My Rules (Nuke)

Part 8: He wont need it

"I never meant to start a war, I just wanted you to let me in"-Miley Cyrus

***

The gym was a quaint place twenty minutes or so away from the nursery. It was a small self-owned place and Liam knew the girl very well. So much so that he had been trying to set Niall up with her for the past two weeks. Niall was all for supporting self-run businesses, but not in that way. Due to the recent developments though, Liam's plan may have been in a slight car crash in which that car was completely totalled.

"So let's get this straight, after all this time Luke still wants you. Or he says he does" Liam was sat on the bench after doing 15 or so reps on the leg press. While Niall was working on upper body strength due to his knee injury which had been bothering him all day. "To be honest Liam there is nothing straight about it" A huff erupted from the boy in a weak attempt to cover up his hurt with humour. Failing miserably due to the bitter tone of his words.

"I'm proud of you for standing your ground Niall, I know that must've been difficult for you" A sigh left the boys lips as he placed the heavy weight on the mat which was under his feet. His body ached from the workout and the emotions. He worked himself too hard in both ways and he was staring to feel it.

"I had so much to say to him. So many arguments and confrontations planned out in my head." Liam slowly walked closer to the boy, giving him his full attention. Which is what made Liam the best listener in the group.  His hand was on the boys knee, spreading comfort throughout his body "When he was stood right in front of me and I had every opportunity. What did I say? I said nothing, well nothing of use"

"Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing, let him know that he's not worth your time or breath." Liam has been though enough heartbreaks to give Niall the advice he needed. They were similar in the way that they were too nice, the nice people always end up getting hurt. "Shouting at him will only show how much you still care, and he'll hold onto that"
Niall wasn't willing to stoop down to Luke's level, even if it meant not hurting the boy back and giving him what he truly deserves. Niall wasn't that type of person, or he tried not to be.

"You're right, as per usual" The heavy weight was in the boys hands once again, as he moved it in the rhythm of the song playing through the speakers. The music at the gym was awful in the boys opinion, but most of his stuff was too slow. He needed to be energised, not put too sleep, plus due to being rushed he forgot his headphones so he didn't even have a choice today.

"Don't look, but I'm pretty sure that's one of Luke's band mates over there" Ignoring Liams wise words Niall's head snapped towards the direction his best friend was looking at. Niall recognised the lad, but not enough to connect him to Luke. Not until the boy looked right back at him with the same expression Niall was sporting.

"Shit, he saw me" The boy said as he swivelled  back to his friend who was trying to act casual but instead tripped over the busted, grey mat. "Smooth Liam, real smooth- shut up man, and I told you not to look" Niall's face was now a blank slate, with a deadpanned eyes. "If you tell me not to look, I'm going to be curious and look. It's natural instincts."

"No you're just nosy"

"Shut up, it's true, but shut up"

Throughout the boys gym process, quick glances were shot across the room between the unknown but familiar boy and the two best friends. Niall due to his recent frustration was doing very well, but pushing himself too hard in his best friends opinion.

His glove clad fist flew into the dense bag hanging in the middle of the room, making a loud smacking noise due to the force the boy was putting into it. "Careful Anthony Joshua you're going to hurt yourself" Niall was brought back to reality when Liams hand landed on his back.

"Sorry, got a little lost in my head" The bag kept swinging as Niall stood next to it admiring the indent he was able to make. "You've got a lot of anger to get out, I get it. Your technique could use some work though"
Liam chuckled as he passed the boy a drink which Liam had brought for him. He really was the dad of the group.

"I think a lot of things in my life could use a little bit of work, I just don't have the time" The towel which was now laying loosely on Niall's shoulder after removing the dripping sweat from his face and hairline as he tried to fix his breathing.

Liam offered his hand to the boy, pulling him up and closer to the bag. "Are you going to romantically wrap your arms around me" Niall joked as he saw Liam prepping the bag. Ignoring the boys words Liam did a few example punches as Niall watched intently. All he had to do was adjust his hand positioning and his body positioning. The boy didn't want to brag but by the end of the session he felt like he had gotten the hang of the whole boxing thing. His punches were not only more powerful but more accurate.

Liam was proud of the boys boxing skills, but he kept catching Ashton in the corner of his eye. As They we're leaving, Niall already out of the room, Liam turned to the boy who was just as muscular as him. "I don't want Luke near Niall unless it's to give him closure, and once he does he better leave. For good, and forever" The two stared each other down. Ashton wrapping up the skipping rope he was once using.

"Sadly, that is neither mine or your choice to make. Luke is going to fix his mistakes, and he won't let Niall slip through his fingers again" The rope was gently placed on the bench next two the two boys, neither taking there eyes off each other. The tension was thick in the air, and Liam felt his breath deepen as the boy across from him wasn't backing down.

"I'd say good luck, but he doesn't deserve it"

"He won't need it"