Discover Top Posts Tagged with #dad! harry

Adore You

Harry is a single father and Y/N is a well known song-writer that happens to befriend Harry and collaborates on his album Fine Line.

Will it be friendship or develop into something more?

Word count: 17, 845 (i don’t know how that happened)

A/N: I was fearful of never finishing this because online school is a lot more reading and work than I expected but I made it and I’m proud. I hope you love it as much as I do. Please reblog and let me know what you thought.

“Jeff, I don’t need a new pair of ears. No more songwriters are needed. I love doing all the writing.”

Jeff sighs. “She’s not going to write unless you ask her to, maybe she’ll help you see things in a new perspective. You’re close to being done, and I know you hate being hours away from Atticus.”

Harry is stubborn though not at all accepting what Jeff is trying to say. “I like my team; we work well together. It’ll happen. You have to trust me.”

“You said that two months ago. She’s coming in just give her a chance.”

Harry groans but nods. “Sure. When is she coming?”

“30 minutes.”

“Okay, great, let me show you what I have in front of the team before she gets here.”

Y/N was nervous when she got the call to come for a meeting with Columbia for potential collaborating with Harry Styles. She was over the moon. She loved his first album; his songwriting was impressive. Getting a chance to work with him would be great knowing she’d learn a lot from him, and hopefully, he’d learn something from her.

Y/N was walking by a café when she crashed into a woman walking out of the entrance.

“Shoot, I am so sorry. I was in a rush.” Y/N is quick to scan her head to toe to make sure she didn’t get dirty, and lucky for her, she didn’t.

“Oh no, sweetie, it’s fine.” Y/N is surprised to hear a lovely accent, not that she’d be able to place it at all; she knows it’s British.

“Let me buy you a new one, please.”

“Dear no, you said you were in a hurry.” The woman politely declined.

“My meeting is not for an hour. I love arriving early. Save me from embarrassing myself, so will you accept a new drink, please. Then you can tell me about where you’re from with an accent that beautiful.” Y/N charms.

“Well, how can I refuse?”

“Thank you, let’s order then find a table to sit at.”

Y/N learns the woman is named Anne and that she’s from England, specifically Cheshire. She is in Los Angeles for a little holiday, spending days with her son and grandson. Her grandson is currently with a family friend. Talks about him being the sweetest boy. Then Y/N shared that she was born in a small city in California, with her parents. Her parents separated when she was five, and her mom moved back to her hometown in the UK. She chose to stay with her father. She visited her mom every summer. Her mom got remarried when she was fifteen. Y/N was happy for her, and Antonio was the perfect man for her. She was close to graduating from high school when her dad got sick and passed away three weeks after turning eighteen. She had worked hard all through high school to get into the best schools but was stuck deciding between USC and Oxford and chose to be with her mom. It’s the best thing to happen to her; it led to many opportunities, and met producers and professors who believed in her. They helped her get her foot in the door, and have not been pushed out since.

Anne and Y/N share their life story in less than an hour. Y/N has her phone alarm go off, reminding her she has 15 minutes for her meeting. Thus, both women begin their goodbyes.

Anne invites her over for tea when they are both back home, and Y/N accepts. She shares that her mother and step-father live in Northwich. Anne tells her she can’t wait to meet them.

“I’m here for a few more days if you want to get breakfast or lunch one of these days.” Anne offers as Y/N holds the door open.

“Oh, that’d be lovely. I’m here for a week before heading back home. The life of a songwriter is full of meetings, and there is hardly ever food.”

“Oh no, now you take care of yourself.” Anne chastises her.

She laughs. “Of course, I had a big breakfast for this meeting.”

“Please call me to let me know how it went. I’m invested now.” Anne confesses.

Y/N and Anne chuckle and hug each other. “I will.”

She arrives and waits only for a few minutes when Jeff meets her in the lobby. He makes small talk but quiets down when he hears loud voices from the studio they are walking to. He shoots her a nervous smile before walking in.

“Harry, this is Y/N-” Jeff stops talking when Harry sends him a deep glare. Not aware of what for.

“Hello, it’s great to meet you.”

“Look, now is not a good time. Please leave.” Both Y/N and Jeff frown. She is confused because they set up a meeting; the least he could do is accept a proper introduction.

“Harry, come on. We talked about this.”

“Jeff, just stop,” Harry yells. “I’m not going to have her working on the album with us. Who knows who she has worked with, probably lied about her credentials to get a meeting with us.”

Y/N frowns. She worked her way here. To get the respect she deserves, but she has no words to defend herself. The king of kindness was rude, and she did not expect it. She graduated at the top of her class in Oxford. She has worked with some of the best artists, from Adele to Lady Gaga. She’s worked in different genres. She’s a Grammy winner, Joni Michelle has become a close friend to her, a guiding hand in this harsh world.

“I don’t want to work with someone who just wants to write the next big thing to be washed down by the radio with no true meaning behind the lyrics. I want honesty, and a twenty-year-old girl will not get me that. Mark my words, I will never work with her. Now please go.” Harry turns away, looking at a paper in his hand.

Y/N frowns; this is a hit she was not expecting. Not from someone she admired as a songwriter, not even as an artist. She’s a strong twenty-four-year-old woman, and a man will not bring her down. She straightens up and pulls back her shoulders, looking tall and fierce. She knows her worth and how talented she is, and that is enough.

“Nice to meet you, Jeff. Best of luck on the album. I look forward to hearing it once it’s out.” She turns and goes out of the way she came in. As soon as she is outside, a tear falls out, and soon more follow.

Shit.

Talk about bad days, Y/N doesn’t want to call anyone but knows she has to talk it out. Without thinking twice, she pulls up a new number she had just gotten an hour ago.

“Hi Anne, the meeting was a bust.” Y/N tries to keep her tears down.

“I’m sorry, honey.”

“Thank you, sorry if I’m bothering you. I just had to talk it out.”

“I’m with my grandson getting frozen yogurt. You are more than welcome to join us. He loves meeting my friends.” Anne’s offer sounds good, but she has to refuse.

“Thank you, but I don’t want to impose.”

“No imposing at all. I insist. I’ll forward the address.”

Y/N lets out a small okay before deciding to walk, seeing as it was a ten-minute walk.

She arrives and sees Anne with a young boy around the age of five. He was talking, waving his spoon around, and Anne was laughing.

She approaches slowly, not to startle them. She gets in Anne’s line of vision, and she is quick to stand up to greet her.

“Hi dear, come here, give me a hug.”

It warms her heart, making her feel better already. A mother’s hug heals, even if it isn’t her own.

“Atticus, this is my friend Y/N. I told you she was meeting us and was having a bad day. Told her this might cheer her up, is that okay?”

Beautiful green eyes look up at her. He stays staring for a few seconds before smiling, and she spots a single dimple on his right cheek.

“Yes, I’m Atticus nice to meet you. You can sit next to me after getting your yogurt. My Daddy says I tell the best stories, will you let me tell you one?” He says slowly, a sweet accent able to be heard with each word.

“Yes, I’d be honored.”

She gets plain vanilla tart with strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and a bit of whipped cream. She then sits next to the young boy who waves at her, patting the seat next to him. She slides right in, and Atticus beams at her causing her to smile back.

“Honey, before you tell her the story, I’m going to talk to her for a bit to make sure she’s okay.” Atticus nods, picking up a cookie from his cup.

“Tell me what happened” Anne reaches for Y/N’s hand, giving her a gentle squeeze.

“I walked in and met with his manager, who then took me to the studio and the artist just began to go on about how he could not work with a twenty-year-old who knew nothing about writing an impactful song and how he would never work with me.” Y/N looks down at her cup before looking at Anne again and giving her a small smile. “I don’t think he meant it, the heat of the moment talking, the wrong person at the wrong time. He was upset when I arrived, but also to treat a stranger that rudely, well, I won’t be working with this person now, so no point dwelling on it.”

“I bet that was hard to endure.”

“Can’t say it’s the first time I was talked down or looked at for being a woman but doesn’t make it hurt any less.”

“Well, I’m here for you.”

“Thank you, Anne, one bad day doesn’t mean the rest will be too.”

“That man didn’t treat you with kindness. That’s what you have to do always, as Daddy says.” Atticus comments on what little he understood.

“That’s right; your Daddy has taught you well,” Anne tells the young boy. She then turns to you. “Harry has taught him to be kind and help others. He’s brilliant, and Harry is just so proud of him.”

Y/N nods, agreeing. “Sweetest boy I’ve ever met.”

Anne gasps. “Atticus Styles, what did you do?”

Y/N turns to see the boy’s blue polo is covered in white yogurt. She is quick to react, getting napkins to clean his hands; thankfully, his cup did not tip over. Anne says she’s going to take him to the restroom. Y/N nods, helping the boy out of his seat. She cleans the spot up as nothing has happened.

She settles in her seat, leaning back when what Anne says comes to the front of her mind.

Atticus Styles

Sure, everyone knew Harry had a child, but that is all anyone knew; Y/N doesn’t use social media much, only using it to keep up with her parents and family members. Y/N hates doing google searches on anyone, but what are the chances of her meeting Harry Styles’ mother and his son.

Google confirms Anne Twist is, in fact, the Anne she met today. Y/N might be clueless about all this but also will not bring it up. She decides that if Anne ever brings Harry up, she’ll say they met once, and it was brief. Not enough to be remembered. She wouldn’t dare say the man who yelled at her was her son. No mother needs to hear that.

Y/N had only met Anne today but already knew she would be a special friend in her life.

—-

After that time in Los Angeles, Anne and Y/N stayed in contact and frequently visited each other. She introduced her mom to Anne, and they got along so well. She was thrilled, but she honestly saw Anne as a friend. A wise friend who she could talk to about anything without any judgment.

Y/N was visiting her parents, but they got called out for drinks for a few friends, and she insisted they go out and not worry about her. She’d find something to do, so she baked cookies and decided to call Anne. She invited her over because she was just taking care of Atticus.

Harry was spending the day with his mom before making the drive home to London. There was a knock on the door; Harry was surprised at who it was when his mum answered the door. It was that girl from two months ago from the studio. If he’s honest, he was hoping he would never see her face again. His son was thrilled when seeing her.

“Y/N,” Atticus yells, running into her open arms.

“Hello, sweet Atticus.” She hugs him tight before grabbing her hand and having her sit next to him.

“You can call me Atty. All my friends do; we are friends, right?” Atty pouts, awaiting her response.

“Of course we are. I’m so lucky to call you, my friend. Also, I think Atty is just as precious as Atticus.” She boops his nose, causing him to scrunch up his nose.

“Thank you. I like it as well.”

“My darlin’, why don’t you take Y/N to the kitchen and help her plate the cookies she brought us,” Anne tells him, brushing a stray brown curl back.

He nods. “Cookies, come please.”

She laughs, and it leaves Harry with a warm fuzzy feeling.

“Lead the way, Atty.”

She helps the young boy sit, gets him a glass of milk and a few cookies that are still a bit warm.

“Do you know my daddy?” Atty asks, focusing on breaking his cookie in half, evenly remembering how she didn’t greet him.

“Met him once, don’t think he remembers me.” She tells him to accept half of his cookie.

“My daddy remembers everyone.” Atty states.

“Well, I didn’t get to introduce myself, so there’s not much to remember.”

Atty frowns. “I remember you.”

She laughs, reaching over to wipe the milk that makes its way down his chin. “That’s because your nana introduced us, and you’re here when I come over.”

“Okay, but Daddy remembers every face.” She chuckles the young boy, not wanting to drop the topic.

“Well, I don’t think I’m memorable.” She shrugs, drinking some of her tea.

“That’s not a nice way to talk about yourself.” She leans back, shocked at his response, not expecting him to comment. “You’re beautiful and have pretty shining eyes that I can never forget. Remember, I won’t lie.” He says, voice as firm as it can be for a five-year-old.

“Well, thank you, sweet Atty.” She grins at him. “I’ll try my best to be kinder to myself from now on.”

“Daddy says-”

“What does Daddy say?” Harry interrupts, kissing Atticus’ cheek.

“Was telling Y/N that you can be kind to others but also remember to be kind to yourself.” Atticus finishes.

A small smile is on her face; he is the sweetest boy. It shows how well he’s been raised. Shows how amazing of a parent Harry is.

“Wise words to live by, Atty. I’ll remember that.”

Harry looks like he wants to make a conversation with her, but he stands stiff.

“Daddy, I want you to meet Y/N. She’s my prettiest friend.” Harry smirks because it looks like his little boy has developed a crush. “Y/N, this is my Daddy, but only I call him that. His name is Harry.”

Atticus looks at both to see what they’ll do next.

“It’s nice to meet you, Harry. You’ve got a wonderful son.” Y/N brings her hand out, and Harry can’t help but admire the mint nail color that he knows so well. Her right has four beautiful rings. He shifts his eyes looking to her left hand and seeing none.

Harry breaks out of his trance and brings his hand up to shake hers. “It’s nice to meet you. Don’t think Atty’s ever talked about you, and he says your friends.” Harry says, teasing the small boy.

“Well, you said I don’t always have to share.” Atticus giggles as Harry’s mouth falls open. “I didn’t want to share Y/N.”

Y/N finishes her tea and takes it over to the sink to wash.

“Daddy, how many cookies can I have?” Atticus picks up his plate to show it’s empty,

“Well, they are your Nana’s cookies, so better go ask her.”

Atticus is helped by Harry down from his seat, and he scampers to where he last saw his Nana.

“Y/N,” Harry begins stepping close.

“Yes, Harry.” She turns after drying her hands and smiles at him.

Her smile shocks him, it’s bright, and he feels like it lights up the room. He might be a little crazy, but he swears he feels a flutter in his stomach.

“I wanted to apologize for-“Harry’s words stop as a phone rings. It’s ‘Cecilia’ by Simon & Garfunkel.

She smiles bashfully. The phones in her back pocket. “It’s my mum’s ringtone.”

Harry nods in understanding.

“Hi, pretty lady” She stands there, hand on her hip. “I’ll pick you up. Good thing I told you to get a ride there. You both love to drink with your friends. Not nagging, on my way, I’m at Anne’s.” Harry hears more talking. “See you in ten.” She hangs up, smiling at Harry. She waits to see if he will finish what he was saying, but he stands there silent. She shoots him one last smile before going to leave the kitchen. “See you around.”

“Wait,” He yells.

Y/N turns back and looks at him. “I’m sorry for how I acted when we first met two months ago. I had a bad day and had no right to treat you that way. Please forgive me.”

“Sure, let bygones be bygones.” Y/N grins, wanting to leave now that the air is cleared, but Harry does not have it.

“That’s it?”

She nods, heading to the door. Kisses Anne on the cheek, letting her know she’d check in with her once she got her parents home and gives Atticus a big squeeze. Harry follows her like a lost puppy.

“Why do you forgive me?” His voice soft, not wanting him mum to hear.

“Your mother is the kindest person to walk this earth. I met Anne before I had the meeting with you, and it was like talking to someone I’ve known all my life. She reminded me of my mother. I called her after the meeting went sideways, and she offered to get together. I told her what happened, and she was so sweet. I didn’t even know she was your mom.” she chuckles “if you even want to believe that it only clicked when she full-named Atticus. Then it all pieced together.”

Harry stands there, surprised to have met someone who didn’t know a lot about his family.

“Anne does not know about our first meeting. I think it should forever stay that way.”

“Okay, sure.” He complies.

“Take care now.” She pats his shoulder, getting into her car.

Y/N drives off, leaving Harry with too many thoughts. She’s an enigma, and he wouldn’t mind getting to learn more about her.

—-

Harry blames it on chance when he bumps into Y/N one day at the grocery store. Harry surprised her by conversing with her over double stuffed Oreos. She let him know how much she loved the cream. He asked her to dinner as friends, but she declined because she was leaving on a trip. He asked to exchange numbers because he wanted her over. Atticus asked him to see her more now that he knew they knew each other. After one phone conversation with Atticus, where he called her inviting her to the dog park (Harry doesn’t have a dog), she accepted. It was that day that blossomed their friendship.

This is why they invited her to the park with them. Well, Atticus did because he doesn’t want to play football with his dad and his friends, no Atticus prefers to play with his choice of friends.

Harry likes going in the evening with the park lights on and bright. He goes with a few friends in the neighborhood once a week. All were getting together sometimes with their little ones, other times just them to have a good laugh as well as competition.

Atticus was mad at Harry when she arrived. She dressed in black sweats and a navy blue sweater that had thumb holes. She looked adorable, hanging on one shoulder she had her black backpack that Harry saw had pins of her favorite things; as she got closer, he could make out one was a bee, an orchid, a small movie poster pin of Midsummer, and one of a piano. Harry was tempted to ask her the story for each one because knowing her; there had to be one.

She approaches them with a broad smile on her face. “Hello, boys,” She greets.

Atticus is standing two feet away from Harry, the frown slowly leaving his face when Y/N knees down in front of him. He wraps his arms around her neck, holding her tight. She hugs him back, shooting Harry a look who just shrugs. She pulls back, but Atticus follows.

“Hey, sweet boy, what’s going on?” She runs a hand down his back to get him to feel more comfortable.

“I’m mad at Daddy.” He murmurs into her neck.

“Okay,” She nods. “You want to tell me why?”

“He isn’t giving us time to hang out. He left his friends to be with us.” Atticus is upset she can hear it in his voice. It’s fragile as if he’ll crack at any moment.

“Atticus,” Harry sighs, running a hand through his curls, his headband forgotten at home.

“No, Daddy. No talking to me.” He yells, raising his head from her neck.

“Calm down, yeah. No need to yell, okay.” She runs a hand through his hair. “Let’s sit.”

She sits down and crosses her legs, Atticus right next to her no space in between. She nods her head at Harry to do the same. Harry’s frowning but still sits down right in front of her.

“You’re going to tell me what happened, okay.” She waits for the young boy to nod before continuing once he does. “Then your dad will tell me what happened.”

“Okay.” Atticus has his arm wrapped around her bicep.

“Go when you’re ready.”

Atticus looks up at her then quickly glances at Harry before fixing his gaze on the football.

“I invited you to the park. I was excited. Daddy helped me tie my shoes and zipped up my jumper. Then I looked and didn’t see his friends.” He pauses. “Daddy lied, told me he was meeting with his friends only to hang out with us instead. He-” He frowns, not remembering a word. “Left them for us.”

“Thank you, Atticus. I see why you’re upset. Is it okay for your dad to have his turn now?”

Harry, all he can think of is bless Y/N for being this mediator. He doesn’t like it when his son is angry with him.

“Okay, everything Atticus is true up until where he says I left my friends. Once we arrived, they told me they weren’t making it today. I thought it was fine, but I didn’t know how upset Atticus would get for joining you two once I told him. He didn’t even let me explain.” Harry looks at her and knows she understands. She nods at him reassuring him everything would be okay.

“It seems to me that someone didn’t want their dad playing with us because he misses spending time with me alone. Misses having fun just us two, is that it, sweetie?”

Atticus nods, tears filling in his green orbs. “Daddy doesn’t let me spend time with you anymore.”

“Well, you’re both my friends. I like spending time with you both. Your dad didn’t lie. Next time before getting mad, let him explain to you the reasons.” She grabs his small hand and gives it a short squeeze. “Your emotions are valid. Harry is not a liar.”

Harry and Atticus nod. She’s a miracle with his anger; one thing Harry hates that Atticus got from him is his short temper, not that he does it often. It is rare and takes him a while to cool off. Y/N did it with ease.

“Now, I’m going over to that bench where your bags are and putting on my cleats. Then we can play some soccer, well football or whatever you want to call it. The three of us will play.”

Atticus lets out a small giggle at her correction; then, Harry can’t help but join in. Both Styles boys watch her stand up and walk away. She sits with her back to them, giving them a private moment. She doesn’t hear what’s being said, but she doesn’t stop the grin from spreading on her face when she hears both their laughs mixed and sounds of kisses being shared.

Y/N cares for these Styles’ boys. Laces tied, she’s ready to have fun and score some goals on them. She can’t help but think how well she fits in not only with Atticus but with Harry but knows she won’t ever push for more content to call Harry her friend.

—-

Y/N fit perfectly in their life. Atticus asks to call her, and she almost always answers him, and if not, Harry relays the message to him when she sends a text for missing the call. She makes conversation with them both flow smoothly. Some days they go to the park or get ice cream, but today she invited them over to her house for dinner.

It’s a small flat in Primrose Hill, it’s perfect for her. She welcomed them right in and headed for the kitchen, where she was finishing plating up the food. It smelled delicious. It was chicken fajita that her dad showed her how to make. To this day, one of her favorite meals. She even made guacamole to go with it knowing how much Harry and Atticus enjoy it.

Conversation flowed smoothly as they ate on the kitchen island stools, Y/N checking on Atticus every few minutes, afraid he might slip. She instantly felt terrible when Harry sat him on the stool and had it pulled close to him. She would not stop apologizing. Promised she’d do better for when they came over another time.

Harry grinned at the thought of coming over and spending more time with her. He would not be opposed to the idea at all.

After dinner, Atticus went to browse Y/N’s bookcase that ran along the wall. It was filled with many books, but just as many cd’s. In the corner on the other side of the room was a shelf with two crate boxes full of vinyl, a record player on top in mint condition. Harry resisted the urge to peak even though he knows she’d happily let him if he asked.

Harry was curious he didn’t see any of her awards, only family pictures and paintings from artists he didn’t know. He decided to ask. “Where are your awards?”

“Malibu.” She replied, handing a book to Atticus that he was reaching for.

“Why not here?” Harry watched her as she watched his son settle himself on the couch, opening the book.

She shrugs. “I’ve got an actual house in Malibu to keep things, while a flat I will eventually outgrow, I don’t mind having things apart.”

Harry nods in understanding.

He wants her to keep talking as he sees her take a drink of her tea. He likes speaking with her. She smiles at him before making her way over to Atticus. Harry’s not sure what book he is reading, but he is flipping the pages quickly.

She feels Harry’s eyes on her as she lets Atticus start reading aloud, wanting him to say each word correctly. He goes slow, flipping back the first page. She smiles, knowing he is doing really well. She gestures to Harry to come sit, and he does without a second thought. He sits on the other side of the couch when, in reality, he wants to sit next to her. To be able to throw his arm over her shoulder as she cuddles close to him, hearing his son read to them, but alas, that is not the reality.

Harry’s feelings have grown for her over the last few weeks, and he’s sure he likes her. She’s amazing and everything he wants in a partner. Not to mention she’s fantastic with Atticus. He just doesn’t want to ask her out for fear of rejection, then she’d stop seeing them altogether, and he selfishly doesn’t want that. He fears that she’ll reject him because he is a father meaning his son will always come first.

She smiles faintly as she watches Harry correct Atticus on a mispronunciation of a word. He’s very attentive. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t interested in Harry, who wouldn’t be. He’s a single dad who loves his son with every fiber of his body and is the kindest person she has ever met. He radiates light to those around; he’s the equivalent to the sun that shines each day.

Y/N wants to ask him out but won’t due to fear of being rejected.

Both sneak glances at one another, never wanting to be caught by the other. Secret glances are all they have.

As Atticus closes the book after finishing chapter one, he sits in Harry’s lap after she tells him he can take it home, and it can be their bedtime story. Atticus thanks her before getting up and walking around the couch to her record player collection.

She turns her body to face him, it also allows her to glance at Atticus behind him. “How’s the album coming along?”

“It’s going. I’ve got an official album name but still writing.” He nods, thinking about the few songs they had finished when he came back from his short time in Japan recently.

“Well, best of luck. Know it’s going to be amazing.” Harry grins, hearing her words, always thankful for her support, whether she knows it or not.

Atticus walks to the coffee table that has a few books and magazines scattered in an organized mess. He picks it up and brings it over to Y/N.

She flips it open to a random page and shows him what’s inside is a nine-by-nine grid of numbers filled in. “It’s a logic puzzle game. You have to make sure each box has numbers one through nine but has to make sure that the column doesn’t have the same number. It’s a combination of skills.” She shrugs. “It’s fun and helps the brain grow. My dad introduced it to me.”

Atticus nods and flips through it. Before setting it back where he found it.

“Well, I’m a pro at scrabble.” Harry states.

Atticus jumps at the name of the game. “I am too.”

“Guess that means we should play.” She stands up and pulls it out from a closed-door that Harry assumes is a closet

The game begins. Harry stating his letters are terrible. Atticus and Y/N laugh at him before focusing on the letters. The game is going well, no one keeping track of points, something Atticus insisted on because he knows his Daddy can be a sore loser. Harry gasps when he hears his son expose him like that.

The game has been going on longer than they expected. Y/N has a girl and is happy to see she can put it in front of ‘friend’ without breaking any rules.

“Girlfriend.” Atticus reads it aloud.

She reaches her hand in the small bag for four more letters.

Atticus moves his letters around before looking up seriously. “Daddy needs a girlfriend.”

Harry and Y/N both laugh, not knowing what to say to that. Atticus lets out a long yawn making Harry call it a night for them.

Atticus shakes his head no. “We didn’t finish.”

“That’s alright, sweet boy. We had a good time, which is all that matters.” Atticus nods, getting up to hug her. “Let me go get the leftover cookies so you can take them home. Bet Matthew would like some when he comes over tomorrow afternoon.” Matthew, Atticus’ homeschool teacher, since Harry is traveling a lot this year and doesn’t like being apart from his son, he found him a private tutor. Atticus enjoys it and loves telling Y/N about it.

Harry helps Atticus tie his shoes and slips his coat on before doing the same.

“Thanks for having us over, love,” Harry says as he scoops Atticus up in his arms.

“Anytime.” She replies, honestly.

They walk outside together to his car parked out front. “We should do it again.”

“Of course, I would love to.”

“You’ve been a great friend.” She frowns at his words. “Atticus really loves you.”

Atticus lets out a small grumble on Harry’s shoulder, which breaks her train of thought.

“You should go” Y/N’s voice lost a little of her charm, shocking Harry.

He doesn’t have time to question it, seeing as Y/N opens the car door for Harry, and he sets Atticus down, buckling him in safely.

“Did I say something?”

She laughs. “We’re fine, Harry. Get home safe, I’ll see you soon.”

She walks up to her steps and doesn’t go inside until she sees Harry get in and drive away.

She lets herself relax now that he’s gone.

Friends, we are just friends.

She’s not going to lie and say it didn’t break her heart, hearing him call her his friend, but that is what she is. He’s a dad, and if he doesn’t want a relationship, who is she to push that.

—-

“Hello, Y/N.” Harry greets on the phone.

“Hi Harry, how’s the little lad?” Harry doesn’t even try to hide his smile at her question. Harry loves how much she cares for Atticus, makes his heart beat faster.

“He’s doing good. Went to the park today, knocked out as soon as we got home.”

“Oh, good to know that his energy does wind down.” Y/N teases.

“So,” He pauses and clears his throat, “there’s this play on Friday; it’s at seven, and I was wondering,” He’s getting nervous not being able to get the words out.

“Oh, Harry, you didn’t even have to ask, I’ll be there, six twenty, don’t you worry. No fear of arriving late.” Harry hears lots of talking in the background. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you Friday.”

She hangs, but before he can say goodbye but there’s a grin on his face because he has a date on Friday.

Friday came quickly. She put in the code that Harry texted her yesterday. He changed it and wanted to make sure she could get in with no problem.

She knocks on the door, a Tupperware in hand.

“Y/N,” Harry greets, and she’s left speechless. He looks gorgeous.

Harry’s wearing a cream knitted sweater and over it a blue wool-cashmere coat. His black fitted trousers and Gucci boots on his feet to complete the look.

Y/N knows Harry is a beautiful man, but he looks too perfect to be real when he dresses up like this.

“You look amazing, Harry.”

“And you look,” Harry was at a loss for words, he really was. Y/N’s dressed in black sweats and dark blue oversized jumper, her hair in a bun. “Comfortable.”

“Sure am; you didn’t say how long you’d be gone, so I thought this would be best in case I doze off after putting Atticus to bed.”

“Uh right, well, I thought,” Harry is confused; he thought he had asked her to join him.

“I heard this play is really wonderful, and if you want to catch dinner afterward, no worries, I’ve got no plans tomorrow.”

“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind.” Harry nods.

“Where’s Atticus?” She asks, looking around.

“In his room, he was tidying up a bit. He wanted it to be clean for you.” Harry laughs. “Think he’s got a bit of a crush on you.”

Y/N’s hands fly to her cheeks in surprise. “Oh my, well, isn’t that sweet. Kind little bub, I feel honored.” Her cheeks are warm now. “Thank you for letting me babysit, you could have asked anyone else. I really do like taking care of him.”

“Yes, of course, I’m glad you came to do it.”

“Well, I think you should be going now.” She looks at her phone the time showing 6:30. “Don’t want to be late for meeting your date.” Y/N slips her shoes off and walks further into the house.

“Right, uh... help yourself to anything in the kitchen, and there’s the guest room open if you happen to doze off.” He grabs his keys.

“Thank you, Harry. Have a good night.” A big smile on her face until she locks the door does she let it fall. Harry has a date and only saw her as the babysitter. Sad to think he might never feel the same way. She heads to Atticus’ room to spend a great evening with him without thinking much about it.

Harry pulls out his phone to ring his mum as he unlocks his car. “Mum, how close are you?” He nods. “Park your car outside, then we’ll go to the play in mine. The plans changed, I’ll explain no worries.” Harry sighs. “Then I’m calling Gem so she can expect us for a late dinner to discuss how much of an idiot I am.”

—-

It’s morning, and Harry never made it home. As disheartening is what to find out, she had a young boy asking her what breakfast was. They quickly agreed on French toast, Atticus telling her that Harry’s always came out burnt. She promised her French toast would never come out like that. She helped him sit on the counter, letting him eat strawberries she had washed and cut as well as blueberries. She meant for them to go on top of the toast but just let him be.

Once she finished cooking her pieces and cut up Atticus’ for him, they both sat at the table. Atticus eagerly dug in as the voice of Joni Mitchell filled the kitchen. She had forgotten to turn off the music. Not that she minded, and as she saw him bopping his head side to side, he didn’t either.

Atticus pushes his plate away to lean his elbows on the table to get closer to her. He looks at her as if he has something important to ask. Just as he opens his mouth to speak, they hear the front door open then shut.

His green eyes meet hers shining bright for his father. She helps him off the chair, not wanting him to fall.

“I’m home. Smells good in here.” Harry leans down and picks up Atticus giving him kisses all over his face until he can’t stop laughing. Y/N can’t help but smile at the scene.

“Late night.” She jokes, standing up and heading to the sink with her dishes and empty cup of tea. She doesn’t hear him laugh and gets nervous; she crossed a line.

She turns to face him, and he looks serious. His eyebrows furrowed and eyes sharp, looking right at her.

Harry breaks his stare to lean down to speak with Atticus. She can’t hear them because Atticus is a good whisperer. Something she knows Gemma taught him. Atticus eagerly nods his head. A smile breaks out on Harry’s face showing his son his dimples.

“Any plans, Y/N?” Atticus asks her after their little conversation.

“Nope, unless you count the laundry waiting for me at home that I need to do.” She laughs, knowing that it doesn’t sound fun at all, but her favorite sweats need a wash.

“Do you want to spend more time with us?” He looks shy, asking, something he has never been around her. “Daddy’s taking me to the science museum. He promised me.”

“Don’t feel like imposing, but I know you’ll both have the best time.” Her words were more directed to Harry than Atticus.

Atty frowns, and then so does Harry. One and the same they are.

“Y/N,” Harry finally addresses.

“I’m going to go get changed,” Atty yells, bringing his plate to Y/N and has her lean down planting a kiss on her cheek. “Breakfast was delicious.”

“Y/N,” Harry starts again once he hears Atticus made it to his room, hearing the door open but not shut. “I want to take you on a date. Last night I was hoping you’d go to the play with me, but you never let me finish and assumed you’d babysit, so I went with mum instead.” Her eyes go wide, not at all expecting to hear that. “It’s fine,” Harry is quick to reassure her. “but I really do like you. I think you’re amazing, and Atticus is a big fan of you. You fit perfectly in our life, and I’d love the opportunity to explore this with you.”

She’s surprised not at all seeing this coming. Never once did she think Harry might reciprocate her feelings, but here she heard just that. “Ummm…” she’s at a loss for words. “I feel like an idiot. I’m glad the ticket didn’t go to waste.”

Harry chuckles, “That’s not a problem, love, what I do want to know if you’d like to join my son and me on a date to the science museum.” He’s asked her twice now, and Harry would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous.

“I’d love to, but you have to let me go home and change.” She gestures to her sweats.

Harry holds back a cheer. “Yes, we’ll pick you up in an hour.”

She can’t help the smile on her face. “An hour is great.”

She grabs her bag. Scans the room for any of her belongings and sees that it is clean as she left it last night. “Guess I’ll see you soon.”

“You will.” He assures her.

Harry walks her to the door, she slips on her shoes.

“Bye, Harry” she faces the door and turns back to look at Harry and leans up to kiss his cheek. “I don’t kiss on the first date, especially around a little boy.”

“I’ll wait as long as you want me to.”

—-

After the first date, it’s not until their fifth that they go out alone. Y/N never letting Harry get someone to watch Atticus, always wanting him to join them, not wanting Atty to feel alone. Harry couldn’t love her anymore for doing that. Not that he’s in love with her already, but he knows he’s pretty darn close.

He’s never been this happy around a girl, especially one that accepts his son and him so freely.

Harry finally managed to convince Y/N to go out by promising to make Atticus banana chips pancakes for dinner.

As much as she wanted to invite herself to join, she couldn’t help but feel like she was taking over their space together. This relationship could very well not work, and it’d leave a very young boy heartbroken, not even mentioning how she’d end up.

Harry had promised a low key date, and he delivered just that. He set up a table in his backyard with twinkly lights and a bouquet of purple tulips, her favorite. Dinner was covered with grey tops, just like in movies. He even made dessert because he knows how much of a fan she is of her sweets.

She won’t mention this to Harry because it’ll inflate his ego, but it’s the best date she’s ever been on, and it hasn’t even started.

“Would you like to take a seat, my lady?” Harry says, keeping up with the charade of pulling out her chair.

She skips over and courtesies in her beautiful ocean blue dress. “Why yes, thank you, kind sir.”

She sits and waits for Harry to join her before placing the napkin on her lap. “You didn’t have to do all this, all though I do appreciate it.”

“You deserve the best, and I hope you’ll let me be the one to give it to you.” Harry’s eyes shine bright with honesty.

“As long as you let me do the same.”

Dinner flows by after having an excellent vegetarian paella. Y/N was not aware of how good of a chef Harry was. For dessert, he surprised her with a banoffee pie that Gemma raved about. It’s vegan, and it really was to die for. She had two slices with Harry promising to send her home with the rest.

They lay on the grass, not at all minding their clothes. Y/N begins to name off constellations, and as much as Harry wants to agree, he sees them he can’t.

He scoots over, rolling Y/N over to rest her head on his chest, earning him a giggle. “What are you doing?”

“I want to see the constellations, and this close will help.”

She leans up to kiss his cheek before laying her head back on his chest. She brings a hand up and slowly follows each star so Harry can follow. “That’s Orion.”

“Oh, love, I see it. I can see his shield.”

“That’s right. Orion the Hunter.”

“Do you know the story?” Harry asks, running his fingers through her hair.

“Bits and pieces. Orion angered Gaia, so she sent a scorpion to fight him, but he knew he was in a losing battle, so he jumped in the sea. Apollo then pointed to his sister Artemis, the small black object in the sea told her it was a villain and told her to shoot it with her bow and arrow. Artemis hit her target with no trouble. When she saw to retrieve her victim, she discovered that the villain was her friend, Orion. She begged the gods to bring him back, but they all refused. So instead, she put Orion’s picture in the sky so she could always see him.”

“That’s a bittersweet story,” Harry tells her as soon as she’s finished.

“It is, but what story isn’t.”

“Ours isn’t,” Harry argues.

“Isn’t it? You were mean when we first met, then brushed it under the rug. Then fell for me. Or am I wrong?” She smirks.

“Hey” He sits up now, bringing her up as well. He pulls away from her, and Y/N is just sitting there, giggling.

“Our story didn’t start there.” Harry crosses his arm in disbelief.

“All stories start when you first meet, then it builds from there.” She stands up as if she was about to give a speech. “Right away, our story is bitter because you’re rude, and I’m too nice to say anything. Which was bad on my part, won’t ever happen again with anyone else. You say some things about my writing and how you’d never work with me and whatnot. Two months later, we meet at your mother’s house; you’re still hostile, I think it’s the guilt but no death glare. You apologize, and then I have to leave. We meet randomly at the grocery store, and I’m surprised you keep a conversation going with me. Then invite me to dinner with your son the next day, which I declined because I was leaving that night on red-eye. You told me it would be rain checked. You then texted me, insisting I come to Sunday dinner at your house because Anne, Gemma, and Michael would be there. Anne said I was family and wanted me there. From then on, our friendship just grew. Then you asked me on a date that went over my head, and now we’ve been dating for a month.”

“Well, you just summed up our story in a long paragraph, you should have written it down,” Harry teases.

“And guess what,” she says, ignoring his teasing.

“What, darling?”

“It’s to be continued because we are still writing our story.” A deep grin on her face as she steps closer to him.

“You’re such a cheese ball,” Harry says, reaching for her and pulling her down to his lap to start tickling her. She can’t stop laughing and squirming around his hold, trying to get him to stop. He does so, and in the next second, he is leaning down, connecting their lips together. It’s a beautiful moment; Harry pulls back long enough to let Y/N straddle Harry’s lap.

Y/N knows she could kiss Harry forever and would never get tired of it. Harry places one last kiss on her lips before letting her forehead rest against his. She swipes her thumb over his bottom lip affectionately; Harry puckers his lips, placing a delicate kiss. She smiles at Harry, always appreciating his acts of affection. Harry places a kiss on her forehead before leaning back a little to get her to look at him.

“You know I didn’t mean it,” Harry says.

“Mean what?” She pushes his curls back to look at his eyes.

“About not ever working with you.” Harry grabs her face, gently wanting all her attention on him. “It’d be an honor to write a song with you or even pick your brain at lyrics and sound. You’ve won a Grammy.”

“A Grammy doesn’t mean you’re a great songwriter” She breaks their gaze and begins to chip her nail polish on her left hand.

“Look at me.”

She raises her head. “You don’t need any fancy award to know your worth; you know you’re talented. Everyone else can fuck off, including me, for making you feel bad.” He waits for her to nod.

“Thank you, baby.” She kisses his nose. “You’re a talented songwriter as well. You should have seen how I reacted to you not being nominated for the year’s song for ‘sign of the times.’ I called Tyler and just ranted for a good ten minutes.”

Harry furrows his eyebrows at this new information. “You did that, and you’d never met me before.”

“I know talent and ‘sign of the times’ had it all. Still does.”

“Now, I definitely need you in the studio.”

She laughs, resting her head in the crook of his neck. “We’ll work something out.”

“Will you let me show you how much I care tonight?” His gentle hands resting on her hips, always waiting for her consent.

“Always, Harry, always.”

“How about out here,” He kisses down her neck until reaching her collarbone. “Under the stars?” he makes her pull her dress lower.

She laughs but not at all stopping him. He peppers kisses all around, needing his lips on her body now more than ever. Her laugh turns to a moan eager for him to continue.

There under the stars, Y/N knows her life could not be any better. She’s falling in love, and she hopes she never stops falling.

—-

“I’m going to LA for two weeks.” Y/N shares as she lets the pasta cook. They are having a nice night in celebrating their three month anniversary.

“Oh nice, what for?” Harry asks, placing the finished salad on the table.

“A few meetings with the team, a few songs I want to pitch to different artists.” She turns to look at him and sees him thinking.

“Well, I’m supposed to head out there for studio time in a week; why don’t we just head there with you now. I mean, if you’d like the company.” Harry meets her eyes with a shy smile on his face.

“That would be nice, but would Atticus want to come? It’s such a short notice my flight is in two days.”

“Baby, he loves the ocean. Also, I have lots of friends who he loves and hasn’t seen in forever. Jenny’s kids are his best friends when we are there. I’m sure they won’t mind us crashing there.”

Y/N nods, remembering he sold his LA not wanting to live there anymore missing home, missing London.

“Or” Y/N steps closer to Harry, grabbing his left hand to get his eyes on her. “You could stay at my house. It’s a beautiful place in Malibu. Three bedrooms, my office, if you want to call it that, the guest room where Atticus can be alone if you’re comfortable with that. Then my bedroom. You’re welcome to sleep with Atticus in a nice queen size bed or with me in my bed where I can keep you warm.” She leans in close, and Harry smirks at her teasing.

“That’s very kind of you. Got to ask one more person before the choice can be made.” Harry calls for Atticus, who is in the living room, watching a movie waiting for dinner.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Come here for a sec, bud.” Atticus walks over to where they are standing and turns to face Y/N raising his arms to have her sit him on the countertop. She bends down and sets him down gently, kisses his cheek as she takes a step closer to Harry’s side so Atticus can look at them both.

She looks over at Harry, and he nods for her to ask.

“Do you like Los Angeles, Atticus?” She runs a hand through his soft curls. Bright eyes looking at her with a small smile.

“Yes, there’s a lot of suns. Daddy always takes me to the beach.” His dimple on display as if he’s reflecting back to those times.

“Well, how do you feel about the three of us heading to Los Angeles together, and you can stay at my house. It’s only a five-minute walk from the ocean. I’ve got busy afternoons, but I’m all yours in the morning and by sunset.”

Atticus nods, following along. “Your Daddy tells me you have friends there to visit as well, I bet they miss you.”

Harry smiles at the interaction between Y/N and Atticus. It’s sweet and natural.

He knows it’s only been three months and known her for five, but he’s never felt this way about someone. He’s a dad, and although he might be famous, it throws people for a loop, not wanting to be tied down.

The difference with Y/N is that she met his son first and still gave him a chance. He’s going to do everything he can to not mess up.

“Daddy,”

“Yes, bub.”

“Do you want to go with Y/N?”

“Course I do, but if you want to stay here at home, we can.” Harry leaves the decision up to his son.

Atticus nods and thinks. He reaches for Y/N’s hand, “You wouldn’t be upset if I said no.”

Y/N brings up the hand he’s holding and kisses his small hand.

“I would be sad, but I’d understand. Would never make you do something you don’t want to do.”

“Okay,” Atticus leans over, and as does Harry, they whisper quietly as Y/N goes to strain the pasta and begins to heat the sauce. She learned to make a homemade tomato sauce when she took cooking classes during her time in Italy. She lived there for two months, and if asked, she’d moved there in a heartbeat well she would have before Harry and Atticus. Now she doesn’t picture her life without them.

As she folds the pasta in with the sauce, she tells the two boys still chatting at the table to finish setting the table. Dinner would be ready in five. They are quick to get to work. Harry comes over with two white plates and a small green one for Atticus.

“Thank you for dinner, Y/N,” Atticus says as Harry places his plate in front of him.

“Oh, what about me?” Harry argues.

“What did you make, Daddy?”

“The yummy and healthy salad,” Harry says in a duh tone.

“That’s too easy, did you know Y/N makes the sauce from scratch?” Atticus defends.

“Well, I cut up the lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots.”

“You can work harder next week, Daddy.”

Y/N can’t help but laugh at the interaction. It’s too sweet, and she knows Atticus has a soft spot for her just like she does for him.

She noticed the glances the two share as she eats, and just as they finish. She’s about to bring out brownie bites that she made for dessert, but first, she makes them look at her and finally tells her their decision.

“What’s the verdict, gentlemen?” She says, placing the brownies in front of her, not at all in their reach. “Is LA a go, or will you be staying home without my cooking and deserts?”

Harry bends his head to think it over looking at Atticus to do the same. Instead, Atticus shouts, “Yes, we’re coming!”

Y/N laughs, knowing Harry lost him when she mentioned missing her cooking.

“Atty thought we were a team. Have her wait a bit.”

Atty giggles a brownie in his mouth already. “Sorry, Daddy, but I like her cooking better than yours.”

Harry places his hands over his chest in shock. “At least now I know where I stand.”

Y/N laughs. “This is going to be so fun.” She directs her attention to Atticus. “I can take you on a date, we can go to the Science Center. Then a nice dinner because I’m sure we’ll spend all day there. Then on Sunday, we can wake up early and head to the local farmer’s market.”

Atticus grins the dimple deep on his face. “Oh, will we take photos on your film camera?”

“Of course, you’re getting better at it. It’ll be good for us to try sunset pictures.”

Atticus smiles down at his plate, lost in thought.

Harry smiles at their happiness. “On one condition.” Y/N nods, waiting for him to go on. “You let me buy your plane ticket. Want us to sit together.”

“I already have a plane ticket.” She tries to argue although she doesn’t know why she’d want to. “I mean, that’d be nice of you. Thank you.”

Harry nods, grabbing her hand and leaving a kiss on her palm. A blush rises to her cheek as it always does.

“Dibs on sitting next to Y/N!” That grabs both their attention.

“Bub, when are you going to share her with me?”

Atticus laughs, no shame at his dad’s frowning face. “She was my friend first, and she loves me the most.”

Atticus and Harry are in a heated staring contest, and Harry caves. “Alright, man, I get it.”

Atticus excuses himself to play in his room. Y/N assured him she and Harry can do the dishes, but he doesn’t leave until he hears Harry says he’s going to do them since Y/N did the cooking.

“My kid loves you.”

Y/N blushes, standing up, kissing Harry’s cheek, taking the dishes to the sink. “Good thing I love him just the same. He’s an angel.”

Harry’s heart grows ten times its size hearing that. “what about his dad, do you love him?” They’ve never said the L-word, but he loves her. He does. He’s just been waiting for a moment, and it’s finally here.

“Eh, he’s alright.” She’s facing away from him, trying her best not to laugh.

“Alright, just alright.” Harry is trying to sound stern, knowing she’s joking, seeing her shoulders move slightly.

“Well, yes. He’d be better if he was a better cook, but he’s an amazing dad, so he makes up for it.” Harry is now behind her, arms around her waist. She twists in his hold to look him in the eyes.

“What about a boyfriend, is he a good boyfriend?” Harry’s teasing but also a bit serious.

“The sweetest couldn’t be treated any better. Not to mention he’s great with his hands.”

Harry smirks. “Yeah, and why’s that?”

She smirks back at him. “Yeah, you should see him play guitar. It’s beautiful; think he put a spell on me.”

Harry brings his hand up to stroke her cheek. “Would that be so bad?”

“No,” she turns her head to kiss the inside of his palm. “I hope it never ends.”

“Think he feels the same way.”

Y/N smiles softly. “A girl would hope so.”

Harry leans in to kiss her lips; they brush gently before she closes the distance. This is different; it’s full of power and affection but filled with so much love. She feels like she’d float away if it wasn’t for the hold Harry has on her waist. There is nothing sweeter than knowing you’re loved than by the person who has captured your heart. She wants to remember this moment; she can’t wait to relive it over and over again in her head.

“I love you,” he rests his forehead on hers. “I love you, and I’ll say it for as long as you let me.”

“Harry, I love you.” she has tears in her eyes. “I love you, and I love Atticus. I’ll be here in both your lives for as long as you allow me.”

Harry can’t help but kiss her again, this one faster, more desire in the kiss. It’s as easy as breathing for them. He pulls away, bringing a hand up to brush her hair back. “I’m keeping you forever.”

“Perfect.”

Y/N leans in and pecks his lips three times and settles down in his arms. She lays her head on his chest, smiling at his accelerated heartbeat. He wraps his arms around her squeezing her tight.

In the kitchen, they stand holding each other, swaying slowly to the beat of their hearts.

—-

The flight to Los Angeles was long but smooth. Atticus was well behaved and slept most of the time, not being able to stay awake long. He liked conversing with the flight attendants when he was awake. He was curious about how they worked and how much they traveled and if they felt jet-lagged. He’s got a real way with people.

Y/N let Atticus pick her movie, and he chose Coco. He slept halfway through and finished it even if it did make her tear up. Harry noticed and poked her from across the aisle. She smiled at him. He let her know The Princess Bride was there. It’s sweet he checked that for her. She wanted to chat with Harry more, but the aisle was not their friend.

Y/N’s best friend Alicia, her friend since high school, picked them up at the airport.

Y/N went to the UK to study, and Analisa stayed in LA for university and became a music producer. Together they’ve done lots of work, known as a famous duo in LA. Analisia is one reason she will always come to visit this city she used to call home.

Atticus was excited to meet her, and Analisia told him many stories about Y/N like when she took Analisia to the beach for the first time after getting her license but never letting her get out of the car. She wasn’t the best parallel parker at sixteen. Harry was pleased to meet one of her close friends seeing as she’s met more of his. He knows she preferred being alone back at home, only ever spending time with him and her parents.

It was late, so they stopped for pizza and got dropped off. Analisia promised to stop by another day for dinner because she had to meet her parents for dinner.

Once arriving, she gave them the grand tour of her living room with photos around on all the walls and a large bookcase on one side of the wall filled with books. She told Atticus those are all the books she bought and got gifted as a child. He got so excited and promised to read some while they were there.

The guest room was painted pastel green, a light gray carpet. The room had its own bathroom, a window outlooking the ocean. It whites thin curtains so the sun would shine during the day. The bed was centered in the middle with four pillows and a black duvet. There was a six drawer dresser and a chair in the corner. Atticus approved and couldn’t wait to get unpacked. They made it to her room with a balcony overlooking the ocean, and it felt nice being there hearing the waves crashing against the shore. Harry looked around, smiling at the queen-sized bed and white comforter. Above her bed, a wooden board said, “Music can change the world - Beethoven.” It was perfect. He looks over at the wall across the balcony that has vinyl’s hanging. It’s different genres, not at all following a theme.

“That was my mom’s idea. She put the albums they showed me as kids up. Top four were hers, and the bottom four were dad’s.”

Harry stops in front of a signed Victim of Love album. “Your dad was a man of great taste.”

“Indeed, he was.” She sits on her bed, letting Harry continue to roam around

“Is this you?” Harry grabbed a photo of a little girl dressed in overalls with a lollipop in her hands, standing proudly.

“Yes, I was maybe two or three. Our annual Disney trip and my parents had bought me one of those lollipops that were ridiculously big. Very proud of the outfit.” Y/N laughs, looking at it before Harry sets it back down on the bedside table.

“You were precious.” He pecks her nose, and she scrunches it, causing him to laugh. “Even more precious now.”

She leads him out of the room and heads downstairs to her private sanctuary, her writing room.

Harry is in awe when he walks in. His eyes land on the shelf with awards but not some are missing. It clearly displays two missing spots.

“Where are the missing ones?” Harry points.

“At my mom’s. I had a bit of a moment where I couldn’t even look at any of them.” She brushes the wood, getting dust on her fingers. “I told mom she should display them in her home. She was glad to.”

“What do you mean?”

She turns to face Harry. “You know when you write and as much as work you do, you can’t help but feel you did nothing to earn that. That is what those felt. I was in rock bottom for a while, but I had a good support system that helped me out.”

“Sweetheart,”

She laughs. “Don’t. It’s all fine.”

Harry drops it and, in turn, faces the largest object in the room.

The beautiful mahogany piano standing out more than anything else in the room. It shines as if brand new, but Harry can see it’s not. Especially with the chip on the bench that says otherwise.

There is a desk against the wall with papers scattered as if they haven’t been touched in months, which they haven’t. There are paintings on the wall that look like they were made by kids.

“My friends drew some of those when I have them over, and if they have kids, I have them draw me something, whatever they want. I ask them to sign it and then have it framed.” Y/N traces over a rainbow with stars falling from the sky. “It’s them leaving their mark just as I am.”

“That’s beautiful.” Harry can’t stop staring, seeing that there’s so many.

Atticus comes running in and stops when he sees the paintings before landing on the piano. Harry knows Atticus hasn’t really tried any instruments, but he swears he sees his son’s eyes shine, catching the piano.

Y/N follows his line of sight and grins. “My parents got it for me on my sixth birthday.” Y/N doesn’t share that it was basically a divorce present but knows that she wouldn’t be where she was today without the divorce.

“It’s my favorite thing in my house. I wish I could take it home with me.” She sits on the bench, Atticus quickly joining her.

She starts playing a slow tune that Harry is quick to recognize as a ‘Songbird’.

“Why don’t you?”

She doesn’t slow her playing. “If I stop coming here, I feel like I’m forgetting my father; this keeps me close to him. Maybe one day, I will but not now. It’s nice to escape to London because yes, this area was once my home but not anymore. I just have the fondest memories here.”

“What happened to your dad?” Atticus asks softly, placing a hand gently over hers that’s moving over the keys.

“He got sick and went to a better place.” Y/N knows he’s a smart boy but still can’t bring herself to say he died to the young boy.

“I’m sorry, that must have been hard.”

Y/N grins. She places a gentle kiss on his forehead. “Thank you, sweet boy.”

“Now, the sun is still bright. How about we go play with the sand for a little play and maybe in the water. I got the tools to build a sandcastle.”

The small boy’s eyes light up. “Daddy, can we?”

“Course we can. I’ll get your suit out and mine so we can go.”

Atticus runs to his room for the time being.

Harry kisses Y/N, and she giggles. “Go change, I will go as well. Also, got to get the bucket and shovels from the garage.”

“Can you wear the yellow one?” Harry says, slapping her butt cheekily.

She spins around, her mouth dropped open. “How do you know about the yellow one?” It’s her prettiest one but not appropriate with Atticus around.

“I might have sneaked a book in your suitcase, and that was on top.”

“Well, now you won’t see me in that one for a long time.” She walks out a sway to her hips.

Harry stares in a trance as she walks away.

Harry knows they are in for a great trip to Los Angeles.

—-

Harry invites her to the studio. “Atty is with Jenny and her kids. You’ve got nothing to do.” He shrugs as if there’s no reason to say no.

“Sure, who’s going to be there.” She slips on a thin sweater and black leggings, sliding on her Vans with bees on them that Analisia gifted to her as a “thanks for coming to visit” gift.

“Tyler, Mitch, Tom, and uh… me.”

“Let’s do it.” She feigns confidence.

They head over, and the men are very kind in greeting her. She feels welcome in the studio with them. Everyone continues their conversations, and Harry pulls her to sit next to him at the piano.

“How much of the album is done?” She ponders as she looks at Harry’s songbook, the rest on top of the piano.

“Most of it got a few songs left.”

“Where’s Helene?” She looks around, knowing Harry said she was going to make an appearance. She is sad that Sarah isn’t there also. Over the last few months, they’ve gotten along well, becoming part of their group. Honestly, she’s a big fan of Sarah’s talent, no shame in admitting her girl crush on her.

Harry breaks her out of her trance. “Sorry, what did you say?”

He smiles at her brushing a piece of hair back. “I’ve never heard you sing.”

She shrugs, “I dabbled in it a bit.”

“Sing for me.”

“Harry,” he pouts, “that only works if you’re under three feet tall.”

“I’ll get on my knees.”

“Dork.” She shoves him lightly as he continues to laugh. “What song are you working on?”

“Adore You, about the bliss joy of connecting with someone. I just can’t seem to get the words out.” Harry blushes red, explaining.

She doesn’t react like he expects her to. He knows she means business now. Harry grabs the sheet that has the lyrics and hands it to her. She stares at it softly, reading it out. “Do you have how you want it to sound? Piano, drums, trumpets?” She jokes, looking around the room before focusing back on Harry.

“Yes,” Harry asks Tyler to play what they have.

She nods along, mouthing the lyrics. “What’s missing for you?”

She looks around the room to the men once more; they shrug, looking at Harry.

“Only got the chorus, so the rest.”

“That’s what I just read, right?” He nods

“Okay.”

She turns to face the keys and begins to play the melody. She nods at Harry to sing, and he does, he stops, but she keeps playing.

“Close your eyes,” She tells him, and he gives her a weird look before doing as she says, “What do you see?”

“Darkness.” He answers, feeling ridiculous

“H, close your eyes and feel the music. You got to trust me.”

It’s a few seconds before she repeats her question and gets a reply.

“I see a rainbow paradise, strawberry lips and eyes, your eyes.” She feels her face heat up but nods.

“Give me a second.” She grabs a notebook out of her bag and opens it up. She sings under her breath. “I’ve got it.” She locks eyes with Mitch before turning to harry. “Sing it,” handing it over to Harry.

“No,” Mitch says, which surprises you. “Need to hear how it sounds in your head out loud so he can copy.”

“Right, I know that. I’m just nervous. If I’m honest, I’m not used to working with only men. I know it’s a male-dominated industry, but I’ve mainly collaborated with women and the few men I did reach out to me.” She has only ever worked with Tyler, so there isn’t much trust in the group yet.

“Hey, love, relax. It’s a safe place. No one is accusing or saying you’re doing bad. Let us hear it,” Harry grabs her hand, giving a squeeze before letting go so she can place it back on the keys.

“Okay,” she moves her fingers on the key, keeping her eyes on the notebook set in front of her. A deep breath before her voice fills the room. “Walk in your rainbow paradise, strawberry lipstick state of mind; I get so lost inside your eyes, would you believe it?”

Just as she was about to stop, Harry jumped in. “You don’t have to say you love me; you don’t have to say nothing; you don’t have to say you’re mine.”

Harry continues into the chorus, and she’s in awe. His voice is unique; he has full control of it being able to create a beautiful song. He lets his voice fade out as he reaches the end of the chorus.

Everyone sits in silence when she lets the piano slowly fade out as well.

Harry and Y/N sit in silence. The others are sharing looks between themselves.

“Y/n, you got a hell of a voice,” Tom compliments.

“Thank you” She lets her head fall on Harry’s shoulder, not used to the compliment.

“Never think of going to sing in front of people?” Mitch asks.

“No, I played bars, and it was decent pay to keep afloat but not what I want to do. I want to write and give music back. Even if it’s not my voice singing it, I had this crazy dream once that I sang one song in front of the audience, and it went dead silent, no sound, no applause, so I took it as a literal sign.” She giggles at her ridiculous dream.

They continue, and by the end of a few hours, the song is complete. Harry wrote the second verse because he saw Y/N take off her sweater and exposed her skin, looking even more beautiful due to their time under the sun. He wrote it down so fast he summed the pen in on his hand. Y/N wrote the bridge and sang it. Tyler and Harry liked how it sounded, and Mitch looked on the fence about it.

Harry had just finished singing it all the way through when Mitch suggests Y/N is the one to sing the bridge and be the background vocals through the final chorus. Harry looks at her, letting her know it’s up to her.

She nods, saying they should try it. She gets in the booth, and it’s a breeze. They only have her do it two times. She hurries out to the seat next to Tyler, telling him to play it. He plays with a few more buttons until he hits the one she wants.

It fills the room, all nodding along. Y/N’s buzzing in her seat, loving the sound of Harry’s voice. She sits still when she hears herself on the record, the smile slowly dropping. She startles as Harry sets a hand on her shoulder, a solemn look on his face. Think he added more nerves than calming them.

The silence is overwhelming as they wait for Harry to say something-anything. “Looks like we finished a new song for the album.

They all break out into collective cheers. Tyler pulls her into a tight hug before he lets Harry steal her away. Harry wants to kiss her but knows how she feels about PDA, so he settles on two forehead kisses.

Harry decides to call it a day, telling Mitch, Tyler, and Tom to go home. Tom tells them he will drop Atticus off after dinner, knowing it’s hard to get them to say goodbye even if they have had a whole day together.

Harry and Y/N sit back on the couch. Enjoying the fading buzz of writing a song together, not believing how fast it happened. He is in awe of how quickly she works, how easily she can play a melody that comes to her in seconds. It’s a talent he’s never seen before, and one hopes he can see again soon.

“Is anyone still here?” She asks, knowing they’ve been there for a while, basking in the quietness of the studio.

He shrugs. “Interns and a few in the offices. Why?”

“Just wondering.”

She sits up, beginning to pack her things in her backpack, making sure she didn’t misplace anything. More than likely, if she did, Harry can return it for her.

“Plans tomorrow?” Harry asks her, shuffling his head into her lap.

“No concrete plans, but I do want to take Atticus to Echo Park. They have pedal boats in the shape of a swan. I know he’d like it.” She runs her hand through his hair. It’s a mess from the long studio day. “That’s okay, right? It’s cause I know you’re going to be in the studio tomorrow and aren’t sure what time you’re out.”

“You’re fine, honey. It’s nice knowing you have plans already, excited to go out with Atty.”

“Well, our days are counted. You have the Gucci Cruise in Italy, meaning you’re both leaving me. I’ll be here until the first of June, then see you both back in London.”

“Atticus asked me if he could stay with you” That took her by surprise. She would love to but knows it’s not an option, at least not yet, and not when Harry will be across the ocean. “He was sad about it. I felt bad saying no.”

She cups his cheek gently, forcing him to look at her. “You don’t have to explain it to me. I understand very well. He’s your baby; the safest place is by your side, and if not you, then Anne’s. I remember you’re a father first.”

Harry’s eyes show nothing but love. She understands it’s not that he doesn’t trust her because he does one hundred percent, but if something were to happen, he wanted to be as close to him as possible. He’s serious about Y/N just as he knows she is about him. “Thank you, honey.”

Harry leans his head on her chest as he guides her to lie down. He knows they should leave soon, but honestly, he could stay here forever. He feels safe, cared for, but most importantly, loved.

She leans down to kiss him, silently thanking him for the day they’ve had together. Harry surprises her by raising his hand to cradle her cheek and deepening the kiss. She tries her best to hold back a moan; Harry slowly begins to sit up, not wanting to break their kiss. He pushes her back until she’s the one lying on her back. His lips trail down to her neck, and he begins to suck lightly, wanting to see her marked up for him. She releases the moan she had been holding, hands in his hair, keeping him in place. Harry smirks, knowing he is going to get exactly what he wants.

He shifts down, his hands groping her breasts. He feels her bra through the thin black shirt and knows there is not much separating them. He slips his hands under, pushing it up, revealing a plain black bra with small white flowers. He silently asks if he can remove it, and she quickly agrees. Harry slips the shirt and bra off at the same time. He’s not one to waste time.

He leans down, peppering kisses around her breasts. He opened his mouth over the nipple and drew it into his mouth in a long, slow pull. Her hips buck up against his, and he knows she feels how hard he is for her.

“Baby, please?” She breathes out. He sucked harder, pressing his whole mouth into her plump flesh, then moved to the other breast. He didn’t rush; he gave a long delicious draw, circling the tip with his tongue, then sucking again.

The soft whimpers she released was music to his ears, making him even harder.

“What is it you need, honey?” He kisses down her abdomen, his hand toying with the waistband of the leggings she has on. “Tell me, and I’ll give it to you.”

“I need” She’s having a hard time forming her thoughts together. “Need you to” She shakes her head, not bringing herself to say it.

Harry slides down her legging and sees just how soaked she is for him. Harry moans at her distinct smell that is just for him.

A single finger, he runs over her damped panties. She moans at the touch. Harry knows he’s teasing her but can’t say he doesn’t enjoy it. He knows it’s too much, and she won’t say it, and he’ll never pressure her to do so.

“I’ll tell you what, I want you to come on my tongue.”

She whimpers in response.

He smirks, he leans down, opens her thighs more to give him a beautiful view, one that he will never get tired of looking. He kisses her inner thigh, working his way closer to her center. He continues to lick and kiss her through her panties, inhaling the scent. “Is that what you wanted, baby?” He knows it isn’t, but he enjoys these moments with her because he won’t be able to stop once he starts. She shakes her head. “No.”

She grabs his hair pulling him back, giving herself enough room to remove her panties as quickly as she can before guiding his head down to right where she needs him. Harry smirks, knowing she’s had enough of his foreplay.

“Oh, you want me here, baby. Why didn’t you just say so?”

He smiled at her one last time, and then his mouth was on her sweet, slick folds. She let her head fall back, enjoying the pleasure he was bringing her. Harry sought out her bead, and when he found it, sucked hard and without mercy until he coaxed a moan from her. He licked along with her wetness right before his tongue plunged inside. The moan turned into a gasp, then a curse as his fingers took his tongue’s place. Right when he knew she was on edge, he pulled back, softly kissing her clit and massaging her thighs.

“Have to be quiet. Can’t have anyone else hearing how good I make you feel, now can we?” She moans before biting down on her lip to stop herself.

She was ready to beg for him to keep going when he did so with no warning. With tongue and fingers, he built the pleasure again, and this time when she reached the peak, he pushed her right over the edge.

She gripped his shoulder, and she cried out as her body shuddered in Harry’s hands. She let herself relax, catching her breath as Harry leaned towards her lips, kissing her while the orgasm coursed its way through her body. The taste of herself on his lips aroused her more, and she clung on to him.

She lets Harry get one last kiss before she pushes him back. “Clothes off now.” She tells Harry as she looks over his outfit, wanting to see the beautiful tattoo’s he’s hiding. She always wants to see them.

“Bossy.” He teases. Harry begins to take off each article of clothing, slowly putting on a show for her. He tosses her his pink velvet flares exposing how he was not wearing anything underneath. She knows how much he enjoys his breathing room. She giggles, tossing the flares back at him.

“Sit, baby.” She pats the couch, and he does as she says before she moves to straddle his lap. He feels how wet she still is and can’t help the groan that escapes him. “That’s right, H. You got me this wet, all for you.”

He grips her waist tight, knowing there will be bruises there in place tomorrow.

“I love riding your thigh. You know that, baby.” She leans forward her chest against his as she leaves small kisses up his throat until she reaches his lips. “But tonight, I just want to ride you until you cum deep inside me.” Harry lets out a moan at her filthy words wanting to be in her.

Harry was ready to capture his lips against hers when she pulled back. “Honey.” He whines.

“You had your fun, now let me.”

She reaches her right hand down to wrap around his length. Harry keeps his eyes on her face loving to see the expressions she makes. He knows it won’t take long to cum just like this, and she knows that. He knows what she’s waiting for, and he’ll happily give it to her.

“Honey, baby, please.” He throws his head back as he feels her hand move up and down on his length.

“Okay, baby.”

She places her hands on his shoulder, giving him back the control. He rubbed his cock between her folds, then lifted her by her hips and plunged inside, filling her to the hilt in one move. They moaned together, and she moved her hips, riding him slowly at first. But then he bucked into her, and she gave up any control she was starting to get back. Her hands dug into his shoulders, and Harry hissed, welcoming the mix of pain and pleasure.

Her orgasm built and crashed over her unexpectedly, and the next thing she knows, she is on her back. Harry spread her legs with his knees then buried himself inside her all over again. Her back arched off the couch, deepening the angle as he thrust in her. She never wanted him to stop. Harry groaned loudly, his body quivering as he held himself inside. They trembled together as he sank back to the couch and slipped free, then drew her against his body. They lay facing each other, slowly catching their breaths, and Y/N smiled.

Harry kisses her forehead wanting to have his lips on her as close as he could. She’s not sure how long they lay there in the silence, just staring at one another. Taking in every detail of his face, Harry was doing the same. He isn’t sure when his hand started to trace the tattoo on her ribcage, but it caught his attention when she laughed, saying it tickled.

“Do you know who you are?” Harry says, not stopping the tracing, “you’ve never told me the meaning of it.”

“Just always remembering to question myself if I’m genuine and real. Giving myself the freedom to let go of things from the past and move forward. Self- acceptance was hard but probably my most important journey.” She realizes she went on a ramble. “Sorry, probably a bit too much to share.”

He kisses her softly. “Thank you for sharing that. Always here to listen.”

“You’re welcome. I trust you.” Harry blushes, and he can’t hide it. She makes him feel every emotion in the best way.

“And I adore you.” Harry sprinkles kisses on her neck. She hums, enjoying the feeling, never one to discourage his affection.

Harry lets her words replay in his head. He was holding onto so much from the past, and for what? For it to hold him down. No, he was a father, and he was in a great place in life, especially now.

From when he first started writing albums to now, he has felt a shift in who he is. He’s more generous, he doesn’t lose his temper as much anymore, but most importantly, he has allowed himself to fall in love. He may not have known who he was at the start of this journey at 22, now at 25, he knows who he is, and he may not know where he might exactly end up, but he does know who he wants by his side.

“Do you know who you are?” He sings softly in her ear. “Know who you are. Do you know who you are?”

She hums, taking it in before sitting up, startling him. “Harry, that’s amazing. Keep going.” She gets up, throwing on his shirt, and sitting at the piano. “Sing that again.”

She lets herself sway to his voice, finding the highs and lows. “Okay, I need you to start recording.”

Harry slips into his pants quickly, then grabs his phone to record her without question. He sets her phone on a voice memo, and he brings his phone up to record her.

Harry lets her play, and she goes for roughly two minutes. It’s the sweetest tune he’s heard her play. To think she just came up with it now, playing only a few keys before diving right in. She stops and brings her left hand up to run through her hair to get her nerves out.

“This would be like the stripped-down version; once you add guitar, bass, and drums, you’ll get something even better. I think the lyrics are a great start.”

“That was beautiful. I’m so in love with you right now.” She slaps her hands over her face, overwhelmed by the compliment as if this is the first time he’s confessing his love. “You got that out in a matter of minutes.”

“That has never happened before.” She confesses, playing the audio back. “You have to show them tomorrow.”

She wasn’t expecting him to ask her to come back the next day, but she only promised half a day, still wanting to spend time with Atticus, and Harry agreed.

By the time Harry leaves Los Angeles, Y/n has co-written three songs with him. Tyler was like a proud dad when the songs were played for him, and well, Tom had taken a liking to her wanting to know about the work she had done and if she had anything new she was working on. And well, Mitch had already called her his friend but began to show her more chords on the guitar. He even played her a solo bit he had for one of the songs on the album, and she nearly lost it, too in awe of his talent.

This album did not have the brightest start, but now he realized it was meant to be at the end of the journey. To enjoy the happiest moments of life, he was experiencing.

—

“You ready?”

“Course not!” She reaches out a hand for his phone. “Hit play.”

“I wanted to thank you, those last three songs would not have happened without you.” Harry honestly believes that May was the last bit needed for the finished album before narrowing down the exact songs he wanted.

“It’s my job. It’s what I do.” She does a hair flip to get him to laugh, but his mouth stays flat.

Harry grabs her hand. “It wasn’t just a job.” His voice stern, his irises locked with hers.

“It wasn’t.” She manages to breathe out.

“I felt so close to you, it was me letting you in one hundred percent heart open, and you accepted it all.” Harry leans in for a kiss that she happily reciprocates.

“I love you, you cheesehead; now let me listen to this masterpiece.” She’s practically buzzing, knowing she’s seconds away from the first song.

“Right, okay.” He looks up from the phone. “Wait out loud or earphones.”

He smacks him with a pillow. “Turn the lights low and hit play.” Harry gets up and turns them low enough to still see her face. Before he hits play, she sits up from her, lying down in the bed.

“Atty won’t wake up, right? Shouldn’t we check on him first?” She is about to run out when Harry grabs her wrist, stopping her.

“You’re perfect.” Harry kisses her lips, distracting her from leaving. “He’s fine. You tired him out at the park today. He’s going to sleep through the night, we can check on him after if you want.”

Y/N nods. She fluffs the pillow and settles against the headboard.

Harry’s finger hovers over the play button. He’s tense.

“You alright, H?” She places a hand on his back gently to not startle him.

He turns his body towards her. “You’ve been really patient, never pressuring me to show you the album.” She nods, letting him know she’s listening. “These past six months together have been a dream. Honestly, it feels like we’ve been together for years as crazy as it is to say.” Harry takes a deep breath gathering his thoughts. He takes her hands in his pressing kisses to both. “The next few months are going to be hard. I have the album releasing in December, but there is so much between now and then. A lot is coming our way and what I want to know is if you’ll be here with us through it or leave me. This is an out if you want it because I will be focusing on the album and Atticus. You’re a priority, and don’t ever forget that as well, but it will get to be a lot.”

Her heart breaks for Harry, who knows how long he has kept this to himself. She shuffles until she’s right in front of him, she gently places both hands on his face, and their eyes lock. His emerald eyes are filled with unshed tears. “Listen carefully, I love you. I have never in my life loved anyone as much as I love you. It’s this feeling of being complete and full of life. I feel invincible with you by my side.

But most importantly, I fell in love with the father you are to Atticus. He is a real angel, and he learns that from his father. This relationship is more than you and. From the start, I’ve known that if I didn’t see a long future with you, trust me when I say I would have stopped this before anything started. It won’t be easy, but it also won’t be wrong. You’re my best friend, and I want nothing else but to see you succeed. Whenever you need me, I will be by your side.” Harry is left speechless at her words. She means everything to him. She grins when she sees the corner of his mouth begin to twitch.

“What if I need you by my side the entire time?” He sniffles, letting his tears fall as she tries her best to wipe them away.

“Then, that is where I’ll be.”

Harry kissed her.

There wasn’t a moment of hesitation. His mouth was on hers, and she stopped breathing. Little shivers of pleasure shot through her as he deepened the kiss, parting her lips. Her heart swelled to the near point of bursting. Each kiss always felt this magical, as if nothing would ever feel as good.

She pulled back, resting her forehead against his, their breath mixing together. She could feel his stare on her, so she smiled at him, keeping her eyes close. Harry kissed one final kiss to her lips before laying back with her head on his chest.

Finally hitting play.

For the next forty-seven minutes, she stayed silent, taking in every word that Harry had sung. From the sweet tune, Golden shared, wanting to get in the car and just drive down the coast with it on repeat. As beautiful and uplifting the beat was, she could feel the sadness in the lyrics. It tore her heart to know he went through so much heartbreak but not anymore, not if she could help it.

It transitioned to Watermelon Sugar, a summer hit she was sure of. Hearing the trumpets on the chorus made her sit up, her eyes sparkling with joy, Harry letting out a small laugh at her excitement. He knew trumpets were perfect.

Sitting up now, Harry could see how her eyes began to water as she heard his voice sing the lyrics she helped him create. Their song, so to speak. She closes her eyes before blindly reaching for Harry’s hand that he happily intertwines with hers.

Harry knows there’s no stopping the tears for Lights Up. After explaining to her the lyrics, he wrote during the night as she slept on his chest, how, when he began to write this album, he had no clue where it would take him. How his guiding light was always Atticus. Then she walked in charm and all and put together the last missing puzzle piece in his life. They want to be loved and love in return freely.

Harry was nervous when Cherry started to play. It was about his last girlfriend, one he had coffee with a month into his relationship with Y/N because he wanted to use a voice memo he had of her that went perfectly with the song, and he needed her permission. He dated her for two months and was falling hard. The only problem was she never made plans involving Atticus or asked questions to get to know him. He broke it off when she told him he assumed a nanny did all the raising for him. He never wanted to be that parent as busy as his life was. It was hard to read her facial expression but felt comforted by three squeezes on the hand, holding hers.

Falling was a song she had heard but didn’t mean to. She had met up with Tom for coffee one day in London, and he offered her a ride back. He began to talk about this song he wrote in twenty minutes and thought nothing of it until he pressed play. She didn’t play him, probably thought Harry had shown her everything he had already, but that wasn’t the case. She could never bring herself to tell him to pause it, to lose with the hurt of the song. It felt like a lot of pain. Y/N was quick to say to him once it ended that Harry wouldn’t show her the album until it was complete. Tom called Harry as soon as they pulled up her flat. Harry laughed it off, saying it was fine. Then playfully scolded Tom for ruining his first reaction of it.

To Be So Lonely, had her swaying side to side. “This is a Mitch song.” Harry nodded because Mitch had sent him the music complete, and Harry went off to write the lyrics just as quickly. She smirked when Harry called himself an “arrogant son of a bitch”. Harry couldn’t wait to discuss her thoughts on each song after.

She proceeded to leave her speechless. The guitar solo had her jaw on the floor. When he informed her that was all Mitch, she sent him a message sending him all her praise and one too many emojis. Then turned her phone off, throwing it to the end of the bed out of reach. Sunflower Vol. 6 was beautiful. The reflection of the best parts of a relationship. The boops at the end of the song have her giggling. It was inspired by Atticus and how Harry would make those noises to get Atticus to laugh when he was a few months old.

Canyon Moon was about home; Harry and Atticus had become her home. She knew this song would be added to her playlists for when she had two leave these two special people behind when she went on trips, or they did.

Treat People was a song Harry told her he talked to Jeff about writing but wasn’t sure how he felt. He didn’t bring it up, and neither did she until he heard her humming a tune he didn’t recognize. “Maybe we can find a place and treat people with kindness.” He let it play over and over in his head, and it was like a lightbulb went off; he rushed off to her writing room and began to write down the words he felt would fly away. Although Y/N said, she takes no part in the song. Harry knows she does because it was with her small humming, and that verse, he wouldn’t have this song. Even if at one point he felt like he had thought he didn’t like it.

Fine Line, the song named after the entire album, a six-minute song with a powerful instrumental in seeing the album out. She tried her best to keep her tears in, but once she heard Harry’s first, “we’ll be alright,” it was like the floodgates opened. She was silently crying but not in a sad way but a sense of comfort and understanding. She felt connected to Harry, knowing he must have had the roughest time feeling accepted and loved not only by others but himself, yet here he sits in front of her eyebrows burrowed concerned over her tears but a small smile breaking out once she sends him on his way.

She didn’t know she could love him more than she already had, but here she is falling deeper and deeper. She knows she never wants to stop.

“Pick a favorite?” Harry asks her after now on their third listen.

“Yes,” she responds as she hears the trumpets on ‘Watermelon Sugar’.

“What’s the verdict?”

She turns, laying her chin on his chest, staring at him.

“Cherry and Golden are battling it out for number two, but my favorite has to be Fine Line. The “we’ll be alright” it’s like healing the soul. I don’t know how to describe it then the last few minutes of the instrumental.” She’s lost in a trance before looking down and kissing him just below his swallows. He brings his hand up to reach out and tuck a loose piece of hair.

“Do you know the first time I saw you perform live?”

Harry shakes his head, no. “Some time in 2018.” He guesses.

“It was May 19th, I had just finished a song and called Tyler for a listen and said he was busy that night but was free now to meet him at the Troubadour. I thought it was strange but didn’t ask; went through the back. He took me to the second floor and told me to watch that I could show him after. There you had the biggest smile on your face rehearsing with Stevie Nicks. I swear I’ve never seen someone shine that bright. I looked at Tyler and told him that the world did not know what was coming their way.” Harry bowed his head, the compliment warming his heart to the point he felt it could burst. “Look at you now, the second album is completed, coming out in a few months. A raved about single, dedicated fans and a loving family.” She strokes his cheek. “You deserve every bit of it.”

“I love you. I’m forever grateful for you.” A tear runs down his cheek emotions high as their song Adore You plays in the background. “You’ve changed our lives.”

“Just as you changed mine.”

The door creaks open, both snapping their heads to see the young boy rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, hair sticking out in different directions.

“Daddy,”

“Yeah, bub,” Harry responds softly.

“I heard you talking and felt lonely. May I please sleep with you tonight?” Atticus is now at the side of the bed.

Harry can feel how much Y/N is buzzing at cuddling Atticus. He’d never say no to a cuddle with his sweet boy. “Course boy, let’s get you up here.”

Atticus grins, and Y/N scoots to the edge to lift him up even though he can manage alone, but she takes the opportunity to smother him in kisses as Atticus giggles, never once telling her to stop. She settles him in between the two of them.

“I love you, Daddy.” Atticus kisses his father’s hand as he has his head resting on Harry’s stomach. “I love you, Y/N.” He gently picks up her hand, resting on Harry’s stomach, and brings to his lips for a kiss.

“Good night, darling boy.” She whispers, kissing his head gently.

Harry mouths an “I love you” that she happily returns.

She lets out a deep breath, letting herself relax. Allowing herself to be content and happy and full of love.

The future is uncertain with no real end in sight, but Harry, Atticus, and Y/N know that they can survive anything thrown their way together.

The final lyrics of Adore You being heard as they drift to sleep.

Just let me adore you

like it’s the only thing I’ll ever do

And Y/N knows for sure that loving Atticus and Harry is one thing in life she was meant to do.

Thank you so much for reading Adore You, I love you! If you would like to see Harry and Atticus in the future please let me know.

@stellarboystyles happy three year anniversary to you. you’re wonderful and amazing. thank you for letting me take part in your challenge. I love you

#dad! harry

Trending Tags

Recently Viewed Tags

#dad! harry