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12

EVIE

I watch as Niall disentangles himself from Ginny's arms. He whispers something into her ear before walking over to where I stand. His lips are quirked into a happy smile, his energy buzzing with excitement. I return his enthused smile with one of my own, allowing him to pull me into a hug.

Once he pulls back, he lets go of me completely. "What'd you think?" He asks, his weight shifting quickly from foot to foot. He was the epitome of an energized bunny. If I hadn't known better, I'd think he had consumed at least three red bulls.

"Not bad, Horan," I compliment. I watch as his lips grow into an even bigger grin. "Didn't think you had that in you."

He laughs, "Everyone was so quiet! Didn't expect that... they were definitely into it. Pretty rad to watch..." He laughs to himself once more. "Would you like another drink?" He asks, while motioning towards my empty glass. I hesitate before answering, unsure if I wanted to drink something.

"If you're buying, then sure."

He tugs at my arm, pulling me back toward the bar. I turn around to motion for the girls to follow, only to see that they were no where to be found. What the hell was I going to do with these three? They were oblivious to our platonic friendship and absolutely too obvious at their intentions of getting us together. I follow Niall towards the bar, holding onto his arm. There was a crowd of people, all patting him on the back. It was a sea of "Sick show" and few "You're fucking amazing!" I smile proudly at my friend as he accepts each compliment with a cheshire cat grin.

Once we finally break free from Niall's adoring fans, we finally make it to the bar. He takes a seat at the only empty bar stool, leaving me awkward as I stand beside him. He smirks and pulls me closer to his side.

"Uh... Niall..." I say, as I awkwardly shift in his arms.

"The guy behind you has his eyes on you. Looks like a scumbag... Figured I'd help you out unless you want to go home with a tattooed, balding, middle aged man. Who knows... maybe that's your thing?" He jokingly asks, gesturing to the man behind me.

"Think I'll pass," I say, looking over my shoulder to see who Niall was talking about. Sure enough there's a tattooed, balding, middle aged man watching me with a dirty, cringe worthy smirk on his face. I automatically shuffle my body closer to Niall, hoping our actions will shoo off the unwanted attention.

I feel Niall wrap his arm around my waist, pulling me onto his lap. I don't question it, knowing that he's only doing it for show. He calls the bartender over, ordering us two drinks. As I'm about to decline the beer, Niall quiets me up by covering my mouth with his hand. He chuckles as I squirm under his hand. Playfully, I lick his hand. Niall squirms like a little girl, pulling his hand away.

"You're disgusting Jones," he grunts, wiping his hand against the back of my shirt. I lightly slap his arm, squirming at his actions.

"I don't have cooties. This isn't third grade," I retort back.

"Girls are gross. Yuck," he sticks his tongue out, feigning disgust. Before I realize what's happening, he leans forward and quickly licks my nose.

"Sick!" I shriek, wiping my nose clean. "What are you? Twelve?" This only egg's Niall on as he continues to laugh boisterously, his chest vibrating behind me. He moves his hand to my hip, squeezing it.

We continue to sit there (me still on his lap), while his hand remains stationed on my hip. "Uh, Niall?"

He looks at me, his blue eyes glazed over slightly, "Yeah?"

"Wouldn't Ginny be uncomfortable with me sitting on your lap and you licking my face?"

He looks at me with brows furrowed, his head cocked to the side, "Why would she be uncomfortable?"