Chapter 9: Putting it all back together

A/N: I was thinking of ending the story in this chapter, but then I had a revelation.

Niall is in BOLD; Liam is Italicized.

He had come so close to losing him, again. He couldn't bare it anymore. Liam was convinced that the time they had spent together were the most amazing moments in his life, but to be so close to losing the one you love was devastating.

That was when Liam made the decision. Through all the darkness shrouding his life. Their Lives.

Before Visiting Niall in the ER, he had made a stop.

"How much is this one?"

"Well depends on who you're getting it for. Family member, friend; maybe even a girlfriend?"

" Boyfriend. He's not doing so well right now and I just want him to know that i'll be there for him as long as I can."

"Well, Mr. Payne im sure we can work out something, how about instead of $1200, $700 would be a better fit. For your lover of course."

"Thank you Mr Styles, I'll be glad to take that offer."

"Call me Harry, right this way i'll show you to the register!"

The boy was ecstatic, surely Niall would love the promise ring he'd bought for him.

He had no doubt in his mind, but when was he going to give it to him?

After he's released from the ER? After the trial?

Then as clear as day, It hit him before entering Niall's room.

"Good Morning beautiful, you doing alright?"

Niall gave Liam a peck on the cheek. It wasn't much but in Niall's current condition it was enough.

"Doctor says I'm doing better, but they won't release me from this hellhole for another few days. Then we have the trial coming up and i'm just so nervous; I don't know what to-"

Suddenly the blonde was pulled into a deep embrace. They sat there for awhile, in each other's arms. Smelling the familiar scent that drove them head over heels. Taking in every moment that they could together.

"It'll be alright. We'll make sure he'll go away for a long time"

He rubbed the still visible bruises on his body.

The trial was only three days away and it had them on edge.

Niall's face turned a bright red as Liam rubbed his fingers on the bruises.

Truth was he was ashamed that he couldn't defend himself. Though seeing the man he once called a father, who once was a role model to him; just disappear from his life was going to suck major balls. Even if his father didn't approve of him, without Declan bringing him into the world he wouldn't have met the greatest boy on earth.

He was grateful for all the time he'd got to spend with him, but he'd especially missed the late night cuddles he'd sneak in. He wasn't allowed to share a bed with Liam, hospital rules. Something along the lines of "disease control" and "harming the patient further" he didn't pay attention the last time he was told this.

Niall's doctor had walked in sharing a strained smile at both of them.

" Excuse me Mr Payne, would you please excuse us for a minute i'd like to have a word with the patient."

He nodded and stepped out of the room exchanging winks with Niall.

"Niall, I'm sure you know about your existing condition. Your lungs are failing and you don't have much time left. Luckily we found a donor willing to give up one of their healthy lungs to save a life."

" Well thats great news and all, but is this person sure about this? What if my body rejects the transplant? The person may very well be stuck with one lung and gave one up for nothing. I don't think I'd be able to that to anyone. Not after what I've been through doc."

" I can't make any decisions for you, but you're giving up more than this person is losing. What would Liam say about this? Did you tell him?"

"Haven't gotten around to doing it yet."

He frowned. What would Liam think?

"Tell him before it's too late. Maybe he'll help you find your way."

And that was it. It was his choice to make. Whether or not he wanted to live or die.

To be with liam, but cause another pain. It was overwhelming, especially for a boy at 18 years of age. He shouldn't have to make these decisions, it was too early in his life to contemplate life or death.

Liam had stepped back into the room when the doctor had left. Niall's face was pale, he'd known something had happened.

"Is everything okay love, what'd the doctor tell you?"

"Liam. I'm going to be completely honest with you."

His voice broke and hot tears streamed down his cheeks.

" I'm dying."

That was it, he said it. He couldn't take it back; the damage had already been done.

Liam's gave Niall a hurt look as he held onto his lover's hand.

"How?... Why? What's wrong! Tell me!" Liam raised his voice, shouting over the obnoxiously loud heart monitor his grip now tighter.

" My.. my lungs their failing.. but there's still a chance for me to live... I.. I Could have a transplant, but I don't know if i shou-"

"Take it, don't you dare leave me. I don't want you to die I just want to be with you."

He clutched a satin box containing the promise ring he'd bought for Niall earlier.

" It's not that easy! I don't want to cause another person pain just because I want to live. It's selfish."

"You know what selfish Niall? You dying and leaving me all alone to be in sorrow!"

" It's not like I don't want to live Liam! Don't you think I want to be with you, but it's against what I think is right."

Liam had enough of this, his tears now turned into rage.

" Then I guess this doesn't matter anymore does it?"

He left the satin box on Niall's lap and he'd ran out of the room.

Why was Niall doing this to him? All he wanted was to be loved. Is that too much to ask?