Chapter Text
“Wakie, wakie boys it’s time to get up.” Zayn whispered as he walked into Louis’ and Harry’s room carrying Niall firmly in his arms. Both boys moaned at the disturbance, clearly not wanting to be woken. “C’mon, it’s Daddy Liam’s birthday boys, did you forget?”
At this both Louis and Harry were suddenly filled with a new burst of energy and jumped out of their beds as they were reminded of the days’ event. At the sight of his two brothers so evidently excited, Niall began to bounce in Zayn’s arms in delight, wide smile on his face.
“We making breakfast Daddy?” Louis asked as he and Harry ran out of their room, slowly followed by Zayn and Niall.
“Yep! Now make sure to stay quiet babies, let Daddy Liam sleep for a while longer.” Zayn instructed them as they descended the stairs.
Once in the kitchen, Zayn placed Niall in his highchair which ensured his baby was safe and could fully observe what was happening.
“Ok what do we cook boys?” Zayn asked turning to his two eldest.
“Pancakes!” Louis suggested excitedly.
“Harry, do you like that idea bug?” Zayn questioned him, wanting Harry to join in and not simply follow his older brother.
“Yes!” Harry said just as excitedly as Louis had previously sounded.
It wasn’t an easy process. With trying to make sure both Harry and Louis were equally involved and also aiming to stay as quiet as possible Zayn was struggling.
“Ok Louis, give Haz a turn at mixing the batter.”
“But Dad, he just had a turn!” Louis protested.
“No, Dadda I didn’t!” Harry whined.
“Lou, babe please give him a turn.” Zayn pleaded.
Louis surrendered the bowl and whisk with a ‘humph’ and Harry tried his hardest to mix without creating a mess. When Zayn was sufficiently pleased with the thickness of the batter, he took the bowl from the boys and began to pour the batter onto the pan into nice, even circles.
Soon, enough pancakes were cooked to feed five, and so began the task of decorating them. Louis and Harry were busy placing berries all over the plates that they were too consumed to even argue, which pleased Zayn immensely. Zayn even placed a plate of pancakes on Niall’s high chair with a few berries for him to decorate. He then proceeded to squeeze maple syrup over the pancakes once the boys had finished.
“Ok boys, I think we’re set. Now Lou, hold Niall’s hand while we go up the stairs ok.” Zayn’s hands were otherwise preoccupied with the large tray he was carrying that was full of plates of pancakes.
As they reached Liam and Zayn’s bedroom, Harry pushed it open slightly and they saw Liam sitting up on the bed, back pressed against the head board. Clearly he had heard them downstairs and Zayn appreciated that his husband had stayed in the room and not come downstairs and ruined the boys’ surprise.
They all began singing Happy Birthday and Zayn could tell that each boy was putting on their best singing voice for their Dad. Liam was smiling happily at them and when the three boys reached the bed he gave them a hug and a big kiss. He mouthed an “I love you” to Zayn who was still standing at the foot of the bed as the three boys arranged themselves to cuddle with Liam. He then placed the tray down on the bedside table and joined in with the cuddling.
After a few minutes Zayn got up again and handed each boy a plate. Harry and Louis had moved to the end of the bed and were sitting with their legs crossed, plates balancing on their knees. Liam had Niall in his lap, both eating from the one plate and Zayn was sitting next to Liam. Both Liam and Zayn were fully aware that after they finished, the sheets would need to be washed as they would be covered in food, though neither were fussed with the thought.
“Thank you so much boys! I love you all very much.” Liam said once all plates were cleared.
“There’s still more Daddy!” Louis beamed.
“More food? I’m stuffed.”
“Noooooo.” Niall giggled.
“Then what is it?”
The three boys just laughed and began to pile out of the bed and headed out of the bedroom. “Itsa surprise.” Harry laughed before they disappeared through the doorway.
Liam and Zayn were left alone in the bed and Zayn lent forward and placed a kiss on Liam’s lips. “Happy birthday babe.”
“Thank you.” Liam kissed him back.
“They’ve been so excited, they’ve made you cards and everything. They even planned out the whole day and everything that we’re going to do.” Zayn smiled, overjoyed at his kids’ excitement. Though Liam’s face didn’t mirror Zayn’s happiness, in fact a frown was placed on Liam’s face. “Li, what's wrong?”
“Babe…” Liam began, his tone solemn, “I’m supposed to be doing something with Danielle today. Remember?” Liam whispered.
“Fuck.” Zayn cursed underneath his breath, “Liam please don’t, they’re going to be so upset.” Zayn didn’t mention that he would also be devastated to have to surrender this day to Liam’s “girlfriend”.
“I told you last week Zayn. You shouldn’t have let them plan anything.” Liam rubbed his eyes with his palms.
“I forgot Li! What was I supposed to tell them, ‘oh sorry boys, Dad’s not celebrating his birthday with us, he has to go fake a relationship’?” Zayn didn’t mean to sound so harsh but his devastation wouldn’t allow him to be sympathetic.
“Zayn.” Liam pleaded, knowing how it affected Zayn to see him with Danielle. It’s not like Danielle was his real girlfriend, hell she even knew it. She knew about everything and despite knowing that Liam didn’t love her more than a friend she continued to “date” him simply to please the media. Liam didn’t want to cease their relationship, fearing that if all five members of One Direction were single it would draw added and not wanted attention to them.
So Liam kept “dating” Danielle and even Zayn went out a couple of times with Perrie, but it was harder to see Perrie seeing as she had obligations with Little Mix. It was agreed that Louis, Harry and Niall wouldn’t have any relationships, seeing as it was very difficult to get them out of their headspace and that they only ever should for interviews, performances and such.
“I’m sorry.” Zayn apologised placing a kiss to Liam’s lips. “Ok they’re coming back.”
The three boys rushed back into their parents’ rooms all bearing wrapped presents and handmade cards. They crowded around Liam waiting for him to open up their gifts and read their cards.
*
After an hour of snuggling in Liam and Zayn’s large bed, Zayn carried Niall away knowing that he was due for a nappy change.
“Did you like my card Daddy?” Harry questioned Liam.
“Very much so, and I liked your card too Louis.” Liam said honestly. Both Louis and Harry cheered in excitement. “I think it’s time for us all to get changed out of our pyjamas. So c’mon, let’s get up and get ready.”
While Liam helped Harry dress himself (Louis could do it on his own, seeing as in his headspace he was about 7 years old, while Harry was about 4), he kept placing kisses all over him making Harry giggle.
“You’re tickling me Daddy.” Harry spoke through a laugh. Though this only caused more kisses to come from Liam all over Harry’s neck.
“Lou and Harry, come here and brush your teeth sweeties.” Zayn’s voice echoed through the house.
“Go on champ.” Liam said as he finished buttoning Harry’s jeans.
Liam sighed and headed back to his and Zayn’s room to prepare himself for his day, wanting nothing more than to be able to spend it with his family.
Zayn and he had explained to the boys after Liam had opened his present, that he was spending the day with Aunty Danielle and that he would try and be back as soon as possible to see them some more. All three boys were rightfully devastated, but knew not to outwardly complain as not to upset Liam further.
So after taking a quick rinse, dressing himself and finishing of his morning routine, Liam descended the stairs to where he could hear his family in the living room. Louis and Harry were seated on the floor as they flicked through photos on the iPad, Zayn was watching TV and had Niall sitting next to him playing with a toy on the couch.
“Ok boys, I’m going now.” Liam announced as he entered the room. Each person looked up from their form of entertainment and rushed over to Liam giving him hugs and kisses goodbye. When the three kids had said goodbye and returned back to what they previously had been preoccupied with, Zayn went over to wish Liam goodbye.
“Bye babe.” Zayn spoke into Liam’s neck as they embraced in a hug.
“I love you.”
“Love you too.”