I would die for you, but I won't live for you -Niall Horan au

nine

He dropped the fork he was cleaning; clearly surprised that someone besides himself was awake this early. “I’m sorry if I woke you. I just wanted to do something to say thanks for letting me crash here.”

It was that same Irish accent that I had fallen in love with. He didn’t look much different. He had his hair styled differently, braces, and he dressed a little different, but other than that, he was still the same Niall.

The one who had been one of my best friends for years, the one I had been completely in love with. “Um… thanks.” I mumbled, scratching me arm. Something I did when I was nervous.

He smiled at me, but it wasn’t the same smile he used to give me. Maybe he didn’t recognize me. But, I hadn’t changed that much had I? We stood in silence until I head Riley come down the stairs. “What are you doing up so early?” She asked, walking into the kitchen.

She gave Niall a quick glance before turning back to me. Did she not recognize him? “Your stupid stomping woke me up from a great sleep!” she scolded me. I pursed my lips and looked over at Niall. This was so embarrassing! My best friend was getting me in trouble like she was my mom! “Riley, list-”

“Riley?”

We both turned to Niall who was studying Riley carefully. “ Niall.” She replied. He cocked his head to the side like a puppy and took a step closer. “Riley Anderson?” He asked, taking another step closer.

“Yeah.” Riley said, rolling her eyes. She was acting as if she had hated him all her life and that one of our used-to-be-best friends wasn’t standing in front of us. I on the other hand was freaking out.

“I thought I recognized you!” I watched as Niall attacked her with one of his famous Horan Hugs. I knew Riley didn’t want to see him – or any of the boys – so when she pushed him away, I wasn’t surprised.

She looked at him before turning around and walking back up stairs. “What’s wrong with her?” He asked. Instead of answering, I looked down at the ground. “Payton?”

I looked up and he was directly in front of me. “She doesn’t forgive easy. You should know that.” I said, taking a step back. I didn’t want to step away from him. I really missed him and I could never stay mad at the boys.

I sure as hell couldn’t hold a grudge like Riley, but I wanted to know why he was back home before we started talking like we were friends again. “You’re not mad at me are you?” Niall asked, closing the space between us.

“I’m not mad, I’m just… surprised.” And I was surprised. I thought we weren’t going to see each other again since that party two years ago. “What are you doing back home?” I asked him.

“The boys and I have the summer off before our world tour. So we thought we’d come home, visit everybody.” The boys were back too? “We went to the club last night, I drank a little to much and here I am.” He continued.

It was quiet for a few moments until he opened his arms wide. I was hesitant. I didn’t know what I saw supposed to do. “C’mon.” he said. “I’ve waited long enough.” And with that, I stepped right into his arms. Finally getting my own Horan Hug.

“I’ve missed you.” He mumbled into my hair. “I’ve missed you too.” I replied. We stayed there for a good five minutes. There was no talking, only hugging. I didn’t know how long this was going to last until he pulled away.

“What are you doing today?” He asked. I thought about it before I answered. “Well, Ri and I have to go get our marks from school, then I have to get groceries later.” I explained.

His face broke into that huge grin I had known all my life. “Mind if I bring the boys over at about one o’clock? I want to surprise them. They’ve all missed you. Both of you.”

I found myself nodding and smiling like an idiot. I had missed the boys too and I really wanted to see them. I rushed upstairs and threw on a pair of gray track pants, a black tank top, and a simply gray hoddie over top. It was now six o’clock and the school was open.

I was too awake to even thing about going back to bed. So I thought I’d go get Riley’s and I's marks, then come back here and clean up for the boys. I walked back down stairs to find Niall waiting at the front door.

“See you later?” He asked, as I slipped on my black high tops. I nodded again and followed him out the door. “Sounds perfect.” I replied. I jumped in my car and headed off towards school. I couldn’t wait for later.

a/n outfit on side