Let's Play Pretend [Niall Horan AU]

• 48

Okay! I delayed more than usual and that's my fault. I've got so much fucking work to do it truly is unbelievable. Anyway, have fun!

A

It had been two days since we got back from the hospital. Jasmin dropped Pepper off at Niall's so that I could take care of her. I was in the kitchen, making some food for the two of us, while Niall rested. He was dosed high on pain killers which meant he was asleep for long periods of time. My phone rang and I attended to it.

"Hello," I mumbled, trying to not burn the chicken.

"Hi Alexa," Louis said.

"Oh Hey Lou!" I said with more enthusiasm when I realised it was my friend.

"Babe we need to talk," he said and I frowned.

"What is it? You guys are okay?" I asked.

"Yeah. We're fine. It's about uh... you know... you and Niall," he said.

"Oh," I exhaled in realisation. "Umm... I can't come anytime soon... Niall's Umm Not well," I said.

"Yeah no, I get that. It's okay. We can talk over at his," He said.

"Well come over, I guess," I said and he hummed. I ended the call and distracted myself with the cooking. I plated both our foods and took it up to Niall's room. I set it down on the nightstand because Niall was still asleep.

I leaned closer to Niall and ran my hand through his hair. He stirred slightly and turned around.

"Niall, baby, come on, wake up. It's time for lunch," I said. He pouted and groaned. I leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

"You're mean," he mumbled as I pulled back.

"Well, get up and I'll give you a proper one," I chuckled, still running my hand through his hair. He sleepily sat up and blinked tiredly.

"Aww you cutie," I cooed. I kissed him again, and this time I let it linger a little. He smiled when I pulled back for a second time.

"Chicken and mash?" I asked and he nodded excitedly. I passed the plate to him and he dug in quickly.

"Lou is coming over. Is that okay?" I asked.

"Course. I feel bad for keeping you hostage," he frowned.

"You're not keeping me hostage, silly. I'm staying here out of my own will," I said.

"But are you?" He asked and I glared at him. He raised one arm in surrender. "Okay, my bad." I rolled my eyes but I still laughed.

Once we were done with lunch, I let Niall go back to sleep. Just as I reached downstairs the bell went off. I opened the door to find Louis on the other side. He pulled me into a hug and started our conversation with some pointless small talk.

"We just talked about this a few days back, yet here I am again," Louis sighed, sitting down in one of the chairs around the island. I hopped up on the counter and just kicked my foot.

"Louis he called me, crying. Am I supposed to be that bitch who doesn't want to help him?" I asked.

"No, I understand all that. Even staying with him. He would've died otherwise," I winced at his words.

"It's just... your feelings are not 'just' feelings are they?" He asked. I knew what he meant. He wants to know if I love Niall or not. But even I hadn't figured it out.

"I don't know, Lou," I mumbled, looking into the palm of my hand.

"How long is your answer going to remain that way, Alexa?" He asked.