Evanescence | n.h.

1.2

"Rosie, we're almost there," Niall whispered to the girl pressed against his chest.

"No."

Niall laughed as she faked an upset face, her scowl looking abnormally gruesome upon her petite features. Niall didn't want the ride to end, either, but he had come to terms with it. He knew it had to end.

A flower, a birthday, an ice-cream cone; everything that was good perished. And Niall had already accepted that; however it did not mean he had to let his Rose wither. He refused. He would nurture her, he would water her and give her the sunlight she needed to grow. He would protect her, even if the only thing she needed protection from was his fault.

"You'll stay with me, Niall?" she pleaded.

Rose was much more afraid than she'd let on. She wasn't fearing the crowds or the pictures or the stories or the name-calling. She feared losing him, for he was the one thing she'd become attached to in quite a while.

She had mastered the art of a cold shoulder, the masterpiece of evasion. But Niall, the clumsy and amiable Irish boy whose cheeks were too red and hair disheveled, had tripped over her walls and crashed through her studio. He had ruined every piece of defence she'd ever had. But unknowingly, he'd become her newest piece of artwork, and she doubted he was refundable. Not that she cared.

"As long as it's best for you."

Niall knew, deep down, he was good for her. But his lifestyle wasn't. He could barely stand it, he would never force it upon anyone; much less Rose. He feared that she was unable to comprehend just how difficult it was to keep your head up, and live with the constant criticism. He was selfish, though, and as long as she wanted him with her, he didn't think he'd be able to deny her, or himself, the pleasure.

"As long as you'll have me, I'm yours."

The one kiss that they had shared fuelled a deep and carnivorous fire deep within his soul. An all-consuming fire, with no mercy. He was wrapped around her finger; her parasite had infested his heart, and he no longer attempted to fight the fever.

"No take backs?" Rose smiled.

"Well, I think it's an even trade," Niall grinned. "You give up your privacy and confidentiality. I give you my heart."

"That's hardly fair, as you seem to be unknowingly in possession of mine. That's two things I've given to you, you owe me!" Rose giggled.

"What if I buy you an ice cream in York?" He bargained.

Rose's lips pressed together, her eyes considering. "Make it an ice cream and some fries, and I'll call it even."

Niall smiled and agreed.

--
okay I apologise for the shortest chapter I've ever written probably but this is just a filler between my last update and my next one (which will be Monday) so the picture at the top is Rose smiling bc I wanted y'all to see how pretty her smile is and anyway obviously she's not smiling at a dictionary normally it's Niall okay anyway comment, vote, give me a kiss, do whatever you please. but please remember to vote if you liked this and if not, vote anyway!! :)

xx A.