Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was late in the morning and Liam was in what he liked to call his "art studio" when in reality it was just a small corner in his office filled with paints, brushes, sketch pads and anything else you could think of when it came to a hobbyist artist. Niall loved to do all of these things with Liam and right after their finished run over to Zayn to show them off so he could be told how good of a job he had done. So he barged right through that door, slamming it open in the process hitting the wall and making Liam jump and dropping his paint brush. He sighed as he bent down to pick it up and cleaned the excess paint off the hard wood floor. “ Daddy, Daddy, can I help you with that?” he naked looking up at the buff man.

 Liam shook his head no in reply. “ Sorry Shamrock, but you're too tiny right now and this is an important painting, im making for my sister.” Liam answered softly. Niall huffed and folded his arms, that wasn’t what he wanted to hear. Thinking fast Liam looked down at Niall and told him. “Abba is preparing lunch, why don’t you go help him.” This put a smile on the little one’s face. “ Okay Daddy” he said before running off to see what Zayn was doing. While Liam got back to work on his painting. 

Zayn was down stairs in the kitchen cutting up fresh vegetables he had grown in his garden in the back yard, while a pot of water was boiling on the stove. He was preparing a vegetable soup and couldn’t wait for his husband and little one to enjoy his home made cooking. He could hear Niall going down the stairs and entering the kitchen as he continued to work. “Hi Abba!” He smiled cheerfully. “ Hi Baby” Zayn replied as he poured some of the chopped vegetables into the water. Niall hopped onto one of the stools at the counter as he smelled the delicious food. “ Can I cook too?” he asked as he went to go pick up a piece of carrot and popped it in his mouth. Zayn gave him a bit of a warning glare to not do that again. “ I'm sorry but you're too little to be trusted with all the knives and boiling water. It's too dangerous, besides I'm almost done. Now if you really want to help, why don’t you set up the table instead of spoiling your lunch.” He lightly reprimanded the boy. 

Niall humped and rolled his eyes “Okay” he responded as he got off the stool and collected the things he needed to set up for the meal. It didn't take that much longer for Zayn to finish and the three shared a pleasant meal together at the table. Niall ate his food while he listened to Daddy and Abba have small talk about the weather and other unimportant things. However that didn’t stop Niall from having an accident and getting some of the food on his shirt. “ I told you he needed a bib” Liam whispered to Zayn so Niall wouldn’t hear. Not wanting to deal with the tantrum Niall threw the last time a bib for him was mentioned. 

After Niall was all cleaned up, Daddy and Abba watched E.T. while Niall sat on the ground playing with his Toy Story toys Buzz Lightyear and Woody. However about half way through the movie Niall started to get bored being stuck in the house all day so far and wanted to go outside and explore the woods right behind the backyard. When he asked them they both said that he would have to wait till the movie was over so one of them could go out with him, to make sure he was safe. Niall had been hearing all day that he was Too Small or Little or Tiny to do anything at all, and he had had enough of it! So this time he wasn’t gonna take no for an answer and fight back. 

He started to whine as he stayed seated on the ground. “ But, I get to play outside all the time, it isn’t fair I can’t do it now.” he pouted. That’s when Zayn paused the movie and gave Liam a look. Liam looked over to Niall softly and replied. “ Yes baby, but you always have someone with you even if it’s little Harry, it’s too dangerous for a little one to go outside by themselves." Niall huffed and stood up now standing over Liam a little who was still sitting down. Niall was clutching his Buzz Lightyear doll in his hand, his knuckles turning white. “ I've been told NO all day because I'm little it’s not right Daddy!” he shouted at the pair, which neither took too kindly towards. 

That when Liam stood up, now looking down at Niall, “We do not yell at anyone in this house Little boy, is that understood?” Daddy told him in a stern tone as he glared at the boy unflinchingly. For a moment a pit in his stomach opened and Niall was about to throw in the towel and sit back down with a pout and continue to play quietly. But he then remembered all the things that happened today that lead up to this, from the painting to the cooking he wasn’t allowed to do anything. He threw the doll onto the ground and yelled back. “NO! These rules are Fucking Stupid!” 

Zayn and Liam could not believe what they had just heard and deep down neither could Niall. He had just sworn at his Daddy he hadn't done that in what felt like forever. Niall took a hesitant step back while Zayn paused the movie. “ What did you just say?” Liam asked through gritted teeth. “ ahh..umm..i-i” Niall was at a loss for words as his heart pounded faster and faster. “I’m-i’m sorry” Niall was finally able to get out “ Oh you will be” Liam replied. Zayn seeing how worked up Liam was getting he also stood up and put a comforting hand on Liam’s shoulder. “Babe, relax, I'll handle this.” he whispered to Liam. Before patting his shoulder indicating to his husband to sit back down on the couch and take a deep breath. 

Zayn now moved his attention to the scared boy who stood before him. “ Come with me” he said in a soft but firm tone, that left little for argument as he gently put his hand out for Niall to take. At first Niall took a step back and fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. “ Niall James Horan either you give me your hand or I will take it, which one do you wan’t?” he asked, starting to sound frustrated. Niall gulped and tentatively put out his hand and into Zayn’s. He gave the boy little time to react as he held onto it tight and swiftly made a move to the upstairs bathroom. 

Niall at first tried to struggle against Zayn’s firm grip as he was dragged up the stairs, but a quick and sharp spank to his upper tight quickly changed that, right before he was brought into the bathroom and Zayn locked the door behind them. “Abba..Abba i’m sorry i’m so so sorry” He begged as Zayn raised his hand to tell him to be quiet. “ Sit down now,” he said sternly. Making Niall comply quickly with the command sitting down on the toilet. “ What you just did was very wrong, you did not just yell at Daddy but you swore at him too, why would you do that Niall?” Zayn asked. Niall sniffled as he looked down at his lap. 

“ I-i want-ta be..be a big boy an, an do do big boy things” He replied weakly. Zayn pinched the bridge of his nose to collect his thoughts before he kneeled down to look him in the eye. “ I understand you want more freedom but that also comes with more responsibilities baby, and we can work on that together, all three of us. But what you did was wrong, no matter big or small, do you understand?” He asked while brushing away a stray tear from Niall’s cheek. He nodded his head yes. “ Words please” Zayn reminded him. “ Ya-yes Abba i understand”. 

“ Good boy, I think you know what time it is” Zayn said as he stood up and grabbed a bar of Ivory soap and started to run the faucet getting it suds upped before Niall’s punishment. He began to squirm on the toilet seat as he watched his Abba. Once he was done he turned it off and over to his boy who looked more than a little hesitant at cooperating. “ Would you rather have another spank to your thigh?” Zayn asked with a raised eyebrow. Niall squeaked and quickly shook his head no in response. “ Then open up” He commanded.  

Niall begrudgingly and slowly opened his mouth, with Zayn’s patients wearing thin he stuck it in as fast as he could and held it there. “ Now keep it there until I say you can take it out” He said before letting go, the soap was starting to stick to Niall’s teeth and the suds started to fill his mouth and lather his tongue, it made him want to spit it out. But all he could do was gag on the awful taste as tears began to roll down his cheeks. He sat there pathetically, squirming on the toilet, regretting his actions. As Zayn leaned back against the door with his arms crossed not taking his eyes off the boys for even a second. 

Even though it was only a couple of minutes it felt like forever to the little one, when finally Zayn took the soap out of his mouth and told him he could spit and wash it out. Niall jumped at the opportunity, the white saliva being spat out into the sink. Then putting his mouth to the running faucet to water in his mouth as quickly as possible before gargling and spitting that out as well. Afterwards using a hand rag to scrub the excess in his mouth and wipe it off his face. 

Zayn rubbed his back once Niall had finished. “ You okay Shamrock?” he asked softly. Niall loved hearing Abba call him by his pet name after being scolded. He nodded his head a little and then asked “ is..is Daddy still mad at me?” Zayn gave Niall a big hug, “ Oh not at all little one” he then let go and cupped the boy’s face. “ Your punishment is all over, you're forgiven” He told the boy before giving him a kiss on the forehead. Making Niall blush and smile. Zayn took Niall’s hand and said, “ lets go finish the movie with him, then go outside and play” before unlocking the door and heading back down the stairs.

Chapter Text

Niall had been preparing all week for this Saturday. He helped Abba bake brownies and chocolate chip cookies, even though he was allowed to touch the oven he still got to put all the ingredients together and mix them up! His favorite part by far though was licking up the left overs when Zayn wasn’t looking, always lightly scolding him saying that the raw eggs were bad for him whenever he got caught. While with Daddy he had taken a trip to the store to buy supplies for arts and crafts to do with Harry. They decided the best choice was to make jellyfish with paper plates and yarn. 

Niall also did a bit of preparation of his own. Making sure to pick out the funniest movies and the bounciest balls and the coolest toys. So that he and Harry always had something fun to do whether they were inside or out in the backyard. As the clock ticked, Niall's excitement only grew and he kept asking over and over “ are they close?” Which he would only sometimes get an answer back. When it was only fifteen minutes till their arrival Niall sat by the front window and stared out at the road, getting excited like a puppy every time he saw a car come around the corner. Only for a frown to quickly appear when it drove past. 

When suddenly a blue Ford Fiesta pulled into the driveway and Niall jumped up and yelled out “There here! There here!” Running to the front door and swinging it wide open yelling “Harry!” as he saw the pair get out of the car, he quickly ran over to him and gave him a big hug. “Today is gonna be awesome!” He said a little bit too loud. Zayn and Liam weren’t too far behind and greeted Louis. “ Niall, isn't there something you want to say to Uncle Louis?” Liam said to him in a hinting tone. Niall quickly turned around “ Oh! Hi Uncle, thank you for coming, and thank you for bringing Harry!” He told him while giving Harry another hug. 

“ Can we go play?” Harry asked, looking over to his Papa. Louis turned to Zayn and Liam looking for an answer. “ You guys had a long ride here, you must be hungry. Why don’t we eat some of the treats Niall and I baked this morning.” All five agreed and entered the house. Zayn and Liam got the food prepared while Louis managed the little ones at the table. The pair chatted about everything that had happened at Paul’s Daycare over the week and how Harry had gotten in trouble for trying to crawl under the fence to escape during recess. Which had earned him a call home and an ear full of a lecture on the car ride home. 

Soon enough Zayn and Liam came over with treats and drinks for all of them. Harry and Niall washing down their cookies and brownies with milk out of their sippy cups. It didn’t take long for the pair to gobble up all their food and to start begging to be allowed to play outside. The Three caregivers wanting a well needed break allowed the two to go out by themselves as long as they didn’t go past the gate. They quickly agreed and made a b-line for it. The fence was 6 feet high and made out of wood so people couldn’t peep in. Besides that was a back deck with an attached patio that led to an inground pool. Behind it was a small playscape for Niall that was right next to Zayn’s garden. That was surrounded by a small fence and had an attached shed that he kept all his tools in. 

Harry and Niall played tag chasing each other around climbing the play scape and going down the slide until they both tired themselves out. Now resting in the sandbox they built amazing towers and mountains just to be the giant monster to come and destroy them as Niall’s dolls played the townspeople screaming in horror as they did so. That was when Niall started to feel a grumble in his stomach, but he was having so much fun with Harry he didn’t want it to stop just so he could go potty. Niall continued to play, going onto the swings and crossing the monkey-bars, when his stomach started to grumble, he lost his grip and fell to the ground. “Are you okay?” Harry asked as he helped his friend up. 

At that moment Niall could feel his bladder emptying and his pants getting wet, Harry gasped in surprise. As Niall started to cry , where he stood a puddle of his own urine started to pool at his feet on top of the dirt. “ I-i need ta tell Papa” Harry said “No! No! Harry than than Daddy an an Abba will know.” He cried, not wanting the embarrassment to come with that. “But you’re  all wet an smell funny.” Harry replied. Niall got little chance to argue back, for Liam came to check up on the boys to make sure they were okay when he happened upon the sight. 

Liam tried his best to hide the shocked look on his face and put a comforting hand on Niall’s shoulder. Niall looked up to him with water eyes and a quivering lip. “ It’s okay little ones have accidents all the time, why don’t we go inside and get you cleaned up.” Liam told him softly. Niall whipped away a tear that was streaming down his face. When Liam turned to Harry and quietly said, “ Why don’t you go inside with Uncle Zayn and Papa, help them get the arts and craft ready.” Trying to find a way to distract the other little as Liam cleaned up his boy. 

Harry nodded his head and ran off before the pair. Niall grabbed Liam’s hand and followed inside hidden behind his daddy. Niall’s face turned red with embarrassment while entering the house. Harry had told Zayn and Louis everything already and decided it was best to let Liam handle it to draw as little attention to Niall as possible. They quickly made their way up the stairs and into the bathroom, where Liam took off Niall’s pants and underwear and cleaned him off with a washcloth. Trying to sooth him with words of praise. Telling him how much of a well behaved and brave boy he was being at the moment. Once he is all dried off Liam turns to pull out a changing mat, a diaper and some powder from under the sink and Niall’s eyes go wide. “ No Daddy! No!” He shouts loud enough for the three down stairs to hear him.

 Louis consoling his little one. “ It’s okay he’s just overwhelmed” When Harry starts to look worried. Back upstairs Liam is softly shushing him trying to calm him down. “ Baby, baby you had an accident, you need it just for today to make sure if it happens again you won’t have to do all of this over.” “ Im Not a Baby!” Niall retorted and stomped his foot. Liam frowned. But took a minute to think. “Niall I know you're not, that's why you don’t wear it all the time. It’s just for today so if it happens again we don’t have to do this all over.” 

Niall still pouted but his guard had lowered as Liam started to unfold the mat and put it on the ground. “ Harry and Uncle Louis won’t even be able to tell that it's there.” He added. Even though he knew Louis could spot a diaper bulge from a mile away. Niall finally gave in and laid down on the ground as Liam quickly got to work. Lifting up his legs to slide the diaper under and quickly added some powder. Before taping up the front of it,

 “ Stand up please” Liam said and Niall quickly followed the order. His daddy checked for how snug it was and made sure it was up against his bum and didn’t sag. “ Okay let's go get you some trousers, shamrock.” He said with a smile and a wink making Niall giggle. The rest of the day ran smoothly. With toys, games, and movies to keep the little ones preoccupied, they even got a fun craft they could show off to all the other littles on Monday at daycare.

Chapter Text

Even though Niall wasn’t allowed any electronics in his room.But that didn’t stop him from being able to entertain himself, even when he was supposed to be sleeping. He giggled under his covers, holding a flashlight in his hand and his teddy bear in the other, While his Bedtime story book sat in his lap. Daddy had finished up the chapter earlier that night and no matter how much he begged, Liam wouldn’t budge telling him that it was important for little ones to get rest and turned off the light. Niall, though, wasn't satisfied and needed to know what happened next on the prince’s journey to save the princess, locked away in the tower by the evil dragon. He held onto the stuffie tight as he kept reading, the Dragon had blasted the prince with mighty fire breath and Niall screamed in surprise afraid for the Hero’s wellbeing. 

Meanwhile over in Zayn and Liam’s room the lights and tv were being turned off as the clocks on the night stands reached eleven o’clock. Liam reached over to give Zayn a peck on the cheek telling him goodnight before turning over and getting under the covers. “Not so fast,” Zayn said, now moving closer to his husband. Cupping the side of Liam's cheek to give him a real kiss.  That's when the pair heard Niall’s scream coming from down the hall. The two immediately jumped up afraid that their little boy may be having a nightmare that scared him awake. They quickly bolted over to the room and opened it, giving Niall little time to hide under the covers and pretend like he had been sleeping. 

They knew something was off, Niall was quiet instead of having crocodile tears running down his face and asking for hugs like he usually did. Liam walked over and nudged him on the shoulder a little. When he noticed a light coming from underneath Niall’s pillow, he pulled it out to find a flashlight. “ Niall, what is this doing here?” He asked. The boy sat up to look at his daddy, accidentally revealing the chapter book he had been reading in the process. Liam grabbed it with his other hand and sternly asked. “ Niall James Horan, have you been staying up reading this book?” This is when the crocodile tears finally started coming along with a booboo lip and him repeating over and over how sorry he was and how he just wanted to find out what happened next. 

Needless to say the two weren’t hearing any of it. “ Niall we already had this conversation about bedtime and when i tell you to do something you need to listen, having a good sleep schedule is important for your health.” He softly scolded him. All Niall could do was nod his head. “ I know daddy I know” but neither of them seemed to think their little boy had truly learned his lesson. “ Yes and that's why you will be going to bed at seven tomorrow to make up for lost time.” Niall sniffled him, didn’t want that, seven was too early. It was for big babies and he wasn't one! But Niall was too tired to argue. Liam took the baby by the hand and brought him to their room where he put the boy in between himself and Zayn. Which Abba didn’t seem too keen on.

The next day Niall was at his table with Harry at lunch time at daycare. When he saw Harry pull out a bag from Nandos. Niall’s eyes went wide. His Abba had packed him just a turkey and cheese sandwich along with some apple slices, and carrots. “ I'll trade you my carrots for some of your fries.” he said and Harry shook his head no. He knew that fries were much tastier than dumb baby carrots. “ But,But they're really really good please” he started to beg. The long night had started to get to him. “No!” Harry shouted, getting the attention of Mr.Higgians who quickly made his way over to the table. “Is something wrong?” He asked Harry. “ Yeah Harry won’t trade his fries!” Niall answered for him, earning a frown from Paul. 

Paul had been told by Zayn at drop off that Niall had gotten little sleep last night so he more than expected some bad behavior from the lad. Niall squirmed in his seat when he saw the frown on Paul’s face. “ Now Niall, you know trading meals isn’t allowed because of allergies. Do I need to turn your card from green to yellow?” he asked and Niall quickly shook his head no. A yellow was a warning and a red meant a call home and most likely a spanking waiting for him when he went there too. He definitely didn’t want to go to bed early with a sore bottom. 

Abba had come to pick Niall up and thankfully he had a good report from his teacher too. As he waved goodbye to Harry, Zayn buckled him up into his car harness before getting into the driver's seat. Zayn played his music while they drove home, Niall hummed along to the tunes. Watching the other cars drive by on one side while the other was filled with thick forest and the threes covered in dark green leaves. They finally arrive home and Zayn waists little time getting Niall out and into the house. 

Liam had not arrived home yet, so for the time being it was only the two of them. “ Go sit at the dining table, love and pull out your homework. I'll go make you an after school snack.” Niall whined a little not wanting to do his homework. Too tired from his long day at school to do only more worksheets. “ I wasn’t asking, now go” Zayn lightly reprimanded him before pushing him out of the entrance.  Niall begrudgingly pulled out his work, he had a vocab worksheet, a math one and a critical thinking one that focused on puzzles to keep the mind sharp. By the time he had finished the first one Zayn came around with his snack. It was ants on a log, the perfect brain food for all this boring stuff. 

Once he was done with all of it he slumped back in his chair and let out a sigh of relief. “Abba i finished” He called out, Zayn leaving the kitchen to check on his little one’s work. “ good job” he praised, as he put the work into Niall’s bag for school tomorrow. When Liam had walked through the front door. Niall ran over and gave him a big hug while Zayn gave his husband a peck on the cheek. “ How are my two favorite guys doing today?” he asked them. “ Niall here just finished up his homework and I need some help in the kitchen while he does his chores.” Zayn told Liam. Which earned a whine from the baby. “Now, don’t be like that, I bought a yummy dessert for us tonight, and only good boys get dessert, don’t they Abba?” Liam asked, looking over at Zayn. “Yes, that's true.” He agreed with a smirk. 

Niall huffed but soon dashed off to do his daily chores, not wanting to miss out on whatever the surprise was gonna be. Liam smiled then returned the peck Zayn had given him. “ Honestly I got it so he would be less fussy when it came to his early bedtime tonight, but I'm glad to see it worked well with that too.” He said as he followed his husband into the kitchen. 

After some time dinner had finally arrived. Niall scarfed down his chicken alfredo, while Zayn and Liam caught up on what happened that day and Niall made sure to add in his little adventures as well. From getting a 90 on his spelling test to being on the winning team during the football match during recess. Making sure to leave out the scolding he got from Mr.Higgins out of the conversation. Soon enough dessert had finally arrived and the boy was practically jumping out of his seat when Daddy had unveiled freshly baked peanut butter cookies. As Niall reached out to grab one Liam swatted his hand away. “Only one for tonight you have bed seven.” Niall whined but obeyed knowing that if he pushed it any further he might not get any and that's the last thing he wanted. 

Once they were all done eating and the plates and pots were cleaned and put away. Liam announced “ It’s time to get ready for bed, little one” ruffling the hair on top of his head. “ But it's only 6:30,” Niall complained back. Both his caregivers gave him a stern look. “ That's because your bedtime is at seven tonight since you were naughty yesterday and stayed up till eleven,” Abba told Niall. He pouted and crossed his arms not wanting to sleep. Tears started to roll down his cheeks. “I-i not t-t-t-tired” He whined. Abba just rolled his eyes at the clearly exhausted little’s antics. 

Liam got the boy upstairs and started to run the bath as he tried to sooth his little one by telling him that tonight he can have bubbles in his bath and all the bath toys he could want. Which helped lighten his mood enough to get him to wash his face and brush his teeth before going in. Niall was big enough to be by himself but Liam made sure to keep the door open incase of an emergency. When he realized that Niall was prolonging his bathtime to stay up late he had to bite the bullet and go in there. Now finding himself having to pull out a whining and squirming wet little from the tub. 

As Niall tried to scramble back in, Liam grabbed ahold of his forearm and gave Niall a quick smack to his shiny wet bottom, making the boy jump and yelp, quickly moving his hand to rub the pain away as his Daddy lectured him about doing as he was told. Looking down he murmured out a sorry as Liam helped him get dressed into his pajamas. Once that was all said and done Liam combed Niall’s hair and brought him into his bedroom. Where Zayn quickly joined in order to say goodnight to his little boy and to also be back up for Daddy if it was needed. 

“Story Time?” Niall asked, looking up at the pair as he was tucked into bed. Zayn shook his head now, making Niall frown as Liam went to sit down beside him on the bed. “Baby you already read what i was supposed to tonight. There's nothing we can do about that, you'll just have to wait till tomorrow,” Liam told him softly yet firmly. Making Niall second guess saying that he wanted to hear it again but this time from Daddy. He always did the funny voices that made him giggle. But decided that it was better to not argue, he had already earned a smack during bathtime he didn’t want another one in bed.

The pair each gave Niall a kiss on the forehead before turning out the light and closing the door behind them. Zayn sighed in relief. “Finally” making Liam smirk. “Hey, I had to deal with bedtime tonight, not you.” He chastised him jokingly. “Oh I know Darling and I'll make sure to give you a reward.” He said to Liam as he pulled him in by the hip to land him a kiss on the lips. Before leading him by hand to their bedroom. “Now, let's finish what I started last night.” Zayn continued.

Chapter Text

The three were out and about at their first stop, footlocker for some new trainers. The mall was cramped with people everywhere, making Niall uneasy. While the blaring music hurt his ears and the fluorescent lights made him squint his eyes. There was so much going on it made his head hurt and he already wanted to go home. However Liam was too busy helping Zayn pick out new shoes for either to notice. Niall didn’t want to bother his caregivers especially since they were laser focused on adding another pair to their extensive collection back home. 

So he looked around for other places that didn’t seem as overwhelming to be in. Across the hall was a Yankee candle store that seemed much calmer and quieter than the one his caregivers had brought him into and decided it wouldn’t hurt to go over there and check it out. While the two had their backs turned looking at the stitching of the pair of shoes in their hands, Niall crossed the hall and was greeted by the sweet older woman at the counter. She asked him if he needed help with anything and he silently shook his head no in return. As the woman went back to her work Niall smelled some of the candles. 

That was until he felt a heavy hand on his shoulders and was swiftly turned around to see a not too pleased Daddy and Abba staring back at him. Niall Gulped and his eyes went wide as Zayn quickly took the candle out of his hand and placed it back on the shelf. “You know you're not supposed to wander off” Liam scolded quietly. “ I..I sorry” Niall replied sounding like a church mouse with his eyes glued to the floor. Liam grabbed his hand and took him out of the store with Zayn following behind. Once Liam knew no one was listening he leaned down and sternly whispered. “ You could have gotten hurt or lost or taken, do you want that to happen?” He asked the little who was on the verge of tears at this point. 

The boy shook his head no as Zayn put a comforting hand on his back. “ Words Niall” Liam demanded with little empathy in his voice. “No,” he replied meekly. “Then do not wander off again, do you understand me?” “Yes, Daddy” Niall quietly answered. With that the three went back into the Foot Locker and purchased their trainers before making their way back to the car to drive off to their next destination. 

Niall was still pouting as he was buckled out of his car harness and Zayn took his hand helping him out. While Liam got the trolley from the corral, As Liam came over and lectured Niall. “ You must either be holding Abba's hand or onto the trolley at all times while in here. I don’t want a repeat of what happened at the mall.” “yes daddy” Niall answered as he squeezed Zayn’s hand for comfort. Niall for the most part kept his head down trying not to say a word. When his hand would get clammy he asked Zayn if he could hold onto the trolley and he nodded his head yes. As they passed aisle by aisle Niall had to pass by all of the yummy treats and drinks that he knew neither Abba or Daddy were in the mood to buy for him at the moment. 

So he kept quiet hoping it would maybe earn him a treat at check out. But as the time wore on Niall’s knee started to hurt making this already uncomfortable day even worse. He found it hard to keep up with his Daddy as he pushed the trolley and went back to Abba, who seemed to nitpick every ingredient label before deciding he didn’t want it and putting it back on the shelf. Which felt like forever to the poor little and put a lot of stress on his knee, having to stand there and wait. But even through all of this he remind a good boy as much as he could. Remembering his manners and never letting go of Abba’s hand. 

As they made their way over to the check out Niall saw all the sweets that lined the cashier’s section. While in line he tugged on Zayn’s hand and asked if he could get some candy. Zayn shook his head no in response, but that didn’t deter the little one from trying to get what he wanted. “ Please, pretty please i was really good here” he begged Abba. “Yes, but were you good at the mall?” he whispered back. “ You need to keep your voice down, there are people here besides you, Liam and I, don’t bother them.” Zayn lightly reprimanded Niall. 

In response Niall pouted and crossed his arms, “ But I-I did what he said an-an everything.” At this point Zayn was getting frustrated and pinched the bridge of his nose. He leaned over and whispered into his ear and said. “ You can either be a good boy and stop whining or I can take you to the car while Daddy handles the groceries” It sent a chill down Niall’s spine and he fidgeted with his fingers. He knew exactly what the threat meant and didn’t want him to make good on it. 

It wasn’t long until they were back on the road to the next place. Liam had been running out of paint and needed to stop at HobbyCraft to pick some up. Even though Niall begged to be allowed to stay inside the car, neither of them were entertaining the idea in the slightest. While Liam walked through the aisles Niall slugged behind Zayn as he held his hand. As Liam was deciding between two different shades of blue, that looked exactly the same to Niall. His legs felt like lead and his head light, he looked up to Abba and asked to be carried. But Zayn was too thin and weak to be able to lift him up and told him no. 

This was the final straw for Niall, the day was dragging his body hurt and it felt like no matter how good he tried to be it wasn’t ever good enough! “ But I'm tired!” Niall whined loudly as he tugged on Zayn’s jacket. Liam quickly turned his head around to see what was going on. “ my-my knees hurt and it's too loud and too bright an-an I wanna go home!” Niall continued his tantrum. Zayn tried to soothe the distraught little but nothing seemed to work. “ I-i hungry” he started to cry and kick his feet at the floor as he continued to pull at Zayn. “This is stupid i-i didn’t even wanna go! I-i don’t like all these stores! I wanna go home!” he continued,  embarrassing his caregivers as passersby quickly glanced at the scene Niall was causing. 

At this point Liam had finally stepped in and grabbed him by the forearm forcing Niall to look at him. “ Niall James Horan, we all have to do things that we do not like but that does not mean you are allowed to act out like this. Now Abba is gonna take out back to the car while I finish shopping so you can calm down. Abba and I will deal with your actions when we get home.” With that Liam let go of  Niall and Zayn took him by the hand and had to practically drag him out of CraftHobby.

While Liam rushed to finish up his purchases Zayn had to strap a squirming Niall back into his harness before getting into the car himself on the front passenger side. Zayn took a deep breath as Niall continued to cry, it seemed like it would never end and it was getting on his last nerve. He quickly tried to think of something that would help calm him down and put on some lullaby music on the radio, knowing that most of his tantrums mainly came from him being overly tired. Soon enough the whales turned into small cries and hiccups, sniffling as he used his sleeve to wipe away his tears. 

“Are you two mad at me?” he asked quietly as Zayn tried to compose himself before turning around to look at him. “ No, no baby we could never be mad at you, we're just upset at…at your bad behavior today, that's all. Bad behavior can always be changed. We know you're our good boy and we love you.”  He replied. Liam had finally made it out of the store and into the car. “ I-i sorry Daddy” was the first thing that burst out of Niall’s mouth as he sat down and put the key into the ignition. Liam didn’t even turn his head around before saying “ I know baby” and pulling out of the carpark and onto the road. 

During the ride home all that could be heard was the occasional sniffle from Niall that broke up the soft lullaby music that filled the car. As the city center gave way to the suburbs and finally out to the countryside, where they lived away from all the prying eyes and could enjoy their family in peace. By the time Liam had pulled into the driveway Niall had fallen asleep. “Lets leave him in here and put all the stuff away, and wake him up when we're done.” Liam whispered to Zayn. He nodded his head yes and the pair went about putting their plan into action.

First up was the groceries and while they were in the kitchen it gave them the perfect opportunity to discuss what they needed to do with Niall. Zayn thought maybe an apology letter would work, helping him realize what he did wrong and why it was bad. But Liam knew that Niall was in no state to be writing in one spot for who knows how long and would most likely only give him more mental fatigue. Liam then suggested no dessert, he already wasn’t allowed that candy from the grocery store and that more than likely played a role in his tantrum. 

But Zayn didn’t like that idea, it didn’t really drive the point of why what he did was bad in the first place. “Well what about a time out on the naughty step?” Liam asked. Zayn nodded in agreement. “ That sounds good, we just need to have a talk with him first about his actions before we put him there.” Zayn replied. Once their talk was finished that put away the rest of the stuff including their art supplies and trainers. 

Both of them went out to go get Niall who was still sleeping in the car, it gave the little one time to rest before his punishment so he could be more attentive and less anxious about what was to come. Liam gently opened the door and nudged him awake. Niall fluttered his eyes open to see his two caregivers looking back at him. He blushed and put his head down, embarrassed. “ It’s okay buddy, we're just gonna get you out and bring you inside.” Liam told him as he unbuckled the harness. The three walked into the house together and over to the living room where they all sat on the couch with Niall in the center. 

Niall trembled a little as he sat there with his caregivers surrounding him. Liam took Niall’s hand and looked at him in the eyes. “ Baby, Abba and I love you dearly and we don’t want to see you hurt but acting like that in public can get us the wrong kind of attention. Someone could post a video of it online or worse the police could be called. Do you understand how dangerous that can be?” He asked. Niall looked down at his lap as he fidgeted with his hands and meekly said, “ Yes Daddy….bu-but my body hurt an an it was too loud an an i i was really tired, an no one would listen.” starting to look up he turned his head to both of them and it broke Zayn’s heart. 

He quickly wrapped his thin arms around the crying boy and started to rub his back and sing to him. “ I..sorry, I sorry” Niall repeated himself. “ We know” was all Zayn replied with. Then let the boy go of his hug but still held him by his shoulders with his hands. “ But you still need to stay on the naughty step for a bit to think about what you've done, okay?" Even though it sounded like a request, Niall knew it was a demand.  He took his stuffed bear that had been left on the couch from the day before and took it with him before walking over and sitting down. 

Niall sat there with his bear squeezed behind his arms, smooshed against his chest, at first all he could do was just sit there and feel bad about himself. About his actions, about how disappointed Abba and Daddy were in him and how he had ruined what could have been a good day. He felt like it was all his fault and that his caregivers deserved a better baby than him. However as time went on and the tear tracks on his cheeks started to dry. He thought about how much they loved him. After all the opposite of love isn't hate, it's indifference. If they didn’t care they wouldn’t have corrected him at all in fact they would have probably just kicked him out at the slightest trouble. 

A new sense of calm started to wash over him and he thought about how he could have been a better boy today. Instead of wandering off he could have asked or instead of getting upset at not getting the candy he should have complied and behaved himself. While he was deep into this though, Daddy told him that his time was over and he could get up now. Niall didn’t need to be told twice this time around. Quickly shooting up and running over to both of them to give them big hugs. 

Chapter Text

It was the end of the day and the week! Friday had finally come, Niall and Harry starred down the analog clock that hung over the door as they sat at their table with their coats and backpacks on, practically on the edge of their seats, waiting for Mr.Higgins to call time so they could go out to the carpark and get picked up by uncle Louis! The pair were gonna have a sleepover and it was in the works for about a month. Zayn and Liam needed some time off for their wedding anniversary and Louis was more than willing to watch the littles for the night. Mr.Higgins watch started to beep and he called for all the boys and girls to get in line for pickup. 

Louis had pulled up in his Ford Fiesta, the pair had run over both sitting in the backseat. Niall was happy that uncle Louis didn’t make him wear a car harness unlike his caregivers. As they buckled up Louis asked them how their day was and both of them replied saying that it was so much fun. They showed him their crafts and Harry showed his Papa the 100 he had gotten on his spelling test. Louis praised him for the good job. “ I got an 80,” Niall added. Luis congratulated him on his grade as well and by that point the traffic had finally cleared and Louis was able to make it onto the road. 

Unlike Abba and Daddy’s house out in the country, Louis and Harry lived in a small two bedroom flat in the heart of the city. They believed that the people here were too busy to notice or even care about their lifestyle. Because of this the trip back was much shorter than what Niall was used to. Louis had pulled into the carpark and after pulling into the designated spot all three got out and headed into the front lobby and up the elevator to the fifth floor. Niall was so busy looking at everything around him, he didn’t even notice when Louis had opened up the door to the flat 5B. 

“Come on Niall”  Harry said as they entered the flat. He quickly followed behind. “Go sit at the table and do your homework. I'm gonna wash up before I start supper.” Louis told the boys before going into the bathroom. The pair sat down and pulled their supplies out. Niall groaned when he saw the math worksheet in front of him. “ Why does Mr.Higgins have to give us this everyday?” He complained, slouching back in his chair, while Harry got to work on his. “ You need to start now, Papa doesn't serve dinner until all the homework is finished” Harry informed him. Niall huffed and slouched over the table using his forearms to hold him up before he begrudgingly started. 

In half an hour's time the pair had finally finished and Louis was making his exit with a towel around his waist. Walking over he looked over the work to make sure it was all filled out even if it wasn’t correct. “ Okay lads go and play in Harry’s room” Louis said. He didn’t want the littles bothering him while he cooked supper. As they got up to leave Louis added. “ And keep that door open young man.” He did not need Niall getting hurt from them playing rough and having Liam and Zayn down his throat because of it. “ Yes Papa,” Harry replied. 

As Louis started cooking, he heard a bing come from his phone, checking it he saw that his package had arrived in the mailroom downstairs. ‘It couldn't take that long, besides he would still be in the building,’ Louis thought to himself. “ Boys I'll be right back I'm gonna get the mail, don't leave the flat or answer the door” He told them before locking the door behind himself. At this point Niall’s tummy started to grumble, he was used to his after school snack. “ Harry, where are the cookies?” he asked. Louis looked at him curiously. “ On the counter in the cookie jar, why?” a nervous tone in his voice. He was only allowed cookies if Papa said he could have one first. “Because I’m hungry and I know I can't cook anything, plus cookies are delicious!” he said thinking it was a great idea. 

“ I don’t know, last time I wasn’t allowed cookies for the rest of the day, when I took them without asking.” “ yeah but that was a normal day, this is a sleepover and we always get treats at sleepovers,” Niall replied. His argument did make sense to Harry even if he was still a bit apprehensive. “Okay” he agreed. With that the two left Harry’s room and started to have some of the delicious baked goods. They were so focused on eating one after another they didn’t even hear the door unlock. “ Boys!” Louis roared. Niall dropped him onto the floor, crumbs covering his face. While Harry jumped in surprise, his eyes wide with fear.

Louis marched over and snatched the cookies out of their hands. “ How many have you eaten?" he asked. “Ah…..four, Uncle Louis” Niall answered. “ Um, ah..Three, three Papa” Harry answered. Papa glared at the two misbehaved littles. “Both of you go sit on the couch and be quiet while I finish up dinner.” Louis said. The pair now running off to do as they were told, terrified of the consequences if they didn’t. Louis grumbled as he cleaned up the mess and finished up the meal. Quickly moving to place it onto the table and calling them over to sit. While Papa sat at one end of the table Harry and Niall sat on either side of him. 

It was a simple meal of chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans. Even though Niall wasn’t the biggest fan of the beans he knew it was smart to complain. The air hung thick and silent until Louis broke it by asking a question trying to ease the clearly anxious littles. “So, what movie do you two want to watch tonight?” “The Lion King!” Harry said excitedly, Louis had already seen that movie about a hundred times because of his little boy. “ Um, Grease?” Niall answered. Zayn and Liam only let him watch it if he was being extra good, because it could have some bad parts in it.

However what he didn’t know was that it was Uncle Louis’s favorite movie. “ That sounds perfect” He smiled before taking a bite of his meal. Making Harry whine in response. “Watch it” Louis quickly and sharply chastised his little. The two littles started to lean back in their chairs and talk more openly, enjoying the meal with each other. Soon enough they had all finished their meals and Louis collected their things and brought them to the kitchen to clean. “Stay right here” He told the two. Coming back with a single plate with a slice of chocolate cake on it. “Ooh!” Said Harry,  “Yes!” added Niall as Louis sat down.

“ Now boys, because you both ate those cookies earlier, you won’t be getting any dessert and you must stay here until I’m done” He told them. Harry pouted, crossing his arms and slouched back in his chair. “Not fair,” Niall said. “ It’s more than fair and I think Abba and Daddy will agree,” Louis told him. Niall’s jaw dropped. If he misbehaved anymore than he already did they would definitely hear about it when they come to pick him up tomorrow. “ Please, pretty pretty please don’t tell them uncle louis I’ll be on my best behavior until they come to get me.” He begged him. Louis turned to him seriously “ You were already supposed to be on your best behavior, little boy” He reminded him, making a point of taking a bite of the cake right after saying it. 

There was no argument from either of the boys after that. Once Louis was finished, he had the boys help him clean up in the kitchen, before going to start the movie. Only the glow of the telly filled the room and each little leaned up against louis one either side of him. By the time the movie was half way over, the boys were sound asleep. He decided it would be too much of a hassle to wake them up and make them go to sleep in Harry’s room. So he quietly sneaked out and into his own room. Where he texted Liam about what had happened since he had picked them up from school. Before turning on the tv to finish the movie by himself and going to sleep.

Chapter Text