Part Five - Part One

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My heart pounds against my chest as I wake, drenched in sweat, and feel warm breath against the back of my neck.

A sense of déjà vu washes over me. There's something heavy resting on my thigh.

Instinctively, I'm ready to turn and wake the person beside me, but as I realize I'm not in my own room — my sanctuary — I freeze.

I lie there, unmoving, staring up at the sterile white ceiling. The room is dimly lit, the soft glow of the television casting shadows across the walls. I run my hands over my face, trying to shake off the confusion and disorientation.

Beside me, Scott stirs, his arm wrapping around my waist, pulling me closer to him. His body heat is oddly comforting, yet unfamiliar in this context.

"Good morning, babe," he murmurs, his voice husky and intimate, sending a shiver down my spine.

I open my mouth to reply, but the words catch in my throat. I don't push him away, allowing myself to feel the warmth and closeness I've been missing. It's a reminder of a past love, someone I cherished deeply.

But I'm vulnerable now, and letting myself get attached to Scott will only invite more heartache. Still, I can't deny the comfort he brings, despite the complications.

Then, I feel something hard against the back of my thigh.

That's when I react, pushing myself away from him abruptly, creating space between us. "Okay, first of all, that can't happen again. And secondly, deal with your... issue. It's not something I need to deal with."

Scott remains unfazed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. His gaze meets mine, apologetic and amused. "Sorry about that. I thought you were Jess," he explains casually, lifting the quilt to examine what caused my concern. "Oh, that — it's going to stick around for a while. Jess always helps me—"

"Okay, enough," I cut him off, covering my ears with my hands. "I don't need to hear about that right now."

He chuckles softly, running a hand through his tousled hair. Scott shifts to lie on his side, still watching me, his expression unreadable. "We should get up," he suggests, changing the subject. "Before your mother barges in and drags us out of bed."

I clutch the quilt tighter, seeking comfort in its warmth. "You should get up because I'm going back to sleep," I retort, feeling entitled to some rest after a sleepless night. "Wake me when the world ends and the animals take over."

Scott hums thoughtfully, his hand trailing up my leg. "How will I let you know when I'm about to perish with the rest of humanity? You'll be all alone, Zayn. Scary thought, huh?"

I roll my eyes, trying not to smile at his attempt to lighten the mood. "That's not the point. Don't be a smart ass."

Pushing his hand away as it creeps higher, I raise an eyebrow at him. Scott pouts playfully, but I can see the hint of a challenge in his eyes. The bed shifts as he moves closer, joining me under the quilt. "I'm staying right here."

"No!" I protest, more forcefully than I intended. With a swift kick, I send him tumbling off the bed with a resounding thud.

Scott groans in pain, and I can't help but laugh at the sight of him sprawled on the floor.

"You owe me for that!" he grumbles, but there's a hint of amusement in his voice.

Before I can react, he's back on his feet, pouncing on top of me. He easily pulls the quilt away, revealing my vulnerability. Scott's hands find my ribs, his fingers tickling me relentlessly.

I squirm and giggle uncontrollably, tears streaming down my cheeks. It's overwhelming, but strangely exhilarating.

"Say you're sorry," he demands between laughter, his hair falling into his face.

I gasp for breath, trying to regain composure. "Fine, fine! I'm sorry!"

We both catch our breath, my laughter fading into a breathless calm. Scott reaches out, brushing hair from my face with gentle fingers.

Our eyes meet, a silent understanding passing between us. He leans in, our lips almost touching, when a loud knock interrupts us, echoing through the door.

"Room service!"

Scott's grin lights up the room as he rolls off me and strides towards the door. I sigh, grabbing my phone from the nightstand to check the time. It's only seven in the morning, and I flop back against the mattress in resignation.

So early.

When Scott returns, he's carrying a loaded tray of breakfast delights. The aroma of sizzling bacon, eggs, sausages, and freshly brewed coffee fills the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Now, this is heaven.

He sets the tray down and lifts the lid, revealing a spread that could rival any diner's. My smile widens at the sight, appreciating the effort.

Scott reaches out, casually grabbing a strip of bacon. I can't help but notice the defined contours of his physique as he moves. Okay, maybe I'm staring a bit too long, but who wouldn't appreciate such a sight?

"Come take a shower with me," Scott suggests, leaning against the bathroom door with a playful grin.

I shoot him a deadpan glare. "Don't push it."

He feigns shock, placing a hand over his heart and gasping dramatically. "You don't want me to push it? Who wouldn't want me to push it?"

Rolling my eyes and scoffing, I fire back, "You have the most disturbing and sewer-like mind ever."

He winks at me. "It's not every day someone wakes up to a beauty like yourself."

And with that playful remark, he disappears into the bathroom.

I blame my hormonal brain for reacting to him like this. I leave the room after doing my morning routine, I decide to go for a walk to ease my thoughts and clear my mind.

When I return, the room is empty so I head to the bathroom, ready to take another shower when I walk in on Scott, hand wrapped around his penis and I gasp, covering my eyes immediately as I step out of the bathroom.

"Oh my god!" I exclaim. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know you'd be in there!"

Scott moves closer, a smirk playing on his lips as he gently removes my hands from my eyes. "It's okay, sweet cheeks," he teases. "Nothing you can't handle, right?"

I gulp, my cheeks burning as I try to recover. "Handle? Oh, I think I got an eyeful," I reply with a nervous chuckle, my mind racing with both embarrassment and a hint of excitement.

Scott laughs, leaning against the sink. "You liked what you saw, huh?"

I bite my lip, unable to hide my growing attraction. "Maybe I should knock next time... or maybe not," I retort, my voice laced with playful flirtation.

Scott grins, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Looking forward to it, aren't you?"

I shake my head, a mixture of nerves and anticipation flooding through me. "Absolutely not," I admit, my heart racing as our playful banter stirs something deeper between us.

•••

A/N:

Remember that Zayn is fresh out of a breakup so he makes emotional decisions.