Harry Styles Preference - Tumblr Posts
#52 Playing the Intermediary Part 3 (Harry Styles)
Sorry for the delay! It’s long so I hope it makes up for the wait!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
SUMMARY: Where Y/N plays the intermediary in a breakup and is stuck with the ex-boyfriend.
Part 1, Part 2
—
“I don’t want to love a love like yours.”
“I don’t feel too well,” I said, after a few minutes of silence. “My head’s spinning too fast.” I almost fell on him.
“Okay, okay, here sit down,” Harry made me sit down on the bench.
“No, no I think, I want to go home now,” I stumbled onto him and he caught me.
The next I remember is waking up in my room. I was still in my dress which now had my one boob popping out. I groaned, getting out of my head, noticing the medicine and the glass of water kept on the nightstand.
I hope you feel better. H.
This was nice of him. Did he bring me back? I walked to the kitchen, stopping when I saw a half-naked man cooking food. I picked up the vase on the side almost as an instinct, as I walked forward.
“Oh hey, you’re up!” He turned around. Harry.
“What are you doing here?” I shouted, and then held my head because of the pain.
“Cooking us breakfast,” He shrugged. I gave him a look. “What? No, thank you? It was some effort carrying you back home. You didn’t expect me to leave and look for a cab at 3 am, did you?”
“Thank you,” I was grateful that I was back home safe.
“You’ve a nice place here,” He complimented and took out two plates.He had made eggs and bacon. He even had the coffee ready. “Did you have your medicine?”
“Yeah, umm, thanks, it belongs to my aunt.”
“This studio? Why does she own studios?” He asked.
“Umm, she had bought it for her daughter, but she, umm she passed away so, she gave it to me since, I was studying here as well. It is difficult to find a place here anyway. I’m fortunate,” I told him. Why did I have to tell him such details?
“You definitely are, it’s a beautiful place, and in the centre. Where do your parents live?” He asked.
“The food looks nice,” I changed the topic. “Thanks for making it.”
I think he got the clue and didn’t push it, “There you go, you have all your supplies ready. It was easy.”
“I like taking care of myself,” I smiled. “Where’s your shirt?” Not that I minded. He was a little too sexy to keep it all covered, and the attraction level for me was at an all-time high. I couldn’t say the same for him.
“Oh, it got wet in the rain. It still is wet.”
I got up and went to a room to take some large sized T-shirt out that I had bought for comfort clothes. “Wear this.”
“Thanks, your boyfriends?”
“I told you, I have never had a boyfriend,” I took a bite of my food. I moaned, “This is so good!” Harry laughed. “So, what did you mean about helping you?” I asked.
“Let it be, I don’t know what I was thinking,” he shook his head.
“No, tell me. You’ve made me feel guilty enough,” I said.
“Don’t you think you should feel that?” His eyes changed. He became so different when he was angry. “You take out the worst in me.” He picked up his plate and started washing it.
“I’m sorry that your heart is broken. But, I really didn’t break it. For the longest time, I knew her, she has never said anything positive about you. Ever. When I first saw you, I kept thinking that there should be something rotten about you which she hated. I still can’t figure it out. But, she detested being with you. I didn’t like seeing her that way, and so I helped her. I thought it was the right thing to do at that time. I thought I was saving both of you…”
“Who are you to save us?” He shouted. I took a step back.
“What do you want me to do now?” I asked, tears falling from my eyes.
“You thought there was something wrong with me? He asked turning around, his hands still clutching the table.
“There had to be, why would you run away from someone who loves you that much?” I thought, “But, maybe it was because you guys didn’t fit. You can now move on, and find your girl!”
“You know, do me a favour and don’t advise me. You cost me a relationship with a girl I wanted to marry. I think I have had enough.” He said, wiping his hands.
“Maybe you should stop blaming me and blame yourself and your girlfriend for having a relationship of hate and disgust. Fine, I am sorry that it was my voice that hurt you, but it was your girlfriend that ended it. It is the girl who you want to marry who danced and rejoiced after she broke your heart,” I took a step towards him with every line. He couldn’t take me as the one at fault. “She constantly cheated on you, started dating other men, almost instantly after she broke up. Said that you were controlling and the worst relationship she has ever had, and worse, Harry. I am sorry if that is the girl you love, but don’t blame me for being a horrible boyfriend that made the love of his life hate him as much as she wished you’d die!” I covered my mouth with my hand instantly. He was not supposed to know this. What have I done?
I saw a tear fall out of his eyes, and my heart shattered into pieces. First, it was this physical calling that I couldn’t get out my mind whenever he was near me, and now this. I instantly wrapped my hands around him and hugged him tightly. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I shouldn’t have said this to him. It was like holding a rock, cause he didn’t move. I apologized profusely, into his chest, told him that I didn’t mean it, this he wasn’t supposed to know. I repeated I’m sorry again and again.
Time passed, and then I felt his hands wrap around me to only push me away. “Don’t.” That was all he said before he collected his things and left.
—-
I didn’t talk to Harry for the next entire month. It was getting hard for me because against all my rational thinking, my heart had developed a crush on him. He was everything I admired about a guy put into one. It was a joke on me. Not being in a relationship ever, and then finally finding someone I admired at every step was horrible, especially when he used to turn around and walk away whenever he saw me.
I was at an art exhibition today. He was studying Media and Management, but he was an artist on the side, and his work was up today. We had common friends, and he had invited them. I paid for my ticket. I tried to look as pretty as I could. I knew his standards were high, and he never saw me. I was a lovesick idiot who hoped against all my beliefs that this would never work out.
Keeping to myself, I looked at the all the artists, slowly making my way to his work. It was a portrait of a girl sleeping. What shocked me was that it looked so much like me from that night, and then not. The dress was similar, and she was half covered with the blanket wrapped around her. I felt invaded, I felt heartbroken because he wasn’t showing any beauty in this. I walked to the next one. It was a girl sitting with a pile of books in what seemed like a cafe. She had my specs, she had my tattoo, she looked like a sick version of me. I saw the third, the last one. It was an image of a girl, looking as if she was getting off, on a log of wood. It was the worst. She was holding a knife that she had plunged into the wood. The work was called “heartless”.
I took a step back. Is this what he thought of me? This was me. It was no doubt. He must have seen my tattoo, and he had clearly used it. If there was any other sign, I would have believed otherwise. He projected the entire hatred he should be feeling for his girlfriend on me. My heart broke into pieces and tears fell down from my eyes. Wrapping my palm around my mouth, and my hand on my stomach, I tried to calm down. I had always been emotional, so connected and this broke me. I turned around and saw him standing in a suit with his hands in his pocket, his face blank, just looking at me. My hands fell down defeated, and I ran away.
—-
I felt sick. I had never had anyone hate me like this before. And, to be hated by the guy I really liked crushed me. Sara didn’t have anything to say. She told me that after I had told her about his work, she contacted him. And he replied with,
Not everything is about you. Anyway, you mean nothing to me.
At this moment, I felt nothing for Sara. She seemed hurt and, it really didn’t matter anymore. I don’t know if it was her being selfish, or him being irrational, but I had had enough, and I needed to step away from this duo. This time it was me who was running away from him in the corridors. I was hanging with a different set of group, trying to at least not take his friends away. My heart was broken, and I didn’t want anything to do with him or his issues.
The time I couldn’t ignore was when our common friend, Matthew threw his birthday party. I tried keeping away most of the time, trying to get drunk and talk to other guys, trying to Chanel some part of myself which could be attractive. I was suddenly, pulled in a game that I didn’t know, and I sat down lost, as the bottle rotated in front of me and it stopping between Harry and I. Everyone cheered, and Harry rolled his eyes. I was confused. What was happening? He crawled on his knees cutting the circle, as my eyes met his. Before I could turn away, his hands held my face and his lips were on mine. I couldn’t react. It was my first kiss. I didn’t want it to happen this way. I didn’t want him to have it. His power on me, made me respond and he put his tongue in as people cheered and shouted. It was then I pushed him away. I knew I looked bewildered, and he looked at me like, “what is the big deal?”
I could cry, I think I was crying. I got up, and walked away, pushing through the crowd as I heard my friends call me. I quickly booked a cab and stood in front of the gate. “Five mins, just five mins,” I whispered to myself.
“What the fuck happened?” I heard his voice, and a chill went down my spine. I turned around, knowing my makeup was all wet. His eyes seemed greener under the lights. I didn’t respond, and I turned around, trying to check how far the cab was now. “You made a scene back there, I deserve to know the issue since I was the one kissing. And, I am definitely not a horrible kisser.” He almost laughed.
“You are not. Is that enough for your ego? You can go now,” I said, trying to control my shivering.
“What’s wrong Y/N?” He asked again, trying to make me turn around. He pulled harshly the second time and, I yelled.
“It was my first kiss, you fucking asshole!”
“What?”
“And, no! I didn’t want it to be in a party, in a game, in front of people treating it as a joke with a guy who thinks I get off at hurting people!”
Harry came forward, “That’s not what I was trying to show-“
“I don’t care. I have never felt so invalid, worthless, and pathetic as you made me feel. You could have just written my name along with it because everyone knows it’s me. Everyone who has seen my tattoo knows that I am a sick human being who hurt you, while your pathetic girlfriend can go scot free. You are just using me because I am here to take your anger! You are screwed up!” I hit his chest, “You win! I get it I am horrible and ugly and pathetic and just wrong, and I don’t have any right to help people because I have never been loved. Not by parents, not by my friends, and it will never be by the guy I liked because he sees me as sick and disgusting. I saw it, and you win! Are you happy to see me as miserable as you?”
“Madame, did you order a cab?” The driver cuts us off, and I turned around.
“Yes, thank you,” I opened the car door, and turned to look at him. He was just staring at me. I shook my head and sat inside, asking the person to drive.
—
Request for Part 4? Please send some ideas? What you think about the Harry and Y/N? Who do you guys think is in the wrong? I need help with the plot a bit.
Comments?
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Copyright ©theStylesproject 2017: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS WORK CONTAINS MATERIAL PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAWS AND TREATIES. NO PART OF THIS WORK MAYBE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM theStylesproject.
#53 Push a Little more this New Year (Harry Styles)
Where she wants her New Year spent differently than all her others, and Harry feels an attraction which isn’t reciprocated.
The writing style is a bit different, so do send a message if any explanation is needed. :)
A very Happy New Year to all you lovelies!
—
(She hoped this new year will be different. Till now, she spent every new year at a party with her parents, feeling quite lonely as her parents rejoiced with their friends, and she being the oldest of their kids, seldom had anybody accompanying her. But, she believed these holidays are meant to be spent with her family, even though her family hardly thought that, and she found herself alone, in a crowd full of people.
This year, she couldn’t go back for the holidays so, she was in the car with her friends, going to her friend’s house to a small town, somewhere in Cheshire. The plan was to go to a club with her friends, knowing she’ll still be alone at midnight wishing Happy New Year to herself, looking up to the sky, as her friends around her kissed their partners.
She didn’t mind being alone. She liked being with herself. She didn’t mind her company, and she found herself fortunate to be able to say that for she knew so many struggled with that. It was just these holidays, this winter season where she felt probably, a little warmth from some significant other would be a nice thing to have for once. She wasn’t very great with relationships. She blamed it was never having the time. She knew the reason was something else.
He was at home. Like he always was this time of the year. If he had a lover, he would spend the new year with her, but he didn’t and so his 23-year-old self, took the ‘have to spend time with family’ excuse to tell all his friends in the city, and chose to stay back and cuddle in the familiar sofa instead of being drunk in the start of another new year. He was being hopeful, his friends had a plan of taking him to the club, knowing people will be too sloshed to recognize him, and the club had a pre-booking for all their guests anyway.
He appreciated them. And he wasn’t too confrontational to change their plans either. So, he got ready, trying to dress in a way that didn’t call too much attention to himself in this small town, but he didn’t have that skill. His mind hopped back to how he could have increased the timeline of his last relationship, just for a winter cuddle to be selfish, but he knew he had been pushing it from the start. He blamed it on the time that he hardly had, he knew the reason was something else.)
Her: I don’t have a fancier dress than this one. (She held her black dress, which she thought complimented her body really well. It was new, it was velvet which was a fabric she thought she would never wear, but once inside the dress, she saw herself in an absolute different light, and she knew spending those pounds on it was so worth it.)
Amy: It’s black!
Her: So? It’s classy!
Amy: We are going to a club, where it is already dark, I want some colours on you! You know some colour to highlight that booty, and those boobs which I know need some attention.
Her: Let me wear it, and I know I’ll change your mind.
Amy: Okay, if not this you’re wearing the red cocktail dress of mine!
(Her friend always wanted the best for her and was the single person in her life always pushing her to do the different. She knew that this dress would make her proud. And proud it did! Amy whistled when she saw her dressed in that short dress, which was clearly a move to push herself. It was so different from what she usually wore, and Amy could cry.)
Her: You’re very melodramatic. (She was pleased, she did look nice.)
Amy: I feel like a proud Mom.
(He was sitting ready for an hour before they were set to leave. An hour he knew that would now get pushed to 30 minutes more because someone had forgotten something. He liked being early, he spent that time with his family who were ready to go to a celebration of their own, and he now didn’t feel very guilty of not spending time with them. He was grown up, and that is what people do - have their own lives.)
Him: Let’s take different cars, you know. If anyone wants to leave early, it’ll be easier.
Max: Good idea. I like how we don’t have to worry about drunk driving here. It takes five minutes to reach anywhere, anyway. Do you want to have some drinks before we leave?
(He nodded, he knew he could let loose in this town. He was home, after all.)
Her: So, are we going to meet more of your friends?
Seth: Yeah! Oh you’ll love them! We are going to have so much fun!
(He was high, as fuck and she couldn’t help but giggle at his excitement. Amy and Seth had been together forever, and so had her other two friends who had brought their partners along as well. She was glad she was with her friends this year though, she wanted a break from her time with her family. She always found herself to committed and the other never enough.)
Him: Okay, get out you fuckers! (Laughing)
Maria: Oh Harry baby, come here! (She teased. She had been doing it ever since he came back, and it was a bit weird because he didn’t see her like that. Max told him that she expected to go back with him tonight. He knew she was going to be disappointed, and kept away.)
Him: I’ll park and come, you guys get in, and get me a drink!
(He eyed Freddy who was informed to keep Maria from his drinks at all times. She was into drugs, and he knew how bad they could get.
He parked his car, looking ahead at the other car which had just parked and had people coming out. He recognised his friend who he knew planned to meet him here. He had his own friends from University with him this time so he couldn’t spend as much time as he usually did with him when they both were in town.)
Him: Seth!
Seth: Harry! (Screaming. One look and he knew he was high.) How are you, brother?
Him: Oh god, how stoned are you? (Brother was a term never used before in their context.)
Seth: A bit. Meet my love, Amy. Amy-Harry-Harry-Amy.
(He nodded courteously, and shook hands. Her other hand was holding another hand, a girl who was fixing her dress. It was like the movies really. She had long hair, so thick that they completely covered her face, while she stood sideways. She flicked her hair, and she turned, never leaving her friends hand, even though she needed both to fix herself. She managed and she turned, and the wind blew, and Harry had all the air knocked out of his body. She was beautiful. She was sexy, yes, his eyes trailed down to her dress which pleased her body so well, and he loved those heels, which made her legs look a little too angelic. He had seen plenty of beautiful women, but somehow he felt this one was calling out to him. He didn’t understand it.
He went back to her eyes, as she came forward, and they widened in shock. She didn’t know meeting Harry Styles was on the card today. She liked him, always had. No one warned her about this, cause she definitely had a crush on this man and, he looked a little too delectable, much too ravishing in the black suit he was wearing. The white shirt inside had his buttons open, and she wondered if he was cold. Thank god, the basement was heated, nor she knew this dress could go to hell, and she would rather be covered in her blanket in multiple layers in front of the fire.
He thought she had beautiful eyes. He didn’t think much about eyes, but with this girl, they stood out. He analyzed why, as he was introduced to her, and all the other friends. He looked for a boyfriend. Someone who she must belong to, and there wasn’t anyone, and she still held Amy’s hand.
She knew today was an exceptional day for her. She never looked like this. But, she was glad cause she met Harry Styles. At least she wasn’t in her usual attire which was hardly flattering and in her life, failed to attract anyone. She looked decent when she met Harry Styles and she will never regret this.)
Rhine: Would you like your usual, love? (Her friend asked her, as she looked around this club. It was supposed to be an invite-only, and she wondered what that meant in such a small town.
Her: Yes, please.
Matthew: Plenty of luck here love! (He wrapped a hand around her neck.) You can pick and choose the guy you like!
Her: I’d like you, Sir to be off duty this new year. (She laughed, knowing he was always searching a new partner for her wherever they went.)
Matthew: No fun. (He pulled his tongue out.)
(They had joined all of Seth’s school friends. It was a long list of Hello’s and Hi’s of people she knew she will hardly meet again. She had calmed down. Now, Harry was another one of the names and she smiled at the fact that he was here partying with his old friends, while he could be anywhere in the world right now. She approved of his character, and then looked around to see if there was anyone else in the crowd for her. Her heart always kept the hope alive, even after constant disappointments of dates that never worked out. A part of her felt if she was choosy. Maybe, but all good looking guys were idiots and, she never met someone who would really impress her otherwise either.
Getting drunk was easy. It didn’t take an effort from her, and she loved dancing. Wasn’t extremely fond of clubs, but the dancing she always was. He couldn’t get his mind off her. Which to be honest, never happened. He wasn’t too pleased, either. Who was she anyway? And, was he the only one who felt this attraction to her, or was it both ways and she was playing hard to get, or was he being a creep, or was it the fact that she didn’t like him. It wasn’t fair. He tried to look good today. Was he not her type?
He saw her dancing, giggling along with her friends, being very comfortable with herself. She slowed down when the song suddenly became a bit slow, and people around her took the hand of their partners, dancing and grinding together. She pulled her hair back with her fingers, her hands combing her hair, as she walked to the bar to get another drink.
The DJ was making out with his boyfriend, and another song for the couple was played when she came back with her drink. Harry was sitting down for the first one. But, he knew a druggie was eyeing him, and making his way towards her, so he quickly got up, and walked to the girl, who was looking around slowing taking sips of her drink. He pushed his hand out. She looked at it, and frowned, and then slowly took it. Her hands were cold, but he held tighter warming them up, and wrapped a hand around her waist as they danced to an Ed Sheeran song he knew the reference to.)
Her: So, a girl I was told the name of, but I don’t know now is staring at me.
Like with daggers in her eyes, staring at me.
Him: I think she wants to drug me. I overheard her plan while she was plotting with another druggie friend of ours, and I don’t feel very safe.
Her: I can protect you.
Him: I’d like that.
(It was a little difficult for him to find people who got his humour. He thought he was hilarious, there were few who agreed. Now he had found a girl who he was immensely attracted to, and who got his jokes and even responded to them. He, for sure, knew she wasn’t pretending.
Her inhibitions were down. She would have been incredibly insecure otherwise, but strangely she was feeling comfortable. He made her feel comfortable, and he laughed at her sarcasm, which 80%of people she met never really got. She liked him. She was pushing it, she knew it. He was way out of her league, so any thought of kissing him, which her hormonal self kept pushing forward were kicked and pushed behind, and she let herself enjoy this moment.)
Him: It’s almost midnight. (They had come out to get some air, but it was all glassed so they were just looking out. The attic sort of room, which was what they called it as well, didn’t have many people, and he was thankful for that.)
Her: Oh yes, we should go down!
Him: We could stay here. The fireworks will go up any minute.
Her: Why aren’t more people out to see it then? Oh wait, this is the VIP area. (Realizing, while he just smiled.)
Him: Do you like fireworks?
Her: They are my guilty pleasure. It’s just they cause so much pollution.
(She didn’t want to start off on a climate change lecture. That is what she did with people anyway. She was a little too intellectual. She found herself unable to talk about simple topics. She wondered what simple people talk about? She didn’t want to bore him)
Him: I agree. You know I was scared of them.
Her: I can get that. The noise really isn’t pleasant.
Him: Do you want to go down?
Her: No, do you want to pull that bouncy bag, and watch the firework?
Him: You are a mind reader.
(There was just one left, and he pulled that one, and they both looked at each other, wondering who should sit down first.)
Her: I’m not very heavy if you have strong legs.
Him: I am very rigorous with my leg workout. (He quickly nods, and sits down.)
Her: Let me know if you get tired. (She whispered, and she sat down, half on his thigh, and then shifted her body like they were almost cuddling. They were cuddling, and she chooses not to think about, and made sure that her short dress didn’t become shorter.)
Him: (humming) It’ll be any minute now.
Her: Do you think your attacker will look for you?
Him: I think, she is looking for me currently, but you’re keeping me safe. Do you think your friends will look for you?
Her: After they are done making out, they will. We can go after a while.
(30 seconds to midnight. They could hear the countdown start at fifteen, and her mind flashed to last year, where she was in a very different situation. She liked this one better.
13 seconds to midnight. His hand was on her thigh, and he liked how she didn’t make him pull it away. He wanted it to be there. The other was around her waist and he was proper holding her. He knew she felt that attraction, he knew she wasn’t indulging in it. He could guess why, but he wanted to push it. He wanted to kiss her.
7 seconds to midnight. She wanted to be kissed. The countdown was dropping and her head was cuddled in his chest, and she wanted to look up and be kissed.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! The lights went up, and she looked at the sky be lit up in colours, and she looked at him to see his reaction. He was looking at her, with his eyes a bit dreamy. His hand rose from her thigh and held her face. He didn’t think much and closed his eyes bringing his lips so close to her, but wanting her to make the move.
She paused was a second, seeing his eyes closed, his warm hand holding her face, and she closed her and pushed forward.
This New Year triumphed every other new year she had ever experienced.)
—
Comments? Opinions? Love for this new year?
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Copyright ©theStylesproject 2016: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS WORK CONTAINS MATERIAL PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAWS AND TREATIES. NO PART OF THIS WORK MAYBE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM theStylesproject.

“I don’t know, I find him a little rude,” you said as you packed all the stuff from the dressing room.
“What?” Maria yelled laughing, “don’t let any of his admirers hear you say that. You will be killed.”
“The truth is all I am confessing to,” I raised my hands. “But really, after the initial smile, handshake and hello, all he does is ignore you. Tell me if you have had a conversation with him?” You knew she hadn’t. “He only talks to people he knows, and then it’s just smiles and hellos and you can’t fool me with em. That’s how all high society pricks act like!”
“But, he isn’t high society. He is from a village.”
“No, with that bank account, he is high society. And those suits. He is seelctive with his people and all his people are high class, what do you call them?”
“Snobs?” Maria laughed.
“Yes! We shall be like that one day! Or at least deal directly with them one day!” You said sitting down on one of the high chairs.
“I know you will be, I can be your assistant!” She opened the door, telling you to step outside so she could lock up.
You both didn’t know that someone had stayed behind in the theatre and was waiting for it to clear so he could stand on the stage once more to thank his stars.
“But, I mean he has to have some smart people talent. Everyone he meets has everything good that they can say about him! While all he does is pretend to be nice. I think, it is because he doesn’t have any deep innteraction with em,” you analysed.
“It’s not like people who work with him say anything bad either,” maria stated.
“Point. Who knows if he interacts with them either though, and the people he does interact with - You know what! He knows how to make those high networking connections! Yeah, that’s it! Then he doesn’t have to talk to us. We can just be happy with a handshake, while he can connect with the big fish!” You worked kn your analysis, while Harry was shocked to hear all your statements. He raised his shoulders bewildered how you were making those assumptions.
“Yeah if he does, it gives out that aura as well which high society pricks like to have!” Maria added.
“Yeah! The untouchable aura! You know you want to be a part of it, but you can’t be!” You laughed. “This is stupid.”
“Yeah, I am sure no one can pretend to not be the original prick for so long. I am sure he is really that nice!” Maria wrapped everything up, picking her car keys.
“Maybe he is a rude guy who pretends to be kind so that he doesn’t have to interact with anybody!” You concluded.
“Yes let that be it! C'mon!”
“Oh wait, go walk to the car! I left my jacket near the wings!” You ran towards the stage as Maria walked out. Locating you jacket, you noticed a stage light to be switched on, and you went to close it when you saw someone on stage on his knees, hand folded like he was praying.
“Umm, hello sir. I’m sorry, but you aren’t allowed to be here-” he turned around and you caught your breath. It was your employer, oh no, it was Harry Styles and you were literally bashing him and his personality all along. You didn’t mean any of it. It was just banter.
“Yeah, I was just leaving!” He kissed the stage and got up.
“Or you can stay. I don’t think anyone would stop you,” you said raising your hands, not wanting to interrupt.
“You did just stop me,” he shrugged.
“Yes, but I don’t have any authority over you,” you stated, laughing nervously.
“I’ll walk out with you,” he smiled walking towards you. “So what was the conclusion? Am I genuinely nice, or a rude jerk who pretends to be nice so he can be nice and leave as soon as he can so he doesn’t have to interact with like of you? Was that it?”
“The two options, yes.” Fuck. “Mr Styles, it was just bant-”
“But, who is ‘you’? I mean is it the fans, or the people who work backstage, or random people I meet on the street, or people who I don’t want to have a connection with because that would not give me the aura of being untouchable?” He went on and you turned red as a tomato.
“Am I fired?” You ask.
“For analysing?” He asked.
“For being rude,” you stated. “You don’t seem to talk much and I like to think you are human so I was trying to identify your flaws. And passing the time, I help Maria clean up because she helped me film,” you said trying to explain yourself.
“You are with the film crew?” He asked.
“Please don’t fire me. My analysis won’t be on your dvd.”
“I’d hope not. You just figured the real me and I won’t want anyone to know!” You could get the sarcasm behind the sentence.
“You’re angry. I haven’t seen that emotion before. How about this? It is my second day, and we have your last two shows to shoot. I can not interact with you either, and you can also come up with a horrible assumption of me like I did of you, and we would be equal?”
“Or I could just not give a fuck and walk away?” He said, taking his car keys out and pressing the button.
“Where is the fun in that?” You mumbled.
“What?” He snapped.
“It is your wish, sir. Of course. Apologies for well…assuming. Bye. Have a good evening,” you blurted out, taking steps away from him.
“I stopped caring about how people think, you know?” He said, stopping you in the tracks.
“That’s good. You shouldn’t care what people think about you anyway.” You nodded.
“You are discrediting your own view.” He responded.
“I’m stranger. You’re a stranger. I wouldn’t care about what you think about me either.” You shrugged.
“That is if I made that assumption about you?” He smirked.
“I apologised. Are you one of those who keep rubbing the same spot again and again?” I crossed my arms.
He laughed and then, said, “Bye, I hope I don’t see you again while you are shooting the two shows.”
“I would say the same, but I won’t be that lucky since I am working for you!” Your mind yelled to bite your tongue but, you had to have a smart mouth. He turned around walking away, and raised his middle finger up in the air. You deserved it, but were still appalled. And a littlw bit too embarressed to repeat this to anyone. Who’d want to know, you made Harry Styles your enemy? Little did you know, he was just as embarrased as yourself.
#57 The Downfall
I think I have done a terrible job. But, I wrote after so long, I’m happy.
Concept: Rich Y/N has to shift into a small studio with her sister, bringing a complete change from their high society lifestyle. The owner of the studio right in front of them, Harry isn’t too pleased with this move.
Warnings: Weed, will have smut later.
3.5K+
—
This was the best they could do. The best they could do for me at the moment. Was it a downfall? A shattering one. Maybe shattering doesn’t justify it. I didn’t expect much from our relatives otherwise either.
“Do we have to stay here?” My sister asked, looking at our tiny studio apartment.
“I’m sorry, darling,” I said, pushing our boxes inside. We sold most of our stuff, including my parent’s house which the bank took as collateral. If I wanted my sister to continue going to the private school, which would ensure her future, we had to make that sacrifice. We had limited funds, and thankfully my university was paid for and we had our scholarships, but our way of life, our expenses - everything took a huge hit. “I’m sure we can do something amazing with it!” Decorate it like we always wanted to, but Mum never allowed us because of white walls?” I tried to cheer her up.
“I don’t know if I want to go against her now,” She sighed, sitting on the bed.
“Alright! You know what? Why don’t you make me us some pancakes, and I’ll get all the boxes inside, and we can then unpack?” She nodded, always love the idea of cooking. I hope I could send her to the best school one day, but she was only 13, and I had time to worry about that.
I walked out, looking at the dingy corridor filled with my stuff, and a door on the opposite side. Should probably say Hi to my new neighbour - maybe bake some cookies as an exchange? Wouldn’t hurt.
I tried being strong in the entire process. Losing our home, our wealth, our everything took a strong hit, with our personal relationships as well. My boyfriend broke up with me, my friends who I used to hang out with me stopped texting when I shifted homes. They all knew about the loss of income, and my world had always been shallow. I had a list of things to mourn about and absolutely no time at the moment.
Setting up the tiny studio was hard, but we managed to fit our stuff. I was proud of how well my sister was taking it, knowing how difficult it must be for her. “Excited to go to school tomorrow? The bus, I found out, actually comes right down the lane, so it’s not much walking-”
“Why do people care about money so much? How does it matter if we don’t have it more of it, anymore? We have enough to still go to school. I am still me, then why are kids so shallow,” My sister asked, and I felt like she had aged so much in the last month.
“People are always shallow. You know how Mum made fun of all of Dad’s friends? She got it as well! Remember that friends who leave you in your time of need, are not friends, to begin with, and you should always strive for true friendship. Always be kind, and hardworking and keep your head up high. We don’t need anything else!” She hugged me tightly, crying into my chest. I hope things aren’t as hard for her.
If missing three weeks of University was bad, having your group of friends ignore you, while you tried to settle in was worse. Obviously, I didn’t come in my Porsche, obviously, I took the train, and obviously, I went to the student cafe for lunch and not the restaurant like my old routine. Everyone knew what happened, what was there to gossip about?
Max, my ex-boyfriend came and sat beside me during the gap in my schedule. I stayed away, feeling the negativity and toxic air that I didn’t want to interact. “You didn’t say hi,” he said.
“I didn’t know you noticed people who didn’t have the heritage money in the bank,” I closed my book.
“Look-”
“I can’t deal with this, Max. You said enough at Cheryl’s party, and I didn’t realize how pathetic we were. I need to widen my horizon, find my people who don’t make friends with bank accounts.”
“I didn’t say anything!” He argued.
“Oh, so you just laughed with Catherine and Misha. Same thing! And, you broke up with me. Two weeks after my parents- you should go!” I stood up.
“My mother made me do that! You know how important standing is, you were a part of it-”
“I am still a part of it. I still have all my standing, all my recommendations in place because I didn’t buy them as you did. I am better than you, all of you. I didn’t love you for how much you could spend,” Walking away from him, felt good. I didn’t have the time to wallow.
I was still on top of my class. My professors expected write-ups but, I was on schedule to graduate by the end of the year. During lunch, my two friends who I honestly loved the most, and were secretly still there for me, came and sat beside me.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked.
“This place has amazing Mac ‘n’ cheese if you have to know! And, it’s my cheat day!” Kyle rolled his eyes.
“Oh, stop it!” Meera hit him, hugging me tightly. “We couldn’t tolerate Catherine without your sarcastic remarks! It was intolerable!”
“I’m still mad at you!” Kyle took a bite of his cheat day dish. “I expected you to take your place back, and you didn’t even come and say hi!”
“I texted you though,” I blew him a kiss.
“Anyway,” Meera said, taking my hands, “I never liked that group thing. Let’s not do it again!” I was glad that at least at least I was a person who had made tight, genuine bonds.
The train ride home was long. It took me 20 minutes with my car to reach home, but I didn’t live in the central city anymore. I just had to get used to it. Distract myself, observe things in this 65-minute ride back home. A guy sat down in front of me after the old lady got off at her stop. His head was in his phone, earphones in, with his hoody on, and I had a feeling that he was in my class this afternoon. I didn’t notice him, but he had his back to me when I saw him walk out of class, and I didn’t know him. I tried for a while, wanting to make an eye-contact. Maybe he knew me? People knew me, in general. He got off at the same stop as me, and we walked the same way back home. I didn’t have the guts to say Hi.
I stopped on my way to the grocery store. My sister told me about her day, and how her best friend was still her best friend, and I felt it might be alright for us here. We baked cookies for our neighbour, and I rang on the doorbell. The same guy in the train, from my class today opened the door, and the only way I could be sure was because it was the same hoody and the same body structure. I gave him my big smile, always worked with all the people, “Hi! My sister and I just moved in, and we baked you some cookies and introduce ourselves!”
“You are Y/N Y/L/N. What are you doing here?” He said, shocked.
“You know me! I wanted to say Hi while we were on our way back but, didn’t get the chance to do that!” he frowned, looking a little pissed, and I wondered if I did something wrong. “This is my sister, Sara!” I pulled her forward to ease the tension. He smiled at her, and I could see his dimples and my sister gave him the cookies.
“Thank you, Sara! I’m Harry” He nodded. “Let me know if you need anything.” He said, talking to her and then closed the door on my face before I could speak.
“Did you do something to him?” My sister asked.
“I don’t know him!” I said, turning to our door.
“He doesn’t seem to like you,” she said, laughing.
“I know. I don’t even know why.”
“He is really handsome, though!” She elbowed me.
“I know.”
The mystery grew further when Harry categorically avoided me for the next few weeks. Life wasn’t exactly getting easy with asking my sister to control her expenses, and her crying, and trying to make food every day on top of managing a child, and then keeping in check with her schools demand of a guardian which I was now, and my Uni’s demand of just torture. Plus, I was late today, and our small sofa seat was getting delivered today. The stuff from my our old house had been sent to a storage space which my parents had bought, and we owned a small sofa piece and table set which we could fit in our apartment since we desperately needed a sitting structure.
After fighting with the delivery guy for the unnecessary extra amount he was charging to take it up one floor, I had him leave it downstairs. I was going to do it one at a time when I saw Harry coming in.
“Hey!” I shouted.
He took off his earphones, “Yeah?”
“Could you help me? I need to take these up, and I don’t have any help and I would really appreciate it,” I begged.
He thought about it a bit, and then, nodded. Taking the table up the stairs, he asked, “is this marble?” looking at the countertop.
“Yeah, I think it is,” I said smiling.
“Why are you living in a dump like this if you can buy a marble table?” He said, and I could sense the disdain in his voice.
“It’s actually my parents, from our old house. So, I didn’t have to buy it actually. Just making use of things as much as we can,” I told him.
“I heard, I am sorry.” He said as we went back down to get the sofa chair. “Hold it the other way,” he instructed as we tried to get it up the stairs, but it was really heavy. Finally managing to take it inside my place, we sat down.
“Thank you so much for helping me with this!” I stood up and got him some water.
“I should get going,” he walked towards the door.
“Oh, you know we are making pesto chicken for dinner if you’d like to join us. We found out that I am a good cook.” I smiled.
“That’s alright.” He said walking out.
“Did I do something?” I asked, all of a sudden and then bit my tongue. He frowned. “I mean, you don’t seem to like me, and I don’t know you so, I’m just, umm confused.”
“Am I supposed to like you?” He said, irritated. The fact that he was actually really beautiful, made me want him to like me, and he clearly didn’t.
“Okay, “ I gulped. “Thank you for helping me.” I nodded, hiding behind my door.
Meera did her research on him and found out that my parents had actually placed a case on Harry’s fathers business. They were the sharks in their field so, I wouldn’t have been surprised. They used to be as wealthy as us, so we had a similar downfall. Only with him, the case ended with his father losing his business, and imprisonment for 10 years on stolen copyright. It was a serious deal. His mother remarried three years ago, and Harry has been cut off and living in the studio which was surprisingly all we both could afford. I could get why he didn’t like me, but it wasn’t my fault.
Another thing about Harry was that he had a line of women coming into his flat, and leaving early morning when my sister left for school. “I think this is the 17th one,” she whispered the other day, as I walked with her and we giggled about it. We had caught him in a towel, the day before when my sister knocked on his door for a toolbox, and it would have been a lie if I didn’t drool a little. He had tattoos covering his sculpted stomach, his hand holding his towel on, with his hair wet, falling on his face, clean shaven so, you could see those sharp jawlines before my eyes shamefully met his big green ones, after I had stared and engrained everything else.
“Those girls are very lucky,” I whispered back to my sister, and she giggled some more.
He was really smart as well. Paying extra attention to my studies, I noticed who the class toppers were, and we were at the top. Well, he was. Girls talked a lot about him as well. I guess, he played the I don’t care much about anything attitude well enough, making him that mysterious. I noticed he hung out with three guys, and two girls here and there. He mostly ignored me, even when we were on the same way home, and I couldn’t help feeling small. And he always had the best stash of weed - some good connection of his.
I could do with some weed. The pressure was finally taking a toll on me and I needed a break. I felt like a full-time mother, with a full-time Uni schedule and a part-time job, and it was getting to me. I didn’t have to do more than half it, just a few months ago. The lawyers said I was doing well with my sister, and my schedule and they don’t have to take her away if I kept it up.
Wanting some that night, and knowing he had a good seller, I knocked on his door. He opened the door, raising his eyebrow. He was wearing a shirt which was buttoned down and tucked into his pants. I could see his tastes were still high fashion - it was the way we dressed and money didn’t change that. I did now, know the best cheap places to keep the style up though. I gulped looking at his chest, and then, up to his eyes. I was also horny as fuck, and having my sister sleep next to me every day, didn’t help. He didn’t smirk like men usually did though, and it gave me the confidence to ask him if he had any on hand, if I could buy some of him for now, and get his contact.
“The rich girl can’t walk down to a dispensary and get it for herself?” That disdain again.
“I’m not rich anymore,” I snapped. “I’m sorry,” I calmed myself. “I heard you have a good supplier, and I…it’s cool. Thanks anyway.” I shrugged. He made me want to crawl in bed and cry with the tone he used, and his expressions meant for me. I was going to do just that when he stopped me.
“I was going to roll myself one, right now. Join me,” he pulled his door wide and walked off inside. I nervously pulled my hair behind my ear and walked inside. His house, as small as mine, was spotlessly clean, and so well organised that it made mine look shabby.
“Where is your sister?” He asked as he sat down on the sofa, holding the grinder in his hand.
“Sleepover, friends,” I told him. He raised his head up, nodding. “Do you know how to roll?”
“Umm, actually I never smoked that much,” I said, waiting for the further judgement.
“Really? What was your escape then?” He asked, taking the paper out, and tearing a cardboard piece for the roach. His hands worked skillfully as he put the weed on the paper, looking at me for a reply.
“Umm, escape?” I frowned.
“From the high society drama that you were a part of? I know, I needed an escape,” I was a bit enchanted with how he pulled his tongue out to like the paper to roll the joint, that it took me a while to come back.
I played it cool, pulling my eyes away, “Umm, I had a good family. Only needed an escape when I was really stressed which well didn’t…”
“Fair enough, shall we?” We walked to the balcony, and he lit the joint, taking a drag, and then handing it to me.
I took a smaller one, it being a few months since having smoked, and I didn’t want to look like an idiot.
“So, how was your day?” I asked, looking at the car park view in front of us.
“Alright.” He should ask me back. He didn’t.
“Do you wanna pair up for Benjamin’s class?” I should shut up. I have no clue how I have such great ideas all the time. “We live here, so it’ll just be easier to meet up, so I wondered.”
“Huh,” he didn’t look impressed, as he took another drag before giving it to me.
He didn’t respond, and I was running out of things to talk about, but I was now high and could vouch for his stuff being really great. He threw the bud away, and we walked inside. “Give me a list of what you want, I’ll get it,” He said, handing me a paper.
“Oh, I umm - I don’t want a lot. My sister and I don’t know how to roll,”
“I’m not your servant,”
“What- I- I didn’t,” I sighed. “If you could get me two pre-rolled - that would do for the while. Let me know how much I owe for it. Thank you for today.” I said walking towards the door. “I don’t know why you’re so hostile towards me, you know.” This surge of confidence in me was induced for sure. “I didn’t do you anything.”
“You don’t know? We have a history.” He said, putting his hands in his pockets.
“Our parents have a history. I had nothing to do with the business, and I haven’t met you before, even if we used to be in the same circle. I would remember you,” I walked towards him, pointing a finger at his chest.
“Your parents are the reason my home broke, and my dad’s in prison!” He snapped. “They had a choice to let him go, after destroying us, but he didn’t stop. My mother left-”
“My parents were not the reason your mother left! And your father probably deserved by law what happened to him!”
“I am sure your parents deserved what happened to them!”
I shut up. My brain was a bit slow to process the hurt and put it in front of me like bricks. But, it all came back. The memories, the blood, the sold sign in front of our house, my sister’s howl, and my eyes went cloudy, as I sat down right there on his floor.
“They died,” I whispered.
“I’m sorry,” Harry knelt down in front of me. “I didn’t mean it.”
I was too far gone though, as I looked at my hands, realising that I hadn’t cried since I last held them in my arms when, ”there was so much blood,” i showed him my hands, as he looked at me, my tears pouring out. “I couldn’t save anyone, I tried to-” I said shivering now.
“Hey-hey, it’s okay, it’s alright,” He wrapped his arms around me pulling me to his chest. I broke down in his arms.
The next thing, clear in my mind is waking up in a bed, Harry’s bed with his arms still around me, holding me to his body. I shifted a little, back in my conscious head waking him up as well, and his eyes met mine. I kept my head, back on the pillow, not taking my eyes off of his, still having nothing to say. I had opened up to this man more, than literally anyone else. I could still feel his arm under my head, and his other hand wrapped around my waist, my body still attached to his, and I felt comfortable. I didn’t want to read into this. I just wanted to let it be.
He shifted, pulling his hand up from below my head, and I got up, closer to his face, his eyes still on mine, and I instinctively bent down. My lips wrapping around his bottom one in a kiss, as I pushed him down, towards the bed. I felt his hand, hold my face pulling us apart, as our eyes met again, looking for something. He found it, as he brought his lips back to mine, holding my face in his palms, pushing me back to his bed with a force which felt perfect in every way.
—
Would love to know what you think of it? Comments/Request for Part 2?
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#57 The Downfall
I think I have done a terrible job. But, I wrote after so long, I’m happy.
Concept: Rich Y/N has to shift into a small studio with her sister, bringing a complete change from their high society lifestyle. The owner of the studio right in front of them, Harry isn’t too pleased with this move.
Warnings: Weed, will have smut later.
3.5K+
—
This was the best they could do. The best they could do for me at the moment. Was it a downfall? A shattering one. Maybe shattering doesn’t justify it. I didn’t expect much from our relatives otherwise either.
“Do we have to stay here?” My sister asked, looking at our tiny studio apartment.
“I’m sorry, darling,” I said, pushing our boxes inside. We sold most of our stuff, including my parent’s house which the bank took as collateral. If I wanted my sister to continue going to the private school, which would ensure her future, we had to make that sacrifice. We had limited funds, and thankfully my university was paid for and we had our scholarships, but our way of life, our expenses - everything took a huge hit. “I’m sure we can do something amazing with it!” Decorate it like we always wanted to, but Mum never allowed us because of white walls?” I tried to cheer her up.
“I don’t know if I want to go against her now,” She sighed, sitting on the bed.
“Alright! You know what? Why don’t you make me us some pancakes, and I’ll get all the boxes inside, and we can then unpack?” She nodded, always love the idea of cooking. I hope I could send her to the best school one day, but she was only 13, and I had time to worry about that.
I walked out, looking at the dingy corridor filled with my stuff, and a door on the opposite side. Should probably say Hi to my new neighbour - maybe bake some cookies as an exchange? Wouldn’t hurt.
I tried being strong in the entire process. Losing our home, our wealth, our everything took a strong hit, with our personal relationships as well. My boyfriend broke up with me, my friends who I used to hang out with me stopped texting when I shifted homes. They all knew about the loss of income, and my world had always been shallow. I had a list of things to mourn about and absolutely no time at the moment.
Setting up the tiny studio was hard, but we managed to fit our stuff. I was proud of how well my sister was taking it, knowing how difficult it must be for her. “Excited to go to school tomorrow? The bus, I found out, actually comes right down the lane, so it’s not much walking-”
“Why do people care about money so much? How does it matter if we don’t have it more of it, anymore? We have enough to still go to school. I am still me, then why are kids so shallow,” My sister asked, and I felt like she had aged so much in the last month.
“People are always shallow. You know how Mum made fun of all of Dad’s friends? She got it as well! Remember that friends who leave you in your time of need, are not friends, to begin with, and you should always strive for true friendship. Always be kind, and hardworking and keep your head up high. We don’t need anything else!” She hugged me tightly, crying into my chest. I hope things aren’t as hard for her.
If missing three weeks of University was bad, having your group of friends ignore you, while you tried to settle in was worse. Obviously, I didn’t come in my Porsche, obviously, I took the train, and obviously, I went to the student cafe for lunch and not the restaurant like my old routine. Everyone knew what happened, what was there to gossip about?
Max, my ex-boyfriend came and sat beside me during the gap in my schedule. I stayed away, feeling the negativity and toxic air that I didn’t want to interact. “You didn’t say hi,” he said.
“I didn’t know you noticed people who didn’t have the heritage money in the bank,” I closed my book.
“Look-”
“I can’t deal with this, Max. You said enough at Cheryl’s party, and I didn’t realize how pathetic we were. I need to widen my horizon, find my people who don’t make friends with bank accounts.”
“I didn’t say anything!” He argued.
“Oh, so you just laughed with Catherine and Misha. Same thing! And, you broke up with me. Two weeks after my parents- you should go!” I stood up.
“My mother made me do that! You know how important standing is, you were a part of it-”
“I am still a part of it. I still have all my standing, all my recommendations in place because I didn’t buy them as you did. I am better than you, all of you. I didn’t love you for how much you could spend,” Walking away from him, felt good. I didn’t have the time to wallow.
I was still on top of my class. My professors expected write-ups but, I was on schedule to graduate by the end of the year. During lunch, my two friends who I honestly loved the most, and were secretly still there for me, came and sat beside me.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked.
“This place has amazing Mac ‘n’ cheese if you have to know! And, it’s my cheat day!” Kyle rolled his eyes.
“Oh, stop it!” Meera hit him, hugging me tightly. “We couldn’t tolerate Catherine without your sarcastic remarks! It was intolerable!”
“I’m still mad at you!” Kyle took a bite of his cheat day dish. “I expected you to take your place back, and you didn’t even come and say hi!”
“I texted you though,” I blew him a kiss.
“Anyway,” Meera said, taking my hands, “I never liked that group thing. Let’s not do it again!” I was glad that at least at least I was a person who had made tight, genuine bonds.
The train ride home was long. It took me 20 minutes with my car to reach home, but I didn’t live in the central city anymore. I just had to get used to it. Distract myself, observe things in this 65-minute ride back home. A guy sat down in front of me after the old lady got off at her stop. His head was in his phone, earphones in, with his hoody on, and I had a feeling that he was in my class this afternoon. I didn’t notice him, but he had his back to me when I saw him walk out of class, and I didn’t know him. I tried for a while, wanting to make an eye-contact. Maybe he knew me? People knew me, in general. He got off at the same stop as me, and we walked the same way back home. I didn’t have the guts to say Hi.
I stopped on my way to the grocery store. My sister told me about her day, and how her best friend was still her best friend, and I felt it might be alright for us here. We baked cookies for our neighbour, and I rang on the doorbell. The same guy in the train, from my class today opened the door, and the only way I could be sure was because it was the same hoody and the same body structure. I gave him my big smile, always worked with all the people, “Hi! My sister and I just moved in, and we baked you some cookies and introduce ourselves!”
“You are Y/N Y/L/N. What are you doing here?” He said, shocked.
“You know me! I wanted to say Hi while we were on our way back but, didn’t get the chance to do that!” he frowned, looking a little pissed, and I wondered if I did something wrong. “This is my sister, Sara!” I pulled her forward to ease the tension. He smiled at her, and I could see his dimples and my sister gave him the cookies.
“Thank you, Sara! I’m Harry” He nodded. “Let me know if you need anything.” He said, talking to her and then closed the door on my face before I could speak.
“Did you do something to him?” My sister asked.
“I don’t know him!” I said, turning to our door.
“He doesn’t seem to like you,” she said, laughing.
“I know. I don’t even know why.”
“He is really handsome, though!” She elbowed me.
“I know.”
The mystery grew further when Harry categorically avoided me for the next few weeks. Life wasn’t exactly getting easy with asking my sister to control her expenses, and her crying, and trying to make food every day on top of managing a child, and then keeping in check with her schools demand of a guardian which I was now, and my Uni’s demand of just torture. Plus, I was late today, and our small sofa seat was getting delivered today. The stuff from my our old house had been sent to a storage space which my parents had bought, and we owned a small sofa piece and table set which we could fit in our apartment since we desperately needed a sitting structure.
After fighting with the delivery guy for the unnecessary extra amount he was charging to take it up one floor, I had him leave it downstairs. I was going to do it one at a time when I saw Harry coming in.
“Hey!” I shouted.
He took off his earphones, “Yeah?”
“Could you help me? I need to take these up, and I don’t have any help and I would really appreciate it,” I begged.
He thought about it a bit, and then, nodded. Taking the table up the stairs, he asked, “is this marble?” looking at the countertop.
“Yeah, I think it is,” I said smiling.
“Why are you living in a dump like this if you can buy a marble table?” He said, and I could sense the disdain in his voice.
“It’s actually my parents, from our old house. So, I didn’t have to buy it actually. Just making use of things as much as we can,” I told him.
“I heard, I am sorry.” He said as we went back down to get the sofa chair. “Hold it the other way,” he instructed as we tried to get it up the stairs, but it was really heavy. Finally managing to take it inside my place, we sat down.
“Thank you so much for helping me with this!” I stood up and got him some water.
“I should get going,” he walked towards the door.
“Oh, you know we are making pesto chicken for dinner if you’d like to join us. We found out that I am a good cook.” I smiled.
“That’s alright.” He said walking out.
“Did I do something?” I asked, all of a sudden and then bit my tongue. He frowned. “I mean, you don’t seem to like me, and I don’t know you so, I’m just, umm confused.”
“Am I supposed to like you?” He said, irritated. The fact that he was actually really beautiful, made me want him to like me, and he clearly didn’t.
“Okay, “ I gulped. “Thank you for helping me.” I nodded, hiding behind my door.
Meera did her research on him and found out that my parents had actually placed a case on Harry’s fathers business. They were the sharks in their field so, I wouldn’t have been surprised. They used to be as wealthy as us, so we had a similar downfall. Only with him, the case ended with his father losing his business, and imprisonment for 10 years on stolen copyright. It was a serious deal. His mother remarried three years ago, and Harry has been cut off and living in the studio which was surprisingly all we both could afford. I could get why he didn’t like me, but it wasn’t my fault.
Another thing about Harry was that he had a line of women coming into his flat, and leaving early morning when my sister left for school. “I think this is the 17th one,” she whispered the other day, as I walked with her and we giggled about it. We had caught him in a towel, the day before when my sister knocked on his door for a toolbox, and it would have been a lie if I didn’t drool a little. He had tattoos covering his sculpted stomach, his hand holding his towel on, with his hair wet, falling on his face, clean shaven so, you could see those sharp jawlines before my eyes shamefully met his big green ones, after I had stared and engrained everything else.
“Those girls are very lucky,” I whispered back to my sister, and she giggled some more.
He was really smart as well. Paying extra attention to my studies, I noticed who the class toppers were, and we were at the top. Well, he was. Girls talked a lot about him as well. I guess, he played the I don’t care much about anything attitude well enough, making him that mysterious. I noticed he hung out with three guys, and two girls here and there. He mostly ignored me, even when we were on the same way home, and I couldn’t help feeling small. And he always had the best stash of weed - some good connection of his.
I could do with some weed. The pressure was finally taking a toll on me and I needed a break. I felt like a full-time mother, with a full-time Uni schedule and a part-time job, and it was getting to me. I didn’t have to do more than half it, just a few months ago. The lawyers said I was doing well with my sister, and my schedule and they don’t have to take her away if I kept it up.
Wanting some that night, and knowing he had a good seller, I knocked on his door. He opened the door, raising his eyebrow. He was wearing a shirt which was buttoned down and tucked into his pants. I could see his tastes were still high fashion - it was the way we dressed and money didn’t change that. I did now, know the best cheap places to keep the style up though. I gulped looking at his chest, and then, up to his eyes. I was also horny as fuck, and having my sister sleep next to me every day, didn’t help. He didn’t smirk like men usually did though, and it gave me the confidence to ask him if he had any on hand, if I could buy some of him for now, and get his contact.
“The rich girl can’t walk down to a dispensary and get it for herself?” That disdain again.
“I’m not rich anymore,” I snapped. “I’m sorry,” I calmed myself. “I heard you have a good supplier, and I…it’s cool. Thanks anyway.” I shrugged. He made me want to crawl in bed and cry with the tone he used, and his expressions meant for me. I was going to do just that when he stopped me.
“I was going to roll myself one, right now. Join me,” he pulled his door wide and walked off inside. I nervously pulled my hair behind my ear and walked inside. His house, as small as mine, was spotlessly clean, and so well organised that it made mine look shabby.
“Where is your sister?” He asked as he sat down on the sofa, holding the grinder in his hand.
“Sleepover, friends,” I told him. He raised his head up, nodding. “Do you know how to roll?”
“Umm, actually I never smoked that much,” I said, waiting for the further judgement.
“Really? What was your escape then?” He asked, taking the paper out, and tearing a cardboard piece for the roach. His hands worked skillfully as he put the weed on the paper, looking at me for a reply.
“Umm, escape?” I frowned.
“From the high society drama that you were a part of? I know, I needed an escape,” I was a bit enchanted with how he pulled his tongue out to like the paper to roll the joint, that it took me a while to come back.
I played it cool, pulling my eyes away, “Umm, I had a good family. Only needed an escape when I was really stressed which well didn’t…”
“Fair enough, shall we?” We walked to the balcony, and he lit the joint, taking a drag, and then handing it to me.
I took a smaller one, it being a few months since having smoked, and I didn’t want to look like an idiot.
“So, how was your day?” I asked, looking at the car park view in front of us.
“Alright.” He should ask me back. He didn’t.
“Do you wanna pair up for Benjamin’s class?” I should shut up. I have no clue how I have such great ideas all the time. “We live here, so it’ll just be easier to meet up, so I wondered.”
“Huh,” he didn’t look impressed, as he took another drag before giving it to me.
He didn’t respond, and I was running out of things to talk about, but I was now high and could vouch for his stuff being really great. He threw the bud away, and we walked inside. “Give me a list of what you want, I’ll get it,” He said, handing me a paper.
“Oh, I umm - I don’t want a lot. My sister and I don’t know how to roll,”
“I’m not your servant,”
“What- I- I didn’t,” I sighed. “If you could get me two pre-rolled - that would do for the while. Let me know how much I owe for it. Thank you for today.” I said walking towards the door. “I don’t know why you’re so hostile towards me, you know.” This surge of confidence in me was induced for sure. “I didn’t do you anything.”
“You don’t know? We have a history.” He said, putting his hands in his pockets.
“Our parents have a history. I had nothing to do with the business, and I haven’t met you before, even if we used to be in the same circle. I would remember you,” I walked towards him, pointing a finger at his chest.
“Your parents are the reason my home broke, and my dad’s in prison!” He snapped. “They had a choice to let him go, after destroying us, but he didn’t stop. My mother left-”
“My parents were not the reason your mother left! And your father probably deserved by law what happened to him!”
“I am sure your parents deserved what happened to them!”
I shut up. My brain was a bit slow to process the hurt and put it in front of me like bricks. But, it all came back. The memories, the blood, the sold sign in front of our house, my sister’s howl, and my eyes went cloudy, as I sat down right there on his floor.
“They died,” I whispered.
“I’m sorry,” Harry knelt down in front of me. “I didn’t mean it.”
I was too far gone though, as I looked at my hands, realising that I hadn’t cried since I last held them in my arms when, ”there was so much blood,” i showed him my hands, as he looked at me, my tears pouring out. “I couldn’t save anyone, I tried to-” I said shivering now.
“Hey-hey, it’s okay, it’s alright,” He wrapped his arms around me pulling me to his chest. I broke down in his arms.
The next thing, clear in my mind is waking up in a bed, Harry’s bed with his arms still around me, holding me to his body. I shifted a little, back in my conscious head waking him up as well, and his eyes met mine. I kept my head, back on the pillow, not taking my eyes off of his, still having nothing to say. I had opened up to this man more, than literally anyone else. I could still feel his arm under my head, and his other hand wrapped around my waist, my body still attached to his, and I felt comfortable. I didn’t want to read into this. I just wanted to let it be.
He shifted, pulling his hand up from below my head, and I got up, closer to his face, his eyes still on mine, and I instinctively bent down. My lips wrapping around his bottom one in a kiss, as I pushed him down, towards the bed. I felt his hand, hold my face pulling us apart, as our eyes met again, looking for something. He found it, as he brought his lips back to mine, holding my face in his palms, pushing me back to his bed with a force which felt perfect in every way.
—
Would love to know what you think of it? Comments/Request for Part 2?
Masterlist
Copyright ©theStylesproject 2019: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS WORK CONTAINS MATERIAL PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAWS AND TREATIES. NO PART OF THIS WORK MAYBE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM theStylesproject.
#57 The Downfall
I think I have done a terrible job. But, I wrote after so long, I’m happy.
Concept: Rich Y/N has to shift into a small studio with her sister, bringing a complete change from their high society lifestyle. The owner of the studio right in front of them, Harry isn’t too pleased with this move.
Warnings: Weed, will have smut later.
3.5K+
—
This was the best they could do. The best they could do for me at the moment. Was it a downfall? A shattering one. Maybe shattering doesn’t justify it. I didn’t expect much from our relatives otherwise either.
“Do we have to stay here?” My sister asked, looking at our tiny studio apartment.
“I’m sorry, darling,” I said, pushing our boxes inside. We sold most of our stuff, including my parent’s house which the bank took as collateral. If I wanted my sister to continue going to the private school, which would ensure her future, we had to make that sacrifice. We had limited funds, and thankfully my university was paid for and we had our scholarships, but our way of life, our expenses - everything took a huge hit. “I’m sure we can do something amazing with it!” Decorate it like we always wanted to, but Mum never allowed us because of white walls?” I tried to cheer her up.
“I don’t know if I want to go against her now,” She sighed, sitting on the bed.
“Alright! You know what? Why don’t you make me us some pancakes, and I’ll get all the boxes inside, and we can then unpack?” She nodded, always love the idea of cooking. I hope I could send her to the best school one day, but she was only 13, and I had time to worry about that.
I walked out, looking at the dingy corridor filled with my stuff, and a door on the opposite side. Should probably say Hi to my new neighbour - maybe bake some cookies as an exchange? Wouldn’t hurt.
I tried being strong in the entire process. Losing our home, our wealth, our everything took a strong hit, with our personal relationships as well. My boyfriend broke up with me, my friends who I used to hang out with me stopped texting when I shifted homes. They all knew about the loss of income, and my world had always been shallow. I had a list of things to mourn about and absolutely no time at the moment.
Setting up the tiny studio was hard, but we managed to fit our stuff. I was proud of how well my sister was taking it, knowing how difficult it must be for her. “Excited to go to school tomorrow? The bus, I found out, actually comes right down the lane, so it’s not much walking-”
“Why do people care about money so much? How does it matter if we don’t have it more of it, anymore? We have enough to still go to school. I am still me, then why are kids so shallow,” My sister asked, and I felt like she had aged so much in the last month.
“People are always shallow. You know how Mum made fun of all of Dad’s friends? She got it as well! Remember that friends who leave you in your time of need, are not friends, to begin with, and you should always strive for true friendship. Always be kind, and hardworking and keep your head up high. We don’t need anything else!” She hugged me tightly, crying into my chest. I hope things aren’t as hard for her.
If missing three weeks of University was bad, having your group of friends ignore you, while you tried to settle in was worse. Obviously, I didn’t come in my Porsche, obviously, I took the train, and obviously, I went to the student cafe for lunch and not the restaurant like my old routine. Everyone knew what happened, what was there to gossip about?
Max, my ex-boyfriend came and sat beside me during the gap in my schedule. I stayed away, feeling the negativity and toxic air that I didn’t want to interact. “You didn’t say hi,” he said.
“I didn’t know you noticed people who didn’t have the heritage money in the bank,” I closed my book.
“Look-”
“I can’t deal with this, Max. You said enough at Cheryl’s party, and I didn’t realize how pathetic we were. I need to widen my horizon, find my people who don’t make friends with bank accounts.”
“I didn’t say anything!” He argued.
“Oh, so you just laughed with Catherine and Misha. Same thing! And, you broke up with me. Two weeks after my parents- you should go!” I stood up.
“My mother made me do that! You know how important standing is, you were a part of it-”
“I am still a part of it. I still have all my standing, all my recommendations in place because I didn’t buy them as you did. I am better than you, all of you. I didn’t love you for how much you could spend,” Walking away from him, felt good. I didn’t have the time to wallow.
I was still on top of my class. My professors expected write-ups but, I was on schedule to graduate by the end of the year. During lunch, my two friends who I honestly loved the most, and were secretly still there for me, came and sat beside me.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked.
“This place has amazing Mac ‘n’ cheese if you have to know! And, it’s my cheat day!” Kyle rolled his eyes.
“Oh, stop it!” Meera hit him, hugging me tightly. “We couldn’t tolerate Catherine without your sarcastic remarks! It was intolerable!”
“I’m still mad at you!” Kyle took a bite of his cheat day dish. “I expected you to take your place back, and you didn’t even come and say hi!”
“I texted you though,” I blew him a kiss.
“Anyway,” Meera said, taking my hands, “I never liked that group thing. Let’s not do it again!” I was glad that at least at least I was a person who had made tight, genuine bonds.
The train ride home was long. It took me 20 minutes with my car to reach home, but I didn’t live in the central city anymore. I just had to get used to it. Distract myself, observe things in this 65-minute ride back home. A guy sat down in front of me after the old lady got off at her stop. His head was in his phone, earphones in, with his hoody on, and I had a feeling that he was in my class this afternoon. I didn’t notice him, but he had his back to me when I saw him walk out of class, and I didn’t know him. I tried for a while, wanting to make an eye-contact. Maybe he knew me? People knew me, in general. He got off at the same stop as me, and we walked the same way back home. I didn’t have the guts to say Hi.
I stopped on my way to the grocery store. My sister told me about her day, and how her best friend was still her best friend, and I felt it might be alright for us here. We baked cookies for our neighbour, and I rang on the doorbell. The same guy in the train, from my class today opened the door, and the only way I could be sure was because it was the same hoody and the same body structure. I gave him my big smile, always worked with all the people, “Hi! My sister and I just moved in, and we baked you some cookies and introduce ourselves!”
“You are Y/N Y/L/N. What are you doing here?” He said, shocked.
“You know me! I wanted to say Hi while we were on our way back but, didn’t get the chance to do that!” he frowned, looking a little pissed, and I wondered if I did something wrong. “This is my sister, Sara!” I pulled her forward to ease the tension. He smiled at her, and I could see his dimples and my sister gave him the cookies.
“Thank you, Sara! I’m Harry” He nodded. “Let me know if you need anything.” He said, talking to her and then closed the door on my face before I could speak.
“Did you do something to him?” My sister asked.
“I don’t know him!” I said, turning to our door.
“He doesn’t seem to like you,” she said, laughing.
“I know. I don’t even know why.”
“He is really handsome, though!” She elbowed me.
“I know.”
The mystery grew further when Harry categorically avoided me for the next few weeks. Life wasn’t exactly getting easy with asking my sister to control her expenses, and her crying, and trying to make food every day on top of managing a child, and then keeping in check with her schools demand of a guardian which I was now, and my Uni’s demand of just torture. Plus, I was late today, and our small sofa seat was getting delivered today. The stuff from my our old house had been sent to a storage space which my parents had bought, and we owned a small sofa piece and table set which we could fit in our apartment since we desperately needed a sitting structure.
After fighting with the delivery guy for the unnecessary extra amount he was charging to take it up one floor, I had him leave it downstairs. I was going to do it one at a time when I saw Harry coming in.
“Hey!” I shouted.
He took off his earphones, “Yeah?”
“Could you help me? I need to take these up, and I don’t have any help and I would really appreciate it,” I begged.
He thought about it a bit, and then, nodded. Taking the table up the stairs, he asked, “is this marble?” looking at the countertop.
“Yeah, I think it is,” I said smiling.
“Why are you living in a dump like this if you can buy a marble table?” He said, and I could sense the disdain in his voice.
“It’s actually my parents, from our old house. So, I didn’t have to buy it actually. Just making use of things as much as we can,” I told him.
“I heard, I am sorry.” He said as we went back down to get the sofa chair. “Hold it the other way,” he instructed as we tried to get it up the stairs, but it was really heavy. Finally managing to take it inside my place, we sat down.
“Thank you so much for helping me with this!” I stood up and got him some water.
“I should get going,” he walked towards the door.
“Oh, you know we are making pesto chicken for dinner if you’d like to join us. We found out that I am a good cook.” I smiled.
“That’s alright.” He said walking out.
“Did I do something?” I asked, all of a sudden and then bit my tongue. He frowned. “I mean, you don’t seem to like me, and I don’t know you so, I’m just, umm confused.”
“Am I supposed to like you?” He said, irritated. The fact that he was actually really beautiful, made me want him to like me, and he clearly didn’t.
“Okay, “ I gulped. “Thank you for helping me.” I nodded, hiding behind my door.
Meera did her research on him and found out that my parents had actually placed a case on Harry’s fathers business. They were the sharks in their field so, I wouldn’t have been surprised. They used to be as wealthy as us, so we had a similar downfall. Only with him, the case ended with his father losing his business, and imprisonment for 10 years on stolen copyright. It was a serious deal. His mother remarried three years ago, and Harry has been cut off and living in the studio which was surprisingly all we both could afford. I could get why he didn’t like me, but it wasn’t my fault.
Another thing about Harry was that he had a line of women coming into his flat, and leaving early morning when my sister left for school. “I think this is the 17th one,” she whispered the other day, as I walked with her and we giggled about it. We had caught him in a towel, the day before when my sister knocked on his door for a toolbox, and it would have been a lie if I didn’t drool a little. He had tattoos covering his sculpted stomach, his hand holding his towel on, with his hair wet, falling on his face, clean shaven so, you could see those sharp jawlines before my eyes shamefully met his big green ones, after I had stared and engrained everything else.
“Those girls are very lucky,” I whispered back to my sister, and she giggled some more.
He was really smart as well. Paying extra attention to my studies, I noticed who the class toppers were, and we were at the top. Well, he was. Girls talked a lot about him as well. I guess, he played the I don’t care much about anything attitude well enough, making him that mysterious. I noticed he hung out with three guys, and two girls here and there. He mostly ignored me, even when we were on the same way home, and I couldn’t help feeling small. And he always had the best stash of weed - some good connection of his.
I could do with some weed. The pressure was finally taking a toll on me and I needed a break. I felt like a full-time mother, with a full-time Uni schedule and a part-time job, and it was getting to me. I didn’t have to do more than half it, just a few months ago. The lawyers said I was doing well with my sister, and my schedule and they don’t have to take her away if I kept it up.
Wanting some that night, and knowing he had a good seller, I knocked on his door. He opened the door, raising his eyebrow. He was wearing a shirt which was buttoned down and tucked into his pants. I could see his tastes were still high fashion - it was the way we dressed and money didn’t change that. I did now, know the best cheap places to keep the style up though. I gulped looking at his chest, and then, up to his eyes. I was also horny as fuck, and having my sister sleep next to me every day, didn’t help. He didn’t smirk like men usually did though, and it gave me the confidence to ask him if he had any on hand, if I could buy some of him for now, and get his contact.
“The rich girl can’t walk down to a dispensary and get it for herself?” That disdain again.
“I’m not rich anymore,” I snapped. “I’m sorry,” I calmed myself. “I heard you have a good supplier, and I…it’s cool. Thanks anyway.” I shrugged. He made me want to crawl in bed and cry with the tone he used, and his expressions meant for me. I was going to do just that when he stopped me.
“I was going to roll myself one, right now. Join me,” he pulled his door wide and walked off inside. I nervously pulled my hair behind my ear and walked inside. His house, as small as mine, was spotlessly clean, and so well organised that it made mine look shabby.
“Where is your sister?” He asked as he sat down on the sofa, holding the grinder in his hand.
“Sleepover, friends,” I told him. He raised his head up, nodding. “Do you know how to roll?”
“Umm, actually I never smoked that much,” I said, waiting for the further judgement.
“Really? What was your escape then?” He asked, taking the paper out, and tearing a cardboard piece for the roach. His hands worked skillfully as he put the weed on the paper, looking at me for a reply.
“Umm, escape?” I frowned.
“From the high society drama that you were a part of? I know, I needed an escape,” I was a bit enchanted with how he pulled his tongue out to like the paper to roll the joint, that it took me a while to come back.
I played it cool, pulling my eyes away, “Umm, I had a good family. Only needed an escape when I was really stressed which well didn’t…”
“Fair enough, shall we?” We walked to the balcony, and he lit the joint, taking a drag, and then handing it to me.
I took a smaller one, it being a few months since having smoked, and I didn’t want to look like an idiot.
“So, how was your day?” I asked, looking at the car park view in front of us.
“Alright.” He should ask me back. He didn’t.
“Do you wanna pair up for Benjamin’s class?” I should shut up. I have no clue how I have such great ideas all the time. “We live here, so it’ll just be easier to meet up, so I wondered.”
“Huh,” he didn’t look impressed, as he took another drag before giving it to me.
He didn’t respond, and I was running out of things to talk about, but I was now high and could vouch for his stuff being really great. He threw the bud away, and we walked inside. “Give me a list of what you want, I’ll get it,” He said, handing me a paper.
“Oh, I umm - I don’t want a lot. My sister and I don’t know how to roll,”
“I’m not your servant,”
“What- I- I didn’t,” I sighed. “If you could get me two pre-rolled - that would do for the while. Let me know how much I owe for it. Thank you for today.” I said walking towards the door. “I don’t know why you’re so hostile towards me, you know.” This surge of confidence in me was induced for sure. “I didn’t do you anything.”
“You don’t know? We have a history.” He said, putting his hands in his pockets.
“Our parents have a history. I had nothing to do with the business, and I haven’t met you before, even if we used to be in the same circle. I would remember you,” I walked towards him, pointing a finger at his chest.
“Your parents are the reason my home broke, and my dad’s in prison!” He snapped. “They had a choice to let him go, after destroying us, but he didn’t stop. My mother left-”
“My parents were not the reason your mother left! And your father probably deserved by law what happened to him!”
“I am sure your parents deserved what happened to them!”
I shut up. My brain was a bit slow to process the hurt and put it in front of me like bricks. But, it all came back. The memories, the blood, the sold sign in front of our house, my sister’s howl, and my eyes went cloudy, as I sat down right there on his floor.
“They died,” I whispered.
“I’m sorry,” Harry knelt down in front of me. “I didn’t mean it.”
I was too far gone though, as I looked at my hands, realising that I hadn’t cried since I last held them in my arms when, ”there was so much blood,” i showed him my hands, as he looked at me, my tears pouring out. “I couldn’t save anyone, I tried to-” I said shivering now.
“Hey-hey, it’s okay, it’s alright,” He wrapped his arms around me pulling me to his chest. I broke down in his arms.
The next thing, clear in my mind is waking up in a bed, Harry’s bed with his arms still around me, holding me to his body. I shifted a little, back in my conscious head waking him up as well, and his eyes met mine. I kept my head, back on the pillow, not taking my eyes off of his, still having nothing to say. I had opened up to this man more, than literally anyone else. I could still feel his arm under my head, and his other hand wrapped around my waist, my body still attached to his, and I felt comfortable. I didn’t want to read into this. I just wanted to let it be.
He shifted, pulling his hand up from below my head, and I got up, closer to his face, his eyes still on mine, and I instinctively bent down. My lips wrapping around his bottom one in a kiss, as I pushed him down, towards the bed. I felt his hand, hold my face pulling us apart, as our eyes met again, looking for something. He found it, as he brought his lips back to mine, holding my face in his palms, pushing me back to his bed with a force which felt perfect in every way.
—
Would love to know what you think of it? Comments/Request for Part 2?
Masterlist
Copyright ©theStylesproject 2019: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS WORK CONTAINS MATERIAL PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAWS AND TREATIES. NO PART OF THIS WORK MAYBE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM theStylesproject.
I
#57 The Downfall
I think I have done a terrible job. But, I wrote after so long, I’m happy.
Concept: Rich Y/N has to shift into a small studio with her sister, bringing a complete change from their high society lifestyle. The owner of the studio right in front of them, Harry isn’t too pleased with this move.
Warnings: Weed, will have smut later.
3.5K+
—
This was the best they could do. The best they could do for me at the moment. Was it a downfall? A shattering one. Maybe shattering doesn’t justify it. I didn’t expect much from our relatives otherwise either.
“Do we have to stay here?” My sister asked, looking at our tiny studio apartment.
“I’m sorry, darling,” I said, pushing our boxes inside. We sold most of our stuff, including my parent’s house which the bank took as collateral. If I wanted my sister to continue going to the private school, which would ensure her future, we had to make that sacrifice. We had limited funds, and thankfully my university was paid for and we had our scholarships, but our way of life, our expenses - everything took a huge hit. “I’m sure we can do something amazing with it!” Decorate it like we always wanted to, but Mum never allowed us because of white walls?” I tried to cheer her up.
“I don’t know if I want to go against her now,” She sighed, sitting on the bed.
“Alright! You know what? Why don’t you make me us some pancakes, and I’ll get all the boxes inside, and we can then unpack?” She nodded, always love the idea of cooking. I hope I could send her to the best school one day, but she was only 13, and I had time to worry about that.
I walked out, looking at the dingy corridor filled with my stuff, and a door on the opposite side. Should probably say Hi to my new neighbour - maybe bake some cookies as an exchange? Wouldn’t hurt.
I tried being strong in the entire process. Losing our home, our wealth, our everything took a strong hit, with our personal relationships as well. My boyfriend broke up with me, my friends who I used to hang out with me stopped texting when I shifted homes. They all knew about the loss of income, and my world had always been shallow. I had a list of things to mourn about and absolutely no time at the moment.
Setting up the tiny studio was hard, but we managed to fit our stuff. I was proud of how well my sister was taking it, knowing how difficult it must be for her. “Excited to go to school tomorrow? The bus, I found out, actually comes right down the lane, so it’s not much walking-”
“Why do people care about money so much? How does it matter if we don’t have it more of it, anymore? We have enough to still go to school. I am still me, then why are kids so shallow,” My sister asked, and I felt like she had aged so much in the last month.
“People are always shallow. You know how Mum made fun of all of Dad’s friends? She got it as well! Remember that friends who leave you in your time of need, are not friends, to begin with, and you should always strive for true friendship. Always be kind, and hardworking and keep your head up high. We don’t need anything else!” She hugged me tightly, crying into my chest. I hope things aren’t as hard for her.
If missing three weeks of University was bad, having your group of friends ignore you, while you tried to settle in was worse. Obviously, I didn’t come in my Porsche, obviously, I took the train, and obviously, I went to the student cafe for lunch and not the restaurant like my old routine. Everyone knew what happened, what was there to gossip about?
Max, my ex-boyfriend came and sat beside me during the gap in my schedule. I stayed away, feeling the negativity and toxic air that I didn’t want to interact. “You didn’t say hi,” he said.
“I didn’t know you noticed people who didn’t have the heritage money in the bank,” I closed my book.
“Look-”
“I can’t deal with this, Max. You said enough at Cheryl’s party, and I didn’t realize how pathetic we were. I need to widen my horizon, find my people who don’t make friends with bank accounts.”
“I didn’t say anything!” He argued.
“Oh, so you just laughed with Catherine and Misha. Same thing! And, you broke up with me. Two weeks after my parents- you should go!” I stood up.
“My mother made me do that! You know how important standing is, you were a part of it-”
“I am still a part of it. I still have all my standing, all my recommendations in place because I didn’t buy them as you did. I am better than you, all of you. I didn’t love you for how much you could spend,” Walking away from him, felt good. I didn’t have the time to wallow.
I was still on top of my class. My professors expected write-ups but, I was on schedule to graduate by the end of the year. During lunch, my two friends who I honestly loved the most, and were secretly still there for me, came and sat beside me.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked.
“This place has amazing Mac ‘n’ cheese if you have to know! And, it’s my cheat day!” Kyle rolled his eyes.
“Oh, stop it!” Meera hit him, hugging me tightly. “We couldn’t tolerate Catherine without your sarcastic remarks! It was intolerable!”
“I’m still mad at you!” Kyle took a bite of his cheat day dish. “I expected you to take your place back, and you didn’t even come and say hi!”
“I texted you though,” I blew him a kiss.
“Anyway,” Meera said, taking my hands, “I never liked that group thing. Let’s not do it again!” I was glad that at least at least I was a person who had made tight, genuine bonds.
The train ride home was long. It took me 20 minutes with my car to reach home, but I didn’t live in the central city anymore. I just had to get used to it. Distract myself, observe things in this 65-minute ride back home. A guy sat down in front of me after the old lady got off at her stop. His head was in his phone, earphones in, with his hoody on, and I had a feeling that he was in my class this afternoon. I didn’t notice him, but he had his back to me when I saw him walk out of class, and I didn’t know him. I tried for a while, wanting to make an eye-contact. Maybe he knew me? People knew me, in general. He got off at the same stop as me, and we walked the same way back home. I didn’t have the guts to say Hi.
I stopped on my way to the grocery store. My sister told me about her day, and how her best friend was still her best friend, and I felt it might be alright for us here. We baked cookies for our neighbour, and I rang on the doorbell. The same guy in the train, from my class today opened the door, and the only way I could be sure was because it was the same hoody and the same body structure. I gave him my big smile, always worked with all the people, “Hi! My sister and I just moved in, and we baked you some cookies and introduce ourselves!”
“You are Y/N Y/L/N. What are you doing here?” He said, shocked.
“You know me! I wanted to say Hi while we were on our way back but, didn’t get the chance to do that!” he frowned, looking a little pissed, and I wondered if I did something wrong. “This is my sister, Sara!” I pulled her forward to ease the tension. He smiled at her, and I could see his dimples and my sister gave him the cookies.
“Thank you, Sara! I’m Harry” He nodded. “Let me know if you need anything.” He said, talking to her and then closed the door on my face before I could speak.
“Did you do something to him?” My sister asked.
“I don’t know him!” I said, turning to our door.
“He doesn’t seem to like you,” she said, laughing.
“I know. I don’t even know why.”
“He is really handsome, though!” She elbowed me.
“I know.”
The mystery grew further when Harry categorically avoided me for the next few weeks. Life wasn’t exactly getting easy with asking my sister to control her expenses, and her crying, and trying to make food every day on top of managing a child, and then keeping in check with her schools demand of a guardian which I was now, and my Uni’s demand of just torture. Plus, I was late today, and our small sofa seat was getting delivered today. The stuff from my our old house had been sent to a storage space which my parents had bought, and we owned a small sofa piece and table set which we could fit in our apartment since we desperately needed a sitting structure.
After fighting with the delivery guy for the unnecessary extra amount he was charging to take it up one floor, I had him leave it downstairs. I was going to do it one at a time when I saw Harry coming in.
“Hey!” I shouted.
He took off his earphones, “Yeah?”
“Could you help me? I need to take these up, and I don’t have any help and I would really appreciate it,” I begged.
He thought about it a bit, and then, nodded. Taking the table up the stairs, he asked, “is this marble?” looking at the countertop.
“Yeah, I think it is,” I said smiling.
“Why are you living in a dump like this if you can buy a marble table?” He said, and I could sense the disdain in his voice.
“It’s actually my parents, from our old house. So, I didn’t have to buy it actually. Just making use of things as much as we can,” I told him.
“I heard, I am sorry.” He said as we went back down to get the sofa chair. “Hold it the other way,” he instructed as we tried to get it up the stairs, but it was really heavy. Finally managing to take it inside my place, we sat down.
“Thank you so much for helping me with this!” I stood up and got him some water.
“I should get going,” he walked towards the door.
“Oh, you know we are making pesto chicken for dinner if you’d like to join us. We found out that I am a good cook.” I smiled.
“That’s alright.” He said walking out.
“Did I do something?” I asked, all of a sudden and then bit my tongue. He frowned. “I mean, you don’t seem to like me, and I don’t know you so, I’m just, umm confused.”
“Am I supposed to like you?” He said, irritated. The fact that he was actually really beautiful, made me want him to like me, and he clearly didn’t.
“Okay, “ I gulped. “Thank you for helping me.” I nodded, hiding behind my door.
Meera did her research on him and found out that my parents had actually placed a case on Harry’s fathers business. They were the sharks in their field so, I wouldn’t have been surprised. They used to be as wealthy as us, so we had a similar downfall. Only with him, the case ended with his father losing his business, and imprisonment for 10 years on stolen copyright. It was a serious deal. His mother remarried three years ago, and Harry has been cut off and living in the studio which was surprisingly all we both could afford. I could get why he didn’t like me, but it wasn’t my fault.
Another thing about Harry was that he had a line of women coming into his flat, and leaving early morning when my sister left for school. “I think this is the 17th one,” she whispered the other day, as I walked with her and we giggled about it. We had caught him in a towel, the day before when my sister knocked on his door for a toolbox, and it would have been a lie if I didn’t drool a little. He had tattoos covering his sculpted stomach, his hand holding his towel on, with his hair wet, falling on his face, clean shaven so, you could see those sharp jawlines before my eyes shamefully met his big green ones, after I had stared and engrained everything else.
“Those girls are very lucky,” I whispered back to my sister, and she giggled some more.
He was really smart as well. Paying extra attention to my studies, I noticed who the class toppers were, and we were at the top. Well, he was. Girls talked a lot about him as well. I guess, he played the I don’t care much about anything attitude well enough, making him that mysterious. I noticed he hung out with three guys, and two girls here and there. He mostly ignored me, even when we were on the same way home, and I couldn’t help feeling small. And he always had the best stash of weed - some good connection of his.
I could do with some weed. The pressure was finally taking a toll on me and I needed a break. I felt like a full-time mother, with a full-time Uni schedule and a part-time job, and it was getting to me. I didn’t have to do more than half it, just a few months ago. The lawyers said I was doing well with my sister, and my schedule and they don’t have to take her away if I kept it up.
Wanting some that night, and knowing he had a good seller, I knocked on his door. He opened the door, raising his eyebrow. He was wearing a shirt which was buttoned down and tucked into his pants. I could see his tastes were still high fashion - it was the way we dressed and money didn’t change that. I did now, know the best cheap places to keep the style up though. I gulped looking at his chest, and then, up to his eyes. I was also horny as fuck, and having my sister sleep next to me every day, didn’t help. He didn’t smirk like men usually did though, and it gave me the confidence to ask him if he had any on hand, if I could buy some of him for now, and get his contact.
“The rich girl can’t walk down to a dispensary and get it for herself?” That disdain again.
“I’m not rich anymore,” I snapped. “I’m sorry,” I calmed myself. “I heard you have a good supplier, and I…it’s cool. Thanks anyway.” I shrugged. He made me want to crawl in bed and cry with the tone he used, and his expressions meant for me. I was going to do just that when he stopped me.
“I was going to roll myself one, right now. Join me,” he pulled his door wide and walked off inside. I nervously pulled my hair behind my ear and walked inside. His house, as small as mine, was spotlessly clean, and so well organised that it made mine look shabby.
“Where is your sister?” He asked as he sat down on the sofa, holding the grinder in his hand.
“Sleepover, friends,” I told him. He raised his head up, nodding. “Do you know how to roll?”
“Umm, actually I never smoked that much,” I said, waiting for the further judgement.
“Really? What was your escape then?” He asked, taking the paper out, and tearing a cardboard piece for the roach. His hands worked skillfully as he put the weed on the paper, looking at me for a reply.
“Umm, escape?” I frowned.
“From the high society drama that you were a part of? I know, I needed an escape,” I was a bit enchanted with how he pulled his tongue out to like the paper to roll the joint, that it took me a while to come back.
I played it cool, pulling my eyes away, “Umm, I had a good family. Only needed an escape when I was really stressed which well didn’t…”
“Fair enough, shall we?” We walked to the balcony, and he lit the joint, taking a drag, and then handing it to me.
I took a smaller one, it being a few months since having smoked, and I didn’t want to look like an idiot.
“So, how was your day?” I asked, looking at the car park view in front of us.
“Alright.” He should ask me back. He didn’t.
“Do you wanna pair up for Benjamin’s class?” I should shut up. I have no clue how I have such great ideas all the time. “We live here, so it’ll just be easier to meet up, so I wondered.”
“Huh,” he didn’t look impressed, as he took another drag before giving it to me.
He didn’t respond, and I was running out of things to talk about, but I was now high and could vouch for his stuff being really great. He threw the bud away, and we walked inside. “Give me a list of what you want, I’ll get it,” He said, handing me a paper.
“Oh, I umm - I don’t want a lot. My sister and I don’t know how to roll,”
“I’m not your servant,”
“What- I- I didn’t,” I sighed. “If you could get me two pre-rolled - that would do for the while. Let me know how much I owe for it. Thank you for today.” I said walking towards the door. “I don’t know why you’re so hostile towards me, you know.” This surge of confidence in me was induced for sure. “I didn’t do you anything.”
“You don’t know? We have a history.” He said, putting his hands in his pockets.
“Our parents have a history. I had nothing to do with the business, and I haven’t met you before, even if we used to be in the same circle. I would remember you,” I walked towards him, pointing a finger at his chest.
“Your parents are the reason my home broke, and my dad’s in prison!” He snapped. “They had a choice to let him go, after destroying us, but he didn’t stop. My mother left-”
“My parents were not the reason your mother left! And your father probably deserved by law what happened to him!”
“I am sure your parents deserved what happened to them!”
I shut up. My brain was a bit slow to process the hurt and put it in front of me like bricks. But, it all came back. The memories, the blood, the sold sign in front of our house, my sister’s howl, and my eyes went cloudy, as I sat down right there on his floor.
“They died,” I whispered.
“I’m sorry,” Harry knelt down in front of me. “I didn’t mean it.”
I was too far gone though, as I looked at my hands, realising that I hadn’t cried since I last held them in my arms when, ”there was so much blood,” i showed him my hands, as he looked at me, my tears pouring out. “I couldn’t save anyone, I tried to-” I said shivering now.
“Hey-hey, it’s okay, it’s alright,” He wrapped his arms around me pulling me to his chest. I broke down in his arms.
The next thing, clear in my mind is waking up in a bed, Harry’s bed with his arms still around me, holding me to his body. I shifted a little, back in my conscious head waking him up as well, and his eyes met mine. I kept my head, back on the pillow, not taking my eyes off of his, still having nothing to say. I had opened up to this man more, than literally anyone else. I could still feel his arm under my head, and his other hand wrapped around my waist, my body still attached to his, and I felt comfortable. I didn’t want to read into this. I just wanted to let it be.
He shifted, pulling his hand up from below my head, and I got up, closer to his face, his eyes still on mine, and I instinctively bent down. My lips wrapping around his bottom one in a kiss, as I pushed him down, towards the bed. I felt his hand, hold my face pulling us apart, as our eyes met again, looking for something. He found it, as he brought his lips back to mine, holding my face in his palms, pushing me back to his bed with a force which felt perfect in every way.
—
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