The Only Exception | W2S

ONE.

"I won't taunt you, then," he answers, leaving it at that. A silence falls between us, but it's not awkward, and I feel strangely comfortable in his presence, despite this being our first time meeting. 

Behind us, the door opens, and footsteps draw nearer, until someone shakes my shoulders. 

"Found you!" Freya squeals, and from her side is Faith, both of whom look equally excited to see me. It's clear that they've both been drinking, and I am currently slacking. 

"I was going to come find you both, I needed a little bit of fresh air first," I laughed, shaking my head fondly. 

"Yeah, well, we thought we'd come find you first. Harry, we're stealing her, sorry," Faith tells him, holding onto my hand. 

"Whoa, whoa, haven't even finished my cigarette yet. I promise I'll come find you both when I'm actually inside!"

"Harry, will you make sure she finds us?" Freya asks, directing her attention onto the poor man next to me. 

"Uhm - yeah, sure," he laughs, awkwardly scratching his head with his spare hand. 

"Okay, amazing. See you in a minute," Freya laughs, running back inside, followed by Faith, both of their heels clacking on the ground. 

"I see those two have made use of the open bar," my newfound companion laughs. 

"Hold on, there's an open bar?!"

"Of course there is. Always is at our parties," he replies, as if the answer was obvious. "That's why everyone turns up."

"Well, with this new information, I am going to use this to my advantage," I grin, finishing off my cigarette. 

"I could do with a refill. Maybe it'll somewhat help prepare me for the awkward introductions to everyone I don't already know," he says quietly, and I nearly miss it. 

"So you really are socially awkward?" I ask, the question popping out before I even have time to think over what I was asking. 

This makes him laugh out loud. "Did you think I was faking being socially awkward for the cameras?" He asks, his mouth turning into a wry smile. 

"...No?" I say uncertainly, but it's obviously a lie, and he's caught me redhanded. 

He nods his head knowingly, but we both know he's mocking me. 

"Anyway. I'm getting a drink, and then I can use it as an excuse for the stupid, unfiltered questions I may or may not ask people tonight!" I tell him, heading towards the patio doors. 

"Hang on!" He calls from behind me, and I hear him jog to catch up to me. "Freya is scary. I fear what she would do to me if I don't personally escort you to her and Faith."

"Looks like you're getting a drink too, then," I tell him, walking a few paces ahead of him, back towards the double doors, which are still closed. The music is still very much booming, but so far the playlist is upbeat, festive songs, all which are making me feel very excited for Christmas. 

He joins me, walking beside me, and pulls open the doors, revealing a very packed room, people dressed in formal, black suits and dresses. 

Like Talia had previously said, the decor was absolutely incredible, and I didn't blame Simon for not wanting to know how much everything cost. The place was completely decked out, from top to bottom. 

"Bar is this way," Harry tells me, his voice raised to be heard over the music. 

Following his lead, we head to the bar, which is surprisingly not too busy, and he signals for a bartender. "What're you drinking?"