misfits // z.m

ch. 1 || lakes

hi! my name is charlie, and this is the first chapter of my fanfiction.

um so the layout of this fanfiction is probably a little bit different, and the story will take place based on the 91 days zayn tries to get thalia to love him.

it's not a long chapter in the slightest. i find it a challenge writing long chapters, but i'll try

thank you for reading it so far and i hope you will enjoy it :))

I. lakes

▬▬▬

"What do you guys plan to do, when One Direction comes to an end?"

The boys shifted nervously and Liam stepped in before an awkward silence ensued, "To be honest, I don't think we've thought about that yet. I guess we could settle down and have a family."

I played with my thumbs and shifted my gaze to the interviewer, who asked me, "What about you, Zayn?"

My tongue dragged along my bottom lip and I began to speak, "I don't really want it to end," and with a chuckle, I continued. "I-i guess we have come so far in these 3 years, that to stop the rush and just settle down straight away would be a big mistake. We have all the time in the world to have relationships and, for now, the focus is on our careers."

I was awarded with looks from Niall and Harry, "Wow, man, that's the most I've heard you say today." Niall breathed.

My eyes narrowed slightly but I let out a laugh, eventually feeling the tension dissipate.

I was usually level-headed and placid, but not where my relationship was concerned. It had been a month since we broke up, but it hurt like hell.

"Zayn, don't you want to settle down in a relationship?"

I felt Louis' hand on my back reassuringly as I forced out a lie, "Not quite, no."

By the time the interview had come to a close, we were ushered outside quickly and soon bombarded with acclamations from our fans.

My hair and shirt was tugged in all directions as I was the last to slide in the car, panting and shaking my head.

"Crazy."

"Mad."

"And they're our fans." Harry smiled.

I couldn't help but smile too.

▬▬▬

Visiting the park at night was when nature was at its best.

Everything was still, apart from the ripples which formed when ducks waded through the water.

It was an escape from a life I considered to be challengingly rewarding.

Across from the pond was a silhouette of a girl, light snagging on the trees behind her.

I squinted and noticed that she was bent down on her knees, watching a swan move in the water.

Her hair, wavy but unruly, lay on one shoulder as she perched forward, scooping clear, surprisingly clean, water in her hands and watching it fall through her fingers.

I gave her one last look as a droplet of rain beginning at my cheek was swiped away with the back of my hand, and I found my eyes drawn once again to see where the girl was.

A flash of her red coat became visible to me as she walked briskly past me, perhaps frightened by the loud roar of thunder.

In her attempt to flee, a glove - hanging limply from her pocket - fell to the muddy ground.

"Excuse me," I began, grabbing the glove with one swift motion and following the girl.

"Excuse me." I repeated, louder this time.

But she was gone.