Why Don't We // Sickfics

Zach // Hidden Injury

Zach wasn't usually one to hide his emotions from the boys. As a 17 year old boy, he needed all the support he could get from his older and arguably more mature friends who were like brothers to him. It wasn't until one day of tour where Zach felt he had no choice but to lie to the boys so that they didn't worry about him.

The boys were at soundcheck for the next show of their tour. All was going well until Zach went to get some water when he tripped over a wire laid across the floor, falling over and grasping his ankle in pain. He landed on it at a weird angle and knew he was in serious pain instantly. Remembering how excited the other boys were for this show and not wanting to let them down, Zach slowly got back onto his feet, the best he could and slowly began to limp back onto the stage. He did his best to cover up his limp and took every opportunity he could to sit down and rest his ankle. He was in a lot of pain and he tried to cover up his face as he winced, the pain of his lower leg soaring through his body.

None of the boys payed too much attention to the youngest and brushed off his odd facial expressions as a result of tiredness and jet lag from all their travelling on tour.

The boys quickly finished soundcheck and headed back to the bus to prepare for the show. Zach followed a few steps behind the boys, on his own trying to keep up and trying to act as he normally would.

Jonah noticed and instantly slowed down to meet the boy and put his arm around Zach's shoulder. The sudden movement made the boy stumble and wince in pain, inadvertently expressing his discomfort aloud.

" OW SH- " Zach muttered to himself.

" Woah, Woah, Woah, what's wrong? Did I do something wrong, are you hurt? " Jonah responses quickly, worried for the younger boy's health.

" I'm fine - just er surprised me there Jo " Zach stumbled upon his words trying to come up with a cover story.

Jonah wasn't convinced but didn't want to further stress the boy who was clearly in pain. As Zach walked slower, Jonah noticed his slight limp, instantly making his heart ache for the boy and wanting to help. He didn't want to question the boy or call him a liar so he waited for Zach to admit it to the boys himself.

The show was about to start and Zach still hadn't spoken to the boys. As soon as he got back on the bus, he went to his bunk and propped his foot up on a cushion and put a cold water bottle on top of it to help the swelling. He left it there until he heard footsteps and quickly removed all evidence of what he was doing from clear view.

It was Daniel who was on the other side of his curtain.

" Z, you alright buddy? The show is about to start, come on, we have to go " Daniel said.

Zach simply groaned and moved the curtain out of the way slightly before trying his best to get out of his top bunk without falling or putting too much pressure on his ankle.

Daniel grabbed his hand and helped him down slowly. They all walked, excepted from Zach who was slightly limping despite trying to cover it up, to backstage off of their tour bus.

All was going well in the show. The fans were cheering loud and lots of posters were being held up in support of the band.

All until a fan decided they wanted to get one of the boys to film a message on their phone while on stage.

They chucked their phone directly at Zach, as he was the closest and seemed like the best shot. It hit him directly in his ankle, which he had previously injured earlier on in the day.

Jack and Corbyn ran over to him quickly as they were the first of the boys to notice the youngest plea in pain as he fell to the floor. Corbyn caught him just in time before helping him to lie down while Jack whispered soothing thoughts into his ears. Jonah signalled backstage to stop the music before rushing over to the boy in plain along with Daniel.

" Hey it's Ok Zachy, breathe, take it easy, you're okay " Daniel tried to calm the boy, as it was evident the boy was feeling faint as he went pale and appeared tired and unaware as to what was going on.

The show was called off and the boys helped carry Zach off the stage to backstage, him laying limp in his best friends' arms. They layed him on the sofa before lifting his feet above his heart to help him breathe easier and help stop him from passing out.

A medic rushed over and took a look at his ankle, instantly noticing the misshaped bone protruding his lower leg. The boys noticed and all winced, their heart breaking for the youngest in the band who was like their little brother.

The medic wrapped his ankle in a bandage and helped him into a wheelchair before ordering him to go to the hospital to get it checked out and x-rayed.

After the boys reached the hospital, Zach got an x-Ray on his ankle, revealing fractures in three different places.

The nurse explained that this was very dangerous and that it was almost impossible to fracture that many bones in one place at one time.

" Are you sure your ankle wasn't injured before this accident? " The nurse questioned.

" Well actually, I fell on it but I didn't think it was that bad. "

" When was this and can you explain? " The nurse replied.

The other four boys all shared worried glances, unaware of their friend's discomfort and pain.

" Well earlier today I went to grab a bottle of water and tripped over a wire. I landed at an angle on my ankle and it really hurt. I'm really sorry I didn't tell you boys - I honestly didn't think it was that bad " He explained in a sad tone.

" That's why you were limping! " Jonah added.

" That's why you were sat down at soundcheck " Jack said.

" Why didn't you tell us Zachy? " Corbyn asked, confused.

Zach just shook his head and hung his head low in disappointment and embarrassment.

" Don't sorry buddy - it's fine, at least we now. " Jonah said, noticing the boy's body language and reassuring him they weren't mad at him.

The nurse strapped up his ankle and gave him crutches before he was free to go. The boys nursed him back to full health with lots of cuddles, snacks and Netflix over the next few days.

They agreed to always tell each other when something happened and to not keep secrets from each other - they were best friends after all.

Zach was so thankful for his best friends who were like family to him and knew he wouldn't be the same without them. He truly loved them will all his heart and they all loved him to the moon and back. They really cared for each other and always had each others' best interests in mind and always looked after one another.

" I love you " Zach said to the four boys who were sat around him and were like his brothers.

" We love you too Zach, more than you'll ever know. " Jonah said, all the other boys nodding in agreement.

Word Count : 1271

A/N

Hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading! Feel free to leave requests on here or on my requests chapter of this book. Thank you for all the support!

Have the best day all.

-S<3