42

                                    

                                          
"Dad, can I ask you something?" Niall asked Harry as the two were sitting at the kitchen table.
                          
Liam had taken Louis and Zayn out for the afternoon leaving Niall and Harry alone. It felt nice and refreshing for the two to bond since as of late, Liam and Niall had been spending lots of time together; plus, this gave Harry time off from Louis and Zayn duty.
                          
"Sure, what's up, honey?"
                          
"How do you know if someone likes you?"
                          
"Well, with your papa, it was very easy. Whenever we were in school, he would walk me to class, compliment me, carry my books for me, and when I was getting bullied, he would stand up for me, and tell the bullies off. We started becoming friends and hanging out. It eventually led to hanging out at each others house. Our parents thought we were already together. After a month, he finally asked me out, and well, you know the rest. Why do you ask?"
                          
"There's this boy, his boy's Josh, and he's in my science class. Whenever I look at him, he looks at me and smiles and blushes. Do you think that means he likes me?"
                          
"Only one way to find out. Are you two friends?"
                          
"I guess. I mean, we see each other in the halls and we say hi, but that's about it."
                          
"Well, get closer to him, become his friend, and when you think it's time, ask him out." 
                          
"Do you think that would work?"
                          
"If it worked for your father and I, then there's absolutely no way it won't work for you two."
                          
"Thanks, dad, there's one other thing."
                          
"Which is?"
                          
"You know how papa's been going with me to see my parents?"
                          
Harry nodded.
                          
"Well, the next time I see them, I was wondering if you would want to go with me."
                          
"Are you sure? Your papa really likes going and I think it would break his heart if he didn't go."
                          
"Please, dad." Niall begged.
                          
"Okay, but only if you're sure." Harry clarified.
                          
"I am." Niall smiled.
                          
"You know, I think your papa and I are doing a good job with you and your brothers."
                          
"You are, don't worry."
                          
"Good, now how about we start dinner?"
                          
"Actually, I think we should go out. Just the two of us. I like hanging out with you, and I don't know the next time we'll be able to."
                          
"You really mean that?"
                          
"I do, I missed you, dad."
                          
Harry shed a tear. "I missed you, too, baby."
                          
"Dad, I'm almost sixteen." Niall laughed.
                          
"I know, but you're still my baby."
                          
"I'll always be your baby, dad, but I might have to fight Louis and Zayn on that one." Niall smiled and laughed harder.
                          
"Louis and Zayn idolize you. They love you." 
                          
"And I love them, too, and thank you for bringing me into your home and adopting me." Niall confessed.
                          
"You're very welcome, baby, now, are you hungry?"
                          
"Yeah, a lot, actually."
                          
"Figures, you're a growing boy, you're always hungry." Harry laughed.
                          
"Let's go before I start eating the table." Niall joked.
                          
"We can't have that, can we?" Harry feigned a gasp.
                          
Harry and Niall both busted out laughing.
                          
It felt so good to have these father-son moments, and both of them hoped they could have more.