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It was quite funny, actually. All the things you start to notice, start to become more aware of when you're falling in love. Figuring out that you'd do something for someone just because they want to. Or figuring out that you actually don't mind doing the small, otherwise annoying tasks you'd usually put off if you were on your own. That even the most mundane things were actually fun, special even when you were doing them with someone you cared about.
Chapter 19, make me feeling like lightning, is now up!
Read it here: tumblr | wattpad | catch up here (on wattpad since Tumblr can't properly format my older chapters for some reasonđĽ´)
They say that lightning never strikes twice, but thatâs just a myth. Lightning can, and often does, strike the same object more than once. Itâs a mistake a lot of people make, which makes them an easy target for the worst kind of lightning to strike them. That being the crew of The Thunderstroke pirate ship. Most pirates attack, evade, and vanish, but not the pirates of The Thunderstroke. They tend to circle back in order to leave a lasting impression.
Legend has it that their ship can survive any storm. Whether the waves are over two-hundred feet high, or lightning is striking fast and hard, The Thunderstroke makes it out without peril. It has a lot do with the fearless captain of the ship, Harry Styles. Heâs rarely seen. If you see him, youâre already dead. The rumor is that heâs been struck by lightning, which is why he has a large lightning bolt tattoo that starts from the back of his neck, wraps around to the front and down his chest. How low does it go exactly? One could only be so lucky to find out.
Captain Harry Styles has wanted posters at just about every port in British owned territories in the Caribbean. Heâs constantly defying the crown. He does what a lot of people talk about wanting to do. But heâs not Robin Hood. Heâs not stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Heâs stealing from the rich, and keeping it for himself and his crew. There are a few places the ship can dock without harm. Harry will usually cover up enough to hide his tattoo. He put his long locks into a low bun and blends in with the crowd. To the untrained eye, he looks like a working man.
Even though itâs nice to dock for a bit, get some supplies, and get their rocks off, the crew prefers to be at sea. Thereâs nothing quite like it. Everyone pitches in to keep the ship up and running. Sometimes they cast anchor near another ship and board for fun. Many ships are out at sea for a party of some kind. A little makeup and some different attire can help them blend in when needed. But other times, when they come across a ship of the crownâsâŚwellâŚthe men that live to tell the king what occurred are the lucky ones.
At least, they think theyâre the lucky ones. Lightning can and does strike twice, remember? Harry usually lets a few people go to spread the word, then he finds them again and finishes the job. Itâs sick, but he gets off on seeing how pathetic and scared the proud people of the British crown look right before they die. They never show mercy to the common people, so why should Harry?
Heâs a ruthless fuck who women often swoon over when they see his wanted posters around town. Elodie understood it. Harryâs long, curly locks and chiseled features can leave a girl imagining all sorts of things for hours. Most girls her age fantasize about being a stowaway on a pirate ship. No rules, no overly tight clothes, and all the open air you can breathe. Elodie longs for it.
[THUNDERSTROKE COMING TO PATREON ON FRIDAY, 5/13 @ 8AM EST]
Haunted by his own ghost, the Duke von Tomlin fears for his safety and sanity as the days tick down to his certain engagement with the Crown Prince of Vienna. Meanwhile the travelling magician Hassenheim takes residency in a well established theatre, drawing mass crowds with his awe-inspiring illusions. Is it fate or chance that entwines their paths?Â
ÎľĎС
Larry - The Illusionist AU - 31k - CompleteÂ
Written for @1dfrightficfest
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If you stop being friends can you start being something else?
Amelia Millerâs life went up in flames 40 miles north of London on the M1. At twenty-four she buried her parents side by side and was left to wonder at questions of existence, and purpose, and fragility she should have been decades shy of. Sheâs painstakingly built a new life, one framed by incredible success and hard work, and grown in the kindness of new friendships. Her old university friends feel worlds away from who Amelia is at twenty-eight, and they hurtfully bump and scrape their way around her heart.
Harry Styles met Amelia at uni with the rest of them when they were forced into being a trivia team on a Freshers' Week pub crawl. He doesnât think heâs changed much from the earnest, overly hopeful teenager who pretended he knew how to drink a beer. That was eight years ago, before any of them had to learn what it meant to be a grown-up and well before Harry can pinpoint he started knowing who the hell he is. Heâd like to say he hasnât noticed how their little trivia team had soured over time, or that Ameliaâs slowly been tearing herself away from them all. Heâs not a liar though.
Ameliaâs about to find out recalibrating allows some people surprise you and others to behave exactly how you expect them to.
A friends to lovers story about pub trivia, fraying adult friendships, and the squishy parts of us that break and heal.
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Link to Story Menu
Link to Spotify Playlist
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Part 1 - The Trivia TroupeÂ
Part 2 - Our Drinking Team Has A Trivia Problem
Part 3 - We Paid 6 Quid for Trivia and All We Got Was Drunk
Part 4 - Thatâs What We Do, We Drink And We Know Things
Part 5 - We Were Wrong, We Drink And We Know Nothing
Part 6 - Existential Crisis Club, Lifetime Membership
Part 7 - Itâs Not Small, Itâs Just Trivial
Part 8 - We Got 99 Problems and This Quiz Is One
Part 9 - Taking Care of Quizness
Part 10 - We Come With A Spoiler Alert
love-at-first-sight, falling-too-fast, uni au that will make your heart ache (in a good way)
catch up here
Stella thought that a weekend away from Niall would have calmed her down. Instead, all of her feelings rushed back in earnest, watching him sit down at the dining hall across from her.Â
âHey,â he said, a smile on his face. âYouâre eating alone?
âNo louis and Veda are...â she trailed off, looking over her shoulder. âTheyâre getting their food.âÂ
âHow was your weekend home?â Niall asked, shrugging his book bag off of his shoulders.Â
âUh it was good,â she chuckled, rubbing her forehead.Â
Aside from the part where they got so high, Stella could have sworn she talked to god. And the throwing up part. And the waking up with the pounding headache, confusion, and immediate regret.Â
âThatâs good,â Niall chuckled  âyou got high didnât you.â
âVery,â Stella nodded, poking at the pasta on her plate. âRegretfully high. Maybe even devastatingly high.â
âCelebrated 19 the right way,â Niall mused.Â
Louis and Veda joined them just a few minutes later. Veda was grumbling about the food they were served and Louis was doing his very best to ignore her.Â
âHowâs come we pay all this money and we canât even get a decent meal,â Veda grumbled.Â
If Stella and her were alone, sheâd press her until she said what was actually the matter. They werenât, though, so she just watched her disgruntled behavior wordlessly hoping that no one would mention it.Â
No one did. Louis exchanged glances with Stella. Niall was oblivious, eating his food as if nothing was wrong. Stella wondered how he couldnât tell, the way Veda was angrily eating her green beans. Or the way she scowled at him. Oblivious. Â
Stella wished she could be oblivious for a day. Instead she was hyper aware of every little thing. Every slight change of voice, eyebrow crinkle. She could notice it all.Â
And then Stella wondered if Niall could tell she was a bit off kilter since sheâd gotten back from Doncaster. Niall did notice, though as they did homework later that night.Â
âAre ya alright?â Niall asked, a lilt to his voice that made Stella want to forget all of the weird feelings she was having.Â
âYeah...â Stella trailed off, propping her knees up on the table. âJust tired, I think.â
âOkay,â Niall answered slowly. âYouâd tell me if something happened at home, wouldnât you?âÂ
Stellaâs instinct was to reassure him, so she did, sitting up. âNothing happened at home,â sheâd said, twirling her pen between her fingers in a way that would surely give her away.Â
âAre you sure because...â he trailed off. âIt feels like youâre upset with me or somethingâÂ
âIâm not upset with you,â Stella assured him, dropping her pen into her lap. She rubbed her forehead, sighing. âI just donât know, Niall.â
âYou donât know what?â Niall asked, eyebrows furrowing as he looked at her.Â
âI just donât know how you can get out of a three year relationship and already start kissing the first uni girl you see,â Stella rushed out, looking up at him.Â
âWhat do you mean?â Niall asked, eyebrows furrowing even more as he thought about what sheâd just said.Â
âIsnât there like a grieving process? Sadness or something,â she emphasized.Â
âThere is,â Niall nodded. âThere is a grieving process when youâve lost something, but Stella,â he chuckled. âI didnât lose anything.âÂ
âYou just feel absolutely nothing for Nadia?â Stella asked, eyebrows raising.Â
âI mean...â he trailed off, shrugging. âNo I donât feel anything. D-do you want me to feel something for her?â
âI mean no,â Stella shook her head. âBut what does that say about you? How quickly you moved on.â
âI donât know,â Niall shook his head. âI donât care what it says about me either. Do you?âÂ
âI donât know,â Stella shrugged.Â
Niall ran his fingers through his hair, letting out a sigh, âStella, donât tell me you think youâre a rebound.â
âI donât think that,â Stella argued petulantly. She sighed. âMaybe a little.âÂ
âRebounds are for people that donât know who the fuck they are or what they want,â Niall answered her, shaking his head. âIs it so hard to believe that I actually really like you?â
Stella didnât answer him. Instead she kept her eyes glued on the book in her lap. A page from Tolstoyâs Anna Karenina. Sheâd reread it ten times and still couldnât think about anything but the nagging feeling she had in her belly.Â
After a moment, Niall asked, âdo you need reassurance?âÂ
It was painful to ask for that, Stella thought, drawing her eyes up at him. She felt like she could cry. She really was tired, exhausted after the weekend she had, exhausted after spending that whole weekend thinking about Niall. She wished he was there with her, getting high with Louis and her, talking to her mother, meeting Ludoâs date. All of it she wished so desperately that heâd been there.Â
âStella,â Niall murmured hand smoothing over her sweatpant clad thigh. âYâknow you actually have to talk to me.âÂ
âI donât know,â Stella finally mumbled, shaking her head.Â
âIs there anything you do know?â Niall asked, voice soft enough to make the knot in her throat slip away.Â
âI wish you came to Doncaster with us,â Stella murmured, winding her fingers into her t-shirt.Â
âI wish that too,â he admitted. âBut there will be other opportunities.âÂ
âWill there?â Stella urged, lifting her head to look at him.Â
âYes,â Niall emphasized with a laugh. He pulled her jittery fingers from her shirt, sliding them into his. âDo you think something bad is gonna happen?âÂ
âMaybe,â Stella mumbled, unable to find the same humor heâd found.Â
âNothing bad will happen as long as I can help it,â Niall told her, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. âAnd sitting here worrying about it is wasting precious time.âÂ
Stella gave him a look like it wasnât the right thing to say. Niall rolled his eyes at her, sighing, âStella, you have to read 200 pages by the morning. Iâd say thatâs precious time being wasted.âÂ
âI donât want to read this anymore,â Stella said, closing the book.Â
âWell what do you want to do?â Niall asked, eyeing her skeptically.
âLook at me, would ya?â Niall asked, frustrated right back.Â
âWhy?â She mumbled, eyes now glued on the cover of the book.Â
âI said look at me,â he repeated sternly, in a voice that made Stella look at him. Eyes wide and sorrowful in a way that only confusion could manage to do. âYou have to cut this out.âÂ
Stella gave him another look because that wasnât the right thing to say either. Niall rolled his eyes at her, tilting her chin up, âI mean it. Cut it out. I didnât do anything,â he urged, searching her eyes. âEverything youâre upset about is in your head. Itâs not real.âÂ
Stella wanted to argue that it was real, except for the first time since sheâd seen Niall, she wanted to kiss him. Like really kiss him, the way he did on her birthday with tongue and teeth and hands that wandered.Â
âSay okay,â Niall commanded when she didnât respond.Â
âOkay,â Stella said, eyelashes fluttering. âAre you going to kiss me?âÂ
âIf you want me to,â he answered, his hand sliding from her chin to the curve of her jaw until his fingers pressed against the hollow of her neck.
âI do,â Stella managed to get out.Â
Niall leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to her lips. It was a moment of relief all over again. Stellaâs eyes fell shut and she let out a sigh against his lips. The lingering kiss morphed into one of desperation as Niall pulled her closer.Â
The angle was awkward, a strain on her neck. Stella did the only thing she could think of. She all but pushed herself onto him, fingers curling into his t-shirt. At some point the motion set them off balance and the kiss ended just as Niall gripped her hips to save from falling off the futon.Â
âEasy,â Niall murmured, lips spreading into a smile.Â
Stella felt herself begin to smile as she straddled him properly. And that was the Stella he loved to see, shining eyes and flushed cheeks, âthere she is,â Niall murmured, pushing his fingers through her hair. âStel, I missed your smile. I havenât seen it in days.âÂ
It felt like she hadnât smiled in days either, but there she was, cheeks beginning to ache. Niallâs hands slid over her bum, pulling her closer, impossibly so. He kissed her again, far too innocent for someone that had a hold of her so tightly.
Niall had a way of getting Stella to take the lead. Heâd give her the very least until she had no choice but to kiss him fervently, fingers tugging at his hair until he groaned against her lips.Â
Stella found herself to be a little too good at taking control of him. The desire pooled in her belly as they kissed until the ache between her legs became too much and she had to pull away, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand, âeasy,â she said as if this whole thing wasnât her doing.Â
âIâm trying,â Niall breathed, fingers sliding under her shirt to press against her back. âUnfair when you pull my hair. I think you do it on purpose.âÂ
Stella gave him a smile, her best innocent smile. Who would believe that of Stella? Probably only Niall. He was eager to keep that secret for her, though.Â
This is an old fic that I had taken down from ao3. At an anonâs request, I am putting it here for whoever would like to read it! :)
Summery:Â Niall has been trying to get pregnant, because he wants children more than anything. When Niall finds out he canât carry pups, heâs devastated. Thatâs why he and Louis go away on a âvacationâ for a while, not letting their alphas know where they are or why theyâve left.Â
âI just donât get it Ni. Whatâs so bad about letting your alphas know about the doctorâs visit?â
âBecause theyâll just worry,â Niall shrugged. âI mean, it isnât even a big deal. The doc will probably give me hormonal pills or something, right? I just need to find out why I havenât gotten pregnant yet.â
âMaybe itâs just not the right time,â Louis said. âSometimes it can take awhileâŚcanât it?â
âNot for omegas, if youâre serious about it.â Niall explained. âAnd I am. Trust me Lou, between two alphas and having diehard sex each night-â
Louis stopped him. âI donât want to hear about your sex life Ni. I get it, okay? So youâve been trying, it hasnât been working, and now we need drugs to help get you knocked upâŚall without your alphas' knowledge. It seems simple enough.â
âThank you,â Niall sighed. âLook, all Iâm asking is for a ride over to the hospital. You donât have to stay or anything.â
âOf course Iâm staying,â Louis interjected. âWe can join Haz for lunch after your appointment-â
âAre you crazy?!â Niall interrupted. âOf course we canât do that! Harry will find out why weâre at the hospital, and then heâll tell my alphas, which will then cause them to worry over something thatâs probably nothing. No, if anything, we need to avoid Harry at all costs while weâre at the hospital.â
Louis raised his eyebrows. âThatâll be a little hard to do, since he works there and all.â
âHeâs a neurosurgeon, he wonât be anywhere near the Omega Obstetrics Ward.â
âWhatever you say,â Louis said, starting the car engine. âLetâs head out then, yeah? Weâre stopping for lunch after this trip though, got it?â
âSure,â Niall agreed. âThanks a lot for this Lou.â
When they reached the hospital, Niall made Louis peek around every corner to make sure his alpha wasnât there. His own alphas, Liam and Zayn, would be plenty busy today at their law firm, so he had no need to worry about them. The place they were looking for was on the second floor of the hospital.Â
âHold it,â Louis said, stopping by a vending machine close to their destination. He inspected the contents of the machine very carefully before inserting some coins and choosing something.Â
Niall raised an eyebrow at his choice. âSpicy Doritos? I thought you hated spicy food.â
âI usually do,â Louis said lightly, pulling the bag open. âI guess I just felt like a change. Come on Nialler, letâs not keep the good doctor waiting.â
When they arrived to the correct ward, Louis sat in a waiting chair eating his snack while Niall went up to the desk. A pretty beta with long hair smiled at him through the little window.Â
âHello, do you have an appointment?âÂ
âYes, under Niall Payne-Malik.â
âAlright Niall, Dr. Gerald will be ready for you in a few minutes. You can take a seat for now, and fill out these forms.â
Niall went to join Louis in the seats. The waiting area was practically empty, with only a young mated couple on the other side of the room. Niall jiggled one knee impatiently from his seat once heâd filled out and returned the forms that had been given. He glanced over at Louis, surprised to see him skimming an omega pregnancy pamphlet.Â
âChanging your mind about pups?â Niall stage-whispered with a grin.Â
Louis snapped the pamphlet shut. âOf course not. And I do want pups, but not for awhile.â
âHarry sure wants them,â Niall said, smiling. He knew for a fact that Harry wanted to have a very big family with Louis, and have his omega someday stop working and keep the home permanently. He also knew that Louis was too happy right now for that, with his teaching position for year nine english literature.
âSo do I, but Iâm not ready yet.â Louis said. âRaising pups is hard. Iâd have to quit work, and you know how much I love my students. If I were to get pregnant, I know Harry wouldnât let me work.â
âYou wouldnât want to work if you were pregnant,â Niall told him.Â
Louis nodded. âExactly. I donât want to be like that yet, and turn into some pregnant housewarming omega waddling around and nesting for nine monthsâŚno offense of course.â
Niall rolled his eyes. âNone taken.â
Before the conversation could escalate any further, the doctor called Niallâs name. Upon Niallâs request, Louis accompanied him into the examination room. Once Niall had changed into a paper medical gown and was seated up on the table, the doctor got down to business.Â
âSo Mr. Payne-Malik,â He said aloud as he glanced over Niallâs file. âYouâre here because youâve been having trouble trying to conceive?â
âThatâs right,â Niall nodded. âFor almost four months now.â
âAre your Alphas aware of this problem?â The elderly doctor asked.Â
âNo,â Niall shook his head. "I mean, they know I want pups soon, but I havenât told them for how long Iâve been off my birth control. I donât want them worryingâŚthis can stay private, right?â
âOf course,â Dr. Gerald agreed. He asked Niall some more questions, mostly about his heat cycle, family health history, and his alphasâ as well. Once it was confirmed no infertility problems ran in the family, he moved onto the physical part of the exam. There were blood tests taken to see if it was a hormonal problem, and then the more intimate part of the physical began.Â
âEverything looks fine down here,â The doctor muttered. âBut Iâd like to sample some of your slick discharge, just in case.â Â
âHow do you know itâs a problem with Niall?â Louis couldnât help asking. âWhat if itâs one of his alphas?â
âThat is very unlikely,â The doctor said. âHaving two alphas that are infertile would be quite a rare thing. However, it is a possibility, so if no problems seem to arise with you Mr. Payne-Malik, I do suggest calling in your alphas for some tests.â
âOf course,â Niall agreed, and then appeared troubled. âIf there is something wrongâŚweâd be able to fix it, right?â
âIt would depend on the problem,â The doctor answered, rising up and peeling off his gloves. âBut I wouldnât worry about it yet. It will take a few days to get the test results, but Iâll call once theyâve arrived."
After the doctor sent them on their way, Niall reached for Louisâ hand. âIâm a little more worried now. What if this goes beyond some hormonal problem?â
âNiall,â Louis squeezed his hand. âThe doctor just said not to worry. Thereâs no use stressing about it until you find out the results. Liam and Zayn can read you like an open book, theyâll know somethingâs wrong right away if you keep overthinking this.â
âI know,â Niall said, determinedly trying to cheer himself up, because Louis was right; His alphas were very perceptive when they wanted to be. Most alphas were, when tending to their omegas.Â
âŚ
âNiall, are you feeling alright?â
âWhat?â The omega quickly closed out of his web page (To Conceive, or Not To Conceive) and looked up.Â
Liam scratched the back of his neck. âWell, youâve been awfully fidgety tonight. Are you upset that Zayn and I have another meeting tomorrow? I promise weâll take you out to dinner after, anywhere you want to go.â
Niall smiled, gesturing for Liam to sit down. When the alpha did so, he snuggled into his lap and scented him. âNah, I guess I just feel a little restless tonight.â
âRestless?â
âThatâs right,â Niall pressed a kiss to his collarbone. âI might need some help winding down.â
âOh,â Liamâs eyes lit up in understanding, slipping his hands under his mateâs shirt. âI can definitely help you with that.â
When Zayn walked in a few moments later to the sight of his two mates kissing heatedly on the couch, he grinned. âNow this is definitely a sight I enjoy stumbling upon.â
Niall purred happily, allowing his alphas to take care of him. Who knew, maybe tonight would finally be the night he got pregnant. Of course he had that thought basically every night, but one never knew.Â
Because Niall would get pregnant.Â
He had to.Â
The following day, the omega was woken up with a kiss to his lips and the smell of bacon and eggs. Liam and Zayn had an early morning filled with important meetings, which left Niall to entertain himself today. It was very nice of them to make him breakfast when they had such a busy day ahead...usually it was Niall cooking for them.
Niall wasnât always a non-working omega. He did filing and secretarial work at his alphasâ law firm when theyâd first mated, but this past year he had felt the need to settle down and start to keep home. He wanted to cook, clean, and eventually raise a family. Two out of three of those things were being done now.Â
It had been four days since his visit to the doctor, and now no matter where Niall was or what he was doing, his phone was clasped tightly in his hand, waiting for it to ring. Niall only prayed that the doctor would call when his alphas werenât around.Â
There was still a fresh layer of snow on the ground, and the mid-January air was crisp and cold. Niall buttoned up one of his soft woolen coats and wrapped a warm scarf around his neck as he waited for Louis to come pick him up.Â
Niall could drive if he wanted to. His alphas would buy him any car of his choosing, no doubt. However, Niall chose not to drive. It scared him, and being behind the wheel only increased his anxiety. His alphas never made fun of him for such a silly fear; they only coddled and reassured him. He wasnât alone, they told him, there were other omegas who felt uncomfortable driving as well. It was convenient, though, having a best friend omega who loved to drive.Â
Ten minutes later, they were cruising back to Louisâ home.Â
âI feel lazy today. Haz made these delicious cinnamon rolls last night...I want to watch movies all day and eat them!â
âAlright,â Niall agreed, but was more than pleased to do anything that Louis wanted. The pretty omega was good company, whether they were out in public or home being lazy.Â
Niall loved Harry and Louisâ house. It was large and spacious, lined with big windows to let the sun in, and fuzzy carpets that made it easy to walk around barefoot. It had a homey vibe to it, comfortable and cozy. The two omegas curled up together on the couch with blankets and hot chocolate as they watched a movie together.Â
Something about Louis seemed off today. He wasnât talking as much as usual, and both his eyes and mind seemed far away as he gazed blankly at the television, not really watching it.Â
About halfway into the movie, just when Niall was about to ask Louis if something was bothering him, his phone rang. When he saw that it was the doctor, his heart jumped. âItâs the doctor!â He hissed to Louis, hurrying to answer.
He swiped the green button. âHello?â
âGood afternoon. This is Dr. Gerald speaking. Is this Niall Payne-Malik?â
âYes, this is Niall, hello Doctor!â Niall felt a little breathless. âAre you calling back with the results of my tests?â
There was a slight pause. âYes, that is the reason for this call. Mr. Payne-Malik, Iâm afraid I have bad news. Are you in a safe location, with your alphas or other support?â
âIâm with a friend,â Niall said slowly, eyes widening as he cast a sideways glance at Louis. âWhat is it doctor? Whatâs wrong?â
âThe tests have all run through, both on your discharge and bloodwork. I...first off, I must tell you that this is such a rare thing. More often than not, it is a problem with an alpha, or something that hormonal supplements can fix. But not this.âÂ
Niall felt numb. âNot what?â
âYou wonât ever be able to carry pups. Iâm sorry, but youâre infertile. Your body, or rather reproductive system, is impotent.â
The doctor spoke professionally but carefully. Niall should have felt something more. His heart was hammering and his mouth was dry, but the words of the doctor seemed fake. Surely he couldnât be right? Omegas were child bearers...that was what they did. Maybe in modern times it wasnât their sole purpose anymore, but it was still a special part of them. Niall was an omega. That meant he could bear children!Â
âAlright,â He took a deep breath. âSo...what now? How do we fix this?â
âThere is no way to fix your infertility,â The doctor's voice was grave. âI recommend looking into adoption, or fostering. I know that some alphas are picky about children that are not born by their own omega, but you should talk to your alphas about it regardless.â
Finally the tears were starting to form. âRightâŚâ
âMr. Payne-Malik, I have the contact info for a psychologist trained for problems such as these-â
He hung up the phone, and the black screened object felt cold and heavy in his hand. Or maybe that was his heart. Louis, who had been silent the whole time, watched him worriedly. Even though he hadnât been able to hear the doctorâs words, Niallâs reaction was the key to what the doctorâs words had been.Â
Louis curled closer to him. âNiallâŚâÂ
The blonde omega stiffened, rejecting the comfort. Louis backed off, a low whine in his throat as he watched his friend suffer helplessly. Niall sat there for a long time, thinking hard. This was unexpected news. How on earth would he break it to Zayn and Liam? Would they be upset? Even if they loved him, it would still be disappointing to find out that their mate could never carry pupsâŚ.that their omega was useless.Â
They must have sat there for over an hour, silent as Niall contemplated things. Louis was quiet the whole time, which was a record for him. Finally, almost two hours after the news, Niall turned to his friend.
âHey Louis...Do you want to go to Florida?â
âŚ
âNialler, I think we should talk about this.â
Niall shrugged. âThereâs not much to talk about at this point.â
âWell actually, thereâs a lot to talk about. Only six hours ago you found out that you canât carry pups. Now weâre on a plane to the US for impromptu vacation...all without having told our alphas, who will be home from work soon and freaking out.â
âI wrote a note for my alphas,â Niall said, âSo they know Iâm safe.â
âI donât think thatâs going to stop them from worrying,â Louis pointed out. âI donât know about your alphas, but when Haz finds out that Iâm across the ocean all by myself, with the exception of one other omega, heâs going to go beserk.â
Niall did feel a bit guilty about dragging Louis into this. Then again, Louis had basically insisted that he tag along, for the sake of watching Niall. But the blonde omega didnât care if he was going to be in trouble with his alphas. He couldnât face them right now. Something felt appealing about going far away, where the weather was warm and the sun was shining.
âDid you leave Harry a note?â
âWell, yes, I told him that I was with you and that I would call him as soon as I can. Once we land at the airport Iâm definitely calling him.â
âJust donât tell him where we are,â Niall said, biting his lip. If Harry found out, then heâd come to get them straight away, and probably inform Liam and Zayn as well.Â
âIâll try not to,â Louis sighed, closing his eyes. âI guess Iâll just sleep for now, and enjoy my freedom while I have itâŚ.Iâll need to call my boss too, and let him know Iâll need a substitute teacher for a few days.â
âYou never take time off,â Niall assured him. âAnd itâs not too late...if you want to go back, I can get you a ticket when we land.â
âI said I was going!â Louis snapped, taking Niall off guard. Louis never snapped at him, and it started to make Niall feel really bad. He should have just gone by himself and not said anything at all to Louis.Â
A few minutes later, Louis snuggled close to Niall and wrapped him up in a hug. âIâm sorry,â He whispered, nosing into his neck. âIâm just being ridiculous. You need a support system right now, and thatâs what I want to be.â
Niall hugged his favorite omega back. âYouâre the best Lou, you know that. I really am sorry for dragging you into this.â
âHush, you havenât dragged me into anything.â
They spent the rest of the flight dozing, and arrived in Orlando close to dinner time. It felt like it should be a lot later, but the time zone thing was weird. Niall had been to the US a few times before with his alphas and family, but never with himself in charge. It was a little intimidating.Â
âFuck,â Louis whispered, checking his phone and seeing several missed calls from Harry. Niall didnât even want to think about how many missed calls he might have.Â
âGo ahead and call him,â Niall said as they walked toward the luggage pick-up area.Â
âHi Love!â Louis said enthusiastically. âYes, did you get my note? Iâm with Niall. Where? Um...somewhere secret. I canât tell you!â
Niall almost snorted when he saw Louisâ face grow panicked.Â
âTrust me Haz, Iâm very safe. We just need some time...No, I didnât do anything wrong! Iâm just here for Niall, he needs me right now. Iâve got to go collect my luggage from the baggage claim nowâŚâ
Niall could hear Harryâs voice increase in volume, probably since Louis had admitted that theyâd taken a plane somewhere, but Louis hung up rather quickly.Â
âLetâs go get our stuff!â Niall put a comforting arm around his shoulders. âThen weâll rent a room in the most luxurious hotel available!âÂ
âThat sounds nice,â Louis smiled. âI could do with a nap...that plane wasnât very comfortable.â
Their cab driver was a cranky old beta, but he did a good job with taking them to a nice hotel, so Niall tipped him well. They got a room almost right away, and Louis actually clapped at seeing the huge fluffy bed. There was even a balcony, with a beautiful view of the nightlife outside.Â
Louis went to have a nap almost immediately, so Niall joined, curling up to Louis and breathing in his comfortable scent.Â
âŚ
âThis is so nice!â Niall said, laying down on the king size bed, arms stretched out like wings after heâd awoken.Â
âI hope the room service is as nice as the room,â Louis replied, emerging from the toilet and joining Niall on the bed with a flying leap. âIâm absolutely starved!â
Niall sat up. âLetâs not do room service. How about we go to that posh looking restaurant that we saw across the street when we arrived? Itâll be nice to be in public...to get my mind off things.â
âOh,â Louis furrowed his brow. âYouâre right. I think thatâs a good idea.â
They each took a shower first, washing the sweat and filth of the airplane ride off. After dressing into something a bit more nicer than their earlier sweats and hoodies, the omegas left their room in search of the restaurant.Â
It was called The Wild Palace, and boy did it smell wild.Â
âJesus, Mary, and Joseph!â Niall moaned. âWhateverâs cooking smells delicious.âÂ
âThat would be our special, filet mignon with a side of creamy pesto shrimp and a buttered baked potato,â The hostess, who had overheard him, informed them with a smile. âA table for two?â
âYup,â Niall nodded. âAnd itâs good I know what Iâm ordering now!â
They were seated, and a bubbly beta girl asked what they wanted to drink. Niall ordered a cold beer. He thought Louis would get one of those flavored cocktails like usual, but he ordered a milkshake instead.Â
As they waited for their drinks, Niall leaned back to inspect the place while Louisâ eyes poured over the menu. The restaurant wasnât actually as posh as Niall had thought it out to be. It was definitely nice, but also quite family friendly, with colorful walls and pretty decorations.Â
A young couple sat nearby, an alpha and omega, with a baby in a high chair. It was a little girl, with bright eyes and chubby cheeks, slobbering all over a spoon. She was an absolute angel. Niall couldnât take his eyes off her for a moment, until the mother reached over to feed the baby a chip, caressing the babyâs cheek afterwards.Â
Niallâs throat felt painfully tight, and he had to look away. Thankfully the waiter saved the day by coming back with their drinks and to take their order.Â
âDo you have fruit?â Louis took Niall by surprise at the question. âCan I have a fruit platter? With lots of strawberries? You have strawberries, right?â
The waiter confirmed that yes, they did have strawberries, and Louis nodded in satisfaction. Niall of course ordered the special, and the omegas relaxed and waited for their food.Â
âSo, why fruit?â
Louis looked a bit defensive. âWhy not fruit?â
Niall shrugged. âI dunno. I guess I expected you to get a burger or something.â
âWell I wanted fruit,â Louis sniffed, but quickly changed the subject. âSo, how many missed calls do you have from your alphas?â
Niall checked his phone and cringed. âFifty two.â
Louis whistled. âIâve only got twenty five, but then again, you have two alphas who are probably riddled with worry. No doubt Liamâs last name will change to Neeson and heâll track you down, killing any threats along the way.â
âWeâre not kidnapped Lou,â Niall said, chuckling softly. âBesides, I left them a note explaining everything.â
âWell maybe thatâs why theyâre so frantic,â Louis pointed out. âThey know their omega is suffering, but they donât know why. Your note didnât explain everything. You just said that you got bad news and needed time to process it. I bet theyâre so scared right now.â
âWell,â Niall looked at his hands. âIâll tell them eventually.â
âWorst of all, you apologize for it in the note. Niall, you know that you canât be sorry for something like this. Itâs not your fault at all.â
âBut Iâm still sorry that I canât ever give them pups,â Niall whispered.Â
âYou know that they wouldnât ever blame you for that. Niall, youâre their life.â
Niall took Louisâ hand in his own. âItâs okay Lou, I know that. Iâm not going to take off or anything. The whole reason we took this trip is so that I can have some time to cope, thatâs all.â
âI know,â Louis squeezed his hand. âYouâre absolutely perfect Niall. When we go back to our alphas, youâll only get nothing but support and love...and maybe a spanking for taking off so suddenly.â
Well, Niall thought to himself, a spanking was truly the least of his worries right now.
âŚ
Three days passed. Most were spent by the hotel pool, or out at shopping centers and restaurants. Louis bought Harry a few Florida shirts, so Niall went by his example and picked out some souvenirs for his own alphas.Â
Niall was growing a little worried about Louis. He was getting moody, and sometimes even snappy with Niall. He suspected that Louis was missing Harry, despite his claims that he was fine. But there were a few other new behaviors of Louisâ that were just baffling.Â
âI canât believe you havenât gotten drunk once,â Niall said, laughing at Louisâ small pink lemonade compared to his tall glass of beer. THey were by the pool getting some sun. Niall tanned while Louis graded papers. âI guess thatâs better for me though...youâre a bitch to control when youâre intoxicated.â
Louis laughed alongside him. âMy curly alpha would lose his shit if he found out I went clubbing and got shit-faced in a foreign country without him by my side.â
Niall raised an eyebrow âSince when are you one to listen to Harry about getting shit-faced?â
âSince I put him through hell by taking off so suddenly,â Louis replied with a shrug. âBesides, I have essays to grade. Iâm glad I remembered to pack them.â
âHey Lou?â Niall asked, suddenly curious. âHow many years do you want to continue to teach for?â
Louis suddenly grew still, his pen frozen against the paper he was correcting. âFor as long as I can.â
It was odd, the way he had worded his answer, but Niall didnât question it. He rested back against his chair and let the radiation of the sun beat down on his skin, thinking of maybe going for a little dip in the pool.
âŚ
In the afternoon, Louis was napping. Heâd seemed a little downtrodden, which was why Niall was down the street buying him a snack. He thought that later tonight they could go see a film, or check out a museum or something, to distract them both.
It was their fourth day here, and Niall knew how upset his alphas probably were. Heâd send them a quick text this morning telling them he was safe and not worry but that obviously wouldnât stop them from worrying.Â
Perhaps at the end of the week he would feel ready to go back home and face them. This time with just Louis and the sun had been doing a great job in lifting his spirits, even if he still felt a stab of pain when seeing babies.Â
When two small girls pushed past Niall in an effort to get to the candy dispensers near the exit of the store, he stumbled, almost losing his balance.Â
âGirls!â A middle aged woman called sharply. âJade and Kelly! You come back and apologize at once, or you wonât be getting any candy whatsoever!â
The girls stopped in their tracks, flushing.Â
âSorry Mister!â The taller one said, âWe didnât mean to push.â
Niall smiled. âThatâs alright, no harm done.â
The girls ran off, and their exasperated mother apologized to him once again. Right away by smell Niall could tell that she was a bonded omega.Â
âI hope they didnât hurt you. You know how children can be...Although I promise Iâve been trying to teach them manners.â
âTheyâre adorable,â Niall told her, watching the girls inspect the candy selection. âYouâre very lucky.â
âThat I am,â The women said. âMy nameâs Connie. Those two girls are my daughters, who I most certainly have never regretted adopting, despite their strong spirited personalities.â
Niall was caught off guard, and the other omega could probably tell, because she smiled.
âIâve adopted four children,â She said, pulling out photos from her wallet. âTroy is seventeen and presented as an alpha, and same with Karen who only presented a month ago at fifteen. My younger girls, Jade and Kelly, havenât presented yet. Iâm betting theyâll both be alphas though...feisty little things! Goodness, four alphas!â
âYou...you adopted them all?â Niall asked hesitantly.Â
âYes,â The woman nodded. âI was in a serious accident as a teenager. I had so many operations...ones that saved my life, but also prevented me from creating life. Oh but thatâs all past me now. I wouldnât change anything, with the family that I have now.â
Niall looked back at the girls, who were in the middle of a shoving match as they assaulted the gumball machine with their quarters.Â
âI might adopt,â He said quietly. âMy body canât create life either.â
âOh,â Her eyes widened. âWell, I think itâs a grand idea. There are so many babies out there who need homes. Adopting doesnât have to be any different, because theyâll be yours all the same. Iâve had Troy since he was one, and now heâs seventeen and planning on mating with his girlfriend next year. Oh, I canât wait for grandbabies!â
Niall broke into a grin, her excitement infectious.Â
Maybe adoption would be a good possibility...if Liam and Zayn approved. Some alphas were picky about pups, which was why more often than not, betas and single omegas were more likely to adopt.Â
He left the store smiling, carrying a bag filled with fresh strawberries for Louis. He had a feeling that something was bothering his friendâŚ.something beyond just being away from Harry. He wanted to talk to him when he got back, and maybe see if there was something he could do.Â
âŚ
When Niall got back and presented Louis with the strawberries, he was caught off guard when the omega burst into tears.Â
Niall was confused as he held onto his friend. âBut I thought you liked strawberries?âÂ
âI do,â Louis sniffled. âIt was just so nice of you to get them for me! I could have gone myself, but you just let me nap!â
âLouis,â Niall smiled a little warily. âYouâre my best friend, I wanted to do something nice.â
The other omega suddenly backed away, folding his arms. âIâm not a charity case Niall.â
âWhat?â Niall chuckled. âI know that.â
âThen donât buy me things!â
Louis looked actually angry this time. What the hell was going on?
âDonât get mad, I was just being a good friend! Youâre overreacting.â
âOverreacting?â
âThatâs right, overreacting! Youâve also been keeping something from me!â Niall accused sharply. âTell me Lou, why have you been acting so weirdly throughout this trip? You havenât drank once, you keep staring into the distance, youâre snappy one second and upset the next, and youâve been eating fruit. You hate fruit! Is this about being away from Harry? I told you that you didnât have to co-â
âIâm pregnant.â
The entire world, or rather the entire existence of everything Niall was feeling and thinking, paused. Louis was looking down at his feet, hands wringing together tightly. Niallâs mouth was still open with his unfinished sentence, which was more or less now completely forgotten as he comprehended what his best friend had just revealed to him.Â
âW-What?â Niall asked, but it came out as more of a squeak. âYouâreâŚwhat?â
Louisâ lower lip trembled.Â
âI didnât want to say anything,â He said. âI havenât told anybody, except you now, not even Harry! ItâsâŚit wasnât planned, you know that. Iâm not ready for a pupâŚ.and itâs at the worst fucking time! My career is thriving, I finally feel independent, and youâve just got this awful news, and-â
âHush!â Niall said, or more like commanded. âLouisâŚjesus. Just take deep breaths, okay?â
This only seemed to upset the other omega further. Niall took Louisâ face into his hands. âLouis, please donât cry. Itâs absolutely wonderful news! How could I be upset at something so special, at the creation of life? You know Harry will be thrilled, and I know youâll have to put your job on hold, but just think Lou, youâll be a daddy!â
âI donât understand,â Louis wiped at his eyes. âHow can you not hate me? I have something you want more than anything, and Iâm not nearly as grateful as I should be-â
âListen to me,â Niall said firmly. âThis trip has really helped me. Iâve found myself in ways I never thought possible. Of course Iâm still devastated that I canât produce pups, but thatâs not all an omega is for. You of all people should know that, Lou. I can still be a parent, there are so many options and opportunities out there. In fact, I think I finally feel readyâŚI can explain to Liam and Zayn. Theyâll love me no matter what.â
âNiall,â Louis said quietly, eyes glassy. âOf course theyâll love you. Theyâre probably so scared and worried right now.â
âOh shit,â Niall realized something. âLouis, we have to get you back to Harry! You canât be out traveling in your condition!â
âIâm not even eight weeks,â Louis told him. âAnd thank god for that. Alphas canât smell a pregnant omega until theyâre around twelve weeks, right?â
âWell yes,â Niall agreed. âButâŚyouâre going to tell Harry as soon as possible, right?â
Louis didnât meet his eyes.Â
âYou have to tell him!â Niall insisted. âHeâs your mate, Lou.â
âOf course Iâm going to tell him,â Louis scoffed. âBut I could always wait a few more weeks, just to make sure things are settling alright at my work. I want time to find a suitable replacement.â
âHe wonât make you quit work right away,â Niall soothed, quite sure of it. âBesides, once the baby grows bigger, you wonât want to be working.â
âI guess,â Louis frowned. âI feel stressed. Itâs weird, knowing me and Hazâs pup is inside me right now. Iâm probably going to fail terribly as a parent NiâŚâ
âYou wonât,â Niall promised. âIâll help you. But we need to go back now.â
âThis has changed so suddenly. Just a few minutes ago it was me trying to convince you to go backâŚâ
Niall took Louisâ hand, squeezing tightly.Â
âŚ
While waiting for their plane, Niall called his alphas. He was going to tell them why he had left, where they had gone, and that he was coming back. Perhaps it was a bit cowardly to do so over the phone, but Niall needed to save his courage.Â
âNiall!â Zayn answered on the first ring. âAre you alright? Are you coming home?â
âI...yes,â Niall whispered. âCan you put the phone on speaker? I have to tell you both something.â
âOf course,â Zayn said, and there was a slight shifting noise. âOkay baby, youâre on speaker with both of us now.â
âHi sweetheart,â Liam greeted him. âAre you okay?â
âIâm okay,â Niall confirmed, trembling. âI just need to tell you guys something...about the reason I left.â
âYou can tell us anything Niall. Please. We just want you home and safe with us, as soon as possible.â
âI got some news a few days ago from a doctor that I went to see. You see, I went off my birth control a few months ago, and nothing was happening. I found out the reason why is that,â Niallâs breath hitched. âMy body wonât ever be able to carry pups. I just...I needed some time.â
There was a long pause.Â
âOh love...â Zayn said softly.Â
Liam spoke next, his voice wobbling. âPlease Niall, please come home. I want to hold you right now. I need you in my arms. We both do.â
âIâm coming home right now,â Niall promised. âLouis and I are in Florida, but our plane gets here in half an hour.â
He heard their intakes of breath, most likely from alarm at Niall being so far away.Â
âWeâll be there,â Zayn promised. âAnd we love you so much, no matter what. You know that, right?â
âYeah,â Niall said. âI love you both too.â
When Niall was finished talking to his alphas, he came back to find Louis finishing up a conversation with Harry.Â
âDid you tell him?â Niall asked once theyâd hung up.Â
Louis shook his head. âIâm going to wait until I see him in person. Heâs over the moon enough right now, knowing that weâre coming back.â
âŚ
Louis starred up into Harryâs eyes, and Niall knew that they were only in each otherâs worlds for the time being. The alpha cupped his omegaâs chin and pressed soft kisses against his neck and jawline. Louis ran his hand through Harryâs curls and pressed close to him, allowing the alpha to take in his scent and make sure he was unharmed. They spoke to one another quietly.
It was then that Niall saw them, Zayn and Liam. The alphas were a distance behind Harry, staring at Niall with so much love, he thought that he might shatter. There was also some clear hesitance in their stances, as they thought he might shatter as well. Niall forgot about how much he was dreading it, running towards his alphas with open arms.Â
Once they saw Niall move, both alphas were on him quickly. Liamâs firm chest was against his nose, and Zaynâs cool fingers carded through his hair and over his skin. In that moment, Niall felt stupid for ever leaving in the first place. His alpha mates were his biggest support. They loved him more than anything in the world, and it was the same both ways.Â
âNiall,â Liam whispered quietly, cautiously. âAre you hurt at all?â
âOf course you arenât,â Zayn spoke, an understanding in his eyes. âBut thatâs to be expected.â
âSweetheart,â Liam said, pulling back to look him in the eyes. âYou know that we would never, ever, be upset at you for this. We love you more than anything.â
The omega wiped at his eyes. âI know that. Iâm...Iâm sorry for taking off so suddenly. It was just a lot to take in, and I panicked.â
âWe arenât mad,â Liam assured him. âJust please donât ever leave so suddenly again, whether youâve left a note or not. Zayn and I were scared to death.â
They had a lot to talk about, but the airport was certainly not the place to do so.Â
Zayn was the one to break their three-way hug. âYouâll have a nice rest when we get back, then weâll order take out, snuggle on the couch, and talk about your trip.â
Each alpha must have noticed the way Niallâs body language suddenly changed.Â
âNiall, you know we wonât spank you or anything, right? You had a perfectly understandable reason to take off like that, as terrible as it was. If it ever happens again, however, you wonât be able to sit down for a week.â
Niall smiled at Liamâs words. Heâd had a feeling that they wouldnât penalize him, due to the circumstances of his trip, but it was nice all the same to know that he was safe from a sore bottom.Â
Each of Niallâs hands were taken by one of his alphas. Niall saw that Harry was still hugging Louis pretty tightly. He met his best friendâs eyes and smiled encouragingly. Hopefully Louis would break the news to Harry about his baby tonight. If he did, that would probably save him from a spanking as well.Â
Louis smiled back at Niall, though his lips were a little tight. Niall gave him a thumbs up, though it looked a little awkward since his hand was already occupied. He knew that Louis would be just fine. He would make a wonderful mommy, Niall was also sure of, and he would be there for his friend the whole step of the way.Â
There was a lot to talk about, and it would be awhile before Niall got over this life obstacle completely. For now, he felt like he was okay.Â