that's not why × ziam au (short story)

part ix × broken

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"You can't pay enough money to cure that feeling of being broken and confused."

—Winona Ryder

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He had woken up, his breath was heavy and his heartbeat was almost at an impossible rate. He was shaking as he slowly sat up from the ground he was laying on, a state of confusion and disorientation was what he was going through as he looked around the unfamiliar room.

It was raining uncontrollably outside, drops of rain crashing down on to concrete floors and houses. The sky was dark and grey, trees were rattling and lamp post lights were beginning to flicker on and off. The window was slightly shaking due to the wind, except, this wasn't his window.

He looked around the small, yet comfy room, poster of superheroes on every wall. He was lying next to a bed, that had messy navy blue sheets along with some random clothing items thrown on top of it.

Liam rubbed his aching head as he got up, his legs slightly wobbly as he stood on his own two feet. With knotted eyebrows, he walked around the room, analyzing every poster and every book that he came across with. The bedroom didn't seem familiar at all, but by the looks of it, it must be some ten year-olds room. He didn't know how he had gotten there or why he was there, but all he needed to do was get out before someone would catch him.

But before he could exit, there was the sound of light; footsteps making their way towards the room, the old wood creaking beneath his or her feet.

Liam froze, not knowing where to hide or go. He panicked and began to look around, searching for a hiding spot.

But it was too late and the door swung open, leaving Liam paralyzed in his spot as he stared at the person in front of him.

Zayn.

He was soaking wet, which meant that he had probably walked home. His fringe was flat against his forehead and one of his eyes, his lips were chapped and slightly bruised. He was shaking widely, his eyes red and teary. Liam didn't notice the bruise around his left eye until he brought one trembling hand to push the hair out of the way.

He didn't notice Liam's presence and the brunet was immensely shocked at the sight of the boy that was supposed to be dead.

Then, he watched how the boy shuffled over to his bed, a limp in his step as his bottom lip trembled. He collapsed on it, now soaking wet bed, as he let a broken sob into the pillow.

Liam licked his dry lips, not sure of what to say to the hurting boy. He kneeled down next to him, listening to the hiccups that escaped his lips as he cried, letting all of his rage and pain out.

Liam reached out to touch his arm, but was shocked when he felt nothing. It was as if he were touching a cloud of smoke, his hand just trespassing but he could see it through Zayn's body. He gasped and pulled away, watching as the boy pulled himself into a ball.

This has to be a dream. Liam thought, a concerned look sketched all over his face.

That's when Zayn turned his head, coincidentally, almost looking straight into Liam's eyes. He sniffed and had a small pout on his pale lips, hiccups escaping them. That's when Zayn slightly stretches his neck, Liam catching a glimpse of purple and red spots, followed by some bite marks.

The brunet boy's eyes widen when he realized what had happened to Zayn. He felt his blood go cold and his heart drop as he remembered what Harry had told him.