blossom — part one (Patreon)

author's note: hello everyone, i hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I spend the weekend resting. This first month of school is always hectic. exhausting actually. here is the first part of harry x fan. next part will be posted in a few hours. This one will be only fluff!

warnings: talk abt abuse.

word count: 4.5K

The first time you had seen him, you hadn't recognized him. It was early morning, and you had just opened the store. The sun was barely up, casting a soft, golden light over the quiet street. You were outside, watering the bouquets and making sure they were neatly arranged, the vibrant colors of the flowers standing out against the dull gray of the sidewalk. The fresh scent of roses and lilies filled the air as you worked, lost in your routine.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over you. Looking up, you saw a tall figure approaching. He wore a baseball cap and sunglasses, his casual attire at odds with the elegance of the flowers around you.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice raspier than you ever imagined. It had a rough, almost gravelly quality that caught you off guard.

“Morning,” you replied, your voice steady but your hands continuing their task. You had heard him, but you didn’t budge or stop what you were doing. The stranger's presence was unexpected, but you were focused on ensuring every petal was perfect, every stem in place.

He lingered for a moment, watching you work with an intensity that made you slightly self-conscious. Yet, you remained engrossed in your task, unaware that the man standing before you was none other than the celebrity whose face graced countless billboards and magazine covers.

He stood there for a few moments, seemingly captivated by the simple act of you tending to the flowers. You could feel his eyes on you, but you kept your gaze fixed on the blossoms, determined to finish your work.

"These are beautiful," he said, breaking the silence. His voice, though rough, held a genuine appreciation that made you finally look up at him.

"Thank you," you replied, a small smile tugging at your lips. "We just got a fresh shipment this morning."

He nodded, glancing around at the array of colors. "Do you have a favorite?"

You paused, considering the question. "I think it depends on the day," you said thoughtfully. "Today, I’m really liking the peonies. They’re so full of life and color."

"Can I get a bouquet of those?" he asked.

That’s when you finally looked up and saw him. You recognized him immediately but chose not to say anything. Harry Styles, was standing right in front of you, casually requesting a bouquet. Your heart raced, but you kept your composure, determined to treat him like any other customer.

"Of course," you replied with a calm smile. "Would you like them wrapped or in a vase?"

"Wrapped, please," he said, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement, perhaps aware that you recognized him but appreciated your discretion.

You turned to gather the flowers he had pointed out, your hands moving with practiced ease as you arranged the bouquet. The shop was quiet except for the soft rustling of petals and leaves, the usual hum of the morning routine.

"So," he began, breaking the silence, "how long have you been working here?"

"A year or so," you replied, not looking up from your work. You didn't know what to say next or what to ask. You wanted him to feel comfortable. The last thing you wanted was for him to think that you were prying into his personal life.

He watched you carefully, sensing your hesitation. "It's a beautiful shop," he said, his voice warm and genuine.

You smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you."

Your days were spent surrounded by the vibrant colors and sweet fragrances of flowers, a world you navigated with passion. Your hands were always busy arranging delicate bouquets, nurturing plants, and crafting floral designs that brought joy to others.

Your love for flowers had begun during your childhood when your grandmother would take you to the local park. Together, you would spend hours among the flowers, learning about them.

Though your grandmother had passed away, her shop stood proudly and remained open as long as you were alive.

"Here you go," you said, handing him the bouquet of flowers. "I hope you like them."

"They are lovely, thank you," Harry smiled at you before paying.

"Do come back!" you said as he turned to leave. Harry flashed you a small smile before walking out.

As Harry walked out of the shop, you took a moment to admire the bustling street outside. The city was alive with energy, but within your little flower shop, there was a calm sanctuary of color and scent. You turned back to your workbench, where a new delivery of flowers awaited your attention.

The bell above the door chimed, signaling another customer. You looked up to see a familiar face—Mrs. Jenkins, one of your regulars. She was an elderly woman with kind eyes, always looking for fresh blooms to brighten her home.

"Good morning, dear," she greeted you warmly. "What do you have that's particularly lovely today?"

You smiled and led her to a display of fresh peonies and roses. "These just came in this morning. They’re perfect for summer."

Mrs. Jenkins admired the flowers, nodding appreciatively. "I'll take a dozen of the pink peonies, please."

As you carefully wrapped the flowers, Mrs. Jenkins chatted about her grandchildren's upcoming visit. You enjoyed these small moments of connection with your customers; they were like friends, each bringing a bit of their world into your shop.

After Mrs. Jenkins left, you spent the rest of the morning arranging a large order for a wedding. The bride had requested a mix of white lilies, lavender, and greenery, a combination you found both elegant and serene. You lost yourself in the work, your hands moving deftly as you arranged the flowers into beautiful bouquets and centerpieces.

By the time afternoon rolled around, the shop was filled with the sweet scent of your creations. You took a brief break, stepping outside to enjoy the warm sun. The little park across the street, the one where your grandmother used to take you, was in full bloom, a reminder of why you loved this work so much.

Returning inside, you noticed a young couple browsing through the shop, their eyes lighting up at the sight of the vibrant flowers. You approached them with your usual friendly smile. "Can I help you find something special?"

They explained they were looking for an anniversary gift, and you suggested a custom bouquet with a mix of their favorite flowers. As you worked, they shared stories of their time together, their laughter filling the shop.

It was a week later when you finally saw Harry again. You were perched on a stool behind the counter, engrossed in a book, when you noticed him standing at the back of the shop. This time, he wasn't wearing his usual athletic clothes. Instead, he was elegantly dressed in a blazer, looking more polished and composed.

Curious about his visit, you closed your book and made your way over to him. He was examining a flower arrangement with a new design you had just come up with, a blend of vibrant sunflowers and delicate baby's breath arranged in a rustic wicker basket.

"Can I help you?" you asked, your voice friendly but professional as you approached him.

Harry looked up, a smile spreading across his face. "Yes, actually. It's beautiful. Did you design it?"

You nodded, feeling a sense of pride. "I did. What the occasion”

Harry hesitated for a moment, then replied, "it's for my mother. She's been going through a tough time, and I thought flowers might brighten her day."

Touched by his thoughtfulness, you began to suggest a few options. “Would you like to add a personalized note?"

Harry nodded, and you handed him a small card. As he wrote his message, you couldn't help but notice the genuine care in his expression. It was clear he deeply cared for his mother, and this gesture was from the heart.

When he finished, he handed the card back to you, and you carefully placed it among the flowers. "There you go. I'm sure she'll love it."

Harry looked at you with gratitude. "Thank you. Is this your shop?"

You smiled warmly. "Yes. Well, it was my nan's shop originally. She passed away, so now I run it. I guess you could say it's mine now."

Harry’s expression softened, clearly touched by what you had just shared.

You nodded, feeling a wave of emotion. “Keeping the shop open feels like a way to keep her memory alive”.

Harry smiled, his eyes reflecting genuine admiration. "Do you deliver?"

"We do," you replied, reaching for a business card. "Here you go."

Harry took the card, glancing at it before slipping it into his pocket. “Great. This will be very helpful”

“We’d be happy to help you. Just give us a call”. You said with a smile.

As Harry paid and prepared to leave, you felt a warm sense of connection.

"Goodbye, Harry," you said, finally revealing that you knew his name and who he was.

"Goodbye, Y/N," he replied with a small smile, having read your name on the card.

You watched him leave the shop, his steps a little lighter, and returned to your book with a feeling of contentment.

A few days later, as you were arranging a fresh batch of daisies and tulips, the phone rang. You wiped your hands on a towel and answered with your usual cheerful tone.

“Hello, this is Y/N. How can I help you today?”

“Hi, Y/N,” came Harry’s voice, smooth and familiar. “It’s Harry. I’d like to place an order for an arrangement.”

“Of course, Harry! What can I do for you?”

“I need something special,” he began. “I’m thinking of a mix of red roses, white lilies, and a touch of baby’s breath”.

“Oh, sounds like someone’s in trouble” you joked, a small smiled played on your lips. The choice of flowers gave it away.

Harry chuckled softly on the other end of the line. “You could say that”

As you finalized the details of the order, Harry’s voice softened. “I really appreciate your help with this, Y/N. It means a lot.”

“It’s my pleasure,” you said warmly. “I’ll make sure everything is perfect for you.”

“It’s my pleasure,” you said warmly. “I’ll make sure everything is perfect for you.”

After hanging up, you went to work on the bouquet with extra care. As you arranged the red roses, white lilies, and baby’s breath, you thought about Harry and the person who would receive the flowers. The combination of flowers was classic and romantic, and it was clear that he wanted to make a meaningful impression.

You wouldn’t admit it, but you were feeling a twinge of jealousy. No one had ever given you a bouquet like the one you were preparing for Harry. It seemed ironic that you spent your days surrounded by flowers, crafting arrangements for romantic gestures, yet you had never experienced such a grand gesture of love yourself.

As you carefully arranged the flowers, you couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to receive something so thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed. The elegance of the red roses, the purity of the white lilies, and the delicate touch of baby’s breath all spoke of a deep, genuine affection—something you had never personally experienced.

It struck you how strange it was to be so intimately involved in creating expressions of love while your own romantic life remained unremarkable in comparison. You often wondered if it was easier for others to experience such moments, or if you had just been waiting for the right person to come along.

As you tied the ribbon and attached the card, you found yourself daydreaming about what it would feel like to be on the receiving end of such a thoughtful surprise. You imagined someone creating a bouquet just for you, filled with the same care and consideration you put into your work. It was a fleeting fantasy, but one that left you feeling a mix of longing and hope.

With the bouquet completed and ready for delivery, you smiled to yourself, feeling a bittersweet sense of satisfaction. You hoped that Harry's gesture would bring the same happiness to his loved one that you felt when creating such beautiful arrangements. And maybe, just maybe, there was still hope for your own story to unfold someday.

The next day, your shift began in the afternoon.

“Hey!” you called out cheerfully as you walked into the shop. Liz, who was behind the counter, had just hung up the phone. “How was the morning? You look a bit down—what’s wrong?”

Liz gave you a sympathetic glance. “Someone just canceled their flower order. They sounded really upset on the phone.” She frowned as she crossed the order off in the system. “It’s such a shame. I was looking forward delivering that arrangement”

You frowned in sympathy, noting the disappointment in Liz’s voice. “That’s unfortunate. Was it for a special occasion or something?”

Liz nodded, her expression troubled. “Yes, it was for an anniversary. It was for someone named Harry. There’s no last name. It was the order with the red roses, white lilies, and baby’s breath.”

You felt a pang of regret. “Oh, Harry’s order. That’s really sad.” You had purposely left out his last name to protect his privacy from any prying eyes. “Did you process the refund?”

“I have,” Liz confirmed.

“Good.”

Liz looked at you with curiosity. “Y/N, who is this Harry? I’ve never seen you so interested in a customer before.”

You quickly shrugged off her question as you put on your apron. “He’s just a new customer. Nothing more.”

Liz raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not pressing further. “Alright, if you say so.”

You busied yourself with arranging a new batch of flowers, hoping to shift the focus away from the conversation. As you worked, Liz continued to glance at you with a mix of curiosity and concern. The shop’s bell chimed, signaling the arrival of a new customer, which provided a welcome distraction.

Throughout the afternoon, you found yourself preoccupied with thoughts of Harry and his canceled order. The flowers you had prepared for him were still fresh and vibrant, and you couldn’t help but wonder what had happened that made him cancel such a thoughtful gesture.

Ten minutes before closing, the bell above the shop's door jingled, signaling the arrival of a new customer.

“I’ll be right there!” you called out, quickly finishing up with the fridge where you stored arrangements for the next day’s deliveries.

As you walked out from the back room, you looked up and saw Harry standing by the counter. He looked a bit more relaxed than when you last saw him, though there was still a hint of concern in his eyes.

“Harry!” you greeted him warmly, trying to keep your surprise at bay. “What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you today?”

Harry gave you a small, appreciative smile. “Hi, Y/N. I was actually hoping to invite you for a coffee or something. I saw that you refunded the arrangement, and I know you put a lot of work into it. A coffee won’t make up for that, but I thought it might be a nice gesture.”

You waved off his concern with a reassuring smile. “It’s no trouble, Harry. Don’t worry about it. Sometimes things like this just happen, and it's out of your control. But thank you for the thought. How are you doing? You seem a bit off—are you feeling okay?”

You noticed a slight dullness in his eyes, which only deepened your concern.

Harry’s smile faltered slightly as he heard your genuine concern. “I appreciate you asking,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I should have seen it coming. It was long overdue”.

You nodded sympathetically. “I’m really sorry to hear that”.

Harry hesitated for a moment before continuing. “I know I can’t really make up for the trouble of canceling the order with just a coffee, but I’d still like to invite you. It’s the least I can do, and it might be nice to chat somewhere other than the shop.”

You hesitated, feeling a bit awkward. “It’s really not necessary, Harry. I understand that things come up, and I’m just glad we could sort it out.”

Harry’s expression turned earnest. “Please, Y/N. I insist. I’d really like the chance to thank you properly and maybe talk a bit. It would mean a lot to me.”

His genuine offer and persistence made it hard for you to refuse. You sighed, a smile tugging at your lips. “Alright. If you insist. When are you thinking of going?”

“How about that little cafe down the street”

“That sounds good”, you agreed. “Let me just close here and turn everything off”

As you finished closing up the shop, you walked to the front door and spotted Harry waiting outside. He was leaning casually against the wall, his posture relaxed but with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

“All done” you said with a smile as you approached.

You both walked side by side, the evening air crisp and refreshing. As you strolled towards the café, you chatted about your day and exchanged lighthearted stories. The walk was pleasant, with the city’s evening ambiance providing a comfortable backdrop to your conversation.

When you reached the café, Harry held the door open for you with a friendly gesture. “After you,” he said with a smile.

You stepped inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere of the café a stark contrast to the cool night air outside. The soft lighting and cozy furnishings created a welcoming setting. Harry led you to a corner table, where you both settled in.

As you waited for the server to bring over the menus and take your coffee orders, you continued your conversation. Harry seemed more relaxed, and you found yourself enjoying the ease of the interaction. The café’s calm environment made it easy to connect and share thoughts.

Over coffee, Harry opened up a bit more about the challenges he had been facing. While he didn’t go into too much detail, it was clear that the opportunity to talk and unwind was helping him.

You listened attentively, offering support and understanding where you could. The conversation flowed naturally, and you both found comfort in the simple pleasure of good company and good coffee.

As the laughter settled and the conversation shifted, you finally asked, “Did your mum like the flowers?”

Harry’s face brightened with a smile. “She did! She was thrilled with them. Your flowers really made her day.”

You felt a warm glow at his words. “That’s wonderful to hear,” you replied. “I’m glad they brought her some joy.”

Harry continued, “Your mum must always have fresh flowers at home".

You hesitated for a moment, then gently said, “Actually, my nan raised me, so I wouldn’t know. My parents haven’t really been in the picture.” You smiled to keep the mood light and maintain the comfortable ambiance that had developed between you.

Harry’s expression softened as he listened. “I am sorry. It must have been hard to loose her”

You nodded, appreciating his empathy. “She was incredible. She made sure I always felt loved and cared for, even if my parents weren’t around.”

Harry looked thoughtful. “It sounds like she was a wonderful person. I’m sure she’d be proud of everything you’re doing with the shop and who’ve you become”

A gentle silence settled between you, filled with mutual understanding. You both sipped your coffee, the conversation having taken on a more personal tone.

You missed her terribly. She had been everything to you. Your parents, on the other hand, were never meant to have children. They were selfish and consumed by hatred. Although you had a sister, they had chosen her over you.

At fourteen, you left home after calling the police. Your father had been physically abusive, and your mother had stood by, allowing it.

When the police arrived, it was your grandmother who came to your rescue, taking you in without hesitation or demand. She provided you with a real home, a sanctuary filled with love and care, giving you everything you needed and more.

Harry shifted the mood with a playful question. “So, how long have you known? Were you ever going to mention anything about my identity?”

You giggled, a mischievous smile playing on your lips. “From the moment you walked in. It was pretty inevitable—your face is everywhere”

Harry laughed, his expression softening. “Well, thank you for treating me like a normal person. It’s really refreshing.”

As you walked back to the shop, the warmth of the evening lingered, reminding you of the connection you’d shared with Harry. You felt a quiet sense of contentment, knowing that moments like these were rare and precious.

The next few days were filled with the usual hustle and bustle of running the shop, but Harry’s presence remained in your thoughts. His kindness and understanding had been a comforting reminder of the good things in life.

Days turned into weeks, and Harry’s visits to the shop became more frequent. Each time he came in, the connection between you deepened. The conversations were effortless, and the comfort you felt around him grew stronger.

One afternoon, as you were carefully arranging a bouquet, Harry walked in, his smile warm and a bit shy. “Hey, what are you up to tonight?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. “I’ve got a little suggestion.”

You looked up from your work, intrigued. “Oh? And what’s that?”

Harry’s smile widened as he revealed a ticket and a VIP access badge. “How about joining me for tonight’s show? I’ve got an extra ticket, and I’d love for you to come.”

Your eyes widened in surprise. “You’re performing tonight?”

Harry nodded, his smile growing more confident.

You felt a thrill of excitement at the thought of attending his show. “I’d love to go”.

After accepting Harry's offer, you quickly called Liz. With the show starting in less than five hours, Harry needed to be at the venue for a soundcheck and to get ready. You also hoped to swing by your apartment to change into something more fitting for the event. Excitement bubbled within you.

As soon as Liz answered the phone, she blurted out, “Was I supposed to work today? Did I forget again?”

You chuckled, trying to calm her. “No, Liz! Hi! Sorry for the rush. I need a favor. Something came up, and I need to leave for the rest of the day. Could you cover my shift?”

Liz sounded surprised. “What? You never leave the shop. You’re always here from open to close. What’s going on?”

You glanced over at Harry, who was browsing the shop and sniffing the flowers. “I know, I know. but I promise I’ll cover one of your shifts next week. I’ll explain everything tomorrow.”

Liz paused for a moment, then relented. “Alright, fine. Since you never ask for anything, I’ll be right there”.

“You’re a lifesaver,” you said, relieved.

With a final exchange of thanks, you hung up, your excitement mounting.

It was a cold night so you went along with a black turtleneck body, high waisted jeans and some heeled boots. You threw on a black blazer for an extra layer of warmth and a crossbody purse.

Harry was surprised at your appearance when you got into his car. He had driven you to your apartment and had patiently waited for you downstairs.

He wasn’t surprised of your natural beauty. Instead, he was surprised at how nicely you had dressed up. He had only seen you wearing the flower shop apron and t-shirt.

“Is this okay?” you asked nervously, feeling his gaze as he prepared to start the car. “Did I overdo it?”

He smiled, his eyes softening. “No, not at all. Quite the opposite, actually. You look breathtaking.”

You felt a blush rise to your cheeks at his compliment. “Thank you”.

Harry shook his head, still smiling. “I am excited to have you at the show tonight”.

As he drove through the city streets, the night seemed to come alive with possibilities. The conversation flowed easily between you, filled with laughter and shared anticipation. Harry’s presence made you feel at ease, and the promise of the evening ahead was exhilarating.

When you arrived at the venue, the energy was electric. As soon as Harry stepped out of the car, he was immediately surrounded by people, fielding questions and being guided in different directions.

He waited patiently until you were out of the car before reaching for your hand, offering a reassuring smile amidst the chaos.

Harry didn’t want to leave you alone amidst the bustling atmosphere, so he guided you into his changing room, where hair, makeup, and various outfit options were prepared for him. He needed to choose his outfit for the night.

You felt a bit overwhelmed by the flurry of people surrounding him, each vying for his attention and handling different details for the concert.

As Harry began sorting through his outfits, you stood to the side, trying to take in the whirlwind of activity around you. The room was a hive of organized chaos, with stylists, makeup artists, and assistants all working diligently.

Harry glanced over at you, sensing your discomfort in the crowded space. “Would you like a drink?” he asked, his voice cutting through the noise.

You shook your head, smiling to reassure him. “I’m okay. Just a bit overwhelmed by all this.”

He smiled back, looking genuinely concerned. “I’m sorry about the madness. if it gets too much let me know”

With a quick, appreciative nod, Harry turned his attention back to the outfit choices. After a few moments, he settled on an outfit that seemed to match his confident demeanor. The room’s buzz continued as the final touches were made, and you found yourself drawn into the vibrant energy of the preparation.

Despite the whirlwind around you, Harry occasionally checked in with you, sharing a smile or a quick chat to keep you connected in the hectic environment. His thoughtfulness made the experience more enjoyable, and you couldn’t help but feel a growing admiration for how he handled the chaos with such grace.

As the final moments before the show approached, the atmosphere in the room shifted to a focused, electric excitement. Harry took your hand as you both walked towards the side of the stage, the distant roar of the fans growing louder with each step. You felt a twinge of longing to be among the crowd, to be one of the thousands cheering for him. After all, you were a fan, too.

Harry stood close by as he was fitted with his microphone, holding a glass of whisky in his other hand and finishing the last sip. He leaned in, his lips nearly grazing your earlobe, and whispered, “It’s comforting to have you here.”

You smiled up at him, your heart racing from the intimate moment. “I’m glad I’m here, too,” you replied softly, feeling a deep connection as you shared this special moment with him before he took the stage.