Hiding in the Shadows

The Museum

First I would like to say that I am sorry this has taken so long to update. I have been extremely busy and also had writers block, my mind just kept coming up with stories for other shows. Also I still have classes even though it's summer and I'm tutoring other children so while I'm not working technically I still am. I'm also on vacation and have another trip planned and I have family obligations. Needless to say I'll update when I can but promise nothing. Enjoy.

They started at the history museum an hour from the hotel. Niall had been shocked when he looked out the car window and saw where they had stopped.

"What are we doing here?" Niall asked.

"You said you wanted to go to museums." Louis answered. "Is this not the kind of museum you like?"

Niall was confused. What did it matter what he wanted to do? "I... yeah sure."

"If you'd rather go someplace else..." Harry offered. Museums weren't really his cup of tea.

Liam and Louis both shot Harry a glare. They knew that this wasn't Harry's idea of a wonderful day but this wasn't about Harry, it was about Niall.

Niall took the hint Harry was giving, "We can go anywhere. I don't care."

"But I really wanted to go to the history museum." Liam spoke up.

"It looks really cool." Louis agreed.

"Yeah." Harry said after warning looks from Louis and Liam.

Niall didn't understand what was going on but let it alone. He did want to see the history museum – he could make this fast and after they could go someplace that the others found more interesting.

Louis was confused when Niall sped through the first two rooms of the museum. He thought Niall wanted to see the museum. As he looked over to the other two he noticed the grin on Harry's face and understood what Niall was doing.

"Hold up" Louis called to the blonde a few paces in front of them.

Niall quickly turned back to face Louis thinking that the man had finally decided to admit that they were leaving and this was all a hoax, he'd expected it anyways. And Niall thought he was right when Louis came over, slung his arm around Niall's shoulders and started leading them both back towards the start.

Louis took Niall back to the beginning of the museum and stopped at the first exhibit. "Sorry, you were going a bit fast for me. I didn't get the chance to read everything"

Niall furrowed his brow in confusion, "Didn't know you were that interested in history."

"Of course we are" Liam said gently patting Niall on the back as he too leaned forward to read the information posted by the exhibit.

Both Liam and Louis noted that Niall wasn't reading but rather shooting inquisitive looks at Harry. They also saw that Harry was standing back a little with a down turned mouth.

Liam signaled to Louis that he would take care of Harry and moved back towards the younger boy.

"Harry" Liam hissed.

"What?" Harry asked annoyed.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm standing in a history museum bored instead of going around to the different clubs having fun"

Liam wanted to hit Harry. He understood that Harry was the youngest and used to getting his way – Liam Louis and Zayn had often given into every of Harry's whims because he was the 'baby' of the group. Regardless though it was quite clear who the baby was and it wasn't Harry. Not that Niall was a baby, nor was he technically the youngest but dam the kid sure looked like the youngest. Also this was a day for Niall. Harry would just have to get used to not being the center of attention any more. Now yes Harry would still receive attention and be coddled more than Liam or Louis but Niall was the new 'baby' in terms of care and that was the way it had to be.