Soz for the late update. My prof is not making my life easy. Ew. Anyway...

I really dig this chapter. Issanotha long one. I hope you enjoy it, you rosy tulips you 🌷

♬ ✥*

Harry.

"I like your place."

That was the first thing Serenity said after taking a few steps into my condo.

I held my girl close during the elevator ride with my arm around her waist as we faced the doors, avoiding the glass encasement. Nonetheless, I still heard her count quietly under her breath. I placed a soft kiss on her temple while she did so. She never commented about it, keeping to herself, but I swore I saw her lips curl up slightly even though her eyes were shut. I wanted to protect her and make sure she was safe around me — with me.

When we left the arena, the traffic was still bad, but we managed to get here as quick as we could — an hour, give or take. She sent a text to Amara about Luna, who was quick to reply with a 'no worries.' It was nice to see that Serenity had such a good friend that she could count on.

I wished I had one of those in my life.

But I have my Essie now, and that's infinitely better than just anyone.

When we walked into my building, we got a few stares from the workers, especially noticing my casual appearance, and holding hands with a girl — my special girl. The last time this happened, we weren't a couple, and the same thing happened.

It was surreal.

But it also made me uncomfortable.

I hated being stared at — simply because there was nothing to see.

The fact that Serenity saw something in me was still a miracle.

"You've been here before, remember?" I spoke as I watched her deep in thought, looking around my place. She turned to look at me with a soft smile on her lips.

"Oh, I know. But I never got a proper look at everything. I mean, it's all so bland and cold."

"Cold? I can turn up the hea—"

"Harry, it's like twenty-five degrees outside. It's still hot for this time of year. As much as I hate the cold, though, I love sweater weather." She laughed. "But, I meant that it lacks liveliness — that homey feeling."

"It's why I liked your place more. It's um, cosy," I shyly said, scratching the back of my neck. "D-do you want to decorate here?"

"The sardine can is cosy. Noted." She grinned, and I let out a soft chuckle. "I was going to do it anyway, but thanks for the permission."

"Infuriating."

"Difficult." Silently, she playfully narrowed her eyes at me, sticking her tongue out slightly. She looked absolutely adorable, and I adored this side of her.

Her carefree spirit was so pure and beautiful — I envied her for that.

"First, we're going to start off with some candles. Then maybe add some colour to brighten up that black and white personality of yours. I've also got to get this place out of its 'concrete zone.'"

"Hey," I whined. "That's not very nice."

"Yeah, well, neither is letting your poor plant sit all lonely over there with no one to talk to it."

"I — I do, just whenever I get the chance to," I spoke softly, and she let out a small sigh.

She made her way over to the greens in the corner, and delicately smoothed her fingertips over its leaves, then whispered, "He loves you, you know. I've kept up his time. I'm sorry."

I walked up to her as she turned towards me, a tender smile on her lips. 

"Are you sure Luna be fine on her own?"

"She'll be A-okay, Tiger. Don't worry about her. Plus, even if I stay longer, it won't make a difference. My parents, Milo, and Amara all have keys to my apartment. Any of them can check on her when need be. The last time I left with Mars on a trip, I agreed for Charlie to stay for the few nights he was in town. When I got back, I regretted it. I had to sanitise everything. Sometimes I think like he needs to be neutered," she said with a laugh.

And that was not an image I needed. I cleared my throat before replying, "I'm just making sure."

"Loonie's an understanding kitty, Harry. And don't forget, she has Emerald to keep her company."

"She likes him?"

"Loves. She carries him around whenever she goes in her little mouth. It's adorable," I paused, "It's funny, though, how she ignores him whenever you're around. It's like he's her temporary Emmy."

"He's in great condition," I noted on the appearance of the stuffed animal.

"Luna takes after me, she likes to keep things in a nice state. I've also noticed she claws at things that she doesn't like. So Emerald definitely won her over from day one."

"I'm glad."

"I'm glad I have you." 

♬ ✥*

It was a little strange having Serenity in my bed.

Ever since the first time we laid together, we were always in her bed. In her room. In her home.

She's only been to my company, and my condo, but it was only for business, and a pit-stop — nothing more.

Hell, I've never considered the fact that one day she would even want to come to my place. It was almost forgotten about because of how often I stayed with my Essie.

The fact was, though, she wanted a glimpse into my world — into my life.

There was one thing that she mistook — she is my life.

On our way home, we stopped by a place to grab some food before we came back to my condo since I knew there wasn't going to be anything actually edible in it. Well, truthfully, there was, it just needed to be cooked; and I wasn't going to let Serenity make something for me. She did things on her clock, but making her was a no on my watch.

That was other than the fact we were both exhausted.

A little earlier, we stood on the balcony for a little while because she wanted to enjoy the view. Essie commented on how beautiful everything was up this high. She wasn't afraid of heights, but only confinement. While she gazed out on the mountains and the Pacific, my view was much prettier — her.

The way her wavy hair flowed in the soft breeze, and how lively she got when she pointed out a place she recognised. Her sapphire gems sparked in excitement as she did so. The tangerine-toned lipstick she wore had faded, but her lips were curled up in a joyful smile. Visible under her makeup, freckles were dotted upon her cheeks, just as clusters of stars filled the cosmos.

My beautiful Starlight.

She caught me looking at her, moving her view towards my eyes, but I saw the faint blush creep upon her cheeks. We didn't share any words, but I knew she could tell the adoration I had for her. Her gems reflected my own, and we both had an identical expression.

Believing that she couldn't handle my gaze anymore, she decided to head inside — so I followed her.

I watched her walk around my place, making herself at home as she observed her surroundings; but she never went anywhere without asking me first. Nonetheless, she wanted my permission to get a glass of water, enter my bedroom, and even the ensuite.

Madison never asked.

She simply acted like she owned the place.

Luckily for her, though, I didn't have this condo when we were together. I lived in a small two-bedroom apartment far from downtown — one was my bedroom, the other I converted as my office. I had no view of the Pacific or the Rockies; instead, I had the pleasure of looking into the building next door. My bedroom window faced theirs, and they were single pane, so sound easily travelled. The man's girlfriend was a flight attendant, and whenever she came home, I definitely knew.

It was very different from the lavish life I'm now used to, but it was comfortable at that time.

My neighbours were lovely. There was an older woman, Marie, next door who had a small chihuahua, Pepper, who was very friendly. However, I couldn't be closer than a meter away from her, because I was even more allergic to dogs than I am to cats — she understood, though. Ralph, a middle-aged man, never said greeted a soul but would tip his head in a small nod whenever he saw me. I always gave him a smile, but he refused to return it. The single mum and her teenage boy who lived above me had a tendency to argue, but still had manners. He even helped watch Pepper when need be.

But there was one thing they all had in common, they didn't like when Madison showed up. I got complaints that she was too loud or that she parked too close to their cars and they couldn't get out properly in the mornings. It was me that would snatch her keys from the kitchen counter and adjust her parking.

They always thanked me — and I always apologised.

Madison knew all of my goals, through university and post graduating, and while I worked my way up to CEO. It was the only reason she stayed. The amount of money I had in the bank was increasing every month, and she loved that.

She rarely tell me that she was proud of me and my goals, and there was an occasional "I'm happy for you, Harry." It took me years to realise all of them were fake.

The first thing I bought when I saved enough money was a car. I had a beat-up grey 1998 Honda Accord that took me from point-A to point-B, and it was reliable. I kept it in pristine condition or the best as to how it was when I got it until Madison borrowed it because she was running late for an exam. That was the day she got in a car accident, breaking her one of her wrists and nose.

She blamed it on me.

I was at home, asleep, and dreaming about proposing to her — we were together for just over a year at the time.

Apparently, the car's airbags hit her too hard, and it was the reason why she ended up having to get a nose-job. It was also one that I paid for. She was too concerned about how she looked, not thankful that she didn't go flying through the windshield.

I managed to buy the SUV I have now from the insurance money and some of the savings I had now, which I bought brand new — my black Lexus RX350. I've taken great care of it since.

The look on her face that day puzzled me because she thought it was a get-well present for her. I never let her drive it, though. She wasn't too fond of that, and I simply said, "Pumpkin, it's because I don't want to see you get hurt again." It was the first lie I ever told her — that, and calling her by the nickname she didn't like. I wasn't going to risk my new car ending up with the same fate. 

However, I let Serenity drive it — and we weren't even dating.

I mean, she did put me in a position that I couldn't really refuse, but somehow, I trusted her.

And I trust her with my life.

When we entered my bedroom, I grabbed her a couple things so she could change into; and then I saw her in my clothes, and my heart skipped a beat. It definitely wasn't the first time, but whenever she did, I felt fuzzy and something else that I simply couldn't explain.

We washed up together in the bathroom, and she refused to use the double sink as she shared mine. She wanted to be a little closer to me, and I didn't complain — it was mutual.

In bed, Essie scooted towards me, and I smiled. We laid on our sides, facing each other, becoming our accustomed routine.

"I've missed this," I whispered.

"Being in bed with someone?" she answered quietly.

"Well, yeah — but no, being with you. It just feels so good. I'm always well-rested in the morning. You give me nice dreams, and just being held..." I paused. "...It's fucking magical."

"Ditto, Tiger."

A comfortable silence then filled the air around us, and it was a feeling I loved.

Her fingers reached to play with mine before she got even closer to place her lips upon my own. I was taken off guard by her action but quickly responded.

Our soft, gentle kiss heated up faster than I expected. She pushed herself up and straddled my body, her actions filled with fervour and passion. Her hands cupped my cheeks while mine settled on her hips. It was as if she was waiting for something, but I wasn't sure what.

I was so fucking awkward, and it only confused me.

It was clear that Essie noticed that, so she slowed her actions and raised her body to sit a bit more upright. My eyes remained closed, but we were both catching our heavy breaths. Her hands travelled down from my cheeks and settled on my bare chest.

The feeling of her touch against my skin set my soul ablaze. Every time her fingertips simply feathery, it never failed to raise goosebumps all over my body. I relished and cherished the sensation of the contact we had.

My eyes fluttered open, and I looked up to see her gaze soft on me. A small smile curled up on her swollen, pink lips, seeing her cheeks heavily flushed. I couldn't help but return the same expression. I was so gone for this woman.

My woman. My flower — one that I could simply feast upon.

Slowly, Essie moved and settled back to how she was. Her body neared me further so that I could feel her warm breath against my face. She took hold of my hand and placed a tender kiss upon my palm, and then pressed it above her heart.

Fuck. She was so gentle and affectionate with me.

But not to the point where she felt I was fragile and would break. I appreciated her for that — amongst many other things.

"Can I ask you something?" she whispered.

"You just did." A smirk tugged at my lips, and she pursed her own into a frown. "Go ahead, baby."

She let out a soft sigh before speaking. "Promise you won't get upset? I mean, if you also don't want to answer it, you don't have to. It's just something I've been curious about."

"I can't promise you then, can I? I don't know what it is yet."

"True. Okay, so, um..." she trailed off, hesitant with her thoughts. "...why is it that you ask when you kiss me? Or tell me to kiss you. I mean, almost always, it's one-sided. But don't get me wrong, I love that, but I just feel like there's a little more to why you do it."

Fuck.

How do I even answer that?

I've never noticed.

Is it because I thought that I shouldn't have control? I dream otherwise, but reality is different.

With Serenity, I've slowly been moving towards finding that, but I never feel successful with it. It's always why I end up asking her.

But is this what she was waiting for earlier? For me to take control?

"You never noticed that, have you?" she asked, clearly knowing the truth based on my sudden glum expression.

"No." I shook my head in shame. "I haven't."

From that, she moved back just slightly to see me better.

"You know, it's okay to be like that. But from what I've felt, it seems like you want to have that power over me. I've always liked guys who are dominant in relationships. I mean, I've only dated two guys..." she trailed off quietly.

Frankly, I didn't need to hear to know she was with other men. But I shared my toxic relationship, I should know hers. Maybe I can learn how to be better.

"Hear me out, baby." A soft smile curled on her lips. "It's fun once in a while for me to take control, and I like it when you ask me, it makes me feel special. I just — I sense that insecurity with you every time you want to do it."

"I guess it's hard for me." I sighed. "I always had to ask Madison to touch her — even if it was just an innocent kiss. It didn't occur to me that it should be any other way."

"Consent is key in a relationship, that's a given. But, Harry, it's not about 'should.' There's no rule that says that it has to be a certain way, because everyone's different. I just feel that you just don't know what to do otherwise," she said, then bit her lip nervously. "Have you never heard it from someone else? Any of your friends back in uni say anything about how their relationships are?"

"What friends?" I whispered. "I spent most of my time working and making sure I got the best grades in my classes so I could be successful. Everyone else would use me for my surname, so I didn't bother trying — especially while I was with my ex. I never really had a life when I was with her."

"But you can be successful with your personal life, too. It's not just your work life that has to be that way."

"I know relationships are supposed to be two-ways, but I never knew what it was like with intimacy — special nicknames, who's more dominating, and um, cuddling. I don't know, it's the smaller things, I guess."

"Harry, relationships have to be healthy, especially when two people lo—like each other," she paused, clearing her throat. "There needs to be trust, loyalty, confidence, support, reliability, passion, and care. Of course, there's so much more, but we can just use those as the basics," she spoke softly, "Can I ask you something else?"

"Okay."

"Did she make you believe she was, um, superior to you?"

"Yeah. Sometimes."

"Did she ever hug you or treat you with respect."

"In the beginning, maybe..." I spoke softly, remembering my wretched past, "...then things started to change. I wasn't sure why, and I didn't want to ask. Felt like if I did, then I was doing something wrong."

She nodded, then kept quiet for a little, seeming in deep thought about something. "Did you trust her?"

"My whole heart was hers, and I trusted her with everything in me. Well, except when I got my car. I didn't then, but it was the only thing." I let out a deep sigh, closing my eyes tightly before opening them again. "Anyway, like I said, it was all good in the beginning — everything. It felt like a dream, but it turned out to be a fucking nightmare."

"Come here," she spoke, motioning me to scoot closer to her. "I don't ever want you to feel like you can't trust me. I want you to be able to feel comfortable being vulnerable around me. You can try doing things on your own, the things you felt like you weren't able to do with her. If I don't like it, I'll tell you. It's that two-way street with us. Okay?"

Hesitantly, I nodded, letting her words sink in.

I was going to try — with consent, of course.

"And if for any reason, I stop acting the way you believe I should act in a healthy relationship, I need you to tell me. I will try to be what you deserved so that you won't have to experience what you went with her. It wasn't just your relationship with Madison that was toxic, Harry, she was toxic."

"I trust you," I said, then chose to whisper my next words, "With all my heart."

"Kiss, please?" A smile formed at her words, mimicking how I'd always ask her.

And I kissed her without having to think twice about it, giving her a smile with it.

She wanted to give me the control that I wished I could have since I met Madison — and my Serenity was giving it to me.

I was no stranger to dominance, because that was exactly what my relationship was. There were the rare occasions I had it, which always had a fucked up ending. My ex taught me that submission was how I should be, but I experienced all forms of control with her — and there were some things that I did not like.

My left hand settled on the small of her back and pulled her flush against me. My tongue dominated hers, as I kissed her with what I felt was right — and just enough. I didn't want to go too far with her, because hell, I had no idea what I was actually doing. Twenty-eight years old, and it seemed like I was fifteen again, barely learning how to control my actions.

Essie's fingers moved up to my hair, tugging on my short curls lightly. That feeling triggered something in me, and I really liked it. I whimpered against her lips because of it. Softly, I squeezed her waist, silently telling her to do that again — and she did.

Fuck.

So this is what nonverbal communication felt like?

I loved it.

Essie tells me that I deserved all of the happiness in the world, but it's the complete opposite — she deserves every fucking ounce of it.

Parting slowly, I rested my forehead against hers as I caught my breath. "So I can have that? More of it in the future? You won't be upset if I end up becoming like that?"

I just needed to double check with her — to make sure it was okay.

"No. I definitely won't. In fact, I find it sexy." she said, and I pulled back slightly just to see her blush.

Her words and reaction caused me to let out a laugh. "Sexy? Is that what you think of that or me in general?"

But a smirk graced her face. "Both. Definitely both."

We remained in bed, her legs intertwined with mine, with my head rested on her chest. The sound of her heartbeat was soothing and so relaxing. Its steady rhythm was music to my ears.

Each stead thump brought me serenity, and I was addicted to it. I could never get enough of every moment we shared together. Ever since the first night that I slept with her by my side, I've become hooked on her presence. I struggled to sleep without her, and I didn't know how I was ever going to do it if she parted from me.

My eyes felt heavier as I started to drift off into sleep, but my girl's voice was soft as she called my name.

"Yeah, Starlight?" I spoke, my words muffled.

"You sleepy?"

"A bit," I nodded weakly.

"Flip over on your side."

"Why?"

"It's my turn to cuddle you," she whispered, and I felt my cheeks flush in crimson. I was thankful that it was dark so she couldn't see my face.

Remaining silent in response, I did what she said and turned around to sleep on my other side. Her body scooted a little closer, and I tensed slightly when I felt her body flush against mine, and her arm wrapped around my waist. My legs were curled up slightly, and she formed her body in the same way. She nuzzled her head in the crook of my neck, feeling her warm breath against my skin. A delicate kiss was placed upon it, lingering for a while as I relished her gentle touch.

I moved my arm to rest it atop of hers, and my feet entangled themselves with hers, wanting to feel her skin in every way I could. Her other hand was raised as she softly brushed her fingers through my hair.

"I'll always hold you, Tiger."

And with her words and the relaxing state she put me in, I fell into a deep slumber before I could respond.

♬ ✥*

Serenity.

Relaxed.

That's how I felt with Harry. The last thing I remember was falling asleep to the sound of his steady breaths, whispering that I would always hold him. I hoped he heard me before he fell into his slumber.

The feeling of having him close to me, pulling him flush against my front gave me the immediate sense of protectiveness. Not only was I going to hold him, but I was also going to keep him safe from anything — or anyone — that harms him, or even thinks of doing so.

I've felt like a broken record, but Harry deserves happiness.

He's been deprived of it for his entire lifetime and was cheated when he thought he got the real thing. Robbed of honesty, kindness, and pure love ruined him emotionally. The vulnerableness he kept hidden from the world didn't help heal him; that was simply because he didn't want to get hurt again.

Harry had every right to do that.

He needed family and friends, and a real-life other than the business side he lived in.

I was slowly going to help with bringing all of those things to him — and more.

Pale light streamed through the shades on the windows. He had partial-darkening coverings, but my natural body clock forced my subconscious mind to wake up. My eyes slowly opened, and I smiled at how I was lying.

Our legs were still tangled together, but he moved onto his back, keeping an arm wrapped around my waist. His skin was warm and so smooth as the hair on his chest slightly tickled my arm every time he breathed.

I felt the dips of his defined muscles under my touch, and it flustered me. His body was muscular and toned, and it was just perfect. Using my elbow, I raised myself slightly to see his beautiful face.

My eyes trailed all over him, observing every detail on his face. His lips were parted open as he snored softly. Stunning eyelashes flickered slightly just enough so I knew he was dreaming. Random curls fell upon his forehead, and I lifted my hand to gently push them back. His head was tilted to the side, smushed softly into the plush pillow.

He was beautiful.

And he was mine.

The more I knew about him, the more I fell in love with him as the days went on.

One thing Harry didn't know was that when I woke up in the middle of the night to pee, he would unconsciously pat his hands down to try and find me, a small expression flashed on his face. The second I returned back in his arms, a content smile replaced the adorable pout. Sometimes, he'd hum softly in his sleep, or whisper the softest 'Essie.' The strings on my heart tugged whenever I heard them.

I've gotten used to the fact he sleeps shirtless, but always in a pair of shorts or sweatpants. Or at least, the sweatpants changed into shorts when he got more comfortable around me. It was a struggle not to admire his bare torso, though. I didn't want Harry to think I was in the relationship just because of his looks, so I tried to avoid it as much as I could.

Whenever he did catch me, though, a blush would creep up along his cheeks. I hoped that one day he could tease me about it, or smirk because of the fact that he looks good — heavenly, I might say. He was still shy and not confident about his body, and was slowly working on himself emotionally, I didn't want to add more things to confuse him as he tried to figure things out.

That bitch destroyed him, and I just prayed that one day I could meet her just so I could give her a piece of my mind. I was never a vicious person when it came to jealousy, but she hurt the love of my life, so I was going to hurt her.

Slowly, I unravelled my legs from his, careful not to wake him. I quietly got out of bed, seeing him do the same thing — feel around the now empty spot. I moved the pillow I was sleeping on closer to him so that he had something to hold. That little smile tugged on his lips as he breathed in my scent.

He was absolutely precious.

Doing what I needed to do in his bathroom, then closed the bedroom door behind me. I tiptoed towards the kitchen, keeping as quiet as I could. Because of the little amount of furniture in the rooms, sound bounced around easier, echoing into the spaces. I remained careful, but then jumped slightly when I saw that I wasn't alone.

"Oh, good morning, miss," a lady spoke, also jumping slightly at the sight of me.

"Morning. You must be Linda, Harry's housekeeper?" I replied with a smile.

"Yes." She nodded hesitantly. "Are you Miss Hayes? It's been a while since he's been here, but Mr Styles mentioned you a few times. You're definitely as pretty as he said you were."

And I blushed.

Harry talked about me to his housekeeper — my heart.

"Oh, um, thank you. You can just call me Serenity — or Ren. Whichever, it doesn't matter," I said, then went to make myself a cup of tea. Or at least, find out where everything was kept first.

Linda watched me move about, seeming a tad surprised that there was someone else in the condo. When I went to open the fridge, she interrupted me by speaking.

"Miss H— Serenity, why are you making breakfast?"

"It's okay. I can take care of it this time. Harry's really got to learn how to cook."

"I can do it. It's my job. Please, let —"

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. If you can just show me where things are, it'll make it a bit easier for me," I spoke, and Linda hesitated before complying. 

A warm smile was on her face as she gave into my words. The two of us then started random conversations, many of which were discrete stories about her boss and how he recently mentioned me. Others were of how messy he can be if she doesn't clean up after him, but he's been doing better lately. My guess what that he was learning from me — and by staying in my sardine can.

We were lost in exchanged stories, utterly oblivious to our surroundings, and suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in the room.

"What are you two ladies chattering about this fine morning. Serenity, Linda," Harry greeted, his tone still raspy, appearing from the hallway.

His hair was still an unruly mess, pillow marks were on his face, dipping into the facial hair on his cheeks. A plain white tee and grey sweatpants now adorned his body, his bare feet peaking from the bottoms. He looked impeccable — or delectable. Either one worked.

"I'm sorry if we woke you, Mr Styles," Linda said, looking down at her feet. She seemed embarrassed that she was caught laughing with me.

"Don't apologise, Linda. Harry, here, has so kindly offered to help me make breakfast. Isn't that right, baby?"

"W-what? I didn't say any—"

"Actually, Linda, if you could just tidy up his room, I can take over here," I said, and his housekeeper nodded, scurrying out of sight.

"Serenity, what are you doing? This is what I pay her to do."

"Yes, I know that. But don't you think it's time that you start acting like how you used to in university and actually make your own food."

"Who said I made my own food? I ate at the university, snuck in a few meals here and there from the places I worked at. I managed to get by."

Sadness ran through my veins at his words.

"Are you telling me you've never had a proper home-cooked meal before?"

"I mean, I have, but that was back when I lived in England. It was also the cook's job to do that. At school, we'd help out with tidying the kitchen after meals were made, but we never actually did any of the food," he spoke softly. "And of course, what you make."

"Well, I'm going to teach you. You're going to follow my exact words, and you're not going to hurt yourself like you did the first time you were in my kitchen."

"I don't know about this."

"You trust me, right?"

"Always."

"Then let's get cooking." I grinned, clapping my hands, then rubbing them together.

I figured we could start with a simple breakfast that didn't require too much work, and we'd slowly make our way towards other dishes.

Harry didn't own aprons, other than what Linda wore, which was floral and pink. I made him wear it since he was the one that was going to need it. He deeply frowned when I tied it, covering a laugh with my hand. Instead of doing so, I leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on his lips.

My dad taught me to cook and bake as neat, so it was my turn to teach someone.

When I brought out the eggs from the fridge, he looked at them like they were white balls of glass. He was terrified to touch one or else he'd break it — which I continued telling him that was the point of what we had to do.

It took about three destroyed eggs, one landing on the floor, the other cracked on the bowl's edge, which splattered over the counter and his hands. The third made its way into the bowl, but it swam with the broken shards of its shell.

Finally, I placed my hands over his, and we cracked the egg slowly, resulting in it plopping into the bowl in one beautiful piece. The grin that made its way on Harry's face was absolutely priceless; he was so proud of himself for accomplishing what he considered rocket-science. It was a precious moment.

I pressed my lips on his neck from behind him and softly told how proud I was of him.

He turned around with a smile and kissed me lightly, before flipping back to try one on his own — and he succeeded.

Teaching him the right way to whip the eggs in the bowl so that it wouldn't fly around the kitchen, I gave him the whisk to do it himself — and again, he succeeded.

When it came to chopping some vegetables, that same apprehensive looked appeared on his face. Knives were clearly dangerous in his mind, mentioning how he cut himself a few times the last time he tried it in my kitchen. I just told him that he held everything wrong, and that's why it happened. So this time, I made him observe how I was holding the knife, and how my fingertips were bent upwards so that I wouldn't nip myself.

Handing him the knife, he inspected it with utter caution, still afraid to use it. I did the same thing as I helped him with cracking the eggs, and placed my hands atop of his, just until he got used to the feeling of how they should be positioned — and then I let go. His head snapped towards me, terrified that he wouldn't be able to do it. His expression reminded me of when my brothers taught me to ride a bike, but after they let go, I felt free as a bird as I made my way down the street without falling.

I just nodded my head with a soft smile, assuring him that he could do this. They were simple tasks that anyone could do, but knowing Harry, he'd be humiliated if someone knew that he couldn't do them. Without the courage of someone by his side to show him how to do it, he believed that he would never be able to do such a thing.

My mind was perplexed with how someone so intelligent, has a masters degree, the CEO of a multimillion-dollar company, taught himself how to play a complex instrument, yet just learned to crack an egg.

Harry's eyes were concentrated on his task, his brows furrowed together as he slowly began to make the cuts. Surprisingly, they were even and sliced to perfection.

"You did it, Tiger."

"Yeah, I did," he spoke in disbelief.

"Next time, you're going to make steak, and I expect it cooked to medium-well. Some clumps in the mashed potatoes, but the rest smooth and creamy. Maybe some broccoli or asparagus on the side. What do you think?"

Placing his hands on my waist, and whispered, "You're dreaming, Starlight."

"Ahh, well, I gave it a shot." I grinned. "But hey, one day."

"Maybe."

"No, one day." My smile softened. "You can do anything if you put your mind to it."

When Harry turned around to continue, I went to hook my phone up to the speakers in the space. The song automatically played, and I saw his eyes suddenly lift up to meet mine.

"Sugar," I sang, "Oh, honey, honey."

"Oh, God," he said with a laugh. "Please don't."

"You are my candy boy. And you got me wanting you." A grin formed on my face. "Sing with me, Tiger."

"How's about we finish this up instead."

"We can multitask." I smiled.

"I can't sing," he deadpanned.

"Doubt it. Everyone can sing."

"Hate to break it to you, darling. But you really can't," he said with a smirk, and my jaw dropped.

"Seriously?"

"The wonder of this feeling, too," he replied, singing the lyrics.

And damn, he was good.

"So, this is it, huh? I've been rejected by my own Tiger. How rude."

"Ah, sugar. Ah, honey, honey. You are my candy girl, and you got me wanting you." Harry continued taunting me with those classic words, his face beaming with happiness.

In his floral apron, he walked over to me, stretching out his hand so I could take it. My arms were crossed, and I stubbornly shook my head, but he grasped my forearm, pulling me to him.

Our chests collided together, and I couldn't help but smile at his adorable effort to get me to do so. It seemed that with whatever memory he had of our dance lesson together, he attempted to channel the moves I taught him. We ended up swaying softly, but he placed his lips on me, desperate for a morning kiss.

"When I kissed you, girl, I knew how sweet a kiss could be," he whispered, feeling his breath against my skin. His raspy tone erupted goosebumps all over my body, and butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

"I know how sweet a kiss can be," I spoke the words, and he simply leaned in again.

His hands rested on my waist, keeping me close to him, while my fingers crept up to tangled them in his hair.

The passion he showed me was that control that I was hoping I'd get from him.

Harry thought he would struggle with being dominant, feeling that he didn't know what to do, but all he needed was a little push, and his affection sparked the fire within him. His vulnerability was the thing that stopped him and made him doubt himself, but I knew he had the strength to overcome it.

We kissed in the middle of the kitchen like it was our dance floor, and I loved every second of it.

But just as it was going to get a little more heated, we heard an awkward cough echo in the room. With flushed faces, we turned to see Linda shyly standing a distance away. Harry pulled away from me, and my cheeks blushed in crimson.

"Sorry," she barely spoke. "I thought it would be better to make myself scarce today."

Harry cleared his throat, his lips still swollen and nodded. "Yeah, that might be best."

Linda quickly moved to grab her things, saying a soft goodbye before leaving the condo.

When I looked at Harry, we both burst into laughter.

"Well, that was —"

"Fun." He grinned, and I swatted his chest playfully.

"Of course, it was — for you."

"What can I say? You're irresistible." He shrugged with a smile. Then suddenly, we smelt something burning. Harry swiftly ran towards the stove, turning it off and moving the pan off the burner. "Fuck! It's burnt."

"Ah well, you have more eggs. You get your chance to try again," I said, looking on the bright side.

"A comedian, aren't you?" He playfully glared at me.

"Remember, it's my calling." I laughed.

"Care to help, Miss Hayes? I wasn't planning on burning my condo down today."

"I just might, Mr Styles. It's almost impossible to say no to you."

"I'll keep that in mind." He smirked, and I grinned. "Now, Essie come help me."

"So pushy. I love it."

And I went to do what he asked. It was still early, and based on the look on Harry's nervous face during breakfast, I was excited to see what he wanted to share with me.

...

A/N:

Madison (that bitch) gon' get it when we meet her. 

Baby's learning how to cook. 

And I added two HS song references. First, time but I thought it was cute. Raise your hand if you got them hehe. 

And...what'd you dig about the chapter? Because you know me, I love to know these things.

Kissy, stay golden, and TPWK my beautiful tulips 🌷

S x

P.S. Curious...thinking about going back to Twitter and kind of adding a bit more dedication to the story there. Would y'all be interested? I'd post some short snippets or lines for future chapters and whatnot. Maybe even help expose this story some more (or AS, because that's my baby). Thoughts? 

And would you look at that....two of the things Harry lo-likes.