We MaDe It

16.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Zayn." Sebastian said then stared at him debating whether to give him a hug or shake Zayn's hand, he went with the latter, moving forward hand out.

Zayn wiped his hand clean with a cloth, took a step to meet him, hand out too. He gave him a quick once over as they shook hands. Sebastian was handsome, tanned skin, dark thick hair with natural wave, he had that Italian blood in him alright, and a smile that showed whitened teeth.

"Nice to meet you too," Zayn nodded, as they pull away. "Louis's nephew."

"Sebastian is fine. Louis doesn't like to be called uncle-" Sebastian said scratching the back of his neck.

"True that. My name is Louis not uncle." Louis said.

"I get called Bash by my friends. You can call me Bash. Or Sebastian. It is my name." Sebastian said timidly, wrapping his arms around himself like he didn't know what to do with them.

"Okay, Bash." Zayn said with a smile designed to put him at ease. "Your timing is perfect, we are having lunch. You're welcomed to join us."

Mary had already dished out for the girls, Amelia, Maddy, Toni and Alfie. Together with Yasmeen had ushered the little ones to the gazebo where they were all lunching while Zayn was left to sort out the adults.

Sebastian smiled widely. "Yes, please. Thank you." His eyes stayed fixated on Zayn. "I've heard so much about you from Louis-"

"I told him just enough to know who is going to be his new boss." Louis said. "Can we get to the part where you serve us food, Zayn, so we can go to the gazebo? You and Sebastian can continue your staring contest there, yeah."

Zayn hadn't realised he was staring at Sebastian. He was innocently staring at the guy for two reasons. One, he expected him to have an Italian accent, Sebastian sounded American, speaking with a slow drawl, accentuating his words. Two, perhaps it was stereotypical, but he thought as a Tomlinson descendant Sebastian would be shorter, but he was tall, about same height as Harry.

"Don't start, Louis." Niall said with a firm tone. "Grab a plate and serve yourself. You're not a guest. And tell
your legs to take you outside and let Zayn be the naturally friendly host he always is. Unlike you who never invite no one to your house." Niall then shifted in the chair to face him, as he also became aware he'd been staring at Sebastian's side profile.

A pure and innocent observation from him? The guy was handsome.

"Get off your claws off my back tiger I was stating the obvious. Don't think I don't see you staring just because you didn't get a mention, Nialler." Louis said wiggling a finger at him.

"Word of advice, Sebastian-" Zayn started grabbing plates. "My friends love drama. Best stay out of it." He chuckled softly his eyes on Niall seeing him blushing, cheeks rosy. Louis like pushing shit, he'll call him out later as Sebastian's face was red too and looking down shyly. "Louis is lazy. Niall can't stand on his legs for too long, you mind helping take the salad out of the fridge for me?"

Sebastian nodded and made to open the fridge. "Which salad?"

"The only one that's there." Zayn chuckled preparing two plates for Harry and Leo first, put them aside before dishing out for the rest. It was a blessing he cooks big like his mom.

"Oops-" Sebastian went red again, clocking the unmissable salad bowl. He took it out of the fridge, going to stand next to Zayn, awaiting his next orders. "Where do you want me?"

"Where I want that bowl, please, is on the table by your old uncle. Look at him looking at us with a freaking smug look. I'll have you know he ships me with everyone I hold a two minute conversation with. I've got a husband. You've met Harry, right?"