Church Boy ♱ nh

Chapter 21

As soon as the final bell rang, Winter jumped out of her seat and hurried out of the school. She'd spent all day planning her homecoming proposal. She wanted it to be as special as she could make it, especially for Niall. She felt that he, of all people, definitely deserved it. Winter practically ran home, managing to sneak into her house without Niall catching her from his window. Although, he was expecting her. He knew what time she'd be home from school and he was waiting for her. So he felt his stomach sinking when the time came and went without even a "hey, how are you?" from his love.

Winter grabbed the poster Niall made for her, with their quote written in large letters across it. 'I have found the one whom my soul loves -Song of Solomon 3:4'. She went to work in the kitchen, preparing a plate full of heart-shaped pancakes in honor of the pancake breakfasts they shared together back when Niall was hiding at Winter's house. After drizzling the pancakes in syrup and chocolate sauce, she topped them with whipped cream.

Niall was lying in his bed, with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes staring at the ceiling above him. His eyebrows were furrowed and his heart ached at the thought of Winter already getting over him. Perhaps he was overreacting a bit, but he certainly didn't see it that way. He was close to tears when he heard a heavy knock on the door. Forcing himself to his feet, Niall casually made his way to the door. There was another knock just before he swung it open, freezing when he spotted Winter behind it with a short dress on and a poster in front of her. His eyes read the words and he smiled as he remembered making the poster for her. He then spotted the pancakes she held and a huge grin tugged at his face. "My love," He said, "What's this about?"

Winter had a flirty grin plastered on her face the entire time. "What?" She giggled, "I can't surprise my lovely boyfriend from time to time?" Niall hummed as Winter leaned in and stood on the tips of her toes to peck Niall's lips. She lingered there for a moment, her eyes gently fluttering up to meet his as their heartbeats slowed to a simultaneous rhythm. She realized then that it had been quite some time since they kissed. She missed the feeling.

"Winter-" Niall began, but Winter interrupted him.

"Baby," She squeaked, so nervous that she hadn't even heard Niall speak. Winter felt strange. She wasn't used to being nervous. She wasn't used to this jittery feeling. "I have a question for you."

Niall grinned. He could see she was a bit nervous. "Sure," He said, rubbing her arms in a comforting stroke.

"I, uh... will you-" She paused to nervously chuckle, "Gosh, I don't know why I'm so nervous." Her cheeks were a crimson color. Niall smiled and pecked the side of Winter's face. She inhaled a deep breath and then closed her eyes while steadily asking, "Will you go to homecoming with me?"

Her eyes flew open in time to see Niall's entire face light up. He giggled and scrunched his nose up, squeezing Winter's hands. Then he peppered her face in kisses, until Winter was a giggly mess, herself, squealing and still attempting to keep a hold of the pancakes. "Of course I will," Niall whispered, just before he landed a kiss on her lips. They stayed there for a while, sharing this one smooch that lasted much longer than anticipated. When they pulled apart, both were out of breath.

Winter whispered, "You should let me come inside." She bit her lip. Niall glanced behind him and then stepped aside, allowing his lady to come in. She first set the plate of pancakes down on the nearest table and then she made an observation, "You know, I think this is my first time actually being in your house." She looked around. "I only see three crosses. I expected like ten times that many." Niall laughed loudly and took her hand.

He rested his chin on her shoulder and whispered in her ear, "My bedroom is this way..." Then, with his hand still holding hers, he led her toward the wooden staircase. Winter was surprised by how straight-forward Niall was in this moment, but then she came to realize that they were hungry for each other. Any time apart felt like years to them, but along with the roller coaster of emotions that they'd been on lately - it was such a relief to be in each other's presence again.