Our Place

Luke’s P.O.V.

We all need someone to make us feel special. Someone to make us feel like we’re are flying high, someone to bring us back down. Someone to show us life and how to live it, and how to take calmness to the highest heights. And if there is a person who hasn’t found that someone, he or she should know that that special one will come around.

“I come baring cookies and chocolate!” I hear Niall yell, interrupting my reading. I’ve found a journal that I used to keep. All I know is that I was one deep eighth grader.

I shut the journal and slide it under my bed, signaling Hotshot to follow me. We come downstairs to find Niall by the back door. I keep my back door unlocked now. It’s not like the neighborhood has a big criminal history or anything.

“Hi,” Niall waves, setting the cookies and chocolate box down on the counter. He pulls me in for a hug. Hotshot jumps by my leg, nipping softly at my pants. I giggle and pull away from Niall and pick Hotshot up from the ground.

“Hotshot wants a kiss from you,” I grin, shoving Hotshot in front of Niall’s face. Niall kisses Hotshots’ fur before making a face and wiping his mouth on his shirt sleeve.

“So, what have you been doing all day?” Niall asks as we head upstairs.

“I went down to the woods for a jog this morning, and then I went to go see my dad.” I answer, pushing my room door open. Niall frowns.

“How did you get to the hospital without a car?”

“I called a taxi,” I shrug, sitting down on the bed. Niall sits down as well, but continues to frown.

“You know, you could have called me. I would have drove you there myself. It would have saved you money and I think we both know I’m much more trustworthy. How do you even live with having to drive with a stranger?”

“I didn’t want to bother you so much, and a taxi driver can get sued if they try anything on their customers, just saying.”

Niall rolls his eyes, but doesn’t retort, so I smile knowing that I’ve won.

“In the future, just call me, okay?” Niall says quite seriously. I nod, but I know I won’t go through with that. I find it nice that he cares so much, because I’ve never had anyone care so much for me before.

“So how is your father doing?”

“He’s doing much better,” I smile, feeling my cheeks prominate. “They’ve put him in therapy now, because he’s been on bedrest for so long. They have to get his muscles working again.”

Niall smiles. “That sounds amazing. I’m really glad he’s okay.”

“So am I.” I sigh contently.

Hotshot takes the small opportunity to pounce on to Niall’s lap and lick his face. I had just fed Hotshot food, so he’s full of energy now. Niall puts his hands around Hotshot and lifts him up, rubbing his nose against Hotshot. I wish I had my phone, but it’s downstairs. I would’ve taken a picture, maybe ten.

Hotshot barks, Niall’s cue to let him down. He runs out of the room and doesn’t come back, so he’s probably going to do whatever doggy business he’s normally up to.

“You should get a dog,” I grin, “seeing how much you like them.”

“I love dogs,” Niall agreed. “But my mum’s allergic, so we can’t get one. It sucks, but there’s nothing she can do about it.”

“Bummer,” I frown. “Atleast there’s Hotshot.”

“Yep,” Niall replies. When silence starts to take over, he adds, “my party is tomorrow. Are you going to come?”

“Of course,” I smile. “Just wondering, are your friends nice? I don’t want to hang out with douchebags.”

“Now why would I be hanging out with douchebags?” Niall asks. He looks genuinely confused, and I feel a bit bad for accusing him like that.

“I’m just wondering if they’ll be easy to talk to, you know like you are.”

“Oh,” Niall laughs. “Yeah, they’re pretty nice.”

“Are your bandmates going to be there?”

“No,” he shakes his head. “But the drummer is. His name is Josh, amazing lad. You’ll get on with him pretty well. He’s extremely friendly and you two will have a lot in common.”

“You want to do something fun?” I interrupt, changing the mood of the moment.

Niall tilts his head with a curious smile. “Sure.”

“It’s inspired by a Youtube video by Kian Lawley and his girlfriend, Andrea. They did this water gargling challenge where they have to sing a song while gargling, and the other has to guess the song.”

“Oh,” Niall grins. “This’ll be good.”

We gather a few bottles of water and sit down at the breakfast table. Niall goes first, thinking of a song before taking some water into his mouth. He tilts his head up and starts gargling, singing whatever song he has in mind. I start laughing instantly. He sounds like a drunk baby, gurgling for it’s life.

“I have no clue,” I giggle, trying not to make him laugh. Niall is smiling while he gurgles. I can tell he’s trying not to laugh.

He gurgles, “Listen closely,” so I lean in, trying to hear better. I realize that the song sounds a lot like Mirrors, by Justin Timberlake.

“Is it Mirrors?”

Niall gulps his water down a nods. “Yup. Okay, your turn,and that’s one point for you.”

I sip some water and start gargling to the tune of We Are Never Getting Back Together by Taylor Swift. I can tell by the look on his face that he’s judging me quite seriously. He snorts and the water spurts out of my mouth before I can stop it. Water sprays everywhere, including all over Niall’s clothes.

“Luke!” Niall exclaims, scooting back. I begin giggling and I can’t stop, while Niall wipes my spit filled water off his face and his shirt.

“I am so mean,” I gasped. “But that was absolutely hilarious.”

NIall sticks up his middle finger and walks into the kitchen to get a towel while I continue laughing in all my glory. Niall comes back with a full bottle of water.

He dumps it over my head.

I scream as the ice cold water drenches my clothes and my hair. Next thing I know, I’m hitting Niall as hard as I can, though I feel like I’m in a cat fight because Niall doesn’t look affected at all. In fact, he looks like he’s enjoying this.

“Why the hell are you smiling?” I demand, shoving him in the chest. “That was incredibly mean of you. Do you know how long I have to spend making my damn hair straight? It’s going to turn into a frizzball now,” I groan.

“Oh come on,” Niall waves me off. “I’m sure your natural hair is beautiful.”

“Yeah,” I snort, “sure.”

Hotshot comes from nowhere and starts splashing around in the puddle of water on the tile floor.

“You are so cleaning this up, Niall.” I say, though I still smile. He looks quite alright with damp hair. It falls nicely over his forehead and his hair roots look darker.

“Correction,” he cleared his throat. “We are cleaning this up.”

“No way,” I protest, starting for the stairs. “I’m going to go change out of the clothes that you got wet from when you poured the bottle of water on me.”

“Like you didn’t spit water all over me,” NIall argues, crossing his arms over his chest. “Help me clean.” He gives me a look that almost drags me back to his feet, but I stick my tongue out and sprint for the stairs.

“Make me, sucker!” I yell before darting for the stairs. I’m not even half way to the stairs when two hands grab my waist and pull me back, pinning me to a wall. I try to wiggle away, but Niall’s body is pressed too close to mine.

“Gotcha,” Niall sticks his tongue out at me. I turn my face to the side so his tongue won’t touch my nose. That's how close he is to me.

“I need my space,” I groan, trying to push him away.

“Yeah, and then you’re just going to run away again.” NIall puts the pieces together. “Now help me clean, or else.”

“But I’m cold,” I fake a shiver, making my teeth chatter. Nialls expression tells me that he’s softened up. Bingo. I feel bad for using his weakness against him. I’ve realized over time that his weakness is seeing me in an uncomfortable state.

“Fine,” Niall sighs. “I guess I’ll start mopping.”

I grin and slip out from his arms. He grabs my hand suddenly, so I turn around.

“I’m cold,” I moan, begging him to just let me go change.

“I’ll clean it all up,” Niall says, “on one condition.”

“Shit,” I mumble. “I hate conditions. What is it?”

“You give me one small kiss.” Niall blushes. Hotshot barks from the kitchen but I don’t hear him anymore. Niall stares at me, his blue eyes shining. He’s got a nice face, though I’d never admit it to him. He’d never let me live that down.

“Go on then,” I say as my cheeks start to burn.

“No,” Niall shook his head. “You have to kiss me. That’s what I just said. You give me a small kiss.”

“God dammit it Niall,” I roll my eyes. “Do you want to kiss me or not?”

“‘Course I do,” he smiles shyly. “But I’d rather have you kiss me. Just so I know that my feelings for my are mutual.”

“But I’d rather have you kiss me,” I pout, sticking my bottom lip out. “Just so I know my feelings for you are mutual.”

“Of course they’re mutual,” Niall says, then gets a hesitant look. “Unless you only like me as a friend.”

“Well, I guess there won’t be any kissing here,” I shrug and wiggle my wrist out from his grip. “By the way, your still cleaning the floor.”

I make my way upstairs, wishing that Niall would have kissed me. I wish he’d follow me and spin me around, pin me against the stair wall and kiss me. But he won’t do that. When I’m half way up the stairs, I hear Niall shout,

“If you won’t kiss me, go on a date with me.”

He stands at the bottom of the stairs with his hands shoved in the pockets of his sweats. He’s sucked in a cheek, so I know he’s nervous. I want to say no just the scare the fuck out of him, but I’m a polite person.

“Fine,” I snap.

I think I handled that quite nicely.

My heart pounds fast as I search through my drawer, looking for a change. As soon as I accepted Niall’s request, I now feel weird. Odd, like I have to dress nice. Oh god, what is happening to me? I give up and pull on shorts and a grey v-neck shirt. My hair starts to frizz so I tie it up, knowing it’ll take too long to flat-iron.

When I go back into the kitchen, Niall is mopping the floor. I stand silently as watch him and he tries to figure out how to twist the fabricated part of the mop. I giggle lightly when I confirm to myself that he doesn’t know shit about mopping. Niall looks up, his expression serious. He walks towards me with a bit of speed to his steps and takes my face into his hands. His mouth connects with mine and I freeze because it’s completely unexpected. Niall’s lips move against mine, bringing me back to the moment. I kiss him back fiercely, thinking that this is just as good as if he would’ve kissed me earlier.

His hands roam my back and our teeth clash for a second, because I’m still quite inexperienced at kissing. Niall is the only guy I’ve ever kissed, so I definitely don’t know what I’m doing. Niall’s teeth bite my bottom lip slightly and I gasp at the motion. I pull away because I don’t exactly know what I am supposed to do. It freaks me out a little.

Niall’s nose brushes mine, his hot breath on my lips.

“Sorry,” he whispers. “Too much?”

“A bit,” I shrug. “That’s okay though.”

“I think it’s cute that you’re inexperienced.” Niall smiles. I smile nervously, because I have no clue how else to respond. I’m still very new to the whole relationship thing. It’s just been me and my dog my entire life. Niall notices that I’m uncomfortable. He steps back and gets a good look at my face.

“What’s wrong, Luke?”

I gulp and look up at him. He looks hurt, as if he’s worried he’s done something wrong. “Nothing,” I shake my head. “You didn’t do anything. I’m just not very...good at this whole thing?”

“What do you mean by ‘this whole thing’?”

“Relationships in general,” I mumble, keeping my head low. Niall smiles and slipped a finger under my chin, tilting my head up.

“You just keep being the way you have been, and you’ll do just fine.”

“So I’m not supposed to be all lovey-dovey, kissing and trying to be sweet all the time?” I sigh in relief.

“Of course not,” Niall laughs. “I imagine that would get annoying. Besides, I like your sarcastic attitude. It’s quite sexy.”

“DId you just call me sexy?” I snort, raising an eyebrow.

“No,” Niall shook his head, though he was blushing terribly hard. “I said you’re attitude was sexy.”

“Mhm,” I giggle. “Sure that’s what you meant.”

We continue to banter until I tell him to leave. He asks why, so I tell him that I need to go shopping for a dress for his party.

“How are you going to get to the store?” he questions, a stubborn grin plastered across his lips.

“I’ll call a taxi,” I respond quickly, sticking my tongue out.

“Luke,” Niall’s expression hardens. “I thought we already established that you are not going to take taxis anymore.”

“Oh come on,” I groan. “I’m not a fucking baby. I’m nineteen, for god’s sakes.”

“I’m driving.” Niall declares, grabbing my hand.

“No,” I protest. “You can’t see the dress I’m going to wear.”

“It’s not like my party is Cinderella’s ball,” Niall rolled his eyes. “Theres no need for your outfit to be a surprise.”

So again, we spend a good ten minutes arguing about my transportation to the mall. I push Niall out the front door so he starts ringing the doorbell nonstop until I get a headache. I grab my purse and slip my shoes on, opening the front door. Niall stands outside, tapping his foot.

“I see you’ve given up,” NIall grins cheekily as he left eye drops to a wink. I roll my eyes and walk past him, purposefully slamming my shoulder against his while doing so.

Niall catches up to me and opens the passenger door for me. I step into the car and he shuts the door, then comes around the front and gets into his seat.

“Please don’t be mad at me,” he pouts, reaching for my hand.

“If you can get to the mall in ten minutes, I’ll consider it.” I mumble. Niall takes a deep breath and starts the car. I know he’s not going to get to the mall in ten minutes, with the amount of traffic we'll meet with once we hit city limits. We reach the mall in twenty minutes and Niall looks incredibly disappointed.

As we enter the mall, he remains quiet, probably thinking I’m still mad at him.

“You know, I was kidding earlier.” I nudge his arm.

“Oh,” Niall breathes. “Thank god.”

I laugh and Niall reaches for my hand. I notice that he’s the hood of his jacket over his head and I realize that it’s because of potential paparazzi and fans roaming around. I always seem to forget that he’s famous. It’s so odd to think of him like that, because he seems like such a normal nineteen year old guy.

We go to one of my favorite stores in the shopping centre, Brown Thomas. They have loads of clothing for all sexes and ages. The designs that they sell are wacky and colorful, definitely my thing when it comes to dresses. The designs were both mainstream and unique trendsetters. I start going through the different clothes in the dresses section. Niall attempts to help me look, only everything he picks out is absolutely hideous. I find a black lace dress at the end of a rack along with a fitted dress that had thick white patterned lines going up and across the dress. I take immediate interest to both of them, and pull Niall to the fitting room area to try them on.

“Wait here.” I instruct.

“Can I see the dresses you chose?” he asks, trying to get a look at the dressed in my hand. I hide them behind my back and grin, walking into an empty fitting room.



Niall’s P.O.V.

Luke is taking forever in the fitting room and I’m starting to get impatient. I keep my head down in hopes of not attracting any attention. I want my first day out publicly with Luke go to smoothly. She already confessed to me that she's new at all this, and so the last thing I want to do is scare her away. I’ll be damned if paparazzi show up now.

Luke comes out of the fitting room wearing a tight black lace dress. I instantly start shaking my head at her.

“No, there’s no way you can wear that.” I tell her. Her confident smile drops.

“Why?” she winces. “Is it too small for my body? Damn it, I’m so fat.”

“Hey, woah slow down a bit.” I touch her arm. God, she looks fucking amazing in the dress. Too amazing. Sure, the people coming to my party were great lads, but I had a feeling that if Luke wore this dress, every guy in the room would get a boner.

Including me.

“First of all, you are not fat. You have a very nice body.” I establish firmly. Luke looks down and blushes. “But still, I will not let you get that dress.”

“I really like it, though.” she mumbles. I’m actually really surprised that she hasn’t slapped me and told me that I don’t get to decide what she wears. I feel like what’s stopping her is the fact that it’s me who doesn’t want her to wear it.

“Luke, I really like it too,” I say quietly. “I like it a little too much on you. Which means that other people at the party are going to be drooling their faces off if you wear that dress.”

“It’s so pretty though,” Luke groans softly. “The pattern in the lace is absolutely fantastic.”

“It shows too much.” I conclude, crossing my arms over my chest. Luke rolls her eyes but she doesn’t argue with me. Again, I’m extremely surprised. “And not to mention, it’s extremely short.”

“Okay, dad,” Luke rolls her eyes again and walks back into the fitting room. I find myself staring at her butt. That dress is too much. It defines her body so well to the point where I might collapse if I don’t have something to hold onto.

Luke comes out shortly wearing a dress that looks just as amazing on her, only it’s much more respectable. It still hugs her body, but it’s much better than her previous choice.

“What do you think, father?” Luke mocks my earlier statement.

“I think that’s a good choice.” I grin, winking at her. Luke smiles and looks down at the dress.

“I like it,” she nods. “Should I buy it?”

“Yes,” I tell her, giving her a thumbs up. Luke grins and goes into the changing room. SHe comes out in her normal clothes, dress in hand. Now I just need to find a way to get the dress out of her hand so that I can go pay for it. I want it to be my gift to her, just because. An amazing girl like her deserves to be showered with presents and love everyday of her life.

I spot the perfect moment when I see her shoelaces are untied.

“Hey, “ I gesture to her shoes. “Tie up your laces.”

“Oh,” Luke snorts. “Hold my dress for me.” Jackpot.

She hands me the dress and bends down to tie her shoes. I slowly back away and sprint to the empty checkout area. I put the dress down on the scanner table and pull my wallet out to pay.

“Hi, how’s your day been?” the employee says as she bags the dress.

“Great,” I grin, “only I’m trying to buy this dress for my, er, girlfriend, and she doesn’t know because I ran away with it while she was tying her shoelaces.”

“So romantic,” the employee laughs. She tells me the amount to pay which isn’t all too much for a dress as nice as that, and the hands me the bag.

“Keep the change.” I tell her when she tries to hand me my change. She gives me a strange look, because the amount of change is close to seventy-three euros.

(A/N That’s about one hundred dollars for all you Americans.)

I casually make my way back to Luke who has just stood up, with newly tied laces. Her content smile drops when she sees the bag in my hand.

“What is that?” she demands.

“My present to you.” I grin, handing her the bag. She glares at me, though the twinkle in her eye tells me she’s more than happy.

“I hate you,” she mumbles, taking the bag with the dress in it.

“Your welcome,” I retort sarcastically. Luke hits my shoulder and grabs my hand, leading me out of Brown Thomas. She insists on buying the both of us coffee since I bought her the dress. When I protest, she ditches me and walks into the Starbuck’s herself. I shake my head and follow her in to see her ordering two peppermint mochas. I don’t know how she knows that I love peppermint mochas, or maybe it’s just because that’s what she likes.

Suddenly, I hear screaming.

Shit.

Notes

OMG It took me seventeen days to update because I'm a terrible person. I'm so so sorry for anyone who has been waiting, though I doubt theres anyone. :-/ I hope that this chapter makes up for a long wait.

Thanks!!!!!!! Oh, and comment comment comment!!!! (Also vote and subscribe) hehehe