Save My Love

I didn't really know how to approach Niall anymore. He wouldn't answer my texts, or even answer the door for that matter. I knew he was ignoring me, not because he was angry, but because he had to play it safe now.

I wanted to ask when his time was up. I wanted to ask when we finally could be together without interfering with his job. I wanted to ask him anything. But it wasn't gonna happen.

At least not until that darned knock on my door.

Weeks after Niall's eating incident, I was home alone watching TV when I heard rapid pounding. Careless as to who it could be, I took my time answering.

"Liam?" I asked as I finally swung the door open.

"Thank God, hurry and come with me."

"What? Why? What's going on?"

"I'll explain on the way. Just get your shoes and I'll meet you in the car," he called, already heading back out. I wasted no time, fearful thoughts filling my mind. Did something happen to Sammi?

When I got in the car, he backed out before I could even put my belt on, and floored it. He didn't start talking, so I began.

"Is it Sammi?"

"Kinda. Not really. More so Niall."

"Niall?!" I felt my eyebrows arch up in worry.

"Yeah. Sammi and I were going out to eat to that restaurant and when we were about to leave, she saw Niall and pointed him out to me. He walked up to Harry and they started talking, then they both went in the back, and never came out. Sammi wanted to go check on them but I wouldn't let her so she told me to come get you."

"This can't be good," I thought aloud, anxious to get there.

After what felt like forever, we finally pulled in, and I practically jumped out of the car before Liam had the chance to park. I hurried in the front doors, making my way to the front desk.

"Hi, is Harry available?" I asked, a little winded. When the door jingle sounded, I didn't have to look behind me to know it was Liam hot on my heels.

"I'm sorry, Harry just went on his break. Can I take a-"

"Where is he?" Liam cut in, sounding more pissed than anything.

"He could be anywhere by now... but he should be back in 15 minutes. Can you wait that long?" he said, a bit too rude for Liam's liking.

"Actually, no, we can't. So if you don't mind," he started, grabbing me wrist and dragging me past the man, who was too stunned at Liam's persistence to really retaliate.

He let go of me after there was a bit of distance between us and the front desk. We both marched into the "employees only" area, finding what looked like a bad excuse for a break room. It was empty, but the door leading out was cracked. I bolted for it but Liam stopped me before I could run out.

"Shhh," he warned, holding a finger to his mouth. He peeked around the corner, making sure to stay hidden.

"What do you see?" I whispered.

"Harry's smoking, and Niall looks angry at him and he's saying stuff. I can't tell what he's saying though."

"Is that it?"

"Yeah... wait no. Sammi just walked up I gotta go-"

"No stop. Just wait," I warned, this time dragging his wrist.

"Fine. But the second something happens I'm running out there."

"Don't worry. Me too."

"She walked in between them. Always the peacemaker," he snorted, rolling his eyes.

"Let me see," I said, lightly shoving him out of the way. I squinted, seeing the exact scene Liam described. Niall had his fists balled up, but he was a good distance away. Sammi was explaining something to the both of them, while Harry smirked after he blew out some smoke.

I stayed silent until I finally saw Niall move towards the other two.

"Niall just walked up to Sammi and moved her to the side. He's walking closer to Harry. Oh Lord please no," I groaned, turning away before anything else happened.

"That's it. Stay here," Liam commanded. He opened the door and let it fall back on the stopper behind him. I watched him walk out, approaching the two men with a laid-back façade. Niall's muscles relaxed at the sight of Liam, but Harry's smug look stayed all the same. Sammi stayed placed where Niall put her, looking nervous.

I had no idea what was said, but the next thing I knew, Niall had thrown a massive punch at Harry. But to his surprise, Harry not only dodged it, but actually caught it with his free hand. With the other, he pulled the cigarette out of his mouth and laughed a bit. Liam put some space in between them, facing Harry and saying a few more words. Harry hadn't even completed his response before Liam also attempted a punch, except he was successful. The cigarette fell to the ground, and shortly after Harry spit out a bit of blood.

I couldn't stand to see much more without hearing, so I also walked out. I must've been quiet, because no one noticed me until I was about halfway there.

"Oh look, the lady of the hour herself," Harry announced, laughing sarcastically.

"Pippa? What are you doing here?" Niall asked, completely distracted for a second.

"What are you doing here?"

"Looks like a great big whore reunion," Harry chuckled.

"Excuse me?" I questioned.

"What? Superboy here didn't tell you?"

"Don't listen to him Pippa, he's lying."

"Oh, let her believe what she wants. Basically, you're not the first girl loverboy has had to protect. Same goes for you sweet pea," his head rolled over to face Sammi.

"Wait... how many girls did you 'save' before me?"

"Pippa I swear there was no one!"

"Niall..."

"Ok I've only been on two other missions before you. But I never even met them! I just kept them from harm and stuff. I never even wanted to know them. I only ever introduced myself to you."

"And what about you, Liam? What am I? Girl #12?" Sammi questioned. It came as a shock to me that Liam was also a "superhero", but at this point, I could care less.

"Sammi..."

"No! Tell me! I'm dying to know!" she shouted, her voice beginning to crack.

"I don't know," he muttered.

"Oh yes you do. Don't lie to me more than you already have."

"I don't know! Okay? I've been doing this for a really long time. I honestly haven't kept track. That doesn't mean I've dated all of them and you don't mean anything to me. You're the only girl I care about and you know it," he defended.

"How are you supposed to believe those two? You literally know nothing about their past. They could be lying through their teeth," Harry spat. No one said anything, so he continued.

"Let's not forget the precious redhead over here," he motioned towards me, "the second something goes wrong in love land, she runs to another guy until the last one comes back. Incredible!" he faked a look of surprise. Sammi had begun to cry, stepping backward even more from everyone else. But I wasn't taking it.

"I'm so sick of you. You lie and deceive and you've been bad news from the start. I can't believe I ever trusted you."

"I can't either, love," he shrugged. I went to slap him but he pinned my wrist against the wall without batting an eyelash.

"Better be careful, babe. Your boyfriend over there isn't the only magical one," he winked, disappearing into thin air.

After a moment of confusion, Liam left silently, taking a weeping Sammi under his arm and guiding her back to the car. I looked over at Niall, who looked sick to his stomach. When he glanced up at me, he just shook his head and walked away. I began to follow him, but I quickly realized it was pointless. It would lead to another fight, and that's the last thing I needed to deal with.

With a quick dial to Zayn, I asked for a ride home, and waited for another 15 minutes before getting away from that place.

Notes