Glitter & Crimson [COMPLETED]

10

Zayn had been wrestling with himself for days, rehearsing the words he wanted to say. Talking to Louis, though, felt as exasperating as trying to eat a hamburger with freshly painted nails—no matter how he approached it, he just couldn't get comfortable enough to begin.

He found Louis sprawled out on the couch in their shared hotel room, fingers draped over the neck of his guitar, casually plucking out a soft melody. The familiar chords mixed with the gentle hum of the city outside, and for a moment, Zayn hesitated, watching the way Louis seemed to lose himself in the music, unaware of anything else around him.

But he couldn't wait any longer. Zayn took a deep breath, finally pushing himself forward. "Louis," he said, his voice louder than he intended. It startled both of them, and Louis looked up, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

Zayn's voice softened as he continued, almost losing his nerve. "We need to talk."

Louis studied him for a moment, then gave a small, amused smile. "Whatever it was I did, I'm sorry," he said, glancing back down at his guitar as he casually twisted one of the tuning pegs. His usual bravado was intact, but Zayn could see the hint of something else in his eyes—a flicker of nerves, maybe even worry.

Zayn felt his heart ache a little at Louis's deflection. He moved closer, sinking down into the armchair across from him, his gaze steady as he tried to summon the courage he needed. "It's not about anything you did," Zayn replied softly. "It's... about us."

Louis's fingers stilled on the strings, his eyes snapping up to meet Zayn's. The casual façade slipped just a little, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability. "Us?" he echoed, and there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

"Yeah," Zayn murmured, his fingers absently tracing patterns on his knee. He glanced at the floor, gathering his thoughts. "I know we've been playing this part for the cameras, but... sometimes, I don't know where the act ends and where we begin. And I guess I just... I need to know if any of this is real to you, too."

Louis swallowed, his gaze darting away as he seemed to search for the right response. He set the guitar down beside him, rubbing his hands together before he looked back at Zayn. "Zayn... I thought this was just something we had to do. I thought that was what you wanted. But... maybe somewhere along the way, it became real for me, too."

The admission hung heavy in the air, and Zayn felt his chest tighten, a mix of relief and something deeper, something he'd been holding back for far too long. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his eyes never leaving Louis's.

"Maybe it doesn't have to be an act anymore," Zayn said, his voice barely above a whisper, but there was a sincerity in his tone that reached Louis.

Louis gave a faint, hesitant smile, his hand instinctively reaching for Zayn's. Their fingers brushed, tentative at first, then intertwined as if they'd done this a thousand times before. It was such a simple touch, yet it felt like the most natural thing in the world, a silent promise between them.

The tension between them melted into something warmer, something real, and for the first time in a long time, Zayn felt the uncertainty fade, replaced by a quiet sense of belonging he hadn't known he was missing.

"Guess we're writing our own story now, huh?" Louis murmured, his voice soft but with a mischievous glint in his eyes that made Zayn's heart race.

"Yeah," Zayn replied, squeezing Louis's hand gently. "And this time, it's just for us."

Louis pulled Zayn onto his lap with a gentle tug, wrapping his arms around him as Zayn settled comfortably against his chest. Zayn's warmth and weight pressed firmly against him, and Louis felt himself relax, the tension of the day melting away. He tightened his hold just slightly, his chin resting atop Zayn's head.

"Well, Mr. Malik," Zayn murmured with a playful grin, his voice soft but full of mischief, "I'm taking you out on a date tonight."

Louis let out a scoff, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Malik? Are you suggesting that I took your last name?" he teased, lifting a brow in mock offense. "I think you've got it the wrong way around, love. You'd be Zayn Tomlinson in this relationship."

Zayn let out a soft chuckle, tilting his head to look up at Louis with an amused smile. "Oh, really? And here I was thinking you'd be the one taking my last name. It's got a certain ring to it, doesn't it?" he said, winking as he trailed his fingers along the back of Louis's neck, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Let's get one thing straight," Louis said, his voice low, though a grin played at his lips. "I don't take anyone's name, Malik. Besides, Zayn Tomlinson does have a nice ring to it. Just imagine the headlines," he added with a smirk.

Zayn laughed, a genuine, heartfelt sound that made Louis's chest swell with warmth. "Fine, Tomlinson," Zayn said, leaning closer, "we'll call it a tie. But I still get to be the one taking you out tonight. Somewhere quiet, just us." His fingers traced soft circles on Louis's shoulder as he spoke, his tone softening.

Louis's smile softened as well, his gaze meeting Zayn's. "Alright, I'll allow it. But only if you promise to make it a proper date. None of that five-star restaurant, stiff-shirt bullshit.. I want something real."

"Don't worry," Zayn assured him, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "I've got something in mind that I think you'll love. Just trust me."

Louis's heart skipped a beat, a flicker of genuine excitement rising in him at the thought of Zayn planning something special for them. It wasn't often they got a moment to themselves, away from the public eye and all the expectations that came with their careers. For once, he could just be Louis, and Zayn could just be Zayn.

Zayn pulled back slightly, looking at Louis with a soft, affectionate smile before he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Louis's forehead. "You deserve a night off. Just us, no cameras, no crowds."

Louis closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the moment, his fingers intertwining with Zayn's. "Sounds perfect," he whispered, squeezing Zayn's hand gently. The world outside felt miles away as they sat there, wrapped up in each other, two halves of a story only they could understand.