The Etiquette of Flux (1D fanfic)

Chapter 3

It's been almost six hours, and we got a good amount of writing done. Not crazy, but a good start. Obviously, it's a poppy-boyband tune that just repeats and has an incredibly simple melody. We got as far as the chorus and first two verses. All of them except for Liam and Niall we giving me snarky remarks the entire time, but all the while seeming very flirtatious. Not to mention, Zayn kept trying to exchange glances. Most of them I brushed off and ignored considering I was here to create songs, not one night stands, relationships, or fuckbuddies. 

A different bald man wearing a army green turtleneck came into the room to dismiss us. I packed up my books and things while the boys piled about of the room, except for Zayn. He slowly started to make his way back into the room, obviously trying to catch me before I left. I just kept my eyes down, though, trying not to make contact and initiate a conversation.

"Hey, Rachel, can I ask you something?" Zayn inquired, lightly holding onto my arm before I shook his hand off.

"What?" I replied, uninterested.

"Me and some of my friends are going to hang out tonight, and you're welcome to come if you want."

"Thanks but no thanks." I replied bitterly, avoiding eye contact by fiddling in my purse.

"Why? I mean, it'd be really cool if you could come, why won't you come?" I stopped distracting my eyes and looked up at him.

"Because Zayn, it's simple. You're not the type of person I would hang out with."

"Why not?"

"We are two very different people, coming from very different worlds. People like you and people like me don't mix."

"You don't even know me." Zayn says, suddenly offended.

"Besides, you wouldn't like me."

"How could you even judge that?"

"I can tell lots of things by just looking at them, Zayn, and I don't intend that to change now."

"Rachel, just hang out this one time. If you don't like me afterwards, then I won't talk about anything other than music to you ever again."

"Do you have a good reason why I should?" 

"If you don't then you'll never know who I actually am."

"I could live with that."

"C'mon Rachel, just please." I'm tired of him asking.

"Ok, I'll hang out with you." His eyes glimmered with excitement.

"Ok cool, here, the information of where it is." 

"See you later." I grabbed my bag, threw it over my shoulder, and walked out of the room.

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The paper read:

8:00 

Orange Glass Bar

155123453

I took a good look at it and then a good look in the mirror. Some dry, faded, dull figure was painted in it. I decided to change into some bar attire in case I met anyone in there that would be worth remembering. It was 7:36 and I was about to walk into the kitchen, ready to go meet Zayn.

I passed by my father in the living room where he was watching the news. He automatically noticed me and took in his sights. 

"Why are you so dressed up at 7:30 pm? Going somewhere?" He sounded surprised. 

"Yes." My voice was one worded and short.

"Where?"

"Out." 

"With who??" 

"Some people I met today." Technically, I wasn't lying about that. He sat there staring at me. "Can I go now?"

"Yeah fine whatever." 

The taxi drive was short and I got there by 8 easily. It was already pitch black out. This part of London was very sketchy and dangerous-looking, which was nice, reminding me of Chicago. All different typed of people on the streets, and a few piss-drunk people outside of the bar. I noticed next to the bar, a kid with one of his boots stuck to the wall behind him while the other is on the ground, fag in his mouth, sunglasses on his eyes. I think I got my guy. 

The blackish figure I recently described came alive and walked over to me. He also asked me how I was, if I wanted a light, which I responded with yes, and he led me into the bar. 

"Where are your friends?" I asked upon getting my drink, Zayn graciously paying for it.

"That's what I'll show you next. Follow me." Zayn suspiciously led me up wooden stairs in the back of the building to an unknown, unlit, darkness.