Act Like You're in Love {Niall Horan}

Chapter 57: Surprise

~Niall's P.O.V.~

"You heard me right," Paul said. "Six days."

All of us began to cheer. Five days off! Yeah, our job was great, but it was demanding. Maybe I can go see Mariah. I could surprise her! She loves surprises, so she would be so happy. I can picture the happiness all over her face right now.

"Thanks, Paul! See you soon!" Liam cheered before pressing End Call.

We all looked at each other and grinned. Every single one of us would be hurriedly trying to catch flights to people they loved. I think they were all going home to their families except Zayn. My family and his came to visit all of us on tour recently, so girlfriends (or in his case, a wife!) are also a priority. I can't remember the last time Zayn and Perrie saw each other, but I haven't seen Mariah in a little under two months since it's now February of 2016.

Immediately I hopped on my laptop to book a last-minute ticket. It appeared that there was only one flight in the next day, and it left in three hours! I needed to get it right away and head to the airport, which luckily was only about 20 minutes away.

Quickly I bought the ticket. Normally I hated packing, but I had to catch the flight to see Mariah.

"Hey, lads, I have to be off now!" I announced cheerily, running around for all of my stuff.

"You're ready that fast?" Liam asked me surprised. The other boys looked at me like that too.

"Yeh, my flight's at eight pm!" I responded.

"Wow. Good luck, bro. Have fun," Zayn said with a smile and a wink.

I rolled my eyes, said my goodbyes, and raised the suitcase handle before I ran out the door.

As I thought, it took 20 minutes for the cab to get me to the airport. I've never really felt myself go this fast like I was on a serious deadline, but I flew through security and all of that. Of course, the lines still existed, but they weren't that much of a delay. I had quite a bit of extra time, so I searched for some good food and bought it before sitting down to wait.

The flight was very long, and since it was at night and I would definitely need rest, I took a nap. A long nap, actually. That was basically my whole plane ride because when I did wake up they provided me a meal, and then I went back to sleep again after using the bathroom.

It wasn't a non-stop flight, so when I landed I had to wait just a little while to get back in the air. Normally when I'm wanting something to come quicker time goes slowly, but it was speeding right along this time. Next thing I knew I was on the second flight.

This time instead of sleeping, I thought. Yes, just thought. This flight was shorter, anyway. I thought about Mariah: I was nervous because I'm starting to want an even more serious relationship, and I'm not sure if she feels the same way. I definitely don't want to rush her. I've learned patience from her, that's for sure.

Again, the flight went by quickly. I just had a small suitcase since it was only a couple of days, so I didn't need to go to baggage. As soon as I exited the airport I saw practically ten cabs to choose from. Obviously the airport is a good place to collect business for that service.

When I picked one I told the cab driver Mariah's address. Once I was in the car he sped off, pleasing me because I wanted to get there faster. It was six in the evening here, so she would be home, unsuspecting. I just hope she doesn't have company tonight or anything.

When the driver pulled up, I quickly paid him and ran out with my stuff. He drove off as I bounded up the steps and to her door, ringing the doorbell as soon as I got there.

All I heard was a pair of dainty footsteps approaching the door behind padding feet. Knowing her, she was probably looking through the peephole about now...and look, the lock is turning quickly. I chuckled at Mariah.

The door had barely opened before Mariah jumped out and threw her arms around me. Then the puppy that was hardly a puppy anymore pounced on the two of us, too. I almost fell, but did I care? Nope.

The best feeling in the world is having the one you love in your arms.

"What are you doing here?" Mariah exclaimed giddily. Her smile was beautiful.

"I came to surprise you," I told her with a smile. "We just found out we had a couple of days off, so I caught the first flight here."

"How many days?" Mariah asked, reality sinking in. She bent down to quiet the yapping Jello with her soft hands.

"I'll get to spend about three with you."

It was a small number, but as she said, "At least we get to see each other." And then she hugged me again.

The night consisted of smiles and giggles and some intimate moments.

To our dismay, the days flew by extremely quickly, but we were still happy to see each other. It's hard, going so long without seeing each other, and when we do it's a whole other story with the paparazzi and fans. When we do get to see each other, it makes it all the more better. And I think the best thing about this trip was when she opened the door to find me and her smile was contagious and impossible to take off.

So remember how almost the whole second plane ride I just thought about Mariah and our relationship? Well, I decided I wanted to speak my mind before I left.

Just one problem...it's easier said than done. Way easier said than done.

Every time I began to say anything I chickened out, which is really childish and especially immature because I can tell her anything. I know for a fact she won't laugh at me or make me feel stupid for saying anything -- just another reason why I love her so much. She makes me feel like I'm okay. And then not only does she make me feel accepted, but she also makes me feel good about myself. That's important in any relationship.

I think Mariah began to note that I kept cutting myself off from talking to her about how I felt. I mean, she probably didn't know what I wanted to say, but she saw that I was having an internal conflict over something.

She didn't say anything though, maybe because she wanted me to come around on my own so that she wasn't pushing me into talking about something uncomfortable for me. Possibly she would've asked if something was bothering me closer to when I left, but she didn't get the chance to.

On our last morning together, we were sitting in silence and enjoying the peace. Suddenly my voice broke the still, but settled, air.

"Mariah, I've been thinking...maybe, we could start to think about moving in together?" I shocked myself by asking her that question, quite nervously I might add.

Mariah's face looked sort of surprised at that, but that soon turned into a warm smile. "Yeah," she said, but she still sounded in a bit of a daze. "Yeah, that would be nice," she spoke again, this time more attuned to the present. Her face stretched out even more as she smiled.

My heart was still beating quickly in shock that she took that so well like she wanted it too. So we're on the same page in our relationship now.

And not only that, but we would move in together. It can happen, it will happen.

Living together is a completely different experience, but I'm up for it.

~

HI. Guess wurt? Once I finish this fanfic, I'm starting another...but don't worry, it's a short story hahaha. It's a Harry AU, and it'll also be posted in June & July. :) Soon I'll be posting a description, so please do check it out:):) I'll tell you next time when I will post that. I hope to see a lot of the same people plus some<3

But as for now, please continue leaving feedback on this story! Comments legit make my day, so if you'd like to be the reason for a teenage girl's happiness, please comment. :P x