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hopefullylovelyxx · 4 years ago

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All The Same

Pt.2

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A/N: Sorry part two took a bit of time to write, but part 3 will be up way faster. I have some ideas for other other fics, so look out for that! Enjoy! :)

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Harry POV

Time never seems to go by at the speed in which you want it to. Whether it be fast from dread and anticipation, or slow from bliss and happiness. It always seems to go by at the opposite speed you desire. Right now I’m sitting in a chair outside of my boss’ office impatiently tapping my foot feeling like it’s been an hour when it’s barely been 5 minutes...well 4:36 but who’s counting.

I’ve spent the past couple days editing my photos and writing my article so I could give it to Hélène and hopefully get my position back sooner. So, I had Ella schedule me to have a meeting with Hélène first thing in the morning when she first arrives.

“Can I see it?” Ella nods over to the tan folder I have in my hand containing the copies of my article and photos.

“Nothing that’d interest you.”

Usually, I have Ella read my articles before submission, but this article isn’t anything too special and definitely not my favorite work. I just needed something good enough to please Hélène and I’m sure this will do.

“Come on, I have nothing better to do. She’s always late on Fridays anyways.”

I sigh and walk across the room to her desk and hand her the folder. She has a wide grin on her face as she takes it and empties its contents in front of her. I study her face as she looks at the photos but can’t tell if she’s impressed or not.

“This place looks amazing. The decor is awesome. There’s not a single theme, but it works.”

“Yeah it’s a giant mix of decades, color, and decoration but it’s pleasing to the eye.”

“Yeah, I wish you took photos closer up though. Have to squint to appreciate each part of the room.”

“Yeah yeah, just read the article.”

She rolls her eyes and grabs the article page. I feel more nervous as I watch her eyes travel along the paper. Her face is blank with a few grins here and there.

“H, I don’t know the whole story about what Hélène told you, but if this has to do with that...I think you should rethink this meeting.”

“What? Why?” I feel my heartbeat pick up and more nerves wash over me.

“I just think it’s obvious you didn’t want to write this article. I mean right here you said ‘I have no idea why people would want to live out here but at least their houses are aesthetically pleasing’.”

“Did I lie?”

“Harry, I know we pretend to hate each other, but I don’t want you to actually ruin your career. Rewrite the article.”

“I can’t rewrite it!”

“Well you can’t give this shitty opinion piece to her!”

“It’s not an opinion piece!”

“Then explain why half the article is you shitting on this girl’s house.”

“I didn’t shit on it. I just stated flaws.”

Right as she opens her mouth to respond Hélène walks in and says “Oh, Harry what a surprise.” “Good Morning Ms. Pambrun I was hoping I could have a meeting with you right now?” I feel Ella glaring at me but I just keep my eyes straight ahead.

“Ella when’s my first meeting?”

“Not until 9:15”

“Perfect, follow me.”

Ella hands me the file and has an annoyed look on her face. “I warned you.” I reply, “And when everything is fine I’ll tell you ‘I told you so’.”

~~~~~~

“Harry this is the worst article I think I’ve ever had a writer give me. It’s incredibly biased. You didn’t even get to know the girl you wrote about. Your photos don’t highlight any part of the room. They’re just pictures of someones house. I want photos of homes. The lack of passion and obvious rushing is disappointing and I expected more from you.”

“Ms. Pambrun, I drove 4 hours to some random town in the middle of nowhere. I stayed at hotels for 3 days and tried finding people to interview all day everyday. I spent a whole day with this girl. I can assure you, I put time and passion into it.”

“Mr. Styles, the way you’re talking about this town and this trip is telling me you definitely didn’t put enough time and passion into this project. I gave you 5 months for a reason. For you to get to know your interviewee, get to know their home, their town, and be able to reflect and relay that in your article.”

“I’m sorry Ms. Pambrun, I just really want my position back and I thought giving you the article early would help change your mind.”

“Harry, I should permanently demote you for this crime of an article. However, I know what you’re capable of. I’m excusing you from coming into the office everyday. I want you to be there full time, spend as much time with her as possible. Get to know her and her home. Neighbors and nature, everything. I’ll have Ella contact you when you need to come into the office and be Jack’s photographer. I don’t want to see you or this project until November, do you understand?”

“Yes, Ms. Pambrun. I’m sorry.”

I feel like a child apologizing for acting out at school. The reprimanding is fair but I just want my position back.

She excuses me and I walk out of her office. My eyes meet Ella’s and she has a smug look on her face. “I told you so.” I roll my eyes and walk out of the office, down to the elevator, and all the way home. What the fuck do I do now?

~~~~~~~~

Y/N POV

I feed the hens and water my plants letting my mind wander. The past few days it’s been wandering to the same person. What he’s doing and if he has these same thoughts about me. Then I remember he didn’t even ask for my number or address or anything. So he obviously didn’t care to keep in contact. Or maybe he just forgot to ask. Then I remember if he wanted to he would. I stop overthinking it and begin picking blueberries. There’s quite a lot so I’ll probably take a walk later and deliver them to my neighbors. That’s one of my favorite things living out here I guess. The little community we have and how we take care of one another. I give Meredith blueberries, she’ll give me apples, I give Leon lettuce he’ll give me potatoes, I give Rowan raspberries he’ll give me mushrooms. Or I sell at the towns farmers market and buy from the greater community there.

After picking all the ripe blueberries I wash them in the kitchen. I dry them and put them in the little biodegradable boxes I use to package my produce for selling. As I finish up my last box I hear a knock on the door. I walk to the door confused because Meredith usually tells me in advance if she’s coming over. I assume it’s another neighbor so I open the door with a smile. The moment I see him I feel my smile dissolve and I’m extremely confused.

“What are you doing here?” His eyebrows furrow and he responds “Happy to see you too.” I shake my head and say “Sorry I’m just confused. Um come in.” I step to the side and he walks in. “Oh boy do I have a story for you.” I close the door and say “I’m listening.”

He flops on the couch and I sit on the bean bag on the floor. Willow sits in my lap and I pet her as he begins. “So I spent days editing my photos right. Took a whole day writing an article. I give it to my boss this morning, guess what?” He pauses and stares at me so I assume he wants me to answer. “Umm, she loved it?” “Guess again.” “She hated it?” “Yeah! She said I didn’t put enough passion and time into it. We literally spent a whole day together and she said it wasn’t enough. So, now I have to spend the next few months here.”

He puts the black bag in his hand on the couch and runs a hand through his messy hair sighing. I can tell he’s frustrated and upset so I say “How about me and you take a little walk to deliver these blueberries I have for my neighbors? You can rant all you want on the way.”

He looks at me, thinks for a moment and says, “Can I eat some on the way?” I smile, amused by his response and say “yes, Harry, yes you can.”

I stand up and go to the kitchen pouring some of the blueberries I saved for myself into a little bowl for Harry. As I put the boxes of blueberries into a tote bag Harry comes in and grabs his little bowl mumbling a ‘thanks’. We head out and I notice his car parked in front of my house.

“How’d you remember how to get here?”

“I remembered this one petrol station a ways down because it had a statue of a big cow. And I knew the petrol station was on Willow Street because it’s the same name as your cat and I thought that was neat. So I googled it and found directions then just kept driving until I saw the mailboxes I remember you standing at. Then I drove in and you’re the last house on the left side of the road.”

I smile knowing he memorized all of these things and we start walking down the road. “May I rant now?”

“Ah yes, go ahead.”

“Okay so she expects me to drive 4 hours everyday for this project and it’s like she’s not paying for hotels or anything. Plus I have rent I have to pay for my flat in London. So it’s like why would I pay rent, petrol, and stay at a cheap motel? She’s not paying me extra.”

I shrug and say “why not just stay with me?” He looks at me then looks down at the ground. “Well that’s sweet but you’re already feeding me. Cant take too many handouts from ya.” I shake my head and say “Not a handout. Just seems silly considering you’d be at my place everyday anyways.”

We stop at the first house and I say “How about I introduce you to everyone? Since you’re gonna be here a while might as well know everyone.” “As long as I don’t have to talk to that prick that slammed the door on my face.” “Leon is actually very nice you just intimidated him.” I knock on the door and Doris opens it. “hello y/n, and who’s this?” “Doris this is my friend Harry, Harry this is Doris. She owns the bakery in town, 20 minutes down the road.” “Really? I used to work in a bakery.” Her smile brightens and she says “He’s a keeper. Let me go get you two a sourdough loaf. New recipe I’m trying out.” I ignore her first part and say “We would love some. I actually came to drop off blueberries.” I hand her the box and she says “perfect! I’ll make some blueberry muffins. For tomorrow.” She walks away to put them down and brings back a loaf of bread.

We thank her and continue down the road. “She seems sweet. Reminds me of my nan.” I nod and say “She’s the sweetest. Makes the best homemade apple pie.” We go to a couple more neighbors houses and introduce him.

We reintroduce him to Meredith and Mary and chat a bit about why he’s staying with me. Turns out Mary’s nephew works at the magazine with Harry. We start walking again and he says “Her nephew Jack is an absolute prick.” I chuckle and say “What did he ever do to you?”

“Little shit can fuck right off. He’s the ‘star writer’ and Hélène adores him.”

“So you’re jealous?”

“What?! No fucking way. I’m a way better writer than that wanker.”

I laugh and say “You’re the one who has to rewrite an article and was demoted.” He looks at me and says “if I wasn’t desperate for this interview I’d murder you right now.”

“Sure you would.”

I see Rowan’s house and don’t really want to stop by with Harry so I keep walking. “Are you not friends with this neighbor?” “I am, just don’t think he’s home.” As if life couldn’t be any more cruel Rowan comes out of his front door to his truck. He stops as soon as he sees me and says “Y/N, you alright? How’s the leaky pipes?” I freeze and see him notice Harry. “Ah, never mind.” Harry has a confused look on his face and I’ve never felt more awkward. “Pipes are alright Ro, thank you. Um..just came to drop off blueberries.” I hand him the box and he nods. “Thanks love, your fruit is always delicious.” He looks at Harry and continues “Juicy and sweet.”

I feel even more awkward so I start walking back down the road while saying “Thanks, bye have a good day.” I look down at the ground as we walk because I don’t want to see what Harry’s face is expressing. “So...he fixes your pipes?” He begins laughing and I cover my face with both hands mortified. “Okay look, if you didn’t notice everyone out here is over 50 years old and he’s only 27. It was only one time when I was desperate and he genuinely did come over to fix my sink. Things just got...intense.” Harry shakes his head and says “No shame in it y/n. We all have needs and have sex. Just, funny that he was so...territorial.” I furrow my eyebrows and say “territorial?” “Yeah, the looks he gave me. The things he said. Could tell he was a bit jealous. Cant blame him though, look at me.” I roll my eyes and we go next door to Leon’s house despite Harry’s pleas.

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Harry POV

We get back to y/n’s house and it’s a little past 3.

“Were you planning on going home to get your stuff?”

“It’s actually all in my car already.”

“Oh then do you need help bringing it in?”

“Um sure.” We go out to my car and I open the boot.

“Did you bring everything you own?”

“No, just all my clothes, shoes, toiletries, accessories, and photography equipment.”

“Yeah maybe you should just bring in toiletries and some clothes and shoes. Not sure I have room for everything else.”

“Okay well if my sunglasses get stolen I expect compensation.” She rolls her eyes and says, “How many times do I have to tell you that no one steals here!” I hand her some bags and we bring them in.

She goes to her room then comes back in hands full holding white sheets, a light green duvet, and two pillows. She puts them on the couch and says “I’ll make your bed. You can go hang your clothes up in my closet. I rearranged some things and have like 20 extra hangers and a drawer you can use. Oh and you can put all of your toiletries on the left side of the sink.” I’m kind of taken aback by her words. I take a minute to fully comprehend it. I would never let anyone share my closet with me let alone clutter my sink. Especially not someone who I’ve spent less than 20 full hours with. I mutter a “thank you.” She just gives a small smile and says “you’re welcome. make yourself at home.”

After putting my stuff away I walk back out to the living room and see the makeshift couch bed she made all nice and neatly made. “It’s probably not as comfy as a real bed but hopefully it’ll do. If not we can go into town and you can buy an air mattress.” I shake my head and say “it’ll be fine, thank you. It really means a lot.” She smiles and we hold eye contact before she looks away and says “Um, do you want pasta for dinner? I was thinking about making sourdough garlic bread with the loaf Doris gave us.” I nod and say “sounds delicious.” She nods and says “perfect. Um, would you want to cook with me?” I nod and say “would love to. I’m afraid the last thing I cooked was boxed macaroni and cheese.” She smiles amused and says “well this should be fun then.”

She walks me through each step and explains the background of each ingredient.

“These pasta noodles were made by Leon. His wife was Italian and he learned from her.”

“Is she...ya know”

“Oh no, she’s alive but she left him for their pool boy so he moved out here to start over. Anyways, the eggs to make the pasta were brought to you by yours truly.”

“Really? You laid the eggs?!”

“Haha very funny. Now you’re very lucky that I spent 4 hours making tomato sauce yesterday. So now all you’re gonna do is take it out of the fridge and reheat it.” I take out the mason jar of sauce and pour it into a pan on the stove.

“I’m guessing you grew the tomatoes?” She nods “and herbs.”

“Where’d you get the recipe?” She zones out a little and says “a book.” I know she’s lying by her lack of elaborate response. “Which one?” She sighs and says “Well if you must know, my mom made this cook book once. It was full of recipes from different families in different countries that she stayed with when she went on this wild trip around the world. She would make a bunch of different foods for us, but for some reason the spaghetti recipe was my favorite and I insisted on helping her make it all the time. Needless to say I had it memorized by age 9.” I smile at her story and say “next time I’ll help you make it.” She smiles and says “Yeah. That’d be fun.”

Theres silence as she drains the pasta water and I get the garlic bread out of the oven. She takes out plates and cups and says “could you get the lemonade out of the fridge?” I nod and get the white pitcher out and set it on the table. We serve ourselves and eat together. “How did I do?”

“Well considering all you did was reheat already made food, I’d say you did amazing.” I retort, “Hey I chopped the garlic and put olive oil on the bread.”

“True, Gordon Ramsey would be proud.”

“Thank you that’s all I needed.” We both smile and hold the eye contact again before she looks back down at the pasta.

~~~~~~~~

Y/N POV

After dinner Harry helps me with dishes and cleaning up the kitchen, then we go to the living room and sit in our own bean bags.

“I should probably warn you now, there’s no service here.”

“You’re joking right.”

“No, but I do have a landline if you need to make a call. Or you can drive up the hill a little bit and it should be fine.”

“How do you live like this?”

I shrug “I just do.”

“Would you ever live in a big city.”

“Nope.”

“And why not?”

“Too loud. Too fast. Too much pressure. Too harsh. Too inauthentic.”

“Elaborate.”

“So many cars and people, I couldn’t imagine sleeping with street noise. I also like how slow my life is here. I’m not constantly having to go go go and miss out on live. And the pressure and harshness just seems like too much for me. I don’t have thick skin and get upset quite easily. I couldn’t imagine having a boss or manager telling me off. Bit too sensitive for it.”

“Why is it inauthentic?”

“I feel like people living in big cities have a persona they’re supposed to obtain and are scared that if they don’t they’re not going to fit in, so they become a different version of themselves. Someone who drinks black coffee every morning, eats a muffin or bagel, takes the subway listening to a podcast, and acts like they’re some tough snarky asshole yet gets shit on everyday at a 9 to 5 job then goes to happy hour and drinks gin and tonic because it’s what everyone else is drinking and they can’t order whatever they want or else they don’t belong.”

“Why’d you have to call me out like that?!”

“It’s best to be self aware.”

“Well I understand what you’re saying. I just think you can live in London and not be a basic bitch like me.”

“Maybe. Wouldn’t though. I’m content here.”

“Content isn’t happy.”

“And you’re happy in London?”

“I mean, yeah. I have solid friends, my dream job, and a bunch of stuff to do.”

“Really? Because I haven’t heard anything about friends or things you like to do and all you’ve talked about is how much you hate your job right now.”

He bites his lip and doesn’t say anything.

“Sorry I shouldn’t have-“ he shakes his head and cuts me off, “It’s fine.”

The silence between us lasts a few seconds but is broken by Willow jumping onto his lap meowing. He pets her and says “My friends are great. I love my job, just not right now. I don’t do much besides work, go to bars and clubs with friends, and go out to dinner with girls from Bumble. Doesn’t seems like much but I’m content with it.”

I remain quiet not knowing what to say and not wanting to say anything wrong. Luckily he breaks the silence again for me, “I’m not happy, and I know you aren’t either. I know we’re both staying in our current positions because it’s safe and comfortable. We want more from our lives but don’t know what exactly that means.” This time I say “How do you know?” He lets out a small smile and says “All the reasons why you wouldn’t move from this place are personal. You don’t think you could handle it. Not that you don’t like the idea of living elsewhere. You’re just scared.” I bite my lip and say “Can I ask you a question?” He nods and I ask “after this, like all the interviewing, are we still going to talk?”

He studies my face making me feel naked and anxious that I asked something stupid. I feel warmth all over my face as I wait for him to respond. Right as I’m about to say ‘never mind sorry’ he says “Sorry I’m just not used to people I interview wanting to be friends after, but yeah of course we can.” I smile and let out a breathe I held in for way too long. “Why, if I may ask?” I think and say “I just feel more comfortable knowing I’m opening up to someone that’s gonna stay around I guess.” We both just stare at each other before I look away and get up from the bean bag chair. “If you need anything just knock.” I hear a mumbled “thank you” as I walk down the hall to my room.

~~~~~~

It’s been a couple weeks of Harry living with me and each day has been quite similar. I wake up at 7, get dressed, wake Harry, cook us breakfast, and eat. Then at 8:30 he helps me feed the chickens, collect eggs, water plants, and pick any herbs, fruits, or veggies that are ripe. After, at around 10, we go on a walk down to the mailbox saying hi to neighbors along the way, deliver fruits and veggies, and on our way back to the house we talk about the weather and whatever comes to mind. Usually, I then make lunch at 12 while he takes photos of things around the house he likes, we eat, go on another walk so he can take photos, and when we come back I read while he drives up the hill to use his phone for a bit. Then, he comes back at 4:30-5 and helps cook dinner. I always have a different story for each ingredient and recipe. It’s almost therapeutic to talk about the recipe and my moms cook book with him every night. After we eat, we talk in the living room for hours about random funny stories or play games of truth or dare and would you rather.

Today however, I’m woken by Harry rubbing my shoulder singing “rise and shine y/n”. I open my eyes and he’s already dressed smiling down at me. “Woke up extra early to feed the chickens. Maya laid the biggest egg I’ve ever seen I took a picture I’ll show you later. Anyways, I made us breakfast, so hurry and come eat.” I smile taken aback by all of the things he’s done without me even asking or expecting him to do. “Thank you Harry, what’s the special occasion?” He shakes his head and says “just want to start helping you out more to show how much I appreciate everything you’re doing for me, so I thought I’d start having every weekend be my responsibility. Meals, pets, plants, and activities.”

Harry wanting to help out makes me smile even more and my heart starts beating a little quicker. I know he’d never admit it but I think he’s beginning to enjoy it here. Haven’t heard one complaint the past week besides him running out of face cream and immediately driving up the hill to order a new one to be sent here. I feel weird admitting it, but I like it more with him here. Always loved living out here alone and only having pets and a few neighbors I choose to see, but someone constantly being here is more enjoyable than I thought it’d be...or maybe it’s him specifically I enjoy being here.

I’m cut out of my thoughts by him chuckling and saying “you alright? been smiling at me for a while.” I feel my face get warm and I quickly say “oh uh yeah sorry. Just really surprised and happy.” He nods and says “might’ve burned one side of the pancakes so don’t get too happy.” I chuckle and say “it’s alright, syrup hides all mistakes.” He smiles and says “my kinda girl.” I feel my face flush but luckily he walks out. I compose myself and walk to the kitchen behind him.

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Harry POV

Right after the words “my kinda girl” leave my mouth I quickly turn and walk out of her room to avoid her seeing my embarrassment. We eat breakfast and she asks “what do you have planned for today?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see.”

“I hate surprises.”

“It’s worth it I promise.”

“Last time someone surprised me it was my 9th birthday party and I threw up in front of everyone.” I let out a little chuckle and say “I’ll bring a bag just in case then.” She rolls her eyes and I say “just get dressed and I’ll have everything ready. Oh and bring a swim suit.”

She looks at me inquisitively but walks off towards her room. I clean up our breakfast mess and get everything packed up for the surprise.

After a while she comes out in a cute floral dress holding a bottle of pepper spray. I give her a confused look and she says “Just in case you’re planning on murdering me.” I let out a little laugh and say “think I would’ve done it by now.” “that’s what a serial killer would say.” I roll my eyes and grab the picnic basket and tote bag I packed then we head out the front door.

She offers to carry the basket so I pass it to her and she says “Jesus did you pack a bunch of bricks?” “Yep, figured we could build a little wall or something.” She rolls her eyes and we start walking left. “You know it’s a dead end over there right?” “Yep.” I start walking into the forest and she pauses “well now I really thing you’re gonna kill me.” “Yep I’m gonna kill you with excitement from my surprise. Now stop worrying and follow me.” She starts walking beside me and I lead the way. “Do you know where you’re going?” “Yes.” “Are you sure? Should we tell someone we’re going in here in case?” “Y/N, I came in here at like 5 am to set this up, we’re fine. You have nothing to worry about, alright?” She nods and says “I never go in here. Just down to the fields behind my house.” “Why not?” “I don’t know, watched The Blair Witch Project too much I suppose.” “So you’re afraid to walk in here with me but you’re fine living alone next to the forest for a demonic witch to come and kill you?” “Well I never thought about that but thank you for the nightmare fuel.”

Finally we arrive to the spot. She has a surprised look on her face so I say “Bet you didn’t know you had a lake down here.” She shakes her head still in shock.

I take the picnic basket from her and put it down on the blanket I set up for us on the dock. I sit down and she follows.

“How did you even find out about this?”

“Was stumbling around google maps a couple days ago and saw this lake. Looked it up and some guy rents out kayaks and canoes. Called him up and he said he only gets like 5 customers a month. So I told him about why I was out here and offered to talk about the lake in my article to give him some advertising and he was so thrilled he gave me a coupon for a free canoe rental. Asked if I could set up a picnic because I remembered last week you talked about how your mom and you would set up picnics by the pond near your house and how you always wanted to swim in it but your mom said it was too shallow.”

Her face glowing and smile wide as she says “you remembered?” I reciprocate with a sincere smile saying, “Of course I did. Now, Steven said we can swim in the lake but absolutely no skinny dipping unless we give him a $20 tip.” She chuckles and says “don’t think that’ll be an issue.”

We spend the rest of the morning and noon laughing at our terrible canoeing, pushing each other off the dock, having swimming races, and playing intense games of Marco Polo. We get out of the water in the afternoon and wrap the towels around our bodies even though the summer sun will dry us faster. We sit on the blanket and I pull out all the food I packed for us.

“We have a peanut purée and strawberry marmalade on a brioche bun.”

“So peanut butter and jelly?”

“Precisely. We also have sweetened lemon infused water.”

“Lemonade?”

“Brilliant right? Some fresh fruit from the garden and this beautiful banana bread brought to us by Doris.” She smiles and says “You really put a lot of thought and energy into this.”

“The least I could do...especially with everything you’ve done for me. Meals, a couch,...saving my job.”

We’re looking into each other’s eyes and I wanna bathe in them. Soak up every emotion, every word, and every action that her eyes hold. Before I can, she looks away, off onto the water. “Why do you always do that?” She furrows her eyebrows and says “do what?” “Look away. Whenever we’re looking in each other’s eyes, you just look away.” She shrugs and says “Defense mechanism I guess. Don’t really like being vulnerable.” “I understand that, just know you can open up to me, alright? I’m not here to judge you. Just learn about you.” She smiles and nods “I know, I want to be open with you trust me. Just can’t.” I nod “whenever you’re ready, I’m waiting.”

Theres silence as we eat except for the rustling of leaves from the trees surrounding the perimeter of the lake. After I’m done eating, I get my camera out of the tote bag and start photographing the lake.

“Can I take a photo?”

I look over at Y/N and our eyes meet. I nod and hand her the camera. “I have the aperture set, you can adjust the shutter speed here if you want, and then just change the focus here.”

She looks down at the camera like a grandparent looking down at an iPhone for the first time. Nonetheless, she looks up at me and says “stand at the end of the dock.”

I get up and walk down feeling odd; I’ve never really been the subject of a photo.

“Back towards me.” I feel naked in a certain way.

“On 3, dive into the water.” Exposed.

“1...” Transparent.

“2...” Vulnerable.

“3!” My hands break the water first then I feel my entire body be engulfed.

When I make my way back up to the surface I wipe my face and look back towards the dock. My eyes meet hers and she doesn’t break their kinship.

“Got it?”

“Got it.”

I swim back to the deck as she walks toward the edge, eyes not breaking contact. She crouches down as I meet her, eyes not breaking contact. As I lean my face upwards, she leans hers downwards, eyes not breaking contact. Our lips meet and I feel a tingling sensation in my lips that engulfs my entire body; she wraps her arm around my neck and I wrap mine around her waist pulling her into the lake with me, lips not breaking contact.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: Thank you for reading! Have a great day lovelies! <3

Masterlist

#harry styles #hs #harry #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fanfiction #fanfic #fan fiction #writing #all the same #cottagecore

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hopefullylovelyxx · 4 years ago

Text

All The Same

Pt. 1

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A/N: I haven’t written a whole series before so I’m excited for this new writing journey. Hopefully you enjoy. :)

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Harry POV

I wake up to police sirens blaring, angry drivers honking their car horns, and my roommate Mitch slamming the front door forcefully as if he intentionally tries to wake me up as he leaves for work every morning. Most people would absolutely despise the noises of the city interfering with their sleep but I adore it and couldn’t imagine waking up without it.

I check my phone for the time and see that I only have 2 hours until work starts. I quickly shower, get ready, and grab my work bag. I fast walk to the elevator of my apartment building and click the down button way too many times even though it won’t make the elevator come any faster. I tap my foot impatiently and the doors finally open. I squirm my way into the filled elevator and watch the number decrease as we go down each floor. Time feels incredibly slow so I check my phone and delete all the notifications I don’t care about. I answer the couple texts I have from my mum, friends, and dating app flings then exit the elevator at the lobby. I fast walk down the street making a B-line to my favorite coffee spot. I pick up a coffee and bagel and thank the barista then head to the tube.

The crowds are annoying because I have to leave home extra early but it’s just something that comes with the city that I ultimately enjoy. Except for when everyone acts like a complete impatient prick.

On the tube I stand and get out my earbuds to listen to a true crime podcast. Nothing like listening to a story about a gruesome murder first thing in the morning.

I watch people a bit as I eat my bagel and drink my coffee. I make up random scenarios about where some people may be going or where they’ve come from. My daydreams last my entire ride usually but they’re cut short when I get a call.

“Hello?” “Harry are you on your way?” my coworker Ella asks. “Uhm yeah, on the tube now. What’s the matter?” “It’s Hélène. She says she wants to talk to you.” “Shit. Did she say what about?” “No, I was going to ask if you knew why.” Theres silence as I think back to everything I’ve done the past few months to see if there could be anything to get me in trouble. “If you get fired I’ll quit.” “Really?” “No but I wanted you to feel better about yourself.” “Gee thanks.” “S’what im here for.” I roll my eyes and hear my stop being announced. “I gotta go Ella, see ya in 10.” “who knows, might be our last time seeing each other.” “Fuck off.” I hang up and step out.

I walk up the stairs trying to break through a crowd going agonizingly slow. I speed walk all the twists and turns to the building, the pattern memorized by my feet so well that my brain doesn’t pay attention and is completely occupied with what my boss could have possibly wanted to see me for.

I enter the elevator and let out a big breath. I check the time and have 5 minutes to spare. My heart race increases as the floor numbers go up. Once the doors open I immediately walk to my boss’s office. I enter the corridor and Ella is sitting at her desk typing loudly on her computer. I cough a little to get her attention and she looks up “good luck” the encouraging message makes me feel more nervous than calm as I walk up to Hélène’s door. Each footstep feeling heavier than the last, I take a couple deep breaths and compose myself before knocking lightly on her door. Almost immediately I get a “Come in!”. I open the heavy glass door and feel the blood rush to my head. She’s sitting at her desk smiling as if she’s been waiting to see me all morning.

“Hello Mr.Styles please take a seat.”

I do as I’m told and feel like a kid called into the principals office.

“First off, I absolutely love your issues on modern architecture and what you’ve brought to the magazine so far. Your interviews with architects and photos showcasing their works are great. For being a photographer you have immaculate writing skills.” I smile and feel most of my nerves float away “Thank you, that truly means a lot.”

“But..” the nerves immediately come back and hit me like a train as I feel my stomach tie into knots. “I want you to do something a little different. You’ve been covering urban architecture and design for a while now, which you’re incredible at, but I want you to explore new settings. More rural areas. The countryside.” “The countryside?” “You know..outside the city and suburbs.” “Yes I know where the countryside is but...and I mean this in the nicest way possible, what’s so special about architecture in the countryside? Just’a bunch of century old cottages with thatched roofs that will cave in if the wind blows too hard.” She chuckles a bit amused by my statements. “Mr. Styles, I know you aren’t a rural architecture expert and from what I know, have little experience with anything outside the city but I can assure you that these ‘century old cottages’ hold way more of a story than any of the buildings around us. Yes photos of modern homes and buildings are aesthetically pleasing and getting to know the architects who make them is interesting, but older worn in homes hold many more unique details and interesting things to photograph. You do such a great job interviewing people who make homes so how about you interview people that live in them?” I stare in shock and confusion. What could possibly be interesting about older people living in homes that probably don’t even have electricity? For an architecture magazine you’d think she’d want me to photograph well made and designed homes.

“I’d prefer to stick with modern architecture. S’just better to photograph.”

She stands up and walks around her office while asking “Harry, may I call you Harry?” “Yeah, may I call you Hélène?” “No. Harry, we typically don’t have our photographers also be journalists, but after your many..many emails I decided to give you a chance. I’m not one to use a ‘quid pro quo’ but I’m strongly urging you to do this project. However, since you’re obviously apprehensive, I’ll give you 5 months and let it be your article in the December issue. You’ll only be a photographer for the magazine until then.”

I feel my heart sink and anger rush over me. How could she just take my journalist position away like that? She must notice my faces contortion of disapproval because she says “I’m not doing this as a punishment, you’ll thank me later.” She gives me smirk and it makes me all the more confused. How is this some kind of reward? The only interviews or any sort of writing I get to do is for a topic I have no interest in and I’m being forced to only photograph while someone else gets to write the article. I stand up and walk out of the office too upset to answer Ella’s questions.

~~~~~~~~

Y/N POV

I wake up from the light of the sunrise peeking through my white linen curtains. I sit up and stretch before getting out of bed and pulling the curtains back more to watch the sunrise peak out from behind the hills. I smile admiring the warm colors before walking over to my old wooden dresser. I pick out a random crocheted tank top and high waisted jean shorts. I put my hair up in a ponytail and go to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth.

I go to the kitchen and my cat immediately wakes up from her spot on the couch and follows me. “morning Willow, sleep well?” She meows demandingly so I say “yeah yeah I’ll do it right now.” I put food in her bowl and make myself some toast with the bread and jam I made a couple days ago. I make a cup of tea and sit at my kitchen table making a mental note of everything I need to do for the day. Feed my hens, collect their eggs, water my garden, give my neighbor Meredith some eggs, bike down to the mailbox to mail my letters, and then I have the rest of the day to myself.

I clean up my plate and cup then put my shoes on and go outside. I walk over to the little fence I have where my hens have their coup and space to run around. I feed them and collect their eggs. “Maya, this egg might be your best yet...look at how oval this is! Great job. Jane, I’m not gonna lie this isn’t your best, it’s quite circular, still cute though. Sandra, the different color spots are unique and quite beautiful, keep it up.” I go back inside and put the eggs in a little carton with all the other eggs I’ve been saving for Meredith.

Then, I go back outside and fill my water pail. I start watering my plants, trees, and herb garden taking a mental note of what vegetables, fruits, and herbs I should pick for lunch and dinner later. When I’m finished I go back inside and put the eggs, letters, and my water bottle into my tote bag.

I go back outside and bike down the dirt paved path taking in the nice breeze as the morning summer sun wraps itself all over my skin heating me up. After about 15 minutes I get to Meredith’s. I hop off my bike and lean it against her white picket fence she just built with her wife Mary last week. I smile seeing their handprints forming a heart painted onto it as I walk to their front door. I knock and Meredith immediately opens the door and says “Thank goodness! Thought I was gonna have to walk over to you. Here’s some cherries and the bananas you asked Mary to get for you from town.” “Thank you so much, tell Mary I said thank you when she gets back home.” “I will. Thank those hens of yours for their eggs, gonna make some cookies tonight, will send some your way as soon as their done.” “Mmm sounds fantastic. Have a great day!” “You too love!” I put the fruit in my tote bag as I walk back to my bike.

I smile loving the relationship I have with Meredith and Mary. Just a few years younger than my grandmother so they treat me like a granddaughter.

I put my tote bag into my basket on the front of my bike and kept going straight down the dirt path. After about 5 minutes I arrive at the mailboxes at the end of our unpaved road that leads to the main road. I also see an unfamiliar car. That’s when I notice a guy obviously out of place knocking on Leon’s door. I continue to find my mailbox and put the letters in it taking a little longer than usual to spy on this random guy. Leon answers the door and says “can I help you?” “Yeah uhm I was wondering if I could interview you and take some photos of your house?” “No thanks.” Leon closes the door and the guy just stays standing there.

I can’t help but let out a chuckle and he must hear me because his head turns to my direction. We make eye contact and I quickly look away grabbing my bike and walking it back to the path. “Do you live here by any chance?” He’s now a couple feet away from me and I stop walking. “Uhm yeah just’a bit down the road. Why?” “I’m a photographer and journalist for ‘Arch. Des. Mag.’ and I have to do an article about rural living. Just spent the past 3 days driving around finding random peoples houses and Every single one has said no.” I nod taking in his desperation and say “what’s in it for me?” He shakes his head thinking and says “Uhm...having an article written about you I guess.” I say “hmm well I have nothing else to do today, so I suppose.” He smiles and says “great uh lemme just get my car.” I shake my head and say “a little walk never hurt anyone.” He sighs and says “alright. If I get one blister, you owe me.” “Aren’t I the one doing you the favor?” “Touché”

~~~~~~~~~~

Harry POV

We begin walking, the only audible sound is her bike chain clicking and our shoes against the dirt with each step. I break the awkward silence, “Uhm I’m Harry by the way.” “Harry..nice to meet you, I’m Y/N.” She smiles almost confidently even though there’s nothing to be confident about, nevertheless, it makes me smile too.

“What’s it like?” I’m dragged out of my thoughts and question, “what’s what like?” She looks down at the ground while elaborating, “Working for a magazine.” I join her fascination with the brown soil. “S’alright. Liked the creative freedom and all that. Boss is being an absolute prick, only letting me be a photographer until this interview comes out at the end of the year. Even though I specifically said I didn’t want to-“ “why not?” I can feel her gaze has travelled away from the floor. I look to my left to meet her eyes and shrug. Fiddling nervously with the strap of my tote bag. “What can I say? More of a city guy.” “Well ‘city guy’, I think you’ll actually like it here. Lots for you to photograph.” I look around and say “not sure about that one mate, soz.” She chuckles and says “For a photographer I thought you’d be more appreciative of nature and all that.” “Nature’s alright. Just more of a modern city type of photographer. Never spent time on nature.” “Why’s that?”

“Y’know last time I checked I’m supposed to be interviewing you.” “Well...ask me something then.” “Why here?” I move my arms around referencing the hills, trees, and nothingness around us.

She smiles and looks off ahead recalling something. “Grew up on a little vineyard and always absolutely loved being around nature. When I was 18 I wanted independence but didn’t want to give that love up, so I moved out here.” I nod trying to remember everything she said to write down later.

“How long have you been living out here?” She squints a little while in thought and says “4 years this October. How long have you been in the city?” I get caught off guard by her asking me a question and have to think longer than I should. “Uhhh...hmm..5 years.” She looks at me and smirks “Hm beat me by a year. Looks like I have t’get you to move before me.” I shake my head and say “Never gonna happen.”

She looks ahead again and says “As a great philosopher once said, ‘Never say never’.” “You mean Justin Bieber?” “Precisely, Harry.” We both let out a little chuckle and I say “I’m surprised you even know who that is.” She scoffs loudly and looks up at me with furrowed eyebrows, “I lived on a vineyard not under a rock.” I shrug and say “For all I know you don’t even have electricity at your house.” She nods and says “I don’t, I also don’t have plumbing, I fetch water from a nearby stream, I gather berries I find in the forest, and I have my animal friends help me gather sticks to build a fire every night.” I stare blankly at her and say “y’know a part of me thinks you’re joking, but the other part believes it could be true.”

She rolls her eyes and says “City boys are just like how I remember them.” I look at her curiously and say “what do you mean?” With annoyance she explains “so judgmental. Know nothing about me and assume I’m some sort of weird species just because I didn’t grow up in a suburb. All while I’ve done nothing but ask about life in wherever it is you’re from and not judge that you’d be like every other asshole.”

“London.” She looks at me confused and says “pardon?” “London. Grew up about 20 minutes south of the city. Now I live in the middle of all the action.” She just stares at me blankly so I add “and m’sorry for being an asshole, s’just kind of my thing.”

She stops walking so I assume the cottage behind her is hers. “Well if you wanna keep your little interviewing photo job, you best stop being an asshole to me. Okay?” She gives a fake smile and she begins walking up a little stone path to her front door. I follow her and can’t help but notice the little butterflies I get from her telling me off.

She leans her bike against her house and doesn’t lock it or anything. “Aren’t you worried about someone stealing it?” She has an amused look on her face and says “Oh Harry...human decency still exists out here, not sure about where you live.” I roll my eyes and say “London is very safe actually, just looking out for ya.” “Tell that to the crime rates.” Before I can tell her off she opens her door and walks in.

~~~~~~~~

Y/N POV

I take my shoes off and he comes in doing the same. “Alright so what do you want first? A tour inside? A interview? How long is this taking?” He looks at me and says “Um..well usually I have 2 days of photographing, 1 day of interviewing, and then weeks of editing but I was hoping to get this all done in one day.” I don’t know why but I feel a little hurt that he wants to spend as little time with me as possible. I should be the one wanting him out of here.

“Great. Well, we can start with photographing then.” He nods and gets his camera out of his bag and plays with settings while I just stand awkwardly.

I see Willow come and start meowing at him. “Aww who’s this?” He bends down to her level sticking his hand out. “Willow. She doesn’t really like new peop-“ Before I can finish my sentence s she goes over to him licking his hand and rubbing her head against it. He smiles wide and rubs the top of her head. “Well hello Willow, aren’t you precious.” I smile and feel a little flutter in the pit of my stomach. He stands back up and I shake the feeling away.

“Well this is the living room.” He takes a few pictures from different sides of the room. “Nice decorating skills.” “Can’t tell if you’re joking.” “M’not, I really like it.” I smile and say “thanks” then lead him to the kitchen. He takes pictures and says “Reminds me of my nan’s kitchen.” I furrow my eyebrows and say “thank you?” He walks out back to the living room so I follow. “Down this little hall is my room and bathroom.” He leads the way despite this being my house. He goes straight to my room and says “Wow, this is nice.” I mumble a “thanks” feeling somewhat self conscious that he’s in here. Feels much more intimate and personal than it should be. I think about it and realize no ones ever been in my room besides me and Willow if she even counts. He starts taking pictures and I feel awkward again standing in the doorway watching.

“What’s in there?” He points at the doorway on the left side of the room. “My closet.” He points to the door on the right side and says “that?” “Bathroom.” “May I?” I nod and he opens the door. “This is the nicest tub I’ve ever seen.” I chuckle a little. “It’s from the 30’s. Got it at an estate sale.” “It’s beautiful. And this walk in shower is awesome, with all these plants.” He takes pictures and I feel a little bit of pride that he likes features of my house despite his criticism before.

“Um are you hungry? I could make us some lunch while you take pictures outside.” He smiles and says “yeah that’d be great thank you. Been living off of protein bars and crisps the past 3 days.” I nod and go to the kitchen and start making a salad and cutting up fruit.

I feel my nerves disappear as soon as I hear the door close and I let out a breathe I held for way too long. I’ve had Meredith and Mary over plenty of times but I know them so well; they’re practically second parents. I’ve barely known Harry 40 minutes at most. He could be a serial killer for all I know. I know he’s not, but he could be. I hear a loud gasp from outside so I look up out of the window above the sink and Harry has his mouth wide staring at the hens. I let out a chuckle as he takes photos from behind their little fence. Okay he’s definitely not a cold blooded murderer. Nonetheless I hate how my self conscious and nervous I’ve become since he stepped into my home, my safe space. Like all the walls and self isolation I’ve built is getting broken down; at least it’s only for a day.

As I put the bowls of salad and fruit on the table I hear the door close and Harry excitedly say “You didn’t tell me you have chickens!” He comes in and has the biggest smile on his face. “Oh yeah Maya, Jane, and Sandra. They’re my pride and joys.” “Maya, Jane, and Sandra?” “Yeah, named after amazing women in literature, duh.” A grin grows on his face and I feel myself blush so I turn away to grab us plates and forks hoping it goes away by the time I go back.

~~~~~~~~~~

Harry POV

She brings us plates and forks and I can tell she’s a bit nervous. Like the confidence she had as we walked here is now in hiding. “You alright love?” She nods and scoots her chair in closer to the table. I sit down and she clears her throat before saying “Um everything is from my garden, so if you like it I can uh give you some fruits and veggies to take home.” “Thank you, I’ll definitely take some home, every salad I buy is from an overpriced restaurant and I’m sure it’s not fresh.” She vaguely smiles and we both start eating.

While eating we discuss how long it took to grow everything and I compliment her determination.

I help her clean up and afterwards we sit on her couch facing each other. Pen and notebook in hand I begin our interview.

“What’s your name and age?”

“Y/N, 21.”

“So where do you live?”

“Bridestowe”

“And how long did you say you’ve been living here?”

“4 years this October.”

“Why did you move here?”

“To be around nature and live sustainably for myself.”

“How do you like living here?”

“Um...I like it...people are nice. It’s beautiful and peaceful. Next town over isn’t too far to go to the shops.”

“Describe your house for me.”

“It’s like a big square brick overgrown with Ivy and a thatched roof that’s a few years past the need for a replacement. Love it though, adds character.”

“Describe your interior aesthetic.”

“Uh...I honestly just bought things I liked and they all look quaint together.”

“What’s it like farming?”

“Well I’m not a farmer but I do garden and have hens, but um it’s quite nice. I appreciate my food more since I make and grow everything or know the hard work that local farmers do for their resource I use.”

“Alright, now I’m gonna need a little biography about you.”

“Well I grew up on a vineyard. I read, garden, and bake for fun. My best friends are a 50 year old couple down the road. I hate olives but love olive oil. Oh and I can put my whole fist in my mouth.”

I let out a laugh at her last part and say “Up until that last fact you sounded just like a true nan.” She smiles and shrugs “Nothing too interesting about me, those are the best facts you’re gonna get.” I frown at her negative self talk then say “That’s not true, you’ve been more interesting than I expected.” She furrows her eyebrows and says “You’re always giving these backhanded compliments and I don’t know if I should thank you or tell you to piss off.” “Well fortunately for you I only have one last question then I’ll be on my way.”

She looks down at her hands fiddling in her lap and quietly says “oh already?” I nod slowly confused as to why her mood suddenly shifted. She looks back up blankly at me ready for the question so I ask “What’s your favorite part of living here?” She looks around and finally says “The way I can just feel safe and comfortable. The slow pace so I can enjoy every second of the day. The way it’s made me appreciate nature and the little things around us.” I nod finishing up the last sentence. “Well that should be good enough. Thank you, Y/N. I’ll be sure to mail you a copy when it comes out.”

I stand up and begin putting my stuff back into my tote bag. I put my shoes back on and she makes her way to the foyer holding a produce bag full of veggies and fruits. I smile and take the bag from her. “Thank you, for everything.” She gives a small smile and says “Anytime.” I give her one last fond smile before opening the front door.

Instead of being met with a slap of a fresh summer breeze, I’m punched in the chest by a short older woman. “Oh my I’m so sorry! I was about to knock on the door before you opened it. Are you alright?” I rub the spot on my chest feeling a bit of pain and say “Yeah I’m fine, it’s alright.” I hear laughing from behind me so I turn around and see Y/N practically in tears.

“Sorry for interrupting Y/N, just came by to drop off those cookies I promised ya.” She smiles taking the plate of cookies and says “Thank you so much Meredith and no you weren’t interrupting anything. He was just leaving.”

I don’t know why but I feel a little pain in my chest when she says this. Everything she’s saying is true, so why am I hurt? Perhaps the rush to get me out? It’s not like I want to stay here though. Maybe it’s how she’s treating me like no one, like she’ll forget about me in two weeks time. That’s true too though. I am no one. She’s no one. Just an interview to help me keep my job. It feels odd, almost wrong, to think this though. Nevertheless, I throw these thoughts away and say “Yeah, uh bye Y/N.” She gives a little wave and says “Goodbye Harry.” Meredith and I switch places as Y/N closes the door behind me.

I begin my walk down the dirt road to my car with only the sound of my feet pressing against the soil. For some reason I wish I was hearing a bike chain clicking and that second set of footsteps.

~~~~~~~~~

A/N: thank you for reading! hope you liked it :)

masterlist

#harry #harry styles #hs #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fanfiction #fan fiction #fanfic #hs fanfic #cottagecore #all the same

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