When In Cancun

"Grandma?" I called peeking my head through the door. She has one of the nicer rooms for those who stay full time. She was laying on her bed with her eyes closed. At first I thought she was sleeping but when she heard me she looked up and a bright smile took over her tired face. She was definitely getting worse and everyone knew it. When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer she was already at a late stage so treatment hasn't been much help. I hadn't seen her since February. I've always tried to come as much as I could but after starting college it's been difficult.

"Emma dear," She cried and I noticed her eyes well up in tears. The sight caused a lump to form in my throat but I held it in not wanting to get emotional. I came for a happy visit not to get sad.
I walked into the room and gave her a big yet gentle hug, afraid of how weak she looked. She rubbed the back of my head soothingly.

"I missed you," I told her after we pulled apart. I felt so guilty for the long period of time since my last visit. "I'm sorry it's been so long."

"Oh don't worry darling I understand. I'm glad your following your dreams away at school, you make me so proud."

"I know but-"

"No 'buts', your here now and that's what matters. And whose this young man?" She smirked and gestured behind me. I almost forgot Niall was there. I turned around to face him and he had a warm smile on his face but I noticed the hint of sympathy in it. He placed the head wrap on a side table before approaching us.

"I'm Niall ma'am. It's very nice to meet you."

"Call me Nancy, and is that an accent I hear? Irish?"

"Yes ma- Nancy." He corrected himself with an adorable shy smile.

"He's very handsome," she whispered to me but loud enough so Niall could hear. A red tint took over his cheeks and ears. "Bella was here a few weeks ago and mentioned that you found a man. She wouldn't stop gushing over him and now I see why."

"Yeah um were just friends though grandma." I chuckled nervously. She looked between us suspiciously before rolling her eyes.

"Okay sure, now tell me what you've been up to, you as well Niall. I like to know what the young ones are doing these days." Niall and I laughed and and pulled two chairs next to her bed. We talked to her for what seemed like hours. Niall was great with her, like he is with all people. He was constantly making her laugh and it was wonderful to see her so happy. Every time Niall wasn't paying attention she would wiggle her eyebrows at me and nod towards him. I would just laugh or playfully glare at her. I knew the next time I was with her alone I wouldn't hear the end of it. After a while I looked at my phone and it was a little after three o'clock. I figured that we should get going. I knew Niall had to go to that event and I decided I was going to go home to Long Island for the night.

"Goodbye Grandma I promise to be back soon."

"I know you'll come when you can honey, don't worry. And Niall it was a pleasure to meet you dear. I hope to see you again."

"You will," he smiled and assured her. "It was great to meet you as well Nancy."

I gave her one last hug and then we left.

"She's great," Niall said once we were in the elevator.

"Yeah, she is." I smiled to myself.

"You really are her favorite," he smirked at me making reference to something I told him back in Cancun. I guess he did remember then.

"Told ya, besides, I'm everyones favorite." I winked and walked out as the elevator doors opened.
I walked a few feet before an arm wrapped around my shoulders and I felt warm breath on my neck.

"Your definitely my favorite." He whispered and I felt the goosebumps spread all up my spine. He noticed the effect he had on me and I saw him smile smugly. I rolled my eyes and patted his back.

"Your my new favorite friendtoo Niall." I smirked at him. He grimaced at the word and his smile faltered slightly before he quickly recovered.

"I'll call Paul to send a car." He said taking out his phone once we got to the hospital lobby.

"Awe that's no fun." I pouted. He raised his eyebrows at me.

"What did you have in mind?" He questioned with a small smile.

"You'll need this." I tied the wrap back around his head and he scowled like a child whose mother was making him wear something he didn't approve of. He put his ray bans back on and I pulled him out to the street with me. It was even more crowded than earlier as many business people probably just got off from work. I maneuvered Niall and I through the rush of people until we got to the stair case that led underground.

"The subway?" I could sense that he was nervous from his tone. He'd probably never taken the subway before, not that it was anything to be scared of. It's a great city experience.

"Have you never taken it before?" I asked him and he shook his head. "Relax it's not as bad as people say. It's actually pretty cool." I led him down the stairs and swiped my metro card twice so we could both pass through the gate. We walked through the crowded tunnels I saw Niall looking around curiously. He looked a bit freaked out by the homeless people but quite intrigued by a jazz band and another kid around sixteen playing a guitar.

"Hold on a sec." He told me and jogged over to the guitar kid. I watched them talk a bit and then he dropped a few bills into the case, I couldn't tell how much. After about three minutes he came back over to me. "Reminded me of myself. You know, before all the fame and stuff. I used to just play my guitar with a few mates at the park or something back in Ireland."

"And now look at you."

"Yeah, it's mad it really is. I'll never grow used to it."

"Well if your used to it then theres no excitement left." I told him and he seemed to think about those words as we made it to our track. We stood in the crowded subway car holding on to a pole. I felt his gaze on me but avoided meeting it. His hand wrapped around my back pulling me slightly closer to him although I was already practically squished against him from the tight space. I looked up after the gesture and sure enough he was looking at me. Luckily he had his ray bans on so I couldn't get lost in his eyes. He dipped his head down slightly and for a moment I thought he was going to kiss me but his lips ended near my ear.

"Your so beautiful Emma." I blushed slightly and felt pretty uncomfortable. I didn't want to feel these things for him but it's not like I could help it.

"You too, the flowers really compliment your skin tone." I joked gesturing to the head wrap he still had on. I couldn't see his eyes but I knew he was rolling them playfully and was slightly annoyed that I ruined the moment. I was annoyed at myself too but I couldn't fall back under his spell.

"Thank you I thought so." He said in a mock feminine voice twirling the knot of the wrap under his chin. I chuckled at his playful nature.



We got back to the hotel and Niall didn't waste a second before he ripped the head wrap off shoving it half way into his back pocket and removed his glasses. We took the elevator up together. Neither of us said anything but the silence was quite comfortable and not at all awkward. When we reached our floor he walked me to my door.

"Have fun tonight."I told him and he looked sad for a moment.

"I wish you were going with me." He mumbled quietly but I was able to make out the words. I chose to pretend like I didn't hear. "Can I stop by in the morning to say good bye before you head back to school. It'll be pretty early since were doing that talk show but I really don't want to miss you."

"Um, I'm actually going to go back to Long Island tonight. Louis' going to want some time with Eleanor. Plus it'll be good to catch up with Bella and my parents a bit."

"Oh, of course. That should be nice." He said cheerlessly with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Yeah, I miss them when I'm away. I'm sure you get that."

"Definitely it's tough being away from home for a long while. So I'll see you when then?"

''Um I don't know we'll think of something. I'm going to miss you crazy boys."

He chuckled, "Well were going to be back in New York in a month for a few shows. Maybe you can come?"

"I'd love to." I told him and he seemed to light up a bit.

"Good, well I better go get ready. Management will have my arse if I'm late."

"Then you better hurry, your ass is one of the few things you've got going for you." I teased. He scoffed faking offense before pulling me into a big comfy hug. I relaxed in his arms and I felt butterflies in the pit of my stomach. "I'm going to miss you Niall."

"I'll miss you too love." He sighed. "More than I think you realize." He pulled away slightly to kiss my forehead his lips lingering there longer than necessary but I didn't care. I longed to feel his lips against my own but I didn't want to give him the wrong idea.

"Goodbye Niall." I kissed his cheek.

"Bye Em." He said as I opened my door. I stepped inside taking one last look at his face before closing it gently. I saw Louis and Eleanor on his bed and he smiled and greeted me but I didn't pay attention.

I couldn't ignore the lump in my throat, it felt like the first time I was leaving him all over again. A tear rolled down my cheek. 'What are you doing Emma? Your an idiot!' Before I could think I flung open the door and saw Niall leaning against his door across the hall. His hand was on the cheek I had kissed moments ago and I felt my heart flutter. His head snapped up to me and his hand dropped. He opened his mouth to speak but I didn't give him the chance to. I ran over to him and wrapped my arms around his neck, crushing his lips down to mine. He was quick to kiss back but I could sense that he was surprised. My hands traveled into his hair and I finally tugged on the messy locks that drove me crazy all day. He moaned into my mouth at the roughness and gripped the back of my thighs hitching me around his waist. He turned us around and pressed my back into the door deepening the kiss as our tongues moved together. When we needed to breath we pulled apart and he rested his forehead against mine looking into my eyes. I could stare into his ocean blue orbs for days. They were mesmerizing.

"I'm sorry," I whispered slightly out of breath.

"For what?" He asked incredulously.

"For kissing you I guess."

He looked at me like I had ten heads. "Don't ever apologize for that again. You can kiss me any time you'd like." He chuckled before pecking my lips once more and setting me down to my feet.

"That was a goodbye kiss." I told him sternly.

"How 'bout an until next time kiss." He smirked.

"I'm serious Niall, about this friends things." I said knowing I sounded like an idiot after just kissing him like that.

"What ever you say buddy. You can still kiss me anytime." He fought his smile and I smacked his chest lightly.

"You better get ready." I reminded him and he nodded.

"Have a good time with your family."

"I will and you have a good time tonight." I walked back over to my door. "I'll talk to you soon Niall." I promised. He gave me a crooked smile that made my heart melt.

"Yes you will." With that we both went into our separate rooms. I leaned against the door again and let out a groan. A smirking Louis stood in front of me.

"Your in deep shit love." He laughed. I flipped him off and banged my head back against the door. He was so right.

Notes