✯ Zianourry ⏯ OneShots ✯

I didn't mean to worry everyone. ⏯ L.P.

The atmosphere backstage was unusually quiet as One Direction prepared for their upcoming concert. But behind the scenes, chaos was brewing. One by one, the members of the world-famous boy band fell victim to a vicious virus that had been spreading through the crew.

It started with Louis, who woke up feeling queasy and exhausted. Then Harry complained of a pounding headache that seemed to worsen with each passing minute. Zayn was next, his normally smooth voice reduced to a raspy whisper by a sore throat. And finally, Niall succumbed to fever and chills, despite his best efforts to deny that anything was wrong.

As the others struggled to soldier on through rehearsals, Liam took on the role of caretaker without a second thought. He fetched blankets and hot tea for his bandmates, offering words of comfort and reassurance as they battled through their symptoms.

But as the day wore on, it became clear that Liam was hiding something. His normally bright eyes were dull with exhaustion, and he moved with a stiffness that hinted at an underlying illness. Yet, whenever someone asked how he was feeling, he brushed off their concerns with a forced smile.

It wasn't until they were moments away from taking the stage that Liam finally collapsed, his body giving out under the weight of his fever. As panic swept through the dressing room, Paul, their ever-reliable tour manager, rushed to his side.

"Liam, mate, can you hear me?" Paul's voice was urgent as he checked Liam's pulse and temperature.

Liam groaned weakly, his skin clammy to the touch. "I-I'm fine, Paul. Just need a moment."

But Paul wasn't convinced. He barked orders to the crew, summoning medical assistance and clearing the area around Liam. The other boys watched helplessly, their own discomfort forgotten as they prayed for their friend's well-being.

Minutes stretched into hours as Liam's condition worsened. His fever spiked uncontrollably, causing violent shivers to wrack his body. And then, just as quickly as it had begun, he was doubled over, retching painfully into a nearby trash can.

"Liam, stay with me, mate," Paul urged, his voice strained with worry. "We've got help on the way."

But Liam could barely hear him over the pounding in his head. He felt as though he were being consumed by fire from the inside out, his every breath a struggle against the suffocating weight of his illness.

Through the haze of pain, Liam dimly registered the sound of footsteps approaching. He turned his head to see the worried faces of his bandmates hovering over him, their expressions a mix of fear and concern.

"We're here for you, Liam," Louis whispered, his hand reaching out to squeeze Liam's in a gesture of solidarity.

Liam managed a weak smile, grateful for the support of his friends. Despite the agony coursing through his veins, he drew strength from their presence, knowing that they would weather this storm together.

And as the medical team finally arrived to take charge of his care, Liam closed his eyes and surrendered to the darkness, comforted by the knowledge that he was not alone.

The ambulance sirens wailed in the distance as Paul and the medical team swiftly loaded Liam onto a stretcher. Panic seized the dressing room as the reality of the situation sank in. Harry's hands trembled as he reached out to grasp Niall's shoulder for support.

"We need to go with him," Zayn declared, his voice firm despite the fear etched across his face.

Paul nodded, his expression grim. "You lot stay close. We'll get him to the hospital as fast as we can."

With a flurry of activity, the band and their entourage rushed out of the venue and into the waiting ambulance. Louis sat by Liam's side, his fingers intertwined with his friend's as they sped through the streets, each passing second feeling like an eternity.

"Liam, mate, can you hear me?" Louis whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Liam managed a weak nod, his eyelids fluttering as he fought to stay conscious. "I'm... I'm scared, Lou."

Louis squeezed his hand tighter, his heart breaking at the vulnerability in Liam's voice. "It's going to be alright, Liam. We're going to get you the help you need."

The ambulance screeched to a halt outside the hospital, and the medical team sprang into action, rushing Liam into the emergency room. Paul followed close behind, his mind racing with worry for his young charges.

Inside the hospital, the atmosphere was tense as doctors and nurses worked frantically to stabilize Liam's condition. Machines beeped rhythmically, their sound a stark reminder of the seriousness of the situation.

Zayn paced the waiting room, his nerves frayed with worry. "I can't just sit here," he muttered, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides.

Niall reached out to place a comforting hand on Zayn's shoulder. "We have to trust that they're doing everything they can for him."

Hours passed in agonising silence as the boys waited for news of Liam's condition. Finally, a doctor emerged from the operating room, her expression grave.

"Is he okay?" Harry asked, his voice trembling with fear.

The doctor sighed, her shoulders slumping in exhaustion. "Liam's condition is serious, but he's stable for now. We've managed to bring down his fever, but he's still very weak."

Louis breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging with the weight of the news. "Can we see him?"

The doctor nodded, her expression softening. "He's resting now, but you can go in one at a time. Just try not to tire him out too much."

One by one, the boys filed into Liam's room, their hearts heavy with concern. Liam lay pale and still on the hospital bed, his eyes closed in fitful sleep.

Louis approached first, his voice barely a whisper as he reached out to brush a lock of hair from Liam's forehead. "Hang in there, mate. We're all here for you."

Tears welled in Liam's eyes as he stirred, his voice hoarse with exhaustion. "I'm sorry, Lou. I didn't mean to worry everyone."

Louis shook his head, his eyes shining with tears. "Don't be sorry, Liam. We're a team, remember? We look out for each other, no matter what."

And as the other boys gathered around Liam's bed, their hands intertwined in a silent show of solidarity, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as brothers.