Power And Control [ Ziall ]

xi. "happy birthday!"

"Power and control, I'm gonna make you fall."

It was officially the Wednesday before Niall's 17th birthday and the blond's excitement was bubbling up. Mostly, however, not because of his birthday. But, because he had a plan. A plan that he still wasn't completely sure about. He was scared wether or not to actually do it. One way or another, it would  be best if he talked to Harry about it.

It was at lunch break when he spoke up. "So, you're officially invited to my birthday this Saturday," he chirped up. Harry grinned at him. "I cant say I'm surprised, but thanks." Niall rolled his eyes, "You're my best friend, obviously, you're welcome."

Harry took a bite from his sandwich while Niall took a sip from his water. "And," the youngest started, still chewing, "What are we going to do?" "Well, we're going to a karaoke bar." Niall was beaming. He was excited to sing again, albeit if it was only karaoke. Harry's eyebrows shot up, "Yeah? That's sounds cool! Who's going to come, anyway?" Niall fumbled with his fingers, looking across the room. "You, me, Liam..."

Harry sighed. "Do you think he's going to come if I'm there?" The blond frowned, "Of course. You're still friends, after all." The curly-haired boy shrugged, "Dunno. He's still mad at me." 

"Rubbish. What kind of friend would he be if he wouldn't come?" Niall reasoned, letting a hand go through his hair. "Besides that, I'm also going to invite a few other people, as well." "Who?" Harry questioned curiously as he finished his sandwich. The older boy smiled shyly, "Well, Natalie, Louise, Ron and I also asked Danielle, but she told me it wouldn't be such a good idea for her and Liam to be in the same room, so, yeah." Harry hummed in agreement. "Anyone else?"

The blond blushed just a little, looking down onto the table. He could feel Harry's stare and suddenly felt unsure if he was going to tell him. "Niall..." the other boy insisted, "What is happening inside your pretty head?" Niall shrugged, "Well... I guess, I also want to invite Zayn-" "Oh my God! Yes! Do it!" Harry interrupted him with big eyes, "It's fucking time that the two of you finally get on with it!"

Niall laughed out loud, "Chill, Haz. He probably won't even come, but I guess I wanted to try." "I think that's a great idea," the younger encouraged him, "When do you want to ask him?" Niall smiled softly. His heart felt warm from Harry's support. "In the second break. We don't have any classes together, so I will have to look for him." The younger boy nodded enthusiastically, "Sounds good." 

"By the way," Niall smirked at his best friend, "Maybe he can bring Louis." There was a short moment of shock in Harry's facial features, but he quickly returned to his sassy composure. Shrugging, he said, "Maybe. Whatever. I mean, he can." Niall raised an eyebrow, "Mhm. Like you don't want him to." Harry huffed a breath, "Alright, I think he's cool. And he's really funny. So what?" Innocently, Niall gave him a look, not saying anything. 

Harry had told him that their date had actually been pretty fun. They went to the cinema and went for a walk afterwards. Harry had been quite sceptical about it all, but in the end, he probably liked Louis too much already. At least, that's what Niall thought, anyway. And the younger boy wouldn't admit that even if his life was depending on it. 

The bell rung, bringing them back to the usual classes and as the two friends agreed to meet for the second break, Niall caught Liam in the hallway. He was walking with Sophia. 

"Hey, Liam!" the blond called out and Liam slowly turned around. He seemed to be on edge. Sophia behind him looked shy. "Niall, hi," the oldest cleared his throat, "what's up?" Niall smiled at him, glad he wasn't running away from him this time. "Well, I wanted to ask you if you'll come to my birthday this Saturday."

Liam seemed reluctant, his eyes going everywhere, but not to Niall. "I don't know," he finally spoke. Niall's heart sunk. Liam was one of his closest friends. Would he really not come because of his and Harry's fight?