Take a break
Haz Osterfield x Gn!Reader
Summary: Where Haz wants Y/n to take a break and Y/n is a Grade A workaholic.
Warnings: Fluffiest fluff, internal conflict
Word count: 3.1k
A/n: This is for all my workaholics and overachievers out there, I’m one of you. Remember that taking care of yourself is also knowing when to stop. Lots of love!
I’m not known for being a lover. I’m somewhat of a hater, as my friends and family like to remind me. I have strong opinions about most things, which I suppose can lead to negative emotions like hatred. But just as strongly (just not as often) as I can hate something, I can love it. And I love three things: my boyfriend, my job, and Raspberry Ripple ice cream.
I never thought loving something so much could be counterproductive, but it turns out too much of anything, even love, can drain you.
This is the story of how my love for Raspberry Ripple ice cream almost ruined my life.
Just kidding. R. Ripple and I are tight— she would never do anything wrong.
This, if you’ll allow me to tell it, is the story of when I realized my job was consuming my life, and how true love saved me from burning out.
I'm an editor for one of England’s most popular magazines, so pressure is my middle name. It's a stressful gig of course, but as I’ve always said (and believed): I can handle anything.
Harrison and I met a year and a half ago at a fashion event the magazine was hosting. The place was full of clothing brands, designers, critics, models— and people like me, blending in, jotting things down, taking pictures, and, of course, speaking to guests.
Haz was one of those guests— not the kind who sits quietly and smiles, but the type who walks around, greets everyone, pays attention, and makes small talk with the people working the event. Which is how he ended up talking to me.
As I was trying to fix a slightly crooked painting that not a single person in attendance would have noticed, he offered to help. Of course it annoyed me at first and took it as an insult towards my abilities to straighten a frame, but looking back I see that it was simply Harrison being who he is: kind, helpful and caring.
After rejecting his help at least five times and eventually having to cave due to taking longer than I should’ve, he asked me for my name. I lied about it hoping he’d leave and I could go back to work, but he called my bluff.
“Are you lying?”
“What? No!”
“You don’t have to tell me your name if you don’t want to, but at least lie a little bit better for my sake.”
“How can you tell I’m lying?”
“I’m an actor, I can tell when someone’s acting too.”
“Really?”
“No, I heard someone calling you earlier.”
It got me, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m Y/n.”
“Harrison, but you can call me Haz when we go out on a date.”
“What?” I asked, amused.
“I’m asking you out, was that not clear?”
“You’re quite cocky, aren’t you?”
He shrugged. “Is it working?”
I smiled softly, “Maybe.”
“So, can I have your number?”
“Ask me again when I’m off duty and I might consider it.”
“Now who’s being cocky?” He joked.
“Take it or leave it.”
“Alright, I’ll see you when you’re off.”
A part of me thought he would forget, but he didn’t. And honestly, I couldn’t refuse to give him my number, he’s quite the charmer.
From then on, we haven’t left each other’s side, and I couldn’t be happier.
One of the things I love the most about him is that he understood how important my job is to me since day one, and he has always been really supportive even if I kill myself every night in front of the computer. However, he tries to keep me healthy, even if I make it an impossible task.
"Y/n!" Haz snapped his fingers.
"What's up?"
"I've been talking to you for five minutes, have you not been listening?"
We were sitting in our dining room, where I’ve been sitting since last night.
"I'm sorry, I need to proofread this article."
"Can't you take a break while we have breakfast?"
"Does it count as breakfast if I've been up all night?"
Haz was taken off guard, "You were up all night working?!"
"No…?" I replied, a little embarrassed.
"Can you pause and eat?"
"Yes, absolutely." I closed my laptop.
"Great, let me get you some coffee." He told me and stood up from his seat, then gave me a kiss on the forehead.
"Thanks babe."
He came back with an I love my boyfriend mug he got me for our three month anniversary. "Here you go my dear- Y/n! You're working?"
I was: I opened my computer the moment he turned around.
"It won't take me long, I swear."
"I don't care about that, I just don't want you to burn out."
"I won’t, I'm doing great." I said, and I didn’t think I was lying.
"You clearly aren't, honey."
"Of course I am."
"Babe, you’ve been looking at your laptop for so long, I’m starting to get jealous. Take a break."
"I will take a break when I finish this one thing."
He sighed. "You promise?"
"I promise." I said and held out my pinky finger; he hooked his around it. “And there’s no need to be jealous, I’ve got plenty of love for both.”
“You shouldn’t!”
I rolled my eyes with a smile. “I’m kidding.”
“Good. Remember what your mug says.”
I chuckled, “I love you, dummy.”
"I love you too, and when you're done, I'm taking you out to do things you like that don't involve work."
"I'd like that."
An hour later, I was still working and Harrison walked in the room, showered and dressed.
"Are you ready?"
I looked at myself. I couldn’t be less ready. "I haven't showered."
"It’s fine! Just put on some clothes; or don't, I'll drag you out anyway."
I wasn’t in love with the idea of leaving the house and enjoying myself when I had so much to do. Regardless, I put my computer away and got dressed.
"Okay I'm ready."
"Great!" Haz grinned and opened the door.
My phone rang, of course; I couldn't ignore it. I looked at him with a guilty expression and mouthed I'm sorry.
"Hello?—
No, I'm not busy—
Of course, I'll get to it right now."
I saw my boyfriend sighing in disappointment and closing the door.
"I'm sorry babe, it won't take long."
"Can't you work on it tomorrow?"
"I’d rather not." I replied sitting back down.
"You really need to spend a whole day without the internet."
I giggled. "That's impossible."
He didn’t laugh. “Im serious.”
“Harrison, you know how things are.”
“Of course I do, but I’m worried about you!”
“I’m perfectly fine, I promise.”
But I wasn’t— I was about to spend hours on something that could be done on an actual workday, not on my day off.
He shook his head. "Y/n baby, come on, let's go outside."
"We will, I promise."
I know he was about to give up, but was strong enough to close my laptop.
"Your eyebags have eyebags, we're going." He told me and carried me bridal style.
"Haz please, I'll be quick."
"I don't care, you're killing yourself with work and I won't allow that!”
“Harrison! Put me down.”
“Don’t you want some Raspberry Ripple?”
I squeezed my eyes. “You know the answer to that is always yes.”
He smiled softly, and so did I. Then he carried me out of the house and inside the car.
"I like being spoiled by you." I told him.
“It’s your lucky day, ‘cause that’s all I’m gonna do.”
We each got a cone. I got my favorite and refused to give him a taste.
“You should’ve gotten this yourself!”
“I thought I’d try something new!”
“I’d never do that.” I licked my ice cream. “I already know I’m gonna like this flavor, why would I risk it with a new one?”
“What if you choose a different flavor and you end up liking it more?”
I raised an eyebrow. “That’s crazy talk.”
“You’re never gonna know you love something if you don’t give it a chance.” He replied.
“I gave you a chance.”
“You did.”
“And I love you.”
“You do.”
I sighed and joked. “I wish I hadn’t!”
He giggled, “Stop dodging the conversation! You know I’m right.”
“Yeah, yeah, of course you’re right. Do I have to say it out loud?”
He shrugged. “It’s nice to hear from time to time.”
I kissed his cheek. “You’re right,” I said. Another kiss. “You’re right.” One more for good measure, and when I leaned in again, as if to repeat it, I swerved and licked his ice cream instead.
“Hey!” He complained.
“Wow, this is actually pretty good.”
He chuckled, “Let’s go.”
As we walked down the street, I felt an immense urge to grab my phone and check if someone needed me every five seconds, but I didn't want Haz to get mad so I held back.
"Should we sit here?" He asked, pointing at a fountain.
"Sure, but once we finish our ice cream we should head home."
"But I thought you would take a break today."
"Nope, that doesn't sound like me." I said, sitting down.
He stood in front of me. "Please? Do it for me."
Harrison had a look on his face I couldn't say no to. I hate it, it's too cute. Plus I was too tired to use any of my willpower.
"Okay, where are we going next?"
He smiled, "To the spa."
"Huh?"
"Yup, I booked us a spa day for couples and it's exactly what you need to get rid of the stress you've been carrying around."
"I don't know… I just want my computer."
“Your computer isn’t gonna get rid of stress.”
“Who said it was my intention?”
“Y/n, you need this more than anyone I know! And my grandpa went to war.”
“Hey, don't use your grandpa against me.”
“Imagine how badly I’m trying to help you.”
I sighed. "Alright, it does sound kind of fun."
Excitedly, he grabbed my hand.
We drove to the spa.
"The last time I had a spa day, I was worried about my geometry homework." I said.
"Really?"
"Yeah, when was yours?"
"Like a month ago! Tom and I have spa days together every two months."
I chuckled. "Wow, you really are divas, aren't you?"
He nodded. "Yep."
Halfway through the full-body massage I was receiving, I realized that I wasn't feeling less stressed. In fact, I was overwhelmed thinking about how much time I've wasted today without getting anything done. I turned my head as much as I could, and noticed Haz was falling asleep— I saw this as an opportunity.
“Hey, Shelley.” I whispered to the masseuse.
“Yes? Is everything okay?” She replied with an awfully soothing voice which wasn’t soothing at all.
“Can you hand me my phone?” I asked.
“I’m sorry?”
“My phone! I need it, please give it to me.” I kept whispering.
“But, this is a massage.”
“Yeah, no shit! It won’t be long, just give it.”
I can tell she hesitated as it took her a while to move and grab it. But she finally did.
I checked it through the face port and saw that I had seventeen texts and four emails from coworkers and bosses about stuff I should be working on instead of being aggressively rubbed by a stranger.
I tried typing but it was difficult due to my position and how my body vibrated. After the masseuse touched a sensitive area of my back, I giggled and dropped my phone, which led to Haz waking up. Quickly, I placed my arms back on the bed, and pretended nothing had happened.
"You okay?" Harrison asked.
"Yep, super. How are you?”
"...Did you drop your phone? Were you working while getting a massage!?" He asked and sat up, so I did the same.
“No! I was chilling, I’m super relaxed.”
Haz looked at Shelley. “Is it true?”
I looked at her fiercely. She shook her head.
“Shelley!” I claimed. “I thought we were friends.”
“Y/n!” Haz called my attention.
"I'm sorry! It's important, okay? It's my job, Harrison."
"You have a problem, babe! How is it possible that you can't stop thinking about work for ten minutes? While you were literally supposed to be relaxing?"
For the first time, I felt like he wasn’t being the supportive boyfriend he’s supposed to be. It upset me.
"I'm not the kind of person who can just take breaks, alright? I don't need this, what I need is my computer and a cup of coffee. It feels like you're just trying to sabotage me."
“It’s just one day, Y/n! Don’t blow this out of proportion.”
I didn’t answer. Haz doesn’t typically get mad, or calls me out unless he’s really serious.
Harrison sighed, "Do you really think I'd be taking you away from work if I knew it’d hurt you? You can take a break sometimes, Y/n, it’ll be fine. I promise."
Not immediately, but I understood that he wouldn't willingly do anything to hurt me— quite the opposite. I knew he wasn’t purposely trying to be the villain in whatever twisted tale I was creating in my head.
"Crap, you might be right… I'm sorry, I'll stop."
His face brightened up. “For real?”
I nodded.
"Great! Because I'm taking you on a date… I made a reservation at your favorite place."
How he comes up with stuff to do and plans it out is beyond me. But I guess that’s one of the many things I love about him.
"I should go home and change though."
"No, I won't risk your temptation to grab your laptop." He giggled.
"Please, I brought sweatpants!"
He decided to allow it only if I agreed on not using the internet.
Following the little more relaxing than before massage, we went back home and I took a shower before getting dressed in a more appropriate attire for the restaurant.
"I'm ready!"
Haz, who was also dressed quite nicely, looked up from his book and his eyes sparkled a little bit. "You look stunning, Y/n/n."
"Thanks," I smiled. "I nearly fell asleep in the shower."
"I'm not surprised, you haven't slept in three days."
"Sleep is for the weak, love."
I yawned. Oops.
"We can skip the meal and just go to sleep."
"No! I'm not tired, I promise."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure! Let's go before I grab my laptop.”
“Alright, but give me a kiss first.” He requested.
“Why?”
“Because I’m your boyfriend.”
“Hmmm, doesn’t seem like enough.” I teased him.
“Oh, doesn’t it huh?!”
“Nah-ah.”
He grabbed me from the hips and pulled me closer to him. We smiled sweetly.
“Well then let me kiss you.”
“Only because you’ve been so nice to me all day.”
He leaned his head closer to mine, his eyes moved from my eyes to my lips, then back to my eyes. I’ve always thought Harrison and I are like magnets, drawn to each other in any circumstance. I couldn’t stand him just looking at me any longer, so I threw my lips onto his.
We pulled away, “You were taking too long,” I said.
He smirked, “Well done.”
We got to the place and sat down to eat.
"Let's order some wine." I suggested.
"Nah-ah! Champagne, we're celebrating."
I smirked, "What are we celebrating?"
"You finally taking a break." He smiled.
And I know I was supposed to smile too, but I couldn't— it felt wrong.
The waiter brought us two glasses and a bottle of champagne.
"Cheers, love." He said.
"Cheers."
I took a sip of the drink and placed it down on the table. As if someone pushed a button, I began to tear up. I tried to hide it but Harrison knows me better than anyone else. I can’t hide anything from him.
"Baby, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm just so happy to be having dinner with you."
"Then why are you crying?"
After he said that, I figured there was no reason for me to keep holding it and simply let myself go and burst out in tears.
"I'm just so tired." That being the first time I ever said it out loud.
"I know, honey." He replied, sweetly.
"I don't like being like this." I said.
"How so?"
"I mean, I love that you want me to stop obsessing about my job but it's my life now! And I- I can't stop, as much as I want to."
"Of course you can, love."
"You said we're celebrating that I'm taking a break but I don't feel like I deserve one, let alone cheer for it."
He saw me. Really saw me. Not that he didn’t try to do so earlier— I was simply hiding pretty well.
He held my hand, "Darling, trust me. You need this, you above all people deserve a break. I've seen you work your face off since the very first time we met, and I couldn't be more proud of everything you are."
I sniffed. "Thanks, Haz."
"But I also wish to be proud of you because you take care of yourself."
"I'm scared I'll disappoint everyone if I do."
"Y/n, you aren't supposed to please anyone, especially people who expect you to give up your life for a job."
I sniffed again and cleaned my tears. "Are you sure?"
"I'm certain."
I smiled. "Thanks for being so supportive."
"As your boyfriend, that's my job."
"I promise I'll try to balance my work and the rest of my life."
"And I promise I'll be there to remind you when to rest."
"You seriously are the best boyfriend I could've asked for, aren't you?"
"Yep, I was actually made by a computer."
"Huh, that's why you were so expensive?"
“You get what you pay for, my love.” He said, wiping my tears with a handkerchief he brought as part of his outfit. “I never thought I’d use this.”
I giggled. “It’s soft.”
After dinner, we drove back home and I put on some clean pj's. We got inside the bed.
"Can we watch a movie?" I asked him.
"Of course, you choose."
"Legally Blonde!"
"Again?!"
"Please, it's my comfort film."
"I thought I was all the comfort you needed."
"You and Reese Witherspoon being a badass."
He chuckled, had to agree and played the movie.
I cuddled him and laid my head on his chest, it's been a while since the last time I did that.
As anyone would’ve guessed, I didn't make it through the first 15 minutes of the film without falling deep asleep.
I deserved it, though! Haz made sure I knew that.
The end.
