One Direction One Shots

Finish a Family

"Mama!"

Smoke drifted through the cracks of his bedroom door, bringing with it a cloud of toxicity that caused the poor boy to choke on his sobs. Niall couldn't stop the tears as the flames snaked their way through the door to his nursery, swallowing his toys as they licked their way towards him. He let out a frightened cry out as his favorite ball exploded.

"Niall! Ni!" The sound of pounding on his door only heightened his fear. His choked sons were mute compared to the hungry roar of the fire that sparked from poor wiring.

Bobby Horan rammed his son's door, throwing his weight against the already weakening wood in an attempt to save the last of his family. The door fell with a loud crash, and Bobby was sure he broke something in that last ram. Niall's father stumbled blindly through his son's room, violent coughs racking his body. His heart was pounding as he reached Niall's crib. He grabbed hold of his crying son before the beams holding up the stairs collapsed.

"Hang on baby boy," he said, trying to figure out how to save them both. I'll get us out of here. Don't worry." With Niall in his arms, Bobby tried desperately to think of a way out of the house. The flames were getting closer and Niall was only getting more frightened. When he remembered the window, he sent a silent thank you to whatever god was listening for letting his wife convince him to put Niall's nursery downstairs. He threw his body weight against the window, finally deciding to use one of Niall's bats to break it. The shattering of the glass scared Niall even more, and a shard ricocheted back only to slice Niall's cheek. "We're almost out, buddy. Come on."

"Mama!" His voice was hoarse from inhaling the smoke, and Niall's cries only broke his father's heart more. He paused to look up at the room where his wife's body laid in a charred mess.

Bobby carefully tossed Niall out the broken window before climbing out. The glass cut at him, and he felt a tendril of flame tickle his legs. He stumbled into the garden. He hissed in pain as his raw skin made contact with grass and dirt. He staggered to his knees, determined to get away from the house. He limped to the edge of the lawn, joyous cries echoing off of neighboring houses as he carried his son to safety.

Bodies came upon him and his son, strangers ripping Niall from his father's hands. Bobby barely whispered his son's name before passing out into the arms of a firefighter.

No one knew that would be the last thing Bobby Horan would get to say. Little Niall Horan didn't know that his daddy wasn't just sleeping in the scary man's hands. He felt someone ease a breathing mask over his nose and mouth, and fresh oxygen filled his lungs in an attempt to dispel the toxic air in them. His tears wouldn't stop falling as his dad was taken away from him. He was so confused and so scared. He didn't know what was going on.

All he knew was that his throat hurt, and that he wanted his Mama and Daddy here.

-----

"Babe! Hurry up!" Zayn tapped his foot impatiently as his husband strode down the stairs.

Liam chuckled at his awaiting husband. "Babe, calm down. There isn't a set time for us to be there."

Zayn glared at him. "We're going to an adoption agency today! How are you not excited?"

Liam wrapped his arms around Zayn's waist, kissing him softly. He rested his forehead on Zayn's, his soft hair tickling him. "I am, but we don't even know if we'll find someone today. This may just be the first of many orphanages." Zayn frowned, causing Liam to kiss it off his lips.

"Fine," Zayn sighed. "But you could be a little more excited, you know." Liam stuck his tongue out as he opened the front door to their small house. Zayn sighed as they walked to their car, hand-in-hand.