I know you're happy, I can see it. I talked to God about you, he said he sent you an angle. And look at all that he gave you? You asked for one and you got two.

"The cake has been ordered in exact detail. They promise it will look exactly like you described." Harry walks over to the couch, smiling with every step towards his wife and soon to be one year old. "Also Mrs. Jones says you frighten her."

"They better get it right," Beth sighs. "Fin will know if they don't." She tilts her head and kisses the chubby cheek closes to her. "You will, won't you baby boy? Of course you will. You're the smartest baby around." Beth coos as Fin's pudgy hand lands on her cheek as he gurgles like he's agreeing.

"Baby, he's going to be one. He won't know if it doesn't look exactly right."

Beth kisses her son's chubby face before turning her attention to her husband. "Are you doubting my son? I'll knock you out if you are."

Harry smirks and plops down next to her, taking his baby from her as a form of protection. "Help daddy Fin. Mumma's being mean. Yes she is." It's hard not to coo at such a cute baby. It's hard to remember their adult voices around him really. "You love daddy, don't you?" As if Fin wants to say yes he giggles. Harry leans in and presses a kiss against the small mouth.

"I think we have everything." Beth says, thinking of everything she had originally planned to buy. She spent a month buying the decorations. Shades of blue and green and yellow. She bought a hundred stuffed bears that all needed to match the level of cuteness Fin was at and. Well. They were close. The flowers had been ordered from a very patient florist and the cake--after some altercation with the owner of the shop (Beth was very stubborn when it came to what a bear looked like and it was her son's first birthday. She'd be damned if it was anything but superb) "Do you think we'll need more balloons?"

"Um. We may need more house actually."

"Oh shut up," Beth laughed resting her head on his shoulder. "This is Fin's first birthday Harry. It has to be better than perfect. It has to be so good, there's not a word for it."

"Babe, Fin won't even remember this birthday."

"But I will!" Beth stands, careful not to jostle the tiny baby, "don't ruin my day you knob."

"I thought it was Fin's birthday?"

"You are so lucky I can't say bad words," Beth narrows her eyes before walking away with her child. "Bad words are mean, baby boy. You are never to use them unless you know Mumma would." Beth smiles a full smile, eyes crinkling in the corners at Fin's giggle. It was a baby noise. Small and unfairly innocent. "Aren't you the sweetest, who's the cutest? Who is?" When Fin's face scrunches Beth smiles and kisses the pudgy belly. "You are Finny. Such a looker, just like daddy used to be."

"I heard that!" Harry shouts, walking after his wife.

"You were supposed to," it was time for Fin's afternoon nap. It was second nature for Beth now. She knew when it was time to set Fin down and when it was necessary to feed him before he broke out into a screeching mess.

One things for sure. Baby Fin has powerful lungs.

Beth learned that the hard way. Hardly ever getting enough sleep to function. One time it was so bad she swears she drank salty coffee. Fin was never overly fussy and he was never completely still. He loved to squiggle and laugh. He's got two indents on his cheeks. Dimples that were from Harry, and soft hair that's starting to wave. Another Harry tribute. Fin has eyes that can make a sinner holly again and any hard soul nicer than ever imagined. Fin was all Harry and Beth's. And Beth and Harry were wrapped around the tiny boy's finger.

It was all nice and sweet, like a story that was written especially with a happy ending. Harry was on a break and Beth was at peace. They were okay and that was wonderful.

"Does he really have to nap?"

"Yes, unless you want him crying and upset."

Harry sighs and nods, walking towards the baby crib and looking down as Fin began to settle, eyes drooping, lips puckering.

"I love him," Harry mumbles, arm wrapping it's way around Beth's middle.

"I would hope so," she leans her head on his shoulder.

They stare for a few minuets, just until they're sure Fin won't wake up. And he doesn't. He sleeps, soundly and peacefully. His small fist clench and his belly moves up and down slowly with every breath.

"Don't you ever just want to eat him?"

"No! What?!-- Harry..."

"It sounded cute in my head," Harry says, trying to defend himself. He didn't mean it literally. He'd never eat his baby. That's zcanibilisim and zcanibilisim is wrong. "I wouldn't ever eat Fin--"

"You're so weird."

"You married me," Harry reminds her.

"You fucking bet I did," Beth looks up proudly.

"Don't be naughty in front of the baby."

Beth 'ooo's' and grabs his hand, leading him out. "You're such a dad."

"This coming from the women who wouldn't let Niall near Fin because Niall wanted to play airplane with him."

"He could've dropped Fin and then I would've ended up in prison for killing him."

"We wouldn't want that," Harry agrees, as they sit on their couch leaning towards each other. "Who's going to mummy everyone to death tomorrow at Fin's birthday if you're not here?"

"Keeping talking Styles. You're earning your divorce sooner than expected." Beth narrows her eyes and pulls a face. "Then I'll finally marry Niall and we'll take Mushu back from your mom and we'll rule the world."

"Have you thought this through?" Harry wonders outloud. "I'll kill the Irish twitt myself."

"Oh shut up and make out with me."

"Why? You want to marry Niall," Harry pouts childishly and crosses his arms over his chest. Beth laughs out loud and abrupt. "Go make out with him." Harry turns his body and shrugs.

"Well," Beth says with a grin.

Harry turns his head, his eyes dropping to Beth's mouth. It's plump and reddish pink and he does want to kiss it. He really does. "Okay. I'll make out with you."

"Oh don't feel like you have to do me any favors."

"I am your husband and as such I have to put your needs first."

Beth clicks her tongue against the rooftop of her mouth and nods. "Really? Such a generous man, aren't you?"

Harry smirks and tilts his body so he can pull Beth on his lap and hold her close. "I do what I can." Beth laughs and nods.

"You're my wife and you're going to make out with me forever."

"You fucking bet I am."

****
"Louis put that-- Niall get down-- Liam sit down!"

"Harry," Beth calls out, "why are you freaking out? I thought that was supposed to be my job?"

"They're acting like children," Harry grunts. They're men. They're close to thirty and they're acting like sugar crazed, demented, satan worshiping kids. "You can't eat the cake Niall."

"Baby, stop screaming. You'll wake Fin and he needs to be well rested. We don't want an angry bear. Sit down, eat a snack and let the crew set up, okay?"

"They're going to mess everything up." Harry whines, stomping his foot without realizing it. "Niall sit down!"

"Leave us alone you knob. We're trying to have fun."

"El! Harry's being mean to me!"

"Beth! Louis' telling on me!"

"My baby's sleeping, so help me if you wake him up I'll knock you idiots out."

"Get off me!" Liam shrieks. Everyone turns, only to see Louis ruffling Liam's hair as Niall points and laughs, both hands on his stomach. "Louis...stop...don't touch me!"

"Louis--"

"Okay," Beth sighs and grabs her over antagonized husband. They move until they're on the balcony and away from the madness surrounding the bear themed set up. She stands in front of Harry and runs her hand through his hair. "What's wrong? Why are you so jumpy?"

"M'not," Harry mumbles. He taps on Beth's waist and closes his eyes. He doesn't want to be that parent. Always wanting to make sure the smallest details were perfect. Life certainly wasn't anywhere near perfect and he's much too young to be so annoying. He sits them both on the chair near by and try's to find comfort in Beth's fingers scratching at his scalp.

He wasn't feeling any better though. This was his baby's first birthday, and Harry's sad it came quicker than he anticipated. He could have sworn he was rushing Beth off to the hospital yesterday while trying not to make Beth cry, because he had forgotten the pop tarts.

"The lads are being stupid and I'm pretty sure Niall's already taken a bite out of the cake and I can't find my shirt."

"Harry, they're always a bit...off... I can smooth the dent on the back of the cake. Don't worry we can turn it so no one notices. And your shirt is hung up, you just can't find it because it's not on the floor. What's really bothering you?"

"Nothing," Harry insists. Beth gives him that look, though. Gives him the 'I'm calling bullshit' look, that has Harry giving up and giving in. "I'm just sad."

"I know baby," Beth has known Harry has been feeling heavy since he woke up with a sigh and brought Fin to their bed to sleep on his chest. She's known since she saw Harry give Fin lingering looks and small touches. "Fin's only getting bigger and you want him to stay tiny."

"And why can't he? Why can't he be my baby forever? Pretty soon he'll be too embarrassed to be seen with me. He won't even want to kiss me!"

"Har--"

"He won't give me kisses cause I'm just an old man! Oh my God-- he's going to leave me!"

"You're twenty-two. You are nowhere near old," Beth starts out easy. She won't consider them old until they turn thirty, by then she prays they already have a cerium that will let them stay young forever. "Fin's turning one, Harry. He won't be leaving anytime soon. I already have a plan for when he turns eighteen."

"Oh God, he's only going to get older." Harry drops his head on Beth's chest and tries to hold in a sob. Fin's only going to get older and that is turning out to be a lot scarier than he thought possible. "Oh, fuck. Hold me."

Beth coos and wraps her arms over his head. "You are so cute."

"I'm emotional," Harry responds, head still buried against Beth's chest. "Why can't Fin stay little?"

"Because he's a human," Beth understands Harry's feelings. She hates knowing Fin won't stay a baby for long. That's what kids do. They grow, rapidly and in a blink of an eye. They say it's incredible and the biggest heartbreak any parent will face. "Harry there is nothing to be sad about. You are Fin's dad. You are going to be his best friend, his guide. He's always going to love you. You're his dad, baby. And no one can take that away from you. Not even time."

"You think?"

"I'm his mom," Beth says easily. "I'll force him to."

Harry's eyes begin to gleam as he picks his head up. He's never thought of it like that before. No one can deny his wife anything. Trust him. He's tried on multiple occasions. Fin will be no different. "See? This is why I married you."

"I'm happy you've found reasons," Beth tuts and drops a kiss on Harry's cheek. "I have to dress Fin now. Make sure the place gets decorated and keep Niall away from the cake. Oh and Louis' not allowed to kill Liam."

"Can I kill Louis?"

"No. I'll do all the killing around here." Beth kisses Harry and stands before she can be persuaded to stay. They may only be having a few guest over, but damn it all straight to Hell if it's not perfect for Fin.

"I love you lots." Harry says before she can completely walk away.
Beth turns and smiles bright. She's not cliché. Fuck, she's trying not to be anyway. She nods and grins.

"Yeah you do," she winks and walks away.

And yeah he does. He absolutely loves her. He loves her so much he's almost positive it hurts.

****
"Hi Finny," Beth's baby voice is loud and child like. She doesn't mind much. It makes Fin gurgle and smile that toothless smile that melts her heart and reminds her of the good in the world. "Where's Mumma? Where's Mumma?" Fin babbles and reaches up. "That's right. I'm right here. Hi baby boy. Hi Finny," Beth kisses his small mouth and begins changing him.

The idea of the bear themed birthday came from this particular onesie she was about to dress him in. It was furry and fluffy. A nice chocolate brown with a small cotton tail and round ears with pink middles. He looked absolutely adorable and content. Her heart almost burst when she first saw him.
She freshened him up and carefully placed the onesie on his tiny body.

"You're going to give daddy a heart attack when he see's you." Fin only gurgles and smiles because that's all he knows. He's a baby. "Be extra nice to daddy, bud. He's feeling extra sad now that you're a big boy." Beth knows they have time. He's only turning one and they could always have more kids....though probably not for a while.

"Beth! Harry says I'm not allowed to pick on Liam anymore?! Says it was your decision!" Louis struts in and coos at the tiny bundle of fur in Beth's arms. "Oh my--"

"Language." Beth cuts him off.

"He's so bloody cute. The bear theme makes sense now." Louis takes Fin from Beth and kisses his face.

"You get your good looks from me kid."

"That's not possible."

"Yes it is," Louis argues. "We hang out so often the baby's face modeled to look like mine in your stomach."

"That doesn't even make sense."

"Shut up," Louis peppers Fin's face with a few kisses and hands him back. "He has to be the cutest baby in the world."

"He is."

"How are you? Feeling emotional like your ditzy husband?"

"I'm-- I'm feeling a lot right now. Like I feel...warm? I don't know, I kind of like it."

Louis nods, a knowing smile on his face as he sees Beth cradling Fin to her. It amazes him how well Beth has molded into this persona. She's a natural mom. Always knowing what Fin needs and how to make hims feel better. He's immensely proud at all she's been able to do. It makes hims ecstatic to know he's been a part of it somehow.

"People are here, and by people I mean the only four people you invited." The only ones expected to come had been the guys, their girlfriends and Harry's mom and sister. That's all they needed. And such a big day deserves to be only celebrated with intimate family. "You're doing well Beth. Knew you would."

"Took a while," she pecks his cheek and walks out, Louis following fondly behind her.
They all turn and as soon as they see bear dressed Fin they coo and Anne kidnaps him, bringing him towards Gemma and the others.

Harry walks over and kisses her. "You feel better?"

"Yeah. I've got my shirt on," Harry mutters stealing another kiss. "Well? How do you like the place?"

Beth looks around and smiles. It's completely adorable. There is a mountain of teddybears in a corner. A gigantic cake with bear figures and honey pots on them. Sunflowers are scattered around. Decoratively placed on the cake table, the one baring far too many gifts for a baby. On the center table they'd be eating dinner on. And somehow the flowers had made it on the wall. There are balloons and confetti. Blown up pictures of Fin hanging and a sweets table Niall seems to be eyeing appreciatively. Beth swears it's a child's dream and it only gets better when they see Fin and his outfit.

"It's perfect," Beth breathes.

"And can we just agree, how good you look? You're the hottest Mum," Harry noses her cheek and breathes her sent in. "So pretty," he whispers.

Beth snickers trying to play off her red speckled cheeks. "We're a good looking family, aren't we."

"The best."

Fin's cries echo around the room and Harry's already in motion, walking towards his mom and picking him up, cradling him close to his chest and bouncing him gently. He places his hand behind his head and kisses the baby skin.

"Hey now, Finny. There's no need to cry. Daddy's got you, daddy's here. Shh, s'your birthday baby. Shh."

The sight is close to perfect.

Harry was good looking on his own, in various sinful ways. But with his son, he seems to grow immaculate and a sight to see. He looks fit to be hushing Fin. Like the spot in his arms was specially designed for his son. Like he's always known what to do and how to calm Fin down.

"He's such a good dad," Gemma states close to Beth's ear. "Kind of weird to see my baby brother being a dad."

"Yeah," Beth says, not being able to look away from her family. "But he's incredible. Like he was born to be a dad."

"He says the same about you," Gemma grins and pulls Beth in for a hug. "Your place looks so cute and Fin. Gosh I could just eat him up." It must be a family thing. Wanting to eat the baby must be something they think about.

"Beth?" Harry calls out. He seems to be having trouble calming Fin down right now. He's still squirming and tears are spilling from his small eyes. "Baby, come."

She excuses herself from Gemma, hugs as many people as possible before walking to Harry and taking Fin. "Shh, Finny. Mumma's here." That seems to calm the fussy baby down as he rests his head on her chest and slowly stills. "We did wake him from his nap earlier than usual," Beth says, already noticing Harry's wounded look. "Why don't you go lay down with him for a minuet. Calm you both down."

Harry sighs but grabs Fin and walks to the couch.

"He's feeling emotional isn't he?" Anne hugs Beth.

"Yeah. I don't think he realized how fast Fin was growing up." And Fin's really not growing by the minuet. She knows he'll grow and in a blink of an eye he'll be talking, and walking, and God help them when he starts school. "I think if Harry had the choice, Fin would stay tiny forever."

"Harry's always been like that. I remember when he snuck his kitten to kindergarten with him. Didn't want him to be alone while I was at work. Silly bugger, he is."

"Sounds like him," Beth whispers. "I'm going to check on him." She hugs Anne once more and retreats into the family room.

Harry's laying on the long sofa. Fin resting on his chest, eyes already drooping. "Daddy doesn't want you to grow up Finny. I want you to stay small and to need me always. Can you do that for daddy?" Fin babbles and Harry smiles, rubbing his tiny back. "I knew you could."

"Harry, don't give Fin any ideas." Harry looks up and sighs.

"It's his choice if he wants to stay my baby forever. Let's respect it as his parents."

"I thought we were feeling better?"

"We are," Harry mumbles. He picks up his upper body, trying not to jostle Fin too much. Beth slides in the available space and drops her hands in his hair as Harry leans back. "But then I saw him in his bear outfit and then I couldn't get him to quiet down and it made me think about the future and how he won't want us to take him to school and of how he'll ask us to drop him off around the block because we're not cool anymore."

"Excuse you. I will always be cool."

"And I want to be Fin's daddy forever." It's Harry's sniffle that breaks Beth's heart. And the way she sees him swipe under his eyes should be illegal.

"You'll always be Fin's dad. He's always going to be your son."

"I know," Harry sighs. He feels bad knowing he's drawing focus to him rather than Fin. "It's hard not to feel emotional about this, you know? Like, he's already got a foot out the door."

"He can barley crawl." Beth reminds him. "And when he can't he cries because he gets fussy."

"He gets that from you."

"Yeah, well," Beth shrugs and kisses his head. "Feeling better?"

"M'feeling heavy." Harry pouts. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Beth assures him. She won't hold this against him. She feels the same, she's just managing to hide it better. "We'll buy you a kitten if you're still sad in the morning okay?"

"Don't play with me," Harry tuts. "I've already thought of a name."

"Of course you have."

"I like to plan ahead." He reaches up until Beth complies and grabs his hand. "Can I go down on you tonight?"

"So polite," Beth giggles. She squeezes his hand. "Tell you what. If you can make it through the night without crying-- because then I'll cry-- I'll go down on you, instead." Harry looks up suddenly interested.

He's grinning from ear to ear. "Really? It's a heavy promise."

"Then you better make it worth my while." Beth challenges.

"Always a pleasure Styles," Harry relies, leaning in, licking his lips.

"Of course it is Styles." Their foreheads connect and Beth forgets to breathe for a second. "I feel like we're about to make out, and you know we can't."

Harry smiles lazily and gently-- without waking Fin-- cups the back of Beth's head and reminds her.

"You're my wife and you're going to make out with me forever."

Beth smirks and strokes his cheek. "You fucking bet I am."

Notes

So my older brother came home for a few days from uni and we were hanging out because, I'm tons of fun and I was going to make him buy me sweets and other things I clearly don't need but want, but instead we ended up at our regular tattoo place (that I've only ever gone twice too, because I only have two tattoos) and well, point is, I got my third tattoo and....that's it. I have three tattoos now and so many cookies I think I have diabetes. Yass.