28 | All of Me

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Issa long one, but I love it. I hope you do too. 
I hope you're having a wonderful day/night, my rosy tulips 🌷

♬ ✥*

Serenity.

"Hey, baby," Harry's voice captured my heart as I heard him through my phone's speakers.

Harry was summoned for a meeting in Toronto and left two days ago. It was a sudden trip, but he had to go, and I was missing him incredibly since then. We haven't had the proper chance to talk because of his busy schedule.

"Hey. I was wondering when you were going to call," I told him, closing my front door. Luna came to greet me, curling her body around my leg. I picked her up in my arms and placed a kiss atop her head.

"Sorry, I just got back to the hotel. I've had such a long fucking day. Back to back meetings. One of them was at a different building, and thanks to Iris, she accidentally gave me the wrong address. I showed up late. What kind of professional CEO shows up late? She's lucky she's good at her job or else I would've fired her," he said, frustration dripping in his tone.

"You mean, you're lucky her and I are friends, that's why." I smiled to myself as I set my cat down on the couch. 

He chuckled on the other line. "That's partially true. I've decreased the amount of firing since we started dating. Seems that people work better when they see that I'm content with the effort they produce."

"All the more reason to stay happy all the time," I said, "You get more benefits."

"What are you up to?" he asked, ignoring my comment as he shuffled around in the background.

"Just got home. I had my final class at the temporary studio, so you can end the temporary rental contract. I haven't thanked you for that, so thank you, Harry. It really meant so much to me."

"It was nothing, Essie. I wanted to help," he spoke, "So what else filled my girl's time today?"

"I went to the gym, then met up with Riv and Mars. Iris met us at the coffee shop. It's been a while since I've seen them, so my free time worked out."

"It's been a while since I've hit the gym. Might go down there in a bit after I prepare a few things for the meeting tomorrow."

"Meetings are dreadful."

"That's my life. I've gotten used to it."

"Do you ever get tired of them?"

"No, not really. My job is my passion, and I love it. I liked being able to make a change in the world when it comes to environmental design. I never miss a single meeting for those."

"I dig my green-loving man."

"I'm glad you dig me." He chuckled.

"I absolutely dig you, pretty."

"What are — fuck, I have another line. I have to take it. I'll call you back as soon as I finish. Is that okay?"

"I'll be upset if you don't. Go now," I spoke, and Harry muttered a soft, "Bye, love," before hanging up.

Love.

That made my heart melt and butterflies erupt in my tummy.

I doubted that Harry noticed what he said, but I was over the moon because of it. I wasn't going to bring it up again, just in case it would trigger any other emotions he had.

Nonetheless, I knew that Harry was brilliant, but there were things that he didn't think I noticed. However, he seemed to think that I was oblivious about certain actions he did — or the lies he told to try and hide his secrets.

He thought I didn't know when I knew he loved all of the nicknames I threw at him — well, except princess. Either way, it was fun to see him get all irritated because of simple things. 

The way his nose would scrunch up, and his brows furrowed in frustration was positively adorable.

A while back, when he believed I didn't know he actually liked the London Fog I brought him, when he loved it. Of course, I made it clear that I already knew from the beginning — he still refuses to acknowledge it, though.

But the most important thing that he thought I didn't know was that I knew he had a panic attack that night he told me about his ex. I heard the toilet flush after he turned on the shower — and then I heard him crying out hysterically.

What he didn't know was that he was mumbling words throughout it.

"Why? Why did you do this to me? I did nothing to you. I just loved you. You broke me. You broke me. You broke me."

My heart shattered when I heard him sobbing, desperately wishing he knew the answer to his questions. I don't know what possessed me to walk over to the bathroom door, pressing my hand against it, only wishing that I could pull him into my arms and hug him eternally.

Even Luna was at the door, looking up at me, then back at the door. Her little paws scratched on the surface, wanting to enter the room as well. She knew something was wrong.

I didn't know Madison, but he was right. She hurt him for no other reason that the sole purpose of wanting money. She was a greedy bitch and didn't deserve Harry's love — or him, period.

But the second the water shut off, I left my spot, and pretended to do something else until he emerged from the bathroom. I just mentioned that he spent quite a while there, but he responded with a bit of a cocky reply. Nonetheless, his words caused me to blush; but I saw his expression after that, he was damaged. 

I was glad that he brought up something that I'd said not long after we'd met. It put a smile on my face that he remembered which performance I danced the lead role. After that, he slowly began to relax his body and remember how his life had changed — and that he was now with me. 

It was nearing midnight in Toronto, and I hoped that I would have another chance to talk to Harry tonight. He didn't mention exactly how long he'd be there for, simply because he didn't know. If the meeting went well, then he'd be back tomorrow evening — but nothing was certain.

So while I waited for him to call me back, I showered and changed into some comfy clothes — and by that, I meant one of the shirts Harry hung in my closet. He didn't want them to get wrinkly from remaining in the bag he brought. It was clear to say that he just wanted to have some of his things at my apartment. My heart swelled at his actions, so I freed up some space for him to hang a couple of suits, shirts, and pants. Little did he know that if he was going to bring more, I planned to take out the small closet I set up for River and that it was going to be dedicated just for him.

Harry was a massive part of my heart — and he deserved a part in my home.

After pulling out a tub of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream from the freezer, I sat criss-cross on the couch to relax. My phone was placed in my lap, just waiting for it to ring. I might've been acting a little desperate, but I missed my Tiger.

Luna pawed her way over to me and jumped up to sit beside me, purring softly. There was something she missed — Emmy. As for me, I missed my precious man. I smiled at the fact that my kitty had become just as attached with Emerald as I was with Harry. Of course, my man was a real-life human, whereas Loonie had her stuffed animal.

While I savoured each bite of creamy goodness, with a gooey dough, and chocolatey bliss, I thought about Harry. A realisation came to me that since we've made our relationship official, we've never gone out on a real date.

I had something in mind, but there was something else I was waiting to ask him first.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my lap, and I saw his name flashing on the screen. Instead of answering, I declined his call — it wasn't enough.

I wanted to see him.

So, I did what anyone who missed their adoring partner, I FaceTimed my man.

"What the fuck is—"

"Harry, your finger is on the camera," I informed him, and he finally understood what was happening.

"Wha— Oh, hi, baby," he said, his smile so wide and bright. He was wearing a light grey hoodie, the hood up covering his head. He looked positively cosy, and all I wanted to do was cuddle him. 

Oh my God, he was so beautiful.

"Hi, Tiger," I grinned.

"You know, declining my call wasn't nice, though," his comment was cute as he smirked.

"If you'd rather not see me then we can chan—"

"Fuck, no." He shook his head. "I want to see you, Essie. I miss you."

"I miss you more," I replied, my heart heavy as I spoke with honest words.

"Not possible," he replied, but then squinted his eyes looking closer into his screen. "Is that my shirt?"

"Maybe," I said with a grin.

"You look beautiful." At his words, I felt my cheeks blush.

"As do you, pretty," I said, and he rolled his eyes letting out a shy laugh. 

"Hi, Luna." Harry waved cutely to my precious kitty. When she heard his voice, she pressed her paw against the screen, meowing at his sight. He let out a little giggle because of her action, and I couldn't help but smile at his reaction. He was positively adorable. 

"How was your call?"

"Fucking hell," Harry mumbled, "For both."

"Why? Everything okay?"

"Well, there's good news, and not so good news," he explained with a sigh. "Want to hear it?"

"Want to hear why the sky's not red?" I said, showing a cheeky grin. He wasn't amused as I laughed. "Good news first, H, please."

"I've been chosen to be on the cover of Forbes' magazine for Canadian's 30 under 30. I'm not an entrepreneur, that's all Mateo's doing. I mean, he's the one who built Urban Corp. I just took over. It's still an honour to be picked."

"That's amazing, Harry!" I smile but then frowned slightly when he didn't seem as thrilled as me. "But hey, don't sell yourself short. You were just an intern when you started and worked your way up to CEO in just a few years. Most people barely make it through business school, let alone make it to such a position in a company like this. You've branched out further from the success Mateo did and made a name for yourself. You stapled Urban Corp. to you."

"I suppose." His shoulders lifted up in a shrug.

"You're hard-headed, baby." I smiled. "So, what's the bad news, because what you said doesn't sound anything of that sort."

"There's a photo shoot."

"Really? I had no idea. I thought that they just teleported yourself onto the cover of a magazine." My tone was sarcastic as I let out a little laugh, but he wasn't amused. "What's so bad about that?"

"I'm serious, Serenity. I hate having my picture taken. It only happens during public events, and I don't even like it then."

"Why not?"

"Because when I donate money or want to make a difference around the world, I don't want people just stating my name, and point fingers at me. And hell, it'll be the same when I tell my story — which is what I have to do. I hate being in the spotlight. It's not why I do what I do. I despise people who crave being on covers of shit, and then they gloat about how much money they have, and how to achieve success unrealistically. I'm not that kind of person. I like helping people as much as I can and giving a hand when need be," Harry stopped, letting out a deep sigh. "I'm not my father."

"Tiger, I adore you, but I mean what I'm about to say in the nicest way possible. You may find it rude or appalling, but your father is a dick. And I'm not sorry about that," I said, and Harry let out a loud laugh, cackling at my word choice.

"I still can't get over when you say things like that," he spoke after calming his breathing. "And I know he is. As much as I know that, I can't even find it in me to actually say that about him."

"That's because you're a good person. No, scratch that, you're incredible. He doesn't deserve a son like you. So many people didn't deserve you."

"Thank you, baby," he said softly, "I just — I know they're going to end up twisting my words somehow, and make me sound like an arrogant prick."

"Harry," I paused after taking a bite from my delectable dessert. "I don't mean to sound insensitive now, but you've got to learn how to stop caring what people think about you. It just leads you to mental destruction, and that's not healthy."

"I just — It's all I can fucking think about. I've been drilled to think this way. My life has always been fucked up, and that's clearly who I am," he spoke, then bit his bottom lip, in what he thought was the truth.

"No, it's not. I'm not into arrogant pricks and selfish idiots. They need to get a drink from a humbling fountain — or maybe get hit by a brick or a bus. The point is, train your mind to be positive and confident. You're pretty without and with your glasses. You're not cruel or a bully like your father — and more than half the millionaires out there. You're not a mean person. You're kind, warm, and you've got the most generous heart."

"Serenity, I yelled at you the first time I met you," he deadpanned.

"Okay, forget about that part. You had a right to do that. I literally broke into your office — twice."

"I still can't believe you did that." A soft chuckle escaped his lips.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures." I grinned.

"And thank fuck, you did." He smiled, and I took another bite from my ice cream. "Starlight, you look like you have something to say."

"Kinda, yeah," I hesitated, "I want to ask you a question. You don't have to give me an answer or say yes."

"That sounds like it's going to be something I hate. Right?"

"It depends how you look at it," I said, biting the corner of my mouth.

He let out a large sigh, leaning his head back against the headboard. "Just tell me."

"So, Charlie, my brother, is back in town. He has a game Friday night, and my family's going to be there. Riv and Amara too."

"And? Continue..." he said, after I paused, "What's your question?"

"Do you, um, want to join us? If you'll be back by then."

"I wasn't going to tell you this, but I can't miss your studio opening tomorrow. I'll be on the flight as soon as I finish my meeting. I don't give a fuck if things end up unfinished. You're important to me," Harry said, and I felt my heart skip a beat. But then stopped as he properly thought about what I said. "But wait, that means I'd have to meet your family."

"Technically, yes," I dragged on the letters.

"I'm not, um, I don't know, Essie."

Shrugging, I let out a barely audible sigh, hoping he didn't catch it as I leaned forward to place my ice cream on the coffee table. "That's okay. I just thought I'd ask. You don't have to."

"It's not that I don't want to. I mean, I really don't know. I know your family's important to you, and they seem like pretty great people from what you told me. I just —"

"Harry, if you're nervous that they won't like you, you're mistaken. I mean you already met Milo, and he liked you. And trust me, he doesn't like anyone I date easy."

"H-he liked me?"

"Yeah. Believe it or not, you're a loveable person," I said, emphasising on a particular word. Indirectly, he needed to hear that.

"Not from my past experiences, I'm not."

"Well, whoever didn't like you, something's majorly wrong with them."

"You think so?"

"I fucking know so," I assured him.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips, then settled into a smile before he spoke, "In that case, now I know it's true."

"Anyway, like I said, if you don't want to come, it's okay. You really don't have to."

He looked like he was deep in thought. His fingers pinched his bottom lips, with brows furrowed. Letting out an unsure sigh then replied in a thick tone. "No, I'll come."

I could tell that he was very hesitant with his answer. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah." He nodded once, and I decided to lighten his mood.

"Okay." I smiled. "You know, that's good because I can't return the extra ticket I bought."

His expression changed as he squinted his eyes at the screen, watching my grin widen. "You knew I was going to agree? Didn't you?"

"No." I shook my head. "I was just hoping you would."

"A troubling girl is what you are." He laughed. "So, are you excited about tomorrow?"

"I don't know if I'll be able to sleep because of it."

"It's just going to be you, yeah?"

"Um, no. Keon too. He's showing me around and the details. You know that, Tiger."

"I know. And I fucking hate that."

"Yo, buddy. Tell me exactly, who am I dating?" I chuckled.

"Yo? Dude? Buddy? Really, Serenity? I'm starting to think I'm not as equivalent to 'your man' anymore," he joked with a pout.

"Put that lip back out there, Mr Styles. Your cuteness won't work on me this time."

He bit his lip and laughed. "Fuck, you're impossible."

"I'm simply the bestest."

"Starlight, that's not a word."

"It is, pretty. Look it up," I said, and Harry just shook his head, muttering 'infuriating' under his breath.

He then looked up at me, his green eyes were exhausted, forcing themselves to stay open.

"Harry, you're tired. I doubt you'll be able to go to the gym. You should go to sleep. I'm sure you need to relax before your meeting."

"I can't. Not without you. It's only been one night, but fuck I miss sleeping beside you."

"Ditto." I sighed.

"I mean, thank you for giving me Emerald. He's kept me company, but it's not the same," he whispered, "What about you?"

"Luna's with me, but it's also not the same," I softly spoke, "I miss you."

"I miss you more," he spoke softly, then proceeded to remove his shirt. He shifted under the covers to lie down on his side, and reach over to grab Emmy, holding him close in his chest. "Tell me a story."

And there he went again, melting my heart.

I was devastated knowing that no one had ever really talked to him before — that no one had ever even read him a bedtime story. He never experienced anything as a child and was made fun of at the carnival by people who judged him, but I told him not to care what they thought. My goal was to make him experience everything that he missed out on or was deprived of.

So, I began to tell him a story I loved that I knew by heart — The Velveteen Rabbit.

♬ ✥*

It was finally the day I've been waiting for.

"It's done. I can't believe it's done," I said, standing in front of my studio with a grin wide on my face.

Harry said that he wasn't going to be able to make it for this evening. His meeting was postponed a few hours, and if he came, it would be late at night. I knew that either way, he was going to be exhausted to even make it for the hockey game, but he promised me that he'd still

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