Battleship: A New Year’s Eve Story
Pairing: Harry & Reader Insert (first person)
Rating: SMUT
Word Count: 4348
Inspired by: New Year’s Eve 2021
Our flight out of London had been late, which is how Harry and I find ourselves practically running through Newark Liberty Airport, our carry-on bags banging against our backs.
“I really need to buy a backpack for these frantic airport jogs,” I pant, my breaths hampered further by the required face masks. “Or maybe you shouldn’t book us events on two different continents for the same day.”
His eyes crinkle as we arrive at the hired car, and I know he’s grinning behind the mask. “We get to celebrate the new year twice, love. What could be better than that?”
“How about not being late to Harris’ party tonight?”
Before we’re buckled in, the driver is steering through the holiday traffic. Flights had been canceled all over, so I knew we were lucky that ours had taken off as planned – even though it was over 90 minutes late.
“Being late is fashionable,” Harry coaxes, trying to cajole me out of my bad mood.
“I hate being late. It’s rude.”
“Love, there’s nothing we could have done differently.” He takes my hand, rubbing his thumb over my palm gently.
As usual, I melt. My boyfriend is nothing but accommodating to everyone, and he really had done his best to keep our holiday plans to a minimum. “You’re right, my darling,” I sigh, wishing we could remove our masks and share a kiss right then, but rules are rules, and hired cars in the US fall under federal guidelines. With a deep breath, I plan our future movements just as we enter Holland Tunnel – which is, of course, always backed up. “Okay, as soon as we get to the condo, we need to start getting dressed. Ryan left my dress hanging on the back of the bedroom closet door, and your suit should be there too. I’m going to have to forgo a fancy hairdo tonight. Perhaps a sleek high ponytail?” Smoothing my hand over my straight hair, I regret not curling it earlier – not that it would have survived the 8 hour flight from London.