Saving You, Zayn Malik

Chapter 3

I woke up with Zayn's arms wrapped around me. He snored peacefully, and I couldn't help but smile at his perfection. His eyes looked laced with eye liner, his lips were full. I could picture myself kissing him, our hands entwined and our lips embracing. I was stirred from my thoughts when I saw Zayn's eyes open. He yawned and smiled at me.

“I like to snuggle.” He laughed looking at how comfortable he was with me.

“I SWEAR IF YOU TWO ARE HAVING SEX I'M CALLING YOUR MOTHER.” We bolted up to the sound of Louis at the door. Zayn flinched in pain from his wound.

“No,” Zayn laughed, “I just got cold last night.”

Louis eyed him, “Sure.. Anyways, Niall got McDonald’s for breakfast. If you want food its in the kitchen. But hurry up. Niall's already ate half of it.”

“Lets go,” I said, helping Zayn up. “Can you walk okay?” I asked, holding my arm out for support.

“Yeah,” He clenched his fist in pain, but smiled at me.

I returned the smile. I'd only known Zayn for a couple weeks now, but I feel like I can tell him anything, like I can be myself, and trust him. He also seemed so comfortable around me. I felt a connection with Zayn I didn't have with the other boys.

“Morning, Julie.” Harry and Liam called.

“Morning, boys.”

I grabbed Zayn and I plates and food, and carried it back to the living room where Zayn and Niall were sitting.

“You don't have to take care of him.” Niall grumbled, taking a bite of fries.

“I want to.” I said gazing into Zayn's elegant brown eyes.

“Louis and I are going to the movies, anyone else wanna come?” Harry said, walking out of his room.

“I do!” Liam and Niall jumped up.

“Julie, Zayn?” Louis asked.

“I'll pass. I don't think I'm strong enough to go out in public.” Zayn muttered.

He glanced at me. “I think I'll keep Zayn company..” As soon as those words left my mouth Zayn's expression lightened.

“Have fun love birds.” Niall grunted, walking outside. Soon the others said bye and followed after him.

“What's Niall's deal?” I asked, when Zayn and I were alone.

Zayn thought for a moment. Obviously choosing his words carefully.

“He's thinks you have a thing for me. And he kinda thinks you're cute, so I guess he's jealous?” There was a tinge of question at the end.

I nodded. Niall Horan, thought I was cute? Niall Horan, a boy in a famous band who could have any other girl in the world, thought I was cute.

“Do you?” Zayn looked at me.

“Do I what?” I watched his eyes glint.

“Have a thing for me?” He lips curved to a sideways smile.

I pushed him, laughing. “Sure. Whatever makes you happy”

His smile grew, and he gazed at me. “I'll be right back.”

I watched him get up, and limp across the hall to his room. I watched him disappear behind the door, and I immediately missed him.

He returned with a large box. It was dusty, and seemed heavy. He came and sat next to me again, opening the box.

“What is it?”

“Shh.” He said, pulling out a photo album.

He showed me countless pictures, all memories he'll never forget. I saw pictures of him blowing out his birthday candles at his fifth birthday party. I saw his first bicycle, his first day of school, all the way up to his first audition of X-Factor. He showed me letters he got from his family while he was away on tour. I watched pictures of him and the boys, and I saw how close they got through the years. I practically watched Zayn's life involve up until now.

“Why are you showing me all of this? I mean, I love it. But, why me?”

Zayn took a breath. For some reason, this was hard for him. Opening up was hard for him. I watched as he rifled through his box.

“I wanted to show you who I am.”

“I know who you are-”

“No. I'm not just Zayn Malik. I'm not just a fucking singer in a band. My life is more than One Direction. I know that sounds bad, but sometimes just being classified as a band mate makes me see what I've missed out on. Don't get me wrong, I love these boys, and this band more than anything in the world. But I miss the old me sometimes.” He glanced at me. “I know we aren't as close as I am with the boys.. but I feel like you and I can relate to things, you know?” I watched as tears brimmed his eyes. “Sometimes I need someone who I can actually talk to, without knowing everything about me, and being able to judge me the first second they meet me.”

“Zayn..” I brushed my hand across his arm.

Zayn ignored me. He dug through his box, and lifted a thick string necklace. It was laced with shells, and reminded me of the beach.

“I can never repay you. I know this. But, hopefully you will stay around long enough, for me to try.” He held out the necklace. “My mum gave me this the day I left home. It means more to me than you think. But I honestly think you should have it.”

I was taken aback. Zayn Malik. A boy I thought I knew everything about. A boy that used to be just a singer in my favorite band I realized has so many secrets behind those hazel eyes. He has so much pain, heart break, craving for something more than what he is.

“I don't know what to say.” I whispered.

“Julie, will you take this necklace, as a gift from me to you?” Zayn stared deep into my eyes.

“Yes.” Zayn smiled, his eyes shining. I let him clasp the necklace around my neck.

We just stared at each other for minutes. Our eyes entwined, his hand grazing over mine, our faces inches away. He closed his eyes, and took a long breath. When he looked back up at me, he cupped my chin with my hand, and leaned in.

“WE'RE HOME!” Louis screamed. I jumped off the couch, my back against the wall, Zayn's head down. Louis stopped, staring at both of us, “Did I interrupt something..?”

“No.” Zayn muttered. Grabbing his box, and walking back to his room. Louis gave me a questionable look, and I just shrugged.

“Movie sucked.” Harry said, walking in with Niall.

“It was all 'bout this trashy love story where they all die.” Niall laughed. “I kinda liked it. I'm hungry, Harry, feed me." 

“That’s kinda sick.” Liam grinned as Harry, Niall and him all walked into the kitchen to talk more about the movie.

Louis walked slowly by me, “Whats up with Zayn?”

I wanted to say a lot of things. I wanted to say he was sad, that he misses his family, that he wanted to be loved, that he needed someone to help him. Instead I just said; “Nothing.”