Wednesday was having a good day. Her makeup had gone well, and she'd miraculously liked every single item of clothing she'd bought in an online order a few days before that had arrived that morning. The weather was sunny and cool, the type that is refreshingly enjoyable, and she'd picked up an iced latte and a pastry on her walk to therapy.

In fact, most days were good for Wednesday now. Even on the days where the sadness crept in, settling in her bones, it felt only fleeting. Maybe it was because of that honeymoon stage in hers and Harry's non-relationship relationship, making everything seem rose tinted.

Whatever the cause, she felt the best she had for years.

Though, the constant sex was definitely a factor.

Even her playlists had turned sickeningly happy. At the start of the year, she'd been best friends with the 'sad boi hours' playlist she'd found on spotify, and even better friends with the 'crying myself to sleep' one. Now, she was exclusively listening to one called 'happy vibes only', having no more time for sad songs.

As she arrived at the door to the building she was now extremely familiar with, she stepped inside and found her way to the lifts, going up to the correct floor. It wasn't long after sitting down that Sade called her in and she sat down onto the couch, shrugging off her jacket.

"You look happy today," Sade observed with a curious expression.

"Do I?" Wednesday said.

Sade opened up her notepad, nodding as she smiled. "It's just in your energy."

"Oh," was all Wednesday could say. She internally debated whether to tell her about the pretty massive development in her life since the last time she'd seen her. It was mad, how much could happen in the space of a few weeks. "Well actually, it's because something has happened."

"Really?" Sade asked, looking up with her brows raised. "What is it?"

Wednesday chewed on her cheek as her hands fiddled in her lap nervously.

"I, um...you know how I told you that I was going to malibu...with my best friend?"

"The one you have feelings for, yes."

Wednesday could already feel her face heating up, hearing how awkward she sounded saying it out loud. "Well, we—I...something happened on the trip. And, um...and now we're a thing. Sort of."

Sade's brows furrowed. "Sort of?"

"We, uh...we haven't had that conversation yet. About what 'this' is," she said, using air quotations.

"Ah," Sade said, a small smile coming up onto her lips. "Well, at least we've found our new starting point for today."

Wednesday would have thought she was joking had she not opened the notepad to a new page and got settled into her chair. The moment that serious, but comforting expression came onto her face, Wednesday knew she was in for the questioning of her life.

"So, how did it happen?"

She looked back at Sade, unsure of how to ask the question.

"Well, I mean, we started kissing and then he—"

"No," Sade said quickly, holding her hand up with a slight amused smile. "No, not how that happened. I meant how did you get into the situation in the first place. The last time we met, you said you were planning to tell him how you felt. Is that what happened?"

"Not exactly," Wednesday answered, looking over at the plants as she thought over what she wanted to say. "I was planning to tell him after the trip. But on one of the days, we spent a lot of time with each other and at the end of the day, one thing just led to another."

Sade nodded in understanding. "Who made the first move?"

"Me," Wednesday answered shyly, clearing her throat.

At that, an impressed expression appeared on Sade's face.

"You made the first move? I have to say, I'm impressed. That's great progress Wednesday."

She smiled, feeling like a kid who just got a gold star from the teacher.

"Thanks."

"And can we now rationally say that all of the worries and pre-existing ideas you had about him not liking you back romantically, stemmed from your core belief?"

In hindsight, that was obvious. But it had been a fear so deep rooted and woven into her mind, that even the knowledge about her own beliefs hadn't been able to break that one.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Good," Sade nodded, writing something down into her notepad. "Back to what you were saying, about not having the conversation regarding your relationship status. Is this a conversation you think you will have soon?"

Wednesday truthfully didn't know. It felt like it was leading there, like they were building up to something more. After all, they'd now been on an official date and it hadn't completely destroyed whatever was between them—that had to be a good sign, right?

But it wasn't like she had a date marked on the calendar to do so. Even though it had been three weeks now, it still felt almost too premature for the discussion. It was fun, to exist in this period of not knowing what they were and not caring. She didn't want to rush into anything and potentially risk all the progress they'd made.

"I imagine so," Wednesday nodded, giving her the shortened version. "It's not like we're avoiding it, but it's just been nice to get used to being more than best friends for the time being."

Sade looked down to her notes, clasping her hands together.

"Wednesday, I'm happy that this new relationship has worked out for you. And that it seems to be providing you with a great sense of joy. But I would just advise caution too."

Wednesday's brows furrowed as she looked over at her. Advise caution?

"About what?"

Sade smiled gently. "About the position you're currently in. Pursuing a romantic relationship with your best friend, who also happens to be your boss. Especially considering the role he has played in your own issues."

"But," Wednesday said, shaking her head. "Those issues weren't his fault. They were mine. He didn't make me think that I was worthless or unlovable. That was my own brain, for whatever weird reason it decided to do that. In fact, all he's ever shown me is respect and honesty. I don't feel like it's fair to pin the blame on him."

"I'm not trying to pin the blame on him, Wednesday," Sade assured. "I have no doubt in my mind that he cares for you a lot and wants to see you happy. But what I'm saying is, we can't ignore the role he inadvertently played in the development of your self-image problems. Especially in the career you said he is in, where he receives a great deal of scrutiny."

Wednesday bit her lip, unable to stop her fingers now picking at the skin as she listened to what was being said.

She wished it didn't make sense, but it did. Harry had played a pivotal role in her life. And whether she liked to admit it or not, he'd inadvertently played a role in the development of her own self-image issues too.

"So, what are you saying?" Wednesday asked quietly, not looking up. There was a gross feeling of anxiety swirling around her tummy now at whatever the answer was going to be.

"I'm saying that I think having that conversation, to decide what you are and determine exactly where you're going, will need to come sooner rather than later. If to prevent any regression in your progress more than anything. Then, whatever comes later, you can be confident in the knowledge that you're on the same page and united in your wants."

Sade was so wise. She could explain solutions and give simple, clear answers to questions that Wednesday would just get too in her own head about. It was like she was a real-life Gandalf, except prettier and dressed much better.

"That makes sense," Wednesday said quietly, her previously happy spirit now feeling a bit dampened by the turn of conversation.

Sade sat forward, hearing the change in her tone.

"I promise I'm not suggesting that this relationship isn't the best for you, or that I think it would be better for you to not continue it. In fact, it's the opposite. I want you to feel mentally strong enough and capable of being in it, so that when you're faced with moments that trigger your self-image issues, you have the tools to not let it affect you negatively."

Wednesday looked up, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. Her fingers were starting to become sore from the picking she'd been doing during this talk, but she nodded in understanding.

She was only looking out for her. After all, she was the only person who knew the true extent of Wednesday's issues and the impact it had had on her life thus far. If she wasn't there to advise and caution her on the choices she made, what was she paying her for after all?

It was hardly for the anxiety inducing chats.

When the session ended later, after more discussion of how to handle her negative thoughts, the therapy hangover hit hard. And she needed something to boost her spirits.

Pressing call and lifting the phone to her ear, she listened to the dial tone.

"Hello?" Harry answered after the 3rd ring.

"Hi, it's me," she said, biting her lip. "I was just wondering if you had a break soon, we could meet up for a quick coffee?"

"I'm really sorry, but I can't at the minute," he said apologetically. "It's all go today. Really hectic."

She felt herself deflate as she looked to the pavement, trying to ignore the loud central London traffic.

"Okay, just thought I'd check if you were free," she replied quietly, thinking of what other options she had to pass the time before going home. "I'll see you later back at mine."

"Wait, Wednesday," Harry said quickly, and she stopped herself from putting the phone down.

"Yeah?"

She heard people moving around him, muffling in the background.

"You're more than welcome to pop in here if you want. Can't promise you it will be much fun, but you'll get to see some of the tour outfits."

A smile grew on her face as she nodded, before remembering he couldn't see her.

"That sounds good. Are you sure I won't be distracting you?"

He breathed out a laugh. "Of course not. But can I ask a favour though?"

"Yeah, anything?" she replied.

"Can you grab some coffees to bring for me and the others please?" he asked.

She smiled down the receiver. "Of course. Black americano, no sweetener?"

"Of course."

Wednesday arrived at his secret little studio half an hour later. It was situated on a back street, just west of the centre and was the place most of his fittings got done. There was also an incredibly large storage facility in there to keep all of his outfits in mint condition, stretching all the way back to the band days.

It was like a loft, with hardwood floors and oak panels on the walls. Mirrors were situated all around and there was a platform, so that stylist Harry and his team could patch up any suits or outfits properly.

She punched in the code, struggling to carry all of the drinks in hand and nearly scolding herself when the coffee began to tip. But she made it, walking up the stairs to see the busy room come into view.

Harry was stood on the platform, currently in boxers and a tee. Stylist Harry was flicking through the large rail of tagged clothes, finding the next outfit for him to try. His assistants were hanging up the last outfits, taking photos and making notes of adjustments. Harry's personal assistant was showing Jeff the outfits via facetime, seemingly for added approval.

It was chaos, fashion induced chaos. His favourite type.

"Hi," Wednesday said hesitantly, feeling like she was definitely in the way.

Before going in, she had to remind herself that her and Harry weren't public yet to anyone other than Zara. It felt so second nature to her now, to greet him with a kiss, that she had to physically remind herself she couldn't do that for the time being.

"Hi," Harry said, turning around with a smile, his hands on his hips as he waited for whatever outfit he was going to be given next.

The rest of the people in the room turned to say hi too and as she put her bag down, she carried the tray of drinks to the table in the corner.

"Here's some coffees to keep you all going. It seems like you need them too, it's manic up here."

"Tell me about it," stylist Harry said from the rail, shooting her a warm smile. "6 designs need readjustments, 17 are fine and 9 others need the hem lengthened. With only a week to go. Yay me."

"Harry's already threatened to quit and run away to the country around five times now," Harry grinned, looking back at him as the assistants laughed.

Walking towards the coffee, stylist Harry laughed and picked up his from the pile. Taking a long drink, he moaned satisfactorily.

"You're a lifesaver, you know that?" he said to Wednesday, shooting her a grateful smile.

"Well, it's hardly like I'm busy anymore," she said, taking a seat on the sofa that was half covered in a pile of sequinned clothes.

"Ah yes, you get to escape the madness of tour life this time around, don't you?" he said, pursing his lips in feigned jealousy.

She laughed, sitting back. "Only for a little bit."

He turned with raised brows. "Well between me and you, I hope you come back sooner rather than later. You're much easier and less fussy to dress than your replacement."

Harry turned on the podium, trying to fight a smile. "Hey, come on now. He isn't that bad."

"If that's the case, you can adjust his inseam every time he complains it's too tight when he's sat down then," stylist Harry quipped back, pointing the large fabric scissors in his hand at Harry, making him shut his mouth instantly and turn back around.

"I'm going to miss this when you all go on the road," Wednesday said, leaning her head onto her hand as she watched one of the assistants give Harry his next outfit to try.

"What? The behind the stage meltdowns and sweaty tour bus?" stylist Harry quipped.

"Those buses aren't too sweaty," she replied with a grin.

"They hardly smell like fucking daisies."

"Well, I'm sorry. I'll ring Jeff now and have him request that you get your own bus this time around, complete with a jacuzzi and sauna," Harry said from the podium, his words dripping in sarcasm.

"Sounds perfect," stylist Harry replied, doing the buttons up on the shirt he'd just put on, smiling sarcastically back at him. "I'll make sure that's a clause in my next contract."

Wednesday watched their back and forth amusedly as the assistants in the room laughed along. This was what she missed the most about the job—the people. Being up in front of the crowd and seeing all the faces of the people there to enjoy the music was exhilarating and rewarding. But to her, the job was all about the people behind the scenes. Making everything work and run smoothly, from the lighting to the sound engineers to the caterers.

It was a tacky cliché but true; they really did become a family on the road last time.

She watched silently as he tried on multiple more outfits, each just as glamorous as the last. For each one, stylist Harry would turn to her and ask for her opinion, stating they he knew she'd tell the truth.

And she did. If it seemed too short, she would say. If it didn't sit right in certain places, she would flag it up. And if it looked incredible and needed zero work done, she would say that too.

They all took a small break after trying on more outfits than they could deal with, letting everyone go off for some late lunch. Harry, now dressed back into his normal clothes, nodded towards the door.

"Fancy grabbing something to go from the café round the corner?" he asked her, hands shoved into his pockets.

She nodded, putting her jacket back on and following him down the stairs, into the outside.

"How was therapy this morning?" he asked with a concerned expression, as soon as they were away from other people.

It wasn't widespread knowledge that she attended therapy. After all, why did it need to be? The only people that knew were their families, or close friends. She smiled, realising he'd been holding off on asking until they were alone.

She forced a smile, sighing tiredly. "Same as always. Insightful, but draining."

Knowing no-one was around, his hand left his pocket and found hers, squeezing comfortingly for a second before placing it back just as quickly. The moment was fleeting, but it meant everything.

She knew what Sade had said was true. They'd need to have the conversation about what they were soon. But with tour and all the promo he was doing for the album outside of it, she didn't want to give him another thing to worry over.

When his life was a bit less crazy, less stressful, then she'd bring it up to him.

But right now, she enjoyed his company and enjoyed where they were at. After all, Sade's words had only been advice—she'd hardly been setting her a deadline.

"She did say I looked a lot happier though," Wednesday added as they walked round the corner, smiling over at him.

"Did she?" he asked, smiling himself.

"Yeah. Said she could feel it in my 'energy'. I guess that's a good sign, isn't it?"

He nodded. "I think so."

They grabbed some food from the café, returning back to the studio.

He sat down on the floor in front of her, both of them eating. But she couldn't stop her mind from going over Sade's words, the concern she'd had about whatever was happening between them. It was easy, when she was taking a break from work, to forget that he was her colleague, her boss too.

The thing she'd gotten angry at him for doing all those months ago, sleeping with an employee, was now the situation she found herself in. Something about that parallel made her uneasy.

"What's up?"

She looked up, knocked from her trance to see Harry staring at her, his brows furrowed.

"Me?"

"Yeah. You looked like you were thinking about something," he said, taking a sip of his drink.

"Oh. Yeah. It's just the therapy, I think. Leaves my mind feeling a bit fuzzy after," she explained.

He accepted her explanation, a small caring smile coming up onto his face before looking back down to his food.

The others came back shortly after and work was resumed once more.

But as Wednesday sat on the floor, watching them work, the anxiety she'd tried to hold at bay crept in again.

What was worse—she couldn't pinpoint the cause.

/

okay firstly I forgot to say last update but I hit 100k reads and WHAAAT?! that's actually so mental to me, thank you everyone!!

secondly, I'll be missing the updates next week (or maybe just mon/wed) due to a really hectic week - don't worry, it's only a short break and the schedule will resume asap once I'm caught up again!

and lastly I've began writing a second fic and this time....she's on the dark side x