Hola, my rosy tulips 🌷
I had some fun writing this...and the edit too. Tee hee.
See you at the end. Enjoy!

And ED is at 45K LIKE WHAT?! I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU ALL!
TULIPS ALL AROUND 🌷🌷🌷

♬ ✥*

Serenity.

Harry and I were now back at my place.

We'd sat on the floor in my temporary office for a bit, remaining in silence. His hand held mine, caressing it gently, which reminded me of the time we both were stuck in the elevator together — it felt like ages ago.

He seemed a tiny bit thankful when I suggested we should get going, and he claimed that once he got up, his bum was numb. I laughed at his unexpected rhyme making him frown, even though he let out a small chuckle.

I could tell that he wasn't sure whether or not we were going separate ways or if we were going to stay together — and it when I mentioned that I would drive, I saw the faintest of smiles on his face. He didn't want to go home. It turned out that Archie drove him here, and he'd texted him saying that he could leave for the evening. That only meant one thing: he hoped something would finally happen between us — and definitely did — we kissed.

On the ride home, he popped an allergy pill in his mouth for "Luna's sake" — but it was mainly for his. Harry had taken a liking to Luna after their first, and only, interaction; it's probably why he voluntarily took the tablet without asking if my cat could stay with Amara. Of course, I could've made that arrangement, but he didn't say a word.

When we arrived at my apartment, I made sure to strip my bed down to its bare mattress and replaced it with everything fur-free. I was also in a desperate need of a shower, so I excused myself to do so. I also handed Harry some shorts and a shirt so he could change into — they were brand new.

I was a fool to think that after the first night we spent together in the same bed, he would want to come back here again. Delusional, I remained for quite some time, but the day finally came for them to be worn.

Let's just say I did a little happy dance in the shower as I washed my body with a grin on my face.

I'd also laid out a set of sheets on the coffee table just in case he preferred to sleep on the couch — but I secretly hoped that I would be able to have him next to me again.

There was no doubt that I was over the moon filled with joy, when he made his way into my room, already hoping that I would say yes — and of course, I did.

Once I finished, I went back to the living room to find Harry sitting on the couch. Luna was eyeing him from a distance away, I swore that it could've been a staring contest. My money was on my orange tabby. It wasn't the first time that I lost to her, hearing a meow in victory.

When he became aware of my presence, he looked up at me with a shy smile and awestruck eyes. We weren't vocal, but the adoration was clear in his emerald gems and my sapphires.

Harry claimed that he wasn't hungry when I asked him, but then he faintly rubbed his stomach proving otherwise — he was embarrassed to say he was starving. So without a word, I made some turkey wraps for us.

After we ate our small meal, we both got ready for bed, and squeezed into my tiny bathroom together. I gave Harry a new toothbrush to use — one that he placed right next to mine when he finished. There was a light blush on his cheeks when I noticed it, but I didn't comment on it.

It wasn't the only time I noticed heat rise to Harry's face, because it also appeared when we both removed our contacts. When he placed his glasses to rest upon his nose, he made brief eye contact with me before he looked away.

My precious Englishman was shy.

Neither of us were particularly tired when we made it to my room, so we decided to sit on my bed. Harry's back rested against the wall above my pillow while I leaned against the one perpendicular to it. My legs stretched out, laying above his knees. His hands placed themselves on my thighs, just rubbing circles against the fabric covering my skin.

Behind his glasses, Harry's stunning emerald eyes were shut, a look of peace and relaxation on his face. If anyone were to look at him now, they'd say that he was the most put-together person with a trouble and stress-free life.

What made my heart soft was the fact that he took hold of Emmy before we got in bed, then placed him on his lap.

Blindly, he reached out for my hands, searching for them. The corner of his lips curled upwards as I accepted his gesture — I loved it.

I loved him.

His brows then furrowed, lips pursed together, and I could tell he was thinking hard about something. It was the way I saw him before — but that was just because he was a grouchy man.

But whenever Harry is with me, his entire demeanour shifts, and his expression becomes calm.

When his vibrant green eyes opened, his gaze focused on me.

"Serenity?" My name was spoken in a soft tone that made my toes curl.

"Yeah?"

"I — um, I want to ask you something," he stammered, then took a deep breath. His bottom lip was taken in between his teeth, wholly frustrated with whatever it was he wanted to say.

"Go ahead," I gently pushed him to speak.

" I — um — I've done this only once before, but I just — fuck," he stumbled over his words, and I found it absolutely adorable.

"What is it? You can tell me anything," I assured him softly, squeezing his hand.

"Shit — I can't — How do I — fucking hell," he mumbled, his brows furrowed so tightly as he struggled to form a proper sentence.

It was clear that it was nerves mainly, though. Harry only called me Serenity in three cases: in front of people to keep his professionalism in check, when he was irritated with me, and when he was apprehensive about something.

"Fuck it. Can you be my Essie?" His words were spoken slowly, shaky as they dripped with nervousness.

"Harry, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?" A smirk slightly made its way on my lips.

"No," he said, shaking his head, and looked away from me. That became my cue to furrow my brows.

"Oh, okay," I whispered. I hadn't realised that my hands were pulling away from his until his hold tightened on me.

"I didn't mean it like that. It's just — I hate that word, because my ex just — anyway, I just don't like it. And to me, that word just seems like you're my friend that's a girl, and that's not true. You're so much more than that. I don't mean by 'my' that you're my 'possession,' because you're not an object, you're you. I want to date you and..."

He was rambling — he never rambled.

It was also the first time he mentioned something about an ex, and it struck a nerve in me. Whoever she was, did not leave Harry happy and it was easy to tell that the breakup wasn't mutual. I didn't know much about his past, other than what he's told me — which still wasn't much.

Just give it time, Hayes.

"Harry, breathe," I spoke, letting out a light laugh.

"Sorry, it's just, I want to have you. I want you to be mine. You know like how they say, 'Can you be my Valentine?' It's kind of like that. Nothing else, and —"

"My goodness. Geez, easy, Tiger. Calm down. It's okay." Pulling one hand, I placed it on top of his, watching him as his chest was breathing heavily. His forehead was glistening a bit, and a stray curl of his pretty hair fell down upon it.

The poor man looked like he was running a marathon.

So I decided to put him out his misery.

"I'll be your Essie," I said softly, and his eyes sparkled, a small smile curling on his lips. It wavered a bit as he was still trying to process what I was saying.

"Yeah? Mine?" he asked, waiting for me to confirm it again for him.

"Only if you'll be my Tiger," I teased.

"Fuck yes I will," he answered, "Even though I hate that bloody nickname."

"Right. I'll believe you when pigs fly," I said, and he hummed before replying.

"Hmm, I thought I saw one on our way here." A grin tugged at his lips.

"Wipe that look off your face, Mr Styles."

"Back to that, are we?" He raised a brow, his glasses raising just a smidge as he did so.

"I don't know. It depends on whether or not you confess that you love it, just as you love that tea I bring you."

"Never."

"How's about if you don't tell me, I won't kiss you again." I smirked, and his smug expression dropped faster than the speed of light.

"You wouldn't." He narrowed his eyes at me.

"You know how stubborn I am." Running my tongue on the inside of my cheek, I grinned as I waited for his reply. "I mean, how would a relationship be without a single kiss? Whenever I please, you could get the chance to kiss your Essie, and just because your pride wouldn't —"

He roughly tugged me towards him, moving Emmy out of the way as I straddled his lap. "Fucking shut up. I love it, alright? That suffice?"

"Yep."

"Good, now c'mere," he said, placing his finger under my chin, and tugged me so that our lips met again.

And my goodness I could never get enough of that pair of raspberry-toned petals on his face. Rough, yet so smooth, soft, and truly irresistible.

Once we parted, he squeezed my hips slightly, humming at my closeness to him.

"I haven't kissed anyone in so long," he whispered.

I placed my lips back on his for a second and pulled back before saying, "Ditto."

"Ditto?" He looked at me with a scrunched nose, bewildered. "You really know how to ruin the mood, don't you?"

"I ruined nothing. It's a cute word, and I said it. So what?" A laugh left my lips.

"It's not cute, it's weird and borderline funny."

"Oh, get over it."

"Fine, whatever," he scoffed.

"Tiger, I'm sleepy. Are you?"

"Yeah," he said with a nod, but then hesitantly questioned, "Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"I wouldn't want you to sleep anywhere else," I softly answered.

"Is Luna okay with not being here?"

And my heart warmed up at the fact that he thought of her.

"She's okay. I may or may not have taught her to sleep in her living room bed, just in case you came again," I revealed shyly, and he smiled.

"Glasses?" he asked, placing his on the nightstand table, taking mine setting it right next to his.

Stripping off his shirt, I tried not to look at his smooth skin, keeping my flustered thoughts and blush to myself — I'd leave doing that properly for another time. He reached to turn off the lamp and we slid down on the bed, covering our bodies and turned on our sides to face each other. His hand reached out for mine, entwining our fingers together. It seemed that he always wanted to touch me in any way — to make sure that I wasn't a dream to him.

Slowly, I began to drift off to sleep in the warmth of his body.

"I'm sorry for how I treated you, Essie. I'm so sorry," he spoke lower than a mere whisper.

I was too caught up in the calm presence my soul was in, so I pulled his hand up to kiss the palm, before resting it on my cheek. His other pulled me even closer to him.

The last thing I heard before I fell into a deep slumber was him quietly telling me, "Goodnight, my Starlight."

♬ ✥*

Dull light lit up the room, and I struggled to figure out whether or not it was still nighttime. I prayed that it was — sleep was wonderful.

Shifting in my position, I quickly realised that Harry wasn't beside me, his spot cold. Fluttering my eyes open, just a smidge, I saw his clothes still folded on the end of the nightstand — and that put a smile on my lips.

Closing them again, I blindly searched for my phone or anything that could tell me what the time was — 7:04 a.m. And with that news, I snuggled myself further in bed.

I heard some shuffling and noise coming from the kitchen — Harry.

Suddenly, his phone ring loudly, but he quickly ran to it, shutting off the noise. Then, I heard his steps coming towards the room. His feet padded near me, and I held in my giddy feeling inside, trying hard not to crack a smile.

"Essie, I know you're awake," Harry's voice was chipper, very unlike Mr Styles. When I opened one eye, I saw him looking back at me with a precious smile on his face, with his glasses resting on his nose, and his hair was a bit of a dishevelled. His dimple dug slightly into his cheeks, just showing its adorable essence. My goodness, he was so beautiful. "Good morning, sunshine."

"Good morning indeed," I said, rubbing my eyes as I sat up, a slight blush on my cheeks at his unintended nickname. "Someone's up early. It's also raining. So much for the sunshine, eh?"

Harry simply chuckled at my comment, deciding to change the subject, "I made us breakfast."

"Hold on a sec," I paused, raising a brow. "You made us breakfast? Please tell me that my kitchen is still intact. You know, functional and all."

"Very funny," he narrowed his eyes playfully. Moving over to sit at the edge of the bed, he leaned to place a soft kiss on my lips then my nose. "Actually, I might've borrowed your car, and got us something to eat. I hope you don't mind."

"Now that sounds more like the Harry I know. I think if you actually made something, we'd be calling 911 right about now." I grinned. "And of course, I don't. Plus, if you wrecked it, you're obligated to fix it."

"You're a real comedian, you know?" he said, handing me my glasses so that I could finally see him clearly.

"Oh, 100 per cent. I think I should quit my day job and perform at clubs. I could be a future Michael McIntyre or Russell Peters. What do you think?" I suggested, getting out of bed.

Placing his hands on my hips, he stopped me from going any further. "Dancing is your strong suit. I'd just say stay stick with that."

"Hmm, maybe you're right," I agreed with a smile, then went to place a soft kiss on his cheek before heading to the bathroom.

Once I finished all my business, I went back out to the living room to find all the tasty goodies laid out neatly on the coffee table. Cora really went all out for him.

Harry could charm anyone with his charisma.

I looked around for Luna, only to find her eating, clearly satisfied with whatever it was Harry fed her; and from a distance away, I saw an empty can of tuna — he really was precious.

"C'mon, baby. It'll get cold."

"You know, if you didn't bring me food, I would still be under the covers all warm and cosy. I'm not an early bird," I said as I grabbed a warm breakfast muffin, taking a bite out of it. "This is really good."

"You'll never find me asleep past six-thirty," he explained, munching on the stack of pancakes on his lap. I joined him on the couch, keeping close so that our knees were touching. "It's fucking delicious."

"That'll change now that you're dating me," I replied, and his brows furrowed.

"Don't dancers wake up early?"

"We do, but my schedule isn't the same anymore. I've gotten used to this, though. It's a very bad habit."

"When did you wake up?"

"Five-thirty. I beat you." I grinned proudly.

"That, you did. The only difference is that in that case, I probably would've pulled you back in bed for that solid hour." He smiled as he neared me. I could tell that he was leaning in for a kiss, so I did.

He hummed softly into it before pulling back slightly, just to give me a chaste peck sitting back again. It was clear to me that Harry loved giving and receiving any form of attention — specifically kisses. There had to be a reason why he was like this — I mean, not that I'm complaining or anything.

I might've kept going, but we were both hungry, and Luna's new favourite hobby was to meow whenever we kissed. Frankly, I wasn't sure if she was happy or wanted us to not touch. Deep down inside, I think it was the former.

"You would've easily succeeded. I never had a reason to force me back before."

"I'm glad I would've been your reason."

"Ditto," I said, and he just shook his head, smiling.

♬ ✥*

"Essie, baby, I really have to get going," he pleaded. Yet, he was still not moving from his spot — or letting me go.

I've been playing my own game to see how long it would take him to leave my apartment. I've kissed him, hid his shoes, tugged at his tie while he was tying it on — and my goodness was that an attractive sight.

So far, we were at twenty-one minutes — and counting.

I kind of felt bad for Archie who was waiting outside for him, though, but I wanted my man all to myself — call me selfish, I don't care.

"Don't go," I whispered.

"Meetings," he mumbled against my lips, hooking my fingers between the buttons on his dress shirt, pulling him closer. He'd changed back into his clothes so that Archie wouldn't give him a rundown like he apparently did the last time. At least, I'm assuming he did based on the look on his face. It was priceless, and I couldn't wait to see it again.

"Can I bribe you with endless kisses?"

"You're making this decision harder than it already is," he groaned, kissing me again. "How about you come by my office later today?"

"You mean, I'm allowed back up there? You know, legally and all?" I pulled back, raising a brow, and he smirked.

"Like it would've made a difference for you anyway."

"There are no lies there."

"So, will you drop by?" he asked, placing his hands on my waist, pulling me flush to him. His fingers locked together behind me, holding me in hostage — again.

It was a dream being in Harry Styles' arms.

"I'll have to check my schedule. I am pretty busy."

"Yeah?" He nudged my nose lightly, a smirk playing at his lips, before he spoke with his smooth, honey tone, "With what? What's my girl busy with?"

And I officially melted.

Heck, if I truly was busy, I would have freed up my schedule in a heartbeat.

"You see, I know this really obnoxious guy who secretly loves going by the name Tiger. Do you know him? He's really needy, so I might be busy with him."

"He's obnoxious, eh?" He bit the inside of his cheek, raising a brow. "Take that back."

"Oh gosh, yes. And, he's so difficult and simply impossible," I continued to tease, which caused him to squeeze my waist.

"You mean, simply irresistible. Right?" His tone got thicker, pushing me to say what he was so desperate to hear.

"I mean, he's alright, I suppose. Kinda moody sometimes." I held in my laughter as I watched his expression get irritated a tad further.

"You're really going at it this morning," he huffed.

"Getting on your nerves is the best way to start my day." I grinned, and then he pouted.

And there he goes again, making me feel things that make my heart all mushy for him.

"He's more than irresistible, baby. He is one enchanting, handsome, incredible, charming, and lucky man."

"Lucky to have found you,