Prince in the City [Harry Styles AU]

Chapter 20

I only laughed softly, eyes still focused on the TV. As we watched the movie, I realized that nothing between Harry and I had really changed. Sure, it was only the day after we decided we wanted to be together, but still. We were still at our apartments, watching television together and having lazy conversations—the only difference was our proximity. Usually we'd be sitting next to each other in a respectful distance. Now, my legs were on his lap and cheek on his shoulder as his arms rested upon my legs. The level of comfort was still there, only heightened.

When the credits rolled around, I glanced at Harry, whose face was scrunched in confusion as his eyes remained on the TV and his lips parted. "So. . . Wait; the Babadook is their pet now? 'S that it?" he questioned, looking utterly puzzled as he stared at me with puzzled eyebrows.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his bewilderment, using the remote to go on the main home page of Netflix as I shrugged lightly. "That's what I always figured," I told him, grinning at the way he shook his head, prompting some locks of his hair to fall across his forehead. Instinctively, my hand reached up and lightly brushed them away, ignoring the way Harry's green eyed gaze locked on me and the heat of blush that was surely spreading from my neck to face. "Why have a dog when you can have a literal monster as a pet?" I joked, snorting as Harry snickered.

"Vera, you screamed last week when you saw a caterpillar in the hallway, you think you can dig up worms to feed to your pet monster?" Harry mused, a shit-eating grin on his face as he leaned his head back a little to look at me pointedly.

My jaw dropped at his words, although embarrassment did wash over me briefly as I thought back to what he was referring to. Sue me for disliking any and all types of creepy crawlies; there was a point in my life I was even afraid of butterflies until Mama forced me to face my fear by taking me to a butterfly garden. I was no longer afraid of those, but anything smaller than a teacup pig was a no-no for me.

So in response to Harry's dig, I pinched his bicep, prompting the grown man to let out a very girlish yelp and left me feeling satisfied.

*****

At six twenty-five in the evening, I gave myself one last look over in the mirror, making sure I looked good. Straightened hair and makeup done to my likeness stared back at me as I gazed at my outfit; a dress that was black on the top half with spaghetti straps and a fuchsia color for the skirt that stopped a few inches above my knees. I released a breath through my lips, trying to calm my nerves as I smoothed down the dress and deemed myself ready.

I was wearing black platform heels that weren't that high, so they wouldn't give me too much of a height and a Michael Kors black bag that Mama had gotten me for my birthday last year. Grabbing a jacket since I knew it'd be chilly out, I patiently waited for Harry to arrive as he had said he'd be here at six-thirty. I told him I could meet him in the lobby, but he insisted on coming to pick me up at my own apartment.

Tonight was the night of our first date, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel at least a little nervous. Isn't that the point of first dates, anyway? Nerves wracking up because you're going to be spending some intimate time with a person you really like, and also to see the potential of a full relationship. Truthfully, I would've been fine with a dinner at one of our apartments, and I had told Harry that, but he had been insistent on actually going out to a proper restaurant and dining out. He said he wanted to give us both the real experience, and I couldn't help but find it endearing and agree.

At precisely six-thirty, true to his word, there were knocks sounding on my door and I walked over, trying not to seem too eager as my heels clicked on the floor and I opened the door. And, holy shit, was I not prepared for how he looked on the other side.