#single dad harry

[gumballavocadoharry]

Harry said River (except River has brown hair and green eyes like Harry.)

[0nlythrowharrybeaux]

I feel shy sending this, I’m not sure if you write about dad/single dad Harry. But i just looove your writing style and thought maybe I could share this with you if you want to write about that🙈 I’ve just had this little scenario where Harry’s a single dad (or a dad and the mom’s not here) to a daughter and she gets her first period but she’s super embarrassed to tell him so she hides it despite not having anything. But Harry finds out and l sits her down to talk with her about it and helps her out. Maybe she’s crying but He’s not embarrassed in the slightest. He’s just being very gentle with her and stuff. I mean This just makes my heart melt 💗

Awww friend, I appreciate you putting yourself out there enough to send in your idea 😊 And I haven't written too much of dad Harry, but this is so cute! Here it goes, I hope you like it!

Being a single dad was rough, especially being a dad to a girl. It could be very challenging and confusing sometimes, but Harry was never one to shy away from educating himself on how to be the best parent to Ella, his nearly 13 year old daughter and he had always felt super confident in his parenting skills except for the past year or so. He kept telling himself that is was just the age she was at; it felt like he could never do anything right, like he was walking on egg shells in his own home, he was suddenly feeling like he didn't know his daughter at all, as if he hadn't been the one to raise her, her whole life. It was frustrating and exhausting and it wore him and his patience down to levels he had never experienced.

Like now for example.... it was nearing 7:15am and Ella had still not come down for breakfast! They had to leave soon to drop her off at school on time. He hated shouting after her because their apartment was boxed in by neighbors, but sometimes his temper got the best of him.

"If you're not eating in the next two minutes you'll be starving until your lunch period, El. Come on!" he shouted as he washed his own breakfast dishes and then headed to his bedroom to brush his teeth. When he came back out to the kitchen he saw the untouched plate of food and he sighed and headed back down the small hallway of their two bedroom apartment and he tried to be calm as he gently tapped on her closed door with the knuckle of his index finger, "Sweetheart please," he implored, "we need to get going." he called in and there was some quiet noises coming from inside but she didn't responded, "Ella, are you OK?" he asked carefully.

"Oh my god, dad! Please leave me alone!" he heard her angry and muffled response and he took a deep breath and pressed his lips together for a moment before responding.

"Sweetheart, I can't it's time to go. I'm sorry."

"I don't feel good so I'm not going to go, OK." she said and once again he sighed. He was at a loss! It had been nearly a week of her complaining that she didn't feel well and she had no symptoms of anything, to him she was just acting like her normal temperamental self and he couldn't very well have her skipping school just because she wasn't in the mood. He had even called her principal and guidance counselor to see if they noticed if she'd been victimized by other students or of there were any concerns about her at school, but they hadn't noticed any changes to her life on the campus, he knew she was just being a teenager going through teenage things.

"Sweetheart, you've been saying that the last few days and I think you know by now that's not getting you out of school." he said.

"I'm not just saying it this time! We had some street food yesterday with Aimee and her parents and it made me sick! OK?! I threw up last night!" she shouted and Harry frowned.

"Why didn't you tell me? I could've given you something to make sure you were feeling better this morning." he said and she groaned.

"We don't have any stomach meds anywhere I checked last night!" she shouted and he sighed.

"OK. Are you still feeling sick?"

"Yeah."

"Are you nauseous?" he asked.

"Yes, dad!" she groaned through the door and he sighed at her response, he was just asking to know what to go buy, it didn't warrant a rude response, but this was a battle he would fight later. His child was sick and despite his frustration all he wanted to do was make her feel better.

"OK, OK..." he said, "I'm gonna call your school and go to the pharmacy and pick up some medicine for your stomach, OK? I'll be back in like twenty minutes tops, OK?"

"OK." he heard her mumble and he headed off.

**********

At some point during the night Ella got her first period and completely soiled her sheets and bled through her sleep shorts. Ella waited a few moments after her dad left to leave her room and beeline into her bathroom across the hall with a fresh pair of sweats and underwear as her eyes spilled silent tears, she felt like her hips were being pried apart from the inside, the pain went down to her legs and she did feel nauseous to be fair, she had never felt anything like this before and everything her friend Cassie had told her about her first period seemed to be completely untrue because she felt like she could curl up from the hurt of it all. This had to be the worst day of her life. The first ever period of her life and she was completely unprepared for this, there were no pads or tampons in this house and she was so embarrassed to tell her dad. These were the moments when she wished her mom hadn't left them for some other guy, she could really use a woman's help right about now. Her dad would probably not know what to do and would be grossed out with her and she just needed to take advantage of this brief outing and try and rinse everything off to get it into the washer.

She got cleaned up and made herself a little makeshift pad out of a wad of toilet paper. She felt stupid as she tried to wash the stain out of her lavender shorts at the sink. She should've known, she had been feeling a little weird and sensitive over the last few days and she should've anticipated this and she felt stupid for not considering that as an option for why she was feeling unwell. Her hands were burning from the heat of the water she was using to try and rid her clothes of the dark, bloody stains but it wasn't working all that well and she as panicking a bit as she added more soap. It was getting hard to see through her tears and she was getting really frustrated because she knew she was in a time crunch.

************

Harry had been overly generous when he told Ella his trip to the pharmacy would take him about twenty minutes. There was one around the corner of their street and it had maybe been a little over ten minutes before he was walking back into their apartment with a bag of Peptobismol and nausea medication. He popped one little packet off and filled a cup of water before quietly making his way down the hall in case she had fallen asleep again, but when he got to Ella's door it was thrown open.

"El?" he announced himself before slipping inside and he barely made it past the threshold of her bedroom door when he saw her bed stripped of the comforter and the very obvious stain of blood near the center of the sheets, "Oh my god." he frowned and set the pills and water on her desk and then he heard the muffled sob from the bathroom door across the hall and his heart lurched in his chest. He walked over and tapped on the door.

"Sweetheart, are you OK?" he asked and she sniffled.

"Yes, just threw up again." she fibbed.

"El, I saw w-what happened and-"

"Dad, why are you going into my room!?!?" she berated him but he could just hear the mortification in her voice.

"The door was wide open, sweetheart. You know I'd never just barge in without your permission." he said and she groaned. "And I assure you, this is nothing to be embarrassed about, it's perfectly natural and you'll get through it." he said calmly but completely certain that he was being of absolutely no help, "Do you have anything for your period?" he asked her and she for real wanted to throw up now.

"Dad, don't say period." she grumbled through the door.

"Well that's what it is, I don't know what else you want me to call it." he sighed and she was then hit with a particularly bad cramp and she winced. This pain was new and scary and she didn't like it.

"Dad, it hurts really bad." she whimpered and Harry frowned, "I-is that normal?" she asked through her whimpering and Harry felt so useless for once in his life. The last thing any parent wants is to see their child in pain and this was something that he knew she'd have to deal with for the rest of her life and it made him feel so helpless, it was very demoralizing.

"Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through." he confessed, "And yes, it is normal that it hurts - well I hear it depends, sometimes the pain can be abnormal, but it's your first time, I'd imagine that it's just different?" he even questioned as he spoke and he could practically picture her completely puzzled look, "We have pain meds but you need to eat for that, it'll mess up your tummy if you taken them on an empty stomach." he explained, "Now you never told me if you needed pads or tampons, do you know what you prefer?" he asked, also feeling a little awkward at having to have this conversation with his child, but he was pushing that feeling down as much as possible, he needed to stop freaking out and take care of his daughter.

"I don't know, dad! This is my first freaking time!" she groaned through her tears and he nodded, right, it was her first time, how was she supposed to know.

"Ummm, OK. I'm just... I'll be right back, I'm going to run to the pharmacy again."

"OK." she sighed.

Harry grabbed his wallet and his keys again and started rushing out and towards the elevator. He could hear the metal doors starting to close and picked up his pace.

"Hold the doors, please!" he called and he saw a smaller hand land on the edge of the door forcing it to open again and when he rounded into the entrance of the elevator he saw Y/N, she lived a few doors down and he would consider her a friend, she had babysat El a few times in the previous years and she had helped him out when he'd have little emergencies and seeing her in the lift was sort of a relief.

"Oh, hi Harry." she greeted cheerfully and he smiled at her.

"Hey, Y/N." he responded before settling back against the far wall and letting out a slow breath and she giggled as she watched him as the doors closed and they started their descent.

"It looks like you've narrowly managed to escape something scary." she pointed out and he chuckled.

"Unfortunately, I ummm... am nothing close to escaping from my nemesis right now." he said and she giggled with a sympathetic frown as he shook his head.

"Well are you OK?" she asked carefully and he glanced up to her.

"Ummm yeah, I'm fine just..." he hesitated for a moment and furrowed his brows as he pieced together his thoughts for a second, "Ella just got her first period and I mean, I know what to do and I'm confident I can answer any questions she has but ummm... we were totally unprepared and now I need to go to the store and I just don't really know what to get her. I mean, well I do know actually, but I don't know what she prefers and she doesn't even know because well it's her first time and now I'm a bit frazzled because well..." he trailed off and he started frowning, "She was crying because she said it was hurting a lot and like, I know it's bound to be uncomfortable and painful but to the point that she's in tears over it? No one prepared me for that! And I just hate that I can't do anything about it." he vented to Y/N and she frowned as she listened to him attentively.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Harry and poor El. What a dreadful start to both of your days. I know how scary starting a period can be and well, I also know that it might be hard for El to try to ask her questions or talk to you about this kind of stuff and if she ever needs help with anything or has questions my door's always open to her and to you." she said and Harry nodded and thanked her quietly with a smile, "Now uh, do you know exactly what you need to buy?" she asked and he shook his head, "W-would you like me to come to the store with you and help?" she asked carefully.

"I don't want to interrupt your day, I'm sure I can just ask someone." he said and she shook her head.

"You're not. I was just going to hang out at the cafe and review the assignments I put on my class syllabus." she said and he bit his lip.

"Yeah, OK. I would really appreciate the help." he said before smiling and she smiled back at him. And she had been so much help to him and even explained the differences between the different pads and tampons available and he was able to buy the things that would be most comfortable for El and even got things that would be able to help the cramps and soon they were back to their apartment building and Y/N was stopping with him at his door, "Thank you, Y/N for all of your help. I owe you big time!" he said as he hugged her quickly and she shook her head.

"Not at all, just looking out for El and well for you too." she smiled, "If you guys have an complications just text me." she offered and he nodded and with that he headed inside and she went back to her own apartment. El was now out of the bathroom and was waiting patiently for her dad, sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Hey sweetheart, I ummm ran into Y/N in the lift. I hope you don't mind I told her what happened and she offered to help, picked out a couple different things for you." he said as he handed over the bag with pads and a heating pad and other things Y/N had him pick up.

"Oh, thank you." she said timidly.

"Of course, love. And she said that if you needed help with anything you can text her."

"OK." she whispered and Harry sighed.

"Sweetheart, I know this is hard and new and I can't pretend to know how it feels, but I know it can suck. And I have gone to classes and had extensive chats with your aunt and other friends about answering any questions you have and I know I can, but I also understand that you're growing up and it might be uncomfortable for you to share those things with me or to ask me your questions and that's OK. If you feel that way just let me know it's weird to talk to me about that and we can find someone else for you to talk to about these things. I just don't want you to feel like I don't care or like I find it gross and won't help you if an accident happens, or like you can't tell me when you're not feeling well because of this." he explained and she nodded.

"I know. I just got embarrassed and I didn't know what to do." she said and he nodded.

"Yeah, that's OK. It's a first for both of us." he said and she nodded.

"Ummm, dad I did have a question about...well I tried to wash my shorts and it...I just don't want my clothes to have a stain and it's not coming out right." she said and he frowned.

"OK, that one I will need to call back up on. Do you mind if I call Y/N and ask?" he asked and Ella shook her head to let him know she didn't mind and he went off to call Y/N and she headed back into the bathroom to get a pad on. Luckily the school nurse had done a demo of using a pad and a tampon at the start of the school year because a lot of the girls in her grade were starting to get their periods, so she at least knew how to get it on right, but it still felt weird and she didn't like it and once again a wave of tears overcame her upon coming to the conclusion that this would be something she would have to endure for the rest of her life.

************

While on the phone with Harry, Y/N explained that they needed to wash out the stains with cold water and soap and she also gave Harry a couple more tips on how to make sure the stains washed out completely. Ella soon dragged her sheets into the bathroom and started to wash out the stains she had left on them and thankfully with Y/N's tips they were looking good. She was in the middle of rinsing out the soap from the sheet in the tub when their doorbell rang and Harry, who had been waiting in the kitchen opened up the door and saw Y/N there.

"Hey, Ella texted me that she's having a little trouble with the stain on her shorts. I brought her something for it." she said holding up a spray bottle of stain cleaner and he opened the door wider to let her in.

"Thanks for helping her, she's in the bathroom, down the hall on your right." he said and she nodded, "W-would you like to stay for tea or coffee?" he asked her.

"I wouldn't want to impose on you guys."

"Not at all! El said she's going back to bed after this, she's feeling a little queasy." he explained.

"Oh OK, yeah then a cup of coffee would be nice." she said and he nodded and she soon headed over to the bathroom where she explained to El how to use this stain remover and even left her the bottle. She even went as far as showing her what wash cycles would be good for when you have accidents like this. She then helped her put new sheets on her bed and they were in there chatting for a good ten minutes, so Harry figured Ella also had some other questions to ask and Y/N was taking her time to answer them.

"Thank you so much, Y/N." he heard Ella from afar.

"Awww, of course, hon." he heard Y/N respond and soon after the door to her room clicked shut and Y/N was coming into the kitchen and Harry offered her a smile.

"Thank you so much for helping Ella. I don't know what I would've done without you today." he said quietly and Y/N shook her head.

"You would've been just fine, you're super dad." she said with a grin and he sighed and shook his head.

"Haven't felt like it lately." he explained and Y/N hummed, "Go on and have a seat." he said and she nodded and hoisted herself up onto the high chair nestled under the small kitchen island. After a few moments he was sliding a mug before her and setting one down for himself before grabbing the creme from the fridge and placing it and the sugar container before her and then he was sliding into the spot beside hers.

"So how are you feeling about all this?" Y/N asked Harry and he sighed and smiled.

"Well I can't deny that I'm a bit sad, I've got a little lady on my hands now and it's been challenging to say the least." he admitted and she giggled.

"I can imagine... god, I was a nightmare at that age." she recalls and Harry chuckled, "I'm sure I drove my parents to madness." she laughed along.

"Yeah, I know that she'll get more secretive and want more space and privacy, like we all did at that age, but it is hard to just feel like she's slowly slipping away. Like I want to understand her but I don't, not in the slightest and I feel like a failure for that." he admitted and she frowned.

"You're not a failure, Harry. I can't say I know firsthand, but I am aware that parenting is hard. Even more so when your child is about to be a teenager! Ella is a great kid and she loves you so much, you know it." Y/N reasoned and he nodded.

"You know, a couple weeks ago Ella got in trouble at school for using her phone in class. Apparently she'd had multiple incidents and she was forging my signature on the detention slips that her principal was sending home." he explained, "On the most recent infraction they confiscated her cellphone and wouldn't release it back to her until I went to talk to her guidance counselor about it with her. She had to come clean and well I grounded her for the weekend and she was upset because she was missing a classmate's birthday party and she was so angry with me she told me she hated me." he recalled and Y/N's eyes softened and she pouted as she watched the sadness take over Harry's eyes, just the memory of it made his heart hurt.

"Oh, Harry I'm sorry." she reached out and covered his hand in her own and he glanced up to her.

"I felt so angry and betrayed and so hurt, she slammed her door in my face and I just went to my room and cried like a baby for at least an hour. Like I gave up my whole life for her and I'd gladly do it again, don't get me wrong, but that was the first moment in which I started to doubt myself. I wondered if I was truly capable of doing this or if I had maybe not been as good of a father as I thought." Harry admitted to her, "I started to wonder if maybe my reasons for wanting her to be born were purely selfish and now this was the payback for that? Maybe fighting for sole custody was not the best idea, you know?"

"You can tell me to fuck off if i'm overstepping any boundaries but, what's the deal with her mom?" Y/N asked.

"Well, I was only 19 when Ella was born, her mum was also 19 and at first she was excited to be pregnant, towards the middle months she was not all that happy about it anymore. She got really depressed and just hated every moment of it until Ella was born, she didn't even want to hold her when she was born. It was quite sad because her mum was one of my friends, we'd known each other for a couple years and we just assumed that we could make things work but she didn't love me like that and you know, she started seeing other people and eventually found someone who she wanted to be with more than us and just...left one day." he explained and Y/N's heart broke for him.

"Harry." she said softly and he shook his head.

"It was for the best in all honesty we were miserable together. She left Ella with her parents, she was just five months old at the time. I knew from her that her parents were quite hard on her and difficult and I didn't want that for Ella. When I tried to get her back they wouldn't give her to me so I had to get a lawyer and he advised me to get my shit together to get my daughter back. So I enrolled myself in university and found myself a job and a place to live so that I could convince the courts that I was a suitable parent. They would only let me see her once a week, it was awful. She was nearly two when I got full custody and her mum didn't involve herself in any of it, she wanted nothing to do with the custody battle. Either way, sometimes I do wonder if that was a mistake, if maybe I robbed her of the stability of having two parents to support her and love her instead of just me. And now that she's moving onto this stage of life I know that I can't understand or help her with everything and I know that there are just somethings that would be so much easier if she had a mum."

"Harry, listen to me this stage of life is really hard for girls and I'm not going to lie to you and tell you it's going to get easier, it might get worse, but you love your daughter more than anything in the world and she knows that. You've proved that to Ella her whole life and she knows that you mean well. Yeah, it might be weird for her to bring certain things up to you or she might act out, but that doesn't mean she doesn't love you and you know that." she said and he nodded.

"Yeah, I do." he smiled and she did as well. Just then they heard Ella call for Harry and it snapped them out of their little moment, "I'll be right back." he said and hurried off towards Ella's room, he knocked a few times to announce himself before going inside to see her snuggled into her bed and he came over and sat down.

"Hey princess, feeling alright?" he asked lowly as he brushed away from hair from her forehead.

"It's hurting again." she said and he sighed and leaned down to kiss her on the forehead.

"I would make it stop if I could." he frowned in defeat and she grumbled, "What can I do to help?" he asked.

"Can you heat up the water bag for me again?" she asked as she pulled it from beneath the covers and he nodded.

"Course I can, sweetheart. I'll be right back." he said and headed off to the kitchen again, "Think the pain meds wore off, she's hurting again." he said to Y/N.

"Oh poor, El."

"Yeah, just need to heat this up again." he said and Y/N nodded as he put on the kettle again. As they waited for that to happen the washing machine chimed, announcing that the sheets and shorts they had put in the wash were ready for the dryer.

"I can put everything in the dryer, you take care of El." Y/N assured as she slipped off of the stool and headed towards the little wash/dryer closet in the unit. She smiled when she passed Harry on the way to Ella's room and he assured her he'd be back with her in a moment, "Take your time." she reassured and he nodded.

"Here you are, sweetheart. Careful, it's really hot." he said as he handed over the hot water bag and she carefully slipped it under the covers and set it over her tummy again.

"Thanks, dad. I'm sorry I was rude earlier." she said lowly and he tutted and shook his head.

"It's alright, sweetheart. You were in crisis mode." he smiled and she pouted and her eyes started welling up and he frowned, "Hey, don't cry, sweetheart." he comforted her and wiped her tears but this only made her cry harder as she sat up and hugged her dad. Harry held her close as she cried into his chest.

"Dad?" she cried.

"Yeah, princess?" he asked gently.

"I promise that I don't hate you." she sobbed and his own eyes started to tear up as she sobbed, "I heard you crying after I told you that and I want you to know it's not true. I love you so much, I'm so sorry!" she whimpered and sniffled and he shushed her, "I'm sorry." she whimpered. a few more times.

"I forgive you, sweetheart." he assured her, "I love you so much too, with my whole entire heart no matter what. There will be times when we'll get angry at each other or lose our patience with each other, but that doesn't mean that I love you any less than I ever have. And these next few years of your life are going to be challenging - there are so many changes happening to you and around you and it can be overwhelming and scary and it can sometimes make you feel like bursting, but I will always be here for you and will love you through every single moment of it, OK?"

"OK. I love you." she whispered and he pulled back and kissed her forehead once more.

"I love you too." he assured before they let each other go, "Now rest up and if you need anything just give me shout." he said and she nodded and rubbed her eyes a few times before offering him a smile before he headed back out to see Y/N just looking through her phone, he captured her attention when he came back into the kitchen.

"Are you alright?" she asked with concern as she saw his teary eyes and he nodded.

"Yeah, just had a heart to heart with her." he explained and she smiled.

"Good." Y/N replied, "Thank you for the coffee, I should try to finalize my syllabus today so I should get going, but if anything you know where to reach me." she said as she slid out of the high chair she was on and he nodded.

"Thank you for all of your help today, seriously." he said and she nodded with a smile.

"Of course. I did talk to El briefly about this, but you should hear it too." she said and he nodded, "You probably already know, but periods are supposed to come once a month, but that might not be the case at the start. I already told her she should have emergency pads in her backpack just in case, maybe keep some in the car for her, you know?" she asked and he nodded in understanding, "Also the first few days are the absolute most brutal ones, expect her to feel shitty and to be moody and sensitive."

"If I had to deal with this crap I would be moody too." he said and she giggled.

"Oh yeah, definitely! I did talk to her about what things she should be concerned over and how to dispose of her pads and stuff - one my friends flushed hers and destroyed her house's plumbing so I covered that one for you." she said and he chuckled.

"Good thanks."

"Yeah, no worries." she smiled.

"I'll ummm, walk you out." he said and they quietly made their way over to the front door and she stepped out and turned to him.

"Harry, you're doing a really great job. El's lucky to have you for a dad." she reassured him and he started getting closer before he wrapped Y/N up in a big hug and she relaxed into his hold and hugged him back, "You've got this." she encouraged him.

"Thanks, love. I really appreciate all your help today. I can always count on you and I'm so grateful for that." he said as they let go and she nodded and smiled.

"Of course, you know where to reach me. See you later." she beamed before she turned and started to head down the corridor to her apartment. There was a funny feeling swirling in Harry's tummy as he watched her walk away and before she could get too far he caught up to her and grabbed her hand, causing her to spin around and their eyes met. Now she was the one who was tingling all over, Harry was handsome and sweet and so kind and she'd had a minor crush on him since he and Ella moved in about five years ago and she feared it only grew more and more with time.

"Hey, I was wondering i-if maybe you wanted to go grab a drink or dinner sometime?" he asked nervously, "Like as a thank you f-for today!" he added quickly, "Not like a date or anything. Just as neighbors or friends or whatever."

"Just friends drinks? Ummm, yeah I'd be down for that." she said with a giggle and he glanced down to his feet for a second before looking back into her eyes.

"O-or if you want it to be a date it can be." he said, looking even more unsure at his boldness now.

"Do you want it to be a date?" she asked him and he bit on his lip nervously as their eyes met and he shrugged.

"I-if you'd be OK with it being a date then yeah, I'd love for it to be a date." he confessed and she smiled up at him and nodded.

"Yeah, I'd like that." she said with a shy smile and he grinned lightly.

"You'd like what?" he asked as he stepped closer, taking her other hand in his and she felt like she was on fire, there was no denying the way she was probably flushing and blinking nervously at his sudden air of confidence and playfullness.

"You're really gonna make me say it?" she asked lowly and he nodded and she sighed, "I'd like to go on a date with you." she said lowly and he grinned upon hearing the words straight from her mouth.

"Glad we're on the same page. I'll make a plan and text you about it. We can schedule it then, OK?"

"Sounds good." she said as he let go of her and started walking back towards his apartment in reverse.

"Have a good rest of your day."

"You too." she called back before turning around and getting back inside. He had just finished locking up when he heard Ella calling him and he hurried to her room.

"What's up, sweetheart?" he asked.

"Did Y/N already leave?" she asked groggily and Harry nodded.

"Yeah, sweetheart. Did you need something from her?" he asked and she shook her head.

"No, just wanted to say thank you. I can text her." she said and he nodded, "She's pretty don't you think?" she asked and Harry breathed out a slight chuckle.

"Sure." he responded.

"Sure?" she asked incredulously and he shrugged with a timid smile. He knew where this was going and while he had asked Y/N out just a few minutes prior he didn't want to tell Ella just yet and get her hopes up. Dating someone with kids could be complicated, sure Ella and Y/N got along and she was so sweet to her, but it's one thing to be nice and helpful and another completely different beast to then be brought in as a potential parent to a kid. Dating was tricky for single parents and Harry was admittedly a bit out of practice, it had been nearly two years since he'd been on a proper date with someone.

"Yeah, sure." he said again with a smile.

"I think you should ask her on a date." Ella said and Harry chuckled nervously, "She would say yes."

"Oh yeah? And how do you know that?"

"Because you're the best, dad! That's why." Ella smiled and he shook his head and playfully rolled his eyes.

"Glad you think so, kiddo." he said and she smiled, "Now what should we get for lunch? We can have whatever you want." he said with a smile and she eventually chose some lasagna from a nearby restaurant and she devoured it, where she would usually only be able to stomach about half, but soon they were on the couch re-watching Stranger Things when Ella turned towards him.

"Do I have to go to school tomorrow?" she asked and Harry sighed.

"I'm afraid so, kiddo. If you're still feeling as sick as today of course not, but unfortunately periods do not excuse you from life." he informed her.

"That's stupid..." she huffed and he hummed in agreement before they fell quiet again for a few minutes, "Dad, can boys tell when you're on your period?" she asked and he shook his head.

"No, sweetheart. Is that why you're worried about going tomorrow?" he asked and she nodded, "Look, I'm not going to lie to you, some boys are ill-mannered and real assholes, OK? Their parents haven't taught them better and sometimes they will make fun of girls for having their period or for being upset and then make remarks about you being on your period, it's sexist and in poor taste. If any boys at your school say things like that to you or try to belittle you for being a girl I give you my full permission to tell them to fuck off." he said and she giggled, "I'm serious! Women are stronger than we can even fathom and some men can't face that fact, it makes them feel intimidated or bad about themselves." he said and she nodded, "Don't let men like that take your power, sweetheart. Yeah, sometimes we all have bad days and people can get us down, but never forget that you are smart, powerful, strong, and my perfect girl," he said extending a hand to her and she took her dad's hand and squeezed it back, "and I am so happy that I have a daughter like you. I will always have your back, OK?"

"OK, dad." she smiled and focused back on the TV.

Harry did feel a little nervous because Y/N was right, this next stage in Ella's life was bound to be one of the hardest and scariest stages of her life. She would experience crushes and rejections and emotional hurt that he wishes he could shield her from, but it was all part of growing up. It made him proud that she had made it this far but it also put a lump in his throat because his little girl was growing up right before his eyes and no matter how much she grew up, it would still be hard to accept it.

[gurugirl]

please do that airport dad piece pleaseee 🧎‍♀️😩

Ohhh?? You want that one do you?? It’s in the drafts my dear! 🥰🥰

Xoxo

[harmonyandco]

Harry had a one night stand, which produced a child who got left with him. The catch? His one night stand was with the goddess Aphrodite, who takes the appearance of whoever you find most attractive, and there's a reason why his new daughter looks just like Hermione.

@johnburtonlee

[geenalovesthelittlethings]

what if the kids are young when the missus passed and each year on her birthday they want to bake a cake and blow the candles out for her :((((

🥺🥺🥺

They make her favorite cake/dessert and blow out candles for her and bring her birthday cards and flowers. The first few years especially it's so hard for Harry, but it becomes something everyone looks forward to doing and such a beautiful and special way to celebrate and remember and love her.

[my-castles-crumbling]

embarrass - @jegulus-microfic - word count: 245 - thank you @beautyoftheships

"Mister Reg?" A small voice sounded from somewhere around Regulus's waist, and he looked down to see wide, green eyes.

"Yes, Harry?" he asked the four-year-old, who was patiently waiting to be picked up after preschool by his father.

"Can boys be beautiful?" the little boy asked, blinking up at him.

The question seemed innocent enough, so Regulus shrugged. "Sure! Boys can be whatever they want to be. Why do you ask?"

Harry grinned, his messy hair falling in his eyes. "Because Dad was telling Uncle Moony that you're beautiful."

Regulus gaped, unsure what to say to that. But before he could think of a suitable comment that wasn't 'Well, I think your father's fit as fuck so why don't you tell him to give me his number?' someone cleared their throat and both Regulus and Harry looked up.

"Dada!" Harry shrieked, throwing himself into his father's arms.

But James Potter was too busy looking at Regulus. "Any chance you'll forget he ever said that?" the man asked, looking thoroughly embarrassed.

But Regulus had never been one to let things go. "No," he stated, crossing his arms, only enjoying the look of horror on James's face a little bit. "We'll have to talk about it. A lot. Over coffee," he continued, trying to hide his smirk.

James's face lit up, and he juggled the very excitable boy that was now climbing his leg to take out his phone. "Of course," he smiled. "Coffee sounds beautiful."

[allthelovehes]

Field Day Reunion

Summary: Harry agrees to volunteer at his son's school and he is surprised to see the teacher is his long-lost high school girlfriend.

Pairing: Singledad!Harry x Teacher!Y/N

Word count: 3.2K

Warnings: None, this is pure fluff.

Taglist: @justmystyles @bitchybabyharry @harrysslut7 @swiftmendeshoran @lucasandharold @harrysbabycherry @htaylor18 @rose-garden-dreamz @myalovesharry @mellamolayla @hsonlyangelxo @yousunshineyoutempter @heartateasee @blueheisenbergtragedy @bikestyles @bohemianrhapsody86 Let me know if you want to be added to my taglist! 🤗

Support my work by joining my Patreon!

A/N:  Just a fluffy little one shot about Harry reuniting with his high school lover. Let me know if you want a part two because I can totally see that happening!

As Charlie comes home from school with a piece of paper in hand, asking for volunteers to visit a local farm, Harry is eager to sign up. His 4-year-old is currently learning all about farm animals, so it seems like the perfect opportunity to see his enthusiasm first-hand.

Harry is a single parent to Charlie, and while parenthood is far from easy, he's found himself becoming an avid learner in the art of parenting as his son is growing up. The last year especially, since his girlfriend had left them both in the dust and moved away.

But while Harry's been focused on his son and their life at home, Charlie's growing up and becoming his own little person. He's also learning more about the world and how people fit into it, and Harry thinks that volunteering at his school is a perfect example of that.

And so, Harry fills out the permission slip and sends it back to Charlie's teacher.

Charlie is very excited when Harry tells him about the trip, and even though he's still very young, Harry can tell he's already forming his own ideas about the kind of person he wants to be. And that means the world to Harry. It's one thing for him to shape his son, but he's determined to give Charlie a voice, as well.

Later that week, Charlie is sent home from school with another letter. One that explains how the class will be visiting the farm, what the schedule will be like and what exactly they need help with from the volunteering parents. With this insight, Harry has a much better understanding of the day, and can teach Charlie about things he might see. Teaching him new words and showing him the pictures in the books that Harry has at home.

On the morning of the trip, Charlie is a bundle of excited nerves. He's practically vibrating as Harry helps him get dressed, and when Harry makes sure he's got his raincoat, he almost bursts.

“It's not going to rain, daddy.”

“Oh yeah? Then what's that.” Harry asks, pointing out the window where the clouds are hanging low and grey.

“It's not gonna rain” Charlie states again. “Promise” Harry huffs out a laugh because of course, the boy is going to be stubborn today

“Okay, little man. We'll see.” As they get ready to leave, Harry puts a light jacket on and grabs an umbrella. When Charlie notices, he pouts, making his father chuckle.

Harry is supposed to drive to school first so a few more kids can fit in the car, and then drive them all to the farm together. Charlie is excited to sit in the front, which gives him a perfect view of the sky and a chance to show Harry how wrong he is.

He's quiet for a while, just staring out the window, but Harry doesn't pay too much attention. He's too focused on the road and making sure the other kids are safe. But soon, the clouds part and the sun shines through.

“See? Told ya.” Charlie grins. Harry hums and nods.

“I suppose you did.”

Harry parks his car on the school grounds. They walk towards Charlie's classroom and when the door opens, Harry sees a young woman standing in the middle of the room, facing away from him. If he remembers correctly, his son's teacher used to be in her fifties, so who is this woman?

“Char? Did you get a new teacher” Harry asks his son as he puts his coat away, but Charlie shrugs.

“No. Miss Green is gone. This is Miss Y/L/N.” Charlie answers, pointing to the woman. At the sound of his son's voice, she turns around and Harry can finally see her face. She locks eyes with him and it feels like time stops.

“Y/N” Harry asks confused, his heart beating faster. She looks exactly the same as she did all those years ago, the only difference being the hair length and a few laugh lines on her face.

“Harry. Hi. Um... I wasn't expecting to see you here.” She says. Her voice sounds a little strained.

“Well, I wasn't expecting to see you either.” Harry chuckles. “How... are you? I didn't know you were a teacher.”

“Oh, I just started this year. And I'm doing great. How are you?” She smiles. It's a little awkward, but it's real.

“Good, good.” He smiles back, scratching the back of his neck. Y/N used to be his girlfriend in high school, until they broke up because of college. They've only seen each other a couple of times since then, mostly when their paths crossed in their hometown. He always knew he loved her, but as they grew older, the distance between them had grown too, and now they're basically strangers.

“Daddy, are you okay?” Charlie tugs on his jacket, looking up at him. Harry blinks and shakes his head a little.

“Yeah, yeah, I'm good, little man.” Harry says and runs a hand through his son's curls.

“Daddy?” Y/N asks, sounding amused. Harry can feel the blush spreading on his cheeks.

“Uh, yeah. Charlie is my son.” He tells her, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder.

“He's a lucky kid to have you, Harry.” Y/N smiles, and for a second, he's a teenage boy again, completely infatuated with her.

“Thank you.” Harry clears his throat.

“Are you ready to go to the farm, Charlie?” She asks, kneeling in front of the boy.

“Yep! Can we see the horses?” He asks excitedly, jumping a little. Y/N giggles.

“There aren't going to be any horses on the farm we're going to today, but I'm sure we can find a different animal. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Harry is a bit distracted for the rest of the day, and Y/N's eyes keep meeting his over the children's heads, making him blush and smile. He can't believe she's back in his life, and a teacher no less. He really hopes he'll see her more often, now that his boy is in her class.

“Okay kids, gather 'round!” Y/N calls as she stands in front of the pigpen. Charlie and his friends hurry over, giggling and talking excitedly. “Can you all say 'hello' to the pigs?” The children repeat her words, and she gives them all a warm smile. “Great job! Now, if you all take a step closer, you'll be able to pet the pigs. Remember to be gentle, okay?”

Harry can't believe his ears. Y/N was never a fan of animals, especially when they were close to her. Yet here she is, standing in the middle of the mud, smiling and laughing. It warms his heart to see her so fond of the kids.

As the kids pet the pigs, Harry steps next to Y/N, who smiles and waves.

“This is incredible, Y/N. I can't believe you're doing this.” Harry laughs.

“Yeah, it was a little weird at first, but the kids seem to love it. It's nice to see them all together and have fun.” She admits. “And it's also a great learning experience.”

“It really is. I don't think Charlie will be able to talk about anything else but pigs for the next few days.”

“It's great though, isn't it? Their little minds are constantly absorbing information and figuring out how the world works.”

“Yeah.” Harry smiles and nods, looking at his son, who's happily petting the pig with a huge smile on his face.

“Okay guys, I think it's time for lunch. Can we all thank the pigs?” She calls and the kids cheer.

“Thank you, pig.”

“Thank you, piggy!”

“Thanks, pig.”

They all wave at the pig and walk towards the picnic area, where a couple of parents are setting up the food. Y/N instructs the kids to wash their hands, and they all run to the bathrooms. Harry joins her, and they fall into a comfortable silence as they wait for the children.

“I'm really happy to see you again, Harry.” She admits, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.

“Me too, Y/N. It's been a long time.” He nods.

“Yeah.” She says, but doesn't elaborate. There's so much Harry wants to say to her, but the kids are coming back and he knows it's not the right time. He'll just have to find another opportunity.

Lunch is a fun affair, filled with laughter and the occasional mess. Afterwards, the kids play in the meadow for a while before heading back to the farm building.

“Okay, let's all sit down on the floor and I'll tell you a story about the farm.” Y/N instructs, and the kids all follow her. Harry sits with the parents, keeping an eye on his son and watching the woman he used to love.

Y/N talks to the kids about how the farm started, who built it, and what happened over the years. She has a way with words, and the children are hanging on to every word she says. After the story, they head over to the goat pen and watch as the baby goats jump around, chasing each other and bleating.

“Daddy, can we get a goat?” Charlie asks.

“Maybe, buddy. But I don't think we'd have a place to keep one.” Harry replies.

“Aww, but it's so cute.” Charlie whines, and Y/N can't help but chuckle as she picks up on their conversation.

“It is very cute. But maybe you can come here and see the goats, instead.” She suggests. Charlie nods and smiles, he walks back to the adorable creatures.

“Thanks, you just saved me there.” Harry laughs.

“Don't mention it. I'm glad I could help.”

“So, um... Charlie's mom. How's she doing?” Y/N asks, and he can see the hesitation on her face.

“Oh. She's fine, I think. We haven't seen each other since she left.” Harry answers.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I was just curious.” She says, wringing her hands together.

“No, no, it's okay. I just didn't expect it.”

“Oh. Well, that's good.”

“Yeah.” He smiles. They look at each other for a moment before someone calls for Y/N, and they're pulled out of the moment.

The rest of the day passes quickly. There are many games and activities for the kids to try out, and lots of running around and laughing. Charlie is completely worn out when it's time to go, and he falls asleep in the car.

When Harry pulls up to the school, he lets the other kids out of his car so they can go home but makes sure to let Charlie have his nap. 

“Thanks, Harry.” Y/N says as she walks up to him.

“For what?” He asks.

“For being such a great dad and helping me out. I had a lot of fun today.” She explains, smiling at him.

“Anytime, Y/N.” He replies, giving her a small smile back. They look at each other for a while, both hesitant.

“Well, I better get going. See you around!” She asks.

“Definitely. See you.”

With that, Y/N walks away and Harry gets into his car. As Harry watches her go, he can't help but wonder what the future will bring and he realises he's not wanting to wait for it all to happen. He quickly opens the door and calls her name, stopping her in her tracks.

“Yes?” She asks, confused.

“Can I please have your phone number? I'd love to catch up.”

“Oh, yes. Of course.” She says, pulling her phone out and giving him the number.

“Great. Thanks.”

“Sure thing. Have a nice evening, Harry.”

“You too, Y/N.”

He watches as she walks away, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. It's like he's found something he didn't even know was missing, and he can't wait to explore the possibilities with her. ***

Ever since the field trip when Harry would drop Charlie off at school, he can't stop thinking about Y/N. She's always been on his mind, but this time, it's different. Now that they've reconnected, Harry can't help but notice everything about her. The way she smiles, the way she laughs, and the way her eyes sparkle.

He hasn't dated since Charlie's mother left. He was too busy raising his son and working, and it wasn't really a priority. But now, as he watches Y/N interact with his boy, he can't help but want more. He wants her, and he's not sure what to do about it.

One afternoon, as Harry is waiting in the parking lot after picking up Charlie, Y/N approaches his car. She gives him a small wave and a smile, and he quickly gets out of the car.

“Hi.” She greets him, a slight blush on her cheeks.

“Hey. What's up?” He asks, leaning against the car.

“Um, I was wondering if you'd like to grab a coffee with me? You asked for my number but never called, so I thought I'd ask you in person.” She asks, her voice laced with nervousness.

“Oh, yeah. I'm sorry, I've been... I got kinda nervous.” He admits.

“Really?” She asks, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

“Yeah.” He says. He doesn't explain himself further, and they just stand there, looking at each other for a minute. “Let's change the coffee for dinner and you've got yourself a deal.” He smirks, making her laugh.

“Deal.”

They agree on a time and place and then Y/N leaves, her smile growing wider with each step she takes. Harry watches her, his heart beating faster with every passing second. As he's driving home, Harry can't stop smiling. He's finally going on a date with the woman of his dreams.

He decides to make an effort and dresses up a little, putting on a nice pair of jeans and a shirt. It's not much, but it's more than he usually wears. He even brushes his hair. When he's done, he goes into the living room and finds Charlie sitting on the couch, watching TV.

“Hey, little man. Are you hungry?” Harry asks. Charlie shakes his head. “Are you sure? I'm going out for dinner and I can pick something up for you on the way home.”

“Can I come?” Charlie asks, looking up at his father with big, puppy eyes.

“Oh, um... Maybe next time, buddy. Grandma is coming over to watch you. This is kind of an adult thing.”

“What is it?”

“I'm having dinner with a friend.” Harry explains. Charlie frowns, and his brows furrows in concentration.

“Do I know her?” He asks, his voice curious.

“Yes, you do. But you can meet her another time, okay?”

“Okay.” Charlie says, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “Daddy?”

“Yes, little man?”

“Do you have a girlfriend?” He asks, tilting his head to the side. Harry almost chokes on the air, his eyes going wide.

“What?” He manages to squeak out.

“I heard the other kids talk about it at school. They said you're supposed to have dinner with your girlfriend.” Charlie explains.

“Oh. Well, no, buddy. I don't have a girlfriend.” Harry says. “Not yet.” He adds, thinking about Y/N.

“Oh. Okay.”

Charlie's questions stop and they sit in silence until his grandmother comes. Once Anne arrives, Harry leaves the house, and heads towards the restaurant. The place is busy, but not packed, and Harry manages to find a table easily. He orders a drink and sits down, his leg bouncing nervously. He's not sure why he's so anxious, it's just dinner with an old friend. He has no reason to be worried.

Y/N shows up a few minutes later, and when their eyes meet, she smiles. She looks beautiful, her hair loose and a soft dress hugging her curves. Harry feels his heart rate speed up.

“Hi.” She greets him as she approaches the table.

“Hey.” He smiles, getting up to hug her. “You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you. You look good too.” She blushes.

“Thank you.”

They order food and talk about anything and everything. They talk about the past and how they've changed over the years. They talk about the present and their jobs, their likes and dislikes. They also talk about the future and their hopes and dreams. It's a nice, easy conversation, and Harry is glad she had the guts to ask him on a date.

After they finish eating, they go for a walk, taking in the fresh air and talking about the most random things. Y/N talks about the kids and the crazy stories she's heard and Harry laughs at her tales, especially when she imitates their voices. He can't believe how easily they fall back into a rhythm, and he finds himself hoping this will continue.

After their walk, they go back to his car, and Harry drives her home as she took the bus on the way here. He parks outside her apartment building and they sit in the car, neither of them knowing what to say.

“Well, I had a really nice time tonight, Harry.” Y/N breaks the silence.

“Me too.” He says, a soft smile on his lips. “I'm glad you asked me out.”

“So am I.” She says.

They sit there for a few moments, just looking at each other before Harry finally pulls her cheek to the side so their eyes meet. They lean in slowly, their lips almost touching.

“Thank you again for a wonderful evening, Harry.” Y/N whispers.

“It was my pleasure.” He replies, his voice low and husky.

Their lips meet, and a fire ignites within him. They kiss deeply and passionately, his hands exploring her body. She moans into his mouth, her fingers tangling in his hair. Harry knows he shouldn't do this, not on the first date, but he can't help himself. He needs her. They kiss until their lungs scream for air, and they have to break apart. They stare at each other, both panting.

“Wow.” Y/N whispers, licking her lips.

“Yeah.” He replies, his heart racing. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-.“

“No, it's okay. I wanted this too.” She interrupts, a soft smile on her face. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“How do you feel about dating with Charlie around? I can imagine it's not easy, especially since he's only four.”

“Well, I've never dated anyone, so I'm not sure.” Harry shrugs. “But I can't stop thinking about you.” He adds, looking into her eyes.

“Really?” She asks, surprised.

“Yes. I've been thinking about you ever since I saw you again.”

“Me too.”

They lean in again, their lips meeting once more. They kiss until their bodies ache and their lungs burn, and then they part. Harry can't believe he's doing this, but he knows it's right.

“Let's just take things slow.” He says, his voice husky.

“Okay.” Y/N smiles.

They kiss one last time before saying their goodbyes. As Harry watches her go, he can't help but smile. He's not sure where this will lead, but he can't wait to find out.

[avatar-anna]

Better Off: Series Masterlist

summary: Harry and Y/n are parents at a private school, and they do NOT like each other

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Love Langauge

There was something about the way that Harry always knelt down to greet Scorpius with a hug that Draco couldn't take. It was too much, too precious, it made him feel like his whole world was narrowed down to just two people, heart too full.

“Daddy told Auntie Pansy that people getting shit done is his love language.” Scorpius informed Harry primly and Draco promptly wished that he could just sink through the floor as Harry’s eyes, twinkling with mischief, found his over his son’s shoulder. He knew he shouldn't have had that floo call with Pansy about work while Scorpius was in the house.

“Did he?” Harry asked, before turning his attention back to Scorpius. “Sounds like acts of service is it for your dad.”

He shook his head, "Scorpius, it's your bedtime."

His 4-year-old turned and pouted at him, "But Harry just got here."

"I know," he said, understanding completely the desire to simply exist in the other man's orbit. "But it's past your bedtime already."

"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked Harry, turning his pout on the other man, whom, Draco knew from experience, had no defenses against a pouting Malfoy.

"I would like that very much," Harry said sincerely, looking up at Draco, "if it's alright with your dad."

They didn't do this. Harry didn't stay overnight, he wasn't there in the morning when Scorpius woke up, as far as Scorpius was concerned, they were just friends. He'd been too afraid of his son getting attached, and how it would affect him when (if) Harry left. "Maybe Harry would like to meet us for ice cream at Fortescue's," he replied.

Scorpius spun around to look at him, literally jumping for joy, but Draco didn't miss the way that Harry's face fell before he caught himself.

"That sounds great," he said, smiling at both of them.

"Do you want to give Harry a hug good night?" Draco asked.

Scorpius nodded and Harry knelt down again, wrapping his arms around Scorpius. "Night, buddy," Harry said.

"Night, night, Harry," he replied. "I love you."

"Love you too, bud," he responded easily, and Draco's heart shattered in his chest.

He cleared his throat, "Come on, Scorp," he said softly, "bedtime."

His son's arms wrapped around Harry's shoulders tighter for a moment, then he was off, dashing toward the stairs. "I'm gonna beat you!" he called to Draco over his shoulder.

"Be right there, teeth first," Draco called back. He turned to Harry who was standing from the floor once more, "Hey," he exhaled.

"Hi," Harry replied, smiling at him and leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his cheek.

"I'll be back soon. Sorry that nothing went quite according to plan tonight and he's not down yet."

"It's fine," Harry said, shaking his head, "You don't have to apologize. If you'd wanted an extra set of hands, you could have owled and asked me to come earlier."

"That's not your job," he protested. "Harry, the lines-"

"Daddy!" Scorpius called, mouth sounding full of what Draco suspected was toothpaste.

"Coming!"

"Go," Harry said, nudging him toward the stairs. "I'll be here when you're done."

Draco nodded and turned, leaving everything with Harry until after bedtime. Bedtime was his favorite time of day, stories and singing, quiet reflection, cuddles in the rocker, before tucking his child in for the night and stroking his hair until his was fast asleep.

He lingered for a few extra moments in Scorpius' doorway, watching his son sleeping. He planned the whole speech in his head: Scorpius was the most important person in his life, his world revolved around his child, he wanted Harry but he couldn't put Scorpius' heart in danger. Bad enough to be putting his own heart in such a precarious position, he thought as he closed the door and headed downstairs again.

When he reached the living room, Harry was nowhere to be seen, so he wandered through to the kitchen imagining that Harry might be uncorking the bottle of wine that Draco had seen tucked in his coat pocket.

What he found instead, was Harry standing at the sink, up to his elbows in water as he washed the veritable mountain of dishes that Draco hadn't had the time or energy to take care of. That seemed to be the case with more and more things lately, he just didn't have the capacity to work and be a single parent.

"You don't have to do that," he said, embarrassment flooding his whole body.

Harry glanced over his shoulder and smiled at him, "I don't mind." Before Draco could protest, he continued, "I'm almost done anyway. Do you want to pour us some wine? I picked up that Merlot that you were fond of at that Italian place we ate at last month."

"I can't do this," Draco breathed, feeling like the air had been punched out of him. He stumbled back to lean against the doorway.

"Draco?" Harry said softly, voice full of concern, and Draco looked up to see him drying his hands on the towel as he looked at him.

And Draco wanted to cry. The image of Harry standing there, sleeves rolled up from washing the dishes for him, brows drawn in concern, was burned into his brain. Because this was it. It had to be. "I can't," he managed, shaking his head.

"Can't what?" Harry asked gently, moving a few steps closer but leaving space in between them.

Space that Draco wished he would close, wished that Harry would crowd him into the wall and make him forget everything else.

"Sweetheart," Harry murmured, "tell me?"

"I can't do it," he said and a tear slid down his cheek. "I'm so fucking tired," he added. "I can't be a good dad and run a business when no one is doing what they're supposed to be," he shook his head, "I'm a complete shit boyfriend-"

"You're not-" Harry started to protest.

"I am!" he exploded, throwing his arms in the air. "You're here and you're cleaning my house for me, and you brought me wine that you remembered that I enjoyed a month ago! And what have I-"

"Draco," Harry said, voice very calm as he closed the distance between them and cupped Draco's face in his palms. "Take a breath, love."

He shook his head, hot tears spilling down his cheeks.

"Sweetheart," he murmured, pressing kisses to Draco's forehead, his nose, his cheeks.

"I don't have anything to give you," he said, closing his eyes so he didn't have to watch the realization of that truth dawn on Harry's face.

"You are not what you do," Harry said softly. "Your value as a person isn't defined by what you give."

"But I can't give you anything."

"That isn't even true," Harry argued, pulling Draco into his arms. "Choosing to spend your free time with me when you could be doing a thousand other things is a gift. You give me your affection. You make me laugh, and you tease me, and you listen to me rant about my day. You open your home to me, your bed to me," he added softly, voice wrapping around Draco's fragile, bleeding heart. "You give me yourself, you let me see you, let me touch you, and hold you. You accept me in return. Circe, Draco, what more could I even ask for?"

"Harry," he whispered, wanting so badly to believe him.

"Your love language may be acts of service," he said, laughing a little and Draco huffed and rolled his eyes, "but mine isn't. Mine's quality time," he added. "And your secondary love language might be gifts, but my second is physical touch. We aren't the same," he said. "And that's a good thing," he added.

He gave in and wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, dropping his head to his boyfriend's shoulder. "I'm afraid," he whispered.

"Of what?" Harry asked, letting his hands slide up and down his back.

"Of getting in too deep," he said. "That I'm going to fall for you completely and I won't be able to recover when you leave."

Harry hummed and kissed his temple, "Who says I'm going to leave?"

"It's hard to imagine that you want to stay when I'm such a mess, when I'm too afraid of you leaving to let you spend the night, when-"

"Draco," he tried to interrupt, squeezing him.

"-when I am constantly pushing you away," he finished.

Harry was quiet for a minute, then he said, "you aren't really pushing, you know." He let his fingers tangle in Draco's hair, "I hear what you're saying, but I'm not going anywhere, Draco. You can push and I won't leave."

He laughed, short and bitter, "You say that now but you haven't seen me at my worst."

Harry laughed at that, "I think we both know that's not true." He pulled back, "Sorry, but pretty much nothing you can do now will compare to the time you smashed my nose with the heel of your boot and left me under my invisibility cloak. And," he added, "there's not really much that I can do that would be worse than literally cutting you apart with my magic-"

"Because I was trying to crucio you," he inserted.

He shook his head, and pressed their foreheads together, "If you want me to leave, now or ever, you will have to say the actual words. I won't read those words in your actions or in your other words. You pushing right now actually just feels like you're trying to love me, so," he shrugged. "I'm pretty stubborn." He nudged Draco's nose with his, "I'm here for good."

"Do you promise?" Draco breathed before he could stop himself.

Harry pulled back, just far enough that he could look Draco in the eyes. He reached up and tucked Draco's hair behind his ear, "I love you," he said softly. "We've been together for over a year," he said, "but Draco, I've loved you for so much longer. I fell in love with you over pub nights, and consults for work, and watching you with your child," he shook his head. "You're amazing and I don't want to go anywhere." He cupped Draco's face in his palm, stroking his thumb over Draco's cheek, "I promise, love. I'm in this."

He exhaled, closed his eyes, and tried to let himself believe that, believe that he got to keep this.

"Draco," he said softly, "I," he swallowed, "I want to give you stability, whatever I can to show you that I mean it. I've wanted to ask you if you wanted to move in together," he said, sounding nervous. "But it seems presumptuous since me moving in with you makes the most sense logistically. And I've wanted to ask if you wanted to get married, but I know you've said-"

"You want to marry me?" he interrupted, eyes flying open to search Harry's face.

He nodded, earnest and dear, "Of course I do. I just," he shrugged, "you said marriage was the worst thing that ever happened to you and that Scorp was the only good thing-"

"Stop," he said, kissing Harry because he couldn't quite help himself. "Harry, I meant political marriages," he kissed him again because this felt like a proposal, like a huge declaration. "My marriage to Astoria where she just fucked off after she got her inheritance that had been contingent on having an heir, that marriage was shit. And I wouldn't trade Scorp, but I wanted a partner-" he broke off.

"Draco, I-" he broke off, shaking his head, "I want to be your partner, I would do anything for him, I would be anything-"

"Harry," he breathed because this couldn't be real, this couldn’t be happening.

Harry shook his head, "I know that I can't just jump in and be his dad, but Draco I love him so much, I would do anything."

He stared at Harry for a long moment before he leaned in and kissed him.

The other man kissed him back, pressing him back against the wall and caging him in with his body.

"I love you," Draco managed against Harry's mouth. "Salazar. Yes, Harry," he gasped. "Yes to any of it, to all of it. Whatever you'll have of me."

"I'll have all of you," he murmured, "Any bit that you'll give me." He pulled back and Draco almost tipped over. Harry steadied him with his hands around his waist, "Stay right here," he murmured, giddy and breathless, dimpled-smile so bright that Draco was nearly overcome. "Don't move," he repeated before leaving the kitchen.

Draco heard the closet in the entry way opening, then Harry was skidding back into the kitchen. He fell to his knees in front of Draco, opening a ring box and displaying a simple silver band.

"Marry me?" Harry whispered, eyes wet and smile bright.

Draco nodded and Harry's trembling fingers held out the band to him, slipping it over Draco's ring finger. Once it was in place, Draco fell to his knees in front of Harry and cupped his face in his palms.

"Thank you," he whispered and Draco found himself wiping the tears spilling from his eyes.

"I think I'm really getting the better end of the bargain here," he whispered back with a little laugh.

Harry shook his head and more tears spilled out, Draco's heart felt like it was bursting in his chest. "This is everything I've ever wanted," he replied.

Draco wrapped him up in his arms and hoped that he'd be worthy of that love, worthy of that claim. "Stay," he whispered.

Harry nodded back, "Always."

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

written for the @hdcandyheartsfest prompt 'love language'

Read more of my 2023 hdcandyhearts ficlets here.

[juliaaadoodles]

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[butdaddyilovehim-hs]

The Years Between Us

Synopsis and Character List

Synopsis

Y/N Y/L/N (21) is a university student who thinks she's found a lifelong friend and mentor in Alessia Styles (37). When Y/N isn't helping Alessia as an intern at her publishing company, she's most likely taking care of Alessia's 5-year-old daughter Ellie.

After returning from a vacation, Y/N is met with an unsettling silence from her closest friend. Desperate to mend whatever rift has formed between them, Y/N embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind Alessia's sudden withdrawal. When Y/N reaches out to Harry Styles (40), Alessia's husband, for answers, she learns Alessia and Harry's marriage has crumbled due to an affair, leaving Y/N stunned and heartbroken for the couple she's grown to adore.

As Ellie's birthday approaches, Harry extends an unexpected proposal to Y/N. With their divorce finalized, he seeks Y/N's assistance in caring for Ellie during his custody weeks. Though not initially close to Harry, Y/N agrees, intrigued by the enigmatic charm that surrounds him. As Y/N immerses herself in her new role, the line between caregiver and confidant begins to blur, leading to a connection neither of them anticipated.

Characters

Y/N Pierce (21)

Harry Edward Styles (40)

Alessia Styles (37)

Elizabeth (Ellie) Styles (5)

I am so excited for this story! All my fav tropes with babysitter Y/N and an age gap romance 👀 Hope you guys are as excited as I am!!

Tags:

@lukesaprince @harrys-flower @harryspirate @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @lilyrmason12 @styleslover-1994 @stylesfeverr @kathb59 @indierockgirrl @bxbyysstufff @gills-lounge @narry-heart

[gumballavocadoharry]

A sobering reality:

*Sn= Son's name*

*(Mentions of yn being a bad mother, abusive parents and drunk parents and drunkenness and some childhood trauma....but also Harry being a loving parent.)*

Harry looked on with almost disgust as you took another swig from your bottle. Your small 3 year old son hid behind the protectiveness of his father just in case another episode from you was about to come.

No one forced you to drink....despite the roughness of your origin. Your father was an abusive drunk that often hit your mother and you. Your mother was no better with her hanging by a thread emotions that she frequently took her anger out on you even going as far as to give you a matching bruise to the black eye your father gave you on school picture day. The humiliation was inhumane and so you didn't think twice when it came to cutting off all ties with your parents, despite your mother crying and begging you that she was sorry and that it was a moment of weakness and that it would never happen again.

Of course it wouldn't......you were an adult, and therefore more in a position to defend yourself both physically and legally. It was too late.

But how much better were you to be drinking 2 bottles of wine every day since you were 19. You met Harry at a college part one day and the connection grew prompt and intense. Harry was one of the first people to show you love and see a side of you that was illuminated in a bittersweet coating that just had to be eaten away with a bit of patience. He found you to be sweet, despite you constantly feeling afraid and insecure of him letting you go. He sealed that promise in with a wedding ring and a kiss. He was never fond of you drinking but tolerated it because it wasn't too out of control and with a little love, anything was possible.

But a couple years later, now with a family, Harry's patience was running thin. He knew how much you loved your son and how you adored him and you had a bond with him that Harry developed as well. But it shattered him to hear his little boy run to him in tears when you pushed him off for another bottle. Harry didn't want to hate you but it was hard to see you reject your own flesh and blood...your baby for vodka? wine? beer? Harry would then set aside his work papers and play with sn and to make him feel better. "You know daddy loves you right?" Harry said one night while you were passed out from another night out.

Sn nodded. Harry kissed the little boy's innocent cheeks and pulled him close to his heart beating chest. It was often that he lived like a single father at times if you decided not to show up to the house for let's say....4 days. Harry occupied the boy the with toys and trips to the ice cream shop and the playgrounds whenever you were getting out of hand. Harry would lovingly put himself in the face of your drunken rants and yelling so sn would never be able to experience it. Harry was very strict when it came to sn going to bed or being upstairs by the time your car pulled into the driveway after a night at the bar.

One day, it started off as the typical day, Harry was getting ready for work while you were still in bed sleeping off the night before. You wanted passion from Harry but Harry said no because it was just a moment of intoxication....not real love. The last time of that was when sn was born and......conceived.

Today started off like any other day, Harry was getting ready for work while you were in bed sleeping off the night before. Harry traipsed into sn's bedroom who was still asleep in his bed hugging his favorite teddy bear. "Hey baby, daddy's gonna go to work now. Be a good boy.......and stay out of mommy's way if she's drinking out of that green bottle again okay?" Sn fluttered his tired eyes and nodded. Harry pressed a gingerly kiss to his son's cheek and went downstairs. But not before looking over to his bedroom, seeing a yn still in her clothes from last night who was dangling off the bed. 

Harry didn't know what he exactly mustered to go back into that bedroom and pull his wife back onto the bed safety. Maybe his son was watching? He didn't know...all he wanted was to get to work on time this morning. Harry looked back with heartache the more he thought about sn. But he left anyway.

You eventually woke up and went into sn's room. "Wake up baby, mommy's going to make you some breakfast." Sn happily jumped from his bed and followed his mommy downstairs. From there you made bacon and toast for your son. You poured his orange juice and yours but accidentally put vodka in both of your cups due to you being hungover a little still. "Breakfast is served." You set both breakfast plates on the table and sn took a sip from his orange juice but spat it out due to the yucky taste fortunately. 

"Oh sorry sweetie," You said after realizing the mistake you made. "Lemme get you another one."

By lunch time, you had started coloring with sn and he made you a pretty picture of a flower and a bee. But the alcohol once again ruined a moment between you and sn and some of your beer spilled on the picture, ruining it. Sn's eyes watered at the sight and he stormed upstairs. "Oh no! I'mmmm sooorrry baaaabbbyy." Your voice slurred before you started laughing.

Sn stayed in his room until Harry came home from work. "I'm home!" He called only to find you singing super loudly and off key, clearly drunk. He rolled his eyes and scanned the entire downstairs to find sn. "Daddy!" He called from his room, which booted Harry up the stairs.

"Hello my love how was-" Sn's face was still red from his tears earlier. Harry shot over towards the boy and kneeled in front of him concerned. "What's wrong what happened?" 

"I made mommy a picture of a flower and a bee for her and she spilled that smelly stuff on it." He cried. The scene broke Harry's heart to pieces. He scooped sn up in his arms and kissed his face all over. "It'll be okay baby. I know, why don't you draw me a pretty picture and we can hang it up in daddy's office?"

Sn wiped his eyes. "Okay!" he said happily. Harry plopped another big kiss onto his 'baby's' forehead and went back downstairs, in complete and utter disgust with his alcoholic wife.

"What is wrong with you?" He said despite yn not being able to hear it. Harry just shook his head and walked past her to grab two juice boxes from the fridge and went back upstairs. Harry buried his frustration for sn. Only for sn.

The next day, Harry went to work grudgingly still not forgiving of the incident with sn's picture being destroyed. But at least he had a new one to put on his wall in his workspace cubicle. 

Sn was in his room playing with his toys when you came into his room still in your nightie and with a bottle of wine in your hand. "Mommy's going to go the store to get some more wine. Wanna come?" Sn nodded and grabbed his coat. After all you didn't sound drunk and you weren't exactly drunk or even tipsy so there was no harm right? Harry forbid you from using the car for you and sn's safety. He didn't trust you enough for that especially to shuttle around a 3 year old. So you and sn had to walk down to the corner store.

You had bought sn a little Debbie while you bought two little bottles of wine. You took sn and stumbled back home only to chug down your bottles and get drunk before lunch time. Sn followed his father's instructions in staying clear of you while you drunk from the green bottle that made you act silly and dumb. But unfortunately that didn't stop you from going out to a bar and leaving sn home alone when he couldn't get his coat on fast enough. 

Sn was smart enough to call Harry cause his number was on speed dial just like Harry taught him in case of an emergency. "Hello?" "Hi daddy!" Sn said smiling. "Hey sn, what's wrong?!"

"Mommy left to go the bar place I think so it's just me." Gosh he sounded so innocent. "She left you home alone?!" "Mm hmm, I couldn't get my coat on fast enough so mommy got upset and just left."

Harry's temper tested him. "I'll be right there. In the meantime, I want you to stay on the phone and sit on the couch quietly until I get there understood?" "Yes."

Harry kept his word and stayed on the phone with sn clear up until he walked through the front door. "Buddy!" Harry exclaimed running to sn and squeezing him tightly in his arms. "Thank you for listening to daddy!" He kissed his cheek. Harry angrily grabbed the phone about to call you, only to get a call from an unknown number first.

"Hello?" "Hi is this yn's husband?" "Yes, what's wrong?"

"Your wife is passed out here in the bathroom, she's at brick pub on  5478 Melbrise street, and we just wanted to call just in case you wanted to pick her up." The manager said. Harry sighed deeply embarrassed by this unpropitious news. "Yeah, sure I'll be there right away...thank you, bye."

Harry turned to sn with exasperating shame. He kneeled down to sn's level. "Little guy, put your coat on we're going to go get mommy from the bar okay?" He said softly. "And I promise, no matter what you see.....daddy will take care of it okay?" Sn nodded, not fully understanding what was going on with his broken family. Harry put sn in the car and drove down to your favorite bar, in no hurry whatsoever. This wasn't the first time you had passed out from something like this. You were drunk there was no question to it.

Deep shame filled Harry once he pulled into the parking lot. In the rear view mirror he could see sn playing quietly unknown to what would be in the car in a couple minutes. "Be good, I'll only be a second." Harry really didn't wanna leave sn in the car, but didn't wanna take him inside this rowdy place either. He hated you for putting him in this rock and a hard place situation.

He went inside and blocked out all the drunk yelling and shouting and horseplay and just focused on finding you and getting you out. Harry stormed into the bathroom to see you passed out still and he picked you up and carried you to the car, thanking god that nothing happened to sn while he was gone. Harry carefully put you into the passenger's seat and buckled himself in and drove home. You woke up only to throw up right there in the middle of the living room. 

Sn started crying so Harry had to put him to bed and clean up your mess. He carried you upstairs and threw you on the bed before going back downstairs and cleaning up the floor. 

"Hey sn, you still awake?" Harry said after seeing his little boy still up. "I bought you up some apple juice and a couple of cookies. Want me to read to you a bedtime story?" The little brown haired and green eyed boy nodded still trying to erase the image from his head. Harry continued reading sn stories so he could sleep with something positive on his mind. "Daddy? Can you sleep with me tonight?"

Harry looked softly into his boy's eyes. "Of course." He grabbed some pajamas and made room in sn's bed and slept next him all night with a protective arm around him.

The next morning, Harry seriously contemplated taking sn with him to work all day but he knew he couldn't so he just gave his son the typical 'stay out of mommy's way' talk and left. The tension was so thick in the house you could cut it with a knife.

You were binge drinking all day, and you were angry at Harry for not giving you any attention all week and so it escalated your drunkenness. You drank all day and did schizo things. You were filled with rage and smashed plates and cups all over the kitchen floor, you threw vases and slammed your fists down on the kitchen counters. A petrified sn hid in his closet all day. You staggered into his room and ripped up all his paintings and threw his crayons in a drunken rage. He only shot out when he saw you take his teddy bear.

Fortunately you gave it to him, but that didn't stop him from noticing all his ruined artwork. He started crying really hard. "STTOOOOPPP CRRRRYYYIIIINNNGGG!" You slurred and yelled.

Sn stayed out of your way all day and only came downstairs when he saw Harry's car pull up in the driveway. "DADDY!" He screamed. Harry heard this and ran inside, only to his horror, see you throw an empty wine bottle at sn, missing him by a few inches, (thanks to sn's fast reflexes).

But sn's arm was cut a little and bled onto the floor while you screamed and cried. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" Harry screamed running towards you and grabbing your arm and squeezing it. "I don't know..." you sobbed drunkenly.

"You could've killed him!" Your husband furiously barked through gritted teeth. Oh yeah, his temper finally let loose and wasn't holding back. Gee if Harry wasn't so nice, it would be possible you would have a bottle going at your head right now.

He let you go only to check on sn. "We gotta get you to the hospital." Harry looked at yn with fire in his eyes. "Sn, I want you to go upstairs and pack your clothes and all your toys and stuffed animals. We're leaving tonight." Sn did as he was told and Harry followed. He packed everything that belonged to him and met sn downstairs. He loaded the trunk and stuffed sn in the back before speeding out of the driveway.

Harry wanted to take his wedding band and crush it with his tires. He drove sn to the hospital first where he called the police to come get you. It was an anger attack because Harry didn't plan on coming back. He reserved a hotel room for 2 weeks and then hung up when the nurse called sn's name back.

Sn only had to get 3 stitches put in, but it still hurt him a lot. Harry was crushed. He immediately scooped a crying sn into his arms and held him tightly while kissing him uncontrollably.  "I hate mommy." He cried. Harry taken aback pulled sn to look at him. "It's okay to hate what mommy did...I do too. But don't say you hate her because after all....she is still your mother." Sn nodded but Harry could sympathize. He hated you more than ever. You hurt your own kid.....how can he forget that? How could he forgive you?

Harry took him and sn to the hotel where they were staying until Harry could find another place to live. Soon afterwards he would be filing for divorce, and get a retraining order against you.

The police had come and arrested you for attempted domestic violence and so you were staying in a cell for the night. The police found you drunk and unable to answer questions so, they immediately booked you. Once you sobered up, they took you back and asked you questions that you were able to answer partially, and then they let you go.

But it was too late.....Harry and sn were both gone and they had no plans of returning to you. The thought made you sick.....so sick that you decided that dousing that fear in alcohol seemed to be the best option for you at the moment. One bottle down....then another, then another and then another. It was like that until you stumbled out of the messy house and fell flat on the ground, hitting your head on the hard sidewalk curb on the way down. The ambulance was called.

You woke up in the hospital room, with IV's hooked up to you and your head was bandaged along with your arms. The doctor came in and confirmed that you had alcohol poisoning.

You weakly layed back in the bed, barely able to open your eyes to the morning sunlight mixed with the led hospital ones. But what you didn't expect was to hear a familiar voice enter the room....Harry.

"Harry.....what are you doing here?" You asked deliriously. "I heard about what happened and I wanted to make sure you were still alive." Harry said gravely. After everything you had put those boys through..it was a miracle that Harry still wanted to remember you. You noticed his ring still on his finger and so the slight hope of you all being a family again resonated with you. But Harry wasn't changing his mind.

"I didn't know if you'd be here." You said hoping to gain sympathy from your husband. "I didn't think I'd be here either." Harry was still angry, you could sense that in his voice. "Where's sn?" Harry glanced towards the door. "Waiting outside." Before you could even choke up the words...Harry instead asked for you. "Would you like to see him?"

You nodded with a smile. Harry ushered sn in, where he hesitantly walked in and Harry sat him on your bedside. "Hey baby....how are you?" Sn shrugged with no response. That was a response. One that sent an unconformable shiver down your spine. "Mommy's sorry.....for everything. You see," You sat up on the bed and faced him. "I was...acting silly like how mommy does when she drinks that yucky stuff from her green bottle-"

"He had to get three stitches put in on his arm from the bottle you threw at him last night.....why don't you start with that?" Harry bitterly sneered. You looked at Harry before swallowing hard. "Yeah....I threw that bottle because I was...I was drunk and acting very foolish....and I'm so sorry for what I did," You had tears flowing freely from your face now. "For everything." You cried. Sn hugged you and then pulled away. Sweet boy.

Harry took off his wedding ring and set on your nightstand. "Maybe you can pawn it and use the money to get yourself together. Don't even think of trying to get custody because I have the police reports, and the past purchases documents of you drinking and of course the hospital records of your alcohol poisoning." Harry gently grabbed sn and walked away. But he turned to face you one last time.

"Goodbye yn....I wish you the best. I thought love was what you needed....but anyway, I just hope you treat yourself better than how you treated us. You have a nice life." 

And with that the door closed....your life was now in your hands.

[haarrrys]

Hey! Would you write something about Amani getting her first period?

growing up 🍓

wc - 1.4k

🏷️ tags - dad!harry, singledad.harry, minor angst¿, dad!harry × amani, and of course, fluff.

pairings - singledad!harry & daughter!amani 🍪 🥛

summary - amani gets her first period

(a/n)- sweet sweet anon who sent the request months ago, tysm for being patient with me. im so sorry for my laziness lol

more harry and amani!

a knock rang throughout the room, startling sarah. "who is it?" she called, setting her sage green nail polish onto a nearby dresser.

she figured it could be room service, just wanting to clean, or the lunch she ordered.

"it's me— amani." sarah heard, just as she got closer to the door. sarah smiled, opening it. "hey love— is everything alright?" she asked, growing more concerned as she took in amani's worried face— as well as her paled complexion, that replaced her usual tan.

it wasn't unnatural for amani to come stay with sarah in her suite, as harry, her father, and the rest of the guys normally took up harry's room, causing ruckus.

sarah usually stayed in her own room, with her baby, accompanied by amani, who could always use some girl time.

but, what was unnatural was the way amani shyly walked into her room, scouting the room incase anyone else was present before speaking.

"it's just me and max," sarah assured, referring to the sleeping boy in the middle of the bed.

amani sighed, "i think.. i think I started my period." she winced, her breathing picking up as she revealed it. sarah gasped, her expression softening while a smile broke out onto her face.

"awhh, that's a good thing! it's natural, you're growing up! I can't believe it." she smiled, hugging the girl. "here, come follow me. i think i still have some stuff left." she said, pulling away from the hug and walking towards the unnecessarily large bathroom.

she opened the drawer, skimming through some thing before finding two boxes of pads and tampons.

"okay, so, since it's your first time I suggest using pads— just cause they're easier, but if you wanna use the tampons..?" sarah said. amani blushed, "ill just use the pads."

"alright! that's okay. do you know how to put one on? I don't know if harry explained it to you." sarah asked, causing amani to smile. "he tried, but he knows as much about periods as I do—nothing." she laughed, making sarah join in with her.

"that's fine, I can show you if you want." sarah offered. amani shook her head, feeling embarrassed, "i can figure it out." she dismissed.

sarah smiled sadly, "amani, it's normal to feel weird.. or even uncomfortable about these things, but almost every girl goes through it. you don't have to feel embarrassed, especially not with me, okay?" she explained, making amani smile sheepishly.

times like this, she wishes she did have a mother to talk about puberty, periods, and just her body changing, but she's thankful that she has someone who is basically a mother figure— sarah.

of course, harry tries his best to fill that role, especially now that amani's actually growing into a woman— however, she just feels more comfortable talking to someone who can relate to her.

"thank you," she whispered.

sarah smiled, as if to say a silent 'your welcome.'

"oh and sarah—can you get me underwear? and different pants?" amani sighed. sarah only then noticed the sweater tied around her waist, likely used to cover a stain.

"of course! your dads still in the room right?"

"yea, he'll let you in but..can you just not tell him?" amani said, her face reddening once again.

"oh, love, did you want to tell him yourself?" sarah questioned, eyebrows furrowed slightly.

amani shrugged in response. she had no plan whatsoever of telling him.

sarah sighed. "you know, you have to tell him eventually. it'll be worse if he finds out by himself, probably more embarrassing." she smiles.

amani shakes her head, "i'm scared." she admits, hiding her face in her hands.

sarah frowns, "scared? of what? he'll probably cry a little, but that's just cause his little girl is growing up."

amani laughed at that, imagining her dad in tears over her starting her period— a likely event.

"maybe he'll think it's gross— I don't know." she sighed. "im probably just overthinking it."

"you are. he won't find it gross, I promise. now, do you wanna tell him, or do you want me to?"

"you can tell him."

-

"she started her what?!" harry gasped, suddenly feeling uneasy on his feet.

sarah smacked his shoulder, putting her index finger to her lips, shushing him. "her period harry. menstruation? time of the month? flowers? quiet down if you don't want amani to be embarrassed when the whole hotel knows her business."

harry sighed, steadying himself as he took a seat.

"..why didn't she tell me first? is she alright?" harry frowned, his head gears turning faster than he could register. his daughter had started her period— but didn't go to him first. why? had he done something wrong?

sarah shook her head,"she's okay, calm down. it's just easier to talk about periods with people who've actually had them harry, it's not personal." she laughed, reassuring him, although she knew he'd still worry.

harry, who still had a deep frown on his face nodded.

he understands how awkward it would've been for her to tell him— but as a singe!parent, he feels shitty that she went to someone else, instead of her dad.

"okay.." harry sighed, wiping the tears that began to well up in his eyes. "i need to buy stuff right? what do i get?" he asked, already making a mental note of the stuff he knows gemma gets.

"pads, tampons, heating pad, ice-cream, and a little stuffed animal. 'always'and 'tampax' are really good brands. oh, and make sure you get different sizes for different levels of blood flow." sarah instructed.

harry nodded along, keeping everything she said in mind.

"I'm gonna go and get her clothes now." sarah said. "oh and harry?"

he perked up.

"she's okay. this is apart of her growing up. don't go haywire and coddle her."

-

that afternoon, after amani was all situated, she stayed with sarah and max for awhile, before heading back to her suite she shared with her dad, harry.

as soon as amani walked in, she was met with her dad, who's face lit up proudly.

harry walked over to her, but it seemed like he himself had just gotten back. he was carrying bags, unbeknownst to amani, full of period products.

"I got everything you need, love." he said, holding out the bag for her. she could see boxes full of everything and more that's she would need, as well as snacks that he didn't need to, but wanted to buy for her.

amani blushed, feeling embarrassed yet loved. she had never expected that her period would be such a big deal to harry, or that he would even know what to buy for her.

he'd always been a little, over the top some may say, but still her dad's reaction took her by surprise. he was smiling, looking at her with love and warmth in his eyes. he wasn't even upset with her that she didn't tell him first.

when he noticed how out of place she looked, he smiled softly.

"hey, it's okay, amani. you don't have to be embarrassed," he said, handing her the bag full of goodies, that he'd definitely not let her indulge in on a regular day, being the health nut dad he is. "it's normal. you're growing up and becoming a woman now. couldn't feel anymore more prouder."

amani felt her heart pounding in her chest. she had never thought he would be this understanding and supportive. but as she thought of it, why wouldn't he be? all her life, no matter what she decided to do, her dad was always there backing her up.

she realized, her fear of telling him was irrational.

"thank you dad." she whispered, taking the bag from him and hugging him tightly.

harry hugged her back, holding her close.

"you're my daughter and I'm always here for you. I'm proud of you," he said, as tears started to well up in his eyes.

amani wasn't surprised by his emotional reaction, more so, she surprised herself when she also began to cry. she couldn't help feeling happy and loved. in that moment, she realized that the bonds of parenthood are not only about love, but also about understanding and support.

she was grateful to have harry as her dad and sarah as another woman in her life who filled the missing role in her life, and she knew that they would always be there for her, no matter what.

thank you so much for reading! ☕️ 🤍

requests are always open!

-fic rec masterlist-

[gurugirl]

I swear I saw a single dad Harry concept on your blog a couple days ago. Like he meets yn at the airport. Was that you or was I dreaming. I wanted to read it again and I had another idea to go with it - if that was you.

Yes that was me! @babyiamperfectforyou started the idea but there are some good ideas in this thread (read the reblogs too). Xoxo

Xoxo

[rewritingcanon]

liking this ship is my fulltime job actually

[geenalovesthelittlethings]

i couldn’t bear to think of harry loosing his missus even just the breakup stories make me cry

I KNOW 😔