Learning how to fly (Niall Horan fanfic)

22 - Talking

*Niall's POV*

I sat alone in the restaurant, waiting for Rikke. Paul had in some way organized it so that there were no other people, I admire his work, really, don't know how he does it.

I was very nervous about what would happen, I knew she was very chill and stuff, but I also knew that she hate being fooled. So I was nervous to see how she would react or if she would come at all.. It was 30 minutes since I'd texted her and she wasn't here yet. Maybe she had changed her mind? I looked at my phone to see if she had cancelled, but there only was a message from Liam. 

I heard the doorbell rang and looked up to see a red eyed Rikke, I couldn't tell if she was just tired or if she had cried. My heart pumped in my chest as she looked around and her eyes rested at me, she hesitated walking up to me, as if she considered to turn around and run away, but she came towards me and sat down at the other side of the table. We were both quiet. I knew it was me to start the conversation I just didn't knew how.

"Am I just here so you can ignore me again?" she said with a thing in her voice between hurt and madness.

"No Rikke… Please just…"

She looked at me, waiting for me to say more, but my head was still empty for words and I looked at her in pain. I saw a glimpse of weakness in her eye, but as she blinked it was gone. I buried my face in my hands, trying to find something to say.

"I'm sorry" she said almost as a whisper.

"What?"

Why was she apologizing?

"I know you just did all this because you felt pity for me being over here all alone and now you have realised that it was a bad idea because you think I'm falling for you. So now you don't know how to tell me that I'm not really a part of your world. It's fine Niall. I'm used to being left alone, so don't think about it. I'm sorry I thought anything else" she said with a trembling voice.

"Stop talking, will ya?" I said "I don't feel pity for ya, the only time I've done that was when I poured burning tea over ya. I know ya a strong girl and I know that ya don't mind being alone, but I don't want ya to be, not at all, I want ya to be together with me... and the boys" I found her eyes "I don't really know how to say this, so I'm just gonna say what comes to ma mind… Talking about our exes last night made me think about mine. About how she broke my heart and how long it took for me to get over her. And then I began comparing you to her, or not comparing, you two are nothing alike, but I got afraid of my feelings and unsure on my own judgement and all I could think about was that I didn't wanted too feel the way she made me feel again, so I tried to push ya away… I just forgot the fact that you're nothing like her, which Harry made me realise. Because you are not. I don't think ya would ever break my heart, I don't think ya would ever break anyone's heart. I was just afraid… So I tried to get some space from ya, which was hard for me because I saw how sad it made ya, and I don't wanna see you sad, I don't. But I made you sad and I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for ignoring ya Rikke, I should just have talked to ya" I stopped talking and looked at her. A silent tear streamed down her cheek and it made my stomach hurt seeing her cry because of something I had done. "Please still go with me to the party tomorrow. I promise I'll make it up to ya" I said but she still kept quiet. "I know that all I said now can't be an excuse, but I'm sorry. I really am Rikke. I feel weird about saying this… but I want you to be the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see before I go to bed, and it sounds crazy, it does,  and I'm so afraid that ya'll run away now. And. Oh my God… I'll just shut up"

She smiled. Why did she smile? Was it sarcasm? "Yeah, just make fun of me" I said and place my hands on the table between us.

"I'm not making fun of you Niall, I would never do that. I'm smiling because of what you just told me. I'm happy. This is a lot for me to take, but I think I feel the same way, which I tell myself all the time that I shouldn't" she said.

"So ya forgive me?" I asked hopefully.

"There's really nothing to forgive, you had your reasons and-"

"Just say ya forgive me" I interrupted.

"Of course Niall" she said.

I felt so relieved "Get over here then. I've missed you" I almost whispered while looking her in the eyes. She moved over beside me and I gave her a tight hug. As I felt her in my arms again I knew I needed her. And I was going to fight for her.

"Go home with me tonight" I said close to her ear.

"I can't, I have plans with Eleanor tomorrow" she said.

"Sure ya not mad at me?" I asked.

"I can't be mad at you" she said and looked me deeply in the eyes, making me believe her words. "But I gotta go now, I promised El to go early to bed" she smiled.

"All right, I'll give you a ride home then"

She nodded and we got out to the car where Paul was waiting for me.

"Just home?" he asked when he had started the car.

"Can we drive by Rikke's?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Anything for you" Paul said and drove away from the restaurant.

We got to the flat where Rikke stayed and I followed her to the door.

"I'll see ya tomorrow at 7 then. We're eating at our house together with the others and then going to the party afterwards"

"Okay, I'll wait for you" she said and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Don't I get a real kiss?" I asked with a smile.

"Nope" she said popping the p "You'll have to wait until tomorrow"

"Don't think I can do that" I said and pulled her closer.

"Too bad Niall" she laughed, stepped away from me and opened the door.

"Jesus, you're killing me babe… Right. I'll see ya tomorrow. Dress nice for me" I said and waved at her.

"Yeah you would like that" she smiled and went inside.

I smiled at the door for a moment before I walked back to Paul who was waiting for me.

"Let's go home" I said as I sat on the passenger seat beside him.

We drove in silence for a while before any of us said anything.

"You like that girl, huh?" Paul asked and gave me a fatherly look.

"Is it that obviously?"

"Well, I've never seen you like this before, you look so happy and…" he shrugged his shoulders "so much you" 

I looked at the city lights for the rest of the ride, enjoying the silence.

"Thanks for the ride Paul" I said as I stood out of the car "and for the help tonight"

"Anytime Niall, you know that" he replied "I'll see you tomorrow, I thought I would drop by and wish you guys a happy New Year"

"Sounds great, I'll say hi to the boys from ya" I said and closed the door. I ran into the house I was sharing with my four best mates, who was, by the way, waiting up for me.

"So what happened?" Harry asked.

 "Oh you look happy" Liam said. I don't know how that boy did, no matter what he always knew exactly how I felt.

"Yeah, I am, she's not mad at me or anything" I said with a big smile.

"Yes!" Louis exclaimed and high fived Harry.

"So you're totally forgiven?" Zayn asked.

"Well, I don't know… She wouldn't kiss me goodnight" It actually surprised me, I knew she loved to kiss and cuddle, so it concerned me a bit.

"You just gotta win her back tomorrow mate" Harry said and winked at Louis who whispered something to him, which he nodded at. What were they up to? I looked asking at them but they acted like nothing.

"Whatever" I mumbled and made my way through the room "I'm off to bed now, big day tomorrow, sleep tight lads"

"Night Niall" they all said and I got upstairs.

As I laid in in the dark I got a text from Rikke 'Looking forward for tomorrow :)) x'

I texted her back and fell asleep.