45

                                    

                                          
Josh and Niall had been dating for about four months, and both boys were almost ready to say the three big words.
                          
Niall was standing in his full-length mirror adjusting himself when Liam walked in with Zayn on his hip. "And where are we going tonight?"
                          
"Josh asked me out tonight, and I don't know...I just want to look good, that's all."
                          
"What's the special occasion?"
                          
"I'm going to tell him I love him."
                          
"After only four months? Don't you think that's a little early to say it?"
                          
"Alright, smart one, when did you tell dad you loved him?"
                          
"Maybe three months-"
                          
"Aha! Josh and I have been together four months."
                          
"Yeah, but this is different."
                          
"Not really, papa."
                          
"Yes, it is."
                          
"How is this different?"
                          
"Do you even know what love is?"
                          
"No, but I'm willing to explore more and I think it's him I want to explore it with. He's really special to me, and I hope you understand that."
                          
"I do, son, trust me, I just don't want to see you get hurt."
                          
"Do you honestly think Josh would hurt me?"
                          
"No, but I hurt your dad a couple of times, and I don't want you going through the same thing I put your father through."
                          
"What happened?"
                          
"It's a long story, and I'd rather not explain it. Just be careful, and I hope you're going to be okay."
                          
"Thanks, papa, I love you."
                          
"I love you, too, have fun."


                          
So far, the date was going great. Josh and Niall shared jokes, laughter, and some of their favorite embarrassing family stories.
                          
"And I'll never forget when my baby sister, who's only a year and a half, walked in while I was gone and saw a video on my computer of a guy and another guy doing it. I'd never been more embarrassed nor did my mum drop it when she heard my sister repeat sex over and over."
                          
Niall laughed harder. "I'm sorry, but that's funny. But that's nothing. I was playing with Louis and Zayn and Zayn was stinky and needed a change, so I took them upstairs and while I was changing him, I heard my dads in the next room getting frisky. Louis got curious and wanted to know where the sound was coming from. He opened the door and saw my dad on top of my papa, with my papa chanting daddy over and over. It gets better, cuz at dinner, Louis asked my papa why he calls my dad, daddy? My parents declared no sex until the kids were moved out and married."
                          
The rest of the night went on like that until the end of the night when Josh dropped off Niall. "Ni, I have something really important to tell you."
                          
"Are you okay?" Niall felt his forehead.
                          
"I'm fine, Ni, wow, this is really hard to tell you."
                          
"Are you breaking up with me?"
                          
"What? No, this is really hard to tell you, so I'm just going to say it, okay?"
                          
Niall nodded.
                          
"I love you, Niall James Payne. I love you very much, and I really hope you feel the same way otherwise I'm going to-"
                          
"I love you, too, Josh." Niall cut off Josh and kissed him.
                          
"You-you really mean that? You're not just saying it cuz I did, did you?"
                          
"Oh my gosh, Josh, shut up. Yes, I feel the same way. I'm in love with you, too."
                          
Josh let out a shaky breath. "Thank god. I love you, too, Ni."
                          
Niall smiled. "I love you, too."
                          
"I'll see you Monday."
                          
Niall blushed. "See you Monday." And got out of the car.
                          
"Hey, so how was the date?" Harry asked when Niall walked in. He had tried being quiet when he came in, but was unsuccessful.
                          
"Did you and papa wait up for me?"
                          
"Oh, no, after you left, Louis threw up and wasn't feeling too good, so he stayed in Louis's room. Honestly wouldn't surprise me if he caved and just slept in there with him, but back to you, how was the date?"
                          
Niall sat down. "Oh my god, dad, it was amazing. He took me to a really nice and fancy restaurant. He wined and dined me. I didn't know why it was so special to him until we were in front of the house."
                          
"And why was it so special?"
                          
"He told me he loves me! And not puppy love, but actual love! Like he's actually in love with me!"
                          
"And did you say the same thing back?"
                          
"Obviously, but I was a little nervous, too."
                          
"Why were you nervous?"
                          
"Because I was scared that if I were to say it first, he might freak out and run."
                          
"But he didn't...right?"
                          
"No, dad, cuz he said it first, so my nerves went away knowing I didn't have to say it first."
                          
"Did your papa tell you the story between us?"
                          
"How he hurt you? Yeah, he told me, but obviously you forgave him cuz you married him."
                          
"Well, that's true." Harry smiled.
                          
"I think I'm going to go to bed. I'm really tired."
                          
Harry got up and followed Niall up the stairs. "Night, Niall."
                          
"Night, dad. Love you."
                          
"Love you, too." Harry said and went into Louis's room to gently shake his sleeping husband awake.