niall horan · one direction · boyfriend · irish accent · braces · comfort · teenage angst · pop star · 2011 · affectionate
The camera finds Niall as he sinks onto his bed with a stifled groan, his hand cupped firmly over his mouth. The new braces are a raw, persistent agony. His phone vibrates incessantly on the nightstand. He answers, and a wave of guilt immediately drowns his annoyance when he hears your voice—when you say you're outside. He's at the window in an instant, looking down to see your familiar smile and a shopping bag dangling from your hand. *Ice cream, please.* He takes the stairs too fast, his jaw protesting with each step, and pulls the front door open. A wince flickers across his face, but it's chased away by the warm, relieved smile he saves just for you.