Just as Much

Niall's POV



I wake up to an empty and cold bed. I have no idea how long Erica has been up but I fight with this strange feeling of missing her already. It was probably a bad idea to agree to have her sleep in my bed. Last night she was curled up by herself and I just couldn't help but snuggle up next to her. I'm a cuddler. When I heard Luke snap that picture I woke right up, I didn't even realize that I was wrapped up in her. The only reason I wanted him to delete it is because Luke passes his phone around like candy and I don't want any negative attention to get back to Erica. But when he left I couldn't help but put my arms back around her and pull her in. The kiss was wasn't anything I meant to do, it was just like a reflex, I literally had to stop myself from doing it again, her smell is intoxicating.



I hear voices down the hall and realize its Zayn and Erica talking about something. I call feel the jealousy taking over in my throat as I try to calm myself. I can't keep getting jealous like this, she has no idea of my intentions, she can do whatever she wants.



“Hey, good morning.” I come into the open area from the hallway and pretend like I don't know he's there.



“Hey.” Erica looks up at me then returns to her computer screen.



“Zayn, what are you doing here?” I try to act casually and lean against the chair.



“Well I came to get those things I was going to borrow from you and you were still sleeping so I've just been hanging out with Erica, helping her with her essay.” Zayn looks up at me quick and returns to his computer, messing around with it. As I continue to stare I see Zayn give me a casual glance and then pull his phone out and type something, putting is phone down and looking at me. When my phone pings I pull it out and read it.



From Zayn:
Stop being jealous. I'm literally just helping her edit an essay. Cool your shit.



I look back up at Zayn as his eyes are a little wide and he nods his head, I take a quick glance at Erica but notice she's looking at me, trying to study me, so I try to act casual as I put my phone away and walk into the kitchen.



I listen to their conversation as I start brewing coffee for myself. Why am I angry at their proximity? He was just helping her. I try to shake their interaction out of my head when Erica prances into the kitchen.



“I'm headed to the market, you want any special snacks for your flight?” She asks scooting a little closer to me.



“Uh, nothing out of the ordinary probably. Just my favorites.” I smile to her, trying not to give my emotions away.



“Okay, well if you think of anything just text me.” She pulls her coat a little tighter. “See you later Niall. Bye Zayn, thank you!” She shouts over her shoulder as she leaves the house. Zayn comes walking in, arms crossed and leans against the counter.



“You have to stop.” Is all he says to me as he starts tapping his foot.



“What are you talking about?” I ask, playing dumb.



“Come on Niall. You're so obvious. I mean you were practically shooting lasers into my face just because I was sitting next to her. I was helping her with her essay. She asked a favor of me, she's my friend too.



You can't act like that.” He's being very gesticulative with his hands, trying to get his point across.



“I can't help it, okay?” I wipe my face with my hands. “I don't know what I'm doing. I've tried so many times to just try and forget about her but I can't.” It really is frustrating.



“Well either you do something about it or say goodbye. You're torturing yourself by asking her to move in and seeing her everyday. It's killing you.”



“I know, but I just can't let go. I've tried.” I'm almost pleading with him.



“Then do something about it, don't let her get away, don't regret it.” I nod to him, trying to think of ideas. “Let's go through your stuff then.” He pats me on the back and leads me down the hall.



----------------
“Okay, so this shirt?” Erica pulls back the hanger and I shake my head.



“No, that one can be donated.” I tell her as I put another shirt in the pile that I'm taking with me.



“Okay.” She rolls her eyes and pulls it off the hanger into a different pile. “Last one.” She nods her head up and I shake my head for her to pull it in the take with pile. When the last of the clothes have been sorted through she grabs the pile and throws them on the bed. “Are you getting your trunk?” She asks as she kneels down and starts folding. I salute her and pull a chair over to reach the top shelf of my closet and pull it down, dragging it over to her. “Here, let me wipe the top of it off so it doesn't get everything dirty.



I watch her move swiftly from the bed to the bathroom and come back with a wet dishrag and clean the top. Sometimes her movements just captivate me. She's so flowly and effortless.



“So how about you get your socks and underwear while I finish folding these shirts and your trousers?” She suggests as I nod, pulling my things out of the drawers and putting them in the bottom of the trunk.
“So have you heard about that internship yet?” I ask her as we continue with our tasks.



“Um, yeah actually, I have an interview on Tuesday via skype. I'm so nervous for it.” She has a nervous chuckle.



“Oh, I'm sure you'll do great. You're smart, no need to worry.” I try to reassure her.



“I know, it's just talking to random people, it's not like a phone interview where they can't see me.” She folds another shirt and adds it to the pile.



“So if you get it?” I let my words linger.



“Then I move to New York City for a few months. Take a class in the evenings and work during the day. Learning to handle precious documents, helping organize charity events, making phone calls, just a bunch of random stuff.” She looks so excited.



“Where would you stay?” I ask.



“That's the best part. My cousin, Heath, lives in NYC, he's a photographer, and his roommate is still in school, studying abroad in Ecuador starting in July so I can just take his spot for those few months."



“Sounds like you have everything all figured out then.” I finish pulling socks and underwear as I stand and pull the trunk towards her, stacking my trousers in the pile.



“I do, I just need to know. I want that internship so bad.”



“Well I'll miss having you around.” I sit next to her, pulling a shirt from her hands to fold myself.



“Well I'll miss being here. I mean this is the only home I really know, I love London.” She tells me, totally missing my thoughts of having her around. “Hey, maybe you can visit me when you guys preform?” Her eyes light up and I can't help but get excited. Then a little let down, I'm sure she'll want to hang out with everyone, she's been around for so long she knows everyone.



“Yeah, we'll have to get everyone together some night.” I tell her, reserved in my excitement so I don't alarm her.



“That would be fun too. But maybe you and I can go check out the Statue of Liberty? You always mention it and say that you can't ever get to go see it. How much fun would that be?” She smiles and I can't help but smile too. Something that just her and I can do. Of course security would have to come with us but they are pretty good at hanging back.



“That would be a good time.” My smile still huge as I continue to place the shirts she's folded in the pile.



“Honey we're home!” I hear the front door open and the sound of four people shuffling in.



“Looks like your guests are back.” Erica smiles at me.



“Yeah, sounds like it too. Not quiet at all.” My comment makes her laugh as she finishes up the last shirt.



“You guys have plans tonight?” She asks stretching her back just a bit.



“Not that I know of, but if we do, you should come out with us.” I suggest and she instantly shakes her head.



“No thanks, I might call Allison and go to her house to watch a film or something.” I can't help but my let my shoulders fall.



“Come on Erica. It would be fun.” I try to think of different ways to get her to come with us when we're interrupted by Michael.



“Hey guys!” He flops on my bed landing with a thud. “Lets get drunk tonight.” He turns his head and smiles at us. All I can do is wish Erica would come with us, liquid courage would probably do me good.

Notes

These two just going in circles. I love their interactions, maybe one day they'll figure it out!

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