Equilibrium (Vexxieverse Series - Part 5)

Prelude (Z, N)

Zayn
April

Since they had to adjust to the time zones, they spent most of the next day sleeping. They had plenty of time in Venice and they were there to relax, so they agreed to put the tourist activities off until they were recharged. It'd been a hard year already, so they just needed privacy, rest, and each other.

They had lovely suites. Smaller than what they were used to (especially without the giant bed), but the views and architecture made up for that. They got a second luxury suite to be safe, in case it got too cramped. Besides, Harry and Louis should have some nights to themselves on their wedding anniversary vacation. That was the whole reason they were there.

Zayn never expected Louis to settle down. Especially not that fast. It was love at first sight between Harry and Louis, but also, to some degree, between all five of them. When Harry came into the picture, everything shifted. Or maybe something about Harry's arrival forced them to challenge their ideas about what relationships "should" be. But at the very core, OT5 blossomed from their marriage, so it was everyone's favorite event to celebrate. Well, along with Kinkaversary.

It didn't mean the link between Harry and Louis was superior to the rest, but it was the link that gave the five of them permission to expand together.

The rooms were elegantly decorated with cozy cream-colored paints and fabrics. All the suites had chandeliers and antique furniture. It was much different from their modern home in California. Another world entirely. This world was full of history, art, and culture. The other was full of glitz, glamor, and toxic, dangerous games.

They'd separated for the first night, only because they knew they'd pile into one king-size bed after whatever scene Niall had planned the day after. It was kind of weird having the extra space with only 3 of them, even in the smaller bed. They almost never slept in separate beds anymore. This was definitely the first night apart since Liam got taken.

Both Harry Louis were so stressed about it they video called from a room over until Liam fell asleep. Zayn didn't say it, but he was glad they didn't hang up before that. Not that there was danger. Just felt right. None of them overanalyzed it or questioned it, either. That's why they worked so well; they just understood one another.

No one slept well since they were apart, but since they took the day to sleep, they piled into one bed and napped the day away together between meals. It was weirdly romantic. Reminded Zayn of when they'd accidentally end up all in the same bed, even before they became an official thing. Luxury was nice but nostalgic was priceless.

Around 3:00pm, Niall disappeared but came back at 5:00pm.

He'd claimed the Larry Suite and locked everyone out of it to prepare for the scene, but he hadn't actually clued Zayn and Louis in like they'd expected. Just because Niall was a nervous sub didn't mean he was a nervous Dom. Every time the boys thought they had Niall all figured out, he surprised them.

After dinner the night before, Niall just asked a few basic Dom questions, but it was all logistical. Zayn and Lou expected insecurity and never-ending (adorable) questions for this scene and instead; they were left in the dark about his plan. He didn't even need a pep talk!

Honestly, he mostly established dominance over the scene. Made it clear that it was HIS scene, and he expected Louis and Zayn to play along and not embarrass him. They gave him a little advice on tools and materials, but Zayn was pretty sure he only asked for advice to make them feel more involved. He's already done his research. That was how Niall worked.

Once the sky was painted red and orange and the chatters about "Niall's scene" was in full effect, he stood and commanded the entire room with his energy alone. He waited until everyone stopped talking and looked up at him before he said a word. Damn, he was good.