Through the Dark

Chapter 2 ~ L.P

Liam briskly walked towards the far corner of the large room. He saw Niall curled into himself on the ground. The puppy eyed boy slowed his pace as he approached the boy. Making sure that Niall knew he was there.

Liam crouched down to the blondes level and gently rubbed his arm. He sat next to him and pulled the Irish lad to his chest.

"Shh, Niall. It's alright. I know that was scary. You're safe. You're alright. It's okay I'm right here and I'm not leaving. I need you to breathe for me bud. Just copy my breathing."

Niall let out a cry as air started to finally fill his lungs. The poor lad felt like he was drowning. His thoughts were so loud and persistent, it overwhelmed him.  Liam felt his heart break watching him.

"There you go. Just keep breathing for me Ni. That was Harry, the new kid. I know he looks scary and mean, but he is actually really nice. He got very worried when you ran off. Do you want to try saying hi?" Liam asked gently.

"N-no!" The blondes breathing started to speed up once again.

"Ok it's alright! We don't have to meet him just yet. How about we go get some snacks from the vending machine instead?"

Niall nodded and Liam hefted him up to his feet. Hand in hand, they walked down to the vending machines. Leaving a worried Harry by the library.

Liam handed Niall £2, which he inserted into the money slot. The Payne boy watched as Niall pressed the numbers to get a bag of Jelly Babies. (I live for Jelly Babies)

Liam chuckled slightly as the blonde haired boy raced to grab the pack of sweets. Liam took the bag from Niall and opened it for him.

The pair left the vending machines, and walked back to the library. Liam stood in surprise.

Harry was still standing at the doors. His green eyes wide with worry and confusion. Liam quickly walked Niall back to the classroom.

"Niall I'll be right back. I just have to go do something really quickly."

The blonde nodded his head slightly and pulled out a book to read.

Liam sped back towards the library. There, still as tall as always, was Harry. Emerald eyes wide with concern. He was frowning and looked deep in thought.

"What are you doing here? Why didn't you go back to class?" Liam asked.

"Is he okay?" Harry ignored the question.

"What?"

"Niall. Is he- is he okay?" The curly haired male replied.

"Niall? Yeah. Yeah, no he's fine. Why do you ask?"

"I'm just... I don't know. He's really interesting. I just like, you know, feel like I have to protect him. I want to get to know him." Harry quietly said.

Liam let out a sigh. He brought his hand up to his head and threaded his fingers through his hair.

"I can try to talk to him for you. You freaked him out pretty badly but, I'll see what I can do."

Harry stood there for a moment. Suddenly, Liam had his arms full of the boy. Liam stepped back in shock. He certainly didn't think Harry would be the cuddly type. Guess he thought wrong.

Harry looked Liam in the eyes. The taller lad let go of the hug.

"Thankyou Liam. Really. It means a lot to me." The boy said.

"Yeah um... no problem Haz. Lets head back to class now, yeah? We don't want Mr. Kolar to be mad."