Let's Play Pretend [Niall Horan AU]

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A

"Where will I sleep?" Niall asked.

"Can we share my bed? I just- sorry... it's a little scarring," I mumbled. He nodded.

"No it's okay, I understand. Uh are you okay with us share your bed?" He said.

"I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise," I said as I got into my side of the bed and cuddled into my duvet. Niall got in through the other side.

"How are you?" He asked, his voice just above a whisper. I chuckled at his absurd question.

"No. I'm a little spooked after what happened. I mean... I wasn't expecting to have someone... yeah. I just wish I could've seen his face. I'm pissed that he's still lurking about and could do what he did to me to anyone else," I said, turning to face him. He was looking up at my ceiling with his eyes closed. One hand lied on his stomach and the other was behind his head.

"You are worried about the hypothetical girls he might touch but not yourself?" He asked, leaning up a little to look at me.

"Yeah... I had you to help. Who do they have?" I questioned.

"I don't know. Any passer by, any stranger, her boyfriend, fiancé, husband, best friend. Literally hundreds of people," he answered.

"Not everyone is that lucky," I shook my head.

"What a weird girl you are," He said and I giggled under my breath.

"I'm weird for caring?" I asked.

"I mean, yeah! You've just been through something traumatic and you're so chill about it," He said.

"It hasn't sunk in yet. I might take some days off from work," I answered.

"Umm Niall?" I said and he hummed in acknowledgement.

"Th-thank you. Thank you for Uh helping me today. At the party and... at home. I appreciate it a lot," I said.

"Yeah and I haven't smoked in your house yet," he said, making me laugh.

"Is that what's most important?" I asked and he shrugged, the duvet shifting as he did so.

"Maybe for me," He said.

"I have a lighter, if you want?" I asked.

"Ooh Ms. Alexandria March is letting someone smoke in her house. How scandalous?" He whispered in a news reader like voice, making me laugh louder.

"You saved me. I guess I can make an exception for you," I said.

"I'd like that. But I'm too comfortable right now to leave so I'll take you up on that offer tomorrow morning," he said, shifting lightly so that he was angled towards me.

"I'll let you sleep," I mumbled. He just sleepily nodded before dozing off. I wondered what kind of person Niall would be without his tough exterior. What ever happened for him to be this... rude? Inconsiderate? I couldn't say that. He's literally sleeping in my bed because I was scared, that's saying something.

"Niall," I whispered but he didn't move a muscle. His chest moved up and down as he inhaled and exhaled slowly. His lips were parted, small puffs of hot air being breathed out.

Out of curiosity I brought my hand up to his cheeks. A finger lightly traced his soft cheeks. He didn't stir. My hand ever so gently cupped his cheek, my thumb moving in circles on the flushed skin.

He was beautiful.

The second that thought crossed my mind I quickly pulled my hand back, as if I had touched a hot pan. I turned away from him and shut my eyes, trying to calm my suddenly pounding heart.