in the ring / harry styles

33- After

I blinked, adjusting to the light that had filled the room, feeling the weight of Harry's arm draped over me. His breathing was steady, deep, like he hadn't stirred all night. I shifted slightly, careful not to wake him, but his grip tightened, pulling me closer without a word, his arm a solid, protective weight around me. 

"You trying to sneak off?" His voice was low, gravelly with sleep, a hint of something amused.

I looked over my shoulder, catching the faint smirk tugging at his lips, his eyes still heavy-lidded but focused on me. "I didn't want to wake you," I replied softly, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks as his eyes traveled over my face, lingering as though he was trying to memorize every detail.

His eyes cracked open, just enough to meet mine, and he let out a low chuckle, stretching his arm across the pillow behind me. "I've been awake," he said.  "I love you."

My heart jumped at the words, spilling over with a thrill that lit me from the inside out. He'd said it last night, but hearing it again, in the clear morning light, made it real all over again. I felt a smile stretch across my face, unable to hold back the laughter that bubbled up. His eyes sparkled as he watched me, grinning like he was savoring every second of my reaction.

His grin grew wider, his hand coming up to gently brush a strand of hair from my face. "I love you," he said again, his voice deeper, more certain, as though saying it once wasn't nearly enough. "Actually, Lucy, I really really love you."

My smile widened, but before I could respond, he raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. His fingers found my side, hovering playfully, and he leaned in, his grin turning almost devilish. "Say it back," he teased, his voice dropping to a playful growl as his fingers poked my side, sending a ticklish shock through me.

I squirmed, trying to wiggle away, but his fingers danced across my ribs, relentless. "Harry—stop!" I managed between gasps of laughter.

But he only raised his eyebrows, undeterred. "Oh no, not until you say it back. Say it," he insisted, his tone teasing but his eyes filled with warmth, crinkling at the edges as he watched me laugh. His hands moved faster, tickling my sides mercilessly, and I felt my laughter spill over uncontrollably, each giggle mingling with his deep, rumbling chuckle.

"Okay, okay!" I gasped, trying to catch my breath. "I love you! I love you!"

He laughed, his face lighting up, his eyes flashing with that familiar, playful spark. "Good answer," he murmured, his hands stilling as he leaned down, pressing his forehead to mine. "But say it again," he whispered, his voice softer now, his smile fading into something more serious, something deeper. "I want to hear it again."

I held his gaze, feeling the steady warmth radiating from him, the weight of his hand on my cheek, grounding me in this moment. My heart swelled, and I brushed my fingers through his hair, feeling his soft curls under my fingertips. "I love you," I whispered, letting each word fill the quiet space between us. "I love you, Harry."

His face softened, a look of pure, unfiltered joy breaking over him, and he kissed me again, slower this time, his lips brushing over mine with a tenderness that left me breathless. His hands slipped around me, pulling me close, and I melted into him, feeling the morning light warm us both as we held each other close.

"You better get used to saying it," he murmured, his voice low and certain, his arms wrapping around me like a promise. "Because I'm going to keep saying it. Over and over, Lucy."

"Good," I whispered, a grin tugging at my lips as I tucked my head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my cheek. "Because I'm planning on saying it right back."