round 13 - team canon - he must not forget that he is so important - 6/7

[mentalistecbm]

                Niall woke up the next day hanging off the side of the bed and Harry sprawled out on his back, the blankets covering him from the stomach down. Niall lifts his head up to look at the clock. 7:13. Reaching for his phone on the side table Niall sees that he has four missed calls and too many texts to deal with right now. The first missed call is from Liam. They were supposed to be downstairs for breakfast at seven. Niall feels the panic build up in him. Turning over and kicking and slapping at Harry to wake him up.

“Harry. Harry. Harry. HARRY!” Niall mutters.

Harry stirs and opens his eyes right as there is a pounding on the door. Niall slips out of bed, pulling on the briefs he kicked off last night and pulling open the door to find Liam holding a plate of breakfast muffins and two bottles of juice.

“I’m guessing Harry is with you since he did not answer his door and you two are the only MIA ones right now…” Liam says in a sing-song kind of voice.

“Uh… yeah he is…” Niall supplied.

Liam pushed his way into the room, balancing the muffins carefully.

“You two best eat up and shower quick before Paul comes dragging you two out the way you are right now.” Liam suggested.

Harry finally sat up, clutching the duvet to his chest. His eyes still puffy from sleep, he looked at Liam curiously and confused.

“Morning Liam.” Harry said groggily.

“What time did you two crash? What were you even doing?” Liam asked as he looked around the room.

Harry looked at Niall, who picked up a muffin and stuffed half of it into his mouth and shrugged. Harry raised his eyebrows and ruffled his hair, dragging his hands over his face slowly still trying to wake up and process Liam’s questions. Liam shrugged and tossed Harry a bottle of apple juice before turning and leaving the room. Niall turned to Harry,

“Have a muffin.” Niall said around a still full mouth of muffin and extended his arm, holding the plate of muffins in Harry’s direction.

Harry wiggled out Niall’s bed, pulled on his lounge pants and t-shirt before picking up the apple juice Liam tossed at him and taking two of the muffins and heading for the door.

“Cheers.” Harry hummed raising the muffins.

Harry left the room without saying anything more. Niall refused to let himself overthink this. They were running late and all of Harry’s stuff was in his room. Niall ate the other two muffins and chugged the orange juice Liam brought just for him before taking a quick shower and slipping on some jeans and a lightweight grey long sleeve top over a white t-shirt. Niall was right about today, never ending interviews. The last few interviews of the day, they were all together and there was only one small couch. No problem. They all squeezed onto the couch together. Niall was seated between Zayn and Harry for the first one. Niall turned onto his side to allow a bit more comfort.

After the typical pile of questions, the interviewer asked them to sign some bag that had, “Keep Calm and Eat Carrots” written on it. Zayn poked fun at Louis over the carrot thing saying, “Right Louis?” which only caused Louis to mention how he hates carrots. Being polite, they all got up and signed it, messing around here and there along the way. Niall sat back down first and then Harry. At this point, Harry was pretty much sitting on Niall’s lap, leaning forward. Niall leaned forward and pulled Harry backwards half against him and half against the couch. Niall rested his arms on the back of the couch, one of his arms lazily finding its way over Harry’s shoulders. Turning towards Harry and snuggling into his side, Niall smiled to himself. Niall had his arm up around Harry’s back still, his hand resting on Harry’s upper arm. Harry reached his hand up, and set his hand over Niall’s. Harry leaned his head down, nuzzling his cheek against Niall’s arm.

After the interview was over they had the fan signing which went fairly quick with just a few annoyances. That night, they all decided to watch a movie in Liam’s room. Because of the day being so long, they all fell asleep within the first half of the movie. Niall tried to be the last one awake, but Liam was on one side of him and Harry on the other - and both of them were so warm and cuddled up to him that Niall could not keep his eyes open any longer.

There is a lull in work responsibilities. Niall is thankful for the downtime where he is able to just be lazy at home if he wanted or go watch a couple X-Factor tapings. He also could ring Harry up like he really wanted to and talk to him about what they did. They never got a chance to debrief one another after because things were so busy that day and then they were so tired that there was just never a moment in time where it could be brought up - also they were lacking true privacy to actually talk about it. Niall did not allow himself to dwell on it because there was nothing to dwell on. Both had been texting one another like normal, but it never came up.

Niall was not even sure what he would say about it. He really just wanted to ask Harry if he was okay and if he enjoyed it. Logically, he knows that Harry did. The look on his face after said it all. One downside to the rate of success that they have is that they can’t go out to hot spots without being seen anymore. But on the other hand, they all knew what the others were up to because it was being tweeted about and there were pictures of it out there. Niall became of aware of Harry spending a lot of time with Grimmy and that circle of friends. Harry began to take longer and longer to respond to texts. Niall can’t help but feel forgot about or left out at this point. Niall knows that the other lads don’t’ do it on purpose, they just don’t always remember that his friends and family are in Ireland. Not here in the United Kingdom, like theirs. Niall is not going to make a fuss about. It is just part of his life now Niall was chuffed about his good friend coming to stay with him for a few days on the eighth though.

Niall is looking forward to the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards. It’s a weekend filled with rehearsals, their general shenanigans and the first live performance of the new single, “Live While We’re Young”. The whole weekend goes as perfect as Niall could have thought. He could hardly contain himself while performing. The others were also buzzing - it came to a point where they were pumping one another up through the whole performances that Niall was positive they were going to implode in on themselves. Niall was amused with the platform they were put on for “Moments” just as Harry had a hard time keeping a serious face during the whole thing. After they performed “Live While We’re Young” Niall could hardly stop jumping up and down back stage. Harry slammed into Niall, hugging him tightly while hooting loudly. Zayn jumped onto Niall’s back, giggling happily as Liam and Louis closed in the side.

“That was brilliant!” Liam yelled over them, his smile crinkling his eyes.

That night they all celebrated their wins and performance with a couple drinks. Or what Niall thought was a couple of drinks. Niall woke the next morning on Louis’ floor, shirtless, missing one sock and something written all over his chest and arms in what looked like lipstick. Sitting up and looking around, feeling his head pound. Zayn was curled up in a huge arm chair, in only a jumper and briefs; his hair was plastered to the side of his forehead now and lipstick smeared all over his mouth and cheeks. Louis was face down on the couch, his shirt missing but seemingly spared from lipstick. Niall pulled his legs up so he was sitting criss-cross now. Harry was curled up on his side on the floor next to him, one arm cocked out awkwardly behind him; somehow still wearing his jeans, no shirt and missing only one sock as well- lip stick in his hair from what Niall could see.

Niall heard some soft rustling in the kitchen so he got up and tip-toed in there. Liam was standing at the stove, cooking up some eggs and juggling some toast. Niall slid onto one of the stools at the island. Liam turned around and smiled brightly at Niall. Liam’s eyebrows were tinted reddish-pink as well as his jaw line and mouth. Looks like Liam did not escape the lipstick attack? Whatever happened with the lipstick, Louis was the only one to make it out untouched.

“Morning. How are you feeling?” Liam asked as he poured Niall a glass of orange juice.

Niall happily took the glass.

“Cheers.” Niall said before sipping on it. “M’alright. Got a headache. How much did we drink?” Niall asked.

Liam smiled at Niall, shaking his head.

“We are at Louis’… how much do you think he talked us into drinking?” Liam laughed softly through his words.

Niall cocked his eye brow and nodded, still sipping on the orange juice.

“True… You hung over then?” Niall asked curiously.

Liam turned away from the eggs again and nodded, eyes puffy.

“Probably not nearly as bad off as you lot. I tapped out half way through especially after Louis got ahold of the lipstick and Zayn held me down so he could draw on my face… with his own marked up face…” Liam half smiled.

Niall chuckled to himself.

“You didn’t fare so well either.” Liam motioned to Niall’s bare chest.

Niall looked down at himself. There was a giant, hot pink penis on his chest and what seems to be smeared words. Niall laughed at himself. Liam joined in on laughing at Niall. Harry shuffled into the kitchen now, holding his head, squinting around the room. He had lipstick war paint all over his face, as well as pair of lipstick boobs on his forehead.

“Morning sunshine” Niall says louder than he needed too, raising his orange juice again.

Harry raised his hand slowly, flipping Niall off. Both Liam and Niall cackled at Harry. Harry sat down at the bar next to Niall and hung his head. Liam pushed a glass of apple juice at Harry, who took it thankfully and sipped on it. Niall smiled to himself noticing that Liam always knew their favorite juice and made sure to give them it.

“You two want to eat?” Liam asked holding up the pan of eggs.

“Hell yeah!” Niall perked up.

Liam filled Niall’s plate up and then filled a plate up for himself and Harry. They all proceeded to eat quietly, enjoying the silence thanks to their headaches.

“You two coming around to Zayn’s tonight?” Harry asked in a whisper.

Liam instantly blushed.

“I am, yeah.” Liam said timidly.

Niall looked between Harry and Liam, not sure what the blush on Liam was for or the shit-eating grin on Harry’s face was about.

“Are you?” Liam asked Harry eagerly.

Harry shook his head gently.

“Grimmy.” Harry half shrugged, avoiding Liam’s eyes.

Liam nods once, not saying anything. Niall finished chewing the bite in his mouth.

“What’s today anyways?” Niall asked.

“Today’s the eighth.” Liam answered.

Niall stopped eating and looked up at Liam,

“Is it really?” Niall said in shock.

“Yeah… why?” Liam asked curiously.

“Ah, crap. My friend is coming to stay for a few days. I have to get home.” Niall mumbled.

Leaving Harry and Liam in the kitchen eating and finding his shirt and shoes quietly Niall quickly rooted around the living room for his shirt and shoes. Unable to find his missing sock, Niall shrugged and pulled his trainers on anyways. Saying bye to Liam and Harry and telling them to get Louis and Zayn back for the lipstick, Niall left hearing Liam telling him to enjoy his time with his friend. Once home, Niall stripped out of his clothes faster than he thought possible and took a quick shower - turning the water a pale pink color. Niall shook his head, some of last night coming back to him; Louis’ delighted face and giggle as he marked them all up with lipstick while Zayn held them down, also laughing maniacally.

While drying off, Niall listened to the voicemails on his phone. Turns out his friend has to postpone his visit because he is sick. Niall slowed down his movements. No point in rushing around to get ready and clean up a little bit before having to get to the airport. Deciding to take some painkillers and try and sleep this hangover off and then venture over to Zayn’s to hang out with them, Niall crawled into his bed, damp towel clutched to his chest. Eight hours later, Niall woke up with his head under all his pillows and his bedding scrunched up around his neck. Peeking cautiously at his alarm clock, 17:00 on the dot. Niall sat up, feeling heaps better thank gosh.

Clean, awake, phone charged and dressed, Niall headed back out over to Zayn’s house completely unaware of what those three are already up too. Louis did not mean to open his mouth and make things awkward for Liam and Zayn but he was tired of the two looking at one another and looking away bashfully. Not to mention the heaviness in the air every time someone made a joke with any kind of innuendo in it.

“Will you two just fuck already…?” Louis sighed out over his controller.

Liam’s head snapped in Louis’ direction, brows furrowed hard. Zayn paused the game and punched Louis in the shoulder.

“What the fuck man?” Zayn hissed.

Liam said nothing, just stared down the couch at Louis and Zayn.

“I’m just being honest here. You two have been pressed since last night at my place. It’s so much worse tonight. It’s making me edgy. It’s oozing off you two… like cats in heat.” Louis looked from Zayn to Liam.

Liam set his controller down on the arm rest of the couch, lips pressed together tightly not looking at anyone now, just the floor. Zayn tossed his controller across the floor and got up off the couch.

“I don’t want to play anymore. You two can keep playing. I’m going to go have a fag.” Zayn said emotionless.

Walking out of the room, Zayn caught Liam’s eye as he walked passed him but quickly dropped his eyes to the floor and disappeared through the double doors to his back balcony.

“Oh come on Zayn!” Louis shouted at Zayn’s back.

Zayn slammed the door behind him. Louis looked at Liam who is still frowning.

“I’m sorry mate. I didn’t mean for that to happen.” Louis said regretfully.

“No… it’s fine. You’re right though…” Liam trailed off.

Louis’ eyes snapped up, making contact with Liam’s.

“Oh?” Louis is actually surprised.

Liam sighed and turned to face Louis.

“I don’t know what it is exactly…” Liam paused and looked behind him through the glass doors at Zayn’s back as he leaned over the railing of his porch, smoking. Turning back to face Louis, “But it’s there. Clearly it’s there if you feel it too. I don’t know what to even say to him. I don’t know what is going on.” Liam said desperately.

Louis stared at Liam a little taken aback at Liam’s honesty.

“You two just need to fuck…” Louis said like it’s obvious.

Liam parted his lips to say something but closed them. Eyes dropping to his lap for a moment but snapping back up as he took a small breath as if he was going to speak but said nothing. Pressing his lips back together once more and frowning now. Liam just nodded slowly, not sure what else to do or what to say because maybe Louis has a point? A point that Liam does not want to actually address because how? Louis leaned back in his seat, resting the game controller on his stomach as he sat quietly with Liam.

“It’s never been this intense…” Liam finally said.

“This has been going on for a while then?” Louis asked.

Liam blushed as his eyes flicked away from Louis’ gaze.

“Erm… I don’t know really…”Liam forced an unreadable answer out as his mind flashes back to the night he came in his pants on the dance floor from Zayn’s hot breath on his neck as he whispered what he wished he could do to him right then and there. Or all the late night naughty texts they shared. “I guess so…” Liam finished.

“Huh.” Louis managed to say with an amused smile on his face.

Zayn came back in, bringing the scent of cigarette smoke with him. At this point, Liam and Louis were used to it and it’s not a bad faint scent to be mixed with Zayn’s natural scent. Zayn stopped in the middle of his living room looking at them.

“Are you two done playing or…?” Zayn asked, pointing his thumb behind him at the TV.

Liam and Louis nodded at the same time. Zayn turned away from them and messed around with the game system until he turned it off. Liam got up to put his controller away just as Zayn turned back around and walked right into Liam. Both of them stuck their hands out in reaction to the impact. Liam stepped to the side the same time that Zayn did. Zayn stepped to the other side, just as Liam did the same. Liam chuckled awkwardly. Zayn set his hands on Liam shoulders and stepped around him slowly.

“Oh my gosh.” Louis muttered to himself as he rolled his eyes.

Louis got up off the couch, tossing his game controller to the side of the couch. Walking up to Liam and whipping him around by the shoulder from the TV and slamming his lips to Liam’s. Liam flailed for an instant then froze, unsure of what Louis was doing. Brain going a little foggy at the contact, Liam relaxed into the kiss, humming ever so slightly as he let Louis’ tongue lick into his mouth. Zayn turned around at Liam’s hum; Zayn’s eyes went wide as his jaw dropped. Liam set his hands on Louis’ waist leaning into the kiss now. Louis opened his eyes, watching Zayn stand to the side of Liam dumbstruck. Louis closed his eyes again, trying not to smile against the kiss. Slipping his fingers under the sides of Liam’s shirt and running his fingers hard against his skin.

Pulling his lips from Liam’s and pressing his lips along his jawline and down to his neck, catching a glimpse of Zayn again; hands balled into fists and bottom lip sucked into his mouth, eyes heavy, strain evident on his forehead. Louis slid his hands up Liam’s arms, resting them on his biceps. Spinning them around so Louis had his back to Zayn now; Louis pulled away from Liam and turned around instantly slamming himself into Zayn. Louis did not hesitate. He pressed his lips to Zayn’s as he grabbed his hips aggressively. Zayn did not fight Louis. Instead, Zayn set his hands on Louis’ forearms, digging his fingers in, biting and sucking at Louis’ lips. Louis dropped his arm to his side, away from Zayn’s grip. Biting back at Zayn’s bottom lip and gripping onto Zayn’s lower arm. Louis slowly pulled away from Zayn’s lips, letting Zayn’s flesh slip through his teeth.

Louis reached behind himself, catching a handful of Liam’s shirt and pulling him forward. Louis stepped to the side as he kept pulling at Liam who was thankfully not fighting him. Once clear of the path, Louis pushed Liam into Zayn fully. And then it happened, success. Zayn had his hands on Liam’s jaw line and the back of his head as he sucked and licked at Liam’s lips. Liam had his hands on Zayn’s waist, fingers digging in through the black t-shirt he was wearing. Liam leaned into Zayn, pushing him backwards. Liam walked Zayn backwards until Zayn’s legs hit the couch and he fell back onto the couch, pulling Liam down onto the couch next to him. Louis tried to quietly walk out of the room to give Liam and Zayn some privacy to work this out but Zayn’s voice cut through the room.

“No. You’re not going anywhere. Sit your arse down and watch what you started.” Zayn ordered, his eyes a mix of anger and excitement.

Louis was shocked at Zayn’s assertiveness with him. Louis slowly sat down in the arm chair near him.

“Ohh… I see what’s going on here. You like to be watched…” Louis said with an amused smile on his face as he nodded.

Liam looked nervous and unsure of what was happening but said nothing. Zayn looked at Liam and gave him a reassuring smile and running his hand gently up and down Liam’s thigh before looking back at Louis.

“Clearly you think we need help, so help us.” Zayn smiled mischievously at Louis.

Louis looked at Liam, a little startled by the implication of what Zayn was proposing. Liam smiled at Zayn’s touch and looked up at Louis, still smiling. Liam nodded once, his eye brows twitching upwards for a split second as the corner of his lips hitched upwards. Louis was positive that Liam understood the implication in Zayn’s words as well and looked less nervous. In fact, Liam looked just as eager as Louis felt at the turn of events. Louis felt a flood of heat in his lowers at the look on Liam’s face and the way Zayn was holding onto Liam’s thigh as well as what he is about to make them do.

Louis cocked his eye brow and leaned back in the chair, starring Zayn down.

“Fine. If you insist.” Louis said sharply.

Zayn broke the eye contact with Louis and turned his body completely on the couch to face Liam. Liam leaned forward, slipping his hands behind Zayn’s neck and pulling. Zayn pulled his legs up on to the couch and crawled up Liam slowly, forcing Liam to lie back on the couch. Zayn settled between Liam’s legs, forcing one of Liam’s legs to slip off the couch. Zayn set his hand on the couch by Liam’s head, straining down to meet Liam’s lips. Liam had his hands tightly clenched at the hem of Zayn’s shirt, tugging it down hard. Zayn pressed his tongue into Liam’s mouth slowly then pulled it back out causing Liam to press his head forward trying to find the contact again. Zayn smiled down at Liam playfully before licking along Liam’s bottom lip slowly.

Liam caught the end of Zayn’s tongue with his teeth and quickly pressed his tongue against Zayn’s before pressing his lips back to Zayn’s. Liam unclenched one of his hands from Zayn’s shirt and dragged his fingers up Zayn’s back, hiking his shirt up, exposing Zayn’s lower back to Louis. Liam hooked his fingers into Zayn’s messy hair and tugged his head back as he nibbled down Zayn’s jaw line to his neck. Zayn turned his head as Liam licked slowly over the vein in his neck. Zayn looked at Louis, pupils blown wide, eye lids heavy. Louis shifted in his seat, at Zayn’s gaze. Liam bit down on Zayn’s neck and sucked the skin into his mouth, biting down and holding the skin between his teeth. A sharp intake of breath came from Zayn just before he started to grind ever so slightly against Liam.

“Zayn, take Liam’s shirt off.” Louis said clearly.

Zayn stopped moving his hips just as Liam released his bite on Zayn’s neck. Zayn sat back on his knees while Liam leaned up slowly. Zayn hooked his fingers into the hem of Liam’s shirt and yanked it upwards and right off of Liam, exposing his skin and abs. Liam sat all the way up to crash his lips back to Zayn’s. Zayn set his hands flat against Liam’s chest and abs, fingers digging in gently. Eagerly pulling upwards at Zayn’s shirt, Liam pulled it up breaking the kiss momentarily. Liam did not return to kissing Zayn immediately; he ran his index finger over the tattoos on Zayn’s collar bones. Zayn shivered at the touch and smiled at Liam. Liam leaned up as much as he could with Zayn between his legs and kissed the tattoos before nibbling at them, pulling Zayn back down against him.

Zayn adjusted his legs so that they were pressed tightly against Liam’s hips - now straddling Liam’s lap basically. Liam set his hands on Zayn’s hips pulling them downwards into his own more. Zayn slipped his arms around Liam’s neck, pressing his bare skin against Liam’s now, his fingertips tracing along Liam’s hairline on the back of his neck.

“Start kissing again.” Louis ordered.

Liam’s eyes flicked to Louis for a moment. Louis felt his stomach clench because this was happening.  Zayn leaned down kissing up along Liam’s jawline until he reached Liam’s lips - forcing Liam to turn his attention back to Zayn. Liam moved to return the kiss, pressing his hands from Zayn’s hips to his lower back, dipping his fingertips into the exposed waist band of Zayn’s briefs. Zayn grinded his hips forward into Liam’s lap at the touch of Liam’s fingers as he slipped his tongue into Liam’s mouth, running it along the underside of Liam’s upper lip slowly. Liam opened his eyes slowly; eyes pouring into Zayn’s. Zayn tightened his arms around Liam’s neck, pulling himself against Liam as much as possible now without breaking the kiss.

Liam sunk his fingers into the top of Zayn’s bum now, forcing his hips forward. Liam could not stop himself from pressing his hips upwards to meet Zayn’s grinding now. Pulling his lips from Zayn’s, Liam tilted his head to side, resting it on Zayn’s upper arm and pressing his lips to Zayn’s skin; gently sucking and nibbling on the tender skin as he rolled his hips with Zayn’s breathing hard through his nose.

“Open up Zayn’s jeans, Liam.” Louis nodded.

Liam dragged his fingers around from Zayn’s back as Zayn leaned back, dropping his hands down Liam’s upper arms. Liam instantly started to tug at the button on Zayn’s black jeans before eagerly yanking down the zipper.

“Now take his jeans off of him.” Louis’ voice dropped.

Liam leaned forward, forcing Zayn to slip backwards off his lap onto the couch. Lying back on the couch and stretching out his legs, Zayn smiled up at Liam. Liam blinked slowly down at Zayn before hooking his fingers in the hem of Zayn’s jeans and pulling hard causing them to slip down his slip hips, leaving him in thin, white briefs. Liam’s eyes dropped and locked onto Zayn’s obvious erection. Dropping the jeans to the floor, Liam pounced onto Zayn heatedly locking his lips with Zayn’s.

“Good. Now slip your hand into his briefs.” Louis said as he sunk back even more into the chair, pressing his hand over his erection.

Liam did not hesitate. Bracing himself with one arm, Liam pressed his hand into Zayn’s briefs, slipping his fingers around Zayn’s erection. Zayn inhaled sharply, closing his eyes - his eyelashes casting a soft shadows onto his cheeks.

“Move your hand.” Louis ordered as he squeezed himself.

Liam pressed his hips down against Zayn as he moved his hand down Zayn’s length slowly. Zayn’s eye lashes fluttered at the friction between his cock and Liam’s hand as he set one hand firmly on the edge of the couch seat and the other hand slid up Liam’s arm and then back down, his blunt nails digging into the warm skin on Liam’s arm. Liam dipped his head down and crushed his lips against Zayn’s - causing Zayn to part hip lips; exhaling heat against Liam’s lips. Liam licked into Zayn’s mouth heavily, tightening his grip around Zayn’s cock. Liam quickly pulled his hands out from Zayn’s briefs as he pulled his lips from Zayn’s and spit into his hand.

Shoving his hand back into Zyan’s briefs eagerly and taking back up the movements with his hand over Zayn’s cock; biting down onto Zayn’s bottom lip before sucking it into his mouth, Liam started to roll his hips against Zayn with each flick of his wrist. Zayn randomly jerked from the sensations, letting a soft moan escape his lips; vibrations dancing between their lips.

“Stop.” Louis mumbled.

Liam stopped moving his hand on Zayn’s cock, and slowly pulled his lips away from Zayn’s to turn and look at Louis. Zayn turned his head lazily, resting his cheek against the couch now looking at Louis as well.

“Get Liam’s jeans off.” Louis looked at Zayn.

“About time.” Zayn said with a smug smirk on his face. “You should take your jeans off too…” Zayn suggested to Louis.

The corners of Louis’ mouth twitched upwards as he looked at Zayn as his words hung in Louis’ mind. Louis cocked his head to one side and stood up slowly with both Liam and Zayn watching him now; slowly unbuttoning and unzipping his jeans and pushing them down, exposing his tight white TOPMAN briefs, trapping his erection. Zayn’s smug smile became wider as he watched Louis’ jeans drop to the floor. Moving his eyes up Louis’ legs slowly and stopping on his erection, greedily taking in the sight before returning his eyes to Louis’ face, Zayn slipped his hands between his and Liam’s body working at the button and zipper of Liam’s jeans without breaking eye contact with Louis.

Zayn firmly pushed Liam’s jeans down his hips as far as his arms would reach. Liam clumsily rolled off the couch, landing on all four before standing up and hastily wiggling out of his jeans. Getting ready to sit back between Zayn’s legs, Liam stopped at the sound of Louis’ voice.

“No. Liam, you need to be under Zayn.” Louis said with a mischievous look in his eyes.

Liam stared at Louis, slightly confused as to what Louis was getting at. Zayn sat up slowly, swinging his legs off the couch.

“You love this control.” Zayn said at Louis, squinting a little bit.

Louis sat back down in the chair, eyeing Zayn now.

“What gives you that idea?” Louis smirks, his hand resting on his lower stomach now.

Zayn leaned up, slipping his arms around Liam’s bare waist and pulling him backwards onto the couch. Liam was sprawled out on his back, legs draped over Zayn’s lap now. Zayn set his hands on Liam’s legs.

“The way you’re looking at us…” Zayn quirked his eyebrows.

“I think you love being told what to do to each other…” Louis countered, a half smirk pulling at his mouth.

A satisfied smile crossed Liam’s face as he pawed at himself through his dark blue briefs. Zayn just smiled back at Louis, both knowing the other one is right.

“Stop touching yourself Liam.” Louis said without taking his eyes from Zayn’s.

Liam stopped touching himself through his briefs and rested his hands against his abs, looking from Zayn to Louis enjoying how they are winding one another up with just words and looks. Liam was restlessly bouncing his foot, eager for what Louis would tell them to do next. Louis slipped his hand into his briefs and started to tug at himself, the head of his cock peeking out now. Liam felt Zayn’s abs and erection twitch at the sight; having to dig his own nails into his skin to prevent himself from touching himself now. Zayn tapped his fingers against Liam’s leg impatiently. The grin on Louis’ face was becoming annoying to Zayn. He was waiting for Louis to say something… anything. Every time exhaled, he could feel a little bit more slick escape him. Zayn was surprised at how hot this situation turned out to be.

“Do you see how hard this is for Liam to wait for you to stop being stubborn?” Louis did not hide the wide smirk on his face now.

Zayn broke the eye contact with Louis at the words, “hard” and “Liam”; head snapping to the side and his eyes dropping to Liam’s very obvious erection now. Zayn turned his body on the couch, positioning himself between Liam’s feet at this point. Liam looked at Louis who had his cock in hand fully as he stroked up and down his length. Liam squirmed on the couch trying to stay calm and be patient. Because if he was honest with himself - this was insanely erotic and the buildup was intense and felt amazing. Louis sighed dramatically.

“Alright, crawl up Liam.” Louis muttered.

Zayn did not have to be told twice. Zayn drew his legs back up onto the couch and panted his hands on the sides of Liam’s hips as he slowly crawled up Liam’s long body. Dropping his head down randomly and biting, nipping and kissing at Liam’s skin. Pressing his lips firmly against Liam’s neck as he pressed his hips hard against Liam’s, Zayn could feel his hip bones dig against Liam’s. Sucking on Liam’s skin, Zayn started to roll his hips against Liam’s now. Liam let out a soft gasp, closing his eyes momentarily before opening them again and tangling his fingers in Zayn’s hair forcing Zayn’s mouth from his neck and to his lips. Liam feverishly kissed and sucked at Zayn’s mouth.

“Both of you get your dicks out.” Louis ordered, nodding his head upwards.

Liam and Zayn fumbled between their bodies, pushing, yanking at their briefs as they wiggled against one another while still kissing.

“Good. Yeah… now Zayn grab yourself and Liam in the same hand.” Louis panted slightly.

Zayn gripped at himself as his fingers ran up and down the side of Liam’s length in a teasing way before completely taking Liam’s cock in his hand - pressing their cocks together tightly. Liam’s eyes fluttered closed as he exhaled with a soft moan. Zayn started to move his hand up along both of their erections, thumbing over their heads spreading the beads of pre-come and dragging the slick down their lengths.

“Just like that.” Louis said heavily as he ran his thumb over the head of his cock in a circular motion.

Zayn pressed his lips hard against Liam’s catching the next hum of a moan in his mouth from Liam. Liam swung his heads up tangling his fingers in Zayn’s hair against, pulling Zayn into the kiss even more. Liam pressed his hips upwards, his cock rubbing up against Zayn’s hand and cock. Zayn inhaled sharply at the new sensation, pressing his forehead into the crook of Liam’s neck as he pumped his fist over both of them faster. Liam could hear just Louis, “Mmmmm” over Zayn’s breathing and the pounding of his pulse in his ears.

“OH COME THE FUCK ON!” Niall yelled through the room.

Niall set both of his hands on the door frame to the living room as he looked from Louis wanking himself to Zayn and Liam on the couch grinding into one another as they panted. Louis sat forward in the chair, startled. Zayn sat up quickly, still holding himself, eyes wide. Liam sat up on his arms looking at Niall, the flush spreading from his cheeks and down his chest. Niall shook his head, a hysterical laugh escaping his lips as he dropped his hands from the door frame and put them up in the air in front of him.

“Why do I always walk in on this kind of thing…” Niall mumbled to himself.

“Hi Nialler!” Louis said brightly.

Niall looked at Louis slowly.

“Hi…” Niall said.

Liam and Zayn say nothing.

“Why… What’s going on here-NO. I don’t want know.” Niall kept shaking his head. “Sorry… I’m sorry… I didn’t knock louder?” Niall choked out.

Niall turned around and left the room and bolted for the door. Liam was calling out after him.

“Niall, please come back!” The worry clear in Liam’s voice.

Niall kept walking to the front door.

“It’s not what it looks like!” Liam yelled out.

“It’s probably exactly what it looks like…” Zayn muttered.

Niall heard Louis laugh his obnoxious laugh that rang through the house. That was too much to walk in on. Niall was tired of discovering his mates in these positions. Especially this one - completely unexpected and weird. Niall kept shaking his head as he walked down the street from Zayn’s house. Niall pulled his phone out, switching it to “Do Not Disturb” because he was not in any mood to hear Liam try to explain away what they were doing or Zayn apologize but not really mean it because he was having fun. And Niall knew there was no way he wanted to hear Louis tell him to lighten up because it was just a bit of fun. They have no idea what all he has actually seen of them and their actions… together.

Thinking about ringing Harry up just to tell him what he walked in on but deciding against it because Harry won’t see anything wrong with it… because sex. Niall kicks at a leaf on the ground causing it to crunch and crumble into a handful of pieces. The cold, damp London night air clearing up Niall’s thoughts a bit. My best mates are all sleeping together. I am sleeping with my best mates? No I am. I did. And just Harry. But all the other things happened. So… I guess it’s a thing for all of us? Is everyone actually sleeping with everyone else? My best mates are so weird. This band is so weird. The last two years of my life have been weird. Weird.

Needing a break from the guys, Niall decides to fly home to Ireland for a little while since he has the time off anyways. Thinking that a break will give him time to really clear his head and maybe figure out what exactly is going on with all of them. Being back home in Ireland feels good. Not exactly like before everything happened, but enough so that it’s comforting. Niall really enjoyed falling back into his old habits and routines. It surprised Niall how easily he actually settled into being back in Ireland. Old house, old bed, comfort food, old friends, old sights and hangouts. It sometimes made him miss the days where this was normal for him. It was simple and laid back. Not the constant rush or always having somewhere to be, something to perform, something to rehearse for, someone to talk to for an interview just go, go, go. Not to mention the constant risk of opening a door and seeing someone on their knees blowing someone else, intense situations where people are sharing cigarette smoke and grinding or walking in on people one slip of a dick away from full on sex.

This was home. Safe. Calm. Easy. It had been four days since he up and left London without telling anyone he was going back to Ireland. It has also been four days since he had heard from any of the guys. Niall found that a little bit strange since they were usually in contact at least every other day if not every day. Trying to think rationally, Niall knew that they were just giving him space and time to cool down from what happened. By now, he was positive that Louis told Harry what had happened which is why he has not heard from Harry as well. Niall appreciated the fact that they were able to recognize that he was probably not in the proper spirits to actually talk about what happened.

Which is true. Niall did not want to talk about what he walked in on. In fact, Niall never wanted to talk about what he walked in on. He was happy to leave it alone and never have to think about it again. Hopefully Liam won’t obsess about it. Louis and Zayn won’t bring it up. Niall woke up on day five, finally turning his phone from “Do Not Disturb” to the regular setting. The whole day was silent. He spent most of the day with a few friends from school playing football and going for a pint later. Niall found himself really enjoying reconnecting with his friends and being able to do whatever he wanted without worrying about four other guys.

Niall felt refreshed because this was the longest period of time he has gone without having any contact with the other guys in the two years they have been together. He was surprised that he was fairing so well if he was honest with himself. There were times where his skin would crawl if he did not know where the others were or if he did not get to hear one or all of their voices daily. But today was day seven and he felt like a spell had been broken in his head almost. His skin was not crawling, his teeth were not on edge and he was not anxiously fiddling with his phone waiting for any communication from them. While lying in bed on Day eight, trying to fall asleep Niall found himself thinking about how he did not actually need the other guys.

Niall felt a sudden rush of independence. Those invisible cords that linked him to each one of them had been cut and he was not constantly on edge worrying about them or needing them. It was for the better anyways since Niall already felt left out at points. He felt that he was in the way more often than not - they did not truly understand just how easy going he was. He really did not care too much where they ate, or what they did. He just enjoyed being with them and seeing them happy. It was not a bother to Niall to just go along with them and just be happy. That however, was misunderstood at times as being challenging or annoying.

Niall knew that he needed to head back to London within the next few days because they had a large handful of promotional interviews and photo-shoots but Niall found that he was having a hard time collection his stuff from around the house and actually packing it up. Let alone booking his flights home. Niall did not want to really think about why he was putting it all off but it was because one thought that had been swimming around in his thoughts since he arrived in Ireland had grew into some annoying ball of obsessing and anxiety. The guys have clearly bonded in some pretty significant ways together that did not include him. Going back to London would just be putting himself back in the same situation as before. An observer and just there. Niall did not want to fall back in to that routine knowing what he knows now.

Some of the friends he had been hanging out with back in Ireland started to ask him when he was going to back London but Niall found himself stretching the truth and telling them that he still had more days off. On the tenth day he got a call from Liam. Niall had to give his phone a double look because he was not expecting to see Liam’s name light up his phone. Letting the call ring off to voicemail, Niall anxiously stared at his phone waiting to see if Liam left a voicemail. Of course Liam left a voice mail. Niall eagerly tried to unlock his phone, messing up the code six times in a row before finally getting into his phone and listening to the voicemail.

“Hi Niall… This is Liam… But you know that. Uhm, I was just calling to see if you are alright. It’s been well over a week since we’ve seen… ehm… heard from you… *cough* I am slightly starting to worry about you. You are probably in Mullingar but I am not sure? I hope you are doing okay. It would be really great if you would let me… or any of us know what’s up… Alright… Take care, yeah?”

Niall replayed the message two more times to make sure he caught it caught it all. Niall felt a slight stab of guilt in his stomach for not at least sending Liam a text letting him know he is alive. Just as he is getting ready to do exactly that, a text from Harry lights up his phone.

Haz:

Hey. Are you okay? None of us know what’s up and Liam is really driving me crazy over it. I’m also really starting to worry… this is not like you?

Niall stared at his phone, the stabbing guilt in his heart actually making him sob out loud. And then his mind makes him feel foolish for even reacting in such a way. Well, obviously Harry and Liam are spending a lot of time together if Liam is actually annoying Harry enough for him to mention it. Niall feels the guilt instantly turn to jealousy and bitterness. To prevent any more strained voicemails or texts Niall decides to send a mass text to all of the guys.

I’m fine. I’m in Mullingar. No need to worry.

Niall hit the send button before he could second guess himself or let himself send any more than that - like, “Thanks for worrying about me” or “I actually really miss you guys despite me acting and telling myself I don’t because I have it in my head that you all ignore me when I am probably just projecting my own worries onto your harmless actions.” Niall throws himself sideways on his bed, face first into the pillows. Niall wakes up the next morning on his stomach, head between the two pillows now, shirt bunched up around his chest and phone screen down near his hand. Sitting up and becoming instantly aware of how it was a mistake to fall asleep like that as his neck aches and shoulders are all tingly from being asleep.

Shaking his arms and wiggling his fingers for a moment, Niall yawns and drops his head trying to stretch his neck out - his thoughts from last night come flooding back to him. Running his hand up over his face and through his hair, Niall snatches up his phone and checks it. Four text messages. No more. No less.

Liam:

Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

Haz:

Alright. Thanks. Hope you are enjoying yourself.

Louis:

Cheers mate.

Zayn:

Good to know. Thanks.

Niall wanted to respond back with something. Anything. But what? The guys were at bay now without crashing into him headfirst. Niall decided to take a few more days away from London.