2013 Friends with benefits.

That's what you and Niall have classified your relationship as. Nothing more, nothing less. No strings attached.

Well, that's how it's supposed to be. But you both know, deep down, that you do have real feelings for each other. It's quite obvious, really. The way he puts his arm around you in public, the way he calls you "baby," the way you hug him every time you see him, the way you get so protective over him, the way you both look at each other... the list goes on. When you first started hooking up, you both swore it was just a fling and that there were no serious feelings involved. But you know that's not true. You both just won't admit it. Which is odd - you've practically been best friends since you met, which was 3 years ago, when you got put into the same band, One Direction, together. You're really close, and you tell each other everything. Your real feelings seem to be the one exception.

It's February, and the band just began the Take Me Home Tour. You're only a few nights in, and tonight was a long (but fun) show. After it was done, you all headed to the hotel. Once you were there, you went to Niall's hotel room. One thing led to another... and now, here you are, lying naked in his bed next to him, both of you panting from what just happened. Aside from your heavy breathing, the room is quiet, neither of you daring to say a word. After a few minutes pass, you sit up with the intention of getting dressed and going back to your hotel room. But before you can do anything else, you feel Niall's hand on your arm.

"Please stay." He says softly. Usually you just leave after hooking up with him, or vice versa. You guys are best friends, but the air feels too heavy, too weighted with so many unsaid words after you sleep together for either of you to stay. But he's asking you to, his tone of voice making it painfully obvious that he has feelings for you.