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Mibba

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Teach Me How To Kiss (1D AU)

**I Think I'm Ready

I was on my way out the door from having that uncomfortable conversation with Brenda. I respected her opinion, but in the end, what Brynn had to say was of more value. I felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket, I thought maybe Brynn had found out I was in town already...but it was an unknown number...not again.

"Hello, who's this?"

"Hi Mr. Styles. It's Alexis. How are you?"

I sighed. "I'm fine...what can I help you with?"

"I was wondering when you were coming back to Long Beach. We need more good professors like you around here."

Ugh. So awkward. "I appreciate that Alexis. Do you have any IMPORTANT questions for me?"

"Yes...Who's Brynn? Is she another cousin of yours?"

What. The. Fuck. How does she know any- "Listen Alexis, I've tried not to be rude, but this is getting a too uncomfortable for me. I've politely reminded you to call me with any questions regarding your CLASSES, but I prefer if you sought your own professor from now on."

"I was just trying to be friendly!" And she hung up.

That was even weirder than my conversation with Brynn's mom, but hopefully now my point finally got across. Still, how did she know about Brynn?

I had previously asked Zayn when Brynn normally took her break so I could surprise her around that time. I returned to the restaurant and chatted up with him and Chaz, the other bartender, as I waited.

"Can I get anything for you, Sir?" asked one of the waitresses.

"Umm...I'll tell you what, can you tell the chef to personally bring me her best slice of chocolate cake?" I replied.

"I will tell her right away, Sir."

I continued my conversation with Zayn, "So how's Elizabeth?"

"She's doing good, man. She's due to have our baby boy in a few months. Number 3. I honestly couldn't be happier!" he exclaimed and I believed him.

"Honestly, what's it like being married?"

"I was the single guy for a long time and didn’t even date much. But I was ready to settle down, to love and come home to the same woman; wonderful mother of my children. It's the best thing you've been missing out on." Zayn finished.

"Oh don't tell me that...that’s how I've been feeling. I think I'm ready."

"So you KNOW I'm bound to ask, what makes you THINK you're ready?"

"Because...I found my wife."

"That, my man, is the RIGHT answer," Zayn smiled and shook my hand for good luck.

The kitchen door swung open with an annoyed little chef. I covered my mouth to keep from smiling so evidently. I guess the waitress didn't know I was Brynn's boyfriend. When her head turned to face the bar, her scowl transformed into a grin. She didn't care that she was at work, she ran straight into my arms.

"I love that you’re here! This is the best surprise," she said over my ear as I lifted her slightly off the ground.

"I wanted to spend time with you, I missed you. I did have to take care of a few things and unfortunately need to head back tomorrow, but I hope I can see you after work?"

"I have a few hours here but do you want to wait for me at the loft? Let me get my keys..." she wandered off in search of them.

"Will you be popping the question anytime soon?" Zayn interrupted.

"I would right now if I knew she'd say yes...but I'm giving US some time."

Brynn came back and gave me her spare key, but she had to get back to work; the restaurant was pretty full. She looked so happy to see me, holding my hand like she didn't want me to leave. I spent the next few hours waiting at her place, with plenty of time for crucial decision making.

I tried to relax, drank 2 glasses of wine even. Still I was pacing around, scratching my head, worried and anxious. It would be so easy to make a decision on my own, besides Brynn and I were technically 'starting over' meaning the relationship was in the beginning phase. But not for me.

I had left my previous bag of clothes at Brynn's place to gradually start my collection each time I stayed over. Knowing that, I took a shower to see if that would help ease my mind. Standing under the shower head, letting the water hit my shoulders, my mind wouldn’t shut off.

I must've been falling asleep while leaning against the wall, because I jumped startled by two little hands touching my back.

"Baby..." I mumbled as I turned to see Brynn and her smile.

She spoke softly, "Louis called me a little after you left...What you did was amazing."

I just smiled back. I didn't deserve any credit, my cousin was the one that had gotten hurt and I couldn't take that away. But the fact that everyone was finally happy and not alone, was reason enough to smile.

"I love you. And if that had been you..." I clenched my jaw.

Her smile widened and her small arms just pulled me closer as she laid her head on my chest. I had almost forgotten that we were completely naked in the shower and for the first time I didn't have sex on my mind. It was time for us to have our 'talk', but the moment felt so good to just be in each other's arms under the hot water and steam; a few minutes more could be spared.

The sight of Brynn's nude figure was becoming too distracting but I managed to tame my thoughts; what I had to discuss couldn't wait any longer. Unfortunately as my luck would have it, she wanted the more affectionate side of Harry.

She took her time towel drying herself, smoothing lotion over her arms and legs, then asking for help with her back. Big mistake. I was trying to imagine ugly grotesque things to keep from over-engaging. And finally, I spit it out...

"Brynn, we need to talk."

Her face froze, like she had seen death or something. She slowly picked up her towel to wrap herself in it and prepare for the worst.

"Not to worry, sweetie. It's a good talk, about us and where our relationship is headed," I reassured her.
She looked at me skeptically but not as intense like a minute ago.

"Let’s get dressed and have a glass of wine in the den?"

"Okay, I'll be a few minutes then," she said in a flat tone.

"Hey!" I walked right in front of her about to kiss her forehead, "You have absolutely nothing to worry about."

She half smiled, accepting my kiss before walking out of the bathroom. I held my face in the towel, exhaling and preparing myself for what was to come. I was over-stressing, I knew that, but I couldn't risk losing her by any means.

A couple of minutes had passed and I had finished zipping up my jeans, about to scavenge for a shirt in my bag. Suddenly Brynn walked through the door with a surprise in her hands.

"I bought these for you," she said sweetly.

It was a nice new pair of black sweat pants and a hoodie. It was perfect and just what I needed. I changed right in front of her which didn't cause her to blush this time surprisingly, but I was still too hot and nervous to put a shirt on at the moment.

"Thanks, babe, it’s perfect."

I followed her into the kitchen, she was already dressed in these pink cotton shorts with her own light hoodie. We got the wine and comfortably sat on the couch beside each other. Now that I had her attention, I didn't know where to start.

"May I ask… what does your mom think of me?" I started.

"She loves you!"

"Are you sure about that?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

"I was just curious to know your thoughts...okay, I have another question for you...where do you see yourself in the next couple of years?"

"Well...I envision my own bakery some day, but that might take more than 5 to 10 years."

"Why? What's stopping you?" I asked. This was life determining.

"Well for one thing, the money, and I'm working on my associates degree. Once I finish that and start saving, or try getting a loan...then my vision for the bakery won't be so far away."

"Here in Beverly Hills?"

"I don't think it would matter, but this is the only place I know; it's where my family is," she explained.
I bowed my head as I thought some more; taking her away from her family would never be my intention. Then Brynn slid closer to me and placed her hand in mine.

"What's this about, Harry?"

I grunted and spoke, "I've just been beating my head trying to figure things out. I don't want to be away from you any more. I mean I know that we can get through this part, but its so hard when all I want to do is see you everyday and have a normal relationship...for once."

"But you know I understand right? We both are aware of all our commitments, from our degrees and jobs...as long as we don't let that drive us apart. We can put forth the effort to make this relationship work." she sounded so confident.

"Brynn, can I be honest..." I placed my glass on the coffee table, slid my knees to the floor so I could place my arms on her lap. "I love you so much...it scares me now. I'm willing to put my career on hold so we could work something out to be closer. I can move out here and-".

"No, Harry. I'm not going to let you do that. You are going on that trip!"

"Wait, how did you know about that?"

"Zayn told me. And don't be mad at him for telling me. He felt it was important that I know, just in case."
"In case of what?"

"In case you decided not to go and not tell me, so that I wouldn't feel bad."

"Brynn...I just want to be with you," I sighed.

"I know. And I want to be with you too but we just have to accept its going to be difficult for a while longer... Listen, we've got this!"

"We've got this?"

"Unless you think it’ll never be the right timing for us?"

"Did Zayn...mention anything else?"

"No just that, why?"

"Just wondering, so next time I don't say so much," I grinned.

I laid my head in her lap, so relieved that we were on the same page and that things were going to work out for us finally.

"Babe, this will be the last trip. I promise. I'm looking into a few things on this side of town."

"I'll follow you anywhere, Harry."

Her last words blew me away.




I felt kind of like a douche bag for leaving, AGAIN. But these trips offered so much experience for my profession. I left with the team that following week, but the good news was I'd be able to talk to Brynn every day, whenever I wanted.

Without thinking twice, I had bought Brynn a going away present. I got her a small iPad, so I could see her every day. Her response was sweet.

"You don't give someone a going away present if YOU'RE the one going away, silly!"

I laughed. But she did love her gift. And so far I've been able to chat with her five times and watch her adorable face. The cutest thing she told me, on our first FaceTime, was that she could still see my dimples even if I was a thousand miles away. I recall her making me blush; that was very hard to do.

On our next chat, I got to show her around the boat and introduce her to a great part of the team, including David Gruber himself; a real great guy who made me look way better in front of her than I was expecting. Because of the time difference, I'd try to catch her before bed. I was jealous of the space around her, she looked so beautiful just laying in bed. I wanted to physically be there; watch her sleep and touch her.

The first month seemed bearable, some days harder than others. Some nights she refused to log off and would place the iPad on her night stand so I could watch her struggle to stay awake. I never told her that when shed finally fall asleep I'd keep staring at her. I'd hold my tablet like it were a picture frame of her, and screen shot every conversation.

Several nights I'd stay up long hours just to go on a webcam date with my girl. It was usually when she got out of her classes and had a couple of hours before work in the evening. She'd either be comfy on her couch or in some coffee shop. Technology was the best thing that could've happened to our relationship.

In the mean time, I continued to send out those emails and make the calls in hopes of any opportunity; I didn't want to return back to Seattle. And one day it happened. I got a response from the University of California in San Diego. They offered to sponsor my tuition for my PH.D in Marine Biology at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, along with the position of Assistant Professor for the Biology Science course.

It was too good to be true.

Notes

The struggle is real.

Comments

Hi, I just finished reading this story and I thinks it's amaze balls!!! But please dont tell me it's finish and ur not gonna carry on.. Coz I really need to know what's gonna happen next. Coz u left us on a cliff hanger!!
I love the story!! plzz update if u can

This is one of the most amazing stories I've ever read. I hope you come back to update soon. Thanks for sharing!

OMG!!!!!! Please update soon the suspence is killing me !!!!!!

leah dugas leah dugas
5/22/15

Oooh NO! Harry! Brynn! Hope they're both okay! Can't wait to read more!

Nooooooooooo Harrrrrryyyyyyyy!!!!!!! Please don't die :,(