Dealing - zayn malik / 1d

August 17th

August 17th

I waited and waited and he never came back. Finally, when the old grandfather clock in the hallway struck midnight I couldn't wait any longer. I grabbed my keys off of the counter and ran out, through a massive downpour, got in my car and drove.

I covered every street in the Garden District, doubled back through the French Quarter, even got out to check some of the bars where people continued to stream in and out, no luck. I couldn't find him anywhere. I debated whether or not to hit the cemetery scene. It wasn't Zayn's thing and with Niall's recent passing I figured that would be the last place he would be.

There was nowhere else to look so I drove home. The rain disguised the tears streaming down my face as I got out of the car and slowly made my way up the walk to the porch. I'd driven for hours, dawn was breaking but I still had the cover of night as I reached the last step.

"Where were you?"

His voice startled me, the dark hiding him in the shadows of the porch. I listened for a moment waiting for him to say something else. He was on the porch swing. I could hear the tiny squeak of the chains as he swung slowly.

I crossed the porch and tentatively sat next to him, barely able to make out his form as I sat down.

"I thought you left…"

"I had some thinking to do… "

I just nodded, I knew he couldn't see me but I didn't care. I didn't really know what to say. Of course he had some thinking to do.

"Damn cold night for Nawlins in August isn't it?" he chuckled quietly, testing the waters I suppose. Not sure why… I'm the one who'd left, not him.

"Hmm… yeah. Feels more like November ." I sat a moment longer before speaking he never spoke so I decided to break the silence. "Look Zayn, you don't have to say anything. I'll open the door, you can get your things and walk out if you want. No questions asked, no explanations needed."

I stood slowly hoping he'd stop me but he didn't. The keys slipped from my hands as I reached the door and I bent to retrieve them. He walked around me and opened the door.

"It isn't locked." He walked in ahead of me. "I know this isn't the safest city in the world so why are you leaving your doors unlocked?"

I didn't look at him as I turned to lock the door and deadbolt. "I was worried I guess… I left in a hurry."

I avoided his gaze and walked directly up the stairs and into the bathroom. I looked like hell. My eyes were puffy and bloodshot. I looked like I'd seen the bottom of a bottle or two in a matter of minutes. There was no way I could pass that look off to rain. I stepped into the shower letting the hot water ease my tension but it did little for my pain.

By the time my shower was over Zayn would have had time to get his things and go. That's how I planned it. I couldn't stand there and watch him walk away. If I don't see it… I didn't happen. I can keep telling myself he's just gone to work or gone off for a little while that he'll be back. But I'll only be able to lie to myself for so long.

I shut off the water and put on my robe then slowly walked down the stairs… afraid of the emptiness I felt with each step. I looked around the living room not sure why I expected to see him still there. He wasn't.

As I wandered into the kitchen and got a glass of water I noticed it. The back door was slightly opened. Just enough to let a breeze in and a beam from the sun as it rose, casting a reddish hue across the room.

I walked over and started to close the door when I saw him. With a deep breath I stepped over the threshold, crossed the yard and sat next to him on the bench that sat beneath the large live oak tree that stood in the middle of the yard, covered in Spanish moss. "You're still here."

It sounded like a statement but the question in my voice was obvious.

"I like it here. It's muggy as hell but it's a change from LA. I need a change."

I crossed my arms over my chest, hugging the chill that consumed me. My hair was still wet from the shower and tiny droplets of water dripped down my body.

Zayn wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me against him. "You're cold."

I met his gaze not knowing what to expect but when his lips met mine I felt my body collapse against his. I leaned heavily into his touch savoring the feeling that I'd been denied for too long. But all too soon he pulled away.

"I'm gonna stay here for awhile Frank," he said quietly as he pressed his lips to my forehead. "I think we need to spend some time here. Together. Away from LA, away from memories of Niall. We just… we just need to find us again."

I nodded.

"I love you Frankie."

So that's where we are. We're here in New Orleans, starting over. This is what we need. It's the best thing for us.

Zayn called Louis this afternoon and told him to pack up his things and send them out. They'll be arriving in a few days with Sophia in tow. She wants to see me, make sure I'm doing good, that Zayn's in a safe place and to get a recipe for those beignets that Louis keeps bugging her about.

As for Zayn and I, we'll see where things go from here.

~ Frankie

The End

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