FOREVER [Niall Horan] ✔

Chapter 49.

“Soul meets soul on lovers’ lips.” -Prometheus Unbound by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Ana's POV

Niall puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me closer so that my head is resting against his shoulder blades. I snuggle at his side on the couch as I stare at the television in front of us. I turn to look at my side when I feel someone's eyes on me, to see Maura looking at us with a smile on her face. I lightly blush under her stare and offer her a smile back before straightening myself. Niall pulls me back to him and I feel his lips on the top of my head right after.

"Stay here," Niall speaks and I nod.

After completing our dinner, Maura suggested to see a movie and we agreed. Alex, Jo, who looks deep into her phone, and Maura are sitting on one of the couches while me and Niall are seated on the adjacent love seat. Bobby isn't here since he had some work to catch up on.

Goosebumps rise on his neck as I breathe against him and I can't help the small smile that finds its way to my lips. I place a lingering kiss against his neck before letting out a small yawn even when I tried to suppress it.

Niall looks down at me and raises his eyebrows. "Are you tired, baby?" He asks and smooths his hands down my hair. I shift a little closer to him and nod my head, momentarily closing my eyes before opening them again. "Let's go home, then." He places a kiss on my forehead before untangling himself from me.

"Mom?" Niall calls out and the three women turn to look at him. "We are gonna be heading home now."

"It's pretty late. You both should stay the night," Maura offers.

"We can't," Niall replies before I can say anything. "I'm going to Birmingham tomorrow for work." My head snaps towards him after the words left his mouth. I stare at his profile in shock as he looks at his mom.

"Okay, honey." Maura nods. "I made raisin cookies, I'll pack some for you both." She gets up and disappears into the kitchen.

Niall turns to look at me, probably feeling my eyes on him, looking completely unfazed. "You didn't tell me you were going to Birmingham tomorrow," I say since I knew he wasn't going to start the conversation. Niall's eyes widen before composing himself and turning his side to me.

Niall shrugs. "I planned on saying it to you after we got home."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" I inquire, staring intently into his blue eyes.

"I just- I just didn't want to think about being without you even for a couple of days. I don't want to be away from you, it's just that." He cups my cheeks and I lean into his hands. "I'm sorry, I didn't tell you earlier."

"It's okay, Niall. I don't want to be away from you, too." I lean in peck his lips softly before pulling away, knowing that Niall's sisters are in the room.

"Ni, Ni!" Alex shouts, to get our attention, and bounces on the couch.

"Yes, babygirl?" He turns to look at her and she clambers off the couch before walking towards us and sitting on his lap. She bounces and he wraps his arm around her waist to keep her from falling.

"You know, Jo has a boyfriend, too." She giggles. "She's always on her phone." I laugh at that and turn to look at Niall, expecting him to laugh but all he does is frown while staring into the space. I lightly shake him to get his attention and he turns to look at me. I raise my eyebrows at him but before I can say anything, Jo speaks up.

"Shut up, Alex. It's none of your business." Alex continues to giggle and leans against Niall's chest. "I'm going to my room. Goodnight Niall and Ana. It was nice meeting you." I wish her a goodnight and she offers me a side hug before turning on her heels and walking towards the stairs before Niall stops her.