After that night, Harry felt as though something had finally aligned in his universe. Granted, he had been rather drunk when he'd got back from the gig, but he knew his feelings had nothing to do with that when he woke up the morning after still feeling the same, and the morning after that, and the morning after that...

He walked with a permanent spring in his step, a new found happiness at his emotional revelation. Yet Harry scolded himself; there was still a chance that Damon could miraculously pull something out of the bag and win you over, even though deep down Harry fancied his chances at being the one to show you what love truly meant.

Any doubt he had about you not feeling the same was quite low - practically nonexistent. He knew his previous poor decisions and shitty actions could still come back to haunt him, but the way you had acted around him at the gig, not just then but every day since then as well, gave him that confidence. And he still couldn't get over the way you simply looked at him that night; as much as you tried to hide your feelings, Harry could read your eyes incredibly well by now, and they told him all your secrets. Harry fell asleep nearly every night with your eyes being the last thing he thought about; when they were filled with desire, lust, happiness, or anything for that matter. As long as Harry was the reason for all of those positive feelings and more, he would be a very happy man.

However, even with his new found confidence in the reciprocity of his feelings - or at least to some degree - there was the growing issue of how to go about telling you the truth and depth of the way he felt.

There was no way Harry would, or could, mess it up again. He had to be smart about this, and not let his emotions get the best of him. After what had happened at Niall's launch party, and the subsequent consequences that unraveled because of that, Harry wanted to do this right. But that meant being patient - which was not one of his strongest suits.

Niall was coming in for a meeting today, just one of the monthly review ones Harry had to do with all of his artists. Most of the time they were straightforward and rather boring, but whenever Niall came in, they ended up chatting for hours about stuff that was definitely not related to business.

As soon as all the professional stuff was over and done with, Niall didn't hesitate to jump straight into question time, "So how's it been with Cecy since the gig?"

"Bloody hell Niall, you don't fuck about do you?" Harry said with a chuckle, leaning back in his chair and stretching his long legs out before crossing them at the ankles.

"Nope, sure don't. C'mon then let's hear it!"

"Surely you've heard most of it from Emmy by now?" Harry was still trying to avoid directly answering the question.

"All I know is that Ceece hasn't stopped going on about how amazing it was, and it's been two weeks H, so what'd ya do? Fuck her backstage? Show her Harry Juniors moves - OW!"

Harry threw a pen at Niall, his aim impeccable as it hit him square in the head, "Shut up you dick, Cecy's literally just outside," he muttered.

"Oooh, he's blushing!!" Niall let out his classic cackle. He was enjoying this way too much.

"Look, it was good okay? We had a really fun time and I just...I dunno, made me realise some things I guess."

"Like what?" All laughter had left Niall's face now as he understood that Harry was moving onto something that seemed a bit more serious. As much as the duo teased each other and pissed about, Niall always knew when Harry needed to get something off his chest and get some advice, and it was the exact same vice versa.

"Uhm..." Harry rubbed the back of his neck nervously, he hadn't actually admitted it out loud yet, but he knew he could trust Niall, "I think I'm in love with her, mate."

As the words left Harry's lips he knew what he was saying was true. He thought back to the first night you'd met, and how easily you'd both hit it off; obviously the attraction had been there - that was clear from the later events of that night - but your personalities had also clicked instantly. And that had only been deepened. From the countless hours in the office when you'd both ended up staying late, or the many lunches you'd shared, there was no denying how enamoured Harry was with your mind and soul.

"You don't fucking say?" Niall replied instantly, breaking Harry out of his thoughts, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"Oi, what's that suppose to mean?" Exclaimed Harry, siting up in his chair suddenly, eyebrows creased into a frown.

"H, I've never seen you like this before - you're like a little lovesick puppy for Christ sake!" Harry groaned before he continued, "For fuck sake, this means I owe Emmy ten dollars," he finished, crossing his arms with a grumpy pout on his face.

"What?" Harry was baffled.

"Me and Emmy had a bet about when you'd finally admit it. I said you wouldn't admit it yet and she said some time after the concert."

Harry threw his hands up in exasperation, "My feelings aren't a joke, Niall." He said pointedly, now mirroring the Irishman's crossed arms and pouty lips in a jokey way.

Abruptly, Niall stood. Harry eyed him skeptically as he made his way around the desk to stand next to him before leaning down and engulfing Harry in a bear hug, "Niall! Gerroffme!" Harry's speech was muffled by Niall's affectionate onslaught.

"I'm really happy for you Harry," He said with a serene smile on his face, "Just wanna make sure you know that."

Harry softened at that, and wrapped his own arms around his nutty best friend in appreciation.

Once the boys broke apart, and after a squeeze to Harry's cheek from Niall as he muttered something like 'you cutie' they carried on chatting and bantering.

Just before Niall left he turned back to Harry, "Oh, by the way H, it's Cecy's birthday in a few weeks and since you're all hot on romantic gestures at the mo, maybe you could do something? I'm sure Emmy would happily help ya. See you later pal!"

And with that he was gone.

Subsequently, Harry spent the rest of the afternoon and some of his evening thinking of what he could do to surprise you on your birthday. He felt quite a bit of pressure to make sure it would be perfect; after what you had done for him back in February he wanted to do all that and then some.

◇

Three weeks later Niall and Emmy were out grabbing a few last minute things for the surprise party Harry had planned for your birthday in a few days time.

As a best friend, Emmy couldn't think any more highly of Harry after all the effort he'd put in for you. At first she had been a little worried of course; Harry's interesting decision of sleeping with someone else to direct the negative media attention away from you had had the right intentions sure, but she had some issues with the execution of said idea. But, no matter, after your weekend away a few months ago he had really stepped up to the plate and she couldn't be happier.

When Harry's call had come through when he first shared the idea with Emmy, she couldn't help but replicate the pure excitement in his voice when he started telling her what his plan was. Since then, Emmy, Harry and Niall had been like undercover secret agents - making sure you had absolutely no clue what they had been planning. This had been rather easy, as you were usually quite oblivious to things like this anyway, but Harry had let you take the lead with corresponding with The 1975 about all the upcoming decisions with joining Eroda Music so you'd been pretty busy.

The little trio, who had named their group chat 'Operation: Best Birthday Bash Ever', had decided on a small surprise party at one of the local bars you frequented regularly, so that when Harry invited you there on the night, it wouldn't seem out of the norm. There wasn't going to be hundreds of people there - just your group of friends, plus some of the boys friends too and definitely no dodgy photographers or media outlets. Harry had even managed to get in contact with Felicity, and had flown her out here for the weekend and paid for her hotel, just so she could be an extra surprise for you.

As Niall and Emmy sat down for an early dinner in a small restaurant, tired from browsing the shops, they spoke loudly of the weekend plans. Emmy was running through each detail of the night; what time the guests had to arrive to make sure they were there before your arrival, how they were going try and hide before surprising you with party poppers, what excuse to use on you to make sure you dressed up enough - literally everything.

But a few tables away sat someone who had sparked up a particular interest when the famous singer and his stunning girlfriend walked in, talking loudly of their plans for you, completely oblivious to the man sat listening intently nearby.

He picked up his phone and dialled a number.

"Hello?"

"Hey, mate, it's Tom."

"Oh, hey, what's up?"

"Well you know how you did me that favour the other week for stepping in for that fucking photographer who dropped out?"

"Yeah..."

"Consider this information favour returned, what are you doing Saturday night?"

well shit den

who do you think Tom was on the phone too??

bit of a shorter chapter today but it was mainly just a filler one and I wanted to get some Narry action in there as well cos I just bloody love them and the pranks, laughs, AH (see what I did there ;) that interview makes me crease) they have together hahaha

anyways hope you enjoyed this chappie, sending lots of love and thank yous to you all for all your appreciation, comments, reads and votes for my humble little book :)

so with that being said, don't forget to vote!!

love ya,

kait x