Looking Glass » ziam au // ON HOLD

IX

Chapter 9.

     The rest of the day consisted of Zayn making the stands of color that floated across his vision more vivid until it seemed to get easier and easier. By the ending of the training, his head felt as if it was packed with cotton and his eyes were heavy.

     The boy slumped against the wall, rubbing his eyes as he let out a small yawn, causing the other man to smile slightly.

     "Tired," Liam asked with a laugh as Zayn just nodded, too tired to reply with some type of snappy comment. "Come on now, let's head back up."

     Zayn hauled himself off the cold floor, nearly falling over as he leaned against the wall, causing Liam to sigh heavily.

     "You can't do shit on your own, can you?" He mumbled, before walking up to the smaller boy and lifting him into his arms effortlessly as he made his way upstairs.

     "I'm more than capable of walking, thank you very much. You didn't have to carry me." He replied snappishly as Liam just rolled his eyes, a small, fond smile on his face.

     "Be quiet, please. You're giving me a headache. When you get into your room, give the maid a ring and she'll prepare you for bed, understood?" Liam explained, as he stopped in front of Zayn's door.

     "Yes, sir, now put me down and...well," Zayn started off, blushing slightly as he was set down on his two feet. "Thanks for helping me, with the magic...and to my room. I'm going to keep working on it."

     The statement brought a smile to Liam's face as he nodded, leaning against the doorframe as Zayn made his way inside, staring at Liam for a moment before closing the door gently.

     Liam turned, starting to walk down the corridor before the sound of a door creaking open and the soft patter of feet caused him to turn around. He found himself letting out a small grunt as arms wrapped around his middle before the person pulled away, clearing their throat.

     "Well, goodnight, Liam." Zayn spoke, quickly making his way back into his room as the other male shook his head admiringly before he called out to the boy.

     "Goodnight, Zayn! Rest up, I'll be at your door tomorrow morning!" The small raven haired boy nodded, disappearing into the room as Liam yawned, making his way towards his room, a small smile on his face.

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     The next morning, the same had happened. Breakfast, training, a lunch break, training, dinner, training, bed. The two had fallen into a routine and Zayn was becoming noticeably better. His hand to hand combat was nearly as good as Liam's, and as for the magic, he could now light a candle and only receive a slight headache.

     While Liam was walking towards the dining hall, one of the maids had stopped him, telling the man that Cheshire had needed to see him and that it was urgent.

     The male made his way into the private room, standing at the door as he watched Cheshire being dressed by three small women, who, in Liam's opinion, somewhat resembled mice.

     "Sir, I was told that you needed me and that it was urgent." Liam stated as the other man waved his hand dismissively, causing the maids to scurry away as he sat down.

     "Liam, Liam, Liam," he started, smiling at the broad man. "How's our boy doing, well?"

     "He's doing well, sir. Hand to hand combat is nearly impeccable and the magic is getting better." He reported, a smile on his face at the thought of the progress Zayn was making.

     "Good, good. I'm aware that you're guiding him, but you seem to be spending an awful amount of time with him. Did I not make my intentions clear, Liam? You do understand what I want with this boy, correct?" He inquired in a sharp tone, causing the other boy to tense up.

     "No, you made them very clear. I'm just training him, sir. Nothing more, nothing less." He mumbled, as Cheshire leaned back, smirking slightly.

     "So, you've got no attachment to this boy, correct?"

     "None at all, sir." Liam answered, looking at the man as he tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair.

     "Very well then, you won't mind me sending someone else to train him then, will you? Perhaps, Brutus?" He questioned, a smirk on his face as Liam's heart skipped a beat.

     The boy, chewed on his lower lip before shrugging.

     "If that is what you see fit, then alright." He spoke, swallowing the lump in his throat as Cheshire clapped in delight.

"Wonderful," He exclaimed happily. "I'll send for someone to get him. You're dismissed."

     Liam left the room, his heart feeling heavy as he made his way to Zayn's room, knocking twice. The door flew open as a smile came onto the smaller boy's face.

     "Ready to get your ass kicked in training?" He asked with a grin as he stepped into the hallway before Liam shook his head.

     "By orders of the Cheshire Cat, I'm no longer going to train you." He spoke in a monotonous tone, as Zayn's smile fell, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

     "Well, then who is?" Zayn questioned before a deep voice that wasn't Liam answered.

     "I am."

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