Light On {Niam Love Story}

Thirteen-

A/N: Hellooo everyone! It's time for an update, aye? Sorry for the wait and stuff, but I've been working on my other stories like a good little girl - including one that will be released in December, in celebration of the Christmas holiday, for all of you that celebrate it. So, it's all good fun there. I've also been reading requests that people send in, and other stories that I find interesting and...blah. The song for this chapter is Hero by Enrique Iglesias, because...ohemgee, feels. This is dedicated to 'oneddesire' because her fics are the definition of perfection, and I really enjoy talking with her - added to that, she's the one who made the cover for my new story, and I'm extremely grateful for that. Well...enjoy! x

"I can be your hero baby, I can kiss away the pain. I will stand by you forever, you can take my breath away."

Niall woke up alone.

He looked around the empty room - where was everyone? Where were the lads - where was Liam? Most importantly, what was going on?

Wires and tubes were sticking in his frail body. His stomach was rumbling - but other than that, there was nothing but a horrifying silence. Niall was becoming uncomfortable with the quiet, as he was so used to being surrounded by noise. But, now, there was nobody - not even a doctor was by his side. Where had everyone gone?

His ears pricked up when he heard a low chatter from outside of his room. He recognized the voices - it was, of course, the boys. He could pick up bits and pieces of what they were saying, but nothing that could explain what was going on, and why he was alone - or in the hospital in the first place.

"Wasn't...fault...how was I...know?"

That was Zayn, Niall recognized by the rather strong Bradford accent. He didn't understand what he was talking about, but he preferred it that way.

"Shouldn't...him...alone."

That was Liam, Niall thought with a roll of his eyes - he could tell by the way his voice had hardened, and how angry he sounded. Why he would be mad, Niall had no idea. Of course, Liam was always mad at someone, but that was besides the point.

"Lighten up...he probably...no one could have...hey!"

Louis or Harry, Niall couldn't tell - they didn't have similiar voices, but in his state, he couldn't be too sure on what he was hearing.

"...Get back...wake...soon."

And soon, the door creaked open. Liam's whole face perked up, and he nearly trampled Harry and Zayn while running to Niall. As best as he could, he brought Niall into a small embrace, and refused to let go until Niall's breathing became unsteady.

"Don't do that to me again," Liam frowned as he crawled into the bed beside his best mate. "You had me worried half to death."

Niall was, in all honesty, more concerned about Zayn. After all, Liam wasn't the one who had witnessed the breakdown - Zayn had. Of course, Niall knew it had, by far, effected him the most - he wouldn't be laying in the hospital if it hadn't. And he couldn't really bring himself to feel sorry for Liam either. He had no remorse; it wasn't his fault that this had happened, anyways.

"How are you holding up, babes?" Louis asked, gently patting Niall's leg, earning a scowl from Liam. "You were out for quite the time."

Niall shrugged as he picked at his blanket, "Could be better..."

Could be worse, too.

Now was not the time, Niall decided. He was done moping around - from here on out, he was going to try to get better. Of course, it wouldn't be easy, and he had not suceeded in doing so before - but, trying was better than nothing, right?