A Heart That Beats as Fast as Mine

Zayn had that insanely attractive bad boy look to him that was for sure. If asked what his first impression of Zayn was, just at first sight, Carter would have to say that the other was not only intimidating but he looked like that gorgeous popular guy who sat at the crowded table and had handful of attractive friend and who wouldn't spend his time with that quiet kid in the corner or the kids who stay in class for lunch. Carter would have never approached Zayn in high school that was for sure, wouldn't have even said a word to or about him. It was pleasant knowing that Zayn was beyond friendly and approachable, a face Carter could defiantly get used to seeing."I'll make sure to remember that then" Carter said as he snuggled back into the blanket, pulling it over the top of his head with just his eyes peering out.

"I guess it may be," Carter agreed. He tended to sleep differently than most people, often changing his positions and where he even slept. Like he went from his bed to the coach, sometimes he slept like people normally do and other times he slept horizontal rather than vertical, just a weird quirk his parents never manged to shake out of him. Clearing his throat lightly Carter slowly sat up and let the blanket drop to his hips, he wanted to make Zayn stay but he didn't know of anything he could say that would give the other a good reason. "Thank you" he murmurs instead, looking away from the other and turning his phone in his hand - he was gonna have to ask Stella how to speak when his breath was constantly leaving his chest. Zayn made him feel suffocated and free at the same time.

---

---

Liam used to not be very healthy, he'd work out most of the day and skipped more meals than he'd ever like to admit, he looked really fit but he was often left tired and his body was always sore. He kept on his with bad habits even when Stella moved in, wanting to continuously look good for her but over time he ate more and he didn't workout as much, always eating dessert and raw batter whenever he was helping her and he was letting lose a little but Stella never made any comments and she seemed to still love him as much as she did before and it kept him happy. He was happy right now, fuller cheeks and cake in his stomach, his lovely girlfriend by his side. Liam couldn't ever ask for anything better than what he has when he has the very best already.

Wiping the crumbs from his face after the kiss Stella pressed against his lips Liam took the plate Louis left on the counter and placed it in the washer with the other dishes."Yeah, earlier we go, more time we have on the ice" he said as he tossed a little packet into the washer and turned it on even though it wasn't his turn to clean the dishes since it wasn't Wednesday but he didn't mind saving the others from the task. Niall perked up quickly, throwing away his napkin and rubbing his hands together,"Let's go! It's going to be so much fun right Haz?" he asked already heading towards the stairs so he could wear warmer clothes. Harry gave Stella and Liam a dead look,"I swear all of you are trying to kill me," he said before following after Niall. Liam knew Harry wasn't the best but he also knew the other was going to have a lot of fun."Let's go get ready then Stells"

@ sugarplum.

Zayn didn't want to leave Carter but he wasn't sure if he should stay or not, if the other was tired and wanted to sleep. Than Zayn wasn't going to stop that from happening, he also wasn't going to stay in the room and watch Carter sleep because that would make him come across as creepy. He'd only watch Carter sleep when they were together and were sharing a bed, only then would he not feel like a creep. But when the other sat up on the bed, it was a little more obvious that Carter wasn't about to fall asleep and it gave Zayn a hint that maybe he should stay a little longer. So he would until he was told to leave, "Do you have anymore hobbies? Like sports or something that you like to do on the weekend?" He asked wanting to know if Carter had anymore hobbies, or even little traditions that he did on certain days. Zayn had a few and he knew that the rest of the guys did as well, he assumed that most people did but he couldn't be sure about Carter until he got an answer.

He did have so many questions that he wanted to ask Carter, but he would hold most of them back for now. He wasn't going to be like Niall and fire numerous questions at him all at once, he'd ask and get an answer before asking more. Although he'd probably keep that for tomorrow, considering that Carter still looked a little tired. He hoped that he wasn't making the other stay awake when the journey here would have been a long one and would have made anyone tired. "If you're too tired, than you can tell me to leave." He told him just so he'd know.

---

Stella honestly didn't care what Liam looked like, she loved him when he was fitter and she still loved him now. If he wanted to start working out again, then she wouldn't complain although she would make sure that he ate better. But if he gained a little more weight than her feelings for him weren't going to change, he was always going to be attractive and pretty perfect in her eyes. She smiled as she watched Niall rush off upstairs with Harry slowly following behind the blonde, she nodded her head lightly as she turned out of the kitchen and walked upstairs with Liam by her side. Once they reached their bedroom, Stella pulled out all her warm clothes as she didn't want to get cold at the ice rink. Though if she did get cold than he gave her an actual reason to snuggle with Liam, usually she never had a reason as she just loved to cuddle with her boyfriend.

She pulled her clothes off in front of Liam as they were comfortable undressing around each other, she pulled on thicker clothes and a pair of sneakers. She glanced over at Liam and smiled when she saw him only in his boxer briefs, she stepped closer to him as he pulled on his pants and pressed a soft kiss to his bare shoulder blade. His warm skin felt so nice against her skin, she reached into their closet and she pulled out a thick warm jacket. Slipping it over her body, she instantly felt like a little marshmallow because her jacket was so thick with warm stuffing.

@ heart;;

Carter wasn't sure where the question was coming from but he would answer it nonetheless, it was giving him a chance to keep Zayn here for a little longer and if Carter could spend his time with someone rather than being alone on the foreign then he was going to be glad it was Zayn."I really like football and surfing," Carter said with a shrug, he liked all sports in general but kicking a ball around or being in the water is his favorites, he could play football everyday tho and surfing only came with the hot summer days."I'm kinda boring sorry, I don't do much but watch netflix and play ps4" Carter really wasn't exciting or out there, he liked to say in bed and sleep till the afternoon, watch shows and sometimes draw, though he preferred photography.

Carter smiled brightly, more awake than before, and willing to push his nap back an hour or two."Not so tired anymore honestly, but if you're busy or something then you can leave," he said giving Zayn a way out in case the other wasn't sure how to break the conversation and leave. Carter knew the feeling, a random girl chatting him up in the mall, an old family friend stopping him on the streets, his own father yapping his mouth about something Carter couldn't care any less about, it happens."If you'd like to stay come sit on the bed, kinda weird just standing by the door there don't you think?" Carter asked as he patted the space right by him on the far too large bed.

---

Liam like to think of himself as being very respectful. He was always cautious with not only Stella but with the others, hating to make anyone feel uncomfortable or uncertain and so whenever they tended to be undressed in front of one another he made sure to keep his eyes somewhere else. He knew Stella was comfortable enough with him to strip down now but he didn't want to come off as a little off by just bland out staring at her, he knew how that could make him look awful. He never really had the urge to look anyways, he was well happy with her and the pace they were at, some would think it was rather quick others would think they were being too slow for mates.

Turning around Liam smiled as he watched her, pulling his own black jeans on and zipping them up as he felt the soft press of her lips on his shoulder. He could never get tired of her kisses, always soft and random, they were his favorite since he never knew when to expect them and they were never just always on his face."Are you excited love?" he asked, walking up behind her and wrapping one arm around her small waist, pressing his bare chest against her back as he moved a few hangers around and grabbed a thick long sleeves he liked to wear. It wasn't uncommon for them to go out, if anything Liam tried his best to always take Stella out, whether it was on a date or group outing.

@ sugarplum.

Zayn gave a small nod of his head as he stepped across the room to where the bed was, he took a seat on it and made himself comfortable. His dark eyes settled on Carter and he sent him a warm smile, "You don't have to apologize about that. I always seem like the boring one out of the guys, so he can be boring together." He told him as he would love to curl up on the couch or stay in bed for the whole day, watching movies and television shows. That would seem boring to many people but to him, it was a day that he would enjoy more than doing out and doing something. He still did enjoy going out either on his own or with the guys, but he was still a home body and always would be.

"I can't surf but Liam and Louis love to surf, we'll have to plan having a game of football." He could play football, he wasn't the best but he did enjoy running around and trying to beat the other team. Although he and the guys only ever had friendly games of whatever sport they felt like playing, one team always won but none of them paid attention to it because it was just a bit of fun to them. "I don't have anywhere else to be, if you wanted to take a nap then I'd just do some drawing or watch tv." He told the boy honestly, he'd start with watching tv but if nothing was on then he'd probably do some kind of art. But he liked sitting there talking to Carter, getting to know him a little better without the others being there to also ask questions.

---

Stella smiled when she felt Liam's arm wrap around her waist and his bare chest press against her back, "I am excited. A little nervous that I won't be good, but I'm still looking forward to it." She never used to liked trying new things, but ever since Liam came into her life than she did enjoy doing new things because she had her boyfriend right at her side. She could feel out of her comfort zone, but Liam could always calm her down and make her enjoy whatever they were doing. Turning her head she lightly pressed the tip of her nose to the scruff that covered his jawline, she looked at his part of the closet and pointed at her favourite jacket that Liam had. It looked so good on him and she knew it'd keep him warm.

"You should wear that jacket, I don't want you getting cold at the ice rink." She told him like she always did when he went outside and it was cold, although the wolves did tend to be warmer naturally so she didn't really have anything to be worried about. If anyone was going to get cold than it would be her, "We should hurry up. Before Niall gets too impatient," She smiled as the blonde could get impatient if he was excited and people weren't moving fast enough for his liking, it was rather cute in Stella's opinion.

@ heart;;

Being boring with Zayn sounded like the best thing ever. Laying back and laughing along to some shows, curled up under a blanket maybe, Carter would more than likely knock out some point in the show--having the uncanny ability to fall asleep any moment he even feels a little drowsy. His mother says it's a blessing but he thinks its a curse because sometimes he can't even stop himself. He once rested his head on his arm during breakfast with Stella and he thought he closed his eyes for just a second but when he woke up his cereal had gone soggy and it was hours later. He really hoped he wasn't going to knock out on Zayn, with Stella it'll be normal, but in front of others it was embarrassing.

"Sounds good to me, keep on your word and we could be boring sometime soon together yeah?" Carter said slyly, he hadn't been attempting to but it came out a lot more flirtatious than he thought he could ever confidently say. He hadn't even realized he had stopped stuttering, something coming over him, an ease he felt when he spoke with Zayn, when he was this close to the other that if he reached out he could wrap his arm around the other."Heard one of the guys were really crafty, is it you?" he asked curiously, he was always interested in art, not so much in moving his hands since he was so fidgety but he sure could appreciate it. Carter glanced down at Zayn's arm and looked over the sleeve he had, catching sight of a microphone on his inner arm and a bird on his hand.

---

Having to pull away from Stella to pull his shirt on Liam did so with a pout to himself, tugging his shirt over his torso and soothing out the front before he looked up to where she was pointing in their shared closet, a smile forming on his face. He knows that jacket, has worn it more than he ever would and it was Stella's fault whole heartedly, ever since she came along and expressed her taste in the jacket Liam took the chance to wear it whenever he felt it would go well with his outfit and since it was black it went along with nearly everything. "You want me to wear it so I won't get cold? Sure you aren't being biased here? I've got other jackets just as warm"

Liam grabbed the jacket anyways, impossible for him to deny her, and pulled it over his arms and kept it open since they were still inside and it was a bit hot."He'd probably get in the car and leave us if we take too long, don't think Harry would fight him for it" Liam expressed as he grabbed a pair of boots and slipped them on. He couldn't very well hear the other lads, sound barely being able to travel through the thick walls(it was done on purpose) unless people were shouting, but he knew Niall must be somewhere yapping his mouth excitedly with a begrudging Harry and a calm Louis. Grabbing his phone and wallet before he forget Liam opened the door to their room and nodded his head,"Time's wasting love"

@ sugarplum.

Zayn couldn't help himself when he grinned at Carter flirting with him, it was a simple statement but it still gave him a warming sensation in his whole body. He wasn't sure if Carter could feel the urge to be around him because they were mates, or if Carter just liked him because of who he was. Either way he didn't mind because Carter wasn't pushing him away or not bothering to talk to him, "We can be boring together, whenever you like." He looked at the ginger haired boy and gave him a small but sweet smile, as he really liked the sound of doing nothing with his mate.

Nodding lightly, "I am. I love art, I mostly draw and paint." He commented as he had tried a few other types of art, but usually always went back to drawing or painting. It was how he found out about his passion for art and he thought he was the best when a canvas was involved, "Maybe I'll let you have a look at the work I've done sometime." His eyes started focused on Carter but not in a creepy way, he'd look away every now and again when he was speaking because it was a habit of Zayn's. He'd eventually tell him that a lot of his art work was hanging up throughout the mansion, but he always got shy when he mentioned it to people.

---

Stella smiled as she turned to look at her boyfriend, "No. I picked this jacket because it goes well with your outfit," She told him smiling as that was only partly true, the jacket did go well with his outfit but she still loved how he looked in the jacket. She put her phone and some cash into the pockets of her jacket and waited until Liam was ready, "Lets not waste anymore time." She walked out of their bedroom and entwined her fingers with his, they headed downstairs as Niall came running up behind them. "We're going now Zayn and Carter, bye!" Niall called out when he passed the guest bedroom.

"Get everyone in the car and we'll be there shortly," Stella told Niall who had decided to take two steps at a time as he rushed downstairs, she saw his head nod in excitement and it made Stella look forward to ice skating even more. It wasn't long before they reached the car and climbed inside, Louis offered to drive so Stella sat in between Liam and Niall. She buckled up and rested her hand on Liam's knee as Louis pulled the car out of the garage and started driving towards the skating rink.

It got easier and easier as the seconds passed to talk with Zayn. It wasn't so easy looking at him because he was just so gorgeous but Carter liked to make himself believe that Zayn didn't notice that he wasn't looking him in the eyes but instead his gaze was just left of Zayn."Maybe sometime soon." He said casually, smiling up at the other with quirked cheeks and soft curves in his cheeks, little dips on both sides that went unnoticed more often then not. His mother would tell him that little moon men would sit on his cheeks while his sleep but his cheeks were too fat and they couldn't sleep there any longer so they weren't very deep, his mother was an awful story teller.

Carter appreciated that the other was open to letting him see his work sometime, he knew how some people were with their art or interest, didn't like showing others for whatever reason there may be like the fear of their interest and work not being good enough to be shown."I'm going to keep your word on that." Carter didn't make any other comment. The silence between them was actually very comfortable, interrupted by Niall shouting, but it was back and just as easy to sit in with. Carter really wasn't too interesting or talkative, not even with Stella. Carter was kind of a actions speak louder than words person but it always backfired because he couldn't be himself with strangers.

---

Once everyone was settled into the car comfortably and they were all actually ready- with the exception of Harry complaining that he forgot to bring a hair tie, Liam pulled out his cell phone from his jacket pocket and unlocked it with a passcode he didn't share with anyone, not even Stella. He liked to keep some parts of his items to himself like his cell phone, though he honestly wasn't hiding anything. If Stella was to ask who he was texting or wanted to see what he was doing then he would show her easily and without hesitation. Tilting his head off of to the side Liam rested against Stella's shoulder as he started to scroll down through his vines, watching each video once or twice and double clicking it if he liked the video enough and wanted to see it later.

He knew that the ride would not take very long, perhaps less than half an hour with how clear the roads were, but he felt the urge to take a nice nap for the drive. Losing interest in the short little videos rather quickly Liam locked his phone and kept it on his lap, his gaze lingering off to Niall's hands, long fingers and pale skin rosy over his knuckles which he kept banging on his own phone case. Then he glanced at Stella's hands, smaller than any of the lads and much softer too, though Harry was starting to rival hers with the new lotions he was starting to rub on whenever he ever felt a little dry. reaching over he laced their fingers together and turned his face to press a kiss against her neck,"It's nice out huh?"

@ sugarplum.

Zayn had already noticed the small curves that were in Carter's cheeks, they weren't full on dimples but he liked that. He was used to seeing dimples on Harry's cheeks, so that made him like Carter's cheeks all that much more. Zayn could be very private with his art work or he could allow many people to see it, it all depends on if he liked the person and how they felt about art. If they hated art or he didn't like their company, then there was no way in hell that he'd show them anything. But he did like Carter and Carter loved art, so he wasn't afraid to show him the work he has done recently. He sat there in a nice comfortable silence until Niall called out to them, he looked back to Carter knowing they couldn't just continue to sit there. They could, but it wouldn't be that exciting for either of them.

"How about we go downstairs and watch some movies?" He offered as they could still sit in silence but they could also watch something at the same time, "Unless you want to have some space." Zayn spoke not knowing how much Carter liked being around people, Zayn could be surrounded by people and enjoy his time but he still liked being alone. It all depended on his mood really, he wanted to be around Carter more but only if the other wanted that as well. He wasn't going to just tag along when he wasn't welcome, "Or we can do something else. We have to house to ourselves now, so you won't be asked numerous questions all at once." He grinned softly as hoped what he said didn't come off wrong, but it was the truth, they did have the house to themselves.

---

Stella was just enjoying the drive and was gazing out the window as everything passed them by, she smiled instantly when Liam's fingers found her's and she held onto his hand. She nearly lost all her control when he placed a kiss on the delicate skin of her neck, "It's really nice out." She agreed with her boyfriend as she leaned her side against his slightly more, she wasn't sure where the skating rink was or how long it would take for them to reach it. But she was still enjoying the ride there, Louis and Harry were planning their next soccer game which apparently involved everyone even though they all knew Stella sucked. She could kick the ball somewhat good but she was horrible at aiming, even if it was in a straight line.

"Tonight is going to be so much fun," She whispered to Liam as she enjoyed the warmth that she was getting from his body, she had lost track of time and only realised that they had arrived when the car stopped and everyone was climbing out. She followed closely beside Liam as she kept their fingers laced together, there were already people on the ice and many of them looked like they have skated for a very long time. She just followed everyone as they went to hire boots, she carried her boots over to a bench and changed her sneakers over. She was a little nervous but tried not to show it, she had Liam help her over to the entrance of the rink and she held onto him and the railing as she stepped onto the ice for the first time. She wobbled a bit but was always steadied by her amazing mate, she spent a few minutes holding onto the railing before she slowly let go although she was still holding onto Liam.

Carter honestly liked Zayn, which was rather unusual since he wasn't the type to have an opinion on people or a feeling so quickly. He tended to develop them over time, like he had with Stella, taken a few weeks before he settled on with wanting(fiercely) to be her friend and honest to his bones liking her. But with Zayn, it was different, it was quick and sharp and he felt like he was laying on fresh grass when he was with the other, his senses were on wit and his hands felt a little clammy as he nodded, swallowing down what he felt was a fear building up in the pit of his stomach and locking his phone.

"A movie sounds good" he tells the other, shrugging his lithe shoulders. He wasn't very picky, well, he was but he could let more slide with Zayn, just for his pretty face."Or anything else, foot ball or something" he adds, not wanting to shut down any other possibilities. If his mother could see him now, nodding his head with a eager smile curving his pink lips, eager to spend time with this new 'friend'. She would probably cry or get emotional, his father would too since they knew he struggled with making friends and keeping them. Not that he wasn't trying, sometimes he just couldn't stick with a person, something about them would throw him off.

---

The lads had practically ran into the rink, Harry taking his time and doing so a little upset and with a sour face since Niall was already on the ice, gliding and sliding along the ice was amazing ease, as if he had been born to be on the frozen water, twirling just for a little show while Louis just went on his way to kicking his feet and moving in a circular motion around Niall. Liam took his time, knowing he was going to have to spend his time with Stella and getting her comfortable on the ice, he didn't want to risk her falling and hurting herself badly. He wouldn't leave her till she felt secure in her progress- till she could skate on her own if she so freely thought to do.

"You're not so bad Stell!" He exclaimed, moving his feet slowly as he lead her on the ice, keeping his movements slow and steady. Hell, she was doing better than Harry who was still be the entrance of the rink, arms stretched out towards Niall who Liam assumed was trying to help Harry but it didn't very well looks so since he was stepping back each time Harrystepped forward."Look at Harry, he's been trying for weeks and you're already off the bar"

@ sugarplum.

Zayn smiled warmly when Carter agreed to do something with him, but right now he couldn't be bothered to go outside and kick a ball around. "I think we should stick to a movie for now, Niall would throw a tantrum if we played football without him." He chuckled softly but it was true, Niall loved making new friends and would want to be there if Carter did anything sporty. Niall was the type of person who always wanted to be involved in things that his friends were up to, so Zayn felt like saving a game of football to later was the safest thing for him to do. "What kind of movies do you like? We have a large selection," He looked at his mate as they really did have a library of movies, it was a pass time that he and the guys all enjoyed.

He honestly could watch any movie as long as the plot line was good and interesting, he'd have to find out Carter's favourite movies and made sure he had them in case Carter wanted to watch one. In fact Zayn would go out and pick up every single thing that Carter loved, just so he'd feel welcome and at home. He didn't want his mate to leave although by how much Carter was giving him a chance, he was pretty certain that Carter felt something towards him. The pull of mates or just feeling like he belonged, Zayn knew he never wanted to stop feeling this warm and fuzzy.

---

Stella kept a tight grip on Liam as her skates hit the ice, she moved her feet slowly as she got used to being on ice. "It's only because I have you to hang onto," She smiled knowing that if she didn't have Liam there, she would be holding onto the bar so she wouldn't fall. But skating wasn't as bad or as hard as she thought it was going to be, she wasn't anywhere near ready to let go of Liam but she was picking it up quicker than she thought she would. "This is nice," She smiled as she glanced over to Harry who was still waiting for Niall to come over and help him skate, it was obvious that Niall was trying to make Harry skate on his own but neither was working. It was adorable to watch, however.

"We need to bring Carter and Zayn next time, we could have a double date." Stella looked at her boyfriend with a sparkle in her brown eyes, she had never been on a double date before but now that Carter was around and Zayn had taken a liking to her friend. They could always go on double dates, when she felt like sharing Liam because she did love being on her own with him. She loved being alone with him so they could cuddle and kiss all they liked, without making anyone else feel uncomfortable around them.

"Physiological Horror movies are my favorites" Carter chimes, tucking his phone into the pocket of his sweats and climbing off of the bed. He felt his fingers twitch, the urge to take his phone out and text Stella and ask for help because he felt nervous and giddy and warm in his stomach, like any second he could overheat and melt which really wouldn't be the best. Zayn just made him warm, like a blanket wrapped over his shoulders in the cold of winter, like a hot mug of tea just warming down for a few sips. He felt like he was ready to spill over, embarrass himself some how because guys like this don't really pay attention to him, no guys at all ready did.

"I'm fine with any other movies though, anything with dogs is really cool too" Carter ran his fingers through the front of his hair, pushing it back and smiling a little bashfully. Zayn was just so attractive and his voice was silky smooth and rich. Carter wanted to snap pictures of him and draw out the sharp lines of his body, wanted to play footie outside and work up a sweat, drink mugs of hot chocolate and tea and press against one another sides.

---

"Niall once tried to help him but Harry fell and knocked Niall in the face with his hand and so he stopped helping him" Liam clearly remembered, trying to stiffle back a laugh because that memory was hilarious. The boys screaming and squawking and getting angry and upset for too many reasons before leaving to drink hot chocolate and curl up together. They were ridiculous, his friends were just ridiculous in general- Stella, no , she wasn't. "It's why Niall won't get too close to Harry when he's skating, doesn't want to get him again" Liam glanced over at the two boys and smile, sweet and fond as he watched Harry fumble.

"A double date, huh?" Liam asked, having never thought of the actual idea of double dating, but liked it. Like it if it meant he would have one of his best mates by his side, both of them gleeful with their mates. "We could go to a more private rink too, on a day that most people wouldn't bother going either" He liked the thought of them having a lot of space, somewhere a bit more empty so no one felt off or closed in. "We'll have to ask then, do you think Carter will want to go though?" Liam asked as he held onto her hand even tighter and lead her around the sink, moving at a quicker speed to where they were gliding around seamlessly.

@ sugarplum.

Zayn's heart swelled when he heard what types of movies that Carter enjoyed watching the most, he couldn't get enough of horror movies in general. Although it had to be cut back since Stella moved in as she hated horror movies with a passion, but now he'd be able to curl up in bed under the toasty warm covers with Carter. They could eat while watching movies back to back, cuddle all the way through while their eyes are glued to the television screen. "Come on," He smiled widely as he wanted to start a movie before everyone returned from ice skating, he didn't want them to interrupt his time with his mate. So he was trying his best to hurry Carter downstairs, there was a big flat screen television in the lounge room which was the best to watch movies on. Zayn did however stay by Carter's side as they made their way downstairs, he did rush off into the kitchen where he grabbed some snacks in case either of them got hungry which Zayn knew he would.

"Make yourself comfortable," Zayn smiled widely as he left the snacks on the couch beside Carter while he picked out a movie for them to watch, he decided on Stalker but would let Carter pick the next movie that they watched either straight away this one or on another day. Grabbing the remote control, Zayn pressed play as he sat close beside Carter and pulled the thick blanket across their legs as he wanted to make sure that his mate was completely comfortable and stayed warm.

---

Stella couldn't help but smile when she heard about what happened the last time that Niall had tried to help Harry skate, "That explains it then," She laughed softly as she continued to glide over the ice with Liam's help, "At least Harry is still trying." She commented but didn't dare look over at Harry or anyone, she was doing so well at skating that she didn't want to lose her concentration and end up losing her balance. "I'm not sure, if we can do something where it's just us then I'm sure Carter would agree to a double date." She told Liam as she knew how Carter could get if there were lots of people around, if the date could be something cute and private then she was certain that she could convince Carter to say yes.

Suddenly Stella got a burst of confidence and moved slightly away from Liam, "I've got it now." She just wanted to try and skate on her own, so she let Liam go and started to move around the rink on her own. She was still slower than other people but she was ice skating on her own, she knew that Liam was right there for her if she needed him. She had just made a lap of the rink when a couple who looked to be in there late twenties, skated a little too close to Stella and had cut her off which was by accident. She lost her footing and balance, before she knew what was happening she was falling forward. She landed on the hard cold ice and had slammed her knees into the ice.

@ efflorescence

Carter was rather impressed by the assemble, the blanket was his favorite part, well the food came a very close second because Carter was a big muncher. He loved to eat as much as he loved photography and comic books, he was always stuffing his face, big meals and loads of snack between, he wasn't sure why he always felt like he needed to eat but it didn't matter to him. He was still fit, still went out and took long walks and jogs, does yoga often and makes sure he's healthy because all that food doesn't disappear and it will go to his tummy and thighs if he doesn't work out.

They were sitting pretty close to another, the blanket over their laps and food on the coffee table in front of them. He hasn't seen the movie before, but it looked pretty good and he was excited. Grabbing the bowl of cherries from the coffee table Carter places it on his lap and eats one, nudging Zayn's arm so he could offer the other some, a smile on his lips."Want some Zayn?"

---

Liam knew he could get used to having Carter around, he seemed to make Stella happy and they were best friends so he was willing to share her even though he felt so compelled to just keep her with him forever-if she allowed him too that is. Liam's biggest fear was being too clingy and controlling, he didn't want her to ever feel like she was being forced to spend all her time with him. Liam knew he could be unbearing but it was just how he tried to show how much he loved the other. "I'll figure something out for the all of us then, it'll be great Stell, promise you that love"

Watching her move back Liam tucked his hands into his pockets and nodded, trusting in her faith and watching her move. She was far better than he thought she would be, sure they were going at a rather slow pace but she was doing well and she was graceful on the ice, taking her time an Liam right beside of her, going at the same speed so he wouldn't be too far ahead or behind her. He had reacted swiftly not even noticing the couple but being able to shift on the ice and before he could realize it his attention was diverted and Stella was falling."Fuck" Liam curses, quickly getting down on one knee and wrapping his hand around her shoulder,"Love, hey love are you hurt? Can you get up?"

@ sugarplum.

Zayn loved being this close to his mate and Carter seemed to be fine with it as well, he wasn't trying to move away from him and he wasn't saying anything which was a great sign in Zayn's eyes. "I'd love some, cherries are one of my favourite fruits." He smiled as he took a handful of red cherries, he ate one at a time and used a tissue to hide the cherry pits. He really hoped that Carter enjoyed the movie, although if he didn't then he'd pick another one and they could watch that one. As long as Carter was happy, then Zayn would be over the moon with joy. "If you don't like this movie, we can watch another one." He told Carter quietly as the film had already begun to play on the large television screen that was in front of them.

He crossed his ankles as he made himself extra comfortable on the couch, his dark eyes were glued to the screen although his attention was filled focused on Carter beside him. The steady heart beat and the soft breathing that passed through his lips, it was the simple sounds from Carter that put Zayn at ease and he had never been so relaxed before meeting his mate.

---

A bright blush instantly formed across Stella's face as she was embarrassed, she hated falling or tripping in public. "Yeah, I can get up." She stood up as quickly as she could considering she still had skates on and both her knees were sore with every move she made, she knew that bruises wouldn't take much time to form on her knees. She turned to look at Liam as tears filled her eyes, partly from being embarrassed and partly from the throbbing that filled her knees now. She moved closer to Liam and this time she didn't let go of him, "Did everyone see?" She asked him quietly as she hoped that no one saw, she didn't even care if it was common for people to fall.

"I might go sit down for a little bit, but you should keep skating." She told him as she didn't want him to miss out on having fun, besides she'd still enjoy herself if she watched him skate around the rink. Stella held back her tears as she didn't want to start crying out in public either, so she tried her best to ignore the pain that she was feeling now because of the fall.

@ efflorescence

"Nah, it's fine Zee" Carter murmurs, the nickname just spilling out. He didn't typically give anyone a nickname, sometimes he would call Stella -Stell, but even then it was rare. With Zayn's nickname it just transferred easily, smooth and crisp, a short little thing that Carter knew he was going to have a hard time trying to shake off. He hoped Zayn didn't even notice it, just let it slip and leave without care before Carter's cheeks blaze red. The movie wasn't bad at all, if anything it had him tensing up and grabbing the blanket to pull up to his face, shutting his eyes and sometimes letting out a shuddered breath because some parts make him shake. There was a reason he loved these sort of movies, they always make him on edge and for some reason he chases the feeling. "Fuck!" Carter gasps, having a spaz and accidentally sending the bowl of popcorn he had switched for up in the air with the food spilling out and over them causing a mess. "Shit, sorry about that, my bad" Carter says with a nervous and embarrassed laugh.

---

Liam could feel it, her negative emotions radiating off of her and in turn affecting him since they were so strong. Liam didn't want to lie and say that no one say her when in reality he wasn't even sure who did or didn't see it happen and so he decided to just not lie because god, it'd be so hard to swallow that."I'm not sure Stella-Baby, but it doesn't matter alright, let's go sit together, it's alright" Liam presses, grabbing hold of her small hand in his and not letting go as he ignored her telling him to keep skating when she should know by now that he did things as a couple and if she was feeling down he was going to be right at her side for as long as she would need him. Leading her off of the ice Liam took a seat and tugged her right beside of him before he placed his hand over one of her knees and smiled a little,"Just breathe in and then out babe" Liam murmurs while he focuses in on the pain in Stella's knees.

[If scott mcalll is a werewolf and he can take peoples pain away then so can liam payne]

A wide heart warming smile spread across Zayn's face when he heard the nick name that Carter had given him, although he didn't mention anything about it as he didn't want to embarrass Carter or make him feel uncomfortable. The smile didn't fade as he watched the movie, he had already watched this movie with Louis so he knew everything that was coming. So when Carter gasped and sent the popcorn flying, Zayn couldn't stop himself from laughing and he laughed so much that his eyes narrowed and wrinkles formed in the corner of his eyes. He just couldn't help himself, "It's fine. Don't worry about it," He didn't care if the popcorn was now all over them and the couch and the floor, it happened more times then Carter could possibly imagine. However he had been snacking on the popcorn but he'd just eat something else, "I'll clean it up after the movie is over." He told the other as he simply brushed some popcorn away from them so it wouldn't be pushed into the couch, "This happens a lot so don't feel embarrassed." He assured Carter the best that he could after he had stopped himself from laughing.

---

Stella gave a small nod of her head when Liam told her that he wasn't sure if anyone did see, she did feel better knowing that Liam was there with her. She held onto his hand as she followed him off the ice, she could feel a tear threatening to roll down her cheek so she wiped it away with her fingertips. Sitting down and buried herself into Liam's side and rested her head against him, she listened to him and kept her breathing steady. "My knees hurt," She told him quietly but loved how having contact with Liam seemed to make everything better, all her worries vanished and the pain was slowly disappearing as well. "Thank you babe," She whispered to him as she wasn't sure but she had a feeling that it was Liam taking her pain away, she leaned in even closer to him and kissed his cheek. "I love you more than everything, Liam. More than chocolate," She told him smiling as she did really love eating chocolate, but Liam had replaced chocolate a long time ago.

Carter covered his mouth with his small hand and laughed because it was honestly funny, nothing big had happened in the movie but his reaction was absolutely ridiculous and it was hard to not laugh at himself and along with Zayn wholooked so gorgeous while he laughed. His eyes nearly disappearing with how squinty they were, sweet crinkles at the corner and his nose scrunched up in a way Carter couldn't describe, not the look not the feeling it gave him. "Then stop laughing at me! " Carter exclaims as he grabs a piece of popcorn that was on his lap and he throws it at the others face with a playful grin, rather michevious and daring Zayn to throw something back if he was up for the challenge, letting himself relax and let go with the other. It was so easy to fall into Zayn that Carter doesnt even notice it happening, the sweet stutter of his heart and the tingles of his skin, laughter filling his lungs.
-
Liam never, ever thinks twice when he's taking the pain away from anyone, especially not his betas who don't heal quite as quick and especially not when it comes with Stella. She could go and break her leg and Liam will be right at her side going to the hospital, taking the pain away and transferring it to his body because pain doesn't just disappear into thin air like that. "More an chocolate? Are you sure about that? I've seen you devour a whole king size bar before," he teases her, softly tapping his thumb against her chin. It's probably a talent of his, being able to lighten the mood and play everything off like nothing matters but what is happening at this very moment. He love them, the moments he has with Stella when their faces are close to one another that every exhale of hers is his inhale but without a kiss, just the intimacy of being so close to one another. "Feels like an honor"

@ sugarplum.

Shaking his head, Zayn looked over at Carter who was now also laughing at how he reacted. "I can't, you should have seen the look on your face." He wheezed out as tears welled in his eyes from how much laughing he was doing, he wiped his eyes as he tried to inhale a deep breath in hopes that it would calm him down. "Hey, that's just rude." He grinned as he grabbed a handful of popcorn and threw it right back at Carter, he smiled when a few pieces of popcorn began stuck in Carter's hair and it only made him laugh even more. "That's so adorable," He hadn't been planning on saying that, but he was glad that he had because normally if he did say something like that then he'd get embarrassed. But it was different with Carter, he was his mate and everything was comfortable with him around. "Don't start something that you won't win, I've had a lot of practice at food fights." He grinned as he was encouraging Carter to do more.

---

Stella laughed softly as she nodded her head, she was quickly getting back to her normal happy self again. "I'm positive, nothing could replace you." She smiled at him sweetly and she knew that she loved him so much, nothing would ever top the love that she held for Liam. "It should be an honor because I love king size chocolate bars," She looked into his gorgeous brown eyes as his thumb tapped her chin lightly, she loved being close to him. They didn't have to kiss or even be touching, although touching was a great bonus. Just having him there and feeling his warm breath brush across her skin was more than enough, "Maybe next time, I might skate closer to the railing." She still wanted to come back and have another go at ice skating, just because she fell once and hurt herself doesn't mind she'd stop trying. She knew how much fun the guys were having and she wanted to see the huge smiles on their faces again, well apart from Harry who was still struggling.

@ efflorescence