The Fight of Ambivalence ~ Harry Styles

17 - Second Opinion

Being smitten is something that Sheila is not used to. Even if she was, being smitten and keeping to herself would still be strange. She's trying so hard not to be completely consumed by Harry, but these last few weeks have been a dream.

Their personalities are different enough that they don't get tired of each other, but similar enough that they understand each other. They're both hard working, patient, and diligent. They value and treasure the time they have to relax and just be.

She loves going over to Harry's house, she's so comfortable there now. She knows where he keeps all his dishes and has memorized all the drawers in his dresser. Their relationship is so simple, she'll just hang out while he does laundry or they work together or make a craft.

They still have to hide at school which certainly presents some challenges, but she enjoys that time too. She loves to hear him talk about things he's passionate about even if she does tease him for it sometimes. She loves that she can do that. She loves that they've gotten comfortable enough that they can joke with each other.

On Tuesday Harry calls her into his office after class for a meeting. He actually scheduled it with her before they even got together. He wanted to make sure that they touched base every once in a while to ensure his tutoring was helpful. It certainly was at a time, but it's become more of an excuse to be together at this point so she's not exactly sure how this review is going to go.

"So darling we need to discuss your grades in this course," Harry starts, feigning professionalism as he sits in his office chair. He has a stern look on his face and his hands folded on top of his desk.

"What ever could this be about, professor?" She asks, batting her eyelashes.

"I think we should discontinue your study sessions. You seem to be making a lot of progress at home," he says suggestively with a smirk.

This kind of banter is a new development as of the last week or so. She feels like they might be at the edge of a metaphorical cliff, close to tipping over, but not quite ready to fall yet. It's exciting and a bit torturous, but she can play the game as well as he can, so she does. She wonders which one of them is going to break first.

She rolls her eyes and asks, "How long have you been planning on saying that?"

He shrugs and replies, "Just since the weekend."

She gets up and moves so she can stand next to him. She leans back against his desk, crosses her arms over her chest and says, "That's fine, I can figure it out alone. Without your help."

He scoffs and reaches a hand out to thumb at her waist under her sweater. "But I think it would be much more fun to work things out together," he says.

"Too bad you're no longer available," she sighs and looks away from him.

"Now I didn't say that," he says, using his hand on her waist to pull himself closer to her. "I just think we can take care of things at the home office instead."

"Is that so?" She asks.

"If you're interested," he says, raising one shoulder.

"I'll think about it," she says, pushing off his desk and returning to the seat across from it.

"Hey," he pouts, "Come back here."

"We're at school H," she scolds him. "Behave."

"I always do," he says, rolling his eyes and huffing.

"I know," she smirks, kicking up her feet and crossing her legs on top of his desk. "Usually you're the one that has to remind me."

Harry laughs and flushes a little, saying, "Well, I wanted to let loose. It is almost the weekend."