She's Not Afraid. (Niall Horan)

Chapter 26.

Niall's POV

Normally when I return to my – I would say little but that would be rather offensive towards my apartment – it smells like a big, empty space. No distinct smell unless I left food lying around which had ended up creating its own little world of creatures. But not this time, there was no empty smell, no rotting food stench just the eye watering reek of a seriously strong disinfectant.

As I walked through the rooms I was convinced I could see my reflection in almost every inanimate object. After shamelessly fixing my rugged hair by looking into a glass shelf I carried on wandering around. It was eerily quiet; the only sound was my shoes squeaking against the floor. I peered down at the ground and noticed the gleam shining of the surface. Without hesitation I slipped my shoes off and started sliding around the living room, the inner child in me was having a field day.

I don't know what I found weirder, how clean everything was or how quiet the place seemed. I soon skated across into the kitchen where I found a fully stocked fridge, the homemade cake placed on the middle shelf immediately caught my eye. I couldn't help but run my finger over the icing and taste it. It tasted like a mix of rainbows and puppies. I quickly closed the fridge before I either devoured the whole thing or stood dribbling all day. The rest of the kitchen cupboards were more stocked than I'd ever seen. They were full of fresh, healthy food, which seemed like a nice changed from the usual several bags of crisps and numerous biscuit packets. 

I stalked my way back through the apartment, I debated whether to bring my bags to the bedroom with me which were currently guarding the front door but after heaving them all the way up to the top floor my hands were red raw and screaming no. I happily obliged to my hands needs and headed towards the bedroom – the only room I hadn't investigated yet. 

I pushed the door open a jar, peering into the seamlessly quiet room. You'd think the whole place was completely deserted if it weren't for the rising of the bed sheets. Without realising I let out a deep breath I hadn't been aware I was keeping in. Subconsciously I was relieved to know I didn't have to send out a search party because the person I wanted to see was right here, where I wanted her. 

I crept towards the bed as soundlessly as I could manage which after tripping over my own foot and face planting the floor wasn't exactly going very well. I pretty much gave up after that and jumped onto the bed. 

"You're not very quiet you know." Her soft voice filled my ears, bringing joy to my face. She sounded tired but not early morning I hate you tired, but I've just woken up and my voice sounds like sex tired.

"Did I wake you?"

"I was only half asleep, I heard you come in but couldn't force myself to wake up properly."

"Not worthy of your time then?" I joked as I joined her under the covers. She instantly looked up towards me, her eyes boring into my own. "Are you wearing my shirt?"

"It's comfy and it fits more like a dress. My legs can be free!" She chuckled still in her tired like state.

"You're not wearing any pyjama bottoms or anything?" I asked intriguingly.

"Mm...who knows?" She winked before letting out a soft sigh and looking back at me again.

"What's up?"

"What?"

"The whole place is sparkling yet you hate cleaning, you baked a cake and you're sleeping at five in the evening. Something's not right unless the Marina I saw two weeks ago has been replaced by some cleaning loving clone."

"Sorry to disappoint but it's still the same old me."

"I can live with that." I replied grinning at her but I noticed her smile was barely there in return, she looked like she was holding something back. "So what's really up?"