If I could fly (BOOK 2)

Two weeks

Two weeks in, Harry still hadn't figured out how to leave the room without checking the bassinet first.He did it quietly, every time. One step toward the door, then a pause. A glance back. Darcy slept on, tiny and perfect, her chest rising and falling in a rhythm that felt more important than anything else on earth.

Y/N noticed.

"You're going to be late," she said gently, leaning against the doorframe.

He frowned. "I've got time."

"You've been standing there for three minutes."

"She might wake up."

"She will," Y/N said with a small smile. "Babies do that."

Harry exhaled. "I don't like leaving."

It wasn't dramatic. Just honest.

Y/N stepped closer, slipping her hand into his. "It's only a few hours."

"I know," he said. "I just-what if she needs me?"

"She has me," Y/N said softly. "And you'll see her before she even realizes you were gone."

He nodded, jaw tight.

She leaned in, playful now. "Also, if you don't leave, you'll miss the boys being idiots. And I won't get to hear about it later when we come."

That earned her a small smile.

"You're very convincing," he said.

She kissed him-quick, warm, grounding. "Go. I'll see you in a few hours."

He checked his phone twice before the door even shut.

⸻

The boys were already there when Harry arrived.

Louis hovered near the sofa, hands shoved into his pockets like he didn't trust himself not to talk with them. Liam stood a little straighter than usual, eyes flicking between Harry and the bassinet they put on the studio like he was trying to take mental notes. Niall smiled softly, already calmer than his reputation suggested. This was the first time they'd see the baby since Yn had her.

Zayn was the first to move.

He washed his hands without being asked. Didn't say a word about it. Just did it.

Harry noticed.

⸻

When the door opened later and Y/N walked in with Darcy, the room shifted immediately.

Harry didn't even look at the carrier first.

He crossed the room in three strides and kissed Y/N-full, sure, relieved-one hand coming up to cradle her face like he'd been holding it there all day.

"I missed you," he said quietly, forehead resting against hers.

She smiled, tired but warm. "You've been gone a few hours."

"It felt longer," he replied.

Only then did he look down. Darcy slept peacefully in her carrier, small and impossibly real.

Harry's breath caught.

"Hi," he whispered, softer now. "There you are."

He reached for her carefully, instinctively, and pressed a kiss to the top of her head before settling her in his arms.

Louis watched, visibly restraining himself. "Okay," he said quietly. "That was... actually very cute."

Niall nodded. "Yeah."

They didn't rush to her.

That was the second thing Y/N noticed.

Louis stayed back, clearly trying to behave. Liam asked questions in a low voice-practical ones. Niall smiled at Darcy like he was already a little bit gone.

And Zayn stepped forward again.

"Is it alright?" he asked Y/N gently, nodding toward Darcy.

Y/N smiled. "Yeah, of course."

Zayn moved slowly, naturally, like this wasn't new territory at all. When Darcy shifted, he adjusted instinctively, one hand supporting her head, the other steady at her back.

"She's warm," he said quietly. "That's good."

Darcy settled almost immediately.
Harry watched from across the room, something in his chest loosening.

"You're... good at that," he said.

Zayn shrugged slightly. "Babies just want to feel steady."

Louis squinted. "Why does she like him?"

"Because he's calm," Y/N said.

Louis sighed. "Unfair advantage."

Later, when things finally slowed, Y/N leaned against Harry's shoulder, Darcy asleep between them.

"You okay?" she asked quietly.

He nodded. Then shook his head. "I didn't realize it would feel like this."

"Like what?"

"Like I left part of myself at home. Even if it was only a few hours."

Y/N smiled softly. "That doesn't go away."

He kissed her hair, fingers tracing slow circles on her arm. "You look really good today."

She raised a brow. "Because I showered?"

"Yes," he said immediately. "Huge fan."

She laughed, leaning closer. "You missed us."

"So much," he admitted.

Darcy shifted, then settled again.
Harry closed his eyes for a moment, grounding himself in the weight of both of them.

Two weeks in.

Tired. In love. Slightly overwhelmed.

And somehow-exactly where he was meant to be.