ZIAM ONE-SHOTS (BOTTOM LIAM)

The Boy Next Door 2

Chapter 2: The Scam

"Forever 21? Really?"

"Yes, really, now come on, let's go." Liam took Zayn's hand and dragged him into the store; Zayn grumbled the whole way. Liam took him to the Men's section and there was a lot of plaid and a lot of colors mixed with stacks of skinny jeans, shiny belts, and other shit Zayn was not interested in. The leather jackets were nice though. Maybe he'd let Liam buy him that.

"Anything you like? Or do you just want me to pick some things out?" Liam looked around, way too happy for being at the mall, and then looked at Zayn.

"I mean ... everything's kinda awful except those jeans." Zayn pointed to a pair of skinny black jeans. "And that black leather - fake leather - whatever, jacket over there."
Liam looked him up and down, looking as if he was trying to think if those would work for this new "look" they were going for. Zayn waited, and finally Liam said, "Ok, but try these on too."

He handed him a fist of shirts off a rack that Zayn would normally never touch, shirts with things like LET'S GO TO THE BEACH and OMG WEEKEND! and I HATE MONDAYS, as well as an assortment of plaid button ups and even, Zayn shuddered, polos .

Zayn held the pile of clothes awkwardly in his arms and just let Liam push him towards the dressing room.

This better be fucking worth it.

***

"Oh, hey Liam!" Liam turned around in the school hallway before homeroom and saw Louis walking up to him. They knew each other, if ever so casually, because Louis was the camera guy for the school news and Liam did the morning announcements, but they didn't talk all that often. Nevertheless, Liam felt pleased at the greeting.

"Oh, hey, Louis," Liam greeted him back warmly.

"Look," Louis began, and his face changed into something Liam couldn't quite figure out, but he listened anyways. "I just want you to know that I know you're screwed."

Ahhh there it was, the pity party brigade has started.

Liam just nodded, giving a forced smile as Louis continued. "About the dance, I mean. And, um, well, I guess what I'm trying to say is that if it comes down to panic time and you still don't have a date, and you're, like, really desperate, well, I'd take you. I'd be honored."

"Oh, that's sweet, Louis," Liam said, and he was taken aback a bit by his offer, but Louis seemed oddly sincere. Liam wondered if this was a rouse to just to make fun of him, but that didn't matter anymore. Liam smiled and continued, "but, well, when Zayn and I got out of the car the other night, we kind of decided we'd go together."

The look on Louis' face was priceless. "Zayn? My Zayn?"

Right on cue, Zayn walked into the school and towards the two of the them. Liam sucked in a breath. Zayn looked good, like really good. They had gotten has hair cut the day before and now it was shaved on the sides with a perfect fade, and his hair on top was styled in a gorgeous quiff. Liam was surprised that Zayn even knew what a quiff was, let alone how to do it himself. Liam looked him up and down and took in his tight, dark blue button-up, his black skinny jeans, checkered vans, and that goddam leather jacket he couldn't let go of. Money well spent, Payne. Zayn wasn't wearing polos or khakis, but this was stunning and Liam could definitely be ok with being seen with this Zayn Malik.

Louis, on the other hand was not impressed. He buckled over with laughter, hands on his knees, as Zayn came up to them. Liam thought Zayn looked incredible, even if a part of him didn't want to admit it, but Zayn was shaking his head at Louis now, biting his cheek as he accepted the teasing as if he deserved it..