Contentions(A Liam Payne AU)

Chapter 18 - Cold

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“So, um…there’s something you should know,” Liam scratched his head, standing in front of the door to his house. “Ya see-“

“LILI!” a voice squealed as the door flung open and a young girl came barreling out and straight into his legs, hugging them tight. “I missed you!” He sent me a small, inquiring glance before he dropped to his knees, pulling her into a bear hug.

“I missed you too, baby!” he cooed, rubbing her back before pulling away. “Where’s your sister?”

“Insi-BRINLEE!”

“Macy?” I said in confusion, her small body flinging herself into my arms. “What are you doing here?”

“You two know each other?” Liam asked, brow furrowed when a teenager walked out into the hallway.

“Liam, mom call-oh hey Brinlee,” Jessie smiled. “Nice to see you again.”

“Alright, I’m missing something,” the boxer groaned. “How do ya’ll know each other?”

“Uncle Haz had her babysit us,” Macy smiled. “She’s a lot of fun! She played princess with me and everything!”

“And she said we could have a girl’s night,” Jessie said excitedly. “I’m painting my nails right now! Do you want to come and help me?” The hopeful gleam in her eye made my heart twist as I wanted so desperately to say no. I felt awful, my head was pounding, I was hot, and I was having just an overall crap day.

“I gues-“ I began, forcing those words out with a shaky smile when a hand on my shoulder cut me off.

“Brinlee has had a long day, Jess. She’ll hang out with you later, yeah? I think she needs some rest,” Liam said quietly. “Why don’t you go get your sister ready for bed for me?”

“I can do it myself, Leeyum,” Macie huffed, stomping into the house and down a hallway, disappearing with Jessie on her heels.

“I could have hung out with her,” I mumbled, biting my lip. There was a deep sigh behind me before he guided me inside, setting my duffel bag by the couch.

“No offense, but you look like hell, babe,” he commented, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and setting loose the butterflies in my stomach. “You look like you’re coming down with something.”

“I’m fine,” I reassured, but the doubtful frown on his face made me sigh.

“Do you feel ill at all?” he asked softly, letting his fingers trail up and down my spine.

“Just a little,” I croaked, leaning forward to rest my head on his chest but he quickly flinched and gently pushed me back. His eyes scanned over my face almost frantically before he rested his palm on my forehead, a loud swear escaping his lips.

“Damn, you’re burning up, love,” he informed, grimacing. “We need to bring your temperature down.” I bit my lip and looked at his worried visage, tears pricking my eyes. I was never given any sort of attention when I was younger if I was sick. Hell, my parents would do everything in their power to make me so weak that my body could barely recover. And here was this young man, who I barely knew, wanting to help me?

“Go lay down in the guest room, I’m gonna find some things to bring your temperature down, yeah?” he said softly, pulling away and nudging me towards the familiar hallway to their spare bedroom. “Go on…”

“I-“ I began to protest when a small hand slipped into mine and tugged me away to the best of the little body’s ability,

“It’s okay, Brin,” Macie said, using her free hand to brush her bangs away from her face. “Leeyum is a good doctor. He always takes care of me and Jessie when we’re sick. He’ll make you feel better.” I smiled slightly, my mind a little bit more at ease as I looked up at the young man beside me.

“I know what I’m doing, love,” he reassured softly. “I’ll get you taken care of.” I bit my lip and slowly nodded, letting my body be dragged to the guest bedroom, the child in front of me hopping into the bed and peeling back the covers.

“Well go on,” she motioned, letting out a small huff when I hesitated. “We need to get you better.” Her seriousness made me giggle under my breath as I humored her, climbing into the bed. She climbed over my body and pulled the duvet back over me, tucking them tightly under me.

“Brin, do you feel-Macie…what are you doing, baby girl?” Liam chuckled as he saw my restrained body.

“I’m making her feel better,” she smiled, her missing teeth standing out. “See. I tucked her in like mummy used to.” His features darkened and he nodded, swallowing loudly.

“That’s very sweet,” he forced out. “But you need to get to sleep now, alright? Up to bed…”

“Okaaaaay,” she drawled, scuffing her foot and hopping to the ground, not before kissing my forehead though. “Feel better, Brinlee.” I simply smiled, nodding as she skipped out of the room.

“Sorry about that,” he breathed, walking over to peel back the covers and letting my already heated body breath.

“She’s just trying to help,” I croaked, a tickle rising in my throat making me cough.

“Easy, easy,” he coaxed, grabbing a glass of water and easily pulling my body to a sitting position, the cup tipping to my lips and washing away the scratchy feeling. “Alright now?” I opened my mouth to respond but he quickly let a long digit drag over my lips, a lopsided smirk plastered on his face.

“Talking will irritate your throat again,” he warned. “Just nod.” I bit my lip and nodded, leaning away from to try and lie down again but his arm snaked around my waist, keeping me upright.

“Here, I want you to drink this and then you can rest,” he said softly, tipping a small medicine cup to my lips but I kept my mouth clamped shut.

“Brin, baby,” he sighed, pulling back slightly. “Please?”

“The last time you gave me medicine you slipped me a sleeping pill,” I whispered, eyes watering with the exertion. He nodded in acknowledgment, but nonetheless tipped the cup to my lips once again.

“It’s just cold syrup,” he reassured softly. “To help bring down the fever and stop the cough.” My eyes were wide as I looked up at him, slightly scared to be forced asleep again.

“Trust me, darling,” he murmured, grasping my chin in a soft grip and coaxing my mouth open. I let him pour it in my mouth, my face scrunching into a mask of distaste, the putrid twinge in my mouth making me cringe.

“Drink,” he chuckled, handing me the glass of water again. I gladly took it and began to chug it when it was wrenched out of my grip, Liam’s concerned gaze peering down at me.

“If you’re not careful it’ll make you nauseous,” he warned, setting it on the bedside table. “Now get some sleep. We’ll discuss school and sleeping arrangements in the morning, alright?” I nodded and let him help my slide back under the blankets, his hand going to smooth over my cheek. My eyes fluttered close as tears built up, memories of my sister taking care of me flooding back.

“Why are you doing this, Liam?” I asked weakly, my lip quivering. “Why are you helping me?” There was a heavy sigh and  fingers flitted over my eyelids, almost soothingly.

“I honestly don’t know,” he said quietly. “I…I just feel the need to protect you, Brin. I want to keep you safe and take away all of this hurt you’re feeling.” I began to protest,  but he quickly stopped me.

“And don’t say you’re not because I can see it. I can see it in every forced smile and behind those pretty little eyes. You are hurting and I’m not exactly sure why…but I will find out and I will help you, yeah? I’m right here with you,” he murmured before a soft kiss was pressed to my forehead. “Now get some sleep, baby. I’ll check on you through the night to make sure you’re alright.” He was about to leave when my eyes sprung open and I weakly took his wrist, stopping him in his tracks.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “ Thank you so much, Liam…” He smiled and let his lips ghost over the back of my hand before gently dropping it and backing out of the room.

“Good night, darling…”