badbleepxx

[badbleepxx]

Sick in Beechwood

Nobody got sick in Beechwood.

It was almost an unwritten rule of the island — a place made for swimming in the icy sea, eating freshly picked strawberries, and running barefoot over the rocks. Beechwood was sun, salt, youth. Getting sick there felt wrong, a waste of summer.

That’s why, that morning when you woke up with a heavy body, a headache, and a stuffy nose, your first reaction was to get up as if nothing was wrong. You put on your light blouse, slipped into your sandals, and went down for breakfast at the Sinclair house.

Johnny was in the kitchen, absentmindedly stirring a jar of jam, his hair messy in the way you loved. He looked up and smiled, but quickly frowned.

“You look weird,” he said, taking in your puffy eyes and sudden paleness.

You laughed, trying to wave away his concern.

“Just slept badly, that’s all.”

He didn’t quite buy the excuse, but he didn’t press. At least not then. You spent the whole day trying to seem cheerful — playing volleyball with Mirren, swimming with Gat, and biking with the others, even when every part of your body just wanted a bed and silence.

When the sun began to set, you made up an excuse to be alone for a while and went back to your room. You wrapped yourself in the bed’s thin sheet and let exhaustion pull you under.

You didn’t hear the door open. You only realized you weren’t alone when you felt a cool hand on your forehead.

“You have a fever.” Johnny’s voice was low, almost scolding, but full of care.

You half-opened your eyes.

“I didn’t want to ruin anything… here, being sick feels like a crime.”

He sighed and sat down next to you on the bed, running his fingers gently through your hair.

“That’s nonsense. You’re sick, you didn’t do anything wrong. And I’m here. You should have told me.”

“I just wanted to enjoy it,” you murmured. “It’s our last summer here… at least together.”

Johnny didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he leaned in and kissed your forehead gently.

“And I want to enjoy every second with you. Even the ones where you’re all congested and sweating like you’ve just run a marathon.”

You gave a weak little laugh.

“Sexy, right?”

“Extremely,” he said with a chuckle. “Now be quiet. I’m going to get tea, a blanket, and Tylenol.”

You tried to protest, but he was already on his feet, determined. Twenty minutes later, Johnny came back with a full kit: a steaming mug in his hands, a thermometer stolen from Tipper’s house, and the blue blanket you always used when watching movies with him.

He lay down next to you, wrapped you in the blanket, and kept stroking your arm while you sipped the tea in silence.

“Nobody has to be strong all the time,” he said after a while. “Not even here in Beechwood. You can let someone take care of you sometimes, you know?”

You looked at him, your eyes full of affection.

“Good thing that someone is you.”

And that night, as the fever slowly faded and the sound of the waves echoed in the distance, Johnny stayed with you. Beechwood might be a place where illness wasn’t welcome, but you found out that love — that, yes — was a remedy for almost everything.

[badbleepxx]

🌟 Now taking Johnny Sinclair imagine requests! 🌟 Do you have a specific idea, scene, or situation you’d like to see with him? It can be romantic, dramatic, cute, or even with a touch of mystery! 💭 Drop your suggestion in the comments or send it to me! I’d love to turn your idea into an imagine. 💕

[badbleepxx]

Make it work this time, Steve. - series

Steve and y/n used to date before things got fucked up, poor girl didn't want her brother, Dustin, to lost his best friend so they acted like nothing wrong happened. They just forgot it was Hawkins, which means that their lives got in danger again and again, they needed to work as a team. But who knows, maybe it gave them the chance to fix some mistakes?

Steve Harrington x fem!Henderson!reader

Warnings: child sexual abuse and thoughts of suicide, language, use of alcohol and weed, blood, tears and teenage boys being an assholes, lot's of spoilers for season 4

All safe (~3.8k)

Darlin' Darlin' (~7.1k)

It's just platonic. (~3.5k)

You wouldn't help by dying. (~4k)

It's fine. (~2.8k)

[badbleepxx]

Darlin' Darlin'

Word count: ~7.1k

Make it work this time, Steve. (part 2)

PLEASE DO NOT COPY.

Also, I used a song released in 2020 but it's suit and I love it. Idk how to add cool link, but it's call "Darlin' Darlin'" by The knee-Hi's.

Robin and Nancy ran into a school and quickly got into office.

"Jesus Christ, you scared me" Steve screamed at them. After a second, the group heard something outside. "Stay here" he said quiet this time, looking directly at y/n.

He took random lamp and got out of the room. The rest, of course, also did that. Nancy and Dustin had flashlights in their hands but they didn't dare to light anywhere but floor.

Everyone screamed when Lucas went out of the corridor.

"What's wrong with you!" Steve yelled at him "I could've killed you with this lamp! Don't sneak like that, Sinclair"

"Sorry!! Sorry! I was biking for god knows how long. Give me a second." He explained himself. Now, y/n noticed that he was out of breath and have sweat on his forehead. "Shit! Guys! We god a code red!"

"Sinclair, what are you talking about?" Steve asked, he was confused but all of them were, waiting for any explanation.

"Y/n, Dustin! I've been with Jason and the rest and they've gone totally off the rails. They want to capture Eddie and they think one of you two know where he is. I don't know why you, y/n but Andy said he saw you few days ago with him so they think you two are friend or something" He explained, when Andy told them that she was hanging out with Eddie, Lucas who know nothing thought he would laugh at him. "Anyway, you both are in terrible danger."

Cool, now I've Vecna and fucking basketball team on my tail. Y/n thought, that her life can't get any worst.

"Amazing! Amazing! How I am suppose to focus on saving whole world when some guys in tight shorts are looking for me?" Dustin commented.

Steve tapped his shoulder. "Let's go get somewhere else, huh?" he suggested "Nancy, can we go to yours and think about something there? My parents are home, there's no way I'm driving those kids directly to Jason" He pointed at y/n, Dustin and Lucas "and Robin is Robin" he said. They all knew she didn't had much money but they didn't talk about it, she didn't like to talk about it.

"Yeah, of course. Come on" she said and rushed out side and to the car. She, Robin, Dustin, Max and Lucas went to her car, while Steve and y/n to his BMW.

Of course it wasn't coincidence, Dustin pushed Max and Lucas into Nancy's car trying to get the other two to talk, especially after he heard that Eddie called Steve this asshole.

Steve started driving as y/n rested her head on the door and fasted her seatbelt. Steve looked over at her for a second.

"Hey, you seem tired, you can sleep, I will wake you up when we there." He suggested.

"No, I'm fine, thank you, Steve" she said. He thought she thanked him for a ride or proposition so he just nodded, but in reality she thanked him for all the good memories he gave her, after all. They weren't talking often, who knew if this wasn't their last conversation?

They got to Nancy's driveway soon after and Steve got out of the car as well as y/n, she did it a lot slower though.

Nancy's car was already there which meant that the girls with kids were already in basement. When Steve and y/n got there, they were reading some articles. Analyzing them, trying to understood.

Y/n sat on the couch beside Dustin and Steve took one of the articles and were walking with it around the room.

"Do you guys really understand something?" He asked, looking at his friends for any answers that he couldn't find.

"Pretty straightforward" Dustin said. Steve was about to said something probably rude, he was annoyed. "uh, uh, uh. Everyone Vecna has cursed has died, except for this old Victor Creel dude Nancy found. He's the only known survivor. So if he don't know how to beat this curse, then who? We just need to talk to him" He explained.

y/n sighed, it was seemed like there were no chance for her.

"That's assuming he was cursed, which we don't know." Steve said, he also didn't think it could work out "Straightforward, my ass. You know what, Henderson, a little humility now and then wouldn't hurt you."

Both sibling sighed "It's not a good time for arguments, Steve" y/n commented. "Maybe now no one is cursed but you never know when it's gonna happen so we should find solution as soon as possible" She said. Yeah, as soon as possible, preferably in the next twenty three hours.

"You're right, your brother is just annoying piece of sh-" before he had any chance to end this sentence, she send him death stare "sorry." he quickly said.

"Alright, if you don't mind, it's late and I didn't get a good sleep in like forty seven hours. I'm going to get some water and then you all better don't wake me up." y/n announced and got up to go to the kitchen.

She was friends with Nancy for long enough to know exactly where different stuff had place in her house. So she opened a cupboard next to the refrigerator and found aspirin. She took some in hope it would work this time. When she closed a cupboard again Dustin appeared next to her.

"Hey" he said

"Damn, Dustin, don't scare me like that" y/n looked at him, her face soften. How was she supposed to tell this little men that he's gonna lost his older sister in few hours?

"Why Eddie called Steve asshole? What does he know that I don't know? I thought we were telling each other everything!" He almost screamed. He was so frustrated because they really did told each other everything. But how y/n was supposed to tell him that right now if she knew Dustin would be furious with Steve and probably wouldn't want to talk to him. He would lost y/n and Steve, both of his siblings.

"I have no idea Dustin, maybe something happened in school earlier. Only Eddie know what he meant" y/n suggested. She was sure Dustin was also going to ask Eddie about it, so she just hoped he would come with some good excuse. "Come back down, we have monster to fight"

y/n smiled at him a little. She put her arm around her brother's shoulders and kissed his head as she led him to the stairs. Nancy was on a phone and everyone else were quiet. Two siblings were curious who was she calling now. It was almost middle of the night. Steve put his point finger to his lips to show y/n and Dustin to also be quiet. They sat back at their places on the couch and waited for her to end.

When she put the phone down she smiled and said "it worked!"

"What worked?" y/n asked.

"Well we need to talk to Victor, so I called someone and now, me and Robin are rock-star psychology students at the University of Notre Dame. I'm Ruth. She's Rose. On our way we are picking up our documents. But the point is.. we called Pennhurst Asylum, told them we'd like to speak with Creel for a thesis we're co-writing on paranoid schizophrenics, they didn't agreed but we landed a three o'clock with the director" She explained everything.

"So.. now all we have to do is charm him and convince him to let us talk to Victor?" Steve asked not fully sure about this plan and it was showing in his voice.

"Yes, but it's not your problem. He is a men and had two young and sexy students asking him for something? Come on, believe in us a little, Harrington" Robin looked at him, he raised his hands up without a word.

"So, we have plan. Can we go home then? I'm really tired and I wanna get some sleep." Y/n said.

"Yeah, I will drive you and Dustin. Max, Lucas you wanna go too?" Steve asked, looking at those two

"I really don't want to be around those trailers. Can I stay, Nancy?" She looked with hope at the older girl.

"Of course, you can Max. You too, Lucas. If you want" She gave younger girl nice smile.

"Yeah, I mean, Erica is going to kill me anyway" He said, he don't want to say it out laud, but he wanted to spend as much time as he could with Max.

"Okey, then we can go" Steve announced "I will just go to the toilet really quick. You two can wait in the car" He said and threw his keys at y/n. She catch it. They said their goodbyes. Maybe y/n hugged every single one of them a little too much.

-------------------

"Dustin, I need to tell you something, but you need to promise me not to tell anyone else." Y/n said. They were standing next to Steve's car and she was nervously playing with the keys he gave her.

Dustin looked at her, confused. Why she just randomly said something like that "Ok?" He said, but this answer wasn't enough for her "I promise" He added.

"I- Vecna- I think I got cursed." She finally said. Dustin looked at her. He needed more explanation. How he didn't notice? "I- I realized in the office. Max was reading those symptoms that Fred and Chrissy had before and- when I stopped on the way. You know, in school" Dustin nodded his head so she continued "I saw a grandfather clock- it looked so real and I couldn't look away, Dustin"

When she told him whole story they both had tears in their eyes. She knew that already but saying it out laud to her brother was something totally different. And Dustin? Oh boy, his sister. His own sister, who saved him so many times. In Upside down, when their parents were yelling at him for not doing dishes, when Steve was upset with him. That one time when she came to his school because some kids were rude to him. When he fell in playground and tore off his knee and was crying so, so much and she stuck a plaster on him. When she brought Steve home and he had friend he dreamed of because of her. His heart was ripped.

He pulled her in for a hug, which she gratefully gave back. They stood like that, Dustin was crying. He was sad and angry. Why didn't she said anything earlier?

"Hey, you two good?" Steve asked, curious when he was close to them. He didn't saw Dustin face, because it was buried in y/n's chest but it was obvious it wasn't happy hug.

y/n gave him his keys "yeah, we can go".

They got into the car, y/n beside Steve and Dustin in the back. It was quiet, tensed. In this total quietness Steve heard as Dustin sniffed.

"Ok, what's going on? You two think I didn't noticed? Dustin? What happened?" Steve shot with question, which made Dustin look over at y/n "Hallo??" he thought for a second. "Did someone get cursed by Vecna or what?" He asked as a joke, he wanted to make the air less heavy but when the siblings instead of laugh or even tell him to stop joking about it, looked down and stayed in silent, he knew. "y/n? Say something please.." He asked as worry washed over him, when she stayed silent again, he turned his head at her "Y/n! Can you once talk to me!" He was upset right now, he wanted to help, was tired, didn't sleep for two days and now it felt like his chest was about to explode.

"Yes, Steve! Someone got cursed! Now stop fucking yelling an me!" now her tears were also running down her cheeks. She was scared for her life, for Dustin well-being after what might happened and Steve screaming at her only added oil to fire.

"It's you, right?! Of course it's you! You had vision in school right? God, of course you had! Why you didn't tell us?!" Steve continued, Dustin also wanted him to stop but right now even he couldn't say anything.

"Because there's nothing more we can do! If girls will be in time then I'm surviving this shit and if they're not-" she couldn't end her sentence, she felt like something stuck in her throat.

"They- they will be on time. They have to, we are not letting anything happen to you. I am not letting anything happen to you." Steve calmed a little. Seeing her in that state. With tears on her cheeks, not able to talk - it was heartbreaking.

"Stop talk that shit right now" She said. How could he said something like that when he was the one who hurt her like that?

"It's not shit, I love-" He started, Dustin looked at him in hope that he would finally confess. Well, in fact, he wanted but y/n interrupted him.

"Stop it, right now! You know it's a fucking lie! Just like this fucking relationship!" She screamed at him, she didn't even realized what she just said in front of her younger brother.

"But it's not! It's the fucking truth. I love you!" He yelled. He had tears in his eyes, he almost didn't see the road because of that.

"No, you're not! It was just a fucking dare!" Y/n screamed. He almost crushed as he heard her said it out loud. He heard all the pain in her voice.

"What?" Dustin asked, from the backseat. He looked at y/n and dried tears on her cheeks and then at Steve and his teary eyes.

---

Steve and his friends were sitting around Caffe table at the party. He didn't even know whose house was that. There were a lot of bottles of alcohol and weed around. He just began his Sophomore year but when you were king Steve, you were getting invited even at Seniors parties. He had beer in his hand as he and his friends were playing truth or dare.

"Steve! Your turn." one of the guys said "truth or dare?" he asked with a smirk, already knowing what Steve was going to choose.

"Dare." few people clapped, others laughed.

"I dare you to.." the guy waited a second, even though he already knew his dare. Everyone in the room did. "..to somehow start dating y/n Henderson, from your history class" Steve was looking at him, wide eyes and his mouth slightly opened. Even more people started laughing, some of them told Steve they felt bad for him "I didn't finish. You have to date her for eight months. I was supposed to be a whole year, but I'm in a good mood."

"C'mon! Don't do that! It's impossible to pick her up. There's nothing I can talk about with her!" Steve complained. All he knew about y/n was that she was good at history. Just generally good at school.

"You know the rules! You know what losers have to do!" The guy responded

"Fine!" Steve said.

---

Steve drove his car with y/n on the passenger seat to the school. He parked at his usual place, everyone knew it was only his place. He got out of the BMW and rushed to other side to open the door for his girlfriend. They smiled at each other as Steve put out his hand for her to grab as she was getting off the car, she happily accepted it.

He closed door when she was standing next to him and hand in hand they started walking to the building.

"Hey! Steve!" someone behind them yelled. They both turned around, it was the same guy that dared him. "you two are still... a thing?" he asked, acting surprised. Of course he knew they were still dating. Who in this school didn't know that king Steve had a girlfriend and who exactly she was?

"Yeah, we dating if you didn't noticed. Now, sorry but I want to walk my girlfriend to the class." Steve responded. He wasn't stupid, he knew that the guy wanted to tell y/n about this fucking dare. He wanted for a while because he was testing him about it all the time. Steve pulled her closer and started walking away from the guy.

"I'm surprised to be honest" He said behind her. Y/n stopped and turned around. She wasn't that shy anymore.

"What is your problem?" She asked

"Oh, my problem? I don't have any. I just thought it was a eight months long thing, right Stevie?" now more people were watching. It's high school, of course everyone was interested with drama, especially if it was about Steve and his girlfriend.

"Steve, what is he talking about?" y/n asked, realization was rushing over her. Why Steve just randomly came to her one day when he always ignored her?

He tried to pull her away but she wasn't giving up. Now that she knew there was something going on, she needed to know what exactly.

"Oh, nothing. Just the dare he is still doing. You have fun, right Steve?" He asked him "Dating poor girl. Look at her now, you only taking away her chances to get real boyfriend. She's probably good in bed. Maybe I can try?" He said and everyone around were saying something, quiet comments and laugh could be heard.

"Stop it right now!" Steve said loudly. He was so angry. He knew it was his mistake to take this dare, but it already happened. If only he could take back time, he would. It started with dare but he actually felt in love with his sweet y/n. He really wanted to tell her about it, but always was too scared. There was nothing in his life that the regrated more.

Now, his lovely girlfriend was running back to the exit, tears flowing out of her eyes like waterfalls. She felt so small when everyone was watching her right now. She put all of her in this relationship, she even brought Steve home to met her parents and brother, just to find out it was all a lie? How could he, her loving Steve, do something like that to her? To her little brother who found bestfriend in him?

He ran after her "y/n stop!" he yelled when they were far enough to talk without all the eyes on them

And she stopped, turned around to look in his eyes "Is it true?" She asked, Steve looked at his feet "Is it fucking true?" she yelled this time.

He finally looked at her, he really didn't want to say that but he could lie to her again "..yes" he admitted.

She baited her lips to stop the sobs she felt inside her. She nodded her head and turned around. She started walking home.

"Y/n, stop! I can explain! Please don't leave me!" Steve yelled after her. He was so frustrated and he felt awful. She didn't stop, she didn't do anything just like he didn't existed "It started with dare but- when I got to know you, y/n- when I got to know you everything changed. I really do love you!" He said but how could she believed him right now? He was perfect liar in her eyes.

She turned around for a second and got closer to him, their faces were almost touching "You better not break Dustin's heart, you got this?" She asked him

"y/n-"

"No, stop. He's good kid and he thinks you're a good friend and boyfriend. You better be at least one of those things" She said. He nodded his head. He would explain everything to her when she calmed down a little and they were going to be all fine again, right? "Good" she said and went into her direction. Steve was just standing at his spot, looking at her back and wishing he could do something.

---

"Stop the car." Dustin said, if only he knew what Steve did, he would never let him be around his sister again.

And Steve did stopped the car. Dustin got out and started walking home. Y/n sent Steve death stare and ran to Dustin. She hugged him. He was upset, angry. He felt like his sister was torturing herself just to make him happier and as he tried to get them back together, she always stayed quiet.

"Why didn't you tell me? I would stop hanging out with him" he was crying, as well as y/n and Steve in his car.

"That's exactly why I didn't tell you, Dustin. You love him and is a good friend for you. You weren't supposed to find out" she said quietly into his hair.

"I'm not five anymore. You don't need to take care of me all the time and looking for friends for me" Dustin said. He was right and she knew that but in her eyes, he was always going to be little brother.

"You are right, Dustin. But you know I won't let anything happen to you" and it hurt even more, knowing that there's only hours left.

-----------------

Y/n and Dustin finally got home. On foot. Dustin didn't want to leave y/n's room even for a second. This little guy, always with attitude and sassy, couldn't stop crying. Y/n sat with him on her bed for long time before he finally become too tired and fell asleep. They sun was already perking though the curtains when the girl came out of his tight embrace.

She sat at her desk and got some clean sheets. She looked over her brother and started writing. She wrote letters for everyone. Her mom, dad, grandma, all her friends: Robin, Max, Mike, Lucas, Will, Eleven. She felt so responsible for those kids, as they were her sibling too.

There were only two people left. Dustin and Steve. She started with the one for Dustin. Her eyes become teary again. God, she wasn't ready for that. But she finally did it.

Now, the last one. She started writing. Version one, then two, then three. All of them were shitty. She didn't know what to say. She wanted to forgave him but she didn't know how to do that. But after so many failed tries, she decided to just write what she felt. She told him how much she hate him after what he did because she couldn't stop loving him. She told him about her fear that he had feelings for her best friend Nancy, again. She told him everything.

He looked over at Dustin, he was still sleeping on her bed, peacefully. She moved his backpack and walky-talky to gave him more space and then put her shoes on. Without thinking twice she left house.

Life on the steeds of Hawkins were going normally. It was already around 11am and people were driving to work, some elders were walking around, cafes were full of the costumers. Everything seemed so normal, just like she was going to life because have she could die when the sky looked so pretty that day and people were smiling at her.

The only different thing was the ticking close all the way. She was trying to ignore that.

After long walk with her tote bag, where she put the letters she finally made it to Steve's house. She knocked at the door. He opened faster than she thought he would.

"Y/n" He said surprised. "What- What are you doing here? I thought you-" you didn't want to talk to me. He didn't had guts to say it out loud. He was happy to see her even thought she seemed like the most tired person in the world. He didn't look any better.

"I- I want you to give those everyone. You know, when I- I didn't want to gave them to Dustin. He is terrified." He said as she took the letters out of her bag.

Steve looked at them, few envelopes with names on them. The first one was Steve.

"Y/n, Nancy and Robin probably already talking with this guy. You're- you're gonna be fine." Steve said. Maybe he just had argument with her and he knew exactly she was angry at him, but she came to him. Wrote him a letter. It was hard relationship, they were arguing but then came to each other. There still were some burning feeling inside them.

"I- We don't know that. I'm just asking you to give them to everyone. Just in case." She said, she had tears in her eyes again and she felt so weak, pathetic. All she was doing was crying.

Steve noticed so he pulled her in for a hug. He knew how she felt. She'd never been a one to cry in front of the others and lately she was crying all the time, in front of Dustin and Steve.

"Fine, if anything happen, I will give it to everyone. I promise." He whispered into her hair. "-but nothing is gonna happen" he added quickly.

"Thanks, Steve" she said. She needed some comforting words, even if she knew they weren't going to change anything. "About what happened in the car- I'm sorry. It just all overwhelmed me and I don't why I said that stuff when Dustin was there. Please, talk to him. He can't lost both of us" She said.

"No" Steve responded. Sky got darker, clock louder. "He don't deserve anything. As well as you. You both are nothing"

y/n wanted to pull away from him, but he only held her tighter. "Steve, let me go" she said.

"Oh, y/n, you really think some stupid letters are going to fix it? You've broken everything. Your time is almost to an end. " He looked up, and the creature in front of her, was definitely not Steve. She screamed and fell on the grass behind her.

And sky was blue again, Steve on one of his knees beside her "Hey, hey! Are you good? It was vision, right?" He asked, he was as terrified as she was. Y/n nodded her head.

"I- I should go before Dustin wakes up" She said.

"I will drive you" Steve suggested as he helped her stand up.

"No, the walk will be good for me"

"We will be there faster if you let me drive you" Steve said. He was right so she quietly agree. He got into house again just to grab his keys and put letters on the table. Then both of them got into the car.

Steve started driving. "Hey, can I ask you something?" he asked suddenly. Y/n looked over at him, giving him quiet permission. "What-" He though about it for a second, he wanted to choose right words. "What was that vision about?"

She looked down, playing with her fingers. Steve looked at her "sorry, I shouldn't have asked abo-"

She cut him of "no it's fine, it's fine. It's just- it was scary Steve, the sky got dark as it was some storm and this god damn clock started ticking lauder and you- you said some mean stuff. About Dustin. and me" she explained. He looked over her with apologizing eyes. Of course he would never said rude things about his favorite siblings but he saw how hurt she was.

"I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry you need to see and hear those things" He said.

"stop" she said quietly. she didn't want to argue again, neither did he so he just nodded his head. But she really appreciate his words.

Meanwhile, Dustin wake up in her sister's bed because of Robin voice from walky-talky. "Hallo?? Someone copy?" She said, probably again because she sounds annoyed.

Dustin quickly got out of bed, in his still sleepy state he didn't even noticed y/n weren't around. Honestly, for few seconds he didn't know where he was. "yes! yes, I'm here. Do you know how to take that curse?" He asked.

"Finally, Henderson! I thought you were sleeping. It's like 1 pm" she said "but, yes, we think we do! thank to my amazing persuasion skills"

"Then how?" He asked as he looked around the room finally. He finally noticed he was all alone. He quickly left the room and started looking around whole house for y/n.

"Meet us at Wheelers, it's long story to tell" She said. y/n had some time left right? He would find her, go meet girls and everything would be fine. So he said they would be there soon. When he was in the kitchen he noticed Steve's car outside. He quickly got to the porch.

"What are you doing in here? And why you talking with him, y/n?" young boy asked angrily. Y/n knew it would end up like that.

"Dustin, it's fine, he just drove me." she quickly said.

"If you are here already, you are going to drive us to Nancy's house. They know how to take of that damn curse." Dustin said looking at Steve. Even though young boy had so much attuite Steve couldn't be happier right now. That meant y/n was safe.

"Of course, just get in." He responded, with a smile. God, he felt like huge weight was taken off his shoulders.

"I just need to go to the bathroom. I will be back in a second" y/n said and she rushed to the door. She tried to stay calm, but she also started to see hope.

She did her business and stated washing her hands.

Then, she heard Dustin as he said "I bet this time with her was torture"

"Yeah man, you don't even know" Steve responded and chucked.

"C'mon y/n, open the door" Dustin said, as he knocked loudly.

She looked at the window. It was dark outside, again.

She didn't know why, but she opened those door, more scared than ever before.

Only Steve was standing there. "You thought I really loved you, huh? You were so stupid. So unlovable. I was ashamed when I was walking with you around the school" He said, looking in her eyes. "You were so easy to manipulate. Just like your grandpa manipulated you when you were child? Do you remember how he used to play with you?"

"No, no. stop" she begged. Oh how much she wished to forgot that all.

"you do remember that right? That's why you didn't let me touch you for months in our relationship" He said "remember how you wanted to kill yourself. You were so young, right? But now I'm here. To end your suffering, once and for all."

"No, no please" She closed her eyes, maybe it would all go away. Just like when she was next to Steve's house.

But when she opened it again, It was Vecna standing in front of her. "It is time, y/n" he said "time for you, to join me"

She somehow passed him at the door and started running.

"That's it, she's taking too long." Steve said. He and Dustin were already sitting in the car so he got out and rushed to door. When he knocked at the door, and y/n didn't responded, he yelled "Y/n! Are you there? We need to go!" He knocked again. And when she didn't even said anything, he knew something was wrong. " Alright, I'm coming in"

And he did. He hit the door with his shoulder few times and door finally opened. "y/n? y/n!" She looked at her, shook her body, She was unresponsive. Her eyes were white. He screamed her name so, so loud. When Dustin heard it, he ran to them with his walky-talky.

"What's happening?" He asked, he was scared, Steve was scared.

"I- I don't know. Call Nancy and Robin. Tell them they need to tell you right fucking now how to take off this fucking curse" Steve yelled. They both were yelling right now

Dustin nodded and click something on his walky-talky. "Robin! Robin! Do you copy? Robin, please!" He had tears in is eyes, It couldn't happened.

Y/n finally didn't saw Vecna so she stopped for a second to catch her breath. She ran so far, she was already in the wood, not in the bathroom of her lovely house.

"You can't hide from me, y/n" He said as he appeared between some trees.

"Robin! Hallo, this is code red! Respond, please!" Dustin was still trying.

Robin finally answered. Already scared by the way Dustin was trying to get her to respond "Dustin? What's happening? Did someone got hurt?" She asked.

Before young boy had any chance to say something, Steve yelled "Robin! Y/n- She's- She's cursed. What we suppose to do? Please" He sobbed at the end of his sentence. He thought everything was going into good direction, but there he was, shaking his y/n as it was his life depended on it.

"What? But she didn't-" she started, surprised.

"Robin! What the hell we need to do?! Just tell us!" Dustin interrupted her this time.

"Dustin! Steve!" y/n screamed. "Help me!" She lost Vecna again but when she turned around she saw red fog coming into her direction.

It was pulling her in, inviting her to come closer. So she did. she saw lightning and heard that gooddamn clock as well as thunders. But she was coming closer and closer. She heard some creatures chittering, she looked behind her, but there was just the same fog. So she got farther ahead.

She was standing on wet floor. The trees disappeared but something high was growing out at their places. It scared her even more but she couldn't stop walking into this direction.

"Music! Play her favorite song!" Robin yelled on the other side of Dustin's walky-talky

"song?" Steve asked confused. Of course he knew y/n's favorite song. She always made him listen to it in the car. He thought it was cheesy, a little bit too cheesy, but it was making his girlfriend happy. So even now, months after they broke up, he kept this cassette in his car and listened to it when he missed her too much (which was quite often).

"Yeah song! Do you know what's her favorite?" She asked

"Yeah, I have cassette in the car. Dustin, stay here." He said, he ran to his car, faster than ever. He knew she still had her cassette player in his room, loud enough to be heard in bathroom. She told him she can't imagine her room without and when it once broke, she broke the college piggy bank to buy a new one.

He found it quickly and ran back. He got into her room and stopped for a second. Just for a split second to look around. It looked so different. He finally clicked play and turn the volume all the way up. He heard this sweet melody and rushed to bathroom again.

Y/n was now walking around. She was too scared to run. She looked around as Vecna was again talking to her. She saw that old clock, when she turned around, she saw Chrissy. She looked frightfully. Bloody face, body wrapped with something unhuman, her fingers broken in scarring way.

She took some steps back, just to hit Fred's body, looking the same. She let out a scream.

"Do you like them, y/n?" Vecna appeared behind her again, with the question. "would you like to join them?"

She started running again but he grabbed her with one of the tentacles. "fuck!" she yelled as she fall onto ground. "No, no no no!" she was screaming as it pulled her to one of those strange towers. It started choking her.

Then she heard song. Her favorite song. The hole appeared in the fog and she could saw Dustin and Steve, shaking her shoulders. "They won't help you" Vecna said "You belong here with me"

"You are not here" she said, with all of her strength.

"But I am, y/n" she put his hand on her face and it become even more painful.

The boys watched as she started levitating "No! No! No!" They both screamed "y/n c'mon"

Oh, darlin' won't you lay with me tonight?

Darlin', darlin' the last thing I need

She saw herself in her room, reading book. She heard something, or someone knocking at her window. She got up and looked through the curtain just to see Steve, sitting on a tree right next to her window. She opened it for him.

"Steve? What are you doing here? It's like 2 am" she said

"I missed you. Now, let me in before I fall and your dad would find me and hate me even more" He said. She moved and he got into the room. Pulling her in for a kiss.

"He doesn't hate you" she said

"He would if he find out I breaking into your room to sleep with you. Let's go lie down in the bed" he suggested. And they did. And the next morning Dustin found them tangled in sheets, they both needed to pay him to keep quiet.

I cannot leave without seeing you, please

So won't you hold me and tell me goodbye

The Henderson's were just leaving for a vacation on their summer break. They would leave town for a month and both y/n and Dustin seemed to can't let go their friends and boyfriend, for y/n.

"I love you" Steve said. As he hugged his girlfriend. Max and Lucas joined, so Mike and Dustin also did that. Now, it was big, group hug.

"We will miss you both" Max said, and everyone agreed.

"alright kids, we are not leaving for a life time! Come on! Fancy hotel is waiting for us!" Mr. Henderson yelled. They said they goodbyes once angin and Dustin with y/n sat in the backseats. They both waved at their friends. Y/n send Steve a kiss.

Before I ley here and shut my eyes

Darlin', Darlin', won't you kiss me on my head

Y/n groaned angrily. She was sitting in Steve's car. But this time on driver sit. He drove them on some wilderness where she couldn't hit practically anything.

"Come on, y/n! Just as I taught you. You can do this, sweetheart" Steve said

"No Steve, I have no idea how I passed this stupid exam." she looked at him "let's switch and drive home?" she gave him her best puppy eyes. How could he ever say no to her?

"How do you going to drive anyway when you so insecure about it?" he asked, even though he knew she was not going to start the car again today

"Well my, amazing, loving boyfriend can drive me everywhere, right?" She asked, with a huge smile. Steve just rolled his eyes but also chucked as he got out of the car.

Y/n did the same, really happily. They met in front of his BMW and he stopped for a second. "You are lucky that I love you" he said as he kissed her forehead. She smiled, even wider.

I'm laying patiently on our unmade bed

So won't you hold me and tell me goodbye

Before I lay here and shut my eyes

She didn't know how she managed to do that but she ripped one of Vecna's tentacle, the one that was holding her.

He let her go, she started running, faster than she ever did towards the hole where she saw Dustin and Steve.

She was closer and closer when some pieces started falling from above. She was trying her best to avoid them.

I said, darlin', darlin', darlin'

Won't you lay with me tonight

And while you're at it, please turn off the light

Steve was screaming at her, at this point he was saying everything that came to his mind. About his love for her, how sorry he was. Dustin wasn't even listening. He just cried and couldn't stop.

So won't you hold me and tell me goodbye

Before I lay here and shut my eyes

I'm leaving, I'm closing my eyes

Please come see me before I die.

The song came to and end. Before they had time to said anything, y/n started falling. Steve tried his best to caught her, so they both ended up on the bathroom floor. Y/n in his arms. As she tried to catch her breath. "Oh, my God" she said.

Dustin joined the hug, he was still crying. "You're safe, you're safe" Steve said quietly. Tears were running down his cheeks too.

"I thought I would lost you" Dustin said quietly. She put her hand in his hair, pulling him even closer.

Then, the rest of the group ran into the bathroom. Robin and Nancy with Lucas and Max behind them. "Oh, my god. What happened? How are you feeling?" Robin asked.

"I'm- I will be fine" she answered her after a second. Now, she was safe, right? She was safe in Steve's embrace.

She looked over at him, how worried he was. Maybe now, she saw something more than a boy who dated her as a dare.

a/n. This is much longer than I thought it would be (I'm sorry). I kinda had idea for this story so maybe it will become actual series, but for now - I think I'm gonna do pt 3. Let me know what you think!

[badbleepxx]

loml (Love/Loss of my life)

Requested: Kinda? Prompted in comments but got a request from @reader-bookling123 (I changed the ending a bit as it fit better)

like I need my angst of them being so in love but reader being the first to die in the fire and johnny just finds her corpse before he kicks the bucket like five minutes later and like these two were sweethearts like so in love

Warnings: SPOILERS FOR WE WERE LIARS. Death, profanity, hints to racism towards a character (Not from reader). Some descriptions of bodily harm and death.

Pairing: Johnny Sinclair Dennis x Reader

Playlist: Old Money - Lana Del Rey, loml-Taylor Swift, I Know The End - Phoebe Bridgers, Cowboy Like Me - Taylor Swift, Lost At Sea - Rob Grant & Lana Del Rey

Authors note: I read the book and loved it but that was years ago so this is based mostly on the prime show. I usually write a female reader but left it vague this time. Since there is so little Johnny fics I wanted to be inclusive. Also, the show made Johnny canonically into men so I didn’t want to take from that. As always, leave comments and thoughts. I’d love to hear feedback.

I'm sure I have run on sentences, too much detail, etc. But I am not a professional writer and rusty af. I loved how this turned out so ignore any grammar error!!

“We were young and shivering and ancient and alive” - E. Lockhart

The waves rippled under the boat as sea spray splashed your skin. The destination of your summer adventure coming into view like it always did. Sturdy and sure. Making a statement to the surrounding town.

Beechwood.

From the outside looking in, it was magical. A real life fairytale filled with sea salt, sunscreen, fudge, and brilliant smiles. The height of luxury and privilege. A king, a queen, three perfect princesses and their heirs. Two outsiders that were welcomed into the kingdom with open arms, how charitable of the king. A loyal staff and the two golden guard dogs keeping chaos at bay while causing their own mischief.

But looks weren’t always the truth. You knew this first hand after all your summers on Beechwood. Luxury was often accompanied by greed and jealously. Some not so subtle racism and a lack of basic human decency. The true colors always eventually came out dimming the once bright joys of summer on Beechwood. The older you got, the more clear it became.

It wasn’t a fairytale anymore.

Being friends with a Sinclair had its perks, of course. You couldn’t deny that at times, you felt like you were so lucky. Being pampered on a beautiful beach, not wanting for anything. Mirren Sinclair, your best friend had been taking you to the island every summer since you were both eight. You were an official member of the liars now.

Cadence, Gat, Mirren, Johnny and you. The way it was always meant to be.

Really, your favorite thing about summer fell to her cousin Johnny Sinclair Dennis. Bounce, effort, and snark. Salt, swagger, and reckless abandon...he got your heart racing. You’d been hopelessly in love with Johnny since before you could even really comprehended what love was. His loud voice, messy blonde hair, and wide blue eyes. Johnny made you feel light..like everything good was possible. If heaven was real, you were in it with him on this island filled with privilege. Damn the fairytale.

Once the boat hit the dock, you were running into his waiting arms and everything felt right again. Letters, calls and FaceTimes weren’t enough. But for the next couple months he was here and this was real. You and Johnny.

“There you are! Fuck I missed you baby!” Johnny held you tight and spun you as your legs wrapped around his waist. "I missed you too Johnny, I always miss you." Johnny smiled and pressed a kiss to your temple, holding you close and he carried you to your secret spot on the island. Where you two could exist in some peace.

Johnny had been off for a few days. He still gave you his bright grins but they didn't meet his eyes. It was tonight while you two watched the sun setting over the vast sea, that you decided you had enough. "Johnny, what's wrong?"

Your question caught him off guard, his eyes blinked a few times before he turned to you. "I'm great baby." He throws out that damn grin at you again.

"You're a bad liar" You mumbled.

A dramatic gasp fell from Johnny's lips. "First of all, I take that very seriously! How dare my own partner say that to me. It's like a knife to the heart!" He put a hand over his chest and fell back into the grass.

You couldn't help but giggle at his dramatics. "Alright fine, I will take it back if you tell me the truth. I know you Johnny Sinclair Dennis, something is bugging you." You lean over and kiss his nose. "Tell me."

Johnny sighed, his playful demeanor falling. "I don't think I'm a good person."

At his words, you sit up straight. "Johnny? What are you talking about?"

"I did something bad..back at school that I didn't tell you about." He looked over at you, seeing the understanding on your face, he counited. Telling you in details what he did. A tear ran down his face and you reached up to wipe it away.

"You did a bad thing Johnny, that doesn't make you a bad person."

"Sometimes I just..see red. I don't want to be like my dad."

"You aren't your father Johnny."

"Well I'm not Harris Sinclair either. I'm the shitty thing in between." He tugged at his hair.

"Johnny.." you frowned and took his hands. "Listen to me. You did a bad thing, I won't pretend you didn't. But you are not a bad person. You're the person who dove into the ocean during a thunder storm to save your younger brother, almost dying to do so I might add. You are the person that always picks up Mirren when she feels self conscious and you are the person who has always, always had my back. You may not be perfectly good, but you're still good. I need you to understand that. Life has set you up to feel like this but we can change it, I want to change that." You pet his cheek gently, looking into his eyes. "I love you. I love you so much I can't focus when you're around. It's like this constant ache and fullness because I am consumed by you. I love you." You lean your head on his, your eyes welling with tears.

"Fuck" Johnny let out a tear filled laugh. "You've always been better with words than me. I don't know what I did to deserve you but I'm thanking the universe all the time."

A smile spread over your face as you leaned in, kissing Johnny softly but trying to show all your love through the kiss. Johnny kissed back, his hand tangling in your hair as he deepened the kiss. He pulled you on top of his body and broke the kiss so you could both get air. "I'm going to marry you one day."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yup! We are going to have at least three little kids running around."

"Okay, can they have your hair? Those messy blonde curls would be so cute on our hypothetical children."

"Course sweetheart." Her grinned and tenderly pet your cheek. "Anything for you."

You rested your head on his chest, a smile on your face as the night drifted on. You both slept outside that night, tangled in each others arms.

But if you send for me, you know I'll come And if you call for me, you know I'll run I'll run to you, I'll run to you I'll run, run, run I'll come to you, I'll come to you I'll come, come, come

The song lyrics played softly from the small radio you two had on the coffee table. Your cheek pressed to Johnny's chest as he swayed you around the living room of Red Gate. Gat was in town with Cadence while Mirren snuck off with Ebon, leaving you and Johnny some free time. It was moments like this where he was softer, more relaxed.

"I like this song." Johnny mumbled softly, his chin resting on your head. "Reminds me of us."

Smiling, you look up. "That's so cute Johnny."

"Oh shut up." He chuckled and pinched your cheek softly. "I got you something."

"A present? I love presents."

"Oh I know babe. You'll really like this one." He let you go softly to get the small box sitting on the end table. "Hand please"

Giggling, you hold out your hand to your boyfriend. Johnny took it and pressed a kiss to your knuckles as he slid a dainty gold band with a blue stone onto your ring finger, you couldn't help but notice how the stone matched his eyes.

"It's not an engagement ring but it's a promise. You're it for me. I want everyone to know it."

"Oh Johnny...I love it." You tear up softly.

"Forever baby." He smiled and cupped your cheeks.

"Forever."

The smoke filled the stairwell quickly, heat rolling up your spine. Coughing, you tried to make your way up to the attic. "Johnny!"

How did you get into this mess? What the hell had you all been thinking? Oh, that's right, drunk emotionally charged seventeen year old's. It had been a bad family dinner. Gat was gone, you could tell you weren't wanted there but nothing was as bad as listening to the moms fight. To make matters even worse, Harris had fallen and the moms went to the hospital with him.

Gat showed up and now the liars were alone.

Liars forever.

Liars forever.

Liars forever.

Liars forever.

Fuck it...liars forever.

The plan seemed so easy at first. Get in, burn it down, get out. But the flames rose fast. Maybe it was too much kindlin? Too much accelerant? And shit, you forgot about the gas line.

"Johnny!" You yelled again, knees weakening as you made your way up the stairs. Walking, let alone breathing was becoming too much effort and the smoke was so thick. Maybe if you just rested your eyes for a moment...

"Y/N!" Johnny yelled as he raced down the stairs, smoke so thick he could barley see. He lost his balance and landed on the ground with a loud thud. "Fuck!" Johnny pushed himself up onto his knees, ready to run again but froze when he saw you through the smoke. You were unmoving and your chest wasn't rising, the love of his life was-"NO!'

Johnny moved fast, crawling his way to you and pulled your too still body into his arms. "No, no, no! Baby please..please open those pretty eyes. Come on, open them for me." He held your face in his hands, his tears rolling onto your cheeks. A cough ripped from him as he saw flames rising up the stairs. "I'm sorry baby..I'm so fucking sorry." He leaned his head into your neck, sobbing against your skin. He would stay with you, forever. "You are the love of my life. We'll go together. I love you..I love you..I love you."

Forever...

Johnny sat on the kitchen counter of Red Gate, watching his mom pack as summer ended.

"Oh, you're still here." Carrie said softly, holding a hand over her heart.

"I don't think I can leave.."

"Are you alone?" Carrie frowned and walked towards her son, reaching out like she could touch him but she knew she couldn't.

"No, I'm not alone." Johnny smiled genuinely, his eyes flickering to yours as you leaned on another counter.

You winked at Johnny and made yourself comfortable. Carrie couldn't see you, but you knew she knew you were there.

"I should have known." She smiled softly and said her goodbye to Johnny before leaving Beechwood.

Summer was ending for most but not you. Here with Johnny it was summer forever and you intended on enjoying it. You had both suffered enough.

Johnny walked to you, pulling you against his chest. "You're a hot ghost."

You let out a genuine laugh. "Why thank you my super hot ghost boyfriend."

"Nah baby, we are husband and wife now. Been through too much to just be your boyfriend. So, I'm your super hot ghost husband."

Laughing, you lean your head on his. "I love you."

"I love you too." Johnny said softly and kissed you. Everything stilled.

This was never the ending you wanted. It wasn't the future you had planned. You never thought forever would become so literal. But with Johnny at your side..you'd make it work.

He was your happy ending, the one person that made you feel light. The laughter, the smiles, the happiness. It was all him. Adventures never ended, the love only grew, and maybe in some twisted way this was a happy ending. You had Johnny, that was all that really mattered.

Our field of dreams engulfed in fire Your arson's match, your somber eyes And I'll still see it until I die You're the loss of my life...

TAGLIST:

@stressfullywatchingf1 @reader-bookling123

[badbleepxx]

Summer Love, Tennis Lesson

You were only nine years old when you first set foot on Beachwood.

You still remembered how your feet sank into the hot sand, how the wind tangled your hair, and how—amid the cries of seagulls and the scent of the ocean—appeared a boy in a loose T-shirt, sun-kissed hair, and a mischievous smile. He came running, splashing water everywhere and laughing like summer belonged to him.

That was Johnny Sinclair.

And even if you didn’t quite know what it meant for your heart to skip a beat, something inside you tied itself to that island—and to that boy—forever.

The years passed like waves crashing against the shore. Every summer, you found each other again. You grew up together, swam together, hid behind the rocks when you were kids, and whispered secrets under the sunset. As time passed, glances lingered longer, hands brushed more often, and the silence between you two became something sweet and full of meaning.

Now, at eighteen, you no longer went to Beachwood because your parents made you. You went because Johnny was there. Because your heart beat louder just seeing him waiting at the dock in that same worn-out T-shirt he wore every summer, sunglasses hanging from the collar, and that crooked smile that now kissed you on warm island nights.

And that summer, Johnny had a mission: to teach you how to play tennis.

— “It’s time you learned, babe,” he said on the first day, handing you a cold water bottle. “If you’re gonna date a Sinclair, you’ve gotta beat me at something, at least once.”

— “I already beat you at charm and sarcasm,” you shot back, grinning with your tongue between your teeth.

— “But not at sports,” he winked, grabbing two rackets from the back of his family's jeep. “Let’s fix that.”

The tennis court was tucked away in a quieter part of the island, surrounded by tall pines, with a gorgeous view of the ocean behind it. The sun filtered through the branches, casting shadows over the white lines of the court. The heat made the air shimmer, your skin glowing with sweat—but with Johnny there, nothing felt uncomfortable. He was like summer itself: warm, persistent, and captivating.

You tried for nearly half an hour to hit the ball. It went everywhere—except where it should. Johnny was laughing, sitting on the net, throwing his head back the way he did when he was really, truly happy.

— “Are you laughing at my misery?” — “I’m laughing at your concentrated little face… You frown when you’re focused, did you know that?”

You huffed, but smiled, and he got up, walking toward you with lazy steps and that effortlessly cool posture of someone who always had the island at his feet.

— “Come here,” he said, taking your racket. “Let’s do this the Sinclair way.”

He positioned himself behind you, his body pressed against yours. His large hands covered yours, guiding your fingers to better grip the handle. You could feel his breath on your neck, hot and steady. Your heart skipped a beat.

— “Relax your shoulders…” he whispered. “Tilt a little… That’s it. Now twist your hips with me.”

His body moved against yours, mirroring the motion. You swayed together, almost like a silent dance. He guided you with patience, his fingers firm but gentle over yours.

— “You’re distracting me,” you whispered, almost breathless.

— “And you’ve been driving me crazy since we were nine, so we’re even,” he murmured into your ear.

You smiled, biting your lip, and took a deep breath.

— “Let’s try.”

He stepped back just a little, leaving you alone—but close enough that you could still feel his warmth behind you. You focused. Watched the ball. Moved the racket... and hit it.

The ball flew, perfectly, like it was guided by magic, bouncing on the other side of the court.

You froze for a second.

— “I DID IT!” you screamed, dropping the racket.

Without thinking, you ran to Johnny and jumped into his arms. He caught you mid-air, laughing loudly, spinning you around like you were the only two people in the world. His arms held you tight, and you could feel his chest rising and falling against yours.

— “You really did it, love,” he said, burying his face in your neck. “I knew you could.”

You wrapped your arms around his neck, your eyes welling up with joy and adrenaline.

— “You taught me.”

He pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, your foreheads resting against each other.

— “I’ll teach you anything you want… as long as you keep looking at me like that when you get it right.”

Then he kissed you. Slowly, tasting like sun and salt, sweat and triumph, summer and love. That kiss was more than a reward for hitting the ball—it was a promise that everything between you was real, beautiful, and would last beyond the warm days.

Later, you were lying side by side on the wooden deck near the beach, watching the sky shift from blue to pink. Johnny laced his fingers with yours, tracing imaginary hearts on your palm.

— “Do you remember our first summer here?” he asked, turning to look at you.

— “When you stole my ice cream and said you’d only give it back if I called you ‘my hero’?”

— “Exactly,” he laughed. “And you smacked my arm.”

— “And you stole my heart the following year.”

He went quiet for a second, then whispered:

— “You’ve been my home. Since we were nine… and forever.”

You looked at him, the setting sun reflecting in his eyes, and you knew: Beachwood wasn’t just an island. It was where your heart lived. Because Johnny Sinclair wasn’t just a summer love—he was your always.

[badbleepxx]

The Lemon Hunt

The sun was blazing that summer afternoon on Beechwood Island. The air smelled like salt, sunscreen, and fresh lemonade. Kids were running all over the lawn, aunts and uncles laughed loudly from their lounge chairs, and the baskets... well, the baskets were everywhere. It was the day of the traditional Lemon Hunt.

You’d grown up hearing stories about this game, but now you were in it for real. The challenge was simple but insane: find the one green lemon hidden among dozens — maybe hundreds — of yellow ones scattered around the property. It was practically a sacred Sinclair tradition.

You adjusted your hair, tied up high and already damp with sweat, and slid your hand into the pocket of your denim shorts. You felt it. The green lemon. You’d found it.

But no one knew that.

Not yet.

Before revealing it, you decided to take one last look around. That’s when your eyes landed on him.

Johnny Sinclair.

His hair was tousled by the breeze, his white T-shirt stained with fruit juice, his dark blue shorts wrinkled, and that impossible smile playing on his lips. His blue eyes shimmered almost transparent under the sun, full of charm, strategy, and mischief — that exact mix you knew too well. And of course, he was doing exactly what you expected him to be doing: plotting.

You narrowed your eyes and watched, one hand still covering the secret in your pocket. He was whispering to Will, your younger brother, and to your cousins Bonnie and Liberty. The three of them were holding baskets. Johnny gestured quickly, pointed toward a few corners of the lawn, and then... he laughed. That kind of laugh that said, “Everything’s going exactly as planned.”

You couldn’t hear everything, but the main idea was clear:

“If you give me your baskets now, I’ll give you whatever you want later. Ice cream, extra game time, whatever. Deal?”

Within seconds, Will, Bonnie, and Liberty scattered in different directions like they were launching a coordinated attack. Each of them left their own baskets full of yellow lemons behind.

“Scoundrel,” you muttered to yourself, grinning.

You walked up slowly, pretending not to care, eyes squinting from the sunlight. When you got close enough to smell the citrus from the baskets — and the faint, clean scent of Johnny’s skin — you stopped walking.

“So this is your tactic now? Promising kids whatever they want as part of the Official Sinclair Strategy?”

He looked up at you, and when his blue eyes met yours, that familiar pull hit your chest.

“Promising? I prefer to call it negotiating. Not my fault people love me.”

“Or maybe you’re just good at manipulating.”

“Also fair.” He laughed, stepping closer. “And you? Found anything?”

You shrugged, feigning boredom. You almost fooled him — almost.

“Nothing worth grabbing yet,” you said, hiding your smile.

Then, in a sudden move, you reached into your pocket, lifted your arm, and revealed the green lemon — vibrant, intact, like a juicy emerald.

Johnny’s eyes went wide with theatrical shock.

“YOU HAD THE LEMON THE WHOLE TIME?!”

“Since before your little basket scam. Thanks for the distraction.”

And before he could react, you dashed across the grass.

“YOU THIEF!” he yelled, laughing, already sprinting after you.

Your feet hit the warm grass as you ran, laughter spilling from your lips, the green lemon held tightly in your grip. You could hear his footsteps gaining on you — Johnny was fast. Very fast. And just when you thought you might escape, he caught up.

His hands grabbed your waist and you squealed, half in surprise, half in delight. Johnny spun you through the air like you weighed nothing, pulling you against his chest — sweaty, hot, and breathless. You tried to hide the lemon behind your back, but he gently held your arms, wearing that “you’re not getting away” kind of look.

“Hand it over,” he whispered in your ear, his voice low and playful. “You’ve had your fun tricking me.”

“Not a chance. This is war. And I’m winning.”

Johnny grinned against your skin — and then he started.

Kisses behind your ear.

Slow. Gentle. Warm. A teasing, wet touch.

You shivered.

“Johnny... stop.”

“I’ll stop when you drop the lemon,” he murmured, dragging his lips down your neck, up along your jawline. “Or... when you admit I’m irresistible.”

You bit back a laugh, struggling to stay focused — but he knew all your weak spots. His voice was deep, velvety, intoxicating. The kisses kept coming, one after another, until your fingers began to relax around the lemon without even realizing.

And that’s when he moved.

With a smooth, practiced motion, Johnny slipped the lemon from your hand.

“Got it,” he whispered in triumph, holding it up like it was the World Cup trophy.

You stared at him, mouth agape.

“You... stole it!”

“I seduced it,” he winked.

“Scoundrel!”

“Your scoundrel,” he corrected, pulling you even closer.

You let your body melt against his, defeated — but smiling. He wrapped his arms around your waist again, resting his chin on your shoulder like it was his favorite place in the whole world.

“Let’s call it a tie. You found it. I stole it. Half and half.”

“Only if there’s ice cream after.”

“Ice cream, kisses... whatever you want,” he said, brushing his lips against yours again.

And right there, with the green lemon in his hand and your heart beating to the rhythm of the summer breeze, you realized you’d already won — from the very beginning.

Because the best part wasn’t the game.

It was him.

It was summer with Johnny Sinclair.

And that summer... was just getting started.

[badbleepxx]

The Weight of Silence and the Lightness of a Forbidden Love”

johnny sinclair x reader

Being adopted by Harris and Tipper Sinclair was, at the same time, a new beginning... and a constant reminder that you didn’t quite belong to that world.

You didn’t have Sinclair blue blood running through your veins, nor the important last name engraved in golden plaques. But in the eyes of the island’s society, that hardly mattered — after all, Harris had decided you were a Sinclair. He gave you the finest books, the most elegant clothes, taught you how to smile in pictures, showed you the power of control.

And Tipper? Tipper was everything a loving mother could be, even if her smile sometimes trembled under the pressure of perfection.

You were a Sinclair.

And yet, you weren’t.

Because deep down, you knew that place was never truly yours. Nor were those people. Nor their rules.

And still, you felt at home. Especially when summer arrived and the island came to life.

It was during one of those summers that everything changed.

That Johnny became more than just Johnny.

You had always known him. Ever since you were adopted, he was already there — with that wide smile, silly jokes, messy hair, and natural charm that required no effort. At first, he was just a “cousin.” A friend. Part of the group that laughed with you around the bonfire, shared soda and secrets, and played with their feet in the water.

But that summer, something shifted.

It was subtle. So subtle you almost didn’t notice.

Until the day on the tennis court.

He was playing with Gat, the two of them competing in an almost comical way, laughing loudly and purposely missing shots. You were sitting on the sidelines, pretending to read a book. But your eyes were on him. And for some reason, they couldn’t look away anymore.

You watched him. The way he ran, how his hair moved, how the sunlight highlighted his features — and especially… that look. His eyes. A blue so deep and hypnotic you couldn’t escape it. When he laughed, the world seemed to slow down just so you could hear that sound. When he spoke, you heard nothing else.

And it was right then.

When you got lost in his eyes for too long.

When you realized the whole world could be falling apart, and you would still only be able to focus on Johnny playing tennis... that you understood.

You were in love.

And for the first time in a long while, you felt afraid.

You tried to hide it. Tried to convince yourself it was just confusion, that you’d always cared about him, that Johnny was family. But the more you tried to fight it, the stronger it grew. He’d sit next to you at the bonfire and you’d forget how to breathe. He’d call you “troublemaker” with that crooked smile and your heart would nearly explode.

You didn’t know what to do.

Until one night, you couldn’t keep it to yourself anymore.

You were on Clairmont’s porch, the moon high in the sky, a soft breeze brushing the wooden floor. Cadence and Mirren were lying on pillows, eating toasted marshmallows and laughing at something stupid. You approached hesitantly, your chest tight. Sat beside them and took a deep breath.

— “I need to tell you something... but promise you won’t hate me?”

Both of them sat up.

— “What is it?” Mirren asked, worried.

You lowered your eyes, fidgeting with your fingers.

— “I think I… I’m in love with Johnny.”

Silence fell like a stone into the sea.

Cadence blinked. Mirren’s eyes widened.

— “Like… actually in love?” Cadence whispered.

You nodded, your voice nearly choking.

— “I know he’s technically my cousin, that I was adopted, that it’s weird and wrong… but I can’t help it. It’s like everything about him pulls me in. I get lost in the way he talks, his laugh, his eyes. It feels like my whole body already knows it’s him.”

You looked at them, tears in your eyes.

— “Am I wrong?”

Mirren didn’t hesitate. She moved closer and hugged you.

— “You’re not wrong for loving someone. That’s never wrong. Love is the most beautiful thing we have.”

Cadence smiled, taking your hand.

— “And if it’s Johnny, we’re totally on your side. He’s amazing, and so are you. Just… be brave. Even if it’s complicated.”

You cried in their arms. From relief. For the first time, you didn’t feel dirty, or wrong, or alone.

The next night was calm. Clear sky, quiet sea. Everyone was busy inside the houses. You needed air. You walked along the beach, barefoot, letting the cool sand soothe your feet and the breeze mess up your hair.

You sat at the edge of the water, hugging your knees, lost in thought.

Then you heard footsteps behind you.

— “Can I sit?”

It was Johnny.

You looked at him, heart racing.

— “Sure.”

He sat beside you. The moonlight softened his features gently. Johnny looked at the ocean, then at you.

— “You’ve been acting strange lately. Are you okay?”

You swallowed hard.

— “Just... a lot on my mind.”

He nodded. You sat in silence for a while.

— “I like talking to you,” he said suddenly. “You’re like... calm. Real. Different from most people here.”

Your heart skipped. You turned your face to him. And found his eyes.

Ocean blue. Impossible to escape.

And right then, impulse won over fear.

You leaned in. Touched your lips to his. A quick kiss. Almost shy. A gesture filled with nervousness and truth.

When you pulled back, your heart sank.

— “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

But he didn’t let you finish.

Without a word, he pulled you by the waist and kissed you back. A hot, intense, deep kiss. Like he’d been waiting for it all along. Like the whole summer had led to this moment.

You gave in. His hands moved to your face, then to your waist, pulling you closer. Your hands tangled in his hair. The sea sang softly, a quiet witness to the moment.

The world disappeared.

The island, the family, the consequences. All vanished.

There was only him. Johnny. And the feeling that was no longer a secret.

When the kiss ended, you stayed there, breathless, your foreheads touching.

— “I got lost in you too,” he murmured.

You smiled, eyes brimming with tears.

That night, you loved.

And you didn’t think about rules, or judgment, or complications.

Because for the first time in so long, you felt exactly where you were meant to be:

In the arms of the one who had always been your home.

Even if only now you had the courage to admit it.

[badbleepxx]

johnny sinclair x reader

"The Island Where I Was Never Welcome"

From the very first time you stepped onto Beechwood Island, you felt the weight on your shoulders. It was as if the ground itself whispered: you don’t belong here.

But you ignored it. Because Johnny looked at you like no one else did. Because he chose you—even though he came from a family where everything—absolutely everything—had to follow some ancestral logic of tradition, money, beauty, and... exclusivity.

You didn’t fit into the portrait hanging on the wall of the main house. Your features clashed with the blond blood that flowed through most of the family. Your laugh was too spontaneous. Your remarks, too blunt. Your presence... uncomfortable.

Johnny’s family didn’t say these things out loud. They didn’t have to. It was in the long stares from his grandmother, Tipper, when you talked about your average family, in the plastic smiles of his aunts when you offered to help with the dishes. It was in the dry silence of Harris at dinner, when you tried to start a conversation and he simply drank more wine.

They tolerated you.

Not out of respect, but out of obligation.

After all, you were Johnny’s girlfriend. And Johnny… well, Johnny was a Sinclair. They couldn’t just say they didn’t want you there — that would be improper. So they pretended. Fake hugs, tight-lipped smiles. A porcelain performance.

The worst part was: Johnny noticed.

He noticed and tried to soften the blows with affection, with notes left on your bed, with whispered conversations by the shore. But he couldn’t change the nature of the island. The island was made for the Sinclairs — and you, no matter how hard you tried, were just a note out of tune.

The only reason you hadn’t packed your bags yet was because of Mirren, Cadence, and Gat.

Mirren was like a ray of sunshine in the fog. She laughed loudly, said silly things, lay with you in the hammock and made jokes about everyone — including herself. She was real. A rebellion disguised as sweetness. She treated you like the family she wished she had, not the one she was given.

Cadence, quieter and more observant, surprised you with small gestures. She left flowers in your room, gave you medicine when you had a headache, and once even handed you a letter. It was simple, just said: “You’re not alone here. I promise.”

You never forgot that.

And Gat… Gat understood. He truly understood. Because he was also a luxury intruder. Accepted just enough to sit at the table, but never enough to have an opinion. To smile in the pictures, but never to be remembered in the decisions.

You two shared silences. He looked at you during dinners like he was saying, “I know exactly how you feel.” And that look was enough.

One night, after an especially cruel dinner — where Harris made a venomous comment about “people who come close out of convenience” and Tipper said, without naming names, that “good families should preserve themselves” — you left the table before dessert. Your stomach twisted. Your hands shaking.

You walked to the shoreline. The cold rocks beneath your feet, the dark water crashing fiercely against the coast. The wind blew your hair with anger.

You cried.

It wasn’t fair. You tried. You smiled, helped out, showed up. You were there out of love, not for money. And yet… you were treated like a bothersome shadow in the background of a summer portrait.

Johnny found you there, just like he always did. He knew where you’d be. He always knew.

— “Did they say something?” — he asked quietly, worried.

You took a moment to answer. The tears were still caught in your throat.

— “You saw it, Johnny. I don’t even need to repeat it.”

He hugged you from behind, tightly, as if trying to protect you from the entire island.

— “I hate this,” he murmured. “I hate how they treat you. I hate that you have to go through this just because you love me.”

You turned to look into his eyes.

— “Johnny… I’m tired. Every day I wake up already bracing myself to be ignored, judged, humiliated with polite smiles. I try to be accepted by a family that will never see me as enough.”

He held your face gently, as if his touch could undo it all.

— “You’re more than enough. You’re the only real thing here.”

You looked at him, your eyes full of pain.

— “Sometimes I feel like one day you’ll get tired of defending me. That it’ll be easier for you to just go along with what they want... find someone more ‘Sinclair.’”

Johnny shook his head fiercely.

— “No. I chose you because you’re the opposite of all this. Because you show me that love can exist outside this controlled world. Because you don’t pretend. And because...” — he took a breath — “I love you. Even if the whole island tries to erase you, I’ll never let it.”

You leaned your forehead against his, closing your eyes. The sea roared behind you.

— “I just want a place where I don’t have to ask for permission to exist.”

— “Then let’s create that place,” he whispered. “You, me, Mirren, Cady, Gat. The rest? Let them rot in their own lies.”

You smiled for the first time that night. A small smile, but a real one.

And there, in the darkness of the beach, as the wind carried your pain and the water washed the mansion’s whispers away, Johnny kissed you. A slow kiss, full of sorrow and promise.

You knew there would still be many silent dinners ahead. Many sidelong glances. But you also knew you weren’t alone.

And that was all you needed for now.

[badbleepxx]

johnny sinclair x reader

🏝️ CHAPTER 1 — THE SUMMER AFTER HIM

The suitcase had been sitting closed on my bedroom floor for almost a week. Looking at it felt like staring at a wound I was forcing myself to reopen. The island had always meant everything to me. It was my refuge, my summer home, where the Liars gathered every year since we were eight.

But after last summer, everything changed.

The image was still clear as the island sky: Johnny, behind the staff house, with an unknown girl clinging to him. Her mouth on his.

And he… just stood there.

I didn’t wait for explanations. I didn’t ask for anything.

The pain was as fast as it was deep.

And the next day, I left.

I spent the year trying to forget. But how do you forget your first love? Your first “I love you”?

Johnny Sinclair had been everything to me. Losing him felt like losing a part of who I was.

So when Mirren sent me that message...

> “I need you here. I can’t handle this. Gat and Candace are acting weird. Everything’s weird. Please, come.”

…I knew I had to go back. For her.

For them.

Not for him.

🏝

But that didn’t stop my heart from racing when the boat finally began to circle Beechwood Island.

The white mansions, the lighthouse on the left, the sound of the sea breeze… everything looked the same. Except me.

Now I was sixteen. And my heart was stitched back together.

— “You okay?” my mom asked, noticing my silence as the boat docked.

— “I’m great.” I lied, putting on my sunglasses to hide any emotion.

🏝

As soon as I stepped off the boat, I heard fast footsteps and then felt Mirren’s arms wrap around me.

— “YOU CAME!” she shouted, hugging me like she never wanted to let go.

— “Of course I did, you lunatic. How could I leave you alone with those three?” I tried to joke.

— “I knew it! I knew you would!”

She pulled me away from the dock, and that’s when I saw them.

Candace, Gat, and… Johnny.

Candace gave me a tight smile but came in for a hug.

Gat waved, a little shyly, but with that same usual warmth.

And Johnny… stood still.

He was leaning against a porch pillar, arms crossed, eyes fixed on me. His hair was longer, a bit messy, the way I used to like. He wore an old, loose t-shirt and looked... different. Maybe thinner. More serious.

Our eyes met for two seconds.

And that was enough to make my stomach drop.

Then I looked away.

— “Rooms are the same as always. I already put your bag there,” Mirren said, trying to keep things light. “We’re having a bonfire tonight. You’re coming, right?”

— “Of course.”

But inside, everything in me was shaking.

🏝

The guest house was the same.

My clothes were folded on the blue-sheeted bed. The window still looked out at the ocean. And on the little table, there were still the seashells Johnny, Mirren, and I had collected when we were ten.

I sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand through my hair, trying to steady my breath.

He was here. Really here. Just a few feet away. Breathing the same air as me.

And I didn’t know if I wanted to cry, scream, or hold him.

🏝

At the bonfire that night, the mood among the five of us was… off.

Mirren tried to keep things as usual: jokes, stories, music.

Candace was quieter than usual.

Gat smiled, but looked lost in thought.

Johnny sat on the opposite side from me, but his eyes… they never left me.

— “Remember when we tried to make pancakes with sand?” Gat said, laughing. “And Candace almost ate it thinking it was real?”

— “That was your fault!” Candace protested. “You made it look so realistic.”

— “And you actually bit into it.” Mirren laughed loudly.

I smiled, even though I didn’t mean to.

This is what I loved. This bond between us. This friendship that nothing could break.

But then Johnny spoke.

And it felt like a shot to the chest.

— “You… look different.”

Everyone turned to me.

— “A year will do that to you,” I said flatly.

He bit his lower lip, clearly nervous.

— “I didn’t think you’d come.”

— “I came for Mirren. For Candace. For Gat.”

I emphasized their names. I left his out. On purpose.

He understood.

— “I wanted to talk to you. But…”

— “You said everything you needed to when you kissed another girl,” I cut him off.

Candace coughed. Mirren looked down. Gat looked away.

Silence crashed over us like a high tide.

Johnny stared at me.

But I stood up, heart screaming, and walked toward the beach.

🏝

Alone, I sat near the water. The starry sky. The sound of the waves. And that all-too-familiar ache.

I missed him.

But I was angry, too.

How could someone give you the world one summer and destroy it the next?

— “You don’t want to hear me, but I’m going to talk anyway.”

His voice behind me. Low. Almost shaking.

— “You should go, Johnny.”

— “She kissed me. Not the other way around,” he said firmly.

My heart skipped a beat.

— “I pushed her away. But you only saw the kiss. You ran. You never wanted to hear me out. And I… I waited. I waited the whole year for a chance to explain.”

I stayed silent.

But my whole body trembled.

— “You were everything to me,” he continued. “I loved you. I still do.”

Slowly, I turned to face him.

And I saw it.

In his eyes.

The pain. The truth.

And in that moment, I knew:

I needed to listen. I needed to know.

But it wasn’t time yet.

— “Go, Johnny. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

He hesitated.

Then turned and walked away.

Leaving me there.

Alone.

But for the first time in a year… with hope.

🏝

[badbleepxx]

I need an imagine with Johnny Sinclair please, I'm obsessed with him

[badbleepxx]

HOV

~8k words

From me: a one-shot

Warnings: enemies to lovers (because WHY NOT), panicked Harry, car accident, hospital visit, etc.

Summary: Two environmentally friendly people carpool to work and almost kill each other every day. Harry brakes too much. She lets people go when it's not their turn. She gets crumbs all over her car. Harry listens to really boring podcasts. Harry thinks she's beautiful even if she's annoying. She thinks Harry is unbelievably sexy even if his opinion of her music is rude.

It’s for the environment. It’s for the environment. It’s for the environment.

Every day he waited for her to get to his car he had to chant it to himself that it was worth it. “We’re not going to fight today,” he mumbled to himself as she left the apartment building. It was exactly one building next to his and so it made sense.

She looked really pretty. She always did. It was brutal on his psyche because he wanted to like her. He was desperate to like her, but she was just so... annoying. But her hair was half up in a clip, pieces spilled from it almost artfully. That was the only way he could describe her: art. Harry wasn’t sure if she wore makeup, he suspected she did but if he found out she was naturally that stunning he wouldn’t have been surprised either.

Her dress pants looked perfect on her legs, not quite painted on but close. Her bright blue button down was tucked in and complimented her complexion so well. She wore a pair of heels to complete her look which he knew she didn’t like doing so he was bracing for her complaints—she was much more of a flats person; but she felt she had to wear them to be taken seriously. She looked professional, beautiful, but approachable.

Harry took a deep breath trying to quell the frustration, anxiety, and adoration he had for her before she got in the car. We’re not going to fight today.

“Hi,” she greeted quietly.

“Hi,” he answered as she got settled. She put her coffee mug in the cup holder, her lunch bag and work bag went to the floor by her feet. Harry much preferred her weekend look, and he was sure she did too; sweatpants, a hoodie or T-shirt, sneakers or slippers was much more her style and she wore that just as beautifully as she did her professional outfit.

Jesus Christ it was going to be a long week. How was it only Monday?

“Do y’have a presentation today?” He asked as she finally settled herself into the passenger seat.

“Yeah, why?” Harry noted she was immediately distrustful and did his best to ignore it because he was trying, with everything in him, to be polite and kind. More than he usual.

“Y’look nice,” he shrugged.

“As in I don’t usually look nice?” She asked defensively. “Are you playing a trick on me? Is this a joke?”

That was short-lived. He sighed and looked at the ceiling for help like the answer to this complicated woman was going to be there, finally. “No, s’not a joke. Y’always look nice, love. But y’look extra nice today.”

“Oh,” she pouted, the pucker between her eyebrows making itself known. He was used to seeing it and he found it cute since she looked so serious and her face was just so sweet it almost didn't make sense for her to look so grumpy. But Harry knew better. “Thank you,” she murmured, surprise laced in her voice. “Sorry... I’m nervous,” she explained.

He frowned. “M’sure you’ll be fine.”

“Mm.”

They didn’t speak for several moments. Silence was a lot better for them. Less of a chance to argue with one another. “How was your weekend?” She asked. Small talk was typically safe. As long as there wasn’t a lot of details.

“Good, finished m’book,” but he didn’t offer what he read because he knew they didn’t share the same taste in book genres and she would probably wrinkle her cute little nose in distaste. “How was yours?”

“Fine, visited my friend,” but she didn’t say which one because he would just tell her how she was being used for her money and networking to get into nice restaurants. The silence continued for another few minutes. She scrolled on her phone then pulled her laptop out of her bag. There was about forty minutes until they reached their office so maybe she would go over her presentation.

Harry would have offered to listen to it, but from experience, she would argue every point of constructive criticism he had to offer—only because he had done the very same. In actuality, her presentation was probably perfect. There was no need for her to be nervous. But as she had explained many times over, she was a woman in a corporate office with a bunch of men who didn’t trust her. She had to work twice as hard to get things done her way.

The silence was interrupted by her stomach growling loud enough for Harry to hear it. He sighed and rolled his eyes like it was a major inconvenience for him. “What, Harry? What?” She grumbled.

“Why don’t y’jus’ eat before y’leave?”

“I told you, I’m nervous about my presentation today.”

“What’s your excuse for the other days?”

“Happy Monday,” she grumbled and put her head on the window. But of course, at that moment Harry stomped on the brake as he was wont to do. Meaning her head all but smacked off the glass. “Ow! For God’s sake, Harry! You don’t have to slam on the brakes!”

“I’m not,” she pulled the visor down to look in the mirror to inspect her forehead as if it was going to create a bruise instantly. “My God, you’re dramatic,” he muttered under his breath.

“You drive like a grandma,” she retorted.

“What, safely?!” He hissed through his teeth. He wanted to actually slam on the brakes. Her stomach growled again only further fueling his annoyance with her. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he pulled off the closest exit and headed for a nearby coffee shop so she could get a pastry or something for her.

“We don’t need to stop.”

“You need t’eat something. Sounds like y’trapped an animal in there.”

Her cheeks felt warm with his comparison. “That’s so fucking rude Harry.”

“I don’t care, y’need t’eat!”

“I’m not hungry. I’m nervous about my presentation.”

“S’gonna be a shitty presentation if y’stomach keeps growling over the sound of your voice.”

She inhaled deeply, closed her eyes and turned to look at the window. “I’m too nervous to eat; thank you for caring in your overbearing, aggressive way, but I won’t eat anything. I’ll eat a granola bar from my desk when we get to the office,” she explained.

Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head but returned to the highway after their tiny detour. “You’re sure?”

“Yup. Can’t eat in the car anyway and I don’t want to be any later than we already are.”

“Late,” his eyes were going to get stuck trying to look at the back of his brain. “You’re ridiculous.”

The spat simmered tensely in the silent air between them. They went a whole four minutes without arguing. That had to be a record, even for them.

*

The drive home was much less tense almost always. Usually, they were both too drained to speak to one another, so it made it a lot easier to tolerate the other person’s existence.

So, it was Harry’s fault that they argued again on the way home.

“How was your presentation?” He asked politely.

“Fine,” she shrugged.

“Jus’ fine?” He frowned. “Y’were all worked up ‘bout it this morning.”

“Yeah, because no one takes me seriously,” she snorted, but her laugh didn’t have a trace of real humor in it.

“Right, so it was just fine?”

“What are you looking for here Harry?” Her irritation was evident in her voice.

“I don’t know, a better adjective? Y’got through t’them? They hated it? Fine makes y’sound like a teen coming home from school.”

She rolled her eyes. “They’re going to table my idea for another day,” she sounded exhausted, and Harry was tired too, so in hindsight, he was willing to take the entire blame for the argument and subsequent tense ride home.

“How do y’feel ‘bout that?”

“What do you even care for, Harry? What’s with the interrogation?”

“Forget it,” he sighed. “I was jus’ making conversation. Y’didn’t even ask how my day was.”

“How was your day?” She snapped.

“Fine.”

Her hands clenched into fists in her lap, and she inhaled deeply. “Don’t talk to me,” she grumbled.

“Fine by me.”

*

She drove every other day; it was their routine. It saved wear and tear on their cars and since her car was a hybrid, they really saved on gas and were doing their part to save the environment. If either of them had a car appointment or stayed home sick, then the other one would of course drive and they would pick up the following day, right where they left off.

When she drove, however, Harry was even grumpier, somehow. Though, it seemed impossible someone could be grumpier. But she made him leave an hour earlier than necessary. Harry was already awake and ready but he very much enjoyed a gradual wake up. He liked the time in the morning to do the daily NYT crossword puzzle and to meditate or workout before going to the office.

He did not like arguing an hour earlier than normal.

“It’s for the environment,” she mumbled to herself as Harry approached. He was otherworldly handsome. He looked like he should have been a model, not a financial wizard. His hair was perfectly messy, his eyes sparkled, and his entire frame was just meant to tempt her. In a suit (which he wore every weekday), he looked fan-fucking-tastic. Everything ironed crisply, his tie perfectly straight. He was sincerely hot—there was no other way to describe him.

But his weekend look? When she saw him out and about lounging in joggers and T-shirts that clung to every muscle in his torso? That was her favorite version of him. They usually ran into each other on nice weather days when they both wanted sunshine and air. Harry jogged a lot. She would read on the bench in front of her building. Sometimes they saw one another at the grocery store. But given they spent two hours every day in an enclosed area and argued for nearly the entire time, they were not spending any more of their weekend doing the same thing, so not much more than a polite hello was said between them.

“Good morning,” he murmured as he got in and settled his bag at his feet. Harry didn’t have a presentation to prep so he was planning on sleeping and meditating this morning with his head propped against the window.

“Morning,” she answered softly.

“Sleep okay?” He asked. “The rain and wind woke me a lot.”

“Same,” she agreed. “You’re going to try and sleep then?”

“Mmm,” he hummed. “S’that okay?”

“Yeah, of course.”

It felt less tense today. We’re not going to argue, she thought to herself.

While Harry slept, she remained focused on the road. Her mind making a mental to do list for when she arrived at the office. She knew Harry hated getting there early, but her brain focused so much better without people constantly bothering her.

For a company that clearly had it out for a woman in finance, they sure did need her a whole lot.

She had music on low that she sang quietly along with while Harry slept. If it bothered him, he didn’t say anything today.

Even with Harry sleeping most of the way, it had to be a record that they didn’t argue all the way until they were a mere five minutes from their building. Naturally, their getting along came to an abrupt end. A truck roared in front of her, cutting her off and merging with very little space between them so it could get to the next lane and off at the next turn. It made her gasp and slam on her brakes at the same time. Instinctively, she tossed her arm out to save Harry from whiplash, her arm pressed to the front of his body. “What the fuck!?” He shouted and jolted awake.

“Sorry! Sorry! I was—” She dropped her arm quickly and her hand went back to the steering wheel quickly, hiding the shake she felt in it.

“Were y’letting someone randomly go again?”

She had a penchant for being too polite on the road—it was Harry’s least favorite thing about her driving habits. “N-no—” her palms were sweating against the wheel, her heart pounding as she gripped at it tighter. She parked and felt a wave of frustration and worry fall over her. Even some embarrassment as Harry yelled at her.

She hated being cut off by another driver. It made her so nervous. She wasn’t a car person, but hers was her baby. She didn’t want anything to happen to it and if being a little extra nice and cautious on the road would keep it safe, then she would do it.

“S’more dangerous t’be polite,” he grumbled. “Jesus Christ.”

“I’m sorr—”

“Jus’ another reason we should get here so fucking early,” he snapped. “Forget it,” he shook his head and got out of the car and headed into the building without looking at her again. Still shaking, she pouted, took a few calming breaths and composed herself before she followed Harry’s path to their office building.

*

On the ride home she stopped for coffee and kindly purchased Harry one as well without asking—but when he heard her order it at the drive-through, he felt the argument from the morning disappearing slowly from his mind. “Thanks,” he mumbled from beside her.

“You’re welcome,” she figured less would be more in talking to him—especially after their morning.

But it didn’t help that she let two people merge in front of her as they got on the highway—almost like she was still nervous from this morning. Harry sighed heavily, like he was personally inconvenienced by her kindness to other drivers. She ignored it and continued home. Harry watched as she bit into a powdered donut she got. He rolled his eyes.

“What?” She asked through a mouthful, the sugar floated all over herself and her gearshift. He shook his head.

“S’a messy donut.”

“It’s my car,” she pouted. It was hard to take her seriously when she had powdered sugar all over her mouth. She was pretty adorable with sugar all over her cheeks, though, Harry would give her that.

“If y’want t’trade y’car in, they like it to be clean.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not getting rid of her ever.”

He just shook his head again. Some mornings she ate a breakfast sandwich and Harry watched the crumbs of her croissant rain on her outfit like confetti while she drove with one hand on the wheel. His car was pristine while hers was not. There were half empty water bottles in the back and random pieces of her “emergency” kit strewn about in the boot of her car in a way that Harry doubted would ever help if there was truly an emergency. There were blankets and reusable grocery bags all across the backseat—there was just no order. Which was so weird because she was one of the most organized people he knew.

“Y’know y’shouldn’t use plastic water bottles,” he rebuked as he caught sight of another one on the floor behind him.

She sighed. “I recycle them, Harry. Do you honestly think I don’t care about the environment when we carpool every day? Do you think that arguing with you for an hour and a half every day is because I hate the environment?”

“Forget it,” he sighed not wanting to argue. “How was your day?” He asked trying to recreate the tension free car ride that was present first thing this morning before they fought in the parking lot.

“It was okay,” she shrugged but immediately, Harry knew it was a lie. He quirked one eyebrow at her in disbelief and her unsure tone. With a bigger sigh, she relented. “I got yelled at for something that wasn’t my fault and then I didn't even get an apology when they realized it wasn’t.”

Harry frowned. “Did y’say something?”

“Did I try to hurt the male ego?" She shook her head with another eye roll. "Harry, I would never.”

He smirked and looked out the window. She was funny. Even if she was annoying. “Y’have no problem hurting my ego.”

“I hurt your ego?” She asked in surprise. He shrugged and nodded with a smirk still on his lips. That cute little wrinkle between her eyebrows pinched together and made itself known again. Harry once more was overcome by how adorable she was. He didn’t understand her question. Or why she cared. But he wished he had paid closer attention to her reaction because she suddenly looked so upset. “I didn’t know that,” her voice was soft. “I’m... I’m sorry, Harry,” and it really sounded like she was.

He blinked. “S’fine,” he shrugged one shoulder. “I know y’don’t mean it.”

“I don’t, truly.” It felt really important that Harry knew that. Maybe it was her crummy day. Coworkers continued to not trust her nor believe she was capable of doing well, which made her feel worse. God why did she continue working where she wasn’t wanted? Where she wasn’t appreciated? She was still a little shaken from her almost accident and her uncanny ability to piss Harry off. She was suddenly very forlorn over the idea that she had hurt Harry in any way. “How...how was your day?” She asked tentatively her voice catching.

“It was good,” he nodded, but he was looking at her suspiciously and the sound of anxiety coating her words. “Ordinary... Nothing t’really report... Who yelled at you, by the way?”

“No one, it’s nothing,” she shook her head quickly.

Harry rolled his eyes. “Then jus’ tell me, love. S’not a big deal.”

She sighed, irritated, dejected, and tired of arguing. “Do you know Jason?”

Harry scoffed. “He’s a prick and can’t add two plus two. Don’t let him get t’you. Sorry he yelled at you.”

It was one of the nicest things Harry had ever said on her behalf. “S’not your fault,” she mumbled.

“Yeah, but he shouldn’t. M’sure y’do everything perfectly. He’s probably jealous and stupid and everything else.”

“Thank you,” her voice was still soft. Her eyes felt misty at his kindness. Harry being nice on top of her shitty day was so overwhelming—too overwhelming.

Harry noticed right away. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, m’fine,” she nodded, wiping at her cheek.

“Y’don’t look fine, love... Why don’t y’pull over? I don’t want you t’drive if you’re emotional. S’not safe.”

She sniffed. “It’s fine. I’m just being overly sensitive. Not a lot of sleep and... It just... it wasn’t a very good day,” she swiped her hand beneath her nose and wiped her below her eye again while her words got caught in her throat a few times as she spoke.

“Hey,” his voice was gentle. More gentle than it ever had been toward her. “Please, love... jus’ pull over,” he encouraged quietly, he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Love, please,” he pleaded. “S’okay t’be emotional.”

“No, it’s not,” she whimpered but pulled to the shoulder of the road at the same time as she heaved on a shaky breath. Cars whizzed past them and Harry watched her closely. “I work in a sea of testosterone, and I’m never appreciated, never respected, and I can’t be emotional,” she fanned her hand in front of her eyes trying to will the tears away. “Especially in front of you.”

“Me?” He pouted, anger took the forefront of his mind, but he had never seen her like this. He felt bad because she was so upset. So, he refrained from snapping back at her.

“You’ll just use it against me or save it for a rainy day to embarrass me.”

“Is that what you really think?” He tutted, his voice devoid of emotion.

She sniffled again. “Yeah... you yelled at me this morning... I didn’t mean to jostle you like that but someone cut me off and—”

She was still upset about that? That seemed like a lifetime ago. Yeah, Harry was irritated, but he felt bad she was holding onto something so small all day. It wasn’t that big of a deal. Her day must have been really shitty if she let one of their arguments take hold of her emotions all day long.

“Hey... hey don’t cry. M’sorry—I shouldn’t have—it doesn’t matter... But y’have t’know, I would never do that, love. M’sorry if I’ve made y’feel that way,” he soothingly rubbed her arm up and down. “S’okay,” he reassured her. “M’gonna drive the rest of the way home. Jus’ slide over for me, love, yeah?” He asked and before she could protest, he was getting out of the car and going to the driver’s side. Not that she really wanted to protest.

But she would have if they were in a parking lot or on a non-highway road. She tried the door handle but Harry shook his head as he approached the driver’s door and jutted his chin to the passenger seat again. Again, she might have argued, but she didn’t want Harry subjected to the busy traffic for any longer, so she awkwardly slid over the console as Harry stayed pressed to the side of the car.

One small piece of her brain realized the most handsome man she knew wasn't letting her get out on the traffic-side. It was a protective, chivalrous moment that made her stomach do a somersault.

Once in the passenger seat, she brushed the powdered sugar that was on the driver's side just before he sat and got powder all over her pants. “Why don’t y’nap or something?” He suggested quietly and pulled into traffic again without any other fanfare.

“Alright,” she sniffed. “Thanks, sorry again.”

“No problem, love,” he mumbled and drove the rest of the way home in silence. He hoped she felt a little better by the time he parked and gently shook her awake. He didn’t say much other than he would see her tomorrow and returned her keys to her. “Have a good night, love,” he murmured as he gathered his belongings and left before they could return to their natural instinct of arguing with one another.

*

After her mini meltdown she was really hopeful that they had turned a corner in their arguing. She couldn’t remember who started the first argument so long ago. When they realized they lived near one another and worked at the same place, it only made sense to carpool. But she didn’t know they would find fault in every little thing.

Harry was constantly late. (But he wasn’t. Not really. He was on time. Which may as well have been late in her book.) It made her insane. He braked too hard—just like the other day. His choice in podcasts was too real and scary at times (she couldn’t get on the true crime train). His favorite book genre was history, which was fine, but he often made fun of the lighter romance novels she liked. There was the no eating in the car rule. And of course, there was his constant backseat driving—it was never-ending.

It's for the environment. She reminded herself.

It was another long day. Her meetings didn’t go well. Her coworkers undervalued her worth and if wasn’t for the fact that her main supervisor gave her stunning reviews and the money was so good, she would have quit ages ago.

Harry was irritated, and she wasn’t sure why. She had cleaned her car over the weekend. She even had it detailed so it was as pretty as Harry’s car. All her blankets were neatly folded, water bottles recycled, and she organized the trunk. There was a new air freshener and everything.

And yet, Harry was still annoyed. He turned the fan off. Twice. She adjusted the settings, they hadn’t even left the parking garage, and he still turned it off. “S’hot.”

“It’s not hot,” she grumbled.

“It feels like m’sweating. Gonna have a heat stroke.”

“Well, I’m cold.”

“Of course you are.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

It seemed Harry’s day wasn’t too good either as he was just as willing to argue and just as willing to stand his ground. While they argued they continued turning the temperature knob from one extreme to the other.

“You’re gonna break it!” She whined.

“You’re such a brat.”

Her neck snapped to face him. Her cheeks felt hot with embarrassment. “A brat!?” Her voice was three octaves higher than normal. It felt like the car was shaking.

“Yes, a brat who throws a fit when y’don’t get your way. All the time. Y’want t’leave an hour earlier. Y’want t’eat in the car. Roll the windows down, no now up. Y’want t’listen t’your dumb radio station that is ninety-percent ads. You’re. A. Brat.”

She did slam on her brakes at his explanation. She pulled toward the sidewalk right outside their office building. “Get. Out.”

Harry stared in disbelief. “You’re joking,” he cackled.

“I’m tired of arguing. You’re such a dick to me all the time,” she smacked her hand on the steering wheel. “I had a bad day, and you clearly had a bad day and you can’t leave well enough alone! So yeah. The environment can spare two less people carpooling. Get out of my fucking car, Harry Styles before I run us both into a telephone pole.”

“You’re so judgmental and so ridiculous—”

“Get out!” She practically shrieked.

Harry glared, yanking his stuff from where it sat at his feet. He got out of the car, slamming her door hard. He wouldn’t be surprised if it got stuck shut or if the whole frame shook as he did so. She peeled off the curb leaving Harry to fume. They never fought like that. Almost all their arguments always ended in a quiet “good night” or “have a good day.” Never did she shove him out of the car.

He was simmering with anger. He paced a few steps on the sidewalk trying to calm himself to figure out what to do. Maybe he could call her back. An Uber was going to cost a small fortune to get back home. Worth it, he supposed. God, she drained the life out of him.

He was breathing heavily. Good riddance. It was a dumb idea trying to carpool with someone that made him infuriated. Incensed with the feeling of being right, he scrolled on his app for a new ride.

Before he could submit his request for the most expensive Uber in the history of the world, all anger left his body—floated away as if it wasn’t even there in the first place.

There was a screech of tires and a sickening crunch of metal. Harry looked up just in time to see her car do a full 360 before landing upside down in the middle of the intersection. Her car teetered back and forth as it balanced on the roof. His jaw went slack as he watched the car of the pretty girl he was just arguing with crunch in the middle of the roadway. He was practically ready to strangle her himself but he never wanted—

“Oh my God,” he whispered to himself. Before he fully grasped his own movements he was sprinting into the middle of the roadway.

Without knowing what else to do, he knelt to the ground in a spray of plastic, metal, and glass, his face was almost pressed to the ground as he tried to peer into the only available space. “Baby? You with me?” He asked looking at the terrified, shaking girl. There was blood pouring from her hairline, her hands gripped the steering wheel around the deployed airbag like she was still driving.

“H-Harry?” She whispered. A switch flipped inside him. He wanted to rip the upside-down door off and yank her out. He wanted to hold her. All those annoying things she did, they didn’t bother him anymore. She was so pretty, so sweet, and so funny. The mere thought of her injured, terrified him and broke his heart. He didn't know he felt that way and he was mortified that it took this to realize it.

“M’here, love. M’here, you’re okay, just focus on me,” he was shaking as he dialed on his phone for the emergency line. “There’s been a car crash in the intersection outside of Prosperis Financial,” he said. “There’s at least one injured party.”

“Harry,” she whimpered.

“I know. I know, my love. I know,” he cooed.

God how could he be so stupid? How could he get out of the car? How could he take so long to get out of the car? If they just didn’t fight, they would have been through the intersection and—

“Harry, my head hurts,” she interrupted his spiraling.

“I know, kitten, I know,” he repeated.

“A-and my leg hurts really bad,” she whispered a small break in her voice. She was shocked and in near tears.

“Don’t move your neck, baby,” he ordered.

“I’m scared,” she cried.

“I know, love, I know, m’scared too. But m’not going t'leave you for one second, baby, okay? You’re going t’be fine, everything’s going t’be fine,” he sounded pretty reassuring considering he was freaking out too.

“I didn’t—I didn't see it,” she sniffled.

“S’not your fault, kitten. S’okay. You’re okay, love. Just breathe, and keep talking, yeah?”

“I didn’t mean to yell at you...” she croaked, the anxiety in her voice broke his heart. He hated she felt she had to say it. “I don’t mean to, ever. I-I don’t know why—”

“Shh… we’re not talking ‘bout that. S’okay, my love. We’re okay,” he promised. She could argue whatever she wanted. Harry was in complete agreement. She was right. Every time. He did brake too hard. She wasn’t too nice to others on the road. She could eat in the car or have the heat on in the middle of the summer. Whatever she wanted.

“Okay... I'm sorry,” her voice sounded quiet.

“Help is coming, baby. M’not gonna leave your side, yeah? Jus’ hang on a little bit longer. I know—”

“I’m sorry I eat in your car sometimes,” she whispered her voice cracking more as she apologized for things that no longer mattered. “I’m sorry I’m a brat—”

“No, no, my love. You’re not a brat... shh...” he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her figure, clutching the wheel like she was scared to let go. His heart was aching to do something more, beating too loud in his ears. He wanted to keep her talking. Wanted to rip her out of the car and make sure she was alright. She could do whatever she wanted in his car for the rest of her life. As far as he was concerned, he would be driving her every day for the rest of time. She was never getting behind the wheel again. “S’okay, baby. Whatever makes y’happy.”

She sniffled. “Harry, I don’t feel very good,” she mumbled. “My head hurts.”

“I know it does, kitten,” his voice cracked hearing the exhaustion in her voice. “I’d trade with y’in a heartbeat,” he mumbled.

She sniveled. “I wanna get out.”

“I know, my love. M’trying. They’ll be here soon.”

“I’m scared,” her voice was soft again.

“Baby, I know,” he groaned. Where the fuck was the ambulance?!

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m glad you weren’t in the car,” she whispered. His heart shattered.

“M’not, kitten. M’not glad at all,” he shook his head.

“I think I’m going to pass out,” she warned and then her neck went limp.

“Baby?” Her hands slid from the steering wheel and her head lolled to the side. “Shit!” Harry reached through the broken glass, but the angle was too awkward, and he couldn’t see and reach at the same time. “Kitten, love,” his voice pitched an octave higher with hysteria quickly flooding him. “Baby? Open your eyes! Please,” he begged. “Kitten? Come on,” he muttered reaching blindly for her again. “Fuck,” he croaked.

“Excuse us, sir,” an EMT was finally at his side pushing Harry out of the way. He covered his mouth, sitting back on his heels as they pulled the car to its wheels once more. There was a flurry of movement as they pried through the metal and glass to get her. He choked on his breath as they removed her and he swallowed hard, his heart felt broken as they put a brace around her neck and lifted her onto a stretcher—still unconscious much to his horror. “Are you the boyfriend? Coming on the ambulance?” the paramedic asked.

“Yes,” he answered immediately and filed in behind them.

*

Harry called her mom and sister. They were on their way. He paced the waiting room with the biggest teddy bear the shop had to purchase while he waited for her surgery and tests to end. It felt endless. Harry thought he had aged ten years during the time he was there waiting.

He also got her a balloon—a heart shaped one that said get well soon. He got flowers. And chocolate too. Once he saw her pretty eyes open again and her family was present, he was going to get her a coffee and breakfast sandwich too.

His clothes were dirty from lying in the street, the knees of his slacks had the tiniest holes and rips. His cheek had a few cuts and scratches from pressing it to the ground while he spoke to her upside-down body.

“Are you the boyfriend?”

He shook the thoughts of seeing her bleeding, terrified body away from his mind at the sound of someone speaking to him.

It was hard to believe only yesterday he would have shuddered at the thought. “Yes,” he answered instantly, not caring in the slightest that he was lying for the second time in several hours about their relationship status. “Is she alright?”

“She’s fine,” the doctor stated. Harry sighed with relief, dragged a hand through his hair and swallowed around the relieved tears that filled his eyes and cut off the voice in his throat. He coughed awkwardly.

“Can I see her?” He asked. “Please?”

“Yes, she’s just coming out of the anesthesia,” he explained and tilted his head toward the hallway. Harry grabbed all his presents for her and followed. “She’s a little out of it still,” he warned.

“But she’s okay?” He repeated like he didn't believe the doctor.

“Yes, she’s fine,” he knocked and opened the door.

“Oh, your boyfriend is here, miss,” an older nurse smiled at her as she fiddled with her pillows and the IV stand.

The sweet girl looked high as a kite, her eyes wide, the cut on her forehead stitched. “I don’t have a boyfriend,” she frowned. That cute wrinkle between her brows appeared and Harry wanted nothing more than to smooth it away and ease the tension she felt.

“You might want to rethink that,” a woman smiled at Harry with a wink. “He’s very cute and he brought you gifts.”

“Hi, kitten, baby,” he cooed and crouched beside her bed.

“You’re my boyfriend?” She mumbled in surprise. Her eyes were so wide with the loopy medicine, and he smirked, tears filling his eyes again.

“Yes, my love,” he didn’t even feel like he was lying. To her nor to himself about their relationship. It made sense and he truly adored her so easily. He was grateful for the switch in his mind, he just wished a car accident wasn't the cause.

She smiled, self-satisfied. “I knew you liked me,” she mumbled.

He chuckled and leaned forward to press his lips against her forehead. “Y’okay, baby?” He asked.

“They gave me medicine,” she explained holding up her arm that had three or four needles sticking in it.

“Easy, kitten,” he grabbed her outstretched arm and cupped her hand in both of his with a chuckle. He brought her fingers to his mouth and kissed her knuckles as the nurse pulled a chair up beside her for Harry to sit in.

“Harry," she said suddenly. Like he wasn't listening to her or paying attention to every little movement. "I broke my leg,” she pouted.

“M’sorry, kitten,” he was livid she was injured but with pain meds she was so cute and adorable that he almost chuckled at the way she sighed and frowned about her situation.

She glanced at their interconnected hands. “Have we been dating long? I didn’t know I had a boyfriend. Do I have amnesia?”

He snickered, kissed her fingers again. “No,” he shook his head. “S’quite new.”

“Oh,” she blinked and a smile grew on her face. “I like that you’re my boyfriend,” she sighed dreamily. “Isn’t he hot?” She asked the nurse who was checking her vitals again. Harry rolled his eyes, smirking and looking away from her and the nurse at her appraisal. It was good to know she felt affected by his presence as well. He liked her loopy thoughts and he hoped they would remain true when the medicine wore off. “Did you call my mom?” She asked curiously.

He nodded, cleared his throat as he focused on more important facts and not worrying about their fake relationship status. “Yes, she’s on her way with your sister. I need t’call them, actually,” he pulled his phone out.

“How did you get their number?”

“I looked them up on social media,” he mumbled keeping hold of one hand as he pressed the phone to his ear.

“Harry?” Her sister’s voice asked alertly.

“Hi Thea, she’s okay. M'sitting with her now. She’s loopy from the anesthesia but she’s awake.”

“Tell her to get me coffee,” she whispered loudly. Loud enough for her sister to hear through the phone. Harry smiled.

Thea sighed with relief and snickered. “Sounds like her,” she mumbled. “Thank you, Harry. We’re about twenty minutes out.”

“Of course,” he assured her. “You’ll tell your mum?” He asked.

“Yes, I got it.”

“See you soon.”

Harry placed his phone back in his pocket and watched her loopy mind work through something on her extremely expressive face. “Are you going to kiss me?” She giggled.

Harry laughed. “Later, baby.”

“When’s later?”

“When you’re a little coherent, m’love.”

She blew a breath through her lips making them sputter. “S’not fair.”

“I know,” the smile remained on his face knowing she was okay, and she wanted him to kiss her. It was a bit wild that the switch flipped so rapidly. This was someone he argued with for over two years every day and now he wanted to kiss her, hold her, and never let her go.

“Can I take a nap?” She yawned. “I’m sleepy.”

Harry turned to the nurse. “Can she? Does she have a concussion?”

“Shockingly, no concussion,” the nurse said reading the chart. “You can nap for a bit.”

She closed her eyes instantly. “Night Harry,” she sighed. “I love you.”

He felt his cheeks warm. Ignored her sweet words regardless of how much he would like them to be true. “Night, baby,” he chuckled and pressed another kiss to her forehead as she drifted to sleep without letting go of his hand.

*

When she woke up the next time she was staring at Harry in awe.  “Thea, I’m fine,” she rolled her eyes. The anesthesia had worn off a bit and she didn’t seem to remember she said I love you nor that Harry claimed to be her boyfriend. While she was hesitant to believe that Harry was really there for her, she was glad he was. She was foggy on the details but there was no mistaking that she felt a pull toward him. Maybe it was the kindness he showed her.

“You live in a fourth-floor apartment. You’re not fine. And your car is trash.”

Harry sat quietly to the side of the room while her mom and sister doted on her. Her mom was on the phone with the insurance company taking notes and questioning a lot. “Well, what am I supposed to do? I don't have a choice, I have to figure it out,” she shrugged.

“Figure what out? You’re going to just stay in your apartment for the next six weeks? You’ll go insane. And what if there’s a fire?”

“The chances of me getting in a car wreck and have my apartment catch on fire is probably astronomically small.”

Harry chuckled from his spot, but the sisters ignored him. “You hate your job. Why don’t you just quit and move back home for a bit?

Back home? Harry thought. Not next door? That wouldn't work for Harry's already obsessed heart. “I have a spare bedroom,” Harry said in offering. “First floor apartment in m'building next t'hers,” he was speaking to Thea and not her.

She and Thea both turned to look at him. “I cannot—” She started.

“Really?” Thea interrupted. “You won’t mind? She’s going to need... a lot of help.”

“I can handle it,” he assured her. Thea knew they drove together. She was also well aware that her sister and Harry argued every day. There was no way Harry was going to survive taking care of her if they couldn’t spend more than five minutes in a car without arguing with one another. She watched Harry, bewildered by his kindness toward her. His willingness to take care of her and let her be a burden when he couldn’t stand her most days. “Are y’alright with that, love?”

It might have only been minutes between arguing and her accident, but the change of heart in herself over Harry was something to be admired. Harry was there almost before her airbag finished deploying. He kept her as calm as he could while they waited for the ambulance and promised her it would be okay. He reassured her that all their arguing didn’t mean anything and she softened. She felt herself melting for him. All the little things he did no longer bothered her. He really didn’t slam on the brakes. It was rude of her to want to eat in his car and make a mess. Perhaps it was too hot in her car and she was a little too mean about his favorite book genre.

Am I in love with Harry? She thought to herself. “If...if you’re sure... That’s an awful lot of time to spend with me,” she reminded him wondering if it was only her that was warmed by the near-death experience and she was imagining the knight-and-shining-armor-complex.

“Happy to,” he nodded and remained in his seat.

Harry was holding her hand when her sister and mom arrived, he gave her a gentle shake and called her kitten. Kitten your mum s’here. His voice was so warm and soothing. He didn’t remove his hand until she opened her eyes and his kind smile was a sweet greeting. He cupped her face and brushed his thumb against her jaw. M’gonna sit by the window while they visit, yeah?

“Do you ladies need anything?” He asked standing. “Coffee? Tea? Food?”

“All set, thank you Harry,” her mom smiled around the phone.

“I’m good too,” Thea nodded.

“Baby, all good?”

She nearly choked on her own spit hearing the pet name directed at her, in front of her family.  “Yes,” she murmured then shook her head. “Um... maybe just water?”

“Sure, love. Be right back.”

“I thought he hated you,” Thea was smiling excitedly.

“I thought he did too,” she shrugged a shoulder.

“You’re just going to live with him?”

She smirked. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, right?”

*

Harry carried all her stuff into his apartment and settled it in the spare room. He made sure she was safe in his apartment while he went with her sister to her place to get a suitcase of her clothes from next door. Harry was going to take her to get a new car as soon as the insurance check came through. He helped her to the couch and made sure she felt comfortable. Her foot was propped on a pillow as she stretched out on his furniture. For six weeks they were going to live together.

“Are y'in any pain? Do y’need anything?” He asked making sure she had the remote, a book, water, and blanket all within reach.

“M’fine,” she nodded.

“You sure y’don’t need anything?” He frowned.

“Harry,” she reached for his hand and held it. “Could you sit with me?”

His frown deepened. He crouched beside her, sitting on the coffee table close to her. He squeezed her hand. “What’s wrong?”

“Thank you for being there for me,” she whispered. “I was very scared.”

“Course, baby.”

Her heart skipped a beat with the sweet name again. “Do you like me?” She whispered.

“Was I unclear?” He asked, reaching for her face. His hand fit her cheek perfectly and he rubbed his thumb on her lower lip. The way his eyes softened as he looked at her was the stuff of her romance novels. His eyelids lowered and the smile on his mouth was equal parts sexy as it was innocent. “S’a little selfish of me inviting you here while you recover, don't y'think? S'a reason for it, love."

She cleared her throat, trying not to melt under his touch, his gaze. It seemed impossible. “But... we—we,” she took a deep breath trying to get the sentence in her head to form in her mouth. “Argue so much.”

“S’maybe we could try not arguing.”

“I feel like we’re incapable—”

He interrupted and normally she would have been mad, but his words made her feel hot, burning, like she wasn’t going to get relief unless he kissed her. “Jus’ gotta find a different way t’keep our mouths entertained, kitten,” he leaned forward and stopped when their lips were all but a millimeter apart. “May I?” He asked politely.

“Uh-huh, yes,” she nodded, her brain short circuiting just a hair. Her lips brushed his as she nodded, creating a spark of electricity unlike anything she had felt before. He moaned quietly at the contact. The sound was short-lived, and he tilted her chin and slid his lips over hers.

She gripped at his shirt by his shoulders, pulling him toward her. She felt herself opening to him: her mouth, her brain, her legs. She wanted him all over her and he couldn’t get close enough. It felt insane that less than twenty-four hours ago she would have strangled him for breathing too loudly beside her in the enclosed space of his car and now she wanted him breathing too loudly because of her kisses and more.

He caressed her jaw and the back of her head, tugging her hair ever so softly so she tilted her head back further. “S’nice, baby,” he sighed softly and trailed a path of kisses down her throat. “Knew we could not argue.”

She laughed and nodded. “Guess that’s what’s been missing.”

He chuckled. “Mmm,” he hummed in agreement. “Worth it,” he shrugged one shoulder and dove back in for another heated kiss, making her moan quietly into his mouth. His lips were warm, soft, firm, and perfect. It was a quick path to addiction, and she was happy to have him as her drug.

“Y’said y’loved me when y’came out of anesthesia,” he practically giggled as he pulled away.

She gasped. “I did not.”

“You did.”

“NO.” She slapped a hand over her warm, embarrassed face. “No I didn’t. You're lying.”

“You did, kitten. So sweet of you,” he winked.

She groaned and turned away from him. “I should have just gone into a coma.”

He laughed stroking her cheeks with his thumbs. “It was cute. You were all loopy.”

“I am not cute. I’m an adult woman and I’m not cute.”

“You’re adorable, actually. S’probably why m’obsessed with you.”

“You only knew you were obsessed with me twenty-four hours ago.”

He shrugged. “And I can’t get enough,” he assured her with a wink. “Now, m’thinking I’ll kiss you for another long while and then I’ll make you dinner?”

Her heart fluttered. “I like you a lot better when we don’t argue," she agreed.

He chuckled. “Me too, kitten. Me too,” he mumbled but followed through on his promise to kiss her again and not argue.

--

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Like Us

Where Y/N and Harry thought they had lost each other, fate gives them a second chance.

Word Count: 7,222

Content Warning: Cursing, alcohol, mentions of Zayn leaving.

Y/N had been with Harry through it all. Through the late-night calls filled with exhaustion, the frantic texts that barely scratched the surface of what he was feeling, the moments of silence where he didn’t have the words to explain what was breaking inside him. She had been there before Zayn left, and she was still there now, following him on tour like a quiet anchor in the chaos.

The energy backstage wasn’t the same anymore. Ever since Zayn had left, there was a palpable shift—like a table missing a leg, still standing but wobbling with every move. The crowds were still loud, the shows still electric, but behind the scenes, it was different. Unease lingered in the air like a storm waiting to break.

On his days off, they escaped together. Away from the arenas, the cameras, the questions. They did the kind of touristy things that made Harry feel like himself again—exploring tiny coffee shops tucked into side streets, wandering through museums with their hands intertwined, laughing at the ridiculous souvenirs in gift shops. She took pictures of him when he wasn’t looking, the city lights reflecting in his green eyes, the weight on his shoulders momentarily lighter.

But even in those moments, she could see it. The exhaustion. The restlessness. The way his mind was always somewhere else, thinking about something he wasn’t saying.

It was late, the city glowing beneath them as they sat on the small balcony of their hotel room. Paris had been a dream—long walks along the Seine, stolen kisses in quiet cafés, pretending for just a little while that the world outside didn’t exist. But now, reality was creeping back in, threading itself between them like an unwelcome guest.

Y/N glanced at Harry beside her, his gaze distant as he traced patterns on the rim of his wine glass. He had been quiet all day, his usual spark dulled by something he wasn’t saying. She knew him well enough to wait, to let him come to her when he was ready.

Eventually, he sighed, leaning back against his chair. “The band’s ending soon.”

The words weren’t surprising, but hearing them aloud still made her chest tighten. “You don’t know that.”

Harry let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. “I do. Even if we don’t say it outright, even if we call it a hiatus, we all know what it really means.” He looked over at her, his green eyes filled with something heavy. “It’s not gonna be the same after this.”

Y/N studied him, searching for something—reassurance, maybe, or hope—but all she found was exhaustion. “Is that what you want?”

He exhaled, running a hand through his curls. “I don’t know. I just know I need… something to change. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid. It’s all I’ve ever known.” He turned his gaze to the city below, watching the headlights blur together in streaks of gold and red. “And if it ends… I don’t know who I am outside of it.”

She reached for his hand, threading her fingers through his, grounding him the way she always had. “You’re still you, Harry. Band or no band.”

He squeezed her hand, but the look in his eyes told her something she wasn’t ready to hear.

“I think,” he said slowly, carefully, like he was testing the words as he spoke them, “there’s gonna be a break.”

The air between them shifted, heavy with unspoken things. Y/N felt the weight of it settling in her bones, but she didn’t let go. Not yet.

And Harry was right.

A few months later, the band officially announced their hiatus. At first, it was meant to be temporary. Just a few months to rest, to breathe, to figure things out. But as time passed, the months stretched longer than expected.

One night the rain tapped lightly against the windows of Y/N’s apartment, the soft hum of an old record playing in the background. Harry sat on the couch, one leg bent beneath him, his fingers absentmindedly playing with the ring on his index finger. He had been quiet all night, lost in thought, his gaze distant even when she spoke.

Y/N curled up beside him, resting her head against his shoulder. “You’re thinking,” she murmured, her voice soft.

He let out a small breath of laughter, tilting his head toward hers. “Always am.”

She pulled back slightly to look at him, her fingers brushing over his arm. “What is it?”

Harry hesitated, chewing on his bottom lip like he was trying to find the right words. Finally, he exhaled. “I think I wanna do something on my own for a bit.”

Y/N’s brows lifted, but she didn’t look surprised—just curious. “Music?”

He nodded slowly. “Yeah. I mean, I love the band, always will, but… I wanna see what I can do by myself, y’know? Find out what my sound is. And—” He hesitated again, his fingers still fidgeting with his ring. “I think I wanna try acting, too. I’ve always wanted to, and now feels like the right time.”

Y/N watched him for a moment, taking in the way he spoke—cautious, hopeful, nervous. She reached for his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I think that’s amazing, Harry.”

He glanced at her, his lips parting slightly. “You do?”

She smiled. “Of course I do. You’ve always talked about wanting to try acting, and your own music? That’s exciting.”

He nodded, exhaling like he’d been holding it in. The rain kept falling, the record kept spinning, and for now, they sat there together, wrapped in the quiet of what came next.

Harry was quiet for a long moment, his fingers lightly tracing circles on the back of Y/N’s hand. The rain outside filled the silence between them, steady and rhythmic, but inside, everything felt still—like the moment before something irreversible happened.

He finally looked up at her, his green eyes filled with something heavy. “I’m gonna be busy a lot,” he said, his voice quieter than before. “With the music, with acting… with figuring out who I am outside of all this.”

Y/N’s chest tightened, a sinking feeling creeping in. “I know,” she said softly, watching him carefully.

Harry swallowed, his grip on her hand tightening for just a second before loosening. “I love you,” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “And because I love you… because I respect you… I don’t think I can be in a relationship right now. Not while I’m trying to figure myself out.”

The words felt like a slow, unraveling thread, pulling apart everything they had built. Y/N held onto his gaze, searching for something—maybe a way to change his mind, maybe a way to understand. But deep down, she already knew.

She nodded once, her throat tight. 

Everything shifted.

Y/N felt her breath hitch, her fingers trembling slightly in his grasp. “Harry…” she started, but she didn’t know how to finish.

His face twisted in pain, like he hated every word coming out of his own mouth. “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to say,” he admitted, shaking his head. “I don’t want to do this, love. God, I don’t. But I need to.”

Her vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes. “Why?” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Why do you think we can’t figure it out together?”

Harry inhaled sharply, his hand cupping hers, like he was trying to memorize the feel of her skin. “Because I don’t know who I am right now. And I can’t drag you into that mess. I can’t ask you to sit around waiting while I run off chasing things I don’t even fully understand yet.” He let out a shaky breath. “You deserve someone who is sure, someone who can be there for you in every way. And I—I don’t know if I can be that person right now.”

Tears slipped down Y/N’s cheeks, and she quickly wiped them away, hating how fragile she felt. “But you love me.” It wasn’t a question; it was a desperate grasp for something solid, something real.

Harry’s eyes softened, filling with sorrow and something deeper—something that hurt just as much as it loved. “With everything in me,” he said. “I love you so much that it physically hurts to say this.” He let out a broken laugh, running a hand through his curls before gripping the back of his neck. “I hate this, Y/N. I hate myself for saying it. But if we’re meant to be, we’ll find our way back.”

Her chin trembled as she tried to process it all. “And what if we don’t?”

Harry’s breath hitched. He blinked rapidly, like he was trying to keep his own tears from falling. “Then I’ll spend the rest of my life wondering what if.”

Y/N clenched her jaw, willing herself to stay strong, but her heart was shattering. “I don’t know how to be without you.”

He let out a soft, broken sound, his forehead falling to rest against hers. “You don’t have to figure it out all at once,” he whispered. “Just promise me something.”

She swallowed hard. “What?”

“When the time comes—if we ever get another chance—promise me you’ll let me fight for you.”

A sob escaped her lips, and she closed her eyes, feeling his warmth, memorizing the way he smelled, the way he held her like she was something precious. She didn’t know how to promise him that. She didn’t know if she could.

But in that moment, with her heart breaking in his hands, she whispered the only word she could.

“Okay.”

And just like that, it was over.

They laid together for a long time, neither speaking, neither moving—just breathing in the same space, clinging to the last moments before everything changed. Y/N listened to the steady rhythm of Harry’s heartbeat beneath her cheek, memorizing the way it sounded, the way it felt against her skin.

His hand ran absentmindedly up and down her arm, slow and soothing, like he was trying to calm them both, like he wanted to keep this moment suspended in time. But time didn’t stop. It never did.

Eventually, he stirred, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head before shifting beneath her. She knew what was coming before he even said it, but hearing the words still made her stomach twist.

“I should go home,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

Y/N didn’t move, didn’t lift her head from his chest. If she did, it would make this real. And she wasn’t ready.

Harry exhaled shakily and brought his fingers beneath her chin, gently tilting her face up so she had no choice but to look at him. His green eyes were glossy, his expression torn, his lips parted like he wanted to say more but couldn’t find the words. Instead, he leaned in, pressing the softest, most devastating kiss to her lips—slow, full of love, full of sorrow, full of everything they still were but couldn’t be anymore.

When he pulled away, he lingered for just a second, his forehead against hers, his breath warm on her skin. Then, without another word, he stood.

She didn’t watch him leave. She couldn’t.

That night, she laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, the ghost of his touch still lingering on her skin. She waited for sleep, but it never came—not that night, not the next, not for a long, long time.

And even when exhaustion finally won, she woke up empty. Every single time.

Five Years Later

The late afternoon sun streamed through Y/N’s apartment windows as she flipped through the stack of mail she had just pulled from the box. Bills, a few random flyers, and then—her fingers paused as she caught sight of an envelope with elegant gold script.

Her heart lifted immediately.

Tearing it open, she pulled out a beautifully embossed wedding invitation, the words practically sparkling off the page: Mallory & Ethan—Join us as we celebrate our love!

A grin spread across Y/N’s face. She barely took a moment to admire the details before grabbing her phone and dialing.

It rang twice before a familiar voice answered. “If this isn’t Y/N calling to say she got my invitation, I will be thoroughly disappointed.”

Y/N laughed. “Guess you won’t be disappointed, then.”

Mal squealed on the other end. “You got it!”

“Of course I did. And obviously, I’ll be there. Like I’d miss my best friend’s wedding.”

“Ugh, I’m so excited! It’s getting so real now. I was just finalizing the seating chart and—wait.” Mal gasped dramatically. “Are you bringing a date? Tell me you’re finally letting some poor soul take you out.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, smiling as she walked into her kitchen and leaned against the counter. “No, Mal. I’m not into dating right now.”

Mal groaned. “It has been years, Y/N.”

“I know.”

“And you’re telling me no one has caught your interest? Not a single, ridiculously attractive, emotionally stable man?”

Y/N chuckled, shaking her head. “Nope. No one’s been worth the effort.”

Mal sighed in defeat. “Fine, fine. You can be my honorary date instead.”

Y/N grinned. “Gladly.”

The girls dissolved into laughter, the excitement buzzing between them. It was going to be a beautiful day, a celebration of love.

The following months passed in a blur of wedding excitement—not hers, but Mal’s. Still, as Y/N shopped for a dress, something about it felt personal in a way she hadn’t expected.

She stood in front of the fitting room mirror, smoothing her hands over the fabric of yet another gown. It wasn’t even white, just a simple, elegant dress for a bridesmaid. But every time she looked at herself, every time she turned to see how it moved, her mind wandered to a place she tried so hard to ignore.

What would Harry think if he saw me in this?

And then the thoughts spiraled.

What would I look like standing next to him at a wedding? What if it were our wedding?

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to shake the thoughts away, but they always came back.

Harry had always been the one. Even when he wasn’t.

They used to talk about it—getting married. Not in a serious, let’s-plan-this-right-now way, but in the way that two people who love each other deeply do when they think forever is inevitable.

She could still picture it—late nights in bed, her head resting on his bare chest, fingers tracing lazy patterns over his tattooed skin.

“What would your dream wedding be like?” he had asked once, his voice thick with sleep.

Y/N had smiled, shifting so she could look up at him. “Small,” she had said. “Somewhere beautiful. Maybe Italy or the English countryside. I want twinkly lights everywhere, candles, good food, and dancing until our feet hurt.”

Harry had hummed, running a hand through her hair. “Sounds perfect.”

She had smirked. “What about you? Or do you just plan on showing up in a suit and letting me do all the work?”

He chuckled, his dimples deepening as he turned onto his side, facing her. “I wanna write my vows the night before. Just me, a glass of whiskey, and all my thoughts about you spilling out onto paper.”

Y/N had rolled her eyes. “You’d procrastinate on our wedding vows?”

Harry grinned, brushing his lips over hers. “You’d love ‘em anyway.”

And he was right. She would have.

She would have loved anything, as long as it was with him.

But now, standing in a dressing room, staring at herself in a dress that wasn’t even a wedding gown, it hit her. 

Still, every dress she tried on, she imagined what it would look like if Harry was standing beside her. If she was choosing a dress for him, for them.

And God, she hated that even after all these years, part of her still wanted that life with him.

The airport was bustling with the usual chaos—rolling suitcases, hurried announcements over the intercom, the hum of travelers moving toward their destinations. Y/N clutched her boarding pass, shifting her carry-on higher on her shoulder as she navigated through the crowd.

She had traveled alone before, but this time felt different. There was an unshakable feeling in her chest, something stirring beneath the surface. Maybe it was just wedding nerves, maybe it was seeing Mal walk down the aisle, maybe it was the inevitable string of questions about when she would settle down.

Or maybe it was something else entirely.

The flight was smooth, and she spent most of it staring out the window, watching the clouds shift below her. Her mind wandered, drifting through old memories, old conversations, old pieces of herself that she thought she had let go of. But that was the thing about love—about Harry. It never really left.

After landing, she gathered her luggage and stepped out into the crisp air. The venue for Mal’s wedding was a dreamy countryside estate, nestled just far enough away from the city to feel like a secluded fairytale.

The car ride from the airport was quiet, scenic views rolling past the window as she watched the world blur by. When the car finally pulled up to the venue, her breath caught.

The estate was stunning—classic architecture with ivy climbing up the stone, fairy lights already twinkling along the pathways. It was exactly the kind of place she and Harry used to talk about for their own wedding.

She sighed, pushing the thought away as she stepped out of the car.

Before she could grab her bags, an excited squeal filled the air.

“You’re here!”

Y/N turned just in time to see Mal rushing toward her in a sundress and bare feet, arms outstretched.

She barely had time to drop her bag before Mal threw herself into her arms, squeezing her tight. Y/N laughed, hugging her back. “I told you I was coming.”

“I know, but now you’re actually here!” Mal pulled back, her eyes sparkling. “Come on, I need to show you everything! The venue, the flowers, my dress—I have so much to tell you.”

Y/N grinned, letting Mal drag her toward the estate, momentarily allowing herself to get lost in the excitement.

For now, she focused on the wedding, on Mal’s happiness.

What she didn’t know was that somewhere inside this very venue, Harry Styles had also just arrived.

Y/N followed Mal through the estate, taking in the stunning surroundings—the sprawling gardens, the delicate string lights woven through the trees, the elegant reception area where tables were already being set up with crisp linens and gold accents. It was breathtaking, the kind of wedding Mal had always dreamed of.

“I know it’s a little over the top,” Mal said, grinning as she led Y/N toward the main hall. “But Ethan wanted something classic and romantic, and honestly, who was I to argue? I’m marrying the love of my life—I’d say I’m winning here.”

Y/N laughed. “It’s perfect, Mal. Seriously. It’s like something out of a movie.”

Mal gave her an approving nod before looping her arm through Y/N’s. “Speaking of perfect—are you sure you don’t want me to set you up with someone at the wedding? Ethan has some very attractive friends.”

Y/N groaned. “Mal—”

“Okay, okay! Just saying. No pressure.” Mal smirked. “But I do expect you to have at least one fun, flirty dance with someone. It’s a wedding, Y/N. You deserve a little romance.”

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll think about it.”

They stepped inside the main hall, where final touches were still being put together—florists arranging centerpieces, staff preparing tables. It was a flurry of beautiful chaos.

And then, just as Y/N turned to say something to Mal, she heard his voice.

“Mal?”

The world around her froze.

That voice. That voice.

Slowly, she turned her head, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes landed on him.

Harry.

He stood just a few feet away, looking exactly like she remembered and somehow entirely different all at once. His hair was shorter than it had been back then, but still slightly tousled, his sharp jawline even more defined. He was dressed casually in a white button-down, sleeves rolled up, tattoos peeking through. But it was his eyes—those familiar, heartbreakingly green eyes—that sent a shock through her system.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Neither of them breathed.

Mal, oblivious to the sudden tension, grinned and rushed toward him. “There you are! I was wondering when you’d get here.”

Harry tore his gaze away from Y/N, hugging Mal briefly. “Yeah, just got in. Thought I’d check in before the rehearsal.”

Mal beamed, then gestured between them. “You remember Y/N, right?”

Harry’s gaze flickered back to her, something unreadable flashing across his face. His lips parted, and for the first time in five years, he spoke her name.

“Y/N.”

It wasn’t a question. It wasn’t casual. It was heavy with everything unsaid.

Y/N forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat, to keep herself steady.

“Harry.”

The air between them was thick, the past pressing in on them like a ghost.

Mal, still completely unaware, clapped her hands together. “Oh, this is perfect! You two already know each other! Harry is one of Ethan’s best mates, and I was just about to tell Y/N she should have a dance with someone at the wedding.”

Y/N nearly choked.

Harry’s lips twitched, the ghost of a smirk playing there, but his eyes stayed locked on hers.

Mal grinned between them. “Okay, I have a million things to do, but you two should catch up! I’ll find you later, Y/N.”

Before Y/N could protest, Mal was gone, leaving her standing there with him.

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Harry cleared his throat, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

Y/N let out a soft, breathy laugh, shaking her head. “Yeah. Same.”

And just like that, the past wasn’t so far away anymore.

The silence between them stretched for a moment, thick with years of unsaid words and lingering memories. Y/N could feel her pulse in her ears, her heart slamming against her ribcage as she tried to figure out what the hell she was supposed to say to the man who had once been her whole world.

Then, Harry’s lips parted, and his voice was softer than she expected. “You look beautiful.”

The words sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn’t just polite small talk, it was genuine. His gaze lingered on her like he was memorizing every detail, like he was seeing her for the first time all over again.

Y/N swallowed, shifting her weight slightly. “Thanks,” she said, her voice coming out quieter than she intended. She forced herself to shake off the nerves, tilting her head as she took him in. “You cut your hair.”

Harry let out a small chuckle, running a hand through the shorter strands. “Yeah. Needed a change, I guess.”

She nodded, her eyes flickering over him, the tattoos on his arms more defined, his shoulders broader, his presence somehow even more commanding than it had been back then. But beyond all that, there was something else—something settled in his expression, in the way he carried himself. He had changed.

“Looks good,” she admitted.

A small smirk tugged at his lips. “Yeah? Thought you liked it long.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, a familiar warmth creeping up her spine. “I did. But you pull this off, too.”

Harry laughed, a sound that sent a flicker of something dangerous through her chest. “High praise, then.”

She exhaled, crossing her arms over her chest as she studied him. “You’ve been busy,” she said, her voice even. “The albums, the movies… you’ve done everything you said you would.”

Harry’s expression softened, his hands still tucked into his pockets. “Yeah,” he murmured. “I guess I have.”

Y/N nodded, a small, bittersweet smile pulling at her lips. “I’m happy for you, Harry. Really.”

He held her gaze, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes. “Thanks, love.” The old term of endearment slipped out effortlessly, like it had never left his vocabulary, like five years hadn’t passed.

Y/N’s breath caught for just a second, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she offered a small smile and looked away, focusing on the wedding preparations happening around them.

“So,” Harry said after a moment, rocking back on his heels. “What about you?”

Y/N turned back to him, raising a brow. “What about me?”

His gaze was steady. “How’ve you been?”

There was something in the way he asked—something deeper, something careful.

She hesitated, then shrugged. “Good. Life’s been… steady. Work, friends, the usual.”

Harry’s lips pressed together like he wanted to ask more, but before he could, a voice called his name from across the room.

Ethan, the groom.

Harry glanced over his shoulder, giving a small nod in acknowledgment before turning back to her. “I should probably—”

Y/N nodded quickly, stepping back. “Yeah, of course.”

He hesitated, then gave her a small, lingering smile. “It’s really good to see you, Y/N.”

She swallowed, her heart doing something stupid in her chest. “You too, Harry.”

And just like that, he was gone, walking toward Ethan, blending into the crowd like he hadn’t just turned her world upside down all over again.

Y/N wanted to scream.

Scream in anger for the way he had just waltzed back into her life like five years hadn’t passed, like he hadn’t left her lying awake at night, wondering if she would ever stop missing him.

Scream in joy because—God help her—she had missed him. Seeing him again had ignited something in her chest. 

But instead, she took a shaky breath, pulled out her phone, and opened her messages.

Y/N: Naomi. Emergency.

A few seconds later, the typing bubbles appeared.

Naomi: Omg what happened?? Did someone spill wine on Mal’s dress? Did you trip in heels?

Y/N: Harry. Is. Here.

A long pause. Then:

Naomi: I’m sorry. WHAT.

Y/N: HE IS HERE. AS IN, PHYSICALLY PRESENT. IN THE SAME ROOM AS ME.

Naomi: WHAT THE HELL. HOW. WHY. ARE YOU BREATHING.

Y/N: BARELY.

She could practically hear Naomi screaming through the phone screen.

Naomi: Start from the beginning. How did it happen??

Y/N exhaled sharply, moving to a quieter corner of the venue as she leaned against a column, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

Y/N: I was with Mal, she was showing me around, and then I heard his voice. I turned around and there he was. Just standing there like he wasn’t about to send me into cardiac arrest.

Naomi: Holy. Shit.

Y/N: He told me I looked beautiful.

Naomi: YOU’RE KIDDING ME.

Y/N: I WISH I WAS.

Naomi: What else did he say??

Y/N hesitated, biting her lip before typing:

Y/N: We talked a little. He asked about me. I told him I was happy for him. It was… weird. Like no time had passed, but also like a lifetime had.

Naomi: Oh my god. Are you okay? Like, genuinely?

Y/N let out a breath, staring at the screen for a long moment before responding.

Y/N: I don’t know.

Naomi didn’t respond right away, and for once, Y/N was grateful. Because she really didn’t know.

Naomi finally responded after a long pause.

Naomi: Do you need me to fly out there? Because I will.

Y/N smiled slightly, shaking her head even though Naomi couldn’t see her.

Y/N: No, you’re off the hook. I’ll survive.

Naomi: Will you?

That was the real question, wasn’t it? Would she survive this? Would she survive seeing Harry, being near him, pretending that it didn’t shake her to her core?

Before she could respond, Mal’s voice rang through the hall.

“There you are!” Mal rushed up to Y/N, her eyes bright. “I need you to come to the rehearsal dinner in like, twenty minutes. Bridesmaid duties. You’re sitting at the head table, by the way.”

Y/N blinked, still slightly disoriented from everything that had just happened. “Wait—what?”

Mal rolled her eyes. “You’re basically my sister, of course you’re sitting with me. Ethan’s groomsmen will be there too, obviously.” She paused, her expression turning smug. “Including Harry.”

Y/N felt her stomach drop. “Mal.”

Mal grinned innocently. “What? You two used to know each other. Might as well catch up.”

Y/N groaned, rubbing a hand over her face. She quickly looked at her phone. 

Naomi: Why do I feel like something is about to go down?

Y/N sighed, typing back.

Y/N: Because it probably is.

She locked her phone and exhaled deeply.her.

Y/N stopped in her tracks, gripping Mal’s arm before she could walk off. “Mal.”

Mal turned, eyebrows raised. “What?”

Y/N took a deep breath, her heart pounding. “Harry… he’s the ex.”

Mal blinked, not catching on immediately. “What do you mean ‘the ex’?”

Y/N stared at her, her throat tightening. “The ex, Mal. The one I never got over.”

Mal’s jaw dropped. “Wait. Wait. Harry is that Harry?”

Y/N just nodded, feeling her stomach twist.

Mal’s eyes widened in horror. “Y/N! Why didn’t you tell me?! I just—oh my God—I just forced you into sitting at a table with him! I basically told you to flirt with your ex-boyfriend!”

Y/N let out a weak laugh, rubbing her temples. “Yeah. You did.”

Mal looked genuinely panicked, placing her hands on Y/N’s shoulders. “Okay, do you want me to change the seating? I can put you somewhere else. I can banish him to the other side of the room if you want.”

Y/N hesitated, her heart a mess of emotions. Every logical part of her was screaming yes, but deep down, there was something else. A tiny part of her—one she wanted to ignore—knew she wasn’t ready to run from this.

She swallowed hard. “No… don’t change anything.”

Mal searched her face. “Are you sure?”

Y/N exhaled slowly. “No. If I’ve spent the last five years surviving without him, I can survive one dinner.”

Mal groaned, shaking her head. “I cannot believe I was the one to unknowingly throw you into this situation.”

Y/N gave her a small smile. “It’s not your fault. I never really talk about him.”

Mal frowned. “That should’ve been my first clue.”

They stood there for a moment before Mal squeezed her hands. “Okay. If at any point you need an out, just say the word, and I’ll stage an emergency.”

Y/N smiled despite the nerves in her chest. “Thanks, Mal.”

Mal smirked. “And for what it’s worth… the way he looked at you earlier? Yeah. That man is not over you either.”

Y/N’s breath caught, but before she could respond, Mal looped her arm through hers and started leading her toward the dining hall.

“Alright, let’s get this over with.”

Y/N walked into the rehearsal dinner with Mal, her stomach twisting into knots. The dining hall was breathtaking—soft candlelight flickered across the elegantly decorated tables, and laughter filled the room as guests mingled. It should have felt warm, exciting, celebratory. Instead, it felt like she was walking straight into the eye of a storm.

Her eyes scanned the head table, and sure enough, there he was.

Harry sat near Ethan, laughing at something one of the other groomsmen said. He looked relaxed, at ease, but the second his gaze flickered up and landed on her, something shifted. His smile faltered—just for a second—before he quickly masked it. But Y/N caught it.

And it made her chest tighten.

“Breathe,” Mal whispered in her ear.

Y/N inhaled deeply, forcing a polite smile as Mal pulled her toward her seat.

“Alright, everyone, take your seats!” Ethan’s voice rang out, and people began settling in.

Y/N’s heart pounded as she approached her spot at the table. As fate would have it, she was seated directly across from Harry.

Of course she was.

Mal slid into her chair beside her, oblivious to the internal battle raging inside Y/N’s head. Or maybe she wasn’t—because when Y/N hesitated for half a second too long, Mal gave her a subtle nudge.

Y/N had no choice but to sit.

As soon as she did, the table conversation picked up, and for a few moments, she thought maybe she could get through this dinner unscathed. But then—

“You look nice.”

The deep, familiar voice sent a shiver down her spine.

She looked up, and there he was. Harry. Looking right at her.

For a second, she forgot how to breathe.

She cleared her throat, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thanks,” she murmured. “You do too.”

He gave a small smile, but there was something behind his eyes—something hesitant, something unsure.

Ethan, oblivious to the tension, clapped a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Mate, did you know Y/N used to date a musician?”

Y/N nearly choked on her drink.

Harry’s brows lifted slightly, amusement flickering across his face. “Oh?”

Ethan grinned. “Yeah! I don’t think she ever got over him, asshole broke up with her to go fuck around.”

Mal visibly cringed. “Ethan—”

Y/N wanted the ground to swallow her whole.

Harry’s gaze was steady, his lips twitching like he was fighting back a smirk. He looked at her, his voice smooth as ever.

“Yeah?” he mused. “Wonder what happened to him.”

Y/N shot him a glare across the table, her face burning, while Mal reached for Ethan’s hand and squeezed it in warning.

Ethan frowned, confused for a second before realization dawned on his face. His eyes darted between Harry and Y/N, his mouth dropping open. “Wait—no way.”

Y/N groaned, covering her face. Mal let out a nervous laugh, while Harry just sat back, looking far too amused.

Ethan whistled low. “Wow. Okay. This just got interesting.”

Y/N peeked up at Harry, who was still watching her with that unreadable look in his eyes.

Ethan finally shut up after a pointed glare from Mal, and conversation around the table shifted away from Y/N’s romantic history—or rather, her history with Harry Styles. But the damage had already been done.

Y/N felt the weight of Harry’s gaze every so often, his eyes flickering toward her between conversations, his expression unreadable. She did everything in her power to ignore it, to focus on the food, on Mal’s wedding plans, on anything but the fact that Harry was sitting across from her, looking like a damn dream, completely unbothered by the chaos he had just walked into.

Eventually, the dinner plates were cleared, and drinks were passed around. Mal and Ethan stood to give a short thank-you speech, and while everyone was clapping and toasting, Y/N took the opportunity to slip outside for some air.

She stepped onto the balcony, the cool evening breeze brushing against her skin. She exhaled slowly, gripping the railing, trying to steady herself.

The air was crisp outside, a welcome contrast to the warmth and noise of the rehearsal dinner. Y/N gripped the railing, inhaling deeply, trying to calm the storm brewing in her chest.

She heard the door creak open behind her, followed by the familiar sound of footsteps.

“Running away already?”

She closed her eyes briefly before turning her head. Harry stood there, hands in his pockets, watching her with that same unreadable expression.

“Not running,” she murmured. “Just… breathing.”

He hummed in response, stepping closer until he was beside her, leaning against the railing. Their shoulders barely touched, but the proximity sent a ripple through her.

Silence settled between them, the weight of five years pressing down on both of them.

Harry exhaled, his fingers tapping lightly against the wood. “I tried.”

Y/N frowned slightly, turning to look at him. “Tried what?”

His jaw tightened for a brief moment before he met her gaze. His voice was steady, quiet. “To find something that felt like this.”

Her breath caught.

“Like us.”

The words settled between them, thick and heavy, cutting through the cool night air like a blade.

Y/N swallowed, her fingers tightening around the railing. She should say something—anything—but her mind was blank, her heart betraying her with how hard it was pounding in her chest.

Instead, she forced herself to look away, staring out at the dark horizon. “Did you?”

A beat of silence. Then, just as softly—

“No.”

The quiet stretched between them, filled with everything they weren’t saying.

Y/N closed her eyes briefly, exhaling through her nose. “Harry…”

He let out a quiet, bitter laugh, shaking his head. “I know.”

But he didn’t move.

And neither did she.

The weight of his words sat between them, thick and unmoving. Y/N stared out at the night sky, her grip on the railing tightening.

She had waited.

For months. For years.

She had waited for the moment when he would come back, when the universe would prove him right—that if they were meant to be, they’d find their way back to each other.

But he never came.

And so, she had forced herself to move on, to let go of the idea of him and the promises they had made.

Except now, here he was. Standing beside her, his presence as overwhelming as ever.

She turned to him then, her voice quieter, but firm. “You told me if we were meant to be, we’d find our way back.”

Harry inhaled sharply, his gaze locking onto hers. “I remember.”

Her throat tightened. “I waited, Harry.”

A shadow crossed his face, pain flickering in his eyes. “I know.” His voice was barely above a whisper.

She shook her head slightly. “I told myself I wouldn’t. That I couldn’t. But I did anyway.” She swallowed, the emotions she had buried for so long threatening to surface. “And the thing is… I didn’t have to let you fight for me.” She met his gaze, steady and unflinching. “Because you were always the one.”

Harry’s breath hitched, his hands curling into fists at his sides like he was physically restraining himself from reaching for her.

She didn’t look away.

“I was yours, Harry,” she whispered. “Always.”

Harry let out a sharp exhale, his chest rising and falling unevenly. He looked like he wanted to say something—needed to—but the words wouldn’t come.

Instead, he did what he had always done.

He looked at her like she was his entire world.

The space between them was thick with tension, a storm neither of them could outrun. Y/N’s heart pounded, her breath coming in uneven waves as she tried to steady herself.

Harry looked wrecked, his hands twitching at his sides like he was holding himself back, like the only thing keeping him from reaching for her was the fear that she’d pull away.

“I thought about coming back a million times,” he admitted, his voice raw. “But every time I convinced myself it was too late. That you’d moved on, that I’d lost my chance.”

Y/N exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “I waited for you, Harry.” Her voice cracked, but she didn’t care. “You said if we were meant to be, we’d find our way back. And I believed you.” She swallowed hard. 

His jaw tensed, pain flashing in his eyes. “I was scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“That you deserved better than someone who left you.” His voice was barely above a whisper, like he hated himself for even saying it. “Scared that if I came back, I’d ruin you all over again.”

Y/N’s throat tightened, her emotions bubbling too close to the surface. “And what about me?” she whispered. “Did you ever think about what it did to me when you didn’t come back?”

Harry flinched like she had physically struck him. He took a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair before looking at her again, his green eyes burning into hers. “I never stopped thinking about you, Y/N. Not for a single day.”

She sucked in a breath, her hands trembling at her sides. “Why now, Harry?”

His gaze didn’t waver. “Because I can’t pretend anymore. I can’t stand in the same room as you and act like I don’t still love you.”

Y/N’s heart slammed against her ribs. “You—”

“I love you.” His voice was steady, sure. “I never stopped.”

A strangled breath escaped her lips. Every wall she had built over the years, every defense she had tried to put up—it all crumbled in an instant.

Because she loved him, too.

She always had.

And maybe she always would.

Before she could stop herself, before she could think about the consequences, she surged forward, her hands gripping his face as she crashed her lips against his.

Harry let out a soft, surprised sound before sinking into her, his hands flying to her waist, pulling her closer, like he had been starving for her.

The kiss was desperate, aching, filled with everything they had lost, everything they had missed, everything that still burned between them.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless and shaken, Harry rested his forehead against hers, his hands still firm on her waist.

“Tell me it’s not too late,” he whispered, his voice barely holding together.

Y/N’s hands trembled as she cupped his face, her thumb brushing against his cheek.

“It was never too late,” she whispered back.

Harry let out a shaky breath, his forehead still resting against hers. His grip on her waist tightened, like he was afraid she’d disappear if he let go.

Y/N felt the warmth of his skin, the way his chest rose and fell in sync with hers, and for the first time in years, she felt like she could breathe.

She pulled back just enough to look at him, her fingers still cradling his face. His green eyes were glassy, searching hers for something—reassurance, hope, maybe even forgiveness.

“I can’t do this again if you’re not sure, Harry,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I barely survived losing you once.”

Harry shook his head instantly, his hands cupping the small of her back, holding her like he never wanted to let go. “I’m sure,” he said, his voice firm. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

Y/N let out a shaky laugh, blinking away the tears that threatened to spill. “You say that now.”

“I say that because I know what it’s like without you.” He swallowed hard, brushing his thumb over her cheek. “I’ve spent five years trying to figure out who I am, trying to find something that felt even remotely close to what we had. And I couldn’t.”

Her breath hitched, and she let her hands drop from his face to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palms.

“So what now?” she murmured.

Harry gave her a small, almost nervous smile. “Now I prove to you that I mean it.”

Y/N felt something crack open inside her, something she had kept locked away since the day he left.

Before she could second-guess herself, before doubt could creep in, she nodded. “Okay.”

Harry’s face softened, and he let out a breath of relief. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

A slow, almost disbelieving grin spread across his face before he leaned in again, pressing the gentlest, most reverent kiss against her lips—like he was sealing a promise.

Y/N melted into him, her fingers curling into his shirt, anchoring herself to him, to this.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t easy.

But it was them.

[badbleepxx]

Twist of Events [H.S.]

Request: Frat boy Harry likes a shy girl, but is mean to her at parties bc he’s keeping up his popularity and fuck boy / frat boy status, but eventually he realizes he’s being stupid and gets all sweet and soft with her ❤️

Pairing: Harry Styles x Reader Word Count: 3,212 Please don’t plagiarize my work!

Notes: I will be writing a second part to “Just A Fantasy” but I really needed to get this out of my system. So, enjoy.

“So…”

Continuar lendo

[badbleepxx]

Need You.

Author’s Note: Hello! After answering tons and tons of asks, and explaining how Tumblr had deleted the second part “Please Stay” to my one shot named “Only If” for god knows what reasons. I had to do this for you guys. I stopped writing years ago, and but kept my masterlist open for you to come and read my writings whenever you wish to. Trust me, this was so effing difficult for me to do! but I’m kind of proud that I removed the time and managed it. but let me inform you it’s not the same, because I do not remember what happened in the original one clearly. I hope this is a better and hopefully more well-written (amongst my other writings *cringe*) version of the old one.

It’s not proof read. I haven’t edited it, so I’m sorry in advance for the typos. 

So, guys, gals and non-binary pals, I present to you (apology for it being light years late) the part two to your favourite little creation of mine “Only If”, with a new identity… please welcome “Need You”!

Do let me know how it makes you feel in the ask box or comment section. I love reading them. Happy Reading!

Word Count: 5K

Warnings: tons of angst with tons of fluff, sensitive harry???? (or do you guys call it sub!harry nowadays??) anyways it’s a cute!harry :P !

Continuar lendo

[badbleepxx]

A Moment In Time

Synopsis: One where Harry's Swiftie daughter finally gets to meet her favourite and see her perform live.

Here's Pt2 to this after 1.5years | More of my work

It was a random Wednesday day and Harry and Moon at Harry Lambert's studio.

They were going to The Eras Tour!!!

Moon was ecstatic would be an understatement to say. She wanted a green folklore dress like Taylor's to wear at the Wembley Night three. So her dad found the very next person to reach out to for a custom dress for his little princess.

"It twickles!" She chuckled as Lambert took her measurements, making sure to leave quite a margin as she is a growing kid and the show was a month and a half ahead.

"Yeah? Does it tickle here?" Lambert tickled her tummy a bit making her burst into laughter.

Then later Moon went out with her dad on a little lunch date. She wanted Fish and chips and that's what she got.

......................................................................

It was finally the concert day. Moon was already hyped up for everything. They even went merch shopping. They couldn't find anything in her size except for nail charms there.

Moon carried along her VIP pass on a lanyard too long for her and her noise cancelling headphones which matched her dress. Yes, her Papa bought her VIP tickets.

The show kicked off and they all danced, sang and had a great time all together.

Moon was particularly ecstatic when she saw she was matching with Taylor with the very similar Folklore dress. Taylor of course noticed it during her 22 set.

"Mummy look!" Moon showed her mum how Taylor danced during August, using her cape sleeves like wings just like her favourite.

Harry's fans there were particularly in awe of the little girl. Surprisingly, they did not take pictures of her or any sneaky videos. They were all very respectful as YN and Harry have kept their daughter away from the lime light.

Moon was over the moon one can say when she saw Taylor wearing the same dress as hers during August. "Mummy she's wearing the same dress as me!" The little girl screamed in excitement asking her mother to pick her up so she could have a look at her favourite performing on the stage well.

"Yeah!" YN cooed as picked up her girl and propped her up on her hip.

.........................................................................

It was the end of the show and Harry was guiding his girl back out when Andrea, Taylor's mum stopped them.

"Hi, Harry." She greeted him, "Taylor said she would like to meet your daughter at the back stage now."

Moon was all tired and a bit grumpy already as she clung on her mother, still with her noise cancelling headphones on and her bunny close to her chest. She had no idea what was going on as her mother and dad took her back stage. Taylor was there, still in her Midnights body suit.

"Moonie look who's here." YN cooed to her daughter softly, making the little girl pick her head up to look at her favourite.

"Hi little one!" Taylor said softly.

"Taylor!" It was like Moon had two shots of espresso all of a sudden when she saw Taylor, she was quick to jump in her arms with a bear hug.

"Oh you're so sweet!" Taylor hugged her back. "I like your dress. It's so pretty."

"Yeah, it's like yours!" Moon said she looked down at her dress.

"It suits you better I can say." Blondie said. "Your dad told me how much you like my music, that means so much to me."

"Yes, I like Love Story, Me, and Lover!" Moon listed out a few songs she likes. "Papa wikes to sing it to Mummy and me sometimes."

"Awe that's so sweet, isn't it!" Taylor chuckle softly. "Thank you for listening to my songs." She hugged the little girl again.

Taylor gave Moon so many gifts. Harry made sure to inform Taylor that his daughter is a big fan of hers. Taylor made the meet much so special with custom merch for Moon.

A little 22 hat, and a small Junior Jules shirt, with a pair of black jean shorts, a few tour hoodies made in her size and few sizes larger so she can grow into them. A few friendship bracelets for her, which Taylor made herself. And a few candies and chocolates, which Taylor made sure with her parents first before giving it to her.

"I made these myself for you." She helped Moon wear the bracelets.

And little did Taylor know, Moon had a few gifts for Taylor too.

"Mummy the gift, pwease!" She looked up at her mother. It was just a little cat with a picture Moon drew herself and a friendship bracelet too.

"Oh my gosh! You made these?" Taylor was in utter surprise. The little bracelets said, 'Moons BFF" and "Bestie" respectively. "You drew this?"

"Yes!" Moon exclaimed, "dunno if you would wanna wear it but I made it." She added shyly.

"Of course I want to wear it." Taylor instantly put on the bracelets, "oh and I love this picture so much!"

"Yeah? This is Moon and this is you!" She pointed at two stick figures with yellow hair, one with blue eyes and one with green eyes. Stick figure Taylor had a black mic in her hand. "And it says, I wuv your swongs and I admire you so much!" And it said the same thing indeed in messy and colourful writing.

"You are amazing." Taylor hugged Moon again, she was a bit emotional to say the least. "I am gonna cherish this forever, thank you so much. You are such an amazing artist."

"Thank you so much." Moon blushed shyly making everyone chuckle.

"You wanna take pictures together on my Polaroid?" Taylor asked. Moon of course said yes.

Taylor kept one with her and gave one to Moon with a little message on the back.

It was the best night for Moon.

YN only hoped she could remember it when she grows up, but her parents would forever remember the same for her. Moon spent three hours with Taylor that evening, they had dinner together later that night.

Moon definitely thought Taylor was going to be her best friend forever and ever that she asked her to call her whenever she is free, surprisingly Taylor agreed to that. That made Moon ever more happier.

....................................................................................

Moon was fast asleep in the car when they all got home, she was exhausted.

It was the next morning when her dad surprised her with her favourite breakfast, which was pancakes with her favourite fruits.

"Mummy." She walked up to her mum in her office with sleepy eyes for cuddles.

"Good morning my baby." YN was quick to pull her up in her lap.

"Mornin." She mumbled. "What are you doing Mummy?"

"I am just taking care of a few things baby." She explained to her.

"Oh." Was her only reaction.

"Are you still tired?"

"Mhmm." She nodded and nuzzled closer to YN's chest and tried to sleep again but she could smell the delicious pancakes her dad was making in the kitchen. "Pancakes?"

"Yes, Papa is making Pancakes for you." YN shared, "do you want to go brush your teeth and your hair and eat pancakes?"

"Mhmm." She seemed a bit upset and YN didn't know why.

She let her daughter be for a while as she helped the little girl brush her teeth and hair before they headed out for breakfast.

"Hi my loves. Good morning." Harry chirped as he went and kissed his wife first on the mouth and then his princess. YN set her on her high chair as she went to help him.

"I don't know why she seems a bit upset." She whispered to her husband.

"No, why?" He seemed puzzled about it.

"I don't know..."

Harry went to his daughter with a plate of pancakes, he had made a little smile face the blue berry jam and cut up little strawberry hearts for the eyes, syrup and extra fruits on the side.

"Hey princess what got you so upset?" He cooed to her, "did you see a nightmare?"

"No." She mumbled, "I saw we went to see Taylor and there were a lot of her friends there, she gave me so many gifts."

"Oh baby you thought that was a dream?" Harry tried so hard to hold back his chuckle.

"Mhmm." She looked down at her plate with sad and teary eyes.

"Oh no, can I share something with you?" Harry asked making her look up at him, "it was all real my darling. Here." He walked up to the coffee table in their living room to get the basket of goodies and the Polaroid.

The instant smile on her face put her parents heart into ease.

"It all happened, really." YN assured her. "We took off the bracelets because we didn't want you to scratch yourself in sleep." She gave the little girl the bracelets.

And she was happy again.

They spent the rest of their day watching movies and preparing and making an elaborate dinner to invite Grandma Anne and Aunty Gemma.

@vrittivsanghavi @buckymydarlingangel @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @sleutherclaw @melllinaa @michellekstyles @sunshinemoonsposts @marialikescherries @onlyangelrain @supersanelyromantic @haarrrys @originalsoulcollector @lomlhstyles @im-an-overthinker @tenaciousperfectionunknown @stilesissaved @allthelovehes @sunshinemoonsposts @harryssky1 @sofia-faustina @stylesfever @reputationolivia @kittenhere

[badbleepxx]

life goes on

summary - just a tiny blurb of post tour engagement talk

a/n : this contains a very brief mention of cancer, so be aware of that xx

word count : ~1k

pairing : boyfriend!harry x reader

The sun was setting just down past the mountains.

It had been a busy day and everyone was exhausted. You had all gone on a couple of yachts out to sea to dolphin watch and then come back and swam in the sea onshore.

After the end of tour, Harry had invited all of his family out to spend a month together in his gorgeous Italian house in the countryside. It was perfect for everyone, because it had endless garden land, a hot tub and a large swimming pool. It was a great house for the kids.

Harry’s family’s children were hear, and could be currently heard running around the garden with Nerf guns Uncle Harry had bought them to play with.

Currently, everyone was sat outside on the large patio area. There were bean bags, L-shaped sofas and other various comfortable chairs for people to sit on and none were spare.

“H?” Gemma asked, “Where’s Y/N?”

“Toilet I think.” Harry answered.

“When are you and Y/N getting married then, H?” Harry’s uncle, Dave, asked.

Harry laughed in shock and a few people cheered to that idea.

A lot of people were nursing beers and a few others with various cocktails they’d made for themselves. You had helped Harry set up a help-yourself bar for everyone to make whatever they wanted.

Harry himself had a Corona in hand, with a lime in the top because apparently that’s the best way you take it.

“Oh, let them be!” Anne shushed her brother up. “They’re still in their honeymoon phase.”

Anne watched as her son got all shy, blushing as he thought about how in love he was with you. Anne smiled, knowing her boy would always be happy with you by his side.

“They’ve been in that phase for six years now. The poor girl will run if he doesn’t ask soon.” Dave piped up again.

“Y/N can ask me too, y’know.” Harry suggested, shrugging his shoulders.

“We all know you’re too romantic to let Y/N do that.” Someone else piped up, to which they all agreed.

“Heyy!” Harry protested, but deep down he knew they were right.

Harry had always wanted to get to ask you the big question. Being engaged and looking forward to his own wedding has been something he has looked forward to, ever since watching his first romcom.

Harry won’t settle for giving you anything less than the perfect proposal.

“I do want to be alive to see you get married, love.” Harry’s nan, Marge, chimed in, making everyone laugh.

“You will be, nan. I promise.” Harry held up his beer in promise to his nan. “And anyways, why aren’t you all nagging at Gem - whom is also still not married.”

Harry knew exactly why.

“Don’t believe in marriage, H.” Gem said. “Plus Michal says it’s too difficult choosing a ring.”

“That is true.” Michal nodded and agreed, making Gemma laugh and cuddle closer into his side on the sofa.

Harry looked at them and then towards the house, missing you after only two minutes. He wondered where you were.

“Have you gone ring shopping yet, H?” One of Harry’s aunts, Linda, asked.

“Yes.” Harry shot his head back around to face the conversation.

“Is it going to break the bank?” Dave asked.

“Nothing could dent that boys bank, Dave.” Linda laughed.

Harry smiled along, knowing the ring safely tucked away in his suitcase was just what you had asked for. It had been a reasonable price and it’s beauty outshone everything else.

“Y/N trusts me to pick out the right ring.”

“Good lad.” Dave nodded onto Harry.

“Excuse me a minute.”

Harry put his beer down on the floor and left his family to go in search of you.

He wandered into the house and because it was very open, he was able to tell you weren’t downstairs. He shouted your name up the stairs, but no one responded.

“Babe?” He called again, standing at the bottom of the stairs.

He was getting worried now and ran up the stairs two at a time. He wandered down the hall and straight into your shared bedroom.

No one was on the bed and no one was in the bathroom.

“Y/N?” Harry shouted again, a little more sternly this time. “Where the fuck is—”

He looked in and out of all bedrooms upstairs and the bathrooms too, but no sign of you.

As Harry rushed back down the stairs and opened the front door. He was ready to shout your name again when he saw you sitting the hammock by the front garden gate alone.

He closes the front door and furrowed his eyebrows as he walked quickly over to you.

“Baby? Where have you been?” He asked, dodging in between the cars as made his way to you.

You looked up at him and smiled, but it was one that did not reach your eyes.

Harry watched as you brought a small tissue up to your noses and wipe underneath. He put together, as he moved closer towards you, that you had been crying.

“Baby…” Harry said softly, coming down to crouch in front of you.

You swallowed a lump in the back of your throat and rolled your eyes at your own emotions. Harry was nothing but patient with you, waiting for you to gather up whatever thoughts you wanted to say.

Harry stayed crouched down in front of you, hands clasping yours to stop you from picking away at the skin by your nails - a nasty habit he was constantly telling you off for.

“It’s my mum. She’s back in hospital.” You sadly smiles, watching Harry’s face drop too.

Harry let out a tut and a heavy sigh, sagging his head in sadness.

“Cancer came back. She’s been in for a month and has only just told me.” Your words started to come out in splutters towards the end of your sentence as you began to cry again. “Fuck, m’sorry.”

Harry popped his head at your apology. “No, don’t you start apologising for things that don’t need an apology. Don’t care that this is celebrating post tour. All I care about is you and seeing that smile on your face. If you haven’t got a smile today, that’s okay but we’ll work together to put one back there again.”

You nodded your head in understanding.

Harry moved to sit next to you, laying you both down on the hammock. Harry sat so his feet still touched the floor, but you moved so your whole body was on the hammock and you could tuck yourself into his side. Harry rocked the two of you slowly and rubbed his hand up and down your back, whilst you closed your eyes and listened to the sound of Harry’s heartbeat.

“We can go see her when we’re back, can’t we?” You asked.

“Of course. Why do y’ask?”

“Just checking, in case you had music plans or anything.”

“Baby. You know I’m yours now for the foreseeable future.”

“I know.”

“We can go see her every day if you want.” Harry suggested, “And also. I don’t care what you say, I’m paying for any extra treatment and care to make sure she’s as comfortable as she can be.”

“Ha—”

“No I’m not arguing with you on this, love.”

“But…”

“Yeah, your butt is lovely, I know.” You could hear his smirk as he patted your ass lightly with his hand.

That put a little smile on your face anyways.

“Thank you.” You said softly.

“It’ll be your bank account someday soon too.”

And you smiled again, knowing the prospect of an engagement was soon approaching.