Room 301 [Zarry]

learning curve

Zayn looks completely unnerved, eyes tired. There's a mess of a quiff atop his head, he folds his arms over his chest protectively, tries to look stronger than he feels. The pavement is boiling, heat of the afternoon sun sweltering. I squint my eyes as I take off my sunglasses, curl my fingers around his waist. "You don't have to do it if you don't want to...especially after last night." There's even more heat in my cheeks, heart wild and free. There were awkward moments, silly giggles and soft profanities but I instilled all my trust in Zayn and I don't regret my decision. I've given myself to him a few times and I'll admit there's a learning curve.

Nonetheless, Zayn is perfect. Despite getting impatient at times, he's gentle and affectionately and I can feel his hushed sweet-nothings murmured in my ear. Lady night was a bit rougher than usual, seems he was in the mood for it. I don't tell him that I know about his secret little pain kink. That was accidentally discovered but he brushed it off.

It's quite funny, he enjoys getting tattoos in major pain spots but he won't dip his toes in a swimming pool.

"It's gross how hot it is," I whine. "You can sit on the chair but I'm getting in the water."

"Fine," he lets out an enjoyed huff of air, eyes drinking me in as I slide into the pool. I close my eyes and go under, swimming around until my chest aches and I go floating back up for air.

He's still standing by the stairs, gazing down at his tanned feet. He bites at his bottom lip, seems to be in deep thought when laughter breaks his spell. Kit jumps in, splashing water all over and I chuckle, hoisting her onto my shoulders.

"Where's your lady," I ask, suddenly tilting her back. She shrieks as her head is dunked back, hair completely soaked. Her arms wrap around my neck and Zayn flinches, boldly puts one foot in.

"What if I kiss your cheek," she asks, breath caught in my hair. "Would that convince him?"

She gets off my shoulders, stays in close proximity. Zayn just watches us, finally standing in the shallow. The water doesn't even rise to his ankles. Her fingers move to my cheek and then I feel her lips replace them. It's a long kiss, one that causes a little ripple in the water.

The ripple is Zayn. "Was that your plan," he asks, water rising to his waist. There's sheer panic in his eyes and I feel guilty. "To make me jealous? It worked," he clenches his fists tight, eyelids screwed shut. "But I'm still scared."

My body deflates, I pull him close to me. "I won't let you drown," I whisper, fingers in his hair. "What are you so scared of? It'll be okay."

"I want to be strong for you," he looks at me, tears welling in his eyes. "This is so embarassing. I'm supposed to keep you safe and I can't even-"

"No," my words fall so softly. "It's okay. We all have our fears. I love you so much, it doesn't matter what you're afraid of. I know you'll always be there for me, you'd do anything for me."

"This isn't so bad," he admits, wrapping his arms around my waist. "But I'm kinda mad at you." Lana's voice carries and there's splashing followed by bright, warm laughter in the deep end. I smile, squish my nose against his.

"Yeah? Have I been bad," I ask teasingly. "You should put me in my place."

He rolls his eyes, drops his hands lower. His fingers skim above the waistband of my swim trunks, mouth moving to my neck. I let his teeth scrape, moans falling from my lips as he obscenely sucks more bruises, lips suctioning tight around my skin. Those skilled fingers dance beneath the water but don't slip into my pants.

Zayn has this way of driving me to the edge but he leaves me hanging, satisfied grin on his face as he pulls away. "I'm going to force you to swim for that, might make you float and watch you sink." I can't wipe the playful smile off my face.

"Watch me sink, huh? That's cold. What happened to not letting me drown?" He traces the outline of my lips. "Because I'm already drowning."

I swallow hard, heart beating loud inside my ribcage. There are flecks of gold surrounding his pupils, and the sky is reflected in his eyes, soft billowy white clouds and powder blue sky. His lips look so kissable, I'd let them go anywhere. Zayn is so beautiful, places a hand on the small of my back, movement sending a tiny wave through the pool.

"Harry," I want to wrap myself up in his voice, make a soft blanket. "I love you more than anything in the world. Several months ago I didn't even know if this is what I wanted anymore. I was about to pack it all up and head home. Hollywood has never been inviting, I don't like the glitz, the red carpets and flashing cameras. I don't like any of the promo that comes with fame, I'd much rather be myself, alone in my room or making music in the audio. You don't mind all that, you balance me out...keep me sane when it feels like the weight of the world is crashing down on me. No one else has ever calmed my anxiety."

It's my turn to cry, heart suddenly moved by his outputting of emotions. "I'm happy to be your rock," I whisper, slight tremble in my voice. "Can I teach you how to swim?"

"Yeah," his knuckles wipe away my tears, smile on his face.

"You might get frustrated with me and that's perfectly okay. Remember, there's a learning curve to everything."

"Not really. Not with you Harry. Eveything comes so naturally, it all feels seamless. I'm agreeing to this because I trust you like no one else. I face my fears for you because I love you."

"You're doing this for yourself," I correct. "Love yourself more, okay?"

"Okay," he whispers.

I tilt his chin up, thumb and pointer finger pressed against his jaw. I have his gaze locked in place, his eyes are trained on me. "I'll make you love yourself."

Our lips go crashing, I'm so desperate for his taste, weak for the roof of his mouth and the wetness of his tongue. How can he not see what I see? Does he not know how much he means? I'll prove it to him every second of every day.

I pull back, mumble my words against his lips. "You're so worthy." A kiss to the corner of his mouth. "So beautiful." Kissing his chin. "So loved." A kiss to his jaw. "I love you so incredibly much." My lips find his again, I wrap him up in my arms.

He doesn't always have to be strong for me. In his times of weakness, my love will be steadfast. My love is unwavering. My love is unrelenting. My love is patient.

My love is forever.