the cover – part 3 (Patreon)

Author's note: I know I said this was going to be the last part, but I LIED! I just can't stop writing. It's too good. I sweat the next will be the last! I swear! I hope you enjoy. let me know what you think. I'll post the last tomorrow morning.

word count 3.9K

The soft light of the early morning filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. Y/N blinked her eyes open, the stillness around her oddly comforting. As her senses slowly came to life, she became acutely aware of the warmth surrounding her—specifically, the warmth of Harry’s body pressed tightly against hers.

His head rested on her chest, his curls tickling her collarbone. His arm was draped across her waist, his hand resting lightly on her side, and their legs were a tangled mess beneath the covers. Y/N lay still, barely daring to move, afraid she might wake him and lose this rare moment of closeness.

She let herself breathe him in, the familiar scent of his skin mixed with the faintest hint of his cologne from the night before. It was intoxicating, and for a few brief moments, she allowed herself to savor it. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm against hers, the sound of his soft breathing filling the quiet room.

A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. This was everything she had ever wanted, the kind of intimacy she had dreamed of but never thought possible. She let her hand rest gently on his back, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips. Everything about this moment was perfect.

But as the seconds ticked by, a familiar ache began to settle in her chest. The happiness she felt quickly gave way to something deeper, something heavier. She liked him so much—had for as long as she could remember—and this closeness, this vulnerability, was a painful reminder of how deeply she cared for him. And how, in her mind, he could never truly see her in the same way.

Her throat tightened as she fought back the sudden urge to cry. It was so frustrating. Having him this close, feeling the weight of his body against hers, only intensified the yearning inside her. She loved him—not just as her best friend, but in a way she couldn’t put into words. But she also knew that in Harry’s world, she was simply his best mate, the one he could joke around with, the one he could trust. Nothing more.

And yet here she was, tangled in bed with him, her heart aching with unspoken feelings.

A tear slipped from the corner of her eye before she could stop it. She quickly blinked it away, not wanting to ruin the moment. But her chest felt heavy, the pressure of everything she had been holding back threatening to overwhelm her. She couldn’t shake the feeling that no matter how close they were now, Harry would never truly consider her as something more.

She bit her lip, trying to steady herself, to push the feelings back down. She was his best friend. That was her role, and she had convinced herself long ago that it was enough. But as Harry stirred slightly, his head shifting against her chest, Y/N realized how hard it was to maintain that facade when she was lying here, so close to him, feeling everything she had ever wanted just out of reach.

Her fingers grazed the curve of his shoulder, brushing against his skin, and she felt a pang of longing so deep it hurt. What she wouldn’t give for him to see her the way she saw him.

Y/N moved carefully, trying to ease her way out of Harry’s embrace without waking him. She untangled her legs from his and shifted her body, hoping to slip out of bed unnoticed. But the second she swung her feet onto the floor, she heard Harry stir behind her.

Before she could take a step, his voice, groggy and thick with sleep, broke the silence.

"Where are you going?" Harry sat up, rubbing a hand through his messy curls. His sleepy eyes squinted at her, still adjusting to the morning light.

Y/N turned around, caught in the act, and gave him a soft smile. "Just heading down for breakfast. Thought I’d get a head start before the madness of the day."

Harry let out a yawn, his shoulders relaxing as he leaned back against the headboard, still watching her. "You’re not slipping out of here without me, are you?"

She chuckled, trying to lighten the moment. "I wasn’t exactly sneaking out, but I thought you could use the extra sleep."

"Not a chance," he mumbled, stretching his arms overhead and glancing at her with a sleepy smile. "What’s the plan for today? Something casual, yeah?"

Y/N nodded, still trying to shake the lingering emotions from earlier. "Yeah, we’re having a picnic. It’s more of a laid-back family day before the rehearsal dinner tonight. There’ll be games and probably too much food. Classic family stuff."

"Games?" Harry perked up a bit more, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Like what, rounders or something?"

Y/N rolled her eyes with a grin. "Maybe. Or sack races. My family loves to embarrass themselves, so who knows. But it should be fun."

Harry swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, running a hand through his hair again as if it would magically tame the wild curls. "I’m down for that. I’ll grab a quick shower, then we can head down together."

Y/N nodded, feeling that familiar comfort settle in between them, but underneath it, the ache was still there. The way Harry was so effortlessly charming, so easygoing with her, made her heart twist. She kept herself busy by tidying up the room, trying not to let her thoughts linger too long on how natural it all felt—how right it would feel if this were real.

As Harry headed to the bathroom, she stared out of the window, taking in the vast expanse of the countryside surrounding the castle. It was peaceful, serene, and completely at odds with the storm of emotions inside her.

She sighed softly to herself. Today was about family, about getting through the picnic and the rehearsal dinner. Tomorrow was the wedding, and after that… they would go back to being best friends. Just as they always had.

And as much as she wanted more, she wasn’t sure she could handle losing him if it never happened. So, for now, she’d bury those feelings again, like she always did, and play her part in this pretend relationship.

After Harry had finished his shower and dressed for the day, Y/N gathered her outfit and disappeared into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. She stood for a moment, taking in a deep breath to steady herself before getting ready for the family picnic.

She pulled out the dress she’d chosen—a light, vintage-inspired floral dress. The soft, beige fabric was adorned with delicate red and pink flowers scattered throughout, the blossoms adding a subtle pop of color against the neutral backdrop. The dress had a series of small buttons running down the front, giving it a sweet, classic look. The cap sleeves sat lightly on her shoulders, and the bodice was fitted enough to accentuate her figure before it flared into a flowing, airy skirt that swayed with every movement. The fabric was light, perfect for a warm day in the country.

Satisfied with her choice, Y/N tied her hair into a loose, low braid that draped over one shoulder. She admired her reflection for a moment. The simplicity of the dress paired with the understated hairstyle made her feel elegant but not overdressed. It was perfect for a laid-back family event.

With one last glance in the mirror, she unlocked the bathroom door, ready to face the day—and Harry.

Harry was lounging on the edge of the bed, scrolling absentmindedly on his phone, but when he heard the door open, he looked up. His eyes widened slightly, a slow smile spreading across his face as he took in her appearance.

"Wow," he said, setting his phone aside and standing up. "You look—really beautiful."

Y/N blushed at the compliment, feeling her heart skip a beat at the way Harry’s gaze lingered on her. "Thanks," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "You clean up pretty well yourself."

Harry gave a playful grin, running a hand through his still slightly damp curls. "Well, I’ve gotta keep up, don’t I? Can’t let my girlfriend outshine me at this picnic."

Y/N rolled her eyes, smiling at his teasing. "Let’s just hope no one decides to quiz us on how we met or something. I’m not great at coming up with backstories on the spot."

"Relax," Harry said, moving closer and resting a hand lightly on her arm. "We’ll be fine. Besides, I think we’ve known each other long enough to fake it."

His touch was casual, but it sent a rush of warmth through her. She quickly shook it off, forcing herself to focus on the day ahead instead of the way her heart fluttered whenever he was near. "Alright, let’s get this over with then," she joked, grabbing her small bag.

Together, they headed downstairs and out toward the large garden where the picnic was being set up. The morning sun was warm on their skin as they made their way outside, and Y/N couldn’t help but glance at Harry as they walked side by side. There was something so natural about being with him like this, even though the feelings she was struggling to hide made it all the more complicated.

When they arrived at the picnic area, the family was already bustling around, setting up blankets, picnic baskets, and a few makeshift game areas. Y/N’s mother spotted them first and waved them over, a bright smile on her face.

"Y/N! Harry!" her mother called out, hurrying over. "You two look wonderful."

Y/N gave a small smile, gripping Harry’s hand lightly for show. "Thanks, Mum."

Her mother barely gave her a second glance before turning her full attention to Harry, practically gushing. "I can’t believe you’re really here! hope you’re ready for a day of silly family games.”

Harry chuckled, slipping easily into his role. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m always up for a good competition.”

Y/N’s mother beamed, clearly charmed by his response. As she led them toward the rest of the family, Y/N couldn’t help but notice how her cousins were already sizing Harry up, exchanging glances and whispering amongst themselves.

The picnic was lively, with children running around, family members setting up food, and various conversations buzzing through the air. Y/N and Harry found a spot on one of the blankets, settling in to enjoy the afternoon.

As the afternoon sun rose higher in the sky, the games began in full swing. Y/N’s family, in typical fashion, went all out—there was no such thing as casual competition when it came to them. Harry, of course, was immediately pulled into the fray, and Y/N found herself watching him with a mix of amusement and something much warmer.

The first game was a classic—tug-of-war. Y/N was roped into one team, and naturally, Harry was placed on the opposing side. He shot her a playful grin across the rope, his competitive nature sparking in his eyes.

"You sure you’re ready for this?" he teased, flexing his arms in an exaggerated show of strength.

Y/N narrowed her eyes at him playfully, tightening her grip on the rope. "I’m not going easy on you just because you’re you."

"We’ll see about that," Harry shot back, giving the rope a playful tug.

As the teams lined up, Y/N’s family cheered from the sidelines. Her cousins—always ready to cause chaos—were loudly rooting for Harry, while the older family members cheered Y/N on, likely underestimating Harry’s strength. The signal was given, and immediately, both teams pulled with all their might.

The rope inched back and forth, tension mounting as each team dug their heels into the ground. Harry was laughing, clearly enjoying himself as he anchored his team, his biceps flexing with every pull. Y/N, equally determined, leaned her full weight back, refusing to give in.

For a moment, it seemed like Y/N’s team might win—the rope was slowly being pulled in their direction. Y/N gave it one final, determined tug, but just as she did, Harry’s team made a coordinated effort, and the rope yanked sharply in the opposite direction. Before she could react, Y/N found herself stumbling forward, losing her balance, and tumbling onto the grass.

Laughter erupted around them as Y/N landed on the ground, a breathless smile on her face. Harry, who was still holding onto the rope, immediately dropped it and rushed over to help her up.

"You alright there?" he asked, his voice full of laughter as he extended a hand to her.

Y/N took his hand, her cheeks flushed from the effort and the sudden closeness. "Yeah, I’m fine," she said, brushing the grass off her dress, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened when Harry’s hand lingered in hers a moment longer than necessary.

"Good game," Harry said with a wink, before pulling her closer for a quick, friendly hug, earning a chorus of teasing from the rest of the family.

After the tug-of-war came a series of other games—sack races, egg and spoon relays, and a chaotic round of musical chairs that left everyone laughing. Y/N and Harry were paired up for most of the games, their teamwork seamless. At one point, during a particularly intense round of sack races, they ended up crashing into each other and collapsing onto the grass in a fit of laughter.

The whole family seemed to be in on the fun, but Y/N couldn’t help but notice how often her cousins would throw her knowing looks, like they were starting to believe her and Harry’s "relationship" was more than just a convenient arrangement. And maybe, after spending the day by his side—laughing with him, bumping shoulders, catching the subtle touches and lingering glances—it was becoming harder to convince herself that it was all pretend.

At one point during a break between games, Y/N sat on a picnic blanket, catching her breath. Harry was a few feet away, being roped into yet another conversation with her aunt and uncle. They were both clearly enchanted by him, as everyone seemed to be, and Harry was his usual charming self, laughing and engaging easily. It struck Y/N again how well he fit into her world, as if he’d always been there.

Harry was starting to notice Y/N in a way he hadn’t before. As the day unfolded, something about their easy banter, the way she fit si effortlessly into his world, began to resonate with him. He had always known Y/N was special — his best friend, someone who has always been there for him—but now, with the fake dating act in full swing, he was starting to see her in a different light.

During the games, he watched her more closely— the way she laughed easily, her competitive spirit, and the genuine warmth she brought to the people around her. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone, not putting on a show; she was just being herself. There was something so magnetic about her that it took Harry by surprise.

She smiled at him across the lawn after the sack race, her hair slightly messy from the day’s activities, cheek flushed, and eyes shinning with laughter, something in his chest stirred. It was a quiet realization at first, but one that grew stronger as the day went on.

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The rehearsal dinner was set beneath a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, casting a soft glow over the tables that were draped in elegant linens. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as family members mingled, wine glasses clinking and laughter filling the air. It was an evening of celebration, but for Y/N, it felt as if the entire night had taken on a new intensity the moment Harry stepped out of the car beside her.

Harry looked incredible. He’d opted for a tailored black suit, classic yet effortlessly stylish, the perfect mix of formal and relaxed. His curls were tousled in that casual way she’d always loved, but tonight, with his suit hugging his frame perfectly, he looked more handsome than ever. His mere presence commanded attention, and as they walked into the rehearsal dinner together, it was impossible not to notice how eyes followed him. But Harry’s attention was entirely on her.

And then there was Y/N. She had chosen a soft, elegant dress in a deep burgundy shade, its simple silhouette hugging her in all the right places. Her hair was swept into a loose updo, soft tendrils framing her face. She looked radiant, breathtaking even, though she didn’t fully realize it. But Harry did.

From the moment he saw her step out in that dress, his breath had caught in his throat. She looked stunning—more than stunning, really—and he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. It wasn’t just the dress or the way she carried herself tonight. It was something more, something that had been building inside him all day, but seeing her like this, standing there beside him, sent a surge of realization through him.

Y/N had always been beautiful in his eyes, but tonight, she was beyond that—she was luminous. As they made their way to their table, Harry couldn’t help but lean over and whisper in her ear, "You look absolutely breathtaking tonight."

His words sent a rush of warmth through her, and she smiled up at him, her heart doing that familiar skip. But the evening was only just beginning, and neither of them were prepared for what was about to happen next.

As the dinner progressed, the mood was lighthearted. Everyone was enjoying themselves, catching up over food and wine. But Y/N’s favorite cousin, Beth, was seated next to them and had been eyeing them suspiciously all evening. She was the one person in Y/N’s family who had always been close to her, who knew more than anyone else about Y/N’s feelings for Harry—well, at least before their supposed "relationship" started.

As the evening grew more relaxed, Beth leaned over, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You two are really selling this whole 'couple' thing," she teased, her voice loud enough for the table to hear.

Y/N blushed immediately, but before she could respond, Beth grinned wickedly. "But I haven’t seen you kiss yet. I mean, come on—it’s your big debut, and we’re all watching."

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening. She shot Harry a nervous glance, her pulse racing. Kiss? In front of everyone? She hadn’t prepared for this. They hadn’t prepared for this.

Beth, however, wasn’t backing down. "Come on! Just a little one," she coaxed, and suddenly, the entire table was watching them expectantly. Y/N could feel her aunts’ curious eyes, her mom’s expectant gaze, and her cousins’ grins. This was all part of the show, she reminded herself—just part of the act.

Harry turned to her, his eyes searching hers for a moment. And then, he leaned in slowly, a soft smile playing on his lips, as if to silently reassure her. "You okay?" he whispered, so only she could hear.

Y/N could barely nod, her heart pounding in her chest. And then, before she could overthink it, Harry gently cupped her face and kissed her.

It was soft at first, his lips warm against hers. But then, something shifted. As soon as their lips touched, the world seemed to fall away. There was no one else at the table, no laughter, no teasing family members—just the two of them, lost in this moment. The kiss deepened slightly, and Y/N’s hand instinctively found its way to his chest, her fingers clutching the fabric of his suit. It felt like the air had been sucked out of the room, her nerves tingling with every second they remained connected.

She couldn’t believe this was happening—her first kiss with Harry, and it felt nothing like she imagined. It was real, intense, and everything she had secretly longed for but had convinced herself would never happen. Her heart was racing, and when they finally pulled apart, breathless, her lips still tingled from the contact.

The table erupted into cheers and clapping, but Y/N barely heard them. Her eyes were locked with Harry’s, and for a moment, neither of them moved. It felt like they had crossed an invisible line, one that neither of them were sure how to return from.

Sensing the weight of the moment, Harry cleared his throat, his voice low as he said, "I think we need a breather." With a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he took her hand and led her away from the table, excusing them from the sudden rush of attention.

They ended up in a quieter corner, where soft music played in the background. Harry didn’t say anything at first, and Y/N wasn’t sure if she could find the words, either. But then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, Harry pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. Without a word, he began swaying with her to the music.

It was an old Frank Sinatra song, one she couldn’t quite place, but the melody was soft and romantic, and in Harry’s arms, she felt everything else melt away. He held her close, his chin resting on top of her head as they swayed together, their bodies moving in sync.

Y/N’s heart was still racing, her mind spinning from the kiss. She couldn’t believe that had just happened—that they had kissed, and it had felt so… right. Harry’s arms tightened around her slightly, pulling her closer, and she let herself lean into him, her cheek resting against his chest. For a moment, it was just them, the music, and the soft glow of the room around them.

Neither of them spoke, but they didn’t need to. In the quiet, in the way their bodies fit together so perfectly, in the way Harry’s hand caressed the small of her back as they danced, Y/N could feel it—something was changing between them.

Blindly enamored, they moved together in silence, wrapped in a bubble that neither of them wanted to break. And as the song played on, Y/N realized she wasn’t just pretending anymore. The way she felt in Harry’s arms wasn’t fake—it was real, and she wasn’t sure she could keep it hidden for much longer.