Chapter Text
Devastated is the only word that can describe Zayn's feelings at this moment. He watches as the apartment building smolders, with ash, rubble, and murky water cascading from the structure he has called home for seven years. Everything around him feels surreal. The building isn't on fire anymore, but firefighters remain, ensuring the scene is safe and no lingering embers could reignite the blaze. His neighbors surround him, equally devastated, trying to ensure their loved ones are okay.
Zayn feels numb as he stands here, his mind struggling to process the chaos around him. He catches snippets of conversation - they're unsure what caused the fire, but it seems to have started on his floor - yet it all feels distant and muffled. His eyes dart around, searching for familiar faces in the crowd. He spots Kehlani kneeling on the ground, hugging Pepper and Aaron from across the hall, consoling his sobbing wife.
"Zayn, are you there?" Justin's worried voice comes through the phone. "Are you okay? Is Bellatrix okay?" Justin asks next.
"I'm fine, and she's alright. She was with the sitter, and they were out of the building at the time," Zayn says, holding Bellatrix close.
His day had been going well. He'd completed an amazing tattoo for a sweet guy who got a piece for his little sister, whom he had been raising as his own. After that, he had lunch with Niall, and they did some shopping before returning to work. His day was good until he turned onto his apartment's street, only to see it in flames with firefighters combating the blaze.
His immediate reaction was panic; his dog and friends were inside. Some of that panic subsided when he saw Julie, the dog sitter, holding Bellatrix, looking just as shocked as the other residents on the curb. He soon learned that everyone had escaped safely, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief. It wasn't until he called Justin, his boyfriend, that it really hit him. The full weight of the situation crashed down on him as Justin's concerned voice echoed through the phone.
Zayn's voice trembled as he continued, "I... I've lost everything. All my artwork, my supplies, my clothes... It's all gone."
Justin's voice softened, filled with sympathy and concern. "I'm so sorry, babe. I can't imagine what you're going through right now. Listen, Harry and I will be down there as soon as we can. We'll figure this out together, okay?" Zayn nodded, forgetting for a moment that Justin couldn't see him. "Yeah, okay." He managed to whisper.
As Zayn ended the call, he noticed a police officer approaching the group of residents. The officer began explaining the next steps - temporary housing arrangements, insurance claims, and the ongoing investigation. Zayn listened half-heartedly, his mind still reeling from the shock. He feels a gentle nudge against his arm and looks down to see Bellatrix gazing up at him with worried eyes.
"We'll be okay, girl." he murmured, more to reassure himself than his loyal companion. Zayn turns around when he hears a familiar voice calling his name.
"Niall? What are you doing here?" Zayn asks as Niall gets out of his car and walks up to him
"Harry texted me saying you needed someone here." Niall says, rushing over, his face etched with concern. He wraps Zayn in a tight hug, careful not to disturb Bellatrix.
"I'm so glad you're here," Zayn mumbles into Niall's shoulder, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. As they pull apart, Niall keeps a steadying hand on Zayn's arm.
"Of course, mate. I came as soon as I heard. How are you holding up?" Niall asks, his eyes scanning Zayn's face worriedly. Zayn shakes his head, struggling to find the words. "I... I don't know. It doesn't feel real, you know?"
Niall nods sympathetically. "I can't even imagine. Listen, why don't we get you and Bellatrix out of here? You look like you could use some sleep.”
Zayn hesitates, glancing back at the smoldering building. "But what about...?"
"The police have your contact info, yeah? They'll call if they need anything. Right now, you're coming home with me.” Niall insists gently. Zayn nods, feeling a sense of relief wash over him at Niall's offer.
He follows his friend to the car, cradling Bellatrix close to his chest. As they drive away from the scene, Zayn's mind races with thoughts of what comes next. The drive to Niall's apartment isn't long, but it's quiet as Niall navigates the New York streets. The radio provides a low melody in the background of the otherwise silent car. As they arrive at Niall's apartment, Zayn feels a mix of gratitude and exhaustion wash over him.
They make their way up to Niall's place, the familiar surroundings offering a small comfort to Zayn's frayed nerves. Niall's apartment is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the chaos they've left behind. "You can take my room," Niall insists, leading Zayn down the hallway. "I'll crash on the couch."
"I appreciate it, Niall, but I can't take your bed." Zayn tries to protest. Niall waves off Zayn's objection with a gentle smile.
"Don't even think about it, mate. You've been through hell today. You need a proper rest." He opens the door to his bedroom, gesturing for Zayn to enter. "There are clean towels in the bathroom if you want to shower, and I'll grab you some clothes to sleep in."
Zayn hesitates for a moment before nodding gratefully. "Thanks, Ni. I don't know what I'd do without you." Zayn settles Bellatrix on the bed, watching as she curls up contentedly. Niall rummages through his drawers for clean clothes.
"Here," He says, handing Zayn a soft t-shirt and sweatpants. "Try to get some rest, yeah? We'll figure everything out in the morning." Zayn nods, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He takes the clothes from Niall, mumbling another thank you.
As Niall leaves, closing the door softly behind him, Zayn sinks into the bed and takes off his shoes. He decides to take a quick shower, hoping the warm water might help clear his head. Zayn steps into the shower, the warm water cascades over him, washing away the smell of smoke that clings to his skin. He closes his eyes, letting the steady stream drown out his thoughts for a moment. The events of the day replay in his mind, but they feel distant now, like a surreal dream.
After his shower, Zayn changes into Niall's borrowed clothes, feeling a small comfort in their softness. He returns to the bedroom, where Bellatrix lifts her head, her tail wagging slightly at his return. Zayn settles onto the bed, pulling his loyal companion close. As he lies there in the unfamiliar room, his situation begins to come back to his mind. The enormity of what he's lost – his artwork, his home, his sense of security – threatens to overwhelm him. Zayn takes a deep breath, trying to push back the rising panic.
His phone buzzes on the nightstand, and he reaches for it, seeing a text from Justin.
Justin: Harry and I will be there in three days. We love you.
The message brings a small smile to Zayn's face, a reminder that he's not alone in this. Zayn's mind drifts to the practical concerns he'll have to face in the coming days – insurance claims, finding a new place to live, replacing his art supplies. The tasks seem insurmountable, but he reminds himself to take it one step at a time. Zayn finally drifts off into a fitful sleep, Bellatrix's steady breathing providing a soothing rhythm in the quiet room.
~••~••~••~••~
The next two days passed in a blur for Zayn as he retrieved his important documents, such as his birth certificate and passport. After that, Zayn did some shopping for himself and Bellatrix, buying just the basics for now: her dog harness, food and water bowls, and food. For himself, he bought clothes, some art supplies to finish his art commissions, and a laptop.
On the third day, Zayn sits with Niall in his apartment, looking for a new place to live. Zayn scrolls through apartment listings on his laptop, his brow furrowed in concentration he pauses on one that catches his eye. "What do you think about this one? It's not too far from the old apartment, and the rent seems reasonable."
Niall leans over to look at the screen, still absentmindedly scratching behind Bellatrix's ears. "It looks nice, but are you sure you're ready for this? There's no rush, mate. You're not a burden. You're family." He pauses, considering his next words. "What if we compromise? Take a week to settle in, process everything that's happened, and then we'll start looking."
Zayn hesitates, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. "I don't know, Niall. I feel like I should be doing more."
"You've done plenty," Niall insists, his voice gentle but firm. "You've gotten your important stuff taken care of, and you're already thinking about your art commissions. That's a lot in just a few days. Give yourself some credit and some time to breathe."
Before Zayn can respond, there's a knock on the door, so Niall gets up to answer it. Niall returns to the living room with Justin and Harry close behind. "Hey love," Harry smiles, kissing Zayn before sitting next to him.
"What are you doing?" Justin asks, taking a seat on the other side of Zayn and putting an arm around him.
"I was looking at apartments, but Niall has convinced me to wait a while." Zayn says, closing his laptop.
"That's probably a good idea," Justin nods, gently massaging Zayn's shoulder. "No need to rush into anything right now."
Harry leans in, his green eyes soft with concern. "How are you holding up, babe? We're sorry we couldn't make it out sooner."
Zayn lets out a deep sigh, leaning into Justin's embrace. "It's been... a lot. But I'm getting there, I think. Having you both here helps more than you know."
Niall chimes in from his spot across the room. "He's been a trooper, lads. But I reckon he could use a proper night out to take his mind off things."
"That's not a bad idea," Harry muses. "What do you say, Z? Fancy a bit of fun?"
Zayn hesitates, glancing between his boyfriends and Niall. "I don't know... I'm not sure I'm up for anything too wild."
"No pressure," Justin assures him quickly. "We could just grab a quiet dinner, maybe catch a film. Whatever you're comfortable with."
Zayn considers this for a moment, then nods slowly. "Yeah, alright. That sounds nice, actually."
"Brilliant!" Niall grins, clapping his hands together. "I know just the place. Low-key and great food.”
As they start discussing plans for the evening, Zayn feels a warmth spreading through his chest. Despite everything that's happened, he's surrounded by people who care about him. For the first time in days, he allows himself to relax, if only a little.
~
After dinner, Justin drives the 30 minutes from Brooklyn to Nolita, much to Zayn's confusion. Justin and Harry told him they wanted to look at something, so he didn't say much more. After the drive, Zayn notices that Justin pulls up to a penthouse on Lafayette Street. Harry, Zayn, and Justin get out of the car as Niall and Jason pull up and park next to them.
“This is what you wanted to look at?” Zayn asks as they walk into the building.
"Sort of," Harry says with a smile, exchanging a knowing glance with Justin. "We've actually got a bit of a surprise for you." As they step into the elevator, Justin presses the button for the top floor.
Zayn raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What are you two up to?"
"You'll see," Justin says, squeezing Zayn's hand reassuringly. When the elevator doors open, they step out into a luxurious hallway. Harry leads the way to a set of double doors at the end, fishing a key out of his pocket.
“Are you two planning on moving out here or something?” He asks, looking between his soulmates.
“No quite yet,” Harry smiles, unlocking the door. "Welcome to your potential new home, love." As they enter the penthouse, Zayn's jaw drops. The space is stunning - open and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. Modern furnishings and sleek finishes give it a sophisticated yet comfortable feel.
"We know you've been stressed about finding a place," Justin explains, wrapping an arm around Zayn's waist. "So we thought we'd take some of the pressure off."
"This is... incredible," Zayn breathes, still taking it all in. "But I can't possibly afford -"
"Don't worry about that," Harry interjects gently. "We want to do this for you." "I don't know what to say. This is too much."
Justin pulls away from Zayn, kissing his forehead softly. "You don't have to say anything, babe. We just want you to be happy and comfortable." Zayn takes a deep breath, overwhelmed by their generosity. "I... thank you. Both of you. This means more than you know."
"So, what do you think?" Harry asks, his green eyes searching Zayn's face. "Want to give it a proper look around?"
Zayn nods, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I'd like that." As they start to explore the penthouse together, Zayn feels a weight lifting from his shoulders.
Niall whistles appreciatively as he and Jason explore the space. "This is proper fancy, lads. You've outdone yourselves."
“Did you know about this, Niall?” Zayn asks.
“They may have mentioned it.” Niall smiles. Zayn shakes his head in disbelief, still processing the magnitude of the gesture. As they move from room to room, Zayn's amazement grows. The kitchen is a chef's dream, with state-of-the-art appliances and ample counter space. The living area is perfect for entertaining, boasting a cozy fireplace, and a built-in entertainment system. The master bedroom takes Zayn's breath away, featuring an en-suite bathroom with a luxurious soaking tub and two walk-in closets.
"This place is unreal," Zayn murmurs, running his hand along the smooth marble countertop in the bathroom. "I can't believe you guys did this for me."
Justin wraps his arms around Zayn from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder. "You deserve it, babe.” Harry joins them, placing a hand on Zayn's back.
"So, what do you think?" Justin asks, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "Is this somewhere you could see yourself living?"
Zayn turns to face them, a smile spreading across his face. "It's perfect. I... I love it. And I love you both so much."
Harry and Justin beam, pulling Zayn into a group hug. Zayn feels a sense of peace wash over him. For the first time in a long while, he feels like he's truly home.
~••~••~••~••~
Zayn sat at the breakfast nook, his fingers drumming lightly on the wooden tabletop. He had just returned from his weekly therapy session, and the familiar mix of emotions swirled within him. He's been in his new penthouse for three days now, and after finally getting everything settled, Zayn knew that he needed to see his psychiatrist.
"How did it go?" Justin asked, settling into the set beside him. He had just finished a video call with Ava, and the lingering smile on his face told Zayn that the conversation had been a good one.
Zayn takes a deep breath, meeting Justin's warm gaze. "It went well, actually. Dr. Emerson and I talked through a lot of the anxiety I've been feeling lately, and she's decided to increase the dosage of my medication."
Justin reached out, giving Zayn's hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad to hear that. I know how much you've been struggling, but I'm proud of you for sticking with it." Zayn nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Further In the kitchen, Harry moves around, the sizzle of the pan and the clatter of dishes providing a comforting backdrop to their conversation. Zayn watched him for a moment, a small smile playing on his lips. He couldn't help but feel at ease in Harry's presence, the way moves with such casual grace when he's cooking.
"How's Ava doing?" He asks, turning his attention back to Justin.
"She's doing great," Justin replied, his face lighting up. "She aced her math test and is preparing for her clarinet recital."
"That's fantastic," Zayn says, happy for Ava. "She's really excelling, isn't she? Must take after her dad."
Justin chuckled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "She's definitely got her own spark. Speaking of which, she's been asking when she can come visit the new place." Zayn felt a warmth spread through his chest. "Anytime, you know that. We can set up one of the guest room for her, make it a special weekend."
As they continued chatting, Harry approached with three steaming plates of breakfast. "Alright, loves," he announced, setting them down. "Eggs Benedict with a twist – I used smoked salmon instead of ham."
Zayn inhaled deeply, the aroma making his mouth water. "Looks amazing, Hazz. Thanks." As they dug into their meal, the conversation flowed easily between the three of them. Zayn found himself relaxing, the earlier tension from his therapy session melting away. The doorbell ringing interrupts their meal, so Zayn starts to get up, but Justin tells him to relax and offers to answer it.
Justin soon returns with a woman following close behind. "Zayn, Harry, this is fire investigator Sarah Morrison. She's here to talk to you." Justin explains, motioning to the fire investigator next to him, a woman in her mid-forties with kind eyes and shoulder-length brown hair. She's wearing a simple navy blazer over a white blouse, giving off a professional yet approachable vibe.
"Hi Zayn, nice to meet you," Sarah says with a warm smile. “I apologize for interrupting your morning. I'm investigating the fire that occurred at your former residence.” Zayn's heart skipped a beat at her words. He hadn't expected this visit, and the mention of the fire brought back a flood of memories he'd been trying to suppress.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he stood up to greet Sarah. "Hello," Zayn said, extending his hand. "Please, have a seat. Would you like some coffee or tea?" As the detective settled into a chair, Harry quietly excused himself to fetch a fresh cup for their unexpected guest.
"We have determined that the fire started in your apartment. It appears the cause of the fire was a few candles that ignited alcohol and paper," Sarah explains.
“That can’t be right, I don't own any candles.” Zayn replies, shocked.
Sarah's eyebrows furrowed slightly at Zayn's response. "I see," Sarah said, her tone remaining neutral. "That's interesting information. Can you tell me more about the night of the fire? Were you home at the time?" Zayn felt a knot forming in his stomach.
"I wasn't home at the time, I was at work."
Sarah nodded, jotting down notes in her small notebook. "Can anyone confirm your whereabouts that evening?" She asks, her tone professional but gentle.
"Yes, I was at the tattoo shop a bit late that night." Harry returned with a steaming cup of coffee for Sarah, placing it carefully on the table before her. "Thank you," She says with a smile before turning her attention back to Zayn.
"Mr. Malik, I understand this is difficult to discuss," Sarah continued, her voice softening. "But we need to explore all possibilities. Have you had any issues with neighbors or received any threats recently?"
Zayn looks at Justin and Harry, his thoughts turning to Elijah. But would he really take it that far, right?
Zayn runs a hand through his hair. "My ex-boyfriend, Elijah, we have been having problems with him for about a year and a half now.”
Sarah leans forward, her interest piqued. "Can you elaborate on these problems, Mr. Malik? Any specific incidents that stand out?"
Zayn takes a deep breath, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. "Elijah... he's been stalking me. Sending threatening messages, showing up at places uninvited. We've filed a restraining order, but he always seems to find a way around it."
Sarah nods, scribbling notes. "Have you reported these incidents to the police?"
"Yes," Justin interjects, his protective instinct evident. "We've documented everything. The police have been involved, but it's been challenging to prove some of the more subtle forms of harassment."
Harry places a comforting hand on Zayn's shoulder. “A week before the fire, Elijah broke into my apartment while we were there. We got into a fight, and he was arrested the following day.” Zayn explains.
Sarah's expression turns serious as she listens intently to Zayn's account. "Thank you for sharing this information, Mr. Malik. This certainly adds a new dimension to our investigation." She pauses, considering her next words carefully. "Given these circumstances, we'll need to look into Mr. Elijah's whereabouts on the night of the fire. Can you provide me with his full name and any other relevant details?"
"His name is Elijah Mayers. He lives in Brookville in Nassau County, as far as I know."
Sarah jots down the information, then looks up at Zayn with a reassuring smile. "We'll investigate this lead thoroughly. In the meantime, I'd advise you to stay vigilant and report any further incidents immediately."
As Sarah prepares to leave, she hands Zayn her business card. "If you remember anything else or have any concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. We'll be in touch as the investigation progresses."
After Sarah leaves, Zayn slumps back into his chair, feeling drained. Harry and Justin exchange worried glances before Harry breaks the silence. "You alright, babe?" He asks gently.
Zayn nods, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, just... a lot to process, you know?"
He can't help but wonder what the investigation might uncover. Despite his hatred for Elijah and everything he has been doing, Zayn has to admit that Elijah is skilled at avoiding consequences. He feels that not much will tie back to Elijah.