Oh Brother

The Parting

Harper Payne

Tears streamed down my face as I stood in the doorway to Liam's bedroom. "Do you have to go?" I whispered. He hadn't even realised I was there until then. "Yes Harp, it's not long. Only ten months and I'll be back. Besides, the boys need me. So do the fans." 

"Can't I come with you?" I asked as the tears flowed harder. "No Harp. Mum and Dad need you also what kind of friend leaves their friends behind?" He asked with a weak smile before continuing to pack. "What kind of a brother are you to leave me like Jordie did?" I whispered. 

"Harper, I'm coming back in ten months. You can't get rid of me that easily. Also, I'll probably get a break at some point. I'll come and visit you then, how does that sound?" He asked as he rushed between drawers and his cupboard, throwing things into his suitcase.

"How about you just don't go?" I asked as I wiped the tears as soon as they fell rather than standing there looking sorry for myself. "Harper, I'm not changing my mind. You're seventeen! You don't even need me anymore!" He exclaimed which just made me feel even worse. "But it's been just us forever and you already went on the UAN tour for five months and that was difficult enough."

"Come here, Harp." He instructed as he opened his arms. I quickly hugged him and cried into his shoulder. "You're being dramatic. You literally hated me about ten minutes ago for stealing a chip from your plate!" He exclaimed as he pulled away causing me to chuckle lightly. "It was mine! And I realised that I don't want to argue with you on the last day I'll see you in ten months."

 "I'm going to get my toothbrush and you're going to calm down. Mum and Dad are driving me to the airport in about half an hour, are you coming?" He asked. "Wouldn't miss it for the world." I replied with a smile as he walked past me to get to the bathroom for his toothbrush.

I quickly ran over to his open suitcase and grabbed the first jacket I saw. I hid it behind my back and raced to my room, hoping he didn't see me. (He didn't.) I threw the jacket onto my bed and ran down the stairs to where Mum and Dad were waiting to go.

They motioned for me to come over to them, and that's exactly what I did as they both pulled me in for a hug, letting me breakdown crying again.

Liam Payne

I felt really bad for telling Harper that she was being dramatic but I just didn't want to lose it in front of her and start crying like a baby. I really didn't want to leave them behind but I didn't have a choice. Besides, the fans needed me but most importantly, the boys needed me.

I went back into my room and wiped the few stray tears that had rolled down my cheeks away as I stuffed that last of my things into my third suitcase. I checked my phone quickly before going downstairs and had two messages. One from Harry and one from Paul.

Harry: I know ya bud. I know you'll be struggling to leave ya family but don't forget, we'll be back in ten months. See ya at the airport.

Paul: Don't forget, airport, twenty minutes!

I smiled at both messages I had received but I knew I really had to get going as the airport was a good ten minute drive, and that was at the maximum speed. I slipped my phone in my back pocket, took a deep breath and grabbed my suitcases.

Don't ask me how but I managed to get all three down at once. Must be something to do with all of the fatherly skills I had developed after having to deal with Louis for two years. Trust me, ain't the easiest job in the book but I wouldn't exchange it for anything. I loved all my lads with my whole heart.

"Harp, come help me with my luggage!" I shouted for her assistance from the living room. As she came out, I saw her swiping at her cheeks. I put my three suitcases and backpack on the floor as I pulled her in for another hug. She hugged me tight and then grabbed one of my suitcases and my backpack as I grabbed the other two suitcases.

We both went out to the car and she helped me put my suitcases in the boot. She chucked my backpack on the front seat - where I was about to be seated. We both headed back inside and I said my goodbyes to the house under my breath, knowing I would miss every inch of it.

"Come on Liam, you're going to miss your flight!" Mum shouted, her voice wobbling. "Coming!" I shouted from upstairs and hopped on the banister and slid down it, yet another skill I had learnt from Louis. "I'll miss you, house." I whispered as I made my way to the front door.

I went and got into the front of the car as my Mum sat next to me at the wheel while Harper and Dad sat in the back. It was silent apart from the occasional sniffle for a good three minutes which I wasn't used to after - you guessed it - having to deal with Louis. Although it wasn't awkward silence, I didn't want this to be how we left things. 

"I will miss you all crazy amounts and I love you all. I will skype three times a week and ring even more." I stated. Mum looked at me encouragingly. "You don't have to talk to us that often, we know you'll be busy." She smiled. Dad muttered some agreements and some other things that I didn't quite hear and Harper stared out of her window.

"I love ya, Harp." I said and in that moment I physically saw her heart break. "Ditto, Payno." She replied with a soft chuckle. Even in moments like these, she tried her best to be strong and break the tension with her sassy persona.

Harper Payne

"Ditto, Payno." I replied trying to break the tension and earning a smile from Liam. 

There isn't really much I can say other than, this was really happening and it wasn't a dream. I wouldn't see my brother for almost a year and there was absolutely nothing I could do except sit back and watch.

a/n

I KNOW NOBODY IS ACTUALLY READING THIS BECAUSE IT IS TERRIBLE AND BAD AND I THINK SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG WHEN I WAS SETTING IT UP AND LIKE I KNOW IT'S BAD BUT IF YOU COULDN'T TELL PRIOR TO THIS I'M A LITTLE NERVOUS ANYWAY IF YOU ARE READING THIS (WHICH I DOUBT) I'M VERY SORRY IT'S SHORT AND HELLO, HOW ARE YOU DOING? OKAY, BYE. AND FOR SOME REASON IT WON'T GO BOLD OKAY BYE.

- la