Let's Play Pretend [Niall Horan AU]

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A

"I think we should leave Pepper back here," Niall Said.

"Will she be okay?" I asked.

"She should be," Niall nodded.

"Is there someone who'll take care of her? I don't want to leave her in this room," I voiced my worries.

"Don't worry. I talked to the hotel manager and he said he'd be happy to take care of her for today," he said. "He has two dogs of his own so he knows how to take care of a dog. Don't worry, okay?"

"Thanks Niall," I smiled gratefully. He seemed to know what would worry me, which I find so sweet. The two of us went to the hotel manager's room to drop Pepper off. I gave him the basic information he'd need to take care of her.

"Don't worry Mrs. Horan, she's in good hands," the manager, Mr. Tiller, chuckled.

"We're not married," I chuckled awkwardly.

"Yet," Niall added and I rolled my eyes.

"Anyway, we'll be back around 6 to collect her. Thank you so much Mr. Tiller," Niall said.

"Of course. Go have a great time, you two!" He said. We left the office and I just exhaled.

"No offence to you Niall, but holy fuck that was awkward," I said.

"Weird to hear Mrs. Horan and not think of my mum," he said.

"Weird to be addressed as Mrs. Horan. Anyway, moving on. Where are we headed, good sir?" I asked, amplifying my accent. A little chuckle forced its way out of Niall.

"You'll see, m'lady," he said. The two of us got in his car and he started driving down the road. Five minutes into the drive, he stopped in front of a building. He asked me to stay in the car when he went in. He came back out with what seemed like two keys. He nodded for me to get out and so I did. He walked over to me and locked the car.

"And what are these?" I asked. He passed one key to me. He just pointed to a bike stand behind me.

"I hope you know how to ride a bike," he said and I wanted to laugh at the irony of the statement.

"No I don't," I shook my head and he looked confused for a second before bursting out in laughter.

"Sorry, my bad," he said, still chuckling. The two of us got on the bicycles and started off slow.

"Follow me, okay?" He said and I nodded. He started peddling hard, shooting him forward. I was right on his trail, keeping up with him quite easily. We finally reached an overhead sign, indicating where we were headed.

Old Town Temecula

It read in a very old country style. I was immediately intrigued by the place. driving down the road, the scenery quickly changed from picturesque vineyards to a scene straight out of a western movie. Niall slowed down so that he could cycle next to me.

"This place is awesome!" I said, still looking around in awe.

"There's an old antique faire. It's just a store. You want to go?" He asked and I nodded. Antiques are fun to look at. I like looking at items with histories behind objects. Don't get me wrong, I still hate high school history as much as the other person.

We finally reached the place and parked our bikes outside. The place was all wooden and had two American flags hanging on either side of the entrance. A little bell chimed when we entered, making me look up at it.

We went further in, my shoes thudding loudly against the wood. Bon Iver's blindsided played in a soft volume to avoid absolute silence. A woman came from behind the door and gave us a friendly smile.