Aviana's POV 

I watched Niall who was lying on the couch in his dressing room. Harper was sitting on his stomach, scavenging though a bag of Haribo's which sat precariously on Niall's chest. She whined about not being able to find anymore love hearts, as they were her favourite. "They're my favourite too," Niall teased when she found the last remaining one in the bag. 

"You have it," Harper said without any deliberation in her mind. Niall cooed but told her to have it, although Harper shoved it in Niall's mouth. She's not a profoundly average two year old. Most two year olds are self-indulgent and egocentric, but Harper, she's quite the opposite. 

Niall was then called to stage for rehearsals. He invited Harper and I tonight to see him perform for the first time. I was quite excited to both see and hear his performance. I knew he was going to be phenomenal. I was somewhat apprehensive about attending but Niall convinced me, telling me he wanted me there and hey, if he's my boyfriend now, I've got to be there to support him, right? 

"You can come watch," he pecked me on the lips as he exited the room. I ran my tongue over where his lips had lingered, just yearning we could have prolonged that kiss, although I knew this was not the appropriate timing. 

Harper and I stood at the side of the stage, by Niall's request. During his performance, I placed my hands on Harper's delicate shoulders, watching her fondly as she swayed to the music. As soon as Niall broke into chorus, Harper broke from my grasp. I watched her as she sprinted out on stage to Niall, singing along to his song -- incoherently. Niall soon erupted into laughter while my calls to her remained ineffectual. In her defence, over the music she was more than likely incapable of hearing me due to her hearing defect. 

"Here you can sing for me," Niall took his microphone off the stand and handed it to an exuberant Harper. He continued to play his guitar, laughing quietly to himself as he watched Harper stand in front of him, singing into the microphone, all the crew cooing at how adorable my daughter was.  As soon as they completed their performance they received a standing ovation from the crew. Harper ran into Niall's arms, grinning jubilantly at him. She was conspicuously quite proud of herself, as was I. 

"I's more famouser than you now," she giggled into Niall's shoulder. 

"Who's a better singer Harper, you or Niall?" One of the backstage crew members asked her. She immediately grew rather timid and chewed anxiously on her fingers she had in her mouth. 

"Daddy," she responded timorously. I felt a blush immediately rise up my cheeks but Niall's demeanour was still seemingly nonchalant. He gave a small smile before it erupted into a much more prominent one when Harper rested her head under his chin. 

"I think y'er a better singer, ye know. You can take over me job," Niall chuckled, pressing a delicate kiss to the top of her head. Harper giggled into his neck, shaking her head. I felt my insides growing warm as I watched the two. It was just such a touching thing to see Niall provide Harper with such a steady, sufficient male figure in her life. 

Some time later, Niall was preparing to go on stage. One of his security guards led Harper and I down to the side of the stage. From my arms, Harper's face held one of consternation as she observed the security guard. For some peculiar reason, she despises Niall's security guards -- or just security guards in general. 

I glanced around from where I was standing. It was a rather secluded area right by the side of the stage. The only other individuals here were members of staff. I felt rather important standing here, for once in my life feeling as though I was superior. 

The arena was manifested by fans who were evidently anticipating Niall's performance as they chanted his name. Harper was inclined to join in and did so, clapping her hands as she did. As soon as Niall came onstage, the crowds reaction was no more than stupefying. It was in that moment I realised that I really am dating someone of stupendous superiority. Although his personality is much contrasting as Niall holds no pretensions and in his most simplest description, humble. If you never met Niall before and had no prior knowledge of his fame, it would never once cross your mind that thousands of girls chant his name and sing along to songs he has composed. 

During his performance, Harper seemingly yearned to get onstage with him again. She wriggled in my arms until I set her on her feet and when I did, she got as close to the stage as she could possibly achieve getting to. Bouncing on her feet she sang along loudly to his song. It was only when a security guard came near her she was running back to me. 

As his performance came to and end -- all too quickly may I add as he only sang a couple of songs -- he finally glanced down at us, smiling jubilantly behind his microphone. His eyes, full of life. It came to my brisk attention that on stage is where Niall obtains euphoria. His cheeks, they held a rosy hue, his whole face was just beaming with glee. This sighting alone: Niall in his mere, blatant element, could bring so much joy to even the darkest of cores. 

As soon as he thanked the audience, I scooped Harper up and ran backstage again to greet him as he came off stage. When I saw him I ran to him and he greeted me with open arms. "You did so well, I'm so proud," I told him as he rocked our bodies back and forth gently; Harper sandwiched between us. As he held me in his arms, it came to my attention I wouldn't like to be anywhere else but here. 

Niall gave no verbal response but instead, pressed our lips together. If I could have stayed in that moment for a lifetime, I would have with no deliberation. Neither of us even gave the possible beings observing this kiss any thought because in that moment, all that mattered to us were each other's lips. I found myself out of breath before the kiss had even satisfactorily begun. He just takes my breath away. 

Sadly, these moments are ephemeral, much to Harper's relief as she was squashed between us, although she gave no protestation. When we pulled away, Niall turned his attention to Harper who was pulling her earmuffs off. Niall had gotten her a pink Peppa Pig pair as her sensitive ears that are susceptible to loud sounds needed protection from the stentorian noise that accommodates a concert. 

"How about we go back to your place now and get some takeout pizza in?" Niall raised an eyebrow at me. I nodded, Harper bouncing excitedly in Niall's arms at the prospect of getting pizza. "Ham and pepperoni?" We both simultaneously asked before laughing together. 

... 

Niall's POV 

"Do ye have t' go t' work?" I imploringly questioned as I changed Harper into her monkey onesie I had once purchased for her. Aviana just wordlessly nodding, bowing her head. A contrite expression etched her features as she began to pick at her nails. I watched her as she scraped the delicate pink nail polish off of her nails, rolling it between her index and thumb finger before letting it fall to the floor. "Okay, well I'm staying 'ere with Harper then," I declared as I zipped up her onesie. "D'ya want me t' stay here?" I asked Harper who nodded excitedly. She bounced on her heels and clapped her hands, informing me we could have a princess sleepover. 

When Harper ran to her room, I moved closer to Aviana, gently taking her hand in mine. Immediately, tingles ran up my spine, my breathing coming more rapidly as I moved a little closer to this flawless girl. Gently easing my finger under her chin, I nudged it so she was facing me. She smiled softly, a strand of hair falling from her 'mommy bun'. She brought her delicate hand up and gently placed it over mine that was now caressing her cheek. I watched, my eyes casting to her mouth as her tongue tantalisingly inched out of her mouth. She ran it along her bottom lip, leaving it slick with salvia, consequently, I immediately crashed my lips against hers without much deliberation. As we moved our lips against one another, I felt as though kissing her would never grow monotonous. Each and every time, young Niall returns, stimulating an electrifying, almost intoxicating feeling inside of me. 

I decided to venture into unprecedented territories -- rather tentatively. I began venturing from her mouth. I placed a gentle kiss at the side of her mouth and then slowly began to work my way down to her neck, leaving tender, delicate kisses in a trail.  With my lips against her neck, I felt her body go rigid. Glancing up at her, I spotted a rather tremulous demeanour. I was unsure if I had possibly taken it a step too far without consent. "I promise, just kisses," I whispered. Her body jolted and her eyes cast to me. She nodded, seemingly pliable. 

I smiled against her skin and then delicately began pressing kisses to her soft, inviting skin. Her scent was pervading my nostrils, an impetus that led me to only yearn to kiss her more. When she ran her hand through my hair and gripped it, this was incentive enough for me to continue. 

Although it was customary for me to leave marks on girls if we ever entered this intimate territory, with Aviana, I did not feel this was warranted. I showed much reverence, in the respect that her skin remained the milky white it was when I began. I did not want to mark her. She has been made feel like an inanimate object in the past by men and I did not want to contribute to that. Marking her, is almost treating her like an inanimate object, as though she's my property and I can do as I please with her, even if she is not in compliance. She is a woman, a woman who has been ill-treated in the past by men and I felt as though marking her would convey a misimpression that I was being possessive. That is not the perception I wish to carve in her memory. I felt as though it was my obligation to show Aviana that not all men objectify woman and as long as she's with me, I will treat her with the chivalry she deserves. I did not want her to feel as though someone owns her anymore. It is her body, her choice, if she wants me to leave a love-bite someday, I will but, for now, I will not degrade this woman; this beautiful woman.

My kisses trailed back to her lips and leaving one last kiss on her supple lips, I pulled back. Her cheeks held a rosy hue but she was smiling widely at me, seemingly acclaiming my actions. "I have to go to work now," she squeezed my hand in hers before taking a stance. 

As I watched her prepare herself, slipping on her converse and picking up her duffle coat I suddenly felt vexation bubble in my stomach. How can I allow my girlfriend to be susceptible to such peril? 

I reached out, gently wrapping my arm around her wrist. I pulled her body towards the couch -- in a tender manner, so not to perturb her or hurt her. I gently eased her body so she was sat on my lap. "Please, don't go," I plaintively whispered. She let out a deep sigh as she rest her head on my shoulder, a repentant look covering her features. It came to my brisk attention, with her body pressed up against mine, this was the closest proximity we had possibly ever been in. 

"I don't want to, but I must," she implied. 

"Please text me when ye get there, so a know y'er alright," I said, following her to the door. "Please be safe." I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head before she exited the apartment. I felt uneasy as I watched her walk down the hall. It make me quite anxious to know she walks the perilous New York streets at night, vulnerable to anyone who encounters her. 

Some time later, I found myself lying in a toddler bed, said toddler lying on my arm sucking on a bottle of milk I had successfully prepared for her. I watched her as she rolled on her side, resting her head on my chest and observing what I was doing on my phone. "There," she mumbled behind her bottle and pointed to the screen. 

"What?" I asked, allowing her to tap what she wanted -- snapchat. She opened the app and then held the screen so the filters appeared. I incredulously watched as she flicked through them to find the desired filter, giggling behind the nipple of her bottle once she had. Honestly, how do toddlers know how to work my phone with more expertise than I ever could?

"Put me on your story," she giggled. I held the record button, getting a video of her making adorable faces with the filter which had her giggling uncontrollably. I couldn't comprehend how a two year old's knowledge surrounding snapchat was superior in contrast to mine.  

I sent the video to Louis, Harper analysing my every move as I did. "Put it on your story," she whined, taking my phone from my hands. I watched her as she breathed heavily, swiping the screen to retrieve my memories. 

"I put it on me story," I told her, which was an indignant lie. 

"No," she shook her head, showing me the story page which showed I hadn't any stories up. How is this two year old smarter than me? When I was two, all I knew how to do was shit me pants. She then proceeded to take a selfie -- at nostril angle -- and was in the process of putting it up on my story when I snatched the phone from her grasp. 

"Harper, no, we're not puttin' a story up," I informed her and immediately felt guilt bubble in my stomach when I saw her solemn expression. Instead of throwing a tantrum, as would be anticipated from a stereotypical toddler, Harper just showed me a soft smile, as though saying 'Okay, I get it.'  As much as I wanted to give in and put her up on my story, I knew it was not the pragmatic choice to make. Placing a two year old in the exposure of millions of prejudiced, audacious individuals is an unrighteous thing to condone. They would immediately presume she's my daughter and would send harassment and malicious comments her way. Even if I put a monkey up on my snapchat, the media would conjecture stories of me fathering a monkey. But at the end of the day, this kid calls me daddy and as the only sufficient male-figure in this little girls life, I feel it is my obligation to protect her, not expose her to these sorts of antagonist beings.

"Night daddy," she quietly spoke. She sat up, wobbly on her knees, she attempted to lean up to my face but her body fell onto my chest, accompanied by giggles. She grounded her hands on my chest and then leaned up and gave me a goodnight kiss. I cooed as I watched her lay back down as that may just have been the sweetest gesture I had ever experienced. 

"Night Harper," I pressed a kiss to her forehead, turning off her Peppa pig lamp and leaving the room. As I left, I felt a little overwhelmed. Were my eyes watering? No, it was just dust, I swear. I just couldn't comprehend how this little life put so much trust into me in such a minuscule space of time. 

I attempted to sleep then, but knowing Aviana was vulnerable to all sorts of menace right now, contributed to me being unable to sleep. Instead, I sat at the kitchen table with a cup of tea and my phone, awaiting her arrival home. I wasn't going to sleep until I saw her home safe. 

... 

Aviana's POV 

The night was chilly, the cold air causing goosebumps to rise on my skin. As soon as my destination was in view, I glanced around the dimly lit street. Leaning against a wall, I took off my white converse, soon replacing them with the heels, heels higher than I myself would stray from wearing, other than having been coerced into wearing them. Once on, I walked down the street in them, recalling the first night I had worn these. My inexperienced self, stumbling down the street in them, almost twisting both my ankles. 

My train of thoughts were impertinently interrupted when a clammy hand was placed around my mouth, my body dragged down the alley adjacent to where I had once been stood. I had no incentive to glance up at the culprit, I was already aware of who it was executing the proprietary actions. My intuitive thoughts were confirmed when I saw the black bowler hat casting shadows down on his face. That bastard. I held in a whimper when he suddenly let my body go. It clashed harshly with the wall and I once more found my thigh saturated as I sat in a puddle. Does he just purposely drop me in puddles? 

"What do you want?' I indignantly questioned, not even glancing up at this despicable man. 

"I have an extra little job for you," an enigmatic smile was covering his features. 

"Why do you have to interrogate me for a 'extra job?'" I asked and suddenly, it came to my brisk attention by the smirk on his face I most certainly did not what to know what this job entailed. 

"I know you're strapped for cash so this is going to get you triple pay," he said. I felt a lump growing in my throat at the prospect of what this could possibly mean. I knew all too well how this was going to culminate. "A client, he wants a little extra special time with you," David informed me and I immediately shook  my head. 

"No, no, tell him no. Please," I remonstratively responded. I was aware he was not going to be pliable, he was not going to be persuaded by me but I was vehemently going to reprimand this possible 'job'. This is not what I signed up for. 

"He's already chosen you, he's asked for you and is willing to pay a lot of money Aviana," David told me but I just shook my head once more. 

"I have a boyfriend." 

"He can join," he concisely added. My jaw dropped at this response. What does he think we are? If he believes me and my boyfriend would have sex with some stranger for money then he really needs to reevaluate his thoughts -- and his life. 

"You are a disgusting human," I snapped. 

"I don't take my clothes off for money," he retorted and I bowed my head. 

"Can I get up?" I asked, my thighs beginning to go numb with the cold. 

"Are you agreeing to the job?" he raised an eyebrow at me. 

"No," I sternly responded. 

"Are you agreeing to the job?" He more vociferously replied, taking out an object I knew all too well. It shone, even in this dim light and had my heart beating incessantly in my chest, so fast I felt as though it was going to rip through my chest. In that moment, I wished it did, just so I wouldn't be conscious to endure this. 

"Please, don't do this," I imploring said. I felt tears forming in my eyes but I hastily blinked them back. "This wasn't in my contract!"

"You signed a contract that said you would obey and do as I say, now are you going to do the job, yes or no?" He almost roared and I felt as though my insides were about to lurch out of my stomach. In that moment, all I yearned for was to be in Niall's arms, safe from this bastard. 

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A/N Hiii, I'm back! Sorry I've been gone, I've just been v poorly and been getting tests done to see what's wrong! Quick note, just want to tell you all to expect an update for this every two weeks and if I have it ready, every week. As I'm going to have to be doing a lot of studying now, I won't have as much time to write. I have important exams coming up (my leaving cert or a-levels in the uk) so I need time to study as they determine what uni I get accepted into! 

Thanks for all the constant support, I love you all so so much and hope you're having a great day! I really really hope you enjoyed this update and sorry again for being MIA for so long! 

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