✯ Zianourry ⏯ OneShots ✯

It's my dad, he... ⏯ L.P.

The Christmas lights illuminated the streets as Liam walked towards his childhood home, excitement tingling in his chest. However, beneath the surface, a sense of dread gnawed at him. He hadn't seen his family in months, but the memories of past holidays with his abusive father, Geoff, still haunted him.

As Liam stepped through the door, the familiar scent of pine and cinnamon greeted him. His family rushed to greet him, but his father's forced smile sent shivers down his spine. Geoff's eyes bore into him, a silent warning not to ruin their facade of happiness.

Throughout the Christmas festivities, Liam forced himself to smile, hiding the turmoil within. But every glance from Geoff, every sharp word, reignited the fear and pain he had long suppressed.

Back in London, Liam tried to push aside the memories of Christmas, but the weight of his father's abuse grew heavier with each passing day. His once bright smile faded, replaced by a hollow mask he wore for the world.

The other boys noticed the change in Liam—the way his laughter didn't reach his eyes, the way he flinched at sudden movements. Concern etched their faces as they gathered around him one evening.

"Hey, mate, you haven't been yourself lately," Harry said, voice laced with worry.

"Yeah, something's off. You can talk to us, you know," Niall added, his blue eyes reflecting genuine concern.

Liam's throat tightened as he fought back tears. He wanted to confide in them, to unload the burden he carried, but the fear of his father's threats held him back.

"I'm fine, really," Liam forced out, plastering on a weak smile.

But the boys weren't convinced. They exchanged knowing glances, silently vowing to uncover the truth.

One night, the weight of Liam's secrets became too much to bear. Alone in his room, he collapsed onto his bed, his chest tight with panic. Images of his father's abuse flashed before his eyes, each memory more vivid than the last.

His heart raced, his breaths coming in shallow gasps as he struggled to quell the rising tide of panic. But the walls he had built around himself began to crumble, and tears streamed down his face in silent agony.

Outside his door, the boys heard the telltale signs of Liam's distress. Without hesitation, they rushed to his side, finding him curled into a ball, trembling with fear.

"Liam, what's wrong?" Louis asked, his voice laced with concern.

Unable to contain the truth any longer, Liam choked out the words between sobs. "It's my dad... he... he's been hurting me."

Shock rippled through the room as the boys exchanged horrified glances. Anger boiled within them, but they pushed it aside to focus on comforting their friend.

With Liam's confession, the boys sprang into action. They rallied around him, offering unwavering support as he recounted the years of abuse he had suffered at the hands of his father.

Together, they contacted the authorities, determined to seek justice for Liam and ensure that Geoff faced the consequences of his actions. It wasn't long before Geoff was arrested, his reign of terror finally coming to an end.

But the scars of his abuse ran deep, and Liam found himself haunted by nightmares of his past. Night after night, he would wake in a cold sweat, the memories of his father's cruelty fresh in his mind.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there was light. The boys stood by Liam's side, offering comfort and reassurance when he needed it most. They encouraged him to seek counselling, to confront his demons and begin the healing process.

With time, Liam's wounds began to heal, aided by the unwavering support of his friends and the guidance of his therapist. Though the nightmares still plagued him, they grew less frequent as he learned to confront his past and reclaim his future.

The boys remained by his side every step of the way, their bond stronger than ever. Together, they found solace in each other's company, their shared experiences forging a connection that transcended friendship.

And as Liam looked back on his journey, he realized that while the scars of his past would always remain, they no longer defined him. With the love and support of his friends, he had found the strength to rise above his pain and embrace the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

For Liam Payne, the boy who had once known only darkness, had finally found his light in the harmony of friendship.