(almost) famous ♪ narry au

iv. liam-lover.

"Bye Julie, bye Mary, bye Dr. Mark," Niall called as he walked out of work a few days later.

He'd had a long day, and he was incredibly ready to go home and change out of his uniform and slip into something more comfortable.

Like perhaps a coma, he internally thought.

Harry still had yet to notice him, and at this point he was struggling to keep a positive attitude. His conventional methods of attention-getting didn't seem to be working. Obviously, his poster would have been the way to go.

Niall worked as a receptionist at a veterinarian office. His job allowed for copious amounts of animal-petting, which made him more than qualified for the position. That was essentially the only thing keeping him from going insane. Constant animal-petting. 

Niall began his usual after-work routine, which included meeting Louis at his work in order to bother him endlessly until it was time to go. Usually, Liam would meet them there in the car, but some days they would walk to the station and meet Liam there. 

Louis worked at a high-rise office a few blocks from Niall. His job had something to do with customer relations in one of the local grocery chains. Basically, anytime someone had any type of issue with a product or a service, they would call to complain.

Needless to say, Niall was pretty sure being bothered by him was the best part of Louis's day. 

Niall's favorite part of the few block trek was Barkley's. Barkley's was a small coffee shop near his work, where he stopped at as many times a day as possible. There were endless flavor combinations to put into various drinks. He had no idea how anyone could ever get bored of all of the possibilities. 

He stepped inside the cafe, and the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans breezed past him delicately. He smiled, stepping up to the counter. His favorite barista was working. His name was Nick, and Niall wasn't above admitting he had a slight crush on him. But how could he not? Nick was tall, dark, and handsome. Every dream requirement. Of course, he was no Harry Styles, but who was? It just seemed that Niall was very good at catching feelings for people who wouldn't requite them. 

"Niall! How are you doing, mate?" Nick chirped upon seeing him at the counter. 

"I'm alright. Work was a little tiring today though," Niall sighed, shooting Nick a smirk. 

"Must be rough, petting dogs and cats all day," Nick replied, rolling his eyes playfully. 

"Mhm, almost as rough as making coffee all day." 

"Touché, now what creation am I making for you this time?"

"I think I'm gonna go with an iced coffee. But I want three pumps of raspberry, two pumps of white chocolate, and one pump of vanilla." 

"Going for the sugar rush today I see," Nick smiled, getting a large plastic cup and filling it with the specific measurements that Niall had asked for. 

"Well, you only live once right?" 

"True shit," Nick nodded, filling the cup up with coffee, milk, and ice before swirling it around.

"How much do I owe you?" Niall asked, reaching into his pocket for his wallet.

"As if I have ever made you pay," Nick scoffed, pushing the cup into Niall's hand. 

Niall grinned, thrusting a five note back in return. 

"Take a tip then," He said, before waving and walking out. The goal was to leave before Nick gave him his money back.

"You'll get this 5 back, mister," Nick called after him. 

Niall took a sip of his drink as he continued walking, the goofy smile on his face refusing to fade.