Murphy's Law ✔️

Chapter Nineteen.

Niall Horan did not understand the concept of being subtle- nor did he care to try to.

And so, when he barged into the shared apartment (when did he get a key?) and grabbed Murphy by her shoulders, she blinked. In no way was she expecting him to look her in the eyes and demand:

"Jesus, Murph! Why'd you think it was a good idea to stick that needle in your arm like that?! Huh?! I'm talkin' to you!"

Murphy blinked again and opened her mouth, about to respond before Niall shook his head and placed his palm entirely over her mouth. Murphy's eyes widened.

"Don't even answer that, okay? Listen, you should've called me, Murph! Couldn't imagine not seeing your pretty face around these parts ever again- and don't even get me started on Harry! He'd never love again! Just like Lady Gaga in that new movie- did you see that new movie?" He took his hand off of her mouth and raised an eyebrow.

"Uh- yes, I-"

"Shhh!" Niall placed his hand back over her mouth, eyes narrowed, "I'm talkin' here! God, just like Harry- talkin' when you're not supposed to! You two are both so lucky that you're so gorgeous or else everyone would hate you- including me!" He scowled, dropping his hands and turning around, heading over to the couch.

He plopped down and Murphy took a well deserved breath of air after being practically being smothered to death by his strangely sweaty palm. Straightening her sweater out, she made her way over to the couch and sat down beside him, her legs bent up to her chest. Clearing her throat, she let her gaze fall on his profile.

"Niall," she began, placing her hand on his arm, "it was a moment of weakness, okay? I was having a rough day and I just.. I just caved. I'm sorry if I scared you."

"Scared me?" Niall blinked, turning his head and looking her in the eye, "Murphy, 'scared' is not the word I'd use when I found out you were in the hospital. That shit hurt, okay? I thought I was going to lose you."

Murphy blinked, her eyebrows pulling together. "I didn't know it affected you that badly," she replied solemnly, "I'm so sorry, Ni. It was a mistake."

"A mistake I don't ever want you making again," he urged, his eyes flickering back and forth between hers, "I love you, alright? And if it didn't seem like it before, then I'll just have to start calling you and annoying you more often. But I really do love you. You're my best friend- after Harry, of course."

"I love you too," Murphy smiled, her hand moving up to pat his cheek, "but I think I should take Harry's place. Don't tell him I told you this, but he said you have a 'strange smell' sometimes. I just want to let you know that I defended your honor and told him that one day you left your laundry in the wash for too long but otherwise you smell wonderful."

"That bastard," Niall huffed with a frown, "yeah, that's it. You're my new best friend. Say- aren't we celebrating your birthday tonight?"

"Yup. Harry's just out grabbing some snacks and drinks for the night."

"Great," Niall grinned, his eyebrows wagging, "what do you say we drink the rest of his booze and smoke the rest of his weed?"

Murphy grinned before the two of them sauntered off into the kitchen for the bottle of Jack that Niall had seen in there earlier.

*

"Let me just say- you take one of the best mugshots I've ever seen. Also, it's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Liam Payne."

"Murphy Smalls," Murphy answered, taking Liam's outstretched hand and shaking it with a raised eyebrow, "but apparently you already knew that. Tell me, please, how you got a hold of my mug shot?"