Magnolia in May [H.S]

Part thirty-one

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Rory

Harry was glowing, more than usual. He wasn't just happy and silly like normal, no he was actually like a beam of light. The sun per say.

"What's got you all chipper?" I smirk, figuring this had something to do with Magnolia. Which was strange considering the fact she called me this morning to tell me that Harry had a panic attack last night. And here he was, all joy.

"Oh, you see, I'm so excited to go to the banquet on Saturday. Watch the middle-aged people wince at my tattoos, and scowl their way into getting wine drunk." He's wearing his normal shit-eating grin, picking at the food in front of him, slouching on the chair. 

"Since when are you going to a party as posh as that?" I chuckle, looking at him like he grew another head. Because honestly at this point that would be less shocking. "Since I decided I really want Swiss chocolate-covered strawberries, Meg told me they'll have a fountain." 

"Hmm, Meg," I repeat, raising my brows at him with pierced lips. "And when did that happen?"

"What? Me wanting chocolate-covered fruit?" He sneers, picking up salad on the fork and shoving it into his mouth.

"No, I mean you and Magnolia- Meg as you put it so casually." I take a sip from my drink, smiling through it. He grimaces at my face, imploring. "I have zero clue what you're going on about.." He deflects, but I'm not blind. I see the creeping smile on his lips. The corners turn up as he tries to mask by eating more of the food. Hiding the flushing of his cheeks not so well.

"Speak of the devil, look who's here... And she's coming over.."

His smile drops within seconds, and now his mouth is ajar. Staring as he watches Magnolia walk over to us. Harry's frozen in place, his daunting eyes consumed by her presence.

"Hey, Harry! Oh, Rory! How are you?" She smiles at me with her eyes, asking the simplest question, and yet her attention is fully on Harry. Her glances darted at him with each breath. "I'm good, we were just chatting about the banquet.."

"Yeah? It's gonna be the party of a lifetime." She says sarcastically.

"Anyhow, Can I talk to you for a moment?" Meg looks him in the eyes, he nods willingly. Shooting up from his seat and following her, she waves at me as they go to chat.

-- -

Magnolia

The smile that I've been thinking about all morning shows from afar, and there he is. Laughing away with Rory, dimples shouting at me to come near. He looks better than good, orange bandanna restricting his curls, the Swallows jersey hanging off him. A sight for my sore eyes.

I make my appearance known, waving sweetly at Rory who's talking along. He gives me a toothy smile, mumbling something I can't quite hear to Harry. Soon, the two turn around to look at me. But the smile is replaced with an aloof expression. I fight the urge to be self-deprecated, channeling my courage as I stand next to the table.

"Anyhow, Can I talk to you for a moment?" I ask tepidly, my gaze glued to his. Rory flicks his head at Harry, watching the two of us share a glance. He nods, leaving his seat as he trails behind me.

"What do you want to talk about.." I furrow my brows in a playful manner, scowling at his unknowingness. "Uh, probably last night.." I say obviously, rolling on my heels as he follows me through the corridor. We make it out to the closed-in garden, I gesture for him to take a seat and he does.