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lostinreality014 · 6 years

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You Look Perfect Tonight - Part III

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Author’s Notes: This part took me a little bit longer to write than I’d expected. If it weren’t for the fact that I had the final scene already cemented in my head, I probably would have left Niall’s and Evie’s wedding as a two part piece. This was not an easy part to write and it feels a bit choppy and weak compared to the first two parts, but I’m proud of myself for taking on the challenge. And hopefully you all like it.

Thank you to @imagine-that-one-thing for being my beta once again. Your suggestions and encouragement are very much appreciated. :)

Also Note: this piece is also posted on my Wattpad account.

Photo credits in Banner: Bride & Groom at table; Reception Hall; Bride & Groom send off

Any pieces I post here are mine and all rights are reserved. I do not give permission for my work to be posted on any other platform. Unless I explicitly state that I have posted one of my works on another platform, please let me know immediately if you see my writing anywhere other than Tumblr. Thank you.

The Reception

A little over a half hour after our ceremony had ended, we were wrapping up our bride and groom photos and making our way up to the house for the reception. We had made sure to do photos with our bridal party and immediate family first so they would have time to make their way up to the reception hall and find their seats before we were announced.

“Hungry are you?” I smirked as we reached the top of the staircase. Not that I could blame him. I was starving too. I hadn’t eaten much of anything since our brunch, and I could not wait to sit down and eat a full meal.

“I’m always hungry. This isn’t news.” he sassed, poking me in the rib. I squealed and swatted his hand away. “And your stomach is one to talk.”

“My growl was not nearly as loud as yours.” We looked at each other before snorting and dissolving into a fit of giggles.

“After you.” Shane said with a smile as he pulled open the door for us. He’d been filming from up at the top of the staircase.

“Thank you.” we said together.

“Down the corridor and to your left.” Shane said with a chuckle when we paused, trying to remember where our reception room was located. The Estate was absolutely massive. Sure we’d been staying on the grounds for the past two days leading up to today, but the pair of us were so wrapped up in last minute wedding details we hadn’t really had too much of a chance to explore like our guests had.

“That obvious?” Niall asked as we followed alongside him.

“Just a little.” He winked. “But not the first time someone has gotten turned around I’m sure.”

“No, probably not.” I agreed with a smile. As we made our way down the corridor, the sounds of music began filtering out from one of the rooms on our left. We saw Lucy peek out around the door, smiling at us before disappearing back into the hall to let Bressie know we were ready to be introduced.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen.” We heard the Bressie say. “Welcome to Powerscourt Estate and thank you for joining Nail and Evie on their special day. I’d introduce myself, but you all already know me so we’ll skip over awkward DJ introductions.” Niall and I giggled along with our guests. We’d known Bressie was the perfect person to DJ our wedding reception. He knew our musical tastes so well and we knew he’d be able to seamlessly float between providing excellent music entertainment as well as mingling and visiting with everyone.

“Now if you’ll please join me in welcoming the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Horan!” We stepped through the doors to a wide variety of whistles, cheers and applause. Smiling and giggling as we made our way up to the table where our bridal party was already seated.

It was a little over an hour later when most of us were finishing up our main dinner course. Niall and I had been chatting with Lou, Denise, Greg, and Willie since finishing our meals about ten minutes ago. As glad as I was we’d finally been able to sit down and enjoy a meal together, I also couldn’t wait until we got to visit with everyone. I was especially excited to visit with Harry, Liam, and Louis, even if it was just for a few minutes. I hadn’t seen them in months, which was the norm now, but I missed them terribly. Along with Greg, they were my big brothers and I missed them as much as I missed Niall when we went for long periods of time without seeing each other.

“Ready to get this party going?” Bessie asked with a smirk after one of the waiters cleared our plates.

“You bet.” Niall said, giving my hand a squeeze. As nervous has he’s been about our first dance as husband and wife, I also know he’s really excited about it. We didn’t have an elaborately choreographed dance planned like we’d other brides and grooms do, but we’d been working on our simple dancing skills over the last few months.

“I’ll go get myself set up for the rest of the evening and then we’ll do the speeches before I announce your first dance.”

“Sounds perfect.” I said with a smile, reaching out and giving his hand a squeeze. He returned the squeeze before him and Niall gave each other a fist bump.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look today?” Niall said softly in my ear as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

“Only about a dozen times since we were announced as husband and wife. And I seem to remember ‘stunning’ as well.”

“You’re definitely stunning.” he smiled, kissing my forehead. “I love you.” he whispered resting his forehead against mine.

“I love you too. Husband.” He couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his lips or the small shiver it sent through his body.

“That’ll take a while to get used to.”

“Eh.” I shrugged with a smirk just to give him a hard time. “But I love the way it sounds.” I smiled at him before pecking a kiss to his nose.

“Me too. Wife.” It was my turn to shiver at the new moniker.

“If I could have everyone’s attention. Before Niall and Evie share their first dance as husband and wife, there are a couple of people who would like to share a few words with the happy couple. I believe Greg is up first.” Bressie passed him the extra wireless mic as he stood up from his chair.

“I’ve known for many years now that Niall and Evie would end up married. They had this instantaneous bond and friendship that you don’t see often from the moment they met. I’ll admit I was a little bit jealous of that and boy did I try hard to become their third musketeer. Much to their dismay, mind you.” The two of us giggled and I could see mum and his parents nodding knowingly in agreement out of the corner of my eye. “I eventually gave up and let them be,” Niall squeezed my hand when Greg looked over and gave him a warm smile. I scooted my chair closer to him so I could loop my free arm through his. Something told me this was going to be a bit emotional for the two of them since they’ve rebuilt their relationship over the last couple of years.

“Now, I don’t want to get too heavy on my little brother’s wedding day, but the two of us, we’ve been through some tough times over the years, and we’ve recently reconnected and rebuilt our relationship. I tell you that, to say this. It’s been really special to see how Niall’s and Evie’s relationship has grown and developed since Evie and Naomi moved in across the street from us all those years ago. And as odd as this may sound, seeing how Niall and Evie have overcome their own struggles and differences as their relationship has grown has been quite inspirational. They have this rare ability both individually and as a couple to make you think about the relationship you have with the people in your life. I’m willing to bet they have no idea they do that.” Niall and I chuckled softly along with our guests, shaking our heads no, while sniffling and trying to fight back tears. Niall was doing a much better job than me at the moment.

“My wife has taught me what it is to love and be loved, to accept and be accepted over the years we’ve known each other. And she’s taught me a lot about resolving conflict. But Niall and Evie, again I’m sure, without being aware of it, they’ve taught me from afar about resolving conflict between friends. Niall, you might be my baby brother, but you’re also my best friend. And I lost sight of that along the way. There is no amount of gratitude large enough to give for what you and Evie have given back to me, and given back to us.” Niall squeezed my hand again and I can tell by his jaw flexing that he’s pretty close to losing his battle with not shedding tears.

“Evie, you are the little sister I secretly wanted but never would have admitted to anyone when we were younger. Though I think mum knew,” I choked out a soft laugh and glanced at Maura. She was smiling fondly, blinking back tears. “And I know I drove you to your wits end many a time growing up, but I was just acting as any big brother would. You are everything I could have ever hoped for Niall in a best friend and life partner. He’s always been happiest on stage or in the studio with a guitar in hand. But you, you bring out a happiness in him that no one else ever has. It was like the two of you were meant to be from day one because you fit into our life, especially Niall’s, so perfectly and so effortlessly. And you gave him a run for his money like nobody else ever could. You still do.” Niall snorted and I smacked his chest with the back of my hand. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze, his way of saying ‘I love you’ without vocalizing it.

“That’s how I knew you two would be married one day. And now that you are, I can finally call you my little sister and say welcome to the family, not that you weren’t already a part of it.” I hiccuped softly and dabbed under my eyes with my napkin as best I could with my arm still looped through Niall’s arm and mouthed a thank you to Greg. Niall turned his head slightly and dropped a kiss to my temple.

“Niall, I am so proud of you and the man you’ve become. I know it hasn’t always the easiest between us, but there was never a moment where I wasn’t proud of you and proud of everything that you’ve accomplished. I’m so grateful that our son has an incredible uncle and role model to look up to and turn to if he ever needs someone other than mum and dad. And I’m so happy the world brought you and Evie together.” I saw a tear escape from the corner of his eyes and leaned in to kiss the wet spot on his cheek. I knew how grateful and happy he was that he and Greg had repaired their relationship. Niall is an incredibly family orientated person, and even though he never let it show and rarely talked about it with anyone other than me, it was really hard on him when their relationship had been strained. Especially when Theo wanted to spend time with him and vice versa.

“Niall and Evie, congratulations to you on your special day. I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness. To Niall and Evie.” There was an echo of “to Niall and Evie” around the hall as everyone lifted their glasses. Greg handed the microphone to Denise.

“As Matron of Honor, I know my speech would be up next. With the exception of a couple of small points, Greg has said everything I would have said, and said it beautifully. So I wanted to pass my speech time on to Lou.”

“Oh lord.” Niall muttered as he sunk in his chair a little bit. I giggled softly and squeezed his hand.

“I heard that, Irish.” Lou said with a pointed look at him after she’d taken the microphone from Denise. “In all fairness, he has a right to be nervous. After all, I spent five years on the road with him and the boys. I know things,” Lou said with a wide, mischievous smile.

“Spill it!” We heard Louis call from a couple tables away. I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped as he groaned again and glared at Louis.

“As much as I would love to, you know I wouldn’t do that to you on your wedding day. That’s for another get together at another time.”

“Thanks, Louise. I appreciate it.” Niall said with a sarcastic smirk.

“You see what I put up with for five years from this one?” Everyone in the hall laughed fondly. “This isn’t going to be too terribly long as I didn’t have much time to prepare.” Lou said, winking at Denise.

“I’m sorry. But it felt right.” She pouted playfully, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Just givin ya a hard time, love. And it means a lot that you asked if I wanted to say something in your place.” Niall reached across me to give Denise’s hand a gentle squeeze and mouthing a thank you. Denise smiled, returning the gentle squeeze before releasing his hand.

“Joking and banter aside, I’m honored that Evie asked me to stand by her side today as she married the love of her life. I met Evie for the first time when she flew out to visit Niall on tour just after the group hit it big. Like most people here, I knew they were meant to be. If I’m honest, I thought they were already together. So you can imagine my shock when I found out they were just ‘best friends,’” she said using air quotations around ‘best friends.’ We both rolled our eyes, our faces flushing a light shade of pink. She threw us a smirk before continuing.

“These two give each other a run for their own money. It’s exciting to see them challenge each other in all the ways they do now, but you should have seen them back when they were in their teens and trying to out do one another. But it wasn’t an out do one another in your typical competition fashion. They were always trying to one up each other to see who would be the next to cross off another accomplishment on their list and add another one in it’s place. To them, it was never about who crossed off the most items on their list. It was about striving to challenge themselves to be the best they could be at their own individual craft. I’m convinced it’s why they’re as successful as they are today in all aspects of their lives,” she threw a small smirk in our direction, “And that same dynamic gave us a front row seat to watching them dance around their feelings for one another before navigating the waters of going from best friends to romantic partners. It’s been as frustrating as it has magical. But infinitely more magical.”

“So much for not roastin me.” Niall muttered with a smirk. I smacked his chest again and he snickered.

“Hush you,” Lou said, returning the smirk. “What Niall and Evie have truly is magical. They have a once in a life time love that doesn’t come around very often. It’s a love that was born in childhood and a love that was nurtured over time to become what it is today. It’s a love that we can all learn from, and a love that we all hope to find ourselves one day if we haven’t found it already. Niall and Evie, as much as I tease you both, it’s been a true honor to be apart of your lives and to be a small part in your own personal fairytale. You both became part of my family years ago, and I’m so proud of who you’ve both become. As Greg said, I’m so grateful my daughter has her Auntie Evie and Uncle Niall to look up to and to turn to if I can’t be there for her,” she paused for a brief moment. “Congratulations to you both. I wish you nothing but a lifetime of love and happiness. To Niall and Evie.” Echoes of the same sentiment were heard again as the pair of us giggled wetly and sniffled.

“Do we have a mop nearby?” Bressie asked when Lou turned to hand him the spare mic. “Don’t want our two lovebirds slipping on the dance floor during their first dance.” The whole hall burst out into laughter with sniffles sprinkled in here and there. I glanced back at Bressie, smirking at him for the joke. He chuckled and returned the smirk before silently asking if we were ready for our first dance. I nodded with a smile.

“Everyone have your cameras ready? This might be the one time we get to capture Niall’s dancing skills on film. For future blackmailing purposes of course.”

“I know where you live, Breslin,” Niall said, turning in his chair and throwing a playful glare at one of his best mates. After the laughter had died down, the opening notes of Jason Mraz’s I Won’t Give Up quickly filled the room with a contrasting calmness to the laughter that had just rung out.

“May I have this dance?” Niall asked softly after pushing his chair back from the table and standing up, holding out his hand to me.

“You may,” I smiled up at him. He lead me out onto the dance floor and once again, the world around us dissolved. I’ll never forget the first time I heard this song. A couple weeks before I’d heard it, we’d had one of our rare blow out arguments. It was probably one of our worst ones even to this day. I can’t speak for Niall, but at the time, I wasn’t sure we would come back from it.

As soon as I got home the day I heard this song, I scoured YouTube for an audio recording and promptly texted Niall with the link to the video. I didn’t say anything. Just sent the link with the title of the song. I didn’t hear from him for several days, which I’d expected because he’d been on tour down in Australia at the time. But when showed up at my flat the day after returning to London, looking like an absolute wreck, that was a turning point for us. In a way, this song saved our relationship both platonically and romantically.

“You know I broke down in that little cafe the first time I heard this song?” I whispered just loud enough for him to hear me.

“I didn’t know that,” he replied, pinning his forehead to mine.

“Full on broke down. Barista thought I’d just lost my dog or something equally as sad.” he smiled softly.

“Even though we didn’t talk til I got back, I’m glad you sent it to me when you did.”

“Yeah?” he nodded.

“This song gave us our new beginning.” he smiled.

“Yes it did,” I whispered just as the first chorus started. We sang along, our eyes locked on one another.

I won’t give up on us Even if the skies get rough I’m giving you all my love I’m still looking up

And when you’re needing your space To do some navigating I’ll be here patiently waiting To see what you find

We heard Bressie invite our guests to join us as the first chorus started, but I don’t think either of us heard him clearly. We were too wrapped up in each other, singing the lyrics to the song that had brought us back together as best friends and eventually led us here.

So easy is our life What’s mine is yours and yours mine Hardly do we ever fight, We’d rather be kind

The tears were silently falling down my cheeks again as we sang one of the most important verses of the song to each other. At some point during the song, we’d stopped dancing, singing the rest of the song to each other while others danced around us. As the last notes faded out, he reached up to cradle my face gently, kissing me just as tenderly as he had in the gazebo a few short hours ago.

“I love you.” He whispered, another tear betraying him.

“I love you, too.” I replied, gently brushing the tear from his cheek. “Enough with all the soppy. Let’s get this party goin,” I smiled up at him. He snorted out a laugh, but nodded in agreement.

“Crank it up Bres!” Niall called out from the dance floor. I threw my head back and laughed as Niall groaned when it was What Makes You Beautiful that was cranked up.

“You knew that was gonna happen at some point,” I said still giggling.

“Did he really need to do it so soon?” He grumbled with a playful smile.

“Of course he did.” I smirked.

Once Bressie cranked up the tunes following our first dance, things really got going. We shared our time with friends on the dance floor and mingling with those who were watching from their tables or standing off to the side of the dance floor. We took a short break from dancing for cutting the cake and enjoying dessert before things got going again. After sharing a dance each with Lux and Theo as promised, I was in desperate need of water. I made way to the bar and just as I asked for a bottled water, I felt a gentle hand on my arm.

“Hey you!” I smiled. “Thanks for not outshining me on my wedding day.” I smirked.

“I do what I can,” he said non-chalantly.

“You’re a menace, Styles.”

“Yeah, but you wouldn’t have me any other way,” he smirked and pecked a kiss to my cheek before wrapping me up in a hug.

“No, I wouldn’t.” I smiled again as he loosened his arms and stepped back just slightly.

“You really do look stunning, love. And I’m truly very happy for you both.”

“You make me cry I’ll punch you.” He barked out a laugh. “But thank you. And thank you for being here. I know your schedule hasn’t been easy lately.”

“Do you really think I’d miss seeing my two best friends get married?”

“Of course not. But I would have understood if you couldn’t have made it.”

“Not a chance that was gonna happen, love. The pair of you never would have forgiven me if I hadn’t made it.”

“Not true,” I exclaimed in mock offense, smacking his arm lightly as Liam and Louis walked up to join us.

“Little violent for such a happy day don’t you think?” Louis teased.

“He probably deserved it.” Liam smirked.

“Oi! First time in months we’ve seen each other and you gang up on me?”

“Shouldn’t be new, mate.” Louis grinned, that mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

“Well, I can see when I’m not wanted,” Harry pouted playfully. “I think I’ll go have a dance or two with Lux. At least I know she appreciates me.” I rolled my eyes fondly at him. “Catch you later, yeah?” he asked, pecking another kiss to my cheek.

“I’d better. You leave before I get a chance to see you at least one more time, that I won’t forgive you for.” It was Harry’s turn to roll his eyes. I laughed and shoved him in the direction of the dance floor.

“Alright, bring it in.” Louis said pulling me into him and yanking on Liam’s arm to pull him in on the group hug.

“Been too long since we’ve had a group hug.” Liam said, giving my waist a gentle squeeze.

“Far too long. You two alright? Been doing okay?” I asked as I glanced at the bar tender. She nodded with a smile before pulling out a bottled water and handing it to me.

“Doin really well,” Louis said. “The calm before the next storm.”

“And Freddie? How’s he doing?”

“Doing really well. El and I will be headed back to LA in a couple days. He’ll be spending a couple weeks with us before school starts back. He’s already so excited about the new school year.”

“That’s wonderful. I’m so glad he’s doing well. I miss the little guy.”

“He misses you too. Asked about you the other day actually.”

“Aww.” I pouted.

“Any time you’re in LA, give me a call. Briana is really lovely about us taking him for a couple hours if we want a quick visit, especially if any of my brothers or sisters are in town.”

“We’ll keep that in mind. And you,” I said looking up to Liam.

“Oh, sorry to interrupt, but I’m being given a look,” Louis said. Liam and I looked in the direction he was and saw Lottie and Eleanor looking at him from across the room with raised eyebrows.

“Better go see what’s up.” I smiled. “See you before we leave, yeah?” I asked.

“Of course.” He gave me a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before hurrying off to see what the raised eyebrows at him were for.

“So, how are you? Doing alright?”

“Doin really well. Enjoying some down time before the next project starts.”

“Good. You work too hard sometimes. All of you do.” He rolled his eyes playfully, which earned him a light shove to the chest. “How’s Bear doing? Can’t believe how big he’s getting.”

“I know. It’s mad,” he said shaking his head with a chuckle. “He’s doing really well. Little chatterbox that one. Takes after his mum.” he smiled fondly. “She’s really sorry they couldn’t make it by the way.”

“No worries. Scheduling is not always on our side. And it’s not like I can’t pop over and visit you guys for a quick visit.”

“True. You look stunning, by the way. Don’t think I’ve seen the two of you any happier.”

“Oh stop,” I smiled, feeling my cheeks flush. “But thank you. We have a lot to be happy about.”

“I think this is most I’ve ever seen him cry.” he smirked, his eyes twinkling.

“Me too. And I’ve known him since we were four,” he chuckled and pulled me into a hug.

“I’m so happy for you two. And happy I could be a part of your special day.”

“I’m happy you could be here too. I’ve miss you. All of you.”

“We miss you too.”

I’m not really sure what time it was when the things started to slow down. I just know that the sun was halfway set, casting a beautiful, warm glow in the reception hall. And I knew that meant our send off would be approaching shortly.

But not before Niall and I shared one last dance in the hall, just the two of us. It wasn’t something we’d initially considered, but the more we thought about it, the more we liked the idea of having a last dance just the two of us so we could soak in the last minutes of our wedding day.

“It’s about that time for the newly weds to head off and begin their next adventure.” Bressie said lowering the volume on the music. “If everyone could please make their way out to the front of the Estate, we’ll send Niall and Evie off after they’ve shared one last dance together.”

We made our way up to the doors of the reception hall so we could have a chance to say our see you laters (good bye sounds too final) since we wouldn’t have much time to do that during our actual send off.

“May I have one more dance, my love?” Niall asked after the last of our guests had left the hall.

“Yes you may,” I smiled as I took his hand.

“Everything is set up. It should start playing in about a minute or so.” Bressie said with a smile.

“Thanks, mate.” Niall said as they shook hands and hugged each other. “And thank you for being our Emcee for the evening.”

“Truly honored you asked. And very happy for you both. Been a long time coming,” Bressie smirked.

“Alright, we get it.” I rolled my eyes, smiling playfully up at him.

“Never gonna live it down.” He dropped a kiss to the top of my head. “Go on. Go enjoy one more dance before we send you off.” He shook Niall’s hand one more time before walking out and closing the door behind him.

Just as Niall pulled me into him after leading us to the middle of the dance floor and dropping a kiss to my forehead, the opening notes to the one song I’d been waiting to hear all night filled the room.

“You’re too much, Niall Horan,” I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. I should have known he’d save this song for our final dance of the evening when we’d decided on I Won’t Give Up for our first dance song. And I definitely should have known when he asked me if I trusted him enough to let him choose the last song we’d dance to.

“Can’t imagine our last dance of the evening to any other song.” he smiled.

“I love you.” I whispered. “Thank you for being my partner in crime.”

“Love you too, darlin. I should be thanking you,” He smiled before kissing my nose and singing along softly.

As we swayed gently in the middle of the dance floor with the sun behind us, slowly sinking behind the mountains, I couldn’t help but think about how this was one of the most incredible days of my life. Niall and I became husband and wife surrounded by those closest to us, and we’d managed to pull it off without the media ever getting wind of it. We’d had our first dance as husband and wife to the song that saved our relationship. I’d walked down the aisle to the song that helped us take a huge step in our relationship. And now, we were ending our evening with one of the most romantic songs that described our relationship to a tee. Today truly was everything I could have hoped for. Everything we could have hoped for. And I couldn’t wait to start the newest chapter of my life with my partner in crime.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark With you between my arms Barefoot on the grass Listening to our favourite song When I saw you in that dress Looking so beautiful I don't deserve this Darling, you look perfect tonight

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark With you between my arms Barefoot on the grass Listening to our favourite song I have faith in what I see Now I know I have met an angel in person…

“And she looks perfect, I don't deserve this, you look perfect tonight.” Niall sang softly. Several tears slid down my cheeks as I tilted my chin just enough to connect our lips, kissing him softly as the final notes of Ed’s song faded and the last bit of sun sank beyond the horizon.

#Niall Horan Blurbs #Niall Horan Fluff #Niall Horan Fan Fic #Niall Horan Imagines #Niall Fluff #Niall Blurbs #Niall Imagines #Niall Fan Fic #1D Imagines #1D Fan Fic #Fan Fic #Writing #My Writing #My Blurbs #Niall #Niall Horan #YLPT #You Look Perfect Tonight #LostInReality Writing

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crocodileniall · 7 years

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Gin & Juice - Three

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“You’re…” I trailed off. “You’re going after me?”

Niall breathed out a laugh, hands tightening on the steering wheel. “Fucking hell, Ginny. Don’t know how ya do it but ya get me to spill every secret I’ve got.”

I smiled at that, turning to face him. “Sorry.”

“Since you asked,” he chuckled. “Yes I am going after you, I suppose. No better time than now to tell you that I’m crazy about ya.”

I became a frequent member of Ellie’s group as Niall welcomed me and bressie wasn’t as scary as I originally thought. He was actually incredibly sweet and treated Ellie like a queen. Jake and I related to each other on a spiritual level. We were both a bit lost and broken. I had one thing going for me though, I had a job, something Ellie and Jake did not.

It seemed jake and I were moving on together. Some days he came out with a scowl on his face and others he was joking around with them. I always tried to smile even if I felt like my chest was swallowing me whole.

One thing was clear, though. I was healing. There were times where I felt like I wanted to scream and cry, and there were times where I was happy and uninhibited.

I rode the highs and I wallowed in the lows. It was what life was- or at least what my life was. A flat that was wiped clean of him helped more than anything. Becoming a recluse wouldn’t help.

“So…” Niall trailed off, looking up from his beer. “This is awkward innit?”

I adverted my eyes. Barbara was beside me, Niall across from us. Bressie and Ellie were making out somewhere and Jake was fighting with Delia in the loo. I knew Barbara had a history with Niall and I didn’t really like to think about it.

Barbara let out an unimpressed sigh. I swallowed hard, wrapping my fingers around the stem of my wine glass. “How’s the um modeling going?” Niall asked Barbara.

“Fine,” she nodded. “Working with L’Oréal.”

“Very nice,” Niall nodded.

I sat up, chewing on my bottom lip. Niall met my eyes. I hoped he couldn’t see that I was upset. Niall ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. “Gin how’s work?”

I was grateful that he didn’t bring up my heartbreak. For the first time someone was interested in something else. I cleared my throat. “It’s good. Keeping busy.”

Niall nodded, smiling softly. He looked away, breathing out a sigh. Barbara slid her chair out and grabbed her clutch. “Bye,” she called over her shoulder.

Niall let out a breath of relief. “Christ… was that awkward? Was it just me?”

I laughed, hiding my smile behind my glass of wine. “It was so awkward.”

Niall shook his head. “Never again. Never will I be alone with her. And jeez, Gin you didn’t even try to make things less awkward?”

“I was awkward too!” I cried, shaking my head. “Barbara literally terrifies me there’s no way I was starting a conversation.”

“She’s not bad,” Niall laughed. “A little rough around the edges but she’s nice enough. Would never be rude to your face if that helps.”

“It doesn’t,” I shook my head, laughing. “But thanks.”

Niall kept his eyes on me, smiling. I held his gaze just a little longer before it was too much for me to handle. I looked away, taking another sip of my wine.

Niall sat back, checking his watch. “Ellie has really got to stop planning these shitty things.”

The evenings were boring and lame. I hated them. “I know I feel like we’re all pawns in her game to get Bressie to fall in love with her.”

“From the looks of it, I’d say it’s working,” Niall laughed, shaking his head. I looked to the couple who were kissing animatedly in the corner. I shuddered, looking away. “Ah fuck they’re headed to the loo. Reckon they’ll bump into Jake and Dee?”

I groaned out a laugh, nose scrunching up. “Oh god I hope not.”

“Hey let’s get out of here,” Niall laughed, tapping the table in front of me.

I was relieved to finally get out of the stuffy bar. Niall guided me through the bar just like he had the first time we met. I made it my nights goal to not cry.

Niall and I entered the cold street. I shivered, rubbing my jacket clad arms. Niall chuckled, hand wrapping around my hip. “I’ll drive.”

The cold melted off of my body as I sat down in Niall’s car. The sleek Range Rover was inviting but I was afraid to even touch anything. Niall clicked on the heated seats and I swear I almost moaned.

Niall was amused at my look, smiling teasingly. “Feel Good?”

I breathed out a laugh, nodding. “Yes. Freezing out there. London sucks.”

“I happen to agree,” he laughed.

Being with Niall was comforting. I tried to ignore how sweet he smelled and how different his life was from my own. I’d never met anyone like Niall. He was very sure of himself and he knew what he wanted in life and… well he had it. That was the biggest difference between Niall and him.

“We can watch a movie,” Niall suggested as we walked into his flat. The entire place was clean. The counters, the floors, the tables. All of it was shiny and clean and probably more expensive than my entire life.

I set my shoes down right by the door. Niall took his own and put them into his bedroom. I waited a moment for him to come out. He opened the fridge. “Somethin’ to drink?”

“A water would be fine,” I told him. I clutched my purse, afraid to put it anywhere. It seemed he didn’t tolerate messes and I unfortunately brought them everywhere I go.

Niall had a beer for himself and a water in one hand and a bag of skinny pop in the either. I didn’t want to think about how easily he could grasp two bottles in one hand but it was too late. My mind was already there.

“This is the livin’ room,” Niall told me, gesturing. I smiled, looking over the place. “I spend most of me time in my office, though. Like to be distraction free when I write.”

“Understandable,” I nodded. I sat down on the sofa next to him, opening my bottle of water.

Niall turned the tv on and began flipping through the channels. I felt myself get nervous. I found that Niall was very quiet. I was too but being with new people made me a bit tense.

“You can tell me when to stop,” he told me as he continued to flip through the channels. They were endless. My tv barely went up to the two hundreds.

Niall didn’t wait for me to stop, putting on a rerun of The Inbetweeners. I settled back into the couch. I got the corner seat where the couch formed an L. Niall propped his feet up on the coffee table and took a sip of his beer.

I focused on the tv as best I could. It was like the gods answered my prayers as the front door swung open and a gaggle of boys crowded in. Niall sat up, eyes wide.

“Oi nialler!” A tall lanky man cried out. “Who’s this little bird, eh?”

Niall cleared his throat, scratching at his jaw. “Lads this is my friend Ginny. Ginny, Deo, Willy, Calvin and Nicky.”

“So nice to meet you,” Calvin gushed, closing the distance between us to shake my hand.

“Nice to meet you as well,” I chuckled.

Niall didn’t seem happy with it. He shook his head, “so what are you lads up to? Thought there was a party at mully’s.”

“Was lame,” Deo shrugged. “Mull is comin’ by later to hang out.”

Niall nodded, standing up. “Alright, Gin. I’ll drive you home?”

I was a bit upset that he was making me leave. I frowned, standing up. For a moment I thought he was embarrassed of me. I followed Niall into the kitchen as soon as the lads took over the couch.

Niall drove me to my flat. I didn’t care much for conversation as my thoughts ate me alive. I chewed on my nails and apparently I gave it all away.

“What’s wrong?” Niall asked.

“Nothing,” I replied quietly.

“Ya were fine a minute ago,” Niall mumbled. “Now you’re quiet, bitin’ your fingers. What is it?”

“Nothing,” I repeated.

“Ginny come on,” he sighed, sparing a glance my way. “Ya can tell me what’s bothering you.”

“If you’re embarrassed of me why-why would you even invite me over?” I asked angrily, shaking my head. “You couldn’t get me out of there fast enough.”

“I’m not… Gin,” he frowned. “I’m not embarrassed of ya. The lads… they’re a lot. They’re disgusting to say the least. I didn’t want ya t’have ya hear that stuff is all. I’m not by any means embarrassed.”

“Oh,” I mumbled, looking away.

“We can- I can bring ya back if-“

“No,” I responded quickly. “Not it’s fine. I get it.”

Niall could tell that I was still upset. He sighed. “Ginny you’re an amazing girl and… and it sounds dumb but I don’t want my friends to change how ya look at me as a person. If it means that much to you we can go back.”

“I don’t want to,” I shook my head, looking away. “I thought you didn’t want to hang out with me.”

“I do!” Niall urged. “I do want to hang out with ya. It’s why I come to these lame things… so I can see you.”

I flushed, finally looking at him. “Really?”

“Yes,” Niall laughed. He ran his hand through his hair and let out a shaky sigh. “Like… I don’t enjoy sitting across from you and Barbara and I don’t enjoy being that person, you know? Like the one that broke a girls heart whilst goin’ after another. But Christ I’ve done it.”

“You’re…” I trailed off. “You’re going after me?”

Niall breathed out a laugh, hands tightening on the steering wheel. “Fucking hell, Ginny. Don’t know how ya do it but ya get me to spill every secret I’ve got.”

I smiled at that, turning to face him. “Sorry.”

“Since you asked,” he chuckled. “Yes I am going after you, I suppose. No better time than now to tell you that I’m crazy about ya.”

I breathed out, looking away. I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to have someone crazy about me. I chewed on my thumb nail, trying to process the information. I did like Niall. He was funny and sweet and probably everything I wanted in a man. I knew he knew how to love. I knew that he wasn’t scared of love.

“I’ve made you nervous,” he mumbled. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I shook my head. “You really fancy me?”

Niall smiled softly. The car pulled to a stop in front of my building. He sat back, scratching his jaw and then nodded, “yeah. Quite a bit. I know you’re still getting over Adam but and I respect that. I don’t want you to do something you’re not ready for.”

“Well I fancy you too,” I replied quietly. “And facing the fact that Adam didn’t want me was hard. It’s been five months though and I’ve accepted that he won’t want me. I guess I’m okay with that- well learning how to be.”

It was the first time I could actually talk about him to someone else without wanting to cry. I felt proud of myself. Maybe I was over him? I didn’t really know. I don’t know how to just stop loving someone even if they’ve hurt me.

“I’m glad,” Niall nodded. “I’m happy you’re learning how to be okay. For the record, though, Adam is a bloody fool.”

I smiled. “Thank you.”

“Don’t feel like you have to let me down easy or somethin,” Niall chuckled. “If you’re not ready don’t force it. Reckon I’ll wait forever for ya.”

God the things his words did to me. I bit back a smile, taking a deep breath. “Can I… can I think about it a bit?”

“Of course,” Niall nodded. “Take all the time ya need. I’m gonna be gone for a few weeks-“ he reached into the console and pulled out a notepad and a pen and scribbled his number down. “But call me if you need somethin’. I’ll see ya when I get back?”

I nodded, taking the paper from him. I tucked it into my jacket pocket and smiled. “Thank you for the ride.”

“Not a problem,” he replied softly. “Want me to walk you up?”

“It’s okay,” I shook my head. “Your friends are dying for you to get back.”

Niall laughed, shaking his head. “G’night Ginny.”

“Bye,” I whispered, sliding out of the car.

Talk to me!

More of my works!

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#G&J3 #Niall fluff #Niall Fanfic

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