Zustin - Tightrope

Bad influence

We step out onto the terrace, the night crisp and clear but chilly. I grab a blanket for us to sit on, wrapping it around our legs as we settle down.

"You really are a terrible influence on such an innocent, young 21-year-old," I tease as he lights my joint.

He smirks, blowing out smoke. "Don't remind me how young you are. It's already fucked up enough."

"What's fucked up?"

He raises an eyebrow at me. "That I'm with someone who just barely became legal to drink."

"That was last year pookie. I'm turning 22 in a few days. And I'm hosting a gathering, you know," I reply.

"Stop saying gathering, call it a party." He sighs, rolling his eyes. "And you know I can't come, so don't invite me."

"I wasn't gonna," I say, smirking. "I was hoping maybe you could babysit your stepson."

He laughs, brushing something off my thigh with his hand. "I really don't understand why I like you so much when you're so weird."

"I haven't set a date yet. I could wait until you have a day off so you can come," I suggest.

"Justin, you know I can't come."

"I'm not asking for us to have sex in public Zayn. I just thought it'd be nice if you could join a small birthday thing with my closest friends. They're cool. If I tell them not to freak out, they won't. It's just, you know, it's my first birthday not being single." I pause, nerves creeping in. "Or like im not single right? Are we dating?" I ask suddenly nervous if I've misunderstood. God have I misunderstood? He didn't say he wanted to be in a relationship he just said he likes likes me, oh my god please tell me I haven't again built up a fake reality.

His cheeks flush, and he gives me a soft, almost shy look. "You're not single."

"Are you?"

He lets out a chuckle, a hint of annoyance mixed with amusement. "What kind of question is that, you idiot?"

"A sincere one," I say, holding his gaze.

"Of course I'm not single if you're not single."

"So are we like dating dating? Or just dating?" I press, a little breathless with nerves.

"What's the difference?" he asks, eyes narrowing.

"Like are we really, truly starting a romantic relationship? Are we exclusive?"

"Obviously." He rolls his eyes.

"You're not gonna have sex any girls?" I ask, swallowing the lingering doubt.

He looks at me seriously. "I won't."

I can't stop the grin that breaks across my face. "This is freaking crazy. But anyway, back to my gathering. You coming or not?"

"I can't make it, I'm sorry. But I'll make it up to you. I'll plan something just for us later, yeah?" He places his hand on my thigh, and the touch sends a shiver through me.

"Fine. Okay so no party. Do you wanna meet my best friends? Will and Mia. They're not really super big fans of yours, Mia is somewhat but they won't be like me when we first met."

Zayn laughs, shaking his head. "You really were insane that day. No idea why I went home with you."

"Are you glad you did?" I ask quietly.

His gaze softens, his smile widening. "Very."

"Me too." I lean back against him. "So, my friends, yes or no?"