the deal ~ h.s. (au)

43. Rebecca

heyy, i hope you like this chapter, and I apologise for the late update :))

enjoy xx

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I stare at him for a while, not feeling any muscles move on my face while he smiles at the people behind me, waving and  greeting them, "Okay, you can go back now," I tell him with a fake smile before I walk away. 

With alcohol there is always a good and a bad side with the consequences. I had courage and being happy has never felt as full as it did before - but as well, the sudden sadness I wasn't prepared for feels overwhelming. Was it that foolish of me to think that what we had might have been something more  to him? I can't believe I have thought it was possible for a moment - I can't believe I was ready to give up on every boundary and  every rule I have made for myself just because of that one single thought. 

Maybe it is better this way - us meaning more to me than him. I have put that behind me, or at least I thought so. But, now I am sure I have to be over this feelings he keeps on waking inside of me - I must put an end to them. And I will - the only relationship I can work on with him is friendship and I believe he wants that too. Otherwise he wouldn't have asked me to come here. I hope I am at least right about that. 

I walk outside, holding my glass of wine tightly as I search for an empty bench. Despite the cold air, a lot of people have decided to go for a nice evening walk across the yard. Once I finally find one, I smile happily to myself and sit, satisfied with the wonderful view in front of me. I hope this wine and this view will take away the stupidity I had before for believing Harry had feelings for me. 

"This seat taken?" I hear a sudden voice which makes me jump a little, but I chuckle with a nod once I recognise Harry's brother Stefan, "Getting a break from my brother I guess. I don't judge," he chuckles and I join him.

"You could say so," I joke before I take another sip of my wine. 

"I hope you're having a good time, despite the company," he says with a soft smile and I respond with a soft shrug and a quiet chuckle, "I'm glad he has brought you along for this weekend. He likes you, you know," he adds, a warm smile following along. It is impossible for me to fully grasp the fact that this polite and sweet man is Harry's brother. 

"Oh, I doubt it, but I will cheer to it," I laugh and he joins me as he brings his glass towards mine and clinks them. 

"He does, he just has a very unique way of showing it," he informs me with a low chuckle and I smile at him, wanting it terribly to be the truth, but I can't bring myself to another disappointment today, "Have you planned on giving him something tomorrow? I must warn you, he isn't a big fan of presents," he chuckles as he brings his glass to his lisp while I stare at him in confusion. 

"I'm sorry, why would I give him anything tomorrow?" I ask him with a small smile. He gives me a confusing look, raising his eyebrow at me. After a few seconds a slight realisation is visible on his face as he chuckles quietly to himself.

"He hasn't told you, of course. It's his birthday tomorrow," he tells me and my mouth fall wide open, "He hates celebrating it which is the reason why none of us have given him a present in 4 years," he adds with a sad smile while I stare at him in disbelief. I can't believe he hasn't told me about his birthday before; but what makes even less sense to me than him keeping that a secret is why would his father choose exactly this weekend for his wedding.

"I can't believe he hasn't told me," I reply quietly, still surprised.

"Hasn't told you what?" Harry's voice suddenly appears out of nowhere, frightening both Stefan and me. He and Stefan exchange glances and  Harry's eyes move from Stefan to me.