Breathe Me // n.horan au *Completed*

[2]

[2]

21st of October, 2014

I turned from my stomach onto my back so that I could wake myself up. My body was so exhausted, it was hard for me to even think about moving my muscles. I brought my arms up and covered my face. Soon after, I began to rub my eyes. No matter how badly I wanted to sleep in today, I was more desperate to get time with my little sister.

I managed to push myself out of my bed and stumble into my bathroom. Today was the first time in months that I could take a shower longer than five minutes. It felt relaxing and it was very much needed. I scrubbed myself raw and decided to spend the day as Niall, the big brother, instead of Niall, the bartender who works at an old pub.

I decided to eat breakfast before I went to wake Kerrigan. As I was sipping on my second cup of freshly brewed coffee, I noticed a note neatly folded on the little island. I picked it up and unfolded it to see Greg's messy handwriting.

Morning, kiddo. I hope your day with Kerrigan goes as well as you plan. The both of you really need this. I called Lucy and gave her the day off and also called in sick for you. Have a good day.

~G

I smiled at his thoughtfulness. He deserved to spend the day with her just as much as I did. I needed to keep that in mind for next time.

I put away my dishes and made my way towards my sister's room. She was fast asleep; her right hand resting on her stomach and her left arm settled straight against the mattress. I smiled at her and gently went to sit on her bed. She looked so serene. I almost felt bad for waking her but I couldn't wait to see the look of excitement when she finds out that I'll be staying home with her today.

I reach my arm out and push away her chocolate brown front bangs. They were getting a bit long. I should probably let Eleanor give her a haircut soon; seeing that she already passed her course to be a registered hairstylist.

Kerrigan wrinkled her nose and I let out a small chuckle; she looked like a little kitten. She slowly fluttered her eyes open and yawned.

"Good morning, lovebug." I smiled and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

"Morning, NiNi. Are you going to work early today?" There was a hint of sadness in her voice.

I shook my head, "Nope. No work for me today. I am all yours. I just had to take a day off to spend with my favourite girl in the world."

Her big blur eyes lit up and she giggled, "Yay! My big brother is going to stay with me!" She sat up and pulled me in for a hug. "Ni, I am a happy girl now."

"I'm so glad to hear that. Now, you can brush your teeth all by yourself. I'll set up a little bath for you and then we can do whatever you'd like. We just can't go out because Greg wasn't thinking and he took the car."

"Greg is a silly goose." She shook her head. I helped her out of bed and walked her to the conjoined bathroom. "Can we play with my dolls and watch Disney movies today?"

"Of course we can, love. Anything you want." I kissed the top of her head before running her a bubble bath. I made sure it was the perfect temperature before I went to her closet and found something for her to wear. I decided to pick up her pink jumper and black leggings. I made my way back into the bathroom and saw her smiling at me. "Alright, my little monster, arms up so we can get this nighty off you."

She giggled and stuck her arms straight in the air. She had multiple surgery scars on her little torso. I frowned but quickly perked myself up so she didn't sense anything. I lifted her and carefully set her in the water. She splashed around for a bit and until I was satisfied with how clean she was, I washed her down with fresh water and lifted her out of the bathtub. I dried off her body and helped her get on her clothes.