ZIAM ONE-SHOTS (BOTTOM LIAM)

Can't Hold Us 1: Beginning

Author: fromunderthesun

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/773899/chapters/1453669

Summary:

Zayn loves three things above all: his mates, football, and Liam Payne.

Alternatively, a high school football AU where Liam is the new kid that Zayn meets over the summer and they fall head over heels for each other because who wouldn't?

It's loud. The bass is thudding, a constant undercurrent to the conversations and laughter of all of the people crowded into the tiny flat. Zayn can feel it reverberating in his bones, acting as a second heartbeat, slightly off time from his own. The music itself is loud enough that you have to half-shout to be heard. It makes him want to dance, seems like it's compelling him to actually, but the alcohol in his system isn't quite enough to alleviate his nerves about doing so. Thank God. He has the feeling though that it's going to inevitably happen because it always ends up happening once he's had enough and, well, what else are parties for?

Zayn is here with some of his mates, crowded in to this little flat on the east side of the city looking for a bit of fun to rid the summer of some of its boredom. He'd be the last to say it, but school at least has the added bonus of bringing more interest to his days when they're there. But he'd never admit to that. Louis and Harry aren't here, for once, and he was a bit sad about it because they're mad and always fun to have around when drinking, but he reckons it will be all right. Niall's here with a handful of their other friends and he knows they'll all still end up getting pissed and stumble to someone's place as the sun threatens to make an appearance. It will be brilliant, same as always, just another sultry August night—though he'd be willing to bet Louis and Harry will be sorry they missed it. It's the lot for those with other responsibilities though and he'd feel sorry for them if he wasn't already buzzed.

He's watching the competitive game of beer pong their American pals insisted on being played, a lager sweating condensation in his hand. There's a bit of shouting and name-calling going on from both sides and all the onlookers are laughing along. Niall and Danny are on one side, playing two blokes Zayn certainly doesn't know. They look a bit pikey and dodgy for it, to be honest, but he'd never say it out loud. Niall is flushed, his fair face pink with sunburn from their trip to the beach a few days ago. Zayn is sure some of it is also from drinking because they've been here for a while. More of it is probably from his temper though, which has been riled to say the least.

"Let's go, mate!" he shouts across the table. "You're gonna get your arses kicked now!"

"Niall, we're losing." Danny laughs, just glad for the opportunity to get drunk with friends in London. Bradford can be a boring place, even for him. "We've sunk three cups and they have six."

"So? This is going to be our comeback!"

They end up losing a few minutes later and leave the table, Niall muttering under his breath about "the stupid bastards" and how he needs another drink. A boy with short, dark hair steps up to take their spot. He's dressed in a light T-shirt and jeans and his hair looks soft enough to touch. He looks around, hands shoved into his pockets, as the pikey sorts laugh and congratulate themselves on their win with more drinks. Zayn takes a pull of his own, interested enough to stick around instead of trying to find Niall in the chaos.

"Andy?" The brown-haired boy calls out. Zayn notes idly that he looks to be around his own age. He also seems only slightly irritated. "Andy, where you at, mate?"

"He left!" Someone calls back. "Went outside with that blonde girl!"

The guy mutters what is clearly a curse under his breath and Zayn is stepping forward—why is he moving? he was watching, he wanted to watch—before his alcohol-soaked mind can fully catch up to what he's doing.