A tug on your sleeve made you look up from your new journal.

"Are you gonna read that the whole flight?" Harry asked, clearly having had enough of whatever movie he'd been watching and in need of some attention.

You were both sat opposite each other in the plush British Airways business class seats, you by the window and Harry by the aisle, with your feet curled up under you and your nose buried in the countless pages of Harry's writing.

He'd agreed that you could read some of it on the plane while he watched a film and tried not to stare with a moony curiosity at your reactions.

After your steamy time in his office last night, you'd rushed home only to jump straight into the bath together for another round of sex before helping each other pack the last few bits for your trip and falling asleep quickly, ready for your early morning wake up.

Because of this, it meant you'd not had a chance to begin reading through Harry's extremely thoughtful gift and to say you were itching to do so was an understatement. So after some bartering in the chauffeur driven car on your way to the airport, Harry had finally agreed to let you read it in front of him.

It took you a while to get through the pages you'd read as most of them brought tears to your eyes meaning you'd have to blink them away before you could continue. You were determined not to cry on the plane but there were certainly a few that had required you to take a moment (more like several) before continuing on.

So far your favourites had been Adore You - the song you'd caught a glimpse of back during Summer and it turned out you were his muse all along - and a very heartbreaking one called Cherry which had you blubbering in seconds, knowing instantly exactly what it was about.

You just couldn't believe how talented Harry was, and how each song held a new emotion, one you instantly related too, or how certain lyrics helped you to pinpoint when they might've been written.

Harry had added the odd bit of written commentary to provide some context, most of it just making your heart want to burst out of your chest, but there was also the odd comedic one. For example, at the end of a song title Medicine, Harry had cheekily scribed; think you can guess what inspired this one, some tequila and forgotten panties maybe?

It blew your mind to know how often you had crossed Harry's mind, especially in the early days of your relationship when he was just a hotshot boss and you his unforgettable assistant. You read it like a story of all the ups and downs you'd had since you'd met - your own fairytale - and you knew you'd treasure it until the end of your days.

"No I won't I promise, don't want to rush through it anyways. But Harry, it's so beautiful," you reached your hand out to run your fingers through his messy curls from where he sat, arms crossed and leaning on the divider between your seats, head resting there looking at you with sparkling eyes,

"Don't make yourself cry again," he murmured, "been watching you out the corner of my eye trying to control your tears," he finished with a warm smile.

"Well don't write such wonderful things about me," you responded teasingly with a grin, flicking him lightly on the nose, "I've already got a long setlist for your performance for me."

"Oh have you now?"

"Yep, better get those vocal cords warmed up baby."

Harry laughed, the laugh that was, without a doubt, one of your favourite emotions to see on his face, with his eyes crinkled and dimples deep, "You know what I like most about that journal though?"

"What's that?" You asked in interest, hoping to get an insight into his favourite song or something.

"That your initials could stand for Cecelia Styles," he said with confidence.

Your eyes widened at what he was implying, completely not expecting him to say that. Blinking at him for a moment, unsure how to react, you choose a comedic response as a safe bet, "Have had that much of an impact in just under a year have I?"

Harry smiled at you softly, noticing the light blush to your cheeks that indicated your secret happiness at his comment. But, as always, never wanting to let you get away with a light hearted response, he choses more flattery, "Of course darling, but I don't wanna tell you when the thought first crossed my mind cos you'd definitely think I was a weirdo."

But your curiosity has spiked, and he can read it clear as day on your face resulting in the smug smirk now adoring his lips. Thinking quickly, you come up with a bartering reply, "Well the thought has crossed my mind too actually..."

"Has it now?" Harry titled his head inquisitively, the smirk still playing at his lips as he rested his head on the heel of his palm. He has a strong feeling he could guess when you'd first ever thought about your future with him, but he wants to get it out of you first.

"Mhmm," you confirm, "You tell me yours and I'll tell you mine."

"I think you should go first, pretty sure I already know what it's gonna be anyway."

You give him an affronted look, not wanting to be that predictable, "Bet you don't," you respond, slight pout to your lips.

"Bet I do," that smirk turned into a full on grin as he gazed at you with your arms folded in defiance.

"Fine we'll say it together then since you think you already know."

"Okay, ready sweet?" Harry had a glint in his eye that you didn't like the look of, but you nodded affirmation anyway, "3..2..1...when I gave you the bracelet for your birthday."

"When you gave me the bracelet for my birthday - fuck sake!" You said in exasperation, struggling to not stamp your foot at the frustration of him being right.

Harry just cackled away, one hand over his heart as he leant back, "And I bet I know exactly what it was that set you off - when I said about adding gemstones to it!"

You just glared at him, knowing that he was right yet again, "I hate you."

He rose slightly off his seat then to lean over the divider and cup your face to plant a huge kiss to your grumbly lips, making a smacking sound in the process. When he pulled back to eye you gleefully, you could feel your demeanour slowly crumbling.

"I know you love me really," he said before peppering kisses all over your face until you were squirming under him and giggling at how much it tickled.

"Okay fine, fine," you conceded, grabbing his wrists that still framed your face and leaning in to press your own kiss to Harry's lips, "You win, now let me get back to reading - you've got your dose of attention."

The rest of the flight continued on smoothly; you stopped reading the journal around half way through deciding to save some for later on, and so you could try and get a little bit of shut eye considering your early start this morning.

And then before you knew it, Harry was gently shaking you awake to point out the window at the nearing clouds as you made your descent over London. You both peered out the window excitedly and pointed out any London attractions that you could clearly see from this aerial view before touching down at Heathrow Airport.

◇

The next week and a bit went by in a complete christmassy whirlwind.

Living in Harry's house in Hampstead had felt like the perfect example of what it would be like living with him full time, more so than swapping between your New York apartments ever did. He had instantly cleared out room in his wardrobes and drawers for you to unpack your suitcase into and you'd done so with a smile on your face the entire time.

What also helped in making you feel like you'd just moved in, was the fact that Harry somehow managed to fuck you in almost every room in his house.

It started in the master bathroom the day you arrived, a bout of steamy shower sex to wash away your long flight aches, followed by another round in his plush king sized bed after dinner. Every day followed in some variation after that; whether it was eating you out on his kitchen island, taking you slowly on the sofa when he got bored of whatever movie you were watching or you dropping to your knees towards the end of a business call in his study - you were all over each other.

Maybe it was the thrill of what this holiday meant for you both - meeting each others families and friends and what that could then possibly lead too you weren't sure, but you certainly weren't complaining.

Between some last minute Christmas shopping, pub nights with his friends and all the fucking, you had actually found time to spend a late afternoon strolling through Winter Wonderland.

You and Harry had travelled up to London for the day to grab some lunch at this place he loved, and as the sun started to set and you both had a mutual agreement of not wanting your lovely day to end just yet, Harry had suggested something.

"You know, Hyde Park is only a couple of stops on the tube from here," he'd mused as he'd helped you into your coat.

A knowing smirk had grown on your face at what he was implying, "You wanna stop off at Winter Wonderland don't you?"

And when you'd turned around to be faced with Harry's cheeky, dimpled grin, you knew you wouldn't have been able to say no.

After taking the short ride on the tube and making your way to join the large crowd all congregating towards the blinking lights and Christmas music, you could already tell Harry was slowly realising your reasons for not being as ecstatic as him about the place.

Upon entering, you'd grabbed hot chocolates with some brandy; a classic apres-ski drink that warmed you up in more ways than one. Harry's eyebrows had raised slightly at the price for two drinks but not made a further comment, all the while your amusement grew as you waited to see what would finally break him.

You couldn't resist taking some sweet rosy-cheeked selfies in front of the multi-coloured lit up archways and sending one to Emmy with the caption 'Guess where we are...x' before carrying on your stroll around the busy Christmas landscape.

Eventually, when Harry had done the typical show of wanting to win you a teddy bear on some silly hook-a-duck game, you knew his positive resolve of the fair ground would definitely disappear.

"Fifteen pounds for three goes?!" He'd said loudly, before looking around apologetically.

"'Fraid so mate," the vendor had replied, clearly used to peoples disbelief as he just stood there with his arms folded.

Harry had given the smallest of huffs, but, still not wanting to admit to the daylight robbery he was allowing, paid the fee (mostly because of his pride you were sure).

But he'd managed to get some of his moneys worth, winning you a small polar bear teddy with a checkered scarf around its neck.

"Thank you H," you said with a grin, kissing him on the cheek as he passed you the small bear, "You didn't have to do that."

"I know, but nothing wrong with showing off a little in front of my girl," he replied with a smirk before linking your arms together as you wandered around the other stalls, "But I will admit...you might've been right about the whole overpriced and busy thing, sorry if I forced you here."

Harry had looked up at you somewhat shyly, but your smile only grew, "Don't be silly baby - I still think it's shit, but I've had the absolute best time with you."

That had made a smile grow on Harry's face too, "C'mon then lets get home - I can think of some other activities we can do which are much cheaper and involve you naked."

After your spontaneous trip to Hyde Park had finished and you'd ended up wrapped up with Harry in his bed, the next day was Christmas Eve. You were due to be at your parents house to help them set up for the party later that day.

You knew Harry wouldn't admit it, but he was somewhat nervous to be finally meeting your parents. Of course, he knew he'd make a good impression; Harry prided himself on being just the right amount of charming and polite to win over parents and adults. But he also knew he was meeting his future family-in-law and that he had never had to grapple with that fact before when meeting previous girlfriends families, so this time was a little bit more pressure.

But you'd managed to put together a sneaky little surprise for Harry. Louis was currently making his way down to Hampstead to join the two of you on your journey to your home, which luckily was only around an hours drive. You knew having Louis there would settle Harry slightly, and as soon as you told your mum you were trying to get Frilly and him back together, she was practically begging you to invite Louis as well.

And it had all come together perfectly; Harry had opened his front door to a beaming Louis who was already holding a champagne bottle in each hand, with the three of you making good time on the roads and arriving at your house just after lunch.

During the drive, you'd slowly realised that Louis was actually way more nervous to see Frilly again than Harry was with meeting your family, and so you were definitely glad you'd organised him to join you, as Harry's attention had been solely focused on giving his good friend a pep talk.

You couldn't help but notice that your nerves were also growing ever so slightly just before you'd approached your house, but luckily from the moment your mum opened the door with a beaming smile and pulled Harry straight into a hug, all silly nerves completely disappeared.

And the afternoon had carried on with absolutely no problems, Harry was an instant hit; helping your mum with the cooking, setting up the music with your brother, and him and your dad even striking up a common interest in golf immediately.

You'd been staring at Harry conversing with your father with stars in your eyes when a text from Frilly had broken you out of your trance.

On our way be 5 mins, pour me a glass of whatever you're having ;) x

Tapping back a response quickly and doing just as she'd asked, you'd then gone and squeezed Louis' elbow with a warm smile, "She's nearly here Lou."

"Shit okay, thanks Ceece," he said while brushing his hair down.

Before you knew it the doorbell was ringing and you were whisking the door open to pull your best friend into a massive hug.

"Oh Celia it's so good to see you!" She'd squealed in your ear.

"You too Frills," you said sincerely, "I've got a surprise for you!"

She pulled back to look at your with a raised eyebrow as you grabbed her glass off the side and passed it to her while both your families continued to greet each other.

Grabbing her had with a glint in your eye you knew she wouldn't like, you dragged her into your kitchen where Harry and Louis were waiting and away from the commotion by the front door.

"Cecelia you're making me nervous what - Louis?!" Frilly's face was an absolute picture as she finally saw who was waiting alongside Harry.

"Hello darling," he said with a cheeky grin, his confidence surprising you considering how nervous he had just been. You and Harry gave each other a smirk.

Frilly walked towards him as though in a bit of a stupor, before hugging him and murmuring a low, "Hello stranger," around a growing smile as she pulled away from him. The two of them just stared slightly giddily at each other before Harry cleared his throat and opened his arms expectantly.

"Oh! Sorry Harry," she said while ruffling his mop of curls and giving him a hug, "Hello again!"

The greetings continued and both families and Harry and Louis settled down to start having some drinks, the atmosphere all very cheery and excitable. You couldn't help but look around at all the people you loved the most, getting on so well, with a huge smile on your face. Harry met your eye from his seat next to your mum and winked at you, knowing exactly how you must be feeling.

Eventually the rest of the expected guests arrived, which included a few more family members and close friends and the night started in full swing. Drinks were poured, food was shared and music was played around all the socialising.

You and Harry had decided to take things fairly slowly on the drinks front, all too aware of how both Louis and Frilly were blatantly eyeing each other across the room and knocking drinks back until they'd both gained enough liquid courage to actually have a moment alone.

And that moment eventually happened a couple of hours later, conveniently under some mistletoe Harry had managed to hang by the back door, which was luckily much more secluded and away from the throng of guests.

"Oh my god I can't believe you actually managed that!" You said in surprise to Harry as the two of your peered around the door just in time to catch Frilly and Louis share a kiss.

Harry was positively overjoyed, probably mostly because his plan with the mistletoe had actually worked rather than because his best friend had finally made a move, "Told you it would work darling."

You just looked at him with a small shake of your head before giggling at his smirk as he swigged the last of his beer before throwing an arm around your shoulders and placing a kiss on the top of your head.

You'd both just started making your way back into the party when your dad came over, "Here you go Harry," he said passing him the second beer he was holding.

Harry's eyebrows shot up a little in surprise but gave your dad a grateful smile as he took the bottle, "Thank you Mr Stone."

"Please call me Mick."

After hearing your dad say this, you smiled at him with a raise of your eyebrows, deciding to leave the two men to it, knowing your dad had probably come over to Harry for a reason, "I'm gonna go find mum, I'll see you both in a bit," you squeezed Harry's hip and gave him a reassuring grin before slipping away.

Harry swallowed slightly, taking a sip of the cool beer to soothe his now slightly dry throat.

"I, uhm," Mick started. Harry could tell he was also a bit uncomfortable with whatever he was about to say, but Harry just kept his face open and relaxed, "I just wanted to say it's lovely to see how happy you make my little girl. Having her so far away in New York is so hard, but to know she's got someone like you with her - even just at work - I just wanted to let you know I really appreciate it, man to man."

Harry blinked, completely taken aback by your dads lovely words. He'd not expected to hear Mick say that at all, more expecting a sterner chat from his girlfriends dad.

Slightly lost for words, Harry thought the best option would be to join Mick in his honesty, "Thank you very much Mick. Cecy means the absolute world to me, I uh, actually...well, um, I hope to marry her some day, and I didn't think I'd be saying this to you the first time we met, but uh -"

Harry's sentence cut off from Mick's hand clasping his shoulder, and thinking he's gone too far Harry looks up in fear, only to be met with an understanding smile on Mick's face.

"You look at my daughter the same way I look at her mother. And even though the thought of Cecy getting married makes me feel a bit sick, when the time comes you have my blessing Harry. Now I hope that time isn't for a little while longer, but uh," Mick chuckled at that with Harry joining in, "We'd love to have you join the family. I have a good feeling about you mate."

Harry, completely blown away, can manage a huge grin before pulling Mick into a loose hug, "I don't know what to say, thank you," he says earnestly as the two men pull away.

Mick nods once, "Just don't prove me wrong."

"Of course not."

And then with a final clap on Harry's shoulder blade and a small smile, Mick wanders away to join back into the party.

◇

Christmas Day spent with your family was the perfect day it always is.

After giving Harry directions to Frilly's flat where Louis also happened to be (score!), you waved him off before joining your family to open some presents before breakfast.

The day went by in a blur of thoughtful gifts, incredible food, silly games, soppy films and lots of drinks and before you knew it you were falling asleep in your old bed, snuggling into the pillow Harry had used the night before, the scent of him filling your dreams.

You woke up the next day with a slightly sore head, but nothing a couple of aspirin couldn't fix. Today was the day you were due in Holmes Chapel with Harry's family, joining him, his mother, his sister and her boyfriend to celebrate Boxing Day.

After helping to clean up yesterday's mess before bidding goodbye to your family, promising to let them know when you'd arrived, you jumped in your awaiting cab and began your journey to the station. The train to Harry's home town was around two hours, but you didn't mind as you spent the time answering messages from your friends, and most importantly calling Frilly to get all the details from her Christmas Eve night with Louis.

Turns out the two of them had actually managed to have a chat about how they both felt, around the 'out of this world' sex they'd apparently had according to Frilly. Deciding that the connection they both felt around each other was one they didn't want to let go off, they'd try and make the distance work.

You were so happy to hear it, and couldn't wait to fill Harry in too of course. But mostly just pleased Frilly had finally found someone she felt matched her fire. Her past relationships had all been very rocky, as she tended to have a bit of a destructive streak when it came to boyfriends, choosing men who were, quite frankly, dicks. Whereas finally, she'd fallen for one who wasn't.

The rest of the train journey rushed by, and before you knew it you were slipping into Harry's vintage silver Mercedes Benz where he waited outside of the station.

"Hey baby, good journey?" Harry asked after you leant over and kissed him.

"Yeah all good thank you, got an update about Frilly and Louis!"

For the duration of the short drive to Harry's house you managed to ignore your bubbling nerves at meeting Harry's family by recalling your recent conversation with Frilly, but all too soon your were standing by his front door waiting to go inside. Harry, always so good at reading you, picked up your hand with his and brought it to his mouth to plant a quick kiss to your knuckles. Your shoulders relaxed instantly at the gesture.

You continued to feel relaxed from the moment you stepped into Harry's childhood home - what with Anne's warm hug and an excitable Gemma rushing to greet you - you already felt completely at ease.

Anne had been kind enough to put together a wonderful Boxing Day dinner, which you'd insisted on trying to help her with but she'd just shooed you off with a sweet smile, telling you to get Harry to refill your wine, which of course you'd never argue with.

After the meal, which had been filled with Gemma's brilliant stories about Harry as a little boy (which you were sure to rib him about later on) you all started playing some board games into the early hours of the evening.

Your most recent game of Scattergories had just wrapped up and Anne had excused herself to start cleaning up. Unable to not at least help at some point during the day, after all the effort she was putting in for you, you dropped a kiss to Harry's cheek while ruffling the tinsel on his bright red Christmas jumper, and followed her to the kitchen.

Upon hearing you approach, Anne turned from the sink and gave you a stern look, as if to say 'I told you to sit and not help!'.

"Can I at least dry up?" You asked with a guilty smile.

Returning your smile instantly Anne replied, "Fine, but only because I know you won't take no for an answer...just as stubborn as my son!"

You laughed with her, knowing all too well the weight behind that statement. Grabbing a tea towel you stood next to Anne and began to dry up, "Thank you again Anne, so much, for having me."

"Of course darling, you're welcome any time! I've never seen Harry light up the way he does around you, in my eyes you're already part of this family."

You swallowed around the small lump in your throat from her words, "Oh wow, thank you so much, I'm so glad you think so - Harry means the entire world to me."

"I know, I can tell," Anne admitted knowingly, "You know he first told me about you in March?"

Nearly dropping the plate in your hands from her words, you managed to recover before it smashed everywhere, "Really?"

"Mhmm, and I told him he couldn't let someone like you slip away, so I'm very pleased he listened to me for once," Anne chuckled with a playful roll of her eyes.

You stayed quiet for a minute or so, trying to find the right words before settling on a slightly wobbly, "I'm very pleased he listened to you as well."

hooray for hecy christmas fluff!!

ngl this chapter could've carried on for AGES but I thought i'd cut it off there since we got some cute moments between both families and there's only so much fluff a girl can write sheesh

also lmao think that gif is a bit broken cos it freezes at the end hahahahahaha

anyways, looks like hecy are right back on track now after their little spat!! would be such a shame if that changed wouldn't it?? *grins evilly*

next chapter I really wanna have up by New Years/just after as it would tie in so nicely with real life, but no promises as we all know I have no update schedule anyway lmao but lifes gonna be getting pretty busy again very soon but I'll try my best cos you guys deserve so much more from me lol, but I'm trying I promise cos I just adore you all and hecy ofc <3

so yes promise I'll check in with you all soon, please please don't hesitate to drop me a message if you need anything, my pms are alwayssss open!! remember its okay not to be okay my loves, and treat yourself with kindness in these tough, crazy times <3

thank you as always for the love and kindness you all show me and my writing, it never, ever goes unnoticed or unappreciated! kait x