⁠☞ narry one-shots

✎ couples counseling with dr hemmings

a/n : hey guys it's been a while.

school's starting soon, so I won't be able to update as much while I settle back into the routine .

so I give you this-

it's a counselling narry fic where each session will be a new chapter of this book.

enjoy :)

°°°

"And I just keep fucking pushing him away! It's all my fault!" Niall sobbed, burrowing himself deeper into his best mate's lap.

Ashton stroked the brunette's hair, providing a rare comfort through his wordless silence.

He pursed his lips, unable to hide the displeasure he honed for the situation.

Too many times had he had to hold his friend's quaking body as he cried. Too many times had he had to hear the same story over and over.

It could not be denied, Niall was in the wrong, but the the bubbling rage in Ashton's chest was caused by the man's cowardly husband who didn't have the nerve to face his problems.

"Motherfucker," The drummer cursed, under his breath.

Yet, he kept his mouth shut, allowing his friend to vent all his pent up sorrow without any external interuptions.

Finally, after what seemed hours, the shaking of Niall's shoulders reduced to an unsettled trembled and his sobs became mere whimpers.

He gently stroked the swollen bump of Ash's abdomen, a soft, fond smile playing at his lips.

"The little man helps me calm down," Niall has sniffled to his friend a few weeks ago, both trapped in a similar position to the present.

Ashton could only reply with a weak smile as his best friend nuzzled deeper into his lap.

"W-what do I do, Ash?" Niall's voice was barely a hoarse whisper and Ashton snapped out of his thoughts, "I-I don't want Harry to live like this. Hell, I don't want to live like this."

Ashton winced slightly at his best friends words.

It was all about other people for Niall. Was he bothering them? Was he blocking the view? Did they find him annoying?

Because it was fine, he could just leave - no big deal.

He always adjusted himself to tend to the comforts of society - of other people.

Ashton absolutely despised this aspect of Niall.

It wasn't as if his best friend had become a pushover but in some way he had.

Only instead of a being a doormat to the world he had become one to himself.

And Ashton hated that.

He hated it because Niall was the sweetest, kindest man he had ever met.

And he didn't deserve the torment of the demons lurking his mind or the thorns in his marriage with Harry.

He deserved to be loved and feel loved.

Just how Ashton's own husband adored him, or how they both loved their soon-to-be son.

Niall sounded so broken that the honey-blond could only replay the situation - of what his brunette friend recounted - to try and manage a word of advice.

It had all started a while ago actually.

And in short Niall had felt the beginnings internal war waging within him while Harry drowned in the stress of his work, completely ignorant to anything regarding his husband.

They had gone through and still were going through what one would call a rough patch - even though it didn't seem like a patch anymore, rather a whole neverending valley.

This particular night, a few hours ago, Harry had come home to an excited Niall.

It was their four year anniversary and the Irish man had set up a rather sexy scene in the bathroom : roses in a bubble bath, candles, the soft glow of LED's and customised Swiss chocolate with little messages engraved on the surface.

Of course, Harry disappointed once again by forgetting the whole ordeal and simply brushing Niall off when the shorter lad pleaded with him.

"God Niall, your so childish. Get over it. We're not teenagers anymore," Harry had snapped mockingly in annoyance, "Why would I want to even celebrate being tied down to these chains anyway."

The words had not just stung - but burned into Niall's innocent heart and he could feel himself being blinded by rage and sorrow.

In a flash, the Irish brunette had blacked out, only to recover and find shattered plates and glasses strewn beneath his husbands legs, a trickle of blood dribbling down Harry's temple.

And just like that, Niall had fled, horrified at what he had done, the disgust on his husband branded into his mind.

And not once- not once did Harry call out to him, to check if he was okay.

Not once.

Niall sniffled, wiping the slight drip of his nose with the hem of Ashton's shirt - not that the man minded.

A comfortable silence encapsulated the pair ; Ashton was lost in his thoughts, where Niall, in the past.

"I think," Ash drawled out, trying to keep his exhaustion at bay, "that the two of you should visit my husband's couples therapy sessions."

Niall's eyes grew comically wider and he chokes out a few words,"Uh me-and Harry...in the same room...talking about our feelings...to Luke!?"

"Unfortunately Nialler, if you want things to get better, it's what you'll have to do," Ashton fiddled with the overgrown tresses of the brunette's hair, sympathy coating his tone, "I'll arrange everything - with Luke, with Harry and with you. You don't have to worry about a thing."

A half-smile quirked its way onto Niall's face and he sighed in apology, "I'm sorry Ash. All I've been is a bother these couple of months. You shouldn't be stressing out about my relationship problems that I should be able to fix myself."

Ashton's hand stilled in his hair.

"You are right. These problems are fixable. But not by yourself. Mending a relationship is a team effort, Niall." His face was solemn and sincere, "You and Harry need to be working together, but that doesn't mean that you also don't need a little help from the outside."

Ashton's gently grabbed Niall's chin and tilted it towards his eyes - his eyes raging with passion and dedication.

"Listen to me, you are never a burden. Never. To me or anyone around you. You owe nothing to no one, " His face was fierce and demanding.

And as quick as it had come the emotions had left, smothering relief over Ashton's expression, "Besides, helping you has kinda kept me from stressing about the baby. So win-win, yeah?"

"Yeah," Niall replied, eyes shining with emotion.

He'd fix this. What was broken - what he'd broken - could always be mended.

Right?

my space :

sooo there

hope y'all aren't too mad for me having disappeared/disappearing for a while.

I wanted to give you something to look forward to before I go on a very irregular updating pattern :)

ofc I'll still do incorrect quotes - cuz those are easy and fun - once in a while.

stay safe.

all the love,

tal