For Your Eyes Only

“Annie, come on! You’re not going to have time to do anything if you don’t hurry up!” shouted Harry through the bathroom door. I brushed on my mascara and swiped a light nude lipstick across my lips and took one last glance in the mirror. I looked cute. I wore a blue cotton dress that hit my lower thigh. Over top, as fall was approaching, I had on a light brown leather jacket. I wore cute heeled ankle boots and a couple of anklets on my feet, and my dark brown hair down around my shoulders.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” I replied, swinging open the door and striking a pose. Harry and Louis, who stood behind him, widened their eyes and glanced at eachother, then back at me.
“Wow, you look gorgeous babe,” said Lou. I felt a pair of arms come around my waist and a chin rest on my head.
“Mine,” Niall growled playfully at Louis. I laughed and turned around to embrace Niall. He was taking me out on the town today before we had to leave to Liverpool to meet up with the rest of the crew. I was beyond excited. I had always done my exploring alone, but now I could enjoy everything with someone I cared for.
“Annie… you look… amazing,” Niall said slowly, drawing out the last word.
“I could say the same to you, Irish boy,” I replied, raising my eyebrows. He really did look perfect, wearing a pair of dark red skinnies and a Michael Buble t-shirt with a black blazer. “Are you wearing Harry’s blazer?” I asked with a smile.
“Hey, I’ve got one of these too!” he exclaimed. I laughed and grabbed my brown shoulder-strap bag as we headed out. So far we had kept our relationship relatively quiet, but not really on purpose. We had talked about it and decided that if the paps got pictures, then so what?
We still tried to avoid the fans, however. Paul took us out the back of the kitchen, the same way I came in, but I froze when we were pointed in the direction of the same dry-cleaners van from before. I realized that Niall was holding my hand, tugging me toward the back of the van and speaking. What was he saying?
“Annie, come on, babe. It’s ok. I’m here. I’m here, baby girl. I’ll be right beside you.” I slowly forced my legs to move and found myself in Niall’s lap as the doors were being slammed shut. I know, I didn’t freak out the first time, but I was tired. I was hurting. I was hungry. All I could think about the first time was Auntie and Niall, but now everything was coming back. The cause of my claustrophobia was resurfacing in my mind.
But I buried them away. Again.
The ride seemed to last forever until finally daylight flooded the back and we were helped out. My feet barely touched the ground before Niall pulled me into his arms and buried his face in my hair. He didn’t ask why. He didn’t ask if I was ok. Just like he promised. He took my hand and we walked quietly and slowly, letting the light wind blow off the cramped darkness and the fresh air flow through our bodies.
“Niall, what are we?” I asked suddenly. I knew what he’d say. I’d heard it so many times, but every time I only felt childish and insecure. I felt like I would never be good enough. But every time he answered, I felt relieved. Like someone still wanted me.
“You’re mine, and I’m yours,” he answered, like usual. “Never doubt that, Annie. Ever.”
“I won’t if you won’t,” I posed quietly. He laughed and oh, how I loved to hear his perfect laugh.
“Deal,” he agreed before suddenly I felt my feet being swept out from under me. His arm supported the small of my back as he leaned over and planted a perfect kiss on my surprised lips. I giggled like a school girl and kissed him back, and laughed even harder as he made his way down my neck, purposely tickling me with his lips.
“Ahhh! Niall!!!” I laughed as his fingers dug into my sides.
“Yes?” he asked innocently, looking up from his position on my collar bone.
“That tickles,” I whispered. He feigned surprise and lifted me back to my feet, lowering his hands to my hips.
“Apologies, Princess. I did not intend-” he was cut short by a flash. Then another one. And another one. Then I saw the paps. I cowered behind Niall. What? How did they… Wait. Niall was just smiling and waving. His confidence seeped into me, so I crept out from behind him and took his hand. He smiled down at me and glanced at the paps, then at me, almost as if asking permission. I nodded, and his lips once again found their way to my own.
Sure, I was afraid. What would the fans think? Would they hate me? I didn’t know what to do. I allowed him to firmly press himself to me, but I didn’t really return it. I was too scared. His arm snaked around my waist to encourage me, but what would news stories twist this into? But wait. How could I carry on this relationship if I wasn’t willing to throw aside the opinions of others? How could I… how could I love Niall if I was terrified of condescension and a bit of dislike? I couldn’t. I couldn’t be the girl he needed me to be if I was always cowering behind him.
Throwing caution to the wind I rose up to my toes and threw my arms around his neck, gripping the back of his head and joyfully, freely returning the affection shown. And then, finally, I was truly happy.

Notes

Prepare your emotions for the coming chapters.