"Do you ever think that your best years are behind you?" Clementine asked, voice soft in the the dark room.
"Mmm," Niall hummed, nodding. "Sometimes."
"Me too," she murmured.
"You're what, like 22?" Niall asked, turning his head to look over at he...
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3 years later
Niall couldn't count the amount of ballet's he's attended. He'd lost track forever ago. He can say, confidently, that each and every time he's watched Clementine perform, his heart grows in his chest.
This time was no different. Clementine was on her 10th lead for The Royal Ballet. She was bored, she confessed to him just a few months ago. He understood her boredom. It was the same cycle over and over- and many of the shows she'd done dozens of time.
That's how she'd come to the conclusion that it'd be her last show. Just for now, she added very quickly after she said. Niall had a funny feeling that within her off time she'd decide otherwise but that was another story.
Clementine thanked Niall profusely for coming, kissing him over and over, silly pecks that made him laugh, arms tightening around her waist.
"Okay okay," Clementine's mother laughed, prying her from Niall's arms. "Let me get a hug in."
Clementine let go of Niall, falling into her mother's hug. Niall let her go, unwilling. Through the last couple of years Clementine had gone home lots of weekends, finding it a good change of pace.
"Mel said you guys are going to Italy," her mother said, pulling away from Clementine. "Is this true?"
"It is true," Niall nodded.
"Any big plans when you get there?" Her mother asked, eyes drifting from Niall to Clementine and then back to Niall.
"No just chill," Clementine shook her head.
"Well that sounds mighty fun," her mother sang, adjusting the bag on her shoulder.
Niall felt himself begin to get nervous under her prying eyes. He hoped she'd be able to tell from his eyes that the subject should be dropped. Clementine was unaware of the exchange, wrapping her arm around Niall's waist, looking up at him with a smile.
"Oh Niall!" Clementine's mother exclaimed. "I heard you have a new album coming out."
Niall shot Clementine a look, eyes narrowed. Clementine laughed, patting him on the chest. "Love, it's just mumsie. She won't tell the press."
"It's a work in progress," Niall clarified, eyes meeting her mother's. "And a secret, at that."
"My lips are sealed," she smiled. "Anyways I think dad's pulled the car around by now. We're off back to Man. Busy day at the shop tomorrow. One more hug for the road?"
Clementine hugged her mother and then Niall was pulled in for a hug and a kiss on the cheek before they were off. Niall knew Clementine would be sad to see them go but it wouldn't last long.
"Lemen!" A familiar voice shouted from behind them. Niall didn't have to turn around to know it was Georgie.
"Hey!" Clementine exclaimed, immediately pulling her in for a hug. "How've you been? How's the knee?"
