So sorry for the late chapter. Things happened in my life, and I lost inspiration because of it, but hopefully I'm back on track. Since I haven't updated in a while, this is an extra long chapter. I hope you enjoy it, my precious tulips! 🌷

♬ ✥*

Harry.

Stress. That's the only thing that I felt in the past couple of days.

It was a late Thursday night, and I was still in my office.

The city streets were lit up by manmade lights and buildings. Vehicles drove through them, occasionally honking at the car near them muttering curse words every so often. Some people were probably home now, sitting with their families and loved ones; and some were exactly like me. I prayed that there was someone out in this world who was just as lonely as I was, and it was the only thing that made me feel less alone.

That word, however, didn't apply to something out there in existence — stars.

They were hidden behind thick rain clouds tonight and it only made me think about the illuminating glow that they brought to the world below. Scattered in the galaxy in groups, they were never alone. Even though there wasn't much that twinkled out from an urban view, it was still enough to see the little beauty they filled the night abyss.

I'd finished my single glass of whiskey for the night after I ate my delectable dinner. And by that, I meant another one of several restaurants that do take-out. My life was fucking pathetic, and I wasn't doing anything about it.

Then again, I had no fucking time to change it.

Ironically, I was changing the world, but my life was constant and still — with no excitement or purpose.

My job benefits people in the city, and globally, but I've come to realise that it does absolutely nothing for me. I work for hours on end, longer than the average nine-to-five job, and have no outcome in the end for myself.

Even if I did have a chance to finish early, what would change? I don't have anyone to go home to. I don't friends to catch up with over drinks or just hang out. I don't have a pet that needs attention. I did have my botanical garden, but I paid no personal care to it since I couldn't even bring myself to step foot in anymore.

I was just completely and ultimately alone.

And I didn't even have someone by my side to make me laugh or bother me.

Except for the fact that I did — but she wasn't by my side.

I pushed my files closer to the other end of the desk, and leaned back in my chair as I thought deeply and rationally. 

My brain seemed to malfunction, though, as I reached for my phone to dial the number of the person who I desperately wanted to hear her voice.

But I was surprised when it was my mobile that was ringing in my hand — it was Essie.

"Hi, Harry." Her voice, fuck, it was so melodically enchanting.

It was then, however, that I realised how late it was — and I mentally kicked myself for not noticing it before I was about to call her.

"Essie, what are you doing up?"

"Can't sleep."

"Why'd you call me?"

Fuck. You're such an idiot, Styles. Why would you even ask that? You want to talk to her, and you're practically telling her to hang up.

"Your voice is soothing. I wanted to hear it, and I knew you'd be awake," she said, and my heart pounded. How was the tone of my voice soothing? That would be hers, not mine.

"How'd you know?"

"You always have dark circles under your eyes and your scleras are pink. So either you're on drugs or don't get enough sleep. I'd say it's the latter."

"Clever. I've also never done drugs, so that's ruled out quickly."

"Told you so, Tiger," she spoke, and I could imagine the smile on her face. "I'm also guessing you're still at the office."

"Where else would I be?" I let out a short, defeated laugh. Hearing a shuffling sound on the other line, she apologised mentioning that her pillow wasn't fluffy enough, then sighed contently as it finally worked in her favour.

"Can you do me a favour?" she asked softly.

"What's that?"

"Can you leave everything there, go home and relax, then call me again?"

"It'll take a bit to get there, but I have another flat some floors up." The words came out of my mouth before I thought them through. Was I really going to do this?

"Could you go there then?"

"If I miss anything important, I'm blaming you," I teased, recalling her little liable statement just days prior.

"I doubt you will, but you can blame me all you want," she truthfully said.

"Gimme ten minutes?"

"Take all the time you need, H."

"Okay," I said, and bid her a temporary goodbye.

Before I hung up, I was already up on my feet. There was something about Essie that I felt like I couldn't say no to. She was doing this for my health benefit, which was something I honestly didn't pay attention to. I ate the shittiest of meals because I didn't know how to cook without injuring myself or burning something. I did work out in my home gym, which was something that I did during the night when I couldn't sleep — it was also the only time I could fit it in my schedule.

It's the best that I could do.

Or so at least, it was the best I could do.

Things were changing, and I was afraid to know if they would be for the better or worse — I just hoped it was for the former.

Swiftly, I tidied up my desk, and sent an email to Iris mentioning how I wanted them organised; of course, that was along with the list of things that needed to be done.

She was the best PA anyone could ask for, and her professionalism was key — except for her sassy attitude lately. If it weren't for Serenity, and if that was the way she indeed was, I wouldn't even think twice before firing her. Iris, of course, knew that. At times, I considered getting another personal assistant, but the chance of finding someone that I could deal with, and be compatible with Iris, was slim to none.

It was hard to come across someone like her, because there were previous women that didn't seem to care much for the work aspect than they did for my physical appearance. As for hiring males, I didn't trust any of them for shit in my life. Distance business affairs were one thing, but entrusting them with my personal life details, that was never going to fucking happen again.

I despised men and always take a million times more precaution around them. It's also why I hired a PI for my business. As for Felix and Oliver, they were long-time acquaintances that I trusted only because of Mateo.

The Tanaka Group, let's just say they have it coming.

I took care of the situation and told Serenity to stay out of it. That, of course, took a bit of convincing, but she finally agreed.

Quickly, I made my way up to the suite up above — and when I entered it, it felt like I'd walked into a morgue. It was cold and filled with nothing but basic furniture. The fridge and cupboards were stocked with nothing much else but the necessities and some non-perishable foods. The bedroom closet had a couple of pressed shirts and suits, along with some loungewear. The drawers, also filled with the bare minimum.

I took out my contacts, washed up, and put on my glasses. Looking into the mirror, I saw my reflection — a tired and exhausted me. My specs rested on my nose, the shape of the frame complimented my face — or so it was to the extent of that. As many times as Essie said that I looked handsome in them, I couldn't see it. I was repulsive; all I saw was the young tyrants who ridiculed me as I got older.

As for several of those cruel lads, they came into my office hoping to merge or gain an investor in their companies — and they weren't fucking joking. Needless to say, I laughed and kicked them the fuck out.

Shaking my head, I let out a deep sigh, trod back into the bedroom, grabbed my phone, and plopped down onto the bed. It wasn't even my bed. I felt like it didn't belong to me, though, it was amongst many of the things I owned.

Picking up my mobile, I noticed it was just over the ten-minute mark. Without another thought, I dialled her number — the one that I'd recently put on my speed-dial list.

And she answered after a single ring but didn't say anything. All I heard was her breathing on the other line, and I did nothing else but listen to it. I swore that if she hadn't taken the call, I would've thought she'd fell asleep.

Then, I heard her beautiful voice.

"Tell me something..." she whispered, "...anything."

She said the same words I'd spoken during our first phone call. Something was wrong, and I wanted to know why she was off. I wanted Serenity to be okay.

Those words, though, she responded with something good, something positive about her life. Precious memories that she had as a child — those didn't exist for me. All I had was cruelty, a stringent lifestyle, and wretched experiences. What could I tell her? I couldn't —

Fuck. It was the only thing that came to mind.

"Harry?" She called softly, and I shook my head, swallowing thickly as I prepared myself.

"Promise you won't laugh or judge me?"

"I promise." Her voice was honest and so incredibly sincere. It almost made me want to tell her everything.

"I have a botanical garden. I love flowers, I guess you could say it's a second passion other than business..." I trailed off, nervous about continuing while waiting for her to laugh at my revelation — but she remained quiet. "...I know everything there is to know about them."

That's when I stopped. I wasn't sure whether to bother carrying on with this topic — and especially because that completely put my vulnerability on the table. She started to know so much about me, and that fucking terrified me. I never opened up to anyone so quickly before.

Actually, that's a lie.

I did, and it turned out to be the worst fucking mistake I'd ever done in my life. Everything was used against me, and I never trusted a soul again.

That was, until now.

"That's beautiful, Tiger," she paused, almost as if she was testing the waters, "Do you want to tell me more? I'd love to listen. You don't have to if you don't want to, but either way, your secret is safe with me."

But those were words I'd never heard come out of anyone's mouth before: Your secret is safe with me. I'd heard something similar to that from someone close to me at a time, but it didn't turn out well. The difference now, though, was that I was taking my time to open up — it wasn't sudden.

I trusted Essie.

So, surprising myself, I started to speak — and I wasn't sure when I stopped. I told her about why certain flowers were more popular and the best way to care for them. I mentioned a few others that needed the least attention if she wanted to keep in her home if she didn't have a green thumb — which she didn't. She asked which ones would be best for specific occasions and I gave her the best suggestions she could possibly go for.

Needless to say, she was impressed, and it made my heart warm. A Cheshire Cat's grin was on my face the entire time as I rambled on and on in utter enthusiasm. She even commented that I was probably smiling and it only made me blush. That woman's forced rosy cheeks on me that I couldn't prevent even if I wanted to.

After I noticed how long we'd been on the phone for, my heart nearly stopped — and I only knew when she let out a yawn and apologised for it. Her action made me anxious, and I wanted to kick myself in the foot because of it — because I bored her.

However, that wasn't the case. Serenity mentioned that it was the first time in a long time that she heard someone talk about something so personal and exciting.

She was interested — and I was interesting. It was the first time in a long time that someone made me feel like I'm worth something more than just my expertise in the business world.

And so, thankfully, her yawn wasn't my cause, just because she was exhausted and a tad stressed — and she told me why.

Apparently, River's audition was coming up in just over a week, and they've prepared the routine. The problem was, they've only had space to rehearse by renting by the hour at a yoga studio when there weren't any classes in session. They had to relocate to different places, though, since the ceiling height wasn't high enough.

It bothered me when she brought up her friend, but the frustration she was in made me have the urge to help her. I wanted to ease her worries, so the second I hung up with her, I emailed a couple of people to get something done.

I wanted to do something for her, and I was sure to make it happen in a matter of a day — I had no time to spare.

♬ ✥*

Serenity.

I wasn't the type of person to have a favourite day of a week, but it was Friday, and I couldn't be more thankful.

Rest was something that I desperately craved, and it wasn't something I was having much of lately. Last night, I spent over an hour talking with Harry, which I didn't plan for — at all.

I wanted to talk to someone who I knew would be up. Technically, that was a lie. I easily could've called Charlie. My brother was one of those people who always had their phone on loud volume; he would answer anyone, even if it was in the middle of the night.

But as much as I loved and missed him, there was someone else's voice that my ears were craving to hear.

So, I called Harry.

My heart fluttered when he called me Essie again. He didn't seem like the type of person to ever nickname anyone, but he did — and it was for me. How he came up with it was beyond me, but it didn't matter. I loved it just as much as he loved being called Tiger.

I told Amara after he said it the first time and I remembered how her big brown eyes widened. She knew the name and the meaning of it — star. I was his star.

His?

Hayes, you definitely are losing your mind. You need sleep.

No. I needed Harry.

I was planning to surprise him at the office and just drop off a muffin, but before we hung up, he mentioned that he wanted me to stop by anyway. Apparently, there was something else he wanted to go over. He emailed Iris to schedule me in for three-thirty since he wasn't free earlier.

In all honesty, I was a tad upset that it wasn't in the morning, but it was better than not seeing him at all.

I showed up at Urban Corp., and as the unfortunate fate would have it, I was late — again. Needless to say, Mr CEO was not pleased.

Instead of being greeted by Iris, Harry stood in front of her desk, his arms crossed with his green eyes glaring into mine so intently that I swore I thought he was looking straight into my soul. His jacket was off, showing his crisp white button-down, and muscles that were visibly tight under his shirt. The slacks were immaculate but with faint creases from where he sits. Shoes, as always, were polished; his hair, however, was a bit of a mess. He was so incredibly handsome, and I was incredibly lucky that he was in my life — even if we were just friends.

The only thing that helped smooth things between us was the fact that I brought him a blueberry muffin — and an iced coffee because it was a sauna outside. He gave me the smallest of smiles, thanked me softly before a faint blush crept upon his defined cheeks.

He was precious.

So Harry called me in because of two reasons: he wanted to confirm that I wouldn't "go behind his back and fuck things up," and because he simply wanted to see me.

And that was when I blushed.

The desire to be with Harry was already high up on my daily to-do list. I knew that it wasn't physically possible to do so, especially with how our schedules worked, but a girl could dream.

After we were both seated in his office, Iris dropped by to give me an Earl Grey tea — one that I didn't ask for. He already started to munch on the muffin before she left, showing a sly smile on her lips on her way out. I tried not to think much of it, but I could see that he was changing — and I hoped it was for the better.

We didn't really talk too much, just enjoyed each other's company for the most part. It was a bit strange to see him do some work while I just sat there watching him carefully. It was almost as if he just wanted me to be beside him — and that my presence comforted him.

I, of course, did not complain — because that feeling was mutual.

Harry huffed in frustration multiple times, ran his fingers through his hair, and pinched his bottom lip countless times while he worked. Not a word was said between us, but several glances were made to one another. A rare smile from him would appear, teasing his lips, still foreign but comfortable. I'd send one back, only a tad wider. His dimples made their grand entrance when I pulled out a snack from my purse I kept on me when I went out — apples. I had a couple on me today as I gave one to him and then failed to throw the empty core into the trash can beside his desk — four times.

I was a successful prima contemporary ballerina but didn't have hand-eye coordination for the life of me. He, of course, scored from the first go, flashing me a smirk that made me weak in the knees.

Neither of us noticed that I stayed for about an hour until my phone rang out a notification and interrupted our silence. I apologised and checked it to see that it was only a text from Milo asking how I was doing in which I replied quickly by saying that I'd chat with him later on.

It was about four-thirty when I decided to leave. Harry was a bit shocked and seemed disappointed for some reason. We both knew that I had to go eventually, but I didn't think he expected me to take off so soon.

Taking him off guard, I did give him a kiss on the cheek and scurried out before either of us could get the chance to say something.

Thankfully, it didn't take long to get to my car. As usual, my elevator buddy was standing with me since it seemed that Harry had called for him just as soon as I left — or he was just waiting there for me. Either way, I wasn't surprised too much anymore. Mr CEO had a big heart even though he rarely showed it.

Those were my thoughts as I attempted to start my car.

"Damn it," I muttered, frustrated beyond compare. "Stupid car. Stupid battery."

I was aware it needed to be replaced soon, but I kept putting it off — terrible decision. Turning the key once more, I groaned when it still didn't start and hit my head back against the headrest a couple times.

Leaning over the centre console, I reached into my bag to pull out my phone — only to realise that its battery, now too, was dead.

Worst luck ever.

I let out a deep breath, and exited my car, walking back into the massive Urban Corp. building once more. Several people were leaving the building since the workday was practically at its end. Making my way towards the security desk, I saw that Mark had disappeared — he was probably also done for the day.I asked at the desk if there was a phone that I use, but was unfortunately told that a payphone wasn't far outside the building. The female guard never seemed to like me from the beginning, and I wasn't that much of a fan her myself.

Knowing that I was on the list to enter without being questioned anymore, I retraced my steps back towards the elevator. This time, I knew I was going to remain alone in it — or at least, without my friendly companion. I'd gotten to know Mark over the several times he'd escorted me up during my ride up the lift, but it was going to be different this go around.

As I entered the confined space, there was only one other person inside, who left on the fifth floor. Great. Only forty-five more to go.

Inhaling deep breaths, my fists were tight as I closed my eyes and started to count. "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eig—"

And before I finished the number, the doors to the fiftieth floor opened up, and I hastily escaped it. I took in a proper exhale, then breathed in the fresh air, only to be greeted by a PA who was packing up her things.

"Ren? Did you forget something?"

"I, um, my car wouldn't start. I tried calling triple-A, but my phone also died. The girl at security wouldn't let me use a phone, and I can't get home. I was wondering if I could use your —" I babbled but was interrupted by a kind Iris.

"It's okay. I can drive you home, it's fine."

"Serenity?" Harry's voice was sudden, as he came into view. Neither one of us saw him coming towards us. "What're you doing back here?"

"Car battery's dead, along with my phone. I just wanted to see if I could use one so I could get a boost. But Iris said she could drive me ho—"

"No. I can take you home. I was just finishing up," he interrupted me, and I glanced at Iris, who's eyes were wide, but then smirked.

"Mr Styles, you told me that you had several proposals and emails to go through, so you told me to leave early. I'm sur—"

"Iris, you can leave. Now," he firmly spoke, and her expression deepened.

"Sure thing, Mr Styles. Ren, you two have a great time together," she said, now grinning.

Before I got the chance to say anything else, she disappeared behind elevator doors, leaving Harry and me completely alone.

"Harry, you don't have to drive me home. Iris said you have things to do. I don't want to keep you from it."

"You're not." He shook his head. "Just let me get my jacket."

And, again, before I could get another word in, his back was towards me walking away. He appeared a minute later, his attire fully suited back together. He raised his arm and gestured for me to walk ahead of him. As harsh as Harry could be with his words, he was just as kind, and such a gentleman.

When we stood in the elevator, he moved even close to me, hearing how my breaths were louder than they usually were. Our hands weren't just brushing together, but completely pressed up against each other — as his entire side was. I saw that he looked towards me, and I met his green eyes, both of us wholly entranced with one another. Not once did he look away, until the ding sounded in the small space. I still kept my focus on him, watching as he exited the space, and I followed him.

"H, you don't have to drive me home. I really could just get a boost and —"

"Serenity, my offer is not up for discussion. I'm driving you home," he sternly said, and I just nodded at his sharp tone.

Silently, we continued our path, which was surprisingly different than we'd typically would've gone. Instead of going through the main doors, we went towards the right of the building. Along the curb, another vehicle was parked up alongside it.

"Where's Archie?"

"I told him to take the rest of the day off. I said I'm driving you, didn't I?" He turned to face me as if his words were self-explanatory before. There was something behind the tone of his voice that made me odd. He was clearly keeping something from me — and I was honestly beginning to believe that he was scared to open up with words — except with actions.

He was vulnerable around me many times before, but this wasn't being in that state, this was caring for someone and being there for them when they needed it.

Harry opened the door for me and shut it once I got inside. He wasted no time in taking a few strides to get to the driver's seat. With no GPS or directions needed, he drove us to my home.

We were less than ten minutes away when the sound of his phone ringing echoed in the car. It was already connected to Bluetooth, and he gave me a look to ask if it was okay for him to take it. I simply nodded in response; however, incredibly surprised as to why he would even answer a business call while I was with him.

"Styles," he answered with a dominant tone.

"Harry, we're absolutely fucked."

"Felix, I know everything, and I've already taken care of it."

"I'm sure you have, but they're going to sue us," the man responded, and I knew exactly who it was.

"Why the fuck would they do that? They have nothing on you, and hell if you did, I'd know about it," he said, simply.

"Just like you did with Tanaka, right? You flew all the fucking way to London to get a deal, then it backfired. Now look what the fuck they've done," his voice echoed through the space in anger.

And at the mention of that company name, my head snapped towards Harry. I knew he saw me, but his head kept straight ahead, only focusing on nothing but the traffic ahead of him.

"I know about them now, and they've gone a big fucking lawsuit coming their way. I've got so much shit on them that they'd be fucking stupid if they dared to even try. They might fuck with your company, Grant, but not with mine."

"That's just fucking dandy," Felix said, letting out a sarcastic laugh. "We're just a sister company, we're not merged. We both know that you're stronger in the business world, so they can sue us alone. My fucking fault I called during that meeting."

"Calm your fucking ass. I said I've already taken care of it. They won't come after you," Harry's tone was cool and calm as the wind outside as he assured Felix.

"You're sure?"

"When am I not?"

"Fine." Felix sighed deeply on the other line. "Let me know what happens."

"Alright," Harry replied, ending the call without a goodbye.

A minute of silence later, we stopped at a red light, and I turned towards him when he didn't bring up the vital topic that was just brought up.

"Tanaka? What the heck is going on, Harry?"

"Nothing that concerns you, Serenity. This is separate from your studio."

"But you're dealing with them already. That guy, Taro, came in wanting to buy my studio. Your company owns a part of my business, so yes, Harry, it does concern me."

"Just like I told Felix, I'm telling you the same thing. I've already taken care of it. They fucked up with some other stuff, and your business has nothing to do with it. You're safe. You trust me, right?"

"Yes," I answered immediately. I did trust Harry even though we've only known each other for a short while, but the moment he took my hand and placed it over his heart that day in the elevator and told me that I was safe, I believed him.

Harry would never hurt or betray me.

♬ ✥*

Harry.

Relief.

That's precisely what I felt after hearing that Serenity trusts me. The way that she answered so quickly and so sure of herself made my heart pound just a tad faster. I never had anyone put their faith in me so much, especially when it was only verbal.

Hell, things could always get messy even with written contracts since some find a way to make sure that things go their way — but that wasn't on my fucking clock. It either went mine, or it was mutual. There was never a time where I would put my trust in someone else's hands.

Over my dead fucking body.

Silence overtook the rest of the trip it took to get to Serenity's apartment. I parked alongside the curb just a short distance outside her building and shut off the engine. Neither of us spoke a single word, keeping a hushed environment in the small space we were in. Her purse was held close to her chest, and her focus was on her lap. She was in deep thought as her fingers fiddled with the straps of her bag.

And then I was gifted with the view of those stunning sapphire eyes of hers again.

"Would you, um, like to come in?" she asked softly, with a small nervous smile. "I can make some dinner if you're hungry."

"Um, I — that's okay."

"That's okay, like yes, or no?" she wanted to clarify, but I just bit my lip.

I wanted to — I so fucking wanted to.

"I mean, it's okay if you don't want —"

"It depends, what are you making?" The words came out of my mouth before I could process them, and I watched her face beautifully light up.

"What would you like?"

The answer to that one was easy, and I had a feeling she suspected my response. "Maybe some of that chicken soup?"

"I was hoping you'd say that." She grinned and got out of the vehicle. With no hesitation, I followed her, locking my car as we walked up the steps to her apartment together.

"You're lucky that I went shopping last night. I was running low on food. Riv's been helping out with paying me with the little amount he makes from working with Mars, but — oh wait, do you have your allergy pills?"

"In my pocket." I smiled, taking the packet out from where I'd kept them.

"Perfect. I'll grab you a glass of water," she said, just after unlocking her door, and we went inside.

And as expected, Luna appeared on time as she curled up around her leg whilst purring softly greeting her mother.

"Hey, baby girl," she cooed, picking her up in her arms. My heart eyes started to water a bit from the proximity, but my sneezing, thankfully, hadn't kicked in. "I'll put her in her carrying case until that pill kicks in. I'm just going to change. The glasses are in that cupboard. You can help yours—"

"Oi, Rennie, you're home! I wanted to ask —" River appeared, coming out of the bathroom, his expression turning into a smirk. "Oh, I see you brought company."

This fucker was shirtless and jeans hanging low on his hips. What the bloody fucking hell was he wearing? Or rather, what was he not wearing?

"Yeah, I invited Harry for dinner. Can you get him a glass of water?"

"Sure thing. Anything for you, Ren." He shot her a wink, just as she disappeared into her bedroom. "'ow's it going, mate? It's been a while."

Fuck. I had to talk to him.

"I'm good."

What else am I supposed to say? Silence remained between us until he handed me a glass of water, and I was forced to thank him. I couldn't be entirely rude to him. In the end, he was Essie's friend, and that'd mean he'd probably remain important in her life — that fucker.

I swallowed the pill with a large mouthful of water, and I could see that he was observing me.

"'eadache?"

"Sure," I answered simply. If he didn't shut the fuck up, he would be the cause of my future headache.

"'ope you feel better soon." He smiled, and I let out an annoyed breath.

Hope you shut up soon.

His brows suddenly furrowed at me — fuck, I said that out loud.

"Listen, mate. I know you're not a big fan of mine, but I don't care. Ren means the world to me, and I won't 'urt her. If you think that I'll ever want to be with her, you've got the wrong idea. Just keep one thing in mind, if you 'urt her, I will 'urt you," he explained, but I just narrowed my eyes at him. "You've also need to grow some balls, I've never seen two people be so delusional 'bout their feelings."

"You don't —"

"You boys behaving?" Essie's voice interrupted what I was just about to say. I would be pissed, considering I was just going to tell him to fuck off, but she looks so fucking beautiful my heart skipped a beat.

Yoga pants adorned her legs, with an oversized shirt, hanging off of one shoulder, and her hair pulled back into a French braid. 

"Angels," he drew an imaginative circle above his head, then went to go put a shirt on.

Fucking finally.

"Wonderful. You feeling better, H?" She turned towards me, and I was greeted with the face of an angel.

"Hope it'll kick in soon."

"Right then, I'm going to 'ead out," her friend said, putting on some shoes.

"Wait, you're not staying for dinner?" she asked him.

"Nope, I'm meeting Mars." He grinned.

"Why does that sound like a date?"

"S'not a date. We're just grabbing something at a food truck not far from 'ere, then going for a walk."

"Sounds like a date to me."

"Shut up, Rennie," he said, with a laugh. "But don't wait up."

"I knew it!" She laughed, throwing a pillow at him, but it hit the door as he slipped through it, leaving us alone.

"Him and Amara?"

"Seems so. It's about time. I'm just not looking forward to the chat with Mars after, it sometimes gets graphic," she grimaced, but also held a smile.

So maybe I don't have to worry about him.

That's a lie. I'll never trust that fucker — problem was, I knew I needed to talk to him within the next day or so. It was for Essie. 

"So what else do you want with the soup?" she asked me, beginning to move around in the kitchen.

"I'm happy with just that," I said, slipping off my jacket and gently folding it onto the couch armrest.

"You were sick the last time when you were here, and it was the only thing you could properly digest. I think you can have solid foods now, Harry."

"Are you calling me a child?"

"Not at all." She smirked. "Do you have something in mind that you'd like."

"Anything is fine. I'm sure it'll beat the take-out dinners I have almost every night. So I guess you could just surprise me." I shrugged.

"You sure? You trust me? I mean, I could end up making some chicken liver and onions." Her expression remained as she spoke with a sly tone.

"I trust you enough to make something good and won't send me to the hospital."

"That's a heck of a lot of trust right there, Tiger." Her eyes twinkled with joy as she let out a glorious laugh.

"You're the only one, Essie," I spoke softly, and her vocal joy diminished slightly. She looked at me with her enchanting sapphire gems, flickering between my own emerald ones, studying me to see that I only said nothing but the truth. A smile tugged at her lips as she walked out of the kitchen, then pulled me straight into her arms — into an embrace.

Fuck, I loved those. She'd only given me three, but I was starting to get addicted to them.

It was comfort and something that I haven't had in years — and even when I did, it wasn't honest.

Serenity was a sparkling star in the night sky, bringing pure tranquillity and enduring joy to those looking up above at her — an ultimately beautiful sight.

The problem was, my heart and brain were about to start a war — and I didn't know which one was going to win.

...

A/N:

Soft Harry. Soft Harry. Soft Harry. HELP. 

So Essie and Tiger might be getting somewhere, and I am SO here for it. 

What do you think Harry did to 'take care' of the Tanaka situation? What do you think they even want from H? Thoughts?

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

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

Much love as always. Kissy, stay beautiful, and always TPWK my beautiful tulips 🌷

S x

And a very important P.S. that I could go on and on about, but this is a summary of it all: BLACK LIVES MATTER.