long chapter ayyeeee <3

***

Too many pretty faces catching my attention,

So I look at them, remind myself in the smudged glass,

That pretty isn't everything, you punk ass.

Always hard to see past the surface, when it looks so perfect

But our eyes will disguise dirt on purpose, you listening?

- "West Coast" || The Neighbourhood
___

"Aw, well don't you look like a Dapper Don! Jesus, Zayn. Just tell me already to stay out of the flat, 'cause once Anais gets a look at you she'll probably wanna do it in the kitchen, or on the floor, or in the hallway, too, now that I think about it."

Zayn laughs. He can't even help it.

He's blushing a little, too, but he turns away so she can't see that, as he waits for Niall and Louis to fucking hurry up already because introductions start in twenty-five minutes and they've got to get to his show, for the love of God.

"Thanks, Soo."

"Aw, I saw that blush," she squeals, reaching out and catching him off guard and throwing her arms around him for a hug. "It's okay, Zaynie," she laughs. "I know, we're friends. I heart you, too."

"Soo Joo Park," Louis gasps, fixing his tie as he enters the room. "Get your arms from around my boyfriend, you know I'm the only one allowed to touch him."

Soo snorts, although her head is still against Zayn's chest - he doesn't mind too much, though. I mean, c'mon, it's Soo - as Louis stalks towards the both of them and claps Zayn on the back with a, "You're gonna be great, babe. Love ya," and as Zayn chokes on the laugh threatening to strangle him and Soo giggles against him, Louis kisses his girlfriend's cheek because if Zayn was gone for Anais, then Louis was really gone gone for Soo.

He just didn't get teased about it nearly as much.

"You can have 'im tonight,"he tells her, with a smirk towards Zayn. "But," he adds with his pointer in the air, "only 'cause it's your birthday weekend," he winks. "Consider it an early present for tomorrow."

"Glad to know I'm so loved," Soo says with an eyeroll. "But he's Ana's, and I doubt she'd like to share."

Zayn smiles - as Louis calls down the hall, 'Hurry up, Niall! What're ya doing, mate? Killing whales?' - and he taps Soo's shoulder.

"Where is Anais, anyway?"

Soo shrugs. "Said something about talking to Lucky and helping Magda..."

Zayn nods, his jaw clenched. Sue him for always reacting this way each time Lucky Blue Smith is mentioned, but he does.

God, he fucking hates that prick.

And apparently, it's written all on his face because Soo reaches out and pats his arm again. "She'll be there, Zayn," she says. "I can promise that."

"Oh god, of course she will," adds Louis, before he trots down the hall. "Niall, we've got to go, mate!"

Soo rolls her eyes. "But, actually," she nods. "There're few things she cares about more than you."

This seems to put Zayn at ease. "Except you, Soo?" He teases.

"Yes, Zaynie," she replies, and Zayn groans at this nickname because this is the second time she's used it that night and Soo will probably not hesitate to slip it into conversation later. She giggles again, ring-clad fingers beside her mouth. "Except for me."

By the time Niall is finally ready, there are only ten minutes left for Zayn to trudge through the snow and make it in time for gallery introductions.

This is kind of a big deal.

Hundreds of people have shown up for opening night, and he's got an entire wing, a full gallery to show off to his peers and curators and professors all affiliated with New York City and New York University.

This is some pretty important shit.

He's in a suit, for Christ' Sakes.

"This's some pretty important shit," exclaims Niall as the four of them finally make it from their flat.

"You mean, this is some pretty fancy shit," corrects Liam, as he meets the boys just within the doors. He's got a girl on his arm that Zayn would ask about had he been less nervous.

Where was Anais?

"Lads, this is Sophia," Liam announces, as Louis takes Soo's hand and Niall shoves his hands in his pockets. Liam kisses this girl's cheek and she giggles and Zayn fights a snort because he thinks he hears Soo gag.

Louis pulls Soo against him, sticking out his free hand. "Pleasure to meet you, love," he says.

And the girl, Sophia, smiles politely as Liam's hand dips further on her hip, his lips beside her ear.

"Someone moves fast," mutters Niall to Zayn, who only ducks his head, nodding, since apparently Liam had only just met Sophia a few weeks ago at some charity event and now they were more than affectionate and kind of all over the place and Zayn is really missing Anais at this moment to raise her brows and ask what the fuck this new coupling is, so he can explain that he doesn't know what the fuck to make of it himself.

He needs her because despite his friends, he's got this nervousness within him that grows with each passing minute and he's kind of looking for comfort.

But, like...like, a specific comfort. 

Where the hell was Anais?

There are two minutes to eight and Zayn excuses himself from his friends, pulling his phone from his pocket in the process.

Everyone's in the entrance hall of the gallery, milling about and talking and snacking on finger foods as they await the grand opening, and Zayn fingers through his texts as he makes his way towards the front of the room.

Where are you? :) x he types, but doesn't actually end up sending, because he accidentally shoulder-checks some tall kid while his head was down.

"Sorry-"

"Sorry 'bout that, mate," Zayn says, and then looks up and frowns because all he gets is an eyeful of blonde and blue.

It's Lucky Blue Smith, all dressed up for the night.

He's here, all ready for the gallery to open.

And for a moment, both boys stare.

Here Lucky is, standing before him. He's shaking his head, brows furrowed, lips fixed into that signature pout of his that's got Zayn wondering what the fuck it is that's always got this kid so fucking confused.

And that's when Lucky chuckles.

Zayn's mouth twists into a scowl. "What the fuck's your-"

Lucky Blue presses his tongue against his cheek. "I just don't see it."

"And I've tried, y'know," he continues with a nod. "I've really tried. I mean, 'cause Anais looks so, so sickeningly happy, but I don't..." He pauses. "Maybe it's good, though. Maybe this is good. Maybe she needs someone like you: somebody who's so wrong for her that she'll finally see reason and get with someone who's right."

"I think," Zayn begins softly, because he's trying to be calm. He's trying not to snap, "you should really fucking leave."

"What?" Lucky smirks. "And miss the show?" He tuts, shaking his head. "I just got here. B'sides, it must be good if Ana's gonna blow me off for this sh-"

"Zayn."

He turns, and as he does so, Lucky nods. "See you 'round," says the blonde with a smirk, and like that he walks away, disappearing into the crowd.

"Zayn."

Soo's standing there, arms folded.

She's shaking her head, watching him stare angrily after Lucky. "Don't, okay?"

Zayn scoffs childishly. "Don't, what?"

"You know what, Zayn."

"I fucking-"

"I know, I know," Soo grins cutely, patting his arm. "But, he feeds off your reactions. Lucky equals a major attention-whore, in case you didn't know."

Zayn chuckles. Despite himself, he nods because it's Soo.

And she beams at him. "Good," she says. "Now, c'mon," she bounces excitedly on her toes, "Tonight's about you. Smile."

Despite himself, he does because it's Soo, and Soo Joo is really just adorable.

"Where's Anais?" He asks.

And Soo opens her mouth to respond when there's a tap on his shoulder.

And he peers confusedly into the smiling green eyes of Cara Delevigne.

"Zayn," she says.

He fights a smirk, watching as Niall mills about behind her with both Jourdan and Chanel.

"Cara," he says.

"Nice haircut," she says, because he's finally done it. He went ahead and cut his hair and it's shorter on the sides and longer on top and Soo begins to giggle as Zayn thanks Cara for the compliment.

"That's 'Cara-speak' for, 'You look hot tonight,'" Soo grins. "You're welcome. I'm a translator."

"Shut up, he's not hot," Cara scoffs, as Niall and Louis make their way over to the girls.

"Sure," Soo giggles. "Ana's not here yet, Cara. You can be honest."

"Fuck off, Soo."

And it's because Zayn is literally staring at Cara and Jourdan and Chanel and Soo's here too, but there's still no Anais, he frowns. "Where is Ana?" He asks, for the millionth time.

Cara scoffs. "Nice to see you, too," is what she says. "And, well," and she turns away, looking sheepishly about the room.

"What?" Zayn asks, a bit harshly actually. "What is it, Cara?"

"Well, I thought she was with Lucky..." Cara replies slowly, almost as if she isn't exactly trying to pass on this information.

"Lucky?"

Zayn's question is more like a statement.

Cara diverts her gaze. "I mean, I thought tonight they were...it was their dinner date - I mean, night, right?" She quickly corrects as the scowl on Zayn's face is etched deeper. "Like, y'know...You're the only one she dates but, I thought they were hanging out, but, Zayn," she says, quickly, because it's like she can practically tell that he's suddenly become very upset, "she'll be here. I can promise you that."

"Oh yeah," Soo nods. She snaps her fingers. "Forgot all about that, actually."

He turns. "You knew?"

Soo looks to Cara, slowly. "Yes...?"

Zayn rubs his temples. "Soo, what the fuck is-"

"But, Zaynie," Soo interrupts, "Wait. Lucky's here, remember?" She exclaims. "We literally just saw him, remember?"

"Eew," Cara scowls. "Zaynie? I hate that shit, Soo."

"That's why you're not a part of this friendship, Cara."

"Whatever," Cara rolls her eyes. "Lucky's here?"

Zayn and Soo both nod, except while Soo is smiling, Zayn's frowning deeply.

"So, wait..." Now, Cara is actually confused. "Where the fuck is Anais?"

And like that, there's a clap on his back.

"Ready, mate?"

It's Liam. He's with Sophia.

Of course.

"Z!"

And now, all of a sudden, there's Jesse.

And Daphne.

And there's Zach.

And there's this kid, Matty, who's working tech and sound for the event, who makes eye-contact with Zayn.

"They're callin' everyone up, Zayn," is what he says. "Y'know, for introductions and all that. We're gonna start in five."

Zayn nods, and his friends are all excited, clapping him on the back and calling after him as he makes his way to the front of the room for introductions of all the students showcased before they open the gallery.

And there's still no Anais.

__

"Magdalena, please. Please, I am begging you. Hurry the fuck up."

"I'm coming, I'm coming," Magdalena mutters, as Anais watches her friend fix her makeup in the window of a boutique for the sixteenth - but, actually the sixteenth. She's been counting - time that night.

Anais is standing, arms folded, staring across the street at the auditorium the gallery's been set up in. She can see her peers, the lights, the colors, and the people she should all be mingling inside with.

And she knew this would happen. She'd asked Magdalena if she wanted to get ready with her because she knew her friend had been having some...let's just say, trouble, getting out of the house, lately. Anais knew Mags would take a long time, but she didn't expect her to take this long. Anais knew she'd miss some of the early remarks, but now this was just getting ridiculous.

She wanted to see Zayn.

And yeah, it's selfish and it's petty, but Anais knows there are probably a billion girls (and boys, if she's honest with herself) all over Zayn and she's really hoping everyone in there can see his hickeys.

(Okay, it's really, really petty, but damn it, Magdalena needs to hurry the hell up.)

"Mags. I swear if Zayn's mad at me this is all your fault."

"Yeah, yeah," Magdalena mutters. "We all know Zayn's incapable of being mad at you, so what the fuck ever."

"That doesn't even make sense. Hurry up."

"It does," she replies, standing now and hooking her arm through Ana's. "And you know I can't look like a troll tonight, 'cause Jesse's gonna be there, so..." She shrugs, as the girls jog, heels clacking against the slippery cement as they hurry across the street. "Yeah. Sue me for wanting to look good."

Anais laughs. "You look amazing, okay? Now, if you just talk to Jesse..."

"But, Anais," Magdalena responds, "I've got to make him jealous first."

And Anais' laugh mixes with the cold as the girls race up the stairs and into the hall.

___

"...And lastly, but certainly not least, the west wing of the gallery is filled with 'Nebula,' a collection by our own Senior Art's Major, Zayn Malik."

And the entire room breaks out into massive applause as the twenty-some odd students all being celebrated tonight rise for their individual introductions.

And the curator for the night, the Dean of the Arts Department, allows this commotion to die down before he continues with his opening remarks.

"Thank you all for offering your support and time tonight, celebrating not only these students' hard work and effort, but your own dedication to the arts. As this gallery opens, I am excited to present to you NYU's best and brightest," he looks fondly at the students to his left, "who I am sure will continue to make strides and contributions to the world of the visual arts."

There's another applause.

"Please enjoy New York University's Spring Gallery. Have a wonderful rest of your evening."

And like that, the crowd breaks, the students beside the dean all flock back to their friends, and the gallery officially opens.

Zayn picks his way through the crowd, towards his friends, who he can see across the room. He lifts a finger, acknowledging Louis as the two lock eyes.

"There 'e is," he sees Louis mouth, and as Soo and the rest of their friends all look for him through the crowd, and as Zayn draws nearer, he's stopped immediately by the body slammed against him.

"Fuckin' hell-"

"Go best friend, that's my best friend," says the familiar voice muffled against his chest, and Zayn laughs out of shock. "You looked so good up there next to the dean, like, I really felt like telling everybody around me, 'That's my boyfriend and not yours, so suck it bitches."

And Zayn laughs. Like, he actually laughs genuinely for the first time that night as a hand winds around Anais' waist and the other feels around the ends of the curls falling around her shoulders.

She pulls back, smiling up at him.

He dips his head, kissing her.

"Where've you been?" He asks.

She sighs. "Jesus - I went over to get Mags, and she took ages to get ready and -"

Zayn kisses her again, silencing her. He's appeased simply because she was with Magdalena and no where near Lucky.

"M'just glad you're here," he murmurs, pecking at her lips again.

"And miss this?" Anais snorts, garnering looks from the attendants around her. "I've changed all types of plans for you, just so you know."

He slips his arm around her shoulder, leading her towards the rest of their friends.

"Yeah?"

Anais leans her head against him. "Yeah," she says, and she peers up at him, eyes open and bright and excited. "And I've got to say, I've been waiting all semester to see what you've been working on, so I'm about to piss myself I'm that fucking ready to see this shit."

Zayn laughs again as the people around them spare glances towards Anais.

"Good," he squeezes her. "Just don't piss yourself."

Anais chuckles. "No promises."

"Anais."

"There the fuck you are," Cara exclaims. And she rolls her eyes, pursing her lips. "See, Zayn?" She exclaims. "Told you she'd be here."

"Well, of course," Zach scoffs, and both Louis and Niall laugh - Jesse only smiles because he's got his head down and he's trying not to look at Magdalena - Zach reaches out and pinches her cheek. "Of course Anais wouldn't miss this for the world, would she?"

"Miss what?" And it's Harry, because he's finally made his way from the back of the room to his friends.

"This," Magdalena replies.

Jourdan nods. "Y'know; her man."

Harry lets out a laugh that's got his dimple popping. "Oh. Yeah. She'd never miss this."

Anais snorts, but she's still attached to Zayn. "Thanks, Haz."

Magdalena shakes her head, elbowing him lightly. "You're such a weirdo, Harry."

He elbows her back. "Love you, too, Magda."

And so now Jesse's lifted his head and he's frowning, staring between the two of them.

Chanel laughs. "Since when are the two of you best friends?" She exclaims, voicing Jesse's thoughts.

"Since we went shopping," Magdalena replies, sticking out her tongue. "So, suck my dick, Chanel."

Niall's laugh rings through the room.

"We're in a gallery, dude," Cara whispers, despite her smile.

He stares at her with wide blue eyes. "Ya' honestly didn't think that was hilarious?" He stares at her. "Be honest."

"O-kay," Anais exclaims. "Can we please go see Zayn's gallery?"

"Yeah," Louis agrees, "since y'know," he shrugs, "that's kinda why we're here."

"Yeah," Zayn nods, and he's really kind of nervous to see Anais' reaction to all this, but here he goes, anyway. "C'mon, then," he says. "Let's go."

___

"I think I'm gonna cry."

Zayn snorts, shaking his head as Soo places her hands on her cheeks and stares around at the gallery.

"This is honestly so beautiful, Zayn..." She shakes her head, and he's only kind of half listening because he's watching Anais turn about in circles, eyes upon all the portraits that consist of 'Nebula' within his section of the gallery.

And after nearly three months of him hiding these pieces from her, watching her actually see them is more nerve-wracking than trying to keep them from her in the first place.

"Shit. This really is amazing, Zayn," Liam says, nodding approvingly. "This's really, really good, mate."

Of course, Chanel's in earshot, and she rolls her eyes beside Jourdan. "This's really, really good, mate," she mimics, and Jourdan chokes a little.

"Shut up, Chanel," she says, fighting laughter.

"Yeah, Chanel," Liam says, stepping away from Zayn, who still watches Anais silently peruse the gallery. "¡Se bueno!"

Chanel's nose wrinkles on impulse. "Cállate," she replies. "I'm trying to enjoy myself tonight, thanks and not think about the class I'm failing."

"¿Qué?" Liam asks, stepping beside her. He's got an eyebrow raised, smile poorly masked as he strokes at the hair on his face. "Hago todo lo mejor," he whispers. "I make everything better."

Jourdan's tongue rolls over her teeth. "I'm just going to leave you two at it, then..."

Chanel reaches out and grabs her arm. "Really, Liam?" She replies, as she physically keeps Jourdan from leaving her side. "Where's Sophia? Don't you have a girlfriend somewhere?"

"Can't I, y'know," he shrugs, "can't I bother you?"

And he squeezes her arm with a grin, turning to walk away.

But, not before he says, smirking as Jourdan eats up this exchange between the two of them, "And she's not my girlfriend," he states. "Sophia, I mean," he smiles.

And he leaves her to Jourdan, continuing his walk around the art.

Zayn is watching Anais.

She's nearly done, viewing his portraits. She's nearly made it to the end of the hall, nearly viewing all of his pieces, and he's stopped to give everyone space, including her, because he wants everyone's honest opinions, including hers.

Especially hers.

And of fucking course, as she gets to the last piece in the gallery, the very last piece, because this is just how life always decides to fucking happen, she's stopped as a familiar 'friend' of hers places his hand on her shoulder.

"Anais," he says to her.

And Ana turns, tearing her gaze from his portrait to smile up at Lucky Blue Smith.

"Hey," she grins, as Lucky pulls her in for a hug. "You came - "

"She doesn't like him, Zayn."

He halts his stride, pausing because Cara's staring at him.

Where do these girls keep coming from?

"Don't go over there," she states, because he was totally about to go over there - he was totally about to break whatever that is, up. "You don't have to. Seriously. You'll only fuck yourself over."

He sniffs, angrily peering in their direction. Lucky's said something to make Anais laugh and already his blood pressure is rising.

"He likes her," he grits out, because for the love of God, someone needs to fucking understand that.

Cara laughs. "Chill, man. She's not gonna leave you for Lucky. Just look," she motions towards the two. "Look at how she's talking to him. Major body-language difference, Zayn. She's not leaning up against him or flirting or staring at him like he hung the moon and raised the sun and all that other annoying shit she does when she's with you."

"Yeah, but he's-"

Cara shakes her head, "Just 'cause she used to like him doesn't mean she still does. I mean, it's really obvious that you're the only person she's into -"

But, Zayn barely catches the second half of that statement.

"Wait...Like, she liked Lucky?" Zayn blinks slowly because he's not processing these words. "She like...she had a crush on him, or something?"

Cara nods slowly. "Until he got a girlfriend."

Zayn's teeth clench. "What girlfriend?"

And Cara's face slowly falls, eyebrow slowly raising. "What," she begins, "what do you mean?"

"Jesus, man, smile," Zach exclaims, laughing beside Jesse as he trails behind Harry and Magdalena: the bff's that are kind of making him sick.

Jesse glares over the plastic cup of water he's brought to his lips. "I smile all the goddamn time."

"Just not tonight, apparently," Magdalena replies. And she turns, grinning up at him as Harry leaves these two to it, squeezing her wrist in parting - a gesture Jesse does not miss - before he walks over to Soo and Louis and Niall.

Jesse stares after him. "Didn't know you were so close with that Styles kid, Mags."

She smirks up at him. "Didn't know you had such positive things to say about him, either."

"He's weird as fuck, just so you know."

"What can I say?" She shrugs, "I like weird guys."

Jesse's eyebrows raise at once. "What's that supposed to mean? You like him? You like that-"

"Hey, Jesse."

And Jesse turns, because Liu Wen, one of his Senior friends from Design, has stopped him, her hand on his forearm.

"Liu," he exclaims, going in for the hug. "Hey."

"Figured I'd see you here, tonight."

"Yeah," he shrugs. "I'm a fuckin' sucker for arts, huh?"

She laughs.

Magdalena is unable to stop glaring.

"Yeah, well," Liu can feel tension. She backs away, offering a fleeting smile, "See you, then."

"Yeah, bye Liu."

"You look great, tonight," she adds. "But, what's new?" She sends Zach a parting wave. "See you too, Zach."

Zach raises a peace sign in farewell. "Bye, Liu."

And the boys, they're both in all black, but Jesse's in ripped jeans and boots and the sleeves of his white button-up shirt are rolled up to his forearms, so girls are staring at his tattoos and Magdalena is glaring at all the girls staring at his tattoos.

At least Zach's in a suit...jacket.

And, without Lucky, but with Jourdan, Anais waltzes happily towards them, the group reconvening in the center of the floor.

"Love your Docs," Jourdan says, pointing down at the patent leather shoes on Zach's feet. "They're awesome."

Zach meets Jourdan's gaze and his smile kind of falters a little.

"Yeah, uh-" He stutters. "I mean," he clears his throat. "Thanks."

Zayn laughs to himself as Anais beams between the two of them.

"Jourdan, Zach. Zach," she says, as he continues to stare at the beautiful girl beside Anais. "This is Jourdan."

"Yeah..." Jourdan smiles, staring confusedly at Anais. "It's nice to meet you, Zach," and she grins now, ignoring the way Anais continues to smile. "Magdalena's told me a lot about you."

"Wow, uh..." He rubs at the base of his neck. "I really hope what you heard was good, then."

"Why?" Jourdan lifts a brow. She smirks, "Don't think they were? Are you kind of weird? You do hang out with Anais, y'know."

"Hey!"

Zach smiles. "I mean, I'm not only in a band, but I'm friends with Jesse..." He pauses, "and Anais."

She gasps again, "Guys!" As Jourdan laughs aloud.

"So, y'know," Zach shrugs. "I can't be all there, can I?"

"Damn it," Jourdan groans. "What does that say about me, then, since I'm friends with them, too?"

And as Zach and Jourdan laugh amongst themselves, Zayn takes this moment to slip between them with a whispered, "S'cuse me," only to take Ana's arm and remove her from their sides, because now she's with him and he can't see Lucky anywhere, so now he can enjoy himself again.

"Hey!" She exclaims. "Did you see that?" She gushes. "Did. You. See. That?"

Anais is officially pumped for everyone to show up to Soo's, tomorrow.

He chuckles, kissing lightly upon her forehead.

"I invited Zach," he says. "You're welcome. Thank me later."

She stands on her toes, pressing her lips to his. "I will," she whispers. "I invited Jourdan."

He laughs, rubbing her arms. "Guess I can thank you later, too."

And Anais smiles, squeezing his hand. "Wait, wait, Zayn."

He hums. "Yeah?"

"Come with me," she says, dragging him away from their friends. "I've got to show you around, y'know," she grins wider, "to point out my favorite pieces in this gallery."

___

AND YOU THOUGHT ANAIS WASN'T GONNA SHOW UP C'MON YA'LL KNOW SHE'S NOT LIKE THAT FAM.

That's enough caps for me, lol.

Look at this long chapter!

So many unanswered questions...thank god for the Puppy Party amirite???

So much drama coming up I almost don't even know what to say to you guys like...

Love ya. Comment and vote (and thank you to everyone who votes before they read that's showing some serious confidence in me lol). This story is my child.

xx