One direction preferences

7. It Should Have Been Me Part 1

Harry: As Harry watched you from a distance, his eyes were glued to your diamond clad ring finger. Your boyfriend, or douche-lord as Harry liked to call him, had just proposed in front of all of your friends. He watched as your boyfriend held open the tiny velvet box, and when your eyes lit up in excitement, he was sure his heart had skipped a beat. A strong hand on his shoulder jolted him from his thoughts, and his eyes quickly diverted away from the scene in front of him. His best mate, Louis appeared at his side, his girlfriend Eleanor on his arm. "You alright, mate?" Louis asked, patting Harry's shoulder. Harry nods solemnly, downing the last of his drink and letting his eyes wander back to you. Louis and Eleanor share a look, and before Harry has time to protest, she's walking away and Louis is pulling Harry to the side of the room to speak more privately. "You love her, don't you?" Lou asks, searching his best friends eyes. Harry nods solemnly once more, unable to find his voice. He was sure that if he were to say anything, his voice would crack with disappointment and desperation. He needed you, and though you were still his best friend, you weren't his to call his own. Through the midst of the ten years you and Harry knew one another, he had you, briefly, before he allowed you to slip from his fingers. At one point or another, each of you had broken one another's heart. It took months to fix what had been damaged, and once you and him had mended the broken friendship, things were perfect. Until he realized something – He was in love with you. He couldn't deny it, he always was. You were the one, you would always be the one. But he had missed his opportunity, and now he stood watching you from afar, as you smiled brightly, showing off the sparkly engagement ring on your finger. Harry smiled faintly, his heart swelling seeing how happy you were, but he couldn't swallow the pain of knowing that another man was the source of that happiness. Louis stood quietly, unable to say anything to make Harry feel better. Soon the other boys crowded around the two of you, wondering what the problem was. "You alright?" Liam puts a hand on his shoulder, just as Louis had done. Harry brings his gaze back to you once more, and this time he's caught. You smile at him widely, and he forces himself to return the small gesture. He can feel the tears prickling his eyes, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. Harry turns away from you, shoving his hands in his pocket as he trys to gather himself. The boys watch with sadness in their eyes as Harry shakes his head, probably trying to clear his thoughts. "I love her." He sighs, a few tears streaking his cheeks. "It should've been me." Harry whispers, and catches Niall's wide eyes with a confused look. You stood behind Harry quietly, unable to fathom what you had just accidentally heard.

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Louis: "Lou?" You called for your best friend from across the room. There you stood, in a beautiful white gown, just waiting to walk down the isle. Your nimble fingers shake as you grasp the small bouquet of flowers. Louis looks up from his place across from you, his eyes glassy with tears, though the reasoning for them wasn't what you thought. You smile brightly at your best friend, and the man who would be giving you away on this special day. "Can you just zip me up? It's almost time." You nod to him in the mirror, fixing a piece of stray hair as Louis nods and appears behind you. He stared at your open back for a few minutes, adoring your goosebumps and scattered freckles. How he come to be in this situation, he almost couldn't remember. You had met Louis when you were only ten years old. You had grown close from the moment you had met, and your friendship remained tight even through Louis rise to fame. Now, through every single up and down, he was going to be the one to walk you down that isle and give you away to John. John was a wonderfully kind, well off man. He was attractive, and everything you'd ever want in a husband. You felt Louis fingers brush the exposed skin on your back, and instantly goosebumps appeared. After a breath, Louis zipped up your white dress and looked back at you in the mirror, his face was blank with tears escaping down his cheeks. "Lou?" You ask in a confused tone, turning around to come face to face with him. He looks up at you, and the two of you hold each others gaze for what seems like ages. "What is it, Lou?" You ask, your free hand coming up to wipe away a few falling tears. Louis closes his eyes, and leans into your palm, staying quiet for just a few seconds, knowing what he was about to say would possibly ruin everything you and him were. He peaks his eyes open, only to meet your concerned gaze. From behind the big wooden doors, the wedding march has begun to play. That's your cue. You need to move, as it's time to go, but something is tugging at your heart, and so you wait. Louis let's out a deep breath, placing his hand over yours on his cheek. "It should've been me." His words catch you off guard, your breath immediately hitching in your throat. "I'm in love with you."