The Boy in the Blue Blazer

Like It's 2012

---- SIX YEARS LATER, CHICAGO ---

It had, of course, been Louis who decided Niall Horan would be the officiant at Louis and Kristen's wedding. If Hanna hadn't listened to Niall's new songs, she might have been more worried at what Niall's speech would entail. His songwriting was sweet and heartfelt--a vibe that could be easily translated into a written speech. It's why Hanna was surprised when Rochelle put through Niall's call to her office on one Tuesday morning.

"Niall, great to hear from you!" Hanna said, trying to remember the last time she'd seen him. Niall and Hanna were comfortable every time they bumped into each other at parties over the years--picking up the same lighthearted friendship they'd started when they were eighteen.

"Oi, you too Hanna! We need to start doing things together even when it's not a holiday, yeah?"

"Yeah! I totally agree. I heard you're officiating the wedding, that's exciting."

"That's actually what I was going to talk to you about..." Niall started. "If you're not too busy."

"Never too busy for my favorite Irishman, what's up?" Hanna ignored the blinking reminders and new emails pinging on her computer.

"Here's the thing. I'm good at writing songs, I could write other things if I had to, but I've never really written anything like a speech for a wedding. It's way more daunting than anything I thought it'd be." The words tumbled out of his mouth so fast Hanna was worried she would miss something he said.

"Alright, I have to come to L.A. to visit Kristen and help with bridesmaid dresses at the end of this week. I'll be with her on Thursday, but are you free after that?"

"Friday during the day works for me!" Niall said, sounding calmed down already. "And afterwards, we can go out like old times."

Hanna could see his devilish smile from across the country and she smiled back, too. "I'd love to, Niall."

---- LOS ANGELES, THE SAME WEEK ---

"I think that's too pink, we're looking for blush," Kristen's sister and maid of honor, Kate, said matter-of-factly. Hanna nodded.

Hanna was used to overbearing family members and picky bridesmaids. It was no surprise to her, really, that Kate fell into both of those categories.

"While that is true, the color can be changed. We picked fabric samples for each dress. What's important today is that we find the styles that fit each of you the best." Hanna tried her best not to sound too condescending, but she wanted to make sure the whole experience was running smoothly for Kristen and all of the bridesmaids, not just Kate.

The bridesmaid currently standing in front of the mirrors, one of Kristen's college friends, Alicia, was wearing a long off the shoulder (admittedly cotton-candy pink) dress. It complimented her figure and showed off her figure in a classy way. Being plus size, Alicia had been worried that she wouldn't find a dress in the store for herself (earning an eye-roll from Kate), but Hanna had been more than happy to aid Alicia in finding what she needed. With Alicia's dress being picked, all of the bridesmaid's dresses had been secured and would be fitted within the next months. Hanna told this to Kristen, who beamed back at her.

"So, I'll see you tonight?" Kristen said as the other bridesmaids began departing.

"Oh yeah, going out with Niall. I almost completely forgot about that! Are you going to bring Louis?"

"Yeah! He's excited to see you and party like old times," Kristen said, in what sounded like a scottish accent but was supposed to be her impression of Louis.