Bioluminescent Vampire Squid

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at
http://download.archiveofourown.org/works/1125642.
Rating:
Archive Warning:
Category:
Explicit
Fandom:
Relationship:
Character:
One Direction (Band)

Zayn Malik/Liam Payne, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson
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M/M
Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson
Marvel Comics, Marine Biologist, MarineBiologist!Liam,
ComicArtist!Zayn, captain!harry, Agent!Niall, Scientist!Louis, Sea
Monsters, Phobias, AU, Fluff and Crack
Published: 2014-01-08 Completed: 2014-02-18 Chapters: 7/7 Words:
45214
Bioluminescent Vampire Squid

by Keep_Calm_And_Read_Fic
Summary
AU in which Marvel Comics writer Zayn Malik has a phobia of water so intense he cant
even get in a bath. Of course, hes willing to reconsider that statement on the condition that
ridiculously attractive Marine Biologist Liam Payne is in the bath with him.
Which probably wont happen. They may have been exchanging increasingly flirty emails
for months, and Zayn might be half way in love with him and he may have named the
main character in his new comic series after him but that doesnt mean anything. Theyve
never met and theyre not going to.
That is, until his meddling agent Niall organizes a research trip for he and Zayn to go on
a deep sea expedition with Liam and his deranged scientist colleagues Harry and Louis.
Zayn thought he couldnt possibly be more afraid of the ocean.
He was wrong.
Notes
say hi on tumblr.
I know you were all expecting another fairy tale... SURPRISE!
This fic is the result of a prompt from amazing writer Avacall (compassanddragon on
tumblr).
"If I send you information on all the weird shit in the sea," she said while downing her
fifth cider, "do you reckon you can write a fic about it?" *hiccups*
"Challenge accepted," said I, swilling my seventh glass of wine and trying to stay upright.
Liam's emails are almost entirely made up of the information she sent me. I have barely
altered them. If you think they're awesome (which I do) then I suggest you go check out
her other writing. It's swell.
Authors note:
I am not a marine biologist. I dont know or care what the proper geographical locations or
behavioral patterns are for any of the sea creatures mentioned in this story. For the
purposes of this fic the ocean is just the ocean and they find stuff anywhere that suits me.
Creative license! Hoorah!
Similarly, I am not an artist. I have been as vague as possible about
programs/equipment/style etc etc etc because lets face it, youre here for the smut, angst
and laughs, not art advice.
PS every animal I mention in this fic actually exists. Prepare yourselves.
See the end of the work for more notes
Chapter 1
Zayn stared at Niall.

What the fuck is that?
Its a sailors hat! Niall beamed, I got you one too.
Not that. That.
Zayn pointed at the two large overstuffed, waterproof sailing bags, the red cold weather jackets
that looked worthy of an arctic expedition and a Barbies Mermaid Princess inflatable flotation
ring.
Everything we need for the trip, Niall said, jamming Zayns sailors hat on his head.
Zayn tore the hat off and glared at his best-friend-slash-agent as he waltzed into Zayns apartment
like he owned the place.
What trip?
He knew his voice was at its most unimpressed, and that terrified most people into instant
submission- but not his agent. No, Niall had been working with Zayn for years and maybe it was
because he was Irish, maybe it was because his girlfriend Druscilla was more beautiful and
intimidating than Zayn or maybe it was because Niall had never been afraid of anything in his life,
but in the face of Zayns genuinely murderous glare Niall didnt even blink. If anything, it fed his
powers.
The research trip!
What are you talking about?
Well, because, like you always say, I am the greatest agent that ever was or ever will be-
I dont say that.
You will, shush. I have secured sponsorship from Marvel for you and I to take a little working
holiday for research purposes.
The comic is set at the bottom of the ocean, what did you do, rent a submarine?
Better! Niall said, grabbing a beer from the fridge and twisting the cap off with his teeth, I
rented Liam Payne.
He took a swig of his beer triumphantly while Zayns heart leapt out of his chest, out the window
and hurled itself fifteen stories to the street.
You what?
Look, Zayn, theres only so long I can sit by and watch you pine after this guy-
Why would you-
I cant take it anymore. Youve been emailing for months-
I cant fucking believe you-
The other day he sent you a text and you actually smiled. Dont deny it- you didnt see me but I
saw you.
Im not going.
Yes you are. You are going to get on Liam Paynes ship-
No Im not!
-and then get you are going to get on Liam Paynes dick-
Niall!
-and then The Age of Inner Turmoil can finally come to an end.
Niall I cant go on his boat- I cant go on any boat!
Course you can.
No I cant! I have thalassophobia! I cant even get in a bath!
Thalaso-what?
Thalassophobia, Niall. Thalassophobia! The fear of large bodies of water! The reason why I
chose to write my horror comic at the bottom of the fucking ocean!
Youre afraid of the bath?
Yes!
Even really small baths? What about the sink?
Niall.
Sorry, okay, but- just for arguments sake- say Liam Payne was in that bath.
Zayn glared at him.
Whats your point?
Would you be prepared to get in?
Zayn narrowed his eyes.
The North Atlantic Ocean is not a bath with a naked Liam Payne in it.
Isnt it, though?
Niall smirked, raising his eyebrow and downing the last of his beer while Zayn floundered for a
response that wasnt just FUCK YOU. NO.
Im picking you up tomorrow at 5am. Be ready.
He skipped out the door leaving Zayn with a bag of wet weather gear, a Barbies Mermaid
Princess floatation ring and heart palpitations.
He still hadnt gotten his breathing (or his rage) under control when his phone went off.
He removed it from his pocket like it was a grenade missing its pin, knowing there was only one
person who sent him texts after 10pm. He slid his thumb across the screen and forced his mind to
focus on the words there. He had to focus, because half the time reading Liams texts was like
doing a cryptic crossword.
Liam: Zaaaaayyyyn!!!! Im waving tentacley appendages like pom poms!!!
There was a picture attached. Zayns hand was shaking as he opened it.
There was Liam, beautiful, smiling Liam, doing a star jump in front of a mini submarine with an
octopus in both hands. Beside him a gangly, curly haired man held a whiteboard with Liams a
bit excited. Hi, Im Captain Harry written on it.
Thats when Zayn really started to panic, because looking at the genuinely overjoyed expression
on Liams face he had no choice. He had to go.
Fuck, he swore, fuck, fuckety tit fiddling fuck!
He collapsed on to the couch as a second photo came through of another man holding the
whiteboard.
Im Louis. Im not excited.
Another photo, Liam again, this time sans octopi, but with the whiteboard:
Yes he is.
Immediately a photo of Louis arrived.
No Im not.
A photo of Liam, close up and staring straight into the camera with little crinkles beside his eyes:
Hes super excited.
Zayn pulled his legs up and curled into a ball of despair on the couch.
This was flirting, right? Liam was flirting with him. Definitely.
Or he was just a really excitable, octopus waving kind of guy. Who flirts with dead octopi
anyway?
Someone whos not afraid of the ocean and everything in it, thats who.
Zayn groaned. He was screwed.
He hauled himself up from the couch, taking his phone with him, and stumbled into his
workroom. It was half past ten at night, they were leaving at five in the morning, and Niall
expected Zayn to have his entire graphic novel, the novel hed been working on for five months,
packed and ready to go on a sea voyage that he would probably not survive? What an asshole.
He set his computer to back everything up as he packed all his necessary materials into his travel
bag. To be honest, it didnt take that long. This wasnt the first research trip hed been on. Theyd
done one for his last comic arc, a four volume Black Widow story set on the Trans Siberian
railway. Niall had drunk or slept his way through the trip while Zayn drew furiously, pulling
together the best selling comic of 2014. Trans-Siberian Assassin was his big break and he owed
almost everything to the research trip Niall managed to wrangle out of Marvels finance
department. Still, that was different. The Trans-Siberian was a train, not a hunk of floating metal
bobbing about in the middle of the treacherous, bottomless ocean.
He glanced in the mirror and saw that his eyes were blown wide and his face was as pale as death.
Jesus. He couldnt see Liam like this. Zayn could say with some confidence that he was a fairly
attractive man (at least the people who salivated all over him whenever he ventured out to the pub
gave him that impression) but how attractive could he be while having a panic attack dressed in a
bright red sailing jacket and Barbie princess PFD? He had to get his shit together. He had a boy to
win overcome on Malik!
Or did he? Just because Zayn found Liam desperately attractive, wonderful and perfect didnt give
him any reason to believe that Liam felt the same. Theyd never met in person. Hed never heard
Liams voice or touched his skin. He didnt know if Liam meant things the way Zayn read them.
How were you supposed to pick up tone from text anyway? Right? He was imagining things.
He checked the bag Niall had left him and found it had everything he could want for a trip out to
sea (except a reason not to go to sea WHY NIALL WHY) so after he added underwear, socks and
toiletries there was nothing for him to do but sit alone in his apartment and panic.
Which he did. For a whole hour.
His laptop dinged to say the back up was complete and Zayn resisted for a full three seconds
before disconnecting it and bringing it to his bed to read over every email he and Liam had ever
exchanged.
The one saving grace in this hellish situation was the possibility that Liam really did like him back.
Considering theyd never spoken about it Zayn could recognize it was a long shot, but there was
subtext, okay? Sexy, romantic, deep sea monster based subtext.
He opened up Mail and went to his Research folder, which contained exclusively emails from
his one and only research contact. He arranged the email thread by date and started reading.
To: DrPayne@royalsociety.co.uk
From: Zayn.Malik@gmail.co.uk
Re: Consultation for Marvel Comics
Dear Dr Payne,
I am a graphic artist writing for Marvel Comics looking for information to assist in
the development of a new horror series. I am specifically looking for information on
the most frightening creatures as yet discovered near or on the ocean floor. If you or
any of your colleagues would be interested in consulting with me occasionally I
would greatly appreciate it.
Your Sincerely,
Zayn Malik
Marvel Comics
Even six months later Zayn still cringed as he read it. He sounded so formal, which he wasnt in
real life, but there he goes again just proving his point. Its impossible to tell what someones really
like from an email. If he could though, hed swear that Liam was a magical ball of sunshine in
human, sea monster chasing form.
He clicked on Liams response.
To: Zayn.Malik@gmail.co.uk
From: Leeyum_pain_train_Payne@royalsociety.co.uk
Re: PICK ME!
Hiiiiiiiiii!
Its Dr Payne, but please call me Liam. I would love to be your consultant! Im a
huge Marvel fan myself- which characters are you writing? Can you even tell me? Of
course you cant. Ill wait for the book, its fine. TELL ME. Okay, sorry, Im kidding.
No Im not.
Whatever, I figure if I help you out enough Ill just be proud to see my influence on
what is bound to be an incredible series. Is it too soon to say that I read each volume
of Trans Siberian Assassin the day it came out and that I would like to marry you?
No? Good.
Anyway, I wasnt sure what you were after in particular, so I just put together some
of the freakiest shit I could think of. Let me know if any of it is useful or if you want
more information. Good luck with the series! Cant wait to read it!!!
The Ocean In All Its Glory
By Dr Liam Payne
Ok, oceans. Water. Fish. Lets do this.

Weve only explored around 5% of the ocean, and recent estimates suggest that 25%
of all life exists in the ocean. This would be about 2.2 out of predicted 8.7 million
species on earth. Which means that, at our current levels of just over 200000 aquatic
species classified, we still have 91% of ocean life left to discover. So there could be a
city of super-intelligent shark-octopus hybrids down there for all we know. There
could be mermaids. THERE COULD BE OCEAN RAPTORS.
Ocean raptors, I hear you laugh. DONT LAUGH. HAVE YOU SEEN A GOBLIN
SHARK? HAVE YOU SEEN A MONKFISH? HAVE YOU SEEN A DEEP SEA
HATCHET FISH? GOOGLE THAT SHIT, THEN STOP LAUGHING AND START
SCREAMING.
The ocean is a carnival of fear.
For starters, OCEAN SLATERS, or giant isopods, if we are being technical.
Is it riding a fish like a horse? No one knows. They look like slaters. They live on the
ocean floor in pitch darkness. They grow to the size of your torso (around 70 cms)
and they devour the strewn corpses of sunken sea animals.
Furthermore, starfish. Cute, innocuous starfish right? WRONG. Try enormous, flesheating starfish that hang out with the giant isopods chowing down on dead whales. If
you have never seen a group of starfish eating a whale corpse, you are blessed. Fuck
starfish.
Let me tell you about Lampreys. Lampreys are barely-sentient vertebrate worms that
are basically just three-feet tubes with a mouth hole full of teeth. They suck and chew
their way through fish. Like, they just latch on and start eating until theyre through
to the other side. Who does that???
Lampreys, thats who.

There is also the deep sea giant spider. Im not even going to try with that one
because the name itself is literally all you need to hear.
While were on the subject of spindly demons with enormous arms, the Japanese
spider crab could give it a run for its money in terms of things that you see before the
gates of hell open.
But the worst example of the all? BIGFIN SQUID. Prepare yourself for this atrocity:
WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT.

NATURE YOU FUCKED UP.
Bigfin Squid (or Magapinna) are different from most squid. They have elbows. They
have elastic tentacles that can stretch to 15-20 times the mantle length. They live at a
depth of more than 7,000 feet below the surface. We have found specimens up to 26
feet long but we dont know if thats typical. They could be bigger.
We arent sure what they eat.
Theres plenty more terrifying hellspawn where that came from, so let me know if
youd like me to blow your mind any further.
Cheers,
Dr Liam Payne
p.s
Im answering this from my personal email because Im only supposed to do sciencey work related things on my official account. Also, I may have a signed omnibus of
Trans-Siberian Assasin at home and a spare copy that I take with me when we head
out to sea. I might be fanboying a little. Maybe.
PICK ME.
Zayn remembered how hard he had laughed (and how loud he had shrieked but he doesnt like to
talk about that) at Liams email. He had immediately opened up Illustrator and started drawing his
response.
To: Leeyum_pain_train_Payne@royalsociety.co.uk
Re: YOURE HIRED.
Dear Liam,
Bigfin Squid are you kidding me?
Thank you. This has been incredibly helpful. If you think of anything else as horrific
as this (I cant see how you could, fucking hell) keep it coming. This is really helpful
for my concept art.
Cheers,
Zayn
Re: Nightmare Material
Zayn,
For further inability to sleep, go on the wiki page for Deep Sea Gigantism (also
called Abyssal Gigantism) and cry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep-sea_gigantism
Cheers,
Liam
Zayn shuddered even now when he thought about all the shit hed read about Abyssal Gigantism.
It featured pretty heavily in the comic now, and for good reason. It was fucking terrifying. As it
turns out, the deeper and colder conditions get the larger the animals are.
It goes without saying that the ocean is really freaking deep and really freaking cold.
So.
Yeah.
Re: NOPE.
Jesus fucking Christ. Is the Kraken real too??!
Re: YEP.
That depends what you mean by Kraken. If you mean deep see abominations so
unnatural youd think they must surely be the stuff of legends then yes. For example,
Oarfish grow to around 11 meters, have spiked dorsal fins all the way down the back
like a dragon, and elongated dorsal rays at the front which are much like the
whiskers sometimes seen on depictions of Asiatic dragons and old timey sea-serpents.
Oarfish are amazing. Also, possibly electric.
Another possible sea-serpent candidate is the Frilled Shark. When you look it up
online everyone is calling it a terrifying nightmare creature but those plebs dont
know shit. This is a 2-metre long prehistoric underwater Zombie-Dragon we are
talking about. Its not a nightmare- it is magnificent. Also, the shape of its jaw and its
needle-like teeth mean it looks like its permanently excited. Its actually kind of cute.
I love Frilled Sharks.
Re: Underwater Zombie Dragons.
You love Frilled Sharks? Are you insane?
Re: Frilled Sharks #1 Fan
Is that a problem?
Zayn grinned now, just like he had back then.
Re: Insanity.
I think were going to be very, very good friends.
Re: Friendship
Good.
Zayn kept reading through the months of emails, skimming over some and relishing others. There
were hundreds of them, at least one every day. The day that would live in infamy, however, had
come about two weeks into the exchange. Zayn had signed up for the Royal Society newsletter
after Liam bashfully admitted they were publishing an article on his research team. That turned out
to be a lie. The Royal Society published an article on the three most ridiculously attractive
scientists the planet had ever seen. Zayn was pretty sure the article said something about ocean
floor exploration, but who was looking at the words when you could look at the pictures? There
was a reason Zayn was a graphic artist.
First off there was Captain Harry Styles, tall, dimpled and winking into the camera, then Dr Louis
Tomlinson who was smaller, tanned with blue eyes and cheek bones that could cut glass, and then
there was Liam. Dr Liam Payne was basically Zayns wet dream personified. He had muscles in
all the right places and a face carved from marble by an artist whose brief had obviously been
create perfection- then make it better.
And Zayn just he knew for a fact that Liam had seen a picture of him, because he mentioned
that hed seen him on the Marvel website. So, given that they were both young men, and they
both knew what the other looked like, and they exchanged daily emails about terrifying marine life
and Iron Man- it was only natural that Zayn found himself attempting to instigate some flirting
action, right? If he then chose to interpret everything Liam said in reply as flirting too then
whatever, hes only human.
The thing is, it had never mattered until now. He had never intended to meet Liam. Hed dreamed
about it, sure, vividly. Repeatedly. Late at night with his hand firmly stroking his cock- but that
was beside the point.
He didnt even know if Liam was gay, which was a pretty vital piece of information.
The only thing he did know is that Liam spent most of his life out at sea that there was basically
no way a sea faring, octopus wrestling adonis like Liam was going to want a thalassophobic
introvert like Zayn for a boyfriend. Besides, Liam was literally obsessed with everything that Zayn
hated. It could never work.
He glanced at the clock. Christ, it was 1am.
He had to get up in four hours. If he ever got to sleep, that is.
He put his laptop aside and settled in under the covers, closing his eyes.
A minute later he opened them again, an idea playing on his mind. He hadnt replied to Liams
texts. That was rude. He should reply, right? He should reply now. And maybe also solve the
issue of whether or not the flirting was a thing before he stepped aboard the ship tomorrow. No,
dont think about the ship. Ship: bad. Flirting: good.
Focus.
He pulled up his messages and deliberated for a full five minutes before sending anything off:
Zayn: Hi.
The reply came instantly, and Zayn felt a familiar warmth flare in his chest.
Liam: Cant sleep?
Cant swim, Zayn thought, but he replied:
Zayn: Whats your favourite animal?

Liam: bioluminescent Vampire Squid.
Zayn cracked up.
Zayn: That is not a real animal.
There was no answer for a moment, and then his email pinged.
Re: Bioluminescent Vampire Squid
Ok. So in the pitch black parts of the ocean you can find the Vampire Squid. Its a
giant, red, mildly adorable carpet bag. Its Latin name means vampire squid from
hell (because when it spreads its tentacles out it resembles a Dracula-esque cloak),
but look at it:
Look at those soulful eyes. Its not evil. It doesnt even eat living things, just rotting
organic matter. I think it would be good for cuddles.
The vampire squid isnt actually a squid. Its actually thought to be the ancestral link
between squids and octopi! Thats living history bitch. When threatened, it lights up
bioluminescent pockets on its tentacles. In the surrounding darkness, the
bioluminescent Vampire Squid looks like a group of smaller fish, so that if attacked it
will be attacked on the limbs rather than the body, protecting its vital organs. So it
hasnt even evolved to be aggressive, it just has defensive measures. VAMPIRE
SQUID I LOVE YOU.
Zayn grinned.
Of course Liam thought a blood red, tentacled creature of the deep was cute. Of course he did.
He tapped out his reply.
Zayn: its not exactly cuddly.

Liam: how dare you! PISTOLS AT DAWN.
Liam: its ok, Bernard. We dont need the mean comic book man.
Zayn: whos Bernard?
Zayn: ps Im a GRAPHIC NOVELIST. Get it right.
Liam: Bernard is my bioluminescent Vampire Squid, who you have so callously
insulted. No Bernard. You cannot give him a hug. He is afraid of your tentacles.
Liam: Thats right, he just wishes his eyes were as beautiful as your eyes, Bernard.
Zayn: The fuck you say about my eyes? My eyes have men weak at the knees bitch.
Liam: Well I wouldnt know that, would I? You could be lying. I might be completely
unmoved by your eyes.
Zayn: who needs you? Im fine right here with Mario. Mario loves my eyes.
Liam: whos Mario?
Zayn: my hedgehog.
Liam: Ew hedgehogs are spiky.
Zayn: watch yourself, son.
Liam: They do not have tentacly appendages to wrap lovingly around you in a fond
embrace.
Zayn: Mario? Come here buddy. Daddy wants to snuggle.
Liam: are you so starved of physical affection that youd cuddle a ball of spikes?
Zayn, mate, you need help.
Zayn: you offering?
Liam: I might be.
Zayn stared at his phone. This was definitely flirting. Wow. Okay.
He held his fingers over the screen thinking what to reply.
For fucks sake, Malik! Youre a professional writer! Words are your sword. You can do this.
When no words came there was only one way he knew how to respond. He sent an email before
turning off his computer and forcing himself to go to sleep.
Re: How could you say no to this face?
Chapter 2
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
As promised, Niall was outside his apartment block at 5 on the dot.

Zayn threw his stuff in the back and climbed in the passenger seat.
We going or what? he snapped, when Niall just grinned at him.
Youre awfully calm, Niall observed, Im not gonna lie, I was expecting to have to drag you
kicking and screaming from your apartment.
Yeah, well, Im here. Drive.
You realize were going to the docks, right? To a boat? To go far into the ocean and stay there
indefinitely?
Yes.
You sure you wouldnt like to have a freak out?
Im good.
Not even a little one?
No. Im good. Im happy. Lets go.
Happy? Who are you and what have you done with Zayn? Niall gasped in mock horror.
Niall, for fucks sake-
THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU! Niall cried, drawing a cross in the air between
them and then cracking up under the heat of Zayns glare, alright, alright Im sorry.
He started the car and pulled away from the curb.
You really like this guy, huh?
You know I do, Zayn mumbled uncomfortably.
Yeah, but youve never been happy about it before.
Yeah, well, I think he likes me too, so and then wished he hadnt said anything as Niall
crowed victoriously.
I fucking knew it! So you finally talked to him? Is there going to be a dramatic slow motion kiss?
Should I have charged my camera?
Zayn shuffled in his seat, pulling his red jacket tighter around himself.
No, I didnt talk to him. I sent- we were texting.
Okay, Niall nodded, turning on to the highway, okay, texting is good. About what?
Bioluminescent Vampire Squid, Zayn felt a little smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Is that a euphemism?
Kind of, Zayn was smiling outright now.
Christ, I dont even want to know. Fuck it, yes I do. A euphemism for what?
Cuddles, Zayn said and Niall made gagging sounds, there was a bit about a hedgehog too.
Oh Jesus, Niall groaned, turning off the highway towards the docks, I wish Id never asked.
That makes two of us.
When you two start fucking I dont ever want to hear about it. Ever.
Lets hope they dont give you the cabin next to mine then, Zayn smirked, I can get loud.
Niall cackled. It was Zayns favourite laugh, the one he reserved only for his best friends.
Im happy for you, mate, really, Niall said, when hed gotten himself back under control.
Thanks, Zayn reached over to ruffle his hair fondly, and thanks for organizing this. I never
would have had the guts.
THE POWER OF CHRIST- Niall cried before dissolving into laughter once more, Try and
get some work done though, yeah? Im contractually obliged to say that at least once.
Yeah, yeah, youll get your comic.
Ill get my commission, you mean.
That too, Zayn chuckled, and turned away, watching out the windows at the approaching North
Sea.
It stretched endlessly away into the horizon, dark and rough and terrifying. Zayn bit his lip, trying
to suppress a smile. He was afraid, no doubt about it. He felt lightheaded just looking at the vast,
endless deep. His heart was racing, his mouth was dry while his hands were clammy, his stomach
was churning, he hadnt been able to eat anything for breakfast but if that was the cost of finally
getting to touch Liam then it was a price he was happy to pay. Hed dreamt about it like they were
in some kind of nauseating ensemble Christmas film. Not a good one like Love Actually. A bad
one, like The Holiday. He didnt even care. The dream was romantic as fuck and he and Liam
ended up tangled in torn up bed sheets with an Ed Sheeran song playing in the background. Given
a slight change of scenery Zayn was pretty sure that was exactly how this trip was going to turn
out.
****
Liam wasnt there to greet them at the docks.
Waving down at them from the deck of the Georgia-Rose were Captain Harry and Liams other
colleague Louis. Louis wasnt waving so much as allowing Harry to wave his arms for him, but
Zayn hardly noticed. All that mattered was that he was standing before the grey, choppy waters of
the North Atlantic about to walk up the gangway onto a dilapidated looking metal ship and Liam
was nowhere to be seen.
Which ones Liam? Niall whispered, nudging him excitedly.
Neither, Zayn replied through a clenched jaw. He kept staring at the two men at the railing
because looking anywhere near the water was out of the question, and because maybe if he just
looked hard enough Liam would appear.
Are you two coming or not? Louis yelled, wrestling his arms from Harrys control, Hurry the
fuck up- some of us have science to do!
Hes probably waiting to surprise you with his octipompoms, Niall said, nudging Zayn on to the
gangway and walking close behind him so Zayn couldnt turn back around, go on, hell be
there.
I never told you about the octipompoms, Zayn frowned and Niall smacked him around the back
of the head.
Focus, Malik, he snapped.
Zayns jaw was starting to cramp he was clenching it so hard, but he marched up the gangway as
fast as he could.
Dont look down dont look down dont look down dont lookHis feet hit the relatively stable deck and he immediately looked around- but it was just Harry and
Louis on the deck.
Hello! Harry cried, bounding over to them like an overexcited Labrador, You must be Zayn!
He grabbed Zayns bag out of his hand and threw it at Louis, who nearly stumbled over from the
impact, and then grabbed Zayn in a bear hug.
Weve heard so much about you, Harry beamed as he released him and turned to Niall, you
must be Niall!
I better get a hug too, Niall said, hurling his bag at Louis (who actually fell over this time) and
leaping into Harrys outstretched arms without waiting for an answer.
Harry twirled him around and set him down and they both smiled the smile of instant friendship.
Welcome aboard the Georgia Rose, Harry said, sweeping his hand out in a proud arc to display
his ship. It wasnt much to look at, just the cabin and observation deck at the stern and a winch
and a set of trap doors in the middle of the deck, which meant there was almost nothing
obstructing Zayns view of the open ocean. Where was Liam?
Cheers mate, Niall said, as Zayn fought to keep himself from panicking, were thrilled to be
here.
Were thrilled to have you! Harry beamed so bright it looked like Niall was getting a tan.
Thrilled, yeah, Louis said with a roll of his eyes, righting himself and tossing both their bags
aside, woohoo.
Louis, Harry frowned, be nice.
I am being nice. This is nice.
You promised, Harry was pouting now and Louis was glaring at him, Niall was grinning from
ear to ear and Zayns mind still hadnt moved past the fact that he was standing on the ocean with
nothing but a hundred tonnes of rusty steel between him and a crushing, suffocating death.
Wheres Liam?
The words were out of his mouth before he even realized he asked.
Were picking him up on the way, Louis said, one of our buoys started malfunctioning an hour
ago so he had to take the runabout and fix it.
Zayn felt some of the tightness in his chest evaporate. Some of it.
Okay.
Okay. Liam was just out repairing a buoy.
He frowned. Wait, werent their buoys in the ocean? Arent there only three crew members on this
ship? His frown deepened. What the fuck? Theyd sent him out there alone?
Is that safe? he said, glancing out at North Atlantic and picturing how easily the dark water
could swallow a person up.
Louis snorted.
Well, I dont think so, he scoffed, I wouldnt take the runabout out in these conditions for all
the tea in Yorkshire but Payno reckons hell make it. Idiot.
I guess well find out, Harry grinned, Ive got 20 quid that says we pick Liam up alive- but the
runabout sinks.
Ive got 25 that says we never see either of them again, Louis smirked and Zayn felt the ground
lurch beneath him- and then realized the boat had actually lurched as the swell rocked it against
the dock.
***
Liam hadnt been lying- the ocean was a carnival of fear. They were barely out of the harbour and
Zayn felt like his heart was three beats away from smashing its way out of his chest. Fuck this.
There was water everywhere. Not just outside the boat- on the boat. The Georgia-Rose moved
through the water with all the grace and efficiency of a pregnant pig. Waves washed over the
railings drenching the deck, water sprayed over the bow as the Georgia Rose battered her way
through the grey, brackish waves and the wind whipped the frothing water in their faces. Zayn felt
like he needed goggles just to stand on the observation deck. His eyes stung from the salt, his hair
was ruined, he looked like a drowned rat and he was gripping the railing so tight his knuckles
were bruising.
Beside him, Niall was whooping and cheering as they came over the crest of every wave,
laughing maniacally as they took the stomach turning plunge down and were once again drenched
from head to toe.
You can come inside now! Harrys voice crackled over the speaker system, Louis cleared all
the stuff so its safe! We think!
Zayn glanced back at the cabin door. They were up on the observation deck at the stern of the
ship overlooking the main deck. If Zayn enjoyed looking at an endless expanse of crushing black
liquid he would have called the view spectacular. He didnt. The cabin was two meters away,
which meant to get inside he would have to walk two whole meters over slippery, treacherous
deck, all the while risk being caught in one of the waves that frequently breached the side of the
boat and swept into the North Atlantic, never to be seen again.
Come on Zayn, Niall said, coming up behind him and prying his fingers from the rail, come
on, mate, lets get you inside.
I hate this, Zayn shivered, as more ice cold water smacked him in the face, Im going to die,
Niall.
Just channel that terror youre feeling and put it in the story, Niall said, as he steadied Zayn and
walked them both the four steps to the door of the cabin.
Harry pulled the door open with one hand, keeping the other hand on the wheel. He ended up
with a bucket of the North Atlantic on his face but he didnt seem to notice. Once Niall had
pushed Zayn inside, he pulled the door closed behind them and clapped Zayn on the back several
times. Hard. To Harry it probably looked like a friendly pat on the back, but Zayn knew it was his
friends attempt to try and beat him back to normal. To his credit, it was kind of working. Zayn
was able to breath a little.
Phew! Niall shucked off his dripping jacket and hung it up beside Harrys floral one (Zayn
would have to ask about that later, wtf?) and then forcibly removed Zayns as well, Fuck, thats
some good craic- its mental out there!
Normally we wouldnt let you stay out on the deck in these conditions, Harry drawled, turning
the steering wheel hard and wincing as the ship groaned beneath them, but Louis hadnt cleared
up his equipment properly and honestly, if you dont know what youre doing around that stuff it
can be more dangerous than getting swept overboard.
No worries, Niall said, smacking Zayn on the back again and almost knocking him over, right
Zayn?
Zayn shrugged, not up to talking just yet.
I should probably give you the safety briefing, yeah? Harry said, as though the thought had just
occurred to him. He spoke slower than anyone Zayn had ever met.
Probably, Niall said, poking at the instruments on the control panel.
Harry batted his hand away and punched the windscreen as the wiper jammed.
Okay, well, first of all, dont touch anything. Georgia Rose is kind of old but shes good to you if
you treat her right. You dont really know how to do that though so, in the nicest possible way,
keep your filthy hands off my woman. Second, dont, like, fall overboard. Third, if you do fall
overboard, just stay afloat and well come and get you. Dont panic- panicking never helps and
you get tired and drown so, yeah. Just chill. He wiped condensation off the windscreen with the
sleeve of his sweater. Thats pretty much it.
Zayns eyes bulged.
What about life rafts and fires and hitting an iceburg or-
Just grab a life jacket and do what we tell you, Harry shrugged, you can swim, right? Youll be
fine.
Zayn felt like he was choking. He turned to Niall , who bit his lip guiltily.
Actually, Niall said, we probably should have told you before but-
Ooh- theres Liam! Harry cried excitedly, grabbing the intercom and bringing it up to his mouth,
Sharp Scruffy Kitty, come in, over.
Zayn couldnt see anything in the rolling waves ahead until he spotted it- a bright yellow bouy
bobbing about like a rubber duck in the worlds biggest, scariest bath. There wasnt a boat in sight.
Read you loud and clear Bambi Legs, go ahead, over, Louis voice came back over the fuzzy
speakers.
I have Gentle Hammer Hands in my sights. He lost the runabout. You owe me twenty quid,
over.
Fuck. Tell Scowly McHandsome and Lil Shamrocker to stay out of the way while I fish Idiotic
Donut out of Big Drink, over.
Will do, Baby Blues. Over and out.
Harry hung up the intercom and grinned at a horrified Niall and Zayn.
Hes not going to pay me, he said, he never does, but its the principle of the - hey, where are
you going?
Zayn wrenched the door open and hurled himself out onto the observation deck, down the
slippery stairs and onto the main deck.
Zayn! Niall called after him, but Zayn kept moving. Liam was in the ocean. Drowning. With
every roll of the boat he was tossed almost completely over, but he grabbed on to whatever he
could find (a railing, the winch, the life raft, whatever) in his hast to get to the starboard side of the
boat.
Zayn! Bloody hell, at least hold to something, you idiot, Niall said, catching up beside him, can
you see him?
No, Zayn searched the dark water furiously. They were about twenty metres from the yellow
bouy and he couldnt see any sign of Liam anywhere- and then he saw him, a tiny figure clinging
to the bouy- waving.
Is- is he waving? Niall stammered, like, that right there is not a mayday, Im drowning wave.
Thats like oh, hi there! How about this weather?
Oh, for fucks sake! Louis said, coming up beside them hauling a rope ladder, I told Harry to
keep you two out of the way! Here, hold this, he handed Niall the bulk of the rope and attached it
to the rail with enormous metal clips, well throw it in, what are you waiting for?
Niall, looking confused by Louis whiplash logic (did he want their help? Did he want them
gone? Did he want a hug?), hurled the rope ladder overboard.
They heard the engine groan, putter out and finally die as they came within meters of the bouy.
Zayn watched as Liam let go of the bouy (No!) and swam for the rope (Yes!), reaching it and
hauling himself up the rungs, his wet clothes weighing him down.
Has Boat Sinking Hufflepuff reached the ladder? Harrys voice came over the loudspeaker.
Louis turned around and gave him a thumbs up while Zayn and Niall watched Liams remarkable
quick ascent up the side of the boat. His clothes must weigh a ton and yet he scaled the ladder like
a monkey.
Yay! Welcome back Leeeyuuuuum!!!! Harry drawled, re-starting the engine.
Come the fuck on, mate, Louis groaned as Liam finally reached the railing and hauled himself
over, its cold and wet out here, in case you havent noticed.
Liam stood up, tearing off his jacket and laughing, and Zayn couldnt breathe. This time, though,
it was for all the right reasons. Liam Payne had looked good in his photos, but the person in front
of him was a Greek God Abercrombie Model complete with wet white shirt, rippling muscles and
an all access pass to Zayns pants.
Ocean? What ocean.
What are you talking about, its a balmy three degrees! Liam laughed, and shit, his voice was
beautiful. He was beautiful. His laugh was beautiful. He was real.
Yeah, well, our esteemed guests look like their cocks are about to freeze off, Louis huffed,
pulling the rope ladder back on board, cant have the now, can we?
Liam turned as Louis trudged off with the rope and his brown eyes went wide as he spotted Zayn
and Niall.
Did he say brown? Brown was unworthy, in Zayns opinion. Liams eyes had gold and green and
honey and hazel in them. They were fucking glorious. Brown, ugh, please.
Zayn was sopping wet and shivering in nothing but a grey Henley and jeans, but right now he felt
like he was on fire. He was a little slack jawed, unprepared for the adrenalin of a high seas rescue
and the come-in-your-pants sex appeal of his crush. Still, he was more than ready to step in for a
hug (*cough* grope *cough*) as their eyes met- and Liam physically stepped backwards. Zayn
froze, having been just about to raise his arms to embrace him.
okay. Liam obviously didnt want Zayn in his space. That was... unexpected, given last nights
conversation. Had sending the photo of the hedgehog been a bad move? He wasnt actually spiky.
He was cuddly. Promise.
Zayn wasnt sure what to do. The crashing of the waves against the hull of the ship was starting to
seep back into his mind as the temporary relief of finally meeting Liam (alive) evaporated. He had
been counting on this- on Liams company- to counteract the stress of being out on the ocean. He
needed this. He needed Liam- he thought he thought Liam wanted him to be here?
Liam was staring at him like he didnt quite know what he was looking at- and then he shook
himself out of his haze and waved.
Waved. Like at a stranger.
Hi! he said, a broad smile stretching over his face.
Hi, Zayn replied uncertainly, feeling the sting of the Friend Zone on his skin like a whip.
Um, Im Liam, Liam said, biting his lip, you must be Zayn.
Zayn frowned. Really? He was going to act like they didnt even know each other? Theyd been
talking daily for months! Even if Liam wasnt keen the way that Zayn was there was no reason to
be so- so clinical. Werent they at least friends? He schooled his expression quickly to hide any
hint of the hurt and humiliation he was feeling. Its not every day you fish your crush out of the
ocean only to get rejected on the spot. Good thing Zayn had a decent poker face.
Although, judging by the way Liams body language was saying *back away back away BACK
AWAY BACK AWAY* maybe it was too late. Maybe Liam had already seen the yearning in
Zayns expression.
Im Niall! Niall chirped, breaking through the awkwardness by diving between them and
offering Liam his hand. Zayn would have to remember to thank Niall when he wasnt dying of
mortification.
Nice to meet you, Liam shook Nialls hand enthusiastically, Zayns told me loads, I cant wait
to find out whats true.
Zayn felt unsteady on his feet.
How come Niall had gotten to touch Liam before him? How had that happened? Pull yourself
together Malik!
You too mate, you too, Niall said, clapping Liam on the arm and looking over his shoulder at
Zayn, but, I should probably leave you two to get acquainted properly, yeah? After all, Zayns
your pen pal, not me.
Yes, thank you Niall, youre the greatest agent who ever was or will be, Zayn thought, and he
knew Niall got the message as he hurried back to the cabin leaving Liam and Zayn alone on the
windy, freezing deck.
Hi, Zayn said, because he was man enough to try again.
Um, I really would like to, like, say hi properly but Liam bent over to collect his jacket and
straightened up awkwardly, Ive been in the water a while, I should probably get into some dry
clothes.
Yeah, Zayn nodded, his brow creasing as Liam started shivering, are you- shit- you could have
drowned, are you okay?
Takes more than the cold, raging ocean to kill me, Liam grinned and jerked his head towards
the cabin, come on, you look like you could use a towel yourself.
He turned and walked easily across the deck to the stairs, bounding up them two at a time and
turned around from the observation deck.
You coming?
Zayn hadnt moved. He didnt really want Liam to see him struggle across the deck like a threelegged deer on ice. Even if hed been reading this all wrong and Liam wasnt a potential Biologist
with Benefits, he had his dignity to think of, okay?
Im good, he called over the howling wind. He wasnt good. He was freezing. He was alone on
the deck surrounded by infinite ocean. He was anything but good.
You should come inside, its cold out here, Liam yelled back, but Zayn waved him off and
turned back out towards the sea, leaning on the rail and promptly getting splashed in the face by a
wave. The water was ice cold. How the fuck had Liam survived in there?
He glanced over his shoulder. Liam had gone inside the cabin.
Immediately he began cautiously making his way from the rail to the door that led below deck. He
and Niall had briefly been shown the way down to their cabins to stash their bags, and he took
that door down now. He was shivering like mad, he needed to change but most of all he needed to
get a hold on his panic before it drove him mad. Hed been clinging to the idea that Liam was
going to sweep him up in his arms and magically cure him of his fear of the water, but that
obviously wasnt going to happen and Zayn had to deal with it himself- fast.
Really, there was only one thing that made Zayn feel perfectly at ease.
He hastily dried himself off, changed and then begun to set up his workstation, which was a fair
challenge in the tiny cabin, but he made do. He pinned his concept art to the walls; anatomical
diagrams and photographs of every creature Liam had ever sent him, pictures of underwater
ravines, a terrifying deep ocean drop off, labeled diagrams of submarines and photos of famous
wreckages. He had a section for his characters, and another with the schematics of their Stark
Suits. Before long the little cabin felt like his own personal house of horrors.
He loved it.
This kind of stuff might keep other people up at night but it was what Zayn lived for. He had a
particular skill for using light and shade to send a shiver up the spine of a reader. You could be
reading his comic in broad daylight and still flinch at something moving in the corner of your eye.
The key was a mixture of atmosphere, which is why Niall had dragged him out here in the first
place (Zayn refused to think about the other reason) but it was mostly in the characters. The
protagonists had to be genuinely afraid, and the reader had to care about them so that they had
something to lose. Zayn wanted to make sure you cared each and every time one of the characters
met their untimely, terrifying demise.
He started up his laptop and tablet and inspected his Wall of Awesome. Down in his cabin, if he
ignored the way gravity shifted from side to side as the boat rocked, it was possible to forget the
fact he was out at sea.
He opened up the script for Volume II on his screen. The prompt hed been given from Marvel
had been fairly vague. S.H.I.E.L.D sends a group of agents on a training mission at the bottom of
the ocean where, wearing their Stark Industries designed suits they are to simulate a mission to
deep space. Things go wrong, the crew is trapped at the bottom of an abyss deeper than the
Mariana Trench and they have to find a way to reach the surface before they run out of air/are
eaten alive/drown/their sub implodes etc.
Volume I had ended on a cliffhanger as the sub was damaged by something huge that came out of
the darkness and then disappeared. Zayn hadnt even decided what the creature was, and since
this was supposed to be a horror story, perhaps hed never reveal it. The monster in you cant see
is always scarier than the one you can.
Volume II began with the crew hurriedly donning their Stark Suits to inspect the damage, unaware
that their fate was already sealed. Zayn cracked his fingers, picked up his tablet and started
drawing. The comic came to life on the screen, the characters so familiar Zayn hardly glanced at
his concept art as he drew their outline and- with a few dashes here and a line there- captured their
emotions as the situation rapidly deteriorated. The hull of their submarine has in tact, but their
engines were dead. There was no way to conduct repairs underwater. They would have to ascend
to the surface in nothing but their suits, or stay on board and hope that rescue came before the
oxygen ran out. His main character, Lieutenant Payne (whose name and face Zayn knew hed
have to change, eventually) was the only one thinking clearly. Around him the other
crewmembers were each panicking in their own way. Zayn found himself drawn to Eshan, a
minor character he had planned to kill off mid way through the next scene. Zayn always liked to
put himself in his comics, so Eshan, the Stark Suit engineer, looked like him. It was his job to
make sure that everyones suit was functioning correctly and he was the only one with the ability
to perform remote repairs on another suit. Zayn couldnt wait to dangle him like a savior in front
of the other characters and then kill him right when he was needed most. Eshan was tougher and
colder than Zayn saw himself, but they had one thing in common- he couldnt swim. That wasnt
a problem when the Stark Suits could propel them along- but when the suits malfunctioned it
would be the thing that killed him.
He paused, his stylus hovering over the tablet. It seemed a waste to kill off a character like that,
someone so overtly crippled by their environment, so early in the story. Surely it would be more
satisfying, plot wise, to kill him later? Frowning, Zayn began filling in the next panel with Eshans
perspective, showing him watch the panic engulfing the ship as he clinically made his way
through every safety check on the other characters suits. Now that he was in Eshans perspective
it was kind of hard to get out. Eshan knew, even as he ran the final checks on Lieutenant Paynes
suit, that while the others had a chance, he himself wasnt going to make it out of there alive.
Before Zayn realized what he was drawing, the next panel was filled with the image of Eshans
hand resting on Lieutenant Paynes back, a touch the Lieutenant couldnt feel through the
pressurized casing of his suit.
The next panel showed Lietenant Payne from the front, yelling orders at the crew, telling them to
focus, reminding them that they were all in this together and that with a bit of clever thinking they
could all make it. They would leave the sub, make their way up the edge of the abyss until they
were shallow enough to contact the surface for help.
Behind him, unseen, Eshan closed his eyes and resigned himself to follow this man to his death.
Zayn sat back, reading over the scene, touching up details here and there, but mostly pleased with
what hed written. He hadnt considered putting in a romance, but now that he thought about it,
Eshans unrequited love for Lieutenant Payne gave his character the motivation to follow loyally
wherever he was led. Zayn adjusted the final panel in the sequence, which showed the assembled
team through Eshans Stark Suit visor. Illuminated on the side of his visor were Lieutenant
Paynes vital signs. He felt a smile tugging at the side of his mouth. It was subtle, and most readers
probably wouldnt notice it at all, but as Zayn saved the file and started backing everything up he
was pleased with the change. The fact that Eshan was in love with Lieutenant Payne could be like
an easter egg that only really observant readers picked up on.
There was a knock at the door.

Before Zayn could get up to answer it, blinking a little as he remembered that he wasnt in his
home office but in his cabin the door swung open.
Louis? Zayn frowned, can I help you?
You can, actually, Louis said, stepping into the room and closing the door him. He glanced at
Zayns art with raised eyebrows.
Fucking hell, he said, youve made yourself right at home.
Zayn watched him warily as he scanned over his concept art. Louis didnt like him. Everything
from his tone to his body language made that abundantly clear.
That a problem? Zayn said, leaning back in his own chair and crossing his arms. Of the two
biologists on this ship, Louis wasnt the one he wanted alone in his room. He shut down that
thought immediately, because given the way Liam had run away from him earlier
No, no, its why youre here, to do a job, Louis turned to face him dead on, I just want to
remind you that Liam, Harry and I have a job to do too.
I know that.
Do you, though? By my count its been, what, four months now that youve been interrupting
Liam mid way through an experiment with more of your bloody primary school level questions.
They invented the internet for a reason, you know, and it wasnt just porn. What time were you
texting him this morning? One, two a.m, when you knew wed be picking up up at 6? Not the first
time youve kept him up all hours is it?
So what if we talk all the time? Zayn narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms further, if he didnt
like it he wouldnt reply.
Who the hell was Louis to talk to him like that?
Please, have you met him? Louis scoffed, actually, youd probably know this if you had met
him before today- Liam Payne cant say no to anybody. Ever. He doesnt get mugged because he
hands is wallet straight over and offers the keys to his apartment as well- you get what Im saying
here?
Zayn felt like Louis had pushed him into the ice cold ocean.
Of course. Of course Liam was just being nice out of obligation- fuck- and here Zayn was, turning
up at his workplace like some kind of creep.
Right, he said, yeah, I get it.
Look, you seem like a nice guy, Louis said, well, actually you seem kind deranged now that
Ive seen your horror studio but to each their own. Im not saying you cant talk to him. Its great
that youre here- we can really use the money Marvels offering and Niall seems like a right laughbut weve got serious work to do. I cant have you talking to Liam all day when hes meant to be
working. Even if it looks like all hes doing is smearing mysterious ocean scum on petri dishes,
even if hes just staring at a screen- its hard work that requires his concentration, okay?
Yeah, Zayn nodded, his face clear of any emotion, got it.
Cheers, Louis said, opening the door and stepping out of the cabin, were out of the rough
weather, by the way. Come up when youre done, its almost lunch.
He closed the door and left Zayn alone in the dark of the cabin.
***
When Zayn came up to the main cabin he found the three crewmembers excitedly going through
bags of Marvel merch Niall had brought along.
He took a seat by the table in the back corner, unnoticed.
This is sick! Harry cried, pulling out an Avengers hoodie that was obviously too small.
Should probably just give that one to me, Harold, Louis said, its clearly more my size.
We can share it, Harry said, pulling it on and hugging himself contentedly, if youre nice.
This ones mine lads, Liam said, holding up an Iron Man shirt, you know how I feel about
Tony.
Then, as though Zayn wasnt already in enough pain, he stripped off the shirt he was wearing,
revealing a tanned, muscular back, and pulled the Iron Man top on. Zayn cast his eyes down to the
table, not wanting to be caught staring.
Harry noticed him and waved
Zayn! he grinned, thanks for this stuff, we love it.
Its cool, Zayn said with a shrug, purposefully not looking at Liam, least we could do to say
thanks, you know.
No thanks necessary, Liam said, coming over and taking the seat beside Zayn. Zayn didnt
flinch but it was a close call.
Zayn looked up and sucked in a breath. Liam was close. Really close. He looked different dry, his
hair was thick and soft, short on the sides and a little longer on the top and Zayn wanted to run his
fingers through it. His cheeks were a little flushed and his lips were full and a little wet and a little
pink and Zayn wanted to bite them. He was stunning.
Hi, Liam said, with a shy smile.
Hi, Zayn replied cautiously. Now, this was more like what hed expected from their emails, but
it was a bit disorienting given their first meeting and Louis little speech.
Im sorry I ran off before, I was so cold, honestly thought we were going to have to amputate my
toes. I didnt mean to be rude. Im sorry.
You werent rude, Zayn shook his head, Im the one whos rude, barging in on your
workplace like this.
What? No, Liam frowned, no, Zayn, its great that youre here. This is going to be brilliant, I
promise.
Zayn couldnt help the little fond smile that threatened to take over his face.
From the steering wheel, Louis cleared his throat and Zayn looked away from Liam quickly.
Yeah, he said, yeah, Im sure Ill learn a lot. We dont get in your way though, dont worry. I
know youve got a lot of work to do.
I wouldnt mind you getting in my way, Liam said, nudging Zayn with his elbow and, okay,
that really wasnt fair. What did that mean? Louis had made it pretty clear that Zayn was taking
advantage of Liams good nature but right now it kind of felt like Zayns dream of being bent over
a mini submarine and having Liam fuck his brains out wasnt entirely out of the question. It was
painful sitting here next to this beautiful, smiling boy and second-guessing everything.
Yeah, youve been really helpful so far, Zayn said, and I know youve been busy, so
thanks.
My pleasure, Liam bit his lip, so, the, um, the comics going well then?
Yeah, the plots been approved so now Im down to actually drawing it. Im drafting Volume II
at the moment.
Liams expression was so enthusiastic, so encouraging that Zayn felt it was pretty safe to keep
talking. Screw what Louis had said.
All the stuff youve sent me is about to come in really handy. Theyre about to go out into the
water so theyll get to meet some sea monsters up close.
Liams eyebrows flew up.
Wait, theyre going to leave the sub?
Yeah.
But arent they, like, 35, 000 ft below the surface? The pressure would crush them!
Dont worry, the suits are made to deal with the pressure, Zayn said, poking the Iron Man on
Liams shirt, theyre designed by Tony Stark himself. I got this.
Liam smirked.
You got this? Im not so sure. I think Ill have to read it to check the science.
Spoilers though, Zayn felt the smile tugging at his mouth again.
Fuck spoilers, Liam grinned, you dont even understand, Zayn, I need your story.
You dont even know what its about.
So tell me, Liam put a hand on his arm, or better yet, let me read it. I promise I wont blog
about it. Much, his eyes legitimately twinkled.
No time for reading, Payno, Louis called from over by the wheel, youve got work to do,
mate.
Theres always time for reading, Tommo! Liam yelled back, then he shuffled closer still to Zayn
and whispered, ignore him, hes just jealous.
Of what? Zayn asked, and Liam looked at him like he was waiting for a punch line. When it
didnt come withdrew his arm and stood up, running his hand through his hair. He coughed
awkwardly and Zayn heard the waves slapping on the side of the boat louder and louder as Liam
backed away.
Right, um, Im gonna go check on the sub. Gotta make sure shes ready for tomorrow. Bye.
He left without another word.
Zayn stared after him and then turned to Louis and Harry, wishing the god damned waves would
shut up.
What did I say?
I dunno, Harry said, frowning and sounding genuinely apologetic, I thought you wanted like,
privacy n stuff so I wasnt listening.
What do they need privacy for? Louis snapped, hes here for research.
Dont be an ass, Louis, Harry glared at him.
Louis scowled out the window.
Niall caught Zayns eye from the other side of the cabin and flicked his head towards the door
Liam had just exited.
Zayn gave a tiny shrug, and Niall narrowed his eyes, pulling his phone out of his pocket and
tapping away at it furiously.
Zayns phone vibrated a second later and he pulled it out while Niall watched.
Nialler: check on the sub is a euphemism, yeh?

Zayn: no
Nialler: u can tell me. Were at that stage.
Zayn: I was wrong. Its not mutual.
Nialler: Looks mutual to me.
Zayn: Louis told me it isnt.
Nialler: the fuck would Louis know?
Zayn: Ive been disruptin his wrk n Liams 2 nice 2 tell me 2 stop. I fucked up. Was all
imaginary subtext.
Nialler: FUCK RIGHT OFF.
Zayn: leave it, m8.

Nialler: NO. Iv red evry email u 2 sent 2 each other- HE IS DEFINITELY INTO U.
Zayn: apparently not.
Nialler: DEFINITELY.
Zayn: wait how the fuk did you read my emails???????
Nialler: Im your agent. I read everything u writ.
Zayn: r u serious?
Nialler: EVERYTHING.
Nialler: ps lovin the new focus on Eshan. Nice.
Zayn threw his phone down on the table and when he looked up, Niall was standing right in front
of him.
Zayn, he said seriously, quiet enough that the others couldnt hear, I know youre not
thinkings a bit bent cause were out on the water but look at me- look at me.
Zayn met his eyes reluctantly.
This fear youve got, Niall whispered, its controlling the voice in your head. Dont let that
voice tell you the good things are just imaginary. You should see the way he looks at you- you
could see it- if you were looking at him properly instead of thinking about the water. Fuck the
water. Were here, on a perfectly safe boat with probably the love of your life just waiting for you
to look at him the right way.
Niall-
No. I am not interested in speaking to Thalassophia.
Thalassophobia, Zayn muttered.
Whatever, shes a bitch and shes fucking with your head. Get a grip, get Zayn back in control
and then look around and smell the salty seaweed roses because you are missing your chance.
Niall, he ran away from me, Zayn tugged Niall down to the seat next to him and huddled into
his side, twice.
He didnt run away you fuckwit, Niall groaned, exasperated but still putting an arm around
Zayns shoulders, he went to change his clothes cause he was freezing, and just now he
chickened out because you were giving him the cold shoulder!
You werent there-
Did you know theres this amazing invention called windows through which people can see
things? Niall smacked him on the head, I was watching then, and I was listening now. You
fucked up.
Lunch time! Harry announced, coming up from below decks bearing a tray of sandwiches and
jolting and Niall and Zayn out of their bubble.
Harry deposited the tray on the table and returned to the wheel with a sandwich for himself and
Louis.
Its not that easy, he muttered, as Niall shoved a sandwich in his hand.
Eat this, get your strength up and then go find Liam and try again.
Zayn bristled irritably, but his irritation mellowed to sheepishness under Nialls glare.
He took a bite of his sandwich.
Maybe Niall was right. Maybe he had been letting his fear twist his thoughts unreasonably. Okay,
screw what Louis said. He would finish his sandwich and then take one down to Liam. Food was
a great peace offering. They could start again. They could eat together- it could be like a first date.
Boat Sinker to Flower Child, come in, over, Liams voice crackled over the radio.
Go ahead Baywatch Extra, Harry said, through a mouthful of sandwich.
Sub looking good, Thunderbirds are Go for tomorrow, over.
Well done, Badminton Bandit. Lunch is served, come and eat before Nireland eats your
sandwich, over.
Tell Lucky Charm hes welcome to it. Im on the night watch so Im gonna get some sleep, over
and out.
But its only twelve thiry, over, Harry protested, Liam?
Eventually, when no response came from the radio Niall gave Zayn a pointed look.
Now that, he said, is running away.
Chapter End Notes
next update coming within 3-4 days.

Thanks for reading! I also do Fairy Tale AU's so feel free to check them out if you're
enjoying my stuff :)
x
Chapter 3
Chapter Notes
Re: Fish
Hey,
Are there any freaky fish at the bottom of the ocean? Do they even go that deep? I
need some smaller scale creatures for atmosphere.
Thanks.
Zayn
It was the most impersonal email hed sent since this whole thing had started. It was late, and Zayn
couldnt sleep. He hadnt seen Liam for the rest of the day and hed therefore had a lot of time to
himself to think things over- not that it helped.
Nothing really made sense. After months of emails and flirting Liams first reaction had been to
physically step back. Why? Then, barely two hours later, he was practically sitting in Zayns lap,
touching him and whispering close and hot in his ear- and then just as suddenly he was on his feet
again, as far out of Zayns reach as possible and backing out the door.
Zayn knew what Niall thought, and he knew what Louis thought, but he didnt think either of
them had it right. The only person who didnt seem to have an opinion was Harry, or at least if he
had one he was keeping it to himself, which Zayn greatly appreciated.
It was close to midnight now, and while Niall, Louis, and Harry were fast asleep Zayn was feeling
restless. He knew that Liam was currently sitting by the wheel sailing them through the darkness.
If he were at home this would be when theyd begin their nightly email exchange.
He sat staring at his inbox and hoped that Liam would reply.
Which he did almost instantly.
To:Zayn.Malik@gmail.co.uk
Re: you mean like this?
From:Zayn.Malik@gmail.co.uk
Re: FDSAJKLF;DJALF;DJAKLFJSDAL
WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!??!?
Re: Yo Mama
The Angler Fish is the badass bitch of the ocean floor. She (yeah, she) jiggles the
fleshy, glowing mass at the end of her elongated spine, attracting all kinds of other
deep sea predators AND THEN SHE EATS THEM. She literally flashes her lady
deep sea predators AND THEN SHE EATS THEM. She literally flashes her lady
parts and devours anything that tries to bite. What a woman.
When Angler Fish were first discovered scientists noticed that almost all of them
were female, and that they all had what appeared to be a kind of parasitic growth on
their lower parts. Turns out these parasites were actually male Angler Fish, whose
entire existence basically consists of finding a female, biting into her skin and fusing
the two of them together forever. She shares her circulatory system with him and
when she is ready to mate, the male pays his dues by providing sperm on the spot.
So, really, theyre a lot like humans.
Also! There is a fish called the Sarcastic Fringehead, because why not? Male
Sarcastic Fringeheads engage in mouth wrestling over territorial disputes, and that is
my favourite sentence I have ever typed out.
Re: I WILL NEVER SLEEP AGAIN
Re: *gently wipes away your tears*
Seems like you need some cheering up. Are you missing Mario?
Dont worry- Bernard and I have your back.
Ok, something cheerful! How about the Deep Sea Glass Squid? Its like a giant
cartoon lightbulb with a tiny squid face. Sometimes, it has pretty spots. Always, it is
adorable.
LOOK AT ITS LITTLE SQUIDDY FACE. LOOK AT IT ZAYN.

Also hilarious and worth googling: the Flower Hat Jelly! It looks like a jellyfish that
joined the hippy movement:
Re: Missing Mario
Yeah, Im pining for him.
Re: *crickets* *tumbleweed*
Does Harry write your jokes now? That was terrible mate.
Re: Youre laughing. I can tell.
Yeah, sorry. I should probably call it a night before I get too punny.
Re: Character Development
Dont be sorry. I kind of feel like Im getting a glimpse below the surface. Youre not
really what I expected.
Sweet dreams.
x
Zayn read the final message twice, not sure how he should take it, before he shut off his laptop
and rolled over to sleep.
***
He was awoken the next morning by a high pitched, unearthly wail. He sat bolt upright in his bed
as the boat lurched and the demonic hellspawn possessing the radio cried and grunted over the
intercom.
He pulled on his shoes and stumbled blearily up to the main cabin, where Harry stood at the
wheel, blissfully swaying and mouthing along to the sounds.
The fuck is this wrong with the intercom? Zayn demanded, blinking as the orange light of
sunrise came over the horizon.
Do you like it? Harry beamed, We play whale song every morning from six till seven.
Zayn closed his eyes as a painfully loud whale wail reverberated around the entire ship.
Are you serious?

Louis stumbled in then, and Zayn was fully expecting him to explode at Harry for waking them
up at dawns crack with this godawful noise, but instead he wrapped his arms around Harry from
the back and buried his face in between Harrys shoulder blades, sighing contentedly.
Humpbacks? he guessed.
Yep, Harry gave a soft smile.
S my favourite, Louis mumbled.
I know, Harry took one hand off the wheel and spread his fingers over Louis, I figured you
could use some cheering up. You havent been yourself lately.
Louis chuckled into Harrys shirt before he let go, stepping away and looking at Harry with such
utter adoration that- oh. Zayn blinked.
Louis loved Harry. Like, proper, soul mates, you complete me loved him.
Oblivious, Harry watched the horizon and hummed along in tune to the whales wails.
Louis reached out again, as though to touch Harrys back, but he hesitated, dropping his hand to
his side with a defeated expression. He spotted Zayn standing over by the table and scowled.
Morning, Marvel Man, he said, soft, happy voice gone, hope youve got your sketchpad ready.
Were taking Diana out today.
Whos Diana? Zayn asked, having to raise his voice to compete with the Humpbacks.
The submarine, Harry said, looking back over his shoulder to frown at Louis tone, were
going to reach our first dive spot around lunch time. Were all really excited to show you. Arent
we, Louis?
Yeah, course, Louis said, sounding bored already, super duper excited.
Louis, Harry frowned, come on, I got you Humpbacks and everything!
What? Louis demanded, what have I done?
Harry just huffed and turned back around to the wheel, hunching his shoulders. Honestly, Zayn
could deal with Louis being a bit of a dick, but he felt bad for Harry since it was obviously
upsetting him.
Im gonna get some fresh air, he said, only realizing as he stepped out of the cabin into the chilly
morning wind that fresh air meant being out on deck with the ocean everywhere around. Nice
one, Einstein.
Zayn! Niall called from up at the bow, come and check this out!
Zayn hesitated for a moment, but then he grit his teeth and made his way slowly down the stairs,
across the deck and all the way to the bow, where Niall was leaning on the railing. It wasnt as
bad as yesterday. The conditions were calmer, the ocean flat and the skies clear as far as the eye
could see. In front of them the sun rose over the lip of the horizon casting the few scattered clouds
a thousand shades of pink and orange. Below, the sea was just as bright, no longer grey and dark
but shining and red, purple, yellow and pink. It was like the whole world was blushing.
Wow, Zayn breathed.
I know, Niall sighed, leaning his head on Zayns shoulder, no wonder they like it out here.
They watched the sunrise in silence until the colours of the world returned to normal. Zayn looked
down at Niall to say something- and noticed that Nialls eyes were closed. Over the rumble of
Georgia Roses engines he could hear his agent faintly snoring.
Zayn rolled his eyes.
Oi, he nudged Niall, wake up you tosser.
Wha? Niall jerked awake, sorry. Tired.
Me too, Zayn groaned, waking up to Moby Dicks mating song really wasnt how I pictured
my morning.
Jesus Christ, Zayn, Niall gagged, I told you- I dont want to hear about what you and Liam get
up to.
What? No- Harrys playing whale noises! What did you think I meant? Oh- ugh Niall.
Seriously?
S that what that sound is? I thought the radio was broken, Niall shrugged, that makes more
sense tho. I wouldnt expect to see you for about a week once you finally got him in bed.
Can we just not, please? Zayn rubbed his temple, "don't talk about getting him in bed, okay? I
don't know if I can even get him to talk to me in person."
He still not talking to you?
We emailed a bit, Zayn leant forwards onto the railing, for once grateful for the sea breeze on
his face, how pathetic is that? Were on the same ship and were still hiding behind our
computers.
Youll figure it out eventually, Niall said, as he yawned spectacularly, sorry, didnt sleep much
last night. Those cabins are small, he shivered.
A thousand apologies, Louis said, appearing behind them and surprising them both, Ill have
you moved to the executive suit straight aw-oh wait this isnt a cruise liner.
Zayn and Niall turned around, Zayn with bristling irritation but Niall with his usual good nature.
Tommo! he cried, giving Louis a good morning hug that Louis reluctantly returned, no
worries, mate. Im just a bit claustrophobic. So, whats the plan for today?
Ill fill you in over breakfast, Louis said, turning around and waving for them to follow, come
on.
***
They reached the dive spot (which, P.S. looked exactly the same as the rest of the ocean) in the
early afternoon just as Liam woke up. The deck of the Georgia Rose opened up and the cables of
the winch were lowered into the cargo hold, where Louis and Liam attached them to the
unmanned sub. Louis then returned to deck and controlled the winch as it lifted Diana up and over
the side of the boat, and then lowered her into the water. Liam was in the lab, which was located
behind the main cabin. Once Diana had been placed in the water and the cables automatically
detached Niall and Zayn moved in from the observation platform to the lab to watch her descent to
the ocean floor.
The lab had seven screens, five showing live feeds from Dianas many cameras and two more
showing sonar impressions of her surroundings.
Zayn drew like mad. The submarine in his comic had a lab similar to this one, but mostly he was
drawing Liam. The way he adjusted dials and controlled the sub- it was just like Lieutenant Payne
controlled the repair sub at the beginning of the mission, before they realized that there was no
hope of repairing the enormous damage to their craft.
Its so dark already, Niall said, looking at the depth counter on the screen, shes only twenty
feet down!
More than half the light is absorbed by the first three feet of water, Liam explained, and Zayn
remembered that from them emails, do you remember the rest, Zayn?
It was the first thing hed said to him other than afternoon. He hadnt been unfriendly, just
awkward.
By 30ft theres only 20% of the original surface light is left, Zayn said, because of course he
remembered. He remembered everything. By 330 feet theres only .5% of any light at all, and by
that point its only blue light. After that, nothing.
Thats right, Liam said, and Zayn could hear that he was smiling, things get real dark, real
fast.
Thats why I like it, Zayn said, in theory at least.
Liam chuckled, and adjusted some more of Dianas settings.
So, Dianas at, what- 50 ft now, Naill said, how deep is she going?
Around 15,000 feet, Liam replied, well take her somewhere deeper tomorrow.
Fuck me, Niall leant back in his chair, a smirk stretching across his face as he eyed Zayn and
Liam sitting side by side, thats pretty intense. Whats the pressure like in there, Payno?
Well, obviously the deeper you go the greater the pressure, Liam said, do you want some
statistics?
No, no, Niall said innocently, Im just wondering what its like to go in that deep, you know? I
mean, it must be a real tight squeeze on your equipment.
Zayn gave him a warning glare. Now was not the time for this. He and Liam were barely talking
for fucks sake- Niall stop making it more awkward. Your innuendo is unwelcome here.
Whats the best way to the bottom, do you reckon? Niall asked philosophically, I mean, whats
the proper, scientifically proven method? Hard and fast, or slow and steady?
Zayn wanted to kick him but he was too far away.
Well, we send her down at a pretty steady rate, monitoring her the whole way, of course, to make
sure shes comfortable with the pressure.
Right, right, Niall nodded seriously, but then what do you do when you get all the way in- I
mean down- there? Move around straight away, or just get used to the pressure?
Niall, Zayn snapped, dont you have agenting to do?
Shush, Zayn, Niall flapped his hand with a malevolent glint in his eye, Im increasing my
knowledge.
Fuck my life, Zayn muttered, wanting to curl up and die.
Well, think of a successful dive like a good fuck, Liam said, and Zayn almost choked.
What? He spluttered, as Niall leaned forward eagerly.
Oh really? Tell me more, Niall said, resting his chin on both hands like an attentive student.
Well, you make sure your equipments all ready to go, Liam said, perfectly seriously, you
make sure youve got a fair idea of the conditions, you get all your preparation done and then you
go in carefully. Slow and steady.
Fascinating, Niall nodded, go on.
What is this conspiracy?!?!?! Zayn thought helplessly, but he couldnt stop himself staring at
Liam as he continued.
You dont always want to go straight down though, since theres so much you can achieve at
different depths, Liam said, so youve got to make sure youre prepared to move around a lot
looking for the right spot. Sometimes thats right in deep, but sometimes you might strike gold in
shallower waters, you know?
I do now, Niall smirked, Im learning so much.
You dont want it to be over too soon, so you cant use up all your fuel too early. If you want to
get the most out of your dive youve got to really take your time. Dont rush or youll miss the best
parts, and remember that its not actually about your sub- its about the ocean. Youre just a guest,
and the fact you got to go down there at all is a fucking gift, pun intended. So the most important
thing to remember, when youre diving, is how lucky you are to be there.
Zayn was painfully hard. His breathing was short and rapid and he was overheating in his clothes.
All he could think about was Liam laying him on the little bed in that tiny cabin and then
exploring all of Zayns depths. Thank fuck it was dark in the lab, because even though Liam
hadnt even touched him he felt thoroughly debauched.
Amazing, Niall said, what a wonderful analogy. So poetic. What do you think, Zayn?
Ahuh, Zayn managed, swallowing, poetic.
Well, Ill leave you here to experience Liams diving technique in private, Zayn. I hope you both
discover something hitherto unknown to science. Ciao!
He sauntered from the lab, leaving Zayn alone with Liam 1800 Phone Sex Operator Payne.
Liam glanced over at him, his silhouette illuminated by the screens, but he quickly looked away,
fiddling with settings and adjusting the camera angle even though there was nothing to see yet.
Zayn did a quick mental check to make sure he wasnt actually slobbering, but he knew his eyes
were blown wide with lust.
What the hell just happened?
His sketchpad sat in his lap hiding his erection, but when Liam looked over at him again it meant
that he saw Zayns drawing.
Did you draw me? he asked, leaning into Zayns space.
He smelled so good, fuck, it was the only smell Zayn ever wanted to breathe for the rest of
forever.
Yeah, he said, tearing out the page (because no way was he handing over the sketchpad. His
jeans were tight, okay? Right now even more than usual), here, you can have it.
Liam smiled at the sketch, which showed him in profile sitting at the submarine control panel from
the comic, dressed in his Stark Suit (without the helmet).
That is so sick, he grinned, I look like Iron Man.
Zayn nodded, trying to catch up. His mind, unsurprisingly, was still stuck on different depths.
Focus. Liam had basically just outlined what he's like in the sack. If that wasn't an invitation for
Zayn to test the waters then he'd eat his sketchpad.
Do you remember when you told me you said no to having a film crew on board cause you
didnt think you were any good at presenting information? Zayn asked, Because I beg to differ.
I would watch the shit out of your show.
Even in the light of the LED screens he saw Liam blush and grin, ducking his head in
embarrassment.
Thanks, he said, folding the sketch up and putting it in his pocket, but I dont think I could say
that kind of thing to a camera.
Why not? You said it to Niall.
I wasnt saying it to Niall, Liam said quietly, and it was like hed lit a flare in Zayns chest. He
felt a smile spreading across his face.
No?
No, Liam said, turning to face him, Zayn-
Right, how we going in here Payno? Louis burst in, dumping himself in Nialls unoccupied
chair.
Zayn seethed. Seriously, could this guy be anymore of a cock block? First emotional sabotage,
now actually interrupting- NNNYYYYYAAAARRRRGGG!!!! Zayn had half a mind to push
him overboard the next chance he got. Fuck Louis.
Judging by Liams expression, he felt the same way.
Were all good in here Tommo, he said, itll be a few more minutes till Diana reaches the
bottom.
Great, Louis said, adjusting one of the screens so he could see better, seen anything so far?
No, Ive just been explaining how I do things to Zayn.
Liam kept a perfectly straight face, but Zayn couldnt help the smirk the spread across his lips.
Louis saw it and raised an eyebrow, looking between the two of them.
Oh really? Learnt anything useful, Marvel Man?
A lot, actually, Zayn said, smiling sweetly, Liams a great teacher. At first I thought itd be too
much to take in, but it turns out I can take a lot, so long as its presented the right way.
Liam coughed violently and Zayn rose from his chair, patting him casually on the shoulder.
Thanks Liam, maybe when youre done with your dive you can come and tell me all about it.
Ive still got so much to learn.
As he walked out of the lab he was pretty sure he heard epic 80s rock playing in the background.
***
As much as he would have loved to have Liam give him a practical demonstration of his diving
technique, he understood that Liam, Harry and Louis actually did have a lot of serious work to do.
He and Niall stayed well out of the way for the rest of the dive (which didnt turn up anything
particularly interesting) and Zayn went back to work on his comic. First, of course, he took a hot
shower and fucked his own hand until he came with a stuttering cry, but after that he got some real
work done. He completed two scenes, killed off a minor character, sabotaged another and
managed to include lampreys, an giant anglerfish and a swarm of Deep Sea Glass Squid.
All in all, it was a pretty constructive day.
There was now no doubt in Zayns mind that Liam was absolutely, 100% definitely intentionally
flirting with him. Fuck, he had basically given Zayn a sneak preview.
So that was good.
Why Louis was so determined to get in the way was still a mystery, but over the course of the
afternoon he was surprised to find himself mellowing towards the guy. It happened by accident.
As he sketched a panel in which the surviving members of the crew had been separated as they
took shelter from a swarm of Lampreys he found that Eshan and Louis had an awful lot in
common. Eshan was supposed to be Zayns character, but where Eshan was doomed to love in
silence Zayns love life seemed to be turning right around. So as he drew Eshan and Lt. Payne
talking over the coms system he found himself channeling Louis. They had been separated and
were lost amongst the valleys of a deep sea ravine. The water was murky and their sonar was off,
so they could communicate but they couldnt see each other.
Eshan was with Deidre, the medical officer, trying to bounce their limited sonar off the walls of
the ravine to help the others pinpoint their location, until Deirdre was attacked by a Lamprey. The
Lamprey latched on to her suit and let go almost immediately- but the damage was done. Her suit
was compromised and no longer protected her from the pressure. She was dead in the blink of an
eye, the visor of her Stark Suit splattered red with her exploded brain.
Alone and helpless, separated from the crew with nothing but Lt. Paynes voice in his ear, Eshan
started to panic. He could see Lt. Paynes vitals on his monitor and they were spiking as though he
was in danger. Eshans panic increased as he saw it. What was wrong with Lt. Payne? He had to
help- he had to find him! But he had no way of finding them, his suit was almost a third out of
power and if he went too far the wrong way he might do more harm than good. He was having a
panic attack, not responding coherently to what the other crew members were saying- when he
heard a new sound through his coms.
Whale song.
He stopped struggling- stopped moving altogether- and came to a rest on a ledge at the side of the
ravine, allowing the sound to sooth his mind. When it ended, he guessed Humpbacks? to which
Lt. Payne replied Yeah.
Theyre my favourite.
I know, thought it might help.
Thank you.
Lieutenant Payne saw a faint glow through the murk, God, I hope that isnt an Angler Fish.
What? Payne, dont go near it! Eshan cried just as a pair of strong, metal arms wrapped around
him.
There you are, Lt. Payne said.
Payne? Eshan closed his eyes for a moment in relief, you found me
Course I did, Lt Payne let him go and Eshan turned to face him, "no way am I losing you,
Eshan."
Are you alright? Eshan asked, Your vitals were spiking.
Im fine- wait- why are you monitoring my vitals?
Its my responsibility-
Your suit doesnt have enough power for that! Your responsibility is to survive, do you
understand?
Yes, Lieutenant.
Cease monitoring all suits but your own, effective immediately, Lt. Payne ordered.
Yes, Lieutenant.
He didnt mean to, but as he drew the five surviving crewmembers continuing their ascent up the
ravine Zayn thought of the way Louis had looked at Harry that morning. It showed in the way
Eshan was always close- but not too close- to Lt. Payne, in the way he reached out, but didnt
touch, in the way that the others were alert to danger and he was still filled with secret relief to be
reunited with the man he loved. As they reached the top of the ravine Zayn sketched the view of
the new landscape through Eshans visor. The right hand side of his vision was still monitoring Lt.
Paynes suit.
***
It was late when he saved the file and set his computer to back up.
He collapsed back onto the bed, drifting off and wondering how long it would take Niall to
magically read the new pages.
He was woken up by the crackled of the intercom. He didnt catch the words as he reached over
and grabbed blindly for the handset on the wall beside his bed.
Niall, I swear to god Ill murder you.
Oh, um...its not Niall.
Zayn sat up, instantly wide awake.
Hi, he grinned.
Its Liam.
Zayn smiled, overwhelmed by fondness.
Yeah, I know what you sound like.
Oh, ok.
Silence.
Cant sleep?
Nah, Im on steering duty. Harrys got to sleep sometime.
So do I.
Oh. Right- Im sorry. I didnt mean to wake you.
Nah, its cool. I wake you often enough.
Yeah, I like it though.
Yeah?
Yeah.
Cool.
Zayn grinned widely. They were talking. Not in person- but not in code either, and that was a
serious step up.
Am I what you expected?
He pulled the blanket up around his shoulders and settled back against the wall.
How do you mean?
I mean I mean me. Am I what you expected?
Yes, Zayn thought, everything I expected and more. That was a little too honest though, so instead
he replied: Am I what you expected?
No.
Zayn felt a little burned, but not overly surprised. Liam had been more than a little uncomfortable
when they first met.
Zayn?
Im still here.
I just I thought youd like me more. Oh God, Im so sorry that sounds so rude. I dont mean
that! I just mean that I thought youd talk more like you do when we email because online I
always kind of feel like youre hugging me but in person- only then in the lab today we were- I
mean, we were, right? Or not. Fuck. Ok, can you forget all of that? Im so tired. Im night
blogging. Out loud. I didnt mean any of that. Well, I did, but not- I just I feel like Ive been
reading you wrong this whole time. Um.
Zayn had never smiled so hard in his life.
I like you, Liam.
Really?
Yeah, Zayn buried his face in his pillow for a moment before he added, a lot.
There was radio silence for a long time before Liam clicked on again.
Do you think we could start over?
I really dont think we can, Zayn said, biting his lip.
Oh, okay. Why not?
Cause itd be physically possible for me to forget your diving speech, Liam, come on.
That so? Zayn could hear the laughter in his voice.
It was a really good speech.
Well, I was just combining my two favourite things.
That so?
Yeah.
Can the others hear us right now?
No, Im using your direct line.
Zayn settle down more comfortably on the bed.
So its just us?
Yeah, the others are asleep.
So thered be no one around to interrupt if I asked you to give me a practical demonstration?
Jesus, Zayn, Liam sounded like he was in physical pain, are you serious?
Well, if youre not too busy.
Fuck, Liam sounded breathless, fuck- I- fuck- Im steering the boat. Its rough tonight I cantwe cant- it wouldnt be responsible but God I want to.
Zayn sighed, but he wasnt disappointed. That right there was a promise that, even if he had to
wait a few hours, a one on one demonstration was absolutely on the cards.
We should probably start slow anyway, he said, Ive never even held your hand.
Yeah, Liams voice was different, and Zayn pictured him blushing and licking his lips, and I
obviously need to show you what a real hug feels like. I dont think Marios been doing it
justice.
Any time, babe, Zayn rolled himself tighter in his blankets, I'm ready when you are.
Well, I mean, what are you doing right now?
Zayn was out of bed in seconds.
He got to the main cabin embarrassingly fast, and when he came through the cabin doorway Liam
was looking at the intercom with a frown etched on his face. Zayn was almost bowled over by
how beautiful he was. It was dark in the cabin except for the flickering switches and screens of the
control board, and the fog lights scanned the seas ahead of them. The reflection off the water
illuminated Liams face as he clicked the intercom to talk, then unclicked it again, bit his lip and
scowled. He clicked it again, brought it all the way up to his mouth, unclicked, clicked again and
said sorry, you probably want to sleep.
Nah, Id rather hang with you.
Liam spun around and dropped the intercom. Threw it across the room and into an important
looking control panel, actually, but Zayn thought it was pretty fucking cute regardless.
Hi, Liam said.
Hi.
Hi.
Hi.
Hug?
Zayn grinned.
Fuck yeah.
He came forward as Liam stood up, a goofy grin stretching across his face and little crinkles
appearing beside his eyes- when something beeped behind him and he turned around quickly to
check it.
Shit, sorry, give me one second he swore, just as Zayn reached him. He put one hand on Zayns
arm to tell him he hadnt been forgotten, but with the other he hurriedly flicked on a second pair of
fog lights and peering out the window. There was a flash of lightening and Liam froze, his hand
gripping Zayn tight.
Oh.
Whats wrong?
Zayn brought his hand to Liams back, not wanting to get too far into his space when he was
growing tenser by the second. Zayn had never seen him like this. Liam was always perfectly calm.
He'd been half drowned the first time they met and even that didn't bother him. Looking out into
the darkness surrounding the ship Zayn felt himself start to panic. What on earth could frighten
Liam?
I want to hug you, Zayn, I really do, Liam said, his voice filled with dread, but I dont think we
have time.
Zayn felt his heart beginning to race for all the wrong reasons.
Whats happening?
Weve got problems, Liam said, as the beeping increased, big problems.
What kind of problems? Zayn took a step back as Liam turned the wheel violently, pressing
buttons and swearing under his breath.
There was a flash of lightening and Zayn saw what looked like moving pillars breaking up the
horizon leading from the dark sea to the even black sky.
What was that?!
Water spouts, Liam said, the GPS just came back online. We're sailing into a storm.
Well thats okay, right? We were in a storm the other day?
Um, okay, so, when I say storm I kind of mean cyclone. Liam said, smacking his hand on a
red button and sending the alarm blaring through the speakers. When it stopped he grabbed the
intercom and flicked the setting to All.
Now that I have your attention- please take a moment to hold tight to something before we get
caught in a waterspout, capsize and drown.
Chapter End Notes
thanks for reading! Next update coming in 3-4 days.
Chapter 4
Chapter Notes
I dont want to die, Niall said, as he burst through the cabin doors, stumbling as ocean tossed the
Georgia Rose about like a plastic toy, were not going to die, right? Right?
None of us are dying, Niall, Louis snapped, rushing in behind him, were all far too good
looking. Out of the way Marvel Man.
He shoved Zayn roughly aside and took the spot next to Liam, looking over the screens and dials
on the control board and swearing loudly. He grabbed the radio.
Mayday! Mayday! This is Georgia Rose to all ships! Requesting assistance! Repeat! Mayday!
Georgia Rose to all ships! Requesting Assistance!
Louis continued yelling into the radio and Zayn blocked out his words, picking out things like
Cyclone and dangerous swell and low fuel. He could barely hear anything above the ringing
panic in his ears. The boat lurched and he flailed for something to hold on to, clinging to the rail
that ran along the window with both hands.
Harry bounded in, his pants undone, shirt on backwards and his expression grim.
Give me the wheel, he said, long legs carrying him across the cabin in two steps.
Liam stepped aside, stumbling over to Zayn as Harry gripped the wheel and, without so much as a
glance at the dials and blipping instruments, turned hard to the left. Harry seemed to steer the ship
on pure instinct, and Zayn was certain they were going to drown. He fell against Liam as the
Georgia Rose rolled so far to one side he was sure they would capsize- and when she righted
herself a moment later Liams arm was tight around his waist, the other holding fast to the rail.
Outside the world was pitch black, rain coming down like a solid wall as though they were
already completely underwater. Occasionally lightening would strike and the horror beyond the
windows would be illuminated- swell so large and rough it was like a mountain range and in the
distance waterspouts moving in hungry twitches across the water. When the light faded and they
could only see as far as the fog lights permitted. Zayn was petrified. They had no way of knowing
how far away they were from the spouts until the next flash of lightening came.
Louis was listening hard to the garbled voices coming back at them over the radio.
Fuck, he swore, fuck, theyre Greek- does anyone speak Greek? He didnt wait for the others
to respond, Mayday! Mayday! English! Do you speak English?
More crackling words came over and he swore again, giving up and trying a different frequency.
Its fine, were going to be fine, Harrys the best captain in Britain. Ive got you, everythings
going to be fine, Liam was whispering a constant stream of reassurance against the back of
Zayns neck. He would have thought this was exactly what he needed but it just made him panic
more. He felt helpless, and far too grownup to believe things would be all right just because the
big strong sailor-man said so.
Stop saying that, Zayn snapped, willing his body to stop shaking, it doesnt help.
It helps me, Liam said, swaying closer with the movement of the boat so his whole body was
pressed up against Zayn, this is all my fault.
Its not your fault, Zayn turned around, his voice low, Youre amazing, but even you cant take
credit for a cyclone.
I sailed us right into it, Liam looked wretched, I thought it was just a mild storm.
The GPS was out, Zayn reminded him, forcing one of his own hands away from the rail and
bringing it up to the back of Liams neck, you couldnt have known. Everything is going to be
fine.
Liam raised an eyebrow.
It makes you feel better, doesnt it? Liams eyes were soft and sad.
Yeah, Zayn nodded, his fingers running up and down Liams neck trying to comfort him,
yeah, I guess it does.
For fucks sake! Louis growled, switching channels again on the radio, are there no god
damned english speaking ships in the Atlantic? Where the fuck are the Americans? Ugh, I never
thought Id say that.
A voice came through the radio and Louis glared at it like it was making a poor taste joke.
I cant even tell what language that is. Fuck this.
Urdu, Zayn frowned, detaching himself from Liam and going over to Louis as fast as the
lurching boat and his sea legs allowed, thats Urdu.
You speak it? Louis raised his eyebrows.
Fluently, Zayn said, reaching for the radio with a shaky hand, what do you want me to say?
You sure you can do this?
Im sure, Zayn nodded.
This is important, mate, high school Urdu wont cut it.
Its my first language, Zayn growled, give me the fucking radio and tell me what to say.
Do it, Louis, Harry snapped, from the wheel, his voice cracking with tension.
He makes a mistake and were dead, Haz, Louis said, looking torn. A flash of lightening
illuminated the horizon, now with so many waterspouts on their port side it was like the bars of a
jail cell.
Louis!
Fine! Louis shoved the radio into Zayns hand, dont fuck up the numbers, right? Theyre
whats going to save- Niall!
Zayn whipped around and saw Niall going for the door to the observation deck. Liam leapt after
him and grabbed him around the middle, wrestling him away from the door.
Let go-a me you fucker! Niall screamed, tears streaming down the front of his face, let go!
Gotta get out- get me out!
Shit, Louis hissed, shit, he really is claustrophobic.
Niall elbowed Liam in the stomach and Liam dropped him, gasping. Louis dashed across the
cabin and shoved Niall up against the door hard and kept him pinned there.
Let me out! Niall sobbed, wrestling against him.
Niall! Zayn cried, torn between the radio and his best friend. He went to drop it when Harry
grabbed him; Stay where you are. We need you on the radio.
But Niall-
Louis will help him.
Like hell!
Liam, Louis yelled over his shoulder, help Zayn. Ive got Niall.
Liam hurried over to, hunching a little from where Niall had got him, and grabbed the hand in
which Zayn held the radio.
Hold this button down when you speak and release it when youre done or we wont be able to
hear the response, he said, translate everything to me exactly. Itll be mainly numbers. You have
to ask them to tell you exactly what each number correlates to in case they say things in a different
order in Urdu, okay? I dont know if thats a thing, but if they list longitude first and latitude
second and we get it backwards well die. Okay?
Got it, Zayn nodded, forcing himself to look away from where Louis was talking right into
Nialls ear, low enough that he couldnt hear, what do I say?
Mayday, Mayday. This is the Georgia Rose requesting assistance. He waited until Zayn had
relayed the message and received a response.
They say go ahead, Zayn informed him, feeling tense and kind of exhilarated. Now he had
something to do the overwhelming spectre of his panic had morphed into something different, a
kind of frantic energy he could use.
Liam had him relay their location using a series of numbers Zayn didnt understand and then ask
for the best route to calmer waters. Over the radio the numbers came back so fast that Zayn had to
ask them to repeat it all slowly, and ended up explaining that he was just a translator. The man on
the radio gave him the numbers again, and Zayn gave them to Liam, who typed them in to the
GPS navigating system as they went.
Please, please, let me out, Niall was whimpering, still pinned to the door by Louis. Zayn tried to
block out the sound of his voice, knowing that the most important thing he could do for Niall was
help get them navigate their way out of the cyclone.
Mate, were going to go to the window, yeah? Louis said, loud enough that Niall heard him
over his babbling panic, you and me, were going to the window and youre gonna stick your
head out for some fresh air, okay? You with me?
Niall hiccupped and nodded, and Zayn watched as Louis steadied him and took him to one of the
circular windows at the back of the cabin. He had to turn a lever to winch it open, and when he
did Niall stuck his entire face out and the tension in his shoulders released as the sound of howling
wind and crashing waves filled the cabin. The proof that the world beyond the cabin still existed
was enough to bring Niall back from the clutches of panic, but it sent Zayn right over the edge.
His heart constricted as the boat lurched and he heard the waves thrashing about, the heavy,
deadly weight of water pummeling the sides of the ship and drowning the deck as Harry steered
them through the rolling darkness. It was hard to breathe. He needed the window shut. He needed
the fictitious safety of the water-tight cabin, the convenient lie to keep the terror at bay. If he
couldnt hear the waves, if he couldnt feel the wind and the cold, if he couldnt really see what
was happening- then none of it was real, right?
It was an ironic reversal in his thinking. Always at the front of his mind as he wrote was the idea
that the greatest fear came from the unknown. He could now say with absolute, paralyzing
certainty that true fear came from knowledge. The irony continued, as he watched Liam and Harry
take every bit of information that contributed to Zayns terror and used it to solidify their hope.
If we move with the swell, Harry yelled, we should be clear of it in five or six hours.
Five or six hours, Zayn felt as though his insides had frozen. They were never going to make it.
Thank God, Liam sagged against the dash, as though this was fantastic news.
What did he say? Niall called from the window, his voice rising in panic.
Nothing mate, Louis rubbed a calming circle on his back, just keep your head out the window.
Ive got you.
Zayn needed him to close the window. He needed it closed right now.
Zayn? Niall called weakly, Zayn, you right?
Yeah man, Zayn said, affecting nonchalance, Im havin a proper high seas adventure.
m sorry, Niall sobbed miserably, trying to turn away from the window, Ill close the window.
Im fine. We can close it.
No way, Bottle Blonde, Louis said, you stay right there.
But Zayn-
Its fine, Nailler, Zayn said, as the radio crackled and garbled Urdu came out, you just make
sure youre alright, yeah?
He replied to the call, confirming that they were still afloat and then translated the exchange for
Liam, who nodded and gave him coordinates to send through so someone at least knew their
location.
***
In the end it took nine hours, but Harry managed to steer them clear of the cyclone. At some point
the sun had risen, which meant that the world became a confusing flurry of dark greys instead of
pitch black, but somehow Harry navigated the Georgia Rose through it all.
It wasnt as simple as pointing the ship in the right direction. They had to keep her in the right
position on the wave, and with the size of the swell, if they were at the wrong angle there was a
very real risk of capsizing. It almost happened so often that Zayn eventually felt numb to it. He
just kept his post by the radio, sending out their coordinates every ten minutes and relaying any
update on the behaviour of the storm to Liam and Harry, who entered it into the GPS and adjusted
their course. It was Liams job to determine their course, and Harrys job to keep them afloat.
Louis didnt leave Nialls side the entire time, even though it was obvious to Zayn that he
desperately wanted to be closer to Harry while the young captain frown hard at the ocean turned
the wheel determinedly this way and that. Zayn felt a huge surge of affection towards Louis as
time wore on. It seemed endless, and with every stomach churning plunge down the back of a
wave Zayn saw Louis eyes blow wide as he whipped his head around to look at Harry as though
it might be his last chance, as though if they sank into the water and didnt come back to the
surface he was going to use his last breath to call Harrys name. Zayn knew the feeling.
But then, somehow, right at the moment he became convinced that they would be trapped in the
storm until they ran out of fuel and were swamped by the merciless waves- they saw a patch of
blue sky.
It took another hour but finally- finally- they reached calm waters, where the meager 10 ft swell
seemed relaxing and the biting wind was fresh and pleasant as a summer breeze.
Zayn radioed in their location and received word back that they were well outside the reach of the
cyclone, and moving in the opposite direction. There was cheering down the line, as in the last
nine hours the entire team at the Arabian oil rig had become invested in their survival. He thanked
them all by name, blessed them and their families, hung up the radio and slumped to the floor.
Were safe, he said, they say the cyclones headed the other way, but we should still put as
much distance as we can between us. Also, were twitter famous now. Hashtag
SaveGeorgiaRose. Were trending in Dubai.
Uuuuuuuuuuggghhh, Liam groaned and collapsed on the floor next to him, Im so sorry
everyone, he curled his arms around his knees and hid his face between them, Im so fucking
sorry. I sailed us right into it.
Zayn reached out and willed his fingers to stop shaking before he gently put his hand on the back
of Liams neck.
Not your fault, he said.
Yes it is, Liam mumbled miserably, shrugging his shoulders to shake Zayn off.
And youll be buying rounds for the next year to make up for it, you fuckwit, Louis informed
him, but I suppose I forgive you.
He stepped away from Niall, patting him on the back and trusting him to look after himself now
that they were out of danger and came over to Harrys side. He stood close, but obviously not as
close as he wanted. Harrys eyes were still focused on the ocean in front of him, but his frown was
gone.
On the plus side, Harry said, I speak Urdu now.
He rang off a random string of Urdu words Zayn had repeated about ten thousand times over the
last nine hours. Out of order and out of context they made absolutely no sense, but his accent
wasnt too bad.
Niall cackled as he tugged his face, pink from the cold, his hair full of salt, back in through the
window.
My god, he said, I can just imagine trying to edit your book, Harry. Jeremy stepped on the
landmine and lost both his legs and his sense of smell. His cat died and his house got termites and
had to be burned down. On the plus side he got a lot of reading done in hospital, which he really
enjoyed, and he had plenty of time to learn the rules of chess, which he had always wanted to
play. So, on the whole, everything turned out nicely.
Zayn felt a grin stretching across his face, and saw Liam looked up over his knees fondly.
Well, like, theres definitely times when Im not enjoying myself, Harry said philosophically,
like, you know, when were in a cyclone and I think we might die, but then you just have to take
a step back and like, theres no question. Theres nothing else Id rather be doing than sailing
around with you lot. So if you want to get through the bad stuff youve got to look on the bright
side, you know?
Louis quirked an eyebrow and whistled the tune to Always Look On the Bright Side of Life.
Harry turned, reaching out and pulling him into a one armed hug, his other hand still white
knuckled on the steering wheel. Louis clung to him and mumbled into his chest, nine hours of
need channeled into a single hug. Harry made no move to disengage from their embrace and Zayn
bit his lip. Harry might be making jokes, but he was as shaken as the rest of them- probably more
considering he was the one who spent nine solid hours with their life in his hands.
Niall came over to where he and Liam were leaning against the side of the cabin and plonked
himself unceremoniously into Zayns lap, curling up into a ball as Zayn let out an oof!.
Zayn wrapped his arms around him and sighed as Nialls breathing started to even out. He must
be exhausted with the adrenalin finally wearing off.
Im sorry I was so fuckin useless, he mumbled, his words already slurring, Im a shit friend. I
could tell you needed me but I couldnt- I felt like someone had a grip on my heart and I had t be
outside or theyd tear it out o my chest.
Hey, youre the best friend Ive ever had, Zayn told him quietly, and Im sorry it wasnt me
over there with you.
Nah, you had to save the day with your mad radio skills, Niall chuckled, Zayn Malik:
Bilingual Radio Hero.
You think Marvell finally start paying me the big bucks?
Absolutely. Bendyflip Crumblyditch can play me in the movie.
Isnt he a bit old, mate?
Shuddup, hes Smaug, Niall muttered, n Sherlock.
Whos gonna play me then? Zayn asked.
Theres only ten actors at the BBC, Niall shrugged, pick one.
Two seconds later he was snoring and slobbering off over Zayns shoulder.
Zayn sighed and let his head fall back against the wall. Louis was watching him with narrowed
eyes and Zayn groaned internally. He had been just about ready to like Louis after the way hed
helped Niall.
What? he asked.
What were you doing up here in the cabin? Louis crossed his arms, you should have been
asleep.
I asked him to come up, Tommo, Liam snapped, glaring angrily.
Louis met his glare with one of equal animosity.
That why you were distracted enough to sail us into a fucking cyclone.
Shut the fuck up Louis, Harry snapped, and even Zayn gasped. He had never heard Harry so
much as raise his voice and judging by Liam and Louis reaction his anger was unprecedented.
Haz-
No. Im sick of this. What the hell is wrong with you at the moment? Zayn doesnt need a reason
to be around Liam- the whole reason hes onboard is to be around Liam! Its weirder when theyre
not together. And the cyclone wasnt Liams fault. He was following my instructions and keeping
us on route even with a broken GPS, and when he realized there was danger he raised the alarm.
He did everything right, so stop giving him grief- and stop being an asshole to Zayn. Who are
you? Where the hell is Louis Tomlinson? He was here five minutes ago when Niall was having a
panic attack- whered he go, huh? Just-just fuck off until you find him.
Harry-
Harry turned his back before Louis could get another word out, hunching his shoulders and
pulling his jumper over his hands.
Louis rocked unsteadily on his feet, looking from Harry to Liam to Zayn and even briefly at Niall,
who still snored obliviously in Zayns lap.
I Ill just go check on Diana then, he said, and left, quietly closing the door behind him.
A loud sniff came from the steering wheel and Liam hauled himself to his feet, bundling Harry up
in a tight hug.
"'S alright, Hazza," he said, "cut him some slack, yeah? He was afraid just like the rest of us."
"I don't know what's gotten into him," Harry sniffed, "he's not my Louis anymore. I don't know
what I did."
"You didn't do anything mate," Liam assured him, "he just needs to figure a few things out for
himself."
Waddid I mizz? Niall said sleepily, raising his head off Zayns shoulder, whoa, he blinked at
Harry and Liam, whats wrong with Harry?
We should give them some privacy, Zayn said quietly, nudging Niall until he got to his feet
groggily.
He put a hand on Nialls shoulder and steered him out of the cabin towards their own rooms,
looking over his shoulder at the last minute to see Liam watching him go. He paused in the
doorway and raised his hand in a tiny wave before descending the stairs down to his cabin.
***
Everyones sleep schedule was completely fucked. Niall, better now that they were in calmer
waters but by no means recovered from his panic attack, refused to sleep alone and bundled up in
bed with Zayn for the rest of the day. It was comforting having his mate there and they both slept
dreamlessly until dawn the next day.
When they finally awoke it was to whale noises, which was only slightly more pleasant than the
cyclone alarm.
Zayn rolled over, almost squashing Niall, who had starfished across most of the bed and also
stolen most of the blankets.
How does Druscilla stand sleeping with you? Zayn grumbled, you expand your territory in the
dead of night like Nazi fucking Germany.
Dont know what youre talking about, Niall yawned, rolling to the side and stealing the last
remaining sliver of Zayns blanket, be grateful you get to bask in my glorious presence.
Grateful? You stole my blanket- and you dont even snuggle, you selfish prick.
The British have taught me so well, Niall sat up grinning, come on, lets go get some tea and
make more jokes about Imperialism.
Zayn smiled as Niall leapt up from the bed, the regular spring back in his step.
Youre obviously feeling better then?
The therapeutic effects of whale song, what can I say? Niall smiled like a loon, then his
expression went somber, seriously though, are you okay? I can't imagine yesterday helped your
thalassophia.
Im fine, Zayn sat up and pulled on fresh track pants, I think Im getting used to it, you know?
Being out here. Its not so bad.
Well, Im proud of you, Niall said, ruffling his hair fondly, now hurry the fuck up, Im
starving.
You can go if youre in such a hurry, Zayn yawned, swapping his shirt for a fresh one and
liberally applying deodorant. He couldnt be bothered taking a shower yet. The idea of water on
his body right now was less than appealing.
Nope. Youve still got to tell me what you were actually doing in the cabin with Liam.
Zayn blushed. He hadnt even thought about it since the whole cyclone saga began, but now that
he remembered he shot straight out of the bed like hed been electrocuted.
Um.
Tell me everything, Niall said instantly, his eyes lighting up with demonic hellfire, right now.
Theres nothing to tell, Zayn looking in the tiny mirror screwed into the wall and saw that his
hair was a complete mess, he had dark rings around his eyes and his stubble was getting thick
enough to call a beard. Hed looked better.
Lies, Niall smirked, come on. Spill. What were you doing with Doctor McDreamboat in the
wee small hours of the morning?
I was going to get a hug.
A hug? Niall repeated, Are you fucking serious?
Yes. Can we go now, please?
Zayn, do I have to remind you that you are a grown ass man? Do I need to remind you that he
gave you a very detailed, very elaborate speech about how exactly hed fuck you until he knew
everything about the glories of your depths? A hug? Are you kidding me?
You know, not everyone is you are Dru, Zayn glared, not everyone gets to meet the love of
their life in front of the T-Rex Exhibit and just know its right, okay? Some of us have to figure it
out slow.
Mate, glaciers move faster than you two. Get it together.
Im trying! Zayn cried, but in case you didnt notice, I got interrupted by a cyclone.
You had nine hours of precipice of death time in which it would have been entirely appropriate
to grab him by the collar and stick your tongue down his throat! That cyclone was a gift.
A gift? Zayn repeated, unimpressed.
Mate, youre the fucking writer! Look at your life! Two young, good-looking men with sexual
tension you could cut with a chainsaw are in a life-threatening situation together. If this were a
comic how would it end? Hmm?
Theyd end up fucking each other sideways, Zayn grumbled.
Right! Niall said, now get your act together. The next time either of you almost dies, I want to
be haunted in my sleep by the sound of your obnoxiously loud, perfectly timed orgasms.
Understand? Of course, you could skip the whole almost dying part and just go fuck his brains
out. Im willing to support you either way.
I cant decide if youre the best friend Ill ever have or the worst, Zayn grimaced, can we never
speak of this again?
Niall narrowed his eyes with a smirk.
This is all Im going to talk about until you two get it together.
No.
Yes.
Niall.
Breakfast time! Niall sang, tearing open the door and skipping away down the corridor,
Wouldnt it be great if you got laaaaid toddaaaaaay!
Zayn gulped.
Oh shit.
***
What am I looking at? Zayn said, staring at the screen with wide eyes, More to the point- why
am I looking at it?
Because its magnificent, Liam breathed, his voice catching with emotion, you are looking at
the last member of a 125 million year old family of sharks.
Zayn didnt say so, but the thing Diana was currently filming at the bottom of the ocean was ugly
as fuck. This was obviously what happened when the gene pool got too old and too small.
They were in the lab and it was the late afternoon. Louis still wasnt speaking to anyone, and
Harry was absolutely miserable about it. Liam, once hed gotten a few hours sleep, appeared
determined to throw himself into his work to make up for the cyclone clusterfuck, and Niall
(despite his threats) could see that there was just a bit too much tension on the boat to be joking
around right now. That didnt necessarily stop him, he just picked his time carefully. Right now,
for example, he was up on the bow teaching Harry filthy songs from his local pub in Dublin to try
and put a smile back on the captains dial, which meant Zayn could spend time alone with Liam.
Well, Liam and the thing.
It looks kind of flabby, he said, trying not to grimace too obviously as the bucktooth, long
snouted slug of a shark mooched around in front of Dianas cameras. It was like the deep sea
version of Jabba The Hut.
Look at it Zayn! Its so beautiful oh my god, Liam sighed, you know we cant observe them at
the surface? Any Goblin Shark they ever put in an aquarium died a few hours later. This is it- this
is the only chance we get.
So this is like a once in a life time experience? Zayn asked, turning in his chair to look at Liam
with a grin.
Yeah, yeah it is, Liam bit his lip, turning to face Zayn.
Cyclones and a Goblin Shark? You really know how to make a guy feel special.
Liam blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Im sorry. Youre probably really bored.
Not at all, Zayns fingers itched to touch him, every time I think you couldnt possibly come up
with something weirder than a Deep Sea Slater you prove me wrong. Youre the most interesting
person I know.
Im really not, Liam ducked his head.
You are, Zayn inched forward on his chair, finally reaching out and (kind of awkwardly) letting
his hand rest on Liams thigh, and youre funny and kind and brave and all kinds of wonderful,
Liam.
Liam stared, and Zayn stared too because where the hell had that come from? He hadnt known
he had the guts to say that. Character development- who knew?
There was a quiet knock at the door, and Zayn and Liam both turned to look, knowing it was
Louis. For once, Zayn couldnt even be mad.
Louis had changed over the last two days. He wasnt sulking. Sulking would imply self-pity,
which he didnt appear to feel. He wasnt angry or malicious or righteously indignant, offended or
wronged- he was none of the things that Zayn expected. Instead, he was broken. It was barely a
full day since Harry had gotten mad at him and Zayn already wanted the old Louis back. Snarky,
antagonistic Louis had been an asshole, sure, but he was lively and entertaining, sure of himself
and he made the Georgia Rose feel kind of alive. Now things were strangely quiet onboard. Louis
wasnt withholding his personality to punish Harry- he seemed to have lost it altogether.
Come in, Liam called, and Louis poked his head through the door nervously, hey Tommo.
Want to join us?
We found a Goblin Shark, Zayn said, as a peace offering.
Yeah? Louis came in to the entirely, pulled up a seat, curling himself up on it. He was tiny
without his personality.
Shes proper beautiful, he said, his voice rasping appreciatively.
They watched the goblin shark for another few minutes when things started to grow awkward.
Louis was supposed to be talking. It was uncomfortable when he had nothing to say. Silence and
Louis Tomlinson were basically antonyms. It was weirder still that Zayn hardly knew the guy and
yet he felt in his bones that something was wrong with him.
I think Ill go help make lunch, he said, because it seemed like Louis could use a bit of Liam
time. Everyone could use some Liam time- especially Zayn, but Louis needed it more right now.
Niall would be appalled.
You should help him, Liam, Louis said, reaching for Dianas controls and nodding
encouragingly (but still kind of like a puppy afraid of being kicked), go on.
I can stay, Liam shook his head.
Go with Zayn, Louis said softly, please.
Liam held his gaze for a moment then nodded, clapping him on the shoulder.
Ill bring you lunch yeah? he offered, and Louis muttered a thank you before turning back to the
Goblin Shark.
They left Louis in the lonely darkness of the lab, into the cabin and out onto the deck. It was far
too early for lunch time. The skies were clear today and the ocean for the first time was a clear
deep blue.
I never asked, Liam said, as they headed for the stairs, why youre setting it in the ocean.
Zayn thought about it for a moment.
Because its so frightening. Its like space- nobody can hear you scream. You dont really know
whats out there, humans arent meant to survive in those kinds of conditions- its perfect for
horror if you think about it.
Yeah, I guess its like space, Liam nodded, pausing at the top of the stairs to lean over the
railing and look out at the water with a smile, Its mysterious and glorious and one of the last
frontiers left to explore. Its a challenge and an obstacle that only perseverance, innovation and
ingenuity can overcome. Its the perfect setting for adventure.
Zayn laughed, because how could he have fallen for someone so completely opposite to him?
Then again, really it wasnt such a mystery. Liam was a giant ball of brave, optimistic sunshine.
How could anyone not fall in love with him?
He took a step back and slipped.
Liam reached out with a cry as he hit the railing and tumbled backwards- falling-falling- air
rushing past his ears- then he hit the water.
Chapter End Notes
*hides*
I'm sorry I am taking so long to update this fic. I work full time so please forgive me
if it takes a while this time around. I'm doing my best.
Chapter 5
Chapter Notes
Zayn was drowning. He was winded and sinking, his clothes weighing him down like stones.
Water was everywhere- above him, below him- he kept his mouth clamped shut even as he
swallowed sea water and his lungs burned. His eyes stung when he opened them but he saw
nothing but blurred darkness.
Suddenly he felt something grip him and his first thought was BIGFIN SQUID and then suddenly
he breeched the surface, cold air hitting him in the face and shocking him into taking a gasping
breath.
He coughed, spluttering and fighting for a second, third, fourth breath as something- someoneheld him afloat.
Zayn! Zayn! Its okay- Ive got you! Liam yelled right in is ear and holy shit. Holy shit.
Liam? Zayn gasped, his arms flailing out to the side.
How were they afloat? Why was Liam in the water? The Georgia Rose was floating in front of
them but there was no way to get back on board.
Liam! Zayn screamed, what are you doing here- get back on the boat!
Stop- Zayn! Stop struggling or you youll drop us both! Zayn- Zayn you have to trust me! Liam
yelled.
I cant swim- Liam, I cant swim!
I know. Ive got you- I wont let you drown.
What if you drown?
Zayn just trust me- trust me okay? You have to relax or I wont be able to keep us up.
Liam was panting with the effort and Zayn grit his teeth and forced himself to stop moving. It was
hard- harder than anything hed ever done- to stop fighting against the water, but once he did he
felt how Liam was kicking to keep them both afloat. He had one arm hooked around Zayn,
holding him from behind where Zayn couldnt reach him and drown him. Zayn remembered
seeing something about this during his research. Why was he thinking about research? They were
going to die.
ZAYN! Niall bellowed, appearing suddenly at the side of the ship, YOU LITTLE FUCKER
IM GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU!
Zayn raised one hand out of the water and gave a weak wave as Louis appeared beside him and
hurled over a life ring.
YOU BETTER BE CATCHING MY LUNCH, PAYNO!
Behind him, Liam chuckled and Zayn felt hysteria building in his chest. This was ridiculous.
They were going to die.
Im going to swim to the life ring, yeah? Liam said, just rest your head back and keep your
mouth above the water, okay?.
Zayn did as he was told, but tilting his back meant looking up at the endless sky made him think
of the endless water below them. He started babbling, half choking on water that splashed into his
mouth.
Shit, shit Liam are we going to get eaten by a goblin shark?
Liam laughed as he swam in a kind of side stroke towards the life ring.
Itd have to swim up about 8000 ft, I think were safe, he said, and that just had Zayn panicking
more.
Eight thousand feet?!?!?!?!
Shh, were fine, Zayn, were okay.
That only makes you feel better, Zayn said, and Liam laughed.
They reached the life ring, orange and bright and out of place in the uninterrupted blue of the seaand Liam made Zayn take a hold of it.
He knew he looked like a terrible coward but fuck it- he didnt care.
I have to let go of you now, Liam said calmly, just hold on to the ring and Ill take us to the
boat.
Zayn nodded, gripping the ring for dear life, wondering what the hell he was supposed to do with
his legs as Liam pulled the ring sidestroke over to the side of the Georgia Rose, where Louis had
lowered the rope ladder.
He maneuvered Zayn and the ring so he was right beside the ladder.
Come on, you have to let go- just one arm- grab the ladder and start climbing. Im coming right
after you, I promise.
Zayn felt like his arms were frozen to the ring, and with the freezing cold water he felt like that
might actually be true- but he wrenched one arm away and snatched at the rope. Once he had a
good grip he clenched his jaw and let go of the life ring altogether, clinging desperately to the
ladder as he willed his legs to get with the program and start climbing. He looked behind him and
saw Liam, with one arm through the ring, holding on the rope and waiting for him to climb.
You can do it, he said, with a winning smile, take your time.
Sorry, Zayn mumbled, Im trying to go but my legs wont cooperate.
He tried to steady his breathing and reached for the next rung with his arms, figuing that his legs
would have to follow eventually. Why wouldnt his body do what he told it? Fuck fear. Fuck
panic. It was debilitating in the extreme.
No rush, Liam said, and he sounded like he was enjoying himself, Im not gonna lie- Im
admiring the view.
Zayn was startled into laughter.

Are you serious?
ZAYN MALIK CLIMB THE FUCKING LADDER YOU FUCKWIT OR ILL COME DOWN
THERE AND CLIMB IT FOR YOU FOR FUCKS SAKE! Niall screamed and Zayn found
himself laughing even harder as he pulled himself up another rung, his legs shakily moving where
he told them.
When he reached the edge Niall grabbed him under the arms and hauled him over, dumping him
unceremoniously on the ground and kicking him in the shins.
Ow!
What the fuck Zayn! Niall yelled, when I said 'the next time you get into a near death
situation' I wasnt fucking serious!
Zayn groaned and laid back on the deck coughing and trying to catch his breath. His heart rate
was still going a thousand miles an hour. It was like terror of the cyclone all over again- only
condensed into the space of about six minutes.
What do you mean he cant swim? Why didnt you tell us before? That-thats really dangerous!
What if none of us had seen him go over?
Harry was pacing the deck, furiously berating Niall as Liam tumbled over the edge of the boat and
discarded the life ring.
Thats it, he declared, next time were going somewhere tropical. Im sick of cold water.
I cant believe none of you told me! He should be wearing a life jacket- there are safety
procedures!
Harry, Haz. Its okay, theyre fine, Louis was there too, reaching out to Harry and trying to
calm him.
Thats pure luck, Louis! Harry snapped, what if none of us had been there? What if hed fallen
in and none of us had thought to go after him? What if wed just yelled hold on while I get the
life ring! and come back and hed drowned? What about then?
Harry-
No- no. Not okay. This is not okay. Zayn, Harry stopped marching and frowned down at him,
I am very upset with you.
Sorry Harry, Zayn croaked. He was starting to shiver, shouldve told you. Was embarrassed.
Harry gave a longsuffering sigh.
Well. Okay, he pouted, I forgive you. Im glad youre okay. Are you okay? Ill get you a
towel.
Ive g-got him, Liam said, teeth chattering as the cold set in. He bent down to haul Zayn to his
feet, s-s-someone should be monitoring D-Diana. Were f-fine j-just gotta g-get w-warm.
He took Zayn below decks before the others could protest any further and hurried them to the
showers. He turned on the hot water as Zayn felt the adrenalin draining from his body and
shivering cold take over. He felt like an addict going through withdrawals.
Liam stepped under the warm spray and pulled Zayn in after him. He cried out as the hot water
burned his skin and tried to get out, but Liam held him under.
Give it a minute, he insisted as Zayn struggled, it burns at first but your body has to heat up.
This is the fastest way. Trust me.
Zayn flinched as the water stung him but, true to his promise, gradually it lost its edge and became
soothing and warm, like the hands Liam was running up and down his back. It took a moment for
Zayn to realize they were wrapped around each other, his face buried in the crook of Liams neck
for protection against the stinging hot water and his arms wrapped around Liams middle.
Liam pulled away slowly, and Zayn let him, his mind wrapped in fog. The parts of his body still
clothed felt like ice and the parts exposed directly to the water felt like they were burning. His
thoughts were sluggish and slow where moments ago they had been incoherently quick.
Arms up, Liam said, tugging on the hem of Zayns shirt.
Thoughtlessly, Zayn lifted his arms and Liam pulled the heavy, soaked material off so the water
hit his bare skin.
I like your tattoos, Liam mumbled, eyeing them as he pulled off his own shirt and winced as the
water hit him.
I like yours, Zayn said, brushing his fingers over the four arrows on Liams arm.
Weve got to get rid of the rest of our clothes, Liam said, kicking off his shoes and shoving his
pants down till he stood in nothing but his underwear.
Zayn fumbled to do the same, brain semi-registering that he and Liam were getting naked together
in a shower. He briefly wondered if this was a Niall approved activity.
The moment Zayn was down to just his underwear Liam reached out for him, dark circles under
his eyes. He looked utterly exhausted.
Come here, Liam said, pulling him back under the spray and wrapping himself around Zayn
again so their skin was pressed together exchanging heat from head to toe. Zayns arms curled
around Liams broad, muscled back, his fingers spreading wide as he breathed in the smell of his
wet skin. He let his lips brush over Liams neck and tasted salt and skin. Liam shivered against
him and Zayn felt Liam turn his face in towards Zayns neck and his mouth ghost along from his
collar bone to his chin.
Why didnt you tell me you cant swim? Liam whispered as he reached Zayns ear.
He sounded shaken, and Zayn closed his eyes with a guilty sigh.
Never came up, he said, and Liam held him tighter.
The water began to run cold and Liam flinched, pulling away quickly to turn the shower off,
cursing the shitty heating system.
"Shit," he said, his voice coming out in shivering bites, "shit, okay, come on- we've got to get
warm."
He grabbed towels for them both and they dried off hurriedly, hands fumbling as their bodies
began to shake violently without each others heat.
As soon as they were mostly dry Liam grabbed Zayns hand, leaving their clothes in the shower,
and led him stumbling down the corridor to his cabin. Once inside he reached in his bag and
brought out dry clothes, sweats and polar fleeces.
Here, put these on, he said, handing them to Zayn as he pulled a polar fleece over his own head.
Zayn turned away as he changed, though it occurred to him that, really, there was nothing left to
be afraid of. Hed now lived through his worst nightmares. Hed fallen overboard and almost
drowned, Liam had found out he couldnt swim and yet he was still here now, taking Zayn by
the hand and pulling him down onto the bed.
Come under the covers, Liam said softly, pulling them back and tucking his own legs beneath,
we can use body heat to warm up. Its pretty effective.
You dont have to persuade me, Zayn said, you had me at come under the covers.
Liam snorted.
Youre secretly a bit dirty, arent you? he said, sounding pleased as he pulled Zayn close and
brought the blanket up to their shoulders. Zayn could feel him shivering, and when their feet
brushed they were like ice. Liam tucked one of his legs between Zayns, wrapping an arm around
his middle. Zayn let out an involuntary groan as warmth began to radiate between them and he felt
it spread from each point of contact.
God, Zayn, Liam choked, can you do that again later when Im not fighting off hypothermia?
Zayn groaned again and wriggled so that their stomachs were pressed against each other and
brought up a hand to run through Liams damp hair. He watched Liams eyes flutter closed as he
ran his fingers over his scalp to the nape of his neck. Liam let out a little groan of his own and
Zayn felt familiar hot-hot-heat building in all the right places.
With pleasure, he whispered, and Liam shivered (the good kind), pressing in close.
Their faces were so close all Zayn would have to do would be to tilt his head just so and their lips
would touch. Now was the time. Their bodies were already entwined, Liams eyes were hooded
as he gazed at Zayns mouth and his breath was hot against Zayns skin. Zayn moved the hand he
had running through Liams hair to cup his cheek, watching his eyes for any hint of hesitation.
Liam looked up and met his gaze, his gorgeous eyes wide. He licked his lips andIs that why youve been so uncomfortable here? Liam whispered, because you cant swim?
Zayn blinked.
What?
Is-
Yeah, I heard you, Zayn closed his eyes, feeling thoroughly scorned. Theres no way Liam
hadnt known he was going for a kiss. Either he wasnt ready or he wasnt interested and given
the way he had his thigh pressed up against Zayns dick he kind of found either of those options
hard to believe.
I just Liam stopped, as though choosing his words carefully, this whole time Ive been really
worried that it was me, he blushed, I thought I know you said you liked me but sometimes
you pull right back or kind of shut down, you know? Like youre warm like human sunshine and
then suddenly its like you switch it off and I cant get through to you anymore. Its frightening
cause I thought it was me. I thought there was something I was doing that made you pull away
and I couldnt figure out what it was and its been driving me mad and-
Liam, Zayn interrupted, brushing his thumb over Liams jaw line fondly, Youre looking at me
backwards. Im not normally all warm and happy- youre the one who brings that out in me. My
default setting right now is blind panic. Youve been keeping me sane.
What?
I have thalassophobia, Zayn whispered, do you know what that is?
Wait, isnt that a fear of lagoons? Liam frowned.
Uh, not quite, Zayn huffed a little laugh, its a phobia of large bodies of water."
Oh, Liams eyes lost focus as he reevaluated things. When he came back he looked a little
guilty, Oh, God, Zayn- why didnt you tell me? I wouldnt have made you come out here. I
would have come on land to meet you.
Niall organized the whole thing, Zayn traced Liams cheek bone with this fingers, and if it was
a choice between going out on the ocean and meeting you or staying on land without you- it
wasnt much of a choice, really.
Why didnt you tell me, though? Liam sounded more than a little upset, I would have
understood.
I didnt want you to think I was a coward, Zayn sighed, letting his fingers still and looking Liam
right in the eye, and its a phobia. It twists your mind till you can barely think straight. I think the
only reason I can even talk about it right now is because Im still pumped full of adrenalin.
Liam considered him for a long moment.
Thalassophobia, thats a really reasonable one though, he said, I mean it is scary out here, the
ocean is really deep and dangerous and full of scary things. Your fear is, like, evolutionarily
logical.
Youre not afraid to be here, Zayn pointed out.
Well no, but at least your phobia makes sense. Im afraid of spoons.
Sorry?
Spoons. I hate them. They terrify me. I cant even use salad servers- theyre too spoony. And
dont even get me started on sporks. Why ruin a perfectly good fork? Fuck spoons.
Are you serious?
Sharing an ice cream Sunday is literally my worst nightmare.
Zayn found himself grinning hopelessly.

Are you trying to make me feel better? Its working.
Hey, I respect your phobia! Liam pouted, respect mine.
Spoons?
Liam shivered.
The worst part is theyre everywhere and no one understands why I hate restaurants.
Zayn wanted to kiss him. A lot.
He grinned, bringing his face closer.
How do you feel about chopsticks?
Pretty good, why?
I know this place-
The boat lurched, the lights flashed and then went out completely as the entire ship powered
down.
What now? Zayn demanded, seriously, what the fuck is wrong now?
The lights flickered back on a moment later, but Liam had gone tense in his arms.
Harry must be running checks on the batteries, he muttered, Im sure its fine. Hell call us if
theres a problem-
The intercom crackled to life.
-I think Im entitled to be a bit upset, Louis! Harry was yelling.
I know Haz, I get it- but Im trying to help you-
No- you dont get it because youre half the reason Im like this!
Zayn and Liam looked at each other with wide eyes.
We shouldnt be hearing this, Zayn whispered.
Liam nodded, biting his lip, but made no move to pick up the intercom and interrupt them.
We cant turn it off, he frowned, its the emergency system. Wed have to interrupt.
Shit, Zayn grimaced, we could do you have ear plugs?
H-Harry, Jesus, God- please dont cry
Im not crying! Harry sniffed, I just have sweaty eyes.
Harry Louis voice cracked and Zayn could hear his pain even over the shitty intercom.
What happened to you? Harry asked, practically begging, I feel like you- the real you- like
youve just disappeared since Zayn and Niall decided to come visit. Its not like weve never had
extra crew before please- please- just tell me whats going on.
Zayn waited, holding his breath. Beside him, Liam whispered: come on Tommo. Just tell him.
Okay, Louis said, obviously psyching himself up, okay. Okay- Harry I cant promise youll
feel better after I tell you, yeah?
I just want to understand, Harry begged, Please Louis, I-.
Im fucking jealous, Louis said, cutting him off, okay? For the longest time it was just the
three of us- and Liam and I were always the same. It was always the two of us who knew what it
was like, who felt this way- and then suddenly hes emailing Zayn every two and a half seconds,
but it was fine. It was fine because he knew how I felt- he knew exactly how I felt- and then
suddenly Zayns here and its so obvious, so fucking obvious theyre going to end up together and
I God, I was just so jealous, Harry.
Y-youre in love with Liam? Harry said, his voice wobbling.
What? Louis sounded close to tears, no- Harry- what the fuck?
But you said-
Fuck, Louis sounded wrecked, Ive really fucked this up, havent I? I'm not in love with LiamI'm jealous that Liam has the one thing I'll never have, don't you get it? Fuck, of course you don't.
If you did we wouldn't be having this conversation. Fuck my life. Okay- Liam gets his happy
ending, yeah? He and Zayn get to fall in love and waltz off into the sunset and then its just me left
here like hes my best mate. Hes the one who got it, really got what it was like to love someone
who doesnt know how you feel. We used to talk about it. Hed tell me how his whole life felt it
was hopeless and ridiculous and painful and I knew exactly how he felt because thats how I feel
about you, Harry. Ive been in love with you since the day we met and its hard, okay? Its hard
knowing that its one sided and that I should move on but I dont think Im strong enough to
leave- but I probably have to now, dont I? Because I hate how youre looking at me, Harry.
Jesus, I knew this would happen! Im sorry, alright? I cant help the way I feel If youre
uncomfortable I can try and respect your space until we get back to port and then we can just go
our separate ways. Fine. Its fine. I get it-
No, Harry interrupted him, speaking faster than Zayn had ever heard him, Lou-Louis- Im so
in love with you.
What?
Yes! Liam squealed, cuddling closer to Zayn, Oh my god-finally!
Zayn sighed contentedly and settled in to listen to the rest of Harrys speech.
I thought you knew- I thought I was so stupidly obvious with everything I did- how could you not
know? Louis- I learned whale song for you!
Should we tell them now? Zayn whispered.
Nah, give them a bit more time.
You just want to listen in, you sap.
Shut up, this is so sweet, Liam had tears in his eyes. Zayn wanted to kiss him. His hands and
feet were still freezing, but hed never felt so warm.
Haz
When we met I thought you were the most beautiful man Id ever met. It was instant. Not like in
the movies where everything stops and nothing else matters but just, like like everything was
better now- brighter and more beautiful because I had you with me. I just knew, Ive known
forever, I think, that you were the only one for me. I thought sometimes you were flirting with me
and so I figured I had a chance, but then we were working together and I knew I couldnt force
you to make a decision- I didnt wanted to scare you off, I wanted you to trust me so youd know
that Id never break your heart, so I just did everything I could to try and show you I care. H-how
did you not know I cared? Shit, Louis, Im so sorry. I should have said something.
Harry was rambling terribly, and Zayn kind of wanted to edit his mental script so he could just get
to the point, but it was terribly sweet, and every now and then they heard Louis make a little
sound, like a gasp or a sob. This was better than any romance film. Not that Zayn would admit to
watching those. Ahem.
I should have taken your hand every single time I thought about doing it- but I always talked
myself out of it because I thought you didnt want me to. I thought you felt something for me,
but I thought it was buried deep down and that I had to earn your love because youve always
seemed so afraid of feeling anything. I thought it was working too- until last week when when
you changed. I see why, Lou, I get why you were upset but God, you didnt have to be. I love you
so much.
Harry
I love you so, so much, Louis. Nothing makes me smile like you. I always want you laughing
with me. I always want to touch you. I always want to be kissing you. I always want you near me.
I lie in bed at night and I just think Im cold. I need Louis to be warm. I think about how we
should be lying there together, and how smooth your skin is, and how I just want to kiss you all
over. I want to hold your face in my hands- and I love your eyes and your hands and your ass.
God, Lou, your ass is just the most amazing thing. I want to pick you up and carry you around
and push you up against a wall and youll wrap your legs around me and I want to fuck you so
hard and slow-
Um, Liam coughed, I think we should tell them now.
Haz, holy shit-
I dream about your cock, Lou, in me. I want you to fuck me too- so bad-
Now, Zayn hissed, we need to tell them right now.
Then what are you doing over there? Louis said, and they could hear the face splitting smile
and the desperate rasp in his voice,get over here, Captain.
There was the sound of footsteps, gasps- and the wet smack of lips. Groans, more gasps and
heavy laboured breathing.
Shit, Liam cringed, I think we missed our window.
Its not too late, Zayn said, I havent heard any zippers- its safe to go up if theyve still got
pants on.
I love you, Scruffy Kitty. Harry said.
Fuck, I love you, Bambi Legs.
Love it when you call me names, Harry murmured, and there was the sound of more kissing
and ruffling fabric. Really, the quality of the intercom system was astounding. They should not be
able to hear the goings on in this much detail. At that, Zayn realized how traumatic this scene
could become.
We have to tell them right now, he said, reaching for the intercom.
Harry, I dont want this to go wrong, Louis whispered, and Zayn clenched his fist next to the
radio. Fuck.
It wont, Harry promised, how can it? We love each other.
I just feel like Ive wanted this for so long, Haz, but everything Ive ever wanted gets taken
away from me and I just that cant happen with you.
It wont, Harry said, his voice calm and sure, it took us this long, were not going to screw it
up- and I wont let anyone else screw it up either. Were together now. You and me. We can make
it.
You really mean that?
Little fucker, Zayn muttered, and Liam snorted beside him, its like he sensed me about to
interrupt.
Let them have their moment, Liam said, pulling Zayn back down beside him, it doesnt really
sound like theyre going to get to graphic. I happen to know Louis writes Harry poetry- were
probably in for some wild rhymes.
Zayn grinned.
Poetry?
Im yours and youre mine, Harry said, youre my Twinkly-Eyed Butt Pixie.
Jesus, that should not be hot, Louis groaned, and there was the sound of sucking lips and
something being knocked into, Ill be your Butt Pixie if you be my Lanky Pirate King.
Can I shiver your timbers? Harry asked, please?
Fucking love you bad jokes, Louis said, and Zayn winced as he pictured him aggressively
tearing open Harrys shirt (they heard material ripping. He assumed it was Harrys ratty white
Tee).
Gonna get you in my mouth, Harry said, his voice low. Louis groaned, and Zayn buried his
face in the pillow, shoving his fingers in his ears.
I dont need to hear this shit, he said as Liam dissolved into giggles next to him, why are you
laughing?
I cant help it, he said, its an automatic response. I laugh in the face of danger.
Ha fucking Ha, Simba, Zayn glared, and Liam lost it.
Oh god, Zayn, please dont ever call me pet names. Not after this.
-your fucking mouth, nnnngggghh- oh! Mmm- Unnng- I love you Pink Lips.
Who invented intercoms? Zayn demanded, who do I sue?
So good, so good, love your hands on my ass!
There was a wet popping sound and then Harry spoke, panting heavily.
Want you to come, he said, his voice hoarse, come for me, all over me- then I want to fuck
you. Right here. Right up against the steering wheel.
Fuck yeah, Louis breathed.
Gross, Liam sighed, They better clean up after themselves.
How are you so calm?!? Zayn wheezed.
Fuck yeah- god, youre so beautiful. So beautiful, unngg- love you Sweet Potato! Gonna- o-oh
do that aga-mmm uh- gonna come. Fuck- god damn it Sunshine, Im gonna- Im gonna- Louis
let out a strangled cry of pleasure and they heard Zayn moaning along with him.
Sunshine, Harry said, his voice ruined and unbelievably happy, you called me Sunshine.
Well if you dont know by now, Louis said, his words slurring like he could barely string a
thought together. That must have been one hell of a blow job.
You always sing that song to me when Im sick, Harry whispered, and Zayn heard more kissing,
more moaning, more contented chuckles and then a clinking that sounded suspiciously like a belt
being unbuckled.
Yes, well Im not exactly subtle, am I? You are my sunshine, my only sunshine he hummed
the next few lines directly into Harrys mouth judging from the wet kissing sounds.
Youre my Subtle Soccer Scientist, Harry said fondly, and there was the sound of plastic and
foil and then a gasp, Im gonna make this so good for you.
Cant you pray to Poseidon for mercy? Zayn whispered, burying his face in Liams chest and
trying to drown out the sound of Louis being fingered within an inch of his life. Liams chest was
no more helpful than the pillow in shutting out the noise of a thorough finger fucking- but it was
Liams chest, so there were obvious advantages to the situation.
We can radio them, Liam said, we should. I don't think I can. Do we have to?
No, Zayn shook his head, we cant interrupt now. It would be the ultimate cock block. We
cant be those guys.
At least its a good distraction, Liam offered, trying to get your body temperature back to
normal can be really painful if youve got nothing else to think about.
Your optimism is disgusting, Zayn mumbled, pulling Liam closer as over the intercom Louis
begged Harry for a third finger.
Another- give me another- please- please, Banana Bandana Bandit,
Jeez, Liam grimaced, Im starting to feel like my diving metaphor wasnt quite up to scratch.
Dont, Zayn jostled him, dont you dare ruin my favourite memory.
Liam tightened his arms around Zayns waist and ducked down to rub their noses together.
When Im done that wont even rate the top ten, he whispered, and Zayn shivered, a smile
spreading across his lips.
That a promise?
Im ready- Im ready-
Put your legs around me, Glass Mouse.
God, your cock- want it-want you- youre fucking huge! Nnnnnggghhh! Oh! Keep going- keep
going- nngghh-Oh!
-Youre so beautiful-
-Feels so good, so fucking good-
You ready, Twinky Toes?
Captain Ten Inch, if you dont move I swear-
There was a spectacular moan and thump as Harry ew. Nope. Zayn really, really didnt want to
think about it. The litany of pet names, groans, gasps and rhythmic thuds (Harry kept almost
perfect time. He could have been a musician in another life) drew a far too detailed picture
already.
If it weren't for the fact that these were people he knew Zayn would have to admit that it sounded
hot. Really hot. And thorough. And dirty.
Wow.
Liams breath was hot on his neck as Harrys thrusts (Zayn didnt want to know about Harrys
thrusts. Why did he know about them? They were very steady. Well done, Captain) increased
gradually intensity (he could tell because the thuds got louder) and Louis moaned and begged for
more. Once again, Harry proved to be a talented navigator because in no time at all it appeared he
found Louis prostate. Wonderful.
Zayn, Liam whispered, I want to kiss you so badly.
Zayn gulped.
So kiss me, he breathed as Liam nudged his mouth forward and pressed his lips gently to
Zayns neck, God, finally-
I cant, Liam groaned, his voice like gravel, not like this. This cant be our first kiss.
Zayn tensed and shivered, his hands fisting in Liams polar fleece.
Yes it bloody can. You saved my life! There is no better time-
Fuck yeah- right there- harder you Clumsy Adorable Stud Muffin-
-than later, he winced, yeah, youre right.
This is so ridiculous, Liam was laughing into the side of Zayns neck, Im so sorry, Zayn. If I
kiss you now then every time I do Ill just hear Glass Mouse and Scooby Doo in my head.
All around them were the sounds of Louis and Harry going at it like the world was going to end.
Louis was LOUD.
At least I know you want to, Zayn whispered, thats all I need.
I do. I really, really do.
Good, he was suddenly overcome by a wave of shivers. Despite all the heat trapped beneath the
blankets and the fact he had Liams legs tangled up in his own and their bodies pressed together
from hip to shoulders he was unimaginably, painfully cold. He felt like his lungs were constricting
and his heart rate spiked, his heart pounding against his chest like it was trying to get out.
Fuck, he gasped, fuck- whats happening?
Its the hypothermia, Liam rubbed his hands quickly over Zayns back, trying to generate heat
against his skin as Zayns teeth started to chatter, its okay, itll pass. It comes in waves, you just
have to ride it out.
F-f-fuck, Zayn stammered, this is like an anti-orgasm.
Liam laughed and brushed their noses together, cooing to him softly while over the loud speaker
Louis exclaimed uh-unh-unh-yeah-fucking love you, Oversized Hobbit Hipster!
Love you so much, Teeny Tiny Tommo-
Who you calling tiny?
Love you, Tripod!
I wish Id drowned, Zayn muttered as his whole body shook. Liam was starting to shiver as
well, and Zayn tried to hold him close, tried to give back some of the body heat hed taken,
Liam- shit- are you okay?
Sh-sh-shhh, Liam nodded even as Zayn felt him overcome by violent shakes. They must have
looked ridiculous, twitching under the covers like a pair of epileptics at a rave, but Zayn was just
glad to have Liam in his arms. It wasnt perfect- far from it- by rights they should have been
outdoing Harry and Louis in a show of spectacularly athletic sea-fairing sex- but he didnt care.
Liam-
Zayn-
Captain Long Cock-
Twinky Tea Addict-
Zayn cracked up laughing, even though he was shivering so hard he could barely breathe.
I love you Pancake Hands-
I love you too, Chop Suiy.
Im gonna come-
Good- want to feel it- want you to-
You too- need you to-
Boo Bear!
Harry! Louis cried and, for the second time that day (and hopefully the last time ever) Zayn
heard Louis come with a shout. Harry seemed to follow him moments later, the thud thud thud
that had been a constant for the last eternity finally stuttering to a halt.
Since the universe had an awful sense of humour, Zayn and Liams attack of the shakes
climaxed around that time too, and for very different reasons the four of them took a minute to
recover in panting, breathless silence.
Liam pulled back the covers enough to free his arm and reached for the intercom.
Scarred For Life to Captain Ten Inch and Twinky Toes, do you read, over?
There was complete silence on the other line. Zayn smirked at Liam, trying to hold in his laughter
as Liam continued.
You know what? Dont answer. Just clean up the jizz on the wheel and go to your room for
round two. Origami Swan Prince and I will take the wheel so you two can discuss how this will
never happen again. Over and out.
Niallator to Failed Mermaid and Cyclone Magnet, Nialls voice crackled over the intercom,
Dont you dare try and out do them or Ill tie Diana to your bootstraps and push you overboard,
got it? Over.
Read your threat loud and clear, Nially Cyrus, Liam flopped back down next to Zayn and held
his gaze, were quivering in our boots, over.
I bet you are you filthy fuckers. Dont get any ideas. Or do, but not near a radio. Niall came
back, and Zayn could hear him rolling his eyes, Oh, and congratulations Metronome Hips and
Sore Butt. Im sure I speak for all of us when I say were really happy for you guys, over.
Zayn couldnt help himself. It started as a kind of chuckle that developed into full on, cackling
laughter. Liam joined in and they lay under the covers spluttering and gasping and crying and
clutching at each other as they laughed.
Zayn was heaving for breath, his face right next to Liams. It would take the smallest turn of his
head to bring their lips together andThe intercom sputtered to life and Harrys voice came through.
Larry Stylinson to Mutinous Crew. Um we, um, appear to have broken the steering wheel.
Liam and Zayn look at each other.

oops.
Chapter End Notes
Heh.
Yeah.
Next update as soon as I possibly can I promise.
Chapter 6
Chapter Notes
The cabin smelled strongly of sex and sweat. Harry and Louis stood guiltily beside the steering
wheel, which was hanging by a few wires after it had clearly been torn from the wall in the midst
of the Pet Name Intercom Intercourse Incident. They had been given a few minutes to clean
themselves and the cabin before the others cautiously entered the room but they were still flushed,
pink lipped and dazed. Harrys hair was twice as big as usual and Louis still looked drunk with
giddiness. They were wearing each others shirts and Zayn strongly suspected that was not an
accident (on Louis part). Despite the overwhelming urge to smile, Zayn felt a growing sense of
unease in the cabin. Something about the ship had changed in the awkward silence that followed
the P.N.I.I.I, and while Liam and Niall tried not to grin too hard, Zayn struggled to put his finger
on just what-oh.
Silence.
The engine had been switched off, which meant they were floating aimlessly on the ocean. The
thought was terrifying to him. It was one thing to power through the waves and fight against the
raging sea but it was quite another to drift with no control, entirely at the mercy of the water. No
one else seemed concerned, but Zayn felt his jaw tighten and his mouth go dry as he became
acutely aware of the missing rumble of the engine.
Liams hand resting on the small of his back brought him back to reality, but he could feel his
entire body thrumming with uncomfortable tension. Part of it was fear, but part of it was also
frustration that his fear still existed. Hed survived a cyclone and a near drowning- how the fuck
could a little silence have this much effect on him after all that?
There was no use trying to fend it off with logic- fear was hardly rational. Instead, he forced
himself to ignore it and focus on the glowing, sheepish couple in front of them.
How exactly, Niall said, squinting at the detached wheel as though presented with a difficult
mathematical equation, did you manage that?
I dont want to know, Liam said.
We know too much already, Zayn agreed, his voice scratching. He cleared his throat, willing his
thalassaphobia to go fuck itself.
I mean, it was bolted to the wall! Niall continued, flummoxed, Im picturing Louis as The
Incredible Hulk-
Dont you dare, Zayn glared.
Like, he comes so hard he turns into a giant green orgasm monster and begins to tear the boat
apart, like that scene in The Avengers.
Oh my God, Liam whimpered, Zayn, stop him. Hes ruining The Avengers.
Im a fine physical specimen, Niall, Louis conceded, but even I couldnt do that with my bare
hands.
Well what then, you used your teeth? Niall frowned.
No, no, Harry shook his head, see, I had Louis up against the control board next to the wheel-
I swear to God, if they do a re-enactment, Liam shook his in disbelief.
-and he put one leg up on the wheel for balanceBalance, right, Niall winked.
-and then when he came he kicked out and the wheel came straight off the wall.
What can I say? Louis shrugged with a shit-eating grin, best orgasm of my life.
Thanks babe, Harry said, eyes giant and glistening as he dimpled down at Louis, you mean
it?
Harry, nothing has ever felt so-
Anyway! Liam interrupted, Have you checked the full extent of the damage?
Yeah, yeah we did, Louis said, now looking truly guilty, and if it was merely a matter of
wiring it wouldnt be such a problem but the steering mechanism has bent in the extreme starboard
position-
Louis, Liam groaned.
What? Zayn frowned, what does that mean?
It means were stuck sailing in circles, Liam said, rubbing his temples and looking half
exasperated and half fond.
Zayn felt his stomach pinch and tighten painfully.
Sorry, Louis winced and Harry ducked down to nuzzle Louiss cheek.
Dont be sorry, Lou, Harry whispered, I wouldnt care if wed sunk the ship- I wouldnt
change a thing.
Really? Niall raised an eyebrow, you cant think of anything you might regret there, Clumsy
Adorable Stud Muffin?
No, Harry said firmly, and its Captain Clumsy Adorable Stud Muffin to you.
What do you mean stuck, Zayn interrupted, how stuck, exactly?
He couldnt believe the others were taking this so lightly. Sure, Harry and Louis had finally gotten
together- good for them- but they had no control over the boat! It was one thing to be caught in a
cyclone when they could sail out of it, one thing to fall overboard when the ship could be steered
back to rescue them but now anything could happen- a storm, an iceberg- pirates! Anything!
Every possible disaster seemed equally legitimate as his chest constricted painfully. Why werent
the others afraid? Liam had almost died three times since this voyage began, Zayn twice, the rest
of them once- and yet here they were swapping fucking pet names and pleasantries.
Pretty stuck, Liam chuckled and Zayn tried not to let the hurt show on his face. Less an hour
ago he had confessed that being stuck out here was his greatest fear and Liam was laughing.
Can you do anything about it? he asked, keeping his voice calm and even. He was shivering
again as though hed just come out of the water and he stepped away from Liam before he
noticed. Liam had called his thallassaphobia a reasonable fear, but it obviously only counted as
reasonable if he was literally drowning.
We radio for help, Harry said, therell be a ship somewhere that can give us a tow. Then we
just sit tight and hope we dont get caught in another cyclone.
The others laughed and Zayn forced himself to smile tightly.
Why dont you two go shower? Liam said, smiling at Harry and Louis, Im sure you could use
it. Ill radio for a tow.
Were responsible, Harry shook his head, we should take care of it.
Go, Liam chuckled, and stay the fuck away from intercom.
You heard the man, Haz, Louis cried, grabbing Harry by the hand and dragging him to the
door.
But they almost drowned this morning! Harry protested, they should be resting!
They were in the water for all of four minutes, you hypochondriac, Louis said, shoving Harry
out the door, theyll be fine. Now hurry up, I have years worth of pent up sexual frustration to
work out on your cock.
Have fun! Niall called after them, cackling and throwing himself down on the chair as Liam
picked up the radio and started calling out to the other ships in the area.
Zayn pretended to look out the window as he heard Liam reading out their location to the person
on the other end of the radio.
Hypochondriac. Was that what he was? A pathetic, spineless coward making something out of
nothing? Sounds about right. Their lives werent in any real danger and yet his heart was
pounding as though he had a gun pointed at his head.
Niall nudged him gently with his elbow.
You right, mate? he asked, low enough that Liam couldnt hear, youre looking pale.
Im fine, Zayn lied.
I dont know what to say to make this better for you, Niall sighed, Im not sure I can say
anything thats not patronizing or going to make you panic more.
Dont say anything then, Zayn said, trying to take even breaths. He felt like he was sprinting.
Is there anything I can do?
Can you fix the boat?
No, Niall offered him a small smile, but I can give you hugs. Or alcohol?
Please dont touch me, Zayn said, his voice scratching, my skin feels too tight already.
Okay, Niall nodded, not moving away, but not coming any closer, do you want to sit down?
I dont know, Zayn hissed, words tumbling out a little too fast, I dont know how to make it
stop. Its like I have two minds- one of them knows everythings fine and the other one is just
screaming and its so loud and then my chest feels like its being ripped open and he gripped
the rail by the window hard, his knuckles turning bone white, fuck. Fuck.
I found us a tow! Liam called happily from the radio, told you everything would be fine!
Good stuff! Niall called back with a grin, before he focused back in on Zayn, would it help if
you had some alone time with Liam?
No, Zayn shook his head violently, no could- his voice was shaking, can-can you keep him
occupied? Please?
Course I can, Niall said seriously, you should go outside and get some fresh air. Dont go curl
up in the dark. Youve got to remind yourself that the panic will fade.
I th-think I need to do some work, Zayn said, forcing his hands to release the rail as he turned
towards the cabin door, I just- I need a distraction.
Im not sure thats a good idea, Niall frowned, do you really want to make creative decisions
while youre having a panic attack?
Just keep him up here, Zayn said, glancing over to where Liam was talking to their tow. Liam
waved and Zayn waved back with a small smile while his stomach twisted and his legs threatened
to buckle, I dont want him to see me like this.
Hes not going to stop liking you, Niall scoffed.
He will if he finds out Im a fucking coward, Zayn snapped, he-
Hey, youre not a coward, Niall interrupted angrily, youve got a phobia. Theres a
difference.
Is there? Zayn muttered bitterly, doesnt feel like it.
Yes, Niall made sure Zayn held his gaze before he continued, take it from a claustrophobic.
Zayn blinked. Physically he felt no different - adrenalin was still pumping through his body and
fucking him over - but he felt something ease in his mind. Niall was the furthest thing from a
coward but he too had been crippled by his phobia. In fact, now that he thought about it, what
Zayn was feeling right now seemed pretty mild in comparison to Nialls experience. Niall had
cried, had to be physically restrained to keep him from doing something stupid- but Niall wasnt a
coward. He was just afraid. Just afraid.
He reached out and pulled Niall into a tight hug.
Thank you, he whispered, I love you.
Love you too, Niall sighed, youre braver than you think, you know.
Keep him up here. Please.
Will do, Niall promised.
***
The surviving members of the crew stood on the edge of the ravine surrounded by darkness. The
lights from their suits illuminated about twenty feet but beyond that the ocean was a mystery.
What now? Mckenzie, the Coms Operator, asked.
Were at nine thousand ft, Lt Payne said, how far up could the suits take us?
Two thousand, Eshan replied, thinking that his own suit currently had enough power to take
him about half that, we need to get shallower if we want to use the propulsion system to reach
the surface.
Thats bullshit, Brev, the Weapons Expert spat, why the hell have suits that cant get us to the
damn surface?
Eshan grit his teeth.
Their prototypes, he said, his voice low and dangerous, this whole god damned mission is a
prototype. The are designed suits to deal with the pressure- a fucking miracle of engineering by
the way- but they were never meant to travel any kind of distance.
Who the fuck made that decision?
I did, Eshan took a step forward, as per my orders.
Well you sure fucked up, pretty boy, Brev growled, taking a step closer, cos now were all
gonna die and itll be on your head.
Enough! Payne stepped between them, You knew all of this before you got on the sub, Brev.
Thats why we had the sub. Eshan is the only reason were still alive right now and dont you
dare forget it.
Brevs eyes narrowed.
He might be good in a lab but your boyfriends dead fucking weight out in the real world. You
gonna save him every time he has a panic attack, huh? You gonna use up all your fuel to track
him down every time he gets lost? You gonna make us do the same? Im telling you now either of
you fall behind thats where youll stay.
Eshan was paralyzed by Brevs words. It was true, he thought, he was dead weight holding back
the others survival and when his suit ran out of power theyd all realize it.
Weve got ten hours of oxygen left, Payne glared, if you want to use up all of yours spewing
bullshit then be my guest. The rest of you, try and get coms back online. Our best hope is still
rescue.
Yes Sir, McKenzie said, grabbing Brev and dragging him back to stand with
Grieg, the only other member of their crew still left.
Brev looked furious, but he turned to Mckenzie and Grieg and attempted to combine their signal
strength to reach the surface. It was strange that it wasnt working. They had had a perfect
connection with the Shield ship right up until their sub was damaged and now nothing but radio
silence.
Eshan, Payne said, his voice low, come with me.
Eshans visor showed that Payne had switched their coms to private as he stepped a few meters
away from the others.
Lieutenant? Eshan would have curled in on himself had the Stark Suit allowed it. He felt like
Brev had laid his insides bare and he didnt know how to put them back.
Whos orders? Payne demanded, looking angry.
What? What orders?
Who ordered you to make the suits without enough power to reach the surface?
Eshan stared at him, shame and self loathing all across his face.
No one, he whispered, They gave me design perametres- they had to be light, no weapons,
flexible, they had to stop our bodies from the effects of the pressure but they never said I
minimized the propulsion system to make them lighter, He hung his head, It was the only way
to make them lighter and now Brevs right. Its my fault.
So there were versions of the suit before ours?
What?
Eshan looked up and saw Paynes eyes were lit up with an idea.
Our suits are Mark III, he said, why does it matter?
It matters Payne said his eyes almost glowing with excitement, because that means there were
other missions before us. Youve got the database stored in your black box, right?
Eshans eyes widened and he nodded. They all had basically the entire internet stored in chips in
their suits.
We need to know everything we can about the first two missions, Payne said, maybe they left
behind something we can use.
Eshan immediately activated his holograph and an image projected out into the water in front of
them. The others, who still hadnt managed to get a signal, turned to watch as he navigated his
way through the database and came up against a security block. Payne fed him a series of codes
that got him to the next layer of security and at that point it appeared there were no files.
Shit, Payne grimaced, I thought thered be something.
Patience Grasshopper, Eshan smirked, pulling up a folder from his personal information chip.
What are you doing? Payne frowned.
Installing a virus, Eshan said, as the SHIELD database went fuzzy for a moment, I won a
prank war in college with this beauty. Reveals all your hidden files. I havent found an operating
system it couldnt beat.
The screen cleared as the virus finished loading and then files began appearing labeled Abyss
Mission I and Abyss Mission II.
Eshan, Payne gaped, youre a genius.
I design a suit that lets you survive at 30,000 ft below the surface of the ocean and your
impressed by a computer virus? I- ugh, forget it.
Im impressed by you, Payne said, a hand coming up to his shoulder as he gazed at the files,
there, look at the mission reviews.
Both Missions ended in disaster. Abyss Mission I was over within minutes when the suits failed to
deal with the pressure and the divers blood fizzed like a can of coke the moment they left the sub.
Eshan closed that file and opened the folder for Abyss Mission II.
Jesus Christ, Payne muttered, as they looked and saw video footage from the divers head
cams. They spread out the videos and started several at once, no time to sit through each one
individually. They were marked under a time log which Eshan and Payne quickly realized was
their time of death. The divers from Mission II had been stranded on the bottom of the ocean in
earily similar conditions to the current mission. Unable to reach the surface after a mysterious
attack on their sub they had attempted to rescue themselves only to be picked off by various deep
sea atrocities. The last survivor tried to swim to the surface when his propulsion system failed and
they watched as he screamed and a dark shape emerged from the water- then his feed cut out.
Play the last one again, Payne said, and Eshan activated the last video. All five survivors
watched the man in the last moments of his life- and then Eshan paused the video as the dark
shape emerged from the depths.
That was not made by God, Mckenzie said, her eyes wide with fear.
What the fuck is that? Brev hissed, as Eshan adjusted the contrast on the hologram to pull the
dark shape into sharper relief and they saw exactly what it was- a machine.
Why didnt SHIELD tell us about this? Grieg demanded, what the hell are we up against
here?
Because SHIELD built it, Eshan said, feeling sick, as he opened another file and the Specter
was projected before them. It was an efficient, intelligent killing machine. theyre not testing ustheyre testing that.
They wouldnt send us down here to die, Mckenzie said, thats murder!
Thats research, Brev said, pale as a ghost, I know Specter. I didnt know theyd started
testing.
Tell us what you know, Payne demanded.
Its virtually undetectable, its got the latest artificial intelligence- it learns from us. Not just by
watching- Id bet my mothers legs its tuned into our feed, it knows we know about it now- itll
be recalibrating to deal with the new threat. It can see what we see, it can-
Cameras, Payne interrupted, we have to turn yours off-
Done, Eshan said, accessing everyones head cam and coms system and disengaging them.
Right, Payne said, turning to the crew, we have to assume that Specter is designed as an
obstacle for us, not the other way around. I dont think Fury would send us down here to die. I
think hes looking for a team that can beat this thing. We will be that team.
We dont have any weapons, Brev said, how are we supposed to fight it?
Mission IIs sub is five click north from here, Payne said, we head to the wreckage, salvage
what we can- maybe theres weapons, maybe theres working coms, maybe theres more air or
power for out suits. Thats our best bet.
Closest thing to a plan Ive heard all day, Grieg nodded, Specter didnt engage until the last
diver almost reached the surface last time. Looks like so long as we appear to be struggling on the
ocean floor itll leave us alone.
Because theres enough danger down here that it doesnt fucking need to try to kill us, Brev
spat, when we get back Im gonna pluck out Furys last eye and use it as a ping pong ball.
I cant wait, Payne said, lets move out. Everyone keep eyes and scanners open in case our
friend Specter comes calling.
The crew began walking along the sandy sea floor, silt plumes rising up as their feet hit the
ground.
Payne switched their coms back to private.
Eshan?
Lieutenant?
Youre not dead weight, Payne said, and Eshan turned away, unable to look at him, and I
will always come back for you, you hear me?
I dont want you to. Brevs right.
Eshan startled as he felt pressure on his hand. He looked down and saw that Payne had taken
hold of his hand and held it as much as the metal of their suits would allow.
Lieutenant Eshans mouth fell open.
Every time, Payne said, his expression utterly serious as he met Eshans gaze, Im not going
to the surface without you, you understand?
Eshan nodded and turned to watch where theyre going, angry tears threatening to spill down his
cheeks as in his visor he saw that his suit was running steadily out of power. He kept a hold of
Paynes hand as they made their way across the ocean floor leaving a fog of disturbed sand in
their wake.
Zayn's hand was cramping as he drew, but the adrenalin in his bloodstream wouldn't let him sleep
and the only thing he knew how to do was work. He started on the next panel: Specter watched
the crew as they walked, faster than a human should thanks to their suits, and transmitted their
progress to SHIELD. Then its sensors picked up movement on the edge of the ravine. Its camera
focused in as an enormous shape rose from the depths. Specter calculated its length at over
twenty meters. It searched its database for a species and closest match was an octopus, average
size two feet long. Specter observed as the Giant Octopus extended a tentacle and wrapped it
around Griegs leg, hauling him in to its open beak.
***
Zayn was woken by the sound of a new email. Hed fallen asleep at his desk almost as soon as he
finished sketching the final panel of the book. It had taken several more hours, and each one was
only done in rough sketches but he had his ending. It was tragic and horrible and he kind of hated
it, but at the same time it was exactly what Marvel had asked for. Smacking the keyboard
mindlessly and the screen flared to life, he winced at the brightness, offended by the obnoxious
light. Darkness was his friend, he thought. Darkness was lovely. Light could go fuck itself.
He felt physically and emotionally exhausted. The adrenalin had left his body feeling lethargic and
abused. No wonder Niall had fallen asleep almost immediately after his own panic attack. Zayn
felt it was a miracle he was conscious right now.
His eyes adjusted and he saw he had two emails from Liam. The foul mood smothering him like
an unwanted blanket lifted slightly. He clicked the first one and read.
Re: Niall will kill me if he catches me. Worth it.
Zaaaaayyyyynnn!!
Hows the comic going? Niall says youre working and Im not allowed to disturb
you but you know when someone tells a kid they cant have something and suddenly
its all they want? Well, the second he told me I had to leave you alone I suddenly
thought of like 500 things I wanted to tell you and its killing me.
Like did you know theres a tiny squid called the Fire Shooter Squid that shoots
shoots out a cloud of blue bioluminescent bacteria instead of ink? ITS A
FREAKING SUPERHERO SQUID ZAYN.
Look, Im warning you right now that if youre on some kind of creative roll you
dont want to mess up CLOSE THIS EMAIL IMMEDIATELY. Honestly, dont
feel obligated to keep reading just because I cant keep myself occupied for like five
minutes. If, however, you feel like taking a break from all the horror and angst of the
ocean floor then this email is the thing for you!
Ready? Okay! *WAVES OCTIPOMPOMS*
So I realized while we were lying there listening to Harry and Louis do. The
Thing that I never bothered to mention all the hilarious shit (other than Harry and
Louis) that you can find in the ocean. Ive only ever told you about the scary stuff
because of your comic but for every 26ft long man-eating squid with elbows theres a
Butt Pig worm:
The Butt Pig Worms latin name, Chaetopterus pugaporcinus, literally means
Porcine Posterior. Im not making this shit up. It harvests food by excreting a cloud
of plankton-trapping mucus. Sexy.
Speaking of bacon, how have I not told you about the Sea Pig?
The Sea Pig, as you can see, is virtually indistinguishable from a land pig except that
the land pig is a delicious breakfast food with hooves and the Sea Pig is a sea
cucumber with like twenty hydraulic leg pumps and no brain. Other differences
include the fact that the Sea Pig breathes through its anus. Incredible, I know. I bet
youre glad you put aside your important work to read this.
The Sea Pig (and all Sea Cucumbers, in fact) dont just have a normal anus (if you
didnt already guess from the fact they, you know, use it to breathe). No Sir. Sea
Cucumber anuss do everything. Pooping, breathing, mating- even self defensetheres pretty much nothing this incredible multipurpose butthole cant do.
When attacked they violently eject their internal organs out of their anus in a process
called evisceration.
The idea is to confuse the predator and, to be fair, if my lunch threw up its own guts
Id probably think twice about eating it too.
Sea Cucumbers dont have brains (Im not really shocked, are you?) but Pearl Fish
do, which makes it difficult to understand why they live in the Sea Cucumbers anus.
Yep. You read that right. Pearl Fish hide up the butt of the nearest Sea Cucumber to
gain protection. There are videos. Thats all Im saying.
Not everything in the ocean is disgusting though! Look at these beauties:
Sea Angels are the ethereal, translucent, fluttering Botticelli Angels of the sea. I
mean, technically theyre swimming sea slugs, but well ignore that for now and just
admire how delicately beautiful and amazing they are.
I want one.
Aaaaaaaannnd now! For the creature I am most afraid of in the entire ocean!
Behold: THE MANTIS SHRIMP!
Now, I know what youre thinking. This just looks like a prawn dressed up like a
clown. Well fuck you, because Im terrified of clowns and for your information (just
like a clown) the Mantis Shrimp has a psychopathic killing instinct. They come in
two deadly, fucked up varieties: the Stabby McStab Stab variety and the Smash
Your Fucking Face In variety. The smasher Mantis Shrimp a punch the same
speed as a 22-caliber bullet. When they throw a punch water moves out of the way so
fast little vacuums are formed called cavitation bubbles which create secondary
shockwaves so intense they create light and heat. They fucking kill their prey and
cook it in one move! Oh, and have I mentioned they use this fast-as-a-speeding-bullet
punch to BREAK THROUGH AQUARIUM GLASS?
Yeah, thats why youve never seen one before. Not only do they kill everything
(and I mean everything) they share a tank with, we also literally cant make a tank
strong enough to contain these little bastards.
Fuck Mantis Shrimp.
Okay, Im going to stop now, because Im probably messing with your creative flow.
Its just that I already miss talking to you, which is weird, right? I mean I saw you like
6 hours ago! I shouldnt feel this way.
I do though, and I feel like a glutton for punishment because every single interaction
weve had has just been so fucking humiliating! First time you met me I sank a
fucking boat and had to be pulled out of the North Atlantic. Way to make a first
impression Payno.
Then I tried flirting with you and you didnt even notice. I mean, Ive never been any
good at flirting but I thought with you it would be different. I thought our chemistry
would just be so incredible that Id turn into Shakespeare or something and start
reciting sonnets and youd swoon and wed fuck to the Pirates of the Carribean
soundtrack. In my head that seemed like a genuine possibility.
Ha-fucking-ha.
But my humiliation doesnt end there. Oh no. For some reason, even though Im
more awkward than a beached whale, you said you liked me. I thought I must have
finally run out of bad luck. He likes me, maybe I have a chance. Then the second we
came even close to touching for real I managed to drive us straight into the MIDDLE
OF A FUCKING CYCLONE. Typical.
I nearly killed us all! I genuinely cant express the depth of my humiliation at that
point. I wanted to curl up in a ball and die. I tried to go back to work and do
something Im actually good at and remind myself why I deserve to continue living.
Things were fine- we had a proper conversation and I made you laugh AND THEN
YOU LAUGHED SO HARD YOU FELL OFF THE FUCKING BOAT AND
ALMOST DROWNED.
WHAT THE FUCK.
Is that a sign from Poseidon that I am never, ever supposed to find true love? Because
thats what I think this is. Youre the one for me, Zayn. I fucking know it. Ive never
felt this way about anyone, I dont ever want to feel this way about anyone else- and
every time I get even close to telling you how I feel or just kissing you- just a simple
god damn brush of the lips- the universe conspires some way to 1) humiliate me 2)
almost kill somebody I care about and 3) perpetuate my misery. I feel like Sisyphus,
you know that guy who was punished to spend all of eternity rolling a boulder up a
mountain, only when he got to the to the boulder rolled back down and he had to start
all over again?
What am I saying? Of course you know who that is. Youre Zayn Malik, literary
genius, award winning graphic artist, marvel superstar.
Why the fuck are you even here? Im just some guy who lives on a ship named after
a boyband song and hunts for unusual squid. Im a professional third-wheel, Im
afraid of spoons for fucks sake. I havent looked in a mirror in about eight months,
who knows what I even look like right now oh god. I should have brought a new
shaver or something. Not that it makes a difference. My dumb face is still my dumb
face.
And youre so fucking beautiful.
Like fuck everything, Zayn, where the fuck did you come from?
The picture they have on the Marvel site is a cartoon and I assumed that theyd made
you look attractive but then I saw you in real life and my brain literally shortcircuited. Fuck me.
There I was, standing like a drowned rat on the deck of some ratty, dilapidated ship I
call my home and you were a fucking supermodel in a wet shirt and you had
STUBBLE. Your eyes are ridiculous. I love them.
I want to nibble on your chin. I want to suck marks on your neck. I just want to put
my mouth all over your entire body. I want to kiss you and make love to you and to
wake up with you. I want to sail home to you.
I dont think you realize how much I care about you. Its probably because Im
useless at showing it, and Im awkward and I always say the wrong thing and I know
more about Vampire Squid than I do about humans
I felt the way your phobia took over when you heard the ship was broken. I tried to
act normal so youd know everything was alright but I dont think it worked. I found
us a tow boat as fast as I could but how was I supposed to react? Was I supposed to
comfort you or was I supposed to give you space? I dont know how to deal with
people. Im a fix-it kind of guy and since I couldnt fix the ship on my own I tried to
get the next best thing- another ship- but its been almost six hours and you havent
come out of your room. Am I supposed to come down there, or is that invading your
privacy? Do you want me to do that, or do you never want to see me again after the
clusterfuck that has been this entire trip?
I dont know what to do.
I feel so
The message ended abruptly and Zayn rushed to open the second email, almost denting the
mousepad he clicked so hard.
Liam wanted him too. Liam had practically said he loved him and Zayn didnt quite have the
capacity to process that but his body felt warm and alive while he tried. It was like the adrenalin
was back but this time working in his favour.
Re: IGNORE THAT LAST EMAIL!!!
Im going to fucking kill Niall. Just please dont read that last email. Fuck. Please
dont. If you respect our friendship you wont read it.
Dont. Please dont read it.
Please.
He frowned at the screen, thinking fast.

Okay. Obviously Liam had not meant for Zayn to read his initial confession (he could just picture
Niall sneaking up, reaching over his shoulder and pressing send before Liam knew what was
happening) but that didnt mean it wasnt true, right?
There was a knock at the door.
Zayn? Liam called, sounding profoundly uncomfortable.
Zayn sprang up, ignoring the jarring pain in his back and stumbled to the door, wrenching it open
to find Liam wide eyed and terrified.
Oh shit, Liam was pale as a ghost, you read it, didnt you?
Zayn opened his mouth to tell Liam that he was a fool if he thought Zayn didnt want him back,
that in Zayns eyes he was perfect, that the email was the greatest thing he had ever read- but his
body was way ahead of him. Before he even knew what he was doing he grabbed Liam by the
shirt and dragged him into the cabin. Kicking the door shut, he shoved Liam back against the door
and crowded up into his space, shivering as Liams hands automatically came to grip his waist.
Zayn, Liam breathed, I-
Zayn cut him off with a kiss.
The silence was delicious as their lips brushed over and over, broken finally by a soft moan as
Liam opened his mouth and his tongue brushed against Zayns. It was sweet and soft and it made
Zayns chest constrict in a way that was pure bliss.
Zayn brought both hands up to Liams hair, racing his fingers through it and gasping breathily as
Liam turned away and exposed his neck. Zayn immediately kissed up and down his neck and felt
Liam shiver against him, his hips jerking forward.
Fuck, Zayn, he hissed, oh God. This is not how I thought youd react.
No?
Zayn bit his neck lightly and Liam moaned unashamedly, his hands roaming Zayns back
possessively.
No, Liam stammered as Zayn sucked a bruise into his skin, rolling his hips and grinding Liam
up against the wall, I thought it would make things worse. I thought Id gone too far, I- oh God-
Zayn grinned as he brought their lips together again. He felt overwhelmed with affection and
arousal and happiness and surprise and just wow. They were kissing and it was wow.
Not too far, Zayn said, hardly separating their mouths as he spoke, perfect.
R-really?
Zayn pulled away so he could see Liams face and he had to laugh. Liam looked half drunk from
kissing. His lips were wet and pink and plump, his cheeks flushed, his hair on end where Zayns
fingers had pushed it up and his eyes fuck. His eyes were shining and blown wide as though he
was looking at something special. He was so beautiful it hurt.
Liam, Im not here for the comic- Im here for you.
Oh, Liams mouth fell open in surprise and Zayn shook his head, chuckling. How could Liam
be so wonderful and yet so daft?
I mean, Liam swallowed, I mean, I hoped but-
Liam, you had me at Bigfin Squid.
Liams face blossomed into an expression of pure happiness.
Zayn-
No more talking, Zayn ordered, stepping back in and kissing Liam long and deep, weve
talked long enough.
Apparently Liam was 100% on board with that. He made a filthy sound as his hand slid lower and
ran over Zayns ass and Zayn tugged lightly on his hair. Liam keened, arching away from the
door and gasping into Zayns mouth.
Zayn pulled his hair again, loving the helpless sounds that Liam made, the way he grabbed at
Zayn like Zayn might suddenly disappear if he let go.
He stepped away from the door, pulling Liam with him as he backed up the two steps to the
narrow bed and fell backwards, dragging Liam down with him.
Liam groaned the second his body covered Zayns, pushing Zayns legs apart and grinding down
as he took over their kiss. It wasnt sweet anymore- it was hot as hell.
Zayn was shaking with anticipation as he wrapped his legs around Liam, his hands sliding under
the back of Liams shirt and almost burning with the heat of his skin. Liam let out a choked moan.
Off, Zayn muttered, pulling at Liams shirt, All the clothes. Get them off- fuck, Liam, now.
Liam sat back with a grin, stripping off his shirt and Zayn felt his dick twitch at the broad chest
and set of six beautiful abs above him. Liam made fast work of Zayns shirt and both their pants
until they were both gloriously naked and wrapped around each other. It wasnt anything like
before, when theyd shivered in each others arms trying to get warm. That had been tentative and
comforting and restrained. This was desperate and hungry and impatient, all biting lips and
bruising fingers and loud, blissful moans.
God, Zayn, Liam panted into his mouth, his hips moving in filthy circles as he rubbed their
leaking cocks together, God, Ive wanted you so long.
Less talking, Zayn said, running his teeth over Liams ear and reveling in the way Liams
rhythm faltered, more coming.
Oh, Jesus, Liam gasped, kissing Zayn desperately as his hips jerked. Zayn was so close it was
embarrassing, but when he finally had Liam grinding down on him after dreaming of it for months
he didnt feel he could be blamed for coming too soon. This was only round one, after all.
Liam pulled back, halting his hips and Zayn felt genuine pain at the loss of sensation.
Whats wrong? Did I- Zayns words were cut off as Liam shifted back on his legs and bent
down to take the head of Zayns cock into his mouth.
Zayn cried out as Liam swirled his tongue around the head, pumping the shaft with his hand as he
sucked like Zayns dick was his favourite flavour lollypop. Held Zayns hips down with his spare
hand, eyes twinkling up at him as Zayn gaped and gasped and keened and tried not to buck up.
Liam, oh my-
Liam took him further into his mouth, speeding up his hand and doing something unfair and
incredible with his tongue that had white heat boiling at the base of Zayns spine.
Im so close, Liam, Zayn grit out, his head falling back against the sheets, god, dont stop
please dont stop oh fuck-
Liam moaned and Zayn felt it reverberate through his loins and that was it. He swore as he came,
his feet digging into the mattress as Liam swallowed around him, his tongue circling the head as
waves of pleasure rolled through Zayns body.
Liam, Zayn hiccupped, fuck, get up here, babe.
Liam seemed reluctant to take his mouth off of Zayns cock (which was very useful information
for later holy shit) but he did eventually, crawling up the bed with a goofy grin on his face and a
hand furiously pumped his own neglected erection.
Come here, Zayn said, reaching for him with arms that felt feather-light in his post orgasm bliss.
He pulled Liam in for a kiss, loving that he could taste himself, loving that he fully intended to
return the favour some time tonight and taste Liam. He reached down for Liams cock as he
sighed into Liams mouth, knocking Liams hand out of the way and took over. Liam rolled his
hips and fucked into Zayns hand and Zayn moaned as he imagined what it would feel like to
have Liam fucking into him properly. Soon, very soon, he hoped hed fine out. Liam panted into
Zayns mouth and with a cry shot his orgasm across Zayns bare stomach. Zayn pulled him down,
not giving a single fuck about the sticky mess between them as Liams hips jerked and spilled
between them. Liam kissed him so hard he felt his lips would bruise and Zayn let him lead, loving
the feeling of being wanted in return.
Their kisses gradually softened until they were nothing but tiny brushes of their lips. Zayn rubbed
circles into Liams scalp and Liam pushed his arms under Zayn, wrapping him up and holding on
tight.
Is this your famous Vampire Squid impression? Zayn asked.
Bernard usually hugs me back, Liam chuckled, and Zayn grinned, curling his legs around Liam
and crossing his ankles, trapping them together. Much better.
They stayed like that; kissing closed-eyed and sighing, wrapped together for long enough that
Zayn was starting to get hard again.
I think I have the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack on my laptop, he said, just saying.
Liam sighed, pulling his arms out from under Zayn and sat up.
Hey, Zayn pushed up onto his elbows, did I say something wrong?
Liam pulled Zayn up so they were both sitting facing one another, half hard and covered in mess
and faces flushed as he took Zayns hands in his. When Liam spoke, it was to their hands as he
entwined their fingers.
I know you said no more talking, he said, and I know I already sent you that embarrassing
email-
Not embarrassing, Zayn interrupted, Im going to have that email framed and put on my wall.
Zayn, Liam sighed.
Liam, I want that email read out at my funeral. I want to publish it in the papers. I want to tattoo it
onto my thighs.
Oh god, at least run spell check before you do that, my grammars rubbish Liam laughed,
blushing all the way to his chest, but I think we need to talk about what we are to each other. I
guess you know what you are to me, or what Id like you to be to me but I dont know what
you want, Zayn, and I cant do things with you unless I know you want what I want. Wondering
hurts too much. Look at Harry and Louis- they were so miserable when they refused to
communicate and I dont want us to be like that. Even if that means you tell me youre not really
interested, even if that means you rejecting me- Id still rather know than sit here wondering. I-
Liam, what part of what just happened makes you think Im rejecting you? Zayn demanded,
lets recap. I have a crippling phobia of the ocean, but I came out here anyway just to be near
you. Im had all the information I needed from you for my series after the third fucking email but
Ive been pestering you for five months with questions I could have answered with a google
search because I needed to hear from you. It got past the point of wanting to talk to you months
ago. I need you, Liam. All the time. Fuck, I drew you into my comic-
You what? Liam gaped and Zayn pointed at the Wall of Awesome behind them. Liam twisted
around and sucked in a surprised breath when he saw his face on Lt Paynes reference sheet.
Youre the hero of my comic, Liam, Zayn said quietly, and you dont even know how
wonderful you are. You dont- fuck- I wish I could make you understand how you make me feel.
You make me laugh and youre so ridiculous and so kind and so weird and wonderful and I
just- Im in love with you. Okay? I want you to fuck me to the Pirates of the Caribbean
soundtrack. I want you to show me a real life Vampire Squid. I want you to teach me how to
swim- maybe not in the ocean but like, in a pool or something. I want you to meet my mum.
Zayn, Liam breathed, reaching up to cup Zayns face in his hands.
Im in love with you, Zayn repeated, I want to be the one you sail home to. I want-
Liam cut him off with a kiss before he broke away and shook his head, grinning hopelessly.
I thought it was just me.
No, Zayn grinned.
I lo-
Attention all Backdoor Bandits! Nialls voice bellowed over the speakers, I know youre all
probably very busy swapping orgasms but I thought youd like to know that there is a Kraken on
the starboard side of the ship. Okay, I dont know if its actually the Kraken but its like, thirty feet
long, its got elbows and tentacles and HOLY MOTHER OF GOD THE TENTACLE IS ON
THE DECK. I REPEAT THE TENTACLE IS ON DECK! THE KRAKEN IS ATTEMPTING TO
BOARD THE SHIP!!!
Zayn and Liam gaped at each other before they both leapt out of bed, completely naked, and
sprinted up to the main cabin. Harry and Louis burst through the cabin door (also naked)
immediately after them and the five of them stood at the window and watched as an enormous,
slimy brown tentacle retreated over the side of the Georgia Rose and back into the ocean.
Were being attacked by a Bigfin Squid, Louis said, as though all his Christmases had come at
once, Oh my God.
He tore open the door to the lab and started up the computers.
Harold! Get Diana in the water fucking now!
On it, Babycakes Harry said, bounding off on his ridiculous legs.
Dont go out there! Zayn cried as Harry went out the door and down onto the deck where the
squid could reach him FUUUUUUCCCCKKK!!!
Stay inside, Liam said, and Zayn turned to see him pulling on a wetsuit.
What the fuck are you doing? He demanded.
Liam zipped the suit and grabbed a camera, goggles and a mini oxygen tank.
I love you and Im going to film a Bigfin Squid, he said, beaming wildly, this is the best day of
my life. You got my camera feed, Tommo?
Get in there Liam, before we miss it! Louis yelled.
Liam- Zayn protested.
Best. Day. Ever, Liam grinned, kissing him before he was out the door, down the stairs and
leaping over the side of the ship.
LIAM! Zayn bellowed.
Woohoo! Go Payno! he heard Louis cry from inside the lab. He turned on his heel and sprinted
to the lab where Louis had Liams camera feed up on the screen.
Floating beneath the hull of the Georgia Rose was the most horrific thing Zayn had ever seen.
There were tentacles everywhere, so long the camera couldnt capture them all. The monster
spread the tentacles apart revealed its beak, easily big enough to bite a man in two. Zayns mouth
went dry as Liam circled the abomination and got a shot of its body, wide and gelatinous and
disgusting. Its boneless fins flapped as its skin shifted colour grotesquely. Its eye was the size of
a fucking satellite dish.
Magnificent, Louis whispered, tearing up.
He needs to get the fuck out of there! Zayn hissed, get him out of there, Louis.
Dianas feed flashed up on another screen as she was dropped into the water. Now they could see
the squid from two angles and JESUS FUCKING CHRIST- through Dianas camera they could
see Liam beside the Squid and the size difference was terrifying. The squid was big enough to
swallow Liam whole.
Oh shit, Louis whispered, oh shit. Thats, uh. Thats quite large.
Get him out of there! Zayn yelled, Im not fucking around Louis get him the fuck out-
I cant, Louis cut him off, sounding worried as he manipulated Dianas cameras and took her a
little further away so they could get a proper look as from the darkness below Liam another squid
emerged.
And another.
Fuck, Louis hand froze on the controls as he stared at the screen.
Liam was surrounded by three Bigfin squid. They were each the size of a bus, not including their
elbowed tentacles.
One of the squid turned towards Diana and reached out with an enormous, puckered tentacle.
Oh shit, Louis hissed, steering her backwards as fast as he could- but the squid was faster. It
lashed out and snared Diana in its tentacles, obscuring the camera. From Liams view they
watched as the squid turned and swam down, dragging the mini sub into the darkness.
Holy fucking shit! Louis cried, holy- it stole Diana!
Dianas camera feed suddenly went dead, the screen nothing but black and white fuzz.
Fuck, Louis hissed, tapping madly at keys to try and get it back on line, oh mother fucking shit
balls-
The squid in front of Liam lashed out suddenly and Liams camera feed went dark.
Liam! Zayn cried, staring at the screen and willing the picture to come back. It had to come
back. Liam had to be all right.
The screen suddenly flashed an image again and it took a moment before Zayn recognized the
rapidly shrinking hull of the Georgia Rose- and the camera was moving away from her, down
further and further into the darkness. Fast.
Without warning the camera jerked violently they lost the feed.
No, Zayn gasped, staring at the two empty screens, no.
Chapter End Notes
Feel free to say hi on Tumblr!

Final chapter coming soooooooooooonnn!!!!!
Also, if anyone is interested in the Sea Pif go here: True Facts About The Sea Pig
Mantis Shrimp: True Facts About The Mantis Shrimp
Chapter 7
Chapter Notes
No, Zayn repeated, clutching the back of Louis chair as his eyes lost focus. It wasnt possible.
Liam couldnt be dead. No!
What did we miss? Harry and Niall crowded in to the lab excitedly. Zayn couldnt breathe.
Whats up with the screens? Niall asked, come on, I want to see me a Kraken!
Louis turned slowly in his seat and looked up at Zayn, pain, shock and guilt etched across his
face.
Zayn, Im so sorry-
Zayn shook his head, cutting him off.
Its not your fault.
Im so fucking sorry, tears spilled down Louis cheeks as he stood up and grabbed Zayn.
Neither of them cared that they were naked as they held each other painfully tight. It felt more like
punishment than comfort, and that was what they needed. They had sat by staring at a screen
while Liam was dragged to his death. They didnt deserve comfort.
Whats going on? Harry demanded.
There was nothing I could do- Louis tried to speak but couldnt get the words out.
Fuck, Zayn sobbed, fuck, hes gone. Hes gone...
What happened? Harry demanded again, grabbing Louis and Zayn and pulling them apart, a
panicked frown hardening his face to something unrecognizable.
They took Liam, Louis spat wretchedly, Diana first, and then Liam, w-we saw it take him
down before we lost the feed. Hes hes gone. Liams gone.
Silence filled the lab as Harry and Niall stared as though waiting for a punch line to a bad joke.
Zayn felt empty. He wished it had been him. He kept asking himself, as the silence stretched on
and breathing became more and more painful: how could he change it? What could he do to go
back and make sure Liam never jumped in the water?
He had never understood Eshan so much in his life. Zayn wasnt even aware he had moved until
he was on the floor.
Zayn! Niall sank to his knees beside him, his voice shaking and horrified. He pulled Zayn into
his arms, holding him tight as he curled in on himself.
Hes dead, Zayn gasped, Niall, hes dead. What do I do? How do I save him?
You already saved him, Harry was suddenly kneeling in front of him too, grabbing his face in
both, enormous hands and forcing him to look up and meet his eyes, Liam was miserable before
you, Zayn. You made him so, so happy. He loved you and thats how you saved him.
Zayn just cried harder.
I love him so much, he said, loved, he corrected, loved him, oh God- Fuck!
He said this was the best day of his life, Niall said quietly, stroking Zayns hair, you did that.
At least at least he had that. He had you. He was a lucky man and he knew it.
Zayn felt Louis sit down behind him and suddenly he was surrounded on all sides. The four of
them held each other, trying to find comfort but there was a piece missing. There would always be
a piece missing.
Ill never forgive myself for letting him go in there, Louis whispered, we were so fucking
reckless-
Its not your fault, Harry and Zayn said at the same time. Even through the haze of loss and
despair Zayn knew that.
None of us could have stopped him, Harry reached around Zayn and gripped Louis bicep hard,
he wouldnt have missed swimming with Bigfins for all the world. It was his dream.
Yeah, well his dream killed him, Louis spat, curling in tighter around Zayn and Niall, my best
fucking friend, Harry. I loved that bastard.
We all did, Harry sniffed and Zayn gave a shaking sob as the others huddled closer around him.
He must have been so scared, he whisperedYEEEEEEEEEEEWWWW!!!!!!
He was interrupted by a cry of exhilaration.
From outside.
THAT WAS FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!!!
Zayn was on his feet, out of the tangle of mourning, tear-streaked men and out the cabin door in
seconds.
Zayn! Liam cried, standing on the deck and stripping off his goggles, an enormous, beaming
smile on his face.
Alive.
Did you see that? Did they get the footage? Can you believe it? Bigfin Fucking Squid Zayn!
Zayn leapt down the stairs, strode across the deck and punched him in the face.
Ow! Liam cried, stumbling backwards, what was that for?
Zayn grabbed him and pulled him in to a violent, biting kiss. Liam made a confused sound but
melted into it immediately, his hands coming to Zayns waist and pulling their bodies togetherwhich brought Zayns bare skin in direct contact with Liams cold, damp wetsuit. It jolted Zayn
back to reality and he shoved Liam away and punched him in the shoulder.
Ow!
You-
Hey!
-fucking-
Zayn!
piece- of- shit-
Ow! Zayn!
I-
Zayn- the shins, really?
-thought you fucking died, Liam!
Liam took Zayns final punch without even a wince.
What? Why?
You fucking wanker! Louis yelled, running up and slapping Liam hard across the face. Harry
and Niall were barely a half step behind him. Both of them looked like puppies whose owner had
just come home with a new ball.
Zayn! Youre alive! Niall roared, thank fuck!
Not for long you unbelievable twat! Louis growled, smacking him on the head again.
DONT YOU FUCKING TOUCH HIM LOUIS! Zayn roared.
You just beat him to a pulp! Louis protested, I want a turn!
NO ONE TOUCHES HIM! Zayn was almost incoherent with rage and relief and exhaustion
and happiness and confusion and fuck everything. Fuck. Everything.
No one touches him, he repeated, pointing a warning finger at the other three, nothing touches
him. You understand? Ever again.
Liam! Harry beamed, youre alright! Thats so good, man. Thats just so, so good.
He gave Liam a thumbs-up, keeping a wary eye on Zayn, who was standing protectively in front
of Liam in a way that must have looked half insane. He didnt care.
Why wouldnt I be alright? Liam asked, sounding confused.
Zayn rounded on him, glaring. The effect was probably ruined by the fact his eyes were full of
tears and his lip was quivering and also he was naked and shivering on the cold deck but he didnt
care. Liam had almost died and he was in BIG TROUBLE.
We thought that thing dragged you down and ate you, thats why!
What? Liam gaped, no, she just took my camera!
Fuck you! Zayn yelled, shoving Liam again, thats not fucking fair, Liam!
Yeah! Louis agreed, we got all emotional and admitted that we love you and everything and
now youre not even dead! Zayn could tell he was smirking and he did not appreciate it, totally
unfair. How dare you survive.
Oh, Liam smiled nervously, reaching out for Zayn, Oh, wow, I guess it must have looked
pretty bad through the camera, huh?
Im going to fucking kill you, Zayn said, so upset he thought hed pop a gasket, to death.
Hey, Liam smiled fondly, hey, Im sorry I worried you-
Mate, worried does not even begin to cover it- Louis interrupted.
-but Im fine. Look, Im all in one piece! Safe and sound! Everything is okay.
Nothing is okay, Zayn glared.
Ill say, Niall snorted, I mean, is anyone going to mention the fact that youre all naked? Harry
still has his condom on!
I was in a hurry, Harry shrugged.
Stop looking at my boyfriends cock, Niall, Louis frowned, thats for my eyes only.
Then maybe your boyfriend should put on some fucking pants, Niall suggested, just saying.
Shut up Niall, Zayn snapped. He didnt have time for banter right now. He was still trying to
deal with losing the love of his life to a giant squid only to have him miraculously appear alive and
unscathed. Trying to get his emotions in order was like trying to organize the Italian army. That is
to say- absolutely impossible.
Liam was watching him cautiously while the others got high off their relief and happiness.
I really am sorry, Liam frowned, biting his lip and taking a step towards Zayn. Zayn stepped out
of his reach, so upset he could barely breathe.
Dont touch me. You are in so much trouble right now.
Okay, Liam nodded, Im sorry I scared you.
Ha! Zayn laughed, feeling manic, Hahaha!
I think Marvel Mans finally lost it, Louis whispered as Zayn cackled with humorless laughter.
Leave him alone, Louis, Harry said, hes just not sure what to do with his happiness, thats
all.
No, I think hes genuinely broken-
Why dont you two go put that condom to some use, lads? Liam interrupted, I think youve
done enough here.
He once again stepped into Zayns space, reaching out carefully to put a hand on Zayns shaking
He once again stepped into Zayns space, reaching out carefully to put a hand on Zayns shaking
back. Zayn shoved his arm away, giving him a filthy look. Liam
Right you are, Payno, Louis said, taking a step back and pulling Harry with him, it would be a
shame to let that condom go to waste, dont you agree Harold?
We should probably get a new one, actually, Harry frowned seriously, Oh, right! You want us
to give them privacy. Okay. Um, Liam, Im glad you werent eaten by a giant cephalopod. Well
just bye.
Harry, Liam groaned as Zayn practically growled, ixnay with the idsquay, Jesus. Just go,
would you?
You know, I think Ive earned an orgasm or two myself, Niall said, backing away with a grin,
I wouldnt want to keep my hand waiting, Im a terrible tease. Zayn, try not to murder Liam too
much, okay? Remember- you love him and hes alive.
Go fuck yourself, Niall, Zayn snarled.
Thats the plan! Niall cheered, and tore after Harry and Louis back down below decks.
They were suddenly painfully alone on the decks. Zayn could see slime coating the rail where the
squids tentacles had reached over. He grabbed Liam roughly and pulled him away from the edge,
dragging him towards the door that led below decks.
Liam took that as an invitation to wrap his arms around Zayn- but Zayn pushed him away.
Zayn-
No. You dont get to touch me. Just- I just want you out of reach in case that tentacled fucker
comes back and tries to get you again.
Zayn, theyre not going to come after me, Liam said gently, holding his hands up in surrender as
Zayn looked over his shoulder at the open sea, half expecting to see a squid peaking over the side
of the ship like SOON.
You dont know that, Zayn snapped, and if they did what could we do about it? Huh? Do you
have a harpoon? Do you?!
No, Liam shook his head, but-
Well good! Zayn yelled, because if you did Id probably shoot you with it you irresponsible,
reckless fuckwit! What the fuck were you thinking?
Im sorry, Liam said softly, lowering his hands and looking at Zayn with a mixture of genuine
guilt and fondness.
I dont care. I cant even look at you right now.
Um Liam frowned uncertainly, do you want me to leave you alone?
NO! IM NEVER LETTING YOU OUT OF MY SIGHT EVER AGAIN!
Zayn grabbed him by the arm and dragged him through the doorway and below decks to their
sleeping cabins. He could hear faint moaning coming from multiple directions and he ignored it,
stomping along the corridor until he reached his room. He kicked the door open and shoved Liam
inside, pointing at the bed as he closed the door behind himself.
Sit, he ordered, stay.
Okay, Liam sat obediently, a small smile playing on his lips, I love you.
Dont, Liam, Zayn glared, I am so mad at you.
Okay. I still love you, though. I love that youre mad. I love that you care about me.
Care about you? Zayn repeated, briefly wondering if he looked as demented as he felt, Care
about you?!
That was the final straw. He started crying again, sobbing wretchedly for what felt like the
hundredth time that day because he was just plain overwhelmed.
Zayn, Liam gasped, not rising from where Zayn had told him to stay but reaching out
desperately, babe, come here. Please? Please dont cry, Zayn. Come here. Everythings alright, I
promise, okay? Just come here. Please.
Zayn wrapped his arms around his bare middle and refused to move.
No. Fuck you.
Zayn, Liam cooed, Zayn, dont cry.
I cant help it! Im fucking sleep deprived! Zayn cried, And you know why Im sleep
deprived? Because the guy Im in love with keeps trying to get himself killed every two and half
seconds! And I cant go to sleep now in case we come across a school of fucking acrobatic great
white sharks that you just have to go for a nice dip with I WONT FUCKING LET YOU, YOU
HEAR ME?
Zayn, youve got to calm down, babe, Liam said, grinning dumbly at him. Zayn loved and
hated that smile at the same time. Here he was, losing his mind and Liam was smiling at him as
though Zayn had surprised him with a candle lit dinner. Maybe they were perfect for each other
after all. Perfectly fucking insane.
I cant calm down, Zayn said, feeling unruly energy buzz from his scalp all the way to his toes,
I have never felt this much about anyone my entire life and then you told me you loved me and
then you threw yourself into the ocean with a pack of murderous fucking demon squid! How am I
supposed to calm down? I thought you were dead. How am I supposed to calm down, Liam?
Liam stood up suddenly, crowding into Zayns space and wrapping his arms around him, holding
him tight. Zayn tensed, unable to stop the embarrassing flow of tears running down his cheeks,
still furious at Liam, still desperately happy that he was alive, still not really able to function. He
was so, so tired but he couldnt relax.
Im not dead, Liam said, not even close. Ive got you and Im not letting go. Im not going
anywhere.
Liam Zayn choked, hating the feel of cold, wet neoprene against his skin. Liam smelled like
the ocean and it wasnt comforting at all.
It takes more than a sunken boat, a meddling best friend, a cyclone, going overboard,
hypothermia, scarring voyeurism and a forty foot submarine stealing squid to keep us apart,
Zayn, Liam said, pressing his lips against Zayns neck, at this point Id frankly like to see
anything that could get in the way of me and you.
Dont tempt fate, Zayn warned him, Im not sure I can handle another plot twist.
We can handle anything, Liam whispered, tracing the curve of Zayns neck with his mouth, I
love you.
Zayn could feel Liam smiling against his skin and it was like an act of transference. Each time he
felt Liams smiling kiss brush his neck, his shoulder, his jaw, he felt his own mouth twitch. A few
more kisses and he was smiling softly, closing his eyes and turning his face until it was pressed
against Liams wet hair. He sighed, untangling his arms from where they were still wrapped tight
around his middle and bringing them around Liam, seeking the comforting heat of his skin and
finding only thick, damp wetsuit.
Take this thing off, he frowned, I hate it. It smells like squid.
Liam chuckled, letting him go and stepping back to reveal a blazingly happy grin back on his face.
He stripped himself of the wetsuit in seconds.
Better? he smirked and then toppled over backwards and Zayn tackled him onto the bed.
Under the covers, Zayn ordered, dont fucking move. Dont fucking talk. Dont fucking
breathe-
Uh-
Fine, you can breathe, but-
Zayn, Liam sighed, reaching up and brushing his thumbs over Zayns cheeks, picking up the
tears that were still leaking uncontrollably from his eyes. He couldnt seem to make them stop.
Breathe.
Im sorry, Zayn sighed, slumping down on top of him, I know Im being ridiculous but I cantI cant even think, Liam. I thought you died.
I know, Liam said, pulling the blankets over them and rubbing his hands in comforting circles
over Zayns back, Im so, so sorry Zayn. Id be a complete mess if anything happened to you
too.
Zayn snorted dismissively, curling more tightly around him.
Right, he muttered, nothing ever bothers you, Liam. Youre never afraid of anything.
Thats not true, Liam said forcefully, rolling them so they were on their side and he could look
Zayn in the eye, hey, look at me. Thats not true at all.
Ive spent this entire trip freaking the fuck out and acting like a lunatic. Youve been cool, calm
and collected- youre- youre a fucking Keep Calm and Carry On poster!
Okay, first of all: no you havent. You are like the King of Keeping A Lid On It. Its actually
kind of nice to see you finally letting go like this. At least I can see whats going on in your head.
And you think Ive been keeping calm? Zayn, Ive been freaking out, Liam said gently, when I
start to panic I get practical. Stupidly practical. I cant handle feeling anything. I just have to do
something or I feel like my brain will squeeze its way out of my eye sockets. You went
overboard and I thought I was having a heart attack and so instead of thinking about it I just dove
in after you. Thats not brave- thats me freaking out.
You saved my life, Zayn muttered, was pretty fucking brave.
I didnt even check if someone saw me go over, Liam whispered, what if they hadnt? It was
fucking stupid and I almost killed us both. We were lucky. I wasnt brave, I was panicking.
No, Liam-
What Im trying to say is that its all perspective, Liam moved his head forward slightly and
brushed a fleeting kiss on Zayns lips, it might look like Im okay but Im not, not at all.
Were you afraid? Zayn whispered.
I was fucking terrified, Liam said, meeting you was the scariest thing Ive ever done, but it was
worth it.
I meant of the squid, idiot, Zayn jostled him, smiling a little. He felt his eyes begin to droop shut
as Liam ran his fingers through his hair.
A Bigfin Squids got nothing on you, Liam said, voice so quiet it was barely a breath.
It could have killed you though, Zayn tried to hide his yawn as he nestled into Liams embrace.
You could have rejected me, Liam said.
No, I really couldnt.
Liam chuckled quietly, pressing a kiss to Zayns cheek as he yawned again.
Youre exhausted, love. Go to sleep.
I promise Ill be more normal when I wake up, Zayn mumbled, jus need to re-boot m brain.
Naw, I dont know, I might miss manic, possessive bossy Zayn.
Im not bossy, Zayn grumbled, breathing Liam in as he rested his face in the crook of Liams
neck.
Sit, Liam sniggered, stay. Nah, not bossy at all.
Shut up.
Yes Dear.
No heroics while Im asleep.
Ugh, fine, Liam sighed, reaching over to switch off the light. The cabin was cast into darkness,
the only light now coming from Zayns laptop charger.
Go to sleep, Liam said, Ill be here when you wake up.
Promise?
Promise.
***
Zayn woke up with a smile on his face.

He sighed into his pillow. That had been a good sleep. Sleep was wonderful. He felt so rested. So
sleepy he could just roll over, curl up into Liams side and go right back to- WHERE THE FUCK
WAS LIAM.
He sat bolt upright.
Liam?
Im right here, Liam said, from over by the desk. Something in his voice was off.
What are you doing over there? Zayn asked as he reached over and switched on the light.
I dont exactly feel like snuggling with you right now, Zayn.
Liam was sitting at the desk, arms crossed, looking angry and like- oh shit. Like hes been crying.
Whats wrong? Zayn gasped, shit, Liam- fuck- Im not that mad at you! Im so sorry I got
angry, okay? I just didnt want you to die-
Oh, right, Liam snapped, glaring at him angrily, so its not okay for me to die but you can just
kill Eshan without a second thought? Is that it, Zayn? Huh? Fuck you!
Zayn blinked.
Wha-
I woke up after a while and realized that we hadnt eaten in almost a whole day, so I went to
make us pancakes, Liam huffed. He pointed at a plate of cold pancakes on floor next to Zayn.
Look. There are your fucking pancakes. Go ahead, eat them. Not that you deserve it, you prick.
Liam-
Eat your damn pancakes, Zayn! Liam yelled, I got back and ate my pancakes, but you were so
cute and sleepy that I didnt want to wake you. So I got bored, and I saw the pictures on the wall
and I saw that I was one of your main characters and I couldnt help myself. I opened up your
laptop and I started reading the comic- NO. YOU DO NOT GET TO GET MAD AT ME FOR
READING IT BECAUSE YOU ARE THE WORLDS BIGGEST ASSHOLE!
Zayn shrank back against the sheets beneath the heat of Liams glower.
Liam-
WHY ARENT YOU EATING YOUR PANCAKES? Liam demanded, EAT THEM.
NOW.
Okay, Zayn cowered, reaching cautiously over the side of the bed and grabbing the plastic plate
of cold, soggy pancakes. He made a show of cutting them up and taking a big bite.
s goob, he mumbled around the food, dankoo.
Well you dont deserve it, you monster, Liam glared, I cant believe you killed Eshan!
Zayn swallowed his mouthful and put the pancakes aside. He shifted forwards on the bed, taking
in the way Liam was glaring daggers at him, but he was also wearing one of Zayns shirts and a
pair of Zayns briefs.
Change it, Liam said, picking up Zayns tablet and dumping it on the bed next to him, right
now.
Liam, Zayn said quietly, trying to keep the fond smile off his face in light of Liams obvious
distress, look, I know its not a happy ending but-
But youve made a huge mistake, I know, Liam nodded, crossing his arms again, take your
time. Ill wait.
Im sorry, babe. Thats how it ends.
No, Liam shook his head, nope.
Im sorry-
Zayn you cant. I ship them so much! Liam objected, angry tears springing to his eyes, you
cant do this!
Zayn bit his lip guiltily. He wanted Eshan and Payne to end up together too, but he was under
specific instructions from Marvel that only Lieutenant Payne would be included in future comics.
The rest of the characters were to die in order to establish Paynes tragic back story.
You ship them?
Of course I ship them! Oh my God, Zayn, come on. Dont kill him. Please.
Its not a love story, its a horror story, Zayn reminded him gently. He forced himself not to
laugh at how their situations had been so suddenly reversed. If Liam felt even half as bad as Zayn
had felt a few hours ago then he would not appreciate Zayn laughing at him.
Its a fucking love story, Liam snapped, you are the most romantic person Ive ever met. Whale
Song? Really? Eshan keeps Paynes vitals up on his visor the entire time! Payne risks his life over
and over again to keep Eshan safe! They love each other! Its a love story.
I know they love each other, Zayn said, and thats why Eshan has to die. This is Paynes
backstory. He never fully trusts S.H.I.E.L.D because of this story.
No. No- thats bullshit! He doesnt trust SHIELD because they send him on a suicide mission.
Eshan doesnt have to fucking die to get that point across!
You cant change my mind on this, Liam.
Liam narrowed his eyes.
Stand up, he said.
Liam- Zayn protested, reaching out to try and pull him down to the bed. Liam stayed out of
reach and crossed his arms grumpily.
Get up. Now. Were going to role play.
Zayn gaped.
R-roleplay?
You heard me.
Are you serious?
Your story needs therapy. Intense, tragic-ending-fixing-therapy, and Im going to give it to you.
Thats what fan fictions for, Zayn laughed.
Liam mourning for Eshan was unbelievably touching, but it was also vindication that his story had
achieved its purpose. He would have been much more upset if Liam hadnt cared. He wanted
every reader to be this angry, this upset. He stood up warily, not wanting to disappoint Liam, but
at the same time he knew that there was no way he was changing the ending. It was obviously
perfect just the way it was.
The perfect version of the story shouldnt have to be told in fan fiction, Liam said, if you did it
right the first time people wouldnt need to re-write it.
They would anyway though, Zayn laughed, theyd do an AU-
Zayn, shut up and listen to your doctor.
Youre a marine biologist, Liam.
I have a doctorate, Liam pointed out, Im a doctor.
Zayn smirked.
Well, Doctor, how exactly do you want me to change my story?
You be Eshan, Liam said, seriously, and Im Payne.
Right, Zayn nodded, holding back a grin, where are we picking up the story, exactly?
Theyve just encountered Spectre, theyve managed to disable its brain and use it to propel them
to the surface, Liam said, which, by the way, is obviously what you should have done. Why the
hell would Spectre only propel them part of the way up?
Because the more complications the better, Zayn said, reaching out to trace the line of Liams
jaw. He had a five oclock shadow. Coupled with the fact that they were about to role play Zayns
own comic it was insanely hot. Zayn was half hard already. This was great.
Dont touch me, Liam glared, stay in character, Eshan.
Yes Lieutenant, Zayn grinned.
Come on, be serious! Liam pouted, why are you smiling? Eshan wouldnt smile! Hes upset
because he thinks hes going to die. He thinks Payne doesnt love him- he thinks hes going to die
without ever getting to touch or hold or kiss the man he loves. He thinks hes going to die before
he knows if Paynes made it to the surface or not.
Zayn wasnt smiling anymore. He didnt think he could smile for all the money in the world.
Fuck. Hed almost forgotten what he put Eshan through in his last few hours of life.
Everything went to shit. They reached the Mission II sub, but lost the rest of their crew on the
way. When they got their they found enough fuel to get them part way up to the surface, but they
knew theyd meet Spectre on the way. They armed themselves from the weapons cache and
began their ascent, Eshans power dangerously low.
When Spectre finally came at them they managed to disable it, using its propeller to take them as
close to the surface as they could. Eshan watched his power hit a critical low and knew that he
had almost two thousand feet before he reached the surface. He used the rest of his power to drag
Payne as far up as he could before asking Payne to take over. Payne, unaware that anything was
wrong, took his hand and pulled him the rest of the way to the surface. By the time they got there,
Eshan was dead.
There isnt a way they both survive, he said, unable to meet Liams eyes, its Eshan or Payneand Paynes the one they want to carry through to the rest of the series.
Youre making that choice as if its only one of us who cares, Liam said, stepping closer, you
think I wouldnt do anything to save your life too? Havent I proved that over and over by now?
I Zayn said, feeling a little stupid. He straightened up and met Liams gaze, because if he, the
author, couldnt speak for Eshan then who the hell could? This is the only way I know how to
save you, he said, and if I had my time over Id do it all again. Every time.
This isnt how you save me, Liam shook his head, dont you get it? You saved me by giving
me something to live for. All that matters to me is that we reach the surface together.
Payne
And when we do, which is not impossible- Spectre can take us up all the way, Eshan, you know
it can- then we get our debriefing from Fury. He congratulates us on our ingenuity and says were
both assigned to the Avengers Initiative. Were exhausted and traumatized and we need time offand I tell him so- and Fury says too fucking bad. The world dont owe you no time off. His
imitation of Samuel L. Jackson was flawless.
Fury storms off," Zayn said, picking up the story where Liam left off, "and then its just the two
of us left on the decks of the ships. The crew members are carefully ignoring us. They can see
weve gone through hell and theyre giving us as much privacy as they can." It was so easy to slip
into Eshans character at this point. He knew that they could reach the surface, save each others
lives and Eshan still wouldnt have the courage to tell Payne how he felt.
I turn to you, Liam stepping closer, and I can see you still dont understand how I feel. You
havent realized yet how much I love you. You think I only care about the mission.
Zayn looked down. Liam had it so right. If Eshan had lived up until this point then thats exactly
what hed be thinking.
Id understand if you dont want me assigned to your next mission, he said, I know I didnt
follow protocol-
Eshan, I cant save the world without you, Liam said, lifting a hand to Zayns chin and tilting
his head up.
It was melodramatic and cheesy and awful and Zayn loved it.
Liam leaned forward and kissed him softly and Zayn felt his hand tentatively rise to Liams arm,
sliding up to his shoulders and around his neck as their kiss deepened. It was languid, sweet and
desperate all at once. Zayn made a pleased hum as Liam angled his head to the side and brushed
his tongue over Zayns, his other hand holding them close together.
Zayn imagined what it would be like to still be in the Stark Suits, how the metal would be in the
way of the comfort and closeness they were both obviously after. It hadnt taken more than a kiss
to switch Zayns head-canon to a story line in which Eshan survived. It was going to be hell going
back to the original story after this. He ignored that thought, reveling in the feel of Liams mouth
on his, in the little sounds Liam made, in thinking of Payne and Eshan and how they could be if
they got this chance.
Now that that Ive made myself clear, Liam said, suddenly breaking away. Zayn chased his
mouth, but Liam held him back gently, we need to get rid of these suits.
Fuck, yes, Zayn said, breathlessly.
Liams eyes twinkled as he stepped back and pulled off the shirt he was wearing, followed shortly
by his (Zayns) briefs.
Zayn stayed back, his eyes gazing up and down Liams body.
Im assuming weve made a jump cut and that were alone in one of the cabins right now, Liam
said with a small smirk, Im more than happy to continue this scene in front of the crew but-
Were alone in a cabin, Zayn said, practically salivating at the thought of having Payne all over
him, but Im nervous. I still cant believe you kissed me.
It had been torture for Eshan to be trapped in the extreme, bone-piercing cold of the suit for so
long. Even though he had been able to feel the pressure of Paynes suit against his own there was
never any heat. Now he could already feel it even though they werent yet touching. The hair on
the back of his neck stood up as Liam took a slow step closer.
Eshan, Liam said, his eyes dropping to Zayns lips and back to his eyes, if you dont know
how I feel by now-
Zayns self control snapped because he did know. He'd started out the story thinking there was no
way these two characters could end up together, but by the time they reached the end it was
obvious they both felt the same way. Why he was so desperate to deny them the happiness they
deserved didn't seem to make any sense when the real life Payne was standing in front of him
pouring his heard out. He grabbed Liam by the back of the neck and hauled him in to a searing
kiss. Liams hands were all over him, possessively gripping his back, his waist, his thighs- and
there was heat. So much glorious fucking heat.
You know what the worst part about being down there was? Liam asked, as he broke from their
kiss and pushed Zayn back onto the bed, not being able to touch you. Not being able to feel your
skin.
Zayn shivered as Liam followed him down, covering Zayns body with his own and grinding
their hips together.
Sensory depravation, Zayn mouthed into Liams skin, almost drove me mad, Payne.
Liam propped himself up on his elbows and looked down at Zayn, a mischiefous glint in his eye.
Payne?
Liam sat back on the bed and nudged Zayns hips.
Roll over.
W-what for? Zayn chewed his lip, breathing heavily. He was half hard and immediately missing
Liams heat over him.
Im going to make sure youre aware of every single part of your body, Liam said, his voice low
and hot as hell, and the next time you put on your stark suit youre still going to be able to feel
me all over you.
Holy shit, Zayn breathed, as Liam nudged his hip again. He rolled over obediently and turned
his head to the side as he felt Liams breath ghost along his calves, up his thighs, over the curve of
his ass and all the way up his back to his neck. Waiting to be touched was excruciating.
Payne, he whispered, his voice hoarse, touch me, god- please.
He felt Liams lips on his right calve, tracing a line up the back of his leg while his hands ran up
the sides. He moaned as Liam reached the edge of his ass and nipped at it. He felt the heat of
Liams breath as he chuckled against his skin, kissing where he had bitten and then giving Zayns
other leg the same treatment. When he reached Zayns ass this time he kissed all the way over it
and up on to Zayns spine, his hands spread over Zayns back and pressing down into his
muscles, massaging out the tension until Zayn felt as limp as a rag doll. Limp everywhere that is,
except his cock, which was hard and trapped between his shaking body and the mattress.
Liam kissed across Zayns shoulders and up the back of his neck, his tongue brushing over the
back of Zayns ear, making his hips jerk down into the mattress.
Payne, he moaned, fuck.
Roll over, Liam ordered, sitting back to Zayn could turn over beneath him. The sight of Liam
kneeling over him was incredible.
Liam started from the top this time, kissing Zayn once before he made his way down his neck,
sucking a bruise over his adams apple, kissing across his collar bones, down his chest and licking
over one nipple and then the other until Zayn was grinning and gasping with his eyes shut tight.
His hips twitched as he felt Liam smile against his skin. Feeling Liams smile pressed against his
skin was fast becoming his favourite feeling in the whole world.
Liam left a trail of love bites down Zayns stomach as he made his way to the sensitive strip of
skin above his hips.
Im in love with you, Zayn gasped, because he knew thats what Eshan would say. If Eshan
was going to live, even if just in their heads, he was going to get everything he deserved.
I love you too, Liam whispered back, his hands running over Zayns thighs as his lips trailed
lower and his mouth finally reached Zayns cock, wish Id told you sooner.
Zayns breath hitched as he felt the head of his cock enveloped in sudden wet heat. Liam wrapped
his hand around the base and began pumping him slowly, taking his time as his other hand pushed
Zayns legs further apart and his fingers ghosted over his hole.
Oh fuck, Zayn gasped, fuck, please-
Liam pulled off, his lips wet and pink.
Do you have anything?
In my bag, Zayn said in a rush, front pocket.
Liam grinned and leaned off the bed, rummaging in the bag before he returned with a bottle of
lube and a shiny square of foil.
He poured some lube on his fingers, rubbing them together to warm it up. Holding Zayns gaze,
he leaned down and took his cock in his mouth again, his fingers tracing over Zayns entrance as
his tongue worked in matching circles around the head. When he finally pushed the first finger in
Zayns mouth fell open.
Oh, god, Zayns mouth fell open, Payne
Liam worked him open slowly, taking his time as he pushed one, two and then three fingers inside
of Zayn, never taking his mouth of the head of Zayns cock. Zayns hand was buried in Liams
hair, not holding him down but rubbing his scalp and making Liam purr around his dick in a way
that was positively criminal.
Im good, Zayn gasped, because it was good and it was slow and it felt amazing but he needed
something more. He could imagine Liam in him, had been imagining it for months and he didnt
want to wait another second. God, Payne, Im good- want you to-
Liam pulled off his cock, but kept his fingers deep inside Zayn as he came back up to kiss him
roughly. Zayn could taste a little of himself on Liams tongue and he loved it.
Liam pumped his fingers slowly in and out of Zayn as he kissed him, and Zayn groaned as he felt
Liams cock trail over his stomach.
Payne-
Theres a monologue of mine missing from story, Liam murmured, right at the start as we
descend in the sub. I think you know the one Im talking about. I have quite a lot to say on what
you can find at different depths.
He curled his finger and brushed over Zayns prostate.
Zayn gasped and ground his hips down, trying to catch Liams fingers on it again.
Yeah, he nodded, eyes shut tight as Liam brushed his fingers over it again and again until Zayn
felt pure bliss building in the base of his spine, yeah, my bad. Ill put that right in there. I know
just the spot youre talking aboummm.
Good, Liam grinned- and pulled out his fingers.
Wait whaaa- Zayns eyes opened because what a tease- but then he saw Liam opening the
condom and slipping it on his thick, long cock, slicking himself up and looking down at Zayn
with his eyes blown wide. It occurred to Zayn that this entire time Liam hadnt touched himself
once.
Fuck, youre beautiful, he said, shaking his head, come here.
He reached up and pulled Liam down on top of him, bringing their mouths together as he felt
Liam brush up against his entrance.
Wait, Liam whispered, reaching above Zayn and dragging a pillow down. Zayn lifted his hips
so Liam could slide the pillow under him.
Come on, Zayn breathed, bringing his legs up around Liams waist to pull him forwards, come
on, Payne.
Are you sure you want this? Liam asked him, holding his hips back even as Zayn tried to pull
him forward, are you sure you want me?
Yes, Zayn trembled with anticipation, God, with my entire being yes.
Then I guess its a good thing you didnt die, Liam smirked, and pushed slowly into him.
Zayn threw his head back with a moan as he felt himself adjust to the fullness.
Liam waited until Zayn nodded before he kept going, grunting as he bottomed out. Slowly, his
breath hot on Zayns neck he pulled out almost the whole way and pushed back in again.
Oh, God, Zayn moaned, keep going, God.
Nah, Im just a Lieutenant, Liam grinned as he thrust back in hard, the head of his cock
brushing over Zayns prostate and sending a jolt of pleasure to the very tips of his fingers. Liam
repeated the motion, pulling out just enough that he rubbed up against that sweet spot and then
pushing back past it again. He hadnt been kidding when he promised to find just the perfect
depth.
Fuck, fuck, Ive wanted you so badly for so long, Zayn said, not sure if he was speaking for
himself or Eshan, and not sure there was even a difference anymore.
Im yours, Liam said, as though it was obvious, if you make it out alive I swear Im yours.
Zayn pulled Liams head up to meet his and brought their mouths together, his fingers tugging on
Liams hair as their kisses got clumsier. Soon they were hardly kissing at all, just gasping and
biting at each others lips as Liam fucked Zayn better than he ever imagined.
Between them his cock was bouncing against his stomach at each one of Liams thrusts, leaking
pre-come and desperate to be touched. He didnt touch himself, he didnt need to when Liam was
bringing him right to the edge just like this.
Zayn expected Liam to speed up, to lose control and pursue his own pleasure but he kept it slow
and deep, groaning each time he pushed all the way in, and pulling out only far enough to send
that shiver of pleasure up Zayns spine. He held himself up on his elbows over Zayn, his hands
alongside Zayns face, his fingers tugging on his hair or brushing over his cheeks. Zayn felt like a
wreck as Liam fucked into him. He turned his head and caught Liams thumb in his mouth,
sucking and running his tongue over it. Liam groaned in surprise, his hips snapping in hard. Zayn
bit down gently on Liams thumb and Liams mouth fell open. He thrust hard and fast now, his
breathing ragged as Zayn hooked his legs around him and pulled him in.
Touch yourself, Liam said, his voice shot through, I want to feel it when you come.
Zayn let go of Liams thumb and pulled Liams face down to meet his, hungrily kissing the mouth
that said perfect, filthy things. With his other hand he gripped himself, jerking his cock fast, not
bothering to try and match Liams thrusts when he knew he was seconds away from orgasm. He
came across his stomach with a moan and felt himself clench down on Liam as waves of pleasure
rolled through his body. Liam stilled deep inside him, kissing Zayn hard. Zayn held him through
it, reveling in the way Liams broad, muscular back shook as he came. Liams arms shook as he
lowered himself down and collapsed on top of Zayn with a sigh.
They lay like that until their breathing returned almost to normal. Zayn unwrapped his legs from
around Liams waist as Liam gently pulled out, tying off the condom and throwing it in the bin.
He settled back down immediately, pulling the blanket up over them and half lying on Zayn as he
sighed into his neck.
Do you need more persuading, he mumbled, or have I made my case?
Zayn smiled softly, his arm curled around Liams shoulders. Liam cuddling into his side in a postorgasm haze was immediately placed in his top 5 favourite experiences.
Ill think about it.
Youre so stubborn, Liam huffed, and Zayn could feel him falling asleep, love you anyway.
I love you too, Zayn pressed a kiss to his forehead as the breathing against his neck grew long
and even.
After a few moments, Liam shuffled in his sleep enough that Zayn could detangle himself and sit
up. He reached over for his tablet and pulled up the final chapter, pausing to think before he
brought the stylus to the screen.
They were meters from the surface when Payne notices that Eshan wasnt
responding. He looked down and saw Eshans eyes staring blankly in his mask.
Horror stricken, he panicked as he reached the surface, shaking Eshan violently as a
SHIELD boat raced towards them.
The second they were on board the boat he removed Eshans helmet and tried to
resuscitate him, pushing air into his lungs desperately- but with the metal suit in the
way it was impossible to perform compressions and get his heart pumping again.
Panicking, he tried to remove the suit- but it was impossible without powering up the
suit! The suits were even designed with a built in defibrillator and adrenalin needles
but Eshans suit was out of power and they were so far from the SHIELD ship that it
would be precious minutes before they got close to a new power source.
One of the sailors shoved an earpiece in his ear and he was shocked to hear Tony
Starks voice. Tony snapped instructions at him to remove his own power source and
put it in Eshans suit without setting off an explosion that would likely kill them all.
Payne forced his hands to steady and did as he was told. In his earpiece, Tony
warned that it might not be enough to activate the emergency medical protocols in
Eshans suit. If he was beyond saving then nothing would happen.
The moment the power source was in place Eshans suit lit up. Payne had to force
himself to sit back and wait as the suit tired once, twice, three times to revive Eshanand then Eshan coughed, blinked and tried to sit up.
Payne put a hand on his chest to keep him lying down, smiling and crying with relief.
You die again and Ill kill you, he said.
Payne? Are you alright?
Im fine. Were both fine. We made it.
Eshan gave him a weak smile and closed his eyes, his hand coming up to cover
Paynes.
They reached the SHIELD ship and were hoisted up onto the deck where Director
Fury was waiting for them. He congratulated them on surviving the mission and
informed them that they were required to report at 07:00 tomorrow for the Avengers
Initiative.
I think weve earned some time off, Sir, Payne said.
You are getting time off Lieutenant. A whole 24 hours. Merry Christmas.
But Sir, Eshan protested, his face gaunt. Only minutes before he had been dead.
Gentlemen, I recognize that youre a little tired after your swim, Fury glared,
but Im sorry to tell you that the aliens invading Australia werent informed. Go
take a nap and be ready to save the world at 07:00 tomorrow.
Yes, Sir, they saluted.
Fury walks away muttering about entitled youth.
Time off? The universe dont owe you no damn time off!
Zayn felt Liam stir beside him as he finished outlining the final panels.
Why are you still awake? Liam grumbled, we just shagged. Youre meant to pass out.
Im just working on the new ending, Zayn lay down and handed him the tablet, flicking back to
where he had made the changes.
What do you think?
Liam blinked at the screen as his eyes adjusted to the brightness. When he finished reading he
pulled Zayn down into a soft kiss.
I think its better than fan fiction.
Epilogue:
Niall and Zayn got into a screaming argument with the commissioning editor from Marvel about
the revised ending. However, having read the final draft it was universally agreed that Eshan and
Payne would both be included in the next Iron Man story arc. Joss Whedon even contacted Zayn
about putting them in the third Avengers movie. Liam and Zayn had Avengers themed sex for a
month.
For their six month anniversary Liam bought Zayn a hedgehog called Mario. Zayn bought Liam a
cuttlefish called Bernard.
The footage of Liam swimming with Bigfin Squid went viral and he, Louis and Harry got their
own documentary show on the Discovery Channel. Their producers basically begged them to get
undiscovered sea monsters to wreck expensive equipment.
Harry and Louis almost got fired from the show because they kept making out in the background
of shots. However, the producers decided to use it anyway and they became an internet sensation
known as Larry Stylinson.
Niall and Druscilla got married and had the cutest babies the world has ever seen. Niall continued
to read everything Zayn had ever written before Zayn officially showed it to him. No one
bothered asking how anymore.
Liam moved in to Zayns apartment after they realized that living apart was too miserable.
Whenever he was away on a research trip Liam would hide post It notes around the apartment
with weird facts on them. They emailed every day, sometimes even when they were sitting next to
each other in bed.
While Liam was away filming Zayn decided to take secret swimming lessons. For their one year
anniversary he took Liam on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and while Liam spent the entire flight
arguing that they should have gone on a trip where they could both enjoy themselves, Zayn just
shrugged and ignored him.
He booked a snorkeling trip on their second day and Liam pulled him aside, genuinely distressed.
Zayn, we dont have to do this. Please, can we just do something we can both enjoy?
Zayn grinned, kissing him.
Its a glass bottom boat, he said, this way I get to see the reef too. See, we can both enjoy it.
But but you still hate the water, Zayn, Liam frowned, I dont want to put you through an
ordeal just to please me.
Were going, end of discussion, Zayn said, pushing Liam down the beach towards the boat.
Liam sat beside him miserably, trying not to enjoy the incredible natural marvels they saw through
the glass window in the centre of the boat floor. When they made their first stop and the captain
invited all those who could swim to jump overboard and explore he reef, Zayn insisted that Liam
go in.
But-
Babe, this is my present to you. Go in there and discover a new type of sea cucumber, go on.
really?
Really, really Shrek, Zayn rolled his eyes, get in there.
Liam kissed him before he made his way to the back of the boat, pulled on his fins and snorkel
and jumped in the water.
Zayn waited until he was sure Liam was distracted by the reef before he nodded to the captain,
who pulled out the goggles and snorkel he had stashed away for him.
Zayn had to stop himself grinning as jumped in the water so he didnt get water in his goggles.
When he surfaced he felt the familiar sting of panic in his chest, but it was tiny now, barely an itch
compared to the raging fear monster it had once been. He spotted Liam swimming a few meters
away and swam casually over to him.
It was four minutes before Liam looked over and realized the man swimming beside him was
Zayn, and even then it was only because Zayn reached out and took his hand.
Liam made a startled sound through his snorkel and tore his goggles off, bobbing on the surface
with his mouth hanging open.
Zayn?!
Hey babe, Zayn said casually, discover a new sea slug yet?
Youre swimming!
Yeah, Ive been taking lessons, didnt I tell yo-
Liam kissed him senseless. They didnt see much of the reef that day, but they went out every day
for the rest of their holiday so it hardly mattered.
Fin.
Chapter End Notes
Thanks for reading! Please see end notes for the people responsible for the art/images
found in this fic. ESPECIALLY THE COMIC!!!!! That gorgeous bit of art (and the
cover art) was generously done by the wonderful Elena. Check out her blog and
show her some love.
xoxoxoxo Giselle
End Notes
say hi on tumblr.or in the comments below.

You can say hi to Acavall here
Amazing COMIC by Elena
I DID NOT MAKE/DO NO OWN ANY OF THE IMAGES USED IN THIS FIC. I got
most of them from Tumblr or from the original email that Acavall sent me. If you like the
images please check out the original sources and heap praise on them:
Bigfin Squid nope comic: http://findchaos.tumblr.com/post/61763868799/chaoslifenature-is-magical-2-because-nature-is
Or:
http://chaoslife.findchaos.com/nature-is-magical-2
Bigfin Squid photo: http://waffleguppies.tumblr.com/post/63101375072/meet-the-bigfinsquid-did-not-know-these-existed
Or:
http://truenorwegianbowelmovements.tumblr.com/post/59481056265/but-i-shall-neversleep-calmly-again-when-i
Mario the Hedgehog:
http://instagram.com/darcytheflyinghedgehog#
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Zayn stared at Niall.

Liam: Zaaaaayyyyn!!!! Im waving tentacley appendages like pom poms!!!

Ok, oceans. Water. Fish. Lets do this.

Lampreys, thats who.

WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT.

Bigfin Squid are you kidding me?

Zayn grinned now, just like he had back then.

I think were going to be very, very good friends.

Zayn: Whats your favourite animal?

Zayn: its not exactly cuddly.

As promised, Niall was outside his apartment block at 5 on the dot.

There was a knock at the door.

Nialler: check on the sub is a euphemism, yeh?

Zayn: leave it, m8.

Chapter End Notes

next update coming within 3-4 days.

LOOK AT ITS LITTLE SQUIDDY FACE. LOOK AT IT ZAYN.

Are you serious?

Chapter End Notes

thanks for reading! Next update coming in 3-4 days.

Chapter End Notes

Zayn was startled into laughter.

Zayn found himself grinning hopelessly.

Liam and Zayn look at each other.

Chapter End Notes

Will do, Niall promised.

Ready? Okay! *WAVES OCTIPOMPOMS*

Not everything in the ocean is disgusting though! Look at these beauties:

He frowned at the screen, thinking fast.

Chapter End Notes

Feel free to say hi on Tumblr!

Zayn woke up with a smile on his face.

Chapter End Notes

say hi on tumblr.or in the comments below.

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Ready? Okay! WAVES OCTIPOMPOMS