#iflc

[nymphadoraromanoff]

Hot girls have mental breakdowns over Clintasha while listening to John Denver. Get on my level

[horansqueen]

It Feels Like Christmas - Part 1

It feels like Christmas Just like Christmas It feels like Christmas with you...

Click Here if you want to be on the update list

MIMI

It's Christmas again. It's that time of the year again, and I couldn't find a good reason not to visit my family. It's not that I didn't love them, in fact, I loved them more than any other humans on the planet. They put up with me when I walked into their life and they loved me through all the obstacles I brought them despite myself. No one else had even showed me love the way my parents had and I was totally thankful. The problem was not a lack of love, it was the whole Christmas thing. The parties, the traditions, and all the memories that came with it... including the bad ones. No, Christmas was definitely not my favorite holiday and probably never would be.

The airport was crowded and I had to admit I was not a fan of that either, but I still managed to make my way to the counter before finding a seat. Waiting was the worst, and I closed my eyes, almost falling asleep a few times but waking up every time my head would fall. I was extremely tired because of the last few weeks at work and I just wanted to lay down in my bed, blankets over my head, and sleep for a month. The beds at my parents' were comfortable, of course, but they were not my bed and that was their only but still very big flaw.

I blinked a few times, forcing myself to open my eyes, and turned my head to look at the large window. It was barely possible to see anything except snowflakes falling and I started nibbling my bottom lip. I was normally not scared of flying but in these conditions, it was slightly stressful. I gripped the sleeves of my hoodie hard and twisted the fabric. Was that a good excuse to leave and just go back home? To spend the holidays at home, watching action movies on my couch and napping in-between?

I was still lost in my thought when a message from the airline company echoed in the large room.

"Due to the bad weather, all flights will be delayed. More information will be provided later."

Something inside of me seemed to light suddeenly like a switch was flick, as I thought of the possibility to just go back home. It seemed like I was blessed for no reason, like someone had heard my prayers and that I was going to get what I wanted this year without much effort.

I watched everyone get up and rush to the counters to talk to employes and at that moment, I was so happy I was not working there. I remained sitting without moving at all as everyone was panicking around me and closed my eyes again. I thought about how excited my mom had sounded when I told her that this year, I would spend Christmas with them and somethin stirred in my stomach. It was guilt. Of course, I had to go. It was the first time in the past 5 years that I would spend Christmas with them. I hated it, that much was true, but I could make an effort, right? It was only a few days... right? Suffering a few days to make my parents happy seemed like a very tiny sacrifice and after a while, I sighed and my eyes fluttered open.

I inhaled deeply to gather some courage and finally go get my stuff back. When I got out of the airport, it was late and although I should be hungry, I was actually slightly nauseous. I felt my heart jump in my chest and walked quickly to the closest cab, opening the door and bringing my luggage with me.

"Wow, I'm so lucky." I let out with a chuckle before I noticed someone sitting next to me. "Oh, I-I'm s-so sorry!"

The man next to me looked young, maybe a few years younger than me, and he seemed as surprised as I was. I could see part of his brown hair under his beanie and when his blue eyes met mine, I held my breath.

"Sorry miss, but he was here before you-"

"No, no of course, I'm really sorry." I grabbed the handle of the door but stopped immediately when I felt the young man's hand over mine. It was warm despite the cold weather and I turned around to face him, blinking a few times.

"Where are you going?"

My mom taught me not to share that kind of information with anyone but I just licked my lips and raised a shoulder. "Closest hotel, I guess."

His lips curled slightly and he nodded once. "Me too. We can share the cab if you want."

I didn't want to get back in the cold with my stuff and try to find a new cab. I just wanted to get in bed and sleep after a drink or two, perhaps. I let my eyes roam on his face before I pressed my lips together. A cab ride wouldn't kill me. In fact, there was probably a hotel nearby and we would just split the bill and party without ever seeing each other again.

"Thank you, that's very sweet of you." I agreed, my lips curling into a smile.

"Christmas spirit!" he chuckled and shrugged. "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

"I guess." I replied softly. I thought the exact opposite but what was the point of telling him? Besides, I knew it would bring many questions that I didn't want to answer.

The ride was silent but I noticed him glancing at me from time to time and every time, I couldn't help my heart from skipping a beat. We reached the hotel and paid the driver before bringing our stuff in the hall of the hotel slowly. He seemed tired too but when we reached the counter, I leaned against it without sending him a second glance.

"I'd like a room, one night, please."

"For two?" the woman in front of me asked, raising her eyebrows.

"No." I chuckled tiredly. "One for me, alone."

I paid and ended up in the elevator with a key. I yawned as the doors were closing but the guy from earlier stopped them to join me and once again, I felt nervous.

"I had already booked a room before leaving the airport." he explained when I sent him an awkward smile. "Your flight was delayed too?"

"Yea."

He nodded and I started biting my bottom lip, holding the handle of my luggage even harder., so hard that my fingers turned white. I didn't know why but he was making me nervous, and when the door opened again, I rolled my bag behind me until I heard his voice again.

"Hey." he let out, making me turn around. "I'm gonna go to the bar on the first floor, to get a drink. If you want to join me, you're welcome."

I looked at him for a few seconds, debating if it was a good idea or not and if I should actually go, until I noticed the doors close again between us, making me jump slightly.

"Uhm, okay."

I spent too long just looking at the closed doors, motionless and alone on the hall of the 6th floor. I didn't know this man but somehow, he made a short impact on my night and when I took my shoes off and sat on my bed, he sitll hadn't left my mind. I was not the type to talk to strangers let alone befriend them, but somehow, i felt lonely in this stupid hotel room. I got up quickly, leaving my bag there, and walked to the bathroom to look at myself in the mirror. I had left my coat on the bed along with my boots next to the door and what I was looking at was horrible. My make up was almost all gone, leaving small traces of black under my eyes,  and my hair was a mess. I looked at my reflection and sighed. It was a miracle someone had invited me for a drink. Perhaps, he was desperate or very lonely himself.

I just wanted to take off my jeans and put on sweatpants but instead, I closed my eyes and shook my head. The truth was, a drink would be very appreciated. I grabbed my wallet, my phone and my key before walking out of my room and taking the elevator again. I felt my heart beat harder the whole ride and when the 'ding' was heard, telling me I was on the main floor, I swallowed hard.

It was mostly the kind of person who carried their friends through decades. I wasn't good at making new friends or even opening up. Going to meet a strange at a hotel bar was very out of character for me but somehow, it was thrilling.

As soon as I walked in I noticed him but instead to talk to him, I walked to the bar and asked for a shot and a drink, if only to ease my nerves. Everything stressed me. from spending the evening, drinking with a stranger, to going back to see my parents for Christmas, and it was not easy to handle. I grabbed the shot and swallowed it quickly before giving my room number to the barman and taking a long sip of my 'sex on the beach'. It took about a minute and a half until the man in the cab sat next to me and I licked my lips before turning to him.

"Niall Horan." he just said, extending his hand.

I grabbed it and shook it slightly with a small smile. "Mimi. Armstrong."

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Mimi." he just said as his lips curled. "I would have paid for your drink, you should have let me."

I raised my nose up and shook my head a bit. "Na, it's cool, I'm not here because you invited me." I joked, making him chuckle. "I just needed a drink. Cheers?"

He clinked his glass of what looked like rum and coke against mine and I laughed a bit.

"So, Mimi Armstrong, where were you going?" he asked as I was swallowing what was left of my glass. He made a sign to the bartender and pointed my drink before pointing himself and I felt my heart skip a beat when I realized he was putting my drink on his bill. When was the last time something like that had happened to me?

"It's the holidays, of course I'm going in my family." I let out, not really mentioning that I normally never spend Christmas with my family. "What about you?"

He twisted his glass in his hands and chuckled sadly. "I'm going back home. My mom is probably already there. I invited her for the holidays. I just hope I can get there in time. I don't want her to spend a lonely Christmas, that's why I invited her in first place."

"Where are you from?"

"Ireland, and you?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

I turned to Niall and blinked a few times. I should have guessed from his accent that he was Irish but for some reason, I didn't. His blue eyes roamed on my face and I suddenly felt self-conscious. Why did he even invite me here for a drink? It was ridiculous to be lonely to the point of inviting a random stranger like me to drink for the evening.

"Oh, here and there." I admitted with a shrug. "I don't really know."

"Wait." he frowned, tilting his head slightly. "You don't know where you're from?

I stared at him for a few second again until the bartender put an other drink in front of me. I grabbed it and sipped half of it quickly from the straw, not really sure I wanted to answer sincerely his question. After all, I didn't know him, and I was not the type to open up anyway.

"I'm from everywhere and nowhere, it doesn't matter."

[scottlespaddler]

Just chillin with mama watching some netflix

[horansqueen]

It Feels Like Christmas - Part 2

It feels like Christmas Just like Christmas It feels like Christmas with you...

Click Here if you want to be on the update list

NIALL

Have you ever felt like fate was on your side? Have you ever felt like someone, even after just meeting them, was going to have a big impact on your life? It's not like the sky opened and a light beamed down on them or anything. It's not like an angelic song started when they appeared. No, it felt more like a stomach twisting, heart jumping kind of thing. Like there was this certitude inside of you, some thought that turned quickly into a fact, the fact that the person taking a seat next to you, in your taxi, was going to change your life one way or an other. Call it faith, call it intuition, call it a blessing... all I knew was that I had to try something.

"Alright, you're the mysterious kind, I can go along with that." I replied, letting my lips curl slightly, still staring at her.

She smiled back gently and somehow, I could read a 'thank you' in the way she was looking at me. Perhaps she didn't want to tell me too much about herself, but her eyes became soft and I could swear it was not anything against me.

Her eyes left mine and she grabbed the straw in her glass to bring it to her mouth. I stared at her, trying to find the right words to tell her to make sure she wouldn't run away, and I noticed how shy she was. It didn't seem like it at first glance. In fact, you could think she was quite outgoing and social but it was the little things that made me realize she was timid. She didn't mind talking but she tried to avoid my gaze. She accepted my invitation but tried to remain as far away physically from me as she could. She made jokes and laughed at mine but played with her straw nervously when I looked at her.

"Look, I'm gonna be very honest with you Niall..." she held her breath and shook her head before licking her lips. "I really hate Christmas."

Her confession shocked me. I hadn't expected something like that to come out of her lips. I thought she'd tell me she was not interested, that she wanted me gone, or that she was too tired to stay... but her spilling her feelings about Christmas was something I would have never guessed. I mean, I didn't think that was even possible.

"Who doesn't like Christmas?" I asked, a bit baffled, shaking my head and frowning.

"Me. Mimi Armstrong." she chuckled, raising her eyebrows. "Seriously. The lights, and the snow, and everyone rushing in the streets to buy gifts for people they pretend to care about. And the songs... the SONGS. They're driving me insane. All these Christmas trees appearing in malls, kids crying to sit on Santa's laps because their parents lied to them all year long about being nice so a fake magical man will reward them... oh, and the horrible Christmas movies with orphans who find families on Christmas day? All crap."

I stared at her when she stopped talking. She was shaking her head, looking at her drink as she moved the straw in her glass before taking a sip. I just stared at her angelic round face and when she turned on her stool a bit, I noticed her facial expression and something in my heart twisted. Why wasn't Mimi Armstrong happy?

"That's a very cynical way to imagine Christmas." I simply said in a gentle tone.

Slowly, she turned to me, and when her eyes met mine, I felt my heart jump in my chest. Have you ever felt like someone was a total enigma, yet something attracted you to them as if you had known them for decades? Maybe we had met in an other life, maybe her aura just connected with mine or an other weird shit like that... or maybe I was just completely crazy.

"Perhaps I'm a cynical person, Niall Horan, you don't know much about me."

"Yet."

Her lips curled shyly and she chuckled. I don't know how I managed it, but by one in the morning, Mimi was genuinely laughing with me after an intense debate about Christmas, and a funny sharing of Christmas stories.

"Would you like to have one last drink in my room?" she asked, putting her empty glass on the counter and turning to me on her stool.

I felt my lips curl slightly and she tilted her head and raised her eyebrows, waiting for my answer.

"Are you trying to get in my pants?"

She chuckled and raised her nose up in a cute way. "I would never do that. I barely know you."

We started laughing at the same time and I let my head fall slightly on my shoulders before we got up. I left a bill on the counter to cover for the tip and followed her to the elevator, staying slightly behind her as she walked. She kept turning around to make sure I was still there, sending me a small smile every single time, and when the doors of the elevator closed in front of us, I leaned on the wall, holding myself with the small banister behind me.

"Are you really inviting a stranger to your room?" I asked in an amused tone, hoping my words wouldn't make her change her mind.

"You're not a stranger." she argued, turning her upper body to look at me. "You're Niall Horan, from Ireland! The guy who's got a guitar for his fourth Christmas! Who gets a guitar when they're four?"

"It was a toy." I laughed. "I didn't get a guitar of my own before my teen years. I used my brother's to learn."

"Alright then!" she gave in with a big smile and a shrug. "Perhaps I don't know everything about you, but that doesn't make you a stranger."

The bell of the elevator made a 'ding' and we both heard the doors open. She took a few steps back and I walked with her as she laughed. "I'm not going to sleep with you though, I just want to make sure you're aware of that."

I smiled more and put both my hands in my pockets. "Noted."

I waited as she unlocked the door and she rushed inside, bending down to look at the bottles in the bar. She brought a bunch of tiny ones and put them on the bed before going through her bag, taking out a red and white gift bag.

"Wine?" she asked, opening the bottle. "God I'm so glad I bought them a twist cap."

"Is that a gift for..."

"My parents." she cut me, nodding quickly before shrugging. "It's okay, I can buy an other one."

We ended up sitting on the bed, face to face, hitting out plastic cups together before talking a long sip of wine. It tasted expensive but I didn't mention it as she leaned against the wall, tilting her head. She seemed to study me and I let her, finishing my glass and filling it again, doing the same with hers.

"What's your favorite Christmas song?" she finally asked before my eyes got smaller as I took the time to think.

"Baby It's Cold Outside."

She frowned and chuckled, shaking her head. "Is that even a Christmas song?"

"Actually, yes it is."

"Do they even mention Christmas in that song? I don't think so." she laughed with a shrug. "It's a winter song alright, they do mention it being cold outside, that much is obvious, but that girl singing clearly didn't go on a date with that man on Christmas."

"Why not?"

I was starting to be intrigued by her theories and even if they always ended up being pessimistic, they were still interesting and I was curious.

"She would clearly be with her family. That girl's got the family values." she pointed out, making me laugh. "Also don't you think that man's a bit pushy? He insists so much after she told him a million times she had to go. He won't let her leave and that is seriously creepy."

"Maybe he feels like she doesn't really want to leave?"

"That's what a rapist would say."

This time, I laughed a bit louder. "Well, I can't say you're wrong!"

"You should find a new favorite Christmas song." she finally said, leaning closer to grab one of the bottle waiting on the bed before looking up at me again.

Her cheeks were red, her smile was immense, and her eyes seemed to shine. It could be just alcohol but she did invite me in her room, didn't she?

"Will do, I promise." I whispered, making her smile turn into a fond one.

We stayed in silence for a while, finishing the wine bottle and glancing at each other. I wanted to tell her something clever but nothing would come to mind. Actually, a lot of things did, but nothing smart or relevant.

"You know, my parents are not really my parents." she finally admitted, making me look up at her quickly. "I mean technically and legally, they are, but biologically, they're not. I was adopted."

"Oh."

"Mmhm," she continued, pressing her lips together and pouring some vodka in her glass. The taste with the wine must have been weird but I didn't mention it. "I was 13 when I was adopted. Which makes the whole thing even harder because, I remember my real parents, you know? When you're adopted as a baby, it's different, but when you have an actual past... a story with your real parents and then you get adopted, there are way more questions left unsaid. It's not that they couldn't afford to have a baby, or that they were too young. They knew you and decided you just weren't good enough."

I felt something twist in my chest as I watched her facial expression change and her eyes water. She cleared her throat and swallowed all the vodka in her glass before making a grimace.

"So you grow up bitter, and become a rebel, because if your real parents couldn't love you, then how could two strangers do? And if they were not going to love you, then you'd at least give them reasons not to." she shrugged and her eyes finally met mine. "But hey, I didn't turn out too bad, considering."

"You're an amazing young woman, Mimi." I let out in a very soft tone. "Whoever doesn't love you is a fool."

She stared at me for a few seconds, her eyes fluttering and her lips very lightly curled into a gentle but tiny smile. She passed her hand in her hair and suddenly. the moment was over.

"What about you? What's your story?"

"Nothing like that." I admitted, raising my eyebrows and grabbing a bottle of rum.

"Perfect family? I'm not surprised."

"No family is perfect." I corrected, opening the small bottle in my hands. "My parents are divorced but they don't hate each other. I don't really get along with my brother but I love him."

"You have people who love you. People who will love you despite everything, no matter what you do, or say." she whispered, licking her lips. "That must be great."

I waited but we both remained motionless. I watched her swallow hard, trying to keep her tears in, and slowly, I got up, took all the bottles left from the bed to put them away, and walked up to her. She let me take her empty glass from her hands and I sat down next to her. She hesitated but let herself fall in my arms, pressing her face in my shirt as I held her close. I leaned my cheek on the top of her head and closed my eyes. She smelled like cocoa and candy cane, and the irony of her smelling like Christmas while also hating it made me squeeze her harder against me. When I saw Mimi, I thought she would change my life but perhaps, I was the one who could shine a little light on hers. And I would do anything I could to do it.

[horansqueen]

It Feels Like Christmas - Part 4

It feels like Christmas Just like Christmas It feels like Christmas with you...

MASTERLIST 🎄

Click Here if you want to be on the update list

NIALL

I couldn't take my mind off of Mimi. The whole time I was on the plane, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I had remained in my seat, eyes closed, playing the evening we spent together over and over in my head, trying to find what I could have done or said that would have made her want to see me again. Did I insist too much? Was I too intrusive? Did I ask too much questions? Or did I talk too much about myself?

I knew that for her, I was probably just a guy who paid her a drink at a hotel bar, someone she spent time with so she wouldn't be alone. Perhaps I didn't even matter to her. But damn, she mattered to me. I was never the type to believe in love at first sight. Not because I was not a romantic soul, I actually liked to think I was, but believing in love at first sight seemed shallow and pale in comparison with real deep love, the kind of love that requires a connection, the building of something... a love where you know the person better than they know themselves. It takes time and effort to reach that level with someone and I prefered to think that real love was based on sharing moments, feelings and secrets together, discovering someone's flaws and habits, realizing that someone completes you. Not because you're incomplete when you're alone, but just because being with them is easy and natural. I want someone who will make my life brighter just by being in it.

I didn't know much about Mimi, but everything I knew, I felt like I didn't deserve to know. I didn't know if she regretted telling me so many of her secrets in the same night. I had the feeling she was not the type to open up easily, and that realization made me think that maybe, just maybe, I was a bit special.

When I hugged her, I felt like it was not the last time. Or maybe it was just that I didn't want it to be. She had made it clear that she didn't want to keep in touch with me, though, and I was not going to try and look for her, that would be wrong, I knew it.

I knew I should forget completely about her and move on. It would be the normal and right thing to do. I guessed that everyone in their life ended up meeting someone special they never see again. Someone who was supposed to teach them something, or bring some comfort to them for some reason. Maybe Mimi was that person, or maybe I was that person for her. Or both. Either way, it was over, but I was not ready to let it go. Not yet.

I tried to find the right key for the elevator and when I finally got to my apartment, I heard the sound of dishes and frowned, letting my bags fall in the lobby.

"Ma?"

"Pet!"

I smiled as I watched her walk up to me and wrapped my arms around her, holding her tight against me. I couldn't spend the whole holidays thinking about a girl I barely knew, no matter how obsessed I seemed to be, and I decided to push the thought of her away.

"I'm so sorry I'm late, I should have been here last night."

"No, don't worry." she shook her head, bringing one of her hands on my cheeks. "I'm glad you're back safe and sound."

She tapped my cheek vert softly and I smiled more. "It smells good, did you make food?"

"Mmhm, are you hungry?"

I didn't know if I was more tired or hungry but we ended up sitting at the table, eating together and quickly washed the dishes after. I didn't see my mother really often, only a few times a year, and enjoying my time with her was high on my priority list.

I opened a bottle of red wine and when she proposed we actually decorated my tree, I couldn't pretend it was not an amazing idea. We were almost done when she finally spoke. I had noticed her glancing at me a lot in the last half hour but I didn't want to mention it.

"What's wrong?"

"Mm?" I asked, turning around and raising my eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"You're... pensive. Something is upsetting you."

I chuckled and shook my head, a bit baffled at how well she could read me. It always surprised me even if I should be used to it by now. I moved away to turn on the soft white lights of the tree and sighed again, grabbing my glass as my eyes roamed on our achieved work.

"It's nothing bad or dangerous," I started with a shrug, staring at the lights of the tree. "You don't have to worry."

"Ah. A girl." she stated, nodding slowly.

This time, I couldn't help but turn my head her way and let out a low chuckle. Was I that transparent? Or was it just because my mother knew me so well it was almost impossible for me to hide her anything?

"I mean, just a girl I met at the airport." I shrugged, trying to make it seem like it was no big deal. "I felt like we connected but maybe it was all in my head."

"Are you going to see her again?"

I took a few steps back and sat on my couch with a sigh, leaning against it. My mom walked up to me and sat next to me as I took a sip of my drink, my gaze lost in the soft lights.

"Probably not, but I hope so."

---

The hopes I had inside of me to see Mimi again didn't falter despite my efforts to get her out of my mind, and two days later, it just happened. I saw her. I walked in a restaurant for take out and there she was, sitting at the table the closest to the door. I noticed her hair first and my heart jumped in my chest. With a swift head movement, she pushed her hair behind her shoulder and her face appeared to me.

At first, I thought I was hallucinating and it slightly bothered me. I didn't want to obsess over her to the point of seeing her everywhere. It was ridiculous to be infatuated like that with someone I barely knew and at the same time, what I had felt when we met wouldn't leave me. It stuck to my skin, my heart, my soul and my mind in a way I didn't understand. I still had the feeling my life would be changed forever from meeting her, but it seemed less likely knowing there were barley any chance for us to meet again.

It was different when I finally realized that it was really her, standing only a few meters away from me, and that I could just take a few steps in her direction to smell her again. I held my breath, staring at her for a few minutes, gathering some courage and not really knowing what I could tell her, when suddenly, a guy sat in front of her. He sent her a large smile and she put her back straight and crossed her hands on the table.

My lips parted, feeling suddenly a bit lost on what my next move should be. All I knew was that I couldn't let go of that chance, I had to take it. It was crazy to even think we found each other again, I was not going to ruin this.

The thought that she may already have a boyfriend crossed my mind but I blinked a few times and swallowed hard. I didn't know much about Mimi, but her cynical ways to see life made me think she was not the type to hold on to a romantic relationship for too long. Plus, he didn't seem like his type, or at least, I hoped he was not.

"When your mom told me you were in town, I couldn't believe it!" the guy said, letting out a short chuckle. "You haven't been here for Christmas in.. years!"

"How do you know that?"

"Oh, your mom always told mine how much she missed you, but that she understood you were busy and everything."

Mimi nodded slowly and I suddenly felt horrible for listening to their conversation. "Look, Josh, I don't know what my mom told you, and I know she loves getting into my love life but, I'm not, you know..."

I couldn't see her face but I noticed how the guy's face literally dropped and I felt bad for him. I couldn't pretend it didn't please me, though.

"Oh, I mean you're here, so I thought..."

"Josh, we dated when we were eighteen, I mean." she chuckled softly. "I don't even live here and I don't want to. I don't believe in relationships, you know how I am. I don't... I've never fallen in love before, and I don't think it's ever going to happen."

"Okay but maybe we could just try? Go on a date, spend time together." he proposed. "We don't have to officially date or anything."

"No, I'd rather n-"

"Come on, Mimi,” he cut her. “Take some time to think about it, will you?"

I don't know what brought me to do this but I quickly walked to them and breathed in, spreading a smile on my face.

"Mimi, wow, never thought I'd see you here!"

She turned her head to look at me but I felt like it was all going in slow motion. Her frowning eyes met mine and I could swear her facial expression softened. Her lips parted slightly in surprise and if I allowed myself to believe it, I could even think she was happy and relieved to see me.

"Hey, Niall." she let out in a gentle tone, making my heart skip a beat. "What are you doing here? Are you following me?"

I laughed a bit and shrugged. "I was wondering the same thing."

We remained motionless but after a while, she got up and put her hand on my shoulder, moving closer to kiss my cheeks. It felt formal, especially when I thought about us falling asleep together, cuddling, after she spilled her biggest secrets to me, but I took it anyway and sent her a bigger smile when she moved slightly back. She glanced at Josh and when I looked at him, he seemed confused and a bit upset by the situation. I didn't really care about him, though. I just wanted to save Mimi from this horrible 'date', for lack of a better word.

"Oh, last time, you forgot your wallet." I lied, making her frown. "It's in my car."

It took her a few seconds to understand and she finally opened her eyes wide and nodded. "Oh, yea yea, thank you so much!"

She turned around to grab her coat and put it on before sending a fake smile to Josh and licking her lips. "So uhm hey, I have to go, I'll see you around?"

Josh got up quickly, putting his hands on the table to be closer to her. "You're already leaving?"

"Yes, sorry."

"Alright, so, I'll see you at that Christmas party?"

"Sure. Can't wait."

I heard the sarcasm in her voice but I was not sure Josh had actually noticed. I let her lead the way and we walked outside as she wrapped her scarf around her neck. We walked for a few minutes before she turned her head to me and sent me a smile. Her eyes seemed to light up when they met mine and the connection I had felt so clearly in the taxi was back.

"Thank you." she let out sincerely with a hint of relief. "I didn't know how to get out of this. I love my mom, but she absolutely wants me to find a man, which is ridiculous. I don't need a man to be happy."

I sent her a smile and nodded. "You're welcome. I'm glad I could save you, Mimi Armstrong." I replied, making her laugh. "Perhaps you want to go for a walk with me? Hot chocolate?"

She stopped walking and I did the same, turning to face her. Her head tilted slightly on the right as her hands were deep in the pockets of her coat. She looked pretty and the smile she sent me made my own lips curl. I didn't want to beg her or insist too much, the way that guy had only some minutes ago. I wanted her to agree because she wanted to, not because she felt like she owed me.

"Okay."

[horansqueen]

It Feels Like Christmas - Part 7

It feels like Christmas Just like Christmas It feels like Christmas with you...

MASTERLIST 🎄

Click Here if you want to be on the update list

hey guys, this story was nominated for Best Christmas Story so if you want to vote for me, please CLICK HERE! thank you! (last day!)

MIMI

When I reached the rink, I felt my lips curl despite myself. I hadn't skated in so long. but I was pretty sure it was like riding a bike. It brought back a bunch of memories to my brain and I was lost in them when Niall arrived. I felt his hand on my shoulder and although it should have made me jump, it actually simply made me blink a few times.

"Hey, Mimi, sorry I'm late."

He moved closer and I held my breath when he bent down to kiss my cheeks gently. After all, I shouldn't be surprised by this behavior. Not only was Niall giving me that kind of vibe, the fact that I kissed his cheek at the store was probably some sort of invitation for that kind of greeting now. I was not complaining, I actually enjoyed it, but I couldn't remember the last time someone had really touched me, except that time we cuddled all night at the hotel room.

That memory felt like it had happened in an other life, or in an other dimension, but Niall standing right next to me was the proof that it was real and I appreciated the reminder.

"It's okay, no worries." I replied with a smile. "So, ice skating uh? Why?"

"Well, I thought you'd find it a bit too weird if we'd go sledding." he explained, making me chuckle.

"I don't know, I haven't done that in years. Or skating. Or building a snowman." I admitted with a small shrug. "These are all considered 'Christmas activities', right?"

This time, Niall laughed and once again, my lips curled more at the sight of his head falling slightly back on his shoulders. "Winter activities, yea. Christmas activities, not so sure! But it's a great start!"

"Okay, you're clearly a Christmas prophet or something like that, tell me what kind of Christmas activities we could do?"

He raised his nose up and his chin up for a few seconds as he considered his options and finally moved his head back down and turned to look at me. "We could bake Christmas cookies, watch Christmas movies next to the tree, or maybe, oh, I know, we could go caroling!"

"That will not happen, I sing like a cat being choked to death!" I admitted with a laugh.

"That's a weird comparison but okay, no caroling!"

I laughed too and glanced at him, letting my eyes roam on him a bit. He looked classy with his usual long dark coat and his scarf, and I started wondering if he always dressed like that. The truth was, I hadn't seen him without his coat much and it hit me that I didn't know many futile things about him... and I wanted that to change.

"Okay Mimi, ready?" he asked, raising his eyebrows as he sent me an amused smile. "Can you even skate?"

I laughed and rolled my eyes without answering and we put our skates in silence before to get on the ice. I was surprised her could actually skate quite well and turned around, to face him as I kept on skating backwards.

"I took classes." I explained, licking my lips. "When I started living with my parents, they allowed me to try many things, and one of them was ice skating. I also took karate classes, painting classes, piano classes, and even did a year of ballet."

This time, Niall chuckled and raised his eyebrows. I could swear his eyes were sparkling. "Ballet? Why do I have a hard time imagining young rebellious Mimi dancing ballet?"

"Don't laugh! We danced on the Nutcracker!" I pointed out with a grin.

"See? You were always meant to love Christmas!" he let out as I slowed down a bit, allowing him to move a bit closer. "You just have to open up to it!"

I sent him a shy smile and shook my head slightly. I didn't think he really realized how much I had opened up to things since I met him, and it had only been a few days. It was not Christmas that had an impact on me, it was Niall.

I blinked a few times when I noticed his hands. He was holding them in front of me, palms up, the same way he had a few days before, when he warmed mine, and I glanced at them before looking up in his eyes. I wanted to put my hands in his, I really really wanted it. And I was exhausted to fight the things I wanted, I was exhausted to fight my attraction to him. I probably would end up regretting it, in a few weeks, when he'd break my heart, but I would deal with it, right?

I placed my hands in his and as soon as it happened, he smiled wider and pulled on them. It was ridiculous to feel your heart beat hard against your rib cage just from someone's touch but it was happening and instead to take my hands back, I squeezed his fingers tighter and let him lead. It was weird not having control, and scary at the same time, but anyway, that's pretty much how I had been feeling in the past few days. Every since I had met Niall, I felt like it was him who controlled me. He seemed to be everywhere I'd go and he was invading my thoughts. I was still trying to let go but I was holding on to the control I took years to build for myself.

I laughed when he made me turn and almost tripped, making him chuckle too. I don't know how long we skated but when we stopped, I couldn't take the smile off my face. I tried to catch my breath as we put our boots back on and walked away. His cheeks were red and I guessed that so were mine.

We walked to his car and he offered that I left my skates on his back seat. I didn't ask why even if I really wanted to, so much that I felt my tongue and throat burn slightly from keeping the question in. I followed him to a street and my eyes roamed on all the Christmas decorations around. He kept quiet for a few minutes and after a while, he slipped his hand in his pocket and took a small box out.

He grabbed it with both hands, looking down at it as we kept walking very slowly, and finally sighed. "I know you hate gifts but.. here."

I stopped dead in my track and my eyebrows raised when he handed me the box. I glanced up at him, then looked back at the box before pressing my lips together. Should I really accept a gift from a man I barely knew?

"Please." he asked in a gentle tone. "It's nothing expensive, but I bought them at the toyshop, I think they could be useful for you."

I frowned, suddenly curious on what could be in the box and without thinking, I quickly opened it. My lips parted and I chuckled very low as I stood there, staring at a pair of heart shaped sunglasses. I frowned and look up before raising my eyebrows at him. He was smiling and he shrugged.

"Try them." he proposed, making me frown again. "Please."

I took the glasses and he grabbed the box to help me as I felt my heart beat faster in my chest. I desperately wanted an explanation but I didn't want to ask. It took while before i put the on and when I did, It brought a big smile on my face and I chuckled again. Every single light around was now surrounded by a heart-shaped halo of the same color, except the white and yellow ones who were rainbow colored. I laughed a bit more and turned on my heels to glimpse at every single light in the street, whether they were Christmas lights or street lamps.

"This is... okay this is so cool." I admitted with an other chuckle.

It took a few minutes for me to finally take them off and the first thing I saw was Niall's fond smile, looking at me. I took a step closer and tilted my head, noticing his eyes following me. I don't know how he did that, but whenever he looked at me, I felt special, like I was the only person worth looking at.

"Maybe if you start seeing hearts around you, it'll help you believe in Christmas magic." he explained in a murmur. "Maybe you'll even allow yourself to fall in love."

"Fall in love?" I repeated just as low, raising my eyebrows. I wanted to say it would never happen but I was not so sure about it anymore and at the same time, I didn't know if I was really ready. "I doubt that."

He shrugged both shoulders and licked his lips. "You never know, Mimi."

"Thank you, Niall. I'm so sorry I don't have any gift for you." I confessed, feeling bad but making him smile.

"I thought I told you that you were my magic, Mimi." he repeated, bending down slightly closer, so close i could feel his warm breath on my cheeks. "You're my gift. And I'm determine to give you a very merry Christmas."

"Really?"

"Mmhm, how am I doing?"

I laughed and shook my head slightly at how endearing he was. I liked him. I really liked Niall Horan, and when I saw his smile again, I knew I was fucked.

"Great, actually, you're doing great."

I don't know my heart started beating so hard that I was starting to be dizzy. I could feel him thump in my chest, echoing in my ears and my head. If I wanted, I could move a few centimeters and press my lips on his, but if I did that, it would change everything. I couldn't remember the last time I kissed someone I liked that much and I didn't want to ruin this. I didn't want to allow him to hurt me. I didn't want to allow him to reject me. I breathed in and smiled more but took a step back.

"Well, it's time to go home." I just pointed out with a shrug.

"It's a bit late, maybe." I could swear I heard sadness in his voice but didn't mention it.

We were almost at my car when he started talking again, making my heart skip a beat. "Do you have something planned tomorrow?"

I turned to him and raised my eyebrows, trying to remember if I was busy on the next day. It was the 23rd and I was definitely not busy. Something suddenly invaded me, like some ecstatic feeling at the thought of spending more time with him, and I just shook my head.

"No, i'm free."

"So, there's this party, you know, the one I told you about? A few friends, few family members, including my mom... I thought maybe, you could be my plus one?"

My jaw dropped at his proposition and I blinked a few times as he scratched the back of his head with a shy smile. I hadn't seen Niall shy much but he clearly was embarrassed to ask and I was not sure why.

"And what are you gonna tell them when they ask who I am?" I wondered with a grimace, feeling suddenly bad at that thought. "Oh hey, this is Mimi, the girl I got drunk with in a hotel room during a snowstorm!"

Niall laughed and shrugged again before pushing both his hands in his pockets, his lips curling slightly on the left in an amused smile. "How about, this is Mimi, I got her for Christmas."

My eyes opened more and i slapped him friendly on the arm as he burst into laughter, moving slightly trying to escape my hand.

"That literally makes me sound like a prostitute!"

"Relax!" His laughter was contagious and I let out a chuckle too, not able to stop a smile to draw itself on my lips. "I'll just tell them we're friends, no big deal."

"I don't know, Niall." I argued with a small grimace. "I told you, I'm not a people person."

"How about you take the night to think about it?" he suggested again, his eyes roaming quickly on my face. "Perhaps you'd want to come to my apartment tomorrow afternoon. We could bake Christmas cookies."

The thought made my heart stir in my chest and I pressed my lips together, trying not to smile too much, without much success. What the hell was this guy doing to me? Would I really accept to a cheesy Christmas activity with him just because he was the prettiest and the sweetest man I had ever met?

"Maybe, I guess I'll text you tomorrow?"

My answer seemed to satisfy him and he smiled more before nodding. "I'll wait for your text message, then."

"Thanks again, Niall, for the gift." I whispered loud enough for him to hear.

"You're welcome."

I placed my hand on his chest and gripped his coat gently for a few seconds before getting back to my senses and clearing my throat. I took a step back and shrugged, still staring at him.

"I guess we will have to see each other anyway since my skates are in your car."

"See? We're meant to spend tomorrow together!"

As an only answer, I giggled like an idiot and turned around, reaching my car and unlocking the door.

"Goodnight Mimi."

I looked up at him, noticing that because of the angle of the street, his head was right under a street lamp from my point of view and quickly, I put the sunglasses back on my nose. A rainbow-colored heart appeared over his head like some sort of halo and my lips curled. I brought my hands in front of me, using them to make a heart around his face, looking at the portrait in front of me. He was gorgeous and I felt my heart skip a beat when I realized that the sunglasses seemed to work : maybe I was allowing feelings to take over. Feelings for him.

"Goodnight, Niall."

[horansqueen]

It Feels Like Christmas - Part 3

It feels like Christmas Just like Christmas It feels like Christmas with you...

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MIMI

I woke up in Niall's arms and I couldn't pretend it didn't feel good. He kept me warm and I felt safe in a way I hadn't felt in a long time. How could someone I had just met make me feel so good was beyond me but I kept my eyes closed and moved closer to him slowly, trying not to wake him up. He groaned low and his arm tightened around me, pulling me against him.

My eyes fluttered open and I held my breath when I realized how close he was. I licked my lips and slowly brought my hand to his cheek, running my fingertips lightly again his stubble. I felt a sudden wave of affection for him and for all he did and said to me the night before. He could have left. In fact, I believe that most men would have left after I said I wouldn't sleep with him... the few who would have stayed would have probably hoped to make me change my mind. It's not that I was very popular or that men would tend to be interested in me, but it was still happening to me at that exact moment, and this kind of fairytale was not something I really thought was possible. In fact, I was pretty sure it would end as fast as it started, and that's why I was enjoying every second of it.

Niall was pretty. In fact, he was even prettier from up-close, and I started nibbling on my bottom lip as I looked at him. It was a shame his eyes were closed because I was in love with every damn shades of blue I had seen them turn, but I couldn't deny how my stomach twisted at the proximity of our bodies and the peaceful look of his face. It was ridiculous. No one I dated had ever made me feel like that, let alone a stranger, and I bit my lip harder, telling myself it was probably all the alcohol I had swallowed only a few hours ago.

I suddenly felt intensely stupid and embarrassed. Did I really spill all these facts and stories about my life to Niall, the night before? The things I could say when I was intoxicated or even just slightly tipsy was pathetic and I grimaced, letting out a low groan. He would probably wake up and rush out to be as far away from me as possible. So Mimi Armstrong had a moment of weakness in front of a complete stranger. that could happen to anyone, right?

I heard him groan too and he moved slightly. I held my breath as he opened his eyes and as soon as they met mine, his lips curled. Could I be wrong? Was it possible that a man like him didn't just want to run away from me and never look back?

"Good mornin' Mimi Armstrong." he whispered, making me press my lips together.

"Good morning, Niall Horan."

I brought my hand back, realizing my fingertips were still slightly touching his cheeks, and he smiled more. I cleared my throat and looked away until I heard his voice again.

"I'm sorry, it wasn't the best position to sleep in."

"Oh, no, actually, I slept well."

"Good." he replied just in time before we both heard his phone ring. He seemed to hesitated but he finally sat up and checked it up. I sat up too as he seemed to search for something on his phone and when he looked up at me, he smiled again.

"My flight is in an hour, I should hurry."

He got up and searched for his wallet before grabbing his coat and his hat. I stared at him, barely moving or even blinking, and when he put his scarf around his neck, I licked my lips.

"I'm sorry for rambling last night." I quickly said, straightening my back.

His gaze met mine again and he smiled. "No need to apologize, It was the best night I had in a very long time."

For a second, I started doubting everything. Did something happen between us and I couldn't remember? No. It was impossible. I was drunk, but I remembered everything, even if there are some embarrassing things I would love to forget.

"Really?" I asked suspiciously, frowning a bit.

"Yea!" he chuckled. "I thought I'd be stuck once again at the airport, alone and bored, and I ended up spending the night with the most interesting girl I've ever met. I'd call that a win."

"We... we didn't... you know.."

"Oh no! Don't worry we didn't... we just talked."

And cuddled. And slept. But I didn't mention it. I felt my cheeks burn a bit and noticed the left corner of his lips was raised up in a tiny but amused smile. It's only when he pushed his hands in his pockets that I quickly got up and walked up closer to him, but still stayed out of reach.

"Thank you, Niall, for that night.. whatever it was."

"Hey, thanks to you." he just replied before raising his eyebrows. "Come on, grab your stuff."

I raised my eyebrows and when he noticed my questioning look, he did the same.

"Why?"

"We're gonna share a cab to the airport."

My surprised expression turned into a fond one and without thinking, I rushed around and grabbed all my stuff. We remained silent in the taxi but I kept glancing at him. He was looking by the window at the snow falling and I tried to memorize the way he looked and the night we had.

The airport was crowded, most planes were about to take off now that it was safe, and we stood in the middle of the place, facing each other, as everyone around us ran and talked loud. We remained static in the whole airport frenzy and I sent him a smile as I felt my heart twist in my chest.

"Well, it was nice meeting you." I just told, nodding a bit with a smile.

"I was thinking, maybe we could trade phone numbers." he proposed, making my heart skip a beat and my lips part.

"Uhm, no, it's better we don't." I replied after a few seconds, making him frown. I sighed low and my shoulders fell as I tilted my head. "Trust me, Niall. You don't want someone like me in your life. But thank you. For everything."

Enumerating everything I was thankful for would be embarrassing and I reached for his upper arm, squeezing it slightly. "Maybe we'll cross path again, who knows. It's a small world, I heard."

I thought about how special he made me feel the night before and about how I felt when I woke up and he was holding me. I could keep in touch with him, but what for? To end up being disappointed, or disappointing him? Perhaps it was better to end this whole fairytale before it would turn into a nightmare.

I sent him a small smile and turned around, but just as I was about to leave, I heard him say my name. It was low but it did something to me and when I turned around, I felt his arms wrap around me, pulling me close to him. He smelled good despite the fact that he hadn't showered and I just hoped I didn't smell too bad. Instead to let me go after a few seconds, his grip tightened around me and he leaned his cheek on top of my head, his arms around my neck. Slowly, I hugged him back, my palms pressed on his back and my nails digging in his coat. It was ridiculous to be so attached to someone I didn't even know.

----

"Darling you're finally home!"

My mom pulled me into a hug and I laughed, hugging her back right after letting my bags fall on the wood floor. It should feel good to be back but I felt nervous for a reason I ignored and when my dad walked down the stairs, I tried to push that feeling away.

"My Mimi!"

"Hey dad." I let out in a low tone, tilting my head as he took me in his arms too, holding me close against him. "What were you doing?"

"Preparing your room. Your mom's back hurts and I wanted to help her." he explained, making me smile a bit.

They had always been like that, they took care of each other, and that brought my standards of a relationship very high. I didn't think it was a bad thing, though. Better be alone than in bad company, right?

I took my boots and coat off and we walked to the kitchen as they brought food and poured a few glasses of wine. I looked at them, the two persons the closest to real parents I ever had, and I felt lucky despite everything that had happened to me in my childhood. I could have ended in a bad family but here I was, and I still meant what I had told Niall the night before : I didn't turn out so bad for someone who had 8 different families all in all.

"Sweetheart, you must be exhausted." my dad said, handing me a glass. "Do you want to nap before dinner?"

I smiled but shook my head, taking a sip of wine. It was a miracle that my system would even allow me to drink anything that was not water.

"No but I'd love a shower." I chuckled. "I didn't have time to take one at the hotel."

"Of course, it's your home, do as you please!"

I brought my stuff upstairs and sat on my bed, looking around what used to be my bedroom. It was more simple now, less decorated and much more neutral, but it smelled exactly like I remembered. I opened my bag and searched for clean clothes in it as Niall's face appeared suddenly in my mind. It made me realize that I regretted not asking him for his phone number. I knew nothing good would probably have came out of this and I was aware that it was better this way, but there was something special about Niall, something I felt like I wouldn't see in anyone else ever again. I looked at my bag again, feeling something stir in my stomach but even if I really wanted something magic to happen, I knew it wouldn't. Niall hadn't left a message for me in my bag, he didn't drop something of his in my stuff either. Reality was that I met an incredible guy that made me feel special for a few hours and now he was gone. Wasn't that something most girls go through in their life? Except when they get pregnant and the guy suddenly disappears. Or when she realizes after a few years that the man she thought was perfect was actually cheating on her with his secretary. Or simply that he was an asshole that didn't deserve her. These stories always ended the same way, didn't they?

"It's better this way, Mimi." I whispered to myself.

Even if I wanted to find him again, it was barely possible. I didn't know where he lived or who he really was. I didn't know much about him and it was creepy to even think about trying to find him. Being a stalker was clearly not a skill or a will I had. Still, I couldn't lie and say that I didn't regret not giving him my phone number.

"Mea Culpa. Mea Maxima Culpa." I simply breathed out before getting up and reaching the bathroom.

After all, I couldn't blame anyone else but me, and even if I kept repeating to myself that it was better this way and that he'd probably end up betraying me anyway, I still had this tiny part of me that was still naïve and believed in real love. I also knew no one would ever really love me that way, and even if it had been years since I realized that, I still was not totally okay with it. There was always this minuscule part of me that wanted to grow... that very very small part of me that still had hope. But I quickly swallowed it and pushed away the image of Niall in my mind. That was not worth being hurt. Nothing was.

[horansqueen]

It Feels Like Christmas - Part 6

It feels like Christmas Just like Christmas It feels like Christmas with you...

MASTERLIST 🎄

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hey guys, this story was nominated for Best Christmas Story so if you want to vote for me, please CLICK HERE! thank you! 

NIALL

I woke up the next day and stayed in bed for a little longer than usual. I was not sure what had happened between Mimi and I, and I also was not sure what was going to happen next. I had messaged her on the same night so she also had my number and had send a few Christmas emojis so she knew it was me. I hesitated but after a while, I changed her name in my phone and added the same emojis.

I closed my eyes again and tried to remember everything we had talked about together. After she left, I had realized a few things about Mimi, and the main one was that she was scared. She was scared of getting attached, she was scared of falling in love, she was scared of talking about herself, but most of all, she was scared of all these things because she was scared to be hurt and abandoned again. I had no idea how to show her it was possible for her to be loved and that not everyone in her life would leave, and it was bothering me. I kept thinking about it and about her and I was not sure why.

I knew making her see she could trust me was not going to be easy. After all, the parents who adopted her still took care of her and loved her and it didn't make her realize that she was worth it. She still lived in fear that they would disown her at some point and perhaps not going to see them much made her believe it would hurt her less when it would happen. I had no idea who her biological parents were, or why they couldn't take care of her anymore, but clearly they had no idea of the mess they made when they left her.

I finally got up and took a shower before dressing up and walking to the living room. I heard my mom working on something in the kitchen and smiled when I noticed a bunch of gifts under the tree. They were wrapped in white and red papers that fitted perfect with the decorations and it reminded me that I still had a few to wrap myself.

I thought about Mimi and how she told me she hated gifts, whether it was buying them, giving them, wrapping them but most of all, getting them, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of gift could make her change her mind? This was not a cheesy Christmas movie, I couldn't just search around, find her biological parents in only a few days, arrange a meeting for them to tell her that they always loved her and that they had been looking for her for years. I just couldn't find out what would make her open up, if not enough to let me in, at least enough to give herself a chance.

"Pet? Are you up?"

I got out of my thought and blinked a few times before walking up to her and  kissing her cheek gently. I started helping her put food on the table and prepared two cup of coffees, bringing them to the table as we started eating. We remained mostly silent but I could see her glance at me and after a while, she pushed her plate away and grabbed her cup.

"We should get some more gifts today." she pointed out, taking a sip of coffee and looking up at me. "If we're still going to that family Christmas party tomorrow night, I'm gonna need gifts, especially for the kids."

"These kids are spoiled, ma." I pointed out with a chuckle. "I know you love them like your own grandchildren, but trust me, they'll get plenty."

"I can 'spoil' who I want, can't I?" she pointed out with a bigger smile. "Until you give me grandchildren, at least."

"You already have a grandson." I just said, raising my eyebrows.

"Whom I love more than anything, but I was just curious if you planned to have a few of your own, that's all." she shrugged, taking an other sip and making me laugh, shaking my head.

"I don't know, I think I'm gonna focus on meeting the love of my life, first. Then we'll see."

"The love of your life," she repeated, putting her cup on the table. "Nothing less."

"Not gonna settle for nothing less." I added a little lower, sending her a fond smile.

And my heart skipped a beat when I realized I was thinking about Mimi.

---

The mall kept playing Christmas songs, there were kids running around the halls and laughing, we were surrounded by Christmas decorations and trees, and I couldn't help but smile at all of it. The main reason why I loved Christmas was because almost everyone seemed genuinely happy on that season. It didn't last all year long, and I wanted to make sure I enjoyed it as much as I could while it lasted.

I also knew not everyone was lucky or happy on Christmas and I always ended up volunteering for a special charity cause for a few weeks. It was not so much about the money, but more about the time giving that mattered and every year, I tried to find something new to do, or a new place to help. For the past few years, though, I tried to be involved with kids as much as I could, and I loved it more than I can explain. I had never shared that with anyone, though, and I didn't really want to. I could wait until my mom would be gone to volunteer this year anyway, after all, people need help all year around and not just on Christmas.

"We need a toy shop!"

I glanced at my mom and chuckled again before making my way through a mob of people waiting for Santa Claus and taking the next hall. We reached the end where a big toyshop was and I could tell my mom was excited to go. We searched through the toys placed everywhere and after a while, my mom turned to me.

"Find a few soft toys will you?" she asked, grabbing a small car with a remote control. "Dogs, mostly."

I chuckled and raised my eyebrows. "Okay mom." I agreed, taking a few steps back. "But don't buy that. The kids will be happy. but the parents will kill you."

I smiled more until I bumped my back against something. It made me turn around quickly and once again, my heart skipped a beat. Mimi had turned around exactly at the same time as me, and I was wondering if maybe, just maybe, this was an actual Christmas movie. Perhaps I should really try to find her parents, who knows?

"Mimi!"

I expected this to be a bit awkward on her side but the smile she sent me made me want to take her in my arms. It was big and real, and I could even swear her eyes were sparkling. Or it was the neon lights that reflected in them. Either way, they were pretty.

"I will start believing you're really following me!" she joked with a chuckle.

"If I was I'd be more subtle about it!" I laughed, making her raise her nose up in a grimace.

"Okay that's creepy." she let out with a smile, making me laugh even more. "So, what are you here for?"

"Oh, my mom likes to buy toys for my nephew and my cousins' kids." I explained with a shrug, pushing my hands in the pockets of my jeans. "We're seeing them tomorrow and she wants to make sure she's got enough gifts for everyone."

Mimi nodded slowly as a fond smile draw itself on her lips. She tilted her upper body slightly to look behind me and her smile got bigger before she waved shyly at my mom.

"You... really look like her." she pointed out as her eyes met mine again.

"I've heard." I chuckled but stopped when her smile faltered a bit. "Do you look like your mom, too?"

She sent me a frown and finally, her lips parted but nothing came out. It took her a few seconds before she finally closed her mouth and cleared her throat. "Uhm, well, physically, I look more like my dad. At least that's what people used to say when I was young." she answered, nibbling on her bottom lip and frowning again. "You're the first one who ever had the guts to ask me something about my real parents."

"If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll stop. I'm sorry I just-"

"No!" she cut me, her eyebrows raised up as my lips parted. "It's nice, actually. You know, I don't only have bad memories of them."

"Makes sense I mean, you spent thirteen years with them, so it makes sense." I replied, smiling gently at her.

Her eyes softened and she pressed her lips together before licking them. "You remember..." she whispered, making me smile more.

"Of course."

Of course I remembered what she said to me. Every single time we met, our conversations echoed in my head over and over again for hours after we parted. But I couldn't tell her that.

We remained in silence for half a minute before she smiled more and shook her head, letting out a small but shy laughter.

"What about you? What are you here for?"

"Uhm, you're gonna think it's stupid but, when I was young, I would always walk in that store and make a mental list of everything I wanted to buy ." she confessed before shaking her head slightly and closing her eyes. "But I always walked away with nothing because I had no money. I thought it was worth coming back and just, you know, buy everything I want. For the sake of it."

Her eyes met mine again and while they were closed, my smile had grown. "That's an amazing idea, Mimi. I was about to check the stuffies, if you want to."

She chuckled a bit but nodded and we walked together until we found a large stand of stuffies. She started touching them all, poking their nose gently or petting them as if they were real animals. It made me laugh a bit, endeared by her behavior, and I grabbed a few for my mom as I noticed Mimi grabbing one, too. It was a reindeer and she turned around to show it to me, raising her eyebrows.

"Would buying that be a good start for that 'Christmas magic' you always blab about?"

This time, I laughed louder, letting my head fall back slightly. "Yes!"

"Perfect, then it's a deal."

We walked back to the front of the store and we both paid before I turned around again to face her. I knew she was leaving and I didn't want her to leave. I wanted her to stay with me for as long as possible. She moved closer to me and licked her lips, placing her hand on my chest, over my coat, as I looked down at her. It took her a few seconds to look up and when our eyes met, she sent me a fond smile that made me smile too.

"You're always so nice to me, Niall." she admitted, biting her bottom lip. "Thank you."

"You're my magic, Mimi, remember?"

She chuckled and shook her head before getting on her tiptoes and kissing my cheek. "I'll see you around."

I watched her leave and suddenly, it hit me. If I wanted to see her again, I just had to ask. What was the worst that could happen? If I didn't try, I'd definitely regret it.

"Mimi!" I let out a bit too loud, making her turn around and raise her eyebrows again. "How about we do something tonight?"

She smiled more and took a step in my direction. "Like, a date?" she asked, shaking her head. "I told you I'm not looking for a man."

I smiled too and shrugged, my eyes never leaving hers. "As friends, if you prefer."

It took her a few seconds and she finally nodded and shrugged. "Alright, cool, call me."