#niam mpreg

[directionerplusgleek]

Have I Told You

Niall, a bubbly, charming, innocent little flower of a child-carer, suggests to his tattooed, rough-and-tumble boyfriend that he’d really love to start a family.

Liam flips.

I would put the prompt here, but that would actually give the whole story away, so I’m going with this summary instead :P

Niall loved his life. It was just a fleeting thought as he finished reading a story to the children that attended the day-care centre he worked for. He had been watching the faces of the children as he read, how he held their full attention, their faces showing just how captivated they were by the story he was telling. Children, the most brutally honest humans in the world, looked up to him and told him every day that they loved him.

But the icing on the cake was glancing to the door to see his boyfriend watching him, a fond look on his face.

"Niall, could you see to Maddison?" asked Ruby, one of Niall's co-workers, as she rushed past him.

"Sure thing," Niall assured the woman with a smile. He headed across the room, through the gate that separated the toddlers from the babies, and scooped up the crying occupant of one of the cots. "Hey, Maddie," he cooed, cradling her with one arm and tickling her tummy with the other. "Hey, hey, ssh…" Niall shifted the tiny girl so that her head rested on his shoulder, lightly patting her back and bouncing slightly. "Oh, darling, what's wrong, hey?"

"She wouldn't have her bottle earlier," Megan, another carer, told Niall with a sigh. "She's probably hungry."

With a nod of understanding, Niall asked, "Could you heat up her bottle for me, please?" Once Megan was off doing as he had asked, Niall returned his attention to Maddison. "Meggie's getting your bottle, sweetie," he whispered, rubbing the baby's back soothingly. "Ssh, darling, I've got you. You're okay, Maddie."

Megan soon returned with the bottle, handing it to Niall before hurrying off to attend to other children.

"Here we go, Maddie," Niall smiled, cradling Maddison in the crook of his arm and offering her the bottle. "Was this what you wanted?" When Maddison quickly took to feeding, a grin spread across Niall's face. "There, you're alright," he murmured, gently rocking her back and forth.

"Niall?" piped up a little voice from the other side of the short fence. "Is Maddie okay?"

Heading to the fence, Niall assured the little boy on the other side, "She was just hungry, Jack. Nothing to worry about, mate, your little sister's fine."

Seemingly satisfied with this answer, Jack nodded his head and went back to playing.

Niall monitored the playing babies in his area of the room, smiling down at the gummy grins he received. "Are you done now, missy?" he chuckled when Maddison moved her head away from her bottle. "All done?" Setting the bottle aside, he went through the process of burping the little girl before putting her back in her cot. "Sleep well, Maddie," he cooed as her eyes fluttered closed.

"It's ten past five, Niall, go home," Megan chuckled in passing. "Liam's been waiting for you."

"I'll see you tomorrow," Niall grinned. "Bye everyone!" he announced, as he headed for the staffroom, finding himself rewarded with a chorus of 'goodbye's and 'aw's. Grabbing his keys and coat, he made his way over to Liam. "Let's go home," he sighed happily, taking Liam's tattooed hand. He gave the children one last wave before the two of them made their way through to reception and out onto the street. "What a day," he breathed out, slumping into the passenger seat as Liam started the car.

"You love it," Liam smiled fondly, reaching over to squeeze Niall's thigh before starting them home.

"Yeah, I do," Niall giggled, watching the centre disappear through the side mirror.

The rest of their drive was silent, but Niall knew Liam was a man of few words. He spoke far more through his actions than anything else, which Niall found just a bit more than endearing.

After letting them into their little house, Liam waited for Niall to shed his shoes and jacket before wrapping him up in his arms. "I love you," he murmured, kissing the blonde softly, then leaning their foreheads together.

"Love you, too," Niall grinned up at his boyfriend, arms instinctually wrapping around Liam's neck.

Liam ducked and swept Niall up off his feet, carrying the giggling blonde into the living room bridal-style. "You're the most adorable thing in the world," Liam chuckled, sitting them down on the couch. "And you're all mine."

"All yours," Niall agreed, stealing another kiss.

"The only way you get more adorable is when you're holding a baby," Liam sighed, kissing Niall's cheek. "You with that baby today was so cute… how your whole face lit up and you went all gooey and just so cute."

Niall blushed deeply, burying his face in Liam's neck. "Thank you," he whispered. He subconsciously moved one hand to rest on his tummy. "We should have our own."

Liam froze up. "What?"

Shifting so he could look up at Liam's face, Niall reiterated, "We should have a baby of our own. That'd be so great, Liam, we could-"

"No."

Niall felt his heart sink a little. "No?"

"No, no way." Liam pushed Niall off him onto the couch and stood quickly, pacing back and forth. "No, kids- babies… just no." He ran a hand backwards through his hair.

"But…" Niall tried to keep the shake out of his voice. "Why not?"

"I can't be a dad, Niall!" Liam exploded, throwing his hands up. "Can you imagine me as a dad? I'd be terrible!"

Niall stood and grabbed Liam's arm. "No you wouldn't, Li, you'd be fine."

"Bull shit!" Liam practically screeched, snatching his arm out of Niall's grasp. "I'd be an awful parent! You, you'd be amazing, the best dad in the world, but I'd be the complete opposite. I can't be a dad, Niall! God, no way!"

Swallowing hard, Niall choked out, "But I-"

"No," Liam stated firmly.

"Liam, you know I want kids," Niall whimpered, sniffling at the tears gathering in his eyes.

"You can't have kids with me, Niall!" Liam shouted. "What the hell are you thinking?!"

Niall backed away, hands trembling. "Liam, please stop shouting," he whispered.

"Make me!" Liam snapped.

There were a few moments of total silence, then a sob tore from Niall's throat before he was running from the house, one hand over his mouth and the other over his tummy as tears streamed down his cheeks. He jumped into his car and just drove.

 xXx

Niall had no idea how long he had been gone, but he knew that it had been long enough for him to pull over and cry himself dry before driving on. He blew out a long breath, one hand staying against his tummy the whole time.

"Maybe I overreacted," he whispered. "Maybe he was right to shout at me, I don't know…" When his phone started ringing, Niall immediately shoved his hand in his pocket to find it. The hand he moved, however, was the one he had been steering with. The only word he managed to speak through the phone was, "Liam-" before a crashing sound broke him off. He screamed, grabbing onto the steering wheel with both hands as he tried to control the car, but his head hit something more solid than itself and all he could see was black.

 xXx

When Niall finally found himself opening his eyes, his first instinct was to grab his tummy. He gasped in horror as the memories flooded back, trying to sit up and see himself.

"Whoa, babe, gentle."

Niall felt tears rush to his eyes at the strong, familiar hands lowering him back onto the bed and stroking his hair. "L-Liam, I…" He could feel a sob building in his chest already. "Liam, oh my god, is the baby okay? Oh god, oh god, did I hurt the baby, god, please say I didn't hurt the baby, please-"

"Ssh, the baby's okay, sweetheart," Liam assured him, kissing Niall's forehead.

"Oh my god, Liam, I nearly killed the baby, I'm so sorry, oh god, I'm sorry, oh my god, what did I do…?" Niall's sob finally broke free. "Liam, please say there's nothing wrong, please say I didn't hurt the baby, oh god, please-"

"Niall, ssh," Liam cooed, leaning down and wrapping the blonde up in a hug. "The baby is completely okay. Nothing happened to the baby, love, it's alright." Soothingly stroking his fingers through Niall's hair, Liam murmured, "You're both fine, love, absolutely fine."

Another sob shook Niall harshly and he clung to his boyfriend like a lifeline. "Oh god, Liam…"

"Ssh… ssh, it's alright, Nialler."

When Niall calmed down enough to think clearly, he pulled away from Liam and laid himself flat on his back, taking deep, slow breaths. "You shouted at me," he whispered.

"I know, love," Liam sighed, grasping Niall's hand tightly. "I'm so sorry, Niall. I just… I won't be a good dad, not like you. You're so good with kids and babies, and I can't even be half as good as you." He pressed his lips against Niall's fingers. "I didn't know you were pregnant." Watching the blonde for a moment, he asked, "How long've you known?"

"About two months now," Niall whispered. "It's not all that obvious yet, but I'm starting to show, Li."

Liam closed his eyes and blew out a long breath. "They had to take you in for surgery on your leg. It got kinda crushed. They fixed it up, no worries, but when they told me you're…" He swallowed hard. "I felt so awful for yelling at you, Ni. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was going to," Niall sniffled. "Today."

"It's yesterday now, babe," Liam corrected softly. "You've been out for almost four hours. It was six hours before I even got the guts to call you."

"You… you didn't call me for six hours?" Niall asked, a mix of disbelief and hurt filling his face.

"Babe, I needed time to calm down," Liam sighed, rubbing his thumb along Niall's knuckles. "I didn't want to shout at you again. And then I figured I'd wait 'til you came home, but when it was almost midnight I got worried, and… god, I nearly killed you by calling you."

Shaking his head a little, Niall mumbled, "I should've used my other hand to pick up. I just… I wasn't thinking properly." After a short while of silence, Niall whispered, "What now?"

"What do you mean?" Liam asked, kissing Niall's fingers gently.

"Now you know I'm pregnant and you don't want kids?" Niall asked quietly, a protective hand resting against his tummy.

Liam sighed heavily. "Now I get better at handing kids, because I have to at least try to be as good as you if I'm gonna be a dad."

Eyes widening, Niall slowly opened his mouth. "Y-you… you'll try?"

"Niall, hun, you're having a baby. Our baby. I'm not leaving you, and there's no way I'm gonna tell you to get rid of it because you'd be heartbroken."

"But you'll try?"

"Of course I will," Liam smiled, rubbing Niall's arm. "You're my boyfriend."

Niall's face split into a wide grin. "I love you," he breathed out, reaching up to pull Liam into a hug. "Thank you, Liam, thank you, thank you, thank you."

Closing his eyes and holding Niall tightly, Liam murmured, "Nothing's too good for you." Pulling back, he settled Niall comfortably on the bed again and pulled the blanket up over him more. "Now, you get better so we can go home, yeah?"

"Yeah," Niall sighed happily. He grasped Liam's hand tightly, settled his head on the pillow, and closed his eyes to sleep.

[directionerplusgleek]

Howl At The Moon

Part 3

"Eddie!" Niall called across the camp, sighing as he searched around for the busy four-year-old. "Eddie, Daddy will be back soon!" He rubbed a hand over his very pregnant baby bump, squinting in the hopes of improving his vision. "Eddie!"

"Papa."

Niall spun around to find a curious-looking little boy with his blonde head tilted to the side. "Eddie, c'mon, buddy," he sighed, running his fingers through the boy's hair. "Dinner. Daddy will be back soon." Glancing around, he asked, "Where's Rose?"

Turning around, Eddie called out, "Rosie!" At his call, a little girl his height came hurrying over, golden-brown curls springing lightly. "Here, Papa," Eddie told his father with a cheeky smile.

"Come on, both of you," Niall sighed, rolling his eyes fondly. "Dinner." He took one of each of the children's hands and led them through the camp.

"Uncle Niall?" Rose asked, looking up at him innocently.

"Yeah, sweetie?"

"Where Uncle Liam go?"

Sitting both children down besides the cooking fire and handing each a bowl of food, Niall explained, "Another pack has been trying to scare us away. Your Uncle Liam is out there scaring them back."

"Yes!" Eddie cheered, punching the air. "Go Daddy!"

"Yeah," Niall chuckled, ruffling Eddie's hair. He checked over his shoulder, a small sigh leaving his mouth. "He should be back soon, so you'll get some time to play before bed."

Eddie nodded his head and happily ate his dinner.

Looking up at Niall, Rose began, "Uncle Niall?"

"Mm hmm?" Niall hummed, organising his own serving of dinner.

"Do I have a daddy?"

Niall cringed hard at the question and sat beside the little girl. "Yes, sweetie, you do," he answered carefully.

Frowning, Rose asked, "Where? Because Eddie has a daddy, and Lucas and Debbie and Pete all have daddies."

"How about we wait until Uncle Liam's back before we talk about this, eh?" Niall suggested, rubbing Rose's back. He ducked a little to whisper in her ear. "We'll wait until Eddie's asleep, yeah?"

A cheeky, excited grin spread across Rose's face. "Okay," she whispered back with an eager nod.

"Guess who's home."

Eddie's eyes went wide and he sat his food aside before running in the direction of the voice. "Daddy!"

Scooping Eddie up off the ground and tickling his tummy, Liam asked him, "How was your day, mister?"

"Good! Me and Rosie played hide and seek, but I'm too good so Rosie never finds me," Eddie beamed proudly, puffing his little chest out.

"I hope you don't tease her," Liam chuckled, a note of seriousness carrying in his words.

"No, Daddy." Eddie shook his head, his face filling with the same seriousness and reminding Niall just how much like his daddy he was.

Sitting down beside Niall and kissing his cheek, Liam let Eddie go back to his dinner and asked his omega, "How was everything?"

"Alright," Niall shrugged. "Cleaning, cooking, missing you… the usual."

Liam shook his head with a grin and stole a quick kiss. "This one alright?" he checked, rubbing his hand over Niall's belly.

"She's fine," Niall nodded, a fond smile on his face as he watched Liam caressing his tummy. "But Rosie's asked why she doesn't have a dad," he whispered.

Meeting Niall's eyes, Liam heaved out a heavy sigh. "Right."

"I've told her we'll talk about it once Eddie's asleep," Niall explained quietly. "But I don't want to."

"We'll have to eventually," Liam reasoned.

"Yeah, but did it have to happen so soon?" Niall leaned his head on Liam's shoulder. "Poor thing."

 xXx

After Eddie and Rose had wrestled with Liam for half an hour, both children were exhausted. Eddie fell asleep almost instantly with a mumbled, "'Night, daddies."

"Rosie," Niall murmured, beckoning her closer. "Do you want to talk now?"

Blinking away the sleepy look in her eyes, Rose nodded her head. She followed Niall and Liam out of their tent and settled on the ground outside it.

"You were asking about your daddy, Rose?" Liam asked, watching Rose settle herself in Niall's lap. When she nodded, Liam told her, "Your daddy was one of my best friends. He was careful when we planned things, always made sure we'd thought of everything."

"Who is he?" Rose asked.

"His name was Harry," Niall explained gently. "He cared a lot about you, Rosie. And your mummy."

Rose's eyes widened. "I have a mummy, too?"

Rubbing Rose's back, Niall whispered, "Yeah. Her name was Ariana."

"But," Liam began, taking both of Rose's hands in his own, "they're not here anymore. There's another pack, the one I was keeping away today. They came here before, before you were born, but I killed their alpha. Now they're angry with me and want to hurt my pack. They came back. They have a new alpha now, and they attacked us." Squeezing Rose's hands, he explained, "The other pack… killed your mummy and daddy. Harry was helping me and the other betas protect you and the other children, and the omegas, like Uncle Niall. One of the other pack got your mummy, and Harry went after them." Stroking Rose's hair, Liam told her, "Harry's last words were that he wanted Uncle Niall and me to look after you. You were only little."

Rose stared at Liam with tiny shining tears in her eyes. "My mummy and daddy died?" she asked so quietly and pathetically that Niall had to squeeze his eyes shut to hold his tears.

"Yes, sweetie," Liam nodded. "That's why Uncle Niall and me look after you."

Looking between her two guardians, Rose asked, "B-but you not die. You stay here?"

"Of course, sweetie," Niall murmured, pulling Rose as close as he could with his tummy in the way. "We promised your mummy and daddy that we'd take care of you. We'll always be here."

"Okay." Rose cuddled into Niall's belly, eyes drooping tiredly. "Bed now, Uncle Niall?"

"I think that's a good idea," Niall nodded. He let Liam lift the little girl and duck into the tent to tuck her in. Sighing heavily, he rubbed at his eyes.

"You okay, babe?" Liam asked as he sat down beside the blonde.

Dropping his head onto Liam's shoulder, Niall mumbled, "Yeah."

"She had to find out someday," Liam reminded him, rubbing Niall's back soothingly.

"Yeah, I know." With another sigh, he pulled himself up off his alpha. "'M gonna turn in, too."

"Sounds like a plan," Liam smiled, helping his omega off the ground and assisting him quietly into their tent. "We'll get some sleep and relax tomorrow, okay?" he whispered, carefully lowering Niall onto their bed on the floor before curling up with him, his chest against his omega's back. "Not long before we add to our little family. Better make the most of these last few days."

"Mm hmm," Niall hummed, closing his eyes and snuggling back against his alpha. "Tired."

"Go to sleep, babe," Liam whispered, kissing the back of Niall's neck and settling down to sleep.

 xXx

"Liam!"

Setting down his kills, Liam turned to Louis as the brunette came rushing up to him frantically. "What's wrong?" Liam half-laughed.

"Niall."

Liam's face suddenly turned deathly serious. "What's happened?"

"They took him," Louis blurted out, wringing his hands nervously. "We couldn't… there was… We didn't know what to do!"

"Get the others," Liam growled out, claws already drawing. "Tell Zayn to stay behind and guard the women and children. We're getting Niall back." Louis hurried off just as Liam fully shifted, barking loudly. The rest of the betas were instantly scrambling out to meet him, then stumbled after him as he took off at a run towards where he knew the other pack had set up camp.

 xXx

Niall could smell Liam coming before he could hear or see him. He felt himself almost sob in relief, but held it in.

"What's that?" muttered the alpha beside him, standing and sniffing the air.

Everyone in the camp jumped in fright when Liam and his betas burst through the trees, barking and snarling. Liam stalked over to the other alpha, who stood defensively between him and Niall.

"He's mine now," the alpha sneered.

Liam shifted back, straightening his back and standing tall. "Wrong," he growled.

Before another word could be said, Niall yelped, clutching his tummy. "Oh, no no no no no no no…" he whined.

The alpha smirked widely. "Ah, my baby."

Liam barked, the sound tearing through every beta in the camp. "My baby." He prowled right up to the other alpha, glaring at him eye to eye. "What's your name?"

The alpha raised an eyebrow. "Max. Why?"

"Just wanted to know what name to put on the gravestone." Liam slashed at Max's throat, sending the other alpha staggering backwards. "Louis!" he ordered before launching himself at Max again.

Louis ran to Niall's side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and touching his other hand to the blonde's tummy. "Ni?"

"Oh my god, Louis, help me," Niall begged, grabbing Louis' hand and squeezing hard. "Oh god, oh god… I can't have my baby here, I can't, I can't…"

"Ssh…" Louis glanced to where Liam and Max were duelling in the middle of the camp. "I'm gonna get you out of here."

"No, we have to wait for Liam," Niall stated firmly. "I'm not going anywhere without him, I need my a-alpha."

Louis huffed out a sigh, but nodded his head, petting Niall's hair when he whimpered in pain.

"Do you know what happened to the last alpha who tried to take my Niall?" Liam growled, stalking around Max defensively.

"Tell me," Max smirked, wiping the blood off his chin.

"I'll give you a hint." Liam set his feet in a preparatory stance. "This used to be his pack." He launched himself at Max, shifting mid-jump and snapping his jaws shut around Max's throat. Max screeched for as long as he could, the sound morphing into a gurgling as his throat filled with blood. When his body ceased its convulsing, Liam let him go, Max's body crumpling onto the ground. He snarled at the remnants of the rival pack, who scampered away with whimpers and whines.

"Liam!" Niall yelled.

Liam scrambled over to his omega, shifting back in the process. "Niall, babe…" He carefully bundled his omega up in his arms, kissing his forehead when Niall let out a short cry of pain. "Ssh… I'm here this time, my darling," Liam cooed, pressing kisses over Niall's cheek and ignoring the blood dripping down his chin and neck. "Back to camp!" he announced. "Clear a tent out." The betas all ran to obey their alpha, who hurried as quickly but as gently as he could.

"At least you're here this time," Niall breathed out, pressing his forehead against Liam's shoulder as another sensation to focus on, rather than the pain in his abdomen.

"I am," Liam smiled ruefully. "Covered in blood, but I'm here."

"You're here and I'm not gonna have to have our baby in the middle of someone else's c-camp." Niall tensed up, gritting his teeth as he clung to Liam's shoulders. "Oh god, oh god, oh god, oh god…"

As soon as Liam set foot in their camp, he called for Louis. "Can you look after Edward and Rose for the next few hours?" he checked.

"Of course," Louis nodded.

"Papa?" Eddie asked worriedly from Louis' feet, gazing up at Niall.

"I'm o-okay, Eddie," Niall managed, scrunching his face up in pain and gripping Liam's shoulders hard enough to bruise.

Eddie moved to cling to Liam's leg. "Daddy, is Papa okay?"

"He'll be fine, Eddie," Liam assured the boy with a smile. "You and Rosie go with Uncle Lou, okay? I'll look after Papa."

Eddie and Rose followed Louis away from the tent, eyes still on Niall as Liam carried him away.

"God, why does this have to be so painful?" Niall muttered as Liam lowered him onto the floor of the cleared tent.

"Would it feel like as much of an achievement if it didn't hurt?" Liam asked, helping his omega to sit leaning back on his arms.

Huffing out a short laugh, Niall stated, "Pushing a baby out of me would feel like an achievement without the pain. Trust me." He took a few long, deep breaths, then suggested, "Wipe your mouth."

Liam rolled his eyes but did as Niall recommended, wiping away the drying blood that had flooded down his chin, neck and chest. "Do you need me here?" he asked as he sidled up beside his omega.

"Of course I bloody do," Niall muttered, relaxing the tiniest bit when his alpha wrapped an arm around his back. "Thank you for coming to get me," he whispered.

"No one touches my omega and gets away with it," Liam murmured, pressing kisses against Niall's cheek. "No one."

"Gah!" Niall tensed his whole body up with a whine of pain. "Jesus Christ…"

"Ssh…" Liam cooed, stroking Niall's hair. "I'm here. I'm here."

 xXx

"Papa?"

Niall glanced up from the tiny suckling baby to his son as the boy cautiously stepped into the tent. "Hey, Eddie," he murmured, blinking tiredly. "Come meet your sister."

Eddie toddled over to his papa and leaned over his shoulder to see his baby sister. "Wow…"

Smiling fondly, Liam ushered Rose into the tent, too, sitting on the opposite side of Niall to Eddie with Rose in his lap. "Isn't she tiny?" he asked the two four-year-olds.

"What's she called?" Eddie asked quietly, clearly still in awe of his sister.

"Harriet," Niall replied. "Ari for short." He sent Rose a little smile. "After your mummy and daddy, Rosie."

Rose smiled so wide she looked as though she would burst. "Harriet," she murmured, leaning over to see.

"Our perfect little family," Liam whispered in Niall's ear.

"Completely perfect," Niall agreed, kissing Liam softly before settling his head on his alpha's shoulder. "Completely.

[directionerplusgleek]

More Mistakes

Someone asked for a part two for Mistakes, so here it is :)

 xXx

"Oh no, god, this is really bad."

Niall looked over to where Liam was sitting on the couch watching an old film on television. "Doesn't seem too bad," Niall shrugged, bringing a mug of hot chocolate around to his boyfriend. "The acting's a bit crap, but the story's alright."

"No, this is really bad," Liam stressed, gesturing to the wet patch on his sweatpants. He grunted and clutched his belly, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Oh… oh," Niall realised, eyes widening. "Oh… oh, shit, uh…"

"Don't just say 'oh', help me!" Liam panicked.

"Hey, hey, calm down." Niall knelt beside the couch and grasped one of Liam's hands in both his own. "Um… I-I'll call the midwife." He pulled his phone out of his pocket and attempted to find the number. With his shaky hands, this proved difficult, only making his nerves worse and, in turn, his shakes.

"Niall!" Liam snapped.

"Just shut up a minute." Niall stopped and took a deep breath before trying again, successfully locating and tapping the midwife's number to ring her.

"Don't tell me to shut up," Liam muttered, involuntarily squeezing Niall's hand tightly.

Pressing the phone hard against his ear, Niall closed his eyes as he listened to the dial tone. "Hello?" a voice came through the speaker.

"Ellen?" Niall asked quickly, eyes wide open again.

"That's me," the midwife confirmed. "Is that you, Niall dear?"

Niall blew out a sharp breath. "Y-yeah. Um… Liam's just gone into labour."

"That's alright," Ellen assured him calmly. "Where is he, dear?"

"H-he's on the couch… Ellen, what do I do?" Niall asked frantically.

"Stay calm," Ellen reminded him gently. "Take a deep breath." She waited until Niall had done as he was told before continuing, "Go and fill a water bottle for him, and much sure he's as comfortable as possible. I'm on my way."

Taking another deep breath, Niall nodded his head. "Okay. Okay… thanks, Ellen."

"I'll see you soon, dear."

Niall tucked his phone away. "Are you comfortable?" he asked Liam.

Giving his boyfriend an incredulous look, Liam retorted, "What the fuck do you think?"

"No, just… Ellen said to make you as comfortable as possible."

"Well, I won't get more comfortable than this," Liam muttered. "Since, y'know, I'm in labour."

"I know, Liam." Standing up, Niall ran his hands through his hair. "Just… stop it, you're stressing me out."

Liam's eyes popped wide open. "You're stressed?!"

"For god's sake, Liam!" Niall exploded. "I can't focus on helping you if you won't stop shouting at me! My anxiety levels are through the roof, here!"

"You-!" Liam started.

"Liam, I want to help you, here," Niall insisted, feeling his hands trembling. "I can't help you if I'm a shaking mess in the corner." He brushed Liam's hair back from his face, kneeling beside the couch again. "I want to do everything I can to help. But I can't do anything at all when all you're doing is shouting at me."

Liam closed his eyes and huffed out a breath. "What did Ellen tell you to do?"

"Keep you comfortable and fill a bottle with water," Niall replied dutifully.

"Go do it then."

With a short nod, Niall climbed to his feet and headed to the kitchen, finding a water bottle and filling it under the tap. "Come on, Ellen," he breathed out, checking his watch quickly before returning to Liam's side. Sitting on the edge of the couch, Niall grasped Liam's hand gently. "Can I do anything to help?"

Liam blew out a long breath before shaking his head. "Not really."

After a few moments of silence, Niall shifted so that he was lying beside Liam, bringing one hand up to stroke his boyfriend's cheek. "'M sorry you have to do this," he whispered.

"Can't do anything about it," Liam sighed, squeezing his eyes shut tightly.

"I know, Li, but it's hurting you." Pressing a kiss to Liam's forehead, Niall mumbled, "I really wish we could skip over this part."

"Well, we can't," Liam muttered. He grunted as his whole body tensed. "Ow, ow, ow…"

"Liam…" Niall rubbed a soothing hand over Liam's tummy, his other hand stroking through his hair. "You'll be okay, Li, Ellen's coming."

"She needs to hurry up," Liam huffed.

It was only a few minutes later that the doorbell rang through the house. Niall moved so quickly to stand up that he ended up falling flailing to the floor before scrambling to his feet to answer the door. He yanked it open to let Ellen inside, who stepped into the house with a slight smile on her face.

"He'll be alright, Niall," Ellen assured him before heading through to where Liam was lying in pain on the couch. "How do you feel, Liam?" she asked gently, setting her things down beside the couch.

"Do I even need to answer that?" Liam snorted.

"I wouldn't have asked you otherwise, dear," Ellen pointed out gently, patting the back of Liam's hand.

Huffing out a long breath, Liam whispered, "It hurts."

Ellen smiled in understanding. "I'd be a little worried if it didn't."

While Ellen set herself up, Niall moved to kneel beside the couch and took Liam's hand again. He offered the brunette a small, encouraging smile, only to receive a pained and slightly annoyed look in return.

"Alright, Liam," Ellen began, "tell me when you think you're ready."

 xXx

After a few hours, Niall was beginning to feel as though the stress under his skin was going to kill him. He kept a tight grip on Liam's hand, wincing every time the brunette made a pained sound. "It's going to be alright, Li," he whispered in his boyfriend's ear for the thousandth time. "You'll be okay."

"Ugh, just shut up!" Liam snapped, sending Niall a glare.

"I'm… I'm only trying to help," Niall replied, startled.

"Well, you're not! For god's sake, just go away!"

Niall recoiled, his shocked stare moving from Liam to his suddenly free hand. "What…?"

"Go away!" Liam shouted again.

Mouth dropping open, Niall felt tears gathering in his eyes. He didn't move for a moment, then closed his mouth and swallowed hard before slowly rising to his feet and walking to the doorway. Throwing a quick glance back at Liam in case he changed his mind, Niall sniffled and hurried down the hallway to their bedroom. "I-I…" A sob broke loose from his throat. With his trembling hands, Niall pulled himself onto the bed and curled up on his side, squeezing his eyes shut as tears began to wet his cheeks. "Liam…" Niall gripped his own hair and sobbed again. "My Liam…" Only a few moments later, Niall broke down into full-fledged crying.

 xXx

Another couple of hours passed before Liam finally cracked and whimpered out the words Ellen had been waiting for. "C-can you bring him back?"

"Of course I can, dear," Ellen assured him with a smile, petting Liam's hair before heading for the door. "I won't be long."

"Please, I want Niall back," Liam begged. "I've changed my mind, I want him back."

Ellen hurried down the hallway, checking rooms as she passed before finding Niall in a ball on the bed, his back to the door. "Niall, darling," Ellen murmured, sitting on the edge of the bed and rubbing Niall's back.

"What?" Niall croaked.

"He wants you back in there, dear, he needs you."

Sitting up and revealing his red, tear-damp face to Ellen, Niall hiccupped, "He s-sent me o-out."

"He's changed his mind." Ellen wrapped her hand around Niall's wrist, leading back towards the living room. Niall slowly peeked through the door.

"Ni!" Liam held a hand out for the blonde.

"You sent me out," Niall whispered, taking a few shuffling steps into the room.

"I'm sorry, babe, I just- AH!"

Niall's eyes widened and he hurried over to his boyfriend, cradling Liam's face between both hands. "Li?"

"I'm never letting you do this to me again," Liam grit out between his clenched teeth, eyes tight shut. He fumbled to grip Niall's hands, blowing out a short breath.

"Come on, Liam, you're doing really well," Ellen encouraged him. "Not long now, dear."

Niall just sat and let Liam squeeze the life out of his hands, kissing his boyfriend's fingers every so often. "Keep going, Li," he murmured, "you can do this."

Just five minutes later, Liam made a loud, almost startled noise, clamping down on Niall's hands. "Oh my god," he breathed out, slumping back against the couch cushions.

Pressing his lips to Liam's forehead, Niall whispered, "You did it, babe, you did so well."

"Ow," Liam blew out shakily, closing his eyes. He slowly let go of Niall's hands, shakily bringing his own hands to hold's the blonde's head, pressing their foreheads together.

"Boys." Ellen waited for the two boys to separate somewhat before tucking a blanketed bundle into Liam's arms. "Meet your baby girl."

Liam gazed down at the tiny baby in his arms, then glanced up at Niall to find him close to tears. "Our little mistake," he whispered.

"A good mistake," Niall smiled, his tears threatening to fall.

"I almost made another mistake today," Liam mumbled, kissing Niall's cheek. "Not having you here would've been the worst mistake I'd ever made."

"I'm glad you changed your mind," Niall sniffled, quickly swiping away the few tears that escaped down his cheeks.

Liam cradled their little girl with one arm and pulled Niall into his chest with the other. "I love you," he murmured, kissing the top of Niall's head.

"I love you, too," Niall whispered, gazing at their daughter. "Hello gorgeous," he cooed, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

Fingers running through Niall's hair, Liam smiled, "Thank you, Ni. She's the best little mistake of my life."

[directionerplusgleek]

Howl At The Moon

Part 2

"I won't be long, love," Liam murmured, kissing Niall's forehead as he readied himself for his hunt. "We just need some food for the pack."

Niall pouted up at his alpha, wrapping his arms around the brunette's middle. "Li, my heat's soon."

"I know, love, that's why I need to hunt now. That way, I can be here when your heat starts and we won't be interrupted by hungry betas complaining there isn't any food."

"You're practically a babysitter," Niall mumbled, nuzzling his face into Liam's neck. "Making sure everyone's fed."

"There aren't any babies in this pack, Nialler," Liam chuckled. "Just toddlers and childish men."

Humming, Niall nodded twice. "Please be back for my heat," he whispered.

Liam smiled and kissed the top of Niall's head. "I will, beautiful."

"Because I'd like there to be a baby around here," Niall added even softer.

Liam gave a small, sad sigh. "I know, love."

"I feel like all the girls that didn't really want kids ended up pregnant straight away," Niall mumbled. "And me and Perrie and Ariana all really want kids and…"

"I know, babe, I know." Cradling Niall's face in both hands, Liam pressed a soft kiss to his mouth. "We'll get there, love." With another kiss, he added, "But not if I don't head off hunting now."

Niall nodded his head, rocking up onto his toes for one last kiss before Liam headed off out of the camp. He sighed and watched his alpha disappear into the trees.

"Niall!"

Turning to see the girl hurrying up to him, Niall frowned slightly. "Ari, what're you doing running around?"

Ariana's eyes and smile were wide. "My heat should've started by now, but it hasn't." Grabbing Niall's hands, she beamed, "Me and Haz are finally getting a family!"

Niall forced a smile onto his face. "That's great, Ari." He returned her energetic hug before she rushed back to Harry. "Just great," he whispered. With a heavy sigh, Niall retreated to the alpha tent, closing up the door and curling up on his side on the floor, one palm pressed against his flat tummy. "Is it possible to miss something you've never had?" he asked himself. "Or is it just missing out?" Blowing out a shaky breath, he closed his eyes in the hopes of taking a nap before his heat reared its head.

 xXx

The sound of a scream woke Niall sharply from his nap. He took a moment to place himself, then scrambled out of the tent to the sounds of more screams. He grabbed Sophia's arm as she rushed past with her son clutched to her chest. "Soph, what's going on?" he asked quickly.

"There's another pack here," Sophia blurted out, turning and running again as a wolf charged past them.

Niall gazed around at the panicked mess of their camp. "Harry, Zayn, get the other betas organised. Louis help me get the omegas and children out of here," he instructed. "Now!" he shouted when the three betas stood staring at him for a moment. Louis gathered a few of the remaining omegas from the camp area and ushered them away, Niall directing the rest after him. He scanned the camp quickly for anyone else, suddenly finding himself face-down on the ground with an aching in his knee.

"What've we got here, then?"

Quickly turning over, Niall found himself being towered over by a man and a wolf. "A-alpha," Niall stammered, backing away from the man and ignoring the pain in his knee. A tiny feeling of relief melted some of his terror when he heard the betas defending their camp.

"You're the alpha's little pet, aren't you?" the man above him sneered. "Where's your master, pet?"

"I'm not a p-pet," Niall replied, attempting to sound strong and failing miserably with a small whimper.

"Of course not," the man babied. He glanced to the wolf beside him. "Get him."

Niall shrieked as the wolf bit roughly into his leg, screaming in a way only an omega could. Tears rushed down his face as he tried to curl up protectively, but the wolf wouldn't let go. "Liam!" he wailed.

"Your alpha can't hear you," the man smirked, coming closer as the wolf beside him dug his teeth deeper into Niall's calf. "It's just us now."

 xXx

Liam was glad he had quickly found and made his kills. He was desperate to get back to Niall, who he knew needed him there. Heat or no heat, his omega was upset.

Just as he had hooked his kills over his shoulders and was about to start back, he heard a scream that he felt shake through his bones. Only one person in the world could scream and affect him like that.

"Liam!"

Before even thinking, Liam was off at a run, shifting mid-step and bolting through the trees. Another horrifying wail of his name rattled through him and he burst into the camp, unleashing a bark that stilled all motion in the area. Every wolf froze, eyes on Liam's furious stance.

Liam's ears picked up the sounds of Niall crying, his eyes meeting those of the man looming over his omega. Shaking his kills off his back, Liam stalked over to the man, who straightened his back proudly.

"So, you're the alpha we all hear so much about?" the man sneered. "How pathetic." He strolled right up to Liam and ducked the tiny bit it took to be at face level with the huge wolf. "All this? This is mine now. I-"

Liam promptly cut the man off by snapping his jaw shut around his neck, making him screech in a very unmanly fashion. Ripping his head back and tearing a chunk from the man's throat, Liam let him collapse to the ground. He spat the hunk of fresh at the still body of the man, then barked loud enough to scare the rest of the rival pack away.

"Liam."

By Niall's side in an instant, Liam quickly shifted back and pulled his sobbing omega into his chest. "Niall, baby." Liam rocked them gently back and forth, stroking the back of Niall's head as the blonde clutched at his back. "Harry!" he barked, the beta immediately beside him. "Fix his leg."

Niall cried out when Harry touched his calf, pressing his face into Liam's throat. "L-Liam, he-"

"Ssh, ssh," Liam hushed gently, running his fingers through Niall's hair. "It's alright, sweetheart, I'm here." He watched Harry clean and wrap Niall's wound tightly, giving the beta the nod to leave. "Where are the other omegas, baby?"

"Th-they… they-re…" Niall took a deep, horribly shaky breath, then swallowed hard. "Th-they're with L-Louis. I th-think. I d-didn't s-see where they w-went…"

Holding Niall close, Liam assured him, "I can see Louis bringing them back now." He waved Louis over. "Lou, can you take Niall to our tent?"

"N-no, Liam, don't-" Niall panicked, grasping at Liam tightly.

"Ssh, love, I just need to check everyone's okay," Liam assured him. "Then I'll come and stay with you for the rest of the day, okay? When I know everyone's here, I'm all yours." He helped Niall up off the ground, gently letting Louis take the omega's weight. "Stay with him 'til I get there," Liam instructed, then waved them on.

Zayn and Josh appeared either side of Liam as he began walking through the camp to inspect the damage. "Everyone's here," Zayn told him, handing Liam a damp towel to wash the blood off his face with. "There's not too much damage done."

"Get that out of here," Liam ordered, nodding to the dead body in the middle of the camp. "Who was that?" he asked, wiping his chin and hands.

"Shahid," Josh replied.

"Don't you have a mate called Shahid?" Liam asked Zayn.

"Not anymore," Zayn answered simply.

"Well, if everyone's accounted for, I need to go look after Niall." When both Zayn and Josh nodded, Liam threw the bloody towel to the side and headed for his tent, quickly ducking inside.

Niall's head snapped up as soon as Liam appeared, reaching for him childishly. "Liam."

"I'm here, love." Sitting beside his omega and lifting him into his lap, Liam told Louis, "You go find your girl."

With a thankful look, Louis hurried out of the tent.

Steadily stroking Niall's back, Liam asked, "How're you feeling, beautiful?"

"Scared," Niall whispered, tucking his head under Liam's chin.

"No need, love," Liam murmured. "He won't be coming back for you."

"But the guy that bit me could."

Liam pressed a kiss to the top of Niall's head. "They won't come here again," he assured the blonde. "I killed their alpha. They know I'm stronger than any of them."

Shaking slightly, Niall mumbled, "At least you're back now."

"In time for your heat," Liam smiled, ducking his head to kiss Niall's lips.

Niall frowned slightly. "My heat should've started by now, shouldn't it?"

Burying his nose in Niall's neck and breathing deeply, Liam commented, "I can't smell it. But…" He sniffed at his omega's neck again. "But I'll tell you what I can smell."

Frowning deeper, Niall asked, "What?"

Liam kissed his way up Niall's neck to his ear, then whispered, "You're pregnant."

"What…?" Niall's eyes widened, meeting Liam's. "I'm… Really?" he breathed.

"Really," Liam chuckled. "I'll bet my life that's what I can smell." Nuzzling Niall's cheek, Liam whispered, "You're having a baby."

"Maybe," Niall giggled, squirming away from Liam's cold nose. "Or my heat's just late."

"You've usually started by now, Nialler," Liam reasoned. "I'd know; I've been riding through your heats for longer than we've been bonded."

Leaning his head on Liam's shoulder, Niall murmured, "I know. I just don't want to be getting my hopes up yet. We'll wait 'til the morning before we agree that's what it is, okay?"

Despite his words, Liam could see the excitement in Niall's eyes. "Alright, babe, we'll wait 'til morning."

 xXx

"C'mon, Liam, please?" Louis practically whined. "We don't have much food left, and Niall's due any time now. You're not gonna want to go hunting for a bit after the baby's born."

Liam heaved a sighed and pushed himself to his feet. "Alright," he conceded. "But only because I want to spend time with Niall."

"And your baby," Louis added cheekily.

A dopey smile spread across Liam's face. "Yeah, and our baby." With a sigh, he told Louis, "I'll just let Nialler know." He headed off towards their tent and slipped inside. "How're you doing, babe?"

Niall, who was sitting cross-legged in the middle of the floor with his arms around his tummy, looked up at Liam with a sleepy smile. "Tired," he replied.

"That's okay, love," Liam murmured, sitting himself beside his omega and wrapping both arms around him. Kissing Niall's temple, he sighed, "I have to go out hunting so we have food for the few days after this one's born." He rubbed his hand over Niall's belly. "Lou's been nagging me."

"Okay," Niall nodded, leaning into the alpha. "I'll wait."

"I can't imagine the baby will," Liam chuckled, bringing one hand up to stroke Niall's hair. "I'll try to be quick, but I'll have to catch a fair few animals to last a few days."

Nodding again, Niall assured him, "You take your time. Don't stress yourself." He pressed a tiny kiss to Liam's collarbone. "Go on, the sooner you go, the sooner you're back, yeah?"

"Yeah." Squeezing his arms around his omega, Liam pulled away. "I'll see you later, babe," he whispered, pressing one last kiss to Niall's lips before standing up and heading out of the tent.

Niall sighed and stretched his neck, carefully climbing to his feet and shuffling out into the camp. He gave Ariana a slight wave when she grinned up at him from her place by the fire, a tiny swaddled baby in her arms. "Morning, Ari."

"Hey, Ni!" Ariana waved him over and gestured for him to sit beside her. "Where's Liam?" she asked, helping him down.

"Hunting," Niall replied, grunting slightly as he finally sat on the bench beside Ariana. "I'm due anytime now, so he's off getting food so he can spend as much time with me and our baby as possible." He winced and rubbed his tummy soothingly. "Calm down, bub," he half-laughed.

"But if you're due anytime now… what happens if-?"

"Ow," Niall hissed, a hand flying to his back. "What was that?"

Sitting on Ariana's other side, Harry pecked his omega's cheek. With a small frown, he sniffed the air. "Uh, Niall…?"

Niall shook his head. "No, no, please don't say what I think you're about to say."

"But… I think you are," Harry told him regretfully.

Still shaking his head, Niall muttered, "No, no, no, no, he's not here…"

Sharing a look with Ariana, Harry stood and held his hands out for Niall. "C'mon, Ni, let's get you to your tent."

"No, it's… not yet, it can't-"

"Niall, c'mon," Ariana insisted.

With a pitiful look, Niall took Harry's hands.

 xXx

Liam felt oddly refreshed as he returned from his hunt. He left his haul in its usual place before noticing his pack giving him odd looks. "Everyone alright?" Liam asked as he wiped his hands clean on a towel.

"You might want to check your omega," Louis suggested, nodding in the direction of their tent.

A deep frown creased Liam's forehead as he made his way over to his tent and let himself in. The frown melted, however, when he stepped inside to find Niall cradling a tiny bundle to his chest. "Nialler?"

Niall lifted his head, eyes tired and a sleepy smile on his face. "Li."

Sitting himself down beside Niall, Liam wrapped an arm around his middle. "Are you okay?" he asked, stroking Niall's hair with his free hand.

"I'm alright," Niall hummed, leaning his head against Liam's shoulder. He carefully moved the blanket aside to show his alpha the suckling baby. "Ari and Haz helped me. Ari said he's gorgeous." After a short silence, Niall whispered, "You weren't here."

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," Liam mumbled, burying his face in Niall's hair. "I was so busy looking after the pack I missed out on looking after you."

"S'alright." Nuzzling into Liam's collarbone, Niall whispered, "You've got lots of stuff to do. But-" he interrupted himself with a yawn, "you've got a baby now."

"We," Liam corrected, kissing the top of Niall's head. "We've got a baby."

Giggling a little, Niall nodded his head. "We're parents."

"Yeah." Gently stroking their baby's cheek, Liam commented, "We need a name. I mean, if you haven't…"

"Of course I didn't," Niall laughed tiredly. "I didn't have any control over when the baby came, but I wasn't gonna name him without his daddy here."

"What do you reckon, then?" Liam asked, gently knocking his forehead against Niall's temple.

After a moment's thought, Niall suggested, "Edward?"

Liam smiled and kissed the side of Niall's head. "Sounds perfect."

[directionerplusgleek]

Don’t Let It Go

Part 2

"So, Niall, what seems to be the problem?" asked Dr Cole, giving Niall a comforting smile.

"Um, well…" Niall glanced to Liam beside him before back to his doctor. "I'm not sure."

Dr Cole leaned his arms on his desk, hands clasped. "What made you come here today?"

"I… I've been throwing up," Niall explained slowly. "But not for any good reason, or not one I can see."

Dr Cole nodded. "When did this start?"

"Just yesterday at work."

"Alright." Dr Cole wrote something down on a pad of paper. "How many times now?"

"Just twice, but…" Niall bit his lip, taking little comfort in the nervous squeeze Liam gave his hand. "But I was fine. I was fine until about ten minutes beforehand, then my stomach started feeling gross and my mate Louis said I looked pale. Next I know, I'm bent over the loo throwing up."

Humming with a nod, Dr Cole asked, "How did you feel after that?"

"That's just it," Niall sighed. "I felt fine again. And to start, I thought it must've been something I ate, but I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast and it was just before half twelve. And then it happened again this morning, before I'd even had the chance to eat anything."

"Well," Dr Cole began, "do you want to know what this sounds like to me, Niall?"

Swallowing, Niall nodded his head.

Cracking a smile, Dr Cole told him, "It sounds like morning sickness."

Niall scrunched his face up. "What?"

"It wouldn't be," Dr Cole continued. "You're a man, it's not morning sickness. But that's what it sounds like."

"Well… what is it, then?" Niall asked.

"I don't know, yet." Setting his pen down, Dr Cole thought for a moment. "If you were a woman, I'd be taking a blood sample and sending you downstairs for an ultrasound." Shrugging one shoulder, he supposed, "I can't see either doing any harm. But I'd like to ask you a few questions and take a few other samples first."

"Okay," Niall nodded.

"Alright. Have you made any change in your diet recently?"

Niall shook his head.

"No change in schedule?"

Shaking his head again, Niall explained, "The last major change was me and Li moving into a place together, but that was four months ago."

Dr Cole hummed in thought. "You haven't been ill recently?"

"Not that I can think of," Niall answered with yet another shake of his head.

"Alright… When was the last time you had sex?"

"Uh…" Niall glanced to Liam, who had turned bright red. "Day before yesterday. Why?"

"I'm just covering all bases," Dr Cole explained. "There's not need to be embarrassed about it, it's perfectly normal," he assured Liam. "Are the two of you regularly sexually active?"

"Well, yeah," Niall shrugged.

"Have you had any other sexual partners in the past six months?"

Niall snorted. "No. This one's insatiable as it is, what would I want someone else for?" he chuckled.

"Niall," Liam complained, sending him an embarrassed glare.

"Anyway," Dr Cole continued, hiding his amusement well. "There's been no other symptoms? Aching, dizziness, moodiness, diarrhoea, pain when urinating, itching, fatigue…?"

"Um…" Niall frowned as he thought. "Well, I've had a few headaches, but I figured they were because I don't drink enough during the day. Uh… and I s'pose I've been a bit more tired."

"He's been a bit emotional," Liam piped up, his cheeks having returned to their regular colour. "Remember, you burst into tears yesterday."

Niall hummed. "Liam'd cooked dinner for me and I got all teary."

Dr Cole nodded and added to his notes. "Well, I'd like to take a few samples, if I could?"

"Go ahead," Niall shrugged.

"Could you fill this up for me?" Dr Cole asked, handing Niall a small jar. "There's a room just to the side."

"Okay." Niall took the jar and disappeared into the other room.

"Have you noticed anything else?" Dr Cole asked Liam once Niall was gone.

Shaking his head, Liam sighed, "Not really. He's been a bit clingy, I guess. Well, we both have, but I nag him every Friday to stay home, and whether he knows it or not, he actually nearly gave in yesterday. And that's weird. He's really stubborn, especially about work, but he just… wasn't yesterday."

Dr Cole added Liam's comment to his notes. "I have to tell you, none of what either of you has told me has done anything to discount my morning sickness theory."

Liam blew out a laugh, thanking whoever was up there that Niall's doctor had a sense of humour.

Niall soon returned and handed the jar to his doctor. "What now?" he asked, sitting back down.

"Well, how do you feel about needles?" Dr Cole asked carefully.

Gritting his teeth, Niall replied, "As long as it's completely necessary."

"I'll be quick, then," Dr Cole assured him, finding the equipment he needed. "I just need to take a blood sample."

Niall extended his arm for the doctor, squeezing his eyes shut and holding his breath. He gripped Liam's hand tightly, only relaxing when Dr Cole patted his shoulder.

"All done," the doctor told him, organising the sample at his desk.

Swallowing hard, Niall nodded and opened his eyes. "Sorry. Had to have a blood test when I was little. The nurse couldn't find the vein."

Dr Cole gave him an apologetic look. "Well, lads, there's not much else I can do until we have your test results, Niall. Until then, make sure you drink plenty of water. It's better you throw up water rather than bile."

"Okay, thank you." Niall and Liam stood and left the surgery.

 xXx

"So, basically he said there's nothing wrong with you?" Louis asked on Monday morning.

"No, he just doesn't know what," Niall sighed. "And there is something wrong. I threw up again yesterday, and just before I left for work today."

Louis frowned, shaking his head. "It's just weird."

"I know. But Liam's getting really worried about me." Niall leaned his elbow against his desk and head in his hand, facing Louis with a sad smile. "I just hope it's not something too serious."

"Well, what'd he suggest?" Louis asked, swinging back and forth a bit on his office chair.

"Drinking lots of water." Niall glanced to the water bottle on his desk, sighing heavily before taking a deep drink. "Dunno if I can keep it up though," he muttered. "Water's boring as fuck."

Louis laughed and nodded in agreement. "But your little darling's been worrying?"

After shooting Louis a slight glare, Niall replied, "Yeah, he has. He was really upset this morning, watching me heaving over the toilet for the third morning in a row."

"Fair enough," Louis sighed. "It was scary enough just watching you do it once."

"Mm… I think Liam gets the short end of the stick in all this."

Louis' eyebrows shot up. "Uh, isn't it you that has to go through this?"

"Yeah, but… I get warning when it's about to happen, and I know I'm gonna feel fine after. Liam has to watch and I can see he's terrified every time it happens. And that boy means a lot to me, no matter what you think," Niall told his friend with a warning look. "It's so hard on him, knowing there's something wrong and there's nothing he can do about it."

"I guess…" Louis nodded. "But-"

Niall's phone started ringing, cutting Louis off. "Gimme a sec," he muttered to his friend, quickly answering his mobile. "Hello?"

"Morning, Niall, it's Dr Cole, here."

"Hi."

"I've got your results back."

Niall's eyes widened. "That was quick."

"Well, I insisted they happen quickly," Dr Cole explained. "I was hoping you would be able to come in today so we could talk."

"Oh, um…" Niall chewed his lip, glancing to Louis, then the clock. "Well, I'm at work…"

"This can wait until after," Dr Cole assured him. "It's not life or death. I just wanted to organise a time as soon as possible."

"Okay, well… I finish at three, so is three thirty okay?"

"That sounds fine to me."

"Okay, I'll see you then."

"See you later, Niall," Dr Cole farewelled.

"Yeah, bye." Niall hung up and slipped his phone back into his pocket.

"Who was that?" Louis asked, although the look on his face told Niall that he already had an inkling.

Giving his friend a weak smile, Niall told him, "That was my doctor. Says my results are back."

"You're off to see him later?"

Niall nodded. He blew out a long breath. "Three thirty. Gives me time to pick Liam up before going over there."

Nodding, Louis asked, "Shouldn't you tell Liam…?"

"No way," Niall half-laughed, shaking his head. "He'd worry all day and get nothing done in his classes." Sighing, he turned to his computer screen. "Now, I've gotta get this edited before tomorrow."

 xXx

As Niall pulled up outside the university, he had to smile at Liam's greeting grin. "Hey, you."

"Hi." Liam leaned over and kissed him before buckling himself in. "How're you feeling?"

Niall shrugged one shoulder as he started the car and pulled out onto the road. "Nothing unusual. But I've got an appointment with Dr Cole in ten minutes, so…"

"What?" Liam asked, eyes popping wide open.

"Yeah, my results are back."

At a loss for words, Liam spluttered, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I knew you'd react like that and not pay any attention to your classes," Niall replied with a small, fond smile.

"Niall, this is serious."

Reaching over and grasping Liam's hand, Niall assured him, "Dr Cole says it's not life or death. He just wants to talk."

Liam sighed heavily, rubbing his eyes with the hand Niall wasn't holding. "I've been worrying about you all day, Ni, it wouldn't've mattered either way."

"You would've been worse, Liam, let's face it," Niall chuckled.

Once they pulled up at the doctors' surgery, the couple were quick to head inside and up to Dr Cole's office.

"Afternoon," Dr Cole greeted as the two entered his room, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk. "Take a seat, lads."

Sitting down, Niall and Liam shared a glance before turning their attention to the doctor. "So?" Niall asked.

"Well, before I confirm anything, I want to ask you a few more questions, then do an ultrasound." Folding his hands on his desk, Dr Cole explained, "I know this might be embarrassing to answer, but which one of you is generally the more dominant one when the two of you are having sex?"

"Jesus Christ," Liam muttered, his cheeks flaming red.

"Liam tops, if that's what you're asking," Niall answered, smiling a little at his blushing boyfriend.

Dr Cole nodded. "Niall, do you know of any relatives in homosexual relationships?"

Shaking his head, Niall half-laughed, "I was hard pressed to get my family to accept me and Liam."

"Okay." Taking a note, Dr Cole continued, "Is there a history of genetic abnormalities in your family?"

"Not that I know of…"

"Hmm…" Dr Cole stood from his seat. "Come with me, lads, and we'll do this ultrasound."

"Okay…" Niall stood up, holding his hand out for Liam. The brunette grasped his hand tightly, only then following Dr Cole out into the corridor and down the stairs to another room.

"Lie down on this bed for me, please, Niall," Dr Cole instructed, waving over the attending nurse. "This is Christine, one of our nurses," he explained. As the nurse organised the machinery, the doctor asked, "Have you ever had an ultrasound before, Niall?"

Niall shook his head, watching Liam take a seat beside the bed.

"Well, nice and easy, you lift your top up, then we use this gel," Dr Cole held up a tube of translucent blue gel, "to make it easy to slide the wand," he pointed to what the nurse was holding. "Is that okay?"

"Yeah, fine," Niall nodded. He watched the doctor uncap the gel. "Um… this isn't for, like, a… a cancer or anything, is it?"

Dr Cole gave him a reassuring smile. "No. I didn't find anything that would suggest a cancer in my tests." Standing beside the bed, he warned Niall, "As cliché as this may sound, this will be cold."

Managing a short half-laugh, Niall nodded his head, flinching as the cold gel made contact with his stomach.

"Now, normally Christine would do this all rather than me, but I'm intrigued." Dr Cole accepted the wand that Christine offered him, then pressed it against Niall's tummy. "Right, let's see."

Christine adjusted a few dials as Dr Cole moved the wand around Niall's stomach. "Nothing looks abnormal," Christine commented.

Looking up at Liam, Niall gave him a look that asked, 'What's going on?'

Liam's returning look of, 'No idea,' didn't bring much comfort.

"There, see." Dr Cole pointed out a blurry dot on the screen to the nurse. "Can you make it clearer?"

After doing as she was asked, Christine sat back from the monitor. "Well…" She glanced to Dr Cole, who almost looked proud of himself. "But-"

"We won't argue about the 'how's and 'why's," Dr Cole cut in. "I think these two gentlemen need an explanation first, don't you?"

Christine went about printing the image, muttering something that sounded like, "Modern science needs an explanation."

"What's going on?" Niall asked eventually, the nervousness in his stomach becoming unbearable.

"Well, Niall," Dr Cole began, angling the screen so Niall could see it, "you see this here?" He pointed to the unidentified dot.

"Yeah…?"

Dr Cole looked between the two, resting his free hand on Niall's upper arm. "That, lads, is a baby."

Niall's head whipped around, eyes wide open. "What?"

"You're pregnant, Niall," Dr Cole explained gently. "About seven weeks."

Mouth opening slowly, Niall turned his head to stare at the monitor. "That's a baby…" he whispered.

Dr Cole patted his arm, accepting the sonogram Christine handed him. "Here you go," he smiled, handing the sonogram to Niall and turning off the machine. "We'll give you two a moment." He gestured for Christine to follow him, the two of them leaving the room and closing the door behind them.

After a few minutes of stunned silence, Niall finally whispered, "Oh my god…" He glanced to Liam, who was staring at the sonogram in disbelief. "Liam?"

"Mum's gonna kill me," Liam breathed out.

With a short half-laugh, Niall grabbed one of Liam's hands in his own, turning his attention back to the sonogram. "That's a baby. A real baby…" Squeezing Liam's hand, Niall chuckled, "It is morning sickness." He glanced back to Liam, who was hardly moving. "Liam, are you okay?"

Liam's eyes flicked to Niall's face. "Aren't you scared?" he asked in a hushed voice.

"Well…" Looking between the sonogram and Liam, Niall shrugged, "A bit? But this is a baby, Liam. I'm excited." Squeezing Liam's hand again, Niall grinned, "We're having a baby."

The door opened quietly, Dr Cole and Christine re-entering the room. "We all good?" Christine asked kindly with the air of someone who had dealt with this many times before.

Kissing the back of Liam's hand, Niall confirmed, "We're good." He sat himself up, thanking Dr Cole quietly when he handed him some paper towel to wipe away the gel on his stomach.

"Well, congratulations," Christine smiled as Niall slid off the bed to stand on his feet.

"Thank you," Niall laughed breathlessly, covering his tummy with one hand.

"Here." Christine slipped the sonogram into a large envelope, passing it to Niall.

"I'll call in a few weeks to organise another appointment, Niall," Dr Cole told him, earning a nod of understanding.

"Let's go, Li," Niall murmured, lightly tugging on Liam's hand. "C'mon."

Liam stood slowly and followed Niall out of the room. He stayed silent the whole way home, heading straight to the kitchen as soon as they reached their flat.

"Liam?" Carefully setting the sonogram down on the coffee table, Niall went after his boyfriend. He found Liam leaning back against the kitchen bench, arms wrapped around his middle and head down. "Liam, are you okay?"

Lifting his head a little, Liam sniffed and shook his head.

"Li…" Niall headed over to the brunette and wrapped him in a hug.

"'M sorry," Liam breathed out, squeezing Niall tightly.

"What for?" Niall asked. He kissed the side of Liam's head, rubbing his back soothingly.

Liam shook his head. "I'm just sorry."

"Hey…" Niall held Liam's face in both hands and looked into his eyes. "Don't apologise for this. We're having a baby, Liam, our own little miracle. And it is a bloody miracle, 'cause last I checked, men didn't get pregnant," he half-laughed.

"But I'm still at school," Liam sniffled. "And you've got you job, and-"

"Liam, I can take leave from work," Niall assured him. "I'm pretty sure they'd be fine with giving me the time off. As for school, you finish your degree in July, don't you?" When Liam nodded, Niall murmured, "July's only four months away. It's okay, really."

"But…" Liam blew out a breath, wiping his eyes. "I'm scared," he whispered.

"Scared of what, babe?"

"We… We're gonna have a baby. In seven months' time, we're gonna have a little human to look after who needs us more than anyone or anything in the whole world and that's terrifying, Niall."

Resting his head on Liam's shoulder with a sigh, Niall hummed, "You're scared you're gonna do something wrong, aren't you?"

"Aren't you?" Liam asked, a slight note of panic in his voice.

"Well, yeah, but we've got seven months to get our heads 'round this." Kissing Liam's neck, Niall assured him, "No one does this perfectly. Especially not on their first try. You don't have to worry about that sort of thing, love, you're not superman."

Liam blew out a long, steadying breath, closing his eyes to take in the moment. "How did we even manage this?" he laughed weakly.

"Well, every time you were horny enough, we-"

"Niall!" Liam exclaimed, making Niall laugh and squeeze him tightly. "That's not what I meant."

"No, I know," Niall chuckled. He lifted his head and kissed Liam squarely on the mouth. "I'm not sure how it worked, love, but it has. You saw that nurse, she was as confused as us."

"Dr Cole, on the other hand, looked fucking thrilled," Liam muttered.

Shrugging one shoulder, Niall supposed, "He's a doctor that's just discovered something new."

"Your stomach? Nothing new to me, Ni."

Niall smiled at Liam's slightly teasing tone, a clear indication he was feeling at least a bit better. "Come on, dinner time. I'm starving."

"It's only five o'clock," Liam laughed.

"So?"

Sticking with rolling his eyes, Liam nodded his head.

[directionerplusgleek]

Mistakes

Niall is less than pleased when he finds out Liam has broken his arm from a drunken fall.

 xXx

"Still can't believe you did that," Niall muttered as he stalked through his hotel room door, Liam close behind him.

"Ni, I've said I'm sorry," Liam sighed, running the hand of his good arm through his hair. "What else can I do?"

Niall sent him a glare. "The doctor said no drinking."

"It was gonna be the last time," Liam insisted. "I promise you, no more drinking from now on." He raised his hand in an 'I swear' signal.

"You shouldn't've been drinking at all," Niall stressed, turning away from Liam and gripping his hair. He took several deep breaths, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Ni, what can I do now?" Liam asked helplessly. "I can't just unbreak my arm."

"That's not what this is about, Liam Payne, and you know it."

"But what can I do?"

"Sit down," Niall snapped, spinning around and pointing at the bed.

Liam frowned. "What-?"

"Just sit the fuck down!"

Taking a step back, Liam nodded slightly and did as he was told, keeping the pressure off his broken arm. "Now what?" he asked carefully.

"Now you…" Niall huffed out a sigh and rubbed his eyes. "Now you stay there and let me look after you," he said softly, heading to the kitchenette.

"But I don't need-"

"Don't argue with me," Niall cut him off.

Liam gave a sigh of resignation and shuffled to lean against the headboard. "I'm sorry."

Niall said nothing, bringing a mug and two painkillers over to Liam. "Take those."

Popping the pills in his mouth, Liam let Niall assist him in drinking a mouthful of the mug's contents. "Warm milk?" he asked after swallowing.

"It'll help you sleep," Niall replied. He let Liam take the mug, then headed over to the cupboard that held extra blankets.

"Nialler, what are you doing?" Liam asked as he watched Niall carry two blankets over to the couch.

"Making a bed." Niall grabbed one of the pillows from the bed and tossed it at the couch, then took the empty mug from Liam. Setting the mug aside, he then helped Liam to lay down, pulling the bedcovers up over him. "Get some sleep," he whispered, kissing Liam's forehead and heading over to turn off the main light.

"Why are you sleeping over there?" Liam almost whined, eyes sad.

Niall paused and looked over his shoulder at the brunette in the bed. "Because I still haven't forgiven you yet." He flicked the light switch and shuffled over to the couch, wrapping himself up in the blankets and burying his face in his pillow.

After a long silence, Liam whispered into the darkness, "I love you."

Niall just rolled over and tried to sleep.

 xXx

Liam woke the next morning with pain in his right arm, a soft groan leaving his lips.

"You awake, Li?"

Blinking his eyes open and rubbing at them with his good arm, Liam saw Niall standing in the kitchenette, leaning against the counter. "Yeah," he croaked.

"Need more painkillers?"

"Yeah."

Bringing two painkillers over, Niall helped the brunette sit up again and swallow them with a cup of tea.

"Thank you," Liam whispered. Just before Niall could move away, Liam grabbed his arm. "Ni…"

When Liam didn't finish, Niall shook his hand off and returned to the kitchenette, grabbing his own mug of tea and swallowing a mouthful. A knock on the door broke their silence, making Niall move from leaning against the counter again to answer it. "Thank you," he muttered at politely as possible, taking the tray the hotel staff member was holding and closing the door again. He took the tray over to the bed and sat it on Liam's lap. "Breakfast," he mumbled, grabbing a piece of buttered toast and retreating to the kitchenette.

Liam stared at the various fried foodstuffs on the plate, then looked up at Niall. The blonde had his eyes on the floor, taking small bites from his toast. "Niall?" No response. "Niall, baby, come here. Please?" Niall lifted his eyes and Liam patted the space on the bed beside him.

Wordlessly, Niall made his way around the bed and sat beside Liam, leaving a good foot of space between them.

"Niall." Liam cupped Niall's cheek, gently stroking his skin with his thumb. "Sweetheart, please, I'm sorry. I know you're upset, but you know what Andy's like when he's got an idea in his head. He just-"

"Don't, Liam," Niall whispered, eyes down. "Excuses just make it worse."

Liam moved the tray of food and scooted a little closer to the blonde. "Niall, I can't undo it. I would if I could, babe, but…" He sighed, rubbing his thumb over Niall's jaw. "Babe, I love you. Please, how do I make this right?"

"You can't."

"What can I do to stop you looking at me so disappointed?" Liam asked desperately.

"You know why you can't drink," Niall said softly.

"I know, babe."

"Then tell me why you did. Honestly."

Liam sighed, stroking Niall's cheek. "It was Andy's last night out with us before he goes home. I promised myself that it would be the last time I touch alcohol but I didn't mean to get drunk. It was only meant to be one drink, Niall, I swear. But that one drink got me kinda tipsy and… I wasn't sober enough to stick to my resolve."

"And you weren't gonna tell me?" Niall more stated than asked. "You only called me because you were in hospital."

"I was gonna tell you about the one drink. But after that, I hadn't had the time to even think about what I was going to tell you. Then I fell, and…" Shrugging awkwardly, Liam mumbled, "You know what happened."

Niall was silent for a long while before he spoke again. "There's two things I'm mad at you for," he began, still quiet. "First for getting drunk. But second because of that fall." Covering Liam's tummy with one hand, Niall whispered, "You could… could…" Sniffling, he hiccupped, "You're so stupid!"

"I know," Liam sighed quietly, pulling Niall's head in to his chest. "I know, I'm sorry."

Niall's hand slowly rubbed circles on Liam's tummy. "I know this was a mistake," he said softly, "but if you keep making mistakes, we won't have this anymore."

"I like this mistake," Liam murmured, covering Niall's hand with his own.

"Then look after it." Niall cuddled closer, pressing his face into Liam's neck. "Look after that tiny person inside you, Liam. No more drinking. No more throwing yourself around." Gently kissing Liam's birthmark, Niall whispered, "You're not even showing yet. Please look after our baby."

Liam wrapped both arms around Niall, careful of his broken one, and hugged the blonde tightly. "I love you," he mumbled into Niall's hair, where he had buried his face.

"I love you, too," Niall whispered. He blew out a long breath, just gently rubbing Liam's tummy with his thumb.

The door to their room opened, Louis, Zayn, and Harry all piling in and sitting themselves on the end of the bed. "You're bloody lucky you're still alive, Payne," Louis told him.

"Nialler was a bit crabby when he left," Harry agreed.

Liam sighed, kissing the top of Niall's head. "Yeah, I know."

"I always thought Liam topped," Zayn observed, nodding to the couple's hands on Liam's belly.

Louis shook his head for a moment. "That was completely unrelated."

"Not really," Zayn shrugged. "But I didn't think Nialler would be the dominating type. Not with Liam, at least."

"I'm not, normally," Niall mumbled.

"You tried it out and got Liam pregnant?" Harry half-laughed. "Oops."

"It was a mistake," Liam shrugged, stroking Niall's hair. "A good mistake."

Niall sent Liam a small smile, nuzzling his face into Liam's neck. "A good mistake." He kissed Liam's jaw, then reached around him to grab the tray of food. "Eat something," he instructed.

"I'm not-"

"Eat," Niall repeated sternly.

Liam just sighed and did as he was told. "You don't actually have to look after me, y'know."

"Well tough, I'm going to," Niall replied stubbornly.

"Li, I'd just wear it if I was you," Harry suggested. "He's not nna give up."

Liam rolled his eyes. "Alright."

"Good." Niall settled his head on Liam's shoulder. "And don't think I'm gonna stop when you get that cast off."

"You've got another nine months of this, Li," Louis snickered.

"Seven," Liam corrected, sharing a smile with his boyfriend. "I think I can cope with that."

[askliamjamespayne]

Maura took Syd to get her ears pierced 🙈 she looks adorable