Maybe I had more alcohol in me at the wedding than I thought. Maybe the combination of party and Niall Horan makes me do hasty things, after all I do have a record of kissing him while dancing just in the spur of the moment without thinking about it or considering whether it would be going too fast or not.

The first time I met Niall Horan, I kissed him at the Summer Ball when he had just broken up with his girlfriend. In my defence, I didn't know it was him. Still, I kissed him before we became anything, even friends.

Now, we meet after seven years and I kiss him while we are dancing before we become anything. Again.

Is this a behaviour pattern or what? Should I worry?

It's not like we've been in hiatus since we parted ways seven years ago, we did break up so we can't just resume from where we left off. It's been a really long time and we've changed, we've grown up. We ought to get to know each other again and from that build something... if we agree on the point we might start again.

Today, as I wake up after the wedding, with a slight headache that means I did drink a bit more than I should've, I consider that I might have rushed a bit. Just tiny little bit, no need to panic, right?

"Ugh, why did I just kiss him? Couldn't I wait until after the date?" I ask myself like a villain in a bad TV show, revealing my plan to everyone just because. Sane and ordinary people shouldn't talk to themselves.

Points for me for making me look desperate the first time we meet again.

I roll out of bed, feeling regret making my limbs heavier, and heading to the kitchen for some water and an aspirin, although I'm sure that won't help me to not feel like I rushed things and maybe even ruined all this. Nothing grants that because Niall and I worked out seven years ago it's going to be the same this time around.

Ugh.

I decide taking a shower might help me, but as I'm heading to the bathroom, I remember Niall and I didn't exchange numbers during the party, which means we won't get in touch to coordinate our date, which means no date whatsoever.

Well, then maybe it was good I kissed him, as it seems there won't be a chance again.

My mild headache turns in bad mood as I realise that, angry with myself because did I have to leave that in his hands? Why didn't I ask for his number? I'm a modern woman, I don't need the man to take the first step.

This is a morning filled with regret, apparently.

When I come out of the shower, not feeling any better but actually clean and refreshed, I grab my mobile phone to check the time, but I notice instead two missed calls from and unknown number and a new text message.

I stare at the screen, surprised to see his message and unavoidably, feeling that old tingly sensation in my stomach that's nothing but pure excitement.

I send my reply and save his number, putting the phone aside just to get dressed in something comfortable while I wait for his answer. By the time I pick my phone again, I find his detailed explanation.

I laugh out loud, imagining his sheepish expression and that cheeky grin because he surely knows exactly what he did. I sit on my bed, all my previous bad mood disappearing completely as I get comfortable to continue texting with Niall.

He sends many laughing emoticons while I just bite my lips together, eagerly waiting for something else.

My answer is fast and clear.

Just a few seconds later, my phone rings and this time it's Niall's name that shows up on the screen. I don't hesitate to answer, but I have to admit I'm a bit nervous, which is something new to me. I haven't felt like this when talking to a man in a long, long time.

"Hi there," he greets when I pick up the call and I immediately bite my lips to suppress my grin. It's odd how familiar it feels, yet completely know. I know his voice has changed since that summer we spent together, but I still feel like it hasn't change at all, although now it's a bit deeper and his accent is thicker, probably because he doesn't need to buffer it anymore like he did before.

"Hi," I answer and I feel embarrassed of how coy I sound. "So, did you need to risk your life to get my number?"

"Most definitely," answers Niall without hesitation. "I asked you on a date, but I got too distracted and forgot to get your number. I blame it completely on you why I got distracted. Today when I woke up I realised my mistake. How was I supposed to ask you what time and when was better for you if I didn't have your number?"

"And you couldn't wait for your friend to come back from his honeymoon?" I get more comfortable in bed as I talk, super aware of how flirty I sound, and just slightly embarrassed about it. Talking to Niall is like travelling back in time, I feel like a teenager all over again. Or at least I react like one.

"I couldn't. I've waited more than enough to see you again already."

That sentence is true, but it makes my guts twist unpleasantly. For me these seven years were important and I know it was selfish of me to break up with him, but I really needed it. I know I was just thinking of what was best for me, assuming it would be best for him, too, but that doesn't mean it was easy for him and I think I'll never cease feeling guilty for that.

"If I could I'd take you on that date right now," he admits, surprising me and taking my mind away from that train of thoughts.

"Why don't you then? What's stopping you?" I ask back, trying not to focus on what happened long time ago.

"Although I really, really want to go and pick you up right now,-" I chuckle at the dramatic pause he makes after saying that. "-I want to take you on a really nice date, and I need more preparation for that. And a reservation, most likely."

"What about a pre-date?" I suggest just because I want to see him, even if it's for a little bit and just to go for a cup of coffee.

"Tempting..." Niall muses. "Did you have lunch?"

"I woke up like half hour ago," I confess and I can hear him humming in thought.

"Would you like to have lunch with me? Well, brunch actually. I also woke up like an hour ago."

"I'd like that very much."

"Perfect. Then should I pick you up in around an hour? Is that good enough? Text me your address and I'll be at your door."

"It all sounds good to me." I swear I can't wipe the grin off of my face. It's a blessing I don't share flat with Charlie anymore, because he'd be mocking me mercilessly at this point.

"Brilliant. I'll see you soon, then."

I'm embarrassed of my own grin, but I can't stop it as I reply, "See you soon, Niall."

We hang up and I stay in beed to giggle slash scream against my pillow for a few seconds before I realise I'm in just sweatpants and a big t-shirt, my hair still wet. That thought breaks through my embarrassing reaction and makes me get out of bed to get ready, and also text Niall my address so he can come pick me up.

I don't take too long to get ready, but I do take more than usual as I want to look good. The rest of the time, I spend it scrolling through social networks until I get a new text from Niall, telling me he's close. I do feel my heart skipping a beat and it still amazes me that I'm reacting like this. I don't think this is normal behaviour for someone going on a 'pre-date' with her ex boyfriend. I'm pretty sure it's not normal going on a date with an ex boyfriend. Acting as if it was the first time is even more absurd.

As absurd as it might be, I try not to think about it now. Niall is almost here and going out is to see if we can make this work again.

Almost ten minutes after he sent me the text, there's a knock at my door and I swear my stomach gets tied in a thousand knots. I still rush to the door, trying not to look too eager when I open. At the other side, in casual clothes is Niall, smiling brightly, his blue eyes showing the same excitement I feel tickling my stomach.

"Hi there," I greet, my hand still at the door knob, just staring at him.

"Hi there," he echoes. "Ready to go?"

"Ready to go," I confirm, my smile spreading and not fearing at all this could go wrong.

-:-:-:-

I wasn't going to update tonight, because I have a stomachache, but I was replying comments and got excited enough to do it anyways! Comments are so stimulating and encouraging. I'm so delighted you're happy with this little story. Honestly, this is just a present for the Nella shippers, so enjoy it!

I won't give an updating schedule because it depends on my routine and the fact I'm also working on other projects, but it should be at least one a week.

You can always reach me on Twitter (@BelWatson) to ask when the update is coming or anything else.

Bel, xx