Niall, answer the door please

I'll Make it Feel Like Home

Liam stood  in the centre of the room and looked carefully around. He'd already checked and rechecked things were as perfect as possible but he didn't want to be under prepared. He finally left the room and went into his own room to dress before heading out. All Sophia's things were gone now and  it still tugged  at his heart but he knew he had to try and move on. And today was a very big day, he reminded himself. He glanced at his watch then realised he'd have to get moving shortly. He went down the stairs, taking two at a time, shoved his wallet into his back pocket, grabbed his keys and left, slamming the front door behind him. He couldn't help the grin that was slowly creeping across his face. He was so ready for today.

The last week had been a  fairly good one for Niall. His meltdowns were slowly diminishing. All the lads had adopted Zayn's way of asking Niall if it was OK to help him with anything, rather than just jumping in and doing it, and it mostly worked. It was only when Niall got very frustrated with his lack of control over things that he'd either scream or cry. His short term memory had improved a little but he still had absolutely  no recall of the events that led up to his hospitalisation. The Physical Therapy was also going well , although Niall was very weak and was having major problems with balance. He became easily exhausted and still slept far more than normal, struggled to eat, and his weight was very low. He was often depressed but long conversations with Zayn, when they were alone together, had pulled them into an even closer bond. Zayn was the one who really grasped how Niall felt at times. Zayn himself, found he was also improving , with Harry, Louis and Liam reminding him to take his medication regularly , to eat and generally care for himself more.  And seeing Niall's improving health and his own , better, emotional state had returned the light and sparkle back to his eyes.

Liam fidgeted impatiently as he sat in the waiting area outside Niall's room. The door was closed and he knew that Dr Collins was examining his bandmate. Unable to sit still, he got up and began pacing back and forth which made  Nurse Chanelle laughingly tell him that he was wearing a groove into the floor. Liam chuckled nervously and  admitted he couldn't help it, he just couldn't be still. Finally the door opened and Liam looked up with anxious eyes. The Doctor smiled at him but didn't say anything as he walked away to the nurses station, waving his hand at the door as he did so , inviting Liam to go into Niall's room.

Niall was sat on the edge of the bed, bouncing with excitement. Liam looked at him with a raised eyebrow and Niall burst into laughter."I'm getting out of here, Li. They say I can go as soon as the discharge routine is completed.I can't wait to get back to my house"

"That's great news, Nialler.' Liam then hesitated "errhh ...Ni ?...you are not exactly going home. They say that isn't  really a good idea right now. Niall's face fell and he looked like he was going to meltdown. Liam jumped in quickly "You'll be with me at my home for a few weeks, mate. I'm sorry, I just thought you'd prefer it. I know I should have asked but it was either that or you had to go into some kind of care facility for a time. I talked with your parents and we all thought you'd be happier with me" Liam looked at his friend with a worried expression. He  desperately  hoped that Niall would accept the arrangements . Niall stared  back at him, chewing on his lip then nodded slowly. Being with Liam was definitely the better option.

Chanelle came into the room smiling and holding a thick sheaf of papers in her hand. She then helped Niall and Liam fill out the necessary forms that would enable him to be released into Liam's care. When they were all completed, she handed Liam  a thick manilla folder that contained all Niall's follow up appointments at the hospital, the PT appointments, prescriptions for the medication he still would need to take and recommendations for a  daily routine that would help enable Niall to continue to recover outside of  hospital care. Everything finally sorted, Chanelle got a wheelchair and she and Liam helped Niall into it. He began to grumble loudly but Chanelle briskly informed him that it was hospital policy and anyway, if he fell, they might have to keep him in longer. That soon put an end to Niall's moans, he was only too ready to leave. 

"Chanelle?" She turned and looked at Niall who grinned at her as he asked if he could give her a 'Horan Hug'. She smilingly agreed and Niall wrapped his arms around her whispering his thanks in her ear. Her eyes gleamed a little brighter with unshed tears. She was going to miss her little Irish patient."Get out of here" she shooed them away and Liam needed no second bidding as he pushed Niall's chair  ready to head out of the hospital and to the peace and quiet of home

The drive back to Liam's was a cheerful one. Liam put on some music and Niall was singing along. He was frowning from time to time when he couldn't remember some of the lyrics but the temper tantrum Liam thought might occur never materialised. Liam pulled up in front of his house as the security gates swung silently closed behind  the car. He was surprised but really grateful that no member of the press or the fans, had found out about Niall's being discharged from the hospital. It meant that Niall would be able to continue his convalescence away from the glare of the media. Liam quickly hopped out and went around to open the passenger side door. He waited patiently as Niall slowly pushed himself up out of his seat , Liam grabbing him quickly when he saw the smaller man wobble alarmingly. With a seemingly casual arm around his shoulders, Liam led Niall up to the front door and into his home where he helped Niall to the couch. Niall collapsed down with a grateful sigh and leaned his head back, a tired smile lighting up his face. Liam grinned down at the lad who had  fallen asleep in seconds, worn out by the mornings proceedings. Bending down he carefully swung Niall's legs up onto the couch, slid a cushion under his head and covered him with a blanket. Niall never stirred.

Liam took Niall's things up to the bedroom he would be using. He took a quick look at the baby monitor he'd set up. He rather hoped Niall wouldn't be too offended  but it was just that Liam was afraid of Niall needing something in the night and he'd not hear him.. It was Louis who had suggested using the device and Liam had quickly seen the advantages. He moved it to what he thought might be a more discreet position then wandered out , back down stairs to wait until Niall woke up from his nap.

With a mug of tea beside him, Liam read through all the paperwork the hospital had given him. It all looked very straight forward  so he busied himself drawing up a daily schedule for him to follow. He paused and rethought through everything before committing it to paper. He wanted to do everything he could to get Niall better in record time.  He was fully committed to making sure this happened.

It had been decided the Liam would take  charge of the major part of Niall's convalescence  , with Harry and Louis being regular visitors. Maura and Bobby had returned to their homes in Ireland knowing their son was going to be well cared for. They would be returning to see Niall after a few weeks and Liam was determined that they'd see a major improvement in their son's health Zayn had decided he was returning to the US to finish work on his new solo work. The others knew Niall was going to be very upset by Zayn's absence but Zayn had promised faithfully that he would Skype the lad very few days,  and come back when he could.

Liam finally put down his pen and stretched his arms up over his head. This was all going to work out well. He picked up his notes, gave them a final read through and smiled in satisfaction. Things should go very smoothly, he thought. After all, with careful planning, there was nothing left to chance. And what could possibly go wrong when he was so prepared?