#the beautiful bride and her maid of honor on their way to the ugly ass groom

[literaticat]

Hi Jenn, do you have any recs for good rom coms?

okkkkkk strap in lmao

I actually wrote this LONG ASS email to my friend recently when she asked for "escapist romance reads" (for grownups) -- I assume that is what you are asking for? All of these are grownup books - I'm just literally cutting and pasting that email.

So some are more "rom" than "com" but they are all FUN and A DELIGHT.

All Emily Henry books - BEACH READ, PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION and the latest BOOK LOVERS (about an agent and an editor!!) -- these are pure perfection, IMO.

I love all Jasmine Guillory books, they are an absolute auto-buy for me. Her latest is a bit of a departure, it's called BY THE BOOK and is a contemporary Beauty and the Beast reimagining -- it's a lot of fun. (Though I personally prefer her other series, this one is def "escapist" and delightful!)

THE FLATSHARE by Beth O'Leary -- it's about a girl who works days, and a guy who works nights. They share a flat in London that neither of them could afford on their own -- but they have NEVER ACTUALLY MET. They just communicate via post-it notes they leave for one another. Until.....  (I also really liked another book by her, THE ROAD TRIP, about a two exes that unexpectedly have to share a ride to a wedding of a mutual friend, and the trip encounters a lot of snags...)

All 3 of the Talia Hibbert Brown Sister's books (ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN -- TAKE A HINT, DANI BROWN, etc) - Each book is about a different sister, all of them posh Black women in London, all of them close to one another, but that's where their similarities end -- each one has her own issues holding her back in one way or another -- each of these romances is STEAMY and full of BANTER and just basically delish.

An older rec so I may have said it before, but: Any Alyssa Cole book - I'd start with A PRINCESS IN THEORY. It's about a girl who keeps getting these spam messages saying something about an African prince and a betrothal, and she's like YEAH RIGHT, DELETE -- but then he shows up on her doorstep. Very "coming to america" vibes, so cute.

BATTLE ROYAL by Lucy Parker - All of Lucy Parker's previous books are set in the world of London theater/acting communities (and I really liked all of them) -- but this new one is set on the set of a Great British Bake-Off style show. The one super uptight "fancy" man judge and the new judge (who was a previous contenstant, specializing in frilly, sparkly bakes) get along like oil and water... *cough*

IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER by Tessa Bailey - if you liked Schitt's Creek or Northern Exposure kind of vibes - it's about a super-hot party girl (think Alexis in Schitt's Creek) who has effed up one too many times in LA and is relegated to a small fishing village in the pacific northwest. So cute (and hot) - and the companion book, about the party girl's sister, just came out - HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER.

And I really liked THE UNHONEYMOONERS by Christina Lauren -- about the maid of honor and groomsman at a wedding who -- when the ENTIRE bridal party and everyone gets horrifically sick at the reception, are the only two left standing. They hate each other -- but the bride insists that they take the amazing, non-refundable honeymoon on the bride and groom's behalf. And they only have to pretend to be married. WHAT COULD GO WRONG?  (Yes, I guess I really like enemies-to-lovers) -- this is the one that got me out of a horrible year-long book slump last year!

Bonus.... Just a couple to round out the list, a couple of legit funny historical romances!

Courtney Milan - HEIRESS EFFECT: All of Milan's books are terrific, but I really love this Brothers Sinister series. In this one, an extremely rich girl who is not marriage-minded does everything possible (short of contracting a contagious disease) to get potential suitors to stay the hell away from her. Witty and fun and oh also I totally ugly-cried at a certain point. I think this will make you want to read ALL the books.

Tessa Dare - ANY DUCHESS WILL DO: All of Dare's books are delightful - most set in the little village of "Spindle Cove" (aka Spinster Cove), a beach community full of ladies who are pretty much off the marriage mart for one reason or another. In this one, a Duke is charged by his mother to get married. She declares she can make any lady into an appropriate Duchess, so he just needs to choose. NOW. So he picks the most inappropriate wench he can find, determined to foil his mother's plan. (Bonus: has a bookselling subplot!) Again - this is just one book in a totally delightful series.

[gaasaku-fanfests]

Getting Almost There

Title: Getting Almost There Author: drharunosakura Rating: PG-13 Word Count: 4390 Summary: An almost but never was rears its ugly head again as the smallest of exhanges are moved to new heights. Author's Note(s): Let me know what you think about this. If enjoyed I wanna spin this into a proper chaptered fic.

Trope: Unresolved sexual tension

Sakura Haruno could not believe that her next-door neighbor for years, her knuckleheaded idiot brother, her best friend in the entire world would do this. Yet, here she was almost too terrified to step out of her condo to start on this day trip to see the said idiot. “Well, I might as well get this over with. It’s not like Naruto actually knows about my past with his best man.”

If Sakura knew that if this was the friend that Naruto wanted to pick her up she would have never agreed on the four-hour journey to the Land of Tea with him. She did want to support him and his wife. They were doing a grand reopening of the Resort they were given on their wedding day. Sometimes Sakura just couldn’t understand the kinda money the Hyuuga’s had She supposed her ride would understand better as he similarly grew up in the world of class and sophistication and excess. Moving to grab her suitcase and walk out she got a good look at Naruto’s best man and Sakura’s biggest mistake at his wedding, Sabaku No Gaara.

He looked good, too good. The kind of man that whether he was in workout gear, a three-piece suit or the jeans and a t-shirt he currently wore he looked like the clothes were absolutely made for him and him alone. Nationally ranked MMA fighter in high school and college, tech multi-millionaire of his own fortune and grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth he had made Forbes’ 30 under 30 the past three years in a row. There weren’t many people in this world that could make Sakura Haruno, research scientist, incredible trauma surgeon, and published marvel, insecure. But the redhead smoking a cigarette in front of an Aston Martin that probably cost more than her condo, did with ease. Seeing her approach and stamping out the cigarette the man that she would be spending the next several days with approached her slowly.

“Naruto didn’t tell me it was you I was picking up. Here I thought I’d have to play Prince Charming to some... random bimbo.” He paused as he looked her up and down, before moving to grab her luggage and place it in the deep red convertible he was driving.

Not realizing Sakura had been holding in her breath for some time until she released it the moment he turned his back, she took a few more breaths in preparation for spending quite a bit of time with a man she has been avoiding for the past year.

“I’m surprised you didn’t fly there.” She murmured and he turned his head before snorting and opening up the door for her.

“I don’t like flying commercial and Temari needs the jet for her fashion show this weekend. I like not being a complete prick to my big sister.” He smirked before shutting the door and giving Sakura a moment to marvel at the luxury of the car he owned.

“What no helicopter?” She joked under her breath before holding it as Gaara moved over her and reached to grab something. He still smelled like fresh electronics and cinnamon and cigarettes and she hated how hypnotic of a scent it was to her. Pulling back the man grinned and produced a pair of sunglasses before whispering in her ear.

“Naruto hasn’t yet re-zoned the helicopter pad yet, I asked.” Before slipping on the sunglasses and starting them on their journey.

Sakura was silent for the first hour or so of their ride, glancing every so often at the redhead next to her. She remembered exactly what she felt the first time they locked eyes. It was at the initial rehearsal dinner and he was the last to arrive. No one knew what this mysterious best man looked like but Naruto was adamant that his best friend in the entire world from business school could be the only person he wanted to be the role and we would all love him.

Sakura was sitting beside Hinata and Ino, gushing over the fact that one of them was finally getting married when he walked into the private room of Choji’s restaurant. Ino was the first to recognize him and man was she starstruck.

“That is Sabaku no Gaara. How on earth did Naruto become best friends with Suna’s most eligible bachelor of the year?” Sakura couldn’t help but giggle. As she was the maid of honor (Hanabi was slightly too young as Hinata’s little sister) Sakura went to introduce herself to her partner for most of the wedding festivities.

“Sakura-Chan! You have to meet Gaara. This is my best man and he saved my ass a few times in business school.” Naruto grinned and Sakura turned to look at the redhead in question. She had vaguely heard of the Sabuko family, mostly from Shikamaru and his wild affair with the fashion designer Temari, but the younger was the marvel.

He was just under Naruto’s height but had the presence of being head over shoulders taller. He had eyes the color of jade and a smile that seemed new on him like he was trying it out for show and wasn’t sure if he would take it home or not. His hand reached out to shake hers and the low timbre of his voice absolutely rattled Sakura.

“You’re the maid of honor right? Naruto has not shut up about you. I guess you’re my partner for this thing.”

“Y-yeah.” She chuckled, hating herself for the stutter and quickly moved to shake his hand. She hadn’t been this flustered since high school and here she was near blushing at a man for smiling at her and shaking her hand.

“Well, you two are gonna be great pals. I’m gonna go check on Hinata and get this thing going kay?” Naruto grinned and moved along, leaving Sakura to show Gaara his seat across from her at the table.

“So,” She asked at the venue, they were waiting for their part in the ceremony to begin and Sakura thought she might as well get to know the man she was walking down the aisle with… figuratively speaking that was. “How did you and Naruto meet?”

Turning towards her Gaara smirked and this half-smile felt quite warn in, it suited him better. “I kicked his ass in a speech and debate class and he literally kicked my ass in the gym. We’ve had one another’s backs after that and he became like a brother to me in business school.”

Nodding Sakura looked up at the two to be married and added. “Well he was so excited everyone gets to meet you. It’s not like you get to visit too often living all the way in Suna right?”

Turning towards Sakura before taking another glance at the groom he replied. “I suppose I could visit more if given a good reason.”

Stopping at a traffic light Sakura supposed the silence had gone long enough and she couldn’t take it anymore. As she was far too terrified to touch the radio of his car she blurted out a question.

“So, what errand did you need to run for Naruto that was close to my place?” She quipped knowing that Naruto was a good enough bridge for them to talk about to start with; lest she loses her mind in the silence.

“Naruto needed a couple of high tech systems to help his POS system run on the multitude of international clients the resort sees. Making it easy for the employees to use multiple types of credit cards and translate itemized receipts was a pretty simple program to run. I just made it an offline system and there are a couple of monitors in the back so I could just give it to him to install before opening day next week. I have a pretty good supplier in the area and picked them up before I got you.”

Sometimes she forgot how smart Gaara was. How he could light up a room the moment he gathered their attention or how he could seemingly make things just appear from him. He could solve any problem at the drop of a hat and never seemed to make a big deal of it.

Sakura was freaking out. She was single-handedly going to ruin the wedding of her best friend in the entire world. Ino dealt with the flowers. Choji had catering down to a science. Hinata’s family dealt with the venue. All Sakura had to do was handle the music and her duo for the ceremony completely bailed. She had 72 hours to find another musician or Hinata was walking down the aisle in silence.

Sighing Sakura placed her head in her hands in her hair and let out a long slow groan.

“Last I checked wasn’t it the bride was supposed to be the one to freak out about a wedding?”

Looking up she saw Gaara. He was in a tank top and running shorts and yet she couldn’t be bothered to think him out of place in the hotel’s business center.

“Well, when one of your biggest roles in the wedding, really your only role in the wedding falls through you’re bound to get a bit stressed.” She sighed.

Sitting down beside her silently while he answered a few emails on his phone he asked, “So, what fell through?”

Looking at him she bit her lip before responding. “I was supposed to get music for the wedding and reception and I found this great band for the reception. That’s settled and I thought I found this beautiful Guitar and Violin duo for the ceremony but they canceled last minute and I don’t know where I’m going to find someone and this has to be perfect because it’s Hinata and Naruto and Hinata has been pining after Naruto since we were in grade school and if anyone deserves a fairytale wedding it’s her and I don’t know what I can do to fix…” She went to continue but Gaara stopped her with a silent hand before asking.

“So you need an appropriate soloist or duo that can play at the wedding ceremony right?”

Sakura nodded and went to explain her worries before looking at Gaara dial a number and pick up the phone.

“Cousin, Sasori you still dating that stupid artist guy? He still good friends with that harp player what’s his face Haku. Yeah, the one who just finished up that European tour. Get me his contact info for a job on Saturday. Wedding. I need it guaranteed but put that lovely family money stamp on it kay? See you for dad’s obligatory family get together next month.”

Sakura paused and attempted to close her mouth from the awe that she just experienced. “Y-you didn’t have to do that. You barely know me why would you help me like that?”

“I haven’t helped you yet. But if you haven’t gotten a text from me with his contact info in two hours then my cousin won’t be getting his spot in the gallery I own this year either.” He chuckled and moved to answer another set of emails.

“I don’t know how I can repay you Gaara, this is so sweet.”

Turning towards her Gaara simply smirked and lifted her chin. She could feel the heat of his breath against her cheek and she hoped she wasn’t blushing as noticeably as she felt she was. “Continue keeping this wedding exciting for me and Naruto happy. He deserves this day to be perfect too and it’s the least I can do to make sure it stays that way.”

Sakura paused as they pulled into a little cafe just passed the highway. Stepping outside it Sakura followed him as he ordered his order and then silently turned to her for her to add-in. Paying for the both of them before Sakura even had a chance the two of them moved to a spot outside of the cafe and Gaara pulled out another cigarette.

“I have to say this once just as a doctor, you know how bad those things are for you.” She murmured knowing he probably didn’t want the scolding but unable to hold back any longer.

“Running as many companies as I do at my age will kill me a lot faster. I think a couple of cigarettes a day are hardly comparable to the stress that puts on my body.” Rolling her eyes at that she conceded to her one statement and went to sip her coffee. She, while not one for too many sweets was a true lover of whipped cream and relishing in the delicious taste that accompanied her latte.

“How is the whole doctor thing going?” He mentioned after a while, startling her and shocking her that he remembered.

“Um, it’s great. I just finished up my residency so everything feels finally permanent; like I’m finally out of school. How is everything your way?”

Putting out his cigarette he paused before answering, taking a long look at her first and Sakura inwardly cursed herself for the delicious shudder that went down her spine.

“Of the Sand Corp is doing decently. Enough that my father is pressing me to sell it under the Kazekage Industries umbrella; not like I would. It seems he is punishing me for doing so by giving me more responsibilities to run under the family business not that Kankuro isn’t an epic VP of my company anyway.”

“Well at least visiting Naruto will give you a bit of a vacation. When do you have to go back to Suna?”

Taking a moment take a long gulp of his coffee, and give Sakura time to ogle the bicep that was holding it he responded, “I actually moved to Konoha a couple of weeks ago. Kazekage Industries is expanding and dad wanted me to take over the branch here. Hence making it really difficult to fully run my tech business based in Suna.”

“Oh, that is tricky, but at least when Naruto comes back or visits he’ll be able to see you as well. Have you been adjusting ok considering?” She asked taking another long sip of her coffee, not noticing the spec of cream that remained on her upper lip. Sakura wondered how he managed to do it all and how much stress she would be under if put in half of that situation

“The takeover was a bitch and I can’t find a good assistant to save my life plus I don’t know anyone in this town besides well, you and I just found that out.” Taking a moment to lean in close to her Sakura froze.

Was he going to kiss me? This is just like the wedding I’m freezing. He looks so good but we haven’t spoken in nearly a year! Oh kami please. Sakura thought before noticing him remove the offending cream and take it between his own lips.

“Think you would oppose to showing me a few places where I can lesson my will to murder? A good gym and a good bar would be only for the greater good at this point.” He teased and she frowned as he seemingly looked like he was enjoying this torture he was putting on her body.

“Yeah, I do. Perks of growing up around here and going to undergrad here.” Taking their collective silence Gaara moved to give her one of his smirks and asked.

“I might actually have to take you on a date then cherry blossom. Think you could handle me this time?” Sakura blushed and turned to look out at the scenery before them. The land of fire was changing into the more tropical more scenic land of Tea, though as Naruto’s resort was on the coast it would still take another hour or so to get there.

Taking the pause neither as a good or bad thing, Gaara finished up his coffee and stood up to stretch before glancing down at her. “Come on, if we’re late Naruto will assume I’m dead and blow up my phone to the point of me throwing it out the car, and between you and me I really can’t lose another phone this quarter.”

Giggling Sakura stood up and followed him to the car for the last leg of their journey. “Alright but just keep to driving safely. Late or not if I’m dead I can’t patch you up after a car crash.”

“I’ll definitely keep you alive but no promises on 100% safety Sakura.” He chuckled twirling his keys in his hands. “I gotta live a little reckless or I’ll go insane.” He paused before fully getting in the driver's side, “Well more than I already am.”

Sakura was attached to her phone at their bachelorette party spa night. The timid Hinata not one of clubbing or strippers so Sakura and Hanabi planned an elegant pamper night for all of the bridesmaids.

“Forehead, this is a girls night. Stop texting your prince charming of a boyfriend and come join us.” Ino chastised before moving to see what she was actually looking at.

“Oh my God girls she actually is texting Gaara.” Stealing Sakura’s phone to bring it to the girls Ino giggled much to Sakura’s chagrin.

“Let me see here, ooh, pamper night going well. Promise me you’ll send pics of Naruto if he does anything stupid?”

Sakura tried and failed to grab it, only to have it thrown to Ten-Ten, who continued reading.

“What’s in it for me? And he added a winky face!”

“Guys, come on.” Sakura groaned moving to grab it only to have the phone thrown to Hanabi.

“That’s not very Best Man behavior of you.” Hanabi paused before cracking up. “Oh my god Sakura is full-on flirting and I think Gaara is flirting back. He just responded.

“What did he say?” Ino grinned moving to hold Sakura down with Ten-Ten at the assist.

“He said, I may be the best man but that doesn’t make me good. I think we should respond.” Hanabi chuckled and mortified Sakura tried to escape.

“Hanabi, don’t.” Sakura begged.

“Kid you got this, we’ll give you the honors.” Ten-Ten chuckled and Sakura wiggled stronger before moving out of their grasp.

“And, send.” Hanabi chuckled giving Sakura her phone back and watching her pale in complexion, then only more so when the girls heard the ping of a response.

“So,” The bride-to-be finally spoke up. “What did he say?”

Nearly too shocked to respond, Ino looked over her shoulder and squealed before announcing.

“So our lovely Hanabi moved us with her elegant words of asking the very tasteful So what are you good at? And it looks like our little cherry blossom might have caught herself a billionaire.”

“Why?” Ten-Ten asked before Sakura took back her phone and shut it off.

“Because,” Ino continued. “He told forehead that he could schedule some time to show her later if she liked.”

Sakura shook her head from her blush and tried to calm herself from her memories of Gaara at the wedding. They were nearly inseparable then. He was always so smart, and so good with his words.

“Are you too warm Cherry Blossom?” Gaara added moving to turn up the air and finally turn on the radio, shifting the dial till some form of music could be heard.

“Maybe a bit, though I’m not exactly uncomfortable.” She whispered out looking at the road flying past them as Gaara sped them along the highway.

“So I still make you squirm is all. I know how to fix that.” He chuckled and Sakura involuntarily shuddered before responding.

“The wedding was a mistake. I don’t normally do things like that and I shouldn’t have gone as far with you that night.”

“Oh calm down cupcake I kept my pants on. You leading me on and then ghosting after just a kiss when you were acting like you wanted a lot more than that should make me a little antsy to be near you again not the other way around.” He scoffed moving to turn on their exit and get to the last leg of their journey.

It was the reception. The ceremony was lovely Gaara’s call had come through and it turns out Haku was someone Naruto had met a long time ago and had changed his life. The blonde idiot fully burst into tears at the sight of the delicate man softly singing as his bride came down the aisle. The pictures had all been taken the speeches given and now it was simply time for the party that they all knew Naruto could throw. Sakura was taking a well-deserved spot of air when she saw her best man on the balcony having a cigarette.

“You gave a wonderful speech. I think a couple of people cried, Iruka-sensei I know did.” She chuckled and he turned and smirked when he noticed it was her. Offering her a cigarette that she politely declined, he took a step to close the distance between them.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it Sakura, I’ve always had a knack for a good speech. Yours was pretty cute as well. I can tell Hinata really enjoyed it.”

Blushing slightly Sakura swirled the bit of champagne she had in her glass before asking, “How long are you in town for?”

“Couple days, then I have to head back.” Pausing when he saw her mood utterly deflate he moved to hold her chin. “But I can always make the most of my trip now.” He grinned and pulled her in for a breath-stealing kiss.

It made her weak at the knees. She felt dizzy. She felt like everything she had ever desired was in that kiss and so much more could be had, and it terrified Sakura. Pulling back she looked at him and quickly uttered out a soft. “I have to go.” Before disappearing from the venue.

It took a long time for Sakura to realize why she bolted when all her body was screaming at her to do was screw Gaara in his hotel room till the sun came up. He terrified her. Gaara had this type of undeniable power to him. He wasn’t overly tall. He was fit but no monster. He was beautiful but not in a way that was common and yet anytime Gaara spoke the entire room always gave him 100% of their attention. He was in control at all times and that was not something Sakura had any idea how to deal with. She was Sakura Haruno. She was a woman who always called the shots and she certainly was not one who knew how to deal with an alpha like Gaara; especially for a one night stand.

Not to mention that she had just had a rather ugly breakup with Sasuke Uchiha and was learning to be on her own; something that would have been ruined if it just looked like she fell into the closest thing available. So nothing about their current predicament made it seem like they should start a relationship and rather than deal with Gaara’s temptation of simply being there nor the teasing of her friends Sakura bolted and went back to the safety of her condo and her job.

She honestly thought she had gotten over her handsome wedding parter but the time apart clearly didn’t change the way her eyes still longed to undress him or the way she would follow the curve of his lips when he talked. How she could picture those hands of his wrapped around her body and how even going back to her deepest of crushes should she ever remember being remotely attracted to anyone else.

“We’re gonna be there soon.” Gaara murmured pulling her out of her thoughts and she took one last look at the curve of his jawline and how it tensed slightly as he turned before she moved to look at them entering the gates of the property.

Gaara parked briefly and before Sakura could react he had gotten out and moved to open the door for her. “One best friend of Naruto’s arrived safe and sound. Now I just need to collect my fee.” He smirked and Sakura scoffed and looked up at him.

“And what fee would that be?”

“I’ll take it in installments over the course of the weekend but I will go ahead and get my first payment before we spy the knucklehead.” He teased and pulled her up close to him. She could feel his chest pressed against hers. Smell that amazing cinnamon scent that only he had. Their lips were barely separated, their breath intertwined in a way that begged them to kiss.

She was shocked, she was aroused and she had just closed her eyes to let them have their second kiss when seemingly as soon as it started it was over and he pulled her away.

“What was that?” She asked slightly out of breath and angry at the overflow of emotions that were racing through her body.

“Evidence that you still want me so bad you can barely stand it.” Pulling her close to whisper in her ear and she actually did let out a soft moan as he whispered out.

“Our mutual friend has so kindly scheduled us some time together. I think this is the perfect opportunity for me to show you something I’m rather good at.” He grinned and pulled away grabbing both of their bags as they walked towards the entrance to the resort.

I really should have stayed at home. Sakura thought to herself as she walked behind Gaara and saw the genuine smile on his face as he greeted Naruto and she finally saw her best friend of over 20 years.

But it had been a while since I’ve had a vacation. Her mind rebutted. Maybe he is just an added part of the relaxation?

“Come on Sakura, Naruto says our rooms are right next to each other isn’t that convenient?” He added and resumed carrying both of their luggage.

Or maybe this weekend will be the most tiring vacation I have ever had.

[canyousevmyheavydirtysoul]

My Best Friend's Wedding. (Pete Wentz x Reader)

“And in closing, congratulations on finding someone who you think you can put up with for the rest of your life.”

“This is going to be the worst Maid of Honor speech in the history of awful Maid of Honor speeches,” your best friend remarked, face-palming while shaking her head in disapproval.

“I didn’t think it was that bad,” you shrugged, scanning over the speech you held in your hand, “Which part put you off? Was it the “Well done on finally getting married before you guys could break up for the fourth time” or the “Remember not to argue in front of the kids”?

(Y/B/F) raised her eyebrows.

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Well, I’d like to see you write a Maid of Honor speech for a wedding you want nothing to do with,” you sassed.

Collapsing next to her on the sofa, you massaged your temples and let out a groan.

“You really shouldn’t have agreed to be a part of the wedding, then.”

Rising from your outstretched position to a sitting one, you stared in disbelief at your friend.

“What the hell was I supposed to do?! Say "No, sorry, Pete. I can’t be your Maid of Honor because your fiancée irks me more than I can put into words. Oh, yeah, and there’s the fact that I’m in love with you.”?"

There was silence for a little while before your friend spoke.

“Well, yeah, that probably would’ve done it.”

“You’re not helping!” you yelled, hurtling a throw pillow at her face.

“Excuse me? Let me remind you that I’ve been telling you to confess your feelings to Pete since you told me about them! Which was, like, a year ago, by the way!” she scoffed.

“Psh, you’re such an exaggerator,” you retorted, eyes rolling, “It wasn’t a year ago! It was 11 months, 2 weeks and 3 days.”

“(Y/N)!”

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry!” You raised your hands in mock defense. “You’re right, I should’ve listened to you.” You sighed in defeat, causing a look of triumph to form on (Y/B/F)’s face. “But that doesn’t change the fact that I’m stuck being the fucking Maid of Honor at this damned wedding!”

You dived onto one of the nearby pillows and screamed into it. (Y/B/F) rubbed your back soothingly.

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay, babe. We both know that you can fake a great speech if you tried. You just need to get away from everyone and clear your head for a bit.”

“Yeah, because that’s totally possible right now,” you spoke, sarcasm evident in your voice, “Today’s Sunday and the wedding is on Saturday. Between now and then we have final dress fittings tomorrow, wedding party breakfast on Tuesday, rehearsal dinner on Wednesday, bachelor and bachelorette parties on Thursday, and a spa day on Friday. Also taking into account that Meagan always finds something for me to do - ya know, cause I’m "the maid of honor and it’s my duty” - I think it’s safe to say that ‘getting away’ from everyone would be next to impossible.“

"This is gonna be one long-ass week,” (Y/B/F) said, sucking in a breath before releasing it slowly.

“Tell me about it.”

~Monday, 12:00, 118 hours until the wedding~

The high-pitched chattering and squeals of Meagan and her bridesmaids filtered through the thin walls of the fitting room. They all seemed to be madly in love with their dresses,(their shrieks of delight upon trying them on bearing testament to that) and wouldn’t stop blabbing about them. As much as it pained you to admit it, you couldn’t blame them. Their dresses were gorgeous. Your dress on the other hand…

“I look like I just walked out of a Shakespearean tragedy.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad,” (Y/B/F)’s reassuring voice sounded into your ear through your phone.

“Oh, is that what you think?” you replied before hanging up and FaceTime-ing her instead, aiming the camera at the full-body mirror in front of you so that she could see the monstrosity that was currently taking refuge on your body.

“(Y/N), I’m sure it’s fine, you’re probably jus- AHHH OH MY GOD WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING?!” (Y/B/F)’s face contorted in horror when her eyes were met with the awful sight that was your Maid of Honor dress through the screen.

“My point exactly!”

Groaning, you rubbed your tired eyes and walked over to the stool in the corner of the room.

“Is she trying to sabotage her own wedding? If so, she’s really good at it because that dress will do an amazing job at that,” your friend stated.

“More like sabotage me. This is clearly not the dress that I chose - hell, it’s not even remotely similar to the other girls’ - and when I asked the wonderful bride-to-be about it, she said that she’d changed her mind about what she wanted me to wear. Apparently this was the most in-demand Maid of Honor dress back in the 1900s, and she thought "it would be totes adorable if there’s a traditional flair to the wedding”“, you mocked Meagan’s voice, "Like, if you want traditional flair, why don’t you wear this ugly ass dress then?!”

You heard a group of footsteps approaching the door, along with the sound of hushed voices. But you’d recognize those annoying voices anywhere, even when they were barely whispering. You pressed your index finger to your lips, signaling (Y/B/F) to keep quiet. Soon enough, Meagan spoke.

“Oh, (Y/N)!” she called out in a sing-song voice.

You rolled your eyes and took a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself for what was coming next and (Y/B/F) had to stifle a laugh.

“Yes, Meagan?” you replied in a sickly sweet voice.

“What do you think of the dress? It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Meagan. It’s… wonderful.”

“Yay! I’m so glad you like it,” she replied. You could practically hear the smirk in her voice and the sense the falseness behind her excitement over your ‘approval’. “Not a lot of people would be able to pull it off but I knew it would be perfect for you, (Y/N). And I’m sure Pete will agree.” You heard the other girls snigger behind the door and you had to clamp your hands together in order to restrain yourself from knocking the door down and tackling someone.

“Anyway, we’re leaving to get some brunch. You’ll finish up here, right?”

Before you could even respond, the giggling Barbie squad had walked off, leaving you free to talk to (Y/B/N) again.

“Lord, please give me the strength to not kill a bitch.”

“Wow, babe. You must really love Pete if you’re willing to wear that in order to keep Voldemort over there happy,” (Y/B/N) said, letting out a low whistle.

“Ugh, (Y/B/N), please. Don’t compare her to Voldemort. It’s not fair on him,” you both giggled, “But yeah,” you continued, biting your lip while your thoughts drifted to Pete, “I guess I do.”

_______________________________ 

Thank you for reading x

[imagine-that-one-thing]

#55- I fell in love with my best friend

Authors Note: I have been wanting to write this for a little bit now, and finally my idea can just be thrown into a requested blurb. Xx

You stand staring into the depths of the mirror in front of you, your hair curled immaculately, your earrings corresponding beautifully with your necklace, your eyes shining a radiant shade, your dream wedding dress caressing your body in a comprehensive fashion; your veil dangling over your shoulders— trailing to the floor, combining the sovereign appearance.

You turn around, your mind overlooking your bridesmaids as they adjust the trail of your embroidered dress and veil, complimenting you through their own tears of happiness.

Every girl dreams of their wedding from the moment they notice their first wedding dress flawlessly posted in a magazine, or from the first moment they lay their eyes on a stunning bride as she looks charmingly at her husband.

You take a deep breath trying your best to fake a smile but the unsettling swirl in the pit of your stomach doesn’t make things peaceful. Your Father steps in, his eyes meeting yours as holds back a few tears, his voice suddenly making things real.

This is actually your wedding day. This is real. You are getting married.

“I wish I could keep you, my little girl, forever, but it is time for you to walk down that aisle.” He smiles, your Bridesmaids instantly circling around you, waiting for your cue to adjust your dress for the hundredth time.  

“I uh.. I need some more time.” You clear your throat, your own hands feeling shaky as you hold your lovely bouquet in your hands, the bouquet that your soon-to-be mother-in-law insisted on you holding. Your Dad nods and steps back out of the dressing room, your eyes looking down at the engagement ring on your finger.

“Y/N?” Your Maid of Honor gently takes your hand and you pull it away from her, shaking your head as you close your eyes for a split second, your thoughts becoming nothing but a jumbled mess. She observes you for a minute as you turn around to look back in the mirror, your Bridesmaids staring at you, utterly confused. “Alright, everyone out.” Your Maid of Honor announces, physically pushing everyone out of the room, “Don’t move.” She instructs and you nod through the mirror.

Your hands gently wrap around the necklace hanging delicately around your neck, the necklace you had spent hours admiring it while debating on whether you wanted ornate earrings or an extravagant necklace.

Everything is somewhat picture perfect, your dress, your jewellery, your hair, your bridesmaids, even the flowers you did not originally want to walk down the aisle holding.

It is all just so perfect… And yet, here you are with an uncomfortable sense in the pit of your stomach, your mind reminding you of that dreaded thing called doubt.

You hear the door open and turn around to see the familiar soft washed out green eyes that never fail to make themselves present when you need them the most.

“I’m here, I am in a penguin suit with a freaking ugly ass flower on my pocket, what is the holdup?” He smirks, poking fun at your choice of flower that you reminded him that he indeed have to wear it to the wedding.

You stare at him, speechless, your eyes giving away that you need one of his pep-talks or something.

“Ye’ alright?” He takes a step closer to you, “Because you look absolutely beautiful, minus the horrid flowers,” He winks, doing his best to get you to give him a smile of some sort, “But, I can see in your eyes that somethin’ is up. So what is it? Hm.” He continues to keep his eyes on you, trying to figure out just what could be your problem. “If it is the pre-wedding jitters, I have a flask in my jacket pocket,” He continues, his hand reaching into his jacket pocket, pulling out a black flask— you can only assume he has the strongest alcohol savoured away in there.

You shake your head, a small chuckle escaping your lips. Of course, he would be the one to bring a flask just in case you need something to knock the edge off.

Or maybe it is for him, who knows?

“I don’t feel okay.” You finally let out in a breath,

“Ehh, oh, okay. Uhm.. are you sick or somethin’ yeh aren’t giving me much to work with here.”

“I just— I have this feeling in my stomach that I can’t shake—” You sigh, unsure of how to explain what is going through your mind,

“Well if ye’ not pregnant then I assume it is just your nerves, your Groom is nervous as hell, I offered him the flask, he also declined it.” Harry enlightens you, not quite sure on what his role is at this point in time. His solution to pre-marital jitters is to take a drink of alcohol and get on with it.

You shake your head, “It isn’t nerves, Harry.” and suddenly, it clicks. His eyes grow wide and he nods, gently taking your hand.

“You’re having doubts.” He clears his throat, “Listen, whatever you need to do, you do it. Listen to me.. Hey, look at me.” He instructs, pulling your eyes to focus back on his. “If you love him and want to be with him, walk down that aisle. But if your doubts are making you question things, then follow your heart. If this marriage won’t make you happy, you don’t have to go through with it.” He stammers his way through a speech he never thought he would have to give you as your best friend, particularly moments before you should be walking down to your Groom.

“Harry.. I.. I don’t know,” You mumble.

You believed this is what you had wanted, but now that you are finally getting it, writing it in stone, you can’t help but not to neglect the nagging thought in your head that the man waiting for you is not the man for you.

“Y/N you need to tell me what it is you want, if you want to walk down that aisle then you need to start walking because time is ticking, if you need me to go get a get-away car, I will go right now.”

You speculate the options he is giving you and you press your hand to your forehead, biting your lip as you do your best to convey your thoughts into something coherent.

It is at the moment that the door opens and your Maid of Honor announces that you are cutting it extremely close to worrying the Groom and the guests that you make your decision.

You take a deep breath and Harry nods, knowing you don’t need his get-away car.

“C'mere.” He opens his arms and you lean in for a hug, your arms wrapping around him with no intentions to let go. “If he hurts you, I will—I will do things you do not need to hear. Just know, he won’t be a happy man when I am done with him.” He whispers, holding you a little tighter, his protective nature beginning to come into play. “Hey, ye’ kinda—sorta— have a wedding to attend.” He distracts you when you continue to latch onto him.

You pull away and he gives you a warm smile, “You look beautiful. He is a lucky man, go walk to your happily ever after.” He whispers, his eyes soft and radiating a breathtaking emerald hue.

You step out of the dressing room, Harry giving you one last wink as he walks towards the side doors to enter the Cathedral.

Is the man waiting at the end of the aisle, standing nervously at the alter someone you one-hundred percent love or is he someone you are settling with?

Your mind wanders and it is when you glance over to view Harry looking over at you as the Bridesmaids circle around you. It is the moment that he gives you a small smile before looking down at his hands on the golden handle that all thoughts become apparent, the words, “I fell in love with my best-friend.” slipping softly from your lips, but nobody overhears you as they are striving to alter your dress before you walk down the aisle…..

List of my other Prompts found HERE