SOMEONE TO LOVE
by Aileen

.script by Mirelle.

|story visited times|

[Challenge February 2008:

Lifer: Nicky
Song: Close
Quote: A line from this song]

wiped the tears that fell from her eyes. She hated feeling this way but she couldn't help it. When she looked around and saw the happiness around her she couldn't help but feel the loneliness seep into her heart. It seemed like everyone but her had someone.
"Hey....are you okay?" a soft voice whispered.
looked up to see her best friend frowning.
"Oh don't worry about me ....I just couldn't be happier for you, you've married the man of your dreams!"
A look of doubt crossed 's face, "Are you sure? You just looked so sad..."
gave her a reassuring nod, "I'm just so happy for you and Shay. You've always dreamed of a man like him and you finally got him, you got your prince charming, your fairytale wedding and now you just have to live happily ever after."
"If you need me, I'm here you know...."
stood up and pushed back towards the grand reception hall, "Don't be silly, this is YOUR wedding day, enjoy it with Shay and everyone else. I'm okay, really! I was just overcome with emotions."
"Okay but if you really ne-"
"!!!!" Shane called out. He spotted her and grabbed her hand, "your mum's looking for you. you don't mind if I steal her back do you ?"
"Not at all, have fun, I'll come back in a bit, just need some time to compose myself!"
Before could utter another word Shane dragged her back to the hall. sighed and collapsed back into tears. She was happy for really she was, but she couldn't help but feel slightly jealous that her best friend had found her soul mate. That she was finally settled in her life. She always thought she would be the first out of their group of friends to be married but had beat her to the punch. Every relationship she had seemed to be one disaster after another. Why couldn't she just find a guy to settle down with? She bit her lip as the tears continued to fall.

Nicky had been walking around for ages looking for the restroom. How he got himself so lost in this castle, he had no clue. He turned a corner to find a -haired girl crying her eyes out.
"Hey are you okay?"
looked up to see a pair of sparkling blue eyes staring at her.
"I'm fine....." she whispered.
Nicky observed her for a minute, he noticed the dark spots on her dress where fresh tears fell and how puffy her eyes looked.
"I'm a good listener you know, if you ever need to get anything off your chest....ask the groom, he'll tell you, I'm one of his best friends..."
recognized him as being one of Shane's band mates. "You're Nicky, right?"
He nodded his head, "Do I know you?"
"I'm ....'s best friend...."
"Ah yes....I recall a few stories involving you.....do you need me to get or anything?"
"No it's okay...I don't want to worry her....she should be enjoying her wedding day....."
Nicky took a seat by her, "Aren't you enjoying her wedding day as well?"
"Of course, she's my best friend and I love her, I'm happy she's happy." paused for a moment wondering if she should even tell this stranger what she felt, it would just make her seem desperate.
"But what? What's stopping you from completely enjoying this day?"
shook her head, "Nevermind, it's stupid...you wouldn't understand."
He took her hand and squeezed it, "It can't be stupid if you're crying over it. Why don't you try me?"
sighed, "Seeing the couples around me just got to me, you know....it's like the world was reminding me of what I wanted so badly but couldn't have...."
"And as happy as you are for and Shane you can't help but feel jealous because they've found each other.....because they're with their soul mates...." he finished, knowing that feeling very well.
She looked at him questioningly, "Exactly....how did you know?"
Nicky gave her a warm smile, "Because I feel exactly the same. All my bandmates are either married or are in long-term relationships heading to marriage, I'm the only one who isn't. I'm ready to be at that point but I can't seem to find the right girl. Shane's my best mate but I couldn't help but feel jealous today when I saw the look on his face as he watched walk towards the altar. It was of pure love and happiness. I want that feeling..."

For once didn't feel so alone, she thought she was the only one in the world to think and feel like this. She felt she was being selfish to feel this way on her best friend's wedding day but she found comfort in knowing she wasn't the only one seeking love.

Oh, oh
Oh yeah,

Across the miles it's funny to me,
How far you are
But how near you seem to be.
I could talk all night
Just to hear you breathe,
I could spend my life
Just living this dream,
You're all I'll ever need.

Months passed and Nicky and only grew closer. They found that they had many things in common and during their times of loneliness they found comfort in one another.

*ring* *ring*
quickly opened her apartment door and ran to answer the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey you...."
"Nix! how are you?"
Nicky smiled, "Good, we're in Malaysia, I tried calling your cell but it went straight to voicemail."
"My battery died earlier today, I forgot to charge it last night. Isn't it late there?"
"We just finished a show and I couldn't sleep so I thought I would call to chat for a bit and see how your day was."
"It was great! Busy though. I've got a lot of material to read and edit. Lydia just threw more scripts my way. When are you headed back home?"
"3 weeks, it'll go by quick though, we've got so much to do around Asia."
"At least you've got the nice weather, beats the cold and rainy Dublin."
"I'd take cold and rainy Dublin any day, I'm not used to the humidity."
"Ah well take it as a nice holiday in the tropics, besides you might find the 'right' girl out there! So keep your eyes open Nix!" she teased.
"Maybe...but maybe I've already got the right girl in mind..."
"Ohhhh Nicky's got a crush he hasn't old me about?"
He couldn't help but laugh, he loved this about her, the silliness, he could've spent the rest of his life just having conversations like this.
"I'm just kidding, I have no crush, otherwise I would've told you about her already."
"That's right! I'm the first to know because I've got to interrogate and scare the poor girl and make sure she's good enough for my Nix!"
He grinned at that thought, "her Nix", "Well love I've got an early day tomorrow, call you same time tomorrow?"
"Sure thing! Have a great day tomorrow! Good night and sweet dreams!"
"Good night....Bye..."
Nicky hung up with warm feelings in his heart. It had only been a few weeks since he realized his feelings for .

Nicky walked into the hotel restaurant with a big smile on his face, he hummed quietly as he gathered food onto his plate. The guys all looked at one another, something was definitely up with Nicky. He had been quite happy these last couple of weeks, nothing seemed to phase his glow. Not when they got stuck inside a building for hours due to the huge number of fans that waited outside, or when he nearly got his clothes torn apart when he tripped and a fan got ahold of him.
"Good morning Nix! you seem happy today!" Kian remarked.
Nicky just smiled, "It's a beautiful day!"
Mark frowned, "It's a great day and we've got the busiest schedule. We've got 3 television appearances to tape, back-to-back, then a mall show and CD signing. Louis says don't expect to be back at the hotel till at least 11 if not later and it's only 6."
" says hi to everyone," Shane told them.
"Hey !!!" the boys chorused back.
"Oh Nix, says hello and that not to call her tonight, her cell broke and she's getting a new one tomorrow so she'll call you then."
Nicky's smile got bigger, "Can I speak to her for a minute?"
Shane handed him the phone, "Hey troublemaker, you broke your phone?"
giggled, "Not on purpose!"
"I didn't say anything!"
"But I know what you're thinking. I accidentally knocked it over into the toilet bowl."
Nicky laughed, "You silly girl. You can be such a klutz sometimes."
"Ah well at least I get a new phone! So call me tomorrow, or I'll call you."
"You do have a house phone you know. I'll call you on that."
"Oh duh! So how's your day so far?"
"It's been great, but it's even better now!" Nicky replied, he felt like he was in another world when he talked to her. He didn't see or hear those around him, it was just him and her.
"Ohhh....why is that Mr. Byrne?" teased.
"Because I'm talking to you of course!" he answered cheekily.
"Well you know, doctors recommend that people talk to me, a a day keeps the doctor away! I'm good for the health!" she joked.
"I know...that's why I can't get enough of you.."
Shane, Kian, and Mark exchanged surprised looks, they didn't have the slightest clue that there was something going on between Nicky and .
laughed, "Well Mr. Byrne, that's good to hear, I've gotta go now though, and I are about to enter the shops."
"Have fun shopping! I'll talk to you later."
"Bye!"
Nicky hung up and looked to find the boys staring at him.
"So???"
"So what?"
Shane shot him a look, "What do you mean so what? Since when have you and been together?"
"Oh that?" Nicky shrugged his shoulders, "We're not together, we're just really good friends."
"Hmm.....really?" Kian didn't believe him, "You sounded more than that."
"Well I like her...but I don't know if she likes me like that. We've just been keeping each other company, as we're still single and are finding it hard to meet people."
"Well why don't you just tell her what you feel?" Mark asked.
Nicky looked down at his plate, "I'd like to but I'm afraid she won't like me like that. She's always saying what a great friend I am."
Shane gave his friend a comforting pat, "You never know unless you try."
"I'll think about it...."
Chris, their PA suddenly ran into the room, "Let's go guys!!!!"
They all got up and followed Chris out, for once Nicky was thankful they had a long day, it meant he wouldn't have to think about his situation too much.

You give me strength,
You give me hope,
You give me someone to love,
Someone to hold.
When I'm in your arms,
I need you to know,
I've never been, never been this close.

"So are you excited that Nix is coming home?" asked her best friend.
anxiously tapped her foot, "Yeah but slightly nervous too."
"How come?"
"Well all these weeks I feel like me and Nicky just got closer, I don't know how it'll be in person now."
"It should be the same, but even better, and maybe you'll tell him how you feel."
sighed, "I don't know, I'm still scared. I don't want to make the first move."
"Well...just see how things go then and when you're ready, tell him..." She gave a hug, "Don't worry, everything will be alright."
"I hope so...."
"Look....there's Chris, they'll be here any minute!"
spotted Shane and jumped in his arms. nervously looked for any sign of Nicky, he was sure to be out there any time now. He finally came into view and she didn't know whether to stand still and wait for him or break out in a run. Nicky saw her nervous smile and ran to her.
"!!!!!!" he swept her up in his arms and whirled her in circles. "I'm so glad you're here!!! I didn't know if you would come with or not...I've missed you..."
She gave him a little smile, "I've missed you too...."
Being in his arms made her feel weak, she knew how right it felt.
He studied her face, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah....just a bit tired, you know..work and all..."
"Let's get going, before some fans spot us." He turned to wave back at everyone, "We're off, I'll catch up with you all later!"

They all watched as the couple quickly disappeared out of the airport doors. Shane gave his wife a curious look, "Do you know if likes Nicky?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Well did you know they talked everyday?"
nodded her head, "Yeah, that's been going on for a while now, didn't Nix tell you?"
Shane shook his head, "We only found out that day you called and was with you shopping."
"Ah I see....well they've been talking and hanging out for a while now. She likes him. She just doesn't know if he likes her."
"Oh he definitely likes her. He has the same thing going through his mind though."
hugged Shane tight as they walked towards the exit, "Well for both their sakes I hope they work things out soon."

Nicky nervously grabbed 's hand as they walked out to the car, hurrying through the crowd.
"So do you want to stay in tonight or go out to eat?" she asked as she closed the door.
Nicky pulled the car out the parking space and headed towards the airport's exit.
"I'd really like to avoid a crowd tonight, I was thinking me, you, some Chinese take-away, great conversation and maybe a movie at my place?"
"Sounds like a great plan!" smiled nervously, she was anxious and excited to spend the evening with him. She still hadn't decided if she was going to tell him her feelings or not.

They nestled into the safety of Nicky's flat. Nicky brought their food to the coffee table and started to take boxes out of the bag. walked back into the living room armed with cups, plates, and forks. She plumped herself down next to Nicky on the couch.
"So which movie will it be?" she asked him.
Nicky flipped through his case and pulled out a DVD with a smile, "I'm in the mood for a classic love story, how about titanic?"
"Hmm....yes bring on the love and tears!!" she teased.
They ate quickly and soon became engrossed in the movie, Nicky sniffled a bit as he watched Rose stare at a frozen Jack falling deeply down into the ocean. He looked down to see if was feeling the emotions as much as him but found her soundly asleep.Nicky pulled her close into his arms, holding her tight. He loved the feeling of her against him. He had never felt so close to someone before.

woke up to a slight sound of snoring by her ear. She felt a pair of arms holding her tightly around the waist and a head nuzzling into her neck. She smiled as she looked around and realized she was at Nicky's and more importantly in his arms. Nicky felt her movements and opened his eyes.
"Good morning beautiful...."
She turned her head to look at him, "Good morning..."
"Sleep well?"
She nodded, he kissed her forehead, "Good...so did I...the best sleep I've had in a really long time....."
"Would you like some breakfast?" she asked.
"I will take care of breakfast!" he announced finally getting up and letting go of her.
"I can help..."
"No no no...." Nicky smiled, "You are a guest in my house. Snuggle up to these blankets and I'll bring you breakfast!"
couldn't help but let a giggle escape her lips, "Okay....if you say so!"
"I insist! Now what would the beautiful lady like?"
"Surprise me...."
"Surprise it is..." he grinned and made his way into the kitchen.

sighed, not believing this was all happening. She had just woken up in the arms of a man she felt so much emotion for. He was in the kitchen making her breakfast.....her!! Now if she could just get the courage to tell him how she really felt. He had to like her somewhat right? He wouldn't go through all this trouble if he didn't....

"A penny for your thoughts?" he asked, putting the tray of food down in front of her.
"I was just thinking how nice you are..." she smiled and looked at all the food.
"Well thank you, I think you're nice too!" he winked.
"This is so much Nix!! You didn't really have to go through all the trouble!"
"It's never any trouble when it comes to you!" Nicky stared at her intently. This is it he thought, I need to tell her how I feel.
"So..." Nicky cleared his throat.
broke the gaze and looked up at the clock, "I'm sorry Nix, I gotta go, I'll be late for an appointment!"
She quickly got up and ran out the door before Nicky could say another word. As fumbled to start her car she couldn't help but think what a close call that was. She wanted him so much but was so scared. What if he didn't feel the same, what if he said they should only be friends. She wasn't quite ready to hear the rejection yet.

With all the loves I used to know,
I kept my distance I never let go,
But in your arms I know I'm safe
Cos I've never been held and I've never been kissed
In this way.
Oh,
You're all I'll ever need,
You're all I'll ever need

Weeks passed and still Nicky nor had said anything to the other about their true feelings.

Shane and exchanged knowing looks as they watched how Nicky and steal glances of one another at the party.
"Nicky's been trying to tell her for weeks how he feels but something keeps coming up and runs out of the room."
took a sip from her glass, "It hasn't been any easier on , she keeps thinking that Nicky's going to tell her any minute now that he's fallen in love with someone and wants her to meet the girl."
"So what are we going to do? Our best friends are miserable and it looks like neither are going to say what they feel anytime soon."
sighed as she leaned into her husband's shoulder, "I don't know if we should interfere hon. I love them, they're our best friends but I'm afraid they've got to sort this out on their own. One of them has to be brave enough to take the initiative."
Shane sighed in agreement, "I know you're right, they'd kill us if they ever found out we meddled but I'd like to see them together already."
"I know, the best we can do is just be there for them and encourage them to say what they feel."
From across the room, threw a helpless look at , "It looks like needs me, I'll see you in a bit babe." kissed Shane's lips and headed towards the bathroom where she knew would be waiting.

"What's wrong ?" asked closing the door behind her.
"Did you see that tart Nicky was talking to?" quickly wiped the tears that started to fall, "She was all over him!!"
"Oh ....." gave her friend a comforting hug, "You know Nicky doesn't like girls like that!"
"Why wouldn't he though? I mean she was gorgeous and so willing to give it up to him!!!"
"Because babe, Nicky is not that kind of guy, he's been spending years looking for that girl. That girl who he can love and spend the rest of his life with. He was never the type to do one-night stands, he was always looking for his soul mate."
"Gosh..." sighed and tried her best to straighten herself out, "This is so ridiculous of me, I shouldn't be flipping out anyways, I'm not his girlfriend or anything."
"Well you could be if you just opened your mouth!"
"I know, I know...I'm just so scared. It's just different with him . He's different than the other guys. The other guys, I never told them too much, I never let them see too much of the real me and with Nix....I've let that all go. He's seen me at my best and at my worst. He went beyond just being this great friend for me...."
"I know babe....I know....but if you don't take that risk you'll never get a chance at happiness. If you don't tell him what you feel soon, someone else will. Are you willing to risk losing someone who could be the greatest love of your life?"
bit her lip and shook her head. opened the door and gave her a light push, "You better get going then..."

Nicky paced around the room trying to figure out how to get alone once and for all.
"Relax mate......just be honest with her..." Shane could see the anxiousness in Nicky build up.
"I just need to make sure there's no distractions or interruptions this time. I need to lock her in a room with me with no way out till I'm done speaking."
"Why don't you just take her back to your place and talk to her?"
Nicky gave his friend a thoughtful look, "That sounds like a good idea, then we'll be completely alone and we can finally talk."
"Well here comes your chance now!"
Nicky looked up to see and walking in their direction.
"Well...go!!" Shane pushed Nicky.

"Hey you..." smiled shyly.
"Hi....I've been trying to get to you all night...."
"Well you seemed pretty busy....you seem to have quite a few admirers wanting to talk to you tonight...."
"Oh them?" Nicky pointed to a group of girls who were sending lovesick glances his way, "Just some very dedicated fans, I was just being polite to them."
nodded her head not really knowing what to say.
"So I was thinking that I'm pretty much over this party. Do you want to head back to my place and catch up a bit? Since I've hardly had a chance to talk to you tonight?"
"Sure...sounds good...."

The car ride to Nicky's was full of a thick silence. Neither knew what to say to the other when both could feel the tension between them. Nicky was just dying to say what he truly felt and mentally prepared herself for the new lady that would be coming into Nicky's life.

took a seat at the kitchen table as Nicky prepared some tea. Her heart was racing, this was it, Nicky was going to tell her about the girl he'd fallen in love with. Nicky set everything down on the table and sat across from her. He could tell she was nervous by the way she bit her lip and wondered if she had an idea of what he was about to tell her.
"So there's something important I have to discuss with you..." he began.
"It's about a girl isn't it?"
Nicky's eye got wide, she must know about his feelings then, but he couldn't read her face, if it was a good or bad thing.
He nodded his head, "Yes it's about a girl, a very special girl to my heart...."
sighed, the tears were ready to fall, "So tell me about her....who is the girl who has taken your heart??? Is it someone I know???"
Nicky looked at her in surprise, maybe she didn't know after all, "You don't know who I'm talking about?"
She didn't look up, just stared down at the steam that was rising from her hot mug, "I wouldn't ask if I did....who is the lucky girl?"
Nicky smiled, "It's you......"
's head sprung up in shock, "What did you say?"
His grin only got bigger, "I said you....who else would it be?"
was speechless, it was her......the girl Nicky had fallen in love with was her....

You give me strength,
You give me hope,
You give me someone to love,
Someone to hold.
When I'm in your arms,
I need you to know,
I've never been, never been this close

Her silence started to worry him, "It's okay if you don't feel the same you know...I just thought it was time to tell you what I felt. It was too hard to keep it inside me...."
He made a move to get up and put his cup away when her voice stopped him.
"I'm falling for you too...."
He turned to her, "You are?"
She smiled softly and nodded her head, "All this time I've been afraid you were going to tell me you had fallen in love with a girl and I was going to have to meet her...."
He took a seat by her and looked deeply into her eyes, "There was never anyone but you all this time. From the first moment I laid eyes on you crying your heart out on and Shay's wedding day."
"We've been such great friends...I didn't want to ruin that..." she finally admitted.
"We ARE the best of friends but I believe we'll be even better together...."
She stared at his face and saw the sincerity written all over him. She had always dreamed she would feel this way about someone and he had now given her the hope of having an everlasting love.
"Will you allow me to take you out on a proper date?"
"Yes!" she smiled.
"Tomorrow night at 8?"
"Okay...."
"Well let's get you home then so you can have a good night's rest and be ready for your date tomorrow!" Nicky replied excitedly.
felt the excitement build up in her, she was finally going on a date with the man of her dreams!

threw another outfit into 's arms, "Ahhh that was awful!!!"
sighed and tossed the clothes onto the bed, "That's the 10th outfit tonight! It's 7:00, you better pick something soon so you can have a bath and relax before he gets here. You're all over the place!"
"I'm just so nervous and I need to have the right outfit!"
"!! It's not like Nix doesn't know you already. He already likes you, no matter what you wear!"
"I know but....it's going to be our first official date....I want to look nice..."
nodded, "I understand, you want it all to go perfectly smooth but don't worry, it will!! And not because you have on the perfect outfit or because he brings you to the perfect place but because you two have have a great friendship that you can build a strong relationship on."
"I just don't want to mess things up before they've begun. And that's another fear, I did tell Nicky I was scared to go beyond friends because it might ruin what we already have but he said he thinks we'll be better together..."
"He's right....but just don't worry or stress so much, just let things happen."
sighed, "You're right...I just need to relax..." she grabbed a pair of jeans, a knit sweater and her boots and hung them on the bathroom door.
"See now that he'll love! Because it's so you and that's what he wants...you..." pointed to the outfit.
Deep down, knew was right about everything but she still couldn't help but feel nervous.
"Go have your bath, I'll put your other clothes away and let myself out. Have a wonderful date with Nix! I'll call you tomorrow to hear all about it!!"
"Okay.....thanks ...."
"For what?"
"For being here...it's been such a long time since I've done this whole thing, I feel like such a silly school girl."
gave her a hug, "Of course!! That's what besties are for!!" she shooed away to the bathroom and started cleaning up.

Close enough to see it's true,
Close enough to trust in you,
Closer now than any words can say.
Yeah yeah
And when,
When I'm in your arms, I need you to know,
I've never been, never been this close.

felt the butterflies in her stomach, she had been fine during her bath and while she was getting ready but after hearing the door bell ring the anxiety washed over her. Now she couldn't manage to say much in the car. Nicky squeezed her hand, he knew she was nervous but he hoped he could calm her nerves down. She had been so quiet during dinner and it was not like her.

He pulled up near St. Stephen's Green Park, a place where both had often gone together to talk. Nicky got out and opened the door for .
"Thank you..." she replied shyly.
He took her hand and led her to their favorite spot near the lake. The moon was shining brightly and Nicky couldn't help but notice how different looked, she was glowing and it made her even more beautiful in his eyes.

He spread a blanket out on the grass and pulled her down by him. looked at the beauty around her, everything looked so perfect.
"It's a pretty night..." she finally whispered.
"It is but I think you're even prettier..." he played with her hands in hopes of relaxing her.
She finally looked up into his face, "Thank you...."
He caressed her face gently, "What's wrong love? You're so quiet...."
"I'm nervous and scared......"
A concerned look crossed his face, "Why? There's nothing to be scared or nervous about..."
"I just want tonight to go perfectly.....I mean I like you so much and I'm afraid I'll mess things up..."
Nicky pulled closed and hugged her tightly, "You silly girl, nothing could mess things up, even if tonight had been one accident after another, being with you is what will make it all perfect."
"I know you say that now but maybe you'll find out something about me you don't like and change your mind. Or what if you find another girl who's better or something?" could feel the insecurities eat at her heart.
"Oh , you know that's not going to happen right? We're already so close! It's not like we're total strangers who have just met."
"Yes we're close but is it enough to really sustain a good relationship between us?"
", we're close enough to know it's true..." he wanted to reassure her.
Deep in her heart she knew he was right but was still downright afraid, but she also knew if she didn't take this chance and trust things would turn out fine, it would be the biggest mistake of her life.
She pulled him for a hug and kissed the tip of his nose.
He smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist, "You're not nervous and scared anymore are you?"
"No..." she told him confidently, "I trust you and know things will be okay..."
"Good....that's all I want, for you to trust me and know that what I'm feeling is real, what we're feeling is real....that we can really have a lifetime of happiness like and Shay."
He looked at her intently, seeking a sign that she was sure she wanted this too. He found the look of love and happiness in her eyes, much like what was found in his own. He slowly leaned his face closer to hers and brushed his lips with hers, kissing her with all the passion he felt inside of him.

You give me strength,
(You give me strength)
You give me hope,
(You give me hope)
You give me (oh) someone to love,
Someone to hold.
When I'm in your arms,
I need you to know,
I've never been, never been (oh no)
I've never been, never been
This Close...

Nicky smiled as he re-read the last verse of the song. It represented all that he felt for . It had taken him a year and a half to write but it was finally ready to be given to her. He had gotten some help from Shane on the music and melody so all that was left was to record it and sing it to . It was his special way of letting her know how much she really meant to him, how she had changed his life and given him the love he always wanted. It was also his way of proposing to her, to let her know once and for all that he had never felt this way before, that he had never been this close to anyone before and that it was her that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, to have their own happily ever after....

The End