We Band of Brothers (A Niall Horan Cancer Fic)

Chapter 5- One Step At a Time

Liam

"Niall! Are you ready to go yet? We were supposed to leave nearly fifteen minutes ago!" I yell, banging loudly on the lads bedroom door, hoping to be heard over the loud music that was playing within.

Currently, the Irish lad was supposed to be getting himself together for his doctors appointment, which happened to be in a little less than an hour, but really he seemed to be doing anything but at the moment.

"Niall!" I called again, louder this time, as my previous efforts had proved to be insufficient.

The music shut off, and a moment later Niall appeared in his doorway, a somewhat panicked expression on his face.

" I need a few more minutes. That's all. Please Liam...I'm not ready yet.."

I sighed deeply. I knew this was hard for him, I mean it would be hard for anybody really, but Niall hasn't spoken of his illness at all since initially receiving the diagnosis. When he'd found out about his appointment today, he hadn't said anything, just went off to his room for awhile, claiming that he was tired and needed to sleep. I knew he was trying to be strong for the band's sake, didn't want us to see that he was having a hard time, didn't want us to worry for him more than we already were, but I could see it in his eyes, just like the other lads, that he was barely holding it together.

" Niall, we really can't put this off much longer..." I said sternly, my voice calm and somewhat stern as I attempted to get through to the Irish lad.

"We've only been home three days Liam..Can't we wait just a bit longer? I mean..I feel fine right now.." Niall rushed out as he stared at me with pleading eyes.

"Niall." I said calmly, placing my hands on his shoulders gently.

"Niall, mate, calm down. Take a deep breath OK? I know this is all happening fast, but listen to me for a moment. This appointment is only a consultation. Nothing more. I promise. You're only going to talk. That's all. we'll take things one step at a time... OK? One step at a time. "

" But..Liam..." Niall tried to protest.

Fear was very evident in his clear blue eyes.

"You can do this Niall. I know you can. and hey, I'll be right there with you yeah? I'll be there beside you the whole time."

I watched as Niall's eyes closed and his shoulders slumped in pure defeat. \

" OK." He whispered.

"Ok."

*~*

The half hour drive to the hospital was spent in a rather comfortable silence. Niall fell asleep almost as soon as we hit the road, his head phones plugged in and his head leaning up against the passenger window. Because i had no intention of waking the lad, I decided to keep the radio off. They say that sleep fights cancer, you know.

Niall

While sitting in the waiting room in the oncology ward at the hospital, I thought for sure I was going to pass out. My heart was beating erratically within my chest, and I was finding it hard to breath. I knew that after this appointment happened, everything would be real. I wasn't ready for that. Liam, who was sitting in the chair next to me, seemed to notice my uneasiness.

"Deep breaths Niall, your going to get through this.." He said quietly, placing a warm, supportive hand on my bouncing knee.

At that moment, a middle aged woman with kind eyes, dark skin, and dark hair pulled up in a curly bun walked over to where we sat.