What a feeling

What a feeling (Part 5)

Niall was falling. Falling off a cliff. The world was spinning by him in a rainbow of colours, and sounds, and a whole lot of feelings that weren't nice. He screamed and shouted and thrashed around, grating his hands over rocks as he flew down at a hundred miles an hour.

"NOOOOO!! NOOOOOO!!!!!"

He hit the ground at such speed, his head split open and blood was everywhere! He was watching himself, standing over himself.. sobbing.. louder, and louder, and louder..

"NIALL!!! NI!! Wake up!!! Baby it's okay!! You're okay!!"

Niall shrieked as he was brought to consciousness. He clutched onto the body that were near, scrambling onto them, as fast as his weak limbs could move. He didn't have to try much.. because strong arms instantly encircled his frame, lifting him up onto their lap. He buried his face against their chest, inhaling the scent that was home to him.

"L-LiLi.. LiLi.. L-Li.. Liam-mmm.."

"I'm here!! I've gotcha!! I'm here... I'm here.. Thats it.. I'm here baby.. Sh-sh-sh-shhh.. Shhhhh.."

Liam was attempting to remain solid and comforting for the sick boy, but as he held him close, he could feel the heat radiating from every one of Nialls pores. He was trying to be strong.. but God.. he was worried.. so, so worried.

Niall kept crying as Liam slipped his drenched shirt over his head.. He kept crying as his older friend stuck the thermometer under his arm.. Then he cried louder because it was freezing. He was freezing. He wanted to go home. He wanted his Mum! He hadn't realised he'd said that part allowed.

"I know.. I know honey.. You want your Mum..
I know.. Shhhh.. My poor thing.." Liam whispered against blonde hair.. Hair that was supposed to be fluffy and light.. But now, it was flat, clinging to his face, and soaked with sweat. His heart was splitting and sinking as he listened to the sobs that floated through the room. He could hardly stand it anymore.

"You're safe baby.. It's okay.. Open your mouth.. Open up.. Good boy.. That's it.. Big drink.. There we gooo..."

It was two panadols, and two nurofens.. Liam prayed they would kick in soon, and help the boy return to rest - peaceful.. At least a little more peaceful. He placed a new towel out on Nialls bed, and laid him back, cooing gently the entire time. There wasn't much more he could do for Niall.. The fever was giving him bad dreams, interrupting his much needed sleep! Liam wished he could stop them, but he couldn't. The best he could offer their smallest one, was a hand to hold, and another to stroke through his hair.. Maybe he could sing a lullaby? But he couldn't take the pain away.. They just had to wait.. Just had to ride it out.

***

Niall could barely sit up straight the next day, he'd barely slept a wink. His nightmares and fever delusions went on and on and on. He felt bad for Liam.. Or was it Louis? Whoever it was! He felt bad for them.. Because they'd got not an inch of shuteye either. He was just waiting for the moment they'd kick him to the curb.. They all looked exhausted.

He was slumped against Harrys body, somewhat upright on the couch. Liam was in front of them, kneeling to be at eye height.. He was holding a spoonful of something white and thick and.. and gag worthy! He wouldn't have it! He didn't want it!

"C'mon Ni.. Just a teaspoon.. Try three teaspoons.."
Harry was ever encouraging, but Niall wanted to punch him - though could hardly lift his own head.. So there goes that thought.

He whimpered and whined, tossing his face side to side as Liam held the spoonful in front of him.

"Niall. Niall I'm not asking you again. It's just the tiniest bit. Open up, please."