Raven Boy

Chapter Five

                  

Zayn had been asleep for a while. Of course, I cleaned his bruises and checked for a concussion.

"What happened to him?" My mom whisper in the kitchen as we talked over chamomile tea.

I shrugged. "I have no idea. He showed up at the door and fainted in my arms."

Mom shook her head. "That's a shame. Does he go to school with you?"

I nodded. "Yeah, but just started talking today."

"Does he get bullied?"

"No, everyone loves him. Especially me." I covered my mouth. I didn't mean for that to come out.

Mom wiggled her eyebrows. "So, you like him?"

I blushed. "Sort of, but he would never go for someone like me."

Mom smacked the back of my head. "Don't you ever talk down about yourself again, Niall James Horan. Do you hear me?"

"Yes, ma'am. But did you really have to hit me?" I rubbed the back of my head.

"No, but it was fun." She giggled and sipped her tea. I chuckled and took a gulp of mine.

Behind me, there was soft pitter-patter and I turned to see Zayn standing the kitchen archway awkwardly.

"Hey, how did you sleep?" I asked.

"Fine" He mumbled.

"Are you hungry?" Mom tried.

He nodded his head and sat next to me. I wrapped my arm his shoulder. He cuddling into my side and I've never felt more at home. Somehow, his hair smelled of mint and cigarette smoke.

My mom fixed him some tea and spaghetti. She slid the bowl and mug over to the fragile boy. He ate so fast and I was surprised. Mom and I shared a look. When he was done, we sat in silence.

I stood up and clapped my hands. "How about Zayn and I go upstairs and watch some TV?" I looked at him for confirmation.  He nodded his head and got up. He grabbed hand and held it tightly. I choked on air, but silently. My mom saw our intertwined hands and smirked.

"Have fun!" She said.

We walked upstairs.

"Oh, and, Niall?" She added.

"Yes?"

"Leave the door unlocked." She snickered. Zayn joined in and I just blushed. I pulled Zayn upstairs and we plopped on the bed. I sat, back against the headboard, legs spread. I guess, he took that as an invitation. He sat in between my legs and lied against my chest. I just went with it and placed my arms in his lap.

"No-one has ever let me cuddle with them." He spoke, playing with my fingers.

"Why?"

"I've never been shown that kind of love. My parents hate me and my sisters are off at college." He explained.

"I'm sure your parents don't hate you." I compromised.

"Who do you think gave me the bruises?" He murmured.

I gasped, "Your parent abuse you?"

"Isn't it obvious?" he dryly chuckled.

"I guess not."

We listened to each other's heartbeat for the next few minutes. He slacked against my chest which signal his slumber. I stealthy moved from behind him and placed him under the cover. For a sixteen year old boy, he was extremely light. I worried for him. I was always told to call the police in these type of situation, but I didn't want to.

Call me selfish, but I didn't want Zayn to leave me. I just received him on a silver platter and I wasn't planning on letting him go anytime soon.

I hope you know how doucheish you sound. My conscience told me.

I know, but I've waited so long to have this moment.

But he needs help. He can't live that forever.

I can't do anything about it.

Niall, you know damn well you can do an abundance of things.

I know, I know

You just don't want to

Now, you're making me sound like a bad person.

Because you are

I know

"Niall." That wasn't my inner voice. Zayn was calling me.

"Yes?"

"Can you lay down with me? I like your cuddles?" he asked shyly.

I smiled big and slipped into bed with him. He immediately became a little spoon. I wrapped my lanky arms around him and closed my eyes. This felt right.

This felt like home.

Little did I know, Zayn felt the same way