married at first sight :: [malik]

thirteen. liam&janis

"Guess who I ran into the other day?"

Zayn chuckles, his phone to his ear as the sun streams through the curtains and the water runs in the bathroom. Stevie's taking a shower.

"Who, Li?"

"Stevie's sister," comes the reply. "Janis."

Zayn hums, remembering that awkward crush Liam had on Stevie's younger sister. Janis was only two years younger, but it was still weird.

"Bet you pissed yourself, didn't you?"

"Ha-ha-ha, you prick," Liam replies as Zayn bursts into laughter. "I didn't know she was even in Miami."

"I--" Zayn pauses. "Didn't know that, actually..."

"We spent the entire time talking about you two and your impulsive asses."

"Bet it broke the ice real nice, yeah? Using me to talk to Stevie's sister..."

"Hi-fucking-larious, Zayn. How's the show coming along, eh? Can't wait to watch..."

"Real fucking funny," Zayn mimics, as Liam laughs over the line.

"It's gonna be a watch party. Harry's got snacks. Ni's already planning on bringing the beer."

"Why watch on television what you've got in real life?" Zayn asks innocently, eliciting a short bark out of Liam. "I'm right here, mate. Don't have to go far."

"Honestly," Liam says, "I can't wait for you to get back here. Miami's not the same without you."

"Aww," Zayn coos. "You miss me?"

"Sure," Liam scoffs playfully. "I guess."

"I'm sure Janis might keep you company while we're gone."

"Maybe," Liam nods, and Zayn starts laughing again. "But, would you look at that," he continues, "No more 'I.' It's all about the 'we,' innit?"

Zayn groans. "Whatever, Li."

"How's the wifey, anyway?" Asks Liam, that smug amusement still audible. "How's Mrs. Malik?"

"She's..." And Zayn leans off the bed, looking around towards the bathroom, "She's singing in the shower..."

"Without you? I think you're doing it wrong, mate."

"I mean--"

He can practically hear Liam's smug smile.

But Zayn hears the water shut off.

"She's done," he finds himself saying, almost disappointed in what feels like a missed opportunity. "I mean," and he clears his throats, "like, she's out of the shower--"

"Figured that was implied by done," Liam smiles again. "Due to the meaning of the word..."

"Ah, shut up," Zayn groans.

"Sounds like you're getting along though, eh?"

"I mean--"

"Jesus, Zayn," Liam laughs aloud. "Why do you sound so fucking hesitant about everything?"

"'Cause...'cause it's Stevie," Zayn replies lowly, hearing her hum to herself in the bathroom. "And I'm trying to move past the point where we're still--"