My Life

niamoholic:

Laugh
~0~
Laugh
~0~
“Hey, are you okay?”
Niall quickly wiped the offending tears from his eyes and took a deep breath before turning to the door, where Zayn stood at the threshold, he turned to his phone again, “Yeah, I’m fine.” He answered a little lowly. He reread the text on his mobile before locking it and placing it on his nightstand.
“You’re not okay.” Niall felt two hands on his shoulders as he was turned around and brought into a hug, and that was pretty much it. He broke down and cried against Zayn’s chest, as the elder held him close.
~0~
“I thought you were going with Harry.” Niall muttered a little later. They sat in the living room, watching some random show. Zayn looked up to him and shrugged, “I had a feeling there was something wrong when you said you’d rather stay here.” Niall held his gaze for a moment before turning to the telly.
“Well, are’nt you gonna tell me what’s wrong?”
Niall looked into expecting chocolate eyes, biting his lip, looking for sincerity and weighing his options. His thoughts were cut when his phone buzzed, alerting a new message. He turned to his phone before pausing to read the text and subtly hitting his head with it, muttering ‘Idiot’ in a quiet whisper.
Niall felt tears behind his eyes once again, and forced himself not to cry anymore in front of Zayn. Why does this have to be so hard. Why does it have to be his best friend? It could’ve been anyone really. Ironic, how much you can hate love.
“I’m back!” The door swung open and Harry stepped inside their apartment, beaming at the two as he removed his coat. “Got you guys something to eat,” He smiled as he held up a bag of Taco Bell.
Niall suddenly stood up and stalked to his room, without another word. Harry’s smile fell as he watched the blond walk away. “Did I say something wrong?” He asked Zayn, who shrugged in reply.
Harry was in the kitchen putting the food on some plates when Zayn heard a familiar buzz. He lowered the volume of the telly and listened as the same sound buzzed again and again. He followed it and found Niall’s phone stuck in the couch. He pulled it out and the screen was bright with an incoming call, Zayn read the name and saw the picture and questions began to fill his mind. The phone shone a familiar brunette on the screen, above the answer-deny buttons was the name, ‘Danielle Peazer’
Zayn waited for the call to fall into dial tone before he looked over his shoulder, making sure Harry was still in the kitchen and Niall was in his room. He bit his lip and opened the messages. He wasn’t one to invade people’s privacy like this, but this is Niall, and watching him cry was enough for him to make him do what he can to help.
All the most recent messages were from Danielle. Zayn was a bit confused, because she and Liam were on a date at the moment. He flipped through the messages and his eyes grew wide at what he read and he felt his hand shake a little.
“Hey,”
Zayn panicked, hit the lock button of the phone, and placed it between his legs as Harry flopped down on the couch beside him, “You want some?” Harry smiled, Zayn shook his head, “No thank you.”
“Suit yourself, more for me then.” They sat in silence and under Harry’s loud chewing before Zayn felt the phone vibrate again, and from where he placed it, it didn’t feel right at all. He snuck it to his pocket and muffled the sound against the couch. Harry didn’t seem to notice.
The show turned to commercial and Harry turned to Zayn, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, “What’s with Niall?”
“He won’t tell me.”
“He seems pissed, if not depressed.”
“Yeah, I-“
“Hey, um…” Two pairs of eyes turned to the topic of conversation, standing a feet away, eyes red and puffy. “Have you guys seen my phone?”
Harry shook his head no, before standing and looking for it on the couch a under it. Zayn threw the phone quietly to one side as he pretended to look for it as well. “Here,” Harry held it out to Niall who took hold of it, but Harry didn’t let go, “What’s wrong, Niall?” Niall held his gaze in silence, before swiping his nails against Harry’s skin in anger, making him let go. The younger hissed in pain and held his hand with the other. Niall left, phone in hand, and questions unanswered.
“Pissed is the right word.” Harry muttered as he looked at the marks left at the back of his hand. “You have no idea what’s going on?”
Zayn shook his head, not wanting to let anyone else know what he had found in the blond’s phone.
~0~
It was late in the evening when Louis came home a little tipsy; not long after Liam came back as well, but in a state none of them expected. The door swung open and close as Liam stepped in, not bothering to even open his mouth in greeting. “Liam, how was-” Harry’s words were lost as Liam sped past to his room in silence. “Well, that can’t be good.”
Zayn quickly stood up and followed him, not bothering to knock as he came into the lad’s room. Liam was lying face down on the bed, silent, unmoving. Zayn reached for his shoulder and shook him, “Hey, buddy, tough night?”
Liam turned around and faced his friend with tears in his eyes, “She broke up with me…”
~0~
A week passed and everything seemed to drag by the days. Both Liam and Niall were terribly down and Louis could do only so much to keep the mood bright. It was a cold night when Louis brought home a case of beer, and bags of Lay’s. He pulled both Liam and Niall from their rooms and made them sit along with Harry and Zayn on the floor of the living room.
“You two have fun or else.” Louis pointed a finger at the two who ignored him completely. The hour passed by and Louis was half drunk, not like Harry who was having an animated conversation with a cat shaped pillow. This was Louis and Zayn’s idea on maybe getting at let Niall to talk since Liam wouldn’t drink an ounce of alcohol. Zayn remained sober since he thought at least one of them had to. “So, little Niall…” Louis began, propping himself with two hands behind him, “Why’d you been down lately?”
Zayn turned to the blond, trying to figure out if the kid was drunk or sober, maybe in the middle? “Nah, you don’t wanna know…” He took a swig of his glass and gulped hard as he blinked twice.”
Liam sat in silence as he watched the carpet intently, he looked up when Louis tapped him a little too hard on the shoulder, “Gotten over her yet?” Zayn could see the flash of anger in Liam’s eyes, but it fell and he heard him sigh heavily. “just.. shut up.” Liam muttered.
Louis took a shot of vodka, before slamming the glass on the floor, creating a crack in it, “Oi! Niall! Tell me what’s buggin’ ya’ mate!” Niall then lay on his back on the floor raised his hands behind his head before he sighed. He hiccupped and blinked again.
Zayn already had the feeling that Niall was about to say something horrible, but before he could place his hand on the younger’s mouth, “Danielle’s a bitch.” The next thing Zayn knew, Liam was stalking away, and Niall was clutching his face. That’ll leave a black eye in the morning for sure.
~0~
“Niall? I brought food…” Zayn entered the dimly lit room to the figure on the bed, sobbing silently. “You have to eat, you know?” Niall sat up. Zayn smiled and handed him a bowl of salad. Niall took slow bites, chewing silently as he stared blankly across the room. Zayn sat at the blond’s desk, watching the younger. His left eye sporting a shiner. He was meaning to ask Niall about what he saw in his phone weeks ago, but never really got the chance because asking about that is telling him he looked at his phone. “Niall, I wanna ask-” His words were cut when two knocks came from the door, “Niall?” It was Liam. Zayn stood and took a glance at Niall who nodded, before he opened the door.
“Zayn?” Liam stepped in and glanced toward the bed where Niall was eating silently, “Can I…?” Zayn took his words and quietly left, closing the door behind him.
Liam walked slowly to the edge of the bed, eyeing the bruise he’d made on the Irishman’s face. He sighed and took a seat on the bed. Niall placed the bowl on his nightstand as he averted meeting hazel eyes.
Liam held the younger by the shoulders, trying to catch his eyes, when he finally did; he saw the shimmer of wet tears in blue eyes. “I’m sorry…” Niall whispered.
“No,” Liam protested, “I should be the one sorry…” He reached up to touch the swollen eye. Niall winced on contact, but let him soothe the bruise. He felt a blush creep up his face at the affection the elder was showing. Niall could tell that Liam really felt bad for giving him the black eye. He could see the remorse in those hazel eyes. Liam slowly dropped his hand, and embraced the other lad in a tight hug, “I’m so… Sorry…”
“I shouldn’t have said… What I said…” Niall muttered against his neck. “I’m sorry Liam… I know this is hard for you…”
Liam pulled away and evaded Niall’s eyes, looking down on the mattress, and brought his hand to the back of his neck. “That’s just it, I’m confused… It’s not as hard to take as I thought…”
“What do you mean?”
“I should be sad, down, broken… But I’m not, I’m… Just confused…” Liam bit his lip and sighed. “What about you? You never told anyone why you’ve been down…”
“It’s…” Niall dropped his eyes, “…nothing.”
“You’ll have to talk to someone about it sooner or later, you know?” Liam rubbed his back soothingly, “I don’t like you being this way, and I miss your laugh…” His eyes flickered to the other’s lips, imagining them laughing, and wondered what it felt like to… wait what was he thinking?
Niall found himself staring at Liam, not expecting those little words. His eyes grew wide and he felt himself blush.
~0~
“How about a movie then?” Louis beamed. Everything’s been back to normal the past few days, Zayn, Harry and Louis weren’t sure on how the other two got over both of their problems, but they really didn’t care, as long as everyone’s happy. The night’s been boring for them so far, having a day off, but having no energy to go out.
“Hunger Games? Harry?” Louis held out the DVD that Harry haven’t watched yet, The Cheshire lad nodded and Louis fed it to the player, Zayn left to get some popcorn and some drinks while Liam went to fetch Niall from his room. He was about to knock on his door but stopped when he heard his name being spoken.
“ –Liam.” … “No, he doesn’t see me that way! Okay? Why can’t you just accept that! .. “Damn it, Danielle.”
Liam’s eyes widened at the name. He bit his lip and leaned closer to the door, where he could faintly hear Niall’s voice get high as he could actually hear him holding back tears, “I don’t want to hope for nothing, Danielle…” … “I know you sacrificed a lot for us, and I thank you for that, but I guess you were wrong of thinking that Liam loved me.”
There was a steady silence after he heard those words. Everything he heard did that mean Danielle broke up with him … all because she thought he loved… Niall? But… she told him, he could remember the exact words that night, “You have to realize it sooner or later, Liam. And when you do, he’ll take you in his arms.” Liam never thought twice on how Danielle had said he. But now… Did he love Niall? That was absurd he was straight, but… The urge to kiss him.. no. But… Liam shook his head trying to read himself of his thoughts, but it only made him think of every single thing he loved about the boy. From the very first time they met. They were roommates during boot camp… Niall was really shy and all. The moment they failed to get into the judge’s houses. And the moment they got put into a group. Niall was loud, and carefree, he was cute and just plain friendly. He was weird and Liam liked that about him, He makes him laugh, he comforts him, he enjoys his hugs, he makes him happy, and… shit, he does love him. Danielle just saw it before him, but was he that dumb not to see that?
WAIT. Does Niall like him? Ergh, damn it, he thought, of course he does. Danielle broke up with him for Niall, because she knew he loved him and Liam returned his feelings. This is hard to wrap around his mind to, he admitted.
“Okay…” Niall’s voice was shaky and he could hear him sniff, footsteps, but Liam didn’t move, he just stood behind the door as it opened revealing a teary-eyed Niall. “Liam?”
Before Niall could react, Liam had him pinned on the door, as he placed his lips on him. Niall’s eyes were wide open at the sudden contact. Liam pulled away, eyes shimmering wet. Niall opened his mouth, but he was speechless. Liam stepped back, “Niall, I –“ But The blond ran away quickly, leaving Liam in a state of confusion.
Niall slammed the door to the bathroom as he took a seat on the toilet. He had his hands over his face as he trembled in a feeling he didn’t know. Liam passed the living room to the bathroom door, the other’s following suit. He rapped at the door, “Niall?”
“What happened?” Harry asked, words lost in the wind.
“Niall!” Liam knocked harder, “I’m sorry!”
Louis and Harry exchanged worried glances and Zayn stood by trying to figure out what happened. They heard a shuffle from behind the door and all of them fell silently. Niall was sobbing. “Why did you kiss me?” His words were clear and precise. Liam dropped his eyes to his feet. While shock stamped itself on three faces.
“I… I wanted to see… if…”
“If what?! Huh!?” Niall yelled through the wooden door, “Danielle was right about one thing. You’re a coward, Liam!”
Liam swallowed hard, catching what Niall had meant, if he really did love him, he would’ve said he kissed him because he did, not beating around the bush. “Please, Niall. Open the door. I’m sorry. I… I love you.”
“Do you, now?!” Niall’s voice was broken and the sheer disbelief and anger was evident in his Irish accent.
“Yes. Yes I do, Niall. I love you. Okay? That’s why I felt relieved when Danielle broke up with me. That’s why I never cried over her. That’s why I always think about you when I’m with her, that’s why I talk about you and only you, Niall. I love you. I’m sorry. Okay?!” Liam felt a tear stream down his face, a hand on his shoulder. The lock clicked and the door swung open. Niall stood there looking up at Liam, Liam looking down at Niall. The younger threw his arms around him and held him in a tight hug. They both let their tears fall as they found the one thing they’ve been longing even if they don’t know it, each other.
They pulled apart and silence enveloped them as Liam leaned in for a kiss again. This time, Niall kissed back as he felt his hands on his waist and on the back of his neck. He could feel Liam smiling against his lips, and they both let out a breathless laugh as they pulled apart. “I love you, Li.”
“I know…”
“Zayn?” Harry’s voice was like a catalyst for the two to realize that they weren’t alone, all heads turned to said lad, “Are you crying?”
“Oh, just stop it!” Zayn wiped his eyes, “I’m sweating through my eyes! They’re just so adorable. Okay?!” Zayn laughed, “Stop looking at me!”
All five of them laughed and Liam caught Niall by the waist, “I love your laugh.”
“I know.”
~0~
END

Laugh

~0~

Laugh

~0~

“Hey, are you okay?”

Niall quickly wiped the offending tears from his eyes and took a deep breath before turning to the door, where Zayn stood at the threshold, he turned to his phone again, “Yeah, I’m fine.” He answered a little lowly. He reread the text on his mobile before locking it and placing it on his nightstand.

“You’re not okay.” Niall felt two hands on his shoulders as he was turned around and brought into a hug, and that was pretty much it. He broke down and cried against Zayn’s chest, as the elder held him close.

~0~

“I thought you were going with Harry.” Niall muttered a little later. They sat in the living room, watching some random show. Zayn looked up to him and shrugged, “I had a feeling there was something wrong when you said you’d rather stay here.” Niall held his gaze for a moment before turning to the telly.

“Well, are’nt you gonna tell me what’s wrong?”

Niall looked into expecting chocolate eyes, biting his lip, looking for sincerity and weighing his options. His thoughts were cut when his phone buzzed, alerting a new message. He turned to his phone before pausing to read the text and subtly hitting his head with it, muttering ‘Idiot’ in a quiet whisper.

Niall felt tears behind his eyes once again, and forced himself not to cry anymore in front of Zayn. Why does this have to be so hard. Why does it have to be his best friend? It could’ve been anyone really. Ironic, how much you can hate love.

“I’m back!” The door swung open and Harry stepped inside their apartment, beaming at the two as he removed his coat. “Got you guys something to eat,” He smiled as he held up a bag of Taco Bell.

Niall suddenly stood up and stalked to his room, without another word. Harry’s smile fell as he watched the blond walk away. “Did I say something wrong?” He asked Zayn, who shrugged in reply.

Harry was in the kitchen putting the food on some plates when Zayn heard a familiar buzz. He lowered the volume of the telly and listened as the same sound buzzed again and again. He followed it and found Niall’s phone stuck in the couch. He pulled it out and the screen was bright with an incoming call, Zayn read the name and saw the picture and questions began to fill his mind. The phone shone a familiar brunette on the screen, above the answer-deny buttons was the name, ‘Danielle Peazer’

Zayn waited for the call to fall into dial tone before he looked over his shoulder, making sure Harry was still in the kitchen and Niall was in his room. He bit his lip and opened the messages. He wasn’t one to invade people’s privacy like this, but this is Niall, and watching him cry was enough for him to make him do what he can to help.

All the most recent messages were from Danielle. Zayn was a bit confused, because she and Liam were on a date at the moment. He flipped through the messages and his eyes grew wide at what he read and he felt his hand shake a little.

“Hey,”

Zayn panicked, hit the lock button of the phone, and placed it between his legs as Harry flopped down on the couch beside him, “You want some?” Harry smiled, Zayn shook his head, “No thank you.”

“Suit yourself, more for me then.” They sat in silence and under Harry’s loud chewing before Zayn felt the phone vibrate again, and from where he placed it, it didn’t feel right at all. He snuck it to his pocket and muffled the sound against the couch. Harry didn’t seem to notice.

The show turned to commercial and Harry turned to Zayn, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, “What’s with Niall?”

“He won’t tell me.”

“He seems pissed, if not depressed.”

“Yeah, I-“

“Hey, um…” Two pairs of eyes turned to the topic of conversation, standing a feet away, eyes red and puffy. “Have you guys seen my phone?”

Harry shook his head no, before standing and looking for it on the couch a under it. Zayn threw the phone quietly to one side as he pretended to look for it as well. “Here,” Harry held it out to Niall who took hold of it, but Harry didn’t let go, “What’s wrong, Niall?” Niall held his gaze in silence, before swiping his nails against Harry’s skin in anger, making him let go. The younger hissed in pain and held his hand with the other. Niall left, phone in hand, and questions unanswered.

“Pissed is the right word.” Harry muttered as he looked at the marks left at the back of his hand. “You have no idea what’s going on?”

Zayn shook his head, not wanting to let anyone else know what he had found in the blond’s phone.

~0~

It was late in the evening when Louis came home a little tipsy; not long after Liam came back as well, but in a state none of them expected. The door swung open and close as Liam stepped in, not bothering to even open his mouth in greeting. “Liam, how was-” Harry’s words were lost as Liam sped past to his room in silence. “Well, that can’t be good.”

Zayn quickly stood up and followed him, not bothering to knock as he came into the lad’s room. Liam was lying face down on the bed, silent, unmoving. Zayn reached for his shoulder and shook him, “Hey, buddy, tough night?”

Liam turned around and faced his friend with tears in his eyes, “She broke up with me…”

~0~

A week passed and everything seemed to drag by the days. Both Liam and Niall were terribly down and Louis could do only so much to keep the mood bright. It was a cold night when Louis brought home a case of beer, and bags of Lay’s. He pulled both Liam and Niall from their rooms and made them sit along with Harry and Zayn on the floor of the living room.

“You two have fun or else.” Louis pointed a finger at the two who ignored him completely. The hour passed by and Louis was half drunk, not like Harry who was having an animated conversation with a cat shaped pillow. This was Louis and Zayn’s idea on maybe getting at let Niall to talk since Liam wouldn’t drink an ounce of alcohol. Zayn remained sober since he thought at least one of them had to. “So, little Niall…” Louis began, propping himself with two hands behind him, “Why’d you been down lately?”

Zayn turned to the blond, trying to figure out if the kid was drunk or sober, maybe in the middle? “Nah, you don’t wanna know…” He took a swig of his glass and gulped hard as he blinked twice.”

Liam sat in silence as he watched the carpet intently, he looked up when Louis tapped him a little too hard on the shoulder, “Gotten over her yet?” Zayn could see the flash of anger in Liam’s eyes, but it fell and he heard him sigh heavily. “just.. shut up.” Liam muttered.

Louis took a shot of vodka, before slamming the glass on the floor, creating a crack in it, “Oi! Niall! Tell me what’s buggin’ ya’ mate!” Niall then lay on his back on the floor raised his hands behind his head before he sighed. He hiccupped and blinked again.

Zayn already had the feeling that Niall was about to say something horrible, but before he could place his hand on the younger’s mouth, “Danielle’s a bitch.” The next thing Zayn knew, Liam was stalking away, and Niall was clutching his face. That’ll leave a black eye in the morning for sure.

~0~

“Niall? I brought food…” Zayn entered the dimly lit room to the figure on the bed, sobbing silently. “You have to eat, you know?” Niall sat up. Zayn smiled and handed him a bowl of salad. Niall took slow bites, chewing silently as he stared blankly across the room. Zayn sat at the blond’s desk, watching the younger. His left eye sporting a shiner. He was meaning to ask Niall about what he saw in his phone weeks ago, but never really got the chance because asking about that is telling him he looked at his phone. “Niall, I wanna ask-” His words were cut when two knocks came from the door, “Niall?” It was Liam. Zayn stood and took a glance at Niall who nodded, before he opened the door.

“Zayn?” Liam stepped in and glanced toward the bed where Niall was eating silently, “Can I…?” Zayn took his words and quietly left, closing the door behind him.

Liam walked slowly to the edge of the bed, eyeing the bruise he’d made on the Irishman’s face. He sighed and took a seat on the bed. Niall placed the bowl on his nightstand as he averted meeting hazel eyes.

Liam held the younger by the shoulders, trying to catch his eyes, when he finally did; he saw the shimmer of wet tears in blue eyes. “I’m sorry…” Niall whispered.

“No,” Liam protested, “I should be the one sorry…” He reached up to touch the swollen eye. Niall winced on contact, but let him soothe the bruise. He felt a blush creep up his face at the affection the elder was showing. Niall could tell that Liam really felt bad for giving him the black eye. He could see the remorse in those hazel eyes. Liam slowly dropped his hand, and embraced the other lad in a tight hug, “I’m so… Sorry…”

“I shouldn’t have said… What I said…” Niall muttered against his neck. “I’m sorry Liam… I know this is hard for you…”

Liam pulled away and evaded Niall’s eyes, looking down on the mattress, and brought his hand to the back of his neck. “That’s just it, I’m confused… It’s not as hard to take as I thought…”

“What do you mean?”

“I should be sad, down, broken… But I’m not, I’m… Just confused…” Liam bit his lip and sighed. “What about you? You never told anyone why you’ve been down…”

“It’s…” Niall dropped his eyes, “…nothing.”

“You’ll have to talk to someone about it sooner or later, you know?” Liam rubbed his back soothingly, “I don’t like you being this way, and I miss your laugh…” His eyes flickered to the other’s lips, imagining them laughing, and wondered what it felt like to… wait what was he thinking?

Niall found himself staring at Liam, not expecting those little words. His eyes grew wide and he felt himself blush.

~0~

“How about a movie then?” Louis beamed. Everything’s been back to normal the past few days, Zayn, Harry and Louis weren’t sure on how the other two got over both of their problems, but they really didn’t care, as long as everyone’s happy. The night’s been boring for them so far, having a day off, but having no energy to go out.

“Hunger Games? Harry?” Louis held out the DVD that Harry haven’t watched yet, The Cheshire lad nodded and Louis fed it to the player, Zayn left to get some popcorn and some drinks while Liam went to fetch Niall from his room. He was about to knock on his door but stopped when he heard his name being spoken.

“ –Liam.” … “No, he doesn’t see me that way! Okay? Why can’t you just accept that! .. “Damn it, Danielle.”

Liam’s eyes widened at the name. He bit his lip and leaned closer to the door, where he could faintly hear Niall’s voice get high as he could actually hear him holding back tears, “I don’t want to hope for nothing, Danielle…” … “I know you sacrificed a lot for us, and I thank you for that, but I guess you were wrong of thinking that Liam loved me.”

There was a steady silence after he heard those words. Everything he heard did that mean Danielle broke up with him … all because she thought he loved… Niall? But… she told him, he could remember the exact words that night, “You have to realize it sooner or later, Liam. And when you do, he’ll take you in his arms.” Liam never thought twice on how Danielle had said he. But now… Did he love Niall? That was absurd he was straight, but… The urge to kiss him.. no. But… Liam shook his head trying to read himself of his thoughts, but it only made him think of every single thing he loved about the boy. From the very first time they met. They were roommates during boot camp… Niall was really shy and all. The moment they failed to get into the judge’s houses. And the moment they got put into a group. Niall was loud, and carefree, he was cute and just plain friendly. He was weird and Liam liked that about him, He makes him laugh, he comforts him, he enjoys his hugs, he makes him happy, and… shit, he does love him. Danielle just saw it before him, but was he that dumb not to see that?

WAIT. Does Niall like him? Ergh, damn it, he thought, of course he does. Danielle broke up with him for Niall, because she knew he loved him and Liam returned his feelings. This is hard to wrap around his mind to, he admitted.

“Okay…” Niall’s voice was shaky and he could hear him sniff, footsteps, but Liam didn’t move, he just stood behind the door as it opened revealing a teary-eyed Niall. “Liam?”

Before Niall could react, Liam had him pinned on the door, as he placed his lips on him. Niall’s eyes were wide open at the sudden contact. Liam pulled away, eyes shimmering wet. Niall opened his mouth, but he was speechless. Liam stepped back, “Niall, I –“ But The blond ran away quickly, leaving Liam in a state of confusion.

Niall slammed the door to the bathroom as he took a seat on the toilet. He had his hands over his face as he trembled in a feeling he didn’t know. Liam passed the living room to the bathroom door, the other’s following suit. He rapped at the door, “Niall?”

“What happened?” Harry asked, words lost in the wind.

“Niall!” Liam knocked harder, “I’m sorry!”

Louis and Harry exchanged worried glances and Zayn stood by trying to figure out what happened. They heard a shuffle from behind the door and all of them fell silently. Niall was sobbing. “Why did you kiss me?” His words were clear and precise. Liam dropped his eyes to his feet. While shock stamped itself on three faces.

“I… I wanted to see… if…”

“If what?! Huh!?” Niall yelled through the wooden door, “Danielle was right about one thing. You’re a coward, Liam!”

Liam swallowed hard, catching what Niall had meant, if he really did love him, he would’ve said he kissed him because he did, not beating around the bush. “Please, Niall. Open the door. I’m sorry. I… I love you.”

“Do you, now?!” Niall’s voice was broken and the sheer disbelief and anger was evident in his Irish accent.

“Yes. Yes I do, Niall. I love you. Okay? That’s why I felt relieved when Danielle broke up with me. That’s why I never cried over her. That’s why I always think about you when I’m with her, that’s why I talk about you and only you, Niall. I love you. I’m sorry. Okay?!” Liam felt a tear stream down his face, a hand on his shoulder. The lock clicked and the door swung open. Niall stood there looking up at Liam, Liam looking down at Niall. The younger threw his arms around him and held him in a tight hug. They both let their tears fall as they found the one thing they’ve been longing even if they don’t know it, each other.

They pulled apart and silence enveloped them as Liam leaned in for a kiss again. This time, Niall kissed back as he felt his hands on his waist and on the back of his neck. He could feel Liam smiling against his lips, and they both let out a breathless laugh as they pulled apart. “I love you, Li.”

“I know…”

“Zayn?” Harry’s voice was like a catalyst for the two to realize that they weren’t alone, all heads turned to said lad, “Are you crying?”

“Oh, just stop it!” Zayn wiped his eyes, “I’m sweating through my eyes! They’re just so adorable. Okay?!” Zayn laughed, “Stop looking at me!”

All five of them laughed and Liam caught Niall by the waist, “I love your laugh.”

“I know.”

~0~

END