Good Years || ziam au✔️

t h i r t y - f o u r || Niall

Present
Three days later
July 27th, 2019
Saturday afternoon
2.01 P.M.
Malik-Payne Penthouse

Zayn gently rocked Isabella in his arms, humming a soft tune. He was trying to get the twins to sleep, wanting them to get their naps. Evelyn was already sleeping in her crib, but Isabella was being a little stubborn. Her eyes were wide open and she just stared at her father and sucking at her pacifier. The dark haired latter had already tried all the methods he could think of – even searching some on google. Yet nothing worked. It's been like this ever since Liam was stuck in the coma. For almost three months Zayn has tried everything to get Isabella to sleep, but she never did. Liam would always be the one to manage to get her to sleep when he had difficulties before the accident.

It seemed like she had a much better bond with Liam than with him. Of course, he was happy about it, yet it wasn't very easy for him to get her to sleep for her afternoon nap.

Zayn sighed heavily, sitting down on a rocking chair. He gently ran his fingers through his daughter's hair, admiring the two month old. He continued humming a soft lullaby, holding Isabella close.

"I made you some tea." Niall's voice reached Zayn's ears, making him look up. He smiled softly at the Irish bloke and thanked him once he placed the cup beside him on a table. "Is she still not sleeping?" The blond asked when he noticed that Isabella was still awake.

"She's getting there, I think." Zayn chuckled, standing up and carrying her to the crib. He placed her down, grabbing her stuffed teddy bear and placing it beside her. Isabella just wiggled around, grinning behind her pacifier as she stared up at her father. The twenty-six year old smiled fondly at that and caressed her tiny hand with his thumb before joining Niall again.

The younger man cleared his throat. "So... how're you holdin' up?" He asked, taking a sip from his own tea.

"Good, honestly." The dark haired beauty admitted and grabbed the cup from beside him. "I mean, it's still tough taking care of the twins without him, but I'm holding up well." He released a heavy sigh, his gaze moving down to the cup. He stirred the hot beverage with the spoon, teeth sinking into his bottom lip. "I just miss him."

"Yeah, I know..." Niall replied, watching his friend with sympathy. "We're here for you though, if you- if you need us." He leaned over and placed his hand on Zayn's thigh, rubbing it assuringly.

"I know that." Zayn lifted his head to look at him, a small smile forming on his lips. "And I appreciate it."

There was a sudden moment of silence. Niall has returned the smile, staring at Zayn's mesmerizing hazel orbs. The latter wasn't fazed by it and slightly leaned towards the table that was sitting in the middle of them. Without realizing it, Niall had moved closer to Zayn. Once he turned his head to face the blond, he was met by a pair of lips colliding against his, causing him to jump in utter surprise.

Zayn's eyes widened and he stared at the Irish male, shocked by his action. He immediately pulled away and got out of his seat, taking a few steps back. "What the fuck!?" He yelled, wiping his mouth. Luckily his yell didn't wake Evelyn from her nap, but it startled Isabella and caused her to start crying.

"Fuck- I'm sorry." Niall stood up quickly, realizing what he just did. "I-"

"I'm married!" It was evident he was angry and still surprised. His heart was thumping in his chest as he stared at Niall in disbelief.

Did that just really happen?

"I- I know- fuck, I'm sorry, Zee. I don't know-"

Before Niall could even explain, Zayn's phone went off. All he could do was glare at the blond haired bloke before reaching over to the table and grabbing it. He didn't bother looking at the caller I.D. and answered the call. "Hell- Hello?" He cleared his throat, tearing his eyes off his ex bandmate.

"Mister Payne? It's Doctor Williams. We've called to inform you that your husband woke up from the coma. He's asking to see you." The familiar voice of Liam's doctor came from the other end of the line. Zayn's heart suddenly fluttered as soon as he heard the news and his eyes watered.

"He's- He's awake?" Zayn stuttered, placing his hand on his chest. "Oh thank god." Happy tears began to roll down his cheeks as a wave of relieve washed over him. His husband was finally awake after months of waiting.

"Yes sir. He's asking how long you'll be."

"T- Tell him I'll be there in twenty." Zayn said, trying to calm down. He thanked the doctor once he was told that his husband knew and hung up. He stared ahead and smiled from ear to ear, forgetting what just happened a minute before the call.

That was until Niall decided to open his mouth. "Is Liam- is he awake?"

Zayn whipped his head to the blond's direction. He pursed his lips but nodded his head. "He is." He replied curtly. "But it's best if you leave." He told him and avoided eye contact. He walked up to him to pass him, but was stopped when Niall grabbed his arm.

Zayn quickly yanked it away from his grip. "Don't touch me." He warned, giving him a look.

"Zayn... I didn't know what came over me."

"You kissed me right after I told you I missed Liam. You knew exactly what came over you and don't hide it by fucking lying to me." The dark haired latter spat.

"I like you." Niall blurted. "Ever- ever since we started the–"

"Get out." Zayn didn't give him the chance to speak. He pointed towards the door. "Get out of my house. If I see you go anywhere near Liam, I won't hesitate to ruin you, you got that?" He threatened, the anger and disappointment hidden in his voice. He had a hard and serious gaze on his face as he stared at the blond, not once hesitating with what he said.

Niall opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Instead, he did as he was told, grabbing his things before heading out the nursery.

Zayn released a heavy breath. His shoulders slumped and he rubbed at his face, still not being able to process what the hell just happened. But once he heard the door from downstairs, he snapped out of it and decided to get ready.

His husband was finally awake and he wasn't going to let this get in the way. At least, he hoped it wasn't.