Always [N.H]

Epilogue

"And the winner is," Jessie clutched on to Niall, while Niall bit his lip anticipation, he wanted this, he needed this so bad. The past few years had been difficult as he worked relentlessly to put out great music, constantly touring and in the studio. He felt that he deserved this, he needed to win. 

"Niall Horan!" He cheered, punching the air as he shot up from his seat. He hugged Jessie, greeting some of his fellow artists that he was sharing a table with before walking up the stage to collect his award.

"Wow." He breathed, looking at the Grammy in his before focusing on the audience. "There's so much to say, so much I don't know how to say. So many people to thank. I want to start of thanking my manager Jessie, she's been with me since the beginning and has just been such a big part of my success. Thank you for everything, you're amazing Jess." He went on further to thank everyone else, his stage managers, instrumentalists, his band and most importantly his fans. He sighed, heart heavy as he stared at his award, the only person he wanted to share this with not in the room. 

"Lastly," Niall said, his voice becoming slightly lower as he searched the crowd for her knowing very well he wouldn't find her, wishing for the comfort of her presence despite knowing that she'd never be in the same room as him again. "I want to thank my girlfriend. She's been my rock, constantly supporting me from the start, even when I was just a lowlife begging to play in pubs. I've said this about numerous people, I've said that I wouldn't have made it without so many people but truthfully, Arden was the one that made all this possible. Her unconditional support, her encouragement, her perseverance, it's they only thing that kept me going. She was there for me, even when she couldn't be there for herself, she was there despite all the hate she got." His voice cracked but he forced himself to continue. "For her, I've decided to donate all my prize money to a charity and organization that I have started to rehabilitate and provide care for those who are bipolar or suffer from a mental disorder. A part of my income for as long as I generate an income will go to this cause, I want to raise awareness for those who suffer from manic depression or a bipolar disorder, I want you all to know that you are not alone. Arden, wherever you are right now, I know you're watching and I just want you to know that I still think about you everyday, that everything I do, I do it for you, you're the love my life and you'll always be so. I love you and this one's for you."

°°°

The air was warm, plants alive as Niall made the familiar trajectory through the gravel path. He was greeted by hundreds of her neighbors, their own families coming to visit them. Their somber structures once haunting now providing some sense of comfort. Niall didn't pay them any heed, he never truly noticed they were their anyway.

He stopped when he reached her, a smile forming on his face, one which faltered slightly as he noticed the speck of dirt by her name. He wiped it away with his sleeve, the smile returning to his face. He noticed a large amount of fresh new flowers and he couldn't help up lighting up with joy, knowing that people still visited her. She was so loved, so loved, and it brought the greatest amount of sorrow knowing that she never realized that. 

"Good evening, Mr. Horan, congratulations by the way." The caretaker spoke as he passed by and Niall nodded before mumbling a quick thanks. Once he was gone and Niall was sure he was alone, he placed the flowers he was holding next to her, before sitting down on the grass, staring at the slab of stone with a sad smile. He talked for a bit, telling her a joke before he decided to take off his coat, using it as pillow as he laid next to her, hands behind his head as he stared up at the sky, sun slightly blinding but he didn't care. 

"I won a Grammy today." He spoke, a tear escaping his eyes as he began recounting his week like he did every week for the past four years. When the sun faded away and in it's place the gloominess of the moon arrived, Niall decided it was time to head home. He stood up from the ground, wiping away at the dirt on his trousers. Before he left he allowed his eyes to trail from the stone up to the sky as he whispered the words, their words. 

"I'll love you, always." 

A/N: And that was it! The end of Always, my first Niall fic. What a rollercoaster of emotions! Don't forget to vote and Hope you enjoyed! And for anyone wondering, the chapter titles end up saying What if letting you go is the best way to show that I love you.