Long Way Down // One Direction Sickfic

Niall Panic Attack

Niall POV
Louis had gone back to Doncaster for three weeks with his mum, and the majority of the concerts had been pushed back. In the meantime, management had the four of us flown to LA to do some PR, recording, and interviews.

"Alright boys, you know the drill. Crowds pretty big outside, so stick right behind one another" Preston instructed as we prepared to walk outside after landing at LAX.
"Guess word got out that we were coming back to LA" Zayn said, as we saw a large mass of people ahead of us
"You'll be alright, Niall" Liam said, knowing that at times I struggled with my claustrophobia in big crowds.
"I can't-" I stammered, already feeling my heart start to race
"It's okay. We deal with crowds like this all the time. We have Paul, Preston, Mike, and airport security here to help us, okay?" Harry encouraged as we grew nearer to the terminal exit

As soon as we were outside of the terminal, we were mobbed by fans.
My ears instantly started to ring, and I could feel myself getting panicky.
"Niall! Over here!" A photographer yelled
"How's Louis doing?"
"Harry I love you!"
"When will you start doing concerts again?"
"Did Louis go back home to Doncaster?"
So many questions were being shouted at us as security helped push us through and kept the fans and paparazzi away.
"I-I can't d-do this" I stuttered as I stumbled a bit
I immediately felt someone's arms wrap around me, keeping me upright
"I've got you Niall, keep walking" Someone said, it took me a moment to recognize the voice as Paul's in my current state
The fans only grew thicker as we got outside and made our way towards the car.
I felt like I was being suffocated by all the people around me, and my legs began to get heavy.
"Stay calm, Niall" Paul said, his arms around my waist. My legs felt like jelly and if Paul were to let go, I knew I would fall to the floor.
Noises around me began to sound muffled, and stars danced in front of my vision.
"Almost there, Niall" Paul said as my vision tunneled
"I-" I gasped, "help"
As my vision grew darker, I finally gave in and let myself pass out.

Zayn POV
After what felt like forever, the limo was finally in sight.
"Get in, get in, get in" Preston hurried us as he opened the car door.
We were surrounded by airport security and our own guards, but somehow the fans still managed to get right up and close to us.
I climbed into the car behind Harry. Liam followed behind me.
I turned around as the door closed, and I saw Paul lay a limp Niall onto the car bench.
"Shit, is he okay?" Liam said, scooching towards Niall
"Did something hit him?" Harry asked
"No, he's alright, just got a little too claustrophobic for him" Paul said, taking out a handkerchief and reaching for a water bottle.
"Come on, Nialler" Liam said as Paul gently rubbed the moistened cloth on Niall's face and neck
"Time to wake up, mate" I added
Niall's eyes fluttered open softly, and then suddenly he shot upright gasping for air
"Woah, Ni!" Harry exclaimed
"Easy, Niall. You're alright" Paul said, putting a hand on Niall's shoulder and gently pushing him back into a lying position
"You passed out, mate" Liam explained
"W-where are we?" Niall gasped, and though his breathing was slowing, he was still panting
"We're in the car, you had a bit of a panic and fainted" Paul explained
"Fans" Niall said, recalling the crowd we had just been in
"Yeah. But you're safe now, it's just us in the car" Harry cooed
"It got a little crazy back there, you got claustrophobic" Liam said
"It was too tight. I couldn't breathe" Niall mumbled
"Yeah, we know. Are you feeling better now?" Paul asked
"Mhm"
"Okay, do you think you can sit up?" Paul suggested after a few moments
"Yeah"
All four of us helped Niall sit up.
"Here's a water bottle" I said as I handed him a cold water
"Thanks," He said, sipping it.
We spent the rest of the car ride fussing over Niall, and fortunately, there weren't many fans outside of our hotel.

Later that evening, Niall and Liam came over to Harry's and my room. We played FIFA and decided to ring Jay to check on Louis, as it was now 7am their time.
"Hello?" Jay answered the phone
"Hey Jay! It's Harry. I've got the boys here too. How's Louis?" Harry greeted
"Oh, hi boys. Louis woke up about fifteen minutes ago, he's downstairs eating some breakfast. I'll go bring the phone to him now. You're in LA I hear?"
"Yeah, arrived here this afternoon" Liam responded
"It's awfully late then, shouldn't you boys be asleep?"
"Ah it's not too bad. Only midnight, we didn't want to go to bed without speaking to Louis first" Niall replied
"Okay, as long as you promise you'll get some rest. Louis is right here, so I'll give him the phone. Good luck with your interviews tomorrow!" Jay said as she handed the phone to Louis
"Thanks mummy Jay" Harry teased
"Hi guys" Louis said, sounding somewhat half-asleep
"Hey Lou! How are ya?" Niall piped up, this being his first time speaking to Louis after he was discharged
"'M alright. Head hurts a bit though"
"Ah. Sorry about that mate," I said
"Miss being with you lads," Louis continued
"We miss you too. It's awfully quiet without you here. How are your new meds working out?" Liam asked, getting straight to the point and asking the question that all of us wanted the answer too
"'S working alright. I had a seizure yesterday. Mum called the doctor to make sure everything was well with the meds, and they said that'll happen sometimes. Pretty annoying though."
"Ah. That's rough mate. Don't worry too much about it though, we'll help you when you're here with us" Harry said
"Yeah I know.  What're you all doing tomorrow" Louis changed the subject
"Just some interviews I think. We're staying in LA until you're back"
"Ah. Sorry I messed up the tour schedule"
"No, no Louis. We want what's best for you, and so do the fans. Don't be sorry!" I exclaimed
"Oh okay then, guess 'm not sorry then. Well um, my mum needs help with the twins quickly, so I gotta go. You guys go to sleep, what is it there, midnight?"
"Yeah, well goodnight- or good morning Lou. We miss you!" Harry said as the line disconnected and Louis hung up
"He sounds alright" I said
"Yeah, he does. I think it's good he's back home now, actually. He can clear his head a bit and it'll be easier for him to recover a bit first before working"
"Alright lads, well I reckon it's time for me to go to bed. See you in the morning?" Liam said as he and Niall got up to leave.
"Alright, we're gonna follow suit," Harry began, "Goodnight!"
Once they left, Harry and I got up and got into our beds.
"Do you think things will be different when Louis comes back? Ya know, with his epilepsy and all?" Harry asked
"Yeah, definitely, but it'll be alright. Things won't have to change too much" I said as I rolled over
"Mmm" Harry hummed as he rolled over.
We both quickly fell asleep.