United

Michael walked in cautiously, but once he made it past the threshold, he looked around flabbergasted. He took in the high ceilings and expensive furnishings that littered Athena’s quaint little flat.
“Would you like something to drink?” Niall offered politely.
“Nah, I’m fine. I would like to know what one of the Chancellor’s candidates is doing in my best friend’s flat.” Michael uttered.
“Right. Long story and it’s not really my story to tell.” Niall shot Michael down.
“Look, I’m not trying to be rude. All I know is I came all the way from Australia to see my best friend, but am greeted by a person Athena claimed to have hated. When we were younger, we spent hours trash talking your grandfather… Also, it doesn’t help that you’re not wearing a shirt. I think I deserve an explanation.”
Niall commented to himself, “Well, if that’s your ‘not trying to be rude’ might as well call me sugar tits.” Niall then raised his voice so Michael could hear the more appropriate parts, “Like I said, long story. Not really mine to tell.”
“Why is Athena sleeping anyway? She’s too much of a workaholic to be napping mid-day.” Michael pushed.
“If you’re implying something, I’d suggest you rethink your next few choices of words and don’t dig a deeper grave for yourself.” Niall gave a devilish grin, but it disappeared soon enough, “She’s acting a wee bit out of character because she’s having family troubles.”
“If you’re talking about her bro, I’ve known for weeks.” Michael scoffed.
“What do you mean weeks? They just told Athena today.”
“Shit.” Michael muttered to himself, “Jack died 3 weeks ago. I suppose the Chancellor withheld the information because he needed his good little secretary in line.” He mocked.
“Now you lis-” Niall was cut short by a scream of agony.
It was the cry of a girl who had been strong for far too long. Niall’s heart broke as he ran for Athena’s room. The moment the door slid open, Athena was sitting up and dripping in sweat. Her eyes wide like she had just seen a ghost.
“Love, what’s the matter?” Niall asked.
“They killed him. They killed him.” Athena’s features shifted from startled to depressed. Without hesitation, Niall pulled Athena into an embrace. Athena cried into his chest as Michael stood awkwardly at the door. After a few minutes, sobs transitioned into sniffles and Athena pulled away from Niall’s chest to look him in the eyes. Niall cradled her face in his hands. A tightness wrapped around his heart when he saw Athena’s gentle face being contorted with a pitiful frown. Michael shifted his weight uncomfortably and caught Athena’s attention.
When Athena’s blue and brown gaze fell upon him, Michael spoke softly, “Hey, Jay.”
“Mikey? What are you doing here?” Athena shook her head to wipe away the confusion.
“I had to come see how you were holding up, princess.” Michael offered a sad smile.
“How do you know? There’s no way you could have gotten word so soon.” The confusion was still masking her joyful features.
“Little Jay.... They… um… they told-” Michael was cut off by Niall.
“That doesn’t matter, love. He’s here now, that’s all that matters.” Niall shot Michael a warning glance.
“Yeah, right. Princess, how are you?” Michael asked.
A muscle twitched under Niall’s eye at Michael’s continued use of that pet name. Michael’s lips turned upwards in a smug smile as he stepped closer to the bed.
“That’s a stupid question.” Athena mumbled.
“I’m worried.” Michael added.
“Kitten. Cut the bullshit.” Athena dictated. After that pet name, Niall’s heart constricted.
“I’ll let you guys catch up.” Niall left the two voices behind and went home.

Niall had just thrown himself onto his plush bed when his phone vibrated on his wrist. He pulled his head off of the comforters and glanced at the small screen.
A- Why did you leave???
N- It’s not my place to intrude your reunion
A- I’d much rather you spend the night.
Niall scoffed and ignored the text, but another rolled in.
A- Michael is at a hotel and I want company. Come over!
Niall ignored her.
A- Fine, I’m going to your place instead. Be there in 20

Athena ran out of her flat and down to her car. It didn’t take long for her car to zoom past traffic and end up at the Dome. She had never seen the round structure up close, seeing as she was drunk when she arrived last and left from the garage, she didn’t think those counted. The windows glistened with gold and at night, six large spotlights highlighted the entirety of the building. There was a large gate that surrounded the Dome and a guard shack at the only entrance. Athena pulled up and rolled down her window. The guard had his legs up on the desk and was tilted backwards while he smacked on his gum. He made eye contact with Athena and with an eye roll, got up and came to the window.
“May I help you, ma’am?” The guard’s lip curled up in distaste.
“I’m here to see Niall Horan.” Athena chimed.
“Why isn’t your car badge picking up on my radar?” He asked bored.
“My what badge?” Athena reered.
“Is this your first time here?”
“Yes.”
“What’s your name?”
“Athena White.”
“One moment.” The man closed the window and turned his back to her before returning to Athena, “Your name isn’t on the list. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“Could you just call Niall? He’s expecting me.”
“One moment.” He traveled back into the shack, but she could hear him talking. “Just drive forward.” He muttered when he came back.
Athena gave a simple thanks and drove forward. The large gate that encased the Dome began to disintegrate. Chunks started vanishing into thin air. Athena watched mesmerized. The car lurched forward as the fence had a large enough whole for the car to fit. Normally Athena didn’t leave the car on autopilot, but for right now, she didn’t feel like driving. After passing the gate, a quick glance in the rearview mirror proved that the gate had in fact returned. Her car continued to move through the roundabout until it was in front of the Dome’s steps. A white robot walked down the stairs and opened the door for Athena.
“Good evening ma’am. Where would you like your car to be parked?” The monotone voice was produced from the chest of the robot.
“It’s fine, let it park itself.” Athena shrugged.
Niall strode through the entrance of the Dome, “A, dear.”
“Hey, Niall.” Athena beamed.
Niall led Athena through the Dome and up to his room. Athena couldn’t help but feel underdressed. The inside was the same sterile white that Niall’s had been, but certain accessories were dipped in gold and glistened in the natural light provided by the towering glass chandelier that dripped from the ceiling. Every woman inside was decked out in flashy jewelry and ball gowns. Every man wore a nice watch and a fitted suit. Niall and Athena were the only two in t-shirts and jeans. Outside of Niall’s room, he placed his hand on the wall and the door slid open. He gestured for Athena to enter.
Niall was about to follow her when a man called out, “Niall!”
He made eye contact with his grandfather, “Yes, sir?”
“How would you like to have a glass of whiskey and chat about your campaign this fine evening.” The Chancellor’s voice boomed through the empty hallway.
Niall glanced at Athena who stood awkwardly in his hallway, “I’m tied up at the moment.”
“Oh? You’ve got a girl over? Is it the girl?” The Chancellor teased.
“Grandfather.” Niall warned with a joking smile, but Athena heard the bite behind the word.
“What? I just want to see the lovely lady in question.” The Chancellor’s voice grew closer and Athena became increasingly wary. Niall gripped the door and pulled it until Athena only could see the small crack of light and Niall’s knuckles turning white from holding the door too tightly.
“With all due respect, she’s a tad bit shy. When she’s ready, we’ll come about.” Niall offered.
“Right then. Have a good night and try not to be so loud.” The Chancellor winked and retreated to his own room down the hall.
Athena let a sigh of relief slip from her lips when she heard the Chancellor’s door close. Niall stepped into the hallway with her. She drew her bottom lip between her teeth when she noticed his disheveled hair. He had wrung his fingers through it and the messy hair looked good on him. Niall stepped closer and Athena took a step back. Niall didn’t stop until Athena’s back was pressed against the wall and he hovered inches away from her face.
“You’re practically irresistible.” His lips ghosted over her own.

Most girls waited to give up their virginity until their clocks ran out and they met their supposed soulmate, but Athena hadn’t. Sure, everybody still got crushes and dated each other, but nobody really risked taking it past a kiss here and there. Athena had given her everything to someone she thought was going to be her soulmate, Michael. They had been best friends for all of her life. The 6 of them had all been best friends; Michael, Payton, Athena, Luke, Calum, and Ashton. However, Ashton had been the first to drift away from the group because he had grown a liking to the Chancellor’s policies and thought it was reckless for the 6 of them to sit around high and criticize the Chancellor. Then, Calum was sent away on his work station in Egypt.
Michael and Athena were the most torn up about the loss of Calum. They sought comfort in each other. They would spend hours on end behind locked doors. Payton and Luke tried to talk them out of their destructive behavior as the pair became excessively public with their disgust towards the Chancellor. The two never listened. It led to Athena’s work station and Michael’s ultimate betrayal. He cheated and Athena never wanted to speak to him again. Of course, Athena could never stay far from Michael and ended up talking to him again. Athena never trusted him with her heart again, but their friendship did blossom.
Now, here Athena was, cuddled into Niall, completely naked. She listened to his heartbeat as his fingers worked circles around her shoulder. She still wasn’t sure whether Luke or Niall would take her heart, but so far, Niall was winning the race. Payton and Athena had yet to talk about what had happened that night. It was apparent that Niall only had eyes for Athena, but what of Luke. Did Luke like Payton? Did Luke like Athena?
“So many thoughts in the mind of yours. Care to share?” Niall’s accent was thick.
Wrapped up in his sheets, bodies tangled, a shroud of warmth cascading over their bodies, it was almost the perfect escape and yet, the shadows still danced on the wall and dark thoughts still ran through Athena’s mind. Every thought was the sharp knife of reality reminding her that it was fate’s world and not hers. She was meant to walk through a world that did not care for her; one that took lives without a bat of an eye. A thick lump rose in Athena’s throat, but she swallowed hard to get rid of it.
Athena did what she did every day; she put on a fake smile and said, “None worthy of sharing.”
Niall almost gave her a smile of understanding like he saw right through her, “Get some rest, love.”
With a nod, Athena turned her back on Niall and let the tears silently roll from her cheeks onto the pillow. He pulled her closer, but never turned her so he could see her face. As Niall’s breath evened out and she was sure he was asleep, she slipped from his grip and went to the bathroom. The bright light blinded her at first but her eyes refocused and she became horrified.

Notes