Cherry Buns

Oh snowflake

It had been a long, long day for all of them..
Jam-packed from the moment the sun rose, they hadn't even had a proper break at lunch. It wasn't always like this.. Not always this busy.. But these last few weeks had really gotten away from them. They're schedules had been filled out to the brim, with interviews, rehearsals, photo shoots and press conferences taking up each and every hour from 8am to 6pm most days. They knew this was to be expected.. They were due to commence tour next week, and the lead up to these things were always massive. So they adopted the 'heads down, bums up' mentality and tried their best to get on with it.. And most of the time, they did; working hard with short breaks and pushing on through their exhaustion.. But every now and then, a crack in the seam would appear.. And really.. You couldn't blame them.. They were human after all.

More often than not, it would be Nialler who took a dive under the pressure. A few too many late nights, a few too many skimpy meals and a great deal less attention from the boys than he was used to receiving. Of course, someone would always be there to make sure he'd eaten, was comfortable and happy enough, but things were always so rushed during these times.. Nothing more than a quick pat on the back or a kiss on the head from one of his friends before they would be rushing off again; either to do another interview, to take another phone call, to talk to another professional or to snatch in some sleep. Niall was almost always left in the shade a little.. Just one step behind the others at all times.. Never really knowing what needed to be done next, but just hoping someone would guide him. And yes, he was grateful for the others.. For the ones who were naturally better at leading and directing.. But sometimes, all Niall needed was a cuddle.. A chat, a laugh, and a good old fashioned cuddle.

Across the way Niall watched as Liam spoke to someone on their team in a quiet toned conversation. It definitely wasn't unusual to see Liam deeply engaging in the organisation side of things.. He often consoled and met with people who Niall didn't even know were staff in the first place. It was all in good nature - this was Liam's fortè.. He liked having a bit of control, a bit of a say in how things were going to run.. And he did a good job of keeping it smooth. Niall was grateful for his older brother.. He didn't think he'd even be alive if it wasn't for Liam & all the times he'd saved him from getting mobbed, having a panic attack, getting plastered blind drunk or spending all his money on too many vintage guitars. Liam was responsible and mature and wise.. And Niall liked to listen to him.. Well, most of the time he did.

As his thoughts bunched themselves in knots and his stomach grumbled with hunger pangs, Niall found himself ambling across the large spacious studio towards where Liam was still chatting away to someone. His older friend sounded happy enough, chuckling a little bit at their conversation as Niall approached. He came to Liam's side and his older friend acknowledged him by opening his arm, reaching a hand out to run over Nialls back, not once letting his eyes break from the man he talked to in front of them. Niall was tired and hungry and he just wanted Liam to know that, so maybe he'd bloody hurry up and finish rattling on about things that weren't even that important.

Niall let his hands grab at one of Liam's arm, gently tugging down on it, hoping he could gather some of his friends attention.. Though Liam just kept talking, shrugging Niall off and running a quick hand through his blonde hair, maybe to let him know he was almost done? Yes, it was almost time to leave? Was that what that meant?

"Liamm.. Liii.." Niall moaned, reaching out again to grasp at Liam's arm, this time tugging almost with a little bounce of his own body, completely and utterly falling into the ridiculous antics of a five year old.. But he just couldn't help it.. He was so, so done.

"Shoosh!.." Liam hushed him, flicking Niall a quick glance from the corner of his eye before continuing on with his conversation.