All Things Narry

I Plucking Love You

Before Niall opens his eyes, he registers the dull ache in his chest. He feels the tears behind his eyelids and doesn't open his eyes until they go away.

Harry doesn't love me. Niall blinks and lets out a ragged breath.

-

"I love you." Niall said, nervous, fingers tapping against his own knee, avoiding the cool, green gaze on his face.

Harry gaped a bit, his cool demeanor shattered. "I-uh. What?"

Niall didn't think that almost 8 months of being together was too short to say words.

"Uh," a deep flush worked up his chest to his cheeks. "I uh-" Niall coughed and grabbed his water glass and took a sip. "I said I love you." He felt like the people in the dimly lit restaurant were looking at him, staring. But he knew that was in his own head, all these couples were focused on themselves.

Harry nodded slightly, "That's what I thought." He started to fiddle with the rings on his fingers.

"Oh shit." Niall got out and rubbed his forehead. "I'm sorry. I thought you-I mean-fuck. I'm sorry, H." Niall leaned back and pulled a few notes out, skin feeling hot. "This should cover dinner. I'm gonna uh. I'm gonna go catch a cab." His ears were burning, and he could barely hear anything because his heart was beating so hard.

"Ni-" Harry got out but Niall was too quick, and was already out the door.

-

It had only been a few days since that dinner but it felt like an eternity. Ever since that Friday night, there has been a radio silence from Harry towards Niall and Niall does not have the balls to call him. His own ego was destroyed and his feelings were hurt. Harry's face blanching after he shared his feelings were etched into his mind. It's all Niall can see when he closes his eyes.

There's a knock at the door and Niall sighs heavily, eyeing the clock on the night table. 8:30 in the morning.

The knocks happen again and Niall lets out a groan. He looked forward to staying amongst his down duvets and pillows, wallowing.

He forces himself out of bed and tugs on joggers and a sweatshirt he had on the back of the chair. Another set of knocks come from the front door and makes Niall curse.

He rips open the door, a look of pure irritation on his face. However, that quickly fades to shock and slight embarrassment when he see it's Harry. "Harry," he mumbles.

Harry is standing there, hair ruffled, his own cheeks tinged pink. "Hey Nialler." He picks up the guitar he rested against the wall until Niall answered the door.

Niall has been teaching Harry how to play guitar. Harry is a good student and a fast learner.

Harry swallows thickly and pulls a pick out of his pocket after he wraps the guitar strap over his shoulder. He starts to strum carefully, just getting the rhythm right before starting in.

His voice is like honey, slow and deep, his accent disappearing as he sings. Harry's eyes study Niall's.

"Bitch... I love you," He sings and strums a bit more. "And I love you..." Harry looks up at Niall, "bitch."

Niall can feel his chest growing tight and his throat getting thick. Harry loves him.

He finishes the song and pushes the guitar behind. "I love you, you idiot." He smiles shyly. "I wanted to surprise you with the song. But you beat me to saying it." He toes the ground and eyes go to the ground. "I'm sorry if I hurt–"

Niall cuts him off with a kiss. "I love you." His hand comes up and fists in Harry's hair. "I love you," he breathes.

Harry gets a sneaky smile and leans away. "I plucking love you." He presses the pick into Niall's hand. "I got you a bunch." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the bag.

A brow raises as Niall takes the bag. "Thanks pet. But I–"

"Look at them." Harry presses and leans in.

Niall looks at the pick and etched into it was "I plucking love you. xx. HS". A less than attractive snort comes from Niall.

"So you will always have me with you," Harry grins, dimple on display. Niall always had a pick in his wallet and pocket.

Harry dances past Niall and heads into the house, laying the guitar on the coffee table.

Niall follows, smiling as he shuts the door.