ZIAM ONE-SHOTS (BOTTOM LIAM)

Don't Go

Author: scottmcniceass

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/654864

Summary:

Liam's out of the country most of the year because of his job, but he needs someone to take care of his dog. Zayn thinks he's hit the jackpot when he starts renting the room in Liam's apartment. He gets the whole place to himself most of the year, and all he has to do is walk and feed a dog.

He never expected to fall in love with Liam, but it happens anyways.

Zayn stares down at the ad, thinking it's too good to be true. There's no way. He doesn't have this kind of luck, or fortune.

Male, early twenties, seeking roommate and part-time animal caretaker. Is out of town 6 months out of the year, but covers half the rent all year round. Spacious, two bedroom apartment with a washer and dryer, utilities included. If interested, please call the number listed below and ask for Harry Styles.

"It's perfect for you," Louis says, sinking down onto the couch beside Zayn. "Perfect."

Zayn looks up at him, shaking his head. "There's got to be a catch. Maybe he's a serial killer."

Louis roles his eyes. "Come on, Zayn. The apartment's all yours for six months, and you only have to walk his dog. Plus, Niall knows the guy well, apparently. Harry, or whoever he is."

Zayn rereads the ad for a third time. "What's he do, though? I mean, why's he gone all the time?"

"Military man, apparently," Louis supplies. "He's always deployed somewhere out of the country."

Zayn bites his lip, still hesitant. He's desperate, though; there's no way he can continue living in the University dorms. He needs more space - his own space- and this apartment sounds like the best he's going to get.

"Should I go for it?" Zayn asks Louis.

Louis nods. "Plus," he says, snatching the paper from Zayn's hands. "You love dogs."

--

Zayn calls him. Harry's got a slow, relaxing voice, and Zayn likes him instantly. "You can come look at it, if you want," Harry says after asking a few questions. "Niall's already given you the go-ahead, and I trust his judgement."

"Sure," Zayn says quickly.

"Great!" Harry says enthusiastically. "Liam won't be back for another month and a half, but-,"

Zayn cuts him off, frowning at the wall above his bed. "Liam?"

"Yeah, the guy - oh, wait, you thought- it's not me. I mean, it's not my apartment. I live next door. You'll be sharing an apartment with Liam."

"But I thought-,"

"I'm just dealing with his stuff for him while he's gone," Harry explains. "He's pretty busy most of the time. Works his ass off. If you ask me, the only reason he even got the dog was so he'd have something to come home to, you know? Not - not that I said that, if he ever asks. In fact, let's just pretend all together that those words never came out of my mouth."

Zayn continues to stare at the ceiling of his tiny dorm room. There's a footprint up there. An honest to god footprint. How the fuck?

"What's he like?" Zayn asks finally. "Liam, or whatever."

"He's great!" Harry said quickly. "Really great. I promise. He's not, like, psycho or anything. A bit of a workaholic, maybe, but that's about as far as Liam's issues go. I've known him for years. He'd be a great flatmate."