One Thing - One Direction fanfic

Chapter 15

We arrived at their house. The day had been fairly uneventful as we strolled through London visiting some highlights here and there. I would often ask her something but then realize that I forbade her to talk. Once I even asked her why she was so quiet. That was about the funniest thing that happened that afternoon. Now it was time for Niall and I to talk things out. My nerves were numbing me. We were greeted with hugs, but Niall wasn't there. My eyes started searching until I found him sitting on the stairs. He smiled as our looks crossed and signaled for me to follow him. The rest of the guys seemed to be aware of the tension Niall and I had suddenly build up. They gave some encouraging smiles. Caroline smiled at me and nodded subtly at him, gesturing that I should go with him. My hands were shaking, so I tried to hide that. I had never felt so nervous. Not for an exam, not for a presentation, not for introducing myself. Nothing came even close to the feeling I had. He guided me to his room. I saw that he had cleaned up a bit. He closed the door behind us. I sat on his bed. He grabbed a chair and sat on it in a way that he was facing me, though the back of the chair was between us like a barrier. He laid his head on it, making him look cute.

"Hello."

"Hey."

It was quiet for a while as I was unsure how to break the ice.

"How did this even happen? Yesterday, I was so happy and now we have to talk serious."

"I know what you mean. Until Caroline started to ask me difficult questions, I felt perfectly happy."

He smiled.

"So you enjoyed yesterday?"

"It was perfect. Did you?"

I had smiled at the memory, but started to worry. What if yesterday's date had just been like every other for him? He had to have had at least some dates before, so perhaps ours wasn't that great for him in comparison.

"It was lovely. It couldn't have been better."

We smiled at each other. I felt somewhat relieved. At least he seemed to have liked it.

"I want to tell you something."

"Tell me."

"I can't."

I frowned as I didn't understand.

"Why?"

"I'm just worrying a bit, that you might not want me to say it."

A knot started forming in my stomach and my throat was getting tighter. Don't let my nightmare come true. Don't walk away with that girl. Don't look me in the eyes, and tell me I mean nothing to you, nothing at all. He stayed silent, having a worried frown on his face. I had to know what was going on in his head.

"I want to know anyway."

I tried to smile, but it came out forced and half-hearted. I knew that if he would wait any longer, I would break down in tears, no matter what he said.

"I'm trying! I'm just perhaps a little... afraid. I want you to feel the same way, but I'm not sure you do. Have you any idea how hard that is?"

He got up and turned his back to me. It reminded me of my nightmare. The thought of it made me feel sad. I felt a single tear roll down my cheek. I quickly wiped it away while he turned around. He came to sit next to me. His proximity made my heart beat faster, or was it the anticipation?

"I have told you that I like you, didn't I?"

He looked at me with a confused look in his eyes. His beautiful blue eyes. I could only hope he didn't take back those words, those kisses. I nodded shortly. He looked back at the wall.