Two days have past since Louis and Harry went to New York by themselves. Niall and I haven't really left my house. We only left to get some food. Niall was laying on the lounge watching something on the TV. Niall hasn't been the same since we found Louis. I've caught him crying a couple of times, but he won't talk about it anymore. He has shut me out from his thoughts. He lets me be near him to comfort him, but that's all he’ll let me do.

I sat down next to his feet on the lounge, “what you watching?” I asked. Niall looked at me for a second, “nothing really,” he mumbled. I placed my hand on his thigh as I leaned over a little bit, “bad day again?” I questioned, but I already knew the answer. Niall nodded his head, “I'm sorry,” he apologized. Niall grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. I laid in front of him as my back was to him. He had his arm wrapped around my waist and one of his legs over mine. He kissed the back of my head, “Harry messaged me today. He says Louis doing better, but still has a long way to go,” I tell Niall.

“That's good,” Niall whispered. He ran his fingers up and down my waist, “um I need to head back to America before everyone else. I need to get my car from Orlando,” he tells me. I grabbed his hand that was on my waist, “do you want me to come with you?” I asked. Niall shook his head, “I think the long drive back to New York would clear my head,” he says.

“Niall please,” I begged. Niall sat up, “no Claire,” he snapped. I groaned as I had enough of him shutting me out, “just talk to me Niall,” I argued. Niall got off the lounge, “I don't want to talk!” He yelled. I got off the lounge too, “you can't shut me out! I'm here this time!” I yelled back. Niall ran his fingers through his hair, “but you weren't there the first time,” he spat. Niall walked out of the room and I followed him.

He was in my room packing his bag, “Niall don't do this,” I begged. Niall didn't look at me as he kept packing his bag, “Claire just don't,” he snapped. He finished packing his bag, “I have to go. I can't stand looking at you at the moment,” he tells me. I stood in front of him, “Niall what's going on in your head?” I cried. Niall looked everywhere part from me, “that I was an idiot. Why did I think things could be great between us? Everything that has happened just made me realize that I still hate you. I still can't forgive you for leaving the first time,” he spat.

“You don't mean that,” I whispered. Niall kissed my cheek before he left me. As soon as I heard the front door slam. My heart broke into two. I felt my chest get tighter as the tears wouldn't stop falling. I quickly grabbed my phone and called Sophia, “hey,” she said as she answered the phone. I was trying to get my breathing under control, “Soph help,” I cried. I sat on my bedroom floor as my head was spinning, “Claire where are you?” She asked. I could tell that she was worried, “home,” I say.

Sophia stayed on the phone with me telling me it was alright, but I never told her what happened. When she got there she ran straight into my room, “Claire what happened?” She asked. I shook my head since I couldn't speak. I was still having a hard time breathing, “Claire you need to breath. In through you nose out through your mouth,” she tells me. She rubbed my back as I did what she said.

When my breathing was back to normal I looked at her, “where is Niall?” She questioned. I started to cry really hard at the mention of his name, “gone,” I whispered. Sophia hugged me tight, “gone where?” She wondered. She looked at me, but kept her arms around me, “I don't know. We had a fight about him shutting me out. Then he said he hated me again and left,” I admitted. Sophia kissed my forehead, “it's ok,” she whispered.

Sophia stayed with me as I cried on my bedroom floor. I knew Liam was around, but he was giving us space. When I couldn't cry anymore I got up off my bedroom floor, “I'll be alright now,” I says. Sophia stood next to me, “how about we get a cup of tea?” She asked. I nodded my head. Sophia believes that a cup of tea can fix things, but I don't think it will fix this.

When we walked out of my room I saw Liam sitting in the lounge room. He had the TV on, so I decided to go sit with him. He was on his phone, “you alright now?” He asked as he looked at me. I shrugged my shoulders, “only time will tell again I guess,” I say. Liam didn't look happy as he read something on his phone, “I think you and Soph should have a girl’s night,” he tells me. He stood up before going into the kitchen.

When Sophia came in Liam was behind her, “I'm heading off now ladies. Have a good night,” Liam tells us. Sophia put the cups of tea down on the coffee table, “Soph I think there's something wrong with Niall,” I started. Sophia looked at me curiously, “when we found Louis he cried. He hasn't stop crying since then,” I tell her. She moved closer to me, “could what happened to Louis brought something back?” She wondered.

“He said when he saw Louis in his bed cover in cuts and bruises. It brought back the memories of me when he found me in the carpark,” I admitted. Sophia looked confused, “I mean with him. Like something bad happened with him. I know you noticed the scars on him,” Sophia pointed out. My mind went straight onto Niall asking me what if I found him like Louis, “when did you notice his scars?” I asked.

“They cuts to me when I first saw them. He just told us that he got into a fight. Claire do you think Niall went through the same things as Louis?” She questioned. I looked at the floor as my mind was all over the place. Niall's dad left him, but what if he hurt Niall before he did. I wasn't there when someone was hurting Niall. I can see why he hates me, “I think so,” I whispered. I looked Sophia and she looked upset, “but his never going to tell us,” I added.

*****

We all stayed in London for a week until heading back to New York. As soon as we walked through the door Louis hugged me. I hugged him back, “you alright?” He asked me. I nodded my head, “I should be asking you that,” I tell him. Louis smiled at me, “I'm fine now. Well I'm still getting myself back together tho, but I'm fine,” he admitted. I hugged him again, “good to hear,” I smiled.

I went into my room to notice all of Niall's stuff gone which meant he got back before us. I put my stuff down as I noticed a note on my desk. I picked it up:

By the time you get back I'll be back at the frat house. Don't come looking for me Claire. I don't want to see you until school starts. I'll be alright on my own like I did the first time. Just be safe. – Niall

I put the note in my desk draw, so no one else could see it. I didn't feel sad this time about Niall and I, but I was worried about him. I knew if I couldn't see him at the moment that the others could. I knew they would keep an eye on Niall for me, “Claire,” I heard Harry say. I looked at him to see him standing in my doorway, “I'm fine Harry,” I tell him. Harry looked carefully over my face, “do you know what's going on with him? Because when he came to get his stuff he looked lost. Then I walked passed your bedroom to see him crying on your bed,” Harry wondered.

“He broke it off again, but I fear what happened to Louis is effecting him. I think someone did it to Niall too,” I confessed. Harry looked shocked, but then his face turned sad, “makes sense tho. He was the one telling Louis how to get through it day by day,” Harry tells me. I played with my lip, “can you keep an eye on him? He doesn’t want me anywhere near him until we start school again,” I asked. Harry nodded his head, “I'll do my best,” he says. I knew he had Louis to worry about, but I Louis was close to him.

****
A couple of weeks past and school started again tomorrow. Everyone told me that Niall was back to himself, but still didn't want to see me. I'll admit that it was hurting me since I wanted to be there for him this time, but he didn't want me. I managed to a lot more of my art work since being back, but I didn't finish Zayn task. I don't know if I will ever finish it. The only person that I haven't done was Niall. I tried to do him, but my mind just kept going blank.

Harry moved in and think it was good for him and Louis. I know Harry didn't want to leave his side just yet. But most of Louis cuts and bruises were healed and he was ready for school. Harry told him that he didn't have to go and Louis told him that no one knows what happened to him. I was actually looking forward to school. It was my chance to see how Niall was really doing. I managed to keep my creative writing update too. I just left out about me and Niall not seeing each other. I didn't want Mr Hall to know about that.

We all were sitting around the dining room table eating dinner, “so school tomorrow,” Liam smiled. Sophia groaned, “I don't want to wake up early,” she says. Harry agreed with her, “for once I can’t wait to go back to school,” Louis tells us. We all smiled at him, “it's our second year for most of us,” Louis added. Harry and me both rolled our eyes, “I'm only half a year behind,” I mumbled.

“And I will only have a semester of English to do,” Harry says. I gave him a small nod, “I wonder if we could catch up? I don't mind putting in the extra work,” I wondered. They all shook their heads, “it be alright. It's just six more months more than us,” Sophia reassured me. I sighed, “well at least my timetable hasn't changed,” I say.

After dinner the boys cleaned up as me and Sophia sat in the lounge room, “so do you still want me to come with you tomorrow to the doctors after school?” She asked. I nodded my head, “well I thought tomorrow would be the best day to go since there's no football practice until next week. Do you still want to come?” I wondered. Sophia nodded her head, “it's just why go on the pill now? You and Niall not together,” she questioned.

“Cause it's something I want to do for a while now,” I tell her. I don't get upset when Niall's name mentioned, but I do think I'm in denial about us. Louis came and sat with us, “Harry told me to sit down before I hurt myself,” he mumbled. Sophia and I just smiled at him, “I'm fine now guys,” he tells us. We both nodded our heads, “so what we going to do for the rest of the night?” I asked. Louis got up and picked a movie.

****
The next morning, I got up showered and dressed for the day. I put on a yellow sleeveless dress with a thin a thin brown belt. I also put on my white cardigan and yellow flats shoes. I did my hair in a side braid and didn't put any makeup on. I made sure I had everything I need today in my school bag before I left my room.

http://www.polyvore.com/back_to_school/set?id=196126179

I walked out to the kitchen to see everyone ready, “wow Reid a dress,” Louis says. I nodded my head as I got myself some breakfast, “great now I have to keep an eye on you in English,” Harry joked, but I knew he slightly wasn't. I sat down at the dining room table, “first day back. I got to look good,” I smiled. Harry sat down next to me, “she free and can do whatever she wants now. She doesn’t have anyone telling her she can't,” Louis tells them. I nodded my head, “I haven't been free for a long time,” I say.

When we got to school Zayn met up with us, “where's Blondie?” Liam asked. Zayn looked at me, “when I left he was still getting ready, but he'll make it to class on time,” he replied. Zayn came closer to me, “oh I hope you done a lot of art in your summer holidays. Mr Riley been asking me,” Zayn tells me. I nodded my head, “don't worry. I have been,” I say. Zayn smiled at me, “well we better be getting to English since it’s on the other side of school,” Harry tells me.

After we said bye to everyone and Harry had a talk to Louis. We were in English waiting for Mr Hall and Niall. I got all my English stuff out and put my glasses on, “so what is with the dress?” Harry wondered. I looked at him, “can't I wear a dress without getting questioned?” I asked him. Harry smiled as he shook his head, “well I wanted to wear one and that's all your getting,” I tell him.

“Well I think it's for certain person that should be here any minute now,” Harry smirked. I shook my head, “Claire just be careful with him. His still not himself. He has moments,” Harry warned me. I nodded my head as the classroom door open. I looked to see it was Niall and he looked straight at me. He looked like he wanted to sit next Harry, “Mr Horan please take your seat, so I can start the lesson,” Mr Hall said behind him. Niall slowly walked closer to us, but sat in the row behind us, “good to see you all came back from your summer holidays,” Mr Hall started.

“It be alright,” Harry whispered to me. Mr Hall stood in front of the classroom, “well it's a new school year, so let's get straight into it. Mr Hall handed out the first Harry Potter book, “um sir this it a bit different,” Harry says. Mr Hall nodded his head, “you’re going to read all seven of them and tell me what you think is the meaning of these books,” he tells us. Harry was still confused, but so was the rest of the class, “and don't watch the movies,” Mr Hall added.

We started reading Harry Potter until the bell went, “really Harry Potter?” Harry questioned as we left the classroom. I shrugged my shoulders, “it's better than the last book we read,” I pointed out. Harry smiled as he nodded his head, “well we got a break before next lesson now, so let's go met everyone,” he smiled. I stopped him as I noticed Niall standing behind us, “walk with him. I have something to do first,” I tell him.

I walked off to take the long way back to the others. I knew Niall was still uncomfortable with me, but he did look better than last time we spit up. I was happy that he didn't look like a mess, “Claire,” I heard someone say. I noticed Fred walking towards me, “you look good,” he smiled as he hugged me. I smiled back, “don't look bad yourself,” I say. I knew Fred knew what happened to me with Max, “so where are you going now?” He asked.

“I'm about to see the others,” I tell him. Fred gave me a small nod, “well you better not keep them waiting,” he says. I gave him a small nod before he hugged me again, “see you around Claire,” he smiled as he walked away from me. I waved at him, “see you around,” I say.

I finally met up with everyone and Niall was there. He looked at me, but then looked away. I sat down next to Sophia, “Harry tells me your reading Harry Potter for English,” she says. I nodded my head, “I will admit I didn't expect it, but it better than the other books we’ve been reading,” I tell her. Sophia agreed with me, “so Reid what you going to do on your free?” Louis asked me.

“Draw,” I replied. Liam handed me his keys, “I need my keys back, so I can take you and Soph out later,” he tells me. I nodded my head, “I'll give them back at lunchtime,” I say. Liam gave me a small nod, “well I'm going off to lesson,” Zayn tells us. He hugged me, “if he stays when we all leave. Just say hi. Don't full on question him,” Zayn whispered in my ear. I gave him a small nod, “I hope to see your drawings in art,” Zayn smiled at me.

After Zayn left the others followed him. It was just me and Niall standing there, “hi,” I say. It felt awkward between us, “hey,” he mumbled. I was about to say something else, but Niall stopped me, “just don't. I just can't still,” he admitted. He started walking away from me, “just be safe Niall,” I tell him. He looked at me, “you be safe Buttercup,” he says.

After Niall left I went to Liam’s car to grab my art stuff. I sat under a tree and got my sketchbook out. I started finishing a drawing I started a couple of days. It's a drawing of a boy smiling, but behind him were dark shadows. I was colouring in his eyes and I did them these beautiful blue. I knew my imagination was covering up that it was Niall. I knew Niall had a deep dark secret that was effecting him.

A short time later someone sat next to me. I looked up to see it was Fred, “you’re a designer right?” Fred questioned. I nodded my head, “well I need your help with my website I'm doing for class. I need a logo and shit like that,” he tells me. I thought for a second, “if it anything. It counts towards a design piece,” he added. I nodded my head, “so what's this web page for?” I wondered.

“For the music students here. I want to show off their music, pictures and videos. A lot of them are talented,” Fred explained. I nodded my head, “so what do you want to call it and how do you want the design to go?” I asked. I went a blank page in my sketchbook as Fred started explain what he wanted from me for the website.

After he explained and told me the name he wanted for the website. I started doing some designs for him, “what made you come up with the name Air Soul?” I questioned. Fred smiled at me, “I typed into the net another word for music. It gave me a list and they were on it. I thought they sound good together,” he tells me. I smiled back at him, “it's a good name,” I say.

For the rest of my free me and Fred came up with ideas. We parted ways when it was lunchtime. I met up with everyone including Niall at the school’s café, “so did you get some art done?” Zayn wondered. I nodded my head as I handed Liam his car keys back, “I'm helping Fred design a website,” I say. Zayn seemed impressed, “it can count towards a piece in design,” I added.

“So you and Fred going to be working together,” Zayn smiled. I nodded my head as I started eating, “I'm going to have to learn how to do digital art. But I think it might be a good thing,” I tell him. Zayn nodded his head, “so what is this website about?” Liam asked.

After I explained to them what the website going to be about. They all seemed interested in it, “this could be great for the music students. It gives us a chance for people to see our music,” Harry says. I nodded my head, “every student that wants to upload something is going to get their own page. That would link to other people's pages that they work with. If you’re in a band with a name. Your band gets their own page,” I explained. They boys seemed happy with that, “tell Fred that he needs an announcement page, so people can see when people going to perform or put up new music,” Louis tells me. I quickly message Fred what Louis said and he sent back great idea. I showed Louis the message, “I know I'm good,” he smiled.

After lunch Zayn and I went to art and straight away Mr Riley came up to us, “good to see you two back, but Claire did you do a lot more art?” He wondered. I smiled as I nodded my head, “and I have it all for you,” I tell him. Mr Riley seemed really happy as he took my art folder off of me. He put it on Zayn’s and mine table, “sir I have never seen you so happy,” Zayn teased. He opened my art folder and started going through my pictures, “Claire these are brilliant some of your best work I have ever seen,” he tells me.

“Um thank you,” I mumbled. I knew I was red, “but you’re still missing one from Zayn’s task. Why is this person so hard to do when you’ve known them for so long?” Mr Riley questioned. I felt uncomfortable, “cause that person means so much to her. That she doesn’t want to get it wrong,” Zayn tells him. Mr Riley nodded his head, “but sometimes the answer right in front of you,” he says. I knew what he was saying. I was over thinking Niall's and I already knew the answer to it, “I have a questioned for you. A friend asked me to help him design a webpage with him. I'll be doing the logo and stuff like that. Does it count towards a design piece?” I asked.

“If he uses a lot of your designs than yes, but if he just uses your logo. Then it’s a no,” he replied. I gave him a small nod before he walked off. I noticed Zayn was going through my pictures, “you got mine right. I do love to draw,” he smiled. He put all the four boys that I have done together, “Harry taking a picture of Louis. I like how you can't tell that it's Louis, but I do. Harry taking the picture of Louis you drew,” Zayn added. I nodded my head, “the things we love the most,” I whispered.

After I packed up all my pictures and got all my art stuff out. I was finishing the drawing that I was doing before Fred interrupted me. I changed the eyes a little bit, so they were watery, “that's upsetting,” I heard Zayn say. I looked at him, “but I get it. The guy smiles even tho his demons are taking over him,” Zayn tells me. I looked back at my drawing, “I think my mind is trying to tell me something,” I say.

For the rest of art, I got my drawing finished, so I put it with the rest of my art work. Zayn walked with me to meet Liam and Sophia, “so how were you and Niall after we all left?” Zayn asked. I shrugged my shoulders, “he admitted that his not ready to talk yet and that's about it. We didn't yell, so I think it went good,” I tell him. Zayn wrapped an arm around me, “just be careful with Fred. I'm not saying his going to do anything to you, but Niall might not like it,” Zayn warned me. I nodded my head, “I will,” I tell him.

After we got back from the doctors. I cooked dinner for everyone, “Claire Bear are you training to be a housewife or something?” Harry joked. I shook my head as I got the lamb chops out of the oven, “I thought I would cook for once,” I tell him. Harry got the plates out, “but lamb chops, baked potatoes, baked carrots, peas and gravy. This is something we have for Sunday roast,” he pointed out.

“I wanted to do something nice,” I smiled. Louis came in, “do you have enough for two more?” He questioned. I nodded my head, “just means there's no leftovers,” I replied. Louis quickly walked out of the kitchen, “you know that means Zayn and Niall are coming?” Harry wondered. I nodded my head, “and I'm fine with it. Can you set the table up?” I asked. Harry nodded his head, “I'm starting to think you’re not fine,” he mumbled.

When Harry got the dining room table set up. Niall and Zayn turned up, “oh god that smells good,” I heard Zayn say. Him and Niall walked into the kitchen, “oh Claire cooking. This is rare,” Zayn teased. I gave him the finger and Niall smiled, “get out of my kitchen Zayn,” I tell him. Zayn walked away, but Niall didn't. He was nervous, “um later can I talk to you?” He asked. I gave him a small nod, “and thanks for dinner,” he says.

We sat at the dining room table eating the dinner I cooked. Everyone including Niall seemed to be enjoying it, “Claire I think you should move into the frat house. So you can cook for me every night,” Zayn smiled. I shook my head, “I like my room here and me living with a bunch of boys. I don't think it would end well,” I tell him. Liam laughed a little bit, “there would be a line up outside the bathroom, girl stuff everywhere and her snapping at everyone when it's that time of the month,” Liam smiled.

“And people hurting me, cause it was my idea,” Zayn says. I nodded my head, “but there's nothing stopping you guys from coming here for dinner,” I pointed out. Zayn smiled bigger at me, “that's true, but you don't cook every night,” he says. I shrugged my shoulders, “I might cook a lot more now,” I tell them. They all seemed happy with that, “please do,” Liam smiled. Sophia glared at him, “what's wrong with my cooking?” She questioned. Liam gave her the puppy dog look, “nothing. It's just Claire got a lot more experience than you,” Liam replied.

After dinner I was cleaning up, “Claire you know the rules. If you cook you don't clean,” Harry tells me. He stopped me from cleaning, “go sit with everyone. Niall seems to be in a good mood,” Harry tells me. I nodded my head, “I'm going to change first,” I say.

As I was getting changed into my pyjamas there was a knock at my door. I quickly put my dressing gown on before I opened the door. It was Niall, “can I talk to you now?” He wondered. I nodded my head as I let him in my room. I shut the door as he stood in the middle of my room. He looked around, “what did you wanna talk about?” I asked.

“Um what's the deal with you and Fred?” He questioned. I sat down on my bed, “just helping him out with his webpage,” I replied. Niall slowly nodded his head, “there's nothing there. I only see him as a friend,” I reassured him. Niall seemed happy with my answer before he took a deep breath in, “the other thing I want to talk about is us,” he started. He sat on the bed, but far away from me, “I'm dealing with something and I'm getting through it. I just don't need help with it from anyone especially you. I can fight my own battles,” he tells me.

“I know you can, but I am here for you,” I say. Niall looked up, “I know, but I can't have you look at me. The way Harry looks at Louis,” he admitted. I had that feeling that I was right about Niall, but I need him to say it. I knew now wasn't the time, “so what do you want to do?” I wondered. Niall looked at me, “I think we need time apart. We only got together, cause what happened to you. I need to get my life back on track after what's happened and I personally don’t know what's going to happen after that,” he tells me.

“So we’re going back to before summer. Niall I don't regret the summer we had together,” I admitted. Niall smiled a little bit, “neither do I. We can be friends if you don't ask if I'm alright. I know I need you in my life and you need me,” he says. I nodded my head, but I wondered how long it could last for. Niall moved in closer to me, “so tell me what you and Sophia did this afternoon?” He asked to change the subject.

“I went to the doctors. I'm fine. I just went to go on the pill,” I replied. Niall slowly his head, “I know that's what you wanted, but it has nothing to do with you anymore. I still wanted to do it for myself,” I tell him. Niall kept nodding his head slowly, “you wanted to know,” I added. Niall stopped nodding his head, “I just thought you went shopping,” he says. I shook my head, “we don't take Liam for that. He complains too much,” I smiled. Niall stood up, “I'll let you finish getting dressed,” he tells me.

After Niall left I put on my pyjamas and went out to the lounge room. They boys were playing a game, so I grabbed my creative writing book. I sat at the dining room table to finishing it before tomorrow lesson. Sophia sat across from me as she also was doing some school work, “I can't believe the boys took over the TV. I wanted to watch a movie,” she pouted.

“It be alright. Their having some manly time. It be good for them,” I tell her. Sophia looked at the boys and they were talking about something, “so you and Niall?” She questioned. I bit my bottom lip, “friends,” I say. Sophia looked disappointed, “going to give him some time,” I added. Sophia was thinking about something, “your room now,” she demanded.

We went into my room and Sophia went straight for my wardrobe. She went through my clothes, “what are you doing?” I questioned. Sophia smiled as she looked at me, “might be a stupid idea, but you’re going to dress up tomorrow. You’re going to make the guys look at you,” she tells me. I was confused, “if Niall sees guys looking at you. He’ll get protective of you. You should have seen his face when you said you were working with Fred,” Sophia smirked.

“And what if I'm happy that me and Niall are friends? What if I'm happy this fling over?” I questioned. Sophia laughed at me, “you will never be over him, so just admit that you love him,” she smiled. I shook my head, “I don't know what I feel for him. I could love him all because he has always been there. I haven't been with anyone else part from him and Max. Niall could be my safe zone and that why I could have feelings for him,” I pointed out.

“Claire Bear I do psychology. I can tell you that it's not that. I've been watching you with him for a long-time. You loved him before his seventeenth birthday party,” she tells me. My head was all over the place, “you said that you wanted to go on the pill for yourself, but deep down inside it was for him. You wore that dress today for him. You want to be with him and I think that scares you. Cause you don't know if he wants you like that or if his going to stay,” Sophia started.

“I love him,” I admitted. Sophia was right everything I do was for him, “I am scared that his going to leave me. I have known him for so long that I don't know when I fell for him. He was always there,” I say. Sophia hugged me, “it be ok. We will work this out together,” she promised.

Sophia and I picked an outfit out for tomorrow before we went back out to the boys. They were still playing games, “Liam hunny with have school in the morning,” Sophia reminded him. Liam sighed as he got up, “I'll see you guys tomorrow. Goodnight,” Liam tells us. Zayn and Niall looked at each other, “we should be going too,” Zayn says. They got up, “well goodnight,” Harry pouted.

“What's up your arse Harry?” Niall wondered. Harry shook his head, “it's just been a long time since we really hung out,” he mumbled. Niall looked at me, “well you guys don't have to leave just yet. You guys don't have class in the morning,” I tell them. Zayn sat straight back down and Harry was happy, “I'll be in my room doing some school work,” I added.

I went into my room after I grabbed my creative writing stuff off the dining room table. I sat on my bed reading Harry Potter until there was a knock on my door. I looked up to see it was Niall, “um by any chance do you have some of my clothes?” He wondered. I nodded my head as I got up. I grabbed his clothes for him, “here,” I say. I sat back on my bed and picked up my book, “I just need a pair of track pants,” he smiled.

“Well that’s the clothes you left behind,” I tell him. Niall dropped his clothes onto my desk chair after he grabbed a pair of track pants. He took his pants off in front of me, “you know this is my room,” I pointed out. Niall looked at me as he nodded his head, “it just easier if I do it here,” he says. He put on his track pants, “I think we need to set some rules,” I tell him. Niall sat on the edge of my bed, “what kind of rules?” He asked.

“Like you can't get undressed in front of me,” I replied. Niall raised an eyebrow, “why?” He questioned. I played with my book, “cause it's unfair,” I confessed. Niall looked confused until he realized, “I'm sorry,” he apologized. He stood up, “I have rule too. Don't sleep with anyone else until I approve of them,” he tells me. I nodded my head as Niall started walking out of my room, “that goes for you too,” I say.

****
The next day I got ready in the clothes Sophia and I picked out. It was a black dress with pink flowers over it. The top was low with cut out triangles along the top. The skirt part just came under my mid-thigh. I put my black kimono over the top and my black sandals on. I put up a little bit of hair on the sides while I did my eyes with black eyeliner and gold eye shadow.

http://www.polyvore.com/another_day_school/set?id=196126202

I walked out to the lounge room to only see Harry and Louis. They were dressed in all black, “holy fuck Reid,” Louis swore. Him and Harry looked me up and down, “thanks,” I smiled. They shook their heads, “go change into something else,” Harry tells me. I shook my head, “nope, cause we need to go to school,” I pointed out. Harry crossed his arms, “I'm not taking you dressed like that,” he says. I grabbed my bag, “well take it up with Sophia. She picked my outfit for the day,” I tell him.

Harry drove me and Louis to school after he knew it was a losing battle with me. We met up with everyone and all the boys were dressed in black, “ok I thought it was cute that Harry and Louis was dressed in black, but why are the rest of you?” I wondered. Niall was looking me up and down, “well since your making a website for music. We have to get our picture done,” Zayn tells me.

“So you all wore black to match kinda,” I pointed out. They nodded their heads, “aww that's cute,” I teased. Zayn gave me the finger, “but what's with you. Your hot,” Zayn smiled. Niall glared at him, “told you this would work,” Sophia whispered in my ear. I wrapped my arm around her, “dresses two days in a row, but this one shows more leg,” Zayn added. I nodded my head, “well it still is quite warm,” I say.

“That it is,” Louis smiled. Harry whispered something to Niall before Niall pulled Harry away. Niall didn't look happy as he was talking to Harry, “so when are you working with Fred again?” Liam asked. I knew he was trying to distract me from Niall and Harry, “tomorrow after design,” I replied.
Niall and Harry were still talking, “which reminds me that I need to go out and get a drawing tablet. So I can work out how to use it,” I say.

“I can help you. I've played with them before,” Zayn tells me. I smiled at him, “thanks,” I say. Niall and Harry came back over, “well we should get to our lessons,” Harry tells us. We all nodded our heads, “Claire after your done with the school newspaper. Do you want to go get your drawing tablet?” Zayn wondered. I nodded my head, “I'll think it be quick for me since football hasn't started,” I tell him.

Niall and I got to history before Mrs Young. Niall and I sat down next to each other and got our stuff out. Niall looked pissed off at something, “so you ready to learn more history?” I asked. I know Niall get snappy at me if I asked him what's wrong, “I guess so,” he mumbled. As I was about to say something else Mrs Young walked in. She looked straight at me and Niall and I wish I could touch Niall, but I couldn't. She stood in front of the class to explain what we would be doing.

After she finished we got our books out to copy her. I took my kimono off and Niall looked at me, “put it back on,” he tells me. I shook my head, “it's warm in here,” I say. I knew Niall didn't like me showing off skin, “put it back on,” he repeated. I knew he was trying not to get snappy at me, “Niall it's ok. I'll put it back on after lesson,” I reassured him. Niall shook his head, “put it back on,” he snapped.

“Mr Horan detention at lunchtime,” Mrs Young tells him. Shit I got Niall in trouble, “it was my fault Mrs Young. I'll take Niall's punishment,” I say. She looked at me and so did Niall, “we were having a tiny fight and I'm the one that made him snap. So I'm the one that should get detention. Plus, he has something to do at lunch for the school,” I added. Mrs Young sighed, “I'll take back the detention, but keep your private life out of my class,” She snapped. Niall and I both nodded our heads, “let's get on with the class,” she added.

When class was done Niall grabbed my kimono, “put it on now,” he says. I took it off of him and put it on, “and thank you,” he whispered. I packed up my history stuff, “have fun with the boys,” I tell him. Niall stopped me from leaving, “be good. Please,” he tells me. I nodded my head, “I’m always good,” I smiled.

I met up with Sophia for lunch and I told her what happened in history, “he stills cares that boys look at you. That could be a good sign,” Sophia smiled. I shrugged my shoulders, “but I could also be pushing him. To a point that I’ll make him snap,” I pointed out. Sophia nodded her head, “let's see what he does in creative writing, but also saying that. I hope Mr Hall doesn't try anything,” Sophia tells me.

“He won't Niall would be there,” I say. Sophia nodded her head, “I think them two should battle it out to win you,” she joked. I shook my head quickly, “Niall wouldn’t lose. He would die before he let Mr Hall touch you,” Sophia smiled. I smiled back at her, “I wonder how their photo shoot going?” I wondered. Sophia shrugged her shoulders, “we could go see them,” she suggested.

We found the boys in the music room, “wow,” I say. I never been to the music room and it was big. One of the walls were painted red with the other walls painted an off white. The floors were some nice light wooden floorboards. There was every instrument that I could think of, but a black grand piano stood out the most to me. The boys were posing in front of the red wall and Michael was taking their pictures, “oh they look so serious,” Sophia teased.

“That must be hard for them,” I smiled. They all noticed us, “girls!” Harry shouted. I felt Michael’s eyes on me as the boys came over to us, “help us. We just finished group shots now he wants to do singles. I’m hungry,” Louis whined. I wrapped my arm around him, “don’t sound like you’re not enjoying it. You love the attention,” Michael says. Michael stood close to me, “well why don’t you get something to eat when you’re done. He doesn’t need you then,” I suggested.

“Well Liam and Zayn are going last. They don’t have a lesson,” Harry tells me. I noticed Niall being quite, “so I’m going first,” Harry added. Harry pulled Michael away, “back to work for me,” Michael sighed. I sat down on the piano seat as Liam went to show Sophia something. Louis and Zayn went out for a smoke. Niall slowly sat down next to me, “so how’s the photo shoot going?” I asked him.

“Alright. Michael joked around about doing a topless one and Louis freaked out. We quickly covered it, so his alright now,” Niall tells me. I smiled at him, “so what made you girls come and watch us?” Niall questioned. I shrugged my shoulders, “just wondered how it was going. You all looked serious when we walked in,” I pointed out. Niall laughed a little bit, “we got to be professional. Everyone going to see it thanks to Fred,” he says.

“It will be alright. At least people will hear your music,” I smiled. Niall picked up his guitar that was near him. I knew it was his guitar since I could see the mark were he dropped it once, “I don’t think that I’ll put all my music on it. I like to keep some to myself,” he admitted. He started playing with the strings on his guitar, “what about the one you sang to me when my face really hurt?” I wondered.

“I don’t know about that one. It’s not finished,” he tells me. I gave him a small nod, “I like that song. Well what I heard of it,” I say. Niall smiled as he looked down, “I should finish it than,” he whispered. He played some cords on his guitar and it was a song I knew. I sat there listing to him as he kept playing. I always loved this site of Niall. Growing up with him and ever since he could play guitar. He always had it in his hands playing around with it. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it, “Niall your turn!” Michael shouted.

“Well I guess it’s time for my close up,” he smiled. He put his guitar down before going over to Michael. Harry came over to me and he didn’t look happy with me, “I don’t know what game you and Sophia are playing, but you are pushing him,” he snapped. I shook my head, “how? We’re not together. I have worn this dress multiple times and it hasn’t been a problem,” I tell him. Harry sighed before he pulled me out of the music room.

We stood in the hallway, “I know you have worn that dress before, but that was before you and Niall. I actually think you wore that dress to his seventeenth birthday party,” Harry says. I looked down at the dress and it was the same one that I wore to his seventeenth birthday party. Why didn’t I remember that when Sophia got it out? I looked at Harry, “he doesn’t control my life Harry,” I say.

“I know,” he whispered. He ran his fingers through his hair, “just think about him,” he added. I shook my head, “I know his going through a tough time, but what about about me? I have to stand back when I don’t want to. Do you ever wonder how I feel about this? What I’m going through? I love him Harry and now I can’t be near him,” I admitted. Harry just stood there looking at me, so I went back in the music room.

After I grabbed my bag and told Niall that I would met him in creative writing. I went walking around the school, but I bumped into Mr Riley, “Claire you’re the person I was looking for,” he smiled. I smiled back, “what can I help you with?” I wondered. The smile disappeared from his face, “I want to talk to you about the picture you finished in art yesterday,” he started. I wondered where her was going with this, “is that how your feeling or is it about someone else?” he asked.

“It’s about someone else. His going through some hard times, but he still smiles. I’m keeping an eye on him, but he doesn’t like people helping him. He doesn’t want to depend on people,” I tell him. Mr Riley gave me a small nod, “the ones who smile the most, are the ones who hurt the most on the inside,” he says. I took in his words, “keep an eye on Niall. I know he means a lot to you,” he added.

“I am,” I whispered. He squeezed my shoulder before leaving. I stood there for a second until my phone went off. I got it out of my bag and it was a message from Niall:

Ni: You alright? You left quickly. Did Harry say something to you?

Me: I’m fine. I just had something to do. I’ll see you in creative writing.

Ni: I’m done with my photo-shoot. I can always meet you?

Me: I don’t think that a good idea. I just meet you in creative

Ni: Ok

I put my phone away after I saw that I have ten minutes until lesson. I was already close to the classroom, so I didn’t have far to go. I sat down on a bench and played with my phone. I felt a pair of eyes on me, so I had a look to see it was Niall. I waved him over and he came over to sit down next to me, “what did Harry say to you?” he asked.

“Nothing,” I lied. Niall just kept looking at me with his eyebrow raised, “am I pushing you today with this dress?” I wondered. Niall looked down before he slowly shook his head, “you’re not the one that’s pushing me. It’s everyone else and I don’t approve of Zayn,” he admitted.

“What does Zayn have to do with this?” I questioned. Niall laughed a little, “he so wants you,” Niall pointed out. I shook my head, “I only see Zayn as a friend,” I reassured him. Niall put his hand on my knee, “well what if I come tonight? To make sure that it’s just friends,” he suggested. I grabbed his hand without thinking, “I think we will be alright. I’m a big girl,” I smiled.

“I know you are,” he whispered. Niall leaned in closer to me and kissed me lightly, “sorry,” he apologized. He moved away, “I just had to for some reason,” he continued. I just stared at him as I licked my lips, “I might have to tell Soph she did a good job,” he smiled. I laughed a little bit, “just think of me and Liam when you do,” I say.

“Why do I got to think of you and Liam?” Niall wondered. I raised an eyebrow at him, “cause if you tell Soph that she right. We will never hear the end of it and she would dress me up more,” I tell him. Niall nodded his head, “I’ll defiantly tell her than,” he teased. I pushed him a little, “so you like me dressed like this?” I questioned. Niall slowly nodded his head, “I remember that dress on my bedroom floor,” he smirked.

“Niall,” I whined. I knew my cheeks were red, “we should get to class before we’re late,” I added. I stood up, but Niall stayed down, “princess keep your top on please,” Niall begged. I gave him a small nod, “I will,” I promised.

We got to creative writing just in time. Niall and I took our seats in the middle this time before we got our stuff out. Mr Hall came in, “I hope you all had a great summer and done the set task,” he started. He stood in front of the class, “because today you’re going to read a day from them,” he smiled. Niall and I quickly looked at each other as he started with the first row.

When it was Niall’s turn he went to the front of the class. Mr Hall told him to read the first night we spent in Orlando, “I don’t think that’s a good idea to read out loud,” Niall tells him. I laughed a little bit as that day came into my head, “fine read your first entry,” Mr Hall tells him. Niall nodded his head, “Buttercup still hasn’t woken up from what that fuckhead did to her. I haven’t left her side since I found her. She doesn’t look right with all these cuts and bruises over her beautiful body. She has a mask to help her breath and tubes in her arms to keep her alive. No one can tell us when she going to wake up. I know everyone getting worried it’s written over their faces. I know my Buttercup a strong girl and she will get through this. I need her to get through this. The only reassurance that I have is the heart machine that keeps beeping,” Niall read out loud.

“Thank you Niall,” Mr Hall says. I knew everyone was looking at me as Niall sat down next to me. I was trying really hard not to cry right now since I knew I was next. Niall smiled at me, “your turn,” he whispered. I slowly got up and went to the front of the class, “you can pick the date,” Mr Hall tells me. I opened a random page, “it’s been two weeks since I came home from the hospital. Everything still hurts and it takes me awhile to get comfy. I know Niall getting annoyed since he doesn’t get much sleep with me moving around all the time. I have to sleep on my back, but I have always slept on my side. Niall can’t even wrap his arm around me, because it will hurt. I miss him touching me. I miss being close to him,” I say.

“Thank you Claire,” Mr Hall smiled. I sat back down next to Niall, “I was never annoyed with you. I just didn’t like to see you in pain,” he whispered. I smiled at him, “you sure?” I wondered. Niall nodded his head, “bad dreams kept me up,” he admitted. I grabbed his hand as we listened to the next student read from their journal.

When everyone read a day from their journal’s class was over. We all handed Mr Hall our journal’s and left, “you have school newspaper and then your date with Zayn,” Niall teased. I rolled my eyes as I shook my head, “we are just friends,” I tell him. Niall smiled as he nodded his head, “poor Zayn,” he joked. I laughed a little bit, “you really don’t care about Zayn’s feelings,” I pointed out.

“True,” he smiled. We stood there smiling at each other, “it’s been a good afternoon with each other,” I say. Niall nodded his head, “well I better be going,” I added. Niall stopped me from leaving, “please be careful with him,” Niall tells me. I nodded my head, “I will,” I promised. Niall pulled me closer to him and kissed me lightly, “I know I’m confusing. Just don’t move on so fast please,” he whispered against my lips. He kissed me again before he left.

I got to the school’s newspaper to see Harry already there. He was waiting for me outside, “Claire I’m sorry for snapping at you before,” Harry apologized. I hugged him, “it’s alright. Me and Niall had a good afternoon together. I asked him if I was pushing him and he told me that I wasn’t. Zayn the one that’s pushing him and Niall still alright with me going out with him this afternoon. He kissed me three times too,” I tell him.

“He kissed you?” Harry asked. I nodded my head, “we should get in there,” I smiled as I pointed to the school’s newspaper room. Harry shook his head, “no one in there, so I guess it’s not on today. So let’s talk about Niall and you while we wait for Zayn,” he says.

“As long you tell me about how you and Louis going,” I tell him. Harry nodded his head, “Louis going great. I think it’s, because we’re back here. His still a bit jumping and doesn’t like people seeing him naked now. We haven’t had sex since we came back, but I really don’t care. I’m just happy that his getting back to being Lou,” Harry admitted.

“So am I. I know he will get back to normal,” I reassured him. Harry smiled a little, “so why did Niall kiss you twice?” he smirked. I bit my bottom lip, “the first time his kissed me was when we were talking before class. He just kissed me and told me that he just had to. The second and third time he kissed me was before I came here. He told me that he knows his confusing and that he doesn’t want me to move on so fast,” I explained.

“Do you want to move on?” Harry wondered. I shook my head, “but I can’t wait forever,” I say. Harry nodded his head, “I know,” he whispered. Harry looked around before smiling at me, “so you love him?” he remembered. I smiled as I nodded my head, “told him that?” he asked. I shook my head no, “I might wait until his better,” I say. Harry nodded his head, “well Zayn is coming and is he dressed up?” Harry questioned. I looked at Zayn and he changed his black top to a nice light blue button up, “oh shit,” I whispered.

“Do I need to tell Niall about this?” Harry whispered. I shook my head, “I’ll be alright,” I tell him. Zayn stood next to us, “what’s with the fancy shirt?” Harry teased. Zayn shrugged his shoulders, “I got ice cream on my other one,” he says. Harry hugged me, “I shall see you two for dinner. Louis and me are cooking,” Harry tells us. Harry quickly left us, “maybe we should get something to eat while we are out,” Zayn joked.

“Nah. It be alright. Harry can cook,” I say. We started walking to Zayn’s car, “so what is it like living with Harry? Niall and I miss him around the frat house,” Zayn asked. I shrugged my shoulders, “he cooks and cleans, so I’m happy about that,” I tell him. Zayn laughed a little bit, “I think that’s why I missed him. Our room used to be clean and my washing done. Now I got a freshman and he lazy as fuck,” Zayn whined. I laughed as I shook my head, “maybe you should learn to clean yourself,” I pointed out.

We got to the shopping centre and Zayn took me straight to the place to get my drawing tablet. We looked at a couple until we found the one that I liked. After I brought in we sat down to have a cup of coffee, “so how was the rest of your day?” Zayn asked. I played with my coffee cup, “great. Me and Niall got along. What did you do all afternoon? Part form eating ice cream,” I asked back.

“Maths work. Then I started something new for art,” he replied. I nodded my head, “can I see it in our next art lesson?” I wondered. Zayn nodded his head, “I could show you before that,” he says. It felt like Zayn was flirting with me, “I can wait until art,” I tell him. Zayn looked disappointed as he nodded his head slowly, “we should be actually heading home. Don’t want to be late for dinner,” I added. He somehow looked more disappointed, “I just want to look at something before we head back,” he tells me.

When we finished our cups of coffee Zayn wanted to go to the art store. He was trying to find something, so I left him. I was looking at the water colour pencils since I wanted to try something with them. I found a pack of them and went to go buy them. I waited for Zayn out the front of the store as I messaged Sophia:

Me: So how dinner looking?

Soph: It actually looks good and it’s nearly done. So when you and Zayn going to be home?

Me: Soon I hope. His in the art shop

Soph: Well he better hurry up

As soon as I read that Zayn came out of the shop, “I was looking for you,” he smiled. I smiled back, “sorry, but we should be going. Dinner nearly ready and if we don’t get back in time Niall will eat it all,” I tell him. Zayn rolled his eyes at the mention of Niall’s name, “well then we can get our own dinner,” he says. I shook my head, “I want to go home,” I demanded.

“Why?” Zayn questioned. I couldn’t tell him that he was making me feel uneasy, “I’m tired and I got some school work to do,” I slightly snapped. Zayn shook his head, “you just want to get back to Niall,” he spat. Zayn stepped closer to me, “I don’t. I just want to get home and rest,” I tell him. Zayn kissed me before I pushed him away, “what the fuck Zayn!” I shouted.

“I’m so sorry Claire,” he apologized. I walked away from him, “don’t follow me. I can take myself home,” I tell him. As I kept walking I got my phone out and called Liam, “Claire?” he questioned. I noticed that Zayn didn’t follow me, “can you come pick me up please. I’ll explain later. I just want to get home,” I begged. I sat down on a bench, “ok,” he says. We hung up after I told him where I was and goodbye.

I sat there until Liam showed up, but as soon as I got into the car. Liam started questioning me, “Zayn kissed me!” I shouted. Liam was shocked, “I don’t want him like that. I like him being my friend,” I say. Liam hugged me tight, “it be alright,” he reassured me. I looked at him, “how? I rejected him,” I wondered. Liam kissed my forehead, “cause I think Zayn still trying to get over Perrie. He also thought that you were getting over Niall, so he made a move,” Liam explained.

“That just makes it worse,” I pointed out. Liam started driving, “I know, but Zayn not thinking straight. Just hear him out the next time he tries to talk to you,” Liam tells me. I nodded my head, “what scares me if he asked me on the last break-up. I think I would have gone back to frat house with him,” I confessed.

“I know, but what makes this break-up any different?” Liam asked. I looked at the car window, “because I realized that I love Niall and that his just going through a bad time. Something happened to him in London when he saw Louis in bed. I fear he went through the same thing,” I admitted. I looked at Liam and he was thinking, “so you and Soph came up with dressing hot to get his attention. Do you know Niall don’t want you for your looks? He actually really likes you,” Liam tells me.

We didn’t say anything until we got back to the apartment, “you know they’re going to ask questions about why I had to pick you up?” Liam wondered. I nodded my head as Liam unlocked the door, “someone home!” we heard Louis shout. We walked in and shut the door, “Claire and Liam?” Louis questioned. He was standing not far from us, “yep,” I say. Niall quickly stood next to Louis, “what happened?” Niall questioned.

“Don’t worry about it,” I tell him. I walked past them to put my stuff away in my room. I knew Niall followed me, “what did Zayn do?” he asked. I looked at him, “he kissed me,” I replied. I saw rage come across Niall’s face, “I pushed him away,” I added. Niall shook his head, “I don’t give a fuck if you did! He shouldn’t have done it in the first place!” Niall shouted.

“I know Niall. Just let it go,” I tell him. Niall shook his head, “I told you this would happen. I should of went with you,” he rambled. I stopped him, “I’m fine,” I says. Niall shook his head, “I think there’s something wrong with me,” he started. He sat on my bed as I watched him, “I can’t bear the thought of you being with another guy. I know it’s selfish and you don’t deserve it. It was nearly a month since I’ve seen you until a couple of days ago. And you wore that yellow dress to school. I wanted to run up to you and tell you that I was sorry,” he started.

“Why didn’t you?” I interrupted. I sat down next to him, “because I wasn’t ready. I’m scared that I’m going to hurt you again and again. No one deserves that especially you. I want the best for you and I don’t think I can give you that,” he confessed. I shook my head, “I recently discovered that I think you’re the best thing for me. I don’t care about a big house or a diamond bracelet. I will be happy with you having a bath together like we always do,” I reassured him.

“Great now I got to get a house with a bath in it. That shit is expensive,” he joked. I laughed a little bit, “I would settle for a kiddy pool,” I smiled. Niall smiled back at me, “dinner ready!” we heard Harry shout. Niall sighed, “how about we finished this talk after dinner? Cause they will come in,” Niall suggested. I nodded my head as I got up and Niall followed me.

Niall sat down next to me at the dining room table. Everyone was already their part from Louis, “so I’m guessing your date with Zayn didn’t go well?” Harry smiled. Niall glared at him, “no it didn’t,” I say. Niall was still glaring at Harry, “plus it wasn’t a date,” I added. I put my hand on Niall’s thigh, “you sure? because Zayn was wearing that light blue button up,” Harry teased. Niall grabbed my hand that was on his thigh, “I’m sure,” I tell him.

“Let’s talk about something else then what happened to Claire,” Louis says as he put down a plate in front of me. It was beef stir-fry and it actually looked good, “how much did Louis do?” I asked. Louis stuck his rude finger, “he cut the meat and the vegetables. Then I put everything into the wok,” Harry tells me. I smiled as I started eating. It was great, “I think you boys should cook more,” I say after I swallowed the food in my mouth.

“So should you,” Niall smiled. Sophia acted hurt, “what is wrong with my cooking?” she pouted. Liam kissed her cheek, “nothing, but you do cook the same thing,” Niall tells her. Sophia stuck her tongue at him, “well you’re not here all the time, so you don’t know what else I can cook,” Sophia says. Niall laughed a little, “can you cook a Christmas dinner by yourself?” Niall questioned. Sophia shook her head, “neither can I,” Harry says.

“Buttercup can,” Niall boasted. I shook my head, “you know I learnt, because it was just me and dad. So stop picking on them,” I tell Niall. He nodded his head, “sorry if I upset you,” he apologized. Sophia smiled at him, “I know I got to learn. Maybe Claire can teach me?” she wondered. I nodded my head, “how about we cook tomorrow night?” I suggested. Sophia nodded her head, “you can pick what you want to make,” I tell her.

The rest of dinner was filled with small talk and me working with Fred tomorrow. Louis pissed off Niall talking about Fred. Louis kept saying that it was another date, so now I got Sophia coming with me tomorrow which I’m happy about. I don’t know if I could handle another guy coming onto me just yet.

Niall and I sat on my bed near the window in my room after he made sure that my door was locked. We sat there looking at each other, “where were we before we had to go to dinner?” Niall questioned. I laughed a little bit, “buying a house with a bath,” I smiled. Niall laughed a little bit before he shook his head, “I mean us,” he says.

“What about us?” I wondered. I didn’t want to get my hopes up since I didn’t know what was going through Niall’s head, “Claire I love you. I always have, but I can't have you. So I put all my anger towards you hoping it stop me feeling like this, but it didn't. I want to feel nothing towards you, because I can't have you. But your always there in front of me. I want to make you happy. I want to keep you safe. I just want you,” Niall confessed.

“What can’t you have me?” I asked. Niall just confessed that he loved me and I felt like crying, “because I will hurt you. I don’t want to hurt you. I want you happy all the time,” he tells me. I kissed him, “you make me happy. I can put up with your mood swings and your secrets. I love you and nothing can change that,” I admitted. Niall smiled as he kissed me, “if we going to try us again. I want to do it properly,” he says.

“Properly?” I questioned. Niall nodded his head, “dates, going slow and shit like that. We going to act like we just met,” he explained. I bit my lip to hide my laughter, “going slow is going to be hard for the both of us,” I smiled. Niall shook his head, “if I can stop myself. I think you can. I think that’s where we went wrong the other times. We were just fucking and that. We had moments that it wasn’t. It’s just I want more moments like that,” he tells me.

“I like those moments too. It’s just do we have to go back right to the start?” I asked. Niall raised an eyebrow, “all I’m going to say is that there will be no sex for six weeks,” he says. I was surprised at how long we had to wait, “it’s going to be different for the both of us,” I whispered. Niall nodded his head as he kissed me, “but as long as I get to kiss you. I’ll be happy,” I smiled.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he tells me. He kissed me again, “oh I’m picking out what your wearing tomorrow,” he smirked. He quickly got off my bed and went over to my wardrobe, “can you at least make it match,” I teased. I watched him as he went through my clothes, “now what I want you to wear is on your desk. You must wear it or else,” he tells me.

“Or else what?” I wondered. Niall came over to me, “or I won’t take you out Friday night,” he smiled. He kissed me, “where are we going Friday?” I asked. Niall sat down next to me, “on our first date and I’m not telling you where,” he smiled. I grabbed his hand as Niall turned serious, “Buttercup can I ask why you weren’t upset with our break-up this time?” he questioned.

“I was. After you left me in London. I had an anxiety attack and Soph had to come save me, but after that I had hope that you were coming back. That you needed time alone to get through whatever. I will admit that it hurt that you didn’t want me to help you get through whatever it is. I will always be there Niall,” I tell him. Niall kissed me lightly, “I know,” he whispered. He placed his hand on the side of my face, “how about we don’t hide anything from each other,” he added. I nodded my head as I kissed him, “but I don’t think I’m ready to tell you what’s wrong with me just yet,” he tells me. I nodded my head again, “I can wait for that,” I say.

We decided to go see everyone in the lounge room. I stopped as soon as I saw everyone smiling at us. Niall wrapped his arms around me from behind and put his chin on top of my head, “I win,” Sophia smiled. Harry shook his head, “you said they get back together. I said that they get back together after they said I love you,” Harry smiled.

“I think we won’t tell them anything,” Niall says. I nodded my head, “I think that’s a good idea,” I tell him. Niall and I sat down in the armchair together and everyone was still looking at us, “can you at least tell us that your back together,” Liam whined. Niall and I nodded our heads, “and we are going slow,” I tell them.

“Slow?” Liam questioned. Niall nodded his head, “no sex for six weeks and I’m taking Buttercup on a date Friday,” Niall tells him. Everyone was shocked, “wait. You two are going to do this properly?” Louis questioned. Niall nodded his head, “my money on they said it,” Louis smiled. Liam agreed with him, “Harry shouldn’t be allowed to bet. He knew I love Buttercup,” Niall pointed out.

“Your evil Styles,” I playfully snapped. Harry laughed a little bit as I felt Niall’s eyes on me, “yes I knew Niall loves Claire. Like I knew that Claire loves Niall. I didn’t tell the both you about how the other one felt, because it shouldn’t come from my mouth. It should come from the both of you,” Harry tells us. Niall and I both gave Harry a small nod, “they said it,” Louis smiled.

“Can we talk about something else?” Niall wondered. Louis smirked as he shook his head, “I have something to tell the both of you,” he started. Niall grabbed my hands, “the whole Zayn thing was a set up. Me and Zayn came up with it,” he tells us. I stopped Niall from moving, “why would the fuck you do that?” Niall snapped.

“Cause you weren’t going to do anything about your feelings. We had to scare you to think Claire was moving on,” Louis explained. I squeezed Niall’s hands, “then why did Zayn kiss me?” I wondered. I knew Niall was glaring at Louis, “because we knew you come home and tell Niall. Then we hoped that Niall pour his heart and soul to you and it worked,” Louis replied. Liam looked Louis, “you’re an idiot by the way. What if Claire actually wanted to get over Niall and she was putting on a brave face? What if she decided to go home with Zayn?” Liam questioned.

“We knew she wanted Niall still. We also knew that Niall needed to realize that he can’t make her wait,” Louis tell him. Niall kissed the back of my head, “well you scared me half to death and thank you. I did need to realize that I could lose her. I actually thought I already did today. When she didn’t want me to go to the shops with them. I thought she moved on even when she kept telling me that Zayn is a friend,” Niall admitted.

“I am just a friend,” we heard Zayn say. He stood up from behind the other armchair, “run,” Niall warned him. Niall picked me up and put me down on the armchair, “there is no violence in this apartment,” Liam tells them. Niall kept looking at Zayn, “I just want to punch him once. At least you can give me that,” Niall says. Zayn nodded his head, “I did kiss his girl,” Zayn pointed out.

“Just one and not in the face,” Liam tells Niall. When Niall punched Zayn in the stomach Louis flinched, “Lou you ok?” I wondered. He nodded his head, “breath baby,” Harry tells him. I guess Louis was still not alright with what happened to him. Niall came in closer to Louis, “I’m alright guys,” Louis says. Niall squatted down in front of Louis as Louis was trying to get his breathing back to normal, “remember what I told you,” Niall tells him.

After a little bit Louis calmed down, “I hate how it still gets to me,” Louis admitted. Niall messed his hair up, “just remember the good times and the bad memories will go away,” Niall reminded him. Louis nodded his head before he he kissed Niall’s forehead, “thanks,” Louis whispered. Niall smiled at him, “I have a girlfriend now and you still have your boyfriend. We can’t keep doing this,” Niall joked.

“I told you Niall that Harry don’t care,” Louis pouted. Niall kissed Louis cheek, “I’m sorry,” he whispered. Niall came back over to me and picked me up, “sit back down. You have six weeks,” Sophia smiled. Niall sat back down on the armchair, “I know,” he says. Niall kissed the side of my head as I wrapped my arms around him. I put my head on his chest, “you ok?” Niall whispered.

“I’m better than ok,” I smiled. Niall wrapped his arms around me tight before he kissed me, “what I find strange is this not new to me,” Liam says. We looked at him, “what are you talking about Liam?” I wondered. He pointed to me and Niall, “you two and I’m talking about before Christmas. Seeing you cuddled up against Niall is normal to me. You two have always done it since I’ve known you guys,” Liam tells us.

“I know. When I found out they were fucking over the Christmas holidays. I wasn’t shocked. I was actually happy for them and relieved,” Louis admitted. Niall raised an eyebrow at him, “relieved?” he questioned. Louis nodded his head, “you know how hard it was to keep you two apart when your drunk?” Louis asked. Niall and I shook our heads, “hard, but we gave up on your seventeenth,” Louis tells us.

“No that night you were preoccupied with Harry,” Niall smiled. Louis and Harry both blushed a deep red, “well good things came from that night,” Harry mumbled. Niall played with his fingers against me, “for you,” he whispered. I kissed his cheek, “it’s ok,” I tell him. Niall kissed the tip of my nose, “I love you,” he smiled. I kissed him, “I love you,” I smiled back.

Notes