#perrieletbh

Liam and Perrie had thought to have a good proper family Christmas, for their first as a family. Gather up each side of their families and bring them together for the night. So, they did. If there was one thing to attribute to the two of them, it was that when they had their mind set on something, it would happen. However much they loved their families, Liam was thankful when the hype had dwindled down enough for him, Perrie, and Eli to slip away into the living room while most everyone else chatted out in the back. Eli was probably the hardest to slip away, what with every person wanting to dote over him, but the boy didn’t seem to mind the attention, and they eventually got anyway, if only for a little while. They found themselves on the sofa -one of the few he’d had to put around to fill up the place- with Liam’s arm around Perrie’s waist and Eli propped up against them. He’d have to go check on their dinner soon enough, but for then, it was nice to sit in tranquillity and look up at the huge -Andy’s idea- tree filled with its trimmings. “You think we oughta let Eli put up his own ornament?”

Maaaaaan. One time, Justin and I were coming home from the club and I ended up throwing on a t-shirt of his just to lay around in after we did it. And he literally flew out of bed with me and was like “Who the fuck owns that?” So long story short, I burned one of your tshirts with Jimi Hendrix on it, so try not to kill me, Justin almost shit his fucking pants over it.

They’d planned this for a while, taking Eli out in public for the first Time. When Eli was born, they were lucky to be able to set up precautions so they wouldn’t have paparazzi hassling them on their way home, but this would be different. It was Time, he knew, but still that anxious part of his brain was yelling at him to stay inside with his lady and baby forever. Even if the past weeks of staying home had him itching with the need to get out. So, they were going out to dinner. Some fancy, somewhat private place Ken had recommended to him. It seemed like a good plan. Something not too long, not too far away from home, good. And, beyond his worries, Liam was happy, excited even. Their first family outing. One of many. He unplugged his mobile from the charger, knowing he’d be taking a million pictures through the night, slid it in his trouser pocket, and got Elijah in the carrier. With a kiss to his boy’s head, Liam stood up and called out to the bathroom, “Almost ready, babe?”

Liam woke up to being hit, maybe not purposely, but nonetheless, the slap on his arm had him jolting up and immediately seeking out Perrie next to him. A Perrie who looked in pain was what he found, and his tired brain kicked up into overdrive, worrying itself into oblivion. “It’s okay babe, I’ve got you, yeah?” He took one of her hands in his and stroked her hair with the other. As much as Liam was flipping out on the inside, he knew the best thing for Perrie was to try to stay as calm as possible. Even if she could be having the baby right then. Their doctor had said false labour pains were common, but Liam didn’t exactly trust that, not knowing that there was a big chance their boy would come early. “Just breathe. You want me to call the doctor?”

Liam knew he’d been extremely careful lately with Perrie, not wanting to upset her bump or cause her any discomfort that he could help, and it showed in about everything he did. The looser grip he kept on her middle when they cuddled, how he walked a bit closer to her, the way he helped her into the car. It probably wasn’t necessary, but he was already so protective of Perrie, and adding in their little bean made him all the more. That morning when he helped her into the car, he kissed her, then her bump before getting in on the driver’s side. “Excited?”

Liam: I wana come home and see u and our lil bean

Birthdays were exhausting. Other people’s, sure, but one of their own? People always wanted to talk, and sing, or whatever other thing someone thought of. It was incredibly nice to feel so loved, but Liam needed Time on his own sometimes. He needed to step away for a while. So the decision to go back home the night of his birthday instead of the next morning was easy. All he wanted was to see Perrie, say hi to their little growing baby and their pets. A part of him was also itching to show the missus his new tattoo. When he got in, he made a beeline to Perrie’s room, and was welcomed by the swarm of pups jumping on his legs. He dropped off his bag by the door, petting the dogs as he went and said, “I came in a little early, hope you don’t mind.”