Niam One-Shots 2 ||

[203] Drank It All Away

Prompt: Niall enters a very small town, not knowing he'd end up fixing someone who never thought would end up in somebody's arms.

A/N: I've been obsessed with Stardew Valley and this OS is based on the relationship I loved the most. Some highs and some lows, but I pick this relationship every time. Enjoy x

~*~

Niall entered the small town of Midnight Horizons on the first day of spring, knowing full well of his place in the quaint area.

He'd just quit his job and opened an envelope from his grandfather, reading every line in depth until realizing the farm would end up his. Niall didn't expect to inherit such a treasure, even if it was filled with debris and other garbage. He knew he'd fix it up well enough for future success.

That's what it ended up looking like, anyway.

“Well, time to start fixing this up for you,” Niall spoke with a bright smile when looking up at the sky, hand over heart as he thought of his grandfather who was looking down at him.

Throughout the first week, Niall ended up ridding most of the debris and began planting a few crops, sweat dripping down his face every day due to the tedious work. He loved it.

At the end of the week, he decided to go around town to meet the townsfolk. It was small, only 28 other people lived there, but he knew it would be a lot easier to handle than a huge city. It was nice.

“Oh, you must be Niall!”  A beautiful blonde woman came up to him when he made it to the town square. “My name is Perrie. My grandmother knew your grandparents. She adored them.”

Niall smiled. “Yeah, I'm sure they did. It's nice to meet you, Perrie. Would you care to show me around town?”

Perrie smiled back. “No problem! I'm off on Wednesdays, so it's no sweat. Come on.”

Perrie showed him the town area filled with a grocery store with food and seeds for crops, other people who lived there, the town blacksmith, the library, the beautiful ocean and pier, then finally the saloon.

“Let's go in. Everyone is super friendly, except for a few but it's no trouble, you'll see.”

Niall followed Perrie inside, instantly being greeted by the patrons inside.

“Niall, grandfather Horan's grandson. It's so nice to meet you!” The tatted bartender spoke with an uber bright smile. “My name is Zayn, and the lady who took you around is the boss around here and my wife. I sure hope she gave a good first impression.”

Niall nodded, smiling back. “She did. The vibe around here is super nice, and I can't wait to meet everyone else around here.”

“In due time. Everyone is always super busy, besides the few kids around here. You should make friends with no problem. There are a few exceptions that could have some trouble, but I'm sure you'll still make friends, nonetheless.”

Niall wondered what he could mean, but he was pulled out of his train of thought when getting shoved past by a taller man.

“Watch where you're standing,” the man spoke through slightly gritted teeth.

Niall didn't say a word, only watching him passing by until he left as it was getting late.

“What's his deal?”

Zayn sighed. “Oh, that's Liam. He lives here with his aunt and goddaughter. He works over at the Joja store across the river then comes here every night to drink away. People have tried to help him, but he's persistent and brushes them away. It's sad to watch, yet there's nothing we can do.”