In the morning, Niall was woken up to the sun peeking through the curtains. He groaned, burying his face into the pillow. He didn't want to wake up just yet. It was far too early and he wanted to stay in bed a bit longer. His arms tightened around the pillow he held, but he paused and opened his eyes when he realized the pillow wasn't a pillow. Instead, it was a warm body that he had his arms around and his face was buried into the person's neck. With wide eyes, he pulled back enough to get a good look of who was by him and he spotted the familiar mop of brunette hair belonging to Kinsley. His heart skipped a beat as he remembered what happened last night. He had stayed the night at her place.

Kinsley was still sound asleep, her chest rising and falling slowly with every breath. She looked so peaceful and relaxed, and Niall couldn't help but admire her beauty. The sun's rays illuminated her, making her look like an angel. He felt like he was looking at a work of art. He reached out and brushed a few strands of her hair out of her face, his fingers lightly trailing across her skin. She stirred slightly and he froze, his breath catching in his throat. He didn't want to wake her.

Just then, Roxy woke up and jumped off the bed. She stretched before she ran around the room, her paws hitting the ground noisily. Niall winced and prayed Kinsley didn't wake up. Thankfully she didn't and he turned to look at the dog.

"Roxy, you're going to wake her up." Niall whispered.

Roxy stops and tilts her head to the side, staring at him. She then jumps onto the bed, landing right on top of him, causing him to let out a soft grunt. "Oof. Good morning to you too." He grumbled, his arms still around Kinsley. The dog licked his face happily and barked, making Kinsley stir.

Niall panics and quickly pushes the dog away. "Shhh!" He hisses. "She's still sleeping. Don't wake her up."

Roxy barked again and ran out of the room, her tail wagging. Milo woke up and stretched before following her, his paws hitting the ground.

Niall groaned. Great, now they were both awake. He looked back at Kinsley and was relieved to see she was still asleep. She looked so peaceful and he was reluctant to disturb her. Niall decided to stay still, not wanting to disrupt Kinsley's sleep any further. He rested his chin on the top of her head, his eyes closing. He didn't want to fall asleep, but he felt so comfortable and relaxed, it was hard not to. But he knew he should get up and at least go feed Roxy and Milo and take care of them.

With great reluctance, Niall carefully and gently pulled himself away from Kinsley and climbed out of bed. Not before he kissed her forehead and then left the room, quietly closing the door behind him. He found Roxy and Milo sitting in the living room, but they perked up at seeing him. Roxy eagerly jumped off the couch and she ran over to him, wagging her tail.

"Hey, girl." Niall whispers, patting her head. Roxy's tail wags more and she licked his hand. "Come on, let's go get you and Milo some breakfast."

Roxy followed him into the kitchen eagerly and sat down as Niall pulled out a box of dog food and poured some into her bowl. He did the same for Milo, the cat was eager to get his food and ate as soon as his food was placed into his dish. He gave them some water and scrolled on his phone while they ate.

When Roxy was done, he slipped his shoes back on and went for a run with her, leaving Kinsley to sleep. He went on runs with Roxy before, he also went on runs with Kinsley. It was very rare though that he could convince Kinsley to go with him. But he enjoyed these moments with Roxy, just the two of them running through the park. It gave him a chance to clear his mind and focus on something other than the stresses of life.

He was out for about an hour, and then he and Roxy returned to Kinsley's apartment. When he walked back in, he saw Kinsley was up and making breakfast. Roxy eagerly ran over to her, her tail wagging as she barked excitedly. Niall smiled at the sight, happy to see Kinsley up and about. He walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her from behind and placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"Morning, love," He murmurs, resting his chin on her shoulder as he watched her cook. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah, but as much as I love your hugs go shower. You're all sweaty." Kinsley complained, trying to ignore how her heart fluttered at the kiss on the cheek and the hug. She didn't want to read too much into it.

Niall laughs and releases her, stepping back. "Alright, alright. I'm going." He teased, smiling at her. He then walked away and headed into the guest bathroom after grabbing some clothes leftover in the dresser drawer. Kinsley was used to him staying the night and leaving some clothes over at her flat and she did the same at his. They both were used to it by now.

After Niall was done with his shower, he returned to the kitchen and was greeted with the sight of Kinsley cooking pancakes and bacon. He couldn't help but smile; she had always been a good cook. It was one of the things he loved about her.

"Smells good," Niall comments, walking over to her. He stands behind her and peers over her shoulder, watching her cook. "Need any help?"

"Nah, I'm almost done," Kinsley tells him, flipping the pancake. "Why don't you set the table instead?"

Niall nodded and kissed her cheek before heading to the cupboard and pulling out the plates. He set the table and placed the plates down, along with utensils and glasses. Just then, Kinsley was finishing up the last pancake and she turned off the stove. She walked over to place the plate of pancakes and then the plate of bacon on the table.

"Breakfast is served." Kinsley grinned, taking a seat.

Niall smiles and sits across from her. The two of them dig into their breakfast, enjoying the delicious food. They make small talk as they eat, and soon they're both stuffed. "That was delicious, Kiki. Thank you," Niall says, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "You always make the best pancakes."

Kinsley blushes at the compliment, feeling pleased. "Thanks, Ni. I'm glad you liked them. And it's only fair I cooked for you since you cooked for me yesterday."

"True, but still. Thank you." Niall says, smiling warmly at her. "I always appreciate it when you cook for me, love." He reaches across the table and takes her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I appreciate you."

Kinsley's heart flutters at his words and the action, and she feels butterflies in her stomach. She can't help but smile at him, feeling happy and content. "I appreciate you too, Ni." She replies, squeezing his hand back. "You mean a lot to me."

Niall smiles wider and stands up, bringing her hand up to his lips and pressing a kiss against her knuckles. "You mean a lot to me too, Kinsley."

Kinsley's blush deepens at the kiss and she feels like her heart is about to burst. She doesn't know why Niall's being so affectionate with her, but she isn't complaining. She's enjoying every moment of it. "Thank you, Ni." Kinsley smiles, feeling her heart skip a beat. "You mean a lot to me, too."

They finish up their breakfast and clean up the kitchen together, chatting and laughing as they do so. It was a simple moment, but it was one they both cherished. Moments like these were precious and rare, and they wanted to savor every second of it. Niall sadly had to leave to prepare some things for upcoming rehearsals and events, and they promised to hang out again soon.

When Kinsley was alone in her apartment, she found herself anxiously thinking about the battles. She didn't want to go, but she knew she had no choice. She just hoped that whatever happened, she would make it through. With a sigh, she turned her attention back to cleaning her apartment, hoping it would distract her.

****

Soon it has been a week past the blind auditions and Kinsley was surprised with how much her social media accounts have grown since her appearance on the show. She had gained thousands of new followers and fans, and the support she was receiving was overwhelming in the best possible way. Messages of encouragement and love flooded her Instagram dms, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for the newfound attention. It was surreal to her. She never thought she'd gain such a large fan base from her audition, but here she was.

However, amidst the excitement, there was also a sense of pressure weighing on her shoulders. The battles were fast approaching, and Kinsley couldn't shake off the nerves that came with it. She knew she had to bring her A-game if she wanted to make it through to the next round. To ease her mind, Kinsley decided to spend some quality time with Niall and the rest of her friends. They went out for dinner, caught a movie, and even had a small impromptu karaoke session at Kinsley's apartment. Laughter filled the air, and for a moment, Kinsley forgot about the upcoming challenges.

Though, those worries crept up on her once more when it was time to prepare for the battles and rehearse with her partner. She had prepared herself the best she could, but she was still anxious and unsure of what to expect. She was curious to see what her competition would be like, but she was also a little intimidated. The battles were going to be tough, and she knew that not everyone would make it through. The stakes were higher than ever, and Kinsley knew that she had to put in her best effort if she wanted to win.

Kinsley arrived at the studio early the following morning, her nerves jumbled up, making her freeze in the hallway outside of the studio. It didn't help that everything would be filmed and televised. She knew that millions of people would be watching and waiting to see her fail. But she was determined to not give them the satisfaction. She took a deep breath and composed herself, pushing the anxiety down as best she could. She entered the room she was guided to one of the workers, this was the room she would meet her fellow members on Team Niall.

The room looked cool with having some games, including a pool table and a hockey table in the back. Other games, a drink machine, and vending machines were scattered throughout the room. Chairs, couches, bean bags were scattered towards the front of the room in front of where a tv was at. It looked like a typical hang out room.

It's a sanctuary where nerves are calmed, where pep talks are exchanged, and where the contestants find solace in one another's company. Kinsley honestly felt her nerves fade a bit as she entered the room. There was just a calm feeling that radiated in the room and she was grateful for it. She needed that.

"You're Kinsley, right?"

An excited and shy voice asks her, turning her attention away from the room and towards the person who asked. A young girl who looks around 13-15 age range was looking at her excitedly, but Kinsley could tell she was nervous as she wrung her hands together. Her blonde hair was pulled into a messy bun. She had light blue eyes, a cute button nose, and a shy but kind smile. She was small in height, though she was around Kinsley's height. She was dressed in a pink graphic shirt that was tucked into a pair of light blue ripped jeans and a pair of black and white sneakers.

"I'm your biggest fan! Oh my gosh, I can't believe you're actually here! This is like a dream come true. I'm sorry, I'm rambling. My name's Poppy. I'm so happy to finally meet you." Poppy rambled, her cheeks red as she talked quickly. She looked a bit embarrassed.

Kinsley chuckles and offers the girl a kind smile. She didn't realize that there were going to be fans that were actually on the show. She should've expected that maybe she would have a few. "Yes, I'm Kinsley. It's a pleasure to meet you, Poppy. I love your name. It's super cute."

Poppy's cheeks reddened more and she looked a bit star-struck, which made Kinsley smile a bit. "Thanks. My mom's favorite flower is a poppy. And I think that's why my parents named me that. I mean, I'm not complaining. It's a cool name."

"It really is," Kinsley nods in agreement. "So, are you a duet or a solo artist?" She asked curiously.

"Solo artist. I think I'm one of the youngest ones here." Poppy admits, chewing on her lower lip nervously. "I'm not even sure how I made it through the blinds, to be honest. I think it was pure luck. Or maybe fate? But I'm really happy to be here. I've been a fan of you and Niall since the start of One Direction and I can't believe I'm meeting you both in person." She gushed, her eyes shining.

Kinsley couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth at Poppy's excitement. It was moments like these that reminded her of the impact she had on people, and it filled her with a sense of responsibility to do her best. "Well, I'm glad you're here, Poppy. And I'm sure you made it through because you're talented. Don't doubt yourself." She encouraged, placing a reassuring hand on Poppy's shoulder.

"Thanks, Kinsley. That means a lot." Poppy grins, looking more confident now. "I'm so happy that I'm on this show, I've been watching it my whole life. And I can't believe I'm actually here. This is so exciting!" She was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet, her enthusiasm infectious.

Kinsley couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement herself, despite her anxiety. It was hard not to get caught up in the buzz of the show and the atmosphere of the studio. "Yeah, it's pretty surreal. But I'm glad to be here. It's going to be a crazy ride. But if you ever need anything or have any questions, just let me know, okay?" She said, giving the younger girl a gentle smile. "I'm more than happy to try to help out however I can."

Poppy's eyes widen in amazement at Kinsley's offer. She nods eagerly, her excitement evident. "Wow, thank you so much, Kinsley! That means a lot to me. I'll definitely keep that in mind. It's so cool to have someone like you to look up to and learn from. You're like a role model to me!" She exclaimed, her admiration shining through her words.

Kinsley felt a warm glow in her chest at Poppy's words. Being the only girl in a band growing up, she had been a role model to girls all over the world no matter the age. Having a girl look up to her in this way still felt new and special to her. She was honored that Poppy saw her as a role model. It was a humbling feeling, and she wanted to live up to the expectations that came with it.

"You're too kind, Poppy. But I'm just a regular person like you. We're all here because we love music and want to share our passion with the world," Kinsley replies, her voice filled with sincerity. "So let's support each other and make the most out of this experience, okay?"

Poppy nods eagerly, a determined glint in her eyes. "Absolutely! I'm ready to give it my all and show everyone what I'm capable of. And having you by my side makes it even better!" She enthused, a bright grin on her face.

Kinsley couldn't help but smile back, feeling energized by Poppy's enthusiasm. "We're gonna crush this, Poppy. I'm excited to see what you're made of." She teased, playfully bumping her shoulder against Poppy's.

Poppy giggles, a light blush dusting her cheeks. She looked more relaxed now, the initial nerves fading away. "Thanks, Kinsley. I can't wait to show you. I'm not going to hold back. Or at least I will try to." She added, a small sheepish smile on her lips.

Kinsley grinned at her and the two continued to talk, getting to know each other better. She could already tell that they would be good friends. Poppy was a sweet and genuine person, and she admired her positive attitude and outlook on life. Plus, it was always nice to have someone to chat with and have fun with. Poppy was like a ball of sunshine and Kinsley found herself drawn to her. She was excited to see what the younger girl had in store for the show and to see what else they had in common.

Eventually, more contestants trickled into the room and soon everyone was chatting and getting to know one another. Kinsley met several new faces, including a young girl named Gina, who was around Poppy's age. A young boy named Riley who was around Gina's and Poppy's age. A man named Ross, who was a few years older than Kinsley. Michael is another man who was a couple years older than her. A young woman named Tasha and a young man named Jerome, both around the same ages in their early twenties. EJ was around the same age as Ross and Michael while Kate and was around Tasha's and Jerome's age. Laura was around Kinsley's age, and Talia was a few years older than her. In total, Niall had twelve members. The other coaches had twelve members as well.

It was a little overwhelming to meet so many new people, but Kinsley was happy to connect with them and hear about their stories. She learned that most of them were solo artists or had experience performing as a part of a band or group. They were all passionate about music and eager to make it on the show. They were a friendly bunch and Kinsley could tell that they were going to be a tight-knit team. She was excited to work with them and support them, and she hoped they could all become good friends along the way.

Soon it was time for the announcement of the first pairs who would be doing the first battle rounds. Kinsley's heart raced more as she listened and watched the screen.

"First up," The producer's voice echoes in the room and she pauses for dramatic effect. "Poppy and Kinsley!"

A mixture of cheers and gasps rang through the room, and the two girls grinned at each other, excitement and relief coursing through them. They had been paired together for the first battle, and they couldn't wait to show everyone what they were made of. Kinsley had to admit she was thrilled yet nervous to be paired up with Poppy. She just hoped Niall wouldn't be biased with picking who wins and that he would pick fair and square.

"We're gonna kill it, Poppy." Kinsley whispered to Poppy and nudged her shoulder with a bright smile.

Poppy smiles brightly and nods. "Totally. Let's do this, Kinsley."

****

The days went by in a blur and Kinsley and Poppy hung out many times to practice and get to know each other better. They clicked instantly and supported each other throughout the rehearsals, offering encouragement and constructive feedback. Despite their nerves, they were determined to give it their all and deliver a memorable performance.

Kinsley loved hanging out with Poppy. The young blonde was full of energy and positivity, and her enthusiasm was infectious. They spent hours practicing together, going over every detail of their performance to make sure it was perfect. They laughed and joked around, forming a strong bond in the process. Kinsley found herself opening up to Poppy about her fears and insecurities, and Poppy was always there to offer a listening ear and words of encouragement. She quickly found herself thinking of Poppy as a younger sister, always looking out for her and lending her a helping hand.

Soon, the day of the first battles had arrived, and Kinsley and Poppy were both anxious and excited. They had rehearsed their routine many times, and they were confident in their ability to deliver an outstanding performance. They were now waiting out in the hallway outside of the studio where Niall was waiting for them. They would be practicing the song once more, going it over with Niall before the battles actually happened. They felt a mix of emotions. The battles were nerve-wracking and a lot of pressure, but it was also a chance to show off their talents and impress the coaches.

They had to be good enough to make it to the next round or get picked for the playoff pass. This year the show had a playoff pass option which was when the coach could choose one of the artists to go right to the playoffs. Kinsley had to admit she hoped she would get that, but she would be more than fine with either one. She just wanted to move on to the next round.

"Niall's waiting for us. Are you ready?" Kinsley asked Poppy, a small smile on her lips.

Poppy gave a shy smile and a small nod. "I think so. I still can't believe it we're here and doing this." She was obviously a little nervous and overwhelmed, but there was also an undercurrent of excitement. She was sitting besides Kinsley, her leg was bouncing, but Kinsley could see the determination shining in her eyes. She reached out and squeezed Poppy's hand reassuringly.

"We've got this, Poppy. Just remember to breathe and have fun. We've worked hard for this moment, and now it's time to shine." Kinsley said with confidence, giving her a reassuring smile.

"You're right, Kinsley. Thank you. You're a great partner to have. I'm so glad we got paired up together." Poppy admits, squeezing her hand back, her expression softening. "And I'm not just saying that because you're a pop star and I'm a huge fan. I mean, it's awesome to be working with you and to have you as a friend, but you're also an amazing person. And I'm really grateful to have you in my life."

Kinsley feels a warm glow fill her chest at Poppy's words and she smiles fondly at her, feeling tears brim her eyes. "That's one of the sweetest things anyone ever said to me, Poppy. You're an amazing person, too. I'm really glad we got paired up together, too." She admits, her voice filled with emotion. "I'm gonna hate it if either of us have to go home 'cause I love working with you." She sniffled and wiped her eyes carefully to make sure she didn't ruin her makeup. Poppy was so sweet and sincere and what she said melted her heart.

Poppy's eyes were glistening with tears too as she leans over to hug her. "I'll hate it too. But we're not going anywhere, okay? We're going to make it through. I can feel it."

Kinsley smiles fondly at her and hugs her back, appreciating her words. "You're right. We're going to kick a** and win this. No matter what happens, though, I'm so glad to have met you, Poppy. I'll definitely stay in contact with you even if I don't go to the next line. You're a great friend and a talented person. You deserve the world."

Poppy sniffled and pulls back, wiping her eyes and smiling at her. "You deserve the world, too, Kinsley. Thank you." She grins. "Let's go wow the audience and Niall and make it to the next round."

"Heck yeah!" Kinsley grinned back at her and the two did their handshake they had made up before they were told it was time for them to go inside.

They walked down the hall together, the butterflies in their stomachs fluttering with nerves and excitement. The journey had only just begun, but they were ready for whatever the future held. They walked into the studio with their arms linked together, smiling widely when they saw Niall standing there with a bright and warm smile.

"Hey, girls. It's so great to see you again," He said cheerfully, walking up to them and giving them each a hug. "I'm really excited to see what you've been working on."

"Thank you, Niall. We're really excited to perform for you." Kinsley said with a grin, feeling a bit calmer now that Niall was there. She didn't know how he always did it, but his presence was reassuring and comforting.

"I can't wait. But I want you to have fun and relax, okay? Don't stress out too much. I know how intense this competition can be. But just remember to breathe and take it one step at a time. And whatever happens, I'm proud of both of you." Niall told them with a sincere smile, his eyes filled with warmth and pride as he pulled back from the hugs.

"You're so sweet, Niall." Poppy gushes, her cheeks tinted pink. "Thank you for believing in us. We're so grateful for your support and guidance."

"Anytime, ladies. Now let's get started, shall we?" Niall asks, a teasing smile on his lips. "I can't wait to see what you've been working on. Show me what you've got."

-ˏˋ Niall is shown in a part of the studio on a director's chair for his interview where he talked about the pairs he picked. He smiles brightly at the camera as he talked. "For the first round, I picked Kinsley and Poppy to go first. And I knew from the second I saw their performance that they were going to go far. They killed it and the audience loved them, too. They both have similar ranges and I figured their voices would blend well together. Plus, their personalities mesh well and they work well together as a team. They're a force to be reckoned with, and I'm so glad to have them as a part of my team. I just hope I won't regret my decision for pairing them together..." He admits with a nervous smile. "Which I have a feeling I might." ˎˊ-

"So, what did you guys think of the song option?" Niall questions in a curious tone. He was now sitting in his chair in front of the two girls, who both stood at microphone stands. "Do you like it?"

"Yeah, I always loved Meghan Trainor so the fact we get to sing a song of hers is like a dream come true." Kinsley admitted with a grin.

"Same." Poppy grins, nodding in agreement. "We love the song choice. And we hope you like what we came up with, though if you have any pointers, we're more than happy to hear them."

Niall nods, pleased with their enthusiasm. "I'm sure you both are going to do amazing. Just remember to have fun up there and let your personalities shine through. That's what's going to make your performance memorable."

The two girls nod in response and grin at each other before they started singing the song with the band backing them up. Kinsley had her acoustic guitar with her since she had planned to do the performance with her guitar. Poppy was doing it without an instrument.

The performance was a blast and they had a lot of fun performing it. Niall added some great pointers to the performance that helped it become even better. Niall quickly realized he was in trouble. They had a great performance and a lot of chemistry, and he had a feeling the audience was going to eat it up. He knew they were going to be a huge hit, and he wasn't sure how he was going to pick which one. He hoped that the other coaches could help give him an idea.

"You were fantastic, girls. That was an outstanding performance." Niall tells them sincerely, smiling brightly. "I'm very impressed. And I think the audience is going to love it, too. I, honestly I have no notes besides the ones I already said. You did an excellent job."

"Thank you so much, Niall." Kinsley gushed, grinning from ear to ear. She was practically vibrating from the adrenaline of the performance, and she was overjoyed to have gotten Niall's approval. She still couldn't believe any of this was real. She had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

-ˏˋ "Honestly, I was so happy when I found out I was paired up with Poppy." Kinsley admits from her place in a director's chair as she does her interview in between takes. "She's such an amazing and sweet person, and she's extremely talented, too. Especially for her age. And because of that, I'm also intimidated by her a bit." She chuckles with a sheepish smile. "I just hope we both will stay on the show. But anyway, I wasn't lying when I said I loved the song choice. 'No' by Meghan Trainor is such a powerful song, and I really want to do it justice. I think Poppy and I have the perfect chemistry and dynamic to pull it off, and I'm really excited for everyone to see what we've come up with." ˎˊ-

Kinsley and Poppy continue to go over the song with Niall, adding in his input, and by the end, they were all very satisfied with how it turned out. They felt good about their chances, and they were both excited and nervous for the audience and the coaches reactions. They kept practicing the song and their choreography, wanting everything to be perfect. They were both determined to win this battle and make it to the next round.

A/N it's so much harder than i thought it would be to write out the show the voice lol & obviously some things i write about the voice are things i made up about it since no one really knows all the details behind the cameras but anyway i love niall & kinsley so much, they're so cute! & whenever you see these symbols -ˏˋ ˎˊ- it will be when they do the interview segments in the show