Unwillingly Arranged(Liam Payne/One Direction Fanfic)

Chapter Twenty-Four(Liam's POV)

My head snapped in the direction of the high pitched voice, my hand immediately moving to Sage's waist as I pushed her out of the teenage girls' line of sight. I felt Sage's hands twirl their way through my shirt, and her head ducked to press against my back.

"Hi there!" I greeted, trying to appear calm as a shaky smile made it's way to my lips. "How are you girls doing?" 

One was a short brunette, her hair swept to the side, her large grey eyes looking at me with as much excitement as a child on Christmas morning. The other was a blonde, a considerably amount taller than her friend, which also might be due to the heels she was wearing. Her brown eyes also sparkled with excitement as she tried not to bounce.

"We're good!" They squealed in unison, their voices rising to a whole new pitch I didn't know was possible. 

I smiled, starting up simple conversation with the both of them, asking them if they liked the band, how old they were, things similar. I should have realized sooner or later, one would have wandered why I was sititng on the ground, both my arms pinned back to hold Sage in place. That, or one of them would be smart enough to figure out I had someone behind me. 

And they did. The short brunette scrunched her eyebrows together, ducking around to peer at Sage. A frown etched over her features as she shuffled more to the side, to get a better look is what I guessed.

"Liam! Liam, who is that?" Her hand stuck out to a point like a small child would when telling on their older brother or sister. A small pout made it's way to her lips as she waited for me to answer.

 There was no use to lie. There was no use to try and play it off as some random girl. There was no use to try anything; except the truth. The fans could find anything out that they wanted too. They would probably find out about Sage sooner or later anyway, no matter how much I wanted to keep her safe away from my world.

"Oh," I moved slightly over, bringing myself to my feet. Sage's eyes widened as she still sat on the ground, her green eyes darting back and forth between mine in fear. I reached down with a gentle smile, holding my hand out to her. She took it, intertwining her fingers with mine as I pulled her too my feet. Smiling softly, I wrapped my arm around her waist and brought her closer. "Guys, this is Sage."

Both of their eyes narrowed for a moment at the small girl attached to my side. "Is she your new girlfriend?" The blonde one snapped, her voice coming out harsh as her eyes pierced angrily back into mine. "What happened to Danielle?"

I frowned, my grip tightening onto Sage's side as I partially pushed her behind me again. "You both know good and well I have been broken up with Danielle for a while now. She was only living in my flat because she didn't have anywhere else to go, and she is still my friend. If Sage does happen to be my girlfriend, there is no reason for you to hate her. She has done nothing wrong. She's a sweet girl who doesn't deserve it."

"We didn't say anything," The brunette said, her eyes narrowing. "but we'll remember that, thanks."

"Good," I countered, leaning down to press a kiss to Sage's head, which was ducked inbetween my body and my arm. "Now, do you guys want pictures?"

They both seemed to perk up at this suggestion, both of them nodding rapidly, as if they had forgot completely about the happenings moments earlier. The blonde presented her phone to me, along with the brunette as they shuffled closer to me.

"Someone needs to take the picture.." I suggested, holding both of the phones in my hands awkwardly.

"I'll do it," Sage whispered quietly, shoving herself out from under my arm.