Stockholm Syndrome

Chapter 22

(Emma's POV)

I tell myself that kissing Niall is okay. I tell myself I'm not doing anything wrong. I tell myself I only did it to make him feel better. I tell myself I'm only doing it to get the money Zayn offered. I tell myself I don't cherish the feel of his lips on mine. I tell myself that this means nothing to me, that Niall means nothing to me.

In short, I lie to myself.

I pull away from the kiss, looking Niall in the eyes. He looks surprised, very surprised, but also overjoyed. He really does like me doesn't he? I try to push down whatever feelings arise at seeing the affection in his eyes, but each time I lie to myself it gets a little bit harder. I'm having so much trouble telling myself that I don't like this boy, and it really shouldn't be that hard. I have only known him a couple days, I can't really have developed any feelings for him. But apartently he doesn't feel the same way.

"You really like me?" Niall asks, and he's blushing like a maniac. Before I can respond, Zayn's laugh resonates from behind me.

"Niall, she kissed You, didn't she?" He laughs again and Nialls face flushes even redder.

"You're still here?" He squeaks out, and Zayn laughs again.

"Hey, mate, I get the message. I'm out of here." He laughs as he walks away. I don't know how far he goes, but somehow I wouldn't be suprised if he was standing just around the corner, videotaping the exchange. Gotta have something to show the press, right? Or maybe just management. I suppose I'll never know.

"Emma?" Niall suddenly looks worried. I tilt my head. What could possibly be wrong already?

"What's wrong Niall?" I ask.

"I get like that a lot. With the over reactions and tears. That wasn't a one time thing." He turns away, afraid to face me, but I pull his chin forward so he can see me.

"Its okay Niall. I understand how stressful this all must be for you." I hug him again, but more briefly this time and I actually pull away completely this time. The silence is somehow not awkward as we stand staring at each other.

"Before I say anything else, I need to ask. Do you have a crush on Zayn?" He asks, and I can't help but laugh.

"Do you remember when I said I wouldn't kiss Harry for a million dollars? Let's just say that applies to Zayn as well." I assure him. He blushes even redder.

"I'm just asking." He giggles, and I swear it's the most adorable thing ever. Or maybe not. Depends on who you ask. Obviously it wasn't at all cute to me. Nope. Not at all. He continues before I have tome to fully analyze this. "But you might wanna be careful what you say, I'm like ninety percent sure he's listening to our conversation."

Indeed, Zayn steps out from behind a corner, shrugging and not looking at all ashamed. "Its cool mate. I'm married."

I furrow an eyebrow. "I thought only engaged." I wasn't too sure, but that's what Maya told me.

Zayn laughs. "No, I'm married. I just didn't want the wedding to be a big deal, so I kept it a bit secret. Perrie liked the idea better than a huge publicised wedding."

I frown. "So where is Perrie anyways?"

Zayn visibley winces. "She's on tour. She isn't really around a lot."

"Aw. That's so sad. I would hug you, but then Niall might go all murderer on you." Zayn and Niall both laugh at my comment, Niall blushing redder than I really thought humanly possible.

After a moment, Zayn shrugs. "It isn't as bad as you think. We can text and stuff when she's away, or when I am. And we do have a good time when she's here."

Niall snorts. "I can attest to that." Its my turn to laugh and Zayns turn to blush.

"Is this how it goes here all the time?" I ask. "Cause I might have to stick around for a while if it is."

And before anyone can answer, Louis pops his head out from around another corner. "Don't worry. They're always like this." He assures me. I laugh at his sudden appearance.

"How many of you were listening in?" I ask.

Louis shrugs. "As far as I know, only Zayn and I. But you can bet that Liam is about to get a nice long talk about not making any moves on you and you better believe Harry's gonna get a play by play of this."

I groan. "Did I really just say I'm gonna stick around. I take it back."

Louis laughs. "Hey, it's not our fault. It isn't often that little Niall here takes interest in a girl. We're only trying to help."

I scoff. "If I was any other girl, I'd be gone by now."

Niall pulls me into his embrace before Louis has a chance to respond. "Then I'm glad you're not any other girl. Tell me Emma, would you go on a date with me?" He whispers in my ear. I blush and whisper back.

"Niall they're both still there."

He laughs softly. "You get used to it. Now will you?"

And against my better judgement and against the lies I tell, the only word I whisper n his ear is yes.

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I keep thinking this is too fast and then I realize this is chapter 22. I guess that is what happens when you update this often. Did anyone count the days since the concert? I'm having trouble with it since Niall and Emma spent time in the basement and Maya doesn't know when to sleep due to the whole concert chaos thing. Not to mention that my timelines are never great.