Niam One-Shots 2 ||

[211] The Water Boy [!]

Prompt: Niall was the supplier of beverages for the world-famous football team. A water boy, some liked to call him. He never knew he'd catch the attention of the star player, until a complete accident after a winning game.

~*~

Game nights were the best.

Niall had the chance to sort everything hours before the game and root for the team that he'd been supporting since he turned 22.

He was 26 now, and he admired all the players and mentors that were a part of the world record-breaking group of footie players. He felt honored to be a part of them, even if he just handed them drinks and cleaned their dirty gear like a maid. He never cared, though.

They treated him well, after all, so he had no right to complain. He admired one player more than the rest if he had to choose.

Liam Payne, the quarterback of the team.

He had the charm and talent to amaze anybody who'd gaze his way. Niall took no time in being a part of that infatuation, as he always helped Liam first and gave him special treatment.

Liam noticed this himself and felt like a king, even taking some time out of his free time to teach Niall a few things about footie

It was a developing friendship that Niall cherished, but he knew there was something more that was knocking at the back of his head. Stronger feelings that'd make it awkward to be around Liam and the other players.

It was about a year after working for the footie team that he gained feelings towards Liam, and it's been a painful three years of trying to withhold his desires.

Each time he thought they'd go away, the need for Liam came back stronger, and he was in a constant self battle of attempting to deter his love from Liam. To no avail, he was stuck.

This only became worse during the start of the final game of the season. He'd been watching Liam practice all day with his peers, admiring each movement and remaining shocked at the tricks he pulled. Niall couldn't deny it any longer, and he knew the truth would come out.

The other players haven't caught on, to his knowledge, and he wanted it that way, even if they were sweet to him all the time, unlike other teams. He didn't want to take the risk.

“Hey, you've been red-faced all night. Are you alright? Do you need to take a breather?”

Liam noticed Niall looking sickly as the game progressed, so he took his chance to check up on him during the halftime show.

Niall shook his head, remaining strong as Liam pressed a gentle hand to his lower thigh and kneeled close to him with a reassuring gaze. Niall wanted to kiss him so bad.

“I'll be fine...” Niall breathed out with a faint smile. “Don't worry about me. You've got a game to win tonight, an important one at that. We'll all celebrate afterward like last year.”

Liam nodded slowly, still worried for Niall who had a few sweat beads dripping down his slightly tanned face.

“Okay, but if you need anything before the party begins later, you call me first. Got it? I need you to feel okay and to be with me tonight. It's a surprise.”

Liam sent him a bright smile then walked off, leaving Niall to smile to himself and press his hand over where Liam had left his.

The rest of the game went perfectly for Liam's team as they all carried him with the beautiful trophy in his hand.

The crowd screamed for the undefeated team, cheering Liam on as Niall stood from his spot next to the cooler.

He couldn't have felt any prouder for Liam, even if he felt alone standing there.