Triple Dog Dare *A Zayn Malik Love Story*

Chapter 12

The song for this chapter is Penguin by Christina Perri(:

Harry's POV*

I laid in my bedroom watching Fight Club and eating a dark chocolate Klondike bar. Two blankets covered my entire body, excluding my face. I sniffed and my eyes watered more than before, so I sat for another five minutes wiping my face, willing water to stop falling from my puffy, red eyes.

"Zayn," I croaked, my throat developing a familiar burning sensation. I knew instantly I hadn't spoken loud enough, so I called out his name once more, to see if he would respond.

No response.

I knew he was home because I'd heard the front door close a little while ago. I internally groaned and pushed my head into the pillow next to me as I slowly lifted myself out of bed to walk downstairs. I rubbed my irritated eyes, and on the way down the steps a familiar sound made me freeze.

Camille's quiet laugh rang through my ears and I internally groaned for the millionth time that day. I did NOT want to see Camille, especially since I was sick and already annoyed with being sick. I decided to man up and just finish walking down the steps. Carry On by Fun. was quietly playing in the iHome in the living room. Camille and Zayn were laying opposite each other on the couch, Camille's feet tucked under Zayn's thigh and his legs lying comfortably by Camille's side. It would be cute... if it wasn't Camille.

I stepped into the room, not even acknowledging them as I moped across the kitchen to the cabinet containing the cups. I poured myself an ice cold glass of water to soothe my aching throat and took a long sip of it, satisfied with how the chilled liquid ran smoothly down my throat. I braced myself to walk silently back into the living room, praying I wouldn't be noticed. Of course I had no such luck.

"Hey, Stranger."

I turned to face the two of them returning my stare.

I winced when I cleared my throat. "Hi." My voice was deeper than usual and I took another drink of water.

"Aw, Harry. How are you feeling? Zayn told me you were sick so we tried to be quiet. Did we wake you up?"

"I'm really not feeling great, but no, you didn't wake me up. I'm just watching a movie in my room," I replied.

She smiled. "Oh, cool. Whatcha watching?"

"Fight Club."

"Any good?"

"Sure."

She shot Zayn a quick look who hadn't spoken to me since I showed up. "Oh, okay. I'll have to check it out. Thanks." I nodded and started up the steps again to my bedroom. "Feel better, Harry," I heard her call up quietly. I pretended I didn't hear her.

"Feel better, Harry." I mocked in my head, distastefully.

I set my glass on the dresser beside my bed and curled up under the covers again. I coughed and a chill ran through my body, causing me to bury myself deeper under the covers in search of the desired warmth. I closed my eyes, desperately trying to ignore the sudden pounding in my head as exhaustion overwhelmed my senses. In less than five minutes or so, I fell asleep to the quiet sound of my TV.

. . .

*Camille's POV*

Harry sulked back up the stairs and we heard his door shut. I knew he was sick and grumpy, but I also knew he didn't approve of my being here.

"He doesn't really like me," I stated.

"He's just sick and being a grump," Zayn waved off.

Even so, it was obvious he was reluctant of my presence, and that made me feel really uncomfortable. "Okay," I said, deciding not to bring it back up. "I think I might go, though. I have some homework that needs to be finished by tomorrow and I should probably get a start on it." I glanced at my the clock and discovered it was only 4:00. Perfect.