Award season. Can someone remind me why I wanted to become a designer?

I was in over my head. I had five dresses that needed made and only three were done. I had to finish the other two within the next two weeks. Shit.

On top of that I had two suits that needed finished up. I was ready to cry, and I mean bawl.

I felt like I hadn't seen Harry at all in the month we had been back home. He said he understood but I knew he was growing frustrated with the lack of intimacy and interaction.

I missed him too. He was always home when I got back from work but usually it was late and I was exhausted. I had been working twice as long days as usual.

Pretty soon it would all be over but then the guys were heading back out on tour.

On top of dress making, I was also planning Harry's surprise 21st birthday. I was in over my head. Luckily, all of the guys would be in America around the time Harry had his birthday.

The guys had been invited to attend the Grammys, even though they weren't nominated for anything. Harry's birthday was exactly one week before the show. The guys would be in town a few days after Harry's actual birthday.

I had planned on taking Harry out, just he and I, on his actual birthday and then organizing a larger party for when all of his friends would be around.

Because the Grammys were in Los Angeles, that's where I would hold the party. I had already called and set up a venue and invited a ton of his friends. I was super excited and he had no idea.

I glanced down at my watch. 9 at night already? I swear I just got into the office a short bit ago. I sighed. I needed a good rub down, maybe leading into more, and a glass of wine, or two or seven.

I finished the stitch I was on and packed up everything I didn't want to leave out. I was using real diamonds for Rihanna's dress and wasn't risking leaving them sit out until I returned tomorrow morning. I locked the safe up and gathered my belongings.

I dialed Harry as I rode the elevator to the street. It was still pretty cold outside being it was the end of January. Harry's birthday was a week away and I couldn't wait. He answered the phone happily.

"Hey you!" I could tell he was smiling.

"Hi babe, sorry I'm so late tonight. I just got lost in this dress." I sighed, pulling my jacket right around my body as the wind blew.

"Rihanna's?" He asked knowingly.

"Yeah it's a pain in my ass."

"Well it'll look gorgeous."

"A representative of the Grammy association called me today. They heard the work I'm doing on the dresses and asked if I'd come to the fashion circle and talk about all the dresses and suits I've made."

"That's awesome babe, you're one step closer to having your own company."

"That's the goal." I chuckled, noticing a flash in my direction. "Paparazzi found me."

"Damn! They always do." He groaned. "You wanna go deal with them?"

"Nah, I'd rather keep talking to my lovely boyfriend."

"Soon to be fiancé!" He added. "Don't think I've forgotten about that."

Ever since I told Harry I wanted to get married he's been dropping hints about a proposal. I was always on my toes around that kid. I never knew what he was going to do next. We still weren't engaged but that didn't mean anything had changed. We were happier and more in love than we'd ever been.

In a way I had looked at Luke as a blessing in disguise. He had truly opened my eyes towards how strong my feelings for Harry actually were. I couldn't be sure but maybe without him confusing my life, I wouldn't have ever been sure about my feelings for Harry.

"Babe you there?" Harry pulled me out of my daydream.

"Yeah sorry, these paps are just getting closer." I lied not wanting to tell him I was thinking about Luke. But they were starting to close the distance.

"Be strong!" He laughed.

"Fuck you! You aren't out here dealing with them in the snow!"

"It's not even snowing you vagina." I knew Harry was rolling his eyes. A bad habit he had picked up from me.

"How do you know?" I mumbled.

"I'm currently coming home with takeout."

A smile grew across my face. I knew I loved this boy.

"Lo mein and pork?"

"Why would I get anything else?" He sassed. "Plus we have a few new bottles of wine courtesy of your mother."

"What?! Mom stopped by today!" I sighed upset.

"Yeah she stayed for about an hour then bolted off to wherever she was needed next."

"She never comes when I'm home." I pouted.

"She wants us to go up and see the family. I guess Ry really misses you."

"Yeah that's code for my mom misses me. She'll never admit it."

Maybe going to see my family wouldn't be such a bad thing. I hadn't seen them since right after the overdose incident.

"We should go before we fly out to LA." Harry suggested.

"Let me finish these clothes and we'll go." I nodded even though he couldn't see me.

The paparazzi had finally caught up with me, snapping pictures and shouting obnoxiously.

"Who's on the phone?" "Spencer over here!" "How are you today?" "Where's Harry?"

"Wow they're loud tonight." Harry said. "How many?"

"About five, maybe six." I shrugged really not wanting to count and make eye contact. I was doing what I had always been taught, eyes and head down and never stop moving.

"Be careful baby." He almost whispered.

"Aren't I always?" I smirked.

"No."

"Name one time I've been in trouble because of the paps!"

"Ella. Arrested." He said flatly.

"Oh right."

It went silent for a couple seconds as the screams continued.

"Have you been working late?" "Is that what you say so you can have an affair?" "Is it true you’re seeing Luke Hemmings behind Harry's back?" "Was that a date you two went on in London?" "Any thoughts on Luke's comment about you being amazing to work with on set?"

"What did they say?" Harry's interest peaked.

"I don't know, they're talking about Luke." I whispered so they couldn't hear me.

"They think you've gone out on a date! And you're cheating?" He grumbled. "When will they stop!"

My heart inwardly flipped. He had no idea. I sunk my head even lower, if that was possible. I was so glad he couldn't see me right now. I feel terrible about not telling him but I just couldn't bring myself to it.

"Yeah they just want a reaction." I mumbled.

"I know my girl would never cheat on me, it's all good."

"I love you." I sighed. He really had no idea. My heart broke just thinking about it.

"I love you too. You should be almost home right?"

"Yeah rounding the corner now. I'll see you in a few."

"Okay, bye!" He said cheerfully as I hung up.

Fuck. I was in way over my head with these Luke lies. I needed to come clean, for my sanity.




-------------------------


Chinese food hit the spot. Harry knew exactly what I needed. By the time I had gotten home he already had it dished out with a glass of wine poured waiting on out dining room table.

I sighed contently as I took in the sight. He greeted me at the door, taking my coat and scarf for me. He placed them both in the closest by the door before returning to take my bag I always take to work. He placed that on the table by the door as I kicked off my flats. He escorted me into the dining room where the smells of wonderful dinner hit me. I took in the sight before me.

The food was plated as if he had made it himself, take out boxes nowhere in sight. Our wine glasses were half full with the bottle graciously sitting in a bucket of ice. And don't let me forget about the candles he had lighting the room, instead of the overhead chandelier. It was romantic and thoughtful.

I brought a hand to my mouth. He really pulled out all the stops tonight, it was Tuesday. Nothing special about today. I wonder what could be going on but nothing came to mind.

"What's all this about?" I cocked an eye brow at him.

"I dunno, felt like treating my lady."

"Harry." He has done sweet things for me but never randomly like this. "A candle lit dinner?"

"Yes, I wanted to do something nice for you! I know how stressed you've been! I didn't want you to have to come home and make something to eat."

"Well thank you babe. I love you." I leaned up to peck him on the cheek.

“Let’s dig in before it gets cold now.” He pulled my chair out for me, tucking me under the table perfectly.

I watched as he took his own seat, directly next to me. He usually sat across the table from me.

“What?” he asked, noticing my smile.

“I’m just so thankful I have you in my life.” I leaned over giving him a quick peck.

“Spencer, just because I go buy take out and make a romantic dinner doesn’t mean you have to thank me. It’s my job as your boyfriend to do that.”

“We’ve never done anything this cute before.” I rolled my eyes.

“Well maybe I’m changing my ways. Maybe I want to be more suave and romantic.”

“That would be weird if you started now. Aren’t you supposed to woo me in the beginning of our relationship?” I laughed, taking another bite. It really was so good.

“This is the beginning.” He shrugged.

“We’re a year in.” I debated.

“Yes, but think about it. We’ve been together just short of a year and if we plan on spending our entire lives together, wouldn’t this just be the beginning?” he looked over at me.

“I guess you’re right.” I giggled. “Smart and gorgeous. How did I get so lucky?”

“I ask myself that question every day, love.” He leaned over giving me a sloppy kiss.



----------------------------------------------------------------


(Harry POV)

Spencer had left for work a little over an hour ago and I had no idea what to do. I was bored out of my mind lately. She was working overtime in order to get these dresses finished. I was really proud of her but I missed her. I didn’t want to sound like one of those clingy boyfriends, but it’s nice to see your girlfriend for more than an hour a night.

I was flipping through the telly aimlessly. Today was hopeless. It was only 8 in the morning and I knew today was going to suck. My days had pretty much been the same for the past month since we returned to New York. I got up with Spencer, tried to persuade her in shower sex, which I usually failed miserably at, had some breakfast after she, watched TV for an hour or two, walked around the apartment in circles until I couldn’t take it anymore, left the apartment and walked around the city until I got bored or bought too much useless shit, came back to the flat, wrote some new tunes, made dinner alone, drank one too many beers, watched more telly and hopefully stayed awake long enough to see Spencer before bed. That was my past month, how riveting am I?

I needed to find out if any of my friends were in town. I needed a life. Maybe I should just go back to England and see my mum until the Grammy’s. No I’d feel bad being away from Spencer on my birthday. I knew she wanted to take me out because 21 is a big deal to Americans. I legally could drink. Ha. Legally. As if I wasn’t hammered 99% of the time already. I rolled my eyes hoisting myself off the sofa. Bloody comfortable that thing was.

I was digging around the fridge for something to eat, even though I had just eaten a little bit ago. That’s what you do when you’re bored? Right? Shit, my trainer was going to kill me. I hadn’t worked out in weeks. Maybe that’s what I’d do today. I’d go down to the buildings fancy gym and sweat off some pounds. I didn’t feel like working out though. But I had too.

I put the ice cream back into the freezer, making the obvious healthy choice. I don’t see why I can’t get fat. I can do what I want. And if that’s eating ice cream so be it. Who was I kidding? I can’t get fat. Imagine a fat little Harry running around stage trying to keep up with the other lads. I laughed out loud at the thought. Just as I thought I’d lost my mind, my phone rang.

It was Ryanne. That’s weird. Shouldn’t she be in school?

“Ello?” I answered.

“Hey Harry! What’s up?” she replied happily.

“Shouldn’t you be in school you punk?” I asked, jokingly. Ryanne and I had really started to get along very well. After the whole serious talk at Spencers graduation and especially after her overdose, Ryanne and I just clicked. She was like the little sister I never had. I felt a certain sense of protection over her. Like she needed someone to be there just in case. Seeing as she also didn’t have a brother, it made sense.

“Snow day!” she cheered. “It’s snowing really bad up here so they cancelled classes today. But the trains are still running so I came into the city to shop but I don’t wanna do it alone. And I know Spencer is working and she mentioned on the phone the other day something about you always being bored, so here I am calling!” she laughed.

“Are you asking me to come shopping? You lost me.” I shook my head at her excitement.

“Yes! Pleeeeeaaaaase?” she begged.

“Okay yes, I’ll come. Under one condition…” I stated.

“And what’s that?”

“I don’t have to carry any of your bags.” I laughed.

“Fine, not fair, but fine.” She pouted. “I’ll just swing by your place so we don’t have to worry about meeting up, I’m almost there anyways.”

“Alright, sounds good.”

We hung up and I headed into the bedroom to get dressed. After throwing on a signature pair of my black skinny jeans and an oversized sweater I was ready. Everyone thinks I’m always so high maintenance but I really wasn’t. I threw a head wrap around my unruly hair and called it a day. I waited for Ryanne to arrive, flipping through the TV more. It only took her about 10 more minutes to get there. She looked too excited for her own good. Great, this was going to be an interesting day.



---------------------------------------------


Lunch time- Harry POV

“No way!” Ryanne threw a fry at me.

We had been out for a couple of hours now and desperately needed lunch. The girl went through stores and money like crazy. She might be worse than Spencer. we had stopped at this little diner for lunch and it was the best choice we had made all day so far.

“Yes way!” I defended my story about Spencer always doing the dishes no matter what.

“She doesn’t even know what a sponge is.” Ryanne rolled her eyes. “I don’t think I saw her clean once in the 15 year I lived with her before she moved out.”

“Shocking as it sounds she really does.” I took a bit of my burger.

“Whatever. So anyways, how have things been since the whole OD thing?” she whispered OD.

“At first it was rocky, then I thought I was going to lose her to a 17 year old, no offense, but now they couldn’t be any better.” I smiled.

“What do you mean lose her?” Ryanne cocked an eyebrow.

“She had this little thing I don’t know what it was, with Luke from 5 Seconds of Summer. It was weird.” I shook my head.

“Oh he’s a babe.” Ryanne smirked.

“Ry! That doesn’t help.” I rolled my eyes.

“Stop dating Spencer, you’re rolling your eyes and it’s weird as fuck.”

“Spencer says I do it too. Damnit.” I chuckled.

“But anyways, I don’t think my sister would leave you for anyone. If you guys break up it’ll be because of something that goes down between the two of you. Not because someone else comes along. She loves you too damn much to cheat.” Ryanne looked at me mischievously. “Again.” She added.

“Okay for starters fuck you.” I laughed at her comment about Niall, at least Spencer trusted her sister enough to tell her. “And secondly I wish I could agree with that. Spencer sort of has a wandering eye.”

“Yes, she does. But she never lets it get past looking.” Ryanne shrugged, popping a fry in her mouth. “She’s not stupid enough to cheat on the greatest guy she’s ever met.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I saw you checking that girl in Macy’s out today, by the way.” Ryanne eyed me.

“Um, what?” I laughed nervously.

“Harry I don’t care, honestly. But it’s the same with Spencer, she checks out guys, you look at other girls but neither of you let it go any farther.”

“You’re too wise for your years, young lady.” I rolled my eyes again, silently cursing at myself.

“Stop worrying you grimy British lad.”

“I’m not grimy.” I faked hurt.

“A little bit. Did you even comb your hair today?” she laughed.

“Uh…maybe.” I scoffed.

“That’s a no.” she rolled her eyes too.

“Hey, can I ask you something serious?” I changed the topic.

“Go for it.” She gave me her full attention.

I pulled out my phone and showed her a picture. “Do you think Spencer would like that? Or is it too small?”

“Harry Styles.” Ryanne looked up from the phone. “Is going to ask my sister to marry him?”

“Yes.” I shrugged.

“OH MY GOD.” She squealed.

“Shhhhh, I don’t want to draw a crowd now.” I hushed her. “And you can’t tell anyone!”

“I won’t. But Harry, that ring is huge. She’ll love it no matter what size the stone is.”

“I thought so but I’ve had it for so long, I feel like it belongs in the past, with all that shit that happened in the past.”

“How long is ‘so long’?” Ryanne raised an eyebrow.

“I bought it before we went to Martinique. I was going to propose there but she made it very clear she wasn’t ready then.”

“Didn’t you go to Martinique like 6 months ago?” her mouth hung low.

“Like 3.” I shrugged.

“Harry, you’ve known for 3 months what ring you were going to use to propose?” Ryanne said dumbfounded.

“Yes? Why?”

“That’s so cute! You’ve been patient all this time and she’s obviously done something that makes you want to ask her to marry you! I’m so excited.” She squealed again.

“Breathe. I think I need a new ring.” I sighed, tugging at my bandana.

“She’ll love it.” Ryanne reassured.

“Yes, but it reminds me of the darker places we’ve been too.” I looked at Ryanne a smile creeping across her face. “Oh god what?”

“We’re going ring shopping.” She stated as if it was a stupid question.

“What? Why?”

“Harry you just said you want to get a new ring. We’re going. Who better to help you pick it out than her own blood and flesh?”

“You need to stop watching Game of Thrones.” I laughed. “But fine, we’ll go.”

“Right now.”

“Now?!” I practically shouted.

“Yes, we’re going right after we hit up Top Shop and American Apparel.” Ryanne smirked.

“Jesus, you really are a clone of your sister.” I chuckled. Those were Spencers favorite stores.

“Ew, never say that again.”

“Noted.” I laughed at her repulsion.


------------------------------------------------


“No, too small.” I waved off the ring the woman behind the counter was holding.

“Sir, would you like to see the biggest stones we have?” she eyed me, clearly annoyed I hated everything so far.

“Yeah, why didn’t we just start there?” I rolled my eyes.

I looked over to Ryanne who was gently perusing all of the rings. She kept shaking her head to herself in disappointment. I can’t believe we hadn’t had any luck yet. This was the fourth ring store we had been in today. Ryanne had bags up to her eyeballs from shopping but she was more into this ring thing than I may have been. And I was pretty fucking excited about it.

The lady came back over to where I was standing holding a small velvet tray. She set it down gently on the counter. My eyes went wide. These were huge. I looked over each of the rings, one stuck out in particular.

“Ryanne.” I called her over to get her opinion.

“And is this the lucky bride?” the lady asked.

“No, this is her sister.”

“Ew I’m 17, creep.” Ryanne flipped her hair. She had a lot of attitude.

“Excuse me, any catch your eye?” the woman asked.

“When you look at those, which one screams ‘Spencer?’” I looked over at Ryanne.

“That one.” She pointed to the same exact one I loved.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking too.” a wide grin spread across my entire face. “Can you tell me a little about it?”

“It’s a 10 carat cushion cut diamond, the clairity is outstanding. The band is lined with small diamonds and is platinum. This ring is currently a size 7 but can be changed to anything from a 4 ½ to 9.” She smiled politely

“This is it.” I couldn’t stop smiling.

“Oh my goodness.” Ryanne hugged me tight. “I can’t believe you’re marrying my sister. I don’t know what spell she put on you but damn, I’m surprised.”

“Shut up.” I rolled my eyes at her. “She’s great.”

“Ew.” Was all she said, making a pretend gag motion.

“Sir, this is an extremely expensive ring.” The lady said.

“Yes, I’m aware.” I nodded, unsure of her tone.

“I mean it runs close to a million dollars.” She stated.

“That’s okay, price isn’t an issue.”

“We have a lot of young kids come in trying to impress their soon to be fiances and can’t afford to make the payments when it comes time.” she was rude.

“Dude, this is Harry Styles from One Direction. He makes more money in a year than like 100 of those rings cost.” She exaggerated. “He’ll be fine.” Ryanne rolled her eyes. I didn’t want to say who I was but she did it for me.

“Excuse me, I wasn’t aware.”

“So I’d like the ring please.” I looked at her.

“Yes, yes of course.” Suddenly her whole attitude changed. If I didn’t love the ring so much, I wouldn’t have bought it. “Would you like to have it sized first?” she asked politely.

“No, I’ll take it as is and I’ll bring it back after I ask.” I shrugged. I was too excited to wait now. I wanted to have it at all times just in case the moment was right.

After discussing sizes and prices, we finally left the store. Ring in bag, tucked away in one of Ryanne’s bags in case we ran into paparazzi. I didn’t need them ruining my special moment.

“Holy hell.” Ryanne laughed as we entered my building. “You’re marrying my sister. You must be insane.”

“I’m not going to change my mind, so get used to the idea.” I chuckled as we entered the lift.

“I’m just shocked. You’re like perfect.” Ryanne nudged my elbow.

“Not even close Ry.” I laughed.

“I hope Kris and I work out like you and Spencer.” she sighed.

“Trouble happening?” I pressed, unsure I wanted to about my girlfriends little sisters love life.

“I mean not really.” She shrugged. “I just don’t think it’s gonna go anywhere. I’m going all the way to UCLA in the fall, he goes to school here in New York. I’m just thinking I should end it now before I get too much more attached.”

“You’ve got plenty of time to find a husband.” I pulled her in for a hug. “I have plenty of single friends if you and Kris don’t work out, who live in LA.” I added for good measure.

“What?” she pulled back, excitement filling her eyes.

“You never know what could happen.” I ruffled the top of her hair.

“Hey!” she whined.

“Now, where should we hide this?” I asked, holding the box in my hand.

“Oooohhh put it in the spare bedroom!” Ryanne suggested. “Do you guys even have furniture in there?”

“Yes, we have a bed and a lousy dresser.” I snickered. We needed to decorate. I walked into the bedroom, knowing Spencer never came in here. I opened the bottom dresser drawer that had some of my extra clothes in it. I tucked the box away in the corner, under a pile of shirts. She’d never look here. The door to the room was always closed, no one ever came in here.

I smiled at the thought. I was hiding the biggest secret from the best girl in the world. I hated secrets but this was one I couldn’t come clean about. I had no idea when I was going to propose but I was soon. I’d make it special, hopefully. Knowing me, I’ll just blurt it out randomly at the worst moment. It didn’t matter how it happened, I was just excited for Spencer Delaney McMichael to become Spencer Delaney Styles. I loved the sound of it. I loved the sound of us.

Notes

JUST YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

sorry for any mistakes. haven't slept in 26 hours.

okay love you chaps.