FLICKER (h.s. au)

5.

Five

Emery Rivera

I awoke to the jarring sensation and sound of my phone vibrating vigorously on the mattress beside my head. A small hand slapped my face repeatedly. Luna's awake. I stretched my arms out, not wanting to leave the mattress.

This is quite possibly the best sleep I've ever had.

My raggedy mattress doesn't even compare to this cloud of a mattress. I turned my head to the side, Luna was facing me with her hand still resting on my face.

"Good morning, bug," I groaned, my voice gravelly from sleep. She responded with a soft hum, her pacifier bobbing in her mouth. "Let's go get dressed, sweetheart. We've already overstayed our welcome." Summoning the strength to rise, I shrugged off the duvet, shivering as the cold air greeted me.

After brushing our teeth and changing Luna's diaper and clothes- thank goodness I always overpack her diaper bag, I opened the bedroom door.

The sound of music filled my ears and the smell of food once again invaded our nostrils. Luna held onto my hand as we walked through the hallway, getting closer and closer to the sound of music blaring along with the clattering of pans and utensils.

Harry stood at the stove once again. His sweatpants were hanging lowly on his hips, the band of his boxer briefs on display. His shirt was non-existent. Harry was cooking breakfast half naked, and I found it impossible to divert my gaze from him.

"Haa-rry," Luna chimed, removing her pacifier and releasing my hand as she toddled towards him. Harry startled at the sound of her voice, his head snapping in our direction before settling his attention on the little girl making her way towards him.

As Luna reached him, she tugged on his sweats, raising her arms in the universal gesture for "pick me up." I observed with curiosity as I gradually approached them. Harry didn't strike me as someone particularly experienced with children, but I couldn't resist the urge to see how he would react.

Harry's eyes shifted to mine and then back at the little girl and then back to me, completely unsure of what to do. Eventually, he bent down, gently scooping Luna into his arms while deftly continuing to cook with his free hand.

What a sight to see.

Harry Styles, shirtless, holding my daughter, cooking us breakfast.

"Sorry, I didn't expect you guys to be up so early... I would have been more..." Harry's eyes glanced downward, acknowledging his exposed chest. "...clothed," he mumbled, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks.

"It's okay, Harry. I thought we should get out of your way. We've already imposed for too long," I assured him, appreciating his concern. "Besides, this is your home. You're allowed to dress however you want."

Harry swayed his body with the music, bouncing Luna on his arm. She slapped her hands against his chest happily. Harry seemed to be a natural with her.

"Here, I'll take her," I offered, extending my hands towards Luna with a warm smile. "And you really didn't have to cook for us." Standing beside Harry, I stole a glance at the pan. The eggs and bacon were cooked to perfection.

"You're my guests, Emery. Cooking for you guys is the least I can do. I hope you both enjoy eggs and bacon. I don't usually eat it myself, but I always keep some stocked just in case," he explained, skillfully transferring the food onto plates before retrieving his own breakfast items from the fridge.

Luna and I settled at the counter, and Harry placed the plates in front of us. He also added a slice of toast to each plate before arranging his own food on his plate.