Type: One shot | Imagine about Harry Styles Rating: PG Word Count: 4000+ Pairing: Harry and Ava Enjoy!
She was known for having the best voice in her town. Always the first one to get up to do karaoke. Unfortunately, since she was in a small town no one noticed her. That was until she went viral on social media. After the video of her singing went viral, her little town wasn’t so little anymore. It seemed like the little town came back alive, people coming in and out of the town.
“Did you know that tickets are sold out at the karaoke bar tonight?” Brady said. “Wait what?” she asked. “Yea people have come to see you,” Brady said. “Wow,” she said. “You deserve the world” he placed his arm around her shoulders. “I’m a small-town girl,” she said. “With a voice of an angel,” he said. “Stop,” she said as she started to blush. “Seriously Ava you have the voice of an angel, the world deserves to hear it” he stopped walking. “Bradly, things are getting crazy and I’m not sure,” Ava said. “I’ll be with you every step of the way,” he said. “You got this” he looked at her. “Only with you by my side” she looked at him. “Always and forever,” he said as he held out his hand. “Always and forever,” she said as she hooked her pinky with his.
He placed his arm around her shoulder once again as they started walking again. They finally made it to the bar that was holding the karaoke night.
“You’re the girl from the video,” someone said. “Yes I am,” Ava nodded. “Thanks for coming,” she smiled. “Nice to meet you,” the person said. “You too,” Ava said.
A car pulled up and security guards got out. Opened the back door and Harry Styles got out. Ava couldn’t believe her eyes, an actual celebrity was in her town.
“Is this the girl?” Harry asked. “Yes this is Ava,” Bradly said. “Nice to meet you,” Harry said as he held his hand out to her. “Nice to meet you,” Ava said as she shook his hand. “Can’t wait to see you tonight” Harry smiled slightly before walking away. “Oh my god,” Ava said. “Breath,” Bradly said. “That was Harry Styles,” Ava said. “I can’t do this” she started to panic. “You can do this,” Bradly said as he placed his hands on her shoulders. “Just breathe,” he said. “I’m going to make a fool out of myself,” she said. “When have you ever?” Bradly questioned. “But Harry Styles isn’t normally watching,” she said. “Just ignore the fact that he’s here,” he said. “I’ll try,” she nodded. “You got this,” he said. “Thanks,” she said as they walked into the building.
Everyone started cheering as they saw Ava walking in. She went up to the stage and sat down on the stool. The owner of the bar handed her her guitar and she started to play. Ava ended up playing a few songs before calling it a night. She left the stage and went to the bar.
“Can I get a beer please?” Ava asked. “Sure thing,” the bartender said as he handed her a beer. “You were amazing,” Harry said as he walked up to her. “Thank you,” Ava said. “I want you to come back to L. A with me, record a few songs,” Harry said. “Feature on a song with me” he looked at her. “Wait what?” she looked at him. “Are you serious?” she questioned. “Yea I am” he nodded. “I’m not sure about going to L. A” she admitted. “Give me a few days?” she asked. “Of course, I know how that is,” he nodded. “have your whole world changed because of a viral video,” he said. “I know you do, I just need a few days,” she said. “Sure, let me give you my number so you can let me know,” he said. “Sure” she nodded and handed him her phone.
He put his number in her phone before they both left the bar. She went home and went straight to her room, laying down on her bed. Looking up at the ceiling trying to decide what to do. Does she take the chance and chase her dream or does she play it safe? It was easy to stay where she was because it’s what she’s used to. She knew she had to do something that scared her. She finally contacted Harry.
“About time I hear your voice,” he said when he realized who it was. “Just needed time,” she said. “So do you need a ride to L.A?” he questioned. “Yea I do but wouldn’t it be easier to get on a plane?” she questioned. “True but I like driving” he chuckled into the phone. “Are you the one that’s going to come to get me?” she asked. “Yes I am but with my bodyguards as well,” He said. “See you soon I guess,” she said. “See you soon,” he said before hanging up the phone.
Later on that week Harry finally came into town. Ava said her goodbyes to her parents and Bradly before leaving with Harry. His driver drove most of the road trip. They had a few stops before they got to L.A. They had to end up stopping at a hotel room for the night.
“Hey Harry, can I talk to you and Ava for a quick second?” Harrys manager said. “I didn’t even know you were here,” Harry said. “Yea I tag along without you knowing” he nodded. “Hello,” Ava said. “Let’s go to the room so we can talk,” Harry’s manager said. “Sure,” Harry said as they went into the hotel room. “Our management team has talked about you two being together,” Harry’s manager said. “Wait what?” Ava questioned. “Yea what?” Harry asked. “Just for the public, it would be good for both of your careers,” Harry’s manager said. “This is crazy,” Harry said. “Yea I know but it can be really good, especially for her career,” Harry’s manager said. “I’m not sure about this,” Ava said. “It’s just for the media, not in private,” Harry’s manager said. “Like photos, red carpets, and stuff like that,” he said. “A contract relationship” Harry rolled his eyes. “It sounds good on paper but what if we don’t like each other” Harry asked. “Like I said it’s just for the media ” Harry’s manager said. “Can we think about it?” Harry asked. “Sure,” Harry’s manager said.
He left the room so Ava and Harry could talk. She sat on the bed trying to figure out what to do. Of course, she wanted to jump-start her career but was it worth it to bring Harry in on it.
“Is he serious?” Ava asked. “Yea he is,” Harry said as he sat down on the bed. “But it would be a lie,” she said. “I know but it could help you,” he said. “So you are asking me if I would sell my soul to the devil” she crossed her arms. “That’s Hollywood unfortunately” he looked at her. “It’s all up to you,” he said. “Yes,” She said. “Yes?” He questioned. “Are you sure?” he asked. “Yes I am sure, If I didn’t want to further my career I wouldn’t be here. Plus you’re not the worst person to be tied to” she said. “Alright,” he nodded.
Harry went out into the hallway to get his manager to come back into the room. She told him that she agreed and that she would sign the contract but only if she got a record deal. Of course, they agreed to sign her onto the label. The next day, while they were driving to L.A, Ava and Harry were in the backseat talking.
“Can I ask you something?” she asked. “Yes you can,” he said. “What if we fall for each other?” she looked at him. “Then we fall for each other,” he said. “Then what about the contract?” she asked. “It would still be valid but it would just be real for us,” he said. “Ok,” she said. “Do you think we would fall for each other?” he asked. “Maybe” she shrugged her shoulders. “You like me,” he smiled. “Yea I do but you would never,” she said. “Who said that?” he asked as he tilted her chin up to look at him. “I’m just a small-town girl,” she said. “So?” He looked at her. “You like me?” she asked. “Maybe” he smiled slightly.
He brushed his thumb against her cheek as she looked at him. They finally arrived at Harry’s place. The driver pulled up to the gate. There were media at the gate, waiting to catch who Harry was with or just to snap a picture of him. They got through the gate and the gate closed behind them as the driver pulled up to the house.
“Are you ready?” Harry asked. “For?” Ava replied. “The media, they are at the gate so they will take pictures’” Harry looked at her. “This is when everything changes,” he said. “I’m ready” She nodded and grabbed his hand. “Are you sure?” he asked, kissing her hand softly. “Yes,” She smiled as she looked at him.
The driver got out and opened the door for them. Harry got out first and held his hand out to her. She grabbed his hand and got out of the car as well. He waved to the crowd of people before going inside with her. He led her upstairs to where she would be staying. It wasn’t for a long stay, just a few days in L.A.
“So this is your room for next week,” Harry said. “Thank you for allowing me to stay with you,” she said. “It’s ok really” he nodded slightly. “If I stay longer than this week then I’ll get a hotel room,” she said. “Don’t worry about it, stay however long you want to stay” he smiled slightly. “Thanks,” she said as she walked into the room.
He was left alone to get adjusted, he lay in his bed just thinking about things. She finally got settled into her room, she made her way downstairs. Trying to find the kitchen, it was easy to get lost in this huge house. She finally found the kitchen.
“Whoa,” she said as she looked around. “I don’t think I could ever get used to this,” she said as she opened the fridge. “You will,” the maid said. “Oh I didn’t realize someone was in here,” she said as she jumped a little. “Didn’t mean to scare you,” the maid said. “I’m sorry,” Ava said. “Beautiful house,” she said. “Yea it is,” the maid said. “You found the kitchen,” Harry said as he walked into the kitchen. “Yea barely though,” Ava said as she looked at him. “You’ll figure it out,” Harry said as he walked over to her. Leaning over to get a cup from the cabinet, she looked at him as they were close. “Sorry I should move,” she said. “No I should move,” he said as he stood back slightly, looking at her. She looked up at him, their eyes met. “So clearly you don’t live here alone do you?” she questioned. “No, I have a maid and security,” he nodded. “I bet it gets lonely being in such a big house,” she said. “It does but now I have you” he smiled slightly. “Just for the week”, she looked at him. “So why did you come into the kitchen? What were you looking for?” he asked. “Oh, just something to snack on,” she said. “Be my guest” he smiled as he sat down at the kitchen table. “Technically I am” she smirked as she went into the pantry. “You have these? These are my favorite,” she said as she walked out with a box of her favorite snack. “Those are my all-time favorites,” he said. “Really?” she questioned as she sat at the table. “Yea really,” he said as he watched her.
She started eating the snack as they talked. He grabbed the box from her and got himself some as well. They laughed and talked for hours, just at the kitchen table. Before they knew it, it was nearly 3 am.
“It’s getting pretty late,” he said. “Yea it is” she yawned. “You should go to bed,” he said. “If I can find my way back,” she said. “Well come on” he stood up and put his hand out. “Alright,” she smiled as she grabbed his hand. He led her back to her room. “There you go,” he said. “Thanks” she looked at him. “No problem,” he said as he tucked her hair behind her ear. Brushing his thumb against her cheek as he looked at her.
She leaned in towards him, allowing her lips to softly touch his. Not knowing if he wanted to kiss her or not. He leaned in slightly, kissing her softly. Placing his hand against her neck as she rested her hand against his chest. She pulled back slightly, looking at him.
“I’m sorry” she whispered. “I’m not,” he said as he leaned in, kissing her again.
He placed his hands on her hips, pulling her closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she kissed him back. He pushed her against the wall, keeping the kiss between them. She slowly pulled away, tugging at his bottom lip. Resting her forehead against his as she looked at him. He smiled as he brushed his thumb against her lip.
“Wow,” she smiled. “Yeah wow,” he smirked. “Why did you say sorry?” he questioned. “Didn’t know how you felt” she looked down. “Since we are in a contract,” she said. “Hey” he tilted her chin up. “This has nothing to do with the contract, I like you,” he said. “You do?” she looked at him. “Yes I do” he peeked at her lips softly. “I could care less about the contract, it would still be you,” he said. “I should get some sleep,” she said. “Sure” he kissed her forehead before leaving to go to his room.
She went into her room, closing the door behind her. Laying in her bed just thinking about everything and how everything was about to change. When she woke up in the morning and checked her phone, she saw the pictures of her and Harry. Her social media was blowing up with good things but also with a lot of hate. Ava tried to focus on the good comments but the negative ones were pulling at her as well. She turned off her phone and made her way to the bathroom. Turning the shower on, while waiting for the water to heat up. She stood in front of the mirror and just looked at herself. She got undressed and went into the shower. Once she finished in the shower she got out and wrapped her towel around her. Going through her bag and finding something to wear. She put on a pair of black skinny jeans and just a tee shirt.
“Ava are you ok?” Harry asked as he was outside her door. “Yea I’m fine,” she said as she opened the door. “Did you see social media?” he questioned. “Yea I did,” she said as he looked at him. “And you are ok?” he grabbed her hand. “Yea,” she said. “Ok, well we have breakfast in the kitchen and then we are off to the studio,” he said. “Sounds good” she nodded as she followed him into the kitchen.
They sat down at the table and the cook put their plates in front of them. They started to eat and once she was finished she put her plate in the sink. She wanted to clean up but the maid stepped in.
“Sorry, I’m just used to doing everything by myself,” Ava said. “It’s ok,” Harry said as he stood up. Pulling her to him, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Hey” she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Hey” he looked at her, leaning in slightly. Kissing her softly, she smiled against his lips before kissing him back. “Sir, the car is ready,” the guy said. “Thanks,” Harry said as he pulled away from Ava.
He grabbed her hand and led her out of the house. Opening the door for her and helping her into the car. He got in and sat beside her as the driver got inside. They went to the studio and there were a bunch of fans and media standing around.
“This is going to get crazy,” Harry warned her. “What do you mean?” she questioned. “Just stay close to me and you will be ok,” Harry said. “Ok,” she nodded.
The driver opened the door and Harry got out. Reaching back for Ava’s hand, she grabbed his hand and got out of the car. The fans and media crowded around them. They could barely move, she held onto Harry. He kept a hold of her as they made their way into the studio.
“Are you ok?” he asked. “I don’t know,” she said as she tried to catch her breath. He can tell that she was overwhelmed and needed a quiet space. “Come on” he pulled her into a room, where they could be alone for a second. “Just sit down and breathe,” he said. “Ok” she nodded as she sat down at the table. He moved her chair so he was in front of her. He kneeled, placing his hand on her leg. “I know it’s a lot but it’s ok,” he said. “How do you get used to that?” she asked as she started to play with his fingers, calming herself down. “I don’t,” he admitted. “Are you ok?” she looked at him. “Yea I’m ok, it doesn’t bother me anymore but you never get used to it,” he said. “Who looks after you?” she placed her hand on his cheek. “I look after myself,” he said, leaning into her hand. “Well now you have me” she leaned over and kissed him softly. “Yes I do” he smiled as he kissed her.
She calmed down and they went upstairs to the studio room. He went in and laid down vocals as she watched him. A few other people came in to help with the session. Harry called her into the booth, placing the headphones over her ears. Wrapping his arm around her waist, resting her head against her shoulder.
“You got this, it’s just us” he whispered. “Just us” she smiled as she looked over the lyrics. “Yea” he spoke softly.
She started singing the song, it took a few takes for her to get her voice right. Harry left the room to hear how she was doing. After she finished laying down the vocals she left the booth. Sat down next to Harry as they played the song.
“Wow, it’s pretty amazing,” Harry said. “Yea just a few touches and it will be done,” the producer said. “Wow, that quick?” Ava asked. “Yes, it is,” Harry nodded as he placed his hand on her leg. “So we are going to get you, Ava, to start writing some songs,” the producer said. “Wait really?” Ava said. “Yea for your album,” the producer said. “Once this song is out, people are going to want more of you,” he said. “Yea they will,” Harry smiled. “Ok” Ava nodded.
They went into another room so it was quiet. They both started writing songs, they got into it. They didn’t realize that it was getting late.
“We got pizza in the break room,” the producer said as he walked by the room. “Thanks,” Harry said without looking up from his notebook. “What time is it?” Ava asked as she reached for her phone. “Damn, is it midnight?” She asked. “Yes, it is,” the producer said. “Wow” Harry smiled slightly. “I’ll grab us something to eat” he got up from the table, stretching his arms. “Thanks,” Ava said.
He brought them food back to the room. They ate and then started writing again, while Harry was writing Ava went to lay down. She ended up falling asleep on the couch. He looked up from his book and smiled as he saw her. He got up grabbing the blanket from the chair and covered her up. She woke up slightly and grabbed his hand before he could walk away. He smiled and laid beside her, wrapping his arm around her. She snuggled close to him as she started to fall back to sleep. He also started to drift off to sleep. He woke up in the morning and eased off the couch, making sure not to wake her up. He stretched and went into the break room. Pouring himself a cup of coffee as the manager walked in.
“You two were here all night,” the manager said. “Yea we were,” Harry said as he took a sip from his cup. “Got involved in writing,” he said. “What are you doing?” the manager asked. “What do you mean?” Harry asked. “With her?” the manager asked. “It’s just a contract,” he said, “Yea I know that but maybe something is there” Harry shrugged. “Maybe I want it to seem real,” Harry said. “So you’re going to make her fall for you and then what?” the manager asked. “Maybe I have feelings for her as well,” Harry said. “Ever thought about that?” Harry said as he placed his cup down. “Sure we will go with that” the manager rolled his eyes. “It’s new, we don’t know what it is yet,” Harry said. “But I know the contract and I won’t do anything to make her hate me,” he said. “Good,” the manager said. “Don’t worry you’ll get your story and whatever else you want to come out of this” Harry said. “It’s just a contract,” Harry said as he walked away. He ran into Ava as she was walking down the hallway. “Just a contract?” she asked. “What?” Harry asked. “I’m just a contract?” She looked at him. “No, I said this was new and I didn’t know where it would go,” Harry said. ‘I’ll remember it’s just a contract,“ she said. "God, why do people only hear what they want,” Harry said as he walked off. “What?” Ava asked as she ran after him. “Harry waits” she grabbed his arm. “Stop” he pulled away and when he did he pushed her. “Ava” he looked at her. “Maybe this was a bad idea,” she said as she left the studio. She forgot there were fans and media outside so she was surrounded when she went outside.
Their driver helped her through the crowd and got her into the car. They waited for Harry to get into the car as well. They left and went back to the house, she went straight to her room. Locking the door so she was alone. She sat on her bed and hugged her knees to her chest. She was questioning everything, why did she come here? Why did she sign the contract?
“Ava?” Harry knocked on the door. “Go away,” She said. “Come on, we have to talk,” he said. “No go away” she fought back her tears. “Please,” he said. “Fine” She sighed as she got up and opened the door. “I’m sorry that’s what you hear but you aren’t just a contract to me,” he said as he walked in. “I don’t know what to believe,” she sat down. “Look I know it’s scary” he kneeled in front of her. “Being in a town you know nothing about, and around people, you don’t know,” he said. “It’s a lot but I thought we were more” she looked at him. “I want us to be,” he said. “But like I told my manager, it’s still new and I don’t know where this will go,” he said. “I know that but I don’t just want to be a contract, ” she said. “You aren’t Ava” he grabbed her hand. “At the end of the day you will still be my friend if we don’t work out,” he said. “OK,” she nodded as she played with his fingers. “Are we ok? he asked. "Yeah we are,” she said. “Good” he leaned up and kissed her softly.
She smiled against his lips before kissing him back. Slowly pulling away as she rested her forehead against his. She was still questioning did she sell her soul to the devil?
Baker!Harry slowly falls for a pretty sweet-tooth customer who always buys the cream puffs. But could he get her name too?
To the girl who buys the cream puffs, started all of Harry’s morning thoughts.
He did not know your name, but for months he recognised your face. Your glossed smile in the passing glass window, the small strands of hair that glued themselves to the back of your neck on a particular hot summer day.
For months, his ears would perk up at the sound of your voice. A happy too-good-to-be-his “Good morning!” or “Good afternoon!”, always followed by a “How is your day?”.
And who wouldn’t want to seize that opportunity to have your full and undivided attention? To sit you down over a cup of coffee (the way he saw you order, the way he knew you liked it) and spend all day answering that simple question.
Harry had never been on the receiving end of it, he was always somehow busy in the kitchen or cleaning the bathroom or anywhere but where he wanted to be. He would be forced to listen to his coworkers’ one-worded replies, wasteful and insincere and sometimes plain rude.
Those bugged him to no end. It would always make him confused more than anything. How on Earth could somebody be rude to a face like yours?
But he couldn’t even be annoyed for long, would have to shove the bitterness aside to a cave in his chest, because your laugh melted him.
You giggled and smiled regardless of what their replies were. Harry knew it had to be fake, at least sometimes, but he didn’t care. You were so convincing and he was a puddle of honey on the floor.
And your order. Could there be more of a perfect order for you? I’ll have two cream puffs please.
Cream puffs. Those damned cream puffs. Harry hadn’t been a fan of them, hadn’t even so much as bothered to restock them, until you had claimed them as yours.
It was always cream puffs, nothing else. You walked into the small bakery, bell noting your entrance, and you made a bee-line for the puffs.
Not stopping for any of the tarts, nor anything new displayed in the windows.
And it was always two. I’ll have two cream puffs please.Two.
Harry couldn’t help it. He would wonder endlessly after you left the store with the white paper bag. Who were you sharing it with? Which lucky man had won the lottery ticket for your time?
It became such an integral root to his daily routine that it bypassed all practicality. Hell, you most likely bought the both of them for yourself. They sold them in such small bundles that to have one was to easily have ten.
But Harry was a puddle of honey on the floor and needed you all to himself. Needed to know your name. For you to know his. To snatch the pastry away and tasted it on your lips.
He knew if he did, he would be swimming in sugar for the rest of his life.
The bell jingled. A customer.
Harry was in the back room, having just clocked in and in the midst of tying on his apron.
Silence.
And then, “Hello?” Foreign word, familiar tongue. “I’m sorry for being so early. Is anyone there?”
Harry almost trips over himself. It was you, without a doubt. He could’ve picked out your voice from an orchestra of noises.
You, early. You, apologising. You, alone with him.
“Hello?”
And here he was keeping you waiting.
Harry took a deep breath in before revealing his presence to you, a shaky hand torn through his curls, eyes carefully turned downwards as he approached the cashier.
He didn’t notice that your heartbeat was beginning to rise as well, and that the flush in your cheeks wasn’t all from the walk over.
He didn’t notice that you recognised him too.
“Good morning!” Your voice came out more rushed than usual, but Harry was too dizzy to care.
He had never been this close to you before. The smell of your perfume was making his head spin in ways no drug could.
And this was what he had been preparing for. This was what he had been hurting for months for.
He had his answer all prepared already. I’m really good, a bit tired, could use a cup of coffee, hey want to grab one with me after my shift?
But instead of asking him about his day, the words that spilled out from your lips, those pretty pink lips that Harry is trying so incessantly hard not to stare at, was ones he could’ve never imagined.
“I know you.”
And because he had not expected that (Harry would’ve bet on a meteor crashing before a kiss from you), Harry finds himself blurting out, “I know you too. You come in everyday and get the cream puffs.”
“Yeah,” you draw out with a small smile, making Harry’s heart beat faster with every passing second. “How did you know?”
A double-bladed question. Because there aren’t pretty girls like you swinging by everyday. Because there aren’t pretty girls like you ever.
All he says, though, is: “We don’t get a lot of customers.”
You nod, and Harry thinks you look a little disappointed. He quickly dismisses the latter thought, because why would you? Thinking that way filled him with fragile hope. The kind he was so used to getting from you.
“Would you like your regular?” He sounded so casual, so dismissive, that he wanted to puke. Why was he acting like this when all he wanted to do was reach over the counter and hold your hand.
“That would be great. Thank you.”
You weren’t laughing. Why weren’t you laughing? Yesterday a one-word curt reply sent you giggling, and now…
Harry’s heart was sinking fast. This was his shot and he was blowing it. He could feel it slipping away from him in the bitter taste in his mouth.
Quickly, quickly. Harry had already wrapped the two cream puffs in the white paperbag. Time running out. You were handing over a thin wad of cash.
His thoughts flew in a million directions at once. Don’t leave. Who is the other puff for? Please don’t go. Say something. Where are you going?
You turn away from him. Steady hand on doorknob. You twist—
“Hey, hold on a second!”
If the two of you weren’t the only ones in the store, Harry could’ve sworn that somebody else had beat him to it. That it was somebody else you were turning back around for. Somebody else you were looking expectantly at.
But, no.
You were staring at him with a curious expression, mixed with a little bit of intellect.
Harry’s mouth tastes like pure sugar as he asks, “Would you like to go out with me sometime?”
You laugh and squint your eyes at him, as if you thought he would’ve never asked.
Baker!Harry slowly falls for a pretty sweet-tooth customer who always buys the cream puffs. But could he get her name too?
To the girl who buys the cream puffs, started all of Harry’s morning thoughts.
He did not know your name, but for months he recognised your face. Your glossed smile in the passing glass window, the small strands of hair that glued themselves to the back of your neck on a particular hot summer day.
For months, his ears would perk up at the sound of your voice. A happy too-good-to-be-his “Good morning!” or “Good afternoon!”, always followed by a “How is your day?”.
And who wouldn’t want to seize that opportunity to have your full and undivided attention? To sit you down over a cup of coffee (the way he saw you order, the way he knew you liked it) and spend all day answering that simple question.
Harry had never been on the receiving end of it, he was always somehow busy in the kitchen or cleaning the bathroom or anywhere but where he wanted to be. He would be forced to listen to his coworkers’ one-worded replies, wasteful and insincere and sometimes plain rude.
Those bugged him to no end. It would always make him confused more than anything. How on Earth could somebody be rude to a face like yours?
But he couldn’t even be annoyed for long, would have to shove the bitterness aside to a cave in his chest, because your laugh melted him.
You giggled and smiled regardless of what their replies were. Harry knew it had to be fake, at least sometimes, but he didn’t care. You were so convincing and he was a puddle of honey on the floor.
And your order. Could there be more of a perfect order for you? I’ll have two cream puffs please.
Cream puffs. Those damned cream puffs. Harry hadn’t been a fan of them, hadn’t even so much as bothered to restock them, until you had claimed them as yours.
It was always cream puffs, nothing else. You walked into the small bakery, bell noting your entrance, and you made a bee-line for the puffs.
Not stopping for any of the tarts, nor anything new displayed in the windows.
And it was always two. I’ll have two cream puffs please.Two.
Harry couldn’t help it. He would wonder endlessly after you left the store with the white paper bag. Who were you sharing it with? Which lucky man had won the lottery ticket for your time?
It became such an integral root to his daily routine that it bypassed all practicality. Hell, you most likely bought the both of them for yourself. They sold them in such small bundles that to have one was to easily have ten.
But Harry was a puddle of honey on the floor and needed you all to himself. Needed to know your name. For you to know his. To snatch the pastry away and tasted it on your lips.
He knew if he did, he would be swimming in sugar for the rest of his life.
The bell jingled. A customer.
Harry was in the back room, having just clocked in and in the midst of tying on his apron.
Silence.
And then, “Hello?” Foreign word, familiar tongue. “I’m sorry for being so early. Is anyone there?”
Harry almost trips over himself. It was you, without a doubt. He could’ve picked out your voice from an orchestra of noises.
You, early. You, apologising. You, alone with him.
“Hello?”
And here he was keeping you waiting.
Harry took a deep breath in before revealing his presence to you, a shaky hand torn through his curls, eyes carefully turned downwards as he approached the cashier.
He didn’t notice that your heartbeat was beginning to rise as well, and that the flush in your cheeks wasn’t all from the walk over.
He didn’t notice that you recognised him too.
“Good morning!” Your voice came out more rushed than usual, but Harry was too dizzy to care.
He had never been this close to you before. The smell of your perfume was making his head spin in ways no drug could.
And this was what he had been preparing for. This was what he had been hurting for months for.
He had his answer all prepared already. I’m really good, a bit tired, could use a cup of coffee, hey want to grab one with me after my shift?
But instead of asking him about his day, the words that spilled out from your lips, those pretty pink lips that Harry is trying so incessantly hard not to stare at, was ones he could’ve never imagined.
“I know you.”
And because he had not expected that (Harry would’ve bet on a meteor crashing before a kiss from you), Harry finds himself blurting out, “I know you too. You come in everyday and get the cream puffs.”
“Yeah,” you draw out with a small smile, making Harry’s heart beat faster with every passing second. “How did you know?”
A double-bladed question. Because there aren’t pretty girls like you swinging by everyday. Because there aren’t pretty girls like you ever.
All he says, though, is: “We don’t get a lot of customers.”
You nod, and Harry thinks you look a little disappointed. He quickly dismisses the latter thought, because why would you? Thinking that way filled him with fragile hope. The kind he was so used to getting from you.
“Would you like your regular?” He sounded so casual, so dismissive, that he wanted to puke. Why was he acting like this when all he wanted to do was reach over the counter and hold your hand.
“That would be great. Thank you.”
You weren’t laughing. Why weren’t you laughing? Yesterday a one-word curt reply sent you giggling, and now…
Harry’s heart was sinking fast. This was his shot and he was blowing it. He could feel it slipping away from him in the bitter taste in his mouth.
Quickly, quickly. Harry had already wrapped the two cream puffs in the white paperbag. Time running out. You were handing over a thin wad of cash.
His thoughts flew in a million directions at once. Don’t leave. Who is the other puff for? Please don’t go. Say something. Where are you going?
You turn away from him. Steady hand on doorknob. You twist—
“Hey, hold on a second!”
If the two of you weren’t the only ones in the store, Harry could’ve sworn that somebody else had beat him to it. That it was somebody else you were turning back around for. Somebody else you were looking expectantly at.
But, no.
You were staring at him with a curious expression, mixed with a little bit of intellect.
Harry’s mouth tastes like pure sugar as he asks, “Would you like to go out with me sometime?”
You laugh and squint your eyes at him, as if you thought he would’ve never asked.
you get into a car accident when harry’s in the middle of a concert.
You had just gotten off the phone with Harry thirty minutes ago. You had called him in a panic, explaining how you had less than ten minutes to get from one side of the city to the other for an extremely important job interview.
Harry had reassured you in that deep, soothing voice of his that you were going to be fine. That everything was going to be fine. And you believed him. Hell, nobody–not even a psychic–could’ve predicted the events that would transpire.
Your boyfriend of 2 years was currently in Manchester for four nights. You two had last seen each other in person about a few weeks back when you surprised him in London.
“I missed you so much,” Harry had murmured against your lips, “and I still miss you now, because after a few days you’re just going to turn around and leave me again.”
“I’m never going to leave you. I promise.”
It was in the middle of Woman when it happened. That is–Harry’s phone ringing backstage. It was on silent, and it was locked up in his dressing room.
Liam: It had been two years since you’ve finally announced yourself as clean from any illegal substance, well from what Liam knew of. While he was on tour your horrid addiction to heroin had taken over once again. Now that he’s back its difficult but you still find your way to lock yourself in the bathroom and inject yourself with the toxic that was slowly killing you. “Babe open the door now.” Liam knocked firmly on the door you were in shock. You grabbed your needle as fast as you could but it was too late; he spotted them. Disappointment was evident on his usually smiling face, “Stop, you need to stop, were going to get you help again, ill be here every step of the way.”
Louis: The pills were the strongest impact in your life; they filled the void of Louis when he wasn’t home. You would usually sneak around and get them on the streets attempting to not get caught by the paparazzi or get a fake prescription. Louis knew you had abused drugs in the past but he thought it was just a horrible teenage stage but no, you still pop a pill or two when he is not home. “Babe what are these?” Louis questioned holding up the pills that were in the small bag. “Just uh- pills.” You sighed attempting to come up with an excuse but he seen right through it. “Why?” He questioned, but you had no answer. “You need to stop or I’m gone, I won’t stay here if you aren’t better and I’ll do anything to help.”
Niall: The thick musky smoke clouded up the dim room as the mellow music soothed you slowly. You could feel your head start to get light and every piece of stress diminishing along with your sense of caring. Your mouth instantly became dry, your eyes begin to grow heavy and sting slightly, and everything just feels so perfect. “Babe- wait what the hell are you doing? Is that pot?” Niall asked entering the room you smiled and stood up from the bed. “Hi baby” You purred grabbing onto his belt buckle. “Are you high?” He chuckled you nodded smiling wide and sloppily kissed his lips. You unhooked his belt buckle and undid his button dragging down his pants to the floor. “Come sit baby, ill show you a good time.”
Zayn: The little square strip was placed lightly onto your tongue soon dissolving, it gave you the most instant relief that nothing else could give you. The room began spinning, whimsical colours floating around your mind. You felt in complete serenity, like it was just you and the colours above you. Your body felt like it was jello, the world was finally stepping off your shoulders. “Babe” Zayn opened up the door, he wasn’t supposed to be home till tomorrow. “Wow, you’re doing this again, I thought you were over this.” He rolled his eyes, you knew this time you had really lost him.
Harry: You were fighting with so many things as was everything fighting against you. You couldn’t handle all this pain of the break up, all this emptiness, all this sadness so you resorted to the one thing you knew best. The small white line was placed along the side of your counter ready to go poison your insides. Doing this everyday you knew wasn’t good for your but at this point you didn’t care. You lost everything, Harry, your job and everyone hates your already. It brought your inner demons out, you knew that but nothing relieved you more than that first snort of it. As your about to intake your door swings open, “What the hell are you doing?” Harry asked, your emotions flooded over you. He didn’t yell at you like you had expected, he grabbed you in his arms and held you just as tight as he could, he was your safety, he was your drug.
