One Shots

Off {au}

Niall was thirty-five, and his nephew, and godchild, Theo was fifteen. When Niall was twenty-two, Greg and Denise were in an accident, and Niall was the one who was left responsible to raise Theo if anything happened. And Harry, well, he was gladly okay with helping Niall out - because he was so in love with Niall since they met.

But Niall has something else on his plate, and maybe he needs help from his last source of help, Harry.

"Look I know we're not together anymore," Niall paused, "But I need you right now, please Harry." Niall sighed, hanging up on his short voicemail. Niall was nervous, because he didn't know if their 'vows' were always accepted.

"I want a divorce," Niall said simply. He wasn't in love with Harry, not that he didn't love him, he did, but it wasn't the same amount of love he used to. "But, I want it on certain terms. One, we'll stay in contact. Two, we'll help each other if needed. Three, we'll love each other unconditionally, even if not romantically." Niall added, and Harry just shook his head.

"Of course, you're making rules about divorce too." Harry rolled his eyes. "Anything for you, Niall." Harry said, grinning.

"Wow, Mr. Horan." Harry said, calling Niall back. "I can't believe business man Horan is calling me." Harry joked. "Anyways, you called for help?" Harry questioned.

"Oh, uh, yeah. Could you maybe come over?" Niall asked.

"Sure thing Niall. I just have to get changed." Harry said.

"Are you naked still? It's nearly three in the afternoon." Niall laughed, his usual cheerful and loud laugh. Somehow it was still like, even after twenty years.

"Maybe, I had a late night. Work took longer than expected." Harry sighed.

"Try running a business." Niall joked. "But come over, soon." Niall said hanging up shortly.

Twenty minutes later, and a casual looking Harry showed up at Niall's house.

"Wow, it's been a while." Harry joked, as he walked into the house he once lived in. For some reason, Niall never left the house. "So what's wrong Niall?" Harry questioned, seeing a glum look on Niall's face.

"I, I just found out something." Niall grumbled, his eyes blank, if that's even possible. "Actually, I've been harboring it for a long time..." Niall closed his eyes, "I have Leukemia, and well, I never did chemo or anything. I thought: hey, why not just let myself die of something natural." Niall mumbled, frowning.

"What..." Harry mumbled. "You're, you're, wow...." Harry said. Harry's mind was full of horrible thoughts. Because he was going to lose someone, someone that's been important to him for so long.

"Please, Harry, I need you here for Theo. Mum and dad said they'd do it, but they're not getting younger... I just, he just... He needs a parent, and you're the last proper parent he's had, other than me." Niall said, clinging to Harry, crying suddenly.

"I'll- I'll do whatever." Harry whispered, crying softly, "I'll help with everything. From now, until you're gone, and until Theo's older." Harry sighed, hugging Niall closer. "Please, just let me be here for you." Harry whispered.

"You know, my hair's been falling out a lot lately... I shaved my head... I even have a wig..." Niall whispered, giggling quietly. Niall pulled off his wig, and Harry sighed, placing a kiss to Niall's head.

"You're still beautiful." Harry whispered. If Harry wasn't so in love, maybe Niall wouldn't be that beautiful, but somehow, Niall still made Harry feel like they were stupid teenagers. "I love you, you know that right?" Harry questioned.