Save My Love

"And then I took their order, and- are you listening?"

I blinked a few times, coming to the realization I actually hadn't been listening at all. I'd been thinking, maybe even worrying a bit.

"Sorry, continue," I urged. Another night of late work for mom, another night of Zayn inviting his friends over and Harry somehow convincing me to talk to him. It'd only been a couple weeks, but this was becoming more and more normal for the household.

So was the lack of Niall.

I hadn't made any efforts to contact him, always letting him have the first word. And eventually he caught on to the fact that he was the only one trying, and cut it off as well. But, by now, he knew my schedule and I often saw him out of the corner of my eye in the most random of places. Once, I swore I saw him in my living room as I passed it to get back to the kitchen, where I'd left Harry to check on dinner.

I wanted him back.

"Pippa."

"What?"

"You're still not listening."

"Sorry."

"What's on your mind?"

The more I was dragged into talking to him, the more I decided I may have labeled him too quickly. He seemed very considerate and kind, now that I actually gave him the time of day. I wouldn't consider us friends, but he definitely took a better liking to me than he did my brother and Louis, which may or not have been his way of getting in my pants.

"Nothing. Just had a long day."

"It's Niall, isn't it?"

"No."

"Look, you probably don't wanna hear this, but I think you need to let him go."

"What?" I began, "Are you kidding me right now?" I laughed in his face. He looked a bit uncomfortable at my remark, but continued.

"Think about it. He hasn't talked to you in a while. And even before he quit talking, he wasn't all that great of a 'boyfriend' anyway. If I remember correctly, you mentioned the fact he didn't even bother to introduce you to his friends or family."

"And who are you to define to me what a good boyfriend is?"

"All I'm saying is that if it were me, I'd put in a much better effort."

I rolled my eyes at his worthless comments. Who did he think he was, exactly? Not that I had much room to speak; not like Niall actually was my boyfriend.

"You know just as well as I do that you caught my eye the second I met you. And generally, when that happens, I care for that person. And when I care for someone, I don't give them advice I wouldn't follow myself."

"Or, because I caught your eye, you're gonna tell me whatever will get rid of any obstacles in between you and me."

"I know I didn't make a great first impression, but do you really think I'm the kind of guy who aims to break couples up for my own benefit?"

"Seems like a logical plan on your part, no?"

"Maybe, if I was some kind of villain."

I was ready to shoot out another not-so-kind comment, when the other two decided to join us.

"Is the food ready or what? I'm starving," Zayn shot off.

"Your plate's on the counter, your majesty."

"I can do without the sarcasm. And next time, be sure to let me know before it gets cold."

Louis chuckled to himself, following my brother back up the stairs and into his room.

"You know, your friend is rubbing off on Zayn more than I'd like to put up with."

"My friend? Does it look like I've taken any interest in talking to him?"

"Well he sure seems fond of you. Before you were a regular here, he'd always bring you up around me."

"That's because he's a creep. Hence the lack of friendship."

"Well tell him to get away from my brother. I'm sick of having a douchebag in my house. And I'm not talking about you this time."

And before he could defend himself, I got up and got myself dinner before retreating to my bedroom for the night.

Notes

Looks like my updating skills have only gotten worse. Sorry for the delay! I hope you enjoyed :)