✯ Zianourry ⏯ OneShots ✯

You're not a buzzkill. ⏯ N.H.

The winter wind howled outside, rattling the windows of the cozy London apartment shared by the members of One Direction. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, but there was one member notably absent from the lively chatter and laughter that filled the air.

Niall, usually the life of the party with his infectious energy and bright smile, was curled up on the couch, wrapped in a thick blanket. His normally rosy cheeks were pale, and his nose was red from blowing it repeatedly. He sniffled and coughed, trying in vain to stifle the sounds as not to interrupt his bandmates.

Liam, Louis, and Harry were sprawled out on various pieces of furniture, engaged in a game of cards. They glanced worriedly at Niall every now and then, their playful banter subdued by concern for their friend.

"Are you sure you don't want anything, Niall?" Liam asked, setting down his cards. "I can make you some tea or fetch you some medicine."

Niall shook his head weakly. "Nah, I'm grand, thanks, mate. Just need some rest is all."

Louis exchanged a glance with Harry, both silently agreeing that Niall didn't look fine at all. Harry got up from his seat and disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a steaming mug of tea.

"Here, Nialler," Harry said, handing him the mug. "Drink this. It'll help soothe your throat."

Niall mustered a grateful smile as he accepted the tea, taking a small sip. The warmth spread through him, momentarily easing the discomfort in his chest. But it was short-lived, and soon he was coughing again, the sound echoing in the room.

"Maybe you should go lie down, Niall," Louis suggested gently. "You sound awful, mate."

Niall nodded weakly, pushing himself up from the couch with a sigh. "Yeah, you're probably right. Sorry, lads, for being a buzzkill."

"Don't be daft, Niall," Zayn said, rising to his feet. "You're not a buzzkill. Just focus on getting better, yeah? We'll take care of the rest."

With the help of his friends, Niall made his way to his bedroom, sinking gratefully into his bed. The soft pillows and warm blankets were a welcome comfort, and he closed his eyes, hoping that sleep would offer some relief from the pounding headache and aches that plagued his body.

As he drifted off, he could hear the muffled sounds of his bandmates' voices in the other room, their concern for him evident in every word. Despite the misery of his cold, Niall couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support of his friends.

The night descended upon the apartment, casting shadows across the room as Niall tossed and turned in his bed. Despite his exhaustion, sleep eluded him, his feverish mind racing with thoughts and worries.

Outside, the wind continued to howl, rattling the windows with renewed intensity. The sound only served to exacerbate Niall's discomfort, each gust sending shivers down his spine and making his body ache even more.

He reached for the glass of water on his bedside table, his hand trembling slightly as he brought it to his lips. The cool liquid offered temporary relief to his parched throat, but it did little to ease the relentless pounding in his head.

Niall sighed, sinking back into his pillows with a groan. He felt utterly miserable, trapped in a cycle of coughing fits and fever-induced delirium. The minutes ticked by slowly, each one stretching into an eternity as he longed for the sweet release of sleep.

Suddenly, the door to his bedroom creaked open, and a figure slipped inside, moving quietly towards his bed. It was Liam, his expression soft with concern as he approached Niall's bedside.

"Hey, mate," Liam said softly, his voice gentle. "How are you feeling?"

Niall forced a weak smile, despite the overwhelming urge to curl up into a ball and never move again. "Not great, to be honest. Can't seem to shake this blasted cold."

Liam nodded sympathetically, reaching out to feel Niall's forehead with the back of his hand. "You're burning up, Niall. Have you taken any more medicine?"

Niall shook his head, feeling a surge of guilt at the worry evident in Liam's eyes. "I forgot, to be honest. Been too busy trying not to cough up a lung."

Liam chuckled softly, but there was an underlying sadness in his laughter. "You should take some more medicine, Niall. It might help you feel better."

Niall nodded wearily, reaching for the bottle of medicine on his bedside table. He swallowed a couple of pills with a sip of water, hoping desperately that they would offer some relief from the relentless ache that seemed to consume his entire body.

As he lay back against his pillows, Liam settled himself on the edge of the bed, his presence a comforting presence in the darkness. They sat in silence for a while, the only sound the soft hum of the heater and the occasional gust of wind rattling the windows.

"I'm sorry for being such a burden, Liam," Niall said suddenly, his voice thick with emotion. "I know I'm not much fun to be around when I'm like this."

Liam shook his head, his expression filled with warmth and affection. "You're not a burden, Niall. We're all worried about you, that's all. We just want to make sure you're okay."

Niall felt a lump form in his throat at Liam's words, a rush of gratitude flooding through him. Despite the misery of his cold, he knew that he was incredibly lucky to have friends like Liam who cared for him so deeply.

"Thanks, Liam," Niall said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

Liam smiled, reaching out to squeeze Niall's hand gently. "You'll never have to find out, Niall. We're here for you, no matter what."

With those words echoing in his mind, Niall closed his eyes, allowing himself to finally drift off into a fitful sleep. And as he surrendered to the darkness, he knew that no matter how fierce the storm raged outside, he would always find comfort in the unwavering support of his friends.