Just as Much

Niall's POV


Erica and I are sitting in the back of the car, Vince and Richard up front, chatting back and forth. The windows are dark enough that when we left from the back of the hotel, people didn't really notice us. They tried to look in the windows when we stopped but couldn't tell it was Erica and I.

I can't help but let my leg bounce up and down as we drive to the place I made reservations for. It's pretty typical, I made plans to go to dinner, we're headed to Bistecca Florentina, a small Italian restaurant in basically what looks like a basement. I just wanted something quiet and smaller so it would be less of a chance of being spotted and quiet so we could talk and catch up.

When I saw Erica all dressed up I didn't quite know what to do with myself. I don't usually see her all done up like that. She got dressed up for school but it was professional dress, this is a night out dress. And it fits her like a glove.

I feel her grip my thigh, as I turn to look at her. “Are you okay?” She asks, leaning her head back against the seat.

“Perfect. I just want tonight to go smoothly.” That's all I really want. This is when I wish I was just a regular lad that could do and go wherever I wanted instead of having to worry about when I'll be spotted and when the crowd will get here.

“It will be fine Niall. And if it isn't, then we can ditch this place you're taking me and we can get ice cream from a drive through.” I laugh and squeeze her hand, this is why I love Erica. She doesn't care where we go or what we do. And I don't care where we go or what we do as long as I'm with her.

We stop a block away from the place and I see no one around waiting for us so I slip the door open and extend my hand out for hers, helping her out of the car. “Where are we going?” She asks, looking around.

“I wanted to walk the whole way but I knew we couldn't so I asked Vince to drop us off a block away so we could walk. She laces her fingers with mine and smiles. “Wait.” I stop and move her to the opposite side and lace my fingers with her right hand.

“What was that about?”

“I don't know. I just feel like I should walk closer to the street.” I explain and she narrows her brows at me, still confused. “That way if a car comes and splashes water against us, I'll get wet, not you. I don't want your outfit to ruined.” I shrug and explain as she squeezes my hand.

“You are too sweet Niall Horan.” I pull her closer as we continue to walk towards Bistecca.
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“Niall, this is really expensive.” Erica uses her menu to shield her words.

“It doesn't matter Erica.” I see her shoulders fall a bit and dart her eyes back to the menu.

“I don't care, you don't have to do this.”

“I know, Erica. But I want to. Just enjoy it.” We order water and Pinot Grigio Del Veneto by the glass, we're still not wine drinkers but we decided it feels classier than a beer.

“What are you getting?” She asks, I can tell she feels a little out of place but she's far from it.

“I think we should just order a Bistecca Fiorentina Con L'Osso for two, I hear its a huge steak, then we can each order a side and share.” I suggest, pointing to what I was talking about on the menu.

“Sounds good. I'm thinking of string beans garlic and oil for a side, you'll eat that, right?” She lays her hand on the table and I instantly cover it with mine.

“I'll eat that, and I'll just get fried potatoes, we can split that.” She squeezes my hand and the noise from around us just goes away. Sounds so cliche and I know it is but that's the only way I can explain it. We don't even have to say much, we don't have that awkward phase like most couples do because we already know each other.

We order our food and wait.

“So how was your last day?” I ask, I know from talking to her that it was difficult but I haven't really talked to her because of traveling to here.

“Oh, it was difficult!” Her faces changes to sad. “I mean, Raven is headed back to Venezuela and I don't know the next time I'll be seeing her. Then Sloan had a really hard time saying good bye to Ian, she still has a semester left at school before she can come back. So we were all a blubbering mess yesterday. I'll miss working, but I'll miss the people more. And I can't even think about Heath and Kristen. I'll miss them so much.” Her shoulders slump even more. I can't really imagine getting close to people and then all the sudden its over. Even harder that they both live so far away. I don't know what I would do if I lost my best friends, Zayn, Harry, Louis, and Liam and I have been through so much, I can't imagine my life without talking to them everyday. I'll be heartbroken if we ever break up, I don't know if I could even handle it.

“You can always see them again. If we ever go to Venezuela on tour you can come with us! And we'll be back in New York or even California or Arizona, Sloan can meet you there.” I suggest to her.

“But I won't be joining you on tour Niall. I have school to finish.” She sips her wine.

“I know, but maybe in the summer.” I suggest, trying to hide my sudden change in determiner. I secretly hoped that she would join me on tour so I wouldn't have to spend time away from her but I know how important her schooling is. She wants to go all the way, graduate with her bachelors degree, finish her Masters, and eventually get her P.h.D. I smile at the thought of her being awarded her doctorate. I have complete faith in her. I know she can do it.

Our food arrives and our focus shifts to eating. Sharing food and eating off of each others plates. Laughing at some stupid jokes I try to re-tell that Louis shared with us all earlier. They're dumb but you can't help but laugh.

The waiter slips me the bill and I pay quickly, not even looking at the total because I don't care.

“Dinner was perfect, thank you.”

“Well, I just enjoyed the company.” I stand and quickly help her out of her chair, guiding her as I slip her coat on. Suddenly thankful that my parents taught me manners so at least I feel like I'm doing all of this right. “Just let me text them for the car.” I pull my phone out as she grabs her clutch and joins me. It's funny how I forget about my phone when I'm around her. I don't need to constantly check it to see the time or play a game. I just want to listen to her laugh and talk.

I see the car and escort Erica out, letting her in first and myself quickly following. I can't believe we haven't been spotted yet. It helps when you go to a place where a lot of older people are, if anyone did notice me, they had enough respect to just let us be.

“So just one more stop, then we can head back to the hotel.” I can tell she's questioning everything right now. Unsure of where I'm taking her. Her face grows in question when we pull into a parking garage and take it all the way to the top.

“Um, Niall?” She turns to me, looking slightly beyond me to the window, seeing nothing. When we arrive on the top floor, Vince parks and I open the door, extending my hand for Erica. “What are we doing?” It's cold in New York so I don't want her to freeze but it's not terrible.

“Just trust me.” Vince pops the back and I pull out blankets and chairs, handing Erica the blankets. I also pull out a pair of slippers and sweatpants for her to slip on. It will look awkward with her dress but I don't think she'll mind, I know girls don't like to wear heals for that long. I lay the reclining chairs out and the blankets, gesturing for her to put the pants on and take a seat next to me. When she joins me, I instantly wrap my arms around her. I look at my phone to check the time, “Just wait two minutes.” I study Erica, whose occupied with the stars at the moment when we hear it. She turns to me, a little surprised. “This parking garage is just a block away from The Met, and every night in the month of December they have old school Christmas Carolers, the weekend before Christmas they have a whole choir. I wanted to take you but they say it gets really busy so I found this spot. I know you love carolers so I thought we could just sit and listen.” I explain, hoping she likes it.

“Wow.” Her tone hardly above a whisper as Carol of the Bells begins.

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“Aren't you coming in?” She pulls at the handle.

“I will in a bit, I just wanted this to be like a proper first date, so I'm dropping you off at “home.”” I laugh and itch the back of my head. This is so dorky but I thought she would like it.

“Oh, okay.” She shifts her weight back and forth. “Well, I had a great time tonight Niall.” I giggle at the fact that she's playing along.

“Yeah, me too, we should do this again sometime.” I clap my hands together, blowing the air out of my lungs.

“Well, I should get inside.” She points to the door behind me and then hops on her tip toes, placing her hands on my shoulders and giving me a quick kiss. “Good night Niall.” She whispers in my ear and slides the door key in, closing it and leaving me in the hallway. I race to Harry's door, pounding on it as he lets me in.

“Woah. Where's the fire Niall?” Harry laughs as I push him away.

“I just want to get changed.” I grab the clothes I left on his chair and start changing.

“So how did it go?' He asks, perching himself on the bed.

“Perfect. I think I pulled off the idea well enough.” I kick my shoes off and bounce on the bed, pulling my pants off and changing into my joggers.

“Good, so can we see her yet?” Erica has been missed by everyone.

“Tomorrow. I just want it to be us tonight. Sorry mate.” I slip my hoodie over my head, hoping he understands.

“Fine.” He pouts and looks at me.

“Oh relax. Just read more fan fiction and you'll be fine.” I tease and hit him with my trousers on the way out. “Good night Harry!” I call over my shoulder and head back to my room.

Notes

So their first date. Squeals! Thoughts? It took me a little bit to come up with but hopefully you all like it. I know I would enjoy it if it was me! Bit of a longer chapter as well but I wanted to have a whole chapter devoted to their date.

Happy Friday Eve!!

Thanks for being amazing and reading today!!

xoxox