Princess Clary (One Direction Fan Fiction)

2

I recognized those eyes anywhere and I was taken back to my childhood.

     My little legs couldn't run as fast as his and he quickly caught up to me, wrapping his arms tightly around me. He held me protectively, like a brother holding his little sister even though we were far from being related. I sat in the grass, ruining the Sunday dress my mom had spent so much money on. But what could you expect from a 5 year old?

     I looked at Niall who was looking up at the morning sky. His brown hair was smoothed down, probably by his mum, and even at 5, I could see adventure and excitement in his eyes. He looked back at me and I smiled, moving to sit closer to him. He picked a wildflower out of the grass and carefully weaved it into my hair.

     "You should keep flowers in your hair all the time, princess," he said, kissing the top of my head. I smiled and hugged him tightly until our mums called us inside.

     The boys were much closer to me now and I felt tears pricking at my eyes again. Niall turned around to say something to the other boys and I stood still staring at him. I didn't know if I should run back inside or face the boy who changed my life.

     "Clary," he said with a breathy sigh. "You kept this going," he said, smiling as he played with the crown on my head. I still couldn't speak. I felt his fingers move from my crown to my hair and down to my cheek. "How are you princess?" he asked.

     I managed to stop staring like an idiot and speak. "I've been better," I admitted. "Do you and the boys what to come in for a coffee?" Niall knew Toby from the time before Niall left for the X Factor when I was 12. I was sure they'd be glad to see each other again. 

     "Sure," he said, smiling and dropping his hand from my face. "Let me properly introduce you," he said, resting a hand on the small of my back as we walked towards the trio. "Boys this is Clary," Niall said, getting their attention. "Clary this is-"

     "Oh I know their names," I said, looking up at Niall to avoid their stares. They all towered over me and I was slightly intimidated. But Niall kept his hand on me to keep me relaxed. "Lovely to meet you all," I said, sticking my hand out to Harry to shake first.

     I saw Harry look at Niall, both of them nodding before Harry gingerly took my hand in his, leaving a soft kiss on the back of my hand. He held my hand for a moment, like a pauper in the presence of a queen. Louis and Liam did the same and for the first time in a long time, I really felt like royalty. But I knew this was just the way Niall thought I should be treated.

     "Clary?" I heard Toby yell from the coffee house door. He had concern on his face until he recognized Niall. "Look who decided to come back to town!" Toby said, pulling Niall into a bear hug. "I'm sure Clary offered," he said, leading them back inside, "but please come inside for a coffee." 

     The 6 of us managed to squeeze into the employee room. Toby caught up with the boys while I made a pot of coffee and hot water. "Do you need any help, love?" a low, soft voice asked me. Harry's sudden presence scared me and I burned myself, thoughtlessly screaming. He took my hand in his again and pulled me over to the sink, testing the water before putting my hand in it. "I am so sorry," he said, grabbing the first aid kit.

     "I'm a mess," I said, laughing to myself before turning the water off. A red scar was forming on my skin and Harry refused to ignore it. He gently wrapped it in gauze, concern on his face the entire time. "Thank you," I said, meeting my green eyes with his for a moment before blushing and  grabbing mugs from a cabinet. 

    

AN - I know Niall grew up in Ireland. It was originally supposed to be Louis in her flash back but Louis is 5 years older vs Niall being 3 years older. Remember that this is fanFICTION and this very well could take place in Ireland, but I figured it would make more sense set in England