SO LONG || NIALL HORAN || #Wattys2019

BONUS: New Years Eve

Haleigh Rose Ryan.

A simple name for an incredible girl. Just thinking of her made Niall get a goofy grin on his face, his blue eyes softening with a certain twinkle specifically reserved for her.

He can't help but laugh sometimes when he's reminded of where the two's friendship began. It was a bumpy road, both of them young sixteen year-olds ready to take on the world. Years later, they were still side by side and had achieved exactly what they wanted to do in life.

Niall toured with the Jingle Ball once again during the month of December, while Haleigh busied herself with photoshoots. They had hoped to reunite in Ireland for Christmas, since Haleigh worked from her base in New York and got to see her family. However, flight complications kept them apart—the Atlantic Ocean between them. Haleigh enjoyed spending time with her siblings and her six month-old niece, but missed Niall, who spent his days playing in charity football matches and drinking with some old friends.

But luckily with New Years, everything seemed to turn around for the better. Niall flew out to New York, happily reuniting with his girlfriend in the airport with a giant hug and a sweet kiss.

"Hey, darlin'," he greeted, unable to stop his grin from stretching across his face. Niall bumped their noses together, and released a content sigh. "God, I missed you."

"I missed you too," Haleigh replied truthfully, her arms wrapped around his waist and under the jacket he wore. "How was home?"

"Considering she's right in front of me, I think it's pretty great," Niall teased and Haleigh laughed.

"You little flirt," she playfully pushed him away, but he was quick to pull her back into his embrace. "I meant Ireland."

"It was great," Niall replied, tucking a loose strand of her brown hair behind her ear. "Though I'm sad I couldn't wake up next to you on Christmas morning."

Haleigh felt her cheeks heat up, and she bashfully cast her gaze to the ground. Niall gently tilted her chin up but she asked wittily, "Did Santa get you want you wanted?"

"I already have everything I need," Niall said smoothly before pressing a sweet kiss to her lips.

"Alright, Romeo," Haleigh joked, her blush deepening. "Do you have all your stuff?"

"Yeah," Niall chuckled as she intertwined their fingers together. "I actually was able to fit everything in my carryon."

"Well that's a first."

"I know! I couldn't believe it either."

The couple made small talk on their way out of the airport, continuing even as Haleigh drove to their home.

"Look, are you sure you want to have a party?" She shot her boyfriend a worried glance from the driver's seat. "I mean, I know it's New Years, but if you're tired we can just relax for the night."

"Honey, I'm fine," Niall assured her, squeezing her hand that he held over the console. "I promise. And it'll be fun to see your family. Plus you said the boys were coming, and I wouldn't miss that for the world."

"They all said they would try," Haleigh confirmed. "But I know Liam was in Dubai with Maya, and Louis was spending time with his siblings. The only one I know for sure is Harry, since he's coming with Pres."

Niall nodded in understanding, but a little frown was in the corner of his mouth. One that didn't go unnoticed.

"Okay, what's wrong?" Haleigh called out. "You seem like you're nervous."

"I am nervous," Niall admitted, absentmindedly rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. "The last time all four of us were in the same room was for Louis' performance on the X-Factor. And you've read some of the headlines, Hals—"