SO LONG || NIALL HORAN || #Wattys2019

FOUR

It wasn't until the tour made it to Los Angeles that Haleigh returned. Her family was her number one priority and she wanted to be completely sure her brother was alright before she left. The car had done some damage, breaking a few of his ribs and his left wrist. His body was covered with small bruises and cuts but overall he was alive and breathing, which made his family feel nothing but gratitude and thankfulness.

When Haleigh told Niall everything, she was blubbering through her tears out of joy and excitement. His heart had swelled from hearing her words slur together in happiness, making him that night to put on an unforgettable show in Auburn, Washington. He couldn't help but be extra jittery on stage every time after that, since he knew she was meeting them in California. The fans seemed to pick up on something within him as well, after Haleigh tweeted out about thanking people for praying for Michael. Many of them had watched their friendship grow and posted all over social media about their excitement for them to be reunited.

He could barely keep himself together as he waited in the airport. Luckily, only a few fans recognized him even in his glasses and hat, but they promised to not post until after he left. The last thing he wanted was to be swarmed when Haleigh got back to him. His leg was bouncing and he was anxiously chewing on his bottom lip while he checked his watch for the millionth time. Her plane had already landed and he was impatiently standing in front of the gate where she'd emerge. People dressed in business suits and families exited first, to him walking at a snail's pace. And then, his blue eyes finally landed on her and he felt his knees go weak.

Breathtaking. That's the word that swirled in his thoughts from staring at her. Her wavy hair flowed a few inches below her shoulders, tucked behind her pierced ears. The blue jeans she wore hugged her figure that she had gained from working out with him and Mark, and a simple white T-shirt was peeking out from underneath a green army bomber jacket. A wide grin was etched onto her face, her captivating eyes lighting up as she saw Niall waiting for her.

The busy and loud atmosphere faded around her walking, making his legs start moving towards her before he even realized what he was doing. Meeting her halfway, he opened his arms and let out a content sigh once she jumped into them. "Awe, I missed you so much!" Her excited squeal sounded like music to his ears and he buried his head into her neck, closing his eyes happily.

"I missed you too," he replied joyfully, his heart beating a hundred times per second as he spun in a circle cheesily. "I'm so glad you're back."

Haleigh slightly pulled away from the hug giggling, keeping her hands on his forearms. "I couldn't let Mason have my job forever, could I?" He was the one who was asked to step in while she saw her family. Niall thought he was nice; he took great pictures and captured incredible moments. He just wasn't Haleigh.

"You're absolutely right," he beamed down at her, his fingers on her waist. "I also have a surprise for you back at the hotel."

Haleigh tilted her head in confusion, eyebrows furrowed curiously. "What is it?"

"Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told ya," Niall teased, and bent down to pick up her small bag that she had dropped. "You ready to get out of here, love?"

"Absolutely," she stole his word with a charming smile and she looped her arm through his to interlock their fingers together. Niall waved at the fans who had huddled together, making them immediately freak out since he noticed them. "Wait, did you want to say hi?" Haleigh asked in concern as they started to walk. "We have time."

"I talked to them earlier when I was waiting for you," he assured her, glancing back to see the group of girls recording videos and snapping pictures of them leaving. "They promised to not say anything until we left."