tape → narry au

54 → latibule

Latibule:
a hiding place; somewhere no one could find you—a place of safety and comfort.

You would've thought once Niall confessed something so deep and personal from him to me we would've both progressed. But instead Niall had decided to isolate himself from me more and more each day.

It broke my heart.

He'd miss more group sessions to sit at the bolder, keeping to himself until I'd find him around noon—sometimes crying or other times calm and just entirely silent.

Miss Siddle thought Niall taken ill for more than a week now and I made no effort to inform her that he hadn't because.. well he's my Niall and I don't want him in any trouble for intentionally missing group sessions thrice a week.

I still made an effort to convince him to show his face, but Niall'd brush off the topic saying he doesn't want to talk about it anymore before going mute again.

It almost felt like the silent treatment we were going through almost over two months ago but there wasn't so much tension between us now; just various thoughts.

I was certain Niall was overthinking as much as I was. Yet, of course, we wouldn't announce it to one another--

Another concept of poor communication between us two.

Niall was spending most of his time as well as attention at the bolder rather than I and it was upsetting to see. Upsetting to feel unwanted by the one you wanted most.

There were days I'd find Niall. Red eyes brimming with tears, vigorously wiping at his eyes to stop the crying as he stared beyond the water as if his thoughts were fixated on something beyond his reach, beyond his control.

I wanted to help him, but every time I'd ask Niall what was wrong he'd shrug me off with the usual excuse of: "I don't want to talk about it."

And just maybe Niall didn't want to discuss any of his thoughts.

Maybe he actually enjoyed confiding in just himself.

Just maybe I should keep silent. Let Niall keep to himself for now—observing as an almost silent supporter.

Whenever Niall was to need me then I'd make myself visible. But for now, I'd just silently observe him thoroughly.

It sounded like a plan of bollocks.

My eyes flutter open to morning and the familiar feeling of lips pressing against my neck gently. I hum in satisfaction once Niall and I lock eyes with one another for the first time Tuesday morning.

I let Niall trail his lips to my jaw, sucking the skin there lightly before meeting my lips for a quick kiss. A small smile appearing from Niall once we both detach ourselves from one another.

He lies down once again before pulling me closer to his chest, kissing the top of my head as he rests his above mine. Our cabin growing silent for a brief moment.

"I would've expected you to be at the bolder," I murmur drowsily into Niall's shirt.

He hums before saying, "I wanted to stay the morning with you before I go."

A tease in Niall's tone when he presses himself into me. His growing bulge resting on my lower back.

It causes me to giggle. "You only want to have sex with me!" I begin to protest, Niall laughing softly before rolling his body over mine to hover above me.

Our eyes lock and a wide grin forms on Niall's lips as he utters, "Guilty." Before pressing his lips to my neck once again.

A silent oblige overtakes me as I run my fingers through his tousled morning hair. Niall begins to rut against my own growing bulge and that's the start of our Tuesday.