It was too soon.
And besides, he almost never brought anyone special to any of these events.
"You get that, right?" he whispered against your hair, fingers scratching lightly at the exposed skin of shoulder as he held you close in bed.
For anyone else, the two-year mark almost guaranteed attendance at your partner's work events, but Harry's situation meant you all played by a different set of rules.
"I get it," you said, even though deep down a part of you felt hurt by his continued refusal to bring you into all facets of his life. You knew it came from a place of well-meaning, but that didn't make it sting any less. You counted the freckles on his chest to distract yourself from the frustration brewing inside.
"I'm not happy about it," Harry said somewhat forcefully. "If I could have you there I would."
"And you can. You're just choosing not to." His hand stopped mid-scratch and you could feel him suck in a breath. "That was a low blow. I'm sorry."
"You're just being honest," he said. It was clear he was trying not to snap back at you.
"No, I'm being petty and unfair." You twisted and propped yourself up on your elbow to look him in the eye. "I know why you're like this. It all comes from a place of love but sometimes I just want to celebrate my boyfriend. I want to support you."
"And you do, love. Just because our situation isn't traditional doesn't mean it's wrong or bad."
You looked down at him. His eyes were clear, if a little tired, and you could see a faint puffiness under his eyes. He'd been working so hard recently, squeezing rehearsals, wardrobe fittings, and writing sessions in between shows. It was cruel to take out your anger on him when he hadn't done anything wrong. You knew what you were in store for when you started dating and understood that this would always be part of your relationship. You ran your hands through his hair, gently scratching at his scalp. "You're right," you said. "What we have is pretty damn great." You planted a kiss on his lips. "Now how about we go to bed. I'm a little tired and I think you are too."
Harry sighed. "I am. And I have to be up in..." He squinted, looking at the clock on your nightstand. "...five hours. Fuck."
"Don't think about it. Just go to sleep." You rolled over and turned off the light, hoping to force him into getting at least a couple of hours of rest. "Goodnight, H."
Within minutes you were listening to the sound of his quiet snores as your mind continued to swirl with thoughts of what it would be like to share just one celebratory moment with him.
***
Sunday afternoon and you were still in your sweats while the man of the hour was being helped into a sparkly patchwork jumpsuit.
You'd offered to step out and grab lunch with a girlfriend to give him some space, but he'd been insistent that you stay near. Which meant you'd been orbiting him and his team all day, sitting far enough away that you wouldn't be in the way as Jeff came in and out of the room with updates and Lambert helped with last-minute fittings, but remaining close enough that you could see Harry when he went looking for reassurance.
You bounced between your book and phone, reading a few pages before responding to messages from Anne and Gemma, giving them the play-by-play and glimpses behind the scenes they so desperately wanted, until you felt someone tap your shoulder. Looking up, you saw Harry.
The room had cleared out, leaving the two of you with a moment of privacy for the first time all day. Harry pulled you into his chest, holding you tight.
