**Zayn's POV**
She took in a deep breath before beginning what I knew was going to be the most difficult story she would ever tell. I remained silent and looked around her plain and simple room, the walls were a light purple and she accented the room with white fairy lights. There were some photographs attached to the wire the lights were on, I couldn't help but think they were pictures of family and friends. One of the photographs showed Noel and another girl that looked quite similar to her, I knew right away that it was her sister. They both looked so happy together, Noel had her arm draped over her sister's shoulder and she grinned at the kiss on the cheek she was getting in return.
"Look Zayn, I really love you I do. Although we just met I feel as if we've known each other for years. But the truth is I've lost so many people in my life, everyone I have ever loved has hurt me in one way or another. They always leave, Zayn and there's nothing I can do to stop them from leaving no matter how hard I try," Tears began to form in her eyes, as she grabbed the photo I was looking at only moments before, "I loved Avery so much, she was only seventeen when she died in that... That damn fire! I tried so hard to save her but there wasn't anything I could do to get her back. I miss her so much. We had made plans that when she turned eighteen that she would move in with Luke and I, now every time I look at that spare room I can't help but think of her and cry," She took in another deep breath before continuing. "I'm scared Zayn, I am so scared that if I let this happen; it's only going to hurt me. I'm afraid of loving someone and being loved myself."
"Remember what I told you at the meet and greet?" I asked her, she nodded in response, "Don't blame yourself, okay? You tried and that's all that matters, I really do care for you and if anyone ever hurts you I will be the one to make sure that they suffer twice as much as you are. I want to get to know you and I want you to get to know the real me too. There isn't a single thing that I wouldn't do just to see you smile, to make sure you stop sacrificing your happiness. I want you to love and be loved, you should embrace love, not run from it and fear it."
I wiped away her tears and pulled her into a hug, she wrapped her arms around my waist and nuzzled her head into my neck and shoulder. What I said was true, I wanted her to embrace love and I prayed that is exactly what she was going to do; I hoped that she would give love the chance it deserves. After a few moments into the embrace I heard the door to the room open, I raised my head to see Noelle's friend Lacey standing in the doorway.
"Oh come on Zayn, you didn't have to make her cry!" Lacey exclaimed as she walked into the room, Liam hot on her tail.
"I didn't mean to, we were just having a very personal conversation,"
"Good, just remember I'm watching you boy. I ship you guys hardcore so don't fuck it up,"
"Lace, c'mon just let them have some alone time," Liam hushed her then proceeded to wink at me.
"But Liam I was gonna ask them to go get some food!" She giggled, making sure to make the word food longer than needed.
"Nope, let's go Lacey they'll be done in a few minutes," He laughed and threw her over his shoulder while she squealed at him.
"USE PROTECTION I'M NOT READY TO BE AN AUNT YET!" Lacey yelled as Liam carried her out of the room.
Noelle and I pulled away from the embrace and laughed at the event that had just happened. I already knew that this was only the beginning of an amazing friendship at the least. We both stood up from the bed and walked out into the living room together, knowing the boys they were all staring at us and making suggestive looks at both Noelle and myself.
**Noelle's POV**
Zayn and I followed Liam and Lacey out of the bedroom, Harry, Louis and Niall glared at the four of us. I hadn't even noticed Zayn had his arm around my shoulders until I realized that Niall was giving Zayn the death glare. It seemed like if Niall were somehow able to shoot daggers at Zayn with his mind, he would; I had a feeling that he was jealous of Zayn in a way. Either that or he and the others had agreed that liking and or wanting to date a fan was completely unacceptable. Liam and Lacey were getting their shoes on at the door as Zayn and I approached them. Luke, Niall, Louis and Harry remained on the couch; all of them in a state of confusion except Niall. I personally felt bad for him, he had been single since the band had formed and I knew the feeling of being single and dealing with friends that are in relationships all too well, and that was exactly what he was going through right now with Zayn and I starting to become closer.
"Are you guys ready to go now?" Lacey asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest, clearly losing every shred of patience she had left.
"Yes Lace, just let us get our shoes on." I responded, sticking my tongue out at her and slipping my feet into my flats.
"Well hurry the fuck up then, I'm starving."
"Is she always like this?" Louis thought outloud to himself.
"Yeah, she gets worse the hungrier she gets." Luke replied with a laugh.
"It's not funny, I'm starving over here. Let's. Go."
"Okay, okay, we're ready. Let's go!" I put my hands up in defense. "Are you guys okay to stay here while we go get pizza or something?"
"Yeah I'll find something to entertain them." Luke waved me on.
With a satisfied smile on her face, Lacey, Liam, Zayn and myself all headed out the door.
