(almost) famous ♪ narry au

i. depression / obsession.

♪ one month before. ♪

"There's a new band playing at The Volt tonight. I think it's some Indie group or something. They're called In-Debt. Isn't that a cheeky name?" Liam Payne sat at the kitchen table, looking up from his phone momentarily to see the various reactions of his two best mates.

"Well, as you know I'm absolutely swamped with plans. But I suppose I can put aside my gallon of ice cream and Netflix for one night on the town." Louis Tomlinson offered sarcastically.

Liam and Louis then both turned their attention to Niall Horan, who was usually quick to chime in for a night out. However, he was busy scrolling through his own phone. No doubt looking at old pictures of he and his latest ex-boyfriend Elliot, who had just dumped him for a girl named Europe. (Which Niall thought was a completely stupid name.)

"Niall, what do you say? Wanna have a night out like old times?" Liam prodded, elbowing Niall's ribs. Niall shied away, rubbing his eyes like a tired toddler.

"Thanks lads, but I don't think I'm up for a party." Niall deadpanned.

Liam sighed, looking to Louis in hopes of some help.

"I'll buy you drinks?" Louis suggested hopefully.

"Well, when you put it like that... What time are we leaving?"

♪

Niall Horan, at the ripe age of 19, held the one-way ticket to adulthood in one hand and the roundtrip ticket to childhood in the other. He was sweet at heart, which lead to a bit of naivety at times. He also enjoyed a relatively simple life. He shared a flat with his two best mates Louis and Liam, and when not being practically taken care of by them, he could walk essentially a block away and find a home-cooked meal waiting for him at his parent's house. Niall adored Liam and Louis, and the feeling was obviously mutual. The three of them lived in the same apartment complex as children, and they each grew into their separate lives. However, the two elder boys always made time for Niall, who had practically became their younger brother.

So now, as Liam and Louis sat beside each other on the couch, they knew that waiting for Niall to get ready was a part of his charm.

"And I thought I took a long time to get dressed ." Louis scoffed, crossing his arms. Liam looked at his watch and pondered on whether or not he should attempt to get Niall going faster for Louis's sake, or if instead he should let him take his time, for his own sake. Rushing Niall had never proved good for anyone. Having him sulk around all night was like wearing damp socks and waiting for them to dry. Liam decided to stay quiet and lose the battle.

After what seemed like decades, Niall finally appeared. He was wearing a pair of light skinny jeans and a plain black T-shirt with converse.

"That's what took him so long?" Louis muttered under his breath. Liam elbowed him hard, smiling at up at Niall.

"You look great Ni." He said, grinning.

Niall blushed and pushed a hand through his blonde locks.

"Thank you Lili." He mumbled.

Louis rolled his eyes playfully, getting up from the couch.

"Alright. I don't know about you lads but I'm ready to get plastered. Shall we?"