The Power Within [Narry]

--Chapter 2--

**NIALL POV**

Out in front of me, people are reuniting with friends who they haven't seen in weeks. Delighted screams are heard, the loud thump of two bodies colliding resonates across the parking lot as jocks chest bump one another, and choruses of “HEY BUDDY!”, “How've you been?” and “OMFG I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!” blend together into the buzzing atmosphere.

“Nialler, you oaf! You forgot your drink in the car! Can't believe you didn't even take a sip yet,” Ry shouts as he gets out of his old-as-hell truck.

“Shit.” Right as I take a step towards the truck, a loud “NIALL!” is heard off to my left. Before I can even turn my head towards the sound, I find myself on the frosty ground with something big and extremely heavy crushing my body.

“Holy mother of he-” I cut myself off when I look up at my attacker and meet glinting dark brown eyes. “Nick get off of me! You're crushing me with your fat ass!”

Nick reluctantly obeys and sheepishly offers me a hand. “ 'M Sorry Ni. 'Guess I got a bit excited,  ha. But in my defense I haven't seen you in like forever! I missed you, leprechaun.” He scratches the back of his neck as I take his other hand and haul my ass up off the cold ground.

“Bro, I was with you last night. 'S not like we haven't seen each other in years.” I try to wipe the snow off my back from where I ungracefully hit the snow-covered cement. I can't stay mad at Nick though, because he and Ryan are my two closest mates. We all met each other in year nine, and Nick dubbed us “The Dream Team” that year when we managed to eat 8 orders of large fries, 100 chicken nuggets and 3 Big Macs from McDonald's in under half an hour. We do everything together, and we're as close as three idiotic blokes can be.

I suddenly squeaked (in a manly way of course) when I felt a hand smack my bum. “You had some ice on your butt, boo. You're welcome.” Ryan pops up next to me and sends me a playful wink. He then hands me my forgotten lukewarm drink that was left in the car. I've grown used to his antics, so I just accept the cup.

“Are you sure you're straight?” Nick asks Ryan, holding back his laughter.

Ryan reaches out to wrap his arm around my waist just as I was about to take a sip from my warm cocoa. He tugs me closer to him, causing me to sputter at the sudden jerk. “I can't help my love for him. YOU'RE JUST JEALOUS!” At Ryan's sudden outburst, people nearby curiously turn their heads toward us, and I blush crimson red. This is just a fabulous start to the school day. Ignoring the stares, Ryan plants a big, wet kiss on my burning cheek.

“Aw! Look Nick! Niall's blushing because I kissed him!” Ryan coos.

Nick rolls his eyes and shakes his head in amusement. “Mate, I think he's red from embarrassment. I can't blame him.” He grabs the almost-full drink from my hands and chugs the contents down in a heartbeat. He burps and smiles at me, “Thanks mate.” I stare at him in horror.

Ryan lets out a dramatic gasp and turns to me with shocked eyes. “Is this true, boo? You're embarrassed of me?”

I hear Nick snicker in the background, and before I can reply, I'm saved by the bell.

RIIINNNG! RIIINNNG!

“Oh look at the time! Let's go to English, we don't want to be late on our first day back!” I rush out and grab Nick and Ryan's hands before they can utter out a protest.

The three of us squeeze our way through the crowded hallways, muttering curses as we're pushed around like rag dolls. Oh school, how I missed thou. Through the flurry of bodies, a sudden harsh shove sends me crashing into the wall on my right. I bite my lip as my shoulder painfully slams against the wall.

“Well look who it is. Long time no see, Horan.” I'd recognize that deep, taunting voice anywhere. Jay.

Two muscular arms covered in meaningless tattoos appear on either side of my head, trapping me between the cold wall and the source of my nightmares.

Fuck. Where's Ryan and Nick when I need them? I keep my eyes trained on my shoes, unable to meet his daunting gaze.

“C'mon Horan, I haven't seen you in two weeks. You don't even have the balls to look at me while I talk to you?” I can feel the smirk growing on his face, but I still pathetically keep my head down.

“I guess it's time for the first lesson of the year, faggot.” He pulls his fist back, ready to punch me into oblivion, and I close my eyes. There goes the hope of having a bruise-free day.

Silence. The anticipated punch never came. I hesitantly peek an eye open and am greeted by the sight of a very angry Nick firmly grasping Jay's fist only inches away from my face.

“Don't touch him.” A low growl emits from Nick's throat, and the malice laced within his tone causes a bone-chilling shiver to run down my spine.

“Or what?” Jay sneers. He turns around and takes a challenging step towards Nick. Jay may think that he runs this school, but in reality, he's a coward seeking attention. He targets small, vulnerable guys―like me―in order to feel empowered, but when someone's willing to stand their ground and go against him, his tough guy demeanor wavers.

Nick snarls and strides up to Jay. “You really don't want to go there.” With how close they currently are to one another, Nick is practically towering over Jay. Nick is tall, and when I say tall, I mean 6'3 tall. Jay looks pretty ridiculous as he tries to crane his neck to glare at Nick. Jay takes a step back, probably realizing that he won't win this.

Jay spits at the ground in front of Nick and directs his glare toward me. “You better watch your back, faggot.” With that, he leaves.

After Jay is out of sight, I'm still frozen to my spot. I feel a warm arm wrap around my shoulders, and I allow myself to relax a little. I'm safe for now. I look up to see Ryan's concerned face. I didn't know that he was here until now.

“Hey bud, let's get to class, yeah? I don't want to get detention on the first day back,” Ryan lightly smiles. It is then that I notice the hallways are empty, and I take a deep breath before nodding.

Nick walks over to us and envelops me in a comforting hug. “Let's go, Nialler.”

Why can't I ever find the courage to stand up for myself?

Why am I so pathetic?