Book Three - Discovery

Chapter Two

Niall slept peacefully the whole ride with Liam holding his hand he felt safe enough to sleep. It was almost as though he just didn't feel so vulnerable.

Liam woke when the bus stopped. He yawned and squeezed the hand in his before smiling almost involuntarily.

He carefully stood, not breaking the hold and used his free hand to wake Niall by playing with his hair.

A sleepy grin formed on Niall's face as his eyes fluttered open slowly and all Liam could think about was how badly he wanted to know what kissing Niall felt like.

He quickly scolded himself however when Niall let go of his hand and yawned while trying to say thank you.

"I take it you slept well then?" Liam asked.

"Very, I always do when we hold hands." He said hopping down.

"You two coming?" They heard Zayn call from near the front of the bus.

"Yeah, be right there." Niall called stretching a little.

"If you're still tired you can come nap in my room. We have the day off. I was just gonna eat and watch Telly, maybe call mum." Liam offered.

Niall nodded, "Thanks, that'd be great. I still feel a bit knackered."

Liam laughed a bit patted Niall's shoulder before walking off, Niall close behind.

Once inside the hotel they grabbed their bags and placed Niall's in his room before Liam took Niall's to his to rest.

"How have you been sleeping Li?" Niall softly asked.

"It's getting better. I'm sure it's part of the process." Liam assured.

For a moment they were quiet, Niall laying, eyes closed on one side of the bed and Liam holding his hand reclined against the headboard on the other side, watching Telly.

"Hey Liam?" He asked even softer, eyes still closed.

"Yes?"

"You'll tell me if I start bothering you with this right? I mean, I know it's gotta be annoying." His voice was almost a whisper.

"I promise I'll tell you if I get tired of being your security blanket but trust me, I'm not going to." Liam assured squeezing his hand twice.

Niall squeezed it back once and fell asleep soon after.

He never woke up until he heard a knocking. He looked up and saw Liam had fallen asleep.

"Liam?" He heard Louis' voice at the door.

"Liam..." Niall shook him.

"Huh?" Liam asked stirring.

"Louis' at the door." Niall was too lazy to get up himself.

Liam nodded and went to the door as Louis knocked again.

"Jeesh Liam, hiding the body?" Louis teased.

"No, I was letting Niall get a nap and must have fallen asleep as well. What's up?" He asked.

"Paul's going to get a pizza for Harry and I, we were hoping you lads would wanna join us for a film. We just miss being close to you all with nothing going on." Louis fluffed his hair a bit.

"I'm in. Niall?" He asked.

"I get some of that pizza right?" He asked.

Both older boys laughed, "Yes, come on, tummy." Louis smiled.

Together they walked to Zayn's room and nearly drug him from the room before even explaining what was going on.

"What are you doing?" He asked.