"Niall... what brings you here?" I smiled nervously, sliding into the chair he gesutured towards.

"Just thought I'd visit you. How's everything been?" he smiled, taking a sip of what I assumed was his normal, dark coffee.

"Fine... just fine. And you?"

"The same, could be better, I suppose."

"Oh?"

"Yes, but I think it's the best for the both of us if we save that issue for later." he commented, and I just ignored his little riddles.

"I had an idea the other night." he stated simply.

"And what would that be?"

"I want to take you out."

"What?"

"A proper date. I know you don't intend on rushing things, but I think we should try it out before commitment. I understand if you're not warmed up to the idea, but what do you say?" he flashed a dazzling smile, eyes showing a hint of hope.

I couldn't say no to such a lovely guy, so I agreed, somewhat regretting my decision. My mind couldn't ifnd anything wrong with the idea, in fact, it seemed to cheer me on. It was my gut that told me there was a better time for this. His face brightened immediately, and I did feel better for having lifted his spirits.

"How about this weekend? You know a few blocks away that there will be a carnival held then. We should go, if you're up for that." his voice raced like a kid in a candy shop, with a sky's-the-limit attitude.

"Sounds lovely." I smiled, trying to cover up the anxiety I felt building up.

I honestly questioned myself, when this was practically a dream. Niall was a wonderful guy. Any girl's dream. Smart, strong, kind, caring, funny, and attractive. He was just an easy-going guy with a loveable personality. I couldn't understand why I felt nervous about this, maybe it was just the fact that this was my first date. And if that went well, maybe my first boyfriend. Along with that came the excess tease from my grandparents and questioning from my newfound friends, if they ever found out. I tried to clear the thoughts away, and focus on the fact that this great guy was interested in little old me.

"I'll pick you up at 6, sound good?" he confirmed, and I nodded. We chatted only a bit longer, and he finally mentioned something about having a business call. I assured him it was fine and got back to work immediately. I was ready to leave the place, and hopefully get my usual conversation in with Jen before anything else came up.

~~

It came all too soon, and I found myself worried sick about how I looked and what would happen. I rummaged around in my drawers, finding a decent white blouse with tiny buttons and ruffles here and there to make it look dressier than most blouses. I remembered a loose, flowy black skirt that I had, and grabbed that from my closet. I slipped it on, noting how it came just above my knees. I buttoned up the blouse, and decided they complimented each other nicely. I stepped into a pair of black flats and secured a silver bracelet around my wrist, one that I wore only on special occasions. My mother gave it to me years ago, and I loved the way it's faded shine told a long story that only I could understand. I snapped out of my thoughts and remembered to run a brush through my hair, and I decided to leave it in it's natural state of thick waves. Mascara was applied and lipgloss was dabbed before I realized this was as good as it got. I stood back, taking my appearance in whole, approving of the idea it got across. I looked like a classy, well-mannered girl. That's who I intended to be in a society like this.

I grabbed my bag and placed all my essentials in it, including my phone, money, and tiny breathmints in case I ate anything with an odor. I knew I had everything I needed, and within minutes a knock sounded from the door. I took a deep breath, calming my nerves before opening the door. There he stood, also looking good a nicer pair of pants and a jumper.

"You look stunning." he smiled, looking me in the eye after inspecting me.

"You look great as well." I smiled back, though not as genuine. His arm linked through mine as he led me down the stairs and into his car. The radio was turned down, but he took the initiative to turn it off completely as he backed up and drove out. We talked about our week, and I fibbed a little here and there just to keep the conversation going. We got there about a half hour later, which was good considering that's when the conversation died. He walked around and opened my door for me, like any good gentleman, and we walked on into the brightly-lit town of events.

Though we didn't play games or watch cheap thrills, we did enjoy observing the crowd and laughing about what we saw as we walked about the grounds. At least an hour had passed before I felt a warm sensation by my left hand.

"You don't mind, do you?" he asked, grinning toothily. I shook my head and felt butterflies when his fingers weaved through mine. Our steps suddenly matched, and our pace felt slower. I closed my eyes just for a second, taking in what I imagined only in the best of dreams. I really was having a good time, and I laughed at that fact that I was ever doubting this plan. Everything was going just perfect, and I was glad I decided to come.

On and on we walked, never getting tired of each other's company. It was a great idea that came to both our minds when we spotted a Ferris Wheel just around the corner. We walked over and were shown were we were to sit, and the attendant pulled the bar over our laps. Then it started up, slowly dragging us up above the fairgrounds and into the night sky. It was a warm night, and the stars were breathtaking against the black sky. I was glad that the ride went as slow as it did, and coincidentally, we stopped at what I guessed was the very top.

"You know Em, I'm having a really good time. I was nervous asking you out, afraid you'd say no. But I'm glad you didn't, because I think I can speak for both of us when I say that tonight is really grand."

"Definitely. I was nervous about coming, although I don't know why. It's been lovely." I agreed, looking over to him, just to see he was already looking at me.

"I really do like you Em. And I know that probably sounds weird to you, because I'm older by a few years and I understand that you already have someone else on your mind. But I just want you to know that even if this is our only night together, I've enjoyed every second of it." his thick accent complimented his smooth words, and I knew I was putty in his hands at a time like this. But I didn't mind it.

"You know, I feel the same way." I blurted out before I could stop myself, but I let the phrase stand alone. Maybe it was true?

"You're lying." he smirked, obviously amused by my state of wonder.

"I don't think I am. But I don't care anymore. I just want to stay here, now, forever." I let my heart do the talking for once, and gave my brain a break.

"Would you be offended if I kissed you?" he asked sincerely, as if it were a question on a test.

"I don't know for sure." I admitted, having never experienced that particular phemonenon. I watched his eyes travel down to my lips, then back up at mine. His expression was unreadable, and he looked as though he was deep in thought.

"Close your eyes." he said, and I didn't hesitate. I wondered what he was up to, but known I should've seen this coming when I felt a foreign touch on my mouth. Pressure was applied, just barely, and a hand softly caressed my cheek. It all happened in a blink. My eyes popped open when it was all over, and I saw a cheeky smile coming from my date.

"Now that you know what I'm talking about, would you be offended if I kissed you?" he asked again.

"No." was all I could manage to say. He chuckled at that, which made me shiver in the slightest, feeling sensitive to every sound and touch around me. He leaned in again, my eyes taking that as their cue to close again, and this time I felt one arm wrap around my shoulder while the other found my hand, holding it gently. I was pulled close to him, and I instinctively kissed back, not knowing how or when I learned to do this, but glad I knew it nonetheless. This one lasted longer, maybe five or six seconds. I didn't know how whether or not to continue, or quit, but the decision was made for me when he pulled away. He pressed his forehead to mine, catching my gaze.

"You are so beautiful. Perfect, might be a better word." he whispered, his voice sending tingles through my spine. I was left speechless, so he took that as the oppporitunity to kiss me once more, short yet loving. This is also when we realized the ride had come to an end. We unbuckled and stepped out, and I felt as light as a feather. Our hands met again, and we continued our walk and talk through the town.

The night eventually came to an end, and my doorstep was the separation point for the two of us. I was disappointed to end it here, wishing the tonight's chapter could go on just a page longer.

"You gave me one of the best nights I've had in a while. Thank you, Em." Niall had turned to face me, closing in the space between us.

"Thank you for inviting me. I couldn't have asked for a better time." I smiled genuinely for the first time all week.

"Promise me one thing."

"What?"

"No matter how this plays out for us, you won't forget how perfect this date was."

"I wouldn't dare." I promised, knowing that nights this great came only once or twice in a lifetime.

"I love you, Em." he said lower, taking another step closer.

I was vulnerable, I was young. I said the same to him, without even knowing what it meant.

"I love you too." I replied, my emotions in a frenzy.

He kissed me again, this time different from all the others. His hands gripped my waist, and pulled me against his body. I didn't know what it meant, but it felt good. I kissed him back with all I had, as if he was the only one for me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down close. I was caught up in the moment, and pulled away for only a second to mumble my greatest desire to him.

"Don't leave me."