PART 3.. fanficparker
"I am taking the day off early." You tell Jade, making sure Harrison was nearby and could hear you clearly.
"You seem excited, is there something special?"
You look at Harrison through your peripheral vision, who was just sitting ten feet from you, reading his script. But as much as you know him, you were sure his concentration was not on his script but on you. Completing almost one and a half month here on set you knew if you and he were in the same room, his mind was always wandering around you. Well, you would be more than pleased to get the eyes of the blonde who has the ability to get everyone's eyes on him, only if he wasn't a jerk. You were sure the only reason he had is eyes on you was to search for a perfect opportunity to belittle you or to make fun of you in some way or the other like he does every time.
But this time was different. You wanted to belittle him. Everyone who works on this set very well knew Simon and Harrison never got well. They had arguments every now and then and it would be really cool to show how his enemy was far better than him.
A smirk played on your lips as he stole glances at you thinking you weren't noticing. Idiot. You turned your attention back on Jade as you spoke further, "Simon asked me out! And now we have a date tonight, of course, I am excited."
"Really? But you told me just a week before that you weren't ready to date after-" She paused turning her head to see Harrison in the corner and then back at you, afraid she would speak anything that could hurt you. But you completed her sentence yourself.
"After that arsehole pulled that prank on me? Pfft." You were louder than you should for a bilateral conversation with Jade because it was with someone else. She looked surprised at your confidence level and that you were so comfortable saying Harrison 'arsehole' when he could easily hear.
"Look I thought about it and came to a conclusion. I am sure every fucking person on this planet is better than him and Simon... Simon hates him, I hate him. It's a perfect match!" You sounded as if it was a sure thing. You could feel Harrison's gaze on you, making you almost chuckle but you successfully hid it under a fake cough.
"Okay. I am happy for you." Jade said although you were sure her approval only translated to 'but Y/n that's not a very reliable reason to date someone.'
"Yeah, anything except that arsehole makes me happy." You smirked turning giving him a look and walking back to your designing room.
"Mate, I think she was referring to you." Harrison's co-star Greg whispered in his ear.
"Fuck off!" He mumbled and slammed his script on the front table, getting up and walking to your room.
"Seems like we aren't on good terms, specky."
You heard his voice behind you as you continue to sew your costume.
Without looking at him you clearly stated, "Next time make sure to knock before entering."
"Excuse me, what?"
"Looks like you need to get your hearing checked." You said finally looking at him. His jaws dropped yet again. You could see him struggling to take in your changed behaviour, which simply means - your faking game was working fine.
"You have changed," He said quietly.
"Guess it's a change for good."
For like minutes he just stared at your eyes as if he was trying to read them. It felt like he was searching for the part of you that you no matter how much you acted to be confident yet get flustered at his sight or snarky comments. You didn't give in, maintaining firm eye contact. He licked his lips and you could see the clear movements in his Adam's apple.
Harrison Osterfield was nervous and you were the reason behind it.
"Did it really hurt you that bad?" His voice was barely a whisper but still, you could clearly make out his words.
"Like you care, Osterfield."
He exhaled deeply.
"Yeah, you are right. I don't care."
"Good for you. Looks like the hatred is mutual."
"Never said it was hatred---"
"Action speaks louder than words..." A third voice interrupted before Harrison could complete himself. You and he both turned to see Simon standing by the door, holding a bunch of costumes. He was also you assistant after all.
"I am sorry if that sounded cliché but Y/n surely isn't enjoying your company." He said entering inside, keeping the costumes on the table and faced Harrison.
"You are no one to speak for her," Harrison spoke with gritted teeth.
"Well for your kind information, we are going on a date to---"
"That still doesn't make you speak for her. You aren't her boyfriend."
"At least she doesn't hate me," Simon said, standing just two inches from Harrison. The scene that played in front of your eyes seemed a lot more serious than you expected, making you quietly stand there and listen.
"Well, she will definitely hate you if I tell what you really do." The corners of Harrison's lips tugged into a light smirk.
"Ensure you have enough proofs before opening your mouth, Osterfield. We both know whom Y/n will trust otherwise."
Harrison smile fell and now Simon was the one confidently grinning. Harrison shifted his gaze towards you and then back at him. He exhaled again and walked from the side, saying nothing, leaving you and Simon alone in the room. Simon turned to look at you, giving a bright smile but it didn't do anything to the sinking, dark feeling in your abdomen. Their conversation was so shady that it made you sick.
"Aww come on Y/n, don't listen to him. Just two more hours of work and we are free!" He cheered to which you smiled (fake, obviously) but still you believed in him more than Harrison which let you sigh and calm yourself.
* * *
Two hours went by really slow but they did anyway. Simon asked you to leave together but you told him to leave first as you had to do finish the last tid-bits of your designs.
"I will be at Regan's Diner at 7. Can't wait to see you there!" And then he left when you concentrated back at your costume. You sighed, stretching your arms, relaxing. You glanced at your phone.
"Shit!" You jolted up from your seat, it was already 6:25 pm, you were late by 20 mins. You needed time to go back home, get dressed and then reach the restaurant. You cursed under your breath, assembling your stuff and shoving it into your handbag. Accidentally your phone slipped landing on the soft carpet beneath your table. You zipped up your bag, oblivious to your missing phone and rushed outside. You almost bumped into that blue eyes notorious blonde but stabilised yourself before you could collide. He gave you a blank look and you ignored him, walking out and driving to your home.
* * *
It was just five-minute past and Harrison couldn't find any interest in rehearsing his role. The conversation between him and you played over and over again in his head. If your date with Simon goes well, he would no more be able to follow you around or see your flattered or maybe annoyed expression. The thought of completely distancing himself from you made his stomach churn. But he doesn't care, right?
But you weren't wrong... He did feel guilty of what he did now.
No. No... He doesn't care about you or anyone... He isn't guilty.
It was your life, your date, whatever it was it had nothing to do with him. Maybe it was good for both of you. If he could survive without Tom and his company then he was sure he could definitely survive without interacting with you. You, who was basically nothing for him... He shook his head at all these annoying self debates going in his mind and he decided to take a break too. He finally called it a day off. He was about to walk out of the building when Greg called him.
"George asked you to keep all your costumes arranged as Simon & Y/n both have already left."
"Yeah yeah, no need to explain..." He rolled his eyes, dramatically.
Thank you Greg for making the day hundred percent better! He placed his costume in the wardrobe stand and then heard the sound of a chime. He checked his phone, but there was nothing. He again heard the sound and this time his gaze landed on the phone lying beneath the table. He picked it up, realising it was your phone. He would have not cared even a little bit if the 'two new messages' notification didn't show the name, Simon.
Don't open the message. Don't open the message...
And then he did... You didn't put a lock-screen password and Harrison felt calm blaming it on you.
Simon [6:35 pm]: Hey Y/n. I m really sorry but I got stuck in some important work. Can we plz meet at 9:30 instead of 7?
Simon [6:35 pm]: Tell me if this works for you. And I m really sorry for changing the plans on last minute.
Harrison read through the messages, rolling his eyes as if it was the most stupid message of all time. The phone chimed again.
Simon [6:36 pm]: Waiting for your reply <3
"Look how fucking excited this bastard is!" Harrison mumbled.
Maybe he does deserve a reply...
Harrison's fingers danced on the phone screen without thinking twice.
You would have put in a password if you were too bothered.
Y/n [6:38 pm]: No problem. See you at 9:30 then.
And the phone chimed again.
Fucking desperate!
Simon [6:38 pm]: Great. Can't wait to see you ;)
"Haha... Like she'll wait for you till nine-thirty!" Harrison finally felt a bit relieved from today's incident. A proud smile formed on his lips. He debated whether to keep the phone with him or leave it here... But first he should delete this conversation and he did.
Wait... What if he hands you back this phone himself? And enjoy your and Simon's date... Sounds like a plan to him.
He slipped the phone in his jacket and eagerly drove to your house, smiling proudly. He parked the car in the driveway and didn't waste a single minute ringing your door-bell.The door opened a minute later.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"Thank you for being so polite. I really appreciate," Harrison chuckled at your annoyed voice. His eyes travelled from your head to toe, taking in your complete look. There were a hairbrush and a lipstick in your hands. Your hairs were half combed. You were wearing a blue knee-length dress, and the ribbons on your sleeves were still untied. You looked like you were rushing.
Yeah, rushing... For your date.
"Tell me what's your work I literally am getting really late and can't even find my fucking phone!" You growled looking at the wall clock showing 6:59 pm already.
"Well maybe this is yours," Harrison said taking out your phone. You looked at his hand and instantly snatched the device out.
"Oh God! Where do you get this?"
"Really Y/n. Your guest serving etiquette is kinda fucked up." He said leaning at your door frame as you checked your phone.
* * *
You were absolutely confused to see Harrison at your doorstep but because you were already late for your date, you didn't want to waste any more time thinking about any possibilities. But now he was here, safely handing you your phone. It's true you haven't forgiven Harrison for what he did and neither ever he asked for any apologies making you want to continue this hating game. You won't be lying if you say - you were actually enjoying it. It was easy to hate him than to deal with any other feeling. Maybe this crush was dying slowly, slowly. Everything you ever wanted...
But right now, he came to return you his phone and maybe he was right. It deserved a thank you.
"Oh sorry. Thank you but really where did you get it?"
"Beneath your table."
"God! I am such an idiot... " You laughed and damn, something in his heart stopped working. He glanced at your face, how your eyes squinted forming little creases along the corners and how your lips parted ever so slightly. He has always been the sole reason for your sadness & anger. But seeing you smile and laugh because of him automatically made his own lips tug into a small smile, his eyes still concentrated on your face.
Your laugh died down as a nervous chuckle in the end when you noticed his intense gaze on you.
"I-uh... I am getting late. You make yourself at home till I get ready." You tucked a hair strand behind your ear looking at your feet. You heard Harrison lightly cough, maybe to lighten the thickening air between you both.
"Yeah."
After five minutes you showed up again cursing about already being super late.
"I should call Simon. Maybe he thinks I am flaking out!" And before you could search for his contact, your phone was snatched from your hand. Your eyes shot up only to meet Harrison's icy blue ones.
"What are doing? It's just seven-ten. You don't need to call him." He told.
"But I have to reach Regan's Diner too---"
"It's just five minutes from here. I'll drive you there. You don't wanna look like an idiot apologizing for just 15 minutes..." He handed you the phone back.
"You-you will drop me?" You asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, why not. Now hurry up, you don't wanna waste any time, right?" He already opened your main door signalling you to move out.
Was it right for you to go with Harrison when you already knew how much Simon hated him?
"Y/n, we are getting late!" He yelled standing near his car, giving you no time to think too much. You would have straight away denied if you weren't so punctual and being already late wasn't making you feel guilty.
The drive was silent and you couldn't thank less. You were panicking for your date but he was panicking about something else.
What if you come to know about those messages he sent and then deleted?
"Hey hey stop, we came ahead!" You said and Harrison instantly pulled the breaks.
"Ah, sorry, I was thinking about something."
When did Harrison Osterfield start saying sorry?
"Thanks for dropping me by the way," You smiled genuinely to which he nodded. You rushed inside the restaurant asking for your reserved seat. The waiter gave you the seat and you came to know Simon didn't arrive yet.
Good, you didn't call him.
7:40 pm and Simon didn't show up yet. You rubbed the skin of your arms in concern and embarrassment or maybe shame. You tried to divert your attention by scrolling through Instagram on your phone when you heard the noise of a chair pulling in front of you. Your head shot up only to see Harrison...
"Harrison? You didn't go?---"
"Saw you waiting and well... Guess my doubts were real!"
"What guess?"
He took a seat continuing, "Simon isn't going to come. He is a jerk, he likes flaking out---"
"At least, he isn't doing anything you did at Rick's party!" You spoke straight.
"Oh, come' on. Can we just forget it." He groaned stretching his back into the chair.
"You didn't even say sorry or anything regarding it. I have the right to carry whatever feeling I have for that incident and you." You said, one hand resting on your chin while the other mindlessly making invisible patterns on the table cloth. Harrison sighed and rubbed his palms over his eyes lightly.
"Okay okay... I get it. Sorry. I am really sorry. Now can we just forget it?"
The corners of your lips tugged upwards, a small smile forming.
"Will think about it..." You said slowly.
"Hello, sir and ma'am would you like to order something?" The waitress asked coming to your table, a big smile on her face.
"Umm... Actually, someone still didn't arrive---"
"Yeah, we can start with some starters... Cheese rolls, soup. Are you good with that?" Harrison interrupted you. He looked at you and you didn't understand what to answer so nodded.
"Thank you, just give us five minutes and hope you both are enjoying your date..."
"We--no..." You tried to clarify but the waitress had already walked away. You hated it but your cheeks felt warm making you look down at the table. An uncomfortable silence enveloping the two of you.
Harrison fake coughed to get you attention, "Umm, so for how long are you been here, in London?"
You looked up at him, a bit astonished to see him actually starting a good conversation.
"Well, two years. I came here to learn from some big fashion designers basically thought of getting an internship at Joshua Kane but guess they didn't need interns." You gasped.
"So, you came here to get a job at JK?" He leaned towards the table.
"No. For learning. I actually would love ṭo start my own brand. Basically, it's my dream, goal. There's just too much competition. Seems like everyone is better than me." You pursed your lips, looking at the glass of water blankly.
"Your work is personally my favourite. I mean it doesn't look like you are any less than professionals."
No. No... That feeling you hated it. Those butterflies... Harrison Osterfield... Not a good combination.
"You're just bluffing." You say, smiling shyly.
"Don't believe me but my fortune cookie did tell me that." He lightly chuckled.
"So, you believe in those?"
"Come on Y/n. I am saying the truth..."
"Thank you..."
"Your order." The waitress served your starters.
...
"Well, then see you tomorrow..."He dropped you back home.
"Yeah..." As he left you raced inside your house almost squealing in excitement. Changing your clothes you got into your bed. You replayed your time with Harrison this evening. Your phone rang and you absolutely blocked Simon's number the exact minute he called. He flaked out in your eyes after all. But then your phone chimed.
A new message.
Jade [10:45 pm]: How was your date?
You smiled at the message and wrote without thinking twice.
Y/n [10:45 pm]: Fucking awesome!
(TBC) GOD, IT LOOKS LIKE FLUFF BUT WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED EXCEPT Y/N... Angst on your way... Ugh... HOPE YOU ARE LIKING THIS FIC... PLZ LEAVE SOME FEEDBACK!!!!
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Word count: 3.3k words
Published on: 30 July'19 (: I had to upload it on 28 but I got ill... But now you go :)