My Light

Nora's POV

God he's gorgeous. I still just can't get over the fact that he's who he is and he wants to be my friend. At least that's what I think because he keeps coming back. I have this overwhelming urge to kiss him. He asked me to music in the park today, he didn't even hesitate to meet me here tonight. I keep trying to distract myself, listening to everyone else chatting instead of opening up my mouth and having something terrible come out. That would be my luck, I would try to say something funny or smart and I'm just so nervous about how close he is that I just know that everything would come out wrong.

I'm sitting in between Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. I can't even believe this. I'm hoping me trying to remain calm is actually coming across like that, my insides are literally freaking.

I'm not usually like this. I'm usually fairly calm and collected when it comes to members of the opposite sex but there is just something about him. I haven't yet calmed down when it comes to him. Usually after a few days I'm good with the guy but with Zayn, not so much.

I've noticed he's more quiet tonight but I'm not going to push him. I kind of want to just because when he comes to the flower shop I sometimes I can't even get him to shut up. But tonight is different, he's quieter, seems to be just taking things in. This is the Zayn that I thought of before I actually knew him, he wasn't very open in interviews or putting himself out there.

But here I am, enjoying my night out with my friends. Probably taking too many drinks, I'll blame that on Shelby. Shelby had a rough week and she's all about shots and alcohol tonight. I'm sure she's freaking because Louis is here, one of her favorites. I've already had a few in between the time it took for me to text Zayn and him getting here, it's calmed me a little bit but also made me on edge. Makes no sense probably but in my head it does.

When I notice Zayn stretching his arm behind me and finally relaxing I turn away from him just a bit more, trying to really invest in this conversation happening across the table when all I want to do is lean back and just sit silently with him. What I really want to do is just sneak out with him, and just be. Relax in the city, stop for ice cream, listen to the sounds. I shake the thoughts out of my head and try to settle my nerves. I take a deep breath and lean back into the booth, not even thinking about it and resting my hand on his thigh. I can't feel him tense up for a second and I'm second guessing all my choices tonight. Maybe he doesn't want to be anything more then friends? That just can't be, he wouldn't have come so quickly, wouldn't have kept coming back every day this week for lunch. Right?

I relax a little more when I feel his muscles let go. I feel like I fit under his arm. It sound so cliché but it's the truth. I scoot my butt back just a little bit to scoot even more into him. Might as well just go all the way then. Liquid courage never hurt anyone! I'm literally biting back my smile, thinking that at any moment it will be over, any moment someone will have to pee, someone will need a drink, Zayn will realize what's happening and move.

I laugh occasionally, I notice Shelby looking at me and giving me that eye, I know what she's thinking. And that big smile on her face is something I just want to snatch off her face before someone notices it and picks up on our non-verbal interaction.

I watch as Azli gets up, I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall, someone to say it's time to go. “I'm getting more drinks! Who wants a refill?” He asks smiling and I hold up my drink , he nods and takes count of everyone who need something.

“I like your friends.” I turn to Zayn, suddenly realizing how close our faces are. This alcohol is giving me the urge to literally just turn my body and grab his cheeks, kissing him fiercely.

“Your friends are really loud.” He chuckles and I pat his knee. He moves slightly and I just can't help but let my face fall and think that he's done with being close with me. But I instantly relax when I notice his arm tighten around my shoulder when I start to move, making me stay, as he just pulls his pant legs down further. Maybe this is something more than friends. I'm seriously over thinking everything. I roll my eyes at myself and adjust my posture and wait for Azli to return with my drink.

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“I need to go home.” I laugh. I've had way to much to drink. It's almost embarrassing how much I've drank. And the fact that I keep repeating it to everybody that I never do this. My mind is relaxed and racing all at the same time. “Guys, I need to go home.” I feel like I'm slurring my words. Zayn is still here, I'm sure that after tonight and only a week of knowing me that he'll be washing his hands with me. Oh I'm so stupid to drink this much. I look around and see that I'm not the only one, pretty sure that all my friends are drunk, maybe even Louis. “Going home!” I put my hands in the air and start to scoot out of the booth, Zayn getting up to allow me out, holding my hand to steady myself. Of course I'd wear high heels and a short dress.

“I can help you home.” Zayn tells me. Oh my, his closeness is literally killing me.

“Oh, no no no, you don't have to. I'll be fine.”I assure him. I shouldn't have drank this much, I'll regret it more tomorrow when I have to design table arrangements for all nine weddings tomorrow. Sometimes I wish I was free. Free from every stressor of life.

“Nora, I insist.” He smiles at me, his teeth are so white, so perfect and straight. Seems like “I insist” might be our little little thing.

“But your friends.” I turn back to the booth.

“They're all staying a little later, they're not staying in the hotel with me, let's just say goodbye and head out yeah?” I nod, suddenly not really able to speak. Of course he'd be so caring and kind. We turn to the group, all laughing, drinking, smiling. Looking like they've been friends for years already. “I'm going to take Nora home.” Zayn speaks clearly.

“Yeah you are.” Anna busts out laughing and I know I'm beyond red, blushing as I look away, pretending something across the way is more interesting.

“Text me when you get home Nora!” Shelby talks over the crowd and I nod my head. Shes younger than me, a little crazy at times, but she's always responsible. Always looking out for me.

We say our goodbyes and I turn to leave, I feel my feet wobble and Zayn instantly catches my waist, making sure I don't plummet to the floor. God this is embarrassing. I try to shake it off and let the “fresh” New York air hit me, I can feel it start to sober me up. We wait for the valet to hail a cab for us and Zayn clears his throat, removing his arm from around my waist and grabbing my hand to hold. I don't pull away, I can literally feel myself melting. Zayn Malik is holding my hand.

A cab pulls up and Zayn opens the door for me, guiding me and making sure I take a seat carefully. Once he climbs in he asks for my address so we can make it home. This is going to be so expensive. We should have just taken the subway.

But I soon forget and settle in next to him. I'm so tired. And drunk. I could literally fall asleep with his arm around my shoulder.

“Sorry about all of this, thanks for making sure I get home all right.” I tell him with my eyes closed. I pull my knees up, in a slight fetal position and use this opportunity to get as close to Zayn as possible.

“It's fine Nora.” He laughs, squeezing me a little bit. “I rather enjoy seeing you all relaxed like this.” I relax at the sound of his voice, closing my eyes and enjoying the trip back. “We're here.” Zayn wakes me, I felt like this trip took seconds compared to how long it probably actually took. I'm sure I'm annoying, I've never been impressed with drunk people, and now I'm one of them. Oh well, happens to everyone.

The cab squeals to a stop and I hear Zayn chatting with the driver while I stretch my legs and arms. Zayn opens the door and extends his hand to help me out, I'm realizing that a cab ride home doesn't cure all the drinks I've had as I feel like I have sea legs, leaning on Zayn a lot more than I usually would.

“Okay. Thanks.” I start to walk up the steps, wobbling a little bit as Zayn comes to my rescue to assist me. “You're like Batman, coming from nowhere to help me.” I giggle. Oh goodness, they're like church giggles, I just can't stop.

“Lets get your keys out.” I hold my bag out and he starts to fiddle around in it when he finds it, handing them to me while I try to find the right one. Still giggling. If I wake up Nonna or my mom, I'm sure to be murdered tonight.

“Shh.” I whisper to Zayn as he lets the keys hit each other. I can see him roll his eyes at my thoughts of humor. Everything is funny right now, better than being a drunk drama queen. He finds the key as I lean against the door, watching him. “You're gorgeous.” I quickly cover my mouth, I didn't really intend to say that out loud, but it already happened. Is he blushing?

“Thanks.” He opens the door and helps me inside, his smile wide.

“I'm three floors up.” I turn around and start walking up the steps backwards, I can tell he's a little frustrated with my sudden sense of adventure. We walk in silence, eyes locked, I just want to stop, push him against the wall, and kiss him with all my might. But Zayn being Zayn, and not drunk I know he wouldn't go for it right now. I turn at the first floor and start walking side by side with him, I take my courage and link my fingers with his. He's not pulling away so I'm satisfied with my sudden choice. “This is me.” We're at the top of the building as I take the keys from Zayn, finding my house key. “Thank you for making sure I get home safe.”

“Of course.”

“Even if I was a bit annoying.” I laugh, not too loud now, Nonna is quite the light sleeper.

“You were something.” He laughs, running is fingers through his hair.

“So.” I let the word linger, I don't really know what I was planning on saying.

“How about I call you tomorrow?” He suggests and I nod quickly. I just want to kiss him. I pull his shoulder towards me and gently press my lips to his cheek instead.

“Good night Zayn.” I smile and turn away, unlocking the door and hiding my awkwardness as I open the door and turn over my shoulder to see him smiling.

“Good night Nora.” He squeezes me shoulder and I escape into my apartment, closing the door and leaning against it. I turn to see him in the peep hole, still standing there, still smiling, and now messing around with his phone. I notice him about to knock on the door but then stop and turn to walk down the steps. I let out a deep breath and hear my phone buzz, I quickly remember to text Shelby as I see that Zayn send me something.

From Zayn: Go to bed, quit leaning against the door. :) You're beautiful.

I chose not to respond, pressing the phone to my chest as if this is everything I've ever wanted.

Notes

Hey Everyone!! Hope this chapter was worth the wait! No real kiss yet, you know Zayn wouldn't go for it considering Nora was a little tipsy. :) Hopefully you like it!

This site is acting really slow this morning, so it seems like answering the comments is taking forever, but I'm working on it!!

Happy Monday!!

xoxox