Long chap because i've been gone for a lil' bit lol

__

"Enjoy, ladies."

"Thank you," replies Asmaa politely as she takes the valet's hand as he helps her from the G Wagon. She follows her friend from the car, smiling sexily because she was really feeling like that girl tonight. She likes the lingering look he's giving her. She likes the attention she's receiving.

Rory hands over her keys, since she's the designated driver of course, before tugging on Asmaa's elbow.

"Excuse me?" She whispers in her ear, "Quit making that man think he's got a chance," Rory purses her lips. "You've got a boy toy."

"Do I?" Asmaa whispers, just out of ear-shot of the valet. "Or did I?" She asks, because Rory and Kezie and Desi were the only ones who'd been completely updated about her fight from Bradford and she had been waiting for this moment...she'd been waiting for tonight...the first time after their fight...when she'd finally get to see him.

...when he finally got to see her.

Asmaa shrugs, "Guess we'll have to see."

"So extra," Rory laughs aloud, "One fight doesn't mean you've broken up."

"You're sure?" Asmaa whispers back, approaching the elevator that would take them up to the restaurant, "How 'bout if your boyfriend's embarrassed of your job? Would that be grounds to end the relationship?"

"'Grounds,'" snorts Rory, throwing up air quotes. "Such a lawyer. Such an extra-ass lawyer."

"Stop calling me extra!"

"You know you don't want to break up with Zayn," Rory continues under her breath, as the elevator 'dings' and the girls sashay inside, "So I don't even know why you'd start with me today."

And despite the fact that Asmaa is rolling her eyes hard, Rory is right and they both know it.

And Asmaa knew she was being selfish, but she couldn't wait for Zayn to see her. She wanted him to drool over how good she looked. She wanted him to see her and realize exactly what he had to lose—if he didn't act right.

Damn...she really had been spending too much time with the girls, but at this point, they were a part of her. She loved those women, her co-workers. They were more than that, now. They were her friends; women who had taken her in when she was brand new to London and had nothing. They had done nothing but show her immense love and spearheaded her growth. She wanted Zayn to see that. She wanted to know that he couldn't just separate her from the rest.

They were all the same.

They all deserved the same respect.

"Sheesh," Asmaa whispers, as they ride the elevator to the outdoor rooftop bar. "How much money does your Blaire have?"

"A shit ton," Rory replies, to which Asmaa can't help but agree.

She giggles, nodding, "A shit ton."

Tonight was Blaire's rehearsal dinner, and The Babes had decided on all-black. The Phoenix Babes, that is.

So, out of solidarity with their momma Blaire, the girls all decided to come color-coordinated for the night.

As Rory and Asmaa step from the elevator, it's easy to spot Charlie and Tati and Lyric and Chikezie and Desirée huddled in conversation with some of the other guests.

Asmaa was grateful for this night, too. She'd yet to update her sister completely about Zayn and the girls and her job and her life and...well, she was just glad that Ayat and Lira had decided to sightsee tonight. She was glad they didn't tag along to this.

The wedding would be enough.

Besides, with thoughts of Zayn clouding her mind, Asmaa needed the distraction.

"Well, well," Kezie begins as the girls approach, "Look who finally made it."

"And like, after Des?" Rory teases, "Like, how?"

"Love you too, Ror. Love you, baby."

"I love that we did this," Charlie grins, feeling the smooth black fabric along Asmaa's hip. "Like, so sexy."

"This all-black look?" Kezie nods, "Classy, fam," she twirls in a black cocktail dress, "We clean up nice."

"Some elegant muh-fuckas," Rory grins. And she taps the champagne glass in Charlie's hand. "Um, where do I—?"

"Bar," Charlie replies. "It's open, too."

"All night."

"Open bar? Blaire boujee."

"Sounds like someone," Kezie side-eyes Rory with her tinkling laugh, "is about to get shit-faced."

"I mean," Rory chokes as the women all laugh in agreement, "I am who I am--"

"Which means she's gonna go home with Harry," Asmaa mutters; everyone chokes now. "I should've found another ride..."

"Anyway..." Rory interjects, swiftly jabbing Asmaa sharply.

"Ow! Rory!"

"...so, like I was saying," and she halts, "before I forget," Rory leans against Chikezie, "My cousin, Lira, is here visiting with Asmaa's sister, Ayat, from Paris. And," she adds, "before any of y'all ask, no, theye're not here tonight but they will be at the wedding," she says. "so don't tell them shit about us working at Phoenix, 'kay? Thanks."

And now, here comes the woman of the hour.

"Excuse me?" Blaire is now being swarmed by the girls; she's also got champagne glasses in her hand that she's handing now to Asmaa and Rory. "What about Phoenix?"

Luke leaves his sportscoat at work.

"Shit," he curses, gripping the wheel of his car as he speeds in the opposite direction...away from Google...towards OXO Brasserie, the restaurant that Lou's family had chosen for the occasion. They were the ones hosting the reception since Blaire's family was paying for the wedding, and apparently, according to Lou, his mom and his aunt were going all out for the celebration.

But, he's halfway at the restaurant, now. And he told Des that he'd get there relatively on-time.

So he was trying his best to get there relatively on-time.

Trying, anyway.

It was time to call in a favor.

He's waiting at a light and grabs for his phone, pausing the music and sending a quick text.

Can you do me a huuuuuge favor?

Minuyara texts him back immediately.

Looking for this?

And here comes the picture of his jacket.

Lifesaver!

He pauses as the light changes.

Do you mind...?

Yara texts him back again.

Just text me your address loser

Luke smiles. He was seriously blessed to have a friend like her.

Say less.

It doesn't dawn on Harry until he steps off the elevator that he'd be in the same space as both Rory and Louis for the first time ever.

He wasn't so sure how he felt about all that.

How would he act? What would he say? Louis was already pissed at Luke...now this? He was bound to find out completely, anyway, but would tonight be the end? Would this singlehandedly ruin the wedding? Would Harry be evicted from the groomsmen?

He needed to just tell him. He needed to just tell him about Rory. He needed to just get this shit all off his chest like Luke suggested. He needed to just...

He needed to just end things with Rory and go on with his life. Stay out of Phoenix forever. Never step foot in another strip club again.

Fuck.

The words don't even sound right in his own head. The words don't even make sense in his own head. But, then again, he also wasn't her boyfriend. He wasn't like Zayn, who was actually in a relationship with Asmaa. And he wasn't Luke, or Calum, even, who were practically married to their girlfriends, either. He was...he was just Harry, who seemed to be completely gone for a woman who...

Harry didn't know what to do. 

He wished he could just move on and forget about this whole ordeal. He wished he could just stop going over to Rory's place and he wished he could just stay the fuck out of Phoenix.

But, he couldn't.

And at this point, he wasn't so sure he wanted to.

Then there was Blaire.

He had yet to find nice things to say to or about her. In his mind, she was still the stripper robbing his friend.

She was still the one stealing all of his money.

"Haz, hey."

"Zayn," Harry breathes a sigh of relief, making a beeline to his friend at the bar. "You made it."

"You sound like Lou," he chuckles. "Almost sounds like you lot didn't think I'd show."

"The probabilities were low, yes," Harry agrees, "Very...very low."

"Hilarious."

"Aren't I."

Harry hails a bartender.

"Ton of people here tonight," Zayn muses, eyes scanning the floor. "Y'see Lou's mum?"

"...Just got here, mate," Harry chuckles. And he eyes the group of beautiful familiars across the patio. His eyes rest on the one with her long hair flowing down her back. She's laughing beside Asmaa, long hair falling like silk over her shoulder.

He stares...

...Smiling.

"Rory, isn't that your man?"

Rory rolls her eyes as Minnie grabs her shoulders. Despite being halfway across the patio, she already knew exactly who her friend was referring to.

"Please don't start with me 'bout this man tonight, Min. And," she adds quickly. "He's not my man."

"He's fucking you with his eyes from across this room like he's your man, girl," Minnie smiles smugly.

"What? Min," Rory groans. "No."

"What, what? He's definitely seen you. He's definitely staring."

All of a sudden, it's like Rory could see those green eyes in her head, and even in her head they were staring at her hungrily; even in her head, they were making her stomach turn.

"Minnie, can we not right now?" Rory's cheeks are getting hot.

"Okay, whatev," she shrugs as Rory downs the last of her champagne, "I just want you to introduce me to his cute little friend."

Rory nearly chokes on the drink. "Who?"

"The one who funds my entire lifestyle," Minnie laughs, as Rory groans.

"The blonde?"

"Who else?" Minnie tosses her head back with laughter. "Who else gifted me these new Manolo's?"

"I hate you," Rory replies, as Minnie's giggles shake her body. "I seriously hate you. What do you want, a sugar daddy or a boyfriend?"

"What?" Minnie's eyes grow wide. "Who says I can't have both? Look at Asmaa, or Desi! Blaire!" She exclaims. "Look at Blaire! Look at you!"

"Um," Rory raises a finger, "Harry is not my boyfriend, so--"

"Oh my God do not get me started with you tonight, Ror!"

"Fine," Rory mutters. She takes Minnie's hand in her own and begins dragging her in the direction of those green eyes. "Come with me."

"Hey, mate," Niall nudges both Harry and Zayn as he approaches the bar, hands in both pockets, besides Michael.

He chuckles, "Look."

Harry can't help but be a little excited to see Rory start making her way towards him...

...until he sees her expression; and that she looks like she wants to kill someone.

Her eyes are boring into him like...well, like...like he's actually that person she might want to kill.

A million thoughts begin to cloud Harry's mind, namely those that might have Rory be in any way perturbed with him. He hadn't done anything the night before; just had the bachelor party. And yeah, he was drunk but he's wondering now if any of the other strippers said anything to her. He's wondering at once what types of rumors must be spread about him in that club. He's wondering, running through the list of things he can recall doing the night before because he cared what Rory thought of him and he cared for Rory to know that he wasn't doing anything bad, that he'd never do that to her--

He curses himself for fucking giving a fuck and swallows that emotion and catches his breath because now, here she is.

Rory is standing before him now and a smirk has quickly masked his apprehension.

"You," she quips.

Something about her throwing out their inside joke makes his stomach turn.

He fights a grin, "Rory."

"Harry."

"Seemed like you all had quite the night last night," he chuckles. "Looked like it too, considering your Instagram story."

"Which you were very quick to watch."

"Was my entertainment for the night."

"As if you weren't at a bachelor party of your own."

"What can I say? You're much more interesting."

"Than what? Strippers? Phoenix Babes?" She laughs, "Y'sure about that?"

"Yes, actually," he chuckles. "Considering you are, in fact, one yourself."

"I'm Minnie," Minnie suddenly interjects, speaking directly to the four men, "Seeing how these two will keep this up all night."

"Michael. S'a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well."

"Niall," the blonde adds quickly, and Minnie's got her sexiest smirk on because this man was much cuter than when she wasn't working.

"And I already know you," she points at Zayn. "Since you and Asmaa are already boo'd up."

"Guilty," he runs a tattooed hand across his face, "And speaking of," he frowns, "where is--"

"By the balcony," Minnie points, "See?"

And Zayn forces a smile. "Thanks, love," he retreats from the group. "I'll leave you all to it."

And Niall has gone on to say something to Minnie that Harry doesn't quite hear because his attention is on Indya.

"You love our back-and-forths, don't you?"

She did, she realizes at this moment. Although she would die before admitting that shit out loud to him.

It seems like he already knew, though.

"Don't answer. Want another drink?" He continues. "What'll you have, champagne? Then you can tell me all about this bachelorette party of yours. Y'know," he grins slyly, wetting his lips with his tongue, "you are quite fun when you're drunk."

Rory ignores the ache in her core, "How about you tell me about your night first."

"I," he lifts a brow, "I didn't go home with anyone if that's what you were wondering."

"That actually wasn't what I was wondering," she muses. Although she was not at all unhappy to hear that.

He chuckles. "You're sure? Because I feel like you were wondering at least a little."

"You were hoping I was wondering."

"But, of course."

She laughs aloud now, matching his chuckle and dimpled smile. "I think you're the one who likes going at it with me."

"What can I say," he asks, "Our banter does, in fact, entertain me—Watch it."

And before Rory can back into a waiter carrying a tray of filled champagne glasses, Harry's got his arm planted firmly against her waist, her body pulled against his.

He smells good.

Damn him.

Like, was she giving up some of her power, here? Was her willingness to see Harry throwing off their dynamic? She'd been ghosting this man; this Phoenix frequent. But, now?

Now, Rory wanted to ride his dick and listen to his deep voice in her ear. Now, Rory wanted him to say something stupid so she could laugh. Now, Rory was pleased to hear that he hadn't gone home with anyone and was, instead, thinking about her.

Had she been dickmatized?

Yeah, she thinks. It's the dick. It's the sex that was amazing. It's the fact that she wanted to sit on his face and let him eat her out like the pancakes he'd made for her two a.m. breakfast.

It's the dick.

It's the dick.

It's the dick.

It's definitely the dick.

"Thanks."

He smiles that sideways smile and Rory's stomach turns.

Oh god, she thinks. This dick, though...

And she realizes she's still pressed against him, his hand rubbing slow circles against her back.

And...she likes it.

She peers up at him.

"Hey," she says casually.

"Hey, love," he replies, smiling in a way that makes her catch her breath. "You look stunning."

"Thank you," she fights the flutter within her stomach, "You smell good."

"Like my cologne?" He grins, biting on the corner of his lip as he sends her another endearing smile. "Compliment me again."

She laughs, pushing him in his broad chest. "Goodbye."

He throws his head back, stumbling backwards and laughing aloud in a way that makes Rory smile.

Not going to lie, she misses the feel of his hand against her.

This thought does not get voiced, though.

Instead, she allows Harry to take her hand in his.

She could fuck with that, too.

"Let's get another drink," he says in her ear, "Shall we?"

Rory decides now that she'll figure out her feelings later.

Now, she enjoys the warmth between his fingers.

"We shall."

Asmaa liked Louis.

Like, a lot.

She thought he was great--incredibly funny, wonderfully astute, handsome, witty...

And his love for Blaire seemed to just radiate off of him.

Like, this man excused himself from some cousins or friends to introduce himself to her and her friends. Left his own people to introduce himself to Blaire's. Asmaa loved it. She loved him. She loved the way he looked at Blaire. She loved their inside jokes and coupley-banter. She loved how protective he was over her. Blaire literally didn't have to lift a finger. If she needed anything...a napkin, a new drink...Louis made sure she had it.

Anything she wanted, he got.

She barely even had to ask.

Goals.

Now, as he stands and engages with them, Asmaa realizes that this is her favorite part of the night at any party--when the guests had had just enough alcohol to be buzzed and friendly; to laugh loudly and touch each other and feel closer and more connected as they joined in the celebration of a union that seemed to be divine.

Now, a group of the girls has pulled chairs around Lou and Blaire, who's nicely sat in his lap, as Charlie tries to get Lou to set her up with one of his players and he begins reminiscing about his own days playing footie in uni.

"You know, Chikezie, I should tell you; you really are to thank for all this."

She laughs, "Excuse me?"

"Calum," Louis grins, "wanted me to be his spy."

"Let me guess," Kezie rolls her eyes, "before he had the balls to step foot into Phoenix."

"Bingo," Louis laughs aloud. "Since he was obsessed with you."

"Was?" Charlie laughs aloud, "You mean he still is."

Blaire snorts, "Except now he's gonna wife you up!"

And all of a sudden, two hands clap against his shoulders, and Louis turns, "Zayn!" He exclaims, his voice coated with alcohol. "You remember Chikezie? Did you meet Blaire's friends? Lovely women, really..."

All the girls start giggling as Blaire rolls her eyes.

"A real riot, honestly."

"I do know a few," Zayn's eyes are narrowed and they do not leave Asmaa's face. "Some quite well, actually."

"Really," Louis exclaims, "how?"

"Yeah, Zayn," Asmaa challenges. "How?"

Charlie and Kezie exchange glances.

"Well," he continues, tone matching hers, "if I wasn't mistaken, Asmaa here is my girlfriend," his gaze meets hers, "unless that's suddenly all changed."

And like, the most uncomfortable silence fills the air around them. Now is definitely not the time for this conversation, but Zayn is anxious to have it. He's anxious to talk about what transpired in his car on the way from Bradford. He's anxious for Asmaa to stop being mad at him and go back to the way they were, already.

And Asmaa was always polite, but never this proper; never this tense. She was never not joking around with him or swooning at 'Babe' and never shrinking from his touch.

Which meant she was mad. She was still mad at him. She was avoiding him almost like she had when he'd first seen her at Phoenix.

Zayn's anxiety over this situation is really through the roof.

Except he's not exactly voicing these feelings because he didn't want to do this in front of his friend. It was a celebration, godammit. He didn't want to make a scene in front of his friend.

He especially didn't want to make a scene in front of hers.

And of course, she's cute and charming with everyone else.

Everyone else but him, anyway.

"Maybe," Kezie begins, "we should leave the two of you to talk..."

Asmaa shakes her head, "You don't have to--"

"Yes," Blaire interjects. Because at this point in the night now all babes had heard her story and it was time for them to put this behind them. "I think that's a great idea, Kez. Lou, let's leave them to it."

"But, what's wro--?"

"Nothing, babe," she replies quickly. "Just two people needing to talk."

And Zayn, at this moment, realizes that he had never had anything nice to say about Blaire until now.

Now, though? Now, even he shoots her a smile.

It's a very small smile.

But it still says Fucking hell thank you because my girlfriend literally is the most avoidant person EVER.

And she shoots him a very small nod in response. It's a nod that says, we aren't cool but I love Asmaa enough to put up with you, before Blaire kisses Asmaa's cheek and leads everyone away from their table.

Zayn rushes to the chair beside her.

"Asmaa," he implores tiredly, "we're adults. And," he adds, "in case you've left me, we're in a relationship," he sighs, defeated. "We need to talk this out."

"Really? Please, tell me what we need to talk about."

"Asm--Wow. Wow! For starters," he holds up a hand, pointing to individual fingers, "I've been trying to get a hold of you for an entire day, and there's been no response."

"Right, because I've needed some space."

"Ah, you don't claim me now?" He hisses, teeth grit together. "You need that much space?"

"Didn't think you'd claim me, actually," she grits back at him. "Since I come from the same strip club as your favorite golddigger."

"Asmaa," he implores tiredly, "my relationship with Louis and his fiancée has absolutely nothing to do with how I feel about you."

"Her name is Blaire, Zayn, and unfortunately, I can't separate myself from her. I do exactly the same thing. We literally have the exact same employer," she laughs. "What makes me better?"

"Babe," he laughs exasperatedly, throwing up both hands. "You're mine."

"So how do you think Louis feels?" She hisses. "How do you think he might feel to know his best friends don't support his love? How might you feel if the shoe were on the other foot, eh? If no one cared that I wanted to be a lawyer 'cause all they knew was that I stripped?"

"I..." And Zayn's eyes are hard and dark as they search hers.

And his brow furrows.

And he sighs.

"I..." He begins again, shaking his head, "I guess I never thought about it like, like this."

"And I think," Asmaa grins, finally feeling like she'd broken through a wall, "that you owe someone, or maybe two someones," she says, pointing through the crowds at both Louis and Blaire, both engulfed in a conversation with what seemed to be Louis' family, "an apology."

"I swear, Luke," Desirée shakes her head as her she pulls her jacket around her shoulders, watching her boyfriend step from his Tesla at the valet, "you are always--"

"Late," he finishes for his girlfriend, who's met him downstairs, lips pursed, hands on the hips of a velvet bodycon that's making his heart race. He makes a beeline towards her, "I know, I know..."

"Seriously, papi," she throws her arms over her shoulders as his hands grip at velvet. "You've got to get it together."

His lips meet hers. "I sowwy."

"Ew," she laughs, "You're such a weirdo."

He laughs. "Call me 'papi' again."

"Not when you already owe me for making me go about this alone."

"I'm...going to cry."

Luke turns. He hadn't exactly seen Minuyara walk his way, a peculiar expression on her face as she approached, his sportscoat outstretched in her hand.

Desi hikes a thumb in her direction. "Isn't that your--?"

"Coat?" Luke flashes a cheeky smile, tongue behind his teeth, "S'part of the reason I'm late."

"What would you do without me?" Minuyara grins, as Luke clasps his hands and jacket together in prayer.

"The co-worker of the year award goes to you, Yara."

"Oh," now Desirée nods with knowing. "You're Luke's friend from work."

"Shit," And Luke slaps a hand to his forehead. "I'm an idiot. Yara, this is my girlfriend, Desirée. Baby, this is Minuyara, one of my friends from work."

And Des can't even fight her smile because her man just called her 'Baby' in front of some chick.

"Nice to meet you."

"Oh, uh. You, too."

The introduction is forced and awkward and Luke feels like the most uncomfortable person ever, especially because now Yara's staring at Des in a way that's making him feel even more uncomfortable because he cannot, for anything, read the look in Minuyara's eyes.

"Thanks a lot, Yara," he says now, holding up the coat, "Y'know, for this," and he turns to Desi, who's got an eyebrow raised like she's about to call Minuyara out for staring.

He clears his throat, "Babe?"

Desi blinks, jumping. "What?"

"Sorry," Minuyara says, catching herself at once. "I just..." And she takes a step towards them. "I swear I've seen you before, s'all. You look..." She shakes her head, "You look so familiar..."

Desi's expression softens. "Were you at that stupid holiday party?"

"I..." Yara chokes on a laugh, "At work?"

Desi hums.

"No," she shakes her head, "I wasn't."

"Then, no. I don't—"

"And I hate to break up this new friendship," Luke announces, but he takes Desi's hand and pulls her into his side, "but we've got a party to attend, so..."

"Right, right. I'm so sorry, please don't let me keep you."

"Thanks again, Yara. For the coat."

"Any time, Luke. You know that."

And despite Desirée's raised eyebrow, she says, "It was nice meeting you."

"Um, yeah," Minuyara adds softly. "You, um...you, too."

When the night finally ends and all of the guests have left the OXO Brasserie, Louis has got one hand in Blaire's, the other on the steering wheel as he speeds towards the flat they shared across the city.

"How was your evening, Mrs. Tomlinson? Literally, my sisters will be on about this night forever."

"I am not Mrs. Tomlinson yet," she reminds him, as he plays with her lithe fingers between his. "And I'm glad they had fun."

"Soon enough, though," he grins. "In a matter of days..."

Blaire hums.

"Mrs. Blaire Tomlinson," Louis grins to himself, nodding. "Mrs. Blaire Tomlinson. Y'know I've loved the sound of that since I met you."

Blaire beams, "It does have a nice ring to it."

"Doesn't it?" And he lifts her hand to his lips, "Your friends, love...the ones who dressed for you..."

"In black?"

"I really liked them," He hums. "Quite the characters. Really quite charming."

"My Babes," Blaire grins fondly. "They really are something."

"What are they, friends from college?"

"College?" She snorts. "Oh, babe! I'm surprised you don't recognize any of them," she says. "Those are all of my girls from work--Lou, y'already know. From Phoenix."

And Blaire is actually surprised to hear him start laughing.

He chuckles, shaking his head.

All he can say, honestly, is "Wow."

____

Let's pretend like there have been updates since 2019

let's pretend...hehe.

Eye yam back