#Liam Payne all I want

[niallerspayno]

All I Want For Christmas

Masterlist

Inspired by Liam’s song All I Want (For Christmas)🩵

You met Liam through your older brother, Louis, and it was love at first sight. What began as a whirlwind romance quickly turned turbulent, with passion giving way to constant arguments. After a painful breakup, you both went your separate ways. But when fate brings you face-to-face during the Christmas season, old feelings resurface, and you’re forced to confront the past—giving you both a chance to reconnect and rediscover what was lost.

Tags: Liam x reader, mutual pining, lots of fluff, slight angst

…

You remember the first time you met Liam, a warm summer evening at Louis’s place. Your older brother had invited you to a small gathering, just close friends and a few of his bandmates. You didn’t expect much, but then you saw him—Liam, with his easy smile and quiet confidence. The moment your eyes met, something inside you clicked. It wasn’t love at first sight, not exactly. It was more like recognition, as if you’d known each other in another life.

As the night went on, you found yourself talking with him, laughter flowing easily. His stories made you feel at home, like you’d known each other for years. Before long, you were spending more time together, stealing moments when no one was looking, your bond growing stronger with each passing day.

What started as a friendship bloomed into something deeper. Soon, you were inseparable. Every look, every touch felt like it held a promise, and you couldn’t help but fall for him, harder than you ever imagined. His music, his heart, his dedication—they all drew you in, and for a while, everything felt perfect.

But, as quickly as things had blossomed, the cracks started to show. The late-night talks turned into heated arguments. The easy comfort you once had with each other began to feel strained, as if you were speaking two different languages. Words that once were filled with love were now sharp, cutting through the space between you. Every disagreement, every unresolved issue built up until one day, you couldn’t pretend anymore. You broke up.

It wasn’t dramatic, no shouting matches or explosive fights, but there was an undeniable finality to it. The love that once felt so effortless was now lost beneath layers of hurt and misunderstanding. You walked away, hearts heavy with things left unsaid, and though you both tried to move on, there was a part of you that would always carry him with you.

…

The ice rink is buzzing with activity, Louis had insisted on hiring out an entire ice rink for his friends and family to celebrate Christmas. After a few laps, you decide to take a break and join the others by the side. Louis is already there, casually leaning against the rink’s barrier, giving you a cheeky grin. He motions to Lottie to come over, and soon the three of you are huddled together, joking around as the warmth of the room envelops you.

“Hey, are you two gonna keep skating or just stand here all night?” Louis teases, clearly plotting some chaos.

Lottie raises an eyebrow, already knowing what’s coming. “Oh, we’ll skate,” she responds, glancing over at you with a playful smirk. “But you, on the other hand, are about to get dragged into something, aren’t you?”

Louis dramatically pouts. “I was just gonna take my sister for a little spin on the ice, Lottie. Is that so wrong?” He winks, already skating backward in the direction of the rink’s center, clearly intent on dragging you into whatever mischief he’s planning.

You roll your eyes but laugh. “You’re impossible, Louis.”

Before you can protest further, you hear a voice call out your name. Turning, you spot Zayn, Harry, and Niall approaching, all looking genuinely happy to see you. It’s been months since the breakup, and even though you’ve kept your distance from everyone, you can’t deny how good it feels to be surrounded by familiar faces.

Zayn grins and gives you a warm hug. “It’s been too long,” he says, pulling back to look at you. “How’ve you been?”

You smile, a bit surprised by how much you’ve missed them. “Better, actually. Things have been… good,” you reply, not wanting to go into too much detail, but feeling the truth behind your words. Life had gone on, and though the past still lingered, you had started to find peace.

Harry claps you on the shoulder, his grin wide. “Glad to hear that,” he says, his eyes twinkling with that signature mischief. “You know, you’ve been keeping yourself out of trouble, right?” he teases, clearly enjoying the banter.

Niall chuckles, his Irish accent thick as always. “We’ve all missed you. It’s not the same without you around.”

You can’t help but smile, warmth spreading through you at their words. “I’ve missed you guys, too. It’s just… been a lot, you know?” You shrug, not wanting to delve too deep into the past. “But I’m getting there.”

The group nods, their expressions softening, understanding without needing further explanation. It’s comforting, the way they care without pressuring you for more. After a moment, Niall pats his hands together and grins. “Alright, enough of this serious talk. Let’s get back on the ice, yeah?”

Zayn smirks. “Only if we can drag Louis into some chaos first.” He eyes Louis, who is already causing a scene by attempting to spin Lottie on the ice in a dramatic, exaggerated fashion.

You laugh, watching Louis struggle to keep his balance while twirling Lottie. “That’s going to end in disaster,” you say, amused by the sight.

“That’s the plan,” Harry replies with a wink. “Let’s go before it gets worse.”

You all return to the rink, Lottie’s laugh echoing as she and Louis continue their playful chaos, and the others join in, skating together, teasing one another as you all slide across the ice. Despite everything that’s happened, there’s a feeling of normalcy here��of being surrounded by people who care. It feels almost like it did before.

But you can’t ignore the part of you that’s still bracing for what might come next. You haven’t seen Liam yet, and as much as you want to pretend it doesn’t matter, part of you wonders if tonight will be the night you finally come face to face with him.

Louis, with that mischievous grin, skates back up to you, pulling alongside as he skids to a stop. “Alright,” he grins, “I dare you to do that spin I taught you last year. Bet you can’t pull it off without falling.”

You roll your eyes, knowing he’s just trying to stir up trouble. “Louis, you’re ridiculous. I’m not doing that.”

He pushes his lower lip out in a dramatic pout, gliding backward in a fluid motion, clearly not giving up. “Come on, just one spin. What’s the worst that could happen?”

You glance at Lottie, who raises an eyebrow as if to say, ‘you’re doing this.’ With a reluctant sigh, you shake your head. “Fine. But you’re taking the blame if I fall on my face.”

“You won’t,” Louis says, already skating off ahead to cause more chaos elsewhere.

With a deep breath, you push off, your blades cutting through the ice, and you pick up speed, your focus narrowing to the center of the rink. The wind rushes past your face as you gather momentum, preparing yourself for the spin. You remember Louis’s instructions from last year—how to keep your body tight, how to follow through. You’re just about to hit the move when—

BAM.

Before you can complete the spin, someone collides with you. Your body crashes into a warm, solid chest, and suddenly, everything feels out of control. The world spins for a moment, but you don’t have time to right yourself before both of you hit the ice with a soft thud. Your body lands with a jolt, and the cold of the ice seeps into your clothes, but the warmth beneath you takes over.

You try to scramble to your feet, but you’re stuck—your body still pressed against theirs. It takes a second to register, but then your heart skips. You know that feeling. You know that warmth.

The realization comes like a rush, quick and undeniable. Liam.

Your breath catches in your throat as you look down and meet his eyes, the familiar brown of them pulling you in. His chest rises beneath you, steady and strong, and for a moment, it feels like everything has stopped. Your faces are so close, just centimeters apart, and you feel the warmth of his skin, the soft rhythm of his breathing. His lips curl into a knowing smile, and despite the awkwardness, it’s impossible to ignore the way his presence surrounds you.

He chuckles softly, the sound of his voice warm and teasing, just like it always was. “Well, that was one way to make an entrance.”

Your heart flutters, and you quickly push yourself up, your hands pressing against his chest for balance, but you can’t stop the small laugh that escapes you. “I didn’t mean to—”

“Clearly,” he interrupts with a grin, still lying on the ice beneath you, unbothered. “It’s alright. You’re not the first person to knock me over.”

As you finally scramble to your feet, Louis skates past, throwing a teasing glance over his shoulder. “You two need a minute?” he calls, winking. “Or should I leave you to it?”

You roll your eyes, embarrassed, but the laugh that escapes you is genuine, even if your heart is still racing. “Louis, don’t you dare,” you mutter, trying to brush it off.

Liam raises an eyebrow, still sitting on the ice, and smirks. “You’re alright?” he asks, his voice softer now, as though he’s genuinely checking on you.

You nod, the feeling of his body beneath yours still lingering, warmth spreading through you despite everything. “Yeah. I’m fine. Just… didn’t expect to run into you.”

Liam’s smile fades just a little, the shift in his eyes making something in your chest tighten. But he quickly recovers, pushing himself up with ease. ��Guess we’re both full of surprises tonight,” he says lightly, his grin returning as he brushes the ice off his jacket.

For a moment, you stand there, both of you quiet, neither of you knowing exactly what to say next. But the air between you is different now—charged in a way you can’t ignore. You feel that familiar ache again, deep in your chest, the one you’ve been running from.

But then, Louis skates past again, this time with Lottie trailing behind him. He throws another playful look your way, shouting, “Come on, you two, break it up before you make it too obvious!”

You can’t help but laugh, the tension easing slightly. “Louis, you’re insufferable,” you mutter, shaking your head.

As you stand there, still laughing off the teasing from Louis, you feel a mix of nervousness and something else—something warm, something familiar. It’s like the whole world has frozen in time for a second, and you can’t help but feel a pull toward Liam, who’s brushing himself off with a half-smile on his face. His eyes meet yours, but there’s something different in his expression. A quiet, almost distant look that doesn’t quite match the playful grin he tries to pull off.

Louis, as always, skates off to join Lottie, leaving you and Liam alone in the middle of the rink. The distance between you both feels different now. Charged.

“I didn’t expect to see you tonight,” you finally say, laughing nervously, trying to break the awkwardness. “Not like this.”

Liam meets your gaze, his smile softening as he takes a moment to respond. “Yeah, I didn’t expect to fall on the ice in front of everyone either,” he says with a teasing grin, but his voice holds something deeper, like a mixture of regret and longing.

You laugh, a little too quickly, but it’s harder to ignore the flood of emotions that are creeping in now that he’s so close. You’ve spent months pushing these feelings down, but now, standing here with him, everything feels impossible to ignore.

“I didn’t think I’d see you again,” you admit quietly. “I mean, it’s been months. I’ve been trying to move on, you know?”

Liam’s expression softens, and you notice the way his gaze lingers on you for just a little too long. “I know,” he says, his voice quiet. “I’ve been trying too.”

For a moment, there’s a silence between you, and the noise of the rink feels far away. It’s just the two of you, and everything feels more intense than you expected. You want to ask him so many questions, but the words stick in your throat.

Finally, Liam breaks the tension, his voice gentle. “Do you want to skate? Just… for old time’s sake?”

You hesitate, but there’s something in his tone, in the vulnerability behind his words, that makes you want to say yes more than anything. The familiar spark between you two is still there. You nod slowly, and he extends his hand.

For a moment, you stand there, just looking at his hand, unsure whether to take it. But then, without thinking, you reach for it. The moment your fingers touch his, a jolt of warmth runs through you, and you realize just how much you’ve missed this. The way he feels—like home.

You skate together, side by side, the rhythm of your movements falling into place effortlessly, as if no time had passed. It feels easy. Comfortable. Just like it used to. The world around you feels quieter, more distant, and it’s like everything else has faded into the background. There’s only Liam and you.

As you glide across the rink, your heart starts to race—not out of nervousness, but from something else. Something you can’t ignore. The way his eyes meet yours, and how it feels like the world slows down with every step you take together.

“I’ve missed this,” Liam says after a moment, his voice more serious now. “Us.”

His words hit you like a wave, and you swallow, your heart suddenly feeling heavier. You glance at him, his expression softening, and there’s something in his gaze that makes your chest tighten. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s more than that. It’s like he’s waiting for you to decide if this can be something again.

Before you can answer, Louis skates past, his voice loud and teasing. “Alright, alright, you two! You’re looking all cute and everything, but enough with the love fest. Show us your moves!”

Lottie skates past with a grin. “Yeah, we’re all tired of seeing Liam mope about,” she adds with a wink. “Good to see you two finally talking again.”

You feel your face flush at her words, and you look up at Liam, who’s trying hard not to laugh. The tension eases a little as you both share a quick glance, but there’s still something unsaid between you.

Niall skates by, raising an eyebrow. “Honestly, it’s about time you two stopped with the silent treatment,” he says casually. “We were all pretty tired of Liam’s pining, right?” He looks over at Harry, who smirks and nods in agreement.

“Yeah, it’s good to see you two together,” Harry adds, chuckling. “You know, I’m starting to think his songs weren’t just about the heartbreak, huh?” He grins over at Liam, his tone teasing but light.

Zayn, skating slowly behind them, smirks. “Yeah, but I guess we all know the inspiration behind those lyrics now, huh?” He raises an eyebrow at Liam, the playful energy in his voice making the moment feel less heavy.

You chuckle, trying to shake off the lingering feeling that they’ve seen through all of it. But there’s something comforting about the casual teasing. It lightens the mood between you and Liam, and the space between you doesn’t feel so large anymore.

Liam laughs softly, shrugging. “Guess you guys are right. We were a bit… well, I was a bit of a mess, wasn’t I?”

You look at him, the familiar warmth spreading through you once again. Despite everything that’s happened, there’s still that connection. And now, it doesn’t feel like a question of whether you’ve moved on—it feels like a chance to rebuild.

“Well,” you say with a smile, “it’s good to see you back to yourself.”

Liam looks over at you, his eyes softening. “It’s good to be here,” he replies quietly, and the warmth between you two feels almost like the beginning of something new. Maybe it’s just a small step, but it feels like the first real one.

…

After the ice rink session wraps up, everyone heads off the rink, feeling the cold air on their faces as they walk toward the exit. Louis, grinning mischievously, calls out to everyone. “Alright, alright! Everyone’s had their fun on the ice, but how about we head back to mine for some hot chocolate and snacks? I think we’ve earned it!”

You nod, smiling a little at the idea of warmth after the chilly evening. Lottie links her arm through yours as you both walk to join him. “Sounds like the perfect end to a perfect night,” she says, her voice light with a hint of excitement.

Louis and Lottie catch up with you as the rest of the band lingers behind, walking together with their usual casual energy. Niall and Harry are talking animatedly, with Zayn keeping a cool distance, yet all of them seem to be in a good mood.

As the three of you stroll back, Louis glances over at you and nudges Lottie with his elbow. “You know,” he says in a low voice, “it’s good to see you in a better place. I can’t even tell you how happy I am that you’re doing okay.”

Lottie looks up at you with a knowing smile. “We could all see how miserable you were before. I’m really glad to see you smiling again. And with him…” she trails off, a small grin tugging at her lips. “Well, I think you both deserve to be happy.”

You can’t help but glance back at Liam, who’s chatting quietly with Zayn and Harry. There’s a feeling in the pit of your stomach, a mix of hope and uncertainty. Could things really work again between you two?

Louis catches your gaze and shrugs, a half-smile playing on his lips. “You’ve always been good together. We all know it. If anyone can make it work, it’s you two. Just don’t wait too long.”

Lottie nods. “Yeah, don’t let the past get in the way. Look at you two tonight—already skating together like nothing changed.”

Your heart flutters a little, and you can’t help but feel grateful for their encouragement. Still, the weight of what’s happened between you and Liam lingers in the back of your mind.

…

At Louis’s house, the warmth of the living room is a welcome contrast to the chilly evening air. The scent of hot chocolate fills the space, and the laughter and chatter from the group blend into a cozy soundtrack to the night. Louis, always the host, is already in full-on entertainer mode, tossing out playful jabs at the bandmates while passing around mugs of hot chocolate and plates piled high with snacks. Lottie, with her signature grin, is right beside him, making sure no one goes without.

You sit down with your mug in hand, feeling a sense of ease settle over you. The last few months felt like a whirlwind of uncertainty, but right now, surrounded by friends and family, it’s like the world has slowed down.

Louis raises his mug to the group with a mischievous look in his eyes. “Alright, I think we can all agree that skating was the highlight of the night,” he says, his voice teasing. “But now, let’s see if we can outdo ourselves with these snacks.” He points to the pile of cookies and marshmallows on the table, grinning like a kid at Christmas. “Who’s up for a competition? First one to finish five cookies gets to pick the next song for the playlist!”

The band groans and laughs, Niall immediately protesting with a playful eye-roll. “Louis, mate, we’re not kids anymore. You know, we’ve got to stay somewhat dignified.”

Harry, smirking from across the room, raises an eyebrow. “Oh please, Niall. I think you’re the one who still eats like a 12-year-old,” he teases, poking fun at Niall’s never-ending appetite.

“Oi, I’m not the one who can’t stop talking about food,” Niall shoots back, his voice filled with exaggerated offense. “At least I’m not stealing everyone’s snacks when they’re not looking.” He gives Zayn a side-eye, who’s looking suspiciously innocent with a half-eaten cookie in his hand.

Zayn looks unbothered, taking another bite of the cookie. “I’m just helping the group. Someone has to keep these snacks in check.”

Lottie giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’ll take the cookies, Zayn,” she says, grabbing the plate from the table and looking at you with a smirk. “Let’s see how fast I can finish these.”

You smile at her antics, sipping your hot chocolate as the banter continues. It’s easy to get lost in the laughter, to forget for a moment all the complicated feelings that have been swirling around lately.

Liam is sitting beside you, quietly observing the scene, but every now and then, his eyes meet yours, his smile warm and genuine. There’s no pressure between you two now—just a comfortable silence that seems to speak volumes.

Louis, always the instigator, leans over and nudges Liam. “Come on, mate. You’re not just gonna let Lottie win, are you?” He grins, looking around at everyone. “I’m talking about the serious stuff here, like who’s the real cookie champion.”

Liam laughs, his easygoing chuckle filling the room. “I’ll let her have this one. I’m more of a marshmallow guy anyway,” he says with a wink, making Lottie roll her eyes.

The group continues to banter, the jokes flowing effortlessly as everyone settles into the comfortable rhythm of the night. It feels like no time has passed since the last time you were all together like this—back when things were simpler, before the drama, before everything got complicated.

As the night goes on, you find yourself talking more with Liam, the distance between you both slowly vanishing. He asks you about your life—what you’ve been up to, what’s changed, and before long, you’re laughing and reminiscing about the good times. His voice is soft, but there’s a sense of longing in it that tugs at your heart. There’s still so much you want to say, but for now, just being in this moment feels like enough.

Louis keeps the atmosphere light, making sure everyone is having a good time. It’s clear to everyone that you and Liam are slowly easing back into a comfortable place, and while no one says anything outright, the way they tease you both hints at their hope that things can work out again.

At some point, you find yourself sitting closer to Liam on the couch, the conversation flowing effortlessly between you both. The warmth from the fire crackles in the background, and the evening stretches on with everyone gathered together, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. The past may still be there, lingering in the background, but for the first time in a long while, it doesn’t feel as heavy.

You glance at Liam once more, his eyes catching yours with a soft smile. For the first time in months, it feels like maybe there’s a way forward.

As the evening winds down, the warmth of Louis’s living room buzzing with chatter and laughter, you find yourself stealing glances at Liam. The ease in his smile, the quiet way he listens to the jokes flying around—it all feels painfully familiar, and yet, there’s a distance now that wasn’t there before. You don’t know if it’s time or circumstance that’s wedged it between you, but you can feel it.

It’s as though he senses your gaze because, after a moment, he looks over, his eyes meeting yours. There’s a softness there, something tentative. He tilts his head slightly toward the hallway, a silent question. You hesitate but nod.

Slipping away from the laughter and warmth of the group, you follow Liam into the quieter part of the house. Louis’s place is still decked out for Christmas—garlands draped over doorways, twinkling lights glowing softly against the walls. Liam leads you to the back of the house, where a small sitting room overlooks the snowy backyard.

The silence between you feels heavier here, more deliberate. Liam closes the door gently behind you and turns, leaning against it for a moment before speaking.

“I’m glad you came tonight,” he says softly, his voice low, almost hesitant.

You swallow, your fingers tightening around the edge of your sweater. “Yeah, well, Louis can be pretty persuasive.” You try to sound lighthearted, but your voice wavers slightly.

Liam steps closer, his expression serious now. “I mean it. I wasn’t sure if I’d see you again.” He runs a hand through his hair, his frustration slipping through. “And I wouldn’t blame you if you didn��t want to see me after everything that happened.”

You let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of his words. “Liam, it’s not like I didn’t want to see you. It’s just…” You trail off, looking down at your hands. “It hurt. Being apart from you. But being with you—it was getting harder too.”

His shoulders slump slightly, and he nods, his jaw tightening. “I know. I know I made it hard. I wasn’t… I wasn’t what you needed.”

“It wasn’t about you not being enough,” you say quickly, looking up at him. “It was everything. The spotlight, your schedule, the constant pressure… and we stopped talking to each other. Really talking.”

Liam exhales sharply, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I thought I was protecting you, you know? From the madness. From me. But I ended up shutting you out instead.”

You step closer, your heart twisting at the vulnerability in his voice. “I didn’t need protecting, Liam. I needed you. Just you. But it felt like… like I was fighting for space in your life, and I was losing.”

His eyes snap up to meet yours, filled with regret. “You weren’t losing,” he says firmly. “I was just too blind to see how much I was hurting you by not being there. I thought I could balance everything, but I couldn’t. And then when we started fighting…”

“…it felt like we were breaking each other,” you finish quietly, tears pricking your eyes.

Liam’s hand twitches at his side, like he wants to reach for you but isn’t sure if he should. “I didn’t want it to end. I never wanted that. But I didn’t know how to fix it without making it worse.”

The room feels impossibly small now, the air thick with the unspoken words hanging between you. For a long moment, neither of you says anything, just standing there, the weight of the past pressing down on both of you.

Finally, Liam takes a step closer, his voice softer. “I missed you. Every day. And I know I messed up, but… I still love you. I don’t think I ever stopped.”

The words hit you like a punch to the chest, and for a moment, you can’t breathe. The tears you’ve been holding back spill over, and you quickly wipe them away. “I don’t know if I can do this again,” you admit, your voice trembling. “I don’t know if I can survive losing you again.”

Liam reaches out then, his hand brushing against yours, tentative but warm. “I don’t want you to lose me again. And I don’t want to lose you. I can’t promise it’ll be perfect, but I can promise I’ll try. I’ll try harder than I ever have before.”

His words hang in the air, and you feel your heart pulling in two directions—toward the fear of getting hurt again and the undeniable pull of the man standing in front of you.

You look down at where his hand brushes yours, the warmth of his touch igniting something deep inside you that you thought had long gone cold. The pull is too strong to ignore. Slowly, you slip your fingers into his, holding onto him like he’s the only solid thing in a world that keeps spinning out of control.

“I missed you too,” you whisper, your voice barely audible but heavy with emotion. “I never stopped loving you either.”

The words feel like a release, like letting go of all the tension and pain you’ve been holding onto for months. Liam exhales shakily, his other hand coming up to gently cradle your cheek.

“I don’t deserve you,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing away a tear you didn’t realize had fallen. “But if you’ll let me, I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that I do.”

You let out a small, watery laugh, leaning into his touch. “You always were good with words,” you tease softly, though the weight of your emotions still hangs heavy in the air.

His lips twitch into a small, crooked smile. “I mean it,” he says, his voice earnest. “I want to be better—for you. For us.”

For a moment, all you can do is stare into his eyes, the sincerity there overwhelming. Slowly, you nod. “Okay,” you say, the single word carrying the weight of your decision.

Liam’s relief is palpable, his shoulders sagging as if a heavy burden has been lifted. He pulls you into a gentle embrace, his arms wrapping around you like he’s afraid you’ll disappear if he lets go.

And for the first time in what feels like forever, you let yourself relax into him, the familiar scent of him—something warm and comforting—making you feel like you’re finally home.

In the quiet of the room, with only the soft glow of Christmas lights illuminating the space, you both stand there, holding onto each other as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist. For now, it’s just you and him, and the fragile hope that maybe, just maybe, you can piece back together what was broken.

When you finally pull back slightly, his forehead rests against yours, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “You’re stuck with me now,” he says, his tone light but his eyes full of affection.

You smile back, your heart feeling lighter than it has in months. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As the distant sound of laughter and voices from the living room filters back into your awareness, Liam pulls back, his hand still holding yours. “Come on,” he says softly. “Let’s go join the others before Louis starts yelling for us.”

You nod, letting him lead you back to where your family and friends are waiting, your heart filled with a cautious but undeniable hope. As you and Liam step back into the living room, the warmth of the fire and the mingling scents of pine and hot chocolate envelop you like a cozy embrace. The chatter quiets for a moment, and then Louis’ sharp voice cuts through.

“Oh, would you look at that!” he exclaims, pointing dramatically above your heads.

You and Liam glance up simultaneously, and your heart skips as you spot the mistletoe hanging overhead. A small gasp escapes you, your breath hitching at the realization.

“Now this is fate,” Niall says with a wide grin, leaning back against the sofa. “Go on, you two. Don’t break tradition!”

Lottie’s eyes light up as she joins in, her tone teasing but genuinely excited. “You know the rules! A mistletoe moment can’t be ignored.”

You glance at Liam nervously, your cheeks burning with the heat of everyone’s attention. But then your eyes meet his, and the noise around you seems to fade. There’s something in his gaze—soft and steady, like he’s grounding you in this moment. His hands find your waist, the warmth of his palms seeping through your sweater, and suddenly you’re not nervous anymore.

“It’d be a shame to waste it,” Liam murmurs, his voice low and just for you. The corner of his mouth quirks into a familiar, heart-melting smile.

Your lips part slightly, a breathless laugh escaping you as you nod. “I guess we can’t.”

The room feels like it’s holding its breath as Liam leans in. Your eyes flutter closed just as his lips brush against yours, warm and soft, sending a spark through you that travels from your fingertips to your toes.

The kiss starts gentle, tentative, like you’re both testing the waters, but it quickly deepens into something more. His hand moves to cup your cheek, the rough pad of his thumb brushing against your skin, grounding you in the sensation of him. Your fingers curl into the fabric of his sweater as if holding on for dear life, and everything else melts away—the laughter, the room, the world.

The familiar scent of his cologne wraps around you, mingling with the faint sweetness of hot chocolate lingering on his breath. It’s a kiss that’s both an apology and a promise, a reminder of everything you’ve shared and everything you could still have.

When you finally pull back, your forehead rests against his, both of you breathing a little heavier, the air charged with something you can’t quite put into words. His eyes search yours, and the look in them—the warmth, the love, the relief—makes your chest tighten.

The room explodes into cheers and whistles, shattering the moment but filling it with warmth of another kind.

“About bloody time!” Louis calls out, clapping his hands together. “I was this close to writing you both off!”

“You’ve been pining for months,” Zayn chimes in, smirking as he nudges Niall. “I think this means we can finally retire the heartbreak playlist.”

Niall grins. “And here I thought every song on the last album was just about a bad sandwich. Turns out they were all about you, huh?”

Lottie’s smile is a little softer as she leans toward Harry. “You can see it, can’t you? They’re so much happier when they’re together.”

Harry nods, lifting his mug of hot chocolate in mock toast. “To lovebirds under the mistletoe. Let’s just hope they don’t turn this into another album of angst, yeah?”

You bury your face in Liam’s chest, your cheeks burning, but you can’t fight the smile spreading across your face. He wraps an arm around you, holding you close, his laughter rumbling softly in his chest.

“Guess we’ve got everyone’s approval,” he murmurs, his breath warm against your temple.

You tilt your head up to meet his eyes, your smile widening. “Seems like it,” you reply softly, your heart swelling with a sense of belonging and joy you haven’t felt in so long.

And as the group continues to laugh and tease, you stay there in Liam’s arms, feeling, for the first time in months, that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

…

Author’s note: Merry Christmas Eve/Happy Birthday Louis🎄🥳

[liampaynememorial]

Honoring Liam Payne: A memorial across time and space

As we continue to process the heartbreaking news of Liam’s passing, I’ve created this tumblr as a space where we can come together and remember him.

Several of you, including some anons, suggested the idea of holding an online memorial, especially for those who can’t attend the services being held in various cities. I believe this is a beautiful way to honor him and support one another.

I’ll be posting more details on Monday, as it’s quite late now and I’ll be travelling tomorrow to attend one of the memorials. But I wanted to get this blog up and running to share a date and a way for us to contribute.

We’ll be holding the online memorial on October 29th. The time doesn’t matter — just join in whenever it’s October 29th where you are, so everyone can participate in their own time. What can you share?

You can contribute in any way that feels right for you —whether it’s edits, fan art, poems, a personal note or letter, song lyrics, gif sets, your favorite photos of him, special moments, stories… Just tag me and I’ll make sure to reblog it.

Please, take care and be gentle with yourselves during this time. I’m sending love and strength to all of you 💕

[so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed]

(X)

[neonredglow]

he was my north, my south, my east and west my working week and my sunday rest my midnight, my noon, my talk, my song i thought love would last forever: i was wrong

-w.h. auden

[trashraccoongirl]

I want to write you a song One that's beautiful as you are sweet With just a hint of pain For the feeling that I get when you are gone I want to write you a song

I want to lend you my coat One that's as soft as your cheek So when the world is cold You'll have a hiding place you can go I want to lend you my coat

Everything I need I get from you Givin' back is all I wanna do

I want to build you a boat One that's strong as you are free So any time you think that your heart is gonna sink You know it won't I want to build you a boat

Everything I need I get from you Givin' back is all I wanna do

Everything I need I get from you Givin' back is all I wanna do

I want to write you a song One to make your heart remember me So any time I'm gone You can listen to my voice and sing along I want to write you a song I want to write you a song

[harrywavycurly]

As corny as it sounds this is why people tell you to tell the ones you love that you love them every chance you get because you truly don’t know if it’ll be the last time you’ll get to.

[nialls-harmonica]

I feel like the finality of Liam’s passing is only just now starting to hit me… that band and those 5 boys have been such an integral part of my life for the past 14 years (literally half my life) and now no matter how much we hope and want and wish for the reunion, it will never be whole… I don’t know why it’s only just sinking in that he is never coming back… this is it… he’s gone… and as silly as this may sound I feel like I lost a friend…

[ohharrypls]

I took this letter to a memorial but wanted to share here too.

"Thank you Liam so much for being in my life and shaping so many childhoods. Thank you for giving us love, support and encouragement through your and One Direction's music during the hard times and highlights of our lives.

You were a kind, generous and charitable person who encouraged so many to follow their dreams and be as kind as you were. You had the kind of smile that shone in your eyes, brighter than any star, and gave us so much comfort.

Thank you again so much for the music that helped me get through everything life threw my way.

I don't want to say 'goodbye' but instead see you later. Thank you for everything. You made me strong.

Rest in peace, My Angel

I can't say thank you enough, but truly thank you for everything Liam. I can't believe you're gone. I've lost count of how many days its been, but each morning I keep waking up expecting the news to change, but it doesn't 💔.

I keep saying each night "I'll see you tomorrow. Things will be different tomorrow.", just so I can sleep and have hope for tomorrow, but the news still doesn't change 💔. But one tomorrow, we all will see you again.

Songs I keep revisiting whenever I miss you tons is You're Beautiful by James Blunt and Drops of Jupiter by Train. I think they capture the type of person you were, beautiful inside and out. An angel. And at peace now. ❤️

Whenever I need reassurance, I'll look to the sky, because I know that's where you are now.

Rest well

[eminentzayn]

ngl all this talk about a 1d reunion having been in the works prior to liam's passing is making me want to throw up. my heart does not want to believe that bc that would add another fucked up layer in whats been one of the worst periods of my life. losing liam in 2024 has eviscerated my heart. but the added thought that we might've gotten our 1d back in 2025 had things just gone to plan is breathtakingly devastating. it would quite fucking literally break me to the point of no return. the what ifs. i would probably never mend again. not that i feel like i ever would after oct 16 but this?? oh boy.

[freshwarrior757]

Drew these boys for the 11th anniversary of Midnight Memories. I didn't think I'd ever draw these guys but since Liam died I've been wanting to draw them

[baby-girl-aaron-dessner]

Dorothea Hackman (Euston Food Bank director) shares how Liam Payne secretly gave up his time to help feed hundreds of struggling families in Camden:

“Liam Payne was the kindest, most sensitive young man I have ever met over an incredibly long period of time.”

“He got in touch out of the blue and offered help. We desperately needed the money at the time. We were dealing with a massive increase in demand – because of lockdown people were desperate for food.”

“He got in touch and asked what we did and what we needed. We told him about our work and he said, ‘Right, I’m giving you £80,000.”

“He came down to the food bank and really got involved, really rolled his sleeves up. He carried crates, packed boxes and bags, he visited us, supported us and  was always charming”

“We are all incredibly upset and sad to hear the news. He really got it. He really understood his social obligations as a successful and rich person. He stood up to be counted. We will miss him terribly.”

“He never once asked for anything. He did not want publicity, he did not want people to know, he just didn’t have that motivation – he saw a need and knew he could help.”

Food For All director Peter O’Grady recalled the singer turning up at a kitchen in Holborn and helping make giant pots of curry. He added:

“He actually saved the day during the pandemic. He made the biggest single donation we have ever had, with no fuss. He didn’t want anyone to make a thing about it. He let nobody know of his generosity.”

Source: Camden New Journal

[makorragal-312]

Given today's news, I feel like I should put this out there:

"Liam Payne was one of/my favorite member in One Direction and was a big part of my childhood, so a part of me is sad that he's gone and I'm sad that he passed the way he did"

and

"Liam Payne did a lot of terrible things that hurt a lot of people and as sad as his sudden death is, it doesn't absolve him of his actions for me"

are two ideas that can and should mutually coexist with each other.

Liam did awful things and ended up hurting people with his actions, but I know he was also a part of a lot of people's childhoods when it came to music and boy groups and was a favorite member to people (me included) and was considered a safe place for others. So it's completely understandable to have mixed emotions or even just genuine sadness at him dying so tragically.

So please, don't feel guilty for having mixed feelings about this. Just feel how you feel and take care of yourselves.

[statementlou]

You used to call Liam an abuser and hate him. Now you're a fan, right?

actually I'm one of the few people on here that has consistently posted about Liam's solo career for years and years now but more importantly, unpopular opinion but actually I don't need to retcon history and say Liam never did anything wrong to mourn and honor him because I don't think people need to be pure and never to have made a misstep to be worthy of love and to have value and things to offer in other areas, so jot that fucking down

[dailytraingirl]

btw i made a post sometime here about being in a restaurant or something and hearing teenage dream and thinking of larry stylinson because of that one video of them singing it

anyway like two days ago i went BACK to that restaurant and they played just the way you are AND viva la vida

it actually made me feel like i was going insane

[amoripomoea]

i keep getting hit with these like. weird waves of sadness over liam's passing yesterday?? a big chunk of what shaped me as a person during my teenage years is gone and it's such a weird and sad feeling.

i don't really have the words to describe how i feel about this (well, i do, but they're not like. brief. or clear). the liam payne i'm sad about losing was gone awhile ago, i know that, but part of me always hoped he would get to receive the professional help he so clearly needed.

anyone who was obsessed with one direction knew that liam really lost his way and fell into addiction almost immediately after the band broke up. he's needed help for years. he did go to rehab awhile back and started to heal a bit but clearly things got bad again.

i'm aware that death does not make someone innocent. you are allowed to be surprised and sad by the tragic loss of a life while also holding them accountable for the shitty things they've done. those two things can and should coexist. i know the internet is allergic to nuance but PLEASE exercise some critical thinking and perspective. this is not as black and white as it seems to be on the surface. keep in mind that there's also a lot that we just don't know.

this grief is so nuanced. like i said, i don't support what he has done in the past -- i haven't supported him in YEARS because of the things he's said and done. i stand w all of his victims that spoke up, and i hope they're all doing okay rn and that they know that none of this is their fault.

there's something so weird and sad about combing the emotions of coming to terms with the fact that the person you idolized as a teen turned out to be a bad person, along with the rough and weird feelings of grief that come with that same person dying suddenly, gruesomely, and tragically.

this is all so tragic, so weird, so surreal, and SO hard. there's a lot of weird conflicting and nuanced emotions running through not just me, but so many of us who grew up loving one direction. i'm aching for 12-15 year old me who wouldn't recover from this. i'm destroyed for his son who survives him, his family, friends, and the other one direction boys. my heart also aches for his victims, who i'm sure are experiencing a lot of conflicting and weird emotions about this. i can't imagine what they're all going through right now and can only hope they're doing okay.

this is the first major celebrity death ive experienced, at least with a celebrity i genuinely loved and obsessed over growing up. ik a lot of people feel the same way too.

whatever you're feeling about this right now is valid. you have the right to feel however you feel. you can mourn the loss of someone who meant a lot to you as a child while also remembering that they turned out to be a bad person.

sorry i keep talking abt this but it hits so hard. like i said like 30 times this is so weird and hard and confusing to a lot of us one direction fans who stopped supporting liam a while back bc of his actions. grieving with perspective and nuance is necessary here but it's not easy.

i hope my fellow one direction fans are doing okay today <3

[kizzington]

Not aiming this at anyone specifically, but I’m genuinely so disappointed & annoyed at the fact no one in my real life circles bothered to reach out to me to check up on me regarding the recent Liam Payne/One Direction news.