hariana drabbles

034

- Wine is Best Shared With Friends

Author: Me (2016)
Summary: It's been a little over two years since Harry and Ariana saw each other last. In 2014 they became close while working on Ariana's song for her album, but inevitably lost contact. Fast forward to now, they've both grown into their own but some things never change. Harry and Ariana see each other again at a party and something happens that night that could lead to something great.

-:-:-:-

Harry felt like relationships were like wine. They were an acquired taste and tickled the taste buds of the heart for a while. But it's those long term commitments that eventually turn sour like fermenting grapes of wine, yet it is consumed as if the body had no choice. Though, Harry's thoughts couldn't account for anything because he's only been in a relationship once. The relationship had turned sour past its date and left nothing but bitterness in his heart.

He's careful now. His heart continues to drum against his chest whenever he's in proximity of someone he'd like to taste, though some would disagree that he had a heart at all, he just happened to be skilled at bluffing.

Tonight he was invited to a friend's after-party and took it as an opportunity to do some wine tasting; nothing serious, he just wanted to swirl his finger inside and have a taste. He arrived alone, appearing as clean-cut and pristine as he could manage by himself. Given that his usual tired curls were now cut terribly short and tucked behind his ears, it wasn't difficult.

Harry gravitated towards the open bar as usual, greeting the odd singer or studio executive who happened to stop him. He didn't mind talking to anyone who'd be useful as a connection one day. That's what this industry thrived on; connections, and to have a lot of them, particularly esteemed by the general public and critics was almost a necessity for success.

As Harry shook one man's hand and accepted his gesture for a brief hug he spotted her over the man's shoulder, Ariana, looking like she hadn't changed at all since he last saw her which had been over two years now. As expected her long hair was in its signature ponytail, something Harry didn't believe could suit anyone but she happened to blow his opinion out of the water.

She hadn't spotted him yet, but he continued to subtly watch her while he spoke to the man. Ariana was gathered with her manager with some others; Harry suspected her manager was introducing her to them, but he waited until he was sure she was alone before approaching her. The last thing he needed was a photo of them both appearing online and ruining his plan before he's able to put it into action.

"Ariana, it's good to see you again." He greeted her nonchalantly, same as he had done with the man he spoke earlier. Ariana turned his way as he'd spoken and grinned, "You too. Wow I didn't even recognize you there for a second. Nice hair." Her voice was soothing in his ear and with her lips so close he could feel her breathing.

"Thanks." He said. "You looked like you needed some company."

"I actually came with Charlie and Monte but they've gone and left me again. I probably should go look for them before they bite my ass for disappearing again."

Harry was glad to see she truly hasn't changed at all. The same woman he met in the studio in 2014 was still under this rather glamorized version of her, and he remembered her well enough to know it must have taken her a long internal journey to rack up the confidence to sport the revealing rose gold-silk gown she was wearing. Their late night conversations proved themselves useful after all.

"It was good seeing you again Ariana," Harry spoke like he had rehearsed, "hopefully I'll run into you again and I'll be with Jeff."

Since signing a solo deal with Jeff as his manager, Harry would soon step into the same spotlight as the other boys, but he wasn't in much of a rush though he has put into thought the kind of music he'd like to make. He was certain that he could convince Jeff to arrange a collaboration between him and Ariana as it would be wonderful for both parties to benefit from and business aside, Harry loved her voice and was in constant awe of her talent onstage and in the studio.