Just as Much

Erica's POV

The boys just finished their last show at Wembley, three shows in three days is exhausting on them and their vocal chords, I was planning on attending one of their shows but time has escaped me and my plans have changed. Heath's roommate has left for Ecuador early meaning I can move in as soon as I want. One requirement for my internship is to take a university level course, meaning I would have to take a night class in addition to working during the day. Because his roommate, Caleb, is leaving early, I can take a course during the month of July, and not have to worry about one during my internship, less pressure. So, even if it's the middle of June, I'm leaving tomorrow.


My new plans give me time to adjust to the time zone, see the city, find my favorite spots, and just get comfortable with my we surroundings. Plus, I haven't seen my cousin in years, so it will be nice to hangout with him and meet his girlfriend he talks non stop about.


Things with Niall and I haven't changed. I don't know what I thought would happen after we stayed in the same bed together and talked on the phone so much when he was gone for those few weeks but nothing has changed. if anything we've just become better friends. He was home for just a week before flying to Dublin, ahead of the others one could spend time with his family. And even if they had just come off tour they still had meetings to attend so I didn't see him that much. Of course, I'll always have memories of that short week, such as the fact that I washed our clothes together and a pair of my underwear had clung to one of Niall's shirts, the look on his face when he put the shirt on was priceless. You have to remember Niall mainly lived with his dad and brother, so women's underwear still scares him.


I'm nervous for tomorrow. I've always prided myself on being ready for a change and embracing tu, but to be honest, I'm terrified. As if moving into one of the busiest, most influential, largest cities in the world isn't enough. I have a list of things I need to get done before my class starts. I'm taking a Documents Preservation class, learning how to handle and care for precious and historical documents. I'm thrilled, I've always wanted to learn how to do that delicate task, as well as just touching the documents, even with gloves on, would be a dream. But I also have to get new bed sheets, an American phone line, all my bathroom things, new blow dryer and straightener as the plug ins are different. I've also organized all my travel documents to include my airline ticket, passport, temporary student visa, and my NYU transfer papers to take to class. I've spent hours studying the subway and bus systems, mapping out my walking route to NYU and my apartment. I've discovered the Historical Society is right across the street from Central Park so I'm really excited to get to see that everyday.


Thankfully Heath lives in Manhattan in Kip's Bay, it's expensive, really expensive, but thankfully my mom is paying my rent because she's super thrilled for me to live the and experience life on my own for a while. Plus his apartment is only a few miles away from campus and about 30 blocks from the Historical Society.


Heath is a photographer, so travels quite a bit, works odd hours, mainly focusing on nature photography but apparently his portfolio is quite diverse. His roommate, Caleb, the one I'm renting the room from, is getting his masters in archeology and going on a long dig in Ecuador, they were both roommates at NYU their freshman year and have stuck with each other ever since. Heath's girlfriend, Kristen is attending dental school so apparently they don't see each other much but have been dating for years and, from what I hear, are madly in love with each other. Which means I'll probably be insanely jealous and quite possible the third wheel.


So here I am, laying in bed wide awake at two am, not able to get to sleep at all. All my clothes and personal belongings packed up into two large bags, I've got a smaller bag that will hold my carry on items and a outfit laid not on the dresser. I'll be leaving nothing behind, it's like I will have never lived here at all. It makes me sad, I was born in Miami but I don't remember much about it, London had been my home. I've never lived anywhere else in England and I'm going to miss it so much.


Niall has gone to bed ages ago. I tried to get some sleep so I went to bed around nine, he had gone out to dinner with some friends and when he returned, I was still wide awake but remained in bed. I heard him turn the tv on, flipping the channels, before turning it off around eleven and heading to bed. I know he told Luke that he likes me, and I could see his face fall when I told him I was leaving early back in May but once again, he didn't do anything. I shouldn't give him all the blame, I haven't done anything to initiate a spark between us either, maybe leaving will be the best for us. Sometimes it's just not the right time.


Finally deciding to quit forcing myself to sleep, I pull the covers back, more angrily then I had meant to, I was tired,exhausted really, but I couldn't turn my mind off. It slipped my feet into my bedside slippers, slip my jumper on, leaving my legs exposed in my shorts, and leaving my phone behind as I carefully pull my door open and quietly slip into the dark hall, careful to avoid the creeks in the hall so I don't wake up Niall, he's been so tired lately.


I take this perfect opportunity to grab a blanket and sit out on the back patio, gazing at the stars, it's so clear tonight, letting my mind get the best of me. I'm so wrapped up in my thoughts that I don't even hear Niall open the door and join me outside.


"Hey." He whispers to me as I whip my head in his direction, he's looking sleepy in just shorts and a t-shirt.


"I'm sorry Niall, did I wake you?" I ask, bunching my knees up.


"No, I couldn't sleep either, when I heard you get up I took it as prime opportunity to give you some company. Nervous for tomorrow?" I quickly nod, feeling the knot in my stomach grow larger. Ice also never flown cross Atlantic by myself, so add that to the list if things to be nervous for. "You'll be fine Erica, can I sit with you?" He asks, getting up from leaning against the door frame. I lift the blanket up as an invitation and he joins me in the oversized patio lounger. Our legs brush and my nerves explode in my stomach with the ever present feelings of butterflies, thank god I shaved my legs this morning. I always wonder if his stomach feels the same way.


The chair is reclined almost all the way as Niall and I sit in silence, looking at the beautiful night sky. Our legs still slightly touching, arms folded awkwardly across our own bodies, not quite sure what to do with them.


"What's your biggest fear Niall?" I look away from the night sky and glance at him.


I notice him take a deep breath and meet my gaze, "I think just losing someone I live, you know, my family, my friends. Afraid of the band breaking up, I mean, we're all getting along and such, but everyone's getting older and starting to think in different directions. I guess it's just a matter of time." He shrugs his shoulders, I don't know why I asked him that question, I know what his answers are. "What is your biggest fear Erica?"


Without even thinking, "Dying in a plane crash while flying across the Atlantic." I burst into laughter, letting Niall relax just a bit, I could feel him tense up the moment I said it. "Sorry, no, I think my biggest fear is dying alone. Or just knowing I never did something, regret is my biggest fear." I let the truth come out, not realizing it's kind of about him for the most part. I don't need marriage or babies, but I do want to know that at least one time I loved fiercely and with all my heart.


"Eh, don't worry about that's you won't die alone, you've just got to take chances." He tells me, yeah Niall, your one to talk. I bite back a smile at my inner me. "Come here." He opens his arms and I restrain myself from falling into him so eagerly. He wraps his arms around me as I take the opportunity to close my eyes and breath him in. Saving his scent. I can feel my body instantly relax. And then, just for icing on the cake, Niall starts running his fingers through my hair, the biggest way to calm me.


We say nothing as he looks to the sky, I can see his Adam's apple bob up and down nervously. After what doesn't seem like long enough I feel my eyes start to close and my shoulders slump. "Lets get you to bed." Niall whispers and shakes me a bit. I only nod my head as he helps me up and into the house, tossing the blanket on the couch.


We walk to the end of the hallway and pause when we get to our respective rooms, facing each other he pulls me in for a hug. When we pull away my body reacts before my brain can stop me I kiss him. A slow and sweet kiss, setting my nerves on fire. I pull away ever so slightly when Niall comes at me, hands pulling at my waist, his lips finding mine again. Our kiss turns from slow and sweet to fast and intense like we can't get enough if each other.


Much to my dismay I pull back, not ready for it to go any further. "Will you stay with my tonight?" I ask sweetly. Niall only nods, licking his lips in the process and following me to bed.


I strip my jumper off as he climbs in first, lying on his back as I seem to fit myself around him. My legs over his, arm draped over his chest and my ear listening to the sound of his steady heartbeat. I'm buzzing from that kiss, I can't believe it happened, still tasting him on my lips.


"Go to sleep Erica." Niall whispers as he starts humming a tune, tracing invisible shapes on my back and kissing my hair.


I close my eyes and fall asleep listening to him, a girl could get used to this.

Notes

Well that took forever! The chapter wouldn't copy from an email so I had to type it all out by hand on my moms iPad. Hopefully never again.

Hope you like this chapter, thoughts as to what will happen next?? :) I'm sure some of you have some theories. I might not be able to update for a little bit, I'll be getting ready to go back to school and finally getting my laptop back so bit of a busy time!

Thank you all for voting, subscribing, commenting, and reading!! Happy Friday!!

xoxo