The Runner (Niall Horan Fanfiction)

chapter 6

Niall pulled his arm from Kaylie’s grip as they left the hotel, heading back towards the train station. “That’s probably going to bruise now!” He frowned, rubbing his shoulder. “Oh, cry me a river.” Kaylie chuckled sarcastically. Niall forced back the memories of One Direction forming, watching Liam’s audition, and was brought back to reality by Kaylie clapping in his face.

“CARTER!”

 “What?”

“The train’s here, genius.”

“Oh, right.”

Niall set off into the train at once, trying to avoid conversation. He pulled out his iPod, put it on shuffle, and stuck a headphone in his ear. You cut me down a tree, and brought it back to me, The lyrics to Swallowed in the Sea by Coldplay began to ring through his head, and he couldn’t help but hum along as Kaylie joined him and the chorus began. “And I could write a song, a hundred miles long, well that’s where I belong, and you belong with me.” He sang out loud, standing up. He clicked next on his iPod, and chuckled. People were staring at him, but he didn’t even stop to think about the consequences of his actions. He grinned down at Kaylie and started dancing round the compartment madly. Eventually, he tired and sat back down, but Kaylie was in hysterics. “Shut up Kaylie! You’re annoying all the other passengers!” He said mock-disappointedly. “KAYLIE SHUT UP!” He yelled, trying not to burst into laughter himself. The train rolled to a stop and he picked Kaylie up, carrying her out onto the street.

“Jesus Kaylie, you’re so embarrassing!” He grinned, chuckling as they weaved their way through the crowds towards the cathedral. “Hey, in my defence, those dances were pretty damn funny.” She giggled, but soon stopped dead in her tracks. The Notre Dame loomed above them, stretching all the way across the horizon. “Amazing, innit?” Niall grinned down at Kaylie’s awestruck expression. “Wow...” She whispered back. “Just wait till you see the inside.” Niall grinned. They set off again, slipping into the cathedral, unnoticed and inconspicuous amongst the crowds milling through the square.

The huge doors creaked closed behind the huddle of tourists that Niall and Kaylie found themselves caught up in. “Wow.” Kaylie whispered again. The interior was just as amazing as the exterior. Candles were the only lighting, a dim glow seemed to echo around the single room, only just bright enough to show the outlines of benches. It was brighter around the altar and multiple podiums containing models of the Notre Dame, with little snippets of information about its construction. “Now, how about we take a tour?” Niall asked.

As they slipped out of the Notre Dame, Niall checked his watch. It read 1:46 PM. “Lunch?” Kaylie suggested, peering over his shoulder to see the time. “Yep.” He nodded, popping the ‘p’. They snuck their way back through the packs of people, searching for somewhere to eat. Eventually they agreed on a McDonalds and went in. Niall let Kaylie order, her French being better than his own. He found a table and sat down at it, after making sure she knew where he was. Kaylie was there within minutes, holding two bags stuffed with their food. “Thanks love.” Niall grinned, accepting his meal.