𝕾he opens the door smiling as soon as her gaze catches his, stepping aside to let him enter her warm apartment.

Small taps of pawed footsteps echo through the wooden floored room, her glance flittering back to find the dark haired cat meander its way up to the newcomer.

Harry halts midway, cautiously looking down at Ruby as she stares up at him from a few inches afar a lost deciphering look in her shiny eyes examining the brunet stood waiting in front of her.

"Ruby, baby. It's okay", Darlene hushes hanging Harry's coat by the door.

Slowly, the cat steps forward as if treading on water sniffing his pant covered leg hesitantly eyeing his tall frame.

He bends down extending a hand for her to sniff, eyes dazzling in amusement when she purrs in skepticism staring at him with striking green eyes.

Gently he rubs the back of her furry coat earning a small meow as she steps closer letting him rub her back with short tentative waves of hand.

Darlene hums, "She likes you".

"Its impossible to not like me", he mumbles still scratching Ruby's back.

Darlene scoffs walking into the kitchen.

"Your inner narcissist is showing", she admits hearing him chuckle quietly and follow suit behind her, securing a place on one of the stools.

"Right. Well, this narcissist comes bearing presents. Will you turn me away?", he teases dangling the bright red Christmas themed paper bag once clutched safely between his fingers.

It's the twenty-second of December and though they could've maybe invited one or the other to their annual family Christmas Eve Dinners, it seemed a bit . . . . forward, so to speak.

So rather than spend Christmas together or with either of their families, they decided to exchange gifts before the official holiday.

Which would be fun if the both of them weren't so nervous in their own funny little way.

"Do I go first or . . . ?", his eyebrows perk up observing her slightly distressed state of thought.

She clears her throat signalling for him to take the lead and he silently hands her the paper bag.

Reluctantly, she peels it open retrieving a cream and black covered book from inside the confines of the bag, not failing to throw a curious glance his way when he continues to watch her with slight twinges of anxiety pooling behind his emerald pupils.

Darlene turns it over, her jaw going slack as she takes in the name of the book, the gold lettering on the top of the cover and the pure, raw state in which it is preserved.

"A first edition Dorothy Parker", he murmurs.

Her gaze flicks to his, light sapphire eyes blinking and lips parting whilst she stands there unmoving and speechless, her fingers delicately wrapped around the book.

"Go on, open it".

Exhaling, she pries it open. A small white piece of folded paper welcomes her to the front page.

With a wary shadow of doubt flickering behind her eyes, she unfolds the paper.

Darlene takes her bottom lip between her teeth, eyes welling up with exhausted tears.

Her heart swells and aches, at the sight of the scrawled handwriting on the paper.

The fine delicacy of the words gently lain across the soft paper echo out her name, catalyse her emotions until it feels like she's drowning in an ocean of thoughts and adoration.

Pure and utter adoration.

For my favourite work of art.

- Harry x

How, if anyone, could ever compare to him?

She immediately puts the book away, sniffling and swallowing down her tears, his eyes trained on her throughout.

Uncaring, her arms fling around his neck pulling him flush against her.

"I love you. I love you so much".

Her whispers feel like a soft melody, a nostalgic lullaby gracing the tips of his ears, his arms wound tight around her body.

She cries softly, pulling away to stare down at him with tear stricken cheeks.

"Hey. Don't cry", he coos rubbing her back.

A small sob breaks past her lips at the action.

"I'm sorry for . . . . for literally everything. I love you, I could never love someone so much".

A smile tugs on his lips.

"Not even Taylor?".

She laughs through her tears, shaking her head.

"You know you're not that important".

He raises a brow, "I'm offended".

Darlene takes a step back, watching Harry stare at her with a cautious gaze.

"Will you . . are you . . . . do you want to", a deep breath, "try again?".

Breathless, he stares back surprised.

"Does that mean I get to kiss you whenever I want? That I won't have to think before flirting with you anymore?".

She throws her head back, a loud burst of laughter escaping from her mouth.

Harry's smile turns into a grin.

"When have you ever thought before flirting with me?".

He shrugs, "You'd be amazed".

Smiling quietly, she steps forward easily fitting between his legs.

"Yes. It means all of that".

He gulps tightening his arms around her.

"Then I'll never stop trying".

"You sure?".

His face spilts into a wide grin.

"Hundred percent".

***
idk if it's bc of the toe breakup rumours or bc i've forgotten how to write but this chapter was particularly difficult to write even tho i already had it mapped out 😭