The moment the doorbell rang Zayn jumped right on the spot. His heart was racing and his palms were sweating like crazy. Breathing irregularly, Zayn opened the door and was met with a stunning-looking Liam. The sight of him in nice-fitting pants, a white shirt and a dark blazer knocked the breath out of Zayn. Damn, Liam was hella fine.

"Wow, you look amazing, Z" marvelled Liam amazed.

"You're not so bad yourself, Li" gave Zayn the compliment back.

"Ready to go?" offered Liam him his arm.

"Let's go. We shouldn't keep the dead waiting" linked Zayn his arm with Liam's arm nervously.

Even though his joke couldn't have been any stupider Liam laughed anyway, making Zayn blush proudly. On the way, they made some superficial Small Talk until they had reached their destination. The Art Gallery of Domumley. This was the place to be for Zayn and Liam seemed to know that. So that's why he had suggested this place for their date.

Inside Zayn felt as if he had entered heaven. Art wherever he looked. He might actually be able to breathe Art in if he tried. Maybe he could taste it as well but he could definitely feel it in his whole body, which left him gaping at everything. How come he has never been here before? That made no freaking sense whatsoever.

"You're enjoying yourself?" checked Liam after some time of walking around the gallery hand in hand.

"Very much. Thank you for taking me here tonight, Li. This is everything. You are amazing" thanked Zayn him in awe.

"Nah. I only wanted to do something that means something to you" waved Liam the matter off humbly.

"Then you could have just asked me to drink a coffee with you, Li," told Zayn him smoothly.

"Oh" looked Liam at him in surprise. "Good to know".

"Yeah. You should keep that in mind" shook Zayn his head at this oblivious but handsome idiot. "What do you think of this piece, by the way?".

"Um ..." was Liam caught off guard.

"Just kidding" chuckled Zayn fondly.

"You're evil" claimed Liam cutely.

"But you like it" winked Zayn playfully at him.

"We'll see" grinned Liam brightly.

They walked around the gallery and examined the art inside these walls for a while longer until they decided to get some food into their stomachs. Liam led him to a cosy little restaurant close to the gallery where he had reserved a table for two. Looking through the menu made Zayn laugh to himself in disbelief. Liam had really paid attention to every little detail.

"What's so funny?" knitted Liam his eyebrows together befuddled.

"Greek, huh?" cocked Zayn an eyebrow at him knowingly.

"I remember you once said you love Greek food but haven't been able to eat it in a while. No big deal" turned Liam crimson. "Àmber as well, by the way".

"But you're not here with her. You're with me" stated Zayn the obvious flattered.

"Because she is just a friend and I hope we're not. You know that. What do you think why I asked you on a date?!" flushed Liam's face even redder now.

"It could be that I got that considering I said yes, obviously" replied Zayn sassily.

Before any of them could embarrass themselves even further the waiter came over to them to take their orders. When he was gone Zayn grew a little bit nervous. He really liked Liam and was happy they were here right now but something inside of him didn't seem to let him relax completely. He was a bit restless although he wanted nothing more than to be here right now with Liam.

"You know, I always wanted to ask you if you were born in Germany like your parents or here in Domumley" started Zayn a new topic that came to his mind.

"Actually I was born there in a town called Lübeck. Don't bother pronouncing that. Anyone who isn't German won't' be able to get it right" told Liam him with a laugh. Zayn loved it when Liam said something German. "My Dad Jonathan got a job here so we packed our things and moved when I was around seven years old".

"Just you and your parents or do you have siblings?" hooked Zayn interested.

"I have two older sisters. Dina and Barbara but both live back in Germany by now. They were twelve and fourteen when we moved, so they had a closer connection to everything back there than me and always wanted to go back. When they started Uni they went back to Germany one after the other" let Liam him in on his family story.

"Wow, that must be hard. I mean, being so far away from them" thought Zayn out loud pitifully.

"It's not easy but they are happy and content. I miss them a lot but I'm proud of what they achieved" smiled Liam while thinking of them. "How about you? Any siblings?".

"Actually I have two sisters as well" giggled Zayn out of nowhere. "Zelia and Zara and my Mum's name is Zoey".

"A lot of Z's. That explains a lot. Do you all have second names with a J?" questioned Liam amused.

"Maybe" mumbled Zayn embarrassed.

"Tell me, please" made Liam big puppy eyes at him.

"Urgh, fine. Janet and Jane" gave Zayn in immediately.

"Such beautiful names. Your mother did a good job at it but um ... can I ask where your father is?" asked Liam hesitantly. "You don't have to tell me, of course".

Right at that moment, the waiter came finally over with their food. The smell was delicious and made Zayn's mouth water. They thanked him and started eating in silence until Zayn just picked up the conversation where they left it off.

"My father pissed off when I was nine. Never saw him again and I don't want to. My Mum did a great job at raising us on her own and we only need her. She's better off without him".

"You're amazing, so I guess she did a good job," said Liam before he could stop himself.

"Thanks" was it now Zayn's turn to blush.

"Is she as creative as you?" hooked Liam while continuing to eat his food.

"I'd say yes. She has always made our own clothes" told Zayn him proudly.

"Really? That's impressive" gasped Liam impressed.

"Thanks. She just loves it. It's here passion" took Zayn another bite.

"My Mum has a thing for knitting while my Dad is a cliché football dad" let Liam him know laughingly.

"Sounds nice though. Are they okay with you being bisexual?" led Zayn the conversation in another direction.

"Yes, by now they are. At first, my Dad had a bit of a hard time grasping the concept of being bi but he grew up completely religious in the countryside of South Germany. I see why it was difficult for him. My Mum on the other hand grew up in North Germany in a very open-minded family, so she always helped my father understand and he did. Now he couldn't be any more supportive of me and would love for me to get a boyfriend. He wants me to settle down. It's almost annoying" brought Liam part of his story closer to him. "What about your mother?".

"She's been the best. Knew it before me and helped me figure it out. She deserves the world" summed Zayn up.

After that, they talked about their works and everyday life and time flew by way too fast. At the end of the night, Liam paid for them and Zayn just accepted it. Next time he would plan the date and pay for everything.

Hand in hand they walked through the darkening night towards Zayn's apartment. Arriving at his door, they stopped and faced each other. Zayn knew what he wanted as a perfect ending for this date but he wasn't sure Liam was on the same page. Would it be too soon? Would one of them regret this the next morning and leave without a word?

"I had a wonderful time, Z" rocked Liam on his heels back and forth nervously.

"Me too, Li" nibbled Zayn on his bottom lip anxiously.

They ended up staring at each other in silence and leaned in at the same time. When their lips actually touched Zayn couldn't believe this was happening right now. This moment was everything he had dreamt about for months. Liam's lips moving softly on top of his own was the best feeling in the whole wide world and he never wanted to miss it again.

But when the kiss turned deeper Zayn broke away apologetic, having to think of his hurt best friend. "I'm sorry, Li. This was amazing. Really. I've been waiting for this. I swear. But ... I know this probably sounds weird but I had to think of Louis. Well, and also Harry, bad enough. Seeing what happened there scared the shit out of me and I just really want us to take things slow and not overdue or ru ...".

"Hey, it's okay, Z" interrupted Liam his rambling softly. "I was admittedly thinking the same thing. I want this to work out, so no rushing".

"Really?" blinked Zayn disbelievingly.

"Yes, Z. This could be the real deal. I mean, to me it feels like it and I want to do this right. And I get why you had to think about them. I did it, too. Those two looked like they are meant to be together and I thought making them go on a date would make things easier but then Harry disappeared and we still don't know where he is. They got intimate with each other and he still left. It's nothing I can really forget about, if I'm being honest. It's surreal" admitted Liam honestly.

"You stole my words" breathed Zayn out overwhelmed.

"That means we're on the same page" grinned Liam happily at him.

"Yes. I'm really into you and wanna be with you" stepped Zayn closer to him courageously.

"Me too, Z" closed Liam the distance between them to kiss him a second time.

A few moments later they said goodbye for the night and Zayn walked into his flat. Inside he took off his shoes and jacket and plopped down on the couch of his living room. The lovestruck part of him was over the moon. The rational part of him was overcome with worry and pity for his best friend, who was alone at home right now. So, he grabbed his phone and dialled Louis' number. He needed to know he was okay.

"Hey, Joey. You're back. How was your date?" sounded Louis' voice through the phone.

"Marvellous, Tommy. Liam is unique and oh-so-amazing. We talked a lot and then he brought me home and we might have kissed once or twice but you didn't hear that from me" reported Zayn excitedly.

"Aww, Joey. I'm so happy for you. I knew you two were made for each other" was Louis genuinely happy for him.

"Thanks, Tommy. Means a lot to me" smiled Zayn dopey but then the worry came back and he decided to go for it, risking to ruin the mood. "How about you though, Tommy? How are you holding up?".

"I'm good" was Louis' short answer.

"Really?" checked Zayn unconvinced.

"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?" replied Louis forcefully calm.

"Because of what happened. You can tell me how you really feel, Tommy. You know that" went Zayn on hesitantly.

"That is how I really feel, Joey. I'm good. Amazing. Great even" claimed Louis, his voice rising at least a level higher. He sounded strangled and not happy at all.

"God, damn it, Louis" cursed Zayn upset. "Why can't you admit that you're not okay for once in your life? It's me you're talking to. I know you, Tommy. I know when you're lying and I know when you're not okay. What Harry did hurt you. Just say it".

"No, it didn't, Joey" insisted Louis stubbornly. "I'm worried about him and that's why I'm might not really okay. What could have happened for him to just drop off the face of the world? Why isn't he answering my texts?".

"Do I have to repeat myself? When will you finally drop the facade and admit you're hurt?" groaned Zayn, not meaning to sound as rude as he did. "Tommy. Look, I see why you're trying to find excuses for him but you have to face the truth. It was all just a game for him. He never c ...".

"That's not true, Zayn" cut Louis him off angrily.

"Stop defending him, Louis" grew Zayn louder now, making Louis shut up. "He pretended to be nice and caring and changing but all he wanted was to prove Kyle wrong and get in your pants. That's what the situation looks like and he isn't here to correct me. You're not objective. You're in love with him and can't think straight. But I can and I'm so mad at him. He should stay where he is because when he even faces me again I'm gonna kill him. I just can't believe he left just like this after he made you open up to him like that. Mentally and physically in every way possible. Just why? He could've dicked down anyone to get his cheap fuck of the months. Why did he have to use y ...".

"Zayn, shut up!" shouted Louis furiously, making Zayn flinch at his stone. "I can't believe you just said that. Any of that. You just talked about our night like I'm a living toy in a porn video. I opened up to him in every way possible mentally and physically? Did you really say that?".

Louis repeating his own words made Zayn cringe. He never meant to say any of it. He was just talking himself into a rage because he was so mad and angry and sorry for his best friend and just couldn't believe this really happened. Sean and Kayla had made him see that maybe Harry had a reason and he should trust Louis on this one and well, he did trust him. Just the fact that Louis was unwilling to admit how he actually felt made Zayn flip. He thought they told each other everything. That Louis kept his emotions hidden from him had made him say untrue things.

"Oh, God. I'm so sorry, Louis" gasped Zayn in shock. "I never meant to say those things. I never wanted to offend you or make you feel cheap or worthless or bad about yourself. Fuck, I was just getting so angry because I hate to know you're upset. Especially when you're not telling me the truth. I just don't know why you won't trust me with this but hearing me say all of these horrible things might explain your behaviour. I'm sorry, Louis".

"Zayn. No, I ... I never meant to lie to you. I just don't really know what I feel" stuttered Louis out emotionally.

"It's okay. You don't have to explain yourself. I crossed a line and should just leave you alone in hopes you can forgive me. I'm gonna call it a night now. Bye, Louis" was Zayn disappointed in himself. No, he was angry at himself.

"Good night, Joey" heard Zayn before he ended the call.

Feeling like utter shit, Zayn stood up and walked into his bedroom. He got ready for bed but couldn't sleep. The fight with Louis was present on his mind and he felt worse with every second. He didn't mean those words. Harry's behaviour only brought out the protector in Zayn although he knew he could be a little bit overprotective at times and Louis could handle himself. When Zayn got mad he tended to say stupid things that weren't true and tonight this might have ruined the best friendship he ever had.

To Nialler:

"I crossed a big fucking line today. Can you please make sure Tommy is okay? Don't do it for me. Do it for him and Harry. Please, I'm not able to protect him anymore without doing it wrong".

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Question of the Chapter: Is their friendship at risk or even over now?