Honest Illusions [niall horan]

Chapter 22

"I hope so too, Aubs," he breathed out, his tone deflating with each syllable. "I probably need t' head back home in the next coupla days," Niall said, taking one hand off the steering wheel and running it through his hair. Already disheveled from the wind at the beach, it looked even more disorderly. Nonetheless, I couldn't take my eyes off his luscious locks. Blonde tips stuck against his brunette roots, and the two colors mixed in together looked extremely good. Just looking at his hair brought memories to the wonderful sensations I felt whenever my fingers would run themselves against it. I quickly shook my head at those thoughts, considering the fact I shouldn't even be thinking anything remotely close to running my hands through Niall's hair.

"Are the boys okay?" I nervously asked. Relief spread all throughout my body the moment Niall shook his head at my question. Since he had to head back home to London, that meant his family wasn't the problem either or else he'd be heading back to Mullingar.

"They're all fine," he reassured me. "I jus' fucked up big time," he continued, disapprovingly shaking his head.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, not really sure what else I could say.

"Don't be, it's not yer fault I'm an idiot," Niall muttered the last part under his breath before he made a left on the stoplight.

"It is partially my fault," I mumbled, picking at my ring finger with my opposite hand's thumb.

"T'at I'm an idiot?" Niall asked, puzzled.

"That's natural," I joked, causing the both of us to erupt into a small fit of laughter. Elated that I managed to veer away from the prior and uncomfortable silence, I shook my head at him.

"You came here for me, Niall. I'm the reason why you're not back home in London now." Niall's sole reason why he came here was to confess his undying love for me. Don't get me wrong, his get melted my heart and more, but that didn't change the fact that I was the reason for his sudden trip here. Some way, some how, I always ended up causing Niall some sort of pain or sadness. Worst part is that I never intended on doing any of that. I always wanted Niall happy, even if that meant sacrificing my own happiness.

"Aubrey, I told ya before I wanted t' come here, I needed t' come here," he stressed, making another left turn.

"No you didn't Niall," I said, closing my eyes. "You got into a car accident because of me, Pete could have put you into an even worse physical state, I've done nothing but cry and whine to you. Now there's something urgent back home where you're clearly needed, but instead you're three and a half thousand miles away," I listed out, more and more guilt filling my chest with each passing seconds. "Tell me, did you want all that?"

Niall remained quiet for a few moments, maneuvering his way through the entry streets of New York City. Buses, all types of cars, taxis, even bikes stood in front of us as we waited for the stop light to switch from red to green. All our windows were up since we had the air conditioning on, but even the noise of the blasting cool air couldn't drown out all the loud shouts and ear-piercing honks of the city folk. "Yes," he finally said at the same time the light turned green.

"Yes?" I shockingly repeated. I knew Niall cared for me, but not to the extent where he was willing to practically die for me. "Why?" I asked, averting my eyes to his.

"Coz it was all fer ya," he answered, pausing for a moment, "I'd do anythin' fer ya Aubrey." Speechless. Stunned. Touched. I felt every emotion associated with love rush back to me. I hadn't felt this way in weeks, months maybe. Niall made me feel so many things at once, it was difficult to pinpoint one exact emotion. His voice dripped with so much adoration and care that I knew he meant every single word. Every single action he took was indeed for me. Niall never once thought about himself; his focus centered around me and my feelings. I didn't know whether I should cry or smile.