“If this gets out, and they find out it’s you, and it causes you your job, we breakup.”
“Absolutely not.”
“You promised!”
“It’s not going to come to that.”
“But, what if it does? You can’t give up all of this,” you gestured to his penthouse, “for me, a literal stripper who you took in.”
“A stripper who I took in? Love, you are my girlfriend, the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
“But, if you lose Gucci, you lose everything. The club can’t pay that much.”
Harry shook his head. “You and Sunny are my everything. Don’t get it twisted. We could be living in a cardboard box and I’d be happy because I have the two of you.”
“I don’t want to live in a cardboard box,” you pouted.
“You’re not going to!”
“I just feel like… I’ve messed up your life.”
Harry put his head in his hands and screamed. He picked it up and looked at you. “Why can’t you get it through your head? You are all I want. You did not mess up my life. You’ve made it better, ok?
“Ok,” you said quietly.
“I didn’t mean to get angry, but I just want you to see how much I love you.”
You nodded. “I love you too.”
Harry hugged you and kissed your neck.
“You promise me you’re not going to get fired?” you asked.
“Babe, I promise. If I get fired, I’ll… become the lead act at the club.”
“Now that I’d love to see.”
Harry chuckled. “Not gonna happen, so keep dreaming sweet cheeks.”
You giggled. “One day, I’ll make it happen.”
Harry smirked. “Maybe.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry went in on Monday and HR was right there. They said Stan’s behavior was unacceptable and that he shouldn’t be at a strip club and that he’d be terminated immediately. When Barb from HR turned around, Harry did a happy dance.
She called Stan into her office and he tried to fight it, saying Harry was there too. “Mr. Styles was not in the video. You were. And you were saying vulgar things about woman and we don’t stand for that here.”
Harry couldn’t hide the smirk on his face as Stan walked out of the building with a box of his stuff in his hands. He had to call you right away. You picked up on the second ring. “Oh my God! You got fired?”
“No,” Harry chuckled. “Stan did. (Y/N), I can’t hide the smirk on my face right now.”
“You shouldn’t have to.”
“I’m so glad he’s gone.”
“I’m glad, baby. And thanks for sticking up for me.”
“Any time in any situation, my love. See you at home.”
“I have a special dance prepared for you.”
“I can’t wait to see it.”
“I think you’ve seen it before.”
“Mmm?”
“It’s called reverse cowgirl.”
Harry chuckled and shook his head. “That’s my favorite one.”
You giggled. “I know it is. Hurry up and get home.”
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