Book Three - Discovery

Chapter Thirty Six

On the plane Niall and Liam sat together. By now it wasn't a big deal to those around them. Niall was happy to be next to him even though they couldn't cuddle.

Most of the people on board were asleep. Liam was trying to sleep but he noticed how wide eyed and deep in thought Niall was. "Are you alright?"

Niall smiled when Liam grabbed his hand under the big blanket they'd been sharing. "Yeah, I'm just thinking about Christmas."

Liam nodded, "What about it? Worried you're gonna get a lump of coal?" Niall was looking so serious that Liam had to make a little joke.

"No." He laughed and resisted the natural urge to kiss him. "I want to go home. I want to be with my family, see them open my gifts for a change."

"What else?" Liam asked. He could see and hear that there was more Niall wanted out of going home for Christmas.

"I want to tell them about us. I wanna tell them that I love you in a way I'm sure they never dreamed I would." He bit his lower lip.

Liam felt a mix of emotions. He was so proud Niall had come to a place where he wanted to openly tell his family. He knew that wasn't an easy thing. On the other hand however he was sad because he wanted to be with Niall on Christmas.

"Are you sure you're ready to travel alone?" He tried with all of his might to hide his disappointment. He'd never stop Niall from doing something he wanted.

Niall deeply loved Liam however. He knew him well enough to know he was sad by the thought of being apart from him on Christmas.

"Liam, baby," he smiled. "You're coming with me. We talked about this." Niall couldn't help but laugh a little. "My parents on Christmas Day and then yours the day after."

Liam blushed a bit. He'd forgotten about that conversation. "I, yeah, I forgot." He felt much better now. He didn't want to not be with Niall on such a big holiday.

"You're adorable when you're embarrassed." He teased. "I need you with me when I tell them about us. I really want them to see first hand how happy you make me."

"Anything you want. Always." Liam smiled. "I wish I could kiss you right now."

Niall gave him such a sweet smile that he could almost feel himself glowing. Liam was the most romantic person his heart had ever fallen for. No one had ever made him feel so special and wanted. "As soon as we're alone."

The pair stared at each other silently for a moment before Niall shut his eyes and laid his head on Liam's shoulder. Soon he was asleep allowing Liam to finally rest and follow asleep too.

When the plane landed the boys were rushed off to a hotel for what was left of the night. Niall wanted to make sure he got arrangements for the flight home to Ireland secure before he could go back to sleep though. He knew he wouldn't be able to relax until it was set in stone.

Lucky for Niall getting arrangements set was as easy as two phone calls. One to his favorite travel agent and one to his brother despite his Greg having been asleep.

"Done." Niall smiled and almost jumped onto the bed next to Liam. "It's all set."

"You're in such a good mood. It's cute." Liam smiled and kissed him. "I like it. My little cute adorable boy." He kissed him again, a little deeper.

"Mmm, sex later. I need proper sleep in your arms." Niall kissed him and crawled under the covers.

Liam followed him and opened his arms wide for Niall to crawl into.

Niall quickly made himself comfortable in Liam's arms, his head against his chest so he could hear the sound of Liam's heartbeat as they fell asleep. It helped a lot with the feeling of being safe. He was doing a lot better, but it still felt challenging while they were on the road touring or doing promo. He had Liam however so he knew he'd be fine.