My blog, writeawayharry, has existed on here for 8 years. Apparently. I have to admit, I haven’t been keeping track of the anniversary, but the other day Tumblr so kindly notified me. (Because even though I haven’t posted on here in years—literally—I do log in every so often to lurk on some of my other interests.) The funny thing is, is that I’m sure I’ve been notified about the anniversaries before, but this one is really hitting me. (Although, it’s possible I just didn’t see those notifications. But that’s okay. Let’s go with the sentimental reason.)
Eight years ago, I was a second-year undergraduate student who was feeling unfulfilled with her program and struggling mentally. I wrote some short pieces of wish fulfilment that probably weren’t great, but I enjoyed writing them. It was a foreign, giddy feeling that I didn’t know I could feel. And I got encouraging feedback, and I enjoyed reading that. I swear, nothing got me more excited than getting an email with the subject, “Anonymous asked a question.” I don’t know how many writings I ended up posting or for how long I was really active on here, but I do know that at one not-so-insignificant time of my life, this blog was a big part of it.
Lots has changed since then, but many things haven’t. I’m no longer in undergrad, but I am still in school getting a Ph.D. I still struggle mentally, for some similar and different reasons. And although Harry Styles is no longer my muse, I’m still writing. That’s why I’m posting this. Because everyone who has read, liked, or messaged me about my writing has played a large role in the fact that creative writing is a passion of mine. The feedback I got on this site has been nothing but kind and encouraging and it went a long way in me feeling, “This is something I like” to “This is something others may like, too.” Because I write for myself, but I post it for other people.
I know that I’ve been so inactive that I’ve lost a few hundred followers over the years (which I get), and I’m sure the ones that remain probably forget they still follow me. But if you’re here, and you’re reading this, thank you for writing away with me.
hiii !! just wanted to tell you that more than one of the links in your masterlist lead to the same fic :(( I wanted to read them so bad but when i click them they take me to the same one
Hi!! Thanks for letting me know - so sorry about that! Which link doesn't work?
The Harry version of the Still Beating sequel has been taken down. Thank you to all those who have read it!
If you would like to read the non-Harry versions, here are the links: https://www.wattpad.com/story/127683613-still-beating and https://www.wattpad.com/story/150473145-always-beating.
P.S. This is the last post about Still Beating hehe. It was a ride.
He has the most beautiful face of everyone in the entire school, and I’m staring right at it.
I’m almost certain that Justin Hawk has no idea that I exist, but he has sure done me a huge favour by sitting in the seat two rows in front of me. There must be one hundred seats in this lecture hall, but he chose the one that gives me a perfect view of his chiseled jaw and thick black hair that’s hiding underneath a baseball cap.
There’s still a few minutes until Prof. Anderson begins her lecture and students are quickly filling the seats. Justin is hunched over his desk, playing with his phone and I’m watching him like a creep.
He’s so damn beautiful.
As if he hears that thought, he tears his attention away from his device and begins to turn around. To look at my row. My heart begins to beat about a thousand times faster as I watch him. In what feels like slow motion, a smile spreads across his face as his eyes land somewhere…just above my face?
The perfect illusion I was carefully conjuring up in my mind shatters as none other than the Big Man on Campus slides into the seat in front of me, and behind Justin.
God. The fact that Harry Styles has just blocked my view from the man I’m in love with makes me hate him more than I already did.
Okay, so hate’s a strong word. But when you’re an arrogant, sleeps-with-a-different-girl-each-night, hot piece of shit, hate is the word that comes to mind. Two blonde girls that look like they could be twins sit on either side of Harry.
I have no doubt that he’s slept with both of them. At the same time.
Justin turns to Harry and converses with him. My heart sinks slightly at how friendly Justin is being with Harry. I would have preferred if he ignored him, as unlikely as that would be.
In my mind, Justin and Harry couldn’t be more different, but one thing they have in common is that they’re both incredibly popular. Justin is the star quarterback of Hennessey’s championship winning football team. So at least he has some talent backing up his popularity.
Harry, on the other hand, is just a douche.
Girls, for some reason unknown to me, go bananas for him, and guys hang around him in the hopes that his “magic” will rub off on him.
I push Harry out of my mind and go back to thinking about Justin. Ah. Happy thoughts.
Prof. Anderson’s nasally voice sounds throughout the hall. She announces that she’s about to hand back our midterms. I sit straighter in my seat, anxious to know how I did. What can I say, grades matter. At least to me, they do.
She makes her way down the rows, stopping to give the students back their papers. It’s rare for a professor to know the names of all her students, but Anderson does.
I watch as she picks Harry’s paper out from the pile and hands it to him. Because of where I’m sitting, I have a perfect view of the big fat F circled in red. Harry’s shoulders slump as he sees the grade. I feel bad for him—almost. But he probably ditched studying in order to fuck some girl. His problem.
“Y/N,” Prof. Anderson says, holding my paper in her hand. “Highest mark in the class, and I’m not surprised at all.” She winks before she walks away.
My chest puffs with the pride that comes from doing the best. I’m in my own little bubble of joy until I see a shadow covering my desk. I look up and see Harry staring intently at me. What the hell does he want?
“You’re acing this class?”
I’m so taken aback that he’s speaking to me that I don’t even have the brain power to think about how I should respond. My mouth just blurts the truth.
“Yes?” I answer.
Yes? Why does it sound like a question? Of course, I’m acing this class.
Amusement dances across Harry’s features. I flush and look away. What the hell is he laughing at?
“Do it with me,” he says earnestly.
If I was in the middle of drinking something, I can guarantee that the contents would spew out of my mouth.
“What?” I ask.
Even the Blondies beside him are looking confused. Even more-so than usual.
“Our culminating project. It’s in partners. Do you want to do it with me?”
The thing is, Harry may be the type of guy that is rarely serious, if ever, but I feel like he’s being serious right now as he asks me.
And that’s why I burst out laughing.
“Are you kidding?” I ask him.
This guy hasn’t even said two words to me before seeing my grade and he thinks he can be partners with me?
“Dead serious. I’m flunking this class, and I need a good grade on this project.” There’s minor panic in his eyes as he talks.
“And that’s my problem?”
I don’t mean for my words to be bitchy; but seriously, it’s not my problem. I don’t owe him anything. Besides, I already have a partner. Well, not officially, because I haven’t asked Nelly yet, but I’m almost certain she’ll say yes. Nelly and I aren’t friends—far from it—but she usually sits next to me. We compete with each other for every grade. And if you can’t beat ‘em, might as well join ‘em. Oddly enough, Nelly isn’t here today…
“Oh, come on…” Harry begins but trails off.
Shit. That’s when I realize the douche probably doesn’t even know my name.
“What was that, Harry?” I goad him, emphasizing his name.
His lips mash together sheepishly; he knows he’s caught.
“It’s Y/N,” I tell him, rolling my eyes. “And sorry, I can’t be your partner, seriously.”
“Y/N,” he says slowly. “Pretty name. I was just going to settle for calling you ‘gorgeous.’”
I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from smiling. I’ll give this guy credit. He still manages to be charming even when he’s insulting me by not knowing my name.
“Suave,” I reply. “But it’s still a no.”
…
“You just said that we were going out! You didn’t say anything about a party!” I hiss to Carmen from the passenger seat of her car.
She’s parked in front of the Alpha Sigma Tau frat house, which is littered with red cups and is that a bra? I roll my eyes and give her a death stare.
Carmen gives me puppy-dog eyes in return.
“Oh, please, Y/N,” she says sweetly. “If I had told you we were going to a party, would you have come?”
“No, absolutely not!” I retort.
“And see, that’s exactly why I didn’t tell you. You’re my best friend, Y/N. I love having fun with you. But I feel like you never let yourself have fun. You know, let loose?”
I sigh. Not in frustration, but in surrender. Carmen’s right; considering this is the first party I’ve ever been to, and I’m already in my junior year. It wouldn’t kill me to live—or party—a little, I guess.
“Okay,” I smile at her. “Let’s go in.”
Carmen squeals and practically hops out of her Jetta.
“This is gonna be so fun!” Her sequin skirt glistens in the night sky.
I guess her outfit should have been the first clue that we weren’t going somewhere calm like a movie theatre. In my jeans and sweater set, I feel even more apprehensive about this stupid party.
“I’m not dressed right,” I complain to her as we walk across the long driveway.
“Please, you look hot!” Carmen assures me.
I don’t answer her. Although I’m dressed modestly with little makeup, in my life, I’ve received more compliments about my appearance than disses.
When we step through the large wooden doors, my heart rate speeds up uncomfortably. There’s a shit ton of people. And I know all of one.
Just as I’m about to tell Carmen to stay close-by, she sees her long-time crush, Jake Greysley and gives me a thumbs-up and approaches him.
I don’t even bother feeling angry towards her. I don’t need her to “stay close-by;” I’m not a toddler in a parking lot. I cross my arms over my chest defensively and make my way to a wall to lean against for the night.
I’m standing here like a moron. It’s just a shitty evening to end a shitty day. Nelly texted me earlier to inform me that she dropped Anderson’s course. So there goes my partner for the project. Now I have to do it on my own. I could always take Harry up on his offer…yeah, right.
A girl walking by with her friend trips and spills her drink on me. Thankfully, the cup wasn’t full, so there’s not too much on me, but I’m wet and the liquid smells like frat boy. God, I hate beer.
Sulking, I make my way to the washroom and attempt to paper-towel the mess off my cardigan. When I’ve been in there for five minutes without any progress, I give up.
Just as I take my first step into the crowded hallway, I crash into a solid chest. I look up and am met with the clearest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. They belong to Justin Hawk.
“Sorry, I didn’t see you there,” he apologizes sweetly. “I should probably watch where I’m going.”
Then, Justin Hawk freaking smiles at me and I feel my insides set on fire.
Okay, I’m totally sending Carmen flowers for dragging me to this party.
“It’s totally cool,” I sputter.
He smiles again and raises one arm to rest against the wall. A soft, masculine fragrance wafts to my nose.
And I’m sending her a muffin basket, too.
“Hey, you’re in Anderson’s lecture, right?”
My heart rate speeds up again as I realize this guy actually wants to have a conversation. With. Me.
“Yeah, I’m—”
“Y/N!” Harry calls from out of nowhere, jogging up to Justin and I.
“What are you doing here?” I hiss. I don’t want Justin to see me lose my temper.
Harry actually claps me on the back, like we’re best fucking buddies. Fuck you, Harry, I want to say. I’m trying to have a conversation here!
Justin looks between Harry and I awkwardly.
“I’ll…uh…catch you guys later.”
And then he walks away.
“What, Harry?” I practically spit.
“I just came to see when you wanted to meet up to work on the project,” he says, smiling.
I roll my eyes. “You’re relentless.”
Harry begins to say something more but I don’t pay him any attention. My eyes are too busy watching Justin chat up another girl. She’s much prettier than me, and her boobs are much bigger. He’s giving her that same smile, and has his arm in that same position.
My heart sinks.
Harry’s eyes follow mine.
“What? You like Hawk?” he asks, sounding incredulous.
My head snaps to Harry’s face. “That’s not your business,” I want to snap. But I’m too embarrassed that I’m so easy to read.
Harry shrugs. “It’s not a big deal, if you do. We’re not kids Y/N. It’s okay to have feelings for someone.”
Yeah, Harry, I say to myself. Some people actually have feelings for people, instead of just boners.
“It’s just too bad you’re not his type at all.”
“Ouch,” I admit. I kinda already knew that, but hearing it thrown in my face really hurts.
“I don’t mean to offend you, but it’s a fact. Hawk’s only dated two girls his entire time here. Both were co-captains of the cheer team. He likes girls that are popular.”
He doesn’t even need to say anything more. I clearly don’t fit that bill. I bite my lip as I stare at the ground.
“Look, Y/N, if you really like this guy, I can help you out,” Harry says softly.
“And how’s that?” I glare at him suspiciously.
“What do you say we make an arrangement? If you partner with me, I’ll take you out on a date, to raise your cred around here.”
My jaw drops. “You’re not serious? You really think me being seen with you will make Justin want me?” Just the thought makes me warm, I must admit.
Harry shrugs cockily.
“He’s looking at you right now,” he answers.
My eyes quickly shift to Justin across the room. He’s certainly looking at me talking to Harry, and there’s this…interest in his expression.
“It’ a deal,” I tell Harry.
…
Harry insisted on working on the project at his place. He lives in a house off-campus with three of his friends. I haven’t met any of those guys before, and I just pray that none of them answer the door naked.
Nervously, I knock on the door and wait for it to open.
Please be wearing clothes, I chant in my head.
Thankfully, the boy who comes to the door is indeed wearing clothes and a bright smile.
“Y/N, right? Harry’s in his room. Third one on the left. Just go up the stairs there. I’m Niall, by the way.”
Well, that was painless. Niall seems innocent and nice enough. As I’m walking up the stairs to Harry’s room, a girl with messy hair walks down. I have no doubt that she’s come from Harry’s room.
Sure enough, when I approach Harry’s door, which is wide open, I see him fastening his tight black jeans.
Good god.
I knock, to make my presence known.
“I’m here, lothario,” I say, rolling my eyes.
He nods and picks up a bottle of water from his desk. He downs it in one gulp and tosses the plastic into the garbage can next to his bed.
“How’s it going?” he asks me.
“Fine.” I’m pulling my materials out of my bag and notice that he isn’t doing the same. “Where’s all your stuff?”
He looks at me like I have three heads.
“Your notes? The progress you’ve made for our first meeting?” He continues to look at me blankly. “Don’t tell me, you haven’t done any work yet.”
“I thought that was the point of today’s meeting.”
“Of course, you did. That probably gives you more time to hook up!”
His eyes narrow at me.
“Right. Because you probably spent your entire week planning for this meeting and didn’t hook up once.”
There’s sarcasm in his tone, like he actually believes I hook up.
“I didn’t,” I say quietly.
“What?”
“I said I don’t hook up,” I say louder.
Technically, I didn’t say that, but it was what I meant.
Harry’s eyebrows raise onto his forehead. “Ever?”
“Ever.”
His pink tongue darts out to his lips. “So… never?”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, I am a virgin.” Some people would be embarrassed to admit this, but I don’t mind. It’s a fact, and not one to be ashamed of.
I take a tentative glance at Harry. I half-expect him to be mocking me, but he looks genuinely…perplexed.
“Why is this so hard to believe?” I whisper.
He gives a small shrug. “You’re just as beautiful as hell.”
I feel my cheeks flush but roll my eyes. That’s quite the line, he has there.
“Can we just get to work, please?”
…
Despite Harry’s lack of preparation, he actually has some good ideas. We manage to work solidly for a good two hours before Harry throws his pencil against the wall in frustration.
“You okay?” I ask him, looking up from my sheet.
He rolls his eyes and stifles a groan. “I just need a damn break. I can’t feel my fingers.”
“Fair enough,” I respond, stretching my body. I reach into my bag and pull out the pack of gummy bears I bought on my way here. “I got candy,” I tease, dangling the package in front of Harry’s face.
“Marry me,” he says instantly.
I laugh and tear open the pack, trying to ignore the warmth that is burning up in my stomach.
We eat the sugary treats for a few moments in silence. Harry begins to chew thoughtfully, so I know something is up.
“What?” I ask.
“So listen,” he begins. “There’s a party next Saturday back at the frat house. I think that’ll be a good time for our date. I know for a fact Hawk will be there.”
My eyes drop as I take in this information.
“Okay, we can do that,” I answer quietly.
“You seem nervous,” Harry comments.
I’m surprised at how perceptive Harry is, especially for how little we know each other.
“A little, I guess.”
“Why? ‘Cause of Hawk?” He pours a few more gummy bears into his hand.
I shrug, struggling to form the right words. “I’ve just been thinking, if he likes popular girls, he probably likes experienced girls.”
When I look up at Harry’s face, his eyes are wide and his cheeks are stained pink.
“Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.”
“I can…uh…help you with that, if you want.”
“What?” My mouth has gone dry.
“If you don’t feel comfortable…sexually…I can do things with you…so you’re not nervous for when you’re with Justin.”
That’s just ridiculous. Isn’t it? Maybe not, actually. Because not only am I a virgin, I’ve also never been kissed. And I really want to.
“Okay,” I answer. “Okay.” I say it more comfortably this time. “Do you have condoms?”
Harry’s throaty laugh fills the room. “Let’s start with a kiss for tonight.”
I nod sheepishly. “Right.”
Harry lightly pushes himself off the floor and brings his body so that he’s right in front of me. I’m staring directly into his green eyes and I feel like I can’t breathe, but in the best way possible. His hands tenderly cup my face and when he leans one way, I lean the other way.
His lips collide with mine and a jolt of pleasure spreads through my body. His tongue touches my lips and I take him in greedily. So this is what I’ve been missing.
Damn.
…
Harry certainly wasn’t lying when he said that going on a date with him would do miracles for my popularity. Keeping up with our deal, Harry has introduced me as his date to everyone we’ve spoken to at this party, which is a lot. The girls gave me looks of disgust whereas the guys gave me looks of approval. It didn’t make any sense to me; I’m still the same person I’ve always been.
Harry hasn’t taken his hands off me all night; he’s either holding my hand, playing with my hair, or has his arm wrapped around my waist. His touch makes me giddy; it has ever since that kiss.
I’m only standing alone for a few minutes, when Harry has excused himself to use the washroom. I’m still getting curious glances, which makes me slightly uncomfortable.
But then Justin Hawk walks up to me.
“Hey…Y/N, right?” he asks, smiling at me.
“Yeah, hey Justin.”
“It’s good to see you tonight. I was hoping you’d be here.”
Despite his smile, I find his words hard to believe.
“Yeah?”
He nods. “I’d love to talk with you and get to know you more, but it’s kinda crowded in here. Maybe I can take you out some time.”
Is he seriously asking me out right now? I think he is! We exchange numbers and set a date for this week. When Harry comes back out, I practically run to him.
“Harry! It worked! I got a date with Justin!”
To my surprise, Harry’s eyebrows furrow in disappointment. “He asked you out just now?”
“Um, yeah.”
“What a fucking dick,” Harry curses.
“What? Wasn’t this the plan?”
“Yeah…but…he knows you’re here with me. He shouldn’t have asked you right now. Dick. Move.”
I hate to admit it, but Harry does have a point. More than that, Harry seems… jealous?
“Harry,” I begin quietly. “That kiss didn’t mean anything, you know that right?”
He blinks in surprise. “Yeah, of course.”
Good.
But do I know that?
…
We’re just about finished our project—our school project, that is. Harry still insists that he shows me the sexual ropes. I’m nervous and excited and so attracted to Harry it hurts.
He’s looking at me hungrily and I’m afraid things are moving too fast. I stand up and look at the things on Harry’s desk to distract myself. There’s a picture of a beautiful woman who looks exactly like Harry.
“Your mom?” I ask him.
He nods.
“She’s beautiful. Do you see her often?”
“Uh…no,” Harry whispers. “She died three years ago.”
My mouth drops and my heart sinks to my stomach. “Harry, I’m so sorry.”
He gives me a wan smile. “I’m better now.”
I nod awkwardly and place the picture back down.
“Y/N,” Harry begins. “I’d really like to go down on you now.”
…
Tonight is the first night this week that I’m not seeing Harry; I’m seeing Justin instead. I’m sitting in my dorm room with my hair and makeup done, beyond nervous.
Am I doing the right thing?
I feel like I now have stronger feelings for Harry now, and it’s not just because he can give me an orgasm with his mouth. He’s sweet and kind and funny. And I have more than a total crush on him.
I’m cursing myself for still agreeing to see Justin. I should have cancelled as soon as I knew how I felt about him. But it’s too late now, he’s set to be here in five minutes.
There’s a sharp knock on my door. I guess he’s five minutes early.
When I open the door, I’m surprised to see Harry standing there. He’s wearing a backwards cap and his long sleeve t-shirt is soaked, tight to his skin. It must be pouring outside.
“I’m sorry I’m wet,” he huffs. “It’s raining and I ran here.”
“You ran here?”
He shakes his head as he steps inside. “Not important. I came here to say…to say…cancel your date with Justin.”
“What?”
Harry gives me a look that makes my stomach flip. “Cancel your date. And let me take you out instead. I like you. And I want to date you.”
I smile and run my hand along Harry’s wet torso. “That can be arranged.”
Thanks so much for reading! This one shot was inspired by The Deal by Elle Kennedy!
OH MY GOD!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU ALREADY POSTED THE SEQUEL OF STILL BEATING OH MY GOD!!! I CANT CONTAIN MY HAPPINESS!!! I AM YOUR NUMBER ONE FAN, I ALWAYS WAITED FOR YOUR UPDATE EVERYDAY IN STILL BEATING AND WELL HONESTLY I WAS UPSET WHEN THE STORY HAD ENDED IN THAT SCENE WELL IVE BEEN PATIENTLY WAITING FOR THIS SEQUEL OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
AWWW THIS IS SO, SO SWEET! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT AND HOPE YOU LIKE THE SEQUEL!
Do you by any chance know who wrote the story where harry cheats on y/n and the girl he cheated with attends the same wedding they’re at and the girl sees him and talks to him while y/n goes to the restroom? 😭😭
That sounds really good! But no, I don't know who wrote that, sorry! x
Hehe cute little angel faces! As of right now, I’m not sure. A few people have asked for it, but I didn't plan for a part 2 beforehand, and would have to go back to the drawing board. So, not promises! Sorry! Thanks for reading! :-) x
Loved the nanny, thank you for great writing 😍💕 ps. I'd love a second part but don't feel pressured, love your writing ❤️
Hii! Thank you so much for this super sweet message! I’m so touched that you liked it! I’m actually undecided about a second part right now, sorry! Thanks for writing to me! :-) x
Hey is the other link to Still Beating the Harry one or different?? could you possibly post the Harry one?
Hey there! The story is the same, but yes, the names are different. And no, sorry, there is only a link for the non-Harry version! Harry was only used for the version I posted here. :-) x
“Seriously, Y/N, I think you’d be stupid not to give this job a chance.”
Phone tucked between your shoulder and ear, you rolled your eyes as you continued chopping carrots for your dinner.
“I don’t know, Melissa. Child care? It’s so far from anything I’ve ever done before.”
“That’s why I think this will be perfect for you,” your cousin said earnestly. “Maybe it’s what you need; a little change of scenery. Take the company downsizing as a sign.”
You bit your lip. “I guess,” you said unenthusiastically.
“Y/N, I can hear it in your voice, you’re not convinced. But you’ve always been looking for an adventure. You’ve been stuck in a rut lately and you know it.”
You didn’t even bother to argue—she was right. You heard her shuffling in the background.
“My dad’s friend works with the man who needs the nanny. He’s a single dad with a young girl. How bad could it be?”
You leaned against the countertop, abandoning your cooking for a moment. This really was an opportunity.
“Fine. Send me the details.”
…
You emailed the address Melissa texted you and got an almost-immediate reply. He was interested in interviewing you, and wanted you to come in. You spent the next half hour Google mapping the interview location. It was a music studio? How odd. Maybe he worked there and wanted to interview you during his work time.
You arrived at the interview a few minutes early. Taking a deep breath, you smoothed your white t-shirt and straightened out your denim skirt. You walked through the large double doors of the studio and were met with a dark-skinned woman behind the desk.
“May I help you today?” she asked sweetly.
“I’m here for an interview with Scott Ryan. About the nanny position.”
“Ah. Right this way, Ms. He’s right here.”
With a kind smile, she gestured for you to enter a room that had the door propped slightly open.
“Mr. Ryan, this young lady is here for an interview.”
“Wonderful, thank you Andrea.”
Mr. Ryan shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. “Please, take a seat right here. I promise we won’t be too long.”
You sat down and clumsily adjusted yourself. The nerves were starting to show.
“So, Y/N, what makes you want to be a nanny? I read the resume you sent. It doesn’t look like you have a lot of experience.” He looked at you beneath his glasses.
You gave a small shrug. “I don’t, but do I need it, exactly? I mean, wouldn’t I just be taking care of one child? Darcy, you said her name was? Someone can have all the experience in the world, but if they don’t connect with that one kid, it won’t matter. I, too, read what you sent me. Darcy seems shy, inhibited. I was like that, in fact, I still am. I think I can connect with her.”
Scott looked at you with a pleased smile. “Okay, that’s that. I only have one more question for you.”
He noticed your look of shock.
“Like I said, I keep these interviews short.”
You nodded.
“Y/N, who is your celebrity crush?”
Your eyes widened. “Pardon me?”
“Who is your celebrity crush?” he repeated.
You thought for a moment.
“Oh goodness, I have no idea. I haven’t had one of those since the ninth grade. I guess the only crush I have now is on my boyfriend,” you answered sheepishly.
Scott nodded enthusiastically, like he was on to something.
“Okay, I lied. I have one last question. Do you know who Darcy’s father is?”
“Um, yes. You?” you answered nervously. Was this a joke?
Scott Ryan stood up and headed for his door quickly. “Come with me please, Y/N. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Slightly confused, you kept up with Scott’s fast pace as he led you down a long hallway. He winked at you before he opened a door. Your eyes took in a recording studio. You had never been in one, but you knew immediately what is was.
There were several people in the room, all men, but your attention was drawn to one in particular. He was leaning back in a swivel chair, feet perched on a stool in front of him. His black jeans were tight and his white button up shirt was comfortably loose. His curly brown hair curled beautifully over his ears. You recognized the man.
“Harry,” Scott began.
Holy shit. It was Harry Styles.
“Mmm?” he said, looking up, appearing stressed.
“I think I found you your nanny,” Scott smiled.
That was when Harry noticed your presence in the room. His eyes widened as he took you in. From your practically makeup free face, ponytail, and white sneakers, you felt his eyes roam. Heat flared in the pit of your stomach.
“Yeah?” Harry asked rhetorically. “What’s your name?” he directed at you.
You felt your face flush. “Y/N Y/L/N,” you answered nervously.
Harry nodded and looked back at Scott. “She’s really young,” he said disapprovingly.
Scott sighed. “She answered all your questions flawlessly. Come on Harry, we’re trying to get you back on tour, Darcy needs someone.”
Harry leaned further back in his chair and folded his arms behind his head. “I know that! Y/N, Scott will send you my details. Please be at my place tomorrow at 4. Consider yourself hired.”
…
You were texting your boyfriend Andrew as you took the elevator up to Harry’s floor. He lived in the penthouse of a luxury condominium downtown. Andrew knew how nervous you were, and was trying to calm your nerves. Things had been sort of rocky between the two of you lately, so you were glad he was being supportive.
You knocked on the door of 174, Harry’s apartment and waited for an answer. Within seconds, Harry opened it.
Holy Toledo.
You didn’t follow the tabloids or gossip sites, but you knew enough that Harry Styles was in his mid-thirties now. And unlike most men, he only seemed to be getting better with age. His shoulders were broader, his eyes were kinder, and his face was always covered in a shadow of facial hair.
He was wearing an outfit similar to the one you saw yesterday, and you pretty much just stared at him.
“Y/N, come in,” he said cheerily.
Already, you could tell he was in a much better mood than he was in yesterday. Clearly, there was work stress.
“Hi, Mr. Styles,” you said shyly.
“Oh, call me Harry. Or boss,” he winked.
Jesus.
“Daddy, is this her?” a little girl said quietly.
“Yes, Darcy, this is Y/N. She’s really nice,” Harry told his daughter.
“Hi, Darcy,” you said, stepping inside.
She was situated by the corner, safely away from the door.
“I’m so excited to be spending some time with you,” you said, leaning down to her eye level.
Despite her shyness, she met your gaze steadily.
“I brought you something.” You reached into your bag and pulled out a stuffed animal. “It’s a teddy bear. His name is Mr. Patches. I had one just like him when I was your age.”
Darcy appraised the teddy and reached out for him. As soon as he was in her arms, she pulled it in for a hug. “Thank you, Y/N. I love Mr. Patches. I’d like to show you my bedroom now, if you’d like to follow me.”
Darcy turned on her heels and you followed her, giving Harry a quick glance. His lips were slightly parted in awe.
…
Three hours later, Harry gently knocked on the door and called the two of you for dinner. You were wearing a boa and princess crown, having a tea party with Darcy. He failed to hide his smirk.
Dinner was a quiet affair. Darcy continued to talk like an adult and Harry made small talk with her. You mainly just observed.
Shortly after dinner, Harry tucked Darcy in to bed. When you were playing with Darcy earlier, he must have brought your suitcase to your new bedroom. One of the perks of this job: you were going to live with them.
“Your stuff is in your room,” Harry explained needlessly as he closed the door to Darcy’s room.
“Yeah, thanks,” you said quietly.
“Look, Y/N,” Harry continued. “I didn’t mean to be so rude yesterday. Finding a nanny has been literal hell. Honestly…”
“I understand,” you smiled.
More people were probably more interested in Harry than Darcy.
“Well then goodnight, Y/N.”
“Goodnight, Harry.”
…
It had been three weeks, and things were going very well. You and Darcy had taken a liking to each other and your friendship was growing. Harry didn’t tend to be home very often, but he was a loving and attentive father when he was. He was also incredibly hot.
So far, all of your dinners had been ordered in. Tonight, you wanted to cook and treat Harry and Darcy to a roast chicken.
But his oven was so damn fancy. You used as much common sense as you had to figure out how it worked. You didn’t want to ask Harry in fear of not looking competent.
You were flipping through a magazine on the kitchen counter when you began to smell something burn. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Harry enter the room.
“Something smells…” he began.
Just as he was speaking, you opened the oven and a flame angrily escaped.
“Careful!” Harry roared.
Within seconds, one hand was wrapped around your waist as he pulled you away from the oven. Then he slammed the oven shut.
His body was pressing yours against the island and your heavy breaths were rising and falling rapidly. Lips parted, Harry was staring heavily into your eyes. Everywhere his hands were was tingly.
“Daddy, is the chicken almost done?” Darcy asked, holding Mr. Patches.
“Um…actually,” Harry said, still looking at you, “we’re going to order pizza.”
…
“Would you like a glass?” Harry asked as he poured himself a second glass of red wine.
Darcy had just been put to sleep and the apartment had a dark, cozy, calm. Despite being the pent house and immaculate, it was relatively small. Harry had said he wanted a place that no matter where he was inside of it, he would still feel close to Darcy.
“Yes, please,” you answered. You weren’t much of a drinker but after the dinner disaster, you needed one.
Harry’s eyes were twinkling as he poured it and already seemed tipsy.
“Thanks,” you mumbled, taking a sip.
“You know, Y/N, Darcy really loves having you here. She’s never taken a liking to someone before. And the same goes for me.”
You hid your blush as you took another sip. “Well, I like being here.”
Harry smiled and turn on the TV. There were some reruns of the Most Extreme Elimination Challenge on, and you and Harry were laughing so hard tears were forming in your eyes. Sometime during the show, the two of you had scooted closer to each other. Suddenly, you were practically on his lap.
It was now past midnight, and you were feeling giddy and light.
You were saying something and Harry was turned toward you, listening. Then you noticed his eyes travel to the corner of your mouth.
“What?” you asked.
His thumb pressed onto your lip. “You have a drop of wine there,” he said, eyelids heavy.
Then he leaned in and pressed his lips softly into yours.
And then they were gone.
“I am so sorry,” Harry exclaimed, backing away from you immediately. “That never should have happened. It was so inappropriate and I didn’t mean to do it!”
Well that stung. Kissing you was a mistake.
“It’s fine,” you said curtly, leaving him alone.
…
The next night Andrew was over. Darcy was going to her aunt’s house and Harry had to be at the studio late. So it was just you.
The two of you weren’t doing much talking. Andrew just wanted to make out, evidently. His hands kept groping your body despite your protests. His tongue was halfway down your throat when Harry entered.
“Excuse me?” He said, voice sounding seriously ticked off.
“Harry…” you began.
“You can leave right now, young man,” Harry said.
Immediately Andrew got up and left.
Your eyes narrowed at Harry. “You didn’t have to embarrass my boyfriend like that.”
Harry walked to the kitchen. “This isn’t part of the arrangement, Y/N. You keep that boy and his wandering hands out of here!”
“Oh, only you are allowed you to kiss me?”
He froze.
“I told you, that was a mistake.”
“Yeah, I got that. Loud and clear. Maybe this entire thing was.” You felt like crying.
“Y/N…” Harry began tenderly.
“Goodnight Mr. Styles.”
…
Harry found you on the couch the next night, sad and alone. The cushions dipped as he sat beside you.
“Y/N, I’ve been as ass, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so hard about you and Andrew. Just seeing him…I just got, jealous.”
You shook your head sadly. “You don’t have to worry about Andrew anymore. We broke up this afternoon.”
“Really?” Harry asked.
You nodded.
“Good.”
Before you could form a coherent thought, Harry’s hands grabbed your face and he pressed his lips into yours for the second time.
Hi! I miss you, is it weird? I really love your stories and im crying because im still hoping that there's a sequel of still beating :( sorry to annoy you but it was really a good story.....
Oh, no it’s not weird at all - it is very sweet actually! Yes, I plan to do a sequel but it won’t be posted here! (To get the link to where it will be posted, message me off anon please) And not annoying, I love hearing that you enjoyed it! :-D
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