ZIAM ONE-SHOTS (BOTTOM LIAM)

When No One's Watching

Author: Gummiebear

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6087067

Summary:

Liam always thought that joining the Arsenal Football Club would be the most difficult thing he'd do in his life. Well, he was wrong.

Work Text:

"Reading about yourself again, Payno?"

Liam rolled his eyes as he stared up at Niall, over his paper, who was bouncing on his heels in front of him. "It's just the Telegraph."

"Just the Telegraph," Niall mocked with a laugh. "That's just the printed press, your face is all over Sky Sports, bro."

"It's kind of surreal, isn't it?" Liam asked, his face full of astonishment, folding the paper and placing it next to him on the bench. "Marcus gets injured and I get called up. Me!"

"You've been a part of this team before me," Niall reminded him, still bouncing. "It's about fucking time."

"You know Sky Sports called me the next Beckham," Liam scoffed. "No way."

"George saw something in you," he reminded him proudly. "You deserve all the praise. Just don't steal my shine and we'll be good."

"Don't worry," Liam assured him. "I'm fine with just being able to play full time."

"Then let's go!" Niall exclaimed. "Lace up your boots and get out on the pitch. Time for your first practice in the big times, Payno."

Liam laughed at Niall's enthusiast nature, it was contagious. For the last six years he'd only dreamt about this moment, playing for Arsenal football club. He joined the team at fifteen and went through the ranks, never ever playing a minute of the game. He was never ready the scouts always said, had all the potential in the world but not the drive. The last year changed all that though. He kept seeing all his friends around him get called up and get their chance at the big time. Niall was called up eighteen months ago when their goalie retired and their backup tore his Achilles' tendon. It was just dumb luck for him, a few freak incidences lead him to his grand moment. The London crowd ended up adorning Niall, claiming the Irishmen as one of their own overnight. His first game against Manchester United was still talked about in all the pubs, he became a legend overnight. Liam wanted that, not the notoriety but the euphoric feeling Niall still carried around with him as a badge of honor.

Now was his chance to shine, his chance to be someone. Arsenals legendary midfielder, Marcus Riley ended up getting into a car accident a few weeks before training began and within a blink of an eye Liam was getting a phone call from his agent, Arsenal wanted to sign him. All his hard work and dedication was finally paying off. His contract was only for half a season, until Marcus was healed and ready to get back on the pitch. He didn't care though, a half a season was better than nothing at all. Walking through the doors at Emirates Stadium was surreal, he only dreamed of a place like this when he was a kid living in Wolverhampton. No one from where he was from became somebody, you usually went off to university and ended up still living in the same small town. Now Liam had a chance to make a name for himself and for his town.

"Look alive Payne," George, his coach called to him. "You're no longer in Kansas, Dorothy."

From his spot at the goal post, Niall let out a laugh, doubling over.

"That goes for you too Toto," George added causing the rest of the team to laugh. He blew his whistle to get everyone back in order. "Today is a new day, the start of a new season. We ended up losing the league by two points last year. I don't want a repeat of that, Chelsea is good but we're better."