Chapter Twenty Five
You Could Tell That I Was Nervous

The first time that you introduced me to your friends
And you could tell I was nervous, so you held my hand
~Littlest Things, Lily Allen

So I followed my own advice.

I forgived myself for making such a silly mistake and I forgot that it ever happened.

I didn't tell Sweeney.

I don't know why. After all, it was me that said there were to be no more secrets.

But I couldn't bring myself to tell him.

I guess that I was scared.

Scared that he would be hurt.

Scared that he might hurt David.

Scared that he would leave me.

I was going to tell him, but not now. I wanted us to take things at our own pace, and if that meant keeping a secret for a while, then so be it.

It was a stupid thing to do, I know, but I had to.

When my eyes slowly opened, the first thing I felt were a pair of arms around me.

I smiled sleepily, rolling over to face Sweeney. He was lying next to me, wide awake, and watching me with what I could only describe as an odd expression. When he saw me, however, his expression softened.

"Good morning." I mumbled sleepily.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Mmm."

Sweeney chuckled softly, brushing my hair out of my face. I shut my eyes and smiled again, loving the way his fingertips just made contact with my skin in a gentle caress before leaving again.

"You've been asleep a very long time," He told me. "I thought that I may have to wake you up."

"Oh yeah, we're meeting Anna and Theo today, aren't we?"

"Unfortunately so."

I laughed, playfully punching his chest. "Hey, those are my friends you're talking about. You haven't even met them yet."

"I don't see why I have to." Sweeney grumbled under his breath.

"Because, grumpy nuts, they're my best friends. I want you to meet them."

"We could just stay here."

I groaned. "Don't tempt me. They would kill me if I didn't turn up."

Sweeney sighed and cursed under his breath. I smiled, untangling myself from his arms and sitting up.

"We'd better hurry up, or we'll be late."

Grabbing my nice skinny jeans and a band shirt, I hurried to the bathroom. This gave both of us the privacy we wanted to change.

Once we were both dressed (I was very pleased to see that Sweeney made an effort, also wearing his nice jeans, a black shirt and a v-neck jumper) and ready, we left the shop.

I was pleased to see that the children were not there.

However, the way the boy smiled was imprinted into my mind.

I had to know who he reminded me of.

Realising that Sweeney was staring at me, I grinned sheepishly.

"Sorry, I was miles away. Did you say something?"

"No, I was just wondering what caused such a vacancy."

I laughed, taking his hand and leading him to the car. Once we were both in, I turned to him.

"Are you going to be alright?"

"Yes."

"You sure? I know it must be a bit weird for you, meeting new people and all, but I swear that Theo and Anna are amazing and - "

I was cut off by Sweeney pressing his lips against mine in a firm kiss. When he pulled away, I grinned.

"I was babbling, wasn't I?"

"Very much so." He agreed. My grin turned sheepish.

"Sorry. I guess that I'm also a little bit nervous."

"I'm not nervous."

"Not even a little bit?"

Sweeney shook his head. I couldn't help but wonder if he was telling the truth or being a typical man and disguising his feelings.

Smiling to myself, I turned away and decided that it didn't matter.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I spotted Theo and Anna immediately.

"A table for two?" A waiter asked snottily, looking down his nose at me. I glared up at him.

"No, actually, we're meeting friends. Oh, and there they are! Come on, Sweeney."

Grabbing Sweeney's hand, I pushed past the waiter and stormed over to the table that my friends were sitting at.

"Hey guys, sorry that we're a bit late." I said sweetly, sitting down and pulling Sweeney with me. He had no choice in the matter.

"Hello Niamh," Theo grinned. "It is always lovely to see you spreading the love as always."

"Theo, are you saying that you expect me to behave pleasantly when a stupid ponce of a waitor is looking down his nose at me? Surely you know me better than that."

Theo chuckled. "True, true."

I turned to Sweeney and grinned. He looked rather uncomfortable.

"Guys, this is Sweeney. Sweeney, this is Theo and Anna."

"It's nice to finally meet you," Anna said happily, smiling at him. "Niamh has told us loads about you."

I blushed as Sweeney grinned. "It's nice to meet you too."

"Hi, I'm Theo," Theo introduced himself, shaking Sweeney's hand across the table. "And don't worry about me trying to steal Niamh from you. As attractive as she is, she definately isn't my type."

Seeing Sweeney's confused expression, I smiled and weaved my hand into his under the table.

"Theo is gay," I explained. "He likes men."

The confusion in his face was replaced by realisation. I wasn't sure how he would respond to this, and I was quite scared for it. However, he surprised me.

A small smile on his face, Sweeney spoke. "As long as I know that Niamh won't suddenly elope with another man."

Theo laughed. "I may not want to be romantically involved with her, but I can't assure you that I won't elope with her!"

Lunch with Theo and Anna was surprisingly good fun. I was amazed at how well Sweeney seemed to get on with them. Whether he genuinely was getting along with them or he was just pretending for my sake I wasn't sure, but either way, I was grateful.

Halfway through, I excused myself so that I could go to the bathroom, and Anna jumped at the chance to join me. She didn't really need to go, but wanted a quick gossip in private.

"Oh my goodness, Niamh, he is gorgeous!"

I laughed, washing my hands while Anna sat on the counter.

"Yeah, he is." I agreed happily.

"You so have to have his babies. They would be stunning."

"And look like ghosts," I said. "Have you seen how pale we both are?"

"Huh, I never really thought of that. Would they be ginger or have dark hair?"

"They'd have dark hair, probably," I guessed. "The ginger gene is hard to inherit unless both your parents have it."

"Like you."

"Yep, like lucky ol' me."

Anna smiled. "But you get away with being ginger. It's nice on you."

"Thanks, Anna."

"You're welcome."

I laughed. Anna hopped off the counter and we left the bathroom.

"So, is he the one?"

"What?" I demanded incredulously.

"Is he the one?" Anna repeated.

"Oh man, Anna, we haven't been together for that long."

"Yeah, but can you picture yourself spending the rest of your life with him?"

By this point we had reached the doorway of the bathroom. Opening the door, I gazed at Sweeney. He was sat with Theo, who was talking eagerly while using the salt and pepper shakers to prove his point. Whatever he was saying, I had no idea, but I loved the way that Sweeney looked genuinely interested.

I briefly pictured Sweeney and I getting married, having a family.

I couldn't help but smile.

"Well?" Anna prompted. My smile growing, I nodded.

"Yeah. I can."

Thank you KigekiRyuu483, Shelia Chiaroscura, CadyD, obsessivelyfanaticgw09, Erica Lovett and PurpleandBlackPandas for reviewing.

Erica Lovett: David reminds you of Pirelli? I can assure you that it wasn't my intention to do that! XD

Unfortunately, I'm not sure as to when the next update will be. I'm going away tomorrow to Southend for a drama summer school and won't be back until Tuesday evening.