So like...SURPRISE! 
Also, listen to the song for the chapter while you read this. It's a first I've actually requested it, but the soft piano just makes me emotional. Enjoy, my tulips!

♬ ✥*

Harry.

Movies.

Those were something that I honestly hadn't seen in a long time. When Serenity brought it up, I was shocked that it was even an idea that crossed her mind. It never would have been a suggestion that I would have thought of.

Another thing that I wouldn't have thought to do, was to take care of someone who I didn't entirely know.

There were clearly a lot of things that I didn't really consider other people would do. Things like eating lunches, leaving work early, going out for fun, or staying in and watching a film. Normal things that have been out of the norm for me for several years.

Serenity brought me to her apartment, took me under her wing, gave me the care I needed. She didn't have to do such a thing at all. However, to be frank, I didn't even remember much after I vomited in my office; the sickness hit me like a freight train.

When I woke up, I didn't exactly feel the best, but I just thought it was the weather — and how I rarely slept that night.

Sleep — that, too, was included in the mix of habitual daily actions I failed to do properly. I couldn't remember when the last time I had a decent night's rest.

I was up for several hours getting things done, which took much longer than I predicted. In all honesty, I didn't have to do them; I easily could've handed them over to those below me, but my trust level was low. As much as I knew everyone who worked in my company, and knew how honest they were, I still struggled with it.

As for the sickness, it probably came from the restaurant I ordered from. I decided to try the place for the first time since it opened, but it was a mistake. It only reminded me how I hated trying new things.

Routine was best for me, and that's how I wanted to keep it.

However, Serenity was always fucking that up whenever she showed up unexpected — or even if her name was simply brought up. My mind got preoccupied, and it infuriated the fuck out of me.

It wasn't until I woke up in her bed when I started to become aware of my surroundings. I realised that it wasn't in my room, nor my office, but in a place that I'd never seen before. The sight of Serenity, though, was the best part of my entire day.

Instead of the bug that was in my stomach, I felt butterflies when she looked at me with such care and protection. It'd been ages since anyone has ever given me that expression and was truly honest with what they were saying to me.

The thing that shocked me the most was that she confirmed to me that she knew my secret. It was a secret that I'd kept hidden for years and never wanted anyone to know about.

The fact that I wore glasses.

It might be such a simple thing to the world, but not to me.

She didn't even comment about it when she handed them to me, and that surprised me. It was, again, another item to add to the list of things she astounded me with. That was the first time someone remained quiet when they found out about them — in the past, that is.

The thing she did say was when I was a fool and thought she had bought the soup, rather than make it herself. I assumed things — yet again. It was another flaw that I struggled with, and desperately wished it would go away, but it wouldn't.

Just because I was the person who ordered out, didn't mean that the rest of the world did the same.

Just like how Pemberton ate lunch — as did Iris.

Serenity called me out on that, and it pissed me off; however, she was right. She decided to correct me on things that no one else ever dared to do. It was something that I wasn't sure if I'd ever stop repeating it to myself. 

Every time she talked back at me, that annoyed feeling never failed to disappear. It always reminded me how different she from everyone else.

The point she made about appearances, though, couldn't be any more true. I'd been burned by people like that before; by people who thought they knew what they were doing, but didn't have a shit clue. The people just wanted to work in my company for the sake of writing it on their resumé's. However, they didn't know a thing about how to actually do anything. Hell, for all I knew, was that they probably couldn't work in the mailroom, because they could mess up with where to deliver them.

The number of artificial people in the world was ridiculously high, and we tend to never recognise them in their true form until it's too late.

The woman beside me, though, she was pure — and that emitted from the second time I saw her.

I could feel her eyes on me once in a while throughout the movie. She was reading my expression as we watched the film. The strangest part about it was that I just let her do it. She seemed protective over me, or at least, wanted to know if I was okay. If that were the case, she easily could've asked me; but she didn't. It was another thing that puzzled me.

Why did I let her watch me? And why was she watching me?

There were so many 'why's' when it came to Serenity.

As for the movie, it had been a long time since I enjoyed a moment like that. I was honest when I told her I'd never seen a Disney movie before. I never got the chance as a child, or an adult, to do so. My younger years weren't what was considered a typical way of growing up — and it wasn't necessarily the kindest. There were so many causes that were the reason for that.

Causes and reasons that could be told in multiple stories; but I pushed those aside, for now.

Soft snores were heard just beside my ear, her head rested gently on my shoulder. I didn't realise she'd fallen asleep until I felt her shift unexpectedly. I was aware she wouldn't have done such a thing awake because there was no reason to.

Serenity and I weren't particularly friends, nor were we acquaintances — we were business partners.

The major problem with that was that what we were doing right now had absolutely nothing to do with business. It was relaxed, not pressured, and incredibly comfortable. It was almost as if I was supposed to be here — and particularly with her.

I finished the entire movie but didn't realise the credits had passed and was back to the main screen. My focus had switched over to Serenity. She was in such a peaceful state that stole my attention — and it was well worth it. She was so incredibly beautiful to look at.

My eyes then flickered upwards out the window to see the astounding view she had from her apartment. It was simply spectacular. From my own place, I had a multimillion-dollar view; however, hers wasn't as glamorous or fascinating — it was so much more. It was magnificent and enchanting to see only a glimpse of the mountains. The skyline was such a far distance away, it was barely a silhouette with the lights still sparkling. And the sky itself, it was breathtaking.

Serenity lived was just outside of the major metropolitan area, but another city in the greater districts. From here, more stars could be seen, as they flickered and twinkled, decorating the night sky above.

She had an obsession with stars, constellations, and zodiacs. It was clear when she read me precisely to a T; and the other simple fact was that she named her dance studio, Starlight.

There had to be a reason as to why she found them all so fascinating, and it gave me an urge to find out why.

Starlight Studio was a part of her soul, and she was so incredibly passionate about it, that she was willing to lose her dignity to save it. In her favour, and thanks to her dedication and professionalism, she didn't. Sure, I acted like a complete dick to her, but the more I found out about her business, and herself, the more I regretted acting the way I did.

Today, for the first time since our first text conversation, Serenity called me by the nickname she gave me — and I didn't mind at all. When she apologised thinking I was upset about the fact she called me it in the first place, she never repeated.

I wasn't sure if it was just the moment that caused her to say it, or if it was truly absentmindedly, but it came out of her lips. All I wanted was for her to continue calling me by that — again and again.

I'd never tell her, though. I couldn't.

It was just left to be a silent test to see if it would happen again; I just hoped that it would.

The more I gazed up at the sky above and felt the soft breaths from the woman sitting next to me, it gave me a weird feeling inside to want to give her something as well. I wasn't exactly sure how it would ever come up in a verbal conversation, or just something that I would think about when silently referring to her.

What would it be, though?

She seemed to find a name for me so quickly. How was I going to be able to do the same? It was a personal thing, and I obviously couldn't ask anyone for advice.

Maybe I could Google it?

Slowly and carefully, I reached my arm over to the edge of the couch where I'd placed my clothes. Unfortunately, my hand slipped, causing my legs to prop off of the table, and I slid to the side. To my luck, Serenity didn't wake up, even though she was currently in an uncomfortable position. Her head was just below my shoulder by leaning towards my chest. I carefully moved my legs so that I could lift them up on the cushions. Her body suddenly shifted, and I thought I'd woken her, but she was still asleep as she wrapped her arm right arm over my waist.

I stayed as still as I could, tensing at the position we were both in right now — we were accidentally cuddling.

Like watching a movie, I couldn't remember the last time I'd embraced anyone. This time, though, it felt amazing. I was in complete bliss — in complete serenity.

Letting out a deep breath, I tried to rid my thoughts from her, which were inevitably impossible, I pulled out my phone from my suit jacket pocket. There were dozens of missed calls, unread messages, and emails. If this were me on a typical day, I would have flipped my lid, but I didn't.

Not bothering to see who sent what, I opened the web app to begin my search.

I Googled everything from, 'how do you come up with a nickname for someone?' to 'words that rhyme with serenity,' to 'how do you know if you like someone?' and to 'what are zodiacs?'

That last one even surprised me when my fingers typed it out, and thousands of search results came up. Clicking through several webpages, I found something that took my interest — and that led to figuring out what my own zodiac would be.

Apparently, I was a Scorpio — which I recalled that Serenity had mentioned that a couple of times. Everything that she said about me, via that text conversation, was accurate — based on the descriptions, of course.

Curiosity beat the best of me, and I clicked on the category in whichever was Serenity's birthdate — a Pisces. If what was written about me was so spot on, that only meant that this could give me insight into who she was.

Several things were written and categorised in specifics: personality traits, likes and dislikes, hobbies, money, family, friendships, and love.

There was a list of things that I already considered her to be. Serenity was definitely artistic, compassionate, gentle, dedicated, loved her family, and the colour purple. She was willing to do anything for her goals and dreams; that was alongside of loathing know-it-alls — and any form of cruelty. I knew those very well since I wasn't particularly the kindest with my words, and acted like I was aware of everything.

Certain things that I found interesting about Pisces were that they were selfless, loyal, loved instruments, and romance. Apparently, they also had a preferred flower and lucky gem: the waterlily and moonstone; however, something told me that it wasn't her favourite blossom, though. They were also overly trusting and were fearful. All of that was something, and the fact that they loved love was another. If only everyone was like that.

Pisces also tends to find beauty in everything.

And that only made the fact that she randomly said that my hair was 'pretty,' make sense.

On the bottom of one of the many sites I checked, was something that I didn't even think was a thing — zodiac compatibility.

Something had possessed me, and before I knew it, I'd selected both of our zodiacs and clicked on the 'match' button.

Nervously, I read the information to see that there were several different categories as well. There was so much information; it shocked me to see how they managed to connect the traits together to match them.

Apparently, we knew how to communicate with one another and can understand each other's emotions perfectly; we also had a powerful and trusting relationship. We understood each other very well and had many similar shared activities.

The one thing that was on the top that I left unread was 'love and intimacy.' Reluctantly, yet curiously, I scrolled back up to it and started to read through it.

Just as we both were dedicated and passionate, the same applied behind closed doors and for each beating heart. The connection between the two was incredibly strong, which led to a very delicate, yet powerful, bond. The emotional understanding also had a significant part with that. I would have to be careful, though, since she was sensitive in our relationship, and as a person. Overall, we were considered to be one of the most authentic matches within our own zodiac compatibility.

Wait a second.

What the fuck? No.

Scorpio and Pisces. Not 'I,' she,' 'our,' or 'we.'

Quickly, I closed the app, locked my phone, and moved it away from me.

My eyes shut tightly, breathing in slowly through my nose, and exhaling out of my mouth. I repeated that several times to calm down the sudden fast beats of my heart. And without realising when or how it happened, my right arm was placed gently around her.

I looked down at her, watching her chest rise and lower. Carefully, I brought my left hand up and softly pushed away some of her from her face. Gazing at her was like looking at the stars. So much beauty, glowing with the dazzling light, yet so exquisite and soft.

For the first time, I got a chance to see her up close without having to worry about if she'd say or comment something about me. She was asleep, and I got the lucky chance to be able to do so.

It was then that I realised she, too, was still wearing her glasses. Slowly, I removed them off her face, folding the arms, and placed them on the coffee table. The makeup she wore still decorated her face. I'd never seen her without it, but I was almost sure that her natural beauty would not fade — only intensify.

Silky brown hair grazed along my skin as I caressed it softly. Serenity's brows were so defined and framed her face well. Her mesmerising blue eyes were hidden beneath her eyelids, and luscious lips nearby were the cause of my fury towards her.

Some people ask another, "what's your best feature?" I honestly wouldn't know what she would have to say about herself, because everything about her is simply alluring. I could never pick just one.

With that said, and the solid hour or so I spent on the internet, I still came to no conclusion. What could I call her?

Her friends and family have called her both Ren and Rennie, but I surely wasn't enthused about those names. I mean, they seemed to work for them; I, however, wanted something else. I wanted something unique for her — something that no one else would ever imagine calling her.

She deserved the best, as her effervescent personality shone like the stars she loved so much.

The stars that — that's it.

Essie.

A star.

A precious star that she is.

The smallest smile curled on my lips at the thought and pleased with my choice for her.

I just hope she liked it.

Or at least, was infuriated by it — just as how I let her believe I feel that way.

Just that, would make my heart skip a beat — and make my solemn days go by with a happiness I never thought I'd experience again.

♬ ✥*

Serenity and I woke up in her bed. In the middle of the night, I found her on the verge of falling off the couch. I picked her up in my arms and carried her into her bedroom. The moment she hit the plush surface, her sapphire gems fluttered open, looking at me. I whispered that I was going to go back to the couch, but she reached out to my wrist, wrapping her hand around it. She showed a tired smile, as she told me to stay.

Everything in me froze at her words. They were the last thing I would've ever expected her to ever tell me. She somehow noticed how I tensed up in my spot, and only said that it was okay.

I don't know what the fuck happened in my mind, but my actions clearly weren't connected to my brain — and I listened to her. Removing my own glasses, I gently got into her bed, and she covered us with the comforter.

Being close to Serenity, to be so vulnerable around her, I felt the need of some sort of barrier — even if it felt right. I grabbed a pillow, placing it between us, and saw a faint smile curl on her lips. I could tell that she appreciated the gesture.

The second I closed my eyes, I fell into the deepest slumber — one that I'd never experienced in the longest time.

It wasn't broken up, there were no harsh reminders of my past, but only a well-rested sleep.

The last time I slept with someone by my side, was several years ago, and ever since then, I've been alone. I preferred it that way; but waking up with Serenity next to me, I was terrified that this would be the only way I'd ever want to fall asleep with again.

I couldn't tell her that, though, because it was never going to happen again.

The sun's luminous rays hit me, causing my eyes to pinch together a bit from the bright morning light,  I managed to open them, I noticed that the pillow had shifted down below, tangled between both of our legs. Her hand was softly placed above my bicep, feeling the warmth of her skin. It was a sensation that electrocuted my veins from the tips of my fingers down to my toes.

I watched for a while, unsure of the time, in that same peaceful state as she was in last night. However, this time, I knew that she was awake. Her eyes were just shut, and her breaths were steady — unlike my heart, that was racing.

What the fuck was I doing?

Slowly, I got out of bed, the warm air surrounding my body. It was toasty in her apartment from the lack of air conditioning. The hot temperatures of summer began to kick in, and I loved it. However, I just wasn't used to being indoors without feeling that cooling sensation grace my skin the moment I uncovered myself.

I grabbed my glasses case off the nightstand, and just as I was about to step foot out of her bedroom, a soft voice called out for me.

"Good morning, Harry." Her tone was still groggy, but always heavenly — it put a smile on my face.

But I wiped it before I turned around to face her.

She was sitting up, her hair was all over the place as if a bird's nest was in the making. The makeup on her face was smudged, and her shirt a wrinkled mess. I wasn't sure if she was thoroughly aware that I was seeing her in this state, but if she was and didn't mind, it only added to how much I adored her.

"Morning, Serenity."

"No need to hide that smile, Tiger." A giggle escaped her lips, quickly realising I was caught. "You can wash up and take a shower. Just don't take too long, the hot water likes to play hide and seek."

"Sure thing."

"How're you feeling?" she asked, and I squinted my eyes just slightly to try and see her better.

"A lot better. Thank you," I said, feeling a strange heat flush to my cheeks from her gaze.

Was I fucking blushing?

Something was desperately wrong with me.

"I'm going to go shower," I spoke, and quickly escaped the awkward moment I'd put myself in.

The entire time gave me some time to reflect on everything that happened in less than the past 24 hours. I wasn't sure what was going on, and the problem was that I didn't mind it from taking place. I did nothing to prevent these things from occurring but only gave more opportunities for us to experience times like that.

When I came out of the bathroom, genuinely feeling better inside and out, I found Serenity sitting on the couch, her hands clasped together. A soft tune playing from the speakers nearby — solo piano. The memories.

Her focus slowly moved up as I emerged, biting her lip in nervousness. Her hair was combed and tied back in a ponytail, and her makeup was stripped, baring her natural skin. I noticed that she had freckles and they were scattered in hundreds, decorating her face. Glasses were perched upon her nose, scrunching it, causing them to go up a little higher.

I knew her peaked curiosity was eventually going to verbalise itself.

"Harry, can I ask you a question?" she questioned, her eyes meeting my own. I lifted my own glasses on my nose a bit more.

I would've placed my contacts back in, but I didn't want to search through her cupboards to find solution. It only made me more apprehensive and vulnerable around Serenity — and I was struggling to keep my walls up.

I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms, and let out a deep breath. My tone remained calm, prepared for what I thought was on the tip of her tongue. "I know you're going to ask me anyway."

"True," she said, with a small chuckle. Her teeth chewed at the inside of her cheek. "Why are you afraid to tell people you wear glasses?"

"I'm not," I defended, but she just raised a brow at me.

Her voice was soft as she spoke her next words carefully, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, of course."

I could trust her, right? She seemed honest and trustworthy. Plus her zodiac said Pisces were loyal. That's a good thing — I guess.

Turning away from Serenity, I walked across the living room, making sure I wouldn't have eye contact with her, and looked out the window. She didn't move from the couch, but I could feel her watching me carefully — and waiting to hear my story — to listen to a part of my life that no one except for two people knew.

As for recently, it meant several years ago. One of them being Archie; the other, a person I wished never came into my life.

I let out a deep breath before I spoke, "I've needed glasses since I was a child. I'm legally blind without them. The unfortunate part was that I never actually got them until I was in my teens."

Serenity tried not to interrupt, attempting to stay as quiet as she could, but her words were still heard. "But why?"

"I guess I might have to start a bit further in my story, then," I said, and nervously played with my fingers, deciding to answer her whispered question. "My family has always been rich — well, my father, that is. He sent me to boarding school back in England, which is where I grew up. I knew my eyesight was shit, but I didn't say anything. I was very shy when I was younger, so I didn't say much. I guess you could say I was a selective mute. I struggled a lot, and one of my teachers noticed one day and contacted my parents about that. It took a bit of, um, convincing, but I finally got a pair. Of course, by that time, my vision had gotten worse."

"So you were bullied?"

A short, sad laugh escaped my lips. "That's just part of it, and it's only an understatement."

"I know this doesn't mean much, but I'm sorry. No one should be bullied just because they were glasses. They're just a frame with pieces of glass that help us see better," she softly spoke.

"You'd think that." I shook my head at a glance at the past, shuddering from the slight part of my childhood. "Anyway, that's the gist of it."

"Well, if you ask me, which I know you didn't, they look great — amazing actually. They make you look really handsome," she complimented, and I blushed for the second time today.

"Um, thanks. I guess."

"I mean it, Harry, and also take it from someone who's also worn glasses all her life. I was bullied too, but I can't really compare how bad we both had it. What I do know is that I stopped them for saying horrible things to me. I spoke back to them."

"I wish I could've," I mumbled.

"If I could, I'd wear my glasses all the time. I only —"

"You wear contacts too, Serenity. You clearly know the feeling then," I interrupted harshly.

This whole topic was sensitive for me, and for the first time in years, I was actually talking about it. I wondered what twelve year old me would've thought about that.

"Easy, Tiger. You didn't let me finish. I'm the one who's allowed to interrupt between us," she said with a smile. My insolent tone didn't phase her, she simply looked through my cold exterior not to get offended. She was the first person to do that — and it continued to astound me. "I only wear contacts for certain occasions and when I dance, because I can't wear my glasses while I to that."

"Why not?"

"Well, because one, they could easily fly off. And two, if I fall with them on, I could end up with broken glass in places that shouldn't belong."

"Ouch."

"Yeah, ouch is right." She laughed softly, then turned a bit more to face me by lifting her leg and folding it underneath her. "I know there's more to your story, but I won't ask you to tell me about it."

"What makes you think I'll tell you the rest?" I furrowed my brows, unsure what she was actually trying to get to.

Well, that fucking proved it.

Fuck. She was trying to open me up — to get me to be vulnerable. To make sure she knew about me and use my past against me. To —

"Because everyone needs a friend that they can trust. There's so much you keep private, it's tearing you apart," she said, "We can be our own worst enemy — almost like a ticking time-bomb. It's not healthy."

"I'm fine," I snapped.

"Fine is not an emotion, Harry. I said it yesterday, and I'll say it again. But..." her words trailed off. "...I'm here to listen if you ever want to talk. I won't tell a soul."

"That's what they all say," I whispered to myself.

But she means it.

So does everyone else.

Not true, you arse. You're such a pessimist.

And you're an annoying prick.

I'm having a conversation with myself. That's just perfect. I've officially gone mental.

"Harry?"

I shook my head, ridding my thoughts, and focused on her. "Yeah?"

"Want some soup for breakfast?" she asked, showing an adorable smile.

A what smile? Fuck.

I feel so utterly whipped for her, and we're not anything.

"You might have to make another pot," I teased lightly.

"I'll make as many as you like." A wide smile was on her face, looking at me so intently, then got up and walked towards the kitchen.

Like a fool, I followed like like a lost kitten.

"Really? You're not just saying that?" My eyes lit up at her reply.

"Nope. I never joke about food," she replied.

I simply chuckled at her acute response and watched as she moved around so gracefully in the small space — well, also bumping into several things, and tripped over her feet twice. The action reminded me of the time she broke into my office the second time.

Nonetheless, this moment, made my heart swell at the fact that she was doing something so kind — something for me. She honestly didn't have to, there was no actual reason for her to do so, but she was doing it anyway.

She took care of me when she didn't have to, clearly knowing that there wasn't anyone else in my life that would do such a thing. Even if Archie or Linda were to grab a few things for me, it wouldn't be the same. I could see the care in Serenity's eyes, along with that beautiful warm smile of hers.

There was something that I knew and couldn't deny anymore.

I liked Serenity Marie Hayes. The woman who made my heart beat quicker, who made me blush, who made me start to feel something again, who talked back to me when no one else dared to do so, and who made butterflies erupt in my stomach whenever I saw her.

The only problem was that we were business partners, and I was afraid to fuck it up.

I couldn't let that happen — and I was determined to make sure of it.

...

A/N:

If y'all thought the last chapter was the softest, I believe you were mistaken, because THIS ONE BEAT IT! 

I mean, it's Harry's POV, first of all (and we all love those) and second, HE KNOWS HE LIKES SERENITY. MY BABY TIGER. 

But okay, a bit more about his past was revealed...and we just touched the surface. What are your thoughts about it all?

What else did you think about the chapter? Tell me, tell me!

If you're read a certain book, Google gives me trust issues. I swear that H was not on my mind when I wrote this, but I realised it later when I sent an excerpt to a friend. Anyway, this Harry and Google have a good relationship, we love Google here. 

Also, ED hit 5K+ reads, and I was in awe. I love you all for your support, votes, comments, just anything you say really. Thank you so much!

Please press on that little star on the chapter, I mean, it only takes a millisecond. They're nice gifts and make me happy.

Kissy, stay golden, and TPWK, my tulips!

S x