Act of Love- Ziam Mayne

Chapter 7:

It's opening night. Liam is still nervous, but he's breathing deeply and trying to remember it will be fine.

People are bustling about, getting the last minute preparations ready. His mind is on over drive, trying to make sure he remembers his lines. He's sitting on a box backstage, skimming through his script, when Zayn comes over.

"Nervous?" He asks as he takes a seat next to Liam.

"Not that much." He says as he puts the script down. "Mostly excited." Before either can say anything else, Madame is calling them over. The whole crew and cast gather around. They hold hands as Madame starts speaking.

"So much works was put into this play." She starts. "There were new faces, old faces, and it was overall just a great mix of people. There were good times, bad times, and all the times in between. We've cried, we've laughed and we've been there for one another every time. All of you became like a family and I am proud to call myself Mama Theater." Her eyes are misty and Liam feels a bit teary eyed himself. "Thanks for a great few months, go out there and perform your little hearts out." Everyone does hands in, cheering drama once their hands pull away. Liam braces himself.

"It's show time."

---

Intermission just passed and Liam is feeling anxious. The kissing scene is a few scenes away and he's not sure if he's ready. They've been practicing the scene multiple times, but they hadn't incorporated the actual kiss yet. Tonight was its big debut. And once again Liam was scared.

What if he messed up? What if he forgot his cue? What if Zayn hated the kiss? That was his biggest fear. He wanted Zayn to like the kiss. He wanted him to like it so much he would finally realize that he's had feelings for Liam this whole time. That kiss could either make or break what Liam has with Zayn.

The next couple of scenes pass by in a blur as Liam delivers his performance. It's going well and in a matter of seconds, the kiss will be performed. He evens his breathing as he starts his next line. His hands are clammy and he's trying not to stutter, but it's becoming difficult. The nerves are never ending; he hopes that he doesn't mess up. Luckily he's finished his monologue, so now he just has to wait as Zayn says his.

He watches intently as Zayn delivers his monologue, the same monologue he had Liam read with him. It feels a bit like Déjà vu, how Zayn is looking at him the same way he did when he delivered that monologue months ago. It's making the butterflies in Liam's stomach stir crazy. It's now or never.

"Bradley, this might not have been the Valentine's Day you wanted, but we had fun. We laughed through the ruined dinner and blushed through the interrogation. It was chaotic and embarrassing, but we got through it. And you know why?" Zayn walks closer pulling Liam to him, readying him for what's to come. "Because we love each other. I wouldn't change today for anything in the world." Zayn leans in, closing the gap. Liam feels his heart beating out of his chest. It's like time stops in that moment. The noise dies out as Liam feels Zayn's lips on his. It only lasts a few seconds before Zayn pulls away, but Liam swears he felt a spark. He opens his eyes, watching as Zayn smiles wide, a new glint in his eye. He knows that he has to make his move. He has to tell Zayn how he feels before it's too late. And he's going to do it tonight.