Mature

"Thank you for today."

"Anything for you."

"I just don't want you spending so much on me. I appreciate it, but please can you lay off a little? I don't want you to run out because of me.."

"Khloe, I told you to stop worrying about it. I have my ways. I won't run out."

"What does that even mean?", I groaned, staring up at him through the dark.

Our small whispers were heard around the room, disappearing within the depth of the crème walls.

For dinner, Niall had taken me to a higher class Italian restaurant in downtown Mullingar. It was more of a relaxed dinner. I had originally planned on asking some questions that I was curious to know and that he still hadn't answered, but he was in a rather happy mood so I decided it was best to save them for some other time. I didn't want to get in a disagreement on our first day here.

"It means that I have no worries as far as money. I have plenty right now that I want to spend on you and plenty more to come as the years progress. Please don't ever worry about it." He whispered back, leaving a lingering kiss on my forehead that made my stomach do flips.

"What, do you secretly work for the president or something? And I don't want you spending money on me." I chuckled, watching his eyes glisten from the moon light.

He quietly laughed, shaking his head. "No, but like I said, I have ways."

We sat in silence for a few minutes just embracing each other. Admiring one another.

"Is it your dad?", I asked timidly, not wanting to spark a nerve.

He was quiet for a minute before letting out a small breath.

"Yeah. He, um- well, my family down the line somewhere founded HSBC and it has now been passed down to my father. And now-"

"What's that?" I interrupted.

"It's a multinational banking and financial services company. It's headquartered in London. And I believe it's the second largest bank in the world."

"Holy shit." I breathed. Yeah, okay. He's good.

"Yeah, and my dad is the CEO. And once he's gone, it's mine because my brother wants out of the family name and tradition."

Why would he want out? I get that his dad is not a very nice person, but wasn't that just to Niall? I would think Niall would be the one to want out.

I ran the pad of my thumb over Niall's cheek, absorbing the softness into my skin. "It must be hard."

I wasn't necessarily talking about the business anymore, but more his life growing up. I didn't say it, but I was only hoping that Niall would understand and catch on.

"I struggle, but I'm learning, Khlo. I'm learning." He ran his free hand that he wasn't propped up on, down my arm, leaving small goosebumps in its wake. "I'm learning with you. I'm learning in life. I'm learning and trying. This is all very new to me. I've never had a friend before and it's weird just having one randomly thrown in my life now."

"What about your 'boys' at the frat?"

"They're my brothers. I don't see them as friends."

"It's the same thing, Niall."

"But it's not. You're a girl. You have a different way of thinking. They're them. They've been with me through every step, yet they keep their distance. But you. You drive me crazy." my heart dropped a bit. "You pester me. You're stubborn. You won't stop until you get answers and I can't stand that. You have a different way of thinking than any other woman I've ever met. You confuse the hell out of me-always changing moods. You're not like the others who I sleep with, who are skinny, fakes and who wear a shit ton of make up. Your not one to just have meaningless sex. You're nothing that I'm used to, and I hate that I can't figure you out. I'm not used to any of this."

"Oh." was all I said as I removed my hand from his face and turned on my side so that my back was facing him. Was this pick on Khloe time? Show all of my flaws? "I'm sorry.", I mumbled, closing my eyes.

I thought we could actually have a civil conversation like mature people for once, but I guess not.

But that's okay. He was only speaking the truth. I know that. I am stubborn. I do like getting my way. I do have crazy mood swings. I'm not a twig. I don't wear a lot of make up. I'm not one to just casually fuck. I know this, so I don't know why I'm so bothered by it. Maybe just the thought of actually hearing your flaws said out loud from someone you have feelings for.

Niall let out a huff before falling onto the bed. It was quiet. Peaceful almost. I felt myself start to drift off, not really able to keep my eyes open any longer.

A few minutes later, I felt Niall's arm squeeze under mine and wrap around my waist before he pulled me into him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." he mumbled, leaving a kiss on the back of my head, probably thinking I had fallen asleep already.

I just let out a small breath, trying to settle my heart enough for sleep to under take me for the second time today.

*

I woke up the next morning with my head tucked into Niall's chest, his arms wrapped tightly around me, and his head buried in the crook of my neck.

His breathing was heavy, warmly trailing across my neck and shoulder. Our legs were tangled, and suddenly my cheeks were growing hot.

I felt- I felt... Niall was having a very good dream.

I didn't know what to do, so I just sat still, laughing internally. He mumbled an incoherent sentence into my shoulder, growing even harder against my inner thigh. I squeezed my eyes shut in disgust, letting a little, light laugh fall through my slightly chapped lips. "Guys are so gross..." I mumbled, trying to wiggle out of his grip after deciding that I'd had enough. I sighed in defeat, realizing that that wasn't going to work. "Niall." I poked his chest. "Niall. Niall. Niall..." I groaned, trying to move again, only to have his grip tighten around me.

Fucking hell.

"Niall." I poked him again. "Damn, you're a heavy sleeper." ugh! "Wake. The fuck. Up." I pushed him slightly.

That still wasn't enough.

I could always suck him off, that might work.

Oh my god! I cannot believe I actually just thought of doing that!

However, the idea of pleasing him does sound a little intriguing. I mean, he's been the one to do stuff to me, and yet he hasn't gotten anything.

I let my hand glide down his extremely warm skin, stopping at his boxers.

I cannot believe I'm actually doing this.

My hand ran over the band, stopping for a second to look at him. His head was still buried, but the patterned breath signaled that he was still dreaming. I continued my movements, letting my fingers fall to his bulge.

I've never done this, so I didn't exactly know what to do, but instead just went with my gut instincts and began to lightly rub my palm over him.

I noticed him gasp in my ear, making me smile and brave enough to continue. After a few seconds of moving over his tight boxers, I ran my fingers along his band- causing him to wiggle- finally gaining the courage to reach my hand under.

I gripped his length lightly at first, trying to decide on what to do. I gave a small squeeze, causing Niall to moan into my neck. I held my grip a little tight as I began to move up and down him.

This is so weird.

I have this massive amount of adrenaline running through me. What is he going to think when he wakes up? Will he even wake up when I'm doing this? Oh gosh, I've never touched a dick until now... am I even doing it right?

Niall moaned again, his breath hitting against my ear and neck. I lightly rolled my thumb over his slit, causing him to moan loudly and suddenly jump up, scaring me as I pulled my hand back to my chest.

My cheeks burned furiously at the though that I was just caught by him.. doing that!

"W-what are you doing?"

Oh god, kill me now!

"Niall, I-I'm sorry! I-I-"

A smile grew on his face as he fell back into my chest. Okay, I'm confused now...

"Don't be. Oh, god, that felt great." he kissed my collarbone that was visible due to my fallen, collar-cut shirt. "Do it again? Please?"

"O-okay." I stumbled, hesitantly sliding my hand back under his black Calvin Klein's.

"Fuck, Khloe." He breathed out, placing his head back into the crook of my neck.

I slowly ran my hand up and down, occasionally giving him a squeeze which would make him groan loudly. He kissed down my jaw, neck and shoulder, leaving sloppy kisses that sometimes lingered.

"You have no idea how long I've waited for your soft hands to finally wrap around me." He purred in my ear, making me bite my lip.

"Am I doing this right?" I whispered, looking into his deep blue eyes as he stared back at me.

"Absolutely. Just tighten your grip slightly." I did as he said. Niall pinched his eyes close, groaning. "Okay, too tight." I blushed and loosened my grip a little, watching as his face contorted into such a lovely sight. He looked pleased. Generally pleased. "Oh, fuck." He hissed, kissing my ear.

I kept going as he gripped my waist, running his hands around my stomach. I ran my thumb over his head again, feeling as he twitched in my hand.

"Um, Niall.."

"Khloe, I'm close."

"Should I stop?" I started to panic inside.

Oh my gosh!

What do I do?!

"No." He grunted, placing his mouth on mine. I kissed back, feeling him twitch again before I felt a warm, gooey substance hit against the material of his boxers and run down my hand.

My eyes grew wide as he fell flat on top of me, breathing heavy. He left small, firm kisses on my shoulder.

"This is so disgusting!" I muttered, more to myself, but still earned a laugh out of him.

"You have no idea how much your innocence turns me on, Khloe."

"What? Why? I'm just stating the truth."

Niall just laughed, and shook his head as he rolled off of me. I glanced down to my hand, disgusted with myself. Why the hell did I even do that?

"I'm going to clean up." I mumbled, rolling off the bed.

"I'll come too."

"You already did." I smirked. Niall chuckled at my attempt of a dirty joke, trailing behind me.

"Wow, Khlo. I'm impressed."

"I do cause you to make quite the mess, don't I?" I glanced up at him through the mirror as he started the shower and I washed my hands.

His eyes beamed back and he shook his head again, suppressing a smile. "I was talking about you having the nerve to actually make a dirty joke, you dirty minded person." Niall smirked as he picked up the hand towel, snapping me in the leg.

I yelped, smiling as I tried to find one, however there wasn't another laying around. "Niall!" I squealed again, as he snapped me once more. "Stop!" I laughed, holding a towel out in front of me to absorb some impact but it wasn't working.

Niall just continued, laughing as he snapped it again, just to scare me. I squealed and trapped myself between the wooden door and the white towel.

"Niall, I'm serious!" I laughed, ducking behind the towel. I heard the contact of the hand towel against the door next to my leg, resulting in me screaming again.

"Baby." Niall laughed as he came and tried to give me a hug.

"No." I laughed, still hiding.

"Awww..." he cooed, wrapping me in a very tight hug, tangling the towel around me.

"I hate you." I muttered in an annoyed tone. He just laughed and leaned down to give me a kiss. "No." I turned my head from him.

"What? Why?" Niall pouted.

"First shower then teeth brushed, then maybe."

Niall frowned but reluctantly let me go as he turned to get into the shower. I backed out of the bathroom, waiting until he was done so that way I could get in.

I noticed Annie make her way out of her room as I shut the door behind me. Smirking, she followed me into the bedroom, sitting on the desk as I grabbed some clean clothes from my suitcase.

"So you and my brother, huh?"

My cheeks were burning as I turned to her. "Hmm?" I tried not to laugh.

"Don't play dumb with me. He's pretty damn loud." Turning back to my suit case, I let out a laugh and shook my head.

I am not going to discuss Niall and I's sexual activities with his sister.

"So are you guys going to date?"

"I-I don't know." I chuckled.

"You should. He totally likes you, Khloe."

"As a friend, nothing more." I denied, even though I wish he did. But that just a stupid wish, and wishes don't really come true. Maybe if I were in a different life in different circumstances we would date, but this is reality, and this is now, and right now we are not going to date. Niall doesn't date.

"Khloe," she groaned, "I don't mean for this to be rude or anything, but girl, you gotta open your eyes a little!" she laughed, throwing her hands in the air.

"I'm confused."

"Niall has never brought a girl home. He's never kissed a girl in front of his family. He doesn't believe in showing affection.

"Khloe, when I was in America, I saw the girls Niall slept with. I've seen the people he hung around, the random girls he would bring back to the dorms. You're not them! And I love that! I love how you have turned his piss ass mood into a happy one. I love how he is able to talk to me now. We've always been close, but never as close as we are now, and that's partial thanks to you." Annie was beaming as she started at me. However, I didn't really know what to say or how to respond.

I... I didn't know what I was doing to him. I don't understand it...

I was thankful when I heard the water supply from the shower cut off. I jumped up, my clothes in hand and turned towards Annie.

"I-" I pointed toward the bathroom and gave a small nod. I didn't mean to be rude, but this scared me. All of it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy I did that to him, but what if that was the reason he was pushing me away?

Did Niall realize this?

Was I ruining him?

He did explain last night that he didn't like the way I was. Combined, with what him and Annie both said, would it ruin us? All of my hope I had in us?

Once I opened the bedroom door, Niall was closing the bathroom one. He gave me a smile and I attempted to give one back as I pushed past him and closed the door fully.

I quickly took a shower and brushed my teeth before exiting the small, steamy room. I was dressed in a pair of blue skinny jeans with the cuffs rolled and a white knitted sweater. My hair was braided to the side and my eyelashes had a few swipes of mascara on them.

"Khlo, Anne wants to know if we want to go out to dinner tonight with her." I glanced up to Niall as I placed my soiled clothes back into my bag.

"I, uh- Do you want to?" Niall gave me a strange look as my voice raised in pitched.

"I don't care. What's going on with you?" He moved closer to me, placing his hand on my forehead. My breath hitched in my throat as the distance between us decreased. "Are are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah- no, not really. Maybe I just need some air?" I moved away from him and began to walk out the door.

Niall followed me down the stairs and out the main door.

"Khloe." I stopped in my tracks, turning around. "What's up? Something's off."

"Nothing. I'm fine, really." The cold air blew through my sweater, cooling my heated body off. It felt refreshing.

"Khlo, I know you better than that."

I closed my eyes trying to calm myself before I got irritated.

"Khloe."

"What, Niall? Why do you care?!"

Niall's posture stiffed at those words and a panicked expression took over his face.

"Why do you care about me? What is so wrong with me needing space?!" I threw my hands above my head, staring at his eyes which were once like clear water but are now like ice.

"I don't care." His whole attire was stiff and his voice was hard.

"Yes, you do! You're so far up my ass over nothing, Niall. You care!"

"No. I don't."

"Really." I huffed, crossing my arms. "If you didn't care, you wouldn't have followed me home that night with Eleanor. You wouldn't have tried to save me from that truck. You wouldn't have blown your top when you found out Luke was cheating on me. You wouldn't have beat the shit out of Seth for calling me a slut. If you didn't care, Niall, you wouldn't have ran me to fucking Ireland for crying out loud!"

"You're the one who said you wanted to come to Ireland in the first place."

"Do you think I'm stupid? Of course I wanted to come to Ireland, but any normal person would have made a plan for the future. They wouldn't have just up and left and already had everything 'taken care of'. There was something back there that you wanted me to stay away from, wasn't there? Something that made you run."

I sat still for a second, thinking through everything I had just said. The look on his face only confirmed it all.

"You had a plan. You knew I would say yes, didn't you? That's why you kissed me in the door that day after our fight of being those kinds of friends. You figured if you could kiss me and work things out with me, then we'd be fine. You'd have no trouble of getting me to go off somewhere with you."

Wow.

It's all starting to make sense now!

"Khloe-"

"No, Niall. You care enough for me to flee with me out of the damn country. Now, I demand that you tell me what the hell you're running from."

"I thought we were talking about me caring?" He spoke up after a few minutes of not knowing what to say.

"We are, but first what the hell has been going on!" I dropped my hands as they grew into balls at my side.

Niall huffed, looking to the ground, then the sky- really everywhere but to me.

"Niall."

He let out a sight, meeting my eyes for the first time in what felt like decades.

"I-"

"Please, just tell me." My voice calmed down as I noticed how hard this was for him to talk. Something happened and I am determined to find out.

"Khloe, how close are you with your father?"

A lot is to come yet, some good and some bad, so look out!

Have a lovely Thursday!

Thanks everyone for the reads, votes, and comments! I love you guys, so much! Xx