I love when I smell like you.

"Hadn't said I wasn't glad" Liam said with a shrug of his shoulders. He hadn't been the tpe to go out with his feelings in a long, long time. He had been a lot happier and out going and spoken during high school, tried to make friends and have a good time though it hadn't all worked out too well for him. And with the life style he had going on now there were no reasons for him to get emotional and spoken. Taking the plate and knife from Charlotte Liam glanced down at the sharp tip of the knife, he could not be trusted to cut his own slice, he would more than likely cut it side ways by accident or cut it too fast and crumble the loaf which would ruin the attractive look the loaf had."I think you ought to cut me some up Char, and it's not because I'm lazy either" Liam said with a grin as he held the items back out to her. Charlotte was much more practiced at this than him, even if it was just cutting up soft warm loaf cake. It also didn't hurt that he just enjoyed watching Charlotte work around the shop.

---

McKenzie would have kicked Zayn though his legs were crossed and he couldn't bother moving around so much for such a simple action. Instead he reached over and pinched Zayn's thigh sharply,"Don't be so rude Malik, the game made over 43 million in the course of three months" And all you have done over a month and a half was make me feel special then break my heart, continuously. McKenzie could hold a grudge for five years or forget about it the next day, but this, what had happened, McKenzie wasn't going to forgive and forget anytime soon. Turning back to his phone McKenzie opened up the Kim Kardashian game and placed it at it's full volume, the fun little music loud and bouncing off of the walls. "I think you're just boring, this game is great" McKenzie murmured as he tapped the screen, his attention slowly diminishing.

@ sugarplum.

Zayn huffed softly as a frown settled between his brows when McKenzie pinched his thigh, "I don't care how much that silly little game makes. She only made it to steal money from people that actually like her, she didn't made it for anyone but herself" He told McKenzie knowing that wasn't what the other wanted to hear, but that's how Zayn felt and he'd voice that. A small groan rattled deep in his throat when McKenzie turned the volume up on his phone, he wanted to take the phone but he knew that wouldn't end well and he didn't want to be on McKenzie's bad side. "I'm boring? Does Charlotte like that game? I doubt it, so I'm not the only boring one around here" He had to bring his sister in because the twins were close but he was positive that she wouldn't enjoy the game, like her brother did. Checking the watch around his wrist, "You'll have to get off soon" He said as opening time would be shortly.

---

Charlotte smiled as she took the knife and plate back into her hands, "Alright but only this once" She told him even though it wouldn't be the last time, she was sure of that. She set the plate on the counter and set to cutting a slice of butter bread, she set aside the crust knowing Liam preferred the inside of the bread. Herself and McKenzie would take pieces of the bread here and there throughout the day, she also cut the bread into small cubes which she always did for Liam and she knew what he liked when it came to food. "Here you go, eat and be happy" She smiled handing the plate over to Liam again, she put the bread onto a platter to cool down a little more before she set it in the glass counter for customers to look at.

@ pastel colours

Liam didn't believe only this once would actually be on only this once as she has done it and said it multiple times before, Liam believed that Charlotte was just too nice to not cut it for him. She knew just the way he liked his food cut as well which was surprising and uplifting to know she would have remembered. His sisters and parents would always cut up anything chunky into cubes for him and as he grew up he still ate food cut up."Thank you Charlotte, you're far to nice to me" Liam said as he grabbed the plate back and ate a piece automatically, the food was still warm and tasted just as good as every other day. He didn't know how the Adams did it but their food was always delicious and cooked right, be it their cake, brownies, sandwhiches, even the small dinner food they offered like personal pizza and rice were delicious. He couldn't have picked a better place to work, ever.

McKenzie's fingers stopped moving and he turned to glare at Zayn, clearly upset but trying to hold it in by the way he bit his lip and released it repetitively. "It's not stealing money Zayn, I don't necessarily like her and I pay for 'energy' and more items on the game but it's optional, it's an exchange, like how we sell cake for money here. Or is that selfish of us because we know people like our food and make hem pay for it? " When McKenzie was riled up there was no stopping him. He would always voice himself, didn't matter who it was, he was disagreeing with - be it his sister, a customer, Zayn, especially Zayn. "You're here because we pay you to be, you're not here because you actually care about my sister and I or if we get robbed. The money is what's keeping you here and does that make you selfish? I don't think so, it's a trade, and I know you send some your money to your family anyways" getting up from his seat McKenzie shoved his phone into his pocket and left to prepare himself tea.

@ sugarplum.

Zayn watched as he made McKenzie upset, something that he didn't mean to do but the words just came out of his mouth. He listened to his words and then watched as he moved away, he followed as he wasn't finished with McKenzie. He walked up behind McKenzie and put his lips by his ear, "You think that I'm here for the money? Yes, I was at the beginning. But then I fell for you and I came back because of you, I work here more than the other guys because of you" He whispered even though he knew Liam was busy with Charlotte and weren't interested in what he or McKenzie were doing, "I wish I could get over you. I'm here so I can make sure nothing happens to you, yes I'm suppose to protect you and your family but I don't think that way. If someone where to come through that door, I'd be at your side in seconds" He said partly wanting McKenzie to know, but he also wanted to defend himself.

---

Charlotte smiled as she looked at Liam, "I am too nice to you. But I don't have a reason to not be nice to you, did you want me to be rude?" She smiled already knowing the answer to that, she didn't have a bad bone in her body. Unless of course, someone messed with her family. Then she could be a nightmare. She stepped closer to Liam and lifted a cube of butter bread from his plate, she ate the warm bread and smiled at him. "So do you have any plans for the weekend?" She asked knowing there could be a slight chance that she could spend more time with him, maybe even spend a whole day with him or something. She always asked him if he had plans, but had never asked him to hang out as she was way too nervous.

@ pastel colours

Liam felt like he had just gotten a small opening to flirt with her, something playful and light as he didn't want to come off overwhelming and strong. He didn't want to come off creepy either, maybe he shouldn't flirt at all, he felt like he may just flip something over and trip to his death when he was around Charlotte. His tongue got tied and his fingers started to shake and last month he forgot his name at Starbucks because he had been thinking about Charlotte's pretty, long hair, and her pouty lips that haunted him. "Maybe I like my girls mean" he ended up saying, mentally kicking himself over for something so lame and completely not true. He loved nice people, they made days brighter. Needing to keep his mouth shut Liam ate some more of the cake and listened to her speak, her voice soft to his ears and so warm and welcoming. "Nothing as far as I know" Liam answered, most of his days were like that though, sometimes he was called in for the imports, somethings he had to drive a county or two over to deliver some of their 'products', lots of his jobs were spur of the call.

---

McKenzie felt his heart race in his chest, something vile crawling up his throat because no. Zayn couldn't just go and say stuff like that, not when he had mad McKenzie mad, not when it's been a month since they ended whatever it was they had with Zayn rejecting him hard with 'This had been just for fun' when McKenzie came out with 'I really, really like you'. It didn't work like that and McKenzie wasn't going to believe Zayn, not now, not tomorrow, not any time fucking soon. "Don't you fucking dare say that to me Malik, not after you told me I was just for fun and that you couldn't like me the way I like you, I'm not going to get under your arm and say whatever you'd think I would have" God knows he spent three weeks crying his eyes out over this dumb man, and then another week sitting alone in his room watching the movies they used to watch curled around one another. He wasn't trying to play hard to get or make Zayn fight for him, he was setting a line between them because although he wanted nothing more but to have Zayn's cold toes tickling his while they cuddle he was not, repeat not, going to be used like that again. "I-I still like you so much, so please stop"

@ sugarplum.

Zayn took a step backwards and knew that he had to explain why he treated McKenzie that way, "Stop what? Stop telling you the truth? I only told you that so I'd hurt you and you'd grow to hate me, you'd hate me so much that you'd stop liking me. This was easier than having someone with a grudge against me, come after you just to hurt me. I like you that fucking much that I was terrified of you getting hurt because of me, I have people out there who want all the guys to crash and burn. Those men are dangerous and I'd do anything for you," He said sternly but with a slight hiss to his tone of voice, "I'm still scared, okay. You could still get hurt, McKenzie." He admitted not knowing if McKenzie knew that, if anyone noticed how different Zayn treated McKenzie then it wouldn't take much for someone to work out how he felt about McKenzie and that could cause all sorts of trouble. "You weren't just for fun, but I didn't know what else to tell you to make you not want to be around me. It hurt knowing that I hurt you so badly, but I thought it was for the best. I was wrong," He admitted knowing it wouldn't make up for what he did, but McKenzie deserved to know the truth.

---

Charlotte wasn't sure but she did think that Liam had tried to flirt with her, she hoped that attempt had been flirting. She looked into his eyes and smiled warmly at him, "I'll have to try to be mean on you then" She wasn't good at flirting but she was trying her best, "Maybe if you have some time free we could do something together? There's a new restaurant opening up a few blocks from here and I've heard good things about it, we could try it out" She suggested as a warm blush formed on her cheeks, she had asked him out and she was nervous. She had never asked a guy out before but Liam was different, she was tired of just being his friend and she wanted more than that. "It could be a date if you want," She asked rather shyly and instantly regretted asking him that, she wouldn't be able to show her face if he rejected her.

@ pastel colours

Liam growing up hadn't ever been too good with girls but he knew that Charlotte was sweet on him, or at least that was what he was hoping for. He could have easily read into her words too much. Placing the plate down on the counter Liam crossed his arms over his chest, "Are you asking me out? " he asked straight forwardly. He normally was never so to the point, especially with Charlotte but he felt that he needed to be right now. He was pretty sure she was trying to ask him out and it was a little upsetting but only because he had wanted to be the first one to do so. It was a hundred times better though having the girl ask him out though. "If you are then yes, it'd be great to go out with you and if you aren't then it would still be great " he wasn't going to let his chance slip from is fingers. He wanted to swoon Charlotte and he honestly could see himself with her for a long time.

---

He couldn't wrap his mind around that, that someone would hurt him just because Zayn liked him enough to be with him. It sounded awful and like something from a movie and true, McKenzie knew just how rough the streets were and gangs didn't go around without some luggage. Sniffling McKenzie rubbed at his eyes with the back of his sleeve. Zayn liked him. He hadn't thought that to be possible after the 'break up', and it sounded so warm to his ears but he couldn't forgive even with the reason provided. He simply couldn't. Sure it was a month ago but he still felt so raw inside, he wanted to hide his face in Zayn's chest and cry it out a little, he wanted to head into the storage room and kiss Zayn silly like before but he couldn't bring himself to. Maybe Zayn didn't even want to go back to how they used to. "Do you still remember how I like my tea?" he asked in a shy, and quiet voice, a little shaky and a little insecure.

@ sugarplum.

Zayn wasn't expecting anything from McKenzie, he knew how much he had hurt him and nothing he says can just heal that hurt. He'd have to prove to McKenzie that he won't do it again, he'd need to make things right before anything else. He wanted to go straight back to how they were before, but he was always going to be worried that he may not be able to fully protect him but he'd do everything in his power to keep him safe. He wanted to pull McKenzie into his arms and hold him until he felt better, though he couldn't just yet and would let McKenzie make the first move whenever he was ready or if he even wanted him back. "Of course I do, go sit down" He spoke softly in a caring way, he grabbed a cup and started making the tea that he knew off by heart. He knew the right amounts of everything as he had made McKenzie tea more times than he could remember, once he was finished he carried the cup over to McKenzie and set it down before also sitting beside the other.

---

Charlotte smiled at Liam and nodded her head, "Yes. I am asking you out, I figured that we've waited long enough" She told him knowing that he could have been the one who wanted to ask her out first, but she couldn't wait any longer. She wanted Liam and she wanted to go out on a date with him, at least he hadn't rejected her. "You have no idea how nervous I was asking you out, I kept thinking that you'd reject me" She told him even though she had a feeling that he did like her as well, there was always a 'what if' in the back of her mind which is what stopped her from acting on her feelings sooner. "I kissed your cheek to try and give you a hint, I guess it wasn't clear enough" She let him know as the kiss wasn't a thank you kiss, she wanted to kiss his lips but thought that would push things too far too quickly.

@ pastel colours

"Very forward of you" Liam smiled at Charlotte and shrugged his toned and wide shoulders,"Glad you had though" He would have waited a lot longer before asking Charlotte out, maybe another month or two, maybe never since he was always second thinking himself. He always had the feeling that he could be with Charlotte, that he could woo her just right, but then again so did other people with their respective crushes. "I'm glad you like me though, you do like me right?" he asked quickly, rushing his words out. She hadn't actually said 'I like you' and though he didn't think he was getting the signals wrong he just wanted to be sure. "Because I like you and a date would be like, the best thing ever"

---

McKenzie took a seat at the table and stared at the wood, shiny and a glossed over. He couldn't wrap his mind around Zayn, he didn't like that he had been lied to either, especially at a moment so fragile and open where he wanted to share himself with Zayn. It hurt so much and his chest felt constricted and his heart felt abused. He wasn't sure how to feel or what to do at the moment but to continue like the past three minute hadn't happened because sometimes McKenzie just ignored things till they went away and it worked most of the time. Licking his lip he murmured a 'thank you' to Zayn and wrapped his hands around the mug, bringing the liquid to his lips and taking a sip. He wasn't surprised it was sweetened down and warm with rice milk, it was just the way he liked his tea and Zayn has made him a cuppa more times that McKenzie took photos.

Zayn watched McKenzie sip his tea, "I know it will take time for you to forgive me. Or you don't have to forgive me, I'm never going to forgive myself. If you don't want me here, than one of the guys can take my shifts" He spoke and his deep voice cracked a little, he didn't want to stay away from McKenzie but he would if that's what the other wanted. Whatever McKenzie wanted was the most important thing to Zayn now, actually McKenzie has always been the most important person in his life and he had ruined everything. At the time Zayn thought it was the best thing, but now he knew just how wrong he had been because he should have just told McKenzie how he was feeling and what he was thinking instead of lying. "I'm sorry about lying to you, it was easier than telling you the truth." He apologized and he'd keep apologizing for as long as he needed.

---

Charlotte nodded her head and gently rested a hand on his forearm, "I do like you. I really like you, Liam. I really want to go on a date with you, well I want to go on many dates with you" She smiled as she felt much better now about this, "In fact I like you so much that I wouldn't mind kissing you right now. But that would probably be a little too forward" She admitted to him as she had daydreamed about kissing his warm lips, so many times that she has lost count but now there could be a chance that she could eventually kiss him and kiss him whenever she wanted to. Each she'd take full advantage of.

"Zayn you got to know I want you here, even if you don't like me or do, I really want you to say" McKenzie says softly, lips brushing the rim of his mug before he takes a long and slow sip. He has awful attachment issues and cant stand people leaving him once he let's them in. When his chinchilla died after two and a half short years he went into a depressive state for two months, not even his parents offering to buy him another one was good enough because no one could replace Bugs. Things aren't so easily replaceable for McKenzie, if Zayn left and another member came in he wasn't going to be able to deal with such a change and loss."I still like you okay, really like you, but I don't think- I don't, we shouldn't be together again, not now"

---

If Liam had a cup in his hands he would have dropped it, a drink in his mouth he would have spat it out, he felt like he would trip any second now without even moving. Hearing those words come from Charlotte's mouth was a lot, meant a lot. He hadn't ever though he would but here she was, forward and truthful with words Liam has only dreamed of. "Forward is good, it's okay really, I wouldn't mind" Liam says, trying to keep a casual look when his heart was about to beat out of his chest and he could hear the blood running in his ears and damn it, could Charlotte actually hear his heart? He hopes not because he's having such rapid heart palpitations that he would think himself ill if he didn't know it was definitely caused by Charlotte.

@ sugarplum.